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Mexican president says to insist U.S. implement migration aid plan

Xinhua) 09:25, November 14, 2023

MEXICO CITY, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said on Monday he will insist that his U.S. counterpart, Joe Biden, implement an aid plan aimed at reducing migration in Latin America, during the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting in the United States.

In his daily press conference, Lopez Obrador reiterated that when there are jobs, salaries and welfare, people stay in their countries of origin.

"It is a complex issue, especially because there is an economic, social welfare and political crisis in some countries in Central America, Latin America, the Caribbean and the world," the president told journalists.

"Since I am going to the United States, I am going to discuss the issue with President Biden. I want to continue insisting on the approval of a plan to help the people of Latin America and the Caribbean," he added.

Lopez Obrador also spoke out against resolving migration issues with coercive measures such as deportations, walls or a militarized border.

The Mexican president will participate in the APEC meeting to be held in San Francisco, California, on Nov. 15-17.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
For a devastating portrait of what we now euphemistically call middle age, head down to Court Theatre and see The Lion in Winter, a cheerfully anachronistic play famously made into a film starring Katharine Hepburn and Peter OToole and once aptly described as a 12th century version of Whos Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

It has been a hot minute since I reviewed James Goldmans juicy 1966 historical drama about Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine and the couples trio of annoying sons, all of whom want to inherit Daddys throne. (Thats not to mention their interest in Alais, the youthful half-sister of King Philip II of France and, at rise, their fathers pliant mistress.) More precisely, its been 15 years since a lively production at Writers Theatre in Glencoe, starring the real-life married couple of Michael Canavan and Shannon Cochran.

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Frankly, Id forgotten how much talk there is in this script about aching bones, the imminence of ones funeral, the creaking limbs, the shriveled or sagging nature of this, that and the other.

And how old, exactly, is the titular lion in winter? About 50.

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Jeez. Deaths door? One can be grateful not to have lived in the 12th century. Or, frankly, to have grown old in 1966.

Rebecca Spence, John Hoogenakker and Netta Walker in "The Lion in Winter" at Court Theatre. (Michael Brosilow/HANDOUT)

The Lion in Winter is the latest production at Court Theatre from the fine director Ron OJ Parson, whose productions I typically enjoy thanks to their pacing and strong point of view. Neither of those is fully in ascendence here, which leads one to wonder about this particular choice of programming, which is hardly a great literary masterpiece nor anything au courant. Its a known title, I suppose, but Id expected Parson either to mix things up a bit more, or subvert the assumptions or move everything along a bit faster. In fact, this is a pretty straight-up production staged in a theater a bit too large for boudoir intimacy (the set is a tad chilly, too) and with a few transitions that are sufficiently lengthy as to make you worry that Henry might kick off before the next scene.

Theres only one reason to go and see this old dog: The fun of the acting.

You get John Hoogenakker as Henry, all cynical and weary. At one moment, his personality seems to disappear beneath his eyebrows, only for him to rise up like a prematurely aged King Lear. And then theres Rebecca Spence, Chicagos premiere interpreter (for my money, anyway) of heightened, poetic drama with attitude. Wry, droll and always additive of intelligence to any fictional character, Spence is a sophisticated dispenser of words. Shes very capable of what you might call the classic Hollywood style, which happens to be a good match for this particular play. Youll have a good time watching what these two do, as ably supported by Kenneth LaRon Hamilton, Shane Kenyon (a most lively and pugnacious Richard), Brandon Miller, Anthony Baldasare and the very game Netta Walker, who makes far more of Alais than did Goldman.

Theater Loop Weekly Get the latest news and reviews from America's hottest theater city, delivered to your mailbox weekly. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy >

Chris Jones is a Tribune critic.

cjones5@chicagotribune.com

Review: The Lion in Winter (2.5 stars)

When: Through Dec. 3

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Where: Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Ave.

Running time: 2 hours, 30 minutes

Tickets: $40-$88 at 773-753-4472 and www.courtheatre.org
Taiwan's national security chief has claimed that a Chinese tax probe into Taiwanese tech giant Foxconn is a "political" move. The billionaire founder of the company, Terry Gou is running for president in democratically ruled, Taiwan, Al Jazeera reported. Gou relieved himself of management duties at Foxconn four years' prior, launching his presidential bid in August as an independent candidate in Taiwan's January polls. Foxconn is one of the world's largest contract producers of electronics as well as being a key supplier for Apple's iPhones. The Chinese state-run Global Times reported last month that Foxconn was under a "normal and legitimate" investigation for tax and land issues by mainland authorities, reports Al Jazeera. Taiwan has governed independently from mainland China since 1949, yet China has continually attempted to reclaim control of the island on the southeastern coast of China, particularly in recent years. Foxconn has said they will cooperate on "operations concerned" in order to maintain confidence in the company during its investigation. Taiwan's National Security Council head said on Monday in Taipei' that there was a political element to the probe into the company. Al Jazeera reports that Gou's entry into the electoral race could split the opposition vote. When Gou first entered the presidential race, he was accused of holding a relationship between Foxconn and Beijing, due to the numerous mainland factories that Foxconn has. Gou was quick to disregard these statements, he said he had "never been under the control of the [Chinese Communist Party]". The current president of Taiwan, Tsai Ing-wen and her party, the Democratic Progressive Party hold a particularly Taiwanese nationalist position, advocating a strengthening of the Taiwanese identity. Analysts say Gou has a slim chance of winning, with DPP candidate Vice President Lai Ching-te currently in the lead, Al Jazeera reports. "They [China] certainly don't want Terry Gou to run," Wellington Koo, whose department falls under President Tsai Ing-wen said, reports Al Jazeera. "Based on our observations, China does not want Terry Gou to split votes [within the pro-Beijing camp]," he said. Koo also mentioned that Foxconn has been looking to diversify its supply chain lines away from China, which suggests another reason that Chinese authorities may be looking to investigate the company. "If all assembly lines are moved out under the request of major US brands, the harm to China will be significant," Koo said. With more than a million workers nationwide, Foxconn is China's largest private-sector employer. Top Taiwanese official, Deputy Premier Cheng Wen-tsan, said Taiwanese businesses in China should not be subject to "political interference". China is continuing to struggle with a persistent bout of industrial unrest with the United States. Foxconn is turning its attention to India, in May, it bought a huge tract of land on the outskirts of Indian tech hub Bengaluru and has since announced plans to expand its India operations, reports Al Jazeera. The Taiwanese company have reportedly invested up to 600 million dollars into Indian production. (ANI)
Sheikh Saud welcomed the Danish diplomat and discussed with him a number of issues of mutual interest, as well as ways to enhance ties with the Kingdom of Denmark in various domains.

The Ruler also hailed the ambassador's efforts in promoting the growing relations between the two friendly countries.

In turn, Ambassador Hansen extended his thanks and appreciation to Sheikh Saud for his hospitality and warm welcome, lauding the strong ties between the two friendly countries in all avenues. (ANI/WAM)
Tesla CEO Elon Musk conveyed his "apologies" to Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, after the two missed an opportunity to meet during the latter's visit to the Tesla factory in Fremont, California. Minister Goyal shared his excitement about touring Tesla's cutting-edge manufacturing facility on Monday (local time), highlighting the significant presence of Indian professionals in key roles and the growing importance of Indian auto component suppliers in Tesla's supply chain. Despite the positive engagement, Goyal expressed regret at missing Musk's "magnetic presence" during the visit, wishing him a "speedy recovery". Responding to Goyal's post, Musk expressed his gratitude, saying, "It was an honor to have you visit Tesla! My apologies for not being able to travel to California today, but I look forward to meeting at a future date." Following his visit to Tesla's manufacturing facility in California's Fremont, Goyal said that the US electric car maker is on its way to double its component imports from India. Goyal stressed that he is proud to see the growing importance of auto component suppliers from India in the Tesla EV supply chain. He said that he is "delighted" to see Indian engineers and finance professionals working in senior positions and contributing to Tesla's journey to transform mobility. Taking to X, Goyal said, "Visited @Tesla 's state of the art manufacturing facility at Fremont, California. Extremely delighted to see talented Indian engineers & finance professionals working at Senior positions and contributing to Tesla's remarkable journey to transform mobility. Also proud to see the growing importance of Auto component suppliers from India in the Tesla EV supply chain. It is on its way to double its components imports from India. Missed Mr @ElonMusk's magnetic presence and I wish him a speedy recovery." Goyal, who is on a visit to the United States from November 13 to 16, arrived in San Francisco Monday morning (local time) and will participate in the third in-person Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) Ministerial meeting from November 13-14, 2023. During his visit, he will also attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in San Francisco. Musk said in June this year that he is planning to visit India next year, adding that he is confident that the electric carmaker will be in India and will do so "as soon as humanly possible." He said, "I am planning to visit India next year. I am confident that Tesla will be in India and we will do so as soon as humanly possible," adding, "I would like to thank PM Modi for his support and hopefully, we will be able to announce something in the future." Calling himself a fan of PM Modi, Musk also noted that the prime minister visited a Tesla factory in California many years ago. The Prime Minister had previously met with Musk in 2015 during a visit to the Tesla Motors factory in Freemont, California. "....he really cares about India. He is pushing us to make significant investments in India which is something we intend to do," Musk said about his meeting with PM Modi. The Tesla CEO said that he had an "excellent conversation" with PM Modi and that quite likely there will be a significant investment in India. His comments to reporters were made outside the Lotte New York Palace, following a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was on a historic four-day State visit to the US in June this year. Meanwhile, PM Modi tweeted after his meeting with Musk, "Great meeting you today @elonmusk! We had multifaceted conversations on issues ranging from energy to spirituality." Musk said that PM Modi has invited him to India and that he is planning to come to India next year. (ANI)
Mexico faced a sombre moment as Ociel Baena Saucedo, the nation's first openly non-binary magistrate and a prominent LGBTQ activist, was found dead at home in Aguascalientes, CNN reported. The body of Baena's partner was also found in the same residence. Authorities, including Mexico's Security Minister Rosa Icela Rodriguez, reported the deaths in the central state, nearly 500 kilometres northwest of the capital. While the cause of death remains unknown, Aguascalientes' Attorney General, Jesus Figueroa indicated no immediate signs of foul play, according to CNN. Speaking during President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador's press conference, Rodriguez emphasised the ongoing investigation. Preliminary findings suggested no traces of blood outside the crime scene, no damage to home accessways, and the absence of a third person involvement. It was noted that one of the lifeless bodies held a cutting instrument, according to the prosecutor's office. Figueroa emphasised a gender perspective in the investigation due to Baena's non-binary identity. However, there was no immediate mention of the deaths potentially being linked to a hate crime. Baena served for over a year in the Electoral Tribunal of the central state of Aguascalientes. In October of the previous year, Baena highlighted the absence of a non-binary magistrate in Latin America. Becoming the first was regarded as a significant achievement, recognising years of LGBTQ rights advocacy. "I want to send the message that the LGBTQ population can access these spaces, that there is a possibility, that we have people with enough of a profile that with their own merits can access these spaces where decisions are made," Baena said at the time. Despite strides in marriage equality across Latin America, LGBTQ+ activists and gender minorities face continued violence and discrimination from conservative sectors. Same-sex marriage was legalised across all 32 states of Mexico in 2022. Guadalajara, Mexico, recently co-hosted the Gay Games alongside Hong Kong, marking a historic moment for both continents. This event, promoting gender-inclusive sports, faced opposition from conservative politicians. The tragic loss of Baena adds a poignant note to Mexico's LGBTQ+ landscape, CNN reported. (ANI)
Kansas City police were investigating a homicide Monday after one person was fatally shot in the front yard of a residence in the Swope Parkway-Elmwood neighborhood.

The shooting happened around 4 p.m. in the 4200 block of East 56th Street, said Sgt. Jake Becchina, a department spokesman. Officers were patrolling a few blocks away at Swope Parkway and 56th Street when they heard multiple gunshots, Becchina said.

Several 911 calls also came in alerting police to a shooting there. Officers responded to the scene quickly, Becchina said, found an unresponsive gunshot victim, and provided medical aid until paramedics arrived.

The victim, described as an adult male, was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

As of Monday evening, Becchina said detectives had little information to work from and the circumstances surrounding the shooting remained unclear. It was also unknown if the shooter or shooters had left the area on foot or in a vehicle.

He said detectives were going door-to-door in search of witnesses while crime scene investigators processed the area for evidence.

Right now, detectives dont have a lot of information. So, theyre going to need help from anyone who heard or saw anything, or who  heard something about what took place here tonight, Becchina said.

Any suspect information, any vehicle information, anything that anybody may have seen, even if its a small thing that seems insignificant, he added. Detectives really need that to help jump-start their case here this evening. Because theyre looking at a wide range of possibilities right now.

The killing Monday marks Kansas Citys 163rd homicide of 2023, according to data maintained by The Star. It comes as the city remains on pace to exceed the number of homicides seen in 2022, which was the second-deadliest in its history with 171 people killed.

Kansas City police were asking anyone with information to contact homicide detectives directly at 816-234-5043 or call the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 816-474-TIPS.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  A woman was killed in a shooting Monday evening outside of a hotel near Gaylord Opryland.

Metro police told News 2 officers were notified of a shooting outside the Ramada Inn located in the 2400 block of Music Valley Drive. When officers arrived on scene, they found a woman dead from a gunshot wound.

 Have breaking come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts 

Police said the woman, who has yet to be identified, engaged in a conversation with the suspected shooter before the shooting and that the shooter fled in a car. Detectives have since developed strong leads in the case.

No suspects are in custody.

 Download the News 2 app to stay updated on the go.

 Sign up for WKRN email alerts to have breaking news sent to your inbox.

 Find todays top stories on WKRN.com for Nashville, TN and all of Middle Tennessee.

This is a developing story. WKRN News 2 will continue to update this article as new information becomes available.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Las Vegas police said multiple people were in custody after a shooting in West Las Vegas.

According to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, officers were called to the 1400 block of West Lake Mead Boulevard near Martin Luther King Boulevard at around 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 13 after reports of a shooting.

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Police said multiple people have been detained and one person was taken to a local hospital with a gunshot wound.

Metro is asking that people and drivers avoid the area.

This is an ongoing investigation.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
Damage to the 10 Freeway in downtown Los Angeles from Saturday's massive fire is less severe than initially feared, a Caltrans engineer said. (Eric Thayer / For The Times)

Preliminary tests show that damage to the 10 Freeway in downtown Los Angeles from Saturday's massive fire is not as severe as initially feared, according to a bridge engineer with Caltrans who was not authorized to speak publicly.

Caltrans engineers met with senior management Monday to provide an assessment of the damage and possible timelines for getting traffic moving across this critical link in the regions freeway system.

The results were very good, said the engineer, who described two scenarios contingent upon the damaged freeway being shored up and supported from underneath.

In the worst case, the shoring will be removed in stages  one direction, then another  so lanes can be replaced and the portions of the road can be kept open to traffic. In the best case scenario, the shoring will stay in place, allowing repairs to be made without closing down any lanes.

The best case is where I think were headed, said the engineer, who argues that the state transportation agency was lucky the fire didnt lead to more severe damage.

Read more: Arson is behind the massive fire that shut down the 10 Freeway, officials say

Caltrans has known about this for a long time, the engineer said. They have permitted lessees to store flammable stuff underneath these freeways for decades. Theyve had a couple of fires in the last three years that have affected columns, but inspectors cant completely get underneath the bridge to make a thorough inspection because of all the junk.

A Caltrans spokesperson declined to comment on the engineer's statements.

In 2017, a similar fire caused a portion of the 85 Freeway in Atlanta to collapse after combustible materials stored under the freeway caught fire. The closure snarled commuter traffic for six weeks. Afterwards, Caltrans wrote a policy directive directly based on that incident that prohibited the storage of flammable materials under its bridges and required access for bridge inspections.

In addition to pallets, sanitizer accumulated during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic was stored under the overpass and helped fuel the flames, according to sources familiar with the probe. The cause of the fire is being investigated as possible arson.

Debris is still blocking access underneath the freeway, but as soon as the site can be accessed, experts will make a complete assessment and crews can begin to raise shoring underneath the freeway.

They can get that shoring up really fast, the engineer said.

Of particular concern is a 1,500-foot stretch of the freeway between 14th and Elwood streets that had sheltered not only pallet storage yards but also a number of homeless encampments. Clearing out this area and assessing it for hazardous waste have been challenges, said the engineer.

In this area, the underside of the freeway shows signs of fire damage, said the engineer, but after an initial exam, that damage doesnt appear to be structural.

Nearly 100 columns were affected by the fire, and the Caltrans engineering staff is looking at 45 columns that show the most severe fire damage. Shoring is being erected near Lawrence Street to take the weight off of the most compromised columns.

With a state of emergency declared by Gov. Gavin Newsom, commuters have been left scrambling to find alternate routes around the closure, snarling traffic on other freeways and side streets. About 300,000 vehicles pass each day through this mile long stretch of freeway that extends from the East Los Angeles interchange and Alameda Street.

Read more: 10 Freeway closed: How to deal with the traffic nightmare in downtown L.A.

As of Monday morning, engineers had completed core testing on the concrete on both the deck and one of the 45 columns. Testing also took place on the steel, known as rebar, inside the freeway and the columns to see if its strength was compromised by the fire as well.

The compression tests for the concrete are looking very good, the bridge engineer said. And the tests on the rebar are looking good as well.

Because water is used in the manufacture of concrete  helping to create the bond between cement and small stones known as aggregate  water molecules can dry out when exposed to fire and heat, causing the concrete to crack. Cracking reduces the strength of the material, leading to exfoliation of the surface, or spalling.

Compression testing places pressure on the concrete sample to measure how much weigh it can bear before failing. Results from another technique known as petrographic testing, in which dyes are applied to samples of the concrete core to highlight any microscopic cracking, are still outstanding.

Caltrans expects to have completed its testing of all 45 columns and a decision on whether the freeway will need to be replaced or repaired by the end of the week, according to the engineer.

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.
128th Brigade soldiers were gathered in violation of camouflage rules during the ceremony

Defense Minister Rustem Umerov has shared the findings of the investigation into the Russian missile strike on the 128th Brigade in Zaporizhzhia Oblast on Nov. 3, which killed 19 soldiers, saying that the brigade ignored all camouflage rules.

Umerov wrote on Facebook on Nov. 14 that the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense's main inspection had presented the investigations results, providing an account "minute by minute of what happened and how."

Read also:

He confirmed that the soldiers were gathered in the yard of a house for a ceremony, "ignoring all camouflage rules," with over ten cars parked nearby. A Russian reconnaissance drone was observed in the sky at that time, prompting the declaration of an air raid throughout the oblast.

Umerov said the soldiers were alerted about the sector in which the enemy drone was operating.

Read also:

Despite a "missile alarm" signal immediately after the missile launch, no centralized security measures were taken at the ceremony site.

"The investigation is ongoing, led by the State Bureau of Investigation. Those responsible for this tragedy will face legal consequences," the minister said.

Umerov instructed the Ukrainian militarys General Staff to check compliance with security protocols in units, emphasizing to commanders their responsibility for soldier safety and stressing that "neglecting basic security measures is unacceptable."

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
DETROIT  A Michigan judge ruled Tuesday that former President Donald Trump will remain on the states primary ballot, dealing a blow to the effort to stop Trumps candidacy with a Civil War-era Constitutional clause.

It marks the second time in a week that a state court declined to remove Trump from a primary ballot under the insurrection provision of the 14th Amendment.

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In Michigan, Court of Claims Judge James Redford rejected arguments that Trumps role in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol meant the court had to declare him ineligible for the presidency. Redford wrote that, because Trump followed state law in qualifying for the primary ballot, he cannot remove the former president.

Additionally, he said it should be up to Congress to decide whether Trump is disqualified under the section of the U.S. Constitution that bars from office a person who engaged in insurrection.

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Redford said deciding whether an event constituted a rebellion or insurrection and whether or not someone participated in it are questions best left to Congress and not one single judicial officer. A judge, he wrote, cannot in any manner or form possibly embody the represented qualities of every citizen of the nation  as does the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Free Speech For People, a liberal group that has brought 14th Amendment cases in a number of states, said it will immediately appeal the ruling to the Michigan Court of Appeals, but also asked the state supreme court to step in and take the case on an expedited basis.

We are disappointed by the trial courts decision, and were appealing it immediately, said Ron Fein, Legal Director of Free Speech For People.

In a statement, Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung rattled off other losses in the long-shot effort to bar Trump from the ballot.

Each and every one of these ridiculous cases have LOST because they are all un-Constitutional left-wing fantasies orchestrated by monied allies of the Biden campaign seeking to turn the election over to the courts and deny the American people the right to choose their next president, Cheung said.

Left-learning groups have filed similar lawsuits in other states seeking to bar Trump from the ballot, portraying him as inciting the Jan. 6 attack, which was intended to stop Congress from certifying Joe Bidens 2020 presidential election win.

The two-sentence clause in the 14th Amendment has been used only a handful of times since the years after the Civil War. Its likely that one of the active cases eventually will be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, which has never ruled on the insurrection clause.

Last week, the Minnesota Supreme Court sidestepped the issue by ruling that Trump could stay on that states primary ballot because the election is a party-run contest during which constitutional eligibility isnt an issue. It left the door open to another lawsuit to keep Trump off the states general election ballot.

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A Colorado judge is expected to rule on a similar lawsuit there by Friday. Closing arguments in that case are scheduled for Wednesday.

Riccardi reported from Denver.
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  From Bluff to Snowville, the Utah Department of Transportation will be adding 15 new fast-charging stations for electric vehicles by the end of 2024.

UDOT said the number of electric vehicles in Utah has grown by an average of 48% year over year, with the rate of growth continuing to climb. The 15 fast-charging stations across the state are a response to meet a need for a charging network to keep those cars running.

Wife dies day after crash that also claimed husbands life

The future is coming and these 15 new fast-charging sites will ensure Utah will be ready for it, said UDOT Executive Director Carlos Braceras. Building out the statewide charging network really opens the door to let Utahns choose to travel where they want, when they want, in the way they want.

All 15 stations will be owned and operated by private companies and available to the public day and night. A full list of cities and locations where the new charging stations will be installed can be found below:

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Snowville  Pilot Flying J Travel Center

Tremonton  Maverik

Layton/Ogden  Rocky Mountain Power

Delle (I-80)  Utah.Energy

Coalville  Rocky Mountain Power

Nephi  Tesla

Tie Fork Rest Area  Rocky Mountain Power

Price/Willington  Maverik

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Ivie Creek  Rocky Mountain Power

Moab  Rocky Mountain Power

Thompson Springs  Utah.Energy

Cove Fort  Rocky Mountain Power

Monticello  Maverik

Bluff  Rocky Mountain Power

UDOT said the fast-charging stations will be funded through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program. Grants from the program will match private funds provided by private companies to construct the stations.

Creating a charging network of this magnitude requires a team effort between the federal government, the state of Utah and private businesses, UDOT said in a press release. Utah is receiving about $36 million in federal funding, and combined with a minimum 20% private match, the program is expected to invest a total of $43 million.

UDOT said about $17.5 million will be invested in the first phase of the program to provide fast charging every 50 miles along Utahs interstate highways. UDOT said no state taxpayer dollars are being used in the first phase as UDOT is implementing the project through a public-private partnership.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
A 15-year-old has been arrested and charged with murder in connection with the August shooting death of another teen in Columbus, according to authorities.

Police said Akiraon Reed, 15, was arrested in connection to the death of Dayton Willis, 16, who died on Aug. 31 in the 2300 block of Double Churches Road.

Muscogee County Coroner Buddy Bryan told the Ledger-Enquirer that Willis had turned 16 the day prior to his death.

Bryan said Willis was found in a car and a .38 revolver was found in his lap.

Reed is being charged with murder possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, and possession of a firearm by a person under 18, according to police.

Reed is scheduled to appear in Recorders Court at 9 a.m. Wednesday.
President M. Russell Ballard, acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, walks next to the River Ribble in England on Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2021. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

On Sunday night, President M. Russell Ballard, acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, died at age 95.

President Ballard served as a general authority in the church for nearly five decades. Throughout his life, he showed devotion to God, his family, a love of missionary work, the ability to build bridges between faith communities and above all, faithfulness to the gospel of Jesus Christ, as Jay Evensen wrote for the Deseret News.

Throughout his tenure as a senior leader for the church, President Ballard offered sermons that touched the lives and hearts of millions of members. He quoted liberally from the scriptures and had a special gift for including words from the Prophet Joseph Smith and his contemporaries.

Related

In these sermons, President Ballard also would quote poets, both famous and unknown, as well as literary works and world leaders. Heres a list of 16 of these references compiled from general conference addresses and BYU Speeches.

The Oak Tree by Johnny Ray Ryder Jr.

I like this poem; it applies to all of us. It is entitled The Oak Tree by Johnny Ray Ryder Jr. A mighty wind blew night and day. It stole the oak trees leaves away, Then snapped its boughs and pulled its bark Until the oak was tired and stark. But still the oak tree held its ground ... Until today, I wasnt sure Of just how much I could endure. But now Ive found, with thanks to you, Im stronger than I ever knew. My beloved young brothers and sisters, be like the strong oak tree. Come to know how strong you are. Push your faith and trust in God and Christ down deep in gospel soil. Always be aware of the artificial flies being presented to us by the counterfeit fisher of men, Lucifer. May we have the wisdom and spiritual insight to discern and refuse his many dangerous offerings. Live the doctrine of Christ, the simple and basic principles of the gospel, each dayhave faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, repent, honor the covenant of baptism, live worthy of the Holy Ghost as your companion, and endure to the very end. Do this every day, and the Spirit of the Lord will be with you to keep you safely on the pathway that leads to eternal life.

 Nov. 7, 2010, BYU Devotional, Follow the Doctrine and Gospel of Christ.

After I Was Sixty by Lord Thomson of Fleet

Fact finding sometimes requires patience, time, and very careful consideration. A longtime friend of the Church who has since past away was Lord Thompson of Fleet. Lord Thompson, at the age of sixty-seven, started out to build a great empire. In a very short time, the Thomson Enterprises consisted of 464 different independent businesses. It is one of the most successful business ventures in the entire world. He wrote a book in the twilight of his life and said that we are all averse to thinking; that to be successful, one must think until it hurts. Thinking is the process of worrying about a solution to a problem and considering every possible aspect. He went on to say that if we learn to make good decisions in our youth, we will build up a bank account on which we can draw in later years, and decision-making becomes less painful. Sloppy, inconclusive thinking becomes a habit. The more one does it, the more one is unfitted to think a problem through to a proper conclusion. I like those words. We can learn to be careful, fact-oriented thinkers, or we can become sloppy, inconclusive thinkers. We are living in a world which is crying out as never before for sound, solid, well-grounded thinkers.

 Nov. 29, 1983, BYU Devotional, Let Us Think Straight.

I Have a Dream by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

In January this country honored Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the great civil rights leader. Dr. King said the following in his famous I Have a Dream speech, given on August 28, 1963, I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. Dr. King dreamed of a day when people would look beyond the narrow categories that often separate us from each other and instead focus on higher ends. He dreamed of a day when his children would be seen for who they are and who they are becomingfor their character. Through discrimination, racism, sexism, and other social ills, we will often impose false identities on others that keep them and us from progressing. This can stop when we see all people as children of God. We consider every person divine in origin, nature, and potential. Each possesses seeds of divinity. And each is a beloved spirit (child) of heavenly parents.

 March 3, 2020, BYU Devotional, Children of Heavenly Father.

The Quote Verifier by Ralph Keyes

Now, mothers, I understand that it sometimes appears that our children arent paying attention to the lessons were trying to teach them. Believe meIve seen that glazed-over look that comes to the eyes of teenagers just when youre coming to what you think is the best part of your instruction. Let me assure you that even when you think your daughter is not listening to a thing you say, she is still learning from you as she watches you to see if your actions match your words. As Ralph Waldo Emerson is believed to have said, What you do speaks so loud that I cannot hear what you say.

 April 2010, General Conference, Mothers and Daughters.

Vital Quotations from William James

Let me share an example from my own life that demonstrates the importance of attitude. When I returned from my first mission, I went to work for my father as a salesman. I was attending the University of Utah and working part-time. I had a bad two-week period in which I earned less than ten dollars. My father handed my paycheck to me at a sales meeting in the presence of all the salesmen. At the time, I thought he was being very hard on me. But later, I could see that this was his way to help me take a second look at myself. I was having a good time and not paying attention to my sales work. I determined that never again would I be the lowest paid person. My income increased from that day. Now, what happened? I was selling the same merchandise from the same store in the same season of the year. What had changed? My new attitude made the entire difference. William James said that human beings can alter their lives by altering their attitudes of mind.

 April 1981, General Conference, Providing for Our Needs.

The Winds of Fate by Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Becoming firmly grounded to these simple truths and focusing your attention on the lessons of eternity will keep your life moving in the right direction at all times and in all situations, regardless of which way the winds of current worldly trends may be blowing. Ella Wheeler Wilcox made this observation while she was a passenger on a steamship and noticed that one ship went west and another east in the same wind: One ship drives east and another drives west With the self-same winds that blow; Tis the set of the sails And not the gales That tells them the way to go. Like the winds of the sea are the winds of fate As we voyage along through life; Tis the set of the soul That decides its goal And not the calm or the strife.

 Sept 6, 1992, BYU Devotional, Anchor to the Soul.

Related

Because I Have Been Given Much by Grace Noll Crowell

Every member can give his time and talents freely to the building up of the kingdom of God upon the earth. No member of the Church should miss this opportunity to exercise his faith and feel the spirit that comes from humble sacrifice. Seeing the great good that the Saints in South America do with their meager means helps me realize how much more many of us in other parts of the world could do. We should never forget the Saviors teaching: Unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required (Luke 12:48). He has blessed us abundantly. I think of the teaching words of one of our hymns: Because I have been given much, I too must give; Because of thy great bounty, Lord, each day I live I shall divide my gifts from thee With evry brother that I see Who has the need of help from me

 Oct. 1987, General Conference, Sacrifice and Self-Sufficiency.

Vicki Ann by Ed Joyner, unpublished

Just this month a lovely family shared with me this poem written for their little girl: She looks into the world darkly, Though spiritual things do not hide. Chosen to affliction bear, As viewed from the mortal side. Her spirit is not burdened; To Heavenly Father shes perfectly whole. Who, and how great she is, On this side, cannot be told. Shes a very special spirit, In a very special place. Those who have looked upon her, Have seen an angels face. I stand in awe when I consider the great confidence Heavenly Father has placed in you and me when he allows us the privilege of being the mortal fathers and mothers to his eternal spirit offspring. We must never forget that he has a vested interest in every one of us, and we must realize how important each human soul is in Gods eternal plan. When we understand the importance of each soul, we can go before him confidently in prayer to seek his guidance and direction in our sacred assignment as parents. He said, This is my work and my gloryto bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man (Moses 1:39). This seems to me to best sum up the important role that mortal parents have in the great eternal plan of life for each member of our families.

 Oct., 1978, General Conference, Spiritual Development.

Poor Richards Almanac by Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin said, Where sense is wanting, everything is wanting (Poor Richards Almanac). Not using common sense can be fatal. Consider the pharmacist who was compounding a prescription that called for as much strychnine as you could put on the face of a dime. He didnt have a dime so he used two nickels. We dont need that kind of common sense. I could tell you story after story after story of those kinds of exercises of common sense. What I hope happens in your thinking process, as you study and try to become the very best you, is that you learn to think straight, the foundation being the building of a bank that causes you to instinctively have good judgment and common sense.

 Nov. 29, 1983, BYU Devotional, Let Us Think Straight.

All the Water in the World by unknown

I like this simple little poem: All the water in the world No matter how it tried Could never sink the smallest ship Unless it got inside. All the evil of the world And every kind of sin Could never damn a human soul Unless we let it in. We can live in the world, brothers and sisters, without letting the world into us. We have the gospel message that can carry men and women buoyantly through the mist of darkness (1 Ne. 8:23) to the source of all light. We can raise children who have been taught to discern and to make personal righteous decisions.

 April 1989, General Conference, The Effects of Television.

How Great Thou Art by Carl Boberg

Astronauts viewing the earth from space have stated how incredibly beautiful it is and how alive it appears. United States Senator Jake Garn wrote of his experience in space: It is impossible for me to describe the beauty of the earth. It is a breathtaking, awe-inspiring, spiritual experience to view the earth from space while traveling at twenty-five times the speed of sound. I could also look into the blackness of the vacuum of space and see billions of stars and galaxies millions of light-years away. The universe is so vast as to be impossible to comprehend. But I did comprehend the hand of God in all things. I felt his presence throughout my seven days in space. I know that God created this earth and the universe. I know that we are his children wherever we live on the earth, without regard to our nationality or the color of our skin. Most important, I know that God lives and is the Creator of us all (letter to M. Russell Ballard, March 2, 1988). Again, the words of the hymn came to mind: O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder Consider all the worlds thy hands have made, I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder, Thy powr thruout the universe displayed; Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to thee, How great thou art! How great thou art!

 April 1988, General Conference, Gods Love for His Children.

Les Miserables by Victor Hugo

Grateful and humbled, Jean vows to live a life of service to God and his fellowmen. Years later, in a case of mistaken identity, a man is brought to trial in Valjeans place. Jean now must make a seemingly impossible choice. He reviews in his mind the consequences if he chooses to step forward, identify himself, and serve his own sentence. By now, he has become very successful. He employs thousands; they will be jobless. He is the mayor; his town will suffer. He has been benefactor to many; they will have no advocate. Surely he is justified if he remains silent. From the depth of his soul, we hear the songs refrain: Can I condemn this man to slavery, Pretend I do not see his agony,  Can I conceal myself forevermore? If speak I am condemned. If I stay silent, I am damned. And out of despair we hear his decision: My soul belongs to God, I know. I made that bargain long ago. He gave me hope when hope was gone. He gave me strength to journey on. Faced with the ageless question Who am I? and recognizing that if he does not speak, the one betrayed will be himself, he answers, Who am I? Im Jean Valjean! Now, my dear sisters, each one of you will be required repeatedly to ask the question Who am I? I know of no better answer for the women of the Church than the one found in the Young Women theme.

 Oct. 1991, General Conference, Be an Example of the Believers.

I Saw Tomorrow Passing On Little Childrens Feet by unknown

I said to the audience that perhaps the worlds troubles could be solved if we could turn over the leadership of nations to the children for a few days. Through love they would find solutions to the misunderstandings, mistrust, and misconduct of adults in the world. I had the clear impression that night that if all men and women could love Jesus Christ as these lovely children do, many world problems could be solved. Sooner, perhaps, than we realize, the fate of nations will be in the hands of todays children. An anonymous author penned it this way: I saw tomorrow passing on little childrens feet And on their forms and faces her prophecies complete. And then I saw tomorrow look at me through little childrens eyes. And I thought how carefully I must teach if I am wise!

 April 1991, General Conference, Teach the Children.

Make Me an Instrument of Thy Peace by St. Francis of Assisi

Once we have tasted the sweet fruit of Gods peace, we are naturally inclined to share it with others. Francis of Assisi was known as the lover of creation who lived most of his life ministering to the poor and the needy who were around himincluding the animals. The peace he found in his service energized him and made him yearn to embrace others with it. He wrote: Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace; Where there is hatred, let me sow love; Where there is injury, pardon; Where there is doubt, faith; Where there is despair, hope; Where there is darkness, light; And where there is sadness, joy. O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek To be consoled as to console; To be understood as to understand; To be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; It is in pardoning that we are pardoned, And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. On more than one occasion, the Lord urged His followers to be peacemakers, promising that such would be called the children of God.

 April 2002, General Conference, The Peaceable Things of the Kingdom.

I Stand All Amazed by Charles H. Gabriel

We often sing a hymn that expresses what I feel when I consider the Saviors benevolent, atoning sacrifice: I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me, Confused at the grace that so fully he proffers me. I tremble to know that for me he was crucified, That for me, a sinner, he suffered, he bled and died. Jesus Christ, the Savior and Redeemer of all mankind, is not dead. He livesthe resurrected Son of God livesthat is my testimony, and He guides the affairs of His Church today.

 April 2004, General Conference, The Atonement and the Value of One Soul.

Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln by Abraham Lincoln

The Holy Bible is well named. It is holy because it teaches truth, holy because it warms us with its spirit, holy because it teaches us to know God and understand His dealings with men, and holy because it testifies throughout its pages of the Lord Jesus Christ. Abraham Lincoln said of the Bible: This Great Book  is the best gift God has given to man. All the good the Saviour gave to the world was communicated through this book. But for it we could not know right from wrong. It is not by chance or coincidence that we have the Bible today. Righteous individuals were prompted by the Spirit to record both the sacred things they saw and the inspired words they heard and spoke. Other devoted people were prompted to protect and preserve these records. Men like John Wycliffe, the courageous William Tyndale, and Johannes Gutenberg were prompted against much opposition to translate the Bible into language people could understand and to publish it in books people could read. I believe even the scholars of King James had spiritual promptings in their translation work.

 April 2007, General Conference, The Miracle of the Holy Bible.
A 17-year-old orphaned student from Mariupol in Ukraine, abducted by Russia after Moscows invasion forces captured the city, who faced the prospect of being forced to fight in the Russian army, may have an opportunity to return home to Ukraine soon.

After the Russian military occupation of Mariupol began in May last year, Bohdan Yermokhin was illegally abducted to Russia, where the teenager was forced to undergo a medical examination, after which he was found fit for military service, Radio Liberty reported on Nov. 13.

However, the teenager's lawyer told Hromadske Radio that this week Yermokhin is to leave Russia for a third country, although it is not yet known where the teenager will be transferred.

Read also: Russias Hitler Youth - Russian occupiers in Crimea organize military training for children

At the age of eight, Yermokhin lost his parents. After that, he lived in a foster family and a family-type home. Since 2021, Yermokhin had been under state care. That year, he entered the Mariupol Higher Metallurgical Vocational School.

Radio Liberty

After the start of the full-scale invasion and occupation of his native Mariupol by the Russian army, although Bohdan had a cousin in Ukraine, he was taken to Donetsk and then illegally transferred to Russia.

There, by court order in July 2022, a doctor, Irina Rudnitskaya, was granted custody of Yermokhin. The woman worked at the front during the war in Chechnya. Around that time, the teenager received a Russian passport, even though he was legally a citizen of Ukraine.

Read also: Nearly 400 Ukrainian kids held in Russia, Kremlin children's official says  real total much higher

In March 2023, Yermokhin tried to return to Ukraine on his own, but Russian security forces caught him on the border with Belarus.

"Back in April-May (2023  ed.), Bohdan Yermokhin himself sent a letter to our Ombudsperson's email address asking for help in returning to Ukraine," said Kateryna Bobrovska, the teenager's lawyer.

Our Ombudsman wrote an official appeal to the Russian Human Rights Commissioner, Tatyana Moskalkova. This request for help was completely ignored.

On Aug. 28, 2023, Bohdan met with the Russian Children's Rights Ombudsperson Maria Lvova-Belova, who, according to his lawyer, compelled him to write a statement against returning to Ukraine. That same day, Yermokhin penned a retraction letter to Bobrovska.

"Such pain is happening in the world," the teenager commented on the process of his return to his homeland.

I just want to go home. I just want to know that tomorrow everything in my life will be as it was before, but it won't be. And dont you dare prevent me from going! We are holding on to the last.

On Oct. 24, Bohdan met with Russian Human Rights Commissioner Tatyana Moskalkova. Under the media spotlight, Yermokhin was allowed to speak via video link with his cousin, who remains his official guardian in Ukraine. The teenager was asked if he wanted to return to his cousins in Ukraine, to which he replied in the affirmative.

Radio Liberty

After that, Moskalkova said: "In this case, we have to let you go, put you under guardianship, I will do everything to make it happen as soon as possible." However, after the teenager's cousin collected all the necessary documents and sent them to Russia, the latter stopped responding. Subsequently, Russian officials said that they could not return Bohdan because the Ukrainian court's decision on custody was illegitimate in Russias eyes.

On Nov. 18, Yermokhin will turn 18. Recently, he received a letter demanding that he report to the military commissariat a month after his birthday. Bobrovska thinks Bohdan may be subject to conscription, which has been extended in Russia until the end of December 2023.

"The guy was found fit for military service," Bobrovska said.

What I saw indicates that he will be called up for service, which means he will be sent to fight against Ukraine in the war. He is distraught and anxious. And this very fact, what is happening to Bohdan Yermokhin, is a confirmation of another crime  Russia's unjustified obstruction of the repatriation of Ukrainian children. This is a crime for which Russia can be held accountable at the international level.

Read also: Russia targets more ICC judges in reprisal for Hagues charges against Putin for child abduction

Compelling a person from an occupied area to serve in the armed forced of the occupying power is a violation of the Geneva conventions.

The lawyer also said that the teenager received the first summons demanding that he undergo a medical examination. Lvova-Belova denies that Bohdan received a summons.

"Since Bohdan is very active now in wanting to return to his cousin, we, of course, support all this and do our best to facilitate it," said the Commissioner for Children's Rights in the Russian Federation.

As of today, we have reached an agreement on a simplified procedure for documents with Moscow Oblast. And I really hope that next week this meeting will take place and Bohdan will go home.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
A 19-year-old man opened fire during a fight, hitting his brother and killing another man, Utah police reported.

Officers responded to a reported shooting at about 10:45 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 12, the Ogden Police Department said in a news release.

One man died and another was hospitalized in stable condition, police said.

Ricardo Caballero, 19, faces charges of aggravated murder and discharging a firearm, police said.

Court records say Caballero accompanied his brother to a planned fight over a dispute, KTVX reported. He told police he feared for his life when more people than expected arrived and he began shooting, according to the documents.

As he shot at the individuals near his brother, his brother cried out in pain, which made Ricardo realize he shot his brother, the documents said, according to KSTU.

Another man also cried out in pain, the station said. He was found dead at the scene with several gunshots to his torso.

Caballero drove his brother, who was shot in the pelvic area, to a hospital, where police arrested him, KTVX reported.

Police ask anyone with information to call 801-395-8221.

Ogden is about 40 miles north of Salt Lake City.

92-year-old survives night in freezing cold after fall down embankment, Oregon cops say

9-year-old boy, dad waiting to cross street struck by vehicle, Arizona police say

Video catches investigator taking gold crucifix from dead man, California officials say
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  The two people charged in the shooting death of an employee at St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital have been identified.

Alexander Bulakhov, 32, was shot during an apparent robbery Sunday night on Tennessee Street and West Butler Avenue by Butler Park in downtown Memphis.

Monday afternoon, police arrested 23-year-old Marious Ward and 22-year-old Brandy Rucker at Whitney Avenue and Steele Street in Frayser.

St. Jude employee killed in front of wife, 2-year-old during robbery: police report

St. Jude employee shot to death downtown, 2 charged

Both are in jail, each facing a charge of first-degree murder and aggravated robbery.

The two are set to appear in court Wednesday morning.

Memphis murder map: Homicides in 2023

St. Jude confirmed in a statement that the victim was a member of the St. Jude community, but declined to provide further details.

A LinkedIn profile with the name Alexander Bulakhov showed he was a Post-Doctoral Researcher at St. Jude Hospital. He had only worked at the hospital since July, having moved from Brooklyn, where he worked for the State University of New York.

Neither Ward nor Rucker had previous charges listed in a Shelby County criminal database, other than a traffic ticket. Juvenile Court said it had no previous delinquency record on either suspect.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
Two people were found dead on Monday evening in the parking lot of a Grain Valley day care center in what authorities described as an apparent murder-suicide stemming from an isolated domestic incident.

Officers were dispatched on a report of gunshots around 6 p.m. at the Milestone Academy Daycare at 1401 S. Buckner Tarsney Road, according to a statement by police shared on social media. Two people were found dead in the parking lot when officers arrived.

Police said no children or other occupants of the day care were physically harmed.

We are saddened to see this type of violence unfold in our close-knit community, police said in a statement, adding that the investigation was ongoing.

Grain Valley was being assisted by the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Jackson County Medical Examiners Office. Identities of the two people found dead were being withheld pending family notifications, according to Grain Valley police.

Police were asking anyone with information to contact the Grain Valley Police Department at 816-847-6250.
FILE - Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner walks away after a news conference, Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023 in Memphis, Tenn. Two Shelby County Sheriffs Office deputies were charged Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023, with attacking a Memphis inmate who was injured but survived. Bonner said the two deputies engaged in troubling conduct and they should be held accountable. (AP Photo/Adrian Sainz, File)

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP)  Two Tennessee jail deputies were charged Tuesday with attacking a Memphis inmate who was injured but survived.

Shelby County Sheriff's Office deputies Odell Underwood and Reginald Wilkins have been indicted on charges of official misconduct, official oppression and assault with bodily harm, court records show.

Shelby County Jail inmate Damian Florez-Ramirez was injured in the May confrontation with Underwood and Wilkins, county district attorney Steve Mulroy said during a news conference.

The deputies attacked the handcuffed inmate as he was being taken to a medical facility in the jail, Mulroy said. Florez-Ramirez had attacked a deputy jailer earlier in the day and had been hit with a chemical agent, Mulroy said.

Florez-Ramirez suffered injuries that were not life-threatening, but details of his injuries were not immediately disclosed. Details of the attack on the inmate also were not disclosed.

Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner said Underwood and Wilkins engaged in troubling conduct and they should be held accountable.

Bonner said during the news conference that the jailers have been relieved of duty without pay, but they have not been fired. Bonner said the jailers will also face departmental charges.

Online court records do not show if Underwood and Wilkins have lawyers to speak on their behalf about the charges. Florez-Ramirez remains jailed on charges including domestic assault and rape of a child. Court and jail records do not show lawyer information for Florez-Ramirez on those charges.

In September, nine Shelby County deputies were charged in the fatal beating of Gershun Freeman as he was having a psychotic episode at the same jail in October 2022. Video released in March shows Freeman was beaten by corrections deputies after he ran naked from his cell.

Two deputies were charged with second-degree murder, and seven others have been charged with aggravated assault resulting in death.

Six of the nine deputies pleaded not guilty at a recent hearing. Three others told a judge that they had not been able to hire lawyers and they did not enter a plea.

Bonner has defended the nine deputies charged in the Freeman beating, vowing to help raise money for their legal fees.
A judge sentenced two men in connection to two armed robberies in Cabarrus County in 2021.

Maliq Parker will spend 17  years in prison, and Sean Parker will spend more than 12 years in prison.

Off-duty officer opens fire on robbery suspects after pawn shop owner shot

They pleaded guilty to robbing a Harrisburg AT&T store in October 2021 and the Mount Pleasant Sporting Goods and Pawn shop the next month where they shot the owner.

At the time, an off-duty deputy saw what was going on and shot Parker.

Both men, who are from Stanly County, will spend three years of supervised release after they are out of prison.

VIDEO: Off-duty officer opens fire on robbery suspects after pawn shop owner shot, deputies say












Two teens have been arrested in connection with a shooting that left a man dead in Costa Mesa last week.

The shooting happened Friday evening on the 2800 block of Mendoza Drive, according to the Costa Mesa Police Department.

When police arrived on scene around 5:40 p.m., they found 35-year-old Raymond Gonzalez dead from an apparent gunshot wound.

Investigators immediately determined that the shooting was gang-related and one person was arrested over the weekend. On Monday, police announced that a second person was taken into custody.

One of the suspects has been identified as Ryan Ivan Ramos, 18, of Costa Mesa. The second suspect is a juvenile, police said, and their name is being withheld.

The shooting was not believed to be random and police said there was no threat to the greater community.

The investigation remains ongoing and anyone with information is urged to contact the Costa Mesa Police Department at 714-754-5252 or Detective Fricke at 714-754-4908.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
Palestinians mourn their relatives killed in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip, in the hospital in Khan Younis, Nov. 14, 2023. (Fatima Shbair/AP)

KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip  The Israeli military entered Gazas largest hospital early Wednesday, conducting what it called a precise and targeted operation against Hamas in a specified area of the facility, which has been the site of a standoff with the group.

The army surrounded the facility as part of its ground offensive against Hamas. Israeli authorities claim Hamas conceals military operations in the facility. But with hundreds of patients and medical personnel inside, Israeli authorities have refrained from entering.

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In recent weeks, Israeli defense forces have publicly warned time and again that Hamas continued military use of the Shifa Hospital jeopardizes its protected status under international law, the military said.

Yesterday, the IDF conveyed to the relevant authorities in Gaza once again that all military activities within the hospital must cease within 12 hours. Unfortunately, it did not.

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Hamas has denied the Israeli accusations that it uses the hospital for cover.

Military officials gave no further details but said they were taking steps to avoid harm to civilians.

The operation unfolded after the military seized broader control of northern Gaza on Tuesday, including capturing the territorys legislature building and its police headquarters, in gains that carried high symbolic value in the countrys quest to crush the ruling Hamas group.

Meanwhile, Israeli defense officials said they have agreed to allow fuel shipments into the Gaza Strip for humanitarian operations. It was the first time that Israel has allowed fuel into the besieged territory since the Hamas groups bloody cross-border invasion on Oct. 7.

Inside some of the captured buildings, soldiers held up the Israeli flag and military flags in celebration. In a nationally televised news conference, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said Hamas had lost control of northern Gaza and that Israel made significant gains in Gaza City.

But asked about the time frame for the war, Gallant said: Were talking about long months, not a day or two.

One Israeli commander in Gaza, identified only as Lt. Col. Gilad, said in a video that his forces near Shifa Hospital had seized government buildings, schools and residential buildings where they found weapons and eliminated fighters.

The army said it had captured the legislature, the Hamas police headquarters and a compound housing Hamas military intelligence headquarters. The buildings are powerful symbols, but their strategic value was unclear. Hamas fighters are believed to be positioned in underground bunkers.

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For days, the Israeli army has encircled Shifa Hospital, the facility it says Hamas hides in, and beneath, to use civilians as shields for its main command base. Hospital staff and Hamas deny the claim.

Hundreds of patients, staff and displaced people were trapped inside, with supplies dwindling and no electricity to run incubators and other lifesaving equipment. After days without refrigeration, morgue staff on Tuesday dug a mass grave in the yard for more than 120 bodies, officials said.

Elsewhere, the Palestinian Red Crescent said Tuesday it had evacuated patients, doctors and displaced families from another Gaza City hospital, Al-Quds.

Israel has vowed to end Hamas rule in Gaza after the Oct. 7 attack into Israel in which they killed some 1,200 people and took roughly 240 hostages. The Israeli government has acknowledged it doesnt know what it will do with the territory after Hamas defeat.

The onslaught  one of the most intense bombardments so far this century  has been disastrous for Gazas 2.3 million Palestinians.

More than 11,200 people, two-thirds of them women and minors, have been killed in Gaza, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry in Ramallah. About 2,700 people have been reported missing. The ministrys count does not differentiate between civilian and fighter deaths.

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Almost the entire population of Gaza has squeezed into the southern two-thirds of the tiny territory, where conditions have been deteriorating even as bombardment there continues. About 200,000 fled the north in recent days, the U.N. said Tuesday, though tens of thousands are believed to remain.

The U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees said Tuesday that its fuel storage facility in Gaza is empty and that it will soon end relief operations, including bringing limited supplies of food and medicine in from Egypt for more than 600,000 people sheltering in schools and other facilities in the south.

Without fuel, the humanitarian operation in Gaza is coming to an end. Many more people will suffer and will likely die, said Philippe Lazzarini, the commissioner-general of UNRWA. Israel has repeatedly rejected allowing fuel into Gaza, saying it will be diverted by Hamas for military use.

PLIGHT OF HOSPITALS

Fighting has raged for days around Shifa Hospital, a complex several city blocks across at the center of Gaza City that has now turned into a cemetery, its director said in a statement.

The Health Ministry said 40 patients, including three babies, have died since Shifas emergency generator ran out of fuel Saturday. Another 36 babies are at risk of dying because there is no power for incubators, according to the ministry.

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The Israeli military said it started an effort to transfer incubators to Shifa. But they would be useless without electricity, said Christian Lindmeier, a World Health Organization spokesman.

The Health Ministry has proposed evacuating the hospital with the supervision of the International Committee of the Red Cross and transferring the patients to hospitals in Egypt, but has not received any response, ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qidra said.

While Israel says it is willing to allow staff and patients to evacuate, some Palestinians who have made it out say Israeli forces have fired at evacuees.

Israel says its claims of a Hamas command center in and beneath Shifa are based on intelligence, but it has not provided visual evidence to support them. Denying the claims, the Gaza Health Ministry says it has invited international organizations to investigate the facility.

The evacuation at the Al-Quds Hospital followed more than 10 days of siege, during which medical and humanitarian supplies were prevented from reaching the hospital, Palestinian Red Crescent officials said.

In a post on X, they blamed the Israeli army for bombarding the hospital and firing at those inside.

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The White Houses national security council spokesperson, John Kirby, said the U.S. has unspecified intelligence that Hamas and another Palestinians use Shifa and other hospitals and tunnels underneath them to support military operations and hold hostages.

The intelligence is based on multiple sources, and the U.S. independently collected the information, a U.S. official said on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive matters.

Kirby said the U.S. doesnt support airstrikes on hospitals and does not want to see a firefight in a hospital where innocent people are trying to get care.

MARCH FOR HOSTAGES

Hamas released a video late Monday showing one of the hostages, 19-year-old Noa Marciano, before and after she was killed in what Hamas said was an Israeli strike. The military later declared her a fallen soldier, without identifying a cause of death.

She is the first hostage confirmed to have died in captivity. Four were released by Hamas and a fifth was rescued by Israeli forces.

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Families and supporters of the around 240 people being held hostage by Hamas started a protest march from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. The plight of the hostages has dominated public discourse since the Oct. 7 attack, with solidarity protests held across the country. The marchers, who expect to reach Jerusalem on Saturday, say the government must do more to bring home their loved-ones.

Where are you? Shelly Shem Tov, whose son, Omer, 21, is among the captives, called out to Netanyahu.

We have no strength anymore. We have no strength. Bring back our children and our families home.

BATTLE IN GAZA CITY

Independent accounts of the fighting in Gaza City have been nearly impossible to gather, as communications to the north have largely collapsed.

Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari said Israeli forces have completed the takeover of Shati refugee camp, a densely built district bordering Gaza Citys center, and are moving about freely in the city as a whole.

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Videos released by the Israeli military show troops moving through the city, firing into buildings. Bulldozers push down structures as tanks roll through streets surrounded by partially collapsed towers.

The videos portray a battle where troops are rooting out pockets of Hamas fighters and tearing down buildings they find them in, while gradually dismantling the groups tunnel network.

Israel says it has killed several thousand fighters, including important mid-level commanders, while 46 of its own soldiers have been killed in Gaza. In recent days Hamas rocket fire into Israel  constant throughout the war  has waned, though two people were wounded Tuesday in a rocket attack on Tel Aviv. Details of the Israeli account and the extent of Hamas losses could not be independently confirmed.

Jeffery and Keath reported from Cairo. Associated Press writers Amy Teibel in Jerusalem, Wafaa Shurafa in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip; and Samy Magdy in Cairo contributed to this report.
A 20-year-old man last seen leaving his grandmothers house to go fishing was found dead in North Carolina, officials said.

Now, the N.C. State Highway Patrol believes Michael Archuleta Jr. of Leland was killed in a hit-and-run. The crash sparked a search for clues and led officials to ask the public for help.

The case dates to Nov. 13, when the Brunswick County Sheriffs Office said Archuleta vanished on his fishing trip. Deputies urged people with information about his disappearance to come forward.

Then the following day, Nov. 14, officials announced that Archuleta had been found dead off Blue Banks Loop Road near Wilmington.

Troopers in an email to McClatchy News said the grim discovery came after Archuleta was riding his bike between 5 and 8 p.m. Nov. 13. A driver is accused of hitting him from behind and leaving the scene.

Archuleta came to rest in a ditch near his bicycle. He wasnt wearing a helmet, officials said.

Anyone who might have information, doorbell or security camera footage is asked to please contact the NC State Highway Patrol by dialing *HP from any mobile phone, the sheriffs office wrote in a news release.

People with tips also can call highway patrol at 910-395-3917. Troopers in their email didnt say whether anyone was charged in the crash but said they will share more details when they become available.

17-year-old cyclist found dead after being knocked off bridge into river, NC cops say

Woman and her dog are hit and killed as she chases after it on NC highway, cops say

Man trying to help fallen biker is fatally struck by passing vehicle, NC police say
A 20-year-old Richland County resident will spend about four decades behind bars after halting his trial to plead guilty to fatally shooting a woman in the head, the 11th Circuit Solicitors Office said.

Kendall Lamont Moody was sentenced to 38 years in prison after pleading guilty to multiple crimes on the fourth day of his trial in a Lexington County courtroom, the solicitors office said Tuesday in a news release.

On Nov. 9, Moody was sentenced following his conviction on murder, conspiracy, and possession of a weapon during commission of a violent crime charges, according to the release.

The charges stem from Sept. 26, 2021, when Moody shot and killed 30-year-old Heather Jordan, the solicitors office said.

Heather Renee Jordan was shot to death in West Columbia on Sept. 26, 2021.

The shooting happened in a home in the 1600 block of Northland Drive in Cayce, according to Lexington County Coroner Margaret Fisher. Thats in the area near U.S. 321/Charleston Highway, about a mile from Steel Hands Brewing.

During the trial, a witness testified that multiple people were inside of a bedroom with Jordan prior to the shooting, according to the release. The witness described the environment as hostile and stated that he observed Moody place a .22 Ruger rifle to Jordans head and saw him pull the trigger, the solicitors office said.

Moody, Jordan and two other men had been involved in a burglary or theft on Sept. 25 or Sept. 26 and had gone to the Northland Drive home to use drugs and discuss the crime, Cayce Police Chief Chris Cowan said in 2021. They got into a dispute, and Moody shot Jordan in the head, according to investigators.

Moody left the scene after shooting Jordan and discarded the rifle in a nearby wooded area, but he was taken into custody by law enforcement the following day, according to the release.

The Cayce Police Department searched the home and recovered a fired .22 cartridge case in the bedroom, several feet away from the closet where Jordans body was found, the solicitors office said. The 30-year-old died at the scene, according to Fisher.

During the trial, an expert with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division testified that the .22 Ruger rifle fired the .22 casing found at the crime scene, according to the release. Additional evidence presented at trial showed that DNA taken from the grip of the .22 rifle was consistent with Moodys DNA profile, the solicitors office said.

Deputy Solicitor Suzanne Mayes and Assistant Solicitor Kelly Oppenheimer prosecuted the case, and no plea offers were made, according to the release. Public defenders Sarah Hahn Mauldin and Robert Heath Owen were listed as Moodys counsel, Lexington County court records show.

Moody is not eligible for parole under South Carolina law.

The two other men  Michael Allen Ponder Sr. and Charles Cavin Craft  were also arrested following Jordans death.

Accessory after murder and conspiracy charges are still pending against Ponder, Lexington County court records show. Bond was set at $135,000 on the combined charges, and the 41-year-old West Columbia resident has remained locked up in the Lexington County Detention Center since Oct. 5, 2021, according to jail records.

Craft, a 20-year-old West Columbia resident, is also still being held at the Lexington County Detention Center, where he was incarcerated on Oct. 7, 2021, jail records show.

Craft was charged with accessory after murder, attempted murder, conspiracy, failure to stop for blue light, resisting arrest with a gun, possessing a gun during a violent crime and possessing a stolen vehicle, records show. His bond was set at $10,000 on the combined charges, according to jail records.
A threat against a high school in Gwinnett County on Monday night led to several schools going on lockdown and a man behind bars.

Buford City Schools officials say they were made aware of a threat against Buford High School on Monday.

As a result, they say all Buford City Schools went on a soft lockdown on Tuesday, which has since been lifted.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

The suspect, who they identified as 24-year-old Michael Daniel Pecoits, was arrested on Tuesday morning.

School district officials did not comment on what the threat said.

Gwinnett County police continued patrolling the area to make sure students and staff were safe.

TRENDING STORIES:

We are deeply troubled by the acts of this individual. We do not condone threats of any kind, even if the intent was not to do harm, district officials said in a statement.

According to jail records, Pecoits is being held on charges of terroristic threats and disruption of public schools.

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IN OTHER NEWS:
The number of annual fentanyl-related deaths in Sacramento County has continued to climb over the past five years and has already set a new high this year, with several weeks still remaining in 2023, according to data collected by the coroners office.

The county recorded 17 fentanyl-related deaths in 2018, then nearly doubled that mark the following year before jumping to more than 100 deaths in 2020. In the past three years, the number of deaths has surpassed 200.

The data, as of Tuesday collected through Oct. 8, show 240 fentanyl-related deaths so far this year in Sacramento County, up from a previous high of 228 in 2022.

The numbers are available in a fentanyl deaths dashboard on the Sacramento County Coroners Office website. Coroner Rosa Vega led the effort to create the data dashboard after she was appointed to the job last year.

Vega has told The Sacramento Bee that shes hopeful that sharing this data will educate the public, all stakeholders, policymakers and community-based organizations. She also said shes confident they can all work toward providing services and finding solutions to save lives.

The online portal displays five years of data showing a total of 841 fentanyl-related deaths in the county. The portal also includes a map broken down into regions representing the countys five supervisor districts, along with charts that display age, other drugs found in the system, homeless status, gender and ethnicity.

Authorities have said fentanyl, primarily made in foreign clandestine labs and smuggled into the United States, is increasingly being pressed into pills made to look like legitimate prescription opioid tablets. Dealers are known to sell fentanyl pills using social media apps.

Fentanyl also can come in powder and vape pens, and 2 milligrams can provide a lethal dose, officials say. Fentanyl can shut down breathing, cause cardiac arrest and kill within minutes. Authorities said prescription pills such as Xanax, Percocet and Oxycodone purchased from somewhere other than a pharmacy are likely to be fake and are potentially deadly.

County officials have created public awareness campaigns, such as Safer Sacramento, to warn parents and their children about the dangers from fentanyl and other drugs such as methamphetamine.

Sacramento-area district attorneys crack down on fentanyl

Local prosecutors have gone after those suspected of supplying to fentanyl to people who died after ingesting the synthetic opioid.

In August, the Sacramento County District Attorneys Office filed its first murder case stemming from a fentanyl death. Ronald James Ehman is accused in the death of 24-year-old Mary Milagro Siryj of Folsom on July 26.

The Placer County District Attorneys Office has filed murder charges in four fentanyl deaths. District Attorney Morgan Gire has said his office uses this approach sparingly  as it should be used  and in the most egregious of circumstances.

One of those four criminal cases, the prosecution of Nathaniel Evan Cabacungan, ended last month with the 22-year-old man sentenced to prison as the first person in California to be convicted of a murder charge in a fentanyl death.

Cabacungan gave a lethal dose of fentanyl to 15-year-old Jewels Marie Wolf last year and left her to die alone in her Roseville home, the girls mother, Regina Leah Chavez, has said. The grieving mother plans to join with other parents to honor the children theyve lost to fentanyl.

I am stricken with a lifetime of grief, Chavez said shortly after Cabacungan was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison. I am honored to know that Jewels story is going to help save so many lives going forward.
A precious and beloved son died after he was wrongly given the AstraZeneca Covid jab because of a blunder almost 20 years ago that mistakenly classified him as morbidly obese.

Alex Reid, who was 28, died from a rare blood clot caused by the vaccine.

But an inquest heard he would never have received the vaccine but for an error in his medical records.

His distraught parents said their happy, healthy, precious and beloved sons death was unacceptable, immoral and fundamentally wrong, and accused AstraZeneca and the Government of ignoring the small number of people who died or were seriously affected as a result of the blood clots in order to quickly roll out the vaccine during the pandemic.

Reid, an operations controller from Leeds, was called in early to have a first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine, developed with the University of Oxford, because the local GP practice had mistakenly recorded him as having a body mass index of 68.

The recording error was made when Alex was 11, in 2004. His height was correctly recorded as 1.45 metres (4ft 9in), but his weight had been wrongly recorded as 22 stone (145kg).

Advisers recommended alternative to AstraZeneca

He received his first dose on March 21. By the time he was due his follow-up dose on May 18 2021, the Governments vaccine advisers had recommended - more than a month earlier - that recipients under 30 receive alternatives to AstraZeneca because of the extremely rare risk of blood clots.

But in Reids case, because he had AstraZeneca as his first jab, he was given a follow-up dose of the same vaccine.

He died in Leeds General Infirmary on June 29 2021, six weeks later.

At an inquest last week, Oliver Longstaff, the coroner for West Yorkshire, said that on the balance of probabilities, had he not received the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccination, Alex would not have died when he did.

The coroner recorded the cause of death as vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT), a new condition linked to the AstraZeneca vaccine that is suspected of causing more than 80 deaths in the UK and hundreds more serious disabilities.

Victims and their families are planning to sue AstraZeneca in a series of legal claims which could be worth 80 million.

Reids parents have now told The Telegraph of their two-year battle to have their sons death fully investigated. Their only other child had died of a cardiac arrest when still a teenager.

Our son was our whole world

This dreadful error has taken our only remaining son who was our whole world and was everything to us since we also tragically lost our first son, 14 years ago, said Halina and Antony Reid.

He died suddenly from a cardiac arrest, aged just 19. Our GP practice was well aware of our previous tragic family circumstance.

This error has impacted both our emotional, psychological and physical health and has left us now childless, with no family and no future capacity for peace or true happiness. It has destroyed us.

In a statement, Mr and Mrs Reid disclosed how their son had protested at receiving the vaccine early, having queried his invitation in a phone call to his surgery.

But the GP practice had recorded his details wrongly.

His death, compounded by that error and the rare side effects linked to the vaccine, had felt like two nails in our personal coffin.

He should not have been invited for vaccination

His parents said: Alex was invited early to have his vaccination. It has taken two years and five months to fully investigate and establish the reason why and we now have clear evidence that Alexs GP practice had incorrectly recorded him as being 22 stone in weight.

This fatal error automatically placed him in Category 6: aged 16 to 64 and clinically vulnerable.

He should not have been invited for vaccination when he was. Had he been invited for vaccination at a later, appropriate time, he would have been offered an alternative to AstraZeneca If this had been the case, he would still be alive today.

Mr and Mrs Reid added: Alexs death, along with many cases of profound illness and disability due to this vaccine, is something that has not been acknowledged yet or accounted for by the Government or AstraZeneca. Nor has an apology been forthcoming.

Alex is not a statistic. Alex was our whole world and our present and our future have been destroyed. Alex did the right thing by getting the vaccine when he was told to do so and he needs to be remembered as a hero and commemorated accordingly. We fully understand why a vaccine was required as so many people were dying from Covid.

What we find unacceptable, immoral and fundamentally wrong is the way AstraZeneca and the Government chose to ignore the small number of people who were dying or seriously injured due to blood clots following the vaccine.

They questioned the Governments decision to indemnify AstraZeneca and the other Covid-19 vaccine manufacturers against legal actions in the event of adverse reactions - as VITT has turned out to be. They are angry that the Government has refused to intervene and offer families sufficient compensation.

Compensation scheme not fit for purpose

A government scheme - the Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme - has paid a fixed sum of 120,000 to bereaved families and seriously disabled victims in 148 cases. Of those, at least 144 were for the AstraZeneca jab. Surviving victims and grieving relatives believe the scheme is not fit for purpose.

We, along with other bereaved families and those injured, are fighting for justice, and for an acknowledgment and admission from both the Government and AstraZeneca that deaths DID occur, from a vaccine that was quickly approved and rolled out in the UK, said Mr and Mrs Reid in their statement, adding: Some European countries restricted [the AstraZeneca vaccine] to certain age groups, and some countries even stopped using altogether.

Alex Reids parents expressed their concern that young people at the prime of their lives, like their son, had been put under extreme and exorbitant pressure to have the Covid vaccination

He did the right thing in trying to protect himself as well as his family by getting the vaccine when he was told to do so, said Mr and Mrs Reid.

Yet, his death, not from Covid, but from a vaccine, has not yet been acknowledged and has impacted on the rest of our lives.

Not enough information about very serious risks

It feels as if the Government was prepared to accept these small number of deaths and serious injuries as they wanted to be seen as world leaders in vaccine production.

There was in fact not enough information about the very serious risks. At the time of his death, we received no emotional, psychological, or financial support.

They questioned the speed of the rollout. Official figures subsequently show the very rare condition - of blood clots occurring with low blood platelets - occurred in about 1 in 50,000 people under the age of 50.

When this vaccine was rolled out, it seems that speed above safety was more important to this government. Safety, efficacy and adverse reactions were last on the agenda, said Mr and Mrs Reid.

Ruth Bundey, the couples lawyer, said: The coroners conclusions are gratefully welcomed, but it has been a long and agonising wait for the correct information to be passed to him from Alexs surgery and from NHS England.

Mr Longstaff, the coroner, said in recording his narrative verdict: The cause of his death established at post mortem was linked to his having received the Covid-19 Oxford AstraZeneca vaccination.

He [Alex] had been invited to receive his vaccination earlier than his age alone would have entitled him to do so. This was because an incorrectly recorded BMI of 68.97 on April 6 2004 had classified him as morbidly obese for the purposes of identifying vulnerable people who should be invited to receive their vaccinations early.

The coroner went on: Had he not been invited to receive his vaccination early, Alex would not have received his first vaccination before April 7 2021, when official advice was given that those aged under 30 (as Alex was), should not receive the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccination as their first vaccination.

In the event, having received his first vaccination on March 21 2021, Alex received his second on May 18 2021.

On the balance of probabilities, had he not received the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccination, Alex would not have died when he did.

Patient safety is our highest priority

AstraZeneca said in a statement: Patient safety is our highest priority and regulatory authorities have clear and stringent standards to ensure the safe use of all medicines, including vaccines. Our sympathy goes out to anyone who has lost loved ones or reported health problems.

From the body of evidence in clinical trials and real-world data, Vaxzevria has continuously been shown to have an acceptable safety profile and regulators around the world consistently state that the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks of extremely rare potential side effects.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Authority has granted full marketing approval for Vaxzevria for the UK based on the safety profile and efficacy of the vaccine.

Sir Pascal Soriot, AstraZenecas chief executive, said last week in the wake of a series of Telegraph reports: When anybody suffers from side effects, it makes me sad and I would like to offer my sympathy.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said: Throughout the pandemic, the Government acted to save lives and livelihoods, prevent the NHS being overwhelmed and deliver a world-leading vaccine rollout which protected millions of lives across the nation.

We have always said there are lessons to be learnt from the pandemic and we are committed to learning from the Covid-19 Inquirys findings which will play a key role in informing the Governments planning and preparations for the future.

We will consider all recommendations made to the department in full.

Families bringing legal actions against AstraZeneca have launched a fundraising campaign to help to pay for the litigation which can be found on: https://www.crowdjustice.com/case/vaccine-injured-and-bereaved/

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.
ETNA, Ohio (WCMH)  Interstate 70 was shut down in both directions Tuesday in Licking County after a deadly crash involving a charter bus carrying high school students.

Three people died and 15 were injured, Licking County Emergency Management Agency director Sean Grady told the Associated Press, after a bus was rear-ended by a semi-truck on I-70 West near the Smoke Road underpass.Click here for current traffic conditions

The Ohio State Highway Patrol said multiple injuries were reported in the crash, which occurred at about 8:15 a.m. They were taken to five area hospitals.

It was not immediately known what school the students were from.

I-70 was closed eastbound at State Route 310 and westbound at State Route 158 near Kirkersville. Traffic was being forced to exit, with U.S. 40 running parallel to I-70 between the two exits.

Camera footage showed a large presence of emergency crews and at least one fire on the highway, approximately 26 miles east of Downtown Columbus.

At 10:30 a.m., two school buses were seen arriving at the scene, escorted by police. Several dozen people boarded the buses, which drove away about 20 minutes later.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol is expected to provide an update at some point.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
ETNA, Ohio  Three people are dead and 15 others injured after a charter bus carrying high school students and a semi-truck crashed on a highway in Ohio.

Tuscarawas Valley Local Schools, an Ohio school district in Zoarville, said late Tuesday morning that the bus was carrying students and chaperones, and that there may have been "serious injuries" among those on board.

Ohio State Highway Patrol Lt. Nate Dennis said the crash involved five vehicles, and 18 people were taken from the bus.

Around 8:45 a.m. Tuesday, dozens of emergency personnel from across Licking County and eastern Franklin County were dispatched to the area on a report of a crash.

Derek Varansky, superintendent for Tuscarawas Valley, said on Facebook that "a charter bus carrying Tusky Valley students and chaperones on the way to the Ohio School Boards Association conference in Columbus was involved in a very serious accident."

"We understand from law enforcement that there may be multiple serious injuries and we are working to learn the details," Varansky wrote. "Right now, our focus is on getting in touch with our Tusky Valley families who had loved ones on the bus and providing support to our entire school community."

'Sick to my stomach': Tuscarawas Valley school students, chaperones on bus

A steady stream of vehicles pulled into the Tuscarawas Valley Middle-High School parking lot Tuesday morning, as parents came to pick up their grief-stricken children. Staff members came to the vehicles, conferred with the drivers and then went back into the school to retrieve their children.

"I'm sick. I'm sick to my stomach," parent Laurie Fragasse said when she picked up her daughter Camrynn just before noon.

Camrynn, an eighth grader, said she was scared and sad.

"I don't really know how to feel right now," she said.

Governor of Ohio: 'This is our worst nightmare'

During a Tuesday news conference at a rest stop, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said his prayers go out to all involved in the crash and their families.

This is our worst nightmare when we have a bus full of children involved in a crash and certainly the worst nightmare families can endure or a school can endure," DeWine said.

Conference canceled in light of tragedy

The students were headed to the the Ohio School Board Association annual convention held in Columbus. The event, which was held from Nov. 12 through 14, features speakers, a trade show and a student success exposition, according to the OSBA website. The remainder of the event was cancelled Tuesday, an OSBA spokesperson said.

"Given this devastating news, we have canceled our conference," an OSBA statement read. "Right now, our focus is on providing support to Tuscarawas Valley. That includes making grief counselors from our trade show available."

Tusky Valley families begin gathering at Etna relief site

By 2 p.m., almost all of the students not transported to the hospital had been reunified with their students at the Etna United Methodist Church. In total, 34 students were taken there after the crash, said Don Hawkins, regional communications manager for the Red Cross of Central and Southern Ohio, which Licking County Emergency Management contacted for help.

Whenever something like this happens, we work with local EMA to assist them. We dont try to take over the operation, Hawkins said.

Mount Carmel East hospital also requested and received 30 extra units of blood, he added.

Its heavy; its really heavy. It really hurts to see this happen to anyone, to kids  especially at the holiday season, Hawkins said. Families are going to be devastated. Our hearts go out to them. Three families are going to feel that forever. It hurts.

Bus company cooperating with investigators in mass casualty incident

The bus involved in the crash is from Pioneer Trails, a family-owned bus business based in Millersburg, Ohio. In a statement on Facebook, Pioneer Trails "is fully cooperating with the authorities as we work to find the cause of the accident" and sends prayers to the victims and their families.

According to U.S. Department of Transportation inspections, the company has had one other crash involving an injury in the past 24 months. The company received a satisfactory rating, meaning records indicate no evidence of substantial noncompliance with safety requirements.

Dispatchers classified the crash as a "mass casualty incident, level 3," which indicates 10 or more people may have been injured and there was a need for paramedics, fire crews and hospital readiness across the region. Casualty does not necessarily mean fatalities in the way it is used by dispatchers.

Contributing: The Associated Press; USA TODAY Network Ohio reporters Maria DeVito, Pam James and Nancy Molnar

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio charter bus crash kills 3, injures 15 after crash with semi
ETNA, Ohio (AP/WJW)  Emergency officials have released the names of the six people who died following a fiery crash that took place on I-70 Tuesday morning. Three were confirmed students, while two others were chaperones and one was a teacher.

A charter bus was carrying band students from a high school when it was rear-ended by a semi-truck, injuring multiple people, according to a Licking County Emergency management official. Five vehicles were involved in the crash.

Ohio State Highway Patrol said in a release issued just after 7 p.m. that three of the people killed were riding on the bus and were pronounced dead at the scene.

They were identified as: senior John W. Mosely, 18, of Mineral City, senior Jeffery JD Worrell, 18, of Bolivar and sophomore Katelyn Owens, 15, also of Mineral City.

OSHP said the bus driver and students were taken to area hospitals for injuries and that others were taken to a reunification site.

The other three who were killed in the crash were riding in a separate vehicle. They were identified as high school teacher Dave Kennat, 56, of Navarre, parent/chaperone Kristy Gaynor, 39, of Zoar and parent/chaperone Shannon Wigfield, 45, of Bolivar. They were also pronounced dead at the scene, OSHP said in the statement.

Tuscarawas Valley Schools confirmed in a statement Tuesday night that three of their students were killed and 20 more were taken to five Columbus-area hospitals with injuries.

As of 9 p.m., the district says 18 of those students have been released from the hospital, while two remain in serious but non-life-threatening condition.

**See LIVE updates on the situation at the bottom of this page**

Click here to get breaking updates on this story

There were a total of 57 people onboard the bus. Tuscarawas Valley Schools confirmed earlier in the day that their students were involved in the crash.

Below is the school districts statement, in part:

Our hearts are broken by the tragic accident that happened today involving members of our high school band on their way to perform at the Ohio School Boards Association conference. We are saddened to share that we lost three students in the accident, students who were bright lights, full of life, and who lost their lives way too young. In addition, a car following the bus which contained one of our teachers and two parent chaperones was involved in the accident. Tragically, all three lost their lives. There are no words for the magnitude of loss and grief felt by all of us.

Emergency responders are on the scene of a fatal accident on Interstate 70 West in Licking County, Ohio, Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023. An emergency official says a charter bus carrying students from a high school was rear-ended by a semi-truck on the Ohio highway. (WSYX/WTTE via AP)

Emergency responders are on the scene of a fatal accident on Interstate 70 West in Licking County, Ohio, Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023. An emergency official says a charter bus carrying students from a high school was rear-ended by a semi-truck on the Ohio highway. (WSYX/WTTE via AP)

FOX 8 photo

FOX 8 photo

FOX 8 photo

I-70 crash in licking County



Both directions of Interstate 70 are closed in Licking County, Ohio, near the State Route 310 interchange after a fatal accident on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023. A charter bus carrying students from a high school was rear-ended by a semi-truck on the Ohio highway. (Barbara Perenic /The Columbus Dispatch via AP)

The accident occurred shortly before 9 a.m. on Interstate 70 West in Licking County, near the Smoke Road underpass. The cause was not immediately known.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

Numerous emergency responders were at the scene, and Ohio Department of Transportation cameras from the area showed smoke coming from the crash site. The highway was closed in both directions and numerous traffic delays were being reported. As of 7:15 p.m., the highway was still partially closed.

Feds charge 11 in foreign opioid smuggling ring

Mickey Lymon, an investigator with the Licking County Coroners Office, said they had been called to the scene, but deferred other questions to the state police.

A full investigation is underway and officials said its going to take some time. At first, officials said they were not releasing the details of those who were killed until all families have been notified.

Anyone with information regarding the crash is asked to call the nearest Ohio State Highway Patrol office.

See DeWines update below:

This is the second recent fatal crash involving high school students on a charter bus. In September, two people were killed and several others injured when a charter bus carrying high school students to band camp veered off a New York highway.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
Minister for Immigration Andrew Giles during Question Time in the House of Representatives at Parliament House in Canberra on Sept. 12, 2023. Australia's immigration minister said Monday, Nov. 13, 2023, that 80 people including convicted criminals who are considered dangerous have been released from Australian migrant detention centers since the High Court ruled last week that their indefinite detention was unconstitutional. (Mick Tsikas/AAP Image via AP) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

CANBERRA, Australia (AP)  Three murderers are among 81 foreigners recently released in Australia after the High Court ruled their indefinite detention in migrant centers was unconstitutional, the immigration minister said on Tuesday.

The court hasn't released the reasons behind its ruling last week that overturned a 2004 precedent that stateless people could be detained indefinitely.

The Melbourne-based Human Rights Law Center reported last month that 127 people had been detained more than five years. The average was 709 days.

Australia's center-left government had argued against the release of the foreign and stateless detainees whom Australia does not want to resettle and other countries are reluctant to accept.

Opposition lawmakers called them hardcore criminals and accused the government of endangering the public by releasing them.

Immigration Minister Andrew Giles said the released foreigners included three murderers and several sex offenders. He offered to give deputy opposition leader Sussan Ley a breakdown later of how many had been convicted of sex crimes.

The decision of the High Court which requires release effects very, very serious offenders, Giles told Parliament.

One of those convicted of murder is Sirul Azhar Umar, a former police officer who was sentenced by a Malaysian court in 2015 to be hanged over the death of a Mongolian woman whose body was dismembered with military-grade explosives.

The 50-year-old had fled to Australia before he was sentenced in absentia and had been held in detention for nine years until the High Court decision last week. Australia cannot extradite anyone to a country where that person could face capital punishment.

Details of the other two convicted of murder were not available.

Ley highlighted the case of Afghan-born Aliyawar Yawari, whom she described as a violent sex predator who attacks elderly women in their home.

The 65-year-old moved into a motel in the west coast city of Perth after being released from detention, The Australian newspaper reported.

He was convicted of multiple offenses against three women between October 2013 and December 2014, the newspaper reported.

Home Affairs Minister Clare ONeil said the people who had been released had been subjected to stringent visa conditions and some were required to report to police daily.

Some of these people have committed disgusting crimes, ONeil told Parliament.

Some of them have hurt people who are still here in our country and it is those victims that we care about, she added.

The High Court case decided last week was brought by a member of Myanmars persecuted Rohingya Muslim minority, identified in court as NZYQ, who was convicted of raping a 10-year-old boy in Sydney and sentenced to five years in prison. He went to indefinite immigration detention after prison.
South Carolina will soon have a new state senator, and he will be the youngest person serving in that role. State Rep. Deon Tedder, a 33-year-old lawyer from North Charleston, won a special election on Nov. 7 to fill an open seat in the South Carolina Senate. When he takes office in January, Tedder will bring youth and a reformist mindset to the South Carolina legislatures upper chamber.

Tedder, first elected as a state representative in 2020, entered the special election to replace Marlon Kimpson, who left after a decade to take a position in the Biden administration. Kimpson endorsed Tedder, as did powerful Democratic South Carolina Rep. Jim Clyburn, who called Tedder a fighter and the candidate who has the passion to make a difference. With these endorsements, Tedder won a narrow victory in the Democratic primary, winning a runoff against fellow state Rep. Wendell Gillard by only 11 votes. This win, however, set up Tedder for an easy win in the general election for the heavily Democratic district. Tedder received over 80% of the votes against Republican Rosa Kay. Tedder will now represent a Senate district that includes portions of Charleston and North Charleston.

Tedders profile on X, the social media site formerly known as Twitter, describes him as a Personal Injury & Criminal Defense Attorney in addition to his elected role. According to his website, Tedder has spent his time as a state representative advocating for HBCUs and has also led the fight against attempts to censor Black history from being taught in the classroom and has advocated for more investment in public education. When Tedder takes office in January, he will be nearly five years younger than the next youngest state senator and one of only a few state senators under 50. The Post and Courier reported that Tedders priorities as a state senator will be criminal justice reform, public education and housing, including the passage of hate crime legislation that he helped pass in the state House but that has been held up in the Senate.

I do look forward to getting in and helping my colleagues push the hate crimes bill across the finish line, Tedder told the paper.

Tedder takes his new office as his state grows in national political prominence. Two South Carolina politicians, Sen. Tim Scott and former Gov. Nikki Haley, have been prominent Republican presidential candidates this year. On the Democratic side, former Senate candidate Jaime Harrison now chairs the Democratic National Committee. The Democratic Party recently moved up South Carolinas Democratic presidential primary, making it the first Democratic primary race in the election cycle and citing the states large Black Democratic voter base as a critical factor in that decision. Thus, as all eyes turn to South Carolina for its impact on national politics, Tedder will be one of the people working to set policies within the Palmetto State.
Dozens of Howard Brown Clinic employees and supporters rally and strike outside the Howard Brown Clinic at 641 W. 63rd St., Nov. 14, 2023. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)

Workers at Howard Brown Health clinics and Brown Elephant retail stores went on strike Tuesday across Chicago, citing unfair labor practices as contentious contract negotiations draw to a close.

Howard Brown Health Workers United members gathered to picket outside Howard Browns Sheridan, Halsted and 63rd Street clinics, bolstered by honks from passing delivery drivers. The strike is expected to last two days.

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Our staff are not able to pay our own bills, said Louis Spraggins, partner services coordinator for Howard Brown and a member of the bargaining committee. ... We need to be able to take care of ourselves to take care of yall.

Clinics will remain open during the strike, and all patients with appointments will be seen. Registered nurses at Howard Brown finalized a separate three-year contract in September 2022. Both unions work with the Illinois Nurses Association.

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When our community members seek our care, they are relying on us to meet their vital healthcare needs, Katie Metos, vice president of external relations, said in a Tuesday statement to the Tribune. We are committed to being a reliable pillar of care for our communities.

Striking workers continue to call out disinvestment in Howard Browns locations on the South Side, which includes three clinics to the North Sides eight. A new $53 million North Side clinic opened at 3501 N. Halsted St. in September, focusing on dentistry and primary care.

On the North Side, You could toss a rock over your shoulder and hit another medical provider, Spraggins said.

Meanwhile, South Side clinics are infested with rats and bugs, Spraggins said.

Some patient appointment times have also been reduced from 40 to 20 minutes. The union says management refuses to formalize 40-minute appointment times in the contract.

Were asking for Howard Brown leadership to actually treat us as the valuable employees we are, Spraggins said.

Dozens of Howard Brown Clinic employees and supporters rally and strike outside the Howard Brown Clinic at 641 W. 63rd St., Nov. 14, 2023. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)

Tuesdays strike was authorized by 96% of Howard Brown Health Care Workers United members in an October vote. Workers have also been asking Chicago residents to boycott Brown Elephant retail locations since Nov. 4.

Brown Elephant stores have not seen a significant drop in retail sales since the boycott began, said spokesperson Wren OKelley.

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Howard Brown management delivered a final contract offer last week. Management and union members had previously agreed on 80% of demands, including changes to dress code, bereavement leave, anti-discrimination policies and seniority in wage increases.

Union members began voting on the final proposal Tuesday. Some employees are prepared to quit if unsatisfied, the union wrote on Instagram on Nov. 6.

The contract offer commits Howard Brown to invest an additional $5 million for its workforce over two years, Howard Brown CEO David Ernesto Munar said in a statement Tuesday. We are stretching our organization while ensuring we can still meet our obligations.

State Sen. Robert Peters, a Chicago Democrat, also spoke in support of striking workers Tuesday. Peters, also a Howard Brown patient, called for workers to receive the same level of health care as management staff.

Fundamentally, this is about justice, safety and security, Peters said.

A federally qualified health center that receives federal money to support low-income patients, Howard Brown Health specializes in treating LGBTQ patients and people living with HIV. Many employees are also patients.

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Bob Reiter, president of the Chicago Federation of Labor, accused Howard Brown leadership of moving away from the organizations mission of health care equity.

Not only are (workers) looking for dignity in their pay, theyre looking for dignity in their patients, Reiter said.

OKelley, the Howard Brown spokesperson, said union members have pushed us to live up to our roots of LGBTQ+ liberation at the bargaining table.

Throughout negotiations, contract demands have been highly publicized by both sides. Union members have asked for a $20 minimum wage with 2% annual raises, a 3% cost-of-living adjustment, 60 days notice for layoffs and 10-14 weeks of severance pay.

Howard Browns final offer includes a $19.23 minimum wage with 1% annual raises, a 2.25% cost-of-living adjustment, 45 days notice for layoffs and a month of severance pay.

Management declined requests for guaranteed full-time employment for 25% of Brown Elephant retail workers, two-hour weekly caps on mandatory overtime and union attendance at every HBH board meeting. Management has also declined to discuss protections against layoffs.

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Tiffany Foster-Mitchell, a lead medical assistant at Howard Browns South Side clinic on 47th Street and a member of the bargaining committee, said the health care system treats South Side clinics as a stepchild or a foster child of the larger system.

Bargaining committee member Claire Gilbertsen had told the Tribune that some South Side clinic employees earn $5,000 less annually than their North Side counterparts.

This weeks strike is the second at Howard Brown Health in a year. More than 400 workers walked off the job in January to protest a series of 64 layoffs.

Following a series of successful labor complaints, 25 of 61 laid-off union workers were reinstated earlier this year.
A creeper confesses to his bishop. Hes raping his 5-year-old daughter.

For seven years, the bishop tells no one outside his church  remaining silent, as a church lawyer advises him to do  and the abuse continues. Then the creeper starts raping another daughter, just six weeks old.

Recently, a Cochise County judge dismissed a lawsuit brought by several of the creeper's children against The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Its galling, though not surprising, that a judge would decline to hold the church responsible. While Arizona has a mandatory reporting law for teachers and doctors and such, members of the clergy are not required to report a confession that a child is being abused.

What is shocking  stunning, really  is that a key state legislator wont even consider changing the law to carve out an exemption that might have protected that 5-year-old girl, her sister and God only knows how many other children.

MJ embraces her adoptive mother, Nancy Salminen, in Sierra Vista on Oct. 27, 2021. State authorities placed MJ in foster care after learning that her father, the late Paul Adams, sexually assaulted her and posted video of the assaults on the internet.

Rapist's rights trump those of his victim

The seal of confession is a sacred, sacred part of the Catholic church, Rep. Quang Nguyen, who is Catholic, recently told Capitol Media Services' Howard Fischer.

Put another way, a rapists sacred religious rights trump a childs sacred right to be protected from a sexual predator? Really, sir?

Social media emboldens abusers: Child sex abuse content is exploding online. We're losing the fight against it.

This horror story was brought to light last year, the result of an Associated Press investigation into the Mormon churchs handling of child sexual abuse cases.

Paul Adams, of Bisbee, a father of six, admitted during a counseling session with his bishop that he was raping his then-5-year-old daughter.

According to court records, Bishop John Herrod called the churchs help line, which is used by bishops to report child sex abuse to church officials in Salt Lake City, and was advised by attorney not to call the police or alert anyone outside the church. According to the AP, which based its report on court records, attorney Merrill Nelson advised Herrod and his eventual replacement, Bishop Robert "Kim" Mauzy, for more than two years not to report Adams.

Utah Republican state Rep. Merrill Nelson, an attorney, took the initial call from a bishop reporting that church member Paul Adams had sexually abused his daughters, according to a lawsuit filed by Adams' children. According to The Associated Press, which based its report on court records, Nelson advised Bishop John Herrod and his eventual replacement, Bishop Robert "Kim" Mauzy, for more than two years not to report Adams.

So they didnt  instead trying to persuade Adams to seek help  and the rest, as they say, is horrifying history.

Church's silence let abuse go on for years

The abuse went on until finally in 2017, Adams was arrested. It seems he videoed his perverted attacks of his children and posted them on the internet. Authorities in New Zealand and the United States traced one of the videos to Adams, who later died by suicide in jail while awaiting trial.

Three of Adams six children sued the church, the bishops and other church officials in 2021, accusing them of negligence and conspiring to cover up child sex abuse to avoid costly lawsuits and protect the church's reputation.

FILE - The Salt Lake Temple stands at Temple Square in Salt Lake City on Oct. 5, 2019. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File)

In a Nov. 3 ruling, Cochise County Superior Court Judge Timothy Dickerson threw out the lawsuit, saying the church had no legal duty to report that a child was being raped.

"Church defendants were not required under the Mandatory Reporting Statute to report the abuse of Jane Doe 1 by her father because their knowledge of the abuse came from confidential communications which fall within the clergy-penitent exception," Dickerson wrote.

Arizona legislator thwarts bill for clergy to report abuse

Church officials, who apparently sleep quite well at night, pronounced themselves pleased with the decision.

Contrary to some news reports and exaggerated allegations, the court found that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its clergy handled this matter consistent with Arizona law, the Mormon church said in a prepared statement.

Which bring us back to Arizona law and the people who make it at the state Capitol.

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.

Rep. Stacey Travers, D-Phoenix, introduced a bill this year to require a member of the clergy to report abuse learned about during a confession or confidential communication if there is a reasonable suspicion to believe that the abuse is ongoing, will continue or may be a threat to other minors.

It didnt even rate a hearing. Didnt even get assigned to a committee.

'Sound of Freedom' is dangerously wrong: 'Sound of Freedom' misleads audiences about the horrible reality of human trafficking

His rationale: Victims can turn to others for help

And, apparently, it wont go anywhere next year either, as Rep. Quang Nguyen, the Prescott Republican who chairs the House Judiciary Committee, says he wont give the bill a hearing. (He did say he would at least speak to Travers, so I guess there's that.)

Rep. Quang Nguyen (right) listens during a Freedom of Expression Committee hearing on July 18, 2023, in a Senate Hearing room at the Arizona State Capital in Phoenix.

Nguyen, in his interview with Capitol Media Services, said he believes that the bill "is an attack on the church," and he questioned why members of the clergy would need to call the police or state Department of Child Safety.

"The victim has the parents, the victim has the teachers, the victim has friends, the victim has relatives that he or she is close to," Nguyen said. "So, it doesnt need a priest to be able to go to court and testify."

Tell that to the 5-year-old Bisbee girl who would endure seven years of assaults while devout daddys bishops stayed silent.

They just let it keep happening, the girl told the AP last year. They just said, Hey, lets excommunicate her father. It didnt stop. Lets have them do therapy. It didnt stop. Hey, lets forgive and forget and all this will go away. It didnt go away.

For her, it likely never will.

Perhaps Rep. Nguyen can explain to her that her fathers rights were sacred.

The seal of confession is never to be broken, he said. And priests will go to jail for it.

And children will live in hell because of it.

For shame, Rep. Nguyen.

Laurie Roberts of the Arizona Republic.

Laurie Roberts is a columnist for The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, where this column first published. Reach Roberts at laurie.roberts@arizonarepublic.com. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter, at @LaurieRoberts or on Threads at @laurierobertsaz

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 Arizona Republic: Child is raped, Mormon church stays silent. Then comes shocking part
The 72nd annual Miss Universe pageant will be held in El Salvador on Saturday.

To celebrate the pageant, Insider took a look at some of the most famous contestants in its history.

Miss Universe contestants have gone on to become actors and models.

On Saturday, women from around the world will gather in El Salvador to compete for the most prestigious pageant title there is: Miss Universe.

Competing at Miss Universe is an honor in and of itself, and it's also been known to propel future stars to fame  whether they win the pageant or not.

From reality TV to the big screen, here are some of the celebrities who have competed for the Miss Universe crown.

Kenya Moore represented the United States at the 1993 Miss Universe pageant.

Kenya Moore placed in the top six at the 1993 Miss Universe pageant. Ron Galella/Getty Images

Moore won Miss USA while representing Michigan, becoming the second Black woman to win the pageant in its history.

She went on to place in the top six at Miss Universe, while Dayanara Torres from Puerto Rico took home the top crown.

After her time as Miss USA ended, Moore appeared on television shows like "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" and "Living Single," but today, she's best known for her extensive career in reality television.

Moore has been a cast member on "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" since 2012, and she's appeared on other reality shows including "The Apprentice" and "Dancing With the Stars."

Ali Landry competed at Miss Universe in 1996.

Miss USA 1996 Ali Landry. MISS UNIVERSE/ho/AFP via Getty Images

Landry won the Miss Louisiana and Miss USA pageants in 1996, earning her a spot at that year's Miss Universe competition.

Like Moore, she placed in the top six at the pageant but did not win. Alicia Machado of Venezuela was crowned Miss Universe that year.

Landry also went on to pursue acting after her pageant career was over, gaining fame after appearing in a Doritos ad that aired during the 1999 Super Bowl and starring as Rita Lefleur on "EVE" from 2003 to 2006. She was also in the divisive film "Sound of Freedom" this year.

Gal Godot represented Israel when she competed at Miss Universe.

Gal Gadot at Miss Universe 2004. MARTIN BERNETTI/AFP/Getty Images

Gadot was crowned Miss Israel in 2004. She went on to compete for her home country at Miss Universe the same year, but she didn't place among the top 10 during the pageant. The Miss Universe crown went to Jennifer Hawkins of Australia.

After her Miss Israel win, Gadot enlisted in the Israeli Defense Forces from 2004 to 2006 to complete the mandated two years of service required for all Israeli citizens before she pursued a career in acting.

As her IMBd page notes, Gadot's role as Gisele in 2009's "Fast and Furious" propelled her to fame. She's gone on to appear in both American and Israeli films, most notably starring as the titular character in 2017's "Wonder Woman" and other films in the DC universe.

Gadot also stirred up controversy in Hollywood in 2020 when she spearheaded a now-notorious video of celebrities singing "Imagine" amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Former Miss USA president Crystle Stewart competed at Miss Universe in 2008.

Crystle Stewart after winning the Miss USA pageant in 2008. Denise Truscello/WireImage

Stewart has been in the headlines over the last year, but she first gained fame when she won Miss USA in 2008 while representing Texas.

When she competed at Miss Universe, Stewart made it to the top 10, but she fell during the evening gown portion of the competition. Dayana Mendoza of Venezuela won the crown.

After her Miss USA win, Stewart went into acting, as her IMDb page notes. Her most notable role was Leslie Morris in the TBS and OWN series "For Better or Worse," which aired from 2011 to 2017.

Stewart returned to the pageant world in 2020, becoming president of Miss USA and Miss Teen USA. But she was suspended from her position in November 2022 after multiple contestants said the pageant was rigged in favor of R'Bonney Gabriel, who went on to win Miss Universe in January 2023.

An investigation found that there was no evidence the Miss USA pageant was fixed, but Miss Universe announced that Stewart was parting ways with the organization permanently in August 2023.

Olivia Culpo won the 2012 Miss Universe pageant.

Olivia Culpo was crowned Miss Universe in 2012. David Becker/Getty Images

Culpo became the first Miss USA to win Miss Universe in 15 years when she took the crown in 2012. She competed in her very first pageant at Miss Rhode Island USA and then went on to win Miss USA and Miss Universe that same year.

She turned to Hollywood after her reign, appearing in films including "The Other Woman" with Cameron Diaz in 2014, and "I Feel Pretty" with Amy Schumer in 2018, according to her IMDb page.

In 2022, Culpo starred in the TLC reality show "The Culpo Sisters" with her family.

Culpo is now a successful Instagram influencer with more than five million followers. She is also currently engaged to the San Francisco 49ers player Christian McCaffrey.

Catriona Gray represented the Philippines when she won Miss Universe in 2018.

Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray. Lillian Suwanrumpha/Getty Images

Gray was already a decorated pageant queen before she won Miss Universe in 2018. She competed at Miss World 2016 for the Philippines, placing in the top five, and is the first Filipino to represent the country at both Miss World and Miss Universe.

Gray went viral during the Miss Universe 2018 pageant thanks to her "lava walk," which won praise from supermodels Tyra Banks and Ashley Graham.

After her reign, Gray went on to host and perform on the Philippines musical variety show "Sunday Noontime Live!"

She was also a backstage correspondent for the Miss Universe 2022 competition, and she will perform the same role during the 2023 finals on Saturday.

Gray is currently engaged to the Filipino-American actor Sam Milby.

Miss USA 2019 Cheslie Kryst ranked in the top 10 at Miss Universe.

Miss USA Cheslie Kryst at the 2019 Miss Universe pageant. Para Griffin/Getty Images

Kryst won Miss USA in 2019 while representing North Carolina, and she placed in the top 10 at Miss Universe. Zozibini Tunzi of South Africa took home the crown and became Kryst's roommate in New York City that year.

Both Kryst and Tunzi helped make history, as 2019 was the first time Miss USA, Miss Teen USA, Miss Universe, and Miss America had all been won by women of color.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Kryst became the longest-reigning Miss USA titleholder in history at 557 days.

Kryst was a complex-litigation attorney before her Miss USA reign and once helped free a client who had been sentenced to life in prison. She went on to become a correspondent for "Extra" and received two Daytime Emmy nominations.

Kryst died on January 30, 2022, at the age of 30.

Read the original article on Insider
House Democrats, with the help of a eight Republicans, voted down an effort led by GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene in the House of Representatives to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas in a straight up or down vote.

The eight Republicans who joined Democrats in the 209-201 vote killing the effort included Reps. Ken Buck, R-Colo., Darrell Issa, R-Calif., Tom McClintock, R-Calif., Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., John Duarte, R-Calif., Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., Cliff Bentz, R-Ore., and Mike Turner, R-Ohio.

Additionally, 11 Democrats and 12 Republicans did not vote on the measure.

Greene voiced her displeasure in a video posted on X , saying that the eight Republicans voted to "protect" Mayorkas from impeachment, which she called, "unbelievable."

HOUSE HOMELAND SECURITY GOP REPORT ACCUSES MAYORKAS OF CEDING BORDER CONTROL TO CARTELS

Pictured from left to right: Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, and Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif.

"We had eight Republicans vote with the Democrats to send my articles of impeachment back to committee where articles of impeachment go to die," Greene said.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Rep. McClintock's office directed Fox News Digital to a press release explaining that the "grounds for impeachment are explicitly laid out in the Constitution" and that the allegations against Mayorkas do not meet the threshold even though Mayorkas is "the worst cabinet secretary in American history."

"Yes, Alejandro Mayorkas must be held accountable for his egregious failures  theres no doubt about that. By giving the Judiciary Committee, under the leadership of Chairman Jordan, the opportunity to conduct a full-scale impeachment inquiry the right way, House Republicans are fulfilling the commitments we made to the American people and rising to a level that Democrats could never do," Rep. Foxx said in a press release after her vote.

"Secretary Mayorkas has not committed an impeachable offense," Rep. Buck told CNN on Monday night. "I disagree strongly with how hes handling the border, I think the border is porous, I think its a threat to this country, but its not a high crime or misdemeanor, its not treason, its not bribery, its not the crimes or issues our founders set forth in the Constitution."

In a statement to Fox News Digital, Rep. Turner denied that Republicans voted to "kill" an impeachment and that the motion was referred to the Committee on Homeland Security for proper fact finding.

"No one voted to kill an impeachment inquiry  there is currently an ongoing investigation into Secretary Mayorkas in the House of Representatives. Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greenes resolution was referred to the ongoing Homeland Security Committees investigation under Chairman Mark Green," Turner said. "When his investigation is complete, he can at any time refer fully documented Articles of Impeachment to the House, which will pass overwhelmingly."

Rep. Issa released a statement saying that Mayorkas "deserves to face an impeachment trial" and posted on social media that he "can't wait to testify."

"We didnt kill a Mayorkas impeachment," Issa told Fox News Digital. "We voted to start impeachment hearings the entire country will watch. If we impeach Mayorkas today, Senate Democrats will feel free to reject it today. We want hearings where Democrats are forced go on the record and finally have to defend Bidens historic border disaster. Thats the last thing they want."

In a press release, Rep. Bentz's office said, "The bottom line is this, I actually want to impeach AND convict the guy, not just impeach. Last night's resolution had not gone through the regular order committee process and thus gave a political out to the Senate."

Greene introduced the resolution to impeach Mayorkas on Thursday, which would have forced a vote on impeachment without a hearing or a committee markup. If voted on and passed, it would have sent his impeachment straight to the Senate for trial.

JOSH HAWLEY CALLS OUT MAYORKAS FOR HAVING 'NO ANSWERS' ON DHS EMPLOYEE PRAISING HAMAS: 'TOTALLY INEXCUSABLE'

The Department of Homeland Security responded to the vote with a statement accusing Congress of "wasting time," and calling on it to "do its job by funding the government, reforming our broken immigration system, reauthorizing vital tools for DHS, and passing the Administrations supplemental request to properly resource the Departments critical work to stop fentanyl and further secure our borders."

Mayorkas has faced intense scrutiny from Republicans over his record, which includes presiding over record levels of illegal immigration that includes more than 600,000 "gotaways" at the southern border in fiscal year 2023 and over 900,000 illegal immigrants released into the interior of the United States by the Border Patrol in FY 2023.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene.

"The fact is he's just not living up to his oath," GOP Rep. Anthony DEsposito told Fox News Digital in June. "Not only is he failing the administration, he is failing the American people. And that's my biggest concern."

Fox News Digitals Brandon Gillespie and Chad Pergram contributed to this report





Original article source: These 8 Republicans voted against Rep Greene's Mayorkas impeachment push: 'Not a high crime or misdemeanor'
Around 800 Ukrainian specialists are still working at occupied Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), refusing to sign contracts with Russias Rosatom, Petro Kotin, the President of Ukraines nuclear operator Energoatom, told Ukrainian TV broadcasters on Nov. 14.

The situation at the station deteriorates with each passing day, said Kotin.

Read also: Big explosion near Khmelnitskyi NPP, Kolomoisky turns over media network, hands-on F-16 training

There are military personnel, equipment, and explosives present. The station is mined. The staff numbers 800 individuals. These are our Ukrainian patriots who have not signed these shameful [Russian] contracts for 30 pieces of silver.

However, according to him, there are about 3,000 workers who have agreed to cooperate with Moscow. Meanwhile, the 800 individuals who have not, represent the most qualified staff, whose services the Russians cannot do without, Kotin emphasized.

Read also: Kuleba met IAEA chief Grossi to discuss Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhya NPP

The Ukrainian staff remains under the occupiers' pressure, while the Russian staff is not very eager to heed Rosatom's calls to go to the Zaporizhzhya NPP; therefore, they are recruiting people who effectively lack the necessary responsibility and experience to work there, the official added.

Read also: Ukraine assures IAEA it will not attack Zaporizhzhya NPP directly

The plant itself is connected to the Ukrainian power grid. Only two power lines remain operational, supplying about 100 MW to the Zaporizhzhia NPP.

This is also a cause for concern: if these lines are damaged, the station will switch to blackout mode, which has already occurred seven times, Kotin added.

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
With 9 weeks to go until the first votes, Trump remains commanding front-runner as GOP field keeps shrinking

It's a slimmer field, but it's the same story, as former President Donald Trump remains the commanding front-runner for the Republican nomination with nine weeks to go until the first votes are cast.

Sen. Tim Scott's suspension of his White House campaign on Sunday came two weeks after former Vice President Mike Pence departed the 2024 GOP race. And four lesser known candidates who failed to make the debate stage have also dropped out, as a Republican field that once included over a dozen contenders keeps shrinking.

With the Jan. 15 Iowa caucuses - which lead off the Republican presidential nomination calendar - fast approaching, Trump retains dominating double-digit leads over his nomination rivals in the latest surveys in the early voting states, and holds even larger massive advantages in national polls.

The over-arching question going forward is if the smaller field of candidates will allow one of the remaining contenders to make it a competitive race against Trump as the primary calendar progresses.

DESANTIS, HALEY, OR TRUMP - WHICH CANDIDATE BENEFITS FROM TIM SCOTT'S DEPARTURE FROM THE 2024 RACE?

"Nothings changed. Trumps still ahead. And right now hes on the trajectory to win," longtime Republican consultant Dave Carney, a veteran of numerous presidential campaigns, told Fox News.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Pointing to the single digit support Scott held in the polls as he suspended his campaign, Carney said "Its not like Scott getting out of the race is going to reshuffle the deck completely. His support isn't going to change the dynamics that much."

WHY TIM SCOTT DROPPED OUT OF THE 2024 REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL RACE

But Carney also emphasized that "theres no way to spin this other than its good news for Nikki Haley. Well see if she can take advantage of that."

Haley, the former two-term South Carolina governor who served as ambassador to the United Nations during the Trump administration, is battling two-term Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for second place in the GOP nomination race, far behind Trump.

FORMER GOP PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE URGES SOME REMAINING CONTENDERS TO FOLLOW HIS FOOTSTEPS

Longtime Republican strategist David Kochel, pointing to DeSantis and Haley, told Fox News that the winnowing of the Republican field "is a good thing for the two people who still have a shot at becoming the Trump alternative."

"Trumps already in the finals," said Kochel, a veteran of numerous presidential and statewide campaigns in Iowa.

And he highlighted that DeSantis and Haley are "trying to construct some plausible path to get a one-on-one shot with Trump that everybody agrees is essential to any notion that he can be derailed from getting the nomination."

While DeSantis has the stronger name ID from coast to coast and leads Haley in the national polls, she's tied DeSantis in the latest surveys in Iowa and leads him in New Hampshire  which votes second  and her home state, which holds the first southern contest.

FIREWORKS AT LAST WEEK'S THIRD REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY DEBATE

Haley's enjoyed a rise in the polls thanks in part to well-regarded performances in the three Republican presidential primary debates. Haley's campaign announced on Monday that they are reserving $10 million to run TV, radio and digital ads in Iowa and New Hampshire starting next month.

"We have plenty of money that were going to be on TV with," Haley touted this past weekend in an interview on "Fox News Sunday." "Were going to be strong in New Hampshire. Were going to be strong in South Carolina, because we spent our money well. Weve got great ground games in every one of those states. And were going to keep surging."

But Iowa comes first, and DeSantis last week landed the endorsement of GOP Gov. Kim Reynolds, who's very popular with Hawkeye State Republicans. Reynolds backing was a much-needed boost for DeSantis to alter a negative narrative.

DeSantis is also aiming to land the endorsement of Bob Vander Plaats, who leads the Family Leader, a top social conservative organization in Iowa, a state where evangelical voters play an out-sized role in Republican presidential politics.

"Tim Scott and Mike Pence were surging resources in Iowa, looking to attract evangelical supporters, and unlike Nikki Haley, Ron DeSantis is making headway with those voters," DeSantis campaign communications director Andrew Romeo argued in a statement to Fox News.

Kochel said "I think Iowas going to be more determinative than ever as to whos going to have momentum going into New Hampshire and South Carolina."

"Trump already has a ticket. Theres maybe two more and maybe one more" coming out of Iowa, he forecast.

And Kochel predicted "a pretty fierce contest" in the weeks ahead between DeSantis and Haley.

The 2024 GOP field also includes former two-term New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie  who's concentrating most of his firepower on New Hampshire - and multi-millionaire biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy  a 38-year-old first-time candidate who appears to draw much of his support from Trump's MAGA wing of the party. North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum  who didn't make the stage at the third debate  and former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchison  who failed to qualify for the past two showdowns  are running long-shot campaigns.

Seasoned Iowa-based Republican strategist and communicator Jimmy Centers cautioned that "everyone needs to be clear-eyed that former President Trump will win the Iowa caucus on Jan. 15."

"The question is whether Gov. DeSantis or Amb. Haley come in a strong enough second place finish where they put a sizable gap between themselves and whomever comes in third to be able to say to Republicans in New Hampshire and beyond that this is a two-person race," he spotlighted.

Centers said Haley "has clearly performed very well" since the start of the debates "and voters are responding to that in Iowa."

But he added that DeSantis enjoys some "momentum right now after Gov. Reynolds endorsement last week."

Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more at our Fox News Digital election hub.





Original article source: With 9 weeks to go until the first votes, Trump remains commanding front-runner as GOP field keeps shrinking
A person tries on a military outfit and holds a rifle at an Army recruiting booth at a pre-National Day street fair in New Taipei City, Taiwan, on Oct. 9, 2023. Credit - Alex WongGetty Images

Older, shorter, female or even foreign  U.S. allies in Asia are looking beyond their traditional military recruitment profile to secure enough troops and handle the growing security challenges posed by China and North Korea.

Japan and the Philippines each have simmering territorial disputes with China, while a wider swath of countries including Australia and South Korea shares concerns about the economic devastation that could be wrought if they lose access to key sea lanes.

For all of them, Russias war on Ukraine has served as a reminder that an alliance with the U.S. may not be enough to thwart possible attacks. In particular, its highlighted the sheer number of boots on the ground, not just equipment, needed in the event of such aggression. Yet some Asian countries, most notably Japan, face a shrinking pool of young recruits even as they fret over a possible contingency involving the huge armies boasted by some of their neighbors.

Taiwan is throwing its net wider for compulsory military service. From May it included men as short as 155 cm (5 feet) compared with a previous 157 cm minimum, while those with a body mass index as low as 15 or as high as 35 now qualify. Next year, it will extend the length of service to a year from the current four months.

In South Korea, which is struggling with the worlds lowest birthrate, theres been talk of whether to conscript women as well as men. Officials deny such a plan, though it would potentially double its pool of recruits. Australia allows experienced foreign soldiers to join its armed forces.

Read More: South Korea Muses a New Military Exemption: Serve Your Country By Having More Kids

Japan has neither mandatory service nor a flow of willing immigrants to count on. Its military, known as the Self-Defense Forces, has seen applications fall.

The number of Japanese people between the ages of 18 and 26, the main source of recruits for the SDFs lower ranks, has shrunk to around 10 million from 17 million three decades ago and is seen falling further in coming years. The SDF raised the maximum age for new recruits to 32 from 26 in 2018 but has still struggled to attract them.

This is a big structural problem, said Christopher Johnstone, a former director for East Asia at the U.S. National Security Council, who is now a senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. It will challenge in a significant way Japans ability to do all the things that it says it wants to do in its national defense strategy.

A Japanese Self Defense Forces (SDF) honor guard marches before the inspection by Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the Ministry of Defense on Sept. 17, 2019 in Tokyo, Japan. Tomohiro OhsumiGetty Images

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has repeatedly warned of the growing possibility of conflict in Asia. Spooked by Chinese missiles landing in what it deems its exclusive economic zone close to Taiwan, Japan last year dubbed its neighbor an unprecedented strategic challenge and pledged its biggest defense build-up since World War II. But a Defense Ministry advisory panel warned in a report in July that however much larger or more advanced its arsenal becomes, Japan will still need people to operate it.

Read More: Fumio Kishida on Plans for a More Assertive Japan

The war in Ukraine was a wake-up call both for the general public and for military planners, said Andrew Oros, a politics professor at Washington College, who is researching a book on how the regions graying populations affect their security. Technology alone is not a solution to a shrinking standing military force.

Not only are the numbers of young Japanese tumbling, but an ever-higher proportion are opting to attend university, meaning far fewer are willing to join the SDF after high school.

If you join the private economy, you have more freedoms, your life is less at risk, said Tom Le, author of Japans Aging Peace, and associate professor of politics at Pomona College in California. Sony and Mitsubishi will also want that same labor.

At an August introductory event for the SDF at Camp Nerima, a base in suburban Tokyo, cosmetics company employee Ryohei Kuroda said hed long been interested in joining the armed forces.

I had thought I wasnt cut out for it and half given up, he said, adding that he wasnt put off by North Korean missiles or the Ukraine conflict and that the day-long event convinced him to apply. I want to do something that makes people grateful.

At the other end of the demographic spectrum, more members are being re-hired after retirement, a milestone that varies by rank. Many take on desk jobs, like Yasuhiro Matsuzaki, who switched to recruiting from teaching martial arts after reaching the official retirement age of 55 last year. Even in the Maritime Self-Defense Force, known for its physically demanding duties, more positions are being opened up to retirees. The maximum age for reserves for the lower ranks was raised to 54 in 2018 from the previous 36.

Yet another problem is image. Joining the SDF is seen as neither prestigious nor financially rewarding. While it is admired for its rescue work, those drawn to such efforts may find it easier to join the fire service, given the aversion to the military that has lingered since World War II. A 2015 survey by Gallup International found the Japanese were the least willing to fight for their country among the nationalities surveyed, with only 11% saying they would do so, compared with 42% in South Korea and 71% in China.

Even in Taiwan, an obvious potential flashpoint for the region, theres little enthusiasm for taking part.

Young Taiwanese people dont like to serve in the military as they think its a waste of time, said Lu Li-shih, a former instructor at the Taiwanese Naval Academy.

Some governments are trying to improve the militarys appeal by bolstering pay and other conditions. Australia this year announced an AU $50,000 ($31,800) bonus for those who commit to stay on for three years beyond an initial period of service.

Theres competition for a very limited set of skills and potential recruits, said Euan Graham, senior analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute. Finding and retaining crew for the countrys planned fleet of nuclear submarines will be particularly challenging, he added.

Japans latest recruitment brochure emphasizes long holidays, work-life balance and even jobs for people who arent confident they have the physical stamina for the armed forces. The defense ministry has sought to upgrade housing offered to SDF members and its budget request for next year includes items like cash to improve internet access on ships and submarines, alleviating isolation for the sailors.

The SDF is also hoping to attract more women, although this may prove difficult given its reputation for harassment. A probe prompted by a high-profile sexual assault allegation uncovered 1,325 cases of harassment, according to a report published in August.

Major Fumitoshi Sato, a 62-year-old working for the ground forces as an auditor at headquarters in Tokyo, said conditions had improved since he joined in 1985. In an interview, he described past working conditions as exploitative.

There used to be a lot of power harassment and sexual harassment, said Sato, who was rehired after his official retirement and plans to stay on to age 65. Now they are really trying to create an atmosphere where thats unacceptable. I think its a good policy.

In a potential longer-term strategy, Japan could shift the weighting of its forces from ground troops toward the maritime and air arenas where it faces more immediate threats, according to Johnstone. Even as Chinese vessels are an almost constant presence around disputed islands in the East China Sea, ground forces make up more than 60% of the total of about 230,000 SDF personnel. A shift, however, would take time.

You cant take a soldier and tomorrow say they are a sailor, Johnstone said.

Ultimately, deterring China by presenting a united front with the U.S. and other regional partners should be prioritized over planning how to fight, according to Toshiyuki Ito, a retired vice-admiral whos now a professor at Kanazawa Institute of Technology.

Talking about numbers of personnel and what happens if a war breaks out is important, but we need to figure out how to prevent a war, he said. We have to make them realize that if they do something, not just the U.S., but Japan, South Korea and Australia will fight together and crush them.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
President Joe Biden said Tuesday that the United States was not seeking to distance itself from China but in fact wanted an improved relationship, as he prepared for a highly anticipated summit with President Xi Jinping in San Francisco.

The two leaders will meet on the sidelines of the APEC summit in California for their first encounter in a year as trade tensions, sanctions and the question of Taiwan have fueled quarrels between the world's largest economies.

"We're not trying to decouple from China. What we're trying to do is change the relationship for the better," Biden told reporters at the White House shortly before heading to San Francisco.

Asked what he hoped to achieve at the meeting, he said he wanted "to get back on a normal course of corresponding; being able to pick up the phone and talk to one another if there's a crisis; being able to make sure our military still have contact with one another."

But Biden also warned that the United States was wary of investing in China due to Beijing's business practices.

"I'm not going to continue to sustain the support for positions where if we want to invest in China, we have to turn over all our trade secrets," he said.

Positive momentum from November 2022 talks between Xi and Biden in Bali was derailed when the United States shot down an alleged Chinese spy balloon, delaying a planned visit to Beijing by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Since then, a flurry of high-level diplomacy, including Blinken's eventual trip to China in June, has signaled a willingness on both sides to mend ties.

Asked about Beijing's expectations for the summit, China's foreign ministry remained vague, mentioning "in-depth communication" and "major issues concerning world peace."

China has also made clear that it will not budge on issues it considers red lines, such as Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its own territory awaiting reunification, and its military expansion in the South China Sea.

But Washington and Beijing have recently made some progress on trade and economic relations, and climate change talks.

"If in fact the Chinese people, who are in trouble right now economically, if the average homeowner, if the average citizen in China, was able to have a decent paying job -- that benefits them, and benefits all of us," Biden said Tuesday.

Xi will have dinner with top US business leaders on his trip, and is expected to push for a relaxation of US trade curbs in his talks with Biden.

bgs/sst
A spectacular example of gullies on Mars, at roughly 71 degrees latitude in the southern hemisphere. .

Using meteorites from Mars, an AI-powered robot chemist synthesized compounds that could be used to generate oxygen from water, scientists announced on Monday (Nov. 13).

Potential future crewed missions to Mars will need oxygen  not just for astronauts to breathe, but also for use as rocket propellant. One key way to make such missions cost-effective in the long run is to use resources that already exist on the Red Planet to create the oxygen. That'd be much easier than lugging a bunch of oxygen, and oxygen-producing materials, all the way from Earth .

The idea is promising because Mars does possess significant reserves of frozen water ice  because water is made of hydrogen and oxygen, scientists have been looking for ways to harvest the latter element from those Martian reserves. In particular, compounds known as catalysts are capable of spurring chemical reactions that "split" water molecules to generate oxygen and hydrogen gas.

Related: Mars ice deposits could pave the way for human exploration

In a new study, researchers experimented with an AI chemist to produce some of those water-splitting catalysts  most importantly, these tests were conducted with materials found on Mars. The team focused on five different categories of Martian meteorites , which are rocks that crashed down on Earth after cosmic impacts blasted them off the Red Planet.

The AI chemist used a robot arm to collect samples from the Martian meteorites , then it employed a laser to scan the ore. From there, it calculated more than 3.7 million molecules it could make from six different metallic elements in the rocks  iron, nickel, manganese, magnesium, aluminum and calcium.

Within six weeks, without any human intervention, the AI chemist selected, synthesized and tested 243 of those different molecules. The best catalyst the robot found could split water at minus 34.6 degrees F (minus 37 degrees C), the kind of cold temperature found on none other than Mars.

"When I was a boy, I dreamed of interstellar exploration," Jun Jiang, co-senior author of the study and a scientist at the University of Science and Technology of China in Hefei. told Space.com. "So when we finally saw that the catalysts made by the robot could actually produce oxygen by splitting water molecules, I felt like my dream was coming true. I even started to imagine that I, myself, will live on Mars in the future."

Related Stories:

 NASA rover snaps photos of ancient 'waves' carved into Mars mountainside

 New evidence for liquid water on Mars suggests the planet is geothermally active

 Mars' water may have come from ancient asteroid impacts

The researchers estimate it would have taken a human scientist something like 2,000 years to find that "best" catalyst using conventional trial-and-error techniques. Still, Jiang noted that, although these findings suggest AI can be very helpful in science, it "at the same time needs the guidance of human scientists. The robot AI chemist is smart only if we taught it to do something."

The scientists now aim to see if their AI chemist can operate under Martian conditions other than temperature, "in which the atmospheric composition, air density, humidity, gravity and so on are so different than those on Earth," Jiang said.

The researchers detailed their findings online on Monday (Nov. 13) in the journal Nature Synthesis.
Artificial Intelligence could save lives by warning where a hurricane will hit land much sooner than traditional forecasting systems, researchers say.

A new AI tool from Google DeepMind predicted where September's hurricane Lee would make landfall in Canada three days ahead of existing methods.

Weather forecasts have become much more accurate over the decades.

But AI's speed and ability to analyse past events to make predictions make it a game-changer, say scientists.

An accurate weather forecast is useful to tell you what to wear when you go out in the morning but - much more importantly - can forewarn us of extreme weather like storms, floods and heatwaves, giving communities crucial time to prepare.

However, traditional weather forecasts take vast amounts of computing power.

They involve creating estimates of hundreds of factors including air pressure, temperature, wind speeds and humidity at different levels of the atmosphere around the globe.

A new AI tool called GraphCast created by Google DeepMind outperforms the European Medium Range Weather Forecasting model - one the best in the world - on more than 90% of those factors, according to a peer-reviewed paper published by DeepMind in the journal Science.

GraphCast produces its forecasts in less than a minute, using a fraction of the computing power of traditional forecasting methods because it takes a very different approach.

Weather forecasts prepare us for a rainy day out, but they also warn of potentially deadly weather events

Traditional weather forecasting involves taking measurements of what is happening in the atmosphere right now.

The best models take in hundreds of millions of readings from around the world every day.

These come from a huge range of sources including weather stations, satellites, balloons sent up in the atmosphere, buoys in the ocean - even readings taken by sensors on the noses of commercial jet planes.

"We then use our model to select which are going to be the most important," explains Matthew Chantry, of the European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (ECMRWF) who says about 10 million of the measurements will be used for one of its forecasts.

This ocean of data is fed into a supercomputer to be processed by programmes which can do quadrillions (a thousand trillion) of calculations every second. These use complex equations to simulate what happens in the Earth's atmosphere to predict how the weather will change and evolve over time.

This method has been extraordinarily successful. As the models have improved and the computers have got more powerful over the decades, weather forecasts have got significantly more accurate.

But these numerical weather prediction (NWP) models, as they are known, take vast amounts of computer resources, using some of the biggest supercomputers in the world and typically take hours to produce their forecasts.

A new approach

AI shortcuts much of this effort. It does not try to model how the world works.

Instead, GraphCast uses machine learning to digest vast quantities of historical data - including the output of the ECMRWF model - to learn how weather patterns evolve.

It uses this knowledge to predict how the weather now is likely to change in the future.

And it is proving very effective.

"The main advantage of this AI approach is that it's extremely accurate," said Remy Lam of Google DeepMind, who helped create the weather tool.

"It learns from decades of data and is able to be more accurate than the industry gold standard," he says.

And, because it does not try to solve complex equations, it can make its forecasts very quickly and using much less computing power.

GraphCast's forecasts are not as detailed as those produced by the ECMRWF but it is better at predicting severe events like extreme temperatures and at tracking the path of big storms.

Hurricane Lee - an early prediction of landfall

It accurately predicted where Hurricane Lee, a storm that hit the Atlantic coast of the US and Canada in September, would make landfall, for example.

Deep Mind's AI tool predicted its path nine days ahead, the ECMRWF only managed six days ahead.

But the success of GraphCast does not mean we can shut down the supercomputers and rely on AI instead.

Even Remy Lam from Google DeepMind says that will not happen.

'Huge leaps forward'

"We are standing on the shoulders of giants to build those models", he says.

Rather than replacing traditional weather forecasts AI models will complement them, he believes.

"AI models are trained from data and that data is generated by traditional approaches, so we still need the traditional approach to gather data to train the model," says Mr Lam.

GraphCast is open source which means Google DeepMind is sharing the details of the design so anyone can use the technology.

Many technology companies and weather and climate organisations around the world are designing their own AI weather prediction tools.

The Met Office, the UK's national weather service, is working with the Turing Institute, the country's data science centre to explore the potential for AI to improve weather forecasting, for example.

"Weather forecasts derived from artificial intelligence and machine learning are taking huge leaps forward," acknowledges Prof Simon Vosper, the Met Office's Director of Science.

But he warns climate change will limit the predictive power of AI based tools.

"We are seeing new climate-related weather extremes, such as last year's 40C temperatures in the UK that would haven't been realised in former times", says Prof Vosper.

Hurricane Otis became a category five storm in just 24 hours

The way extreme weather systems evolve may also be changing.

Hurricane Otis rapidly intensified from a tropical storm into the strongest category 5 hurricane over just 24 hours in October before making devastating landfall on the coast of southern Mexico.

Climate scientists warn rising ocean temperatures are likely to make this process of rapid intensification of storms more common.

"So it is fair to question whether AI-based systems are able to pick up new extremes if these systems have only been 'trained' on previous weather conditions," suggests Prof Vosper.
Susan Schneider of the Center for the Future Mind and AI entrepreneur Jobst Landgrebe debate the resolution, "Artificial intelligence poses a threat to the survival of humanity that must be actively addressed by government."

For the affirmative is Schneider, the director of the Center for the Future Mind at Florida Atlantic University. She previously held the NASA chair and the distinguished scholar chair at the Library of Congress. In her recent book, Artificial You: AI and the Future of Your Mind, she discusses the philosophical implications of AI and, in particular, the enterprise of "mind design." She also works with Congress on AI policy, appears on PBS and the History channel, and writes opinion pieces for The New York Times, Scientific American, and the Financial Times.

Taking the negative is Landgrebe, an entrepreneur and researcher in the field of artificial intelligence working on the mathematical foundations and the philosophical implications of AI-based technology. In 2013, he founded the company Cognotekt, where he serves as managing director. Together with philosopher Barry Smith, he co-authored Why Machines Will Never Rule the World: Artificial Intelligence without Fear. He is also a research associate in the philosophy department at the University at Buffalo.

The post Will AI Destroy Humanity? A Soho Forum Debate appeared first on Reason.com.
Dozens of Chicago Jews, Palestinians and their supporters rally inside the Ogilvie Transportation Center on Nov. 13, 2023, to demand an immediate cease-fire in Gaza. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)

Some commuters arriving downtown Monday morning at Ogilvie Transportation Center were met with protesters calling for an end to the Israeli governments bombing of Gaza.

More than 1,000 Jewish peace activists gathered outside the Israeli consulate located in the Ogilvie building to deliver an urgent call for a cease-fire in Gaza, where more than 11,000 Palestinians  including thousands of children  have been killed since Oct. 7.

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The crisis in Gaza didnt start Oct. 7, but it intensified that day when Israel was attacked by Hamas  which the U.S. has designated a terrorist organization  kidnapping about 240 people and killing 1,200 others.

Were shutting down the consulate because business as usual cant continue when Israel is committing a genocidal assault on Gaza in our name, said Simone Pass Tucker, a member of the IfNotNow movement.

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On Monday, alongside IfNotNow, organizers from Jewish Voice for Peace and Never Again Action made speeches, sang songs and prayed.

The mass action took over the escalators that go up to where the Israeli consulate offices are located and protesters spread out holding a large white sheet with Jews say ceasefire now written across it.

Most commuters kept walking by, while some stopped to watch the demonstration. A spokesperson for Metra said that trains continued to run normally, but commuters werent able to use the main doors at 500 W. Madison St. to leave the station.

Jodi Melamed, a Jewish Voice for peace member from Milwaukee, said she hopes the message is clear that Joe Bidens administration must stop its insane complicity.

Were here in anger and rage as Jews and as American citizens, she said. We really feel that fighting for Palestinian life is the same thing as fighting anti-Semitism. Its the same thing as fighting Islamophobia. These are all part of the same fight. Our history makes us stand up for every life. It doesnt condone genocide.

Michael Wolfe, chapter organizer for Jewish Voice for Peace, said he too has been trying to dispel the argument that pro-Palestine equals antisemitism.

Its incredibly dangerous when the Israeli government does what it does, and says that theyre doing it in the name of the Jewish people. It just creates so much confusion that actually makes it harder for people like me to have a real conversation about what antisemitism really is, Wolfe said.

Afternoon Briefing Weekdays Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox each afternoon. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy >

Wolfes aunt and cousins live in Israel, and he noted how theyre able to move freely across the country, while Palestinians living in Gaza or the West Bank cannot.

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The textbook definition of apartheid is to have two different sets of rights for people. Palestinians dont deserve this, he said. Im continually humbled by the generosity that the Palestinians extend.  I have a friend who lost more than 34 members of her family (in the attacks on Gaza), and shes like, Is your family OK? This is why were doing this.

According to Jewish Voice for Peace, 100 people were arrested Monday for blocking the entrance to the Israeli consulate. The Chicago Police Department was not immediately available to confirm those arrests.

Todays action was the largest demonstration of Midwest Jews in solidarity with Palestinians in history, Wolfe said.

He said its important to keep the momentum going. People are resigning from the State Department; congressional staff are telling us privately that its working, he said. I do have hope.

zsyed@chicagotribune.com
Traces of missiles are visible in the sky above Kyiv

Russian ballistic missile attacks on Ukraine have not increased, Ukrainian Air Force spokesman Yuriy Ihnat said on national television on Nov. 14.

"Ballistic strikes have not increased, they have always been going on, Ihnat said.

Read also: Three injured as Russian launches massive Armistice Day drone and missile attack across Ukraine

It's just that some time passes and we forget, and for us, ballistic missiles seem like something new. They (the Russians) have always been using them."

According to him, at the beginning of the invasion, Russian forces even launched Tochka-U missiles, and now it has Iskander-M ballistic missiles and the Kinzhal aero-ballistic missiles.

Ihnat noted that ballistic missiles were not easy targets to shoot down with air defense systems.

Read also: Ukrainian air defenses down seven Russian Shahed attack drones during overnight enemy attack

"It is a target only for those systems that can (cope with) it  like Patriot," Ihnat said.

He added that Ukraine expects that SAMP/T  vertical launch surface-to-air missiles  will also appear in larger numbers, as both France and Italy, who jointly produce it, have promised to support Ukraine.

Several loud explosions occurred in Kyiv on Nov. 11, and an air raid alert was soon declared due to a missile threat.

Mayor Vitali Klitschko said that the explosions were heard on the left bank of the capital. According to preliminary information, there was a launch of air defense missiles, triggered by the detection of incoming Russian ballistic missiles.

Klitschko later clarified that the air defense forces had been operating near Kyiv, that there had been no calls made by the public to the emergency services, but that there were several calls for medical assistance. No injuries were reported.

Ihnat confirmed that the explosions heard in Kyiv were due to a Russian ballistic missile attack on the capital.

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
Ukrainian forces shot down seven of the nine Shahed "kamikaze" drones launched by Russia overnight, the Air Force reported on Nov. 14.

The drones were launched from Krasnodar Krai, the Air Force said.

Russia also launched an Iskander ballistic missile from Russian-occupied Crimea and a Kh-35 guided missile from the airspace of Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Oblast.

The Air Force did not release more information about the missile attack.

Russian forces used six Shahed drones in a evening attack on Izium on Nov. 13, Kharkiv Oblast Governor Oleh Syniehubov said. Four drones were shot down by air defense.

One drone was also shot down overnight over Pavlohrad in Dnipropetrovsk oblast, Governor Serhii Lysak said.

Read also: Zelensky: Ukrainian sky shield more powerful compared to last year

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
An air-raid warning was issued throughout Ukraine due to the take-off of a MiG-31K fighter jet, which can carry Kh-47 Kinzhal hypersonic missiles. The air-raid warning lasted about 2 hours and 40 minutes.

Source: online map of air-raid warnings, Ukraines Air Force on Telegram

Quote from the Air Force: "The whole of Ukraine is under a missile threat. A Russian MiG-31K fighter has been detected taking off."

For reference: A potential carrier of Kinzhal aeroballistic missiles taking to air means a threat of a strike for the entire territory of Ukraine. Therefore, an air-raid warning is declared throughout the country.

Updated: At 17:21, the all-clear was given.

Background: Ukraines Air Force attributed the prolonged flight time of Russian MG-31K fighters to the practice of refuelling midair.

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VINELAND  Police have found a baby who was taken from a shelter here, but a search continued Tuesday for his alleged kidnapper, a 16-year-old girl.

Police said the suspect, Akera Johns, refused to return 20-month-old Hakeem Hintzen to his mother at the Cumberland Family Shelter on Saturday, Nov. 11.

The boy was found in Philadelphia around 8 p.m. Monday "and is back in his mother's custody," according to a Facebook post from New Jersey State Police.

"Authorities are still attempting to locate (Johns)," the post said. "Investigation is active and ongoing."

Jones was charged with kidnapping, according to the U.S. Marshals Service in Philadelphia.

Cumberland County man faces charges Former teacher's aide accused of sending explicit photos to students

Johns was last seen at the shelter on Mays Landing Road around 3 p.m. Saturday.

It tweeted a photograph Monday night that showed the little boy waving at a camera and appearing to be comfortable in the arms of a law enforcement officer.

A missing-person notice distributed by Vineland police describes Johns as a friend of the child's family.

She is 5'10", about 140 pounds, with brown eyes and red-and-black braided hair, the notice says.

Johns was wearing a tan jacket, black jeans and black-and-white slides.

An investigation is being conducted by Vineland police and the Missing Persons and Human Trafficking Unit of the State Police.

Anyone with information is asked to call Vineland police at 856-696-1212, or dial 911.

A Cumberland Family Shelter representative could not be reached for immediate comment on the alleged abduction.

This is a developing story and may be updated.

Jim Walsh is a senior reporter with the Courier-Post, Burlington County Times and The Daily Journal. Email: Jwalsh@cpsj.com.

This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Girl, 16, and 20-month-old child went missing from shelter on Nov. 11
Travelers to Mexico can get deep discounts on flights through Alaska Airlines, but time is running out to book trips.

The airline announced Tuesday that it would be slashing flight prices to celebrate 35 years of flying to Mexico.

The three-day sale started on Tuesday and ends on Thursday, with some flights going for as low as $99 one way.

Alaska Airlines employees pop the question during Pride flight to L.A.

Alaska has connected travelers to the rich culture and natural beauty of Mexico since 1998 and has grown to be the No. 1 U.S.-based carrier from the West Coast with the most flights to the most destinations in Mexico, a spokesperson for the airline said.

The company has been expanding its route options in Mexico, including adding new routes to Zihuatanejo, a popular resort destination along Mexicos Pacific Coast.

Among the notable routes, Alaska will fly travelers from Los Angeles to Loreto or Los Cabos for $99 each way, or from L.A. to Zihuatanejo for $119.

Other popular Mexico travel destinations include Puerto Vallarta and Cancun.

Alaska debuts new Mickeys Toontown Express plane

Some of the most notable deals are below:

Los Angeles to Loreto from $99

Los Angeles to Los Cabos from $99

Los Angeles to Zihuantanejo from $119

Portland to Puerto Vallarta from $149

San Diego to Cancun from $119

San Diego to Los Cabos from $119

San Francisco to Loreto from $119

San Francisco to Puerto Vallarta from $119

San Jose to Puerta Vallarta from $99

Seattle to Los Cabos from $149

Most trips can also be booked by using Alaska Airlines miles, with prices starting around 7,500 miles.

For more information and to book a trip, click here.

The sale ends Thursday, Nov. 16.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
In an unusual, first-of-its-kind ranking of 35 states and the District of Columbia, charter schools in Alaska turned in the highest scores in reading and math, with students there learning the equivalent of about a years more material than their peers in other charter schools.

Meanwhile, Hawaii appeared at the bottom, with students there learning the equivalent of a year-and-a-half less than the typical charter school student.

The study, by Paul E. Peterson and M. Danish Shakeel of Harvard University and published Tuesday in Education Next, finds that students in Alaska turned in the strongest academic performance as judged by National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) tests.

Students in Colorado, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Oklahoma, and New Jersey followed closely behind, the researchers found, while charter school students in Hawaii, Tennessee, Michigan, Oregon and Pennsylvania performed the worst.

Peterson said using NAEP data for the analysis offered researchers an opportunity for a fresh, unvarnished look at charter school performance, one not often seen via state achievement tests, which for years have been criticized for manipulating proficiency levels.

NAEP, he said, is a low-stakes test thats not tied to teacher pay or school rankings. And the data is very clean because exactly the same test is being administered to every single student. So we are comparing student performances on the same tests and no other.

The disadvantage is that the results are much more constrained than typical state tests, offering scores in just fourth and eighth grades. That makes it impossible to analyze high school performance, a key concern. But Peterson noted that most charter schools are elementary or middle schools, so the data actually capture a more accurate picture of how the sector performs.

Related

Exiting Charter Leader Nina Rees Says the Center Still Holds on School Choice

One thing the NAEP data revealed: a serious achievement gap among charter school students in several states.

In D.C. and five states  Missouri, Wisconsin, Delaware, Michigan and Maryland  the gap between Black and white charter school students was roughly the equivalent of three-and-one-half years of learning.

They found the largest score differences between white and Hispanic students in D.C., Pennsylvania, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho and Massachusetts.

In a statement, the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools said the new data are sobering in many respects, showing that charter schools in many places have room to grow. But it said the data show many bright spots in the charter sector, and we are especially proud of the exceptional work being done in states like Alaska, Colorado, Massachusetts, New York and Oklahoma to produce positive outcomes on NAEP.

Peterson said he was most surprised by Alaskas performance, but soon realized he shouldnt be: Its got a highly educated population and an unusual education culture. Because its so remote and sparsely populated, he said, correspondence schools have had a presence there since the 1930s. And not just a few, a lot of them, he said. So the idea of having alternatives to the neighborhood school is very much part of their history.

He also theorized that Alaskas charters may have the resources to staff and equip new schools more easily than elsewhere.

Paul E. Peterson

As for Hawaii, he noted that half of its charter schools are explicitly serving the indigenous Hawaiian population  and half of those are teaching not in English, but in Hawaiian, as their purpose is to preserve that disappearing language.

States rankings based on charter students NAEP scores, the researchers said, were only weakly correlated with state rankings based on NAEP data for all public school students. And they found no significant difference in performance among states with different per-pupil charter funding levels or percentages of students enrolled in charter schools.

And though the study looked at charter schools nationally, the analysis isnt all-encompassing.

Related

New Study: Charter Students Outperforming Peers at Traditional Public Schools

Peterson and Shakeel looked at 145,730 NAEP results for fourth- and eighth-graders in 35 states and D.C. from 2009 to 2019, but excluded 10 states without enough data: Alabama, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Mississippi, Washington, Virginia, West Virginia and Wyoming.

In five other states  Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Vermont  there were no charter schools during the time period studied.

Management, authorizers matter

The researchers also found that the type of charter school matters, as does the governmental body authorizing it.

Students in schools managed by a nonprofit network scored better on NAEP tests, while those at freestanding independent charters and for-profit charter schools did more poorly.

Though just 20% of charters are in networks, said Harvards Peterson, Its clear that if you have a network, you have more opportunities for promotion within the organization. So you can keep people for a longer period of time. Youve got more management roles that people can grow into.

Charter schools in networks can also share practices and standardize back office functions. A lot of the problems that the little mom-and-pop school faces when its starting up, its got to sort of invent the whole wheel all over again.

Related

Public Charter Schools and the Chipotlification of American Education

Who authorizes the school also matters: Students whose charter schools are authorized by a state education agency fared better than those whose schools were authorized by a school district, mayors office or a university. Peterson said that shouldnt come as a surprise either, since a state department of educations job is to supervise schools performance. They have been doing this for 100 years. So if theyre now given a task to also do this for charter schools, they have the institutional capacity to do it. If you ask a university to do it, the university has never done this before. So theyre probably not going to be likely to have the equipment to do a great job of it.

Shavar Jeffries, CEO of the KIPP Foundation, which supports the U.S.s largest public charter school network, said the new findings confirm our experience, which is that public charter schools perform better when they are part of a larger network.

The new analysis differs from the recent Stanford University CREDO study, which compared charter school performance to that of students in nearby district schools. In its statement, the alliance said the CREDO study affirms that students who attend charter schools generally have better academic outcomes when compared to their peers at nearby district schools. And we maintain our commitment to serving all students well, especially those who have been chronically underserved.
American Airlines Group Inc. announced last week it has added Tulum, Mexico, to its schedule next spring, with Charlotte Douglas one of three U.S. airports picked to serve that destination with nonstop flights. The Tulum airport, which uses the code TQO, is new and expects to open this December, according to multiple reports.

American Airlines offering some pilots $250K to join regional carrier

The once-daily flight from Charlotte to Tulum will launch March 28 on a year-round basis, American said. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport will operate two daily flights. Miami International Airport, like CLT, will fly once a day to Tulum.

Read the full story on CBJs website here.




The American Medical Association wants insurance companies and federal payers to fully cover a new class of obesity treatments like Wegovy and Ozempic, even as plans search for ways to avoid paying for the high cost of the drugs.

The organization voted Monday to pass a resolution supporting health insurance coverage parity for evidence-based treatment of obesity, including FDA-approved medications without exclusions or additional carve-outs.

The AMA said it regards obesity as a disease that poses a major health concern and can put patients at risk for serious health consequences if left untreated.

The vote from the nations top physician lobby ratchets up pressure on insurers and the federal government.

Federal law bars Medicare from covering weight-loss drugs, though Congress is considering taking steps to change the policy. Private insurers have been unwilling to cover weight-loss drugs because they are viewed as lifestyle or cosmetic medicine and not essential.

Diabetes treatments like Ozempic and Mounjaro have been used off-label for weight loss, but a new class of medicines called GLP-1 treatments like Wegovy and Zepbound are now officially approved by the Food and Drug Administration for obesity.

They can help patients lose a dramatic amount of weight, but cost more than $1,000 a month. In addition, almost half the country may be eligible because so many people are considered overweight or obese. As a result, insurers have been instituting policies like lifetime coverage caps, onerous paperwork rules, or even outright refusal to cover the FDA-approved drugs.

The costs for the patient and broader health care system associated with obesity, including the treatment of weight-related conditions and potential complications, can be substantial, AMA said. It is crucial to recognize the urgency of addressing this disease comprehensively and proactively through a range of suitable treatments.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
American teenager Farah Abuolba and her mother were left stranded at Al-Quds, a hospital in Gaza, after an Israeli airstrike upended their escape to Egypt and left them with horrific injuries, they said in an interview filmed last week and aired by CNN on Monday. I want to feel like oh I can move my fingers. My fingers are gone now, Abuolba told CNN. She said she sustained her injuries while traveling south on a bus as her and her mom again tried to make it to the border crossing with Egypt. Abuolba said an Israeli strike hit the bus. Israeli officials denied to CNN that they struck that street at that time. I walked from the beachprobably like three miles from the beach to the hospital. I could have given up  all my blood dripped all over me, Abuolba said. In Pennsylvania, her father pleaded with State Department officials to stop the fighting. I pay tax for United States of America to support Israel to shoot and to bomb my daughter and my wife, he said. Operations at Al-Quds, Gazas second-largest hospital, have since ceased due to fuel shortages.

Read it at CNN

Read more at The Daily Beast.
If you live in the United States, chances are that cashiers often ask whether you want to donate to a cause their employer is currently supporting. Organizations like Childrens Miracle Network Hospitals, the Boys and Girls Clubs of America or relief efforts in Ukraine were among the causes retailers championed in 2022.

You may be asked if youd like to round up your total to the nearest dollar, to add on a small amount or to buy a shamrock, heart or some other token that will be displayed in the store with your name on it. Sometimes these prompts are delivered by a credit card reader or a website during an online purchase.

According to Engage for Good, a social impact organization, 77 businesses raised over US$1 million each in 2022 from their customers for charity. These campaigns, the largest in the U.S., raised a total of $749 million. Checkout charity campaigns through eBay, Walgreens and PetSmart are among the nations largest.

We conduct research in the field of nonprofit management and charitable fundraising, and we wanted to know more about the people who say yes when asked to give at checkout  which we call impulse giving.

More than half give this way

As opposed to an impulse buyer, who buys things they werent planning to acquire while shopping, impulse giving is tied to the widespread instinct to help.

To learn more about the people who have collectively given hundreds of millions of dollars this way, we conducted a national survey of 1,383 American adults, the results of which will be published in a forthcoming article in the Journal of Public and Nonprofit Affairs.

We asked participants, who we found using Amazons Mechanical Turk platform, whether they gave at checkout, the amount they gave over the past year and how they donated. We also collected demographic information to create a profile of a typical impulse giver.

More than half of the respondents  53%  said they had given to charity while paying for their purchases in the prior year. People who give this way say they donate about $50 to charities annually  about a dollar per week on average. The most popular form of checkout charity was rounding their total up to the nearest dollar: About 85% of these impulse givers told us that they did that.

More than two-thirds of the impulse givers we identified said that sometimes, instead of rounding up, they choose an additional amount to add on to their purchase, such as $1. Only about one-fifth of the people who support charities at checkout said they had purchased tokens for in-store display.

Of those who said they engaged in checkout charity, about 59% said they give to charity in multiple ways throughout the year.

Who are the impulse givers?

We found that checkout charity seems to appeal most to people under 50 years old and those who are middle-class wage earners  earning from $35,000 to $99,000 a year.

Those who had attended college were slightly less likely to give at the register than other survey respondents.

These patterns are different from those who give directly to charitable organizations. People who are older, earn higher incomes and have more years of higher education are more likely to donate directly to charitable organizations.

We also found that women are also more likely to give  and to give more  with checkout charity than men.

We found additional demographic differences in the amount of money generally donated. We found that, on average, white respondents gave $167 a year, while Black respondents gave $225  but its possible that other factors, such as age and income, may play a role in those decisions. When we controlled for the influence of other demographic factors, we found that Black people taking part in our survey were spending approximately $120 a year more on impulse giving than white people reported. Blackbaud, a fundraising software company, has also found that Black Americans are more likely to engage in checkout charity than white Americans.

We also asked the survey respondents to think about the last time they donated while checking out and to tell us how familiar they were with the charity receiving their small gift.

Only 31% of impulse givers said they were very knowledgeable about the organization, with 12% of these small donors stating they had no familiarity at all. The majority had at least some awareness about the organization that would receive their money.

Can there be too many asks?

According to Engage for Good, the total raised from the largest checkout charity campaigns has grown each year since 2012.

However, the increased frequency of customers being asked to give to charity when they check out may instill complacency  or possibly, annoyance. Customers are now so used to being asked to give at checkout that they may be starting to act less impulsively.

For some shoppers, including those who participated in our study, the impulse to give may eventually yield to the ability to more easily say no thanks.

This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and analysis to help you make sense of our complex world.

It was written by: Lauren Dula, Binghamton University, State University of New York and Ruth K. Hansen, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

Read more:



Ruth K. Hansen receives funding from the Association of Fundraising Professionals Foundation for Philanthropy.
Smoke from an Israeli airstrike on the outskirts of Aita al-Shaab, a Lebanese border village with Israel in south Lebanon, on Nov. 13, 2023. Israeli troops and Hezbollah militants and their allies have been clashing along the border since the Israel-Hamas war started. (Hussein Malla/AP)

In addition to ensuring Israel has what it needs to crush Hamas as well as seeking to alleviate the dire humanitarian catastrophe for Palestinians in Gaza, President Joe Bidens administration has another critical responsibility on its plate: preventing the war from spreading to other countries in the Middle East.

Senior U.S. officials, up to Biden himself, have repeatedly warned Iran and its network of proxies in the region to think twice before taking advantage of the situation. Using intermediaries in the Lebanese parliament, the U.S. has delivered messages to Hezbollah, the Lebanese proxy that rules southern Lebanon, to not open a second front against Israel. The U.S. also deployed two carrier strike groups in the Middle East, enhancing the U.S. militarys ability to respond to various contingencies as needed.

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Thus far, the strategy has appeared to work well enough. The large-scale war Israeli and Lebanese civilians feared after Hamas depraved attack in southern Israel more than a month ago fortunately hasnt come to pass, at least not yet. While Israeli troops and Hezbollah militants have clashed repeatedly over the last few weeks, the incidents have been contained to the Israeli-Lebanese border area.

One cant say the same thing in Iraq and Syria, where approximately 3,500 U.S. troops are positioned across a constellation of small military bases for the ostensible purpose of keeping the Islamic State terrorist group contained.

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On Sunday, the U.S. conducted a round of precision airstrikes against two Iranian-linked militia facilities in eastern Syria, killing an unknown number of fighters in the process. The strikes were in retaliation for a series of one-way drone and rocket attacks on U.S. bases in Iraq and Syria that have been virtually nonstop since Israel launched its offensive against Hamas. The president has no higher priority than the safety of U.S. personnel, and he directed todays action to make clear that the United States will defend itself, its personnel, and its interests, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin wrote immediately after the strikes were reported.

This isnt the first time the Biden administration has taken action against Iranian-backed groups. This weekends strike was the third in about two weeks. Overall, the U.S. has struck militia training bases, headquarters and ammunition storage units seven times during the Biden presidency. Indeed, the first strike occurred only weeks after Biden took the job.

Ask U.S. defense officials what they aim to achieve with these strikes, and you usually get the same answer: We want to deter these groups from launching more attacks on U.S. positions. By responding forcefully, the U.S. hopes to signal to the various groups launching the attacks that they cost more than they presumably offer in gains.

But if weve learned anything over the last several weeks, its that deterrence has failed in every respect. The militias havent missed a stride in harassing U.S. troops deployed in Iraq and Syria. There have been dozens of militia attacks since the initial round of U.S. strikes late last month and four in the 24-hour period since the latest U.S. strikes on Sunday, which is evidence enough that U.S. military action to date hasnt changed the calculus of these organizations one iota. If anything, the U.S. strikes compel further retaliation from the militias, which in turn force the U.S. to conduct more airstrikes. It doesnt take a genius to see how this tit-for-tat exchange could easily get out of control.

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To some lawmakers and analysts, the reason deterrence hasnt been established is because the Biden administration is too wimpish in its responses. Pin prick strikes against ammo dumps in the desert wont do a damn thing to stop Iran from attacking our troops, Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Waltz tweeted last week. Hal Brands, a professor at Johns Hopkins University, recommends the U.S. make it crystal clear to Tehran that the Iranian military will be susceptible to U.S. military action if the attacks continue. Of course, this is pretty much what President Donald Trump did in January 2020, when he authorized the assassination of Qassem Soleimani, one of Irans most notorious generals. The result: Iran sent a dozen ballistic missiles into a U.S. air base in Iraq, causing injuries to about 100 U.S. service members. The rocket attacks continued in the months thereafter.

Is establishing deterrence even possible? U.S. defense officials seem to think so. The reality is less promising. Nonstate organizations are extremely difficult to deter in the first instance. This has nothing to do with U.S. strength or grit, as so many appear to believe, and more to do with the fact that nonstate actors arent, well, states. Unlike states, nonstate groups dont have to worry about maintaining internal political stability, caring for a general population or promoting an advantageous balance of power. All of these considerations serve as handcuffs for states, hindering their freedom of movement. Not so for nonstate actors.

How, therefore, can the U.S. protect itself from further attacks in Iraq and Syria? The answer, it would seem, is to pack up and leave.

Although this is unsatisfying to some, the U.S. ultimately doesnt gain much from being in either country. The Islamic State caliphate is long gone, and whatever remains of the terrorist group can be contained by local actors  the Iraqi government, the Syrian government, Iranian-linked militias, the Kurds, Russia and Turkey  that for their own self-interested reasons have the intent and capability to keep the organization on a leash. The only other option is the status quo, which courts unnecessary risk and will eventually result in U.S. fatalities.

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Simply put: The militias will continue taking potshots at U.S. troops as long as they remain in Iraq and Syria. Its about time U.S. policymakers finally come around to that obvious conclusion.

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.
The Whataburger hamburger chain is continuing its expansion into South Carolina with a restaurant on Killian Commons Parkway in Columbia.

The company is seeking bids for new construction via LDILand, a website for general contractors to see construction plans for bidding.

It will be the third in the Columbia area from the national chain based in San Antonio, Texas, not the locally-owned restaurant What-A-Burger.

The others are in Irmo and Lexington.

The Columbia spot is at an exit of Interstate 77, where a number of other fast food restaurants are located, including Chick-Fil-A and Freddys Frozen Custard, as well as a number of car dealerships.

Seven other Whataburger locations have been announced this year in Upstate South Carolina, two in the city of Spartanburg, one in Boiling Springs, one in Duncan, one in Anderson and two in Greenville.

A representative of Whataburger did not immediately answer requests for comment on the Columbia plans or what other cities in South Carolina will be considered as part of an aggressive expansion program.

In Greenville, the board of zoning appeals denied a special exception for a 24-hour drive-thru. The location is slightly less than an acre and was formerly a Title-Max office across Laurens Road from a Chick-fil-A and a Cookout in a commercial area with many other fast-food businesses and a Publix.

A document filed with the board of zoning appeals said the Laurens Road Whataburger expected to do $3.4 million in sales a year. All Whataburgers are open 24 years a day, seven days a week except Christmas.

The other location in the Greenville area is on Woodruff Road, outside Greenville city limits. It does not require governmental oversight. The road is an almost continuous expanse of strip malls, big-box stores and fast food chains through Greenville County.

Whataburger was founded in 1950 as a roadside burger stand by Harmon Dobson in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Dobson died in a private plane crash in 1967, and his wife Grace took over the company. By the time she died in 2005 at age 80, the company had grown to 600 stores.

The family sold its majority interest in the company In 2019 to Chicago-based investment firm BDT Capital, which began the expansion program.
Anti-Jewish hate crimes in Los Angeles are on the rise, data shows

LOS ANGELES - New data was released regarding anti-Jewish hate crimes across Los Angeles, indicating an alarming trend as tensions remain high amid the Israel-Hamas war.

Numbers from CompStat show anti-Jewish hate crimes are up 27% compared to where they were in 2022.

From Jan. 1 through Oct. 28, 2023, the Los Angeles Police Department has registered 111 anti-Jewish hate crimes. This surpasses the 107 hate crimes that were reported in LA in the 2022 calendar year.

"Hate crimes have surged 40% with 49 hate crimes reported in that two-week period, versus 25 in the same period last year. Thats an increase of 14 additional hate crimes," LAPD Chief Michel Moore said during a Los Angeles Police Commission meeting last month.

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Moore added that anti-Islamic and anti-Arab hate crimes also increased. A report said LAPD data shows there have been nine anti-Arab hate crimes in the first 10 months of the year, as well as four anti-Muslim hate crimes.
A House hearing Tuesday put a spotlight on how diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) offices on college campuses are dealing with rising antisemitism after the Hamas attack on Israel spurred the war now raging in the Gaza Strip.

During the hearing, titled Confronting the Scourge of Antisemitism on Campus, Republicans argued DEI offices have failed to support Jewish students.

Sahar Tartak, a Jewish student at Yale University, detailed in her testimony how she has not had time to mourn the murder of some 1,200 people in Israel during the Oct. 7 terrorist attack, due to the hostile environment on her own campus.

Diversity, equity and inclusion offices and organizations alike have done nothing for me and my friends and the horrifying experiences on their campus, said Tartak, who says she sits in her dining hall asking herself, How many people in this room want me dead?

The Democratic witness, Stacy Burdett, an independent consultant on antisemitism prevention and response, said diversity, equity and inclusion work, maybe, wasnt set up to anticipate a group of mostly white people scared of hate crimes but said it can be enhanced, and the people that I work with have adapted and are protecting Jews now.

Some Republicans said these offices have only compounded the pain being felt by Jewish students.

One of the ways I think colleges and universities have promoted antisemitic speech and behavior is through their DEI offices, said Rep. Nathaniel Moran (R-Texas).

DEI offices have long been targeted by Republicans as a waste of federal funding, and some lawmakers once again threatened to cut funding from schools Tuesday.

The hearing comes as colleges across the country have faced fierce criticism from students, alumni and donors over rising acts of antisemitism and pro-Palestinian protests on campus.

Can you provide any direction on whether federal funds can be removed from universities that continue to be these hotbeds of antisemitism or even taking it another step to remove accreditation from universities that fail to adequately address antisemitism on their campus? Rep. Brandon Williams (R-N.Y.) asked one of the witnesses.

Democrats went on the attack against Republicans for looking to cut funding from the Department of Education and Office for Civil Rights, which deals with discrimination complaints.

Ranking member Bobby Scott (D-Va.) got into a back-and-forth with witness Kenneth Marcus, founder and chairman of the Brandeis Center, on the importance of fully funding these offices.

Marcus argued that antisemitism cases are such a tiny percentage of cases brought to the Department of Education that funding levels wouldnt make a difference. He said the federal response was a question of political will and management.

Scott said a cut in funding would absolutely cause a backlog for the department and slow down its response.

That would require you, however, to ignore the thousands of cases that are pending for other kinds of discrimination under Title IV, is that right? Scott responded, adding, if you cut the budget, youre not going to be able to address them as well. Thats thats just simple arithmetic.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
As the world watches the casualties and destruction mount during the Israel-Hamas war, a number of Western countries are attempting to mediate a peaceful solution. Few nations are more involved than the United States, and the U.S. efforts are being led by Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

A stalwart diplomat with years of foreign policy experience under his belt, Blinken has made a number of recent trips to Israel and Arab countries in an attempt to find a resolution to the war. As the country's primary foreign diplomat, Blinken isn't just juggling the Middle East portfolio, though. Among his other notable assignments are the continuing conflict in Ukraine and curbing China's influence.

Blinken held numerous roles within the State Department before being picked for the top job, and he has also worked for the National Security Council as its top adviser to the president. Where did Blinken get his start, and how has his career in foreign policy led him to this moment?

Blinken's beginnings

Antony Blinken was born in 1962 in Yonkers, New York. His career in foreign affairs isn't a huge surprise: his uncle "served as U.S. ambassador to Belgium, at the same time that Blinken's father was ambassador to Hungary," Politico reported. Blinken also had a stepfather who was an adviser to President John F. Kennedy and a number of French presidents.

After earning an undergraduate degree from Harvard University and a law degree from Columbia University, Blinken practiced law before transitioning into politics and policy. He worked on Michael Dukakis' 1988 presidential campaign and eventually landed a number of jobs in the Clinton administration. In 2002, he became the Democratic staff director for the Senate Foreign Relations Committee  whose top Democrat was Delaware Sen. Joe Biden.

It was in this Senate capacity that Blinken began developing a working relationship with the future president. Blinken eventually followed Biden to the White House in 2009, serving as the then-vice president's national security adviser during President Barack Obama's first term, according to his official State Department biography. In Obama's second term, Blinken "served as deputy secretary of state" and "Obama's principal deputy national security adviser," his biography added.

In 2020, President-elect Biden announced that he was nominating Blinken to his Cabinet as America's top diplomat. The Senate confirmed Blinken's nomination by a 78-22 margin in January 2021, making him the 71st secretary of state.

Secretary of state career

Upon being nominated, The Guardian reported, Blinken summed up his foreign policy doctrine: "We can't solve all the world's problems alone. We need to be working with other countries." He added, though, that the United States, "at its best, still has a greater ability than any other country on earth to bring others together to meet the challenges of our time."

After taking office, Blinken was quickly thrust into the spotlight as the United States withdrew from Afghanistan in the summer of 2021. In the midst of significant criticism leveled at the White House, Blinken acknowledged that "more could and should have been done" by the State Department to prepare for a scenario in which the Taliban rapidly took over the country.

Following the problematic withdrawal from Afghanistan, Blinken has worked to shore up American foreign relations with the European Union, China and a number of other regions. He has attempted to dissuade China from continuing its aggression in the South China Sea and elsewhere as relations with the United States continue to sour. During a recent meeting with the Chinese foreign minister, Blinken "discussed the importance of maintaining stability in the region and discouraging other parties from entering the conflict" between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, according to a readout of the meeting. He also "noted the importance of maintaining open channels of communication and responsibly managing the U.S.-China relationship."

Blinken's most pressing moments on the world stage have come during the wars in Ukraine and Gaza. His State Department authorized the shipment of weapons and aid to Ukraine after Russia invaded in early 2022. Blinken has also become deeply enmeshed in trying to negotiate peace in Gaza, and during multiple trips to meet with Arab leaders, he has "advocated for humanitarian pauses to facilitate getting fuel into the war-torn strip and getting civilians out," CNN reported.
Xi Jinping receives flowers from a young girl in Iowa during a 2012 trip to the state

Rick Kimberly still doesn't know quite how the future leader of China ended up visiting his farm outside Des Moines.

In 2012, Xi Jinping was vice-president and on a tour of the US, when he showed a particular interest in agricultural areas.

An advance party made its way to Mr Kimberly's family farm in Iowa, which grows corn and soybeans.

Officials told him that no-one, not even Mr Xi, should climb on to the machinery. "I suppose they were worried someone might slip and fall," he recalls.

But the officials underestimated the hands-on enthusiasm of the most important member of their delegation.

"I saw Mr Xi looking at the John Deere tractor," Mr Kimberly says, "and I asked him if he wanted to climb on.

"Of course he did. We were speaking through a translator, but he even didn't wait for the translation, he understood me right away and went right to the tractor."

Xi Jinping (centre) climbs out of the cab of the tractor with Rick Kimberley (r) while touring his family farm in 2012

The health and safety fears turned out to be unfounded, and Mr Xi was both delighted and uninjured by his ride on farm equipment.

It proved to be another chapter in the Chinese president's curious ties to the largely rural Midwestern state.

The future leader of China seemed to enjoy his hands-on visit

Mr Xi first travelled to Iowa in 1985 as part of an agricultural delegation from China's Hebei province.

He stayed in Muscatine, a city of about 24,000 people circled by farmland and the Mississippi River.

The People's Daily, the Chinese Communist Party's official newspaper, noted that the delegation "visited elderly people in the local community, attended a birthday party, had six interviews with local media outlets and attended five welcome banquets held by the US side".

"I thought he was a very nice, focused, polite man," Eleanor Dvorchak, who hosted Mr Xi at her home during his stay, later told the BBC. "It was a pleasure to have him at the house."

The Dvorchaks put Mr Xi up in their son's bedroom - he was away at college at the University of Iowa at the time. If the Chinese president had an opinion about the room's Star Trek wallpaper, he has managed to keep it to himself.

The Chinese leader reunited with Muscatine residents including Sarah Lande (L) during his 2012 visit. In 1985, Ms Lande helped coordinate a visit to Muscatine for a delegation headed by Mr Xi

Some of the Iowans that the future president met during that initial trip are now known in Chinese media as the "old friends".

And while the often frosty relationship between the US and China will be picked apart in minute detail during this week's Apec summit and a meeting between Mr Xi and President Joe Biden, he's sure to receive a warm welcome from several "old friends" who have been invited to a dinner.

As part of his 2012 trip to the state, he returned to Muscatine, and the following year a Chinese businessman bought the Dvorchaks' old house, which for a while was turned into a museum.

Iowa is not on the itinerary this week, but it's expected Mr Xi will also meet with Terry Branstad, a former governor of the state who served as ambassador to China under Donald Trump.

Mr Branstad, who did not respond to a request for an interview, told an Iowa newspaper after leaving the ambassador's post that while he had a warm personal relationship with Mr Xi, he had deep concerns about some of the Chinese government's policies.

"The action they've taken against the people in Hong Kong... [and] mistreatment of the Uyghurs, I think is unconscionable," he told The Gazette in Cedar Rapids.

He also criticised the country's secrecy about the origins of the first Covid-19 outbreak and said: "I really think their system is a real problem."

A McDonald's restaurant in Muscatine welcomes Mr Xi during his trip in 2012

Mr Kimberly, who's now 72 and the fifth generation of his family to farm in Iowa going back to the 1860s, says that back in 2012, the Chinese delegation was interested in more than just a photo op - they asked plenty of questions about the minutiae of modern farming.

And for him personally, the visit was a life-changing event. He was later invited to China and has since travelled to country more than 20 times as part of efforts to boost agricultural development.

Mr Xi looks at vases full of soybeans and corn in the Kimberly home in 2012 as Mr Branstad (L) - the Iowa governor who would later be ambassador to China - and Mr Kimberley (R) look on

"We promote sustainable agriculture and better ways of growing," he says. "We farm 4,000 acres with four people. It's amazing to people in China that you can farm that much land with so few people."

And it also made his farm into something of a tourist attraction. Mr Kimberly says "hundreds if not thousands" of Chinese people have since made the trek to the spot of land where their leader once took a ride on a tractor.
From the The Morning Dispatch on The Dispatch

Happy Tuesday! How much would you pay for an unopened pack of American Spirit cigarettes the late Kurt Cobain left behind at a rehab clinic? If the answer is somewhere north of $1,700, heres your chance! Entertain it!

Quick Hits: Todays Top Stories

The Escalating Proxy Conflict with Iran

(via Getty Images)

On October 25, American troops stationed at the Al-Asad Air Base in western Iraq were targeted in a drone attack launched by Iranian-backed militia groups. One drone, laden with explosives, lodged in a barracks but did not detonate. Had it exploded, American military personnel likely would have died. They are aiming to kill, a U.S. defense official told the Wall Street Journal, We have just been lucky.

The attack was just one of dozens perpetrated against U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria by Iranian proxy groups over the last month, presumably in response to American involvement in Israels war against Hamas. At least 56 service members have thus far been injured in the attacks, according to Pentagon officials, with 25 sustaining traumatic brain injuries. Approximately 900 U.S. troops remain in Syria and 2,500 remain in Iraq, working with local forces to prevent any resurgence of the Islamic State in the region. The strikes on U.S. troops show no signs of abating, and some analysts believe a more forceful American response is needed to break the current pattern of attacksbut the risk of escalating conflict looms large over the region.

After two precision strikes targeting facilities in eastern Syria used by Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps and its proxies in response to repeated attacks on American and coalition positionsone in late October, one in early Novemberthe United States on Sunday carried out a third bombardment that reportedly killed a handful of proxy fighters. That apparently wasnt enough to deter those groups, however, with Iranian proxies launching four additional strikes between Sunday evening and Monday morning, bringing the total number of attacks on U.S. forces since mid-October to 52. The Pentagon didnt report any U.S. casualties or major damage from the latest attacks.

The President has no higher priority than the safety of U.S. personnel, and he directed todays action to make clear that the United States will defend itself, its personnel, and its interests, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a statement on Sunday night. Austin followed up yesterday with comments at a press conference in South Korea. These attacks must stop, he said, and if they dont stop, then we wont hesitate to do whats necessary  to protect our troops. The remarks are notably stronger than Austins statements after the first retaliatory bombardment carried out on October 26, and Sundays counterstrikes represented a bolstered American response to the proxy group attacks. But they also reflected the implicit limits the Biden administration is observing in an attempt to prevent further escalation. The retaliatory strikes have thus far targeted facilities in Syria affiliated with proxy groups and in some cases used by Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)but not any dedicated Iranian military targets.

The issue is there is an unstated red line, and that red line is Iran, Michael Rubin, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) who focuses on Iran, told TMD. If the attacks are being planned, financed, and controlled from inside Iran, but all the retaliation is against targets in Syria, it suggests that there is a restraint to American policy.

Many analysts believe Iran views damage inflicted on its affiliated Arab militia proxy groups, particularly in Syria, as not especially costly. The venue of Syria is the least aggressive posture for the United States because it is where the Iranians have the least amount to lose, said Rich Goldberg, a senior adviser at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies who previously served as the White House National Security Councils director for countering Iranian weapons of mass destruction. To the extent that the United States chooses to attack Arab militia infrastructure or Arab militia personnel instead of the IRGC, it is a low cost for Tehran.

In recent years, this strategy has emerged as standard operating procedure. The fact that we continue over two-and-a-half years to only strike in Syria is instructive to Tehran, he added. They feel that there is some level of impunity for aggressive tactics against the United States.

The proxy militias operating in Syria and Iraq fall under the umbrella of Irans so-called Axis of Resistance coalition. As Nicholas Carl, the Middle East portfolio manager for the Critical Threats Project (CTP) at AEI, wrote on the site earlier this month:

Iran furnishes these groups with varying levels of financial, military, and political support in exchange for some degree of influence or control over their actions. Some are traditional proxies that are highly responsive to Iranian direction while others are partner militias over which Iran exerts more limited influence.  Iranthrough the IRGCprovides direction, intelligence, logistical support, weapons, and other kinds of military hardware to the other members of the Axis of Resistance. The IRGC in more recent years has focused on outfitting the militias with advanced military capabilities, such as long-range drones and missiles, as well as promoting greater cohesion across its members, driving them to work alongside one another more closely.

Though the United States has yet to strike IRGC personnel directly, American defense officials view the Iranian military as responsible for the attacksand hope that their strikes against Iranian proxies convey this blame. By specifically targeting IRGC-associated facilities, we seek to convey a clear message to Iran that we hold it accountable for the attacks on U.S. forces, and we expect Iran to take measures to direct its proxies to stop, a senior Defense Department official told reporters on November 8 following the second U.S. retaliatory strike. At the same time, officials were careful to underscore that IRGC troops were not targeted. We are very certain that this did not involve civilian loss and that the personnel, if they were there, were associated with the IRGC in terms of either, you know, their affiliated groups. Six to seven proxy group fighters were reportedly killed in Sundays strikes, and there were no reports of IRGC troops injured or killed.

Despite the Pentagons assurance that the U.S. will do what it needs to do to protect its troops, some lawmakers and analysts believe the response has fallen short. Rubin argues the Biden administrations trepidation about striking IRGC personnel has trumped its ability to protect Americanswhich ends up weakening deterrence and increasing the risk of escalation. Biden may be thinking that he is showing restraint, Rubin said. In reality, he could be setting us up for a far worse conflict.

The goal is to roll back Iranian aggression, deter Iran from continued attacks against Americans, and also to dissuade any miscalculation by the regime that would force a major escalation by the United States, Goldberg told TMD. The lack of military responses by the United States over several weeks, or using a response that is perceived as weak in Tehran, invites further attack on U.S. forces [and] risks increasing that miscalculation.

Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina took this line of thinking one step further during last weeks Republican presidential primary debate. If you want to stop the 40 plus attacks on military personnel in the Middle East, you have to strike in Iran, he said. You cannot just continue to have strikes in Syria on warehouses, you actually have to cut off the head of the snakeand the head of the snake is Iran, and not simply their proxies.

But some experts warn that a more forceful responseespecially nowmight not prevent further strikes on U.S. troops. Whether or not theres really a good option for how to deter these attacks in totem, Im not sure it exists, at least not at the moment, Greg Brew, an analyst for the Eurasia Group, told TMD. The types of militias attacking U.S. positionssmall groups of radicals that dont care about regional or geopolitical consequencescan be difficult to deter. These groups look to Tehran for arms, money, and ideological leadership, Brew said. Beyond that, a lot of them do whatever they want.

Still, the Biden administration may continue to respond with retaliatory strikes on proxy groups in Syriaat least in the short term. All the U.S. can really do is try to manage the situation using the assets it has in the region and [do] what it can to contain the crisis and avoid an escalation, Brew argued.

But the chance of escalationand a potentially dramatic shift in the dynamic of the regionrises in correlation with the number of attacks on American bases in the region: The more attacks there are, the greater the risk that U.S. troops could be killed. If they kill Americans, Goldberg said. There will have to be a very strong response against Iran directly.

Worth Your Time

Its been a big year for the aliens are real crowdbut is physicist Sean Kirkpatrick, the outgoing head of the Pentagons UFO-identifying unit, among their number? Sean Kirkpatrick set up an entire system for collecting data, waded through hundreds of reported UFO sightings and batted down whistleblower claims that the government covered up a program to reverse-engineer alien craft, Lara Seligman wrote in a story for Politico. And dont forget the Chinese spy balloon episode. The Pentagon has a real interest in deciphering the sharp rise in unidentified crafts spotted by military pilots; if these arent aliens, they could be foreign adversaries posing incredibly new threats. To cut to the chase: Are aliens real? That is a great question. I love that question, Kirkpatrick said in an interview. Number one, the best thing that could come out of this job is to prove that there are aliens, right? Because if we dont prove there are aliens, then what were finding is evidence of other people doing stuff in our backyard. And thats not good. Two, from a scientific perspective: The scientific community will agree that it is statistically invalid to believe that there is not life out in the universe, as vast as the universe is and the number of galaxies and solar systems and planets. So part of what weve been trying to do, and part of what I will continue to do until Im done, is raise the level of the conversation. Let me explain. If you are talking with NASA or the European Space Agency, and youre talking about looking for life out in the universe, it is a very objective, very scientifically sound discussion and discourse. As that discussion gets closer to the solar system, somewhere around Mars, it turns into science fiction. And then as you get even closer to Earth, and you cross into Earths atmosphere, it becomes conspiracy theory.

Presented Without Comment

Mediaite: Trump Spox Responds to Firestorm Over Trump Calling His Enemies Vermin With a Vow to Crush Their Existence

Toeing the Company Line

Its Tuesday, which means Dispatch Live () returns tonight at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT! The team will discuss the news of the week and, of course, take plenty of viewer questions! Keep an eye out for an email later today with information on how to tune in.

In the newsletters: Kevin filed a dispatch from a Texas Nationalist Movement meeting in Waco, the Dispatch Politics team covered the aftermath of the GOPs electoral defeats last week, and Nick argued () we need to take Trump seriously.

On the podcasts: Declan sits down with Jonathan Karl of ABC News on The Dispatch Podcast to discuss his new Trump book, Sarah re-airs Bari Weiss Federalist Society lecture (on the aftermath of Hamas October 7 attacks) on Advisory Opinions , and Jonah inaugurates his Ask Me Anything podcast on The Skiff ().

On the site: Drucker posits that Trumps GOP opponents have no answer for him, Charlotte explains what calls for a ceasefire in Gaza ignore, Stirewalt explores Sen. Joe Manchins retirement and potential No Labels bid, and Scott Winship breaks down the latest child poverty numbers.

Let Us Know

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Archaeological research in the Middle East is revealing how a long-forgotten ancient civilisation used previously undiscovered linguistics to promote multiculturalism and political stability.

The ground-breaking discoveries are also shedding new light on how early empires functioned.

Ongoing excavations in Turkey  in the ruins of the ancient capital of the Hittite empire  are yielding remarkable evidence that the imperial civil service included entire departments fully or partly dedicated to researching the religions of subject peoples.

The evidence suggests that, back in the second millennium BC, Hittite leaders told their civil servants to record subject peoples religious liturgies and other traditions by writing them down in their respective local languages (but in Hittite script)  so that those traditions could be preserved and incorporated into the empires highly inclusive multicultural religious system.

So far, modern experts on ancient languages have discovered that Hittite civil servants preserved and recorded religious documents from at least five subject ethnic groups.

The latest example was unearthed just two months ago. It turned out to be written in a previously unknown Middle Eastern language that had been lost for up to 3,000 years.

One of Hatussas city gates survives: the two stone lions were put there to ward off evil  like the newly discovered religious texts, their role was to protect the people (Daniel Schwemer)

Over the decades, around 30,000 complete and fragmentary clay tablet documents have been unearthed in the ruins of the ancient Hittite capital  Hattussa (now known as Bogazkoy) around 100 miles east of modern Turkeys capital, Ankara.

The great majority were written in the empires main language  Hittite. But the Hittite governments scribes wrote around 5 per cent of them fully or partly in the languages of the empires minority ethnic groups  peoples like the Luwians (south-eastern Anatolians), Palaians (from part of north-west Anatolian), Hattians (central Anatolians) and Hurrians (from Syria and northern Mesopotamia).

The most recently discovered minority language, recorded by government scribes (and previously unknown to modern scholars) is being called Kalasmaic  because it seems to have been spoken by a subject people in an area called Kalasma on the empires northwestern fringe.

A reconstruction of a section of Hatussas city wall (Daniel Schwemer)

The discovery suggests that even the most obscure languages in the empire were being recorded, studied and preserved in written form. That in turn raises the possibility that other small previously unknown Middle Eastern languages will be discovered, recorded on Hittite imperial clay tablets, in the particular series of ancient scriptoria that the archaeologists are currently excavating at Bogazkoy.

The empires civil service scribes wrote all their manuscripts in a Hittite version of a pre-existing Mesopotamian-originating script (the oldest writing system in the world) called cuneiform, consisting of wedge-shaped lines arranged in groups representing syllables.

The area of the Middle East which is now Turkey was, in ancient times, particularly rich in languages.

Linguistic diversity often depends on topography. The more mountains and isolated valley systems, the more languages are likely to develop and survive.

At present only five minority languages are known from the Bronze Age Hittite empire  but in reality, given the mountainous topography, there may well have been at least 30.

Indeed, just adjacent to the ancient Hittite Empire were the Caucasus mountains region which still today boasts some 40 languages.

The Hittite language is the worlds oldest attested Indo-European tongue.

The earliest inscriptions date from the 16th century BC. As an Indo-European language, it is related to most modern European languages (including English) as well as many Asian languages (including Iranian and many Indian ones). Indeed, despite the 3,000-year time gap, ancient Hittite and modern English have dozens of words in common.

Watar was for instance Hittite for water. Duttar was the main part of the Hittite word for daughter. Wine was wiyana, while card was heart/cardiac and newa was their word for new.

The excavations of the ancient scriptoria in Bogazkoy will allow linguistics experts to better understand the evolution of ancient Bronze Age Indo-European languages that English is distantly related to.

The current excavations are being directed by professor Andreas Schachner of the German Archaeological Institute in Istanbul  with the study of the texts on the clay tablets being undertaken by paleo-linguists from Wurzburg and Istanbul universities.

Bronze Age Middle Eastern history is only partly understood  and discovering additional clay tablet documents is helping scholars to substantially increase our knowledge, said cuneiform script expert, Wurzburg University professor Daniel Schwemer, who is leading the investigation into the newly discovered texts.

Fragment of a Hittite festival text in cuneiform script found in the Hittite capital, Hatussa/Bogazkoy, this year (Archive of the Bogazkoy Mission/Daniel Schwemerg)

The excavations at Bogazkoy are currently yielding between 30 and 40 new cuneiform tablets or tablet fragments every year. Bogazkoy (ancient Hattusa) is particularly important because, as the centre of the Hittite empire (around 1650 BC to 1200 BC), it was the capital of one of the worlds first half dozen really large imperial political systems. It was therefore home to one of the worlds first really substantial document-producing civil services.

The Hittite empire stretched from the Aegean Sea in the west to what is now northern Iraq in the east and from the Black Sea in the north to Lebanon in the south.

The civilisation fundamentally changed human history  because its technological innovations (especially the invention of iron, the development of sophisticated ultra-lightweight war chariots and the creation of a substantial civil service) enabled an expansion of warfare and government and the creation of ever-larger empires.

The ongoing archaeological research at Bogazkoy is shedding remarkable new light on how Hittite civilisation functioned  and thus on how it helped transform human history.
An Arizona Court of Appeals has ruled in favor of state prosecutors in the murder case of the Nogales-area rancher accused of shooting and killing a Mexican citizen in January.

The Arizona Court of Appeals Division Two sided with Kimberly Hunley, chief deputy Santa Cruz County attorney, in both special action requests she made to the court in August.

The appeals court vacated Santa Cruz County Superior Court Judge Thomas Finks order that denied the prosecution from further deposing defendant George Alan Kellys wife, Wanda. The court also directed Fink to reconsider Hunleys request to admit Kellys inflammatory text messages into trial.

The appeals court offered no opinion on how the trial court should rule on the admissibility of any texts.

The decision was handed down on Nov. 7.

Hunley is the lead prosecutor in the case against Kelly, 75, who is accused of killing Gabriel Cuen Buitimea on Jan. 30 when Buitimea was walking through Kellys nearly 170-acre Kino Springs property.

George Alan Kelly enters Courtroom Three for his preliminary hearing on Feb. 22, 2023, in Nogales.

Kelly is facing one count each of second-degree murder and aggravated assault.

Appeals court hearing: Prosecutors argue to include inflammatory texts in Nogales rancher murder trial

Court clears way for further deposition of Wanda Kelly

On the day of the shooting, Wanda Kelly made voluntary statements to Santa Cruz County Sheriffs Office detectives. During a subsequent deposition, Wanda Kelly testified about statements that Kelly made to her but refused to answer questions about what her husband told her about what happened on the day of the incident.

Kellys attorneys argued that the conversations between Wanda Kelly and her husband were privileged under spousal privilege, which protects spouses from being forced to testify against each other in a criminal case.

Prosecutors asked Fink to rule that spousal privilege did not apply to Wanda Kelly, given that she had already given voluntary statements to detectives and thus waived her privilege.

Wanda Kelly (George Alan Kelly's wife) leaves Nogales Justice Court on Feb. 22, 2023, in Nogales.

During a September appeals court hearing, Hunley claimed that Wanda Kelly used a sword-and-shield tactic in her conversations with detectives. She answered questions that were beneficial to her husband but refused to answer ones that were not, Hunley argued.

George Alan Kelly case refresher: Here's what you missed in the murder trial of Nogales-area rancher George Alan Kelly

Fink ruled that marital privilege did not apply to any pre-arrest conversations between Wanda Kelly and her husband, given that she gave voluntary statements to investigators. However, Fink concluded, any conversations after Kellys arrest remained protected by spousal privilege.

Hunley asked the appeals court to review Finks decision. The appeals court agreed with Hunley and determined that Fink was mistaken in concluding that Wanda Kellys post-arrest conversations with her husband were still privileged.

The privilege no longer applied once Wanda Kelly made voluntary statements to detectives, even if her husband was subsequently arrested, the court found.

Appeals court remands text message question to lower court

Prosecutors argued to include incendiary text messages that Kelly sent to his son, a U.S. Border Patrol agent and a couple friends as evidence in the jury trial.

Kelly said in text messages that he put 27 migrants in the ground where they were growing daisies, and claimed he dealt with 33 migrants with his AK-47, which was hot!, court documents show.

Hunley argued that the texts showed Kellys motive for the alleged crime and displayed his animosity toward migrants. Kellys attorney chalked the messages up to off-color comments and guy talk between friends while characterizing the texts as intentionally outrageous.

In August, Fink ruled to exclude all of the texts from trial because the jurors would give undue weight to the messages and draw strong opinions about Kelly. Fink described the messages as informal and a very off-hand manner of communication.

Hunley argued that Fink failed to consider the text messages individually and only ruled on them as a whole. The text messages were sent to different people on different days and represent distinct pieces of evidence, Hunley argued.

Inflammatory texts: Prosecutors compare Nogales rancher to Unabomber as his texts cite 'mowing down migrants'

George Alan Kelly enters Courtroom Three for his preliminary hearing on Feb. 22, 2023, in Nogales.

The appeals court found that it was unclear if Fink applied the correct legal standard when excluding the messages. The court ruled to direct Fink to reconsider admitting the messages into trial.

The trial was set to start Sept. 6 but was vacated by the appeals court after Hunley requested a stay in the case.

A new trial date has not yet been set.

Have a news tip or story idea about the border and its communities? Contact the reporter at josecastaneda@arizonarepublic.com or connect with him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @joseicastaneda.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Appeals court sides with prosecutors in George Alan Kelly murder case
Arizona charter school students are performing below the U.S. average, according to a first-of-its-kind report that examined charter school student test scores on a national assessment over a 10-year period.

The report, released Tuesday by Harvard's Program on Education Policy and Governance, analyzed charter school student performance on the National Assessment for Educational Progress in 35 states and Washington, D.C.

The authors analyzed 145,730 math and reading results from NAEP tests administered to fourth and eighth-grade students from 2009 to 2019. The report marks the first time that charter school student performance has been compared across states using the NAEP, also known as the Nation's Report Card, according to the authors.

The NAEP is administered every two years by the National Center for Education Statistics, part of the U.S. Department of Education, to a sample of students across the country to assess student progress and performance in core subject areas.

Is anyone listening? New reports show how deeply the pandemic hurt students.

"This is the only way you can really have an apples-to-apples comparison," said Paul Peterson, one of the report's authors. The test stays essentially the same over time.

The Harvard report excluded states with no charter schools or several tested charter school students insufficient for precise estimates. It only includes data until 2019, before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nationally, student math and reading scores on the 2022 NAEP assessment dropped dramatically from the 2019 test, though reading scores held steady in Arizona.

According to the report, Arizona's average charter school student performance on NAEP was below the average of 22 other states. Alaska, Colorado, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and New York had the highest average charter school student test scores. Hawaii, Tennessee, Michigan, Oregon and Pennsylvania had the lowest.

In Arizona, charter schools were created by the Legislature in 1994. The state has the second-highest share of public school students attending charter schools in the country, about 20%, according to National Center for Education Statistics data from 2021. The national average was 7%.

There are about 570 charter schools in Arizona, according to the Arizona State Board for Charter Schools.

The Harvard report found charter school "performance is not simply a function of the educational environment of the state as a whole," according to a statement from Education Next, the scholarly journal where the report's findings are published. The authors found a weak relationship between a state's rank based on average charter school student performance on NAEP and the state's rank based on the average NAEP performance of all public school students.

In Arizona, however, the charter school student achievement ranking was closely aligned with the student achievement ranking when taking into account all public schools. California's charter school student achievement ranking and the student achievement ranking for all public schools are similar to Arizona's, according to the report.

"If you know how the public schools are doing in Arizona, you'll pretty much know how the charter schools are doing there," Peterson said. "Relative to other states, they don't look much different from the ranking of the public schools."

The report found nationwide disparities in Black and Hispanic charter school student performance as compared to the performance of white charter school students.

In Arizona, the gap between the average test scores of Black and white charter school students is equal to about two and a half years of learning, according to the report. Still, compared to other states, Arizona had the second-lowest level of disparity for Black charter school student performance.

The gap between the average test scores of Hispanic and white charter school students in Arizona was even larger than the gap between Black and white charter school students.

The report also found that nationally, student performance is significantly lower at charter schools authorized by higher education institutions than at those authorized by state education agencies. In Arizona, the largest charter school authorizer is the Arizona State Board for Charter Schools, but universities under the Arizona Board of Regents and community college districts can also authorize charter schools.

Phoenix-area school boards: Shifting focus toward student outcomes

In addition, the report found students who go to a charter school within a nonprofit network, as opposed to an independent or for-profit charter school, perform better on average on the NAEP.

Information about individual charter school performance is available on the Arizona Department of Education website and the Arizona State Board for Charter Schools website.

Madeleine Parrish covers K-12 education. Reach her at mparrish@arizonarepublic.com.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona charter students perform below national average on NAEP test
Corrections & Clarifications: A previous version of this story incorrectly identified where Eagar and Springerville, the communities that are served by the Round Valley Police Department, are located. They are in eastern Arizona.

A police officer has been charged with sex crimes against a minor after Apache County Sheriff's Office deputies arrested him on Thursday, according to a statement.

Ismael Amaya-Molina of the Round Valley Police Department in eastern Arizona was arrested by detectives with Apache County Special Crimes Enforcement Team detectives after an investigation started on Oct. 31 showed the suspect had sexual relations with an underage girl.

The Round Valley Police Department serves the towns of Eagar and Springerville.

Detectives with Apache County were given a tip by a concerned member of the community, which led to multiple interviews and search warrants that were performed as part of the investigation.

Apache County Sheriff's deputies arrested Amaya-Molina on Thursday and booked him in jail.

Buckeye teaching assistant: Arrested on suspicion of child molestation

After the arrest, Amaya-Molina was placed on administrative leave with the Round Valley Police Department after working there for approximately one year, according to Police Chief Dayson Merrill.

"This did kind of come out of nowhere. There were some allegations and some rumors on some things that were followed up and led to where we're at today," said Merrill.

Merrill said that Amaya-Molina did not exhibit misconduct on the job during his time at the Round Valley Police Department.

"As far as his performance, he always did well as an officer," said Merrill.

Merrill told The Arizona Republic that an internal investigation into Amaya-Molina's actions will be conducted by the Round Valley Police Department after the Apache County Sheriff's Office finishes its criminal investigation.

Amaya-Molina faces three charges of stalking, sexual misconduct with a minor, and sexual molestation of a child.

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the Apache County Sheriff's detectives at 928-337-4321.

The Apache County Sheriff's Office did not immediately respond to The Arizona Republic's request for more information.

Victim says he's innocent: Phoenix man convicted of child sex crimes.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona cop arrested: Stalking, sex crimes against underage girl
A couple hugs next to lit candles in honor of victims of the Hamas attacks during a vigil at the Dizengoff Square in central Tel Aviv, Israel, Oct. 13, 2023. (Francisco Seco/AP)

Imagine its weeks after 9/11 in fall 2001. Grief, uncertainty and fear are palpable across our country. The nations sense of security is shattered.

Now imagine that Chicagos streets have been filled from that life-changing day with protesters demanding that America accept an unconditional cease-fire with al-Qaida. Though that terrorist group has the desire and capability to inflict additional carnage, the protesters, joined by some City Council members and members of Congress, claim any American military response is unjustified.

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It takes no imagination to realize that this reaction to 9/11 would have been rejected immediately. But such a response was never required because Americans would not have supported a cease-fire in that defining, still dangerous moment in our history.

Now imagine it is a month since Oct. 7, the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust. Imagine further that the perpetrator, the terrorist group Hamas, and pro-Palestinian supporters are demanding that Israel impose a cease-fire on its efforts to defend its people. That scenario also requires no imagination. It is precisely what Israel hears, on the streets of Chicago and in the City Council and the halls of Congress.

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Of course, some cease-fires thankfully do offer a welcome pause in the suffering and a genuine step toward peace. Yet a cease-fire today in the war Hamas started against Israel is precisely what is not needed now. A cease-fire today would not end the suffering  either for Israelis or Gazas civilians. Thats because Hamas intent is not to keep a peaceful cease-fire.

An immediate cease-fire does nothing for the 240 hostages being held by Hamas, among whom are a dozen Americans, plus women, children, people with disabilities and Holocaust survivors. A cease-fire maintains Hamas despotic rule over Palestinians and its ability to wage terror against our ally Israel.

An unconditional cease-fire rewards Hamas and would advance its long-standing, transparent, five-staged strategy:

1. Sporadically launch ever-escalating attacks against Israel. Consider the attacks in 2006, 2008, 2012, 2014, 2021 and now the barbaric slaughter of Oct. 7. These attacks violated existing cease-fires, and the United Nations-recognized international border.

2. As soon as Israel responds, plead to the world, in the name of humanity, for a cease-fire.

3. Until a cease-fire is reached, exploit humanitarian pauses and aid convoys by diverting fuel intended for hospitals to launching rockets, smuggling military supplies into aid trucks and sneaking terrorists out in ambulances.

4. When the cease-fire is achieved, start training for the next attack, expand the arsenal, educate youths to hate, draw ever closer to Iran and exploit for political sympathy the further impoverishment of Palestinians.

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 >

5. The grand finale in this strategy is shamelessly repeated by Hamas official Ghazi Hamad: We must teach Israel a lesson, and we will do this again and again  on Oct. 7, Oct. 10, October one-millionth, everything we do is justified. Asked if this means until Israel is annihilated, he has responded, matter-of-factly, Yes, of course.

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Those are Hamas evil, avowed intentions. A concession-free cease-fire is a step forward for Hamas terror strategy. It is not a step toward peace.

Hamas rampage against civilians was itself a violation of an existing cease-fire. The groups planning included the certainty that pro-Palestinian supporters, as soon as Israel responded, would cry on cue, Cease-fire now!

Israel may ultimately agree to a cease-fire for the release of hostages or in a newfound faith that humanitarian aid may finally bypass Hamas and help innocent Gazans. Until then, all those urging cease-fire are serving Hamas enduring goal: the killing of Jews, the annihilation of Israel and the continued oppression of Palestinians. While these peoples goals may indeed be noble, they are not Hamas goals.

It takes no imagination to realize why so many Americans dont love what a cease-fire with Hamas means. We recall, somberly, the cease-fire, and much, much more that didnt survive Oct. 7.

Jay Tcath is the executive vice president of the Jewish United Fund.

Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.
PHOENIX - Five Army soldiers are dead after a helicopter crash during a routine training exercise overseas, and one of those soldiers was from Arizona.

The tragic crash happened Friday, Nov. 10 along the eastern Mediterranean Sea. It was a training exercise that went horribly wrong.

27-year-old Sergeant Andrew Southard of Apache Junction was one of the five killed. He attended Cactus Canyon Junior High and Apache Junction High School.

His life touched many across the world.

"It was a complete shock," his friend Chance Schick said, holding back tears as he remembered the man whom he lovingly called Andy. "You wont meet a more honest, hard-working man in this country."

MORE: 5 Army soldiers killed in US military aircraft crash over Mediterranean Sea identified

The pair were part of a trio, quickly bonding a tight friendship while in basic training in 2015 at Fort Jackson in South Carolina.

"He didnt take life too seriously, thats for sure. He always had his stuff in line. He definitely was a jokester. He was just caring. I think thats the biggest thing. He was so humble about stuff. It was just easy to talk to him. He could relate to anything. He was from Arizona. Im from Wisconsin. You could just talk to him like youd known him for 20 years," Schick said.

The U.S. Department of Defense says it happened during a routine "refueling training mission" over the eastern Mediterranean Sea between Cyprus and Lebanon.

The group of five were crew members of an MH-60 Black Hawk helicopter when it went down.

They were identified as Chief Warrant Officer 3 Stephen R. Dwyer, 38, of Clarksville, Tennessee, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Shane M. Barnes, 34, of Sacramento, California, Staff Sgt. Tanner W. Grone, 26, of Gorham, New Hampshire, and Sgt. Cade M. Wolfe, 24, of Mankato, Minnesota.

Schick says Southard leaves behind a wife, daughter and stepson.

Sgt. Andrew P. Southard (U.S. Army Special Operations Command)

"I just hope that their whole family knows that the relationship Southard had with everyone across the country and overseas, its a statement to who he was, and were all here for her and them and whatever they need," Schick said.

For now, the U.S. Armys Combat Readiness Center is investigating the incident.
Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth granted clemency after receiving a recommendation from the Army Board for Correction of Military Records to set aside the convictions of Black troops who served in the 3rd Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment -- a segregated unit more commonly referred to as the Buffalo Soldiers. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI

Nov. 14 (UPI) -- The Army on Monday overturned the convictions of 110 Black soldiers court-martialed for their involvement in the 1917 Houston riots, which erupted against the backdrop of Jim Crow racial tensions in the United States during World War I.

Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth granted clemency after receiving a recommendation from the Army Board for Correction of Military Records to set aside the convictions of Black troops who served in the 3rd Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment -- a segregated unit more commonly referred to as the Buffalo Soldiers.

Those convicted will have their military records amended to accurately reflect their service as honorable, according to a statement from the Army Public Affairs office, which included comments from several armed forces commanders who described the case as a gross miscarriage of justice.

"After a thorough review, the board has found that these soldiers were wrongly treated because of their race and were not given fair trials," Wormuth said, hailing the military's decision to expunge the records. "By setting aside their convictions and granting honorable discharges, the Army is acknowledging past mistakes and setting the record straight."

The commutations come more than a century after a pair of Black soldiers were brutally beaten and thrown in jail following a minor encounter with local police, setting off the deadly riot in communities already on edge due to prevailing racial hostilities of the era.

The riot on Aug. 23, 1917, came after months of provocations by law enforcement authorities who had set their sites on members of the 24th long before the violent arrests, which led 110 Buffalo Soldiers to seize their weapons and march toward the city, sparking clashes that resulted in 19 fatalities.

The Army subsequently convicted the soldiers, but there was little if any due process as several historians have noted numerous irregularities in the legal proceedings.

The trial resulted in the largest mass execution of American soldiers by the U.S. Army as 19 Black troops were ultimately put to death, while some met their fate within a day of sentencing.

In 2020 and 2021, the Army received two petitions from retired Army brass requesting clemency for all 110 soldiers, after which the South Texas College of Law urged the Army to review the court-martial that led to the convictions.

"As a Texas native, I was grateful to participate in this process early in my tenure at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio," said Gabe Camarillo, who serves as under secretary of the Army. "I am proud that the Army has now formally restored honor to Soldiers of the 3-24 and their families."
The Armys top official is worried an Alabama senators long-running blockade on general officer promotions could induce talented field grade officers to leave the service, she said.

Army Secretary Christine Wormuths warning, delivered Tuesday at the POLITICO Defense Summit, surfaced a little-discussed potential consequence of Republican Sen. Tommy Tubervilles nine-month blanket hold on senior officer promotions.

Typically, military promotions quickly clear the Senate via fast-tracked voice votes, but the chambers rules allow a single senator to block that process. And Tuberville, R-Ala., has done so in protest of the Defense Departments abortion access policy  which the more than 350 impacted officers do not control.

In the long term, I really have deep concerns about what my majors, lieutenant colonels, and colonels are thinking about this, Wormuth said.

Officers in these ranks, also known as field grade officers, typically endure grueling staff assignments and battalion or brigade command tours. They also attain retirement eligibility during this period  and the Army secretary said she fears that the brightest among them may head for the exits now.

They already see the increasing partisanship in our nation, [and] how that plays out in hearings up on Capitol Hill, she remarked. And now when we have a situation where the toothpaste is out of the tube, and general officers and flag officers can have their nominations put on hold [for partisan reasons], I think some of our officers are going to say, I dont know if this is what I want  Im going to go work somewhere else and not have to worry about that.

Senate Democrats, meanwhile, are developing a workaround to Tubervilles nine-month blockade. The plan advanced Tuesday from the chambers rules committee and could allow the stalled promotions to come to a single floor vote.

Democrats advance plan to force quick vote on military nominations

Wormuth described the effort as promising, and added, I think we very much need to see the Senate resolve this.
Army Secretary Christine Wormuth predicted on Tuesday that retirements in the Army will ramp up if Sen. Tommy Tubervilles (R-Ala.) hold does not end by Christmas.

Wormuth, while speaking at Politicos Defense Summit, characterized the hold as problematic and expressed concern over its impacts.

I would expect that if we dont see the Senate resolve this hold by Christmas there will be more of those, Wormuth said of the retirements. I mean, these officers and their families have been waiting for months to have some certainty and to go do the jobs that they have trained and worked hard for for decades.

Tubervillle has blocked hundreds of non-partisan military nominees from getting promotions as a way to protest and put pressure on the Department of Defense to end its current policy that allows service members to get reimbursements when crossing state lines to get abortions.

Wormuth mentioned that a two-star Army general recently retired due to Tubervilles hold, which has been in play for more than 10 months.

I have a two-star general who was awaiting confirmation who has submitted his retirement papers, and has just kind of said I dont have certainty and at this point, whats best for my family is to just go ahead and pull my papers, Wormuth said.

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said on Tuesday that other Republican senators are trying to strike a deal with the Alabama senator. He mentioned that he is not ready to vote for a standing order resolution that would allow Democrats to package and pass hundreds of nominees in one sitting. The resolution was sponsored by the Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Jack Reed (D-R.I.).

Wormuth added that the hold is an example of increased partisanship in the U.S. and that it poses a significant concern that could disincentivize the appeal to be a part of the Army.

In the long term, you know, I really have deep concerns about what my major Lieutenant Colonels and Colonels are thinking about this, Wormuth said. They already see the increasing partisanship in our nation, how that plays out in hearings up on Capitol Hill.

I think some of our officers are going to say no, I dont know if this is what I want to continue to aspire to.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
LOS ANGELES  A massive fire in a storage area that shut down a stretch of the major Interstate 10 freeway in Los Angeles was preliminarily found to be arson, the governor said.

The fire, which broke out early Saturday, has been called a crisis in Los Angeles, which had traffic problems long before they were aggravated by the closing of the stretch of I-10 south of downtown.

Investigators believe there was malicious and willful intent of starting a fire, California State Fire Marshal Daniel Berlant said at a news conference.

Gov. Gavin Newsom said the preliminary determination is that this fire occurred within the fence line of the facility you see behind me, that it was arson, and that it was done and set intentionally.

The investigation into who is responsible continues, officials said.

The stretch of the freeway, from near Boyle Heights and running west, might have to be demolished and replaced. Over 100 columns were damaged, Newsom said, around nine or 10 of them severely.

There were no deaths, officials said.

The 10 freeway is a major artery in Los Angeles and the region. Around 300,000 people would normally drive that stretch of the freeway every day, Mayor Karen Bass said, and employers were asked to have staff members work remotely.

The area under the freeway had been leased by the California Department of Transportation, known as Caltrans.

Newsom called the company that held the lease bad actors that had been in litigation with state officials, and he said it had stopped paying its rent and had illegally sublet the storage area to others.

The company, Apex Development Inc., had subleased the site to five and possibly six other companies without legal authorization, he said.

An attorney whose office represents Apex Development in litigation with the state said that "we are currently investigating ourselves what happened at the yard under the freeway."

"As such, we are not prepared to give an official statement or answer questions until we have determined what actually occurred. But let me assure you, Apex Development, Inc. did not have anything to do with the fire," attorney Mainak DAttaray said in a statement.

The lease permitted the storage of nonflammable and non-explosive materials, as well as operational vehicles, Newsom said.

It was clear from the fire that materials stored there included cars, pallets, and fruits and vegetables, Newsom said, but investigators are still looking at what was there.

Image: (California Department of Transportation / AP)

State Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin said his agency was working 24 hours a day, with workers doing 12-hour shifts.

Concrete and rebar samples have been taken from the bridge, and engineers are analyzing those samples as we speak, he said.

There were 16 people in the area who were homeless, Bass said. They are all now in housing, she said, and she urged people not to jump to conclusions about the cause.

"We know that the origin of this is arson. We do not know other information," Bass said. "There is no reason to assume that the origin of this fire or the reason this fire happened was because there were unhoused individuals nearby."

Newsom said there will be a thorough review of all Caltrans leases across the state.

Berlant, the fire marshal, said the point of origin of the fire has been identified. Investigators have interviewed people in the area, including homeless people, and are seeking video from businesses, he said.

"We have determined what started the fire," Berlant said. "We are still working to determine who or who, multiple people, may have started the fire. And so our work is not done."

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Credit - Courtesy Ashley Judd

This profile is published as a part of TIMEs TIME100 Impact Awards initiative, which recognizes leaders from across the world who are driving change in their communities. The next TIME100 Impact Awards ceremony will be held on Nov. 17 in Kigali, Rwanda.

Ashley Judd is an expert on the power of stories. Shes spent years telling them as an actor, earning Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for her performances. Stories are also crucial to her work as a humanitariannot just to raise awareness and catalyze action, but also to build trust and connect with the people she hopes to help.

In her years of advocacyin which shes traveled the world to meet with vulnerable people, including those living in refugee camps, brothels, and slumsJudd says shes most proud that the women and girls she encounters are willing to welcome her wherever they are and to share their experiences. She suspects they do so because of her openess in speaking about her own experiences with sexual violence, and because she listens in return. We all need a good listening to. The world does a lot of talking, Judd says. When someone shows up and they're invested in your story, it is a relief to be witnessed in your reality and validated.

She knows what shes talking about. Judd was the first person to go on the record with the New York Times in 2017 about the sexual harassment shed endured from Harvey Weinstein. Her courage emboldened other women to share their stories about Weinstein and others, leading to a flood of reporting that revealed the pervasiveness of sexual assault and harassment and galvanized the #MeToo movement.

Judds dedication to amplifying and elevating the voices of women who are less powerful than she is shines through her humanitarian work, which includes serving as a United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Goodwill Ambassador, a role she took on in 2016. With the UNFPA, the U.N.s sexual and reproductive health agency, Judd has promoted the agencys efforts to provide maternal health care to Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh; met with Syrian refugees at health clinics in Jordan, and elevated the work of mobile mental health teams caring for victims of gender-based violence in Ukraine. Altogether, shes traveled to 22 countries to advocate for women and girls.

Judd says that facing some of the worlds greatest suffering has taken an emotional toll at times, especially following her mothers death by suicide in 2022. But Judd has fortified herself, in part, by standing up as an advocate. In the last year, shes fought for laws in the U.S. that can help protect families privacy after suicide. There's a beautiful line in a recovery text that says, in God's hands the dark past becomes our greatest asset. With it, we can avert death and misery for others, Judd says. And so I think that a painful past can have infinite value being in service to others.

Judd plans to show how love has helped her to endure hardships in a book shes writing, her second, which she says will cover the loss of her mother and her decision to speak publicly about Weinstein. Shell also reflect on moments of love and graceincluding how, after her divorce, she developed a friendship with her former husband and his now wife, and how she fell in love with her current partner after meeting on a bush plane in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It's kind of about the gifts of a broken heart, she says.

The book, expected to hit shelves in mid-to-late 2024, wont be a coda on her advocacy. At a time when an onslaught of other tragedies are unfolding around the world, Judd says that focusing on her mission of fighting for women helps prevent her from feeling overwhelmed. Though it's an area with a great amount of suffering, she says that also means it has the greatest capacity for healing, hope and helping. In the weeks and months ahead, shell continue to share her vision for a more equal world via op-eds and speaking engagementsall in service of ensuring women and their stories are heard.

If you or someone you know may be experiencing a mental-health crisis or contemplating suicide, call or text 988. In emergencies, call 911, or seek care from a local hospital or mental health provider.







Contact us at letters@time.com.
FILE - This late 1960s portrait shows U.S. Col. Frank Borman, commander of the Apollo 8 flight. Borman, who commanded Apollo 8's historic Christmas 1968 flight that circled the moon 10 times and paved the way for the lunar landing seven months later, has died. He was 95. Borman died Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023, in Billings, Mont., according to a NASA statement Thursday, Nov. 9. (AP Photo/File)

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP)  Astronaut Frank Borman, who commanded Apollo 8's historic Christmas 1968 flight that circled the moon 10 times and paved the way for the lunar landing the next year, has died. He was 95.

Borman died Tuesday in Billings, Montana, according to NASA.

Borman also led troubled Eastern Airlines in the 1970s and early '80s after leaving the astronaut corps.

But he was best known for his NASA duties. He and his crew, James Lovell and William Anders, were the first Apollo mission to fly to the moon  and to see Earth as a distant sphere in space.

Today we remember one of NASAs best. Astronaut Frank Borman was a true American hero, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said in a statement Thursday. "His lifelong love for aviation and exploration was only surpassed by his love for his wife Susan.

Launched from Floridas Cape Canaveral on Dec. 21, 1968, the Apollo 8 trio spent three days traveling to the moon, and slipped into lunar orbit on Christmas Eve. After they circled 10 times on Dec. 24-25, they headed home on Dec. 27.

On Christmas Eve, the astronauts read from the Book of Genesis in a live telecast from the orbiter: "In the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep."

Borman ended the broadcast with, And from the crew of Apollo 8, we close with good night, good luck, a Merry Christmas, and God bless all of you  all of you on the good Earth.

Lovell and Borman had previously flown together during the two-week Gemini 7 mission, which launched on Dec. 4, 1965  and, at only 120 feet apart, completed the first space orbital rendezvous with Gemini 6.

"Gemini was a tough go," Borman told The Associated Press in 1998. "It was smaller than the front seat of a Volkswagen bug. It made Apollo seem like a super-duper, plush touring bus."

In his book, "Countdown: An Autobiography," Borman said Apollo 8 was originally supposed to orbit Earth. The success of Apollo 7's mission in October 1968 to show system reliability on long duration flights made NASA decide it was time to take a shot at flying to the moon.

But Borman said there was another reason NASA changed the plan: the agency wanted to beat the Russians. Borman said he thought one orbit would suffice.

My main concern in this whole flight was to get there ahead of the Russians and get home. That was a significant achievement in my eyes, Borman explained at a Chicago appearance in 2017.

It was on the crew's fourth orbit that Anders snapped the iconic Earthrise photo showing a blue and white Earth rising above the gray lunar landscape.

Borman wrote about how the Earth looked from afar: "We were the first humans to see the world in its majestic totality, an intensely emotional experience for each of us. We said nothing to each other, but I was sure our thoughts were identical  of our families on that spinning globe. And maybe we shared another thought I had, This must be what God sees."

After NASA, Borman's aviation career ventured into business in 1970 when he joined Eastern Airlines  at that time the nations fourth-largest airline. He eventually became Easterns president and CEO and in 1976 also became its chairman of the board.

Bormans tenure at Eastern saw fuel prices increase sharply and the government deregulate the airline industry. The airline became increasingly unprofitable, debt-ridden and torn by labor tensions. He resigned in 1986 and moved to Las Cruces, New Mexico.

In his autobiography, Borman wrote that his fascination with flying began in his teens when he and his father would assemble model airplanes. At age 15, Borman took flying lessons, using money he had saved working as a bag boy and pumping gas after school. He took his first solo flight after eight hours of dual instruction. He continued flying into his 90s.

Borman was born in Gary, Indiana, but was raised in Tucson, Arizona. He attended the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, where he earned a bachelor of science degree in 1950. That same year, Borman married his high school sweetheart, Susan Bugbee. She died in 2021.

Borman worked as a U.S. Air Force fighter pilot, operational pilot and instructor at West Point after graduation. In 1956, Borman moved his family to Pasadena, California, where he earned a master of science degree in aeronautical engineering from California Institute of Technology. In 1962, he was one of nine test pilots chosen by NASA for the astronaut program.

He received the Congressional Space Medal of Honor from President Jimmy Carter.

In 1998, Borman started a cattle ranch in Bighorn, Montana, with his son, Fred. In addition to Fred, he survived by another son, Edwin, and their families.
Astronomers with the Gemini North Telescope on Mauna Kea in Hawaii have released the first spectrum from a brand new spectrograph capable of peering deep into the veils of cosmic dust that line our universe.

The spectrum shows details of an expanding cloud of gas and dust that a sun-like star ejected at the end of its life. This cloud is known as a planetary nebula  perhaps a misleading name as it doesn't have anything to do with planets. More specifically, this nebula is formally called NGC 7027, or the Jewel Bug Nebula, and sits about 3,000 light years away from us in the constellation of Cygnus, the Swan .

The new spectrograph that managed to observe the light of the Jewel Bug Nebula is named IGRINS-2, which is short for Immersion Grating Infrared Spectrograph-2. Its a high-resolution instrument that operates at near-infrared wavelengths of light  wavelengths unseeable by human eyes  specifically between 1.45 and 2.45 microns. Cosmic dust is opaque at visible wavelengths, which our eyes can see, but near-infrared light can penetrate through that dust and detect what secrets lie beneath. Thats why the James Webb Space Telescope is also said to have the ability of peering behind deep space dust curtains. It's the most powerful near-infrared wavelength detector we have.

Related: Scientists catch real-life Death Star devouring a planet in 1st-of-its-kind discovery

As for the "immersion grating" bit, this is a kind of diffraction grating that uses transparent and reflective mediums to split light into its component wavelengths. That's what IGRINS-2 did with the infrared wavelengths to achieve the vibrant, detailed spectrum we see.

Spectra of the Jewel Bug Nebula captured at 1.49 microns (blue) and 1.93 microns (red). The colors are false color, with the spectra in infrared light and not visible light.

IGRINS-2 is an updated version of the original IGRINS spectrograph, built in 2014 by scientists at the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute (KASI) as well as the University of Texas.

IGRINS 1.0 has already been around the block, with periods of being installed as a "visiting instrument" on a number of telescopes including the 2.7-meter (8.9 feet) Harlan J. Smith Telescope at McDonald Observatory in Texas, and the 4.3-meter (14.1 feet) Discovery Channel Telescope at Lowell Observatory in Arizona. And since 2020, IGRINS has been installed on the 8.1-meter (26.6 feet) Gemini South Telescope in Chile.

Now, the other half of NOIRLabs International Gemini Observatory, namely Gemini North, is receiving IGRINS-2  and on a permanent basis.

a group of people wearing hard hats pose beneath a portion of a large blue industrial machinery.

Built once more by scientists and technicians at KASI, the first-light spectrum of the Jewel Bug Nebula is only the beginning. Following a period of integrating the instrument into Gemini Norths sub-systems and getting it to work with the telescopes software, IGRINS-2 will primarily target regions of star-birth , as well as star-death in the case of NGC 7027, exoplanets , cool brown dwarfs that radiate mostly in the infrared, and distant galaxies swathed in dust during some of the more tumultuous stages of their evolutions.

an orange laser shoots from the far side of a round observatory structure, pointed northward as stars swirl around its focal point at the north star, streaked from a prolonged camera exposure

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"The ability of IGRINS-2 to peer within otherwise opaque regions of the universe will allow us to better understand how stars are born and many other astronomical phenomena hidden behind galactic dust," Martin Still, the National Science Foundation's Program Director for the International Gemini Observatory, said in a statement .

IGRINS-2 identified elements such as isotopes of bromine, helium, iron, krypton and selenium in NGC 7027, plus copious amounts of molecular hydrogen. With the powerful light-gathering capability of Gemini Norths 8.1-meter mirror at its disposal, we can expect IGRINS-2 to make even more detailed observations and many major discoveries in the future.
Athens-Clarke police announced this week that a suspect has been charged with a shooting stemming from a brawl in downtown Athens on Oct. 29.

Athens-Clarke police and Jefferson police arrested Ismael Tapia Marquez, 24, of Athens on Nov. 3 at a location in Jefferson.

Marquez is charged with two counts of aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during a felony.

Police said several persons were involved in the fight that erupted into multiple gunshots about 2 a.m. on Clayton Street.

Two people were shot and transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. Police said they expect both victims to survive.

Police have also arrested a 20-year-old Athens man on charges of simple battery and making a false statement in regards to the violent episode, according to the report.

Oconee Blotter: Man arrested after driving 15 mph on Athens Perimeter

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Athens man charged with two 2 people in downtown Athens
A pedestrian and a motorist lost their lives in separate fatal crashes in Athens on Friday, according to Athens-Clarke police.

The first crash occurred about 12:40 a.m. on the Athens Perimeter near Chase Street, police said.

Police arrived to find pedestrian John Clark, 59, of Athens dead at the scene, according to the report.

Police said a 1990 Honda Accord driven by a 43-year-old Hull man was traveling west in the inside lane when he hit the man. Police said there are no pending charges for the driver, but the death is still under investigation.

Oconee Blotter: Man arrested after driving 15 mph on Athens Perimeter

The second fatal crash occurred about 12:25 p.m. along Buddy Christian Way in east Athens.

Police said Kenry Monterola, 28, of Athens was traveling east in a 2018 Toyota Camry along the 100 block of the roadway. As he was negotiating a curve, he crossed the centerline, traveled across the road and crashed.

No other vehicles were involved, police said. Firefighters and medics extricated the driver from the vehicle, but he later died at a hospital in Athens.

The investigation into the cause of the wreck is ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Sgt. Vincent Schill at Vincent.schill@accgov.com or 762-400-7092.

There have now been 17 deaths associated with vehicle crashes this year in Athens-Clarke County.

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Athens police investigate pedestrian death, fatal car crash
Palestinian families walk along a highway as they flee Gaza City toward the southern areas on Nov. 9, 2023, amid the ongoing battles between Israel and Hamas. (MAHMUD HAMS/AFP via Getty Images)

In the days, weeks and months after the Sept. 11 attacks, as President George W. Bushs administration launched its so-called war on terror, nearly all space for nuance, dissent and debate in the United States was quickly eradicated. When we most needed to ask ourselves the tough questions, listen to those questioning the conventional wisdom and consider the long-term consequences of our actions, doing so was nearly impossible in Washington, in the media and public discourse.

Today, history is repeating itself. This time we know better, and theres no excuse to not stop it.

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Hamas heinous attacks and the Israeli governments response  collective punishment of 2 million people in Gaza  have created one of the most combustible and escalatory moments in the Middle East in a half-century. With nearly 10,000 Palestinians already dead, according to the health ministry in Gaza, and many more injured and countless at risk, we cannot afford to continue making the same mistakes.

Here in the United States, weve already seen a 6-year-old be brutally killed because someone couldnt tell the difference between a child and Hamas. Recently, an event to bring together Arab Americans to talk about empowerment in Orlando was canceled by their hotel allegedly because of security concerns. This isnt a one-off. Were seeing a string of events in which Arab and Muslim communities are being forced to cancel community gatherings because of violent threats.

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Were already seeing calls in Florida to ban pro-Palestinian groups from colleges, and alarmingly, the Anti-Defamation League has urged university administrators to investigate pro-Palestinian groups on campus for the possibility of providing material support for terrorism. We saw this happen after Sept. 11. We know the harm it caused then, and we cant afford to do the same thing again.

Thats why, in this context, more than ever its critical that the president of the United States, every administration official and congressional leaders discuss this conflict responsibly and in a way that doesnt reinforce the insidious conflation of Hamas with Arab Americans and Muslims. The expectation that a government, especially a democratic one, would ensure that its words dont silence or put the safety of communities at risk is the bare minimum we should expect.

Unfortunately, recent comments by National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby, who said that a cease-fire really only benefits Hamas, fail to meet that minimum. The ask for a cease-fire is coming from major humanitarian organizations, a broad cross-section of civil society, including some in Israel, as well as Muslim, Jewish and Arab communities in the United States and around the world. They have demanded a cease-fire because they want to see human suffering in Gaza end. They also believe that the current strategy of the Israeli government will not eradicate Hamas any more than the two decades of the war on terror eradicated terrorist groups like al-Qaida.

In reality, the war on terror created a breeding ground for more extreme groups such as the Islamic State group to form and led to a proliferation of terrorism that continues to this day.

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 >

Unfortunately, others in the administration are also constraining public debate and obfuscating conditions on the ground. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre also appeared to accidentally equate protesters registering dissent with the Israeli governments approach with the horrific white supremacist protesters in Charlottesville, Virginia. While this was most probably unintentional, it still is unacceptable.

And perhaps most concerning of all, President Joe Biden said that when it came to the death toll in Gaza, he had no confidence in the number that the Palestinians are using. Yes, the president has said several times that Hamas and the people in Palestine are not one and the same. But these remarks are nothing more than platitudes when hours or days later, he appears to dismiss or minimize the undisputed reality that thousands of people in Gaza, including a horrific number of children, have been killed in the Israeli governments ongoing military operations.

Right now, we are facing a highly sensitive moment in which one horrific war in Gaza could spread into a regional conflict with direct or indirect U.S. support or involvement. We need clear debate, the ability to dissent without being criminalized and the consistent condemnation of accusations of terrorist sympathies against critics, especially Muslim Americans. These false attacks on the very dissent and debate we so desperately need are a clear echo of what we heard all too often during the global war on terror. We know the cost of silence, and the price is far too high.

The immediate focus must be saving lives. Using Islamophobic and racist tropes, even accidentally, in ways that silence debate, on a public stage, prevents that from happening  both in Gaza and here in the United States. When events are fast-moving, many officials often make mistakes. However, the number of times these mistakes have happened and continue to occur by the Biden administration while the threats of violence and censorship of communities continue to increase is unacceptable and creates the appearance of not caring enough to hold themselves to a higher standard.

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Im delighted that the Biden administration has announced the first-ever commitment to a national strategy to tackle Islamophobia  now more than ever, its critically needed.

Sara Haghdoosti is executive director at Win Without War, a public education and advocacy coalition, and lives in the Chicago area.

Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.
The city of Atlanta is discussing some creative methods to issue reparations to its Black residents.

Although Georgia doesnt allow its cities to issue reparations to individuals with cash payments, the Atlanta City Council recently discussed other options, Black Enterprise reported.

In a Nov. 6 statement, the city announced that it has created a task force to investigate Atlantas history of discrimination and to provide recommendations for appropriate reparations.

Although the city hasnt revealed the specific plans for reparations, several ideas appear to be on the table. Michael Julian Bond, one of Atlantas leaders in the effort to bring reparations, said the possibilities are limitless. Speaking to Atlanta News First, Bond added that the citys history of discrimination is clear.

Because were creatures of the state, were limited in our power and authority. But there have been wrongs that have been committed and are well documented, he said.

Dr. Cynthia Spence, a reparations expert who teaches at Spelman College, said the options for reparations include reducing property taxes and providing other forms of housing assistance and educational access.

They may come back and say hey, maybe well give folks some down payment assistance, maybe well have some type of incentive program for them for small business or something of that nature, Bond told Atlanta News First. So this will be the job of this committee, to make those recommendations and bring them back to the City of Atlanta.

According to Spence, several other counties around the country have had success implementing reparation programs.

This isnt a new idea, it can happen, its been done before and it was actually a promise that was made that was not delivered upon, she said. Its very complex, but the complexity should not prevent us from actually moving forward because we can all agree that harm was done.
EVANSVILLE  Attorneys representing the Vanderburgh County Prosecutor's Office and an Evansville man accused of murdering Jaylen Alexender Curlee last year could not seat a jury Monday due to extensive media coverage of the case, a judge ruled.

An hours-long attempt to identify potential jurors who were unfamiliar with 23-year-old Kentar Rico Collins's homicide case failed around 1 p.m. Monday, according to his attorney, Barry Blackard.

Vanderburgh County Circuit Court Judge Ryan Reed deemed the case a mistrial and excused all jurors Monday afternoon, court records show.

Collins stands accused of opening fire on 25-year-old Jaylen Alexander Curlee from a vehicle in the 1500 block of Judson Street in mid-December, striking Curlee multiple times.

Last year, Evansville Police Sgt. Anna Gray told the Courier & Press that all attempts to save Curlee's life failed.

Two days after the shooting, Collins, with assistance from his attorney, turned himself in to the authorities though he did not answer detectives' questions.

The Vanderburgh County Prosecutors Office swiftly charged Collins with felony murder, among other counts.

The case attracted media attention from its outset, but the ensuing legal battle lingered in local headlines and complicated efforts to seat a jury for one very specific reason: In July, Collins pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated battery, a Level 3 felony, and a felony firearm sentencing enhancement.

That deal saw prosecutors drop the charge of felony murder Collins faced for Curlee's killing.

Local news outlets were quick to pick up on the story.

A July 17, Channel 25-WEHT headline read, "Evansville man pleads guilty in connection with December murder charge."

Local outlet WFIE-NBC14 penned a similar article that day, as did WEVV-CBS44.

Collins' widely publicized decision to plead guilty had, according to Blackard, tainted the local jury pool even months later.

A judge looked set to sentence Collins in August. But Curlee's family members and supporters, including his mother, petitioned the court and prosecutors to move forward with a jury trial despite the plea agreement.

Prosecutors backed the family and a judge reinstated Collins' original plea of "not guilty" over Collins' and Blackards' objections on Aug. 25.

With the deal off, Collins now wanted his day in court, Blackard said. The attorney sought a speedy trial for his client and Collins looked set to receive one on Monday.

"This case was unique in the fact that the media coverage was very specific as to what had happened early on in the case," Blackard told a Courier & Press reporter as he walked out of the courtroom Monday, referring to the former plea agreement. "So I hesitantly asked for a mistrial."

Blackard also hesitantly consented to an interview, noting additional media coverage of the case could further complicate matters. In summary, Blackard said jurors' knowledge of Collins' prior guilty plea was prejudicial to his client and would deny him a fair trial.

At first, Reed denied Blackard's request to declare the case mistried, court records show. But after additional "voir dire" examination - through which prosecutors and defense attorneys attempt to form an impartial jury - Reed sided with Collins and ultimately granted the mistrial around 1 p.m.

Days before Collins' Monday trial was set to begin, it once again became a topic of local discussion in the news media  as is typical for most homicide cases in Evansville.

"[Prosecutors] had similar concerns that the pretrial publicity of this case, because of the unique nature of it, would have an effect on a fair and impartial jury," Blackard said. "We're (still) moving forward. He'll be in court Friday morning."

The parties will select a new trial date, according to court records, though Blackard contended they may need to look outside of Evansville's media market for a potential venue.

Had Monday's trial moved forward, prosecutors would have drawn from more than a dozen potential witnesses and multiple exhibits in an attempt to illustrate Collins' guilt, public records show.

The exhibits included officer-worn body camera footage, an autopsy report, photographs, 911 call audio, surveillance footage and police interviews, among other evidence.

Editors Note: A previous version of this article stated Kentar Rico Collins "submitted to questioning" after he turned himself in last year. Attorney Barry Blackard said the police did not interview his client.

Houston can be contacted at houston.harwood@courierpress.com

This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: Judson Evansville murder trial called off due to heavy media coverage
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  The Oklahoma Attorney Generals Organized Crime Task Force (OCTF) recently seized more than 72,000 lbs. of illegal marijuana.

According to the A.G.s Office, more than 36 tons of marijuana was confiscated during searches conducted in Wagoner County and Lincoln County.

LOCAL NEWS: ABLE Commission releases study on OKs compliance for alcohol sales to minors

Our state has been overrun with criminals who are trafficking drugs in our local communities and throughout the country, Attorney General Gentner Drummond said. I will not tolerate this serious threat to public safety. I am proud of the work of the Organized Crime Task Force and our law enforcement partners for their efforts to eliminate this blight on our communities.

On November 9, officials say the task force searched a Wagoner Co. business where more than 72,000 lbs. of marijuana was recovered. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA), the Wagoner Co. Sheriffs Office, Wagoner Co. Commissioner and the Wagoner Co. Emergency Management Office all assisted in the search.

Illegal marijuana operation. Image courtesy Wagoner County Sheriffs Office.

Illegal marijuana operation. Image courtesy Wagoner County Sheriffs Office.

Illegal marijuana operation. Image courtesy Oklahoma Attorney Generals Office.

Illegal marijuana operation. Image courtesy Oklahoma Attorney Generals Office.

LOCAL NEWS: Oklahoma County Sheriffs Office describes past run-in with deadly chase suspect

The collaboration with our law enforcement partners across Oklahoma is vital to the public safety of our communities, said Robert Melton, assistant special agent in charge for HSI Dallas Oklahoma and Texas Panhandle Division. Operations like these led by the OCTF help curtail the spread of other nefarious activities such as human trafficking and money laundering that often lead to even more dangerous transnational crime.

Later that day, the A.G.s Office says the task force helped the OMMA in inspecting a Lincoln Co. medical marijuana grow. Agents discovered untagged and untraceable marijuana in a vehicle on the property. Another search was conducted that recovered 250 lbs. of illegal marijuana. The Lincoln Co. Sheriffs Office also assisted in the search.

Were grateful to partner with Attorney General Drummond in this fight against illicit operators who continually attempt to find respite behind the backdrop of the legitimate medical marijuana industry, said OMMA Executive Director Adria Berry. This collaboration sends a strong message that criminal activity isnt welcome in our medical cannabis program.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
Utah House Speaker Brad Wilson, R-Kaysville, talks to reporters at his business office in Farmington on April 13, 2023. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News

U.S. Senate candidate and outgoing Utah House Speaker Brad Wilson has responded to a fraud and breach of contract lawsuit, calling allegations from a former business associate meritless and an attempt to damage his political campaign.

On Friday, attorneys for Wilson filed a motion to dismiss a lawsuit from David Peterson, the former chief financial officer of Wilsons company Destination Homes, described in court documents as a disgruntled former employee.

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Peterson seeks to transform an unfounded grievance and decades-old malcontent into a groundless lawsuit with false allegations timed to smear Wilson and hurt his political campaign, Wilsons attorneys write.

The complaint was filed in 3rd District Court in Salt Lake City on Sept. 28, the day after Wilson formally announced his candidacy. Destination Homes co-founder David Bailey is also listed as a defendant.

The lawsuit stems from a $430,000 loan Peterson allegedly gave to Destination Homes so it could purchase Wheatfield Estates in Layton. The lawsuit claims there was an agreement for repayment with interest.

Wilson paid down the loan made by Peterson to $280,000, the complaint states  but he later announced unilaterally that he would not be paying interest anymore on the companys debt to Mr. Peterson.

Peterson resigned, according to court documents, but claims a contract would have guaranteed him payment under a stock agreement if there was a sales event. Court documents point to the Larry H. Miller Group purchasing Destination Homes in 2022, which Peterson claims was a sales event.

But according to Wilsons attorneys, Petersons claims fall short  court documents state the allegations of fraud date back to 2008, making them beyond the scope of the three-year statute of limitations. They also lack specificity, and Peterson fails to plead with particularity the nine fraud elements and the relevant surrounding facts, the motion reads.

Peterson seeks to dress up a breach of contract claim as a fraud claim, apparently for shock value. Utah courts resoundingly and repeatedly reject such attempts, according to the motion.

The motion also argues the breach of contract accusations are moot because Peterson alleges a breach of contract claim without even identifying a contract that exists with the defendants.

According to Wilsons attorneys, there are no allegations in Petersons complaint that suggest there was any offer, acceptance, or consideration to or from any named defendant.

Wilsons attorneys filed a motion to dismiss with prejudice, asking the courts ruling to be the final judgement in the case.

Attorneys for Peterson have not yet responded to a request to comment.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  Support continued to pour in for Austin Police Officer Jorge Pastore, who died on duty during a hostage situation Saturday.

Pastore was shot during a SWAT operation attempting to free hostages in a south Austin home. He died from his injuries at Dell Seton Medical Center.

Died doing what he loved: Dozens rally in honor of APD officer killed in hostage situation

Michael Bullock is the incoming president of the Austin Police Association.

Memorial for fallen Austin Police Department officer Jorge Pastore outside of APD headquarters in downtown Austin on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023. (KXAN Photo/Todd Bailey)

Bullock was at that scene this weekend and said he was one of the last people to see Pastore.

I was standing on scene, he ran up, he saw me and other officers, gave us hugs and with a smile in his face he went into battle, Bullock said. He didnt come home. That is a warriors death right there and he did it fighting for Austinites.

Sunday night, dozens gathered outside Austin City Hall to honor the fallen officer.

Bullock said Pastore trained hard and died doing what he loved.

A man of service: Officer remembers Jorge Pastore, talks how community can help

The only hope we have is to honor his legacy by continuing to be warriors that go out and fight for this city, he said.

Pastores passing was one of three deaths in total for the Austin Police Department over the weekend.

Two other officers died in separate incidents, one retired officer in a car crash and another officer died by suicide.

Were hurting. this department is struggling, Bullock concluded. Losing three officers is an incredible toll on this whole department.

Memorial for fallen Austin Police Department officer Jorge Pastore outside of APD headquarters in downtown Austin on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023. (KXAN Photo/Todd Bailey)

FBI seen on south Austin street after APD officer, shot killed during SWAT situation. (KXAN Photo/Todd Bailey)

Memorial seen near south Austin street after APD officer shot, killed. (KXAN Photo/Todd Bailey)

Memorial seen near south Austin street after APD officer shot, killed. (KXAN Photo/Todd Bailey)

Memorial seen near south Austin street after APD officer shot, killed. (KXAN Photo/Todd Bailey)

FBI seen on south Austin street after APD officer, shot killed during SWAT situation. (KXAN Photo/Todd Bailey)

Pastores memorial and funeral services will be held on Friday morning.

Details announced to celebrate life of fallen APD officer Jorge Pastore

It will start with a procession from Weed Corley Fish Funeral Home on Parkcrest Drive near Northland Drive and MoPac Expressway.

From there, the procession will go through the State Capitol and to the Circuit of the Americas for visitation and funeral services at the amphitheater.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
Countries comprising the UN Command (UNC) overseeing the armistice in the Korean peninsula have expressed concern that Russia and China are helping North Korea improve its military capabilities through sanctions evasion, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Nov. 14 at a meeting in South Korea, as reported by Reuters.

The UNC, founded in 1950 at the start of the Korean War, consists of 17 countries pledged to defend South Korea.

Austin said that he feared Russia's military cooperation with North Korea has increased, becoming a two-way street in which North Korea provides Russia with military hardware, such as artillery shells, in exchange for military technology to improve North Korea's long-range capabilities.

U.S. State Secretary Antony Blinken said on Nov. 9 that Russia may have provided North Korea with ballistic missiles and nuclear technology and that their cooperation was not just a potential threat to their respective neighbors but also to the "global non-proliferation regime."

With Russia's military stocks running low and domestic production capacity simultaneously hampered by Western sanctions, it has increasingly turned to other sources for military equipment, including North Korea.

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Russia and North Korea signed a widely condemned arms deal in October, which Russia has denied.

Nonetheless, U.S. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said on Oct. 13 that Russia had received shipments of North Korean weapons and ammunition following a meeting between Russian dictator Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in September.

South Korean military officials reported in November that North Korea may have provided Russia with short-range ballistic missiles, as well as over 1 million artillery shells.

Other Western leaders said this may have a tangible impact on the battlefield.

Czech President Petr Pavel said on Nov. 9 that given the current state of the fighting, Ukraine was unlikely to gain military superiority over Russia, in part because of Moscow's ability to turn to allies such as North Korea to replenish dwindling munitions stocks.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov thanked North Korea for its "fundamental, unequivocal support" in the war against Ukraine on Oct. 18 during a visit to the country.

Read also: Russia, China and North Korea have new dynamics. And its bad for Ukraine

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
By Jack Kim and Ju-min Park

SEOUL (Reuters) -U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Tuesday U.N. member states enforcing the Korean War armistice were concerned that China and Russia were helping North Korea expand its military capabilities by enabling Pyongyang to evade U.N. sanctions, .

The UN states and South Korea vowed a united response to any aggression or attacks by North Korea on the south, they said in a statement at the Seoul meeting attended by Austin and defence officials of the 17 countries that make up the U.N. Command (UNC), the body that oversees the armistice.

"We are deeply concerned that the PRC and Russia are helping the DPRK expand its capabilities by enabling it to evade sanctions from the U.N. Security council," Austin said, referring to the People's Republic of China and North Korea's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

"We're also troubled by the recent growth in military cooperation between Russia and the DPRK," he said.

Washington has accused North Korea of supplying military equipment to Russia for use in its war with Ukraine, and Moscow of providing technical military support to help the North.

North Korea and Russia have denied any arms deals, though their leaders pledged closer military cooperation when they met in September in Russia's far east.

Asked about Austin's comment, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: "All such statements are absolutely unfounded, they are not substantiated by anything, and each new similar statement only further devalues all others in this regard."

China, North Korea's closest ally, has said it was complying with international obligations.

The UNC "will be united upon any renewal of hostilities or armed attack on the Korean peninsula," a joint statement between UNC and South Korea said, condemning North Korea's "unlawful" nuclear and ballistic missile programs.

South Korean Defence Minister Shin Won-sik said Pyongyang had been warned not to attempt any aggressive acts, noting that unlike in 1950, when the Korean War broke out, North Korea is now a member state of the United Nations.

NORTH CALLS FOR UNC TO BE DISSOLVED

"If North Korea ever invades the South again, it will be self-contradictory, where a U.N. member state would be attacking the U.N. Command," Shin told the meeting. "If the countries that backed North Korea during the Korean War ever try to help again, then those countries will also receive grave punishment from the international community along with North Korea."

China and the Soviet Union backed the North in combat against U.N. member states led by the United States. China and North Korea are parties to the armistice with the UNC.

The UNC member states, which include the United States, Britain, Australia and Turkey, sent troops or contributed medical support during the 1950-53 Korean War.

Established in 1950, the UNC was mandated to restore peace and enforce the armistice while acting as a channel of communication with North Korea.

It is led by the commander of the U.S. military stationed in South Korea.

North Korea on Monday called the UNC "a U.S. tool for confrontation" that has nothing to do with the United Nations and an "illegal war organisation" that must be dissolved if the outbreak of a new war on the Korean peninsula is to be prevented.

On Monday, Austin and Shin agreed to revise a bilateral security agreement aimed at deterring North Korea's growing nuclear and missile threats.

The defence chiefs said they would step up joint drills and cooperate with Japan to deter and better prepare for any North Korean attack, while seeing the need for dialogue as a path toward peace on the peninsula.

The U.S. and South Korean navies are carrying out joint drills this week off the east coast of the peninsula, including anti-submarine exercises, the South Korean navy said on Tuesday.

(Reporting by Jack Kim, Ju-min Park, Soo-hyang Choi and Daewoung Kim; Editing by Ed Davies, Gerry Doyle and Bernadette Baum)
By Kirsty Needham

SYDNEY (Reuters) -A new Australian law will toughen restrictions on how industries and universities share defence technology with foreigners, while exempting AUKUS partners Britain and the United States from such controls, a draft of the measure shows.

The law is meant to replicate U.S. export controls to defence technology, seen as a key step to beginning the AUKUS plan to build a new class of nuclear-powered submarine in Australia and Britain.

Scrutiny by the U.S. State Department of Australia's ability to protect defence secrets has partly contributed to delays by the U.S. Congress in passing legislation to allow the sale of Virginia-class submarines to Australia and enable greater sharing of defence technology for AUKUS.

The proposed law creates three criminal offences, further restricts sharing of defence technology to foreign persons inside and outside Australia, while allowing licence-free sharing among the AUKUS partners.

"This is pivotal legislation which is critical for establishing a seamless industrial base with our AUKUS partners," Defence Minister Richard Marles said in a statement on Tuesday.

Australia needs to reform its defence industry to remove "burdensome red tape" with Britain and the U.S., he added.

Australia's science academy said on Tuesday it was concerned at the impact on scientific collaboration with other nations, including China.

"It expands Australia's backyard to include the U.S. and the UK, but it raises the fence," Professor Chennupati Jagadish, president of the Australian Academy of Science, said in a speech on Tuesday.

Jagadish, a semiconductor and nanotechnology scientist, said the new rules could require closed research facilities.

Australian universities are reliant on international collaboration, and a third of research students came from overseas - with China the top source, he said.

"The global science system is more vulnerable than it has ever been due to decisions taken by states as they respond to security challenges," he said at a conference in Canberra.

Australia had also signed an agreement with the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation, whose members are France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, Belgium and Spain, for the exchange of classified information to support its defence equipment program, Marles said on Tuesday.

(Reporting by Kirsty Needham. Editing by Gerry Doyle)
Sarah Bernstein appears on screen after winning the Scotiabank Giller Prize for her novel 'Study For Obedience' in Toronto, on Monday, Nov. 13, 2023. (/Chris Young/The Canadian Press via AP)

TORONTO (AP)  Author Sarah Bernstein won the Scotiabank Giller Prize on Monday for her novel Study for Obedience.

The Montreal-born, Scotland-based author accepted the $100,000 award remotely from Scotland, where she had a baby just 10 days ago.

Her novel is about a young woman moving to the remote north where after her arrival, a series of inexplicable events occur.

The 100,000 Canadian dollar ($72,000 U.S.) Giller prize honors the best in Canadian fiction. Past winners have included Margaret Atwood, Mordecai Richler and Alice Munro.

Just as Bernsteins name was called at the gala, a protester interrupted the live telecast with anti-Israel war slogans, forcing organizers to repeat the announcement.

The celebrations were also interrupted early in the broadcast when several anti-Israel protesters jumped onstage.

The Giller was created in 1994 by late businessman Jack Rabinovitch in memory of his late wife, literary journalist Doris Giller.
Kevin P. Anderson, 65, of Fort Atkinson hasn't been seen since 2020, when he was charged in the killings of his sister and brother-in-law.

More than three years after the killings of a Jefferson County couple, local investigators asked hunters to keep an eye out for the Fort Atkinson man charged in their homicides, who hasn't been seen since the shootings.

Kevin P. Anderson is charged in the shooting deaths of his sister, Nedra Lemke, and her husband, James Lemke, who were killed in June 2020. Prosecutors said Anderson was unhappy he wasn't named the executor of his father's will.

The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office asked hunters in the county to watch "for anything that might lead to a conclusion in this case" as they spend time in wooded areas, especially near the intersection of State Highway 106 and County Highway A, in the town of Sumner, where the Lemkes were killed.

Anderson, 65, is described as 6 feet tall with blue eyes and balding brown hair and weighing about 200 pounds.

"If you see Anderson, do not approach him, and immediately contact law enforcement," a news release from the sheriff's office reads.

The sheriff's office asked anyone who believes to have seen Anderson, knows about his whereabouts or has any other information on the case to call them at 920-674-7310.

Anderson faces charges after shootings, house fire

Anderson is charged with two counts of first-degree intentional homicide as well as attempted homicide, arson and possessing a firearm as a felon.

Prosecutors say Nedra Lemke called the sheriff's office on June 16 to report a possible burglary. She said she and her husband, Jim, saw broken windows when they arrived to mow the lawn at her father's home in Sumner, which is west of Fort Atkinson.

When a Jefferson County sheriff's deputy arrived, he found Lemke shot to death in the driveway, according to the criminal complaint. James Lemke's body was later found, also shot, in the driveway.

When the deputy returned to his squad car to get a rifle and call a dispatcher with information about what he saw, someone  believed to be Anderson  began firing at him from the house. The deputy returned fire.

Several rounds hit the squad car, most to the driver's area of the vehicle, according to the complaint. No one was hurt.

Three minutes after the deputy arrived at the scene, smoke could be seen coming from the home. It eventually burned to the ground.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Jefferson County asks hunters to look for man wanted in 2020 shootings
The Chicago Board of Ethics found insufficient evidence Monday to prove former Mayor Lori Lightfoot violated the citys ethics code when her campaign sent scores of emails to public employees during her bid for reelection.

Chicago Inspector General Deborah Witzburg had accused Lightfoot of an ethics violation related to fundraising emails sent to public workers. Earlier this year, the Board of Ethics found probable cause that a violation occurred, but it dismissed the charges after meeting with Lightfoot attorney Michael Dorf.

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Dorf said in a statement there was abundant evidence that neither Mayor Lightfoot nor anyone at her campaign intentionally targeted government email addresses for fundraising appeals.

The Lightfoot campaign conducted thorough due diligence to ensure that those who subscribed to fundraising solicitations did not use government email addresses. Mayor Lightfoot, like most major candidates involved in large-scale campaigns, was never involved in personally monitoring email list subscribers, or in any other facet of email fundraising, Dorf said. By rejecting the investigation and findings of the Inspector General, the Board has avoided setting a dangerous precedent.

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In its written opinion on the case, the ethics board said the mayor was in neither factual nor de facto control of the process used for the dissemination of the offending emails.

That responsibility rests with the fundraising committee and its officers, directors, and staff, the board wrote, noting it regrettably does not have the power to hold the political fundraising committee in violation.

Witzburg did not directly address the ruling but in a statement said: We will continue to pursue aggressive enforcement of the citys ethics rules until there is a shared understanding that those in positions of public trust owe Chicagoans better.

While the inspector general and the ethics board did not name Lightfoot in the case, the former mayor has acknowledged the matter involves her campaign.

The ethics board ruling gives Lightfoot a victory after months of controversy. Lightfoots team solicited teachers to give students extra credit for political work on her campaign, a scandal first reported by WTTW.

Later, WBEZ and the Sun-Times reported her campaign sent thousands of campaign solicitations to public employees email addresses. The Tribune reported Lightfoot was told to stop sending electioneering materials to city workers nearly a year before her staff tried to recruit Chicago Public Schools students to do political work for extra credit.

Witzburg issued a report earlier this year faulting the Lightfoot campaign without naming Lightfoot.

OIG obtained political campaign emails sent by the officials political campaign which demonstrated that the official misused their City title in pursuit of a political purpose, as well as misused the authority of their office and City email addresses for a political purpose, Witzburg wrote earlier this year. The political campaign emails also demonstrated that the official improperly solicited political donations from City employees, over whom the official had supervisory authority.

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When the campaign-related emails to teachers came to light in January, Lightfoots camp first defended but then quickly denounced the practice of sending emails to public workers soliciting campaign help. But an email sent directly to Lightfoot from Witzburg in March 2022 warned her to cease sending political communications to public employee email addresses.

In the email, released by the mayors office in response to a request seeking Lightfoots January email communications, Witzburg stated that the Board of Ethics had sent a letter via certified mail to Lightfoots campaign as well as hand-delivering a copy to Lightfoots City Hall office.

In that letter, she wrote, BOE advised that your campaign immediately cease sending electioneering communications to city of Chicago employees at their city email addresses and purge such email addresses from campaign email lists.

Despite the warning, Witzburg wrote, the inspector general had accumulated evidence that this practice has continued at a significant scale for months after BOEs March 2022 letter, with your campaign continuing to send electioneering emails to city employees at their city email addresses, as well as to sister agencies employees.

But Lightfoot officials have long pushed back, arguing that the former mayor did not personally run the email account and her team worked to clear it of public email addresses.

gpratt@chicagotribune.com
[Source]

Rapper Azealia Banks is being accused of being racist against BTS' Jungkook and the entire K-pop industry due to the remarks she made on an Instagram story.

What made the fans upset: Banks ignited a social media firestorm with her series of Instagram stories on Nov. 10, about the recently leveled allegations at A$AP Rocky. She brought up how the rapper is accused of acts of violence but has not faced any consequences. While expressing her love of Chris Brown, she asked if we could now get rid of fruity K-pop weirdos.

Sidebar: now that we are done pretending Chris Brown isnt the most important artist of this decade can we all pretty please tell these fruity K-pop weirdos to get out of here with their ghost white bleach booties and trash Michael Jackson choreo? The K-pop boy bands are just a bunch of twerkin twinks.

Social media uproar: BTS fans, collectively known as ARMYs, quickly took to social media to express their disapproval, accusing Banks of racism and xenophobia. Many felt the comments were directed at Jungkook's recent solo debut album, GOLDEN, particularly the music video for the title track, "Standing Next to You."

Trending on NextShark: New dating trend has S. Koreans airdropping their photos to random people in bars

Many fans, unfamiliar with Banks before this incident, have accused her of seeking attention, being a "clout chaser" and jealous of Jungkook's recent success.

"Another clout chaser," a commenter wrote. "Damn being an army is not easy bro."

Trending on NextShark: Kayak owners detail unusual behavior of group with Nancy Ng when she went missing in Guatemala

"Who is this Azealia banks?" another chimed in. "And the audacity to call herself Jungkook. Bro Jungkook isn't a jealous, attention seeker like you."

Others pointed out that her discography does not match the recent surge in streams experienced by Jungkook.

"Azelia Banks latest single 'DILEMA' has now surpassed 599,549 streams on Spotify," a Twitter user wrote. "Now it just needs 13,330,212 streams to reach the numbers of the last streamed song on Jungkooks 8 days old album GOLDEN.

Trending on NextShark: Chinese student discovered secretly living under mall's stairs for 6 months

Some fans even highlighted that BTS has a positive relationship with Jackson's family.

History of controversy: The incident adds to Banks' history of controversial remarks and confrontations. Among the most recent incidents include her public dispute with Troye Sivan, in which many accused her of transphobia and homophobia. In 2019, she also went after Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang and accused him of being a Chinese spy.

Trending on NextShark: Man secretly learns Korean for a year, surprises bride with Korean speech at wedding

More on NextShark:

Sandara Park explains why she thinks Filipinos make great dates
A 5-year-old girl found in a container encased in concrete  known as Baby Jane Doe  was identified and a couple was charged more than three decades after she was discovered.

Kenyatta KeKe Odoms death was ruled a homicide after she was found on 21 December 1988. Now, 35 years later, authorities have arrested and charged the girls mother and then-boyfriend for her death, according to a Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) press release.

Evelyn Odom, 56, and Ulyster Sanders, 61, were charged with felony murder, cruelty to children in the first degree, aggravated battery, concealing the death of another person and conspiracy to commit concealing the death of another person on 9 November.

The GBI found that Mr Sanders and Ms Odom were living together in Albany at the time of the girls death.

The release stated that the girl was found in the woods  placed in a TV cabinet, wrapped in a blanket, stuffed in a duffel bag and then surrounded by concrete.

The probe into Kenyattas death spanned decades, and included forensic testing and compared her death with other missing children across state lines but those efforts were ultimately fruitless.

By 2019, investigators used genealogy technology to trace the childs family to the Albany area. Finally, in 2022, police had a breakthrough. They received a tip after a news story about the anniversary of Kenyattas death aired. That tip led investigators to the girls identification

A tipster called. She had heard the story of Baby Jane Doe and she believed she may know who this little girl may be, Special Agent in Charge Jason Seacrist said at a news conference. She knew that a child had gone missing and that her mother said the child had gone to live with her father. This person never really believed that story.

Both Ms Odom and Mr Sanders are being held in Dougherty County jail. Ms Odom is set to appear in court on 14 November, records show, while Mr Sanders next court appearance is not listed. Lawyers for both parties are also not listed.
Crime. Parking. Fewer customers and people downtown.

The owners of one popular Raleigh restaurant gave The News & Observer several reasons Monday why they plan to leave downtown after 88 years, though they have not set a date.

Theres a bad feeling about being downtown, said Debbie Holt, who owns Clyde Coopers Barbecue with her daughter Ashley. People used to mosey about and stroll down the street. You dont see that going on today.

Holts comments echoed business owners who have raised similar concerns this year about safety problems, and city officials are studying how to improve downtown foot traffic since the pandemic.

What other business owners have said

Downtown business owners described their employees being hit, spit on and groped.

My staff has been threatened with bricks, and they have had their lives threatened on a regular basis, Kim Hammer, owner of Bittersweet and Johnson Street Yacht Club, told city leaders in September. This is a daily thing. Its incredible stressful. We cant take it any more.

Matt Coleman, owner of The Davie, described seeing a known criminal brandishing a knife in the air and screaming at pedestrians near his patio.

Its hard to believe now that business owners are having to clean up human feces outside of our shops, needles from our patios and deal with folks exposing themselves inside their bars mid-afternoons, he said.

What has the city done?

Raleigh is pursuing a short-term contract with Capitol Special Police to patrol the GoRaleigh bus station in downtown. Those officers will carry guns, wear body-worn cameras and were set to be on the street in early November.

The private security would be a force multiplier, and company police and security officers are already being used by private businesses and in other parts of the city, Raleigh Police Chief Estella Patterson said in a previous interview. (The N&O asked to speak with Patterson for this story but has not yet heard back.)

However, those patrols have yet to begin, according to a city spokesperson.

The Raleigh City Councils Safe, Vibrant and Health Community Committee held two meetings, including one focused on hearing from downtown business owners, employees and residents. The committee will meet again to discuss a long-term downtown policing plan, among other things.

Most of the concerns stemmed from issues near the GoRaleigh bus station and Moore Square, with the Police Department ramping up enforcement with a zero tolerance approach.

The News & Observer requested the latest crime data for downtown on Tuesday but has not yet received the information.

What about the Downtown Raleigh Alliance?

The Downtown Raleigh Alliance (DRA), which advocates for downtown and administers funds from the Downtown Raleigh Municipal Service District, is also hiring private security.

Those private security officers are unarmed and are focused around the bus station and Moore Square. They will be wearing body cameras and file daily reports, and serious incidents will prompt an alert to the DRA team.

A new camera system is also being installed downtown, funded by the Raleigh Police Foundation. The system is a Fusus Real Time Center platform that lets businesses and residents connect their security cameras into this center to be reviewed when there is a crime.

New ambassadors

The DRA also revamped its ambassador program with a new vendor, starting Sept. 1. New vehicles have been purchased for faster deployment, hours were changed to focus on hot spot areas and new uniforms were purchased.

Revamping downtown Raleigh

Downtown Raleigh, like many cities downtowns, has struggled to regain foot traffic since the shift to more remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The city of Raleigh and Downtown Raleigh Alliance are creating a retail strategy for Fayetteville Street, and working to revamp the downtown office market, support minority- and women-owned businesses and identify catalytic projects that will grow the downtown economy.

A virtual meeting to share thoughts about the economic development strategy is planned for 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 15, and there is a survey for people who cant attend the pop-up events.

Registration and the survey link can be found at downtownraleigh.org/do-business/economic-development-strategy

A draft plan is expected in spring 2024 with a final plan in June 2024.

Reporter Drew Jackson contributed to this article.
Desert Community Compost composts the food waste from St. Margaret's food banks and is using this compost for a garden on the church's campus in Palm Desert, Calif., on Dec. 8, 2021.

The largest known representative study of food waste in the United States has revealed every states habits when it comes to discarding groceries and more new insights that may help to confront climate change.

According to authors of the study published Monday, targeting unnecessary food waste has been identified as a top solution in confronting the threat of climate change and rising global temperatures, so understanding the scale of the issue and Americans behaviors, attitudes and knowledge about food waste is crucial.

The study surveyed households in all 50 states and found the states with the highest and lowest average levels of household waste (defined as any food disposed of at home in trash bins, drains, garbage disposals, compost piles, or as animal feed).

The study was directed and funded by the MITRE Independent Research and Development Program and developed in partnership with Ohio State University, World Wildlife Fund, ReFED, Natural Resources Defense Council and Harvard Law School Food Law and Policy Clinic.

Chet Hecht, left, and Nate Satrape add to a two-week-old compost pile at the only community compost site from Desert Compost located at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church in Palm Desert, Calif., on Dec. 8, 2021.

Why is food waste a big problem?

There are several reasons why food waste is a problem.

Millions more Americans didn't have enough to eat in 2022 compared to 2021, representing the largest increase in food insecurity and hunger nationwide in more than a decade, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced last month.

Food waste also drives climate change. Rotting foods that make their way to our landfills create an abundance of methane, a powerful greenhouse gas and one of the driving forces behind global warming. Additionally, land, water, labor, and energy are all required to produce food goes to waste when food is unused.

More: How can you cut back on food waste this Thanksgiving?

What are 5 facts about food waste revealed by the survey?

The price of food is the primary food-related concern among 81% of U.S. households, yet only 33% are aware the average American household could save at least $1,500 per year by eliminating food waste. The most expensive and environmentally impactful food category, protein, represents 10% of waste. Much of the food we waste is fully safe and edible. One in 10 U.S. households worry about health risks associated with eating leftovers with no signs of spoilage and therefore tend to waste more food. People who often or always throw away food that has passed its date label waste over twice as much food per week (8.9 cups) as those who never or rarely throw away past date food. Households with higher levels of education, higher levels of income, and lower age tend to waste more food. Households with children tend to waste more food per week (8.5 cups) than those without children (5.1), and rate food cost as their highest food-related concern.

Which states produce the most food waste?

Arkansas, Maryland and Illinois were found to have the highest average levels of household waste, and Wyoming, Idaho, and Maine had the lowest average amount. The survey findings are preliminary and additional research is needed to better understand reasons for differences between states, authors noted.

What changes can be made and how popular are the ideas?

When presented with 12 possible policies that could be implemented in their communities, respondents top five choices on actions they would like were:

Businesses to be required to donate surplus food (49%)

Food waste education within local schools (47%)

Businesses to receive tax credits or deductions for donating food (44%)

Public food waste education and outreach (e.g., public service announcements, educational campaigns, and workshops) (40%)

Businesses and individuals to be protected if they donate food and the recipient becomes ill (32%)

More: Is it safe to eat food after its sell-by date? Usually, yes.

What are 10 ways to reduce food waste?

Packaged hams fill refrigerated shelves on Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023 at Gray's Food.

Ultimately, households are responsible for nearly half of the total surplus of food waste, according to ReFED, so here are 10 ways to reduce food waste at home, according to the the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Make a list each week of what needs to be used up and plan upcoming meals around it. Properly store fruits, vegetables, proteins, herbs and condiments for maximum freshness, better taste and a longer shelf life. Most veggies, especially those that could wilt (such as leafy greens, carrots, cucumbers, and broccoli) should go in the high humidity drawer of the fridge. Many common fruits can cause other produce to ripen faster and should be stored away. The EPA recommends storing condiments in the refrigerator door because it's the warmest part of the fridge. Store meat, poultry, and fish on the lower shelves. Some produce, such as potatoes, eggplant, winter squash, onions, and garlic, should be stored in a cool, dry, dark, and well-ventilated place. Make your shopping list based on how many meals youll eat at home and include quantities. Consider how often you will eat out, if you plan to eat frozen precooked meals, and if you will eat leftovers (according to the study, one of the most effective strategies to reduce household food waste is eating leftovers). Freeze, pickle, dehydrate, can, or make jam/jelly from surplus fruits and vegetables (especially abundant seasonal produce). Purchase imperfect produce or upcycled products (which are made from ingredients that might have otherwise gone to waste). Learn the difference between sell-by, use-by, best-by, and expiration dates. If unspoiled, stale bread can be used for things like french toast or croutons, beet greens can be sauteed for a side dish, and vegetable scraps can be used for soup stock.. Youll avoid wasting these items and create new favorite meals. Wait to wash berries, cherries, and grapes until youre ready to eat them to prevent mold. Dont leave perishable food at room temperature for more than two hours. Compost food scraps rather than throwing them away and donate safe, untouched food to your local food banks to help those in need.

You can also use MITRE's Food Waste Tracker app, available on Android and iOS devices, which you can use to track your household food waste.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How bad is food waste in the US? Study shows what you can do to help.
A federal lawmaker is calling for a national ban on a toy that 9 Investigates first warned you about almost a year ago.

Investigative Reporter Karla Ray first reported when a local toddler nearly died after accidentally swallowing a water bead. The Ban Water Beads Act would instruct the Consumer Product Safety Commission to ban the beads that are marketed as childrens toys.

The danger is in the way the beads expand in water, which can cause intestinal blockages that, in some cases, have been deadly.

The head of the CPSC says this is the fastest way to get what the agency says is an unsafe product off the market.

Read: Water bead recall comes after Ormond Beach mom testifies to Consumer Product Safety Commission

Henry Gent, of Ormond Beach, just turned 2; a major milestone considering he nearly died last December.

He was special anyway, but even more so now, were all so grateful, his mom Sara Gent said. Not everybody had the same outcome as we did.

When we first met the Gents, Henry was still recovering after having major surgery to remove water beads that nearly killed him. The tiny specs he accidentally swallowed absorbed so much liquid inside his body that they blocked his intestine.

Read: Recall alert: 52K Chuckle & Roar water beads kits sold at Target recalled

In September 2023, the CPSC announced a manufacturer recall of one water bead kit after a different toddler tragically died.

We know its an uphill battle, and were really grateful that there is a step in the right direction, Gent said at that time. Its really hard when you see babies going through the same thing your son did, and companies just arent stopping.

Now, thanks to the efforts of Gent and other parents, New Jersey Congressman Frank Pallone is introducing the Ban Water Beads Act, to remove any brand of the beads from the market.

Read: Water beads: How these sprinkle-sized toys can become deadly when swallowed

I know people are going to say, do you have to prohibit these completely? Arent there some that are safe? And the answer is no, you have to ban them, Pallone said.

The CPSC Chair Alexander Hoehn-Saric agrees, calling the legislation the most effective solution to this issue.

So long as theyre being sold, the hazards are going to continue to exist, Hoehn-Saric said.

Video: Water bead recall comes after Ormond Beach mom testifies to Consumer Product Safety Commission

The CPSC says if there are children around, water beads should not be. The agency believes between 2016 and 2022, 7,800 children were treated in hospital emergency rooms due to water bead injuries, with at least one death.

Gent plans to travel to Washington, D.C. next year to do whatever she can to help this legislation pass.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Welcome to Whats being built there?  an occasional feature where the Tri-City Herald answers questions from readers about the construction you see around town.

Send your Whats that? questions to news@tricityherald.com.

Pasco

Sandeep Fueling Station/Convenience Store

3210 Road 44 at Argent

LCR Construction LLC has begun site work to construct a fueling station and convenience store with a drive-thru coffee/donut shop at the corner of Road 44 and Argent Street in West Pasco.

LCR Construction LLC has begun site work for a fueling station and convenience store on the northwest corner of Road 44 and Argent Street, west of Columbia Basin College and the Tri-Cities Airport.

A checklist submitted under the State Environmental Protection Act (SEPA) indicates the project will have a 3,750-square-foot store with four gasoline pumps served by a 30,000-gallon underground tank and a drive-thru coffee window.

The city of Pasco issued a modified determination of environmental nonsignificance in July and approved grading permits in October.

Future additions could add buildings in the future with currently undetermined uses.

The fueling station will be allowed a single right-in/right-out driveway on West Argent and will be designed to accommodate future road improvements.

Thanks to reader Mike Berriochoa for the suggestion.

New subdivision

West Argent and 66th Place

Workers build new homes in a new housing development on the southeast corner of the intersection of Road 68 and Argent Street in west Pasco.

SG Land Management is developing a 63-townhome neighborhood east of the intersection of Road 68 and West Argent St. Pro Made Homes is the builder.

Public documents also indicate the city issued a permit to demolish a home on property bordering the site to the west for future development.

Townhomes in the subdivision are listed on realtor.com for about $340,000.

Thanks to reader Dana Izaguirre for the suggestion.

Richland

Ethos Bakery & Cafe

2290 Keene Road

The new Ehtos Bakery & Cafe building at 2290 Keene Road in Richland is nearing completion.

Hummel Construction & Development is building a new home base for Ethos, just 600 feet west of its former quarters.

The new building is near the Kozy Cup Coffee and Taco Time, at the intersection of Keene Road and Queensgate Drive.

Owners Angela Kora and Scot Newell closed the neighboring Ethos and are operating from its location at 702 The Parkway, in Richland, while it awaits its new home.

The building is valued at $800,000 and will house the bakerys operations, including baking, milling, and coffee. It will indoor and outdoor seating and a drive-thru.

Washington Securities & Investment Corp. owns the property and is developing the building for Ethos.

Thanks to reader Matt Shirley for the suggestion

Kennewick

B5 Community Learning Center

715 S. Jean Place

The new B5 Community Learning Center is being constructed by Elite Construction & Development at 715 S Jean Place in Kennewick near the Boys & Girls Clubs.

A new home for B5 Community Learning Center is being built by Elite Construction & Development near the Boys & Girls Clubs in central Kennewick.

B5 raised almost $2 million and secured $750,000 from Washington state for the community center.

The new facility will support B5s mission to work with resettled refugee families in the Tri-Cities.

It offers English classes, citizenship classes, after-school enrichment programs for non-English speaking students enrolled in Kennewick schools and tutoring. It also helps families navigate the school system and American life.

Go to thriveatb5.org/our-story/

Thanks to reader Charles Henager Jr. for the suggestion.

Calvary Chapel expansion

10611 W. Clearwater Ave.

Construction continues on a new building being added to the campus of Calvary Chapel Tri-Cities.

Calvary Chapel of Tri-Cities is constructing a 45,616-square-foot addition to accommodate a fellowship hall, sanctuary and classroom addition to its existing school building.

Hummel Construction and Development LLC is the contractor. The project has a construction value of $6 million, according to Kennewick building permits.

The building permit was issued one year ago and work is 73% complete, according to city records.

Thanks to reader Cassandra Cruzen for the suggestion.

Sign Up: Boom Town Tri-Cities

Stay up to date on Tri-Cities growth and development with our weekly business newsletter. Get the latest on restaurant and business openings and closings, plus the regions top housing and employment news. Click here to sign up. In your inbox every Wednesday.
When Belarusian author Hanna Komar brought the manuscript for her poetry collection Ribwort to a publisher in Belarus in the summer of 2021, she was told that their business would be shut down if they published her work.

Komar, like thousands of her fellow Belarusians, took part in the 2020-2021 protests against Belarusian dictator Aleksandr Lukashenko and was even briefly jailed. She later went into exile, resettling in the U.K.

Some call (it) the awakening of Belarusians; others call it the birth of a new, free Belarus. Whatever its called, these years have felt, for the nation and for me personally, like a process of unlearning our learned helplessness, Komar writes in the introduction to the English version of Ribwort, now available from the U.K. publisher 3TimesRebel Press.

The title of Komars poetry collection comes from the ribwort plant, which is found in Belarus and can be used as a natural histamine. Komar, through her poignantly crafted verses, endeavors to ease the pain inflicted upon her and her fellow Belarusians by outside forces and from within the country itself.

The 2020-2021 protests are at the heart of the poetry collection, although not every poem is dedicated to this tumultuous yet hopeful period. It marked a turning point in the countrys recent history, where Belarusians tried to push for a more democratic and independent future. As Komar writes:

in the smoke

from your stun grenades we cant see

where to run

the past running up with shields against our flags

A country of around 10 million people with its own diverse history and culture, Belarus has long existed in Russias authoritarian shadow. Efforts to embrace the Belarusian language at the state level during the years of the countrys nascent independence from the Soviet Union were stifled by Lukashenko, who has ruled with the backing of the Kremlin in neighboring Russia.

Read also: In Lukashenkos Belarus, Belarusian culture is not welcome

Lukashenko leveraged a power dynamic rooted in the Soviet era, where Russian culture served as a source of authority. The Soviets deliberately elevated the Russian language and culture in education, work, and public life, aiming to create an illusion of "brotherly nations." However, the underlying purpose of this was to suppress any sense of national identity. Belarusian cultural figures, much like their counterparts in Soviet Ukraine, faced oppression and persecution during the 1930s  a somber reality referenced by Komar in her poetry:

If it was 1937

theyd execute me as well

for I indulged my vowels

and forgave my consonants,

didnt create new social units but poems

During Lukashenkos nearly 30 years in power, Belarusians have witnessed a steady decline in civil liberties and human rights. Lukashenko became president following the 1994 presidential election, which the U.S. non-profit organization Freedom House describes as the countrys only democratic (one).

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya put forward her candidacy for the 2020 presidential election in place of her husband, the opposition blogger Syarhei Tsikhanousky, after he was arrested and jailed. She went on to become Lukashnkos leading contender, and that election year marked an unprecedented voter turnout.

Tsikhanouskayas platform called for the release of political prisoners, constitutional limitations on the presidential terms, and free and fair elections. After Lukashenko declared victory, Tsikhanouskaya herself was briefly detained by the authorities and then forced into exile.

Belarusians went out en masse to protest the unjust outcome of the election for 10 months. Based on data collected by the Voice Platform, the Zubr Platform, and the Honest People Initiative, there was no way that Lukashenko could have won 80% of the vote, as he claimed. The NGOs also recorded falsifications at over 400 polling places nationwide.

According to the international NGO Reporters Without Borders, repressions have only increased since Lukashenko declared his fraudulent presidential victory. Nearly 1,500 Belarusians are currently recognized by the Viasna Human Rights Center as political prisoners.

Read also: Belarus Weekly: Belarus ranks lowest in Europe for rule of law

In her poetry, Komar underscores the urgency of the protests and how every Belarusian, regardless of their background, had an essential role in their outcome. Rather than be passive victims, they had to become active citizens:



when we are attacked

by a horde of black batons when our wings are broken against the blind

force of water cannons what should i do

beg them to stop

or run away?



This embrace of civic-mindedness came at a considerable cost. Komar was imprisoned for nine days for her participation in the protests and witnessed firsthand the abject cruelty of Lukashenkos authoritarian state. She recounts how the prison guards would not only subject prisoners to physical but psychological torture, trying to demoralize them in every possible way:



his blood pooled beneath my feet...

they liked that i had to watch

so i turned away



You like that, bitch?

Well pass you around

Or shove a bottle up you



Belarusians continued to protest despite these threats, although many of them were eventually left with no choice but to go into exile. Yet, the work of the Belarusian opposition continues even outside the country.

"How much more blood will it take?" is written on the poster with the face of Belarusian dictator Aleksandr Lukashenko held by a young man in Independence Square during an opposition protest in Minsk in August 2020. (Ulf Mauder/picture alliance via Getty Images)

One particularly commendable aspect of the collection, beyond Komars bravery, is the lucidity of her verses, namely her ability to situate Belarusians struggle in the greater context of all the ongoing conflicts and war in the region.

It stands in stark contrast to the more prominent members of the Russian exile community, who have used their platforms in the western media to make repeated declarations about how (Russian writer Fyodor) Dostoevsky is not at fault for the Russian invasion of Ukraine (stoking fears of growing censorship against the so-called great Russian culture) or complaining about statues to the Russian poet Alexander Pushkin being dismantled across Ukraine.

Komar acknowledges that she and other Belarusians forced into exile do not have to deal with an onslaught of Russian missile and drone attacks as those in Ukraine have had to do for nearly two years.

As much as Belarusians are struggling, they understand that they are more well-off than Ukrainians:

its a privilege

not to have to

tape up my window

from flying glass

of air raids

no one is bombarding this city

Komar also keeps in contact with her friends inside Ukraine during this time, chronicling how the war has changed their perspectives on life. For example, she includes fragments from their Facebook posts and Telegram messages during the early weeks of the full-scale Russian invasion that convey how easily familiar, everyday sounds can be mistaken for harbingers of death.

Yet those in Ukraine have remained defiant, and the social media fragments form their own unique kind of poem, a collage of resistance:

First I used to freak out about every tiny knock on the door, now

I freak out about the sound

of suitcase wheels, because

it resembles a flying bomber. What a life,

a blockbuster. But I can still laugh about it, which means well survive.

Komar and other Belarusians cannot help but be emotionally invested in the horrors unfolding on a daily basis back in their home country as well as in neighboring war-torn Ukraine. The initial momentum of the 2020-2021 protests may have subsided, but if there is any hope left for a better future, they cannot simply accept what fate has handed them.

Almost four years have elapsed since then, yet Lukashenko continues to hold power in Belarus. Despite the daunting challenges ahead for the Belarusian opposition, Komar, in one of her poems, eloquently captures the changing seasons, alluding to the reality that even Lukashenko's regime cannot endure indefinitely:

Water cannons prepare to wash away

sandbags on the barricades of our summer;

the lifebuoy ring is damaged, but then

so are the wheels of the cannons

The cover for "Ribwort" by Hanna Komar

In addition to writing about the 2020-2021 Belarusian opposition protests and Russias all-out war against Ukraine, Komar addresses more mainstream social issues faced by young women like herself in Belarus, namely sexism. By comparison, it seems almost lighthearted in nature, yet they are no less of a burden on ones soul:

You need to get married,

a woman on the train

believes as ferociously

as she holds her plastic flowers for the graves in April

Ribwort is a multi-layered poetry collection from one of Belarus most promising young literary talents. Komars verses are defined by bravery, honesty, and most importantly, empathy. Although infused with righteous indignation, there's a discernible intent behind her emotions: she advocates for channeling these feelings into something constructive and meaningful rather than allowing them to corrode her spirit or that of her fellow countrymen and women.

Read also: New Ukrainian anthology underscores Russian cultures influence on war

Note from the author:

Hi, this is Kate Tsurkan, thanks for reading this article. Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, there's been a lot of talk about Ukraine's cultural revival. However, Belarusians and people from other neighboring countries are reckoning with years of Russian colonialism as well. Culture has taken on an even more important meaning during wartime and if you like reading about this sort of thing, please consider supporting our reporting.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
By Marine Strauss

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Belgium has decided to temporarily ban the use of Novo Nordisk's diabetes drug Ozempic as a weight loss treatment amid a shortage of the medicine, according to a royal decree published in the country's Official Gazette on Tuesday.

Ozempic is approved to treat Type 2 diabetes but has increasingly been prescribed "off-label" to treat weight loss because it has the same active ingredient as Novo's hugely popular - and scarce - anti-obesity drug Wegovy.

In Britain, doctors and prescribers, including private online pharmacies, have been 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, Belgium's federal medicine agency recommended doctors and pharmacists only prescribe Ozempic to diabetic patients due to the surge in demand.

The drug's limited availability will last until June 2024,according to the agency.

(Reporting by Marine Strauss; Editing by Mark Potter)
Jason Ogbomoh was known as a beloved middle school teacher who served as a source of inspiration for his Georgia students.

His passion for teaching was clear in every lesson; his commitment to our students unwavering, Principal Diona Brown told Marietta Middle School families in an email later shared with McClatchy News. At just 25 years old, he had already made a significant impact on our community.

But the teachers life was cut short when he was shot and killed in downtown Atlanta, multiple news outlets reported.

Officers were called to the scene at about 3 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 12. They found a critically injured man, who had been shot several times and died in a hospital, the Atlanta Police Department said in a news release.

The Fulton County Medical Examiners Office identified the man who died as Ogbomoh, WSB-TV and WXIA reported. A homicide unit reportedly is helping to investigate his death.

Meanwhile, Marietta Middle School is mourning the loss of Ogbomoh, who was a computer science teacher at the campus for two years and was known for his dedication.

Last year, he was injured and was in a boot, Brown told WANF. He still showed up at the Sneaker Ball Dance for our students and was dancing and trying to dance-battle several of the kids in his boot because he wanted to be there for the kids.

As the campus reels with Ogbomohs death, the principal said counseling would be made available. Several students have written notes that the district plans to share with the late teachers family, WANF reported.

To his students, Mr. Ogbomoh was more than a teacher; he was a mentor, role model, and source of inspiration, Brown wrote. His ability to connect with students and his enthusiasm for teaching was truly special. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Police in their news release didnt share details about a potential suspect or list a possible motive. Officers, who didnt have more details to share with McClatchy News as of Nov. 13, said an investigation continues.

The Fulton County Medical Examiners Office didnt immediately share additional information with McClatchy News on Nov. 13.

Beloved third grade teacher shot to death by her estranged husband, Georgia cops say

21-year-old college student killed by stray bullet while working at bar, GA police say
Do you want to know my favorite weird fact of Benedict Arnold's life? Besides that British kindergartners now learn colors near his tomb? Well, too bad. You're gonna learn it. And it's your fault for clicking on a Logan Nye original. It's that he started a trading company after the war and then was confused when few Americans wanted to trade with him. Which is weird, since he literally spent months between his betrayal and the end of the war raiding around Connecticut and Virginia.

Benedict Arnold: Hero turned traitor, treated as mercenary

For those who only know "Benedict Arnold" as a mean name to call someone who switched sides during Red Rover in elementary school, he was oddly similar to Alexander Hamilton. He grew up poor with a problematic father in the Caribbean .

As a member of the Continental forces, he became a hero . In Arnold's case, this took the form of helping capture a British fort, launching a fleet that delayed British assaults into New York, and leading an assault that arguably won the key Battle of Saratoga.

But Arnold received dreadful injuries, especially at Saratoga. He left the frontlines and became increasingly angry with the Continental Congress. He really hated how they undersupplied troops and provided too little care to wounded veterans. So he and British Major John Andre came up with a scheme where Benedict Arnold would get 20,000 British pounds and the Redcoats would get the defenses at West Point .

Oh, does that sound like it would do absolutely nothing to help wounded veterans? And would probably make their lives worse and negate their sacrifices? Well, yeah. Benedict Arnold was pissed off and getting his piece of the pie. He wasn't actually trying to fix the problems he had identified.

Well, except the Continental Congress. Arnold did see them as a problem, and they would definitely be solved by a British victory. Britain would likely have fixed that congress up right fast if they had won.

Understandably, the British thought he was more mercenary than a principled soldier for either side. So he and his wife got ostracized in Canada and Britain both for betraying Britain by joining the revolution and for betraying America for a pile of cash. (A pile that he only got 30 percent of, or $6,000. Lol. Sucks to suck, sucker.)

One of Arnold's coded letters. Cipher lines by Arnold are interspersed with lines by his wife, Peggy.

Benedict Arnold's straight murdering of American soldiers to get Richmond

So, your friend and mine Benedict Arnold switched sides, got 30 percent of his fee, and survived while his business partner John Andre got hung by his neck until dead in 1780.

Ah, forgot to mention that part, huh? Major Andre is dead. Don't be sad. Literally everyone in any Revolutionary War story you hear is dead. That's just a hazard of reading over 200-year-old history. Andre just died earlier than Washington or Arnold or John Phillips did.

But Arnold quickly went back to work. In January 1781, Arnold began raiding American forces as a British officer. Some of his raids were more successful and historic than others. And his piece de resistance came quickly: The capture of Richmond.

The Virginia capital was virtually undefended in early 1781. Governor Thomas Jefferson learned that a British force of approximately 1,600 loyalists was barreling up the James River toward him. Arnold landed his force near the capital on January 4. And Jefferson put out a call for militiamen to guard the city .

Fortunately, thousands of American veterans farmed the area surrounding Richmond. Unfortunately, most of them looked at the new, emergency call for militia and went, "I already did my bit. It's someone else's turn to fight the British."

And so only 200 defenders actually showed up. Unsurprisingly, they could not defend against 1,600 Loyalists, Governor Jefferson fled, and Arnold easily captured the city .

After the war

Arnold continued to fight his former compatriots, mostly in Virginia and Connecticut. As you might guess, this did little for his reputation in Canada and was worse than harmful to his rep in America.

Which makes it weird that, after the war, Arnold went back into trade. Specifically, he tried shuttling goods between Canada and America. One side saw him as a traitor for trying to sell West Point. The other side saw him as a traitor twice over and a mercenary to boot.

His new trade venture did, um, not do well.

Arnold, like everyone born in 1741, is now dead. Unlike most of his year group, though, he's one of the few that we remember and whose death we toast.
City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin speaks during a financial empowerment summit at the University of Illinois at Chicago Forum on the Near West Side on Oct. 6, 2023. (Trent Sprague/Chicago Tribune)

Chicago Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin violated the citys ethics code by firing two top aides who alleged she repeatedly misused taxpayer resources and pressured public employees to help her political allies, according to a finding of probable cause by the citys Board of Ethics.

The ethics board made the determination Monday after a closed-door meeting where city officials reviewed findings from Inspector General Deborah Witzburg. In keeping with its rules, the ethics board did not name Conyears-Ervin, but the Tribune has identified her as the subject of the boards ruling.

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Over the coming months, Conyears-Ervin will have a chance to rebut the findings before the board issues a final ruling and potentially a fine. Her office had no comment on the matter Tuesday.

Mondays findings follow internal complaints by several now-former employees of the treasurers office who accused Conyears-Ervin of ethical lapses or misusing public resources for her private benefit. While many of the allegations were made years ago, they werent detailed publicly until recent Tribune reports.

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The allegations filed by the two top Conyears-Ervin aides date to November 2020, when the city treasurer dismissed her chief of staff, Tiffany Harper, and other top aides as part of what she called an office shake-up.

The Tribune first reported in September that Harper and another high-ranking employee, Ashley Evans, alleged they were retaliated against and fired after reporting Conyears-Ervin engaged in a series of unethical and illegal acts. Former Mayor Lori Lightfoots administration used city funds to pay the two women a $100,000 settlement and then fought for roughly two years to conceal the details of their whistleblower complaint. Brandon Johnson released the information to the Tribune after taking over as mayor.

In its record of the vote, the ethics board said it found probable cause to conclude that a city official wrongfully terminated the employment of two city employees.

Harper and Evans, who had been the treasurers chief impact officer, contended in a December 2020 letter that Conyears-Ervin used a staffer to plan her daughters birthday party and another employee to be her bodyguard. They also outlined broad allegations that Conyears-Ervin repeatedly misused taxpayer resources and pressured public employees to help her political allies.

In addition, Harper and Evans alleged Conyears-Ervin attempted to force BMO Harris  one of the banks where city money is deposited  to issue a mortgage tied to the building that houses the aldermanic office for the treasurers husband, Ald. Jason Ervin. The landlord is also a longtime family friend of the couple who told the Tribune he used to drive Conyears-Ervin to school when she was growing up.

The letter was not made public until the city dropped a legal effort to prevent its disclosure that was started under Lightfoot. Less than a week later after the Tribune received a copy from Johnsons administration, the head of the Chicago Board of Ethics said the board had referred the case to the citys inspector generals office but that the board couldnt do more unless it received detailed findings from the IG.

Witzburg declined to comment at the time. Investigators with the inspector generals office later seized computers from the treasurers City Hall offices without saying why.

In the December 2020 letter, the aides also said Conyears-Ervin threatened retaliation against employees who raised concerns about the conduct and other alleged misdeeds and told employees they should not care if her plans are illegal since the only way they could lose their jobs is if she fires them.

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Before they were fired, the letter stated, Conyears-Ervin threatened the women with retaliation and warned them that if they refused to implement her plans their asses can walk and that they will be walking the f--- up out of here and that this is (her) f---ing office and (her) vision, according to the letter.

Conyears-Ervin told the women she was firing them because of a change in administration, which their lawyer said was false.

The reason given for firing them was a pretext as there was no change in administration (the Treasurer took office over a year prior) and neither Ms. Evans nor Ms. Harper had done anything remotely justifying their termination, the letter said. They are precisely the sort of employees the City seeks to hire and retain, not terminate.

The two alleged Conyears-Ervin used Gina Zuccaro, a treasurers office employee who ran for state representative as part of a slate pushed by the Ervins, for personal services like running errands, planning her daughters birthday party, grocery shopping and the like.

The Treasurer also used City resources to support Ms. Zuccaros run for the  Illinois House of Representatives seat by allowing her to campaign on City time, the letter stated. This misuse of hiring to obtain personal services and favor her allies is a pervasive problem, extending well past these two employees to numerous other employees and contractors.

For her part, Conyears-Ervin has defended asking BMO Bank to help her family friend. Conyears-Ervin has also denied having public employees run personal errands for her while they were on duty but declined to address whether they did work for her on their personal time.

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A third former employee filed a complaint with the inspector generals office in summer 2021 alleging they were forced to attend an event where seniors signed political petitions to receive a free ham. Its unclear whether city officials took action over that workers complaints.

gpratt@chicagotribune.com
A Republican senator and the president of the Teamsters almost got into a fist fight Tuesday.

The almost-skirmish was snuffed out, however, before it could even begin by an 82-year-old senator.

"You're a United States senator!" Bernie Sanders yelled at his colleague.

Sen. Bernie Sanders stopped a fight from breaking out in the middle of a Senate committee meeting on Tuesday when a Republican senator stood up from his chair to fistfight a labor leader who was testifying.

The incident occurred during a Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions hearing titled "Standing Up Against Corporate Greed; How Unions are Improving the Lives of Working Families," where Teamsters President Sean O'Brien and other labor leaders were scheduled to speak.

During the hearing, Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma read aloud a post O'Brien previously made to X, formerly known as Twitter, where he called the Republican senator a "Greedy CEO who pretends like he's self made."

A fight almost broke out in a Senate hearing.



Markwayne Mullin read a tweet from Teamster boss Sean O'Brien which challenged Mullin to a fight. Mullin said he was ready to settle things right here, right now.



Bernie Sanders shut the scene down. pic.twitter.com/U0X3YmWPwY  Citizen Free Press (@CitizenFreePres) November 14, 2023

"In reality, just a clown & fraud," O'Brien wrote. "Always has been, always will be. Quit the tough guy act in these senate hearings. You know where to find me. Anyplace, Anytime cowboy."

In June, Mullin drafted his response to O'Brien's comments onto X, challenging him to an "MMA fight for charity," though the brawl never actually took place.

After reading out the post on Tuesday, Mullins responded to the criticism in person, particularly to the claim that he was pretending to be self-made. He then stared down the labor leader, saying "Sir, this is a time and this is a place. If you want to run your mouth we can be two consenting adults. We can finish it here."

"Ok, that's fine, perfect," O'Brien said.

"You want to do it now?" The senator replied.

"I'd love to do it right now," the labor leader responded.

"Then stand your butt up then," Mullin said.

"You stand your butt up, big guy," O'Brien said, leading Mullin to stand up and play with the ring affixed to his hand in preparation for a fight.

"No, no, sit down," Sanders said. "You're a United States senator."

The almost-brawl comes approximately eight months after a previous committee hearing in March where O'Brien accused Mullin of being a "greedy CEO" who "hid money."

Read the original article on Business Insider
The Great British Bake Off fans know that the worst thing to happen to a pie is the soggy bottom, aka the leaky, imperfectly baked pie crust. While in an ideal world we make pie dough from scratch, most of us dont have the time or skill to do so. This is where pre-made pie dough comes in.

But theres a Russian roulette of choices: Some are too sweet, some fall apart too easily, some are just downright oily. HuffPost spoke with chefs and food scientists about what to look for, what to avoid and how to choose the best pre-made pie dough.

What To Avoid

If you make pie dough at home, you may be familiar with the easy-to-remember formula of 3 parts flour to 1 part fat. Food manufacturers modify this ratio, pushing it to 2-1 or 1-1 for ease of manufacturing and use, according to Karen Scaich, a professor in food science at Rutgers University.

Higher amounts of fat generate doughs that are easier to handle raw and to reproduce each time, but can also give them very greasy, fatty flavors, and sometimes can even release fat or oil from the dough, Scaich said. (You can see how common this is by reading consumer reviews of commercial pie doughs. Along with comments like this has great flavor are gripes like too oily  inedible.)

Higher fat ratios not only cause a greasy flavor, but create structurally unsound pie dough  the soggy bottom that would get you booted off GBBO in a heartbeat.

They also give weaker doughs during baking  there is a lower proportion of gluten matrix to hold the liquified fat and the dough shape in the molten state, Schaich said. One result is dough flopping over during blind baking.

While we may not associate protein with pie dough, Schaich said products with low protein should be avoided, as the dough will crack and tear more readily. To create a firm crust, the dough needs adequate amounts of protein. One medium-protein dough on Schaichs list is Trader Joes.

Rhoda Boone, the culinary creative director for Made In, recommended steering clear of pre-rolled pie doughs in aluminum tins.

Doughs that are rolled or pressed too thin dry out rapidly, then crack when handling and baking, Schaich said.

What To Look for

Read the ingredient list. Fat creates texture  either flaky and light, or short and oily  depending on which type is used. Schaich recommends a pie dough that uses a combination of butter and lard.

If the taste is most important and you dont like oily flavors, look for a brand that has a fat or oil whose flavor you like, and has lower total fat, higher percentage of saturated fat, and contains some (but not all) butter, Schaich said. If flaky texture is most important to you, look for a dough that contains a lower ratio of fat to protein, but has a higher proportion of saturated fat. If animal fats are not a problem, products containing some lard or stearin (beef fat) will usually give firm, flaky crusts.

Boone said she prefers pie dough you can roll out yourself and place inside a higher quality pie dish for baking.

The pie dough sold in an aluminum tin never browns how I want it to, she said. I also look for a brand with at least some butter in the ingredient list, which I think tastes better and creates a flakier crust.

Consider frozen pie dough instead of the refrigerated type, advised chef Dario Jurcevic. The freezer gives the dough a longer shelf life and eliminates the need for extra ingredients like preservatives.

Stay away from products that have enriched flours or other preservatives, Jurcevic said. The extra ingredients may negatively affect the taste of the whole dish. Just remember to thaw frozen dough before working with it by sticking the pastry in the fridge overnight.

Check the weight of the pie dough to ensure it will fit in your pie dish. Jurcevic said premade doughs should weigh 7 to 12 ounces (220g-350g) to fit in a regular pie dish.

The Best Store-Bought Pie Dough

Wholly Wholesome traditional organic pie shells and Pillsbury pie crust

Wholly Wholesome traditional organic pie shells and Pillsbury pie crust

Ive had success with Trader Joes brand in a pinch, Boone said. It contains some butter and is forgiving to beginner dough rollers, as it stays pliable without much cracking. Most importantly, the size is generous enough to fit into my favorite pie dish, with enough dough left over to add a decorative crimp.

With rich flavor and flaky texture, the Wholly Wholesome traditional organic pie shells are Jurcevics top choice.

Great taste, comes in a pre-formed tin, not soggy, does not crack during par bake and holds up well for a few days after, Jurcevic said. When shopping for a pre-formed pie shell, always check to ensure the dough isnt cracked.

You may already be a fan of Pillsbury pie crust, according to baker and photographer Sarah Farmer, who explained that high-production bakeries typically use that brand instead of making hundreds of tart shells from scratch.

Its a proven product, many of us in our lifetimes have had that crust and its good, Farmer said. Its as close as youre going to get to homemade.

A tip from Jurcevic for working with dough sheets: Take the crust out of the fridge 10 to 20 minutes before rolling to prevent cracks and tears. Room-temperature dough is much easier to work with.

Related...
As we're inching closer to a government shutdown, more and more military families are starting to get nervous that Congress will not pass a budget by the deadline of 12:01 am ET, Saturday, November 18. It feels like we were just here, doesn't it? Didn't we just have a government shutdown? The last government shutdown was from December 22, 2018, to January 25, 2019, and lasted 35 days -- the longest in four decades. Personally, I was furloughed, and while I loved the extra time at home with my kids, the overwhelming sense of dread was exhausting. When will I go back to work? When will I get paid? When will Congress get their act together so we can do things like feed our families - you know, the basics. The good news about having just had a shutdown not that long ago: Service members and their families are in a much better position to receive help.

Here are the best resources for military families if the government shuts down:

Pay

The most pressing question for everyone is: Will I get paid during a government shutdown? The answer: By the government, no. But before you panic, let's look at the options.

USAA

USAA is offering impacted members a one-time, no-interest loan equal to the amount of your net pay, from $500 to $6,000, designed to help with an affected payment disruption. The loan has an annual percentage rate of 0% and must be repaid within three months of funding. Your payments will be split into two equal installments, with the first payment due in about 60 days and the second due in about 90 days. Additionally, they're offering payment assistance on insurance, and payment extensions on other products (consumer loans, credit cards, home equity line of credit). How do I get my USAA loan for the government shutdown? Visit their website here.

Navy Federal Credit Union

Navy Federal Credit Union will again offer a paycheck assistance program . Navy Federal stands ready to offer paycheck assistance to eligible members should funding not extended beyond November 17 and a government shutdown occurs.

This program will be available to military servicemembers, Federal government employees and contractors who are paid directly by the Federal government whose pay will be affected by the shutdown, and have direct deposit set up with Navy Federal for their paycheck.

"Many of our members may again be facing uncertainty about the status of their paychecks. This important program aligns with our core values, and we will be there to support our members," said Pete Amstutz, senior vice president of savings and membership at Navy Federal.

For members impacted by the shutdown who do not meet the eligibility requirements, our member service representatives may be able to offer alternative services for financial relief. How do I get my NavyFed loan in the event of a shutdown? According to their website, Navy Federal will deposit the loan amount you are eligible for into the account(s) in which your most recent direct deposit of pay was processed. If you enrolled before your pay date, the loan will be disbursed on your regular pay date.

What if I don't have NavyFed or USAA?

Well, you should sign up at some point for these very reasons (they offer pay when Congress can't agree), but I know that's not particularly helpful right now - sorry. If you don't have USAA or NavyFed, let's look at some other financial resources.

Navy/Marine Corps

Navy/Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) stands ready to help meet the immediate needs of active and retired Sailors, Marines and their families impacted by the impending government shutdown. NMCRS offices will be open normal hours to assist those families who are experiencing immediate needs related to loss of income from the shutdown.

Army

Air Force Aid Society and Army Emergency Relief are available to T10 Soldiers and Airmen. All ANG Guard members and Reservists with emergency needs are eligible for Air Force Aid Society assistance during a government shutdown. National Guard Military Family Readiness Staff may have additional community resources or grant/loan opportunities. Please reach out to the Soldier or Airman and Family Readiness staff in your location for more information.

Air Force/Space Force

AFAS assistance will be available to assist with your emergency financial needs such as food, gas, and other essentials. In order to help the maximum number of Airmen/Guardians possible, it is not reasonable to expect the Society to replace your total lost pay.

Coast Guard

Once a pay period has been missed, Coast Guard Mutual Assistance (CGMA) will provide financial assistance in the form of an interest-free loan equivalent to one-months Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) based on the military member's paygrade and region. GS civilian employees will be entitled to E-7 BAH, while Non-Appropriated Fund and Wage Grade (NAF/WG) employees will be entitled to E-5 military BAH.

What about health benefits? Can I use Tricare during a shutdown?

The Defense Health Agency has authorized its TRICARE contractors to continue delivering health care to its 9.4 million beneficiaries. TRICARE beneficiaries seeking medical care from private providers should feel no significant effects. Care at military hospitals and clinics would remain largely unaffected. The TRICARE website includes current information about the impact of the shutdown on TRICARE health plans and military hospitals and clinics.

What about food? Are there military food pantries?

St. Marys, Ga. (March 7, 2022) Machinists Mate 2nd Class Monyett Spates carries a box of food to a familys car during a mobile food pantry held by Camden County and Americas Second Harvest.

Yes, there are so many food pantries available to military families (during and outside of a government shutdown). They don't have to be military-specific for you to visit. With so many military families experiencing food insecurity, you should feel NO SHAME in getting assistance from a food pantry - your family's health has to come first. Find a food pantry near you through AmpleHarvest.org.

The stress of not being paid can be overwhelming, but these are the best resources for military families in the event of a government shutdown. Take care of yourself, take care of your family and know you're not alone. If you're struggling with your mental health, call *988 at any time. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) offers 24/7 call, text and chat access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing suicidal, substance use, and/or mental health crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress. People can also dial 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.

Hang in there - you got this.
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  It stays mostly cloudy and gusty through the day today with highs reaching near 80 degrees early in the afternoon.

A few showers spread across the state heading from east to west toward the Gulf of Mexico. Overall, theres a 40% chance of rain today.

That chance increases to 60% tomorrow, and we could get rounds of rain. Watch for some rain in the morning and another round later in the day.

An area of low pressure arrives Thursday, and keeps rain chances high. Theres a 70% chance of off and on downpours Thursday.

As the low pressure pushes north and east of Florida, rain chances drop significantly for Friday and the weekend.

Highs remain close to average in the upper 70s to low 80s through this week and into next week, but it will be quite gusty through Thursday.

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The aftermath of a wildfire in Lahaina, Hawaii on August 21, 2023. The US government released its cyclical, comprehensive climate report on Tuesday giving an overview of how the US is being impacted by the climate crisis today, and what the future is likely to hold (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

The US has published the latest in its cyclical assessments on the climate crisis, the gold standard report on how rising global heat is impacting the nation today, and what the future is likely to hold.

The National Climate Assessment (NCA) is a comprehensive look at how the climate crisis is impacting all regions and sectors along with a roadmap for how best to tackle impacts  from wildfires and heatwaves to crop failures and destructive flooding.

The NCA has been mandated by law since 2000 and is now its fifth iteration after the last report, NCA4, was published in 2018.

NCA5 had a rocky inception after former president Donald Trump tried to derail the report but failed  largely thanks to the steeliness of the scientists involved,The New York Times reported at the time. Mr Trump, a perpetual climate denier, took a sledgehammer to dozens of climate and environmental regulations while in office.

The report, released on Tuesday, involved hundreds of scientists and experts from across the US, Guam, Puerto Rico, and US Virgin Islands.

The Biden administration also announced more than $5bn for resiliency efforts including to strength and modernize the electric grid, accelerate community projects, and upgrade hydropower in drought-stricken regions.

What 2 degrees Celsius of warming will mean across the US, according to the latest, sweeping federal climate assessment (NCA5)

Since the last report, scientists have refined their climate projections for this century. The estimated range of global warming has narrowed to 2.5C4C (4.5F7.2F) - but is still far above the relatively-safe limits of the global Paris Agreement.

Scientists are also increasingly confident in linking many extreme weather disasters to the climate crisis. For example, climate change was estimated to have increased rainfall of Hurricane Harvey, which slammed into the Gulf Coast in 2017, by about 15-20 per cent.

While climate disasters now frequently play out on the US nightly news, the sweeping stocktake still has the ability to shock.

The US experiences a billion-dollar disaster around every three weeks on average, compared to once every four months in the 1980s.

Extreme events cost the US nearly $150bn each year - a conservative estimate, NCA5 cautions, because it doesnt account for deaths, healthcare costs, or damage to ecosystems more widely.

Communities of color and low-income households are bearing the brunt of these disasters, the report revealed. For example, Black Americans are more likely to live in older homes with poor insulation and inefficient cooling systems, causing more health issues.

Air quality is worsening as extreme heat makes pollution levels more severe, more frequently.

Damaged buildings after Hurricane Idalia made landfall, in the town of Horseshoe Beach, Florida, USA, 31 August 2023. Hurricane Idalia maked landfall in Florida as a Category 3 storm with winds of 125 mph (EPA)

Air pollution is also deteriorating due to wildfires, like the dire situation across many states during summer 2023 due to unprecedented blazes in Canada. Wildfires emit gases and fine particles that contribute to asthma, other health problems and premature death.

The climate crisis is also having an impact on food supplies and will continue to do so, making food less available and more expensive. This will disproportionately affect the nutrition and health of women, children, older adults, and poorer communities, the study found.

Many US households are already feeling the financial burden of climate change, NCA5 notes, and these costs will increase as healthcare, food, insurance, building, and repair costs become more expensive. Public budgets will be stretched as spending increases on healthcare and disaster relief.

Quality of life is also threatened by climate change in ways that can be more difficult to quantify, such as increased crime and domestic violence, harm to mental health, reduced happiness, and fewer opportunities for outdoor recreation and play, the report explains.

Homes, property, and critical infrastructure like roads, public transport and hospitals are being affected in greater numbers.

Coastal communities home to 40 per cent of the US population are facing sea level rise with millions of people at risk of being displaced from their homes by the end of the century.

Whats more, stability of the polar ice sheets is more uncertain with every temperature increase meaning that 3-7 feet of sea level rise along the continental US by 2100 cannot be ruled out.

The climate crisis will impact the entire US but how communities experience it will vary from region to region between now and 2030.

In the Northeast, more extreme weather - like the catastrophic flooding which hit New York, Vermont and Massachusetts this year - will damage critical infrastructure. Runoff and flooding are also responsible for flows of debris and contaminants that cause harmful algal blooms and pollute drinking water.

A jet takes flight as the sun sets over Phoenix on July 12, 2023. Arizonas Maricopa County, the hottest metropolitan area in the U.S. and home to Phoenix, set a record on Oct. 19, 2023, for annual heat-associated deaths (AP)

Rising ocean temperatures are causing important fisheries in New England like scallops, shrimp and cod to move northward.

Meanwhile in Alaska, climate change has already played a role in 18 major fishery disasters that were especially damaging for coastal Indigenous Peoples, subsistence fishers, and rural communities, the report states.

In the US Caribbean, food insecurity will rise due to crop losses caused by more severe tropical cyclones. Labour losses will also increase there, and in the Southeast, as it becomes too hot for people to work safely outdoors at certain times of year.

In the northern Great Plains, more heat will reduce the snowpack and threaten the water supply but also the ability to fight wildfires.

Still, despite the litany of concerns, the report has cause for optimism. US greenhouse gas emissions fell 12 per cent between 2005 and 2019, largely due to declining coal use. Since 2017, transport has overtaken electricity generation as the largest source of carbon pollution.

The Biden administration says that the US is on a path towards cutting emissions in half by 2030, bolstered by cheaper zero-carbon and low-carbon energy options. Wind energy costs dropped 70 per cent and solar energy costs dropped 90 per cent just over the last decade, NCA5 reported.

When it comes to adapting to the climate hazards that can no longer be avoided, the assessment draws a line between incremental change and transformational action.

For example, people can use air conditioning units during heatwaves - or a city and its buildings can be redesigned to combat heat on a greater scale.

When it comes to drought, residents can reduce their water consumption - or water-intensive industries like farming can be shifted to match rainfall patterns. Homes can be elevated above flood waters, or more houses built in less flood-prone places.

A variety of strategies are already in the works across regions and sector.

To protect the food supply, farmers and ranchers are turning to data-driven monitoring of their crops, and adopting practices that are more harmonious with the local ecosystem to improve soil and plant quality.

Across the Great Plains, more people will work jobs in renewables, low-carbon technologies, and electrification as oil and gas jobs decline. The southern plains accounted for 42 per cent of national wind-generated electricity in 2022.

Who will get these jobs will also change how the US energy industry has typically been made up.

Workforce training and equitable access to clean energy jobs, which have tended to exclude women and people of color, are essential elements of a just transition to a decarbonized economy, NCA5 notes.

Grid expansion and energy efficiency efforts are already being rolled out in places like Nevada, Vermont, and Alaska.

The city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania now requires developers to take the projected increases in heavy rainfall into account in new construction.

In southern Alaska, the Chugach Regional Resources Commissions is combining Indigenous knowledge with western science to address threats to traditional food. Kelp farming is growing in order to reduce ocean acidification while providing income.

Yet, with global emissions still rising, climate risks to the US will keep rising.

Every degree of global warming we avoid matters, because each increment of warming is expected to lead to more damage and greater economic losses in the United States, NCA5 warns.

Each climate action taken to reduce and avoid warming reduces those risks and harmful impacts.
More than 400 employees of President Joe Biden's administration have signed an open letter demanding he pursue a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war that has killed thousands of civilians thus far.

We represent a coalition of Biden-Harris Administration political appointees and civil servants, positioned across the domestic and foreign policy spheres, working in federal agencies, departments, independent agencies, and the White House, the letter, released Tuesday, begins.

We call on President Biden to urgently demand a ceasefire; and to call for de-escalation of the current conflict by securing the immediate release of the Israeli hostages and arbitrarily detained Palestinians; the restoration of water, fuel, electricity and other basic services; and the passage of adequate humanitarian aid to the Gaza strip, it continued.

The letter says the signatories represent various backgrounds and faiths and work in more than 30 departments and agencies.

Two administration staff members who led outreach efforts for the letter told NBC News that since the letter was first circulated about two weeks ago, it has gained the signatures of senior and low-level administration employees working across the federal government and in multiple countries. They include staff in the departments of Commerce, Defense, Interior, Homeland Security and the Executive Office of the President, among other agencies.

The two staff members, who are political appointees, asked to remain anonymous out of concern about retaliation for speaking out against the administrations position. They said those who signed the letter also remained anonymous out of concern for their job security and personal safety.

The White House did not immediately respond to NBC News request for comment.

The letter is the latest addition to growing calls on the Biden administration to demand a cease-fire and reassess its handling of Israels war with Hamas.

Since the war began after Hamas' brutal attack on Israel on Oct. 7, several efforts have launched from within the government to push for the de-escalation of the conflict, including letters from hundreds of Biden's former 2020 campaign staff and Muslim and Jewish congressional employees. The congressional staff urged Congress to support a cease-fire in light of antisemitism, anti-Muslim, and anti-Palestinian sentiment on the rise nationwide.

Its unfortunate that were at this point," one of the Biden administration staff members told NBC News. "Having hundreds and thousands of people come together within this administration and within Congress and say we are calling for a cease-fire, something thats so basic to just end human suffering.

The two are among what they said are many signatories with family and friends in Gaza, the West Bank and Israel.

Our loved ones are in imminent danger and every single day, waking up and not knowing whats going to happen is absolute hell, one staffer told NBC News. The dissonance "of going to work every day and feeling like you are a part of something that is actively harming people you love was expressed by so many people involved in this.

The staffers told NBC that based on what theyve experienced personally and heard from colleagues in the White House and across several government agencies, they believe there is a lack of direction of how staffers are supposed to talk about Israels war with Hamas.

Some agencies have had specific meetings about this  and in some places it has been completely taboo to even talk about this, one said. Ive heard it expressed among staffers of all levels that they feel a lack of guidance for how to talk about this, how to manage people suffering because of this."

"A lot of people feel quite alone and frustrated, the staffer added.

Both described a disconnect between what is coming out of the senior levels of the administration and what they and their colleagues are feeling.

A lot of us are political appointees who serve at the pleasure of the president, a lot of us came from his campaign, one staffer said. So theres this uneasy feeling of not agreeing with what were working on.

More than 50 employees of the Democratic National Committee, which handles much of Bidens campaign fundraising efforts, anonymously signed an open letter this month urging their leadership to demand that Biden seek a cease-fire as the war between Israel and Hamas rages on.

Amid internal and external criticism over Bidens response to the war, the administration has ramped up outreach to Arab, Palestinian and Muslim Americans in hopes of explaining its approach to the conflict, as some aides worried Biden hadnt shown enough empathy for Palestinian civilians and a Muslim community facing anger at home.

Efforts to rebuild communities before calling for a ceasefire are going to fall on deaf ears because until thats being called, nothing will be seen as genuine. Theres no way to escape this conversation, one of the administration staff members who led their letters outreach efforts told NBC. Every day, youre going in to work for this administration, then youre going to look at your phone, youre going to see the suffering that you kind of feel like youre causing  a lot of people are no longer comfortable being silent, no longer comfortable being complacent in a way.

The Biden administration staffer told NBC News that they and some administration colleagues theyve spoken with have considered resigning because of the administrations handling of the war up to this point. A veteran State Department official, Josh Paul, resigned last month, citing what he called the U.S. blind support for Israel in its war with Hamas and its continued provision of lethal arms to Israel.

These are people who really want to serve the public, including people who want to serve the president, the staffer said. But its going to push people to a breaking point if this continues.

Theres been a lot of damage done within the public service community, and Im not sure how we are going to repair that, the second staffer said. The U.S. government has an immense amount of power to change the status quo on the ground and the refusal to acknowledge that feels like a betrayal.

Both told NBC News they would be watching to see whether Biden acknowledges the March for Israel, a pro-Israel rally expected to draw tens of thousands of people to Washington on Tuesday.

On Nov. 4, thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters marched from Washingtons Freedom Plaza to the White House calling for a cease-fire and an end to the siege on Gaza. Biden was at his Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, home the weekend of the march.

There is growing dissent across his administration, from people close to him, one of the administration staffers said. This is his own alum from the campaign, from within his own administration.  A complete disregard for that would send a really clear and unwelcoming message.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
A version of this story appeared in CNNs What Matters newsletter. To get it in your inbox, sign up for free here.

The current US president, Joe Biden, has spent his first term talking about the need to use American democracy as a counterweight to autocracy in China, among other countries. Biden called out Chinese President Xi Jinping by name in his State of the Union address earlier this year as he slammed autocracies.

Name me a world leader whod change places with Xi Jinping. Name me one! Biden said, ad-libbing in the House chamber in his February address.

How about the former US president, Donald Trump, who is desperately trying to become a world leader once again?

Trump has spoken with clear envy for Xis iron-handed ability to extend his presidency for the foreseeable future.

Hes now president for life, Trump said during a speech to donors at Mar-a-Lago back in 2018. I think its great. Maybe well have to give that a shot some day.

For all the difference in their rhetoric, however, its striking that there is a throughline between Trumps and Bidens China policy. Trump amped up US support for Taiwan, which Biden has continued. Trump engineered tariffs on Chinese imports that complicated the US relationship with China. Biden has notably left them in place.

A new fentanyl deal

The Biden administration is on the cusp of a new deal in which China would agree to crack down on the export of ingredients used to make fentanyl, known as precursors, which find their way from China to Mexico and ultimately devastate US communities.

If that sounds familiar, its because the Trump administration also reached a deal with China to schedule fentanyl and its derivatives as a controlled substance. That earlier deal, agreed to over a steak dinner shared by Trump and Xi in Buenos Aires, according to CNNs report at the time, didnt stop the flow of fentanyl into the US.

Seeking competition, not conflict

Biden is set to meet with Xi Wednesday outside San Francisco on the sidelines of a larger meeting of Asia-Pacific nations, and the main goal of the four-hour meeting, according to the US president, is to get the two countries back on a normal course and being able to pick up the phone and talk to one another if theres a crisis, being able to make sure that our militaries still have contact with one another.

Thats a particularly important goal at a time when two wars  the Ukraine-Russia conflict and the Israel-Hamas war  make the post-World War II international order feel flimsy. A key reason Biden has cited for supporting Ukraine against Russia is to deter countries outside Europe, who are watching.

Support for Taiwan complicates relationship with China

Biden has vocally supported Taiwan, a democratic island that the Communist leadership in Beijing has long claimed as part of its territory, despite having never controlled it.

Biden has repeatedly teased that the US would offer military support in the event of a Chinese invasion, abandoning the long-time principle of strategic ambiguity by which the US offered support for Taiwan while attempting not to anger China on the topic.

As president, Trump supported Taiwan in numerous ways, but there is some indication he could return to a more strategically ambiguous position. Over the summer, Trump complained on Fox News that Taiwan took all of our chip business, referring to semiconductors, and he would not say how the US should defend Taiwan in the event of Chinese action against the island.

The semiconductor issue is important domestically. Biden has pushed the CHIPS and Science Act, a bipartisan law to prop up the US semiconductor industry and bring new manufacturing jobs.

No military communication for more than a year

The more intentional and public support for Taiwan under the Trump and Biden administrations has had an effect. The Chinese military cut off normal contacts with its American counterparts after former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan in 2022. Now the US wants to bring down the temperature a bit.

The US and China are in competition, national security adviser Jake Sullivan told CNNs Dana Bash on State of the Union on Sunday, adding that Biden wants to manage that competition responsibly, so it doesnt tip over into conflict.

Specifically getting the militaries talking again is an important step, he said.

Talking is a nice thing, The Washington Post columnist Josh Rogin said on CNN This Morning, but its not exactly a major breakthrough.

In terms of solving any of the problems in the US-China relationship, addressing Chinas economic aggression, its military expansion, its internal repression, its problem with all of its other neighbors who will also be there in San Francisco  20-something Asian countries  no, no real progress at all, Rogin said. So, yeah, talking is better than not talking.

The countries, the worlds two largest economies, are importantly linked by trade, and that link is not coming to an end any time soon. In 2022, China was both the top exporter to the US and one of the top importers of US goods.

Were not trying to decouple from China, Biden told reporters Tuesday. What were trying to do is change the relationship for the better.

Trump envies Xi

Trump, meanwhile, frequently brags about his personal relationships with Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Koreas Kim Jong Un. The former president promised during an appearance in New Hampshire over the weekend that if he were reelected, he would be able to stave off World War III  an unprovable and ludicrous claim.

President Xi in China controls 1.4 billion people in China with an iron hand, Trump told supporters at the campaign event, praising Xi for his smarts and going on an extended riff about how the US should emulate China with abridged trials and a swift death penalty for drug dealers.

But given his failure to secure a lasting crackdown on fentanyl sourced from China, its notable that Trumps respect for Xi is based on Chinas attitude about drugs.

Set aside that Trumps death penalty proposal for drug dealers is not new and is also in bizarre conflict with his First Step Act, his greatest bipartisan achievement as president, which lowered sentences for some drug traffickers.

Focus instead on his effusive praise for Xi.

President Xi is like central casting. Theres nobody in Hollywood that can play the role of President Xi. The look, the strength, the voice, Trump said. He lowered his voice in a strange emulation of the Chinese leader: We will begin immediately negotiation.

For all of their many differences, both Trump and Biden are known to prize personal contact even with world leaders they oppose. Biden will get that opportunity for the first time in a year with this meeting outside San Francisco.

It will be the first time Xi has visited the US since 2017, when Trump hosted Xi at Mar-a-Lago, a bizarre meeting when Trump told Xi about US missile strikes against Syria while the two ate chocolate cake.

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(Bloomberg) -- The US and Indonesia announced a new defense cooperation agreement on Monday as Washington looks to counter Chinese influence across the Indo-Pacific with efforts to bolster defense and trade agreements.

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The deal, struck after a White House meeting between President Joe Biden and Indonesian President Joko Widodo, is part of a broader agreement that will see the nations work together on peacekeeping efforts and counterterrorism programs. The announcement was made as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco has gotten underway.

The two nations will also hold a pair of regular meetings between senior defense officials that will include engagement with non-military stakeholders, the White House said in a statement.

Read More: Biden Showcases Boeing, Chip Deals as US and Vietnam Draw Closer

The cooperation agreement is the latest in a series of pacts between the US and Asian nations in recent months as the Biden administration pursues alliances to curb Chinas influence in the region. In August, the US struck a defense cooperation agreement with Papua New Guinea, and in September the president traveled to Vietnam to announce a new comprehensive strategic partnership deepening business ties.

Biden hosted Widodo in Washington before traveling to San Francisco on Tuesday, where he is expected to meet with world leaders including Chinese President Xi Jinping and Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on the sidelines of the summit.

Read more: US, Indonesia to Explore Mineral Pact as Biden and Jokowi Meet

The two leaders also discussed efforts to move forward on a critical minerals accord that could further open Indonesias nickel market to US companies. The metal is a key component of high-performance batteries such as those powering electric vehicles.

The leaders discussed the opportunity to create high-standard clean energy supply-chain jobs in both countries through a robust partnership between the United States and Indonesia that leads to mutually beneficial development of domestic resources in accordance with fair market-based rules, the White House said in a statement.

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Four hundred government officials from 40 departments and agencies within President Biden's administration signed a letter opposing the president's handling of the Israel-Hamas war and demanded a cease-fire.

The Tuesday letter, first reported by the New York Times, includes officials from the State Department, White House, National Security Council and the Justice Department. The signatories of the letter remained anonymous to protect against professional retaliation.

"We call on President Biden to urgently demand a cease-fire; and to call for de-escalation of the current conflict by securing the immediate release of the Israeli hostages and arbitrarily detained Palestinians; the restoration of water, fuel, electricity and other basic services; and the passage of adequate humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip," the letter reads, in part.

Biden and other Western leaders have pushed back on calls for a cease-fire in Gaza, arguing it would only serve to benefit Hamas terrorists. Biden's administration has instead pushed for humanitarian pauses in the fighting, which Israel has agreed to.

HAMAS TELLS NY TIMES IT HOPES WAR WITH ISRAEL IS PERMANENT, PAPER SAYS HAMAS NOT INTERESTED IN GOVERNING

Four hundred government officials from 40 departments and agencies within President Biden's administration signed a letter opposing the president's handling of the Israel-Hamas war and demanding a cease-fire.

The White House has yet to respond to the letter.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

So far, French President Emmanuel Macron is the only major Western leader to call on Israel to implement a cease-fire. He later clarified his remarks on Monday, however, saying he still believed Israel has a right to defend itself.

NEWSROOMS PRESSURED BY PRO-PALESTINIAN LEFT OVER COVERAGE OF ISRAEL WAR WITH HAMAS

The disagreement within Biden's administration mirrors friction within the Democratic Party regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict. Several radical progressives within Biden's party have decried Israel as an "apartheid state" and argue the war in Gaza is a "genocide" against Palestinians.

The disagreement within the Biden administration mirrors friction within the Democratic Party regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict. Several radical progressives within Biden's party have decried Israel as an "apartheid state" and argue the war in Gaza is a "genocide" against Palestinians.

Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., faced a public rebuke from the House of Representatives for her comments on Israel last week.

Israel's war against Hamas is coming to a head this week as Israeli forces surround Al-Shifa Hospital, the largest medical facility in the Gaza Strip. Israel says Hamas has entrenched its headquarters beneath the hospital.

Fox News' Gillian Turner contributed to this report





Original article source: Biden officials rebel against president on Israel-Hamas war, sign dissent letter
President Joe Bidens sit-down with Xi Jinping on Wednesday will be heavily focused on encouraging the Chinese leader to restore communications between the US Defence Department and the Peoples Liberation Army after a nine-month rupture sparked by the shooting down of a Beijing-owned espionage balloon.

The call to resume regular communications, as well as informal exchanges, is aimed at preventing any isolated incident involving the two militaries from spiralling out of control into what could become a shooting war between nuclear-armed nations.

Mr Biden and Mr Xi are set to meet Wednesday afternoon when both leaders are in San Francisco for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders summit, their first interaction since a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of last years G20 summit in Indonesia.

The sit-down, which will be held at an as-yet undisclosed location, follows Februarys controversy over the spy balloon that made its way across the continental United States in February.

It will cap months of careful diplomatic efforts by a range of top administration officials to lay the groundwork for a restoration of head-of-state level talks after the balloon incident, which exacerbated tensions brought on by then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosis August 2022 visit to Taiwan.

The two leaders are set to discuss what White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre described in a statement as issues in the bilateral relationship, as well as the continued importance of maintaining open lines of communication, and a range of regional and global issues.

Xi and Biden at last years G20 summit (Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

But administration officials and experts say the benign, diplomatic language used by the White House glosses over the true stakes: an end to nine months of no communications between the US and Chinese defence establishments that has left the two superpowers at risk of getting dragged into a violent conflagration.

Mr Biden himself provided a window into his thinking just hours before he departed Washington, when he answered questions after delivering remarks on this years National Climate Assessment.

Asked about what hed consider success coming out of Wednesdays meeting with Mr Xi, Mr Biden replied: To get back on a normal course of corresponding: being able to pick up the phone and talk to one another when theres a crisis, being able to make sure our militaries still have contact with one another.

What he described  top US military officers having regular communication with their PRC counterparts  was considered run-of-the-mill as recently as last year, before Ms Pelosis trip to Taiwan raised hackles in Beijing, and before the balloon shutdown led Chinese officials to break off contacts entirely, despite numerous entreaties from the White House, State Department, and top Defence Department officials to arrange meetings or calls between Pentagon brass and PLA bosses.

One now-infamous example of these informal exchanges took place during the waning days of the Trump administration, when General Mark Milley, then-chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, reached out to his PLA counterpart, General Li Zuocheng, in response to what he described to the Senate Armed Services Committee as concerning intelligence indicating that Chinese officials feared then-president Donald Trump would order a surprise attack on China.

In testimony delivered on 28 September 2021, eight months after Mr Trump left office, Gen Milley told senators: I know, I am certain, that President Trump did not intend to attack the Chinese and it was my directed responsibility to convey presidential orders and intent  my task at that time was to de-escalate. My message again was consistent: stay calm, steady, and de-escalate. We are not going to attack you.

When news of Gen Milleys conversations with Gen Li first surfaced in a book by reporters Bob Woodward and Robert Costa, Mr Trump and other Republicans accused him of committing treason, and more recently the disgraced ex-president called for the now-retired general to be put to death.

But Jon Wolfsthal, the director of global risk at the Federation of American Scientists, told The Independent that Gen Milleys outreach to Gen Li was the exact sort of thing Mr Biden hopes Mr Xi will agree to allow when they meet tomorrow.

What the US has been trying to do under the Biden administration is establish a regular military-to-military officer dialogue. We have had foreign ministry contacts, weve had track-two and track-1.5 dialogues, but its been extremely hard to get the PLA to sit down with the US military so that they can have an open line of communication, so that if something goes sideways, they can pick up the phone and call their counterpart, he said.

An APEC summit flag in San Francisco (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Mr Wolfsthal also said the State Department has been pushing for years to establish so-called warm lines  open communication channels between Foggy Bottom and Beijing  akin to what the US has had with Russias foreign ministry since a 1987 agreement between the US State Department and the Soviet Union established Nuclear Risk Reduction Centres in each respective country.

Other open lines between the US and the Russian defence establishment include the Washington-Moscow Direct Communications Link  the hotline between the Pentagon and Kremlin that was established in 1963 following the Cuban Missile Crisis  and single-purpose deconfliction channels that have been set up to avoid mishaps between Russian and US forces in Syria and in the area affected by Russias war on Ukraine.

A senior administration official who briefed reporters on Mr Bidens plans for the meeting said the president will press Mr Xi to agree to establish a comprehensive set of interactions at the military to military level.

That means a dialogue that the Secretary of Defence would have with his counterpart, as well as commanders discussions and operators engagements between US and Chinese soldiers, sailors and airmen at various levels.

The official added that some mechanisms that were used during the Cold War could be repurposed to ensure that when us and Chinese forces are operating in closer proximity, we have greater confidence that in a crisis, or if theres inadvertence, thered be the ability to communicate.

We think that's responsible. We've been a superpower for a long time. We understand the importance of these things that can prevent unintentional escalation or crisis, the official said.

Thus far, the lack of such facilities and the absence of a permanent link between Beijing and Washington hasnt caused nuclear proliferation or defence experts undue stress because until recently, China has not kept nuclear weapons at the ready in the same way that the US and Russia have since the days of the Cold War.

But Mr Wolfsthal told The Independent that Chinas military posture in numerous Indo-Pacific hotspots had raised the stakes and made reopening communications between US forces and China all the more vital as Mr Biden pursued what he has described as strategic competition with Beijing, and as the US continued to come into contact with Chinese forces during operations in international waters.

I think the question here is whether President Xi and President Biden can get their respective militaries to have a regular process for communication  whether that is to meet regularly and say: Look, this is why we do freedom of naval operations in your in these areas. These are where our red lines are, this is what we think would be useful to achieve together, he said. In a crisis, those things can make the difference between escalation and de-escalation.

One veteran Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, New Jersey Senator Robert Menendez, offered a similar assessment when approached for comment by The Independent on Tuesday.

Mr Menendez, who chaired the upper chambers foreign affairs panel until he stepped down last month after being indicted for bribery and conspiracy to act as a foreign agent for Egypt, said he considers it very important for Mr Biden to seek a restoration of ties.

We cannot afford a mishap or a consequential incident that could evolve into something greater. We need to restore it and I hope thats accomplished with the President, he said.

And despite Mr Trumps past condemnation of Gen Milley for speaking with his Chinese opposite number, Mr Bidens effort to re-establish the military-to-military channels between Washington and Beijing garnered praise from the top Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Senator James Risch of Idaho.

Mr Risch told The Independent on Tuesday that re-opening those ties should be a high priority for Mr Biden and for the US.

One of the things we worry about most is a mistake. And if you have good open communications with the other side, at least youll avoid a mistake, he said. I think its important. Im not sure that the Chinese are as convinced as we are that how important it is, but we have a long history and a long experience with this, and its a good thing to do.

Eric Garcia contributed reporting from Capitol Hill
To develop China-U.S. relations with sense of responsibility for history, people, world

09:32, November 14, 2023 By Zhong Sheng ( People's Daily

At the invitation of U.S. President Joe Biden, Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend a China-U.S. summit meeting and the 30th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting in San Francisco.

The two Presidents will have in-depth communication on issues of strategic, overarching and fundamental importance in shaping China-U.S. relations and major issues concerning world peace and development.

It will be the first visit of Xi to the U.S. in the recent six years, and the first face-to-face meeting between the two heads of state since their Bali meeting last year. The meeting will be of significant importance and attract worldwide attention.

The China-U.S. relationship is the most important bilateral relationship in the world. Whether China and the U.S. can handle their relationship well bears on the future of the world.

Head-of-state diplomacy plays an irreplaceable strategic role in growing bilateral ties. Since February 2021, Xi has had multiple phone talks and meetings with Biden, aiming to steer the China-U.S. relationship along the right track.

During a virtual meeting with Biden in November 2021, Xi pointed out that the most important event in international relations in the coming 50 years will be for China and the U.S. to find the right way to get along.

China's policy toward the U.S. is consistent, which is mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation. China is ready, on this basis, to explore with the United States the right way for the two countries to get along and take their relations steadily forward.

Last November, Xi and Biden met in Bali, Indonesia, and reached a series of important common understandings, which had profound impacts on China-U.S. relations.

The meeting identified a clear direction, that is, to prevent China-U.S. relations from getting derailed or out of control, and to find the right way for the two major countries to get along with each other.

It established a framework, i.e., jointly working out the guiding principles, or a strategic framework, for China-U.S. relations. It also kicked off a process, i.e., implementing the important common understandings reached by the two heads of state to manage and stabilize China-U.S. relations.

In recent times, the two countries have implemented the consensus reached by the two heads of state during their meeting in Bali, increased high-level exchanges and initiated a series of dialogue mechanisms, thus activating exchanges and cooperation in sub-national, non-governmental, and people-to-people levels. As a result, bilateral relations between the two countries have shown signs of stabilization.

The face-to-face meeting between Xi and Biden this time, a year after they met in Bali, will be of great significance for stabilizing and improving China-U.S. relations, and for the two countries in jointly coping with global challenges and promoting world peace and development. China and the U.S. "returning to Bali and leading to San Francisco" is in line with the common interests of the two countries and the general expectation of the international community.

The fluctuation of China-U.S. relations in recent years has proved that both countries should always adhere to the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation. Mutual respect is the prerequisite for the two countries' interactions; peaceful coexistence is the red line they must keep to; win-win cooperation is the goal they should aim at.

There have been and will continue to be differences between the two countries, but this should not hinder China and the U.S. from seeking common ground while shelving differences and pursuing win-win cooperation.

China will not become another U.S., and the U.S. cannot reshape China according to its own likes and dislikes. Mutual respect and inclusiveness is the only choice for both countries.

Adhering to the basic norms of international relations and the three China-U.S. joint communiques is crucial for managing differences, preventing confrontation, and avoiding conflicts between the two sides.

The U.S. should abandon the Cold War mentality and confrontational mindset, take concrete actions and policies to address the "action deficit," and increase strategic mutual trust with China.

Win-win cooperation is the true narrative of China-U.S. relations in the past half a century. Defining the entire China-U.S. relationship solely by competition not only disrespects history but also goes against the facts.

The common interests of the two countries far outweigh their differences, and the respective success of China and the U.S. is an opportunity, rather than a challenge, to each other. Both sides should seek common development and prosperity that benefit not only themselves but also the rest of the world.

As two major countries, China and the U.S. shoulder special responsibilities and should demonstrate the broad-mindedness, vision, and commitment of major countries. Only by handling the China-U.S. relations with a sense of responsibility for history, for the people and for the world can the two countries continuously enhance the well-being of their peoples, promote the progress of human society, and contribute to world peace and development.

To be responsible for history means to learn from historical experience and grasp the initiative of history.

History is today's past, and today is the history of the future. The Chinese and American people have joined forces in the World Anti-Fascist War, defending peace and justice, The relationship between the two sides has continued to develop through thick and thin since the establishment of diplomatic ties, which has benefited the two countries and the rest of the world.

Historical facts have repeatedly proven that both China and the U.S. gain from cooperation and lose from confrontation, and that cooperation is always the best choice for them.

The assertion that "U.S. policy of engagement with China has failed" is being hyped by some in the U.S., which goes against historical truth. The U.S. labeling China as the "most serious competitor" and the "most significant geopolitical challenge" is not in line with facts and is irresponsible to history.

Competition between major powers does not conform to the trend of the times and cannot solve real challenges. At this critical juncture of historical development, every decision made by China and the U.S. will be justly recorded by history.

Both sides should view and handle their relationship from the perspective of history, and jointly explore the right way for the two countries to get along with each other in the new era, so as to ensure that China-U.S. relations are a force promoting historical progress.

To be responsible for the people means to face up to common interests and pursue mutual achievements.

Recently, new inspiring stories have been written in the continuous people-to-people exchanges between China and the U.S.

The group "Kuliang Friends" has continued the legacy of friendship forged a hundred years ago. The U.S.-China Youth and Student Exchange Association has taken active actions to promote friendly exchanges between youth from both countries. The Flying Tigers veterans inherit and carry forward the precious spiritual wealth of cooperation between China and the U.S. The Philadelphia Orchestra is extending its musical bond with the Chinese people that has spanned half a century.

Strengthening exchanges, deepening friendship, and achieving win-win cooperation are the common expectations and choices of the people of both countries.

In recent years, China-U.S. relations have faced difficulties, which do not align with the fundamental interests of the two peoples. The cost of "decoupling and severing industrial and supply chains" will ultimately be borne by the people. Blocking exchanges cuts off the channels for people to know and understand each other, and confrontation between major powers leads to the loss of people's opportunities for development.

Both China and the U.S. should consider the aspirations of their peoples and act in what the two peoples want. They should engage in more interactions, dialogues, and exchanges, melt the icy misunderstandings and misjudgments, and build bridges of mutual understanding.

To be responsible for the world means to listen to international voices and lead global cooperation.

China and the U.S., as permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and the world's top two economies, account for over 1/3 of the global economy, nearly 1/4 of the world's population, and approximately 1/5 of global bilateral trade. They bear significant responsibilities for the peace, stability, and development of the world.

As the world enters a new period of turbulence and transformation, uncertainties, instabilities, and unpredictable factors are increasing. The international community universally hopes for an early return to the track of healthy and stable development in China-U.S. relations, which would inject stability, certainty, and constructiveness into the uncertain world.

In today's world, coordination and cooperation between China and the U.S. are indispensable to the post-pandemic global recovery, the response to climate change, and the resolution of regional hotspot issues. The two countries jointly tackling global challenges is not only a necessity for world peace and development, but also a responsibility of major countries.

Given the profound changes unseen in a century, every responsible politician must answer the questions of the times and make historic choices with confidence, courage, and a sense of responsibility.

Both China and the U.S. should adhere to the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation. With a sense of responsibility for history, for the people and for the world, the two countries should meet each other halfway and strive for sound and stable development of their relations.

(Zhong Sheng is a pen name often used by People's Daily to express its views on foreign policy and international affairs.)

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
A five-bedroom, 9,299-square-foot French Provincial-style mansion in downtown Naperville sold on Nov. 13 for $8.07 million, setting a new DuPage County residential sales record. (Bob Goldsborough/for the Chicago Tribune)

A five-bedroom, 9,299-square-foot French Provincial-style mansion in downtown Naperville sold Monday for $8.07 million, setting a new DuPage County residential sales record.

The mansion, on West Van Buren Avenue, first was listed in September 2021 for $14.99 million, which also was a DuPage County residential listing record that remains to this day. The mansion was built in 2018 by Donald Brooks, who had been the owner of McCrone Associates in Westmont, and his wife, Jane. After Donald Brooks died in February 2021, Jane Brooks placed the mansion for sale seven months later.

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The mansion was taken off the market last year and relisted in February at $12.75 million. It then underwent a price cut to $8.2 million in August. In recent months, real estate agents had suggested uses for the property other than solely as a single-family home.

According to listing information, the mansion underwent an auction on Oct. 16.

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Designed by Charles Cook Architectural Design Studio, the mansion has six full bathrooms, three half bathrooms, three fireplaces, limestone and white oak floors, cathedral ceilings, skylights, hand-hewn white oak beams and an on-site studio. The mansion sits on a one-acre property.

The mansion is assessed at 9,299 square feet in size. Real estate listing information states that it has a total of 13,170 square feet of finished space.

Listing agent Katie Minott of @properties Christies International Real Estate told Elite Street that the buyer plans to use the mansion as a single-family home.

Its truly a special property, she said. Its like walking into a brand-new home. It cost $15 million to acquire the land, build the home and landscape it. So it was a great opportunity. Plus, the location was prime.

The mansion had a $106,934 property tax bill in the 2022 tax year

Public records do not yet identify the buyers.

DuPage Countys previous record residential sale price was in 2003, when then-Chicago White Sox slugger Frank Thomas sold his 41-room mansion in Oak Brook for $7.95 million.

Goldsborough is a freelance reporter.

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By Nidal al-Mughrabi and Trevor Hunnicutt

GAZA/ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE (Reuters) - The White House said on Tuesday its independent intelligence supported Israel's claim that Hamas was using Gaza's hospitals, including its biggest, to hide command posts and hostages while a glimmer of progress emerged in hostage negotiations.

President Joe Biden said he was in discussions daily with parties involved in talks to secure the release of hostages taken by Hamas in its cross-border rampage into Israel on Oct. 7. More than 235 people are thought to still be held by the Islamist group in Gaza.

When asked by reporters at the White House what his message to family members of hostages was, he said: "Hang in there, we're coming."

ABC News reported that progress had been made on a hostage deal. A breakthrough could come in the next 48 to 72 hours, it said, citing a senior Israeli political source.

White House spokesman John Kirby told reporters on the presidential plane, Air Force One, that intelligence confirmed the militant Hamas group, which rules Gaza, used tunnels underneath Al-Shifa and other hospitals to conceal military operations and to hold hostages.

Israel has made the same claims, which Hamas denies.

"We have information that confirms that Hamas is using that particular hospital for a command and control node" and probably to store weapons, Kirby said. "That is a war crime."

Five weeks after Israel swore to destroy Hamas in retaliation for militants' cross-border assault, the fate of Al-Shifa has become a focus of international alarm, including from Israel's closest ally, the United States.

Israeli forces have waged fierce street battles against Hamas fighters over the past 10 days, advanced into the centre of Gaza City and surrounded Al-Shifa, the seaside enclave's biggest hospital.

Kirby said that the U.S. intelligence came from a variety of methods but that he could not be specific about the evidence.

Hamas said on Telegram it rejected U.S. claims about its use of hospitals and that they "give a green light to the Israeli occupation to commit further brutal massacres targeting hospitals."

Omar Shakir, Israel and Palestine director for Human Rights Watch, said that even if Hamas was proven to be using hospitals to conduct military operations, international law required that effective warnings be given before attacks.

This meant people there needed a safe place to go and a safe way to get there, Shakir said. "It's very alarming because you have to remember hospitals in Gaza are housing tens of thousands of displaced persons."

AL-SHIFA THE FOCUS OF CONFLICT

Hamas says 650 patients and 5,000 to 7,000 other civilians are trapped inside Al-Shifa hospital grounds, under constant fire from Israeli snipers and drones. Amid worsening shortages of fuel, water and supplies, it says 40 patients have died in recent days, including three premature babies whose incubators were knocked out.

Palestinians trapped in the hospital were digging a mass grave on Tuesday to bury patients who died and no plan was in place to evacuate babies despite Israel announcing an offer to send portable incubators, Ashraf Al-Qidra, Gaza's health ministry spokesman, said.

An Israeli officer who oversees coordination with Gaza told Reuters he had been in contact with Al-Shifa's hospital director and presented a plan to evacuate the babies through a safe corridor, possibly to Egypt. He said he was awaiting a response.

Reached by telephone inside the hospital compound, Qidra said that so far no arrangements had been established to carry out any evacuation. "The occupation is still besieging the hospital and they are firing into the yards from time to time," he said.

Qidra said there were about 100 bodies decomposing inside and no way to get them out.

"We are planning to bury them today in a mass grave inside the Al-Shifa medical complex. It is going to be very dangerous as we don't have any cover or protection from the ICRC," he told Reuters, referring to the International Committee of the Red Cross/Crescent.

Israel denies the hospital is under siege and says its forces allow exit routes for those inside. Medics and officials inside the hospital deny this and say those trying to leave come under fire. Reuters could not verify the situation.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was deeply disturbed by the "dramatic loss of life" in the hospitals, his spokesman said. "In the name of humanity, the secretary-general calls for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire," the spokesman told reporters.

Medical officials in Hamas-run Gaza say more than 11,000 people are confirmed dead from Israeli strikes, around 40% of them children, and countless others trapped under rubble. Around two-thirds of Gaza's 2.3 million people have been made homeless, unable to escape the territory where food, fuel, fresh water and medical supplies are running out.

Israel says Hamas killed 1,200 people in the Oct. 7 rampage. The United States and Britain imposed a fresh round of sanctions on Hamas on Tuesday.

BIDEN ADVISER HEADS TO MIDDLE EAST

Shortly after Biden's remarks about the hostages, the White House said Biden's top Middle East adviser, Brett McGurk, was heading to the region for talks with officials in Israel, the West Bank, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and other nations. Efforts to win the hostages' release will be among the topics on his agenda.

Hamas leader Ezzat El Rashq said on Telegram Israel was not serious about winning the hostages' freedom "but is stalling in order to gain more time to continue its aggression."

The armed wing of Hamas said it was ready to free up to 70 women and children held in Gaza in exchange for a five-day ceasefire. Al-Qassam Brigade spokesman Abu Ubaida said Israel had asked for 100 to be freed.

There was no immediate public response from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office.

Relatives of hostages set off from Tel Aviv on a days-long protest march to Jerusalem to plead for more government action.

Yuval Haran, from Kibbutz Be'eri where Hamas fighters killed scores of civilians including his father, said he was marching out of desperation to free seven family members.

"For 39 days we have been in infinite anxiety. We are living this pain each and every moment. And I cannot keep sitting down and waiting," he said. "They must be brought home now."

In Washington, tens of thousands of demonstrators gathered on Tuesday for a "March for Israel" to show solidarity with Israel in its war with Hamas and condemn rising antisemitism.

(Reporting by Nidal al-Mughrabi in Gaza, Trevor Hunnicutt aboard Air Force One and Reuters bureaux; Writing by Peter Graff, Nick Macfie and Cynthia Osterman; Editing by Mark Heinrich, Gareth Jones and Howard Goller)
The ability of the United States to help Ukraine is shrinking each week the U.S. Congress delays the approval of a new large aid package for Ukraine, Jake Sullivan, the adviser to the U.S. president on national security, has warned.

U.S. President Joe Biden's administration has submitted a request for funding for Israel, Ukraine, the Indo-Pacific region, and border security, Sullivan said, Ukrainian state news agency Ukrinform reported on Nov. 14.

Read also: US has clear plan to help Ukraine defend itself against Russian invasion, Blinken says

Sullivan underscored the urgency of Congress approving the president's request, which covers aid to Ukraine and Israel, emphasizing its direct impact on U.S. national interests.

He said there was a need for active cooperation between the government and representatives of both parties in both chambers of Congress to garner support for the White Houses proposed initiative for aid for Ukraine.

Read also: US Congress approves bill to transfer frozen Russian assets to Ukraine

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
President Biden defined on Tuesday what success would mean for his upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, emphasizing that America cannot "decouple" from China.

The president said his goal for Wednesday's meeting is a return to a "normal course" of communication between the U.S. and China.

"We get back on a normal course of corresponding, being able to pick up the phone and talk to one another in a crisis. Being able to make sure our military still have contact with one another," Biden said in response to a reporter's question at an event announcing the release of the fifth National Climate Assessment.

"We're not trying to decouple from China, but what we're trying to do is change the relationship for the better," he continued. "From my perspective, if in fact the Chinese people  who are in trouble right now economically  if the average homeowner, if the average citizen in China was able to have a decent paying job, that benefits them, it benefits all of us.

BIDEN, XI MEETING WILL BE FORUM FOR INTENSE DIPLOMACY AMID TENSIONS BETWEEN US, CHINA: OFFICIALS

President Biden speaks during an event in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023.

"But I'm not going to continue to sustain support for positions where if we want to invest in China, we have to turn over all our trade secrets," he added.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Biden is set to meet with Xi in California on Wednesday as the two leaders seek to ease tensions between their countries.

The White House has said Biden and Xi are expected to discuss the relationship between the United States and the People's Republic of China, including the importance of maintaining "open lines of communication."

A senior administration official previously said the two leaders will also discuss "managing competition responsibly," along with a range of regional, global and transnational issues, including Russias war in Ukraine, the Israel-Hamas war and the growing conflicts in the Middle East.

WH OFFICIALS CONFIRM DATE, LOCATION FOR BIDEN'S US MEETING WITH CHINESE PRESIDENT XI

President Biden, left, and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Additionally, they will broach "potentially contentious" topics, including election interference, with Biden planning to warn Xi about potential election influence operations.

Wednesday's meeting will be the second in-person meeting between Biden and Xi since the U.S. president took office in January 2021, but the "seventh interaction," the official said.

CHINA ADOPTED 'MORE DANGEROUS' TACTICS IN 2022 AS 'ONLY COMPETITOR' TO US, PENTAGON WARNS IN NEW REPORT

They previously met in Nov. 2022 at the G20 Summit in Bali, Indonesia, where they mutually agreed it would be better to have more direct communication between the U.S. and Chinese leadership.

The Biden administration has sought to restore diplomatic relations with China after years of escalating tensions over the status of Taiwan, the coronavirus pandemic and the Trump administration's threats of new tariffs on Chinese goods. The U.S. has also accused China of stealing American technology and trade secrets, and relations reached a low point earlier this year when the Biden administration announced a Chinese spy craft had drifted into U.S. airspace and was shot down over the Atlantic Ocean.

China has taken offense to U.S. strategic ambiguity on the Taiwan Independence issue, refusing to acknowledge the island's claim to sovereignty while still sending diplomatic missions to meet with the Taiwanese leadership.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine and the violent conflict between Hamas and Israel have also complicated relations as the U.S. and China jostle for strategic diplomatic positions on the conflicts.

Fox News Digital's Brooke Singman and Timothy H.J. Nerozzi contributed to this report.





Original article source: Biden supports 'decent paying job' for 'average citizen in China,' but won't surrender US trade secrets
U.S. President Joe Biden sits down with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on Nov. 15, 2023, in the first head-to-head talks between the leaders of the worlds two biggest economies in over a year.

During that time, relations between the two countries have not been their best  a spat over a purported spy balloon over American airspace in February only added to a list of grievances that includes Bidens comments over Taiwan, Beijings support of Russia, confrontations in the South China Sea and more generally a competition for influence and trade around the world.

Yet, going into the meeting  which takes place on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in the San Francisco Bay Area  there has been talk of trying to put the U.S.-China relationship on a better track. The White House has indicated that strengthening communication and managing competition will be the key thing to watch; Xi recently commented that there were a thousand reasons to improve China-U.S. relations, but not one reason to ruin them.

But how much is achievable? Recent articles from The Conversations archive provide insight and background over what is likely to be on the agenda  and the obstacles to improving ties.

1. Engagement, decoupling or derisking?

The meeting comes after a hardening stance against China in Washington  and with a general election just a year away, political rhetoric on China is likely to remain robust.

Michael Beckley, an expert on U.S.-China relations at Tufts University, saw evidence of a more hawkish China policy on display in March when a bipartisan House committee on China held its inaugural meeting.

What was abundantly clear from the lawmakers was the message that the era of engagement with China is long past its sell-by date, wrote Beckley, adding: Engagement had been the policy of successive government from Nixons landmark visit to China in 1972 onward. But there was a general acceptance among committee members that the policy is outdated and that it is time to adopt if not outright containment then certainly a more competitive policy.

A key part of that new policy would involve a more robust stance on confronting Chinas military posturing in East Asia.

It also included what Beckley described as selective decoupling, or the disentangling of certain technology and economic interests. The buzzword being thrown around in foreign policy circles lately is derisking, but it alludes to the same thing: U.S. entities limiting their exposure to China.

Read more: A more hawkish China policy? 5 takeaways from House committee's inaugural hearing on confronting Beijing

2. War (of words) over Taiwan

So what has prompted the worsening relations between China and the U.S.? For starters, there is the ongoing tension over Taiwan.

For the best part of 40 years, U.S. diplomatic relations with the island have been governed by the one China policy  through which Washington recognizes the Peoples Republic of China and acknowledges that Beijings position remains that Taiwan is part of China. Prior to 1979, the U.S. recognized the government of Taiwan as China.

But in recent years, Beijing has caught wind of subtle changes in the U.S. over the issue. In May 2022, Biden suggested he would intervene militarily should China ever invade Taiwan. This would break a long-standing policy of ambiguity over what the U.S. would do in such an event. The White House later walked back the comments, suggesting that it didnt represent a change. But it wasnt the first time that Biden has made such a remark, noted Meredith Oyen, an expert on U.S. Taiwan relations at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

I think it is clear at this point that Bidens interpretation of the Taiwan Relations Act  which since 1979 has set out the parameters of U.S. policy on the island  is that it allows for a U.S. military response should China invade. And despite White House claims to the contrary, I believe that does represent a departure from the long-standing policy of strategic ambiguity on Taiwan, she wrote.

Read more: Biden on Taiwan: Did he really commit US forces to stopping any invasion by China? An expert explains why, on balance, probably not

3. Navigating the South China Sea

Most experts are of a mind that an invasion of Taiwan isnt on Beijings immediate agenda  or in its interests. But that doesnt mean that a military confrontation isnt possible.

If a war between China and the U.S. is going to happen, I believe the South China Sea is likely to be a major theater, with Chinese aggression toward Taiwan the spark, wrote Krista Wiegand, a scholar of East Asian security and maritime disputes at the University of Tennessee.

The South China Sea  which is home to large reserves of oil and gas as well as billions of dollars worth of fisheries  has become a constant cause of tension between Beijing and a host of East and Southeast Asian nations, including U.S. allies the Philippines and Japan.

In April, the U.S. Navy in conjunction with counterparts in the Philippines sunk a mock warship off the archipelago countrys coast.

Washington stressed that it was not in response to increased tension over Taiwan, but it was nonetheless met by Beijing staging its own military exercise around the disputed island.

More generally, China has consistently engaged in so-called gray zone tactics in the waters  such as deploying Chinese Coast Guard boats in disputed areas, harassing other nations ships and building up artificial islands.

With China playing by a different set of rules than the U.S. and its allies in the region, the risk of clashes at sea is very real. It could even lead to conflict between the two most powerful countries in the world today, wrote Wiegand.

Read more: The US is about to blow up a fake warship in the South China Sea  but naval rivalry with Beijing is very real and growing

4. Trading blows

The South China Seas is also a major trade route  and simmering trade competition underpins a lot of the tension between the U.S and China.

City, University of Londons ManMohan S. Sodhi and Christopher S. Tang at the University of California, Los Angeles, explained how economic ties between the two countries flourished in the 1980s only to become more hostile of late  and how that is affecting global trade.

As U.S.-China relations have moved from building bridges in 1972 to building walls in 2022, countries will increasingly be forced to choose sides and companies will have to plan supply chains accordingly. Those seeking to trade in both blocs will need to divisionalise, running parallel operations, the scholars wrote.

A bipolar trading world is already emerging, with U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen calling for friend-shoring with trusted partners  in other words, splitting countries into friends or foes and rewarding the former. Such a tactic is aimed at countering Chinas Belt and Road Initiative, which has seen Beijing pump billions of dollars into developing countries over the last decade.

Read more: China-US tensions: how global trade began splitting into two blocs

5. War in Ukraine 

Biden and Xi have plenty of bilateral issues to talk though. But the meeting takes place with a backdrop of two major conflagrations that continue to occupy the thoughts of foreign policy advisors in both Beijing and Washington.

Chinas support of Russia has been a continued source of tension between Beijing and the West since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Meanwhile the escalation of violence between Israel and Hamas puts in jeopardy Chinas policy of balanced diplomacy in the region.

And yet, there is potential for common ground here between Biden and Xi. Both will be keen that war doesnt cause more destabilization. As Ronald Suny of the University of Michigan wrote in regards to the Ukraine conflict: Stability, both domestically and internationally, works to Chinas economic advantage as a major producer and exporter of industrial goods. And Beijing is mindful that a slump in foreign demand and investment is hitting the countrys economic prospects.

Read more: The view from Moscow and Beijing: What peace in Ukraine and a post-conflict world look like to Xi and Putin

6.  and now the Middle East

Yet Beijing is also at pains to promote its vision of a multipolar world, edging away from U.S. dominance. For similar reasons, Beijing is keen to develop its role as friend to all in the Middle East  a position that will become harder to maintain as war goes on, as Andrew Latham, who teaches China foreign policy at Macalester College, explained.

Read more: Israel-Hamas war puts China's strategy of 'balanced diplomacy' in the Middle East at risk
Illustration: Civilians enjoy zero-gravity on an Airbus A330. Sexual intercourse in space presents many difficulties, chief among them is the lack of gravity (Mehdi FEDOUACH)

Climate crises, nuclear Armageddon, or a sudden meteor strike -- it's clear humanity could do with Planet B. But first we need to learn to reproduce safely in space, says Dutch entrepreneur Egbert Edelbroek.

Edelbroek's firm, Spaceborn United, is pioneering space sex research, with the eventual aim of natural conception and birth in the partial gravity environment found on Mars.

The challenges of achieving safe space sex are galactic, but the ambitious Dutchman is confident he will see an extraterrestial human child born within his lifetime.

"It's important that the Earth and humanity can become a multiplanetary species," Edelbroek told AFP.

"If you want to have independent human settlements beyond Earth, and if you really want them to be independent, you also need to address the reproductive challenge," said the entrepreneur.

Actual sexual intercourse in space presents many difficulties, chief among them the lack of gravity -- a couple would drift away from each other -- so Spaceborn United is first trying to conceive an embryo in space.

Starting with mice, before eventually moving to human sperm and egg cells, the firm has created a disc that mixes the cells together, with the aim of producing a viable embryo.

It's like a "space station for your cells", said Aqeel Shamsul, CEO of the UK-based Frontier Space Technologies, which is working with Spaceborn on the project.

This embryo is then cryogenically frozen, to pause their development, but also to protect them during re-entry -- "It's a lot of shaking, a lot of vibration, a lot of G-forces. You don't want to expose embryos to this," said Edelbroek.

Research is currently under way in simulated partial gravity laboratory conditions but Edelbroek said a launch with mice cells was planned for the end of next year, with a timeline of "about five or six years" for the first launch with a human embryo.

- 'Delicate topic' -

But that's only one small step. A giant ethical leap remains before such an embryo could be implanted back into an Earthling woman to give birth to the first child conceived in space.

"It's a delicate topic. You're exposing vulnerable human cells, human embryos, eventually, to the hazards of space, to radiation that is much higher than on Earth, to different gravity environments that embryos are never designed for," said Edelbroek.

Such ethical issues are one reason why research into space reproduction has generally been left to private firms like Spaceborn, rather than NASA, which is queasy about spending tax dollars on such sensitive topics.

Edelbroek said his firm was the only one looking to develop a human embryo in space.

Bodily fluids that are pulled down on Earth would be drawn upwards in a low-gravity environment, posing several challenges for the human body.

"An adult body can handle some differences, but you don't want to expose a growing, more vulnerable, foetus to these different variables. So you need to create the perfect environment first," he said.

- 'Crazy ambitious' -

One new factor in space reproduction is the growth of space tourism, fuelled by companies like SpaceX and Virgin Galactic.

Couples on a space tourism flight might want to go down in history as the first to conceive, warned Edelbroek, adding that he was consulting with the sector to make them aware of the risks.

Spaceborn's research -- which replicates the IVF process but in space -- is also helping people closer to home to conceive, said Edelbroek.

The Dutchman said he had been forced to scale back his plans -- "we've gone from crazy ambitious to just very ambitious" -- as the scale of the challenges became clear.

Nonetheless, he is sure that a baby will be born in space within his lifetime.

"I expect to be at least 100 years old," the 48-year-old said. "So that should give us enough decades to achieve that, absolutely."

"Eventually, humanity -- hopefully with us -- needs to achieve childbirth in space."

ric/gv/db/smw
For a resident of the Las Vegas Trail neighborhood in Fort Worth, a trip via public transportation to affordable health care usually takes at least an hour.

To get to the closest primary care clinic operated by JPS Health Network, the trip might take only 45 minutes  if you time it right to catch both buses. (The drive to the clinic, the Viola Pitts-Como Health Center, would take about 10 minutes via car.)

Getting to the JPS emergency room takes even longer, requiring at least two buses and about 15 minutes of walking.

Soon, the trip will get much shorter.

Cook Childrens Health Network and JPS celebrated Tuesday a groundbreaking on a new health clinic in the neighborhood. The center, which is expected to open in 2025, will provide primary medical and mental health care for children and adults, and will also include a food pantry, job training, and a Fort Worth Police outpost.

The new clinic is a milestone for the neighborhood, which has long been without a source of health care. About one in every four families in the neighborhood does not have reliable access to transportation, said Paige Charbonnet, the executive director of LVTRise, a nonprofit dedicated to the LVT neighborhood.

The area, which is also referred to as Western Hills or Western Hills North, is bordered by Interstate 30 and Camp Bowie Boulevard West to the north and south and Cherry Lane and Loop 820 to the east and west.

The clinic will be built on 3.7 acres at the intersection of Calmont Avenue and Cherry Lane that was donated to Cook Childrens. The childrens hospital will oversee the construction. Both the childrens hospital and JPS will provide medical care.

Were eliminating a barrier to an elevated quality of life, Charbonnet said at a groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday. What a big deal.

The community has been the focus of renewed attention and investment from leaders since 2017, when the Star-Telegram highlighted some of the areas most pressing challenges, including high rates of poverty and crime and limited access to fresh food, public transportation, safe housing, and health care.

In response, the city of Fort Worth purchased an old YMCA at 8201 Calmont Ave. and opened a community center there. Residents can also get a range of services, including one-on-one support, from LVT Rise at the community center. LVT Rise has worked with leaders including council member Michael Crain, who represents the neighborhood on City Council, to listen to residents top priorities for their neighborhood.

Currently, the closest low-cost health provider to the neighborhood is the North Texas Area Community Health Center, a federally-funded health clinic that treats many patients with public health insurance or without health insurance. For a resident of Las Vegas Trail who doesnt have a car, it would take them well over an hour to get to the health center: A 20-minute walk to a bus stop, a 32-minute bus ride, and then another 20-minute walk to finally reach the clinic, according to a 2022 LVT transformation plan.

The neighborhood plan, published last year, outlined providing health care in the core of the neighborhood as one of its top goals. The plan also called for major investments in public and neighborhood health, including more parks and open spaces, roads and sidewalks that allow for safer walking, more access to fresh food, and better public transportation as essential to improving health for residents.
A semi-truck and a charter bus carrying students collided on an Ohio highway, causing a mass casualty incident, officials told news outlets.

There were 57 people on board the bus when a big rig crashed into it from behind, killing at least three and injuring 15, Licking County emergency officials told the Associated Press.

The crash happened at about 9 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 14, along U.S. Interstate 70, an image shared by the Ohio Department of Transportation shows. A thick plume of smoke can be seen rising from the scene of the crash, surrounded by emergency vehicles.

A Licking County Emergency Management official confirmed to McClatchy News that the crash was between a semi-truck and a charter bus, but declined to comment on injuries or fatalities, or if other vehicles were also involved.

The bus was carrying students and chaperones who were heading to an Ohio School Boards Association conference, the Tuscarawas Valley Local Schools Superintendent Derek Varansky said in a news release shared to Facebook.

I have devastating and heartbreaking news to report, the release said. We understand from law enforcement that there may be multiple serious injuries and we are working to learn the details. Right now, our focus is on getting in touch with our Tusky Valley families who had loved ones on the bus and providing support to our entire school community.

The crash was described as a mass casualty incident, level 3 by dispatchers, meaning at least 10 people have been injured, The Columbus Dispatch reported.

Licking County is about 40 miles northeast of Columbus.

Trucker said he thought he hit a bird, but he killed tow truck driver, Iowa cops say

Toddler killed in rollover crash when passenger grabs wheel during fight, TX cops say
MADISON  A proposal backed by Attorney General Josh Kaul and domestic abuse victim advocates would prevent Wisconsinites convicted of domestic violence from owning guns, closing a loophole exposed by a 2022 state Supreme Court ruling.

The legislation would adjust the state laws covering the crime of disorderly conduct and the definition of domestic abuse, making it so a person convicted of disorderly conduct as a result of domestic violence would be barred from possessing a firerarm.

It's a "simple, common-sense way to prevent crime and keep Wisconsinites safe," Kaul said.

Kaul said he has not spoken with any Republican lawmakers about the legislation, but said he would work with anyone willing to consider it.

The proposal follows a May 2022 decision from the state's high court, unanimously reversing a circuit judge's ruling that a man's conviction for disorderly conduct counted as a domestic violence misdemeanor under federal law that would then prohibit gun possession.

The court found that, while the offense was domestic and violent, it's not the facts that matter, but the nature of Wisconsin's disorderly conduct statute. That law allows conviction for a variety of actions, but since violence is not a required element, it doesn't match the federal definition of domestic violence and, therefore, does not disqualify a person from legally owning a gun or holding a license to carry a concealed weapon.

In a concurring opinion, Justice Jill Karofsky called the conclusion, while legally correct, "as nonsensical as it is dangerous," and urged the Legislature to close a loophole the court cannot.

The bill would reorganize the state's disorderly conduct statute to differentiate violent conduct from other types of disorderly conduct. It would also reorganize the statute defining domestic abuse so court records would note the nature of the relationship between those involved in an incident.

"Were not asking the Legislature to expand restrictions that are in place, were asking for us to go back to where we were prior to that decision in 2022," Kaul said during a news conference.

Even under Wisconsin's liberal concealed carry law, someone who is prohibited by federal law from possessing a gun is not supposed to qualify for a permit.

The federal law in question, known as the Lautenberg Amendment, says anyone convicted of a "misdemeanor crime of domestic violence" can't possess firearms. Some gun rights advocates have challenged the reach of the law ever since.

Wisconsin's disorderly conduct law doesn't include a force or deadly weapon component. The U.S. Supreme Court has said that's what counts when analyzing whether the state conviction is a prohibiting conviction under the federal law, not the facts underlying the conviction.

"The question is thus whether the elements of the statutorily defined misdemeanor itself, apart from the facts giving rise to it, include the use of physical force, the attempted use of physical force, or the threatened use of a deadly weapon," Justice Brian Hagedorn wrote in the 2022 majority opinion.

Writing for the court, Hagedorn said Wisconsin's law lists several ways someone can be disorderly. Those include physical force or threatened use of a weapon, but those are only among the options, and therefore not a required element of the crime.

"Nothing in the grammar or structure of the list separates the listed behaviors in a way that would suggest it codifies seven different crimes," he said. "The most straightforward understanding of (the statute) is that it provides a non-exhaustive list of means by which the single crime of disorderly conduct may be committed."

The 2022 decision specifically overruled a 2014 decision by the Court of Appeals that upheld the denial of a CCW permit over a disorderly conduct conviction related to domestic violence.

In the concurring opinion, Karofsky cited the "staggering" numbers around domestic violence and guns: a victim is five times more likely to be killed by her abuser if he has access to firearms, and an average of 70 women are fatally shot in the U.S. every month during domestic violence. Karofsky suggested three ways the Legislature could close the loophole, including making "domestic violence" a "stand-alone crime as many states have done."

The bill discussed Monday was proposed by Sen. Kelda Roys and Rep. Lisa Subeck, both Madison Democrats.

Wisconsin broke a record for domestic violence deaths again in 2022 with 96 lives lost, according to the annual statewide homicide report released last month by End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin. It was the highest total since the advocacy organization began releasing the data in 2000 and a 20% increase from last year's total of 80 people.

More: Gun deaths are rising in Wisconsin. Suicide and rural areas are a big part of the picture

Homicides occurred in 25 of Wisconsin's 72 counties with a nearly even split between rural and urban areas.

Victims' ages ranged from 20 months to 92 years, with an average age of 37. About 48% of the victims were white, while about 45% were Black. The report cited research showing women of color are over-represented compared to their share of the population, in part because of structural racial inequalities in housing, income and access to safety resources.

Firearms remain the most common weapon used in domestic violence homicides and made up a larger share of deaths than in past years. In 2022, guns were used in 88.5% of fatal domestic violence incidents compared with 67% of incidents in 2021.

Domestic violence assaults using a gun are 12 times more likely to result in death than those using other weapons or bodily force, the report noted.

"Every single individual who is a victim of domestic violence is a person whose life was cut short, taken away, because their abuser wanted to keep access to their guns. That person had hopes and dreams and struggles just like the rest of us. Their life matters," Roys said during Monday's news conference. "And that human being is one that leaves behind many other victims, their children, their family, their community. All of us are harmed when victims of domestic violence are not protected."

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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Bill would bar those convicted of domestic violence from owning guns
Reality Check is a Star series holding those in power to account and shining a light on their decisions. Have a suggestion for a future story? Email tips@kcstar.com.

When Chase Cookson opened his email, he was disgusted by a peculiar ad in his inbox.

Dont Miss Out! the email, which was sent last month, said. Two Prime Dispensaries in Missouri Up for Grabs.

Cookson, a college professor in St. Louis and a marijuana legalization activist, was struck by what he viewed as predatory behavior. A Michigan-based marijuana real estate company had listed for sale two coveted licenses that were intended to help marginalized communities break into Missouris lucrative marijuana industry, which has been dominated by large companies.

My gut reaction was  this is the kind of blatant profiteering that does not benefit any of the people that its designed to benefit, said Cookson, who also applied for and was denied a license. They were not a young Black man that had spent time in prison for a cannabis charge, had gotten a license and were selling it for a million dollars. I knew that immediately.

The email from Canna Zoned MLS, a company accused of using predatory tactics to try to secure social equity marijuana licenses in at least three states, advertised a marijuana dispensary micro-license and real estate in Arnold near St. Louis for $1.1 million and another dispensary license in Columbia for $795,000 with a chance to lease the property for $6,000 a month.

While the licenses are no longer listed for sale online, Cookson said the companys ability to obtain  and list for sale  licenses meant for marginalized communities in Missouri illustrates that the program was designed to help people who already have a stake in the industry  not underserved groups.

Canna Zoned MLS downplayed the ads in an email to The Star, saying that the marketing material was generated to gauge interest and establish a value of the license and real estate. The company noted that the licenses are no longer listed online, but did not answer when asked specifically if they were for sale.

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services last month awarded 48 marijuana micro-licenses, including 16 dispensary licenses, divided across the states eight congressional districts after the agency conducted a random lottery. Geared toward lower income individuals and minority groups, applicants had to meet one of several requirements, including having a net worth less than $250,000 or having a prior marijuana-related charge.

The two micro-licenses that Canna Zoned MLS had listed for sale were awarded to Seashore Rhythm, LLC in Arnold and Frankenstein Enemy, LLC in Columbia, documents from DHSS show. Jeffrey Yatooma, the owner of Canna Zoned MLS, is listed as the authorized agent for both entities along with the email socialequitymissouri@gmail.com.

Yatooma is listed as the main contact for 104 of the more than 1,000 applications submitted to the state, records show.

Yatoomas company has come under fire recently for offering to pay eligible people to enter lotteries awarding social equity licenses in Missouri, Illinois and Maryland. The companys contracts force applicants to give up all control and profits of the business, according to recent reports from The Missouri Independent and The Chicago Sun-Times.

In Illinois, for example, the company used an ad on Craigslist to recruit a victim of gun violence to apply for a social equity marijuana license, the Sun-Times reported.

Canna Zoned MLS tactics, as well as its ability to win two licenses in Missouri, have sparked outrage from some state lawmakers, including from state Sen. Karla May, a St. Louis Democrat and candidate for U.S. Senate, who in a letter last month to DHSS demanded an investigation.

May, in an interview with The Star, said she has concerns about unscrupulous actors who are subverting the law and the process.

It was for marginalized communities to become a part of this process, and to benefit from it. And it wasnt for them to do what they normally do with marginalized communities  take advantage of them. Its awful, she said.

May said she hopes that the state can strip away the licenses of bad actors and anyone that is operating outside of the intended constitutional amendment.

State Rep. Ashley Bland Manlove, a Kansas City Democrat, said in a text to The Star that the companys actions were predatory and criminal.

I encourage all states involved to revoke any licenses issued and reissue them to actual residents who qualify, she said. Id like to see criminal charges for the lawyers who created the contacts and whomever created the Craigslist posts for fraud.

Amy Moore, the director of DHSS division of cannabis regulation, responded to May in a letter, saying that the division shared Mays hope that the micro-license program be implemented exactly as designed and that no unscrupulous actors be allowed to subvert the law.

In fact, the law itself anticipated the need to investigate whether microbusiness licenses were awarded to eligible applicants post-licensure, and we are currently conducting that mandated verification process, she wrote.

Moore wrote that the post-licensure verification for the winning licenses would be completed in December and that the division would release a public report. If the agency determines that an application was false or misleading in any way, the license issued based on that application may be revoked, she said.

John Payne served as campaign manager for the constitutional amendments to legalize both medical and recreational marijuana in Missouri. He said the big question is whether the social equity applicant  the person who actually won the license  is getting a benefit of ownership from the license.

Payne said he couldnt answer that because he doesnt know whats in the agreement between the company and the applicant.

That is certainly the attempt of the amendment is that there is a real, actual benefit to this ownership, he said. Are the people that won the lottery, are they getting real substantial benefits of ownership from this license? And thats something that the department enforces.

After Cookson received the advertisements from Canna Zoned MLS, he said he forwarded the email to DHSS. The agency, in response last month, issued guidance stating that change of ownership of a micro-licenses was subject to approval from the state and that licenses must continue to be majority owned by someone who fits the requirements for a micro-license.

When asked about the licenses that were listed for sale, Lisa Cox, the spokesperson for DHSS, said the agency spoke directly with the licensees.

They explained they are seeking investors and do not intend to sell the licenses prior to becoming operational or without Department approval, Cox told The Star in an email. Seeking additional investors prior to being operational is allowed if the change in ownership does not exceed 50%.

In response to a series of questions from The Star, Canna Zoned MLS sent emailed statements from Yatooma and Amanda Kilroe, an attorney for the company, that touted the companys work within state-run lotteries for social equity licenses.

Yatooma said that the company works to ensure that we are complying with state law, local laws and the programs regulations that can all benefit from the cannabis industry.

State licenses that are available for transfer or sale will go through a state regulated process to ensure that both the seller and buyer are adhering to all guidelines, he said. We also work with local representation to ensure that we fully comply with state regulations at every stage of the process.

Kilroe, in the email, said the company has worked with so many incredible individuals who have been a part of the social equity state lotteries and its a part of our overall mission to begin supporting more social equity practices in cannabis across the country.

We worked hard to set a standard so anyone who wants to be a part of it is able to benefit from the processes that the state has set up for the cannabis industry, she said.

But Cookson, the professor and marijuana activist, said the companys tactics were the kind of predatory behavior that we dont want to see in the business world.

Im really disappointed in this group, these individuals, and the way that theyve approached the licensing process, he said.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and US Trade Representative Katherine Tai chair the APEC Ministerial Meeting opening session in San Francisco (ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS)

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called Tuesday for Pacific Rim nations to be free to choose their own partners, a veiled criticism of China on the eve of a presidential summit.

Blinken, addressing ministers from the 21-member Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in San Francisco, quoted a 2020 statement of the group that called for an "open, dynamic, resilient and peaceful Asia-Pacific community."

"The United States believes in that vision -- a region where economies are free to choose their own path and their own partners, where problems are dealt with openly, where rules are reached transparently and applied fairly, where goods, ideas and people flow lawfully and freely," he said.

The United States has accused China of using economic pressure and growing assertiveness at sea to press countries that have disputes with Beijing.

China in turn has criticized the US role in Asia, particularly its military alliances, arguing that Beijing historically has been the dominant player.

Despite an array of tensions, US President Joe Biden will meet Wednesday with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the APEC summit.

Both countries have voiced hope, in different ways, of bringing more stability to the fraught relationship between the world's two largest economies.

sct/st
As Calumet City prepared to ticket a Daily Southtown reporter for allegedly harassing city employees as he worked on gathering information for a news article, Mayor Thaddeus Jones also asked police to seek a court order prohibiting the reporter from entering City Hall or contacting city employees, records show.

No paperwork was filed in Cook County Circuit Court, however, attempting to secure an order of protection against the reporter, Hank Sanders, an attorney for Calumet City said Tuesday.

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Calumet City cited Sanders under municipal ordinances, alleging he harassed city employees. The three citations carried fines of $750, plus an additional $250 for each day that passed and fines were not paid.

The city quickly pivoted and withdrew the citations, which had been mailed to him.

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In an Oct. 20 email from Jones to police Chief Kevin Kolosh, with other city employees and city attorneys copied, Jones instructed the chief to have officers take statements from city employees, including himself and the director of public works, to prepare the citations, according to a public records request filed pursuant to the states Freedom of Information Act and recently received by Sanders. The memo directed fines be $750 and $250 each day.

Jones, who is also a state representative, also directed attorney Dominick Lanzito, with the Chicago-based firm Peterson Johnson & Murray, to file for an order of protection that would have prevented Sanders from entering City Hall as well as contacting or harassing employees, according to the email.

Lanzito said Tuesday that there was no order of protection filed in court, but that he couldnt say when the direction came reversing Jones order.

Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy >

I cant speak about any communication between the city and myself. Its attorney-client privilege, Lanzito said.

Sanders attended a Nov. 9 City Council meeting at City Hall and was not denied entry.

The Southtown, which is owned by the Chicago Tribunes parent company, published a story online Oct. 19 and in print Oct. 20 in which Sanders reported that consultants had informed Calumet City officials that their stormwater facilities were in poor condition before Septembers historic rains caused flooding.

A day after the story was published, Sanders continued to report on the issue, drawing complaints from city officials, including Jones.

On Nov. 6, Calumet City attorney Patrick K. Walsh sent a Tribune lawyer a letter dropping the citations.

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In his letter, Walsh said city employees have a right to refuse to speak with Sanders. But, Walsh added: I understand it would be Mr. Sanders position and your argument that he was not harassing anyone. As you know, I was not a witness and have no interest in bickering about it.

mnolan@tribpub.com
(Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and newly appointed British foreign minister David Cameron discussed the Israel-Hamas conflict, relations with China and help for Ukraine during a telephone call on Monday, the State Department said.

"Secretary Blinken and Lord Cameron underscored continuity in the U.S.-UK special relationship and its importance to regional and global security," State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a readout of the conversation.

(Reporting by Jasper Ward; writing by Costas Pitas; Editing by Leslie Adler)
The Fab Five is saying goodbye to one of their own.

Bobby Berk, the interior design expert on the Emmy-winning Netflix series Queer Eye, announced Nov. 13 that he will be leaving the show after the upcoming eighth season. He shared the news in a lengthy Instagram post.

The 42-year-old uploaded photos from his interactions with some of the shows heroes throughout the years. Berk ended the slideshow with a sweet photo of him smiling next to the other members of the Fab Five: Antoni Porowski, Jonathan Van Ness, Karamo Brown and Tan France.

To the Queer Eye Community who have become family to me, Berk began. The love that I have received from you all over the last 6 years has been absolutely surreal.

He said that his life has changed since Queer Eye premiered in February 2018 and that he has learned more about kindness, love and acceptance from the show's devoted fans.

The way you have embraced me and accepted me for who I am is something that l will truly carry with me for the rest of my life, Berk wrote.

He then addressed the shows heroes: the contestants who are highlighted each episode.

Its all because of you that Ive kept going all these years and each and every one of you have changed me for the better. Im so very proud of all of you! he gushed.

After years of helping heroes transform their homes as the reality shows interior design guru, he will be departing the series, he added.

Its with a heavy heart that I announce that season 8 will be my final season on Queer Eye. Its not been an easy decision to be at peace with, but a necessary one. Although my journey with Queer Eye is over, my journey with you is not. You will be seeing more of me very soon, he said.

He concluded, I love you all so so much and Ill meet you all in Nola for one final season. Berk ended his post with the hashtag #foreverthefab5.

Members of the Queer Eye family left kind and supportive messages in the comments.

Porowski, the shows food and wine expert, wrote, #foreverthefab5 indeed, and dont forget it, and included a series of red heart emoji.

Culture and lifestyle expert Brown agreed, writing, @bobby we are #ForeverTheFab5 | no matter what. Im about to be a Netflixs door & e-mails telling them you cant leave!

Karamo Brown and Bobby Berk in

Who is coming with me? I love you! Brown added.

Van Ness, the grooming and beauty expert, simply left three red heart emoji in the comments.

Berks announcement was posted around the same time the show confirmed on its social media accounts that it had been renewed for Season Eight.

Queer Eye is coming back for Season 8 on January 24, 2024! the show shared on Instagram beside a photo of the Fab Five taking a selfie.

After six incredible years of life-changing transformations, Season 8 will be Bobby Berks last with the Fab Five, the show said. We appreciate the heart and dedication he has brought to Queer Eye and wish him the very best.

Netflix, as well as "Queer Eye" producers ITV Entertainment and Scout Productions, provided a similar statement to TODAY.com, saying, He will always be a member of the Fab Five family and we wish him the very best.

Season Seven of Queer Eye premiered in May. At the time, the co-hosts spoke to TODAY.com about the lessons they learned on the show.

Berk told TODAY.com that working with the heroes, particularly one Season Seven standout named Stephanie Williams, helped him see how important it is for queer people to not dull their shine.

We dull our personalities to make other people comfortable. I really hope that (the world) and all the queer people who still do that realize they dont have to do that. They need to live for themselves, he said.

Berk also reminisced about filming Season One of Queer Eye, before the show became a huge hit.

I remember the last day of filming the first season, he recalled. We all got in the car together to go to the airport to leave and we were like, Well, its been fun. You know, maybe well see each other around.

Now, eight seasons and 10 Emmys later, Berk's time with the group is coming to an end.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
Washington  The number of Venezuelans crossing the U.S.-Mexico border illegally dropped dramatically in October, when the Biden administration started deporting some migrants directly to crisis-stricken Venezuela, according to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) data published Tuesday.

Border Patrol agents apprehended 29,637 migrants from Venezuela who entered the U.S. without authorization last month, a 46% drop from September, when unlawful crossings by Venezuelans soared to 54,833, a monthly record high.

The Biden administration announced in early October it had reached a deportation agreement with the Venezuelan government, a U.S.-sanctioned regime that had long refused to accept the return of its citizens. Officials at the time vowed to deport those found to be ineligible for asylum or a temporary legal status the Biden administration offered to 472,000 Venezuelans who arrived before July 31.

On Oct. 18, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) carried out its first-ever deportation flight to Venezuela. The agency has since staged weekly deportation flights there, deporting hundreds of Venezuelan adults under a process known as expedited removal.

Acting CBP Commissioner Troy Miller said the decrease in Venezuelan arrivals along the southern border was more pronounced after the deportation flights started.

"In conjunction with our resumption of removal flights to Venezuela consistent with delivering consequences for those who cross the border unlawfully, CBP saw a 65 percent decrease in southwest border encounters of Venezuelans in the second half of October, compared to the second half of September," Miller said in a statement.

Overall illegal entries along the southern border also decreased in October. Border Patrol apprehensions of migrants who entered the U.S. without legal permission dropped below 189,000 last month, a 14% decrease from nearly 219,000 in September.

Those tallies do not include legal entries under two programs the Biden administration created to disincentivize migrants from crossing into the country unlawfully. One policy allows up to 30,000 Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuleans to fly to the U.S. each month if Americans agree to sponsor them. The other program allows migrants in Mexico to use a phone app to request an appointment to be processed at an official border crossing. In October, more than 44,000 migrants were allowed to enter the U.S. through the app-powered process, according to federal data.

A group of approximately 500 migrants, predominantly from Venezuela, arrive on the train known as

The significant, though potentially temporary, drop in Venezuelan arrivals could be a breakthrough moment for the Biden administration's efforts to manage the unprecedented levels of Venezuelan migration to the U.S. Since President Biden took office, U.S. border officials have processed more than half a million Venezuelans who arrived in northern Mexico as part of a broader historic spike in migration.

Venezuelans have posed unique challenges for U.S. officials. Because Venezuela refused to accept U.S. deportations for years, the U.S. negotiated a deal last year with Mexico to send some Venezuelans back across the southern border. But Mexico only accepted a limited number, meaning that most Venezuelans have been released into the U.S. pending a review of their cases after crossing the border.

New York City, Chicago, Denver and other cities have struggled to house destitute Venezuelan migrants, most of whom don't have family members or friends in the U.S. who can take them in.

Another challenge has been the sheer number of displaced Venezuelans, the largest refugee-like population in the world. More than 7 million people have left Venezuela in recent years to escape the widespread economic crisis there, according to the United Nations.

Adam Isacson, a migration analyst at the Washington Office on Latin America, a U.S. think tank, said the deportation flights to Venezuela had an immediate impact on migrants' decision to travel north.

"Anybody who is considering migrating to the United States saw the news about the deportations, which everybody heard, and decided to at least wait and see," Isacson said, citing a recent trip to Latin America.

Isacson, however, noted the downward trend may change after Venezuelans understand that the U.S. is deporting a small fraction of all those crossing the southern border. The conditions in Venezuela, after all, have not changed, he said.

"Extreme poverty, insecurity and an authoritarian government are still there," he said.

Massive fire shuts down L.A. freeway indefinitely, Gov. Newsom declares state of emergency

Speaker Johnson's plan to prevent government shutdown faces hurdles

"World's most dangerous bird" shocks beachgoers in Australia
Meet the new boss, same as the old boss: New House Speaker Mike Johnson (RLa.) is amusingly pursuing the exact same means of funding the government as his ousted predecessor. Still at loggerheads over which funding priorities matter, the House is struggling to meet the looming deadline for passing bills to keep the government running, so Johnson is pursuing a two-tiered stopgap bill (we've heard this one before), which would extend funding for less-controversial government agencies like the Departments of Agriculture and Energy until January 19, with others funded until February 2.

This two-tiered stopgap bill is light on foreign defense spending but also fails to majorly trim the existing budget, so it may still anger the fiscal-hawk conservatives who have been holding the House captive over the last few months. "I will not support a status quo that fails to acknowledge fiscal irresponsibility, and changes absolutely nothing while emboldening a do-nothing Senate and a fiscally illiterate President," wrote Rep. Scott Perry (RPa.) on Twitter/X.

"The House Freedom Caucus opposes the proposed 'clean' Continuing Resolution as it contains no spending reductions, no border security, and not a single meaningful win for the American People," said the caucus in a statement. "While we remain committed to working with Speaker Johnson, we need bold change." In other words: Johnson is running into many of the same issues as former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.

It's imperative that something gets passed, or else the government will shut down (OK, so maybe it's not imperative after all). On Friday, the current stopgap funding expires. The next few days will serve as an important test for Johnson's political skilland ideological commitment to reining in government spending.

Hospital terrorist tunnels: President Joe Biden said yesterday that he hopes Israel will take "less intrusive action" at Al Shifa hospital, saying Gaza's medical facilities "must be protected."

Biden is right to emphasize concerns about civilian deaths that will likely come as the Israeli military surrounds several hospitals in the Gaza Strip. But Al Shifa needs protection not just from Israeli forces but also from the Hamas terrorists who have chosen to tunnel under hospitals, using people who are seeking refuge and medical care as human shields that raise the costs of eliminating terrorist command centers.

The good news is that Israeli officials have indicated that they are close to a five-day ceasefire and hostage release deal.

Maybe it's time for us all to grow up: Last week, The Washington Post ran a cartoon by Michael Ramirez that made fun of Hamas, showing its spokesperson using children as human shields, with a speech bubble saying, "How dare Israel attack civilians" and a fist raised indignantly.

This offended the sensibilities of a large enough number of Post staffers and readers that the higher-ups not only took it down but also apologized for running it. "The caricatures employ racial stereotypes that were offensive and disturbing," reads one letter to the editor. "Depicting Arabs with exaggerated features and portraying women in derogatory, stereotypical roles perpetuates racism and gender bias, which is wholly unacceptable."

"The reaction to the image convinced me that I had missed something profound, and divisive, and I regret that," wrote opinion editor David Shipley after one of the struggle sessionssorry, editorial meetings.

But Ramirez defended his work to National Review in a piece published yesterday. "The free exchange of ideas is the foundation of our democracy, and the purpose of an editorial cartoon is to be the catalyst for thought," he told them. "We need some adults in the room. If it scares youa cartoonmaybe you need to grow up."

Scenes from New York:

New York state is currently deciding whether to scrap Regents exams, which high schoolers must take in order to graduate. "Reducing the role the tests play in graduation would be one of the biggest education policy shake-ups for New York in a decade," reports The New York Times.

"Half the country required exit exams a decade ago," adds the Times. "Today, New York is an outlier, joined by only a handful of other states, including Florida and Massachusetts." That's not evidence for the idea that New York should scrap themthat instead bolsters the idea that there's a concerningly widespread trend of states lowering their academic standards.

QUICK HITS

The existing political machine drove San Francisco into a ditch, so we should probably entertain literally any alternative:

NEW: Garry Tan hosted an election party in the Mission last week, but this wasn't an average celebration. According to several people who attended, a shift is underway in how local political organizations coordinateand they could spend $15M in 2024. https://t.co/eX0zHfEQUo  Josh Koehn (@Josh_Koehn) November 13, 2023

Vivek Ramaswamy continues his audition for Donald Trump veep.

K-Mart just pulled "Merry Ham-mas" bags from their Christmas offerings out of concern that it could seem like they're praising Hamas.

LOL:

Voxgiving, a holiday celebrated solely within the media class and even there only by dispensing advice to strangers https://t.co/KslV1C40F4  Jesse Walker (@notjessewalker) November 13, 2023

The Supreme Court has a new code of conduct.

The most hardcore Trump Derangement Syndrome headline I've seen in a while.

Look in the mirror, Randi!

Kathy Hochul update: 

Kathy Hochul announced that New York is "collecting data" from "surveillance efforts" on social media Hochul says the social media analysis unit will contact people who commit "hate speech" This is to "ensure safety" Even though they got rid of Guiliani's Stop and Frisk which pic.twitter.com/QjlPiXfRpz  Eric Abbenante (@EricAbbenante) November 13, 2023

The post New Boss/Old Boss appeared first on Reason.com.
A 6-year-old boy was granted his wish to go to Disney World at a restaurant in the North Hills on Monday.

The owner of Thorn Hill Tap House, Marc Teklinski, donates a portion of sales to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Were on our fourth year here, were lucky enough to grant a wish each year since weve been open and were very happy to be involved, Teklinski said.

This years donation is being used to send Decker Hopkins, 6, and his family to Disney World.

Decker has myotonic dystrophy, which is a genetic disorder that affects the muscles and other organs in the body.

Were just very excited obviously. Supposedly its, everything I read online, its a great time for kids like him. They roll out the red carpet so were looking forward to it, Sean Hopkins, Deckers dad, said.

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SARASOTA, Fla. (WFLA)  A Bradenton man was sentenced this month to 15 years and five months in prison after inhaling nitrous oxide before a deadly crash in 2021, according to the Sarasota Police Department.

Jordan Schopfer, 32, pleaded guilty Nov. 3 to vehicular homicide and driving while license suspended, police said. His license was previously suspended for driving under the influence with personal injury. He was also on probation for arson.

Schopfer was driving in the 1200 block of North Beneva Road in Sarasota when he veered into oncoming traffic and crashed into a motorcycle. The 60-year-old driver of the motorcycle died, police said.

Inside Schopfers car was a can of compressed air and a receipt showing it was bought 12 minutes before the crash, according to police. There was also a restaurant-style whipping container.

Schopfer was seen on surveillance video buying the compressed air in the same clothes he was wearing at the time of the crash, police said. He also crashed into a parked car and nearly hit a pedestrian in the parking lot.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
Brazil's president on Monday accused Israel of "killing innocent people without any criteria" in the Gaza Strip, deeming its actions there "as grave" as the October 7 attacks by Palestinian militant group Hamas.

"After the act of terrorism provoked by Hamas, the consequences, the solution of the state of Israel, is as grave as that of Hamas," said Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva at a ceremony in Brasilia welcoming Brazilians and their families who had been evacuated from Gaza.

"They are killing innocent people without any criteria," said Lula.

The leader of Latin America's largest country also accused Israel of "dropping bombs where there are children, hospitals, on the pretext that a terrorist is there."

"They are not killing soldiers, they are killing children," he told journalists at the Brasilia Air Base, claiming the number of women and children killed or missing was unheard of.

Lula, 78, who hugged and kissed the returnees on the tarmac, said he had "never" seen "such brutal and inhuman violence against innocent people".

"This is inexplicable. First you have to save the women and children, then you fight with whomever you want," Lula said.

Representatives of Brazil's Jewish community denounced these remarks as "erroneous", "unfair" and "dangerous", adding that they "put Israel and Hamas on the same level".

They defended the "visible and proven" efforts of the Israeli authorities "to save Palestinian civilians".

"Our community expects balance from our authorities," added the Israeli Confederation of Brazil, which claims to represent some 120,000 Brazilian Jews, the second largest community in the region, in a statement.

On October 7, Hamas fighters attacked Israel, killing around 1,200 people, most of them civilians, according to Israeli officials.

The Israeli army estimates that some 240 people have also been taken hostage by the group.

Since then, Israel has pounded Gaza relentlessly, killing some 11,240 people, mostly civilians, including 4,630 children, according to the Hamas-run health ministry there.

Israel denies deliberately targeting hospitals. It accuses Hamas of using these facilities, or the tunnels beneath them, as hideouts, which the Islamist militant group denies.

Lula's comments came as he welcomed to Brasilia 22 Brazilians and 10 members of their families who left Gaza on Sunday via the land border with Egypt, after more than a month of waiting in the conflict zone.

He hailed the arrival of the returnees, which he said was "the culmination of a very serious work by many people".

msi/app/lg/tmo/cls/lth/sn/mtp
SAO PAULO (Reuters) - Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Monday welcomed 32 nationals that his government managed to rescue from the Gaza Strip this week following a month of negotiations, receiving them at the Brasilia Air Base after a nearly day-long flight.

The Brazilians crossed the Rafah border between Gaza and Egypt on Sunday and were taken to Cairo, where this morning they boarded an Embraer presidential airplane loaned by Lula and traveled to Brazil via Las Palmas, Spain.

Lula greeted passengers with hugs and kisses after their arrival late on Monday evening, offering his support to Brazilians still in or arriving from the Gaza Strip and condemning the killing of civilians in Gaza.

"I have never seen such brutal, inhumane violence against innocent people," Lula said in a short speech on the tarmac.

The flight was the tenth in an operation launched by the South American country last month to repatriate citizens in Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip after a war broke out in the region last month.

Monday's flight brings the total of those rescued to 1,477 people, including three Bolivians, 11 Palestinians and one Jordanian citizen, as well as 53 pets.

The Gaza Strip has been under bombardment by Israel, which aims to annihilate Hamas, the militant group which runs the Gaza Strip and which attacked Israel from Gaza on Oct. 7, killing around 1,200 people.

Gaza medical authorities say more than 11,000 people there have been confirmed killed, with about 40% of them being children.

Lula echoed earlier criticisms of both Hamas for its attack against Israel and Israel for its reaction.

"If Hamas committed an act of terrorism and did what it did, the state of Israel is also committing several acts of terrorism by not taking into account that children are not at war, that women are not at war," he said.

(Reporting by Peter Siqueira and Gabriel Araujo; Additional reporting by Kylie Madry; Writing by Gabriel Araujo and Brendan O'Boyle; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan)
(WHTM)  The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced Tuesday that there will be traffic restrictions in place this week at the Interstate 81/Interstate 78 Interchange (Exit 89) in Union Township, Lebanon County.

According to PennDOT, these restrictions will be in place to allow for bridge inspections to be performed.

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WHTM Daily Digest

Weather permitting, the westbound I-78 bridge spanning the ramp from southbound I-81 to eastbound I-78 will be inspected on Wednesday, November 15. There will be left and right shoulder closures on the ramp between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. while the work is being performed.

On Thursday, November 16, inspections will be performed on the northbound I-81 bridge spanning westbound I-78 and the southbound I-81 ramp to eastbound I-78. PennDOT says there will be alternating left and right lane closures on westbound I-78 between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. to allow that work to be performed.

Courtesy PennDOT

Changes coming to Hershey Tanger Outlets

PennDOT is asking motorists to stay alert, obey work zone signs and drive with caution in the area.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
Broward County commissioners voted Tuesday to build a new government center in downtown Fort Lauderdale, replacing the site theyve had for decades, the former home of a Burdines store.

The choice means they could be moved into their new location by 2026, at an estimated $322 million to demolish and rebuild the building thats there now.

In June, the county purchased the Robert Hayes Gore State Office Building, 201 W. Broward Blvd., a five-story structure, for $65.5 million, not including closing costs and other fees.

It is informally known as the Gore Property, named for the family that once owned the site.

The Gore family was a dynasty: Robert Hayes Gore was appointed territorial governor by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1933 in Puerto Rico. He purchased the Daily News and Evening Sentinel during a visit to Fort Lauderdale in 1929 for $75,000. He changed the papers name to the Fort Lauderdale Daily News. The name was changed to the Fort Lauderdale News in 1953, and eventually to the South Florida Sun Sentinel.

The property is 4.4 acres, located next to the Brightline station. The building is almost 80,000 square feet and formerly housed various state agency offices.

It means leaving the current space, which has long been considered obsolete. County staff said the cost of deferred maintenance would run into the millions of dollars.

Its just the perfect site for our relocation for our new government center, said County Mayor Lamar Fisher. It allows us to continue to operate here without interruption to county services.

Only one commissioner voted against it: Michael Udine, who said it was too expensive of a project with too little information. Are Broward County voters ready to spend half-a-billion dollars on a new government center? he asked.

The countys current building was once a Burdines, built in the 1940s, and employees have been using its lofty escalators to go from floor to floor. The new county center opened in the Burdines space in 1985, consolidating 40 county agencies into one building and sparing taxpayers the financial burden of continuing to rent office space.

Fisher said the county expects the building to be demolished and redeveloped.

Lisa J. Huriash can be reached at lhuriash@sunsentinel.com. Follow on X, formerly Twitter, @LisaHuriash
Susan Voelz, violinist and vocalist for Poi Dog Pondering, is the next guest for Homewood Arts Councils Getting In Tune interview series on Nov. 18 at Homewood Izaak Walton Preserves Senior Hall cabin. (Anna Fishkin)

Fans often connect with performers from afar during concerts but Homewood Arts Council offers a different way to get to know musicians.

The volunteer-run organization launched the Getting In Tune interview series in May with Wilco drummer Glenn Kotche speaking to an audience of about 50 people at Izaak Walton Preserves Senior Hall cabin in Homewood.

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It was always something in the back of my mind that I was interested in trying to do, Homewood Arts Council director Chris Castaneda said.

Being pretty new to Homewood, I thought it would be a good chance to give it a shot and see if there would be an audience for it. The feedback I got from attendees afterward told me, this is great  wed love to see more of this. That was encouraging.

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Getting In Tune was inspired by The Frunchroom, a reading series from The Beverly Area Arts Alliance moderated by Scott Smith, and Talking in Space, an interview series created by Mark Caro and hosted at the Society for the Preservation of Art and Culture, or SPACE, in Evanston.

Kotches Getting In Tune appearance had been planned to coincide with the 20th anniversary of Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, which Wilco made available in 2001 via its website before the album was released officially in 2002, but the series inaugural installment was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Glenn Kotche, left, drummer for Wilco since 2001, stands with Chris Castaneda of the Homewood Arts Council during the group's first Getting In Tune interview in May at Homewood Izaak Walton Preserve. (Homewood Arts Council)

We worked out an idea where he did something hes never done before. He used his laptop and he brought a library of songs that influenced his drum parts on Wilco songs, said Castaneda, a former board member and music coordinator with The Beverly Area Arts Alliance.

It turned into a little game because he would play something by The Who or The Band and hed say to the audience, So, what Wilco song do you think that turned into?

Hed play with them a little bit. Then he played the Wilco song and that would shed some light on where he was drawing inspiration from. I like that its not a straightforward music performance.

Castaneda first interviewed Kotche 20 years ago and the inaugural Getting In Tune session drew from that history. Similarly, the subject of the series second installment, Susan Voelz of the band Poi Dog Pondering, have collaborated before as well, in this case on a 2018 benefit for Scott McCaughey of The Young Fresh Fellows and The Minus 5 at Chicagos The Hideout.

I know her a little bit but I want to delve more into her background, Castaneda said. Im interested in what it means to be the president of the Chicago Chapter of the Grammys and her place in the Chicago music scene, and outside Chicago. Ive been doing my homework.

She is a great example of anythings possible when you pick up an instrument.

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Getting In Tune with Susan Voelz is at 7 p.m. Nov. 18 at Homewood Izaak Walton Preserves Senior Hall cabin, 1100 W. Ridge Road. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 on event day via Eventbrite.com.

Homewood Izaak Walton Preserves Senior Hall cabin is the setting for Homewood Arts Councils Getting In Tune series. The inaugural installment featured council director Chris Castaneda interviewing Wilco drummer Glenn Kotche. (Homewood Arts Council)

How fun is that for everyone to get together in a cabin and then have a conversation with real human beings? said Voelz, a rock violinist whos been with Poi Dog Pondering since 1988 and who became president of The Recording Academys Chicago Chapter in 2023.

I would love hearing what musicians and creative people have to say about how they created something, what their path was, what theyre inspired by, where they get stuck.

Voelz, of Chicagos Old Irving Park neighborhood, said something she found amusing about the title of Getting In Tune is that tuning can be a sore spot for musicians who play stringed instruments.

Getting in tune  that is something you never say in a recording studio, she said, recalling something Steve Albini, owner of recording complex Electrical Audio in Chicago, told her.

In the early days when I would record there, I remember he said, If youre a little under pitch, you guys already know how to do this so just slide up to the pitch.

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String players can lose their minds trying to find the correct pitch.

At age 9 Voelz discovered a violin that had belonged to her grandfather, who she did not know. She eventually converted it to a five-string, which was featured on Poi Dog Ponderings self-titled 1989 debut after the then-traveling Hawaiian band saw her perform in Texas and asked her to play on that first studio album.

When youre younger youre on a path (where) you just follow the impulse. You follow whats in front of you in the moment, said Voelz, who fondly recalled performing at Merrionette Parks 115 Bourbon Street with Poi Dog Pondering, which released Keep on Loving Each Other in January.

We kept growing and evolving.

Her evolution has included playing with Alejandro Escovedo and Ronnie Lane, writing 2007s The Musicians Guide to the Road: A Survival Handbook & All Access Backstage Pass to Touring and releasing 2022s Trust the Waves Will Hold You, which was recorded with members of Poi Dog Pondering.

The second installment of Homewood Arts Councils Getting In Tune interview series is on Nov. 18 at Homewood Izaak Walton Preserve with rock violinist Susan Voelz, who is also president of the Chicago Chapter of The Recording Academy, which bestows the Grammys. (Charles Cherney Photography)

Voelzs fourth album, Arrival of the Ancestors, could be out by early 2024.

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Its piano-based but I added violin and some spoken word as well. Its very gentle, she said of the forthcoming release, which was written on the childhood piano she inherited after her parents died.

The upcoming Getting In Tune event likely will touch on Castanedas history with Voelz, which includes opening 2018s The Concert for the Emperor of the Bathroom for McCaughey by performing The Possibilities song You Dont Mean It with Voelz and her Poi Dog Pondering bandmate Max Crawford.

I would like to see (the series) turn into a quarterly thing. It depends on what the bandwidth is of our group, said Castaneda about the 501(c)(3) Homewood Arts Council, which includes co-founder Suzanne Moore, Dawn Leader-Peloso and Madeline Henry.

Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy >

Ive been trying to use my network of 20-plus years contacts and bring people to Homewood who probably never have been to Homewood and show people around here it is possible for someone from Wilco to come to Homewood or a musician of the stature of Jon Langford of The Mekons to come here.

The council sponsored a February solo concert by Langford at Homewoods Rabid Brewing, where South of Chi opened with improv comedy, as well as worked with Trail Mix Acoustic Concert Series to present The Flat Fives Nora OConnor and Casey McDonough in May at Homewood Izaak Walton Preserve.

Castaneda noted that the village leased Homewood Auditorium to the council to present events and rent space to other groups such as Chicago Knockouts Roller Derby, which has utilized the venue for approximately a year.

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My goal with the (council) was really for us to get reengaged with the community in terms of offering programming, said Castaneda, who is originally from Chicagos South Deering community and moved from the citys Morgan Park community to Homewood in 2021.

The aim of the group has always been to promote the arts in our community.

Information about the Nov. 18 event is at 708-798-1850 or homewoodizaakwalton.com.

Jessi Virtusio is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
A Womans Place, Bucks Countys leading domestic violence education and victim services provider, may be replaced next year after nearly 50 years.

The state has cited concerns about board oversight and compliance with state standards at the agency that last year helped more than 2,200 county residents. Its most recent tax records also show the agency operating in the red.

A provider change, however, would not impact the shelter operations, legal assistance and other key domestic violence services in Bucks County, a spokeswoman with the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the state contractor which funds 59 nonprofit domestic violence programs.

But the loss of that financial support would be a major blow to A Woman's Place, which opened its emergency shelter for women and children in 1976, when it started as a drop-in counseling center in Sellersville.

Funding A Woman's Place in Bucks County

A Womans Place is currently under contract with PCADV until Dec. 31.

The money represents a portion of local nonprofit service providers overall funding, Duff said. Each county program is independently operated with a board of directors responsible for the oversight of its operations.

A Woman's Place reported a drop in its revenue from $3.4 million to $3.1 million in 2021, according to its most recently filed IRS 990 tax return. The agency reported a $199,173 deficit in 2021 compared to a $77,091 surplus the prior year, according to the return.

A Woman's Place has served as Bucks County's main service provider for victims of domestic violence since 1976. But that could change next year.

More Bucks County news Bensalem murder suspect fled to Ohio, met end in field. Video, report offer new details

State contractor cites concerns at A Woman's Place

A Womans Place has a recurrent and recent history of being placed on provisional status for failure to comply with state standards for the delivery of core services to domestic violence survivors, PCADV spokeswoman Lauren Duff said.

They are currently operating without an executive director. Inconsistent compliance and a lack of leadership compromise survivor safety and create an unstable work environment, Duff added. It is PCADV's obligation to ensure continuous services for survivors and to act before situations become untenable.

The agency has changed executive directors three times since 2012.

Its most recent director, Marianne Lynch, a former Habitat for Humanity CEO, left in September, after three years. She declined to comment on her departure or the agency when reached by email.

In response to emailed questions, the AWP board submitted a written statement:

"A Womans Place and its chief funders, the Pennsylvania Coalition for Domestic Violence and Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency are collaborating with a common goal: to support AWPs mission to provide domestic violence services in Bucks County.

"As we work together to chart a path forward, we are grateful for the support we are receiving from NOVA and Laurel House. As always, our many compassionate, experienced staff members are working to provide our domestic violence survivors with the support and care they need. The agency also anticipates appointing an interim director shortly."

Laurel House is the nonprofit agency that provides education on domestic violence and assistance to survivors in Montgomery County. Network of Victim Assistance (NOVA) in Bucks County provides support to crime victims.

State requests new proposals to run domestic violence services in Bucks County

Earlier this month the PCADV announced it was accepting proposals from nonprofits to take over as Bucks Countys main domestic services provider starting on April 1, 2024, Duff said. The deadline to apply is next month.

During the transition period, PCADV will work with AWP and other community and regional partners to ensure continuous, quality services for survivors in Bucks County, Duff said. Individuals seeking help during the transition should go to pcadv.org/find-help or call the national hotline at 800-799-SAFE (7233) to get connected with services.

The 15-month service PCADV contract includes $720,548 in core services funding and it includes an option for to renew or extend the agreement up to two more years.

Applicants must show they can provide core services including a 24-hour hotline, crisis intervention, safety planning, emergency shelter, service advocacy, trauma-informed counseling, relocation services transportation.

County confident services will continue

The safe house, crisis hotline, legal advocacy counseling, educational and prevention resources would transfer to a new provider, Bucks County Commissioner Diane Ellis-Marseglia said.

Ellis-Marseglia was unclear, though, if the In Full Swing thrift store would be part of the package. The second-hand store, formerly called Full Circle, relocated to its larger current West State Street in Doylestown in 2014.

All proceeds from store sales go to A Womans Place, and clients shop for free. The store generated more than $300,000 in revenue in 2021, according to the agencys IRS 990.

Marseglia added she was not worried about a new nonprofit taking over domestic violence services.

PCADV is the expert, she said. If they believe that we need to go out for an RFP (request for proposal), I trust them.

Did you know this about assisted suicide Doylestown man knew his wife was completing suicide. He didn't intervene. Was it a crime?

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Is Bucks County's domestic violence services nonprofit being replaced?
'I would build my own wall': Border residents grow frustrated as migrants destroy property, leave trash

Dozens  or sometimes hundreds  of migrants pass through private property along the California-Mexico border daily, according to local landowners who say they feel helpless as human caravans cut through their land.

"If I had the money, I would build my own wall right here!" Jacumba Hot Springs resident Brian Silvas told CNN. The U.S.-Mexico border wall ends a few feet into his 78-acre property, which is about 75 miles east of San Diego, and every day he witnesses migrants trekking across his land.

Migrants sit in a makeshift tent camp near the Jacumba Hot Springs Desert after crossing the border from Mexico.

TEXAS BORDER TOWN REQUESTS REFRIGERATORS TO STORE MIGRANT BODIES AFTER DROWNINGS OVERWHELM MORTUARIES

"Sometimes there are huge groups of men and women, and I dont want them through here," he said.

"This country was built on immigration. Im fine with that," Silvas continued. "But not like this. This is ridiculous."

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San Deigo Border Patrol agents encountered over 230,000 migrants in the 2023 fiscal year that ended in September, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection data, the highest in decades. By comparison, the sector had 176,000 encounters last year and just 53,000 in 2020.

"Its time to close the border to new immigration," San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond said during an Oct. 26 press conference on border security.

A group of migrants walks through the Jacumba Hot Springs Desert.

His remarks were in response to a leaked Customs and Border Protection memo from the San Diego Field Office stating "individuals inspired by, or reacting to, the current Israel-Hamas conflict" may cross into the U.S. via the southern border.

BORDER RANCHER FEARS FOR HER LIFE AS MIGRANTS CROSS UNCHECKED, 'PICKED THE WRONG PLACE TO RAISE A FAMILY'

Roughly five miles east of Silvas' home, also along the border, Jerry and Maria Shuster, are also experiencing a migrant emergency, one they feel helpless to stop.

"The government should do something [to] stop this illegal immigration," Maria Shuster, told CNN. "Stop it because [the migrants arent] helping us; theyre destroying us."

"The migrants have more rights than we do," she added.

Migrants ignite a campfire to keep warm after arriving at a makeshift camp near Jacumba Hot Springs.

EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: THOUSANDS OF MIGRANTS OCCUPY EL PASO AS MORE SURGE ACROSS THE BORDER

The Shusters have lived in Jacumba Hot Springs for over 40 years.

The couple regularly sees migrants camping on their 17-acre property. Tents, clothes and trash are frequently left behind. One group dismantled the couple's fence to use it for firewood, Jerry Shuster said.

Migrants entering the U.S. through a gap in the border wall in Jacumba Hot Springs.

"[My trees] are all gone," he told CNN. "They chop them up and put them in the fire."

Silvas, meanwhile, questioned what role the Border Patrol agents were playing, likening them to personal drivers for the migrants.

"The Border Patrol agents, I know that they didnt sign up to be Uber, because thats all they are right now is Uber," he said.





Original article source: 'I would build my own wall': Border residents grow frustrated as migrants destroy property, leave trash
Marielis Jerez-Dilones love of translating was born, at least in part, out of necessity.

Jerez-Dilone, 18, immigrated to New Jersey from the Dominican Republic with her family when she was 7; shortly after, they moved to Baltimore. While she had to learn English in school, her parents still only speak Spanish, leaving Jerez-Dilone to translate for them throughout her life.

As a result, whenever Jerez-Dilone sees an immigrant struggling to communicate, her instinct is to jump in.

Its just an amazing feeling, Jerez-Dilone said, to be able to say, Hey, like I was able to help that person understand whats being told to them.

In October, the Mayors Office of Immigrant Affairs and the Baltimore City Hispanic Commission gave Jerez-Dilone the Hispanic Heritage Emerging Leader Award, which is presented to a community member 21 or younger, for her mentorship at a nonprofit focused on young people.

We have plenty of leaders, MIMA Director Catalina Rodriguez Lima said. But we really want to recognize those who are up-and-coming because they are the future of our city.

Jerez-Dilone was nominated for the award by staff at Thread, a nonprofit seeking to end social isolation and support young people in Baltimore, where she is a participant who also helps new students who come from backgrounds like hers navigate the organization. Helene Kahn, the senior director of communities for Thread, said Jerez-Dilone has been an advocate for the increasing number of Spanish-speaking participants pouring into Thread.

She this past year kind of took it upon herself to make sure that any young person who is invited into Thread could have a phone call with her or their parents so that they werent losing anything in translation as to what opportunity was being offered to them, Kahn said. Marielis embodies the most mature, caring, compassionate and driven adult I have ever met.

Jerez-Dilone also translated Threads enrollment packet into Spanish after noticing flaws in the original translation.

Thread works with six schools in Baltimore, including Frederick Douglass High School and Patterson High School, to identify and assist students in the lowest 25% of ninth grade. According to a spokesperson, in 2023, 161 people signed up for Thread, its largest-ever cohort, with plans to enroll 208 students in 2024. There are 753 total participants and 127 alumni of the program, founded in 2004.

Participants are paired with volunteers to create a Thread family, which Kahn described as an additional support system rather than a familial replacement. Students have access to activities like after-school tutoring hours but can also contact volunteers for simpler tasks, like a ride home from school or a walk in the park to clear their head.

What were asking you to do as a volunteer in Thread is stand shoulder to shoulder with a young person in Baltimore, who we know the odds are stacked against, Kahn said. That Thread family could do anything from weekly dinners, to do yoga together, to go for runs together, to be in the hospital when a babys born together, to mourn loss together.

Thread is unique because students are in the program for 10 years, regardless if they change schools or even states, Kahn said.

Although Jerez-Dilone estimates shes spent over 70 hours talking to parents and guardians about the benefits of Thread, she cant officially volunteer, as shes been a member of the program since 2020.

Just as Jerez-Dilone joined Thread, the onset of COVID-19 and the loss of in-person school and communication largely disrupted her education at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School.

Emotionally, it was very different, Jerez-Dilone said. I couldnt like talk to somebody or tell somebody, Hey, this is going on, I need help.

During her sophomore year, when classes moved online, Jerez-Dilone stopped attending school entirely, spending her time working instead. After a year, she returned and attended Saturday school and used other acceleration methods to graduate on time this past summer.

I wanted to be able to say, Hey, Im the first to graduate high school in my family. Hey, I am the first to attend college of my family, Jerez-Dilone said. So I pushed myself to really get back into school.

Kahn said while she couldnt speak to Jerez-Dilones specific situation, the loss of in-person classes meant she couldnt get updates on Threads students in the hallways the way shed been used to before the coronavirus pandemic.

Jerez-Dilone said she avoided Thread at first because she didnt realize how much they were actually trying to help and how much they cared about me. She got back in touch when she returned to school and Thread volunteers alongside Dunbar educators checked in on her grades and on her as a person. Jerez-Dilone said that support was a tremendous help.

While living in Highlandtown, Jerez-Dilone is studying to be a paralegal at the Community College of Baltimore County Catonsville campus while working as a nail technician. Both in her future work in the legal system and her current work with Thread, Jerez-Dilone wants to see more people like her help open doors for the growing Latino population in Baltimore.

I just think that having translators available all over is extremely needed because sometimes even I go into environments where theres not even a single translator, Jerez-Dilone said. Sometimes, when someones trying to express their thoughts, feelings or anything like that, it can be difficult to be like, Hey, whats wrong? if the person doesnt even understand the language. I think [translation] is the main foundation to really build on further things to help the Hispanic community.

This article is part of our Newsmaker series, which profiles notable people in the Baltimore region who are having an impact in our diverse communities. If youd like to suggest someone who should be profiled, please send their name and a short description of what they are doing to make a difference to: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Editor Kamau High at khigh@baltsun.com.
California students will soon have a mandatory 30-minute recess, thanks to a new state law.

Senate Bill 291 was introduced by California state Sen. Josh Newman, chair of the Senate Committee on Education, in February.

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the education bill into law in October, but it wont go into effect until the 2024-2025 school year.

Newman said the new law will help students and teachers by providing kids with an outlet to reset their minds from classroom instruction.

As California finally emerges from the (COVID-19) pandemic and its impacts, we are seeing some of the lingering effects on childrens social-emotional development play out in the form of behavioral disruptions which have become increasingly prevalent in classrooms, Newman said in a February news release.

The benefits of the unstructured play and peer-to-peer social interactions offered by recess are more important now than ever, he added in the release.

Are California schools required to offer recess?

Before SB 291 became law, students in public elementary and middle school grades in California could be denied recess as a form of disciplinary action.

California public schools were allowed to deny students recess for things such as failing to finish work, talking out of turn or not following directions, according to the February news release.

States including Florida, Missouri, New Jersey, Rhode Island and Arizona have already adopted standardized recess policies.

Now its Californias turn.

Under the new law, students in the Golden State will be entitled to a half-hour break between classes on full instruction days.

On days when students have shorter school schedules, a minimum break of at least 15 minutes will be mandatory.

The only exception for mandatory school recess breaks will be on classroom field trip days.

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.
A Laguna Beach woman was found dead and reportedly badly beaten in an alleyway over the weekend, according to local news and police.

Laguna Beach, California, police responded to the crime scene in the 200 block of Ocean Avenue, a strip of bars and restaurants across from the beach, around 8:20 a.m. Sunday after a construction worker called authorities to report a "person down" in the "secluded location," the department said in a press release posted to Facebook.

While the victim has yet to be officially identified by the Orange County coroner, friends and family named the young woman as Tatum Goodwin on social media and on a GoFundMe page.

"She was the best dog mom and loved her dog so much. She was the best daughter. My mom and her were very close," Goodwin's sister Kaylee told Fox News Digital.

HOLLYWOOD HEADLESS TORSO SUSPECT SAM HASKELL PARANOID WEEKS BEFORE BODY FOUND IN DUMPSTER, FRIEND SAYS

While the victim has yet to be officially identified by the Orange County coroner, friends and employees named the young woman as Tatum Goodwin on social media and on a GoFundMe page.

Marcos Salim Heredia, owner of Carmelita's Restaurants, said in the description of a GoFundMe page made in Goodwin's name that she was a "hard[-]working young lady and always kept a smile on her face."

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"Over the years she had expressed her pleasure to be in [L]aguna and have her opportunity with us. We felt that we really had a family member here with us," Salim Heredia said. He added that his team wants to create a memorial in Laguna for Goodwin, adding they "don't want her to go unforgotten."

"She was the best dog mom and loved her dog so much. She was the best daughter. My mom and her were very close," Goodwin's sister Kaylee told Fox News Digital.

Laguna Beach Police are investigating Goodwin's death as a homicide.

TENNESSEE COLLEGE STUDENT, 18, KILLED IN NASHVILLE PARK BY SHOOTER WITH PRIOR ARRESTS: COPS

"We are saddened by this senseless act of violence. Our detectives are working diligently to bring the suspect(s) to justice," Laguna Beach Police Chief Jeff Calvert said in a Monday statement.

Hennessey's Tavern in Laguna Beach also described Goodwin, a regular customer, as "family" in an Instagram post.

LOS ANGELES SURVEILLANCE VIDEO CAPTURES MAN DROPPING LARGE OBJECT IN DUMPSTER WHERE HEADLESS BODY FOUND

"Please continue to share any [and] all information, the little things can help," the tavern wrote. "This horrific event has left us heartbroken, and we hope to have justice for her sweet soul soon. Thank you again to everyone for your help, her family, [and] close friends are immensely grateful for all the help. Please stay safe."

Laguna Beach Police are investigating Goodwin's death as a homicide.

Kaylee Goodwin said in a Facebook post Tuesday that her sister "was taken from this world by someone evil.

"And I will never feel or be okay. My world is shattered. My family is shattered. Im grieving and its so hard to see life after this."

Kaylee Goodwin said in a Facebook post Tuesday that her sister "was taken from this world by someone evil."

Locals told news outlet Under Laguna Goodwin was seen Saturday evening at Hennessey's and the Marine Room. She apparently left the Marine Room late that night, and residents in the area heard screaming around 2 a.m., according to the outlet. Goodwin reportedly had a recent breakup with her boyfriend, Under Laguna reported.

The construction worker apparently found her severely beaten in an alleyway the next morning, locals told the outlet.

Authorities are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact Laguna Beach Det. Tanner Flagstad at 949-497-0369 or via email at tflagstad@lagunabeachcity.net. Anonymous tips can be sent to Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS.





Original article source: California woman, 27, found dead in Laguna Beach alley steps from work: report
Its not often that Pope Francis, American progressives, and Russian President Vladimir Putin find common ground. But in the 38 days since Hamas attack on Israel, theyve all joined the growing chorus of global voices calling for a ceasefire in the ongoing war. I implore you to stop, in the name of God, the head of the Catholic Church said this month in an impassioned plea for peace.

But for Israel, a desire for peace and demands for a ceasefire are far from synonymous. The October 7 massacre of more than 1,200 Israelis (recently revised downward from 1,400), itself a breach of a previous ceasefire agreement, punctuated a lesson learned over decades of fighting against Hamas: The group governing Gaza isnt seeking coexistence with the state of Israel. The options for Israel are now whether to cave to mounting international pressure for a ceasefire, allowing Hamas to live to attack another day, or rid the Gaza Strip of the terrorist group bent on inflicting suffering on Israelis at any cost to its own people.

Countries like Iran and China, advocacy groups like Amnesty International, and the United Nations have also been among those calling for an immediate halt in fighting amid the mounting civilian death toll in Gaza. The nightmare in Gaza is more than a humanitarian crisis. It is a crisis of humanity, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said from New York this month. The parties to the conflictand, indeed, the international communityface an immediate and fundamental responsibility: to stop this inhuman collective suffering and dramatically expand humanitarian aid to Gaza.

The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry reported Monday that at least 11,000 people had been killeda figure that, if accurate, doesnt distinguish between civilian and combatant deaths. But Israeli and American officials alike concede that civilian casualties are an inevitable consequence of the ongoing ground campaign against Hamas, even as Israel tries to minimize civilian deaths by urging the residents of northern Gaza to evacuate South.

Compounding the difficult equation is the continued captivity of an estimated 240 people kidnapped by Hamas fighters into Gaza on October 7. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly rejected calls for a ceasefire that dont include the immediate release of each hostage, now maintaining that military action is the best way to press for their freedom as negotiations flounder. American officials reportedly pushed Israel to delay its ground offensive into Gaza to continue hostage talks last month, and now, as Israels forces close in on Gaza City, are urging it to consider days-long pauses in fighting to allow for continued diplomatic overtures.

But international calls for a ceasefire put Israel on a tricky timeline despite its recent military successes in Gaza, including its killing of high-level Hamas commanders and multi-front advances toward the groups alleged headquarters. The problem is that you have two clocks running. Theres a military clock running, which is kind of proceeding quite nicely. But then you have a diplomatic clock, which may be closing in. Israels wars usually end with imposed ceasefires, Jonathan Spyer, a Jerusalem-based analyst and director of research at the Middle East Forum, told The Dispatch. The diplomacy often catches up with Israel before it has completed its military goals, and its certainly possible thats what could happen this time too.

Its happened before. One example came at the end of the 1973 Yom Kippur War, when U.S. President Richard Nixon intervened to prevent Israeli forces destruction of the Egyptian Third Army after it was surrounded in the Sinai Peninsula, pressuring Jerusalem to comply with a U.N. Security Council resolution calling for the end of hostilities. Another came after more than a month of war with Lebanese Hezbollah in 2006, when Israel reluctantly agreed to another U.N. Security Council resolution that wouldve required the terrorist group to disarm and withdraw away from the border with Israel, but which the United Nations and Lebanese government never properly implemented. Hezbollah now has fighters and military infrastructure all along the border, in addition to its arsenal of more than 150,000 rockets and missiles capable of striking deep into Israeli territory.

Positioning itself on the edge of Israeli territory means Hezbollah has a broader range of attack options against Israel, David Daoud, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies who focuses on the Lebanese terrorist group, told The Dispatch. Theyre right on the border, so they have the option for using short-range, accurate weapons like the anti-tank and other missiles theyve been firing in recent days. It also keeps their Katyusha rocket arsenal, the overwhelming bulk of their arsenal, in play.

Israel has also been burned by efforts to placate Gaza. In 2005, Israel withdrew its troops and citizens from the Gaza Strip, handing Gaza and its vacated Israeli agricultural settlements over to the Palestinian Authority in the hopes of easing the threat of terrorism emanating from the territory. Hamas won parliamentary elections in Gaza the following year, and, in 2007, staged a full military takeover of the Strip. Its used the coastal enclave to launch attacks against Israel ever since, often violating the many ceasefires adopted throughout the yearsincluding on October 7.

Its a complicated history perhaps best understood in the U.S. by career diplomats who witnessed the various waves of fighting and broken truces since Hamas full takeover of Gaza. Hamas is a terrorist organization. It has made very clear it is committed to the elimination of the state of Israel. And it has consistently broken ceasefires over a number of years, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said on The View talk show last week. A ceasefire done prematurely benefits those who do not abide by any laws, by any rules.

National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, who negotiated failed truces between Israel and Hamas during outbreaks of fighting in 2012 and 2021, was likewise clear-eyed in his assessment of the groups methods and goals. The fact that Hamas uses people as human shields does not minimize Israels obligation to defend itself, he said in an interview last month. After 9/11, if the terrorists had simply said, We want a ceasefire, I dont think the United States would have said, Were gonna stop going after terrorists.

Instead of full ceasefires, Biden administration officials continue to push Israel for humanitarian pauses in Gaza, arguing they could achieve some of the proposed ceasefires objectives without undermining Israels goal of uprooting Hamas. U.S. negotiators hope to use reprieves from fighting to get humanitarian relief into Gaza and allow civilians more time to leave the combat zone, while also pressuring Hamas to release more captives. Israeli officials, for their part, say theyve already been implementing localized pauses as they secure evacuation routes for Gazans fleeing south. Some 50,000 people left northern Gaza in a single day last week, Israeli officials said, and Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are poised to continue daily, four-hour pauses in hostilities as it secures additional territory in the Strip.

But Israeli officials fear prolonged delays in the offensive could allow Hamas to regroup and rearm. The group has already exploited humanitarian channels in Gaza to its own advantage by putting its wounded fighters on evacuation lists and stashing food, fuel, and medical supplies for itself.

As the IDF advances on the densely populated Gaza City from all sides, civilian and combatant death tolls are sure to increaseand, along with them, calls for an immediate ceasefire. Israeli officials have argued the war could end today if Hamas laid down its arms and released its hostages, but in the absence of such a development Israel is unwilling to accept anything short of the end of its de facto governance of Gaza.

Hamas leaders, meanwhile, have reiterated their goal to eliminate Israel many times since the massacre last month, openly vowing to wage a permanent war against Israel at the same time that the international community tries to coerce it into a diplomatic solution.

It was generally assumed that Hamas had gotten used to being a governing authority and Gaza, and benefited from that, and wished to continue being that and therefore, to some degree, it could be dealt with by a combination of carrots and sticks, Spyer said. That whole conception was destroyed on October 7, when it became apparent that Hamas was not deterred, that it was not a minor problem, and that it was able to carry out acts of enormous consequence and brutality.

Read more at The Dispatch

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KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip  Palestinian authorities on Tuesday called for a cease-fire to evacuate three dozen newborns and other patients trapped inside Gazas biggest hospital as Israeli forces battled Hamas in the streets just outside and seized more ground across northern Gaza.

For days, the Israeli army has encircled Shifa Hospital, the facility it says Hamas hides in, and beneath, to use civilians as shields for its main command base.

Hospital staff and Hamas deny the claim. Meanwhile, hundreds of patients, staff and displaced people were trapped inside, with supplies dwindling and no electricity to run incubators and other lifesaving equipment. After days without refrigeration, morgue staff on Tuesday dug a mass grave in the yard for more than 120 bodies, officials said.

Israels defense minister, Yoav Gallant, said in a nationally televised news conference Tuesday night that Hamas has lost control of northern Gaza and that Israel has made significant gains in Gaza City. But asked about the time frame for the war, Gallant said: Were talking about long months, not a day or two.

Israel has vowed to crush Hamas rule in Gaza after the militants Oct. 7 attack into Israel in which they killed some 1,200 people and took roughly 240 hostages. But even as its troops control more of devastated northern Gaza, the Israeli government has acknowledged it doesnt know what it will do with the territory after Hamas defeat.

The onslaught  one of the most intense bombardments so far this century  has been disastrous for Gazas 2.3 million Palestinians.

More than 11,200 people, two-thirds of them women and minors, have been killed in Gaza, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry in Ramallah. About 2,700 people have been reported missing. The ministrys count does not differentiate between civilian and militant deaths.

Almost the entire population of Gaza has squeezed into the southern two-thirds of the tiny territory, where conditions have been deteriorating even as bombardment there continues. About 200,000 fled the north in recent days, the U.N. said Tuesday, though tens of thousands are believed to remain.

The U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees said Tuesday that its fuel storage facility in Gaza is empty and that it will soon end relief operations, including bringing limited supplies of food and medicine in from Egypt for more than 600,000 people sheltering in schools and other facilities in the south.

Without fuel, the humanitarian operation in Gaza is coming to an end. Many more people will suffer and will likely die, said Philippe Lazzarini, the commissioner-general of UNRWA. Israel has repeatedly rejected allowing fuel into Gaza, saying it will be diverted by Hamas for military use.

PLIGHT OF HOSPITALS: Fighting has raged for days around Shifa Hospital, a complex several city blocks across at the center of Gaza City that has now turned into a cemetery, its director said in a statement.

The Health Ministry said 40 patients, including three babies, have died since Shifas emergency generator ran out of fuel Saturday. Another 36 babies are at risk of dying because there is no power for incubators, according to the ministry.

The Israeli military said it started an effort to transfer incubators to Shifa. But they would be useless without electricity, said Christian Lindmeier, a World Health Organization spokesman.

The Health Ministry has proposed evacuating the hospital with the supervision of the International Committee of the Red Cross and transferring the patients to hospitals in Egypt, but has not received any response, ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qidra said.

While Israel says it is willing to allow staff and patients to evacuate, some Palestinians who have made it out say Israeli forces have fired at evacuees.



Israel says its claims of a Hamas command center in and beneath Shifa are based on intelligence, but it has not provided visual evidence to support them. Denying the claims, the Gaza Health Ministry says it has invited international organizations to investigate the facility.

The Palestinian Red Crescent said Tuesday it had evacuated remaining patients, doctors and displaces families from another Gaza City hospital, Al-Quds, after more 10 days of siege, during which medical and humanitarian supplies were prevented from reaching the hospital.

In a post on X, it blamed the Israeli army for bombarding the hospital and firing at those inside.

The White Houses national security council spokesperson, John Kirby, said the U.S. has unspecified intelligence from a variety of sources that Hamas and another Palestinian militants use Shifa and other hospitals and tunnels underneath them to support military operations and hold hostages.

But Kirby said the U.S. doesnt support airstrikes on hospitals and does not want to see a firefight in a hospital where innocent people are trying to get care.

MARCH FOR HOSTAGES: Hamas released a video late Monday showing one of the hostages, 19-year-old Noa Marciano, before and after she was killed in what Hamas said was an Israeli strike. The military later declared her a fallen soldier, without identifying a cause of death.

She is the first hostage confirmed to have died in captivity. Four were released by Hamas and a fifth was rescued by Israeli forces.



Families and supporters of the around 240 people being held hostage by Hamas started a protest march from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. The plight of the hostages has dominated public discourse since the Oct. 7 attack, with solidarity protests held across the country. The marchers, who expect to reach Jerusalem on Saturday, say the government must do more to bring home their loved-ones.

Where are you? Shelly Shem Tov, whose son, Omer, 21, is among the captives, called out to Netanyahu.

We have no strength anymore. We have no strength. Bring back our children and our families home.

BATTLE IN GAZA CITY: Independent accounts of the fighting in Gaza City have been nearly impossible to gather, as communications to the north have largely collapsed.

Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari said Israeli forces have completed the takeover of Shati refugee camp, a densely built district bordering Gaza Citys center, and are moving about freely in the city as a whole.

Videos released by the Israeli military show troops moving through the city, firing into buildings. Bulldozers push down structures as tanks roll through streets surrounded by partially collapsed towers.

The videos portray a battle where troops are rooting out pockets of Hamas fighters and tearing down buildings they find them in, while gradually dismantling the groups tunnel network.

Israel says it has killed several thousand fighters, including important mid-level commanders, while 46 of its own soldiers have been killed in Gaza. In recent days Hamas rocket fire into Israel  constant throughout the war  has waned, though two people were wounded Tuesday in a rocket attack on Tel Aviv. Details of the Israeli account and the extent of Hamas losses could not be independently confirmed.

One Israeli commander in Gaza, identified only as Lt. Col. Gilad, said in a video that his forces near Shifa Hospital had seized government buildings, schools and residential buildings where they found weapons and eliminated fighters.

The army said it had captured Gazas legislature building, the Hamas police headquarters and a compound housing Hamas military intelligence headquarters. The captured buildings carry high symbolic value, but their strategic value was unclear. Hamas fighters are believed to be positioned in underground bunkers.

Israeli news sites showed pictures of soldiers holding up the Israeli flag and military flags in celebration inside some of the buildings.


A senior Democratic senator is pushing Defense Department leaders to create new processes to investigate disasters within the military in an effort to better prevent other tragedies in the future.

In a letter to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin Tuesday, Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, said the current way such major mishaps are handled by service investigators does not provide enough oversight or instill public confidence in the response.

She wants a new, independent system to ensure significant changes to address the underlying causes of the mishap and the culture that permitted them to occur. That would include the firing of troops or civilians involved in the mistakes and possible punishment for service chiefs and secretaries.

Her complaints stem from the Navys handling of fuel spills at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii. In late 2021, nearly 6,000 individuals were poisoned by water contaminated with petroleum leaking from tanks there, even after Navy officials insisted the water was safe to consume.

Controversial Hawaii fuel facility to begin defueling ahead of closing

In response to mistakes related to that contamination, Navy officials ordered letters of censure for three retired admirals and non-judicial punishments for other personnel involved. Hirono called those moves not sufficient to address the root causes of this catastrophe.

She also pointed to the 2017 collisions of the USS McCain and USS Fitzgerald with civilian cargo ships  accidents that cost 17 sailors their lives  and the deaths of nine service members during the 2020 sinking of a Marine Corps amphibious assault vehicle in California as other examples of disasters without enough investigative rigor afterwards.

In all of those cases, investigations and punishments were handled by service officials who Hirono said could be more likely to lessen the severity of their findings to save embarrassment for their peers and leadership.

Under her plan, any accident that surpasses $1 billion in damage or incurs a loss of five or more lives would be elevated to reporting authorities outside the individual services. All criminal or administrative punishment for such events would be mandated to be issued within a year of the disaster.

Defense Department officials have not yet responded to the request.
The population at Angkor Wat has increased by more than 100,000 since the 1990s

The Cambodian government has been accused of using "direct and subtle threats" to evict thousands of families living near the Angkor Wat Unesco World Heritage Site.

The report by human rights group Amnesty International concluded international law had been breached.

A government spokesperson said that was "not right" and insisted the relocations were voluntary.

Families are being moved to a new community 15 miles (25km) away.

Cambodian authorities claim squatters are setting up informal settlements which damage the environment.

Government spokesman Pen Bona said the relocation of 10,000 families was in line with rules set down by the United Nations' heritage body Unesco, which banned structures or people living on the site.

However Unesco said it "never requested, nor supported, nor was a party to this programme" and has asked the authorities to take "corrective measures" in response to the report.

"Unesco is deeply concerned about the population relocation programme in Angkor," the UN body said in a statement.

Amnesty International alleges the group which manages the temple complex, the Apsara National Authority, is using Unesco to justify the relocations.

One resident told the AFP news agency that Cambodian authorities told her explicitly that "Unesco wants you to leave" or the site's world heritage status would be at risk.

At least seven villagers who live around Angkor Wat have been sued by Apsara, for allegedly inciting and obstructing public work, according to court summons seen by AFP.

"Unless there is serious pushback from Unesco, conservation efforts may increasingly be weaponised by states to their own ends, at the expense of human rights," said Montse Ferrer of Amnesty.

The temple complex received Unesco World Heritage status in 1992 and has since become Cambodia's most popular tourist attraction with two million yearly visitors.

That in turn feeds a micro-economy of stallholders, food and souvenir vendors.

Located near Siem Reap in the north-west of the country, the site was built by Khmer King Suryavarman II in the 12th Century.

It is thought to be a mortuary temple and faces west to symbolise the setting sun and death.

French archaeologist Bernard Philippe Groslier dubbed it the "Hydraulic City" because of its complex water management network.
Cambridge City Council has said it needs to make 6m in savings over the next three years and 11.1m in new savings by 2029

A local authority has said it needs to make an extra 6m in cuts over the next three years and 11.1m in new cuts by 2029.

Cambridge City Council revealed that the cost was in addition to 13m it had already saved over the last five years.

The Labour-run council said some of the financial challenges was due to rising housing costs.

The council said it was looking at ways to reduce costs and still deliver quality core services.

The authority's budget for the current financial year 2023-24 was 22.017m, also known as its net general fund spending requirement.

In the council's Medium Term Financial Strategy it acknowledged the city had been ranked "the most intensive science and technological cluster in the world".

But the "attendant growth in investment and jobs locally" led to challenges that included rising housing costs, traffic congestion and harm to the environment, as well as government funding cuts to the public sector.

'Extremely challenging'

The financial report also highlighted ways in which the council could adopt more technology to modernise its services.

It said it would help it make a 4m saving each year contributing towards the 11.1m saving requirement - which they have called Our Cambridge.

Simon Smith, executive councillor for finance and resources, said: "The financial picture facing the council continues to be extremely challenging due to lack of government funding to councils and a range of external pressures.

"The council's priorities are to provide safety nets for those in greatest need, deliver more affordable housing, secure good growth that benefits all residents and address the climate change and biodiversity crises."

The council has invited residents, voluntary groups and businesses to attend a public consultation on 21 November.

It hoped the meeting would provide a better picture on "what services are valued and the approaches we should take to find savings".

A Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities spokesperson said: "We have made 5.1bn of extra funding available to local authorities through the Local Government Finance Settlement.

"For Cambridge City Council, this represents an increase in core spending power of up to 0.8m or 4.5% - making available a total of up to 19.0m in 2023-24.

"Councils are ultimately responsible for the management of their own finances, but we continue to monitor pressures on all councils and we stand ready to talk to any council that is concerned about its financial position."

Follow East of England news on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a story? Email eastofenglandnews@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 0800 169 1830
Portrait of Marni Yang, 51, in the library at Logan Correctional Center on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2020 in Lincoln, IL. Yang spends most of her time tutoring other inmates in math. Yang is serving a double life sentence for the murder of Rhoni Reuter and her unborn child. Yang's case is currently being appealed by defense attorney Jed Stone. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune) (Stacey Wescott / Chicago Tribune)

Marni Yangs attorney says he remains confident his client will eventually be cleared of murder, but remains uncertain what new evidence will be allowed in to a future hearing to prove that.

Yangs conviction for the 2007 murder of Rhoni Reuter, the pregnant girlfriend of former Chicago Bears player Shaun Gayle, has made headlines for decades. During her trial, prosecutors argued it was a crime motivated by a romantic rivalry over Gayle.

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After being sentenced to life in prison, Yang filed a petition in 2019 seeking a new trial and alleging her innocence.

Defense attorney Jed Stone said he and Assistant States Attorney Jason Humke agreed Mondays hearing in Lake County Circuit Court was warranted to determine whether specific evidence should be allowed when Yangs claim of innocence is argued at a future proceeding.

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Yangs father, Larry Merar, said his daughter is feeling more confident now about eventually proving her innocence.

You cant make the truth go away, Merar said. Im very hopeful.

Stone said Yang, who was present in the courtroom Monday, is anxious to have the new evidence in her case heard.

That evidence, the attorney said, includes affidavits from three people - a former FBI agent, a forensic pathologist and a former medical examiner - who will say, science proves (Yang) didnt do it, and science will point to another suspect.

Humke countered that those affidavits are not factual and insufficient.

The other issues about which Stone is waiting on a ruling from Judge Christopher Stride includes evidence that Emily Yang, Marni Yangs daughter, was coerced to testify for the prosecution when she was 16 years old.

Humke said the evidence surrounding Emily Yangs testimony is not new, and the defense shouldnt be allowed to regurgitate old information.

Shame on you for suborning testimony from a 16-year-old child, and shame on the state today for saying that it didnt make a difference, Stone said after Mondays hearing.

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Additionally, Stone said grand jurors were mislead with false testimony about Gayles whereabouts the morning after the murder, and that Marni Yangs taped confession to a friend, Christi Paschen, is unreliable. It was only given by Yang in response to her fear that police would arrest her son and charge him with Reuters killing, according to the defense.

Already agreed upon for consideration at a future hearing will be claims of innocence based on DNA evidence on shell casings, DNA found on a bracelet over a year after the slaying, testimony about the theft of the murder weapon and an affidavit from Gayles barber.

Stride set Marni Yangs next hearing for Jan. 22, at which he is expected to further clarify what evidence will be allowed to be argued.
Nik Johnson apologised "unreservedly" to those who had complained about him

The mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough has apologised after he was found to have breached the authority's code of conduct.

An investigation began almost two years ago after complaints were made about Nik Johnson's behaviour.

A panel asked him to make a written apology by the end of the week.

Mr Johnson said: "I regret having been the cause of upset and apologise unreservedly to those for whom I gave reason to complain."

The panel chose not to reveal details of the specific allegations Mr Johnson faced, but in a statement the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority said it had unanimously decided he breached the code in relation to "civility" and "disrepute".

A previous whistleblowing investigation, first made public in May 2022, alleged the mayor's then chief of staff, Nigel Pauley, had caused "stress and strain" to colleagues in the authority. Mr Johnson was accused of failing to take appropriate action over that behaviour.

Mr Pauley had helped Mr Johnson win a surprise election victory to become Cambridgeshire and Peterborough's first Labour mayor in May 2021.

He was made Mr Johnson's chief of staff, but left his post at the Combined Authority in February 2022. He previously denied any wrongdoing and told the BBC he had "no comment" on Tuesday's hearing, in which he played no part.

Mr Johnson read a prepared statement after hearing a panel had found he breached the Combined Authority's code of conduct

In a statement read at a committee meeting on Tuesday, Mr Johnson said: "I've had a lot of time to reflect on what happened in those early days and have long since realised that much of it needn't have.

"I'm sorry and I have wanted to say so for ages. I wish I knew then what I know now.

"I am a better person for everything that has gone on and, I would argue, a better mayor."

Mr Johnson, who took medical leave to have treatment for a heart condition, said it was "a year to the day that I was awaiting cardiac surgery in Papworth hospital".

He added that he was in "no doubt" that being a "relative, and perhaps surprise, newcomer" in the role of mayor, as well as "inheriting an organisation that I saw had been in desperate need of life support", contributed to his ill health.

"At the Combined Authority we must go above and beyond the standards expected of us, and any of us that fall short must be seen to take responsibility for their actions.

"I am sorry. I do apologise and I can only hope that through my words today and my actions since those difficult times two years ago, those to whom I am apologising can at some point accept that I mean it," he concluded.

The Combined Authority asked a firm of independent solicitors to investigate the complaints about Mr Johnson. Last month, their report was passed to the Authority's monitoring officer, who decided it should be referred to a panel.

John Pye chaired the panel that looked at the investigation report into Mr Johnson's behaviour

The panel, made up of one Labour, one Conservative and one Liberal Democrat councillor, as well as a chair who is not a councillor, determined that Mr Johnson had breached the authority's code of conduct.

John Pye, the panel's chair, said all its decisions were made unanimously.

He said the panel would "invite" the mayor to provide a written apology to the Authority and to "consult with the monitoring officer about the appropriateness of providing a written apology directly to one or more of the complainants".

The panel also said it would ask the mayor "for an undertaking not to repeat this behaviour" and agree appropriate "development and training" within the next six months, dealing with "HR practice when acting in a senior member role".

It recommended that the Combined Authority "reviews and improves" its induction process for new mayors.

Chief executive Rob Bridge said: "I want to take this opportunity to apologise to those impacted by this process. The period covered by the investigation was a very difficult time for the Authority and anyone who was involved, but I am confident that the Authority has learned many lessons from that period and is on a much more stable footing.

"This investigation was an important and necessary process, which has been undertaken with impartiality, professionalism and thoroughness."

Follow East of England news on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a story? Email eastofenglandnews@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 0800 169 1830
Vice President Joe Biden, right, talks to President Barack Obama at their election night party in Chicago on November 7, 2012. AP Photo/M. Spencer Green, File

Jim Messina, who ran former President Obama's 2012 campaign, says it's too early for Democratic jitters.

"Swing voters aren't tuned in yet and may not decide who to back until very late," he wrote in a Politico article.

Messina wrote that Obama faced similar political headwinds in 2011, a year before he was reelected.

In recent months, many Democrats have become increasingly worried about President Joe Biden's reelection chances, expressing concern that he's losing ground to former President Donald Trump in states that are key to his electoral coalition in 2024.

For much of the year, both Biden and Trump have either been tied, or one candidate has had a nominal lead. But when Trump posted leads in states including Arizona, Nevada, and Georgia in a New York Times/Siena poll earlier this month, many in the party fretted, wondering what Biden could do to counter the former president.

And some Democrats have suggested that Biden, a longtime institution in Washington who'll turn 81 years old next week, should step aside for a younger generation of leaders.

But Jim Messina  who in 2012 managed then-President Barack Obama's successful reelection bid  has a message for Democrats worried about Biden's current standing: "Don't panic."

In a Politico Magazine article published on Monday, Messina, who also served as a White House deputy chief of staff for operations under Obama, wrote that his onetime boss dealt with similar political headwinds in 2011  a year before the then-president was set to face voters again after his historic 2008 victory.

"A year before a presidential election, it is just too early to get an accurate read on how the people will actually vote," Messina wrote.

Messina argued that at this stage of the race, voters who are already deeply attuned to politics are the ones who are mostly reflected in early polling.

"They are either die-hard partisans or trying to make a point," he wrote. "But swing voters aren't tuned in yet and may not decide who to back until very late, and they are the ones who will decide this election."

In 2011, Obama faced a new GOP House majority, a Democratic Senate majority that had been sharply reduced in the previous year's midterm elections, and an economy that was slowly recovering from the Great Recession. And the Tea Party movement was in full force, with many observers assuming they'd carry over their energy into the fast-approaching presidential race.

But Obama went on to defeat Republican Mitt Romney in 2012, capturing virtually every major swing state in the country.

Messina argued that Democrats would be wise to lay out a clear and solid economic message for voters, pointing out that Obama earned low marks on the economy from voters in 2011 but significantly improved his standing on the issue the next year.

The veteran political advisor also said that Biden should work to ensure that he emerges victorious in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, the trio of states that are the cornerstone of modern Democratic presidential victories.

"The Biden campaign knows that there are just seven battleground states this time, with a few paths to victory," he wrote.

"Biden can win if he holds onto the Blue Wall states of Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin; he can hold onto his gains from 2020 in the Sunbelt; and he can try to expand the map by winning North Carolina," he added.

Read the original article on Business Insider
An Israeli-Canadian peace advocate, feared to have been taken hostage in Gaza, has been confirmed killed.

Vivian Silver, 74, lived close to Israel's border with Gaza in kibbutz Be'eri - which was attacked by Hamas during the 7 October attacks.

Remains had been found earlier at her house, but they were only formally identified as hers five weeks later.

Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly described Ms Silver as a "lifelong advocate for peace".

"Canada mourns her loss," she wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Ms Silver, born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, was one of Israel's best known advocates for peace with the Palestinians. Her movement, Women Wage Peace, was established to pressure Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government to reach a peace agreement to end the Arab-Israeli conflict.

Her son Yonatan Zeigen told the BBC she stayed busy in her retirement, continuing her life's work as an activist, holding meetings just days before the Hamas attacks.

Her family had believed she had been kidnapped by Hamas and held in Gaza for the past five weeks.

Speaking to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation last week, Mr Zeigen said that while they knew Ms Silver's house had been burned to the ground during Hamas's attack, and that a body had been found at that time, there was "no evidence there of a struggle or bullets", leading the family to believe she had been kidnapped.

More on Israel-Gaza war

In an interview with the BBC in the days after the attack, Mr Zeigen recounted his final communications with her as she hid in a cupboard while armed men were moving through the kibbutz.

He said his mother told him that she loved him, and said "'they're inside the house, it's time to stop joking and say goodbye.'"

"I wrote back that 'I love you, Mum. I have no words, I'm with you,'" he said.

"Then she writes, 'I feel you.' And then that was it, that's the last message."

Asked what his mother would have said about everything that has happened, Mr Yonatan said: "That this is the outcome of war. Of not striving for peace, and this is what happens."

"It's very overwhelming but not completely surprising. It's not sustainable to live in a state of war for so long and now it bursts. It bursts."

Gershon Baskin, a friend of Silver's, remembered her as a "happy, optimistic person".

"She was a person who lit up a room whenever she came in," he told CBC. "She had a moral compass that led the direction of many people who followed her."

More than 100 members of Ms Silver's kibbutz were killed in the attack.

There have been growing calls for a humanitarian pause to allow aid into Gaza, and to help get out some of the 240 hostages taken by Hamas.

Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu has said all hostages must be released before any temporary truce can be agreed.

Israel began striking Gaza after Hamas's surprise attacks, in which 1,200 people were killed. The Hamas-run health ministry says more than 11,000 people have been killed in Gaza since.

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Cancer survivor dealt new blow after Texas police destroyed her house, but lawyers say city still has to pay

A cancer survivor who won a court battle to force a Texas city to pay up after SWAT wrecked her house while chasing an armed fugitive has been dealt a new blow by a federal appeals court.

The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled last month that it was necessary for police to use armored vehicles, explosives and toxic gas to resolve a July 2020 standoff in Vicki Baker's home and that she should not be compensated for the damage, reversing an earlier federal court ruling.

Lawyers from the Institute for Justice, which represents Baker, have asked the court for a re-hearing and are prepared to appeal to the Supreme Court if necessary.

MOMS SUE STATE OVER 'CREEPY' BABY BLOOD DATABASE, PRIVACY CONCERNS

Baker had retired to Montana during the summer of 2020 and the sale of her house in McKinney, Texas, was almost final. Baker's adult daughter was at the home on July 25 when a handyman Baker had hired two years earlier stormed in with a teenage girl he had kidnapped.

Baker's daughter fled the house and called police while Wesley Little stayed inside with the 15-year-old girl and a backpack full of guns.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Police surrounded the home. Little eventually released the teen, but refused to surrender, telling police he "had terminal cancer, wasnt going back to prison, knew he was going to die, [and] was going to shoot it out with the police," according to the 5th Circuit ruling.

ATLANTA TRAVELERS SAY PLAIN-CLOTHED DEA AGENTS SEIZED THEIR CASH AT THE GATE AFTER THEY PASSED SECURITY CHECK

So a SWAT team moved in, smashing Baker's brand-new fence, firing dozens of tear gas canisters through the walls, windows and roof, and using what Baker described as a "bomb" to blow off the garage door. The goal, police later told her, was to confuse their target.

"They call it shock and awe," Baker previously told Fox News.

Little had already killed himself by the time police entered the house.

WATCH MORE FOX NEWS DIGITAL ORIGINALS HERE

Most of Baker's personal possessions had to be thrown away because they were soaked with tear gas. Her daughter's Chihuahua was in the house during the assault and was left blind, deaf and so sick that he eventually had to be put down, Baker said.

Baker's insurance policy , like most, excludes damage caused by the government, so she tried to file a property damage claim with the city. Officials refused to pay, citing qualified immunity, a doctrine often used to shield police and other government agencies from being sued for violating people's rights during the course of their work.

So she sued the city with the help of the Institute for Justice, which argued police seized Baker's home under the Takings Clause, just like with eminent domain when the government might take someone's home to build a road. Her lawyers argued the city had a right to seize the property, but that Baker should be fairly compensated.

LAWSUIT AIMS TO STOP ARMY, FBI FROM CREATING FALSE ARREST RECORDS FOR SOLDIERS, VETS NEVER CHARGED WITH CRIMES

The city offered to pay "the full amount of damages" to settle the case during a pre-trial conference, according to court records. But Baker's team refused to settle unless the city also changed its policy so homeowners "wouldn't have to file lawsuits to get compensation in the future," Institute for Justice attorney Jeffrey Redfern told Fox News.

A federal judge ultimately agreed Baker should be compensated, and a jury awarded her $59,656.59 in damages.

But the city appealed and an Oct. 11 decision from the 5th Circuit reversed the previous ruling.

"As a matter of history and precedent, the Takings Clause does not require compensation for damaged or destroyed property when it was objectively necessary for officers to damage or destroy that property in an active emergency to prevent imminent harm to persons," the court wrote.

But the city never claimed in court that such a necessity justified an exception to pay for damage, meaning Baker's lawyers didn't have the opportunity to argue against it. As a result, the Institute for Justice is asking the court to re-hear the case and plans to appeal to the Supreme Court if the 5th Circuit declines, according to a spokesperson.

The city of McKinney is pleased with the ruling which "upholds a longstanding legal precedent that protects McKinney taxpayers from having to pay property damages arising from lawful police actions," a city spokesperson told Fox News in an email.

"The Court found that the McKinney PD did everything proper in the Baker case," the statement continued. "At the same time, the City recognized the unique effects on Ms. Baker when it offered her the full amount of her damages. Regrettably, she rejected the Citys offer."

Redfern said Baker will still get paid eventually, because she won her first court case under both the U.S. Constitution and the Texas Constitution. The appeals court's reversal only applies to her Fifth Amendment claim.

"It will have to wait until the case is totally over, but at least interest accrues while the judgment is unpaid," Redfern told Fox News.

If the appeals court reverses course and sides with Baker, it would create a split decision with the 10th Circuit in Colorado , which previously ruled local police did not have to compensate a man whose house was destroyed during a gun battle between officers and a shoplifting suspect.





Original article source: Cancer survivor dealt new blow after Texas police destroyed her house, but lawyers say city still has to pay
A car collision killed a massive roaming animal in an accident that is not terribly common in the middle part of Tennessee, wildlife officials say.

A car traveling on Highway 231 south of Shelbyville struck a black bear, which killed the large animal, Barry Cross, a Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency spokesperson, told McClatchy News in an email. The accident occurred at about 11 p.m. Nov. 10, WZTV reports.

When TWRA officials arrived to the scene of the collision, the bear was dead, according to the spokesperson. The crash also caused quite a bit of damage to the car, Cross said, but no one in the vehicle was injured.

As part of the crash site evaluation, TWRA staff weighed the bear using a scale that typically weighs deer, Cross said. The bear maxed out the scale, as it only measured up to 300 pounds, officials said. It most likely weighed somewhere between 350 and 450 pounds, a TWRA biologist said, per Cross.

The black bear was estimated to weigh between 350 and 450 pounds, TWRA said.

In Tennessee, car crashes into deer are much more common, Cross said, as black bears make up a fraction of the whitetail deer population in the state. Most black bears in Tennessee are situated in two major populations  one along the North Carolina border and another along the Kentucky border  but they can be very mobile, according to TWRAs website.

Thats not to say black bears arent impacted by cars, Cross said, although it is very rare for an accident to happen in Middle Tennessee.

To avoid deadly vehicle encounters with black bears, TWRA recommends that drivers always stay on the lookout for crossing animals. If an animal enters the road, drivers are advised to use their brakes and not swerve, the spokesperson said.

Shelbyville is about 60 miles southeast of Nashville.

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Well, something told me to check it, and it was on my phone, and it said that I had $600 in my account. And then two seconds later, my phone refreshed right on its own. And its like $19, said Jennifer Shore from Olympia.

Just like that, Shore said she became the victim of a card skimmer who took all but a few bucks from her account.

I was just like, what is going on? I was really confused. I was really upset. I cried for like a week, Shore said.

Skimming is quick and costly. In a single swipe fraudster can wipe out your account. Alissa from South King County has been hit twice.

It happened last year and then it happened again just a few weeks ago. Yeah, I was left with $1.84, she said.

Skimmers are a device placed over a point-of-sale machine. They collect the data on the magnetic strips, effectively skimming the account. Cards you swipe, without chips, like EBT cards, are most vulnerable to these skimmers.

One solution is a skimmer detector, like this small battery-operated device called Hunter Cat.

For $45 its inventors said it can detect the number of magnetic stripe heads inside the card reader.

Chris Hanson, a Network Intrusion Forensic Analyst for the U.S. Secret Service cant say for certain if a detector will detect every type of skimmer. He said that devices like Hunter Cat, and the web-based apps we found do have a shelf life.

Our sister station in Atlanta spoke to that regions Secret Service Agent-In-Charge Steven Baisel, who said the product does have some merit.

The device will work on a limited number of the credit card slots, but not everything. And thats basically because of the technology, said Baisel. Theres like a window of time when its effective and then the bad guys adapt to the detection and they use some different technology to circumvent that and avoid detection, or they change up their way of deploying things.

We took the device to gas stations in King and Snohomish Counties, to see how it works. You place the device in the slot and if the light turns green youre good, red means there may be a problem.

The Secret Service has seen the technology adapt and change over the years. Some skimmers are undetectable as they are placed inside gas pumps. These are called inline skimmers and use Bluetooth.

Debit card skimming increased more than 79% from 2021 to 2022, according to the financial company FICO. And 70% of fraud cases in America are tied to skimmers in five states: California, New York, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Washington.

Those bad swipes become killer financial blows for people like Jennifer or Alissa, who are both on public assistance.

Its been a struggle, we have had friends reach out and help us. But, you know, it hasnt been easy. And Im not the only one, said Alissa who said she had her benefits skimmed two times now.

In our state, EBT benefits have been particularly easy to skim because they lack a chip. All the data is stored on the magnetic strip and this makes EBT cards particularly vulnerable to fraud.

Babs Roberts is with DSHS. She said 2,500 clients have lost $1.6 million in benefits due to skimming fraud, between April 2022 and October 2023.

I think the impact on the clients is most difficult to deal with because it is totally not their fault that this is happening, said Roberts.

One solution for EBT would be including a chip, which automatically makes the card harder to skim said Director of Fraud and Security at Javelin Strategy and Research, Tracy Kitten.

With the advent of the chip, which could be a tap-and-go payment or where you actually insert the card into the card reader, and it prevents the ability to capture those card details from the magnetic stripe as its being swiped in the terminal, said Kitten.

Washington currently has $500K SNAP cases and there are 3 million active cards. But the cost of protection may exceed the losses. Our research puts the cost of chip cards at between $2 to $3.50. The price of security would be $6m-$10.5 million, not including transaction fees. The losses are much less at $1.6 million over just an 18-month period.

The answer may lie in California. After reimbursing nearly $20 million in stolen benefits over the past two years, the Golden State will spend $50 million to develop and implement a chip and tap technology, plus a mobile App by Summer 2024.

Babs Roberts with DSHS said Washington State hopes to follow those footsteps.

And if theyre able to maybe frontload some of that programming costs with some of the national vendors that we can take advantage of, we want to do that as well. There is hope, said Roberts.

There are ways to protect yourself from skimming, even if you dont have a Hunter Cat handy.

Check your Bluetooth at the gas pump to see if you get a strong signal. It could be data heading from the pump to the thief.

Point-of-sale skimmers are bulky, give those scanners in the checkout line a good shake before using them.

Pay more attention at self-checkouts where card readers are unmanned.

If the numbers seem mushy, that could reveal a problem.

Always use your hand to cover your pin.

According to the Secret Service, the safest way to pay now is the tap-to-pay method.
A man has admitted killing a 54-year-old delivery driver with his own parcel van, but denies his murder.

Mark Lang died in April, more than two weeks after he was injured near Cathays High School on North Road, Cardiff.

Christopher Elgafari, 31, of Aberdare, Rhondda Cynon Taf, pleaded guilty to manslaughter at Cardiff Crown Court and theft, but not guilty to robbery.

The court heard the Crown did not accept those pleas and he will be tried for murder and robbery.

He is also accused of stealing Mr Lang's van and its contents.

A jury is expected to be sworn in on Tuesday, and the trial, which is expected to last up to four weeks, is due to get underway on Wednesday.
Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall has offered new details about his service's plans for the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program.

Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall said his service is aiming for its future Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) drones that will fight alongside crewed aircraft to each cost as little as a quarter of the current price of an F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. Kendall offered this and other details about the CCA program during a public event today at the Center for a New American Security (CNAS) think tank in Washington, D.C.

The CCA effort is centered on the acquisition of at least a thousand advanced uncrewed aircraft with high degrees of autonomy designed to work closely together with crewed combat jets. The program is part of the Air Force's larger Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) modernization initiative that also includes the development of a new crewed sixth-generation combat jet , weapons , electronic warfare suites , sensors, battle management capabilities , engines , and other systems.

A rendering of a notional sixth-generation crewed combat jet flying together with a trio of advanced drones. Collins Aerospace

Kendall and other senior Air Force officials regularly describe these uncrewed aircraft as a critical component of how the service will conduct operations, especially in a high-end fight against an opponent like China, and achieve critical "affordable mass" in the future.

"If we go ahead buying just the NGAD platform and F-35s ... and B-21s as ... our combat aircraft, you can't afford the Air Force. Those systems are all [in the] 100 million dollar plus category, in some cases, way beyond that," Kendall said today. "So, we've got to have something that will allow us to have massive, affordable prices. So, CCA is designed to do that."

Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall. USAF

The other main takeaways regarding the CCA effort from Kendall's chat with Stacie Pettyjohn, Senior Fellow and Director of CNAS' Defense Program, and the subsequent question and answer session are as follows:

The rough expected cost of a single CCA will be "on the order of a quarter or a third" of the current unit cost of an F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.

That being said, the Air Force is still in the "early stages" of establishing key definitions regarding what it wants from its CCAs and working out the "right balance" in terms of requirements.

"We need something that has range and payload characteristics consistent with our operational concept." This concept demands drones that can "either fly ahead of or accompany crewed fighters" and that have useful "range and payload capabilities" in line with that core requirement.

Each CCA would not have "the full complement of systems that are on a fighter."

Some would carry weapons , some would carry other systems. "One of the things you can do with the CCA concept is select which systems ... to carry, which sets of capabilities, you have a modular design." This also means an enemy has to treat each one as armed, because it can be, whether it is or not.

Highly prepared and long runway independence is also a potential goal, as we have highlighted before , with Kendall stating, "Being able to get away from the use of relatively long runways is a nice feature for us. It makes the aircraft much more survivable."

Industry has already provided "different competing concepts" for what a CCA might look like .

The goal is to have started production of a "first increment" of CCAs within the next five years. The aim is to "field it [CCAs] as quickly as we can in reasonable quantities."

"They're not expendables. They're intended to be systems that you can accept losses of a fraction of them and not have a big operational impact." This also means they need to be able to be "produced relatively quickly."

"We're not going to take the length of time [with CCA] it takes to get a new, sophisticated crewed fighter."

The main planning figure for the size of the future CCA fleet is still 1,000 drones , but "I think it will very likely be more than that."

A key reason behind disclosing the 1,000-drone figure was to send a clear signal to industry that the Air Force is seriously invested in the CCA program. "We want you [industry] to invest in the technology and think about how you're going to make a very efficiently produced product for us."

CCA also represents one of the "hedging investments" the Air Force is looking to make now to help provide sufficient operational capacity to prevail in any future high-end conflict against China, and do so cost-effectively .

CCA continues to benefit from other adjacent projects, including autonomy developments using a force of modified, pilot-optional F-16s and other testing utilizing Boeing MQ-28 Ghost Bat drones. "We're using some of the Ghost Bats, the MQ-28s, as experimental aircraft to get some operational experience teaming them with crewed aircraft."

The Air Force views CCA as complementary to the Pentagon's Replicator initiative that was announced earlier this year.

Kendall's comments here about the projected costs and production goals for the CCA program, as well as how the Air Force hopes to maximize what it can get capability-wise within those constraints are notable. While the CCA drones still look set to be significantly cheaper than fifth or sixth-generation combat jets, what is being laid out here is not necessarily inexpensive even by U.S. military budget standards.

How the unit costs of the three existing variants of the F-35 are calculated has long been a subject of debate. For instance, as of January, Lockheed Martin pegged the price of the A variant the Air Force flies at $69.9 million, according to Air & Space Forces Magazine, but that figure doesn't include the Pratt & Whitney F135 engine . The U.S. military's F-35 Joint Program Office told Defense One recently that the average unit price for examples of all three variants, including the engines, in the latest production lots is around $82.5 million.

A quarter of that would be just under $20.6 million. The bill for buying 1,000 CCAs with that unit cost would therefore be close to $20.6 billion. As Kendall noted, this is still much cheaper than purchasing substantial numbers of crewed jets at close to $100 million apiece, or substantially more. The Secretary of the Air Force has previously said that each NGAD jet, of which the service plans to buy 200, would cost "multiple hundreds of millions of dollars."

A rendering showing an F-35 Joint Strike Fighter flying with multiple different types of uncrewed aircraft. Lockheed Martin

In terms of CCA requirements, Kendall's specific mention of wanting to get away from larger runways is interesting, but not surprising. The Air Force has made no secret of its concerns about the growing vulnerability of large, established bases and the need for more distributed operations , as well as new camouflage, concealment, and deception capabilities and tactics, as being essential for reducing those risks going forward. The War Zone has highlighted in the past how complete runway independence, or short takeoff and landing performance close to it, could be very valuable for the future CCAs to have in this context, and how it could also allow for additional operational flexibility.

It's also worth pointing out that Kendall said that multiple MQ-28s are being used to support Air Force test efforts tied to the CCA program. It emerged in 2022 that the service had acquired at least one of these drones, which was originally developed for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), but further details about that effort have been limited since then. A video the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) released earlier this year , seen below, heavily featured MQ-28s, including slickly edited clips depicting them flying alongside Air Force F-22 Raptor stealth fighters and other crewed aircraft.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xuVfA6bN3c

Though much about the CCA effort, as well as the larger NGAD program, is highly classified, Kendall's comments today also underscore how more and more details are still trickling out. This trend is likely to continue as the Air Force gets closer to kicking off its formal competition for the "first increment" of these drones, which is expected to come sometime in the current Fiscal Year.

Contact the author: joe@thedrive.com
Capital University and Columbus College of Art & Design have teamed up to launch the Institute for Creative Leadership at Work, an initiative that offers workshops for businesses and individuals interested in personalized leadership training.

CCAD President Melanie Corn told Columbus Business First the colleges saw an opportunity to draw on each others strengths to fill a community need.

Community supports owner of Bexley Italian restaurant after car accident

(We are) seeing growth in this region, and therefore were seeing it in other areas: the real growth in the desire for continued ongoing professional development and training, Corn said. As the older millennials continue to move into the workforce and continue to move up in the workforce, they are eager, lifelong learners and want that kind of continued training and development. Looking at that landscape, theres a lot of opportunity for delivering really great content there.

The institutes course offerings teach leadership development, design thinking, creative problem solving and diversity, equity and inclusion. Classes are available on both campuses or remotely.

For more on this story, go to ColumbusBusinessFirst.com.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
(WHTM)  Some Midstate advocates will be at the pro-Israel rally in Washington D.C. on Tuesday.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg sent two busses to Washington D.C. Tuesday morning to join in the match. Community members of all faiths departed with them, along with local rabbis.

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They say showing up in large numbers is just another way to make their voices heard.

It shows me that a couple of people I know and a couple of people I dont know all feel the same way. We want to go down there and express ourselves so that our leaders hear us, Jennifer Cohen of Harrisburg said.

It really is to show the support for the hostages and to show Israel we understand they are in a very difficult situation, and we support their effort to free the hostages and to secure their borders, Spencer Markowitz said.









Markowitz tells abc27 he left Israel after the Oct. 7th air strikes, leaving friends who are now soldiers sleeping in bunkers. He also said that matching is the least he could do.

The rally will run until 3 p.m. Tuesday.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
Kura Sushi, an international restaurant chain known for its rotating sushi bar, has opened its newest location at 1211 E. Ogden Ave. in Naperville. (Kura Sushi/HANDOUT)

Like a mini merry-go-round, the courses come as plates go.

Kura Sushi, an international restaurant chain known for its revolving sushi bar, is officially open in Naperville at 1211 E. Ogden Ave., near Panera Bread and Costco.

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Naperville is Kura Sushis 54th U.S. location and the chains third in the Chicago area. Another is under construction in Skokie, which Kura Sushi hopes to open later this winter.

Patrons of the new Kura Sushi restaurant in Naperville can order from a menu or choose premade selections but the food is delivered the same way -- via a conveyor belt. (Kura Sushi / HANDOUT)

We entered the market in 2018 with our restaurant in Schaumburg, and over time that has become a top performing restaurant, Robert Kluger, chief development officer for Kura Sushi USA, said in a written statement. Finding success in Schaumburg, Kluger said, the Kura Sushi team saw an opportunity to expand further into Chicagos suburbs.

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Kluger said company specifically targeted Naperville as an ideal spot to launch a new location.

Naperville is thriving with a diverse eatery and family-friendly scene, and we are confident that Kura Revolving Sushi Bar will be an excellent addition to this growing community, he said.

Self-described as an eater-tainment experience, Kura Sushi offers more than 140 dishes  all served via a double-layered conveyor belt. The bottom level is a revolving sushi bar, which snakes and weaves through the entire restaurant. Customers can select dishes as they move by. The top level is an express belt that carries selective orders placed at the table.

Regardless of what customers choose, bills are calculated by plate. The more plates you swipe, the higher your tab.

Kura has been selling sushi pulley-style over the past five decades. The first opened in 1977 in Japan. Since then, the chain has grown to more than 500 locations across Japan, Taiwan and the U.S.

To drive home Kura Sushis dinner and a show feel, customers can receive small prizes  magnets or little figurines, for instance  for how much sushi they consume. Robots delivering drinks also circulate the restaurant floor.

Kura Sushi, a chain restaurant that just opened on Ogden Avenue in Naperville, has a two-level conveyor belt -- one that allows diners to choose their own plates and the other that delivered ordered meal items. Their meal pickup service via a drive-thru window opens Wednesday. (Kura Sushi / HANDOUT)

At 100% capacity, Napervilles 3,000-square-foot location can seat 99 people across 20 tables and eight counter spots.

For those who dont have the time to grab a bite off the conveyor belt, Kura Sushi Naperville is home to the chains first pick-up window express lane, which will be available for takeout orders starting Wednesday.

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As for whats actually circling the Kura Sushi carousel, dishes are prepared fresh on a daily basis, Kluger said. Meanwhile, recipes and procedures are developed by Kura Sushi USAs parent company in Japan.

True to its name, menu items include various types of sushi  nigiri, rolls and gunkan  as well as udon, ramen and a slew of desserts, from mochi to cheesecake.

Kura Sushi Naperville is open seven days a week. Daily hours can be found at kurasushi.com/locations/naperville-il.

tkenny@chicagotribune.com
FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  California has always been one of the most populated states in the U.S. and continues to be, but after the pandemic, state growth has slowed, according to the California Department of Finance.

According to the Department of Finances new state demographic report from May 2023, it states that due to stable births, fewer deaths and a rebound in foreign immigration slowed Californias recent population decline in 2022.

But there are areas in California, like the Central Valley, where the population has grown and will continue to grow.

The report states that as population growth slowed, it remained positive in the interior counties of the Central Valley and the Inland Empire, while most counties saw declines, including every coastal county except San Benito. These estimates are based on information through January 1, 2023.

Only Madera and Yuba had growth above a half percent due to housing gains. The next largest in percentage growth were San Joaquin, Merced and Imperial counties, according to the report.

The top five cities where housing production drove population growth include Paradise, in Butte County, Lathrop in San Joaquin County, Duarte in Los Angeles County, Wheatland in Yuba County and Shafter in Kern County.

The report states that of the ten largest cities in California, only Sacramento at 0.2%, Bakersfield at 0.2% and Fresno at 0.1% had the largest percentage gain in population.

The California Department of Finance also projects birth rates until 2040 to continue growing each year in Fresno and inland counties.

Population growth is expected to rise as the California Department of Finance estimates the Central Valley and other inland counties are projected to have the fastest population growth through 2060.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com.
SAN DIEGO  The CEO of a San Diego financial firm was arrested Sunday on suspicion of fraud, prosecutors said.

Carlos Manuel da Silva Santos, 29, of Portugal, faces a wire fraud conspiracy charge related to a loan scam through his company, Kelly Thornton with the Office of the United States Attorney Southern District of California said in a news release Monday. He was taken into custody in Newark, New Jersey after arriving in the U.S. from abroad.

Santos, the CEO of Ethos Asset Management, Inc., required prospective borrowers to pay an upfront fee in an amount equal to a certain percentage of the loan amount, according to the complaint.

Military youth groups equipment lost after thefts at Camp Pendleton

However, upon receipt of the upfront fee, Santos and Ethos did not disburse the loan as agreed upon by the parties. Santos used the upfront fees to repay other prospective borrowers, issue commissions to his co-conspirators, and to pay for personal expenses, the complaint read.

The complaint continued saying Santos allegedly manipulated Ethos balance sheets and real financial account statements to artificially inflate Ethos net worth.

In one instance from the complaint, Santos was said to have induced at least one victim to pay an upfront fee in excess of $8 million by representing Ethos had $359,088,190.22 in a specific brokerage account, but records established that Ethos had no such account.

The wire fraud conspiracy charge has a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego.
A new hunting spot will be available for select area residents in a couple months, as the Blue Grass Army Depot is reopening its gates for small game and waterfowl hunting seasons.

Its the first time in nearly six years that the depot is opening up its land for public hunting, the depot said. It shut its gates to public hunting in as the site became the home to a chemical weapons destruction program at the Blue Grass Chemical Agent Pilot Plant. Only depot employees have been able to access the land for hunting since then.

But with chemical weapons destruction having finished earlier this year, the depot plans to hold a lottery to pick hunters who can utilize the space. Those interested can find more information online. The applications must be mailed to the depot, care of Raysha Childers, by Dec. 11. The depot said there is no cost to apply but hunters must pay a $25 fee if their application is selected from the lottery process.

The small game hunting season in Kentucky opened on Monday and the duck and goose hunting seasons do not open until Nov. 23, according to the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. Access to the depots land wont open until Jan. 20 and Madison County residents must submit an application to be considered for access. The army depot confirmed it will also open its land for deer and turkey hunting season.

All selected sportsmen must obtain a security badge from the depot before the hunting date and must have completed a hunters safety course from any state before being permitted to hunt on the depots land, the depot said.

People seeking more information about hunting on the depots land are encouraged to call 859-779-6038 or check out the depot hunting fact sheet.

In July, officials with the Blue Grass Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant announced they had destroyed the last rocket in the chemical weapons stockpile, an M55 rocket containing GB nerve agent, also known as sarin. The plant began safely destroying more than 523 tons of chemical agent stored in rockets at Blue Grass Army Depot over four years prior.

Vice President Kamala Harris, Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Gov. Andy Beshear (D) later praised the depots successful mission, with McConnell calling his involvement with the project one of his greatest honors of his career in politics.
Yan Sukhanov, the chief of staff of the 810th Separate Guards Naval Infantry Brigade of the Black Sea Fleet of the Russian Federation, has been buried.

Source: Mikhail Razvozhaev, the so-called governor of Sevastopol, on Telegram

Details: Sukhanov, who also participated in the battles for Mariupol, was buried. Razvozhayev does not say this directly, but the message suggests that the funeral took place in Crimea.

Quote from Razvozhev: "Yan Oleksandrovych (Sukhanov - ed.) was wounded in Mariupol. During treatment in a hospital in Moscow, doctors diagnosed another insidious disease, which did not allow the body to cope with the injuries."

More details: In addition, Razvozhayev said another soldier of the 810th Separate Guards Naval Infantry Brigade of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, Artem Klyagin, was killed near the village of Bezimenne in Kherson Oblast.

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Following the Oct. 7 Hamas terror attack in Israel, Shoshana Milich withdrew two of her children, who are Jewish, from school after she says they had a scary confrontation.

Meanwhile, Hebah Farrag is telling her two daughters, who are Muslim, to hold their heads high after she says some classmates have called them derogatory names.

Antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents are on the rise across the country, and in the wake of the Israel-Hamas war, both Jewish and Muslim students have been the targets of bullying.

CAIR, a group that advocates for Muslims in America, tells TODAY.com there was a 216% increase in requests for help and reports of bias in the four weeks after the war started, compared to the average for the same time period last year.

The Anti-Defamation League, a group dedicated to fighting bias against Jews, tells TODAY.com it has seen a 388% increase in reports of antisemitic incidents in the three weeks after the war, compared to the same time period last year.

Real families across the country shared their stories with TODAY.com.

Antisemitic and Islamophobic bias on the rise

The Hamas attack on Oct. 7 killed more than 1,200 Israelis, and 239 are still being held as hostages. The Israeli counter-attack has killed more than 11,000 people in Gaza, the Gaza health ministry says.

The pain is reverberating in playgrounds and classrooms across the U.S.

"Bullying tends to mirror what is happening generally in society," says Stephanie S. Fredrick, associate director of the Alberti Center for Bullying Abuse Prevention at the University at Buffalo. "Kids are sponges, and they absorb everything adults say and do."

Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas told a Senate committee on Oct. 31 that since the Hamas attack, We have responded to an increase in threats against Jewish, Muslim, and Arab-American communities and institutions across our country.

Parents should discuss current events with kids, Fredrick says, and "also know when to stop discussing."

"Make sure the news isnt always on in the background," she tells TODAY.com; she also wants parents to check in with their kids about what they are seeing.

"Kids are being exposed to hate speech online, so during these times of big, contentious news stories, parents should try and talk to their kids about what they are seeing online," the anti-bullying expert advises.

'I am the granddaughter of a Holocaust survivor'

Milich, a single mother of five in New York state, tells TODAY.com, My daughter, who is in middle school, was sitting with a friend at lunch when a student told them, You two are Jewish, so you should go kill yourself.

Milich says she filed a complaint under her school districts "Dignity for All Students Act," which prohibits discrimination based on religion, ethnicity and other factors, and shes hired an attorney.

"I am the granddaughter of a Holocaust survivor, so it's heartbreaking," says Milich. "I can't keep my mouth shut about this."

Milich's elder daughter tells TODAY.com that two students made Nazi gestures in her direction, and that she stood up for herself and spoke out when it happened. "It really upset me and I wasn't going to sit by and let it happen."

It feels like Im wearing a big target on my back, says the teen, whose name TODAY.com is withholding at her mother's request for her privacy and safety.

Michael Ginestre, the superintendent of Sweet Home Central School District, near Buffalo, New York, tells TODAY.com there is an active and ongoing investigation into Milich's reports. "We will exhaust all measures to make sure these types of acts don't happen here," he says.

'Im only 13'

A Muslim teen from the Los Angeles area tells TODAY.com that she lost her best friend, who is Jewish, after speaking out over the Oct. 7 attacks.

I wrote a pro-Palestine social media post and my friend was angry about it, says the teen, whose parents asked that her name be withheld for her privacy and safety. Like it was a crime to post in support of Palestine. She said, If you support Palestine, you are a terrorist and a bomber.

I asked her, How does supporting Palestine make me a terrorist? People are dying in Israel and Palestine since the war started, says the teen. I have a right to speak up.

The teen says she sees lots of negativity about Palestinians on social media.

They say they wish Palestine would disappear, she says. They say that America is the land of the free  is it though? Will I be judged by others or kicked out of school for being pro-Palestine? Im only 13.

The teens mother tells TODAY.com that she requested a meeting with her daughter's school counselor and school staff brought the girls together for a restorative conversation; however, their friendship isn't back on track.

"I understand the fear of expressing my thoughts or having opinions as a Muslim due to stereotypes of being called a terrorist," says the mom. "I told my daughter to be proud of herself and to speak her mind without fear, listen to her friends and be kind to each other."

'My daughter felt hated because she is Jewish'

Four Jewish students at Manhattan Beach Middle School in California say they were threatened last month by another student.

"The student ... asked, 'Palestine or Israel?' Rabbi Joshua Kalev, who has spoken to the four families and was authorized to speak on their behalf, tells TODAY.com. "When the girls said, 'Israel,' the student said, 'Wrong answer. Israel kills babies.'"

According to Kalev, when the girls refuted the remarks, the 11-year-old student accused them of participating in an "Israeli conspiracy" and told them, "If Hamas does not kill all the Jews, I will.

A mother of one of the girls tells TODAY.com that when her daughter was asked if she was "pro-Israel," she answered, "Yes, I am Jewish." The mom says the student then responded that she and the people of Israel were "evil" and "being taught lies."

"My daughter felt hated because she is Jewish," she says, adding that her daughter reported the matter to her teacher.

At their parents' request, TODAY.com is withholding the names of the children to protect their privacy and safety.

An Oct. 4 letter to TODAY.com from the Manhattan Beach Unified School District states that the students were told to avoid contact with each other "to avoid re-igniting situations we are trying to resolve."

"Although the school requested that all students who were directly involved in this incident to enter into its standard 'No Contact Contract,' no students involved in this situation were required to sign it, nor was a gag order ever administered," says the letter provided to TODAY.com. "Upon review, the District is updating the language of its current 'No Contact Contract' in order to eliminate confusion regarding its purpose and intent."

Dina Chehata, a civil rights managing attorney for the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) tells TODAY.com that the 11-year girl, who is Arab-American, "vehemently denies" making statements that were antisemitic threats or involved killing anyone, nor did she defend Hamas.

"Like anyone her age, she was trying to grapple with a very complex geopolitical situation and discuss it with people," says Chehata. "She initiated conversations with different people at school, including several classmates, and she wasn't aware of anyone's religious affiliation."

Chehata says the 11-year-old student "was talking about the humanity of Palestinians and the complex history of Israel and Palestine." She added, "Potentially, as an 11-year-old child, she didn't do the best job at being eloquent in her description of that history. But she denies saying anything antisemitic."

According to Chehata, the girl and her family have since received a threatening letter which they reported to the police.

According to a school district statement sent to TODAY.com, "The situation was immediately reported to school officials, and a thorough investigation took place. Student privacy laws preclude divulging specific details of investigatory findings, so we cannot comment on the specifics of the matter. However, please know that appropriate consequences have been administered based on the authority vested in schools under the California Education Code."

'My child went to her school and was called a terrorist'

Farrag, a Muslim mother in Los Angeles, says her two daughters, one in middle school and the other in elementary school, were called "terrorists" by their classmates.

Approached after school on the playground, she was asked if she supported Israel, Farag said said at a press conference hosted by the California chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). When she didnt know how to respond, she was branded a terrorist supporter: Oh, you are one of them, a terrorist.

The mom stated that another student called her other daughter a terrorist during P.E. class.

"Later that week, she was interrupted at her desk and asked, 'Youre Muslim right? Does that mean you want to kill all Jews? said Farrag, adding, "These were the first times that my daughters faced this type of hostility. Im afraid it wont be the last."

Farrag confirmed her statements to TODAY.com, and said she continues to talk with her daughters.

"Weve talked to our daughters about the importance of holding their heads high and never being ashamed of their faith or ethnicities, to be proud of who they are and where they come from," says Farrag. "Weve also (advised that they) carry themselves with respect and dignity at all times  just because others might do things, it does not mean it is OK for them to do so, especially as children of color."

Farrag adds that her daughters' close peers have been supportive.

"I have hope that their schools are doing all they can to ensure that incidents like these remain incidental," she says.

What can parents do if their child gets bullied?

The first thing parents can do is just listen  and that can be really hard, says Fredrick, the bullying prevention expert.

"We often tell parents to sit on their hands so they dont interrupt, Fredrick advises.

Feeling distressed is a typical response for a child, so allow them to feel angry and frustrated versus trying to make them feel better in the moment, she adds.

If your child is the target of hate speech, Fredrick recommends having a conversation to brainstorm a plan. What might a bully say? How will your child respond? Who can help them?

Some kids feel confident telling the bully to knock it off and others might prefer turning to adults or friends, she says. Practicing for a future run-in with a bully can help kids feel prepared.

Fredrick says schools have a moral and a legal responsibility to provide safe learning environments. "It's incredibly important to make a formal report" to the school, she says, even if your child considers it a singular event.

If your child is nervous to return to school, Fredrick suggests they identify at least one safe adult on campus, such as a teacher, a principal or a counselor to whom they can turn. "You may want to even email that adult and ask them to check in on your child," she says.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
China's carbon emissions are likely to fall in 2024 because record growth in renewable energy capacity is now sufficient to cover growing demand, a new analysis finds.

China is the world's largest greenhouse gas emitter and has brushed aside calls for a more ambitious carbon neutrality target than its current 2060 goal.

The International Energy Agency says the country is projected to account for 45 percent of global emissions from existing fossil fuel assets between 2023 and 2050.

But China has also been installing renewable energy capacity at breakneck speed, with new solar in 2023 alone amounting to twice the entire installed capacity in the United States, the analysis, released Monday by UK-based climate site Carbon Brief, said.

"Newly installed solar, wind, hydro and nuclear capacity added in 2023 alone will generate an estimated 423 terawatt hours (TWh) per year, equal to the total electricity consumption of France," the report by Lauri Myllyvirta of the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air added.

The massive ramp-up in installation and a projected rebound in hydropower generation as drought recedes and reservoirs refill "are all but guaranteed to push fossil-fuel electricity generation and CO2 emissions into decline in 2024," the report said.

That decline could be sustained because "the rate of low-carbon energy expansion is now sufficient to not only meet but exceed the average annual increase in China's demand for electricity overall," the analysis argues.

The report is based on official figures and commercial data.

However, China continues to expand its coal power capacity, and the report warns that is "setting the scene for a showdown between the country's traditional and newly emerging interest groups".

Renewable energy growth "threatens the interests of the coal industry and local governments with a high exposure to the coal sector," Carbon Brief said.

"These stakeholders could be expected to resist the transition, raising concerns about potential roadblocks."

Chinese and American climate officials met earlier this week for talks ahead of this month's COP28 discussions, with both sides praising constructive talks, without offering details.

sah/cwl
By Alexandra Alper

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Chinese companies are buying up U.S. chipmaking equipment to make advanced semiconductors, despite a raft of new export curbs aimed at thwarting advances in the country's semiconductor industry, a report said on Tuesday.

The 741 page annual report, released by the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission, takes aim at the Biden administration's Oct. 2022 export curbs, which seek to bar Chinese chipmakers from getting U.S. chipmaking tools if they would be used to manufacture advanced chips at the 14 nanometer node or below.

With the Commerce Department using the 14 nanometer restriction limit, "importers are often able to purchase the equipment if they claim it is being used on an older production line, and with limited capacity for end-use inspections, it is difficult to verify the equipment is not being used to produce more advanced chips," the report stated.

The finding comes as the United States scrambles to figure out how Chinese telecoms giant Huawei was able to produce an advanced 7 nanometer chip to power its Mate 60 Pro smartphone at China's top chipmaker SMIC, despite the export curbs announced last year.

Huawei and SMIC were also added to a trade restriction list in 2019 and 2020, which in theory bars U.S. suppliers from shipping certain technology to the companies.

China watchers had theorized that SMIC could have made the chip with equipment obtained prior to the October 2022 rules, but it had other options for obtaining the equipment from oversees, the report shows.

The United States managed to plug a key loophole in its efforts to stymie China's access to advanced chipmaking tools by convincing allies Japan and the Netherlands, with similarly robust chipmaking equipment industries, to announce their own restrictions on exports of the coveted technology.

But China stockpiled equipment by taking advantage of the lagtime between the United States' October 2022 rules, and Japan and the Netherlands' similar moves in July and September of 2023 respectively, the report details.

According to the document, between January and August 2023, China imported $3.2 billion (RMB 23.5 billion) worth of semiconductor manufacturing machines from the Netherlands, a 96.1% increase over the $1.7 billion (RMB 12 billion) recorded over the same period in 2022. China's imports of semiconductor equipment from all countries totaled $13.8 billion (RMB 100 billion) over the first eight months of 2023, it added.

The report does not outline a specific recommendation to address the gaps in the U.S. rules, but urges Congress to request an annual evaluation, to be completed within 6 months by the General Accountability Office and later made public, of the effectiveness of export controls on chipmaking equipment to China.

The U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission was created in 2000 to submit an annual report to Congress on the national security implications of the economic ties between the United States and China, and to provide recommendations for government action.

(Reporting by Alexandra Alper; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and Kim Coghill)
China is doubling down on its surveillance programs targeting Muslims, including students on college campuses.

Hikvision, one of the worlds largest video surveillance companies, reportedly won a contract from the Chinese government to develop technology that can identify Muslims students suspected of fasting during Ramadan, based on their dining records, according to U.S.-based research group IPVM.

The Hangzhou-based surveillance company acknowledged having won a smart campus contract, but denied following through on this aspect of the project.

The first phase of the $9 million smart campus project was unveiled in December 2022 at Minjiang University in Fujian province.

Chinas crackdown on Muslims extends beyond surveillance. Beijing is now restricting Chinese Muslims from participating in Hajj by denying passport applications, banning private Hajj tour groups, and digitally harassing Muslims who do travel for the pilgrimage by asking them to return home or face legal consequences, according to an NPR investigation. Authorities are citing concerns that [Chinese Muslims] may be radicalized abroad or encourage religious fervor once they return to China, NPR reports. But the religious oppression is not deterring the most pious of Chinese Muslims, with many sneaking out of the country with the understanding they will likely be reprimanded upon returning home. China wants to control you even when you are outside the country, one of the pilgrims told NPR.

Hikvisions presence in Palestine has been under scrutiny as the war in Gaza rages on. An Amnesty International report in May found that dozens of Hikvision cameras, equipped with voice and facial recognition features, are found all across the West Bank, though neither Hikvision nor Israeli authorities would confirm whether facial recognition AI software had been activated in the cameras. Amnesty investigators said there is a high risk of the cameras being linked to Mabat 2000, an Israeli police-run facial-recognition surveillance network that spans the entire city of East Jerusalem and has previously helped police identify Palestinian protesters. Hikvision told The Guardian that its technology complies with local laws, but ultimately, Palestinians dont need to see that the cameras are employing facial recognition to know that they are being watched at every turn, one Amnesty researcher said.

China is moving fast to integrate AI into several aspects of its surveillance tech, making it imperative for the U.S. and other democracies to counter this rising tide of techno-authoritarianism by showing ways to use the technology in support of democratic values, writes AI expert Paul Scharre for the Los Angeles Times. Chinas model of digital authoritarianism is being exported to other countries before such global AI standards can be set, increasing the potential for human rights abuses and free speech suppression in developing democracies. While democratic nations have advantages like more talent and military power and control over AI technologies, the challenge is to unify the disparate advantages across different countries and their governments, companies, academics, and tech workers, Scharre writes.
The United States has expressed concern over China and Russia helping North Koreas military expansion as Seoul warned about potential Hamas-style tactics by Pyongyang.

US defence secretary Lloyd Austin said we are deeply concerned that the PRC (Peoples Republic of China) and Russia are helping the DPRK (Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea) expand its capabilities by enabling it to evade sanctions from the UN Security council.

He added: Were also troubled by the recent growth in military cooperation between Russia and the DPRK.

The US accuses North Korea of supplying military equipment to Russia for its use in its war with Ukraine and Moscow of providing technical support to help Pyongyang.

South Korean defence minister Shin Won-sik said North Korea had been warned not to attempt any aggressive acts. If North Korea ever invades the South again, it will be self-contradictory, where a UN member state would be attacking the UN Command.

He continued: If the countries that backed North Korea during the Korean War ever try to help again, then those countries will also receive grave punishment from the international community along with North Korea.

On Sunday, South Korean president Yoon Suk-yeol advised Mr Austin to stay vigilant against potential North Korean attacks. He warned that there was a need to be prepared for surprise assaults by North Korea resembling Hamas-style tactics.

Ever since Hamas carried out the attacks on Israel on 7 October, South Korean politicians have raised alarms over Norths capacity to carry out a similar attack on the South.

The Chair of South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff last month said that if Pyongyang were to start a conflict with the South in the future, there is evidence suggesting it could follow a similar pattern to the Hamas invasion.

While Hamas launched 5,000 rockets into Israel on 7 October, Pyongyangs artillery has the capacity to fire an estimated 16,000 rounds per hour, according to reports.

In response to this threat, Seoul is actively developing its own missile defence system, modelled after Israels Iron Dome, BBC reported.

Last month, South Korean and US troops conducted their joint live-fire exercises to enhance their preparedness in responding to potential Hamas-style surprise artillery attacks by North Korea.

In a simulated response to the enemys (possible) Hamas-style surprise artillery attacks, the exercises practised strikes designed to remove the origins of the enemys long-range artillery provocations at an early date, South Koreas Ground Operations Command said in a statement.

In response to North Koreas advancing nuclear programme, South Korea and the United States have been intensifying their regular military drills. Over the past year, North Korea has conducted more than 100 missile tests, including simulated nuclear attacks targeting both South Korea and the United States.

Meanwhile, on Monday, during a press briefing, South Koreas minister of national defence said: North Korea continues to advance its nuclear and missile capability. Its making blatant threats of nuclear usage by stipulating offensive nuclear force policy in its constitution.

Secretary Austin and I reaffirm the steadfast commitment of both countries to the powerful ROK-US combined defence posture to deter and respond to such threats by North Korea.

Mr Shin also expressed satisfaction over the progress in defence cooperation between the US, South Korea and Japan. I am really proud of the progress that we have made in recent years in terms of the cooperation between our three countries. We see more trilateral cooperation than we have ever seen.
Chinese scientists created a robot that can make oxygen on Mars. It could allow humans to someday live on the red planet.

A robot created chemicals to make oxygen from Martian rocks.

The same process would have taken a human 2,000 years, according to researchers.

The robot could one day help create human settlements on the red planet.

Chinese scientists have created a robot chemist that can make oxygen using Martian rocks, bringing humans a step closer to colonizing the red planet.

The robot was able to analyze minerals found in Martian meteorites, come up with the chemicals it needed to make oxygen, and carry out experiments "without human intervention," a study published Monday reported.

Sending supplies, such as oxygen, to Mars is extremely expensive so being able to create it on the red planet could remove a major barrier to establishing future colonies.

"We have developed a robotic AI system that has a chemistry brain," said study lead Jun Jiang at the University of Science and Technology of China in Hefei, per Nature News.

The robot chemist's ultimate aim is to find clever ways to make new compounds from on-the-ground resources.

To put it to the test, the machine was tasked with making oxygen from water, and it was told it could only use Martian soil to make this happen.

The robot's AI analyzed the composition of Martian meteorites using high-powered lasers and studied more than 3.7 million formulas to figure out which combination of elements would work as a catalyst to produce oxygen.

It then tested more than 200 catalysts to find the best ones. The study would have taken a human about 2,000 years to carry out, per a press release.

Once a catalyst was found, the AI carried out experiments on Martian meteorites in the lab using a robotic arm to test whether its theory was correct. Within just two months, it was able to create a chemical catalyst that efficiently turned water into oxygen.

"In the future, humans can establish oxygen factory on Mars with the assistance of AI chemist," said Jiang.

There are other ways to make oxygen on Mars, which are probably more efficient. NASA's Perseverance Rover recently demonstrated it was able to make oxygen on Mars from carbon dioxide in the air  a very abundant resource.

But that's somewhat beside the point. As we aim not only to get to the red planet but also to make it liveable, scientists are looking for ways we could quickly create what we would need from the resources that are already there.

"Different chemicals can be made by this robot," said Jiang, per Nature News.

"This breakthrough technology brings us one step closer to achieving our dream of living on Mars," he said in a press release.

The robot could also find applications for humans' return to the moon, he said.

The study was published in the peer-reviewed journal Nature Synthesis.

Read the original article on Business Insider
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Chinese student arrested after secretly living under a mall staircase for 6 months: reports

Staircases in a mall in China. Jon Hicks/Getty Images

A Chinese student avoided paying rent by living under a mall staircase for six months, reports say.

The student had an ergonomic chair, tent, mattress, table, and computer in the hidden dwelling.

He was ultimately arrested on October 30, according to reports.

A Chinese student avoided paying rent by secretly living under the stairs of a Shanghai mall for half a year.

The man, whose name has not been disclosed, created a living space in the secluded spot, which included an ergonomic chair, tent, mattress, table, and a computer, according to a post on X shared by Shanghai Daily.

The English-language newspaper reported that he'd even used an inverter to generate electricity during his six-month stay.

He used this to power his computer, cellphone, and a kettle, the South China Morning Post reported.

A young man has been found living under the hidden stairs of a shopping mall in #Shanghai for over half a year without anyone knowing. A ergonomic chair, a tent, a table and a computer - he cleaned up the small place and even used an inverter to generate electricity. pic.twitter.com/WF6ZX7SEGe  Shanghai Daily (@shanghaidaily) November 2, 2023

According to The New York Post, the man would occasionally leave his makeshift dwelling to charge his devices using mall outlets.

Metro reported that he was spotted by a security guard several months ago, but the guard let him stay after the student described needing a place to study.

The Beijing Times reported that he was studying for the Gaokao exams, the national undergraduate admission exams in China taken by high school seniors, which have previously been referred to as the "world's toughest" exam.

Late last month, however, another security guard spotted the student's hidden abode and was less sympathetic to his studying excuse.

He was arrested on October 30, according to The Post.

Insider previously reported on how Shanghai is considered the second-most-expensive city in the world for "living well," citing a ranking by the Swiss banking group Julius Baer.

According to Mercer, the American consulting firm, Shanghai is one of the most expensive cities to live in the world  ranking 12th overall.

Read the original article on Insider
LOS ANGELES (CNS) - Former prosecutor Christopher Darden has received the backing of retired Judge Lance Ito in his run for a seat on the Los Angeles County Superior Court, Darden's campaign announced Monday.

Darden and Ito are well known for their roles in the televised 1994 O.J. Simpson murder trial, but they have a longer history. Previously, Darden and Ito worked together as prosecutors in the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office in what was then known as the Hardcore Gang Division.

Darden, 67, has been an attorney for more than 40 years and worked as a county prosecutor for 15 years. He is best known for serving as a lead prosecutor in the Simpson case, which was presided over by Ito.

The election is March 5.

"I have always had tremendous respect for Judge Lance Ito," Darden said in a statement. "As a prosecutor, a judge and retired jurist, Judge Ito has always conducted himself with the utmost professionalism and sets the standard for fairness on the bench. I am so honored to have his support as I now seek a seat on the Superior Court."

After leaving the District Attorney's office, Darden's first case back in court -- as a criminal defense attorney -- happened to be in front of Ito in downtown Los Angeles. Ito retired in 2015.

SUGGESTED: Heidi Hamilton discusses Felicity Huffman pleads guilty, Christopher Darden's daughter harassment

Prosecutors in the O.J. Simpson murder trial Christopher Darden(L) and Marcia Clark(R) question Judge Lance Ito during the morning court session 01 September in the O.J. Simpson double murder trial. (Photo credit: POO/AFP via Getty Images) (Getty Images)

Darden has also been a legal commentator for CNBC, Court TV, NBC and CNN, and a law professor at Southwestern University School of Law.

As a deputy district attorney, Darden also spent time with the Special Investigation Division, where he investigated criminal activity and corruption by public officials, including law enforcement personnel.

For the past 27 years, he has been in private practice. He has also been teaching for more than a decade, serving as an adjunct professor of law, law professor and assistant professor of law.

Darden began his career at the National Labor Relations Board in Los Angeles.

Since 1995, he has specialized in defending white-collar crimes, narcotics, gang cases and homicides.
MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG)  One of the biggest churches in Mobile County, with nearly 5,000 members, has disaffiliated from the United Methodist denomination.

Christ United Methodist Churchs disaffiliation request was ratified at a special session on Sunday, Nov. 12, held by Bishop David Graves, the denominations Alabama-West Florida Conference Bishop in Residence.

Today is another somber day in the life of the Alabama-West Florida Conference, stated Graves. We are saddened to say farewell to the eight churches disaffiliating from the United Methodist Church and wish them the best in ministry. We pray for these churches as they navigate ministry in a new season.

There are currently 311 churches in the Alabama-West Florida United Methodist Conference.

The eight churches within that conference that chose disaffiliation include:

Marietta UMC, Demopolis District

Oak Grove UMC, Demopolis District

Salem UMC, Marianna-Panama City District

Christ UMC, Mobile District

Macedonia UMC, Montgomery-Opelika District

Benton UMC, Montgomery-Prattville District

Hayneville UMC, Montgomery-Prattville District

Lowndesboro UMC, Montgomery-Prattville District

I especially want to thank those churches who have decided to remain United Methodist and those who heard my call to refrain from holding discussions around leaving the denomination until we have more information, Graves said. I appreciate your faithfulness to your call and covenant, all while leading your churches in a most difficult season.

Christ UMCs disaffiliation comes amid an ongoing debate that began when the UMC affirmed its stance against gay clergy and same-sex marriage in 2019.

The issues of human sexuality, for too long, have distracted and divided the United Methodist denomination and, in turn, our local church, said the Rev. Dr. Robert Couch, Christ UMCs lead pastor. Furthermore, the repeated debate has harmed LGBTQ persons each time the Church clarified its long-held beliefs about human sexuality.

Christ United no longer wants to be distracted and divided by this ongoing controversy, so we requested to disaffiliate from the denomination.

We plan to remain an independent congregation for one to two years as we discern any potential future affiliation with other denominations or networks.

So, whats next for the church with a now-abbreviated name, Christ United?

Christ United will continue our focus on loving God, loving people, and changing the world as we have for nearly 45 years, Couch said.

ALSO ON WKRG.com: WKRG kicks off the Magical Christmas Toy Drive

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5.
Chris Christies campaign said Monday that the former New Jersey governor had hit the donor requirement to qualify for the GOPs fourth presidential debate next month, as candidates work to meet the Republican National Committee (RNC) thresholds to get on the Tuscaloosa, Ala., stage.

Coming off the heels of Christies strong performance at the third debate last week, weve seen the best fundraising week of the campaign since he announced, bringing in thousands of new donors in just the five days since. The campaign now has well over 80,000 donors and meets all the criteria needed for the next debate, a spokesperson for the campaign said in a memo.

The RNC required candidates to have 70,000 unique donors to get on the Miami debate stage last week and raised it to 80,000 for the next event.

The party also raised polling criteria to require candidates to reach at least 6 percent in two national polls  or 6 percent in one national poll and 6 percent in one early-state poll from two separate carve out states (Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada, South Carolina) recognized by the RNC. The polls must also meet a few other benchmarks, including some related to how many voters are surveyed and who conducts the poll.

The Christie campaign contended Monday that its met the RNCs polling criteria, too, though the RNC hasnt confirmed whether the polls it highlighted meet the requirements.

A Liberal Patriot/YouGov survey found Christie at 10 percent support, but it was conducted Sept. 7-18, while the RNC says the cutoff for qualifying polls is Sept. 15.

The campaign noted another poll by WPA Intelligence/Fair Vote, though WPA Intelligence has notably conducted polling for the super PAC supporting Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R).

The Hill has reached out to the RNC about the polls the Christie campaign indicated.

Of the eight candidates at the first debate, two have been knocked off the stage, and two others have dropped out. We will be down to four come December, the campaign said. Christie has already outlasted a former Vice President, a current US Senator, a current self-funding governor, and another former governor who were all on that stage.

Just five candidates made the third debate in Miami.

The Christie campaigns announcement comes just after Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.)  who took part in the third debate  dropped out of the race. Many in the party hope the field will continue to winnow, allowing for support to consolidate behind a candidate who can make the race more competitive with former President Trump, who holds a significant lead both nationally and in the early-voting states.

NBC News first reported on the Christie campaigns announcement.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A city in Tennessee is using a recently passed ordinance essentially prohibiting homosexuality in public to try to ban library books that might violate the new rules.

Murfreesboro passed an ordinance in June banning indecent behavior, including indecent exposure, public indecency, lewd behavior, nudity or sexual conduct. As journalist Erin Reed first reported, this ordinance specifically mentions Section 21-72 of the city code. The city code states that sexual conduct includes homosexuality.

Anyone who violates the new ordinance is barred from hosting public events or selling goods and services at public events for two years. Anyone who violates the ordinance in the presence of minors is barred for five years.

An ACLU-backed challenge to the ordinance has already been launched, but that hasnt stopped city officials from implementing the measure. Last Monday, the Rutherford County steering committee met to discuss removing all books that might potentially violate the ordinance from the public library. The resolution was met with widespread outcry from city residents.

When have the people who ban books ever been the good guys? local activist Keri Lambert demanded during the Monday county meeting.

Murfreesboro city officials have already used the ordinance to ban four books that discuss LGBTQ themes. In August, the county library board pulled the books Flamer, Lets Talk About It, Queerfully and Wonderfully Made, and This Book Is Gay.

The board also implemented a new library card system that categorizes books into certain age groups. When it takes effect next year, children and teenagers will only be able to check out books that correspond to their age group; they will need permission from a parent or guardian to check out adult books.

Library director Rita Shacklett worried in August that the new rules would prevent students from accessing books they need for a class. She explained that many classic high school books, such as To Kill a Mockingbird, are now classified as adult.

Its unclear if the county steering committee plans to pull books such as the A Song of Ice and Fire series, which includes multiple depictions of heterosexual sexual conduct.

Murfreesboros new ordinance is part of a much larger wave of attacks on LGBTQ rights in Tennessee and the rest of the country. In the past year, the so-called Volunteer State became the first state to try to ban drag performances. That law was overturned in court.

In March, the Tennessee House of Representatives passed a bill that would allow people to refuse to perform a marriage if they disagree with it, essentially gutting marriage equality. The bill was introduced in the Senate but deferred until next year.
The Clay County Sheriffs Office announced the death of 44-year-old Jered Jerome Nichols due to an unknown cause.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

According to the CCSO, Nichols was arrested last week for simple battery and retail theft. He was later housed in the Clay County Jail following his arrest.

On the morning of November 13, around 11:30 a.m., Nichols was being assessed by medical personnel due to appearing ill. The Sheriffs Office notes this was not due to a result of a use of force incident.

Nichols later experienced an apparent medical emergency, which resulted in efforts by Deputies and medical staff to revive him being unsuccessful.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement will conduct a review of the case. The Medical Examiners Office also accepted jurisdiction.

The family of Nichols has been notified, and the Clay County Sheriffs Office expressed their condolences to them during this difficult time.

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Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
CNN anchor Jake Tapper criticized people in the United States who have torn down posters of hostages captured by Hamas during its Oct. 7 terrorist attack on Israel.

Im really struck by something weve seen over the last 30 days or so, Tapper said as he interviewed White House spokesman John Kirby Monday on his afternoon newscast, saying some loud voices in America are actually rooting for the hostage takers.

And we see these images seemingly every day of Americans ripping down posters of kidnapped kids, Tapper said, asking for Kirbys thoughts. He added, Ive never seen anything like this.

Its hard for me when I see images like that to think about this individual ripping down this poster going home and feeling good about what they did, Kirby responded. Frankly, they ought to be mourning the loss, the theft of their own dignity, their own integrity of doing something like that. I mean these victims, these hostages, they didnt ask for this.

Since the Oct. 7 attack, Hamas has been holding a number of hostages in Gaza, some of whom are believed to be young children.

As part of demonstrations against the war in the United States, some supportive of the Palestinian cause have torn down missing persons posters of the hostages taken by Hamas.

Israel has been carrying out airstrikes in Gaza and fighting with Hamas in the region which has resulted in the deaths of thousands of Palestinians and sparked calls from some activists and Democratic lawmakers for a ceasefire in the region.

In recent days, Israeli forces have closed in on the Al-Shifa hospital complex in Gaza which is the enclaves largest medical center, which Israel says Hamas is using as an operational headquarters.

President Biden on Monday urged Israel to take less intrusive action on the hospital complex.

Also there is an effort to get this pause to deal with the release of prisoners and thats being negotiated, Biden told reporters at the White House. So I remain somewhat hopeful, but hospitals must be protected.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
BRANCH COUNTY  A 26-year-old Flint resident was sentenced to prison after pleading no contest to first-degree retail fraud and use of a computer to commit a crime following an incident at a Coldwater gas station in April 2022.

Circuit Judge Bill O'Grady sentenced Keontrae Strozier Monday to 16 months to 10 years in prison.

Prosecutor Zack Stempien asked OGrady for more prison time on Monday for the safety of the community.

Circuit Judge Bill O'Grady

Stempien said of the prison sentence, This is about sending a message to individuals that Branch County is not the place to come to steal.

Thieves hit stores near the U.S. 12/I-69 interchange numerous times over the past two years, coming off the interstate from out-of-county.

The prosecutor said Strozier and accomplices were frightening" the young clerks that late evening.

Stempien said Strozier and two others went to multiple Speedway gas stations, picking off gift cards, then taking the computer screen away from the clerk, punching in code activating the cards.

The video showed the three taking the cards from the Coldwater robbery and using them at the adjacent Walmart store.

Keontrae Strozier and defense attorney Terri Norris before Circuit Judge Bill O'Grady Monday.

DeKalb County, Indiana, sheriff deputies arrested the men shortly after another theft later that night in Auburn, Indiana.

Strozier was on probation for reckless discharge of a firearm in a Genesee County apartment where a bullet struck a nearby tenant in the chest, causing serious injury.

Stroizer fled to Arkansas when his probation officer told him of the warrant in Coldwater. The prosecutor asked for restitution of $2,092 to return him to face Coldwater charges.

Public defender Terri Norris asked for eight months in jail after the state correction department recommended 10 months, citing a drug addiction as the cause of Stroziers behavior.

Subscribe Support local news. Subscribe to the Daily Reporter.

Strozier admitted none of the facts presented by Stempien were wrong.

Probation violation charges are pending in Flint.

DeKalb County, Indiana, also has a warrant for Strozier once his Michigan cases are complete.

 Contact Don Reid: dReid@Gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Coldwater Daily Reporter: Coldwater gas station theft nets Flint resident prison time
We asked color experts which hues will be trending in home design in 2024.

Calming green, soothing lavender, and earth tones can help transform the home into a sanctuary.

Bleached oak and sand-colored flooring are becoming more popular as well.

Business Insider asked color experts which hues people should incorporate in their homes in 2024.

Here's what they said.

Just like your favorite pair of jeans, comfort blues never get old.

Blue can promote feelings of comfort. Nikolas Gregor/Shutterstock

Color expert and interior designer Abbey Koplovitz of AbbeyK, Inc. said denim and teal blues have a feel-good vibe that's hard to beat.

"It's really important to think about what colors make you feel good in a space, and denim blue and soft teal are making people really comfortable at home right now," she said.

Koplovitz also said that part of the appeal of denim and teal blue may be due to the rise in popularity of warm colors, as "blue can be a warm tone."

Incorporate green for a calming vibe.

Green can bring nature into the home. Boris SV/Getty Images

According to interior designer and color expert Donna Grace McAlear, owner of New Mood Design , calming, nature-inspired green can be a great choice for the home.

The expert said green, especially when used in furniture or accessory fabrics, painted wall surfaces, or kitchen or bathroom cabinets, can complement cool and warm hues and even connote nostalgia or modernity.

She especially likes deep-sage greens, such as Farrow & Ball Calke Green, for antique furnishings.

Orange stimulates the mind and body.

Orange is often identified as bright, happy, and uplifting. archideaphoto/Getty Images

According to architectural color consultant and interior designer Paula Kennedy of Timeless Kitchen Design LLC , orange can be the perfect shade for a home gym or workout space because of its stimulating brightness.

"Orange can be a very strong and energetic color," she said. "Like yellow and red, it can be very attention-grabbing, which helps you to focus."

Lavender and eggplant promote relaxation.

Lavender in the bedroom can be soothing. Imgorthand/Getty Images

Soothing colors like lavender or eggplant will continue to be popular in 2024.

Kennedy said lavender and eggplant are especially good color choices for the bedroom because they are "excellent calming colors that may increase rest and relaxation."

According to Kennedy, lavender and eggplant may also look good against various skin tones.

Restful white pairs well with warm and cool colors.

Warm whites are going to be more popular in 2024. Michael Robinson/Getty Images

Though stark whites are fading away, warm variations of the color are rising in popularity.

According to McAlear, shades like Sherwin-Williams Restful White can pair well with cool and warm colors, but can also be used as a neutral backdrop to earth-toned and deeper color accents.

Koplovitz agreed that people are looking for a softer, more "uplifting" white without "a gray cast to it."

A blend of blue and yellow can promote creativity.

Robin's-egg blue can be a particularly inspiring color. asbe/Getty Images

For some rooms, blending colors like blue and yellow is the best way to maximize the space's potential.

According to Kennedy, "calming blue" and "optimistic yellow" can create a stimulating, creative combination.

She recommends going with a robin's-egg blue, like Sherwin-Williams Belize, because it can "promote calm" and has "enough yellow undertone to energize you, which enables clarity and focus."

Wood tones will lighten up.

Bleached or white wood tones are in favor. CreativaStudio/Getty Images

According to Koplovitz, who is seeing a trend toward sand-blasted flooring in bleached, light, and white oak, wood tones are going lighter in 2024.

She said more people are gravitating to "almost a sand color" that looks "bleached and then colored with a little bit of white."

The expert also cited a trend toward "bleached or natural woods with a clear coat on them, with no stain to get things darker."

Earthy hues create a soothing sanctuary.

Earthy hues can be calming. Boris SV/Getty Images

McAlear expects greater demand for earth tones in 2024 and beyond, saying they "create comforting and restful home environments, in keeping with trends toward greater personalization of the home as a sanctuary."

She recommends pairing warm, earthy beiges with green undertones, like Sherwin-Williams Urban Putty, with mahogany-stained wood cabinets.

Read the original article on Insider
Colorado hiker wearing only a hoodie rescued after stranded on 13,000-foot mountain in 'severe' snowstorm

CHAFFEE COUNTY, Colo.  A hiker is lucky to be alive after being rescued from a Colorado snowstorm wearing only a cotton hoodie. Crews initially thought the person was a snow-covered rock.

With no food, no water and no way to keep warm, a "severe" snowstorm closed in on the hiker around 7 p.m., who had just hiked a 13,000-foot high peak in Chaffee County when the snow started.

The hiker phoned Chaffee County Search and Rescue for help. The hiker said they chose to take an avalanche chute downhill rather than retrace his steps as the cold and dark set in, hoping to intersect a road.

WHAT IS FROSTBITE?

Volunteer rescuers lowered the man with ropes and a sled, section by section.

CAN COLD WEATHER MAKE YOU SICK?

With limited service, the all-volunteer search and rescue teams could not get a GPS signal. All they knew of his location was that the hiker was in an avalanche chute east of Cottonwood Lake.

Twenty-five crews checked out chutes east of the lake. After midnight, one team found footprints in 6 to 8 inches of new snow.

"This team continued to follow the footprints until they came upon an unusual looking rock at approximately 2 a.m.," Chaffee Search and Rescue wrote on social media. "Upon further investigation, it was determined it was not a rock but the subject sitting upright in a fetal position covered in snow."

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

THE 7 PS OF COLD WEATHER SAFETY

Rescuers said that the man was "alive but very hypothermic" and "wearing only a cotton hoodie." They spent three hours warming him before attempting to head down the steep mountain with the injured man.

Crews called the extraction long, steep and arduous. They lowered the victim on ropes section by section. After an hour and a quarter, the man said he could walk if assisted,

By 7 a.m., he was in an ambulance headed to a hospital for evaluation.

Search and rescue advises all hikers not to depend only on a cell phone for GPS because service is spotty.

Here are the 10 essentials the group recommends everyone carry while hiking in the mountains:

Hydration Nutrition Navigation Emergency shelter Extra Layers Illumination Fire Starter First aid kit Sun protection Repair kit





Original article source: Colorado hiker wearing only a hoodie rescued after stranded on 13,000-foot mountain in 'severe' snowstorm
Anja Herrman, a senior at Oak Park-River Forest High School, center, was among 15 girls from across the country recognized Oct. 11, 2023 at a White House reception in honor of International Day of the Girl. First Lady Jill Biden, right, and the White House Gender Policy Council hosted the first-ever Girls Leading Change event. (White House)

Now that she has returned home from an event she likely wont soon forget participating in, Anja Herrman can let a pretty big cat out of the bag: She spoke at a White House reception where she was honored by the first lady for the work she continues to do here at home.

The senior at Oak Park-River Forest High School has been deemed a change-maker, recognized along with 14 other young ladies at a White House reception with First Lady Jill Biden who said they all represent the potential of young people across the country.

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Anja Herrman, a senior at Oak Park-River Forest High School, right, is pictured Oct. 11, 2023 with White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre at a White House reception in honor of International Day of the Girl in Washington, D.C. First Lady Jill Biden and the White House Gender Policy Council hosted the first-ever Girls Leading Change event.

Anja Herrman, a senior at Oak Park-River Forest High School, far left, was among 15 girls from across the country recognized Oct. 11, 2023 at a White House reception in honor of International Day of the Girl. First Lady Jill Biden, right, and the White House Gender Policy Council hosted the first-ever Girls Leading Change event. (White House)

It was the first-ever Girls Leading Change event at the White House Oct. 11  with the reception held in honor of International Day of the Girl  and 17-year-old Herrman was on the dais. She is described as a disability rights activist and advocate for equity and inclusion.

Ahead of the reception, the River Forest teen had to keep things under wrap. But not anymore. Herrman and the other girls were selected by the White House Gender Policy Council for their work in leading change and shaping a brighter future in their communities across the United States, according to a White House news release announcing the reception and honorees.

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These young women are protecting and preserving the earth, writing and sharing stories that change minds, and turning their pain into purpose. Together, they represent the potential of young people across the country, and it is my hope that others can learn from the power of their innovation, strength, and hope, Biden said of the honorees.

Herrman was selected after a world history teacher she had as a freshman wrote a letter of support, touting the advocacy work the teen has done for people with disabilities  specifically, helping some to secure personal protective equipment during the pandemic. She speaks highly of teacher Lisa Faulkner, telling Pioneer Press they remained in contact even after Herrman moved up in grade levels.

Shes one of my favorite teachers and one of my favorite humans on the planet, Herrman told Pioneer Press.

Faulkner has high praise for the work her former student is doing.

Anja is not just a young person who will make extraordinary change in the future. She is making change now. She is emerging as a national leader through her research, volunteering, speaking engagements, and publications  all while balancing a challenging high school schedule. She is shaping the world to be equitable and inclusive for all, Faulkner told Pioneer Press

Faulkner was able to attend the White House reception with Herrman.

Anja couldnt be more deserving of the honor. Her work is necessary and inspiring, the teacher said.

The teen was seated in a wheelchair at the reception as she addressed the modest crowd that included White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, other elected officials and more. She got her start in advocacy for persons with disabilities at a young age, first speaking up for herself after some of her own personal experiences and situations, her mother explained. That ongoing work put her centerstage at the White House and right next to the first lady.

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She set up a really comfortable atmosphere and she was really nice to talk to Herrman said about her encounter with the first lady. It was amazing hearing from a smart, articulate human being giving us all that [encouragement] to go and really change the world, and showing us that she really believes in us to do that.

According to a description of her efforts provided by the White House, Herrman has led grassroots disability advocacy work, including as a member of the Personal Protective Equipment for People with Disabilities (PPE4PWD Coalition), which helped secure personal protective equipment for people with disabilities during the COVID19 pandemic.

Since 2021, she has served as the youngest appointed member of the Village of River Forests Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Group. Anja is emerging as a national leader through her research, speaking engagements, and publications. She authored a white paper that highlights the need for school shooting plans that account for the safety of students with disabilities through a fellowship program at the Disability EmpowHer Network.

Herrman told Pioneer Press her work with securing personal protective equipment during the pandemic for people with disabilities came after she realized the pandemic was not having such a negative impact on herself and her family as it was for some others. Her family did not experience the financial hardships some did, and no relatives had gotten gravely ill or died as a result of the coronavirus, she said.

I recognized how much of a privilege that was, and that wasnt the reality for many other disabled people. And I also knew that disabled individuals might be at a higher risk of contracting the virus because they didnt have the supplies they needed, she said.

She said getting involved with the coalition allowed her to help make a difference.

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In a statement to Pioneer Press, OPRFH District 200 Superintendent Greg Johnson also gave high marks to Herrmans work outside of the classroom.

Were incredibly proud of this well-earned recognition for Anja, and were even more proud that its being given for her work in such a much-needed area as disability rights. The OPRF motto is Those Things That Are Best. Anja is living that ideal by showing just how big an impact one young persons individual actions can have, he said.
Throughout last weekend Aurora area veterans were honored all across our cities and villages  in churches, schools, parades, parks and community centers - for their service to our country.

So it comes as no surprise I frequently hear from older vets that, more than ever, they feel the appreciation of a grateful nation.

As one U.S. Army veteran told me, hes received more thank you for your service greetings in the last few years than he did in all the decades since he was drafted during the Vietnam War.

John Harris plans for last weekend, it turned out, not only included his granddaughters Veterans Day concert on Friday and another event at the American Legion the following day, he was also going to take advantage of coupons for a free haircut and a meal, compliments of a couple of businesses which likewise understand how critical those who serve in the military are to this country.

This senior gunner on a Vulcan air defense weapons system saw no combat, but he knows it was the luck of the draw that kept him from harms way. Still, they called me and I went, he said, which is why he feels no guilt or discomfort receiving accolades of appreciation.

Not every veteran feels the same. A recent Stars and Stripes story focused on a survey that indicated many vets, particularly those younger, do in fact feel awkward when people thank them for their service.

A surprising two-thirds of vets or active military members between the ages of 18 and 44 say that five-word greeting bothers them because as one put it, we dont want to be thanked for doing a job they signed up to do.

Those deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan also suggested the greeting sounded empty, as they are more than aware of how quickly the country lost interest in a war that dragged on for two decades.

Compare that to the 76% of older vets who saw the thank you messages as OK, or the most appropriate way to honor them, with most being Vietnam War vets who were often vilified and at times assaulted when they returned from Vietnam, especially when they ran into war protestors.

Vietnam combat veterans Ed Huss and Purple Heart recipient Camron Carter specifically mentioned those atrocious homecomings when they spoke at the 11th annual Veterans Appreciation program at Chapel on the Green in Yorkville Sunday afternoon.

They were joined by other veterans, including Richard Niles, who also experienced hostile conditions as an Army radio operator in Vietnam, from monsoon rains and mosquitoes as well as from enemy booby traps that claimed the lives of many in his platoon.

While the other veterans who spoke did not see combat, their unique services made for compelling narratives. Roger Tuttle, for example, was a member of the 48th Infantry Scout Dog Platoon out of Fort Riley, Kansas, from 1955 to 1962 in the Army and in the Reserves. His job was training and handling German shepherds that supported front-line infantry.

The story of the late Roger Weiss, who was an engine mechanic aboard a little destroyer in a big, big storm was read from a prepared speech he had planned to give at last years event until he became too ill. The Yorkville icon, as he was referred to by emcee and Air Force veteran Dick Randall, died in March.

Jeff Kline retired as a lieutenant colonel after 15 years of active duty and eight years in the Reserves specializing in transportation, which involved everything from loading ships to railcars to tanks and buses and convoy missions.

Cindy Niles, a fourth-grade Oswego teacher has served for more than 30 years with the Air National Guard, working in computer communications, logistics, aircraft maintenance and is now doing conflict resolution in the inspector generals office.

Neil Schilling, who enlisted in 1972 because he had a high draft number, was hospitalized due to complications from a bacterial infection much of his eight months on active duty, but signed up for the Army Reserves after graduating from North Central College in Naperville because I felt an obligation to finish my duty, and served another 22 years, much of it as a cook for thousands of hungry soldiers.

My service was not something to shout about. I was never deployed, said a humble Schilling, praising the Reservists who did one, two, three tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.

But I was there.

He was, indeed.

I was not surprised that several of the veterans who spoke made it a point of downplaying their own service while singling out the heroics of the ones who witnessed the ugliest side of war. Yet, even those combat veterans will be the first to insist each person who served deserves equal thanks and equal recognition.

Ensuring freedom, as several pointed out, includes deterrence as well as defense.

Which is why this veterans appreciation event in Yorkville, which continues to grow since it started almost a dozen years ago, specifically focuses on highlighting the many unique and important ways to serve our country.

And what could be more relevant at a time when military recruitment is at a critical low even as tensions around the world are so dangerously high.

Its about looking at the big picture, insisted Army veteran and Vietnam Purple Heart recipient Rick Gardner, who is co-president of the Fox Valley Veterans Breakfast Club and who understands the many different emotions felt by veterans and active military of all ages.

Greg Hazen is not a vet, but he was among the nearly full house who attended this veterans recognition program because he does see that big picture. Which is why, when he says thank you for your service, he means it from the bottom of his heart.

As far as Im concerned, Hazen said, as soon as you sign on that dotted line, you deserve my respect and my thanks.

dcrosby@tribpub.com
FIRST ON FOX: House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer and House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan subpoenaed former White House Counsel Dana Remus to appear for a deposition and requested transcribed interviews from several other officials with knowledge of President Bidens alleged improper retention of classified records, Fox News Digital has learned.

Comer and Jordan subpoenaed Remus Monday.

Comer first requested she appear for a transcribed interview before the House Oversight Committee in May. That request came after the panel obtained information that they said "contradicts important details from the White Houses and President Bidens personal attorneys statements about the discovery of documents at the Penn Biden Center, including the location and security of the classified documents."

COMER DEMANDS ANSWERS ON WHETHER BIDEN CLASSIFIED RECORDS MENTION COUNTRIES RELATED TO FAMILY BUSINESS DEALS

WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 13: White House Counsel Dana Remus (L) and Deputy Chief of Staff Jennifer O'Malley Dillon depart the White House on July 13, 2021 in Washington, DC. Remus and Dillion are accompanying U.S. President Joe Biden as he travels to Philadelphia where he will deliver a speech about protecting the right to vote at the National Constitution Center.

Comer has described Remus as a "central figure in the early stages of coordinating the packing and moving of boxes that were later found to contain classified materials." Comer, in May. Said Remus could be a witness "with potentially unique knowledge" about the matter.

Comer and Jordan also requested an interview with Annie Tomasini, a senior Biden aide and director of Oval Office Operations who took "inventory" of Biden's documents at the Penn Biden Center over a year before they were said to be found. Tomasini is a close friend of the Biden family, and Hunter Biden.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

They also requested an interview with Anthony Bernal, a senior advisor in First Lady Jill Bidens office and Ashley Williams, a special assistant to the president and deputy director of Oval Office Operations; and Katharine

Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee.

House Republicans identified Remus, Bernal, Williams, Tomasini and an unknown staffer, in addition to Kathy Chung, a top aide to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, as individuals who made multiple visits to the Penn Biden Center and were involved with the retrieval of boxes of documents and materials ahead of early November 2022, which was when Biden's personal attorneys "unexpectedly discovered Obama-Biden documents" in a locked closet at the Biden think tank.

BIDEN INTERVIEWED BY SPECIAL COUNSEL ABOUT CLASSIFIED DOCUMENTS

Biden attorneys claim that classified documents were first discovered at the Penn Biden Center on Nov. 2, 2022, but Comer has pointed to contact between Remus and Cheung dating back to May 2022.

Comer has questioned Remus timing of first contacting Chung, flagging that the first contact on May 24, 2022, was "notably" the same day the Justice Department had dated a subpoena return date for former President Donald Trump to turn over any classified records being held at Mar-a-Lago.

Remus left the Biden administration last year and joined Covington & Burling LLP as a partner.

"Facts continue to emerge showing that the White Houses narrative of President Bidens mishandling of classified documents doesnt add up," Comer, R-Ky., said. "It is imperative to learn whether President Biden retained sensitive documents related to any countries involving his familys foreign business dealings that brought in millions for the Biden family."

HOUSE OVERSIGHT DEMANDS EX-WHITE HOUSE COUNSEL DANA REMUS TESTIFY AS PART OF BIDEN CLASSIFIED RECORDS PROBE

Chairman James Comer, R-Ky.

"The Oversight Committee looks forward to hearing directly from Dana Remus and other central figures to further our investigation into President Bidens mishandling of classified documents and determine whether our national security has been compromised," Comer continued.

And Jordan, R-Ohio said the subpoenas and interview requests is part of the House's effort to hold the Justice Department and the president accountable.

"President Bidens mishandling of classified documents, including the apparently unauthorized possession of classified material at a Washington, D.C. private office and in the garage of his Delaware residence, raise serious concerns about his mishandling of sensitive intelligence information and his Department of Justices double standard of justice," Jordan said. "Todays subpoena and transcribed interview requests represent another step in holding President Biden and the DOJ accountable."

Comer, Jordan and House Ways & Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith, R-Mo., are leading the House impeachment inquiry against President Biden.

"This is just the latest example of President Biden's willingness to skirt the law in order to hide the truth," Smith told Fox News Digital. "If the President himself was illegally holding classified material for some purpose, the American people deserve to know what that purpose is--and whether it constitutes an abuse of office."

Smith added that the Biden administration "hasn't hesitated to scrutinize political opponents' use of classified materials, and he should be held to the same standard."

WEISS SAYS HE 'WASN'T GRANTED' SPECIAL ATTORNEY AUTHORITY IN HUNTER BIDEN PROBE DESPITE REQUEST: TRANSCRIPT

Meanwhile, the subpoenas also come after Comer, last month, demanded answers from Special Counsel Robert Hur, who is investigating Bidens alleged improper retention of classified records, on whether the sensitive, classified documents Biden retained were related to specific countries countries that were involved in his familys lucrative foreign business deals.

Comer is investigating the Biden familys foreign business dealings as part of the House impeachment inquiry, as well as Bidens alleged mishandling of classified documents.

President Joe Biden on Feb. 24, 2023

Comer also requested from Hur a list of the countries named in any documents with classification markings recovered from Penn Biden Center, Bidens residence, including the garage, in Wilmington, Delaware, or elsewhere; and a list of all individuals named in those documents with classification markings; and all documents found with classified markings.

Biden sat down for an interview with Hur last month.

HOUSE OVERSIGHT SUBPOENAS HUNTER BIDEN, JAMES BIDEN, ROB WALKER FOR TESTIMONY AMID IMPEACHMENT INQUIRY

"As we have said from the beginning, the president and the White House are cooperating with this investigation, and as it has been appropriate, we have provided relevant updates publicly, being as transparent as we can, consistent with protecting and preserving the integrity of the investigation," White House spokesperson for investigations Ian Sams said after the president's interview with the special counsel.

CLICK TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Hurs investigation comes after a batch of records from President Biden's time as vice president, including a "small number of documents with classified markings," were discovered at the Penn Biden Center by the president's personal attorneys on Nov. 2, 2022.

Additional classified records were discovered at President Bidens Wilmington home in January. After that discovery, Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed Hur as special counsel to investigate the matter.





Original article source: Comer, Jordan subpoena former White House counsel for testimony related to Biden's classified docs
House Oversight and Accountability Committee Chair James Comer (R-Ky.) on Monday issued a subpoena to former White House counsel Dana Remus in connection to the committees investigation into President Bidens handling of classified documents from his time as vice president.

Comer is asking Remus to sit for a deposition for the committees probe over the classified documents found at Bidens home and an old office.

He is also requesting transcribed interviews with four White House employees: Annie Tomasini, Anthony Bernal, Katharine Reilly and Ashley Williams.

Comer, in the subpoena, says Remus had knowledge of why White House personnel began to visit with frequency Penn Biden Center in 2022, where classified materials, including materials related to Ukraine, were later discovered.

Classified documents stemming from Bidens time as vice president have been found at his Wilmington, Del., residence and at a University of Pennsylvania office in Washington, D.C., that Biden used after the end of the Obama administration.

Those documents were found by officials clearing out the office last November, according to the White House, but it was not publicly disclosed until January.

Attorney General Merrick Garland in January appointed Robert Hur as a special counsel to look into the matter, and the White House confirmed earlier this month that Biden sat for an interview with Hur in connection to the investigation.

The subpoena says that the Oversight Committee is looking for answers on the timeline of events leading up to the date the White House said the classified documents were discovered.

At the center of the subpoena is the question of why Remus contacted Kathy Chung, a Defense Department employee who was an assistant to Biden when he was vice president, in May 2022 about classified documents.

Specifically, the Committee seeks clarification regarding the timeline of events prior to November 2, 2022 (the day, according to the White House and the President Bidens personal attorney, documents were discovered at Penn Biden Center), the security of the documents in the Penn Biden Center before and after Ms. Chung packed them, and President Bidens history of potentially mishandling classified material, according to the subpoena.

The subpoena also questioned why Remus was involved. Remus served as White House counsel between Bidens swearing in and July 2022.

The Committee questions whyif there is a valid reason why White House Counsel would be the appropriate coordinator of this taskthe Presidents personal attorneys assumed responsibility for the task after your departure in July 2022, instead of your successor as White House Counsel, according to the subpoena.

Facts continue to emerge showing that the White Houses narrative of President Bidens mishandling of classified documents doesnt add up, Comer said in a statement.

It is imperative to learn whether President Biden retained sensitive documents related to any countries involving his familys foreign business dealings that brought in millions for the Biden family, he added.

Ian Sams, the White Houses oversight spokesperson, dismissed the subpoenas as the latest example of House Republicans extreme efforts to undermine the rule of law and interfere in ongoing Justice Department investigations.

Instead of doing their jobs to fund the government and avoid yet another extreme and dangerous government shutdown of their own making, House Republicans are focused on a baseless fishing expedition just to try to smear the President for political purposes, Sams said.

House Judiciary Committee Democrats similarly slammed the move in a social media post, saying that the House GOP should be focused on avoiding a government shutdown.

Instead of trying to prevent a government shutdown that threatens to tank our economy and hurt working families, MAGA Republicans are writing (more) strongly worded letters. Why arent they focusing on the priorities of everyday Americans? they wrote in the post on X, formerly Twitter.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Valery Zaluzhnyi, Commander-in-Chief of Ukraines Armed Forces, together with other Ukrainian military commanders, discussed the search for technological solutions to gain superiority over the Russian army with General Thierry Burkhard, the Chief of Staff of the French Army.

Source: Zaluzhnyi on Facebook

Details: Serhiy Shaptala, the Ukrainian Chief of the General Staff, Mykola Oleshchuk, the Air Force Commander, and Oleksiy Neizhpapa, the Navy Commander, also participated in the conversation.

Quote: "We discussed the importance of continuing to search for technological solutions in gaining an advantage over the enemy in the air, in terms of remote mine clearance and firing on enemy targets.

We also touched upon the issues of strengthening air defence capabilities, training our servicemen and restoring the combat capability of our units."

Background:

In an interview with The Economist, Zaluzhnyi stated, in particular, that the situation at the front has reached a stalemate, when neither side can advance because they are technologically equipped at the same level. The general says the situation reminds him of the First World War.

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Russian forces have lost over 4,000 soldiers and 500 pieces of equipment in fighting on the eastern front in Ukraine's Kharkiv and Donetsk oblasts, Ground Forces Commander Oleksandr Syrskyi said on Nov. 14.

In particular, Russian forces have reportedly been relentlessly attacking around Kupiansk, as well as to the north and south of the ruined city of Bakhmut.

Despite Russian attempts to "seize the initiative" by launching counterattacks, Syrskyi said that Ukrainian defenders from the Khortytsia group have held their ground and inflicted heavy casualties.

Russian forces have increased their use of attack drones, but Syrskyi said that the "enemy is losing its offensive capabilities every day."

Syrskyi said on Nov. 12 that Russia was intensifying its attacks near Bakhmut. The ruins of the city were seized by Russia in May 2023 after almost a year of some of the most intense urban combat since the beginning of the full-scale invasion.

Nonetheless, fighting around the city has continued since then, with Russia being unable to consolidate its hold on the city and its surroundings.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Media reports Defense Ministry to dismiss 3 commanders, ministry rebuffs claim

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Editor's note: The article's headline originally cited Breton saying that the EU will be able to produce 1 million artillery shells per year. It has been updated after later media reports clarified he referred both to artillery shells and missiles.

European Commissioner Thierry Breton said that the EU is capable of producing 1 million artillery shells and missiles per year for Ukraine by spring, provided enough effort from member states, Ukrinform reported on Nov. 14.

This would be a positive sign for the EU's pledge to provide Ukraine with 1 million artillery shells.

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba and German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said earlier that the EU's plan to provide Ukraine with a million shells within a year will likely miss the March 2024 deadline.

However, according to Breton, the EU has increased its ammunition production by 20-30% since February and should be able to produce 1 million shells and missiles annually by next spring.

Although the bloc has sufficient capacities, the fulfillment of the target depends on individual members, Breton added, according to European Pravda.

Notably, Kuleba said that the EU does not lack the political will, but the shell delivery is hampered by the "lamentable state" of the European defense industry.

Read also: Investigation: EU inability to ramp up production behind acute ammunition shortages in Ukraine

"I am responsible for the production capacity of ammunition, so I can confirm that the goal of producing more than a million ammunition rounds annually... can be achieved," Breton said.

"It is the member states who must place the order for this ammunition, who must produce it, and who must ensure that it is produced primarily for Ukraine. All this is in the hands of the member countries," the European commissioner for the internal market said before meeting EU defense ministers.

According to a plan approved by the EU in March, the bloc would provide Ukraine with a million shells within a span of one year. The first step of the program involves reimbursing supplies from member states' own stocks, the second step is joint purchase of new munitions.

On Nov. 13, the EU's top diplomat, Josep Borrell, said that the bloc had completed the first step of the program by delivering some 300,000 shells from EU arsenals.

According to Borrell, the next step will depend on how fast the contracts can be drawn and the speed of industrial production. He also suggested rerouting some of the European munitions earmarked for third-party countries to Ukraine.

The bloc's plan to ramp up shell production to boost Ukraine's artillery capabilities has been plagued by bureaucracy and protectionism of individual countries, an investigation by the Kyiv Independent and its partners revealed.

Ukraine's need for munition supplies becomes ever more pressing as Russia is boosting its defense budget for 2024 and was reportedly able to secure over 1 million shells from North Korea, while political infighting in Washington causes cutbacks in U.S. military support for Kyiv.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  A Dover woman who claims she lost control of her property after signing a blank piece of paper, has filed a complaint with the state about the notary public who was involved in the transaction.

The 3.5-acre piece of land with a small home on it was inherited by the four children of the previous owners. According to a number of online sites, it is worth about $250,000.

Susan Eatman, one of two surviving heirs, said she was approached by Mark Oliver earlier this year. According to Eatman, Oliver asked her to sign a blank piece of paper to show good faith in his request to lease part of the land.

Investigators found dozens of punctured drug vials on Hillsborough Co. Fire Rescue units

Eatman said she repeatedly told him no, but eventually relented and signed the paper. Eatman claims her signature ended up on a quit claim deed that allowed Oliver to replace her name on the deed with his name.

According to Hillsboro County Sheriffs Office investigators, Oliver was seen in April on surveillance video filing the document at a county office.

Oliver has declined multiple requests for comment and denied he did anything wrong in court documents related to a civil lawsuit Eatman filed.



Eatman and her boyfriend, Randy Locklear, have been fighting for months to get the property back in her name, but almost gave up before turning to 8 On Your Side.

Hate to deal with it. Thought about saying just forget it, Locklear said. We cant do that. Not when somebody does this to you.

State law requires quit claim deeds to be notarized and signed in the presence of two witnesses.

Eatman filed a complaint with the Notary Section of the Office of the Governor alleging notary Gaeby Doherty violated several regulations.

One stack capped, three to go after $75 million spent following Piney Point disaster

Witnesses were not present for the signing but were added later, the complaint states.

A sheriffs office offense report containing details of an interview with Doherty states she acknowledged the witnesses were not present when the document was signed.

Doherty has not responded to requests for comment. She has not been charged with a crime.

Eatman also alleges the notary lied about the parties providing drivers licenses during the process.

She said that I showed her my drivers license, Eatman said. I didnt even take it out of my purse.



The incident was investigated by the Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office and was passed on to the States Attorney for review of alleged charges of Grand Theft First Degree and Uttering a Forged Document.

A states attorney spokesperson said the case is active but there are no charges.

Oliver has declined multiple requests for comment. In court paperwork tied to Eatmans civil lawsuit, he denied he did anything wrong and claimed he paid Eatmans sister Jacquelyn White $40,000 and provided other services for her.

Someone dropped the ball: Mistake leaves disabled veteran without insurance after Idalia floods home

White, whose name was also removed from the deed, lives in the home on the proerty. She has not responded to requests for comment.

Olivers attorney Bryant Camareno emphasized Oliver has not been charged with any crime.

Eatman said she never wanted to sell the property and did not receive any compensation after her name was removed from the deed.

Locklear said he came within minutes of stopping the transaction with a notice of revocation, but arrived at the clerks office right after the quit claim paperwork was filed.



Weve done everything we can possibly do but its really, really been nerve racking, Locklear said. Its been terrible. I have gone without sleep for months.



For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
(BCN)  The Concord City Council on Tuesday will host a study session on a conceptual land use plan to develop the former Concord Naval Weapons Station land and drafting an outreach program. The city in September approved an exclusive agreement to negotiate (EAN) between the city and Brookfield Properties to develop the project.

The EAN allows for a 120-day initial negotiating period, to allow Brookfield to prepare and propose a term sheet to the city. A city staff report for Tuesdays meeting says Brookfield is preparing a conceptual plan and financial details for a term sheet that still needs to be negotiated with the city.

APEC: How to navigate traffic, street closures, and tow away zones

The study session will provide the council and the public the chance to hear and comment on Brookfields thoughts about a conceptual land use plan that could translate into a successful specific plan. Brookfield will also map out its current and future plans for community outreach and phasing of the project.

The council will provide input Tuesday but wont take any action on the project. The deal struck between Brookfield and the city in September specifies a 24-month period for the developer to complete a specific plan, environmental impact report, and a disposition and development agreement, all of which must be approved by the city.

If everything goes as planned, the city will seek the approval of the U.S. Navy  still the property owner  when the 24 months are up. The city selected Brookfield to be the projects new master developer in August.

Development of the site has been the citys biggest issue since the Navy abandoned it in 1999. The city wants to develop the available 2,350 acres into 13,000 units of housing and millions of square feet of commercial space. About half of the original 5,046-acre site will become a new park in the East Bay Regional Park District named Thurgood Marshall Regional Park  Home of the Port Chicago 50.

This is the third time the city has tried moving forward with a master developer for the former base. A deal with Lennar FivePoint collapsed in March 2020 when Lennar couldnt reach agreements with local labor unions, one of the citys conditions. The citys agreement with Seeno-owned Concord First Partners fell apart in January when the council rejected CFPs term sheet after community members widely criticized CFPs requests to amend the agreement, giving them early property rights and reimbursement of costs should the deal fall through.

The Concord City Council meets at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the council chamber at city hall, 1950 Parkside Drive in Concord. The meeting can be seen remotely at https://bit.ly/3FZprfq.

Copyright  2023 Bay City News, Inc.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
Congress now appears likely to avoid a government shutdown this week.

The plan to do so would trade a large shutdown now for two potential ones later on.

If this sounds dumb, it's because it is.

Government shutdowns are dumb. It is genuinely good news that the nation is likely to avoid one this coming Friday. And yet, this being Washington, America's elected officials have found an exceedingly idiotic way to fulfill one of their basic responsibilities.

Under a plan backed by House Speaker Mike Johnson, the federal government would be funded through the new year. After that, different agencies would face different deadlines for potential partial government shutdowns. For example, funding for the Pentagon and veterans would run out on January 19. Funds for the State, Justice, and Health and Human Services department would be extended until February 2.

In short, the plan to avoid a larger government shutdown now is to trade it for the possibility of setting up multiple smaller shutdowns in the future. It's why the lawmakers tasked with writing the legislation that funds the government have strongly dissed the idea. The White House even weighed in over the weekend before House Democrats started to warm up to Johnson's plan.

Here are just a few of the best quotes about the plan.

"That's the craziest, stupidest thing I've ever heard of," Democratic Sen. Patty Murray, who leads the Senate Appropriations Committee, told reporters.

Murray's Republican counterpart, Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, said she had " a lot of reservations" about it.

"You'd have to go through the threat of shutdowns of part of [the] government over and over again," Collins said, per Punchbowl News. "So, it doesn't seem to me to make a lot of sense. But I'm willing to hear more about it."

Sen. Chris Murphy, a Connecticut Democrat, said Johnson's approach sounded "gimmicky" but he would be open to it.

The White House deemed it an "unserious proposal." It's likely now President Joe Biden will sign it into law.

Despite their criticism, some of these same lawmakers may vote for the plan. For Democrats especially, Johnson's plan comes without the poison pills such as slashing a Cabinet secretary's salary to just $1 or restricting access to abortions that often accompany bills that fund just the Pentagon or a collection of other departments. It's also the same strategy that helped lead to former Speaker Kevin McCarthy's historic ouster.

On its face, the plan avoids Congress' holiday tradition of ramming through hundred-page bills funding the government crammed with other unrelated measures all to jam lawmakers eager to flee the Capitol to see their families. It's almost impossible for your elected officials to read every word of what they are voting for. To be clear, that too is a bad way to govern.

Lawmakers from both parties understand that shutdowns are dumb. The practice of holding everyone from service members to vacationers wanting to enjoy a National Park hostage is unseemly. (I should note here that former White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney, who also led the agency tasked with formally shutting down the government, thinks the Obama administration was too harsh in its handling of a 2013 government shutdown. But it is telling that we have reached a stage where triaging the fallout is the most likely outcome.)

The hostage-takers rarely get what they want. Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas didn't stop Obamacare. President Donald Trump didn't get more money for his border wall. And Republican Sen. Rand Paul's colleagues tore into him after he forced a brief shutdown in 2018.

"This is the stupidest thing to happen to Congress in three weeks," an unnamed Senate GOP aide told Politico at the time of Paul's move.

Trump might be responsible for the only great thing to come out of a recent shutdown. After funding runs out, both parties traditionally squabble over who is responsible for the calamity. But then there was Trump who boasted in the Oval Office in 2018 that he would "own" what was then a possible shutdown.

If it's bugging you, the stupidity has now become the feature. As I was writing this story about how Johnson's plan is the dumbest thing Congress has done, Sen. Bernie Sanders had to stop one of his colleagues from throwing down with a union boss. Then former Speaker Kevin McCarthy may or may not have elbowed one of his Republican critics in the back, and then bragged about how strong of a puncher he is.

After all, this is Washington, if something seems stupid now just wait a little bit. It will get dumber.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Gov. Spencer Cox speaks during a panel discussion about tolerance hosted by Cox and leaders of Tolerance Means Dialogues at the Utah Capitol in Salt Lake City on Oct. 30, 2023. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Tense disagreements on Capitol Hill boiled over Tuesday as U.S. lawmakers nearly came to blows on two different occasions.

Oklahoma Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin challenged union president Sean M. OBrien, with whom he had previously sparred verbally, to finish it here during a Senate hearing. Both men told the other to stand your butt up  to fight  before Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders deescalated the situation.

Shortly before the Senate scuffle, former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., was seen elbowing Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., in the back  their first interaction since Burchett voted to oust McCarthy in October. Burchett proceeded to run after the former speaker, according to witnesses, yelling, You got any guts? and You need security, Kevin!

McCarthy later denied kidney punching Burchett.

Meanwhile, Utah Republican Gov. Spencer Cox was speaking about countering toxic polarization with healthy dialogue at the second bipartisan gathering centered on his Disagree Better initiative as chair of the National Governors Association, where he was asked about the mornings congressional clashes.

This is a problem across our country, Cox told reporters. What were trying to do is encourage and inspire people to find a different path.

Today in Denver, @GovCox will lead the second roundtable of his NGA Chairs Initiative on the importance of healthy conflict. Learn more about the #DisagreeBetter initiative: https://t.co/HwmtA2EZfC pic.twitter.com/Izv50NYI9G  NGA (@NatlGovsAssoc) November 14, 2023

While Cox was cautious to speak on behalf of members of Congress, he said the fact that politicians are engaging in physical altercations is a sign of a societywide inability to solve problems through critical listening and inclusive reasoning, which heightens the prevalence of political violence.

Our elected leaders are a reflection of We, the people, Cox said. If we want to change this, we need to start changing what we post on social media every day, the way we engage with our own family members, of course, our college campuses. We can all do better at this.

What did Gov. Cox say about Disagree Better?

Teaching the countrys younger generation how to better engage with different ideas and see interlocutors as individuals with good reasons for believing what they do  instead of as enemies  was at the heart of Tuesdays event.

Cox hosted the daylong conference, consisting of multiple panels, Q&As and keynote addresses, with his vice chair, Gov. Jared Polis of Colorado. Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte and Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt were also in attendance. The event took place at the Westin Westminster hotel outside of Denver, Colorado.

Far from being a feel-good messaging campaign, Cox says his mission to provide a model for thoughtful debate and productive pluralism is an urgent effort to address what he calls the issue of our lifetime.

This is not just another civility initiative, Cox said. This is the only way we get it back together and save our country.

After serving as vice chair of the National Governors Association last year, Cox took up the mantle of chairman in July. With the role came the opportunity for Cox to advertise and mobilize a yearlong initiative of his choosing.

Cox, who has made a name for himself highlighting bipartisan communication, chose Disagree Better.

Amid historic highs in feelings of negative partisanship between members of the two major political parties, Coxs initiative aims to promote civil discourse, using the nations governors as examples through relatable videos, service projects and policy discussions.

Related

Asked Tuesday about what constitutes success for the Disagree Better campaign, Cox said they were watching page views on a series of ads involving bipartisan pairings of governors, as well as media mentions and how many governors they could get to participate in their projects.

Those types of metrics are really important. But ultimately this is work in the trenches, Cox said.

According to Cox, the true indicator of success is less easy to gauge. However, he cited numerous instances when individuals had reached out to him, saying his initiative had enabled productive conversations between them and estranged friends or family members.

Thats how we measure this, Cox said. Its one person at a time.

Teaching the next generation to Disagree Better

Tuesdays conference focused on how young people can be given tools in college, or earlier, to avoid ideological capture and to learn how to engage in meaningful disagreement and, occasionally, surprising agreement, with their opponents without resorting to violence.

If we can ground our young people in civic education and develop in them a sense of intellectual curiosity, humility, empathy and a willingness to see complexity, then we can gradually change the pervasive sense that people we disagree with are bad people or trying to destroy our country, Cox said.

The event featured panel discussions with university administrators trying to reinvigorate higher education in America, youth leaders expanding opportunities for school debate programs and constitutional and educational scholars seeking to innovate solutions to the countrys problem of polarization.

Related
Migrants and their belongings are pictured outside Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Nov. 1, 2023, in Oak Park where they are being given shelter. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)

The village of Oak Park has stepped up to offer aid to asylum-seeking migrants housed near the towns border with Chicago, with residents and municipal leaders making their calls for aid public and constant.

At an hours-long Village Board meeting last month, the migrant issue was at the forefront of discussions. The meeting came days before the village sprang into action, taking in dozens of asylum-seekers from camping-style tents setup for them outdoors and moving them inside  either into the village police station or a shelter provided by local churches.

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We are a village of 54,000 and we have hoped that Cook County would step up and lead an effort that we could participate in, that Chicago could lead an effort that we could participate in, Trustee Brian Straw said at the Oct. 30 board meeting.

[ Read our full coverage on Chicago's migrant crisis ]

Straw said its time for Oak Park to be a leader, and work on stepping out in front so we can bring along our neighboring communities.

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The goal should be for this to be a coordinated western suburban response, where we are not alone at the front, but linking arms with our neighbors, Straw said. But the only way to get there, when no else is willing to step out first, is to step out. And its time.

The next day, village leaders decided to open the police station to migrants who were housed outdoors as the air temperatures dipped and snow fell. A local church also stepped in and accepted families.

Then at a Nov. 2 special Village Board meeting, trustees expanded the aid, approving an emergency disaster declaration that allowed for quick action to provide more help and support for the migrants. The declaration, which is set to expire Dec. 4, also helps reallocate village staff members to help support migrants while also maintaining day-to-day operations, according to village officials.

While Trustee Parakkat acknowledged that this is a humanitarian crisis, he said he wouldnt support with taxpayer dollars but would if American Rescue Plan Act funding was utilized.

Village Manager Kevin Jackson said he determined money could come from the American Rescue Plan Act fund. Additionally, a large number of public comments from both Oak Park residents and other concerned citizens were delivered at the Oct. 30 meeting.

Cook County Board Commissioner Tara Stamps, D-1st Dist., said that this humanitarian crisis has divided communities along racial lines, and has received a different response than with the Ukrainian refugees.

Im gonna ask that we be who we say we are, that we be lovers of humanity, that we stand in the gap, and that we show up because we have to lead with love, Stamps said.

[ Migrant family journeys back to Venezuela, more leaving Chicago as winter looms: The American Dream doesnt exist anymore ]

Oak Park resident Derek Eder also voiced his support for the the village rendering aid.

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Lets show them that love wins over fear, and lets show them that diversity is strength. Lets show them that this crisis is actually an opportunity to enrich the lives of our new arrivals and to enrich the lives of our own village, Eder said. Lets show them what Oak Park really stands for.

Trustee Cory Wesley suggested the board look at things creatively and with innovation, and put forth an idea of eliminating the water bill for the St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy and St. Giles Parish in Oak Park that is aiding migrants, including offering showers, and has incurred a high water bill.

We really want to be involved here in Oak Park, its what we do, its in our DNA, its our values, its the statement on the door. Wesley said. I do think that in order for this to be as effective and scalable as it needs to be to help as many people as need to be helped here with this issue, we really need more than us.

Ryan Hudgins is a freelancer.

Pioneer Press staff contributed.
Connecticut Entrepreneur Runs This Cannabis Business With His Mother And Aims To Make An Impact On His Community | Photo: Morsa Images via Getty Images

A Connecticut man is finding success with a cannabis business hes operating with his mother.

Derrick Gibbs and his mother have already opened two Budr Cannabis locations in Connecticut. They also plan to open at least four other locations, CT Insider reported.

Gibbs started making plans for the business shortly after the state legalized Cannabis. The Connecticut businessman first applied for the states social equity cannabis program in order to get his venture started. However, Gibbs learned that he may not qualify for the program because he earns too much money. At the same time, Gibbs thought he could qualify for the program because he grew up in a neighborhood that was considered to be impacted by the war on drugs.

I qualified for it in terms of the neighborhood that I grew up in my entire life, but on an income standpoint, I did not qualify, Gibbs told CT Insider.

The cannabis entrepreneur turned to his family because he needed somebody who meets Connecticuts social equity requirements.

Each of the social equity applicants are family members of mine, those being my mother, her sisters and my cousins, Gibbs said. My mom still lives in the house she grew up in as a child.

Gibbs also needed financial partners. Thats why he connected with attorney Andy Glassman, who helped him find the resources he needed.

We take great pride in knowing that this was not just a file for us. We didnt just say, Oh, its a business opportunity. We said, We can help you put the pieces together that you need. We can counsel you on the law and we can make connections for you in the community,' Glassman told CT Insider. For us, the fact that weve now created this amazingly successful operation that looks like it really has a lot of wind at its back  We take a lot of pride in that.

Prior to starting his business, Gibbs was opposed to cannabis use. He was especially apprehensive because he felt that marijuana could lead to addiction.

I ran and still do today, a home health care company that provides services to elderly and disabled folks, Gibbs said. We have a pretty large mental health population and one of the things that our mental health population typically suffer from is addiction issues to alcohol or narcotics.

Gibbs, however, gained a different perspective after attending a seminar where he learned about how cannabis is used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder.

I thought that was very fascinating, because a lot of the patients that I service under my home health care company suffer from PTSD, depression, anxiety, isolation, he said. I think that was what got me over the edge of saying, I think this is a good product and I think it provides a lot of value.'

Now, together with his family, Gibbs is determined to make a difference with his business.

What we have been desperately trying to do is figure out ways that we can support these communities through the resources that we now have, he said
This is a photo of three students walking on a college campus.

This article was originally published in CT Mirror.

The state budget spending cap is expected to slam down on Connecticuts public colleges and universities next year, reducing course offerings and teaching posts while triggering further tuition and fees hikes.

As the emergency fund surpluses that kept higher education afloat during the worst of the coronavirus pandemic disappear, the cap is blocking advocates who wanted to replace that temporary aid with recurring state funding.

Faculty unions, students and legislators gearing up to protect the system will be bumping heads with Gov. Ned Lamont, whos become the chief defender of fiscal guardrails. Those restraints are designed not only to keep government spending in line with taxpayers wallets but also to whittle down the enormous debt that threatened state governments fiscal stability just one decade ago.

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And the administration says Connecticut simply cant maintain emergency funding levels indefinitely. All schools must adjust, and given the declining enrollment at many, the administration adds, it shouldnt be as difficult as some argue.

The students who are coming in now are going to lose so much, said Xander Tyler, an economics senior at Central Connecticut State University. Theyre going to lose more competent and passionate faculty. Theyre going to lose interest. Theyre going to lose services.

Xander Tyler is set to graduate from Central Connecticut State University next month. Throughout their time at their school, theyve noticed a decline in the faculty, programs, and student resources. (Shahrzad Rasekh / CT Mirror)

Were not getting close to [properly] serving the students who need us, said Colena Sesanker, a philosophy professor at Gateway Community College in New Haven and political director of the Local 1973 of the Connecticut Congress of Community Colleges, commonly known as the 4 Cs. We are the portion of the state budget that is most discretionary. What I find extremely strange is no one [among state policy makers] has even flinched.

The Board of Regents for Higher Education, which oversees the 12 community colleges, four regional state universities and online Charter Oak College, is projecting a $140 million deficitnext fiscal year, a gap equal to 11% of the entire system budget.

The University of Connecticut, the states flagship university, is facing a $70 million gap in 2024-25 for its main campus in Storrs and its satellite campuses.

Getting higher ed through the worst of the pandemic

Colleges and universities across the state watched enrollment drop as students initially fled campuses in 2020, and some were reluctant to live in dorms after that.

Lawmakers and Lamont responded by giving the Board of Regents system about $250 million last fiscal year from surplus and from federal pandemic grants.

This fiscal year, the funding from temporary sources is closer to $210 million. And according to the preliminary state budget for 2024-25, its about $76 million.

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Team Teaching Is the Best Use of ESSER Funds to Boost Student Learning after COVID

UConn is in a stronger fiscal position than the other higher education units. Its undergrad enrollment at Storrs and the regional campuses has bounced back beyond pre-pandemic levels after a modest dip in 2021. But it also needed and received extra funding, about $64 million in temporary funds, last fiscal year and $82 million this year. The preliminary 2024-25 budget would send UConn $31 million.

Lamonts budget director, Jeffrey Beckham, said government has provided a glide path to wean all higher ed units off this money. In other words, the temporary funds are retreating gradually, but most of it has to go away.

Tunxis Community Colleges budget for student resources is expected to see a decline in funding next year. (Shahrzad Rasekh / CT Mirror)

Everyone ought to be on notice, Beckham said. Weve got to get them back to more historic, reasonably funded block grant levels.

Lamonts budget chief insists universities and colleges should have known this money was temporary and planned accordingly, using it only to cover one-time and emergency expenses.

But higher ed leaders  and some legislators  say that simply makes no sense.

Most state officials knew the temporary aid was going toward ongoing expenses, like wages and benefits, and with good reason, said former House Speaker Richard J. Balducci, who chairs the Board of Regents Finance & Infrastructure Committee.

So-called temporary aid comprised one-sixth of the entire Board of Regents system budget last fiscal year. How could anyone assume that wouldnt be used on recurring expenses like salaries and financial aid? Balducci asked.

When Lamont and some legislators called last spring for significant reductions to higher education, it was pretty much a shock to everyone, he added.

And even as the governor and other officials were pushing colleges and universities to tighten their belts, they also were making that even task more difficult.

Lamont negotiated and legislators approved pay hikes and bonuses for unionized state employees that are complicating many agency budgets  including higher ed units.

Related

Schools Could Lose 136,000 Teaching Jobs When Federal COVID Funds Run Out

Central Connecticut State University is expected to see a decline in funding next year. (Shahrzad Rasekh / CT Mirror)

Between 2022 and 2025, workers, annually, are getting a 2.5% general wage increase and step increases that typically add another 2 percentage points to any wage hike.

The package also awarded unionized workers $3,000 in bonuses in the spring and summer of 2022.

All higher ed units combined had to find an extra $52 million this fiscal year to cover those pay hikes.

And Lamont and lawmakers also changed how the state budgets cover the fringe benefits for many college and university workers. Starting this fiscal year, most of those costs now are covered through the comptrollers office budget. At the same time, the state reduced its regular grants to higher ed units.

But higher ed lost more than it gained through this switch. UConn came up $60 million short for its Storrs and regional campuses and another $40 million for its Farmington-based health center.

The regional universities, community colleges and Charter Oak collectively lost $80 million.

Spending cap fits extra tight next year

Still, public colleges and universities arent the only ones with problems.

Over the last two years, Lamont and legislators have delivered one of the largest state tax cuts in modern history, focusing most of that relief on middle class households. The Democratic governor and legislative leaders from both parties repeatedly insisted that these cuts must remain in place, even if the national economic picture shifts.

Were very proud of the largest tax cut in the states history, Beckham said. We would not do anything to change that.

And while the nation has been able to avoid a recession this year, state governments short-term fiscal picture has shifted  not from excellent to horrible, but rather simply from excellent to good.

That makes all the difference, though, because the billions of dollars in annual revenue growth that made the recent tax cuts possible also generated the surpluses that helped provide temporary extra dollars to higher education.

A new report from state fiscal analysts Monday is expected to show that while Connecticuts finances remain in balance, the huge surpluses generated between 2018 and 2023 are going away.

Chart: CT MirrorSource: Office of the State Comptroller annual reports and year-end letters to governor, 2004-2023, adopted state budgets 2004-2023

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And then theres the spending cap.

The governor and legislators approved a preliminary state budget last spring for the 2024-25 fiscal year, and they will consider adjustments to it once the regular 2024 legislative session convenes on Feb. 7.

But the $26 billion first draft is under the cap by the narrowest of margins, less than $12 million  or 1/22nd of 1% all planned spending.

Further complicating matters, the current state budget, though still in the black, is facing nearly $200 million in cost overruns in various accounts, including $120 million in Medicaid.

Jeffrey Beckham, Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management; former Chief of Staff Paul Mounds; and Gov. Ned Lamont at the announcement of a budget deal on April 27, 2022. (Mark Pazniokas / CT Mirror)

Beckham said he expects those added costs will continue next fiscal year, meaning there already isnt enough room under the cap to accommodate them  let alone additional funds for higher education.

There is a mechanism for legally exceeding the cap. It requires the governor to declare a budget emergency and for 60% of both the House and Senate to agree. Connecticut hasnt voted to legally exceeded the cap since 2007.

There are other ways around the cap. Carrying forward surplus from earlier years is one  but you need to have a healthy surplus to do that.

Another option is called a revenue intercept. This accounting mechanism targets dollars before they arrive in the General Fund and assigns them for specific purposes. Because the cap only applies to budgetary appropriations, these dollars then could be used for a specific purpose, such as higher education, without counting against the spending cap limit.

But Lamont has opposed such maneuvers, arguing they fly against the spirit of the cap.

Still, the General Assemblys top leaders warned that while some efficiencies can be found, they wont allow higher education to be financially gutted.

Ive never viewed the cap as something that should stop us from funding critical services, said Senate President Pro Tem Martin M. Looney, D-New Haven. Nobody should be a purist.

No one is looking to have a budget adopted that leaves UConn and higher ed unable to perform their functions, added House Speaker Matt Ritter, D-Hartford.

Still, Lamont has a third reason to worry about the cap besides balancing the books and preserving tax relief.

Chart: (Gabby DeBenedictis / CT Mirror) Source: CT Office of Policy and Management

Connecticut is one of the most indebted states, per capita, in the nation, entering this year with about $88 billion in unfunded retirement benefit obligations and bonded debt.

Much of that stemmed from more than seven decades of inadequate savings habits and annual spending that often grew faster than taxpayers income.

Some lawmakers sometimes lose sight of the big picture, the governor said last week. The cap is certainly an important priority for a governor, he said. Sometimes for individual legislators, its not as much of a priority.

Juan Carlos Munoz Polvo, a student at Gateway Community College, advocated for the CSCU system to receive more funding from state lawmakers in April 2023. (CTN)

Asking students for more, trimming programs

Faced with stern opposition and evaporating aid, higher education officials say they dont have many options.

The Board of Regents voted last summer to raise community college tuition and fees. A full-time in-state student now pays $4,966, up 5.7% from the $4,700 charged last year.

And a tuition- and fee-hike schedule adopted last October raised the average cost this year for in-state students living on campus at the regional universities by 3%, from $13,795 to $14,210.

The regents also offered the system chancellors office to prepare a deficit mitigation plan to wipe away as much red ink as possible. Thats due to the full board on Wednesday.

Balducci said he believes the plan will focus on consolidation, trying to preserve as much as possible through efficiency.

Faculty union leaders fear the final picture will be grim.

We frankly dont understand how [state lawmakers] are not owning the loss of services that have already taken place and the reduction in quality of services that have already taken place, said Seth Freeman, president of the 4Cs. We just have the view that Gov. Lamont and the legislators are completely failing our students across the state.

Freeman added that the community college system already has been tightening its belt.

Related

COVIDs Missing Kids: How Connecticut Is Successfully Reengaging Absent Students

Northwestern Connecticut Community College in Winsted. (Stephen Busemeyer / CT Mirror)

Weve been able to do more with less for years, but now I think were doing less with less, he added. Were just reducing services now.

UConn raised tuition this fall as part of a five-year plan, bumping the annual cost for a full-time, in-state student attending Storrs by $660 or 4%.

And the universitys Board of Trustees is expected to vote in December on a proposal to increase housing and dining fees by 2.75% next year.

If approved, the full cost for a full-time, in-state student living on the Storrs campus would be $35,424 next fall.

Jeffrey Geoghegan, UConns executive vice president for finance, said the university has no further plans to boost tuition beyond the existing schedule.

He didnt offer specifics on how the university might deal with the potential loss of state funds.

As there is no one answer to address the FY25 state budget, we continue to focus on the options available to us, always striving to put students first and be an economic driver for the state of Connecticut, he said.

The library at CT Community Colleges Capital campus. (Jessika Harkay / CT Mirror)

Should universities and colleges be able to save as enrollment drops?

Beckham and others argue higher education should be able to get by with less and not have to ask students to pay more.

The budget director noted enrollment at the community colleges in particular has been on the decline since 2012 and dropped about 14% in the five years before the pandemic.

And according to the Board of Regents, community college enrollment, counting full- and part-time, stood at 33,752 students, down 2.6% from two years ago.

The regional state universities, with 21,185 undergraduate students this fall, are down 4% from two years ago.

UConn experienced a slight dip in enrollment at Storrs and its regional campuses in 2021. But the 24,356 students attending this fall is up almost 2% from pre-pandemic levels.

Beckham said all higher ed units must meet the needs of the market, preserve those programs most in demand and make hard choices elsewhere.

And hes not alone.

Minority Republicans in the state House and Senate pushed hard last spring to begin pulling back aid to higher education, also arguing that all systems  particularly those with declining enrollment  should be finding more savings.

And Sen. Cathy Osten, D-Sprague, co-chairwoman of the Appropriations Committee, said she expects her panel will be overwhelmed with demands for more funding early next year  and not just from higher education. Advocates for elder care and other Medicaid-supported programs, social services and elderly childhood development also are expected to make strong claims.

Osten added that its getting harder to justify maintaining funding for the community colleges in particular.

We just dont have students returning, she said. We need to figure that out.

Central Connecticut State University is expected to see a decline in funding next year. (Shahrzad Rasekh / CT Mirror)

But others say its more complicated than that.

For the community colleges, enrolling more students generates more Pell grant scholarship funds, which, in turn, helps the state to operate a system that allows nearly all students to graduate from that system debt-free.

And if programs are eliminated, will enrollment decline further?

When you lose students, these institutions are losing revenue, said Rep. Greg Haddad, D-Mansfield, co-chairman of the legislatures Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee. The institutions themselves are trying to right-size because of that lost tuition revenue, and to compound that by also reducing the state appropriation, I think, makes it a doubly hard revenue loss to deal with.

Balducci said the Board of Regents will try to cut costs strategically but not at the expense of affordability or the ability to offer core programs. Many students attend community college and then the regional universities because there is no other affordable plan for them to secure a college degree.

And if lawmakers cut too deeply, youre going to hurt the future leaders of the state, the future jobs of the state.

Tyler said they believe many of their fellow students at Central Connecticut State University chose it for its affordability. But during their 4 1/2 years there, theyve seen the impact of cutbacks on faculty, courses and student resources.

Im pretty sure the school went over a year without staffing for the LGBTQ center. For me, that was a huge devastating loss, Tyler said. I also had built meaningful relationships with professors who really invested in my growth and my learning, and then they just disappeared. They were here one semester, the next I come back, and theyre not there anymore.

This story was originally published in CT Mirror.
Satellite images show progress in the building of a factory in Russia that will mass-produce Iranian kamikaze drones. Moscow is expected to target them at Ukrainian energy facilities.

Source: Reuters with reference to a report from the Institute for Science and International Security

Details: Despite construction progress, neither the US nor its allies have imposed sanctions against the plant's owner, JSC Alabuga, and its associated companies.

The report said that a satellite image taken in mid-September showed that new building work at the plant "directly" matched a leaked floor plan of the building which the Washington Post had shared with the institute previously this year.

According to other leaked documents, the building will be used to mass-produce Iran's Shahed-136, which will include improving Iran's manufacturing processes "and ultimately expanding the drone's capabilities," the report said.

The satellite image also shows the construction of other facilities and new security fences with security gates, the message says.

Quote from the report: "With winter fast approaching ... Russia can be expected to accelerate its Shahed-136 attacks against Ukraine's vital energy infrastructure, causing brutal living conditions for the civilian population."

More details: "A key overdue step" for Washington is sanctions against Alabuga and its affiliated companies, the report says.

The White House, the Russian embassy and Iran's UN mission did not immediately respond to reporters' requests for comment.

The plant is located 500 miles (800 km) east of Moscow in the Republic of Tatarstan. JSC "Alabuga" is 66% owned by the federal government and 34% by the republic.

Background:

In April, the United States released a satellite image of the planned location of the drone factory, located in Russias Alabuga Special Economic Zone, about 960 km east of Moscow.

In July, US intelligence warned that once the construction of the Shahed drone factory in Russia is completed, it could have a significant impact on the war in Ukraine.

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Conversion therapy, a controversial practice aiming to change an individuals sexual orientation or gender identity, has long faced condemnation due to its severe consequences. Victims of this practice often suffer psychological trauma, depression, anxiety, and long-lasting emotional distress. Recognizing the urgency to end this harmful practice, a coalition of 28 influential mental health and medical organizations in the United States, known as the United States Joint Statement, has emerged as a formidable force.



A Coalition of Influence

The USJS, cofounded and codirected by Guy Albert and Jim Walker, has united organizations to eradicate conversion therapy.

Our coalition represents a powerful, united front in the fight against conversion therapy," Albert said in a press call last month. "We are bringing together the expertise and advocacy of 28 organizations to protect the LGBTQ+ community from these harmful practices.

Walker reflected on the coalitions development, saying, This journey began eight and a half years ago when we started drafting the USJS. Its the culmination of years of dedicated work to protect individuals from conversion therapy.

This historic coalition signifies a turning point in the battle against conversion therapy. It harnesses the collective influence of its member organizations to drive change and end this harmful practice.

During the call, Albert emphasized the significance of this united effort.

We are dedicated to ensuring that nobody is ever exposed to these harmful practices ever again, he said.

The Disproportionate Impact on Transgender and Gender-Diverse Individuals

Conversion therapy is particularly harmful to transgender and gender-diverse individuals, a grave concern highlighted by Carl Streed Jr., president-elect of the U.S. Professional Association for Transgender Health.

Transgender and gender-diverse people are disproportionately targeted for conversion therapy, leading to detrimental impacts on their mental and physical health, Streed said.

He further emphasized, Survivors of these harmful practices have had to navigate related trauma and the internalization of cis-heteronormativity during their lifetime.

The USJS recognizes the pressing need to ban conversion therapy and provide trauma-informed health care for survivors.

Promoting Cultural Competency in Mental Health Care

Leticia Flores, past president of the Association of Psychology Training Clinics, highlighted the importance of cultural competency and humility in mental health care. APTC supports the USJS because it aligns with its mission to promote cultural awareness and competency among mental health professionals.

Our clinics are typically associated with pre-doctoral graduate training programs in clinical community counseling and school psychology at accredited universities, Flores explained.

The USJS seeks to ban conversion therapy and advocates for cultural competency within the mental health and medical professions. This emphasis on understanding the intersectionality of diverse communities is vital in ensuring affirming care.

We respect and celebrate awareness, appreciation, and sensitivity toward all and encourage an appreciation of how political, economic, and societal influences affect individuals behaviors, Flores said.

A Survivors Perspective

James Guay, a licensed marriage and family therapist, cochair of the Born Perfect Advisory Committee and conversion therapy survivor, shared his harrowing experience during the press call. He sought conversion therapy as a teenager, driven by a deep fear of societal rejection and eternal damnation.

I grew up in an environment where I was told I was evil, an abomination, and that Id live in eternity in the worst kind of pain in hell, Guay said.

Guays story highlights the psychological abuse inherent in conversion therapy and the enduring trauma survivors must overcome.

Conversion efforts are insidious messages that LGBTQ people are unhealthy, evil, abominations, perverted, sex-obsessed, unhappy, and can never have long-term relationships," he said. "These are the messages that we receive as clients.

Guays testimony underscores the urgent need to protect LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly minors, from the harms of conversion therapy.

Advocacy and Awareness

The USJS intends to leverage its joint statement to advocate for legislative action and raise awareness about the harms of conversion therapy. The coalitions ultimate goal is to safeguard minors from these harmful practices and provide trauma-informed health care for survivors. California Democratic U.S. Rep. Ted Lieu, a key figure in the fight against conversion therapy, cosponsored a bill that seeks to utilize the Federal Trade Commission to address the harm caused by conversion therapy.

Lieus efforts demonstrate the importance of legislative action in ending conversion therapy. The USJSs joint statement reinforces the need for nationwide action to protect LGBTQ+ individuals and prevent further suffering.

So far, 21 states, the District of Columbia, and numerous cities and counties have barred licensed counselors from subjecting minors to conversion therapy. Protecting minors from conversion efforts has been the single most successful legislative issue in LGBTQ history in the shortest amount of time, Guay noted.
A convicted rapist accused of soliciting sex and child pornography from teen girls has pleaded guilty in Missouri, authorities said.

Thomas J. Bowles, 47, pleaded guilty on Monday, Nov. 13, to one count of sex trafficking of a child, two counts of coercion and enticement of a minor, one count of production of child pornography and one count of receiving child pornography, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Missouri.

The St. Charles County mans jury trial was supposed to start the same day, court records show. Bowles defense attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment from McClatchy News on Nov. 14.

In his signed plea agreement, Bowles said he repeatedly contacted a 16-year-old girl online from Jan. 1, 2020, to Aug. 20, 2020. He said he used several social media platforms and he used aliases, including the name Stacie.

These aliases prevented the teenager from learning she was actually talking to a registered sex offender, authorities said.

Bowles told the girl he wanted to become her sugar daddy, and he offered her money, clothes and a phone in exchange for sexual activity and pornographic photos and videos of herself, according to the plea agreement.

At some point, authorities said the girl sent him a video file considered child pornography. Investigators found the video on an Apple iPod Nano, according to court records.

Bowles also used Snapchat to talk with a 17-year-old girl, according to his plea.

While using an alias, he told the girl he wanted to mentor her in the modeling industry because she was beautiful, prosecutors said. He also told her he was her sugar daddy, according to court records.

In 2020, he and the 17-year-old girl met multiple times, authorities said.

He traded cash, liquor, clothes and prescription drugs for sexual contact with the girl, according to court records.

During two of their meetups, authorities said he engaged in sexual activity with the girl and took video recordings.

Bowles knew the girls were minors, authorities said.

In 2002, Bowles pleaded guilty to 12 counts of felony statutory rape and five counts of felony statutory sodomy in the Circuit Court for St. Louis County, authorities said. With this conviction, he was ordered to register as a sex offender.

In January through August of 2020, (Bowles) did not have his online identifiers, email addresses, social media accounts registered as is required under the sex offender registration laws, authorities said.

Prosecutors are requesting Bowles be sentenced to 40 years in prison, according to the news release. His sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 13.

St. Charles County is part of the St. Louis area.

If you have experienced sexual assault and need someone to talk to, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline for support at 1-800-656-4673 or visit the hotline's online chatroom.

Student finds convicted rapist sleeping under school piano, Oklahoma cops say

Worker punished after reporting Florida city hired registered sex offender, lawsuit says
An information war is running in tandem with the Israel-Hamas conflict on the ground (RONALDO SCHEMIDT)

Months after he was discharged from hospital, his right leg amputated, Mohammed Zendiq saw his image swirling online in a vicious disinformation campaign downplaying the horrors of the Israel-Hamas war.

The 16-year-old is one of many civilians on both sides caught in a haze of disinformation since Palestinian militants smashed through the highly militarised border on October 7, triggering an Israeli bombardment and invasion of Gaza.

The information war running in parallel with the deadly conflict on the ground has seen conspiracy theorists accuse ordinary Palestinians and Israelis of being "crisis actors" - feigning injuries and deaths to garner sympathy and demonise the other side.

An old video that shows Zendiq wounded in a hospital bed was falsely identified in multiple social media posts as depicting a Palestinian blogger who has chronicled the Israeli bombardment of Gaza.

The posts peddled the false narrative that the blogger had staged the injuries one day while walking around seemingly unharmed soon after.

"Palestinian blogger 'miraculously' healed in one day from 'Israeli bombing,'" an Israeli influencer said in one post viewed millions of times on X, formerly Twitter.

"Yesterday, he was 'hospitalised,' today, he is... walking like nothing happened."

But the posts conflated images of separate people, AFP fact-checkers determined, using reverse image and keyword searches.

One was Zendiq, who lost his leg in July during an Israeli raid in the occupied West Bank, according to his family. The other was an unrelated video blogger in Gaza named Saleh Aljafarawi.

Highlighting the real-world ramifications of wartime disinformation, the viral posts sparked an avalanche of online abuse targeting Zendiq, including comments asking why doctors did not cut off the teenager's second leg or kill him.

"I fear for my son's life," Zendiq's father Yousef Issam Fandqah, 50, told AFP. "He could get killed because of this lie."

- Fabrications -

Falsely accusing people of faking their suffering has become "one of the most predictable" disinformation tactics in a crisis scenario, said Mike Caulfield, who researches online falsehoods at the University of Washington's Center for an Informed Public.

Similar "crisis actor" claims have followed US mass shootings and Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

But such narratives have exploded with the Israel-Hamas war, in part because of a scaling back of content moderation at platforms such as X, experts told AFP.

Some of the most viral posts targeting war-afflicted Gazans have used the term "Pallywood", a derogatory label blending "Palestine" with "Hollywood."

"This trend initially emerged in the early days of the war, with a video revealing the behind-the-scenes of a film set and alleging it portrayed Palestinians fabricating injuries," Yotam Frost, from the Israeli disinformation watchdog FakeReporter, told AFP.

As the war progressed, Israelis were also caught up in the false narratives, Frost added.

AFP fact-checkers have debunked multiple "crisis actor" claims, which often misrepresent visuals from entirely different years and places.

Official Israeli accounts on X, including embassies, falsely charged that a video of a dead Palestinian child in fact showed nothing more than a doll wrapped in cloth.

Other accounts mislabelled footage of a 2013 protest in Egypt and a funeral preparation course in Malaysia as Palestinians acting out their own deaths.

A Thai mother's Facebook pictures of her young son in a Halloween costume ricocheted across social media alongside false claims that they showed a Palestinian "actor".

- 'Very dehumanising' -

"It's a set of recipes -- Find a couple pictures of people that look similar or sift through behind-the-scenes video of films and find something you can pretend is faking a war," Caulfield said.

"Crisis actor narratives often take the worst moment of a parent or partner's life -- the loss of a loved one -- and make a circus of it. It's cruel and exploitative."

Israel's relentless bombardment and ground invasion of Gaza has killed 11,240 people, according to Gaza's Hamas-run government.

It followed the Hamas attack on southern Israel -- the worst since the country's founding in 1948 -- which Israeli officials say killed about 1,200 people. Hamas militants also took about 240 hostages back to Gaza, the Israeli military estimates.

By discrediting the experience of those on the ground, the "crisis actor" allegations are polarising public opinion and risk stoking violence.

"If you believe these deaths are staged, you become more insensible -- or sceptical -- towards the atrocities of war," Alessandro Accorsi, a senior analyst at the International Crisis Group of analysts, told AFP.

"It is very dehumanising. It is clearly meant to sow doubts about civilian deaths overall and rally support for more violence and attacks."

bmc-ac/jts/srk/it/smw
Helen Matthews of Sheffield lives in a "proper English house", as she puts it. "So yes, flippin' freezing all the time."

Until, she hastens to add, she had triple glazing installed earlier this year. The old wooden-framed double glazing in her semi-detached home was taken out. The house is noticeably warmer, and quieter, now that the triple glazing is in place, she says.

"We used to feel a bit of a draught whenever we stood near the window," recalls Ms Matthews. "That's all gone, we don't feel any of that any more."

According to government data, the vast majority of British homes, more than 85%, have double glazing. Much works very well, but, in some cases, homeowners are finding that switching to triple glazing vastly reduces heat loss and boosts comfort.

The glazing industry is now gearing up for rising demand for these extra-insulating windows, especially post-2025, when new regulations could make triple glazing the standard in new build properties in England. Plus, a range of new technologies besides triple glazing currently at the research stage could drastically curtail heat loss through windows in the future.

"Everyone treated us like we were weird for wanting triple glazing," says Mrs Matthews. Even some salesmen tried to put her off. "They were like, 'Oh, double glazing's just as good'."

But she had done her research and was convinced the new windows would be worth the outlay. Triple glazing is not cheap - Mrs Matthews spent 13,500 replacing all her windows and two exterior doors - though she hopes using her heating less will save her money in the long run.

Another homeowner who spoke to the BBC, Hester McQueen in Edinburgh, also had to weigh up the cost of triple glazing recently. Replacing four windows in her semi-detached house in September cost around 6,000, and she wasn't sure how much of a difference it would make.

But the improvement has been "dramatic", she says: "The rooms are warmer, the temperature down the stairs seems to be more steady."

Mrs Matthews also finds that her windows help keep excessive heat out during the summer because triple glazing reduces solar gain.

The idea behind triple glazing is that an extra pane of glass and two separate cavities filled with air or a gas such as argon makes it especially hard for heat inside the home to escape.

Any building material you can think of will have a U-value, a measure of how easily heat passes through the material - the lower the number, the better.

Double glazing typically has a U-value of around 1.2, though U-values just below 1 are now possible for the centre pane of a double glazed window (the U-value including the frame may differ).

Triple glazing, however, can get down to below 0.5. It is considered relatively rare in the UK - the government says it does not have sufficient data to estimate how many homes have it - but things are changing.

"Home owners are asking more for triple glazing," says Phil Brown, technical advisory service manager (UK and Ireland) at Pilkington UK, a glass manufacturer. "We're seeing a shift towards that." The industry is increasingly investing in triple glazing manufacturing facilities, too, he adds.

Though still to be decided, incoming regulations in England could demand windows have a U-value of 0.8 or below. That would almost certainly make triple glazing standard for new builds from 2025 onwards.

Shift to triple glazing "inevitable" says Mark Norcliffe

This transition is more or less "inevitable", says Mark Norcliffe, managing director of Cornwall Glass Manufacturing, though he adds: "It's got to be affordable."

There are plenty of options for reducing heat loss through your existing windows even if you don't have a budget for replacing them - such as using thicker curtains, sealing up draughts at the edges of frames, and using insulating film.

A simple way of comparing the quality of windows on sale is to look at their energy ratings, suggests Brian Horne, technical knowledge lead at Energy Saving Trust. These ratings are on a scale from A to G, with the best possible rating being A+++. This captures not only the U-value of the glass but other factors, such as the quality of the frame, which greatly affects the overall performance.

Even double glazing has come a long way in the past 20 years, says Mr Brown, largely thanks to glass coatings. There are various approaches but one involves spreading a thin layer of silver onto the surface of a pane, to make it more reflective, which reduces heat loss. Silver is so reflective it could make the glass look like a mirror so, in order to retain transparency, metal oxides are mixed into the coating as well.

More technology of business

Pilkington has a glass product called energiKare that can achieve a U-value of 0.9 in a double glazed centre pane, for example.

There are lots of interesting glazing technologies besides triple glazing, says Hasila Jarimi at the National University of Malaysia. Some are already commercially available, such as vacuum glazing, where two panes are held very closely together but with a vacuum between them. "It's thin and at the same time it has a very good, low U-value," she explains.

However, vacuum glazing tends to be especially expensive.

Technologies at the research stage include glazing units containing aerogel - an extremely light, porous material that is an exceptionally good insulator. Aerogel is even more expensive, though, and glazing containing it tends to be translucent rather than perfectly clear, though researchers are working on improving this.

Corning has developed a triple glazing produce with an ultra thin middle pane

Reducing the thickness of triple glazing would make it far more accessible to homeowners who have double glazing currently, since they could simply switch the glazing without having to replace the frames as well. Glass giant Corning, which makes the glass used for iPhone screens, has developed such as product. The middle pane is an ultrathin sheet of super tough "Architectural Technical Glass", or ATG.

It's yet to become available in Europe but it could allow for U-values as low as 0.5 for the centre pane.

Separately, researchers at Loughborough University are working on water-filled windows. These require pipework to allow water to circulate inside the window pane cavity and could achieve U-values of around 0.4 for the window overall. The first pilot projects featuring this technology, including one potentially in the UK, are currently under discussion.

The thing to remember is that each house is different, stresses Philip Griffiths Professor of Building Physics at Ulster University, and replacing windows can be very expensive. While triple glazing could well become standard in the future, he adds that people must also properly ventilate their homes, to reduce condensation and damp, especially when retrofitting or sealing up older properties.

"If we are going to do this correctly, we've got to do this right," he says.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  The El Paso County Attorneys Office says it has temporarily shut down another massage parlor this month after investigations revealed the establishment was allegedly providing erotic services, employing unlicensed massage therapists, and engaging in other illegal activities.

County Attorneys Office temporarily shuts down massage parlor in far East El Paso

The County Attorneys Office says the massage parlor, Asian Spa, is located at 1212 N. Yarbrough Dr., Suite 308 in East El Paso.

The County Attorneys Office says the establishment has been the subject of complaints and investigations including undercover operations conducted by the El Paso Police Departments (EPPD) Vice Unit.

Evidence gathered during these operations revealed alleged instances of sexual contact,

prostitution, and the employment of unlicensed massage therapists which violates Texas law, the County Attorneys Office said.

Reviews from an erotic website corroborate these findings, the County Attorneys Office said.

Inspections conducted by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) in 2022 and 2023 uncovered other violations, such as the use of a room as a bedroom, which violates occupational code rules, according to the County Attorneys Office.

The evidence in the case was presented to the 448th District Court, and the request for a temporary restraining order was approved by the Judge Sergio Enriquez, according to the County Attorneys Office.

The establishment will remain closed at least until Monday, Nov. 20, when the court will hear evidence to consider the approval of a preliminary injunction.

The closure of Asian Spa Massage is part of an ongoing effort by law enforcement agencies and local authorities to address the issue of illicit massage businesses in the El Paso area. Our office remains committed to ensuring the enforcement of laws and regulations that protect the public and maintain the integrity of legitimate massage therapy establishments, the County Attorneys Office said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
ALLEGAN COUNTY  The Michigan Court of Appeals has upheld the conviction and sentencing of an Allegan County man, but agreed he shouldn't be forced to report to the states sex offender registry for one of his convictions.

Tyrione Isaiah Henriques was convicted in July 2021 of unlawful imprisonment, two counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct, domestic violence, torture and assault with a dangerous weapon following a four-day jury trial.

More: Allegan man convicted of imprisonment, torture of girlfriend

He was sentenced by Judge Margaret Bakker in November 2021 to prison for 8-15 years for unlawful imprisonment, 10-15 years for each CSC-III conviction, 93 days for domestic violence, 23-60 years for torture and 365 days for assault with a dangerous weapon.

In addition, Henriques was required to register with the state in conjunction with the Sex Offenders Registration Act for the unlawful imprisonment charge and both counts of CSC-III.

Henriques appealed his conviction on grounds of ineffective counsel. In a secondary appeal, he also appealed the requirement to register as a sex offender for the unlawful imprisonment charge, which he called non-sexual in nature.

In a Nov. 9 opinion, the Michigan Court of Appeals upheld the conviction and sentencing, but agreed with Henriques that he shouldn't have to register in accordance with SORA for unlawful imprisonment. The opinion was written by Brock A. Swartzle, Colleen A. OBrien and Kathleen A. Feeney.

Accordingly, we affirm defendants convictions and sentences, but remand to the trial court for entry of an order removing defendant from the sex offender registry for his conviction of unlawful imprisonment, it reads.

A hearing was held in September to address whether Henriques received ineffective counsel during his trial. At the hearing, the trial court found his counsels performance did not fall below an objective standard of reasonableness because it was a reasonable trial strategy. The appellate court affirmed that finding.

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Henriques raised several other issues in his initial appeal, which the COA addressed, once counsel was deemed effective. He argued the trial court erred by admitted certain testimony and said the sentencing for the torture charge wasn't proportional because the trial court didn't consider his age, 17, at the time of the offense.

COA judges disagreed with both of those claims.

 Contact reporter Mitchell Boatman at mboatman@hollandsentinel.com.

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Court upholds Allegan County mans imprisonment, torture convictions
Courteney Cox has shared a touching tribute to her funny and kind co-star Matthew Perry, shortly after Matt LeBlanc honoured the Friends actors legacy.

Perry was found dead at his home in Los Angeles on 28 October. He was 54.

Cox, 59, and Perry were cast as Monica and Chandler on the hit NBC sitcom, with the characters turning from friends to lovers over the 10-season run.

I am so grateful for every moment I had with you Matty and I miss you every day, Cox wrote on Instagram alongside a scene from the 1998 episode, The One with Ross's Wedding.

When you work with someone as closely as I did with Matthew, there are thousands of moments I wish I could share. For now heres one of my favourites.

To give a little backstory, Chandler and Monica were supposed to have a one-night fling in London. But because of the audiences reaction, it became the beginning of their love story.

In this scene, before we started rolling, he whispered a funny line for me to say.

He often did things like that. He was funny and he was kind, she wrote.

Coxs tribute comes hours after LeBlanc, 56, shared a tribute of his own.

LeBlanc played Chandlers best friend Joey on Friends. The actor shared a series of stills from the show on Instagram alongside the caption: It is with a heavy heart I say goodbye. The times we had together are honestly among the favourite times of my life.

It was an honour to share the stage with you and to call you my friend. I will always smile when I think of you and Ill never forget you. Never.

Spread your wings and fly brother youre finally free. Much love. And I guess youre keeping the 20 bucks you owe me.

LeBlanc was the first of the core Friends cast to pay tribute individually to Perry on social media.

In the emotional aftermath of his death, the lead stars released a joint statement asking for time to process this unfathomable loss.

They wrote: We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just cast mates. We are a family. There is so much to say, but right now were going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss.

In time we will say more, as and when we are able. For now, our thoughts and our love are with Mattys family, his friends, and everyone who loved him around the world.

Perrys 3 November funeral service at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in the Hollywood Hills was attended by all of the core Friends cast members, including Jennifer Aniston, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer, Cox, and LeBlanc.

Earlier this week, Perrys death certificate was released by the Los Angeles Police Department.

According to the paperwork, his cause of death remains deferred pending further investigation, after initial toxicology tests revealed there was no meth or fentanyl in Perrys system at the time of his death.
Councilwoman Toya Smith, D-2nd, makes a speech in this March 2022 file photo. Police are investigating the identity of the person who snuck a screenshot of a video with a racial epithet through an online meeting platform during the Highland Town Council meeting Monday night.(Andrew Burke-Stevenson/for the Post Tribune) (Andrew Burke-Stevenson / Chicago Tribune)

Highland Police are investigating the identity of the person who snuck a screenshot of a video with a racial epithet through an online meeting platform during the Highland Town Council meeting Monday night.

The Town Council had just sat down after the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer to start the meeting when a person using the name John Williams posted the screenshot through the meeting platforms image sharing feature. In it, a Black recording artist who goes by the name London Yellow is seen staring at the camera behind the epithet; the song itself repeats the epithet many times.

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Councilwoman Toya Smith, D-2nd, who is the only Black councilor, noticed the image 10 seconds after it was posted, though people watching the meeting remotely were said to have seen it on their screens immediately. Smith lost the Ward 2 race Nov. 7 to Republican Doug Turich.

Does that say, I dont like (N-word)? Like, really? Smith said, stunned. What?

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The rest of the council and audience members reacted with shock as soon as they realized what the image said. It remained on the screen for a total of 20 seconds as IT Director Ed Dabrowski searched for the button to eliminate it.

Did someone put that up there through file sharing? Council Attorney John Reed asked.

Thats ridiculous, Councilman Mark Schocke, R-3rd, said.

Smith waited until the meetings Comments from the Council portion to respond to the incident.

Im so disgusted right now that we cannot get past racism, the normally soft-spoken Smith said with anger. I sat there and watched that We dont like (N-word) on that screen for the longest before it was taken down  it wasnt a second, I watched it  and I was just going to wait and see who was going to say something.

Well, I want Highland or whoever put it up there to know that this (N-word) will be coming back. Im not defeated, but it is disgusting. And I want to thank the voters who allowed this (N-word) to make history, to serve, and Ill be back. But  even in my time, I never thought Id see something like this, and its disgusting it stayed up as long as it did.

Schocke then said he wanted to show his support for Smith.

What we saw earlier today was blatant racism, Schocke said. Its despicable. Its not welcome here, and we shouldnt tolerate it in any way. Whoever did this, youre not welcome here, and its a shame that in 2023, were still dealing with it.

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Toya, I feel for you. You shouldnt have to feel that way ever, Councilman Phil Scheeringa, R-5th, added. I think everyone up here loves you and knows that wasnt deserved at all.

Dabrowski apologized for the delay in getting the image off the screen, saying hed never had to fully disable the screen-sharing function before because no one had ever used it for nefarious purposes. The function will now remain disabled unless he approves otherwise, he said.

Dabrowski also said he was able to grab enough information to make a request to the software platform to release the persons identifying information, which he will turn over to Highland Police to handle. Highland Police Chief Ralph Potesta said hell file a report and assign a detective to the case.

Zoom bombing, where anonymous posters flood public meetings with racist comments and memes, have prompted municipal councils in North Carolina, California, and elsewhere to cancel public comment segment of their meetings.

The town was garnering criticism on Tuesday from employees and the public for leaving unedited video of the meeting up on its Facebook site. In a statement, Dabrowski and Council President Tom Black, R-4th, said the video would be taken down in due course but the incident happened during an open-door public session.

What we will not do is hide this persons disgusting, racist action by sweeping it under the rug, the statement read. For the moment, the video stands as a stark reminder that evil still lives among us, and that we must be vigilant in protecting our society from such heinous acts. The video will be taken down at an appropriate time and has been reported to the proper authorities for investigatory purposes.

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Smith isnt the only politician of color to experience racism in town. Former Town Council and State Senate candidate Martin Del Rio said he experienced it firsthand when he ran against Schocke in 2019.

When I ran for town council, I was marching with my supporters in the 4th of July Parade, and several people began yelling Go back to where you came from, and calling my 3-year-old son who was with me an anchor baby, Del Rio told the Post-Tribune. Even though Im a U.S. citizen born in Munster, a combat veteran and my son was only 3 years old at the time, it didnt stop them. My incident could easily be chalked up to drunk ignorant residents or maybe visitors from out of town. But with Councilwoman Smith, it seems to be more personal because of the fact that it mostly likely came from a resident, so she will never feel comfortable in her own community.

Smith said after the meeting that while she knows racism is lobbed at people every day, she has never experienced something so direct. She too believes the attack was meant specifically for her, even though she recognizes that would be hard to prove.

I feel like I was voted in, and now, the council is now back to five White guys. Thats why diversity training is so important, Smith said.

Michelle L. Quinn is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
Covid strain that killed 8,000 cats found in UK. Here are the symptoms and warning signs to look out for

A deadly and highly infectious strain of coronavirus that killed 8,000 cats in Cyprus has made its way to the UK, scientists have said.

A cat that was brought to the UK from the Mediterranean island was found to be infected, after it developed symptoms and was sent for tests and treatment by its owner.

The strain has been identified as a new hybrid of existing feline coronavirus and canine coronavirus and is called F-CoV-23, while it is not linked to Covid-19.

Symptoms for the coronavirus include mild diarrheoa and lethargy, yet in the majority of cases cats display no symptoms at all, which makes it difficult to diagnose and treat.

However, one in 10 cases mutates into the virus feline infection peritonitis (FIP), which is often deadly and causes a loss of appetite, jaundice and anemia.

There is no evidence this disease can spread to humans and dogs (Nick Ansell/PA) (PA Archive)

It is estimated that this new virus was responsible for an outbreak in Cyprus, although reports suggest that the number of killed cats could be more than 300,000.

In a desperate attempt to curb the outbreak, Cypriot officials authorised human Covid treatments on cats to be used in August.

However, scientists from the Royal Veterinary College, the University of Edinburgh and the Cypriot government found that the British case had the same genetic fingerprint as 91 of those in Cyprus.

In the study, which has been published before it has been peer-reviewed, the scientists warn there is a significant risk of the outbreak spreading further.

This is exemplified by the recent confirmation of a first UK-imported case with further investigations into other cases ongoing, they add.

It also found that the combination of canine and feline coronaviruses  which includes the cat virus gaining the dog pathogens spike protein  has led it to become more infectious.

Cats diagnosed with feline infection peritonitis, which is caused by the coronavirus, become lethargic, and commonly suffer from a fever, a swollen abdomen and inflammation.

It is almost always fatal unless treated, while a veterinary drug called GS-441524 can treat FIP effectively if given early but is currently expensive.

While they are effective, it is currently illegal for vets to use human Covid drugs, such as remdesivir and molnupiravir, to treat a cat with FIP in the UK.

Experts have said there is no evidence that dogs or humans can be infected, while there is no reason for worried cat owners to keep their pets inside and away from other animals at present.

Dr Alexandros Chardas, Lecturer in Veterinary Anatomic Pathology, and Dr Sarah Tayler, Lecturer in Small Animal Internal Medicine, both at the Royal Veterinary College, told The Independent: If the cat has not travelled to Cyprus or been in contact with other cats that have visited Cyprus, the risk is minimal.

Given the low density of stray cats in the UK, the likelihood of FCoV-23 spreading is considered to be low. However, catteries, rehoming centres, pet hotels, and veterinary practices should remain vigilant and informed about this emerging virus.

The cats develop the classic signs of FIP with enlarged abdomen and can also be off their food. Occasionally, they may display neurological clinical signs or experience difficulty breathing. In the presence of suspected clinical signs, owners are advised to promptly contact their veterinarian for assessment and guidance.
If you see a canine animal in your yard at night, you might think its a dog or fox. But especially in the cooler months, the creature could be a coyote.

While coyotes can kill pets and livestock, like goats or calves, they are generally not dangerous to humans. Usually weighing between 30-45 pounds, coyotes are most active from dusk to dawn.

Learn why youre encountering these predators in your neighborhood and how to keep them off your land.

Why are coyotes in South Carolina?

Coyotes only came to South Carolina in the 1970s  when they lost their native habitats in the Midwest, they migrated east. Since coyotes dont have natural predators here, like wolves, they took hold.

Myrtle Beachs rapid development has contributed to increased coyote sightings, said Jay Butfiloski, the Furbearer Project Leader with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources in Dec. 2022. As you get more people moving into the state, theres more potential for interactions.

Why do I see coyotes during cooler months?

Coyote sightings during fall and winter have to do with changes in human and coyote behavior, said Butfiloski this week. More people are out and about after dark after the end of daylight savings time, making them more likely to spot the nocturnal predators. Forest-dwelling coyotes are more visible when surrounded by leafless trees.

During the cooler months, coyotes venture out because food is sparse, mating season is about to begin and young animals are finding their own territory.

How do I keep them from coming on my land?

The best way to get coyotes off your property is to avoid attracting them in the first place.

Coyotes are very resourceful, so they are going to find food when they can, Butfiloski said in December.

Spraying your property with homemade or store bought remedies can work temporarily, but if the coyotes are hungry enough, theyll ignore the strong scent. Fences can deter coyotes, especially tall, wooden fences, but some animals will jump or dig under them.

Here are some tips to keep coyotes away:

Keep pets and pet food indoors. If your pets cannot go inside, put their food away overnight.

Take down your bird feeders. Coyotes will not only eat the birdseed but also the small animals.

Avoid keeping garbage outside and put trash out the morning of collection.

Can I hunt coyotes?

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources encourages hunting coyotes to protect the deer population. You do not need a license to shoot or trap a nuisance coyote within 100 yards of your house, as long as discharging a firearm is permitted in your area.

If you have a hunting license, you can hunt coyotes on private property year round. Trapping coyotes is allowed with a license during trapping season  Dec. 1 to March 1. For added incentive, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources tags a limited number of coyotes each year. If you shoot or trap a tagged coyote, you will receive a free lifetime hunting license.

In urban and suburban areas, check with your local ordinances before discharging a weapon.

SCDNR estimated that in 2022, hunters and trappers killed almost 26,000 coyotes in South Carolina, successfully bringing the states coyote population down by 40% since 2011.
Although hes not running for president, were still stuck with him as our U.S. senator, Christale Spain, chair of the South Carolina Democratic Party, told theGrio.

Though Tim Scott has suspended his 2024 campaign for president, Democratic critics tell theGrio he still poses a threat to Black voters as a remaining U.S. senator and potential vice presidential nominee for the Republican Party.

Although hes not running for president, were still stuck with him as our U.S. senator, Christale Spain, chair of the South Carolina Democratic Party, told theGrio.

U.S. Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) speaks during the NBC News Republican Presidential Primary Debate at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County on Nov. 8, 2023, in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Spain said that while she was surprised by the timing of Scotts announcement, she was not surprised he dropped out of the race. Though Americas most prominent Black Republican fashioned his campaign as one of optimism, the Democratic Party chair said, Theres nothing optimistic about what hes fighting for.

She added, Hes fighting to ban abortion, cut taxes nationwide for the wealthy, and just leave working families behind.

Democrats like Jaime Harrison, chair of the Democratic National Committee, ridiculed Scott for his inability to last through the primary cycle in his state of South Carolina.

However, Markus Batchelor, national political director for the progressive advocacy group People For the American Way, called Scott an embarrassment for the role he played in the Republican presidential field as an apologist for structural racism and institutional oppression. He went further, calling Scotts stance on racism disgusting, especially since it came from the first Black person elected to a senate seat from South Carolina.

Republican strategist Shermichael Singleton said it wouldve been more humiliating for Scott to remain in the race and fail to qualify for the next debate. He noted that the senator struggled to make it on the stage for the third debate last week and wouldve likely faced a similar challenge for the fourth on Dec. 6.

Singleton told theGrio Scott successfully enhanced his name ID and built a more robust email list of individual and wealthy donors, which will be important for whatever his future endeavors are.



He added, I think it was more of a net gain to him than a net loss.

Republican voters may not have to say goodbye to Scott this presidential cycle, as his name continues to be floated around for a vice presidential candidacy. Former President Donald Trump remains the overwhelming frontrunner for the Republican presidential nomination.

Scott downplayed questions from Fox News after unexpectedly announcing the end of his run for the White House live on-air, saying its not on his to-do list.



Batchelor said, I think hes being disingenuous when he says hes not interested. He thinks Scotts failure to signal any endorsement of the remaining candidates is a calculation that Scott believes Trump is going to be the nominee and that he wants to be on the ticket.

U.S. President Donald Trump shakes hands with Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) during a working session regarding the Opportunity Zones provided by tax reform in the Oval Office of the White House on Feb. 14, 2018, in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Scott, who touted during last weeks debate that the Republican Party was winning back Black voters, could be an effective running mate for Trump in reaching Black male voters.

HIT Strategies pollster Terrance Woodbury previously told theGrio that Black men are more than likely the drivers behind a recent New York Times poll that showed 20% of Black voters in six battleground states prefer Trump over President Joe Biden.

Singleton said he has not seen evidence that Scott would enhance a Trump presidential ticket but said more broadly, It would help to have someone who sort of understands the uniqueness of the Black male experience.



Black male voters would start listening if the Republican ticket had a robust rollout of an economic, educational, and health agenda for Black men, said Singleton, who has worked on three Republican presidential campaigns.

Spain of the South Carolina Democrats said if Scott were the vice presidential nominee, he would be a Donald Trump puppet and wouldnt do anything to improve the lives of Black communities.

She said, Hes been voting against the issues of Black voters, including voting no on advancing voting rights protections, capping insulin for diabetes patients, and the infrastructure law signed by Biden to make sure that Black voters have clean water for their communities.

Batchelor said People For the American Way, which has deployed operations across the country to mobilize voters ahead of the 2024 election, will make it very clear to Black voters that Scott is not going to be their partner in the White House.

When it comes to the critical issues like freedom, justice, equality, and democracy, Batchelor said if Scott is selected as Trumps vice presidential running mate, I dont see any Black voters following him.

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.

Never miss a beat: Get our daily stories straight to your inbox with theGrios newsletter.

The post Critics say Scott remains threat to Black voters after end of presidential campaign appeared first on TheGrio.
A few dozen local residents came to Port Huron's City Council meeting on Monday, Nov. 13, 2023, with many speaking out for justice for Joshua Conant, who died outside the Roche Bar Nov. 4, scrutiny of the city's police department, and a push to shut the establishment down.

At the end of Port Hurona council meeting Monday, City Manager James Freed told officials some sort of state-level action could make it harder for the Roche Bar to do business.

But it wasnt clear yet what that would be.

A large crowd of residents turned out to City Councils regular meeting  with roughly a dozen speaking out during a 45-minute public comment session  in various forms calling for justice in the wake of the death of 26-year-old Joshua Conant outside the Quay Street establishment on Nov. 4.

Some demanded higher scrutiny of the citys police department and its officers. Meanwhile, others implored officials to watch video of the incident  the number of bouncers or Roche staff surrounding Conant, and though limp, police putting him in handcuffs both being referenced  and that they shut the bar down.

Much of the crowd had left the Municipal Office Center following public comment, and officials addressed concerns before the meeting adjourned. Mayor Pro Tem Sherry Archibald said she was wasn't aware of the content of videos of the Nov. 4 incident and asked they direct Freed to look into the issue and do what whatever it takes, if need be, to put the process in motion to take action against the Roche.

Freed said theyre working with the state attorney generals office, that he expected liquor control authorities to look at the establishment, and that there could be an LLC investigation as to whats been going on there.

We have had some problems with the Roche but not directly related to the Roche.  Calls for service were not necessarily at the Roche or in the Roche. Calls for service were in the adjacent parking lot and near there, the city manager said. We have had an extra police presence the last couple months. Chief (Joe) Platzer met with the Roche ownership several months ago to discuss concerns with what was going on late at night. So, not for one moment do I think the Roche will be getting out of this without something happening with their liquor license.

Officials at the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs would not confirm the state was aware of any concerns in Port Huron, but in an email Tuesday afternoon, Jeannie Vogel, a spokesperson for the Michigan Liquor Control Commission, said the agency "cannot comment on any investigation."

Mark Sanderson, uncle to Joshua Conant, addresses Port Huron City Council members on Monday, Nov. 13, 2023. He was among the dozens in a large crowd that came to Monday's meeting looking for justice following his nephew's death Nov. 4.

City residents want closer look at safety, police response

Mayor Pauline Repp kicked Mondays meeting off with a statement and a moment of silence for Conant and his loved ones.

This is heartbreaking, and as a mother, I cannot for a moment even fathom what this family must be going through right now. You have our communitys sincerest condolences. However, condolences are not enough, she said, prompting a brief recap of action taken by local authorities so far, including Platzer asking Michigan State Police to step in on the investigation of Conants death and the county prosecutors successful request that the state AGs office handle any resulting prosecution.

For now, we are committed to cooperating with the ongoing investigation and prosecution, Repp said. We ask the public for patience as the process moves forward. We understand that sometimes the timeliness of the process is frustrating, but we owe it Joshua to make sure this is done right.

For some residents, however, that early assurance wasnt enough.

Mary Williams, a resident and member of the local NAACP, said, It doesnt take a genius to know that those bouncers had no right to take him out of that building. When they touched him and caused him any harm, they were citizens just like me and the rest of the people here. And it doesnt take the state police to realize that.  That people can walk free while this child is laid to rest, theres something wrong with that.

Mark Sanderson, Conants uncle, called for greater attention and police presence on safety downtown, questioning enforcement on tap for the night before Thanksgiving this month and thanking Councilwoman Anita Ashford  the only city official that he said reached out to his family.

Im not going to bash you guys, but Im pissed, he said.

In calls to shut down the Roche, one resident said the city targeted the Military Music Street Cafe for less  council formally recommended the state revoke that establishments liquor license eight years ago  adding, The Roche should never open again.

Other residents referenced other public safety incidents over the last year, such as one officers physical actions against a man in late 2022 that resulted in a federal lawsuit filed earlier this year or a shooting off Lapeer Avenue this summer.

Social media figure Kevin Lindke joined the chorus for justice  also alleging he moved to the city three weeks ago and planned to run for mayor next year  and was removed for purportedly disturbing the meeting.

Nicole Lariccia, an owner of All Rise Tattoo downtown, said she didnt feel as safe in Port Huron and that she doesnt feel comfortable having my child thats a minor up at my business.

Resident Brian Farquhar, who speaks occasionally at city meetings, said he thought the city had a problem with a few bad officers and called for an outside investigation into the police department.

I think as a whole we have some really good men in there, and its unfortunate they have to work with (bad officers) on a day-by-day basis, he said.  So, tonight Im going to ask you guys to open that checkbook. What I want is an independent review and investigation into the Port Huron Police Department as a whole over this last year. That goes into the incident involving Officer Shoudy, that goes into the incident that happened down at the Roche, that goes into  pick numerous incidents out and investigate it all. And then, I want it open and transparent for the citizens of this city.

Contact Jackie Smith at (810) 989-6270 or jssmith@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Port Huron Times Herald: Crowd asks Port Huron officals for justice for Joshua Conant, scrutiny of police
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  Taylor Swift is taking over the land and now the sea.

Swift fans will have the chance to swap bracelets and show off their best Eras outfits next year during a Swiftie-themed, four-night cruise. You might even get the chance to see Snow On The Beach.

Video: Taylor Swift changes lyrics during concert in nod to Travis Kelce

A Royal Caribbean In My Cruise Era vacation is being planned by Marvelous Mouse Travels, and it will depart on the Allure of the Seas next October.

However, those who are interested should know that Swift is not anticipated to come on the ship, nor is she associated with the planning.

The cruise is set to sail out of Miami the day after Swifts Miami tour dates on Oct. 21, 2024.

Marvelous Mouse said they will provide Taylor-themed events, new Swiftie friends, nightly opportunities to dress up in your favorite eras, friendship bracelet trading, and other things the ship has to offer.

Overland Park record shop closing down as owners retire

So far, they hope to have themed cocktail parties, bracelet swapping, dance parties, karaoke, Taylor Trivia and nightly outfit themes.

The cruise will stop at Coco Cay, Royal Caribbeans private island, and Nassau, Bahamas.

Prices for the cruise range from $1,500 to $2,000 depending on the type of room.

To learn more about the Taylor Swift cruise, click here.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
As a teenager in the 1970s, Jovita Arellano would perch in the window of her family's National City apartment to watch the candy-colored parade of lowriders cruise down Highland Avenue.

She loved how the light reflected off their chrome rims and the gleam of paint that had been meticulously polished. Cars would ride so close to the ground that any small shift in weight caused their undercarriages to scrape against the pavement.

"I'm going to get a lowrider," she promised herself before she was even old enough to drive. "I don't care what it takes."

But cruising's days were numbered.

Many California cities banned the activity in the 1980s, with opponents maintaining that cruising was associated with gangs and violence. Such accusations, according to cruisers, stemmed from stereotypes that the mostly Latino community has faced for years.

Classic lowriders were on display June 4 in Los Angeles as part of an observance of the anniversary of the Zoot Suit Riots. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

"It felt like we were rejected," Arellano said. "We weren't allowed to drive our cars down the streets."

Then in 2021, a movement to decriminalize cruising began to take root in National City. What started as a local effort to end the ban led to a statewide endeavor  and eventually to the passage of AB 436, a bill that legalizes cruising across California and repeals cities' authority to individually outlaw the activity. The bill, signed into law last month by Gov. Gavin Newsom, also lifted a ban on vehicles that have any parts extending below the bottom of the rims.

For some in the lowrider community, the law  which goes into effect Jan. 1  is a recognition of both their artistic expression and a car culture that for years has been outlawed.

Now a bit older, wiser and more organized, the same lowrider owners who in the 1980s and 90s kept one eye on their rearview mirrors on the lookout for cops helped push through legislation that acknowledges their art. Dozens of car clubs and community organizers pulled together across California, reaching out to state legislators. After years as outsiders, they flexed their newfound political muscle.

Lowriders and their owners congregate at a Van Nuys parking lot on Feb. 20, 2021, during cruise night. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)

"We weren't taking 'no' for an answer," Arellano said.

When she found out the bill had been signed, she said, she broke down in tears. As president of the United Lowrider Coalition, she was key to the AB 436 effort.

She recalled how, after National City banned cruising in 1992, she and other car owners took to the side streets off Highland Avenue, but officials closed those areas too.

Juan "Spanky" Ramirez, president of the Los Angeles Lowrider Community, said that ever since the bans, car owners and local authorities had played "a cat and mouse game." He recalled driving to a clandestine cruise night only to see a line of tow trucks nearby, ready to remove any car that was found not to be "street legal."

In 1974, Los Angeles officials attempted to get cruising under control on Van Nuys Boulevard by banning parking and turning the San Fernando Valley thoroughfare into a one-way street.

Spectators take in the scene on a cruise night on Van Nuys Boulevard in March 2021. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)

In 1982, the state Legislature gave cities the authority to ban cruising outright.

Critics said cruising interfered with local businesses, wasted law enforcement resources, impeded traffic and caused pollution and "undesirable noise levels." Opponents continue to maintain that the activity is connected to crime. In opposing the recently passed legislation, the Peace Officers Research Assn., a federation of law enforcement agencies, argued that cruising is linked to narcotics, DUIs, assaults and gang violence.

The association did not respond to questions from The Times about data to back up that argument. In a statement, Brian R. Marvel, president of PORAC, said the organization opposed the bill because "one size does not fit all."

"These decisions are best made at the local level rather than dictated from the state capital," the statement read. "Giving local leaders the flexibility to work directly with their police department and community allows them to develop sensible, tailored solutions based on their community's unique circumstances and priorities."

The California Contract Cities Assn., which represents 85 cities that contract for public services, argued to lawmakers that cruising is "a public safety issue in many of our member cities."

"The activity can create traffic control and congestion problems that then generate major logistical challenges," the agency maintained.

Opponents also have tried to link cruise nights to "street takeovers"  the illegal and sometimes deadly events in which cars commandeer an intersection or street, burning rubber and driving at high speeds with spectators close by.

Lowriders  customized cars modified to drive as close to the ground as possible, sometimes with the help of lowered suspensions or hydraulics  have been around since the 1940s. The customized cars, which became popular with Chicano youths, often include detailed paint jobs. Those outfitted with hydraulics might ride down the street on cruise night, then lift one corner up with the flip of a switch or bounce down the street to the delight of spectators.

Although hot rods were made popular in the 1970s because of movies such as "American Graffiti" and muscle cars became a staple on Southern California streets, lowriders were designed to be low and slow. Years later, the cars have been acknowledged as rolling works of art, appearing in exhibitions at Paris' Louvre Museum and the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History.

Fans of lowriders say they're more than a creative outlet, though. They're a way of life.

Lowrider owners display their vintage automobiles on the 6th Street Viaduct in downtown Los Angeles during Bridgefest on Aug. 5, a festival of arts and local businesses. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

Arellano would meet other lowrider owners on cruise nights, making lasting friends. She got involved in one of the first womens car clubs in San Diego, the Specials. So when cruising was banned, she felt her community was being erased.

The cars are a point of pride, she said, with owners investing thousands of dollars  sometimes hundreds of thousands  to refurbish and transform them. Some work for months or years detailing their prized possessions. In some families, the cars are passed on for younger generations to care for, maintain and make their own.

With bans being enforced in cities across the state, Arellano said, lowrider owners often couldn't drive down the streets of their own communities.

David Polanco, 54, recalled the determination and defiance of those days.

He started cruising in the 1970s with his older siblings. When the bans were first enacted and streets were blocked during cruising nights, he said, car clubs and lowrider owners continued to meet up. Drivers just kept an eye out for police or tow trucks. If cruise events were not an option, then car shows in parking lots and meet-ups were planned.

In the end, the bans were unable to stomp out cruising.

"If anything, the lowrider culture grew," said Polanco, now president of the United Lowrider Council of San Jose and president of the Tu Sabes car club.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a resurgence in cruising. With health officials asking people to avoid public gatherings and practice social distancing, car club members felt cruising was a logical solution: Drivers could stay in their cars and adhere to protocols, while spectators on the street  safely spaced apart  could enjoy the show.

Yet car clubs across the state began to get pushback from local officials, Arellano said. Once again, cruising bans were cited to put an end to such events. That motivated groups  including the United Lowrider Coalition  to organize and push for AB 436.

Ramirez said that, although he is excited about the new law, he's in wait-and-see mode. The bans, he said, weren't just about cruising but also about racial profiling. They provided an excuse, he said, for pulling over drivers to look for other infractions.

He now wonders if police will find other reasons to pull over lowriders.

"We still have to see how is this going to roll out," he said.

Polanco said the bans have had a chilling effect that has to be overcome. They effectively isolated members from the community, he said, noting that he gave up cruising when he became a father because he couldn't afford the risk of traffic tickets. And even though car clubs would organize community events, such as food and toy drives, animosity and distrust stemming from cruising bans meant that many of them did so without connecting with local officials and law enforcement.

More recently, however, car clubs have worked with local police and city officials, Polanco said. They're learning how to navigate the system and advocate not just for lowriders but also for the wider community.

Lowriders put on a show in February 2021 in Van Nuys. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)

The Los Angeles Lowrider Community has met with the L.A. County Sheriff's Department and the California Highway Patrol to discuss how car clubs and owners can work with officials when the cruising law goes into effect, Ramirez said, and the meetings have been productive.

"We're getting out there doing these things, instead of being the negative stereotype," he said. "We could do so much more with the city, [instead of] bumping heads."

Lowrider events are now more family-oriented, Ramirez said. Car clubs are involved more in school, church and fundraising events.

"Now that we're getting older," he said, "we have businesses; people have changed their lives and they're teachers, fathers."

He said lowrider clubs in some jurisdictions work with law enforcement to make sure street takeovers are discouraged at their events.

"We all want a safe family environment to cruise in, so we have a responsibility to that," Polanco said. "I have my granddaughter and my mom with me. I don't want some guy to pull a gun, or drinking and driving."

He might still be driving the same 1969 azure Chevelle he was riding in when he cruised as a teenager, but the scene has changed.

"Things have evolved," Polanco said

For Arellano  who has lived the lowrider lifestyle since she was a teenager and bought a 1964 Impala for $67  the passage of AB 436 was a dream come true.

Once on the fringes, lowrider owners are now organized, legally protected and recognized for their art.

"This is history," she said, "knowing that they support your culture, the lowrider culture."





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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM)  The Department of Justice has announced that a Cumberland County man was charged after allegedly threatening to kill a United States Congressman.

According to U.S. Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Robert Lee Ingalls, Jr., 61, of Mechanicsburg allegedly left two threatening voicemail messages on the main answering system of the congressional office in Washington D.C.

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In addition, it is alleged that Ingalls threatened to kill a specific Congressman in both voicemail messages he left. It was determined that Ingalls made the calls from his cell phone while he was in Mechanicsburg, according to Karam.

The name of the Congressman was not initially identified by the Department of Justice.

Ingalls was arrested on Nov. 10 and appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Daryl F. Bloom on Nov. 13. He was then ordered to be held in pretrial detention pending action from a federal grand jury.

Changes coming to iconic Hersheypark roller coaster

Ingalls faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
A Czech television news crew was robbed while covering the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in San Francisco, according to reports.

Journalist Bohumil Vostal told the San Francisco Chronicle he was getting a shot of City Lights Bookstore "when three masked assailants approached with guns pointed."

"They were heading at my camera man, aiming a gun at his stomach, and one at my head," Vostal said. He added the incident happened around 5 p.m. Sunday.

The San Francisco Police Department confirmed to KTVU FOX 2 it is investigating an armed robbery of a production team in the area of Broadway and Columbus Avenue.

SAN FRANCISCO USING FENCING, BARRIERS TO SECURE APEC SUMMIT WHERE XI, BIDEN WILL MEET

Police wait on a corner near the Moscone Convention Center hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders' week in San Francisco on Nov. 13, 2023.

Officers told the media outlet a vehicle stopped on the street, three armed men exited the car and approached the group prior to demanding their production equipment. The news crew complied, reportedly losing more than $18,000 worth of equipment and footage from a day wandering the Golden City.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

The suspects then got back in their vehicle and took off.

"Thank you very much for the support we received in CT news. We'll keep shooting. We are here for the US President's summit with the Chinese leader. And we'll be there (as always) for CT," Vostal wrote in Crech on the social media platform X, translated by KTVU.

WARS IN ISRAEL AND UKRAINE COMPLICATE APEC SUMMIT AS BIDEN PREPARES TO MEET WITH CHINA'S XI JINPING

This year is the first time since 2011 the U.S. is hosting APEC. Leaders from the 21-member group will gather to talk about how to better spur trade and economic growth across the Pacific region.

The main event of this year's summit is unfolding on the sidelines: a meeting between President Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The two leaders have not spoken in person since they met last November during the Group of 20 summit in Bali, Indonesia.

Biden is expected to arrive for the conference Tuesday and hold a press conference the following day, after his meeting with Xi. He is set to depart San Francisco on Friday.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.





Original article source: Czech news crew covering APEC in San Francisco robbed, reports say
The Biden administration named the first panel of judges to a new data court mandated by a deal with the EU, and it includes a familiar name  Eric Holder, the attorney general under former President Barack Obama.

The Data Protection Review Court was created through an executive order President Joe Biden signed in 2022 that was designed to comply with Europes data-privacy regulations. It will review cases filed by EU residents alleging the US government is violating American regulations by digitally surveilling them.

Six judges were sworn in Tuesday. Two had previously taken the oath of office and were also announced Tuesday.

Although this court has been established at the Department of Justice, its judges will independently decide what remedies, if any, are appropriate for the cases in front of them, Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement.

A court for transatlantic data: In 2020, the EU Court of Justice ruled that U.S. intelligence agencies were violating Europes General Data Protection Regulation because they did not allow European residents to raise concerns if their data was collected as part of national security surveillance.

The decision made it illegal for companies to send data on EU residents to the U.S., prompting the two regions to establish a new legal framework to allow the data transfers to continue.

The EU agreed in July 2023 that Bidens executive order creating the new court met European requirements, allowing companies to send data from the EU to the U.S. once again.

Under the executive order, the judges must be experienced with data privacy and national security laws. They are appointed by the attorney general for four-year terms that can be renewed. The judges cannot be removed during their terms except in cases of misconduct, neglect of duty or breach of security.

The judges:



Rajesh De , a former general counsel at the National Security Agency;

Eric Holder , 82nd U.S. attorney general;

Mary DeRosa , a professor at Georgetown University Law Center and a former National Security Council legal adviser;

Thomas Griffith , a former judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit;

James Baker , director of the Syracuse University Institute for Security Policy and Law, and a former chief judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces;

James Dempsey , senior policy adviser at the Stanford Program on Geopolitics, Technology and Governance, former member of the U.S. Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board and former senior counsel for the Center for Democracy and Technology;

David Levi , president of the American Law Institute, former member of the Presidential Commission on the Supreme Court;

Virginia Seitz, former assistant attorney general for the Office of Legal Counsel in the Department of Justice.

Whats next: The judges will review cases based on complaints that arise from individual EU residents alleging the U.S. government violated their privacy rights through digital surveillance. The claimants will be represented by a special advocate appointed by the attorney general. If the judges agree that there was a violation, they can make decisions that the intelligence community must abide by, and are final and binding.
How can David Cameron re-join the Cabinet without being an MP?

Former Conservative prime minister David Cameron has made a shock return to government after being appointed foreign secretary in a bombshell Cabinet reshuffle.

Mr Cameron, who is not an elected MP but was made a peer on Monday, is replacing James Cleverly in the role as he moves to the Home Office to replace Suella Braverman.

The controversial home secretary was sacked in the emergency reshuffle after a month that began with her suggesting homelessness was a lifestyle choice and ended with her being blamed for far-right protesters disrupting a pro-Palestine rally she had branded a hate march, a tense situation that lead to violent clashes and 100 arrests.

Mr Cameron had appeared alongside Mr Sunak and other former prime ministers at the Cenotaph in Whitehall on Remembrance Sunday to pay respects to Britains war dead, just hours before accepting his successors invitation to serve as foreign secretary.

Elected Conservative Party leader on 6 December 2005, Mr Cameron led a coalition government with the Liberal Democrats from May 2010 and then a Tory majority administration from May 2015.

Follow all the latest on the Cabinet reshuffle on our live blog.

Rishi Sunak has appointed former prime minister David Cameron as foreign secretary (REUTERS)

His tenure in Downing Street ended on 13 July 2016 after the referendum on Britains future within the European Union (EU), which he had called, ended with a narrow win for the Leave campaign, prompting the pro-Remain PM to step aside.

Mr Cameron duly stood down as MP for Witney in Oxfordshire in September 2016 and has since spent his time residing in leafy Chipping Norton, writing his memoirs, helping out at the local food bank and otherwise pursuing opportunities as a lobbyist, occasionally to controversial effect.

But how can the former PM become foreign minister without being elected? We take a look below:

How can David Cameron return to government without being an MP?

The reason Mr Cameron can return to Cabinet despite no longer serving as an elected MP is that King Charles III has just handed him the dignity of a Barony of the United Kingdom for life, a hastily-awarded life peerage that entitles him to enter the House of Lords and therefore take up the role.

This is permitted because, under Britains unwritten constitution, it does not expressly say that a person must be an MP to become a minister. However, the ministerial code does stipulate that a secretary of state must be a member of the House of Commons or the Lords in order to qualify for the position.

Making Mr Cameron a peer, therefore, clears the path for him to serve as foreign secretary, although the process of formalising his title could take several weeks as it will require a number of legal documents, including letters patent and a writ of summons, to be drafted, submitted and approved.

Former prime ministers David Cameron, Gordon Brown, Tony Blair and John Major attend the Remembrance Sunday ceremony at the Cenotaph (Getty Images)

However, even then the appointment is not without complications. As the SNPs leader in Westminster, Stephen Flynn, was quick to point out on Monday, Mr Cameron will only be accountable to parliaments select committees, rather than to the members directly, because he is not a member of the Commons.

Tory MP Sir Michael Fabricant was also among those complaining that Mr Cameron wont be accountable to MPs other than before a select committee  noting that he will not be allowed to make statements, answer urgent questions, or take part in foreign office questions in the Commons.

In taking the role, Mr Cameron becomes the 15th former prime minister to serve in a later government led by someone else, following in the footsteps of former Tory PMs Sir Alec Douglas-Home, Neville Chamberlain and Arthur Balfour.

Another notable example of an unelected minister from recent history serving the British government is Lord David Frost, who was Brexit minister in the aftermath of the referendum and Boris Johnsons chief negotiator to the EU before resigning from government in 2021.

What has Cameron said  and what has been the reaction?

Anticipating hostility given his recent criticism of Mr Sunaks decision to scrap the northern leg of the HS2 high-speed rail project, Mr Cameron acknowledged on Monday that he may have disagreed with some individual decisions by the current administration but hailed his new boss as a strong and capable prime minister.

Writing on X, formerly Twitter, he said: We are facing a daunting set of international challenges, including the war in Ukraine and the crisis in the Middle East.

At this time of profound global change, it has rarely been more important for this country to stand by our allies, strengthen our partnerships and make sure our voice is heard.

The Prime Minister has asked me to serve as his Foreign Secretary and I have gladly accepted.



We are facing a daunting set of international challenges, including the war in Ukraine and the crisis in the Middle East. At this time of profound global change, it has rarely been more  David Cameron (@David_Cameron) November 13, 2023

Among those immediately critical of Mr Camerons appointment was the aforementioned Mr Flynn, who posted on X: Truly remarkable that during a time of huge international unrest, not least in Ukraine and Gaza, the House of Commons will not be able to directly scrutinise the work of the actual foreign secretary. The UK is not a serious country.

Liberal Democrat foreign affairs spokesman Layla Moran meanwhile cited the 2021 Greensill lobbying scandal as grounds for revoking his qualifying peerage.

Bringing back a scandal-hit, unelected former prime minister who has been criticising Sunaks government at every turn has the stench of desperation, she said.

There is not even the bottom of the barrel left for Sunak to scrape in the Conservative Party. David Cameron was at the heart of the biggest lobbying scandal of recent times. Handing him a peerage makes a mockery of our honours system. Camerons peerage should be blocked given his shady past.

Pat McFadden, the Labour Partys national campaign coordinator, observed: A few weeks ago, Rishi Sunak said David Cameron was part of a failed status quo  now hes bringing him back as his life raft.

This puts to bed the prime ministers laughable claim to offer change from 13 years of Tory failure.
An Illinois man is facing a murder charge for allegedly beating a woman to death, court records show.

Amare K. Wilson, 27, of Crete, Illinois, was also charged Monday with aggravated battery. Julie Ashdown, 50, of Ford Heights, Ill., died between 10 p.m. Nov. 10 to 3 a.m. Nov. 11, according to an affidavit.

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He is in custody, held without bail.

The full circumstances of her death are not entirely clear.

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Ashdowns death was ruled a homicide from blunt force trauma to the face and chest, according to court records. She had a broken sternum and significant internal trauma.

Dyer Police said Wilson took Ashdown to Franciscan Health Dyer in the early hours on Nov. 11. He drove a truck and put her in the trailer bed. A paramedic said she appeared to have blood on her, but noted it was still dark outside.

Officers were called to the hospital for a combative man. Hospital staff told police that Wilson had blood on his jacket and Ashdown looked like she had been beaten in the face.

Ashdown appeared lifeless and was taken out of the trailer with Minnesota license plates. Her face was very bloody.

Hospital staff said she didnt have a pulse. Her core body was warm, but arms and legs turned cold. She was pronounced dead just before 5 a.m. They estimated she died recently.

I was hitting her in the face to wake her up, Wilson allegedly said.

Ashdown, his girlfriend, was supposed to be his wife, he told police, but noted they werent actually married. They met in April and lived together in a University Park, Illinois trailer.

Earlier she was coughing up blood in the middle of the night, but Wilson wasnt clear on what happened, police said. She lost consciousness earlier that day.

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Wilson said he was too young to drive, but his license said he was 27.

License plate readers showed Wilson was in Crete around 3 a.m. Nov. 11, before going to University Park, Illinois minutes later, back to Crete, then headed to Dyer around 4:30 p.m.

Dyer investigators found the pair walking around 10:30 p.m. Nov. 10 on security footage. Wilsons location wasnt picked up again till 3 a.m. Nov. 11.

Wilson told investigators that when Ashdown went unresponsive, he took a nap. It would have been nice to have a girlfriend that listens, which was why she ended up like that, the affidavit alleges.

Police used a chemical in the trailer that showed a significant amount of blood was there, court records allege.

mcolias@post-trib.com
Last Tuesday in the flat above Downing Street that used to be his family home, David Cameron met Rishi Sunak.

Their discussion was not focused on the curtains, but on a political move that left jaws in Westminster on the floor - the return of Mr Cameron to frontline politics after a seven-year hiatus.

It has prompted praise from some quarters of the Conservative party, anger from others.

Concern about the accountability of an unelected foreign secretary and claims from opposition parties that Rishi Sunak has holed his own pitch as the change candidate beneath the waterline.

So, what was the thinking behind it, and how did it come about?

Despite speculation, the former foreign secretary William Hague dismissed the suggestion that he'd brokered the arrangement.

"No!" he told Times Radio when asked if it was down to him.

"I knew about it a few days before and spoke to David Cameron to brief him about my views on foreign affairs and the Foreign Office, but it wasn't my idea.

"Sometimes in politics things are simpler than they look - sometimes someone just asks someone round for a chat and says why don't you do this, and they say OK fine, and it doesn't need any intermediary, they just sort it out for themselves and that happened in this case."

Rishi Sunak has, according to Downing Street sources, spoken to Lord Cameron from time-to-time since he became prime minister, with Mr Cameron being a "helpful sounding board" on issues.

One former aide to Lord Cameron suggested the conversations intensified after Mr Sunak's conference speech, in which he claimed politics had failed for 30 years and announced the cancellation of the northern leg of HS2.

That prompted a relatively rare intervention from the then Mr Cameron, who publicly criticised Mr Sunak's decision on HS2.

His former aide said: "It was an unusual thing for him to step in and say something, and he wouldn't have done it lightly.

"No 10 realised they might have upset somebody who should be an ally, and who is not usually critical. There was a meeting, and discussions came out of that."

Lord Cameron welcomed back to the cabinet table by Mr Sunak on Tuesday

They said the actions of Suella Braverman - who had increasingly become a thorn in Downing Street's side with public statements that distracted from the government's planned agenda - were the "catalyst" for the move. Though the prospect of a cabinet reshuffle had been in the offing for some time.

Last week, Lord Cameron met Mr Sunak in Downing Street and was asked if he would become foreign secretary.

On Sunday, when they stood together in the line-up of prime ministers at the Remembrance Day ceremony at the cenotaph, there was no sign that both had already agreed on the political bombshell that would drop the very next day.

It is rare that a secret is so well kept in Whitehall.

Surprised, but not

One current government advisor said they were "totally blindsided" by the move - and they are not the only one, suggesting it was kept to a tight circle.

Figures in government and beyond have expressed incredulity the news did not leak in advance, as so often happens in Westminster.

But if the timing and nature of Lord Cameron's return to frontline politics shocked, his decision to do so did not come entirely out of the blue, according to some who know him.

One former advisor, who worked with Lord Cameron in Downing Street, said he was "surprised but not surprised".

"He was really acutely aware of not being that ex-prime minister sniping from side-lines" he said.

"Any intervention he made was not gratuitous. But the paradox was he did want to come back to public service life.

"There was definitely an itch that needed scratching."

Allies of Lord Cameron suggest the job of foreign secretary is one that would have particularly appealed, where he can reach into his global contacts book and bring his experience to bear within a complex brief on the world stage.

The Sun newspaper even claimed it was an ambition of his as long as five years ago.

Jeremy Hunt and David Cameron have shared the frontbench before

Not all Conservative MPs are thrilled with the appointment though, with some already expressing concern about what his return signals about the direction of the party.

And Labour spot an opportunity. One senior figure pointed out that with both the chancellor and foreign secretary - Jeremy Hunt and Lord Cameron - being figures who were in government way back in 2010 when the Conservatives first came to power - scrutinising the entire period of Tory government since then will seem more legitimate.

The prime minister, who only arrived in parliament in 2015, really cannot do the "don't blame me guv routine" anymore, they argue.

There is no doubt that when Lord Cameron strolled up Downing Street it was one of the rare moments that sent a genuine shock wave through Westminster. Let's see how it washes up.
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON)  Paul Pelosi said he realized he was in serious danger when a stranger broke into the Pacific Heights home he shares with his wife, former Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Taking the stand Monday in David DePapes federal trial, Paul Pelosi testified that he was sleeping on the night of October 28, 2022.

Mr. Pelosi said he was woken up when a very large man entered his bedroom holding a hammer in one hand, and zip ties in the other.

He burst in the door, and that wakes me up, Mr. Pelosi testified for the jury. The home intruder stood in the bedroom doorway and asked, Wheres Nancy? Paul Pelosi recalled.

Flanked by four defense attorneys, DePape quietly listened to testimony from the man hes accused of trying to kill. DePapes eyes blinked and twitched with nervous tics.

After becoming emotional on the stand, Mr. Pelosi explained to the jury and prosecutor that he had not talked about that night with anyone beyond investigators. Paul Pelosi said, I have not discussed this incident with anybody. Ive tried to put it out of my mind. I made the best effort I possibly can to not re-live this.

Paul Pelosi testifies against David DePape in a San Francisco courtroom on Nov. 13, 2023. (Courtroom sketch by Vicki Behringer)

DePape has pleaded not guilty to attempted kidnapping of a federal official.

Im going to have to take you out: Paul Pelosi gives chilling testimony

Paul Pelosi told the court that he tried to remain as calm as possible, and told the intruder, Shes not here. Shes in Washington. He also reiterated that he had never seen DePape prior to him bursting into the bedroom, which was located on the third floor of the home.

DePape, according to Mr. Pelosi, then said he was going to tie him up while they waited for the Speaker to return.

Paul Pelosi, husband of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, leaves the Phillip Burton Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse after testifying in the federal trial of David DePape in San Francisco, Monday, Nov. 13, 2023. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

Paul Pelosi said he tried to use his elevator as an escape route. He testified, I realized that it was a very serious situation. The first thing I tried to do was get up and try to get to the elevator, because if I can get in the elevator, theres a phone in the elevator, and I could close the door so he couldnt get to me. I walked toward the elevator, but he blocked me.

DePape, Pelosi recalled, told him that Speaker Pelosi was the leader of the pack, and that he had to take her out.

Then I got the idea. I went over to my bathroom because I always leave my cellphone in my bathroom. I dialed 911, Mr. Pelosi said. He had a cryptic phone call with a 911 dispatcher. Paul Pelosi said he was trying to alert the dispatcher that he was in urgent need of help, without aggravating DePape, who was looming next to him with a hammer.

Video: Three people rappel down Transamerica Pyramid

The prosecutor asked if he was able to be candid with the 911 dispatcher. Paul Pelosi answered, Absolutely not. There was a large man threatening me, told me he was going to take me out. I had to convey to the 911 person that I was in trouble. I was trying to convey to them that there was somebody in the house, without aggravating him.

David DePape records Gypsy Taub being led away by police after her nude wedding outside City Hall on Dec. 19, 2013, in San Francisco. (AP Photo / Eric Risberg / File)

Its over for me, Im going to have to take you out, Pelosi recalled DePape saying.

DePape said he was tired and wanted to take a nap. Mr. Pelosi was able to get DePape to follow him down a long spiral staircase to the first floor by suggesting that he nap down there.

Tipped off by the 911 call, police eventually arrived. I thought, thank God the police are here,' Mr. Pelosi recalled.

Two San Francisco Police Department officers body cameras recorded the moment that DePape lunged at Mr. Pelosi, struck his head full force, and bludgeoned him with the hammer. The Speakers husband suffered traumatic head injuries.

A police officers body camera video shows David DePape and Paul Pelosi struggling for control of a hammer.

The next thing Mr. Pelosi recalled was waking up in a pool of blood, he testified. Following the attack, he spent between a week and 10 days in a hospital, he recalled.

They told me, dont watch the news, he testified.

Mr. Pelosi said he has still not watched the police body camera videos, nor listened to his 911 call. He avoids talking about the attack, Mr. Pelosi said. Its been traumatic for my family, he testified.

Paul Pelosi finished his testimony and left the courthouse.

Beyond several nervous eye tics, DePape showed no emotion during his alleged victims testimony.

US Representative Nancy Pelosi (D- CA) and her husband Paul Pelosi arrive for an official State Dinner at the White House on June 22, 2023. (Photo by STEFANI REYNOLDS /AFP via Getty Images)

Unicorn costumes, DePapes internet searches revealed

Earlier in Mondays proceedings, an FBI agent testified that DePape searched terms like Nancy Pelosi Family, Pelosi pig blood, and Nancy Pelosis home, in the days leading up to the attack. He also bought several items on Amazon, including two unicorn costumes.

DePape lived alone in a garage attached to a house on Shasta Street in Richmond. FBI Special Agent Stephanie Minor searched the garage on Oct. 29, one day after the hammer attack, and seized his electronic items as evidence.

A prosecutor showed photographs of DePapes home where he had a TV, computer, and a small sleeping mat.

A prosecutor holds up a hammer and points to David DePape inside a federal courtroom in San Francisco. (Courtroom sketch by Vicki Behringer)

Agent Minor testified that she reviewed data from DePapes hard drives, on which he had several bookmarks saved, including one titled Nancy Pelosi San Francisco California. DePapes internet searches on Oct. 19 were all related to Nancy Pelosi, where she lived, her age, and her family.

DePapes Firefox web history revealed he visited spokio.com/NancyPelosi. He Google searched Nancy Pelosi Family, searched Nancy Pelosi on Wikipedia, and visited the Speakers official government biography page.

Another Google search, Pelosi pig blood, related to an incident in January of 2021 when Pelosis home was vandalized with pig blood and graffiti by a YouTuber.

The FBI agent testified that she found images saved on DePapes hard drive. In a folder labeled Pelosi, he had multiple photos of Nancy Pelosi and her San Francisco home.

FBI Special Agent Stephanie Minor testifies on Nov. 13, 2023 about David DePapes internet searches and Amazon purchases. (Courtroom sketch by Vicki Behringer)

The prosecutor held up items DePape ordered on Amazon between July-September 2022. The Amazon purchases included:

Body cameras

Two rainbow unicorn costumes

Android tablet

Camping and hiking backpack

Sleeping bag

USB memory sticks

Crayons

David DePape had a list of targets, FBI agent testifies

On cross examination, a defense attorney asked Agent Minor about a list of targets that DePape allegedly plotted to attack.

The defense attorney asked, You knew Mr. DePape had a list of targets? You wanted to investigate to see if anyone else was in danger, correct?

Agent Minor testified that an FBI forensic team seized and searched DePapes electronic devices to find out who his targets beyond Nancy Pelosi were, as well as determine his motive for breaking into the Pelosi home.

Agent Minor testified that the list of targets included: actor Tom Hanks, California Governor Gavin Newsom, Hunter Biden, and former US Vice President Mike Pence. DePape used the Internet to research all of his targets and compile photographs of each one, according to testimony.

David DePape views an SFPD officers body camera video showing the hammer attack against Paul Pelosi. (Courtroom sketch by Vicki Behringer)

David DePape, left, listens as his defense attorney (standing) speaks to the jury. (Courtroom sketch by Vicki Behringer)

Federal Trial Resumes Tuesday

The trial will resume with more witnesses called to the stand at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday. After the jury left the courtroom, DePapes defense team and prosecutors quarreled over whether Nancy Pelosis schedule should be admitted as evidence in court. One defense attorney proclaimed that her side was wining, and prosecutors were losing so far in the trial.

If convicted of the federal charges, DePape will face life in prison. In San Francisco County court, state prosecutors charged him with attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, elder abuse, residential burglary and other felonies.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
Three dozen D.C. National Guardsmen have been activated to help Washington, D.C. law enforcement and first responders during Tuesdays March for Israel on the National Mall, a Pentagon spokeswoman told reporters.

Thirty of them are assisting with traffic control until 7 p.m., Sabrina Singh said, and six more from the D.C. National Guard civil support team are supporting the fire department.

All troops are unarmed and under the control of the D.C. Guard, she added.

Organizers expected a crowd of roughly 100,000 for the march  in support of Israel following Hamass Oct. 7 attack on the country  to call for the release of more than 200 hostages held in Gaza by Hamas and to denounce rising incidents of antisemitism in the U.S.

Congressional leaders including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y. spoke to the assembled crowd during the protest, which was scheduled to end at 3 p.m.
The body of a 32-year-old man missing for five months was discovered by a deer hunter, Illinois officials said.

Logan Dunne had been missing since June 2 from Peoria, Illinois, according to the Peoria Police Department.

Family members said he escaped from Carle Health Methodist Hospital in Peoria, where he had been admitted against his will. Dunne had bipolar disorder, and family feared he was not thinking, communicating or behaving rationally because he had stopped taking his medication.

Dunnes family initially was not told of his escape because he is an adult, according to 25 News Now. Police notified the public June 7 of Dunnes disappearance, five days after he was last seen.

Crews searched extensively for Dunne until Sunday, Nov. 12, when a deer hunter found human remains in a wooded area of Peoria County, according to the Peoria County Sheriffs Office.

Those remains were identified as Dunne, Peoria County Coroner Jamie Harwood said. A cause of death has not been determined, but the sheriffs office said foul play is not suspected.

Family said on the Find Logan Dunne Facebook group the previous five-plus months had been the hardest of their lives.

This is not the outcome we all hoped for, but thank you again for all the support and effort in finding Logan, the family said in the Nov. 13 statement. We wouldnt have been able to do this without you.

Dunne worked in the OSF Saint Francis Medical Centers cardiology unit performing echocardiograms, 25 News Now reported.

His mother, Heather Dunne, told Dateline her son was an active outdoorsman who had a big family.

He is adored by his nephews and nieces, Heather Dunne said in August. And he is very close to his family.

Peoria is about 170 miles southwest of Chicago.

Man vanished years ago while going to the movies, NC cops say. Now remains identified

Farmers harvesting soybeans find missing womans body in field, Tennessee cops say

Hiker found and rescued after going missing at Texas national park, officials say
Within the last 24 hours, 57 combat clashes have occurred in the front. In total, the Russians launched four missile attacks and 42 airstrikes, as well as 26 attacks from multiple-launch rocket systems.

Source: evening report of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

Quote: "During the day, the aircraft of the Defence Forces of Ukraine launched 10 attacks on the areas of concentration of manpower, armament and military equipment of the enemy. Ukrainian air defence has destroyed two Shahed-136/131 attack UAVs and one X-59 guided air missile.

Missile units have struck six areas of concentration of manpower, armament and military equipment, a control point, 17 artillery systems, three air defence systems and one oil and lubricant storage of the Russians."

Details: On the Kupiansk front, the Russians conducted assault actions near the settlements of Synkivka and Petropavlivka in Kharkiv Oblast where the defence forces repelled seven attacks.

On the Lyman front, the Russians conducted assault actions near the settlements of Nadiia and the Serebrianka Forestry in Luhansk Oblast but to no avail.

On the Bakhmut front, the Russians were conducting assault actions near Bohdanivka, Ivanivske, Klishchiivka and Andriivka in Donetsk Oblast where the Ukrainian forces repelled 10 attacks.

On the Avdiivka front the Russians were conducting unsuccessful assault actions near Avdiivka, Severne, Tonenke, Vodiane and to the east of Pervomaiske in Donetsk Oblast where the Defence Forces repelled 15 attacks.

On the Marinka front the Russians with support of aircraft were conducting unsuccessful assault actions near Marinka and Novomykhailivka in Donetsk Oblast where the Defence Forces repelled 18 attacks.

On the Shakhtarsk front, the Russians conducted assault actions near the settlement of Staromaiorske in Donetsk Oblast but to no avail.

Meanwhile, the Defence Forces of Ukraine continue conducting an offensive operation on the Melitopol front, and assault actions on the Bakhmut front, causing losses in manpower and equipment to the Russians and exhausting them along the frontline.

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Ukraine's Defence Minister Rustem Umierov has reported on the results of the investigation into the circumstances of the Russian missile attack which killed 19 soldiers of the 128th Mountain Assault Brigade in Zaporizhzhia Oblast on 3 November.

Source: Defence Minister Rustem Umierov on social media

Quote from Umierov: "The Chief Inspectorate of the Ministry of Defence has reported to me on the investigation results into the circumstances of the missile attack on the 128th Mountain Assault Brigade. Now we know what happened and how it happened minute by minute. We have figured out what led to the tragedy and how it could have been prevented.

Yes, they really gathered the soldiers in the yard to present them with awards. All the rules of camouflage were ignored. More than ten cars were parked nearby.

At that time, there was a Russian reconnaissance drone in the sky. It was detected. An air-raid warning was issued throughout the oblast. The soldiers were warned about the sector where the enemy UAV was operating. As soon as the missile launch was detected, the relevant signal was sent out to them. No centralised security measures were taken at the award ceremony.

The investigation into this case is ongoing. In particular, it is being conducted by the State Bureau of Investigation. All those responsible for this tragedy will be punished according to the law."

Details: Umierov said he had instructed the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to check the implementation of security protocols in all units.

Quote: "I appeal to all commanders responsible for the safety of soldiers: neglect of basic security measures is unacceptable."

Background:

Earlier, Ukrainska Pravdas sources reported that Russia had attacked a group of soldiers of the 128th Mountain Assault Brigade in a frontline village in Zaporizhzhia Oblast at 10:00 on 3 November. It was reported then that more than 20 soldiers might have been killed. The soldiers were supposedly gathered in one place to be awarded in honour of the Day of Ukraines Rocket Forces and Artillery.

The 128th Mountain Assault Brigade based in Zakarpattia Oblast has confirmed the deaths of 19 soldiers.

On the evening of 4 November, Umierov instructed the Defence Ministry's Chief Inspectorate to conduct a full investigation into the tragedy.

A three-day mourning period was declared in Zakarpattia Oblast due to the mass death of soldiers of the 128th Brigade, who were targeted by Russia during a festive award ceremony.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the tragedy with the mass death of soldiers of the 128th Mountain Assault Brigade in Zaporizhzhia Oblast could have been prevented. The president stressed that an investigation is underway to provide the families of the deceased soldiers and the Ukrainian society with honest answers as to how the tragedy occurred and whose orders were wrong.

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Ukraines Defense Ministry is actively working towards a comprehensive shift to domestically produced supplies for the Armed Forces, including body armor, helmets, tactical gear, clothing, and food, the departments press service said on Nov. 14.

Emphasizing the key criteria of quality and competitive pricing, Deputy Defense Minister Dmytro Klimenkov affirmed the ministrys commitment to sourcing 100% of supplies from Ukrainian manufacturers.

Read also:

During a meeting with Defense Ministry officials on Nov. 14, entrepreneurs expressed their preparedness to fully meet the logistical needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces with high-quality, locally-produced items.

The Defense Procurement Agency, a newly established entity, is set to take charge of supplying clothing, food, fuel and lubricants, body armor, helmets, and tactical gear by 2024, with initial procurements in the food sector underway.

Read also:

Effective December 2023, procurement of products for Ukrainian military personnel will be handled by the newly formed State Logistics Operator, the Defense Ministry announced on Nov. 1.

This strategic move is anticipated to combat corruption in procurement processes and ensure a seamless and uninterrupted food supply for the Armed Forces.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Recent media reports suggesting that Ukraines Defense Ministry was planning to dismiss three senior military commanders do not correspond to reality, the ministry said in a Facebook post on Nov. 13.

The message noted that the Defense Ministry "does not comment on rumors or unchecked information and added that "everyone is working in regular mode," with all decisions being coordinated with the General Staff.

Read also: Former SOF commander learned of his dismissal from news reports

Earlier on Nov. 13, Ukrainian Pravda wrote that Defense Minister Rustem Umerov is preparing requests to dismiss three commanders of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Commander of the Tavria front Oleksandr Tarnavskyi, Commander of the Medical Forces Tetiana Ostaschenko, and Commander of the Joint Forces of the AFU Serhiy Nayev.

Read also: Ukraine to replace senior military commander by winter  report

The report did not mention what were the alleged reasons for dismissing Tarnavskyi and Nayev.

Read also: Special forces commander Khorenko dismissed at Umerovs request, Presidents Office says

Sources told the journalists claim that paramedics and volunteers who Ukrainian forces near the battlefield have been insisting on Ostaschenko's dismissal.

One of the sources said that the issue of these commanders' resignations had been under consideration for several months.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
The leader of the Idaho Senate chastised three Republican members for making disparaging comments about their colleagues in what has become a public spat two months before the Idaho Legislature is set to convene.

The Idaho Freedom Caucus published three letters Senate President Pro Tem Chuck Winder, R-Boise, sent last week that rebuked the state senators for criticisms they made about other legislators online.

In his letter to Sen. Glenneda Zuiderveld, R-Twin Falls, Winder said he would remove the Magic Valley senator from her post as vice chair of the Health and Welfare Committee for posting cartoons and blogs lambasting other state lawmakers for their ties to corporations and stances on immigration. In his letter to Sen. Brian Lenney, R-Nampa, Winder said he would remove him from his position as vice chair of the Commerce and Human Resources Committee for aggressively attacking and disparaging his colleagues.

Sen. Scott Herndon, R-Sagle, also received a letter after he posted online criticisms of federal and state spending, saying that he thinks legislators do not sufficiently scrutinize the billions of dollars spent by the state every year.

All three senators are members of the Idaho Freedom Caucus, a hard-line group of conservative lawmakers loosely tied to the House Freedom Caucus in Washington, D.C.

We have a tradition in the Senate, and that is, you debate the bills and not the person, Winder told the Idaho Statesman by phone, adding that he has never castigated two of his colleagues like this before. There are consequences when you attack other people in your statements and you try to defame those other people.

The Idaho Freedom Foundation, a think tank whose views closely align with those of the Freedom Caucus on spending and social issues, subsequently called Winders comments authoritarian and said he had abused his office.

Winder shot back that the Freedom Foundation attacks anyone who resists their intimidation and bullying.

The Freedom Caucus, which is co-chaired by Sen. Tammy Nichols, R-Middleton, and Rep. Heather Scott, R-Blanchard, have pushed to curtail explicit materials at libraries and limit Medicaid spending. They have taken aim at legislators, like Rep. Dan Garner, R-Clifton, who have pushed back against the caucuss efforts to censor library books.

Now, the caucus has publicized an internal fight between its far-right wing of the party and Senate leadership  a harbinger of tensions that could play out during the legislative session between factions of the state GOP.

Youre attacking your colleagues

Winder said he had discussed his concerns about the senators words with Senate leadership, but that sending the letters had been his decision.

Zuiderveld took aim at lobbying from big business in the Legislature in her blog and included a cartoon depicting Winder and Sen. Kevin Cook, R-Idaho Falls, as well as Rep. Stephanie Jo Mickelsen, R-Idaho Falls, as rhinoceroses, seemingly a reference to Republicans in Name Only (RINO), a disparaging term on the right for politicians deemed insufficiently on board with conservative ideology. Zuiderveld did not respond to a request for comment, but said in the Freedom Caucus news release that she will not allow intimidation to silence me.

In his letters to Zuidervelt and Lenney, Winder said he doesnt plan to pursue ethics complaints against them, but if your misconduct continues, you may leave me with no choice.

You recently posted an article written by you that openly attacked the integrity of your fellow members of the Idaho Senate, Winder wrote in his letter to Zuiderveld. The article and enclosures were, to say the least, degrading and disrespectful of your colleagues, Senate leadership, and the Senate itself.

In his letter to Lenney, Winder wrote that the Nampa senator had violated rules governing decorum.

It has been brought to my attention that on countless occasions you have aggressively attacked, disparaged, and degraded fellow members of the Senate, members of Senate leadership and members of the general public, Winder wrote

In a statement from the Freedom Caucus, Lenney said he has not spoken to Winder in seven months.

Lets be clear: Sen. Winder is neither my boss nor my dad, he said. I serve the people, not Sen. Winder.

In late October, Herndon published a blog post on his website criticizing legislators who do not vote against any budget bills.

Herndon  who is a member of the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee, the budget-setting legislative panel  wrote that none of the more than 200 budget bills voted on in the past two years were halted on the Senate floor and returned to a committee, noting that the senator he replaced, Jim Woodward, voted yes on the 110 budget bills last year, as did a large majority of his colleagues.

In his letter, Winder asked Herndon to apologize to the other members of JFAC.

Although your fellow colleagues on JFAC have taken their duties seriously, you have not, Winder wrote in his letter to Herndon.

When you start saying that youre the only really good Republican on there thats really looking at budgets and working hard, ... youre attacking your colleagues, Winder told the Statesman. If you disparage them, then how are you going to get them to support you when you want to get anything else done?

Winder added that he believes in the committee process, which includes public hearings and deliberation and that legislators should look to the recommendations made by committees, which proceed a full vote before the entire House or Senate chamber.

In an interview with the Statesman, Herndon said he thinks legislators should speak their minds about issues and disputed Winders charge that he has not worked on enough budget bills, pointing to five bills he sponsored.

I dont think we want to quash debate and quash differing opinions, he said. I dont think a senator from District 20 should be telling the senators from District 1 and District 24 what they should be saying.

Winder said he was disappointed the two senators did a full press release and went after it the way they did, rather than accepting it in the manner that it was intended  and that was to use it as a teaching moment and hopefully improve their relationship with their colleagues.

He added that he had sent the letters privately, and that the senators released information to the Freedom Foundation and the public that should have been kept personal.

They just want to attack me by turning their membership loose on me, Winder said in a text message. So much for a tax-exempt political think tank.

The Freedom Foundation did not respond to a request for comment.

This article was updated 5:40 p.m. Nov. 15 after the Idaho Freedom Caucus released a third letter, which Winder sent to state Sen. Brian Lenney.
For a long time, people living in two densely populated Asian capitals have suffered the toxic smog that blanket their cities.

On some days, when the smoke draped Delhi and Beijing - both teeming cities with more than 20 million people - in an orange-grey hue, and the air tasted smoky, people said it felt like living in a dystopian nightmare. Beijing residents even gave the calamity a popular nickname - "airpocalypse".

That time of the year is back in Delhi, but Beijing is breathing much better.

Particulate matter, known as PM2.5 - particles so small they can be ingested deep into the lungs - and a cocktail of gases hang heavy over land-locked Delhi, among the world's most polluted cities. Low wind speeds trap pollutants in the lower atmosphere, worsening air quality.

Authorities briefly close schools, order diesel vehicles off the roads, halt construction work, ask people to work from home, ban firecrackers. Much of this is difficult to enforce in India's chaotic democracy. Residents cough, wheeze and outrage, and life goes on.

A range of command-and-control measures helped Beijing clean up its air

On Monday, the morning after Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, when revellers burst firecrackers despite the ban, Delhi was among the world's top cities for pollution. A government app showed the Air Quality Index, or AQI in some places climbing to above 520 on Monday morning. (Anything below 50 is considered good.)

On the same morning in Beijing, the skies were bluer, and the AQI levels were less than a fifth of Delhi's. Since 2013, Beijing - and China at large - has waged a determined war on air pollution using a range of command-and-control measures.

An ambitious action plan banned new coal capacities, shut off coal-fuelled heating in residential buildings, raised fuel and engine standards on diesel trucks and scrapped old, polluting cars, among other measures. People were encouraged to switch to electric cars and ride their bicycles for shorter trips.

Beijing worked hard to enhance air quality within the city, but the significant improvements over the last decade came when they extended their efforts beyond the city limits, according to Lauri Myllyvirta, an analyst at the Helsinki-based Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air.

By establishing a "key control region" that covered industrial clusters and major emission sources outside the city, authorities achieved more impactful results, he told me. Beijing's budget to fight air pollution leapt from just over $430m (350m) in 2013 to more $2.6bn in 2017.

The Delhi Metro is the longest metro network in India but last-mile connectivity remains spotty

The results have been impressive. Air pollution in Beijing has declined by about 50%, and by about 40% countrywide since 2013, according to The Air Quality Life Index, or AQLI, produced by University of Chicago's Energy Pollution Institute. "Beijing used to rank very high [in the air pollution indexes]. But it has seen a dramatic improvement. There's a strong push from coal to gas and renewable power sources. It is easier to buy electric cars than petrol ones," Chim Lee, China analyst at the Economist Intelligence Unit, told me.

Experts acknowledge that Delhi's two decade-long effort to improve air quality has also shown some results. The city has moved out formal polluting industries, shut coal-based power plants, introduced the world's largest natural gas-based public transport programme, forced old commercial vehicles off the roads, slapped stricter emission standards and built an efficient metro.

Shared bikes have flooded Beijing since 2016 as people return to cycles for short commutes

Have these measures impacted the city's air quality? Yes, they have, says Anumita Roychowdhury, an air pollution expert and the executive director of Delhi-based Centre for Science and Environment. "Long term air quality trends in Delhi show that levels are not going up on year-on-year basis. It is actually coming down. It means Delhi has stabilised the problem and bent the pollution curve. But it also means Delhi needs to slash PM2.5 levels by another 60% to be able to meet clear air standards," she told me.

Yet, Delhi's battle against air pollution stumbles due to inadequate planning, wrongly designed policies and partisan politics.

Research shows that over half of Delhi's pollution stems from vehicular emissions. This is followed by smoke from coal-fired industries, burning of waste and dust from construction sites.

During winter, the burning of crop stubble in neighbouring Punjab and Haryana - a common practice during the harvesting season - can contribute up to a quarter of Delhi's air pollution on certain days, depending on wind speed and direction. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government now blames the neighbouring state of Punjab, run by an opposition political party, for failing to tackle the problem.

By banning old vehicles, Delhi has reduced the number of cars on its roads - nearly eight million - by more than a third from the numbers recorded in 2015. Yet, vehicular emissions remain the primary contributor to pollution in a city whose urban design is friendlier towards cars and skewed against pedestrians and cyclists.

Vehicular emissions remain the primary contributor to pollution in Delhi

The nearly 400km (248 miles)-long Delhi Metro is the longest and busiest metro network in India but last-mile connectivity to homes and workplaces remains spotty. While around 14% of the city's 7,000 public buses are electric, ironically, bus ridership is declining due to inconveniences in usage. Despite the Delhi master plan aiming for 80% of motorised trips to be taken by public transport, the lack of integration between the metro and bus systems has hindered the realisation of this target.

"Even if you have a solution you are not able to make it work because you have not designed it rightly," says Ms Roychowdhury.

The lack of regional planning also hinders progress. While discussions revolve around pollution in Delhi, the neighbouring cities on the vast Indo-Gangetic plain - stretching across northern India, eastern Pakistan and parts of Nepal and Bangladesh - are also shrouded in smoke. Studies show that air pollution levels in Bihar are frequently higher than those in Delhi, yet there is limited discussion on the matter. "The conversation cannot be just about Delhi. It has to be scaled up across the entire region," adds Ms Roychowdhury.

This is where Beijing got it right, say experts. It set a target to reduce air pollution by a quarter by 2017 and rolled out a regional plan that included neighbouring provinces. Between 2013 and 2017, fine particle levels in Beijing and the surrounding region fell by around 35% and 25% respectively. "No other city or region on the planet has achieved such a feat," according to a United Nations review.

Cities on the vast Indo-Gangetic plain, including Agra, home to the Taj Mahal, are also shrouded in smoke

Beijing moved away from coal and diesel much faster than Delhi. "Much of the decision making Beijing did is tough in a democracy [like India]," Ms Roychowdhury says, adding that Delhi - and India - should be looking at how US and European cities controlled air pollution. Also, despite progress, Beijing remains three times more polluted than Los Angeles - the most polluted US city - and falls short of being among the least polluted cities on Earth, according to AQLI.

"Delhi doesn't have time. We have to roll out everything in the next few years. Delhi - and India - needs to be prepared for disruptive action," Ms Roychowdhury says.

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China, southeast Asian countries kick off joint military exercise

Xinhua) 09:50, November 14, 2023

The opening ceremony of the "Peace and Friendship-2023" joint military exercise is held in Zhanjiang, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 13, 2023. (Photo by Yin Huan/Xinhua)

GUANGZHOU, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- A joint military exercise featuring Chinese, Cambodian, Lao, Malaysian, Thai and Vietnamese forces kicked off Monday morning in Zhanjiang, south China's Guangdong Province.

Code-named "Peace and Friendship-2023," the exercise focuses on joint anti-terrorist efforts and safeguarding maritime security. It also aims to enhance the urban anti-terrorist, maritime anti-terrorist and anti-piracy capabilities of the participating forces, as well as further deepen military mutual trust and cooperation to jointly safeguard regional peace and stability.

This is the first time an exercise with this code name is held in China, marking the participation of a record-high number of countries.

The opening ceremony of the "Peace and Friendship-2023" joint military exercise is held in Zhanjiang, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 13, 2023. (Photo by Lin Qinghua/Xinhua)

Chinese soldiers attend the opening ceremony of the "Peace and Friendship-2023" joint military exercise in Zhanjiang, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 13, 2023. (Photo by Zeng Qingfeng/Xinhua)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
A new book, "The Historical Narrative of Chinese Children's Science Fiction," documenting the development of this genre from 1949 to 2021, has recently been released.

A screen grab from the online seminar on "The Historical Narrative of Chinese Children's Science Fiction," held in Chengdu, Sichuan province, Nov. 8, 2023. [Photo courtesy of Time Vision]

Chinese popular science and sci-fi mogul Dong Renwei served as the chief editor of the book, which was masterminded by Gan Weikang, chair of the Chinese Nebula Awards Operating Committee. It features contributions from several sci-fi writers, publishers, researchers, and critics, including Han Song, Yao Haijun, Ling Chen, Yin Chao, and Ma Chuansi. The book comprises three chapters: the first recounts the history of Chinese children's sci-fi development, the second contains 10 research articles, and the third presents a selection of children's sci-fi works.

At a seminar held by the International Children Science Fiction Association and the World Children Science Fiction Research Center on Nov. 8 in Chengdu, Sichuan province, which included both online and in-person participation, Dong reflected on how China's children's sci-fi experienced its first prosperous era through children's book publishers and magazines from 1949 to 1965. In that era, children's science fiction, characterized by a popular science style, was the most prominent genre in Chinese science fiction.

He continued through history, noting that from 1977 to 1983, there was another prosperous era for Chinese sci-fi, highlighted by writer Ye Yonglie's works selling millions of copies. However, the genre suffered setbacks from 1984 to 1990 but started to revive in 1991. Thanks to the emergence of top sci-fi writers like Liu Cixin, Wang Jinkang, Han Song, and He Xi, Chinese sci-fi has risen to world-class status, with "The Three-Body Problem" being the pinnacle.

From 2011 to 2021, Dong said, Chinese sci-fi entered its phase of prosperity, supported by magazines like Science Fiction World, various publishers, sci-fi works, films, and awards. Meanwhile, children's sci-fi also experienced rapid growth, with more writers joining and releasing an increasing number of such books.

"To summarize the experiences and lessons of developing Chinese children's sci-fi literature, we conducted archival research, interviews with eyewitnesses, recollections from those involved, and investigations into publishers and periodicals. With the full support of the children's sci-fi community and through organizing historical materials and firsthand information, we have written, compiled, and published 'The Historical Narrative of Chinese Children's Science Fiction.' It is a collective creation by Chinese children's sci-fi enthusiasts," Dong noted. He added that research materials for the genre are still insufficient and welcomed more suggestions and additions.

Award-winning children's sci-fi author Ma Chuansi pointed out at the seminar that, compared to the current enthusiasm for non-children's sci-fi research, attention from the critics' community toward children's sci-fi has always been relatively sparse. Research results are scarce, and there is a gap in terms of monographs focused on children's sci-fi research. "'The Historical Narrative of Chinese Children's Science Fiction' helps broaden societal awareness of children's sci-fi, gathers enthusiasm for researching and critiquing children's sci-fi, and promotes the development of children's sci-fi creation."

Lu Yang, another prominent writer in Chinese children's sci-fi, emphasized the poignant contributions of his predecessors to the genre's growth. He noted the significant development of Chinese sci-fi literature in recent years, shifting from initial explorations to mainstream recognition. Lu emphasized the vital role of children's sci-fi in the broader sci-fi landscape, attributing the genre's achievements and honor to the silent dedication of countless predecessors. This legacy, a result of generations of creators' sweat and effort, serves as inspiration for the new generation to courageously pursue children's sci-fi creation and encourages those currently engaged in children's sci-fi creation to persist despite challenges.

Book cover art for "The Historical Narrative of Chinese Children's Science Fiction." [Image courtesy of Chengdu Times Press]

Before the new book, Dong Renwei spared no effort in promoting Chinese children's sci-fi. As early as 2019, he wrote reviews and research articles on this field and initiated the Children Science Fiction Nebula Awards, independent of the established Chinese Nebula Awards. Although the awards ceremony was delayed to 2021 in Chongqing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, sci-fi writer Ma Chuansi eventually received the Best Children's Sci-Fi Novel award for "The City of Ants." Dong also contributed to the genre by writing his own children's sci-fi book, "Mystery Case of Sanxingdui," to bolster and contribute to the wave of development.
A fund set up for the governor to quickly dispense money during emergencies would be nearly $59 million in the hole if all obligations for hurricane clean-up, immigration enforcement and Israel relief and rescue efforts came due today.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

But with Gov. Ron DeSantis expected to ask for an additional $1 billion for the state Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund during the upcoming legislative session, his budget director Chris Spencer said Tuesday the issue is mostly about accounting projections and is not at a crisis level.

The fund is something that we deal with on an accounting basis to make sure that we can satisfy those obligations, Spencer told the House Appropriations Committee. But when theres an emergency declared, we respond.

The governors office can request additional mid-year money from the Joint Legislative Budget Commission, but Spencer said that is not anticipated this fiscal year because the fund holds just under $1 billion. The Joint Legislative Budget Commission is made up of House and Senate members.

In questioning Spencer, House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell, D-Tampa, said a negative cash balance looks like a blemish on our financial planning.

But Appropriations Chairman Tom Leek, R-Ormond Beach, said the Legislatures allocations to the fund are viewed as a placeholder.

It should not be unexpected or uncommon that when you have years in which there are an unusual number of emergencies or unusually costly emergencies that it may require more money, Leek said.

Created in 2022, DeSantis can use money from the fund during declared states of emergency.

The fund has received $2.92 billion in state general revenue, including $500 million in the budget for the current fiscal year that began July 1. It has also drawn $621 million in federal dollars. Just over $2.56 billion has been spent.

Spencer said after Tuesdays meeting that he will recommend $1 billion to replenish the fund during the 2024-2025 fiscal year. DeSantis will release his budget proposal for the fiscal year in the next few weeks. The 2024 session will start in January.

The fund is expected to receive invoices on several fronts.

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

Clean-up efforts involving hurricanes Ian and Nicole, which hit the state in 2022, and Idalia in August could reach $2.4 billion through already-obligated money and projected needs.

The state has already spent $2.7 billion on storm relief efforts, with most expected to eventually be reimbursed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Spencer said.

Just knowing whats currently in the queue, and where they are in the stages of the queue at FEMA, we are pretty comfortable that were going to get a significant amount of cash for some of the major big-ticket expenditures that are incoming, particularly non-congregate sheltering and debris, Spencer said.

But the timing of reimbursements isnt certain, as the state continues to receive federal funding for 2018s Hurricane Michael and awaits $800 million in COVID-19 assistance, Spencer said.

The state doesnt anticipate reimbursements for all of its emergency spending, particularly immigration enforcement and efforts involving Israel.

Recently, the state started rescue flights and supply missions in Israel amid the war between Israel and Hamas. Costs could top $36 million, according to figures presented to the committee.

Also, the state has spent $27.4 million related to immigration issues on the nations border with Mexico, including controversial flights of migrants to Massachusetts and California. Another $11.997 million could still be spent, according to figures presented to the Appropriations Committee.

Ongoing immigration enforcement efforts in the Florida Keys and other parts of Florida, which have already cost $52 million, could require another $9.8 million.

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Prosecutors say the Payette National Forest operation that ended in the shooting of a homeless man in a wheelchair was the escalation of years of frustrating dealings with a family who had camped too long on public land in Idaho.

Defense attorneys say the episode in May north of McCall conducted by undercover officers was a pointless and wildly dangerous ruse operation that needlessly jeopardized the lives and safety of everyone over a handful of misdemeanors.

To the family involved  Judy Roberts, 62, and her two adult sons, Timber, 35, and Brooks, 39  the incident was just the latest in a long line of cruel blows.

Over the course of two years, they had lost their home, their jobs and even the use of their bodies. Now they are watching their cases wend through the legal system, including Brooks Roberts tort claim against several government agencies over a shooting that left him paralyzed, and a variety of federal charges against the family members.

This was not something that these folks chose, Craig Durham, an attorney for Brooks Roberts, told the Idaho Statesman by phone. This is not something they wanted. This really lays bare the problem of housing costs, particularly in this area, and homelessness, and homelessness on public lands.

I really believe that the richest government in the world should develop some kind of policy to address these issues so that it doesnt get to the point where you concoct a trick that causes somebody to be shot 11 times.

Brooks Roberts fell out of his wheelchair when federal agents shot him. U.S. Forest Service

The day of the shooting and arrests

Police body camera footage from May 19 showed two ordinary-looking men  dressed in plaid and jeans  approach the Roberts trailer near the forests West Face Trailhead, just seven minutes from downtown McCall and adjacent to Brundage Mountain. They knocked on the door and asked Timber Roberts for help jumpstarting their vehicle. Timber agrees and backs his truck up to their vehicle, bringing it within jumper-cable distance.

Unbeknownst to the Roberts family, at least 10 other federal and state law enforcement officers were waiting out of sight. When Timber exited his vehicle, the two men grabbed him and took him to the ground.

Timber screamed, calling for his older brother.

Get off of me, he yelled in the video. Help! Help! Brooks! Brooks! Brooks!

The next few seconds were chaotic. Brooks rushed out of the trailer, his hands pumping the wheels of the wheelchair he has to use because of a disability sustained while working. He drew a .22 revolver, according to court documents, and pointed it at the men.

Hes got a gun, an officer shouted.

Shots rang out, all from the guns of undercover U.S. Forest Service officers. The sound of about about a dozen gunshots can be heard in the video  none from Brooks. Documents filed by his lawyers said he threw his gun out of reach before the officers fired their first shot.

In police footage, Brooks can be seen on the ground, covered in blood, his wheelchair next to him. An officer turned him over to handcuff him and assured an apologetic Brooks that help was on the way.

Im sorry, Brooks said. I thought my brother was being attacked. You didnt give me a chance to put the gun down. ... I didnt know you guys were cops.

Brooks was shot through his arm, armpit, shoulder, the middle of his back, and several times in his legs, while another bullet lodged in his spine, according to a tort claim filed by attorneys in August.

Brooks was hospitalized for almost five months before being released in September. He is paralyzed from the waist down and has limited use of his right arm, according to the claim.

His prognosis is guarded, according to the claim filed by defense attorneys. He likely will never recover the use of his lower body. He cannot control his bowels and requires a diaper. His recovery will be slow and difficult.

Through the window of federal agents vehicle, Brook Roberts can be seen holding a gun. U.S. Forest Service

Legal activity on both sides

Attorneys for Brooks filed the tort claim against the United States Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and the Department of Agriculture  seeking $50 million for, among other things, pain and suffering, lost wages, loss of enjoyment of life, and trauma.

A tort claim is a legal filing in response to one party breaching the duty of care owed to another person or intentionally wronging another person, according to personal injury attorney Michael Waks. It is necessary before suing a government agency.

The government has six months to respond to the claim before Brooks can file a suit. Durham said no response has been received yet.

Meanwhile, the government has forged ahead in court with the familys misdemeanor cases that involve, among other things, staying too long on public land.

The three family members pleaded guilty through agreements with prosecutors. Brooks and Judy are set to be sentenced on Jan. 4 in the James A. McClure Federal Building in Boise.

Durham said Brooks pleaded guilty only because he received favorable terms, which included getting time served  meaning no additional jail time  and unsupervised probation, with the condition that the family not live on federal land for three years.

Brooks took a binding plea agreement, meaning if the judge rejects these conditions, he can still withdraw his guilty plea and go to trial.

Timber has already been sentenced and also received no additional jail time, as well as unsupervised probation.

Brooks Roberts spent months in the hospital following the shooting. Submitted by Craig Durham

Homeless family turns to camping

Law enforcement and the Roberts family had been locked in a struggle for more than two years. Forest Service officials said the family refused to stop camping on federal land, eventually becoming hostile to those who got too close. The family said they had nowhere else to go. Court documents detailed both sides versions of what happened.

Brian Harris, a U.S. Forest Service spokesperson out of the McCall office, told the Statesman that the FBI is investigating the shooting and the Forest Service cannot comment on it. The FBI declined to comment, citing the ongoing investigation. U.S. Attorney for the District of Idaho Josh Hurwit said he stands by the filings and evidence in the court record, but cant comment until the case is closed.

The tort claim said the familys troubles started in May 2020 after Judy was severely injured when her car was T-boned after another driver blew through a stop sign. Judy was the primary breadwinner for her two sons, both of whom had mental disabilities and did not finish high school, and the injury caused her to lose the manufacturing job shed worked for 13 years.

Without that income, the family was soon evicted from their longtime downtown Emmett rental unit, according to the tort claim.

The three of them  who had never lived apart  struggled to find a place to live and were told emergency housing was full, public defender Abigail Thiry said at the recent sentencing for Timber. The tort claim explained their situation further:

The family desperately searched for housing during an unprecedented public health emergency and a housing market in the Treasure Valley that was nearly impossible for renters. But with nowhere else to go and an airborne pandemic raging, they were forced to gather what they could of their belongings into their two camp trailers and try to survive that way for the time being.

An image captured by U.S. Forest Service body cameras show the Roberts family at an earlier campsite near Idaho City. U.S. Forest Service

The family began camping on federal public land. People may camp for up to 14 days on Bureau of Land Management grounds before having to move at least 25 miles from that spot, and cant return to the same campground for 28 consecutive days, according to BLM rules.

Initially they were doing that, Durham said. They were actually complying with that, but they essentially ran out of places to go.

Thiry said Timber left for a time, getting a job, moving in with a roommate and beginning a romantic relationship.

But things were not going well for the other two. Judy got frostbite in the winter of 2021-22, according to tort claim documents. Her feet froze to the floor of an old school bus the family had bought to live in, and the bottoms of both legs had to be amputated.

Brooks was injured at his job at Walmart in June 2022, according to the claim. He lost partial feeling in his legs and began having to use a wheelchair.

Thats when (Brooks) called (Timber), Thiry said at his sentencing. Thats when (Timber) realized that his mom and brother were not surviving without him  when his brother begged him to come back, when his brother said, How could you leave us like this?

Timber returned to his family, and the Robertses drove their bus and camper to the Payette National Forest in October 2022, where the family had camped as children, according to Thiry.

Activity in Payette National Forest

There, Forest Service officers said they had repeated issues with the family. Officers said they tried to connect them with social services or point them to campgrounds and RV parks where the family could go.

Court documents filed by the prosecution said the Robertses told officers they had squatters rights. Officers said the family purchased items to live in the forest more comfortably rather than using their money to find legal housing.

Judy received a relatively small amount of Social Security following her amputations, and for a time, Timber was on temporary Social Security relating to an injury, according to Durham.

The Roberts family created large camping compounds on the public lands, outfitted them with air conditioning units, solar panel arrays, and hot tubs, and lived the van life to the detriment of the public lands and the other members of the public who wanted to use them, U.S. Attorney for Idaho Josh Hurwit said in a sentencing memorandum filing.

Durham called the prosecutions narrative around the familys spending exaggerated. The Robertses were pack-ratty people who often bought, traded or picked up cheap or free used items, according to Durham.

He said some items they owned, including an old Jeep and boat, did not work. The family knew they werent allowed to leave the Jeep in the forest, and part of the issue with moving to another location in May involved difficulty figuring out how to dispose of it, according to Durham.

Its not like they were living in the lap of luxury and just out there recreating and having a good time, Durham said. These were subsistence-level items that, had they sold them, didnt mean they were going to find a place in the Valley and pay their rent for a year.

A photo shows the Roberts campsite near the West Face Trailhead. U.S. Forest Service

Over the winter, the Robertses became snowed in near the West Face Trailhead  which the Forest Service had warned them about  and were unable to move their vehicles, according to court documents.

By February, the federal government had charged Judy, Timber and Brooks with multiple misdemeanor counts related to staying on federal lands longer than allowed. Prosecutors indicated they would seek jail time, and all three were appointed lawyers as court proceedings began moving forward. Durham said the family had attended all required court hearings.

After I was appointed, I brought on board a co-counsel, and we got a social worker, Durham said. The idea was to try and help this family get resources and housing. I went out of my way to develop a rapport with the family, and they trusted me. We were making some progress.

Law enforcement officers said the Robertses behavior became hostile toward them, escalating to the point that Timber told law enforcement that if they touched the familys possessions, then someone would be majorly hurt with booby traps and law enforcement should expect retaliation, according to the sentencing memorandum.

The Forest Service grew more concerned after Timber claimed to be a member of law enforcement and told a 70-year-old man visiting the area to leave, according to the memorandum. The agency then began making plans for an operation to arrest the family.

Durham said there were other legal procedures officers should have followed rather than attempting the surprise arrest. They did not notify the familys attorneys before the undercover operation took place.

If they were really concerned about this, they should have come to the attorneys and said, Look, this is escalating. Weve got new charges. We need them to come into court, Durham said. And if the judge felt that there was a risk after they came into court and appeared, then the judge could detain Timber.

The West Face Trailhead is located just seven minutes northwest of downtown McCall. It is used primarily in the snow season as a snowmobile trailhead parking area, according to the U.S. Forest Service website. U.S. Forest Service

Mother and sons now in limbo

On Oct. 30, Timber pleaded guilty to camping on BLM land for longer than allowed; intimidating, threatening and/or interfering with a forest officer; and assaulting a federal officer. The rest of his charges were dismissed, including those related to using the land for residential purposes, improperly disposing of garbage and leaving property on public land.

Timber was required to get a mental health evaluation as part of a presentencing court report. Professionals diagnosed major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, a learning disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and an IQ of 85, according to the report. It found Timber to have no history of substance abuse.

With low intelligence and executive dysfunction, Mr. Roberts has exhibited poor decision-making and problem-solving skills, his evaluation stated.

Speaking in court at his sentencing, Timber tearfully apologized.

Im sorry for this entire situation that has happened, he said. I feel very disappointed in myself. I let my temper get the best of me. I never do. Im a Presbyterian. Presbyterians dont believe in violence. I felt bullied and felt like I was back in school all over again, being bullied and thrown into trash cans.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Debora Grasham sentenced Timber to time served and three years of probation, as well as $1,648 in restitution, which will be split between all three family members.

She said she took into consideration the many difficulties hed faced, including childhood abuse, severe school bullying and mental health issues. The judge also acknowledged the problems he had caused.

His conduct and these offenses not only caused damage to public lands, but endangered the officers at issue and others, Grasham said.

The family is now living in a Boise motel funded by donations raised on GoFundMe after their story became public. But that money is dwindling, and Durham said the Robertses dont know what they will do next.

With the help of local nonprofit CATCH, Brooks was placed on a permanent supportive housing waiting list shortly after his shooting, but a social worker has told him it could be months or even years before a spot opens up, according to Durham.
The Digital Transformation Ministry launched a program in collaboration with the Office for the Development of Entrepreneurship and Export and Diya.Business to help 30 Ukrainian small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) enter the Polish market, the Ministry said on Nov. 13.



The enterprises will be able to access a free online tool, developed by the Kyiv School of Economics (KSE), on the Diya.Business website to establish business contacts with Polish companies.



"In 2022, almost every tenth company created in Poland was Ukrainian. Our goal is to support the business of Ukrainians living abroad and expand opportunities for their development," said Deputy Digital Transformation for European Integration Minister Valeriya Ionan.

"And supporting exports to Poland helps to strengthen the position of Ukrainian manufacturers and present them to the international arena."



The entrepreneurs will receive consulting support from local experts as well as help setting up potential partnerships.



The companies and their products will be included in a catalog of Ukrainian manufacturers which the project team will promote in meetings with representatives of Polish businesses.



Poland is one of the most attractive markets for Ukrainian businesses due to its close geography and convenient logistics, noted the director of the Office for Entrepreneurship and Export Development Andriy Remizov.



Last year, Poland imported $6.7 billion worth of Ukrainian-made products.



The pilot program aims to help SMEs establish supplies, gain a strong foothold in the Polish market, and increase exports, according to Remizov.



The number of SMEs has grown in Ukraine in recent months, although many were forced to close at the start of Russias full-scale invasion.



With domestic demand dropping amid an exodus of Ukrainian citizens abroad, businesses are looking for opportunities to establish themselves in foreign markets.

Read also: Ukrainian wine and beer make a splash in Denmark with help of local entrepreneur

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By Nidal al-Mughrabi

KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (Reuters) - Driven from her home by war and sheltering in a tent with no certainty of ever being able to return, elderly Palestinian refugee Abla Awad felt like history was repeating itself in a tragic, never-ending loop.

When she was a girl, she and her family were forced from their village, inside what is now Israel, to Gaza, during the mass displacement of Palestinians in 1948, when Israel was created, an event Palestinians call the "Nakba", or catastrophe.

Now, she has had to abandon her home all over again, fleeing Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza to escape Israeli air strikes, and taking shelter with generations of her family in a tent city in Khan Younis, in the southern part of the enclave.

"I was five years old and I remember being displaced. Our families carried us along with their bags, and they took us to Gaza. I swear it's the same as what's happening today," said Awad, sitting outside her tent on a patch of sand.

"I was a little girl and now I am reliving the same thing ... Ever since I can remember, since I was five years old, I have been witnessing wars," she said, as her grandchildren ran around her, playfully darting in and out of the tent.

The latest war, between Israel and Hamas, the Islamist group that runs Gaza, began when Hamas fighters rampaged through southern Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 Israelis, including babies and children, and taking 240 hostages, according to Israeli figures.

In response, Israel imposed a total siege on Gaza and launched an air, sea and ground assault that has killed more than 11,000 people, most of them women and children, according to Gazan officials. An estimated two thirds of the enclave's 2.3 million residents have been made homeless.

"What did we do to them? Every few years they bring a new Nakba on us," said Awad, breaking down in tears.

"They displaced us from our home and brought us to Gaza. Now where will they send us? To Sinai? Where will they take us? Let them throw us in the sea, then they can rest without Gaza and the poor Palestinian people," she said.

Israel contests the assertion that it drove Palestinians out, highlighting that Arab armies attacked it the day after it was created, rejecting a United Nations partition plan that would have created a Palestinian state alongside Israel.

The Israeli military has said its current war is against Hamas, not civilians, and that displaced people will be allowed home when it is over, but this has given little reassurance to Palestinians still suffering the consequences of the Nakba.

Most people in Gaza are registered as refugees, after they or their ancestors fled their homes in 1948.

On Tuesday, a senior far-right member of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government said Gaza could not survive as an independent entity and it would be better for Palestinians there to leave for other countries.

The comments by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich are likely to reinforce fears in much of the Arab world that Israel wants to drive Palestinians out of land where they want to build a future state, repeating the Nakba.

"I can't take this anymore. I'm so tired of this life. We're so sick of this, oh God. Have mercy on us. Countries of the world, please look at us, have mercy on us. We're hungry. We've been displaced. How many more years?" said Awad, her voice full of despair.

(Writing by Estelle Shirbon; Editing by Christina Fincher)
Yahoo Sports

Jason Fitz is joined by quarterback expert and host of the Athletic Football Show Nate Tice to give a unique perspective on how we rank and grade quarterbacks by adding their head coach/playcaller into the equation. Fitz and Nate go through the current playoff bracket and give letter grades for each and every quarterback and head coach combo and determine who deserves more of the credit pie. The duo also discuss some fringe playoff contenders and some of the more interesting combos on bad teams. Later, Fitz is joined by former NFL GM Michael Lombardi to discuss David Tepper's ownership style and the future of the Carolina Panthers, Brandon Staley and whether it's time for the Los Angeles Chargers to move on and how a quarterback's likability in the locker room can indirectly define their success.
A former Kentucky sheriffs deputy who helped run a cockfighting operation despite warnings from other officers has been sentenced to one month in jail followed by eight months of home detention.

Jacklyn Johnson, 31, also was fined $250.

U.S. District Judge Claria Horn Boom sentenced Johnson in federal court in London on Tuesday.

Johnson was a Laurel County deputy sheriff, serving as a court bailiff, when Kentucky State Police went to investigate a report of animal cruelty late one night in July 2021 at a large metal building at Bald Rock, a rural community in the county.

An organization called Showing Animals Respect and Kindness, which has worked to document cockfighting in Kentucky and elsewhere and pushed authorities to investigate, reported the cockfighting operation at Bald Rock.

Johnson helped her father run the fights, collecting money from spectators and from people entering roosters in fights, and weighing and matching roosters, according to court documents.

She advertised the fights online and recruited people to participate, the prosecutors, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kate K. Smith and Andrea L. Mattingly Williams, said in a sentencing memorandum.

Participants in a cockfight in Clay County, Kentucky, prepare to release their roosters. A group called Showing Animals Respect and Kindness (SHARK) shot the photo without participants knowledge.

The venue, which had operated for years, included several fighting pits, stadium-style seating, a concession area and an area to sharpen the metal gaffs attached to roosters legs to cut and stab each other, according to the court record.

Johnson pleaded guilty to conspiring to violate the law against cockfighting and to attending a cockfight.

She was the last of nine people charged in the case, including her father, Rickie D. Johnson, and her boyfriend, Oakley Whitey Hatfield, to be sentenced.

Johnsons attorney, Douglas G. Benge, advocated for her to be placed on probation.

Johnson had a difficult childhood because both parents were substance abusers, but she overcame that to become the first high-school graduate in her family and went on to get a two-year college degree in criminal justice, Benge said.

Benge also said Johnsons grandparents and father were all involved in cockfighting, so she had been around it all her life.

That was the life that she knew, Benge said.

Johnson didnt run the cockfights but essentially just did what her father told her, Benge said.

Williams, however, argued for jail time for Johnson.

A gaff is a sharp metal device that cockfighters attach to roosters legs to slash and stab opponents during bloody fights.

Johnson may not have known that it was a federal felony to help operate a cockfighting venue, but she knew it was against state law.

Williams also pointed to the bloody nature of cockfighting, saying the goal is for roosters to kill their opponents.

This is a brutal and awful crime, she said.

Prosecutors said in a sentencing memorandum that Johnson admitted to coworkers at the sheriffs office that she worked at two cockfighting pits, one called CJs and the other Bald Rock.

If Johnson had gone to trial, people who worked at the sheriffs office would have testified they warned her not to take part in cockfighting, according to prosecutors.

One colleague warned her specifically not the be involved at Bald Rock because it had a a reputation for allowing other criminal conduct and attracting criminals from other states, according to a court document.

People taking part in a cockfight in Clay County, Kentucky released their roosters to begin the fight. A non-profit called Showing Animals Respect and Kindness (SHARK) shot the photo undercover.

But Johnson was not dissuaded, and even talked of hiding her sheriffs vehicle when fights were going on so it wouldnt scare away cockfighters and spectators, according to the prosecution memo.

She knew her conduct was illegal, and as a law enforcement officer, she continued to disregard, and disrespect, the law, prosecutors said in the sentencing memo.

Boom cited several factors that argued for leniency for Johnson, including her good work history, her lack of any other criminal record, childhood neglect and the seriousness of a felony conviction

But she said the fact that Johnson was in law enforcement while committing a crime argued for at least some time behind bars.

The judge also said it was unfortunate that no one from the sheriffs office stepped in to stop her from taking part in cockfighting.

Whatever the reason is for that, its very unfortunate, Boom said.

Johnson was the last of nine people charged in the case to be sentenced. Others charged included her father, Rickie D. Johnson, and her boyfriend, Oakley Whitey Hatfield, to be sentenced.

Cockfighting has been common in Kentucky, and animal-welfare groups have said that the state is a hub for fighting and for supplying birds internationally for cockfighting.
Every year between late October and early November, more than a billion people across multiple faiths celebrate Diwali, the Indian Festival of Lights that symbolizes light over darkness and the start of new beginnings. Homes are decorated with rows of flickering oil lamps, doorways are hung with mango leaves and marigolds and families and friends come together to exchange gifts. Its the largest festival of the year in India  and South Florida is joining in on the celebration.

In Miami, hundreds gathered Sunday night in Wynwood to enjoy traditional Indian food, music, dance and dress. An even larger event, hosted by the Indian Regional and Cultural Center (IRCC) in Broward, is planned for Saturday, Nov. 18 at the Broward County Convention Center, in Fort Lauderdale.

A group of woman gather on stage for opening prayer while one looks back to the crowd as South Florida Hindi community celebrated the Festival of Lights during the Diwali Miami event at Oasis Wynwood.

Since 2011, thousands of people have attended that celebration. Its an all-day event is steeped in Indian culture, but the organizers strive to represent different regions and traditions within the larger diaspora. Its meant to be a day of unity for the local community, said Sanjay Gupta, co-chair of the festival for the IRCC.

This festival doesnt mean that only Hindu people are coming, or whoever knows about Diwali, Gupta said. Its open to everyone.

What is Diwali?

Diwali, derived from the word Deepavali which means a row of lights, is a five-day festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil. Its an important cultural and religious event for the Indian community thats celebrated mainly by Hindus as well as Jains, Sihks and Buddhists.

The dates of the festival are based on the Hindu lunar calendar and fall on the darkest night of the year, usually in late October or early November. This year, Diwali begins Nov. 10 and the main festival is observed on Nov. 12. Each day has its own rituals and traditions, but the third day is the peak celebration.

Kianah, 6, center, and sister, Alaia Ahmed, 8, right, bow in prayer as one young boy sits passionately for the start of the festival. South Florida Indian community celebrated the Festival of Lights in Miami on Sunday.

During Diwali, people may light traditional clay oil lamps, or diyas, and place them through their homes and streets to light the way. People also typically draw ornate designs on the floor of their homes using colorful powders. The geometric art form, known as Rangoli, is believed to ward off evil spirits and welcome harmony into the home. Celebrants will also share gifts and sweets, pray together and light fireworks on the first night.

What is the religious meaning?

Diwali is a major religious festival for Hindus, but is also celebrated by Jains, Sihks and some Buddhists. The origin story depends on the region, but all stories point to a theme of goodness overcoming evil.

The most popular story associated with Diwali is about the return of the deity Lord Ram, his wife Sita, and brother Lakshmana to their home in Ayodhya, after 14 years in exile. Hindus celebrate his defeat of the demon king Ravana and return home by lighting oil lamps and setting off fireworks.

A drummer accompanies the DJ while beating on the traditional drums called the tabla as South Florida's Hindi community celebrated the Festival of Lights during the Diwali Miami event at Oasis Wynwood.

In other parts of India, Hindus celebrate the victory of Lord Krishnas defeat of the demon Naraka who is believed to have imprisoned women and tortured his subjects. Many Hindus also worship the goddess of wealth and prosperity, Goddess Lakshmi, and seek her blessings on Diwali.

Light is a common theme throughout many Diwali origin stories, according to the Times of India, and signifies a destruction of dark desires and evils, and a triumph of strength throughout the rest of the year.

Music, dance in Broward

The cultural centers Broward event will include music and dance performances ranging from Bhangra to Bollywood, traditional Indian fashions and dozens of food, clothing and jewelry vendors. Hundreds of children, teenagers and adults participate in the dance performances and competitions for cash prizes. Groups practice for months to prepare their routine, Gupta said.

Its a high-end show, well-prepared, very well dressed [in] beautiful costumes, he said. In these ten hours, the performances are nonstop.

Hard Rock Hotel cook, Rabi Singh, 23, reflects on the importance of the event after traveling for the first to the U.S. to work as a cook, and leaving family and friends back home. He said the Sunday festival made it easier to bear the isolation of living aboard as South Florida's Hindi community celebrated a Festival of Lights during the Diwali Miami event at Oasis Wynwood.

While some performances touch on the religious stories behind Diwali, the overall event focuses on culture. The holidays main message  good triumphs evil  is felt throughout the festival, said Gupta.

The prayer part is happening in the temple, here you are celebrating joy, he said.

Models dressed in traditional Indian fashion take the stage prior to start of the show. South Florida Indian community celebrated the Festival of Lights during the Diwali Miami event at Oasis Wynwood with music, food, dancing, and traditional beverages of the Hindu holiday on Sunday, November 12, 2023.

Lauren Costantino is a religion reporter for the Miami Herald funded with financial support from Trish and Dan Bell and from donors comprising the South Florida Jewish and Muslim Communities, in partnership with Journalism Funding Partners. The Miami Herald retains editorial control of all work.
Michael Palko was in the waiting room of his doctors office for a routine post-shoulder surgery appointment when he suddenly noticed a commotion on the street outside.

Looking out the window of the Atlanta medical building, he saw emergency vehicles pulling up and police shutting down the road. Other patients were getting ready to leave his doctors office, but employees stopped them and ushered everyone to a corner room away from the front doors.

A mother and daughter were trying to walk out and all of a sudden, the (staff) shut the doors and it was like, There is a shooter in the building, and we all had to lock down, Palko, 37, tells TODAY.com.

We went to the back room, and the little girl obviously didnt know what was going on. I have a 5-year-old myself, so I was just trying to keep her calm because every grown-up was freaking out. So she and I played checkers on my phone.

It was May 3, 2023, and a man who had an appointment on a different floor of the same medical building had opened fire in a waiting room, killing one woman and wounding four, NBC News reported. The alleged shooter, Deion Patterson, 24, is a former U.S. Coast Guardsman who wanted a medication to deal with anxiety and had a mental break, his mother told The Associated Press.

Police officers work the scene of a shooting at a Northside Hospital medical facility on May 3, 2023 in Atlanta, GA. (Megan Varner / Getty Images)

Patterson has been indicted on charges including murder, according to 11Alive, the NBC News affiliate in Atlanta. A veteran with a history of mental health issues, Mr. Patterson is innocent until proven otherwise; his defense team is working tirelessly on his behalf, a spokesperson for the Georgia Public Defender Council told 11Alive.

Palko and the other patients he was huddling with in the corner room that day made it safely out of the building after a SWAT team came and started pulling people out floor by floor. But his sense of safety was shaken.

When I came back from my doctors appointment, I was kind of messed up. I did not want to go back, he says. A doctors office was the last place you would ever expect a shooting, he adds.

Yet, it happened again two months later in a suburb of Memphis, Tennessee.

Dr. Ben Mauck (Greg Campbell / Courtesy Campbell Clinic)

Dr. Benjamin Mauck, a hand surgeon, was fatally shot by a patient in an exam room inside a clinic on July 11, with police describing it as a targeted attack, NBC News reported. They have not released a motive. A judge has ordered a mental evaluation of the alleged shooter to determine if hes competent to stand trial, reported WMC, the NBC News affiliate in Memphis.

Another doctor was shot and killed by his patient a year earlier in an orthopedics office in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Police said the gunman, who later killed himself, blamed the doctor for his ongoing pain after back surgery and targeted his orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Preston Phillips, NBC News reported. Three other people were killed in the medical office on June 1, 2022, including another doctor, a receptionist and a patient.

Dr. Preston J. Phillips. (Shane Bevel / Saint Francis Health System)

Aggression and intimidation from patients

A doctors office seems like one of the safest places to be, yet these recent incidents are raising concerns for patients and physicians.

They come as violent attacks against U.S. medical professionals have been on the rise for at least a decade, according to the American Medical Association.

A 2022 review of studies of the trend called violence against doctors an urgent global problem.

Nurses are also at high risk for assaults and violence in the workplace because they work so closely with patients, the American Nurses Association warns.

Overall, up to 38% of health workers will suffer physical violence at some point in their careers, the World Health Organization notes.

Psychiatrists and emergency medicine physicians typically see the highest rates of violence, but primary care doctors are also at risk, the American Academy of Family Physicians warns.

It calls the threat a significant problem and encourages health care facilities to have a security protocol in place.

Dr. Eleanor Lisa Lavadie-Gomez, a family physician in Iowa City, Iowa, says she and her colleagues are on edge whenever incidents like those in Atlanta happen, noting disgruntled patients can be found in any setting.

Since she began practicing medicine 13 years ago, shes noticed patients are quicker to react, expect instant solutions to health problems and become easily frustrated when that doesnt happen.

I certainly notice and feel that tensions have risen all around, and Im certainly on guard, Lavadie-Gomez tells TODAY.com. Shes the medical director of home-based primary care for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and a member of American Academy of Family Physicians. She is not commenting on behalf of those organizations, but shared her personal views.

With peoples access to firearms, (violence) can happen anywhere with peoples easy frustrations and expectations for fast results, especially if it involves chronic pain and dependence on opiate medication, Lavadie-Gomez adds.

The doctor has experienced verbal aggression or intimidation from patients, including a threatening voicemail message left by a patient who was promptly discharged from her practice, she wrote in a guest editorial for the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Lavadie-Gomez says the possibility of metal detectors in medical buildings was the furthest thing from my mind when she was training to be a doctor, but now the idea of patient security screenings before a doctors visit doesnt seem so far-fetched.

Thats what we saw before 9/11 and getting on airplanes, and now weve normalized all the things that we do just to be safe on airplanes. So it may get to the point where weve normalized a lot more safeguards just to be safe in medical offices, she says.

Are doctors offices safe?

Eric Sean Clay, president of the International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety, calls the shootings in medical buildings in Atlanta, suburban Memphis and Tulsa very extreme events.

Incidents where you see people bringing firearms and shooting doctors and health care providers  its on the rise, but I think its still a rarity, Clay, who is also vice president of security at Memorial Hermann Health System in Houston, Texas, tells TODAY.com.

Theyre generally very isolated, very directed targeted violence ... (but) it really has raised staff anxiety at facilities across the country.

More than 145,000 health care providers left the profession from 2021 through 2022, according to a report by Definitive Healthcare. If part of that is due to concerns about safety, Clay urges a focus on the issue before theres a continued exodus of doctors.

People are generally very safe in a health care facility, Clay says. Most everyone in the health care industry is investing very heavily in security officers, video surveillance, and de-escalation training for health workers to recognize the signs of aggression early on and defuse them, he adds.

Patients might be less frustrated when they have developed a relationship with their doctor over time, but too often, we are not given the time to spend with patients to build that relationship, Lavadie-Gomez says.

Clay believes concealed weapons detection will be standard in most hospitals in the next five years. Newer AI-assisted devices will be smarter and allow people to move through much quicker than traditional metal detectors, he notes.

For smaller doctors offices that dont have in-house security, the de-escalation training for staff to make sure patients are not getting agitated and upset will continue to be key, Clay adds.

When it comes to patients staying safe in a doctors office, he offered these tips:

When youre entering a medical building, make note of exits so you know where to run if theres an active shooter.

In the waiting room, pay attention to people around you. Are they verbalizing threats or escalating? Are they doing anything that would be of concern, such as displaying aggressive or threatening behavior?

Be present and aware: Dont fixate on your phone and dont have earbuds in both ears. You want to be able to hear raised voices, which may lead to violence or gunfire.

The shooting incidents are generally very targeted violence involving someone looking for a particular person. Move away from the sound of gunfire. You will have to decide if you will run, hide or fight.

Palko still remembers how scared everyone was in his doctors office in Atlanta as the active shooter situation played out.

(Im) realizing it could happen anywhere, he says.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin is warning that Russia and China are cooperating closely with North Korea to mutually expand military capabilities.

Austin spoke Tuesday during a meeting of defense ministers at a summit for U.N. Command, the international body that oversees and enforces the Korean War armistice.

"We are deeply concerned that the PRC and Russia are helping the DPRK to expand its capabilities by enabling it to evade sanctions from the U.N. Security Council," Austin told the group of defense officials.

"DPRK" stands for "Democratic People's Republic of Korea," the hermit nation's official name.

NORTH KOREA CLOSING EMBASSIES AROUND THE WORLD AMID SUSPECTED FINANCIAL CRISIS

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin attends a welcome ceremony before an annual security meeting with South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-sik at the Defence Ministry in Seoul, South Korea.

"We're also troubled by the recent growth in military cooperation between Russia and the DPRK," he added.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Material cooperation between North Korea, Russia and China has been documented by international intelligence agencies and government officials as diplomacy between the three states ramps up.

North Korean manufacturing and aid have been detected in relation to Russian forces amid the ongoing invasion of Ukraine, while Russian aid has been documented in North Korea's continued military satellite program.

"Today we have come together to shore up security for the next 70 years and our shared commitment for the defense of the Republic of Korea, and the peace and stability on this peninsula will remain vital," Austin said.

YOON WARNS SOUTH KOREA, UNITED STATES MUST BE READY FOR 'HAMAS-STYLE' SURPRISE ATTACK FROM NORTH KOREA

The United Nations Command summit hosted a meeting of 17 defense ministers from member nations in Seoul, South Korea.

Austin's concerns were echoed by South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-sik, who referenced Russia and China as countries that "assisted North Korea during the Korean War."

"If countries that assisted North Korea during the Korean War decide to support it again, they will face consequences similar to those of North Korea," said Shin. "This meeting will serve as a powerful warning to countries or groups attempting to reject the international order based on rules and seeking to change the status quo through force."

North Korea, China and the former Soviet Union were the three belligerents against South Korea and its allies during the Korean War.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, left, and South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-sik attend a welcome ceremony before their annual security meeting at the Defence Ministry in Seoul, South Korea.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol reportedly told Austin both of their nations should be ready for "Hamas-style" attacks from North Korea in the region.

The warning came when Yoon invited Austin and U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff General Charles Q. Brown, Jr. to the presidential residence in Seoul for a meeting over dinner, Yonhap News Agency reported.

The outlet, citing presidential spokesperson Lee Do-woon, said Yoon called for "a vigilant South Korea-US combined defense posture capable of promptly and decisively retaliating against any provocations from North Korea, including surprise attacks resembling Hamas-style tactics due to its miscalculation."

Fox News Digital's Danielle Wallace contributed to this report.





Original article source: Defense Sec. Austin warns Russia, China aiding North Korea to evade UN sanctions
Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey will reinstate top fire safety officials he dismissed last month, saying he has no choice but to comply with new legislation signed by Gov. Roy Cooper that protects the three employees.

The firings came amid a political fight between Causey and legislative leaders, who stripped him of his role as state fire marshal and made the job an independent position through language tucked into the state budget.

Brian Taylor, who was set to replace Causey as acting state fire marshal, was one of the employees fired on Oct. 31.

Causey himself offered no explanation for the firings at the time, but told The News & Observer on Tuesday that at least one of the fired employees had shared sensitive information with the legislature.

I didnt have to have any reason to make the change, Causey said. But I felt that I had sufficient reason that Id lost the confidence and trust of some of the folks that are in leadership.

Taylor dismissed Causeys claim about sharing of sensitive information.

I dont really know why he would say that or what the purpose is, Taylor told The N&O. It was clear that the legislatures intent... they were looking at protecting the current leadership and the employees.

Republicans control the legislature, and Causey is also a Republican.

Insurance commissioners in North Carolina have also held the role of state fire marshal since the 1940s, but lawmakers filed a bill, Senate Bill 363, to change that this year. It didnt make it through committee, but most of the changes it made were added to the 625-page state budget, which became law last month.

Causey claims that the changes to the Office of the State Fire Marshal were legislative payback for his opposition to a bill dealing with Blue Cross Blue Shield, one of the states largest insurance providers.

Sen. Jim Perry, a Lenoir County Republican and one of SB 363s sponsors, pointed out that he filed the bill weeks before the Blue Cross legislation was discussed in the General Assembly.

Causey says hed expected Cooper to veto legislation

In addition to the changes made in the budget, the legislature passed Senate Bill 409, which essentially safeguarded the jobs of the employees Causey later dismissed.

Causey went ahead with firing them, expecting the governor to veto the bill, he said. However, Cooper ended up signing the bill, which also expands cancer benefits for firefighters, last week.

I am signing this bill because of the important changes for firefighters but I strongly disagree with the unconstitutional legislative intrusion into the executive authority of state officials by directing employment of individual state employees, Cooper said in a statement.

With the bill now taking effect, Causey said he met with Taylor and informed him that he would be reinstated.

Were going to make the best of it, were going to make it work  I dont have any choice, he said.

The others employees Causey dismissed were Mike Williams, the senior deputy commissioner of fire and safety services, and Brent Heath, who is the legislative liaison for the office.

Causey said he does not plan to pursue legal action challenging the changes to the Office of the State Fire Marshal, suggesting instead that any potential lawsuit would need to come from the governor.

Taylor, contacted by The N&O on Tuesday, confirmed that he would return to work on Wednesday.

Families have been caught up in this  innocent families, he told the N&O earlier this week. ...Im looking forward to get back to work and serving the citizens of North Carolina.
American expatriate Nicki Johnson introduces her handicrafts to children at her shop in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, Oct. 30, 2023. (Xinhua/Guo Cheng)

Nestled in the picturesque Baishamen Park in Haikou, the capital of south China's island province of Hainan, "Island Delights" is a handicraft shop with a collection of distinctive Hainan-themed handmade items and artworks, attracting a steady stream of passers-by.



The owner of the shop is an American expatriate named Nicki Johnson, who is known as Xie Min among the local Chinese people. Having lived in Hainan for 18 years, she has become a passionate promoter of the local culture.

Nicki's connection with China dates back to 1999, when she was a university student and volunteered as a teacher for an English camp in Guangzhou City in south China. Although her initial experience with China was brief, lasting just a few weeks, it ignited her curiosity.

In 2000, she returned to China to attend an academic program at Xiamen University in east China's Fujian Province for one semester, during which she immersed herself in learning the Chinese language, history and culture. The program also afforded her the opportunity to visit various places in China, including Xi'an, Shanghai, and Beijing, offering her a captivating glimpse of the country.

The experience left a lasting impression, prompting her desire to return. "China is such a huge country, and there's so much more for me to learn. I had to come back," she recalled. Consequently, she and her husband Eric decided to relocate to China.

Among a few job applications, they received offers from Hainan and promptly accepted one without hesitation, she said.

Upon arriving in Hainan in 2005, the couple instantly liked the tropical climate, beautiful beaches, wonderful food, friendly locals and local culture. Intrigued by these aspects, they explored different opportunities, eventually moving from Sanya to Haikou.

"It was a bit of a random choice, but I think it was the right choice, and we've been very happy here," she said.

For years, Nicki had undertaken various roles related to Hainan tourism. Eventually, she founded her own company three years ago, with a focus on promoting the island to the world.

Her fascination with the Li brocade of the Li ethnic minority, a symbol of Hainan traditional culture, blossomed after receiving a gift from a friend many years ago. Subsequently, during her extensive travels all around the island, including many Li villages, she met people who were engaged in the manual creation of the brocade. She also got the opportunity to see the entire process, from spinning and dyeing to weaving and embroidery.

"It's such hard work. It takes such a long time to finish one piece. And so I respect the people who create this beautiful art," Nicki said.

"A lot of them spend their entire lives learning how to do it, and so I wanted to do something to support them," she said, explaining her encouragement to create artwork inspired by Li brocade and to promote the culture.

While Nicki has always had a passion for art, it was initially just a hobby, and she had to learn from scratch when it came to Li brocade. Delving into books on Li brocade and seeking guidance from both international and local artists, she embarked on the journey of designing and crafting these handicrafts.

"In Chinese, there is a saying, it is never too late to learn, and I really love that," she said. "Keep on learning something new and life will never be boring."

She designed and made several different handicrafts, ranging from jewelry to souvenirs, inspired by traditional Li brocade patterns including fish, turtles and lightning, and last year, she opened a small shop.

Speaking about the name of the shop, "Island Delights," Nicki noted that there are so many wonderful things about Hainan, and discovering something new on the island truly brings a sense of delight to people.

"So I wanted to bring all of these different parts of Hainan culture and the beautiful art that really delighted me here in one place so that more people can also discover them," she said.

The items in her shop are crafted from eco-friendly materials like coconut shells and fabric, as part of an effort to minimize the use of plastic.

So far, Nicki has organized several exhibitions in collaboration with local Li brocade designers as well as artists from the United States and many other countries. "I don't want to just show my work, I want to support the whole arts community here in Hainan," she said.

Construction of the Hainan Free Trade Port is now progressing in full swing. "I think it's an exciting time to be a business owner here in Hainan. Now there are more and more opportunities, and you're able to do a lot more here no matter where you come from," said Nicki, adding that she envisions an exciting future for Hainan, with more opportunities for business owners and greater global connections.

"For me, Hainan is really like a second home. The longer I live here, the more I learn about the local culture, the happier I am," she said.
Donald Trump is talking like a Nazi again. Over the weekend, in both a speech and a subsequent social media post, he referred to his enemies as vermina favorite word of fascists and antisemites of yoreand channeled Hitler, declaring that Americas biggest enemies were domestic foes that needed to be rooted out and destroyed. The real threat is not from the radical right; the real threat is from the radical left, and its growing every day, every single day, he said. The threat from outside forces is far less sinister, dangerous, and grave than the threat from within. Our threat is from within.

As if doubling down on the authoritarianism, Axios reported on Monday morning that Trump and his allies had formulated a plan to purge the federal government of ideological opponents. Trump and his allies are pre-screening the ideologies of thousands of potential foot soldiers, as part of an unprecedented operation to centralize and expand his power at every level of the U.S. government if he wins in 2024, wrote Mike Allen and Jim VandeHei. Although they note that this planwhich theyve taken to calling Agenda 47has an authoritarian sounding name, Allen and VandeHei (the latter of whom has harbored some authoritarian sentiments of his own), ever eager to ingratiate themselves, observe that those in charge of this plan are smart, experienced people, many with very unconventional and elastic views of presidential power and traditional rule of law. For sure!



Finally, to underline the weekend of goose-stepping, Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung responded to the criticism by telling The Washington Post that those who try to make [the] ridiculous assertion [that Trump is channeling Hitler] are clearly snowflakes grasping for anything because they are suffering from Trump Derangement Syndrome and their entire existence will be crushed when President Trump returns to the White House. Not exactly a posture aimed at reassuring those who are alarmed by the increasingly fascistic bent of the leading contender for the Republican presidential nomination.



The response to Trumps vermin comments and the revelation of the Agenda 47 plan have led to a deserved round of hand-wringing about Trumps authoritarianism, the threat his political project poses to American democracy, and the medias role in covering both. In 2016, the press failed to adequately capture the sum total of this threat, partly because Trumps political career was seen as a doomed project and partly because it was still too abstract. Seven years later, Trumps rhetoric is substantially darker and weve had plenty of hard evidence of his willingness to push past the acceptable boundaries of our democracy in his continued insistence that the 2020 election was stolen from him, as well as in the Capitol riots that this rhetoric inspired.



Emphasizing Trumps authoritarianismand the related damage he can do to the fabric of the countrywill be a necessity both for the press and for Joe Biden. Trump is rather transparently announcing his intentions to purge and weaponize the federal government against his political opponents, immunize himself against legal prosecution, and manipulate the levers of power to preserve his own for as long as possible. Given the threat of physical violence that so often accompanies his words, this is more or less open fascism. But declaiming against it will not be enough to defeat him.



This is not normal was a potent rallying cry during Trumps presidencyit was arguably the defining admonition of that period. In many ways, Trumps abnormality has only metastasized since voters evicted him from the White House. His rhetoric has grown more extreme. He is facing multiple criminal trials and will likely head into the presidential election as both his partys nominee and as a convicted felon.



But Trump very much is a normal Republican now. That is true in many frightening ways, certainly. Trumps political rivals have begun to echo his authoritarianism. Vivek Ramaswamy has arguably an even more insane plan to force the federal bureaucracy to submit to his will (he has suggested firing everyone whose social security number ends in an odd number). Ron DeSantis has called for shooting migrants. Nikki Haley has advocated for invading Mexico. Trumps positions are the norm in the GOP now, and they will remain that way for the partys foreseeable future: The GOP has, in eight years, been remade in his image.



But Trump has also become a normal Republican in the traditional sense, in that hes more or less ended up embracing the long-standing policy positions of his GOP forebears. During his first term in office, his most important legislative accomplishment was a gigantic tax cut for corporations and the rich. Even though it is unlikely that he will staff his second-term office with the same kind of establishment figuresthink Rex Tillerson and Steven Mnuchinwho briefly defined the early part of his presidency, one can rightly assume that he will continue to pursue regressive, supply-side economic policies, especially considering that this is what Republicans in Congress will want to do. The domestic agenda of a second Trump term would likely involve the greatest hits of Republican fiscal policy: tax and entitlement cuts, as well as the elimination of various environmental, labor, and economic regulations.



For all the talk of Trumps abnormality, the fact that hes always marched to the recognizable, old-school beats of the GOP drum has always been the less celebrated aspect of his time in politics. So theres a danger in continually casting him as a pathbreaking sort of politician. Voters dont like the status quo. Theyve repeatedly voted to reject the economic dogmas that have defined Republican policymaking for several consecutive elections. They thought that this was what they were getting from Trump in the first placeand the media did a much better job of selling Trump as a change-of-pace candidate, and clung to the notion that he was an economic populist long after hed demonstrated no real interest in refreshing the Republican brand.



Democratic messaging needs to account for both Trumps unique authoritarian leanings and his embrace of vintage Republican ideas. To solely advance the idea that Trump is a unique political figure in American lifea wild departure from the normruns the risk of implanting the idea that he is a politician bent on shattering the status quo during a time when many might prefer the short sharp shock of change. Ideally, you want to capture Trump as a chaos agent whose plans to sledgehammer the system wont lead anywhere fruitful or new, but will more deeply entrench the unpopular ideas for which the GOP has long been known.

The clearest and most potent position for Democrats is to push on reproductive rightsit embodies the new post-Dobbs dystopia with the Republican Partys decades-long effort to bring it about. Trump has, of late, escaped much attention for his abortion policy, in part because hes skipped the Republican debates and in part because many of his opponents have adopted even more extreme positions. (Trump claims to oppose a nationwide abortion ban, though it seems highly likely he would sign one if he was given the chance.) More to the point, no one in the country is more responsible for the repeal of Roe v. Wade than Donald Trump, who appointed the three justices to the Supreme Court necessary to do the deed. Still, there is nothing new under the sun. Here we see a normal Republican doing normal Republican stuff. It is both odious and unpopular: Republicans have repeatedly lost elections when abortion is on the ballot. It will be again in 2024.



For Democrats, campaigning against Trumps reelection will be an exercise in threading a needle between the new threats he poses and bad, old ideas to which he clings. This is something Democrats did successfully in the 2020 presidential election and then refined to great effect in the 2022 midterms; voters said that abortion and threats to democracy were the two issues that were front of mind as they tamed the red wave that was supposed to sweep Republicans into power. With less than a year before the election, both Biden and the press are doing a better job of making the case that Trump is a unique danger to the Republic. They should spend a little time reminding voters that hes just as bad in other, more banal ways, as well.
The nearly decade-long Dan Markel murder probe took an unexpected and dramatic turn Monday night when Donna Adelson  whose family has been under a cloud of suspicion for years  was arrested at the Miami International Airport with one-way plane tickets to Vietnam.

The arrest of Adelson, Markels former mother-in-law, came just one week after her son, Fort Lauderdale dentist Charlie Adelson, was found guilty in the fatal 2014 shooting of the law professor.

Donna Adelson, 73, of Miami, was taken into custody a little after 10 p.m. on a state warrant charging her with first-degree murder, conspiracy and solicitation, the same charges on which her son was convicted.

Donna Adelson was arrested Monday, Nov. 13, 2023 and booked into a Miami-Dade detention facility.

State Attorney Jack Campbell said Donna Adelson and her husband, Harvey Adelson, were intercepted at the airport by the FBI and other law enforcement. They had tickets to Vietnam, which has no extradition treaty with the United States, with a scheduled two-day stop in Dubai.

Campbell told the Tallahassee Democrat that while police and prosecutors had enough evidence to arrest Donna Adelson, her attempted flight overseas sped up the states timetable and pushed law enforcement to make a decision quickly.

Thats what forced our hand, Campbell said. "We started talking to some of our law enforcement partners about the complexities of trying to bring someone back from either Dubai or Vietnam. And that might be a very complicated and lengthy process. So thats why we had to make a decision quickly."

Adelson was booked into the Miami-Dade Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, where she is being held without bond. She is expected to be transported to the Leon County Detention Facility, where her son is incarcerated while he awaits sentencing, within the next couple of weeks.

State Attorney Jack Campbell, center, talks with Jason Newlin, left, as they wait with Pat Sanford for the verdict in the Charlie Adelson trial to be read on Monday, Nov. 6, 2023.

She and her husband attempted to leave the country less than 48 hours before a grand jury was scheduled to meet at the Leon County Courthouse. Campbell, citing the secrecy of the grand jury system, said he didnt know whether the panel would take up Adelsons case. All first-degree murder charges must run through a grand jury.

Campbell said the state did not have the evidence to arrest Harvey Adelson, a retired dentist and former owner of the Adelson Institute in Tamarac, where Donna Adelson served as office manager and Charlie Adelson, a periodontist, also worked. He said Donna Adelson's attempted flight will be used against her should the case proceed to trial.

It wasn't the first time airports have come up in the case. In 2016, Charlie Adelson told an accomplice during a secretly recorded conversation at the Dolce Vita restaurant in Miami that they would have already gone to the airport if police had any solid evidence against them.

During her first court appearance Tuesday morning via Zoom, Donna Adelson was silent as Judge Mindy Glazer read the charges against her aloud. There was a brief discussion about bond, though prosecutors signaled it wouldn't be allowed given the gravity of the charges.

Pat Sanford, the @FBIs lead agent in the Dan Markel murder probe, was at Miami International Airport last night when Donna Adelson was arrested. The bureau worked closely with @TallyPD, the lead agency, on the nearly 10-year investigation, which remains active & ongoing.  Jeffrey Burlew (@JeffBurlew) November 14, 2023

Marissel Descalzo, a Miami attorney representing Donna and Harvey Adelson, asked to waive extradition. Glazer said Leon County had until Nov. 29 to bring her to Tallahassee.

"They have 15 days to pick you up," the judge said. "Good luck to you. That's it for that."

Meanwhile, court records released Tuesday include new details in the investigation, including phone calls between Donna Adelson and her son after his conviction last week.

The monitored phone calls included multiple conversations "in which Donna Sue Adelson is telling Charles Adelson that she is getting things in order, creating trusts, and making sure her grandchildren are taken care of," the affidavit says. "Donna discusses plans for a suicide, but also discusses plans to flee to a non-extradition country. Donna Sue Adelson has considerable financial resources to do this."

Dan Markel murder has drawn a national spotlight

Prosecutors have long considered Donna and Harvey Adelson and their daughter Wendi Adelson, Markels ex-wife and the mother of their two sons, as conspirators in the murder-for-hire plot. Wendi Adelson testified during her brothers trial that her family was not involved.

The arrest warrants say Donna Adelson conspired with her son and others to commit the murder. They were signed by Leon Circuit Judge Stephen Everett, who presided over Charlie Adelson's trial.

The arrest marked another bombshell development in the Markel case, coming in rapid-fire succession after a 12-person jury returned guilty verdicts Nov. 6 against Charlie Adelson, the victims former brother-in-law. Jurors deliberated only three hours before announcing their decision.

Pat Sanford, the FBIs lead agent on the Markel case, was at the airport at the time of the arrest, along with other law enforcement, Campbell said.

Charlie Adelson's trial alone attracted a new round of national attention, with coverage in the New York Times and a two-hour report Friday by ABC's "20/20." It also sparked a cottage industry of commentators on YouTube and elsewhere on social media.

Prosecutors had only hinted that more charges were possible after Charlie Adelson's trial. "Stay tuned," Assistant State Attorney Georgia Cappleman said outside Courtroom 3G.

Who is Donna Adelson and what is her connection to the case?

Donna Adelson, who has three children with her husband, Harvey, is the matriarch of a family that built a successful dental practice in South Florida before allegedly planning and financing Markels murder.

She is the second member of her family and the fifth person to be charged in connection to the murder, which occurred amid a bitter post-divorce fight between Markel and Wendi Adelson, who is Charlie Adelsons younger sister.

A state exhibit in the murder trial of Charlie Adelson.

Markel, then a 41-year-old father of two young sons, was shot twice in the head the morning of July 18, 2014, after parking his car in the garage of his Trescott Drive home. He died the next day at a local hospital.

The ensuing investigation, conducted by the Tallahassee Police Department with assistance from the FBI, led to the arrests of the two hit men, Luis Rivera, a Latin Kings gang member, and Sigfredo Garcia, and Katie Magbanua, the killers link to Charlie Adelson.

Donna Adelson featured heavily in her sons eight-day trial, through wire taps with her son that were played in court and emails and texts with her family that prosecutors read aloud. Though she and her husband were both initially listed as witnesses, the state and defense both agreed to drop them before the trial.

Donna Adelson was arrested Monday in Miami and booked into the Miami-Dade Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, according to the Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation website.

Prosecutors argued that the motive for the killing was the Adelson familys desperate desire for Wendi Adelson to move back to Miami, which a judge had blocked at Markels request.

In one email from 2013 after the judges decision, Donna Adelson told her daughter not to let Markel think hes won anything.

Jibbers hasnt beaten the Adelson family yet, Donna Adelson wrote, using a family put-down to refer to Markel. Its time to take control of your life and not let Jibbers think hes won anything by having you remain in Tallahassee, eight hours away from the only family you have. You can be a good actress when you want to. Ive seen you in action. You need to put on the performance of your life. Jibbers hasnt beaten the Adelson family yet.

In 2016, the FBI sent an undercover agent posing as a blackmailer to hit Donna Adelson up for $5,000 outside her Miami condo. In a phone call right after to her son, she spoke in veiled language about what had happened but said it involved probably the two of us. So you probably have a general idea what Im talking about.

Assistant State Attorney Georgia Cappleman presents her closing argument to the jurors Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019. Cappleman displays a graphic showing the connection of the defendants to the Adelson family and Dan Markel.

Campbell: Donna Adelson's arrest not designed to get son's cooperation

Rivera took a plea deal in 2016, agreeing to 19 years in prison in exchange for his cooperation against Garcia and Magbanua, the mother of Garcias children and Charlie Adelsons ex-girlfriend. Both Garcia and Magbanua got life sentences for first-degree murder.

Garcia was convicted at his joint trial with Magbanua in 2019. She was convicted in her second trial last year and later opted to cooperate, testifying against Charlie Adelson during his trial.

Analysis: Even after almost a decade, Dan Markel murder saga may not be over

Prosecutors have not yet announced whether they will seek a reduction in Magbanuas sentence in exchange for her help. Also unclear is whether Charlie Adelson, who faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison, might cooperate to help himself or his mom.

Campbell acknowledged the state has more evidence in the case than has been seen in any of the previous three trials. He declined to elaborate, however.

I hope that everyone cooperates in this case, Campbell said. But the arrest of his mother was not done in any way to facilitate him cooperating. Do I hope that everyone will tell me the truth about the murder of Dan Markel? Yes I do. But I dont do power plays to get people to cooperate.

Contact Jeff Burlew at jburlew@tallahassee.com or 850-599-2180.

Chronicling every day of the Charlie Adelson trial:

The Tallahassee Democrat, which has covered the case closely since Markel's murder, had three journalists in the courtroom. Here is a collection of their coverage.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Donna Adelson arrested days after son's conviction in Dan Markel murder
The Asda supermarket in Downpatrick, County Down, is to remain closed for the "foreseeable future" after the building was badly damaged by flooding.

Large parts of the town were flooded at the start of the month when Storm Ciaran brought exceptionally heavy rain to Northern Ireland.

Asda's store off Ballydugan Road was shut to be assessed by engineers.

The firm has now said a structural survey "revealed considerable damage to the building".

Politicians had previously expressed concern for the employees as Asda provides a lot of jobs in the town.

In a statement on Tuesday, an Asda spokesperson said: "We are committed to Downpatrick and are aiming to open a temporary store in the next few weeks while we continue to explore all options for a permanent store."

It added that in the meantime, the firm was increasing the number of home delivery slots available in the Downpatrick area.

It is also operating a click-and-collect service from its store in Portadown, County Armagh.

From Thursday onwards, Asda will also run a twice-daily bus service to its Portadown supermarket.

"We will provide a further update on these plans once we have more information to share," the Asda statement added.
Do names on a map matter? When they are in border territories, the answer is probably yes.

Earlier in 2023, Chinas Ministry of Natural Resources ordered that new maps must use the former Chinese names of its lost territories in what is now Russias Far East. Vladivostok, home to Russias Pacific fleet headquarters, became Haishenwai; Sakhalin Island became Kuyedao. Then in late August, the ministry released a map that showed the disputed Russian territory of Bolshoi Ussuriysky Island within Chinas borders.

These map moves come amid growing chatter and even calls in Western foreign policy circles for the disintegration of the Russian Federation into a multitude of smaller states. The thinking is, being split into smaller states would blunt Russias challenge to the West and its ability to carry on a war in Ukraine.

As a scholar of Russian regional identity and history, I believe the prospect of a broken-up Russia is unlikely, to say the least. But talk of Russias disintegration and the change in map names taps into themes worth exploring: Is there much appetite for independence in the far regions of the Russian state? And if there were to be breakaway regions in the Far East, would that be to the benefit of the West  or to China?

Rise of the breakup boosters

Those calling for, or predicting, the disintegration of the Russian Federation have grown in numbers since the start of the Ukraine war. In the book Failed State: A guide to Russias Rupture, political scientist Janusz Bugajski argues that the territories of the Russian Federation will in time declare independence  like during the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991. This, he and others argue, would be good for everyone outside Russia. A rump Russian state would have reduced capabilities to attack neighbors, Bugajski argues.

The Washington Posts David Ignatius has a gloomier view of Russian disintegration, writing in August that it would provide a devils playground that could pose a danger to the West.

Either way, a growing number of analysts are of a mind that, in the words of Russia scholar Alexander J. Motyl, it is time to start taking the potential disintegration of Russia seriously.

Having worked on the history of Russian regionalism for two decades, I see serious obstacles to territories declaring independence. It is certainly true that centralized authority has been to the detriment  both economically and culturally  to some of the Russian Federations 83 regions. But there is a lack of mass public support for autonomy  that is, the ability to decide local and regional matters within a larger state  let alone full-blown independence.

Not all regions in Russia are the same. In some, such as Tatarstan and Dagestan, autonomy has a genuine mass appeal.

But most Russian regions that favor greater autonomy are in locations that would make it difficult for them to declare independence outright because they would still be surrounded by the Russian Federation.

Those in a locations more suited to independence  say, those that have borders with neighboring countries  often face other difficulties, such as being close to China.

A view of Russia, from China. Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

In Russias Far East, there is concern among would-be breakaways that independence could lead to the possibility of an interventionist China either taking over or at least exerting its influence.

Problems of geography

Breakup boosters  the term I use to describe those advocating for Russias disintegration  assume that regions in the Russian Federation all have aspirations for independence.

But an analysis of Russian regions by Adam Lenton of Wake Forest University found a highly variable level of support for autonomy across Russian regions.

The data shows that in many of the regions that have exiled independence leaders and are talked about of being potential breakaways, the public doesnt support that goal.

The data shows support for autonomy rather than independence. Autonomy would make the Russian Federation a real federation.

The region with by far the most support for autonomy is Tatarstan, a subnational republic led by Turkic-speaking Tatar people 447 miles south of Moscow. But arguing that this should lead to independence makes little sense  it would be completely surrounded by a hostile Russian Federation. An independent foreign and defense policy in such circumstances would be almost impossible.

Some Tatars have themselves argued against independence on this ground.

The regions of the North Caucasus have some of the highest scores, plus a foreign border with Georgia making it potentially a better candidate for independence. But the region has a bitter experience with attempts to break away. Chechnyas attempt at independence failed after a long and bloody war.

In Siberia, the region of Tuva has high levels of support for autonomy. But it is in Chinas backyard  and this would make it geographically vulnerable.

Russias Far East, Chinas backyard

Russias Far East includes the Amur region along the border with China and Vladivostok. These were taken from China by Russia during the mid-19th century, when Russian general Nikolai Muravev-Amurskii used Russias greater firepower and more modern army to defeat China.

But the status of territories in the region remained contentious. In 1969, China and the Soviet Union fought a seven-month undeclared war over border issues.

After 1991, China and Russia went through several rounds of talks and treaties to ensure that the border between them was ratified by both parties, with the last treaty taking place in 2004. Even so, not all groups within China accept the results.

Textbooks in China still mention the loss of 1.5 million square kilometers to Russia and note that Mao Zedong, the founder of the Peoples Republic of China, said he would present the bill, meaning that Russia would have to pay what Mao perceived as the theft of territory.

The fear among some Russians  and those in the West  is that China could turn Russias Far East into its satellite, using it as a source of raw materials such as diamonds and gold, as well as oil and gas. And with economic hegemony comes political influence.

China faces challenges that make increasing its influence in Russias Far East particularly attractive now, including what experts see as a structural economic crisis and a rural education gap. Territorial expansion could provide economic growth while serving as a distraction from domestic issues.

But the breakup of the Russian Federation could also pose a security threat to China. The experience of Xinjiang serves as a warning. The region, which has been the focus of Chinas persecution of the Muslim Uyghur people, had twice been a breakaway region under the protection of former Soviet leader Josef Stalin.

Furthermore, the Chinese Communist Party will be fearful that any unrest in areas of the Russian Federation that are close to Xinjiang might spill over.

Given all this, the argument from breakup boosters that no one, other than President Vladimir Putin, would lose if the Russian Federation disintegrated is, I believe, simply not sustainable.

And rather than hastening the disintegration of the Russian Federation, polls suggest that the war in Ukraine is having a unifying effect. Many Russians who were originally against the war have become reluctant supporters of it  in part because of propaganda that has emphasized the threat from the West to Russias territorial integrity. Since 2021, Russias military doctrine has highlighted this threat, stating that one of the main issues facing the nation was groups aimed at violating the unity and territorial integrity of the Russian Federation.

The calls in the West for the breakup of the Russian Federation might suggest to the Russian public that Putins territorial fears could become a reality. Moreover, dreams of a broken Russian Federation might distract those in the West from the very real problem of helping Ukraine protect its own territorial integrity.

This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and analysis to help you make sense of our complex world.

It was written by: Susan Smith-Peter, City University of New York.

Read more:


Explosions have erupted overnight near a plant outside Moscow that produces Kinzhal hypersonic missiles and Iskander ballistic missiles, and a drone has attacked a chemical plant that produces explosives in Russia's Bryansk Oblast. The Russian Defence Ministry claimed to have shot down drones in 4 oblasts.

Source: Astra Telegram channel, citing anonymous Telegram channels; Russian Defence Ministry; Baza Telegram channel

Details: Anonymous Telegram channels referred to by Astra reported explosions near the Mashinostroyeniya (lit. Machine Building) Design Bureau in the city of Kolomna (Moscow Oblast); a drone attacked the facility on the night of 10-11 November.

Explosion in Kolomna. PHOTO: ASTRA

Quote from an eyewitness: "A powerful explosion occurred again in the vicinity of Golutvin today at about 07:30. Eyewitnesses reported that it could be clearly heard in the houses on Okskiy Avenue. Alarms went off in the cars parked in the streets. Residents say secret services vehicles are on their way to the Mashinostroyeniya Design Bureau."

     ,   " ",    ""  "" pic.twitter.com/WJBsxhpmQi     (@ukrpravda_news) November 14, 2023

More details: In addition, the Baza Telegram channel reported that an undetonated aircraft-type drone carrying explosives was discovered overnight in the workshop of the 50th Anniversary of the USSR Bryansk Chemical Plant, located in the village of Seltso in Bryansk Oblast. The shop is still under construction. Its roof was pierced in three spots. Secret service officers were called to the scene. No casualties were reported.

The Russian Defence Ministry claimed in the morning that its air defence forces destroyed four Ukrainian drones over Moscow, Tambov, Bryansk and Orel oblasts.

Updated: Telegram channel Baza reports that the drone fell near the Mashinostroyeniya Design Bureau at 07:30 this morning. The attack slightly damaged the glazing and paneling of one of the bureaus buildings, the channels sources say. There are no casualties.

For reference: The 50th Anniversary of the USSR Bryansk Chemical Plant is a facility engaged in the production of industrial explosives and the disposal of ammunition. Anonymous Telegram channels said it had been attacked in March this year.

The Mashinostroyeniya Design Bureau is one of Russia's leading design-and-research and production centres for military equipment, producing, among other things, the Kinzhal and Iskander missiles. The company was founded in 1942 and is now a part of the High-Precision Systems division of Russian state-owned defence conglomerate Rostec.

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The number of attacks on U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria has climbed to 55 as of Monday, a Pentagon spokeswoman told reporters during a briefing, resulting in 59 injuries counted so far.

The attacks, 27 in Iraq and 28 in Syria, are part of an escalation in strikes by Iranian-backed militias in those countries that has steadily continued since Oct. 17.

In response, the Pentagon has deployed support troops and air defense units to the region to protect bases housing U.S. forces, as well as launched multiple strikes on facilities in Syria known to store weapons.

300 US troops headed to Middle East amid Israel-Hamas war

Singh pushed back on questioning as to whether the U.S. strikes have failed to deter the militias from further attacks.

We have a very robust presence in the region right now, she said. That is sending, I think, a very strong message of deterrence. And while I certainly hear your question, we always reserve the right to respond in a time and place of our choosing.

While U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria have come under drone attacks from time to time in recent years, the escalation since the beginning of the Hamas-Israel conflict is unprecedented.

Pentagon officials have not directly drawn a line between the attacks and U.S. support for Israel.

I think that we are all sensitive to the fact that there are tensions in the region ... you are seeing, and we probably will continue to see, groups that may try to exploit the situation to benefit their own interests, to include Iranian proxy groups, Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, a Pentagon spokesman, said during a briefing Nov. 2.
The Kyiv Pechersk District court on Nov. 14 ordered Oleksandr Dubinskyi, a lawmaker accused of high treason, to be held without bail until further proceedings on Jan. 12, 2024, Suspilne media reports.



Ukraines domestic security service says it collected evidence suggesting Dubinsky operated under the alias "Pinocchio" and performed activities benefiting Russia.



Dubinskyi faces up to 7 years in prison if he is convicted.

Read also: Law enforcement charges famous lawmaker with high treason

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
By Toby Sterling and Bart H. Meijer

AMSTERDAM (Reuters) -Facing pressure from the U.S. government and the European Union, the Dutch government on Tuesday gave up on a plan to cap the maximum number of flights at Amsterdam's Schiphol airport next summer, calling the decision "a bitter pill".

The decision is a victory for the airline industry including Air France-KLM's Dutch subsidiary, and U.S. airlines including Delta and JetBlue, which had opposed the cap - and a loss for environmentalist and resident groups living near Schiphol who had supported the cap.

"I emphasize that the cabinet is still committed to restoring the balance between Schiphol and its environment," infrastructure minister Mark Harbers said in a letter to parliament. Harbers said the cabinet would continue to pursue the plan. It is not certain, however, that a new cabinet will have the same priorities after a national election on Nov. 22.

The plan to cap the number of flights at Schiphol, one of Europe's busiest hubs, at around 450,000 flights, or 10% below 2019 levels, had been primarily driven by the desire to cut noise pollution. It had also been cheered by environmentalists as needed to reduce carbon dioxide and nitrogen emissions.

Opposition swelled this month after the Dutch slot coordinator announced costly cuts for airlines including KLM and exclusion for JetBlue, which began flying from Schiphol to New York and Boston this year.

That led the U.S. government on Nov. 3 to threaten retaliation if the Dutch went ahead with the plan, with the Department of Transportation calling it "unreasonable" and saying it violated the U.S.-EU Air Transport Agreement.

Deputy U.S. Transportation Secretary Polly Trottenberg said it was the "right decision" by the Dutch to drop the plan and said the department would not move forward with any countermeasures, which JetBlue had asked for.

Harbers' letter to parliament said that after a U.S.-E.U. meeting on Nov. 13, European Commissioner for Transport Adina Valean had sent the Dutch government a letter expressing "serious concerns" about whether the cap had been properly vetted.

"The Netherlands has come to stand alone" on the cap policy, Harbers said, adding that it will now await a Supreme Court ruling and further European Commission feedback expected next year.

"This is a heavy setback, but the number of flights must be lowered in order to make the Netherlands livable and to tackle the climate crisis," Greenpeace said in reaction. "Voters can express their opinion about that next week."

Several airlines welcomed the decision, with "SkyTeam" partners KLM and Delta saying they remain committed to flying more quietly and sustainably "without reducing capacity." JetBlue said its entry at Schiphol had lowered fares and urged governments to continue to ensure it has access.

Industry group Airlines for America thanked the U.S. government, saying its discussions with the EU had been "instrumental to persuading the Dutch government to this successful outcome."

(Reporting by Toby Sterling and Bart H. Meijer in the Netherlands and David Shepardson in Washington; Editing by Emelia Sithole-Matarise, Jonathan Oatis and Grant McCool)
If you don't like cranberry sauce, try adding some ginger and orange zest to punch it up.

If you don't like cranberry sauce, try adding some ginger and orange zest to punch it up.

Most people have go-to Thanksgiving recipes that are tasty, but boring when you eat the same dish year after year. But theres no excuse for sticking with the tried-and-true when its so easy to elevate the basics. All it takes is a few tweaks using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.

Some of the best chefs from around the country shared their tips and tricks for making Thanksgiving meals stand out. After dinner, your Thanksgiving guests may wonder whether you secretly attended culinary school.

Stuffing

Derek Brooks, executive chef at theWaldorf Astoria DC, knows how to make boxed stuffing taste near restaurant-quality. He recommends starting with Bens Original Cornbread Stuffing Mix and adding diced onions, celery and garlic that have been sauteed in butter. After making the stuffing, Brooks adds the included seasoning packet, dried cranberries, fresh rosemary, parsley, chopped sage, turkey stock and a dried cornbread mix. This is elevated simplicity at its finest, he said.

If you dont want to use a box mix, Jon Davis, vice president of culinary for La Brea Bakery in Van Nuys, California, said to tweak your regular stuffing recipe by using high-quality artisan bread that is at least one day old. Sourdough, French loaf and seasonal breads like cranberry walnut all work well. To get the best texture for your stuffing, tear the bread into small pieces by hand instead of cutting it into cubes, he said. You can top it with sausage, bacon or nuts to make it even more special, said William Gideon, executive chef of JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa.

Chef Charles Trexel, from Bakers Cay Resort Key Largo, Curio Collection by Hilton, thinks home cooks should get creative with stuffing and tweak it to their own tastes. Add mushrooms, chestnuts, apples, cheese, and even oysters to liven the side up. The possibilities are endless, he said.

Cranberry Sauce

When it comes to making cranberry sauce, Laurent Tourondel, the chef proprietor of Laurent Tourondel Hospitality, said that he simply adds orange juice or apple cider for a bit more acidity that balances well with the sweetness. Similarly, Jeff Braun, the director of culinary operations at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, likes adding one tablespoon of grated ginger and orange juice to cranberry sauce to give it some extra punch.

You can also add cane sugar, brown sugar, maple syrup, or some local honey to cut the tartness of the cranberry, said Trisha Perez Kennealy, the owner and culinary educator at The Inn at Hastings Park in Lexington, Kentucky.

Green Beans

Tourondel has an easy trick to make green beans great. Simply saute them with shallots and a little of the turkeys jus, he said.

Trent Lidgey, the chef and owner of One Fish Raw Bar in Campbell, California, said the best way to make great green beans is to start with a smoking hot pan, add a neutral oil like canola oil, and sear the beans hard on one side for 30 seconds without stacking them. Then, add sliced garlic, sliced almonds, and a spoonful of butter. Lidgey said its important to keep the pan moving to toast the almonds and garlic as the beans finish cooking, but the entire process should only take one or two minutes. To add even more punch, Lidgey recommends topping green beans with lemon zest, fried shallots, and fresh parmesan.

For creamier mashed potatoes, try putting your cooked potatoes through a ricer or a food mill to create a fluffy puree.

For creamier mashed potatoes, try putting your cooked potatoes through a ricer or a food mill to create a fluffy puree.

Mashed Potatoes

Adam Rosenblum, a chef at Causwells: New American Bistroin San Francisco, has an easy hack to elevate mashed potatoes. Make your regular recipe and add roasted garlic, toasted caraway seeds, goat cheese, or grated aged hard cheese right before serving, he said.

Mixing some new ingredients into your regular mashed potato recipe is another way to elevate the basic side dish. RJ Howard, who owns Maggie Lus Market in North Judson, Indiana, suggests adding some pieces of real bacon, chopped green onions or shredded cheddar and sour cream. Your guests will thank you, he said. For something more upscale, Gideon suggests adding white or black truffles. These are readily available and certainly will elevate you to prime steakhouse status, he said.

Craig Stoll, the chef and owner of Delfina Restaurant in San Francisco, said a simple way tomake mashed potatoes more interesting is to use a variety of potatoes. I like to use a mix of mostly russets, plus 10-15% yellowfin or red new potatoes which add sweetness, he said.

Braun shares that a simple, inexpensive tool can convert old-fashioned mashed potatoes into the smooth potatoes served at restaurants. Mashed are often lumpy and thicker because they are mashed by hand, he said. A simple food mill or ricer can be used to make culinary, chef-grade whipped potatoes, Braun shared. He recommends passing cooked potatoes through a food mill or ricer before adding milk, butter and sea salt.

Gravy

To elevate gravy even more, Lidgey said: I like to add a splash of Worcestershire to make it pop.

Alvaro Machado, the corporate chef of SuViche Hospitality Group, likes to add mushrooms to gravy to enhance its flavor. Machado likes to sear chopped mushrooms until they are nice and golden brown, but he said that adding any type of mushroom will add a nice twist to classic gravy.

Turkey

Dallas McGarity, chef at Fat Lambin Louisville, Kentucky, said the easiest way to elevate turkey is by being creative with spices. He suggests rubbing the turkey with butter, cumin and smoked paprika before roasting. It gives a great deal of depth to the turkey while keeping the traditional aspect, he said.

Zack Wannawong, executive chef at Hotel West and Main Tapestry by Hilton in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, takes a similar approach. I like to use an herb butter rub to season my turkey and think it really brings out the natural flavors of the meat, he says. Use pre-made herbed butter or mix soft butter with rosemary, thyme, garlic, and chives to make your own. Rub the butter on your turkey before baking to add an aromatic and rustic flavor that wasnt there before, he said.

Related...
The first test of House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) is whether he can make a deal to avoid a government shutdown. (J. Scott Applewhite / Associated Press)

A little more than six weeks after Congress scrambled at the last minute to keep the federal government functioning, the country is again on the precipice of a shutdown.

Its Groundhog Day Washington-style, but its anything but funny. The current crisis likely will be solved the way the last one was, by Democrats in the House coming to the rescue of a Republican speaker who faces opposition from extreme elements within his own party.

Read more: Calmes: The shutdown looms, and Speaker Mike Johnson has nothing

On Tuesday the House is expected to vote on a stopgap funding proposal by House Speaker Mike Johnson, the once-obscure Louisiana Republican who was elevated to the speakership after the defenestration of Kevin McCarthy.

Johnsons plan, while needlessly gimmicky, has the virtue of continuing funding for government without new cuts or poison pills. Because the measure is being proposed under a suspension of House rules, approval will require a two-thirds majority. This plan may be the only way to avoid a shutdown that would hurt all Americans, national security and hundreds of thousands of federal workers who would be left without paychecks.

Read more: Editorial: Trump's dangerous 'vermin' speech would have been at home in Nazi Germany

At a time of divided government, it might seem obvious that the peoples business should be conducted on a bipartisan basis. But after McCarthy relied on Democratic votes to forestall fiscal calamity, he lost the speakers gavel. Johnson might avoid McCarthys fate in the near term, but like his predecessor he must worry about a small number of malcontents in his conference who exercise disproportionate influence.

Ideally, Congress would appropriate funds in an orderly process, without recourse to the stopgap funding measures known as continuing resolutions. Congress tried to enforce discipline on itself when it approved legislation suspending the debt ceiling. That measure included a mechanism that would trigger cuts in spending if the government was still operating under a continuing resolution in January, although the reductions wouldnt kick in if Congress passed full-year appropriations before April 30.

Read more: Editorial: House Republicans just elected an election denier as speaker. American democracy is in trouble

Congress still has time to do its job and fund the government according to regular order, but in the meantime it must act to ensure that there is no shutdown. Johnson has proposed a laddered continuing resolution  meaning that funding for some parts of the government would continue until Jan. 19 while for others the deadline would be Feb.2.

After Johnson unveiled the plan the Biden administration criticized it, with White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre calling it just a recipe for more Republican chaos and more shutdowns. But on Monday, President Biden avoided saying that he would veto the Johnson plan. And some congressional Democrats have been more positive about it.

The top priority now for both parties should be to keep the government open and ensure that paychecks continue to flow to federal workers. That doesnt prevent Democrats from arguing to voters that Republican infighting means that Democrats will need to help prevent the shutdown, as they did in September.

What we've witnessed this year is that GOP control of the House has been a disaster. What to do about that will need to be answered by the voters in 2024.

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.
Authorities are planning to introduce graded punishments for telecom scammers and entities in the sectors of finance, telecom networks and credit, according to a newly released draft.

The Ministry of Public Security issued the draft of the Joint Disciplinary Measures for Telecom Fraud and Related Crimes to solicit public opinions on Monday, one of the latest moves to combat telecom fraud.

China's Anti-telecom and Online Fraud Law, which took effect on Dec 1 last year, stipulates that specific measures for joint disciplinary actions to punish telecom scammers shall be determined by the public security departments in conjunction with relevant authorities.

The draft covers disciplinary principles, subjects, measures, graded discipline, procedures and appeals. It adheres to the principles of lawful determination, proportionate punishment and dynamic management, aiming to prevent such crimes.

Individuals and entities would be subject to disciplinary measures if they are involved in trading, renting or lending three or more items, including phone cards, internet of things chips, fixed-line phones, telecom lines, SMS ports, bank accounts, digital RMB wallets, payment accounts, internet accounts, domains or IP addresses, or provide assistance for real-name verification for three or more such cards and accounts.

People who register such cards or accounts by impersonating others or fabricating proxy relationships, will be targets for disciplinary action.

During the disciplinary period, financial institutions and nonbank payment institutions will temporarily suspend disciplined individuals' withdrawals from bank accounts and digital wallets under their names, and all transactions on their payment accounts. They will not be allowed to register for new payment accounts and digital wallets.

Telecom operators will also suspend various communication services for disciplined individuals, such as phone cards, IoT chips, fixed-line phones, telecom lines and website domains, with exemptions for communication services related to production, operation or life and health. Disciplinary individuals will only be allowed to retain one noncase-related phone card.

Their registered internet accounts carrying fraud risks under the phone cards will be suspended. Also, they will be banned from applying for new communication services.

The Ministry of Public Security will share information about the disciplined individuals on the national credit information sharing platform and publicly disclose severely dishonest individuals.

The People's Bank of China will incorporate the information about disciplined individuals into the national financial credit information base.

The draft also introduces graded discipline based on the severity of the offenses, and regulates the procedures for review, the duration of disciplinary action, notification and appeal processes.

In maintaining proportional discipline, the draft sets a disciplinary period of three years for individuals held criminally responsible for telecom fraud and related crimes and two years for individuals determined by municipal-level or higher public security departments.

According to the draft, for disciplined individuals sentenced to imprisonment, the disciplinary period will be calculated from the date of completion of the imprisonment sentence.
The Biden administration announced a slate of new resources Tuesday intended to address a rise in antisemitism and Islamophobia in schools amid the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

The Education Department rolled out a host of additional resources, including funding for school security and a series to increase awareness around bias against Jews and Muslims, the latest step the Biden administration has taken to try to combat antisemitism and Islamophobia in recent weeks.

Hate has no place in our school classrooms or on our college campuses. Antisemitism, Islamophobia, and all forms of hate are antithetical to who we are as Americans, Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said in a statement.

The Biden-Harris Administration and this Department are working tirelessly to uphold the civil rights of students of all backgrounds, including students who are, or who are perceived to be, Jewish, Israeli, Muslim, Arab, or Palestinian, or of any other shared ancestry, Cardona added. All students have the right to learn in safe and inclusive educational environments.

The Education Department announced it would share resources to be used to strengthen school safety efforts, including funding from a bipartisan gun law signed in 2022 that provided $1 billion for school districts.

In early December, the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education will launch a webinar series for staff meant to teach strategies to prevent and respond to harassment and hate-based threats.

Education Department leaders are hosting listening sessions this week with school leaders from preschool through high school to discuss how schools can keep students safe amid the Israel-Hamas conflict.

The Department of Educations Office for Civil Rights had previously announced it would expedite its processing of discrimination complaints under a statute that is intended to specifically prohibit certain forms of antisemitism and Islamophobia.

Tuesdays announcement comes roughly two weeks after the White House outlined a slew of actions intended to address what it called an alarming rise in reported antisemitic incidents at schools and on college campuses.

The Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have worked with state and local law enforcement and reached out to provide support directly to college campuses. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, which is housed in the DHS, also tasked its 125 protective security advisers and 100 cybersecurity advisers to proactively work with schools to address their needs.

The White House has announced it would craft a national strategy to combat Islamophobia. The administration earlier this year released its first national strategy to address antisemitism.

Cases of both Islamophobia and antisemitism have spiked over the past month following Oct. 7 terrorist attacks against Israel. The attacks, carried out by the militant group Hamas, killed more than 1,000 Israelis, while hundreds more were taken hostage.

Thousands of Palestinians have been killed in subsequent shelling and fighting in Gaza.

There have been a handful of high-profile incidents on college campuses in the weeks since Hamass terrorist attacks.

Students projected anti-Israeli messages onto buildings at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Schools including Harvard and the University of Pennsylvania have lost donors and partnerships over statements seen as antisemitic or insufficiently supportive of Israel. Cornell University and the University of Maryland have also dealt with antisemitic incidents.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
[Source]

A team of scientists from Oxford University has rediscovered a long-lost mammal known as Attenboroughs long-beaked echidna (Zaglossus attenboroughi).

What makes it special: The species, named after British biologist David Attenborough, has been photographed only once  in 1961  and is currently critically endangered. It possesses physical features that resemble the spines of a hedgehog, the snout of an anteater and the feet of a mole.

The unique creature belongs to the monotremes, the only group of mammals that lay eggs. The monotremes separated from the rest of the mammal tree-of-life roughly 200 million years ago, according to Dr. James Kempton.

How they found it: Deploying more than 80 camera traps, Kempton and his team found Attenboroughs echidna at the end of a four-week expedition that involved earthquakes, malaria and even a leech sticking on someones eyeball in Indonesias Cyclops Mountains. Images of the elusive animal were recorded in their final memory card on their last day.

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There was a great sense of euphoria, and also relief having spent so long in the field with no reward until the very final day, Kempton said, as per Reuters. I shouted out to my colleagues that were still remaining... and said we found it, we found it  I ran in from my desk to the living room and hugged the guys.

Whats next: While Attenboroughs echidna is endangered, it still lacks protection under Indonesian law. The scientists, who collaborated with multiple local partners  including conservation group Yappenda  hope that their findings will inspire funding initiatives and facilitate protection measures.

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Aside from Attenborough's echidna, Expedition Cyclops discovered hundreds of new insect species, two new frog species and a new shrimp species that lives in trees. The scientists hope they will be named after Papuan members of the expedition.

Trending on NextShark: Chinese student discovered secretly living under mall's stairs for 6 months

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Sandara Park explains why she thinks Filipinos make great dates

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Eight House Republicans broke from their party Monday to vote against a resolution that was aimed to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas from his position.

In a 209-201 vote, the House chamber decided to shelve the resolution, first introduced by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), and supported a motion to refer it to the Homeland Security Committee.

As a result, the proposed resolution was blocked from coming to the House floor for a vote, shielding lawmakers from having to weigh in on the matter directly.

Greenes proposed resolution, which she moved to force a vote on last week, accuses Mayorkas of willful admittance of border crossers and says he has a duty to protect the U.S. from an invasion.

The Georgia lawmaker also accuses him of violating the Secure Fence Act, a 2006 law that demands perfection at the border by declaring the border operationally secure only if no people or contraband improperly enter the country.

Here are the eight House Republicans who voted against Greenes resolution:

Rep. Patrick McHenry (N.C.)

Rep. Tom McClintock (Calif.)

Rep. John Duarte (Calif.)

Rep. Virginia Foxx (N.C.)

Rep. Darrell Issa (Calif.)

Rep. Cliff Bentz (Ore.)

Rep. Ken Buck (Colo.)

Rep. Mike Turner (Ohio.)

Duarte told Axios before the vote that he would oppose an impeachment that hasnt gone through regular order. He also noted an impeachment debate and vote taking up too much time as the government is working to avert a potential shutdown at the end of the week.

We dont have time to waste, Duarte told the media outlet.

In a statement, McClintock said that while Mayorkas hasnt done an efficient job as Homeland Security secretary, impeachment inquiries shouldnt be used to punish someone over any political disagreement, noting that it is antithetical to the fundamental architecture of the Constitution.

The House made a mockery of impeachment twice during the last session of Congress. We must not allow the left to become our teachers, McClintock said. If these clear constitutional principles are not restored, now, that power will be just one election from being turned against the constitutionalists on the Supreme Court, or upon any future Republican administration.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Ivory-one is getting excited about a few big babies coming soon to the Oregon Zoo.

On Tuesday morning, the Oregon Zoo announced that rhinoceros Jozi and elephant Rose-tu are both pregnant and staff are eagerly awaiting the babies arrival.

Jozi and her companion King represent the eastern subspecies of black rhinoceros which is considered to be critically endangered, so the new baby is a big deal.

Mt. Hood introducing climbing permits in 2024 to upgrade climbing program

According to Kelly Gomez, who oversees the Africa area, the baby is expected sometime between now and early January.

Jozi is expected to give birth between November and January 2024 (Oregon Zoo)

These two rhinos  soon to be three, we hope  represent a species thats among the most endangered on the planet, Gomez said. Poaching and the illegal wildlife trade have wiped out 96% of the worlds black rhino population. In South Africa alone, were losing almost a rhino a day. Hopefully, their story can help inspire a new chapter in the conservation of this incredible species.

At Elephant Lands, 29-year-old Rose-Tu is pregnant for the third time.

She and 25-year-old Samson have been spending time together and the zoo said they believe conception occurred in late May.

They expect Rose will give birth in early 2025.

Although the news is exciting, Steve Lefave who oversees the elephant area, is cautioning that this is still early in the pregnancy and that healthy births are never a sure thing.

Were hoping for the best, Lefave said. We have an excellent animal-care team, and theyll be doing everything they can to help each of these moms have a successful birth.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
A man hunting elk in a southern Wyoming desert stumbled upon something much more mysterious, officials say.

As he retrieved his harvest Saturday, Nov. 11, a bright white object in the sagebrush caught his eye, Sweetwater Now reported.





It turned out to be a sun-bleached and apparently long-forgotten human skull, Wyo4News reported. Any human tissue had decomposed long ago, and the lower jaw was detached and lying undisturbed nearby, a spokesperson for the Sweetwater County Sheriffs Office told the outlet.





The hunter found the skull in the Red Desert about four miles north of Wamsutter, in elk hunting area 118 with no major roads nearby, the outlet reported. Wamsutter is about 170 miles northeast of Cheyenne.

The area is made up of rocky rims, rolling hills and sagebrush mesas, according to the Wyoming Fish and Game Department.

The southwestern portion has a dense network of two-track and private oil well roads, but no major public road access, Cowboy State Daily reported.

There were no obvious signs of trauma or foul play to the skull, and officials arent aware of any open, cold, or missing persons cases we have that might connect the skull to a known victim of a crime, Jason Mower, spokesperson for the Sweetwater County Sheriffs Office, told Sweetwater Now.

The county coroner collected the skull and sent it to a forensic lab, where experts will examine it, the outlet reported.

No one knows how the skull might have ended up in the middle of the desolate Red Desert.

Anybody thats been to the Red Desert knows its virtually in the middle of nowhere, Mower told Cowboy State Daily. A desert filled with sagebrush.

Dog walker finds historical human skeleton in desert, California sheriff says

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Former Trump campaign attorney Jenna Ellis told Georgia prosecutors that then-President Trump did not plan to leave the White House under any circumstances after losing the 2020 election, according to video obtained and published by ABC News.

The video shows part of an interview Ellis conducted with prosecutors in Georgia investigating Trumps efforts to overturn the states election results in 2020. Ellis last month reached a plea agreement in the case.

In the video, Ellis describes a conversation she had with former senior Trump White House official Dan Scavino around Dec. 19, 2020. She tells prosecutors she emphasized to him I thought the claims and the ability to challenge the election results was essentially over, and Scavino responded that Trump and his team didnt care.

He said, The boss is not going to leave under any circumstances. We are just going to stay in power,' Ellis said. And I said to him, Well, it doesnt quite work that way, you realize. And he said, We dont care.'

The video provides insight into the types of information Ellis and others who are cooperating with prosecutors may be providing into what was happening in Trumps orbit following the 2020 election, when the former president constantly made false allegations that the results were fraudulent, even as his own campaigns court challenges were rejected and debunked.

Ellis, who once described herself as part of an elite strike force team of attorneys pursuing unfounded claims of election fraud, pleaded guilty last month to one count of aiding and abetting false statements and writings.

Like the two other former Trump campaign attorneys who took plea deals, Ellis agreed to testify truthfully against her co-defendants, including the former president.

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis (D) charged Ellis, the former president and 17 others in August in a sprawling racketeering indictment that accused all of them of entering an unlawful conspiracy to keep Trump in power following the 2020 election.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Emergency room nurse, lost to suicide, called US health care system her abuser in haunting letter

This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Tristin Kate Smith, a 28-year-old Ohio nurse, wrote a scathing letter to her "abuser" five months ahead of her August 2023 suicide.

The letter has since gone viral among nurses across the country  many of whom share Smiths disillusionment with the U.S. health care system .

"I so desperately want to continue to help people, but I cannot stay in this abusive relationship," wrote Smith, who worked as an emergency room nurse in Dayton, Ohio .

SUICIDE WARNING SIGNS ARE MISSED BY MOST AMERICANS, NEW SURVEY FINDS: IT'S 'ALARMING'

Her father, Ron Smith, discovered the letter, titled "A Letter to My Abuser," on the nurses laptop two months after her death.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

In October, it was published as a letter to the editor in The Oakwood Register, a local paper in Ohio, in an effort to raise awareness of how some nurses feel the system they serve is failing them.

"We cannot continue to expect health care workers to suffer in silence when they are at risk for a tragic yet preventable cause of death," a New York psychiatrist told Fox News Digital.

Smith, the youngest of six children in her family, battled depression but reportedly never sought professional help.

"Those in the health care field may avoid talking about their mental health struggles for fear of jeopardizing their licensure and negatively impacting their ability to continue serving in their current roles," Dr. Lama Bazzi, a psychiatrist in private practice in New York City, told Fox News Digital in comments about the case and its wider ramifications.

LESS THAN HALF OF NURSES ARE FULLY ENGAGED AT WORK, WHILE MANY ARE UNENGAGED,' NEW REPORT REVEALS

"It is vital to the survival of the health care field for workers to feel safe asking for help  and for help to be readily available to meet their needs before their mental health struggles rise to the level of suicidality," she added.

"We cannot continue to expect health care workers to suffer in silence when they are at risk for a tragic yet preventable cause of death."

In his own letter in The Oakwood Register, Smiths father wrote that he now has "regret-filled hindsight" for not seeing the signs that his daughter was not OK.

She showered her "beloved" dog Calypso with "more dog enrichment toys and contraptions than a single pet store sells," her father wrote.

Nurses were 18% more likely to die from suicide than those in the general population between 2007 and 2018, according to a 2021 report that included data from the CDC and the National Violent Death Reporting System.

Smith had also posted affirmations and mantras throughout her home.

"She tried so hard to stay alive, but none of it was enough to stop the darkness," her father said in the letter.

"We  nurses and doctors  entered our professions with the noblest of ambitions: to help others who are hurting," Dr. Mikkael Sekeres, a wellness expert and chief of the division of hematology of Sylvester Cancer Center at the University of Miami , told Fox News Digital.

NURSING 'BURNOUT': NURSES WORRY SHORTAGE WILL WORSEN IF MEASURES AREN'T TAKEN

"Its difficult to do that when you hurt more than your patients do," he went on. "When this happens, people leave medicine, or worse."

In her letter, Smith stated that a shortage of nurses made her feel overwhelmed.

"Each day, you ask me to do more with less," she wrote.

"Women are particularly vulnerable  differences in stress in workload, burnout and difficulty with work-life balance may all be implicated," a psychiatrist said.

In a statement to Fox News Digital, the American Nurses Association (ANA), headquartered in Maryland, said that the "negative emotions, mental health challenges and burnout" nurses are facing are "symptomatic of a broken health care system that far too often fails to provide nurses with continuous support and to address chronic work environment challenges."

Recently, over 75,000 unionized Kaiser Permanente employees across six states  many of whom were front-line support staff  staged the largest walkout of health care workers in U.S. history over concerns of staff shortages.

"National data about the state of nurses' mental health and well-being indicates that they are suffering mental anguish or toxic emotions, and combating stigma as a health care professional seeking help," the ANA added.

Smiths letter also referenced that many nurses feel that hospital administrators are taking advantage of them.

"National data about the state of nurses' mental health and well-being indicates that they are suffering mental anguish or toxic emotions, and combating stigma as a health care professional seeking help," according to the American Nurses Association.

"You are a narcissist," she wrote. "You use and exploit us to line your pockets, using the common citizens money for overpriced health care."

She called for more workplace safety and for nurses to not receive blame for being assaulted on the job.

SUICIDE AND GENETICS: STUDY IDENTIFIES 12 DNA VARIATIONS THAT COULD INCREASE THE RISK

"I remember the first time I heard about nurses getting hit," she wrote.

"I remember that you asked them what theyd done  or didnt do  to prevent it from happening."

A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that the number of health care practitioners experiencing workplace harassment, such as threats, bullying or verbal abuse from patients and coworkers, doubled between 2018 and 2022, leading to more anxiety, depression and burnout.

SUICIDE RATES REACH ALL-TIME HIGH IN US, PER CDC DATA: 'SILENT PUBLIC HEALTH CRISIS'

"Studies show that health care workers are at a higher risk for suicide than the workers in other fields," Bazzi told Fox News Digital.

"Women are particularly vulnerable  differences in stress in workload, burnout and difficulty with work-life balance may all be implicated."

Nurses were 18% more likely to die from suicide than the general population between 2007 and 2018, according to a 2021 report that included data from the CDC and the National Violent Death Reporting System.

Female nurses were 70% more likely to die by suicide than female physicians, and twice as likely to die by suicide compared to the general population.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

"I would make the case that most health care workers feel the system is broken," Sekeres told Fox News Digital.

"Some still have the energy to take it on, and to create solutions to problems their patients face by being innovative with workarounds to systemic problems, while others have given up and feel helpless to be advocates for their patients," he added.

"Its this learned helplessness that I believe is the greatest contributor to burnout in health care."

The ANA is calling for action.

"It's time to listen to nurses and make them a priority," the organization said.

"Without this action, we will lose more bright lives like nurse Tristin Kate Smith and many others."

Fox News Digital reached out to Smith's family for comment.

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews/com./health .





Original article source: Emergency room nurse, lost to suicide, called US health care system her abuser in haunting letter
#EmptyChairWeek, an information campaign in memory of artists whose lives were taken by the full-scale war, has started in Ukraine. PEN Ukraine (a part of a worldwide association of writers, PEN International) has initiated it and urges everyone to join in on social media.

The world has been celebrating Empty Chairs Day on 15 November since the late 1980s on the initiative of PEN International. Empty chairs on this day symbolise authors who have gone missing or been imprisoned, persecuted, disappeared or killed.

PEN Ukraine has initiated a campaign dedicated to the Ukrainian artists killed by Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine on the occasion of Empty Chairs Day this year. The campaign is titled #EmptyChairWeek and will last until 19 November.

The organisers urge everyone to join the week-long initiative by posting on their social media pages about Ukrainian writers, musicians, actors, historians, artists, linguists and other cultural figures whose lives ended after 24 February 2022. These posts should be accompanied by the hashtag #EmptyChairWeek.

"The purpose of the #EmptyChairWeek is to remember as many names of the deceased artists as possible and make them the widest possible known in public space. This is why your every post about both those you knew personally and those whose names you learned only after their death will prove of great value," the PEN Ukraine team says.

It has been announced that the campaign will bring together actress Rymma Ziubina; director and actor Akhtem Seitablaiev; journalist and TV presenter Myroslava Barchuk; journalist Vitalii Portnykov; journalist Olha Herasymiuk; Volodymyr Yermolenko, philosopher, writer and President of PEN Ukraine; poet Kateryna Kalytko; director and writer Iryna Tsilyk; writer Mariana Savka; writer Mariia Tytarenko and other cultural and media figures.

PEN Ukraine has been tracking losses among cultural figures since the beginning of the full-scale war. The information is gathered from reports in the media, being fully aware that the numbers may be higher.

PEN has compiled a list of 71 names of deceased Ukrainian artists as of 13 November 2023 (available here and here).

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A Pueblo man's EMT license is under probation after being convicted of assault in the brutal beating of a homeless man in September 2022.

Douglas Cullison, 56, agreed to be on a probationary EMT license status until Nov. 4, 2024, according to disciplinary documents obtained by the Chieftain. Furthermore, Cullison's interstate licensure has been suspended.

The agreement with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment was signed by Cullison on Oct. 27.

Cullison previously pleaded no contest in September to misdemeanor assault in the brutal beating of a homeless individual during what Cullison claimed to be a "citizen's arrest" on Sept. 14, 2022.

In exchange for his plea of guilty, Cullison and his son were each given a one-year deferred sentence with supervised probation. The pair are also required to complete moral reconation therapy classes. MRT is a type of behavioral therapy designed to decrease criminal behavior and treat issues such as substance abuse, anger management, and trauma.

The plea deal was taken after Cullison, then a volunteer medic with the Pueblo County Sheriff's Office, and his son Nate Cullison, a trained amateur mixed martial arts fighter, detained and brutally beat a suspect accused of assaulting Maria Cullison, a teacher at a nearby school. Maria Cullison is Douglas's wife and Nathaniel's mother.

Video of the citizen's arrest, captured on security camera footage taken from outside of Nick's Dairy Creme on the East Side, showed Douglas Cullison confront the individual and tackle him to the ground. Two unidentified males then approached the scene and one of them punched the detained man several times while Cullison held him.

Minutes later, the video showed the arrival of Nate Cullison, who sprinted from his vehicle and immediately began striking the downed man. Nate Cullison could be seen on video punching, kicking, and elbowing the restrained man at least 25 times while he screamed for help.

The CDPHE documents note that Cullison admitted he was found guilty of third-degree assault, a class 1 misdemeanor, in a Pueblo court.

The CDPHE Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services Division's regulations regarding EMT licensure state that "committing or permitting, aiding, or abetting the commission of an unlawful act that substantially relates to the performance of a certificate holder's duties and responsibilities as determined by the Department," constitutes good cause for the department to "deny, limit, modify, or impose probation on an EMS provider certificate holder."

The documents say that by voluntarily agreeing to the probationary stipulation, Cullison does not admit to any wrongdoing or illegal act.

The documents stipulate that Cullison entered into the agreement willingly with the department, after consulting with legal counsel and with full understanding of the consequences. As such, Cullison waived his right to an administrative hearing on the matter.

Cullison is required to notify any EMS agency, ambulance service provider, clinical setting, or community integrated health care service agency he may work with of the stipulation.

Any additional violations may lead to further disciplinary action, up to and including termination of licensure.

Questions, comments, or story tips? Contact Justin at jreutterma@gannett.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter,@jayreutter1. Support local news, subscribe to The Pueblo Chieftain at subscribe.chieftain.com.

This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: License of Pueblo EMT Douglas Cullison put under probation for assault
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 Tuesday, Nov. 14, that advertise wages at or above living wages:

Waiter/waitress at Red Robin

 $35.36 - $40.86 per hour

 Part-time and full-time available

 Must be at least 18 years old

Customer service representative at Peoples Bank

 $20.00 - $21.58 per hour

 Full-time

 High school diploma or GED required and two-years of experience in customer service and cash handling.

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.
A train drives on the China-Laos Railway's Luang Prabang cross-Mekong River super major bridge in Laos, May 28, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

The China-Laos Railway on Monday started a cross-border tourist train service from the Chinese capital Beijing to Lao capital Vientiane.



In the early morning at 2:02 a.m., the train departed from Beijing Fengtai Railway Station and will travel along the Beijing-Guangzhou and Shanghai-Kunming train lines via Libo, Anshun in Guizhou Province then arrive at Kunming, Yunnan Province.

Then the train will keep going along China-Laos railway to Lao capital Vientiane, with several stops including Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng. The return trip will pass by China's attractions such as Xishuangbanna in Yunnan Province and Chibi city in Hubei Province. The round trip takes 15 days.

The 1,035-km China-Laos Railway, a landmark project of the Belt and Road Initiative, began operations in December 2021. It was the first directly connected international railway mainly invested by China under the Belt and Road Initiative.

The rail link which connects China's Kunming with Vientiane in Laos has transported 9.62 million tonnes of cargo in the first half of 2023 alone, up 94.7 percent year on year, with cross-border cargo volume more than tripling at 2.3 million tonnes, China News reported. The main categories of goods carried on the railway were fruit, potato flour, barley, rubber, beer, iron ore, concentrated iron ore and chemical fertilizer.

Since it began operation, the China-Laos Railway has carried over 3 million passengers. In 2023, it carried 1,759,900 passengers in a period of just over eight months.
By Kim Kyung-Hoon

OZE, Japan (Reuters) - Please click here for photo essay:

Cormorants have been a constant presence in Youichiro Adachi's life, and when he was young, he cried whenever one of his family's birds died.

Now 48, Adachi still cares deeply for his birds, drawing them out of their baskets each morning and stroking their long necks to confirm their health and maintain a bond.

"For me, cormorants are my partners," he said.

Adachi is the 18th generation of his family to be a master cormorant fishermen, and one of about 50 people in Japan carrying on the 1,300-year tradition of using trained birds to dive for fish. It is considered the ideal way to catch the sweet ayu river fish, and his family has a hereditary mandate to supply the delicacy to the Japanese imperial household.

The method, known as ukai, was once common in Japan and a version of it has also been practiced in China. But today it is largely supported by tourists, who watch the fishermen and their birds bringing in the catch.

Now, environmental changes are making the fish ever more scarce and small, endangering the lifeline of the fisherman, known as usho, and their flocks.

"I go to the river every day so I can feel the changes," Adachi said, drawing upon nearly four decades of working on the Nagara River in Oze, a town in central Gifu Prefecture.

Come sundown between May and October, he boards a boat along with an assistant, a steersman, and about 10 cormorants leashed at the neck and body. A basket of flames swings out over the dark river, waking the ayu from resting spots among the stones below. The cormorants catch them as they dart away, but the leash keeps the larger fish from going down the birds' gullets.

The birds are coaxed to release the fish into a bucket. And from a nearby observation boat, tourists take in the spectacle of splashing feathers and dancing fire.

As is common these days, the haul is tiny. Guests at a traditional ryokan inn run by the Adachi family are fed salted, grilled ayu, but it is supplied by a local fish monger.

Adachi ascribes the dearth of fish to the weather, which he says has become more unpredictable, with heavier rains and flooding on the once calm river. And construction of flood barriers has led to smaller rocks and sand filling the river bottom, obstructing the larger rocks that form the ayu's habitat.

"In the past, there were only big boulders, but now they're small," he said. "The sand and gravel has increased, and along with that the ayu have gotten smaller too."

Environmental studies have confirmed his concerns. Temperatures in the Nagara River have risen to a high of 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit), delaying the spawning period of the ayu by a month, said Gifu University associate professor Morihiro Harada.

The fish like to eat algae that grow on large stones, Harada said, but those rocks have become less common after repeated anti-flooding works carried out by river management authorities.

Down river from Oze, the usho of Gifu City have a larger, more tourism-oriented operation. Fleets of boats allow visitors to eat and drink as they watch the fishermen and birds.

The same environmental shifts also affect this business, with rough waters sometimes pushing the tourist boats off course or leading to cancellations.

To contend with growing number of lost business days, an economic development body known as ORGAN set up an elevated riverside viewing deck on a trial basis, attempting to recreate the boat experience in evenings hosted by apprentice geishas and other traditional performers.

"We wanted to offer a more refined, higher-quality experience," said ORGAN leader Yusuke Kaba.

Facing an uncertain future, Adachi can only honour the past and tend to the present. In his home, he prays before shrines dedicated to his usho ancestors. And in the yard, he tends to his 16 birds, one by one.

His son Toichiro helps out on the boat and is training to become the next master fisherman.

Toichiro wants to carry on the tradition. But for now, the 22-year old spends his days working with a computer at a maker of high-precision machine tools, the type of industry that transformed Japan's economy and society in the post-war period.

"I want my son to inherit my job, but it's tough to make a living," Adachi said. "If we cannot catch fish anymore, our motivation is gone and there's no meaning in what we do."

(Writing by Tom Bateman and Rocky Swift in Tokyo; editing by Miral Fahmy)
In his short time as the mayor of New York City, Eric Adams has built a reputation for playing a starring role in some of the most cartoonish moments that New Yorkers have lived through in recent years. But earlier this month, Adamss seriocomic reign sunk to a new and outlandish low when federal agents raided the home of his lead fundraisersuddenly linking Adams to a bizarre Turkish foreign lobbying and illicit donation scheme.

The details that have emerged so far remain murky, but the little we know already paints a damning picture. According to The New York Times, a search warrant pertinent to the case centered on whether the mayors campaign kicked back benefits to Turkish officials, as well as to a Brooklyn-based construction company with Turkish connections. CNN further reported that investigators are searching for evidence that foreign nationals may have bundled donations to the mayors campaignwith others acting as straw contributors to obscure the foreign sources of the funds.

At first blush, the scheme borders on the ridiculous; as mayor, Adams is hardly a prominent figure in American foreign policy and would not be the most logical official for foreign financiers or regimes like Turkey to target. But on Sunday, we got confirmation of what these donors may have gotten for their alleged payments. As The New York Times reported, Adams pressed city officials to fast-track the opening of a high-rise for the Turkish Consulate General, despite concerns about safety issues. Adamss unusual intervention allowed Turkish autocrat Recep Erdogan to preside over the opening of what is reportedly Turkeys most expensive missiona building that, as Erdogan claimed, reflects Turkeys increased power.

Foreign dictatorships are always expanding and refining the broad range of ways in which they target, manipulate, and sway American policymakers, and this scheme seems to have placed Adams at the center of some of these innovations. As Turkish officials were undoubtedly aware, Adamswho has not been formally accused of any crimes and who claimed he constantly told staff to follow the lawwas a clear mark, as hed never evinced any concerns about accepting foreign funds previously. In 2021, the New York Daily News reported that Adams had accepted thousands of dollars in travel and other perks from some of the worlds most kleptocratic regimes, including China and Azerbaijan. Turkey, likewise, bankrolled Adamss travel, paying thousands of dollars more for Adamss multiple trips to the country since 2015. Adams defended his regime-sponsored visits as totally appropriate, claiming he was focused on trying to further relations between New York City and other nations.

On its face, theres nothing nominally wrong with Adamss decision to accept these funds, nor is there any allegation that he personally hid any information about the funding. But he also didnt appear ever to question why it was that such autocratic regimes might want to sponsor his trips abroador might want to help finance his election efforts. Indeed, even as his political star has continued to rise, theres no record of Adams ever criticizing any of the governments that have enabled his various gallivants around the world or any of the regimes that have feted him during his globe-trotting sprees.

During and after his travels, Adams didnt utter discouraging words about his hosts. For example, hes kept mum on such matters as Chinas sprawling concentration camp system and Azerbaijans descent into outright dictatorship. Instead, the mayor has happily stumped for his hosts; at one point, he even announced that he would move to Azerbaijan after his retirement from government.

But its Turkey that appears to have a special relationship with Hizzoner. Its unclear how many times Adams has visited the country while in public office. (Nor does the mayor even appear aware; as he said last month, Im probably the only mayor in the history of this city that has not only visited Turkey once, but I think Im on my sixth or seventh visit to Turkey.)

Its nevertheless clear that Adams has found willing Turkish benefactors wherever he lookedand that the mayor was only too willing to help his hosts. From Turkish flag-raising in New York (a first for any New York City mayor, New York wrote) to praising Turkeys handling of the Syrian refugee crisis, Adams has been one of the most outspoken pro-Turkish political voices in recent years, at any level of American politics. He said in 2017 that he wanted to buy a home in Istanbul itself. And last week, The City reported that Adams further received funds from leaders of a foundation directly overseen by the family of Erdogan himself.

Targeting Adams also makes far more sense if we look at the Turkish angle itself. The mayor is hardly the lone public official Turkish officials have reportedly targeted in the United Statesnor is he even the most high-profile. Mike Flynn, Donald Trumps former national security adviser, pleaded guilty to secretly working at the behest of Turkey, a topic for which former Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani was likewise investigated (though never charged). Indeed, the Trump years were, as Courthouse News wrote in 2019, boom times for Turkeys lobbyists. And if the recent search warrant against Adams is anything to go by, those boom times have persisted long since Trump left office.

But the newest Adams scandal also presents a new frontier for both Turkish lobbying efforts and foreign lobbying efforts more broadly. It wasnt just that Turkish hosts glad-handed Adams, or that he happily spun Turkey to new audiences in return. The search warrants claims of potential foreign donations injected into Adamss election campaign would represent a new tool in Ankaras foreign lobbying tool kitand, potentially, a far worse precedent for the rest of us.

To be sure, Turkish donations to Adams wouldnt be the first such foreign financing scandal in recent American history; former Trump foreign policy adviser George Nader was jailed for secretly routing funds from the UAEs dictatorship into the 2016 presidential election. (Foreign funding of American campaigns is illegal, whether at federal or local levels.)

But Adamss reported receipt of Turkish campaign funds, hidden behind a range of cutouts, indicates that foreign regimes are no longer interested just in federal electionsthey now have their eyes on local, municipal elections as well. Put another way: The Adams allegations are just one scandal in the annals of a mayor who often paints himself into some ridiculous corners, but they also may well be the canary in the coal mine for how foreign regimes will target American politicians moving forward. And given how difficult it is to monitor and enforce campaign financing in the first place, why wouldnt more regimes be following the model that Turkey is alleged to have set in this instance?

In short, its too early to tell whether or not Adams is the exception, or the new rule. But theres at least one bit of good news buried in the revelations. Despite setbacks elsewhereincluding failed prosecutions of a number of pro-Trump figures, working at the behest of foreign regimesthe search warrant indicates that prosecutors are at least still willing to target these kinds of networks. Toss in the fact that the search warrant came shortly after new indictments against Senator Bob Menendez for similar foreign lobbying crimes, and U.S. officials are showing new signs of life when it comes to cracking down on these kinds of foreign financial links.

Whether itll be enough to topple Adams, or even Menendez, remains to be seen. But if Adams ends up in further legal trouble, he may be glad he purchased that home in Istanbuljust not for the reasons he expected.
A bizarre scandal involving potentially illegal campaign contributions from Turkish citizens has New York City Mayor Eric Adams playing defense after the FBI seized some of his electronic devices.

This is an ongoing review, Adams said at a Tuesday morning press conference. And as a former member of law enforcement, it is always my view, always my belief, don't interfere with an ongoing review and don't try to do these reviews through the press.

Adams, a Democrat who was elected in 2021, has not personally been accused of wrongdoing. However, his phone and tablet were taken by the FBI last week after agents climbed into his SUV following a speech. CNN has reported that the FBI is looking into whether Adamss campaign conspired with a Brooklyn construction company to funnel money from Turkish nationals toward his mayoral bid.

Additionally, the New York Times reported Sunday that authorities were looking into whether Adams had pressured the New York Fire Department into giving a new Turkish consulate in Manhattan an occupancy permit despite safety concerns about the high-rise building.

Following Adamss conversation with the then fire commissioner, the gleaming new building near the U.N. was approved. Underscoring the importance of the sprawling consulate to the Turkish government, the country's president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, attended its grand opening in September 2021.

When asked Tuesday about his discussion with the fire department, Adams said he reached out on behalf of his constituents, which is something he does every day.

You reach out to an agency and ask them to look into a matter, you dont reach out to an agency to compel them to do anything, Adams said.

The Adams campaign also reportedly took donations from three members of a foundation started by Erdogans son that also has Erdogans daughter on the board. According to The City, a local paper, Adamss campaign accepted $6,000 from several U.S. citizens on the foundations board.

Some of the mayors allies have insisted that theres nothing unusual about Adams making calls on the Turkish consulates behalf.

I dont think that should be a smoking gun, former Bronx borough president Ruben Diaz Jr. told the New York Post. I dont see any issue at all. Every elected official makes calls to city agencies on behalf of entities, businesses and constituents. That is what we do.

The raid

Reyhan Ozgur, consul general of Turkey, and Adams. (Selcuk Acar/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images) (Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

As part of the investigation, the FBI raided the home of Adamss chief fundraiser, Brianna Suggs, on Nov. 2. Adams canceled previously scheduled meetings in Washington, D.C., to deal with a matter, per a spokesman, with the mayor later saying he wanted to be back in the city to make sure that things were stable."

According to the search warrant, among the items seized at Suggss home were three iPhones, two laptop computers, a manila folder labeled Eric Adams, seven contribution card binders and other documents.

The NYPD Internal Affairs unit ordered a wellness check at the home of Suggs hours before the raid. The police said in a statement that the move was "part of the working relationships the NYPD maintains with federal law enforcement agencies ... before warrants are executed to ensure that addresses are correct and that there will be no danger to anyone residing inside."

The mayors Turkey ties

Adams has spoken about his affection for Turkey. He even had a brief cameo in the 2017 rom-com New York Masal (which translates to Fairytale of New York). The then Brooklyn borough president interacts with two of the lead characters, telling them he doesnt speak Turkish before saying how much he loves their country.

Brooklyn loves Turkey, Adams says in the film. Brooklyn is the Istanbul of America. We love your food, we love your music, but I dont understand Turkish. We can take a selfie, though.

Adams repeated a version of that line during a Turkish flag-raising ceremony last month, saying, New York City is the Istanbul of America. He began that event by saying, I'm probably the only mayor in the history of this city that has not only visited Turkey once, but I think I'm on my sixth or seventh visit to Turkey.

A rocky tenure as New Yorks mayor

Adams in the annual Veterans Day Parade in New York on Nov. 11. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images) (Getty Images)

In July, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg announced the indictments of six people for an alleged straw donor scheme meant to help Adams get elected. Straw donors are people who donate other peoples money under their own name in an effort to get around campaign finance laws.

Neither Adams nor any members of his team were mentioned in the filing, in which the alleged fraudsters attempted to max out their donations in exchange for political favors.

In September, former Department of Buildings Commissioner and Adams confidant Eric Ulrich was charged with exchanging access and favors for cash and gifts. Bragg wrote in a letter to the court that Ulrich was intercepted between November 4, 2021, and November 1, 2022, on an almost daily basis engaging in conduct antithetical to his oath of office.

Adams has found himself attached to controversies and strange stories since his 2021 mayoral campaign. During that race, there was confusion about where exactly he lived, with allegations that he resided in New Jersey. Adams has claimed he is vegan despite regularly eating fish, said that New York has a special energy because it sits above rare gems and stones and has expressed his belief that Gracie Mansion, where the mayor typically resides, is haunted.
The inmate who escaped a Chester County Prison in August is facing over a dozen new charges.

Attorney General Michelle Henry said Danelo Cavalcantes new charges are related to his activities during the two weeks he was on the run from authorities.

The 20 new charges include felony counts of burglary, criminal trespassing, theft and possession of a firearm.

Cavalcante was serving a life sentence for the murder of his ex-girlfriend when he escaped from prison on Aug. 31 by scaling a wall, launching a multi-week manhunt that put several southeastern Pennsylvania communities on high alert.

Hes alleged to have burglarized two homes in Pennsbury and South Coventry townships while on the run, stealing a firearm, clothing and a razor from them. Hes also accused of stealing a transit van in Pocopson Township.

The defendant used all means necessary to escape from prison and stay hidden from authorities. These offenses aided his efforts and elevated his threat to the public, Henry said. Thanks to the diligent efforts of law enforcement, Cavalcante is in custody and will be prosecuted for all of his crimes. My office is committed to keeping Pennsylvanians safe and holding those accountable who jeopardize the publics well-being.

The Office of the Attorney General will prosecute the case.

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Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas said on Tuesday shes interested in taking over the top job at NATO, as the Cold War-era alliance continues to navigate Russias war in Ukraine and homes in on common strategies against China and other emerging threats.

Speaking at the POLITICO Defense Summit, Kallas was pressed on whether shed like to be considered for the role once NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg steps down. She responded yes.

Kallas response and her visit to Washington comes as worries grow in Europe, especially among the leaders of Baltic and Eastern European countries such as Estonia, that U.S. support for Ukraines war effort is increasingly wavering.

It also comes as NATOs role is evolving as a key force in support of Ukraine as it continues to repel Russias February 2022 invasion, and as the alliance seeks to project strength and unity in the face of emerging threats such as China, artificial intelligence and other challenges.



Kallas was bullish that Ukraine will ultimately prevail in its efforts to repel Russias invasion, as concerns grow on both sides of the Atlantic that Ukraine and Russia are approaching a standstill on the battlefield.

I totally understand and believe that it is beatable, Kallas said, in reference to the Russian military. And Ukraine can win this war.

Kallas rejected the notion that the conflict is at a stalemate, saying it serves Russian interests to paint conditions on the battlefield in that light.

That works to their benefit, Kallas said. Let's not fall into that trap.

Kallas, who met with Biden administration officials and lawmakers on Capitol Hill, underscored the need for American support to achieve lasting peace in the region.



What we want to have is sustainable peace. And of course, you know, American support for that is fundamental, Kallas said.

She also added that she was pleasantly surprised to find that skeptical American politicians were more on board than she had expected.

I actually had a very, very good meeting with all of those people and I was asking the ambassadors like, when are we meeting the skeptical ones?  Kallas quipped.

They had a lot of questions and I tried to answer them as well. But it seems to me that we are still, you know, getting through with our ideas and it doesn't seem to me that we are very far away from each other, Kallas continued.
E-commerce in Southeast Asia grew rapidly during the pandemic, and that momentum is continuing. A McKinsey report found that between now and 2026, the market is expected to triple at a compound growth rate of 22%, hitting $230 billion in gross merchandise volume. Not surprisingly, global brands are eager to enter Southeast Asia. E-commerce enablement platform etaily helps them build, manage and scale their e-commerce operations.

Founded in 2020 and based in the Philippines, etaily announced today it has raised $17.8 million in Series A funding. The round was led by SKS Capital, a Chinese and Taiwanese private equity firm, and Singapores Pavilion Capital. SBI ICCP, a joint venture between ICCP Venture Partners in the Philippines and Japans SBI Holdings (formerly SoftBank Investments) and Kaya Founders also participated, along with the Magsaysay family, Chan family, Foxmont Capital and JGDEV, the corporate venture arm of JG Summit Holdings.

etailys ecosystem includes end-to-end solutions for e-commerce and omnichannel global brands, along with its own portfolio of brands. The startup has about 50 global clients, including Levis, Crocs, Reckitt and Skechers, who use it to develop lifestyle products, manage selling on platforms like Lazada and Shopee and brand.com, and fulfill orders through etailys asset-light warehouse network. So far, it has processed over 10 million orders, and expects to reach gross sales of $40 million this year, with a target of $100 million by 2025.

Before founding etaily, CEO Alexander Friedhoff had a long career in retail, starting with German shirt brand van Laack. There, his roles included manufacturing and product development in Vietnam, and business development and e-commerce implementation in countries like Australia and Germany. After van Laack, Friedhoff went to work at Southeast Asia e-commerce platform Zalora, where he built the Fulfillment by Zalora program.

Portrait of etaily founder Alexander Friedhoff wearing a black suit and white shirt against a rose colored background

etaily founder Alexander Friedhoff. Image Credits: etaily

Friedhoff decided to launch etaily in the Philippines because Southeast Asia belongs to the fastest-growing consumer markets in the world. In fact, the Philippines is the fastest-growing e-commerce market globally, he told TechCrunch.

Etaily works primarily with brands in six segments: fashion, consumer electronics, lifestyle, beauty, home and living, and fast-moving consumer goods. They sell on their own websites or on e-commerce platforms like Lazada, Shopee and Zalora.

The value proposition etaily gives to brands centers around its managed services and technology. Managed services help brands grow by using etailys economies of scale, since adding an incremental brand doesnt add a lot of overhead. It also helps brands on the demand side with customer data, etailys market knowledge, conversion optimization, demand forecasting and logistics.

etaily monetizes by taking part of sales generated through its platform. It also has a subscription model, where customers pay a recurring fee for access to services like etailys subscription-based software, and generates more money through advertising its portfolio brands display on their platforms and content.

In terms of competition, Friedhoff names three companies: Japans Anymind, Intrepid Ascential and OnPoint Vietnam. etaily also competes with regional e-commerce enablers. etailys competitive advantage is how its operating platform is designed, and its ability to capture more of the value chain, Friedhoff said. Its omnichannel capabilities enables offline point-of-sale integration in the supply chain, which means global consumer brands that want to enter the Philippines only need etaily as a partner, instead of also finding one for brick and mortar sales.

Another advantage is the amount of data etaily generates by scaling different e-commerce brands. This gives them a lot of data points about consumer behavior, channel, demand and traffic, which helps brands as they launch.

etailys vertically integrated services include selling its own brands and luxury third-party brands in more than 200 storefronts it operates on e-commerce platforms and standalone websites. Most of them are powered by Clarity, etailys end-to-end e-commerce technology and operating ecosystem, which includes fully integrated trading, marketing modules, real-time business intelligence data, payments, couriers, fulfillment and customer service. The company also offers product development services based on its consumer and market data, and digital brand building and content creation through Etaily Studios.

etaily will use its Series A to expand in Southeast Asia, especially in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and the Philippines, work on its distribution platform for brands and expand its portfolio of brands (including its in-house brands). It also plans to invest in its proprietary tech, including an operating system, data analytics and Clarity.

In a statement, SKS Capital founder Jack Chen said, Etailys asset-light strategy, along with their extensive knowledge of e-commerce, supply chain and their utilization of data-driven insights to understand consumer behavior and demand, offer significant prospects for incorporating advanced omnichannel technology solutions into brand operations. This will enable substantial growth in the future.
Chicago Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin violated the citys ethics code by firing two top aides who alleged she repeatedly misused taxpayer resources and pressured public employees to help her political allies, according to a finding of probable cause by the citys Board of Ethics.

The ethics board made the determination Monday after a closed-door meeting where city officials reviewed findings from Inspector General Deborah Witzburg. In keeping with its rules, the ethics board did not name Conyears-Ervin, but the Tribune has identified her as the subject of the boards ruling.

Over the coming months, Conyears-Ervin will have a chance to rebut the findings before the board issues a final ruling and potentially a fine. Her office had no comment on the matter Tuesday.

Mondays findings follow internal complaints by several now-former employees of the treasurers office who accused Conyears-Ervin of ethical lapses or misusing public resources for her private benefit. While many of the allegations were made years ago, they werent detailed publicly until recent Tribune reports.

The allegations filed by the two top Conyears-Ervin aides date to November 2020, when the city treasurer dismissed her chief of staff, Tiffany Harper, and other top aides as part of what she called an office shake-up.

The Tribune first reported in September that Harper and another high-ranking employee, Ashley Evans, alleged they were retaliated against and fired after reporting Conyears-Ervin engaged in a series of unethical and illegal acts. Former Mayor Lori Lightfoots administration used city funds to pay the two women a $100,000 settlement and then fought for roughly two years to conceal the details of their whistleblower complaint. Brandon Johnson released the information to the Tribune after taking over as mayor.

In its record of the vote, the ethics board said it found probable cause to conclude that a city official wrongfully terminated the employment of two city employees.

Harper and Evans, who had been the treasurers chief impact officer, contended in a December 2020 letter that Conyears-Ervin used a staffer to plan her daughters birthday party and another employee to be her bodyguard. They also outlined broad allegations that Conyears-Ervin repeatedly misused taxpayer resources and pressured public employees to help her political allies.

In addition, Harper and Evans alleged Conyears-Ervin attempted to force BMO Harris  one of the banks where city money is deposited  to issue a mortgage tied to the building that houses the aldermanic office for the treasurers husband, Ald. Jason Ervin. The landlord is also a longtime family friend of the couple who told the Tribune he used to drive Conyears-Ervin to school when she was growing up.

The letter was not made public until the city dropped a legal effort to prevent its disclosure that was started under Lightfoot. Less than a week later after the Tribune received a copy from Johnsons administration, the head of the Chicago Board of Ethics said the board had referred the case to the citys inspector generals office but that the board couldnt do more unless it received detailed findings from the IG.

Witzburg declined to comment at the time. Investigators with the inspector generals office later seized computers from the treasurers City Hall offices without saying why.

In the December 2020 letter, the aides also said Conyears-Ervin threatened retaliation against employees who raised concerns about the conduct and other alleged misdeeds and told employees they should not care if her plans are illegal since the only way they could lose their jobs is if she fires them.

Before they were fired, the letter stated, Conyears-Ervin threatened the women with retaliation and warned them that if they refused to implement her plans their asses can walk and that they will be walking the f--- up out of here and that this is (her) f---ing office and (her) vision, according to the letter.

Conyears-Ervin told the women she was firing them because of a change in administration, which their lawyer said was false.

The reason given for firing them was a pretext as there was no change in administration (the Treasurer took office over a year prior) and neither Ms. Evans nor Ms. Harper had done anything remotely justifying their termination, the letter said. They are precisely the sort of employees the City seeks to hire and retain, not terminate.

The two alleged Conyears-Ervin used Gina Zuccaro, a treasurers office employee who ran for state representative as part of a slate pushed by the Ervins, for personal services like running errands, planning her daughters birthday party, grocery shopping and the like.

The Treasurer also used City resources to support Ms. Zuccaros run for the  Illinois House of Representatives seat by allowing her to campaign on City time, the letter stated. This misuse of hiring to obtain personal services and favor her allies is a pervasive problem, extending well past these two employees to numerous other employees and contractors.

For her part, Conyears-Ervin has defended asking BMO Bank to help her family friend. Conyears-Ervin has also denied having public employees run personal errands for her while they were on duty but declined to address whether they did work for her on their personal time.

A third former employee filed a complaint with the inspector generals office in summer 2021 alleging they were forced to attend an event where seniors signed political petitions to receive a free ham. Its unclear whether city officials took action over that workers complaints.

gpratt@chicagotribune.com
The European Unions goal of supplying Ukraine with 1 million rounds of artillery ammunition is unlikely to be achieved, Germanys defense minister said Tuesday, as Kyiv remains locked in a grinding war of attrition against Russia with winter approaching.

It can be assumed that the 1 million rounds will not be reached, Boris Pistorius said ahead of an EU defense ministers meeting in Brussels. EU member states are working with industry to ramp up production, he added.

In March, EU member states agreed to provide Ukraine with 1 million rounds of artillery ammunition for Ukraine to be delivered within 12 months.

Pistorius warning came a day after Josep Borrell, the EUs high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, said the bloc may not meet targets for ammunition production to supply Kyiv by the end of the year, but said efforts were underway to increase production capacity.

In the short term, armies have been asked to provide ammunition from existing stocks, amounting to approximately 300,000 shots, Borrell said.

Borrell added that, on the production side, several contracts had been awarded, but it depends how quickly factories can produce the ammunition.

The EU member states are working to ramp up production but are likely to miss a key target, said German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, pictured in June. - Omar Havana/Getty Images

Ringing the bells

Both Ukraine and Russia need to replenish extraordinary amounts of ammunition as a grinding war of attrition continues in Ukraines east and south. According to South Koreas National Intelligence Service, North Korea has exported more than 1 million shells to Russia since early August. The US has also been ramping up ammunition production to supply Ukraine.

Ukraines Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said Kyiv urgently needed the EU to ramp up its ability to supply ammunition for the Ukrainian military.

Ukraine is ringing the bells a lot and loudly over EU ammunition supply, he said on national television on Monday night. I believe that the reason for these issues is not the lack of political will in the EU to support Ukraine, he said. There is such political will, but, lets say, [there is the] deplorable state of the defense industry that is capable of producing a sufficient number of shells, and warehouses, and the ability to conclude foreign contracts.

Since the start of the conflict in Ukraine, Western allies have been openly concerned about their ability to provide Kyiv with the amount of ammunition it requires  and their ability to manufacture fast enough to replenish dwindling stocks.

Western manufacturing of conventional ammunition went into decline following the end of the Cold War, as countries focused instead on modern equipment. Very few seriously believed another large-scale land war would take place in Europe.

The combination of no immediate threat and the financial pressures on European governments over the past couple of decades led to a conspiracy of dressing the shop window while letting the stockroom empty out, Nick Witney, senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, told CNN earlier this year.

This dressing the shop window approach helps us understand why European countries had low ammunition stocks going into the Ukraine conflict, but doesnt explain why things didnt dramatically improve in the year that followed.

Experts point to a range of factors. There are limits to production increases that can be done quickly. More significant boosts to output will be expensive and take time to implement, said Tom Waldwyn, research associate for defense procurement at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, told CNN in February.

No private company that is answerable to shareholders will have kept staff and maintained large capacity to produce equipment that people are not buying, so it will be difficult to meet a sudden surge in demand in the short to medium term, Waldwyn added.

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Artillery shells are seen at a position of Ukrainian servicemen near a frontline in Donetsk region

By Andrew Gray and Sabine Siebold

BRUSSELS (Reuters) -The European Union will miss its target of supplying Ukraine with 1 million artillery shells and missiles by next March, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said on Tuesday.

Arriving at a meeting of EU defence ministers in Brussels, Pistorius also questioned the wisdom of having set the target in March this year, with a 12-month deadline.

Pistorius's comments were the first public admission by a senior European minister that the target would not be met, although diplomats and officials have been expressing scepticism privately for months about the goal.

The target was set in response to Ukraine's urgent and ongoing need for 155 millimetre artillery shells, which have become a key element in its fight against Russia's invasion as the conflict descended into an intense war of attrition.

"I didn't promise 1 million rounds, and that was on purpose. The right question to be asked would be whether 1 million was ever a realistic goal," Pistorius told reporters.

"There were voices that warned: 'You better watch out, 1 million is easily said, the money is available, (but) the production must be there'. These warning voices have been proven right now, unfortunately," he said.

"It is safe to assume that the 1 million rounds will not be reached."

AMBITIOUS GOAL

Some officials have said that European industry did not have the production capacity to meet the target.

But some have also argued it was still worth setting an ambitious goal that encouraged countries to place orders and companies to invest in ramping up capacity.

Other ministers arriving at the meeting did not go as far as Pistorius, but did not contradict him.

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said the bloc had provided more than 300,000 artillery shells and missiles under the first track of the scheme, which involved EU member states delivering from their own stockpiles.

He said the focus was now on the second element of the scheme - EU countries ordering new shells from industry under a joint procurement initiative.

The EU has been notified of orders for 180,000 shells under that plan so far, Borrell said.

He said the EU as a whole stood by the 1 million target, even as he acknowledged it may not be met.

"It's ambitious but it remains our goal and we continue pushing for it, doing everything every day in order to deliver quicker and more ammunition," he said.

Borrell suggested part of the problem was that the European defence industry exported some 40% of its output to countries outside the EU.

"Maybe what we have to do is to try to shift this production to the priority one, which is the Ukrainians," he said.

Thierry Breton, the EU commissioner for industry, said arms companies were making progress in ramping up production.

He said a separate target of boosting European production of 155 millimetre shells to 1 million a year would be met.

(Additional reporting by Charlotte Van Campenhout and Benoit Van Overstraeten; Editing by Alex Richardson, Alexandra Hudson)
The EU is providing an additional 100 million euros ($107.2 million) for humanitarian aid operations in Ukraine and 10 million euros ($10.7 million) to support Ukrainian refugees and their hosting in Moldova, the European Commission announced in a press release on Nov. 14.

"The latest allocation brings the total for EU humanitarian aid in response to Russia's war in Ukraine to 843 million euros ($904 million)," the European Commission said.

The funding will go to humanitarian partners who provide necessities like shelter, healthcare, food, water, psychological social support, and cash assistance.

The EU is also sending 84 more power generators to Ukraine due to Russian attacks on the energy system, bringing the total number of generators sent to Ukraine through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism to over 5,000.

The EU is also coordinating private-sector donations of energy equipment, the press release said.

Russia began a campaign of mass strikes on Ukraine's energy system last year on Oct. 10 and continued to target the power system until spring, bringing the heating and power networks to a near-total collapse.

Ukraine's military intelligence said on Nov. 6 that Russia is currently "waiting for the temperature to drop below zero" before launching mass strikes on Ukraine's energy system.

Read also: Norway allocates $90 million in humanitarian aid for Ukraine

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, sent a congratulatory letter to the 2023 annual conference of the summit for entrepreneurs across the Taiwan Strait.

The annual conference, which marks the 10th anniversary of the cross-Strait entrepreneurs summit, opened on Tuesday in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province.

The summit serves as a crucial platform for communication and cooperation between enterprises and business people from both sides of the Taiwan Strait, playing an important role in fostering economic cooperation and deepening the integrated development across the Strait, Xi said.

Xi said efforts will be continued to facilitate economic exchanges and cooperation and advance integrated development in all fields across the Strait. More work will be done to improve systems and policies that contribute to the well-being of Taiwan compatriots, and help Taiwan compatriots and enterprises integrate into the new development pattern and achieve high-quality development, he noted.

Xi called on entrepreneurs on both sides to safeguard the overall interests of the Chinese nation, keep pace with the trends of history and shoulder responsibility of the times, in an effort to promote the peaceful and integrated development of cross-Strait relations and realize China's reunification and the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
Germany's Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, right, attends a meeting of EU foreign and defense ministers at the European Council building in Brussels, Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023. European Union foreign and defense ministers gather Tuesday to discuss the situation in Ukraine. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)

BRUSSELS (AP)  European Union nations acknowledged Tuesday that they may be on the way to failing Ukraine on their promise of providing the ammunition the country dearly needs to stave off Russia's invasion and to win back occupied territory.

With much fanfare early this year, EU leaders promised to provide 1 million rounds of ammunition to Ukraine's front line by spring 2024, an amount goal that would have amounted to a serious ramp-up of production.

But the 27-nation bloc, for over half a century steeped in a peace, not war message and sheltering under a U.S. military umbrella, is finding it tough to come up with the goods.

The 1 million will not be reached, you have to assume that, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said.

After a Tuesday meeting of EU defense and foreign affairs ministers in Brussels, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell also cast doubt on the goal. So maybe by March we will not have the 1 million shots, Borrell said.

Estonia's defense minister, Hanno Pevkur, said it was crucial to ramp up supply of the ammunition.

Look at Russia. They are producing today more than ever. They are getting shells from North Korea. Europe cannot say that ... Russia and North Korea can deliver and we cannot,'" he said.

Some 300,000 rounds have been delivered from existing stocks in the EU so far. With the rest becoming increasingly elusive to source before spring, Latvian Defense Minister Andris Spruds insisted the original target should not be taken too literally.

Well, of course, 1 million rounds are symbolic. I think aspiration and ambition is important," he said.

On the battlefield, though, the presence of ammunition is the only thing that counts.

In Ukraine's war with Russia, 155 mm artillery rounds play a pivotal role. The daily consumption of 6,000 to 7,000 shells highlights its strategic importance. Acquiring 1 million such shells could secure stability for Ukraine for at least half a year, providing a substantial advantage in sustained operations and flexibility on the battlefield, observers said.

EU Commissioner Thierry Breton insisted the industry production target of 1 million rounds could be met but it is now upon member states to place their orders."

However, EU members put the blame on producers.

We have all signed contracts. Weve done joint procurement. So industry now has to deliver. It has to step up its game to produce more, said Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren.

Breton acknowledged that the EU's over-reliance on so-called soft power and decades of sinking budgets in many European nations had left the bloc exposed.

As you well know, it is history, certainly the peace dividend. It is true that we dropped a bit, even significantly, our production capacity, but the industrial base is still there to ramp up production anew, he said.

One way to get more ammunition, according to foreign policy chief Borrell, is to redirect current EU exports and prioritize Ukraine.

About 40% of the production is being exported to third countries," he said. "So maybe what we have to do is to try to shift this production to the priority one, which is the Ukrainians.

___

Associated Press writer Illia Novikov contributed from Kyiv, Ukraine.

___

Find more coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
EU Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson has called on Hungary to intensify efforts to stop the purchase of Russian energy and reduce vulnerability to influence from the Kremlin.

Source: Kadri Simson during Politicos Sustainability Future Week, reports European Pravda

Details: Gazprom, the largest Russian gas exporter, announced last month that it would increase natural gas supplies to Hungary for the winter following a meeting between Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing.

"Even Hungary knows that by continuing this activity, they grant Russia the right to manipulate their market I know one political leader in Europe who is shaking hands with this war criminal, but that's it," Simson said.

The European Commissioner pointed out that the EU as a whole has significantly reduced its dependence on Russian gas, and even such vulnerable members as Slovakia and Bulgaria plan to gradually abandon energy imports from Russia by 2027.

Simson also expressed regret that Hungary is continuing to build the Paks II nuclear reactor, which depends on support and nuclear fuel from Russia.

Under an agreement signed last year, Hungary receives 3.5 billion cubic metres of gas a year through Bulgaria and Serbia and another 1 billion cubic metres through a pipeline from Austria. The agreement with Gazprom was signed for 15 years.

In September, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijarto admitted that Budapest continues and will continue to cooperate with Russia because of its dependence on Russian energy resources.

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Negotiations between European Union lawmakers tasked with reaching a compromise on a risk-based framework for regulating applications of artificial intelligence appear to be on a tricky knife edge.

Speaking during a roundtable yesterday afternoon, organized by the European Center for Not-For-Profit Law (ECNL) and the civil society association EDRi, Brando Benifei, MEP and one of the parliament's co-rappoteurs for AI legislation, described talks on the AI Act as being at a "complicated" and "difficult" stage.

The closed door talks between EU co-legislators, or "trilogues" in the Brussels policy jargon, are how most European Union law gets made.

Issues that are causing division include prohibitions on AI practices (aka Article 5's brief list of banned uses); fundamental rights impact assessments (FRIAs); and exemptions for national security practices, according to Benifei. He suggested parliamentarians have red-lines on all these issues and want to see movement from the Council -- which, so far, is not giving enough ground.

"We cannot accept to move too much in the direction that would limit the protection of fundamental rights of citizens," he told the roundtable. "We need to be clear, and we have been clear with the Council, we will not conclude [the file] in due time -- we would be happy to conclude in the beginning of December -- but we cannot conclude by conceding on these issues."

Giving civil society's assessment of the current state of play of the talks, Sarah Chander, senior policy adviser at EDRi was downbeat -- running through a long list of key core civil society recommendations, aimed at safeguarding fundamental rights from AI overreach, which she suggested are being rebuffed by the Council.

For example, she said Member States are opposing a full ban on the use of remote biometrics ID systems in public; no agreement on registering the use of high risk AI systems by law enforcement and immigration authorities; no clear, loophole-proof risk classification process for AI systems; and no agreement on limiting the exports of prohibited systems outside the EU. She added that there are many other areas where it's still unclear what lawmakers' positions will be, such as sought for bans on biometric categorization and emotion recognition.

"We know that there is a lot of attention on how we are able to deliver an AI act that is able to protect fundamental rights and the democratic freedoms. So I think we need the real fundamental rights impact assessment," Benifei added. "I think this is something we will be able to deliver. I'm convinced that we are on a good track on these negotiation. But I also want to be clear that we cannot accept to get an approach on the prohibitions that is giving too much [of a] free hand to the governments on very, very sensitive issues."

The three-way discussions to hammer out the final shape of EU laws put parliamentarians and representatives of Member States governments (aka the European Council) in a room with the EU's executive body, the Commission, which is responsible for presenting the first draft of proposed laws. But the process doesn't always deliver the sought for "balanced" compromise -- instead planned pan-EU legislation can get blocked by entrenched disagreements (such as in the case of the still stalled ePrivacy Regulation).

Trilogues are also notorious for lacking transparency. And in recent years there's been rising concern that tech policy files have become a major target for industry lobbyists seeking to covertly influence laws that will affect them.

The AI file appears no different in that regard -- except this time the industry lobbying pushing back on regulation appears to have come from both US giants and a smattering of European AI startups hoping to imitate the scale of rivals over the pond.

Lobbying on foundational models

Per Benifei, the question of how to regulate generative AI, and so-called foundational models, is another big issue dividing EU lawmakers as a result of heavy industry lobbying targeted at Member States' governments. "This is another topic where we see a lot of pressure, a lot of lobbying that is clearly going on also on the side of the governments," he said. "It's legitimate -- but also we need to maintain ambition."

On Friday, Euractiv reported that a meeting involving a technical body of the European Council broke down after representatives of two EU Member States, France and Germany, pushed back against MEPs' proposals for a tiered approach to regulate foundational models.

It reported that opposition to regulating foundational models is being led by French AI startup Mistral. Its report also named German AI start-up, Aleph Alpha, as actively lobbying governments to push-back on dedicated measures to target generative AI model makers.

EU lobby transparency not-for-profit, Corporate Europe Observatory, confirmed to TechCrunch France and Germany are two of the Member States pushing the Council for a regulatory carve out for foundational models.

"We have seen an extensive Big Tech lobbying of the AI Act, with countless meetings with MEPs and access to the highest levels of decision-making. While publicly these companies have called for regulating dangerous AI, in reality they are pushing for a laissez-faire approach where Big Tech decides the rules," Corporate Europe Observatory's Bram Vranken told TechCrunch.

"European companies including Mistral AI and Aleph Alpha have joined the fray. They have recently opened lobbying offices in Brussels and have found a willing ear with governments in France and Germany in order to obtain carve-outs for foundation models. This push is straining the negotiations and risks to derail the AI Act.

"This is especially problematic as the AI Act is supposed to protect our human rights against risky and biased AI systems. Corporate interests are now undermining those safeguards."

Reached for a response to the charge of lobbying for a regulatory carve-out for foundational models, Mistral CEO Arthur Mensch did not deny it has been pressing lawmakers not to put regulatory obligations on upstream model makers. But he rejected the suggestion it is "blocking anything".

"We have constantly been saying that regulating foundational models did not make sense and that any regulation should target applications, not infrastructure. We are happy to see that the regulators are now realizing it," Mensch told TechCrunch.

Asked how, in this scenario, downstream deployers of foundational models would be able to ensure their apps are free of bias and other potential harms without the necessary access to the core model and its training data, he suggested: "The downstream user should be able to verify how the model works in its use case. As foundational model providers, we will provide the evaluation, monitoring and guardrailing tools to simplify these verifications."

"To be clear, we're very much in favour of regulating AI applications," Mensch added. "The last version of the AI Act regulates foundational models in the worst possible manner since definitions are very imprecise, making the compliance weights enormous, whatever the model capacities. It effectively signals that small companies stand no chance due to the regulatory barrier and solidifies the large corporation dominance (while they are all US-based). We have been publicly vocal about this."

Aleph Alpha was also contacted for comment on the reports of lobbying but at the time of writing it had not responded.

Reacting to reports of AI giants lobbying to water down EU AI rules, Max Tegmark, president of the Future of Life Institute, an advocacy organization with a particular focus on AI existential risk, sounded the alarm over possible regulatory capture.

"This last-second attempt by Big Tech to exempt the future of AI would make the EU AI Act the laughing-stock of the world, not worth the paper its printed on," he told TechCrunch. "After years of hard work, the EU has the opportunity to lead a world waking up to the need to regulate these increasingly powerful and dangerous systems. Lawmakers must stand firm and protect thousands of European companies from the lobbying attempts of Mistral and US tech giants."

Where the Council will land on foundational models remains unclear but pushback from powerful member states like France could lead to another impasse here if MEPs stick to their guns and demand accountability on upstream AI models makers.

An EU source close to the Council confirmed the issues Benifei highlighted remain "tough points" for Member States -- which they said are showing "very little" flexibility, "if any". Although our source, who was speaking on condition of anonymity because they're not authorized to make public statements to the press, avoided explicitly stating the issues represent indelible red lines for the Council.

They also suggested there's still hope for a conclusive trilogue on December 6 as discussions in the Councils preparatory bodies continue and Member States look for ways to provide a revised mandate to the Spanish presidency.

Technical teams from the Council and Parliament are also continuing to work to try to find possible "landing zones" -- in a bid to keep pushing for a provisional agreement at the next trilogue. However our source suggested its too early to say where exactly any potential intersections might be given how many sticking points remain (most of which they described as being "highly sensitive" for both EU institutions).

For his part, co-rapporteur Benifei said parliamentarians remain determined that the Council must give ground. If it does not, he suggested there's a risk the whole Act could fail -- which would have stark implications for fundamental rights in an age of exponentially increasing automation.

"The topic of the fundamental rights impact assessment; the issue of Article 5; the issue of the law enforcement [are] where we need to see more movement from the Council. Otherwise there will be a lot of difficulty to conclude because we we do not want an AI Act unable to protect fundamental rights," he warned. "And so we will need to be strict on these.

"We have been clear. I hope there will be movement from the side of the governments knowing that we need some compromise otherwise we will not deliver any AI Act and that would be worse. We see how the governments are already experimenting with applications of the technology that is not respectful of fundamental rights. We need rules. But I think we also need to be clear on the principles."

Fundamental rights impact assessments

Benifei sounded most hopeful that a compromise could be achieved on FRIAs, suggesting parliament's negotiators are shooting for something "very close" to their original proposal.

MEPs introduced the concept as part of a package of proposed changes to the Commission draft legislation geared towards bolstering protections for fundamental rights. EU data protection law already features data protection impact assessments, which encourage data processors to make a proactive assessment of potential risks attached to handling people's data.

The idea is FRIAs would aim to do something similarly proactive for applications of AI -- nudging developers and deployers to consider up front how their apps and tools might interfere with fundamental democratic freedoms and take steps to avoid or mitigate potential harms.

"I have more worries about the positions regarding the law enforcement exceptions on which I think the Council needs to move much more," Benifei went on, adding: "I'm very much convinced that it's important that we keep the pressure from [civil society] on our governments to not stay on positions that would prevent the conclusion of some of these negotiations, which is not in the interest of anyone at this stage."

Lidiya Simova, a policy advisor to MEP Petar Vitanov, who was also speaking at the roundtable, pointed out FRIAs had met with "a lot of opposition from private sector saying that this was going to be too burdensome for companies". So while she said this issue hasn't yet had "proper discussion" in trilogues, she suggested MEPs are anticipating more push back here too -- such as an attempt to exempt private companies from having to conduct these assessments at all.

But, again, whether the parliament would accept such a watering down of an intended check and balance is "a longer shot", in her view.

"The text that we had in our mandate was a bit downgraded to what we initially had in mind. So going further down from that... you risk getting to a point where you make it useless. You keep it in name, and in principle, but if it doesn't accomplish anything -- if it's just a piece of paper that people just sign and say, oh, hey, I did a fundamental rights impact assessment -- what's the added value of that?" she posited. "For any obligation to be meaningful there have to be repercussions if you don't meet the obligation."

Simova also argued the scale of the challenge lawmakers are encountering with achieving accord on the AI file goes beyond individual disputed issues. Rather it's structural, she suggested. "A bigger problem that we're trying to solve, which is why it's taken so long for the AI Act to come, is basically that you're trying to safeguard fundamental rights with the product safety legislation," she noted, referencing a long standing critique of the EU's approach. "And that's not very easy. I don't even know whether it will be possible at the end of the day.

"That's why there be so many amendments from the Parliament so many times, so many drafts going back and forth. That's why we have such different notions on the topic."

If the talks fail to achieve consensus the EU's bid to be a world leader when it comes to setting rules for artificial intelligence could founder in light of a tightening timeline going into European elections next year.

Scramble to rule

Establishing a rulebook for AI was a priority set out by EU president Ursula von der Leyen, when she took up her post at the end of 2019. The Commission went on to propose a draft law in April 2021, after which the parliament and Council agreed on their respective negotiating mandates and the trilogues kicked off this summer -- under Spain's presidency of the European Council.

A key development filtering into talks between lawmakers this year has been the ongoing hype and attention garnered by generative AI, after OpenAI opened up access to its AI chatbot, ChatGPT, late last year -- a democratizing of access which triggered an industry-wide race to embed AI into all sorts of existing apps, from search engines to productivity tools.

MEPs responded to the generative AI boom by tightening their conviction to introduce a comprehensive regulation of risks. But the tech industry pushed back -- with AI giants combining the writing of eye-catching public letters warning about "extinction" level AI risks with private lobbying against tighter regulation of their current systems.

Sometimes the latter hasn't even been done privately, such as in May when OpenAI's CEO casually told a Time journalist that his company could "cease operating" in European Union if its incoming AI rules prove too arduous.

As noted above, if the AI file isn't wrapped up next month there's relatively limited time left in the EU's calendar to work through tricky negotiations. European elections and new Commission appointments next year will reboot the make-up of the parliament and the college of commissioners respectively. So there's a narrow window to clinch a deal before the bloc's political landscape reforms.

There is also far more attention, globally, on the issue of regulating AI than when the Commission first proposed dashing ahead to lay down a risk-based framework. The window of opportunity for the EU to make good on its "rule maker, not rule taker" mantra in this area, and get a clean shot at influencing how other jurisdictions approach AI governance, also looks to be narrowing.

The next AI Act trilogue is scheduled for December 6; mark the date as these next set of talks could be make or break for the file.

If no deal is reached and disagreements are pushed on into next year there would only be a few months of negotiating time, under the incoming Belgian Council presidency, before talks would have to stop as the European Parliament dissolves ahead of elections in June. (Support for the AI file after that, given the political make-up of the parliament and Commission could look substantially different, and with the Council presidency due to pass to Hungary, cannot be predicted.)

The current Commission, under president von der Leyen, has chalked up multiple successes on passing ambitious digital regulations since getting to work in earnest in 2020, with lawmakers weighing in behind the Digital Services Act, Digital Markets Act, several data focused regulations and a flashy Chips Act, among others.

But reaching accord on setting rules for AI -- perhaps the fastest moving cutting edge of tech yet seen -- may prove a bridge too far for the EU's well-oiled policymaking machine.

During yesterday's roundtable delegates took a question from a remote participant that referenced the AI executive order issued by US president Joe Biden last month -- wondering whether/how it might influence the shape of EU AI Act negotiations. There was no clear consensus on that but one attendee chipped in to offer the unthinkable: That the US might end up further ahead on regulating AI than the EU if the Council forces a carve-out for foundational models.

"We're living in such a world that every time somebody says that they're making a law regulat[ing] AI it has an impact for everyone else," the speaker went on to offer, adding: "I actually think that existing legislations will have more impact on AI systems when they start to be properly enforced on AI. Maybe it'll be interesting to see how other rules, existing rules like copyright rules, or data protection rules, are going to get applied more and more on the AI systems. And this will happen with or without AI Act."

This report was updated with additional comment from Max Tegmark; and with further remarks from Mensch in response to our follow-up question. We also issued a correction as Bram Vranken works for Corporate Europe Observatory, not Lobbycontrol, as we originally reported
Next year's event will be hosted in Malmo after Sweden's Loreen won the most recent contest

The Eurovision Song Contest will keep the "United by Music" slogan for all future contests, it has announced.

The BBC created the slogan for this year's contest, which was held in Liverpool in May.

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) said it was "excited" to announce it would keep the slogan for good.

It said: "The legacy of Liverpool's good vibes lives on - with United By Music set to resonate from Merseyside to Malmo and well beyond."

Sweden's Loreen was this year's winner, and the 2024 contest will be held in Malmo next May.

The slogan was spelled out by drones at a special Eurovision concert in Liverpool

The EBU and and Swedish broadcaster SVT said the slogan "reflects the power of music to bring people together across the world".

This year's song contest was hosted in the UK after 2022's winners Ukraine were unable to host following Russia's invasion.

A different slogan has been used at the event every year since 2002, except in 2009 when no slogan accompanied the contest, the EBU said.

The decision to retain United by Music "creates continuity and consistency for future Eurovision Song Contests by using the same powerful slogan in 2024 and at every subsequent event".

The event's executive supervisor Martin Osterdahl said: "After over 20 years of using different slogans, and as we approach our 70th anniversary, we feel we have found one that truly encapsulates our brand.

"By establishing a permanent slogan, we will have consistency in our message that music unites us all. It's the perfect slogan to underline our values of inclusivity, equality, universality and celebrating diversity through music."

He concluded: "As the popularity of the Eurovision Song Contest continues to grow around the world, we believe using the same slogan annually will help our brand become even stronger."
Attorneys for Willie Manning, a man who has been on Mississippi's death row since November 1994, filed a response to Attorney General Lynn Fitch's motion to set his execution date, seeking a dismissal of the motion since Manning is still going through the judicial process.

Fitch also is seeking to have a stay of execution lifted to enable the state to proceed, despite new evidence recently introduced that challenges the state's case against Manning.

A subsequent petition for post-conviction relief was filed with the state Supreme Court to present the new evidence. The state had sought and was granted additional time to respond to Manning's petition, claiming it had experienced "technical difficulties," according to court documents.

The state was given until Dec. 29 to file its response. Instead, the Attorney General's office filed a motion to set an execution date and dismiss Manning's successive petition.

The petition was filed Sept. 29, including nearly 50 attachments of affidavits, letters from the FBI and Department of Justice and more. Some of the new evidence  letters from the FBI  shows erroneous testimony related to hair analysis and ballistics testing was given at Manning's trial.

"The limited evidence against Manning no longer withstands scrutiny," Capital Post Conviction Counsel officials said in a news release. "Scientific developments have undermined the reliability of the hair analysis and firearms identification used at Mannings trial  with the government admitting in letters to the parties that its forensic evidence was false."

Willie Jerome Manning

Other affidavits show some of those who claimed Manning confessed to the murders were given hollow promises in exchange for their statements or feared reprisal if they did not go along with what the then-sheriff wanted.

Despite the introduction of new evidence, which could prompt a new trial, the state filed its motion, without offering an explanation except that the motion is prohibited by the Mississippi Post-Conviction Collateral Relief Act, and the Act also requires this Court to reset an execution date when  like here  there has been a stay of execution followed by a denial of PCR."

The successive petition for post-convction relief has not been denied. The Supreme Court had granted the state's motion for more time to respond in an order filed Nov. 7  two days before the state asked for an execution date for Manning.

"Executions are not the place to act first and ask questions later," Capital Post-Conviction Counsel said. "Manning has always maintained his innocence, and the States case against him was weak from the start  with no DNA or other physical evidence linking him to the murders."

Manning was convicted of the 1994 murders of Mississippi State University students Tiffany Miller and Jon Steckler.

According to court documents, Manning shot Steckler in the back of the head. His body had extensive abrasions that were consistent with being run over by a car, court records show. Manning shot Miller in the face at close range. She was found with one leg out of her pants and underwear, and with her shirt pulled up.

After his arrest, Manning allegedly confessed to his cousin and fellow prisoner Earl Jordan that he had killed Steckler and Miller. According to court records, "a firearms examiner later linked projectiles from the victims bodies to projectiles removed from trees in Mannings yard that his girlfriend said he shot for target practice."

The new evidence, however, filed with the Supreme Court could prove much of the testimony against Manning is either false or erroneous.

"The brutal murders of these two young people were tragic," CPCC said. "Their families deserve justice. However, a death sentence based on false forensic evidence and fabricated witness testimony is not justice."

On death row: Mississippi Atorney General seeks execution of 2 men convicted of 1990s murders

A website called Justice for Willie for years has documented Manning's quest to prove his innocence. The website has not been updated with the latest court procedings.

The state also is seeking an execution date for Robert Simon Jr., who has been on death row for capital murder since July 1990.

It is up to the Supreme Court to decide whether or when to set an execution date. The court has not yet responded to the attorney general's motions.

Do you have a story to share? Contact Lici Beveridge at lbeveridge@gannett.com. Follow her on X @licibev or Facebook at facebook.com/licibeveridge.

This article originally appeared on Hattiesburg American: MS death row prisoner has open court case; AG wants an execution date
A former fundraiser for Rep. George Santos pleaded guilty Tuesday to a federal wire fraud charge, admitting he impersonated a high-ranking congressional aide while raising campaign cash for the embattled New York Republican.

Sam Miele was caught soliciting donations in late 2021 under the alias Dan Meyer, who was then chief of staff for Rep. Kevin McCarthy, when the former House speaker was the Republican minority leader, according to Santos. Federal authorities still have not confirmed that Meyer was the aide who Miele impersonated.

Miele, who had been indicted on four wire fraud charges and one count of aggravated identity theft, is scheduled to be sentenced April 30. He faces more than two years in prison, according to estimated sentencing guidelines, a spokesperson for the U.S. attorney's office said.

He also acknowledged he committed access device fraud by charging credit cards without authorization to send money to the campaigns of Santos and other political candidates, and for his own personal use, prosecutors said. That fraud totaled about $100,000, they said.

The defendant used fraud and deceit to steal more than $100,000 from his victims, funneling this money into the campaign committees of candidates for the House, and into his own pockets, Breon Peace, U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of New York, said in a statement. Defrauding potential political contributors undermines our democracy, and we will vigorously prosecute such conduct.

Miele's lawyer, Kevin Marino, did not immediately return phone and email messages Tuesday. Marino previously said Miele looked forward to being exonerated at trial.

Miele also agreed to pay about $109,000 in restitution, to forfeit another $69,000 and to make a $470,000 payment to a campaign contributor, prosecutors said.

Miele is the second campaign aide to Santos who took a plea deal in a federal probe. Last month, the ex-treasurer for Santos, Nancy Marks, pleaded guilty to a fraud conspiracy charge and implicated Santos in a scheme to embellish his campaign finance reports with a fake loan and fake donors.

Santos himself is facing a 23-count federal indictment that alleges he stole the identities of campaign donors and then used their credit cards to make tens of thousands of dollars in unauthorized charges. Federal prosecutors say Santos wired some of the money to his personal bank account and used the rest to pad his campaign coffers.

Santos, who represents parts of Queens and Long Island, is also accused of falsely reporting to the Federal Elections Commission that he had loaned his campaign $500,000 when he actually hadnt given anything and had less than $8,000 in the bank. The fake loan was an attempt to convince Republican Party officials that he was a serious candidate, worth their financial support, the indictment says.

Santos has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him and has vowed to clear his name. Marks' lawyer has said Marks would be willing to testify against Santos, which could deliver a severe blow to the congressman. It wasn't immediately clear if Miele agreed to testify against Santos.

Earlier this month, Santos survived a vote to expel him from the House. Most Republicans and 31 Democrats opposed the measure while both his criminal case and a House Ethics Committee investigation proceed.

In an interview with The Associated Press in August, Santos said he promptly fired Miele in late 2021 after being informed that Miele had impersonated Meyer.

Santos also recounted what he believed was an attempt by Miele last summer to try to rejoin Santos' campaign. Santos said his campaign received a lunch invitation from a purported deep-pocketed donor named Reyem Nad  which is Dan Meyer spelled backward.

Its like hes obsessive and compulsive on that name, Santos said. You and I, if we got caught doing something stupid like that, the last thing wed do is go anywhere near that name.

Santos, who gained notoriety for fabricating major parts of his life story during his run for office, said he discovered Miele had sent the invitation. Santos did not go to the lunch but sent Marks, who told Miele he was not getting his job back, according to a Santos spokesperson.

Prosecutors said Miele's impersonation included setting up a dummy email address resembling Meyers name as he reached out to more than a dozen donors between August and December of 2021.
Video interviews with former attorneys for former President Donald Trump provided to ABC News reveal new details about efforts to overturn the 2020 election.

ABC News obtained portions of videos of the proffer sessions of both Jenna Ellis and Sidney Powell.

The videos shed light on what they have told law enforcement after agreeing to cooperate last month in the district attorneys election interference case.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

During a confidential interview with Fulton County investigators, Ellis said she was informed in the wake of the 2020 election that Trump was not going to leave the White House, despite having already lost the election and most of his subsequent challenges.

Powell explained to prosecutors her plans to seize voting machines nationwide and claimed that she frequently communicated with Trump during her efforts to overturn the 2020 election.

Though she admitted she didnt know much about election law to begin with, Powell reiterated the false notion that Trump won the election during the session.

Did I know anything about election law? No, she told Fulton County prosecutors. But I understand fraud from having been a prosecutor for 10 years, and knew generally what the fraud suit should be if the evidence showed what I thought it showed.

ABC News was provided excerpts from Ellis and Powells proffer sessions totaling nearly an hour and a half.

At one point in the interviews, prosecutors indicate that Powell answered nearly three hours of questions during her session.

In a statement to ABC News, Steve Sadow, Trumps lead counsel in the Fulton County case, called Ellis interview absolutely meaningless.

The only salient fact to this nonsense line of inquiry is that President Trump left the White House on January 20, 2021, and returned to Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, Sadow said. If this is the type of bogus, ridiculous evidence DA Willis intends to rely upon, it is one more reason that this political, travesty of a case must be dismissed.

Ellis recounted a conversation during the session that she had at a White House Christmas party weeks after the 2020 election with one of Trumps top White House aides Dan Scavino.

And he said to me, in a kind of excited tone, Well, we dont care, and were not going to leave, Ellis said of the alleged Dec. 19 conversation with Scavino. And I said, What do you mean? And he said Well, the boss, meaning President Trump -- and everyone understood the boss, thats what we all called him -- he said, The boss is not going to leave under any circumstances. We are just going to stay in power.

TRENDING STORIES:

Ellis continued, And I said to him, Well, it doesnt quite work that way, you realize? and he said, We dont care.

As seen in the portions of the proffer interview obtained by ABC News, Powell told prosecutors that in her direct conversations and meetings with Trump, she never heard him concede that he lost the election even after being told by key aides that he had.

All his instincts told him he had been defrauded, that the election was a big fraud, Powell said. Just general instincts that something wasnt right here.

When prosecutors pressed Powell over why the president followed her advice instead of other advisors, she said, Because I didnt think he had lost. She later said, I saw an avenue pursuant to which, if I was right, he would remain president.

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IN OTHER NEWS:
Janet Yellen is meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping today.

Before meeting him at the San Francisco airport, Yellen stopped at an In-N-Out.

She ordered two classics, according to a Treasury department spokesperson.

On her way to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping at the San Francisco airport, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen stopped at In-N-Out for a bite to eat.

Janet Yellen ordering In-n-out before heading to the airport to greet Xi Jinping pic.twitter.com/0ssqar6he2  Viktoria Dendrinou (@v_dendrinou) November 14, 2023

But what did the famous economist order?

Business Insider can exclusively report her meal was a "cheeseburger with fries & onions," according to Lily Adams, an Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at the Treasury.

The Treasury Department didn't respond to a follow-up email seeking clarification about whether the fries had onions on them, or if the onions were on the burger, or if anything was "animal style."

Xi is in the US for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting and is scheduled to meet with President Joe Biden on Wednesday. Tech execs are reportedly "scrambling" to meet with the Chinese leader during his trip. It's unclear if he'll visit In-N-Out.

Secretary Yellen recently made headlines for an unrelated food incident involving China: She accidentally ate hallucinogenic mushrooms during a visit to the country.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Voters cast ballots at a polling location in Arlington, Virginia, on Nov. 7, 2023. Credit - Tierney L. CrossBloomberg via Getty Images

After their big wins in Virginia last week, Democrats are signaling they will use the strategy adopted there as a model for down-ballot races in 2024.

In a memo to top donors shared first with TIME, the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, which focuses on state legislative races, credits its early focus on abortion rights in Virginia as a critical factor in helping the party retain control of the State Senate and flip the State House, thwarting a high-profile effort by Gov. Glenn Youngkin to ban abortion in most cases after 15 weeks in the state. The memo signals that the committee plans to position state-level races next year as part of a national fight to preserve Americans freedoms.

Throughout the year, the DLCC sounded the alarm on the national stage about the stakes of the election and what a Republican trifecta would mean for Virginia, Heather Williams, the DLCCs interim president, writes in the memo. Republican control of the General Assembly and an unchecked GOP trifecta would have led to an abortion ban and cut off the last point of access for the entire South.

The memo highlights the millions of dollars Youngkins super PAC spent, and how Democrats successfully countered that with fundraising of their own. By mid-October, the DLCC had invested $2.2 million in Virginia, the most the committee had ever invested directly in the state, William writes.

Ahead of Election Day 2023, Youngkin encouraged his partys candidates to back a limit on abortions after 15 weeks, with exceptions for rape, incest, and the life of the mothera proposal that was widely viewed as a model for Republicans nationally to talk about abortion if it worked with Virginias voters. While Youngkin insisted his attention was squarely focused on Virginia in the runup to the election, many considered him a potential presidential contender, especially as other alternatives to former President Donald Trump appear to be foundering. After last weeks losses in Virginia, interest in Youngkin as a 2024 candidate fell sharply.

More From TIME

While national pundits focused on Governor Youngkin and his presidential ambitions, we made one thing abundantly clear: this election was about state power and the future, not just for Virginia, but for the direction of the whole country, Williams writes.

As the presidential race, and the unpopularity of each partys frontrunner, sucks up much of the air in politics, the memo emphasizes the importance of state legislative seats. Wins at that level could provide a key bulwark for Democrats against right-wing legislation, especially if President Joe Biden fails to win reelection in what is expected to be a close race.

Regardless of what happens at the top of the ticket, 2024 will be the year of the states, Williams writes.

In addition to abortion rights, the DLCCs memo states that the committee marshaled attention to Virginia by getting the country to pay attention to how Tuesdays results would impact voting rights, LGBTQ+ people, and climate change. Those issues are likely to continue to play a role in next years elections, when the DLCC aims to flip both chambers of the Arizona and New Hampshire legislatures, as well as the Pennsylvania state Senate. Earlier this year, the Republican State Leadership Committee, which leads efforts to elect Republicans in state legislatures, identified its top targets for chambers to flip in 2024 as Michigan, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania.

The DLCC also plans to invest in Georgia, Kansas, North Carolina, and Wisconsin next year. The status of abortion rights in several of those states is currently murky pending action from the courts.

Democrats are recognizing that alongside important federal races, we must also compete and win power in the states, Williams writes. Republicans built an advantage in the last decade but now Democrats are fighting back and shifting the balance of power.

Write to Mini Racker at mini.racker@time.com.
By Michael Martina and David Brunnstrom

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) -U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet on Wednesday before a summit of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in San Francisco, seeking to reduce friction in what many see as the world's most dangerous rivalry.

The leaders of the world's two largest economies have known each other for over a decade and have shared hours of conversation in six interactions since Biden's January 2021 inauguration. But they have met only once in person since then, and Xi, who arrived in San Francisco on Tuesday evening, had not visited the United States since 2017 when Donald Trump was president.

WHAT ISSUES ARE THEY LIKELY TO DISCUSS?

The White House says the aim of the summit, expected to be held at the Filoli Estate, about 30 miles (48 km) south of San Francisco, is to boost communication to prevent an intense rivalry from veering into conflict. The meeting is expected to cover global issues from the conflict in the Middle East to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, North Korea's ties with Russia, Taiwan, human rights, artificial intelligence, as well as "fair" trade and economic relations.

Biden is expected to tell Xi that the U.S. remains committed to standing with its allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific, in the face of Chinese pressure against democratically governed Taiwan, which China claims as its own, and in the South and East China Seas. He will also express a specific commitment to the security of the Philippines, U.S. officials said.

WHAT DEALS CAN WE EXPECT?

The White House says Washington is looking for specific outcomes and hopes to see progress in reestablishing military-to military ties with China and in combating trade in the potent synthetic opioid drug fentanyl, which has become a scourge in the United States, and especially in San Francisco. Any deal on fentanyl would likely mean Washington's having to lift human rights sanctions on China's police forensic institute in return.

Biden said on Tuesday his goal would be to resume normal communications with China, including military-to-military contacts.

With elections in Taiwan in early 2024, political analysts expect China to seek U.S. assurances that it will do nothing to encourage pro-independence elements, while Xi will also be hoping to persuade Biden to ease up on tariffs and the export controls that aim to keep the most advanced semiconductors from being sent to China. In a separate dinner with business leaders, the Chinese president will be looking to boost flagging investment by U.S. firms in China.

The leaders may highlight plans to increase commercial flights between the two countries, and policy experts said they could move to ease restrictions on journalist visas, which would be to the benefit of both sides.

Biden is also expected to urge China to use its influence with Iran to not broaden the conflict in the Middle East.

But no one is expecting a reset of the relationship or any grand bargain that will dramatically alter how the countries see each other. "We remain in an enduring period of competition and tension," said Richard Fontaine of Washington's Center for a New American Security. "There's not going to be any big breakthroughs, there won't be any real change in substance."

HOW WILL THE MEETING IMPACT MARKETS?

Market participants will keep a keen focus on the talks to gauge sentiment between the two governments.

The 21 APEC members and the world beyond hope for an easing of U.S.-China tensions, and progress on that score would be viewed positively, but political analysts said any improvement in the mood could be only temporary. Elections in Taiwan early next year and the November 2024 U.S. presidential vote that could bring a return of Trump to the White House promise a year fraught with uncertainty.

(Reporting by David Brunnstrom and Michael Martina; Editing by Don Durfee, Grant McCool and Leslie Adler)
The 2023 annual conference of the Cross-Strait CEO Summit is held at Yangzi River International Conference Center in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, Nov. 14, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

The 2023 annual conference of the Cross-Strait CEO Summit, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, opened Tuesday in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province.

Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee, read out a congratulatory letter from Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, at the opening ceremony and delivered a speech.

Xi's letter expounded on the consensus and principle that the economies on the two sides of the Taiwan Strait both belong to the economy of the Chinese nation, and that compatriots across the Strait are a community with a shared future, Wang said, calling for efforts to make the summit more and more successful by following the guiding principles of Xi's letter.

The causes of building a modern socialist country in all respects and promoting national rejuvenation on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernization have provided great opportunities and vast space for the development of Taiwan compatriots and enterprises in the Chinese mainland, he said.

Noting that the mainland was, is, and will remain the best option for Taiwan compatriots and businesses to invest and do business in, Wang said the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations best serves the interests and shared aspiration of compatriots on both sides of the Strait, and best fits the development trend of the times.

He called on compatriots across the Strait to jointly uphold the national interest and shoulder the responsibility of the times, and work together for peace across the Strait, for the reunification of the country, and for the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

Liu Chao-shiuan, co-president of the Cross-Strait CEO Summit, said in his speech that over the past 10 years, the summit has established platforms for cross-Strait industrial cooperation and contributed to the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations based on the 1992 Consensus, expressing the hope that both the mainland and Taiwan will actively advance the peaceful and integrated development of cross-Strait relations.
The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating after three major airlines reported being illuminated by a green laser near Boston in recent days.

The flight crew of Alaska Airlines Flight 836 said the airplane was illuminated by a green laser just after 5:10 a.m. Tuesday, while flight crews of Alaska Airlines Flight 536, JetBlue Flight 988, and Delta Air Lines Flight 803 reported being illuminated around 5:40 a.m. on Monday, according to the FAA.

There were no additional details on the individual incidents.

Two JetBlue flights were illuminated by laser flashes near Boston back in late September. Those incidents also happened around 5:40 a.m

No injuries were reported in any of the Boston area incidents.

In 2022 alone, there were 9,500 laser strikes. There have also been nearly 300 pilots who have reported injury from a laser strike since 2010.

People who shine lasers at an aircraft face FAA fines of up to $11,000 per violation and up to $30,800 for multiple laser incidents.

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
Claim:

A video genuinely shows a large, black bug with more than a dozen legs.

Rating:

Rating: Fake

With more than a dozen creepy, crawly legs, a black blob thought to be a bug took the internet by storm when it was supposedly filmed moving in a push-up-like pattern.

A clip of the supposed bug was posted to TikTok on Oct. 6, 2023 (archived here). At the time of this publication, the video had been liked more than 610,000 times:

After viewing the video at Snopess request, experts affiliated with the Entomological Society of America confirmed that the creature shown in the video was not a genuine insect, but rather was likely the creation of computer-generated imagery, or CGI.

Although this resembles a living, many-legged creature, the body, appendages, and other features don't match any terrestrial animal, including insects or other arthropods, Matt Bertone, director, and entomologist at the North Carolina State University Plant Disease and Insect Clinic, told Snopes.

For one thing, the legs are not jointed or segmented, and stretch. Also, the way these appendages attach to the wall is very strange and suspicious -- they appear to just be stuck on the surface and there's something strange with the head

Michael Skvarla, director of entomology at Penn State University, also confirmed that it is not a real insect or any other kind of animal.

We know this based on the supposed insects appearance, which Patrick Liesch of the Insect Diagnostic Lab at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, noted was inconsistent with described arthropods, a phylum in the animal kingdom that includes spiders and crustaceans.

I will admit it is very well done and convincing, but not anything that exists, concluded Bertone.

Sources:

Arthropods | San Diego Zoo Animals & Plants. https://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/arthropods. Accessed 3 Nov. 2023.

Entomological Society of America | Entomological Society of America. 15 Dec. 2023, https://entsoc.org/.

Hmmm Lets See on TikTok. TikTok, https://www.tiktok.com/@hmmm.lets.see/video/7286804404395592993. Accessed 3 Nov. 2023.

Matthew Bertone | Entomology and Plant Pathology | NC State University. 19 Jan. 2018, https://cals.ncsu.edu/entomology-and-plant-pathology/people/maberto2/.

PJ Liesch  UW Entomology. https://entomology.wisc.edu/directory/pj-liesch/. Accessed 3 Nov. 2023.
A voter fills out a ballot at the P.S. 166Q polling place in the Queens borough of New York City

By Joseph Ax

(Reuters) - Legal battles over redistricting could lead to new congressional maps in nearly a dozen U.S. states for the 2024 election, potentially flipping control of the U.S. House of Representatives, which currently has a 221-213 Republican majority.

The two parties are fighting over maps that were redrawn after the 2020 U.S. Census. Democrats have already picked up one likely seat, in Alabama, and could gain about a dozen more if all the cases are decided in their favor, while Republicans could pick up some four seats if all the rulings went their way. Meanwhile, Democrats face a significant risk of losing their 51-49 Senate majority.

Here are some of the cases that could affect the campaign:

NEW YORK: DEMOCRATS COULD GAIN UP TO SIX SEATS

In 2022, a state judge threw out a Democratic-engineered map as illegally gerrymandered and installed a more competitive version. As a result, Democrats went from a 19-8 advantage across the state's House districts to a 15-11 edge (New York lost one seat after 2020 due to slower population growth), nearly enough on its own to deliver Republicans their national House majority.

Now a convoluted legal case could determine whether Democrats have a second chance to pass a partisan map.

The state's highest court, the Court of Appeals, will hear arguments this week over whether to order a new map for 2024, as Democrats have asked, or to maintain the current map, as Republicans have argued.

If the court rules that a new map is needed, a bipartisan redistricting commission would get the first opportunity - but under state law, the state legislature has the final say. A Democratic-drawn map could endanger five or six Republican incumbents.

FLORIDA: DEMOCRATS COULD GAIN ONE SEAT

A state judge in September ruled that a map backed by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis violated the state constitution by shredding a Black district in north Florida.

The incumbent, Al Lawson, a Black Democrat, lost re-election by nearly 20 percentage points under the new map.

The DeSantis administration has appealed the decision. If the ruling is upheld, it would restore a safely Democratic seat, though the rest of the map would remain unchanged.

GEORGIA: DEMOCRATS COULD GAIN ONE SEAT

A federal judge in October found the state's Republican-drawn map violated the Voting Rights Act by diluting the Black vote. Following a trial, U.S. District Judge Steve Jones ordered lawmakers to add a district with a Black majority or near-majority, which could flip a Republican seat to Democrats, depending on how Republicans configure the rest of the map.

The state has appealed the decision, but Republican Governor Brian Kemp has also called a special redistricting legislative session for late November.

LOUISIANA: DEMOCRATS COULD GAIN ONE SEAT

A federal judge found the Republican-backed congressional map illegally harmed Black voters and ordered a new map drawn to include another Black-majority district, which would likely give Democrats a second seat among the state's six. The U.S. Supreme Court declined to alter that finding.

However, an appeals court on Nov. 10 put the case on hold until January to give the Republican-controlled legislature an opportunity to enact a new map or decline to do so. The lower court will then be allowed to decide the path forward, the ruling said.

ALABAMA: DEMOCRATS WILL LIKELY GAIN ONE SEAT

In October, a federal court approved a new congressional map adding a second district with a large Black population, which will likely flip one of the state's seven seats from Republican to Democratic.

That move came after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in a surprise decision that the state's Republican-enacted plan - which gave the party six seats in 2022 - diluted the power of Black voters, who make up one-third of the state's population.

NORTH CAROLINA: REPUBLICANS COULD GAIN THREE SEATS

The Republican-majority legislature in October approved a new congressional map that is expected to flip at least three Democratic-held seats to Republican in 2024.

The new map was made possible by the state Supreme Court, after two conservative judges won election in 2022.

The court's previous Democratic majority had thrown out a Republican map as an illegal gerrymander. Under a court-drawn replacement map in 2022, Republicans and Democrats split the state's 14 districts.

But the court's new conservative majority in April reversed the decision, ruling that state law does not prohibit partisan gerrymandering.

SOUTH CAROLINA: DEMOCRATS COULD GAIN ONE SEAT

The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in October over whether South Carolina's congressional map illegally diluted the power of Black voters. The conservative majority appeared prepared to uphold the map and reverse an appellate court's ruling that Republican lawmakers unlawfully redrew one district along racial lines.

The new map turned a swing district into a safer Republican one; the party won six of the state's seven seats in 2022.

UTAH: DEMOCRATS COULD GAIN ONE SEAT

The state Supreme Court is weighing whether a Republican-drawn map that divided Democratic-leaning Salt Lake County into four districts violated the state constitution.

The map transformed a competitive district into a safely Republican one, making it almost certain that the party will continue to hold all four of the state's seats.

Republican lawmakers were able to implement the map only after stripping authority from an independent redistricting commission that voters had approved in 2018.

NEW MEXICO: REPUBLICANS COULD GAIN ONE SEAT

Republicans have challenged a Democratic-drawn map as unconstitutional under state law, but a judge ruled in October that the partisan gerrymandering was not "egregious" enough to warrant intervention.

The map turned a historically Republican district into a far more competitive one, which Democrats won in 2022 to give them a sweep of the state's three seats.

The Republican state party has appealed.

TENNESSEE: DEMOCRATS COULD GAIN ONE SEAT

Civil rights groups have sued over the state's congressional map, claiming Republican lawmakers illegally hurt voters of color by splitting up Nashville's county - home to a sizable Black community - among three districts.

The 2022 map dismantled a heavily Democratic seat, prompting Representative Jim Cooper to retire and giving Republicans an easy one-seat pickup.

TEXAS: TIME IS RUNNING OUT

There are multiple lawsuits challenging the Republican-drawn congressional map, including one filed by the U.S. Department of Justice that claimed the map illegally hurt minority voters.

However, the litigation - which has been consolidated into a single case - has been delayed by discovery disputes. With a December deadline for candidates to file for the 2024 election, it appears unlikely the case will be resolved in time for next year's vote.

(Reporting by Joseph Ax, additional reporting by Jason Lange; Editing by Scott Malone and Jonathan Oatis)
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Republican Donald Trump is planning to punish his political enemies, deport millions of migrants and reshape global trade with pricey tariffs if he wins a second White House term in the November 2024 presidential election, according to his campaign and media reports.

Here is a look at some of the policies Trump has pledged to institute:

TRADE

Trump has floated the idea of a 10% tariff on all goods imported into the United States, a move he says would eliminate the trade deficit but one critics say would lead to higher prices for American consumers and global economic instability.

He has also said he should have the authority to set higher tariffs on countries that have established tariffs on American imports.

Trump, in particular, has targeted China. He proposes phasing out Chinese imports of goods such as electronics, steel and pharmaceuticals over four years. He seeks to prohibit Chinese companies from owning U.S. infrastructure in the energy and tech sectors.

FEDERAL BUREAUCRACY

Trump would seek to decimate what he terms the deep state  the entrenched federal bureaucracy of career employees  through an executive order that would reclassify thousands of workers to enable them to be fired. That would likely be challenged in court. He has vowed to fire what he terms "corrupt" actors in national security positions and "root out" his political opponents.

Trump would require every federal employee to pass a new civil service test of his own creation. His team is also vetting scores of potential hires who could be counted on to implement his policies or perhaps investigate Trumps political enemies.

He would crack down on federal whistleblowers who are typically shielded by law and would institute an independent body to "monitor" U.S. intelligence agencies.

Trump also would seek to bring independent regulatory agencies such as the Federal Communications Commission and the Federal Trade Commission under presidential control.

ENERGY

Trump has vowed to increase U.S. production of fossil fuels by easing the permitting process for drilling on federal land and would encourage new natural gas pipelines.

He has said he will pull the United States out of the Paris Climate Accords, a framework for reducing global greenhouse gas emissions and would support increased nuclear energy production. He would also roll back the Biden White Houses electric-vehicle mandates and other policies aimed at reducing auto emissions.

ECONOMY

Along with his trade and energy agendas, Trump has promised to slash federal regulations he argues limit job creation. He and his economic team have discussed a further round of individual and corporate tax cuts beyond those enacted in his first term. He said as president he would pressure the Federal Reserve to lower interest rates.

Trump is proposing the government establish so-called "freedom cities" on federal land that he says would spur job growth and technological innovation.

IMMIGRATION

Trump has vowed to reinstate first-term policies targeting illegal border crossings, roll back Biden's pro-immigrant measures and forge ahead with sweeping new restrictions.

Trump has pledged to limit access to asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border and embark on the biggest deportation effort in American history, which would likely trigger legal challenges and opposition from Democrats in Congress.

Trump has said he would seek to end automatic citizenship for children born to immigrants, a move that would run against the long-running interpretation of the U.S. Constitution.

ABORTION

Trump appointed three justices to the U.S. Supreme Court who were part of the majority that did away with constitutional protection for abortion. He likely would continue to appoint federal judges who would uphold abortion limits.

At the same time, he has said a federal abortion ban is unnecessary, and that the issue should be resolved on a state-by-state basis. He has argued a six-week ban favored by some Republicans is overly harsh and that any legislation should include exceptions for rape, incest and the health of the mother.

FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Trump has been critical of the U.S.'s support for Ukraine in its war with Russia and has said he could end the war in 24 hours if elected. He has argued that Europe should reimburse the U.S. for ammunition used in the conflict.

Trump has supported Israel in its fight against Hamas despite initially criticizing its leaders after the October attacks.

EDUCATION

Trump has pledged to require Americas colleges and universities to defend American tradition and Western civilization and purge them of diversity programs. He said he would direct the Justice Department to pursue civil rights cases against schools that engage in racial discrimination.

On the K-12 level, Trump would support programs allowing parents to use public funds for private or religious instruction.

CRIME

Trump has pledged to appoint U.S. attorneys who would launch probes into liberal prosecutors and district attorneys he says are failing to contain crime in America's cities.

He has said he would institute the death penalty for human traffickers and drug dealers. He also has suggested that looters of retail stores could be "shot" while on site.

HOMELESSNESS

Trump has vowed to ban so-called urban camps from Americas cities and require homeless people to accept drug treatment or face arrest.

He said he would then "open large parcels of inexpensive land" where tent cities would be relocated and staffed with doctors, drug counselors and mental health experts.

(Reporting by James Oliphant; Additional reporting by Ted Hesson; Editing by Ross Colvin and Jonathan Oatis)
Factbox-How Trump would crack down on immigration in a second term

By Ted Hesson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Former U.S. President Donald Trump, the leading candidate for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024, has promised to crack down on illegal immigration and restrict legal immigration if elected to a second term in office.

Here are some of the policies under consideration:

BORDER ENFORCEMENT

Trump has said he would restore his 2019 "remain in Mexico" program, which forced non-Mexican asylum-seekers attempting to enter the U.S. at the Mexican border to wait in Mexico for the resolution of their cases.

The program was terminated by President Joe Biden, a Democrat who is seeking reelection in 2024. Biden defeated Trump in 2020, pledging more humane and orderly immigration policies, but has struggled with record levels of migrants caught crossing the U.S.-Mexico border illegally.

Trump has said he will seek to detain all migrants caught crossing the U.S.-Mexico border illegally or violating other immigration laws, ending what he calls "catch and release."

Trump focused on building a wall on the Mexico border during his first term and has pledged to close gaps in the border wall if reelected. His administration built 450 miles (725 km) of barriers across the 1,954-mile (3,145-km) border but much of that replaced existing structures.

TRAVEL BANS

Trump has said he would implement travel bans on people from certain countries or with certain ideologies, expanding on a policy upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018.

Trump previewed some parts of the world that could be subjected to a renewed travel ban in a mid-October speech, pledging to restrict people from the Gaza Strip, Libya, Somalia, Syria, Yemen and "anywhere else that threatens our security."

In a mid-October speech in Iowa, Trump focused on the conflict in Gaza, saying he would bar the entry of immigrants who support the Islamist militant group Hamas and send deportation officers to pro-Hamas protests.

Trump said in June he would also seek to block communists, Marxists and socialists from entering the United States.

MASS DEPORTATIONS

Trump has pledged to launch the largest deportation effort in U.S. history.

He aims to deport millions of people living in the country illegally each year, using large-scale roundups and by creating camps to hold them while they await removal, the New York Times reported in November.

The former president would redirect military funds to pay for the deportation effort, the Times reported. Such an action would almost certainly be challenged in court and Congress could potentially restrict use of the funds.

Trump has also vowed to take aggressive new steps to deport immigrants with criminal records and suspected gang members by using the little-known 1789 Alien Enemies Act.

Trump has said he would deputize the National Guard and local law enforcement to assist with rapid deportations of criminals in states that cooperate.

LEGAL IMMIGRATION

Trump said in May he would seek to end automatic citizenship for children born in the U.S. to immigrants living in the country illegally, an idea he flirted with as president. Such an action would run against the long-running interpretation of an amendment to the U.S. Constitution and likely trigger legal challenges.

During his first term, Trump greatly reduced the number of refugees allowed into the U.S. from abroad and has criticized Biden's decision to increase admissions. He would again suspend the resettlement program if reelected, the New York Times reported.

Trump has said he would push for a "a merit-based immigration system that protects American labor and promotes American values." In his first term, he took steps to tighten access to some visa programs, including a suspension of many work visas during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Trump has vowed to end Biden "parole" programs that have allowed hundreds of thousands of migrants with U.S. sponsors to enter the U.S. and obtain work permits, including Ukrainians and Afghans. He has called Biden's programs an "outrageous abuse of parole authority."

He would seek to roll back Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designations, the New York Times reported, targeting another humanitarian program that offers deportation relief and work permits to hundreds of thousands.

Trump tried to phase out most TPS enrollment during his first term, but was slowed by legal challenges. A federal appeals court in September 2020 allowed Trump to proceed with the wind-down, but Biden reversed course and expanded the program after taking office.

FAMILY SEPARATION

In a town hall with CNN in May, Trump declined to rule out resuming his contentious "zero tolerance" policy that led thousands of migrant children and parents to be separated at the U.S.-Mexico border in 2018. He defended the separations again in November, telling Spanish-language news outlet Univision that "it stopped people from coming by the hundreds of thousands."

While Trump has refused to rule out reinstating a family separation policy, key allies who could potentially join a second-term administration are wary, Reuters reported.

The Biden administration in October announced a settlement agreement with separated families that would offer them temporary legal status and other benefits while barring similar separations for at least eight years.

DACA

Trump tried to end a program that grants deportation relief and work permits to 'Dreamer' immigrants brought to the U.S. illegally as children, but the termination was rebuffed by the Supreme Court in June 2020.

Following the Supreme Court ruling, the Trump administration said it would not accept any new applications to the program, known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), and would explore whether it could again try to end it.

Trump plans to try to end DACA if elected, the New York Times reported.

(Reporting by Ted Hesson in Washington; Additional reporting by Nathan Layne; Editing by Ross Colvin and Rosalba O'Brien)
FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. (DC News Now)  Police in Fairfax County said they arrested a man for the attempted robbery of two juveniles in Gum Springs.

At around 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, two juveniles were near the Gum Springs Community Center when they were reportedly confronted by Zelalem Zewde, 21, of Alexandria.

Zewde is alleged to have displayed a firearm and demanded all their valuables.

Do I need to put air in my tires when its cold outside?

The two victims did not have any valuables, therefore nothing was taken. Zewde then reportedly fled toward Fordson Rd.

Officers found Zewde on Holland Rd. where he was arrested and charged with attempted armed robbery and use of a firearm in commission of a felony. The firearm was not recovered.

Zewde was held without bond at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
Despite undergraduate enrollment gains for the first time since the pandemic began, a new report shows jarring declines among traditional freshmen.

Overall college enrollment surged by 2.1 percent in fall 2023 compared to last years decrease of 0.9 percent, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center.

But freshmen enrollment for this fall declined by 3.6 percent, particularly among 18- to 20-year-olds in four-year institutions  reversing last years promising 4.6 percent increase. Instead, community colleges led enrollment gains, particularly among freshmen over 21.

Support The 74's year-end campaign. Make a tax-exempt donation now.

The enrollment increase among all freshmen at community colleges signal students growing interest in programs such as healthcare and construction offering short-term commitments that lead to direct employment connections, the report found.

Doug Shapiro, executive director of the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, said in a statement the freshmen decline is a troubling sign for four-year institutions as young students opt out.

This disparity in age aligns with the disparity in the kind of schools and the types of programs students are now choosing, Shapiro told The 74.

Related: 15 Key Takeaways From More Than 3,000 Gen Zers on Their Struggling Lives & Future

Here are four key takeaways from the report:

1. Young students ages 18 to 20 led freshmen enrollment declines.

National Student Clearinghouse Research Center

Freshmen enrollment, particularly in the 18 to 20 age group, declined by 5.2 percent despite last years 4.5 percent increase.

However, freshmen in the 21 to 24, 25 to 29 and over 30 age groups increased by 14.3 percent, 17.4 percent and 24.4 percent respectively.

The freshmen enrollment trend was not expected as more students applied to college for the 2023-24 academic year than last year, Forbes reported.

Shapiro said the age disparity stems from young students reluctance to choose traditional four-year institutions  opting instead for community colleges and certificate programs.

This is something that should not be news to anyone at any four-year institution, Shapiro said.

If youre less confident the job you get, even after earning a degree, is going to pay you significantly more than what you could make right now, it makes sense why young students would focus on short-term programs that have more direct connections to the workforce, he added.

Kevin Carey, vice president of education policy for New America, told Inside Higher Ed the strong job market has exacerbated difficulties for four-year institutions to recruit high school graduates.

A lot of four-year institutions are competing with the job market, Carey said. Some of those shorter-term degrees could represent an attempt to compromise with it.

2. Community colleges led undergraduate enrollment growth.

National Student Clearinghouse Research Center

Undergraduate enrollment gains particularly come from community colleges  accounting for nearly 59% of overall growth.

Community college enrollment also increased by 4.4 percent compared to last years 0.1 percent decline.

This growth suggests community colleges are starting to recover after taking a hit during the pandemic, the report found.

Shapiro said this aligns with the age disparities seen in freshmen enrollment as older students are more likely to attend community college over four-year institutions.

Community colleges have only now started to improve, Shapiro said. To me, that signals students are looking for shorter programs, shorter commitments of time and more direct employment linkages.

Thomas Brock, director of the Community College Research Center, told Inside Higher Ed shifting attitudes toward four-year institutions have had indirect benefits for community colleges.

Whether its around affordability, debt, preparing for the job market, I think perhaps in some ways the negative press has been a little more directed toward the four-year sector, Brock said.

Related: College Transfer Enrollment Plummeted Another 7% Last Year; Biggest Drops for Low-Income, Female & Asian Students

3. White student enrollment declined as Black, Latino and Asian students grew.

National Student Clearinghouse Research Center

Black, Latino and Asian students lead overall undergraduate enrollment growth  increasing by 2.1 percent, 4.2 percent and 4 percent respectively.

White students declined by 0.9 percent, a continuation of last years 4.8 percent drop, but Shapiro said this is in part due to the Supreme Courts decision on affirmative action ending race-conscious admissions.

Part of the apparent decline we see in white students is because theyre not revealing their race, Shapiro said.

He added how these demographic shifts trickle down to high school students, with less white students graduating compared to their Black, Latino and Asian peers.

4. Male student enrollment grew at nearly twice the rate of female students.

National Student Clearinghouse Research Center

Undergraduate male enrollment increased by 2.2 percent compared to female enrollment that increased by 1.2 percent.

The gender disparity continues the greater impact the pandemic had on women the past two years, the report found.

Shapiro said this is in part due to job market growth in careers like construction and manufacturing that historically favor men.

Its a small difference, but its been steady, Shapiro said.

Related: New Data: Female College Enrollment Drops at Twice the Rate of Male Students
SPRINGFIELD, Ill.  Patti Serpa is a single mother of five who relies on a state-sponsored tax credit to send her youngest, 12-year-old Santos, to St. Pius V School, a Catholic grade school in Chicagos Pilsen neighborhood that she feels provides him with a better education than his former public school.

Being at St. Pius, its a family, Serpa said in Springfield last week, where she and dozens of others gathered to demand lawmakers keep the tax credit scholarship program alive. I have all the teachers and principals numbers, like their cellphone numbers. When youre a single parent you look for stuff like that.

The eleventh-hour effort to save the Invest in Kids tax credit scholarship program, mounted during the final week of the General Assemblys last session of the year, failed as lawmakers adjourned without taking up a proposal to extend it beyond Dec. 31.

Invest in Kids prompted fierce debate over the merits of what some equate to a politically volatile school choice voucher program. While supporters say the tax credit gave children in low-income families a shot at a better education, opponents argued it failed to adequately benefit those kids and chipped away at public education. Both sides said they believe it was the first time such a voucher program has been discontinued.

Around the country, weve seen voucher programs only grow, never end, said Cassie Creswell, of the advocacy group Illinois Families for Public Schools, which opposed Invest in Kids. So its  really a historic rollback of school privatization, which has been gaining speed, especially in the last couple years.

Invest in Kids was signed into law by Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner in 2017. It gave individuals and corporations a 75% tax credit, capped at $1 million, on donations to private school scholarships. Total annual credits were capped at $75 million. Various nonprofits process the applications and distribute the money.

The program had broad support among Republican legislators, who back a school choice agenda and have fought against public school teachers unions. Democrats were divided on an extension for the program.

Last month, four Democratic lawmakers tried to save the program by backing a bill that wouldve extended the program through 2028 and reduced the maximum annual credits awarded by the state to $50 million from $75 million.

Also, instead of the current 75% tax credit, the proposal called for donors to get a 100% credit for the first $5,000 they contribute, then a maximum 65% tax credit for any additional amount if the children they sponsor live in underserved communities and a maximum 55% credit if the children dont. The annual limit for tax credits would be reduced to $500,000 from $1 million.

But, in addition to arguments against the use of public tax credits to fund private schools, many of which are connected to religious organizations, some Democrats expressed concern that not enough children from low-income families were benefiting from the program, especially Black and Latino children  though the latest proposal was aimed at easing those concerns.

During the 2022-23 school year, no Black students received the scholarships at more than half of the schools participating in the program, and there were no Latino recipients at about a third of the schools, according to data compiled by the Illinois Department of Revenue.

Only about a quarter of the money in the program went to low-income students, and roughly the same percentage went to students from areas with at least one low-performing public school, according to the Department of Revenue data.

Democratic state Rep. Fred Crespo said that in the weeks leading up to adjournment, some House Democrats felt the state should have other funding priorities.

Some people feel that that money should go to public schools. Others probably felt that, Well, its money that could be invested in folks and not-for-profits that provide services to people with disabilities, said Crespo, of Hoffman Estates.

A Democratic lawmaker who supports the program said the bid for an extension was hurt because some advocates, particularly the conservative Illinois Policy Institute, tried to turn the issue into a larger crusade against politically powerful teachers unions like the Chicago Teachers Union and the Illinois Federation of Teachers, which are strong political allies and campaign contributors to many Democratic lawmakers. The institutes long-standing anti-union agenda was evident in its support of Rauner, who waged an unsuccessful war against public service unions allied with Democrats.

Once the battle became that ideological, its just not going to pass with legislative Democratic majorities, said the lawmaker in support of the Invest in Kids program, who asked not to be identified because he did not want to publicly comment on a politically sensitive issue.

While it has traditionally supported Republican candidates in Chicagos suburbs, the Illinois Education Association saw the legislatures decision to not extend Invest in Kids as a major victory.

The voucher system was intentionally created with a lack of oversight and accountability, leaving us with no data to measure its effectiveness, the IEA said in a statement. We need to focus on providing the necessary funding to our public schools so that all children in Illinois continue to have access to a high-quality, public education.

Creswell and some Democrats also argued that scholarship money went to private schools that deny access to students for reasons that include sexual orientation.

On Friday, supporters of Invest in Kids lamented its impending demise during a news conference at Chicago Hope Academy, a private school on the West Side. Ike Muzikowski, Hopes principal and president, said 150 students  roughly half of the schools student body  benefit from the tax credit scholarship program.

Removing these scholarships removes opportunities from students who deserve an equitable opportunity to choose something better for themselves, Muzikowski said.

Creswell said it should be up to private schools to raise money from donors for students who need scholarship help.

These donors who have been getting tax credits should continue writing their checks to schools and to scholarship organizations, Creswell said, noting that those donations will be eligible for federal tax deductions as they were before Invest in Kids was created.

While acknowledging that donors would be free to continue giving to scholarship funds after the tax credits end, House Republican leader Tony McCombie of Savanna said, Unfortunately, some folks might not be able to financially do that.

All 40 members of the House GOP were ready to support an extension of the program, and McCombie said shell continue to push for it to be revived.

It is my hope that over the remainder of the year that the advocates for and against this will actually come together, sit at a table together and will come up with a remedy and well whip the votes on both sides of the aisle and come to the speaker and to the (Senate) president and say, This is my roll call. We have the votes. And lets call this bill, McCombie said.

If Democrats who chose to let the program lapse are committed to increasing funding for public education, I would love to hear that as the reason of the bill not being called, McCombie said.

If the governors saying thats what hes going to be doing, Id be interested in hearing that, McCombie said.

Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker has shifted positions on the program in the last five years.

As a candidate for governor in 2018, he vowed to repeal Invest in Kids, but after taking office he approved a legislative initiative that extended the program for a year beyond its original expiration date and expanded it to private trade schools.

During this past springs legislative session, Pritzker was noncommittal, though hes also said the program should be modified to allow for a federal as well as state income tax deduction for donations.

Last month, Pritzker indicated hed sign a bill extending the program if the legislature approved one, only to later walk back those comments by saying hed defer to lawmakers on whether a proposal would move forward.

Days before last weeks final legislative session, the governor told a reporter that support for public education is really where my focus is.

Pritzkers office did not respond to a request for comment on the decision by legislative Democrats to let the program lapse.

At Fridays news conference on the West Side, Tiffine White of North Lawndale credited Hope Academy with keeping her children, who attended the school with the help of Invest in Kids scholarships, away from street violence. Two of her kids graduated from Hope Academy and enrolled in college, while two others are seniors at the school. They will be able to graduate without their scholarships being affected, she said.

Without the scholarship, I dont know what would have happened. My boys might be a statistic of the streets, she said.

Some supporters said they worry more religious and private schools will be at risk of closing if they lose students who are able to attend thanks to the scholarship program.

Bob Gilligan of the Catholic Conference of Illinois said Invest in Kids doesnt present a challenge to either teachers unions or public schools, noting that the Catholic Church has supported increased funding for public education in Illinois.

Eva Villalobos, whose four daughters attend St. Gall School in the Southwest Side Gage Park neighborhood, said it would cost more than $20,000 per year to keep her kids in the school without the scholarships.

If I go back to work, maybe I could afford it paycheck to paycheck, said Villalobos, a former accountant. But what about all of these other families that dont have careers and do not have those options?

____

Guffey reported from Chicago.
WASHINGTON  The families of American citizens kidnapped by Hamas militants in Israel nearly 40 days ago said Tuesday they want to focus international attention on the plight of their loved ones in captivity  including a 3-year-old American girl who the White House confirmed was taken into the Gaza Strip during the Oct. 7 terror attack.

In an exclusive interview in Washington with NBC News Lester Holt, the girls great-aunt was joined by seven other families whose relatives were taken hostage during the brazen Hamas assault on kibbutzim, a musical festival and homes across Israels south. They spoke as thousands of people from across the U.S. descended on the National Mall for a pro-Israel march.

Liz Hirsh Naftali, the great-aunt of 3-year-old Abigail Mor Idan, revealed that the little girls parents were killed in their home at the Kfar Aza kibbutz. Abigail was in her fathers arms when a Hamas gunman shot him. He fell on top of her. Abigail then crawled out from under her fathers body  full of his blood, Hirsh Naftali said.

Image: Liz Hirsh Naftali (Greg Kahn for NBC News)

The girl ran over to a neighbors house and sheltered with that family in a bomb shelter. The last thing we learned was that somebody saw [a] terrorist taking this mother, her three kids and Abigail out of the kibbutz, Hirsh Naftali said. Thats all we know.

Abigails older brothers survived the terror attack. They saw their mother murdered. They saw their father murdered. These kids know their parents are gone, Hirsh Naftali said. What do you say to these kids? You give them love. You give them everything.

The hostage crisis in the Middle East has left families in agony over the fates of their loved ones.

Image: Orna and Ronen Neutra. (Greg Kahn for NBC News)

Its been 39 days. We know nothing. We know they were taken. We know they were whole when they were taken. We have no idea where theyre being held, whether theyve been tortured, whether theyre being fed, said Orna Neutra, whose 21-year-old son Omer was taken. Can you imagine that? Its unimaginable.

Yael Alexander, whose 19-year-old son was taken, said she has found it difficult to eat and sleep since Oct. 7. Jon Polin, whose 23-year-old son Hersh was captured on video being loaded onto a pickup truck with one of his arms blown off, said simply: We will not stand still until we bring them back.

Image: Jon Polin and Rachel Goldberg. (Greg Kahn for NBC News)

Israels government has said Hamas militants are believed to hold 239 captives. In television interviews over the weekend, the White Houses national security adviser said the U.S. does not know the exact number of hostages, though he confirmed nine Americans are still missing after terrorists stormed into Israel on Oct. 7 and killed more than 1,000 people.

Israel and Hamas have been at war since that day; Israels retaliatory aerial bombardment and ground offensive in Gaza has devastated the enclave and killed more than 11,000 people, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. Hamas claims that it does not have custody of all the hostages and that some were taken by a militant group also based in Gaza, Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

We currently have nine Americans who are missing, one green-card holder who is missing, national security adviser Jake Sullivan told CNN on Sunday. We dont know the status  whether they are alive or whether they have passed away  but we are looking to get the safe recovery of all of those individuals.

Image: Yael Alexander and her son, Roy. (Greg Kahn for NBC News)

The families who spoke to NBC News met with Sullivan at the White House on Monday night. The families did not provide specifics about their meeting, but they all agreed that President Joe Biden and his administration seem deeply committed to bringing about the release of their loved ones.

From the best of my understanding, the administration is pursuing every available channel in order to obtain the release of the hostages, said Yehuda Beinin, whose daughter and her husband were taken captive.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in an interview with NBCs Meet the Press on Sunday that there could be a potential deal with Hamas leaders to release the hostages, but he declined to provide specifics. I think the less I say about it, Netanyahu told Kristen Welker, the more Ive increased the chances that it materializes.

Netanyahu, who has drawn intense scrutiny in Israel for appearing to be caught off guard by the brazen Oct. 7 assault, insists that Israels military offensive in Gaza represents the countrys best strategy for freeing the hostages because it applies pressure on Hamas.

When asked whether he took hope from the possibility of a deal taking shape, Ronen Neutra  Ornas husband and Omers father  replied: We have to have hope. We believe that we want our kids back. We want our families back, and whatever deal that is going to be in the works is welcomed.

Bidens top Middle East adviser, Brett McGurk, plans to travel to Israel and other countries in the region this week for discussions focused on securing the release of hostages, an administration official said. The official said McGurks trip is expected to include a visit to Qatar, which has played a key role in negotiations.

Hamas has so far released four hostages: Judith and Natalie Raanan, an American woman and her teenage daughter; and Nurit Cooper and Yocheved Lifshitz, two older Israeli women whose husbands are still believed to be in captivity.

In addition, Israel said military forces rescued an abducted soldier, Pvt. Ori Megidish.

Hamas has claimed it released the four hostages for humanitarian reasons, an assertion that has been met with skepticism from the West. The act of taking hostages is considered a war crime under international humanitarian law and a violation of the Geneva Conventions governing war and military occupations.

Image: ruby Chen (Greg Kahn for NBC News)

The group of American hostages are not the only captives to have foreign nationality. Israels government said last month that 138 of the hostages had foreign passports from 25 countries, including 54 Thais, 15 Argentinians, 12 Germans, six French and six Russians.

Ruby Chen, whose 19-year-old son Itay was kidnapped, told NBC News on Tuesday that the painful ordeal of the last 39 days has come with one bittersweet silver lining.

All of us have our own families, he said, referring to the 11 people who surrounded him, but now we have a new family. This is my new family.

CORRECTION (Nov. 16, 2023, 8:36 a.m.): An earlier version of this article misspelled Jon Polins sons first name. He is Hersh, not Hirsch.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Fulton County, Ga., District Attorney Fani Willis estimated Tuesday that her sweeping racketeering case against former President Trump could take up to a year at trial, potentially ending in early 2025, after the next presidential election.

I think the case will be on appeals for years. But, I believe in that case, there will be a trial, Willis said at an event hosted by The Washington Post on Tuesday. I believe the trial will take many months. And I dont expect that we will conclude until the winter [of 2024] or the very early part of 2025.

Williss case alleges that Trump, currently the front-runner for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination, and 18 co-defendants conspired to overturn the 2020 election in Georgia through a scheme of fake Electoral College votes.

Three of its co-defendants, former Trump lawyers Kenneth Chesebro, Jenna Ellis and Sidney Powell, reached plea deals with prosecutors last month. A fourth, bail bondsman Scott Hall, also agreed to a deal in September.

The trial does not yet have a set start date, but Willis previously stated that shes aiming to begin in early March. However, Trumps multiple other looming trials are also attempting to begin early next year, which could make that plan difficult.

Top Stories from The Hill

Trump faces 13 charges, from making false statements and writings to violating Georgias Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations, or RICO, Act  a charge rooted in combating organized crime.

He is also facing two counts of soliciting a public official to violate their oath of office, including over a call to Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger (R) in which he asked him to find 11,780 votes to help Trump overtake President Bidens vote total in the state.

Trump also faces criminal prosecutions in New York in connection with a hush money payment, in Florida over his alleged mishandling of classified documents and obstruction of justice and in Washington for his efforts to overturn the 2020 election.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, whos pursuing an election interference case against Donald Trump, filed a request for an emergency protective order Tuesday after confidential footage of key witness testimony was released to the public.

The order sought by the Georgia prosecutor would prohibit all parties in the case from disclosing any discovery materials. Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee agreed to schedule an emergency hearing on the request for Wednesday.

In the motion, Willis said it was plain to her that there were sinister intentions behind the footage being leaked.

The release of these confidential video recordings is clearly intended to intimidate witnesses in this case, subjecting them to harassment and threats prior to trial, constitutes indirect communication about the facts of this case with codefendants and witnesses, and obstructs the administration of justice, in violation of the conditions of release imposed on each defendant, she wrote in her request.

Fani Willis, the Georgia prosecutor who brought charges against Donald Trump and 18 other defendants over election interference allegations, filed a request for an emergency protective order Tuesday.

Fani Willis, the Georgia prosecutor who brought charges against Donald Trump and 18 other defendants over election interference allegations, filed a request for an emergency protective order Tuesday.

The leaked footage  which included videotaped interviews from lawyers Jenna Ellis, Sidney Powell and Kenneth Chesebro, and from bail bondsman Scott Hall, was obtained and reported on by ABC News and The Washington Post on Monday. The four of them are among the 19 defendants named in Willis election conspiracy case against former President Trump, whos set to go to trial on 13 charges brought by Willis. Allfourofthem have pleaded guilty as part of plea deals, while Trump maintains his innocence.

Revelations from the leaked footage include Ellis saying one of Trumps attorneys told her the former president was not going to leave the White House after losing to now-President Joe Biden in 2020, Powell detailing her plans for seizing voting machines, Chesebro explaining how he proposed the fake elector scheme to Trump, and Hall revealing more about his role in the alleged harassment of Fulton County election worker Ruby Freeman.

Willis Tuesday request doubles down on efforts by her office to obtain a protective order in September. However, the court has neither ordered a hearing on the States motion nor entered the requested order, Tuesdays filing emphasizes.

The trial for this case  one of four Trump has been indicted in recent months  is not yet scheduled.

Related...
A Farmington man is awaiting trial in federal court after being charged with first-degree murder and other offenses by the New Mexico U.S. Attorneys Office.

Hanson Tsosie, 33, a member of the Navajo Nation, was charged with murder, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, one count of assault resulting in serious bodily injury and one count of being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition in connection with a 2021 incident, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorneys Office.

Tsosie is alleged to have shot and killed a woman on Sept. 5, 2021, and assaulted and seriously injured another woman. Authorities say Tsosie had a previous conviction for battery against a household member, which made it illegal for him to possess firearms or ammunition.

The case was investigated by the Farmington office of the FBI with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and the Department of Criminal Investigations.

Tsosie has a lengthy criminal history with numerous arrests for possession of a controlled substance, battery of a household member, assault of a household member, aggravated assault and recovering or transferring stolen property. Most of those charges were dismissed in district court, but Tsosie was convicted in 2016 of a 2015 aggravated assault against a family member. He also pleaded guilty earlier this year to charges of embezzlement and possession of a controlled substance.

Mike Easterling can be reached at 505-564-4610 or measterling@daily-times.com. Support local journalism with a digital subscription: http://bit.ly/2I6TU0e.

This article originally appeared on Farmington Daily Times: Farmington's Hanson Tsosie alleged to have shot, killed woman in 2021
Federal jurist Ana Isabel de Alba  who was elevated last year from the Fresno County Superior Court bench to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District Court of California  was confirmed to the Ninth District Court of Appeals Monday afternoon by the U.S. Senate.

De Alba, 44, was confirmed on a 48-43 vote that followed largely along partisan lines. West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin was the lone Democrat to vote no during the vote that took almost 2 hours. There was no debate.

President Joe Biden nominated de Alba in April to the Ninth Circuit.

Praise for De Albas confirmation came from politicians, legal groups and others.

California Sen. Alex Padilla, who introduced de Alba twice to the Senate Judiciary Committee, said her path to confirmation embodies the American Dream.

I was proud to recommend and confirm Judge de Alba as the first Latina to serve on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California, where she has more than proven herself as the public servant Americans deserve on the Ninth Circuit, said Padilla in a press release.

Padilla called her dedicated, fair, and universally respected by her colleagues.

As the daughter of Mexican immigrants, she brings vital and historically excluded perspectives to the Ninth Circuit  the kind of lived experience that helps to improve judicial decision-making and strengthens public trust in our courts, said Lena Zwarensteyn of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights in a statement.

Assemblymember Joaquin Arambula, in a social media post, said de Albas tenacity and experience will be an asset to the Ninth Circuit.

Carl Tobias, a University of Richmond law professor who studies the federal judicial system, expects de Alba to be sworn in within days or weeks.

I think the Ninth Circuit has got another great judge to call on, said Tobias. Shell be one of the youngest members of the court, so shes got a long career head of her. She promises to be a great judge.

Tobias said the close vote is reflective of todays politics.

Theres been more party line voting since the time she was confirmed for the district bench, he said. More and more Republicans are just voting no on Biden nominees.

In May when Padilla introduced her to the Senate Judiciary Committee, he underscored the importance of having a federal judge like de Alba.

We know it matters to have someone from a family of farmworkers  who watched her mother and grandmother struggle with unfair treatment  protecting a country of working families, the Senator said.

Republicans questioned de Alba on rulings she made on the Eastern District Court regarding the removal of a monitoring device from a man who tried to help his brother escape after killing a Newman police officer in December 2018, and a lenient sentence given to a man convicted of receiving and distributing child pornography.

De Alba said she conferred with federal authorities and others in reaching her decisions. The monitoring device she had removed was one of two such devices, she said. In the second case, she handed down a 66-month sentence when guidelines called for 78 to 97 months.

De Alba grew up poor in South Los Palos

De Alba, in a 2022 interview with Vida en el Valle, said she went into law after her mother and other women worked an entire summer without getting paid by a farmer who then declared bankruptcy. De Alba frequently talks about growing up poor, and using a sleeping bag until she got her own bed at age 15.

She recalled being in the fields at age 6 taking water to her mother and other workers.

The Senate backed de Albas confirmation to the Eastern District Court last year, when she was confirmed on a 53-45 vote. However, this year was different. De Alba survived vetting by the Senate Judiciary Committee in June on an 11-10 vote, and last Thursdays cloture vote was 49-42 (eight of the nine Senators who did not vote were Republicans).

Tobias said he was troubled a little bit by the partisan vote in June.

It looked like the Republicans hadnt given a lot of thought and just did whatever (Sen. Lindsay) Graham said, which is not unusual, said Tobias, who noted several Republicans voted by proxy.

The Ninth Circuit, which was created in 1898, is the largest in the nation. It covers nine states and two territories with 29 active judgeships. More than 1 in 5 Americans live in the courts jurisdiction.

Gov. Jerry Brown nominated de Alba to the Fresno County bench in 2018. She had been a shareholder at Lang, Richert and Patch PC since 2013. De Alba was an associate at that law firm from 2007 to 2013.

De Alba, who has a daughter, earned her juris doctor degree from the UC Berkeley School of Law, and bachelors degree from UC Berkeley.
An airport has formally applied to increase its flight limit from 50,000 to 70,000 per year.

Farnborough Airport, which mainly serves private jets, said the change would meet demand for business trips.

It said its plans would create 950 jobs in the south east of England and add 220m to the UK economy.

The airport said it had abandoned a plan to extend weekend flying times, following objections from residents.

The extra flights by 2040 would include a doubling of the flight cap on weekends and Bank Holidays, from 8,900 to 18,900.

Previously, aviation campaign group Safe Landing said "polluting private jets catering to a handful of wealthy super-emitters" should be curtailed.

East Hampshire District Council said the plans would undermine efforts to reduce carbon emissions and increase noise pollution.

However, the airport's planning application to Rushmoor Borough Council said the economic benefits would be "achieved without significant environmental harm".

The airport said it would introduce "the most generous eligibility criteria of any airport in the UK in relation to grant funding for noise insulation".

It added: "The plans also allow for a continued and renewed focus on emissions reduction and air quality monitoring, with additional monitoring and reporting being proposed, including the measurement of Particulate Matters."

Previously, the airport's chief executive Simon Geere said demand for business aviation was growing at just over 4% per year.

Mr Geere said the airport aimed to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030 and hoped to become the first to use only sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

Follow BBC South on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Send your story ideas to south.newsonline@bbc.co.uk.
Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna Romney McDaniel speaks at a fundraiser at Cipriani in New York with President Donald Trump in this 2017 file photo. | Susan Walsh, Associated Press

A split has emerged in the Republican Party over who should take the blame for the partys struggles in recent elections. Pundits and establishment figures point to former President Donald Trump, the face of the party who faces a long list of criminal charges and has yet to admit his loss in the 2020 election.

But others, including one presidential candidate, are pointing a finger back at the party  and at Republican National Committee chairwoman Ronna McDaniel.

Minutes into last weeks Republican presidential debate, moderators asked the candidates why they, and not Trump, should be the partys nominee. Instead of critiquing the former president, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy unleashed a scathing rebuke of McDaniel. He never mentioned Trump in his answer.

Weve become a party of losers at the end of the day, Ramaswamy said. Since Ronna McDaniel took over as chairwoman of the RNC in 2017, we have lost 2018, 2020, 2022, no red wave, that never came. We got trounced last night, in 2023, referring to the local elections across the country last Tuesday. He offered to cede his time to McDaniel if shed come on stage and resign as party chairwoman.

After the debate, Ramaswamy doubled down. Ronna should resign, he said in a post on X. This shouldnt be controversial.

Ronna McRomney sitting atop the RNC reminds me of a squatter in a rent-controlled apartment. Its time to evict. https://t.co/PZh6ySuXvn  Vivek Ramaswamy (@VivekGRamaswamy) November 11, 2023

McDaniel clapped back during an appearance on CNN Sunday. Last I checked, I wasnt running for president, she said. Hes at 4%. Hes looking for headlines.

The growing rift points to a larger debate in conservative circles: whether party leadership, like McDaniel, should be blamed for Republicans defeats in the 2023 elections and the 2022 midterms.

In 2022, many pundits predicted that widespread dissatisfaction with President Joe Bidens handling of the economy would lead to a red wave. But after the Supreme Court overruled Roe v. Wade, abortion proved to be a major factor in the election. Exit polls showed that voters were much more likely to trust Democrats to handle abortion than Republicans. Democrats retained control of the Senate and won most of the gubernatorial races on the ballot; Republicans won the House, but by a much smaller margin than expected.

Last week, voters in Ohio  who voted for Trump in the last two elections  approved a constitutional right to abortion, a major win for Democrats. In deep-red Kentucky, an incumbent Democrat governor won reelection. In Virginia, Democrats regained control of both chambers of the state legislature, a potential blow to Gov. Glenn Youngkins possible national political ambitions. And in Pennsylvania, a Democrat won the vacant seat on the states Supreme Court.

McDaniel has brushed off criticisms, saying that the RNC isnt at fault for the losses.

The RNC builds the road. All the candidates drive on it, she told CNN Sunday. You need a good candidate and a good road to get to your destination.

In the Virginia legislative races, Democrats raised unprecedented levels of money, The Associated Press reported, and eventually outspent Republicans by $8 million. McDaniel has led the national Republican Party during periods of record fundraising. But during an appearance on Fox News last week, McDaniel deflected blame for the Virginia outcome, saying the RNC is not responsible for state-level spending.

A lot of people dont understand fundraising, McDaniel said. I cant raise state dollars. I dont get unlimited convention and state dollars. And these were state House and state Senate races.

But as reticent as McDaniel has been to accept blame for the Republican Partys electoral struggles, shes been just as hesitant to criticize Trump. McDaniel, whos been described as loyal to Trump, won a competitive reelection bid as the RNCs head earlier this year by positioning herself as most capable of handling the Trump problem  humoring and appeasing the former presidents demands, to keep him from splintering off and running a third-party campaign in 2024.

During her CNN appearance Sunday, McDaniel refused to condemn Trumps Veterans Day comments, in which the former president called his political rivals vermin. Several prominent Republicans condemned his comments.

Im not going to talk about candidates who are in a contested primary, McDaniel said.

Later, when asked if she believes Trump would be the appropriate nominee for the party even if he were convicted of a crime, she deferred to the voters.

As party chair, Im going to support who the voters choose, and yes, if they choose Donald Trump, she said. The voters are looking at this and they think theres a two-tiered system of justice.
The Queen Creek Police Department has provided an update to the homicide of Preston Lord, including that there are multiple persons of interest and a partnership with the FBI to provide a $10,000 reward for information.

Queen Creek police said in a statement on Tuesday that it has done extensive interviews, executed warrants and filed court orders.

Lord, 16, was assaulted on Oct. 28 near 194th Street and Via del Rancho. He died from his injuries on Oct. 30.

On the night of the assault, police said they responded to a "juvenile disturbance" call in the area and saw multiple teenagers apparently leaving a home gathering but there was no indication that illegal activity was going on. Officers left the area after a higher-priority call came up. Just before 10 p.m., officers responded to the area again for an assault where they found Lord lying injured in the road.

The home gathering was identified as a party and police said there were hundreds of teenagers and some adults in attendance.

The Queen Creek Police Department said they have partnered with the FBI to help investigate the homicide October homicide of Preston Lord. The FBI is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest or conviction.

Since the incident occurred, police said in Tuesday's statement that a significant amount of data had been processed and analyzed. However, police said substantial amounts of additional data needed to be reviewed to identify possible items of evidence that further corroborated their investigative leads.

"We are committed to finding justice for Preston. our investigators are determined and dedicated to solving this case," said Chief Randy Brice. "However, we want more than just an arrest. We want to ensure that those involved are convicted of the crime."

Queen Creek police said it continued to utilize local police agencies, including the Phoenix Field Office of the FBI. Police have partnered with the FBI for data analysis. The FBI has also provided another tipline and a $10,000 reward for information that lead to an arrest or conviction of those involved in the incident.

Though they have partnered with the FBI, Queen Creek police reiterated that they were the agency handling the investigation.

"Parents, we are asking you to talk to your kids. If they have direct evidence to this case, we need you to come forward," Brice said. "For those who attended this party or saw this incident, if you are being threatened or you are scared to say something, please talk to your parents or someone you trust. Do the right thing and help bring justice for Preston and his family."

Police said that the investigation continued to move forward. They continued to say that ensuring all physical evidence is collected will ultimately lead to the arrest and conviction of those criminally responsible.

Photo or video evidence can be submitted to www.fbi.gov/prestonlord. The FBI's Toll-Free tipline is available at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324).

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Preston Lord case: FBI offers $10K reward in case of Queen Creek teen
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Hate crime reports have doubled in Oregon over the past five years, according to the Portland Division of the FBI. However, the agency says hate crimes are still underreported  which is why officials are pushing residents to speak out.

FBI Portlands ad encouraging hate crime reports at PDX airport. (Courtesy FBI Portland)

On Nov. 6, FBI Portland posted billboards and digital displays across Medford, Eugene, Corvallis, and the Portland International Airport to encourage Oregonians to submit tips on hate crimes.

Pedestrian dead after SE Portland crash, SE McLoughlin closed

Several FBI offices have launched similar campaigns, with advertising billboards placed in cities like Newark, N.J., Charlotte, N.C., and Pittsburgh, Penn.

The FBI defines hate crimes as any criminal offense thats partially or fully motivated by the offenders biases against a race, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexuality, gender, or gender identity.

In 2022, FBI Portland said there were 290 single-bias crimes reported statewide. Thats just a small increase from the 287 hate crimes recorded in 2021, but more than twice the 120 bias crimes reported in 2018.

About 60% of the hate crimes reported in Oregon were committed by offenders with biases against a certain race, ethnicity, or ancestry. According to FBI Portland, victims who were perceived as Black were targeted the most often.

Portland teachers strike continues as contract talks resume

The agency additionally said religion was the bias motivator in 10% of cases, with victims who were perceived as Jewish being the most common target. Sexual orientation was the bias motivation for 18% of the reported incidents.

In a statement, FBI Portland Special Agent in Charge Kieran Ramsey said violent hate crimes are unacceptable in Oregon communities.

The FBI serves to safeguard against hate and violence, but we can only do so if we know about any such threats or violent actions, Ramsey said. Every person has the right to live without fear of violence or intimidation. The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to hold those accountable whose hate-filled aggression violates the civil rights of others.

Portland area sees rare sunny November day before next round of rain

The advertising campaign can be seen on 5th Avenue in Eugene and Highway 34 in Corvallis. In Medford, billboards were placed on Bullock Road, Table Rock Road, Lawnsdale Road and Bank Road.

PDX travelers will see digital ads on the concourse maps, as well as a print ad at baggage claim No. 7.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
FBI special agent and whistleblower Johnathan Buma alleged that the bureau stymied investigative leads that implicated Rudy Giuliani. On Monday, federal agents executed a search warrant at his Orange County home. Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call via Getty, and Insider

FBI agents raided the Orange County home of Special Agent Johnathan Buma on Monday.

Buma told Congress that the bureau forced him to stop investigating Rudy Giuliani.

Documents show Buma is suspected of mishandling classified information, which his attorney denies.

A squad of federal agents in tactical gear executed a search warrant on Monday at the home of one of their own, FBI special agent Johnathan Buma, according to Buma's attorney, Scott Horton.

A search warrant reviewed by Business Insider states that Buma is suspected of violating laws against mishandling classified information, and a property receipt lists "classified material" and "possible classified material" as being among the items seized.

Horton said that both the allegations and the property receipts were false.

"There was no classified information found by the raid," he said. "I know that from talking to my client."

The FBI declined to comment.

In July, Buma filed protected whistleblower disclosures alleging bureau mismanagement and retaliation. His 22-page disclosure to the Senate Judiciary Committee alleges that Buma was ordered not to investigate Donald Trump's associates and that he was forced to shut down his most valuable confidential sources. It also describes evidence collected by Buma indicating that Rudy Giuliani, Trump's personal attorney, was compromised by a Russian intelligence asset.

After his Senate disclosure was leaked, Buma, a 15-year FBI veteran who specializes in counter-intelligence investigations, spoke about his allegations in an interview with the New Yorker and a video interview with Business Insider.

Last month, one of Buma's sources, Charles Johnson, claimed that he had recruited Silicon Valley billionaire Peter Thiel to be an FBI confidential human source with the code name "Philosopher." Business Insider and the Atlantic both confirmed that Thiel was indeed an FBI informant as well as details of Thiel's reporting to the FBI about approaches by the Kremlin.

Horton, Buma's attorney, told BI that the Monday raid at Buma's home in Orange County, California, was retaliation for Buma's actions as a whistleblower. "They deployed the level of personnel that would be customary for a major mafia figure for a single active-duty FBI agent suspected of having cooperated with a congressional investigation," Horton said. "That is his offense. This continues to raise grave concerns about how the bureau's counter-intelligence activities targeting the Russian intelligence services are undermined by political shenanigans on the part of senior bureau management."

The Buma raid raises larger concerns about the bureau's treatment of whistleblowers more generally, Horton added: "Under federal law, whistleblowers who cooperate with Congress and who file whistleblower complaints are strictly protected against retaliation. Senior management of the Bureau are signaling that they believe they are not bound by this law."

Property receipts reviewed by Business Insider show that the bureau seized a raft of documents and an extensive array of electronics from Buma's home, where he lives with his wife and three of their school-aged children: nine laptops, three smartwatches, six tablets, two phones, and one desktop computer. Horton said that most of those devices belong to his family, for use in his wife's work and their children's education.

At the time of the raid, Buma was on medical leave from the bureau, Horton added; he had already turned in his gun, badge, bureau car and bureau phone at an appointment with his supervisor earlier on Monday.

Read the original article on Insider
The federal government wants to demolish two century-old skyscrapers on State Street, and historic preservationists are mobilizing to stop the planned teardowns.

Advocates and neighborhood residents lined up at a public hearing Monday to plead for the survival and renovation of the vacant Century and Consumers Buildings, at 202 and 220 S. State St. The federal government owns the pair, and for several years has sought to raze the structures, claiming that if they were redeveloped and occupied it could pose an unacceptable security risk to employees in the modernist federal courthouse just to the west at 219 S. Dearborn St.

Razing the buildings would be a waste, said Ward Miller, executive director of Preservation Chicago. The buildings are among the final works done in the style of the classic Chicago School of Architecture, which revolutionized big city skylines in the 19th century by using steel frames to create the first skyscrapers.

The Century and Consumers Buildings were truly part of this story and Chicagos first golden age of architecture and design, he said.

Miller prefers to see the buildings renovated in a way that answers the security concerns voiced by federal officials. He pointed out that the 16-story Century Building, with its elaborate facade and many architectural details, could become as appealing as the nearby Reliance Building, a 19th century structure recently transformed into an upscale hotel.

Its an astounding building and, if you will, a Reliance Building in waiting, anchoring this important corner of State and Adams streets, he said.

The advocates are asking the Commission on Chicago Landmarks, which held Mondays public hearing at City Hall, to make both buildings local landmarks at its next meeting in December. If the buildings get the nod from commissioners, the landmark proposal will head to the City Councils Zoning Committee for approval, and then to the full City Council.

That wont necessarily protect the buildings from demolition. The federal government can override local landmark designations, and already has a $52 million earmark set aside for the demolition work, Miller said. But he hopes winning landmark status from the city, and other public pressure, will force the U.S. General Services Administration to back down.

Suddenly, youd have buildings that the city of Chicago had deemed important, he told the Tribune. It would send a strong message that demolition was not the right path and be a huge embarrassment for the GSA if these buildings were lost.

Representatives from the GSA did not testify at the hearing or respond immediately to a request for comment. No one at the hearing spoke against the landmark proposal.

According to an August draft environmental impact statement, the federal government is still open to an adaptive reuse of the properties. But it wont make federal funds available, and any plans from private developers need approval from the court and federal law enforcement agencies.

Removing the buildings would alter character-defining features of the Loop Retail Historic District and Chicago Federal Center, resulting in negative, moderate, and long-term impacts, the statement also noted.

Matt Crawford, an architectural historian with Chicagos Landmarks Division, told commissioners both buildings were classic examples of the Chicago School, with well-lit interiors and white-glazed terra cotta exteriors impossible to re-create today. And the Consumers Building, completed in 1913 and designed by Jenney, Mundie & Jensen, a historic Chicago firm, includes a rare surviving example of an early 20th century office building entry, decorated with marble and bronze.

Noted Chicago architect Dirk Lohan asked commissioners to grant landmark status and advised renovating the structures while also addressing the concerns voiced by federal employees. He pointed out that other historic buildings, such as the Monadnock Building at 53 W. Jackson Blvd., were just as close to the federal complex.

Lohan added that his first job when he came to Chicago in the 1960s was working on the Dirksen building, designed by his grandfather Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and in some ways inspired by the Century Building, completed in 1916 and designed by Holabird & Roche.

You can see a real kinship there between the architects of the two buildings, he said.

Miller wants the federal government to use its earmarked funds to start renovations, which could include blocking off or strengthening the windows nearest the courthouse.

We want to be partners with the GSA, he said, and weve already had a number of productive meetings with them, and I hope that will continue.
CHICAGO  The federal government wants to demolish two century-old skyscrapers on State Street, and historic preservationists are mobilizing to stop the planned teardowns.

Advocates and neighborhood residents lined up at a public hearing Monday to plead for the survival and renovation of the vacant Century and Consumers Buildings, at 202 and 220 S. State St. The federal government owns the pair, and for several years has sought to raze the structures, claiming that if they were redeveloped and occupied it could pose an unacceptable security risk to employees in the modernist federal courthouse just to the west at 219 S. Dearborn St.

Razing the buildings would be a waste, said Ward Miller, executive director of Preservation Chicago. The buildings are among the final works done in the style of the classic Chicago School of Architecture, which revolutionized big city skylines in the 19th century by using steel frames to create the first skyscrapers.

The Century and Consumers Buildings were truly part of this story and Chicagos first golden age of architecture and design, he said.

Miller prefers to see the buildings renovated in a way that answers the security concerns voiced by federal officials. He pointed out that the 16-story Century Building, with its elaborate facade and many architectural details, could become as appealing as the nearby Reliance Building, a 19th-century structure recently transformed into an upscale hotel.

Its an astounding building and, if you will, a Reliance Building in waiting, anchoring this important corner of State and Adams streets, he said.

The advocates are asking the Commission on Chicago Landmarks, which held Mondays public hearing at City Hall, to make both buildings local landmarks at its next meeting in December. If the buildings get the nod from commissioners, the landmark proposal will head to the City Councils Zoning Committee for approval, and then to the full City Council.

That wont necessarily protect the buildings from demolition. The federal government can override local landmark designations, and already has a $52 million earmark set aside for the demolition work, Miller said. But he hopes winning landmark status from the city, and other public pressure, will force the U.S. General Services Administration to back down.

Suddenly, youd have buildings that the city of Chicago had deemed important, he told the Tribune. It would send a strong message that demolition was not the right path and be a huge embarrassment for the GSA if these buildings were lost.

Representatives from the GSA did not testify at the hearing or respond immediately to a request for comment. No one at the hearing spoke against the landmark proposal.

According to an August draft environmental impact statement, the federal government is still open to an adaptive reuse of the properties. But it wont make federal funds available, and any plans from private developers need approval from the court and federal law enforcement agencies.

Removing the buildings would alter character-defining features of the Loop Retail Historic District and Chicago Federal Center, resulting in negative, moderate, and long-term impacts, the statement also noted.

Matt Crawford, an architectural historian with Chicagos Landmarks Division, told commissioners both buildings were classic examples of the Chicago School, with well-lit interiors and white-glazed terra cotta exteriors impossible to re-create today. And the Consumers Building, completed in 1913 and designed by Jenney, Mundie & Jensen, a historic Chicago firm, includes a rare surviving example of an early 20th-century office building entry, decorated with marble and bronze.

Noted Chicago architect Dirk Lohan asked commissioners to grant landmark status and advised renovating the structures while also addressing the concerns voiced by federal employees. He pointed out that other historic buildings, such as the Monadnock Building at 53 W. Jackson Blvd., were just as close to the federal complex.

Lohan added that his first job when he came to Chicago in the 1960s was working on the Dirksen building, designed by his grandfather Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and in some ways inspired by the Century Building, completed in 1916 and designed by Holabird & Roche.

You can see a real kinship there between the architects of the two buildings, he said.

Miller wants the federal government to use its earmarked funds to start renovations, which could include blocking off or strengthening the windows nearest the courthouse.

We want to be partners with the GSA, he said, and weve already had a number of productive meetings with them, and I hope that will continue.

____
 Flash

China hopes the U.S. side will honor its promise of not seeking a new Cold War or conflict with China, and work together with China to bring bilateral relations back to the track of sound and stable development, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Monday.

Spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks in response to a query relevant to the upcoming China-U.S. summit meeting.

According to media reports, an anonymous White House official on Nov. 10 said the goals of the summit meeting were about "managing the competition, preventing the downside risk of conflict and ensuring channels of communication are open," when briefing the media on the upcoming meeting.

"China has already released information on President Xi Jinping's visit to the United States for the China-U.S. summit meeting at invitation," Mao said, adding that the two presidents will have in-depth communication on issues of strategic, overarching and fundamental importance in shaping China-U.S. relations and major issues concerning world peace and development.

Mao said China always follows the guiding principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation proposed by President Xi when viewing and dealing with relations with the United States. Major country competition is not in line with the trend of the times and cannot solve the problems of the United States or global challenges.

"China is not afraid of competition, but we are opposed to defining China-U.S. relations by competition," said Mao.

The U.S. side should earnestly respect China's reasonable concerns and legitimate development rights, instead of only emphasizing its own concerns and undermining China's interests, Mao added.

"The attempt to shape other countries according to its own will and model is wishful thinking from the very beginning, which is typical hegemonism and will not succeed," she said.

China does not seek to change the United States, and the United States should not seek to shape or change China either, Mao added.

Mao stressed that the Taiwan question is China's internal affair, and resolving the Taiwan question is a matter for the Chinese themselves and brooks no external interference.

"Successive U.S. administrations have made clear commitments on the Taiwan question," Mao said, adding that during the Bali meeting, the U.S. side made it clear that the U.S. government does not support "Taiwan independence." The U.S. side should earnestly abide by the one-China principle and take concrete actions to oppose "Taiwan independence."

Over the South China Sea issue, China is committed to resolving any disputes with relevant countries through negotiation and consultation. At the same time, China's resolve to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity is unwavering, Mao said.

The U.S. side should stop making excuses to intervene in disputes over territory and maritime rights and interests between China and relevant countries, still less should it use relevant issues to contain China, said Mao.

Noting the world is paying close attention to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, Mao said China always stands on the side of fairness and justice, stays in close communication with relevant parties, and is committed to de-escalating the situation and protecting civilians.

"We hope that the United States will uphold an objective and just position and play a constructive role in promoting an early ceasefire," said Mao.
CLEVELAND (WJW)  Federal authorities have charged 11 people in an international drug conspiracy that smuggled opioids including fentanyl and other substances from foreign countries, by way of Italy, for sale on American streets.

A 43-year-old Cleveland man, Brian Lumbus Jr., also known as B, is believed to have orchestrated the operation while incarcerated at an Ohio state prison, ordering significant quantities of the drugs from 51-year-old Giancarlo Miserotti  also known as Karl  an Italian citizen and resident, according to a Tuesday news release from U.S. Attorney Rebecca Lutzko:

DeWine ordering flags at half-staff in Tuscarawas County, Ohio Statehouse after fatal bus crash

From the confines of the Ohio Penitentiary, Brian Lumbus led an international and interstate drug trafficking organization that brought fentanyl and other, more potent synthetic drugs from overseas factories to the streets of our region. Several others, both in the United States and outside it, acted in concert with Lumbus to do what he physically could not: obtain, assemble, and repackage those drugs, then mail or deliver them to other conspirators for further distribution. As this indictment reflects, the United States Attorneys Office will continue its collaborative efforts with federal, state, local, and international partners to identify, target, and dismantle drug trafficking organizations, whether the suppliers of such poisons are in the Northern District of Ohio or a continent away. I thank our partners at DEA, the Ohio Department of Public Safety, and the Italian government for their tireless efforts to identify and apprehend significant players in the illegal drug trade. Rebecca Lutzko, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio

Also charged in the 34-count indictment are:

Brianna Lumbus, 22, of Cleveland

Kayla S. Goudlock, 25, of North Royalton

Jennifer Robinson, 38, of Tennessee

Latasha Harris, 40, of Toledo

Dominique Hammond, 37, of Pittsburgh

Wanda Ward, 46, of Johnson City, Tennessee

Marchello Lumbus (AKA Chello), 42, of Cleveland

Jessica Cochran, 28, of Lorain

Braisia Lumbus, 23, of Cleveland

Authorities believe the defendants distributed controlled substances between April 2016 and November 2023 in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Tennessee and elsewhere in the U.S. The drugs contained synthetic opioids like fentanyl, isotonitazene and metonitazene and designer drugs like alpha-PiHP, a stimulant, and ADB-BUTINACA, which can be found in synthetic cannabis.

Authorities said Brian Lumbus Jr. ordered the drugs from Miserotti, who arranged for them to be exported by the kilogram from several foreign countries, first to Italy, then to the U.S. for redistribution. Their co-conspirators living in the U.S. received the foreign shipments of drugs, cut and mixed them then sold them, prosecutors said. Others paid Miserotti with cryptocurrency.

Youre finally free: Matthew Perrys Friends costar speaks out

State corrections workers uncovered the alleged plot and reported it to the Ohio State Highway Patrol and U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, according to the release.

All were charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. Others faced various other charges:

Six of them were charged with substantive possession with intent to distribute controlled substances

Nine of them were charged with interstate travel in aid of racketeering

Eight of them were charged with international money laundering conspiracy

Nine of them were charged with using a communications facility to facilitate a felony drug offense

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
Guohua Power Station, a coal-fired power plant, operates in Dingzhou, Baoding, in the northern China's Hebei province, Friday, Nov. 10, 2023. The world is off track in its efforts to curb global warming, a new international report calculates Tuesday, Nov. 14. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Humanity's fight to curb climate change is failing in dozens of ways with people getting sicker and dying as the world warms and the fossil fuels causing it get more subsidies, according to two global reports issued Tuesday.

The health journal Lancet's annual Countdown on climate and health found more people, especially the elderly, dying because of heat waves in recent years and it projects that will soar as temperatures keep rising. The international team of doctors, scientists and economists looked at 47 measurements, many outside health, to diagnose a sick Earth, emphasizing harms they attribute directly to the fossil fuel industry.

Earlier in the day, the World Resources Institute, Climate Action Tracker, the Bezos Earth Fund and others issued their State of Climate Action report, which found the world off track in 41 of 42 important measurements. It said six indicators are heading in the wrong direction, including fossil fuel subsidies. Also Tuesday, the United States government issued its more than 2,200-page National Climate Assessment that looked at hundreds of measurements for what warming is doing to America.

Worldwide heat deaths for people over 65 were 85% higher in the last 10 years compared to 1991 to 2000, the study found. Researchers compared the death increase to computer simulations for the same population but in a world that hadn't warmed and found they could attribute most of those deaths to climate change, not population growth.

In the U.S., heat deaths for the elderly increased 88% in the past five years compared to 2000 to 2004 with most of that attributable to climate change, the study found. There were 23,200 elderly heat deaths in 2022, the report found.

We are already seeing climate change claiming lives and livelihoods in every part of the world, said Lancet Countdown Executive Director Marina Romanello. However, these impacts that we're seeing today could be just an early symptom of a very dangerous future unless we tackle climate change urgently.

Romanello said people self-reporting hunger because of heat waves and drought has also soared, adding this could be just an early glimpse into what we now know could be a very dangerous future.

These findings are stark and  coming from the most thorough annual scientific assessment at the nexus of climate change and health  should be considered accurate, said Dr. Jonathan Patz, former director of the Global Health Institute at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, who wasn't part of the study. Worrisome is our sluggish response to depart from fossil fuels, which the authors show offers enormous immediate health benefits.

Report authors directly blasted the fossil fuel industry, comparing it to tobacco companies, and the banks that loaned them money.

All our indicators on the fossil fuel industry are extremely relevant because this is an industry that is actually killing people in large numbers and making them ill in even larger numbers, said report co-author Paul Ekins, an economics professor at the University College of London.

The Lancet report highlighted 68 countries handing out more than $300 billion in subsidies to fossil fuel companies in 2020. The report from the World Resources Institute and others highlighted fossil fuel subsidies as one of six indicators that are not only off track, but going in the wrong direction.

Fossil fuel consumption subsidies in particular reached an all-time high last year, over $1 trillion, driven by the war in Ukraine and the resulting energy price spikes, said report co-author Joe Thwaites of the Natural Resources Defense Council environmental group.

Fossil fuel subsidies are not only going in the wrong direction, but they're seeing one of the biggest changes in indicators compared to past years, said study co-author Kelly Levin, science and data director at the Bezos Earth Fund.

Five other categories  the carbon intensity of global steel production, how many miles passenger cars drive, electric buses sold, loss of mangrove forests and amount of food waste  are going in the wrong direction, the State of Climate Action report said.

The only bright spot is that global sales of electric passenger vehicles are now on track to match whats needed  along with many other changes  to limit future warming to just another couple tenths of a degree, that report found.

This is not the time for tinkering around the edges, but its instead the time for radical decarbonization of all sectors of the economy, Levin said.

Levin's report looks at whats needed in several sectors of the global economy  power, transportation, buildings, industry, finance and forestry  to fit in a world that limits warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) over pre-industrial times, the goal the world adopted at Paris in 2015. The globe has already warmed about 1.2 degrees Celsius (2.2 degrees Fahrenheit) since the mid 19th century.

When trying to change an economy, the key is to start with low-hanging fruit, i.e., the sectors of the economy that are easiest to transition and give a big bang for your buck, said Dartmouth climate scientist Justin Mankin, who isnt part of the report. But he said the report shows were really struggling to pick the low-hanging fruit.

___

Read more of APs climate coverage at http://www.apnews.com/climate-and-environment.

___

Follow Seth Borenstein on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @borenbears

___

Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receives support from several private foundations. See more about APs climate initiative here. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP)  The Israeli military raided Gaza's largest hospital early Wednesday, conducting what it called a targeted operation against Hamas as troops seized broader control of northern Gaza, including capturing the territory's legislature building and its police headquarters.

In recent days, the focus of the war has been Shifa Hospital, with hundreds of patients, staff and displaced people trapped inside. Shifa had stopped operations over the weekend, as its supplies dwindled and a lack of electricity left it no way to run incubators and other lifesaving equipment. After days without refrigeration, morgue stuff dug a mass grave Tuesday for 120 bodies in the yard.

Amid the standoff, the hospital in the center of Gaza City became a focal point of clashing narratives about the war, now in its sixth week. Israel claims Hamas is using civilians as human shields, while Palestinians, rights group and international critics say Israel is recklessly harming civilians.

The Israeli military said early Wednesday that it raided specific areas of the sprawling Shifa complex, while trying to avoid harming civilians. The statement gave no further details.

Israel has long alleged that the militants conceal military assets in the facility and other hospitals, a claim denied by Hamas and medical staff.

Elsewhere, the Palestinian Red Crescent said Tuesday it had evacuated patients, doctors and displaced families from another Gaza City hospital, Al-Quds.

Israel vowed to end Hamas rule in Gaza after the Oct. 7 attack, which killed some 1,200 people and resulted in the taking of roughly 240 hostages. The Israeli government has acknowledged it doesnt know what it would do with the territory long-term after Hamas defeat.

The Israeli onslaught has been disastrous for Gazas 2.3 million Palestinians.

More than 11,200 people, two-thirds of them women and minors, have been killed in Gaza, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry in Ramallah. About 2,700 people have been reported missing. The ministrys count does not differentiate between civilian and militant deaths.

Almost the entire population of Gaza has squeezed into the southern two-thirds of the tiny territory, where conditions have been deteriorating as bombardment there continues. About 200,000 fled the north in recent days, the U.N. said Tuesday, though tens of thousands are believed to remain.

The U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees said Tuesday that its fuel storage facility in Gaza was empty and that it would soon cease relief operations, including bringing limited supplies of food and medicine in from Egypt for the more than 600,000 people sheltering in U.N.-run schools and other facilities in the south.

"Without fuel, the humanitarian operation in Gaza is coming to an end. Many more people will suffer and will likely die, said Philippe Lazzarini, the commissioner-general of UNRWA.

Israeli defense officials changed course early Wednesday to allow some 24,000 liters (6,340 gallons) of fuel in for humanitarian efforts, officials said. Earlier, they repeatedly rejected allowing fuel into Gaza saying Hamas would divert it for military use.

The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories, the Israeli defense body responsible for Palestinian affairs, said it would allow U.N. trucks to refill at the Rafah crossing on the Egyptian border later Wednesday. It said the decision was in response to a request from the U.S.

PLIGHT OF HOSPITALS

Fighting has raged for days around the Shifa Hospital complex at the center of Gaza City, turning it "into a cemetery, its director said in a statement.

The Health Ministry said 40 patients, including three babies, have died since Shifas emergency generator ran out of fuel Saturday. Another 36 babies are at risk of dying because there is no power for incubators, according to the ministry.

The Israeli military said it started an effort to transfer incubators to Shifa. But they would be useless without electricity, said Christian Lindmeier, a World Health Organization spokesman.

The Health Ministry has proposed evacuating the hospital with the supervision of the International Committee of the Red Cross and transferring the patients to hospitals in Egypt, but it has not received any response, ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qidra said.

While Israel says it is willing to allow staff and patients to evacuate, some Palestinians who have made it out say Israeli forces have fired at evacuees.

Israel says its claims of a Hamas command center in and beneath Shifa are based on intelligence, but it has not provided visual evidence to support them. Denying the claims, the Gaza Health Ministry says it has invited international organizations to investigate the facility.

The evacuation at the Al-Quds Hospital followed more than 10 days of siege, during which medical and humanitarian supplies were prevented from reaching the hospital, Palestinian Red Crescent officials said.

In a post on social media, they blamed the Israeli army for bombarding the hospital and firing at those inside.

The White Houses national security council spokesperson, John Kirby, said the U.S. has unspecified intelligence that Hamas and other Palestinian militants use Shifa and other hospitals and tunnels underneath them to support military operations and hold hostages.

The intelligence is based on multiple sources, and the U.S. independently collected the information, a U.S. official said on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive matters.

Kirby said the U.S. doesn't support airstrikes on hospitals and does not want to see a firefight in a hospital where innocent people" are trying to get care.

MARCH FOR HOSTAGES

Families and supporters of the around 240 people being held hostage by Hamas started a protest march from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. The plight of the hostages has dominated public discourse since the Oct. 7 attack, with solidarity protests held across the country. The marchers, who expect to reach Jerusalem on Saturday, say the government must do more to bring home their loved-ones.

Where are you? Shelly Shem Tov, whose 21-year-old son, Omer, is among the captives, called out to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. We have no strength anymore. We have no strength. Bring back our children and our families home.

BATTLE IN GAZA CITY

Independent accounts of the fighting in Gaza City have been nearly impossible to gather, as communications to the north have largely collapsed.

Inside some of the newly captured buildings, soldiers held up the Israeli flag and military flags in celebration. In a nationally televised news conference, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said Hamas had lost control of northern Gaza and that Israel made significant gains in Gaza City.

But asked about the time frame for the war, Gallant said: Were talking about long months, not a day or two.

One Israeli commander in Gaza, identified only as Lt. Col. Gilad, said in a video that his forces found weapons and eliminated fighters in government buildings, schools and residential buildings.

Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari said Israeli forces have completed the takeover of Shati refugee camp, a densely built district bordering Gaza City's center, and are moving about freely in the city as a whole.

Israel says it has killed several thousand fighters, including important mid-level commanders, while 46 of its own soldiers have been killed in Gaza.

___

Jeffery and Keath reported from Cairo. Associated Press writers Amy Teibel in Jerusalem, Wafaa Shurafa in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip; and Samy Magdy in Cairo contributed to this report.

___

Full AP coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war.
[Source]

A 63-year-old Filipino Catholic nun has chosen to remain in Gaza amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, transforming her church into a refuge for hundreds of trapped residents.

Evacuation efforts: Since the recent violence erupted last month, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs has so far successfully evacuated 111 Filipinos from the region. The latest batch evacuated, a group of 41 Filipinos, including seven Palestinians, reached Manila on Nov. 12.

Spiritual calling: The unnamed nun from the Missionaries of Charity is among the 26 Filipinos, predominantly permanent residents, still in the besieged region. The Philippines' Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo De Vega acknowledged the difficulty in convincing her to leave, noting that her spiritual commitment posed a unique challenge.

Shes with the Missionaries of Charity  They will not leave. After all, they believe  that (what they are doing) is spiritual, De Vega told Arab News. She will be the last Filipino left in Gaza, (and) is a symbol of Filipino spirituality and how we pray for solidarity with those suffering, and for world peace.

Trending on NextShark: Man secretly learns Korean for a year, surprises bride with Korean speech at wedding

Escalating violence: On Oct. 7, Palestinian gunmen associated with Hamas infiltrated Israel, resulting in attacks on Israeli troops and the tragic massacre of civilians. Around 1,200 people in Israel and Gaza lost their lives, with thousands sustaining injuries. The attack prompted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to declare war against Hamas, signaling a severe escalation in hostilities.

The recent surge in violence follows a year of escalating tensions between Israel and Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza, areas that have been under a joint Israeli-Egyptian blockade since 2007.

Current challenges: According to De Vega, continued Israeli bombardments have caused transit suspensions at the Rafah crossing, the sole entry point to Gaza not directly controlled by Tel Aviv.

Trending on NextShark: Kayak owners detail unusual behavior of group with Nancy Ng when she went missing in Guatemala

He also noted that despite the Philippine government's crisis alert level 4 in Gaza, mandating evacuation, some Filipinos were reluctant to evacuate, either due to their attachments or concerns about their Palestinian spouses' inability to join them. The government remains determined to evacuate all nationals, with ongoing efforts and diplomatic engagement occurring with those hesitant to leave.

Trending on NextShark: Chinese student discovered secretly living under mall's stairs for 6 months

More on NextShark:

Sandara Park explains why she thinks Filipinos make great dates

Last person to see missing US woman in Guatemala breaks silence
The body of a young Black girl was found hidden in concrete and ditched in the woods of south Georgia in 1988. After 35 long years of investigating, authorities revealed not only her identity but also that of her parents who are now facing murder charges.

Monday, The Georgia Bureau of Investigation revealed that the 5-year-old girl who was found dead in December of 1988 was Ms. Kenyatta Odom, per The Associated Press. The authorities said a man had been walking in the woods of Waycross, Ga. when he came across a TV cabinet filled with concrete dumped in a trash fill. Out of suspicion, he alerted the authorities who came and began digging through the junk and found a trunk concealed in the concrete.

Read more

Decades passed. In 2019, the GBI began attempts to compare DNA extracted from the girls remains with genealogy databases. [GBI Agent] Jason Seacrist said those efforts succeeded last year in confirming the child had family in Albany. But investigators still werent able to pinpoint the identity of the girls parents. Around the cases 34th anniversary in December, the GBI once again made a public appeal for any information that might help crack the case. This time the request came with a reward offer of $5,000 from an anonymous donor. A woman called in January with a critical tip. She knew that there had been a child who had gone missing and that her mother said that the child had gone to live with her father, Seacrist said. This person never really believed that story.

After Odom was identified, her mother was revealed to be 56-year-old Evelyn Odom and the police also named her boyfriend at the time, Ulyster Sanders, the report says. The couple was slammed with an indictment including charges of felony murder, first-degree cruelty to children and concealing death.

Odoms case is eerily similar to another Jane Doe case that also took years to solve.

The remains of a Black girl ranging from ages 4 to 7 was found in an Opelika, Ala. trailer park in 2012, per AL.com. The police used animation technology to create an image of her face but received no word from the public about who she might be. In 2016, investigators received photographs that matched her description. Earlier this year, the police identified the girl as Amore Joveh Wiggins and both her parents were arrested and charged with murder.

More from The Root

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A view of the pilot border fence of the Finnish Border Guard at the Finnish-Russian border in Imatra

By Anne Kauranen and Essi Lehto

HELSINKI (Reuters) -Finland on Tuesday accused Russia of funnelling asylum-seekers to its border and said it will take the necessary action to prevent a mass inflow of people and protect its national security.

Prime Minister Petteri Orpo told a press conference that Russia had changed its practice by allowing people access to the border without required travel documents.

"It is clear that these people are helped and they are also being escorted or transported to the border by border guards," Orpo, of Finland's conservative National Coalition Party, said.

While still small, the number of arrivals from Russia had jumped this week, according to Finland's border guard authority.

Around 60 asylum seekers came via Russia since early Monday, the authority said. This contrasts with 91 people arriving without required documents from Aug. 1 to Nov. 12.

Finland last year adopted legislation that allows its border authority to exceptionally stop receiving asylum applications at certain crossing points in case the Nordic nation became a target of mass immigration orchestrated by another country.

NATO member Finland shares a 1,340-km (833-mile) border with Russia which also serves as the European Union's external border.

"The message from us in the government is clear in that we want to secure the safety of our eastern border," Orpo said.

Finland's interior ministry will prepare a proposal that could allow officials to limit border traffic or the closing of some crossing points, Minister of Interior Mari Rantanen said earlier.

Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB), which is in charge of Russian border security, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

"It's not about the number of asylum seekers, but about Finland's national security and the change in Russia's activities," Finance Minister Riikka Purra said in a post on X.

Rantanen and Purra both belong to Finland's anti-immigration Finns Party, the second-largest party in Orpo's coalition.

(Reporting by Anne Kauranen and Essi Lehto, editing by Terje Solsvik and Angus MacSwan)
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  A volunteer firefighter from the Upper Peninsula was arrested over the weekend while fighting a fire that he allegedly started.

The Chippewa County Sheriffs Office confirms 35-year-old Joseph Halder was arrested on Saturday night while the Whitefish Township Fire Department was fighting a fire at a vacant building in the Paradise business district.

Chippewa County Sheriff Mike Bitnar told 9&10 News that he reportedly reviewed surveillance footage from a gas station across the street, which ultimately led to Halders arrest.

Halder was arraigned Monday, charged with one count of third-degree arson. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine. Bitnar told our northern Michigan affiliate that Halder is also now a person of interest in two other fires in the area.

Emergency shutoff prevents car fire from spreading at gas station

Halder had been working with the Whitefish Township Fire Department for a few months before his arrest. Bitnar says his alleged actions are not a true reflection of the areas first responders.

Chippewa County has amazing first responders, EMS and firefighters. This does not represent the overall volunteer group we have in our county, Halder told 9&10 News. Then again, if there is somebody posing in amongst those who are there to do good, you have to get those people out.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said they arrested 5 men after multiple weapon violations in the District.

On November 10, police said they saw a man with a gun and when they attempted to stop him, he ran to an apartment unit.

When police entered the apartment, they found numerous firearms. MPD was able to recover more than nine handguns and over 200 rounds of ammunition.

DC offers tip program to pay cash to get illegal guns off the streets

On Friday, 30-year-old Melvin Richardson, of Southeast, DC, was arrested and charged with Possession of an Unregistered Firearm, Possession of Unregistered Ammunition, Possession of a Large Capacity Ammunition Feeding Device, and Possession with the Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance.

21-year-old Andrew Carter and 21-year-old Trikivis Hunter both of Southeast, DC, and 19-year-old Quron Green of Northeast, DC, were arrested and charged with Possession of an Unregistered Firearm, Possession of Unregistered Ammunition, Possession of a Large Capacity Ammunition Feeding Device.

20-year-old Kevin Hankins of Germantown, Maryland was arrested and charged with Possession of an Unregistered Firearm, Possession of Unregistered Ammunition, Possession of a Large Capacity Ammunition Feeding Device, Possession with the Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
A flight had to divert back to its origin airport after a horse became loose in the cargo hold.

The incident, which happened shortly after take off from New Yorks JKF airport, forced the Boeing 747 to turn back from Boston.

The flight, operated by specialist charter airline Air Atlanta Icelandic, had been bound for Liege in Belgium.

A reconstruction of the incident, uploaded to YouTube on a channel named You can see ATC  the information in which cannot be independently verified  claims the incident, on flight number CC4592, happened shortly after 4.06pm local time (9.06pm GMT) on 9 November.

It adds that the pilot reported the incident of the horse getting loose at around 31,000ft, requesting that they be allowed to return to New York as the crew were unable to get the horse secured.

The pilots landed back at JFK after dumping 20 tonnes of fuel. They also requested the help of a veterinarian, as the horse was described as being in difficulty, though it is not clear what had happened to the animal.

Flightradar24 shows the flight taking off again at 6.35pm local time (11.35pm GMT) and landing successfully in Liege after roughly six hours at 6.49am local time (5.49am GMT) on the morning of 10 November.

The Independent has contacted Air Atlanta Icelandic for comment.

It may be one of the stranger reasons for a flight diversion, though unscheduled landings are fairly common.

In July, a mid-air brawl between passengers caused one flight to make a landing 700 miles away from its intended destination.

In October, a flight bound for Tampa in Florida had to return to Panama after an adult nappy was mistaken for a bomb, while earlier in November, an Air New Zealand flight was forced to turn back after four hours due to a technical issue.
Stream FOX 35 News:

MARION COUNTY, Fla. - A Marion County Sheriff's Office deputy has resigned amid his involvement in two separate incidents involving inappropriate contact with two girls, one of which is a teenager, according to disciplinary documents obtained by FOX 35 News.

Deputy Dylan Fruh submitted his resignation on Oct. 16 to Sheriff Billy Woods.

In the days leading up to his resignation, Fruh was at the center of two disciplinary investigations where he was found to be in violation of dereliction of duty, not activating his body-worn camera and using an information database for non-work-related searches, according to reports from the Marion County Sheriff's Office.

Throughout these investigations, Fruh was reprimanded to one- and three-day suspensions for each incident. He ultimately resigned four days after the second suspension.

"I want to thank the Sheriff for this opportunity and the privilege to have served in the Marion County Sheriff's Office and the citizens of Marion County," Fruh wrote in his resignation letter.

Here's a look at what happened leading up to Fruh's resignation:

Deputy Fruh followed 17-year-old girl to McDonald's, texted her in parking lot after traffic stop: MCSO report

The Marion County Sheriff's Office received a complaint on Sept. 13 from a teenage girl's parents who said their daughter was pulled over on Aug. 18, according to an administrative review document.

Here's a rundown of what allegedly happened, according to the report:

Fruh conducted a traffic stop on a 17-year-old girl at 9000 NE Jacksonville Road at around 10 p.m. He asked for her driver's license and they discussed who owned the vehicle, which was the girl's father. Fruh then asked the girl where she was going, and she said she was on her way to McDonald's to meet a friend. They had just left a high school football game.

Fruh went back to his patrol car for about a minute before returning to the girl. He asked her for her phone number, and the girl asked him to clarify if he wanted her phone number or her father's. Fruh said he wanted hers, and she gave it to him.

In an interview with deputies during the investigation, the girl said she gave him her number "because he's a cop, and if a cop asks me to do something, then I'm going to do it." The report also noted this was the girl's first time being pulled over.

Fruh gave her a verbal warning, and then asked if he can accompany her to McDonald's to "get a nugget."

The girl met up with her friend at McDonald's and they went through the drive-thru together. Since the lobby was closed, they ate in their car and said Fruh parked his patrol car three spaces away from them.

That's when Fruh texted the girl.

"Ain't no way they forgot my mf ranch," Fruh wrote in a text message to the girl. At first she didn't respond, but then asked, "Who's this?" to which Fruh replied, "It's Fruh."

He then called her, but she didn't answer. In an interview, Fruh said he was going to ask if she or her friend had any ranch.

Fruh said he sent the text message initially because "he thought it would be funny," the report said, adding it was "unprofessional."

When he was asked why he went to McDonald's, he said he was "hungry at the time," adding that he was "community policing."

"He explained he wanted to show that cops are not bad and are willing to go out and do something with the community," the report said.

RELATED : Florida deputy arrested, fired for fleeing traffic stop, resisting arrest: sheriff

He also said he didn't ask for her number to "hit her up afterward," but it was for the written warning he was going to issue her during the traffic stop. He did not, however, end up writing a warning.

"I believe I was going to document (her phone number), but then I did a verbal warning," Fruh said in an interview.

The report also revealed online search history on Fruh's company-issued phone. He searched "born in 2006," which was the birth year of the girl he pulled over. Fruh said he searched for that because he wanted to know how old she was because he was "curious." He said he didn't know why he was curious.

Fruh is 21 years old, a spokesperson for the Marion County Sheriff's Office confirmed to FOX 35 News.

The Marion County Sheriff's Office found Fruh in violation of dereliction of duty as a result of this incident. They defined dereliction of duty as "acting in a manner tending to bring discredit upon him/herself or the Agency." He was given a one-day suspension.

Deputy Fruh sent 'concerning text' to girl after searching for her info amid neighborhood search: MCSO report

A second administrative review was conducted days later regarding an incident that happened on June 14. Deputies were first alerted to the incident on Sept. 19.

Here's a rundown of what allegedly happened, according to the report:

Photo: Marion County Sheriff's Office

On June 14, Fruh was called in for backup to help locate citizens who were possibly stuck in a swampy area. Units were unable to find the subjects, but the reportee was able to, adding that they didn't appear to be stuck. They walked away and did not want to wait for deputies.

MORE FLORIDA NEWS : Florida sheriff's son was allegedly racing with another car before bolting from traffic stop: affidavit

Fruh was looking for leads in the neighborhood. That's when his GPS pinged in front of a house, the investigation revealed. He knocked on the door and asked the girl who answered if she had seen or heard a few boys yelling for help. She said she didn't see anything, and Fruh said he should call the "precinct" if she saw anything. She said she would, and their conversation was over.

"I didn't have any information for him and didn't know what he was talking about," the girl told deputies in an interview.

A couple of hours later, Fruh texted her, despite her name or contact info not being in the call for service request.

"You let me know if you see them," Fruh said.

"Who's this?" she replied.

"Deputy Fruh, I just spoke to you," he said back.

She asked him how he got her phone number, and he said, "Girl we got resources."

She told deputies in an interview that she didn't know who it was because she didn't give anyone her phone number, adding that the situation made her "uncomfortable" because she didn't know how Fruh got her phone number. She told her parents, who told her to not text him because "he could be a weirdo," the report said.

The girl's age was not disclosed in the report.

The investigation revealed that Fruh used the Marion County Sheriff's Office's Driver and Vehicle Information Database to look for the girl's number. He ran her license plate because "I like to know who I'm talking to," and wanted her name "in case any red flags pop up." He also used the database for a photo of her to confirm it was her.

"It was just me being nosy," Fruh said in an interview about his search history.

He said he initially went to her house "because I thought she was cute," Fruh said in an interview. He didn't knock on anyone else's door during the search for the subjects.

Fruh's body-worn camera and in-car camera were not activated at the time of his involvement in this case, a violation, according to the sheriff's office.

"He advised there was no particular reason he did not activate his (body-worn camera), just that he forgot," the report said.

The investigation also revealed a discrepancy in his timeframe. Fruh said he spoke to her after searching for her in the database, but the timeline of events does not support that, deputies said. He said he doesn't remember searching her after speaking to her, but "it's very possible," he said.

Fruh was found in violation of not activin his body-worn camera and unauthorized use of the database. He was given a three-day suspension.
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This photo taken on Nov. 7, 2023 shows banners depicting the upcoming 30th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting outside the venue of the meeting in San Francisco, California, the United States. [Photo/Xinhua]

A high-level forum was held in San Francisco, U.S. state of California, on Monday to share the best practices for accelerating the adoption of innovative policies and technologies to decarbonize the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) economies.



San Francisco is the host city for APEC Leaders' Week 2023 from Nov. 11 to 17, with the theme of "Creating a Resilient and Sustainable Future for All."

The forum, co-hosted by the U.S.-China Green Energy Council and APEC Sustainable Energy Center, drew scholars, delegates from APEC economies, and business executives from the world's leading clean energy companies.

They discussed decarbonization strategies and how the APEC region can achieve an inclusive, equitable and resilient clean energy transition.

"The forum aims to share knowledge and successful experience on tackling climate change while supporting green economic growth," said Wang Qi, chairman of the U.S.-China Green Energy Council.

"We must take quick and smart actions to decarbonize economy across all sectors including power, transportation, building, cement and steel industry and several more," he said.

Former U.S. Secretary of Energy and Nobel Laureate Steven Chu and the Chair of California Energy Commission David Hochschild delivered key-note speeches at the forum.

"We should absolutely work together with things like climate change and sustainability," Chu told Xinhua in an interview.

The full cost of renewable energy includes backup generation capacity, energy storage, and an enhanced transmission and distribution system, according to Chu.

He said he hopes APEC economies would build a community of shared future.

Chu also expressed the view that the United States and China should keep exchanges on climate change.

California plays a leading role in advancing first-of-kind policies and regulations for decarbonization and clean energy transition, and implementing innovative technologies and best available solutions into practice.

Hochschild, who travelled to China recently with California Governor Gavin Newsom, told Xinhua there is huge potential to enhance the Golden State's cooperation with China in addressing climate change.

"China deserves a lot of credit for being the largest market and manufacture for solar wind and batteries, and especially, offshore wind," Hochschild noted.
The mother of a Florida dentist convicted last week of killing his former brother-in-law has now been charged in the law professors murder. Donna Adelsonwho was allegedly fleeing to Vietnam with her husband on a one-way ticketwas arrested Monday night on murder, conspiracy, and solicitation charges at Miami International Airport. The 73-year-old is now the fifth person to face charges in the death of Florida State professor Dan Markel, who was in the midst of a bitter custody battle with his ex-wife, Wendi Adelson, when he was killed in his driveway in 2014. Prosecutors said Charlie Adelson, Donna Adelsons son, arranged a hit on Markel to get him out of the way in the custody battle. Police evidence allegedly showed that Donna was very invested in Wendis divorce and had told her daughter to coerce Markel into altering their custody arrangement.

Read it at Tallahassee Democrat

Read more at The Daily Beast.
PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. - A Florida man was arrested after he allegedly struck the host of a haunted house in the eye with a toy gun, deputies said.

Ingus Schusser, 20, was taken to the Pinellas County jail on charges of aggravated battery and possession of a bulletproof vest in the commission of a felony, an arrest affidavit stated.

On Halloween night, Schusser entered the haunted house attraction at the victim's home wearing a bulletproof vest armed with a plastic, airsoft gun, authorities said.

MORE FLORIDA NEWS:

He approached the victim  who was dressed in a costume, but was not acting like a scary character  grabbed the gun from his holster and stuck the victim in the eye with the gun's handle, the report stated.

Deputies said the incident caused a significant injury under his eye, which began to bleed.

Schusser told the victim he thought they were a statue and began to laugh and was unapologetic, the affidavit said. He tried to run out of the home, but was stopped by the victim and later arrested by deputies.
For the past six years, 20 minutes of daily recess has been a way of life for children in Floridas public elementary schools.

State lawmakers mandated the time for free play after hearing the need from parents across the state.

Now those same parents, who proudly call themselves recess moms, are sounding the alarm that their hard-fought gain could soon be gone. As part of a sweeping proposal to deregulate school districts, senators have included a tiny wording change in physical education laws that would end the requirement that schools provide 20 consecutive minutes of unstructured free play per day.

The bill, which goes before the Senate PreK-12 Education Committee on Wednesday, would remove the words unstructured and consecutive. Its raising the specter of the return of five-minute student brain breaks that parents fought against last time this issue surfaced.

Obviously its disappointing that, of all the things they choose to deregulate, the opportunity for kids to get free play is what they are choosing, said Stephanie Cox of St. Petersburg, who traveled to Tallahassee several times in 2016 and 2017 to fight for recess. Its one of the few moments of the day that students are given the choice of what they can do.

Cox and others are reenergizing the Recess for All social media groups they started years ago, urging parents to call their lawmakers before the proposal gets too far.

Many people dont realize what is happening until it passes, said Marucci Guzman, an Orlando activist and mom whose husband, former state Rep. Rene Plasencia, sponsored the House recess bill in 2017. Their voice does matter.

Guzman noted that many of the parents who pushed the initial recess bill no longer have children in elementary school. She said its important that the new generation of elementary school parents get involved for lawmakers to get the message not to mess with kids.

Only if we push back will they think, maybe its not a good idea, said Guzman, who has a 4-year-old who will enter kindergarten next year.

She and others argue that if adults deserve unregulated breaks while at work, children at school do too. Five-minute breaks to watch a video and dance around between lessons is not the same thing, they said.

Recess provides children the opportunity to play, to lead, to learn life lessons without adult interference.

Now someone is wanting to take that away, and Im not OK with that, Cox said. We will fight for kids right to have 20 minutes a day to be kids.

The issue for senators is one of deregulation. In 2016, John Legg, then the chairperson of the Senate Education Committee, killed a proposed recess mandate contending that school districts  not the Legislature  should make such decisions.

This years Senate initiative aims to put more control of education in the hands of local educators and officials. In addition to the recess proposal, it includes ideas such as ending the mandate that holds some third graders back from fourth grade based on test scores.

Senators included the deregulation approach in a bill expanding school vouchers last spring. They said public schools need to be freed of onerous rules so they can better innovate to meet families education wants and needs.

Giving school districts more leeway might make sense in an ideal world, said Raegan Miller of St. Petersburg, another of the original recess moms. But when it came to giving kids a daily break from academics, we were seeing huge disparities among schools, Miller recalled.

We would love to do it at a district level, but it just wasnt happening, she said, suggesting a law leads to consistency.

She observed that the state is not discussing reductions to other mandates, such as time required for weekly language arts instruction, regardless of student academic needs.

Everything else is heavily regulated, said Miller, who still has photos of herself testifying on the 2017 bill in her phone. They should be looking at those.

Guzman said she hoped some of the lawmakers who remain from 2017 will stand up for recess rather than going backward. That year, the concept passed the House and two Senate committees unanimously before being added to an appropriations bill that became law.

There are so many issues impacting our schools, she said. We shouldnt be taking it out on children who just need the ability to play.

  

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DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - A Daytona Beach love triangle reached a violent climax after a 20-year-old woman was arrested for allegedly firing shots into a woman's car with a gun belonging to her "sugar daddy" while a 1-year-old child was in the backseat, according to deputies.

Zehra Percy, who is believed to be the "mistress" of the victim's boyfriend, was arrested and charged with shooting into a vehicle, a felony, according to an arrest affidavit from the Volusia Sheriff's Office.

The incident happened in front of an apartment complex in Daytona Beach around 9 p.m. on Nov. 4.

The woman who was shot flagged down deputies and told them that while she was on her way to Wendy's with her child, she noticed a car parked in front of their building, according to the arrest affidavit. That car was spotted driving past her home a few times in the days leading up to the incident, and the woman wanted to know why.

The woman parked close to the car for about two minutes before she saw her boyfriend and daughter's father walk out of an unknown apartment with an unknown woman, the report said. That woman was later identified as Percy.

"She has a gun," someone shouted.

Photo: Volusia County Sheriffs Office

Witnesses said they saw the woman and Percy having a verbal argument.

Percy was then seen running to her car, opening the trunk, grabbing an object and then pointing it down the street toward the direction of the victim, according to surveillance footage obtained by deputies. She fired a couple of shots directed at the woman's car, where her 1-year-old child was sitting in the backseat, before fleeing the scene with an unnamed person, the affidavit said.

The woman said she had never seen Percy before.

The woman and her child were not injured in the incident, deputies said.

Two shell casings and a live bullet were found directly in front of the apartment building, according to the affidavit. The gun, however, was not found at the scene.

MORE FLORIDA WOMAN :

Percy was eventually identified in a line-up by a witness and deputies caught up with her at a traffic stop on Nov. 10. There were three people in the car. A deputy asked the rear passenger for her name and she was ID'ed as the suspect in this case. Percy was taken into custody and later transported to the Volusia County Branch Jail on $5,000 bond. She has since been released.

Deputies asked Percy for consent to search her car to find the gun, but she said she returned it to her "sugar daddy." The gun's location or owner were not made immediately clear in the affidavit.
Florida House Republican Ryler Sirois introduced a new bill on Monday, aiming to make it illegal to manufacture, sell, hold, or distribute lab-grown meat within the state.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

The proposed legislation (HB 435) defines lab-grown meat, also known as cultivated meat, as any meat or food product produced from cultured animal cells.

In contrast to plant-based meat alternatives such as Beyond Meat or Impossible Burger, lab-grown meat involves the cultivation of animal cells in steel tanks, utilizing cells from a living animal, a fertilized egg, and a bank of stored cells.

The bill states that it would become unlawful for any person to manufacture. sell, hold, or offer for sell, or distribute cultivated meat in this state.

Individuals found violating the proposed law would reportedly face a misdemeanor of the second degree, accompanied by a fine ranging from $500 to $1,000 under section 775.082 or section 775.083.

Additionally, the license of any restaurant, store, or business found in violation could be immediately suspended or issued an immediate stop-sale order.

The legislation mandates that any entity looking to sell lab-grown meat in the state must obtain future authorization from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, allowing the department to adopt rules governing the use of lab-grown meat in the state.

READ: Seismic: FDA says companys laboratory-grown meat safe to eat

This move follows the recent approval by federal regulators of lab-grown chicken sales in the United States, a breakthrough that marked the nations first approved lab-grown meat.

However, it is important to note that, as of now, no company in the U.S. is currently selling or distributing lab-grown meat products.

If signed into law, the proposed bill is set to take effect in July 2024, impacting the potential entry of lab-grown meat into the Florida market.

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The state attorney charged Cape Coral City Councilmember Patty Cummings with three third-degree felonies related to the 2022 election.

She is charged with fraudulent application for a driver's license and two counts of false swearing in connection with or arising out of voting or elections.

Cummings didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

Cape Coral officials and the State Attorney's Office would not comment on the charges; and it's unknown if Cummings will face any censure from council.

The State Attorney's Office, 20th Judicial Circuit, said it filed the charges Monday, and she turned herself in Tuesday. She left Lee County Jail about 5 p.m. Tuesday on $7,500 bond.

She will make her first appearance in court Dec. 18, jail records indicate.

The State Attorney's Office charged Cape Coral City Councilmember Patty Cummings with three third-degree felonies related to the 2022 election.

What three felonies is Patty Cummings charged with?

Cummings warrant read as follows:

On or about May 9, 2022, in Lee County, Florida, did unlawfully and knowingly make a false statement, knowingly conceal a material fact, or otherwise commit a fraud in an application for a driver license or identification card, contrary to Florida Statute 322.212(5)(a).

On or about June 14, 2022, in Lee County, Florida, did unlawfully and willfully swear or affirm falsely to an oath or affirmation in connection with or arising out of voting or elections, contrary to Florida Statute 104.011(1).

On or about November 18, 2022, in Lee County, Florida, did unlawfully and willfully swear or affirm falsely to an oath or affirmation in connection with or arising out of voting or elections, contrary to Florida Statute 104.011(1).

Felonies are the most serious offenses a person can be charged with in Florida, and third-degree felonies are the lowest in severity of the five categories, court records show.

A third-degree felony carries up to five years in prison and or up to $5,000 in fines.

Assistant State Attorney John Dommerich Jr., chief of special prosecutions, will prosecute the case and has been handling the investigation, along with State Attorneys Office investigators.

Cape Coral councilwoman turns self in at jail

Cummings turned herself in at a Lee County Jail on Tuesday afternoon, the State Attorney's Office said in a release.

Cummings' attorney, Jay P. Lechner, could not immediately be reached for comment Tuesday afternoon.

Previous Coverage Did the election of Patty Cummings violate the Cape Coral city charter?

Related Cape Coral councilmembers respond to residency report, ask for action from state attorney

Background on Cummings investigation:

Cummings beat incumbent Jennifer Nelson by almost a thousand votes in November 2022 to represent District 4.

In early 2023, an anonymous letter sent to Gov. Ron DeSantis claimed Cummings never legally resided in the home that she listed at the time of her qualification and that she was still not living in the district she represents.

The city hired investigator Vicki L. Sproat, an attorney with Boy Agnew Potanovic Miller of Fort Myers, on March 24 to see if Cummings was a District 4 resident at the time she filed paperwork to run as a candidate in May 2022 and at all times after that.

The final report found that Cummings was neither a full- nor part-time resident of the district when she ran, won her seat, and was sworn in as an official.

Cummings previously said she had been affected by Hurricane Ian and looking for a full-time residence since taking office. Her current address places her in her district, District 4.

The investigation also confirmed Julia Ettari wrote the letter. She is a Cape Coral resident and former volunteer on Cummings' campaign.

The city voted in late June to forward an investigation to the state attorney into Cummings that found issues with her residential qualifications to run for the district she represents, District 4.

Cummings' term expires in 2026.

Officials silent on the matter

Samantha Syoen, State Attorneys Office 20th Judicial Circuit communication director, said in an email statement that this is an active case and the office will not comment further.

The city also declined to comment.

"This is an ongoing legal process, and as such, there will be no further comment from City Management on this matter," a city press release sent out this afternoon said.

Luis Zambrano is a Watchdog/Cape Coral reporter for The News-Press and the Naples Daily News. You can reach Luis at Lzambrano@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @Lz2official.

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Cape Coral councilmember faces felony charges related to 2022 election
Last month, Florida Governor and 2024 Presidential candidate Ron DeSantis ordered the derecognition of Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) chapters at public universities in Florida.

The announcement followed the release of a "toolkit" from the National SJP, which characterized Hamas' October 7th attack against Israel as "resistance," and stated that Palestinian students are "PART of this movement, not in solidarity with this movement."

While the state claimed the shutdown was justified by a Florida law barring "material support" for terrorist organizations, First Amendment groups were quick to point out that cracking down on pro-Palestine campus activity is illegal, even when student organizations express support for the actions of terrorist organizations like Hamas.

"The government cannot force public colleges to derecognize Students for Justice in Palestine chapters," wrote the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), a First Amendment nonprofit in an October press release. "This directive is a dangerous  and unconstitutional  threat to free speech. If it goes unchallenged, no one's political beliefs will be safe from government suppression."

Now it seems that Florida is thinking twice before cracking down on campus pro-Palestine activism.

Last Thursday, Ray Rodrigues, the Chancellor of the State University System of Florida announced that the system is holding off plans to forcibly shut down SJP chapters at the University of Florida and the University of South Florida, where the student group is active.

However, it doesn't seem like Florida is pausing attempts to crack down on First Amendment-protected speech because of a change of heart. Instead, Rodrigues said last week that he would hold off attempts to kick SJP chapters off-campus out of the concerns "about potential personal liability for university actors who deactivate the student registered organization," seemingly a reference to university officials who might end up facing civil rights lawsuits from SJP chapters.

Further, Rodrigues announced that he would attempt to compel an "affirmation" from the targeted SJP chapters, confirming that "they reject violence. That they reject they are a part of the Hamas movement. And that they will follow the law."

"While universities can ask all student groups to commit to following the law, they cannot force them to expressly renounce a particular ideology or otherwise express views they don't actually hold," wrote FIRE in a Friday press release. "Students shouldn't be compelled to disavow certain disfavored views in exchange for funding and recognition. Compelling speech violates the First Amendment."

These two Florida SJP chapters aren't the only pro-Palestine activist groups that have recently faced suppression. Last week, Columbia University suspended its SJP chapter, along with Jewish Voice for Peace, another pro-Palestine student group. A statement from the university cited the groups' repeated violations of "university policies related to holding campus events, culminating in an unauthorized event Thursday afternoon that proceeded despite warnings and included threatening rhetoric and intimidation."

The post Florida Walks Back Order to Shut Down College Pro-Palestinian Groups appeared first on Reason.com.
During COVID, more people were dealing with food insecurity and volunteers say the demand has not decreased.

On Tuesday Stop & Shop and New England Baptist Hospital are teaming up to donate 500 turkeys to Mission Hill residents, and it doesnt stop there.

The need is so great. We have to unload tonight. We got 12,000 pounds, said Irene Cardillo, Director, of Everett Grace Food Pantry.

There are also big donations from grocery store chains that bring items like breads and cakes. Each week about 35,000 pounds of food comes through the parish on Church Street.

Weve been giving them (turkeys) out all month and preferably well get some more this week, said Cardillo. A lot of people that we service would rather have two big whole chickens than a turkey.

The need is year-round. When asked how busy the weekends are at the food pantry, Pastor Jetro Caldeira with First Baptist Church said, Oh, my God.

On Sundays, more than 1,500 people line up for food. Theres a lot of freezers in here so with the freezers we have a lot of milk, juice, peanut butter, said Cardillo.

If the pantry is open the whole weekend, around 2,000 people stand in line.

The demand went up during COVID and the volunteers have not seen a decrease. Theres poverty. There are rent increases. Food has gone up, sickness, health care, said Cardillo.

At the Everett Grace Food Pantry, those in need are filled up. The people need food need clothes, shoes, need love, need hug thats very important, said Pastor Caldeira.

The pantry also has a clothing closet, and toys during Christmas. Cardillo said one dollar can cover two meals and encourages people to donate to the Greater Boston Food Bank.

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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Retired Arizona Corrections Director Charles Ryan pauses in the courtroom after pleading no contest to a disorderly conduct charge in a plea agreement at Maricopa County Superior Court Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023, in Phoenix. Ryan faced felony charges stemming from a 2022 encounter in which police say he fired a gun inside his Tempe home and pointed a firearm at two responding officers during a three-hour standoff. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, Pool)

PHOENIX (AP)  Former Arizona Corrections Director Charles Ryan pleaded no contest Tuesday to disorderly conduct stemming from an encounter in which police say he fired a gun inside his Tempe home in early 2022 and pointed a firearm at two officers during a three-hour standoff.

The plea agreement for Ryan, who retired as corrections director in September 2019, calls for a sentence of probation and an $8,500 payment to cover the Tempe Police Department's costs in conducting the investigation. The offense carries a maximum sentence of up to two years in prison. Sentencing is set for Jan. 11.

Police were called to the house on Jan. 6, 2022, on a report that Ryan had shot himself in the hand. It was later revealed by police that the hand injury was caused by a less-than-lethal projectile shot by police after Ryan pointed a handgun at officers. They say the projectile was found during surgery.

Ryan also was injured when he fired his gun before police arrived. He apparently suffered a cut to the forehead after a bullet hit a bathroom sink and sent a splinter of porcelain flying.

Police reports say Ryan had consumed a half bottle of tequila by the time officers arrived at his property. Police say Ryan slurred his words and was antagonistic toward a police negotiator, did not know why officers were at his home, or know what happened to his injured hand.

Ryan also told police he didnt remember pointing a gun at officers and acknowledged drinking tequila that evening, though he said he had just two shots.

Outside of court, Ryan declined to comment on his plea.

Craig Penrod, attorney for Ryan, told the judge during the hearing that the no-contest plea was in the publics best interest. He has no specific recollection of the events, Penrod said.

According to police reports, Ryans wife called police because of the cut to his forehead. Police said Ryan told hospital staff that the cut was the result of an earlier fall, though the injury looked fresh.

Ryan was never booked into jail after eventually surrendering to police and being taken to the hospital. Officers seized about 15 guns from his home.

Ryans tenure as corrections director was controversial.

A federal magistrate judge found him in contempt of court for not following through on promises in a legal settlement to improve health care for prisoners. He was previously criticized after the 2009 heat-related death of a prisoner who was left for nearly four hours in an unshaded outdoor holding cell during triple-digit heat.

About five years later, prison officials were accused of botching the execution of Joseph Wood, who was given 15 doses of a two-drug combination over nearly two hours.

Ryan also came under criticism in 2014 by a prison teacher who was raped after being left alone with a prisoner who was a sex offender. The teacher said Ryan allowed lax training, staffing shortages and poor security at the prison.

Later in Ryan's tenure, the corrections department was rocked by revelations that prisoners at the Lewis prison complex west of Phoenix were able to open their locked cell doors and attack corrections officers and other prisoners.
FILE - Rioters loyal to President Donald Trump stand on vehicles and the steps of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. Jason Donner, a former Fox News producer says in a lawsuit filed Monday, Nov. 13, 2023, he was targeted and fired for pushing back against false claims about the riot at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. Donner said he was part of a purge of employees who refused to report information that would please Trump and his supporters. Donner was inside the Capitol during the riot and pressed his complaints about the networks coverage for months(AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

WASHINGTON (AP)  A former Fox News reporter says in a lawsuit he was targeted and fired for pushing back against false claims about the riot at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

In the suit moved to federal court Monday, producer Jason Donner said he was part of a purge of employees who refused to only report information that would appease former President Donald Trump and his supporters.

Donner was inside the Capitol when the mob of Trump supporters breached the building. When he heard Fox News reporting that rioters were peaceful and severely disappointed," he called the control room, using expletives as he said, youre gonna get us all killed," the suit states.

A spokeswoman for Fox News did not immediately return an email message seeking comment on the lawsuit.

Donner also debunked Tucker Carlsons Patriot Purge," a program on the Fox Nation streaming service that argued Jan. 6 was used as a pretext for persecution of conservative Americans.

Fox managers, though, were focused on wooing viewers who supported Trump, and as Donner pressed his complaints he was was eventually targeted by a manager who accused him of being irresponsible for calling in sick once while he was recovering from a COVID-19 vaccine, the lawsuit claimed. He was fired in 2022.

A longtime Republican who affiliated with Democrats more recently, Donner said he was illegally discriminated and retaliated against because of his political views. He is seeking unspecific damages.

The lawsuit was first filed in Washingtons Superior Court Sept. 27 and subsequently moved to federal court.

Fox also faced a lawsuit from Dominion Voting Systems and paid nearly $800 million this year to settle the case alleging that Fox knowingly promoted false conspiracy theories about the security of its voting machines. It is also facing a suit from a second voting-machine company.

The network also paid $12 million to settle with Abby Grossberg, another former producer who claimed that she faced a discriminatory workplace and that the network coerced her into giving false or misleading testimony in the Dominion suit.

A former Trump supporter who became the center of a conspiracy theory about Jan. 6 has also sued the network, claiming the network made him a scapegoat for the riot.
 Flash

A man inspects the rubble of buildings destroyed in Israeli airstrikes in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis on Nov. 12, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

A Chinese envoy on Monday called for greater efforts to support the establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East.



"Given the current context, the international community should make greater efforts to support the establishment of a Middle East zone free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), which is of great urgency and relevance in facilitating reconciliation and cooperation among regional countries in the Middle East and advancing the Middle East peace process," said Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations.

Speaking at the fourth session of the Conference on the Establishment of a Middle East Zone Free of Nuclear Weapons and other Weapons of Mass Destruction, Geng said that nuclear weapons and other WMDs have been "a major factor causing a trust deficit in the Middle East, undermining regional peace and stability."

"China supports the establishment of a Middle East zone free of nuclear weapons and other WMDs and believes that this move will help curb the proliferation of WMDs, safeguard the authority and effectiveness of the international non-proliferation regime, and reduce the risk of an arms race and conflict, thereby providing an important mechanism for the maintenance of long-term regional peace and security," he said.

Geng underscored that China is concerned about flagrant violations of the basic norms governing international relations.

"It pains to see massive civilian casualties on both sides and it is heart-wrenching to witness the worsening humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. Violence cannot bring true security. The use of force will not create lasting peace," he added.

The ambassador stressed that peace and security in the Middle East "bear on not only the interests of regional states, but also global stability."

"In response to the current global and regional security dilemma, China maintains that the international community should adhere to the concept of common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security, insist on building a balanced, effective, and sustainable international security architecture, and adhere to a new path to security that features dialogue over confrontation, partnership over alliances, and win-win over zero-sum," he said.

Geng noted that it is China's wisdom and approach to eliminating the root causes of international conflicts and achieving durable stability and security in the region.

"The Middle East question, with its intertwined historical and practical contradictions, cannot be resolved overnight. It requires all parties to uphold the concept of common security, adhere to the principle of indivisibility of security, and gradually shape a favorable political and diplomatic atmosphere," he said.

"Countries in the region should strengthen their solidarity and coordination and forge mutual trust and consensus. Certain countries outside the region should abandon their narrow geopolitical interests and political manipulation, stop deliberately provoking confrontation in the region, and make practical contributions to the maintenance of regional security," Geng pointed out.

He further said that maintaining the authority and effectiveness of the international nuclear non-proliferation regime is crucial to the establishment of a nuclear weapon free zone in the Middle East.

"Recently, what the Israeli officials said about the use of nuclear weapons in the Gaza Strip has caused an uproar. China was shocked by statements of this kind and expressed its concern," he said.

"This kind of statements is universally condemned. It is extremely irresponsible and disturbing. Such statements run counter to the international consensus that a nuclear war cannot be won and must not be fought, are contrary to the international spirit of establishing a Middle East zone free of nuclear weapons, and go against the overwhelming international call to deescalate, cease hostilities, and protect civilians," he continued.

Geng urged Israeli officials "to retract these statements," and urged Israel to accede to the treaty on the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons as a non-nuclear weapon state "as soon as possible" and to place all its nuclear facilities under the safeguards of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Geng noted that China firmly commits to a nuclear strategy of self-defense, adding that "China will continue to practically contribute to the maintenance of peace, security, and stability in the Middle East region, and is ready to join others to forge consensus at this conference and to inject new impetus to the establishment of a Middle East zone free of nuclear weapons."
Fox News is facing another lawsuit related to its reporting during the aftermath of the 2020 election.

Jason Donner, a former reporter and producer in the network's Washington bureau, has filed a wrongful termination suit, claiming he was fired in retaliation for calling out misinformation presented in Fox News on former President Trump's erroneous charges of election fraud and the riot at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

"Fox News wanted to purge the news division of any staff that would not get in line with the directive to only report information that appease the Trump supporters and former President Trump," according to the suit filed last month in Superior Court in the District of Columbia. The suit has been transferred to U.S. District Court.

Donner, who worked at the conservative news network for 12 years, was fired on Sept. 28, 2022, two days after calling in sick. He was told that he had been terminated for "being late for work and not showing up for work," the suit said.

Donner, now employed as an aide for a Republican member of Congress, contends that he had fallen out of favor at the network after several instances where he challenged the veracity of the network's reporting.

Fox News did not respond to a request for comment on the suit.

Donner was inside the Capitol on Jan. 6 when Trump supporters stormed the building. When he heard that Fox News was describing the protest as "peaceful" and the rioters as "severely disappointed," he called the control room to complain as he and other reporters had to hide during the violent attack, according to the lawsuit.

Read more: Tucker Carlson departs Fox News, pushed out by Rupert Murdoch

Donner said he had been reprimanded by a supervisor in November 2020 for a tweet about Rudolf Giuliani's news conference in Philadelphia, where the lawyer spread Trump's false allegations of voter fraud. Donner pointed out that Giuliani's comments at the event contradicted what he said in court where the Trump campaign had made legal challenges.

The suit noted how other journalists at Fox News were criticized by their bosses for not considering the feelings of the Trump supporters in the network's audience who were angry about the result of the election that elected President Biden.

Those comments are supported by the depositions and evidence collected for the Dominion Voting Systems defamation suit against Fox News, which was settled in April for $787.5 million.

In October 2021, Donner complained to the network's Washington bureau chief, Bryan Boughton, about Tucker Carlson's false statements regarding Jan. 6. Carlson promoted the unproved theory that the FBI instigated the riots in a documentary that was shown on the Fox Nation streaming service. Carlson showed clips from the program on his Fox News show.

Donner told Boughton it was demoralizing that Fox News would allow Carlson to "gaslight the country" with false information.

The suit said Boughton acknowledged that Fox News insiders were upset about the documentary but that there was "nothing they could do because Tucker had gotten bigger than the network and was out of control. The executives could not stop him."

Read more: Rupert Murdoch, the powerful and polarizing media mogul, steps down as chairman of Fox

Carlson was pulled off the air on April 24, a week after Fox News reached its settlement with Dominion.

The Dominion lawsuit alleged that Fox News damaged the companys reputation when the network repeatedly spread falsehoods about voter fraud in the 2020 election. Smartmatic, a voting machine company, has a similar suit against the network, asking for $2.7 billion in damages.

Former Fox News producer Abby Grossberg claimed that network lawyers coerced her into making false or misleading statements during the networks legal battle with Dominion. She received a $12-million settlement from the company.

Fox News is also facing a defamation lawsuit from Ray Epps, a protester at the Jan. 6 riots who said the network falsely identified him as an FBI informant.

Sign up for our Wide Shot newsletter to get the latest entertainment business news, analysis and insights.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
In his first public appearance since trying to take his own life on the side of a highway south of Tampa four months ago, former Miami-Dade Police Director Alfredo Freddy Ramirez said he doesnt have much recollection of the day and blamed the debacle on a mental health episode.

Ramirez appeared in a pair of five-minute segments Monday night with WTVJ Channel 6 anchor Jackie Nespral. In the interview, he said the breakdown stemmed from an accumulation of stress that ranged from police officers under his watch being injured and killed to leading them through the Surfside condo collapse and the pandemic. The upcoming sheriffs race played a factor, too.

In terms of stress, I used to tell myself Ill pay for it later. Well, the bill came sooner than expected, Ramirez said, seated opposite Nespral, dressed neatly in a dark blue suit and wearing thick-rimmed glasses that partially obscured his injured eye. Unfortunately when you take the uniform off, you still bring the stuff from the street home.

READ MORE: In a traumatic evening, historic race for Miami-Dade sheriff gets thrown into turmoil

After four months of intensive therapy, the former director said he still believes he has something to offer the community and that he has no intention of ever putting his family in harms way again.

Maybe it happened for a reason. The key is Im still here and I still have a lot to give to my family and the community, he said.

Ramirez, the heavy favorite to win next Novembers sheriffs race, dropped out after the July incident. After his return to Miami just a few weeks ago, Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava named interim director Stephanie Daniels to the top county police post full-time and said Ramirez will focus on transitioning the county as it navigates a new elected sheriffs office.

The former police directors life took a dramatic turn on July 23 after a heated argument with his wife during a sheriffs convention at the downtown Tampa JW Marriott Hotel. Ramirez never specified what they were arguing about.

On the first night of what was supposed to be a weekend-long event, the couple moved the discussion out to the street. Then someone called 911, claiming to have seen Ramirez pull out his gun. It was unclear if he aimed it at himself.

Tampa police who showed up at the hotel after the 911 call decided to let the couple go after interviewing them separately just outside their hotel room and being told by Jody Ramirez that she didnt feel threatened by her husband. When a handcuffed Ramirez promised not to harm himself or anyone else, police returned his weapon and released the couple.

Still, management later kicked the couple out of the hotel and they headed back to their West Kendall home. During the ride, Freddy Ramirez called Levine Cava and his campaign manager, warning them about the scene at the hotel, certain it would become a public spectacle. He offered his resignation. Levine Cava said theyd talk on Monday after he got home.

A few minutes later and further south down I-75 near mile marker 244, Ramirez pulled his SUV to the side of the road, pulled out his gun and shot himself through the right temple, the bullet exiting through his right eye, which he lost. Jody Ramirez, frantic, called 911. When police arrived, they found Freddy Ramirez wandering aimlessly. He was transported to the hospital and spent the next three months in therapy and recuperating in Tampa.

READ MORE: Miami-Dade police director denies pulling out gun in Tampa, says wife saved his life

Though its unclear exactly when Freddy Ramirez returned to Miami, the mayor publicly announced the changes at the police department in the middle of last week.

During the NBC interview Monday, Freddy Ramirez said he plans to return to work in January. Asked if the public and his family could still trust him to handle a weapon, the former director didnt hesitate.

Absolutely, he said. Look at my track record. Like I told the mayor, I fell down.
A former Norwell pediatrician facing a slew of charges for allegedly sexually assaulting two girls during their annual checkups no longer has an active medical license, according to the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine.

According to the Board, Dr. Richard A. Kauff voluntarily agreed to turn his license and not practice medicine for the foreseeable future.

Kauff is accused of sexually assaulting two of his patients over a wide span of years.

Kauff has been charged with 13 counts of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14 years old and four counts of rape of a child under 16 years old with force, according to court documents filed in Hingham District Court.

The allegations came to light when one of the two women posted to a Facebook group called South Shore Mamas, asking if it was normal for a doctor to inappropriately touch a females genitalia during physicals.

Another woman, who did not know the original poster, replied saying she had similar experiences, according to the police report. When the two women exchanged private messages, they realized they were both former patients of Kauff.

Both women told police the alleged acts occurred when Kauff would tell them to lie down on a medical table.

The woman who replied to the post then went to Norwell police, telling detectives that Kauff had inappropriately touched her private parts during her annual exams a total of 13 times from the time she was seven until she was 18 or 19 years old. According to court documents, the woman told detectives that her parents were sometimes in the room during the exams but Kauff would position his body so that their view was obscured.

Four days later, the woman who authored the original post also went to Norwell police, informing them that Kauff would allegedly abuse her during her annual checkups. According to the police report, she also told investigators that Kauff would position his body in a manner to obscure her parents view.

Both women told investigators they believed the alleged acts to be a routine part of the medical exam. The woman who first posted on Facebook told officers that she was only made aware when she disclosed to her therapist how uncomfortable Kauff made her during her visits. According to the police report, when the woman shared details, the therapist informed her she needed to contact the police.

According to the police report, Norwell detectives contacted a pediatric sexual assault nurse practitioner, who informed them an internal pelvic exam was not a normal or routine exam, nor should it be done at a routine pediatric exam. The nurse encouraged the detectives to contact the Board of Registration in Medicine to file a complaint and noted the alleged victims could follow suit.

Kauff retired from South Shore Medical Center in 2022, according to an archived blog post on South Shore Healths website.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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Washington  A former campaign fundraiser for New York Republican Rep. George Santos pleaded guilty on Tuesday to one count of wire fraud, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York.

Samuel Miele  who served as a fundraiser for the Republican's campaign during the 2020 and 2022 election cycles, according to court documents  also stipulated to committing access device fraud that totaled about $100,000 in losses when he appeared in federal court.

File: Rep. George Santos (R-NY) walks back to his office after debate on the House floor on a resolution to expel him from Congress, at the U.S. Capitol November 1, 2023 in Washington, DC. / Credit: Drew Angerer / Getty Images

Miele was charged earlier this year after allegations surfaced that he had impersonated a high-ranking congressional aide while soliciting contributions for Santos' campaign. The original indictment charged him with four counts of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft in an alleged fraud scheme.

The person Miele allegedly impersonated during the 2022 election cycle  labeled "Person #1" in the indictment  is believed to be the chief of staff to former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, according to previous reports from CNBC, The New York Times and others.

However, in taking a plea deal on Tuesday, Miele admitted only that he had committed wire fraud, not identity theft. He previously pleaded not guilty to both.

Charging documents filed in August alleged Miele fraudulently solicited campaign funds under false pretenses for Santos' campaign.

Miele is the second former associate of Santos' campaign to enter a guilty plea with prosecutors. Last month, his former campaign treasurer pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud, admitting she had fraudulently reported hundreds of thousands in fake loans that Santos claimed to have made to his campaign.

Santos was indicted by a federal grand jury in May on seven counts of wire fraud, three counts of money laundering, two counts of making materially false statements to the House of Representatives and one count of theft of public funds.

He pleaded not guilty to all counts and has consistently denied any wrongdoing.

Miele's attorneys had no comment and Santos' office said it could not comment on the matter.

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A former Western North Carolina man, whos been indicted on multiple counts of state and federal child sex charges in Tennessee, escaped a prison transport van Oct. 18 and is still on the run from law enforcement.

Sean Christopher Williams, 51, was scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court in Greeneville, Tennessee, for a hearing and was placed in a transport vehicle by a detention officer in Laurel County, Kentucky, as reported by the Knoxville News Sentinel.

When the transport van arrived at the Greeneville courthouse around 8:30 a.m. Oct. 18, the detention deputy discovered the back window of the van had been kicked out, court records say.

Sean Williams TBI photo

"During travel, it appears that the inmate was able to utilize a component of the van's headrest to free himself from his hand restraints (and) then to pry the protective screening and force the side window out of the rear of the transport vehicle," Laurel County Jailer Jamie Mosley posted on Facebook. "He then exited the vehicle through the window area. He was spotted moments later covered with blood in the Davis Street area of Greenville."

Numerous investigators from several agencies are helping in the investigation to find Williams, who was last seen on the morning of his escape, spokesperson Brady McCarron with the U.S. Marshals Service told the Citizen Times Nov. 14.

McCarron said the FBI, U.S. Marshals Service and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation are the primary agencies working the case, with other agencies helping as needed.

"I cannot confirm the exact number (of officers), but there are several from each agency that are part of the core investigative group," McCarron said. "The number varies from day to day depending on the number of leads that the team is tracking down."

A TBI wanted poster describes Williams as a white male, with brown hair and hazel eyes, 5 feet 11 inches tall, weighing 170 pounds.

Nestled in Cullowhee Valley, Western Carolina University is the anchor of this thriving "micropolitan" area

Williams was previously found sleeping in a car on Western Carolina Universitys campus in Cullowhee, about an hour west of Asheville. He was arrested April 29 by a part-time WCU police officer, who found Williams asleep in his vehicle and in possession of cocaine and methamphetamine, as reported by the Knoxville News Sentinel.

Property records also indicate that Williams  who is currently on the Tennessee Bureau of Investigations Most Wanted list  has ties to North Carolina with previous residences in Cullowhee and Burlington.

The list says Williams is wanted for two counts of rape of a child, sixteen counts of esp. aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor and three counts of aggravated sexual battery (under 13).

More: Man charged with fatal W. Asheville shooting extradited from Indiana; arrest detailed

Williams was federally indicted on Sept. 12 for producing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorneys Office of the Eastern District of Tennessee. Prior to his escape, a trial was set for Jan. 23, 2024, according to the release.

Hes also been at the center of two lawsuits that allege the Johnson City police knowingly failed to investigate multiple complaints from alleged sexual assault victims. Williams is accused of drugging and sexually assaulting more than 50 women, according to reporting from The Tennessean.

The U.S. Marshals Service is offering up to $5,000 and TBI is offering up to $2,500 for information leading to Williams' arrest. Tipsters can contact the U.S. Marshals at USMS84.TIPS@usdoj.gov, 423-638-3391, or 865-824-3801; or TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND or email TipsToTBI@tbi.tn.gov.

More: Asheville man found guilty in 'unusual' rape trial, sentenced to prison

Ryley Ober is the Public Safety Reporter for Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Email her at rober@gannett.com and follow her on Twitter @ryleyober

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Former WNC man charged with child rape escaped TN police custody
As Israel continues to bombard Gaza, fossil fuel companies are committed to continuing business as usual. Production at Israels Tamar gas field resumed on Monday after Chevronwhich operates the field as a part-ownerreceived the go-ahead from the countrys Ministry of Energy; it had ordered production shut down in the aftermath of Hamass October 7 incursion into southern Israel. The Tamar site sits about 12 miles off the coast of northern Gaza, where Israels Ministry of Energy has created a dire fuel shortage that has made aid work there virtually impossible amid a worsening humanitarian crisis. The U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees has reportedly run out of fuel to ferry supplies from the Rafah border crossing into the rest of Gaza.

Asked on an earnings call with analysts last month about whether the war in Israel-Palestine would alter Chevrons ambitious plans for the eastern Mediterranean, CEO Mike Wirth was clear. It doesnt change our view on the development opportunities really at all, he said. This is a long-term play. Its a very, very large gas resource. The biggest prize there is the much-larger Leviathan gas field, further north, where operations have continued without interruption. Having generated a whopping $2.5 billion in revenue last year, Leviathan is also expected to produce an estimated 1.1 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide over the course of its life cycle. That makes it one of just 425 projects worldwide designated as carbon bombs that significantly threaten the Paris Agreement climate targets.

BP, while ever eager to boast about its alleged climate credentials, also wants in on the action at Leviathan. Last March, the company made a $2 billion joint bid with ADNOCAbu Dhabis state-owned oil company, run by this years U.N. climate change conference president Sultan Ahmed Al Jaberto buy up a 50 percent stake in the Israeli firm NewMed, which owns a 45 percent stake in Leviathan. BP confirmed over the last month that it remains committed to that deal, according to Bloomberg.

Having only begun operations in Israel in 2020, Chevron is working to expand operations at both Tamar and Leviathan as part of a plan to turn the eastern Mediterranean into one of the worlds biggest energy hubs. Its easy to see why the region is so attractive. It offers easy access to neighboring Egypt and Jordan but also to European countries now eager to ditch Russian gas. Israel is a key U.S. ally thats far too small ever to use all the reserves its staked a claim to. The country has been an enthusiastic partner to international companies in transforming itself from a gas importer to a gas exporter; production in Israel hit record highs last year, led by the Leviathan, Tamar, and Karish fields. We are a land flowing with milk, honey, and gas, said Energy Minister Israel Katz, a hard-line member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus Likud Party. Everyone in the region and the world wants to be connected with Israel because of natural gas.

Israel accordingly keeps fossil fuel infrastructure in the Mediterranean heavily guarded. We say that whenever a new offshore installation is approved in Israel the commander of the Israeli navy throws a party because that means he gets a couple of new warships to play with, Sagi Ganot, the Ministrys head of upstream regulation and trade, joked on a webinar late last year.

The United States, for its part, approaches fossil fuels in the eastern Mediterranean as both a business opportunity for American companies and a means to further its own diplomatic aims in the region, premised on the idea that economic interdependence (in this case on gas) breeds stability. A U.S.-brokered agreement between Lebanon and Israel last year made it possible for international companies to start exploring for reserves in Lebanese waters, ostensibly resolving a tense dispute over which nation could claim which offshore reserves. More recently, the U.S. weighed in on behalf of Chevron in a dispute with Cypriot officials over the companys development plans for the Aphrodite gas field.

As Israel continued to kill thousands in Gaza, the Energy Ministry announced in late October that it had granted licenses to six companies to explore for gas in the Mediterranean. Winners included BP, the Italian firm Eni, and SOCAR, Azerbaijans state-owned oil company. Even now, major natural gas exploration companies put their trust in Israels robustness and want to invest here, Katz wrote in the announcement.

As might be expected, Palestinians have been broadly excluded from Israels newfound Mediterranean wealth. Israel has for nearly 30 years blocked development of gas fields located plainly within the marine borders of Gaza, where access to fuel, electricity, and water has been tightly controlled by Israel since its blockade began in 2007. As recently as September, the Israeli government had seemingly agreed to allow Egypt to partner with the Palestinian Authority to develop a gas field known as Gaza Marine, containing around one trillion cubic feet of gas. The current status of that deal remains unclear; a spokesperson for the Israeli Energy Ministry declined to comment. Government officials, meanwhile, including Netanyahu, have grown increasingly brazen in their calls to eventually control all of Gaza.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  For the fourth day Tuesday, a Travis County jury continued to deliberate in the trial of Austin Police Officer Christopher Taylor. He is being tried for murder in the 2020 shooting death of Michael Ramos.

Tuesday afternoon, Judge Dayna Blazey said the jury was confused about whether they had to be unanimous about specific elements of the charge Taylor is facing to move forward to the next. While the jury has to come to an ultimate decision unanimously, they do not need to agree on every element of the charge before discussing others.

The jurors also asked the court to refresh their memories on some testimony presented in the trial, but Blazey didnt indicate which testimony the jury had asked for. That testimony was not provided to the jurors until late in the work day Tuesday.

Monday, Blazey issued what is referred to as an Allen charge, asking the jurors who were holding out to consider the majoritys side. Blazey said jurors announced earlier in the day that they could not come to a unanimous decision.

Should the jurors not be able to come to a unanimous decision, Blazey would be forced to declare a mistrial, it would be the second time in this case. In May 2023, a judge granted a mistrial because of issues with the jury process.

Jury hears closing arguments Tuesday in APD officers murder trial

During the trial, state prosecutors worked to show that Ramos was driving away from officers  and that nobody was in danger of being hit by his vehicle  when Taylor shot and killed him.

Meanwhile, the overall message from Taylors attorneys: The only thing the jury needs to consider is whether Taylors perception of the threat was reasonable.

KXANs Grace Reader is covering the trial and providing updates on social media platform X:

Back at the courthouse for the fourth day of deliberations in the #ChristopherTaylor trial. Judge Dayna Blazey issued an Allen charge yesterday after the jury said they couldn't come to a unanimous decision. Today's thread 



And here's where we left off yesterday: pic.twitter.com/oSVBRXc8Xf  Grace Reader (@GraceReaderTV) November 14, 2023

Read previous coverage:

The trial

On the first day of this trial, Taylors attorneys reserved their opening statement and the jury only heard from prosecutors  who used maps, photos and screenshots of body-worn camera footage to walk jurors through the events leading up to Ramos death.

In the following days, the state would call multiple witnesses, including people on the scene during the shooting, Ramos girlfriend, police officers, a use-of-force expert, the CEO of a digital reconstruction company and the Travis County Medical Examiner.

Crime scene photo shown during day 2 of APD Officer Christopher Taylors trial (KXAN photo)

After the state rested, the defense gave its opening statement, where attorney Doug OConnell walked the jury through what evidence it would present. That included additional officers at the scene who were not called by the state, new dash camera video and additional expert witnesses who testified to APD training and what Taylor may have perceived.

PREVIOUS: APD officers testify in fellow officers murder trial

On Monday, Nov. 6, the defense rested. The next day, jurors were taken to the scene of the shooting and allowed to walk around. Closing arguments happened later that afternoon, and the jury began deliberations Wednesday morning.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
Actress Fran Drescher, the president of Hollywood-based union SAG-AFTRA, shrugged off speculation that shell run for political office amid her union reaching a deal with Hollywood studios.

Drescher, best known for her portrayal as Fran Fine on 1990s hit sitcom The Nanny, shut down the rumors during an appearance on SiriusXM program The Julie Mason Show Monday.

The suggestion of a possible Nanny political office run came after legendary actress Meryl Streep said that the union president should launch a campaign for the White House.

I actually feel like if  I dont think that I would entertain the idea because I think even though theres a certain exhilaration in accomplishment, its not really what I would call joyful, and its very, very challenging to find balance and make time for yourself and your loved one, Drescher told Mason.

Drescher, who also starred in classic 1970s film Saturday Night Fever, said that she doesnt want to exist in a forum where youre constantly being in the middle of controversy and conflict.

I feel like I have a voice, and I have a you know  a high profile to my  name and my face, and maybe there are ways that I can leverage that on a bigger stage, Drescher said.

But theres something also very restricting about being specifically in politics, Drescher added. And youre always trying to raise money, and youre always trying to, you know, work the system, and please I dont know its just, its very, very  I think, difficult because you cant just stick to the things that youre passionate about.

Dreschers remarks comes days after she played a pivotal role in helping her union reach a tentative agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, ending their four-month strike.

The new agreement includes a pay raise for members and key protections against artificial intelligence.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The Freedom of Russia Legion has released a video showcasing the devastated state of Orikhiv, a frontline city in Zaporizhzhya Oblast.

The city, once thriving with peaceful families, now stands in ruins with 80% of its infrastructure destroyed by Russian shelling.

Read also:

The legion, which has been deployed in Orikhiv, documented the aftermath of Russian aggression against Ukraine, which will stain the Russian people for many more decades.

80% of the city is destroyed by the Russian world. In each of these black windows, peaceful families lived just two years ago, the Legion said in a post on the Telegram messenger app.

The footage shows damaged residential high-rises in the Zavodsky district, with traces of fires and shelling evident throughout.

Read also:

Ukrainian forces started to advance south of Orikhiv in Zaporizhzhya Oblast at the beginning of the Ukrainian counter-offensive in the summer. Over a period of several weeks, Ukraine made a small advance to the village of Robotyne to the south of Orikhiv, but the advance no appears to have stalled.

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
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis' office is seeking an emergency protective order after parts of videos from key witnesses in her election interference case against former President Donald Trump and others were leaked to two news outlets.

"The release of these confidential video recordings is clearly intended to intimidate witnesses in this case, subjecting them to harassment and threats prior to trial," the DA's office said in a court filing Tuesday after parts of the videotaped statements of lawyers Jenna Ellis, Sidney Powell and Kenneth Chesebro and bail bondsman Scott Hall were made public.

The four were among the original 19 defendants charged in the racketeering case in August and have all pleaded guilty to related charges. The footage, known as proffer videos, was made pursuant to the defendants plea agreements, which required that they provide true and accurate information to prosecutors.

Judge Scott McAfee scheduled a hearing on the emergency motion for Wednesday.

Speaking Tuesday at the Washington Post Global Womens Summit, Willis called the leaks disappointing but not surprising. I am not happy that it was released," she said, adding that it was "absolutely not my office" that leaked the videos.

The Ellis and Powell statements were first reported by ABC News, while the Chesebro and Hall statements were first reported by The Washington Post. The recordings, which have not been independently obtained by NBC News, shed new light on the scope of what they told prosecutors.

Chesebro told them about a previously unreported White House meeting where he said he briefed then-President Trump on election challenges in Arizona and they discussed the "alternate electors" scheme.

Powell testified that Trump was repeatedly told by others that he'd lost the election, which is the main reason he repeatedly conferred with her, because she thought he had won.

Did I know anything about election law? No, Powell told prosecutors, according to ABC News. But I understand fraud from having been a prosecutor for 10 years, and knew generally what the fraud suit should be if the evidence showed what I thought it showed.

Ellis recounted Trump senior adviser Dan Scavino telling her in December that Trump didnt care about the election results, with Scavino adding, Were not going to leave the White House.

Trump's lawyer Steve Sadow brushed off the recordings in a statement to NBC News. Any purported private conversation is absolutely meaningless. The only salient and telling fact is that President Trump left the White House on January 20, 2021 and returned to Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida. If this is the nonsense line of inquiry being pursued and this is the type of bogus, ridiculous 'evidence' DA Willis intends to rely upon, it is one more reason that this political, travesty of a case must be dismissed, Sadow said.

Hall, who was the first to plead guilty in the case, disclosed information about his involvement in an alleged scheme to pressure election worker Ruby Freeman to make false statements.

In its filing Tuesday, the DA's office said an attorney for Harrison Floyd, another person charged in the Freeman scheme, initially copped to being the person responsible for the leak. After another defense attorney had asked prosecutors whether they were responsible for the leak in a group email, Floyd's attorney responded, It was Harrison Floyds team. The lawyer then sent a follow-up saying that was a "typo."

Floyd's attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Chesebro attorney Scott Grubman said he did not know the source of the videos. Lawyers for Ellis and Powell declined to comment, while Halls attorney did not immediately respond.

The DA's office noted that it asked for a protective order in September barring public disclosure of the information it was turning over to the defendant. The judge has yet to sign off on it, but the DA's office suggested the leaker could still face legal ramifications for violating that order.

The leak "constitutes indirect communication about the facts of this case with codefendants and witnesses, and obstructs the administration of justice, in violation of the conditions of release imposed on each defendant, the DAs office said.

The office said in the filing that going forward it "will not produce copies of confidential video recordings of proffers to any defendant to prevent further public disclosure. Instead, defendants must come to the District Attorneys Office to view confidential video recordings of proffers. They may take notes, but they will be prohibited from creating any recordings or reproductions."

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Ancient buildings glow with new vitality in Gaoping, N China's Shanxi

People's Daily Online) 10:24, November 14, 2023

An ancient stage in Wangbao village, Gaoping city, a county-level city overseen by Jincheng city in north China's Shanxi Province. (Photo courtesy of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Gaoping Municipal Committee)

Referred to as the "museum of ancient Chinese architecture," Gaoping city, a county-level city overseen by Jincheng city in northern China's Shanxi Province, has been diligent in preserving its ancient structures, infusing them with renewed vigor.

The city, with roots tracing back to the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 B.C.), hosts 22 key cultural relic sites under state protection and 1,574 registered immovable cultural relics, equating to 1.7 immovable cultural relics per square kilometer.

Kaihua Temple, nestled on a mountain in Chenqu town, is a key cultural relic site under state protection renowned for its magnificent frescoes from the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127). The temple has been meticulously preserved, morphing into a popular tourist attraction.

Residents of Gaoping cherish and safeguard ancient buildings, with many having resided in these ancient structures since childhood, becoming custodians of these treasures, says Chang Silong, 77, the first curator of the Gaoping Museum.

Wang Gaiying, a villager in Mixi village of Mishan town, is one such guardian. Wang's compound is home to Tiefo Temple, also a key cultural relic site under state protection. The temple was named after an iron-made Buddha statue during the Jin Dynasty (1115-1234) and now has 24 vivid sculptures of deities.

Wang, in his 70s, tends to the cleaning around the temple daily. "I've been doing this all my life. Several generations of my family have lived here alongside Tiefo Temple," Wang shared.

In the 1950s, Wang's mother-in-law became the guardian of the temple, and later Wang followed in her footsteps. "This is my home, and protecting it has become my responsibility," Wang said.

An exhibition held by the Central Academy of Fine Arts (CAFA) in 2016 displayed high-definition photos of Tiefo Temple, bringing the temple's cultural and artistic values to more people. The CAFA later established a teaching base at the temple.

A view of Xuzhuang village, Beicheng neighborhood, Gaoping city, a county-level city administered by Jincheng city in north China's Shanxi Province. (Photo courtesy of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Gaoping Municipal Committee)

Gaoping Museum held digital exhibitions on Kaihua Temple and Tiefo Temple, attracting many visitors, including Wang. "I have been protecting the temple for many years and I want to understand its artistic values better," she said. Nowadays, Wang's daughter and granddaughter have joined her efforts to protect the temple.

"Gaoping boasts many key cultural relic sites and even more immovable ancient buildings. To truly protect them, we need to rely on the residents living near these ancient structures," said Chang.

"Fortunately, after years of effort, many people have come to love and understand these ancient buildings more deeply. Thanks to scientific guidance, 'coexisting with ancient buildings' has become a feasible lifestyle, which ensures the protection of ancient temples and cultures," Chang added.

In Gaoping, nearly every village has stages for the Shangdang clapper opera, a traditional opera of Shanxi, with such stages often located opposite ancient temples.

Xuzhuang village in the Beicheng neighborhood boasts many ancient stages constructed during the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties.

However, for many years, the stages lay abandoned as young people pursued work outside the village, rendering the community unable to organize opera performances.

In recent years, the thriving development of the cultural and tourism industry in rural areas has rejuvenated interest in opera.

Now, opera performances are staged not only during holidays and festivals in Xuzhuang village but also on weekends when tourists visit the village.

Gaoping's Suzhuang village, nationally recognized as a historical and cultural village and a traditional Chinese village, is home to 24 well-preserved ancient compounds dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties, holding a nostalgic charm for many.

Over the past years, Gaoping has engaged professional teams to restore ancient compounds in Suzhuang village to their original appearance.

"Only by utilizing ancient buildings appropriately can we maintain their vigor," said Chang.

Therefore, Gaoping has further delved into its history and folk customs, developing a brand for Suzhuang village and providing various services, including sightseeing tours, showcasing wedding customs, and offering accommodation and leisure activities.

Due to these endeavors, Suzhuang village is emerging as a new landmark in Gaoping, thriving in the cultural and tourism industry.

Gaoping's extensive history and invaluable cultural treasure have infused endless vitality into the city's flourishing development, remarked Yuan Jian, Party chief of Gaoping city.

"People often speak of nostalgia, but for Gaoping, properly preserving and developing its ancient buildings sustains people's nostalgia and allows tourists to delve into history," Chang stated.

(Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Liang Jun)
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People are seen among the rubble of buildings destroyed in an Israeli bombing at Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza Strip, on Nov. 13, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

The death toll of Palestinians has risen to 11,240 as a result of Israel's attacks on the Gaza Strip since Oct. 7, the Hamas-run government media office in Gaza said Monday.

At a press conference at the Al Shifa Medical Complex in Gaza City, the director general of the government media office Ismail Thawabta said the total deaths included 4,630 children and 3,130 women, while more than 28,000 others were injured.

He added that 41,120 housing units in the strip were completely destroyed by Israel's raids, while 94 government headquarters, 253 schools, 71 mosques, and 3 churches were also damaged.

The latest round of the Israel-Hamas conflict broke out on Oct. 7 when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, firing thousands of rockets and infiltrating the Israeli territory, while Israel responded with airstrikes, ground operations, and punitive measures that included a siege on the Gaza Strip.

The conflict has killed about 1,200 people in Israel, the majority of which from the Oct. 7 Hamas attack, according to Israeli authorities.

People are seen among the rubble of buildings destroyed in an Israeli bombing at Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza Strip, on Nov. 13, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

People stand in front of a building destroyed in an Israeli bombing at Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza Strip, on Nov. 13, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

Photo taken on Nov. 13, 2023 shows the rubble of buildings destroyed in an Israeli bombing at Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza Strip. [Photo/Xinhua]

A boy stands among the rubble of buildings destroyed in an Israeli bombing at Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza Strip, on Nov. 13, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

Photo taken on Nov. 13, 2023 shows the rubble of buildings destroyed in an Israeli bombing at Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza Strip. [Photo/Xinhua]
Fulton County prosecutors filed an emergency request for a protective order in the Georgia election subversion case Tuesday after recorded statements made by multiple defendants as part of their plea deals were made public.

On Monday, ABC News and The Washington Post published footage of the proffer sessions, which showed the four defendants who pleaded guilty being questioned by prosecutors about their involvement in various efforts to overturn the 2020 election results.

Prosecutors said the footage was turned over to the remaining defendants as part of discovery, urging the court to impose restrictions on how the defendants can disclose the materials.

The release of these confidential video recordings is clearly intended to intimidate witnesses in this case, subjecting them to harassment and threats prior to trial, constitutes indirect communication about the facts of this case with codefendants and witnesses, and obstructs the administration of justice, in violation of the conditions of release imposed on each defendant, prosecutors wrote in their motion.

Top Stories from The Hill

To prevent further disclosure, prosecutors said they will not provide videos of any proffer sessions to defendants moving forward.

Instead, defendants must come to the District Attorneys Office to view confidential video recordings of proffers. They may take notes, but they will be prohibited from creating any recordings or reproductions, prosecutors wrote in the filing.

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis (D) charged former President Trump and 18 others in a sprawling racketeering indictment that accuses each of them of conspiring to unlawfully keep Trump in power following the 2020 election.

Four of the 19 defendants have since taken plea deals, including three Trump-aligned attorneys: Sidney Powell, Jenna Ellis and Kenneth Chesebro. Bail bondsman Scott Hall, who was charged over an elections office breach in Coffee County, Ga., also took a deal.

As part of their agreements, each sat down with prosecutors in a recorded session to discuss the facts of the case. They also agreed to testify truthfully against the remaining co-defendants, who all pleaded not guilty.

First detailed by ABC News, Ellis during her session described a conversation she had with Trump White House official Dan Scavino in December 2020.

He said, The boss is not going to leave under any circumstances. We are just going to stay in power, Ellis said. And I said to him, Well, it doesnt quite work that way, you realize. And he said, We dont care.

During Powells session, she reportedly referenced Trump floating appointing her as special counsel to investigate election fraud. Powell told prosecutors that, if appointed, she would have aimed to seize voting equipment, according to The Washington Post.

Powell also reportedly detailed how Rudy Giuliani  another defendant in the case  called her every name in the book during one White House meeting.

The governments main witness, Sidney Powell, just cleared Rudy Giuliani from any involvement in a conspiracy by making it unequivocally clear that Rudy Giuliani told her that he would never work with her on anything, under any circumstances, Ted Goodman, political adviser to Giuliani, responded in a statement after the footage surfaced.

If Fani Willis had any integrity, shed dismiss the case against Rudy Giuliani and end this farce of a trial designed solely to keep President Donald Trump out of the White House in 2024, Goodman added.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
President M. Russell Ballard, acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints waves between sessions of the Columbus Ohio Temple rededication on June 4, 2023. Funeral details have been announced for President Ballard, who died Nov. 12. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

The funeral for President M. Russell Ballard is Friday at 11 a.m. in the Tabernacle on Temple Square in Salt Lake City.

President Ballard died Sunday, Nov. 12, 2023, in Salt Lake City at age 95. He was acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

How to watch President Ballards funeral

The funeral will be open to the public ages 8 and older.

The funeral service will be streamed live on the churchs Broadcasts page and Inspiration and Events YouTube channel (both available in Cantonese, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish), as well as BYUtv.

The Temple Square gates and the Tabernacle doors opened at 9:30 a.m. Those wishing to attend should be in their seats by 10:30 a.m. Church campus buildings will close at 10:30 a.m. and reopen following the funeral at 1 p.m.

A private burial service will take place at the Salt Lake City Cemetery immediately following the funeral.

People gather before the funeral for President M. Russell Ballard of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the Tabernacle in Salt Lake City on Friday, Nov. 17, 2023. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

Related

Expressions of sympathy can be posted on President Ballards official Facebook and Instagram accounts.

In lieu of flowers, President Ballards family has asked that donations be made to This Is The Place Heritage Park.
Behind the scenes of a traditional bathhouse in Brooklyn, something extraordinary is taking place: The pools, heated to 104 degrees, are not warmed by conventional means but by computers mining for bitcoin.

A profit-seeking drive for energy efficiency has caused bitcoin miners to pop up in unexpected places, such as Jason Goodman's New York bathhouse, where the cost of heating his pools is about the same as it was before he plugged in the bitcoin miners, but now with the bonus of earning bitcoin.

Goodman credits traditional bathhouses for helping him through a tough time when he first moved to New York City. He started Bathhouse in 2019 because he wanted to re-create the life-changing experiences he underwent for the "hardcore sauna-heads, for those who are trying to optimize their performance, longevity, and overall health."

And then he had a cutting-edge idea of how to make it better.

"It kind of clicked in my mind," Goodman adds. "Bitcoin mining is really important. Bitcoin mining produces heat as a byproduct. I buy energy to create heat. That's interesting."

Instead of cooling the mining computers with fans, Goodman submerges them in a specially engineered fluid that doesn't conduct electric current but, instead, absorbs the heat that the computers produce. A heat exchanger then transfers it into hot water that moves directly into the pools. "I was able to make hot water very easily," Goodman explains.

Bitcoin mining wasn't designed for heating hot tubs. It was designed to facilitate a new type of digital money with a supply that no single entity can alter or control. A central bank cannot create new onesthey can only be mined by computers scattered around the world running the bitcoin protocol, and there will only ever be 21 million bitcoin. These computers compete to solve a cryptographic puzzle that the protocol makes just hard enough to ensure it's solved roughly every 10 minutes. Solve the puzzle, unlock a block of transactions to be validated and added to the blockchain, and earn bitcoin.

The more computing power someone has, the better their chances of earning bitcoin. But more computing power means using more energy.

"Bitcoin miners are in a relentless, unquenchable search across the globe for the cheapest possible energy," explains Alex Gladstein, chief strategy officer at the Human Rights Foundation and author of Check Your Financial Privilege.

"Be energy neutral and earn bitcoin. That was what we wanted to prove to ourselves," Goodman tells Reason. "A dream scenario would be that every hotel, every major residential building, every major office building starts converting their boiler system or their heating system or their hot water system over to a systemlike we're using and have a massively distributed hard-to-control mining network."

For bitcoiners, keeping the process distributed and hard to control is the whole point. As Caitlin Long, founder of bitcoin-focused Custodia Bank, explains, the main purpose of bitcoin is to have an honest ledger where people can store value that cannot be manipulated.

Bitcoin mining ties the world's first decentralized digital currency to the physical world. But bitcoin remains borderless, seeking to exploit inefficiency wherever it can, whether that's a Brooklyn bathhouse, an unmarked warehouse in Venezuela, or the small rural town of Washington, Georgia.

Mayor Bill DeGolian of Washington welcomed CleanSpark, one of America's largest bitcoin miners, to his town because it allowed the miner to buy energy at a bulk discount.

"They're buying a lot of power from the city. And that's what helps the citywith what we're selling to CleanSpark, the amount of power they buy per month from us is more than all of our other commercial and residential customers combined," DeGolian said.

At its Norcross operation, an 87,000-square-foot facility on the outskirts of Atlanta, CleanSpark is using the same immersion cooling technique that Goodman uses in his bathhouse to cool 4,300 bitcoin miners. The technique allows the company to spend less money to power the A.C. needed to cool the giant rooms where they keep the computers.

"We're removing that environmental factor where ambient temperature goes up and down and we constantly fight the environmental curve," Bradley Audiss, senior director of operations at CleanSpark in Norcross, tells Reason. "Immersion is very much a flat line as compared to air cooled that has the fluctuations which are primarily tied to hot temperatures."

For some, bitcoin is the real Green New Deal. According to Gladstein, bitcoin subsidizes renewable energy because "the projects are made profitable by the ability to monetize that energy right away.So rather than monetizing [public] debt [by printing money], we can have the market kind of power this process."

But critics still consider the energy that is going to mining to be a complete waste. Some countries have banned bitcoin mining, and the Biden administration wants to tax it heavily. Even Goodman felt the backlash when he announced he was heating the bathhouse with bitcoin mining.

Bitcoiners say the ability of miners to sponge up and then release energy at a moment's notice makes the grid more reliable, which is why utilities partner with them. Take Texas bitcoin miner Marshall Long. His mining company's partnership with Texas' grid manager helped avert a summer blackout.

"What makes miners particularly good is because I'm not only a large user, I'm a granular user. So I don't have to turn off my entire load at once," Long said. "I can just turn off one miner or 200 miners or 2,000 miners in order to respond to certain things that are going on in the grid throughout the day."

"We're starting to see withbulletproof scientific evidence thatbitcoin miners are actually helping and not hurting," Long added.

Miners aren't shutting down during peak hours out of altruism but because of market incentives. CleanSpark, for example, monitors energy prices on a minute-by-minute basis and shuts down the moment its operation starts to become unprofitable, freeing up power for the rest of the grid.

Even in places like Venezuela, where bitcoin mining boomed thanks to the government subsidizing energy to near-zero cost, bitcoin is forcing energy innovation. Miners are taking responsibility for fixing power lines that the government fails to maintain.

"We take care of the electrical infrastructure so that it is not damaged," explained a major Venezuelan bitcoin miner who fled to Miami and asked to remain anonymous. "For example, if we see that we have a voltage problem or an electrical factor in the area that affects us and can affect the community or the area where we are, we will try to improve it as much as possible, because if we do not improve it, our miners will not work well."

Bitcoin is too decentralized and too enriching for even the most powerful governments to stop at this point. The choice America faces isn't whether to allow mining to exist or not, but whether to welcome it here in a vibrant market economy where it can bootstrap new energy sources and its byproducts can create economic value.

Music by "Isolated" by Theevs via Artlist; "Vuelta al Sol" by Tomas Novoa via Artlist; "Density Wave" by Aviad Zinemanas via Artlist; "Better on the Other Side" by Flint via Artlist; "Outrun" by WEARETHEGOOD via Artlist; "Full Access" by Jimmy Svensson via Artlist; "Timelines" by Charlie Ryan via Artlist; "Light Reflection" by Luke Melville via Artlist; "Beer House" by Alex Grohl via Artlist; "Secret Weapon" by Evgeny Bardyuzha via Artlist; "Left Unturned" by Jamie Bathgate via Artlist

The post The Future of Energy? Brooklyn's Bitcoin-Heated Bathhouse appeared first on Reason.com.
An attempted traffic stop turned into a chase that left a deputy injured after his patrol car flipped, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

On Saturday at around 8 p.m., Turner County Sheriffs deputy tried to make a traffic stop on a speeding car traveling on Interstate 75 South.

After a short chase, the driver, later identified as Nicholas Kemp, 39, of Indiana, exited to Chula, Georgia in Tift County, and drove to a Dollar General store, according to GBI.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

The Turner County deputy said he found Kemp at the store and attempted to stop Kemps car. As Kemp drove away, the deputy shot at Kemps car but did not hit Kemp.

Kemp continued down I-75 South and was taken into custody a short time later by the Lowndes County Sheriffs Office after a deputy performed a PIT maneuver on his car.

The GBI says during the PIT maneuver, the Lowndes County deputys patrol car flipped and he was injured during the crash. The deputy was treated at a hospital for his injuries.

TRENDING STORIES:

The Tift County Sheriffs Office requested the GBI to conduct an independent investigation about the shooting.

Once completed, it will be turned over to the Tift County Judicial Circuit for review.

This is the 90th officer-involved shooting the GBI has been requested to investigate this year.

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IN OTHER NEWS:
Former Trump lawyer Jenna Ellis told prosecutors in Fulton County, Ga., that a senior aide to the former president told her he was not going to leave the White House even after losing numerous legal challenges.

Ellis in a video of a confidential proffer session with prosecutors obtained by ABC News and The Washington Post said that Trump aide Dan Scavino told her the boss would refuse to leave the White House even though she told him that their cause was essentially over.

"And he said to me, in a kind of excited tone, 'Well, we don't care, and we're not going to leave,'" Ellis recalled. "And I said, 'What do you mean?' And he said 'Well, the boss', meaning President Trump  and everyone understood 'the boss,' that's what we all called him  he said, 'The boss is not going to leave under any circumstances. We are just going to stay in power.'"

Ellis added: "And I said to him, 'Well, it doesn't quite work that way, you realize?' and he said, 'We don't care.'"

Ellis also told prosecutors that Scavinos statement "indicated to me that he was serious and that was in furtherance of something that he had discussed with the boss."

EXCLUSIVE: ABC News has obtained video from Georgia prosecutors' interview with ex-Trump attorney Jenna Ellis, in which Ellis tells them she was personally informed by a top Trump adviser that Trump was "not going to leave" the White House  despite losing the 2020 election. pic.twitter.com/J9c4bm9cbZ  ABC News (@ABC) November 13, 2023

New York University Law Prof. Ryan Goodman, a former special counsel for the Pentagon, told CNN that Ellis revelation could be key evidence in the Fulton case as well as Trumps federal election subversion case in D.C.

"She's adding something that's golden evidence for prosecutors both in Georgia and in DC, which is, they don't have to prove this but if they can show that Trump knew he lost and was still trying to hold on to power, that's it, he said. That's game over. And that's exactly what she says is the context of the conversation."

Gwen Keyes, a former DeKalb County, Ga., district attorney, told MSNBC that Ellis testimony may be key to the Fulton case.

"That is a key element of every one of the crimes that is listed in the indictment," she said. "That being that the defendants knew that they were perpetrating a lie, and so this goes right to the heart of that."

Former acting Solicitor General Neal Katyal, who was also on the segment, pointed out that the conversation between Ellis and Scavino took place after the safe harbor deadline to resolve state disputes, after state electors met to cast their vote and after the Supreme Court rejected Trumps legal challenge.

"You might remember, that Jenna Ellis testified before the Jan. 6 Committee, that at a holiday party, Donald Trump said to Mark Meadows, his chief of staff, 'I don't want people to know that we lost. It's embarrassing, figure it out. We need to figure it out.' So, all of this together paints a really damaging picture for Donald Trump, he said.

Fellow former TrumpWorld attorney Sidney Powell told prosecutors in her proffer session that she knew nothing about election law when she sought to challenge Trumps loss.

"Did I know anything about election law? No. But I understand fraud from having been a prosecutor for 10 years, and knew generally what the fraud suit should be if the evidence showed what I thought it showed, she told prosecutors.

Though Trump has denied that Powell was ever his attorney, Powell described being in close contact with him and said he frequently called her for updates on the legal efforts, even after his campaign publicly distanced from her.

"He always wanted to know where things were in terms of finding fraud that would change the results of the election, she said.

Powell also confirmed reporting that Trump was willing to appoint me a special counsel to investigate fraud and seize voting machines, though the effort fell through.

"I called Mark Meadows the next morning just to run it to ground, and said, 'Hey, when can I come pick up my badge and my key?'" Powell said. "He essentially laughed  I mean he said, you know, 'It's not going to happen.'"

Powell said she was present when multiple advisers told Trump that he lost and prosecutors questioned why the president followed her advice instead of the others.

"Because I didn't think he had lost," Powell replied, later adding: "I saw an avenue pursuant to which, if I was right, he would remain president."

"The boss is not going to leave."



Video excerpts show former Trump lawyers telling Georgia prosecutors about efforts to overturn 2020 election.



Read more: https://t.co/7p7UR5zvuE pic.twitter.com/2s0tX5fNVy  ABC News (@ABC) November 13, 2023

Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course.

National security attorney Bradley Moss said the revelations from Ellis and Powell were devastating.

Trump never had any intention of complying with the election results. He was told repeatedly in the presence of a convicted co-defendant that he had lost. He ignored it and conspired with his lawyers to overthrow the election anyway, he tweeted.

This is devastating in my view. Trump never had any intention of complying with the election results. He was told repeatedly in the presence of a convicted co-defendant that he had lost. He ignored it and conspired with his lawyers to overthrow the election anyway. https://t.co/kJFe01fgVo pic.twitter.com/52BOCXgIIj  Bradley P. Moss (@BradMossEsq) November 13, 2023

Devastating is an understatement, agreed former U.S. Attorney Harry Litman, adding: The series of revelations from the video interviews of the Defendants to pleaded guilty in Fulton County really serves to validate Williss strategy of charging broadly then giving pleas. The testimony is just overwhelming.

Trump attorney Steve Sadow in a statement to ABC News called the purported private conversation described by Ellis absolutely meaningless.

"The only salient fact to this nonsense line of inquiry is that President Trump left the White House on January 20, 2021, and returned to Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida," Sadow said. "If this is the type of bogus, ridiculous 'evidence' DA Willis intends to rely upon, it is one more reason that this political, travesty of a case must be dismissed."
TEL AVIV  Efforts by health workers to evacuate some of Gazas biggest hospitals appear to be failing Monday despite promises from Israeli forces to allow those wounded and sick to go south, according to doctors.

And the director of the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, has warned that all of its aid operations in Gaza will soon "grind to a halt" because of the lack of fuel in the besieged enclave.

Despite promises of an evacuation effort from Israeli forces on Sunday, doctors at Al-Shifa hospital said they were not aware of anyone leaving the facility.

Dr. Nidal Abu Hadrus, a neurosurgeon at Al-Shifa, told NBC News that it was impossible for people to leave with the sounds of bombing and shooting outside. The IDF has said there have been intense battles around the facility.

It is not safe to move out. It is not safe to stay. We dont know what to do, he said. Please help us. He said staff at the hospital had asked the International Committee of the Red Cross to help facilitate evacuations from the hospital.

Alyona Synenko, a spokesperson for the ICRC, said discussions were underway, but she said she could not provide specific details on the evacuation efforts.

"Evacuating a hospital is an extremely risky and extremely complex enterprise," she said. "We can't just, you know, go and like, through the bullets, through the fighting and pick up people in life support and move them."

"We have to be realistic about what ... is possible to achieve under the current conditions," she said, saying it was a "difficult and frustrating" situation. "It's heartbreaking to be receiving those calls and not being able to respond to them," she said.

Abu Hadrus said he worries about what will happen if help doesn't come soon. After one or two days more, Im not sure that we will be able to move out of the hospital, because Im not sure who will remain alive, he said.

A wounded Palestinian child receives medical attention in Khan Younis in southern Gaza. (Mohammed Talatene / picture-alliance/ AP )

Israeli military officials say they do not target civilians and are instead pursuing Hamas, which they say hides in tunnels in Gaza, including under hospitals and, specifically, under Al-Shifa  allegations that both Hamas and hospital workers have denied.

NBC News journalists on the ground in the region are unable to report from the hospitals because of the heavy fighting in the area.

While Israel has instituted "pauses" in fighting for humanitarian reasons and have been urging Palestinians to move out of the north for weeks, the route south is dangerous and many have been killed on the way. In addition, southern Gaza has also faced bombardment during Israel's offensive.

Dr. Marwan Abusada, a surgeon and the head of international cooperation at the Health Ministry at Al-Shifa Hospital, agreed it wasn't safe to move.

"No one gets out. ... No one comes in," he said Monday in a phone call. People in the hospital are afraid of being shot if they go outside, he said.

Abusada said he was not aware of anyone leaving the hospital over the weekend, despite the IDF saying it would open an evacuation corridor from the hospital to southern Gaza after receiving a request from staff at Al-Shifa to help evacuate 36 babies at risk of dying following the deaths of three other infants, according to Palestinian health officials.

NBC News was not immediately able to reach workers at the facilities.

Patients and internally displaced people crowd into Al-Shifa hospital Friday. (AFP - Getty Images)

IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari said at a briefing Saturday that staff members at Al-Shifa had requested that tomorrow we help the babies in the pediatric department to get to a safer hospital. The IDF said it was opening evacuation corridors not only from Al-Shifa but also from two other hospitals in Gaza City, Al-Rantisi and Al-Nasr.

Hagari said Sunday night that Al-Rantisi and Al-Nasr hospitals had been evacuated as far as the IDF was aware.

Israels military on Monday accused Hamas of using the basement of Al-Rantisi hospital to house hostages after the Oct. 7 attack. In a video, Hagari speaks to the camera from a room he says is in the Al-Rantisi hospital and where he says the Israeli military believes hostages were held at one point.

He points out a baby bottle and diapers. In another area, he shows what appear to be explosives, hand grenades and RPGs, and a motorcycle that appears to have a bullet hole in it, which he says may have been used in the attack.

NBC News has not independently verified the video or the IDFs claims.

According to the World Health Organization, 600 patients remained at Al-Shifa on Monday.

Asked for updates on the evacuation efforts at Al-Shifa and to respond to reports from hospital staff that they were not aware of anyone evacuating, an IDF spokesperson did not respond directly to the question.

Instead, the spokesperson said early Monday that soldiers were engaged in "intense battles" against Hamas in the area surrounding the hospital, "but not the hospital itself."

'Relentless bombardment'

An increasingly desperate situation was also unfolding at the Al-Quds Hospital, with the Palestine Red Crescent Society saying an evacuation convoy was forced to turn back after heading to the facility from southern Gaza.

It had to do so due to relentless bombardment and (a) dangerous situation where the Hospital is located in Tel Al-Hawa, PRCS said.

The IDF said a terrorist squad embedded itself in the area of the Al-Quds as it shared video appearing to show someone with an RPG launcher outside the facility. The IDF said RPG fire and small arms fire were directed at soldiers from the direction of the Al-Quds Hospital in Gaza City, saying a tank was damaged.

Palestinians arrive south of Gaza City after fleeing their homes in Gaza City and the Northern Gaza Strip. (Mahmud Hams / AFP via Getty Images)

The IDF said that militants hid in the hospital after firing RPGs, though it did not provide video evidence of that. It said troops responded with fire and fired shells toward the sources of the fire, killing approximately 21 terrorists.

The Palestine Red Crescent Society said any claims about armed individuals launching projectiles from inside Al-Quds Hospital were false. It said the video shared by the IDF "clearly shows that the armed individuals approached from the street while the occupation tanks were stationed in front of and shielded by the hospital, endangering the lives of medical teams and patients."

The society maintained that there were "no armed individuals inside the hospital, and no shots have been fired from within. Everyone within the hospital are patients, their families, and the medical staff."

As fighting continues outside Al-Quds, the Crescent Society warned that patients, as well as those sheltering at the hospital and medical workers had no food, water, or electricity. NBC News was not immediately able to reach medical workers at the facility.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Gazas Al-Shifa Hospital is holding about 150 bodies that cant be removed amid relentless strikes from the Israeli military, the World Health Organization (WHO) and local health authorities claim.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) surrounded the hospital Saturday, saying it protects a Hamas militant command post. Hamas and hospital administrators have denied that claim.

Around the hospital, there are dead bodies which cannot be taken care of or not even be buried or taken away to any sort of morgue, WHO spokesperson Christian Lindmeier told the BBC. The hospital is not working at all anymore as it should. Its nearly a cemetery.

Hamas said there are roughly 2,000 people inside the hospital, including about 600 patients.

Israels military, however, claimed they were fighting Hamas militants in nearby neighborhoods. The IDF added the hospital is not under siege and those inside could leave safely  which the hospitals administrator Dr. Mohamed Abu Selmia contested.

Selmia told the British outlet the Israeli military is not allowing people to leave, including those transporting the bodies, and that dogs entered the hospital grounds and have been seen eating corpses.

Gaza Health Ministry spokesperson Ashraf Al-Qidra said Tuesday that men inside the hospital complex are digging a mass grave for the bodies.

We are planning to bury them today in a mass grave inside the Al Shifa medical complex. It is going to be very dangerous as we dont have any cover or protection from the [International Committee of the Red Cross], he told Reuters. The men are digging right now as we speak.

Chief among the concerns of humanitarian organizations is the fate of 36 babies in the hospitals neonatal ward. Three died Friday after the hospital lost power.

Israel has offered to organize portable incubators to transport the babies, but Al-Qidra said those arrangements have not yet been made.

We have no objection to have the babies being moved to any hospital, in Egypt, the West Bank or even to the occupation [Israeli] hospitals, he said. What we care most about is the wellbeing and the lives of those babies.

The occupation is still besieging the hospital and they are firing into the yards from time to time. We still cant move around, but sometimes doctors are taking the risk when they need to attend to patients, Al-Qidra added.

Al-Shifa has become the center of fighting in Gaza City amid the Israeli militarys encirclement of the city.

On Saturday, Doctors Without Borders claimed its staff witnessed people being shot at as they attempted to leave the hospital complex.

Al-Shifa hospital complex  has been hit several times, including the maternity and outpatient departments, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries, the organization said. The ambulances can no longer move to collect the injured, and non-stop bombardment prevents patients and staff from evacuating.

President Biden urged Israel not to fire on hospitals on Monday as negotiations to free about 200 hostages held by Hamas continue.

My hope and expectation is that there will be less intrusive action relative to hospitals and we remain in contact with the Israelis, Biden said. Also there is an effort to get this pause to deal with the release of prisoners and thats being negotiated.  So I remain somewhat hopeful, but hospitals must be protected.

The war in the region began early last month after Hamas militants killed more than 1,200 Israelis in a brutal surprise attack on border communities. The responding airstrike campaign and ground invasion of Gaza has killed more than 11,000 Palestinians, including more than 4,000 children.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
In a dramatic reshuffle, Rishi Sunak has appointed former Prime Minister David Cameron as Foreign Secretary.

The newly-ennobled Lord Cameron will fill the position from the House of Lords. He replaced James Cleverly, who became home secretary after Suella Braverman was sacked.

The overhaul of government ministers was announced as speculation grows about the timing of the next general election.

When is the next general election due?

UK general elections - where all 650 Members of Parliament (MPs) are elected to the House of Commons - have to be called no more than five years apart.

The next election must therefore take place by 28 January 2025.

This represents five years from the day the current Parliament first met (17 December 2019), plus the time required to run an election campaign.

Who decides when an election takes place?

The prime minister (PM) decides when to call the election, but this has not always been the case.

In 2011, a law was passed which removed the PM's power to choose the date of an election, and instead handed control to the House of Commons.

Under those rules, an early election before the end of the five-year term could only be held under certain circumstances - such as if two-thirds of MPs agreed.

However, after winning the 2019 election, the Conservatives introduced a new law called the Dissolution and Calling of Parliament Act 2022.

This restored the PM's power to call elections at a time of their choosing, at any point within the five-year period.

How does the PM call a general election?

The PM needs to make a formal request to the King to "dissolve" Parliament - the official term for closing Parliament ahead of an election.

Rishi Sunak is the second prime minister of King Charles's reign

Once an election is called, polling day is expected to take place 25 working days later.

At the point of dissolution, MPs lose their status, and campaign for re-election - assuming they choose to stand again. Some MPs choose to stand down ahead of a general election.

Government also enters a "pre-election period"- previously known as "purdah" - which restricts ministerial and department activity during the campaign.

How is the general election decided?

The UK is divided into 650 areas, called constituencies. Each one elects a MP to represent its residents in the House of Commons in London.

On election day, registered voters in each constituency vote for their preferred candidate in their local polling station. Some people choose to vote by post in advance.

Most candidates represent a specific political party, but some stand as independents.

In a general election, each person has one vote. Under the "first past the post" system, the candidate who gets the most votes becomes the MP for that area.

After a general election, the King asks the leader of the party with the most MPs to become prime minister, and to form a government to run the country.

The leader of the party with the second highest number of MPs becomes the leader of the opposition.

Who can vote in a general election?

Anyone on the electoral register aged 18 or above on polling day has a vote as long as they are:

a British citizen, a qualifying Commonwealth citizen or a Republic of Ireland citizen

resident at a UK address, or a UK citizen living abroad who has been registered in the last 15 years

not legally excluded from voting

You can register to vote at any time if you are 16 or over - or 14 or over in Scotland.

Can the opposition force an election?

The prime minister must have the "confidence" of the House of Commons to govern, which means they must be supported by a majority of MPs.

A motion of no confidence sees MPs from all parties decide whether they want the government to continue.

If the leader of the opposition introduces such a motion, the government is expected to provide parliamentary time for a debate and a vote.

In order to pass, the motion needs just one more MP voting in favour than against.

If the government loses the vote, a general election is normally called.

Former PM Boris Johnson survived a vote of no confidence in June 2022

It is also possible that the King could invite somebody else to form a government, if they could win a vote of confidence in the House of Commons.

However, for a no confidence motion to pass, the incumbent party's MPs need to vote down their own government - which is very unlikely.
Russian forces launched attacks in seven directions along the front line from Robotyne in the south to Kupiansk in the northeast over the past day, the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces said in its morning report on Nov. 14.

Some 80 skirmishes with Russian troops have been recorded, as well as four Russian missile strikes, 53 air strikes, and 45 strikes from multiple-launch rocket systems, targeting both civilian and military targets, the report said.

Russia also reportedly launched artillery strikes against over 100 settlements in Chernihiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and Mykolaiv oblasts.

Ukrainian defenders repelled seven attacks in the Kupiansk direction in Kharkiv Oblast, the General Staff said.

The military reportedly fought off six Russian attacks near Lyman, 15 near Bakhmut, 18 near Avdiivka, 24 near Marinka, and an unspecified number near Shakhtarske in Donetsk Oblast.

Russian forces also launched four unsuccessful assaults around Robotyne in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, the General Staff reported, while Ukrainian forces carried out offensive operations in the Melitopol direction.

Kyiv has been reporting increased Russian activity in multiple sectors of the front line, particularly in the east. Last week, the invading troops once again intensified attacks around Avdiivka, a front-line town where Russia had already lost around 10,000 troops and hundreds of pieces of armor, the Ukrainian military said.

Read also: Under deadly attacks, Kherson fights to keep life going 1 year after liberation

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
A former campaign staffer who helped George Santos get elected last year plead guilty to wire fraud on Tuesday.

Sam Miele, a 27-year-old GOP operative who worked as a fundraiser for Mr Santos in 2022, appeared in court and admitted to impersonating an aide to another member of Congress. News reports have indicated that he pretended to be working for former Speaker Kevin McCarthy when on the phone with potential donors soliciting contributions.

According to The New York Times, Mr Mieles attorney declined to say on Tuesday whether his client had agreed to testify against his ex-boss for federal prosecutors. Mr Santos, a serial liar who spread falsehoods about massive portions of his background, has been charged separately by the Justice Department with a host of crimes including identity theft, misuse of public funds and money laundering. He has denied all guilt and vowed to fight those charges, while admitting to fabricating most of his resume.

The Independent has reached out to Mr Miele for comment.

The Santos campaign was apparently fraught with wrongdoing; Mr Miele is the second former Santos staffer in as many months to plead guilty to criminal charges related to fraudulent behaviour undertaken in the service of electing the congressman. The congressmans former campaign treasurer Nancy Marks admitted in October that she had submitted paperwork to the Federal Election Commission (FEC) falsely claiming that Mr Santos had loaned his own campaign $50,000 when in reality no such transaction had occurred and he did not have the funds to do so. She also admitted to fabricating names of campaign donors on FEC filings.

Mr Santos has vehemently denied involvement in any criminal wrongdoing, and claimed to have been ignorant of Ms Markss criminal activities when he signed off on the financial filings submitted to the FEC. His former treasurer claimed in court filings that her actions were taken at Mr Santoss direction.

I did these things in agreement with co-conspirator #1 for his benefit and to obtain money for his campaign by artificially inflating his funds to meet thresholds set by a national political committee, Ms Marks said in the filings.

Earlier this month, the congressman did not rule out the possibility of taking a plea arrangement himself when questioned by CNNs Manu Raju about the ongoing criminal case against him. He recently survived an attempt to oust him in the House as well, with many lawmakers citing a desire to follow precedent and allow an Ethics Committe probe to reach a conclusion.

Im not saying Im not ruling out ... as of right now, its not on the table, said Mr Santos. Im not exploring any of that right now. Those conversations are yet to be had  right now Im pretty focused on my defence.
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis office requested emergency protections on Tuesday that would ban confidential information from being publicly shared after interviews featuring four defendants in Donald Trumps election subversion case were leaked to the media. The proffers were from the defendants who agreed to plea deals with prosecutors, including Jenna Ellis, Sidney Powell, Scott Hall, and Ken Chesebro. Prosecutors blamed the defense attorneys of Harrison Floyd, another of the 19 co-defendants in the case. They claimed leaking the recordings was intended to intimidate witnesses in this case, subjecting them to harassment and threats prior to trial and is a communication about the facts of this case with codefendants and witnesses. The DAs office said they would no longer make copies of proffers, instead making legal teams physically visit them for a classified review.

Read it at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Read more at The Daily Beast.
Fulton county prosecutors have asked the judge overseeing the 2020 election subversion case against Donald Trump and his co-defendants in Georgia to immediately impose an emergency protective order over the discovery materials to prevent potential future leaks of evidence.

The request came after several media outlets published details of videotaped statements that former Trump lawyers Jenna Ellis, Sidney Powell and Kenneth Chesebro gave as part of plea deals to avoid being tried as racketeering co-defendants with the former president.

Related: Trump complains of sisters merciless treatment by US media

The Fulton county district attorney Fani Willis had previously asked for a protective order for the discovery materials in the case. But citing the leak of several of the proffer interviews, Willis renewed the request on Tuesday to Fulton county superior court judge Scott McAfee.

The release of these confidential video recordings is clearly intended to intimidate witnesses, the filing said, subjecting them to harassment and threats prior to trial, constitutes indirect communication about the facts of this case with co-defendants and witnesses.

Trump has pleaded not guilty to charges that he and 18 co-defendants engaged in racketeering activity and conspired to overturn the results of the 2020 election results in the state of Georgia. To date, three of Trumps ex-lawyers and a local Republican operative have taken plea deals.

The actual motivation for the leaks were unclear. Elliss testimony, for instance, was widely seen as damaging to Trump  and the move to seek a protective order amounted to an aggressive play by prosecutors to suppress discussion of the proffers leading up to trial.

Willis also said in the filing that she would take the unusual step of refusing to send copies of the video recordings to defense lawyers, and that they would instead have to watch the recordings at her office in downtown Atlanta, where they could only take notes.

In the separate federal 2020 election subversion case brought against Trump in Washington, the discovery materials were subject to a protective order almost as soon as Trump was charged. But special counsel prosecutors have not forced Trumps lawyers to only view the discovery in person.

The prosecutors disclosed in their submission to the judge some back-and-forth communications they had with a couple defense lawyers over the leaks, including with Trumps lawyer Steve Sadow, who had asked the district attorneys office to state they had not leaked the material.

The state had nothing to do with leaking any information to the media! replied Nathan Wade, one of the top prosecutors on the case.

But then a lawyer for Harrison Floyd, a Trump ally charged with harassing Georgia election worker Ruby Freeman, replied to the email chain on Tuesday morning, writing, It was Harrison Floyds team. The lawyer later said the statement was a typo and that they were not the leak.

Willis first requested a protective order on 27 September. The delay with the protective order, according to a person familiar with the matter, has been over a protracted negotiation between the district attorneys office and all 19 co-defendants over the language in the order.
A Georgia school district is mourning the loss of a middle school teacher fatally shot in Atlanta over the weekend, and authorities have yet to identify any suspects or announce any arrests.

Jason Ogbomoh, 25, of Acworth, was killed in a shooting in the 80 block of Peachtree Street near Underground Atlanta Sunday, the Fulton County Medical Examiners Office confirmed to FOX 5 Atlanta.

Reached by Fox News Digital seeking an update Tuesday, Atlanta Police referred to the same preliminary information released Sunday indicating Atlanta Police Zone 5 officers responded to a report of a person shot at 81 Peachtree St. SW at approximately 3:04 a.m.

"Upon arriving on the scene, officers located a 25-year-old male victim who had sustained multiple gunshot wounds," the press release said. "The victim was transported to the hospital in critical condition, where they succumbed to their injuries. Investigators with the Homicide Unit responded to the scene to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. The investigation continues."

FLORIDA SERIAL CAR BURGLARY SUSPECT WITH 'ALL GAS, NO BRAKES' TATTOO NABBED AFTER HIGH-SPEED CRASH

Jason Ogbomoh was killed in a downtown Atlanta shooting.

Police have not indicated a suspected motive or whether the victim and alleged assailant knew each other.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

A witness told 11 Alive he was parking his car nearby when he heard about eight to ten rounds until looking up and noticing "the perpetrator shot this dude point-blank."

The witness said he used his belt as a tourniquet to render aid to Ogbomoh until an ambulance arrived minutes later.

Atlanta Police responded to a shooting at 81 Peachtree Street SW at 3:04 a.m. Sunday.

Ogbomoh, reportedly a 2020 graduate of the University of Georgia who majored in biology with a neuroscience concentration, taught computer science at Marietta Middle School for two years. In a statement to local outlets, Marietta Middle School Principal Diona Brown said she was "heartbroken" by the news of Ogbomoh's passing.

ATLANTA 'COP CITY' PROTESTERS CLASH WITH POLICE OVER CONSTRUCTION OF TRAINING CENTER

Marietta Middle School is mourning the loss of a teacher killed in Atlanta.

"His passion for teaching was clear in every lesson; his commitment to our students unwavering. At just 25 years old, he had already made a significant impact on our community," she wrote, according to WSB-TV. "His ability to connect with students and his enthusiasm for teaching was truly special. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him."

Students reportedly affectionately referred to Ogbomoh as "Mr. O."

"He was an incredible teacher. He was a role model. He was a leader. He was a mentor. He was the type of teacher that every parent would want their child to have," Brown also told 11 Alive. "Thats been the hardest part is seeing the emotional reactions our students have had to his passing and our students walking up with just sadness in their eyes."





Original article source: Georgia school district mourns teacher fatally shot in Atlanta by unknown suspect
Germany's antitrust watchdog said Tuesday it was opening a probe into US beverages giant Coca-Cola over rebates for retailers it said could give the company an unfair advantage over competitors.

The Federal Cartel Office based in the western city of Bonn said it had initiated "abuse proceedings" against Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Deutschland GmbH, which handles the company's bottling and distribution in Germany.

"There are indications of Coca-Cola possibly restricting the opportunities of other companies to compete based on how it structures its terms offered to German food retailers, in particular its rebate structure," cartel office president Andreas Mundt said in a statement.

"We will now take a closer look at this."

The office will begin by scrutinising whether Coca-Cola has a "dominant position or relative market power" in the soft drinks market in Germany, making it "subject to special competition law rules".

It will examine the terms imposed by Coca-Cola on retail outlets, particularly whether its rebate structure "creates incentives" to buy, display and advertise drinks in the company's product line beyond its signature cola beverage.

Coca-Cola said it would cooperate with the authority but dismissed the accusations as baseless.

"We are convinced that the proven business model of Coca-Cola Europacific Partners in Germany with a balanced programme on pricing and conditions is legally compliant," vice president for legal affairs Andrea Weckwert said in a statement.

Germany's cartel office has launched a number of high-profile cases against US companies in recent years.

Last year it classed Google parent Alphabet as a company of "paramount significance for competition across markets", allowing for closer monitoring for possible abuse of its market position.

Fellow tech behemoths Amazon, Apple and Facebook owner Meta have also been placed under increased scrutiny.

The German Competition Act, which came into force in 2021, gives the cartel office greater powers to clamp down on anti-competitive behaviour by tech giants.

dlc/hmn/lth
The European Union will not supply one million artillery rounds to Ukraine by March 2024.

Source: Boris Pistorius, Federal Minister of Defence of Germany, at a meeting of EU defence ministers on 14 November, as reported by European Pravda.

Quote from Pistorius: "We must assume that the mark of one million will not be reached... Some voices said: "Be careful, one million is easy to solve, there is money. But there must be production." Unfortunately, the cautionary voices are now right.

Details: Pistorius urged the industry to increase production and said that EU countries are already working with producers.

In particular, the authorities "made a significant contribution thanks to the framework agreements" and will continue to do so, the minister said. Negotiations are also underway with the defence industry to increase and accelerate the production of artillery rounds.

Background:

Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said that the European Union will not be able to carry out its plan to supply one million rounds of artillery to Ukraine by March 2024 due to the state of defence production and bureaucratic obstacles.

Josep Borrell, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said at a meeting with the defence ministers of the member states that they will examine the situation with the production of rounds to support Ukraine and ways to increase supplies.

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The European Union will not be able to provide Ukraine with one million artillery rounds by March 2024 as it had promised it would, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius admitted while talking to reporters on Nov. 14, Bloomberg reports.

"The one million will not be reached, one must assume that," Pistorius said.

Read also: Seven EU countries order ammunition using new mechanism  report

The minister also expressed doubts that the goal set by the EU to help Ukraine was "ever realistic."

Pistorius noted that some have called for caution with this goal, noting that the money is there, but level of production also had to be sufficiently high.

"The warning voices unfortunately were right," Pistorius said, urging defense contractors to increase production.

At the same time, EU Commissioner Thierry Breton, who is responsible for implementing the ammunition plan, said that the production target of one million shells a year "will be met."

Read also: EU to produce 1 million of artillery rounds per year

"Now it is up to the member states to make the orders  that is not up to the commission," Breton said.

EU members "must do it, and they must also verify that this production on their territory is directed in priority to Ukraine," he said.

Earlier, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba also said that the EU would not be able to provide Ukraine with the promised one million rounds of ammunition in time.

Bloomberg cited sources as saying that the European Union has informed member states that the bloc would fail to meet its commitment to provide Ukraine with shells.

According to plans developed in early 2023, the EU pledged to provide Ukraine with artillery ammunition within 12 months, first from existing stocks, and then through joint procurement contracts and increased industrial capacity.

According to Bloomberg, the initiative is currently 30% complete, but given the volume of contracts signed to date, there is a risk that it will not be completed by the deadline.

Read also: UK to send Ukraine tens of thousands of artillery shells

On March 20, EU foreign ministers agreed on a plan to jointly purchase and supply 1 million rounds of ammunition to Ukraine worth 2 billion euros ($2.14 billion). The plan envisaged the allocation of 1 billion euros ($1.07 billion) to compensate member states for supplies, another 1 billion euros for joint purchases of ammunition, and an increase in EU production output.

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
Berlin has handed over a new military aid package to Ukraine, the German Ministry of Defense reported on Nov. 13.

The new aid package for Ukraine includes:

10 Leopard 1A5 tanks;

14 Bandvagn 206 vehicles;

five Warthog Ambulance tracked carriers;

one Winsent 1 mine clearing tank;

ten VECTOR reconnaissance drones;

14 GO12 ground surveillance radars;

three border protection vehicles;

four 88 HX81 truck tractor trains and four semi-trailers;

16 Zetros trucks;

13 MAN TGS trucks;

1.4 million rounds of ammunition for firearms.

Read also:

Earlier, German Ambassador to Ukraine Martin Jaeger said that to protect Ukraine from Russian attacks in the winter of 2023/2024, Ukraine would receive two more IRIS-T systems and thus would have five such systems by the end of the year.

On Nov. 11, German tabloid newspaper Bild reported, citing sources in the German Defense Ministry, that Berlin would double its military aid to Ukraine in 2024, with EUR 8 billion ($8.6 billion) allocated instead of EUR 4 billion ($4.3 billion).

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius called the planned increase in support "a strong signal to Ukraine that we will not abandon them."

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
Germany has handed over 10 Leopard 1 A5 tanks, five Warthog armored ambulances, and 10 Vector reconnaissance drones, among other defense assistance in its latest aid delivery to Ukraine, the German government announced on Nov. 13.

The Leopard tanks and Vector drones come from industry stocks financed by German funds for security capacity building, as do 14 Bandvagn all-terrain vehicles.

Germany has additionally delivered 1,000 rounds of 155mm ammunition, 10,000 safety glasses, and 1.4 million rounds of small arms ammunition.

A number of vehicles are included in the delivery, including 16 more Zetros trucks, three border protection vehicles, and a mine clearing tank, all of which also come from industry stocks.

Germany also sent 14 ground surveillance radars.

The new deliveries bring the total number of Leopard 1 tanks Ukraine has received from the German government to 30.

Germany is the world's second biggest provider of military aid to Ukraine after the United States.

German Finance Minister Christian Lindner said in August that Germany plans to provide Ukraine with 5 billion euros ($5.3 billion) in annual military aid until 2027.

Read also: Pistorius confirms plan to double Germanys military aid to Ukraine for 2024

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Your slice of the headlines in Ukraine. Daily. November 14, 2023.

 Berlin to double its military aid to Kyiv to $8.5 billion in 2024

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius indirectly confirmed earlier reports that Germany would double military aid to Ukraine to about $8.5 billion (8 billion) in 2024, German public broadcaster Deutsche Welle reported on Nov. 12.





 Leader of the Crimean Tatar people awarded Hero of Ukraine on his 80th birthday

Mustafa Dzhemilev, the leader of the Crimean Tatar people and a member of the Ukrainian parliament, was awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine on his 80th birthday on Nov. 13, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Facebook.





 MP Dubinsky accused of treason, working for Russian intel in U.S. Presidential election lies case

The Ukraines SBU Security Service and the State Bureau of Investigations (SBI) have compiled evidence of state treason by a sitting MP Oleksandr Dubinsky, who is accused of involvement in information subversion favoring Russia, according to NVs sources within law enforcement.





 How Ukraine plans to prosecute those collaborating with Russia

Over the course of the war, Ukraines SBU security service investigated about 8,000 criminal cases of collaboration with the enemy. But if current laws are not amended, people in liberated Ukrainian territories will be subject to prosecution for even the most innocuous misdeeds.





 Germany to increase air defense support for Ukraine: 5 IRIS-T systems by 2024

Germany will deliver two more IRIS-T anti-air systems to Ukraine by the end of the year, Martin Eger, Germanys Ambassador to Ukraine announced on Nov. 11. The move aims to bolster Ukraines defense against potential Russian air strikes during the winter of 2023/2024.





 How will bad weather affect Russian aviation and Ukrainian air defense?  NV asked experts

Adverse weather conditions can disrupt the work of enemy aircraft and UAV operators, but their impact should not be overestimated. NV interviewed military experts to find out how the weather affects the intensity of Russian airstrikes.





 Ukraines private defense industry becoming next driver of economic growth  minister

More than 10 Ukrainian defense industry companies will be worth over $1 billion, and another 100 companies will reach a valuation of $1 million in the foreseeable future, Strategic Industries Minister Oleksandr Kamyshin said at NVs Formula for Ukraine's Success event, answering a question from NV editor-in-chief Vitaliy Sych.





 NVs probe into Russias ingenious oil sanction evasion

Despite the G7 and EUs imposition of a $60 per barrel price ceiling on Russian oil, the Kremlin continues to roll in the petrodollars, highlighting Moscows adeptness at navigating financial restrictions tied to its critical budgetary reliance on oil, experts told NV.





 How Ukraines military intelligence conducted their first successful operations against Russian forces in Kharkiv

A specialized unit from Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR), known as Kraken, have executed several successful operations against Russias special forces in Kharkiv, HUR officer Danylo Polozhukhno revealed in an NV exclusive published on Nov. 9





 EU mission to visit Kyiv in December to discuss security guarantees  Borrell

In early December 2023, a European Union mission will visit Kyiv to discuss proposals for potential long-term security commitments to Ukraine, Josep Borrell, EUs High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, announced on Nov. 13.

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
Berlin will increase military aid to Ukraine going forward, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock announced on Nov. 13.

During a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels, Baerbock addressed the ongoing crisis diplomacy concerning the Middle East, German newspaper Die Welt reports.

Read also: Ukraine confident Brussels will be satisfied with reforms progress

No matter the strength of current diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, it's equally crucial that we face geopolitical challenges on the home front, said Baerbock.

Our support will see a significant increase, especially in the next year.

Read also: Putin has 'at least three' body doubles, Ukraines intelligence says

Baerbock also commented on Russian dictator Vladimir Putin's premature hopes for a reduction in EU support due to escalating conflicts in the Middle East: Putin is celebrating too soon; we plan not only to continue our support for Ukraine but to expand and enhance it.

Read also: NATO chief, German chancellor steeled for long struggle in Ukraine, stress support must remain strong

Earlier, Reuters reported sources claiming that Germany's ruling coalition reached an agreement to double military aid to Ukraine to EUR 8 billion ($8.56 billion) in 2024. If approved by the Bundestag, Germany's defense spending would increase to 2.1% of its GDP, exceeding the NATO minimum spending threshold.

Germany's Ambassador to Ukraine, Martin Eger, informed that to defend against potential Russian attacks during the winter of 2023/2024, Ukraine will receive two additional IRIS-T air defense systems by the end of December.

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
Germany plans to provide new aid to Ukraine worth at least EUR 8 billion next year.

Source: Boris Pistorius, Federal Minister of Defence of Germany, at a meeting of EU defence ministers on 14 November, as reported by European Pravda.

Quote from Pistorius: "Yes, the EUR 8 billion can be provided. I hope it will be, it's a good initiative... Parliament, of course, has to decide next week."

Details: The minister said that it is specifically EUR 8 billion and an additional EUR 2 billion for commitment appropriations.

He added that this would be a strong signal that Germany continues to support Ukraine.

Pistorius expressed hope that other partners will help Ukraine more.

Earlier, the minister indirectly confirmed media reports that Germany's military support to Ukraine should be increased from four to eight billion euros in 2024.

Background:

The ruling coalition of the Social Democratic Party of Germany, the Free Democratic Party, and Alliance 90/The Greens have already agreed on this.

Initially, the German Finance Ministry provided only EUR 4 billion for military aid to Kyiv in the federal budget 2024. However, almost all of this money was earmarked for already promised support projects, while only EUR 120 million remained for new aid from the German Ministry of Defence.

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German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall will supply Ukraine with 25 main battle tanks Leopard 1A5 as part of an order financed by the German government, the company announced on Nov. 14.

The order consists of a total of 32 Leopard 1 systems, including, apart from the Leopard tanks, five Bergepanzer 2 armored recovery vehicles, and two driver training tanks.

Rheinmetall will also reportedly provide Ukraine with training, logistics, spare parts, maintenance, and other support services as part of the contract.

The Leopard tanks, due to be delivered in 2024, are currently being repaired and readied for use at Rheinmetall facilities, reads the announcement.

The company wrote that it would also send Ukraine 14 Leopard 2A4 tanks next year on behalf of the Dutch and Danish governments and five Caracal airmobile-capable vehicles in late 2023-early 2024.

The German government announced on Nov. 13 that it had delivered over 10 Leopard 1 A5 tanks, among other defense assistance, in its latest aid package to Ukraine.

The new deliveries brought the total number of Leopard 1 tanks Ukraine has received from the German government to 30.

Germany is the world's second-biggest provider of military aid to Ukraine after the United States.

Read also: Southern counteroffensive runs out of steam as West scrambles to deliver aid

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Ukrainian authorities on Monday notified Oleksandr Dubinskya sitting member of the countrys parliament who met with Rudy Giuliani as he tried to discredit Joe Biden and his son Hunter in 2019that he was suspected of state treason. Allegedly part of a criminal group that received more than $10 million from Russian military intelligence to to take advantage of the tense political situation in Ukraine and discredit our state in the international arena, Dubinsky was not named in a statement released to Telegram by Ukraines Security Service, but he was identified by two Ukrainian lawmakers on the messaging platform, according to Reuters. The wire reported that Dubinsky denied the allegations in his own Telegram post, saying they were based on the absolute lies of top state officials. In early 2021, the embattled politician was one of seven Ukrainians placed on a U.S. sanctions list for participating in a Russia-linked foreign influence network that spread fraudulent and unsubstantiated allegations about a U.S. political candidate.

Read it at POLITICO

Read more at The Daily Beast.
Swiss commodities giant Glencore will acquire a majority stake in the steelmaking coal business of Canadian miner Teck Resources, the companies said on Tuesday, ending fraught negotiations between the groups.

Glencore initially launched a $23 billion hostile takeover bid of Teck's entire operation in April, disrupting the Canadian firm's plans to spin off its coal business and raising concerns in the country about its potential impact on jobs.

After Teck balked, the Swiss group made an alternative offer to buy its steelmaking coal business, Elk Valley Resources (EVR).

In the deal announced Tuesday, Glencore will take a 77-percent effective interest in EVR for $6.93 billion in cash.

Japan's Nippon Steel Corporation will acquire a 20-percent minority stake, while South Korea's POSCO will grab three percent.

Vancouver-based Teck Resources put the value of its steelmaking coal business at $9.0 billion.

"We are pleased to have reached an agreement to acquire Teck's steelmaking coal operations in the Elk Valley," Glencore chief executive Gary Nagle said.

"These world-class assets and the experienced people that operate them are expected to meaningfully complement our existing thermal and steelmaking coal production located in Australia, Colombia and South Africa," he said.

In a statement to AFP, a spokesperson for Canadian Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne said the deal must still pass a national security review and be found to be a "likely net benefit to the Canadian economy" under the Investment Canada Act.

Glencore's coal strategy has attracted fierce criticism, including from some shareholders at the commodity trading and mining group.

The latter want it to separate coal from the rest of its activities in order to concentrate on its other resources, such as copper and cobalt, which are in high demand for the energy transition.

"At a time when most mining businesses are turning away from coal due to its polluting nature Glencore is seemingly doubling down on the fossil fuel," said Russ Mould, investment director at trading platform AJ Bell.

"The company has a reputation for ruthlessness and, while this deal will do little for its public reputation, it clearly feels the move makes business sense," he said.

Mould noted, however, that Glencore plans to spin off its coal business, including its future EVR unit, into a separate company.

Glencore said Tuesday that it intends to demerge the combined business within 24 months after the Teck deal closes.

"If it is successful in executing its spin-off plans then the remaining Glencore businesses would be free of the stink of coal," Mould said.

- Canadian jobs -

Glencore said the EVR transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2024, pending the approval of Canadian regulators.

Glencore shares rose more than five percent in afternoon deals in London's FTSE 100 index.

In its initial takeover bid of Teck Resources, Glencore wanted to combine the coal and metals activities of the two groups and then spin them off.

The Canadian firm twice rejected the offer, with the support of chairman emeritus Normal Keevil, whose family owns the majority of "supervoting" shares.

Teck had warned that the proposed merger would bring Glencore's thermal coal into its business.

Used to produce electricity and heat, thermal coal is attracting much more criticism because of its climate-heating carbon dioxide emissions.

Teck Resources, one of the top mining companies in Canada, wants to focus on metals such as copper that are key to the global energy transition.

Glencore's takeover attempt also raised political hackles in Canada.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told Bloomberg in April that the bid would go through a "rigorous process", while opposition Conservatives urged the government to block the deal over concerns about jobs.

In June, Glencore made the alternative offer to buy EVR.

In Tuesday's statement, Glencore said it will enter into commitments with the Canadian government to ensure that EVR will continue to be based in Vancouver, with "no net reduction in the number of employees".

Keevil said the sale "sets the stage for Teck for continued growth as a major Canadian-based producer of copper and other future-oriented metals, while preserving the jobs and operations of the coal mines in the Elk Valley."

noo/lth/cw/amc/
Google agreed to pay $8 billion over four years to Samsung Electronics Co. to make its apps default on Samsung phones, according to information presented by Epic Games Inc. in court.

James Kolotouros, vice president for partnerships at Google, testified Monday in a San Francisco trial, saying that the company and Samsung were to share app store revenue to ensure Android mobile devices came with Google Play preinstalled.

Epic, the company that makes the popular video game Fortnite, sued Google in 2020, alleging the companys app marketplace violates antitrust laws.

Epic is trying to show that Google executives have discouraged third-party app stores on Samsung devices so it wouldnt cut into the profit of Google Play, Bloomberg reported.

According to Kolotouross testimony, half or more of Google Play revenue comes from Samsung devices. The trial targets the app store that distributes apps for the companys Android software, which powers virtually all the worlds smartphones that arent made by Apple.

Epic alleges Google has created an illegal monopoly on Android apps so it can boost its profits through commissions, ranging from 15 to 30 percent on purchases made within an app.

Google argues it was doing so to compete with Apple and its app store, an argument attacked by Epic attorney Lauren Moskowitz.

Earlier in the trial, Googles attorney said the company cant be a monopoly because it faces competition from companies such as Apple.

In September, however, Google and Apple were intertwined in an antitrust lawsuit. The case centers on payments that Google makes to Apple to ensure the Google search engine automatically fields queries made on iPhones.

Epic attorney Gary Bornstein previously accused Google of bullying and bribing to block competition.

Google offered to pay Samsung $200 million over four years, so Samsungs Galaxy app store would become available within the Google Play Store rather than preinstalled on the device. The idea was later abandoned, and Google signed the current deal with Samsung that totals $8 billion over four years.

In his testimony, Kolotouros said if the Google-affiliated app store wasnt pre-downloaded on the phones, people would likely make the switch to Apple and its iPhone.

The trial is in the Northern District of California and is expected to last until just before the end of the year.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
(Bloomberg) -- House Speaker Mike Johnson is counting on Democrats to overcome misgivings and approve his proposal to avert a US government shutdown.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The Republican leader plans a vote Tuesday on his temporary funding proposal under a procedure that requires a two-thirds majority, a threshold he can only meet with support from a large number of Democratic lawmakers.

The scenario is similar to the one earlier this fall that while avoiding a shutdown, led to the ouster of Speaker Kevin McCarthy.

I think we will have bipartisan agreement, Johnson told CNBC early Tuesday.

Johnson would not speculate on how many Democrats might back the plan, or how many of his fellow Republicans will vote against it.

Hardline conservatives had made clear to him that they would block holding a simple majority vote on the measure because he didnt satisfy their demands for immediate steep spending cuts or changes to immigration law.

House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries wouldnt say Monday night if his party would deliver the necessary votes to Johnson. No decision, he responded, adding that he would be meeting with his caucus Tuesday morning to discuss a path forward.

Democrats dont like Johnsons measure because it leaves out emergency funding for Israel and Ukraine and threatens a two-step shutdown next year. The measure would finance some parts of the US government through Jan. 19 and other parts through Feb. 2.

Still, there were signs Democratic leaders may acquiesce because the short-term funding doesnt include cuts or poison-pill policy demands.

Earlier: GOP Speakers Plan to Avert Shutdown Faces Critical 24 Hours

President Joe Biden indicated Monday afternoon he was inclined against a veto threat, pointing out continuing negotiations with Senate leaders from both parties.

Im not going to make a judgment on what Id veto or what Id sign, Biden told reporters at the White House, adding he will wait and see how talks on interim funding progress.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer praised Johnson Monday for resisting demands from hardliners in his party.

I hope the speaker does not buckle to the loud voices on his hard-right flank to add partisan cuts, Schumer said.

Johnson faces opposition from at least nine ultra-conservatives in his party.

I will not support a status quo that fails to acknowledge fiscal irresponsibility, and changes absolutely nothing while emboldening a do-nothing Senate and a fiscally illiterate President, House Freedom Caucus Chairman Scott Perry said on X, the former Twitter.

--With assistance from Maeve Sheehey and Allyson Versprille.

(Updates with Johnson comment in fourth paragraph.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
House Republican leaders are moving to pass a two-step stopgap government funding bill under a fast-track process that will require support from Democrats, an attempt to work around GOP opposition that threatened to tank the bill on a procedural vote.

It is one of the first major decisions of Speaker Mike Johnsons (R-La.) tenure  and the same move that helped trigger a motion to oust former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.). It is also sure to enrage the Republican conferences right flank.

A scheduling notice from House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) sent late Monday night announced that the continuing resolution (CR) would be brought up Tuesday under suspension of the rules  a procedure that requires support from two-thirds of the House in order to pass and avoid a government shutdown after Friday.

Such a move avoids a procedural rule vote teeing up the bill, which typically passes as a party-line vote and serves as a test of party unity, regardless of whether members of the minority party vote for the underlying legislation. But some Republicans had threatened to vote against the rule out of frustration that the bill did not include spending cuts or key conservative policy reforms  which would have prevented a vote on final passage of the legislation.

In the House GOPs slim majority, GOP leaders can afford to lose just three Republican votes on any party-line measure, assuming full attendance. Far more than that have signaled opposition to the CR.

Under the continuing resolution, part of government funding would run out Jan. 19, with the rest running out Feb. 2. Johnson has argued that the two-step plan is the best way to avert a massive omnibus funding package pushed by the Senate, and allows Congress more time to negotiate on fiscal 2024 funding.

On the other side of the aisle, Democratic leaders have not yet said whether they will support the bill, but have given signals that they could.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) said Monday, however, that Democrats had zero intention to vote for the rule, leaving Republican leadership the options of either trying to convince the GOP holdouts to support the rule or aim for wide cooperation from Democrats.

A Dear Colleague letter from Jeffries, Minority Whip Katherine Clark (D-Mass.) and Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.) on Monday said they found the two-step proposal troublesome but did not fully oppose it and were carefully evaluating the bill.

While Democrats are skeptical of the two-step approach, there is little in the bill for them to oppose, even if it omits some provisions they wanted, such as aid to Ukraine and Israel.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) also said Monday that he was pleased Johnson was advancing a stopgap without spending cuts.

With the House GOPs slim 221-213 majority, it will take dozens of Democrats  likely upward of 80 when accounting for GOP defections  to achieve the two-thirds threshold and pass the bill under suspension.

The tactic is already getting fierce pushback from hard-line conservatives.

If my vote is ignored by the Speaker when he doesnt need it, when he comes and he needs it, it may not be there, Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) said earlier Monday evening when asked about the prospects of GOP leaders moving to pass the bill under suspension. Roy was one of the Republican members who indicated he would vote against the rule on the stopgap.

McCarthy was ousted from his post in October right after he brought up a clean CR for passage with help from Democrats on the last government funding deadline day in September. Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) made the motion to vacate McCarthy from the Speakership, and seven other Republicans joined with him and all Democrats to take away McCarthys gavel.

One senior House GOP aide took a swipe at the eight members who voted to oust McCarthy in part over the same situation.

The Gaetz 8 wasted 3 weeks of floor time on appropriations, for what? To get a Speaker who works with Dems to continue Pelosis omnibus? Are they going to vacate Johnson too? the senior GOP aide told The Hill.

Mike Lillis contributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The leaders of both legislative chambers in the Kentucky statehouse say theyre open to having the discussion of introducing rape and incest exceptions to the states near-total ban on abortion.

Railing against the current bans lack of exceptions for rape and incest was featured heavily in a successful campaign against an anti-abortion amendment proposed in 2022. It also played a key role in Democratic Gov. Andy Beshears re-election victory this month, with his GOP opponent Daniel Camerons ties to the ban playing a key role in campaign messaging.

Now, key Republicans in the legislature  the GOP controls 80% majorities in the Senate and House  say theres a chance those exceptions get passed this session.

The topic was not much of a subject of discussion at the Kentucky Chambers Legislative Preview Conference at the Central Bank Center on Monday, but Speaker of the House David Osborne, R-Prospect, and Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, spoke about the topic with the Herald-Leader afterward.

There is some interest in our caucus in passing those exceptions, Osborne said, adding that opinions range widely within the House GOP.

The same can be said of the 31-member Senate GOP caucus, according to Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester. Though the Senate is often seen as the more socially conservative and hesitant to change of the two branches, Stivers did not rule out the possibility of the chamber moving to add exceptions for rape and incest when asked on Monday,

Were getting ready to have our caucus and kind of go through this. This will be a decision that everybody has varying opinions as to what should happen or what shouldnt happen  It is such a personal issue to people. Were gonna have to have that type of discussion amongst ourselves and then collaborate with the house, Stivers said.

Whether that openness converts into action remains to be seen. But even beyond the 2023 election results, circumstances have changed.

There has been a general school of thought all along that ultimately the (Kentucky) Supreme Court would step in on this measure and mandate that we do something  thats not going to happen in the short term. So I think that that conversation is going to continue to happen, Osborne said.

The speaker was referring to a case that was before the Kentucky Supreme Court this time last year.

Last summer, Kentuckys two remaining outpatient abortion providers sued the state after a pair of laws took effect  a trigger law banning abortion in all cases except to save the life of a pregnant person took effect, and a six-week ban, which outlaws abortion once fetal cardiac activity develops.

Planned Parenthood and EMW Womens Surgical Center argued the bans were unconstitutional, violating a pregnant persons right to bodily autonomy and self-determination  rights they argued were protected under the Kentucky Constitution.

The clinics had asked the high court to temporarily block both laws while the broader and more consequential question  does the Kentucky Constitution inherently protect a right to abortion?  was interpreted by the courts.

Because the case was actively being vetted by justices during a portion of the 2023 legislative session, lawmakers balked at adding rape or incest exceptions to the law and opted to wait and see how the court came down on the issue.

House Majority Whip Jason Nemes, R-Louisville, filed a bill at the time to add exceptions for rape, incest and fatal fetal anomalies, but it never received a committee hearing.

The Kentucky Supreme Court heard oral arguments in that case in November 2022, but did not issue its opinion until February, when a majority of justices denied injunctive relief to the clinics because they lacked adequate constitutional standing to sue on behalf of impacted patients.

Attorneys for the clinics had yet to find a plaintiff who is pregnant and in need of an abortion by the filing deadline this June, so they asked a lower court judge to dismiss their case against the state. The question at the heart of the case has yet to be answered.

Since there is no active case before the courts asserting the state constitutions full scope of abortion protections, Osborne said his caucus this session was likely going to have much more active conversations about adding exceptions.

Though frankly, I dont know where our caucus is on it, he said. Weve got a lot of members that support (exceptions), weve got others that are perfectly content to just leave it the way it is.

Singing a different tune on relationship

Some leading Republican legislators have stressed that Beshears opinion wont change their work, as the GOP touts massive supermajorities that have proven able to override the governors vetoes.

With a month-and-a-half until session, its unclear exactly on what policies they might align. Osborne said he has no way of knowing.

I honestly mean this in the most respectful way: I dont have a clue what his legislative agenda is. Not one single time has he picked up the phone, has he sent (Beshear Senior Adviser) Rocky (Adkins) over to talk. There may be all kinds of stuff we can work together on, but you cant make policy by press conference. It might come as a shocking realization to him that I dont watch his press conferences, Osborne told the Herald-Leader.

Osborne compared Beshear to his father, former governor Steve Beshear, who he said spoke with him frequently. Thats not the case with Beshear the younger, Osborne said.

Like Osborne, Stivers stated that he doesnt pay close attention to Beshears public statements. However, he stated that the legislature and governor are probably in alignment to do something with regards to education funding.

I think we are in agreement that we want to get everything we can into educational systems because thats the valued asset  we have to educate for our future, Stivers said.

Still, Beshear has frequently rallied to get school employees a direct raise. That contrasts with the legislatures posture, which is to provide funding through SEEK funding, a statewide formula that determines per student funding using state and local dollars.

Meanwhile, Adkins, Beshears former Democratic primary competitor-turned-surrogate, painted a different picture of the relationship between the branches in Frankfort to the crowd gathered at the legislative preview.

Every member of the General Assembly will tell you they know they have an open door policy with me, and I hope they know that with the governor. I did not know of a meeting thats been asked for by a legislator that the governor has not basically brought in to say yes, lets have this meeting, Adkins said.

Stivers and Osborne, in a panel, emphasized that, while they would have preferred Cameron to win over Beshear, their legislative work remains unchanged.

Stivers added that Beshears win was disappointing but wasnt unexpected.

It was the power of incumbency that I think really was the difference, Stivers said. When you think of the total dollars spent, the reality of having unfettered access to the media, which was very rarely pointed and questioned, you know what the outcomes gonna be.

Constitutional amendment(s)

All legislative leaders interviewed at the Kentucky Chamber event said that a constitution amendment allowing school choice initiatives to become law  the courts have previously stymied such efforts  would likely pass.

Clearly, the courts are sending us a message that the one sure way that we dont have to continue to have this conversation year after year after year on constitutionality is to amend the constitution. I do think it will be a priority and I think that a large majority of our members support it and are in favor of it, Osborne said.

Senate Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer, R-Georgetown, called such a constitutional amendment bill his number one priority. If passed, the amendment would have to be approved by a majority of Kentucky voters at the ballot box next November.

Leaders were more ambivalent about the likelihood of passage for a constitutional amendment on local taxation, which several groups are calling for in the lead-up to session.

Money talk

It didnt come as a surprise, but both House and Senate appropriations and revenue committee chairs  they play a central role in budget sessions such as this upcoming one  reaffirmed their commitment to lowering the income tax rate with the formula established in 20

Both Sen. Chris McDaniel, R-Ryland Heights and Rep. Jason Petrie, R-Elkton, said that they did not anticipate dropping the current income tax rate of 4% in spite of not meeting the established criteria for doing so.

Those criteria:

That the balance in the Budget Reserve Trust Fund  often called the rainy day fund  at the end of a fiscal year is at least 10% of General Fund revenue.

That General Fund revenues exceed appropriations in addition to the cost of a 1% reduction in the state income tax.

Petrie and McDaniel both said that it was doubtful the legislature would pursue a bill to change those criteria.
Florida Representative Matt Gaetz has filed an ethics complaint against former Speaker Kevin McCarthy after he reportedly shoved one of the members who voted to oust him in the halls of Congress.

Mr McCarthy was seen by reporters elbowing Rep Tim Burchett, who told CNN afterwards that it was a clean shot to the kidneys.

Claudia Grisales of NPR was speaking to Mr Burchett at the time on Tuesday, writing on X that she had never seen this on Capitol Hill.

While talking to @RepTimBurchett after the GOP conference meeting, former @SpeakerMcCarthy walked by with his detail and McCarthy shoved Burchett. Burchett lunged towards me. I thought it was a joke, it was not. And a chase ensued, she wrote.

A spokesperson for Mr Burchett told The Independent: I dont have any official comments on the incident from the Congressman, but I do not have anything in that tweet that I wish to correct.

Mr Gaetz, the instigator of the push to oust Mr McCarthy in October, accused the former speaker of assaulting Mr Busrchett in his ethics complaint.

Mr McCarthy later appeared on CNN saying: I guess our shoulders hit ... I did not kidney punch him.

I didnt punch anybody, he added.

Regarding the ethics complaint from Mr Gaetz, whose personal rivalry with Mr McCarthy is well known in the Capitol, the former speaker told CNN: Oh good .... I think thats a good place for Gaetz to be.

Burchetts back was to McCarthy and his detail walking by in the hallway, then the lunge. Burchett responded jokingly as McCarthy kept walking, Ms Grisales wrote on X.

Sorry Kevin didnt mean to elbow he began before yelling in a serious tone: Whyd you elbow me in the back Kevin?! Hey Kevin, you got any guts!?

Mr Burchett looked at the reporter and called Mr McCarthy a jerk. Asked if Mr McCarthy had done that previously, Mr Burchett said he hadnt.

Thats when the chase ensued. Burchett took off after McCarthy and his detail. I chased behind with my mic, Ms Grisales recalled shortly after the altercation before 11am on Tuesday.

After running after the former speaker, Mr Burchett asked: Hey Kevin, whyd you walk behind me and elbow me in the back?

I didnt elbow you in the back, Mr McCarthy responded, according to the NPR congressional correspondent.

You got no guts, you did so ... the reporter said it right there, what kind of chicken move is that? Youre pathetic man, you are so pathetic, Mr Burchett said. You need security, Kevin!

Mr Burchett told NPR that it was the first time he had spoken to the former speaker since his ouster in early October, calling Mr McCarthy childish.

Did you just see that? Mr Burchett asked the reporter in disbelief.

Im stunned, too, Ms Grisales wrote on X.

Mr Burchett told her that he wouldnt follow up with the ex-speaker on the incident.

Hes on a downhill spiral ... that was pretty gutless of him. Im disappointed ... in him, he said.

Hes got $17m to work against me, Mr Burchett said of Mr McCarthys campaign war chest. He should have kept his word. I think that just showed what hes about and its unfortunate.

Hes 12, Mr Burchett told Insider regarding Mr McCarthy.

Following the incident, Mr Burchett appeared on CNN, saying that he didnt expect a guy who was at one time three steps away from the White House ... hit you with a sucker punch in the hallway.

I wasn't looking to knock him out or anything, Mr Burchett said of the following confrontation after the initial shove.

It still hurts because it was a shot to the kidneys, he told CNNs Manu Raju, adding that he wasnt going to file an ethics complaint because Mr McCarthy is not worth it.

Burchett says he's still in pain from McCarthy hitting him and adds: "I just don't expect a guy who was at one time three steps away from the White House to hit you with a sucker punch in the hallway." pic.twitter.com/vhWTpm9uDm  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) November 14, 2023

Asked if he was accusing the former speaker of assault, Mr Burchett said I don't know. Ask a lawyer. It's over as far as I'm concerned.

Mr Raju noted that Mr McCarthy argued that the incident wasnt intentional and that it was simply a tight hallway where he bumped into Mr Burchett.

Theres 435 congressmen. I was one of eight that voted against him. That hallway ... there's plenty of room, you could walk side by side. He chose to do what he did. And it'll end right here. I'm sure it'll just be a little asterisk on his storied career, Mr Burchett said.

I didnt shove or elbow him, its a tight hallway, the ex-speaker said on CNN.

He doesnt keep his word and I think this pretty much shows what he did, Mr Burchett said of Mr McCarthy. Its just the way it is with him ... he could have gone out on top and hes chosen to go this route.

I actually feel sorry for him. I pray for him every day. You might not believe that, but I do. I pray for him and I hope he finds some happiness in his life, he added.

The Independent has reached out to the office of Mr McCarthy for comment.
Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R), a former mixed martial arts fighter, nearly came to blows with the president of the Teamsters at a Senate hearing Tuesday, forcing Chair Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) to step in to stop a brawl from breaking out in the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee room.

Mullin challenged International Brotherhood of Teamsters General President Sean OBrien to a fight on the spot after the senator read aloud OBriens tweets calling him out as a clown and a fraud.

Sir, this is a time, this is a place. You want to run your mouth, we can be two consenting adults, we can finish it here, Mullin said from the hearing room dais.

OK, thats fine. Perfect, OBrien shot back.

You want to do it now? Mullin asked. Stand your butt up then.

Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) and Teamsters General President Sean O'Brien challenged each other to a physical fight during the Senate HELP Committee with Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) having to step in.



Sanders repeatedly attempted to break them up: Youre a United States pic.twitter.com/2OFC3eDTZr  The Hill (@thehill) November 14, 2023

You stand your butt up, OBrien retorted, prompting Mullin, who is 46 years old, to stand up from his chair as if he was preparing to spring into the middle of the hearing room to trade blows with the Teamster.

At that point, Sanders tried to take control of the hearing to stop an impromptu cage match from breaking out.

Hold it. No, no, no, sit down. Sit down! Youre a United State senator, sit down, Sanders yelled while banging the gavel to restore order in the room.

This is a hearing. God knows the American people have enough contempt for Congress, lets not  Sanders fumed before being cut off by more bellicose cross-talk between Mullin and OBrien.

Mullin then tried to challenge the Teamsters official to a real cage match with the proceeds going to charity, but Sanders gabbed the mic to interrupt his Republican colleague.

Excuse me, hold it. Sen. Mullin, I have the mic. If you have questions on any economic issues, anything that was said, go for it. Were not here to talk about physical abuse, Sanders said.

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The purpose of the hearing, which was called for by Sanders, was show how unions are improving the lives of working families.

Mullin argued that he was trying to expose OBrien as a thug after the Teamsters leader tweeted at him after a prior contentious Health, Education and Labor Committee hearing in March, when OBrien called Mullin, who previously owned a plumbing company, a greedy CEO, and Mullin told the union official to shut his mouth.

The Oklahoma senator didnt back down or apologize when later asked about his conduct.

He called me out.  He said anytime, anyplace. You dont call me out and say anytime, anyplace, and then not back it up what you said, Mullin said.

I answered his call. Period, he added.

Top Stories from The Hill

Asked if he should be held to a higher standard as a member of the U.S. Senate, Mullin said: Im still a guy. He called me. He said it. I just answered the bell. That was all.

At the hearing, the Oklahoma senator held out printouts of OBriens posts on Twitter, which has been rebranded as X.

You tweeted at me, one, two, three, four, five times, Mullin said at the hearing. Let me read what the last one said: Greedy CEO who pretends like hes self-made. What a clown, fraud. Always has been, always will be. Quit the tough-guy act in these Senate hearings. You know where to find me, anyplace, anytime.'

The senator insisted he spent long hours in his plumbing truck building his business, while his wife managed the office.

OBrien didnt back down from his tweets, either, calling Mullin an embarrassment and telling him to grow up.

You want to fight me? Lets have coffee, discuss our differences, he said.

Updated at 1:10 p.m. ET

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Washington  Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma challenged the president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters to a physical fight in a tense moment during a Senate hearing on Tuesday.

The confrontation occurred during a hearing on labor unions in the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. Sean O'Brien, the head of one of the nation's largest and most influential unions, was appearing as a witness.

When Mullin got his chance to pose questions to the witnesses, he referenced a previous hearing in March when he and O'Brien had a heated exchange over Mullin's background as a business owner and O'Brien's salary as the union chief.

"I appreciate your demeanor today. It's quite different. But after you left here, you got pretty excited about the keyboard. In fact, you tweeted at me, one, two, three, four, five times," Mullin said, holding up printed out versions of O'Brien's posts on X. Mullin read one of O'Brien's posts aloud, in which he called Mullin a "greedy CEO," a "clown" and a "fraud."

"'You know where to find me. Any time, any place, cowboy.' Sir, this is a time. This is a place," Mullin said, pointing the floor in between the dais and the witness table. "If you want to run your mouth, we can be two consenting adults. We can finish it here."

O'Brien replied: "OK, that's fine. Perfect."

"You want to do it now?" Mullin asked.

"I'd love to do it right now," O'Brien answered.

"Well, stand your butt up, then," Mullin said.

"You stand your butt up."

Sen. Markwayne Mullin listens during a Senate HELP Committee hearing on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023. / Credit: Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images

Mullin then rose to his feet. At this point, Sen. Bernie Sanders, the chairman of the committee, intervened.

"Stop it. You're a United States senator," Sanders said, as O'Brien called Mullin a "clown" again. "This is a hearing. And God knows the American people have enough contempt for Congress. Let's not make it worse."

The surreal moment came soon after a separate physical confrontation involving lawmakers elsewhere on Capitol Hill. After a meeting of House Republicans, GOP Rep. Tim Burchett said former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy elbowed him in the back, prompting Burchett to chase after him. McCarthy said he did not intentionally hit him.

Mullin's Senate website notes he is a "former undefeated Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter with a professional record of 5-0" who has been inducted into the Oklahoma Wrestling Hall of Fame.

The Republican senator and labor leader continued their verbal sparring throughout the remaining few minutes of Mullin's questioning. The two seemed to agree to meet for coffee, but the situation devolved yet again. The exchange ended with Sanders banging his gavel as the two men called each other an "embarrassment" and a "thug."

After the hearing, Mullin told reporters that the confrontation wasn't personal and that he doesn't have "hard feelings" about it. "He just challenged me and I accepted the challenge," Mullin said.

Alan He and Jack Turman contributed reporting.

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WASHINGTON (AP)  A congressional hearing devolved into an angry confrontation between a senator and a witness on Tuesday after Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma challenged Sean OBrien, the president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, to stand your butt up and settle longstanding differences right there in the room.

Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, the chairman of the Senate panel that was holding the hearing, yelled at Mullin to sit down after he challenged OBrien to a fight. Mullin had stood up from his seat at the dais and appeared to start taking his ring off.

This is the time, this is the place, Mullin told OBrien after reading a series of critical tweets OBrien had sent about him in the past. If you want to run your mouth, we can be two consenting adults. We can finish it here.

The two men never came face to face in the hearing room. But they hurled insults at each other for around six minutes as Sanders repeatedly banged his gavel and tried to cut them off. Sanders, a longtime union ally, pleaded with them to focus on the economic issues that were the focus of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee hearing, which Sanders was holding to review how unions help working families.

You are a United States senator! Sanders yelled at Mullin at one point.

Mullin, a frequent critic of union leadership, has sparred before with the union head. Earlier this year, OBrien posted repeatedly about Mullin on X, formerly known as Twitter, calling him a moron and full of s--- after Mullin criticized O'Brien at a hearing for what Mullin said were intimidation tactics.

In another social media post, which Mullin read aloud at Tuesdays hearing, OBrien appeared to challenge Mullin to a fight. You know where to find me. Anyplace, Anytime cowboy, OBrien had posted.

The exchange escalated from there, with Mullin telling OBrien that this is the place and asking if he wanted to do it right now.

Id love to do it right now, OBrien said.

Mullin replied: Well, stand your butt up then.

You stand your butt up, OBrien shot back.

When Mullin got up from his chair, appearing ready for a fight, Sanders yelled at him to sit down, banged his gavel several times and told both of them to stop talking.

This is a hearing, and God knows the American people have enough contempt for Congress, lets not make it worse, Sanders said.

As Mullin persisted, OBrien retorted: You challenged me to a cage match, acting like a twelve year old schoolyard bully."

The two traded angry insults for several more minutes  each called the other a thug  with Mullin at one point suggesting they fight for charity at an event next spring, repeating an offer he made earlier this year on social media.

OBrien declined, instead suggesting they meet for coffee and work out their differences. Mullin accepted, but the two kept shouting at each other until the next senator, Democratic Sen. Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire, started her questioning by talking over them.

After the hearing, Sanders called the exchange absurd.

We were there to be talking about, and did talk about, the crisis facing working families in this country, the growing gap between the very rich and everybody else and the role that unions are playing in improving the standard of living of the American people, Sanders said. Were not there to talk about cage fighting.

Asked later about the skirmish, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell demurred. Its very difficult to control the behavior of everybody who is in the building, McConnell said. I dont view that as my responsibility.

Republican Sen. Kevin Cramer of North Dakota said that references were made to the back-and-forth in a GOP conference meeting after the hearing. But he said that no one should take it too seriously.

Its a dynamic place," Cramer said of the Senate. "We dont wear the white wigs anymore.

___

Associated Press writer Kevin Freking contributed to this report.
A Senate HELP Committee hearing descended into chaos Tuesday as Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), a former Mixed Martial Arts fighter, challenged Teamster boss Sean OBrien to a physical fight during the latters testimony. Mullin read aloud a June post by OBrien: Quit the tough guy act in these Senate hearings. You know where to find me. Any place, Anytime cowboy. Mullin followed it up by saying, This is a time, this is a place. We can be two consenting adults. We can finish it here. OK thats fine, perfect, OBrien replied. You wanna do it now? Mullin said. Would love to do it right now, OBrien replied. Well stand your butt up then, Mullin said. You stand your butt up, OBrien replied. Mullin then stood up, moved away from his seat and reached for his wedding band until Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) intervened. No, no, sit down, Sanders screamed at Mullin, appearing to narrowly avert a brawl between the two. You know youre a United States senator, act like it.

Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) challenges Teamsters leader Sean OBrien to a physical fight, standing up midway through a Senate HELP Committee hearing.



Chair Bernie Sanders (I-VT) repeatedly attempts to break them up: Youre a United States senator. pic.twitter.com/E4U624cDsS  The Recount (@therecount) November 14, 2023

Read more at The Daily Beast.
Republican infighting is so bad that lawmakers are getting into physical altercations in the halls of Congress.

NPR reporter Claudia Grisales tweeted Tuesday that while she was talking to Representative Tim Burchett after the Republican conference meeting, Kevin McCarthy walked past. As he walked behind Burchett, McCarthy shoved the Tennessee lawmaker, forcing him to lunge forward.

Grisales noted that she has NEVER seen this on Capitol Hill and said that both she and Burchett were stunned. Burchett called McCarthy a jerk and said he had never done anything like that before, before chasing after the former House speaker.

Hey Kevin, whyd you walk behind me and elbow me in the back? Burchett demanded when he caught up.

McCarthy denied elbowing him, and Burchett shot back, You got no guts, you did so. The reporter said it right there, what kind of chicken move is that? Youre pathetic, man, you are so pathetic.

Burchett told Grisales it was his first interaction with McCarthy since voting to oust the California lawmaker as speaker. Burchett called McCarthy a jerk several more times and also called him childish.

Hes on a downhill spiral, Burchett said. That was pretty gutless of him. Im disappointed in him.

Burchett was one of eight Republicans who voted in early October to boot McCarthy from the speakership. Tension was already running high within the GOP, and vacating the speaker clearly did nothing to improve intraparty relationships.

Ironically, Burchett had warned in July that a fistfight could break out at any moment.

He told The Daily Beast that, as a fan of professional wrestling, its entertaining to think that a fistfight could break out at any movement. I kind of dig that.

At the time, Burchett was talking about tension between Marjorie Taylor Greene and Lauren Boebert. But it looks like he still got his wish, in a way.
As the Republican Presidential Primary field narrows, Governor Ron DeSantis remains optimistic about his chances at securing the nomination, despite former President Donald Trump maintaining his domineering lead in the polls.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

The RealClear Politics Polling Average has Trump at 58 percent support nationally, compared to Governor Ron DeSantis 14.5 and former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haleys nine.

The field is shifting. I think youre going to continue to see that and thats what I anticipated, said DeSantis Tuesday.

When asked about the narrowing field and what it means for the race, DeSantis highlighted his recent endorsement from Iowas Governor, the 30,000 who have committed to caucus for him in the Hawkeye State, and his ability to secure a full slate of delegates in Alabama as indicators his campaign is still alive and well.

Getting endorsed by the Governor Kim Reynolds of Iowa was huge. I mean thats gonna pay dividends and I think youll start to see that as the weeks go on, said DeSantis.

Given the current state of play in the race, we asked UNF political science professor Dr. Michael Binder whether he believes DeSantis stands a chance at walking away with a victory in Iowa.

The short answer is no, said Binder.

READ: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks about partnership at JAXPORT

Binder noted even with the narrowing field likely benefiting non-Trump candidates, it hasnt made much of an impact.

There werent a lot of votes there to be dispersed. Its not like any candidates that have dropped out were polling in double digits, said Binder.

With DeSantis and Haley duking it out for number two, we asked DeSantis what he thought of joining forces and splitting the ticket with Haley.

The only tickets that are in the future are with DeSantis at the top. I have no interest in being the number two, said DeSantis.

And for that matter, Binder said he doubts Haley would feel any differently at this point.

Admitting that youre willing to be Vice President is akin to quitting and I dont know that any of them are at that point just yet, said Binder.

Binder did say a DeSantis-Haley or Haley-DeSantis ticket would likely make the race more interesting, but he added the caveat Trump is polling above 50 and even 60 percent in many polls.

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We dont need SNAP recipients to lose any access to their food benefits. We dont need kids going hungry just because the speaker and some of these Republicans are playing games with the [budget], said Rep. Glenn Ivey, D-Md.

House Speaker Mike Johnson unveiled his plan to avert a government shutdown, but opposition, including from his own party, could jeopardize an outcome that lawmakers and advocates warn would devastate Black and other vulnerable communities.

On Saturday, Johnson, R-La., revealed a two-step plan that would fund the government until early next year. The first bill would include funding for Veterans Affairs, the Departments of Energy, transportation, housing, and agriculture until Jan.19. The second bill would extend funding for the rest of the government until Feb. 2.

WASHINGTON, DC  OCTOBER 23: U.S. Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) arrives at a House Republican candidates forum where congressmen who are running for Speaker of the House will present their platforms in the Longworth House Office Building on Capitol Hill on October 23, 2023 in Washington, DC. Members of the GOP conference will hear from the now eight candidates who hope to succeed former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), who was ousted on October 4 in a move led by a small group of conservative members of his own party. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

I really dont understand what the thinking is here, said U.S. Rep. Glenn Ivey, D-Md., who noted the bill does not include provisions for emergency supplemental funding for Israel, Ukraine, and aid to Gaza.

Ivey told theGrio that Johnsons plan is an unnecessary gimmick at a time when we really dont have time to be testing out new approaches.

He added, Weve only got a few days before the government shuts down on Friday, and this approach appears to make it twice as hard to get something done.

Some House Republicans feel the same way as the Maryland lawmaker and took to social media to blast Johnsons plan.

Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, a member of the right-wing House Freedom Caucus, wrote on X, My opposition to the clean CR just announced by the Speaker to the House GOP cannot be overstated.

Funding Pelosi level spending & policies for 75 days  for future promises, he added.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., also took to X, writing, I voted No to both CRs before, and Im voting NO to this clean CR.

She continued, We need to finish approps and the Senate needs to do their job. NO MONEY TO UKRAINE! CLOSE THE BORDER! STOP THE WEAPONIZED GOVERNMENT! IMPEACH BIDEN, MAYORKAS, WRAY, GARLAND, AND GRAVES!

Given the division within the GOP, the House speaker will likely need support from House Democrats to pass the measure by Fridays deadline.

Ivey told theGrio that acquiring Democratic support to prevent a government shutdown has been a pattern in recent months.

They needed to get Democrats votes for the last vote to avert a government shutdown, and it may be true as well for this, he said.

US House Minority leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) speaks during a press conference at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on September 29, 2023. The US government began on September 28 informing workers of an impending shutdown that could see millions of federal employees and military personnel temporarily sent home or working without pay, unless Congress reaches a funding deal. (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP) (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images)

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., told theGrio House Democrats are doing what they can to prevent a government shutdown.

Were going to do everything possible to make sure that we avoid an extreme MAGA government shutdown, said the partys first Black leader in Congress.

It will be reckless. It is designed to hurt everyday Americans all across the country, and we have to avoid it, Jeffries continued.

Ivey said a government shutdown would hurt the economy across the board and would threaten our safety.

Youve got people who are government employees, that includes troops, southwest border patrol, people who get veterans or social security benefits, he said. TSA, for people who are traveling, its just a ripple effect.

We dont need SNAP recipients to lose any access to their food benefits, added Congressman Ivey. We dont need kids going hungry just because the speaker and some of these Republicans are playing games with the [budget].

Speaker Johnson plans to present the continuing resolution for a floor vote on Tuesday.

TheGrio is FREE on your TV via Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku, and Android TV. Please download theGrio mobile apps today!

The post Government shutdown is a real possibility without support from House Dems appeared first on TheGrio.
Russian troops struck the Nikopol district in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast 11 times on Nov. 14, killing a 26-year-old man, reported Governor Serhii Lysak.

Another man was injured when Russia used artillery and kamikaze drones to attack the city of Nikopol, according to Lysak.

The attacks reportedly damaged an apartment building, four houses, two cars, and a power line.

Russian forces also targeted three other communities in the Nikopol district, damaging two apartment buildings and a power line, Lysak said on Telegram. No casualties were reported.

Nikopol, situated on the banks of the mostly dried-up Kakhovka Reservoir, just across from the Russian-occupied Enerhodar and Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, is a regular target of Russian attacks.

The Russian military shelled the Nikopol district on Nov. 13, wounding a 42-year-old man, according to the regional governor.

Read also: Russia, West fight for Kazakhstan as Astana plays both sides

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
**Related Video Above: Keys to cooking a tasty turkey  Chef Brandon reveals his secrets.**

PHOENIX, Ariz. (WJW)  Nearly eight years ago, an Arizona grandmother named Wanda Dench sent a text message to what she believed was her grandsons phone number, inviting him over for Thanksgiving dinner. However, the text ended up going to a 17-year-old teen she didnt know.

Thanksgiving deal: Meijer offering 59-cent per pound turkeys

As the story goes, Jamal Hinton was at school when he received the message, and he responded trying to clear up the confusion. To his surprise, he was invited to Denchs house for a plate, and to her surprise, he came over.

In this Thursday, Nov. 24, 2016 photo, Jamal Hinton and Wanda Dench take a selfie together after meeting at Wandas home for Thanksgiving dinner, in Mesa, Ariz. Dench, who accidentally texted Hinton, a stranger, an invitation to Thanksgiving dinner made good on her offer, greeting the teen visitor with a hug and an oven full of food after their story swept through social media. (Tom Tingle/The Arizona Republic via AP)

(Photo Credit: Jamal Hinton)

Wanda Dench accidentally invited a stranger to her Thanksgiving dinner via text message  and remained true to her promise of hosting him. Jamal Hinton joined Dench and her family for dinner.

Wanda Dench accidentally invited a stranger to her Thanksgiving dinner via text message  and remained true to her promise of hosting him. Jamal Hinton joined Dench and her family for dinner.

Wanda Dench accidentally invited a stranger to her Thanksgiving dinner via text message  and remained true to her promise of hosting him. Jamal Hinton joined Dench and her family for dinner.

Now, through the loss of Denchs husband to COVID in 2020, the unlikely friends confirmed they are meeting up for this Thanksgiving, as they have annually since 2016. However, this year, theyre inviting others to join in the tradition.

Hinton announced on social media that he and Dench are hosting you and a friend at an Airbnb house in Prescott Valley, Arizona.

Turkey talking: Butterball help line is back in action

Some may recognize us from our viral text mishap that led to our first Thanksgiving together back in 2016. And eight years later, were practically family, the Airbnb listing says. To commemorate our lasting friendship, were excited to become Airbnb Hosts and welcome new guests into our holiday tradition, creating meaningful connections in the process.

The listing opens Tuesday at noon CST and is starts at a base price of $16 for a one-night stay. Find our more right here.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
HUDSONVILLE, Mich. (WOOD)  Lakeshore Habitat for Humanity celebrated the opening of its first multi-family development on Tuesday.

The organization hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Buttermilk Creek Townhomes in Hudsonville, a five-unit townhouse.

Buttermilk Creek Townhomes in Hudsonville. (Courtesy Lakeshore Habitat for Humanity)

Citing Housing Next, Lakeshore Habitat for Humanity in a release said the Hudsonville area of Ottawa County needs 251 new entry-level for-sale homes and 698 mid-level for-sale homes for those with household incomes of $30,000 to $74,000.

With the continued need for affordable housing growing in West Michigan, Lakeshore Habitat is continuing to innovate our model to meet this need and provide a hand up to families in our community, Don Wilkinson, the executive director of Lakeshore Habitat for Humanity, said in the release. We are excited to partner with the City of Hudsonville on the Buttermilk Creek development, which was our first opportunity to build a townhome. It will allow us to provide housing for five families in a space we would have only been able to serve two through single-family homes.

Five families are set to move into Buttermilk Creek Townhomes, including Victoria and her son Josiah.

According to Lakeshore Habitat for Humanity, the single mother started renting a one-bedroom space from family after her son was born, where she was able to start paying off debt from a past marriage.

She said she didnt think becoming a homeowner would be possible.

Its something I didnt think was possible as a single parent, but its the stability Ive strived for since my son was born, she said in a statement. Weve made many great memories over the last five years and a home of our own opens the door to so many new memories to be made!

She said she is grateful for those who helped her through the process.

More than 200 people, churches and corporations helped support the project, which was around $200,000 under budget. Lakeshore Habitat for Humanity is still raising more funds for Buttermilk Creek Townhomes and other projects.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
In the Pacific Ocean, between Hawaii and California, at least 79,000 metric tons of plastic has coalesced to create the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. The patch, kept together by ocean currents and spanning an area of roughly 1.6 million square kilometers  about twice the size of Texas  is one of the most incriminating examples of human pollution on the planet. Its also a huge hazard for marine life, killing up to 1 million seabirds and 100,000 marine mammals each year via ingestion of plastic or entanglement in plastic pieces.

But while the Great Pacific Garbage Patch is harming some creatures, its actually helping others to survive. In a study published in April 2023 in Nature Ecology & Evolution, a team of interdisciplinary scientists fished 105 pieces of plastic from the patch and found barnacles and bryozoans stuck to items like toothbrushes, clothes hangers and shampoo bottles. In addition to open-ocean species, coastal organisms were frequently found on the items  the plastics were acting as little rafts, carrying creatures far from their shallow coastal homes.

Common coastal stowaways included amphipods, isopods, hydroids and bryozoans, most of which originated from the northwest Pacific. Many of the coastal species were likely carried out to sea as debris from the Japan earthquake and tsunami of 2011. Not only had these tenacious creatures survived the journey to the garbage patch, but crustacean eggs and anemone buds (new anemones growing from old ones) indicate that many of them are clearly capable of living, surviving and reproducing in the open ocean with the aid of plastic pollution, says study coauthor and invertebrate zoologist Henry Choong of the Royal BC Museum in Victoria, Canada. The plastics, he says, provide them with a permanent, non-biodegradable home.

These findings challenge our understanding of marine migration and survival, says study coauthor Matthias Egger, an environmental scientist at the Ocean Cleanup, a Netherlands-based nonprofit developing technologies to rid the oceans of plastic. They suggest that in the past, lack of flotsam limited the colonization of the open ocean by coastal species, rather than physiological or ecological constraints, Egger says.

While this may sound like a positive development, the repercussions could be serious. The subtropical oceanic gyres are often referred to as the deserts of the sea, as these waters contain low amounts of nutrients, Egger says. Thus, coastal species are now competing with native open-ocean species for limited resources, and we see evidence that they are also actively feeding on open-ocean species.

Its still unclear how the establishment of coastal species on the high seas will affect the native open-ocean ecosystems, Egger adds. However, history has shown that the introduction of invasive species can significantly impact endemic ecosystems.

Of course, plastic is not the only mode of transport carrying organisms from one environment to another. Theres always been debris in the oceans, and it hasnt all been human-generated, says Casey OHara, a conservation data science lecturer and researcher at the University of California, Santa Barbara, who coauthored an assessment of the future of the worlds oceans in the 2022 Annual Review of Environment and Resources. Think of logs washing down rivers out into the ocean. Those would also pick up similar kinds of things, and they would also probably end up in the same kind of gyre, he says.

Still, plastic does stand out because of its large quantities, high buoyancy and slow degradation  all of which potentially contribute to broader dispersion of the plastic debris, says Andrey Shcherbina, an oceanographer at the University of Washington and coauthor of the study. Whereas logs decompose after a while, plastic can easily travel across the worlds oceans, introducing animal hitchhikers to other fragile ecosystems such as the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument on the shores of the Hawaiian Archipelago, where plastic from the garbage patch frequently washes up.

If these recent findings have answered some questions about plastics impact on marine life, they have raised others. In the future, Choong says, the researchers plan to look at whether the hitchhiking coastal species become a permanent part of open-ocean ecosystems and whether their extended presence will harm the species that call those oceans home.

10.1146/knowable-111323-1

Tim Brinkhof is a Dutch journalist and researcher based in New York. He studied at New York University and has written about science and technology for Big Think, Freethink and JSTOR Daily.

This article originally appeared in Knowable Magazine, an independent journalistic endeavor from Annual Reviews. Sign up for the newsletter.
Exploring Seven Bridges Trail in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Jay Lakritz

Seven Bridges Trail is a 2-mile loop in Grant Park in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

I'm from the area but hadn't heard of the trail. My dad, who's also from Wisconsin, hadn't either.

We hiked the path together and discovered why it's a hidden gem.

This article is part of "Everyday Adventurer," a series about embracing adventures that are a hop, skip, and drive away.

While visiting my hometown of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a family friend recommended I take some time to hike Seven Bridges Trail.

"What's that?" I asked.

I grew up in the area and have visited many of its parks and hiking areas, but I'd never heard of that one.

Upon further research, I found that Seven Bridges Trail is located in South Milwaukee's Grant Park, a 381-acre oasis with 2 miles of shoreline along Lake Michigan, according to Milwaukee County Parks.

Horticulture superintendent Frederick C. Wulff built the initial paths in the early 1900s. The park was then expanded in the 1930s as part of the Works Progress Administration relief program during the Great Depression.

My dad also grew up in Wisconsin and has ridden his bike through Grant Park dozens of times, but even he had never heard of Seven Bridges Trail. In November, we decided to explore the area together to uncover this hidden gem in our hometown.

Seven Bridges Trail is located in Grant Park in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The park is situated in an urban area easily accessible by car, a few miles off Wisconsin's 794 highway.

The entrance to Grant Park. Talia Lakritz/Insider

The name of the 2-mile loop is a misnomer  it actually contains 10 bridges.

The Seven Bridges trailhead. Talia Lakritz/Insider

A sign in the parking lot instructed hikers to help preserve the ravine by keeping to the stairs and trails, which are open year-round.

Information at the start of Seven Bridges Trail. Talia Lakritz/Insider

The first bridge featured an inscription from a poem by William Cullen Bryant: "Enter this wild wood and view the haunts of nature."

At the Seven Bridges trailhead. Jay Lakritz

The railings were embellished with decorative cutouts.

A railing on the Seven Bridges Trail. Talia Lakritz/Insider

Even though it had snowed a few days before, the path was still vibrant with autumn colors.

The first bridge. Talia Lakritz/Insider

A carpet of orange and yellow leaves covered the first bridge.

Autumn in Wisconsin. Talia Lakritz/Insider

Just a few steps into the trail, the parking lot disappeared. It felt like we were in an enchanted forest.

Appreciating nature on Seven Bridges Trail. Jay Lakritz

My dad marveled at how he'd been to Grant Park so many times but had never walked this path.

My dad walking along Seven Bridges Trail. Talia Lakritz/Insider

Some of the bridges on the trail were more like walkways positioned low to the ground.

One of the bridges on Seven Bridges Trail. Jay Lakritz

Others crossed over streams and drops in the ravine.

Another bridge. Talia Lakritz/Insider

Each bridge looked more scenic than the next.

One of the bridges on Seven Bridges Trail. Talia Lakritz/Insider

More signs reminded us to preserve the natural beauty of the area by staying on the designated paths.

A sign on Seven Bridges Trail. Talia Lakritz/Insider

An avid outdoorsman, my dad pointed out the names of the trees we passed along the way.

Autumn leaves on Seven Bridges Trail. Talia Lakritz/Insider

He crushed a few cedar leaves in his hands, releasing a fresh, woody smell.

Cedar trees on Seven Bridges Trail. Talia Lakritz/Insider

He also showed me the burls growing on some of the trees and said artists often carve them into bowls.

A burl on a tree. Talia Lakritz/Insider

At the shoreline to Lake Michigan, we reached a large bridge connecting the two sides of the ravine.

Exploring Seven Bridges Trail in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Jay Lakritz

It featured a stunning view of the lake.

A view of Lake Michigan from Seven Bridges Trail. Talia Lakritz/Insider

Trees created a beautiful curtain along the coast.

Lake Michigan. Talia Lakritz/Insider

There were a few other people on the beach, but we mostly had it to ourselves.

The Lake Michigan shoreline. Talia Lakritz/Insider

I spotted some sea glass amid the sand and rocks.

Sea glass on Lake Michigan. Talia Lakritz/Insider

My dad identified some fossilized coral.

Fossilized coral. Talia Lakritz/Insider

He also held up a piece of Lake Michigan agate, a waxy, layered stone commonly found in the area.

Lake Michigan agate. Talia Lakritz/Insider

As I looked for more rocks, a particularly strong wave filled one of my boots with icy water. My dad captured the moment for posterity.

The consequences of getting too close to the waves. Jay Lakritz

After wandering around the beach, we continued along the trail and encountered more bridges.

Walking across a bridge on Seven Bridges Trail. Jay Lakritz

The bridges led to a set of stone stairs up one side of the bluff.

Stairs on Seven Bridges Trail. Talia Lakritz/Insider

At the top, we encountered more gorgeous views of the lake.

Looking out at Lake Michigan. Jay Lakritz

From there, it was a short distance back to the start of the hike. I found the trail suitable for all fitness and skill levels  more like a leisurely nature walk than a challenging trek.

Seven Bridges Trail. Talia Lakritz/Insider

That first covered bridge also featured a farewell message on the other side for those exiting the trail: "May the God given peace of this leafy solitude rest upon and abide with thee."

An inscription at the end of Seven Bridges Trail. Talia Lakritz/Insider

I loved exploring Seven Bridges Trail. Discovering a new adventure in my hometown made me wonder what other surprises might be in store in places I think I know well.

At the end of Seven Bridges Trail. Talia Lakritz/Insider

Read the original article on Insider
Six months after fleeing Venezuela, the country he attempted to lead as interim president for four years, Juan Guaido, 40, now exiled in the United States, says he is still as committed as ever to the cause of freedom in Venezuela and the possibility of unseating strongman Nicolas Maduro in presidential elections next year.

Never heard of people going to Miami and growing gray hair, former Colombia President Ivan Duque joked before hugging Guaido at a Latin Americas leaders event in Miami last week.

At 40, Guaidos hair has turned gray after he, at the time the leader of the opposition-led National Assembly, assumed the interim presidency in Jan. 2019, a gamble supported by the United States and dozens of other countries to isolate Maduro and gain momentum to force regime change.

But fractured opposition parties voted on Jan. 5 this year to get rid of the interim president entirely, a decision Guaido called a mistake in an interview with the Miami Herald.

Currently teaching at Florida International University in Miami, he remains hopeful that the opposition has carved out another chance to challenge Maduros rule by unifying forces behind Maria Corina Machado, the candidate who won the recent opposition primaries. But he warns that Maduro, who has led the oil-rich nation to a humanitarian crisis that has pushed seven million Venezuelans to emigrate, will not go voluntarily.

He discussed the prospects of Maduro leaving power in an interview edited for clarity and conciseness.

Q: Do you really believe that Nicolas Maduro and Diosdado Cabello  Venezuelas number two will eventually leave power if there are free elections and the candidate Maria Corina Machado wins?

A: Not voluntarily; it is a dictatorship. Today, as we speak, there was a hearing at the International Criminal Court. Rarely in history have we seen a de facto regime, in the case of Maduro, being singled out, investigated and accused of crimes against humanity. The person responsible for that is Maduro.

What we are trying to do in Venezuela is not asking the dictatorship for a favor; it is not begging for our rights; its fighting for them. When we held a primary a few weeks ago, we did it because we believe in the people, in legitimacy, in democracy, even under a dictatorship. Parallel to that, understanding that it is a dictatorship, we are looking for an agreement so that Maduro complies with the basics and respects our election, the primarys result, Maria Corina Machado. We are very aware that Maduro is a dictator and that we must force him.

We held the primary elections, reunified the opposition and created a new opportunity for Venezuelans facing 2024. That was not a gift; it was tough. In fact, I am in exile partly for that reason because I have been promoting that primary for more than a year.

Q: Do you think that Maduro is buying time? There is little precedent for leftist dictators leaving power.

A: Maduros objective is to buy time; it is relaxing international pressure. And our job is to make it as short as possible. We already have a date, 2024. He will not abandon power on his own or have an epiphany today and realize that he destroyed the country. Mobilizing the majority of Venezuelans who want change is a powerful exercise in itself. Is that going to be the only thing we need? No. We need international pressure again.

Q: But the Biden administration right now is trying to offer a carrot to Maduro and remove some oil sanctions with the idea that he accepts some conditions. The trend is not to impose more sanctions but to remove them.

A: [The stick and the carrot] have to come simultaneously; they are two sides of the same coin. That is to say, there is no negotiation without pressure because, in fact, you can withdraw sanctions because they exist. The administration has been very vocal that if Maduro does not comply with something as simple as the qualification of our candidate, our sovereign election as Venezuelans, more sanctions will come, and it is the right thing to do. We are not expecting good faith from a dictatorship; we cannot expect it, not us, the Americans, the Europeans or the Canadians.

Q: Ultimately, there is a U.S. Department of Justice indictment against Maduro.

A: And the International Criminal Court.

Q: Even if some concessions are offered and some sanctions removed, there is a federal indictment. Would that be in play, too?

A: It is a matter of American justice. I will not comment on the independence of powers in the United States, which is something I long for in my country. It also concerns justice and the rule of law, which we also do not have in Venezuela. One of the tragedies of the fight for democracy, not only in Venezuela but in Nicaragua, Cuba, Belarus, and Uganda, is who forces these dictators to comply with the law. So that is a challenge that the modern world has.

Q: You mentioned Cuba. It is believed that the Cubans are the ones advising Maduro. Does anyone believe that the Cubans would be willing to allow Maduro to leave power and the opposition to take control?

A: The Cubans have undoubtedly not only protected Maduro but also assisted with intelligence and financially, not because they give him money, but because they are being used to launder money or pass through the island much of Maduros ill-gotten money.

A: As interim president, did you ever see any evidence of those shady deals with Havana?

Q: Being in the streets protesting, I saw how a Cuban gave orders to Venezuelan soldiers in the streets. I witnessed it, I lived it, we identified it. He even ran away to try to keep from being photographed.

At this point in history, we cannot be naive about the dictatorships alliances and their criminal alignment for money laundering, weapons laundering and terrorism, not only regionally when we talk about the ELN [guerrillas], the dissidents of the FARC, but also Maduros links with Hamas, how they have used Venezuela as a safe haven for these groups.

We are doing our part well even though we have yet to achieve everything we want to achieve. We reunified the opposition; we innovated democratically with an interim government supported by the United States and 60 other countries. We have mobilized Venezuela time and again in the streets, resisting murders, torture, persecution and censorship of the media. You cannot blame the people of Venezuela in that sense, those of us who have resisted and fought. Now, what else is missing? We must improve the tools to hold dictators accountable, including sanctions. Sanctions are a great tool to hold dictatorships responsible. Static over time, like any rock hit by the sea, they deteriorate. They must be effective. International measures cannot be symbolic. I speak, for example, of the Inter-American Charter of Human Rights. That today is poetry; today, it is symbolic. If it were fulfilled, we would not be in trouble in Venezuela, Nicaragua or Cuba.

Q: Do you think it was a mistake on the part of the Venezuelan opposition and the Biden administration to let this interim presidency that you led for all those months dissolve?

A: The primary responsibility lies with the political parties that did not vote for the continuity of the interim government. Obviously, it was a mistake. It is a mistake because it hinders something essential for any democratic process, which is dialogue, leadership, and trust in communication, not only within the country but with allied countries. So, it is a mistake for something as essential as that because you in no way diminish your tools. What we did in practice was to undermine a tool that we already had achieved, innovative and unprecedented in what it means to fight for democracy and internal resistance. I managed to resist for four and a half years in Venezuela because I had the support and communication channels.

Q: But dont you think the administrations support started to erode?

A: In terms of communications and publicly, no, and the administration has been very vocal in that they were going to respect our decision, and they respected it in some way. Today, they maintain support for the National Assembly.

Q: But it is one thing to respect; another thing really is to give decisive support.

A: Well, I believe that there are things in the future and immediately that we can improve together with the U.S. administration, the Canadians, Europe, and obviously the Venezuelans are doing it. We dont just stay in pain and stay stuck. We achieved the extension of the political leadership of the Unitary Platform in Venezuela; we managed to have a primary elections commission and a primary date. So today, I feel not only satisfied as a Venezuelan but also in what my role was and what it is today, which is different.

That we have achieved this new opportunity has nothing to do with Juan Guaido, obviously, but rather, it has to do with the resistance we have had as a society and as a political leadership. We faced internal attacks, but it is part of what we must go through to confront this type of regime. The attacks against me did not begin this year; they have been constant and orchestrated, mainly by a dictatorship, with the collaboration undoubtedly of Russia, its media and its propaganda machine.

We are facing a serious threat to democracy in the world, and what is happening in Venezuela is an example of resistance. We have not achieved what we want, but we are trying, insisting with great force and certainty that we can achieve it.
Hubert Seipel, an influential German writer and filmmaker, received at least 600,000 euros ($652,000) in secret offshore payments from companies linked to an oligarch close to Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Guardian reported on Nov. 14, citing leaked files.

Seipel, who has long been seen as one of Germanys top independent experts on Russia, reportedly received the money in installments, which the documents suggest was to support his work on two books about Putin, deemed by many as sympathetic to the Russian president.

According to the Guardian, the money was paid from accounts connected to Alexei Mordashov, a Russian steel and banking magnate, sanctioned following Moscows full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The European Union described the billionaire as benefiting from his links with Russian decision-makers.

The payments to Seipel went through a British Virgin Islands (BVI)-registered company called De Vere Worldwide Corp, owned by a top manager in Mordashovs Severstal group, showed the offshore records leaked as part of the Cyprus Confidential project and shared with the Guardian.

Read also: Investigative Stories from Ukraine: Russian diamonds flow West despite sanctions, directly finance war

Seipel admitted to the media outlet that his books were financed by Mordashov but insisted he remained impartial in his work. I always set clear legal boundaries that guaranteed my independence.

Seipels books  a 2015 biography called Putin: Inner Views of Power and a 2021 title, Putins Power: Why Europe Needs Russia  reportedly became bestsellers, with tens of thousands of copies sold.

For his award-winning 2012 documentary I Putin  a Portrait, Seipel received exclusive access to the Russian leader, traveling with him across Russia.

One of the few journalists in the world to have direct and regular contact with Putin, Seipel said he has met himnearly 100 times, as cited by the Guardian.

Read also: Team of liberal economists helps Putin keep his power, wage war in Ukraine

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Guernsey politicians said they would listen to evidence from business bosses

The States is meeting the Confederation of Guernsey Industry (CGI) to discuss issues with population law.

It comes as the CGI said barriers still restricted the ability to recruit staff from anywhere in the world.

In April, the States said new population law would remove barriers.

The CGI said it could present data which "illustrates the extent of the problem". Home Affairs Committee President Rob Prow said his committee would listen to evidence.

Kim Ashplant said the extra references needed since the law changed in April had made it much harder to bring workers into the island

CGI chairman Dave Newman said the States' response "to the issues we raised in September is a real concern".

He said: "It is clear to us, and also worrying, that Home Affairs appears to not be close enough to local businesses to understand the difficulties they are facing.

"The amendments to the new law, introduced in April of this year, are creating a skills drain, leaving businesses chronically short of trained and experienced staff."

Kim Ashplant owns Beeton's Fish and Chip Shop and has been employing people from Latvia for more than 20 years.

The States of Guernsey made changes to the population law in April that were supposed to make it easier to hire staff from anywhere in the world.

'Easier for everybody'

But Mrs Ashplant said it had actually made it harder as she now needed to prove they had worked in a similar job for at least two years.

She said: "We have to get references from their employer in Latvia to say that they have done the work that we require them for  and all over the world it's not possible - people don't have chip shops.

"I agree with them having a police check, but the problem is this reference and I think that, if that was gone, it would be so much easier for everybody."

Deputy Prow said politicians were "happy to discuss their concerns".

He said: "While it is disappointing that the CGI seems to want to have this conversation via the media, rather than contacting us directly to request a meeting, I can confirm that we would be very happy to meet with them.

"We must equally balance that economic need with ensuring there are residency restrictions in place for those on Short Term Employment Permits.

"If these were not in place, the current challenges the island faces with housing, for example, would be exacerbated; alongside the additional pressures on essential services."

Follow BBC Guernsey on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk.
Former Louisville Police officer Brett Hankison describes what he saw in the apartment of Breonna Taylor during testimony Wednesday, March 2, 2022, in Louisville in his state trial. Hankison is currently on federal trial, charged with using excessive force by firing blindly into Taylors apartment on March 13, 2020, through a sliding glass door and a window covered by curtains. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley, Pool) (Credit: Timothy D. Easley, AP)

The fate of former Louisville Metro Police Detective Brett Hankison in his federal trial over whether he violated the civil rights of Breonna Taylor and four other people during the police raid that killed her now lies in jurors' hands.

Taylor, a 26-year-old emergency room technician, was inside her South End apartment when she was fatally shot by plainclothes officers attempting to serve a search warrant at 12:40 a.m. March 13, 2020, in a botched narcotics investigation.

Hankison is accused of violating the civil rights of Taylor, her boyfriend, Kenneth Walker and three neighbors by firing 10 bullets "blindly" through a covered sliding-glass door and window as police returned fire when Walker a shot at them.

Hankison's defense team says his actions were justified based on his perception that he was saving his fellow officers' lives.

If convicted, he could face life in prison.

Jury deliberations have ceased for Monday and will resume Tuesday morning.

Here's how each side framed what happened during closing arguments as well as how they questioned Hankison on the stand:

Federal prosecution's case: Hankison fired 'blindly' into Taylor's apartment

"Shocking." "Unfathomably dangerous." "Stomach churning." "Disbelief." "Day one."

Those words - quotes from witnesses, echoed by the prosecution during closing arguments - were flashed on a screen for the jury to describe Hankison's actions of blindly spraying bullets into Taylor's apartment.

The prosecution reminded jurors of the testimony of Walker, who said he and Taylor were awakened to bangs on the front door. Walker said he and Taylor asked three times for the people to identify themselves but heard no response. While Walker and Taylor got out of bed and moved toward the apartment's entrance, the front door burst open.

Walker then fired one round from his handgun, striking Sgt. Jonathan Mattingly in the leg. Of the seven officers present, only Mattingly, Detective Myles Cosgrove and Hankison fired their weapons. But unlike the others, Hankison did not discharge his weapon in the doorway of the apartment.

"If the defendant had fired back in that moment, we wouldn't be here," federal prosecutor Michael Songer told jurors Monday. "But that's not what the defendant did."

Instead, Hankison opened fire after other officers had stopped shooting, firing through a covered sliding-glass door and window, Songer said.

Throughout the trial, witnesses, including Hankison, have told the jury that they could not see any furniture, people or movement through the covered windows.

According to Songer, Hankison "blindly fired" his gun because he was angry someone would shoot at the police. And since body camera footage was not turned on at that time, Songer said Hankison thought his fellow LMPD officers would cover for him.

But several officers testified that they would not have shot through a covered window where they could not clearly see an active shooter.

On the stand, Hankison said he could see muzzle flashes from the gunfire lighting up the front of the apartment through the curtains and blinds.

But prosecutors have said that does not meet the standard of LMPD policies on the use of deadly force and target identification, which state an officer must clearly see an active, imminent threat.

This firearms lesson is taught to officers on "day one" and is repeated at least twice a year during recertification training, the prosecution contends. Despite this, Songer said Hankison "did not fire at a person he could see."

Songer also referenced testimony by Michael Van Arsdale, a forensic scientist and firearms examiner who conducted a scene reconstruction of the shooting. In a graphic, Van Arsdale showed the trajectory of Hankison's bullets, including those that struck the common wall between Taylor's apartment and the neighbors'.

Songer denied Hankison's testimony that he had target identification because Walker was illuminated by a muzzle flash while he and other police were in the apartment's entrance.

Songer noted he had asked during cross-examination why Hankison had fired first through the sliding glass door, which opens into the living room, rather than where he had last seen Walker, which was in the back of the hallway.

Hankison said he thought Walker had been walking toward the officers while firing a weapon.

"So you guessed," Songer said.

Songer said Hankison also lied about where exactly he fired his weapon.

Hankison has said he fired while standing on the sidewalk and close to the apartment. However, some witness testimony and Hankison's discharged shell casings place him several feet away, in the parking lot, Songer said.

The prosecution said Hankison's actions not only placed the people inside Taylor's apartment at risk but also nearby neighbors: Chelsey Napper, Cody Etherton, and a 5-year-old.

"Chelsey and Cody did nothing wrong," Songer said, but their lives were placed in immediate danger when Hankison's bullets sprayed into their apartment.

"Officers can't shoot if they can't tell (whether) there are innocent people in the line of fire," Songer said. "But the defendant did."

Defense's case: Hankison thought LMPD officers were being 'executed'

Defense attorney Stewart Mathews told jurors this case cannot be determined with hindsight. Rather, what's most important is what Hankison perceived at the time.

During the brief window of time, described as "a handful of seconds" from when the front entrance was first breached to when the gunfire had ceased, Hankison believed he was stopping an active shooter who was "executing" his fellow officers, Mathews said.

In the defense's closing argument, Mathews said he agreed Hankison could not see a human being through the covered windows. However, he said, Hankison "knew that his partner had been shot and he knew that was done by a human being."

Mathews added Hankison saw the silhouette of a human being, holding what he perceived to be an AR-15 rifle.

At the time of the shooting and in a subsequent interview with investigators, Hankison said he saw an AR-15 rifle and the muzzle flashes from it. He knew another officer had been shot and believed they were being "executed," he said.

While it was initially dark inside the apartment when police kicked open the front door, Hankison said the room was illuminated by a muzzle flash from Walker's handgun. With that light, Hankison said he saw a large figure toward the end of the hallway, in a shooter stance.

The muzzle light and noise looked and sounded "just like an AR-15," Hankison said.

No rifle was found at the scene. Only one gun - a handgun owned by Walker - was recovered.

Two rifle casings were later found - one inside the bedroom of Taylor's sister, and another in the apartment complex's parking lot.

When Van Arsdale's graphic was shown, Hankison said those shots where he intended his bullets to go and that he did not fire "blindly."

He said all of his rounds were fired in a "tight pattern" and that he had no prior knowledge about the existence of the adjoining apartment.

While Mathews said he thought Hankison had reacted to the situation as permitted by the LMPD's policy on the use of deadly force, a potential violation of the department's policies and procedures "is not necessarily criminal."

"Even a mistake does not arise to the level of a crime, Mathews said.

If his perception was reasonable in the chaos of that moment, then it was not criminal, Mathews said.

Mathews closed his argument by telling jurors to put themselves in Hankison's shoes and asking what they would have done in that frenzied moment.

What happens now? Jury to deliberate

The jury is now deliberating whether Hankison is guilty of violating the civil rights of Taylor, Walker, Napper, Etherton and the child.

The original 16-person jury was made up of one Black man, six white women and nine white men. But four of these members were randomly assigned as alternates prior to the deliberation and will subsequently not be part of deciding the final verdict.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Brett Hankison federal trial: Jury deliberates in Breonna Taylor case
Charles held a reception at his Highgrove estate for others turning 75 this year (Chris Jackson)

Gun salutes rang out across central London on Tuesday to mark Charles III's 75th birthday, just over a year since he became king and British head of state after the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.

There was a 41-gun salute in Green Park, near Buckingham Palace, and a 62-gun salute at the Tower of London on the banks of the River Thames.

Halfway through his eighth decade, Charles -- who shows no sign of a let-up in activity -- spent the day carrying out public engagements followed by a private dinner at his London residence.

The lifelong environmentalist used his landmark birthday to highlight causes close to his heart, including a visit to a surplus food distribution centre with his wife Queen Camilla.

Charles officially launched the Coronation Food Project at a depot in central Oxfordshire and found himself serenaded twice with renditions of "Happy Birthday".

The initiative is aimed at tackling food poverty by redistributing food that would otherwise end up in landfill.

The sovereign has penned an article for the latest edition of the Big Issue magazine about food waste and those in need. The magazine helps the homeless by allowing them to become vendors.

"He asked me if I was in accommodation and about selling the 'Big Issue'," said seller Kelvin after meeting the king.

"I said it's got me through the bad times and it has a positive social message," he said.

Charles was also hosting a reception at Buckingham Palace for 400 nurses and midwives as part of this year's 75th anniversary celebrations for the state-run National Health Service (NHS).

- Cake and a sing-song -

Camilla, 76, once revealed that the famously workaholic king is particularly hard to buy gifts for.

"I will tell you that he is the most difficult person in the world to buy a present for... So he likes to make a list of things that he wants so you get it exactly right," she said.

He likes "a cake and a bit of a sing-song", she said, adding however that it was often difficult to get him to take a break.

Close family and friends are expected at the evening celebration, although his estranged younger son Harry will be missing.

A report by BBC online said Harry was expected to telephone his father at some point during the day.

A spokesperson for Prince Harry and his American wife Meghan rebutted reports they had turned down an invitation, saying there had been "no contact regarding an invitation to His Majesty's upcoming birthday".

Harry, 39, and Meghan, 42, quit royal duties in 2020 and relocated to California.

They have since unleashed a barrage of criticisms of the royal family, leading to strained relations with Charles and a damaging rift between Harry and his older brother, heir to the throne Prince William.

- 'Lead diplomat' -

Prince Charles Philip Arthur George was born on November 14, 1948, at Buckingham Palace, the first child of future Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh.

When he turned 70 in 2018, Charles joked that it was "alarming" and that he had acquired "all the scars that go with" his age.

Charles is marking his 75th birthday in the same year that he was crowned king and just a week after opening the UK parliament for the first time as sovereign.

Like his mother, who died at the age of 96 in September 2022, Charles has maintained a busy diary of royal duties despite his advancing years.

But Ed Owens, a royal historian and author, told AFP that Charles had taken on a more active role on the international stage than the late sovereign.

Charles had adopted the role of a "kind of international lead diplomat of Great Britain" and the Commonwealth, said Owens, author of "After Elizabeth: Can the Monarchy Save Itself?"

He had also shown that he was happy to speak out about difficult issues linked to colonialism and the British empire.

On a visit to Kenya earlier this month, Charles acknowledged there was "no excuse" for colonial-era abuses committed in the East African country.

"He's confronting some of those more problematic histories in a way that Elizabeth II never would have done," Owens added.

har/phz/giv
A sex offender jailed for assaulting a woman at a gym has been sent back to prison after asking teenage girls to perform sex acts.

Hernando Ferraro-Cordoba, 61, of Thorleye Road, Cambridge, was jailed in January for the assault and banned from loitering at gyms or sport events.

He was sentenced at Peterborough Crown Court for breaching the ban and not registering a new bank card.

Ferraro-Cordoba was handed a 14-month jail term.

A Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) - banning him from attending or loitering near any exercise groups, sports facilities, swimming pools and sports events - will also continue until 2030.

Spotted near gym

Following his prison release in March, police were called in July after a man was spotted speaking to teenage girls near Cambridge's YMCA, which has a gym.

Investigations revealed Ferraro-Cordoba had been asking girls to perform sexual acts on him in his car in return for alcohol and a drive.

He was arrested at home the next morning.

CCTV showed him dropping off three teenage girls at the YMCA, and he was also found to have brought flowers for one girl and asked two others to go to a hotel with him, which they refused.

In a police interview, Ferraro-Cordoba denied all the offences, including loitering outside a gym, and claimed one teenager had lied about her age and wanted a relationship.

He denied charges of breaching a SHPO as well as the requirements for the Sex Offenders' Register, by ordering, and not registering, a new bank card.

However, he was found guilty after a trial at Cambridge Magistrates' Court.

Ferraro-Cordoba was returned to prison at a sentencing hearing at Peterborough Crown Court on Thursday

Det Con Andrew McKeane said: "Ferraro-Cordoba's behaviour was very worrying, particularly towards teenage girls, with an element of attempted sexual exploitation.

"We would encourage parents or guardians to know the signs of exploitation - which can include going missing, misuse of drugs or alcohol, involvement in offending, emotional distance from family members, receiving gifts from unknown sources and many more.

"This case also highlights the consequences of breaching a SHPO and how seriously it is treated by us and the courts."

Follow East of England news on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a story? Email eastofenglandnews@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp 0800 169 1830
ST. LUCIE COUNTY  Hackers claimed responsibility Monday for an attack that took down St. Lucie County computer networks late last month, promising from their dark-web blog to soon post sensitive information.

The county tax collector, however, is assuring residents their personal information is safe.

Amid ongoing forensic investigations at the county and at the Tax Collector's Office, a notorious cyber gang has listed the tax collector's office on the dark web, according to multiple social media accounts that track ransomware activity.

The Tax Collector's Office and county first began experiencing what spokespeople called "network issues" late last month, after noticing suspicious activity within their systems. They took devices and servers offline and investigated.

While county systems are back online, the Tax Collector's Office is still experiencing issues nearly three weeks later.

Tax Collector Chris Craft said Monday that investigations have found some of his office's data was compromised but stressed that no sensitive data is stored locally.

"There has been information that was copied. People do have information," Craft confirmed. "The biggest thing that we want to stress to the public is that we don't store their sensitive data on our network."

Brett Carlow, threat analyst at cybersecurity firm Emsisoft on Monday posted a screenshot of the St. Lucie County Tax Collector's Office listing by ransomware family ALPHV, also known as BlackCat, which the FBI last year said had been responsible for more than 60 breaches in the roughly one year since it was first observed in 2021. A number of other accounts also reported the posting.

Craft said he was unaware of ALPHV posting the data, and that he was unfamiliar with that group's name in particular, but he would not be surprised if data has been posted.

"I'm not aware of anything specific that has been posted. Our people, our cybersecurity analysts that are doing the forensics on this and monitoring the dark web have not reported that to me as of yet," Craft said. "But I fully expect something will be posted."

Ctaft declined to say whether any financial demands have been made of the Tax Collector's Office.

"I don't know who that is. What I've been told, the forensics aren't complete, but we do know that there was information taken, and usually with stuff like that there typically is a demand that comes along with it," Craft said.

Carlow said he can't be sure what information ALPHV posted, as he has not opened it.

"I haven't looked at the data, nor do I plan to access it," Carlow said. "I choose not to, because I've got no reasons to further invade people's privacy more than it has been already. Potentially that data could include anything the affected agencies had."

According to a screenshot of the ALPHV dark web homepage, provided by Carlow, the information posted was the "first part listing." The site promised a "full data dump soon" with "more personal data with SSN, address, DOB, DL, W4, W9, CC."

"Their claims should obviously be viewed with a degree of skepticism," Carlow said in an email.

The types of sensitive personal information promised by ALPHV  such as Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, tax documents and credit card information  are not stored locally, Craft stressed.

"That is stored at the state level, it is stored with our vendor and both of those sites are ironclad. They've tested them. There have been no breaches within either of those networks," Craft said.

There is a chance that some scanned documents, which could include driver's licenses, were accessed, Craft said, and if that is found to be the case, affected individuals will be notified. Generally, though, Craft believes the information taken would have been public record anyway.

"Frankly they could have gotten (that) from our website and didn't have to go through the effort of hacking our systems," Craft said.

More: Some services still offline as network issues continue for St. Lucie County, tax collector

More: St. Lucie County government website now back online after five-day network interruption

Groups such as ALPHV almost always post their illegally acquired information after ransom demands are not met, Carlow said.

"They work very much like human kidnappers," Carlow said. "Hold the data hostage, and if payment isn't made, post the data online as a warning to the next victim."

Teams of forensic investigators and cybersecurity professionals continue to look into what may have been taken, and to comb the dark web for any of it, Craft said.

There have been notable recent examples of ALPHV-claimed attacks, both in Florida and worldwide.

Last month, the gang posted information from Florida's First Judicial Circuit, the state court in North Florida. According to Pensacola News Journal, the chief judge's personal information was compromised.

Last year, ALPHV posted what it claimed was more than a terabyte of stolen information from Florida International University. The university initially denied any sensitive information had been taken, but review of the data by independent cybersecurity experts showed it included personal information of students and faculty.

Though groups may initially claim nothing was taken, Carlow said, they can be too quick to make those judgments.

"That can be like you go home and find your house burglarized. Poking your head around the door and saying, 'I see no evidence that anything was taken,'" Carlow said. "You just haven't looked fully enough."

Earlier on the same day as the tax collector post, it was reported that Michigan-based healthcare provider McLaren had sent out a letter notifying individuals it been hit, leaving about 2.2 million individuals' data exposed. One week earlier, ALPHV posted an attack on a multibillion-dollar Japanese defense contractor.

In 2021, the Martin County Tax Collector's Office was taken offline for more than five weeks after what staff called a security incident. An investigation involved the FBI and Florida Attorney General's Office, but one year after the system went down, officials at the Tax Collectors Office there still refused to say what had happened.

Martin County Tax Collector Ruth Pietruszewski initially blamed BlackByte, another ransomware gang, but later walked that back after hiring a computer-security consultant, telling county IT staff the consultant had not yet determined the exact nature of the incident.

At the time, Carlow told TC Palm it was reasonably likely BlackByte was responsible after he found a message on the dark web appearing to be addressed to the tax collector. That said, BlackByte later deleted that site and its most recent versions do not mention Martin County, Carlow said last year.

Investigations are ongoing, Craft confirmed. The County Sheriff's Office is not involved in the investigation, Sheriff Ken Mascara confirmed. Officials of the Florida Department of Law enforcement did respond to requests for comment.

Carlow said it can be difficult to hold cybercriminals responsible, in part because they may be located in countries that do not extradite criminals to the U.S.

Wicker Perlis is TCPalm's Watchdog Reporter for St. Lucie County. You can reach him at wicker.perlis@tcpalm.com and 504-331-0516.

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Ransomware group claims it took sensitive information, but did it?
Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley (R) called for social media reforms targeting user accountability Tuesday.

When I get into office, the first thing we have to do, social media accounts, social media companies, they have to show America their algorithms, said Haley, a 2024 GOP presidential primary candidate, in a Fox News clip posted to X, formerly known as Twitter.

Let us see why theyre pushing what theyre pushing, Haley continued. The second thing is, every person on social media should be verified, by their name. Thats, first of all, its a national security threat. When you do that, all of a sudden, people have to stand by what they say.

The clip comes just less than a week after Haley took a swing at fellow 2024 GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy for talking about her daughters social media usage at the third GOP presidential debate.

In the last debate, she made fun of me for actually joining TikTok while her own daughter was actually using the app for a long time. So you might want to take care of your family first, Ramaswamy said, as the candidates clashed over the video-sharing app, which is owned by Beijing-based parent company ByteDance.

Leave my daughter out of your voice, Haley said. Youre just scum.

In the Tuesday clip, Haley said her plan to have people verified by name would get rid of bot accounts from U.S. rivals.

And it gets rid of the Russian bots, the Iranian bots and the Chinese bots, Haley said. And then youre gonna get some civility, when people know their name is next to what they say.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The exterior of Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City on November 10, 2023, amid ongoing battles between Israel and the Palestinian Hamas movement (-)

Palestinian militants have a command center at Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza, the White House said Tuesday, backing up a key Israeli justification for military moves on the facility.

Hamas quickly slammed the comments, saying that Washington's statement was enabling Israel "to commit further brutal massacres targeting hospitals" in Gaza.

Hamas and Islamic Jihad operate a "command and control node from Al-Shifa in Gaza City," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters, citing US intelligence sources.

"We have information that Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad use some hospitals in the Gaza Strip, including Al-Shifa and tunnels underneath them to conceal and to support their military operations and to hold hostages," he said.

"We have information that confirms that Hamas is using that particular hospital for a command and control node and probably storage of equipment, weapons... That is a war crime."

Hamas blamed Washington for helping to fuel the conflict.

"These statements give a green light to the Israeli occupation to commit further brutal massacres targeting hospitals, with the goal of destroying Gaza's healthcare system and displacing Palestinians," the militant group said in a statement issued in English.

It added: "The United States bears direct responsibility for enabling Israel's genocidal war on Gaza."

The White House statement, echoed by the State Department and the Pentagon, comes as pressure ramps up on Israel over its blockade of the sprawling Al-Shifa compound, where doctors say patients and people seeking shelter are stranded in horrific conditions.

The United Nations estimates at least 2,300 people -- patients, staff and displaced civilians -- are inside and may be unable to escape because of fierce fighting near the facility.

Israel says it is not targeting the hospital itself, but has vowed to destroy Hamas in response to the attacks of October 7, which killed an estimated 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and saw 240 hostages being taken to Gaza.

The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza says Israel's relentless assault has killed 11,320 people, also mostly civilians, including thousands of children.

Israel has long insisted that Hamas uses hospitals and other civilian facilities as cover, accusing the Islamist group of cynically using civilians as human shields.

But there is a growing global clamour for proof of the assertions, with horrifying stories of human suffering emerging daily from Al-Shifa.

The hospital's director said Tuesday scores of dead including children have been buried in a mass grave there.

Israel has so far declined to provide contemporaneous proof of its claims, so the US intervention Tuesday will bolster its position.

State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said Hamas had been "burying their command centers under hospitals for years," and called for the group to allow civilians to be evacuated.

"We would support an independent third party, a respected third party, to conduct those evacuations," he said.

"We know the government of Israel would support such a step as well. The question is, will Hamas allow patients to be evacuated from hospitals, or will they continue to be used as human shields?"

Al-Shifa's fate has become a major focus of the war.

Israel insists it must protect citizens after the worst attack in the country's 75-year history.

But Israel's critics point to the toll of a blockade and the near-relentless bombing campaign on long-suffering civilians in Gaza.

aue-hg/mlm/md/st
In this image taken from a video footage run by TVB, Joseph Li, the head of the Catholic church in China, stands outside Hong Kong's Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Hong Kong on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023. Li took a trip to Hong Kong at the invitation of the city's pope-appointed Roman Catholic cardinal, marking the first official visit by a Beijing bishop in history. (TVB via AP)

HONG KONG (AP)  The head of the Catholic church in China began a trip to Hong Kong on Tuesday at the invitation of the citys pope-appointed Roman Catholic cardinal, marking the first official visit by a Beijing bishop in history.

Joseph Li, who was installed by Chinas state-controlled Catholic church as an archbishop, visited the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in the morning, public broadcaster RTHK said.

Lis five-day tour came after the citys newly installed Cardinal Stephen Chow invited him to visit Hong Kong during a landmark trip to Beijing in April  the first visit to the Chinese capital by the citys bishop in nearly three decades. Experts said the invitation was a symbolic gesture that could strengthen the fragile relationship between China and the Vatican.

Earlier this month, Chow said his job is to foster better communication between the sides, and underscored the importance of human connections when asked about the significance of Lis visit.

The Hong Kong diocese said Li would meet with Chow and different diocesan offices to promote exchanges and interactions between the two dioceses. It said this is the first time a Beijing bishop has officially visited Hong Kong, without disclosing further details about Lis trip.

Li took part in an evening prayer service at a chapel on Monday and exchanged gifts with Chow, according to Sunday Examiner, a publication operated by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong. It added Li would visit educational organizations and the Holy Spirit Seminary.

Beijing and the Vatican severed diplomatic ties in 1951 following the Communist Partys rise to power and the expulsion of foreign priests. Since the break in ties, Catholics in China have been divided between those who belong to an official, state-sanctioned church and those in an underground church loyal to the pope. The Vatican recognizes members of both as Catholics but claims the exclusive right to choose bishops.

The installation of Li in 2007, however, was well-regarded by the Vatican and church officials at that time said it was done with its approval.

The Vatican and China signed an accord in 2018 over the thorny issue of bishop nominations, but Beijing has violated it. Most recently Pope Francis was forced to accept the unilateral appointment of a new bishop of Shanghai.

Francis in September insisted that the Vaticans relations with China were going well but said work must still be done to show Beijing that the Catholic church isnt beholden to a foreign power. During his trip to Mongolia that month, he also sent a special greeting to Chinas noble people, giving them a special shout-out at the end of a Mass.

The 2018 agreement has been harshly criticized by Hong Kong Cardinal Joseph Zen, who was detained in May last year on suspicion of colluding with foreign forces under a Beijing-imposed national security law that jailed or silenced many activists. He was released on bail and has yet to be formally charged, but he and five others were fined in a separate case last November for failing to register a now-defunct fund set up to help arrested protesters.
One stormy night in January, Joyce Williams and Sharon Jones were shaken awake by a fellow unhoused woman at an encampment near the Sacramento River.

They feared the floods would engulf them, their belongings and their dogs before they could escape.

It was dark and the water was coming in fast and hard, and there was so much debris, Williams said.

A married couple, Williams and Jones have endured seven challenging years of life on the street, regularly witnessing heart attacks, heat strokes and exposure to parasite-infested water  all while the threat of city sweeps loomed. Their situation was further worsened by extreme weather conditions, from rainstorms to heat waves.

Were doing the best we can, Williams said. We just go week by week.

Heat warnings  and political pressure  across California have intensified, prompting cities like Sacramento to seek solutions to address both homelessness and a changing climate.

Sacramento broke records with extreme weather, facing both heat and floods last fall and winter. A statewide survey published by UC San Francisco in June noted that approximately 1% of nearly 3,200 participants lost housing due to climate emergencies.

Homelessness, climate change, and health care are clearly intertwined with each other, said Bob Erlenbusch, the executive director of the Sacramento Regional Coalition to End Homelessness. People would be living longer if they werent living outside.

Statewide, Gov. Gavin Newsom launched an expanded budget to fund climate resilience centers that target extreme heat waves, such as Sacramentos Outreach and Engagement Center.

But funding gaps persist. Assemblymember Kevin McCarty, D-Sacramento, suggested the gap between the state budget and the average cost of housing per unhoused person is too vast.

Permanent supportive housing  is like $600,000 per door and we have 171,000 homeless in California, McCarty said. 171,000 homeless times $600,000 is like $100 billion.

While legislators examine the fiscal reality, on-the-ground volunteers are putting in a sweat  literally.

Knock knock! Sacramento Street Medicine! said one of them. It was a 103-degree morning in early July. Volunteers with Sacramento Street Medicine, covered in sweat, had peered down an embankment near the Sacramento River where an encampment  referred to as Camp Gold by the volunteers  had been set up.

They had descended below street level into the partial cover of tree branches and bushes pulling wagons full of supply packs containing items like ACE bandages, hand sanitizer, socks, water, hydration packs and oranges.

Sacramento Street Medicine member Sam Sears, left, and volunteers organize supply packs for an unhoused community member to distribute around the American River Parkway in Sacramento on July 2.

These people are survivors, said Sam Sears, a volunteer lead. I go out there for an afternoon in 100-degree weather and I feel like Im going to die.

Their main goal was to preserve ties after city sweeps and volatile weather fragmented encampments around the American River Parkway.

I just wish they would stop the sweeps because its really hard for continuity of care, said Sears. So while the heat wasnt as bad (this summer), it was a difficult summer to locate people and to reach people.

An unhoused person living at Camp Gold shared they had been swept eight times in two weeks. But not all camps have to worry about city sweeps anymore.

In April, Williams and Jones secured a lease alongside other unhoused residents for the citys first self-governing encampment  known as Camp Resolution  on an empty, public lot in the heart of Californias capital, equipped with a few generators that power most trailers.

Much of the climate protective equipment William and Jones have is self-financed  including $800 for an all-purpose weather tent and an additional $800 for the generator theyve had for the last five years.

For people with respiratory illnesses or diabetes or chronic heart conditions, theres a lot of stress on their bodies from [intense weather], said Joe Smith, a local nonprofit director and advocate. Theres a lot of stress on their mind from the psychology of what theyre going through.

Camp Resolution leaders Sharon Jones, left, and Joyce Williams point towards the banner they have been painting, one of many that decorate the gates of the Camp Resolution site on Colfax Street in Sacramento.

Smith is program director of the Sacramento Outreach and Engagement Center, which opened in 2022 to provide unhoused people in the citys district two relief, while also offering primary care and mental health services. Virtually half of those entering the pet-friendly center afterwards found more stable placement  whether sober living or long-term, according to Smith.

Its a sense of stability for people, Smith said.

The Sacramento City Council unanimously voted on Aug. 1 to change activation criteria, now allowing the center to open during any National Weather System extreme weather event and when the air quality index reaches unhealthy levels.

Prior to the vote, temperatures needed to be above 100 degrees Fahrenheit for two days while not dipping below 75 degrees Fahrenheit at night.

Smith and other advocates had been calling for more flexible factors to allow for the center to open more frequently.

As the hottest months of the year wane, Smith reported the center has served 1,946 people since it first opened September of last year. Two hundred sixty-two of these people came for heat respite and 1,684 for cold weather respite.

Im glad that they modified the activation for the heat, Smith said. It did make it available for more days for the center to be open for weather respite, and in a perfect world, we would have 24-7 respite regardless of weather criteria.

The center is 24-7 for general respite, accommodating up to 50 unhoused people. The center must meet weather activation criteria to accommodate an additional 50 unhoused people.

Last Septembers heat wave broke records in downtown Sacramento, with temperatures spiking at 116 degrees. This September, the hottest temperature was 20 degrees less.

As someone whos lived outside, even a day can be dangerous, Smith said, who was homeless between 2005 and 2011.

In May, a Sacramento Grand Jury called the citys past homelessness solutions ineffective.

Assemblymember McCarty, along with three other legislators, proposed a joint powers authority to triage homeless solutions going forward. This authority would consist of officials from both the city and county of Greater Sacramento to centralize and accelerate initiatives and funding to address homelessness.

Were all in this together, McCarty said. A community, government  we cant solve it with just one person, adding that the joint response involves congregate centers, tiny homes, secure parking and more.

For now, advocates pose Camp Resolution as a model.

Camp Resolutions lease agreement allows the group of roughly 50 unhoused people to live on the lot without the fear of being swept until each individual is housed.

Camp Resolution is a really great transition and it could potentially be the future of how California can go about dealing with the housing crisis, Sears said.

Additional reporting by Emma Canillo. Sarah Yee and Emma Canillo are reporters with JCal , a collaboration between The Asian American Journalists Association and CalMatters to immerse high school students in Californias news industry.
WASHINGTON (KFOR)  Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin (R) had a heated exchange with International Brotherhood of Teamsters General President Sean OBrien during a hearing on Tuesday.

The argument took place in the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee room. The confrontation prompted Chair Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) to step in.

RELATED NEWS: US senator from Oklahoma challenges Teamsters general president to MMA fight

During the argument, Sen. Mullin read aloud social media posts where OBrien called him a clown and a fraud, according to officials.

Sir, this is a time, this is a place. You want to run your mouth, we can be two consenting adults, we can finish it here, Mullin said.

OK, thats fine. Perfect, responded OBrien.

You want to do it now? Mullin asked. Stand your butt up then.

The Hill says Mullin then stood up from his chair, which prompted Sanders to step in and take control of the situation.

RELATED NEWS: GOP senator challenges Teamsters president to fight during hearing

This comes after a previous argument the two had in June, where OBrien tweeted about Mullin several times, including a tweet that reads, Greedy CEO who pretends like hes self made. In reality, just a clown & fraud. Always has been, always will be. Quit the tough guy act in these senate hearings. You know where to find me. Anyplace, Anytime cowboy. #LittleManSyndrome.

Sen. Mullin replied five days later with a challenge to an MMA fight.

An attention-seeking union Teamster boss is trying to be punchy after our Senate hearing. Okay, I accept your challenge. MMA fight for charity of our choice. Sept 30th in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Ill give you 3 days to accept. Mullin said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
A request for a permit to raise a Palestinian flag on the North Andover Town Common was approved Monday night.

The flag, which was raised Tuesday morning, will remain up until December 7.

At a select board meeting, which had previously been rescheduled due to threats of litigation as well as public safety concerns, residents spoke passionately in both defense and opposition to the flag.

A lot of tension, a lot of opposition, Salma Boulal, who attended the meeting, said. If Israel gets their flag to fly in the North Andover common then Palestinians deserve that same right.

It was pretty heated...there are those that look at the Palestinian flag as a symbol of hate, Brian Buzby said.

There was a large police presence at the meeting as a precaution.

North Andover Town Manager Melissa Rodrigues said the application for flying the Palestinian flag was submitted on October 16, just 6 hours prior to the town updating its flag policies.

The prior flag policy specifically allowed a Town resident to submit an application to fly a flag on the Towns flagpole, resulting in that flagpole being considered a public forum, she explained. The content or the subject matter of a flag cannot be considered when reviewing an application presented under the old policy.

The new policy which has since been enacted in North Andover limits the use of the flagpole to statements of governmental speech only, consistent with US Supreme Court decision Shurtleff v. Boston.

According to the decision in the Shurtleff case, the Town may not prohibit a flag to be flown based on its content, its meaning or its message, Rodrigues wrote. This limitation on the Select Boards discretion indicates that denial of a residents flag application under the prior policy places the Town in jeopardy of legal action.

An Israeli flag has been flying in the North Andover Town Common since early October, right around when Hamas launched its attack on Israel.

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Helen T. Gray, a former faith and religion editor at The Kansas City Star whose journalistic career spanned over four decades, died Saturday following an illness.

She was 81.

When she was hired in 1965, Gray was The Stars second Black reporter and its first Black female reporter. In 1971 she was named the religion editor, a position she held until her retirement in early 2013.

Its a loss for Kansas City. She was an amazing force as a religion writer and editor. I dont think Ive ever worked for a journalist who was as gracious and warmhearted as Helen, said Mary Lou Nolan, a former assistant managing editor for features at The Star. It was really a distinctive thing about her.

She always found something positive, Nolan said. I dont know if a person can be ecumenical, if thats a term you can apply to people, but she was all about faith being a positive force in our community and in our lives and always trying to bring people together through her work.

She was really one of a kind.

During the early part of her career, Gray covered the local civil rights struggle and interviewed Martin Luther King Jr. who spent a short layover in Kansas City. Gray was the only female reporter among a gaggle of photographers and broadcast journalists who surrounded King at the downtown airport.

In an interview with The Star in 2013, Gray recalled how she managed to speak directly with the civil rights leader.

I was trying to work my way toward him through all the news cameras when he saw me and made a path for me to walk beside him, Gray told reporter Edward M. Eveld in a news article announcing her retirement from The Star. And thats how I interviewed him, walking next to him.

Gray also cover the riots in Kansas City following Kings assassination. She wrote extensively about the racism, discrimination and quality of life issues Black people in Kansas City faced.

Working alongside Helen was a joy, said Greg Farmer, The Stars executive editor. By the time I met her, she was already a legend. But you never would have known it. She was the epitome of class, and through her example she challenged us every day to be the best versions of ourselves. Im forever grateful.

Helen T. Gray as faith editor

During her tenure as faith editor, Gray reported on major faith organizations such as the Southern Baptist Convention, the ordination of women, the upheaval and cultural changes in the Catholic Church.

Her work was recognized by press associations in Kansas and Missouri. She received awards from several groups including the Religion News Association.

Helen was a longtime, well-respected journalist  especially in the faith community, said Lewis W. Diuguid, a former vice president, editorial page writer and columnist at The Star.

She covered all aspects of religion and she did it well, adhering to all of the canons of good journalism. Among her peers at The Star, Helen was the longstanding senior Black staffer, and everyone looked up to her for the knowledge and experience she was able to share with people. She was an exceptional human being, and I miss her.

Diuguid said the Kansas City Association of Black Journalists, an affiliate chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists, honored Gray with the groups first lifetime achievement award in 1997.

Yvette Walker, vice president and editorial page editor at The Star, fondly recalled working with Gray.

Helen was the epitome of grace and kindness. She cared more about people than getting the story, but she also was known for being an excellent reporter, Walker said. I worked with her in the features department, and she was always welcoming and willing to go the extra mile for her colleagues.

Consummate Christian and a prayer warrior

Gray, a native of New Jersey, graduated from Syracuse University with degrees in journalism and political science. She minored in religion and later earned a masters degree in international relations from Columbia University in New York.

As an undergraduate student at Syracuse, Gray, then known as Helen Gott, was the first black member of the Sigma Delta Tau, a white sorority on campus.

At Syracuse, Gray dated standout running back Ernie Davis, who later became the first Black player to win the Heisman Trophy and was immortalized in the 2008 movie, The Express.

While living in Kansas City, Gray married a Baptist minister, David L. Gray, who served as pastor of Pleasant Green Baptist Church in Kansas City, Kansas from 1959 to 1996 before he died.

Gray taught Sunday School for more than 40 years until her health began to decline, said Jarvis L. Collier, the churchs current pastor.

She was a consummate pastors wife, a consummate Christian and a prayer warrior, Collier said. I have nothing but sadness and appreciation for her contribution to the life of our church.

Relatives and friends remembered Gray as a woman of deep religious faith who found strength in serving the church and helping others.

She was first and foremost a wonderful and caring, spiritual individual, said her brother Ron Gott.

Gray is survived by her son David, four grandchildren, a brother and numerous friends and relatives. Funeral services were pending on Monday.
FILE PHOTO: Florida boats sail in a flotilla towards Cuba in solidarity with Cuban protesters in Miami

FILE PHOTO: Florida boats sail in a flotilla towards Cuba in solidarity with Cuban protesters in Miami

(This Nov. 14 story has been refiled to remove a superfluous word from paragraph 1)

HAVANA (Reuters) - Cuba wants to tap its fast-growing overseas population for fresh investment to lift its economy, a top foreign ministry official told Reuters this week, as the communist-run nation looks to overcome its worst downturn in decades.

Food, fuel and medicine shortages have pushed a record number of Cubans to leave their Caribbean island home in the past two years, sapping the nation of resources necessary to jump-start an economy already shackled by the pandemic and stiffened U.S. sanctions.

This migration wave includes many young people and "is having the greatest impact in history in terms of demographics, because of its composition," said Ernesto Soberon, director of Consular Affairs for the Cuban Foreign Ministry.

Soberon told Reuters in a wide-ranging interview in Havana on Monday that the exodus represents a loss but also an opportunity as the government seeks to revive the ailing economy.

Cuban expats have already invested in bed-and-breakfasts, eateries and other activities on the island, but Cuba would like to see more capital flow, he said.

"Today Cubans abroad have no limits on how they can participate in the economic life of their country," he said, referring to restrictions once placed upon them by the government.

Over 400 Cuban citizens living in more than 40 countries arrive on the island this week to discuss Cuba's evolving economy and other issues with the government - the first such conversations between Cuba and its ballooning diaspora in nearly two decades.

The conference is expected to attract Cubans living off island but with favorable views of their home country, including businesspeople, economists, and members of foreign resident associations.

The landscape has changed dramatically since the last time the two groups formally met in 2004, under former leader Fidel Castro. Around 2.5 million Cubans and their descendents now live off the island, Soberon said.

Cuba in 2021 lifted a ban on private enterprise, considered a scourge under Castro. And the island's government, which once limited the travel of its citizens, now allows most to come and go freely, though it still restricts dissidents, athletes and some others.

Some things, however, have not changed, said Soberon, who said the Cold War-era U.S. embargo has only stiffened over the years, with sanctions complicating the financial transfers needed to start and run a business.

"You can't just go back and forth with a bag full of cash," he said.

The administration of U.S President Joe Biden has shown tepid support for small business on the island but says Cuba must improve its human rights record before it grants concessions. It stopped short recently of announcing expected new measures to ease the flow of capital. In addition, some Cuban Americans have little appetite for working with Cuba's government.

Soberon said the conference on Nov. 18 and 19 would review mechanisms already in place, like remittances, that have already begun to serve as seed capital for small businesses for Cubans on the island.

"That will ultimately raise their standard of living so that they want to spend their lives here in Cuba and not abroad," he said.

(Reporting by Dave Sherwood, Editing by Rosalba O'Brien)
Historically, it is more widely acknowledged that girls are more quick and adaptable to educational studies and adolescent struggles than boys are. Girls are often more focused and take school and their futures more seriously than boys, especially as teenagers.

While the same extracurricular activities, classes and opportunities are offered to all public school students, both boys and girls, the latter are more likely to graduate from high school on time and apply for college.

"Girls tend to be a little more advanced than boys," Richard Davis, an eighth grade teacher in Cleveland, told Fox News Digital. "We may have a boy who is a high-flier academically, but when you look at boys and girls, the girls tend to outdo the boys as a whole unit."

GROWING NUMBER OF TEACHERS LEAVING THE PROCESSION ACROSS THE US DUE TO BURNOUT, LOW PAY

National data for genders and their high school graduation rates is unavailable, according to Brookings. Because of this, the research organization collected state-by-state high school graduation rates by gender from Departments of Education. The research for 36 states, with 30 reporting cohort sizes, confirmed that in 2021, girls were more likely to graduate, though the pandemic likely impacted graduation dates for both genders.

In July, Fox News Digital reported that New York City was accused of manipulating high school graduation rates by tanking standards for passing classes.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Students who were failing classes at NYC Department of Education public schools were being pushed through to the next grade level without meeting the original standards expected, according to an investigation by Chalkbeat and the Toni Stabile Center for Investigative Journalism.

"One Brooklyn science teacher alleged that his principal explicitly told staff to pass all middle schoolers outright, discouraging them from giving out NXs in the first place, even if the students had never attended class," the investigative report said. An "NX" grade  meaning "course in progress"  was provided to students who were clear to fail until they completed their work with new, easier material.

I WAS A PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHER AND I'M BLOWING THE WHISTLE ON TRANSGENDERISM BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE

Attendance is a key indicator for teachers and administrators that a student intends on dropping out.

"Youll have kids that arent showing up," said Davis. "Missing several days of the school year, some, unfortunately, never show up at all."

Trade schools, or vocational or technical schools, that offer two-year programs for students to train for a specific occupation are also typically more popular among boys. Often, this is due to the nature of the work.

Carpentry is one of the fastest trades to learn, and building, repairing and installing furniture, wood or other materials is more popular among boys than girls and does not require a GED or high school education. In 2022, 96.4% of carpenters in the U.S. were male, according to Statista.

While the reasons boys are postponing graduation, receiving a GED as a substitute or quitting education altogether are not completely known, teachers and administrators can speculate.

"Eighth grade students that struggle with low or failing grades in core subjects have a hard time raising their self-efficacy in school," Jacqueline Vance, eighth grade CTE teacher in Cleveland told Fox News Digital. "This can lead to students fearing the workload that high school presents and their ability to complete it."

HERE'S THE PROOF SCHOOL CHOICE WORKS FOR PARENTS AND STUDENTS

She went on to explain that students may also struggle due to the lack of support and resources available both inside and outside of school.

"If the students do not have access to support, it can be hard to overcome academic challenges," she said. "This can push students to question their role as a learner in school and society, making it hard to see a pathway to success."

Though schools across the U.S. have programs, counselors and other liaisons available for students to take advantage of when they are struggling with classwork, home life, mental health, etc., the students family life is equally important and education at the forefront of parental guidance can make all the difference.

"It boils down to what is being valued at home," Davis said. "I can say to the kids, Hey, you need to get a good education, but if theyre not getting that same energy or same message when they leave my classroom, what I say is not going to matter."

Additionally, one pain point for teachers encouraging their students to kick off their careers with a college education is not only the lack of parental support, but the question of finances.

Davis recalled a student nearly 20 years ago who was bright, talented and capable of dominating a college campus. He encouraged the student to go off and do great things, but the students parent reprimanded Davis for exciting her son.

I WAS A SCHOOL DROPOUT, BUT WE JUST WON $500,000 FOR GIVING STUDENTS LIKE ME A SECOND CHANCE

"She said You wont be telling my kid about college, youre not paying so dont hype them up. I cant afford it."

On the other hand, some parents compel their kids to get to work before the thought of walking on a stage in a cap and gown even crosses their minds.

"The decision wasnt actually mine, it was forced upon me by my foster mother because I was old enough to start working, and she pulled me out of school," Liv Nadine, small business owner in Tampa, told Fox News Digital. "I worked two full-time jobs at almost 16 years old."

Nadine received her GED that same year, in 2003, which was two years before her proposed high school graduation date. She explained that she regrets not revealing her forced influence to work to a counselor or someone else who could report the illegality.

Now, Nadine is an ambitious and accomplished business owner in the cosmetology field.

"High school dropouts can still be successful," she said.





Original article source: Report confirms girls graduate high school at higher rates than boys
Hillary Clinton on Tuesday called for an end to Hamas rule in Gaza, further suggesting a ceasefire advocated by some Democratic Party progressives would perpetuate the cycle of violence in the war-torn region.

A full cease-fire that leaves Hamas in power would be a mistake. For now, pursuing more limited humanitarian pauses that allow aid to get in and civilians and hostages to get out is a wiser course, Clinton wrote in an op-ed in The Atlantic.

A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, Clinton suggested, would be ineffective if it left the militant group in power in Gaza and gave Hamas a chance to re-arm and perpetuate the cycle of violence.

Clintons position puts her at odds with some in the left wing of the Democratic Party. Progressives such as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) have repeatedly called for a ceasefire and raised concerns about the Israeli offensive in Gaza.

However, the former secretary of state is broadly on board with President Joe Bidens approach to the conflict

Clinton served as secretary of state alongside Biden under former President Barack Obama, with that experience forming a key part of her case against a ceasefire. Following an attack by Hamas in 2012, Clinton worked closely with regional partners to negotiate a ceasefire.

I was relieved that wed prevented further bloodshed, but I worried that all wed really managed to do was put a lid on a simmering cauldron that would likely boil over again in the future, the former secretary of state wrote.

Two years later, in 2014, Hamas struck again, abducting Israeli hostages and firing rockets at civilians. Therefore, Clinton said, Hamas must now be permanently removed from power.

October 7 made clear that this bloody cycle must end and that Hamas cannot be allowed to once again retrench, re-arm, and launch new attacks, she said.

Cease-fires freeze conflicts rather than resolve them, Clinton added. In 2012, freezing the conflict in Gaza was an outcome we and the Israelis were willing to accept. But Israels policy since 2009 of containing rather than destroying Hamas has failed.

Rejecting a premature cease-fire does not mean defending all of Israels tactics, nor does it lessen Israels responsibility to comply with the laws of war, Clinton added, emphasizing the need to minimize Palestinian civilian deaths.

Clinton previously voiced her opposition to a ceasefire, first at a panel discussion at Rice University and then in a TV interview last week.
Responding to a swell in antisemitic hate crimes, New York State will deploy more state cops to the federal Joint Terrorism Task Forces offices in New York, Gov. Hochul said Monday.

Hochul, a Buffalo Democrat, directed $2.5 million to the New York State Police to support its plan to embed an additional 10 investigators in the FBIs counterterrorism task forces offices in New York City, Albany and Rochester, according to the governors office.

Eight of the investigators will be placed in the citys Joint Terrorism Task Force offices and one each will go to the upstate cities, Hochuls office said. There were about 30 state cops working with the task force before the additions, according to the governors office.

New York City is home to about 1.6 million Jews, according to the United Jewish Appeal-Federation of New York. The citys Jewish temples have been on high alert  and blanketed by law enforcement  since Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, unleashing a bloody war.

Citing a 214% increase in antisemitic hate crimes in the city since Oct. 7, Hochul said in a Manhattan news conference that the rising level of hate, and antisemitism in particular, poses a clear and present danger to the safety and well-being of all New Yorkers.

The day that Hamas attacked, Hochul said, the rise in hate crimes began instantaneously.

But she added that law enforcement has ramped up its efforts to secure places of travel for the holidays and to analyze digital spheres where hate speech can fester.

If anyone thinks that they can get away with spreading hate and harming other New Yorkers and violating the law, you will be caught, the governor declared. You will be caught here in the State of New York, because we are ramping up our resources to ensure that everyone can live freely.

Last month, a 21-year-old Cornell student was charged with threatening to shoot up the site of his schools Center for Jewish Living. If convicted, the student faces up to 5 years in prison.

The state police and the Joint Terrorism Task Force investigated the case, which shocked the Ivy League campus and prompted state cops to watch over the Jewish life organization.

Lt. Col. Andy Crowe of the state police declined to describe individual cases, but said the number of investigations being pursued by the state police and the Joint Terrorism Task Force had increased exponentially since Oct. 7.

We are very active, Crowe said at the news conference.

Last month, Hochul delivered an address outlining a series of anti-hate state efforts, including a $75 million investment toward the prevention of hate crimes and an expansion of the state police unit that monitors threats on social media.

We will get through this together, Hochul said Monday. I am confident. But we also make sure that we protect the well-being of our citizens.

_____
Government sharpshooters have killed 18 hogs that posed potential threats to visitors at Congaree National Park, a wildlife preserve near Columbia that has had trouble with destructive pigs through the years.

Main visitor areas at the national park closed for 24 hours Wednesday afternoon so federal wildlife managers could shoot hogs with high-powered rifles. The government took out hogs that have been seen recently near the parks visitors center and the main trails.

The hogs appeared to have become used to visitors, causing national park staff to worry that the behavior could lead to visitors being injured, the park said in a news release.

The release said the hog-killing effort was conducted due to recent reports and observations of increased feral hog activity in areas that see heavy visitation on a regular basis.

Jon Manchester, chief of visitor services at the park, said Congaree had gotten reports recently of hogs failing to move away from people on trails near the Harry Hampton Visitor Center. In one case, park staffers who were driving a small vehicle down a trail encountered a hog that blocked the way, he said in an interview.

A hog was just standing in the middle of the trail and did not want to move, he said. Eventually, they were able to get it off, but thats not normal. In other places, there were just pigs browsing along the trail. They dont move.

Feral hogs often have tusks and could be dangerous if they attack a person. The biggest concerns are females with piglets, he said.

Manchester said Friday that park officials believe the sharpshooting effort has eliminated the hogs that were causing trouble near the visitors center trails and boardwalk.

They did get the ones they were specifically going after, Manchester said, noting that the pig that had blocked the trail was among those taken out. There should not be any hog activity that is right up on the trails, right at this point. If people notice anything, let us know and well make note of it.

The work occurred Wednesday night and Thursday before the parks visitors center and nearby trails reopened at 5 p.m. Thursday.

Manchester said there generally appears to be more hog activity in the area around the national park in eastern Richland County this fall. He wasnt sure why, but said hogs often are active in the autumn as they feast on nuts that have dropped from trees.

The hog removal effort this past week wasnt the first time the government has taken such action at the national park. The park estimated last year that it had taken out about 1,000 porkers since 2015.

Part of the hog-control effort results from trapping hogs in the park, but special hunts also are employed, Manchester said.

Since October, the government has hunted down a total of 66 hogs in the park, he said. During the last fiscal year, more than 200 hogs were killed as part of the effort to keep the population in check, he said.

Wild pigs are considered a problem in many parts of South Carolina, as well as the natonal park. Prolific breeders, they destroy important plants by rooting up the forest floor in search of food. They also can devour crops being grown by farmers.

Feral hogs are the descendants of once domestic animals that either escaped hundreds of years ago from farms or were put on the landscape more recently by unsavory sportsmen to hunt.

South Carolina has an estimated 150,000 feral hogs roaming the countryside in its 46 counties, state wildlife officials have estimated.

This story is an updated version of a story written earlier this week.
Mei Haskell, left, and her parents, Yanxiang Wang and Gaoshen Li, lived in a single-story home in the 4100 block of Coldstream Terrace in Tarzana, along with Haskell's husband, Samuel Bond Haskell IV. (Los Angeles Police Department)

Los Angeles police are trying to sort out the mystery of a Tarzana man, three missing family members and body parts found in a dumpster.

Samuel Bond Haskell IV, the son of a well-known Hollywood executive, was arrested last week in connection with the discovery of a woman's torso that authorities say is likely his wifes.

His wife hasn't been found, and her parents are also missing.

Here is what we know from the pages of The Times:

What do authorities think happened?

Haskell; his wife, Mei Haskell; and her parents, Yanxiang Wang and Gaoshen Li, all lived in a single-story home in the 4100 block of Coldstream Terrace in Tarzana. Haskell and his wife have three children, who were in school last week when police got involved in the case, authorities said. They were found safe.

Police say that on Nov. 7, Haskell tried to get day laborers to remove bags from his home with what they said were body parts. When that failed, he was caught on video dumping the bags from the back of his Tesla in Encino, authorities said.

A person believed to be Haskell was then captured on security cameras opposite an Encino strip mall. The video, obtained by Fox News, shows a man hauling a large and seemingly heavy sack over his shoulder from the back of his car about 4:45 p.m. Tuesday and dumping it into a trash bin.

The next morning, an unhoused man found a human torso stuffed into a duffel bag in a dumpster in an Encino parking lot near Ventura Boulevard and Rubio Avenue, about five miles from Haskells home, police said.

Haskell was arrested after the gruesome discovery. Los Angeles police investigators say the remains recovered from the trash bin are likely his wife's.

Inside Haskells house, detectives discovered blood and other evidence consistent with killing and dismemberment, according to investigators.

Read more: Hollywood exec's son who allegedly asked laborers to move body parts is charged with murder of wife and in-laws

What did the day laborers say?

Haskell, the son of a Hollywood agent to A-list stars, tried to pay day laborers $500 to take away bags he first said were full of rocks and then said were Halloween decorations, the workers told a reporter for KNBC-TV Channel 4.

But the workers told the news outlet the bags' contents felt like meat. When we picked up the bags, we could tell they werent rocks, one of the workers said in Spanish.

The men described the bags as soft and soggy, weighing about 50 pounds. They stopped their truck a block away, checked inside and saw human remains, identifying a belly button.

They returned the remains to the Tarzana home and reported the discovery first to the California Highway Patrol and then to the Los Angeles Police Department. But the bags were gone when authorities arrived, police said.

Read more: Son of Hollywood exec arrested after body part found in dumpster; wife, in-laws missing

What is the status of the investigation?

The Los Angeles County district attorneys office has filed three special circumstance murder counts against Haskell in the killings of his wife and her parents.

"These shocking and gruesome crimes have sent shock waves through our community. We stand with the victims loved ones during this unimaginably difficult time and will do everything in our power to ensure justice is served, Dist. Atty. George Gascon said. Our major crimes division will work tirelessly to bring about a prosecution that reflects the severity of this devastating crime.

Authorities still have not found Mei Haskell or her parents, who were last seen Nov. 6.

They would normally be home in these hours, and attempts have been made to contact them by phone, by cellphone, and no answer. And the same with Mei. She is unaccounted for," LAPD Det. Efren Gutierrez said last week.

Haskell briefly appeared in a courtroom Monday as a judge ordered he be held without bail pending a Dec. 8 hearing.

He has not entered a plea, and his attorney could not be reached for comment.

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.
Pine martens are extinct in most of England

Wildlife experts are hoping to attract rare pine martens to nest in Northumberland after droppings were found.

The animals are extinct in most of England and their last UK stronghold is in Scotland.

The Forestry Commission said droppings had been found in private woodland next to its land at Kidland Forest.

The discovery by Northumberland Wildlife Trust has led to five nesting boxes being put up.

The aim is for the boxes to provide a ready-made den for pine martens to raise young.

The Forestry Commission is working with The Vincent Wildlife Trust on the project near the Cheviots.

Forestry Commission ecologist Tom Dearnley said: "The discovery of droppings or scats near Kidland was stunning news, but we are still very much in the dark about the creature's status.

"If we can entice an animal to use one of the boxes, not only will it teach us more about the pine marten population in England but it will also provide a chance to study its behaviour and a place to rear young."

Follow BBC Newcastle on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram. Send your story ideas to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk.
The horse was being transported on a Boeing 747 cargo plane. Jan Woitas/Getty Images

A horse managed to escape its stall shortly after a cargo plane took off from JFK on November 9.

One of the pilots told air traffic controllers the horse could not be secured and asked to return.

Audio of the request was posted on YouTube by the You can see ATC channel.

A cargo plane had to return to JFK after a horse broke loose and the crew couldn't get it back in its stall.

Air Atlanta Icelandic flight 4592 took off at 2.30 p.m on November 9 on its way to Liege, Belgium.

The Boeing 747 climbed to about 31,000 feet when a pilot called air traffic control to say that a horse had escaped from its stall and that they needed to return to JFK.

"We are a cargo plane with a live animal, a horse, on board the airplane. And the horse managed to escape his stall," says a pilot in audio posted on YouTube by You can see ATC.

"We don't have a problem as of flying wise but we need to return back to New York. We cannot get the horse back secured," he warned.

Cleared to return to New York, the jet did a U-turn off the eastern coast of Canada, tracking data from Flight Radar 24 shows.

The crew had to first dump fuel over the Atlantic to be able to land safely.

"Due to our weight we need to dump 20 tonnes of fuel," one of the pilots told air traffic control.

It's unclear how the horse managed to escape, but it remained unrestrained until the plane landed at JFK. The crew had requested a vet be on standby as the animal was "in difficulty," per the audio recording.

The flight path of Atlanta Airlines Icelandic flight. Flight Radar24/Business Insider

The aircraft successfully reached Belgium the following day.

Air Atlanta Icelandic did not immediately reply to a request for comment from Business Insider.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The fire broke out in Channel Close, Hounslow, on Sunday night

Investigations are continuing into the cause of a fire in west London that killed five members of a family, including three children.

The adults who lived at the property in Hounslow have been named locally as Aroen Kishen and his wife Seema.

One person remains unaccounted for and one man is in hospital following the fire in Channel Close on Sunday.

Hounslow's council leader said he had visited the "terrible scene" and nearby residents had been relocated.

A small pile of tributes and flowers have been placed on the grass verge towards the end of the road.

Police officers and other emergency services have been stationed nearby, with workers moving from time to time between the property and Metropolitan Police scenes of crime vehicles.

"It will take some time to get into the property, make sure it's safe to be able to work in it, so the investigations can happen," Shantanu Rajawat told BBC Radio London.

The council leader said that nearby properties were evacuated as a precaution and residents "were moved into hotels and the council is working with them very, very closely".

He added it would be important for fire and police investigations to progress, and "to make sure the neighbouring properties are safe for habitation, before we let people in".

The bodies of the five family members were found on the first floor of the terraced house by London Fire Brigade (LFB) crews.

The burnt-out house with a collapsed roof could be seen from the road

Emergency services were called at 22:30 GMT on Sunday and roughly 70 firefighters and 10 fire engines attended the incident. The fire was under control by 01:25.

On Monday London Fire Brigade and the Met said they were keeping an "open mind" over the cause. The Met is leading the investigation, and no arrests have been made.

Deputy fire commissioner Jonathan Smith said it was too early to know whether fireworks or candles for recent Diwali celebrations were a factor.

He said firefighters faced a "significant blaze" on the ground and first floor when they arrived.

Flowers and messages were laid near the scene, including one from a nearby school

A tribute from a Mrs Sheldon said: "Words cannot even begin to express our sorrow at hearing the loss of three beautiful souls.

"Forever in our hearts! Good night and god bless."

Another tribute left at the scene from "year 6" read: "I am so sorry that this has happened to you.

"All crying today and missing you today. You are still part of our family.

"We will never forget you, and you will always be in our hearts. May God grant you eternal life in heaven."

The cause of the fire is under investigation and no arrests have been made

Ch Supt Sean Wilson from the Met Police said it was "truly a terrible incident" and the loss of lives was causing "unimaginable stress and pain".

"Everyone will want to know why this has happened and we will be working tirelessly with London Fire Brigade to find those answers", he added.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to hellobbclondon@bbc.co.uk
The House of Representatives is gearing up to vote Tuesday afternoon on Speaker Mike Johnsons plan to avoid a government shutdown  the Louisiana Republicans first big test just three weeks after taking the top leadership role.

With government funding set to expire on Friday, congressional leaders have acknowledged the need for a short-term extension of last years priorities, known as a continuing resolution (CR). Johnsons new "laddered" approach would set two different funding deadlines for Congress 12 individual appropriations bills  a Jan. 19 date for four of the less traditionally controversial bills, and Feb. 2 for the others, including defense spending.

But the bills lack of any spending cuts or conservative policy riders  not usually the norm for a CR  has generated significant pushback from the right wing of the House Republican Conference.

SPEAKER JOHNSON DRAWS BATTLE LINES AHEAD OF GOVERNMENT SPENDING SHOWDOWN

Speaker Mike Johnson is gearing up for a House vote on his stopgap spending plan. (Getty Images)

The hardline-right House Freedom Caucus released a statement Tuesday morning formally opposing the bill, explaining "it contains no spending reductions, no border security, and not a single meaningful win for the American People."

"Republicans must stop negotiating against ourselves over fears of what the Senate may do with the promise roll over today and well fight tomorrow," the statement said. "While we remain committed to working with Speaker Johnson, we need bold change."

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Johnson himself defended the bill on "Fox & Friends" Tuesday morning, "It's a paradigm shift, because what it will do... it will prevent the dreaded Christmas omnibus spending bill where thousands of pages are hoisted upon the members at the last moment."

SPEAKER JOHNSON ROLLS OUT PLAN TO AVOID GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN, PREVENT 'SPENDING MONSTROSITY'

But the growing GOP opposition spurred concerns of the bill failing in a preliminary rule vote before the measure could even get to the House floor.

Johnson's plan has invoked the ire of several Republicans, including House Freedom Caucus Chair Scott Perry, left, and Freedom Caucus Policy Chair Chip Roy.

It forced leadership to switch tactics instead to pass the CR "under suspension," forgoing the initial rule vote to bring the bill straight to the floor. However, passing a bill under suspension requires two-thirds of House support rather than the standard simple majority.

Democrats had been wary of the "laddered" deadlines in the CR, but their leaders in both the House and Senate suggested their party could support Johnsons plan since its only an extension of last years funding.

HOUSE ENDS WEEK BEHIND SCHEDULE WITH DAYS UNTIL POSSIBLE GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN

"For now, I am pleased that Speaker Johnson seems to be moving in our direction by advancing a CR that does not include the highly partisan cuts that Democrats have warned against," Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said on Monday.

"The speakers proposal is far from perfect, but the most important thing is that it refrains from making steep cuts, while also extending funding for defense in the second tranche of bills in February, not the first in January."

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., told NPR on Tuesday morning, "Our current evaluation of the continuing resolution presented by Speaker Johnson is that it does not include extraneous and extreme right wing policy provisions."

Jeffries told reporters on his way into a closed-door House Democratic Caucus meeting that he and other members of his leadership team were "open-minded" about the proposal.

The House and Senate must agree on some way to fund the government past Nov. 17, or risk a partial shutdown.





Original article source: House gears up for vote to avoid government shutdown in Johnson's first big test as speaker
Two Republicans on the House Intelligence Committee have recommended the Justice Department look at pursuing charges against former Trump attorney Michael Cohen for contradictory testimony he gave last month in former President Trumps fraud trial in New York.

The criminal referral letter  sent by House Intelligence Chair Mike Turner (R-Ohio) and committee member Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.)  accuses Cohen of committing perjury and having knowingly made false statements before the congressional panel four years ago.

That Mr. Cohen was willing to openly and brazenly state at trial that he lied to Congress on this specific issue is startling, the referral letter reads. His willingness to make such a statement alone should necessitate an investigation.

While it urges prosecutors to take action, a criminal referral is largely symbolic and does not hold any legal weight.

Cohens lawyer, Jeffrey K. Levine, called the referral meritless and based only on an out-of-context, cherry picked, answer from a 2019 Intelligence Committee deposition transcript in a statement to The Hill.

Amid cross-examination by Trumps legal team late last month, Cohen testified that he lied under oath to the House Intelligence Committee in February 2019 when asked about the former presidents personal financial statements during a deposition.

In that 2019 testimony, the former presidents longtime lawyer and fixer said Trump did not ask him to inflate the numbers detailed in his statements of financial condition  documents that detail the value of the Trump Organizations various assets.

But in New York last month, Cohen told state lawyers that Trump did direct him and former Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg to reverse engineer the former presidents assets in order to achieve the number that Trump had tasked us with.

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Alina Habba, one of Trumps attorneys, tore into Cohen over the discrepancy during cross-examination.

Mr. Cohen, were you being honest in front of the Permanent Select Committee when you testified on Feb. 28, 2019? Habba asked.

No, Cohen replied.

So you lied under oath in February of 2019? Is that your testimony? Habba pressed.

Yes, Cohen said.

After the cross-examination, Cohen attempted to clarify his comments by claiming Trump speaks like a mob boss and tell(s) you without specifically telling you what to do. He also accused Trumps legal team of cherry-picking his testimony to pigeonhole him into contradicting himself. Cohens mob boss comment is similar to the remarks he made during his congressional testimony in 2019.

Upon re-direct by the prosecution, and what the Representatives chose not to include in their referral letter, was Mr. Cohen clarified his trial testimony, Levine said in his statement to The Hill. The prosecution had Mr. Cohen read through the 2019 deposition testimony the defense omitted. In doing so Mr. Cohen was able to provide necessary context and corrected his trial testimony that he was truthful to the Committee.

Stefanik said in a statement Tuesday that the Biden Justice Department must take off its partisan blinders and investigate disgraced fraudster and disbarred attorney Michael Cohen.

Top Stories from The Hill

Its the second time in as many weeks that Stefanik, the House Republican Conference chair, has sought to defend Trump amid his civil fraud trial in New York. Last week, she filed an ethics complaint against the judge overseeing the trial, accusing him of inappropriate bias and judicial intemperance. The case is one of several Trump is fighting as he seeks to again become the GOPs presidential nominee next year.

The sprawling trial in which Cohen testified involves Trump, the Trump Organization and several executives, including the former presidents adult sons. New York Attorney General Letitia James (D) sued them last year, claiming the business falsely inflated and deflated the value of its assets to receive lower taxes and better insurance coverage.

Trumps personal financial statements  and skewed numbers within them  are at the heart of the attorney generals case. The documents were sent to banks and ensurers to secure loans and deals, which the state asserts is evidence of fraud.

Judge Arthur Engoron ruled that James had proved the crux of her case before the trial began, finding the Trumps and their business liable for fraud. The decision stripped some of Trumps business licenses and put several iconic Trump properties at risk, though an appeals court paused the cancellation of the licenses until it hears the former presidents case.

Cohen was previously convicted on eight charges, including tax evasion and campaign finance violations. He was sentenced to three years in prison but earned early release due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Updated 3:31 p.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The House shelved a resolution to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on Monday, punting on Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greenes (R-Ga.) effort to boot the Biden administration official from his post for his handling of the situation at the U.S.-Mexico border.

Eight Republicans joined Democrats in supporting a motion to refer the impeachment resolution to the Homeland Security Committee, blocking it from coming to the floor for a vote and shielding lawmakers from having to weigh in on the matter directly. The final vote was 209-201.

Those eight Republicans were: Reps. Patrick McHenry (N.C.), Tom McClintock (Calif.), John Duarte (Calif.), Virginia Foxx (N.C.), Darrell Issa (Calif.), Cliff Bentz (Ore.), Ken Buck (Colo.) and Mike Turner (Ohio).

The final tally is a blow to Greene, who moved to force a vote on her resolution to impeach Mayorkas last week, accusing the Homeland Security secretary of willful admittance of border crossers and of violating the Secure Fence Act  a 2006 law that demands perfection at the border by declaring the border operationally secure only if no people or contraband improperly enter the country.

She introduced her impeachment resolution targeting Mayorkas in May. Greene slammed the eight Republicans who opted to table her resolution following the vote.

I cannot believe this, Im outraged, Greene said, later adding, I can assure you that Republican voters will be extremely angry that theyve done this.

The congresswoman also said she may force another vote on her impeachment resolution, telling reporters: I may reintroduce them, maybe I introduce them again privileged and give them the opportunity, do they really want to do that? Ill give em some time to get phone calls in their office and talk to their constituents.

Greenes resolution, if successful, would have undercut the ongoing process led by House Homeland Security Committee Chair Mark Green (R-Tenn.), who has accused Mayorkas of dereliction of duty and is overseeing a multipart plan to analyze the secretarys work. Green ultimately plans to hand over that body of work to the House Judiciary Committee, which is in charge of the impeachment process.

Republicans on the Homeland Security Committee released their interim report on the fourth phase of the investigation Monday.

Greene slammed the Homeland Security Committee on Monday, arguing that the body was slow-walking her impeachment effort.

We have been waiting for regular order for six months, and the committee of jurisdiction in Congress has failed to act, Greene said on the House floor. My articles of impeachment sit collecting dust with the others while Americans die every single day.

Greene called her impeachment measure to the floor as a privileged resolution Thursday, a procedural gambit that forces leadership to take action on the legislation within two legislative days. Democrats successfully brought a motion to refer the resolution on Monday, essentially punting on the question of whether or not Mayorkas should be impeached.

Greenes push to fast-track Mayorkass impeachment divided the House GOP conference, with some backing the effort and others encouraging regular order.

House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) endorsed Greenes move Sunday, writing on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter: A vote to impeach Mayorkas is a vote to get our border under control. Ill be voting to impeach. But last week, Rep. John Duarte (R-Calif.), who represents a district President Biden won in 2020, told reporters last week that he is not interested in these peripheral impeachments.

If we impeach anybody, its going to be up to [Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.)] and the Judiciary Committee to decide that hes ready to move the impeachment inquiry to a full impeachment on President Biden, he added.

Pressed on the fact that Greenes procedural gambit would require a floor vote on the legislation, Duarte responded: Well vote against it and move on.

Mayorkas has long been a favorite target of House Republicans, who see border security and immigration as two of President Bidens political weak spots.

The push to impeach Mayorkas has ebbed and flowed, with different members taking the lead to introduce articles of impeachment at different times.

But Greenes gambit to force a vote changed the dynamic of the push.

Though each proposal has differed somewhat in its reasoning behind impeachment, the common thread is an accusation that Mayorkas has been the tip of the spear in what Republicans call Bidens open border policies.

Greenes articles share common cause with previous attempts, accusing the secretary of violating the Secure Fence Act of 2006, a hastily passed election year bill that defined operational control of the border as allowing zero unauthorized crossings of goods or people.

No secretary since has been called upon to literally adhere to that definition, which most law enforcement and border experts consider unrealistic.

Mayorkas, for his part, has defended himself from criticism regarding the 2006 law. During a congressional hearing in July, the secretary told lawmakers: The Secure Fence Act, specifically the statute, defines operational control as not having one individual cross the border illegally. Under that statutory definition, no administration has achieved operational control.

Obviously a layer of reasonableness must be applied here, he told lawmakers last year when asked about the law. And looking at that definition through the lens of reasonableness, we dedicate now 24,000 personnel to the border. We are surging increased personnel, facilities and other methods of support. And in my opinion, operational controls means maximizing the resources we have to deliver the most effective results.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) slammed Greenes effort in a statement last week, writing: While the House Majority has wasted months trying to score points with baseless attacks, Secretary Mayorkas has been doing his job and working to keep Americans safe.

Instead of continuing their reckless impeachment charades and attacks on law enforcement, Congress should work with us to keep our country safe, build on the progress DHS is making, and deliver desperately needed reforms for our broken immigration system that only legislation can fix, the department added.

Greenes articles differ from previous attempts in their rhetoric: She claims approximately 10,000,000 illegal border crossers  have invaded our country at our border, including 1.8 million gotaways who are roaming the interior of the United States.

Though Greenes language aligns with base Republican sentiment, some GOP members have urged caution, saying impeachment requires them to build a more solid case.

In Januarys push for impeachment led by Rep. Pat Fallon (R-Texas), fellow Texas Republican Rep. Michael McCaul called for the process to go through committees of jurisdiction  the tactical polar opposite from Greenes privileged resolution forcing a vote.

By bouncing the bill back to committee, Republicans avoided a vote, essentially absolving a top Biden administration bogeyman.

But if they want to keep impeachment alive, theyll also have to negotiate language amenable both to Greene and more centrist Republicans who wouldve sunk her articles.

In part, some Republicans have urged caution both because of any impeachments slim chances of leading to conviction in the Senate, and because the historical precedent shows the near impossibility of successfully impeaching a Cabinet member.

Only one Cabinet member has ever been impeached: Former President Grants secretary of War, William Belknap, was accused of corruption and impeached by the House, but he resigned rather than face conviction in the upper chamber.

Updated at 11:20 pm.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
It seems like such a simple, politically appealing idea: Get rid of the limit on how much people can deduct for state and local taxes on their federal returns.

A lot of Californians would save money  those with high incomes would benefit the most  and the prospect of a change seems tantalizingly close. As part of the behind-the-scenes maneuvering that culminated in Louisiana Rep. Mike Johnsons election as House Speaker last month, some Republicans with votes crucial to the outcome say they were told he would look into the matter.

He acknowledges that providing SALT (state and local tax) relief is critical for middle-class Americans burdened by double taxation and must be addressed in any tax bill the House considers, said Rep. Andrew Garbarino, R-New York, when he announced his support for Johnson last month.

Rep. Anthony DEsposito, R-New York, tweeted he had engaged in productive discussions with Speaker Mike Johnson about advancing New Yorks legislative priorities, and I will work with the Speaker on including SALT relief provisions in the upcoming tax package.

The congressman told News12 Long Island that Johnson made a commitment to us that as part of any tax package he would include some sort of relief for SALT.

No one has publicly discussed any specifics, and Johnsons office would not offer any details or comment to The Bee.

A change in the SALT cap would be a huge benefit to Californians and people in other higher-tax states. But while it solves one political problem, helping middle class taxpayers, it also creates another  it disproportionately benefits higher income taxpayers.

Currently, people can deduct up to $10,000 per federal return for state and local taxes they paid during the year.

The amount was unlimited until it was capped in the Republican-authored 2017 tax bill. The limits are scheduled to generally end after the 2025 tax year.

The ceiling was seen as a way to provide revenue to help pay for other tax cuts. It was also regarded as politically safe for most Republicans, since people most affected by the limit lived in Democratic states.

Higher taxes in California

A study by the nonpartisan Tax Policy Center found that 19 of the 20 congressional districts where the most taxpayers relied on a SALT deduction in the years before the cap were held by Democrats. Two were in California  the Los Angeles area district that includes Beverly Hills and another that takes in Palo Alto, Stanford and parts of San Jose.

Statewide in California, the bottom 40% of taxpayers, those earning less than $51,700, would see no benefit, according to 2022 estimates by the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, a Washington-based economic analysis firm. The wealthiest taxpayers would get the biggest breaks.

ITEPs estimates of the impact of repeal on California taxpayers (all figures are averages)::

 Income between 0 and $51,700 (lowest 40% of incomes), average tax change is zero.

 Between $51,700 and $83,200 (middle 20% of incomes), $30 saved per tax return.

 Between $83,200 and $151,100, (fourth 20% of incomes), $410 per return

 Between $151,100 and $358,700 (next 15% of incomes), $2,570

 Between $358,700 and $992,800, (next 4% of incomes), $10,690

 Above $992,800 (top 1% of incomes), $98,650.

In recent years, lawmakers have proposed setting limits for those earning more than middle class incomes. Two years ago, the House considered a measure to increase the deduction limit to $80,000 as part of President Joe Bidens big social spending plan. It got nowhere, notably because the Senate balked at the idea of giving the rich a tax break.

Congress reluctance

A lot of the same hurdles remain before any changes could be made.

First, changing the limit would probably have to be done as part of broad tax legislation. While lawmakers have been seriously discussing a tax bill all year, theyve been more consumed with simply keeping the government open and funded.

I dont see how you build political momentum for a change in the SALT cap, said Rep. Jim Costa, D-Fresno, who supports a change.

Second, getting spending and deficits down remains a big priority  and lifting the cap goes in the other direction.

In California alone, eliminating the cap would have cost about $33 billion last year, ITEP estimated.

Its a giveaway to the rich, said Howard Gleckman, senior fellow at the Tax Policy Center in Washington. He estimated that nationally, 93% of those making $1 million or more would get a tax cut averaging about $48,000.

But Johnson, who has never held a major leadership position in Congress or chaired a committee, did express sympathy for the idea of raising the limits. And no one really knows just how hell proceed on anything.

I think everything is so fluid in terms of understanding where the speaker is at where hes going to be headed on issues, said Rep. Salud Carbajal, D-San Luis Obispo.
House Speaker Mike Johnson has endorsed Donald Trump for president in 2024, saying Tuesday that he is all in. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI

Nov. 14 (UPI) -- House Speaker Mike Johnson has endorsed Donald Trump for president in 2024, saying Tuesday that he is "all in."

In an interview on CNBC, the Louisiana Republican said he expects Trump to be the GOP nominee to challenge Democratic President Joe Biden in 2024.

"I have endorsed him wholeheartedly," Johnson said.

The speaker said he was one of Trump's closest allies in Congress during his term as president. Johnson played a key role in Trump's attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election, leading 100 House Republicans in a Supreme Court brief claiming there were "irregularities."

The House speaker has not always thrown his support behind Trump. In 2015, Johnson warned about a Trump presidency, saying he could be dangerous and was unfit to serve.

Former President Donald Trump exits the courtroom for a break when he testifies in his civil fraud trial at State Supreme Court on Nov. 6 in New York City. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI

"The thing about Donald Trump is that he lacks the character and the moral center we desperately need again in the White House," Johnson said then.

Trump supported Johnson when he became the Republican candidate for speaker, posting on social media that House Republicans should "go with" him. Trump was also outspoken against Minnesota Rep. Tom Emmer who had won a vote behind closed doors to become the speaker nominee.

Emmer would not bring a vote to the House floor before stepping aside.

Johnson is expected to bring a vote to the floor on Tuesday to avoid a government shutdown.
(Bloomberg) -- US House Speaker Mike Johnson endorsed Donald Trumps 2024 White House comeback bid in what would potentially be a rematch of the bitterly contested election waged between he and President Joe Biden four years ago.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Im all in for President Trump. I expect hell be our nominee, Johnson said in an interview on CNBC Tuesday. We have to make Biden a one-term president.

Johnson, who was elected to lead the House after Representative Kevin McCarthy was ousted from the speakership last month, has been a vocal supporter of Trump. He recruited fellow Republicans to sign onto a lawsuit, that was later dismissed, aiming to throw out the 2020 election results in four states critical to deciding Bidens victory.

Earlier: Meet Trump Ally, New Conservative Speaker Mike Johnson

The endorsement also comes hours after a report from the New York Times that uncovered a Facebook post from 2015 where Johnson said Trump lacks the character and moral center we desperately need again in the White House.

As speaker, Johnson hasnt publicly expressed doubts about Trump, who has a significant lead over his opponents vying for the Republican nomination. In a press conference immediately after Johnson was elected speaker, he and other Republicans ignored questions if Johnson stood by his vote to overturn the 2020 election.

Johnsons latest embrace of Trump comes as he faces the first major test of his speakership. This week he is negotiating an extension of government funding to avert a government shutdown after Nov. 17. The plan that is slated for a vote Tuesday will likely require the support of Democrats, mirroring a deal that angered some Republicans in September and prompted them to vote out McCarthy as speaker.

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2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Live updates: House will vote on continuing resolution to avert government shutdown. How it affects you

WASHINGTON  House Speaker Mike Johnsons proposal to fund the government is facing serious pushback from a handful of ultraconservative lawmakers, setting up yet another showdown within the House Republican conference ahead of a potential government shutdown Friday.

The newly installed speaker has proposed a two-step extension of current funding levels to appease members who oppose a massive spending package passed just before Christmas. Part of the government  including public health, military construction, housing, transportation, agriculture and energy programs  would be funded until Jan. 19, with the rest funded through Feb. 2.

The House plans to vote on the proposal as early as Tuesday.

The resistance Johnson, R-La., is seeing from hard-right GOP members reflects the deep divisions that have roiled the House Republican conference ever since they took control of the lower chamber in January.

I will not support a status quo that fails to acknowledge fiscal irresponsibility, and changes absolutely nothing while emboldening a do-nothing Senate and a fiscally illiterate president, Rep. Scott Perry, R-Pa., chair of the House Freedom Caucus said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

The continuing resolutions two phased-approach doesnt change the fact that the plan still continues current funding levels, Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, another member of the Freedom Caucus, told reporters Monday, noting its still a clean CR.

Perry and Roy, along with other House conservatives including Reps. Tim Burchett of Tennessee, Andrew Clyde of Georgia, Bob Good of Virginia and Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia outnumber Johnsons razor-thin, three-seat majority in the House.

"I think its a failure," Greene said of Johnson's first big move as Speaker. "I am not carrying on Nancy Pelosi's budget...I think we should be holding the line."

As a result of the stiff opposition Johnsons continuing resolution is facing, the plan must also gain support from Democrats, who refuse to support an extension that includes conservative policy prioritiesputting Johnson in between two factions with the power to derail federal funding.

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-LA., returns to his office in the U.S. Capitol on Monday, Nov. 13, 2023.

Biden doesn't rule out Johnson's government funding plan: 'Wait and see'

The good news for Johnson however is that the White House and Democrats haven't ruled out the continuing resolution even though the two-phased approach isnt their preference because it retains funding at current levels. Their openness to Johnson's proposal lowers the prospect of a government shutdown but it is unclear just how much Democratic support Johnson will need on the House floor.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. said on the Senate floor Monday he was pleased that Speaker Johnson seems to be moving in our direction by advancing a CR that does not include the highly partisan cuts that Democrats have warned against, but added that the plan is far from perfect.

President Joe Biden told reporters Monday that he hasnt made up his mind on the tiered extension: Lets wait and see what they come up with, he said.

The presidents open-ended answer is a markedly different response to Johnsons continuing resolution compared to other GOP-backed legislation that he has issued veto threats to.

But Democrats are not necessarily happy about the development. The leading Democrat on the House Rules Committee, Rep. Jim McGovern of Massachusetts, said the bizarre version of a continuing resolution represents a last minute hail mary that will only make a future shutdown more likely.

Republicans have made clear that in a divided government, they will refuse to work with anyone outside their caucus, he said. Same circus, new ringmaster.

Rep. Steny Hoyer, D-Md., the most senior House Democrat and a member of the Appropriations Committee said the plan is likely to pass, but called it a "sad thing" for the House: "We are setting up ongoing crisis so that we will never come to rest and make a decision, which is bad for government, bad for the American people, and bad for the image of America."

The anger the continuing resolution has drawn from conservative members has prompted concerns that a handful of them could tank the bill in a procedural vote known as a rule vote, which traditionally passes along party lines regardless of support for the legislation. Hard-right members have broken that precedent multiple times this year, shooting down multiple GOP-backed bills unamicable to their conservative demands.

House GOP leadership moved to put the continuing resolution on the floor under suspension, a procedural move that dodges a rule vote but requires the funding plan to pass with two-thirds support of the lower chamber instead of a simple majority, meaning the continuing resolution will require heavy Democratic support.

Johnson's move to put the bill under suspension is expected to receive heavy blowback from conservatives. Roy told reporters "it would be a very bad idea" for the continuing resolution to avoid a rule vote.

U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, speaks to reporters about his opposition to U.S. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson's, R-La., proposed government funding legislation inside the U.S. Capitol building on November 13, 2023 in Washington, DC.

Why is Congress facing a government shutdown?

Despite the vocal opposition, most members are preparing to help Johnson pass a clean funding extension just weeks after they toppled former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., for doing the same thing.

The federal budget is due every year at the end of September. But this year, Washington faced a separate deadline: A default on the national debt, which was narrowly avoided through a deal struck between McCarthy and Biden.

As a part of that deal, Congressional Republicans convinced the White House to agree to significant cuts in discretionary spending for the 2024 fiscal year and to limit spending to 1% growth in fiscal year 2025.

But when the time came to pass that budget, McCarthy told appropriators to set spending levels below what he agreed to with Biden, under pressure from the right wing of his caucus and against the protests of Democrats.

As the fiscal year came to a close in September, GOP hardliners resisted a stopgap spending measure. House Democrats eventually helped McCarthy pass a funding extension through Nov. 17  prompting the mutiny that led to McCarthys ouster.

After three long weeks without a Speaker, Johnson took the leadership mantle with just over three more weeks until that deadline, setting up a new budget fight.

How would a government shutdown affect me?

While theres plenty to be resolved before the deadline Friday night, members have a powerful incentive to come to an agreement and avoid a shutdown.

If Congress cant pass all 12 appropriations bills by the deadline, federal agencies must stop any work that isnt considered essential.

Essential services include air traffic control and law enforcement  those employees continue to work, but dont get paid until the shutdown is over, so it could eventually lead to flight delays and other inconveniences if the funding gap stretched on and people stopped reporting to work, affecting more Americans beyond just federal employees.

Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid benefits would continue, but other services could be delayed such as benefit verifications or the issuance of Medicare replacement cards. Passport and visa services would also likely slow down.

Food assistance  the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program  could be impacted quickly, as backup funding would likely dry up quickly and require states to fund the program themselves until Congress approves a budget.

United States Capitol is the meeting place of the US Congress and the seat of the legislative branch of the US federal government.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mike Johnson's plan to avert government shutdown gets Dem support
Rep. Gabe Amo (D-R.I.) was sworn into the House on Monday, officially cementing him as the first Black individual to represent Rhode Island in Congress.

Amo, a former Obama White House aide, won a special election to succeed former Rep. David Cicilline (D-R.I.) in the House last week, trouncing Marine veteran Gerry Leonard (R) for the seat representing the Ocean States First Congressional District.

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) administered the oath of office for Amo on the House floor Monday evening, which was followed by Amos first remarks as a congressman.

Together, and why Im here, is that we ensure our great hope for the future is met with profound action, Amo said. Action to protect and strengthen retirement security, support our seniors, create economic opportunity and good paying jobs, secure reproductive freedom and keep politics out of the doctors office, ensure the livability of our planet for our children and their grandchildren, ban assault weapons and end gun violence and stand up to the threats facing our democracy.

So this hallowed space, this House floor, is where we have always had to work vigorously towards the promise of our nations highest ideals and aspirations, he continued. And I cannot wait to work on behalf of the people of the First Congressional District.

Amos swearing in brings the total number of lawmakers in the House to 434, with 221 Republicans and, now, 213 Democrats. That means for any partisan piece of legislation, Republicans can only afford to lose three votes, assuming all Democrats vote no.

Rep. Seth Magaziner (D-R.I.), the Houses other Rhode Island lawmaker, spoke to the historic nature of Amos election to Congress.

As one of the original 13 states, Rhode Island has been electing representatives to the House since 1790. And in those 233 years, Rhode Island has never sent an African American or any person of color to Congress until today, Magaziner said on the House floor. But Gabe Amo will be the first to tell you, he did not come here to make history, he came here to make a difference.

Amo will serve on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) announced Monday evening, pointing to the newly minted lawmakers family history.

As the son of Liberian and Ghanaian immigrants and an experienced former Biden-Harris administration official, Congressman Amo will bring a unique perspective to this important committee during a pivotal time for Americas relationships around the world, Jeffries said in a statement.

Cicilline retired from the House on June 1 to become the president and CEO of the Rhode Island Foundation.

Amo thanked Cicilline for his contributions in Congress during his remarks on Monday.

And of course, to my predecessor, former representative David Cicilline, Im grateful for your service to Rhode Island. I look forward to our work together in both of our new roles, he said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
How Californians buy and sell their homes may some day  perhaps sooner than later  feel a lot more negotiable when it comes to setting the costs of the realtors. The national realtor organization has lost a federal class-action lawsuit on a foundational rule that puts the commission burden on the shoulders of the seller.

Buying and selling a home can be among the most stressful moments in a property owners life. Leaving unresolved the commission responsibility of the buyer and the seller would upend a decades-long relationship with the realtors, the middle men and women of any deal.

Opinion

That said, it is hard to argue against the logic of the backers of this lawsuit. Some half a million home sellers in the state of Missouri went to court and successfully challenged how a realtor rule to place the commission burden solely on the seller is unlawful.

Why is the commission system involved in selling a home so sacrosanct? Americans buy and sell most things entirely differently than they did a generation ago. There is no room for evolving how we buy and sell our homes?

At the center of this issue is the largest trade group in America, the National Association of Realtors. It has more than 1.5 million member realtors across the country. Members agree to various association rules when they help homeowners buy and sell properties. The basic question is whether some of these rules have gone too far.

At the center of the Missouri case is a rule that the seller must pay the commission costs for the buyer, the so-called Mandatory Offer of Compensation Rule. The lawyers representing the home sellers claimed this rule violates federal anti-trust laws. The jury seemed to agree, and then some. What has this lawsuit getting realtors attention throughout the nation is the size of the jury award  $1.8 billion.

The association is challenging the verdict. The status quo remains in place for now. But pressure for change is increasing. The U.S. Justice Department, for example, sought in June to re-open its inquiry into the association and its rules.

The association has taken some previous steps. It no longer, for example, refers to the commissions for the buyer as free. But for how long can Americas property transactions be dictated by a private trade associations set of rules?

I have some dear friends in real estate. Its a hard job. One posted 90 different and real tasks that realtors representing sellers face, another 90 for buyers, plus their own costs for websites, fliers, gas and their own fees to the national association, among others.

But the real estate transaction is a curious combination of what is negotiable and what is not.

The price is negotiable. How to handle the property inspectors findings is negotiable. How long the escrow, negotiable. How long the rent-back period for the buyer, negotiable.

Why shouldnt the requirement for the seller to pay for the buyers commission be just as negotiable? How is it legal to forbid that by an industry rule?

Whats at issue nationwide is costing Americans about $60 billion in extra real estate commissions, said Michael Ketchmark. He is an attorney representing the plaintiffs in the Missouri litigation.

I get it. Realtors dont want to compete on price. In closing a difficult deal or recruiting a client, they dont want to see some of their commissions automatically on the table as part of the process.

But in essence, they want to avoid the very same market forces that the buyers and the sellers face in Californias topsy-turvy real estate market.

When we buy a car, we pay in essence a commission, a mark-up for the profit of the dealer and the salesman. That commission is embedded in the sales price of the vehicle. It is rarely a line item, but it is there.

If we pay commissions when we buy cars, is it so outrageous to expect likewise when we buy a home? The options of how consumers buy cars have exploded over the years as well. Isnt that likely because car dealers never organized to operate under the same set of transaction rules as the realtors?

I shudder at what may be coming as an industry resistant to change collides with legal and market forces that will likely force that change, and how the inevitable transition may make transactions more stressful than ever for quite some time.

It reminds me of my first home sale. It was an agonizing process. My realtor told me, repeatedly, that the price is based on what the buyer is willing to buy and the seller is willing to sell. His one-liner happened to omit that 6% in realtor fees, and what he was willing to do.
KINGS COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  A human case of St. Louis encephalitis (SLEV) has been confirmed in Kings County by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), the Kings County Department of Public Health (KCDPH) announced on Monday.

Officials say this new case brings the state-wide total to 13 human cases throughout six counties.

Human cases of St. Louis encephalitis are extremely rare, and it has been decades since we last saw one in Kings County, said Milton Teske, MD, Kings County Health Officer. The risk to residents remains extremely low, and everyone should continue to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

According to CDPH, most people infected with SLEV dont have symptoms, but in rare cases, SLEV can cause swelling or inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) and lead to death. Older adults are the most likely to get very sick if they are infected.

The symptoms and transmission of SLEV are similar to the West Nile Virus, but officials say SLEV is less common in California than West Nile Virs. Mosquitos become infected with SLEV after biting a bird that is carrying the virus and SLEV is not spread person to person.

Officials recommend to practice the Three Ds to prevent mosquito bites:

DEET  Apply insect repellant containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or Insect Repellent 3535 (IR3535) according to label instructions. Repellents keep the mosquitoes from biting. Insect repellents should be used according to the label instructions for children.

DAWN AND DUSK  Mosquitoes are most active during dawn and dusk; therefore, individuals should wear protective clothing when they are out during these hours. In addition, residents should strongly consider replacing door and window screens that have holes or that do not close properly.

DRAIN  Mosquitoes lay their eggs on standing water. Residents should remove all sources of standing water near their homes by emptying flowerpots, old car tires, buckets, and other containers.

Health officials encourage the community to report any swimming pool that is not being properly maintained. They can contact the Kings Mosquito Abatement District (KMAD) at (559) 584-3326 or via their website kingsmosquito.net.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com.
Vivian Silver, the Canadian Israeli humanitarian believed to have been abducted by Hamas militants during their Oct. 7 attack, was confirmed dead Monday by Israeli authorities, according to her sons.

Silver, a 74-year-old retiree, had for years dedicated herself to the cause of peace between Israelis and Palestinians. She was at home in Kibbutz Beeri near the Gaza Strip when militants stormed the community, prompting her to flee to a safe room where she was able to text loved ones until intruders set the house ablaze.

Her sons, Yonatan Zeigen and Chen Zeigen, told multipleoutlets that Silvers remains were identified from the rubble of her home. While the safe room had been incinerated, no body was initially found.

For five weeks, her family and friends thought she was one of around 240 hostages that Israel says Hamas is hiding in the Gaza Strip.

Silver was a well-known activist figure who lobbied for a diplomatic solution to the regional conflict and volunteered to drive Palestinian children from Gaza into Israel for medical treatments. She fought against Israels blockade of Gaza and, in the aftermath of the countrys 2014 war with Hamas, she helped start the activist group Women Wage Peace, which posted a tribute to her on its website.

We will not rest until we achieve the goal to which you dedicated your lifes work, the group said.

A Palestinian friend, Samah Salaime, wrote that nothing prepared her for news of Silvers death. She recalled, in a piece for +972 Magazine, Silvers humor and determination to breathe fresh life into the peace movement last November after an election ushered in a new, far-right government.

A demonstrator holds a poster bearing the image of Israeli-Canadian Vivian Silver during a protest for her release in Jerusalem on Oct. 29.

A demonstrator holds a poster bearing the image of Israeli-Canadian Vivian Silver during a protest for her release in Jerusalem on Oct. 29.

Salaime recalled Silver saying, Our camp has lost quite a few times; weve taken many hits on the jaw. And Ive been through plenty in my own life as well. Ive learned a lot, the hard way, about Arab-Jewish partnership, and I know that when it succeeds, it succeeds because every side understands that the justice it seeks depends heavily on the justice of the other side. Closing the gap comes from collaborative work, and not from struggling against one another.

Silvers sons gave repeated interviews to news outlets while they believed her to be a hostage. They shared how she grew up in Winnipeg, Canada, choosing to move to Israel in the 1970s to lobby for peace and help start a kibbutz, a type of collective community traditionally based in agriculture.

Yonatan and Chen Zeigen told The Washington Post they were sure that their mother would have opposed Israels retaliatory bombardment of Gaza.

More than 11,000 Palestinians have been killed so far, according to the Palestinian health authority run by Hamas.

Silver carried a relentlessly optimistic attitude. Yonatan told the Post: I would tell her, Israel is dead. Its hopeless, and she would say, Peace could come tomorrow.

Related...
Hundreds of political appointees and government staffers representing over 40 U.S. agencies signed a letter to the Biden administration calling for a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip.

According to The New York Times, which reviewed a copy of the letter, more than 400 individuals anonymously signed on to Tuesdays missive demanding the presidents administration call more forcefully for de-escalation in the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. Israels retaliatory siege against Gaza following the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks by Hamas, which killed 1,400 Israelis, has now killed more than 11,000 Palestinians.

The disproportionate death toll, forced migrations, and ongoing Israeli blockade against humanitarian aid entering the Gaza Strip have fueled accusations of ethnic cleansing by Israel in the Palestinian territory theyve controlled for decades. It has all come with the backing of the U.S. government.

The letter cites popular American support for a cease-fire, and calls on Biden to urgently demand a cease-fire; and to call for de-escalation of the current conflict by securing the immediate release of the Israeli hostages and arbitrarily detained Palestinians; the restoration of water, fuel, electricity and other basic services; and the passage of adequate humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.

Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken have both rejected calls for a cease-fire, instead touting their support for periodic humanitarian pauses in the shelling of Gaza. On Monday, Blinken responded to three State Department dissent cables raising objections to the administrations virtually unwavering support for Israel by telling department staff that he and his office were listening.

Its done little to appease critics. Blinkens testimony before the Senate Appropriations Committee in late October was repeatedly interrupted by protesters raising hands stained with red paint to signify the blood of Palestinians. On Monday, Palestinian residents of Gaza, their families, and human rights organizations sued Biden, Blinken, and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on grounds that they have failed in their duty to prevent, and not further, the unfolding genocide of Palestinian people in Gaza.

The lawsuit, filed in California federal court, accuses American government officials of a breach of U.S. responsibilities under customary international law, as codified in the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (Genocide Convention), Dec. 9, 1948. The suit seeks an order requiring the Biden administration to take all measures within its power to exert its influence over Israel in seeking an end to the bombing of Gaza, the prevention of forced expulsion of Gazas residents, and an injunction against continued military aid to Israel.

For the past 38 days, the world has watched senior Israeli officials use dehumanizing language in connection with their expressed intent to destroy and displace Palestinians in Gaza while imposing an unrelenting siege, and intentionally depriving Palestinians the conditions of life necessary for human survival, the lawsuit reads. The United States has been obligated, from the time it learned of the specter of a genocide of the Palestinian people, to exercise its clear and considerable influence on Israel to prevent this grave crime from unfolding.

Calls for a cease-fire are also brewing on Capitol Hill. Earlier this month, more than 100 congressional staffers staged a walkout protest urging their employers to endorse a cease-fire. In recent polling by Data for Progress, 66 percent of Americans support a cease-fire, compared to only 4 percent of House representatives in Congress.

One of the most prominent voices in government speaking in support of a cease-fire is Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), the only Palestinian-American currently serving in Congress. Tlaib was censured by House Republicans earlier this month in a bad-faith rebuke of her support for Palestinian welfare. In a statement responding to her censure, Tlaib made clear that she would not stop speaking out on the matter. A majority of Americans support a ceasefire, she wrote, but this Congress isnt listening to their voices.

More from Rolling Stone

Best of Rolling Stone
Special counsel David Weiss in a recent interview with lawmakers pushed back against claims that his probe into Hunter Biden was tainted by politics and pledged that his final report will clear the air on some of the most scrutinized internal disputes from his tenure, according to a transcript of his testimony reviewed by CNN.

In his testimony on November 7, Weiss reiterated to lawmakers what he has said for months: Despite claims from GOP officials and IRS whistleblowers who were involved in the case, he hasnt seen any political meddling to hamper the investigation, and he always had the power to charge Hunter Biden in any jurisdiction, as long as the facts supported it.

The closed-door interview with the House Judiciary Committee was a rare event, because Weiss has a pending gun prosecution against President Joe Bidens son, and an ongoing tax probe that could lead to even more charges. Hunter Biden pleaded not guilty in the felony gun case.

Because of these unique circumstances, Weiss refused to answer dozens of questions on the basis that it could interfere with the ongoing matters. He repeatedly said he would address key examples of alleged politicization in his final report, which hell submit to Attorney General Merrick Garland for public release at the end of his probe.

Both Weiss and Garland have previously denied any allegations of political interference of preferential treatment in the Hunter Biden investigation.

Pushback on IRS whistleblower

Weiss directly pushed back against several allegations from IRS whistleblower Gary Shapley, which have caused a firestorm among House Republicans. Shapley, a career IRS agent, testified that he saw repeated instances of pro-Biden political meddling.

Committee investigators presented Weiss with Shapleys notes of an October 7, 2022, meeting between prosecutors and agents working on the Hunter Biden investigation. The bulk of Shapleys allegations originate from this key meeting, where Shapley claims Weiss told the group that he didnt have the final say on whether to indict Hunter Biden.

Weiss said he remembers Shapleys body language in the meeting that suggested he was not happy with what Weiss was saying at the time.

I knew at various points in time, based on the nature of Mr. Shapleys reaction, that I suspected he wasnt happy with something I was saying, Weiss testified. Whatever that mightve been  and I dont recall what it was in reaction to, but I do recall times in which he wasnt pleased with whatever it was that was coming out of my mouth.

When asked about Shapleys claim that Weiss said during the meeting that he was not the deciding person on the case, Weiss told lawmakers, Its not what I said, nor is it what I believed, as Ive told you guys repeatedly today.

Weiss refuted Shapleys characterization that he was denied his request for special counsel authority, a key claim that Republicans have latched onto to make broader accusations about the politicization of the criminal probe into the Presidents son.

I described that I had a conversation with Main Justice about following the process. No one ever said  no one ever denied  my authority. And I didnt request Special Counsel authority, Weiss said.

Weiss said it is possible Shapley misheard or misunderstood what he said.

At issue here is a key disagreement over how Weiss went about the internal process at the DOJ. In early 2022, Weiss went to Justice Department leadership to discuss getting special attorney status, which would have allowed him to bring charges in other districts. This is different than the special counsel designation that Weiss now has.

As CNN has previously reported, Weiss said Justice Department officials told him to continue following the process. Weiss told Congress it was his understanding that he had the special attorney authority and would execute on that authority once he was ready to bring charges. Republicans characterize this interaction as main justice denying Weiss request and point to it as an example of the limits on Weiss authority.

GOP Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio, the House Judiciary chairman, probed Weiss during the interview about whether he was denied special authority, by asking, When you ask for something and they didnt give it to you, what is that?

You want me to say its a denial, but its not. Not when I know that, weeks later, I was specifically told, You can proceed, Weiss replied, adding, From my mind, its a sequencing event. Its not a denial in any way, shape, or form. Thats the way I interpreted it.

When asked for comment, a DOJ spokesperson referred back to Weiss transcript and said it speaks for itself.

Wrangling over Weiss authority

Republicans and the IRS whistleblowers further claim that Weiss was stymied from charging Hunter Biden with tax crimes because the Democratic-appointed US attorneys in Washington, DC, and Los Angeles declined to partner with him on a joint prosecution.

But Weiss said that interpretation misunderstands his conversations with the two US attorneys. He maintains that he could have always brought charges in their districts.

As Ive said on several occasions, I wasnt asking the Biden-appointed US Attorney in DC whether I could or could not charge in his district. I didnt present that question for his consideration, Weiss testified.

Responding to Shapleys contention that Weiss wouldnt have the power to charge Hunter Biden in California if the LA-based US attorney didnt go along with it, Weiss said, I would not have said that. Its not what I believed. Its not what I said.

Weiss comments were largely consistent with the recent testimony of Matthew Graves, the US attorney in Washington, DC. Both said Graves declined to formally partner with Weiss on a joint DC-based tax prosecution against Hunter Biden  but both made clear that this decision didnt block Weiss ability to do it himself, which he declined to do.

No one has ever blocked me with respect to taking any step that I perceived was appropriate, Weiss said, according to the transcript that was reviewed by CNN.

He also defended his Delaware-based team, specifically assistant US attorney Lesley Wolf, who has come under attack by some congressional Republicans for allegedly obstructing the Hunter Biden probe. House Republicans have also requested an interview with Wolf.

From my perspective, the prosecutors who participated in this case followed the law and the facts, that was the motivation, Weiss said, adding that Wolf is a dedicated public servant for more than 16 years, an excellent lawyer and a person of integrity.

Previewing the final report

Throughout the interview, Weiss stuck closely to the parameters of his testimony. He spoke about his authority in the Hunter Biden probe, and swatted away other questions that veered into topics that he believed could undermine his high-stakes investigation.

While I am trying to provide answers, the last thing I want to do is to say or suggest anything thats going to be used against the government in our ongoing litigation or in any investigation, Weiss said, when asked about decision-making in the tax probe.

This included inquiries about how he handled an unverified tip from an FBI informant about supposed bribes paid to the Biden family by a Ukrainian oligarch. Leading House Republicans have repeatedly cited that unproven claim to support their impeachment push against Joe Biden. Weiss said hed only discuss that entire issue in his final report.

He promised that his eventual report will shed light on other incidents that Shapley flagged  like how Joe Bidens team was allegedly tipped off that the FBI wanted to interview Hunter Biden, which ended up scuttling the highly anticipated interview.

Weiss also declined to answer questions about the wealthy Hollywood attorney who helped Hunter Biden pay his $2 million tax bill with a loan. He was asked if there had been a criminal referral for possible campaign finance violations stemming from that massive loan to the presidents son, but he said that would be addressed in his report.

When asked why the statute of limitations lapsed without charges regarding potential tax crimes by Hunter Biden in 2014 and 2015, Weiss said that would likely be explained in the report. Hunter Biden denies wrongdoing and hasnt been charged with any tax crimes, through the probe is still ongoing.

Justice Department regulations say Weiss will submit his report to Garland. Previous special counsels, including Robert Mueller and John Durham, wrote reports that were nearly released in their entirety, with limited redactions.

This story has been updated with additional developments.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
A Florida high school teacher is accused of shooting his wife and brother-in-law at a Tennessee hotel while they were all in town for a wedding, police said.

Cody Wiggins, 29, was with family in Franklin, Tennessee, on Nov. 11 when officers got a call about an active shooter at a Marriott hotel, according to a Nov. 12 news release from the Franklin Police Department.

They arrived to find Wiggins wife and his brother-in-law with gunshot wounds, police said.

The family had traveled to Tennessee for a wedding, police said, and photos of the hotel shared by The News show shattered glass and bullet holes in the front windows of the hotel.

Wiggins ran from the hotel but was later captured by police in a nearby subdivision, according to the release.

The two victims were taken to the hospital. Their condition was not released as of Nov. 13.

Police did not release what led to the shooting.

Wiggins was taken into custody and charged with two counts of attempted homicide, one count of aggravated domestic assault and one count of tampering with evidence, police said.

The gun used in the shooting was recovered.

Wiggins is an English teacher at West Florida High School in Pensacola, part of the Escambia County School District, according to its website.

In compliance with Florida law and the Escambia County School Districts contractual provisions, the employee will be immediately suspended. We will continue to work with law enforcement as the case is brought to a culmination, the district told WEAR in a statement Nov. 12.

McClatchy News reached out to the school and district for an update on Wiggins employment and did not receive an immediate response.

Franklin is about 20 miles south of Nashville.

University employee shot to death by former co-worker on campus, Texas officials say

Family member shoots man hiding behind couch, Oklahoma cops say. He was their brother

Beloved middle school teacher and role model is shot to death, Georgia officials say

Murder suspect attempting to flee Indiana after his grandmas body was found, police say
Iceland is preparing for another volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula. (Raul Moreno/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) (SOPA Images/LightRocket via Gett)

Residents of a town in Iceland evacuated their homes after a state of emergency was declared over a looming volcanic eruption. A sharp rise in seismic activity prompted authorities to vacate the 3,600 locals from the small fishing town of Grindavik over the weekend.

Thousands of earthquakes and tremors have struck the area since Nov. 10. Visitors have been told to stay away from the area, located in the southwestern peninsula, and roads have been closed off.

What's happening in Iceland?

The likelihood of an eruption in the Reykjanes Peninsula remains high, the Icelandic Meteorological Office said over the weekend. In just 12 hours  from midnight to midday on Tuesday  the affected area experienced over 700 earthquakes as a result of magma moving underneath the earths surface. The largest measured at a 3.8 magnitude; however, the majority were considered to be micro-earthquakes.

On Tuesday, authorities in Iceland began the process of building defense walls around a geothermal power plant to protect it from lava flows. The power plant provides electricity to the entire country.

Steam rises from a fissure in a road near the town of Grindavik, Iceland, on Monday following seismic activity. (Brynjar Gunnarsson/AP) (AP)

Residents were allowed to return to Grindavik for a short period on Tuesday to salvage precious belongings and collect essential items. This is one of the biggest evacuations weve ever had, Aslaug Yngvadottir Tulinius, who works at the Icelandic Red Cross, told the BBC. Its a huge incident. It has a great effect on all Icelanders.

Following days of constant earthquakes, homes and roads have split and cracked  leaving some on the brink of collapse. If you talk to Icelandic people who have lived there all their lives, they say they have never felt something like that, local Pedrag said about the tremors that were felt over the weekend.

The last time that an evacuation of an entire sizable settlement took place was 50 years ago, in 1973, when a volcano unexpectedly erupted on the island of Heimaey off the south coast of Iceland, Dave McGarvie, a volcanologist researching volcano-ice interactions at Lancaster University in England, told Yahoo News.

A line of cars queued on a road heading to the town of Grindavik on Monday. (Brynjar Gunnarsson/AP) (AP)

Last Friday, the Civil Protection Agency told residents that it was clear that we are dealing with events that we Icelanders have not experienced before. But it asked that they stay resilient. We will face this together and we will not lose heart.

Could the eruption be dangerous?

In terms of danger, the obvious concern within Iceland is that an eruption occurs within the western parts of the fishing town of Grindavik, McGarvie explained. There is an underground magma-filled crack beneath this part of town, and if the magma reaches the surface and erupts, then it would destroy and damage several houses and other buildings.

He added: This is a worst-case scenario, and is not considered to be the most likely one given the current understanding of where magma is most likely to reach the surface and erupt.

A resident from the town of Grindavik takes some belongings from their house on Monday. (Brynjar Gunnarsson/AP) (AP)

Have any travel warnings been issued?

Three major roads  42, 43 and 425  that connect Grindavik to other areas have been temporarily closed as a precautionary measure.

No flights have been affected as of Tuesday. However, Grindavik is located roughly 40 miles from Icelands capital Reykjavik, and less than 20 miles from the countrys only international airport, Keflavik.

A popular tourist attraction, the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, has been temporarily closed.

Lava erupts from the Fagradalsfjall volcano on the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwestern Iceland in 2021. (Saul Loeb/Pool via Reuters) (REUTERS)

When was the last major volcanic eruption?

The last time eruptions like this occurred in this area was circa 800 years ago, when the area was sparsely populated, McGarvie said.

The Reykjanes Peninsula has experienced a relatively small eruption every year for the last three years  all three occurred far from residential areas. The last volcano in Iceland to cause international mayhem was when Eyjafjallajokull erupted in 2010. A huge ash cloud that blew five miles into the sky grounded flights across Europe, forcing its airspace to shut down.
An Illinois lawmaker from the Aurora area is facing two charges of driving under the influence after being arrested in the far western suburbs when a police officer found him asleep in his car outside his home, authorities said.

Democratic state Rep. Matt Hanson, 50, was arrested on Oct. 27 outside his apartment in the 2200 block of Jericho Road in Montgomery, according to a police report. The report said the officer noticed Hansons car, a 2020 silver Nissan Maxima, was taking up two parking spaces with its taillights on and that Hanson was asleep in the drivers seat.

The Montgomery police officer knocked on the car window, and when Hanson woke up, he appeared confused by me being at his window, the officer wrote in the report.

Hanson asked the officer if he could get out of his vehicle, which the officer said hed allow, the report stated. But instead, Hanson rolled up his car window and then rolled it back down while continuing to talk to the officer from his car, the report stated.

Hanson raised and lowered the window multiple times during our conversation, put on his seat belt and appeared to be attempting to put the car in reverse, the officer wrote in the report. In talking to Hanson he was hard to understand, appeared to have slurred speech, glassy eyes and a strong odor of alcoholic based beverage coming from the vehicle.

Hanson had his dog in the car and police allowed Hanson to walk his dog into his apartment, the report stated. Hanson was then arrested.

Hanson was issued two citations for driving under the influence. The report did not indicate his blood alcohol content at the time of his arrest, but one of the charges stated it was above the 0.08% legal limit. Hanson is scheduled to appear for a court hearing in Kane County on Nov. 22.

In an email to the Tribune on Tuesday, Hanson said he was deeply disappointed with his conduct and took full responsibility for his actions.

I am committed to ensuring this is the only time I ever exercise such poor judgment, Hanson wrote in the email. I plan to undergo an alcohol evaluation, complete any treatment or education that evaluation recommends, and accept all terms the court deems fit.

My focus is on the work I need to do for myself and for the people who have entrusted me to represent them, he said.

A former Kane County Board member, Hanson was sworn in as a state representative in January after defeating four-term Republican Keith Wheeler of Oswego in last years general election. Hanson also has worked as a locomotive engineer and is a former Kane County forest preserve commissioner.

jgorner@chicagotribune.com

dpetrella@chicagotribune.com
As Illinois faces shortages of health care practitioners and mental health professionals, the state agency in charge of licensing for those and more than 100 other industries has struggled to keep up.

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation has failed to meet its goals to speed up both initial licensing and renewals in key industries as applications to the agency grew by 15 percent between 2019 and 2022. IDFPRs director called the situation a crisis earlier this fall when testifying before lawmakers at a committee hearing on the issues facing the agency.

Last week, the General Assembly approved a measure to help IDFPR move beyond its antiquated systems and  at least temporarily  assist those awaiting license renewal. The measure cleared the General Assembly unanimously and needs only a signature from the governor to become law.

State Rep. Bob Morgan, D-Deerfield, who sponsored the bill in the House, said with legislative approval, IDFPR would be able to batch-renew licenses for those whove been waiting not days, not weeks, but months  up to six to eight months.

House Bill 2394 also calls for IDFPR to contract with a technology vendor to build a new computer software system within three months of Gov. JB Pritzkers signature on the bill, and to have that system up and running three months after that.

In a September hearing, IDFPR Secretary Mario Treto Jr. told lawmakers his agency is hamstrung by 1990s-era technology that doesnt allow the agency to add new types of licenses to its online system, even as more types of professional licensure have come under the agencys purview.

As a result, IDFPR has seen an onslaught of paper applications, Treto said, contributing to historic wait times. A sizeable number of the 104,000 total applications the agency received last year were submitted on paper via snail mail.

Earlier this year, the agency had been in talks with an existing state vendor thats already under a master contract, which would have sped up the often-slow process of contracting with a new company. But in the September hearing, Treto revealed the agency had walked away from those talks once IDFPR leaders realized the vendor wouldnt have been able to meet the agencys specific needs.

And candidly we were quite disappointed with the news, Treto said.

In that same hearing, leaders of industry groups aired their frustrations with IDFPRs licensing delays.

Daniel Stasi, a consultant with the Illinois Mental Health Counselors Association, noted hes been the point person for licensing-related issues for 24 years.

Very little has changed, Stasi said in September. The wait is actually longer.

Illinois State Medical Society executive senior vice president David Porter told lawmakers that the most concerning aspect of IDFPRs current licensing system is the lack of transparency from the agency.

Applicants tell us that theres no real way for them to obtain status updates on their applications or renewals, and theres virtually no chance to be able to connect with someone at the department by phone or email who can provide such updates, Porter said. Most frustrating to new applicants is that they are rarely notified when their applicants are deemed to be insufficient or incomplete, which adds days or weeks to when they can expect to obtain a license.

Treto assured lawmakers hes been speaking with his counterparts in other states to get ideas about how to improve IDFPRs systems  and said Illinois isnt alone in facing licensure issues. But, he said, some states seem to have figured it out. Oklahoma, for example, has reduced its call volume by 95 percent.

Dilpreet Raju contributed.

Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering state government. It is distributed to hundreds of newspapers, radio and TV stations statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, along with major contributions from the Illinois Broadcasters Foundation and Southern Illinois Editorial Association.
Teams using heavy excavators have been working nonstop since the collapse (-)

More than a hundred rescuers in northern India struggled for a third day on Tuesday to save dozens of workers trapped underground after the road tunnel they were building collapsed.

Excavators have been removing debris since Sunday morning from the site in the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand to create an escape tunnel for the 40 workers, who are all alive.

"Our biggest breakthrough is that we have established contact and there is a supply of oxygen and food," Uttarkashi district's top civil servant Abhishek Ruhela told AFP on Tuesday.

"Whatever is necessary for their survival is being done."

Oxygen was being pumped into the tunnel and small food items such as dry fruit were being provided to the workers, he added.

The State Disaster Response Force said Tuesday rescuers had spoken to the trapped workers via radio.

Ranjit Kumar Sinha, a senior disaster management official, told reporters at the site he was hopeful the workers could be freed by Wednesday, adding that there was enough oxygen where they were trapped "for about five to six days".

The son of one of the trapped workers, Akash Singh Negi, managed to speak to his father on Tuesday.

"I was allowed to speak to my father for a few seconds using the pipe through which oxygen is being supplied to the stranded workers," Negi was quoted as saying by the Press Trust of India news agency.

"He said they were safe and asked us not to worry," Negi said.

- 'Huge amount of debris' -

Construction worker Hemant Nayak told AFP that he had been in the tunnel early on Sunday when the roof caved in, but he had been on the right side of the collapse and escaped.

Small amounts of dirt had been falling into the tunnel, but "everyone took it lightly", he said.

"Then suddenly a huge amount of debris came and the tunnel was closed," he added.

Photos released by government rescue teams soon after the collapse showed huge piles of rubble blocking the wide tunnel, with twisted metal bars from its roof poking down in front of slabs of concrete.

Teams are using heavy machinery to drive a steel pipe with a width of 90 centimetres (nearly three feet), wide enough for the trapped men to squeeze through the rubble, the government's highway and infrastructure company said.

The 4.5-kilometre (2.7-mile) tunnel is being constructed between the towns of Silkyara and Dandalgaon to connect Uttarkashi and Yamunotri, two of the holiest Hindu shrines.

The tunnel is part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's road project aimed at improving travel conditions between some of the most popular Hindu shrines in the country as well as areas bordering China.

Experts have warned about the impact of extensive construction in Uttarakhand, where large parts of the state are prone to landslides.

"The government must reconsider all ongoing tunnel projects in the Himalayan states," said environmentalist Suresh Bhai, from the advocacy group Himalaya Bachao Abhiyan, or Save Himalaya Campaign, the Times of India newspaper quoted him as saying.

"Tunnel projects in the Himalayas should be prohibited entirely. They render the mountains vulnerable," he added.

Accidents on large infrastructure projects are common in India.

In January, at least 200 people were killed in flash floods in ecologically fragile Uttarakhand in a disaster that experts partly blamed on excessive development.

str-ash-abh/pjm/mtp
Indigenous leader, environmentalist and writer Ailton Krenak speaks during an interview with AFP in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on October 26, 2023 (Nelson ALMEIDA)

The year was 1987, Brazil was just exiting a long military dictatorship, and Indigenous writer Ailton Krenak stood before the country's constitutional assembly in a pristine white suit, smearing black paint across his face.

"Indigenous peoples have watered every scrap of Brazil's eight million square kilometers with their blood," the handsome young activist defiantly told the assembly, using a traditional mourning ritual to protest centuries of violence against native peoples.

Thirty-six years after that memorable protest, which helped ensure the nation's new constitution protected native land rights, Krenak achieved what he calls a new "historic reparation" last month, when he was chosen as the first Indigenous member of the Brazilian Academy of Letters.

Founded in 1897, the Academy is the rough equivalent of France's hallowed Academie Francaise or Spain's Real Academia.

Seen as a standard-bearer of Brazilian language and literature, the Rio de Janeiro institution is made up of 40 members known as the "immortals," who hold their seats for life.

Known for its hushed halls and hallowed rituals -- its members convene for formal gatherings in gold-embroidered uniforms -- it is perhaps an unusual spot for life-long rabble-rouser Krenak, 70.

"We're going to bring a little noise to that century-old silence," the philosopher, writer and poet told AFP in an interview in Sao Paulo.

The Academy "has always been closed to native peoples and dominated by (Brazilian) Portuguese."

Krenak says he hopes to use his seat in the institution to help shine a spotlight on Brazil's nearly 200 Indigenous languages.

"Through language, literature and the arts, Indigenous cultures can be perceived as living things, not just something from the past," he says, speaking in calm but razor-sharp sentences.

Despite the horrors of the colonial past, "we are alive," he adds. "We won."

- In the flesh -

A member of the Krenak people of southeastern Brazil, whose surname he bears, the writer has lived the Indigenous struggle in the flesh.

His people were expelled from their land around 1970, during the dictatorship (1964-1985), forcing him and his family into exile.

At 18, he left for the southern state of Parana to study "the colonizer's language," earning a journalism degree. It is the language in which he writes his books.

After enduring torture and persecution by the military regime, the Krenak only partly recovered their lands with the return to democracy. Their 600 remaining members were scattered across several states.

Krenak's own fight is rooted in their suffering.

Considered one of Brazil's leading Indigenous intellectuals, he has written a highly regarded body of work criticizing colonialism and capitalism, including the critically acclaimed essay "Ideas to Postpone the End of the World" (2019), translated into more than 10 languages.

The Indigenous leader, who is discreet on his personal life, married fellow activist Irani Krenak in 2000. They had three children, one of whom died in an accident. Another daughter from a previous relationship also died.

- Different vision -

Krenak rejects the notion that European colonizers brought "civilization" to the Americas.

In fact, they brought a way of life that divorced humankind from nature, leading to a world where corporations "devour forests, mountains and rivers," he writes.

Krenak proposes a different way of life, akin to that of the native communities who resisted colonialism, fiercely clinging to their land.

About four years ago, he moved to his people's land on the banks of the Rio Doce river, home to around 350 Indigenous people.

But even there, what he calls the "corporate monster" is inescapable. A case in point: a notorious mine dam collapse in 2015 that caused an environmental disaster on the river, a vital source of water and food for his people.

The accelerating destruction of nature affects everyone, Krenak says.

"It's not just Indigenous peoples who are threatened by the damage anymore. Now white people are, too," he says, wearing a striped shirt and traditional feather necklace.

For now, he says, he is "biding (his) time" hoping for political and social change.

But in the end, he says, he expects the Earth to move beyond humankind.

"My hope is that we'll be discarded as quickly as possible so the planet can continue its magnificent journey."

mls/jhb/sms/dw
President Biden said Monday that hospitals in the Gaza Strip "must be protected" after the World Health Organization called the situation for patients at the Palestinian territory's largest hospital, Al Shifa, "dire and perilous."

"My hope and expectation is that there will be less intrusive action relative to hospitals," Mr. Biden said in response to questions from journalists.

Al Shifa is in the heart of Gaza City and at the center of a tense standoff. Israel accuses Hamas of having an underground headquarters under the sprawling facility, which Hamas and doctors at Al Shifa deny. Both Israeli and U.S. officials have stressed that Hamas has a long history of positioning weapons and fighters in civilian homes, schools and hospitals.

But the situation for patients at Al Shifa continues to deteriorate, with one surgeon working there from the charity Doctors Without Borders, which goes by its French acronym MSF, calling conditions at the medical center "inhuman."

"We don't have electricity. There's no water in the hospital," the surgeon said Monday, according to MSF. "There's no food. People will die in a few hours without functioning ventilators."

The surgeon said staff and patients at the hospital need safe passage to evacuate.

"The medical team agreed to leave the hospital only if patients are evacuated first: we don't want to leave our patients. There are 600 inpatients, 37 babies, someone who needs an ICU, we can't leave them," the surgeon said Monday.

The fate of dozens of babies left without incubators after the power went out at the hospital over the weekend remained in the balance. Images provided by doctors at Al Shifa to the medical nonprofit Medical Aid for Palestinians showed the infants laid out together on beds covered with aluminum foil and blankets in an attempt to keep them warm.

Premature babies at Gaza's Al Shifa hospital are laid on aluminum foil for warmth after their incubators shut down due to lack of electricity on Sunday, November 12th 2023. / Credit: Medical Aid for Palestinians

"It's becoming winter and the weather is becoming colder now. For that reason, without having proper temperature for them, they immediately die," Mehdat Abbas, director general of the Hamas-run Ministry of Health, told CBS News on Monday. "I hope  I hope  that they will remain alive despite the disaster this hospital is passing through."

Israel's military said it was attempting to coordinate the transfer of special incubators to Al Shifa. The incubators would not need to be connected to a power source, IDF Lt. Col. Amnon Shefler told CBS News. Shefler said these incubators could be used to transfer the infants to another facility.

The IDF said Sunday that it had left about 80 gallons of fuel outside Al Shifa to help power its generator, which it said Hamas had prevented hospital staff from collecting. The medical director of the hospital said that amount of fuel would only have been enough to power the generator for 15 to 30 minutes.

Outside Al Shifa, more and more dead bodies were being crudely stored together, many on the ground. Morgues were full or without power, so corpses have been left to decompose.

The United Nations' Humanitarian Affairs Office (OCHA) said Tuesday that all but one of the hospitals in the northern part of Gaza were reportedly out of service, "due to the lack of power, medical consumables, oxygen, food and water, compounded by bombardments and fighting in their vicinities."

It said the only facility still capable of taking in patients was the Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza City, which it said was facing "increasing shortages and challenges."

The U.N. estimates that some 1.5 million people  more than two-thirds of Gaza's population  have fled the intense fighting in the north of Gaza to head south, but the road along the way was treacherous and full of tragedy.

"It was a very perilous journey, you know, moving out through areas where there was ongoing fighting to then, effectively to cross a front line into an Israeli-controlled zone," Thomas White, director of the U.N. agency that works in the Palestinian territories, UNRWA, told CBS News partner BBC News on Tuesday.

UNWRA is offering aid, including food and shelter, to people who do make it into southern Gaza, many of whom arrive with virtually no belongings of their own.

"They get south You could literally see them sit on the side of the road, a sigh of relief. A sense of relief that they were out of the very active conflict zone. But then of course the question is: What next?" White said. "You know, 'I've arrived with a plastic bag of belongings, and I now need to find shelter somewhere. What does the future hold for me?' So, a lot of emotions for people leaving the north."

Massive fire shuts down L.A. freeway indefinitely, Gov. Newsom declares state of emergency

Speaker Johnson's plan to prevent government shutdown faces hurdles

Israeli forces move in on Al-Shifa hospital hours after thousands march in Washington, D.C.
The FBI investigation into Mayor Eric Adams is focused on campaign money, favors and possible foreign influence, according to officials briefed on the investigation.

Adams has a long and proud relationship with the Turkish-American community of New York City, and he has made a half a dozen trips to Turkey. The FBI is also looking into those trips and one of the locations searched on November 2 was the residence of an executive from Turkish Airlines.

The FBI, the sources said, is also looking into contacts with Turkish government officials in New York and in Turkey to determine if a foreign government used a web of businessmen and Turkish expats to curry favor with Adams to further Turkeys business interests in New York  or even develop a long-term alliance with an American politician who has made no secret about having further political ambitions, including the White House.

Some of the allegations being investigated involve a Brooklyn-based construction company owned by a Turkish-American businessman who sources say gathered employees and others to write checks to the Adams campaign and then allegedly paid the donors back in full, skirting campaign finance laws.

Sources familiar with what investigators have found told CNN that the FBI has the records of checks and wire transfers from KSK, returning money to employees in the same amounts as the contributions. The total amount of the contributions exceeded the money the company could have legally given but also triggered matching funds the issued by the city. KSK boasts on its website that it has constructed more than 50 buildings in New York City, with projects that range from townhouse renovations to condo complexes and full scale skyscrapers. These are the kinds of major projects that can require a vast amount of permits and interactions from multiple city agencies.

Reached by CNN Monday, KSK had no comment.

On November 2, the FBI gathered nearly 100 agents and executed search warrants or conducted interviews at a dozen locations simultaneously at 6 a.m. One location was the home of Brianna Suggs, the 25-year-old head of Adams campaign fund raising operations. They removed cellular phones and an iPad as well as envelopes full of records.

People briefed on the search told CNN that agents also interviewed Suggs, who has not returned messages left by CNN.

That morning, after learning about the search, Adams abruptly canceled a meeting at the White House to discuss the migrant crisis and returned to New York. The following Monday, city officials confirm, FBI agents approached the mayor as he was leaving an event at New York University and asked to speak with him outside the presence of his security detail.

They met with Adams inside the mayors city-owned Suburban where they asked the mayor to turn over two phones and an iPad. The phones were subject to a search warrant authorized by a federal judge allowing the FBI to create copies to the content in the devices to review in search of evidence. To obtain a search warrant to go through the phones of the mayor of the nations largest city, FBI agents would have to submit a sworn affidavit laying out enough evidence to convince a federal judge that there was probable cause to believe the phones contained evidence of illegal activities.

A source close to the mayor told CNN that the following day, the mayor voluntarily turned over two additional devices as part of what Adams has said is his ongoing cooperation with the investigators.

The mayor and our team are continuing to work with investigators and cooperate, said Lisa Zornberg, chief counsel to the mayor. We hope that investigators will continue to cooperate with us and reprimand any federal officer who has improperly leaked details about this investigation as such conduct could prejudice the public and undermines the integrity of our law enforcement process, she added.

The mayor has not been accused of wrongdoing.

The FBI, according to The New York Times, and city officials who are familiar with the investigation are looking into whether Adams used his influence as Brooklyn Borough President in 2021 to get the New York City Fire Department to waive safety requirements so that a temporary certificate of occupancy would be issued to the newly constructed Turkish Mission to the United Nations.

A city official confirmed that the government of Turkey was concerned that the permits wouldnt be granted in time for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to be able to cut the ribbon to open the building while visiting the United Nations. According to sources briefed on the investigation, Adams received a text message from the Turkish Consul General asking for help with a temporary permit even though safety requirements had not yet been met. Adams, the sources said, forwarded the consuls text to the then Fire Commissioner, Dan Nigro with a message: Please take a look at this.

On September 10, 2021, the fire department sent a letter to the fire-safety contractor in charge of alarms, smoke detectors and sprinklers saying, FDNY does not object to the Department of Buildings issuing a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy provided that  the Department of Buildings has inspected, tested and approved the installed water-based fire suppression systems.

The officials said that not all of the technical safety requirements could be met in time but as a stopgap measure, the Turkish Mission was able to hire security guards to stand post as fire wardens until the safety equipment could be brought up to code.

In a statement released Sunday, Adams said that As a Borough President, part of my routine role was to notify government agencies of issues on behalf of constituents and constituencies. I have not been accused of wrongdoing and I will continue to cooperate with investigators.

A source who is familiar with the aspects of the probe involving the fire department told CNN that Nigro received a grand jury subpoena, and, sources said, voluntarily spoke to and was interviewed by FBI agents.

John Miller was deputy commissioner of the NYPD, and he served under Mayor Eric Adams. He left the department in July 2022.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
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

______________________________________________

RFE/RL: Ukrainian parliament remains closed to journalists, raising transparency concerns



Ukraine's parliament remains closed to the press two years into Russia's all-out war as legislators use vague security concerns as a pretext to deny access and avoid journalists' scrutiny, according to an investigation by schemes, a Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty project.

Verkhovna RadaBefore the full-scale invasion, journalists had access to plenary and committee meetings in parliament and could approach lawmakers for comment in the halls of the .

This isn't the first time the Ukrainian parliament has shut its doors for journalists: access was also limited during the COVID-19 pandemic, also raising concerns about the parliamentarians overusing the pretext of the pandemic to keep the press out.

Ruslan StefanchukNow, journalists can't freely enter the government quarter in Kyiv, where the parliament is based, or the building itself. Neither the parliamentary press service nor parliamentary speaker could point to the legislation that justified banning journalists from the area, schemes reported.

In conversation with schemes, Stefanchuk, who has the power to re-open sessions to journalists, pointed to vague security considerations and war-related dangers to lawmakers in justifying the policy.

Since the start of the Russian invasion in February 2022, plenary sessions have been broadcast with a delay on the parliamentary TV channel Rada. In the meantime, journalists have had no access to committee meetings, where the laws are drafted and discussed.

Several members of parliament told schemes that the justification for keeping journalists out of parliament was questionable and expressed their support for easing the rules to allow access.

Schemes also spotted several members of parliament arriving in luxury cars. Journalists estimated these vehicles to be worth over $100,000 and be registered to the lawmakers' family members. Registering expensive assets under the names of relatives indicates their possible illicit origin.

Additionally, journalists found that one member of parliament had racked up more than 20 unpaid speeding fines on his BMW.

Watch the full story in the Ukrainian language here.

Ukraine's defense ministry paid over $37 million for Croatian ammo that never arrived



Ukrainian media outlet Hromadske exposed a complex scheme for ammunition procurement under which Ukraine's defense ministry paid $37.5 million upfront and has not received a shipment over a year later.

Yurii ZbitnievLviv arsenalIn October 2022, Ukraine's defense ministry contracted a privately owned Ukrainian company, , to supply 100,000 mortar rounds by October 2023 and paid upfront. The company's director turned out to be a well-connected former member of parliament from the 1990s, , according to the journalist investigation.

A July investigation by Ukrainska Pravda flagged that not a single mortar bomb had been shipped under the multi-billion hryvnia contract Ukraine's defense ministry signed with Lviv Arsenal.

Lviv ArsenalHromadske's November investigation took it further and found that was not an ammunition producer but one intermediary in a chain of three. The seemingly unnecessary intermediaries connected Ukraine's defense ministry and a Croatia-based arms manufacturer.

More than a year later, none of the ammunition arrived in Ukraine, and the Croatian manufacturer pulled out of the contract after it allegedly didn't receive the payments from the intermediaries.

Also, the contract's paperwork did not include export permissions to supply arms from Croatia to Ukraine, allegedly showing the government did not do their due diligence on the contract, according to the journalist investigation.

Dana YarovaIn an interview with Hromadske, , a volunteer who sits on the defense ministry's procurement transparency council, questioned the government's decision to pay the entire contract upfront before getting clarity on its logistics. Following the journalist investigation, the council asked the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) to investigate the matter.

According to the journalist investigation, two out of three intermediaries involved in the 100,000 mortar rounds purchasing scheme in October 2022 had previously failed to deliver on contracts for the defense ministry.

Slovak-based SevotechIn April 2022, agreed to supply $15 million of protective gear to Ukraine but delivered only a fraction. In December 2022, Croatian WDG Promet agreed to supply $35 million of tank ammunition to Ukraine, but not a single round has arrived.

Oleksandr Liyev, former defense ministry official in charge of military procurement, who signed the October 2022 contract with Lviv Arsenal, couldn't explain to Hromadske why the chain of intermediaries was needed. He said he was familiar with two of the companies in the chain. Liyev stepped down in January 2023 after a journalist investigation revealed he supported Russia's illegal Crimea annexation in 2014.

Former defense minister Oleksii Reznikov resigned in September 2023 after a series of scandals involving procurement at inflated prices of delayed and disrupted supplies for the military. One of the scandals, centered around allegedly overpriced jackets, also involved a scheme with intermediary companies and a questionable supply chain.

Read the full story in Ukrainian here.

Ukrainian NGO identifies Russian commander behind deadly Kramatorsk cafe attack, argue it was war crime

An investigation by Ukrainian NGO Truth Hounds identified the Russian perpetrator of a June 2023 attack on a cafe in the eastern city of Kramatorsk that killed 13 people, both civilians and military. The researchers argued the strike was a war crime.

The attack was reportedly aimed at soldiers in the cafe, but according to Truth Hounds, the immense destructive potential of the Iskander-k missile used in the attack and the timing of the strike indicate that the attack could not distinguish between civilians and soldiers and thus amounts to a war crime.

Colonel VitaliyKrasnodar KraiFrom the missile type and direction of travel, Truth Hounds identified the military unit that carried out the attack, the 47th Missile Brigade based in the in southwest Russia, and the commander responsible, Bobyr.

The investigation by Truth Hounds also highlighted other Russian attacks purportedly designed to target Ukrainian soldiers but, in practice, killed scores of civilians. Truth hounds concluded that the pattern of attacks shows the complete disregard of the Russian armed forces toward the potential civilian victims.

Among the 13 victims of the Russian June 2023 attack on Kramatorsk was Victoria Amelina, a renowned Ukrainian author turned war crimes investigator. Amelina had joined truth hounds following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine to use her storytelling and research abilities to document Russian war crimes.

Read the full story in English here.

Meanwhile, in Russia

______________________________________________

Journalists reveal Russia's tactics in indoctrinating Ukrainian children

Russian boarding schools teach Ukrainian orphans abducted from occupied territories to glorify Russia's war against their home country, an investigation by Russian independent media outlet IStories details.

According to Ukrainian authorities, since the start of the Russian all-out war, Russia has abducted almost 20,000 Ukrainian children and sent more than 8,000 to "re-education camps."

IStories found seven Ukrainian children held in a boarding school in Naryshkino, a town in southwest Russia 200 kilometers from the border with Ukraine. School workers there reportedly taught children to glorify a former convict who invaded Ukraine as part of the Wagner mercenary group, designated as a terrorist organization by the U.K. and France.

At least nine Ukrainian children are held in a facility in the Lipetsk oblast in southwest Russia, according to IStories. There, the children have to write letters to Russian soldiers participating in the war in Ukraine and collect materials like clothing and camouflage to support them.

IStories also identified three of nine Ukrainian orphans held in the Lipetsk oblast and found that they are up for adoption in Russia, likely in violation of international law.

Maria Lvova-BelovaRussia's children's rights ombudsperson, , indicted in March 2023 by the international criminal court for participating in the forced deportation of Ukrainian children, has denied that Russian families can legally adopt any Ukrainian orphans.

The Kyiv Independent's documentary, "Uprooted," investigated how Russian authorities systematically abduct children and allow their adoption by Russian families.

Read the full story in Russian here.

Russia uses high wages to attract recruits to go kill Ukrainians, fails to pay

The Russian government is failing to pay the volunteer soldiers it recruited to fight against Ukraine, according to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's investigative project, Systema.

Russia relies on volunteers lured by financially lucrative terms as Russian President Vladimir Putin tries to avoid a repeat of the profoundly unpopular and chaotic September 2022 conscription drive. Russia, however, fails to pay the high wages and bonuses promised, according to Russian soldiers, their relatives, lawyers, and activists specialized in military issues interviewed by Systema.

Thousands of convicts, recruited primarily by the Wagner mercenary group, were promised a pardon for going to fight in Ukraine. Systema talked to prisoners turned soldiers and relatives of those killed in action, who told the journalists that they were unable to get any pardon or compensation from the state.

A Russian soldier told Systema that after five months without any pay, he chose against prolonging his contract, after which his commanders tortured him. According to the journalist investigation, this is a common practice in many Russian units.

Read the full story in English here.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Erik McIntyre, 53, became paralyzed after contracting Valley fever, which is caused by the fungus coccidioides.

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - At some point, Erik McIntyre inhaled the fungal spores. He couldn't see them, or feel them, and it was weeks before he began to lose energy, to drop weight, to cough up blood at a karaoke bar in Arizona.

Now that he's paralyzed from Valley fever, in a nursing home at age 53, the former U.S. Navy electrician's day begins at 5 a.m. with a rectal tube procedure to release gas trapped in his stomach. The antifungal injections that left him retching and shaking are less frequent now, and the lesions where the fungus grew on his face and arms have faded to scars. But he knows he will never be cured, or probably walk again.

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"I try not to dwell on what could have been," he said.

McIntyre can imagine the moment he encountered those microscopic spores. He remembers driving across dusty Phoenix suburbs with his windows down. But he can't be sure.

These days, the fungus could be anywhere.

Valley fever has long haunted the American Southwest: Soldiers on dusty military bases, prisoners in wind-swept jails, construction workers pushing new suburbs farther into deserts have all encountered coccidioides, the flesh-eating fungus that causes Valley fever. But the threat is growing. Cases have roughly quadrupled over the past two decades, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

A key reason for Valley fever's spread, researchers say, may be human-driven climate change - and they warn that a much larger area of the United States will become vulnerable to the disease in the decades to come. The fungus thrives in dry soils, rides on plumes of dust and booms after periods of extreme drought - the exact cycles that scientists say have grown more intense and widespread across the American West due to the warming climate.

While science is not yet able to show a definitive link between the rising case counts and higher temperatures, the connection seems clear to many of the front-line health workers grappling with the disease.

"I cannot think of any other infection that is so closely entwined with climate change," said Rasha Kuran, an infectious-disease specialist at the University of California at Los Angeles who is one of McIntyre's doctors.

Today, Valley fever affects tens of thousands - probably hundreds of thousands, federal officials say - of people each year, and in rare cases, such as McIntyre's, it can be extremely debilitating, even fatal. The illness costs about $1.5 billion per year just in the two most prevalent states, Arizona and California. "Cocci," as researchers call the fungus, is primarily found in the Southwest but also in parts of Central and South America.

In the United States, it kills a few hundred people each year, according to federal officials - about as many as West Nile virus, the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States. Valley fever has sickened archaeologists sifting Native American artifacts in Utah and New York high school students on a service trip building houses near Tijuana, Mexico.

Public health officials warn that the illness could become more prevalent as drought pushes more agricultural fields into fallow ground, subdivisions sprout in the desert, and the West dries out. About a decade ago, the fungus turned up among the arid hills of Eastern Washington state, rewriting the map of where it was known to be endemic. Cases in California appear to be marching north from their traditional home in the San Joaquin Valley, where the illness got its name.

Morgan Gorris, a staff scientist at Los Alamos National Laboratory, projected that as the climate warms, the fungus could spread across much of the western half of the country by the end of the century.

"What was once a disease that was primarily limited to the Southwestern United States would become a disease of the Western United States," Gorris said.

While some scientists suspect the fungus's widening reach is connected to climate change, the connection is so new that they are trying to ascertain basic facts about where it lives and how it might be spreading. Even in places where cocci is prevalent, it can be patchy and maddening to find. Climate change could be fueling the fungus's transmission in several ways: moving with migrating rodents, more frequent dust storms or expanding wildfires - or emerging from places it has long been hiding as conditions get drier.

"We have to figure out where it's at - and where it's going," Paul Keim, a professor of microbiology at Northern Arizona University, told a conference of Valley fever researchers earlier this month.

These mysteries have pushed a small but ardent band of scientists on a wide-ranging fungal hunt across the West. With drones and air filters, dirt samples and data on dogs' blood - animals also get Valley fever - they are determined to untangle cocci's knot.

In California, where more than 1,000 people are hospitalized with Valley fever each year, this search is particularly urgent. Cocci has been shown to flourish after abnormally wet winters like the one the state just experienced. And researchers are bracing for an explosion of cases as the ground dries, said Jennifer Head, a University of Michigan epidemiologist who studies the fungus.

This fall, she predicted, "is when we'll start to see a huge spike in Valley fever."

- - -

The cocci hunt

In a barren expanse of Southern California scrubland, Head crouched down and fed a long-handled spoon into a rat hole.

Wearing an N95 mask and blue plastic gloves, she filled several test tubes with dry, crumbling soil from the Carrizo Plain National Monument. Then she turned to her colleague and asked for a bit more protection.

"I feel like I could use an ethanol spritz," Head said, holding out her hands.

Head and her colleagues were scouring this sun-blasted patch of the southern San Joaquin Valley in September in an effort to pinpoint where cocci lives and unravel how it might be spreading.

Out here among the saltbush and vinegar weed is an endless web of rodent burrows - home to squirrels, mice and the giant kangaroo rat, an endangered species the size of a baked potato. When University of California at Berkeley scientists began coming here to study these rodents in 2007, it didn't take long before they started getting sick.

"A really serious fatigue and a lack of appetite. For a month," said Tim Bean, then a UC Berkeley ecologist who came down with Valley fever a couple of years into his research on the Carrizo Plain. "It sucked."

But it turned out to be a perfect place to hunt for fungus.

There has been a known link between rodents and cocci since the early 1940s. More recently, UC Berkeley mycologist John Taylor and colleagues discovered that cocci had lost genes that other fungi use to eat plants and gained those for devouring meat.

"These fungi evolved to eat animals," he said. And a favorite meal: dead rats.

Taylor believes cocci lives not so much in the soil as in the rodents. And when Head and others began scraping out rodent burrows with spoons in the Carrizo Plain, they found that about 30 percent of them had cocci, while random tests of the neighboring soil could find the fungus only about 4 percent of the time.

The fungus is elusive because the microscopic filaments in the soil are invisible to the naked eye. When ground gets disturbed, those filaments can break off, sending tiny spores long distances. A 1977 California Central Valley dust storm - known as the Tempest from Tehachapi - sickened people hundreds of miles north in Sacramento.

If public health officials knew when spores were flying around, they could warn people to take precautions, wearing masks or staying inside. But finding cocci in the air is even harder than in the soil.

For 18 months starting in 2018, a network of sophisticated air filters run by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to monitor bioterrorism threats were being used to detect cocci spores in the Phoenix area. Researchers at the Translational Genomics Research Institute, the nonprofit conducting the study, didn't pick up any obvious patterns. A hot spot would flare up, testing positive for weeks or months, then fade to nothing. The spores' presence varied by time and location and didn't appear to correspond to a particular season, dust storms or the area's midsummer monsoon - as some have assumed, said David Engelthaler, director of the institute's infectious-disease division.

Engelthaler did find some intriguing clues. In some cases, satellite imagery showed active construction sites in the vicinity of air filters hit by spores. He also found that as temperatures increased, and soils got drier, there were more positives. This made sense to him: Ground that was baked dry would be more likely to kick up into dust if disturbed. It looked like "a hotter and drier climate," he said, was "going to result in more exposures."

James Markwiese, a microbiologist with the Environmental Protection Agency in Oregon, suspected that the growing wildfire footprint in the West might also be spreading spores. He knew smoke transported bacteria and fungi, and research in California found that hospital visits for Valley fever rose 20 percent following wildfires.

Cocci has never been found in wildfire smoke, but Markwiese got federal funding to look for it and teamed up with Head and other colleagues. Over a few days in September, the group flew drones affixed with tiny Teflon air filters around the rodent research site where the fungus was abundant. One drone would fly low over the ground, the rotor wash kicking up plumes of dust, while the other hovered above to catch more samples.

"Cocci sandwich," Leda Kobziar, a University of Idaho fire scientist, said after the first attempt.

Afterward, she carefully removed the filters with tweezers inside a sterilized box. They would later be pulverized in solution and tested for cocci DNA. The team is still waiting on results. If detected here, they plan to hunt for cocci in plumes of wildfire smoke next year.

"I think that our idea of where this occurs is vastly underestimated," Markwiese said.

Within California, the number of reported Valley fever cases has risen 800 percent from 2000 to 2022, according to the state's department of public health. Cases have been increasing fastest in the northern part of the San Joaquin Valley as well as along the state's southern coast. The biggest spikes happen after droughts end.

The hardy spores can survive during extreme dry stretches, Head said, then flourish into a kind of fungal superbloom during wet winters. When the ground eventually dries, spores start flying around, and cases take off. The past winter in California was one of the wettest on record. The state has been reporting about 7,000 to 9,000 cases of Valley fever over each of the past few drought-stricken years. Head predicted a spike once the rains ended California's drought.

"I would expect that we would see over 10,000 cases in California this year," she said.

- - -

Like 'a fire'

Before the onslaught of snow and rain this winter, California and the West had endured one of the driest two-decade periods in more than a thousand years. Wells in the Central Valley ran dry by the hundreds. The price of water for irrigation skyrocketed, and Jace White, 33, could no longer afford to grow blueberries on a 55-acre parcel outside Fresno.

White was preparing to fallow that ground by hauling away an old storage container. The work kicked up dust from a patch of earth long undisturbed. For some reason, he lingered on the sight.

"The dirt caught my eye," he recalled.

Three weeks later, in early April last year, he woke up in the middle of the night struggling to breathe, with a sharp pain in his left side. White's battle with Valley fever was the most severe illness of his life. At night, he sweated torrents into his bedsheets. During the day, he lacked the strength to swipe his cellphone. Doctors punctured his back and drained nearly a gallon of fluid from his lungs. His lips cracked and his hair fell out from the antifungal treatments. He lost at least 30 pounds.

"I wouldn't wish it on anyone," White said.

More than half of people who get Valley fever feel no symptoms. Those who do are often misdiagnosed because symptoms - cough, fatigue, fever, night sweats - mirror other common illnesses such as pneumonia or flu. CDC officials estimate that about 500,000 people might get Valley fever annually even though reported cases hover around 20,000.

Doctors treat typical Valley fever cases with antifungal medication such as fluconazole. Many people fully recover after some weeks and become immune. There is no Valley fever vaccine for humans, but researchers are racing to develop one suitable for dogs - an effort they hope will eventually pave the way for a human one.

Within about two months, White had recovered enough to return to work. After a year, he was told he could stop taking medication. In this, he was fortunate. For 2 to 4 percent of patients, the fungus spreads out from the lungs, disseminating into the brain, spinal column or elsewhere, transforming Valley fever into a lifelong, chronic illness that cannot be cured, only managed.

Black and Filipino people have a higher risk of such severe outcomes, possibly related to genetic factors, studies have shown. Doctors say immunocompromised people and those who don't get treated early also tend to do worse.

When McIntyre, who is Black, got sick in early 2018, he tried to tough it out, treating his worsening symptoms with turmeric home remedies and over-the-counter cold medicines. It wasn't until lesions suddenly appeared that he went to an emergency room in Phoenix.

"One morning, I'm looking at my arm, and I've got these bumps all over," he said. "And I look in the mirror, and they're, like, all on my face."

By that time, the fungus had expanded beyond his lungs, spreading into his bones and throughout his central nervous system. In Arizona, he had worked from home, tracking doctor visits for a health-care company, but his physical deterioration forced him to move in with his sister, then to an apartment for military veterans. It was hard for those around him to know what was wrong. He grew confused, and he staggered when he walked. Doctors at one hospital assumed he was drunk and sent him to a homeless shelter in Bakersfield.

"Imagine, this man wasn't even drinking, and he gets labeled as an alcoholic," said Kuran, who oversaw his emergency treatments at Kern Medical in Bakersfield.

By the time she saw him in May 2019, McIntyre could hardly speak and felt numb from the chest down. Kuran administered regular injections of amphotericin B, a powerful antifungal drug, into a plastic pouch inserted under his scalp. Despite the treatment, the inflammation around his spinal cord caused enough damage to leave him paralyzed from the waist down.

"It's like having a fire and you're trying to put it out," said Kuran, who is also associate medical director at the hospital's Valley Fever Institute. "There was nothing we could do. We gave him the maximal treatments, but the process had already started."

When the fungus spread widely within Jose Sanchez, a plumber who worked on dusty construction sites, he began to hallucinate flocks of birds. A stroke followed, and he lost the use of his right hand. For months, he couldn't speak. He remains unable to walk.

"Desperate," Sanchez, 65, described himself, in Spanish, in his trailer about 80 miles east of the Carrizo Plain.

His partner, Maria Patricia Alcantara, who met Sanchez when they both worked in public health near Puebla in Mexico, quit her job at a plastics factory to care for him. She taught herself to drive so she could take him to medical appointments. Each time he needs to shower or use the bathroom, she carries him there.

Neither of them knew anything about the fungus when he got sick in 2018; they now know they can never be rid of it.

"With Valley fever, our life changed completely," she said.

- - -

The future is here

In the summer of 2010, a 15-year-old boy crashed his all-terrain vehicle on a dirt track amid the sagebrush in Eastern Washington, scraping up his legs. The next day, he swam in the Columbia River. Before long, he developed a fever and a swollen left knee.

At the time, Valley fever was not known to exist that far north. When cases turned up, they typically involved snowbirds who had visited the Southwest. So when Heather Hill, an official in the Benton Franklin Health District, informed Washington state's health department that this boy - and another 12-year-old who got sick around the same time - had tested positive via blood test for Valley fever but had no travel history to endemic areas, state authorities were skeptical.

"The department of health kept saying, 'No, it's impossible. Cocci hasn't been seen any farther north than Northern California. You need to do a better job of interviewing," Hill recalled. "Oh, we interviewed pretty darn good."

Over Hill's four-decade career as a public health nurse in a rural county, she had taken stool samples from sick cows and tested goat blood for Q fever - a bacterial infection that can spread from animals to humans - but she had never dug around in the dirt for a microscopic fungus.

"We knew it was a needle in a haystack," she said.

But when other clues emerged, Hill and state officials put on hazmat suits and returned to the site of the crash. With hand trowels and vials, they sampled rodent holes and surface soils. But the dirt stayed in a laboratory freezer for months while the CDC developed a test to confirm whether cocci was present.

Three years had passed by the time Hill finally received a call from Tom Chiller, a CDC official, confirming cocci was growing in the soil in Washington. It would be one of the most gratifying moments of her career.

"Heather," he told her, "you just changed our map."

The painstaking work in Washington showed how hard it was to pinpoint where the fungus lived. Public health officials in other states, including Oregon, have tried and failed.

"It's challenging to establish that geographic spread," said Chiller, now the head of the CDC's mycotic diseases branch. "But I think it's essential if we want to communicate risk. And climate is involved in that. These fungi are inextricably linked to the environment."

The projections that Gorris, the Los Alamos scientist, made about where cocci would spread with climate change were based on analyzing temperature and precipitation in five Southwestern states where the fungus was endemic. She concluded cocci thrived in places warmer than 51.3 degrees Fahrenheit average annual temperature with less than two feet of rain per year. When she mapped out all the places in the country with those conditions, most were in the Southwest. But three counties stood out in the Pacific Northwest: the arid swath of Eastern Washington where Hill found cocci in the ground.

"It gave us some confidence that this approach," Gorris said, could offer "insight about where Valley fever could be endemic in the future."

Not everyone accepts this projection. Just because spores can be blown on dust or smoke doesn't mean they'll survive where they land, even if soils are suitable. Genetic studies have shown separate cocci strains in different parts of the country.

"If wind were continually blowing and dispersing this, you wouldn't be able to see those distinct populations," said Engelthaler, of the Translational Genomics Research Institute, who has studied cocci genetics. "Everything would look mixed. And that's not what we see."

The genetics of the Washington cocci strain suggests it may have been there hundreds or thousands of years. But current warming trends "might be making it better for the cocci that was there to be exposed and to actually infect individuals."

"It could be that climate trends are allowing us to actually see it now," he said.

One early clue in Washington occurred when health officials realized that the teenage boy who crashed his ATV was not, in fact, among the first non-travel cases of Valley fever in the area. The veterinary literature showed that a horse and two dogs had gotten sick years before.

"The dogs had been a sign all along," said Jane Sykes, a professor at the University of California at Davis's School of Veterinary Medicine.

Valley fever is also common in animals and a particular problem for dogs that dig in the dirt.

Sykes began contacting veterinary labs across the country and eventually acquired a comprehensive trove of data: roughly 880,000 results, or nearly all the dogs tested for Valley fever across the country between 2012 and August of this year. Nearly 40 percent of them tested positive.

When Sykes and colleagues at UC Berkeley analyzed that data, they found that Valley fever cases in dogs appeared to be moving north and east out of the Southwest just in the past 10 years - essentially mimicking the spread that Gorris had predicted would take decades to play out in humans.

Dogs have been getting sick from Valley fever in Northwestern states where cocci is not known to be endemic in humans - including Oregon, Idaho, Colorado and Montana. Sykes believes the sheer quantity of cases cannot be explained solely by pets visiting the Southwest.

Sykes's data has not yet been published, and her research is under peer review. But she has been presenting her findings to public health authorities and colleagues to spread awareness. Doctors, she said, need to be considering Valley fever far from the usual places.

"It has the potential to save people's lives," she said.

The dogs, with their noses in the dirt, seemed to be saying the future was already here.

- - -

'One last test'

Over months of treatment, McIntyre regained his cognition, but it became clear he would never walk again. The paralysis has led to other complications, including urinary tract infections and kidney stones.

In the nursing home, he posts videos to TikTok from his bed, talks to relatives and attends physical therapy sessions. He knows he deserves to be angry or miserable, but he tries to keep his sense of humor.

"I'm a fun guy," he said. "I'm filled with it."

He tries not to get too discouraged about his health. He sees the fungus as part of God's plan for him.

"That's kind of why I think it may have happened to me. I could take it. God knew that," he said. "It was one last test."

But it was one he never saw coming. Even though he'd spent most of his life in California and Arizona, Valley fever was not something he spent time worrying about.

"I'd never heard of it," he said.

- - -

Magda Jean-Louis contributed to this report.

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Tom Hunt said he signed a letter in support of Suella Braverman

An MP has stood down from his role as parliamentary private secretary (PPS) over his support for Suella Braverman, who was sacked from government.

Ipswich MP Tom Hunt had been a PPS to the Northern Ireland secretary for 14 months, currently Chris Heaton-Harris.

Mr Hunt, Conservative, said: "It was my intention for a few months to stand down at the reshuffle.

"The situation with Suella Braverman did, however, bring the issue to a head."

He continued: "I don't think she should have been sacked and I signed a letter supporting her knowing that this would be incompatible with my role as a PPS.

"I informed the whips of this and have left my role."

Suella Braverman was sacked from government on Monday

Suella Braverman was sacked as home secretary after she defied Number 10 over an article accusing the Metropolitan Police of bias in the policing of protests.

She was accused of stoking tension ahead of events in London.

James Cleverly has replaced her at the Home Office.

Tom Hunt said he wanted to focus on constituency work in Ipswich and holding the government to account.

"A key focus for me will be pushing the government hard to do whatever is necessary to tackle the small boats crisis and also cutting the level of net legal migration."

Follow East of England news on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a story? Email eastofenglandnews@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp 0800 169 183
BEIRUT (Reuters) -Israel has given approval for 24,000 litres (6,340 gallons) of diesel fuel to be used by trucks for United Nations operations in the Gaza Strip, a humanitarian source said on Tuesday.

Aid agencies in the enclave say a chronic lack of fuel has hampered efforts to deliver food, water and medicine to Palestinians in Gaza, under siege as Israel wages war against Hamas militants.

The fuel is only meant for U.N. trucks, and not for hospitals, the source said. The United States pressured the U.N. to accept the fuel, the source added.

The Israeli military had no immediate comment. There was no immediate comment from Hamas.

It was not immediately clear how the fuel would be delivered.

Citing U.S. and Israeli sources, Axios reported that Israel plans to allow trucks used by the U.N. Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA in Gaza to refuel on Wednesday at the enclave's Rafah crossing with Egypt.

Gaza health officials have suspended operations at many of the enclave's hospitals due to lack of fuel and other supplies.

Colonel Moshe Terto, who heads an Israeli defence ministry body that handles civil affairs in Gaza, said Israel is monitoring the fuel situation "on a daily basis".

"(We) will coordinate and facilitate the entrance of fuel when it (is) needed," Terto said.

(Reporting by Maya Gebeily in Beirut and Emily Rose in JerusalemEditing by Chris Reese and Howard Goller)
A spokesman for the Israeli government defended his countrys offensive into Gaza on Monday, admitting that the optics of the airstrike campaign and ground offensive are bad, but that the country is not concerned with the way things look.

Youre right, the optics are bad. But we are not fighting for our image, we are fighting for survival, Eylon Levy told NewsNations Chris Cuomo on Monday.

The Israel-Hamas war began early last month after Hamas militants launched a surprise attack on border settlements, killing about 1,200 people and taking another 200 hostage.

The optics of the Oct. 7 massacre are even worse  1,200 people who were brutally executed, butchered, beheaded, burned, Levy said. Many of them tortured and mutilated before they were killed, their bodies mutilated after they were killed.

That is what we are fighting against, and our right to self-defense, our duty of self-defense, is to eliminate the terrorist organization that did that, he added.

More than 11,100 Palestinians have been killed in the subsequent war, including more than 4,600 children, according to the Hamas-controlled Gaza Health Ministry, leading to criticism of the Israeli government over how it has conducted the military operation.

The Biden administration, which has strongly backed Israel in the conflict, has pushed its government to better allow humanitarian aid access into Gaza.

Israel agreed to four-hour humanitarian pauses in fighting in order to allow civilians to flee areas of conflict last week, but the Biden administration has lobbied for longer pauses as negotiations over hostage releases continue with Qatar as a mediator.

Fighting in Gaza has centered on Gaza City, the largest settlement in the territory, and specifically on the citys hospitals in recent days. The Israeli military has claimed that Hamas militants use hospitals as command posts and access points to underground tunnel systems, which both Hamas and hospital administrators have denied.

NewsNation is owned by Nexstar Media Group, which also owns The Hill.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Israel and Hamas may be nearing an agreement that would see hostages freed in exchange for a temporary ceasefire.

Hamas told Qatari officials, who are mediating hostage negotiations, that they were prepared to release up to 70 women and children in exchange for a five-day ceasefire, Reuters reported. An Israeli official told the Washington Post that a deal was close, and could be announced in a matter of days.

The possible deal comes as the Israel Defense Forces said that it had taken control of the Hamas parliament and other institutions in Gaza City.

Calls have being growing around the world for a ceasefire agreement and a plan to return hostages home, amid the wars increasing humanitarian toll. In London, hundreds of thousands of people marched near Westminster to demand a ceasefire agreement, and in Israel, thousands demonstrated across the country to demand the government prioritize the return of the more than 200 hostages taken during Hamass Oct. 7 attack. Publicly, the Israeli government has rejected calls for a ceasefire, instead agreeing to a U.S.-brokered daily four-hour pause in hostilities. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected a multi-day ceasefire.

A siege on Gazas Al-Shifa hospital has sparked condemnation from U.S. President Joe Biden, who said that the medical facility must be protected." Israel claims that Hamas is operating out of a tunnel beneath the hospital, but Hamas has denied the allegation. Netanyahu has given no public indication of how he will eradicate Hamas  the main goal of the war  if its leaders are in fact sheltering among civilians, Ian Parmeter, a

research scholar at the Australian National Universitys Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies, wrote in The Conversation. The result is a growing disconnect between Israel and the U.S., Parmeter notes, especially as Netanyahu faces a myriad of issues in the eventual aftermath of the conflict, including how to address a possible power vacuum in the Gaza Strip. Biden and Netanyahu are thus on a collision course.

Some U.S. State Department employees have circulated memos breaking with the Biden administrations approach to the war. At least three internal cables have been shared on the dissent channel, an internal service established to allow diplomats to anonymously raise issues about Washingtons policies, Reuters reported. In a letter to staff, Secretary of State Antony Blinken acknowledged the dissent, writing, I also know that some people in the Department may disagree with approaches we are taking or have views on what we can do better. However, officials told Reuters said the growing dissent amongst staffers is unlikely to alter the trajectory of Bidens foreign policy.
Israel must respect "the sanctity of hospitals" in Gaza and allow them to be places of safety during its offensive in the Palestinian territory, a UK foreign minister said on Tuesday.

"All parties to a conflict must afford civilians the protection that is their right under international law," Andrew Mitchell, a minister in Britain's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), told members of parliament.

"That includes respecting the sanctity of hospitals so that doctors can continue to care for the sick and injured," he added.

Israel has bombarded Gaza relentlessly and sent in ground troops since an attack by Hamas militants in southern Israel on October 7.

Some 1,200 people were killed and 240 kidnapped in the Hamas attack, Israeli officials say.

The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza says Israel's military response has killed 11,240 people, also mostly civilians, including thousands of children.

Gaza's main Al-Shifa hospital, which has been a shelter for those displaced by the fighting, has been forced to bury scores of dead patients in a mass grave after continuous Israeli bombardment, according to its director.

Aid organisations have said a full ceasefire is needed to get help to civilians in Gaza wounded in Israeli bombardments, and to transport crucial aid to the 2.4 million people living in the densely populated, besieged territory.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that a ceasefire without the release of the hostages would mean "surrender to Hamas".

The UK government has backed that stance.

But Mitchell said it was "impossible to comprehend the pain and loss that innocent Palestinians are enduring in Gaza" since Israel launched its offensive.

"Hospitals... should be places of safety, able to treat patients with compassion," he added.

"It is distressing to see them unable to do so. Every civilian death is heartbreaking."

Mitchell said that while Israel has a right to defend itself "against this terrorist threat", it must act within international law.

It must take every precaution to minimise civilian casualties, limiting attacks to military targets, the minister added.

"At the same time, we should be under no illusions Hamas has chosen to embed itself within the civilian population," he added.

"Their willingness to sacrifice innocent Palestinians in this way only brings home their inhumanity. Alleviating the suffering is our foremost priority."

srg/jj/gil
FILE PHOTO: A view of a junction shows the aftermath of a mass-infiltration by Hamas gunmen from the Gaza Strip, in the Sderot area, southern Israel

By Emily Rose

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel police have launched an investigation into allegations of sexual violence during the deadly October attack by Hamas gunmen on Israeli communities around the Gaza Strip, officials said on Tuesday.

The probe was complex and would likely take months, Chief Superintendent David Katz of the national unit for serious and organized crime told reporters at police headquarters in Beit Shemesh.

The investigation is particularly complex because gun battles between Israeli forces and Hamas militants had gone on for days at some of the suspected crime scenes, said Katz. Some of the victims are dead while survivors are struggling with trauma.

"It's much more complicated because there is the matter of time that passed since the actions until we could reach the bodies, some of them were lying there for days," Katz said. "Second of all - the trauma for the victims."

It will take time, Katz said, until survivors will be able to express their ordeal.

"We have other solid information about the crimes including sexual assaults, from eyewitnesses, from forensics which we are still examining, from statements from other participants."

Around 1,200 people were killed, according to Israeli tallies, and some 240 were taken hostage, including children, after Hamas gunmen crossed the border and attacked Israeli towns and villages.

Israel in response has vowed to wipe out Hamas, launching an air, sea and ground offensive that has killed more than 11,000 people, including many children, according to medical officials in Hamas-run Gaza.

No comment was immediately available from Hamas.

(Reporting by Emily Rose; Editing by Lisa Shumaker)
Israel on Monday night claimed to have uncovered a hospital basement with evidence children had been held hostage there by Hamas terrorists.

Israeli commanders said that troops who entered Gaza Citys Rantisi Hospital found baby bottles, nappies, chairs with rope and a motorbike like those used by Hamas to ferry back captives from the October 7 raids into Israel.

Alongside makeshift toilets and curtains said to be used to film possible hostage videos, the IDF also claimed to have found stores of weapons and suicide-bomb vests.

The claims were made in a briefing by Daniel Hagari, the senior spokesman for the Israeli Defence Forces, who produced images of the hospitals basement after visiting it himself.

These are explosive bomb vests, yet terrorists are storing them in a childrens hospital, he said.

Diapers, a baby's bottle, a chair and a rope were found

The chair pictured in the basement

While he said the investigation was still ongoing to establish conclusively what the basement had been used for, all the indications were that it had been used as a hostage holding pen. The whereabouts of any prisoners were currently unknown.

Hamas is a barbaric org, using hostages as human shields, he said. This is a war crime, against international law.

The IDF claims have not been independently verified.

Rope next to a chair which indicates hostages were tied up, says Israel

Mr Hagari spoke as Hamas said it told Qatari mediators that it was prepared to free up to 70 women and children hostages in exchange for a five-day Israeli ceasefire.

Hamas also released what it said was footage of a female Israeli military hostage, whom it said was killed in an Israeli airstrike on November 9.

The footage included a pre-recorded statement of her pleading for her release, plus footage of her corpse.

It came as Joe Biden on Monday night said that Gazas largest hospital must be protected and called for less intrusive action by Israeli forces.

Hundreds of patients remain trapped inside Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City as Israeli troops and Hamas engage in heavy fighting outside it.

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The Israeli government is making a concerted effort to show a raw video compilation of the murder and mutilation of its citizens and civilians by Hamas, as pressure and condemnation mounts against its military assault in the Gaza Strip.

A 45-minute video compiled from body cameras of Hamas attackers, closed-circuit television footage, video from victims cellphones and first responders gives an unprecedented look into how events unfolded Oct. 7.

Israel is showing the video to U.S. government officials, members of the media and outside groups as it faces international pressure to agree to a cease-fire in Gaza, where Hamas says thousands of civilians have died due to Israels onslaught. The U.S. recognizes Hamas as a terrorist organization.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) called the video footage harrowing, after a viewing Tuesday for approximately 150 Republicans and Democrats on Capitol Hill.

Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) saw the video for the first time Tuesday and described the footage as unthinkable.

Ill never be able to unsee any of it, but it furthers my resolve to ensure Israel has what she needs to crush Hamas and get the hostages home, he said.

Gottheimer wants to organize another screening in partnership with the Israeli Embassy so that reporters working on Capitol Hill have the chance to see the footage. The only way to fight antisemitism is probably with education. As painful as this, I think its important for as many people as possible to see it.

A House Democrat, who asked for his name to be withheld because he wanted to think through his on-the-record comments, said: I know that part of what we take from that is the brutality and the barbarity of Hamas and what they did, but I think it also speaks to the need to protect innocent life wherever it is, including Gaza.

And another Democratic member, who asked not to be identified to speak candidly, said it was deeply disappointing that members who are outspoken in their criticism of Israel did not show up for the screening.

Eliav Benjamin, deputy head of mission at the Embassy of Israel, said it was not an easy decision for the government to screen this footage, but that the point is to provide it to audiences with influence on policy and with the public.

Ive seen this already more than once, unfortunately. But I think its important for the world to remember, to internalize and to understand what these savages have done  not what theyre capable of  what they have done.

Benjamin spoke with The Hill before a screening at the Israeli Embassy on Monday for a group of about 120 Christian leaders and community members, flown from across the country into Washington through an anonymous grant provided to the organization the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews.

This group here today, which comes with a very clear Christian affiliation, they have their own influence on their own followers, Benjamin explained.

Attendees view posters of people kidnapped by Hamas during their terrorist attack against Israel, ahead of a screening of raw footage from the attack screened at the Israeli Embassy in Washington D.C. on Monday. (Laura Kelly)

Weve screened it to people from within the administration. We will continue to do this to other people within the administration.  Were doing this with other groups around the country. Again, to internalize, never to forget, never ever to forget what happened. And also to understand where Israel is coming from.

While President Biden has offered stalwart support for Israel, he is increasingly raising alarm over the high death toll for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and the Israeli militarys surrounding of the Al-Shifa hospital, even as the White House supports Israeli intelligence findings that Hamas  and the terrorist group Palestinian Islamic Jihad  use the hospital as cover for tunnels it uses for military operations. The White House further said that it supports Israeli intelligence that Hamas has held hostages in the tunnels under the hospitals.

My hope and expectation is that there will be less intrusive action relative to hospitals, and we remain in contact with the Israelis, Biden said Monday, adding that additional humanitarian pauses are being negotiated for the potential release of hostages and also to increase humanitarian delivery to civilians in the besieged strip.

So I remain somewhat hopeful, but hospitals must be protected.

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to eliminate Hamas for the Oct. 7 attack. But much of the international community is appalled at the death and destruction being wrought in the Gaza Strip by Israels military, with thousands of children and women among those killed under Israeli air strikes and more than 1 million forced to flee from their homes as Israel seeks to evacuate civilians from the zone of conflict.

Humanitarian deliveries of water, food, fuel and electricity are far below the scale needed to support the population caught in the crossfire between Hamas and Israel; 57 Arab and Gulf leaders decried Israeli war crimes at an extraordinary summit held in Saudi Arabia over the weekend. French President Emmanuel Macron has urged Israel to stop bombing Gaza.

And United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a statement Tuesday that a humanitarian cease-fire must be implemented in the name of humanity.

The Secretary-General is deeply disturbed by the horrible situation and dramatic loss of life in several hospitals in Gaza, said Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for Guterres.

But Israel said a cease-fire cannot take place without the guarantee that 240 hostages  to include babies, children, women, elderly, the sick and infirm  are released unconditionally.

A lot of people are already forgetting what happened on Oct. 7, Benjamin, of the Israeli Embassy, said.

Theyre looking at what happened on Oct. 10 or 15 or today on whats going on the ground offense that Israel is busy with at this point. We need to remember where it started with, and what basically began this whole story, with Hamas. This is where it started and this is where the blame should be put.

This is the point of the increasing tempo of the screenings of the Hamas massacre, Benjamin explained.

Israelis are calling Oct. 7 Black Shabbat; an estimated 1,000 civilians were massacred in communities in southern Israel, including 260 people gunned down at a music festival and an estimated 240 taken hostage and still being held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

The video compilation is being shown with the permission of the families of the victims, but many have not seen it themselves, and viewers have to forfeit their mobile phones and electronics to protect against footage being recorded and disseminated.

In addition to screenings for lawmakers on Capitol Hill and at the Israeli Embassy, the video has been screened for journalists in Jerusalem and Washington.

A screening took place at the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles last week, and the Israeli consulate in New York is expected to host a screening, too.

The footage is shocking. Previous media reports have detailed the atrocities of Hamas attackers that are shown in the video.

This reporter watched the screening at the Israeli Embassy on Monday. The audience was nearly silent throughout the 45-minute footage, except for momentary gasps and cries. One woman began praying. Few left.

In the room where the screening took place, there were posters of the people Hamas kidnapped. And while these viewers are all stalwart supporters of Israel, the constantly changing events and influx of information surrounding the six weeks of war had overshadowed for some attendees that Hamas was still holding Israelis and others as hostages.

I really want to know the truth, said Luis Morales Jr., 31, a member of the congregation Vida Real in Boston, explaining why he flew to Washington to watch the screening.

Morales said his church had planned to go on a pilgrimage to Israel at the end of November with 150 members, but that was canceled in the wake of the Hamas attack.

I think its very hard, because obviously theres two sides to the story, but what happened on that day was something that really changed and accelerated a lot of the change that Israel wants to do, he said.

Israel didnt really sugarcoat it; this is what it is, this is what really happened. Reality of video, dashcam, video from Hamas fighters; reality. Im going to put it bluntly: Theyre savages.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) has revealed evidence that the Hamas terrorist group used the basement of a hospital in Gaza City to hide weapons and possibly hold hostages kidnapped on 7 October.

Source: The Times of Israel

Details: IDF spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari stated that Hamas was hiding in hospitals: "Today, we will expose this to the world."

Hagari showed a piece of video evidence that Hamas weapons had been stored under the Rantisi Children's Hospital in Gaza.

He also showed rooms believed to be used to hold hostages. In one living-room-like room, window curtains were covering a tiled wall and a calendar of guard shifts starting on 7 October, the day Hamas sent thousands of terrorists to Israel.

SCREENSHOT FROM IDF VIDEO

A woman's robe and rope were placed next to one of the chair's legs in an adjacent room, which Hagari claimed was proof that restraints had been applied.

The chair was under a piece of equipment supplied by the World Health Organization, with a baby bottle on top and nappies beneath.

Hagari accused the international organisations that fund the hospitals of promoting terror.

There were also what looked to be temporary kitchens, bathrooms, and ventilation pipes, as well as a motorcycle that was allegedly used by a Palestinian to transport hostages into Gaza.

SCREENSHOT FROM IDF VIDEO

Hagari says that Israel is continuing its investigations as to whether hostages had actually been held there, and forensic teams were sent there on Monday.

Among the weapons found in the hospital basement were suicide bomb vests, grenades, AK-47 assault rifles, explosive devices, RPGs and other weapons, the IDF says.

Hagari described the area as a Hamas command-and-control centre.

Israel has long accused Hamas of using hospitals to hide military infrastructure. The terrorist group uses patients as human shields, forcing Israel to scale back its offensive or risk greater civilian casualties.

International law gives hospitals special protection in times of war. However, the International Committee of the Red Cross indicates that hospitals could lose those protections if combatants use them to hide fighters or store weapons.

As of Friday, more than 11,000 Palestinians, two-thirds of them women and minors, had been killed since the war began, as reported by Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and militants.

Background:

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Family members, friends and supporters of Israeli hostages, take part in march at the outskirts of Tel Aviv

Family members, friends and supporters of Israeli hostages, take part in march at the outskirts of Tel Aviv

By Joseph Campbell

TEL AVIV (Reuters) - The families of Israelis being held hostage by Hamas in the Gaza Strip kicked off a five-day march on Tuesday from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem to demand the government does much more to secure their release.

Hamas fighters took around 240 people hostage during their Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel. The captives ranged in age from nine months to 85 and are believed to be being held in tunnels deep under the Gaza Strip.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is coming under fierce criticism from some relatives for not doing more to secure their release as the Israeli military pushes deep into Gaza with an order to destroy Hamas.

"I demand from Benjamin Netanyahu and the cabinet to give us answers and actions," said Shelly Shem Tov, whose 21-year-old son Omer was dragged into Gaza five weeks ago.

"Where are you? Where are you?" she said, addressing the government in an impassioned plea at the start of the march.

The armed wing of the Palestinian militant group Hamas said on Monday it was ready to release up to 70 women and children hostages in return for a five-day truce and the release of 275 Palestinian women and children held in Israeli prisons.

It said Israel was "procrastinating and evading" the price of the deal.

Netanyahu has so far rejected any talk of a ceasefire, telling NBC News on Sunday that he would only be willing to pause the fighting if all the hostages were freed.

He added that the best way to secure a deal was to maintain military pressure on Hamas. "That's the one thing that might create a deal and if a deal is available, well, we will talk about it when it's there," he said.

Israel says Hamas has lost control of the coastal enclave. Medical officials say more than 11,100 Palestinians, around 40 % of them children, have died as a result of Israeli strikes.

The Gaza militants have so far released four hostages, the last on Oct. 23. The Israeli military on Tuesday confirmed the death of a captive soldier, who Hamas said was killed in an Israeli strike.

The Tel Aviv marchers will end their protest on Saturday in front of Netanyahu's residence in Jerusalem, some 65 km (40 miles) away.

"I don't feel like we are in good hands. We don't feel like we get enough information. We fell into the darkness. We want answers," said Amit Zach, the nephew of 72-year-old hostage Adina Moshe.

"I don't have a solution, but it's not my job to get a solution. It's my job to demand my family back," he added.

Holding up pictures of the captives, the crowd chanted "Bring them home now!" One man shouted: "Everyone!"

(Reporting by Joseph Campbell in Tel Aviv and Dan Williams in Jerusalem; Writing by Crispian Balmer; Editing by Christina Fincher)
A pair of top Israeli lawmakers urged world leaders to accept Palestinian refugees displaced amid the Israel-Gaza war in an op-ed published Tuesday in The Wall Street Journal.

Likud member Danny Danon and Yesh Atid member Ram Ben-Barak said leaders have a moral imperative to help the people of Gaza by allowing a limited number of refugees that wanted to relocate from the war-torn region into their countries.

Likud is the partys ruling right-wing party, while Yesh Atid is the centrist opposition. Dannon served as Israels United Nations ambassador for five years until 2020.

Israels bombardment campaign and ground invasion of Gaza have displaced over 1.5 million people, the United Nations estimated. About a quarter million homes have also been damaged or destroyed, the U.N. said.

The Israeli military has urged Gazans to move from the north of the 140 square-mile territory to the south in order to avoid being stuck in the conflict for weeks, though strikes have continued all over the enclave.

The pair argued that accepting Gazan refugees would be no different from Europes efforts to accept refugees from the Syrian and Libyan civil wars in the last decade and similar efforts related to the Yugoslav Wars of the 1990s.

Countries around the world should offer a haven for Gaza residents who seek relocation, they wrote. Countries can accomplish this by creating well-structured and internationally coordinated relocation programs.

We simply need a handful of the worlds nations to share the responsibility of hosting Gazan residents, they continued. Even if countries took in as few as 10,000 people each, it would help alleviate the crisis.

Gazas only other bordering country, Egypt, has strongly spoken against taking in refugees from the war, claiming that Israel would not allow them back into the territory after the conflict ends.

We are rejecting the liquidation of the Palestinian cause and the explosion of Palestinians to Sinai, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said last month.

Al-Sisi said if refugees flow to Egypt, Sinai could be turned into a launching ground for terrorist attacks against Israel, which would in turn blame Egypt for such attacks.

The threat there is significant because it means the liquidation of this (Palestinian) cause, al-Sissi said. Its important for its people to stay steadfast and exist on its land.

Jordan has also rejected calls to accept refugees, and GOP politicians in the U.S. have pushed back on similar notions.

The international community has a moral imperative  and an opportunity  to demonstrate compassion, help the people of Gaza move toward a more prosperous future and work together to achieve greater peace and stability in the Middle East, Dannon and Ben-Barak wrote.

The Israel-Hamas war began early last month after Hamas militants launched a brutal surprise attack on border settlements, killing over 1,200 Israelis. The responding Israeli air and ground campaign has killed over 11,100 Palestinians, including over 4,600 children.

The U.S. has pushed Israel to implement longer humanitarian pauses in fighting in order to help civilians and to help negotiate the release of an estimated 200 hostages held by Hamas.

Much of the fighting in recent days has focused on the hospitals in Gaza City, which the Israeli military claims are host to secret Hamas command posts.

President Biden urged Israel not to attack hospitals on Monday.

My hope and expectation is that there will be less intrusive action relative to hospitals, and we remain in contact with the Israelis, Biden said. Also there is an effort to get this pause to deal with the release of prisoners and thats being negotiated.  So I remain somewhat hopeful, but hospitals must be protected.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The Israeli military confirmed the death of Noa Marciano, a 19-year-old Israeli soldier who was kidnapped during Hamas Oct. 7 attacks, on Tuesday after Hamas released a video on Monday of her pleading with the Israeli military to stop targeting Gaza, where she and other hostages were being held. The Hamas video, which ended with a picture of Marcianos lifeless body, seemed to imply that Israeli airstrikes killed her but there has been no confirmation of how she died. In their statement, the Israeli military did not say how Marciano died but did confirm that she had been kidnapped by a terrorist organization. The New York Times noted that hostages often appear in videos like Marcianos under duress and are forced to give statements. An earlier statement from the Israeli military called the video psychological warfare.

The IDF has confirmed the death of Cpl. Noa Marciano, 19, kidnapped into Gaza and killed in Hamas captivity.



May her memory be a blessing. pic.twitter.com/J7PK2wGN9e  Israel War Room (@IsraelWarRoom) November 14, 2023

Read it at The New York Times

Read more at The Daily Beast.
A fire burns following Israeli air strikes in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip (SAID KHATIB)

With tanks massed at the gates of Gaza's largest hospital, US President Joe Biden pressed Israeli allies to protect civilians, who on Tuesday were trapped inside with dwindling supplies of fuel and water.

After days of heavy air strikes around Gaza City's Al-Shifa hospital, witnesses said tanks and armoured vehicles were metres from the gate of the besieged facility, which has become a focal point of the five-week-old war.

The United Nations believes that thousands, and perhaps more than 10,000 people -- patients, staff, and the displaced -- may be inside and unable to escape because of fierce fighting nearby.

Amid reports of incubated babies dying for lack of electricity and patients facing sniper fire, a surgeon working for Doctors Without Borders said the situation inside the hospital had become "very bad".

"We don't have electricity. There's no water in the hospital. There's no food," said the doctor, who was not named by his organisation. "It is inhuman."

Israel accuses Hamas fighters of using tunnels under the hospital as a command "node", effectively engaging the sick and injured as human shields. It is a charge that Hamas denies.

Israel says it is not targeting the hospital, but has vowed to rout any and all Hamas fighters -- retribution for the attacks of October 7, which killed an estimated 1,200 people, mostly Israeli civilians.

US President Biden called on Israel to use "less intrusive action relative to the hospital", some of his most pointed comments on Israeli operations to date.

"The hospital must be protected," he told reporters in the Oval Office.

Israel Defense Forces spokesman Peter Lerner on Tuesday insisted Al-Shifa was "central in Hamas's command and control capabilities", but said his troops were currently "stand-offish."

"The idea is to try to evacuate the people, evacuate as many as possible," he said.

Underscoring the role that global public opinion is playing in the war, both sides have repeatedly given vastly different accounts of events.

Lerner put the number of people inside the hospital at "a few hundred", while the Hamas government's deputy health minister Youssef Abu Rish, who is present in the hospital, said about 20,000 displaced people had sought refuge there.

- 'Window of legitimacy' -

Hamas's brutal attacks of October 7 and Israel's massive response have sparked protests around the world, with hundreds of thousands of people taking to the streets in the Middle East, Europe and beyond.

Israel's supporters insist it must protect citizens after the worst attack in the country's 75-year history -- an attack that brought painful echoes of past pogroms against the Jewish people.

Israelis also stress the need to recover an estimated 240 hostages taken by Hamas when they stormed across the militarised border from Gaza

But Israel's critics point to the searing toll of a blockade and near-relentless bombing campaign on long-suffering citizens of Gaza.

The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza says Israel's assault has already killed 11,240 people, including 4,630 children.

International aid agencies speak of hundreds of thousands of people displaced and a rolling humanitarian catastrophe.

Israel's top diplomat admitted Monday that his nation has "two or three weeks until international pressure really steps up."

Quoted by his spokesman, Foreign Minister Eli Cohen added that Israel is working to "broaden the window of legitimacy, and the fighting will carry on for as long as necessary."

- Truce talks -

In the face of mounting pressure, Israel has agreed to daily pauses in military operations around specified humanitarian "corridors" to allow Gazans to flee fighting.

Israeli leaders have so far insisted there will be no broader ceasefire before hostages are released.

But Qatar is mediating talks on a possible deal to free the hostages.

Abu Obeida, a spokesman for Hamas's military wing, said Monday that a possible deal would involve the release 100 Israeli hostages in return for 200 Palestinian children and 75 women held in Israeli prisons.

"We informed the mediators we could release the hostages if we obtained five days of truce... and passage of aid to all of our people throughout the Gaza Strip, but the enemy is procrastinating," Abu Obeida said in an audio statement.

Biden said he was "somewhat hopeful" the Qatar-mediated talks could lead to a deal.

As security officials and diplomats continued negotiations, Hamas released a video of a young woman who was said to be an Israeli soldier held in Gaza.

The Israeli army later confirmed the identity of the woman.

"Our hearts go out to the Marciano family, whose daughter, Noa, was brutally kidnapped by the Hamas terrorist organisation," the army said in a statement released shortly after midnight.

"We are using all means, both intelligence and operational, to bring the hostages home."

- Spillover -

The war in Gaza has also spurred violence on other fronts.

In the northern West Bank, five Palestinians were killed in clashes around the city of Tulkarem, the director of a local hospital told AFP on Tuesday.

After repeated strikes on American forces in the Middle East, the United States launched air attacks that killed at least eight pro-Iran fighters in eastern Syria, a war monitor said.

On Monday Israel used fighter jets to strike what it said were "operational command centres" belonging to Iran-backed militia Hezbollah inside Lebanon.

bur-arb/ser
Driving northward to Guangdong trends among Hong Kong, Macao residents

People's Daily Online) 13:22, November 14, 2023

Vehicles pass the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. (Xinhua/Huang Guobao)

Driving northward to Guangdong has become a popular trend among Hong Kong and Macao residents.

Since the implementation of the "Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles" and the "Northbound Travel for Macao Vehicles" policies on January 1 and July 1, respectively, Gongbei Customs in south China's Guangdong Province has recorded 1 million entry and exit trips made by single-plate vehicles from Hong Kong and Macao as of Nov. 1.

Chen Bin, a resident of Hong Kong, said that he frequently drives to Guangdong on weekends. Chen and his family have been exploring various cities in Guangdong since the implementation of the "Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles" policy.

They recently visited their ancestral home in Zhongshan city of Guangdong and made a trip to Jiangmen city to see the famous Kaiping Diaolou, which are multi-storied defensive village houses.

Liu Yi , a resident of Macao, sees the "Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles" and "Northbound Travel for Macao Vehicles" policies as an additional option for Hong Kong and Macao residents to experience a dual-city life.

He said driving on the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge is a remarkable journey in itself. The bridge, resembling a dragon winding across the sea, offers breathtaking views accompanied by the enchanting hues of the sunset, creating a romantic and awe-inspiring scene.

Hong Kong and Macao residents who opt for northbound travel are not restricted to the Pearl River Delta region. They often explore the western and northern parts of Guangdong as well.

At the Gulong Gorge scenic area in Qingyuan, northern Guangdong, staff members have noticed an increase in the number of vehicles with Hong Kong and Macao license plates visiting the area in recent months.

The "Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles" and the "Northbound Travel for Macao Vehicles" policies are important innovative measures to promote transportation connectivity in the Greater Bay Area, and better integrate Hong Kong and Macao into the national development.

An official of the border checkpoint at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge said since October, 182,000 trips have been made by single-plate vehicles from Hong Kong and Macao under the policies, with a 21 percent increase compared to the previous period.

During weekends and holidays, an average of 6,900 single-plate vehicles pass through daily. The highest daily records for Hong Kong and Macao single-plate vehicles passing through the checkpoint were 4,200 and 4,900, respectively.

Since the opening of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, the implementation of various policies has led to improved traffic flow and thriving passenger volume, highlighting the strengthened connectivity within the Greater Bay Area.

Statistics show that in the five years since its opening, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge has accommodated a total of 36 million passenger trips, 7.5 million vehicle trips, and the total import and export value through the bridge's port has reached 718.75 billion yuan ($98.77 billion).

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
One of Donald Trumps former attorneys told Georgia prosecutors that Trump knew he had lost the 2020 election but was simply not going to leave the White House, testimony that could signal his death knell in the Fulton County case.

Jenna Ellis struck a plea deal with Fulton County prosecutors in late October, agreeing to testify against Trump in exchange for a lighter sentence. ABC News managed to acquire footage of her testimony, which it published Monday evening.

The video footage shows Ellis describing how senior Trump aide Dan Scavino told her during the 2020 White House Christmas party that the boss intended to simply stay in office. Ellis explained that everyone knew the boss meant Trump.

Ellis said she pointed out that Trump had lost the election and they had lost all of their attempts to challenge the result in court. Scavino replied, Well, we dont care, and were not going to leave.

And I said, What do you mean? And he said, Well, the boss  is not going to leave under any circumstances. We are just going to stay in power, Ellis said.

And I said to him, Well, it doesnt quite work that way, you realize? And he said, We dont care.

EXCLUSIVE: ABC News has obtained video from Georgia prosecutors' interview with ex-Trump attorney Jenna Ellis, in which Ellis tells them she was personally informed by a top Trump adviser that Trump was "not going to leave" the White House  despite losing the 2020 election. pic.twitter.com/J9c4bm9cbZ  ABC News (@ABC) November 13, 2023

ABC also obtained footage of former Trump lawyer Sidney Powells testimony. Powell, who claims she never actually worked for Trump, struck a plea deal with Georgia prosecutors in mid-October.

In her testimony, she describes being in frequent contact with Trump as she worked to seize voting machines nationwide. Powell also reiterated the false assertion that Trump won the electionbut acknowledged in the video that she didnt know much about election law to begin with, ABC reported.

Trump was charged with felony racketeering in Georgia for trying to overturn the states 2020 election results. He pleaded not guilty to all 13 charges. A big part of his defense is that he truly believed he won the election and was acting based on legal advice.

But Elliss testimony could prove to be his undoing. Neal Katyal, the former principal deputy solicitor general of the United States, said it was significant that Elliss conversation with Scavino took place after all of Trumps election challenge cases were rejected, including by the Supreme Court.

This evidence goes to criminal intent that Donald Trump wasnt thinking about whether he won or lost, he was just going to stay in power no matter what, Katyal said Monday night on MSNBC.

All of this together paints a really damaging picture for Donald Trump.
Mexico's first openly non-binary member of the judiciary and prominent LGBTQ+ activist Jesus Ociel Baena has been found dead at their home.

The body of the magistrate was discovered on Monday in the central city of Aguascalientes, alongside that of a second person.

Local media identified the second person as Baena's partner.

Security Minister Rosa Icela Rodriguez said it was unclear "if it was a homicide or... some kind of accident".

According to a statement from the state attorney-general's office, there was no sign that a third person had entered the house.

They said that a sharp object had been found and that preliminary findings suggested the incident could have been a personal matter.

The LGBTQ+ rights group Letra S has urged local authorities to investigate the deaths thoroughly and without prejudice.

Alejandro Brito, the group's director, said that Baena, who used they/them pronouns, had received "many hate messages, and even threats of violence and death", the Associated Press reported.

Brito added that Baena had been "breaking through the invisible barriers that closed in the nonbinary community".

The 38-year-old became a magistrate for the Aguascalientes state electoral court in October 2022 and was thought to be the first non-binary person in Latin America to take up a judicial position.

In June, they were among the first group of people to be issued gender-neutral passports.

"I am a non-binary person, I am not interested in seeing myself as a woman or a man," Baena wrote on X, formerly Twitter, the same month.

"This is an identity, it is mine and for me, for no one else."

A vigil was held for Baena by other LGBTQ+ activists in the capital, Mexico City, on Monday evening.

"We are heirs to a struggle that Ociel inherited from us," one person told Reuters news agency.

"We must not let Ociel's death pass in vain and we must carry on the legacy Ociel left us."

The former chief justice of Mexico's Supreme Court, Arturo Zaldivar, wrote on social media that he deeply regretted the magistrate's death.

"We lost a strong voice for equality and the rights of LGBTI+ people," he said.
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP)  Hundreds of protesters led by Jewish peace activists calling for a cease-fire in Gaza staged a sit-in inside of the federal building in Oakland, California, leading to multiple arrests.

People wore T-shirts reading "Jews Say Cease-fire Now and carried banners that read Not in Our Name and Let Gaza Live in the rotunda of the Ronald V. Dellums Federal building on Monday evening.

Jewish Voice for Peace, one of the protest organizers, posted online that dozens of people had been taken into custody by 9 p.m.

Protesters were escorted outside of the building by U.S. Department of Homeland Security police. Messages were sent early Tuesday to the department and to Oakland police asking how many people were arrested and on what charges.

There is no other choice, Rabbi Lynn Gottlieb of Berkeley told KNTV-TV when explaining why she was at the sit-in. How many people do we have to kill before we arrive at a cease-fire?

The protest was part of a growing number across the country following fighting triggered by Hamas Oct. 7 surprise attack on Israel, whose response has led to thousands of deaths  and much destruction  across Gaza.

On Monday, hundreds of Jewish peace activists and their allies converged at a major train station in downtown Chicago during rush hour blocking the entrance to the Israeli consulate and demanding U.S. support for an Israel cease-fire.

Jewish Voice for Peace led a similar sit-in in New York Citys Grand Central Station on Oct. 27, where a sea of protesters filled the main concourse during evening rush hour, chanting slogans and unfurling banners demanding a cease-fire as Israel intensified its bombardment of the Gaza Strip. At least 200 demonstrators were detained by New York police officers.

___

The story has been updated to correct a typo in the name of the Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building.
Some commuters arriving downtown Monday morning at Ogilvie Transportation Center were met with protesters calling for an end to the Israeli governments bombing of Gaza.

More than 1,000 Jewish peace activists gathered outside the Israeli consulate located in the Ogilvie building to deliver an urgent call for a cease-fire in Gaza, where more than 11,000 Palestinians  including thousands of children  have been killed since Oct. 7.

The crisis in Gaza didnt start Oct. 7, but it intensified that day when Israel was attacked by Hamas  which the U.S. has designated a terrorist organization  kidnapping about 240 people and killing 1,200 others.

Were shutting down the consulate because business as usual cant continue when Israel is committing a genocidal assault on Gaza in our name, said Simone Pass Tucker, a member of the IfNotNow movement.

On Monday, alongside IfNotNow, organizers from Jewish Voice for Peace and Never Again Action made speeches, sang songs and prayed.

The mass action took over the escalators that go up to where the Israeli consulate offices are located and protesters spread out holding a large white sheet with Jews say ceasefire now written across it.

Most commuters kept walking by, while some stopped to watch the demonstration. A spokesperson for Metra said that trains continued to run normally, but commuters werent able to use the main doors at 500 W. Madison St. to leave the station.

Jodi Melamed, a Jewish Voice for peace member from Milwaukee, said she hopes the message is clear that Joe Bidens administration must stop its insane complicity.

Were here in anger and rage as Jews and as American citizens, she said. We really feel that fighting for Palestinian life is the same thing as fighting anti-Semitism. Its the same thing as fighting Islamophobia. These are all part of the same fight. Our history makes us stand up for every life. It doesnt condone genocide.

Michael Wolfe, chapter organizer for Jewish Voice for Peace, said he too has been trying to dispel the argument that pro-Palestine equals antisemitism.

Its incredibly dangerous when the Israeli government does what it does, and says that theyre doing it in the name of the Jewish people. It just creates so much confusion that actually makes it harder for people like me to have a real conversation about what antisemitism really is, Wolfe said.

Wolfes aunt and cousins live in Israel, and he noted how theyre able to move freely across the country, while Palestinians living in Gaza or the West Bank cannot.

The textbook definition of apartheid is to have two different sets of rights for people. Palestinians dont deserve this, he said. Im continually humbled by the generosity that the Palestinians extend.  I have a friend who lost more than 34 members of her family (in the attacks on Gaza), and shes like, Is your family OK? This is why were doing this.

According to Jewish Voice for Peace, 100 people were arrested Monday for blocking the entrance to the Israeli consulate. The Chicago Police Department was not immediately available to confirm those arrests.

Todays action was the largest demonstration of Midwest Jews in solidarity with Palestinians in history, Wolfe said.

He said its important to keep the momentum going. People are resigning from the State Department; congressional staff are telling us privately that its working, he said. I do have hope.

zsyed@chicagotribune.com
CHICAGO  Some commuters arriving downtown Monday morning at Chicago's Ogilvie Transportation Center were met with protesters calling for an end to the Israeli governments bombing of Gaza.

More than 1,000 Jewish peace activists gathered outside the Israeli Consulate located in the Ogilvie building to deliver an urgent call for a cease-fire in Gaza, where more than 11,000 Palestinians  including thousands of children  have been killed since Oct. 7.

The crisis in Gaza didnt start Oct. 7, but it intensified that day when Israel was attacked by Hamas  which the U.S. has designated a terrorist organization  kidnapping about 240 people and killing 1,200 others.

Were shutting down the consulate because business as usual cant continue when Israel is committing a genocidal assault on Gaza in our name, said Simone Pass Tucker, a member of the IfNotNow movement.

On Monday, alongside IfNotNow, organizers from Jewish Voice for Peace and Never Again Action made speeches, sang songs and prayed.

The mass action took over the escalators that go up to where the Israeli consulate offices are located and protesters spread out holding a large white sheet with Jews say ceasefire now written across it.

Most commuters kept walking by, while some stopped to watch the demonstration. A spokesperson for Metra said that trains continued to run normally, but commuters werent able to use the main doors at 500 W. Madison St. to leave the station.

Jodi Melamed, a Jewish Voice for Peace member from Milwaukee, said she hopes the message is clear that Joe Bidens administration must stop its insane complicity.

Were here in anger and rage as Jews and as American citizens, she said. We really feel that fighting for Palestinian life is the same thing as fighting antisemitism. Its the same thing as fighting Islamophobia. These are all part of the same fight. Our history makes us stand up for every life. It doesnt condone genocide.

Michael Wolfe, chapter organizer for Jewish Voice for Peace, said he too has been trying to dispel the argument that pro-Palestine equals antisemitism.

Its incredibly dangerous when the Israeli government does what it does, and says that theyre doing it in the name of the Jewish people. It just creates so much confusion that actually makes it harder for people like me to have a real conversation about what antisemitism really is, Wolfe said.

Wolfes aunt and cousins live in Israel, and he noted how theyre able to move freely across the country, while Palestinians living in Gaza or the West Bank cannot.

The textbook definition of apartheid is to have two different sets of rights for people. Palestinians dont deserve this, he said. Im continually humbled by the generosity that the Palestinians extend. ... I have a friend who lost more than 34 members of her family (in the attacks on Gaza), and shes like, Is your family OK? This is why were doing this.

According to Jewish Voice for Peace, 100 people were arrested Monday for blocking the entrance to the Israeli Consulate. The Chicago Police Department was not immediately available to confirm those arrests.

Todays action was the largest demonstration of Midwest Jews in solidarity with Palestinians in history, Wolfe said.

He said its important to keep the momentum going. People are resigning from the State Department; congressional staff are telling us privately that its working, he said. I do have hope.

_____
(L-R) Eli Shmidman, Noa Fay , Yoni Kurtz and Jessica Brenner, Jewish students currently enrolled at Columbia University are pictured during press conference at the University Campus on October 30, 2023 to shed light on Columbia University failure to acknowledge and protect the Jewish students from acts of antisemitism. Accordingly to the students since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, Jewish students at Columbia have been subjected to dozens of anti-Semitic incidents on campus, including violence. Credit - Luiz C. Ribeiro for NY Daily News- Getty Images

My grandfather was from Germany, and he often shared stories with me about his beautiful town, Magdeburg, and what a tolerant place Germany was for Jews and its citizensuntil one day it wasnt. My wife and her family are from Iran, and she often says how Iran was a wonderful place for Jewsuntil one day it wasnt.

I dont want to tell my future grandchildren that America was a flourishing home for Jews until one dayOctober 7, 2023it wasnt.

After deep hate-fueled tragedies in recent years, like the murder of George Floyd, the Pulse nightclub massacre, the assault of Asian-Americans on our city streets, and the call for a Muslim ban, there was collective outrage. People from all walks of life locked arms and made it known that this extremism wont be tolerated.

In contrast, in the days following the brutal massacre of more than 1,200 men, women, and children in Israel, the worst violence committed against the Jewish people since the Holocaust, there was a noticeable silence. And now, we have an emboldened movement of people taking to the streets and campuses from coast to coast cheering on the Hamas terrorists, calling for the elimination of the Jewish state, and expressing outrage that Israel should want to do what the U.S., France, Britain, and other countries did when faced with a terrorist organization dedicated to killing its peoplethat is, eliminate the threat.

We are experiencing a moral failure of our supposed friends and our so-called leaders. With some notable and appreciated exceptions, overall, standing up against hate is not as clear cut when its targeting Jews. What is driving this is nothing but old-fashioned antisemitism.

Fueling it is a moral relativism that has seized much of our media, captured our universities, and overtaken so many pillars of our society. Even our most prestigious institutions seem incapable of calling out antisemitism with the same clarity and conviction that they bring to nearly every other social issue, conceivable grievance, and perceived microaggression.

Or if they do condemn specific antisemitic acts, they often feel the need to add in a list of other forms of bigotry that they condemn at the same time. For example, the Stanford University Presidents initial statement on Israel, which didnt even mention terrorism and his follow-up statement which barely called out the growing antisemitism on the campus. By doing so, it reveals they dont believe antisemitism is valid enough to condemn on its own. It sends the message, in the words of the British comedian and commentator David Baddiel, that Jews dont count.

Or take the glee in which people seem to have as they tear down the KIDNAPPED posters publicizing those who have been abducted by Hamas. It shows how far people have fallen in their dehumanization of Jewsfrom grandmothers to babiesthey dont see them as victims of a horrific war crime.

Read More: It's Not Easy Being Jewish on American Campuses Today

Today, too many see it as trendy to root against the Jewish state and stand with the terrorist group Hamas. Too many believe this is the cause du jour and are happily hopping on board, chanting slogans that may sound catchy, but are in fact deeply antisemitic.

What they dont appreciate is that their embrace of this rhetoric actually emboldens violent actors. In France, a Jewish woman was stabbed and a swastika graffitied on her door. In Los Angeles, a Jewish man was killed at a protest. In fact, ADLs latest data tracked a total of 832 antisemitic incidents in the U.S. during the one-month period following the Oct. 7 attacka more than 315-percent increase in incidents of harassment, vandalism and assaults compared to the year prior, and an average of about 27 incidents per day. Globally, incidents of antisemitism are reaching new levels with an increase of 537 percent in the U.K. and an increase of 961 percent in Brazil.

Meanwhile, a new national survey found that in the wake of the Israel-Hamas war about 70 percent of Americans view antisemitism as a growing problem, a significant increase from 49 percent who felt that way in 2022. The ADL survey also found that 18 percent of Americans indicated they themselves had witnessed hatred of Jews manifested in their own communities, an increase from 13 percent in 2022.

From the halls of high schools to the campuses of our universities, from the streets of Brooklyn to the suburbs of Los Angeles, Jewish Americans feel under threat. It is inexcusable, and it must end.

That starts not with a cancel culture, but with a counsel culture. We need to engage and educate those who are naive or misunderstand what is going on. In fact, this is part of our core mission at ADL to partner with schools, organizations, and communities to deliver anti-bias education.

But for those who glorify Hamas, celebrate the massacre of Jews, and continue to harass and intimidate, or for institutions that turn a blind eye or cant bring themselves to clearly condemn antisemitism, we need a consequence culture." We must hold them accountable.

We must act because the Jewish experience teaches us that at some point the golden era can end. We dont have the luxury to assume itll all work out.

It didnt work out for my grandfather in Germany, or my father-in-law in Iran. America is different, and we must fight to make sure it continues to be.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
This 2022 photo supplied by the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society shows puteketeke at Lake Ellesmere, south of Christchurch in New Zealand. Vote count for New Zealand's Bird of the Century has been delayed by comedian John Oliver's global campaign, as he discovered a loophole in the rules, which allowed anybody with a valid email address to cast a vote. So he went all-out in a humorous campaign for his favored bird, the puteketeke, a water bird, on his HBO show "Last Week Tonight." (Peter Foulds/Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society via AP)

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP)  Comedian John Oliver has succeeded in his campaign to have what he describes as a weird, puking bird with a colorful mullet win New Zealand's Bird of the Century contest.

He managed to elbow out the iconic national bird, the kiwi.

Conservation group Forest and Bird on Wednesday announced that Oliver's favored water bird, the puteketeke, had won after Oliver went all-out in a humorous campaign for the bird on his HBO show Last Week Tonight. The North Island brown kiwi came in second.

Vote checkers in New Zealand were so overwhelmed by Oliver's foreign interference they had to postpone naming the winning bird for two days.

Usually billed Bird of the Year, the annual event is held to raise awareness about the plight of the nations native birds, some of which have been driven to extinction. This year, the contest was named Bird of the Century to mark the groups centennial.

Oliver discovered a loophole in the rules, which allowed anybody with a valid email address to cast a vote.

Oliver had a billboard erected for The Lord of the Wings in New Zealand's capital, Wellington. He also put up billboards in Paris, Tokyo, London, and Mumbai, India. He had a plane with a banner fly over Ipanema Beach in Brazil. And he wore an oversized bird costume on Jimmy Fallon's The Tonight Show.

After all, this is what democracy is all about," Oliver said on his show. America interfering in foreign elections.

Forest and Bird didn't immediately release the final vote tally Wednesday but said the group received more than 350,000 verified votes, more than six times the previous record of 56,700 votes in 2021.

They said Oliver's high-powered campaign temporarily crashed their voting verification system.

It's been pretty crazy, in the best possible way, Chief Executive Nicola Toki told The Associated Press before the winner was announced.

New Zealand is unusual in that birds developed as the dominant animals before humans arrived.

If you think about the wildlife in New Zealand, we don't have lions and tigers and bears," Toki said. Despite nearly nine of every ten New Zealanders now living in towns or cities, she added, many retain a deep love of nature.

We have this intangible and extraordinarily powerful connection to our wildlife and our birds, Toki said.

The contest has survived previous controversies. Election scrutineers in 2020 discovered about 1,500 fraudulent votes for the little spotted kiwi. And two years ago, the contest was won by a bat, which was allowed because it was considered part of the bird family by Indigenous Maori.

This year, the organizers said they eliminated more fraudulent votes, including 40,000 cast by a single person for the eastern rockhopper penguin.

Toki said that when the contest began in 2005, they had a total of 865 votes, which they considered a great success. She said the previous record vote count was broken within a couple of hours of Oliver launching his campaign.

Toki said Oliver contacted the group earlier this year asking if he could champion a bird. They had told him to go for it, not realizing what was to come.

I was cry laughing, Toki said when she watched Oliver's segment.

Oliver described how the puteketeke, which number less than 1,000 in New Zealand and are also known as the Australasian crested grebe, eats its own feathers before vomiting them back up.

They have a mating dance where they both grab a clump of wet grass and chest bump each other before standing around unsure of what to do next, Oliver said on his show, adding that he'd never identified more with anything in his life.

Some in New Zealand pushed back against Olivers campaign. One group put up billboards reading: Dear John, don't disrupt the pecking order, while others urged people to vote for the kiwi. Oliver responded by saying the kiwi looked like a rat carrying a toothpick.

For the record, all of your birds are great, and it would be an honor to lose to any of them when the results are announced on Wednesday," Oliver said on his show. The reason it is so easy for me to say that is that we aren't going to lose, are we? We are going to win, and we are going to win by a lot.
One of the worlds most glamorous couples just got profiled in one of the worlds most glamorous magazines, and the feedback they received was a little unexpected.

Were of course talking about Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez, who were featured in a spread for Vogues December issue, soon after announcing they were relocating to the Amazon founders home of Miami.

READ MORE: Bezos is taking over Billionaire Bunker in Miami

The lovebirds did a joint interview, discussing what makes them tick, and we learned a number of more personal things about these two. For instance, Sanchez blacked out when Bezos proposed to her with a ginormous, 30 carat ring aboard his $500 million yacht last May.

The 53-year-old former TV journalist also promised that after they wed, she will 100 percent take her hubbys last name.

For his part, Bezos, 59, gushes that his fiancee helps him put more energy into relationships and is a very good role model.

Nice.

Something else we learned about these two? Bezos and Sanchez have their lions share of critics, and some can be super mean.

After Vogue posted an artsy looking shot of them posing in a truck on Instagram Monday, the trolls came out of the woodwork in full force.

Many critics couldnt believe Bezos, wearing a cowboy hat and tight T-shirt, was that ripped and accused the editors of photoshopping his arm. (To be fair: The billionaires biceps may be that rock hard, judging from all the time he logs at the gym.)

READ MORE: Jeff Bezos has a twin in Miami, and the guy is great at water sports

Others couldnt get over how flawless the duo appeared, as if they were actors in a telenovela or generated by AI.

Some were just disturbed and even angry that the snap  taken by famed photographer Annie Liebovitz  came up on their feed at all:

I would like to unsee this picture.

No one wants this content.

Is this a joke?

Ive never been more uncomfortable with a photo.

This is No. 1 the most cringe post I have ever seen. Unfollowing.

OK, there were a few fans among all the haters, namely a bunch of stars from Hulus The Kardashians.

Momager Kris Jenner swooned over her pals: This King and Queen are magical!! Beyond gorgeous.

Daughter Khloe seconded that emotion: You guys look amazing!

And finally, Kim, who recently invited Sanchez to her 43rd birthday party, wrote in all caps: LOVEg THIS SHOOT!
A Joliet man was sentenced to six years in prison for selling drugs in 2016 to a Lockport woman who later died of an overdose, the Will County states attorneys office announced Monday.

Steve Talbot, 36, of Joliet, was sentenced by Will County Judge Carmen Goodman after pleading guilty Monday to one count of drug induced homicide for selling heroin and fentanyl to 24-year-old Celeste Roppo, a Lockport resident, according to a news release.

Roppos family found her unconscious Nov. 29, 2016, inside her Lockport home. She was transported to Silver Cross Hospital, where she was pronounced dead, prosecutors said.

Medical personnel found suspected drugs in her clothing, which the Illinois State Police crime lab determined to be 0.1 gram of heroin and fentanyl. The autopsy found Roppo died of fentanyl intoxication, according to the release.

Will County States Attorney James Glasgow said fentanyl is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine, which means just two milligrams of fentanyl is lethal.

Unscrupulous dealers commonly lace other drugs, such as heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine, with the cheaper fentanyl to increase the high and entice the addicted drug user to come back for more, inflating their profits at the expense of the victims, Glasgow said in the release.

The investigation uncovered messages regarding the drug exchange between Roppo and Kylie Murphy, of Elwood, who was sentenced in March to 10 years in prison, according to prosecutors.

Talbot was with Murphy when the drugs were purchased and exchanged, according to the release. Talbot was indicted in November 2019, said states attorneys office spokeswoman Carole Cheney.

Since 2009, Glasgow has charged 20 defendants in drug induced homicide cases, according to the release.

akukulka@chicagotribune.com
The long "journey to justice" for Dan Markel and his family took a quick turn after Donna Adelson was unexpectedly stopped and arrested before boarding a one-way flight to Vietnam.

Donna Adelson and her husband, Harvey Adelson, were intercepted Monday night by multiple law enforcement agencies at the Miami International Airport.

"We were so delighted at the quick and effective response of the State Attorney and the FBI," said Dan Markel's mom, Ruth Markel in an interview with the Tallahassee Democrat. "We really appreciate all the collaboration and the timely communication with our family."

Donna Adelson was arrested Monday, Nov. 13, 2023 and booked into a Miami-Dade detention facility.

Read Donna Adelson arrest warrant: Talk of fleeing, suicide and 'getting things in order'

Ruth Markel, who attended the trial with her husband, Phil, and daughter, Shelly, said that because of Marsy's Law, a constitutional amendment granting rights to crime victims, her family received an alert of the arrest prior to the public announcement.

Adelson, 73, of Miami, was taken into custody on charges of first-degree murder, conspiracy and solicitation in the 2014 plot to kill Markel. These are the same charges her son, Charlie Adelson, a Fort Lauderdale periodontist, was convicted of one week prior to her arrest.

According to court records, intercepted jail calls revealed that Adelson was calling to tell her son that "she was getting things in order, creating trusts and making sure her grandchildren are taken care of." She also discussed suicide and plans to flee to a non-extradition country.

Even if she hadn't tried to run, Jason Solomon, the founder of the Justice for Dan organization, said he thinks the State Attorney's Office would have gone after her in the near future.

"It's clear that, at a minimum, she and her son Charlie were responsible for this horrible murder, and they need to be held accountable," Solomon said.

The state has been "very methodical" with each arrest made in connection to the murder, he said. They've done a terrific job so far, and while he doesn't know if more members of the Adelson family will be arrested in the scheme, Solomon said he hopes so.

Charlie Adelson licks his lips as his defense attorney Daniel Rashbaum whispers to him before the verdict is read Monday, Nov. 6, 2023.

Solomon formed the advocacy group in the years following the murder to push the justice system to hold all involved parties accountable.

He said the case posed an important question: "Can people really get away with murder, and particularly, can people with money just pay people to do their dirty work and get off scot free?"

"Donna's arrest means that the answer is clearly no," Solomon said.

The case, which grew out of nasty divorce and child custody battle between Donna Adelson's daughter, Wendi Adelson, and her ex-husband, Markel, has captivated the attention of people from Tallahassee to South Florida and across the country. The latest arrest in the case generated a buzz among the community's watchful eyes.

"Unbelievable!" one Facebook user commented. "That was way faster than expected! I guess Charlie wasnt lying when he was saying theyd be at the airport already if they thought they were going to be arrested!"

"This is sweet justice!" another person wrote.

"Wonderful news!" another Facebook user commented. "Justice for Dan, his parents & his boys!"

The community echoes Markel's sentiment that the swift arrest was "a major win."

Shelly Markel, left, holds hands with her mother Ruth across Phil Markels lap as they wait for the verdict to be read in Charlie Adelsons trial for the murder of Dan Markel on Monday, Nov. 6, 2023.

The Markel family just started settling back into their homes and lives in Toronto, Canada, after being in Tallahassee for Charlie Adelson's nine-day trial, but they are prepared to pack up again and come back for Donna Adelson's future court proceedings, Ruth Markel said.

They have attended every hearing and trial connected to their son's murder, she said, because it's crucial to keeping her son's memory alive.

"He was an important part of our family, and we want to show ourselves and the public how dedicated we have to be to keep this story alive," she said.

Markel said she and her family appreciate all the continued support of the media and Tallahassee community.

"The trial life, which was characterized by waiting and uncertainty, is starting to show a little bit of light at the end of the tunnel," Markel said.

Chronicling every day of the Charlie Adelson trial:

The Tallahassee Democrat, which has covered the case closely since Markel's murder, had three journalists in the courtroom. Here is a collection of their coverage.

Elena Barrera can be reached at ebarrera@tallahassee.com. Follow her on Twitter @elenabarreraaa.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: For Dan Markel's family, Donna Adelson arrest is another 'major win'
PETERSBURG  Sentencing for the second of three suspects in the 2022 shooting death of a 19-year-old woman at a downtown apartment complex was delayed Tuesday after defense counsel claimed the jury erred in convicting his client on two of the charges he had faced.

James Bullard told Circuit Judge Dennis Martin he saw no reason how Jesiah Flowers could have been found guilty of both second-degree murder and shooting inside an occupied building because the bullet that killed Ms. [Toni] Knight did not come from my client. Bullard had filed a motion prior to Tuesdays sentencing hearing to set aside the verdict, but lead prosecutor Thomas Chaffe said he had not responded to the motion because it was filed too late.

Flowers said nothing as he sat at the table during the hearing. He had his right arm in a sling, but nothing was said on the record as to why.

Flowers was convicted June 9 on one count of second-degree murder; three counts each of using a firearm in the commission of a felony and shooting in the commission of a felony; two counts of shooting inside an occupied building; and one count of malicious wounding. He is facing a maximum of 40 years on the murder charge, as much as 10 years each on all the firearms charges, and a minimum of five years on the malicious wounding charge.

Toni Knight

Knight, also known as "Stinka," was killed July 2, 2022, when she was caught in gunfire among the three suspects at the ArtistSpace Lofts apartment complex on Perry Street. Surveillance video shown at the trial indicated Knight was hit once in the chest as she prepared to walk into the building.

Devin Mitchell, one of the suspects, was firing in the direction of Flowers and the third suspect as Knight walked up. Testimony at the trial indicated one of the bullets from Mitchells gun was the one that killed Knight.

Bullards motion was based on Virginia Code Section 18.2-279 that states a person can be convicted of shooting inside a building whereby the life or lives of any such person or persons may be put in peril. The code also states that if someone dies as a result of the shooting, then the shooter can be convicted of either first- or second-degree murder, depending upon whether or not the person killed was the intended target.

Bullard argued that since Knight died in the incident, Flowers essentially had been convicted twice of second-degree murder.

A charge needs to go away, Bullard told Martin.

Chaffe said the jury convicted Flowers on the charges based on the instructions jurors were given at trial. In Virginia, instructions must be agreed upon by both prosecution and defense before they are given to the jury.

If Bullard had a question about the charges, Chaffe said he should have raised it prior to the instructions.

Martin seemed hesitant initially to act on Bullards motion for the same reason. He pointedly asked Bullard if he recalled raising objections to the instructions.

I dont know if I did, Bullard replied.

After several moments of silence from the bench, Martin agreed to delay the sentencing in order to act on the defense motion, and I know theres gonna be a lot of people in this courtroom not happy about that. He and the attorneys then spent several minutes settling on a date for the hearing, making sure it would happen at a time where there were no other cases on the days docket.

I dont want it to go too far out because the victims family is entitled to closure, and the defendants family is entitled to closure, the judge said.

The hearing was scheduled for 1 p.m. Dec. 1, four days before Mitchell is scheduled for his sentencing.

Mitchell, who was convicted in a joint trial with Flowers, faces punishment of up to 10 years each for one count of voluntary manslaughter, and two counts each of use of a firearm in the commission of a felony and shooting inside an occupied building.

The third suspect, 18-year-old Keyshawn Hicks, pleaded guilty Sept. 7 to second-degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. As part of a plea agreement, he was given a 33-year sentence with all but 10 years suspended. Hicks, who was on the stairwell with Flowers inside the apartment building when the shooting started, was a juvenile at the time everything happened.

More: Family, friends mark one year since 19-year-old woman killed in Petersburg

Bill Atkinson (he/him/his) is an award-winning journalist who covers breaking news, government and politics. Reach him at batkinson@progress-index.com or on X (formerly known as Twitter) at @BAtkinson_PI.

This article originally appeared on The Progress-Index: Judge agrees to delay sentencing in Toni Knight murder case
A North Dakota judge has denied a request to temporarily block a state law preventing transgender minors from accessing gender-affirming medical care, leaving one of the nations most stringent transgender health care bans intact.

District Judge Jackson Lofgren on Monday denied a temporary restraining order requested by three North Dakota families with transgender children and a physician who treats transgender youths in a September lawsuit. A hearing for an additional request for a preliminary injunction is slated for January.

Were disappointed in this ruling, but we are confident that when all the evidence has been presented, the court will ultimately find that ending the health care ban permanently is the only just, equitable, and constitutional resolution, Brittany Stewart of Gender Justice, the plaintiffs lead attorney, told the Associated Press on Tuesday.

Lofgren, in his ruling, cited the plaintiffs nearly five-month delay in filing their initial complaint, which argues that the states new restrictions on puberty blockers, hormones and surgeries violate the constitutional rights of transgender youths in North Dakota.

The law they are challenging, House Bill 1254, took effect in April, immediately after it was signed by Republican Gov. Doug Burgum, a 2024 GOP presidential candidate.

Under the measure, it is a misdemeanor  punishable by up to 360 days in jail and $3,000 in fines  to prescribe or administer puberty blockers or doses of testosterone or estrogen to transgender minors. Health care providers who perform gender-affirming surgeries on minors are guilty of a felony crime.

It remains legal in the state to provide the same care to children and adolescents who are not transgender.

Gender-affirming health care for both transgender adults and minors is considered medically necessary by every major medical organization, though not all transgender people want or need medical treatment as part of their transition.

Twenty-two states since 2021 have passed laws that heavily restrict or ban gender-affirming health care for transgender minors, including 19 that did so this year. A majority have been challenged in court, and health care bans passed in Montana and Indiana are currently blocked by court orders. A similar Florida ban is partially blocked.

In June, a federal judge in Arkansas permanently blocked the states first-in-the-nation ban, ruling it unconstitutional.

Preliminary injunctions halting the enforcement of gender-affirming health care bans in Alabama, Kentucky and Tennessee were lifted over the summer by federal appeals courts. A federal judge in Georgia last month restored the states ban on puberty blockers and hormones that had been blocked by a lower court in August.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A federal judge on Tuesday denied Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greenes (R-Ga.) request that a New York man convicted of threatening her pay the roughly $65,000 cost of a fence the congresswoman installed at her home.

Joseph Morelli was sentenced to three months in prison after pleading guilty to three counts of transmitting interstate threats over voicemail messages he left at Greenes Washington office in March 2022.

Backed by the Biden administrations Department of Justice, Greene demanded $66,632 she spent constructing a security fence and reconfiguring her closed-circuit television system at her home in Georgia using campaign funds.

U.S. District Judge Brenda Sannes, an Obama appointee, denied the request in a 14-page ruling, saying federal law would only authorize the restitution if Greene had suffered a loss of property.

Rather, Congresswoman Greeneor, more accurately, her campaignexpended money for personal security enhancements, Sannes wrote.

She also rejected arguments from the Justice Department that Morellis threats directly and proximately caused the harm that led Greene to make the security upgrades.

Sannes noted that Greenes office received threats from many other individuals  including two others who were criminally charged over their alleged messages  and that she didnt make the upgrades until months after Morellis voicemails in March 2022.

The Justice Department had contended Morellis voicemails, however, were the straw that broke the camels back.

Ultimately, there was a delay of between six and seven months between Defendants offenses (and his subsequent release on pretrial conditions) and the dates the expenses were incurred: the security-camera reconfiguration was not undertaken until September 2022, and an estimate for construction of the fence was not produced until October 2022, Sannes ruled.

Court filings show Morelli in the voicemails threatened to physically harm Greene, saying she caused hatred and poison for people.

I really think Im gonna have to cause you harm  physical harm, he said.

Youve got a big f mouth, and Im gonna show you what violence is really about, he continued in a second voicemail. Keep spreading that hate, bitch. See what the f happens to you. You are going to get f physically hurt. Keep talking that shit, bitch.

The Hill has reached out to Greenes office for comment.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
FILE - Parents Devon and Robert Dolney, of Fargo, N.D., stand with their 12-year-old child, Tate, center, during a news conference, Sept. 14, 2023, at the state Capitol in Bismarck, N.D. Tate Dolney is a transgender boy and a plaintiff in a lawsuit to block North Dakota's ban on gender-affirming care for minors. The law passed North Dakota's Republican-controlled Legislature overwhelmingly earlier this year. On Monday, Nov. 13, a North Dakota judge ruled that he won't immediately block the state's ban on gender-affirming health care for minors, delivering an early setback to the families and their pediatrician who want the new law found unconstitutional. (AP Photo/Jack Dura, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP)  A North Dakota judge has ruled that he won't immediately block the state's ban on gender-affirming health care for minors, delivering an early setback to families who want the new law found unconstitutional.

District Judge Jackson Lofgren on Monday denied a temporary restraining order the plaintiffs had requested. They've also asked for a preliminary injunction that would temporarily block enforcement of the law as their case proceeds. A hearing is set for January for that request.

Were disappointed in this ruling, but we are confident that when all the evidence has been presented, the court will ultimately find that ending the health care ban permanently is the only just, equitable, and constitutional resolution, said Brittany Stewart of Gender Justice, the lead attorney for the three families and pediatrician who are suing.

Lofgren cited the plaintiffs' nearly five-month delay in filing their complaint, and their argument hinging upon inclusion in a protected class not previously recognized by the North Dakota Supreme Court or a new application of state constitutional principles."

Under the law, it is a felony for a health care provider to perform gender-affirmation surgery on a minor, and a misdemeanor to prescribe or give hormone treatments or puberty blockers to a child.

Supporters of the ban argue that it protects children from what they say are irreversible effects of treatments and surgeries. Opponents contend that the ban will harm transgender youth, who are at a greater risk of depression, self-harm and suicide, and that no one had been performing such surgeries in North Dakota.

Lawmakers included a grandfather clause for children who were receiving treatments before Republican Gov. Doug Burgum signed the bill into law in April. But providers view that clause as vague and aren't risking it, according to Stewart. The families have been traveling out of state to get gender-affirming care for their children.

North Dakota is among roughly two dozen states with Republican-led legislatures that have passed similar bans on gender-affirming care for children in recent years, sparking numerous lawsuits that continue to play out.

Enforcement of all or part of similar care bans have been put on hold by judges while cases play out in Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana and Montana. In Florida, a court has allowed enforcement generally -- but not for those who challenged the ban. Judges initially paused enforcement in Alabama, Kentucky and Tennessee, but federal appeals courts have allowed it to move ahead.

___

AP writer Geoff Mulvihill contributed to this report from Cherry Hill, New Jersey.

___

For more AP coverage of LGBTQ+ issues: https://apnews.com/hub/lgbtq-legislation
CHESAPEAKE  A judge on Tuesday dismissed the remaining claims in a case filed against the city of Chesapeake earlier this year for alleged Freedom of Information Act violations.

The case stems from a lawsuit filed in January by Chesapeake Planning Commission member Levin Turner, who alleged the Chesapeake City Council violated public records law after his attempts to obtain two documents council member Debbie Ritter circulated during a City Council closed session last year. Turner has since resigned.

Following testimony from Ritter and council member Robert Ike in September, retired Circuit Judge James C. Hawks previously cleared Ritter of any personal responsibility in the case, ruling she didnt willfully and knowingly violate FOIA when she failed to turn over requested documents in a timely manner.

Hawks presided over the case after all Chesapeakes Circuit Court judges recused themselves.

The case was back in Circuit Court Tuesday to determine whether the city could be found liable and whether Ritter violated the law through her official capacity with the city. Hawks said he doesnt see how the city can be liable since Ritter wasnt the official custodian of the records. The citys legal counsel, Gary Bryant of Wilcox and Savage, argued City Clerk Sandy Madison would have been the custodian of such records for City Council and that she provided the documents to Turner in a timely fashion once they had been given to her.

Ritter conceded during her September hearing that she showed the documents to her council colleagues to try to persuade them to vote against Turners appointment.

The first document she presented was a printout of a Sept. 10 email sent by ChesapeakeTruth2022 that questioned why the Chesapeake Republican Party was continuing to support then-City Council candidate Amanda Newins after she was accused of elder abuse and theft in a lawsuit filed by her great aunt. The second document was an internet protocol address analysis that claimed to show the email had been sent from a Yahoo account belonging to Turner.

Newins was elected to Council in November 2022. In October, she was acquitted of a felony charge of financially exploiting a vulnerable adult for allegedly obtaining her great aunts house through illegal means. The civil case filed by her great aunt is set for trial in December.

In September, Ritter conceded she discarded the documents after the meeting because she didnt think she was required to keep them under the law, which exempts documents circulated in closed sessions. The law, however, says the paperwork must be preserved, but Ritter said she wasnt aware of that.

The citys counsel Tuesday pointed to Ikes testimony, in which he said the photos he took and subsequently provided the city were accurate copies of the documents being requested. Bryant also said efforts were made to recreate the documents in order to provide them even though cities are only obligated to provide what they have.

The citys counsel likened the case to a political melee that the city got swept up in.

(We) were we were pleased with the outcome, especially that the court went out of its way to note that the city through its employees had done exactly what they were supposed to do under the circumstances, Bryant said Tuesday.

Turners attorney, Brandon Fellers of Invictus Law, cited a Virginia Supreme Court case involving The Daily Press, noting that the custodian of records was deemed a public body, which he then argued would include Ritter in this case since shes an agent of the city.

Fellers also maintained that the original documents werent provided, only photos and a recreated email to depict what had been circulated in the closed meeting, meaning there could be additional information not included in what Turner received.

Todays ruling informs the citizens that a sitting Council member may circulate anonymous, false documents in a closed meeting, defaming a citizen applying for office, then destroy that record, then not provide a copy of it to the requestor timely under (Virginia) FOIA, and subsequently remain unaccountable for any liability under FOIA, said Fellers in a statement. We respectfully disagree with Judge Hawkss ruling that (neither) the city nor any of its agents were liable for a (Virginia) FOIA violation, and we will be looking at all appellate remedies.

Natalie Anderson, 757-732-1133, natalie.anderson@virginiamedia.com
An 18-year-old defendant has failed in his effort to withdraw his guilty plea to first-degree murder in the fatal shooting of a 13-year-old in Erie nearly four years ago.

The defendant, Deangelo J. Troop Jr., pleaded guilty on Oct. 9, just as jury selection was to start in his case, and he asked to withdraw the plea in a brief letter he sent to the judge on the case, John J. Trucilla, on Oct. 18.

Troop in the letter  which he sent from the Erie County Prison, where he has been held without bond  said he thought he was going to jury selection on Oct. 9 but ended up pleading guilty instead.

Trucilla on Tuesday rejected the withdrawal request following a hearing that Troop attended. The judge said Troop had failed to meet well-established standards for withdrawing a guilty plea in Pennsylvania.

Kasir Gambill, 13, was fatally shot in Erie on Dec. 5, 2020. Two 18-year-olds have pleaded guilty in his murder. The two were both 15 when Kasir was killed.

The standards are that the withdrawal request is based on a "fair and just reason" and that the withdrawal of the guilty plea would create no substantial hardship for the prosecution if the case went to trial.

Trucilla ruled that Troop failed to meet either standard. He said he considered that the defense had given Troop's request so little weight that it had not filed a formal motion requesting that he withdraw his guilty plea.

Trucilla said he held the hearing on Troop's written request, without a court motion, because of the gravity of the case. He also said that Troop had answered an extensive number of questions at his Oct. 9 plea hearing to ensure that his guilty plea was voluntarily and that he knew what he was doing.

"This is not a wavering area of the law," Trucilla said of the standards that a defendant must meet to withdraw a guilty plea.

Trucilla said he will sentence Troop as scheduled on Dec. 4.

What did Deangelo Troop plead guilty to?

Troop pleaded guilty to killing the victim, Kasir Gambill, on Dec. 5, 2020, in what the Erie County District Attorney's Office characterized as a gang-related shooting. The person Kasir was with was the intended target, but Kasir was shot instead, the prosecution said.

Troop was 15 when the shooting occurred, but he was tried as an adult because of the violent nature of the crimes. His co-defendant, James I. Garcia, who was also 15 at the time of the shooting and is now 18, pleaded guilty to third-degree murder in September.

Garcia was prepared to testify against Troop at trial. Trucilla is scheduled to sentence Garcia on Dec. 19.

Erie County Judge John J. Trucilla rejected a defendant's request that he withdraw his guilty plea to first-degree murder in the fatal shooting of 13-year-old Kasir Gambill in Erie in December 2020.

Kasir was shot in the head as he was trying to climb a fence to evade gunfire at East 20th Street and Franklin Avenue in Erie at about 9:25 p.m. on Dec. 5, 2020. Kasir, who had just left a relative's house, was shot three times and died at a Pittsburgh hospital 10 days later. The Erie police charged Garcia and Troop in Kasir's death in June 2022, capping a 1-year investigation that involved an extensive review of surveillance video and cellphone data.

Garcia's cooperation was among the reasons Troop decided to plead guilty, his lead lawyer, Eric Hackwelder, said at the plea hearing on Oct. 9. Another defense lawyer on the case, Douglas Sullivan, who practices with Hackwelder, represented Troop on Tuesday and did not challenge Trucilla's refusal to grant Troop's request to withdraw the plea.

Kasir's death marked another deadly example of violent crime among Erie juveniles, many of them connected to street gangs. Both Garcia and Troop were charged with firing the shots that led to Kasir's death.

How much time does Deangelo Troop face?

Though Troop was tried as an adult, he will get a break at sentencing because he was a juvenile when the killing occurred. He will not face a mandatory sentence of life in prison with no parole for first-degree murder  the penalty for adults.

For defendants who were juveniles when charged, a conviction for first-degree murder, a premeditated killing, carries a minimum sentence of 35 years to life for defendants 15 to 17 years old.

Troop faces an additional 23 to 47 years in state prison for the three other charges to which he pleaded guilty on Oct. 9. They are the first-degree felonies of aggravated assault and criminal conspiracy to commit homicide and the third-degree felony of carrying a firearm without a license.

If Troop had been convicted at trial, he would not have received credit for pleading guilty and would have likely been exposed to a harsher sentence in the case.

Contact Ed Palattella at epalattella@timesnews.com. Follow him on X @ETNpalattella.

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Erie teen loses bid to reverse guilty plea in murder of 13-year-old
FILE PHOTO: A 3D printed Facebook's new rebrand logo Meta is seen in front of displayed Google logo in this illustration

By Jonathan Stempel and Nate Raymond

(Reuters) -A federal judge on Tuesday rejected efforts by major social media companies to dismiss nationwide litigation accusing them of illegally enticing and then addicting millions of children to their platforms, damaging their mental health.

U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in Oakland, California, ruled against Alphabet, which operates Google and YouTube; Meta Platforms, which operates Facebook and Instagram; ByteDance, which operates TikTok; and Snap, which operates Snapchat.

The decision covers hundreds of lawsuits filed on behalf of individual children who allegedly suffered negative physical, mental and emotional health effects from social media use including anxiety, depression, and occasionally suicide.

The litigation seeks, among other remedies, damages and a halt to the defendants' alleged wrongful practices.

"Todays decision is a significant victory for the families that have been harmed by the dangers of social media," the plaintiffs' lead lawyers - Lexi Hazam, Previn Warren and Chris Seeger - said in a joint statement.

More than 140 school districts have filed similar lawsuits against the industry that are also before Gonzalez, and 42 states plus the District of Columbia last month sued Meta for youth addiction to its social media platforms.

Alphabet through a spokesperson called the allegations "simply not true," and said that protecting children "has always been core to our work." A TikTok spokesperson said it had "robust safety policies and parental controls."

Snap declined to comment. Meta did not respond to a request for comment.

In her 52-page ruling, Rogers rejected arguments that the companies were immune from being sued under the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment and a provision of the federal Communications Decency Act.

The companies said that provision, Section 230, provides immunity from liability for anything users publish on their platforms, and required the dismissal of all claims.

But Rogers said the plaintiffs' claims were broader than just focusing on third-party content and said the defendants did not address why they should not be liable for providing defective parental controls, not helping users limit screen time and creating barriers to deactivating accounts.

She cited as an example allegations that companies could have used age-verification tools to warn parents when their children were online.

"Accordingly, they pose a plausible theory under which failure to validly verify user age harms users that is distinct from harm caused by consumption of third-party content on defendants' platforms," Rogers wrote.

Rogers said the companies legally owed a duty to their users arising from their status as product makers and could be sued for negligence over their duty to design reasonably safe products and to warn users of known defects.

But the judge said the companies owed no legal obligation to protect users from harm from third-party users of their platforms, and she narrowed the litigation by dismissing some of the claims the plaintiffs were pursuing.

(Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York and Nate Raymond in Boston;Editing by Chizu Nomiyama, Matthew Lewis, Alexia Garamfalvi and Aurora Ellis)
FILE - Deteriorated U.S. and Puerto Rico flags fly on a roof eight months after the passing of Hurricane Maria in the Barrio Jacana Piedra Blanca area of Yabucoa, a town where many continue without power in Puerto Rico, May 16, 2018. A federal judge on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023, tentatively approved a portion of the newest plan to restructure $10 billion of debt owed by Puerto Ricos power company amid heated negotiations between creditors and the U.S. territorys government. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP)  A federal judge on Tuesday tentatively approved a portion of the newest plan to restructure $10 billion of debt owed by Puerto Ricos power company amid heated negotiations between creditors and the U.S. territorys government.

The overall debt restructuring plan has been amended four times this year by a federal control board that oversees Puerto Ricos finances. A confirmation hearing is set for March 2024 as various bondholders continue to oppose the plan.

The board did not have immediate comment on the judges decision regarding the plan's disclosure statement, which requires modifications before bondholders vote on it. The decision was issued after an hours-long hearing that drew protesters to the courthouse who are opposed to electric bill increases outlined in the plan.

The bankruptcy of Puerto Ricos Electric Power Authority has dragged on for years amid intense debate on how to restructure its debt  the largest of any government agency in the U.S. territory.

Numerous restructuring attempts have failed, with several creditors seeking to recuperate more money than what the plan currently offers. The plan was amended for a third time in August and a fourth time over the weekend.

The newest proposal seeks to cut the power companys debt by nearly 80%, to some $2.5 billion. If approved, it is expected to lead to increases in residential and commercial power bills that already are among the highest of any U.S. jurisdiction.

The power company is Puerto Rico's only agency that has yet to restructure its debt since the territory's government announced in 2015 that it was unable to pay its more than $70 billion public debt, accumulated through decades of mismanagement, corruption and excessive borrowing. In 2017, Puerto Rico filed for the biggest U.S. municipal bankruptcy in history.
Chimere Ransom felt sorry for all the families affected by the 2021 shooting that killed her son and a second Columbus teenager, and wounded two more.

The mother of 17-year-old Jesse Ransom spoke with reporters outside the courtroom Tuesday after a jury found three men guilty of murder and gang offenses, climaxing a trial that lasted more than two weeks.

Homer Upshaw, 28; his brother Terrance Upshaw, 31; and Rodderick Glanton, 28, now face life in prison when Judge Gil McBride sentences them at 1:30 p.m. on Nov. 29.

They were convicted of acting in the interest of the Marlow street gang when they opened fire on a Dodge Dart at Seventh Avenue and 32nd Street on June 14, 2021, killing Ransom, the driver, and back seat passenger Saiveon Pugh, 18, and wounding TaJourney Lee. 16, and Wandray Harris, 19.

Police said the four teens were members of the Zohannon street gang, and defense attorneys claimed the victims had targeted their clients for a drive-by shooting, so the suspects shot first in self-defense.

The jury did not accept that argument.

Chimere Ransom was in the courtroom as a clerk read the guilty verdicts. She had sat through the entire trial, which started Oct. 30.

It was very draining, and tiring, but at the same time its still sad: I never wished bad on nobody, despite of what happened to my son and his friends, or how the lawyers may have even labeled them, she told reporters afterward.

She was unfamiliar with gang culture, before the trial, she said.

I dont really know anything about gangs, but I am aware of the Zohannon gang, she said. The only thing I didnt like in that case is how they denied that Terrance, Homer and Glanton were part of gangs, and they were. They just made it seem like Jesse, Savo, Wandray and TaJourney Lee were the only ones affiliated with gangs, and how they just go through half the trial calling them gang members, thugs and this and that.

That sometimes got to her, she said: Im just glad its over with.

She hopes other mothers will be spared what she has endured, she said, of the defendants adding, Its still sad on both ends. They just threw their whole lives away.

She still misses her son, she said: Hes silly, real silly and goofy. She remembers his laugh, his smile, and all their talks together, she said.

This is something I have to live with for the rest of my life, because I lost a child, she said. A part of me is gone. Thats something that cant be swept under the rug.... And then with the trial, its like Im reliving it all over again from day one.

Her advice to others is leave the gangs alone, leave the guns alone, do right, go to school and graduate, get a job, go to the military, do something..... You dont want to put somebody through this.

Defense attorneys and prosecutors return to their tables Tuesday afternoon after being show the verdict form by Judge Gil McBride before the verdicts were read in open court. The jury of eight men and four women found Homer Upshaw, 28; his brother Terrance Upshaw, 31; and Rodderick Glanton, 28; guilty on all charges. 11/14/2023

Here are the charges on which the three men were convicted:

Glanton and Terrance Upshaw were found guilty on seven counts of violating the state Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act; two counts of malice or deliberate murder; two counts of felony murder; four counts of aggravated assault; three counts of first-degree criminal damage to property; and one count of using a gun to commit a felony.

Homer Upshaw, was found guilty on eight counts of violating the state Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act; two counts of malice or deliberate murder; four counts of felony murder; four counts of aggravated assault; three counts of first-degree criminal damage to property; and one count each of using a gun to commit a felony, of being a convicted felon with a firearm, and of trafficking marijuana.

Homer Upshaw, 28, right, is represented by attorney William Kendrick. 11/13/2023

The evidence

The shooting happened outside a house across the road from Wilson Homes apartments, a complex police described as a 20-building housing area at 3400 Eighth Ave.

The suspects were in a single-family home in the 3100 block of Seventh Avenue, which prosecutors called a trap house where the men sold drugs.

Wilson Homes has cameras all over it, a police officer testified, and they recorded the teens Dodge Dart pass the house five times, before it crashed into a parked car after flashes of gunfire from outside the house.

The video was not close or clear enough to recognize faces, but it showed bystanders walk to and from the wrecked car, some reaching inside, before police arrived.

The first officer to find the shot-up Dodge said a woman was standing nearby, staring at it. Theyre all dead, she told him.

Though about 60 bullets were fired at the car, only two or three shots were fatal.

Those bullets came from the same gun, a rifle that left 27 cartridge casings at the shooting scene, all from 7.62-millimeter rounds, according to state firearms expert Catherine Jordan.

Prosecutors said Glanton fired that rifle from the front steps of the Seventh Avenue house the suspects came from.

Homer Upshaw shot a .223-caliber rifle at the car, and Terrance Upshaw fired a 9-millimeter pistol at it, prosecutors said.

Lead prosecutor Cara Convery said no shots were fired from the teens car, though they had at least two guns inside.

Pugh was found in the back seat with a .22-caliber rifle in his lap, and Lee, the front-seat passenger, admitted having a 9-millimeter pistol that was never found.

Defense attorneys claimed bystanders walking to and from the car after the shooting likely removed other firearms.

Homer Upshaw was represented by William Kendrick; Terrance Upshaw by Shevon Thomas II; and Glanton by Allen C. Jones.

The shooting was part of a spate of gun violence that erupted in Columbus in 2021 as the Zohannons went to war with a gang called US World, authorities said. The Marlow gang was allied with US World.

The Marlows were a local, hybrid gang that included individuals from larger street gangs. Convery said Glanton was a Gangster Disciple, and Terrance Upshaw was a Crip.

A gang expert said the Marlows had two predecessor gangs based at Wilson Homes: the 5150 Taliban, known for wearing camouflage, and the Lime Green Money Gang, which used lime green as its signature color.

The name Marlow comes from the TV crime drama The Wire, in which the character Marlo Stanfield is an ex-drug kingpin and killer, the expert said.

Lead prosecutor Cara Convery makes her closing argument to jurors Monday morning. 11/13/2023
BALTIMORE  During her opening statement Tuesday, Deputy States Attorney Melissa Hockensmith described Ravi Pansuriya as withdrawn and angry after a failed marriage led him to return to living in his parents home in Westminster.

Floundering in his career, Pansuriya planned the murder and subsequent dismemberment of his father early last October, Hockensmith said, and the prosecution has strong evidence to support the first-degree murder charge against him.

Pansuriya, 31, is charged with murder in the Oct. 2, 2022 death of his father, Maganbhai Pansuriya, 59. The case is being tried in Carroll County Circuit Court.

Hockensmith described Maganbhai Pansuriya as a successful business owner and doctor, who owned medical practices in Westminster and Hampstead, as well as the Best Western Historic Frederick hotel, where Ravi Pansuriya worked as a manager.

Ravi Pansuriyas career was described as floundering and unsuccessful by Hockensmith, and Maganbhai Pansuriya became frustrated with his son.

Ravi was lazy, Hockensmith said. He didnt really want to work.

Ravi Pansuriya was married in 2019 to a woman he met while visiting India, Hockensmith said, but the marriage did not last, and he returned to living with his parents before the murder.

At this point in time, he became withdrawn and angry, Hockensmith said, and began planning his fathers death.

Hockensmith said Ravi Pansuriya knew his mothers schedule well, and planned to murder his father when he knew she would not be home. The suspect told his mother he was going to the library around 10:30 a.m., but instead he went to Walmart to purchase a hatchet, which was later used in the murder, Hockensmith said.

Neeta Pansuriya last saw her husband in sweatpants and a casual shirt at home, reading about the stock market, Hockensmith said.

Hockensmith said the brutal murder and dismemberment was carried out with multiple ineffective tools, and it took Ravi Pansuriya more time than he anticipated to dismember the body.

According to the statement of probable cause filed in the District Court of Maryland for Carroll County, Neeta Pansuriya reported her husband missing Oct. 2 and deputies from the Carroll County Sheriffs Office executed a search warrant on their house.

During the search, investigators observed what appeared to be possible human flesh on the rear bumper of a truck registered to Maganbhai Pansuriya and on a doormat in the homes driveway. Deputies located blood throughout the house, including in the bathroom and garage and also found numerous tools that appeared to have blood, tissue and hair on them in the garage. Deputies also found clothes with suspected blood on them that they say belonged to Ravi Pansuriya, according to the statement.

The victims body was found on the shoulder of a road that night, according to court documents.

Alexander Cruickshank, an assistant public defender representing Pansuriya, spent less than a minute delivering his opening statement. He said that he is confident the jury will reach a verdict of not guilty after examining the evidence.

Ravi Pansuriya appeared in court with short dark hair and a closely shaved face, in contrast to the long hair he sported during previous court appearances.

Maryland Circuit Court Judge Maria Oesterreicher is presiding over the trial, which is expected to last about a week.

--------
The Justice Department announced charges Tuesday against a Florida woman who allegedly threatened to kill the federal judge in Texas who issued a major ruling that wouldve taken a key medication abortion pill off the market.

Alice Marie Pence, 67, of Port Charlotte, Florida, allegedly placed a phone call in March to a judges chambers in Amarillo, Texas, in which she threatened to kill the judge.

While court documents do not identify the judge by name, the only district judge in Amarillo is Matthew Kacsmaryk, who presided over a high-profile challenge to the US Food and Drug Administrations two-decade-old approval of the medication abortion drug mifepristone. The court filings dont say anything about Pences motivation for the alleged threats and dont mention the abortion-related case.

Pence is charged with transmitting interstate threats and intending to influence a federal official by threat. She is scheduled for an initial appearance in court next week and has not yet entered a formal plea.

A lawyer for Pence is not yet listed on the court docket. The federal court in Texas did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

According to court filings, the allegedly threatening call was placed one day after news broke in March that Kacsmaryk had scheduled a major hearing in the mifepristone case.

In April, Kacsmaryk suspended the FDAs approval of mifepristone and a federal appeals court later affirmed some parts of his ruling. But the drug has remained available after the Supreme Court earlier this year signed an order saying access to it will be the same until all legal challenges are resolved. DOJ and a manufacturer of the drug have asked the justices to take up the case and overturn the court rulings that would roll back access to the drug.

Tuesdays announcement comes as federal law enforcement officials face an increasing number of threats from the public. Other federal judges  including both the judge overseeing former President Donald Trumps classified documents case in Florida and his election subversion case in Washington, DC  have received death threats. Supreme Court justices have also faced increased threats, including one man charged with attempting to murder Justice Brett Kavanaugh.

Attorney General Merrick Garland and FBI Director Christopher Wray have repeatedly warned about the rise in threat levels, and have reiterated their commitment to prosecuting those who make criminal threats.

Federal prosecutors also announced charges Tuesday against 44-year-old Daniel Ray Garcia for allegedly sending threatening letters to a federal judge in Lubbock, Texas. The judge is not named in court filings.

Garcia is currently being held in custody, and his lawyers have requested that he be evaluated by a medical professional to determine whether Garcia is competent to stand trial.

CNN has reached out to Garcias lawyer for comment.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Activists who have long called for a federal investigation into the Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department have expanded their request to include the Wyandotte County District Attorneys Office.

Local civil rights groups, attorneys and community leaders asked the U.S. Department of Justice to examine unconstitutional policing practices in KCK about a year and a half ago. This week, they sent additional material as part of their plea for federal intervention, hoping to prompt reform not only at the police department but also in the district attorneys office.

Prosecutors knowingly used false evidence that led to wrongful convictions and assisted police in wrongdoing, they allege.

For decades, KCKPD and the DAs office have been skewing the evidence to get the result they wantednot the just result, not the just convictionthe conviction that fit personal interest(s), the groups wrote in a 29-page letter to the DOJ.

District Attorney Mark Duprees office said his administration was the first in Kansas to create a conviction integrity unit that has helped exonerate two innocent people. That work continues today, the office said in a statement.

Since 2017, the district attorneys office and local policing agencies established reforms and policies focusing on the equal and fair administration of justice, the DAs office said. These efforts have resulted in achieving justice for victims and a reduction in violent crime in Wyandotte County.

Groups that sent the letter, including the Metro Organization for Racial and Economic Equity (MORE2) and the ACLU of Kansas, asked for a meeting with DOJ officials this month or next to make the case for a civil rights investigation into KCK law enforcement.

The DOJ said it received the letter but declined to comment.

Spencer Webster, an attorney for MORE2, said Tuesday the groups are asking investigators to also look at the DAs office because police acted in conjunction with prosecutors in many cases, including wrongful convictions.

The community has been waiting so long for this, Webster said of a potential probe at a press conference inside Grandview Park Presbyterian Church. Its an injustice to make them wait a day longer.

Vicki Ford wipes away tears while holding a photo of her son, Delvin Matthews, who was murdered 25 years ago, during a press conference at Grandview Park Presbyterian Church on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023, in Kansas City, Kan. Metro Organization for Racial and Economic Equity held a press conference to call on the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate persistent misconduct in the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department, highlighting the urgent need for federal intervention and community healing.

The groups took aim at the DAs Community Integrity Unit, previously known as the conviction integrity unit, saying it has not convinced residents it is offering redress. The unit was created to investigate police misconduct and questionable convictions.

They reminded the DOJ of the units troubling history: one lawyer resigned after it was known she was not licensed in Kansas; three unit members were then fired, two for making disparaging comments about various groups, including Black people; after that, the unit hired a respected lawyer  who resigned about a year later.

Barry Scheck, co-founder of the Innocence Project in New York, who also signed the letter, told The Star he has been troubled by the inability of that unit to get its act together.

A robust conviction integrity unit is absolutely critical to cleaning up this legacy of misconduct and wrongful convictions in Wyandotte County, Scheck said by phone after the press conference.

Dupree created the unit after the 2017 exoneration of Lamonte McIntyre, who was freed after serving 23 years for a double homicide he did not commit. McIntyre won a $12.5 million settlement against Wyandotte County after claiming he was framed by former KCKPD detective Roger Golubski, who now faces two federal indictments.

Last year, The Star reviewed six questionable Wyandotte County convictions that illustrate allegations raised in recent years about the practices of former KCK detectives, including Golubski. In those cases, spanning from 1997 to 2009, detectives have been accused of coercing witnesses or falsifying evidence against suspects who, now in prison or out on parole, maintain they are innocent.

These are just the instances we are aware ofthe ones lucky enough to get someones attention or a platform, the groups wrote of cases potentially tainted by Golubski. We do not know who else is in prison that should not be, and without DOJ intervention, we likely never will.

Golubski, a longtime KCK detective who retired from the force in 2010, faces two cases that could send him to prison for life: one for allegedly conspiring to sex traffic underage girls between 1996 and 1998 with three other men, and the other stemming from accusations he sexually abused and kidnapped a woman and a teenage girl from 1998 to 2002. He has pleaded not guilty.

The signatories to the DOJ letter  who said Golubski is rightly being donned the villain  noted prosecutorial misconduct contributed to known wrongful convictions in KCK.

They pointed to the case of Olin Pete Coones, who spent 12 years in prison for a crime he did not commit and died months after his 2020 release. In that case, a judge said a Wyandotte County prosecutor presented patently untrue evidence at trial.

The community, the groups wrote to the federal agency, remains nearly certain there are additional people behind bars for crimes they did not commit in Wyandotte County.

The DOJ should have an interest in ensuring our crown jewelthe American court systemis not being misused and manipulated to deprive the community of its constitutional rights and protections, they wrote.
[Source]

The Critics Choice Association (CCA) has released its complete list of honorees from the Black, Latino and Asian American/Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities, which include Ken Jeong and Greta Lee.

Key details: Called the "Celebration of Cinema and Television: Honoring Black, Latino and AAPI Achievements," the event will be held at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles on Dec. 4. The award show will be hosted by P-Valley star Nicco Annan, according to the associations press release on Monday.

The Asian honorees: Among the list of Asian honorees is Jeong, who will be receiving the Comedy Trailblazer Award. The Crazy Rich Asians star will be joined by Greta Lee, who will be awarded the Actress Award (Film) for her performance in Past Lives.

Beef director Lee Sung Jin will also be honored with the Breakthrough Director Award (TV) alongside Charles Melton, who will take the Breakthrough Performance Award for his work in May December.

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Meanwhile, Makoto Shinkai, the Japanese animator and filmmaker behind Your Name and Weathering With You, is set to receive the International Animation Award for Suzume.

What they are saying: CCA CEO Joey Berlin said in the statement that his group is proud to recognize the diverse groups of honorees that will be awarded next month.

For the last few years, the CCA has hosted individual Celebrations of Black, Latino and AAPI Cinema and Television, Berlin said. CCA will return to individual shows in 2024 but doing this special celebration allows us to continue the CCAs tradition of supporting inclusion and creativity in our industry.

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Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) says former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy deliberately elbowed him in the back: "It was a clean shot to the kidney." (Alex Brandon / Associated Press)

Tennessee Rep. Tim Burchett accused former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield), whom he helped oust from the post last month, of elbowing him in a Capitol Hill hallway on Tuesday.

"You just don't expect a guy who was at one time three steps away from the White House to hit you with a sucker punch in the hallway," Burchett said later.

McCarthy denied the charge, telling reporters that he "didnt shove or elbow him, its a tight hallway." Burchett insisted that McCarthy hit him deliberately, telling reporters that he can still feel it."

"It was a clean shot to the kidney," he told reporters.

A reporter present backed Burchett's account.

Burchett's back was to McCarthy and his team when "McCarthy shoved Burchett," NPR's Claudia Grisales, who was interviewing Burchett in a Capitol hallway, wrote on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

"Burchett lunged towards me. I thought it was a joke, it was not," Grisales wrote.

Burchett then yelled, according to Grisales, "Why'd you elbow me in the back Kevin?! Hey Kevin, you got any guts!?"

Burchett told the reporter that McCarthy was a "jerk" before taking off after McCarthy down the hall. When he caught up to McCarthy, he yelled, "Hey Kevin, why'd you walk behind me and elbow me in the back?"

"I didn't elbow you in the back," McCarthy replied.

"You got no guts. You did so," Burchett responded. "What kind of chicken move is that. You're pathetic man, you are so pathetic."

As Burchett walked away from McCarthy, he again told Grisales that McCarthy is a "jerk" before directly yelling to the Californian, "You need security Kevin!"

Burchett later told CNN that Grisales' retelling was "very accurate." He said the exchange is "symptomatic of the problems that [McCarthy] had in his short tenure as speaker."

He said the blow to his back "still hurts because it was a shot to the kidneys" but said he wouldn't file an ethics complaint on McCarthy. "He's not worth it. He's gonna be gone here either after Christmas or next year."

Burchett was skeptical of McCarthy's claim that he did not intend to elbow him. Burchett added that he was one of the eight who voted to oust McCarthy, noting "that hallway, there's plenty of room. You can walk four side by side. He chose to do what he did. It will end right here, I'm sure. It will be a little asterisk on his storied career."

Burchett added: "I pray for him. I hope he finds some happiness in his life."

McCarthy doubled down on his account, telling reporters that the swipe was unintentional.

If I hit somebody, they would know it," he said. "If I kidney punched someone, they would be on the ground.

A longtime McCarthy Republican adversary, Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz, filed a formal ethics complaint on the Californian hours after the exchange. Gaetz, who led the eight rebel Republicans in ousting McCarthy, was not present for the incident. Still, he labeled it an "assault," saying McCarthy violated the chamber's code of conduct and should be formally investigated by the House Ethics Committee.

McCarthy has been weighing whether to run again for his seat since he was removed from party leadership last month.

The historic vote thrust the lower chamber into chaos as Republicans failed for three weeks to pick a new speaker. The House eventually settled on Louisiana's Mike Johnson to be the next House speaker after passing over three other lawmakers  House Majority Leader Steve Scalise of Louisiana; Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan, chair of the Judiciary Committee; and Majority Whip Tom Emmer of Minnesota.

Spokespersons for McCarthy, Gaetz and Burchett did not respond to a request for comment.

The incident occurred just hours before the House is scheduled to vote on bills to avert a government shutdown.

On the other side of Capitol Hill, a Senate hearing on labor issues got tense when Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin read aloud an old tweet from Teamsters General President Sean O'Brien, who was testifying, in which O'Brien promised to confront the senator "any place, any time, cowboy."

"Sir, this is the time. This is the place," Mullin told O'Brien. "You want to run your mouth, we can be two consenting adults. We can finish it here. Do you want to do it right now?"

Mullin stood after O'Brien replied "yes," and seemed to try to take off his wedding ring. Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, who presided over the hearing, raised his voice and told Mullin and the witness to cool off.

During a news conference Tuesday afternoon, Johnson, the new speaker, noted that Capitol Hill is a pressure cooker," adding that lawmakers have been in Washington for 10 weeks.

Get the best of the Los Angeles Times politics coverage with the Essential Politics newsletter.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
An aggrieved McCarthy weighs leaving the House ...

So began a headline for a CNN exclusive that posted online over the weekend about how former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy is considering not seeking re-election to Congress, the place he has made his own since 2007.

For San Joaquin Valley residents, having McCarthy in Congress has been as automatic as the oil pumps bobbing up and down in his hometown of Bakersfield.

Such a possibility would be a political earthquake in the Valley, if not across the nation, given McCarthys prodigious ability to fund-raise for the Republican party.

But with the upheaval McCarthy has experienced this year, who could really blame him?

To recap, he came into the year buoyed by the prospect of becoming the next speaker of the House, one of the top jobs in American politics. The House speaker is second in the line of succession should something happen to the president, behind only the vice president.

Following the 2022 election, the GOP recaptured control of the House. But then it took McCarthy four days and 15 votes to overcome opposition from fellow far-right conservatives.

Those same hard-right members then got furious with McCarthy over deals he made with Democrats to raise the nations debt ceiling and extend the governments budget. The anger came to a head on Oct. 3 when a group of far-right conservatives, part of the so-called Freedom Caucus, succeeded in passing a motion to vacate the speakers office. McCarthy was out of his job, the one he had long sought.

Fast forward to the interview with CNNs Manu Raju. When asked if he would remain in Congress or find new work, McCarthy simply said I dont know.

He told Raju he would talk it over with his family over the holidays, which must mean the Thanksgiving break. Due to Californias early primary next March, candidates must file nomination papers between Nov. 13 and Dec. 8. Typically, when incumbents dont seek re-election, the nominating period is extended by several days.

McCarthy told Raju there are other ways to make a difference besides political service. Well, theres so many ways you can do that to make sure youre getting the job done. And Im going to look at all options.

McCarthy called on to resign

Five opponents have registered with the Federal Elections Commission to run against McCarthy. Two of them are Democrats, two are Republicans and one is independent.

One of the Republicans, David Giglio of Madera Ranchos, issued a call Monday for McCarthy to step down.

With rumors circulating that Kevin McCarthy is considering leaving Congress at the end of his term, I am officially calling on the former speaker to step aside immediately, Giglio said.

How Giglio thinks rumors logically leads to an actual resignation is dubious. Plus McCarthy has $10 million cash on hand for his campaign; the top challenger, Democrat Johnathon Burrows, has just under $100,000. McCarthy can rule the television ad time, if he wants.

But Giglios call does point to a complicated process, should McCarthy actually quit his job.

If McCarthy stepped down, a special election would be called by Gov. Newsom, and the winner of that race would serve out the term through next year. A normal round of elections  the primary in March, the general in November  would also be held for the permanent seat. So voters in the 20th District would vote twice for representation, much as voters did when Devin Nunes resigned on Jan. 3 in 2022.

The 20th District runs from Bakersfield north to Clovis, with parts of Tulare and Kings counties included.

Serve with honor

It is notable that McCarthy told CNN he remains a big supporter of former President Donald Trump, even if he has yet to formally endorse him. The irony is that the far-right House Republicans who engineered McCarthys downfall as speaker are also Trump sycophants.

It may be too much for a former House speaker to accept returning to the life of a regular representative. Certainly the needs of the 20th District are many; for one thing, it has some of the nations poorest people in its midst. McCarthys driving force should be making a difference for his neighbors. His district will soon learn if that challenge can motivate him anew.
The Kherson Oblast Prosecutor's Office launched an investigation on Nov. 14 into two civilians having been refused entry to a bomb shelter in Kherson during a Russian attack.

A woman and elderly resident sought assistance at a local energy facility on Nov. 13 when Russian forces started to shell the city, the prosecutors said. They were reportedly not allowed to enter the bomb shelter used by the facilitys employees and were not given the address of the next closest place of refuge.

Ukrainian law enforcement has opened a case under Article 367-1 of the Criminal Code, which covers official negligence. The article's sanction entails a fine, correctional work of up to two years, or detention of up to three years.

"Kherson and other liberated settlements in the region are constantly under fire from the Russian army. In such conditions, it is unacceptable to violate the norms of current legislation and people's rights to civil protection," the prosecutor's office added.

Read also: Under deadly attacks, Kherson fights to keep life going 1 year after liberation

"During an air raid alert, all bomb shelters must be available to the population of Ukraine. There is nothing more important than preserving people's lives and health."

This is not the first time civilians were blocked from accessing bomb shelters during Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities.

Two women and a nine-year-old child were killed by missile debris in Kyiv on June 1 while trying to enter a closed shelter. The incident sparked outrage toward authorities, who then launched a nationwide audit of bomb shelters.

After the audit revealed that around one-third of bomb shelters across Ukraine had been closed or unsuitable for use, President Volodymyr Zelensky tasked the relevant authorities with putting the facilities in order by July 25.

Read also: International Finance Corporation Europe Director optimistic Ukraine can attract private investment to rebuild

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Scouted selects products independently. If you purchase something from our posts, we may earn a small commission.

Whether youre shopping for a fitness fanatic this year or looking to revamp your home gym lineup ahead of 2024, Les Mills early cyber sale has you covered. Right now, customers can unlock 20 percent off fitness equipment, which is designed to maximize your calorie burn and muscle gain while streamlining your routine from home.

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Read more at The Daily Beast.
The 'Clifton Rapist' and killer who spent more than 50 years in jail has been convicted of sexually assaulting a woman after he was released.

Ron Evans, 82, raped and murdered Kathleen Heathcote in 1964 and went on commit many sexual attacks in Bristol in the late 70s.

He was released by the parole board in 2018 and moved to London.

On Monday, a jury found him guilty of sexually assaulting a woman he befriended in the capital in 2022.

The Metropolitan Police said the conviction follows an incident that occurred in the Wembley area in July last year, involving a woman known to Evans.

Following an investigation Evans was arrested on 12 August. Facing trial at Harrow Crown Court, Evans was found guilty of one count of sexual assault and not guilty in relation to two other counts of sexual assault.

Rape and murder

Evans was previously convicted in 1964 for the rape and murder of Ms Heathcote, a 21-year-old shop worker who went missing in Nottinghamshire.

He was jailed for life but served only 11 years before being released on licence and moving to Bristol.

Then over a three year period, from 1977 to 1979 seven women were sexually assaulted in the Clifton, Redland and Westbury Park areas of the city.

The attacks grew in nature, with women in Bristol warned not to walk alone at night after university students were assaulted.

After mounting public pressure, Avon and Somerset Police launched an undercover operation in January 1979, which had young female officers and male officers dressed up women setting 'honeytraps' for the attacker.

'I'll kill you'

In March that year police officer Michelle Leonard was grabbed by a man who told her "Don't scream or I'll kill you".

It turned out to be Evans who went on to admit five attacks and spent five decades in prison for the offences.

Following Evans' conviction on Monday, a Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: "These were awful crimes and our sympathies are with the victims.

"We've toughened up punishments for the worst offenders and our Sentencing Bill will mean rapists serve their full term behind bars and sadistic killers are never released from prison.

"At the same time we are introducing a Ministerial check on the release of the most dangerous individuals to keep the public safe."

Evans is due to be sentenced at the Old Bailey on Thursday.

The Parole Board has been contacted for comment.

Follow BBC West on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to: bristol@bbc.co.uk
The King celebrated his 75th birthday by busily highlighting causes close to his heart.

With Queen Camilla at his side, Charles officially launched the Coronation Food Project, which aims to bridge the gap between food waste and food need.

Charles and Camilla visited a surplus food distribution centre outside London and met staff and volunteers to hear about how food waste can be used for social good. He then hosted a party for 400 nurses and midwives, saluting the NHSs 75th birthday.

For good measure, the King also appeared on the cover of this months Big Issue, which gives marginalised people the opportunity to earn money.

Its the sort of day thats been typical of the Kings first 14 months on the throne.

After the seven-decade reign of his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, Charles has rushed to show that the monarchy remains relevant in modern British society.

Hes made three overseas visits, pledged to open the royal archives to researchers investigating the crowns links to slavery and expressed sorrow and regret for abhorrent and unjustifiable acts of violence committed against Kenyans during their struggle for independence.

Its the sort of day thats been typical of the Kings first 14 months on the throne (Getty)

Celebrating his milestone birthday, the royal family paid a heartfelt tribute to the King with a 39-second clip posted on the official royal family Twitter/X account, which looks at Charless evolution from young prince to elder statesman and later King.

Wishing His Majesty the King a happy 75th birthday, the post said. The video photobook looks back on the Kings childhood and some of his accomplishments over the years.

 Wishing His Majesty The King a happy 75th birthday. pic.twitter.com/UxvMv8WTAj  The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) November 14, 2023

Meanwhile, gun salutes across the UK marked Charless birthday, including a 62-gun salute at Tower Wharf, in the Tower of London.

Buckingham Palace marked the birthday with the firing of a 41-gun salute by the Kings Troop Royal Horse Artillery in Londons Green Park.

Charless reign has gotten off to a steady start, but he still needs to set out a clear vision for the future, said Ed Owens, an historian and author of After Elizabeth: Can the Monarchy Save Itself?

Its a difficult moment for the monarchy because its going through this period of transition, from being adulated as a default position to now being questioned and challenged in new ways, Mr Owens said.

And I just wish that the King and his heir would set out more clearly what they want to do, rather than take for granted what they think the British public want from the monarchy.

Charless long apprenticeship meant he was a grey-haired septuagenarian when he finally took the throne, fueling concerns he would have a hard time connecting with a country that no longer takes deference to the monarchy for granted.

But all those decades also gave him more training and experience to draw upon than his mother, who was just 25 when she became queen.

In another royal first, Charles earned a degree in history from the University of Cambridge. He later spent six years in the Royal Navy before leaving to focus on his duties as heir to the throne.

As Prince of Wales, the future King founded a charity that helps young people get jobs and training. He started an organic food company and dabbled in urban planning. He was also an early advocate for conservation and environmental protection  something that helped him appeal to his younger subjects.

But it is his heir, Prince William, who is now focused on the younger generation, seeking a leading role in the environmental movement with his Earthshot Prize, a global competition to find ways to combat climate change. He is also working on initiatives to fight homelessness and raise awareness of the importance of mental health.

While William may be easing the strain on his father, his younger brother has offered public challenges.

Over the past year, Prince Harry released a Netflix series and a memoir that exposed rivalries within the royal family, criticised the palaces relations with the media and said that his wife, Meghan, was subjected to racism as a working member of the royal family.

The duke will reportedly wish his father a happy birthday over the phone after he and his wife Meghan said they were not invited to the monarchs celebrations in London.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex issued a formal response to media reports suggesting Harry, 39, had turned down an invite to the gathering at Clarence House on Tuesday (14 November). A spokesperson for the couple said there had been no contact from Buckingham Palace.

Now, according to a BBC report, Charless youngest son will call him from Montecito, California, where Harry and Meghan currently reside with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

The Independent has contacted a representative for the Sussexes for comment.

What Harry and Meghan have also done is they provided us with another view onto this institution, Mr Owens said. Theyve pulled back the curtain in terms of its inner workings and have revealed what is often a quite poisonous, toxic culture with these competing households.

As he weathers these storms, Charles has his queen for support.

The biggest controversy of Charless life was the breakdown of his first marriage to the late Princess Diana amid stories about his longtime relationship with the woman who would become his second wife, Camilla Parker Bowles.

Although Dianas fans initially bridled at the idea of Camilla ever becoming queen, by the time the invitations for the coronation went out, Charles had made his wishes clear: The Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
LONDON (Reuters) -Britain's King Charles celebrated his 75th birthday on Tuesday and used the occasion to kickstart a new scheme to tackle food poverty and help cut the millions of tonnes of discarded food at the same time.

The king, who has spent more than five decades as an outspoken campaigner on environmental issues and supporter of a sustainable economy, officially launched the 'Coronation Food Project', his mission to try to stop people going hungry.

"Food need is as real and urgent a problem as food waste - and if a way could be found to bridge the gap between them, then it would address two problems in one," Charles wrote in an article for the "Big Issue", a magazine which is usually sold by homeless people.

The project says 14 million people in Britain face food insecurity, and the monarch, who has never been shy of commenting on social issues, said "too many families and individuals are missing out on nutritious meals due to the cost of living pressures that have caused hardship for so many".

"To mark my 75th birthday in this Coronation year, I could ask for no greater gift than that the Coronation Food Project creates a lasting legacy to help others  and help the planet," he wrote.

With his wife, Queen Camilla, Charles visited a surplus food distribution centre in central England where staff and volunteers sang a rousing version of "Happy Birthday" to him.

There were also traditional gun salutes in London and across the country, while Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Charles' eldest son and heir Prince William posted messages on social media, wishing the king a happy birthday.

The BBC reported that his younger son, Prince Harry, who has become estranged from his father and the rest of the royals, would also speak to him by phone.

Later on Tuesday, Charles will also host a reception on Tuesday to herald the work of nurses and midwives, part of the events marking 75 years of the National Health Service.

(Reporting by Michael Holden; editing by William James and Sarah Young)
King Charles III will launch a new scheme to tackle food poverty on his 75th birthday on Tuesday.

The birthday celebrations will be marked by gun salutes in London and his son Prince Harry is expected to call to wish him on the occasion.

The emphasis during the birthday engagements is on public service rather than extravagant celebrations, with the King launching the Coronation Food Project that aims to bridge the gap between food waste and need.

However, it is anticipated to conclude with a private dinner for close family members and friends, but without Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are expected to make a phone call to wish him on the day, BBC reported, citing well-placed sources, following reports that the couple was not invited to the birthday celebrations.

The dukes representatives earlier told The Independent that there has been no contact regarding an invitation to His Majestys upcoming birthday, rejecting reports that they snubbed an invite from the palace.

Charles earlier appeared on the front cover of The Big Issue to mark the launch of the new campaign.

Food need is as real and urgent a problem as food waste  and if a way could be found to bridge the gap between them, then it would address two problems in one, he told The Big Issue.

King Charles turns 75 on 14 November (PA)

It is my great hope that this Coronation Food Project will find practical ways to do just that  rescuing more surplus food, and distributing it to those who need it most.

The royal couple will visit a surplus food distribution centre outside London and meet staff and volunteers to hear about the ways in which food waste can be used for social good.

He will also host a reception at Buckingham Palace for the nurses and midwives as part of the NHS 75 celebrations.

Among the long list of guests will be around 400 nurses and midwives, including the chief nursing officer of England Dame Ruth May and Amanda Pritchard, chief executive of NHS England.

At noon, the Kings Troop Royal Horse Artillery, named by Charless grandfather King George VI, will give a 41-gun salute from Londons Green Park.

It will be followed by a 62-gun salute at Tower Wharf, Tower of London by the Honourable Artillery Company.

The Kings birthday festivities commenced ahead of schedule as he served as the guest of honour at a party hosted on the grounds of his Highgrove residence in Gloucestershire on Monday.

Charles joined a diverse gathering, including community stalwarts nominated by friends and family celebrating their 75th birthdays, as well as representatives from organisations that share the same milestone, such as the NHS and members of the Windrush generation.
Tens of thousands of pro-Israel supporters are expected to gather in Washington, D.C., Tuesday afternoon to protest antisemitism and call for the release of the hostages captured by Hamas militants last month.

National Jewish organizations called on members of the public to join them for their rally, more than a month after militant group Hamas launched its deadly attack on Israel Oct. 7. The initial attack left more than 1,200 Israelis dead while Hamas militants took more than 200 people hostage.

Heres what we know about the March for Israel event.

Who is organizing it?

The Jewish Federations of North America is collaborating with the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations to set up the rally.

When and where is it?

The rally is scheduled from 1 to 3 p.m. EST on Tuesday, but doors open for attendees at 10 a.m. There will also be a pre-show rally for students starting at 11:30 a.m.

The event is intended to be a rally on the National Mall, not a march through the streets. The organizers said the main queue to enter the event begins on 12th Street NW between Madison Drive NW and Jefferson Drive SW.

The organizers also said there will be video screens with an audio feed of the event outside the security perimeter on the Mall.

What are the organizers supporting?

According to a post online, the march intends to show support for Israel, the 240 hostages taken by Hamas and to condemn antisemitism.

Since the attack and Israels bombardment of Gaza, antisemitism has been on the rise in the United States.

How many people are expected?

Multiple news outlets have reported that organizers said there could be as many as 100,000 people in attendance for the rally. Videos and photos posted to social media already show supporters gathering in the nations capital.

What security measures will be in place?

Organizers said they worked with U.S. Park Police, D.C. Metropolitan Police (MPD), U.S. Capitol Police, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and Metro Transit Police to enforce safety measure at the rally. NBC News and ABC News reported the security level for the event was raised to the highest designation under the Department of Homeland Security, which typically measures based on crowd size.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said Monday that the MPD will be assisted by the National Guard at some traffic points.

They continue, we continue to monitor, she said. We expect a large gathering. We are paying attention to numbers of buses that are coming that are I think we can expect in the tens of thousands of people.

She also did not say whether officials knew of counter protests planned.

There will be security points at the entrance of the event, and the organizers have a list of prohibited items listed on their website.

Will roads be closed?

Ahead of Tuesday, MPD announced that there will be parking restrictions and street closures around the National Mall due to First Amendment demonstrations. The full list of closed streets and restricted parking areas can be found on MPDs website.

Can I watch the event at home?

Organizers will be livestreaming the rally on their website.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The FBI and New York City federal prosecutors are currently investigating whether New York City Mayor Eric Adams 2021 campaign received illegal foreign donations amid speculation about his relationship with Turkish officials.

Authorities have been looking into Adams campaign finances since the spring, according to the New York Times; on Nov. 6, federal agents seized Adams electronic devices while he was leaving an event in New York.

The mayor immediately complied with the FBIs request and provided them with electronic devices, Boyd Johnson, Adams attorney, said on Nov. 10. The mayor has not been accused of any wrongdoing and continues to cooperate with the investigation.

Just four days earlier, the FBI searched the home of Brianna Suggs, Adams 25-year-old chief fundraiser who helped the mayor raise more than $18 million for his election campaign.

Adams, who is running for re-election, has not been charged with any crimes. Heres what to know about the investigation.

What is the investigation about?

While details about the investigation are still emerging, records obtained by the Times show that authorities are looking into whether Adams' campaign colluded with Turkish officials to receive illegal campaign donations.

More specifically, agents are investigating financial donations made by KSK Construction, a building company owned by Turks that had a fundraising event for the mayor in May 2021, and donations by Bay Atlantic University made in September 2021. Both the construction company and college have ties to Turkey.

Nearly 50 donorsincluding KSK Constructions owners and workersgave the mayor a sum of $43,600 during the fundraiser organized by the construction company. Donations were then matched thanks to a city public matching funds program. The construction company did not build the consulate building in Manhattan.

New York City candidates can accept contributions from U.S. citizens or permanent residents who reside in the city. Campaigns cannot take donations from corporations or from a nominee contributorwhich is a person who donates on the behalf of another person or entity. Candidates are required by law to file disclosure statements with the Campaign Finance Board.

How is Turkey involved?

Authorities allege Adams previously asked former Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro to sign off on a building that had not yet opened because of fire safety and permit issues, according to the Times. The building now holds the new Turkish consulate, apartments, exhibition space, and auditorium.

Adams actions allowed the project to open under a temporary permit in time for a September 2021 U.N. General Assembly meeting, where Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was present, the Times reported. Adams conversation with fire officials happened after he won the Democratic primary election, which practically cemented his mayoral win because New York City is a blue stronghold.

Adams has said his request to the fire commissioner was a routine part of his then-role as Brooklyn borough president. But, according to the Times, his job did not include inquiring about the consulate building in Manhattan.

On Tuesday during a press conference, Adams also denied that he "circumvented a commissioner.

I want to be very clear about reaching out to FDNY to assist my constituents, like all of the elected officials do in this city, Adams said. The commissioner was the person that I asked, Can you look into this? And that was all I spoke with.

Public records also show that the Turkish consulate previously covered the partial cost of Adams visit to Turkey in 2015. That was done through a sister-city initiativewhen officials travel to other cities for an economic or cultural exchangeduring Adams time as borough president.

While abroad, Adams also visited Bahcesehir University. The founder of the school also founded Bay Atlantic University in the U.S. Warrants obtained by the Times show that agents are interested in donations from Bay Atlantic University employees. Adams received a first round of donations on Sep. 7, 2021. The mayor then received a sum of $10,000 from five university workers a week after the new consulate building was opened. None of the contributors who donated in late September live in the greater New York City area, CBS News reports. The donations were refunded a month later.

Why did officials search Brianna Suggs home?

Documents show that authorities are currently assessing the relationship between the mayors campaign and whether anyone had the intent to provide benefits to the Turkish government in exchange for financial contributions.

Federal agents searched Suggs Brooklyn home while looking for more information. They seized three iPhones, two laptops and a folder with the name Eric Adams on it, the warrants say.

Suggs has not commented about the investigation publicly but Adams has said, "[Suggs] has done an amazing job, and that she will stay with the campaign team if she desires to.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
A demonstrator wearing an Israeli flag joins thousands other people for a march against antisemitism in Paris, France, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2023. French authorities have registered more than 1,000 acts against Jews around the country in a month since the conflict in the Middle East began. | Christophe Ena, Associated Press

This article was first published in the State of Faith newsletter. Sign up to receive the newsletter in your inbox each Monday night.

As fighting continues between Israel and Hamas, American Jewish groups will hold a historic gathering in Washington, D.C., Tuesday afternoon to show support for Israel and to oppose rising antisemitism.

Were going to come together in large numbers and were going to show Congress and the president that the vast majority of the American people support their policies with regard to Israel and that we are not scared and we are not intimidated and America is not going to succumb to antisemitism, said Eric Fingerhut, president and CEO of The Jewish Federations of North America, to Religion News Service.

The event, called the March for Israel, is expected to involve tens of thousands of people, including Jewish students from schools across the country. It will take place on the National Mall and feature religious and political messages.

Members of Congress and senior members of the U.S. administration have been invited to speak, as have families of the 200+ people still being held hostage by Hamas, Religion News Service reported.

Tuesdays event follows similar pro-Israel gatherings across the country and around the world. Over the weekend, for example, more than 180,000 people took part in peaceful marches in France aimed at condemning antisemitism, according to The Associated Press.

The March for Israel also follows large marches in support of the Palestinian people and against Israels counterattack strategy. Some protesters have urged the Biden administration to stop sending money to Israel, a step that March for Israel participants oppose.

We knew that Congress was starting to hear from other voices, Fingerhut told Religion News Service. We want to make sure they heard from us.

The March for Israel website notes that Tuesdays event might spawn counterprotests. Organizers have urged participants not to engage with these potential side events.

We are actively working with law enforcement and our security team to ensure we are prepared for counter-protests. Should we experience counter-protests on the grounds, we ask our Federations and community partners not to engage to avoid any unnecessary escalation, the website says.

The March for Israel is scheduled to last from 1-3 p.m. EST.

Fresh off the press

These Catholic nuns took on the state of New York  and won

The Supreme Courts latest gun rights case and its link to domestic violence

Term of the week: Leap second

Have you heard of leap seconds? Theyre like Feb. 29  the leap day thats added to the calendar every four years to account for the difference between the 365 days on a typical calendar and the 365.25 days it takes the Earth to travel around the sun  except theyre only one second long.

Leap seconds are observed to correct for a difference between carefully coordinated clocks around the world and the actual time it takes the Earth to travel the paths we base our clocks on. Theyre an essential part of the global effort to keep human and planetary time in sync, according to Ars Technica.

The article noted that leap seconds are falling out of favor among some scientists, because observing them is not a straightforward process. Leap seconds can cause computer outages and disrupted communication with satellites in outer space.

A growing group would like to do away with leap seconds and start observing a leap minute  much less often  instead. But this plan has some high-profile enemies, including Russian leaders, who have said that old satellites wouldnt be able to adapt, and potentially the Vatican.

The Vatican ... has concerned itself with astronomy since at least the Gregorian calendar, Ars Technica reported.

What Im reading...

Astronaut Frank Borman, who made history in 1968 as part of the first manned mission to orbit the moon, died earlier this month at age 95. In its obituary of him, Christianity Today described Bormans religious journey, including his decision to read from the Bible during his crews Christmas Eve broadcast from the moon back to Earth. As a camera showed the lunar surface passing below a window, the three astronauts read the Scripture from a piece of paper. Borman went last, closing with verses 9 and 10: And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so. And God called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: and God saw that it was good, Christianity Today reported.

Like Borman, Guilherme Peixoto put together a career worthy of international media coverage. But instead of being an astronaut, Peixoto, 49, is a Catholic priest and DJ ... at the same time. His DJ career took off this summer when he was asked by fellow Catholic leaders to prepare the World Youth Day crowd for the appearance of Pope Francis, according to The Associated Press. He accepted the unusual task and mixed a dance beat with excerpts from old papal speeches.

A new report from the Survey Center on American Life compares the teenage experiences of members of different generations. The research confirms something thats already pretty widely accepted: Many fewer members of Gen Z spent time in church as teens than members of the millennial, Gen X and baby boomer generations.

Odds and ends

Last week, I was heartbroken to learn that fewer than half of American adults read a book for fun during the most recent year tracked by the National Endowment for the Arts. Are you in that group? If youd like to start reading more often, Id recommend starting with an old favorite. Treasured books can help you rebuild your reading habit.

Do you have any Thanksgiving- or Christmas-related craft ideas for a preschooler? Id love suggestions for art projects to do with my older son.
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba confirmed on Nov. 13 that the EU is behind schedule to deliver 1 million artillery shells, citing the poor state of the European defense industry as the reason.

Bloomberg reported on Nov. 10 that the EU is unlikely to deliver all of the pledged 1 million artillery shells to Ukraine by the March 2024 target.

Kuleba acknowledged on television that the report by Bloomberg was correct, adding that Ukraine is "doing a lot of loud ringing of alarm bells."

Head of Ukraine's diplomacy believes that the problem is not a lack of political will in the EU but defense industry problems and a "lot of unsynchronized issues, a lot of bureaucracy."

However, the work to address these issues is underway, he added.

"The European Union is working to remedy these problems, and that is why, while in Berlin, I called on the European Union to develop a coherent policy in the field of defense industries," Kuleba said.

"But we need faster actions and more of them. And we do really appreciate the support of the European Union, but we will push them (on this)."

Read also: Investigation: EU inability to ramp up production behind acute ammunition shortages in Ukraine

According to a plan approved by the EU in March, the bloc would provide Ukraine with a million shells within a span of one year. The first step of the program involves reimbursing supplies from member states' own stocks, the second step is joint purchase of new munitions.

On Nov. 13, the EU's top diplomat, Josep Borrell, acknowledged that Ukraine will not receive all the 1 million shells by the end of 2023. The bloc has completed the first step of the program by delivering some 300,000 shells from EU arsenals, he noted.

According to Borrell, the speed of the next step "will depend on how quickly the contract will be implemented and how quickly the factories will produce... keeping in mind that Europe is also exporting a certain amount of their production."

The bloc's plan to ramp up shell production to boost Ukraine's artillery capabilities has been plagued by bureaucracy and protectionism of individual countries, an investigation by the Kyiv Independent and its partners revealed.

Ukraine's need for munition supplies becomes ever more pressing as Russia is boosting its defense budget for 2024 and was reportedly able to secure over 1 million shells from North Korea, while political infighting in Washington causes cutbacks in U.S. military support for Kyiv.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Hundreds of people packed a highly charged Anderson County School Board meeting Monday night to protest the alleged actions of a school counselor and Superintendent Sheila Mitchell in handling a parent complaint involving their teen daughter and another female student in a same-sex relationship.

On Tuesday, the students father, Brad Briscoe, provided the Herald-Leader with a complaint he filed to the school board against the two school officials, accusing them of ethical violations and not communicating with the Briscoes.

The complaint, written by attorneys at Schuette Law Group in Bowling Green representing Briscoe, his wife Stacy and their daughter, a 17-year-old girl, said Mitchell and the counselor have violated state regulation and the Code of Ethics from the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board.

The complaint said the counselor acted inappropriately by encouraging the student to seek a legal consultation regarding emancipation without her parents knowledge or consent.

The code, in part, says educators have the obligation to take reasonable measures to protect the health, safety, and emotional well-being of students and must communicate to parents information which should be revealed in the interest of the student, according to the complaint.

The allegations against the counselor arise out of events that took place at Anderson County High School during the spring semester of the 2022-23 school year which were seriously harmful, according to the complaint.

The complaint against Supt. Mitchell arises out of her mishandling of the internal investigation into the counselors conduct, the complaint said.

In February, the student told her parents that she and her female classmate were in a romantic relationship and had been since the fall of 2022, the complaint said.

The Briscoes expressed to (their daughter) their strong opposition to homosexuality, which was based upon convictions derived from their Christian faith. At the same time, they assured (her) of their unconditional love and support for her as their child, the complaint said.

Beyond their moral concerns about the daughters newly professed identity, the complaint said, the Briscoes were deeply upset that she had deceived them for months regarding the nature of her relationship with the classmate.

To address the former, they forbade her from further contact with classmate. To address the latter, they restricted her driving privileges for two weeks as a disciplinary consequence for her dishonesty, the complaint said.

The complaint said the reason for the daughters punishment was her dishonesty with her parents, not her sexuality.

The daughter readily acknowledges that her parents have been supportive of her with respect to her efforts to understand her identity, the complaint said.

The counselor acted inappropriately by orchestrating a scheme based on patently false allegations of emotional abuse against the parents, by directing the student to surreptitiously record family discussions at the Briscoe home for the purpose of provoking Brad and Stacy Briscoe to make statements that could be framed as emotional abuse, and by consistently failing to advise the parents of her concerns about the student, the complaint said.

Mitchell acted inappropriately by conducting an investigation of the counselor that did not hold her accountable for multiple alleged violations of the code of ethics, the complaint said.

On Tuesday, Mitchell told the Herald-Leader in an email, because of the students privacy rights under the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and the Kentucky Family Education Rights and Privacy Act, I am not able to comment on anything stated by the parents in recent days, including at our school board meeting.

When I was informed of the situation, I conducted an investigation, sought legal guidance, and followed applicable law and policy. I am unable to provide any further detail or comment without a release signed by the parents, said Mitchell.

Parents, residents raise concerns in terse board meeting

At Mondays school board meeting, Briscoe asked board of education members to hold the superintendent accountable for conducting an inadequate investigation.

We are asking you to demonstrate courage by doing whatever it takes to make Anderson County school system a safe place for students and their families, Briscoe said. By doing this, youll be carrying out your duties as a school board in changing this school system for the greater and the will of this community.

He asked the superintendent to hold the counselor accountable for trying to cancel Stacey and me as our daughters parents for making a false report to social services.

The easy move is to sweep this under the rug, Briscoe said. The families of this community obviously are asking you to be courageous, to step up as our representatives and do the right thing.

This school employee and that superintendent, their actions should not and cannot be allowed to stand, Briscoe said.

Anderson County Board of Education attorney Grant Chenoweth said the allegations are only one side of the story, and there are additional facts and details about the incident. The board doesnt have legal authority to take action concerning individual employees with the school, only the superintendent has that power, according to Chenoweth.

Anderson County resident Marty Terry encouraged people to contact Frankfort.

What will it take for all of you to have the moral courage to stand up for the Briscoe family, or at least protect the child? Does anyone here have faith in the superintendent and the swamp that is the Anderson County school system? Terry said.
The Lake County Council voted unanimously on Tuesday in favor of an ordinance meant to help prevent properties from being repeatedly listed at tax sales without selling  a phenomenon known as churn.

Tax sales seek buyers for properties whose owners have reached a threshold of property tax delinquency, and come in two varieties. A tax deed sale auctions off a property with the buyer shouldering its unpaid tax burden, while a tax lien sale sells the right to collect a propertys taxes to a third party.

Lake County has long struggled with a large number of tax delinquent properties that fail to sell  a study conducted by Indiana University Northwests Center for Urban and Region Excellence identified 9,231 properties with no buyer at either the Lake County Treasurers 2020 Tax Sale or the Lake County Commissioners 2021 Tax Certificate Sale. Breaking the churn cycle has become a goal of county and municipal officials, whose entities depend on tax revenue for funding.

The 2023 Indiana State Legislative session furnished a possible solution. Senate Enrolled Act 157, signed into law by Gov. Eric Holcomb in May, authorized the county to establish a process for transferring ownership of a property that has twice failed to sell at a tax sale to either itself or to a municipality for redevelopment.

The law sets out an array of criteria that a property must meet in order to be considered a public hazard and become eligible for the process. Among the conditions are requirements that it not be in bankruptcy, that it be unoccupied, and that no property tax assessments of it from the last two years have been appealed.

In September, the Association of Indiana Counties honored Lake County officials involvement with the development and passage of SEA 157 2023 with the organizations 2023 Local Government Cooperation Award.

The ordinance passed by the council on Tuesday implements the laws provisions at the county level. Council attorney Tom ODonnell explained at the meeting that public hazard status will need to be determined by a court before the county can claim a property or grant it to a municipality.

adalton@chicagotribune.com
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A man is accused of entering a Las Vegas Strip hotel room, pistol-whipping a bachelorette party attendee and firing a bullet into a bed before running off, according to documents the 8 News Now Investigators obtained.

Earlier this month, a Clark County grand jury indicted Quavaus Williams, 37, on charges of residential burglary while in the possession of a firearm, robbery with the use of a deadly weapon, discharging a firearm within or from an occupied structure and a gun-related charge, documents said.

Metro police responded to the Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel & Casino around 4 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 19, for a report of a robbery, records said. A woman called police to report an armed robbery inside a hotel room.

The incident was not reported before the 8 News Now investigators reporting on Tuesday.

Earlier this month, a Clark County grand jury indicted Quavaus Williams, 37, on charges of residential burglary while in the possession of a firearm, robbery with the use of a deadly weapon, discharging a firearm within or from an occupied structure and a gun-related charge, documents said. (LVMPD/KLAS)

The woman woke up to a man, whom police identified as Williams, armed with a gun and ordering her to hand him her phone and wallet, documents said.

I was woken up to a Black male going through my suitcase, the woman told the grand jury, according to transcripts. I stood up and I said, Who are you? What are you doing? Once I realized there was a man in the room I walked around the bed, walked towards him and thats when he pointed the gun at me and said Ill [expletive] kill you.

As Williams allegedly pistol-whipped the woman in the head, he fired one gunshot, which hit a headboard, police said.

I walked around to my bed realizing that was where I left my purse, grabbed my wallet, I handed him my wallet and then he punched me in the face with the gun and I fell to the floor, the woman told the grand jury, Shortly after I fell to the floor is when the gun went off. I thought my cousin was shot so I stood up and walked over to her to make sure she was okay.

The woman and two others staying in the room were in town for a bachelorette party, police said.

Police tracked Williams to an apartment in downtown Las Vegas, finding the victims phone as well as other items matching surveillance footage, they said.

The victim suffered multiple fractures to her nose and face, she told the grand jury.

Police suspect Williams gained access to the room when one of the women went into the hallway to make a phone call, leaving the door slightly ajar as the two other women slept, they said.

Officers arrested Williams on Aug. 30, records said.

In court last week, Williams pleaded not guilty. A judge scheduled a trial for April 1, 2024.

Williams was ordered to be jailed without bond. In October, a judge sentenced him to a two-to-five-year prison sentence on an unrelated gun charge. He remained in custody at High Desert State Prison, where he was serving that sentence, as of Tuesday.

Williams is a multi-time felon with several prior larceny and firearm-related convictions, records showed.

Metro police suggest always locking your hotel room door.

Never prop open your door for any reason, this allows thieves easy access to you and your belongings, the department warns on its website.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  The teenager accused of dropping a gun onto a playground, leading to a toddler shooting herself, did it just moments before the preschool class entered the playground, according to an arrest report.

On Friday, Nov. 3, officers with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department were called to the area of Kell Lane and Nellis Boulevard after several people reported there was a shooting on an RTC bus.

Surveillance video from the bus showed Tshaun Rucker, 16, boarding the bus at around 10:30 a.m. at the Nellis Boulevard and Cheyenne Avenue, according to the report. Five minutes later, the victim, a man who is approximately 19, boarded at Lake Mead and Nellis boulevards.

Tshaun Rucker, 16, faces several charges including attempted murder and child abuse. (LVMPD)

The video showed Rucker and the victim talking before the victim sat down several rows in front of Rucker, police said. The two use their cell phones for a few minutes before they get into a heated conversation.

The video showed the victim standing and approaching Rucker, starting to punch him. Rucker moves toward the back of the bus while the victim punches him, according to the report.

Rucker then pulls out a gun and shoots at the victim three times. The victim then ran toward the front of the bus to leave as Rucker followed him out, the report stated.

Later, the victim told police that he could not remember anything about the incident.

Two witnesses on the bus identified Rucker as the shooter, police said.

Las Vegas police: Toddler shot after teenage gunman leaves loaded gun on playground

Rucker then ran to a nearby daycare center and jumped over a wall into the east side of the playground at around 10:40 a.m., the video showed.

An employee at the daycare center told police that at around 10:30 a.m., the playground was checked for any hazards by the centers director before any children entered the playground.

Surveillance video showed Rucker dropping the loaded firearm before jumping back over the wall and leaving moments before a group of nine children and a preschool teacher entered the playground.

As the children began to play, a 2-year-old named Ava, identified by a family friend, and her twin brother, went to the corner of the playground where Rucker dropped the gun. Moments later, the video showed smoke in the air after Ava picked up the gun and shot herself in the chest, according to the report.

The teacher told police she heard the gunshot and immediately smelled gunpowder. She saw Ava on the ground with a gun lying next to her hand, the report stated. The teacher picked up the gun and put it on a nearby wall before picking Ava up and running inside the school, telling another teacher to call 911.

An arriving officer provided medical aid until medical personnel could arrive and take Ava to a nearby hospital. A friend of the family told 8 News Now the bullet barely missed Avas heart.

According to the family friend, doctors put Ava into a medically induced coma and predicted she would remain in the hospital for at least two months.

Rucker was arrested in a nearby business after the shooting. He faces charges of attempted murder, two counts of discharging a firearm into an occupied structure or vehicle, child abuse/neglect, disregarding the safety of a person or property, possession of a dangerous weapon on school or childcare property, and possession of a firearm by a child under 18.

Court records show he was custody in custody on $100,000 bail as of Monday. If he makes bail, he will be placed on high-level electronic monitoring.

His next court appearance was scheduled for Nov. 22.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
A Las Vegas teenager died after he was attacked this month by about 15 people while he was defending a friend, his father said.

A minor was in a fight on Nov. 1 with more than a dozen people near Rancho High School, Las Vegas police said in a statement. At least some of the fight was recorded and shared on social media.

Jonathan Lewis Jr.'s death was confirmed on a memorial website written by his father.

After holding my sons hand in the hospital while on life support for 2 days and nights and watching his life leave his body and being shocked by the immensity and horror of my beloved boy just being beaten to death I felt a mission to act that moved me to my core, his father, Jonathan Lewis Sr., wrote.

teen hero death (Courtesy Lewis Family)

The website continued: Jonathan was a hero who tried to help a smaller child who was being bullied and 15 people attacked him in cowardly violence and our beloved son was beaten to death!"

The teen was an aspiring artist who was kind and generous and "had his whole life ahead of him," according to the website.

A verified GoFundMe page for the boys family linked to the memorial website.

Jonathan Lewis Sr. could not be reached Monday for comment.

In a statement, the Clark County School District said it is working with authorities "so those involved are held accountable for their actions."

"CCSD does not tolerate violence or threats to students or their safety," the statement said. "We all must come together as a community to address the needs of our students so disagreements are resolved through dialogue rather than violence."

In the Nov. 1 statement, police said the victim "was involved in a physical altercation with approximately 15 individuals prior to officers arrival.

School personnel performed CPR on the victim, who appeared to be unconscious, and the victim was taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries, police said.

The departments homicide section was investigating because of the substantial injuries the victim suffered, police said at the time.

A police spokesperson said Monday afternoon the investigation is ongoing and declined to comment further.

A representative with the Clark County Office of the Coroner/Medical Examiner declined to comment Monday, citing a pending case.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Standing alone at the front of a Chicago courtroom, Guadalupe Fernandez Valencia wore orange prison coveralls. Her long light brown hair, streaked with gray, was pulled back into a tight ponytail at the nape of her neck. She wore no makeup. She was 60 years old.

I want to take advantage of this opportunity to ask forgiveness from my children and from my family, said Guadalupe. It was August 2021, and she was about to be sentenced for a sobering litany of drug trafficking charges, including conspiracy to transport and distribute, and money laundering.

Guadalupe spent more than three decades in the drug business, working for Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, the worlds most famous drug lord, and his Sinaloa cartel. She is, to date, the highest-ranking female Sinaloa cartel operative to emerge into the public eye, and one of the little-known yet powerful women that I investigated for my book, "Narcas: The Secret Rise of Women in Latin America's Cartels."

Guadalupe Fernandez Valencia, known as "La Patrona," is shown in a photo released by the Mexican government after she was arrested in Culiacan in February 2016.

When El Chapo was convicted by a court in New York, in February 2019, it was the climax of the highest-profile organized crime case of my generation. During his trial, news reporters had to arrive at 3 or 4 in the morning to get a seat for the day. El Chapos adventures  and those of other male traffickers  have inspired Hollywood movies, Netflix series and countless books and novels. Few women have.

So when I looked at the indictment that sent El Chapo down, an indictment on which Guadalupe was the only woman, I was struck by how unknown her story is to the world. Some superficial Googling revealed coverage of the guilty plea she made and not much else. In the history of the drug trade, public focus is nearly always on the male protagonists.

Leer esta nota en espanol

Yet Guadalupe, known as La Patrona (a Spanish term for a female boss), had a criminal career that ran parallel to that of El Chapo. She was arrested in Mexico just a month after his final capture.

I wondered, as she awaited her sentence in the dock, if she had calmed herself by picturing the green mountains and remembering the soft air of home. The smell of wood smoke in the mornings. Did memories of Michoacan, the humid southern Mexican state where she was born, soothe her in that difficult moment?

Any happy childhood memories had no doubt been sullied when the crime lords moved into her home state when she was a teenager. They plundered the heroin poppy and marijuana plantations in the picturesque mountains, holding humble farmers to ransom by controlling the price for poppy paste that the farmers had no choice but to accept. Those who spoke up in self-defense were either silenced or co-opted.

Eventually, the drug gangs took over entire villages like hers, often abusing the communities younger women. They would grow to dominate not just the lucrative production of heroin and crystal meth, but the mineral and gold mines dotted around the state, as well as the avocado and lime industries.

Guadalupe escaped them for a time by coming to the United States, like millions of her countrymen and women before her. But now here she was  one of them. The bosses she had worked for fronted a billion-dollar multinational operation that had tentacles reaching around the globe. They didnt just dominate a single Mexican state. They were the biggest criminal organization in the world.

I wish I could find the words to convince you of how sorry I am, Guadalupe told Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman in court in Chicago. She was handed down a 10-year sentence, seven years of which she had already served.

But El Chapo got life. Some of the substantial evidence, according to U.S. prosecutors, that eventually put him behind bars after a criminal career spanning more than four decades, came from Guadalupe.

During her time working with the Sinaloa cartel, Guadalupe worked closely with Jesus Alfredo Guzman Salazar, known as Alfredillo, one of El Chapos sons. His name is on the same charge sheet as both Guadalupes and his fathers, but he remains at large in Mexico. Court documents describe Guadalupe as Jesus lieutenant. They worked together on the entire drug distribution process, from start to finish, and she was a fundamental part of the organization, prosecutors say.

Her crucial role in the cartel makes it even more interesting that she is so unknown. When I, a dedicated narco nerd, first learned about her, my curiosity was piqued.

Read more: A Riverside County deputy arrested on drug charges is accused of working for a Mexican cartel

By then, I had been reporting from Latin America for more than a decade, with a focus on organized crime. Id worked for both mainstream media and nonprofits focused on organized crime, writing about everything from the drug trade to extortion and Central Americas street gangs. I was part of a growing group of women who are documenting the drug trade, its dynamics and its protagonists. A lot of the coverage of narco issues in general has been dominated by male writers and macho narratives. The way these stories have been told  men as victimizers and women as victims  feels excessively based on gender tropes.

Guns and narcotics seized by federal authorities in an investigation.

When Guadalupe Fernandez Valencias story inspired the idea for my book, I had a hunch that this way of viewing the trade was so one-dimensional that it was untrue, but I knew that I had to dig deeper to prove it. I wasnt interested in finding female versions of the male cabrones (hard macho bastards) that we constantly see in media representations of the cartels. Rather, I wanted to understand how womens power manifests in this context beyond its juxtaposition with mens.

On a visit to the Mob Museum in Las Vegas to give a talk on the investigative work for my book in June 2022, I stood in front of a wall adorned with the faces of the 100 Years of Made Men and Their Associates. There must have been a hundred men and just four women hanging on that wall. It was a stunning reminder of how broadly invisible female faces have been in organized crime over the years.

Now seems the right time to talk about the real, gritty, unexpected part women play in organized crime. Characters such as Wendy Byrde, Ruth Langmore and Darlene Snell in the Netflix series "Ozark," and Polly Gray in "Peaky Blinders" are changing the narratives about women working in criminal businesses, adding nuance and color that contradict cliches. Kate del Castillo continues to portray drug-trafficker Teresa Mendoza in the "La Reina Del Sur" series.

Read more: She met 'El Chapo'. Now, Kate del Castillo is afraid to return to Mexico

All of these dynamics feel connected to what Ive discovered about women in the ranks of organized crime. Most of the women who have been visible in the drug trade are highly sexualized narco wives or girlfriends. The little coverage they have received tends to focus on their sexual attractiveness and attachments to male narcos, rather than their business power, the message being that if theyre not attractive, they dont warrant investigation or attention.

Emma Coronel Aispuro, Guzmans much younger, infinitely more glamorous wife, epitomizes this dynamic. She was a constant presence at her husbands trial and also appeared on VH1s "Cartel Crew," where she chatted with the family members of other drug traffickers over glasses of Champagne about how to create a brand from her husbands criminal legacy. She was eventually taken into custody on a visit to Washington, D.C., in early 2021.

Prosecutors alleged that she was part of a plan to break her husband out of prison for a third time before he was extradited to the United States to face trial. They also claimed that she knew about his drug trafficking activities and the origin of the proceeds. She was an enabler, the classic gangsters moll. Emma eventually turned herself in and was given a relatively light sentence despite her alleged offenses.

Emma Coronel Aispuro, the wife of Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, was released from prison in September after serving a three-year sentence for her role in her husband's criminal empire. ( Associated Press)

The romantic or family attachments of women in the drug trade are often used to minimize or marginalize them as protagonists. Emmas role as El Chapos wife is a great example. The logic seems to be that women are there because they are someones wife or lover or sister or daughter. But men also enter the trade by virtue of their family connections  most organized crime business is also family business  and yet their influence is assumed to be larger or more important, a virtue of their maleness rather than their familial connections. Those blood or love ties are never used to explain and minimize their presence in the way they are for women.

Then there are the other women most visible in organized crime: the victims. Impoverished single mothers obliged to sell or smuggle drugs to support their families, or women coerced to entrap and kill. Women trafficked into undesirable trades. Prisons across the region are home to thousands of women like this, who are serving long sentences for relatively small crimes.

But within the binary of characterizing narco women as either wives or victims, I started to see so much more. I saw women as protagonists and decision-makers in the criminal underworld and the drug trade. I saw them in roles in which their romantic or family connections were a sidebar. Women like Guadalupe and the other protagonists in my book. Women in gangs in Central America. Women operating extortion rackets. Women involved in narcomenudeo (street-level drug crime). Across Latin America, the female population behind bars for offenses related to organized crime has doubled in the last decade. In Mexico and Colombia  major drug trade hubs in the region  the increase in female prisoners has been especially high.

I began to wonder if women were somehow becoming more empowered in the shadows of the drug trade, even within a regional culture that does its best to hold them down. Maybe some of them see a chance to rise through a hierarchy, despite the murky morality of the drug business. Maybe women in organized crime are rising up to give orders instead of just taking them. I also wondered if the trends I was seeing were new  or if media coverage of the drug trade has just been unable, or unwilling, to see them.

Read more: 'A well-oiled machine': The Mexican Mafia's money-making operation in L.A. County jails

The context of womens involvement in the Latin American drug trade has been changing, in pace with the growing participation of women in economic and social life. Some women see an opportunity to participate in criminal activities as a way to a potential career, the promise of money, power, influence and status. For many women in the region, the obstacles to professional success remain daunting. Some of the women that I profile come from humble, impoverished backgrounds. That they had to break the law to achieve their career goals reflects many things  from their own personality characteristics to their limited array of options for advancement and power in the mainstream professional sphere.

But to view their role as a simple reflection of necessity is to rob women of their agency, reducing them to mere pawns in a mans game. The patriarchy of the cartels seems very real, but to assume women dont have a capacity for violence or a thirst for power and status is just another narrow gender stereotype that grossly misunderstands and underestimates women and their role in the social order.

A woman requesting anonymity was serving a 50-year sentence when we met in the Pavon prison in Guatemala City. She told me she enjoyed running a kidnapping ring that eventually landed her behind bars. She assured me that she didnt have to get involved in the criminal enterprise out of economic need. Her husband was a drug transporter before he was killed, leaving her plenty of money to care for herself and their three children.

It was curiosity, she said. I wanted to know how it felt. I wanted to feel that my life was at risk. I liked the danger.

When we talked, she was 54 and 20 years into her prison term. She was hoping to get out within the next five years for good behavior.

Some of the women I met while reporting fit the stereotype of women who can be tricked or forced into organized crime by men. But the story of this Pavon prison inmate felt equally striking and real  and like a new narrative. This woman was owning her decision to get into kidnapping  she wasnt telling herself or anyone else that she had no choice. I think that most of us here know what we were doing, she said about the women in prison with her. Ive never blamed anyone but myself. I own my bad acts.

Then there was Maria, whom I met via a mutual friend in the working-class barrio of Tepito in Mexico City. As we spoke, men in a nearby open-air gym lifted weights and showed off their muscles to each other.

Maria told me she began trafficking weapons as a young woman. One day, her mother, the boss of their gunrunning enterprise, was sick and couldnt make the drive to pick up guns that had been bought in the U.S. and were being smuggled over the border to Mexico. So she sent Maria, who said she has now been selling weapons to the cartels as well as to local residents for the better part of 20 years. Shes grooming her 16-year-old daughter to do the same.

I loved the adrenaline. I loved looking over my shoulder, Maria told me about the first time she went to pick up weapons in the northern state of Tamaulipas, across the border from Texas. Her son, she said, wasnt keen on joining the matriarchal network of gunrunners.

A shrine has been erected on the side of a road in Moyuta, near Guatemala's border with El Salvador, the stage for a savage battle for control between gang leader Marixa Lemus' family and other local political and criminal powers. (Deborah Bonello)

Early on a Sunday in May 2021, Abel Jacobo Miller took me to the outskirts of the city of Culiacan, the capital of Sinaloa, in the already searing sun. He put a Glock pistol in my hand and told me to shoot. As someone who grew up in the U.K., where most guns are illegal for most people, I had never fired a weapon. When I did, my arms and hands trembled under the force of the discharge. But I knew that the more I did it, the better I would get.

The ubiquity of firearms as the weapon of choice in the criminal underworld has contributed to a leveling of the playing field for the sexes. Battles are rarely fought with fists, but with military weaponry and skills that can be mastered equally by all genders. A [132-pound] woman cant confront a [198-pound] man with her fists. But with a gun were equals, said Jacobo Miller, who teaches women self-defense and shooting in his home city. He was addressing the other women on the shooting range that day, who seemed able to handle a gun a lot better than I did.

I work with them to remove the chip that [tells them] theyre vulnerable. That theyre victims, the father of three daughters told me later. Women are as threatening as men. They just have to understand that about themselves.

One of the women under his tutelage that day was 45-year-old accountant Tessa, a lifelong resident of Culiacan. It was the first time she had fired a gun too. It felt good, she told me. At first, I was nervous about what it would feel like in my body, but then it felt good to shoot, and it got easier and easier."

I wanted to have the confidence to do it, she said. With things the way they are, with so much violence, theres no room for terror. Now, its about security and keeping us safe.

On my reporting trips over the last decade, investigating everything from gang violence and extortion to the fentanyl trade, it has become increasingly common to have women sitting across from me during interviews. And their stories are incredibly nuanced. Women are stepping around the frontiers of gender expectations to establish their own place in organized crime, one of their own making. I learned from U.S. prosecutors who have charged women in the drug trade and from lawyers who have defended them that women often use the shroud of gender stereotypes to go undetected  hiding behind the stereotype of the good girl incapable of doing bad. They become drug transporters, money launderers and killers. Street drug vendors and packers. Weapons traffickers. Kidnappers. Extortionists.







Many of the women Ive interviewed are also current or former law enforcement officers or elected officials. Both of those types of actors can be fundamental enablers of drug trafficking groups and organized crime across Latin America, even when they may appear to be fighting the illegal narcotics business. Theyre involved in a spectrum of ways, from taking bribes for protecting and enabling criminal actors to taxing drug traffickers for operating in their territory. In every single country in Latin America, officials at all levels collude with the drug trade. For the women featured in my book, relationships with powerful officials were a fundamental aspect of their drug trafficking operations and the organizations they work with.

There are some commonalities among the patronas whom I document. Most came into the drug business later in life. Their organizations are often clan-based, involving husbands, children, cousins and other members of the extended family. Many come from poor backgrounds and have little formal education and few legal job opportunities. Some grew up in violent circumstances and were often violent actors themselves. As participants in the drug trade, if they are not doing the killing, they have others to do it for them. And many of them enjoy the power and thrill that the business affords.

Crucially, these women are connected to each other. Some of them have personal relationships, often working together to traffic drugs and move the cash proceeds. Others are linked because of relationships between the organizations they work for. And the more I looked, the more women I found working within the ranks of organized crime. Like men, they are present at all parts of the chain.

In this photo provided by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Mexican drug trafficker Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman arrives at Long Island MacArthur Airport in Ronkonkoma, N.Y., after being extradited to the United States to face drug trafficking charges in 2017.

But contemporary research on womens role in the drug trade is woefully lacking. I often wonder if this reflects a particular lens through which many of those documenting organized crime view the subject, both in academia and in the media. Most of them are men, and I wonder, do they pay more attention to the men in the room as a virtue of their own reporting biases? When they dont ask about women and their role in the drug trade, it suggests theyre assuming that role is minimal. Through this lens, drug traffickers are, by definition, male. Pablo Escobar. El Chapo. John Gotti. Al Capone.

As I researched Guadalupes life and the court case that ended with her prison sentence, I found that the role she played certainly bore a resemblance more to what are traditionally male decision-making roles in the drug trade, rather than to the role played by women like Chapos wife Emma Coronel Aispuro. The lack of media attention on her and her criminal life didnt reflect her lack of importance or power within the Sinaloa cartel, but instead her failure to fulfill the gender stereotypes at work in the drug trade. By the time she was detained, she was in her late 50s, and she didnt tick the babe or victim boxes that the spotlight seems to demand from women in the business.

Its true that Guadalupe may have started out as a victim. I learned about her five children and the husband who fathered them, a man who is referred to as abusive in court documents. According to her criminal lawyer, Ruben Oliva: Over the course of her life she has had the great misfortune of ... crossing paths with men who have only seen her as a means to an end.

But by the time I began reading about her, she had already served nearly 10 years in an American prison after being convicted in California for drug dealing back in the late 1990s. The case I was researching wasnt her first rodeo  she knew what she was doing when she got involved with the Sinaloans.

As I researched women in the drug trade, it became increasingly obvious that there were many women involved who, like Guadalupe, did not fit the accepted tropes. High-ranking, powerful and sometimes violent women in drug organizations were not a novelty or an exception.

El Chapos Sinaloa cartel, born out of the Guadalajara cartel in the late 1980s, started out moving cocaine up from producers in Colombia, Bolivia and Peru to Mexico and over the border into the United States, alongside tons of weed and heroin. Nowadays these drugs have been joined by large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl. The Sinaloans defined the modus operandi for the proliferation of trafficking groups that thrive today: clandestine landing strips in the jungle that accommodate small planes packed to the roof with product; speedboats filled with dope ripping up the seas; drugs disguised as other goods concealed in container trucks and cars. El Chapo famously attempted to ship half a million dollars worth of cocaine into the United States from Mexico packed in jalapeno cans.

The drug trafficking world and its culture has been documented and portrayed as viscerally male and patriarchal. The ostentatious use of brutal violence has become a defining feature of Mexicos crime wars, as has the sexual objectification of women by elements of narco culture such as narcoccorido (a genre of ballads and songs dedicated to drug lords) and plastic surgery. Women are accessories, another sign of male success, much like the collections of exotic and expensive animals narcos are famous for accruing. Emma Coronel Aispuro, Chapos wife, has come to exemplify an aspirational lifestyle and a look for women involved with drug traffickers in Culiacan, who are known as buchonas.

Digna Valle is shown after her arrest in 2014. (Broward County Sheriff's Office)

The macho nature of the drug trade and its surrounding culture also serves to hide women from view. In Honduras, the violent Valle family drug trafficking organization was for years controlled in part by one of my book's protagonists, Digna Valle. A former local government official in Honduras told me that Dignas brothers, who worked alongside her, tried to hide her power for fear it would make them seem weak in the context of a male-dominated culture.

After Digna Valle was taken into custody, construction on the mansion she was building in her hometown of El Espiritu, Honduras, ceased. (Deborah Bonello)

Really, for the Valles, the people at the front were Arnulfo Valle and Luis Valle [Dignas younger brothers], but they made sure Digna Valle never appeared to be a major protagonist in media coverage here. Later it was shown that it was she who managed their finances and was the brain behind a lot of their operations, said the official, whom I spoke to in Santa Rosa de Copan. The small city is close to Honduras border with Guatemala, which makes up a major part of the cocaine smuggling route from south to north and the Valles' former domain.

"Digna's brothers [Arnulfo and Luis] were dedicated to sowing fear and terror here in this region, and in this northern region in general," said the former official. "It was only when [Digna] was captured and taken to the United States that it started to come out how powerful she had been within the organization."

A bench outside the huge Catholic church in El Espiritu, Honduras, that Digna Valle and her clan helped build bears her name. (Deborah Bonello)

Some argue that there is a fundamental difference between how men and women behave in the crime business. Theres not going to be a show and a gunfight  [women] dont need to make a show of it like [male] cartel leaders have done in the past, criminologist Monica Ramirez Cano told me. Cano has interviewed dozens of notorious figures from Mexicos criminal underworld, both male and female. She profiled El Chapo after his final capture in Mexico and before he was extradited to the United States.

But some criminal lawyers who have defended female drug bosses in the U.S. told me that women crave fame and power in the drug world as much as men do.

I have found that both claims are true.

Guadalupes relatively light sentence means that she is due to be released from prison about a year from now. But shes unlikely to want to go home. Her former captain, El Chapos son Jesus, a.k.a. Alfredillo, remains at large south of the border. Alongside the Guzmans, there are six other men named in the indictment who are no doubt displeased by her cooperation with U.S. prosecutors. One of them, Ismael El Mayo Zambada, co-founder of the Sinaloa cartel and a legendary Mexican trafficker, has never set foot in a jail cell and is one of the most-wanted criminals on the Drug Enforcement Administration radar.

Guadalupe has already said too much. If she manages to avoid deportation  which is usually the next step authorities take against foreign drug offenders like her  and remains in the U.S. after she leaves prison, she will have to spend the rest of her life looking over her shoulder. She will have to blend in and become invisible to survive.

Im fascinated by Guadalupe and all of the other women featured in my book. As a journalist and writer, I do my best to tread the fine line between describing their exploits and the complexities of their stories without celebrating their criminal achievements. As a woman surrounded mostly by men investigating organized crime, Im used to seeing women either underestimated or ignored. Overlooking women is a mistake, and these womens stories prove that.

This is a lightly edited excerpt from the book "Narcas: The Secret Rise of Women in Latin America's Cartels" by Deborah Bonello. Bonello, a journalist, writer, editor and researcher who is Latin America editorial director for VICE News, has covered organized crime and criminal syndicates, particularly drug trafficking, for nearly two decades. She has worked as a freelancer for the Los Angeles Times based in Mexico City, where she was a special correspondent, as well as for the BBC, the Guardian and the Telegraph.

Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The hallowed halls of the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday witnessed not one but two near-physical altercations involving lawmakers, showcasing the escalating animosity within the political landscape.

The first incident unfolded when Rep. Tim Burchett, a Tennessee Republican, accused former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy of deliberately elbowing him in the back. Burchett, one of the eight GOP members who voted to remove McCarthy from his leadership post in October, was speaking to reporters after a closed-door Republican conference meeting when the incident occurred. According to Burchett, McCarthy's blow was intentional and fueled by personal resentment.

I was one of eight that voted him out, Burchett declared, labeling McCarthy a "bully" and emphasizing the personal nature of the attack. "Hes mean and he knows it," Burchett added, suggesting McCarthy's actions were inappropriate and describing the encounter as "a little heated."

But McCarthy denied any deliberate physical contact, telling CNN that the hallway was tight and attributing the incident to the confined space. In an earlier interview on the network, McCarthy said he was surprised by Burchett's vote to oust him, considering the Tennessee Republican had previously supported his bid for the speakership.

The tension on Tuesday didn't stop at the House. In a separate incident at a Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions hearing, Sen. Markwayne Mullin, an Oklahoma Republican, and Teamsters President Sean O'Brien nearly came to blows. The confrontation stemmed from a series of provocative tweets exchanged between the two, culminating in a direct challenge to settle their differences physically.

"You know where to find me. Anyplace, Anytime cowboy," O'Brien tweeted at Mullin, leading to a heated exchange during the Senate hearing. Mullin and O'Brien exchanged taunts and challenges, with Mullin ultimately getting up from his seat, ready to confront O'Brien physically. Mullin is a former undefeated Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter, and was inducted into the Oklahoma Wrestling Hall of Fame.

Sen. Bernie Sanders, a Vermont independent who caucuses with Democrats, intervened at the last minute, admonishing Mullin to sit down and preventing the situation from escalating further. "You're a United States senator, sit down," Sanders ordered Mullin as he stood up to approach OBrien. This was not the first clash between Mullin and O'Brien, as their longstanding animosity had previously spilled into public view on social media.

The two incidents on Capitol Hill underscored the deepening divisions and personal animosities within the political arena just days ahead of a potential government shutdown, raising concerns about the state of civility and decorum among elected officials. A recent poll from Pew found that positive views of many governmental and political institutions are at historic lows, with just 16% of the public saying they trust the federal government always or most of the time.

Write to Nik Popli at nik.popli@time.com.
By Brendan Pierson

(Reuters) - UnitedHealth Group Inc uses an artificial intelligence algorithm that systematically denies elderly patients' claims for extended care such as nursing facility stays, according to a proposed class action lawsuit filed on Tuesday.

Family members of two now-deceased UnitedHealth beneficiaries sued the insurer in federal court in Minnesota, saying they were forced to pay out of pocket for care that doctors said was medically necessary.

They are seeking to represent a nationwide class of people on Medicare Advantage insurance plans, which are funded by the U.S. Medicare program for seniors and some people with disabilities and administered by private health insurers like UnitedHealth.

Ryan Clarkson, founder of the law firm representing the plaintiffs, said in an interview the class could include tens of thousands of people, and that claims for damages could reach billions of dollars.

UnitedHealth did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The Minnetonka, Minnesota-based company is the largest U.S. health insurance provider through its UnitedHealthcare Inc subsidiary.

The lawsuit centers on an AI algorithm known as nH Predict developed by NaviHealth Inc, a company acquired by UnitedHealth in 2020. It claims that UnitedHealth relies on nH Predict to evaluate claims for so-called post-acute care, which includes stays in skilled nursing facilities and in-home care.

UnitedHealth uses the algorithm to "prematurely and in bad faith discontinue payment for healthcare services," the complaint said.

"This is an example of how AI is being utilized not to help people but to line the pockets of corporations and their shareholders," Clarkson said.

When these coverage denials are appealed to federal administrative law judges, about 90% are reversed, the complaint said, demonstrating the "blatant inaccuracy" of the algorithm. Only a tiny fraction of patients appeal the denials at all, Clarkson said.

The lawsuit said UnitedHealth's use of nH Predict violates contracts with patients and the insurance laws of numerous states by deciding claims without properly evaluating them. It seeks a court order stopping the practice and awarding money damages.

(Reporting By Brendan Pierson in New York, Editing by Alexia Garamfalvi and Richard Chang)
After an X-ray revealed a life-threatening injury, nurses, a doctor and prison guards locked Justin Barrientos in a cell where he suffered for hours without care and lay dead for more than 90 minutes before anyone noticed.

Following Barrientos January death, a Department of Corrections investigator Tommy Stranahan recommended manslaughter charges against Lawton Correctional and Rehabilitation Facility staff, according to a report provided to the Comanche County County District Attorney. Stranahan also found evidence of misdemeanor violations of neglect, refusal of duties and obstructing an investigation, according to the report.

Almost 10 months after his death, no charges have been filed, spurring Barrientos mother to seek justice in court.

Linda Gray is suing The GEO Group, the publicly traded company that operates Oklahomas lone private prison, for the death of her son, according to a claim filed today in federal court. The federal lawsuit also names a prison doctor and nurse, correction officers, Express Mobile Diagnostics, which provides X-ray diagnostics to the prison, and a radiologist claiming inadequate medical care, cruel and unusual punishment, negligence and emotional distress.

My son wasnt a throw-away, Gray said. The way he died, the suffering and the isolation he went through, and the callousness of the people who were supposed to take care of him, all of that could have been prevented. I wouldnt want anyone elses son to suffer like my son suffered.

Lawton inmate vomited, seized for four days without help from medical staff

Barrientos, 31, was serving 15 years for robbery and possessing a firearm after being convicted of a felony, according to court records.

For nearly four days in January, Barrientos coughed, vomited, seized, passed out and defecated on himself in a cell without help from medical staff.

Barrientos swallowed a plastic spork earlier that week causing chest and stomach pain, according to the report. After receiving an X-ray at the prison, Barrientos was returned to the cell where he suffered for days and was refused care, the investigation revealed. Once, when Barrientos complained of stomach pain, a nurse told him to fill out a form requesting medical attention.

Prison staff knew Barrientos had severe mental illness that caused suicidal thoughts, and in an attempt to self-harm, he sometimes ingested things he shouldnt, according to Stranahans report. One nurse recommended he be restricted to finger foods to avoid giving him silverware. She told Stranahan the suggestion was denied.

Justin Barrientos

Barrientos was finally taken to see a doctor on Jan. 31 after a nurse saw him swallow another spork and begin vomiting, according to the report. He was left in the cell for nearly an hour before being taken to the medical unit.

Barrientos received another X-ray, which revealed air in his abdomen, signaling a life-threatening puncture wound, according to the report. The X-ray technician, Joe Wiley, sent the images to off-site radiologist Dr. Michael Murphy, who marked them as normal. But Wiley quickly spotted an obvious and dangerous abnormality and did not wait for Murphys diagnosis to alert the prison doctor.

More: Oklahoma prison reportedly held inmates in shower stalls for days

Wiley showed the images to Dr. Michael Boger and told him Barrientos was not pretending to have stomach pain and his condition was serious, according to Stranahans report. After observing Barrientos through a window, Boger determined he wasnt in enough pain to have a perforated intestine and that his stomach discomfort was the result of constipation, the investigation found. Boger told the investigator he never spoke to Barrientos or examined him.

According to the report, when Stranahan interviewed Boger in March, Boger closed his eyes, slumped down in the chair, took a deep breath, and replied, I looked at him, and thats what I based my assessment on, is he looked so normal, unaffected by it, because I would expect somebody to just really be hurting.

Barrientos was given Tums antacids for his stomach pain and then moved to a medical cell where he was placed on suicide watch with constant supervision.

While under the watch of Officer Kenneth Smith, Barrientos fell several times, hitting his head at least once, according to the report. After one of the falls, the guard called for a nurse.

Video footage reviewed by Stranahan showed registered nurse Kristine Kushner and Smiths supervisor Sgt. Kalisa Blanchard arriving at the cell at 9:13 p.m. and staying for less than one minute. Smith told the investigator that Kushner said, Thats just Barrientos. Thats what he does. Hes ok.

Oklahoma Watch, at oklahomawatch.org, is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that covers public-policy issues facing the state.

The footage conflicted with Bogers and Kusners assessments, according to the report, which described Barrientos in extreme abdominal pain and a dramatically declining state of health.

At 9:14 p.m., Barrientos moved his leg, according to Stranahans report. He never moved again.

Barrientos lay lifeless on the cell floor until 10:53 p.m. when another nurse found him dead, according to the report.

Barrientos, 31, died from an infection from the hole in his bowel, according to the lawsuit.

Nurse Erin Pena told the investigator that if Kusner had properly examined Barrientos, he would likely still be alive, according to the report. Other GEO nurses reported Kusner to the Oklahoma Board of Nursing for refusing to examine or check on Barrientos for several hours, the investigation found.

Another inmate died in 2021 at Lawton prison after medical treatment was withheld

This isnt the first time Boger has been accused of refusing to care for a patient. Another inmate at the Lawton prison, Alford Bradley, died in 2021 after Boger withheld treatment for a hernia because Bradley did not appear to be in pain, according to the lawsuit. Boger had his privileges as an emergency room physician revoked before being hired by Geo Group, the lawsuit claims.

Why is it that under those circumstances neither the doctor or nurses felt moved to even physically examine him? Grays attorney Paul DeMuro said during a phone interview. The only thing that makes sense is that because he struggled with serious mental illness, they treated him differently and thats consistent with how people with mental illness are treated in the states criminal justice system from beginning to end.

DeMuro also represents clients in a class action lawsuit alleging that state mental health officials are violating the rights of people who have been found incompetent to stand trial but have been left languishing in jails while they await treatment.

Before entering the Lawton Correctional and Rehabilitation Facility, Barrientos was found incompetent to stand trial, according to court records. He was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and severe substance use disorder, his competency results showed. Gray said her son wanted to be a minister and planned to attend bible college until his mental health got in the way.

More: Oklahoma Supreme Court says counties can charge state more for housing inmates

The lack of mental health treatment in prison resulted in Barrientos need for emergency medical care beyond the capabilities of prison staff. But prison operators are on the hook for inmate medical costs, which, according to the lawsuit, led to the reluctance of staff to call for advanced care.

At the heart of this lawsuit is whether the state of Oklahoma should be outsourcing constitutional obligation to care for people and inmates in their custody, DeMuro said. When you have an entity thats driven by profits first, as opposed to driven by the obligation to provide care for people, then youre going to have results like this.

Florida-based Geo Group reported $2.3 billion in revenue last year, according to the companys earnings report.

In an emailed statement, Geo Group Spokesman Christopher Ferreira said, We offer our condolences to Mr. Barrientos family and remain committed to ensuring the health and safety of all those in our care. GEO will have no further comment while this litigation is pending.

The tough-on-crime movement of the 1990s led to the need for more inmate housing nationwide and in Oklahoma. Private prisons answered the call. As recently as five years ago, about 1 in 3 male inmates statewide were housed in privately operated prisons, which are often criticized for prioritizing profits over inmate health and safety.

A recent decline in Oklahomas inmate population prompted officials to bring inmates back under state control. The Department of Corrections took over the Davis Correctional Facility in Holdenville last month and is positioned to do the same with the Lawton Facility as soon as next year.

Whitney Bryen is an investigative reporter at Oklahoma Watch covering vulnerable populations. Her recent investigations focus on mental health and substance abuse, criminal justice, domestic violence and nursing homes. Contact her at (405) 201-6057 or wbryen@oklahomawatch.org. Follow her on Twitter @SoonerReporter.

Oklahoma Watch, at oklahomawatch.org, is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that covers public-policy issues facing the state.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Lawton Oklahoma prison inmate died of injuries without care: Lawsuit
 Read the full article on Motorious

Some believe this Italian supercar is cooler than the Lamborghini Countach.

Most people have never heard of the De Tomaso Pantera. Even car enthusiasts usually have just a faint knowledge of this car, which usually is just glossed over. After all, it came out in the era of the mighty Lamborghini Countach, a supercar so ridiculous it was featured on just about every boys bedroom wall. However, what the Pantera lacks in brand appeal it makes up for it driving pleasure.

If you crave a classic Italian supercar but dont have a massive budget, De Tomaso could be the ideal fit. After all, you can get one in good condition for a fraction of what a Countach or any number of Ferraris from the 1970s and early 1980s cost. And in return you get a crazy-looking, high-strung, mid-engine exotic. Just watch the video to get an even better feel for what this car is like.

Just like many other storied Italian brands, De Tomaso has motorsport roots. Thats a key reason why the Pantera is such a capable vehicle, putting performance ahead of everything else.

While De Tomaso built other cars, the one which put it on the map was the Pantera. Production ran from 1971 to 1993. It used a steel monocoque chassis plus a mid-mounted Ford 5.8-liter V8, which meant 330-horsepower at first, then 355-horsepower later in production.

All the way until 1975, Ford sold De Tomaso Panteras in US dealerships, although shoppers looking at Mercury Cougars and Ford Gran Torinos were confused by the exotic. Another big problem was with the Ford engine overheating, something which has been solved and corrected on most surviving models today, although if youre buying a Pantera you will want to be aware of this issue.

Several generational tweaks were introduced for the Pantera in the 80s and 90s, including different chassis and body designs, but none seemed to approximate the cool vibe of that first generation. Of course, here in the United States market youll pretty much only find De Tomasos from the 1970s.





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Authorities said at least three people are dead, and 15 others sustained injuries, after a semitrailer truck rear-ended into a charter bus carrying high school students on an Ohio interstate.

Licking County Emergency Management Agency Director Sean Grady told the Associated Press that the accident occurred Tuesday morning on Interstate 70 West in Licking County.

The 15 injured in the accident were transported to five different hospitals in the area, where they are currently being treated.

This comes as numerous first responders showed up at the scene of the accident, where authorities closed the interstate highway in both directions, resulting in numerous traffic delays being reported, according to the AP.

Marita Salkowski, a regional communications director for the American Red Cross of Central and Southern Ohio, said they fulfilled a request for more blood from one hospital in the area, noting that the local chapter will send 30 units of blood to a hospital in the Mount Carmel Health System.

Salkowski also told the outlet that a center was set up at a nearby United Methodist Church for passengers uninjured in the accident to go to and contact loved ones.

Tuscarawas Valley Local School District superintendent Dr. Derek Varansky told the newswire that the charter bus, which was carrying a total of 57 people onboard, was transporting students, along with chaperones, to an Ohio School Boards Association conference in Columbus.

We understand from law enforcement that there may be multiple serious injuries and we are working to learn the details, Varansky said in a statement posted on the schools Facebook page. We will share news with you as we are able, including our plans for upcoming school days and events.

Right now, our focus is on getting in touch with our Tusky Valley families who had loved ones on the bus and providing support to our entire school community, the superintendent added. Our Trojan family is strong, and it will take that strength and love to get throughout these coming challenging days.

The Hill has reached out to the Licking County Emergency Management Agency for common and more information.

The Associated Press contributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
I moved from the US to Vienna in 2022 and I've loved it.

Vienna, the world's most livable city, has tons of great cafes.

The city is mostly cash-only and most businesses close on Sunday.

In June 2021, I left the US and boarded a plane to Europe to look for a place to call home.

After trying out a bunch of spots, from Lisbon to Warsaw, I fell in love with Vienna after only spending six weeks there. In March 2022, I began to call it home.

Later that same year, Vienna reclaimed its title as the world's most livable city . And this year, it won that title again.

So far, I've loved living here and there have been many surprises. Here are some of the biggest ones I've encountered so far.

Rent is affordable

The first time someone told me they pay 500 (about $533) monthly for rent with one roommate in Vienna, I imagined some terrifying basement apartment with no windows. I was wrong.

In my last Vienna apartment, I had windows (European tilt-and-turn ones) and, at one point, I even had cherry blossoms just outside them.

Most of my friends here pay under 1,000 for their spacious apartments in buildings with elevators in the city center. That same rent budget wouldn't get you much in the heart of New York City.

The New York Times has even said Vienna is pretty close to " renters' utopia ."

Vienna has over 2,000 cafes

Vienna's cafe culture is unmatched. Sonya Matejko

The coffee culture in Vienna is a big deal, so much so that UNESCO lists it as an "intangible cultural heritage" in Austria.

There are cafes on every corner and many will make you feel like you've been transported back in time with antique furniture, servers with silver platters, and marble tables.

Although to-go coffee is available around the city, the culture invites you to sit and slowly sip your coffee.

Just about everything is closed on Sundays

If you don't grocery shop by Saturday late afternoon, you're out of luck on Sunday.

In Austria, stores are required to close on Sundays. Some cafes, restaurants, and bakeries stay open, though.

Part of this stems from religious traditions of keeping Sundays a day of rest, but it's also about preserving the quality of life.

I'm still getting used to it.

Vienna is accessible  even to other countries

It's pretty easy to get around Vienna. Sonya Matejko

I loved riding the subway and getting around on foot when I lived in New York City, so I was so pleased to discover that the public-transportation system in Vienna is even better.

With the metro, tram network, buses, and bike lanes, you can (mostly) get anywhere in the city in 30 minutes or less.

Beyond being accessible inside the city, it's also easy to travel to other beautiful cities. You could be in Prague or Budapest by bus or train in three hours.

Or, you can take a train in the city center to the airport in 16 minutes, then fly to Krakow or Split in an hour.

There are cultural events galore

Vienna has a ton of markets around the holidays. Sonya Matejko

Strolling home one night two years ago, I saw a line forming outside the Museum Quarter for a free symphony. Moments later, I joined hundreds of people enjoying the classical music concert.

But what felt like a once-in-a-lifetime experience turned out to be commonplace in Vienna.

Cultural activities are abundant and many events, like classical music performances and art shows, are free or affordable.

Let's also not forget the other outdoor happenings like Christmas markets, Easter markets, bike festivals, wine fairs, and more.

Many places are cash-only

I love living in Vienna but hate carrying cash to live here.

As many societies move toward the cashless economy, it constantly surprises me how many restaurants, cafes, and even some stores are cash-only in this city.

And when you leave the city, say, go to the countryside, you certainly want cash on hand. This is the only surprise I still struggle with.

Urban vineyards grace Vienna

Vienna's vineyards are incredible, especially at sunset.

I regularly visit them and, much to my surprise and delight, I can get to some vineyards with just a 30-minute tram ride from the city center.

Vienna is surrounded by nature

Vienna has a ton of green space. Sonya Matejko

Before moving here, I had no idea about the access to nature Vienna affords its residents.

I've also since learned that about 50% of Vienna is covered by green space. Beyond the parks, you have the wine hills, hiking trails, and water activities. I took my first ski lessons in a decade just an hour outside Vienna.

In a few hours by train or car, you can get to the Austrian Alps or one of Austria's beautiful lakes.

Some pets in the EU get passports

My cat has a passport. Sonya Matejko

Last December, the guy at TSA couldn't help laughing when he saw my cat's passport when we returned to the US for the holidays last year.

I get it because I laughed, too, when my local veterinarian told me my 12-year-old cat would get an Austrian passport so he could travel.

These passports are available for cats, dogs, and ferrets in the EU.

Read the original article on Insider
Along with traffic alerts, news releases and other informational posts, the California Highway Patrols Stockton area office uses its Facebook page for a game it calls Weird Wednesday.

For this game, the department posts a question submitted via the comment section of the Facebook page or by message each Wednesday morning. The department reveals the answer at 4 p.m. that day.

Here are six recent Weird Wednesday questions related to driving laws posted on the agencys Facebook page and what the answers are:

1. Driving with both feet in California

Is it illegal to drive with both feet?

It is totally legal to drive with both feet  one on the gas and one on the brake, according to the CHP.

In fact, it is legal in all 50 states, the agency wrote on Facebook.

Is it legal to leave your car running unattended on California streets or in a driveway?

2. California HOV lane laws

Can an 18-wheeler or commercial vehicle with two or more people drive in the HOV lane?

It is illegal for a three-axle vehicle to be in the left lane or lanes, according to the CHP. There are lane restrictions for certain classifications of commercial vehicles.

California Vehicle Code 22348 says that if a lane has not been specifically designated for vehicles that arent allowed to drive more than 55 mph on a highway, those vehicles must drive in the right-hand lane for traffic or as close as practicable to the right-hand edge or curb.

On a highway with four or more traffic lanes in one direction, these vehicles can also be driven in the lane to the immediate left of the right-hand lane, according to the code.

When is it legal for a car to enter a bike lane in Modesto? Who has the right of way?

3. Riding a horse under the influence in California

Would you get a DUI on a horse if you were flopped over the horse side-saddle, since youre not powering it?

It is illegal to consume alcohol and then? ride on a horse, according to the CHP.

If you consume alcohol and ride a horse, you can get a DUI, the agency wrote. If you give the horse alcohol you can be charged with animal cruelty.

Every person riding or driving an animal on a highway is subject to the same laws as motorists, according to California Vehicle Code 21050.

How does law enforcement know if youre too high to drive? What California law says

4. California vehicle light laws

Is the rear window middle light required if both rear side lights work?

California Vehicle Code 24252 requires motorists maintain all lighting in working order.

If one light is out, you could be subject to a citation from officers, the CHP wrote on Facebook.

Can police question passengers when pulling over a driver in California? What to know

5. School zone speed limit laws in California

The speed limit in school zones is 25 mph when children are present, according to road signs. What does that mean?

These signs indicate the speed limit in school zones during the school day, according to the CHP.

When children are present also means in the evening or on a weekend during an event.

School zone signs can be placed up to 500 feet from school grounds, according to California Vehicle Code 22352.

How many cars can Modesto residents legally park in a neighborhood  and for how long?

6. Drivi ng without a hood in California

Is it legal to drive a car without a hood?

It is completely legal to drive your vehicle with no hood, according to the CHP.

California has many laws specific to the equipment on a motor vehicle, the agency wrote on Facebook. However, having a hood is not one.

Is it legal to merge two lanes at once on California highways? CHP says this is the law

What do you want to know about life in Modesto? Ask our service journalism team your top-of-mind questions in the module below or email servicejournalists@modbee.com.
To the editor: Your article says U.S. diplomatic efforts in the Israel-Hamas war are falling short. What magic wand do you expect Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken to wave?

The U.S. does not control the actions of Israel or Hamas. We are using every bit of influence we have to ameliorate the circumstances in the Gaza Strip while keeping relations positive with the friendly countries in the region and deterring action from Iran and its proxies.

This is naturally an iterative process, which will have ups and downs while trying to make a horrific situation better.

Chris Taber, Long Beach

..

To the editor: United Nations chief Antonio Guterres commented that Hamas terrorist attack on Oct. 7 "did not happen in a vacuum." Former President Obama commented, "If you want to solve the problem, then you have to take in the whole truth and then you have to admit nobodys hands are clean."

In other words, you have to look for the root causes that led to the violence. Some people will use the underlying causes of violence to justify or excuse it. Others see the underlying causes as problems that have to be solved in order to stop violence.

There are no excuses for terrorism, but there are reasons why it occurs that have to be acknowledged and dealt with.

Acts of terrorism against civilians are emotional acts of hatred. We have to acknowledge the causes of terrorism not to justify it, but to help us do what we can to stop it.

Bill Gravlin, Rancho Palos Verdes

..

To the editor: Your article states that President Biden asked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to suspend military operations for several days. Nowhere does it state that the same was demanded of Hamas.

Israel is expected to lay down its arms while still being bombarded with rockets from Hamas.

And why isnt the $100-million aid given by the U.S. to the Palestinians in Gaza conditioned on the release of all the hostages? According to the White House, there are Americans being held as well as Israelis.

Tamara Blustein, Los Angeles

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Lexington is on the hunt for a new city hall.

Again.

On Tuesday, the city released a bid or request for proposals to developers for at least 166,000 square feet in the citys downtown core  roughly between Midland Avenue and Jefferson Street, Church and Barr streets and Maxwell Street.

The bid said the city has a strong preference for the new building or buildings to be located along a downtown corridor including Main, Vine, Broadway or Midland Avenue.

The site requirements also include at least 130 parking spaces on or close to the site. In addition, there needs to be 500 parking spaces within walking distance of the downtown property, according to the request for proposals.

The proposal is for a private-public partnership. That means a private developer would develop or renovate a property and the city would lease it. The city would own the property after 35 years.

The lobby of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government Center includes a large chandelier, left over from its days as a hotel.

The new facilities would replace the citys three main downtown buildings: the former Lafayette Hotel at 200 E. Main St., the attached Switow building at 212 E. Main Street, and the Phoenix Building, which is on Vine Street.

The city is not proposing using those buildings for a new combined city government center. The bid allows developers to develop proposals for use of citys downtown properties. Those buildings could be sold to help pay for a new government center.

A primary objective is to minimize upfront capital costs for the LFUCG while ensuring that we ultimately gain full ownership of both the land and the structure(s) within an agreed upon timeframe, according to the request for proposals.

All proposals are due by Jan. 12.

Multiple proposals, multiple sites over decades

The city has been looking for a new city government center to replace its aging buildings in downtown Lexington for decades. When it moved into the former Lafayette Hotel in the 1980s, it was supposed to be a temporary home for the citys merged government center.

Its been there for decades.

The citys core downtown operations are spread over three buildings, which can be confusing for visitors wishing to do business with the city. Its also expensive to maintain the aging building. The Layette Hotel was completed in 1920 and is now more than 100 years old.

For example, the city has spent millions in recent years just fixing problems on the former hotels exterior.

Mayor Linda Gorton, who served on the council for 20 years prior to becoming mayor, said the citys recent request for proposals is the fifth time the city has gone through the process.

Gorton said the city has done its due diligence and homework, and knows the types of space it needs. The current city buildings are also becoming too costly to maintain. For example, the elevators in the main government building recently had to be replaced.

It was supposed to be temporary, Gorton said of the former Lafayette Hotel.

Gorton said space needs have also changed over time. The buildings are not user-friendly or handicap accessible.

Weve already received interest, Gorton said.

Still, a new city government site has been elusive, problematic and costly over the past two decades.

The Mayors Office, which used to be a ballroom, at the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government Center, 200 East Main St., in Lexington, Ky., Tuesday, November, 5, 2013. The city of Lexington wants to sell the Government Center and other downtown buildings to build a new government center. The current Government Center is housed in a historic hotel. Photo by Charles Bertram | Staff

In 2018, under former Mayor Jim Gray, the city came close to getting a new home after a similar request for proposals to developers.

CRM Companies proposed renovating the former Lexington Herald-Leader building at 100 Midland Avenue for a four-story city government center. At the last minute, the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council voted 7-5 to not move forward with the project, which was marred with questions about financing from the start. (Fayette County Public Schools has since purchased the building for a combined technical school.)

The proposal would have cost the city approximately $5.1 million a year over 35 years. However, that proposal included five downtown buildings, including the clerks office and the police department on Main Street. The new proposal does not include those buildings or employees.

That bid process was also stymied by a federal criminal investigation.

An executive of CRM Companies, Wayne Wellman, was eventually charged and convicted of using straw contributors to funnel money to two council members campaigns in an effort to circumvent campaign contributions limits.

After 2019, the city pursued land and a suitable building for a new city government center. Other locations that were considered included the Central Public Library site.

But those proposals were eventually nixed.

In 2023, the city hired Ernst & Young to study the spaces needs for the city. That study showed the city needed much less space than it had originally thought thanks largely to more city workers working remotely after the COVID pandemic.

That study also looked at proposed costs of renovating its current building or finding a new home.

The city has spent a lot of funds on studies about city hall.

Since 2016, it has spent $475,000 on studies alone for a new city government center.

The Ernst & Young study found renovating an existing downtown building would likely cost between $69 and $107 million. Building a new building would cost between $89 million and $139 million.

In comparison, staying in the citys three current buildings and with just essential or basic modifications would cost between $78 million and $107 million. A full gut and renovation of all three properties would be costly  up to $135 million.

Another study conducted by Schrader Commercial Properties analyzed available downtown properties in the citys core. It found two properties that could work but would need renovation or possible additions.

Those buildings include:

The Kentucky Utilities building on Water Street near the current city government building

The Truist Building at 200 W. Vine Street.

For a brand new building, which would include tearing down some structures, possible sites identified include:

The City National Bank Building and parking lot on Main and Rose streets

Parking lots at East High Street and Martin Luther King Boulevard

None of the properties are currently for sale. Schrader Properties also looked at other possible sites for a new city government including the YMCAs High Street location and additional properties surrounding it. However, many of those properties had too many leases or owners and were deemed more difficult to develop.

Money for new city hall

There is $6 million for costs for design and procurement for a new city government center in the current-year budget. In addition, the council recently agreed to set aside a combined $36.6 million from a surplus for other costs associated with a new government center, a second senior center or a combined police and fire training facility.

The costs per year for a lease for a new city government center wont be known until the city receives proposals. The previous proposed contract with CRM also required the private developer to set aside $3.1 million per year for maintenance costs.

A key question in the 2018 negotiations was how would maintenance issues be addressed and who  the developer or the city  would pay for those maintenance costs.

Gorton said the money that has been set aside could be used in a variety of ways, even to offset some of the yearly costs to lease the property.

Gorton said they hope to have the bids scored and analyzed by early March or April. Gorton delivers her budget proposal for the fiscal year that begins July 1 in late April.
Restaurants and bars may soon start selling alcohol at 6 a.m. on Sundays in Fayette County.

A committee of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council voted 9-1 Tuesday to move forward a change to the citys alcohol ordinance that would treat Sunday alcohol sales the same as other days of the week for restaurants and bars.

The original proposal was to change all alcohol sales on Sunday, including package alcohol sales, to 6 a.m.

Currently, Lexington restaurants and bars can start serving alcohol at 11 a.m. Package sales start at 1 p.m.

But several council members raised concerns about expanding package sales on Sundays. The committee voted 6-4 to remove the expansion of package alcohol sales from the ordinance.

The ordinance will get a first reading at a Thursday council meeting. A final vote is expected Dec. 7.

Many in the hospitality industry said the restrictions on alcohol sales hurt sales on the weekends. Its also confusing for retailers, restaurants and bars.

Lexington is a tourist destination with a signature industry that includes bourbon, said District 10 Councilman David Sevigny during the Tuesday Social Services and Public Safety Committee meeting. Weekends are the biggest draw.

Sevigny sponsored the ordinance.

One restaurant owner told Sevigny allowing expanded alcohol sales could help boost profits by more than $500,000, he said.

VisitLex, the citys tourism bureau, backed the change in the ordinance, as did restaurant trade groups.

Sundays tend to be the busiest day of the week for restaurants serving breakfast and lunch, according to a statement from the Kentucky Restaurant Association. Guests, especially those from out of town, are often surprised that they cant order an alcoholic beverage before 11 a.m.

Council members raise questions about package alcohol sales

Vice Mayor Dan Wu, a former restaurant owner, said he supported the change for restaurants and bars for economic development reasons. However, he wasnt opposed to removing package alcohol sales.

Sevigny said he couldnt find any data showing if expansion of package sales contributed to public intoxication charges or driving under influence.

Sevigny said Lexington Police Department data shows DUI do increase later at night and the early morning hours, he said.

Councilwoman Tayna Fogle said she doesnt oppose the measure but she has concerns about package sales. Fogle said the city spends millions on homelessness services and for addiction treatment.

I would like the community to weigh in on this, Fogle said.

Councilman Fred Brown said he was opposed to the expansion and voted against it.

Sunday is still important to me, Brown said. I dont see the need for this.
Jessica Tunis doesn't understand why emergency officials have not learned from her mother's death. The Santa Rosa, California, woman said her mother, Linda, did not receive an evacuation alert to warn her the fast-moving Nuns-Tubbs wildfires were raging nearby.

The 69-year-old's body was found in the burned rubble of the Journey's End Mobile Home Park in October 2017. Evacuation alerts didn't go out to the neighborhood where Linda Tunis lived, until after she was already dead. About two dozen Sonoma County residents also died. The county head of emergency management at the time said he made the decision not to send that alert because of concerns a widespread message would cause chaos in evacuations and hinder response.

CBS News found at least a dozen natural disasters in the United States during the last decade where local emergency officials failed to issue alerts in time to save lives or, in some cases, didn't issue an alert or evacuation order at all.

The most recent example is from the island of Maui. In August, reports show emergency managers sent out cellphone alerts too late after service was down and admitted they decided not to sound the island's warning sirens during the firestorm that destroyed the town of Lahaina. Maui's emergency manager later said he didn't set off the sirens because they were primarily meant for tsunamis  he feared residents would flee inland toward the flames.

"It's infuriating and agonizing because every time this happens, I think 'why have these people not learned from our tragedy what we went through here,'" Jessica Tunis said.

The official investigation into what went wrong on Maui is ongoing.

Jessica Tunis has become an advocate for more comprehensive rules to encourage officials to send alerts, even in times of confusion.

"The main issue is that those folks who are responsible for pushing the button and sending the alerts need to err on the side of over-alerting [the public]," Tunis said. "But [the emergency managers are] worrying that they're going to cause a panic. That's what happened here. They were afraid they're going to cause a panic."

The Sonoma County emergency manager, who decided not to push the button in a timely matter that fateful night in 2017, retired soon after the tragedy. He did not return numerous messages by CBS News requesting a comment.

Since then, the county created a new position called Community Alert and Warning Manager. Sam Wallis, who holds that position, was also in the county's Emergency Operations Center during the Nuns-Tubbs fires.

"What we learned through painful experience is if we wait too long, then even if the information is accurate, it may not be effective," Wallis said.

A family searches the ashes of their house in 2017 after the Tubbs fire in Santa Rosa, California. / Credit: Barbara Munker/picture alliance via Getty Images

County managers should have sent out an alert and woken up people back in 2017, Wallis told CBS News. He believes things have changed drastically because of what happened then.

"One of the techniques that we employ here is as soon as we think that there's a significant issue, we're just going to issue an alert," Wallis said. "We're going to wake everybody up, you know, and we're going to go big."

Wallis explained the policy now is to alert a wide area if it might be threatened.

"This at least gets people awake," he said. "They're able to look around. They can make their own assessment of whether they are in danger or not."

California lawmakers even changed state law after that fire season. The rules now say, "when dealing with uncertain or conflicting information about a threat, the Alerting Authority should choose to err on the side of protecting the public."

"There's a natural hesitancy, especially when you're talking about maybe getting 100,000 people moving," Wallis said. "There's a reluctance to do that until you're absolutely certain, and I guess the biggest lesson learned that I took away from this is: press the button. Press the button."

For many people in charge of warning the public, it's not something that happens regularly.

"If you think about it, very few emergency managers ever utilize the system," said FEMA's former administrator Craig Fugate. "We've got to move this to where emergency managers are comfortable activating the system."

Fugate knows about warning the public during emergencies at all three levels of government: federal, state, and local. He not only served as FEMA administrator in President Obama's administration, he also served as Florida's Director of Emergency Management under Governor Jeb Bush and before that was a local emergency manager in Alachua County, Florida.

"There will be cases where the people say, well, they probably didn't need to" send an alert, Fugate said. "I'd rather deal with that, than reluctance or failure to activate and people don't get the information [and] we lose lives."

Alerts come too late or not at all

CBS News examined disasters dating back more than 10 years to understand how and when authorities do and do not send out alerts. The public frequently gets severe weather alerts from the National Weather Service. The dozen examples CBS News uncovered are alerts from local emergency managers and law enforcement, which give the public specifics on how to respond to an emergency. They involve different disasters, including wildfires, active shooters, tornadoes, hurricanes and blizzards.

The problems date back more than a decade to Superstorm Sandy in October 2012. The storm impacted millions of people living up and down the East Coast, killing 72 in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, according to NOAA.

In a post-storm evaluation compiled for then-New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, officials said that during Superstorm Sandy "many [public communications] challenges arose for which the City can be better prepared in the future."

And while New York City "became the first local municipality in the country to use the Commercial Mobile Alert System (CMAS), an emergency text message service created by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to send text messages to all equipped cell phones in a designated geographical area regardless of phone carrier service or origin," only some residents got those wireless emergency alerts.

After the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California's history, the November 2018 Camp Fire, which destroyed the town of Paradise and killed 85 people, a Butte County after-action report found "mass notification system failures resulted in notifications not reaching the intended audience."

Texans experienced what officials called a "lack of coordination" with alerts during Winter Storm Uri in 2021, according to an after-action report-246 people died. The document, from the City of Austin and Travis County, blamed "a lack of coordination in disseminating messages to the public."

It was the costliest natural disaster in that state's history. Two out of three Texans lost power at some point during the storm, according to one survey.

That same year New York City officials detailed problems with alerts when Hurricane Ida caused 91 deaths across nine states.

"These WEAS (wireless alerts), state of emergency declaration, and travel ban came too late," task force members wrote. They called for emergency officials to "reach New Yorkers earlier and alert them to the severity of a storm."

In December 2021, when the Marshall Fire tore through the Boulder area in Colorado, some residents got emergency alerts too late; others not at all.

It was the state's most destructive wildfire, and in an after-action report, state and local officials said they need to work on "decision-making agreements" and "procedures to streamline approval process" for alert and warning activation.

And after a "generational" snowstorm paralyzed Buffalo, New York, in December 2022, killing 31 residents, an after-action report conducted by New York University found "many people remained uninformed despite travel bans and stay-at-home orders."

"The city relied heavily on television and radio announcements and non-specific warnings, and not enough residents had enrolled in text message alert systems," the report noted.

FEMA reacts to alert delays

CBS News shared the results of the investigation with current FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell.

"We have to focus our efforts on reaching out to communities," Criswell said. "We have a lot of turnover within our emergency management community and these are perishable skills, and we have to focus our efforts on reaching out to communities and get them the understanding and the comfort level with using this to be able to get that message out there."

Criswell said there is always more work to do.

"We are committed to continuing to work with communities across the nation to help them feel comfortable and confident in their skills to properly alert those that are in harm's way."

FEMA requires a two-hour online course for the people who send out alerts. Much of it is focused on the technical aspects of alerting, not the decision-making. CBS News asked if more training was needed to focus on how and when emergency managers make these decisions. Criswell said she would consider changing FEMA's standards.

"Maybe we need to create a more hands-on follow-up mandatory training that is all about implementing and using the system," she said. "I'll take that back [to Washington, D.C.]"

Jessica Tunis, the Santa Rosa woman who lost her mother in the Nuns-Tubbs fire, is pushing for a specific national policy on alerting.

"I think maybe a national standard," Criswell responded. "I would not want to mandate something across everybody in this case. But I want to recognize the fact that every jurisdiction has their own unique circumstance. It's helping jurisdictions understand what the capabilities of the tools are."

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Speaker Johnson's plan to prevent government shutdown faces hurdles
Lily Allen has reflected on horrendous lewd jokes made at her expense by Jonathan Ross, Noel Fielding and Russell Brand on a Channel 4 panel show.

The singer-turned-actor was discussing a past appearance on annual comedy series The Big Fat Quiz of the Year, which went viral after rape allegations surfaced against Brand in September.

At the start of the 2007 episode of the series, Ross moved Allen, whom he called the only sexually attractive young lady on the show, away from panellists Brand and Fielding, stating: And then Lily may go home with her dress still on.

To this, Great British Bake Off co-host Fielding replied: How dare you  were not rapists.

Jimmy Carr stepped in to ask Fielding why he was wearing a cape if [he] wasnt a rapist, with Fielding pointing out that the cape he was wearing was, in fact, a Jack the Ripper cape. Fielding said: He wasnt a rapist, he was a... Here, Russell Brand interjected to say: Serial murderer

He added: There is no direct corollary between rapes and capes, its just a rhyme.

A clip of the interaction circulated on X/Twitter in the wake of numerous rape allegations against Brand, and Allen has spoken about it in a new interview with Grazia UK.

She said: [There was a clip] where I was on a chat show with Russell Brand and Noel Fielding and Jonathan Ross. And there are comments, I think, about me being raped or something. And I laugh along with it. In retrospect, thats really horrendous.

It makes me uncomfortable, but I dont think I felt that at the time, because it was the culture.

Lily Allen (Getty Images for Hennessy X.O)

The Independent has contacted reps for Ross, Fielding and Brand for comment.

In September, a joint investigation by The Sunday Times, The Times and Channel 4s Dispatches revealed that Brand faces four accusations of sexual assault, one of which includes rape.

In the wake of these allegations, historic interviews and media appearances featuring the comedian resurfaced and were shared online. One such interview was conducted by Piers Morgan in 2006, who asked Brand: Are you a more successful sexual predator now you dont drink?

Explaining his reasoning behind the question, Morgan said on Uncensored: I asked for reasons Im not entirely sure other than it must have been jocular at the time.

Morgan noted that, while the interview occurred in the same year that Brand allegedly had a secret relationship with a 16-year-old, he had no knowledge of any assault allegations and meant it as a joke.

He went on to say: I didnt have any information about him actually being a sexual predator.

Lily Allen on Big Fat Quiz of the year with Jonathan Ross (YouTube)

Morgan revealed Brands response to his question, in which he said: Yes, but I resent the word predator.

Brand continued: I like to think of myself as a conduit of natural forces. After all, the most natural thing in the world for people to do is f***, isnt it? And people want to do it, so all you have to do is remove all the reasons why women dont actually go through with it, like pride and reputation...

You just have to unpick the conditions stopping women going straight to bed with you.

The alleged assaults Brand has been accused of are claimed to have occurred between 2006 and 2013 when the comedian was a presenter for both BBC Radio 2 and Channel 4. Brand has denied all accusations and says all of his relationships have been consensual.

Since the Dispatches documentary aired, the BBC and Channel 4 have launched internal investigations into the allegations levelled at Brand.

Russell Brand (PA Media)

Shows with appearances from Brand, including Big Brothers Big Mouth and The Great British Bake Off, have been removed from Channel 4s website.

The BBC has also removed footage of Brand, while YouTube has suspended adverts on his videos, meaning that he cannot make money from the site. He is still able to post videos to the platform.
Volunteers at Lincolnshire's International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC) have been recognised with a King's Award for Voluntary Service.

The IBCC is dedicated to the 58,000 men and women who lost their lives serving or supporting Bomber Command during World War Two.

It features memorial walls and a 102ft (31m) metal spire, along with a digital archive of documents.

More than 400 volunteers from nine countries have worked on the project.

Lincolnshire was chosen as the site of the IBCC because 27 RAF Bomber Command stations - more than a third of the total - were based in the county during the war.

Chief executive Nicky van Der Drift said: "Since opening to the public, we've had more than 450,000 visitors to the centre to pay their respects and reflect as they walk through the 57,861 names surrounding our memorial spire.

"None of this would have been possible without the efforts of our brilliant team of volunteers, and I hope each of them feel a share of the pride at having been given the King's Award for Voluntary Service.

"I could not be more proud of what they have achieved," she told BBC Radio Lincolnshire.

The King's Award for Voluntary Service is the highest award a group can receive in the UK and recognises the work done to benefit communities.

Recipients are announced annually on 14th November, The King's Birthday.

Volunteer Dave Gilbert, who has logged more than 12,000 hours on the project, said it was an honour to help tell the stories of the 58,000 men and women "who are represented here".

"While the work is rewarding in itself, it's immensely gratifying to see the hard work the volunteers have collectively put into the project recognised by such a prestigious body," he added.

The RAF Ingham Heritage Centre was also recognised.

In a post on Facebook, a spokesperson said they were delighted to receive the award which recognised "the incredible hard work, dedication and commitment of our amazing team" of volunteers.

Follow BBC East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Send your story ideas to yorkslincs.news@bbc.co.uk.
A new ad from the Lincoln Project zeroed in on the new claims made by former Trump campaign lawyer Jenna Ellis, who recently pleaded guilty to the charges against her in Georgia, perhaps demonstrating the dangers of what another Trump election would look like.

The anti-Trump super PACs caption on X reads, Jenna Ellis admits it herself: it was a coup from the start. Trump knew he lost, yet he still tried his hardest to illegally maintain power. The ad intermixes a new clip of Ms Ellis with 2020 clips of Mr Trump.

The ad begins with Ms Ellis saying, I thought the claims and the ability to challenge the election results was essentially over. The quote was taken from a new clip that captured her speaking to prosecutors during a private meeting about her conversation with Dan Scavino, Mr Trumps then-chief of staff, after the 2020 election.

The ad then cuts to Mr Trump saying, This election is now over. Congress has certified the results.

The same clip of Ms Ellis plays again. She says, still talking about Mr Scavino, He said to me, in a kind of excited tone: Well, we dont care and were not gonna leave. And I said, What do you mean?

She said Mr Scavino claimed the boss, meaning Mr Trump, is not going to leave under any circumstances. We are just going to stay in power. When Ms Ellis told Mr Scavino that it doesnt quite work that way, he allegedly replied, We dont care.

The ad returns to the former president making a speech. Mr Trump starts, I will totally accept the results of this great and historic presidential election  as clips of the violent mob on January 6 flash across the screen  and then he clarifies, if I win.

The ad ends with a Make America Great Again banner fluttering in front of Mr Trumps face as he points to the camera and smiles.

Ms Ellis pleaded guilty last month, making her the fourth of 19 defendants in the case brought by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis to plead guilty, and a third member of the former presidents inner circle of attorneys to turn into a cooperating witness.

Despite the Fulton County charges  and the other federal and state lawsuits  against Mr Trump, he remains the prominent frontrunner for the 2024 GOP nomination.
(WHTM)  Many locations around the Midstate will be hosting free Thanksgiving dinners. abc27 has created a list of locations around the area that will be offering free Thanksgiving meals.

If you would like your event to be added to the list, please email jwesser@abc27.com to have it added.

Dauphin County

The Journey Church 750 South 29th Street, Harrisburg, Pa. Sunday, Nov. 19 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The Journey Church in partnership with Aldersgate United Methodist Church is hosting a free Thanksgiving Meal



Lancaster County

Saint Marks United Methodist Church 6 Pine Street, Mount Joy, Pa. 17552. Thursday, Nov. 23 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m Provides a free Thanksgiving meal consisting of Turkey breast with sides and dessert. Available for take-out only. 717-653-5493



Hosana Christan Fellowship 29 Green Acre Road, Lititz, Pa. 17543. Thursday, Nov. 23 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Serves turkey, filling, sweet potatoes, baked corn, roll and butter, drinks, and desserts to eat in or take out. 717-626-2560



Conestoga Valley Christian Community Services 2420 Gehman Lane Building 1000 Lancaster, Pa. 17602 Thanksgiving Meal Box for clients of CVCCS. Reservation required. By appointment only Eligibility: Conestoga Valley School District residents and church attendees Phone: 717-208-3711



Ebenezer Baptist Church  Lancaster 701 North Lime Street Lancaster, PA 17602 Hours: Thursday, Nov. 23 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Limited home-delivered meals will be available for older adults and those with a limited ability to leave home. 717-208-7168



Saint Phillip the Apostle Roman Catholic Church 2111 Millersville Pike Lancaster, PA 17603 Hours: Thursday, Nov. 23 from 11 a.m. Provides a Thanksgiving meal; available for pick-up only. 717-872-2166



Lebanon County

Lebanon Rescue Mission 1223 Bittner Boulevard Lebanon, PA 17046 For residents of Lebanon County Free take-out meals for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays



York County

Stillmeadow Church of the Nazarene 350 Chestnut Street York, PA 17403 Providing Thanksgiving meals Sunday, Nov. 19 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. 717-764-4888



First Presbyterian Church of York 225 East Market Street, York PA 17403 Providing Thanksgiving meals Saturday, Nov. 18 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.



For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
Israel says its forces have entered Gazas Shifa hospital, the site of a lengthy standoff.

The Israeli army had surrounded the facility as part of its ground offensive against Hamas, claiming the militant group conceals military operations in the hospital complex. But with hundreds of patients and medical personnel inside, it had refrained from entering. It said on Wednesday its forces were conducting a precise operation against Hamas in a specific area of the complex while taking steps to avoid harm to civilians.

Israel accuses Hamas of using hospitals as cover for its fighters, alleging that Hamas has set up its main command center in and beneath Shifa hospital, the largest in the besieged territory. Both Hamas and Shifa hospital staff deny the Israeli allegations.

Israeli defense officials also said they will allow fuel shipments into the Gaza Strip for humanitarian operations. That announcement came hours after the United Nations aid agency for Palestinian refugees said its fuel reserves in Gaza ran dry on Tuesday.

Israel had refused to allow fuel shipments into Gaza following Hamas deadly Oct. 7 incursion into southern Israel that set off the war, saying the militant group will divert any fuel for its own use.

Fighting between Israeli troops and Palestinian militants in northern Gaza has caused 200,000 people to flee south in the past 10 days, the U.N. humanitarian agency said Tuesday. More than two-thirds of Gazas population of 2.3 million have fled their homes since the war began.

More than 11,000 Palestinians, two-thirds of them women and minors, have been killed since the war began, according to the Health Ministry in Gaza, which does not differentiate between civilian and militant deaths. About 2,700 people have been reported missing.

More than 1,200 people in Israel died, most of them in the Hamas attack, and about 240 hostages were taken from Israel into Gaza by Palestinian militants.

Currently:

 Thousands flee Gaza's main hospital but hundreds, including babies, are still trapped by fighting.

 Is Hamas hiding in Gaza's main hospital? Israel's claim is a focal point in its war against militant group.

 Israel supporters rally in Washington, crying never again.

 Detroit-area doctor grieves the loss of 20 relatives killed during Israel's war against Hamas.

 Find more of APs coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war

Heres what's happening in the latest Israel-Hamas war:

ISRAEL SAYS IT'S CARRYING OUT A PRECISE AND TARGETED OPERATION INSIDE GAZA'S SHIFA HOSPITAL

JERUSALEM  The Israeli military says its forces have entered Gazas Shifa hospital, the site of a lengthy standoff.

The army had surrounded the facility as part of its ground offensive against Hamas, claiming the militant group conceals military operations in the hospital complex. But with hundreds of patients and medical personnel inside, it had refrained from entering.

Early Wednesday, the army said its forces were carrying out a precise and targeted operation against Hamas in a specified area in the hospital. It gave no further details but said it was taking steps to avoid harm to civilians.

In a statement, the Israeli military said it had warned "the relevant authorities in Gaza once again that all military activities within the hospital must cease within 12 hours. Unfortunately, it did not.

Hamas has denied the Israeli accusations that it uses the hospital for cover.

ISRAEL SAYS IT WILL ALLOW FUEL SHIPMENTS INTO GAZA FOR HUMANITARIAN OPERATIONS

JERUSALEM  Israeli defense officials say they have agreed to allow fuel shipments into the Gaza Strip for humanitarian operations.

It is the first time that Israel has allowed fuel into the besieged territory since the Hamas militant groups bloody cross-border invasion on Oct. 7.

Israel declared war and barred fuel shipments after the attack, saying Hamas would divert supplies for military use. But fuel is key to operations at Gaza hospitals, which run on generators, and the shortages hindered the United Nations from delivering humanitarian aid.

COGAT, the Israeli defense body responsible for Palestinian affairs, announced early Wednesday that it would allow U.N. trucks to refill at the Rafah crossing on the Egyptian border later Wednesday. It said the decision was in response to a request from the U.S. But it gave no details on when the shipments are to be delivered, other than to say it's allowing 24,000 liters (6,340 gallons) of fuel into Gaza.

UNRWA, the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, had warned late Tuesday that its fuel-storage facility in Gaza had run dry and that it would soon be forced to halt operations.

PROTESTS AT ISRAELI PARLIAMENT DEMAND NETANYAHU RESIGN

JERUSALEM  Several hundred protesters gathered outside the Israeli parliament Tuesday night to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying he is unfit for office.

The protesters carried signs blaming Netanyahu for the Oct. 7 attack that left at least 1,200 people killed.

Go, go, go! protesters chanted.

Any moment that our prime minister is in his role is dangerous for the citizens, for the soldiers, and he needs to quit and let us win the war and reunite our people, said protester Nir Weintroub.

UN SECURITY COUNCIL IS WORKING ON NEW HUMANITARIAN PAUSES RESOLUTION

UNITED NATIONS  The U.N. Security Council is negotiating a new resolution that demands immediate extended humanitarian pauses throughout the Gaza Strip but makes no mention of a cease-fire.

The resolution, drafted by Malta, does demand that all parties comply with their obligations under international law.

The Security Council has rejected four resolutions on the war, and many of its 15 members have said they don't want a vote on a new resolution unless it's going to be approved.

The draft, obtained Tuesday by The Associated Press, says the pauses should be for a sufficient number of days to open humanitarian corridors and enable unhindered access for U.N., Red Cross and other aid workers to get water, electricity, fuel, food and medical supplies to those in need as well as to repair essential infrastructure and enable urgent rescue and recovery efforts.

HOSPITAL IN NORTH GAZA FULLY EVACUATED, AID GROUP SAYS

CAIRO  The remaining patients, doctors and families have been evacuated from Al-Quds hospital in northern Gaza, the Palestinian Red Crescent aid group announced Tuesday.

This comes after more than ten days of siege, during which medical and humanitarian supplies were prevented from reaching the hospital, the group said in a post on X, formerly Twitter. The Red Crescent blamed the Israeli army for bombarding the hospital and firing at those inside.

It said that the wounded were being transported for care in hospitals in the south of Gaza.

No further information about the evacuation was immediately available, and the Red Crescent did not say how many people left the hospital on Tuesday.

A Red Crescent spokesperson had said earlier Tuesday that 300 people were inside Al-Quds hospital, trapped without food and electricity, unable to leave the facility. These included both patients, staff, and those displaced by the conflict, spokesperson Nebal Farsakh told The Associated Press by phone from Ramallah.

She said that the aid group had lost telephone communication with staff at Al-Quds seven days ago and were communicating with health workers there through VHF radio.

YEMEN'S HOUTHI REBELS TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR MISSILE FIRED AT ISRAEL

CAIRO  The military arm of Yemens Houthi rebels said Tuesday that it launched a batch of ballistic missiles towards various Israeli targets on Monday, including the southern Israeli city of Eilat. The Iran-backed rebel group has launched at least six aerial attacks against Israel since Oct. 7., and have vowed to continue these military operations.

In a statement released Tuesday evening, the Houthi military also said they would begin striking Israeli ships in the Red Sea.

The Houthi are staunch foes of Israel and regularly hold huge demonstrations in support of Palestinians, both during peace and war.

'MARCH FOR ISRAEL' IN WASHINGTON DRAWS TENS OF THOUSANDS

WASHINGTON  Supporters of Israel have rallied by the tens of thousands on Washingtons National Mall, voicing solidarity in the war against Hamas and crying never again.

Many of the demonstrators at the March for Israel wore Israeli flags wrapped around their shoulders, flowing behind them, or held small Israeli flags in their hands.

I hope that it shows solidarity with Israel, said Jackie Seley of Rockville, Maryland, who came with friends from New York. And I hope that it raises awareness for the hostages that are currently in danger.

Overlooking a sea of Israeli and U.S. flags, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat, House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, and the House Democratic leader, Hakeem Jefferies, came together on the stage.

We stand with Israel, Schumer chanted.

Security was tight, with dump trucks blocking access to the mall and police dispersed throughout the area and on horseback.

The show of support for Israel comes as condemnation of the mounting civilian casualty toll and suffering has grown worldwide. Earlier this month, tens of thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched in cities ranging from Washington to Milan to Paris.

UN AGENCY SAYS IT HAS NO MORE FUEL IN GAZA, RELIEF OPERATIONS WILL SOON END

JERUSALEM  The U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees says its fuel storage facility in Gaza is empty and its relief operations will soon be halted.

The lack of fuel in Gaza means communications are expected to start collapsing on Thursday, UNRWA said, as telecommunications companies run out of fuel to operate their data centres and major connection sites.

Israel has refused to allow fuel shipments into Gaza since Hamas cross-border attack on Oct. 7. Israel says Hamas will divert any fuel shipments for military use.

Philippe Lazzarini, the commissioner-general of UNRWA, said that after weeks of warnings and rationing, the agency will soon be out of fuel.

The depot is now empty, he said. It is very simple. Without fuel, the humanitarian operation in Gaza is coming to an end. Many more people will suffer and will likely die.

UNRWA provides food, shelter and other services to hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians.

US INTELLIGENCE SHOWS GAZA MILITANTS SHELTER IN HOSPITALS, WHITE HOUSE SAYS

WASHINGTON  The United States said Tuesday that it has unspecified intelligence that Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad use some hospitals in the Gaza Strip  including Shifa hospital  and tunnels underneath them to hide and to support their military operations and to hold hostages.

The White House's national security council spokesperson, John Kirby, said the U.S. does not support strikes against hospitals.

We do not support striking a hospital from the air, Kirby told reporters accompanying President Joe Biden aboard Air Force One to San Francisco for a summit with Asia-Pacific leaders. Hospitals and patients must be protected.

Kirby said the U.S. also does not want to see a firefight in a hospital where innocent people, helpless people, sick people are simply trying to get the medical care that they deserve.

When asked about evidence to support the claim, Kirby said it comes from a variety of intelligence sourcing. He wouldnt be more specific.

GAZA WAR WILL TAKE MANY MONTHS, ISRAELS DEFENSE MINISTER SAYS

JERUSALEM  Israels defense minister says the military is making great progress in its war against Hamas militants, but that the campaign will take many months to complete.

In a nationally televised press conference Tuesday night, Yoav Gallant said that Hamas has lost control of the northern Gaza Strip and that Israel has also made great gains in Gaza City, the militant groups stronghold.

This entire city is one terror stronghold that the army is able to maneuver and operate in very well, he said.

But asked about the timeframe for the war ahead, Gallant said: Were talking about long months, not a day or two.

ISRAEL'S FOREIGN MINISTER SHARPLY CRITICIZES UNITED NATIONS CHIEF

GENEVA  Israels foreign minister has lashed out at the U.N. secretary-general, saying Antonio Guterres does not deserve to hold the job, and called on the international Red Cross to be more vocal with pressure to help free Israeli hostages.

Eli Cohen spoke Tuesday at a news conference in Geneva alongside four relatives of hostages as part of Israels bid to keep the international spotlight on the plight of hostages seized by Hamas on Oct. 7.

The ICRC has helped secure the release of four hostages, although roughly 240 remain in captivity in Hamas-controlled Gaza.

Cohen grew animated after being asked about Guterres comments calling into question Israeli tactics in Gaza, which have killed at least 11,000 people  two-thirds of them women and minors  according to the Health Ministry in Hamas-run Gaza.

Guterres does not deserve to be the head of the United Nations. Guterres did not promote any peace process in the region, he said.

The U.N. chief and other top officials at the world body have repeatedly sought greater access for humanitarian pauses to allow aid shipments and other support for beleaguered Gazans, and the U.N. human rights chief has urged an outright cease-fire.

ISRAEL SAYS IT SHOT DOWN A MISSILE TARGETING RED SEA CITY

JERUSALEM  The Israeli army says it has intercepted a long-range missile that was headed toward the Red Sea resort town of Eilat.

The missile strike set off air-raid sirens in Eilat. The army said its Arrow missile defense system intercepted the projectile before it reached Israeli airspace.

Israeli media said the missile appears to have been launched from Yemen, where Iranian-backed rebels have fired a series of missiles toward Israel in recent weeks.

ISRAEL IS INVESTIGATING SEXUAL ASSAULTS DURING OCT. 7 ATTACK

BEIT SHEMESH, Israel  Israel says it is investigating several cases of sexual assault and rape from the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel.

On Tuesday, Israels national police chief showed a small group of international reporters video testimony from an eye witness at a music festival in southern Israel. This was the first time the police showed international reporters the footage.

The woman in the video, her face blurred, described watching militants gang rape and mutilate another woman before one of them shot her in the head while he was assaulting her.

I couldnt understand what I saw, she said, saying she had survived the rampage by pretending to be dead.

Police say theyre combing through 60,000 videos seized from Hamas, social media and security cameras as well as 1,000 testimonies to try to bring the perpetrators of last months killings, abductions and sexual assault to justice. They say it is Israels biggest criminal case in history. When it comes to documenting sexual assault, officials said its been harder to gather evidence and that its also challenging to get people to come forward. Police said they had no cases of rape survivors, further complicating the investigation.

Israel says some 1,500 Hamas militants were killed during the fighting, and many others fled back to Gaza. But Israel says it is holding hundreds of captured militants.

ROCKET FIRE WOUNDS TWO PEOPLE IN TEL AVIV

JERUSALEM  Israels emergency response service Magen David Adom says at least two people were injured from shrapnel in Tel Aviv on Tuesday as militants from Gaza Strip continued launching rockets at Israel.

The emergency responders said one of the injured, a 20-year old man was in serious condition and another, a 43 year-old woman in moderate condition. They received injuries to their limbs.

AT LEAST 11,255 PALESTINIANS KILLED IN GAZA, MINISTRY SAYS, MOST BY ISRAELI AISTRIKES

RAMALLAH, West Bank  The Ramallah-based Palestinian Health Ministry said that, as of Monday, at least 11,255 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed since the conflict broke out on Oct. 7. The vast majority have been killed in Israeli airstrikes that have pounded the besieged territory since the Hamas assault on southern Israel.

In an online report, the ministry said 4,630 of the dead were children, while 3,130 were women.

The ministry also said that for the past three days it has been experiencing difficulties updating the death toll due to the interruption of communication services in the Gaza Strip.

US LAYS OUT RULES FOR DONATING TO HELP GAZA WITHOUT RUNNING AFOUL OF SANCTIONS ON HAMAS

WASHINGTON  The United States issued guidance Tuesday for non-governmental organizations and the general public on how to provide humanitarian assistance to Palestinians while complying with existing and new sanctions targeted at Hamas.

The U.S. Treasury and State Department have imposed three rounds of sanctions in the past two months on Hamas members, financiers and money exchange firms, dedicated to disrupting Hamas fundraising network.

Groups such as Hamas raise funds through entities that present themselves outwardly as legitimate charities but are in fact fronts for Hamass illicit fundraising, often abusing the good will of donors, Treasurys guidance states.

ISRAEL SAYS IT HAS SEIZED GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS IN GAZA CITY

JERUSALEM  The Israeli military says it has seized a series of government buildings in central Gaza City as its offensive against the ruling Hamas militant group advances.

The army said Tuesday that it has captured Gazas legislature building, the Hamas police headquarters and a compound housing Hamas military intelligence headquarters.

In every location, the enemy forces were eliminated, the location was demolished, an Israeli commander identified only as Lt. Col. Gilad said in a video from Gaza released by the army. He said documents and other items taken from the locations were being studied.

The captured buildings carry high symbolic value, though it was unclear what their strategic value is. Hamas fighters are believed to be positioned in underground bunkers.

Israeli news sites showed pictures of Israeli soldiers hoisting the Israeli national flag and military flags in some of the buildings.

BRAZILIANS RETURN HOME FROM GAZA

RIO DE JANEIRO-- Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has welcomed a group of 32 Brazilians and their families returning home from Gaza.

Many in the group, composed mostly of women and children, smiled as they got off the plane and stepped onto Brazilian territory late Monday night.

Their repatriation took weeks of negotiations and lobbying by Brazilian diplomats. Many in Brazil followed the drama surrounding their passage through the Egyptian border, which was postponed several times.

Lula used the opportunity to issue comments critical of Israels actions in Gaza.

If Hamas committed an act of terrorism, and did what it did, the state of Israel is also committing various acts of terrorism by not taking into account that children are not at war, by not taking into account that women are not at war, Lula told journalists. Theyre not killing soldiers; theyre killing children.

HUNDREDS OF PROTESTERS IN CALIFORNIA CALL FOR CEASE-FIRE

OAKLAND, California  Hundreds of protesters led by Jewish peace activists calling for a cease-fire in Gaza staged a sit-in inside of the federal building in Oakland, California, leading to multiple arrests.

People wore T-shirts reading Jews Say Cease-fire Now and carried banners that read Not in Our Name and Let Gaza Live in the rotunda of the Ronald V. Dellums Federal building on Monday evening.

Jewish Voice for Peace, one of the protest organizers, posted online that dozens of people had been taken into custody by 9 p.m. The protest was part of a growing number across the country following fighting triggered by Hamas Oct. 7 surprise attack on Israel, whose response has led to more than 11,000 deaths  and much destruction  across Gaza.

On Monday, hundreds of Jewish peace activists and their allies converged at a major train station in downtown Chicago during rush hour, blocking the entrance to the Israeli Consulate and demanding U.S. support for a cease-fire.

US IMPOSES SANCTIONS ON HAMAS OFFICIALS

WASHINGTON  The United States on Tuesday said it imposed a third round of sanctions on a group of Hamas officials, members of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad who work to transfer money from Iran to Gaza, and a Lebanese money exchange service that facilitates the transfers.

The Treasury Department sanctions, coordinated with the United Kingdom, come in response to the surprise Oct. 7 attack by Hamas on Israel that left about 1,200 people dead and about 240 others taken hostage. The sanctions block access to U.S. property and bank accounts and prevent the targeted people and companies from doing business with Americans.

This and two previous rounds of sanctions against Hamas and its affiliates are aimed at protecting the international financial system from abuse by Hamas militants and their enablers, the Treasury Department said.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said in an emailed statement that together with our partners we are decisively moving to degrade Hamass financial infrastructure, cut them off from outside funding, and block the new funding channels they seek to finance their heinous acts.

FAMILIES OF HOSTAGES BEGIN MARCH FROM TEL AVIV TO JERUSALEM

TEL AVIV, Israel  Families of hostages held by Hamas since its Oct. 7 attack on Israel have begun a protest march from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem demanding that the government do more to secure their release.

The marchers held a moment of silence for a 19-year-old Israeli soldier, among the approximately 240 people seized by Hamas, who was confirmed to have died in captivity. The Israeli military did not give a reason for her death, while Hamas said she was killed in an Israeli strike.

Among the participants in the 65-kilometer (40-mile) march was Shelly Shem Tov, mother of 21-year-old hostage Omer Shem Tov.

Where are you, where are you, where are you? I am demanding from (Israel Prime Minister) Benjamin Netanyahu and from all the Cabinet to give us answers, to give us answers and deeds, the mother, wearing a T-shirt with a photograph of her son, said at the protest.

We have no strength anymore. We have no strength. Bring back our children and our families home.

PEACE ACTIVIST CONFIRMED DEAD IN HAMAS ATTACKS ON ISRAEL

JERUSALEM  Vivian Silver, a Canadian-born Israeli activist who devoted her life to seeking peace with the Palestinians, was confirmed killed in Hamas Oct. 7 attacks in southern Israel.

Silver, who moved to Israel in the 1970s, had been believed to be among the nearly 240 hostages seized by Hamas and held in the Gaza Strip. But identification of some of the most badly burned remains has gone slowly, and her family was notified of her death on Monday.

Silver was a dominant figure in several groups that promoted peace between Israel and the Palestinians, as well as a prominent Israeli human rights group. She also volunteered with a group that drove Gaza cancer patients to Israeli hospitals for medical care.

On the one hand, she was small and fragile. Very sensitive, her son, Yonatan Zeigen, told Israel Radio on Tuesday. On the other hand, she was a force of nature. She had a giant spirit. She was very assertive. She had very strong core beliefs about the world and life.

Zeigen said his mother's heart would have been broken by the events of Oct. 7 and their aftermath. She worked all her life, you know, to steer us off this course. And in the end, it blew up in her face.

At least 1,200 people were killed in the Hamas attacks on Israel while more than 11,000 Palestinians have died so far in the Israeli war in Gaza, according to its Hamas-controlled Health Ministry.

AN ISRAELI HOSTAGE HAS DIED IN HAMAS CAPTIVITY, BOTH SIDES SAY

JERUSALEM  A 19-year-old soldier who was among about 240 people captured by Hamas during its Oct. 7 raid in Israel has died in captivity, both sides said.

Israel's military on Tuesday declared Noa Marciano a fallen soldier without giving a cause of death. She is the first hostage confirmed to have died in captivity.

Hamas released a hostage video late Monday showing Marciano identifying herself. In a statement likely given under duress, she said Israeli strikes were hitting near where she was being held and called on Israel to halt them.

The video then showed images of what appeared to be her dead body. Hamas said she was killed in an Israeli strike, without providing evidence.

The Israeli military did not initially acknowledge her death after the video was released, saying Hamas continues to exploit psychological terrorism and act inhumanely, through videos and photos of the hostages.

Hamas says dozens of captives have been killed in Israeli strikes but has not provided evidence. Israel has dismissed such claims as psychological warfare.

Families of other hostages who are marching from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem over the next five days to draw attention to their loved ones plight observed a minute of silence in Marcianos memory.

RAIN FALLS IN GAZA FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE START OF WAR

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip  Rain fell on Gaza on Tuesday for the first time since the start of the Israel-Hamas war. For the children it was a moment of respite, as they laughed and played outside. For their parents, it was just another worry.

Iqbal Abu Saud, a woman displaced from Gaza City, said the downpour made conditions for her family even harder.

This whole tent collapsed onto the ground because of the rain, and the children, she said. You can see the water, look at the ground and how it is. And thats just in one day.

RIGHTS GROUP ACCUSES ISRAEL OF DISREGARDING CIVILIAN LIVES

BEIRUT  Human Rights Watch said Tuesday that an Israeli strike in southern Lebanon that killed three children and their grandmother earlier this month showed reckless disregard for civilian life.

The statement from the rights group comes as Israel and militants from Lebanons Hezbollah group are continuing to clash along the tense Lebanon-Israel border since Oct. 8. The skirmishes have escalated but remain largely contained to areas near the border. The international community and Lebanese government have been scrambling to prevent the situation from turning into an all-out war in the small Mediterranean country.

On Nov. 5, the Israeli military struck a car on the road between the southern Lebanese towns of Ainata and Aitaroun. Inside the car were the three adolescent girls, their grandmother and their mother. Only the mother survived and is in stable condition in a hospital.

The rights organization said they conducted interviews and analyzed video of the attack. The Israeli military also said after the attack that they were investigating the incident.

Israeli authorities have long failed to credibly investigate their own serious abuses, even when they acknowledge they carried them out, Human Rights Watch Lebanon researcher Ramzi Kaiss said. With Israeli authorities continuing to commit abuses with impunity, Israels allies should insist on accountability for Israels violations of the laws of war and this apparent war crime.

RESIDENTS OF KIBBUTZ BEGIN TO RETURN AFTER HAMAS ATTACK

KFAR AZA, Israel  Residents of Kfar Aza kibbutz in southern Israel have started to return to pick up what remains of their belongings.

The kibbutz was one of more than 20 towns and villages that were attacked on Oct. 7 by Hamas militants, sparking the war with Israel.

Ayelet Kazirs husband, David Kachko Kazir, was killed by Hamas during the raid.

I came here to pick plants from my garden and some things that he liked, like he had a special mug, some of his clothes," she said. "Im very glad that I came here but its so difficult. Its very difficult.

Before the attack, the kibbutz was a modestly prosperous place with a school, a synagogue and a population of more than 700.

More than 1,200 people in Israel have died, most of them in the Hamas attack, and about 240 hostages were taken from Israel into Gaza by the militants. More than 11,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war began, according to the Health Ministry in Gaza.

113 CITIZENS OF SWEDEN AND DENMARK TO LEAVE GAZA, DIPLOMATS SAY

COPENHAGEN, Denmark -- At least 113 citizens of Sweden and Denmark will be able to leave Gaza on Tuesday, Swedish and Danish media said, quoting the foreign ministries of the two countries.

The Aftonbladet daily in Sweden said 100 Swedish nationals will be allowed to leave, while Danish broadcaster DR said 13 people are expected to be able to depart.

Previously, about 60 Swedes were able to cross the border into Egypt, Aftonbladet said, while two people with Danish citizenship have been able to leave Gaza.

___

This story corrects the number of gallons in the entry ISRAEL SAYS IT WILL ALLOW FUEL SHIPMENTS INTO GAZA FOR HUMANITARIAN OPERATIONS. It is 6,340 gallons, not 6,240.
By Nidal al-Mughrabi and Dan Williams

GAZA/JERUSALEM (Reuters) -The lives of 36 babies at Gaza's Al Shifa Hospital were hanging in the balance on Tuesday, according to medical staff there who said there was no clear mechanism to move them despite an Israeli effort to supply incubators for an evacuation.

Three of the original 39 premature babies have already died since Gaza's biggest hospital ran out of fuel at the weekend to power generators that had kept their incubators going.

The Gaza Strip has been under a total Israeli blockade since Hamas launched an attack on Israel on Oct. 7. An Israeli ground incursion since then has brought fighting to streets around the hospital in the centre of Gaza City in the north of the strip.

The 36 babies, who weigh less than 1.5 kg (3.3 pounds) and with some as small as 700 to 800 grammes, were now lying side-by-side on ordinary beds, exposing them to infection and without any individual adjustments to humidity levels and temperatures, staff said.

"Luckily they are still 36, we didnt lose any of them overnight," Dr Ahmed El Mokhatallali, a surgeon, told Reuters by telephone from Al Shifa. "But still the risks are really high ... We have still the risk of losing them."

Israel's military said earlier on Tuesday it was coordinating the transfer of incubators into the Gaza Strip in a step to allow the evacuation of the babies. It posted on social media an image of a soldier unloading incubators from a van.

The military also posted a video showing Shani Sasson, a spokesperson from an Israeli Defence Ministry liaison office that deals with Palestinian civilian affairs, standing in front of incubators and saying a formal offer of help had been made.

"Extensive efforts are underway to ensure that these incubators right here behind me can reach the babies in Gaza without delay," she said in the video.

An Israeli official involved in those efforts, who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity, said three available incubators had been provided by Israeli hospitals.

"The intention is to enable the safe evacuation of newborn babies. To our understanding, Shifa does not have the necessary transport incubators for that," the official said, adding the incubators were on standby outside Gaza for any agreed handover.

Images published by the military showed standard transport incubators, said Arthur Edelman, a professor of paediatrics and neonatology at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

"They are battery-operated, which would allow for a couple of hours of running time. They also have the option of plugging into an ambulance power source," he said.

'NO CLEAR MECHANISM'

The military did not say what steps it would take to make an evacuation possible, amid intense air strikes and ongoing fighting in the vicinity of Al Shifa hospital.

A spokesman for Gaza's health ministry, which is under Hamas control, said there was no objection to evacuating the babies but said there was no mechanism to do this.

Many of Gaza's hospitals, like Al Shifa, have also shut down because of a lack of fuel and supplies, or are already crammed full of patients and those wounded in the fighting.

"We have no objection to have the babies moved to any hospital, in Egypt, the West Bank or even to the occupation (Israeli) hospitals. What we care most is about the wellbeing and the lives of those babies," Gaza health ministry spokesperson Ashraf Al-Qidra said, speaking by telephone from the hospital. "So far there is no clear mechanism."

Israel says the hospital is not under siege and says its forces offers exit routes to those inside. Medical staff and officials in the hospital say those trying to leave have come under fire. Reuters could not independently verify the accounts.

Al Shifa's Mokhatallali said he was aware of efforts to rescue the babies but did not know the details.

"Someone asked us to get the names of the babies and how many there are. But no actual steps on the ground. So we don't know how serious these efforts are to evacuate these babies," he said.

The Israeli military posted an audio recording of what it said was a conversation between a senior officer from Israel's Coordination and Liaison Administration and the director-general of Al Shifa Hospital, speaking in Arabic, subtitled in English.

In it, the official talks about depositing an incubator at the hospital gate, without giving details of how or when that would happen. The director-general says that would help, adding that four respirators for children are also needed.

The official says he will see what he can do to help. The director-general responds that all the wards and staff inside the hospital need help.

Israel has vowed to wipe out Hamas after the group's fighters rampaged through southern Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 people and taking around 240 hostage, according to Israeli numbers. Its counteroffensive has killed more than 11,000 people in Gaza so far.

(Reporting by Nidal al-Mughrabi in Gaza, Dan Williams in Jerusalem and Abir Al Ahmar in Dubai; Writing by Estelle Shirbon; Editing by Andrew Heavens and Edmund Blair)
The lives of dozens of babies inside Gaza's largest hospital are hanging in the balance with no fuel to power incubators  as fierce fighting rages between Israeli forces and Hamas outside.

Health officials in the Hamas-run territory said 40 patients, including three babies, have died since the emergency generator in al-Shifa ran out of fuel on Saturday. They say 36 babies are still at risk as there is no power to run incubators. The beds used for the babies have been lined with aluminium foil to try and keep the them warm.

The babies, who weigh less than 1.5 kg (3.3 pounds), with some as small as 700 to 800 grammes, were now lying side-by-side on ordinary beds, exposing them to infection and without any individual adjustments to humidity levels and temperatures, staff said.

"Luckily they are still 36, we didn't lose any of them overnight," Dr Ahmed El Mokhatallali, a surgeon, told Reuters from al-Shifa. "But still the risks are really high... We have still the risk of losing them."

Dr Medhat Abbas, a director of al-Shifa and a top official in the health ministry in Gaza, previously told The Independent: "Now, because of the shortage of electricity, our doctors have gathered them in these ordinary beds and put aluminium foil around to keep them warm. Its becoming colder here in Gaza; for that reason, without proper temperature control, some of them could die."

Babies are being laid side-by-side for warmth at Al-Shifa hospital after incubators ran out of power (Supplied)

Israeli forces have surrounded al-Shifa, which they say sits atop an underground headquarters of Hamas, but the military denies that it is under siege. The military said it started an effort to transfer incubators to the hospital but it was not clear if they had been delivered. Israel said that it was offering portable, battery-powered incubators so the babies could be moved. The military also posted a video showing Shani Sasson, a spokesperson from an Israeli Defence Ministry liaison office that deals with Palestinian civilian affairs, standing in front of incubators and saying a formal offer of help had been made.

"Extensive efforts are underway to ensure that these incubators right here behind me can reach the babies in Gaza without delay," she said in the video. But officials from the Gaza health ministry said that no mechanism had been suggested to achieve an evacuation safely.

"We have no objection to have the babies being moved to any hospital, in Egypt, the West Bank or even to [Israeli] hospitals. What we care most about is the wellbeing and the lives of those babies," Ashraf Al-Qidra, spokesman for the health ministry in the Hamas-run Strip, said. "So far there is no clear mechanism."

Dr Mokhatallali told Reuters that he was aware of efforts to rescue the babies, but that he do not know details. "Someone asked us to get the names of the babies and how many there are. But no actual steps on the ground. So we don't know how serious these efforts are to evacuate these babies," he said.

Christian Lindmeier, a spokesman for the World Health Organisation (WHO), said that the babies need to moved outside the Strip as "nowhere is safe in Gaza right now." He said an evacuation would require specialised equipment and a ceasefire along the route.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said on Tuesday that only one hospital in the northern half of the blockaded Gaza Strip  al-Awda  still had electricity and was able to receive patients

Isaeli forces inside Gaza in footage released by the military (Israeli Defense Forces via Reuters)

In a separate briefing, the WHO praised staff at Gaza's al-Shifa hospital for doing "everything they can" to care for patients.

"We know there's not enough food, that the staff are struggling to get any clean water because their water tanks were destroyed, but they are still doing everything they can to keep providing medical care for the desperately ill patients they have," WHO spokesperson Margaret Harris said in Geneva. "We actually still describe al-Shifa as a functioning hospital because of the heroic efforts the staff are making."

Ms Harris said al-Shifa now had 700 patients, more than 400 health staff and around 3,000 internally displaced people. She said 20 inpatient deaths had been reported in the last 48 hours although the situation could be much worse.

"Everyone in that hospital is in a really, really dire situation," she said. "We, as the world, have to find a way to help them. The best way would be to stop the hostilities right now. Focus on saving lives, not taking lives."

Ashraf Al-Qidra, spokesman for the health ministry in the Hamas-run Strip, said that with no means of keeping dozens of corpses from decomposing, a mass grave was being dug on the hospital grounds.

Hebrew-language media reported on Tuesday that both Israeli and Palestinian officials were trying to make arrangements for unconscious patients and those requiring dialysis and cancer treatment to be evacuated from al-Shifa to appropriate facilities in the southern half of the Strip, but it is unclear exactly how this would take place. Civilians have said that heavy gunfire can still be heard around the hospital compound. Israel says its forces allow routes for those inside to exit.

The Israeli military also posted an audio recording of what it said was a conversation between a senior officer from Israel's Coordination and Liaison Administration and the director-general of al-Shifa Hospital, speaking in Arabic, subtitled in English.

Flares rise over the Gaza Strip, as seen from southern Israel (AP)

In it, the official talks about depositing an incubator at the hospital gate, without giving details of how or when that would happen. The director-general says that would help, adding that four respirators for children are also needed. The official says he will see what he can do to help. The director-general responds that all the wards and staff inside the hospital need help.

Israel has vowed to wipe out Hamas after it launched an attack inside Israel on 7 October during which 1,200 people were killed and around 240 were dragged back to Gaza as hostages. The territory has faced near-constant aerial bombardment and a blockade, leaving a severe shortage of fuel, water, food and medical supplies. The UN and aid agencies have said that the amount of help reaching Gaza is insufficient and international calls have been growing for "humanitarian pauses" to let aid in.

"My hope and expectation is that there will be less intrusive action relative to hospitals and we remain in contact with the Israelis... but hospitals must be protected" US President Joe Biden said late on Monday.

Another 200,000 people have fled northern Gaza in the past 10 days, the UN has said, with area the centre of Israel's military campaign against Hamas. They join the estimated 1.5 million people  three-quarters of the blockaded territorys population  who have already fled their homes, with israel calling on people to move southwards. The UN said: Hundreds of thousands of people, who are either unwilling or unable to move to the south remain in the north, amid intensified hostilities. They are struggling to secure the minimum amount of water and food for survival.

A senior far-right member of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government claimed on that Tuesday Gaza could not survive as an independent entity and it would be better for Palestinians there to leave for other countries. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who heads one of the religious nationalist parties in Mr Netanyahu's coalition, said he supported a call by two members of the Israeli parliament who wrote in a piece for the Wall Street Journal that Western countries should accept Gazan families who expressed a desire to relocate.

The comments underscore fears in much of the Arab world that Palestinians will be driven out of land where they want to build a future state, repeating the mass dispossession of Palestinians when Israel was created in 1948. "I welcome the initiative of the voluntary emigration of Gaza Arabs to countries around the world," Mr Smotrich said in a statement. "This is the right humanitarian solution for the residents of Gaza and the entire region after 75 years of refugees, poverty and danger."

Israel's military has also released video and photos of what it said were weapons Hamas had stored in the basement of another hospital, Rantissi, that specialises in cancer treatment for children. Hamas rejected the allegation. The military also confirmed confirmed the death of Noa Marciano, a soldier seen in a hostage video posted by Hamas on Monday. The military said: Our hearts go out to the Marciano family, whose daughter, Noa, was brutally kidnapped by the Hamas terrorist organisation. We are using all means, both intelligence and operational, to bring the hostages home.
Dean W. Mitchell, the longtime owner of KONA AM/FM in Pasco, died Nov. 8 after a battle with cancer. He was 89.

While he was best known as the owner of a popular radio station, Mitchell is remembered for his impact on the community. For his efforts to better the Tri-Cities, he was named Kennewick Man of the Year in 1980 and Tri-Citian of the Year in 1982.

Dean Mitchell

Mitchell and his wife, the former Helen Anne Skinner, were high school sweethearts who married in 1955 and made Kennewick their permanent home in 1963 after detours to Boise, Bellingham and Yakima.

The Mitchells were longtime members of Kennewick First United Methodist Church. In a notice to members, the church remembered Mitchell for his dedication to God, to his family and to his church. Helen Mitchell died in January 2022.

Water Follies fan

He was an early booster of hydroplane racing on the Columbia River, now a staple of the summer event schedule. Boat races were an untested idea in 1966, when the first Atomic Cup took place. Mitchell wanted the event to succeed and put the full force of KONA behind the effort to ensure it did.

He sent his radio team to broadcast every aspect of what is now the Water Follies Columbia Cup.

In 2004, he reflected on the humble beginnings in a Tri-City Herald retrospective.

We felt it was going to be hopefully a big part of community activity. We kind of mirrored what Seattle did for Seafair back then, he told the paper. In the years that followed, KONA did more to broadcast the races than any other radio station.

As at the Herald for many years, boat race week was sacred to KONA. Staffers werent allowed to take vacation during boat race week.

Mitchell said it took 15 to 17 people to cover the 2-plus mile shoreline. His team interviewed drivers in the Lampson Pits and provided play-by-play from the west end turn, the east end turn and from the Pasco side of the river.

I dont think anybody did more from beginning to end, Mitchell said in 2004, three years after he sold the station.

Michael McDonnal, a 25-year KONA employee, said he moved to the Tri-Cities in 1999 because he was convinced Mitchell would be a good employer and for his commitment to local journalism  Water Follies, high school sports, city council meetings and all of it.

McDonnal joined KONA as a morning show host, a role Mitchell was filling until McDonnal signed on. It was an unusual arrangement, but an educational one.

Dean was like a father to the radio station and a father figure to all those who worked there, he said. More than 20 years after Mitchell sold the station, McDonnal said the strength of the team he built was evidenced by the ongoing alumni functions that took place each month.

Board service

In addition to running his radio business, Mitchell served on the boards of Banner Bank, Kennewick Housing Authority, the Columbia Basin College Foundation, the Tri Cities Visitor and Convention Bureau and what was then known as the Tri-City Industrial Development Council (or TRIDEC, which later dropped industrial from its name).

The Mitchells were supporters of Columbia Basin College in Pasco, where they established the Dean & Helen Mitchell Endowed Scholarship fund to support nursing students.

CBC hailed Mitchell a tireless advocate for CBC students.

While we will miss him, we are honored to help carry on he and Helens legacy at CBC through the students they are helping with their scholarship, it said in a statement.

Civic honors

He was named Kennewick Man of the Year in 1980, alongside Jane Foreman, now retired from TRIDEC, and was Kennewick Woman of the Year. Foreman recalls their paths crossing constantly when they were both involved with that event.

Dean was a remarkable person, a friend to many and a tremendous advocate for the Tri-Cities, she said. He will be greatly missed.

Mitchell would serve as president of the Man of the Year program for about two decades. Marv Kinney was his vice president.

Dean was always there and helpful and a great guy to work with, Kinney said.

Mitchell was the longest serving past Man of the Year prior to his death. His involvement in the community was bottomless, said Kirk Williamson, who manages the organization. .

He was a terrific broadcaster. He made sure that he was involved and his station was involved in just about everything that mattered in the Tri-Cities, Williamson said.

Two years after being named Kennewick Man of the Year, Mitchell was named the 1982 Tri-Citian of the Year. The title, given jointly by local chapters of Rotary International and Kiwanis International, recognizes individuals who demonstrate outstanding Service Above Self.

He served as chair of the Washington State Association of Broadcasters in 1983-84 and was named its 1999 Broadcaster of the Year for service to the community and the broadcast industry.

Mike Berriochoa, KONA news director for 16 years, recalled Mitchell for his integrity and compassion.

Dean led his staff by example, serving the public interest. He never lost sight of that commitment, whether serving through his business or his personal life, he said in a statement to the Herald.

Mitchell is survived by his three children, David Mitchell, Doug Mitchell and Lisa Cutter, along with numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Muellers Tri-Cities Funeral Home is handling his service arrangements.

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WASHINGTON  House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer (R-Ky.) lost his cool at a Democratic colleague on Tuesday for questioning his familys business arrangements.

Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.) suggested during a committee hearing that Comer and his brother were involved in the same sort of wire transfers that Comer has cited in corruption accusations against President Joe Biden.

That is bullshit, Comer said in response to Moskowitz, using unusually indecorous language from the committee dais.

Moskowitz is financially illiterate, Comer added, and he looks like a Smurf.

Comer launched his tirade the same day former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) shoved or hit a fellow House Republican and just hours after Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) threatened to fight a committee witness. It was an unusually tense day at the Capitol.

Comer has said a $200,000 payment from Joe Bidens brother James in 2018, discovered through a committee subpoena for years of James and Hunter Bidens bank statements, looks suspicious despite records indicating it was a loan repayment. The subpoenas are part of the Republican impeachment inquiry against Biden.

The Daily Beast reported this week that Kentucky property records indicate the Comers engaged in land swaps related to their familys farming business, including one transaction involving a shell company in which Comer channeled $200,000 to his brother.

You owe it to the American people to explain why youve gone on Fox News and told people that while the president was out of office he had a loan with his brother, and in a way they were evading taxes, Moskowitz said. It has come out in the public that you also do business with your brother with potential loans.

Comer, who pays close attention to any media that mentions his name, immediately recalled that Moskowitz and Rep. Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.) had tweeted the Daily Beast story. He said he had not loaned his brother money, and he was mad.

The White House tried to get CNN to write that story. They went around and investigated all this bullshit that [White House spokesman] Ian Sams is trying to tell people  that only dumb, financially illiterate people pick up on, Comer said. Youre so financially illiterate that you think because something says LLC, its a shell company.

Comer has said that nearly two-dozen Limited Liability Companies linked to Hunter Biden are shell companies with no legitimate purpose other than funneling money to the Biden family, though there is evidence several of the firms were involved in legitimate business activities. LLCs are business entities registered with state governments.

Comer has been increasingly testy about the impeachment inquiry, criticizing reporters for their skeptical descriptions of his material, such as records suggesting James Biden had merely repaid a loan from his brother. Loan, my ass, Comer told HuffPost earlier this month.

As Moskowitz protested, Comer said he looked like a diminutive cartoon character.

You look like Smurf here, going around and all this stuff, Comer said. You continue to spew disinformation.

Moskowitz later suggested on social media that Comer had acted like a Smurf villain.

Gargamel was very angry today, he said.
FILE - This undated photo combination provided by the Los Angeles Police Department shows Mei Haskell, left, and her parents, YanXiang Wang and Gaoshan Li. Samuel Haskell IV has been charged with murder for allegedly killing his wife and her parents, then stuffing dismembered body parts into trash bags. Prosecutors say Samuel Haskell of Tarzana was charged Monday, Nov. 13, 2023, with killing Mei Li Haskell and her parents, who vanished the week before. (Courtesy of Los Angeles Police Department via AP,File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

LOS ANGELES (AP)  A Los Angeles man was charged Monday with murder for allegedly killing his wife and her parents, then stuffing dismembered body parts into a trash bag, prosecutors announced Monday.

Samuel Haskell, 35, was charged with three counts of murder with special circumstances of committing multiple murders and could face life in prison without the chance of parole if convicted, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office said in a statement.

During a court appearance, Haskell's arraignment was postponed and he was ordered held without bail. An email seeking comment from Joseph Gutierrez, an attorney who represented him in court Monday, wasn't immediately returned.

Haskell lived in the Tarzana neighborhood of the San Fernando Valley with his wife, their three young children and her parents.

He was arrested last week after a human torso was found in a bag in a dumpster, police said.

Mei Li Haskell, 37, and her parents, Gaoshan Li, 72, and Yanxiang Wang, 64, were last seen on or about Nov. 6, the DA's office statement said.

On Nov. 7, Haskell allegedly hired four day-laborers to take away several heavy black plastic trash bags from his home in Tarzana," the statement said. One of the laborers opened one of the bags and allegedly observed human body parts. They called 911 and reported the incident."

They returned the bags and money, but the bags weren't there when police arrived, authorities have said.

The same day, Haskell was caught on video dumping something in a dumpster in nearby Encino, authorities said. He was arrested the next day after someone rummaging through trash in that dumpster found a woman's torso in a trash bag and called 911, prosecutors said.

The torso is suspected to be that of Haskell's wife, police have said. However, they haven't been officially identified, the Los Angeles County medical examiner's department told KNBC-TV.

We suspect that the torso ... is the body of Mei Haskell," Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman said Monday. "No other bags containing body parts or remains have been recovered to date but I dont need a body to charge a murder.

There were items of evidence in the house that indicated he dismembered the bodies, Silverman said.
If you look up into the sky tonight, you might just be able to spot an unusual new star.

Alongside the constellations that have awed humanity for millennia, an errant tool bag is now orbiting planet Earth after wandering off during a spacewalk on the International Space Station (ISS).

Nasa astronauts Jasmin Moghbeli and Loral O'Hara misplaced the bag while fixing a solar panel on station's exterior on 1 November, the space agency said in a blog post.

According to the space news website EarthSky, the bag reflects enough light to be visible from the ground for humans using binoculars  at least until it burns up in Earth's atmosphere in a few months' time.

"During the activity, one tool bag was inadvertently lost," said Nasa, with characteristic sangfroid.

A Japanese astronaut inadvertently snapped the wandering tool bag while taking orbital photos of Mt Fuji (Satoshi Furukawa / Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit, NASA Johnson Space Center (image ISS070-E-15786))

Flight controllers spotted the bag using the station's external cameras, then analysed its trajectory to see if it posed any danger.

Happily, they determined that the risk of it striking the station again is "low", and that the station's crew are "safe with no action required".

The tool bag has now reportedly been catalogued as space debris #58229 / 1998-067WC, and is orbiting just ahead of the ISS itself.

A video posted online by Dr Meganne Christian of the UK Space Agency appears to show the tool bag tumbling past the camera and bouncing off part of the station, while an astronaut's hand reaches out to grasp it.

Jasmin Moghbeli, front right, prepares to board the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket alongside her crew on 26 August, 2023 (AP Photo/Terry Renna)

It was then photographed accidentally by Satoshi Furukawa, a Japanese astronaut aboard the ISS, while taking orbital photos of Mt Fuji.

It wanted to see Mount Fuji, I guess," Ms Moghbeli reportedly told Mission Control the next day.

Ms Moghbeli and Ms O'Hara arrived on the ISS on 27 August courtesy of Elon Musks private space company SpaceX, forming a rare all-female Nasa contingent aboard the station. Both were first-time spacewalkers.

Various objects have been lost by astronauts during spacewalks over the decades, including a spare glove in 1965, another tool bag in 2008, and a 1.5m debris shield that was being installed on the ISS in 2017.
Rich Moore's dog named Finney was found alive next to his body after the two went missing on a hike months ago. Colorado Missing Person Organization/Facebook

A 71-year-old man and his dog went missing on a hike up a Colorado mountain months ago.

The hiker was found dead and his dog, Finney, was miraculously found alive next to the man's body.

Finney, a Jack Russell Terrier, has since been reunited with her family, officials said.

It's just more proof that dogs really are man's best friend.

A truly loyal Jack Russell Terrier named Finney apparently stayed by her owner's side after the duo set out to hike a Colorado mountain months ago  even after he died.

Hiker Rich Moore, 71, of Pagosa Springs was discovered dead late last month  and Finney was found alive near Moore's body, according to authorities and a rescue group.

Finney's "loyalty and the testament to the fact that this dog stayed with this person that long is just a beautiful story that is on the other side of a very sad tragedy," Taos Search and Rescue group member Delinda VanneBrightyn told Business Insider in an interview on Tuesday.

Moore and his dog had been missing since August 19 after they started a journey to summit Blackhead Peak, located in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado, the volunteer search and rescue group said.

Search teams and personnel looked for Moore and Finney for nearly 2,000 hours, but they weren't found until a local hunter came across Moore's body and the white dog on Oct. 30, according to the Archuleta County Sheriff's Office.

The next day search crews were flown into the area. They recovered Moore's body and discovered Finney alive, the sheriff's office said. Finney was then taken to a local veterinarian hospital to be treated.

She's since been reunited with her family, according to the sheriff's office.

VanneBrightyn responded to the initial search for Moore, along with her certified K9 AkioYodasan.

VanneBrightyn and the search group expressed their condolences to Moore's family in a Facebook post, but said they were "glad they were able to gain some closure as well as bring their dog back home."

"Our team, Taos Search and Rescue, wants to send condolences to Rich's family and that in the midst of a terrible human tragedy we are also grateful that they still have this heroic dog that was part of Rich's life with them," VanneBrightyn told BI.

VanneBrightyn also told BI that it is believed Finney managed to survive for months by drinking water from a nearby stream and hunting down small animals like rodents.

When Moore and Finney set out on the hike, the dog was 12 pounds, but when Finney was finally found she was half that size at 6 pounds, VanneBrightyn said.

"So I don't think [she] was eating that well," said VanneBrightyn, who explained that the water source was "crucial" to Finney's survival.

Moore's cause of death was not immediately known, but the sheriff's office said that foul play is not suspected.

Read the original article on Insider
Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., on Tuesday accused former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., of elbowing him and chased him through a Capitol hallway. NPR reporter Claudia Grisales tweeted that she has "NEVER seen this on Capitol Hill," recounting how McCarthy "shoved" Burchett while she was interviewing him. Burchett shouted at McCarthy and a "chase ensued." McCarthy denied that he had elbowed him. "You got no guts, you did so, ... the reporter said it right there, what kind of chicken move is that," Grisales recalled Burchett shouting. "Did you see that?" Burchett asked the reporter afterward, who admitted "I'm stunned too."

"I ran after McCarthy and I said, 'What'd you do that for?' He acted like, 'Oh, I didn't do anything,'" Burchett later told Politico, which added that the Republican called McCarthy a "jerk" after the incident. He needs to go back to Southern California," Burchett told reporters, later adding: I can still feel it  It was a clean shot to the kidney. McCarthy, meanwhile, denied Burchett's claim. I didnt shove or elbow him, its a tight hallway," McCarthy told CNN.

Rep. Tim Burchett claims on CNN that Kevin McCarthy hit him from behind with "a clean shot to the kidneys" and calls him "a bully" pic.twitter.com/CCLQvNuWHw  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) November 14, 2023
French President Emmanuel Macron called for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war, prompting rebuke from Israel and accusations of sending mixed messages about Frances stance on the conflict.

Macron told the BBC in an interview late last week that there was no justification" for Israels near-constant bombardment of the Gaza Strip, saying, these babies, these ladies, these old people are bombed and killed. He added, There is no reason for that and no legitimacy. So we do urge Israel to stop.

Macrons comments drew the ire of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who said he was factually and morally wrong about Israels bombing of civilians. Macron then tried to soothe tensions over with Israeli officials by reiterating solidarity with Israel while reminding them to respect international humanitarian law.

French officials have continued to say Israel has a right to defend itself, and formally consider Hamas to be a terrorist organization. Formally, France has long supported the rights of Palestinians, and advocates for a two-state solution as the only way out of the regions crisis. However, French internal policy at the wars outset saw the nation move to ban pro-Palestinian demonstrations, arguing people who defied the bans were susceptible to disrupt public order.

The war has split French society in two, according to analysis from the European Council on Foreign Relations. France is home to six million Muslims, and has the largest population of Jewish people in Europe. Both sides fear escalating violence against them, and hundreds of antisemitic incidents followed Oct. 7. Macron attempted to take a middle-of-the-road approach in a presidential address to the nation last month, making a distinction between support for Palestinians and support for Hamas. But as Israel continues its offensive in Gaza ... it may become increasingly difficult for Macron to maintain this balance, ECFR visiting fellow Camille Lons writes.

Macrons shifting positions on the conflict  from voicing firm solidarity with Israel after the Oct. 7 attack to highlighting the Israeli campaigns deadly toll on Palestinian civilians  risks sowing misunderstanding and turning people against him, Le Figaros political correspondent Louis Hausalter writes. Macrons stances have been guided more by national considerations than international pressures so far, but Hausalter argues that the presidents messages could become more blurred as the conflict continues indefinitely.
MADERA, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  A community Ruby Bridge Walk-to-School event across elementary schools will be held by the Madera Unified School Culture and Climate Department alongside middle and high schools Black Student Unions (BSU), officials announced on Monday.

Officials say the event aims to educate and inspire students to learn about racial equality, promote tolerance, and create change through education. Bridges was the first African-American student to integrate an elementary school in Louisiana on Nov. 14, 1960.

The walks involving students, parents, and community members will begin at Alpha Elementary, Thomas Jefferson, Martin Luther King Middle Schools, and Matilda Torres High School. They will then walk to one of their feeder partner schools.

BSU secondary students will then read picture books to elementary students about Ruby Bridges. Officials say the School Climate Transformation Grant funded the books, which will be donated to the elementary classroom libraries by each BSU club.

The community Ruby Bridges Walk-to-School events will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 14.

Officials say the schedule goes as follows:

Alpha Elementary walks to Madera South High School Stadium. The walk will begin at 900 Stadium Rd from 8:15 a.m. to 9:15 a.m.

Jefferson Middle School walks to Adams Elementary. The walk will begin at 1407 Sunset Ave. from 8:15 a.m. to 9:15 a.m.

MLK Middle School walks to Rose Elementary. The walk will begin at 601 Lilly St. from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Torres High School walks to Nishimoto Elementary. The walk will begin at 16645 Rd 26 from 8:45 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com.
This story was first published by Energy News Network.

Maine is considering new kinds of electric rates to encourage more widespread home adoption of electric-vehicle chargers and heat pumps while easing the strain these technologies add to the power grid.

Central Maine Power, the larger of the states two investor-owned utilities, is working with regulators and advocacy groups on designs for time-of-use rates, which charge customers more for electricity use at times of day when demand on the grid is at its peak.

But these rates are only one piece of the puzzle, stakeholders say. They anticipate more planning work to come on complementary technologies that will make it easier for customers to change their energy use.

Time-of-use rates and related tools to limit and shift electricity demand are currently most common among larger commercial and industrial customers, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. But as home electrification accelerates, some utilities have begun trying out similar programs for residential ratepayers.

Central Maine Power is currently piloting seasonal-heating and electrification-focused rates, and the smaller Maine utility, Versant Power, has its own time-of-use programs for heat pumps and electric-vehicle charging already in place.

The Maine Public Utilities Commission is working to expand time-of-use rates on multiple fronts, including in one proceeding that was required as part of the June settlement in Central Maine Powers latest rate case. The utility, which is owned by Connecticut-based Avangrid, is due to file a proposal on the issue Dec. 1.

I personally believe that theres a great opportunity here for all of our policy goals to be advanced," said Drew Landry, Maine's deputy public advocate, whose office acts as an ombudsperson for residential utility customers. "But if we do it wrong, theres a chance that we could undermine all of them.

Incentives for efficient use of climate solutions

Transportation and buildings are Maines top sources of planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions. That's a big reason why the state's climate plan includes ambitious goals for expanding the use of electric vehicles and heat pumps, which use electricity for high-efficiency water and space heating as well as air conditioning.

Maine relies more than any other state on home heating oil but has made strong progress on switching to heat pumps, already meeting its initial target of installing 100,000 new units by 2025. The large, rural state is also hoping to accelerate its so-far slow progress on electric vehicle adoption.

The utility commissions goals for its ongoing time-of-use work with Central Maine Power and other stakeholders are to incentivize customers to shift usage away from the summer peak, encourage wintertime use of heat pumps and other efficient systems, and complement state rebate and discount programs for this kind of technology.

In its upcoming proposal, the utility must consider at least four alternative rate designs specific to electric vehicles and heat pumps and consider a rebate program for customers who successfully reduce their electricity usage at peak times. The utility is also asked to propose a "customer education and communication plan on these initiatives and draft data-gathering plans to aid in future similar rate-design processes.

Rates in this particular proceeding would fit under the distribution charge on customers bills. A separate ongoing docket looks at tying similar rates to the supply charge, which is a larger part of ratepayers costs.

Shifting demand "off-peak"

Landry, the deputy public advocate, said more use of heat pumps and electric vehicles is sure to drive up New Englands peak demand, which typically falls between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. in summer and, increasingly, in winter.

Absent large-scale energy storage, Landry said, this increased demand could exceed available renewable power supplies, potentially adding to emissions. New Englands grid remains largely reliant on natural gas and, in recent years cold snaps, has tended to burn oil and coal as its backup fuels.

Widespread electrification will require significant and costly investment in transmission and distribution infrastructure, stakeholders say, no matter how rates are designed.

But they see time-of-use rates as a way to moderate that impact. These rates, Landry said, send a price signal that encourages electricity use at "off-peak times when it will be easier and cheaper on the grid  nudging people, for example, to wait to charge their cars until near bedtime as opposed to right after work.

The solution is less straightforward for heat pumps, but Landry said preheating with a smart thermostat or using an electric thermal storage system could help limit the need for intensive heating during peak hours.

Pairing load-control technology

Landry and others agreed that helping customers access technology to manage their electricity use  and making it extremely simple to navigate related rate changes  will be vital to success.

There needs to be careful consideration and effective implementation of consumer protections to make sure that it doesnt create financial hardships for customers who are either low-income and/or have high energy burdens, in this time of high electricity prices, said Phelps Turner, a senior attorney with the Conservation Law Foundation, which is an intervenor in the distribution-focused utility commission proceeding.

Landry said he feels customers need an action they can take in response to the price signal." Otherwise, the rates may simply penalize customers for using electricity when they have limited options, he said, or "may be perceived as being burdensome," creating a potential backlash.

Efficiency Maine, the quasi-governmental agency that runs energy rebate programs for the state, already offers a "load management" incentive of $50 upfront plus $50 a year for EV drivers who give the agency permission and electronic access to set their cars to charge automatically overnight by default.

Study after study shows that the cost of our transition, very broadly  like the amount of generation, transmission, distribution that we need to fully electrify our economy  is dramatically lower the more load control you have associated with it, said Ian Burnes, the agencys director of strategic initiatives. He referenced a recently published draft study from ISO-New England, the regional grid manager, showing that transmission costs to accommodate increased load rise sharply with higher peak demand.

This means programs like Maines existing EV incentive will be important pairings to any future time-of-use rates, he said. What were trying to build off of is to have devices that can respond to prices, he said, so the customer just has to say, Im just going to set this up once, and then the device does the work for them.

Education and verification

With Central Maine Powers initial time-of-use plans still in progress, there are open questions remaining around whether participation should be "opt-in" and whether and how these rates might apply only to people who use relevant technologies or to all ratepayers.

Either way, customer education will be key, said the Conservation Law Foundations Turner  either ensuring that ratepayers understand the benefits of signing up if the rates are voluntary or offering easy steps they can take to avoid penalties and achieve cost savings if the rates are automatically applied.

Burnes said he also hopes that more data-gathering by the utilities and agencies like his will help assess the fairness of current and future electrification-focused rates.

Smart meters will be one tool to achieve this, he said, with a goal of determining whether new rates only make power cheaper for some more than for others or whether they create savings across the system.
Mali's junta leader Col Assimi Goita says the mission "is not complete".

Mali's army has seized Kidal, a key town in the country's north that the ethnic Tuareg rebels have held for nearly a decade.

Kidal has been a bastion for an ethnic Tuareg rebel group at the centre of the country's long-running political and security crises.

The army, reportedly backed by Wagner group mercenaries, has battled for Kidal for the past three days.

The head of the country's junta said the mission "is not complete", however.

Col Assimi Goita, Mali's interim president, said in a post on X his objective was to ensure the country's territorial integrity. The army has urged civilians in Kidal to remain calm.

The alliance known as the Permanent Strategic Framework (CSP), which is mostly formed of Tuareg armed groups, said that it had left Kidal "for strategic reasons", the AFP news agency reports quoting a rebel statement.

"The fight continues," it added.

On Monday, the Malian army said that its advance to Kidal had only been opposed by "a series of low intensity skirmishes" from what it described as "the alliance of terrorist armed groups".

The central government in Mali lost control of much of the north more than a decade ago following a Tuareg rebellion, which was initially sparked by a demand for a separate country.

The country's security was then further complicated by the involvement of Islamist militants.

The resulting instability has led to three coups since 2012.

Under an agreement signed in 2015, the largely Tuareg separatists were to be integrated into the army and the control of Kidal handed over to the Malian government. Neither item was implemented.

From 2013, French troops backed the Malian government in its fight against the Islamist militants. But a failure to solve the problem has led to a rejection of their help by the current military leadership with the last French soldiers leaving in 2022.

The junta has since turned to the Russian mercenary group Wagner for assistance, but its fighters' presence has never been formally acknowledged by the authorities.

The UN peacekeeping mission is also pulling out of Mali, with rebels and Islamist fighters trying to seize the vacated bases.
Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney speaks at a news conference to announce the identity of a victim investigators had called the Jane Doe No. 7, as Karen Vergata, Friday, Aug. 4, 2023, in Hauppauge, New York. Law enforcement authorities said Friday they have identified a woman whose remains were found as far back as 1996 in different spots along the Long Island coast, some of them near the Gilgo Beach locations of bodies investigators believe were left by a serial killer. | John Minchillo, Associated Press

The man at the center of last Fridays Dateline episode, The Hunt for the Gilgo Beach Killer, is set to appear in court on Wednesday, per the Long Island Press.

The hunt for the Gilgo Beach serial killer started in 2010 when police began searching for a missing Long Island woman along a stretch of Gilgo Beach, New York, and found 11 sets of human remains, per NBC. In July of this year, New York architect Rex Heuermann was arrested and charged with the murders of three of the women.

Who is Rex Heuermann?

Heuermann, 59, is a Long Island resident. He has denied any involvement in the murders.

Prosecutors previously announced that DNA evidence recovered from one of the bodies was a match to Heuermann, per ABC.

Heuermanns next court date is set for Wednesday, Nov. 15.

Who are the Gilgo Four?

When 24-year-old Shannan Gilbert went missing in Long Island in 2010, investigators began searching for her and found the remains of 24-year old Melissa Barthelemy in the brush along Gilgo Beach, per ABC. They soon found three other bodies: 25-year-old Maureen Brainard-Barnes, 22-year-old Megan Waterman and 27-year-old Amber Lynn Costello.

Investigators determined the women had been killed by the same person, according to ABC. Over the next few months, they continued to search Gilgo Beach and found a total of 11 victims, including Gilbert.

Who are the Long Island serial killer victims?

Although 11 sets of human remains were found in investigators search of Gilgo Beach, not all have been identified. Heuermann has been linked to several of the identified women, although he has not been charged in all of their deaths.

Heuermann has been charged with the murders of three of the Gilgo Four women: Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman and Amber Lynn Costello, per NBC.

Heuermann is a suspect in the ongoing investigation of the murder of Brainard-Barnes, the last of the Gilgo Four. NBC reports he has also been linked to the murders of Shannan Gilbert, 24-year-old Valerie Mack and 34-year-old Karen Vergata, who were also discovered on Gilgo Beach.

Where does the case stand now?

Suffolk County Police Commissioner Rodney Harrison announced in a press conference included in the Dateline episode that new witnesses have stepped forward. Police are continuing to investigate the deaths of each of the 11 people found on Gilgo Beach.

We are not done with this investigation, I want to make sure that thats very clear, Harrison said.

The Hunt for the Gilgo Beach Killer is available for streaming on NBC and Peacock.
The man charged with two counts of vehicular manslaughter in the deaths of a San Luis Obispo couple just before Thanksgiving last year will face trial, a judge ruled Tuesday.

Daniel Saligan Patricio, 24, allegedly struck Matthew Chachere, 39, and Jennifer Besser, 36, with his car on Nov. 21, 2022.

Chachere and Besser were found under dense brush near the intersection of Sacramento Drive and Basil Lane the next day, several hours after police received a report of a dead dog in the creekbed.

The couple, who had been together for 11 years, were recently honored with a memorial plaque at the bridge where they were killed.

Saligan Patricio pleaded not guilty to the charges in March.

Tuesdays preliminary hearing is the publics first look at the evidence found during the three-month investigation that preceded Saligan Patricios arrest and eventual charges.

As the hearing began, all but one seat in the courtroom was filled with family members of Besser, Chachere and Saligan Patricio.

Responding officer testifies he did not see evidence of pedestrians at the scene

Video footage presented at the hearing shows Besser and Chachere walking their dog from their apartment complex parking lot to the pedestrian bridge that connects to Sacramento Drive around 5:33 p.m.

San Luis Obispo Police Department Officer David Brewer testified Tuesday he was the responding officer to the crash. He said he received the call for service at 5:36 p.m. on Nov. 21, 2022, and was on the scene by 5:43 p.m.

At the time of the accident, Brewer said he did not identify anyone else affected by the crash other than the driver.

Witnesses did not see any pedestrians prior to the crash, he said, including a witness who viewed the crash from beginning to end from approximately 100 yards away.

Saligan Patricio admitted to speeding and texting at the time of the accident, Brewer said, but declined drinking alcohol. The defendant estimated his speed to be between 50 and 60 mph.

The posted speed limits in the area were 20 and 25 mph, it was later revealed in the court hearing.

Security footage from Jennifer Besser and Matthew Chacheres apartment complex shows the couple walking to the pedestrian bridge that connects to Sacramento Drive on Nov. 21, 2022 is shown during the preliminary hearing against Daniel Saligan Patricio on Nov. 14, 2023. Saligan Patricio is charged with two counts of vehicular manslaughter for the deaths of Jennifer Besser and Matthew Chachere on Nov. 21, 2022, who are believed to have been hit by Saligan Patricios car minutes after this footage concludes. A San Luis Obispo Police detective testified the time stamp on the footage is approximately 25 minutes fast.

The defendant did not exhibit any obvious signs of intoxication during their 30 minute interview at the scene, Brewer said, and his vehicle did not smell like alcohol.

Brewer and his partner checked the creekbed to see if anyone had been involved in the accident, he said, but did not see anyone at the time.

There was no evidence to suggest pedestrians had been involved in the crash at the time, Brewer said.

The next day, Brewer responded to the report of a dead dog in the creekbed in the same area of the crash. He said he attempted to contact the phone numbers on the dogs collar  later identified as Besser and Chachere  but the attempts went to voicemail.

A few hours later, Brewer said, he received a missing persons report for Besser and Chachere that included a photo he recognized to be the dog retrieved from the creekbed.

Thats when investigators searched the creekbed and found Bessers and Chacheres bodies.

During the hearing, Ilan Funke-Bilu  Saligan Patricios attorney  noted that Brewers report was not completed until around Dec. 14, rather than closer to the time of the crash.

Daniel Saligan Patricio, left, attends his preliminary hearing with his attorney, Ilan Funke-Bilu, at San Luis Obispo Superior Court on Nov. 14, 2023. Saligan Patricio is charged with two counts of vehicular manslaughter for the killings of Jennifer Besser and Matthew Chachere on Nov. 21, 2022.

Defendant told detectives he drank alcohol prior to crash, detective says

San Luis Obispo Police Department Det. Jeffrey Koznek testified he interviewed Saligan Patricio on Nov. 23 because of the bodies the department recovered at the scene.

Saligan Patricio was interviewed at the Police Department and advised he could leave or stop the interview at anytime as he was not under arrest, Koznek said.

During the interview, Saligan Patricio walked investigators through the day of the crash, Koznek said.

According to that interview, Saligan Patricio woke up early and left for work at a local country club, had lunch at 10:30 a.m., then left work at 2 p.m. He went to Food 4 Less, then returned to his home, which is approximately one mile away from the crash.

Koznek said Saligan Patricio gave a couple variations of his alcohol drinking the day of the accident.

San Luis Obispo Police Department Detective Jeffrey Coznek testifies at the preliminary hearing against Daniel Saligan Patricio at San Luis Obispo Superior Court on Nov. 14, 2023. Saligan Patricio is charged with two counts of vehicular manslaughter for the killings of Jennifer Besser and Matthew Chachere on Nov. 21, 2022.

First, Koznek said, Saligan Patricio said he purchased alcohol on his lunch break but did not drink alcohol until he was home after work, where he left the tequila bottle. Then, he said he had the tequila bottle with him at the time of the crash and threw the bottle over the bridge before police arrived, Koznek said.

The final story Saligan Patricio told was that he drank two or three shots of tequila mixed with mineral water on his lunch break at 10:30 a.m., and another of the same drink after work at his home, Koznek said.

Saligan Patricio told Koznek he got in a fight with his wife and left to grocery shop at Vons as a result just before the crash. His wife was unaware of his drinking, Koznek said.

Koznek testified that Saligan Patricio then said at the time of the crash that he was upset and driving fast at an estimated 50 mph. He told Koznek he received a text from his wife, was looking for his phone in the passenger seat, and just as he got his phone in his hand and looked back at the road, he realized he was going too fast to follow the turn on Sacramento Drive, Koznek testified.

San Luis Obispo Police Officer Joshua Walsh testifies at the preliminary hearing against Daniel Saligan Patricio at San Luis Obispo Superior Court on Nov. 14, 2023. Saligan Patricio is charged with two counts of vehicular manslaughter for the killings of Jennifer Besser and Matthew Chachere on Nov. 21, 2022.

SLOPD officer: Data from defendants vehicle shows acceleration before crash

San Luis Obispo Police Department Officer Joshua Walsh specializes in car accident reconstruction and investigating motor vehicle accidents.

He testified Tuesday that data taken from Saligan Patricios Honda Accord showed the defendant was driving at a rate of 43 mph five seconds before the collision, but then he accelerated and allegedly hit the couple at a speed of 61 miles per hour.

Walsh did a crash speed analysis on the curve of Sacramento Drive where the crash occurred, he said, and found the fastest a car could drive that curve without crashing is 44.5 to 50.5 miles per hour depending on the conditions of the road and the car.

The data showed Saligan Patricio did not attempt to brake, Walsh said, but did attempt to turn the steering wheel a half turn to the left two seconds before the collision.

The steering wheel turn suggests Saligan Patricio became aware of the dangerous turn, Walsh said.

Saligan Patricios car recorded data of two events less than a second apart, Walsh said. The first was the collision with the couple and the second was when the car flipped and hit the concrete barrier between the creek and the sidewalk, he said.

Walshs reconstruction of the crash found that Saligan Patricios car drove on the sidewalk, hit a sign pole, then hit Besser and Chachere, flipped in the air and landed on its wheels approximately 110 feet away at the concrete creek barrier within one second.

The concrete barrier went through the car just below the back headrest of the drivers seat, Walsh said.

A photo of the car that crashed near the intersection of Sacramento Drive and Basil Lane on Nov. 21, 2022, is shown during the preliminary hearing against Daniel Saligan Patricio on Nov. 14, 2023. Saligan Patricio is charged with two counts of vehicular manslaughter for the deaths of Jennifer Besser and Matthew Chachere on Nov. 21, 2022.

This car went through a lot more than just hitting pedestrians, Walsh said.

He said car crashes often result in a cone effect, meaning remnants of the car or thing the car collided with will distribute in a cone shape from the impact of the crash.

The couples bodies were found within the cone effect zone, Walsh said.

The car had soft body impressions on the passenger side doors, which shows the couple was hit with the side of the car rather than the front, he said, which is consistent with their injuries.

When someone is hit by the front of a car, Walsh said, they will usually sustain injuries on the lower half of their body. Bessers and Chacheres injuries were more concentrated in the top half of their body.

Bessers injuries, Walsh said, suggest she did not hear or see the car coming. The bruises on her spine show she did not attempt to turn around before the crash occurred. The impact broke her neck, and she is believed to have died instantly, Walsh testified.

Matthew Chachere, 39, and Jennifer Besser, 36, were found dead under dense brush near the intersection of Sacramento Drive and Basil Lane in San Luis Obispo on Nov. 22, 2022, following a car crash the evening before. Police believe the driver hit the couple while traveling at excessive speed. A memorial with flowers and photos were placed where the car had hit the bridge, and the driver is cooperating with the investigation, according to police.

Chacheres injuries showed he partially turned before being hit by the vehicle, Walsh said. Chachere had broken ribs and punctured organs with impact wounds on his left hip and side, according to the testimony.

Chachere is believed to had been alive for a few minutes following the crash, Walsh said, but he was likely unconscious during those minutes. He would have died in the emergency room if he had made it to one, Walsh said.

Walsh said the couple sustained injuries from both the crash and the tumble into the brush of the creek that followed. The cause of death for both was ruled to be blunt force trauma from a motor vehicle accident, he said.

Green fibers from the jacket Besser was wearing also matched fibers found on Saligan Patricios vehicle, Walsh said.

Following Tuesdays testimonies, San Luis Obispo Superior Court Judge Michael Frye ruled there was enough evidence to bring Saligan Patricio to trial.

His next court date is scheduled for Jan. 4.
The Chicago man accused of shooting and injuring a Illinois State Police trooper during a traffic stop in Springfield last month pled not guilty Thursday to charges of attempted first-degree murder.

Cristobal Santana, 37, waived his right to a preliminary hearing and pled not guilty to two counts of attempted murder, three counts of aggravated battery and one count of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon related to an attack on ISP Trooper Dakotah "Kody" Chapman-Green during a traffic stop in the 1400 block of Toronto Road on Oct. 24.

More: Sheriff: Pump action and semiautomatic shotguns were used in Southern View murder-suicide

Santana is accused of shooting Chapman-Green more than 10 times, striking him twice in the leg, then hitting the trooper with his firearm, causing a brain bleed and skull and facial fractures. He then fled with law enforcement beginning a nearly three-hour search for him. He was arrested shortly before 2 a.m.

Chapman-Green was hospitalized at Springfield Memorial Hospital for two weeks after the incident and was released on Nov. 7, continuing his recovery in an outpatient setting.

Santana is currently being held in the Sangamon County Jail awaiting trial and on pre-trial detention. A status hearing has been set for Dec. 18 at 9 a.m.

This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Man accused of shooting ISP trooper waives hearing, pleads not guilty
The man accused in a string of Jacksonville robberies is now behind bars.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

Robert Herrington is accused of stealing thousands of dollars in cash and merchandise along with two cars, which he used to commit some of the crimes.

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

Last Thursday night, Michael McDougal had to make a quick run to a food store in the Hillcrest area when his car was stolen. A few days later, Robert Herrington was seen crashing it.

The dark blue Saturn Aura that was seen in video surveillance crashing into a JTA bus before hitting two more cars belongs to McDougals son. Herrington crashed the car on Saturday after he allegedly stole it a few days prior.

Last Thursday, Nov. 9, McDougal said he had to run a quick errand at Emmanuel Food Store.

I didnt really see anything, McDougal said. I just had to run in the store, give him his change that I was supposed to give him, and I was coming right back out.

Related Story: Source: Accused bank robber caught after crash on Westside

McDougal left his key in the ignition and thats when Herrington was seen allegedly stealing the vehicle.

My friend was coming right behind me and he saw him get in the car, McDougal said.

They called JSO and the police initiated a BOLO alert.

When asked how it felt to know that his car was stolen, he responded saying, Terrible. McDougal added, But no, its the holidays, I definitely should have been more cautious about that.

Herrington is accused of a string of robberies across Jacksonville, including two bank robberies. He began the crime spree Monday on the Northside, and ended it by crashing McDougals car on Saturday afternoon in the Normandy area.

Action News Jax law and safety expert Dale Carson has decades of law enforcement experience. He says technology plays a big role in solving crimes like this.

Related Story: Two Jacksonville bank robberies, police searching for one suspect

Its a tremendous advantage to law enforcement to have these systems available and operational so that they can locate individuals who are a menace to society, Carson said.

Since his vehicle was stolen, McDougal is now forced to use the bus, which he said he hasnt used in about 30 years.

I would still be at work right now, trying to make a little bit more money, but I gotta leave a little earlier.

McDougal is in touch with detectives and is working on getting the vehicles license plate back. He is still waiting for an update on when that will be.

Meanwhile, Herrington, who was already on probation for a previous robbery, is now facing nine felony charges, including two counts of auto theft.

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His next court date is slated for Dec. 5.

Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
A 41-year-old Minnesota man was arrested on suspicion of burglary Sunday evening in Centralia, according to police.

Police say he not only broke into the home in the 800 block of North Pearl Street, but he also took a shower and then stole from the residence and a vehicle about 6:30 p.m.

And then he made a mistake, according to police, because he left some documents behind in the residence that had his name on them.

Police later found him in possession of some of the stolen items.

Hours earlier on Sunday, police also trespassed a man from Minnesota from a residence in the 800 block of North Pearl Street.

The man had entered the property through a front gate and was found in a side yard by the home owner.

The man was later found a few blocks away and was trespassed for life from the property, according to Centralia police.

The same man was involved in both incidents, but at different residences in the 800 block of North Pearl Street, Sgt. Buddy Croy said Tuesday.
A man snapped and beat his ex-girlfriend in the head with a 15-pound dumbbell in Washington, D.C., federal officials say.

He was recently sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Nicholas Batts, 33, pleaded guilty in September to one count of aggravated assault while armed, according to a Nov. 13 news release from the U.S. Attorneys Office, District of Columbia.

Batts received the upper end of the sentence laid out in the plea, which called for 7.5 years to 10 years in prison, according to federal officials.

McClatchy News could not locate records on Batts legal representatives for comment.

The Metropolitan Police Department was called to a residence in Northeast D.C. just after 5 a.m. on Dec. 9, 2022, according to a news release.

Police found an unresponsive woman in the bedroom suffering from multiple blunt force trauma injuries and rushed her to a hospital with life-threatening injuries, officials said.

Batts was arrested that day and charged with assault with intent to kill, according to police. Police said the incident was domestic.

He told authorities he snapped, according to federal officials, then they said he bludgeoned her in the face and head with the 15-pound metal weight.

Batts is from Georgetown, Texas, according to federal officials.

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.

Love triangle turns deadly when man shoots womans husband, Missouri police say

Woman kidnapped by her ex and taken to Idaho is rescued after 911 text, feds say

Driver had ex-girlfriends body in trunk as he drove to his parents home, AZ cops say
FILE - Assistant Kent County Prosecutor Kellee Koncki makes her closing argument in front of a projected photo of Mujey Dumbuya during the murder trial in Grand Rapids, Mich., on Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2019. Gerald Bennett, 63, of Detroit, awaiting trial for kidnapping Mujey Dumbuya, a 16-year-old western Michigan girl who later was slain, has died from medical complications. (Cory Morse/The Grand Rapids Press via AP) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP)  A man awaiting trial in the kidnapping of a 16-year-old western Michigan girl who was later killed has died from medical complications.

Gerald Bennett, 63, of Detroit, was admitted Nov. 7 to a hospital for cancer treatment, U.S. Attorney Mark Totten said Tuesday. Bennett was placed on life support after his health declined. He died Monday.

Bennett was found competent last April to stand trial in the abduction of Mujey Dumbuya.

In 2017, Dumbuya had accused Quinn James  a maintenance worker at her school  of sexually assaulting her when she was 15. She had been scheduled to testify at his trial in April 2018.

But Dumbaya was abducted from a bus stop in January 2018 and her partially clothed body was later found in woods in Kalamazoo, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) southeast of her Grand Rapids home. She had been strangled.

Totten said James hired Bennett to help him kidnap and kill Dumbuya, and the two men were charged in state court with murder. James was convicted and sentenced in April 2019 to life in prison. But Bennett was ruled incompetent to stand trial and charges against him were dismissed in March 2022.

The case then was referred to the FBI and federal prosecutors, and a federal grand jury indicted Bennett in August 2022. A forensic psychologist concluded that Bennett had faked incompetency and a judge ruled he was competent to stand trial. Jury selection was scheduled to begin in February 2024.

Federal authorities charged Bennett with conspiracy to commit murder for hire resulting in death; kidnapping resulting in death; kidnapping of a minor victim; and solicitation to commit a crime of violence. That case is now dismissed, Totten said.

The allegations in this case were heinous and I deeply regret we will never present the evidence against Mr. Bennett in open court, he said. At best, our efforts can secure only a measure of justice. We cant bring Mujey back. But the truth-telling role of a conviction matters.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  Jackson County prosecutors have charged an Independence, Missouri, man in the shooting at the Independence Center last Friday.

MarkAnthony Greer, 21, is charged with three counts of unlawful use of a weapon and three counts of armed criminal action.

Lawrence police investigating stabbing at Holcom Sports Complex

According to court records, Independence officers responded to Independence Center on a reported shooting just before 2:30 p.m. Friday.

An officer on off-duty assignment at Dillards arrived on the shooting scene first and found three injured victims.

MarkAnthony Greer mugshot

One of the three was a woman who was most critically injured and reported to be pregnant. Court documents say shes currently on life support.

The two other victims are reported to have non-life threatening injuries.

Witnesses describe chaos as four shot inside Independence Center

Surveillance video showed a group, including the critically injured woman, encountered a second group in the mall that included Greer. The two groups passed each other at the mall entrance, and a verbal argument began.

Court documents say a victim uninvolved with either group was shot in the leg. The rest of the second group ran to the parking lot.

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The critically injured woman had not followed closely with her group when they encountered the other group. She appeared to be sitting down on a bench about 30 feet away.

Witnesses identified Greer as the shooter or a man who matched Greers appearance.

Saturday, a GoFundMe was set up on behalf of Christopher Brown, the father of the pregnant woman.

The organizer, Tina Ellison, says that woman in critical condition is 19-year-old Karla Brown. Browns mother Jennifer gave permission to FOX4 to share some photos of her daughter. Brown is 20 weeks pregnant. The grandbabys name was going to be Max, according to Ellison.

At a time when they should be planning for their soon to be grandson Max, Jennifer and Chris are now having to plan their daughters funeral, part of the GoFundMe reads.

It makes my heart hurt on the fact that this even happened to begin with, Independence shopper Cheryl Fisher said in an interview with FOX4 Monday. This is something that shouldnt have happened.

Fisher has lived near the Independence Center her entire life. Rarely does she go to it anymore though.

I know that security, theyve done better with security, but its just tended to go downhill as far as feeling safe to go in a public place with large groups of teenagers, Fisher said.

Fisher is a mom of an 11-year-old and a sophomore at Blue Springs South. She does not let her oldest be unsupervised at an area like this mall.

We still unfortunately make mom and dad go or another adult go with him just for safety reasons and the fact of, if you get a lot of kids together, they dont always make the best choices when theres a bunch of teenagers around, she continued.

The Independence Police Department does have a substation at the mall, but nobody was working in it Friday because of the Veterans Day Holiday. Theres only one police officer who works there right now.

If we were full staffed, wed have two, but were running short, Independence Police Public Information Officer Jack Taylor said in an interview with FOX4 Monday. So, weve got one officer there. Weve got two supervisors that work out of there that they just use for their offices.

Taylor says the officers are not just dedicated to that mall either. The one assigned there also works the 39th Street corridor just north of the mall.

On a day like the holiday, officers would be paid more by the department if they worked.

Everybody is forced off because we dont want to pay overtime for that right? Taylor continued. Because that costs a lot more, so we have to look at whats the balance between providing the safety and then not over exceeding costs and things like that, so part of that, thats generally why a lot of our staff is off on a holiday because we just dont pay for everyone to be here.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
Sergei Hadzhikurbanov, former operative officer of the Russian regional directorate for countering organised crime, convicted of the murder of Anna Politkovskaya, a Russian Novaya Gazeta journalist, was pardoned and went on to fight in Ukraine on the side of Russia.

Source: Russian Telegram channel Baza, RBC

Details: In 2014, Hadzhikurbanov was sentenced to 20 years in prison. The official term of his imprisonment was supposed to last until 2034.

As it was discovered by Baza, Hadzhikurbanov joined the war in Ukraine at the end of 2022.

Allegedly, he began his service as commander of the intelligence department. According to the source, he "repeatedly went behind enemy lines, performing specific tasks as an intelligence officer with his fighters".

After six months of "service" as a convict, Hadzhikurbanov was pardoned and now participates in the war as a civilian who concluded a contract with the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation.

For reference: Anna Politkovskaya, a Novaya Gazeta journalist, was killed on 7 October 2006 in the entrance to an apartment building in Moscow. The person who ordered the murder was not found, but the investigators consider Lom-Ali Gaitukayev to be the organiser of the crime. In 2014, he was sentenced to life imprisonment, in 2017 he died in prison.

In addition to Gaitukayev, his nephews Dzhabrail Makhmudov, Ibrahim Makhmudov and Rustam Makhmudov, Hadzhikurbanov, a former employee of the regional directorate for countering organised crime, and lieutenant colonel Dmitry Pavlyuchenkov, a former employee of the Moscow police department, were found guilty of organising and executing the murder of Politkovskaya.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is pardoning prisoners convicted in the Russian Federation, in particular on serious charges, to send them to fight in the war against Ukraine.

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  A man is being charged with murder after Metro Nashville police found a woman dead from a gunshot wound outside of a hotel Monday night.

Hermitage Precinct officers responded to the Ramada Inn parking lot, near Gaylord Opryland, after receiving a call regarding a shooting just after 6 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 13, according to the Metro Nashville Police Department.

RELATED: Woman dead after shooting outside Nashville hotel

When they arrived, officers said they found a woman, believed to be a 45-year-old Nashville resident, dead from a gunshot wound. Police said confirmation of her identity is pending.

Further investigation reportedly showed that 33-year-old Delano Lamar Allen had been at the Ramada Inn that evening. Authorities said Allen was seen walking toward the womans blue Mercedes sedan as she pulled into the parking lot.

Delano Lamar Allen (Courtesy: MNPD)

An altercation then occurred between the driver and Allen, who are believed to have known each other. A shot was heard, and the Mercedes was seen speeding away, leaving a body behind, officials reported.

Police unknowingly encountered the suspect during another incident later that night. At around midnight, Hermitage Precinct officers were flagged down by multiple people at a motel on Murfreesboro Pike after a man, later identified as Allen, reportedly tried to steal a pickup truck.

Felon faces 13 charges after leading Metro police on pursuit in stolen vehicle

Police said Allen was using a shovel as a weapon as he tried to steal the vehicle. Officers told Allen to stop, and he reportedly began running. However, they eventually caught up with him and, despite his alleged resistance, placed him under arrest for multiple charges unrelated to the murder.

Those charges include three counts of assaulting police officers, two counts of attempted vehicle theft, aggravated assault against the owner of the pickup truck, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, criminal trespassing, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

On Tuesday, Nov. 14, the police department announced that detectives would also be swearing out an arrest warrant charging Allen with murder in connection with the hotel incident based on information developed at the scene.

CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime news from Middle Tennessee

Investigators also found the blue Mercedes abandoned Monday night in a ditch on Antioch Pike. Officials said the vehicle was impounded.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
A Florida man, already convicted on fraud charges, was sentenced Monday to more than 17 years behind bars in connection with a murder-for-hire plot, officials said.

Alexander Leszczynski's sentence will be served consecutively with a 17 1/2-year sentence he received last month on fraud charges. In the fraud case, Leszczynski used fake religious organizations to apply for about $1.3 million in Payroll Protection Plan loans, prosecutors said.

After government investigators seized $337,000 from one of Leszczynski's accounts, he "attempted to have it released by producing a fabricated pardon purportedly signed by former President Donald Trump," the Department of Justice said.

In the murder-for-hire case, Leszczynski in October 2020 filed a fraudulent warranty deed for a transfer of a property, prosecutors said. The property owners then sued Leszczynski to correct the deed. In response, Leszczynski sent them a series of harassing letters, emails and faxes.

Leszczynski was charged with deed fraud in April last year. While behind bars at the Pinellas County Jail, he tried to hire a hitman to kill the property owners who'd sued him. Leszczynski told a confidential informant that he had $45,000 stashed away at his home that he could use to pay a hitman, authorities said.

The confidential informant put Leszczynski in touch with an undercover agent pretending to be a hitman. Leszczynski in September 2022 provided the fake hitman with the personal details of the two property owners. He agreed to pay $30,000 for their murder.

Leszczynski pleaded guilty in November 2022, withdrew his plea, and then pleaded guilty again in June, according to the Department of Justice. In the time since his plea, Leszczynski has written letters trying to solicit and threaten others to come forward and fraudulently take responsibility for his crimes.

Israeli troops raided Gaza's Al-Shifa hospital. Here is what they were looking for.

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NEW DELHI, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- India's Red Sanders has been removed from Review of Significant Trade (RST) under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), confirmed an official in the Federal Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on Tuesday.

The move would be a major boost for India's wildlife and ecosystem conservation efforts, the official said.

The CITES Standing Committee has in its 77th meeting held in Switzerland decided to place India in Category 1 as the country had "fully complied with the requirements of CITES National Legislation program", said a statement issued by the ministry.

It added, "This action will help the farmers growing Red Sanders to increase their income through cultivation and export of Red Sanders from the plantations. It would also help in motivating farmers to grow more Red Sanders trees as a source of sustainable income." 
RICHMOND, Va. (WAVY)  A man convicted of killing a Hampton woman in 2018 has received a maximum 45-year sentence for the murder.

Gregory Ricardo Burwell

A Hampton jury convicted Gregory Ricardo Burwell of second-degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a murder.

Previous Coverage: Suspect in custody for Hampton homicide

 Im proud of my office for working alongside local authorities to successfully prosecute and advocate for the victim and her family members. Violent crime is not tolerated in the Commonwealth, and we will continue aggressively prosecuting it statewide. Justice has been served. said Attorney General Miyares.

On July 4, 2018, Hampton police found 36-year-old Kelly Phillips, of Hampton, with gunshot wounds when they arrived on the scene. She died a short time later in the hospital.

Virginia Assistant Attorney General Molly Newton served as lead prosecutor in this case.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  A man awaiting trial on federal charges stemming from the 2018 abduction and murder of an East Kentwood High School student has died in a Lansing hospital.

Gerald Bennett had been awaiting trial early next year for his alleged role in the death of 16-year-old Mujey Dumbuya. He entered Sparrow Hospital on Nov. 2 and died early Monday, defense attorney Matthew Borgula said.

He went into the hospital and was put on life support and he passed away, Borgula said.

Bennett, 63, was awaiting trial on several charges, including kidnapping and conspiracy to commit murder for hire resulting in death.

Feds: Kidnapping suspect tried to have witness killed

He was accused of assisting Quinn James, a former maintenance worker at Kentwood Public Schools, in the abduction and death of Dumbuya, whose body was found in Kalamazoo four days after she went missing. She had been strangled.

Dumbuya had accused James of rape. A Kent County jury in 2019 found James guilty of first-degree murder. James, 48, is at a state prison near Coldwater, serving the mandatory sentence of life without possibility of parole.

The Kent County Prosecutors Office also filed charges against Bennett, accusing him of assisting James in the crime. But a judge found Bennett incompetent to stand trial and he was eventually released from custody.

The federal government stepped in. In July 2022, Bennett was arrested on a federal criminal complaint for kidnapping a minor. An indictment followed. Earlier this year, a magistrate judge in Grand Rapids found Bennett competent to stand trial. The trial was scheduled for February 2024.

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Bennetts legal team last week notified the federal court that Bennett was in the hospital and is unlikely to recover.

He was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia and doctors placed him on a ventilator prior to his death Monday.

The allegations in this case were heinous and I deeply regret we will never present the evidence against Mr. Bennett in open court, U.S. Attorney Mark Totten said in a Tuesday statement. At best, our efforts can secure only a measure of justice. We cant bring Mujey back. But the truth-telling role of a conviction matters. I am grateful for the investigators who worked for years to secure justice and my heart remains with her family as they mourn the loss of one they dearly loved.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
A man and woman from Grays Harbor County were arrested on suspicion of multiple crimes in downtown Olympia last week after police say they demanded money from another couple and threatened them with a gun.

About 10:15 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9, an Olympia man and woman were sitting in their vehicle in the 100 block of Fourth Avenue when another vehicle suddenly blocked them, preventing their departure, according to Olympia police.

The Grays Harbor County couple then got out and confronted the Olympia couple, demanding money they claimed they were owed, Police Lt. Paul Lower said.

The male suspect pulled out a sawed-off shotgun and pointed it at the head of the other man during the incident.

The Olympia couple then said they could get the money, but needed to make a few phone calls and would meet them at a fast-food restaurant on Martin Way.

The Grays Harbor County couple did not trust them, so the Olympia woman handed over her cell phone as collateral, according to police.

Both couples left the scene, but once on northbound I-5, the Olympia couple used a second phone to call police, Lower said.

The Grays Harbor County couple were detained at a convenience store at Sleater Kinney Road and Martin Way and taken into custody without incident, Lower said.

The 35-year-old Westport man was arrested on suspicion of first-degree assault and first-degree robbery. His accomplice, a 34-year-old woman from Hoquiam, was booked on suspicion of first-degree robbery and unlawful imprisonment because she was driving the vehicle that blocked the other vehicle, Lower said.

The victims were a 38-year-old man and a 42-year-old woman, both from Olympia, according to police.
A Whatcom County man who was recently awarded nearly $23 million from multiple state agencies after years of abuse and neglect has died.

James Rupke, 67, passed away Sunday at the assisted living facility he has been living in for several months, his longtime friend Dave Wiggins confirmed with McClatchy Monday.

The Whatcom County Coroners office told McClatchy the cause of death has not yet been determined.

In September, Rupke was awarded more than $9 million from the Northwest Regional Council in Bellingham, an agency under the Washington Department of Social and Health Services that provides care for adults with disabilities.

In July, Rupke was awarded $13.5 million from DSHS as part of a related lawsuit that contended he was abused and neglected by a state-paid caretaker for over 30 years.

Wiggins said he had known Rupke for 45 years after first seeing him around town riding his bike.

Hes a hard one to explain, Wiggins said. Hes one of a kind  he has the mind of a child, and the body and needs of a man. He never knew love or acceptance. I befriended him because he needed a friend, but he could be a handful.

Wiggins said Rupke loved going to the fair and other events. He also loved going to funerals, even for people he didnt know.

I know James is in a better place, but still I miss him, Wiggins said. He was scared to death of being cremated so Im going to make sure that doesnt happen.

Rupkes cousin Brian Van Dyken told McClatchy that he and Rupke had become better friends in the last 35 years. He noted Rupkes disability but said that Rupke was a lot smarter than people thought he was.

He was very intelligent, really, said Van Dyken.

Van Dyken said that Rupke was always smiling and laughing.

He was a very happy guy, Van Dyken added.

Kim Barton, another friend of Rupke, told McClatchy that he was a forgiving man with a heart of gold. Rupke loved his friends, his family and God, she said.

Ill always remember his smile and laughter, she added.

McClatchy reached out to DSHS and the AGO for a comment.

We are very sorry to hear of Mr. Rupkes death and we send our condolences to his loved ones, a spokesperson for DSHS said.

The AGO did not respond.
After a man failed to steal a couples multimillion-dollar Florida home, he tried hiring a hitman to kill them so they couldnt testify against him in court, federal prosecutors say. Now, a judge has sentenced him to 17 1/2 years in prison, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Middle District of Florida.

How it unfolded

A married couple learned they were no longer listed as the owners of their multi-million dollar Florida home when they received updated property tax information in August 2021, according to court documents.

Instead, a fake charity organization, Aura Inc., was listed as the new owner of their Redington Shores estate, court documents say.

The couple then found a fraudulent warranty deed saying that they had granted ownership of their property to the organization for $500  but they never did, according to a sentencing memorandum.

According to prosecutors, Alexander Leszczynski, of North Redington Beach, had used the fake charity organization to file the fraudulent warranty deed to try and transfer the homes ownership to himself.







The harassment of the couple

Leszczynski is accused of stalking the married Florida homeowners before they ever knew his name, the sentencing memo filed by the government says.

When they filed a lawsuit against him to correct the deed to their home, Leszczynski responded by harassing them and their attorney representing them in the case through letters, emails and faxes, prosecutors said.

One letter threatened to file a false lien against the couples out-of-state residence, as well as saying I dont want to see your career go down the drain.

The murder for hire plan

Leszczynski was charged with deed fraud in April 2022 in relation to his efforts to steal the couples home, prosecutors said.

In August 2022, while Leszczynski was incarcerated at Pinellas County Jail, the couple received a letter from an inmate, saying that Leszczynski offered him $45,000 to help him hurt them, according to the sentencing memo.

The inmate also wrote to the Assistant U.S. District Attorney of Leszcynskis plan, the memo said, and later became a confidential informant for the government.

This inmate told the FBI that Leszczynski said the pending criminal fraud case against him would have to be dropped if the (couple) were dead, prosecutors said.

Leszczynski started speaking with an undercover agent posing as a hitman and offered the agent $30,000 to kill the couple, according to prosecutors.

In one phone call, the undercover agent asked Leszczynski if he was good with having the couple killed, according to his plea agreement.

Yes, Leszczynski said.

The sentence

Leszczynski has been sentenced to 17 years and 6 months in prison on charges of murder for hire and obstruction of justice, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Middle District of Florida announced in a Nov. 13 news release.

McClatchy News contacted Leszczynskis defense attorney Ronald J. Kurpiers for comment on Nov. 13 and didnt receive an immediate response.

In a sentencing memo submitted on Leszczynskis behalf, Kurpiers wrote that his client was remorseful and regretful and his conduct is the result of his lack of real-life experience and being naive.

I am just young and dumb, Leszczynski has repeatedly said prior to his sentencing, according to Kurpiers.

Meanwhile, prosecutors wrote Leszczynski has had a total lack of remorse in the case and demonstrates his continued dangerousness to the couple and the public in their sentencing memo.

Leszczynskis sentence for the charges of murder for hire and obstruction for justice will be served consecutively to a prior sentence he received in the fraud case, which involved three different fraud schemes  including his attempt to take over ownership of the couples home, prosecutors said.

In that case, Leszczynski is accused of filing several more fraudulent warranty deeds purporting to deed to himself and his businesses 10 properties around the United States collectively valued at more than $300 million, according to an earlier news release from the attorneys office.

Redington Shores is about 15 miles northwest of St. Petersburg.

Man paid $10,000 to have teen accuser killed in sexual battery case, Florida cops say

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Man gave brother motorcycle in exchange for killing ex-wife  mom of 4 kids, feds say
Sen. Joe Manchins newly announced retirement has made life a lot simpler for both parties 2024 Senate map.

He was always unlikely to win reelection as a Democrat in West Virginia where. Especially if Donald Trump is again the Republican presidential nominee, Manchins party will lose at the top of the ticket by 40 points or more.

Manchin narrowly defied the odds in 2018, the best Democratic midterm year in generations, against a weak Republican challenger. But with the states popular Republican governor cruising to his partys Senate nomination, Manchins chances were basically nil.

With him out of the race, Democrats will have no obligation to expend resources or annoy progressiveswho hate Manchin with the heat of 10,000 coal-fired power plantsto make a show of trying to protect the seat.

That frees up the party to focus on the four most difficult seats for Democrats to retain: Ohio, Montana, Arizona, and Nevada. Theyll need all of them in order to hold onto their one-seat Senate majority. Its a tough map, but a little more manageable now that they can cut their losses in West Virginia.

But it also frees Manchin up to focus on his bid for the nomination of No Labels, the bipartisan group of moderates preparing a third-party presidential bid for next year. The organization insists that it wont run a candidate without the proper environmental conditions, which seems mostly to mean a rematch between Trump and President Biden.

Announcing his Senate retirement, Manchin said he would be traveling the country and speaking out with an effort at creating a movement to mobilize the middle. If that sounds vague, thats because No Labels is too. Aside from the conditional nature of the effort, theres also no clear process for how the group will pick its presidential ticket at its Dallas convention in April.

Will there be debates? Will there be delegates? If so, how will they be apportioned? Running for a maybe nomination determined by undefined means could drive even a plain-spoken politician into the euphemistic murk. But whatever game of Calvinball No Labels has its hopefuls playing, Manchins strategy of raising big bales of cash and stumping for votes and media attention makes sense.

And certainly, the non-party partys nomination is already a thing of considerable value.

No Labels is now on the ballot in 12 states, including at least one, Alaska, where it does not badly strain the imagination to think that a fusion ticket could have a fighting chance for three electoral votes.

More significantly, the group has already gotten a slot in three of the most competitive swing states, Arizona, Nevada, and North Carolina, worth a combined 32 electoral votes. To succeed, Trump would almost certainly need to win the two big ones, Arizona and North Carolina, which were decided last time by .3 points and 1.3 points, respectively.

No Labels most significant recent addition, though, is Florida, an electoral behemoth with 30 votes. Along with Texas, it makes up the foundation of any possible Republican Electoral College victory. In a century, no Republican has won the presidency without Florida. And with a GOP margin of victory in 2020 of only 3 points, a close association with electoral pandemonium, and a pendular political history (neither party has won the state three times in a row since 1988), Florida looks like the place so far where we can most clearly see how No Labels could disrupt the expected electoral map.

The other seven states have been consistent on the presidential level for decadesArkansas, Mississippi, South Dakota, and Utah for Republicans; Colorado, Hawaii, and Oregon for Democrats.

All told, No Labels is competing in states worth a combined 105 electoral votes, 64 of which are in states where the groups candidate could make a significant difference. The group says it will make the cut in all 50 states, but one can see how even just being in the mix for 20 percent of all electoral votes could make a difference.

But it also makes something else clear: To make that difference, No Labels would need someone not just attractive to Republican-leaning voters but not appealing to disaffected Democrats.

If the groups first goal is, as it seems to be, to deny Trump a return to the White House, a well-funded alternative in the form of a moderate or traditionally conservative Republican could do serious damage to the current GOP frontrunner. Even just a few points in Florida, Arizona, and North Carolina would be enough to smother Trumps chances.

No Labels leaders no doubt want a ticket that could actually win the presidency, but to get the traction and donations necessary to get to a point where that is even a remote consideration, the first priority would have to be targeting disaffected Republicans and Republican-leaning independents.

Thats certainly not Manchin, at least not yet.

But not running for the Senate also frees Manchin up in another way. With a partial government shutdown looming and funding measures to help U.S. allies in Ukraine and Israel, Manchins lame duck tenure in the Senate is starting with a bang. And like his longtime fellow Democratic apostate, Sen. Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona, Manchin is now beyond the reach of party leaders who would use electoral support to try to enforce parisian discipline on key votes.

Manchin at the moment of his retirement is still a man of the left. Hes a vestige of the Blue Dog, Clinton-era Democratic Party in which he cut his teeth. Those folks lost the fight for their party, but there are still lots of those voters, particularly in suburban swing districts. Significantly, though, such voters could reliably be counted on to pick Biden over Trump in a rematch.

In the coming days and months, though, Manchin will have a big stage in the narrowly divided Senate for a rebranding. Unbound by the demands of reelection, Manchin could use that stage to make his case to the right in a way he could not before while reemphasising his preferred role as a bipartisan dealmaker.

That could have implications for Manchins bid to be a third-party presidential candidate, but it most certainly would make life a lot more interesting in an already chaotic Congress.

Read more at The Dispatch

The Dispatch is a new digital media company providing engaged citizens with fact-based reporting and commentary, informed by conservative principles. Sign up for free.
People hold pro-Israel signs and Israeli flags at the Washington rally. (Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images) (Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Tens of thousands of people took part in a rally in support of Israel on Tuesday in Washington, D.C., where security was tight and emotions were raw amid the ongoing war against Hamas.

Called the March for Israel, U.S. lawmakers, including Sen. Chuck Schumer and House Speaker Mike Johnson, addressed the crowd on the National Mall.

"We will not hide in the face of adversity," Schumer said.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog spoke via video.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog addresses the crowd via video at the "March for Israel" on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., Tuesday. (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP) (AP)

No one will break us, Herzog said. We will rise again.

The FBI and Department of Homeland Security designated the march a level 1 security event, the highest classification in its system and one usually used for the Super Bowl and other major events, according to the Associated Press.

Federal law enforcement agencies sent a joint bulletin to their counterparts in Washington warning about the potential for violence or an attack inspired by the Israel-Hamas war, the AP reported, but said there were no specific threats.

People take part in a rally for Israel on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., Tuesday. (Mark Schiefelbein/AP) (AP)

Busloads of pro-Israel supporters from cities like New York City and Cleveland arrived hours before the march, with many carrying signs, waving Israeli flags and chanting, Never again.

Organizers said 60,000 people were expected to attend the rally, easily the largest pro-Israel gathering since the deadly Oct. 7 Hamas attack that killed more than 1,200 people and during which more than 200 others were taken hostage, according to Israeli officials.

Israels retaliatory attacks in Gaza have killed more than 11,000 people, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry.

See more images from Tuesday's rally, below.

US House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, from left, Representative Hakeem Jeffries, a Democrat from New York, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat from New York, and Senator Joni Ernst, a Republican from Iowa, hold hands during a "March for Israel" rally on the National Mall in Washington, DC, US, on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023. (Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images) (Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Jacob Mitrani, 11, waves Israeli flags during the "March for Israel" rally. (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP) (AP)

A person holds up a sign that reads "Bring Them Home Now" at the rally. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images) (Getty Images)

Thousands of people attend the March for Israel on the National Mall November 14, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images) (Getty Images)

A man bows his head as he attends the March for Israel on the National Mall November 14, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images) (Getty Images)

Demonstrators cheer at the "March for Israel" rally. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images) (Getty Images)

Demonstrators in support of Israel gather to denounce antisemitism and call for the release of Israeli hostages, on the National Mall in Washington, DC, on November 14, 2023. (Stefani Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images) (AFP via Getty Images)

Demonstrators wave signs and flags at the "March for Israel" rally. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images) (Getty Images)

Thousands of demonstrators gather on the National Mall. (Stefani Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images) (AFP via Getty Images)

A woman holds an Israeli flag in her hair at the rally. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images) (Getty Images)

U.S. and Israeli flags fly on the stage in front of the Capitol at the "March for Israel." (Mark Schiefelbein/AP) (AP)

Supporters of Israel lock arms during Tuesday's rally on the National Mall in Washington. (Stefani Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images) (AFP via Getty Images)

Talia Raab holds up a picture of her 98-year-old grandmother. (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP) (AP)

The Israeli flag is hoisted up at the rally. (Stefani Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images) (AFP via Getty Images)
Yahoo News

There are now a total of 85 hostages who have been released out of the roughly 240 hostages who were kidnapped by Hamas since Oct. 7, when the militant group unleashed a brutal attack on Israel that killed about 1,200 people. Family members of the released hostages have started to share the experiences their loved ones have had to endure while they were held in captivity.
A Marietta man has pleaded guilty to one count of voluntary manslaughter, two counts of violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act, and drug charges in connection with the shooting death of a man in June 2021.

According to the Georgia Office of the Attorney General, Donald Bannister, 20, admitted to being a member of 2Solid, a criminal street gang in Cobb County with ties to the Bloods.

He was sentenced to 30 years, with the first 19 to be served in prison and the rest on probation.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Norval Bailey lost his life in a senseless shooting that should have never occurred, Attorney General Chris Carr said. Its Donald Bannisters violent actions that resulted in this tragic death and the injury of three others. Now justice has been served, and the Bailey family has finally been provided with a sense of closure as they continue to mourn the passing of their loved one.

Bailey was found bleeding in the middle of Massachusetts Avenue with several gunshot wounds and taken to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The Attorney Generals gang prosecution unit has prosecuted Bannister in two previous cases in Cobb County.

TRENDING STORIES:

In one case, Bannister pleaded guilty to physically assaulting another inmate while in custody at the Cobb County Adult Detention Center in Sept. 2020.

In another case, Bannister pleaded guilty to the attempted armed robbery and assault of an 18 and 19-year-old in Marietta in Jan. 2019.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]

IN OTHER NEWS:
Mario Lopez just wanted to show us how yummy his mariscos (shrimps) with mayonnaise were, but instead he shocked a few fans with this reality: Hes Mexican American!

In a video he posted on social media, the longtime Access Hollywood co-host noticed he was trending. When Lopez investigated why, he learned some people were shocked to find out he was of Mexican descent when they saw him on videos discussing his favorite dishes, using slang of the raza, or culture.

Lopez found it all pretty hilarious. People dont think Im Mexican. Is that a trip? With a name like Mario Lopez? he said in a response video. Theyve been thinking Im everything from Italian to Hawaiian, he said with a smile. He tried to offer an explainer and show the side of himself that many dont see on his shows.

I think its because Ive been doing these food videos with my homies and its a lot of Mexican food, a lot of mariscos. ... Im saying foo, homes and a lot of slang and just kind of being yourself and I cant be like that on Access Hollywood or my radio show. Im trying to cash these checks. I cant be all hood like that.

You know what.... I know his name is Mario Lopez but he really gives white washed Mexican American on TV  like the ones who great grandad or grandad came from Mexico but they assimilated and live like white people.

I never thought he was Mexican Mexican https://t.co/gVcx7v9Twx  Queen Latifah's Silk Press (@PhoenixYani) November 8, 2023

Lopez was born in a California border town, Chula Vista, and is a child of Mexican immigrants. While some accused him of whitewashing himself, others suggested he has only begun emphasizing his cultural heritage.

But there have been a lot of clues to his heritage and times when he wove it into his professional life.

Lopez broke through in Hollywood with his role as Slater in the TV series Saved By the Bell and Saved By the Bell: The College Years. In the latter television series, a full episode was dedicated to Slaters Mexican American heritage and his learning that his fathers last name was Sanchez and that his father hid it to get into a military academy.

Two years ago, he delved into Latino representation, his culture and his own struggles because of his heritage in Peacocks True Colors.

But if fans really want to be shocked they should consider this: Lopez turned 50 last month!

This story first appeared on NBCNews.com.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
TOKYO, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- The approval rate for Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's cabinet has fallen below 30 percent for the first time since Kishida took office in October 2021, according to the latest NHK opinion poll.

Public broadcaster NHK conducted the telephone survey over the weekend, with more than 1,200 people responding.

The cabinet's approval rate came to 29 percent, down 7 points from last month, while the disapproval rate stood at 52 percent, up 8 points, NHK said on Monday.

The survey found that 45 percent of those who approved of Kishida's cabinet said it seems preferable to possible alternatives, while 26 percent said it is made up of political parties they support.

Among those who disapproved, 57 percent said they have low expectations for the cabinet's policies, and 21 percent said the cabinet lacks the ability to implement its policies.

The government recently adopted an economic package designed to help households hit by rising prices. When asked about the plan, 5 percent of respondents said they appreciate it "very much," 31 percent said "to some extent," while 34 percent said "not so much," and 25 percent said "not at all."

Among those who gave negative assessments, 38 percent said that they view it as an attempt to win votes in future elections, while 30 percent said the plan does not address rising prices. 
Marni Yangs attorney says he remains confident his client will eventually be cleared of murder, but remains uncertain what new evidence will be allowed in to a future hearing to prove that.

Yangs conviction for the 2007 murder of Rhoni Reuter, the pregnant girlfriend of former Chicago Bears player Shaun Gayle, has made headlines for decades. During her trial, prosecutors argued it was a crime motivated by a romantic rivalry over Gayle.

After being sentenced to life in prison, Yang filed a petition in 2019 seeking a new trial and alleging her innocence.

Defense attorney Jed Stone said he and Assistant States Attorney Jason Humke agreed Mondays hearing in Lake County Circuit Court was warranted to determine whether specific evidence should be allowed when Yangs claim of innocence is argued at a future proceeding.

Yangs father, Larry Merar, said his daughter is feeling more confident now about eventually proving her innocence.

You cant make the truth go away, Merar said. Im very hopeful.

Stone said Yang, who was present in the courtroom Monday, is anxious to have the new evidence in her case heard.

That evidence, the attorney said, includes affidavits from three people - a former FBI agent, a forensic pathologist and a former medical examiner - who will say, science proves (Yang) didnt do it, and science will point to another suspect.

Humke countered that those affidavits are not factual and insufficient.

The other issues about which Stone is waiting on a ruling from Judge Christopher Stride includes evidence that Emily Yang, Marni Yangs daughter, was coerced to testify for the prosecution when she was 16 years old.

Humke said the evidence surrounding Emily Yangs testimony is not new, and the defense shouldnt be allowed to regurgitate old information.

Shame on you for suborning testimony from a 16-year-old child, and shame on the state today for saying that it didnt make a difference, Stone said after Mondays hearing.

Additionally, Stone said grand jurors were mislead with false testimony about Gayles whereabouts the morning after the murder, and that Marni Yangs taped confession to a friend, Christi Paschen, is unreliable. It was only given by Yang in response to her fear that police would arrest her son and charge him with Reuters killing, according to the defense.

Already agreed upon for consideration at a future hearing will be claims of innocence based on DNA evidence on shell casings, DNA found on a bracelet over a year after the slaying, testimony about the theft of the murder weapon and an affidavit from Gayles barber.

Stride set Marni Yangs next hearing for Jan. 22, at which he is expected to further clarify what evidence will be allowed to be argued.
Massachusetts lawmakers on Tuesday are slated to consider a bill that would establish a four-day workweek.

Lawmakers will first look at a proposal to create a pilot program in the state. The bill was originally filed back in April, but the House is just now taking it up, two days before they go on their seven-week holiday break.

If approved, it would create a pilot program to study the concept of a four-day workweek.

Heres how it would work:

Employers would have to apply and qualify. Theyd have to study the benefits and impacts of a four-day workweek and regularly report their findings for at least two years.

By participating in this pilot program, employers would qualify for a tax credit. This would incentivize a variety of companies to join so that experts can study how a shortened work week impacts people in several different industries.

According to the nonprofit 4 Day Week Global, a four-day workweek can lead to increased productivity, happier employees, and fewer carbon emissions. One of the bills sponsors, Representative Dylan Fernandes told Boston 25 News its worthwhile to at least study it.

The data is pretty clear that it shows that employees that are on a four-day workweek are actually more productive, it improves company productivity, said (D) Rep. Dylan Fernandes. And not only that, it improves employer retention and helps attract top talent.

Lawmakers are getting ready to go on their winter break. Fernandes says the bill would need to pass by this summer and then the pilot program would hopefully start the following year, in 2025.

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
MASSILLON, Ohio (WJW)  A Massillon student was taken into custody after investigators say they brought a gun to school on Monday.

At the end of the school day, administrators learned that a Massillon Junior High School student had a firearm in their possession, district officials confirmed in a statement on Facebook.

How dare you: Vandalism cleaned at Jewish cemetery

The student was taken into Massillon police custody.

According to the Superintendent Paul Salvino, there were no specific threats made to students or staff in the district.

The district will continue to cooperate with the Massillon Police Department as well as apply appropriate student discipline, the statement said. We are grateful to have a school resource officer located at the Massillon Middle School Complex who was able to ensure immediate response to the situation.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
A "massive" increase in the number of young Scots vaping is being driven by products marketed directly at children, a Holyrood committee has heard.

MSPs were told that one in four 15-year-olds were believed to be vaping.

Public Health Scotland consultant Dr Garth Reid said a 2022 survey found 10% of 13-year olds and 25% of 15-year-olds were using vapes. This was up from 1% and 2% respectively in 2015.

He said the smoking rate among 15-year-olds had dropped to about 4%.

In September, First Minister Humza Yousaf said his government would hold a consultation on a single-use vape ban.

The UK Vaping Industry Association said e-cigarettes should be celebrated for helping people to stop smoking and said a ban would create a black market.

Sheila Duffy, Action on Smoking and Health (Ash) Scotland chief executive, said there was "conclusive evidence" that e-cigarette aerosol "contains particulate matter of the kind that has been implicated in mechanisms like lung inflammation, DNA damage and subsequent risk of lung cancer".

She said there had been a "massive rate of uptake" among young people in Scotland since autumn 2021.

"And it's driven by products that are marketed pretty much entirely at children, through bright colours, sweetie flavours, the way they are designed, the price point, the availability," Ms Duffy told MSPs.

She warned that disposable vapes, which she said had also driven the increased uptake in children, typically contained the highest permitted rate of nicotine.

She said paediatricians were "extremely concerned" and were warning of "huge" health risks.

'Lifelong customers'

Prof Emily Banks of the Nuffield Department of Population Health told the committee that e-cigarettes had been linked to health issues, particularly among young people. She cited poisoning, loss of consciousness, seizures, lung injuries, burns and deaths.

She added that possible links to cancer and cardiovascular diseases required long-term study to be fully understood.

Vaping has also been associated with an uptake in smoking as young people with nicotine addictions are more likely to have addictions in later life.

Prof Banks said the tobacco industry and other sectors were "aggressively targeting" children and adolescents to create "lifelong customers".

"We have kids who have difficulties sitting through a lesson or sitting through a meal with the family who are experiencing addiction," she said.

vapes

The expert said e-cigarettes were believed to contain between 900 and 2,000 distinct chemical entities, many of which were unknown, but others were known to be "hazardous".

"There are a lot of other emissions and particulate matter in what is being inhaled," she told MSPs.

However, Prof John Britton, emeritus professor of epidemiology at the University of Nottingham, said that while it was "unequivocal" that vaping had adverse health effects, the "magnitude of adverse effects is extremely small", especially compared with smoking.

Prof Britton pointed out the concentration of potentially harmful chemicals were typically very low in vapes.

He said five deaths had been linked to vaping in the UK since 2010, compared with about one million linked to smoking.

The expert said he had "no doubt" vaping would be linked to cancer and heart disease in the future but believed the cases would be in the tens and hundreds.

Dr Reid told MSPs the child vaping figures - from the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children Scotland study from 2022 - were based on "current" use - meaning the person had used an e-cigarette in the past 30 days.

The research found 40% of Scottish 15-year-olds had tried e-cigarettes, compared with 19% of 13-year-olds and 3% of 11-year-olds.

The study reported that, since 2018, current vaping across all the age groups had increased from 6% to 30% among girls and 8% to 20% among boys - meaning the increase had largely been driven by girls.

Dr Reid said the figures did not indicate that young smokers were switching to vaping.

"There's obliviously a whole big group of kids who are taking this up who weren't smoking," he told the committee.

Vaping ban

Unlike smoking, Dr Reid said vaping was not as "socially patterned", with rates of uptake among different socio-economic groups broadly flat.

He said the rate of adults vaping was "flatter" for adults at about 5%.

Setting out his Programme for Government in September, the first minister said disposable vapes could be banned in Scotland.

He told the Scottish Parliament: "I hear too often about how common vaping is among our young people.

"In the next year we will take action to reduce vaping - particularly among children.

"I'm pleased to announce that this government will consult on curbing the sale of disposable single-use vapes, including consulting on an outright ban."

vaping

John Dunne, director general of the UK Vaping Industry Association, reiterated calls for licensing and controls for selling vaping products.

He said vapes should be celebrated for driving down smoking numbers and the focus should be on stricter licensing so "rogue retailers" were punished for selling them to children.

"What we've got is an uptake in the new style of devices that are being pushed on social media, not necessarily even originating in this country," he told BBC Scotland News.

"And that's something that we've got to target, but target it in the right way while not upsetting the fantastic work that vaping is doing with adult smokers."

Mr Dunne said banning single-use vaping products would be a "huge mistake" which would create a black market.

On health concerns about vaping, he added: "Yes it's not 100% safe  but what we do know is that if you smoke vaping is at least 95% less harmful."
On "Friends," Matthew Perry was one of six close-knit pals living in New York City. And the five other leads on the show weren't just Perry's co-stars, playing opposite his Chandler Bing, but real-life friends. Following his death last month at the age of 54, the stars put out a statement remembering Perry. Now, Jennifer Aniston, Matt LeBlanc and Courteney Cox have shared their own personal tributes.

Aniston, who played Rachel Green on the hit show, became the latest "Friends" star to share a post about Perry on Wednesday. "Oh boy this one has cut deep... Having to say goodbye to our Matty has been an insane wave of emotions that I've never experienced before," Aniston wrote on Instagram.

"He was such a part of our DNA. We were always the 6 of us," she said. She said Perry loved to make people laugh and his "life literally depended" on hearing people laugh at his jokes.

"And boy did he succeed in doing just that. He made all of us laugh. And laugh hard," she said. "In the last couple weeks, I've been pouring over our texts to one another. Laughing and crying then laughing again. I'll keep them forever and ever. I found one text that he sent me out of nowhere one day. It says it all."

In her carousel of photos, Aniston included a screen hot of that text from Perry. "Making you laugh just made my day," Perry texted her. "It made my day."

Aniston ended her post with a well-known Chandler bit from "Friends": "I talk to you every day sometimes I can almost hear you saying 'could you BE any crazier?'"

LeBlanc, who played Joey Tribbiani on the show, shared a glimpse into his friendship with Perry on Tuesday in an Instagram post with several photos of the two stars together, writing; "It is with a heavy heart I say goodbye."

"The times we had together are honestly among the favorite times of my life," he writes in the caption. "It was an honor to share the stage with you and to call you my friend. I will always smile when I think of you and I'll never forget you. Never."

"Spread your wings and fly brother you're finally free. Much love," he wrote. "And I guess you're keeping the 20 bucks you owe me."

In the photo carousel, LeBlanc included stills from "Friends," which they starred in from 1994 to 2004 alongside Jennifer Aniston, David Schwimmer, Lisa Kudrow and Courteney Cox.

Cox, whose character Monica Geller married Chandler in the series' seventh season, posted her own tribute to Perry on Instagram a few hours after LeBlanc's.

"I am so grateful for every moment I had with you Matty and I miss you every day. When you work with someone as closely as I did with Matthew, there are thousands of moments I wish I could share. For now here's one of my favorites," Cox wrote, sharing a video of a scene from season four in which Monica and Chandler wake up in bed together while in a London hotel. The twist shocked and delighted the show's fans, and it initiated a romance between the two characters that lasted through the end of the series.

"To give a little backstory, Chandler and Monica were supposed to have a one night fling in London. But because of the audience's reaction, it became the beginning of their love story," Cox wrote. "In this scene, before we started rolling, he whispered a funny line for me to say. He often did things like that. He was funny and he was kind."

Matthew Perry and Courteney Cox shooting an episode of

Perry was found unresponsive in the jacuzzi at his Los Angeles-area home last month. An autopsy has been completed but the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office is awaiting the results of a toxicology report.

Tributes poured in for Perry, who played the sarcastic one in the bunch on the hit sitcom, one of the most popular TV shows of the time. His co-stars released a joint statement, saying they were "so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew."

"We were more than just cast mates. We are a family," the statement reads. "There is so much to say, but right now we're going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss."

Perry's family also released a statement saying they are "heartbroken by the tragic loss of our beloved son and brother."

"Matthew brought so much joy to the world, both as an actor and a friend. You all meant so much to him and we appreciate the tremendous outpouring of love," Perry's family said in a statement to People.

Fans of the show also flocked to the apartment in the West Village neighborhood of New York City which was used in external shots for the show. Some fans left flowers and signs on the street, while others took to Instagram to share their love for Perry.

"Never met you, never knew you, yet I've cried over your passing? Why am I so hurt," one fan commented on Perry's final Instagram post before his death.

"I did survive very stressful times thanks to him and the rest of the gang. Feels like losing a friend, doesn't it?" another person commented.

LeBlanc and Cox were the first two of the five co-stars to share their own posts for Perry.

"I am so crying right now... But thank you for writing this," one person commented on LeBlanc's Instagram post.

"He will forever be remembered and loved," another wrote on his post.

"The sadness I feel right now is the greatest one since 10/28 [Perry's death]," another commented. "At the same time, these images and your words warm our hearts. Take care! Your friend, also ours in some way, is eternal."

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Miami Mayor Francis Suarez earned payments totaling six figures advising two financial firms run by close associates of a Russian oligarch, two of several side jobs he refused to reveal to the public until he ran for president, with its more rigorous disclosure requirements.

Suarez received between $160,000 and $220,000 combined working for Dreamer Capital and Legacy Wealth Advisors, which share a Brickell office with a business and charity connected to Igor Makarov, an oil tycoon worth in excess of $2 billion.

Dreamer and Legacy are led, respectively, by Lazar Finker and his son, Eugene Frenkel. Both have longtime financial and personal ties to Makarov, who holds a spot on the Putin List  a U.S. government roster of the mega-rich with Kremlin ties.

Dreamer and Legacy are among more than a dozen income sources, paying millions, that the mayor had refused to detail until he briefly ran for president, dropping out in August. The Federal Election Commission requires presidential candidates to reveal who pays them.

Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, right, with Eugene Frenkel at the groundbreaking for the new South Florida Make-A-Wish headquarters on Oct. 6, 2021.

The income sources listed in the filing include a crypto mining company whose branded shirt Suarez wore at the same time he was promoting Miami as a crypto hub, launching a city-branded cryptocurrency that failed and beckoning crypto billionaire Sam Bankman-Fried (pre-scandal) to move his headquarters to Miami.

Also listed: a bank that both hired Suarez and held the note on his home mortgage. And a business networking company that received funding from the city prior to making him a paid board member. And both a private equity company and an outfit that allows customers to earn points by renting properties within the companys network. And his law firm.

As a part-time mayor, Suarez can accept private employment as he sees fit  as long as it doesnt overlap with his mayoral duties and the employers dont receive special city benefits in return. He has insisted he kept his private jobs and public duties separate, but until now had mostly refused to reveal the identities of those employers, meaning taxpayers could not see for themselves.

Despite this refusal, the Miami Herald was able to document one instance in which Suarezs worlds overlapped  profitably for both the employer and Suarez. In an investigation earlier this year, the Herald revealed that a local developer had paid Suarez $170,000 for consulting work at the same time Suarezs staff was deployed to help an affiliate, Location Ventures, overcome a regulatory hurdle that threatened to derail a major Coconut Grove project.

The Justice Department is now investigating that connection. The mayor has denied any wrongdoing.

Francis Suarez (center left), in his capacity as Miami mayor, takes part in a 2023 groundbreaking for a project in Coconut Grove. It was later revealed that the mayor, in his private capacity, had been paid $10,000 a month by a company affiliated with the developer. It was one of his more than a dozen previously undisclosed side jobs.

Suarez, a real estate lawyer by trade, has refused to comment on the list of employers made public in August. Since he was elected mayor in 2017, Suarez has generally refused to answer questions about his outside income sources or reveal his legal clients, which he still refuses to do even after he was forced to identify his employers.

Suarezs self-imposed silence has coincided with a huge leap in his net worth, as reported in yearly financial disclosures, from a negative number in 2014, when he served on the city commission, to $3.4 million now. His mayoral salary is roughly $130,000.

This story is based on a review of corporation documents, court filings, news archives and IRS documentation for tax-exempt nonprofits.

A billionaire and his associates

Makarov, once a competitive cyclist, made billions in the privatization of energy resources that accompanied the breakup of the Soviet Union.

Finker and Frenkel worked closely with Makarov  Finker, almost from the beginning as a co-founder of his flagship company, Frenkel, later, as an advisor.

Makarovs operations have drawn scrutiny from U.S. authorities for decades over concerns about improper influence peddling and, according to a 2006 report in the Washington Post, money laundering. But he has never been convicted or charged and is not under U.S. sanctions, although the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia all have sanctioned him in connection with Russias invasion of Ukraine.

Sanctions can mean travel bans and asset freezes and seizures.

A copy of oligarch Igor Makarovs passport, leaked to the Miami Herald and partner news outlets in the 2021 investigation The Pandora Papers.

According to the filing, Suarez worked for Dreamer Capital and Legacy Wealth Advisors from July 2021 to August 2023, at which time he went on leave. It was about the time he was ending his presidential campaign.

Legacy Wealth Advisors, whose CEO is Frenkel, counsels ultra-high net worth individuals, according to the companys website. It doesnt indicate what Suarez did for the company other than advisor [independent contractor].

Legacy Wealth would not provide any more specificity on what the mayor did for the money or how he came to be hired but said it did not involve any business with the city of Miami.

Dreamer Capital  which has minimal public presence and whose manager is Finker  did not respond to the Heralds questions about what Suarez did to earn his money.

Frenkel and Finker have both contributed to campaigns benefiting Suarez. According to campaign finance records, the two men, along with businesses and individuals tied to them, contributed $22,500 to Accountable Miami, a 2018 political committee controlled by Suarez. The committee was active during the mayors unsuccessful effort to change his position to a strong mayor with administrative authority over the citys day-to-day operations. In his current status, he doesnt vote on commission agenda items but has veto power and can lobby commissioners on behalf of proposals.

Frenkel had another connection with the mayor, giving him passes to the 2020 Super Bowl, according to public records.

Suarez is permitted to accept such gifts as long as they are disclosed, as this gift was, and the giver is not a city lobbyist. The state ethics commission is currently investigating the mayor over allegations that he broke that rule in another instance.

The mayor made $5,000 a month from Legacy Wealth and 5% of specified transactions from Dreamer Capital, according to the FEC filing. The disclosure provides only ranges of income, not specific figures.

Longtime bonds

After emigrating from Russia in 1991, Finker joined Makarov in co-founding a Jacksonville-based commodities trading company called Itera USA. It would spawn several businesses under the umbrella name of Itera and later still, ARETI (Itera spelled backward).

One such firm, Itera Group, established a headquarters in Moscow after the breakup of the Soviet Union. It secured control over gas distribution to the East European nations of Ukraine and Georgia.

By the early 2000s, Itera had become the fourth-largest energy company in the world.

A 2006 Washington Post story noted that Itera International Energy, one affiliate, had long been dogged by international controversy over its obscured ownership and that oil and gas traders and Russian experts have long suggested that Iteras real owners are former executives of Russias energy giant Gazprom, who purportedly created [Itera] as a vehicle to transfer money out of Russia and into their pockets.

The bonds between the three have endured. Finkers son, Frenkel is not only Makarovs friend, but an advisor, according to a 2021 press release from the government of oil-rich Turkmenistan.

Makarov, Finker and Frenkel did not answer the Heralds questions about their mutual ties noted in this story.

Legacy Wealths spokesperson said only that Makarov has never been the companys client. A spokesperson for Makarov, who recently renounced his Russian citizenship, said that he has never contracted Legacy Wealth and never had any business relations with Suarez.

Political contacts

In the late-1990s and 2000s, while Itera was reporting billions in annual revenue, the company cultivated relationships with influential politicians.

Miami Mayor Francis Suarez greets supporters with his wife Gloria before his first speech as a candidate for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California on Thursday, June 15, 2023.

Makarov paid for Jacksonville Democratic Rep. Corinne Brown to tour the former USSR, the Washington Post reported in 1997. While on the trip, Brown persuaded Ukraine to deliver 500,000 tons of wheat the country had owed to Turkmenistan, a Central Asian nation on the Caspian Sea, as part of Itera-related deals. In an unrelated matter, Brown was later convicted and imprisoned for using a charity as a slush fund, but the conviction was later overturned and she pleaded guilty to a lesser tax charge.

In 2006, the FBI searched Iteras Jacksonville office in connection with a probe into whether Rep. Curt Weldon, a Republican from Pennsylvania, had inappropriately used his influence to direct clients to his daughters lobbying firm. He wasnt charged.

That Jacksonville office building and the Miami office on Brickell are home to an impressive network of more than 150 companies, with the same cast of current and former Itera executives, including Finker and Frenkel, including some firms with South Florida connections, a Herald analysis of company records found.

Finker and Frenkel, for example, are officers of LCP, a Florida limited liability company that has ownership interest in Biscayne Bay Brewing, operating in Miamis old downtown post office building, court records and Securities and Exchange Commission filings show.

The brewery is the brainchild of Republican operative Jose Mallea, who worked on Jeb Bushs 1998 gubernatorial campaign, served in various capacities in President George W. Bushs administration and managed Sen. Marco Rubios 2010 Senate run.

Jose Mallea, owner of Dorals Biscayne Bay Brewing and a board member of the Colorado-based Brewers Association.

Mallea did not respond to an inquiry from the Herald.

Charitable side

Finker, Frenkel and Makarov have all been generous charitable donors in South Florida. Beneficiaries include the University of Miami business school, Make-A-Wish South Florida (whose new, under-construction headquarters in Overtown will be called the Finker-Frenkel Wish House) and Joe DiMaggio Childrens Hospital.

Like his father, Frenkel has been a trustee of the Makarov Foundation, IRS filings show.

The most recent filings list the nonprofits address as the same Brickell office shared by Dreamer Capital, Legacy Wealth and ARETI Energy.
Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., has been accused of shoving a Republican congressman who helped oust him as House speaker.

In an on-camera interview from the Capitol Hill outdoor steps after the alleged incident, Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., alleged McCarthy came up and took a "cheap shot from behind."

"You don't expect that sort of thing from an adult, certainly not one who was once third in line for the White House," Burchett said.

Burchett told reporters that McCarthy's actions seemed "deliberate."

"I'll take a polygraph test. And have Kevin take a polygraph test," he said. "It was deliberate. It was just a cheap shot by a bully."

MIKE JOHNSON BUCKS TREND OF HOUSE SPEAKERS OWNING HIGH-DOLLAR ASSETS: 'MAN OF THE PEOPLE'

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Reps. Kevin McCarthy and Tim Burchett are seen in a split image.

HOW THE GOP CONFERENCE CAME TOGETHER TO ELECT MIKE JOHNSON AS SPEAKER, DESPITE MCCARTHY MEDDLING

Burchett said he didn't plan on taking further action against McCarthy, including any House ethics complaint, adding of the former House Speaker would likely "cash in" after Christmas.

"I dont think its OK. These ethics complaints go on for years, and hes going to be out of here after Christmas. Like I said, he has $17 million and a security detail, and hell still be a bully."

"Its just like its always been. Were not having duels out here," Burchett said when asked what the incident might say about the state of Congress. "Theyve had duels in the past and fistfights and everything else. Its just human nature."

Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., speaks to reporters upon arrival to a House Republican Conference meeting on Nov. 14, 2023, in Washington, DC.

The alleged physical altercation occurred when Burchett was being interviewed by NPR correspondent Claudia Grisales, who recounted the ordeal in a thread on X.

Fox News has reached out to McCarthy's office for comment.

As Burchett was standing in the hallway of Capitol Hill doing an interview with Grisales, the congressman recalled how "Kevin McCarthy walked by, and he elbowed me in the kidneys."

"Theres 435 [members of Congress]. I was one of the eight that voted against him. That hallway, theres plenty of room. You can walk forward side by side, he chose to do what he did," Burchett said. "I feel sorry for him, and I pray for him every day. You might not believe that, but I do, and I hope he finds some happiness in his life."

Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., arrives to a weekly Republican conference meeting in the U.S. Capitol Building on Nov. 14, 2023 in Washington, DC.

"It was 100% on purpose," Burchett said, claiming he fell forward. "And what are the chances? 435 members of Congress. Eight of us voted against him Im one of them that did it."

"He didnt see any cameras. He didnt think anybody was paying attention, but Claudia from NPR was paying attention."

Burchett said he chased after McCarthy after the incident.

"This aint no big deal," Burchett said when asked if he was hurt. "Its just a little different from the way people react in Tennessee than the way they do in California. In Tennessee, if you have a problem with somebody, you take it to them and deal with it face to face. I guess in southern California, where hes from, you take a cheap shot at somebody from behind."

Burchett claims McCarthy has $17 million at his disposal and that the former House Speaker is "already messing in everybodys races."

Fox News' Brianna O'Neil and Kelly Phares contributed to this report.





Original article source: McCarthy accused of shoving Republican who helped oust him: 'Cheap shot from behind'
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) is backing Speaker Mike Johnsons (R-La.) two-step proposal to fund the government, even though it will not include funding for Ukraine, which is a top McConnell priority.

McConnells decision to embrace the new Speakers spending strategy means Republican leaders are united heading toward the Nov. 17 government funding deadline.

As a result, there is growing pressure on Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) to go along with Johnsons plan.

Schumer has insisted for weeks that spending legislation must have bipartisan support, and with McConnell firmly on board the Johnson proposal, Senate Democrats dont have much choice but to go along with it, too.

Schumer postponed a procedural vote scheduled for Monday on moving the legislative vehicle for the continuing resolution in order to give the House more time to act.

The big question now is whether Johnson can muster enough votes to pass the stopgap funding measure out of the House. But senators said Monday that they expect that he will get it done.

McConnell praised Johnsons proposal Monday as a responsible measure that will keep the lights on, avoid a harmful lapse in federal spending and allow lawmakers to finish in their work on the annual spending bills over the next two months.

I will continue to support the C.R. and encourage my colleagues to do the same thing, he said.

McConnells allies, including Senate Appropriations Committee Vice Chair Susan Collins (R-Maine), had made clear last week that they are not fans of breaking up funding for federal departments and agencies into two pools of funding with different expiration dates.

Senate leaders had initially wanted to get the regular appropriations bills and an emergency supplemental foreign aid package finished before the end of the year.

But McConnell, who has come under increasing pressure from Senate conservatives to back Johnsons strategy, indicated Monday that he would follow the new Speakers lead, even though it leaves funding for Ukraine in limbo over the next few weeks.

Conservatives who attempted to topple McConnell from his leadership job in November, including Sens. Ron Johnson (Wis.) and Rick Scott (Fla), called on McConnell to back Johnsons proposal.

Facing McConnells and Johnsons unified stance, Schumer signaled Monday that Democrats are ready to accept the House spending stopgap.

Schumer praised it as a good step in the right direction, because it extends government funding at current levels and does not include the steep cuts demanded by House conservatives.

I am pleased that Speaker Johnson seems to be moving in our direction by advancing a C.R. that does not include the highly partisan cuts that Democrats have warned against, he said on the floor.

Schumer also praised Johnsons plan for setting a Feb. 2 funding expiration date for the Department of Defense, keeping it tied to many of the nondefense social spending programs that are important to Democrats.

But Johnsons plan leaves aside funding for Ukraine  a top priority for the Biden administration, as well as McConnell.

If Congress approves Johnsons proposal to extend current funding levels into 2024, there wont be another must-pass government funding bill for Ukraine or Israel funding to ride on until January.

Lawmakers may now look at the possibility of tacking it on to the annual defense authorization bill.

Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) on Monday said he would be worried about the fate of Ukraine funding if Congress passes Johnsons proposal.

I think we got to get serious about it, and we got to put it together with the other major elements of the supplemental, get it all done, he said of funding for Ukraine, warning that Congress needs to approve it before the end of the year.

President Biden proposed an emergency supplemental bill that would include money for Israel, Ukraine, the U.S. border and other priorities.

Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), a member of McConnells leadership team, said he wasnt happy about moving a stopgap without Ukraine funding.

It bothers me, but we just need to make sure it gets done, he said.

Many Senate and House Republicans, however, are insisting that Ukraine funding be attached to immigration policy reforms to dramatically reduce the flow of migrants across the U.S.-Mexico border, complicating the situation.

Given how difficult it will be to reach a bipartisan deal on immigration, Ukraine funding has no clear path of passing before next year.

A bipartisan group of senators including Sens. Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and James Lankford (R-Okla.) will continue to negotiate on a border security proposal to be paired with Ukraine funding, but theyre not close to a deal.

Murphy has compared getting a deal on immigration policy and border security  a thorny issue that has stymied lawmakers repeatedly over the past 20 years  to sinking a triple bank shot in a game of pool.

McConnells top deputy, Senate Republican Whip John Thune (R-S.D.), said Democrats arent yet ready to negotiate major border security and asylum reforms in exchange for Ukraine funding but predicted they will soften their position to get a deal.

They have to get serious in these negotiations, and right now theyre not, he said.

Thune said the Senate immigration talks will resume this week.

As a result, he said funding for Ukraine, Israel and border security reforms will move on a separate track.

Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), a member of McConnells leadership team and a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, said shes not thrilled about punting the annual spending bills into 2024 but acknowledged that lawmakers in both parties are coalescing behind Johnsons proposal.

Its not a responsible way to budget, she said, referring to a long-term continuing resolution. I like the Christmas date the best as a deadline for passing the annual spending bills but observed sounds like this is congealing, so well just live with it.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) says hes not ready to vote for a Democratic resolution to confirm more than 350 stalled military promotions at once to circumvent holds placed by Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.).

McConnell has made it clear for months that he does not support Tubervilles strategy.

The Alabama senator has blocked hundreds of nonpartisan military nominees from receiving promotions to put pressure on the Department of Defense to end its policy of reimbursing the travel expenses of service members who cross state lines to receive abortions.

But McConnell said Republican senators are still trying to work out a deal with Tuberville to move the stalled nominees and that hes not yet ready to vote for a standing order resolution that would allow Democrats to move hundreds of promotions in a single package.

Were still working on trying to solve this problem, so Im not going to support it this afternoon. Were still hopeful well be able to free up these military heroes who are not a part of any of the policymaking, McConnell, a member of the Senate Rules Committee, told reporters.

Top Stories from The Hill

The Rules Committee convened at 3 p.m. Tuesday to mark up the resolution, which is expected to pass out of committee later in the day on a party-line vote.

Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), a member of the Rules panel, said she would also vote against the resolution.

Personally, I have an issue with changing the rules. So, no. Ill be a no, she said before the hearing.

The resolution to alter Senate process is sponsored by Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Jack Reed (D-R.I.).

It would not allow Senate Democrats to move top-level commanders such as members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff or candidates nominated to lead a combatant command in a larger package of nominees.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Over 1,400 Chinese exhibitors present at Medica 2023 in Germany

Xinhua) 13:24, November 14, 2023

DUSSELDORF, Germany, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- Over 1,400 Chinese companies are present at the Medica 2023 medical technology trade fair, which opened its doors to visitors here on Monday.

The Chinese companies make up over 25 percent of the 5,500 exhibitors from around 70 countries and regions at the event, which is one of the largest medical business-to-business (B2B) trade fairs in the world.

The Chinese exhibitors provide comprehensive and diverse clinical solutions to the global medical market, establishing themselves as a significant force in the global medical device industry.

For the first time in Europe, SonoScape, a medical manufacturer from the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen, exhibits the new high-end color Doppler ultrasound diagnostic systems S80 Elite and P80 Elite for radiology and gynecology, respectively. These are designed to acquire and interpret ultrasound images more efficiently and precisely.

Lin Changqing from Beijing Hotgen Biotech Co., Ltd. said the event in Dusseldorf is an important platform where practitioners can communicate with one another. "We are looking forward to joining hands with like-minded partners to provide more affordable and accurate clinical diagnosis solutions for the benefit of people's well-being."

"A wide range of innovative products and services from the fields of medical imaging, laboratory technology, diagnostics, health information technology, mobile health as well as physiotherapy and orthopaedic technology and medical consumables are presented here," the event organizer said.

The trade fair will run through Nov. 16.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
BAMAKO, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- The Malian army announced on its X account that it has seized control of the rebel stronghold town of Kidal in the country's north Tuesday morning.

The city was recaptured from the Armed Terrorist Groups (GAT) as part of the mission to secure the region undertaken by the Malian Armed Forces (FAMAa), said the same source.

Calling on the city's residents to stay calm, the Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces reassures that "all measures have been taken to ensure their security," said the Malian army.

The army and the state had been virtually absent for years from the town of Kidal, which is controlled by Tuareg rebel armed groups.

The Malian transitional government, established after the May 2021 coup, demanded the withdrawal of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), claiming that it was unable to stop jihadist raids, particularly in the north of the country.

The United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution in June, authorizing the withdrawal before the end of the year. The UN peacekeeping forces have been present in Mali for a decade.

Since 2012, Mali has been facing a deep, multifaceted crisis in the form of independence and jihadist insurgencies as well as intercommunity violence, which has left thousands dead and hundreds of thousands more displaced. 
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) on Tuesday said he doesnt view it as his responsibility to police the behavior of other Republicans, especially aggressive physical behavior, acknowledging its very difficult to control the behavior of everybody whos in the building.

McConnell said he was not aware of two incidents from earlier in the day in which Republican lawmakers made headlines for acting aggressively.

Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) had to be verbally restrained by Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee Chairman Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) from getting into a fight with the president of the Teamsters during a heated committee hearing.

And Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) accused former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) of giving him a kidney shot by elbowing him in the back while he was talking to reporters.

Its very difficult to control the behavior of everybody whos in the building. I dont view that as my responsibility. Thats something the Capitol Police will have to deal with, McConnell told reporters.

Top Stories from The Hill

Mullin sprang up out of his chair at the Health Committee hearing earlier on Tuesday and invited Sean OBrien, the general president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, to turn their social media spat into fisticuffs.

You want to do it now? Stand your butt up then, Mullin, challenging the labor leader.

OBrien didnt shy away from the challenge, telling the Oklahoma senator: You stand your butt up.

Sanders, in breaking up the battle, reminded Mullin that he is a U.S. senator.

On the House side, Burchett, who joined seven Republican colleagues in voting to oust McCarthy from the Speakership last month, accused the former Speaker of getting physical with him.

I was standing there and McCarthy elbowed me in the back, Burchett told reporters after the encounter.

I said, Hey, what the heck would you do that for? And he acted like, Oh, I didnt do anything, you know, and hes just, he needs to go home back to Southern California, Burchett said.

McConnell appeared surprised when later asked about these two incidents.

Frankly, I hadnt heard what you just indicated, the Senate GOP leader said when asked about those confrontations.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
McDonald's UK boss has admitted the fast-food chain is receiving between one or two sexual harassment claims a week following a BBC investigation.

Alistair Macrow told MPs it had received more than 400 complaints from workers since July, when the BBC uncovered hundreds of allegations.

He said 18 people had since been sacked but he did not know how many complaints had been referred to the police.

The BBC found that workers as young as 17 were being groped and harassed.

They said they experienced a toxic workplace culture at McDonald's where claims of sexual assault, racism and bullying were not taken seriously.

Mr Macrow told the Business and Trade Select Committee on Tuesday that McDonald's UK had received 407 employee complaints of a varying nature since July.

Following the BBC's initial report in the summer, Mr Macrow set up an investigation handling unit to deal with complaints.

Of the 157 complaints that have been investigated, Mr Macrow said 17 complaints were about sexual harassment and had led to disciplinary action. He added that nine related to bullying and one was about racial harassment.

In relation to the outstanding cases yet to be probed, 27 complaints are about sexual harassment, he added.

Mr Macrow said: "To give you a picture of what we see on an ongoing basis, we typically would see between 20 to 25 contacts per week, of which one or two would be sexual harassment."

The fast-food chain is one of the biggest private sector employers in the UK, employing more than 170,000 people.

It has one of the UK's youngest workforces, with three quarters of staff aged 16 to 25 and, for many, it is their first job.

In total, it has 1,450 restaurants. According to Mr Macrow, 89% of its branches in the UK are operated by franchisees. But he admitted that no franchisees had yet lost their contracts due to claims of harassment and abuse.

'Protecting workers'

Liam Byrne, chair of the Business and Trade Committee, asked the McDonald's boss if "profit was more important than protecting workers".

Mr Macrow said it was "absolutely not the case".

"The most important thing in our business is our people. We do everything we can to look after our people," he added.

More than 200 current and former McDonald's workers spoke to the BBC about their experience of working at the fast-food chain, with a number claiming they were subject to sexual abuse and harassment by colleagues and superiors.

Among those was Ed and Emily, who both attended the committee hearing on Tuesday. They both said they did not feel reassured by what Mr Macrow said.

Ed and Emily, who were both harassed when they worked at McDonald's, said they did not feel reassured by UK boss Alistair Macrow

Emily was 17 when she got her first post-college job at a McDonald's in north west England. She was groped and hit on the bottom by her manager. She reported him on the company's staff support service but never received a reply.

She believes that Mr Macrow and McDonald's does put profit before people.

"When I was working at McDonald's it was very clear to me that I was easily replaceable," she told the BBC. "I think that it's definitely true that he has put profit before the people because as soon as I brought forth an allegation, I was fired.

"So it's easier for them to just fire me than actually look into these allegations."

Mr Macrow said the testimony from workers had been "truly horrific" and "very difficult to hear".

He admitted that some of the complaints reported to McDonald's independent handling unit "stretch back as far as the 1980s", adding: "Clearly those more recent we were able to investigate more fully."

Ed was 16 when he started working in McDonald's at the beginning of this year. He said a senior manager made sexual innuendos and repeatedly asked him for sex. He raised it with a senior manager, but nothing was done.

Eventually, after months of harassment, he quit in April.

He said that hearing that more than 400 complaints had made to McDonald's in the past four months "was quite shocking and upsetting and I think is damning evidence against McDonald's that they need to change".

But he added: "What you should be thinking about is how many people have been unable to make those complaints, who've been scared to complain, particularly to managers who will be controlling their hours.

"Who else is currently being harassed or going through something and is unable to come forward?"

Ian Hodson, national president at the Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union, also appeared before MPs and said some stories that it had been told by McDonald's employees were "absolutely horrific".

"And it shouldn't happen," he said. "In the 21st century, in the UK, it shouldn't happen."

Mr Hodson added: "When a global corporation, [one of the] biggest employers in the world that makes billions and billions of pounds, can't protect its workforce it's awful. It should be leading and be an example for others - but they're not."

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U.S. Rep. James P. McGovern is leading a group of 16 lawmakers  which includes some of the most liberal and most conservative members of Congress  in calling on the Biden administration to drop charges and halt extradition proceedings against WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange.

McGovern and Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Kentucky, circulated the letter calling for charges to be dropped. The 14 co-signers include progressive Democratic Reps. Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, and Sen. Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts; as well as conservative Republican Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, Paul Gosar of Arizona and Matthew Rosendale of Montana, and Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky.

Assange, an Australian citizen, has spent the past four years in Britains Belmarsh Prison fighting extradition to the United States. He has been charged with espionage for publishing classified military and diplomatic cables through WikiLeaks. If found guilty, he could face a sentence of up to 175 years in prison.

Before he was incarcerated, Assange took asylum for seven years in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London in an attempt to avoid extradition to Sweden over sexual assault allegations. Sweden dropped that investigation in 2019 because so much time had elapsed.

We clearly have deep concerns about Mr. Assanges case, McGovern said, in a statement. People should understand that the charges against him highlighted in our letter are part of an alarming global trend  a sharp increase in attacks against the freedom of the press that is happening in countries around the world, including our own. The bottom line is that journalism is not a crime. The work reporters do is about transparency, trust and speaking truth to power. When they are unjustly targeted, we all suffer the consequences. The stakes are too high for us to remain silent.

While Assange and his supporters, including leading press freedom groups, have argued that he should be immune from prosecution as a journalist, prosecutors have said he was charged for releasing a narrow class of documents that dealt with people who provided the United States with intelligence in war zones.

Julian Assange is no journalist," John Demers, then assistant attorney general for national security, said in 2019. Indeed, no responsible actor, journalist or otherwise, would purposely publish the names of individuals he or she knew to be confidential human sources in war zones."

With reports from the Associated Press and USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Rep. James McGovern pens letter seeking to end Julian Assange charges
This past July, I sat in a Knesset meeting room as Labor Party Member of Knesset Gilad Kariv resurrected the two-state caucus, an idea that had been dormant during the Bibi Netanyahu yearsand during the recent interim government headed by Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid. While it was a group small enough to fit around a conference tableKnesset members from the Labor Party, the Arab Joint List, with a sprinkling from Yesh Atid and Benny Gantzs National Unity Partyit was a raising of the flag for an issue that had been off the political map for too long.



To say that a two-state vision is further away than ever before is an understatement at the moment as the war in Gaza rages on, following the October 7 attack by Hamas that killed nearly 1,400 Israelis, including women and children, and the kidnapping of around 250 Israeli citizens and other nationals.

Kariv has been a pivotal force working with civil society against all aspects of the Netanyahu government. Having moved from being a full-time rabbi advocating for religious pluralism and progressive values from outside the political arena, Kariv was elected to the Knesset in 2021 as the first Reform rabbi to serve in a body that is overrepresented by ultra-Orthodox rabbis whose agenda is to promote a theocracy. Kariv immediately rose to head up the critical Constitution Law and Justice Committee in the Bennett-Lapid government. He quickly became the key parliamentary player opposing the judicial coup promoted by his successor on that committee, hard-right politician Simcha Rothman.

Since the war started, he has turned his focus to the once-discarded idea that has gained new currency in recent weeks. The only way to secure the ability of the two national communities that are sharing the same piece of land to live in peace and prosperity is the two-state solution, Kariv said.

The events on October 7 didnt change our basic belief, he continued. Im not ignoring the fact that the current conflict places many emotional, psychological, and political obstacles on this troubled path toward the implementation of the two-state vision. At the same time, we know that usually after moments of crisis, after wars, after violence, there is also an opportunity to renew the political process. Its quite difficult during the days of war to say exactly how we are going to reenergize the political process with the Palestinians.

Kariv does suggest a broad outline for moving forward once the fighting is done. We should insist on three principles, he told me. One is that Hamas cannot control the Gaza Strip. Two, that Israel will not recontrol the lives of two million Palestinians. And third, with the involvement of the international community, the moderate Arab countries, we need to create a new civilian reality in the Gaza Strip that will promote a new political process between Israel and the Palestinians.

He continued: We need also to insist on something that is very important to the global community that supports the two-state solution. A victory of Hamas is the end of the vision of the two-state solution. Too many people dont understand it. Not because of Israel. If Hamas wins this conflict, it will send a very strong message to all Palestinians and to many, many radical forces in the region that there is no reason to have a political dialogue with Israel.

Meanwhile, the Jewish settlers are fomenting violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, as their representatives in the Netanyahu government endorse their actions. Right now, the extreme settlers are violating Israeli law, and they are harming the ability of Israel to meet or to face its real enemies, meaning Hamas and Hezbollah, Kariv said. My demand is to my government to make sure that Israeli citizens in the occupied territoriesthe extreme settlers, and its important to say that we are talking about a small group among the settlersbut they are violent enough in order to create real danger to Palestinian civilians. We need to be very clear, this is the duty of the Israeli government, the IDF, and the Israeli police: to prevent those extreme settlers from violating Israeli law. As opposition members, we are placing this issue on the Israeli public discourse, together with Israeli civil society. We are tracking the events in those Palestinian communities.

But Israels right wing, emboldened by their role in the Netanyahu government, has other ideas, ranging from military reoccupation of the Gaza Strip to reestablishing Jewish settlements there. Look, people need to understand the Israeli far right has a very deep interest to destroy any differentiation between Hamas and the Palestinian Authority, says Kariv. They are saying it out loud. They want to create a situation where Israelis say we are fighting with the Palestinian Authority in the Occupied Territories. We need to do whatever we can in order to secure the existing differentiation between Hamas and the Palestinian Authority. I have many bad things to say about different aspects of their work and the fact that in so many opportunities they missed the chance to move forward with the political process, but in the end the Palestinian Authority is not Hamas and Hamas is not the Palestinian Authority. Hamas is trying to dissolve this differentiation, and the Israeli far extreme right is trying to do the same.

There is no doubt that the Netanyahu strategy has led Israel into an abyss. He will leave his post after the warone way or anotheras the least popular prime minister in Israels history. Whether leaders like Kariv and the peace camp that he embraces can win the day is an untested proposition. If polls hold, there will be a centrist government formed by current National Unity Party Chairman Benny Gantz, who has never openly embraced a two-state option, even while opposing the current status quo and the extremist settlers in Netanyahus government. A unified left can be a partner to a centrist government led by Gantz or someone else (the current official opposition leader is Yair Lapid, who trails Gantz in popularity now) to promote a more robust option.
Two men have been charged over an attempted murder in Fraserburgh.

A 49-year-old man was taken to hospital following the attack in Gallowhill Road in the Aberdeenshire town on Monday.

Police Scotland said two men, aged 36 and 48, had been arrested and charged in connection with the incident.

A 37-year-old man was also arrested with inquiries said to be ongoing.
Ray Adams, pictured in 2012, was cleared of corruption by a 'liar'

A senior Scotland Yard officer, who was involved in the early stages of the Stephen Lawrence murder investigation, was previously cleared of corruption after a police informant with links to one of the killers gave an entirely fictitious testimony, it has been alleged.

Ray Adams, who was a Met commander in south London in 1993 when Lawrence was murdered, had years earlier been accused of having links with notorious criminals and gangsters.

But following a lengthy investigation in the late 1980s in which a police informant gave a statement on his behalf, Mr Adams was cleared of wrongdoing.

However, a secret report produced by the Met Police in 2000 concluded that the testimony had been totally fictitious and had come from someone connected to the family of David Norris - one of the two men convicted in 2012 of Lawrences racist murder.

The report was uncovered by the BBC and Scotland Yard has said the allegations may now be considered by the ongoing Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation into whether information on alleged police corruption was withheld from the Macpherson Inquiry.

Mr Adams, 81, who left the Met shortly after the 1993 murder, was only very briefly involved in the investigation and there is no evidence he influenced those working on the case.

But the fact a police informant with links to the Norris family allegedly gave false testimony on his behalf has further raised questions about whether corruption played a part in the failure to catch Lawrences killers at the time.

The 18-year-old was stabbed to death at a bus stop in south London in April 1993 by a racist gang.

Stephen Lawrence, 18, who was stabbed to death in London in 1993 - Enterprise News and Picture

Police failed to catch his killers despite several tip-offs naming those responsible and it was not until 2012 that David Norris and Gary Dobson were convicted of his murder.

Norriss father, Clifford, was a notorious gangster, and it was he who allegedly had links with the informant who gave a statement on Mr Adamss behalf.

The informant - who was also coincidentally called David Norris - was shot dead by a hitman in 1991.

Imran Khan, solicitor for Baroness Lawrence, the victims mother, described the claims contained in the secret 2000 report as dramatic, disturbing and shocking.

Neville Lawrence, father of Stephen, outside court in 2012 - LUKE MACGREGOR/REUTERS

Met to review corruption claims

He said the Met should apologise to Baroness Lawrence for not previously revealing the details of the 2000 report and also for allegedly misleading the Macpherson Inquiry.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: The Mets Directorate of Professional Standards will be writing to the BBC to request access to any material in their possession that supports allegations of police corruption.

We will review such material, alongside the outcomes of the above IOPC investigations and any previous relevant anti-corruption investigations conducted by the Met, to determine whether any further action is required.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer.
A demonstrator holds a picture of Aguascalientes state electoral court magistrate Jesus Ociel Baena in Mexico City, Monday, Nov. 13, 2023. The first openly nonbinary person to assume a judicial position in Mexico was found dead with their partner at home Monday in the central Mexican city of Aguascalientes after receiving death threats because of gender identity, authorities said. (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo)

MEXICO CITY (AP)  Mexican authorities sent conflicting messages Tuesday about the violent deaths of a leading LGBTQ+ figure and partner after thousands marched in the capital demanding justice.

Jesus Ociel Baena, the first openly nonbinary person to assume a judicial post in Mexico, was found dead Monday with around 20 wounds lying next to the body of Dorian Herrera at the home they shared in the central city of Aguascalientes.

Baena was one of the most visible LGBTQ+ figures in a country where sexual minorities are often violently targeted and had reported receiving death threats and hateful messages. The couple had received protection from state security, prompting many LGBQT+ activists to call the deaths a hate crime.

The Aguascalientes state prosecutor's office on Tuesday described the deaths as a murder-suicide, saying it appeared that Baena was murdered with razor blades by Herrera, who then committed suicide.

It may seem like a not very credible hypothesis to many, but we're being very careful to leave a record and preserve all evidence, state prosecutor Jesus Figueroa Ortega said.

He said the magistrate's cleaning lady found the bodies locked in the home and called Baena's bodyguard. One of the wounds was on Baena's jugular and that investigators found blood on the bed and bloody footprints leading through the home, the prosecutor added.

Later in the day, the prosecutor's office said Herrera had tested positive for methamphetamines.

Federal authorities, however, urged caution in the investigation. Felix Arturo Medina, an official with Mexico's Interior Ministry, said that it's important to not throw out any line of investigation. He said federal officials hoped to coordinate with state authorities to investigate the deaths.

It's a relevant case for us, not just because of the activism the magistrate was carrying out, but also because the government wants all crimes to be investigated, Medina said.

Impunity runs rampant in Mexico. Only 1% of all crimes committed were reported, investigated and resolved in 2022, according to a survey by National Institute of Statistics and Geography.

The state prosecutors hypothesis of a murder-suicide was quickly disputed by the family and friends of Baena and Herrera, who called completely unthinkable.

Maximo Carrasco, a friend of both for over five years who spoke on behalf of the couple's relatives,Carrasco said loved ones want the investigation taken out of the hands of the Aguascalientes state prosecutor's office and handled by federal investigators.

He said that rather than investigating, state authorities are trying to give the killing a carpetazo, Spanish for trying to make the case go away.

I knew what they were like as a couple, Carrasco said. This was a hate crime."

He said that Baena and Herrera were close friends who often stayed at his home in Mexico City and that neither he nor anyone close to them saw anything other than a loving, respectful relationship.

Carrasco, who saw the two just a week before their deaths, echoed other accounts given to The Associated Press describing the magistrate and Herrera as chipper and talking passionately about future activism.

Alejandro Brito, director of the LGBTQ+ rights group Letra S, urged authorities to continue to investigate the incident and to take into consideration the context of the case and the threats of violence against Baena.

Brito called state prosecutor's version of events loaded with prejudices and said quick conclusions made by local authorities have only deepened distrust of authorities among historically victimized communities.

In these types of homicides they always try to disqualify or belittle," Brito said. These statements that the prosecutor is giving, what they're doing isn't clarifying the acts, they're adding fuel to the fire of these prejudices.

Thousands gathered in the heart of Mexico City on Monday night lighting candles over photos of Baena and other victims of anti-LGBTQ+ violence. They shouted Justice and We wont stay silent and demanded a thorough investigation into the deaths.

Baena appeared in regularly published photos and videos wearing skirts and heels and toting a rainbow fan in court offices and advocated on social media platforms, drawing hundreds of thousands of followers.

I am a nonbinary person. I am not interested in being seen as either a woman or a man. This is an identity. It is mine, for me, and nobody else." Baena posted on X, formerly Twitter, in June. Accept it.

Last month, the Aguascaliente electoral court presented Baena with a certificate recognizing the magistrate with the gender neutral noun maestre, a significant step in Spanish, a language that splits most of its words between two genders, masculine or feminine.

The National Observatory of Hate Crimes Against LGBTI+ Persons in Mexico registered 305 violent hate crimes against sexual minorities in 2019-2022, including murder, disappearances and more.

Carrasco said Baena was an integral part of pushing to reduce those numbers and to allow nonbinary people to occupy spaces that we would have never imagined existing in."

The massive legacy that they left was: They taught us to raise our voices, to always push forward and never backward," Carrasco said.

___

Follow APs coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america
(Bloomberg) -- Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador will meet his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping this week in their first encounter as both governments try to make progress in tackling the fentanyl crisis thats plaguing North America.

Most Read from Bloomberg

AMLO, as the Mexican leader is known, will hold a bilateral with Xi on Nov. 16, a day before a separate meeting with US President Joe Biden, at the APEC summit in San Francisco, Foreign Affairs Minister Alicia Barcena told reporters Tuesday. Lopez Obrador will also meet Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the same event, she said.

Read More: Mexico and China Seek to Stem Deadly Fentanyl Cross-Pacific Flow

The AMLO-Xi meeting comes as a deadly opioid epidemic in the US has increased the pressure from Washington to tackle narco trafficking. China, Mexico and the US have for years pointed blame at one another over the crisis, which has led to thousands of overdose deaths in American cities and increasing violence in Mexico, home to deadly cartel groups.

But more recently Mexico and China have held talks on the topic, with the Latin American government looking to share intelligence about shipments of the drug and its precursors across the Pacific, a person familiar with the conversations told Bloomberg News last month. And Biden and Xi are set to announce a separate agreement in San Francisco that would see Beijing crack down on the manufacture and export of fentanyl, Bloomberg reported on Monday.

Read More: Biden, Xi to Announce Chinas Crackdown on Fentanyl Trade

Beyond fentanyl, AMLO plans to use his APEC appearance to discuss other topics including trade, improving border infrastructure, and the structural causes of migration, Barcena said.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
A 25-year-old Capitan man died from an alleged self-inflicted gunshot wound, New Mexico State Police said, after fleeing from law enforcement in a stolen vehicle.

Benjamin Hoffer is believed to have have fled police in a 2018 Ford SUV, which was reported stolen by a local dealership when Hoffer stopped making payments on the vehicle.

Agents of the New Mexico State Police Fugitive Apprehension Unit monitored the Quality Inn Motel at 1020 South White Sands Boulevard where Hoffer was believed to be staying and where the vehicle was spotted.

On Nov. 6 Hoffer left the motel, and spotting the agents reportedly fled in the car down White Sands Blvd. During the pursuit he allegedly hit the right rear passenger side of an agent's unit, according to a incident report by the New Mexico State Police.

At one point Hoffer turned off White Sands Blvd., and when New Mexico State police officers approached found him unresponsive, seated in the drivers seat and with a wound to the head. Officers reported a pistol on the floor of the vehicle, according to the report.

Paramedics later arrived on scene, transporting Hoffer to an area hospital where he died from his wounds.

Hoffer, according to court documents, was convicted of criminal sexual communication with a child, child solicitation by electronic communication device/ meets with child under 13 years of age and criminal sexual contact with a child under 13 years of age in 2017.

In 2019, also according to court documents, Hoffer was convicted of aggravated battery and bodily harm on a household member, aggravated burglary and criminal damage to property of a household member.

Juan Corral can be reached at JCorral@gannett.com or on X, formerly Twitter, at @Juan36Corr.

This article originally appeared on Alamogordo Daily News: Capitan man shoots himself during police chase
Mexican police are investigating the apparent murder of Latin America's country's first non-binary magistrate. Jesus Ociel Baena Saucedo was found dead in his Aguascalientes home Monday, the victim of an apparent stabbing. File Photo by Ulises Ruiz Basurto/EPA

Nov. 14 (UPI) -- One of Mexico's most prominent LGBTQ+ activists has been killed in an apparent knife attack in his home in the west-central state of Aguascalientes, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador announced during a morning news conference Monday.

"We are just finding out," Lopez Obrador said from the Mexican state of Sonora, "The investigation is going to be carried out, it is not known up to this moment if it was a homicide or an accident."

Thirteen months after being sworn in as the first non-binary electoral magistrate in Latin America, Jesus Ociel Baena Saucedo was found dead in his Agauscalientes home Monday morning, the apparent victim of a knife attack. The state prosecutor's office said Baena was found with injuries consistent with knife wounds about 9 a.m. Monday. A person thought to be Baena's partner was also found dead in the home, also with knife wounds.

"We don't know if it is a homicide or an accident," said Rosa Icela Rodriguez, the head of Mexico's Ministry of Security and Citizen Protection. "An investigation is going to be done."

The death of Baena and the partner prompted LGBTQ+ rights groups, who expressed shock and outrage, to call for stronger anti-discrimination laws in Mexico.

Baena was born in 1984 according to a social media profile, and was an appointed judge with the Electoral Tribunal of the State of Aguascalientes, a division of the Mexican justice system that specializes in election-related matters.

Baena was born in Saltillo, Coahuila and had lived in Aguascalientes for 11 years. Baena earned a law degree from the Faculty of Jurisprudence of the Autonomous University of Coahuila, and also received a master's degree in constitutional law and government policies.

Baena made history by receiving a reissued birth certificate with a box added for "non-binary," and later obtaining Mexico's first non-binary passport from the Civil Registry of Coahuila in honor of the International Day Against Homophobia.

Baena addressed a roundtable discussion Sunday in Oaxaca on LGBTQ+ rights and related issues. Baena pioneered initiatives on behalf of trans children, same-sex marriage and gender-identity recognition, among other rights issues.

In addition to support from the LGBTQ+ community, Baena faced resistance, criticism and hate speech from those outside it. "There were calls from bar associations and people from these bars who [asked] the presiding judge how it was possible that they allowed this type of daring [appointment], especially in a highly conservative state," Baena had said.

Mexico still faces discrimination and violence targeting LGBTQ+ individuals. According to LetraEse, a digital news site focused on sexuality and gender, murders of LGBTQ+ people in Mexico increased by nearly a third from 2020 to 2021.
Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding talks with children at Hossana Love in Africa Children's Home in the north suburb of Harare, capital of Zimbabwe, Nov. 14, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhang Baoping)

HARARE, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe on Tuesday donated a consignment of food, stationery and other basic necessities to the Chinese-aided Hossana Love in Africa Children's Home, an orphanage.

Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding handed over the goods to the orphanage at its premises in the Hatcliffe suburb, which lies 25 km outside Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe.

The Chinese embassy and the Chinese community in Zimbabwe started to make donations to the children's home in 2016 and since then, they have been offering support to the orphanage.

"In the past seven years, the Chinese Embassy and the Chinese community have provided continuous assistance to the children's home by renovating facilities, upgrading water and electricity supply systems, donating daily necessities, livestock and poultry to meet the needs and promote self-sufficiency of this loving home," Zhou said in a speech at the donation ceremony.

The embassy and the Chinese community were proud that through their support, the children's home has achieved remarkable progress with a growing number of children benefiting through education, knowledge and life skills transfer as well as better childhood experiences, Zhou said.

He said their support to the vulnerable children at the orphanage and many others in the country was testimony to the long-standing friendship between China and Zimbabwe, which started during the days of Zimbabwe's liberation struggle in the 1960s and continued to flourish in the post-independence era, with China supporting Zimbabwe's economic growth and social progress.

The Chinese government has funded numerous projects to help Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwean people, with the most recent projects including the new Parliament building, the new Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport and the new 600-megawatt Hwange power station.

"Our profound relations also embody our effort to care for the disadvantaged groups and promote the well-being of the Zimbabwean people. What we have been doing here for the children's home is the epitome of these consistent efforts," Zhou said.

He pledged China's continued support to the orphanage and other disadvantaged groups in Zimbabwe and challenged the children to become exemplary promoters of China-Zimbabwe friendship.

With the donation coming just a few days before the celebration of World Children's Day on Nov. 20, the Chinese ambassador underscored the need for continued efforts in caring for disadvantaged children.

Starting with just 12 children at its inception in 2016, the care center has seen its number of children grow to about 40, with decent infrastructure set up through the joint efforts of the embassy and the Chinese businesses.

Some of the children from the home have since graduated from universities of higher education and many have started to give back to society.

Sharon Chivambo, the administrator of the Hossana Love in Africa Children's Home, told Xinhua that they were grateful to the Chinese support, but required more support to build more classroom blocks and further upgrade the water system. 

Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding poses for a group photo with children in front of the teaching building donated by China at Hossana Love in Africa Children's Home in the north suburb of Harare, capital of Zimbabwe, Nov. 14, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhang Baoping)
Miami jails are safer for inmates, including the mentally ill. Thats the way it should be

It was announced this month that, after a decade, Miami-Dades prison and jails are finally in full compliance with the demands and stipulations set by the Department of Justice. Thats welcome news because a society is measured by how it treats its most unfortunate, even prison inmates.

In laymans terms, the chances that someone detained by the Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department will be mistreated there have been reduced, thanks to the federal government.

A federal judge recently decided that Miami-Dade has met the requirements of a 2013 consent decree calling for significant changes to improve mental healthcare, reduce suicides and ensure humane conditions for those incarcerated.

Help for the mentally ill

It has taken time, effort and resources, but Miami-Dade has systematically implemented the reforms and modifications needed to meet the courts standards. It has taken the necessary steps to address past deficiencies and uphold inmates civil rights. We applaud local leaders and corrections officials for achieving full compliance.

Its a plus for our community that even those who run afoul of the law are also guaranteed a fair shake. In fact, they are guaranteeing their constitutional rights. The just treatment of those incarcerated, yes sometimes for heinous crimes, is not a bleeding-heart liberal mandate. No one being held in detention should be mistreated, physically or otherwise, in the name of keeping the public safe. Dehumanizing even those accused of breaking the law could put the public in greater peril once they are released.

Miami Herald investigations played a significant role in the DOJ stepping in.

A decade ago, Miami-Dade Corrections was plagued with scandals of fatal beatings of inmates by guards and other inmates. One galvanizing example of needed reform was the 2012 death of Darren Rainey, a mentally ill inmate given a scalding shower by guards at the Dade Correctional Institution, near Homestead. Raineys death is among the incidents that prompted a criminal investigation and the eventual DOJ oversight.

The Miami Herald also detailed the abuses in Miami-Dade juvenile detention in a series called Fight Club, exposing how young male inmates were encouraged to fight each other by guards who rewarded winners with Honey Buns. And unfortunately, as always, there were numerous reports of female inmates being sexually assaulted by guards or being encouraged to offer sexual favors for special treatment. But the treatment of the mentality ill, usually lumped in with hardened criminals, was front and center.

Slowly, conditions have improved in Miami-Dade prisons, activists say.

Miami-Dade County Judge Steve Leifman, a champion of mentally ill residents, told the Editorial Board the countys detention system has made significant strides under DOJ monitoring.

I would say that things are 100% better now than they were when this began, he said.

Leifman has played a key role in securing treatment for the mentally ill in the correctional system. As we have said in previous editorials, the county jail has been used as a de facto psychiatric institution.

That should change when the Miami Center for Mental Health and Recovery opens. It will be a one-stop center for primary care and psychiatric services, Leifmans brainchild.

When the judge lifted the oversight, she mentioned that the center would now play a major role in continuing to improve the treatment of the mentally ill. We will not just be warehousing people; we will get them treatment.

Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava praised the departments seal of approval from DOJ earlier this month.

Our Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department is proud to announce that it has successfully achieved substantial compliance with the DOJ for the first time in a decade! the mayor wrote on Facebook.

Protection for all inmates

The adoption of DOJ guidelines means inmates are promised the following:

 Protection from harm: Miami-Dade prisons must take reasonable measures to protect prisoners from violence at the hands of other prisoners or staff. This includes providing adequate supervision and proper classification of prisoners.

 Humane conditions: Facilities must meet minimum standards for sanitation, medical care, nutrition, hygiene, clothing, shelter and safety. Overcrowding is not allowed. This is often was the source of many problems.

 Access to courts: Prisoners must have meaningful access to courts to challenge unlawful treatment or conditions of confinement. This includes access to legal materials and assistance.

 Due process: Prisoners facing disciplinary charges that may result in loss of privileges or solitary confinement have rights to notice, a hearing before an impartial decision maker and a limited ability to call witnesses or present evidence.

 Limited use of force: Force by staff can only be used as a last resort or in emergencies and must be proportional to the situation. Non-lethal weapons and restraints are preferred.

 Protections for vulnerable groups: Pregnant women, juveniles and others have restrictions on housing with adult prisoners and additional programming requirements.

Unscheduled inspections

To keep the corrections department on the right path, the DOJ will stage unannounced inspections and investigations to ensure compliance with constitutional standards. That is the only one we can avoid returning to old, inhumane ways, which is so easy to do .

In short, this clearance by the DOJ demonstrates Miami-Dades commitment to operating its detention facilities lawfully and justly.

The announcement is an important milestone that validates the progress made within the countys jail system.

Meeting the demands of the DOJ consent decree ensures Miami-Dade jails serve our societys highest principles of justice and human rights.
MIAMI - Tropical moisture began surging into Florida on Tuesday, bringing heavy rainfall and prompting a days-long threat of flooding on Florida's Atlantic coast, including the Miami area.

A new area of low pressure developing off South Florida will tap into the energy from a low in the Gulf of Mexico, currently bringing rain and wind to the Gulf Coast states from Louisiana to Florida.

"This is going to be a mess for Florida," FOX Weather Meteorologist Stephen Morgan said. "And a bit of a sneaky system, too, in South Florida. It's not West Florida. We wish it was the Gulf Coast. And we'll watch to see if they get anything. But this is a heavy rain event that we see shaping up in South Florida."

WHAT DOES PERCENT CHANCE OF RAIN MEAN ON FOX WEATHER APP?

Florida coastal storm set.

The FOX Forecast Center said this new low, combined with deep tropical moisture, sets Florida up for repeated showers and thunderstorms beginning Wednesday into Thursday, increasing the flooding threat for Florida's Atlantic coast. The National Hurricane Center has even outlined the area for possible tropical development.

Rain is expected to continue through at least the next 48 hours, which is expected to cause widespread flooding across South Florida.

Flood watches have been issued for many communities along Florida's east coast through at least Thursday morning, including Miami, Jupiter, Boynton Beach, and Palm Beach.

For Wednesday, NOAA's Weather Prediction Center has upgraded the excessive rainfall risk to moderate in South Florida. A moderate risk of flooding means that scattered flash floods are likely and that numerous flash flooding events with significant events are possible.

South Florida is forecast to receive between 5 and 8 inches of rain through Thursday, creating flash flooding concerns in the Miami metro area.

According to the FOX Forecast Center, more than 12 inches is possible in a few locations.

Thunderstorms capable of producing rainfall rates of 2 to 2.5 inches per hour could pose the most significant flooding risk to urban areas in Miami and Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday.

Tuesday's rainfall pushed Fort Lauderdale's yearly precipitation accumulation to over 100" for the year, with a trajectory of beating the all-time wettest year of 102.36" set back in 1947.

The National Hurricane Center outlined an area east of Florida Tuesday afternoon, saying they expect an area of low pressure to develop near Southern Florida.

While tropical formation is not expected in the next several days, it will continue to bring unsettled weather to the Sunshine State.

"Although development into a tropical cyclone appears unlikely, this system is expected to produce gusty winds and heavy rains across portions of southern Florida, the Florida Keys, and the Bahamas during the next couple of days," forecasters said.

The NHC is giving it a low chance for development over the next few days.

Meanwhile, flooding is an issue along parts of the Gulf Coast too. With the ongoing moisture surge from the Gulf of Mexico, a flash flooding threat shifted from Texas into Panama City, Florida and Mobile, Alabama, on Tuesday  a risk that holds into Wednesday.

Coastal flood alerts are also in effect through Thursday for areas surrounding New Orleans and Biloxi as gusty east winds to 45 mph push elevated tides into coastal lowlands, bringing some beach erosion and minor shoreline flooding. A Wind Advisory is in effect for New Orleans through Wednesday evening.

The rain is indeed a welcome sight along the Gulf Coast experiencing long-term drought conditions.

Over half of Louisiana is in exceptional drought  the worst level  where wildfires are smothering the Gulf Coast with smoke that has created dangerous driving conditions and unhealthy air.

Mississippi is nearing 90% of the state in extreme and exceptional drought.

Unfortunately, more than a week of rain won't end the drought in either state. Regular rainfall events will be needed for drought relief.





Original article source: Millions in Florida face significant flash flood threat from tropical downpours
Lori and Valerie Flynn, Michael Flynn's wife and sister-in-law, are suing CNN for defamation. Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Michael Flynn's family kept money donated to his legal fund, according to new court documents.

Filings from CNN revealed testimony by Flynn's sister, Barbara Flynn Redgate.

Flynn's wife, Lori, and sister-in-law, Valerie, are suing CNN and accusing the network of defamation.

Retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn's family fundraised for his legal defense fund from QAnon supporters and then kept the extra money once his lawyers were paid off, according to new court filings unsealed in a defamation case.

The court documents  filed by CNN as part of a defamation lawsuit brought by Flynn's wife, Lori, and sister-in-law, Valerie, against the network  cite deposition by Flynn's sister, Barbara Flynn Redgate, who was a trustee of Flynn's legal fund.

Semafor first reported on the unsealed documents.

Lori and Valerie Flynn allege that in 2021 CNN defamed them by airing a clip it said was of Flynn taking an "oath" connected to the QAnon conspiracy theory while his family members stand beside him with their right hands raised.

The unsealed court documents were part of CNN's attempt to have the defamation case tossed.

Flynn Redgate, who oversaw donations to Flynn's legal fund, agreed in testimony that she "didn't mind taking money from people who [used QAnon] hashtags" as long as they were "directing [people] to the legal defense fund," the court documents state.

"Barbara testified that, once legal fees were paid, the Flynns themselves received the remainder of the funds," the filing from CNN says.

Flynn is a retired US Army lieutenant general and Donald Trump ally who briefly served as the president's national security adviser and later pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI in 2017.

The retired general and his family began garnering donations in 2017 while Flynn was facing a federal investigation over the 2016 election.

The Flynn family ultimately pocketed hundreds of thousands of dollars from the fund, according to Semafor.

Jared Roberts, an attorney representing the Flynn family members, did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.

In a comment to Semafor, Roberts said CNN has "resorted to inappropriate mischaracterization of deposition testimony and the facts."

"We do not intend to fight this case in the media and we will make our response according to the scheduling order of the court and in our opposition brief," Roberts told the outlet.

Representatives for CNN did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.

The CNN report at the center of the suit primarily focused on a QAnon conference, but also featured the aforementioned clip of the apparent "oath."

Flynn's brother and another sister-in-law are also suing CNN in a separate case still pending in New York federal court, according to Semafor.

In the court filings, CNN alleges that Flynn and his family leaned into the conspiracy theorist community and used them for fundraising.

When a QAnon post in June 2020 shared the oath, the network noted in the filing, that Michael Flynn changed his Twitter profile to include the hashtag "TakeTheOath."

In a recording of a phone call between Flynn and GOP lawyer Lin Wood released in 2021, Flynn said he believed QAnon is "total nonsense," and baselessly claimed that the pro-Trump conspiracy theory is a disinformation campaign created by the CIA.

Flynn also sat for a sworn deposition in his family's case against CNN, documents show, but his deposition remains sealed.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Former Trump National Security Adviser Michael Flynns family kept leftover money from a legal defence fund set up for him, a lawsuit states.

The family of the former general, who lasted less than a month in the Trump administration and subsequently has become a major figure among followers of the QAnon conspiracy, reportedly kept hundreds of thousands of dollars from the fund, according to the lawsuit that was made public on Thursday.

The fund was set up as Mr Flynn was the subject of a federal investigation regarding the 2016 election, the ex-generals sister testified in a defamation case against CNN, Semafor notes.

Mr Flynn took part in a sworn deposition in the case, which surrounds allegations made by his wife and sister-in-law that the network defamed them when it connected them to the QAnon conspiracy theory, according to legal filings. Mr Flynns deposition is sealed.

CNN asked a Florida federal judge in a filing on Thursday to dismiss the lawsuit before it goes to trial. The filing claims that the family was connected to the conspiracy theory and that they exploited Mr Flynns connection to the movement behind it as they supposedly fundraised from its backers.

Lori and Valerie Flynns argument in a lawsuit filed early last year is based on a 2021 CNN report in which a two-second clip of Mr Flynn appearing to take a QAnon oath at a Fourth of July barbecue. The CNN screenshot in the lawsuit states that the clip appeared on Mr Flynns Twitter account in July 2020. The video shows Mr Flynns family at his sides, also holding up their right hands. They have each asked for $100m in damages.

Michael Flynn appears to take a QAnon oath in July 2020 (Screenshot / CNN / Michael Flynn / Twitter / Lori Flynns lawsuit)

The CNN report mostly focuses not on the Flynn family, but on a QAnon conference with a chyron stating, CNN Goes Inside a Gathering of QAnon Followers.

Lori and Valeri Flynn argue that they were defamed when they were included in the CNN report, stating that theyre not followers of the conspiracy theory.

Mr Flynns brother Jack and sister-in-law Leslie have also sued CNN in connection to the QAnon report, Semafor notes. The case is pending in a New York federal court.

Mr Flynn resigned from the Trump administration after 22 days following reports that he misled White House officials regarding contact he had with the Russian Ambassador to the US at the time  Sergey Kislyak.

After playing a major role in the story surrounding former FBI Director James Comey, who was fired by former President Donald Trump, and the Russia probe led by Special Counsel Robert Mueller, also a former FBI director, Mr Flynn pled guilty to lying to the agency about the conversations with Mr Kislyak, who left the post eight months into the Trump administration in August 2017.

The Justice Department moved to dismiss the case several years later, ahead of Mr Flynn being sentenced and Mr Trump pardoning him in 2020. Mr Flynn has also shared conspiracy theories about the 2020 election and Covid-19.

In 2020, the Flynn family took part in the so-called #TakeTheOath movement  supporters were encouraged to recite the federal oath of office and add the QAnon-connected slogan Where We Go One, We Go All, according to the legal filing. Mr Flynn tweeted a video of himself and his family taking the oath at the Fourth of July barbecue in 2020.

CNN states that its report never names Lori and Valeri Flynn and notes Mr Flynns connection to the movement only briefly. The CNN filing argues that his family remained connected to the movement because they relentlessly fundraised  from the QAnon community for the defence fund between 2018 and 2021.

The CNN motion states that Mr Flynns sister Barbara Flynn, who served as the trustee of the fund, testified that she didnt mind taking money from people who [used QAnon] hashtags as long as they were directing [people] to the legal defense fund, Semafor notes.

The fund was used to pay for Mr Flynns legal team, but Ms Flynn testified that after that, she was paid around $265,000 and that her brother received whatever was [left over] in the account  a sum which she said was between a quarter of a million and a million dollars.

CNN argues that the prosecution of Mr Flynn and the pardon from Mr Trump galvanized support from QAnon followers, who acted like groupies.

The CNN motion asks whether the purpose of this lawsuit is to really vindicate an emotional harm or simply to get CNN.

A lawsuit from Valerie Flynn, which was filed separately but was later merged with the lawsuit filed by Lori Flynn, claims that CNN shared the notion that Valerie pledged allegiance to QAnon and that it connected the Flynns to a violent extremist group.

In early February 2021, this was a very damaging accusation. It was like calling someone a communist in the 1950s or a Nazi sympathizer in the 1940s, the lawsuit argues.

The Independent has reached out to lawyers for the Flynn family and the CNN legal team for comment. CNN Communications declined to comment.
The Scottish Tories have threatened to table a vote of no confidence in the health secretary if he refuses to hand over his parliamentary iPad.

Michael Matheson racked up 11,000 in data roaming charges on the device during a holiday to Morocco last year.

The Tories said the iPad should be handed in to check if Mr Matheson used it for constituency work, as he said.

The minister insisted the matter had already been fully investigated by parliamentary authorities.

Mr Matheson has insisted the matter was already been fully investigated by parliamentary authorities.

After initially agreeing to pay 3,000 towards the bill from his expenses budget, the health secretary confirmed last week he would pay the 10,935.74 bill personally.

A Scottish Parliament spokesperson confirmed on Monday that Mr Matheson's iPad had been examined in person by a senior IT official to ensure it was working.

They said the official reviewed the iPad's mobile data settings and data use, but stated the device did not give a "breakdown of data over a specific timeframe".

The spokesperson said the parliament had been assured the device was being used for parliamentary purposes.

A complaint about the bill was made to was also made to Police Scotland but after assessing it they decided no further action would be taken at this time.

Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross said "serious questions" remained unanswered.

Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross has issued an "ultimatum" to the health secretary

"Despite his woolly words to journalists on Monday, it's clear the Scottish Parliament officials have not examined the browser history of his iPad," he said.

"That's the only way Mr Matheson's claims can be verified, so you'd think he'd be rushing to hand it over in order to prove that there was no personal usage.

"We need to get to the bottom of this saga once and for all, so the Scottish Conservatives are issuing the health secretary with an ultimatum: hand over the iPad, for the browsing history to be checked, and deliver a personal statement in parliament explaining the full circumstances or we'll table a motion of no confidence."

A motion of no confidence requires the support of 25 MSPs to be held. There are 31 Scottish Conservative MSPs.

Mr Matheson told BBC Scotland News that the matter had been investigated by a parliamentary IT manager, who had "access to all of the data" associated with the device.

He said he would pay all of the charges "to put the issue beyond any question whatsoever".

After the parliament confirmed its officials had not looked specifically at the iPad's browsing history, Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie called on Mr Matheson to hand the device over "if he has nothing to hide".

"It's now a matter of integrity," she posted on X, formerly Twitter.

A spokesperson for First Minister Humza Yousaf said the government would "of course" back Mr Matheson if there was to be a confidence vote.

An SNP spokesperson said: "This is simply an attempt to keep a story going, days after Mr Matheson has done the right thing and agreed to foot the bill personally."

Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie has urged the health secretary to hand in his iPad

Mr Matheson ran up the 11,000 bill during a week-long visit to Morocco with his family around Christmas last year.

The health secretary, who receives receives a yearly salary of 118,511, initially agreed to pay 3,000 towards the bill from his expenses budget.

After the arrangement was reported last week, Mr Yousaf said Mr Matheson did not need to pay back the full sum as it was a "legitimate expense".

But on Friday, Mr Matheson announced he would reimburse the full cost personally.

The bill grew due to the outdated Sim card, which should have been changed after parliament officials agreed a new mobile contract with Vodafone in December 2021.

Sim card warning

Mr Matheson was emailed by officials in February 2022, and it is thought highly likely that he would have also been spoken to by IT staff when he had the Sim card in his mobile phone changed later that year.

Roaming charges are incurred when a mobile device connects to a local network outside of the UK rather than to wi-fi.

The Scottish Parliament said senior officials had accepted assurances that all costs incurred were for parliamentary purposes.

The 11,000 bill is more than the total of all MSPs' mobile phone, business line, tablet and staff phone bill expenses claimed in 2022/23 combined.

The total for all phone-related expenses last year was 9,507.

Analysis box by Philip Sim, political correspondent, Scotland

Michael Matheson said he had paid back his data roaming charges "to put the issue beyond any question whatsoever".

The problem for the health secretary is that there are still quite a few questions outstanding.

Chief among them is how exactly he ran up such a large bill in the first place.

What constituency business was he working on that could amount to 11,000 worth of data?

And if there was any personal browsing mixed in there at all - does that mean he effectively misled the Holyrood authorities to leave the taxpayer footing the bill?

The Tory threat is a hollow one in a way, because the SNP-Green government has a majority, and could vote down any confidence motion.

But even a Holyrood debate would keep the issue among the headlines, and keeps the pressure on Mr Matheson to come up with more comprehensive answers.
Michael Rogers, 55, an inmate serving time for first-degree murder in the 1994 stabbing death in southeast Topeka of a woman with whom he'd been in a long-term relationship, died Monday at Hutchinson Correctional Facility.

"The cause of death is unknown and is pending the results of an independent autopsy," said David Thompson, public information officer for the Kansas Department of Corrections.

The corrections department is following its standard protocol by having Rogers' death investigated by both the corrections department and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Thompson said.

Rogers was serving a 29-year, six-month sentence for first-degree murder, he said.

Kansas Department of Corrections inmate Michael Rogers died Monday at age 55 at Hutchinson Correctional Facility.

Topeka Capital-Journal archives show Rogers was convicted in the death of Sheila Flowers, 24, who was stabbed Dec. 4, 1994, in the 2400 block of S.E. Colonial Drive.

Rogers and Flowers had been in a long-term relationship and had a daughter together, those records show.

They indicate Flowers had been trying to get out of the relationship, and had filed for a restraining order against Rogers three days before she died.

Corrections department records say that Rogers, a Kansas prison inmate since April 1995, could have been released next November at the earliest.

Those records show Rogers had committed 86 prison disciplinary violations since January 1996, the earliest time for which figures are available.

Contact Tim Hrenchir at threnchir@gannett.com or 785-213-5934.

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Michael Rogers, 55, dies while serving time for 1994 Topeka homicide
The deepening political divide among Democrats over the Israel-Hamas war is threatening to put the partys candidates at risk in the critical swing state of Michigan, where Arab and Jewish American voters in the state stand to have an outsized impact in 2024.

Last week, one of Michigans most prominent lawmakers, Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D), made headlines when she was censured in the House for her remarks made in a video calling for a cease-fire in Gaza.

In the same video, Tlaib warned Biden that Arab American voters would not forget his administrations position on the war a year from now.

Mr. President, the American people are not with you on this one, Tlaib said in the video.We will remember in 2024.

Meanwhile, Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) has emerged as a vocal critic of Tlaibs language concerning the issue.

It shouldnt be hard to condemn terrorists and terrorism, Slotkin told CNN in October following Tlaibs statement at the time urging Biden to halt funding to Israel a day after Hamass attacks on Israel.

Though Slotkin, whos running for Senate next year, voted against the Tlaib censure, her criticism of a fellow Great Lakes State Democrat underscores the deepening rift in the party and poses challenges for Democrats heading into a heated presidential election year.

The rift was on full display last week when Tlaib released the video warning Biden of electoral consequences for his stances in 2024. The video included chants of from the river to the sea, which critics say is antisemitic and a call for the destruction of Israel.

This is the slogan of Hamas and one chanted by the same men who slaughtered 1,400 civilians and kidnapped hundreds more. Language matters. Rep. Tlaib, the words that you use mean something, said Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel (D), according to CBS Detroit. The words that you use mean something, both to the Jewish people and those who wish to destroy the Jewish people. Rashida knows this, she just doesnt seem to care.

Michigan state Sen. Jeremy Moss (D) also condemned the phrase, saying it has been co-opted as a battle cry for those who want to eradicate Jews who live in Israel from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea.

Slotkin, Moss and Nessel are Jewish.

Pro-Palestinian activists, on the other hand, argue that the phrase is a call for Palestinians to live freely.

From the river to the sea is an aspirational call for freedom, human rights, and peaceful coexistence, not death, destruction, or hate, Tlaib said in a social media post alongside the video released last week. My work and advocacy is always centered in justice and dignity for all people no matter faith or ethnicity.

Republicans say Tlaibs remarks have created an opportunity for them to tie other Michigan Democrats to her, including Reps. Dan Kildee and Hillary Scholten, who are both facing tough reelection bids next year.

The notable silence from Tlaibs Democrat companions like Hillary Scholten and Dan Kildee tells us all we need to know about their willingness to stand up for Israel and Jewish Michiganders, said Mike Marinella, a spokesperson for the National Republican Congressional Committee. Michigan voters are watching very closely, and they are seeing effects of the Democrat partys dangerous, antisemitic agenda.

Like Slotkin, Kildee and Scholten have both said they disagreed with Tlaibs remarks but did not vote to censure her.

But the divide between these Michigan Democrats also underscores Michigans melting pot of ethnic and religious communities. A Pew Research analysis of Census Bureau data found that Arabic speakers in Michigan make up 14 percent of the countrys Arabic-speaking population, while the Detroit-Dearborn-Warren metro area has the most Arabic speakers out of any metro region in the U.S., coming in at 13 percent.

Tlaib represents Michigans 12th Congressional District, which includes much of Dearborn and Dearborn Heights. Her response to the war and staunch support for Palestinians is likely to resonate with much of the districts Arab population. However, the electoral situation is more concerning for Biden, given his administrations backing of Israel throughout the conflict.

Bidens support among Arab Americans sharply dropped from 59 percent in 2020 to 17 percent, according to polling commissioned by the Arab-American Institute in October after Hamass attacks.

Among Michigan Arabs and Muslims, roughly two-thirds said they now think they would vote to replace the president, according to polling from Lake Research Partners. The same poll found that 75 percent of respondents said they would be willing to vote for a third-party candidate.

And while Michigans Arab-speaking and Muslim population is not the majority in the state at roughly 240,000, it could play a deciding factor in a state that Biden only won by a little more than 100,000 votes.

You dont have to have a huge impact on Michigan on the presidential vote to swing how it goes, said Adrian Hemond, a Michigan-based Democratic strategist. A little bit of slippage matters.

Still, the presidential election is just under a year out, and Michigan voters will likely be considering other issues. The state was ground zero for the United Auto Workers strike, which Biden appeared at earlier this year. Biden, who refers to himself as the most pro-union president, will likely tout the unions victory.

Theres also the question of former President Trump, who is not particularly popular in the Arab American community and other parts of the Democratic coalition.

Again, its very, very early. Some of his numbers are going to improve once the Republicans nominate Donald Trump, which they pretty clearly are about to do, and thatll help the president, Hemond said.

Michigans Jewish population will also wield its influence going into 2024 as the war in the Middle East rages on.

There is a whole flip side here, said Jon Reinish, a Democratic strategist. What has been all too lost in this is American Jews, and I think that youre going to see it in Michigan, he continued, citing the Detroit suburbs of Troy and Birmingham.

Those are some of the most heavily populated Jewish areas in the country. That is going to be as much of an issue in Michigan as the Muslim American vote, he said.

According to a 2021 report from the American Jewish Population Project at Brandeis University, Jewish adults make up 1.4 percent of the state electorate. Around 77 percent of the states Jewish population lives in congressional districts that include Detroit, Ann Arbor and Lansing, according to the report. Sixty-one percent of Michigans Jewish population are Democratic voters or lean Democrat.

Democrats and Republicans also warn that Tlaibs stance and rhetoric on the war could lead to a primary challenger against her, pointing to Jewish communities in her district such as Livonia and Southfield.

But Tlaib has defeated primary challengers before, including last year when she beat three other Democrats competing for her seat.

And its important to note that no voting group is a monolith, including Jewish and Arab Americans.

I dont think that just looking at this in terms of ethnicity and religion gives you a great picture into whats likely to happen here, Hemond said.

But the Israel-Hamas War represents a rarity in U.S. politics: when foreign policy becomes a top priority for voters. Biden and his administration have been walking an incredibly narrow tightrope as he continues to voice support for Israel while acknowledging the rapidly growing humanitarian crisis Palestinians living in Gaza are under as a result of the war.

I think that it is possible that Biden will be able to improve his position among Palestinians and among Arab Americans, said Bernie Porn, a Michigan-based pollster. But it all depends on how the war goes and how successful he and [Secretary of State Antony Blinken] are.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Former President Donald Trump greets the crowd at a campaign rally Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, in Claremont, N.H. (AP Photo/Reba Saldanha) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

DETROIT (AP)  A Michigan judge ruled Tuesday that former President Donald Trump will remain on the states primary ballot, dealing a blow to the effort to stop Trumps candidacy with a Civil War-era Constitutional clause.

It marks the second time in a week that a state court declined to remove Trump from a primary ballot under the insurrection provision of the 14th Amendment.

In Michigan, Court of Claims Judge James Redford rejected arguments that Trumps role in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol meant the court had to declare him ineligible for the presidency. Redford wrote that, because Trump followed state law in qualifying for the primary ballot, he cannot remove the former president.

Additionally, he said it should be up to Congress to decide whether Trump is disqualified under the section of the U.S. Constitution that bars from office a person who engaged in insurrection.

Redford said deciding whether an event constituted a rebellion or insurrection and whether or not someone participated in it are questions best left to Congress and not "one single judicial officer." A judge, he wrote, "cannot in any manner or form possibly embody the represented qualities of every citizen of the nation  as does the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Free Speech For People, a liberal group that has brought 14th Amendment cases in a number of states, said it will immediately appeal the ruling to the Michigan Court of Appeals, but also asked the state supreme court to step in and take the case on an expedited basis.

We are disappointed by the trial courts decision, and were appealing it immediately, said Ron Fein, Legal Director of Free Speech For People.

In a statement, Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung rattled off other losses in the long-shot effort to bar Trump from the ballot.

Each and every one of these ridiculous cases have LOST because they are all un-Constitutional left-wing fantasies orchestrated by monied allies of the Biden campaign seeking to turn the election over to the courts and deny the American people the right to choose their next president, Cheung said.

Left-learning groups have filed similar lawsuits in other states seeking to bar Trump from the ballot, portraying him as inciting the Jan. 6 attack, which was intended to stop Congress from certifying Joe Bidens 2020 presidential election win.

The two-sentence clause in the 14th Amendment has been used only a handful of times since the years after the Civil War. Its likely that one of the active cases eventually will be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, which has never ruled on the insurrection clause.

Last week, the Minnesota Supreme Court sidestepped the issue by ruling that Trump could stay on that states primary ballot because the election is a party-run contest during which constitutional eligibility isnt an issue. It left the door open to another lawsuit to keep Trump off the states general election ballot.

A Colorado judge is expected to rule on a similar lawsuit there by Friday. Closing arguments in that case are scheduled for Wednesday.

___

Riccardi reported from Denver.
Three hundred and fifty-six days ago, Michigan voters overwhelmingly passed Proposal 1, an initiative to increase transparency by requiring the state Legislature to pass financial disclosure laws for state government. With support from more than 66% of Michiganders, voters sent a clear message: State government must be more accountable.

In that same election, Democrats won control of both chambers of the Michigan Legislature.

Bil G. Schuette

This leaves us wondering: Why isnt transparency a priority for Michigans Democratic legislative leaders?

Two hundred thirty-three days ago, we and our Republican colleagues introduced legislation (House Bills 4261-72) to enact this mandate from voters. We understood the urgency to act, and the need for deliberation on this important issue.

Somehow, the Democratic House Majority dragged their feet, proposing House Bills 5272-75 just last week. Waiting until the last minute nearly always has negative consequences, and in this case, has given us legislation that lacks the teeth to actually create real transparency. The Michigan Senate has passed a series of bills which the House has not elected to advance, effectively muddying the waters for the future of this legislation.

Proposal 1 requires the disclosure of sources of income and future employment contracts  this is especially important as we see questions arise about conflict of interest in the state Legislature. The first iteration of the bills introduced by our Democratic colleagues barely meet these requirements. Our Democratic colleagues have told us that these bills are simply a way to get started, but the reality is: We are running out of time to pass this legislation.

Tom Kunse

There are real consequences if our colleagues fail to enact legislation that provides real transparency.

First, it's a failure to do what we were elected to do. Michiganders sent us to Lansing to do our jobs, and legislate. If lawmakers miss the end of the year deadline to enact legislation spelling out how politicians must file financial disclosures, any Michigander can sue the state Legislature and the governor. Litigation would be costly, and would potentially extend the delays caused by the slow-walking Democratic majority.

Second, our colleagues have crafted legislation that fails to live up to what voters asked for. Michigan is one of only two states that doesn't subject lawmakers to financial disclosure requirements, and with more questions than ever being raised about our appropriation and legislative processes  its past time for greater transparency in Michigan government. Where the money in a lawmaker's bank account comes from matters. Whether a family member stands to make money off an appropriation matters.

Under this newly-introduced financial disclosure package in the Michigan House, the maximum punishment for intentionally lying in a disclosure is a $2,000 fine.

In the U.S. Congress, it's $50,000, and/or five years in prison.

What makes state legislators different from federal legislators? We make and update the laws that Michiganders live and work under everyday. Michiganders deserve the government transparency and financial disclosures for lawmakers they voted for in 2022.

Democratic colleagues, it's time to bring sunshine into the Capitol, and open the Michigan Legislature and governors office up to real transparency.

Talk is cheap. Its time to deliver. Michigan is waiting.

 Rep. Tom Kunse was first elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in November 2022. He represents the 100th District, which includes Mecosta and Osceola counties and parts of Lake and Clare counties. State Rep. Bill G. Schuette was first elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in November 2022. Schuette represents the 95th House District, which includes all of Midland County, and Beaverton, Billings and Tobacco townships in Gladwin County.

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Michiganders voted for transparency. Why are Dems dragging their feet?
FILE PHOTO: A sign is pictured outside a Google office near the company's headquarters in Mountain View, California

FILE PHOTO: A sign is pictured outside a Google office near the company's headquarters in Mountain View, California

By Foo Yun Chee and Supantha Mukherjee

BRUSSELS/STOCKHOLM (Reuters) -Microsoft and Google will not challenge an EU law requiring them to make it easier for users to move between competing services such as social media platforms and internet browsers.

As part of its latest crackdown on Big Tech, the European Union in September picked 22 "gatekeeper" services, run by six of the world's biggest tech companies, to face new rules .

The Digital Markets Act (DMA) requires these gatekeepers to inter-operate their messaging apps with competitors and allow users to decide which apps they pre-install on their devices.

The DMA will apply to services from Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta, Microsoft and TikTok owner ByteDance.

Those disagreeing with the label and its requirements have until Nov. 16 to take their complaint to the Luxembourg-based General Court, which deals with cases ranging from competition law to trade and the environment.

A Google spokesperson said it will not appeal the decision.

Alphabet's Google has the highest number of services, including its Android operating system, maps and search, which will face tougher rules under the DMA.

Google has adopted a strategy in recent years of working rather than fighting EU regulators, and it would be hard for the company to win as it is the dominant player, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Companies such as Zalando and Amazon have challenged the Digital Services Act (DSA), seen as a companion legislation to the DMA, which imposes greater responsibilities on tech firms for the content shared on their sites.

Amazon, which had previously said it will continue to work constructively with the European Commission, declined comment.

"We accept our designation as a gatekeeper under the Digital Markets Act and will continue to work with the European Commission to meet the obligations imposed on Windows and LinkedIn under the DMA," a Microsoft spokesperson said.

Industry sources told Reuters that other companies such as TikTok and Meta could likely file challenges. Meta's Facebook, Instagram, Marketplace, and WhatsApp qualified as gatekeepers.

Meta and TikTok declined to comment.

TikTok earlier said that it fundamentally disagreed with the gatekeeper designation.

Apple, which Bloomberg News reported on Friday is also likely to challenge its designation, did not respond to requests for comment.

(Reporting by Foo Yun Chee in Brussels and Supantha Mukherjee in Stockholm; Editing by Sharon Singleton and Alexander Smith)
NAIROBI, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- William Ruto, president of Kenya, and Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, president of the Transitional Sovereignty Council of Sudan, have agreed to work toward a framework for an all-inclusive dialogue to end a seven-month-old conflict.

The two leaders held bilateral talks in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi on Monday evening on the recent security situation in Sudan and the region, according to a joint statement issued in Nairobi.

Ruto and al-Burhan reviewed the state of ongoing peace initiatives, including the Jeddah and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) peace processes.

"The two leaders underscored the urgent need to find a solution for the conflict in Sudan in the shortest time possible," the statement said.

The two leaders also recognized the slow progress in Jeddah, a port city of Saudi Arabia, where the Sudanese warring parties have been meeting to end the conflict which has raged for seven months, and underscored the urgency to accelerate the process toward cessation of hostilities and humanitarian assistance.

The talks, which ended last week in Jeddah, failed to agree on a ceasefire, according to IGAD, which facilitated the talks alongside Saudi Arabia.

The two leaders also agreed to work toward the convening of an urgent IGAD summit to find ways to accelerate the Jeddah process toward the cessation of hostilities in Sudan.

"The summit will also agree on a framework for an all-inclusive Sudanese dialogue," the two leaders said.

Deadly clashes have been going on between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), rival factions of the military government of Sudan since April 15.

The conflict has killed up to 9,000 people as of October, displacing more than 6 million others within and outside Sudan and leaving 25 million in need of aid, according to the United Nations. 
Seventh Circuit Judge John M. "Mo" Madonia, left, swears in John C. Milhiser as Sangamon County state's attorney at the county board meeting Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023. Milhiser, who succeeds Daniel K. Wright, previously served as state's attorney from 2010 to 2018.

John Milhiser said he has a slightly different perspective returning as Sangamon County state's attorney.

The 53-year-old Milhiser, who was nominated for the position by Sangamon County Board Chairman Andy Van Meter and was sworn in at Tuesday's board meeting after being unanimously approved, served as state's attorney from 2010 to 2018 before being appointed U.S. Attorney.

"I feel very fortunate to have this opportunity," Milhiser said earlier Tuesday, of his return. "It's a job that I understand how important it is. I want to make Sangamon County as safe as it possibly can be. I'm looking forward to that.

More: Man accused of shooting ISP trooper pleads not guilty to attempted murder

"I'm in a unique position, having (previously) served as U.S. Attorney. I've worked not only with state and local partners but with federal partners in Illinois and around the country."

Milhiser returned to the state's attorney's office in July in a part-time capacity. He earned the appointment after his successor, Dan Wright, was appointed Seventh Judicial Circuit associate judge last month.

Wright will be sworn in by Illinois Supreme Court Justice Lisa Holder White in a ceremony in Sangamon County Courtroom 7C at 3:30 p.m. Friday.

Milhiser has made one decision already: he is circulating petitions to run for the office in the March 19, 2024, Republican primary. Springfield attorney Kent Gray also has said he intends to run for state's attorney as a Republican. The general election is Nov. 5.

Milhiser will lead a staff of 20 to 25 attorneys. Overall, the office has about 50 employees.

The modern-day prosecutor, Milhiser said, is "a problem solver who needs to use all the tools in the toolbox and work with community partners in order to keep neighborhoods and our county safe.

"The state's attorney has to prioritize public safety. Job one is to reduce violent crime and get violent criminals off the street."

Reducing crime in communities also involves reducing recidivism, Milhiser said.

"If we truly want to reduce crime in the end, we have to put these individuals in the best position not to re-offend," he said. "Oftentimes, people who come into the system have mental illnesses or they have drug issues. They have other issues going on in their lives and if we just send them out into the same environment without resources and expect different behavior, that doesn't make much sense."

Also very much on Milhiser's mind is the rise of juvenile crime, which he said is at an almost "epidemic proportion" around the country.

"We have to figure out a way to reach these juveniles and get them on the path to being productive members of society, keeping them in school, training for jobs or other resources," he said. "Unfortunately, some of these violent offenders are becoming younger and younger."

Milhiser first started in the state's attorney's office in 1997 before leaving for private practice in 2003.

He returned to the office in 2008 as the first assistant state's attorney and was appointed state's attorney in 2010 when then-State's Attorney John Schmidt was appointed a circuit judge.

Milhiser was responsible for setting up a veterans court, a drug court and a mental health court, among other diversion programs, in his first stint as state's attorney.

Milhiser won elections in 2012 and 2016 before his appointment as U.S. attorney for the Central District of Illinois by then-President Donald Trump in 2018. That appointment was affirmed by the U.S. Senate in early 2019.

In that position, Milhiser oversaw the 2019 conviction of Brendt Christensen in the kidnapping and killing of Yingying Zhang, a Chinese doctoral student at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and the 2021 indictment of former state Sen. Sam McCann, R-Plainview, on wire fraud, money laundering and tax evasion charges. McCann formerly represented the Illinois 50th Senate District, which includes parts of Springfield.

Milhiser resigned as U.S. attorney in February 2021 after Joe Biden defeated Trump in the November 2020 presidential election. It is not unusual for U.S. attorneys to leave their posts shortly after a new president from the opposing party takes office.

In the June 2022 GOP primary for Illinois secretary of state, Milhiser lost to former state Rep. Dan Brady, R-Bloomington. Former state Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias defeated Brady in the general election.

Milhiser said it was "a different animal running for statewide office."

Van Meter said Milhiser was "the obvious choice" for the state's attorney job.

We are thrilled to welcome John back," he added. "I have full faith in his ability to lead the office and continue protecting the citizens of Sangamon County as our top prosecutor."

Sheriff: Pump action and semiautomatic shotguns were used in Southern View murder-suicide

One of the biggest changes since Milhiser started in the state's attorney's office 26 years ago?

"Obviously it's technology and the role it plays in the investigation of cases," Milhiser said, pointing to DNA, cell phones, and the use of body cameras worn by police officers. "It's working with our IT partners to make sure that information is securely stored, and we have access to it."

In the coming weeks, Milhiser also will have to select a new first assistant.

Derek Dion, who was in that role, is now with the Illinois Office of the State's Attorney Appellate Prosecutor. Dion will handle conflict cases and assist state's attorneys across the state as a special assistant.

Milhiser and his wife, Gail Noll, a circuit judge, have two adult daughters. Noll's brother, Gray Noll, is the Morgan County state's attorney.

Judge Noll won't be handling any criminal cases or any cases at all involving the state's attorney's office to avoid a conflict of interest.

Milhiser received his undergraduate degree from James Madison University and his law degree from the University of Illinois College of Law.

Contact Steven Spearie: 217-622-1788; sspearie@sj-r.com; X, twitter.com/@StevenSpearie.

This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: John Milhiser was expected to be sworn-in as state's attorney Tuesday
A Milwaukee man charged with killing a Black transgender woman appeared in court Monday and denied playing a role in Chyna Long's death.

Antonio S. Currin was arraigned Monday in Milwaukee County Circuit Court before Judge Mark Sanders. Currin entered a not guilty plea through his attorney, Helmi Hamad, of Milwaukee.

He's scheduled to be in court again Nov. 30 for a status conference.

Chyna Long was shot and killed on Oct. 8 in Milwaukee. She was a "leader" and a "light" to so many, her father said.

Long, 31, is the fourth identified Black transgender woman to die by homicide in Milwaukee since June 2022, a series of violence that has shaken Milwaukees LGBTQ+ community.

The four homicides come during a time of rising violence against transgender and gender non-conforming people, along with anti-transgender rhetoric and legislation in the U.S.

A criminal complaint accuses Currin of shooting Long on the 7300 block of North 89th Street the morning of Oct. 8, but doesn't detail any possible motive.

Police say in the complaint Currin matched the description of a man seen on 89th Street standing outside a tan Chevrolet Impala and talking to someone in the vehicle at 7:47 a.m. A series of gunshots were heard at that time.

More: Community calls on better enforcement of hate crimes against transgender people

Police arrived and found Long lying in the street with gunshot wounds.

Currin was later identified to police and was questioned. He told officers he had been at work that day from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Police obtained records from his employer, which is less than two miles from the homicide scene, showing Currin clocked into work at 7:52 a.m.

Surveillance footage showed him arriving at the job site in the same Chevrolet three minutes before clocking in.

Currin was convicted in 2013 of fleeing law enforcement. The felony conviction would have barred him from possessing a firearm.

More: Milwaukee police will no longer immediately report the gender of crime victims

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee man pleads not guilty in shooting death of Black trans woman
Ukraine's deputy ministers for European integration held a meeting on Tuesday and were tasked with developing a plan to implement the European Commission's recommendations in its latest enlargement report.

Source: European Pravda, citing the governments press service

The meeting of relevant deputy ministers, which was chaired by Olha Stefanishyna, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, was attended by representatives of the European Commission and the EU delegation to Ukraine.

Stefanishyna reiterated that Ukraine has completed the process of self-screening of legislation, i.e. checking its compliance with EU law. The self-screening identified about 3,000 acts that Kyiv needs to implement in its legislation.

Following the meeting, Stefanishyna instructed the deputy ministers to prepare an action plan on the list of reforms to be implemented in response to the European Commission's report on enlargement.

The government insists on Ukraine's ability to complete EU accession negotiations within two years, but it is important to understand that this two-year period has not yet begun.

Background:

In a report published on 8 November, the European Commission recommended that Kyiv start accession talks with the EU, but before that, Ukraine should implement some of the reforms that have not yet been implemented. The Ukrainian government says that Ukraine is highly prepared for accession and promises to complete the negotiations in two years.

The EU leaders' summit in December will consider whether to start accession talks with Ukraine. At the moment, the green light may be hindered by Hungary, which promises to block a positive decision for Kyiv.

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The new MoD distribution centre in Longtown will open in October 2024

A Ministry of Defence (MoD) storage facility is being built near the England-Scotland border, according to the government.

The large 86m depot will open in Longtown, Cumbria, in October 2024 and will support 450 jobs.

An MoD spokesperson said would it be a "key asset" in supporting all three branches of the military.

It is being built as part of an overhaul of the MoD's storage sites, many of which date from World War Two.

The spokesman said initial estimates suggest 300 jobs would be "supported" in the North of England and 150 in Scotland.

'Hugely important'

The site in the Longtown estate will be 7.5 hectares (18.5 acres) and will store equipment including engines and other large spare parts.

The Penrith and Border MP, Dr Neil Hudson, said it was a "monumental project".

The Conservative said: "This investment will contribute massively to the prosperity and growth of our border communities [as well as strengthening our national defence infrastructure].

"I look forward to seeing the positive ripple effects of this project, fostering economic development and job opportunities."

The Minister for Defence Procurement, James Cartlidge, said the new MoD distribution centre would be a "hugely important strategic facility".

Follow BBC Cumbria on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram. Send your story ideas to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk
A Colorado hiker who was missing for months was found dead in late October, but his 14-year-old Jack Russell terrier was found alive and waiting by the hiker's side, according to reports from the area.

A hunter came across the body of 71-year-old Rich Moore in the Lower Blanco drainage basin on Oct. 30, according to reporting by 9News in Colorado. And Moore's white Jack Russell terrier, Finney, was found alive nearby.

Authorities conduced an aerial search in order to find Rich Moore, 71, and Jack Russell Terrier Finney, who were spotted by a hunter on Oct. 30. They had been missing for nearly three months.

A flight crew headed out later that afternoon to find a suitable landing zone to recover the body but were unable to recover Moore and his dog until the next day.

After locating the pair, they were flown off the mountain by a search and rescue team.

Finney was reunited with her family after examination and treatment at a local animal hospital, according to the affiliate.

Finney the Jack Russell terrier: Dog of missing Colorado hiker found dead lost half her body weight when standing by his side

Delinda Vanne-Brightyn of Taos Search and Rescue, an agency that helped participate in the search for Moore noted how difficult it was to get to their location.

"We searched from just under the peak-top and directly West, searching down the mountain toward where his car was located. Winds were directly from the West/Soutwest. It was so steep, we were inserted in by a helicopter. He was found 2.5 miles East of the mountain-top beneath where we were inserted," according to the agency's Facebook page.

Taos Search and Rescue also extended their condolences to the family but were glad the family was able to gain some closure as well as bring their dog back home.

When were Rich Moore and his pup first reported missing?

The duo was first reported missing on the evening of Aug. 19 in the Blackhead Peak area, a rugged mountain peak east of Pagosa Springs, a Colorado town 35 miles north of the New Mexico border. They had failed to return from a hike up 12,500-foot mountain's peak, DogTime reported.

Authorities conducted an extensive search of the area, spending almost 2,000 hours looking for Moore and his pup.

Moores cause of death is currently unknown, but the Archuleta County Sheriffs Office does not suspect a crime has been committed.

More: Going for a day hike? How to prepare, what to bring

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Colorado hiker Rich Moore found dead, but his dog, Finney, was alive
ST. LOUIS  Republican Missouri Governor Mike Parson and Democratic Kansas Governor Laura Kelly have joined the National Governors Associations Disagree Better initiative. The governors recently met over Kansas City BBQ to discuss areas of agreement and how to handle disagreements constructively.

Parson highlighted previous collaborations to benefit the Kansas City Region and emphasized the importance of showing that even in disagreements, they can find common ground. Kelly stressed the need to work across state and party lines for the regions economic growth.

In 2019, we came together to end the Kansas City Border War and to support the relocation of two key USDA agencies to Kansas City. In 2021, we collaborated on the National Security Crossroads initiative. While there are plenty of things we do agree on, we understand that there are plenty that we dont too. As the 2024 election cycle heats up, we want to show the people of Missouri and Kansas that even when we disagree, we can disagree better, states Gov. Parson.

Governors sign bipartisan agreement ending economic border war between Kansas, Missouri

Getting things done doesnt just require working across state lines  it also requires working across party lines. Thats how Governor Parson and I have together grown the economy of the entire Kansas City region, states Governor Kelly.

The governors of Kansas and Missouri signed a historic agreement in 2019, ending the economic border war that wasted millions of taxpayer dollars. They credit bipartisan cooperation for stopping unnecessary corporate welfare incentives.

A study by the Hall Family Foundation revealed that over the last decade, both states spent $330 million in taxpayer money to move 10,000 jobs a few miles across the state line. Governors Parson and Kelly signed an agreement prohibiting tax abatements and incentives for companies moving within the metro area. Mayors and community leaders from both states praised the collaboration between historically opposing states.

The governors are encouraging Americans to find common ground where possible and agree to disagree better. The #DisagreeBetter initiative is an effort to promote healthy conflict resolution and improve political behavior.

Learn more about this initiative here.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
The News

After ten straight weeks in session that included the ousting of the House Republican leader, a grueling speakers election, and multiple censure and expulsion fights, lawmakers are on the verge of beating each other to death, literally.

Act 1 of To Kill a Member began with a bizarre confrontation between Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif. and Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., who accused the former speaker of elbowing him in the back while passing by in the hallway following a GOP conference meeting. Burchett was doing an interview with NPR reporter Claudia Grisales when he suddenly fell forward, as McCarthy walked past with his security detail.

Whyd you elbow me in the back Kevin? Hey Kevin, you got any guts? Jerk! Burchett yelled. He then ran after McCarthy and confronted him again, calling him pathetic when the former leader denied elbowing him. Burchett, one of the eight Republicans who helped topple McCarthys speakership, later told CNN the Californian had thrown a sucker punch into his kidney, calling him a bully with $17 million and a security detail, and the type of guy who when you were a kid would throw a rock over the fence and run home and hide behind his mamas skirt.

Gaggling with reporters later, McCarthy denied hed intentionally hit Burchett and loudly groaned Ohhhh come on now! when told the lawmaker claimed to have been left in pain by the blow. But by then, McCarthys chief antagonist in the House, Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., had already filed an ethics complaint against him about the dustup. (Reporters also noted that former Rep. Adam Kinzinger had in his book accused McCarthy of body checking him on two separate occasions.)

The Senate side had its own near brush with bedlam, when Sen. Markwayne Mullin, a former professional mixed martial arts fighter, challenged Teamsters President Sean OBrien to a brawl in the middle of a Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee hearing. The incident was the culmination of a running feud between the two men, and reignited on Tuesday with Mullin reciting taunting tweets OBrien had directed at him during the summer, including one that read: Quit the tough guy act in these senate hearings. You know where to find me. Anyplace, Anytime cowboy.

Sir, this is a time, this is a place, Mullin said. You want to run your mouth, we can be two consenting adults, we can finish it here.

OK, thats fine. Perfect, OBrien said.

You want to do it now? Mullin fired back. Stand your butt up then.

OBrien replied, You stand your butt up, big guy, at which point Mullin rose out of his seat.

Sen Bernie Sanders, I-Vt. started pounding his gavel. Hold it. Sit down! he shouted. Youre a United States senator, sit down.

Decorum also broke down during a House Oversight Committee hearing after Rep. Jared Moskowitz confronted Chair James Comer over loans hed given to his brother. You look like a smurf just going around in all this stuff, Comer responded. Moskowitz, who describes himself as vertically challenged, was wearing a plaid blue suit and matching blue tie.

Some members at least managed to keep the acrimony to the Internet. After Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif. criticized her effort to impeach Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene responded with a post on X calling her colleague a pussy.

Step Back

It is typically not considered a sign of a healthy political environment when physical violence (or the threat of it) starts flying around a legislature. Dr. Ruth Ben-Ghiat, a New York University professor who studies authoritarianism, said in an email that it is not surprising that Congress becomes a place of conflict when the Republican Party has increasingly treated threats and bullying as acceptable methods to conduct business as a party.

Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., offered a similar sentiment when Semafor asked him about the incident between Mullin and OBrien, and connected the hothouse environment in Congress to Donald Trumps rhetoric about his political opponents.

I wouldnt like the union bosss chances against Markwayne in the ring but the broader issue is getting out of control, he said. I mean when you have candidates for the presidency, referring to our opponents as vermin, when you have these sorts of comments, I'm just over that. It is to me the antithesis of what people are looking for in leadership, particularly in the challenging times we're in now.

Kadia and Joseph's View

Congress needs a vacation. Speaker Mike Johnson put it best on Tuesday as he described the ten acrimonious weeks members have spent together: This place is a pressure cooker.
Sherniqua Banks was driving with a man and her 3-year-old son when bullets started flying into the vehicle, authorities in Texas said.

When officers with the Houston Police Department arrived at about 2:45 a.m. Sept. 7, they found the vehicle crashed on the side of the road, McClatchy News previously reported.

Inside the vehicle, officers found Banks in the drivers seat, her toddler in the backseat and a 41-year-old man in the front passenger seat, officials said. The two adults had multiple gunshot wounds, but her son was OK.

Banks, 34, was pronounced dead, and the man had non life-threatening gunshot wounds, police said.

Sherniqua was very well known for helping others and having a heart of gold, according to her online obituary. Sherniqua was a very well-spoken lady who was about her business. Many people called her a go-getHER.

At the age of 31, God bless her with a healthy bundle of joy, Kruz Raymond Keyes, loved ones continued. Kruz was an extreme blessing to her, and she (loved) him dearly. She had such a pleasure of being a mother and having someone she could actually boss around. They were a perfect match until her life was taken away innocently.

Now months later, Dominique Menefee has been arrested on charges of murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, according to a Nov. 14 news release from the police department.

Following the fatal shooting, police said a witness reported seeing two vehicles driving eastbound when shots were fired from one of the vehicles.

The witness said the shooters vehicle hit a curb and blew out a tire, then continued on, according to police. Officers said they found the vehicle nearby and detained two people inside.

At that time, the two individuals were questioned and released without charges filed, police said. It was believed a third individual, the shooter, fled on foot prior to officers arrival.

Police said they identified Menefee, 30, as the suspect and charged him on Oct. 25.

The U.S. Marshals Gulf Coast Violent Offenders Task Force arrested him on Nov. 13 without incident, according to the release. He is being held in the Harris County Jail.

31-year-old mother of 2 is shot and killed while using ATM, Illinois family says

Loving mother is killed after fight breaks out near Georgia university, family says

Mom confronts thieves, then one takes her SUV with 5 children inside, Oklahoma cops say
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  The Moms for Liberty Oklahoma chapter is requesting a change of book fair vendors because of radical viewpoints and sexual ideologies being pushed in reading material.

In a Moms for Liberty Oklahoma press release from Friday the group said, It has become undeniable that a regularly occurring conduit for inappropriate books into schools across Oklahoma is through Scholastic, particularly through their book fairs.

Scholastic will drop policy that makes it easier for school fairs to exclude diverse books

The parent led advocacy group claims several Scholastic books violate Oklahoma law.

Scholastic, a once trusted company that happens to be one of the top publishers of childrens books, now appears largely focused on indoctrinating youth with radical viewpoints and sexual ideologies from a very young age at an increasingly rapid rate, a Moms for Liberty Oklahoma press release reads.

The group said they condemn the current nature of business Scholastic is exhibiting and look forward to alternative publishers and book fair companies embracing materials dedicated to building academia, character, and morality of our youth while respecting the values and traditions of parents.

Scholastic has been hosting book fairs in all 50 states for over 40 years. The publisher is also expanding to other countries including Canada, India, the United Kingdom, and Australia.

Scholastic is committed above all to supporting every childs journey to learn to read and love to read, in partnership with schools and families, said a Scholastic spokesperson Monday.

Then how do you know?: OSDE does not maintain a list of pornographic books found in schools for 2023

Defense of Democracy Oklahoma Chair, Bailee Tyler told KFOR her initial response to the Moms for Liberty press release was here we go again.

Moms for Libertys press release explains its a parents right to visit the library and the book fair to oversee what kids may be exposed to. However, parents are already allowed, and encouraged to visit the Scholastic school book fair, according to the publishers website.

Its just another thing they come up with to fight and make a fuss and to continue their attack on public education, said Tyler. Scholastic book fairs are ran by parents. Typically, parents sit down and pick out the books with their children. What is happening that theyre seeing that were not?

Tyler said she has a 14-month-old son, and while she doesnt currently have a child in the Oklahoma public education system, she fears what it might look like when her son is old enough to attend school.

Now that Im a mother, I really want to fight for his future. As parents, we have the right to determine when our children get to read material like that. Moms for Liberty doesnt get to decide when everybody else determines the material is appropriate for their children, stated Tyler.

Theres something illegal happening or theyre lying: State Supt. says several woke textbook publishers withdrew from Oklahoma

News 4 reached out to Moms for Liberty early Monday morning for an interview about specific examples of indoctrination.

I havent heard anything back yet so we will be unable to meet your deadline, said a Moms for Liberty media representative an hour after our deadline.

The Oklahoma State Department of Education Director of Communications, Dan Isett said the agency is investigating.

Superintendent Walters is always concerned and vigilant about eliminating woke indoctrination in the classroom, said Isett.

We can see right through him. This is all for political gain. He doesnt actually care about public education. He doesnt care about students. Defense of Democracy Oklahoma Chair, Bailee Tyler

Moms for Liberty has also recently requested McGraw Hill not be considered as a math textbook publisher for the state because it incorporates social-emotional learning.

Tyler said Defense of Democracy Oklahoma does not plan on sending OSDE their response to the Moms for Liberty press release.

Our biggest goal is public awareness. We want family members, community members to know what Moms for Liberty is doing. Our politicians know what theyre doing, stated Tyler. They are hurting your public schools and we will continue to get that word out. We are a grassroots movement. We dont have big donors. Moms for Liberty is funded by big political action committees like the Heritage Foundation. We arent funded by anything. We are just ran by the sheer will of parents who are fighting with everything they have to protect public education.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
U.S. President Joe Biden answers questions from the news media after signing a presidential memorandum on women's health research in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, U.S., November 13, 2023. REUTERS/Leah Millis (Leah Millis / reuters)

More than 500 political appointees and staff members representing some 40 government agencies sent a letter to President Joe Biden on Tuesday protesting his support of Israel in its war in the Gaza Strip.

The letter, part of growing internal dissent over the administrations support of the war, calls on the president to seek an immediate cease-fire in Gaza and to push Israel to allow humanitarian aid into the territory. It is the latest of several protest letters from officials throughout the Biden administration, including three internal memos to Secretary of State Antony Blinken signed by dozens of State Department employees as well as an open letter signed by more than 1,000 employees of the U.S. Agency for International Development.

The signatories of the letter submitted Tuesday and the one circulating among USAID employees are anonymous, the USAID letter explains, out of concern for our personal safety and risk of potentially losing our jobs. The signatories of the State Department dissent cables must disclose their names, but those cables have not been released publicly.

Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times

Although the Biden administration has recently started voicing concern over the high numbers of Palestinian civilians killed while urging Israel to show restraint, that budding criticism does not appear to be placating many in the U.S. government.

The letter, a copy of which was reviewed by The New York Times, began by denouncing the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas, then urged Biden to stop the bloodshed caused by Israels retaliatory military campaign in Gaza.

We call on President Biden to urgently demand a cease-fire; and to call for de-escalation of the current conflict by securing the immediate release of the Israeli hostages and arbitrarily detained Palestinians; the restoration of water, fuel, electricity and other basic services; and the passage of adequate humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, the letter states.

Organizers continued to collect signatures even after the letter was delivered to Biden, and by Tuesday afternoon the letter had about 100 more names than the 402 with which it was formally submitted. The letters organizers said they intended to inform the White House daily of updated signature counts.

Two political appointees who helped organize the letter to Biden said the majority of the signatories are political appointees of various faiths who work throughout government, from the National Security Council to the FBI and the Justice Department.

Some of the signatories helped Biden get elected in 2020 and said in interviews they were concerned that the administrations support of Israels war in Gaza clashed with Democratic voters stance on the issue.

The overwhelming majority of Americans support a cease-fire, the letter states, linking to a poll from October that shows that 66% of Americans, including 80% of Democrats, believe the United States should put pressure on Israel for a cease-fire.

Furthermore, Americans do not want the U.S. military to be drawn into another costly and senseless war in the Middle East.

Israel launched a ground invasion last month in Gaza in response to bloody attacks by Hamas on Oct. 7 that killed about 1,200 people, according to the Israeli government. So far, more than 11,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israels military offensive, according to Gazas Health Ministry.

Biden and Blinken, like Israels leadership, say they oppose a cease-fire  a long-term halt in fighting, typically accompanied by political negotiations  on the grounds that it would spare Hamas and allow it to reconstitute for future attacks. They have instead called for pauses, short interruptions in the fighting lasting perhaps a few hours, to allow for clearly defined humanitarian missions such as aid delivery into Gaza and the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. U.S. officials say they have done more than any other nation to ensure that at least some aid enters Gaza.

The two people who helped organize the letter to Biden said they had agreed to serve the administration because the president stressed that he wanted a government that was more representative of American voters. But, they said, their concerns and those of other political appointees have largely been dismissed.

Some U.S. officials said privately that while senior officials welcome disagreement, government workers must understand and accept that they will not always agree with U.S. policy. The dissent over Gaza reflects a generational divide and comes mostly from employees in their 20s and 30s, the officials said  though many older people have also signed dissenting documents, according to people who have collected signatures.

The letters of protest come after a contentious meeting on Oct. 23 at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, where 70 Muslim and Arab political appointees gathered with senior Biden administration officials, including Jeffrey Zients, the chief of staff, and Doug Emhoff, the husband of Vice President Kamala Harris.

The meeting started with a general question: How many of the appointees have faced pressure from family or friends to resign over the Biden administrations support of Israel in the conflict? Dozens of hands shot up, according to one attendee and another who was briefed about the meeting.

Senior administration officials opened the floor to take questions and comments. Some attendees cried as they demanded that the administration call for a cease-fire, curb weapons shipments to the Israeli military and stop disregarding Palestinian civilian casualties in the Gaza Strip.

The State Department memos to Blinken were cables sent internally, through what is known as the dissent channel. The channel was created during the Vietnam War to encourage department employees to share disagreements with official policy. Under State Department rules, dissenters are protected from retaliation.

On Monday, Blinken responded to the internal dissent in a message emailed to department employees. I know that for many of you, the suffering caused by this crisis is taking a profound personal toll, he wrote, adding that he was aware that some people in the department may disagree with approaches we are taking or have views on what we can do better.

He added: Were listening: What you share is informing our policy and our messages.

c.2023 The New York Times Company
MANILA, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Tuesday said it has approved a loan of 400 million U.S. dollars to help the Philippines achieve its medium-term fiscal strategy and finance its post-pandemic economic recovery through a stronger focus on revenue mobilization.

The ADB said the program is its first policy-based loan dedicated to domestic resource mobilization (DRM) reform.

It will help address the Southeast Asian country's need to tackle discrepancies in tax policy frameworks to boost tax compliance, reduce tax avoidance, and raise more revenues from activities and products that significantly impact the environment or contribute to climate change, the bank said.

ADB Senior Economist for Public Finance Aekapol Chongvilaivan said the DRM program will result in a higher tax-to-GDP (gross domestic product) ratio and ensure sustainable financing for the country as it sets out to achieve its goals under the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028. 
AUSTIN (KXAN)  While training to be an obstetrician and gynecologist in Fort Worth, Dr. Danielle Mathisen learned she was pregnant. Her initial excitement sharply turned to heartbreak when she discovered 18 weeks into her pregnancy that her baby had no formed brain structures, only one kidney and a hole in the spine.

Mathisens doctor told her that the baby was unlikely to survive or would suffocate upon delivery. Mathisen and her husband decided to have an abortion.

MORE: Women sue Texas over abortion ban, say it risked their lives

After learning Colorado clinics were inundated with Texans, Mathisen traveled with her husband to New Mexico, where she received an abortion.

Kristen Anaya, also from the Dallas-Fort Worth area, went to the hospital when her water broke just over 16 weeks into her pregnancy.

At the hospital, Anaya began presenting with symptoms of sepsis  spiked fever and uncontrollable shakes  but because the baby still had a heart, the hospitable could not provide an abortion. For 22 hours, Anayas symptoms worsened, leaving her vomiting and shaking nearly constantly, until the doctor was able to get permission to perform the abortion.

She spent five days in the hospital recovering from the sepsis infection, according to a press release from the Center for Reproductive Rights.

Texas trigger law banning most abortions officially taking effect in the state

These two women, along with five others who could not get abortions despite having dangerous, and sometimes life-threatening, pregnancy complications, joined a lawsuit filed in March against the State of Texas. The lawsuit now has 22 plaintiffs and argues that the Texas Constitution protects the right to an abortion when a pregnancy will lead to life-threatening or health-threatening conditions.

The lawsuit also asked the court to clarify what circumstances qualify as medical emergency exceptions and to allow Texas doctors to make that call without fear of punishment.

The [plaintiff] numbers will continue to grow until the state of Texas gives doctors clarity on who they can help and when. Yet, the Texas government is doubling down on these laws that continue to risk the lives and health of every pregnant person in Texas. All we are asking for is common-sense guidance that will allow doctors to use their good faith judgment without fearing loss of their license and life in prison. We will be at the Supreme Court of Texas fighting for that basic protection at the end of November, Molly Duane, Senior Staff Attorney at the Center for Reproductive Rights, said in a press release.

In August, a Texas district judge issued a temporary injunction to block the abortion ban for women with severe pregnancy complications. The next day, the Office of the Attorney General filed an appeal to the Texas Supreme Court, thwarting the judges ruling from going into effect.

Texas Abortion Laws

After the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Rove v. Wade, Texas had a trigger law that automatically instated an abortion ban. The law prohibits nearly all abortions except for limited circumstances, such as in a life-threatening condition to the mother caused by the pregnancy.

A physician who performs an abortion outside the circumstances detailed in the law could be punished with a sentence of up to life in prison and a $100,000 fine.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
A Colorado-based materials engineering firm has plans to bring more than 200 jobs to Morrisville as part of a new lithium-ion battery business. The company, called Forge Nano, seeks to be the latest to join North Carolinas burgeoning lithium-based economy by establishing a division called Forge Battery in the Triangle.

We are extremely excited to launch Forge Battery in the Battery Belt, where we intend to produce batteries for the worlds most demanding applications, Forge Nano CEO Paul Lichty said in a statement.

On Tuesday, Forge committed to hiring 204 people in Wake County and investing $142 million in the area by the end of 2027. The facility will be located on Southport Drive at a new life science manufacturing site called CaMP Morrisville.

The facility will produce batteries for defense, aerospace, and specialty electric vehicle markets, Forge spokesperson Will McKenna told The News & Observer. He shared the company has already begun hiring director-level staff in the Triangle.

On Tuesday, the North Carolina Economic Investment Committee awarded Forge a job development grant worth up to $1.5 million over 12 years. Wake County and the Town of Morrisville combined to offer additional incentives valued at $1.7 million.

In addition to its jobs grant, the company said it stands to receive another $6.5 million from the state, including sales tax exemptions on planned capital investment.

Forge Nano is set to join a growing field of lithium-based businesses in the state.

Last month, North Carolina approved a lithium-ion battery plant from the India-based Epsilon Advanced Materials that promises to bring 500 jobs to a new facility near Wilmington. Soon after, Toyota announced a substantial increase in employment and investment targets at its lithium-ion battery site outside of Greensboro.

Two lithium mining companies  Albemarle Corp. and Piedmont Lithium  are also seeking to expand or revive operations in North Carolina.

Lithium-ion batteries are key components in many electric vehicles and energy storage systems.

North Carolinas growing leadership in clean energy can be seen everywhere you look, and Forge Batterys decision continues our momentum, Gov. Roy Cooper said in a statement Tuesday. New jobs, new investment, and new opportunities for our people are coming fast as we embrace this vital new sector of the global economy.

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The mother of a Florida dentist convicted in a 2014 murder-for-hire killing of Florida State law professor Dan Markel was arrested and taken into custody at Miami International Airport on Monday night.

Donna Adelson was arrested on charges of murder, conspiracy and solicitation in Markel's murder, the same crimes for which her son, 47-year-old Fort Lauderdale dentist Charlie Adelson, was convicted a week before. Donna Adelson's daughter and Charlie Adelson's sister, Wendi Adelson, was previously married to Markel.

The arrest was a bombshell development in the nearly decade-long Markel case, coming in rapid-fire succession after a jury convicted Charlie Adelson on Nov. 6.

Donna Adelson, 73, is the second member of her family and the fifth person to be charged in connection to the murder amid a bitter post-divorce fight between Markel and his ex-wife.

Prosecutors have argued that members of the Adelson family conspired to hire hit men to kill Markel. Latin Kings gang member Luis Rivera, Sigfredo Garcia and Katie Magbanua, are also all in prison in connection with the murder.

Donna Adelson was arrested Nov. 13, 2023, and booked into a Miami-Dade detention facility.

Victim's former mother-in-law was trying to flee country, officials say

State Attorney Jack Campbell confirmed to the Tallahassee Democrat, part of the USA TODAY Network, that Donna Adelson and her husband, Harvey Adelson, were intercepted at the airport Monday, and that they had one-way plane tickets to Vietnam, with a stop in Dubai.

Investigators had the evidence needed to charge Donna Adelson, but her trip to the airport sped up their timeline, Campbell said.

"That's what forced our hand," Campbell said. "We started talking to some of our law enforcement partners about the complexities of trying to bring someone back from either Dubai or Vietnam. And that might be a very complicated and lengthy process. So thats why we had to make a decision quickly."

Campbell added that Donna Adelson was in the process of trying to flee, which will be part of the state's evidence in its case against her. The United States does not have an extradition treaty with Vietnam.

Her arrest came less than 24 hours before a Leon County grand jury is scheduled to meet, though it's unclear whether her case will be heard. All first-degree murder charges run through the grand jury.

Donna Adelson was arrested and booked into the Miami-Dade jail. It was not immediately clear when she will be transported to the Leon County Detention Facility, where her son is incarcerated while he awaits sentencing.

Campbell said the state did not have the evidence to arrest Harvey Adelson, a retired dentist and former owner of the Adelson Institute in Tamarac, where Donna Adelson served as office manager and Charlie Adelson, a periodontist, also worked.

A state exhibit in the murder trial of Charlie Adelson.

What happened to Dan Markel?

Markel, then a 41-year-old father of two young sons, was shot twice in the head the morning of July 18, 2014, after parking his car in the garage of his Trescott Drive home. He died the next day at a hospital.

The investigation by the Tallahassee Police Department and the FBI led to the arrests of the two hit men, Rivera and Garcia, and Magbanua, who was the killers link to Charlie Adelson.

Rivera took a plea deal in 2016 in Markels murder, and flipped on Garcia and Magbanua, the mother of Garcias children and Charlie Adelsons ex-girlfriend. Both Garcia, found guilty in 2019, and Magbanua, found guilty in her second trial last year, are serving life in prison.

Charlie Adelson faces a mandatory life sentence in prison. Leon Circuit Judge Stephen Everett asked for a pre-sentence investigation, and the next court date is set for Dec. 12. Rivera avoided a life sentence, getting 19 years in prison for second-degree murder in exchange for his cooperation. Magbanua also opted to cooperate after her conviction, taking the stand against Charlie Adelson early in his trial.

Assistant State Attorney Georgia Cappleman told reporters after Charlie Adelson was found guilty that she didn't know whether more people would be charged. "Stay tuned," she said.

Who is Donna Adelson and what is her connection to the murder?

Donna Adelson, who has three children with her husband, Harvey, is the matriarch of a family that built a successful dental practice in South Florida before allegedly planning and financing Markels murder.

Prosecutors have long considered Donna and Harvey Adelson and their daughter Wendi Adelson, Markels ex-wife and the mother of their two sons, as conspirators in the murder-for-hire plot. Wendi Adelson testified during her brothers trial that her family was not involved.

Donna Adelson featured heavily in her sons eight-day trial through wire taps with her son that were played in court and emails and texts with her family that prosecutors read aloud. Though she and her husband were both initially listed as witnesses, the state and defense both agreed to drop them before the trial.

Analysis: Even after almost a decade, Dan Markel murder saga may not be over

Prosecutors said the nasty post-divorce proceedings, including a request by Markel to bar Donna Adelson from unsupervised visits with her grandchildren, provided the motive for the murder. Countless communications among the Adelson family  which featured heavily in Charlie Adelsons trial  would resurface in any future prosecution.

In one email from June 2013, Donna Adelson, who referred derisively to Markel as Jibbers, told her daughter that it was time for action after a judge denied her request to relocate with the kids to Miami. Cappleman read the email aloud during closing arguments.

Its time to take control of your life and not let Jibbers think hes won anything by having you remain in Tallahassee, eight hours away from the only family you have. You can be a good actress when you want to. Ive seen you in action. You need to put on the performance of your life. Jibbers hasnt beaten the Adelson family yet.

Assistant State Attorney Georgia Cappleman presents her closing argument to the jurors Oct. 10, 2019. Cappleman displays a graphic showing the connection of the defendants to the Adelson family and Dan Markel.

When the FBI turned up the heat on the family in 2016, it dispatched an undercover agent posing as a blackmailer to rattle Donna Adelson outside her Miami condo and get her and others talking on wires.

In a call soon after to her son, she avoided explicit talk about what had just happened  that the agent had given her a newspaper article about Markel and instructions to pay $5,000. She said it involved probably the two of us. So you probably have a general idea what Im talking about.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Donna Adelson arrested days after son's conviction in Dan Markel murder
After nearly 35 years, authorities investigating the killing of a small girl found in a dump site, one of Georgias oldest unsolved cold cases, have charged the childs mother and her boyfriend at the time with murder and other offenses, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation announced in a Monday news conference.

Baby Jane Doe, publicly identified Monday as 5-year-old Kenyatta KeKe Odom by GBI Special Agent in Charge Jason Seacrist, was found December 21, 1988, by road workers who came across her body concealed in a discarded TV cabinet and encased in concrete at an illegal dumping site in Ware County in southeast Georgia.

Baby Jane Doe is no longer unnamed, is no longer unknown, Seacrist said. The baby that was thrown out into a trash pile has been identified and were working to bring justice to her.

Seacrist said investigators believe Kenyatta was killed near the southwestern Georgia city of Albany, in Dougherty County.

After decades without breakthroughs in the case, the GBI published a news release in December 2022 asking the public to submit tips. According to Seacrist, a woman contacted investigators the following month and told them she believed she knew who the child was.

She told investigators that she knew of a mother whose child had gone missing. At the time the mother explained that the child went to live with her father, but the woman told investigators she was skeptical.

Investigators looked into the womans claim and were able to identify Kenyatta. After the GBI secured a grand jury indictment in Dougherty County on November 1, investigators moved to arrest the childs mother, Evelyn Odom, and her boyfriend from 1988, Ulyster Sanders Sr., Seacrist said.

Both were arrested Thursday and taken to Dougherty County to face charges, Seacrist said. Odom was arrested in Cook County, Georgia; Seacrist didnt say where Sanders was arrested.

Odom, 56, and Sanders, 61, have been charged with felony murder, first degree cruelty to children, aggravated battery  family violence, concealing the death of another person, and conspiracy to conceal the death of another person, Seacrist said.

Both are in Dougherty County jail, according to online records, and Odom has a court date set for Tuesday.

We believe that there is evidence beyond a reasonable doubt that will lead to justice being found for Kenyatta, Dougherty County District Attorney Gregory Edwards said at the news conference.

Investigators started looking into DNA sequencing in 2019 and in 2022 found the child had a family connection in Albany, but they had been unable to find any other details, Seacrist said.

Investigators continue to work to identify Kenyattas father, whom Seacrist described during the news conference as a little bit of a secret over the years.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
The mother of an American imprisoned in China for over 10 years and facing execution is calling on President Biden to take action during his upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi to secure her sons release for a crime she and many others say he did not commit.

"President Biden, you need to please say Marks name and tell him [Xi] what do you want to let him go," Katherine Swidan, the 73-year-old mother of Mark Swidan told Fox News Digital on Monday, the 11-year anniversary of the day her son was wrongfully arrested by Chinese authorities.

"We have the people, We have the military. We have the money. What's the problem?"

Mark Swidan was 38-years old when he went to China on business looking for flooring for construction work in November 2012. He was arrested after his driver and translator were allegedly found with drugs.

WH OFFICIALS CONFIRM DATE, LOCATION FOR BIDEN'S US MEETING WITH CHINESE PRESIDENT XI

L- Mark Swidan and his mother Katherine Swidan R - President Biden

A United Nations report determined that Swidan, who has no history of drugs, was not in possession of drugs on his person or in his hotel room, and records show he was not even in China at the time of the alleged offense.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

The U.N. report said that the 11 other people arrested with Swidan as part of the alleged trafficking ring were unable to identify him and that the conviction was based on his visiting a factory that had once been used to manufacture methamphetamine.

Swidans mother told Fox News Digital she has "no confidence" that Biden and the State Department will be able to secure her sons release during Wednesdays visit and bases that lack of confidence on communications she has received from government officials who are "sympathetic" but unable to give her any concrete answers on where things stand with her son.

BIDENS FAILED FOREIGN POLICY WITH CHINA IS BASED ON A DISASTROUS IDEA

Mark Swidan was arrested in China in 2012 on drug charges the U.N. says aren't legitimate

The State Department, in a press release earlier this year in response to China upholding Swidans death sentence, referred to his situation as "wrongfully detained" and said the Biden administration is "personally focused" on securing his release.

Swidans mother told Fox News Digital that he has not had a medical exam in 9 years and has 4 abscessed molars, several fractures, a dislocated knee, hands that have been broken 5-7 times due to torture and that he has lost over 100 lbs in confinement. She added that the last time a U.S. official visited Swidan, last August, the official was "horrified" at Swidans physical condition.

Swidan said that the Biden administration has consistently told her they have a "plan" to secure Marks release but that they have been tight-lipped about what that plan entails.

"I dont think you ever had a plan," Swidan said. "I dont think youve talked to them about Mark. Everything I see in the news on every single station, everything I see points to you having a speech, having a good old time, praising China and saying congratulations on your historic whatever and that does not sit right with me. China only understands strength."

JOE BIDEN RECEIVED $40K IN 'LAUNDERED CHINA MONEY' FROM BROTHER IN 2017, COMER SAYS

Swidan's mother says she was told by a U.S. official on Friday that her son had been moved to a new facility, Dongguan Prison, the previous week which she says she should have been told earlier.

"I said how come nobody told me?" Swidan recounted to Fox News Digital. "You can send me an email. It takes 2 minutes and I'm up all night anyway, because it's daytime in China and I don't want to miss a phone call."

GOP Sen. Ted Cruz, who represents Swidan's home state of Texas, told Fox News Digital that "Chinas imprisonment of Mark Swidan is unjust and an outrage."

"The Biden administration has everything they need to make his release a priority in their talks with the Chinese Communist Party," Cruz said. "Congress has spoken out repeatedly and unanimously to urge them to use the full range of American diplomacy to bring him home. Enough is enough. It must be a top priority."

Texas GOP Sen. John Cornyn, in a resolution earlier this year led by Cruz, wrote that the "human rights abuses Mark has suffered at the hands of the Chinese Communist Party are horrific and I will continue to push the Biden administration to expedite his case and secure his release."

"Mark Swidan, a Texan, has been in a Chinese detention facility for over a decade for a crime he couldn't have committedhe wasn't even in the country," Texas GOP Rep. Michael McCaul, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, posted on X last week. "When Chairman Xi flies to the US this month, the White House must demand Mark is on that plane with him."

CALIFORNIA CITY REMOVES HOMELESS IN BEAUTIFICATION BEFORE BIDEN'S SUMMIT WITH CHINESE PRESIDENT XI

Chinese President Xi Jinping

A State Department spokesperson directed a request for comment on any conversation Biden may have with Xi to the White House but said that the department "continually" raises Swidan's captivity during meetings with Chinese officials and that there is "no greater priority" than Americans detained overseas.

The White House did not respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.

Swidans mother expressed frustration that Blinken seems to "running from country to country handing out money like its water" while her son sits in prison sleeping on a concrete floor for over a decade.

"Throw them [China] a billion and let him out, you know, because with hostage situations thats what they want," Swidan said, adding that the Biden administration has had the "gall" to tell her in the past that they dont know what China wants in exchange for her son.

Swidan says she worries every day that her sons deteriorating condition and inhumane living conditions will lead him to take his own life in prison before his release can be secured.

"I'm not going to give up hope and even if something happens to him, God forbid, I'm still going after these people," Swidan told Fox News Digital. "Everybody that dragged their feet and made excuses whether they're in China or in America. They are going to see the biggest global lawsuit they've ever seen and I don't even want one penny out of it. I just want them to know what they did to this man."

Biden is set to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday in San Francisco, California and the White House says the two leaders are expected to discuss the relationship between the United States and China, including the importance of maintaining "open lines of communication."





Original article source: Mother of wrongfully detained American on death row in China calls on Biden to confront Xi: 'Say Mark's name'
The World Health organisation says moving the most vulnerable patients at the badly hit Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City is "impossible" (-)

The World Health Organization insisted Tuesday that moving the most vulnerable patients from Gaza's Al-Shifa hospital has become an "impossible task".

The Israeli mission in Geneva had at the weekend slammed the WHO, the UN humanitarian agency OCHA and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) for criticising Israel's month-long call for civilians and patients to leave the Palestinian enclave's main hospital.

Israel has faced growing international pressure over its offensive the since the October 7 Hamas attacks.

Israel says 1,200 people, mainly civilians, were killed in the attacks and 239 people taken hostage. Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry says at least 11,240 people have been killed in Israel's air and ground campaign since.

"The international community could have facilitated the transfer of patients, but they did nothing, except call out Israel and give Hamas a free pass," the mission said.

But the WHO said moving the most fragile patients would inevitably lead to deaths.

"The reason we said that people can't be evacuated is first of all ... the people in the hospitals were very vulnerable, very sick. So moving them was an impossible task," WHO spokeswoman Margaret Harris told journalists in Geneva.

She said it would be "asking doctors and nurses to move people knowing that that would kill them".

"And again, why would you need to move them? A hospital should never be under attack. A hospital is a place a safe haven. This is agreed under international humanitarian law."

On Tuesday, Israeli forces were at the gates of the sprawling Al-Shifa hospital that they say sits atop an underground Hamas command base, but the militants deny the charge.

Doctors say thousands of people are stranded inside in horrific conditions.

The ICRC said on X, formerly Twitter, that under international humanitarian law, "hospitals are protected because of their life-saving function for wounded and sick".

While it is possible for hospitals to lose that protection under certain circumstances, "this is not a free license to attack", it insisted.

Israel says it is not targeting Al-Shifa hospital. It has called on the whole polulation of the northern Gaza Strip to move to the south of the territory.

Harris said there was a lack of healthcare capacity in southern Gaza, with most healthcare, especially the most complex, usually provided in the north.

She said many hospitals were unable to admit new patients.

Moving patients from the north "might kill them -- but also, where did they go? Where do you put them?" said Harris.

"There were very clear reasons why that was not something that was in any way feasible."

rjm/nl/tw
As if the Minneapolis Police Departments reputation couldnt take any more punches after the murder of George Floyd, the latest scrutiny theyve come under is for the promotion of a cop accused of being racist. Now, the public is wondering if the department is really taking their whole police reform vow seriously.



Aimee Linson, a 25-year MPD vet, was placed on paid leave for an entire year following the resurfacing of a racist email she forwarded within the department back in 2012. Of the messages contents was the subject line Only in the Ghetto along with half a dozen images of negative portrayals of Black people, according to the Star Tribune. It was almost a given after the Justice Department found the MPD was riddled with racial bias and abuse of deadly force that any smidgen of racism would sound off alarms.

Read more

OHara defended the decision by highlighting Linsons experience leading both the Crisis Negotiations and Shooting Response teams. Of the Lieutenants currently available to oversee Homicide, Lt. Aimee Linson is the most qualified, OHara said in a statement to the Star Tribune on Wednesday. In addition to her ability to interact with individuals in the initial moments of grief after a homicide, she understands complex investigative processes and is well suited to provide leadership for those responsible for the crucial role of homicide investigations.

Since the DOJ ripped them a new one, the MPD was required to partake in a consent decree - a legally binding, court-ordered agreement to initiate police reforms. However, Linsons promotion seems to have thrown a wrench in the departments progressive foot forward.

The city, and MPD specifically, is not in fact committed to the change that they claim to be embracing. Theyve got consent decrees hanging over their heads and theyre still doing the same stuff that created the need for the consent decrees in the first place, said Kimberly Milliard, from the Racial Justice Network via CBS.

More from The Root

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Click here to read the full article.
Over 90 ships have left the ports of Odesa and exported 3.3 million tons of Ukrainian agricultural and metal products since Aug. 8, according to the Infrastructure Ministry.

Six ships with 231,000 tons of agricultural products left last week and are moving along the sea corridor established by the Ukrainian Navy, while another five ships are waiting for permission to enter Ukrainian Black Sea ports.

The movement does not stop despite the threat from Russian forces. In particular, the Russians launched a missile strike on a Liberian-flagged cargo ship entering the port of Odesa on Nov. 8.

Read also: Bulgarian farmers protest imports of Ukrainian produce

Mykola Horbachov, head of the Ukrainian Grain Association (UGA), explained in an interview with NV Business what is happening with grain exports, whether the harvest has increased this year, and whether farmers are returning foreign currency earnings to the country.

NV: Russia scuppered the Black Sea Grain Initiative (BSGI) this summer. The aggressors have partially destroyed the infrastructure of the Danube ports, while exports through the western borders by car and rail have become more difficult. How did all this affect our grain exports?

Horbachov: We send quite a lot by rail for export, namely about 1 million tons of grain and oilseeds per month. And this is a permanent indicator. Of course, everything is not so simple, and were trying to improve communication with our neighboring partners, but the shipments didnt stop.

We export about 400,000 tons of grain and oilseeds by road every month. We even set records for several months, shipping 600,000 tons per month, but this doesnt fundamentally change the situation. The work of the Danube ports also didnt stop as 2.5 million tons were exported through them in September, and about 1.8 million tons in October. The decrease in deliveries is due to the reorientation of supplies through the ports of Odesa. This opportunity appeared two weeks ago thanks to our Armed Forces.

Read also: Russian missile strikes Liberian-flagged cargo ship near Odesa, Ukraine says

Were currently working to ensure that foreign partners and insurance companies consider these export routes as permanent. By the way, in October, farmers have set a record for exports since July 1, 2023, namely over 3.5 million tons of grain and oilseeds. The situation was better last year since about 3 million tons of products were exported every month only through the grain corridor.

NV: Russian aggressors have repeatedly attacked the infrastructure of the Danube ports. Is it true that all products are now shipped from trucks?

Horbachov: No. The infrastructure of the Danube ports and those of greater Odesa is different. If the latter have elevators that can store 100,000 tons of products each, theyre smaller near the Danube River, for 2,000 or 5,000 tons. If the aggressors destroy such a warehouse, its not too much. Moreover, a dozen new terminals are currently under construction in this region.

Indeed, some traders want to ship products from trucks as it reduces risks. The grain is actually stored in these trucks, so the drivers bear the risks. And this is also not the best solution.

NV: You stated in late October that exporters were suffering millions of losses due to idle ships in the port of Odesa. What affects this and has the situation improved?

Horbachov: The situation has improved. The ships are idle due to several factors, such as weather conditions and military intelligence data, which doesnt recommend taking ships to sea at a certain time. However, every such idle day costs a lot, because were a country with a high level of risks. Companies lose $1.5-2 per ton every day. Some ships were idle for three or five days during these two weeks of the grain corridor. Large ships from 3,000 to 90,000 tons enter the ports of Great Odesa.

Read also: Ukraine tightens restrictions on grain exports

NV: The Ukrainian Grain Association has updated its assessment of the potential harvest of 2023, increasing it by another 1.1 million tons to 81.6 million tons of grain and oilseeds. Lets remind the harvest reached 73.8 million tons of grain and oilseeds in 2022, according to UGA. Will it affect prices in the domestic market?

Horbachov: The domestic market in Ukraine is relatively small as we consume 25-28 million tons of grain and oilseeds annually. Therefore, the increase in harvests will affect export opportunities, so were more dependent on open routes for the delivery of grain abroad. Prices may even drop in the domestic market.

NV: Are farmers really suffering losses for the second year in a row?

Horbachov: Yes. Its easy to calculate them. For example, loaded grain in the Romanian port of Constanta currently costs $210. Its necessary to pay $100 for delivery and $10 per ton for loading. Corn should cost $100 per ton at the elevator or in the producers warehouse, but the cost price, i.e., cultivation, harvesting and drying, is $140-150 per ton. That is, losses amount to $4050 per ton. The situation is the same with wheat sales.

Read also: Poland to build sea terminal for Ukrainian grain exports

NV: Did farmers reduce the area of farmed land this year? Does the crop structure change?

Horbachov: Barley crops are decreasing as its the least profitable crop. A little more than 440,000 hectares of winter barley were sown as of early November this year compared to 600,000 tons in mid-November last year, according to the Agriculture Ministry. The structure is also changing since agricultural producers focus on sowing the most profitable oilseed crops, such as rapeseed, soybean, and sunflower.

Read also: Germany to send Ukraine air defense systems to protect grain shipments  report

NV: The National Bank of Ukraine announced in early October that the exporting companies hadnt repatriated foreign currency earnings worth $8 billion. Why?

Horbachov: Ive seen different data. Two months ago, word came out about the non-return of less than 1% of foreign exchange earnings and there was no problem. Later the figures of $7 billion and $8 billion appeared, followed by a new figure of $3 billion announced a week ago. I dont know how to comment on this data and how theyre calculated. Im sure the farmers return foreign exchange earnings to the country.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Agatha Christies play The Mousetrap opened in Londons West End in November of 1952. The play is an archetypal Christie mystery: A group of intimates and strangers, gathered in an isolated location, react to a recent shocking murder, all while a keen-witted detective tries to figure out which of them is the culprit. Its a timeless setup for a reason. The pressure-cooker atmospherethe close-quarters psychological combat, the small resentments and simmering tensions, even the physical discomfort of sharing space for that longturns ordinary murder mysteries into devilish social experiments. The Mousetrap, in part because of this recipe, had the longest opening run of any play in history. For nearly 70 years, it ran uninterrupted, breaking off only when the Covid-19 pandemic shut down theaters in 2020.

Its ironic that The Mousetrap, the ultimate lockdown drama, couldnt withstand the lockdown itselfespecially since isolated, ensemble-cast murder mysteries like it have had a minor renaissance in the pandemic era. Mike Whites The White Lotus, a study of wealthy tourists going mad on vacation, became a surprise hit in 2021. The second installment of Kenneth Branaghs actual Agatha Christie franchise, Death on the Nile, was a streaming sensation in 2022 (and has been quickly followed up this year by A Haunting in Venice). Rian Johnson offered his own spin on an Agatha Christie mystery in 2022s arch Glass Onion. Since 2020, M. Night Shyamalan has released two separate films with ensemble casts trapped in life-or-death puzzles at isolated holiday destinations.

None of these works is about Covid in a straightforward way. Rather, they are pandemic dramas in the sense that they offer an uncanny mirror image of the lockdown experience. The claustrophobic security of the quarantine pod, the unsettling rise of surveillance testing, the very idea of other people as potential vectors of death to be eyed suspiciouslythe pandemic era lent eerie specificity and depth to the conventional outlines of the Mousetrap plot. These narratives appear newly perceptive about a world transformed socially, culturally, and economically by an invisible, omnipresent threat.

This month, FX releases its own Mousetrap. A Murder at the End of the World, if you can believe it, features a group of intimates and strangers, gathered in an isolated location, reacting to a recent shocking murder, all while a keen-witted detective tries to figure out which of them is the culprit. It is, in many ways, a familiar pressure cooker. It also happens to be, so far, the best work of isolation TV Ive yet seen, an epic of pandemic-era dreams and compromises.





Zal Batmanglij and Brit Marlings difficult, delirious two-season Netflix series The OA was one of the unheralded masterpieces of streaming television. At once a kidnapping thriller, a metaphysical heist serial, and a cult melodrama, the show played with the space afforded by streaming, stretching run times and hopping across genres with revelatory ease. A Murder at the End of the World, the first show Batmanglij and Marling have made since The OAs cancellation, is rather more conventionally structured in comparison, though it displays the same beguiling mix of philosophical earnestness and tender wit.

The series begins with hacker and amateur detective Darby Hart (The Crowns Emma Corrin) at a bookstore reading for her debut true-crime book, The Silver Doe. That opening reading sets up two timelines that A Murder will alternate between every episode. The first tells the story of her book: In her late teens, Hart stumbles upon a series of interconnected Jane Doe murdersher father is a coroner and trained her in the family business of forensic crime scene investigation. She then begins to put the pieces together alongside Bill (Harris Dickinson), another young, punky amateur detective, whom she meets online. The two eventually fall in love, but the psychic strain of the investigation drives them apart just as they appear to solve the mystery. What precisely becomes of those lovestruck kidstheir relationship, but also that teenage feeling that animates their gumshoe adventuresis itself one of the shows slowly unraveling mysteries.

The other half of the show takes place in the present. In this timeline, Darby has replaced her high school bangs with an edgy pink pixie cut and her childhood farmhouse with a postindustrial loft apartment. Her book has caught the eye of an Elon Muskstyle tech billionaire named Andy Ronson (Clive Owen) and his wife, Lee Anderson (Marling). They invite her to a kind of pop-up think-tank retreat with a handful of artists, scientists, financiers, and inventors in a remote, UFO-shaped private hotel in the glaciers of Iceland. They have also invited Billwho is now a successful Banksy-like conceptual artist going by the name Fangs. The twists come fast and free after that reveal. There are tense, telling looks between guests; stumbled-upon scenes of secret strife; and, of course, a couple of unfathomable murders.

As Darby works to figure out whats going on in Iceland, the show intercuts her youthful exploits with Bill on the trail of those lost Jane Does. There is real romance and chemistry between Corrin and Dickinson, and the show wisely spends lots of time with their courtship in flashback. What could easily have been shortened to a few repeated scenes of the couple tousling or falling asleep on a gingham picnic blanket becomes a full-fledged parallel plot, with shades of Terrence Malicks Badlands. Its to Batmanglij and Marlings credit that they dont abandon that romance to the intrigues of the Icelandic noir, and its to the spellbinding Corrins credit that they can play so many different versions and eras of the same character, Darbys sharp eyes hardening but not dulling over time.

The whole thing plays out as a True Detective in the style of Michael Claytona prestige whodunit fused with a startling comedy about the nearly occult style of corporate rot. The characters often speak with ethereal poetry, as if theyre mediums channeling spirit voices from beyond the veil. Lee, for instance, telling Darby that the hotels security cameras are wireless, and thus hackable, says, Footage of every doors camera is flying invisibly through the air, through your body, through my body right now. The slicing modern lines, grisly crime scenes, and snow-slicked plains of this series might tempt some to see an icy void at its core, but Batmanglij and Marling are romantics. Their Icelandic sublime is animated by terror and awe, ghastly magic and wonder in every sheer cliff and Wi-Fi router.





Viewed as a pandemic drama, A Murder at the End of the World is more than its depictions of isolation, surveillance, paranoia, and FaceTime. One of the shows repeated emphases is on the space and imaginative freedom that isolation can bring. One of the retreat-goers asks, in a moment of TED talk profundity, when we have the space to contemplate the radical future of humanity, where will that take us? The shows dark, disappointed answer is that it often brings us up against our own limitations. Instead of liberating ourselves of the norms that govern our minds and imaginations, we work to stabilize and reinforce them. Without spoiling, its fair to say that when we eventually see Ronsons vision of the radical future of humanity, it looks a lot like humanitys extractive, exploitative, VC-funded present.

The show is filled with case studies in the danger and allure of capitulation and compromise. Lee was once a rogue hacker, now playing trophy wife for a bloviating billionaire; an acclaimed young filmmaker whos a guest at the hotel sells his soul to collaborate with AI on his latest script; even Darby seems uncharacteristically impressed by Ronsons wizardly tricks at first. In fact, one of the shows funniest, knottiest bits is Darbys budding partnership with Ronsons generative AI Ray, whos accessible via voice command in nearly every scene. They have a sort of gothic meet-cute in Darbys cavernous loft that ends with Ray delivering a genuinely sweet, disarming monologue about Lisa Simpson. By the third episode, Ray is Watson to Darbys Sherlock, a confidant who provides her with a bottomless source of information and an invaluable sounding board in a lonely place. Its enough to make us forget that Ray is everywhere, with everyone, part and parcel of whatever evil Darbys trying to uncover.

That easy slide into complacency and credulityeven for our unflappable kid sleuthis at the heart of whatever pandemic-era profundity this show has to offer. A Murder at the End of the World isnt merely a restaging of our lockdown dramas, its a sometimes laughably broad, sometimes surgical dissection of the squandered social opportunities of the Covid era.

Rachel Greenwald Smith wrote, in her 2021 book, On Compromise, The pandemic is revolutionary, even if it is brutally so. It makes the impossible possible. For a few months there, a society built around a spirit of mutual care and responsibility seemed possible. Yet this radical vision of the future collapsed as soon as it could, swallowed up by the uncompromising demand for essential workers, the fatigue of all that earnestly performed empathy, and the sucking maw of conspiracy. Ronsons insistence on continuing his hollow Ideas Festivaland the groups ready compliance with that, even after a member of the party is murderedis all the pandemic allegory the show needs. Who ever let a little death get in the way of an in-person meeting or a new way to make money?





Its hard, it seems, to make art that responds to cataclysmic world events in real time. Many of the most direct attempts to represent the strange rituals and anxieties of the pandemic fell flat. The long-running series that didnt ignore the pandemic tended to their Covid storylines with the same commitment of people who wore masks under their noses; numerous films and series tried to utilize the Zoom grid to thudding effect; a handful of horror filmmakers used the pandemic as a way to contrive new slasher scenarios. But, by and large, nothing transcendent has come out of these quickie attempts to represent the upheaval of recent years.

Some of the best, most searching and even cathartic works of art about contemporary cataclysmsSpike Lees 2002 25th Hour and Claire Messuds 2006 novel, The Emperors Children, come to mindrender those events obliquely, or even not at all. The White Lotus and Hercule Poirot and Benoit Blanc, for all their frivolity, told us more about the social experience of the pandemic than any number of Very Special Episodes about ventilators or anti-vaxxers.

These series are not just distant shadow plays of our anxieties. Streaming TV is a medium we live with intimately, paced to the rhythms of our days; the things we choose to watch and the way we choose to watch them are expressive, not in a creative way, but in an almost confessional one. In the mousetrap or at the end of the world, anyone can be guilty, everyone can be guilty. Theres beauty and terror, and there are meetings, long hikes, video calls, and PowerPoint presentations and human beings delivering food at your door in the cold. The bodies keep piling up anyway, and we ask ourselves: Whodunit?
Floating farms have become as ubiquitous at Inle Lake as its famed houses on stilts and leg-rowing fishermen (SAI AUNG MAIN)

From a gently rocking boat, Nyunt Win tends a floating tomato crop in the cool water of Myanmar's famed Inle Lake, nestled in the Shan Hills and once the country's most popular tourist spot.

The floating farms have become as ubiquitous at the UNESCO-recognised reserve as its famed houses on stilts and leg-rowing fishermen, but locals warn that the plantations are slowly choking the lake.

The ever-expanding farms are eating up surface area, sending chemical runoff into the waters, and clogging the picturesque site with discarded plant matter, opponents say.

Nyunt Win once farmed on dry land near Inle, but he told AFP the "productivity was not great".

Several years ago he bought a share in a floating plantation and now makes 30,000 kyats ($14) per box of tomatoes.

"We're not prosperous but we can rely on this for a living," he said.

But aquaculture comes at a cost to the lake. The farms must be anchored in place and the produce shielded from the sun -- mainly by invasive water hyacinths.

The weed grows rampantly on the surface of Inle, depleting oxygen levels by blotting out light for other plants, so it makes for a free and abundant building block for plantations.

Out on the lake, Si Thu Win heaves mounds of water hyacinths and other aquatic plants from the water to shore up and protect his plants.

"The (tomato) plants do not last long if it's sunny," he says.

"To protect the roots, we have to cover them."

- Clogged shore -

Between 1992 and 2009, the portion of Inle covered by floating farms increased by 500 percent, according to a report from Myanmar's government.

And the area under cultivation has only expanded since then, residents say.

"Mass production" now means the price farmers get for their produce is lower, grumbles Si Thu Win.

The farms do not last forever and when they begin to rot, farmers cut them loose and build new ones, leaving rotting mounds of foliage to clog up the lakeshore.

Floating farms are "ruining" the lake, an official from the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation told AFP, requesting anonymity.

Local authorities have tried to corral the drifting refuse into designated areas, but they do not have the resources to manage, he said.

"That's why the lake is getting narrower," the official said.

Farmers like Nyunt Win deny they are strangling the lake. They say the bigger problem is that decades of slash-and-burn agriculture on the surrounding hillsides have caused soil to wash into the streams that feed Inle, slowly filling it in.

"When I was young the water would cover the top of a 12-foot bamboo pole," he said.

Now, during the summer months he can "pick up handfuls of soil" from his boat, he said.

The farm boom has pitted tomato cultivators against the fishermen who ply the lake, with 24-year-old Nay Tun Oo alleging that chemical runoff from the crops pollutes the water.

"When I was young and attending school, the water in the lake was not that bad," he told AFP, adding that many species of fish that are good to eat can no longer be found.

A 2017 UN report found "considerable overuse of chemical fertilisers and pesticides" on floating farms, polluting the lake and damaging the surrounding ecosystem.

A new conservation law for Inle was proposed by the regional parliament in 2019 but has not progressed beyond a draft stage.

- Business -

Businesses around the lake also worry that its shrinking surface and environmental degradation will drive tourists away.

"Our Inle lake area was very big when we were young," said Kyaw Kyaw, 38, who owns a jewellery shop on the lake and employs 20 gold- and silversmiths.

"As there are too many floating farms, the water we use for drinking and washing isn't clean anymore."

Inle was once a major tourist destination, drawing around 200,000 foreigners and a million locals a year before the Covid-19 pandemic dented travel.

But there has been no recovery thanks to a military coup in 2021 and clashes between the junta and its opponents across swathes of the country.

Inle Lake lies in the southern part of Shan state, the far north of which has seen fierce fighting over the past two weeks between junta forces and ethnic armed groups.

"It has been three years already... and no foreigners are visiting here," Kyaw Kyaw said.

Some of his metalsmiths are now learning other languages so they can go abroad for work, he said, while others are now working as carpenters.

Si Thu Win said he did not want to leave the lake.

"We are just happy living in Inle," he said.

"We are also worried about the lake disappearing."

hla-rma/pdw/tym/mtp
(CNN)  Some little kids dream of building a treehouse. But one Japanese man turned his childhood dream into an adult reality.

Growing up in Tokyo, Satoru Kikugawa frequently visited the family summer home in the countryside, where he learned to appreciate nature. A Japanese childrens book called I Want a Big Tree sparked the dream of having a treehouse one day.

However, it wasnt until decades later that a family trip to Borneo brought urgency and the push to make that dream a reality.

As Kikugawa explains it, he was flying over the island when he saw a large forest cut down and turned into a palm plantation.

I understand economically that selling lumber brings a stable income, but this impacts carbon levels and the diversity in wildlife. So I thought about how we can save the environment that can still provide income for the locals, says Kikugawa.

It was the first seed of what is now Treeful(https://treeful.net/), an upscale resort in Okinawa prefecture.

There was just one problem  Kikugawa had absolutely no idea how to build a treehouse. By day, he worked as the chairman of Gala, Inc, a company that creates role-playing video games, among other projects.

He turned to YouTube and began watching instructional videos. It took years, plus plenty of trial and error. He had to teach himself how to use a circular saw and other carpentry tools.

Kikugawa was able to buy some land in forested Okinawa. But instead of choosing the location and then cutting down a tree, he walked around until he saw the right tree, which he hugged. From there, he began to build the house around it.

A family affair

I didnt get much support initially when I had this [treehouse] idea, Kikugawa says. Many saw me as just a rich man looking to find a hobby.

But there was someone who believed in Kikugawas idea  his daughter Maha. She tells CNN that her father instilled a love of nature in her from childhood.

Maha went on to major in ecosystem science and policy at the University of Miami. Then, she accompanied her dad on trips to Costa Rica and the US to visit similar treehouse projects.

Kikugawa completed the first of his structures, Spiral Treehouse, in 2014. It became the first part of what is now Treeful.

I look up to my father and his passion for making the world a better place though treehouses, Maha tells CNN Travel.

From an early age, my father taught me the importance of nature. Now we are working together through this sustainable treehouse resort to protect it and send a message to others on its values.

Leaving no trace

Now, there are four treehouses at this resort, each built to ensure as little disturbance to the environment as possible. One, the AeroHouse, was built 1.2 meters above ground level to protect the local wildlife habitat.

Wooden dowels were used instead of metal bolts, and rooms have composting toilets. Well water is sterilized with ultraviolet light, avoiding the use of chlorine.

The floors and ceiling are made of shredded wood so the sunlight can still flow through the treehouse and provide energy to the plants that lie underneath, avoiding disruption to the ecosystem.

In-room decor, like lamps and bookshelves, is also made with stones and branches that have fallen naturally from the forest.

And Donna, the resort goat, keeps the grass maintained.

Building a treehouse, building a legacy

Seven years after Kikugawa started building a treehouse, the resort opened in 2021.

Since then, it has won several design awards and recognition from Guinness World Records for having the worlds lowest treehouse(https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/703813-lowest-treehouse), clocking in at 3.6 m (11 ft 9 in) below the base of the host tree.

But Treefuls founder has visions beyond his native Japan.

Kikugawa is working with the Cambodian government on a project to build treehouses inside Phnom Kulen National Park near Siem Reap.

Its one of several initiatives aimed at combatting illegal logging.

From 2016 to 2021, Cambodia has lost more than 38,000 hectares of forest  nearly 9%, forcing USAID to end its forest protection program after over $100 million dollars in investment.

I want to grow this business and take it international, says Kikugawa.

Getting there

Visiting Treeful requires planning ahead.

Its a 90-minute drive from Okinawas Naha Airport (OKA), or three hours by bus (with one transfer) from the town of Genkawa Iriguchi.

The Treeful staff advises getting there before sunset, as they dont use artificial lights and the forest can get quite dark.

Treeful Treehouse Sustainable Resort, 578, Genka, Nago City, Okinawa, 905-1141, Japan.

This story wa first published on CNN.com, "One of Japans most elegant hotels is actually a treehouse."
2nd Lt Gilbert Haldeen Myers went missing after his plane crashed over Sicily in 1943

Forensic scientists have helped find a missing US World War Two co-pilot eight decades after his plane crashed.

A team from Cranfield University in Bedfordshire travelled to Sicily to investigate the area his bomber came down in, in July 1943.

Remains of US Army Air Forces (USAAF) 2nd Lt Gilbert Haldeen Myers, 27, from Pittsburgh, were discovered along with plane wreckage.

The university said it was glad it could bring "closure" to his family.

He was one of 72,000 US personnel still unaccounted for from World War Two, Cranfield University said.

The co-pilot was in a B-25 Mitchell bomber from Tunisia on a mission to attack the Sciacca Aerodrome in Sicily, Italy, along with five others.

The bomber was brought down by anti-aircraft fire, landing about 1.5 miles (2.4km) from the aerodrome.

The remains of 2nd Lt Gilbert Haldeen Myers have been identified 80 years on

Witnesses at the time said one crew member bailed out before it crashed. There were no survivors or any record of passengers being taken prisoner.

In 1947, investigators conducted search and recovery operations near Sciacca, but could not find 2nd Lt Myers.

Eighty years on from the crash, forensic experts from Cranfield University's Recovery and Identification of Conflict Casualties team (CRICC) and the US Defense Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Accounting Agency (DPAA) headed to Sciacca to try again.

Twenty people from Cranfield scoured the impact zone, carrying out meticulous examination of tonnes of soil.

In October, investigators announced they had located parts of the wreckage alongside human remains belonging to 2nd Lt Myers. He was identified via DNA analysis in the US.

Dr David Errickson, senior lecturer in Archaeology and Anthropology at Cranfield Forensic Institute, said the excavation site presented a "challenging environment".

Scientists used "wet screening" - a process of passing material through water "to separate and analyse human remains and artefacts".

Dr Errickson said: "The recovery of 2nd Lt Myers' remains not only facilitates a proper full military honours burial, but also allows the family to receive any personal effects found. Most importantly, it brings closure for the families of those missing or killed in action."

Ahead of Remembrance Day, he was buried in St Petersburg, Florida, on 10 November, Cranfield University said.

Follow East of England news on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a story? Email eastofenglandnews@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp 0800 169 1830
Nadine Dorries, the first sitting MP to take part inIm a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! more than a decade ago, has offered her prediction on Nigel Farages controversial forthcoming turn in the jungle.

The former Ukip leader, known for his outspoken right-wing views, has jetted off Down Under to appear on the new series of the ITV show, which sees a group of celebrities living together and taking part in gruesome and gruelling challenges in the Australian jungle.

You can find the initial celebrity lineup here.

Farage is the latest in a long line of politicians to take part in the ITV competition series. Back in 2012, Conservative politician Dorries became the first sitting MP to take part in the show, temporarily losing the party whip as a result. She spent 12 days in the jungle and was the first celebrity to be eliminated.

Appearing on Good Morning Britain on Tuesday (14 November), Dorries suggested that GB News presenter Farage would do very well on the show.

Asked if she felt Im a Celebrity would increase his popularity, Dorries said: I think Nigel will do very very well. Hes got the chutzpah, hes got the personality. I think hell do very well in Im a Celebrity.

Of the impact the show had on her own career, Dorries said that it gave her immense power due to the growing popularity of Farages former party Ukip at the time.

Nigel Farage will appear on the new series of Im a Celebrity (ITV)

Ukip were doing very well at the time, and I remember there was absolute panic in my party at how well Ukip were doing, she said.

George Osborne removed my whip, because George Osborne and David Cameron together can be quite an act and they removed my whip, and suddenly wanted to get it back to me because they were suddenly scared that I might jump into Ukip.

Dorries theorised that history repeats itself, as Farages newly rebranded Brexit Party, now known as Reform UK, is beginning to do very well now.

Speculating that Farage could be appearing on Im a Celebrity to provide a boost to the group, she said: I think his power base is Reform. And I think thats probably what hes doing this for, to give Reform a boost.

Farages appearance on the show comes one year after disgraced former health secretary Matt Hancock on the competition. Despite criticism from the public and initial scepticism from his campmates, Hancock reached the final, where he finished third.

Dorries appeared on the show in 2012 (PA Archive)

According to reports, Farage has been offered 1.5m to take part in the 2023 series. If so, this would make him the highest-ever paid contestant in Im a Celebrity history.

Throughout his career, during which Farage was one of the leading figures in the campaign to leave the European Union, the politician has been accused of making xenophobic and racist comments.

As a result, many have threatened to boycott Im a Celebrity over his involvement in the series.

Speaking ahead of his appearance on the show, Farage acknowledged that millions hate him, but said that he hopes to dispel public misconceptions that he is mean spirited.

The idea that somehow the things I represent  mean-spirited, small-minded, nasty, the little Englander  all those accusations that have been flung at me over the years just arent true. If we can dispel some of those misconceptions, then that will be a good thing too, he said.

Of Hancocks appearance on the show, Farage said that he understands why the Tory MP signed up to the show as he went in there with his reputation on the floor.

Im a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! returns Sunday 19 November at 9pm on ITV.
Two major Republican candidates have dropped out of the presidential primary race and another skipped filing for the South Carolina primary ballot since The States last GOP power ranking.

A pair of debates, a war between Israel and Hamas bringing foreign policy to the front burner, and a civil fraud trial involving the leading Republican candidate all have played a recent role in sharpening the race as it barrels toward 2024s early GOP nominating contests in Iowa, New Hampshire and right here in the Palmetto State.

The field as winnowed as former Vice President Mike Pence dropped out since The States third power rankings, and former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson wont even appear on the South Carolina ballot.

But the biggest news affecting the rankings came Sunday when U.S. Sen. Tim Scott unexpectedly announced the suspension of his campaign.

In the midst of it all, a new name has surfaced in our rankings.

In the end, South Carolina voters in the Feb. 24 Republican presidential primary will decide who receives all of South Carolinas GOP delegates.

A little refresher: The State newspaper asked seven political observers in South Carolina to rank their top five candidates according to who they believe would have the best chance to win the South Carolina Republican presidential primary if it were today. A first-place vote received five points in the ranking calculations, a second-place vote received four points, a third-place vote received three points, a fourth-place vote received two points, and a fifth-place vote received one point.

Fifth place: Vivek Ramaswamy

Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy remains at fifth in the power rankings after garnering 10 points.

Ramaswamy had performed well enough in national polls to be just off the center of the stage in the debates.

(I) just dont see him going anywhere when its done, despite a good team here. He seems more a mini Trump curiosity than a vote getting candidate, said Chip Felkel, a political operative in South Carolina who worked campaigns of George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush.

Ramaswamy has been a firebrand during the campaign and called on Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna Romney McDaniel to resign from her position following disappointing election results on Nov. 7 for Republicans.

Ramaswamy had fiery exchanges with former S.C. Gov. Nikki Haley in last Wednesdays debate in Miami, invoking her daughters previous use of TikTok, leading to Haley calling Ramaswamy scum.

Ramaswamy has shown flashes here and there, including blasting the GOP establishment as losers during the Miami debate, said Adolphus Belk, a Winthrop University political science professor. Even so, he hasnt turned the moments into momentum. Hes polling between 5 and 6 percent in South Carolina. If anything, his presence has helped Haley shine at his expense. Not a good look.

Vivek Ramaswamy, an entrepreneur who is running for the Republican Partys nomination for president, will be in Rock Hill on Monday.

Fourth place: Chris Christie

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, with 11 points, makes his debut in The States power rankings. He has not been shy with his criticism of the former president, being the main voice on debate stages to lob shots at Donald Trump.

Chris Christie continues to poll fairly well in New Hampshire, and if he can secure a top three spot in the Granite State he could beat expectations in South Carolina, said Gibbs Knotts, a political science professor at the College of Charleston. Christies criticisms of Trump will appeal to moderate and independent voters in South Carolina.

Still, Christie is polling in the single digits, and questions remain about whether he could qualify for the fourth GOP debate, scheduled for Dec. 6.

The tell it like it is Republican from New Jersey is a longshot, but he is giving the field a run for its money, said Dave Wilson, a longtime South Carolina political operative. He lacks the infrastructure, but he makes up for it in strong jabs against Trump.

Barbara Washington shakes the hands of former New Jersey governor and GOP presidential candidate Chris Christie and wife Mary Pat Christie after Sunday worship at Tabernacle Baptist Church in Beaufort, South Carolina.

Third place: Ron DeSanis

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who received 21 points in the rankings, was the unanimous third choice. He has battled with Haley to be the top alternative to Trump.

His polling numbers appear to have stabilized and he is no longer in free-fall. That said, he is way behind Trump and doesnt seem to have much of a strategy how to climb back up, said Chase Meyer, a political science professor at the University of South Carolina.

DeSantis may need a good showing in earlier states in order to do well in South Carolina.

Although Trump still enjoys a big lead in Iowa, DeSantis picked up a significant endorsement from the states governor, Kim Reynolds, who touted his moral clarity, vision, and winning track record in elections. A strong showing in the Hawkeye State could help DeSantis get a closer look from South Carolinians, Belk said.

U.S. presidential hopeful Ron DeSantis speaks to a crowd at the VFW in Rock Hill, S.C. on Thursday, Oct. 19, 20932.

Second place: Nikki Haley

The former South Carolina governor and ambassador to the United Nations under the Trump administrationreceived 28 points in the ranking and was the unanimous second choice. She climbed in the polls recently, becoming the clear second-place candidate in South Carolina and in several recent polls in New Hampshire. She also recently was tied for second place with DeSantis in a Des Moines Register poll of Iowa voters.

Poll respondents have been taking notice of her strong debate performances.

Haley is charging to be the top alternative to Trump. Shes strong on the debate stage and proved it again in Miami, especially in her handling of Vivek Ramaswamy and branding him the preferred candidate of Russia and China, Belk said.

But Haley still has work to do.

Nikki Haleys momentum is real, and she has emerged as the most likely Trump alternative in the Palmetto State, Knotts said. She has benefited from three strong debate performances, particularly when she can showcase her foreign policy experience.

Nikki Haley speaks to home-town supporters during a campaign rally at The Grove in Lexington County on Thursday, April 06, 2023.

First place: Donald Trump

Former President Donald Trump, who is facing 91 criminal charges and is involved in a civil trial in New York where a judge has ruled he committed fraud by exaggerating his wealth, still has a commanding lead in the polls for the GOP nomination, both nationally and here in South Carolina. He had 35 points in our ranking as the unanimous top choice.

Indictments and court appearances are apparently helpful, said Danielle Vinson, a professor of politics and international affairs at Furman University. DeSantis sinking seems to mostly be benefiting Trump.

Trump has the support of some of the biggest names in South Carolina politics: Gov. Henry McMaster, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, House Speaker Murrell Smith and U.S. Reps. Russell Fry, William Timmons and Joe Wilson.

While the debate about whether his legal issues are political vulnerabilities isnt going to settle anytime soon, he has continued to rack up endorsements and project inevitability, said Rob Godfrey, a longtime South Carolina political operative who previously worked for Haley. Combine this with the fact that he has hired professionals around his campaign from the start this time, and it is not a huge surprise that rivals have done little to slow him down.

Former President Donald Trump holds a campaign event at the Sportsman Boats manufacturing plant in Summerville, South Carolina on Monday, September 25, 2023.
Naperville native Trisha Prabhu reckons theres still lots of room to grow with her now global anti-cyberbullying enterprise, ReThink.

The CTIA Wireless Foundation agrees.

Last week, the Washington D.C.-based nonprofit announced it was granting Rethink $100,000 to further the work that Prabhu, 23, started a decade ago. With the funding, Prabhu hopes to expand both the capacity and reach of her initiative.

(Im) just so excited for the impact that (well) be able to realize because of this funding, Prabhu said, adding there was a lot of screaming and crying and just absolute gratitude when she first received word of the CTIA Wireless Foundations six-figure grant.

An award-winning venture, ReThink uses artificial intelligence to stop cyberbullying by encouraging users to be more careful about the messages they send or post online. Downloaded through an app, the technology is essentially an alternative keyboard installed onto users phones or laptops.

As someone types, the keyboard is programmed to catch potentially hurtful language. When it does, the software sends users an alert  before they hit send or post  asking them if theyre sure about their words: Rethink! Would you like to re-word this? Remember, you are what you type! or something similar. The alert then gives users an option to clear or continue.

Apart from the technology  which is offered in nine different languages  the broader ReThink movement to stop hate online has reached millions across 136 different countries, the organizations website says. ReThinks influence has grown with the help of schools integrating the concept into curriculum and communities establishing their own ReThink chapters to disseminate lessons locally.

But Prabhu has additional plans to render ReThink even more accessible worldwide as well as applicable to the burgeoning means of cyberbullying.

Namely, she wants to see the ReThink technology offered in more languages and she wants to see the software advance so it can keep up with the ways that cyberbullying has progressed. Things have become more sophisticated in recent years, through mediums such as ChatGPT or other generative AI systems, she said.

The CTIA Wireless Foundation funding will be a boon to both goals, Prabhu said.

Things like generative AI represent a really fundamental shift in this space and post new questions for us to tackle  but I see it as an opportunity to get better at doing this work, she said. Its an opportunity for us to stay ahead of the curve. None of this work is easy, but Im excited, especially with this funding, to be able to hopefully make a dent in these issues.

The foundation is the philanthropic arm of the CTIA, the trade association for the U.S. wireless industry. Established in 1991, it aims to advance wireless for good, Executive Director Dori Kreiger said.

For more than 30 years, the foundation has been at the forefront of social innovation powered by wireless, she said.

While the wireless industry has transformed wildly over the past three decades  pulling the foundations focus from issue to issue, solution to solution  today theyre paying particular attention to social entrepreneurs using mobile first strategies to inspire change, Kreiger said.

Like Prabhu.

As part of its push to champion these tech-savvy, socially-conscious tycoons, the foundation invites early stage entrepreneurs from around the country to apply for financial backing through a competitive grant program. Dubbed Catalyst, the program awards those using 5G and cutting-edge wireless tech to address pressing challenges in U.S. communities.

More than 100 entrepreneurial hopefuls applied for Catalyst funding this year, Kreiger said. Of those, the foundation selected a handful of finalists and winners.

ReThink received the top $100,000 prize. Other awardees, whose work ranged from digital inclusion to improving the mental health of veterans, received grants of $10,000 to $50,000.

Selected through a nearly year-long application process, Kreiger said standout entrants are innovative and ambitious in the issues they tackle. The foundation strongly encourages people of color and entrepreneurs that identify as female to apply, and is especially committed to supporting those who typically face barriers to accessing capital, she said.

They also look for applicants who are personally attuned to the impact their work could have.

We look at the lived experiences of the founder, Kreiger said. We have found that entrepreneurs that have firsthand experience with the issues they are trying to solve really understand the issue from all different vantage points and just have the ability to create more sustained impact.

Prabhu impressed the CTIA Wireless Foundation on all fronts, but especially with her personal story, Kreiger said.

Prabhu launched ReThink when she was 13 years old. The idea was a product of her own experience with bullying and online harassment and the fallout of cyberbullying that Prabhu witnessed around her.

I understood the issue really well, she said. I knew how it could (shake) young peoples confidence.  But what was really frustrating for me was reading news stories and talking to friends and realizing that it wasnt just a problem that was affecting me. It was a problem affecting people globally. I always like to call it a silent pandemic.

Across the U.S., a 2021 survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found an estimated 15.9% of high school students were electronically bullied in the 12 months prior to assessment. For 10 years, Prabhu has tried to dampen statistics.

I wanted to do something about it, she said. I wanted to make sure that no young person ever felt the way that I did. Thats what really pushed me to start ReThink.

The initiative gained traction as Prabhu rose through the ranks of Neuqua Valley High School in Naperville and Harvard University. Meanwhile, accolades for her work mounted.

In 2016, she was invited by President Barack Obama to attend the Global Entrepreneurship Summit and share her technology at the White House Science Fair. Four years later, she was named one of the 2020 inaugural winners of the Elevate Prize, an organization that rewards social entrepreneurs for their impact and leadership, according to its website. In 2021, she was the youngest honoree named to Forbes 30 Under 30 Social Impact list.

Currently, Prabhu is living in England as she studies at the University of Oxford as a U.S. Rhodes Scholar.

Trisha is just incredible, Kreiger said. With her personal experience and passion and how she has now chosen wireless as her way to tackle cyberbullying, it just stood out among all the other incredible applications.

tkenny@chicagotribune.com
A man punched in the face, knocked out of consciousness during a road rage incident, has led to a 20-year prison sentence for a Naples man.

Lee Circuit Judge Bruce Kyle on Monday, Nov. 13, 2023, adjudicated Dylan Sarwar, 25, guilty in a Cape Coral road rage case and sentenced him to 20 years.

Lee Circuit Judge Bruce Kyle on Monday adjudicated Dylan Sarwar, 25, guilty and sentenced him to 15 years in prison for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. In a news release, the State Attorney's Office said that's the maximum sentence.

Sarwar was also sentenced to five years in prison, followed by five years of probation, for leaving the scene of a crash causing serious bodily injury. The sentences are consecutive, the State Attorney's Office said.

Detectives with Cape Coral Police arrested Sarwar on Dec. 30, 2022, nearly two weeks after the incident.

About 9:30 p.m. Dec. 17, police were called to the intersection of Veterans Parkway and Country Club Boulevard in response to a victim punched in the face, knocked unconsciousness and intentionally run over, an incident report reveals.

When officers arrived, first responders were performing lifesaving measures on the victim, whose identity and pronouns haven't been released.

Prior coverage: Naples man, 24, arrested days after Cape Coral road rage incident, CCPD says

The victim had sustained injuries and fractures to the head and ribs, the report indicates.

A companion of the victim told police they were traveling south on Country Club Boulevard, approaching Retunda Parkway when a small SUV merged, causing the victim to "slam on the brakes."

He stopped at Veterans Parkway after the SUV driver performed a series of hand gestures, the report says.

Sarwar stopped behind the victim, exited his car, approached the driver and spat on his face. The victim, riding in the passenger's seat, approached Sarwar to confront him, the report indicates.

Sarwar punched the victim in the face, knocking them to the ground. Sarwar then kicked the victim's ribs several times.

When the driver approached to aid the victim, Sarwar drove straight toward the victim, the report said. The driver jumped out of the way before Sarwar struck the victim, fleeing at high speed.

Two witnesses captured the incident on their cellphones.

The victim was taken to Gulf Coast Hospital in Fort Myers, sedated and intubated.

Tomas Rodriguez is a Breaking/Live News Reporter for the Naples Daily News and The News-Press. You can reach Tomas at TRodriguez@gannett.com or 772-333-5501. Connect with him on Threads @tomasfrobeltran, Instagram @tomasfrobeltran, Facebook @tomasrodrigueznews and Twitter @TomasFRoBeltran.

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Naples man sentenced to 20 years in Cape Coral road rage incident
Former JEA CEO Aaron Zahn with his wife and attorney leave Jacksonville's federal courthouse after his first appearance following his indictment in March 2022.

COMMENTARY | In a major setback for the defense teams representing ex-JEA executives Aaron Zahn and Ryan Wannemacher, a United States magistrate judge on Monday said the grand jury indictment against the former utility leaders can stand despite complaints that federal prosecutors violated their constitutional rights.

Those complaints represent the most substantial outstanding controversy ahead of the planned February trial of Zahn and Wannemacher on fraud and conspiracy charges stemming from their time leading  and attempting to privatize  Jacksonvilles city-owned utility.

The magistrate judges 103-page report will likely influence how U.S. District Judge Brian Davis, who is overseeing the case, will decide the issue  a topic that has generated hundreds of pages of motions from the defense and prosecutors since Zahn and Wannemachers indictment in March 2022.

The indictment, to which both men pleaded not guilty, accuses Zahn and Wannemacher of secretly devising a scheme to skim profits off the top of that sale  payouts that could have amounted to millions of dollars.

From the outset, the defense teams have argued the indictment was tainted by immunized testimony the former executives provided city attorneys during their final days at JEA, when the agency had been consumed by controversy over their campaign to sell it to a private power company. Prosecutors were barred from using those statements directly or indirectly when building their case against the former utility executives.

But if prosecutors didnt knowingly use them to bolster their case, the defense has argued, the publicity those statements received in the local media improperly exposed potential witnesses, grand jurors, future trial jurors and perhaps even the prosecutors and FBI agents themselves to their contents. Throughout the course of an eight-day hearing in May in front of United States Magistrate Judge Monte Richardson, the defense pointed to news stories from the Times-Union and others, as well as tweets by journalists, including this columnist, reporting on the substance of what Zahn and Wannemacher told city attorneys under oath when they were on the verge of being fired in early 2020.

This logic didnt ultimately sway Richardson.

Defendants seem to argue that any exposure to their immunized testimony, whether by the Prosecution Team, the outside investigators, the witnesses, or the grand jurors themselves, should result in the dismissal of the Indictment, he wrote.

Not so.

This was a moonshot defense strategy rooted in enough legal technicalities to justify a months-long effort by prosecutors and ultimately two federal judges to untangle.

The centerpiece of that effort was the May hearing during which federal prosecutors disclosed previously secret evidence theyd gathered to demonstrate that their case existed independently of any protected statements the former executives had provided.

Zahn and Wannemachers arguments centered on a concept called Garrity Rights, which provide government employees legal protection if they are forced to provide potentially incriminating information to their employer during the course of an administrative investigation. This often arises in law enforcement settings: A police officer complying with an internal affairs investigation over an allegation of misconduct would likely receive this form of protection. In practice, Garrity would prevent a prosecutor from using that officers internal affairs interview as evidence when building a criminal case out of the misconduct allegation.

It's unusual for the contents of these kinds of statements to be made public, but Zahn and Wannemachers interview transcripts became public records when city attorneys finished their workplace investigation in early 2020. The contents of those statements  particularly Zahns  were the subject of reporting at the time because they helped form the basis for the board of directors decision in January 2020 to fire Zahn for cause.

It is also unusual, however, for an alleged crime to take place so publicly. Prosecutors accused Zahn and Wannemacher of tricking the board of directors into signing off on their secret payout scheme by disguising it as a harmless but complicated employee-incentive program. The crucial episode in the indictment revolves around a publicly noticed, live-streamed meeting in July 2019 during which Wannemacher provided the board an allegedly fraudulent presentation about how the purported employee-incentive plan worked  masking the multimillion-dollar payouts prosecutors believe both men knew were possible at the time.

Prosecutors relied heavily on public records to build their case  an unusual feature in a corruption prosecution  including many of the same documents the Times-Union used in its reporting on the JEA privatization controversy over the course of several years.

Those records, as well as hours of footage of public JEA board of directors and Jacksonville City Council meetings, created a deep well of independent evidence prosecutors were free to use to indict Zahn and Wannemacher.

Here, the Government has shown that the allegations in the Indictment are based on evidence and leads independent from Defendants Garrity statements, Richardson wrote.

Some portions of Richardsons report are redacted, but he noted instances in which the defense had merely made theoretical connections between evidence prosecutors had gathered and the contents of the statements both men had provided city attorneys  simply not enough, he said, to justify throwing out the indictment.

Instead, Richardson said prosecutors used reliable procedures to ensure they did not deliberately expose themselves to the contents of those statements and  more significantly  had simply amassed enough independent evidence to sustain the indictment.

Even if some of the governments evidence was tainted, Richardson wrote, it is harmless beyond a reasonable doubt as the evidence was otherwise sufficient.

I found the prosecutions presentation during the May hearing to be compelling. Relying on public records and first-hand witness interviews, prosecutors formed a remarkable story about greed, secrecy and hubris that ultimately destroyed a major project of Mayor Lenny Currys administration: selling JEA to the highest bidder (Curry has not been accused of wrongdoing in the case).

Although much of the evidence has been the subject of public reporting, federal investigators also amassed previously unknown information about what JEAs executives were up to in the run-up to their campaign to sell JEA. That included an in-person meeting between Zahn and the former CEO of a potential bidder  Florida Power & Light  during which Zahn disclosed that he was planning to put the agency up for sale. That was information hed been working to deliberately prevent from becoming public knowledge at the time (FPL and its parent company, NextEra, have not been accused of wrongdoing in the case).

Their case also relies upon extensive interviews with the City Council Auditors Office, whose employees first deciphered the alleged payout scheme, as well as with JEA executives, some of whom had never spoken publicly about their time working with Zahn and Wannemacher.

And crucially, the defense never had a compelling answer to a fundamental problem: Zahn and Wannemacher were evasive, vague, and often self-serving when they talked with city attorneys about their tenures and particularly about the payout scheme that would later form the core of the federal grand jury indictment. What use could those transcripts have been to prosecutors looking for wrongdoing?

I didnt put much stock in those interviews in terms of the facts, Jason Gabriel, the citys former top attorney, who oversaw the workplace investigation of Zahn, testified during the May hearing.

I lived all the parts of this, painful or not. And so everything Ive been telling you has been from my individual interactions with the facts, not from these exculpatory defense interviews.

The defense has two weeks to object to Richardsons findings. The trial is currently set for February.

Nate Monroe is a metro columnist whose work regularly appears every Thursday and Sunday. Follow him on Twitter @NateMonroeTU.

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Judge rules against ex-JEA executives Aaron Zahn, Ryan Wannemacher
The situation on the battlefield in Ukraine is challenging, with ongoing intense battles, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said before a working breakfast at the Council of Ministers of the EU on foreign relations (defense issues) in Brussels on Nov. 14.

I expect that during the meeting, we will discuss the situation in Ukraine, where intense battles are taking place. The situation on the battlefield is difficult, Stoltenberg said, quoted by Ukrainian state news agency Ukrinform.

Read also: NATO chief, German chancellor steeled for long struggle in Ukraine, stress support must remain strong

Highlighting the critical need for assistance, Stoltenberg called on NATO and European allies to step up their support for Ukraine.

NATO cannot allow (the Russian dictator Vladimir) Putin to win. Ukraine must prevail as a sovereign independent nation in Europe, and its in our interest to support Ukraine, Stoltenberg said.

Read also: NATO chief Stoltenberg makes unannounced visit to Kyiv for talks with President Zelenskyy

Earlier, in October, Stoltenberg acknowledged that the Russian invasion of Ukraine had depleted NATOs reserves.

In response, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, Oleksiy Danilov, said he though such a statement was a bit strange.

Read also: Courage cant stop missiles - NATOs Stoltenberg urges nations to arm 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
Environmental regulators in Gov. Roy Coopers administration have given up their fight with Wake Stone Corp. over a proposed quarry next to William B. Umstead State Park, despite objections from Cooper himself and the state agency that oversees the park.

DEQ and Wake Stone have agreed to settle a dispute over a permit that would allow the company to expand its existing quarry operation to 105 acres owned by Raleigh-Durham International Airport.

The agency denied the permit last year, saying the new open-pit mine would harm the neighboring park. But the company persuaded an administrative law judge to overturn that decision. DEQ moved in September to appeal the ruling in Wake County Superior Court but announced Monday that it had agreed to abandon that effort.

The deal, which includes DEQ paying $500,000 to Wake Stone for its legal expenses, was made to avoid the cost and delay of additional litigation, according to the agreement.

That doesnt sit well with Cooper or another agency he oversees, the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, which includes state parks. DNCR Secretary Reid Wilson said DEQ did not consult his department before signing the agreement with Wake Stone.

Unquestionably, a second quarry would damage two units of the state parks system, Umstead State Park and the East Coast Greenway State Trail, which runs through the park, Wilson said in a written statement. For decades to come, a new quarry bordering the park would bring more blasting noise, more air pollution, more water pollution, more truck traffic, harm to wildlife, and a degraded experience for the roughly one million visitors to the park each year.

Asked about the settlement Monday evening, Coopers office replied with a statement echoing Wilsons sentiments.

DEQs decision to deny the quarry permit was well-reasoned and best for the state and its parks, and I disagree with the Judges order requiring that the permit be issued and DEQs decision not to appeal and instead settle the case, Cooper said in the statement. Protecting public land and water resources is essential, and I am concerned overall about the weakening of protections through bad laws and bad court decisions.

DEQ reverses course, allows permit

DEQs Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources initially agreed with Wilson, denying the mining permit in early 2022 because it would have a significantly adverse effect on the 5,600-acre state park.

Wake Stone had asked to modify an existing mining permit that has allowed it to operate the Triangle Quarry on property between Umstead and Interstate 40 since the 1980s. The new 400-foot-deep open-pit quarry on RDU property would be connected by a bridge over Crabtree Creek to the companys existing operation off North Harrison Avenue.

Wake Stone appealed to the state Office of Administrative Hearings, where Judge Donald van der Vaart sided with the company. Van der Vaart ruled in August that Wake Stone had provided plenty of evidence to show it could operate an open pit mine next to the park without harming it and called the agencys decision arbitrary and capricious.

Van der Vaart ordered DEQ to grant the mining permit and to pay Wake Stone $878,967 to cover its legal fees.

DEQ granted the permit in September, to comply with van der Vaarts ruling, but also indicated that it planned to appeal. On Monday, it announced that it had changed course after a careful review of its options, and would no longer contest the permit. In return, Wake Stone agreed to accept $500,000 for legal expenses, rather than the full amount ordered by van der Vaart.

Meanwhile, the legal wrangling over the proposed quarry continues elsewhere.

Wake Stone is appealing a separate administrative law judges ruling that another division of DEQ erred when it authorized the company to disturb the banks of Crabtree Creek to build the bridge connecting the two quarry sites. The judge ruled that the Division of Water Quality failed to show that it had considered alternatives to the proposed 60-foot-wide bridge.

And the Umstead Coalition has sued both DEQ and Wake Stone, seeking to enforce a version of the Triangle Quarry permit that includes a sunset clause that would effectively end mining in 2031. Up to now, the state has stuck by a change it made five years ago to a single word in that clause that allows Wake Stone to keep the quarry open indefinitely, including the expansion to the RDU property.
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper joined 10 other governors in urging Congress to fund additional security for houses of worship in the wake of increased threats in the Jewish and Muslim communities.

The governors signed a letter asking Congress to quickly increase the Federal Emergency Management Agencys (FEMA) funding through the Nonprofit Security Grant Program for threatened religious centers to remain safe.

LOCAL: CMPD monitoring synagogues and mosques amid conflict in Israel

The Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel and escalating conflict have elevated concerns of potential security threats to Jewish, Muslim, and Arab communities and houses of worship across the United States and territories, the letter reads. As the war escalates, access to clear and consistent humanitarian aid is needed, and here at home, houses of worship and community centers of all faiths, races, and ethnicities will require greater resources to improve their security.

Read the full letter here.

READ MORE: A third round of US sanctions against Hamas focuses on the money transfers from Iran to Gaza

President Joe Biden also urged for an additional $200 million to go to the Nonprofit Security Grant Program.

Governors from Michigan, Colorado, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Puerto Rico and Wisconsin signed the letter alongside Cooper.

(WATCH: Dozens gather in Uptown park in support of Israel)
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) is asking for the publics help in locating a missing teenage girl from El Paso.

NCMEC says Hope Laidlaw, 15, left her El Paso home on Monday night, Oct. 30, and may have traveled to Dallas.

Hope is described as 5-feet-3, weighs 145 pounds and has brown eyes with brown hair.

NCMEC says Hope may be traveling in a green 2010 Toyota Highlander with Texas license plates SHY6628 and may use the last name Carrington.

What the vehicle may look like. Photo: NCMEC

Hopes mother, Danielle Laidlaw, says that she talked to her daughter the day before and nothing seemed out of the ordinary, but the next day she was gone, according to NCMEC.

Laidlaw shared that Hope has never gone missing before and her family is deeply concerned for her and wants nothing more than to find her safely.

If anyone has any information on Hope or her disappearance, contact NCMEC at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) or the El Paso Police Department at (915) 832-4400.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 13)  The House of Representatives unanimously adopted on Monday a resolution thanking President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for his support of the chamber.

House Resolution (HR) No. 1436 expresses the chambers profound gratitude and appreciation to the President for his invaluable support to the unity and integrity of this institution towards the realization of a common legislative agenda for a strong and a prosperous nation.

The measure is authored by Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr., Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe, Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan, and Tingog Party-list Reps. Yedda Marie K. Romualdez and Jude Acidre.

The authors said that since taking office on June 30, 2022, President Marcos has unequivocally manifested his vision of a strong and prosperous nation through unity and inclusivity, stressing that his administration is fully committed to implementing sound and vital changes to the nation's policies to achieve economic recovery and improve the quality of life of the Filipinos.

They said the smooth working relationship between the House and Marcos "re-established public trust, improved public image, and reinvigorated domestic and international confidence in the House of Representatives, resulting in a renewed sense of passion and dedication not only among the members, but the personnel as well.

During Mondays session, a video played in the plenary showing Marcos greeting Romualdez, his first cousin, a happy birthday.

Thank you for all the good work that you have done in leading the House of Representatives and a very important one that the House of Representatives under your leadership has played in our effort of nation-building, Marcos said in his video address.

Lets hope to keep that working relationship strong and vibrant. I look forward to the years to come where we can do even more good work together, he continued.
Federal authorities announced a 12-count indictment Monday, charging 23 defendants for committing organized crimes, including murder, both on the streets and behind bars.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

The defendants charged in this case allegedly perpetrated numerous violent and other criminal offenses, including multiple murders, brutal assaults, and drug trafficking crimes, on behalf of the gang Sex Money Murder, said Northern District of Georgia U.S. Attorney Bryan Buchanan. For more than a decade, these gang members and their associates allegedly orchestrated a criminal enterprise within and outside of multiple prisons to earn money for, boost their status in, and impose discipline required by, the gang. This indictment is the culmination of a lengthy and carefully coordinated federal and state law enforcement investigation aimed at dismantling this violent group.

Authorities told Channel 2s Tom Regan that the extensive criminal enterprise, which included inmates within the Georgia Department of Corrections, often used contraband cellphones to orchestrate numerous crimes for various purposes including financial profit or extracting revenge.

One of the more disturbing crimes involved the murder of a baby boy in 2014.

TRENDING STORIES:

One that sticks in my mind is the murder of nine-month-old Kendarius Edwards. He was shot to death as four gang members and associates stormed into a DeKalb County home. Court records show gang members fired twenty rounds into the home and struck Kendarius, eight others struck his mother who was trying to shield her baby. said FBI Atlanta Deputy Special Agent in Charge Sean Burke.

Authorities said the indictment was the result of a lengthy and carefully coordinated federal, state and local law enforcement investigation aimed at dismantling violent groups like this gang.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]

IN OTHER NEWS:
TikTok displayed on a smartphone with TikTok Icon seen in the background.

Nepal has banned the Chinese-owned app TikTok because its content "was detrimental to social harmony."

The decision comes days after the country introduced a new rule requiring social media firms to set up liaison offices in the country.

TikTok, which has around a billion monthly users, has been banned by several countries including India.

Earlier this year, Montana became the first US state to ban it while the UK Parliament banned it from its network.

Minister for Communications and Information Technology Rekha Sharma has told the BBC Nepali that the platform spread malicious content.

She added that "the ban would come into effect immediately and telecom authorities have been directed to implement the decision".

But Gagan Thapa, a senior leader of Nepali Congress, which is part of the coalition government, has questioned the government's decision to impose a ban on TikTok.

He said it was an attempt to curb the freedom of expression and officials should focus on regulating the platform.

TikTok has come under scrutiny from authorities around the world over concerns that data could be passed to the Chinese government.

Its parent company, ByteDance, has previously rejected the allegation. TikTok did not respond to the BBC's request for comment on the latest ban by the government in Nepal.

Although TikTok lags behind the likes of Facebook and Instagram, its growth among young people far outstrips its competitors.

More than 1,600 TikTok-related cyber crime cases have been registered over the last four years in Nepal, according to local media reports.

According to the BBC Media Action report on the media usage in Nepal, TikTok is the third most used platform nationally.

While YouTube and Facebook are popular among internet users of all age groups, TikTok is highly popular with younger age groups with more than 80% of social media users aged between 16 and 24 using the platform.

Pakistan has temporarily banned the app at least four times since October 2020 while its online shopping service was shut in Indonesia last month.
A person looks at their mobile phone at Patan Durbar Square in Kathmandu on Feb. 10, 2020. Credit - Prakash MathemaAFP/Getty Images

The Nepali government announced in a cabinet meeting Monday that TikTok would be banned to the countrys 2.2 million users to protect social harmony. The sweeping move comes just days after authorities issued a directive tightening content regulation on all social media sites.

The ban comes in response to public claims that TikTok encourages hate speech, according to authorities. Rekha Sharma, the countrys minister for communications and information technology, said at the cabinet meeting that TikTok was disrupting our social harmony, family structure and family relations.

The Nepali government said that they had reached out to TikTok multiple times but the company declined to address their concerns about the content; Narayan Kaji Shrestha, the home minister, suggested a ban on the entire app since scrubbing offending videos individually would be too tricky, the New York Times reported.

While authorities said on Monday that the ban was immediate, it is unclear when users will lose access to the platform. Some internet service providers had already cut access to the app while others would do it soon, the chairman of the Nepal Telecommunications Authority told Reuters on Monday.

Last week, the government released a directive for social media platforms outlining forbidden content, which includes hate speech, the promotion of sexual exploitation and drugs, fake news, terrorism-related messages, and private photos posted without consent.

All social media companies are also mandated to open liaison offices in Nepal so that they can better address public concerns and remove offending content. Tech giants like Facebook, X, and Instagram, which now have three months to set up offices or appoint representatives in Nepal, are also required to register with the Ministry of Information and Communication Technologyor face a shutdown like TikTok.

The Chinese-owned app, which surged in global popularity during the pandemic, has faced regulatory hurdles across the world among governments wary of Chinas influence. It has been banned in India since 2020 after an escalation in a longstanding territorial dispute with China. Meanwhile, the U.S., Australia, and several European countries banned the app on government-issued mobile phones among civil servants, citing national security concerns.

More From TIME

Read More: Why the U.S. and Other Countries Want to Ban or Restrict TikTok

Within Nepal, the TikTok ban has triggered mixed responses. Gagan Thapa, the general secretary of the Nepali Congress, said that the ban serves political purposes more than it offers genuine protection to users.

"Regulation is required to discourage those misusing social networking sites, but it is totally wrong to shut them down in the name of regulation, Thapa wrote in a Facebook post, adding that the intention behind the ban is to shrink the space for the freedom of expression and personal freedom.

Civil society groups are also urging authorities to reconsider the ban, which they say stifles constructive online discussions and may also affect content creators who depend on the platform for their livelihoods.

By completely banning Tiktok, the government's intention appears to be to block this important platform of communication and expression, said a joint statement by local journalists and non-governmental organizations, adding that the ban would [limit] the opportunities of Nepalese citizens to engage in online conversations, share their views and participate in the global digital community.

Read More: Vietnam Cites Child Safety in Calls for Greater Social Media Censorship Used to Stifle Dissent

Contact us at letters@time.com.
Nepal became the latest country to ban video-sharing platform TikTok, saying the popular app was disrupting social harmony.

Foreign Minister Narayan Prakash Saud said TikTok would be banned immediately following a Cabinet meeting Monday, The Associated Press reported. He also said the government has asked social media platforms to register and open a liaison office in the country, pay taxes and follow the countrys laws and regulations, the AP noted.

The government has decided to ban TikTok as it was necessary to regulate the use of the social media platform that was disrupting social harmony, goodwill and flow of indecent materials, Saud said.

State-run media also reported Monday that Purushottam Khanal, chair of the countrys Telecommunications Authority, asked internet service providers to shut down access to TikTok in the country.

The Hill has reached out to TikTok for comment.

TikTok, which is owned by Chinese company ByteDance, has faced intense scrutiny over the past year due to cybersecurity concerns that the Chinese Communist Party could potentially access data from TikTok. Several countries have already banned the platform of government phones, including Britain, New Zealand and the United States.

Several states in the U.S. have also banned TikTok from government devices due to cybersecurity concerns.

Some U.S. lawmakers have proposed legislation to effectively bar the app from operating in the U.S. entirely by imposing sanctions on ByteDance. TikTok has maintained it is independent of China and not subject to any requests for data from Beijing, and that it has taken steps to protect U.S. user data in particular.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A nephew was driving his uncles car when he stopped at a Missouri gas station and bought two Cokes from the convenience store, authorities said.

While he was inside the store on May 20, 2020, someone started driving away in his uncles black Saturn Aura, according to court records.

The nephew ran outside and threw a Coke can at the Aura, authorities said, then was nearly killed.

The driver in the Aura had struck him with the car, leaving the nephew with permanent and/or life-threatening injuries (including brain injuries), prosecutors said.

Now more than three years later, two men have pleaded guilty in the case, according to a Nov. 13 news release from the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Missouri.

Brandon Vandoren, 29, of St. Louis County, pleaded guilty on Wednesday, Nov. 8, to one count of carjacking, authorities said. A 31-year-old St. Louis man pleaded guilty Nov. 13 to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Their defense attorneys did not immediately respond to requests for comment from McClatchy News on Nov. 14.

Authorities said Vandoren was a passenger in a stolen Dodge Dart when he and the other man headed to a MotoMart gas station and convenience store in Jefferson County.

Their intention was to steal another vehicle, authorities said.

The St. Louis man dropped Vandoren off, then Vandoren got into the Aura and started driving away, authorities said.

After the carjacking, the two men drove away and led officers on a high-speed chase, according to court records.

The St. Louis man crashed the stolen Dart and ran away, prosecutors said, then Vandoren tried to pick him up in the Aura.

But Vandoren left him when officers caught up, authorities said. The St. Louis man was arrested.

The next day, officers found the Aura at a St. Louis County hotel, authorities said. The Aura had a damaged headlight, a damaged windshield and skin from the carjacking victim, according to court records.

Officers learned Vandorens dad had rented a hotel room, and they knocked on the door, authorities said. Vandoren answered and was arrested, according to court records.

Vandoren faces up to 25 years in prison, authorities said, and the other man faces up to 10 years in prison. They are scheduled for sentencing in February.

Man with ax tries to steal car but stops when driver starts praying, Missouri cops say

64-year-old food delivery driver repeatedly shot in carjacking, Pennsylvania cops say

Woman pulls over to check GPS and is forced out of car by armed men, Texas cops say
A Net Nanny sting that was carried out in Longview, Washington, in October and last week resulted in 15 arrests, including three men from Thurston County, according to Washington State Patrol.

The arrests were announced Monday. The sting targets those allegedly involved in the sexual abuse and exploitation of children.

All three Thurston County men appeared in a Cowlitz County courtroom on Oct. 30, court information shows.

The three men who were arrested are Justin M. Gardner, 38 of Olympia; Aaron M. Henderson, 31, of Olympia; and Pedro Romero-Rivera, 35, of Rochester.

Gardner was arrested on suspicion of first- and second-degree attempted rape of a child. Henderson was arrested on suspicion of first- and second-degree attempted rape of a child and first- and second-degree child molestation.

Romero-Rivera was booked on suspicion of second-degree attempted rape of a child and communication with a minor for immoral purposes.

Eleven men were arrested in October and four more last Thursday, according to State Patrol.

Of the 15 arrests, five are from King County, three from Thurston County, two from Pierce County, including Joint Base Lewis-McChord; two are from Cowlitz County and one each from Vancouver, Washington, Brewster, Washington, and Molalla, Oregon.
The Dutch government said Tuesday it was temporarily shelving plans to cut flights at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport, one of Europe's busiest hubs, admitting it was a "bitter pill for the environment."

The proposals to trim the number of Schiphol flights from 500,000 to 460,000 from next year faced too many legal headwinds, Infrastructure Minister Mark Harbers said in a letter to parliament.

A Dutch court blocked the plans in April and the European Commission, the United States, and Canada have also raised concerns, Harbers said.

"The government knows that suspending (the plans) is a bitter pill for the environment... I stress that the government is committed to striking a balance between Schiphol and its surroundings," the letter concluded.

Schiphol airport authorities said they were "disappointed" with the decision, "as local residents are getting the short end of the stick."

"It is time that hindrance for local residents is noticeably reduced," airport authorities said in a statement.

But airlines rejoiced.

Dutch flag carrier KLM said the decision was "an important step to prevent retaliation and to continue flying to the US."

Marnix Fruitema, head of the BARIN association of Dutch airlines, was quoted by local agency ANP as saying: "We are delighted that the minister has come to his sense in time."

The government said KLM had agreed to a series of measures that would come into force from March.

According to the minister, KLM had agreed to use its quietest aircraft at night and to avoid running passenger services between midnight and 6am.

KLM said it had agreed to a number of measures to reduce noise pollution at Schiphol, saying it "shares the government's environmental concerns and is fully committed to reducing its environmental footprint."

ric-jcp/jhe/giv
A major Los Angeles freeway that was scorched in a weekend blaze will not require demolition  and may be able to reopen in three to five weeks, California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) announced on Tuesday.

We will not need to demolish and replace the I-10, the governor said at a Tuesday morning press conference, referring to Interstate 10.

Shoring work will continue 24-7, and it will allow us to reopen for traffic the I-10 in a matter of weeks, he added.

The early Saturday morning fire, which Newsom said on Monday was likely caused by arson, occurred in a storage yard just south of downtown Los Angeles, under an elevated portion of the freeway.

While firefighters were able to battle most of the blaze on Saturday, structural damage necessitated a full closure of a one-mile freeway stretch between the East LA Interchange and Alameda Street.

This portion of the I-10 has an average daily traffic volume of 287,500 vehicles, according to an emergency proclamation issued by Newsom on Saturday.

After receiving laboratory analyses of core samples from the freeways upper deck, Newsom announced that the results were promising  positive enough to avoid a full demolition.

About 100 columns were damaged in the fire  nine or 10 severely  but continuous shoring work should enable the freeways reopening within three to five weeks, according to the governor.

This is good news under the circumstance, Newsom said, noting that the necessary materials and workforce are all readily available.

The governor also reported that evaluations of debris from the site indicate that nothing was highly contaminated, aside from a modest amount of lead released by burning vehicles. Investigators found no stored materials that were toxic and no surprises on site, he added.

Nonetheless, Newsom stressed that his office is continuing to probe the sites lessee, Apex Development Inc., which he said has an unlawful detainer on this property and on four others.

We brought down our legal team that is here and were looking at every conceivable pathway to move to expedite removal of this lessee on all the remaining sites, he said.

The governor advised residents track the construction progress and hold officials accountable, via https://fixthe10.ca.gov/, which will have real-time site monitoring by the weekend.

Therell be three to four camera angles, so that you can watch this operation unfold, again, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, until this thing gets done, Newsom added.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
SACRAMENTO, Calif.  Gov. Gavin Newsom waded into the bitter disputes between student groups over the Israel-Hamas war that have roiled college campuses in California, insisting that education leaders take more decisive action to quell related acts of hate.

The governor in a letter Monday pressed California university system heads to enforce campus safety policies and cultivate spaces for affinity and dialogue amid rising antisemitism and Islamophobia. He noted that students have been physically assaulted for voicing support for Israel and targeted because of a Jewish, Arab, or Muslim identity.

This is unacceptable and demands action, Newsom wrote in the letter, first reported here. He issued the call to the leaders of the University of California, California State University and California Community Colleges but did not prescribe what exactly their responses should entail.

The letter marks the Democratic governors most significant foray into mitigating harassment and threats of violence on college campuses since Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, beginning the latest war between the parties. It also provides political cover for the universities to take more concrete disciplinary action against students and professors accused of making backers of Israelis and Palestinians feel unsafe.

Newsoms urging stemmed from meetings over the past few weeks with UC President Michael V. Drake, CSU Chancellor Mildred Garcia, CCC Chancellor Sonya Christian and Jewish groups. And it comes as Drake prepares to announce a series of initiatives geared at quelling violence and increasing support for students affected by the conflict.

Student organizations, including Hillels and student groups in support of Palestinians, are fearful of becoming targets of hate and violence  affinity spaces should be connected to campus safety and mental health resources, Newsom wrote. Furthermore, campuses are rightly places for critical analysis and open discourse  every opportunity to model productive dialogue and common understanding should be taken.

Newsom's comments did not surprise campus leaders, who were told in advance that the letter was coming. Those officials have also been in contact with the administration since the war began, including at a Nov. 1 meeting mentioned in the letter.

"During these discussions, President Drake has emphasized that the safety of our campuses is of paramount concern and that we are doing all we can to ensure that our community is safe and welcoming for all," UC spokesperson Ryan King said in a statement.

The war has reactivated a simmering debate over Israel at California colleges  particularly at the 10-campus UC  where student activists over the past few years have called for the university to divest from Israeli companies and boycott the countrys academic institutions.



Several UC and CSU chapters of the Students for Justice in Palestine celebrated Hamas Oct. 7 attacks that killed around 1,400 people, including civilians, as a protest of Israeli settlements in Palestinian territories. More than 300 UC Ethnic Studies professors in a statement criticized university communications for distorting the unfolding genocide of Palestinians in Gaza.

Jewish organizations and the California Legislative Jewish Caucus have responded by condemning the Ethnic Studies Faculty Councils comments and detailing at length the threats being leveled at Jewish students, particularly those whove shown support for Israel. And UC Regent Jay Sures earlier this month told the Ethnic Studies Faculty in a letter that their appalling comments served to legitimize Hamas attacks, extending the volleys of criticisms between quarreling parties.

The UC Regents are scheduled to meet in Los Angeles Wednesday and Thursday, where Drake will share more details about the system's plans for addressing hate on campuses, according to King. They'll focus on "supporting impacted students and providing our campuses with additional resources to safely facilitate peaceful protest and respectful dialogue."

Raucous student protests, which Regents meetings frequently attract, are expected.
Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Monday that America and Europe would be the next targets of Hamas, as he made his case for total destruction of the U.S.-designated terrorist organization.

If we dont win now, then Europe is next, and youre next, Netanyahu said in an interview with Fox Newss Sean Hannity. We have to win.

Netanyahu painted the situation as a battle between good and evil, invoking the Dark Ages when describing the barbarism of Hamas on Oct. 7, when the group launched a surprise attack on the southern border of Israel, killing 1,200 Israelis and taking about 240 hostages.

Whos going to win? Are the good guys going to win, or the bad guys are going to win? And, of course, we have to make sure that the forces of good, the forces of peace, the forces of progress and prosperity, they win, and not the forces that take us back to the Dark Ages. Thats the battle, he said.

Netanyahu recalled how the U.S.-designated terror organization ISIS launched its attacks across the globe, sending Americans into a constant state of fear as reports of terrorist attacks emerged frequently and seemingly at random.

It will affect every single person  not only in the Middle East, but well beyond  because, if Israel is in peril, if the Middle East goes down, Europe is next. Its like ISIS. You know, people thought it was a local thing. It wasnt. It was a global thing. And it affected Americans. It beheaded Americans.

Netanyahus remarks come as public sentiment in the United States and around the world has shifted toward calling for a cease-fire, and reported incidents of antisemitism have been on the rise.

Netanyahu began the interview thanking the American government and its people for standing with Israel and thanked President Biden later on for his ardent support, dismissing concerns that he is shifting away from that position.

Echoing a sentiment from First They Came, the famous poem about the Holocaust, Netanyahu warned Americans not to grow apathetic.

What the antisemites dont realize is, the attacks start with the Jews  on the Jews, but they never end there, he said. Thats what happened in the Holocaust. People said, oh, well, the attacks of the Nazis on the Jews before World War II, or even the beginning, thats OK.

No, it wasnt, because it afflicted all of humanity, all of civilization, he continued. And thats what you have here too. The reason theyre attacking Israel is, this axis of terror understands that were the forward position of the West and of civilization. Were just a stumbling block on the way to you.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 13)  The backlog of motor vehicle license plates will be cleared in the next two days, or by Nov. 15, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) assured the Senate on Monday.

"The good news is by Nov. 15, there will be no more [license plate] backlogs for motor vehicles," said Senator Grace Poe, the sponsor of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) budget, during the plenary discussions.

In September, the LTO, an attached agency of the DOTr, reported that there are more than 179,000 backlogs for motor vehicles.

According to Poe, there are currently around 990,000 unreleased motor vehicle license plates.

On the other hand, there is an estimated 13 million backlog on motorcycle licenses, which might take until 2025 to clear.

"Until 2025, there will still be motorcycle plates backlog to the tune of around 13 million," Poe added.

Driver's license cards backlog

The chairperson of the Senate committee on public services said there are still 2.4 million driver's license cards to be issued as of October this year. By December, that number is expected to rise to 3.9 million

Nonetheless, Poe said that the LTO expects 4.6 million cards to arrive in 2024, and that she is confident the agency will be able to catch up on its backlog by 2025.

"Considering the projected annual requirement of 6.6 million cards based on average license card issuance of about 550,000 per month, this results in a projected deficit of 2 million cards in 2024," she said.

Poe clarified that the license card issue is the reason behind the addition of roughly 297 million to the LTO's budget for 2024, which includes 80.3 million for the replacement of 23 laser engraver machines.
Save Ukraine, a Ukrainian humanitarian NGO, rescued four more children with their families from territories under Russian occupation, the organization's founder Mykola Kuleba said on Nov. 14.

Two of those children had a short experience of studying in a Russian-controlled school where they saw Russian soldiers pressuring students who spoke Ukrainian in the classroom, according to Kuleba.

For the entire last school year, the two children were reportedly studying online at a Ukrainian school while Russian personnel were routinely raiding residents' homes.

"During such classes, the mother of the young Ukrainians was looking into the window to make sure that the Russian soldiers did not break into the house," Kuleba said.

Eventually, when Russian forces "started threatening the parents that they would take away their children, confiscate their house, and deport them," the family was forced to send their children to a Russian school, he added.

Read also: Thats it, its death, guys. What we know about Russias killing of 2 Ukrainian teenagers in occupied Berdiansk

"At the school, the 'newcomers' were obliged to wrap themselves in the Russian flag and walk in it until the end of the lessons. When some children got tired and asked to take it off, the teacher agreed. However, within a moment, an armed Russian soldier scolded the children for 'disliking Russia,'" reads Kuleba's post.

"In the school corridors, children constantly saw armed soldiers who stood under the classrooms and took 10-year-old Ukrainians to 'educational discussions' for carelessly saying 'bud laska' ('please' in Ukrainian) in class."

The children reportedly spent four days at the Russian-controlled school before the NGO Save Ukraine managed to rescue their family from occupation. Kuleba didn't specify where exactly in the occupied territories the children had lived.

Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, Save Ukraine has managed to return 204 children from Russia and occupied territories to the government-controlled part of Ukraine.

More than 19,500 children have been identified by the Ukrainian government as having been deported and/or forcibly displaced by Russia. Almost 400 of them have been brought back to Ukraine.

Read also: Explainer: What we know about Russias deportation of Ukrainian children

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Hospital bosses in England are warning a lack of funds means they are having to scale back on plans to open extra beds to cope with winter.

The warning, from NHS Providers, which represents managers, came after the Treasury rejected pleas for an extra 1bn to cover the cost of strikes.

Recruitment to plug gaps in the workforce was also having to be put on hold, NHS Providers said.

But the government said winter planning was on track.

It pointed out the goal to open 10,000 "virtual" hospitals beds had been met. This is where doctors remotely monitor patients with conditions such as respiratory and heart problems who would otherwise have to be in hospital.

Progress was also being made on opening 5,000 new permanent hospital beds - a 5% increase in numbers, the government said.

"We recognise the challenges the NHS faces over the coming months, which is why we started preparing for winter earlier than ever," a Department of Health and Social Care spokesman added.

But NHS Providers said the steps being taken may be insufficient.

Every winter, to cope with surges in demand, hospitals open extra escalation beds for short periods.

But this year, hospital bosses say, these beds are at risk. And so is staff recruitment - currently one in 10 posts is vacant.

Industrial action is estimated to have cost the health service 1bn this year.

But last week, it was confirmed the Treasury would be giving the NHS only an extra 100m to cover the cost of strikes.

Accident and emergency sign

The NHS has been told to find the remaining 900m through savings in others areas such as information technology (IT) and maintenance as well as using 200m of winter money.

Bosses at just over half of trusts responded to an NHS Providers' survey.

Three-quarters said they were facing a worse financial situation than last year, putting patients' safety at risk.

There was "palpable frustration" at the Treasury's unwillingness to provide extra funding, NHS Providers Chief Executive Sir Julian Hartley said. And it would be "really difficult" to reduce the number of people waiting for treatment, which the government has made a key priority.

Figures published last week showed a record 7.8 million people on the waiting list.

Chart showing waiting list

There was a "sense of dread" doctors would call further strikes as winter hit, Sir Julian said, with last year having seen record waits for ambulances and in accident-and-emergency departments.

Preliminary talks between the British Medical Association and Steve Barclay had begun, before he was replaced as health secretary, by Victoria Atkins, on Monday.
Fresh off a third well-received debate performance, Nikki Haley is unveiling dozens of endorsements in Iowa as she fights to distinguish herself as the top alternative to Donald Trump ahead of the Jan. 15 Republican caucuses.

According to the latest Des Moines Register/NBC News/Mediacom Iowa Poll, the former president leads the field with 43% of likely Republican caucusgoers naming him as their first choice for president.

Haley is tied in a distant second place with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis at 16%, though she is the only candidate showing substantial upward momentum. She gained 10 percentage points over her August Iowa Poll showing.

Among the 72 Iowans endorsing her are former political operatives such as David Oman, who served as chief of staff for former governors Robert Ray and Terry Branstad. Also endorsing are Doug Gross, a lawyer and former Branstad chief of staff, and Christine Hensley, who was the longest-serving member of the Des Moines City Council.

Often, our best presidents have been governors," Oman said in a statement. "I like to support governors  proven winners who lead, who assemble a great team, who manage, and get things done. Weve had some good and former governors in this race. Now, only one also brings serious foreign policy experience at a critical time, with threats in both hemispheres."

More: In Iowa, a Trump win appears inevitable. Is the fight to catch him meaningful or delusional?

Current state Reps. Jane Bloomingdale and Brian Lohse are endorsing Haley, along with former state Rep. Carmine Boal and former state Sen. Bob Brunkhorst. Former state senator and U.S. ambassador to Barbados Mary Kramer is also endorsing.

In addition, the list includes a number of Iowa business leaders, including Steve Lacy, the former CEO of Meredith; Don Lamberti, the founder of Caseys General Stores; Mike Ralston, president of the Iowa Association of Business and Industry; Lynette Rasmussen, CEO of Rasmussen Group; and Bill Friedman, the former CEO of Younkers.

The endorsements come as the battle between Haley and DeSantis heats up in Iowa, and after DeSantis nabbed a coveted endorsement from Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds.

They also come as the field begins to narrow more dramatically. Former Vice President Mike Pence ended his campaign in October, and U.S. Sen. Tim Scott, who had been polling in fourth place, dropped out Nov. 12.

As Nikki continues to command the debate stage and spread her message of a strong and proud America, the more Iowans rally to her side," Hooff Cooksey, the campaign's Iowa adviser, said in a statement. "Two months from the caucuses, Team Haley continues to grow day by day, and her momentum is stronger than ever.

Haley's campaign announced in October it would begin expanding its Iowa footprint by adding staff and opening a Clive office location. And on Nov. 13 it said it will book $10 million in TV, radio and digital advertising across Iowa and New Hampshire beginning in the first week of December in an effort to overtake DeSantis.

The DeSantis campaign has trained its ire on Haley as well.

"As Americans look behind the curtain, they will see she does not have the extensive record of conservative achievements that Ron DeSantis boasts," DeSantis' communications director, Andrew Romeo, said in a statement. "Its clear there is no way Nikki Haley can beat Donald Trump, and every dollar spent on her candidacy is an in-kind (political contribution) to the Trump campaign."

Brianne Pfannenstiel is the chief politics reporter for the Register. Reach her at bpfann@dmreg.com or 515-284-8244. Follow her on Twitter at @brianneDMR.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Nikki Haley endorsers include prominent Iowa political figures
NEW JERSEY - New Jersey Congressman Frank Pallone is pushing for a national ban on water beads.

Water beads are the name of a water-absorbing gel often sold as children's toys and comes in colors that look like candy, leading to them being ingested by children.

Eating water beads can cause severe health issues, as when swelled, the beads can quickly absorb bodily fluids and swell to block intestines or cause other injuries. According to Rep. Pallone's office, children ingesting water beads was the cause of nearly 8,000 emergency room visits between 2016 and 2022.

The Ban Water Beads Act would direct the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to ban all water beads marketed for use by children.

"I know people are going to say Do you have to prohibit these completely, aren't there some that are safe?'" Rep. Pallone said at a press conference on Monday. "The answer is no, there's none that are safe, we have to ban them because there's absolutely no way to ensure, through any kind of education or whatever, that they're going to be safe."

"I have heard heartbreaking stories from parents whose children ingested water beads and suffered horrendous consequences, including grave internal injuries, lifelong health impacts, and even death," said CPSC Chair Alex Hoehn-Saric. "All small children who have access to water beads are at risk. I thank Congressman Pallone for his leadership on this issue and look forward to working with him and with parent advocates to protect children."

The bill will be introduced to the Senate this week.
(BCN)  Thousands of protesters joined forces to march from Embarcadero Plaza to the Moscone Center on Monday under the banner of No To APEC, a coalition of nearly 150 grassroots organizations. They brought various causes before the cameras at the week-long meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation in San Francisco.

All of our movements are connected by a common enemy, which is U.S. imperialism, said Kobi Guillory, in a public statement from the coalition. We are here protesting against APEC because imperialism always violates the right of self-determination of oppressed people. Guillory is identified as a Chicago public school teacher.

Biden in San Francisco for APEC: Timeline of presidents visit

Participants chanted various slogans, including from Palestine to the Philippines, stop the U.S. war machine! as the San Francisco police ushered the peaceful protest down Market Street.

Thousands are joining our movement. We built this coalition from all walks of life, all corners of the Bay Area, from all corners of the globe that represent the 99 percent, said Rhonda Ramiro of No to APEC. International trade agreements, they said, lead to the exploitation of labor and national resources.

APEC: How to navigate traffic, street closures, and tow away zones

We dont stand for what they are doing there in the Moscone Center. We dont stand for the occupation and plunder of our lands, for the exploitation of our workers, for the squeezing of our blood just so they can make another billion dollars.

Organizer Nick Evasco said the biggest action is planned for Wednesday morning. Thats when APEC holds its ministerial meeting and a gathering of external business leaders from Silicon Valley will engage attendees.

Copyright  2023 Bay City News, Inc.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
WASHINGTON  A presidential meeting at an undisclosed location. Students lining the streets waving Chinese flags. A $2,000-per-plate dinner with the most powerful business executives in America.

Every aspect of Chinese President Xi Jinpings visit to California this week has been highly choreographed, down to what he sees outside the window during a motorcade ride and what camera angle hes recorded from, according to people familiar with the planning.

There is no detail too small, said Kurt Campbell, the White House coordinator for the Indo-Pacific.

Any meeting between two heads of state involves a degree of pomp and circumstance, but President Joe Bidens long-awaited sit-down with Xi on Wednesday is the product of a painstaking process to accommodate Chinas many requests. The behind-the-scenes effort is a sign of Beijings anxiety over the optics that could result from Xis first visit to the U.S. in six years.

Overall, China is looking for Xis trip to California to be seen as a grand visit, officials said.

The White House isnt even sharing the precise location of Wednesdays meeting, with officials publicly citing operational security concerns but privately conceding the Chinese didnt want it disclosed to try to minimize protests. To try to visually overwhelm any protests, Chinese officials are expected to bring in students from across California to wave Chinese flags and show support for Xi. The move is meant to ensure Xi has a pleasant visual as he moves from event to event, a former official familiar with the planning said.

Those will be the pictures that will be beamed back home, said Victor Cha, a former National Security Council director for Asian affairs.

Nothing can go wrong. It has to be 100% perfect, Cha said, adding that the goal for the Chinese is that Xi be treated like an emperor, and anything short of that or embarrassing is really the absolute worst thing that can happen for them.

The U.S. also has cleaned up San Francisco, including clearing out encampments of people experiencing homelessness and sprucing up the streets.

Chinese officials have privately expressed concern to their U.S. counterparts about what Xi will experience during his travel, according to people familiar with the discussions.

They insisted that the meeting be held before a broader gathering of Asia-Pacific leaders in San Francisco this week and at a location entirely separate from the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit site, two current and former U.S. officials said. Chinas request was designed to elevate Xis stature above that of the other world leaders traveling to California this week, the officials said.

Another event where Xi will optically stand a cut above his counterparts is scheduled to take place Wednesday evening.

After he meets with Biden, Xi is scheduled to headline a $2,000-a-plate dinner with top U.S. CEOs and other dignitaries, officials said. They said that Biden isnt expected be there because hell be hosting a separate dinner but that some high-level administration officials might attend.

Xi plans to deliver a major address at the dinner, which is being organized by American think tanks, including the Asia Society and the U.S. China Business Council, officials said. The evening also will include a private VIP reception beforehand for key executives, they said.

The Chinese are keenly focused on courting the business community, as U.S. investment in China has been sliding in recent years, a huge priority area for Xi during the California visit. The CEOs dinner is also meant as a signal to Washington, according to experts, about the strong ties the Chinese government has with some influential business leaders, as the Chinese economy struggles to recover post-pandemic.

Its crucial for those business leaders to listen to Chinese senior officials about whats happening [with Chinas economy] and to solve the doubts they have in mind, said Mike Liu, a vice president and senior fellow at the Center for China and Globalization.

Xi last visited the U.S. in 2017, when he went to Florida to meet with President Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate.

Xi last spoke with Biden a year ago this week at a meeting in Bali, Indonesia, on the sidelines of the summit of the Group of 20 industrial and emerging-market nations. Relations soured three months later after the Biden administration shot down a Chinese spy balloon that had flown over the U.S. and Secretary of State Antony Blinken abruptly canceled a trip to Beijing.

Biden administration officials have spent the months since then trying to reduce tensions with China, with the goal of getting a meeting between the two leaders on the calendar. In that sense, the U.S. also has incentive to make sure Xi feels his visit was a success, and it has worked to accommodate Chinas requests.

One of Chinas requests was the timing of formally announcing Wednesdays meeting, an administration official said. China wanted to delay an announcement until Monday, just two days before the meeting, another U.S. official said. The White House compromised and agreed to announce it Friday, though officials wanted to make it public earlier, the official said.

The accommodating approach is a contrast to how China has handled some U.S. presidents visits to China. In 2016, for instance, President Barack Obama exited Air Force One from a small staircase in the belly of the plane after a lengthy debate on the ground between U.S. and Chinese officials over using a larger staircase that is typically rolled out for a red-carpet tarmac greeting.

Campbell, the White House coordinator for the Indo-Pacific, said that for this trip by Xi, administration officials have been involved in discussions with the Chinese about every possible aspect of the visit, from camera angles to seating arrangements.

I think both sides want a high degree of predictability when our two leaders really sit down opposite each other, he said.

An unpredictable dynamic for Biden that could sour the optics for his goal of presenting the U.S. as economically strong and an example of a thriving democracy: a potential government shutdown.

The federal government is set to run out of funding Friday, the last scheduled day of the Asia-Pacific summit. If there is no agreement on Capitol Hill before then, its possible Biden would return to Washington early, officials said, and his engagements in San Francisco would be cut short. On Monday, White House officials suggested a shutdown could be avoided, as well as a scenario that would be less than ideal for U.S. officials who hope a domestic crisis doesnt overshadow an important global moment hosted by the president.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
There is no evidence that China is giving military aid to Russia to aid the Kremlin in its aggressive war and military invasion of its neighbor Ukraine, White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan has said.

Our latest assessment indicates that China has refrained from supplying weaponry to Russia in the context of the Ukraine conflict, said Sullivan during a press briefing on Nov. 13.

Read also: Increasingly more Chinese components found in Russian weapons in Ukraine, official says

He said that the White House assessment was based on data gathered a few days ago. He said the assessment would be rechecked at a later time.

Earlier, a Pentagon report on Chinas policy, citing information from Russian customs, revealed that Russia had been procuring dual-use products and secondary military items from China. These acquisitions included small arms, spare parts, navigation equipment, and protective gear.

Read also: China unlikely to supply arms to Russia  former FM Klimkin

According to an investigation by UK newspaper the Telegraph, Russian companies have received tens of thousands of military items from China since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine. Notably, these items are produced by companies manufacturing missile systems, armored vehicles, and strategic bombers.

The report highlighted that, aside from direct military equipment and material supply, China may also be providing raw materials to Russia through intermediary nations.

During a recent visit by Russian dictator Vladimir Putin to China, talks were held with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, who referred to Putin as an old friend. Xi proposed an initiative for the creation of an alternative development model for the world, an idea welcomed by Putin, emphasizing Russias deep affinity with China.

A meeting between U.S. President Joe Biden and Xi is scheduled for Nov. 15 in San Francisco.

Read also: Top security official says China will keep Moscow's trigger finger off atomic arsenal

The talks are expected to cover the restoration of communication between the military of the two nations, as well as addressing the Israel-Hamas conflict and Russias ongoing war against Ukraine.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is warning about an invasive tick species that is spreading in Ohio.

The Asian long-horned tick arrived in Ohio in 2021, according to scientists from Ohio State University. Since then it has grown to more than a million ticks in the Buckeye State.

>> At least 3 killed, 15 injured in crash involving bus carrying students on I-70 in Ohio

Three cows in the southeast part of the state recently died after being bitten by the ticks, researchers said.

They are going to spread to pretty much every part of Ohio and they are going to be a long-term management problem. There is no getting rid of them, said Risa Pesapane, senior author of the paper and an assistant professor of veterinary preventive medicine at Ohio State. The good news about the ticks, though, is that most tick control agents that we currently have seem to kill them. Still, managing them is not easy because of how numerous they are and how easily they can come back.

>> PHOTOS: These people were all murdered in Ohio | Their killers have never been caught

Its unclear how much risk there is to humans. Researchers say the ticks appear to be less attracted to human skin.

For more information about Asian long-horned ticks, you can visit the CDCs website here.
The effects of a rapidly warming climate are being felt in every corner of the US and will worsen over the next 10 years with continued fossil fuel use , according to a stark new report from federal agencies.

The Fifth National Climate Assessment, a congressionally mandated report due roughly every five years, warned that even though planet-warming pollution in the US is slowly decreasing, it is not happening nearly fast enough to meet the nations targets, nor is it in line with the UN-sanctioned goal to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius  a threshold beyond which scientists warn life on Earth will struggle to cope.

This years assessment reflects the reality that Americans can increasingly see and feel climate impacts in their own communities, said Katharine Hayhoe, a distinguished climate scientist at Texas Tech University and contributor to the report.

Climate change is affecting every aspect of our lives, Hayhoe told CNN.

Some of the reports sweeping conclusions remain painfully familiar: No part of the US is truly safe from climate disasters; slashing fossil fuel use is critical to limit the consequences, but were not doing it fast enough; and every fraction of a degree of warming leads to more intense impacts.

But there are some important new additions: Scientists can now say with more confidence when the climate crisis has made rainstorms, hurricanes and wildfires stronger or more frequent, long-term drought more severe and heat more deadly.

The remains of a vehicle in a burned neighborhood after wildfires in Lahaina in Maui, Hawaii, on August 18. - Bryan Anselm/New Jersey State Council for the Arts Fellowship/Redux

This summer alone, the Phoenix area baked through a record 31 consecutive days above 110 degrees, a shocking heatwave that was partly responsible for more than 500 heat-related deaths in Maricopa County in 2023  its deadliest year for heat on record.

In July, a torrential rainstorm deluged parts of Vermont in deadly floodwaters. Then in August, Maui was devastated by a fast-moving wildfire and Floridas Gulf Coast was slammed by its second major hurricane in two years.

President Joe Biden will deliver remarks on Tuesday and is expected to unveil more than $6 billion in funding to strengthen climate resilience by bolstering Americas electric grid, investing in water infrastructure upgrades, reducing flood risk to communities, and advancing environmental justice for all, an administration official said.

The US needs a transformation of the global economy on a size and scale thats never occurred in human history to create a livable future for ourselves and our children, White House senior climate adviser John Podesta told reporters.

Here are five significant takeaways from the federal governments sweeping climate report.

Its easier to pinpoint which disasters were made worse by climate change

The latest report contains an important advancement in whats called attribution science  scientists can more definitively show how climate change is affecting extreme events, like heatwaves, droughts to hurricanes and severe rainstorms.

Climate change doesnt cause things like hurricanes or wildfires, but it can make them more intense or more frequent.

For instance, warmer oceans and air temperatures mean hurricanes are getting stronger faster and dumping more rainfall when they slam ashore. And hotter and drier conditions from climate change can help vegetation and trees become tinderboxes, turning wildfires into megafires that spin out of control.

Now thanks to the field of attribution, we can make specific statements, Hayhoe said, saying attribution can help pinpoint certain areas of a city that are now more likely to flood due to the effects of climate change. The field of attribution has advanced significantly over the last five years, and that really helps people connect the dots.

All regions are feeling climate change, but some more severely

There is no place immune from climate change, Biden administration officials and the reports scientists emphasized, and this summers extreme weather was a deadly reminder.

Some states  including California, Florida, Louisiana and Texas  are facing more significant storms and extreme swings in precipitation.

Landlocked states wont have to adapt to sea level rise, though some  including Appalachian states like Kentucky and West Virginia  have seen devastating flooding from rainstorms.

And states in the north are grappling with an increase in tick-borne diseases, less snow, and stronger rainstorms.

There is no place that is not at risk, but there are some that are more or less at risk, Hayhoe told CNN. That is a factor of both the increasingly frequent and severe weather and climate extremes youre exposed to, as well as how prepared (cities and states) are.

Climate change is exacting a massive economic toll

Climate shocks on the economy are happening more frequently, the report said, evidenced by the new record this year for the number of extreme weather disasters costing at least $1 billion. And disaster experts have spent the last year warning the US is only beginning to see the economic fallout of the climate crisis.

Climate risks are hitting the housing market in the form of skyrocketing homeowners insurance rates. Some insurers have pulled out of high-risk states altogether.

Stronger storms wiping out certain crops or extreme heat killing livestock can send food prices soaring. And in the Southwest, the reports researchers found that hotter temperatures in the future could lead to a 25% loss of physical work capacity for agricultural workers from July to September.

The US is cutting planet-warming pollution, but not nearly fast enough

Unlike the worlds other top polluters  China and India  planet-warming pollution in the US is declining. But its not happening nearly fast enough to stabilize the planets warming or meet the United States international climate commitments, the report explains.

The countrys annual greenhouse gas emissions fell 12% between 2005 and 2019, driven in large part by the electricity sector moving away from coal and toward renewable energy and methane gas, the latter of which is still a fossil fuel that has a significant global warming effect.

The decline is good news for the climate crisis, but look at the fine print and the picture is mixed.

The report finds US planet-warming emissions remain substantial and would have to sharply decline by 6% annually on average to be in line with the international 1.5-degree goal. To put that cut into perspective, US emissions decreased by less than 1% per year between 2005 and 2019  a tiny annual drop.

Water  too much and not enough  is a huge problem for the US

One of the reports biggest takeaways centers on the precarious future of water in the US, and how parts of the country are facing a future with either extreme drought and water insecurity, or more flooding and sea level rise.

Drought and less snowpack are huge threats to Southwest communities in particular. The reports Southwest chapter, led by Arizona State University climate scientist Dave White, found the region was significantly drier from 1991 to 2020 than the three decades before.

White said thats an ominous sign as the planet continues to warm, with significant threats to snowpack in Californias Sierra Nevada mountains and the Rockies  both of which provide crucial freshwater in the West.

White added that a lack of freshwater in the region also has significant economic and agricultural impacts, as it supports cities, farms, and Native American tribes.

Mountains are our natural reservoirs in the region, White told CNN. Climate impacts on that mountain snowpack have really significant negative effects for the way our infrastructure operates. Its just critical for us to protect those resources.

CNNs Donald Judd contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
A North Texas man with 13 felony convictions has been sentenced to 17 years in federal prison for possession of a firearm as a convicted felony, according to a news release from the U.S. Department of Justice.

Curtis Wayne Rodgers, 41, pleaded guilty in June to the crime, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton said in the news release.

He was sentenced on Nov. 8 under the Armed Career Criminal Act, which raises the maximum penalty of the crime for anybody with three previous convictions or a violent felony or serious drug offense, the DOJ said.

Rogers was arrested by Irving police in June 2022 after officers identified him as a suspect in a burglary and aggravated assault in an Irving neighborhood, according to the news release. Witnesses told police someone kicked in the door to a home, asked neighbors where the homeowner was and then aimed a firearm at a neighbor and told him to go inside his house and not to call anyone.

The neighbors security cameras showed Rogers leave the area in a pickup truck, which led police to obtain a search warrant for his home and vehicles, where they located the firearm used, according to the news release. His 13 prior felony convictions include more than the three necessary to sentence him under the Armed Career Criminal Act.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 14)  Former Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II, who allegedly forced a witness to testify against former Senator Leila de Lima, is one of the people who may face a complaint after the latter was allowed to post bail for her remaining drug case.

"The testimony of former BuCor (Bureau of Corrections) director Rafael Ragos which says he was coerced to testify against De Lima opens former Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre to charges of subornation of perjury," former Senate President Franklin Drilon told CNN Philippines' The Source on Tuesday.

He was referring to Ragos, a principal witness in one of De Lima's drug cases who later recanted his allegations. He claimed he was "forced" by Aguirre to execute affidavits implicating the former lawmaker in the illegal drug trade in the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) as he received "threats of being detained."

Aguirre was appointed by former President Rodrigo Duterte, who was the subject of De Lima's criticisms due to his bloody war against illegal drugs.

Under the Revised Penal Code, Drilon said Aguirre may be imprisoned for 10-12 years if proven guilty.

Meanwhile, Drilon said there is no evidence yet that Duterte "induced and directed" the filing of De Lima's cases. Once there is, the former chief executive may also be charged with subornation of perjury.

In a separate interview, De Lima's lawyer Boni Tacardon said the former senator has yet to discuss filing cases against those possibly behind her almost seven years in detention. Her priorities for now are visiting her mother, rebuilding her life, and redeeming her reputation, he added.
Jamie Turner said his phone "lit up like a Christmas tree" after he was wrongly identified as one of the men in the video

A man mistakenly accused on social media of a racially aggravated incident after footage was posted online says he has received "incessant" abuse.

Jamie Turner, 34, of Northampton, was wrongly identified as one of a group of men shouting at pro-Palestinian protesters at Waterloo Station, London.

He said his phone "lit up like a Christmas tree" with "incessant calls, voicemails and death threats".

Northamptonshire Police said it was investigating the messages.

After footage of the Waterloo incident was posted on X (formerly Twitter) and went viral, British Transport Police appealed for information to trace some of the individuals concerned.

Three men have since been arrested in connection with the incident.

But hordes of online sleuths had already set to work.

'Really scary'

"Someone claimed to have found one of the guys in the video, then posted a link to my website on Twitter, which includes my telephone number and address," said Mr Turner, who runs JT Landscape Services with his wife, Hattie.

It appears they had confused his company with another of a similar name.

"Afterwards I began to get a lot of verbal abuse on calls, then voicemails, and hundreds of messages every hour on WhatsApp," he said.

"I've had people quoting my home address and threatening to chop me up or kill my family, which is really scary because we have two young children."

The BBC has seen dozens of messages posted under false names such as "Palestine Hamas" which accuse Mr Turner of being "racist", "nasty" and "guilty".

One reads "you're going to get what's coming to ya".

Another person posted a fake one-star Google review of his company with the comment "right wing owner abusing people in public".

Mrs Turner, 30, said: "We set up this business in 2019 and carried it through the pandemic because we love what we do, and then this happens and our name's thrown in the mud.

"My three-year-old is very much aware what's been happening - it's really frightening how easily people find information and become so nasty.

"We don't condone anything that happened in the video; it's vile. But people shouldn't be sharing information like this and going after other families' livelihoods."

The Turner family have left home for a few days while the abuse dies down.

A spokesperson for Northamptonshire Police said officers visited Mr Turner on Sunday "to provide safety advice and take details of the threats made in order to investigate them".

They added: "In the meantime, we would strongly encourage people not to send threatening or abusive messages to anyone, as in doing so you may be committing a crime."

Follow East of England news on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a story? Email eastofenglandnews@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 0800 169 1830
Good morning and welcome to the A.M. Alert!

WOOD WONT SEEK FINAL TERM

Northern California is losing one of its most prominent voices in the Assembly.

Assemblyman Jim Wood, D-Healdsburg, announced last week that he will not seek a sixth and final term next year.

Instead, the lawmaker  whose district comprises Del Norte, Humboldt, Mendocino, Trinity and northern Sonoma County  will bow out in order to care for his mother, who is in declining health.

Wood was eligible for another two years in office before becoming term limited.

Deciding not to run for my final term was one of the most difficult decisions I have had to make in many years, Wood said in a statement. I can make a case to continue my work, but I believe now is the right time for me to change my focus.

Wood, a dentist by trade, was first elected to office in 2014. Prior to that, he served on the Healdsburg City Council, including a term as mayor.

The district is vast in geography, but smaller in population, and includes more than 300 miles of spectacular coastline. I have been an outspoken advocate for rural communities, regularly reminding my colleagues that in a state as large as California, solutions cannot be one-size-fits-all, Wood said.

Woods Assembly resume includes service on the Assembly Health Committee, which he took over in 2016 and where he has served as chair ever since.

Ive taken on virtually every entity within the expansive health care industrial complex, and always with the end goal of improving the quality of health care and making it affordable and accessible for Californians. And although we have accomplished a lot, especially the creation of the Office of Health Care Affordability, there is still more work to be done and I plan to continue that work in 2024, Wood said.

UNIONS ENDORSE UPCOMING BALLOT MEASURES

On Monday, a pair of powerful California unions announced their support for propositions that will appear on the ballot next year.

The Service Employees International Union California endorsed Proposition 1, the Gov. Gavin Newsom-backed ballot measure that would channel billions of dollars into moving unhoused people off the streets and into mental health or substance abuse treatment centers.

SEIU members are on the frontlines of the homelessness crisis as mental health workers who know well that housing and healing go hand in hand. We are also librarians, hospital, and parks workers whose jobs have become a de facto extension of an overwhelmed mental health system, said SEIU Executive Board Member David Green in a statement.

SEIU California counts 700,000 members in the state, including nurses, healthcare workers, janitors, social workers, security officers, in-home caregivers, school and university employees, court workers, airport workers, and city, county and state employees.

California voters will decide on Proposition 1 during the states March 5, 2024 primary election.

Also issuing an endorsement Monday was the California Federation of Teachers, representing 120,000 teachers, faculty and school employees. The CFT threw its support behind ACA 5, the November 2024 ballot measure that would amend the state Constitution by removing 2008s Proposition 8, which outlawed same-sex marriage in the state.

Although Proposition 8 was deemed unconstitutional, its hateful language is still present in Californias Constitution. Hate has no place in California and its time that voters come together to demand that LGBTQ+ Californians have the same right to safety and inclusion as every other person in the state. As a proud gay man and educator, I join my union in calling for Californians to vote YES on ACA 5, said CFT President Jeff Freitas in a statement.

CALIFORNIA ANTI-HATE HOTLINE RECORDS HUNDREDS OF HATE ACTS

The newly created California vs Hate hotline recorded more than 500 reports of acts of hate in its first six months of operation, according to a statement from the California Civil Rights Department.

That includes 233 phone reports and 280 reports made through the departments online portal.

More than three-quarters of Californias 57 counties were represented in the data, up from 40% in the hotlines first month of operation.

Nearly half (45%) of reported incidents were race-or ethnicity-related, according to the statement, while 13% of incidents related to religion and 11% to sexual orientation.

One in six reports was made by a witness or advocate, while the majority of reports came from individuals who said they were the target of an act of hate.

The report was timed to coincide with the launch of the sixth annual United Against Hate Week.

During United Against Hate Week, we encourage all Californians to take advantage of existing resources  like California vs Hate  to push for change from the ground up for all our communities. Whether its because of conflict abroad or here at home, it takes real strength to stand in solidarity in the face of bias and discrimination, said CRD Acting Director Mary Wheat in a statement.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

I study the breakdown of democracy, and I dont know how to say this more clearly: We are sleepwalking toward authoritarianism.

- Political scientist Brian Klaas on MSNBCs Morning Joe, discussing former President Donald Trumps decision to emulate Adolph Hitler and Benito Mussolini by referring to his political enemies as vermin in a recent political speech and social media post.

Best of The Bee:

U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee is losing her campaign to become Californias next senator, but shes not willing to give up quite yet, via Lindsey Holden .

Katie Porter is far ahead among younger voters in Californias U.S. Senate race. Adam Schiff has a big advantage among older voters. The race for a six-year Senate term, which includes a long list of candidates, is too close to call overall. But one distinct pattern has emerged among the two frontrunners in poll after poll. Porter, 49, an Irvine congresswoman, is the clear choice of voters under 50. Schiff, 63, a congressman from Burbank, is the favorite of the older set, via David Lightman .

California Department of Justice prosecutors will review the Sacramento County District Attorneys Offices decision to decline filing murder charges against the suspected killer of a Native American man bludgeoned to death more than 22 years ago, via Ishani Desai.
Editors Note: The videos above are previous coverage on this story.

BOULDER (AP)  The defendant in a 2021 mass shooting that killed 10 people at a Colorado supermarket pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity on Tuesday after a judge ruled that the case can move to trial.

Attorneys for Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa entered the plea on his behalf before Judge Ingrid Bakke in Boulder. Clad in an orange and white striped jail uniform, Alissa looked down in court and at times at the judge as she advised him of rights before his plea.

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A plea of not guilty by reason of insanity involves whether someones mental health prevented them from understanding right from wrong when a crime was committed.

Alissa is charged with murder and multiple attempted murder counts. Neither his attorneys nor anyone else has disputed that Alissa was the gunman.

Tuesdays hearing was held to decide if there was enough evidence for defendant Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa, who has schizophrenia, to go on trial in the March 22, 2021, shooting at a crowded King Soopers store in Boulder, about 30 miles (50 kilometers) northwest of Denver.

Bakke ruled after Boulder Police Detective Sarah Cantu described how the gunman took just over a minute to kill most of his victims at the supermarket in the college town of Boulder. She said he targeted individuals who were moving and continued firing at them until they were dead.

He found moving targets, pursued them and shot them until they stopped moving, Cantu said as prosecutors laid out their case against a mentally ill man recently deemed competent to stand trial in shooting.

Home goods retailer closing all stores nationwide

Ten people including a police officer were killed in the attack. The first eight victims died within 69 seconds; all but one were shot multiple times and everyone who was shot was killed, Cantu testified.

Authorities have not determined a motive, Cantu said. But a forensic psychologist testified during a hearing in September that the 24-year-old Alissa bought firearms to carry out a mass shooting and indicated there was some intention to commit suicide by cop.

Hes accused of killing nine shoppers and workers inside and outside the store as well as Officer Eric Talley, a father of seven and one of the first three police officers who entered the store.

At the September hearing, a forensic psychologist, Loandra Torres, also told the judge that Alissa knows his fingerprints were found on guns that could be used as evidence against him. He was arrested in the store after being shot by a police officer, part of a second wave of law enforcement that entered the store after the officer Talley was killed.

Tuesdays hearing was a required step in his prosecution, which until recently had been stalled because of Alissas mental health.

For families of victims, it is an important milestone. Robert Olds, whose niece Rikki Olds was killed, was in the front row of the courtroom. He said he wanted justice on behalf of his niece, a 25-year-old front-end manager at the supermarket.

Its the last fight, the last stand for my niece who cant be here to do that herself because this guy murdered her, Robert Olds said.

Suffocation warning: The household item behind thousands of pet deaths

Authorities have said Alissa legally purchased the AR-556 pistol, which resembles a rifle, used in the attack. The families of some of the victims are suing its manufacturer, Sturm, Ruger & Co., saying it markets the gun in a reckless and immoral way that promoted its killing capability and glorified lone gunmen. In a court filing, the company said its marketing does not promote illegal activity and that the lawsuit is trying to unconstitutionally punish its lawful and protected commercial speech.

Alissa was declared mentally incompetent in late 2021 and sent to the state mental hospital for treatment. After he was forcibly medicated, experts this summer said his condition had improved significantly. Last month, Bakke ruled that Alissa was competent to be prosecuted over the objections of the defense after hearing testimony from psychologists.

Initial evaluations throughout 2021 and 2022 found Alissa incompetent for trial largely due to his inability to communicate clearly and at times his outright refusal to discuss the allegations against him, authorities had testified.

Mental competency involves whether a defendant is able to understand court proceedings and communicate with his lawyers to help his own defense  a different legal issue than a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity.

Alissas family immigrated from Syria, he became a U.S. citizen and they lived in a middle-class neighborhood in a Denver suburb, where the family also had a restaurant.

The only known problem prior to the shooting was in 2018 when Alissa was convicted of assaulting a fellow high school student, a misdemeanor, according to police documents. A former classmate also told The Associated Press that Alissa was kicked off the wrestling team after yelling he would kill everyone following a loss in a practice match.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
Android has long had an iMessage problem. In the US, Apples proprietary chat platform reigns supreme, particularly among teens. In fact, many Americans wont switch for fear of the perceived social stigma that comes with the green chat bubbles iMessage assigns to messages from Android phones. Google has tried a few different things to convince Apple to open the platform, including turning to the European Commission for regulatory relief. For most Android users, that's meant there's been little they've been personally able to do about the situation. Until now.

Nothing today announced Nothing Chats, a messaging app that supports both RCS and iMessage. Nothing Chats builds on Sunbird, a unified messaging platform that has been available in closed beta since the end of last year. Sunbird allows users to access all of their chats, including iMessage, from a single interface. As of this past April, the app had a waitlist more than 100,000 entries long. Sunbird is one of a few apps that Android users can turn to chat with their iPhone-touting friends. The most well-known player in the space is Beeper, which is the brainchild of Pebble founder Eric Migicovsky.

At launch, Nothing Chats will support most of iMessage's signature features, including typing indicators. However, some functionality, such as read receipts and Tapback reactions, will arrive at a later date. (Nothing)

With Fridays release of Chats, Nothing isnt just promising to allow Phone 2 owners to camouflage themselves as iPhone users. Out of the box, Chats will ship with support for many of iMessages signature features, including typing indicators, high-resolution media sharing and proper group messaging. Read receipts and Tapback reactions will arrive at a later date. As mentioned above, Chats also supports RCS, meaning you can enjoy iMessage-like features when messaging your Android friends too.

We understand that the blue bubble vs. green bubble dilemma, especially in North America  although seemingly ridiculous  is real. Nothing Chats allows for freedom of communication between anyone regardless of their brand of smartphone - which is how it should be, said Nothing CEO Carl Pei. We want to remind consumers that they do have a choice when it comes to device selection and that their daily behaviors should not be dictated by any one company.

So, whats the catch? Theres no data saved on the platform, so users dont have to worry about their privacy, Pei told Inverse. But there are some concerns. Sunbird, like Beeper, employs a workaround that Apple doesnt officially support, and that the company would almost certainly argue puts users at risk. Nothing told Inverse Sunbirds patented process for bringing iMessage to Android involves server farms of Mac minis that route a users messages through to Apple.

Before someone can access iMessage on Nothing Chats, they must first sign into their Apple ID through Sunbirds platform. Nothing told Inverse all iMessage content sent through Chats is encrypted, and that at no point can Sunbird access your messages or Apple ID. Additionally, Nothing notes the startup will delete a users Apple ID credentials after two weeks of inactivity. Still, if you decide to use Nothing Chats to access iMessage, youre effectively handing over the keys to your Apple ID to a company that isnt Apple.

A screenshot of Nothing Chats' onboarding interface (Nothing)

As for whether Nothing Chats is long for this world: Asked about the possibility of Apple taking legal action against Nothing and Sunbird, Pei told Marques Brownlee he thought the tech giant would probably [do] nothing.

In a separate interview with The Washington Post, Pei said Nothing has sold about six figures worth of Phone 2 devices in North America, Britain and Europe. In other words, its a small fish in a big pond. More importantly, Apple finds itself in a regulatory environment where attempting to shut down a platform that is opening up iMessage would draw the attention of regulators in the European Union and beyond.

Nothing Chats will be available to download from the Play Store starting on November 17. For the time being, a Nothing Phone 2 is required to access the platform, with regional availability limited to the US, Canada, UK, EU and other European countries, including Norway and Switzerland.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams repeated on Tuesday that he is fully cooperating with the FBIs investigation into his campaigns fundraising.

This is an ongoing review. And as a former member of law enforcement, its always my belief - dont interfere with an ongoing review, Adams told reporters. We are fully cooperating with whatever the reviewers are looking for.

Adams spoke after it was revealed that FBI agents seized his cell phones and iPad as part of a federal investigation into campaign fundraising earlier this month. The seizure was a dramatic escalation of the federal probe into whether foreign money was funneled to his campaign. The investigation is being handled by the FBI and the US attorneys office for the Southern District of New York. The New York City mayor has not been accused of any wrongdoing.

The seizure came days after the FBI raided the home of Adams chief fundraiser as part of the investigation to determine wether the mayors 2021 campaign conspired with a Brooklyn-based construction company to funnel foreign money into the campaigns war chest.

Law enforcement officials who are familiar with the search warrants told CNN the investigators were seeking evidence that foreign nationals  who are barred from making campaign contributions  may have bundled donations by getting US citizens of Turkish origin to act as straw contributors. The alleged scheme would have allowed money coming from foreign business entities to be masqueraded as donations from American citizens.

In addressing the FBI investigation into his campaign, Adams told reporters that we dont do straw donors.

We dont do the straw donors, we dont do quid pro quo  we follow the law, Im very clear on that, Adams said. Ive state it from my days in the police department, to my days of state senator, to my days of borough president and as the mayor.

Adams said that his campaign would continue fundraising for the upcoming election. I have received nothing but support from my donor base, he said.

Adams balked at a question about whether he would resign if he was indicted, saying he was continuing to do his job.

Adams counsel, Lisa Zornberg, repeatedly jumped in to answer questions from reporters, saying the administration is fully cooperating in the investigation.

Its important to remember here no one has been accused of wrongdoing, we have been fully cooperative. We are not going to impede an active investigation by providing more detail, and thats our position, Zornberg told reporters.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
(Bloomberg) -- New York Mayor Eric Adams said he would follow the law amid a federal investigation into his campaign financing.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Speaking to the media on Tuesday for the first time since news reports said his phones and iPad were seized by FBI agents last week, Adams, a former police captain, said he would cooperate fully with the probe.

I spent my life enforcing the law, and Im going to continue to tell the team that we follow the law in this administration and in all my administrations, Adams said at City Hall.

A search warrant seen by the New York Times indicates investigators are looking at a so-called straw donor scheme involving the Turkish government or Turkish nationals in which contributors listed for Adamss 2021 mayoral campaign werent the actual source of the money, according to the newspaper.

Federal authorities are also examining whether Adams pressured former Fire Department Commissioner Daniel Nigro to expedite the opening of the Turkish consulates 35-story tower in time for the United Nations General Assembly in September 2021, the Times reported. That was after Adams, who was then the Brooklyn borough president, won the Democratic primary but before he had won the general election in November.

We dont do the straw donors, Adams said Tuesday. We dont do quid pro quo. We follow the law. Im very clear on that.

Adams said he reached out to Nigro to ask about the status of the Turkish consulate building as part of the normal work of an elected official. He noted that as Brooklyn borough president, he represented one of the largest populations of Turkish residents outside of Turkey.

The federal investigation became public on Nov. 2 after Federal Bureau of Investigation agents executed a search warrant at the Brooklyn home of Adams fundraiser Brianna Suggs. They were seeking information about whether Adamss campaign had taken illegal foreign donations from contributors with ties to the Turkish government, the Times reported.

Read more: NYC Mayor Adams Says FBI Hasnt Contacted Him Over Campaign Aide

The FBI executed a dozen other search warrants related to the investigation the same day, including one at the home of a Turkish Airlines executive, CNN reported. Adams hasnt been accused of any wrongdoing, according to his chief counsel.

Adams and City Hall officials declined to answer questions Tuesday about whether any other members of Adamss administration or campaign had their devices seized.

Adams has made at least a half-dozen trips to Turkey over the past decade, according to his own public statements and disclosures filed with the citys Conflicts of Interest Board.

The probe is just the most recent scrutiny of the mayors donors and administration members.

In July, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg indicted six donors to Adamss 2021 campaign on fraud charges, alleging they had orchestrated a straw donor scheme to take advantage of the citys generous public matching funds program, which gives candidates eight dollars for every dollar raised in donations from givers living in the city, up to $250.

In September, Bragg indicted former New York City Buildings Commissioner Eric Ulrich and several other associates on bribery charges. Late last month, two of the donors Bragg indicted in July pleaded guilty to misdemeanor conspiracy charges in connection with the straw donor scheme. Adams wasnt formally accused of any wrongdoing in either case.

(Updates with details of investigation and background on other investigations into Adams donors)

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An O.J. Simpson murder trial prosecutor is receiving support for his judicial campaign in Los Angeles County from the judge he clashed with during the infamous trial.

Christopher Darden announced he is running for Los Angeles Superior Court judge.

Darden's campaign website indicates that he has been endorsed by former LA County Superior Court Judge Lance Ito, who retired in 2015.

The endorsement from Ito comes 20 years after he and Darden faced off in court during the "trial of the century" that ended with O.J. Simpsons acquittal in the 1994 murders of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman.

OJ SIMPSON OFFERS HIS THOUGHTS ON TRANSGENDER PARTICIPATION IN WOMEN'S SPORTS: 'JUST ISN'T FAIR'

Chris Darden representing Eric Holder in court on April 4.

Trial footage from Feb. 23, 1995, shows that Ito cited Darden for civil contempt over the sidebar comments, between Darden and defense attorney Johnnie Cochrans cross-examination.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Darden has since apologized to Ito, as captured in the trial footage.

"It appears that the court is correct that perhaps my comments may have been or are somewhat inappropriate. I apologize to the court, I meant no disrespect," Darden said, asking Ito if he could hear his concerns about the defenses conduct at a later time. "I apologize."

Ito accepted the apology and offered one of his own, noting that the two had known each other for "a number of years."

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY, OCTOBER 3, 1995, OJ SIMPSON IS ACQUITTED OF MURDER CHARGES IN 'TRIAL OF THE CENTURY'

O.J. Simpson (C) listens to the not guilty verdict with his attorneys F. Lee Bailey (L) and Johnnie Cochran Jr (R).

"Mr. Darden, I accept your apology. I apologize to you for my reaction as well. You and I have known each other for a number of years and I know that your response was out of character," Ito said. "And Ill note it as such."

Before Ito became a judge, he and Darden worked together as prosecutors in the Los Angeles County District Attorneys Offices "Hard Core Gangs" unit, according to Darden's campaign.

SUPREME COURT ADOPTS MODIFIED ETHICS CODE AFTER PRESSURE FROM HILL DEMS

Defense attorneys F Lee Bailey and Johnnie Cochran confer with Assistant District Attorney Marcia Clark during the OJ Simpson murder trial, Los Angeles, California, July 5, 1995. (Photo by David Hume Kennerly/Getty Images)

According to Darden's campaign website, he has been in private practice as a criminal defense attorney for the past 27 years. He has also been teaching for more than a decade, serving as an adjunct professor of law, an assistant professor of law and professor, teaching at California State University, Los Angeles, Southwestern University school of law and Santa Monica College.





Original article source: O.J. Simpson murder trial prosecutor receives support from judge on judicial campaign
(KRON)  The Oakland Fire Department is the recipient of a $100,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to purchase new extrication equipment, the department announced Tuesday.

First responders use new extrication tools to safely rescue crash victims trapped inside a vehicle.

This grant will have a significant impact on our ability to protect and serve our community, allowing us to respond even more effectively in times of crisis, said Oakland Fire Chief Damon Covington. The funding will pay for modern rescue tools and provide training to first responders that is critical for the care of those injured in crashes.

Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao congratulated Chief Covington on his new position as Fire Chief, Chief Covington has worked his way from a recruit all the way to Chief of our Fire Department because he is committed to the health and safety of our residents, communities, and rank and file members of the fire department. I am so proud of the work he has done over the years and look forward to working in partnership to make Oakland a safer place for everyone.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
As of 7 p.m. local time, two female civilians are confirmed to have been wounded in Russian attacks against Kherson on Nov. 14, reported Roman Mrochko, the head of the city's military administration.

Russian forces struck the citys Korabelnyi district in the afternoon, leaving a 61-year-old woman with a light hand injury, according to Mrochko.

A 54-year-old woman suffered an explosive injury, concussion, and shrapnel wounds when Russia hit the same district of Kherson early on Nov. 14, the official said on Telegram.

She was reportedly hospitalized in stable condition.

Kherson Oblast Governor Oleksandr Prokudin also reported on the morning strike, saying Russian forces targeted a residential area, damaging peoples homes.

Ukraine's Armed Forces liberated Kherson and other regional settlements on the west bank of the Dnipro River in November 2022.

Russian forces were pushed to the river's east bank, from where they have since been firing at the liberated territories, regularly resulting in civilian deaths and injuries.

Read also: Under deadly attacks, Kherson fights to keep life going 1 year after liberation

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The editor of a small Kansas newspaper that was raided by local police in August fears the town will continue to lack transparency after an outspoken councilwoman, whose home was also searched by officers, was replaced last week by voters.

But the incoming mayor of Marion, made up of about 2,000 people in south-central Kansas, has vowed to improve transparency and said the councilwomans ousting meant residents simply wanted change.

Marion Councilwoman Ruth Herbel, who took office in 2020 and serves as vice mayor, came in last in the local election with 236 votes. She was defeated by two other candidates who got more than 400 votes each, solidifying their spots on the five-member council.

Herbel, 80, believes the raids that thrusted Marion into the national spotlight hurt her reelection bid locally. Having been critical of the highly aggressive police actions, Herbel noted voters knew of her plans to file a lawsuit against the city.

What I ran on was truth, honesty and transparency, Herbel said Monday, describing herself as the only member who questioned anything on the council. Transparency is something thats lacking very, very much on the city council.

Eric Meyer, editor of the Marion County Record, said the paper has received letters with concerns about transparency after newly-elected officials partied on Election Day at a country club and allegedly did not let a reporter take pictures. The paper reported that Mayor-Elect Michael Powers yelled at the reporter  a characterization Powers strongly disputes.

Were just going to continue with more of the same, Meyer said readers have told him. And I fear that will happen. I still hold out some hope that some of the individuals elected are reasonable.

A former 8th Judicial District judge, Powers told The Star he held the private event to watch the results come in and asked a reporter who showed up unannounced and started taking pictures to leave. He also said the Marion Country Club, the clubhouse at a golf course, is not ritzy, as has been insinuated, but resembles a one-room school as much as anything else.

It bothers me that there is this perception that Marion is this haven of fascism, said Powers, who has lived in town for three decades and takes office in January. I have found this to be a wonderful community. Thats why Im still here.

Michael Powers became a judge in 1991 and was named chief judge for the 8th Judicial District three years later. He retired in 2021.

The recent election came about three months after police on Aug. 11 executed search warrants at the Marion County Record, the home of its publisher and Herbels house under the pretense that a reporter had illegally obtained information about the DUI conviction of a local restaurateur.

In the fallout of the globally criticized newsroom raid, the county prosecutor revoked the search warrants for lack of evidence; the police chief, Gideon Cody, who previously worked in Kansas City, resigned and was replaced on an interim basis by an officer who participated in the raids; and a now-former reporter filed the first of what is likely to be several lawsuits against the town.

Ahead of last weeks election, Meyer, the papers editor, thought voters would either embrace or oust Herbel, but that it wouldnt be close.

During city council meetings, Herbel questioned other members decisions on behalf of taxpayers, Meyer said. She said she also sought to have conversations about the raid, but was shut down.

Meyer said there is a distrust in town of people who say anything negative, as Herbel and the paper have. He believed some voters also wanted to rid elected officials from office.

And Ruth gets thrown out, even though she was on the other side of the issue, Meyer said.

The Records headline after the election: Marion voters reject Herbel.

A still frame from the body camera Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody was wearing while he raided Ruth Herbels home on August 11, 2023.

While Meyer wrote a critical editorial about the Election Day incident, saying Marion will continue to be governed by alpha-dog rules, he also told The Star he thinks Powers, the incoming mayor, could be good for the city and described him as bright.

Powers, who has said he wants to fix the towns reputation, hopes the small-town gets back to a place without constant drama. Some of his priorities include changing the way council meetings are held and rebuilding morale among city employees.

When residents read The Record each week, Powers added, they see multiple letters to the editor from people across the U.S. praising the paper for standing up to the thugs and horrible people there.

This is not a town full of thugs and horrible people, he said.

The town is likely to become entangled in litigation over the raids for years. When Herbel will file suit is up to her attorneys, who are waiting to get additional records. For now, she is focused on her husband, who has dementia.

He needs my attention more than the city does, Herbel said.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation has said its investigation in Marion is ongoing.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 14)  Former Senator Leila de Lima said she and her legal team are looking into what can be done to bring those responsible for her detention to justice.

"There's got to be a day of reckoning, although I'm not yet focused on that at this point. But there's got to be a day of reckoning," de Lima said on CNN Philippines' Balitaan on Tuesday.

De Lima added that a list of those who they want to hold accountable was slowly being built.

"Binibilang pa lang namin. We have an idea about who are, who exactly they are... There are others we are still really confirming and we are, binibilang sino talaga ang behind it.," she said.

[Translation: We are counting them. We have an idea about who are, who exactly they are... There are others we are still really confirming and we are counting who are behind it.]

One name the former lawmaker did refer to was ex-Justice secretary Vitaliano Aguirre.

"Dati na talaga yan na nababanggit," she said.

[Translation: He has been mentioned before.]

RELATED: Drilon: Ex-DOJ chief Aguirre may face perjury case for allegedly forcing witness to testify vs. De Lima

READ: How De Lima 'mellowed' in prison, and her hopes for a truth-telling Robredo presidency

De Lima was allowed to leave the Philippine National Police Custodial Center on Monday after nearly seven years of detention, following an order by a Muntinlupa court granting her bail.

In a press conference following her release, de Lima said she was working towards "complete vindication" from charges lobbed against her.

RELATED: De Lima focusing on rebuilding her life for now, counsel says

"Part of my vindication is not just about the so-called witnesses against me recanting what they said, that they lied before. But more importantly is sabihin nila how it all happened. Sino ang mga nasa likod, sino ang mga kumausap sa kanila? Ano ang mga sinabi sa kanila, ano ang pinagawa sa kanila, bakit sila pumayag na magtestigo against me," she said.

[Translation: Part of my vindication is not just about the so-called witnesses against me recanting what they said, that they lied before. But more importantly is explain how it all happened. Who are behind it, who spoke to them? What were they told, what were they made to do, and why did they allow themselves to testify against me?]
A stray bullet struck an Ohio State University student in the leg on Monday evening while the student was walking off-campus, according to police.

The shooting occurred shortly before 4 p.m. Monday on the 1400 block of North High Street  a busy strip with restaurants, bars and apartment complexes near OSU's campus north of downtown Columbus.

"We are aware that a student was struck in the leg by a stray bullet, and we are very thankful the individual was not more seriously injured," OSU spokesperson Benjamin Johnson told Fox News Digital in a statement. "We have reached out to offer the student any support needed. The incident occurred off campus, and we will assist the CPD investigation in any way possible."

A spokesperson with the Columbus Division of Police told Fox News Digital that the shooting victim appeared to be "just a bystander walking to their apartment when they were struck."

TENNESSEE COLLEGE STUDENT, 18, KILLED IN NASHVILLE PARK BY SHOOTER WITH PRIOR ARRESTS: COPS

Columbus authorities located the victim upon arrival at the scene Monday afternoon and transported the student to a nearby hospital, where he was treated and in stable condition.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY POLICE OFFICER INJURED IN SHOOTING, SUSPECT AT LARGE

The police spokesperson added that a preliminary investigation also indicated that a second person, who was not an OSU student, was taken to the hospital via private transportation. The condition of that person's injuries was not disclosed in the report.

Authorities are still trying to determine the second person's involvement, if any, in the shooting.

There are numerous security cameras in the area, and police are looking at Monday afternoon footage from those cameras as part of their investigation. No additional information was available at the time of publication.





Original article source: Ohio State student struck in broad daylight by unknown shooter while walking home near campus
Oklahoma authorities seized one of the largest amounts of black-market marijuana in the state's history.

Authorities announced Tuesday they seized one of the largest amounts of black-market marijuana in the states history.

Authorities said more than 36 tons of the illegally grown crop were captured last week in Wagoner and Lincoln counties, one of the biggest seizures in state history.

The drug bust was organized by the state Attorney Generals Organized Crime Task Force, which was established earlier this year.

Our state has been overrun with criminals who are trafficking drugs in our local communities and throughout the country, Attorney General Gentner Drummond said in a news release. I will not tolerate this serious threat to public safety. I am proud of the work of the Organized Crime Task Force and our law enforcement partners for their efforts to eliminate this blight on our communities.

More: Oklahoma's moratorium on new medical marijuana business licenses extended two more years

Thousands of pounds of illegal marijuana seized from two separate grows

On Nov. 9, the task force executed a search warrant on a Wagoner County business where agents found more than 72,000 pounds of black-market marijuana inside a metal barn.

Assisting in the seizure were Homeland Security Investigations, the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority, the Wagoner County sheriff's office, Wagoner County commissioners and the Wagoner County Emergency Management Office.

Later that same day, the task force assisted the medical marijuana authority in the inspection of a Lincoln County medical marijuana grow operation.

Agents found untagged and untraceable marijuana in a car on the premises. They said the discovery led to the execution of another search warrant that yielded 250 pounds of illegal marijuana.

The Lincoln County sheriffs office assisted the task force and the authority in executing the search warrant.

More: Oklahoma cracks down on marijuana grow facilities violating signage rules

Were grateful to partner with Attorney General Drummond in this fight against illicit operators who continually attempt to find respite behind the backdrop of the legitimate medical marijuana industry, authority Executive Director Adria Berry said in a news release. This collaboration sends a strong message that criminal activity isnt welcome in our medical cannabis program.

The newly formed task force works closely with federal, state, county and local law enforcement agencies to investigate crimes related to illegal marijuana grow operations, including human trafficking and the distribution of deadly drugs such as fentanyl.

House Bill 2095, which was signed into law earlier this year, gives the task force  in conjunction with the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation  full enforcement authority over medical marijuana laws.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma authorities seize 72,000 pounds of illegal marijuana
For Tammie Thompson, mother of Olathe East High School shooting suspect, Jaylon Elmore, the last 18 months have been a nightmare.

Since March 2022, Elmore has been in custody at the Johnson County Detention Center. He is accused of some very serious crimes: attempted capital murder, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and two misdemeanor counts of criminal use of a weapon.

Bond was set at $1 million. Earlier this year, Elmore, 19, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

He is accused of shooting school resource officer Erik Clark inside an administrative office at Olathe East High School last year, according to Johnson County District Attorney Steve Howes office.

Because so many details in this case dont necessarily add up and are confusing, its time to take a closer look and see whether Elmore is a school-shooting suspect, or a victim of his circumstances.

I talked to Thompson and others who think differently about the way things went down.

Mother works for Piper School District

Some days are better than others for Thompson, a paraprofessional in the Piper School District in Kansas City, Kansas. She has three children. Elmore is her only son.

The situation has taken its toll on Thompsons mental and physical health, she told me. Shes leaned heavily on her faith  Thompson is a devout Jehovahs Witness. She prays often and reads scripture. To ease her mind, she likes to go on long walks and listen to music.

Im trying to keep my sanity, she said. This is a tough position to be in as a mom.

Thompson makes a solid point. If found guilty of attempted capital murder, Elmore would be sentenced to life in prison and would not be eligible for parole for at least 25 years, according to Kansas statutes. In addition, he faces a minimum of five years if convicted for felony possession of a firearm, according to prosecutors I spoke with.

Elmore couldnt take it anymore. He was depressed and wanted to die, according to his mother. Two months before Elmore took a gun to Olathe East, he attempted suicide, she said.

Hed grown tired of the racial harassment and bullying he faced in suburban Johnson County, Thompson said. And life had him down. One day last January, Elmore swallowed an unknown number of pills.

He tried to kill himself, Thompson said.

A younger sibling found Elmore unresponsive and called 911. Paramedics rushed him to Overland Park Regional Medical Center. Doctors revived Elmore but he was placed on suicide watch. He remained in the hospital for a couple weeks, according to his mother. After that, he was transferred to a mental hospital in Kansas for a spell.

And then March 4, 2022, happened.

Courtesy of the family

Questions about who fired teens weapon

Last month, just outside Johnson County District Court, I met with Thompson. Minutes before, she sat inside a courtroom and waved to Elmore as he entered in handcuffs. He was dressed in orange inmate garb. His dreadlocks were near shoulder-length and well-kept. Elmore made eye contact with his mom and a family supporter. He acknowledged them with a quick smile and slight head nod.

Elmore was there for a hearing. Defense attorney Veronica Dersch joined him at a medium-sized table. Absent was former prosecutor and Kansas attorney general Paul Morrison, Elmores court-appointed co-counsel.

On this day  more than 18 months after the alleged crime occurred  no trial date was set. Derschs request for a continuance was granted. A forensic firearm analyst hired by Elmores court-appointed defense team died, Dersch told the court. More time was needed to gain approval of a new expert to examine and test the semiautomatic handgun Elmore possessed during the shooting.

There are questions as to who actually fired Elmores weapon, Thompson said. But more on that discrepancy later.

The earliest a trial could start would be in 2024, Johnson County District Court Judge Thomas Kelly Ryan said. Elmore respectfully replied that he understood his rights to a speedy trial were on hold until his defense team was prepared to proceed.

Elmore is scheduled for a bond reduction hearing on Nov. 29. It marks the first time defense attorneys have sought to request a lower bond amount, Thompson said.

Bullied for his hair twists, Southern accent

Thompson questioned if Elmores court-appointed attorneys  private lawyers hired by the Kansas State Board of Indigents Defense  were doing all they could to mitigate some of the circumstances surrounding the shooting. We often hear of overworked and underfunded public defenders. But that is not the case here. Elmore is represented by two well-respected private attorneys with other interests outside an indigent defense.

Cynthia Short is a criminal defense attorney specializing in capital murder cases. Although Short has followed the case, she is not directly involved in it. Enough external factors exist to question whether Elmore was in the right frame of mind when he brought the gun to school.

At the time, Elmore was 18 and was struggling to get along with his mother and stepfather. He moved from their home and stayed with a friend. He often slept on the friends couch or at the home of an older sister, Thompson said. He regularly attended school.

Students routinely teased Elmore about his hair, which he wore in thick twists, and his Southern drawl, according to Thompson. He was on medication until about 16 to treat epileptic seizures. As a result, Elmore learned at a slower pace than his peers, his mother said. Because of his condition and behavioral issues, he was given an individualized educational plan, or IEP, at Olathe East.

These factors and more, Short said, are important for Elmores attorneys to note as they prepare for trial.

I would want to get a sense of his mental health, Short said. What was going on at the time? Why was he carrying the gun? What was he afraid of? What did he encounter?

According to his mother, Elmore encountered the harsh reality of a Black young man attending a predominantly white school in suburban America. He was subjected to racial bullying at Olathe East but school officials never did anything about it, Thompson said.

It never stopped, she said.

Refused demand to search backpack

On March 4, 2022, assistant principals Kaleb Stoppel and Leslie Simons escorted Elmore from a wood shop class to Stoppels office at Olathe East. According to transcripts from Elmores preliminary hearing earlier this year, the then-high school senior was cordial and calm as the group made their way to the front office, both Stoppel and Simons testified.

Acting on a tip that Elmore brought a gun to school, the administrators wanted to search Elmores backpack.

Seated at a small circle table in Stoppels office, Elmores back was to the door, according to court documents. On the table in front of him was a laptop and a bottle of water. The book bag was nearby.

Stoppel was seated just to Elmores left side, Simons testified. She sat across from Elmore facing the door. When Stoppel told Elmore they needed to search his bag Elmore shut his laptop and stood up. He put the computer in his bag and placed the bag on his back. Then, he said: No. Ill just walk home, according to a transcript of Simons testimony.

Stoppel, now standing, texted Clark, who came into the room and shut the door behind him, according to Simons. Clark stood at the door with his hands resting in a familiar police pose near his chest, according to testimony. He did not unholster his weapon until shots were fired.

Stoppel continued to ask Elmore for permission to search the bag. Each time, Elmore refused.

Jaylon was still saying no, and took his backpack off from his back and then put it onto his front, Simons testified.

Soon after, all hell broke loose.

Resource officer Erik Clark accidentally shot with ghost gun?

Clark, the resource officer, stood at the door. After Elmore got up and gathered his belongings, he moved slowly towards the door. He faced Clark, according to Simons. Stoppel rose from his seat, too, Simons said.

When Elmore moved the bag to his front, Stoppel crossed in between Clark and Elmore, she testified. Stoppel stood on Elmores left side. He looked towards the bag. Simons stood to Elmores right, she said.

There is no consensus on what occurred next  which, to me, raises all sorts of questions. Elmore shot first, Clark and Simons testified. But did he? In a tussle over the gun, is it possible Stoppel accidentally pulled the trigger on Elmores ghost gun, a privately-made 9mm pistol with no serial number?

During his time on the stand, Stoppel couldnt recall what happened after Elmore went into the bag.

And I do not remember seeing the gun, but I remember hearing gunshots from right in front of me where Jaylon is, he testified.

Later, Stoppel added: I dont remember how I got to the floor, but the next thing I remember is I am on top of Jaylon, and Im using my weight to subdue him. I have my hand on the gun, which is in his hand, and Im fighting the gun out of his hand and trying to push it away.

Did the administrator panic after seeing the gun? Possibly. According to Simons, Stoppel yelled Gun! when Elmore opened the backpack and pulled out the weapon.

As he was bringing it out, Dr. Stoppel yelled, Gun! Simons said, Jaylon shot. Dr. Stoppel pushed and at the same time, grabbed and pushed down Jaylon, and they crossed in front of me as Officer Clark started firing at Jaylon.

Simons testified she saw Elmore fire one more shot while on the ground. It is not clear if Stoppel or Elmore fired the gun as they fought to gain control over the weapon. I suppose the firearm forensics expert hired by Elmores defense team could provide the answer. But the question is a legitimate one we all must ponder.

Courtesy of the family

I dont believe he had any intention to shoot anyone

Elmore doesnt remember much of what occurred after he was shot, Thompson told me. Clark was struck four times, he testified. Once inside the office, he activated his body-worn camera. One of the bullets hit Clarks body cam, he said. He later learned from others the camera was destroyed.

Clark shot both Elmore and Stoppel twice. The same day, Stoppel and Clark were released from a hospital.

Elmore underwent surgery and was in the hospital for months. His wounds were serious  he flatlined, his mother said. Bullet fragments are still inside him, she said. Hes had multiple surgeries. He went from the infirmary to jail, Thompson said.

When I was finally able to see Jay at the hospital the first thing he said was, Ma, am I still going to graduate? I was thinking to myself here this boy is on a breathing machine fighting for life and he is concerned about graduating, Thompson said.

She thinks Elmore was trying to get the gun out and turn it over to Stoppel when shots were fired.

But the principal grabbed it and they fell, Thompson said. He doesnt remember anything else after that. I dont believe he had any intention to shoot anyone. He had the gun on him for weeks. That was never his intent. I dont believe he tried to shoot anybody.

Elmore was no active school shooter and had no intentions of shooting anyone that day, according to Thompson. The gun was for protection, she said. On more than one occasion, Elmore verbally reported racially-motivated abuse to school officials. He faced threats from another student but nothing was done, Thompson said.

Like most kids, Jay wasnt perfect, but he is my baby and he almost allowed this cold world to destroy him, she said. Im so glad God saw fit to keep him here just a little while longer. He has been through a lot as a kid and young adult. But he is not a monster.
The council says the noise has been reported across a "wide area" of the town.

People in Omagh say they are fed up with the persistent humming, which is disrupting their sleep.

The night-time noise has been reported in a wide area of the County Tyrone town in recent weeks.

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council's attempts to trace it have so far not been successful.

Now, noise experts could be called in by a Northern Ireland council as it struggles to find the source of a mystery hum.

Alliance Party councillor Stephen Donnelly said it was a serious problem for some residents.

He was initially contacted by people in the Tamlaght Road area of Omagh in late October, but in the weeks since reports of the mystery noise have spread to other parts of the town.

Mr Donnelly said people "usually characterise it as a persistent buzz or hum" that was distinct from more common noise such as traffic.

Many people, he said, had reported problems sleeping because of the noise pollution.

It was imperative that the council did its utmost to trace its source, he said.

"It may well be that it's seasonal or weather-related but these things often don't turn out to be simple and it may be a multitude of source," said Mr Donnelly.

"What we need to do is establish the facts and get to the bottom of this and then take action to resolve this."

'Difficult to pinpoint'

A council spokeswoman said the investigation had been challenging.

"Due to the wide area where the sound has been reported it is difficult to pinpoint the exact source(s)," she said.

"Officers are currently investigating the use of specialist equipment, or procurement of a specialist company, to assist in detecting the source of the noise."

A phenomenon known widely as "the Hum" has been reported across the globe over the past five decades, including in the UK, North America and Australia.

There is a range of theories as to where such noises come from, including farm or factory machinery, while some subscribe to conspiracy theories such as flying saucers.
Mat Hames is an Austin-based filmmaker, and one of his films led to his knighting by the then-prince of Belgium.

Mat Hames's work as a filmmaker has taken him across the world, and in this week's episode of Truly Texan, the Austinite shares some behind-the-scenes from his movies and overall career.

One film told the story of a Texas man whose P-47 plane crashed behind enemy lines in Belgium during World War II. The Belgium resistance helped the soldier, and the film ultimately had a screening in Belgium.

The then-prince was in attendance, and he loved the film so much that he knighted Hames and the rest of the film crew.

Hames also discusses his recent work on the PBS series "Power Trip: The Story of Energy," which recently released season two and will soon present a documentary about the making of the series.

Listen to "I Was Knighted in Belgium"

Hear Hames's full story below or on your favorite streaming platform. If you'd like to share your story on Truly Texan, fill out our submission form.

Also available for streaming on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Omny.

Want to hear more Truly Texan podcasts?

See full list of podcast episodes.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: How one Austin filmmaker ended up knighted in Belgium
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  Theres still time to register for the Utah Food Banks Utah Human Race. The popular 5K/10K race runs every year on Thanksgiving. Thousands of Utahns turn out to trot along with the turkey mascot, often running in costume, adding a festive flair to the event. This year marks the 18th anniversary of the Utah Human Race and will be Thursday, Nov. 23, in Sandy.

Registration is open until Nov. 21 and is open to all ages and abilities. Participants can register as teams and can fundraise which increases the impact of the race. Registration for both individuals and teams can be completed by visiting www.UtahHumanRace.org and even those not able to participate in the actual race can fundraise. For more information visit the Utah Human Race website.

Salt Lakes candy windows to ring in the holidays this week

Its amazing that so many families care enough about the 1 in 10 Utah children facing hunger that they have made this a Thanksgiving tradition, said Ginette Bott, President & CEO at Utah Food Bank. We highly encourage anyone participating to make it even more fun by wearing a costume on race dayone of our favorite things is seeing all the creative costumes participants come up with!

The race route begins and ends at the Sandy Promenade, 10085 S. Centennial Parkway. Registration fees are $30 for the 5K race and $35 for the 10K race, both of which begin at 8 a.m. Online registration closes on Tuesday, November 21 at 5 p.m., and there is no same-day registration.

Packet pick-up is available at Utah Food Banks Salt Lake warehouse now through November 22, and there is no same-day packet pick-up. The Utah Human Race is presented by Cameron Construction.

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A Muscogee County School District graduate has received one of the most exclusive and prestigious college scholarships in the world.

Mariah Cady, the 2019 Columbus High School salutatorian and now a senior at the University of Georgia, is one of 32 students in the United States and 103 worldwide from 64 countries to be named a 2024 Rhodes Scholar.

Each year, out of the thousands of applicants, the global acceptance rate is around 0.7%, according to the Rhodes Trust, a charity that supports the scholarship.

The Rhodes Scholarship, first awarded in 1902, is the worlds oldest international graduate scholarship program. The scholarship covers all fees and a stipend to study for two to three years at the University of Oxford in Britain  an estimated annual monetary value of $70,000, but the opportunity it affords is priceless.

Based on the Rhodes Trusts list of recipients by institution and this years announcement, Cady is the 27th UGA student to become a Rhodes Scholar in 121 years, tied with Sewanee (University of the South), University of Kansas, University of Mississippi and Vanderbilt University, and trailing:

Harvard University 394

Yale University 265

Princeton University 218

Stanford University 104

U.S. Military Academy 104

Dartmouth University 65

Brown University 58

Massachusetts Institute of Technology 56

University of Virginia 56

U.S. Naval Academy 52

University of Chicago 51

Duke University 49

University of North Carolina 46

U.S. Air Force Academy 44

University of Washington 37

Williams College 36

Columbia University 33

Reed College 32

University of Wisconsin 32

Cornell University 31

University of Michigan 30

University of Oklahoma 30

University of Texas 30

Washington University in St. Louis 30

Georgetown University 28

Swarthmore College 28

University of Montana 28

We are extraordinarily proud that Mariah has joined the long and distinguished list of University of Georgia students who have been honored as Rhodes Scholars, UGA President Jere Morehead said in a news release. I am confident that Mariah will make significant contributions to the world through her academic and professional pursuits.

Cady is a Morehead Honors College student and Foundation Fellow at UGA. She also is a Security Leadership Program fellow in UGAs School of Public and International Affairs.

This remarkable honor is recognition of Mariahs exceptional achievements as an undergraduate and a reflection of the excellence of UGAs academic programs, S. Jack Hu, the universitys senior vice president for academic affairs and provost, said in the news release. I am particularly thankful for the faculty and staff of the Morehead Honors College and those across campus who have supported Mariah on her academic journey.

Cady, from Midland, is a 2023 Boren Scholar majoring in Russian and international affairs with minors in geography, German and teaching English to speakers of other languages.

At Oxford, she plans to pursue two masters degrees: the first in linguistics, philology and phonetics, the second in refugee and forced migration studies, to prepare for a career in diplomacy, according to the news release.

Cady wasnt available for comment. She is studying in Kazakhstan at the Al-Farabi Kazakh National University. From April to September, she studied at Friedrich-Alexander-Universitat Erlangen-Nurnberg in Germany on an international student exchange.
Editors Note: Ganesh Sitaraman is a law professor at Vanderbilt University and author of the forthcoming book, WHY FLYING IS MISERABLE: And How to Fix It (Columbia Global Reports). The views expressed in this commentary are his own. View more opinion on CNN.

If this holiday season is like most others, we can expect flight delays, cancellations, lost baggage and all the miseries that come with flying.

Ganesh Sitaraman - Courtesy of Vanderbilt University

Policymakers often try to address these issues with a passengers bill of rights. But they rarely seem to make a dent in improving the overall travel experience. The reason is that many of the problems in the airline industry are structural  they are about airlines incentives as businesses.

Airlines make money when they cut costs and increase profits, which can mean worse service for flyers. If we want to make flying less miserable, policymakers  and the traveling public  will have to tackle these incentives.

To see why, a bit of history is helpful. In the 1930s, Congress passed a major law regulating airlines using public utility principles, an approach that had long been common for transportation infrastructure. The idea was that the United States should have stable, reliable air service across the whole country  even in places where there wasnt a lot of demand.

Under this system, a federal agency called the Civil Aeronautics Board allocated routes to airlines instead of airlines choosing where they wanted to fly, and it regulated prices as well. In the process, the Board could ensure there was a measure of competition among airlines and cities.

By guaranteeing the airlines a return on top of their expenses, rather than having airlines compete over price, the system incentivized the airlines to invest in expanding and improving services.

In the middle of the 20th century, airlines adopted new, cutting-edge jet technologies. By the 1970s, amid an economic crisis and depressed demand for flights, airlines shifted toward eye-popping service competition: American Airlines put piano bars in airplanes. Trans World Airlines had poker machines. Delta offered steak and champagne. Regulation on prices meant that airline competition was a race to the top on service quality so airlines could attract customers.

Advocates for deregulation in the 1970s were horrified by these developments. They thought air travel was not a utility-like infrastructure that needed special rules. It was more like selling sofas or coffee mugs. They won the political battle, and Congress deregulated the airlines in 1978.

Under the new regime, airlines could fly where they wanted (subject to airport constraints) and set their own prices. Competition soon took on a different flavor. Busy, heavily trafficked routes attracted new upstart airlines, which undercut prices because airline workers were not unionized and offered no frills tickets. But the big carriers eventually pushed them out, by matching or beating them on price, creating frequent flyer programs to keep passengers with the airline, and offering a much bigger network.

After dozens of mergers and bankruptcies, the airline industry ultimately became less competitive. Today, the four biggest airlines have a larger collective market share than the top four did during the 1970s.

Todays miseries of flying derive from this choice to deregulate airlines and unleash them into the Hunger Games of ordinary incentives. Added fees for baggage, an increasing number of fare classes, differential pricing  these all make perfect sense as a way to squeeze money out of passengers.

Travelers wait for their bags amid rows of unclaimed luggage at the United Airlines baggage claim area at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on June 29, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. - Mario Tama/Getty Images

Without the regulation of routes, airlines have also created hub-and-spokes systems in which passengers have to connect to big hubs like Atlanta or Dallas instead of flying nonstop to their destination. This means less competition (and higher prices). Some cities have lost airport volume; others have lost service altogether. And the shift to big hubs means that a storm or even high winds in one of those hubs can disrupt travel across the country because so many flights connect through the city.

By all means, policymakers can continue to push for specific changes: improvements to air traffic control systems, requirements for refunds due to delays, and so on. But trying to address every problem one by one is like playing whack-a-mole. There will just be some other issue that pops up next year, or the year after.

The better approach is to think bigger. Instead of addressing each problem piecemeal, we need structural changes that reshape incentives so airlines compete to improve services, not to squeeze passengers into smaller seats or out of a few more bucks. In my new book, Why Flying is Miserable  and How to Fix It, I offer a set of principles and ideas for a new approach, one that learns from the past but doesnt return to it.

A new national airline policy should ensure access to air travel across the United States. It should adopt a no-bailouts, no-bankruptcies approach, in which we have an industry that is stable, reliable and thriving. And it would ensure fair, simpler and more transparent pricing for travelers. For example, limiting dominance at airport hubs would mean greater competition and the creation of more hubs rather than bigger hubs. Competition would be beneficial to flyers, and reducing concentration would expand access to more places.

If we build a system with these principles in mind, the airlines practices will change, and we can fix many of the frustrations that travelers face. We wouldnt just have a limited bill of rights for passengers. Wed have a constitution for air travel.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
The Wagner Groups aborted rebellion in June, coupled with the protracted war in Ukraine, has renewed fears about the security of Russias nuclear arsenal. The risk of loose nukes or a vengeful leader going down with his finger on the trigger may seem far-fetched, but America must begin preparing for worst-case scenarios.

LOS ANGELES  Historically, Russias defeat in foreign wars, including the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-05, World War I, and the 1979-89 invasion of Afghanistan, has unleashed internal turmoil, ultimately leading to regime change. Russian President Vladimir Putins unprovoked attack on Ukraine has stoked fears of a repeat, but this time with a nuclear threat far exceeding that posed by the collapse of the Soviet Union.

The prospect is chilling. If the Ukraine debacle destroys Putins domestic legitimacy, how should the United States (and the wider world) respond to the risk of loose nukes, or a vengeful leader going down with his finger on the nuclear button?

The answer is not clear, but a potential path forward comes from an unexpected source: the U.S. State Departments After Action Review on Afghanistan. Released in June, the unclassified version reflects on the lessons learned from the botched conclusion of the U.S. military mission in that country, providing a template for better crisis planning.

Of course, internal strife has long raised the specter of nuclear weapons falling into the wrong hands. As the USSR disintegrated, then-Secretary of State James Baker, mindful of the threat of inter-republic violence, feared that it might become Yugoslavia with nukes.

Read also: Opinion: Russian disinformation wields influence on the battlefield

Indeed, in 1990, dissidents attempted to seize nuclear weapons near Baku. The following year, when the aborted coup against Mikhail Gorbachev separated the Soviet leader from the nuclear chain of command, authority fell to military personnel linked to the putschists. Moreover, such risks are not unique to Russia: in times of domestic upheaval, there have been attempts to commandeer nuclear weapons in French Algeria, China, and Pakistan.

That none of these efforts were successful reflects a combination of factors, from effective defenses to the restraint of various adversaries, and suggests that future political turmoil in Russia would not necessarily compromise the security of the worlds largest nuclear arsenal. In fact, the U.S. Defense Departments most recent Nuclear Posture Review, from 2022, fails to mention the matter, as does the February 2023 Annual Threat Assessment of the U.S. Intelligence Community.

But the Wagner Groups aborted rebellion in June renewed fears about the Russian arsenals vulnerabilities: the late Yevgeny Prigozhins mercenaries allegedly approached the Voronezh-45 nuclear facility. When asked, soon after the revolt, whether the U.S. is prepared for the fall of the Putin government, and whether Russias nuclear cache is secure, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken responded, We always prepare for every contingency. In terms of what happens in Russia, its an internal matter for the Russians to figure out.

Leaving aside the vagueness of every contingency, consider three scenarios that could lead to nuclear conflict: a palace coup, a hostile takeover of a nuclear-weapons base, and nuclear suicide. The first is the least concerning. If Russias top military brass or security services stripped Putin of power and assumed control of strategic and tactical weapons, the nuclear status quo would likely survive. But any internal divisions could raise fears about intentions  and about command and control.

Read also: Team of liberal economists helps Putin keep his power, wage war in Ukraine

The chances of unauthorized actors  whether rogue military units, private armies, or dissatisfied members of ethnic minorities  capturing an intact nuclear weapon and detonating it are exceedingly low, but not zero. To do so would require breaching many layers of security, starting with the defense forces at nuclear sites.

Moreover, most tactical nuclear weapons, with the notable exception of gravity bombs, are unassembled and have digital locks that prevent detonation. Finally, while such weapons could be delivered by aircraft, truck, or boat, mounting them for missile delivery would require the cooperation of the Russian Ministry of Defense directorate that manages the countrys nuclear arsenal. But if these coordination challenges are overcome, the consequences could be catastrophic.

A Putin "Gotterdammerung," however, is the most worrying scenario. For years, Putin has lamented the Soviet Unions demise, famously calling it the greatest geopolitical catastrophe of the (twentieth) century, and insists that Ukraine is part of the Russian motherland. If the Kremlin faced defeat in Ukraine or serious domestic unrest, would Putin and his cronies simply sit back and accept failure, or would they seek revenge, including nuclear retaliation, against the West?

Some may say that such scenarios are for screenwriters, not policymakers. But the twenty-first century has already produced a series of previously unimaginable events: the 9/11 attacks, the Arab Spring, the rise of ISIS, the return of World War I-style trench warfare to Europe, and, most recently, Hamass assault on Israel. Against this backdrop, the potential nuclear threat from Russia no longer seems implausible.

Read also: Opinion: Russias move to de-ratify the nuclear test ban treaty signals Putins aggravation with the war

The main problem is the lack of policy tools to mitigate nuclear risks arising from another countrys internal upheaval. Americas one success in this regard, albeit for weapons of mass destruction more generally, was the elimination, by military intimidation, of most of Syrias chemical weapons in 2013. This approach worked because the Syrian government was unable to retaliate, and the Kremlin was unwilling to challenge the U.S. on behalf of its ally. But today, one could imagine a wounded Russia reaching for the nuclear trigger if the U.S. issued a military threat.

American policymakers must therefore start from scratch. Fortunately, the State Departments report on the countrys chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan offers recommendations for improving crisis planning. The report calls for establishing a red team capability to challenge underlying policy assumptions, especially those that impact contingency planning, and aims to ensure that senior officials hear the broadest possible range of views including those that challenge operating assumptions or question the wisdom of key policy decisions. To build muscle memory, the presidents involvement in preparatory actions  for example, simulations  becomes imperative. Moreover, to prevent group-think, experienced outsiders, including NATO officials, must participate in preparing for future worst-case scenarios.

It would be naive to hope that the Russian government or U.S. diplomatic outreach would prevent nuclear war in the event of a serious threat to Putins political survival. The risk that Russias Ukraine misadventure could culminate in nuclear nihilism demands nothing less than a systemic review of Americas options.

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Editors Note: Copyright, Project Syndicate. This article was published by Project Syndicate on Nov. 10, 2023, and has been republished by the Kyiv Independent with permission. The opinions expressed in the op-ed section are those of the authors and do not purport to reflect the views of the Kyiv Independent.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
President M. Russell Ballard, acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, stands by the Trent River in Nottingham, England, on Oct. 28, 2021. Ballard walked along the river as a young missionary in 1949 and received a spiritual witness of being on the Lords errand at that time. Ballard died on Sunday. Nov. 12, 2023, at the age of 95. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

The world lost more than a great religious leader when President M. Russell Ballard, the acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, died on Sunday.

It lost an effective community builder, an ecumenical unifier who reached out to other faiths, and a leader with a keen eye for history, whose volunteer efforts helped to create a lasting memorial for pioneers of all faiths. Even in the realm of commerce, where, for many years, he owned and operated a car dealership  among the more competitive business environments  President Ballard developed lasting friendships.

His life and work were powerful antidotes to the ubiquitous divisions and tribalisms that infect so much of modern society. He thoroughly understood the dangers of such divisions, as well as how social media can sometimes exacerbate it.

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But rather than telling people to avoid the internet, he urged church members to fill it with positive messages, and to defend and promote truth and goodness through blogs and other means.

That type of proactive positivity is a legacy that will long outlive President Ballard, as faithful people continue to spread light in a sometimes dark world. It is a legacy bound to demonstrate how goodness emanates far beyond its origins.

But make no mistake, President Ballard was, indeed, a great religious leader, a powerful witness of Jesus Christ who was dedicated to sharing the gospel and helping people in need. His service and commitment to unity grew out of that faith and a desire to honor the Savior Jesus Christ.

His ministry stressed the need for missionary work, the value of councils at all levels of church governance and, always, the declaration that Jesus Christ is the son of God.

His ministry was global  he, along with church President Russell M. Nelson, met with Pope Francis, an ecumenical first in the history of both faiths. He gave interviews to The New York Times and The Associated Press and spoke with international ambassadors and political leaders about numerous issues, including how to improve humanitarian efforts.

But his ministry was also personal and local. He was passionately involved in issues vital to the Wasatch Front. His involvement as a member of the Alliance for Unity was a powerful example.

The alliance was formed as a way to bridge divides along the Wasatch Front. Its statement of purpose was released shortly after the terrorist attacks of 9/11, and right after hate crimes, such as an arson attack on a Pakistani restaurant along State Street, had shaken the Salt Lake area.

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Gov. Spencer Cox, left, first lady Abby Cox, second from left, and state Rep. Melissa Garff-Ballard, R-North Salt Lake, right, applaud as President M. Russell Ballard, acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is recognized during a ceremony at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Thursday, July 22, 2021. The governor declared Friday, July 23, 2021, as President M. Russell Ballard Day. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

President M. Russell Ballard, acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, smiles during a recognition ceremony at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Thursday, July 22, 2021. Deseret Book has published a biography on the life of President Ballard. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

President M. Russell Ballard of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints walks into his office in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, March 22, 2022. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

Then-Sen. Harry M. Reid, left, speaks with then-Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the J. Reuben Clark Law Society Annual Fireside at the Little Theater in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Friday, Jan. 20, 2017. | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

President M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles speaks at the memorial service of former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid at the Smith Center for the Performing Arts in Las Vegas on Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022. | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

President M. Russell Ballard, acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, waves to the audience after a filming of the Seminaries and Institutes annual training broadcast at the Conference Center Little Theatre in Salt Lake City on Friday, Dec. 10, 2021. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News

President M. Russell Ballard, acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, waves to the crowd during the temple dedication ceremony Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints temple in Pocatello, Idaho. | Drew Nash, for the Deseret News

President M. Russell Ballard, acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, calls on five young parishioners to help seal the cornerstone during the dedication ceremony Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints temple in Pocatello, Idaho. | Drew Nash, for the Deseret News

President M. Russell Ballard of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints stands in Old Market Square in Nottingham, England, on Thursday, Oct. 28, 2021, in the place where he preached as a young missionary in 1949. President Ballard has died at age 95. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

President M. Russell Ballard of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints greets missionaries from the England Missionary Training Center at the Parish Church of Saint Leonard in Downham, England, on Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2021. Early church missionaries Heber C. Kimball and Joseph Fielding taught and baptized many converts in the area. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

President M. Russell Ballard, center, Elder Quentin L. Cook, left, and Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the River Ribble in England on Wednesday Oct. 27, 2021. Many converts to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were baptized in the river through early missionary efforts. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

President M. Russell Ballard of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints laughs with MSP Stephen Kerr at Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, Scotland, on Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2021. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

President M. Russell Ballard and Elder Quentin L. Cook of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints walk along the Royal Albert Dock Liverpool in Liverpool on Monday, Oct. 25, 2021. 19th-century Latter-day Saint converts immigrated to the United States from the docks. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

President M. Russell Ballard of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints stands by the Trent River in Nottingham, England, on Thursday, Oct. 28, 2021. Ballard walked along the river as a young missionary in 1949 and received a spiritual witness of being on the Lords errand at that time. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

President Jean B. Bingham, general president of the Relief Society of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and her counselor Sister Sharon Eubank talk with President M. Russell Ballard, acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, prior to a Leadership and Planning Committee meeting at the Church Administration Building in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, May 11, 2021. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

President M. Russell Ballard, acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints, talks with the Church News at the Church Administration building in Salt Lake City on Friday, March 5, 2021. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

A roadside message and balloons welcome President M. Russell Ballard, acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, prior to a multi-stake youth fireside in Georgetown, Massachusetts, on May 14, 2022. | Brian Nicholson, for the Deseret News

President M. Russell Ballard, acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, greets Lauren Hunting, Beckham Elwell and Briana Vilme during a multi-stake youth fireside in Georgetown, Massachusetts, on May 14, 2022. | Brian Nicholson, for the Deseret News

President M. Russell Ballard, acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, greets a young girl following the dedication of the Smith Family Memorial at Pine Grove Cemetery in Topsfield, Massachusetts, on May 14, 2022. | Brian Nicholson, for the Deseret News

President M. Russell Ballard, acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, talks with the large gathering of young men and women during a multi-stake youth fireside in Georgetown, Massachusetts, on May 14, 2022. | Brian Nicholson, for the Deseret News

President M. Russell Ballard, acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, gets a closer look at the Smith Family Memorial following its dedication ceremony at Pine Grove Cemetery in Topsfield, Massachusetts, on May 14, 2022. | Brian Nicholson, for the Deseret News

President M. Russell Ballard of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints walks to the Tranent Parish Church in Tranent, Scotland, on Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2021. Ballards great-great-great-grandparents attended the church and were buried on the grounds in unmarked graves. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

That statement said, in part, We ask Utahns of every background to cast a broader look at diversity and to nurture a deeper respect for our differences. It is only when we respect differences that we can be united in a healthy community.

At the time, the Deseret News editorial board said, The statement is not the end to a process. Rather, it is a beginning. That soon became evident. Not long after, President Ballards involvement was key in solving a contentious issue surrounding the churchs newly constructed plaza on what used to be Main Street north of North Temple.

President Ballard helped broker a compromise in which the church gifted the city 2.17 acres for construction of a community center.

Two decades later, it may be easy to forget just how vital this was to the health of the community. This was a contentious time. The solution softened angry feelings and helped neighborhoods move forward.

But President Ballard understood keenly that a healthy community not only looks forward, it must pay a healthy respect to the memories of those who came before, as well.

He was passionate about honoring the legacy of pioneers of all faiths and backgrounds. He volunteered to help the development of This is the Place Heritage Park, devising a walk of pioneer faiths. This includes some nine monuments, representing the various faiths that at different points came to Utah and the Salt Lake Valley seeking religious freedom.

In 2022, President Ballard dedicated a new monument located at the This is the Place Heritage Park, specifically honoring Black Latter-day Saint pioneers.

It was his concern that this be the park for everyone, the parks executive director, Ellis Ivory, said. He had a tremendous respect for the other churches.

And, while his interaction with the pope and with international ambassadors helped bridge divides on a global scale, he did not neglect the ecumenical needs on a local scale.

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President Ballard developed close, genuine friendships with local religious leaders, including Archbishop John C. Wester, who led Catholics in Utah for many years. As Archbishop Wester told us before leaving Utah for his next assignment, the friendship was important for community relations.

Elder Ballard would let me know that something was going to come out of a momentous nature, perhaps in the near future, from the LDS Church, and I would call and let him know from our perspective on the Catholic side  because so many times people misrepresent whats really happening, Archbishop Wester said.

To some, the world may look bleaker today than it did on Oct. 8, 1928, when President Ballard was born. But in many other ways, it looks far more hopeful and bright because of him, his hard work, his faith and his example.

Those attributes, and his relentless efforts to unify a world of differing opinions, beliefs and faiths, will outlive him as they continue to bear fruit.

President Ballard not only taught his faith, he lived it with energy and zeal. Today, many communities mourn his death, and yet he lived a life well-worth celebrating with gratitude.

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Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 14)  Senator Leila de Lima on Tuesday said she is currently catching up with everything she missed after being detained for almost seven years.

I have several options and I have to go back, I think, to my law practice and my teaching career in law school, De Lima told CNN Philippines Balitaan, adding she will also continue pursuing her advocacies.

Speaking to CNN Philippines The Source, De Limas lawyer Boni Tacardon said among the former senators priorities are seeing her 91-year-old ailing mother, who she last saw four years ago, as well as rebuilding her life and reputation.

We are just enjoying the moment, he added.

De Lima on Monday was allowed to post a 300,000 bail for her remaining drug case, giving her provisional liberty after six years and nine months of detention. She was detained for allegedly benefitting from the illegal drug trade in the New Bilibid Prison while she headed the Department of Justice and using the drug money to finance her senatorial campaign in 2016.

READ: De Lima: Complete vindication is the goal

The former senator has denied this, saying the charges were made by the Duterte administration to silence her as she is a staunch critic of the bloody war on drugs and former President Rodrigo Duterte.

Tacardon said while De Lima focuses on herself, their legal team is preparing to question the evidence of the prosecution.

We are now in the process of filing our opposition to the formal offer of evidence of the prosecution, he said, noting the courts decision is expected by December.

Once resolved, Tacardon said they will request for the filing of a demurrer to evidence, or a motion to dismiss a criminal case. This will be based on their camps claim that the prosecution failed to prove the guilt of the accused beyond reasonable doubt.

Tacardon said it is possible a final decision on De Limas third drug case will be made if not within the year then in the next few months.

We have gone through all these documents, we have heard the testimonies of the witnesses and the court himself evaluated the testimonies and said they cannot be believed and he cannot give credence to these testimonieswe are looking in the direction of the total dismissal of the case, Tacardon said.

De Lima won in her first two drug cases in 2021 and in early 2023, respectively.
Editors Note: John Avlon is a CNN senior political analyst and anchor. He is the author of Lincoln and the Fight for Peace. The views expressed in this commentary are his own. View more opinion at CNN.

As America plays chicken with another government shutdown, Moodys Investors Service, the credit rating agency, warned that it is changing its outlook on the US rating from stable to negative.

This might sound like Wall Street mumbo-jumbo, but it is a real-world reminder that hyper-partisan polarization has a concrete cost.

In addition to the growth of deficits and debt, House Republican partisan brinksmanship has been a driving force behind every credit warning and downgrade the US has received over the past several years  and as a testament to their own absurdity, theyve supposedly done this in the name of fiscal responsibility.

It was in 2011, in the face of another dance around government shutdowns and debt ceiling default, that America had its first credit rating downgrade from Standard and Poors.

The 2010 Tea Party wave in reaction to former President Barack Obamas election was in full effect. At the time, it was purporting to represent a desire to reduce taxes and decrease deficit spending in the wake of the US fiscal crisis.

Resurgent right-wingers demanded deep cuts in spending in exchange for raising the debt ceiling. The weeks of partisan brinksmanship  and apparent willingness to crash US credit to achieve ideological aims  rattled confidence in American governance.

Thats why S&P called out the fundamental structural problem of hyper-partisan politics, as well as the growing deficit and debt, saying: The political brinksmanship of recent months highlights what we see as Americas governance and policymaking becoming less stable, less effective, and less predictable than what we previously believed. The statutory debt ceiling and the threat of default have become political bargaining chips in the debate over fiscal policy.

As Republican Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said at the time: I think some of our members may have thought the default issue was a hostage you might take a chance at shooting. Most of us didnt think that. What we did learn is this  its a hostage thats worth ransoming.

If S&P was premature in its downgrading of the US in 2011, a decade later, its stance has proven prescient. Our debt has continued to rise  fueled by Republican as well as Democratic presidents. But the structural instability of our governing has increased with the continued right-wing lurch of the Republican Party, which demonizes the idea of working across the aisle.

Forget the argument that House Republicans are motivated by a noble concern about the deficit and debt. Even if you agree with the substance of the argument that we are spending our childrens inheritance, real fiscal responsibility means that we should have revenue that meets our expenses. Its a two-way street.

But a modest degree of debt has been used usefully by the US since the days of Alexander Hamilton, who wrote: A national debt if it is not excessive will be to us a national blessing. And when the US climbed out of its deficits as a result of growth under former Democratic President Bill Clinton, the first thing Republicans did under former President George W. Bush was squander that by cutting taxes, leading to another cycle of deficit spending.

Not only that, when Republican presidents have been in office, they have grown the national debt more than the Democrats.

Thats particularly true of former President Donald Trump, who increased the debt by more than $7 trillion in four years  something former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley has correctly been trying to make a campaign issue in the Republican presidential primary.

But the congressional voting record shows that Republicans really only care about deficits and debt when a Democrat is president. Thats when they threaten shutdowns to achieve policy aims and play politics with the full faith and credit of the United States.

We saw that this August when Fitch Ratings lowered the credit rating of the United States from AAA, saying: The repeated debt-limit political standoffs and last-minute resolutions have eroded confidence in fiscal management.

One of the few responsible things that former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy did was form a deal with Democrats to stop the government from shutting down. It cost him his speakership.

Now Speaker Mike Johnson is trying to wriggle out of the same trap. Well see if hes successful. Some people in his caucus are cheering for a shutdown because they feel that will give them leverage to push through their own ideological agenda absent durable majorities in the House and Senate.

The people making the most noise now were the most unquestioning followers of Trump and would be again if the self-styled king of debt were to regain the presidency.

The inmates-running-the-asylum dynamic already has had an impact, as weve seen with Moodys. And the concern is not just the size and scope of the US debt  its whether the United States has the stable structural governance in order to make good on its debts. Thats why Moodys called out partisan polarization, saying: Continued political polarization within U.S. Congress raises the risk that successive governments will not be able to reach consensus on a fiscal plan to slow the decline in debt affordability.

If you sincerely care about fiscal responsibility  reducing deficits and debt  work in a bipartisan way to reduce long-term costs and raise revenue. The worst kind of stunt politics is to try to offset emergency spending like aid to Israel by trying to cut funding for IRS enforcement  as Johnson initially proposed  which would actually add to the deficit, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office.

There are good people in both parties who care about the long-term deficit and debt of our nation. But the self-defeating stunt politics  and rank hypocrisy of the far right  have made it almost impossible to reason together, especially across party lines. But thats the way the government is supposed to work, by design, in a democratic republic.

The failure to reason together and the weakening of our credit rating only deepens the hole we are in, while the dysfunction of our democracy is a gift for the autocrats who want to remake the 21st century in their model.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
A former Russian detective convicted for his role in orchestrating the 2006 assassination of investigative journalist Anna Politkovskaya has been pardoned by Russian President Vladimir Putin after being recruited to fight in Ukraine, his lawyer told state media TASS.

Sergey Khadzhikurbanov was sentenced to 20 years in prison for organizing the killing of Politkovskaya, a columnist for the investigative newspaper Novaya Gazeta and one of the Kremlins fiercest critics, who was shot dead in Moscow on October 7, 2006  Putins birthday.

Khadzhikurbanovs lawyer, Alexey Mikhalchik, told TASS on Monday that his client had signed a contract with the Russian Ministry of Defense, subsequently receiving a pardon from President [Putin].

Mikhalchik said after the completion of his initial contract with the Russian military, Khadzhikurbanov had continued to serve and currently holds a leadership position in one of the combat units after being offered a new contract.

Khadzhikurbanov, formerly a Moscow police officer, was sentenced in 2014 by a Moscow court for his role in Politkovskayas murder. Before being pardoned by Putin, his original prison term was due to conclude in 2034.

Throughout his trial, Khadzhikurbanov insisted on his innocence, but a spokesperson for Novaya Gazeta told CNN Monday that his involvement in the murder remains indisputable.

The Russian newspaper Novaya Gazetas editorial board and members of journalist Anna Politkovskayas family issued a joint statement Tuesday condemning Khadzhikurbanovs release. The state has long ceased to guard the law but uses this law according to its own perverted understanding. [It] hands down 25 years for beliefs and pardons murderers who are in demand by this state, the statement reads.

For us, this pardoning is not proof of the killers atonement and repentance. This is a monstrous fact of injustice and arbitrariness, an outrage against the memory of a person killed for her beliefs and for performing her professional duty, it added.

Russia has been recruiting ex-convicts as foot soldiers as it attempts to bolster its invasion of Ukraine, which has turned into a grueling war of attrition that has lasted more than 20 months.

A memorial to honor Anna Politkovskaya, a journalist who was shot dead in the elevator of her apartment block in 2006. - David Frenkel'/Kommersant/Sipa/AP

The recruitment campaign began under Yevgeny Prigozhin, the notorious head of the private military company Wagner, who worked to enlist between 40,000 and 50,000 prisoners from jails across Russia over the first year of the war.

Prigozhin led an abortive mutiny in June, when he rallied his Wagner fighters to march on Moscow, sweeping nearly 1,000 kilometers in a day from near the border with Ukraine towards the Russian capital, before abruptly calling for his troops to stand down. Two months to the day after his attempted mutiny, Prigozhin was killed in a mysterious plane crash in August.

During a press conference last Friday, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Russias practice of recruiting and pardoning convicts was ongoing. He said convicts could obtain a pardon even for serious crimes if they atone for them with blood.

Former convicts can atone with blood on the battlefield, in assault brigades, under bullets, under shells, Peskov told reporters, commenting on another case of a former convicted murderer who was pardoned by Putin.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
The Orlando Fire Department Hazmat Team worked to contain a gas leak Monday evening in The Milk District.

4 a.m. Tuesday update:

Orlando Fire Departments dispatch center said that emergency response crews cleared the scene several hours ago and there was no longer an active gas leak.

Original story:

The Orlando Fire Department Hazmat Team is currently working a gas leak in The Milk District.

The Hazmat Team is working with TECO to stop a gas leak at Jefferson Avenue & Bumby Street in Orlando.

 WATCH CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS

According to OFD, the gas leak has been difficult to locate.

Traffic in the area is being affected.

Read: Expect a wet week ahead locally as we continue to monitor the tropics

Several homes have been evacuated for residents safety.

Read: Woman missing after leaving with estranged husband whos accused of attempted murder in other case

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As outrage grows over reports of babies dying and a mass grave being dug at Gazas Al-Shifa hospital, Israel has publicly indicated a desire to mitigate the crisis there  not by ending the siege but by offering fuel and mobile incubators.

On Sunday night, the Israel Defense Forces released video appearing to show soldiers depositing 300 liters (about 79 gallons) of fuel at Al-Shifas entrance and announced an evacuation route for people in the complex to flee. On Monday came a pledge that the IDF would coordinate the delivery of incubators to Al-Shifa, following reports that premature babies there had to be removed from their incubators because of power shortages. Then on Tuesday, the IDF shared a photo of a female soldier helping load mobile incubators into a van, which an IDF spokesperson said would be used to transfer at-risk infants out of the hospital.

We are trying to bring in incubators that can help transfer babies out of Shifa Hospital to other places down south, which will help safeguard the babies in the hospital, IDF spokesman, Lt. Col. Peter Lerner, said.

The IDF said in a briefing later on Tuesday that the incubators had come from Israels Tel Hashomer Hospital and are intended to be used to move premature babies to a safer space. Asked how they will be delivered to Al-Shifa, spokesman Lt. Col. Amnon Shefler said coordination with the hospital has not yet been completed.

Dr. Ahmed El Mokhallalati, a plastic surgeon at Al-Shifa, said the hospital had not yet gotten a proper offer from the IDF to evacuate the babies.

IDF Incubators to Gaza (@IDF via X)

Gazas hospitals, Al-Shifa in particular, have captured the worlds attention and become one of the wars biggest and most contentious storylines as they run out of fuel and resources amid an overwhelming influx of patients injured by Israeli airstrikes. Israel has repeatedly alleged that Hamas hides in tunnels below Gaza hospitals, including under Al-Shifa  which both Hamas and hospital workers have denied. But images of vulnerable babies and desperate pleas from Al-Shifa's medical staff for fuel to keep the hospital running have garnered intense public sympathy.

President Joe Biden said Monday he hoped and expected that there would be less intrusive action relative to the hospital, and that the hospital must be protected.

Israeli officials appear acutely aware that the world is watching in dismay.

The IDF remains committed to upholding its moral and professional responsibilities to distinguish between civilians and Hamas terrorists, the army said in a statement announcing the transfer of incubators.

However, doctors at Al-Shifa and spokesmen for the Palestinian Ministry of Health have highlighted what they see as inadequacies in Israels offers.

A spokesman for the ministry told Reuters on Tuesday that they do not object to having babies evacuated from Al-Shifa to a hospital in Egypt, West Bank or even Israel, but that there is no way to ensure that can happen safely amid the fighting. Israel has instituted daily, four-hour humanitarian pauses in the fighting in northern Gaza and urged residents to evacuate south, though southern Gaza has also faced significant bombardment.

Babies at Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza. (Dr. Ahmed El Mokhallalati)

The Red Cross, meanwhile, said it is in touch with both parties about Al-Shifa but that no concrete plans or decisions regarding a transfer of the newborns involving the organization have been made.

Failing an evacuation, it is not clear how the delivery of incubators would help save the lives of premature babies when Al-Shifa lacks electricity to power them  the reason they were removed from incubators in the first place.

NBC News was also unable to verify when the incubators might be delivered or how the Israeli army would get them to Al-Shifa amid the violence in the area, which hospital staff said left them afraid of venturing outside.

The promised evacuation route from the hospital, too, does not seem to have changed the situation  doctors at Al-Shifa on Monday said they were not aware of anyone leaving the hospital in the prior two days.

Dr. Nidal Abu Hadrus, a neurosurgeon at Al-Shifa, said on Monday that it was impossible for people to leave given the close sounds of bombing and shooting outside.

It is not safe to move out. It is not safe to stay. We dont know what to do, he said.

Although many people were able to evacuate from Al-Shifa earlier in the conflict, fighting in the area has intensified since Friday, and the World Health Organization said 600 patients remained there on Monday. El Mokhallalati estimated the number as closer to 700, and said there are also 700 staff members there and 2,000 to 3,000 civilians taking shelter. Israel has denied that Al-Shifa is under siege.

As for the 300 liters of fuel Israel left at the hospital entrance, a doctor there said on Sunday that Al-Shifa staff had not retrieved it because the amount was virtually a drop in the bucket. At least 10,000 liters per day (2,640 gallons) would be needed to run vital parts of the hospital, according to Dr. Marwan Abusada, a surgeon at the hospital who is also the head of international cooperation at the health ministry.

An Israeli army soldier walks towards a building structure carrying gallon containers, as they say, while delivering fuel to Al Shifa hospital, in a location given as Gaza (Israeli army / via Reuters)

The IDF alleged that Hamas had told hospital staff not to collect the fuel. It said Tuesday that the delivery was just meant to gain more time to save the lives of people in the hospital  specifically babies and children  and not run the entire hospital.

Al-Shifa was forced to bury its dead in a mass grave inside the complex on Tuesday, with around 180 bodies buried there, El Mokhallalati said.

The hospitals director, Midhat Abbas, said the bodies had been starting to decompose.

The hospital has turned into a real cemetery for the sick and wounded, he said.

Yuliya Talmazan reported from London and Chantal Da Silva from Tel Aviv.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
The holiday shopping season is fast approaching, and nearly 1 in 4 Americans are still working to pay off holiday debt from last year. That means careful budgeting is essential this year, but people in some cities can afford to spend more than others.

Palo Alto, CA has the highest average holiday budget of 2023 among small cities, while Bellevue, WA tops the list for medium-sized cities and San Francisco ranks first among large cities, according to a new report by the personal-finance website WalletHub. The report compared over 550 U.S. cities across five key dimensions: income, age, debt-to-income ratio, monthly income-to-expenses ratio, and savings-to-expenses ratio.

Palo Alto, CA has the highest holiday budget among the more than 550 cities we analyzed, at $3,596, in large part because residents earn nearly twice as much as they have to pay in expenses each month. Palo Alto residents are also among the best in the nation at money management, said Cassandra Happe, WalletHub analyst. Bellevue, WA has the biggest holiday budget among medium-sized cities, at $3,576 on average, which is unsurprising given that it is one of the top 10 most educated cities in the country and its residents have a median household income of over $150,000. San Francisco has the highest holiday budget for large cities, at $2,313 for the average resident, due in part to the fact that the average debt-to-income ratio in the city is extremely low, at 23.9%. The Golden City is home to thousands of millionaires and dozens of billionaires, which drives up the average budget.

Top 20 Cities With the Highest Average Holiday Budgets

Palo Alto, CA ($3,596) Bellevue, WA ($3,576) Frisco, TX ($3,546) Ellicott City, MD ($3,497) Flower Mound, TX ($3,485) Sunnyvale, CA ($3,483) Milpitas, CA ($3,470) Mountain View, CA ($3,399) Fremont, CA ($3,321) The Woodlands, TX ($3,316) Santa Clara, CA ($3,269) San Mateo, CA ($3,262) Highlands Ranch, CO ($3,224) Sugar Land, TX ($3,210) Naperville, IL ($3,184) Carmel, IN ($3,116) Roswell, GA ($3,115) Weston, FL ($3,087) Centreville, VA ($3,040) Union City, CA ($3,036)

People in the cities with the smallest holiday budgets can only afford to spend around $500-600 on average this year. Notable cities with particularly small budgets include Newark, NJ ($508), Jackson, MS ($537) and Canton, OH ($551).

Some people can afford to spend much more than others over the holiday season, based on their income, existing debt obligations and cost of living, Happe stated. No matter what your budget is, its important to stick to it to make sure the jolliness of the holidays isnt followed by a mountain of unsustainable debt. For people who would like a more personalized holiday budget, WalletHub will calculate custom holiday budgets for all WalletHub members between now and Dec. 25. WalletHub aims to help people spend wisely during a time when its easy to go overboard.

Tips for Making a Holiday Budget

Start Early: Begin planning your holiday budget well in advance. This gives you time to save and make thoughtful decisions about gifts, food and other expenses without last-minute pressure and inflated prices. Taking advantage of Black Friday or Cyber Monday sales can help you save a lot.

Use a Rewards Credit Card: Putting your holiday purchases on a rewards credit card can save you a lot of money. Many cards offer initial bonuses for spending a certain amount in the first few months. You could potentially cut down your expenses by several hundred dollars. Just strive to only spend what you can afford to pay in full by the due date.

Track Spending: Keeping track of what youve already spent and how much money you have left is essential if you want to ensure you stick to your budget. Having all your purchases in one place, like on a credit card, can help.

Explore Creative Ways to Save Money: There are a lot of cost-effective ways to make the holiday season bright, such as giving thoughtful but low-cost gifts, making homemade decorations, or organizing potluck dinners instead of catering expensive meals.

Visit WalletHubs website to view the full report.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
(KRON)  Supporters of the recall movement aimed at removing Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price from office held an event outside the Alameda County Board of Supervisors Chambers in Oakland on Tuesday. At the event, recall proponents brandished signs supporting the recall and took turns speaking at the microphone demanding the recall of the DA, who was duly elected to office by voters last November.

Almost since the moment she was sworn into office, Price has been targeted by a recall effort, reminiscent of the one that unseated former San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin from office last year. Proponents of the recall blame Price, a long-time civil rights attorney, for a surge in crime, particularly in Oakland.

Walnut Creek robbery suspect arrested

Among the speakers at Tuesdays event was Carl Chen, the President of Oaklands Chinatown Chamber of Commerce and an organizer behind Save Alameda For Everyone (SAFE), who said the group had already exceeded the number of signatures needed to get a recall on the ballot.

We thought we may be able to achieve that maybe early January or hopefully maybe end of December. But within five weeks, we had more than 70,000, basically more than about 75,000 signatures already collected, Chan said.

SAFE says its goal is to collect more than 110,000 signatures to ensure they are validated.

As the crowd repeatedly chanted Recall Price, a series of speakers took the podium.

Our goal is have Alameda County safe for every single person that lives here, said organizer Brenda Grisham. Its not personal. We are all family.

The Alameda County Board of Supervisors is considering an amendment that could potentially invalidate thousands of signatures on the petition.

This amendment, if passed by the Board of Supervisors, would greatly affect the democratic rights of residents and the accountability of county officials, said recall organizer Edward Escobar.

On Tuesday, Prices campaign team issued a response to the ongoing recall effort against her, slamming it as a blatant undemocratic attack on the voters of Alameda County.

This endeavor is primarily funded by individuals who do not reside in our community and who are wealth real estate developers and tech investors, Prices campaign said. It is evident that the proponents of the recall did not conduct thorough research, as the Alameda County charter, which can only be amended by voters, has clear provisions in place to safeguard the integrity of our elections and votes.

Price herself has repeatedly labeled the recall effort against her as undemocratic and election denialism, at times even comparing the recall organizers to the January 6 insurrectionists.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
The Panthers are shaking up their offensive line depth chart.

On Tuesday, the team announced it waived veteran guard Calvin Throckmorton, who had started in the past seven games for Carolina. Throckmorton had settled in at left guard over the past three games, but spent four other starts on the right side in place of veteran Austin Corbett.

With the offensive line struggling to find consistency, Throckmorton became the obvious weak link, especially with Corbett back in the lineup. The Panthers will look to replace Throckmorton, who was claimed off waivers ahead of Week 1, with one of their depth lineman. Rookie Chandler Zavala, who previously served as the teams starting left guard before Throckmorton, could be an option. Cade Mays could also be under consideration. Undrafted rookie Nash Jensen might also be in the conversation.

The team also has the option of moving multiple linemen around. In this writers latest piece, it was suggested that the Panthers move center Bradley Bozeman to left guard and Mays to center.

To replace Throckmorton within the offensive line depth chart, the Panthers promoted tackle/guard David Sharpe from the practice squad. Sharpe rejoined the practice squad Monday after being waived from the teams 53-man depth chart last Thursday. Sharpe has appeared in two games for the Panthers this season.

Along with the offensive line movement, the Panthers also signed veteran linebacker Tae Davis to the 53-man roster. Davis played eight games for the Atlanta Falcons before being released this season. The former undrafted free agent has bounced around the league a bit, playing for the New York Giants, Cleveland Browns, Las Vegas Raiders, Houston Texans and Falcons during five-year career.

The 6-foot, 222-pound linebacker will look to earn playing time opposite Frankie Luvu with a group that features Kamu Grugier-Hill and Deion Jones.

The team also released former sixth-round pick, guard Deonte Brown, from the practice squad.

The Panthers will host the Dallas Cowboys at 1 p.m. on Sunday at Bank of America Stadium.
The Germans on the beaches of Normandy had a not-so-secret goal for when the invasion came. They wanted to throw the Allies back into the sea. All the troops, static defenses, limited shore artillery, and multiple panzer divisions had this purpose. They sought to limit who made it ashore, kill those who did, and shove all the dead, the dying, and the equipment into the English Channel. So where were the panzers in Normandy on D-Day?

They were ill-led, lacked timely orders, and most never saw the sands of France again. But one panzer unit did make it to the coast. So how did a panzer unit make it to the beach, but the Allies still held the whole stretch at day's end? Well, the panzers ran into a much bigger problem, tried to flee, and had a really bad day.

The little panzer unit that could

First, it's important to note that the 21st Panzer Division faced D-Day at one of the worst possible points in time, administratively. The 47th Panzer Corps had halfway taken over command, but not yet entirely. The division reported to the corps, to Panzer Group West, to Army Group B, and to Hitler, all through different avenues .

And Field Marshall Erwin Rommel, one of the few decisive leaders that could send the 21st into combat on his own authority, was absent . And so the 21st spent hours standing next to warmed-up tanks and other vehicles, waiting for final orders to advance. After the delay, they got orders to hit British paratroopers at the River Orne and bridges over it.

It took hours for the corps and then division to re-draw attack plans. By the time the 21st advanced toward the bridges, it had a new set of orders.

The Panzer IV was the main battle tank of the German 21st Panzer Division.

Now, the panzers were headed to Normandy beaches. Around noon on D-Day, the unit received orders to attack Sword Beach, instead. And, critically, it was sent around British paratroopers to reach the beach . And so a tank division pulled away from the tiny force of paratroopers defending the bridge, drove through a chokepoint and clogged roads, and re-deployed against Sword Beach. It could have tried to advance across the bridges, re-capturing them and reaching the beach more quickly. But it followed its orders, instead.

Panzers in Normandy attack Sword Beach

And so the division repositioned, rallied up, and attacked against Sword Beach. Commandos led the way, mapping openings in the lines , as armored vehicles barreled in. And the panzer counterattack reached the Normandy beaches.

The Germans caught the British nearly flat-footed. British forces attempting to fight inland struggled with clogged roads and other hazards.

But Britain had a good reason for not preparing as doggedly as it could have for a counterattack.

The panzers on the beach certainly had the greatest armor and firepower of assets on the beach. But they had a huge problem: The Brits had naval artillery right offshore and air support overhead.

And that's why the panzer counterattack on June 6 ended up being short-lived and low-impact. As the panzers quickly broke through to the beach, naval artillery got a good look at the enemy. For the first time all day, the big guns right on the water had a juicy, high-priority, easy-to-kill target in their sites.

An example of German defenses at Sword Beach.

Naval artillery rarely gets to conduct "direct fire" missions where gunners can see the enemy, see their rounds impact, and adjust their own fire. When 21st made it onto the beach, it was a perfect target. And the British units nearby could obviously pivot and lob anti-armor weapons. And the planes overhead might find a chance to strike the panzers, as well.

Panzers on the Normandy beaches suddenly didn't seem so great.

So the 21st fired off a few rounds and decided to get out while the getting was good. Some of its forces suffered a quick pummeling during the withdrawal, but most made it back inland with tails between legs.

And, of course, the Germans never made it back to the beaches. The Allied advance churned slowly eastward, liberating France and then occupying Germany.
Drivers will now pay a higher fine for certain traffic infractions in Charlotte, a move that will make the citys parking tickets the most expensive in the state.

The City Council unanimously voted Monday to revise Charlottes city code to increase the fine from $25 to $100 for drivers who:

Block an intersection

Park on a sidewalk

Park in a bike lane

Or park illegally on a streetcar right-of-way.

The fine for illegal commercial vehicle parking was also raised from $25 to $100, and the council approved a $25 per hour fine for drivers who leave their vehicles illegally parked in metered and time-restricted spaces.

Those are the highest fines in North Carolina, city manager Marcus Jones told the council.

The ordinance changes also included adding illegal parking provisions for public bicycle paths, streetcar right-of-ways, electric vehicle spaces and loading zones. The vote also approved updates in the citys ordinance for definitions of phrases such as commercial vehicle and plug-in electric vehicle to align with state statutes and the citys Unified Development Ordinance.

The changes are effective immediately upon approval, according to the councils agenda, and were first recommended to the council by the citys Quality of Life Team in September.

Some council members said they werent sure if even a $100 fine will be enough to deter illegal parking, particularly for commercial drivers.

Our commercial parking throughout the city is getting worse day by day, District 2 representative Malcolm Graham said.

At-large Council member Lawana Slack-Mayfield floated the idea of a motion to make the fine $300, but that failed to gain traction.

Do we have the opportunity to have a much more robust conversation regarding the fine increase? she asked.

Mayor Pro Tem Braxton Winston said he was a reluctant yes vote, saying he believes punitive punishments are not good ways to get community-wide changes.

District 6 representative Tariq Bokhari said he supports the changes but thinks its important to also keep in mind how hard it can be to find parking in parts of Charlotte. I would just have us remember that theres a two-sided coin here, he said.

Moving forward, council members said they want to hear regular updates from city staff on whether Mondays changes are making a difference on traffic issues.

Other City Council notes

Tree canopy: City Council members heard a presentation on the citys tree canopy at Mondays meeting, something that left multiple members pleasantly surprised. Charlotte has lost trees, the presentation said, but at a slower rate than expected. And while it will take more work, the citys long-term canopy goal is still attainable. City staff said they will present recommendations on how to accomplish that goal to the council alongside Trees Charlotte in 2024.

Transit system: Members also heard from interim CATS CEO Brent Cagle, who said the transit system will ask the council to approve a new contractor, National Express Service, to run its bus system later in November. The new contract would begin in February, when current contractor RATP-Devs contract ends. Bus operators would not lose their jobs in the process.

Arts plan: The council voted 9-2 to accept a new arts and culture plan for the city, but not before multiple council members expressed concerns about a lack of specificity in the plan. Bokhari introduced a substitute motion for the council to receive the plan rather than accept it, but that motion failed. Bokhari and District 7 representative Ed Driggs voted against accepting the plan.

COVID relief funds: Bokhari and Driggs were also the two votes against allocating $5.95 million in COVID relief funds towards anti-displacement programs. Funds were also approved for multiple business opportunity hubs.

Carolina Theatre renovations: The council voted unanimously to extend the completion deadline for renovations to the Carolina Theatre from the end of 2023 to Dec. 31, 2025. They also committed an additional $2 million in tourism funds to the project.

Want more coverage of Charlotte-area government and politics? Subscribe here for free to the Observers weekly CLT Politics newsletter and never miss a story
PATERSON  The city school district faces litigation from both the student and the educator involved in a hallway tussle last April at the alternative high school for teens with behavior problems.

The student, Jamarr Johnson, who is now 18, returned to Alonzo Tambua Moody Academy for just one day of classes after the incident and ended up being jumped by classmates who were angry because the educator, Boswell Anglin, had been fired over what happened, his grandmother said.

Student files suit

Johnson on Nov. 3 filed a federal civil rights lawsuit accusing the school district of failing to protect him, in a complaint that says city education officials had for years known about several unrelated illegal assaults being perpetrated by certain of their employees upon certain students at the alternative high school.

Paterson Board of Education building, photographed on Tuesday, July 18, 2017.

Anglin, who was an instructional aide at the school, has been charged by the Passaic County Prosecutors Office with assault and endangering the welfare of a minor because of the incident.

Authorities said a security camera video of the incident showed the educator was the aggressor who initiated the tussle, and that the student did not strike or fight Anglin. Anglin is accused of knocking Johnson to the ground and hitting the restrained student twice with his arm and twice with his knee.

Teacher filed notice of possible suit

Anglin, who is 40, filed an official notice of a possible lawsuit against the school district in July, saying he was wrongly terminated and deprived of his rights to due process. Anglins legal notice said the student had spit in his face and was about to do so again when the educator used reasonable efforts to restrain the teen.

The educators legal notice said he would be seeking back pay from the school district, reimbursement for his legal fees, and damages for the emotional distress and anxiety he has gone through.

The incident happened April 18, Anglin was fired on May 3 and he was arrested on Sept. 21, according to public documents.

The incident first came to public light in May when Anglins co-workers at Moody Academy went to a Board of Education meeting to speak out in his defense, praising him for going out of his way to help students. Moody Academy includes teens with juvenile justice problems who are court-ordered to attend.

Principal reassigned

The principal last spring, Zatiti Moody, was among those who publicly supported Anglin at the school board meeting. The academy is named after Moodys father. During the summer, Moody was transferred to a principals position at John F. Kennedy High School. He never reported for work at Kennedy, and instead took sick leave through the end of November.

Joe Malinconico is editor of Paterson Press. Email: editor@patersonpress.com

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Paterson, NJ: Lawsuits hover over educator's tussle with student
Xi sends congratulatory letter to annual conference of cross-Strait entrepreneurs summit

Xinhua) 13:29, November 14, 2023

BEIJING, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, sent a congratulatory letter to the 2023 annual conference of the summit for entrepreneurs across the Taiwan Strait.

The annual conference, which marks the 10th anniversary of the cross-Strait entrepreneurs summit, opened on Tuesday in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province.

The summit serves as a crucial platform for communication and cooperation between enterprises and business people from both sides of the Taiwan Strait, playing an important role in fostering economic cooperation and deepening the integrated development across the Strait, Xi said.

Xi said efforts will be continued to facilitate economic exchanges and cooperation and advance integrated development in all fields across the Strait. More work will be done to improve systems and policies that contribute to the well-being of Taiwan compatriots, and help Taiwan compatriots and enterprises integrate into the new development pattern and achieve high-quality development, he noted.

Xi called on entrepreneurs on both sides to safeguard the overall interests of the Chinese nation, keep pace with the trends of history and shoulder responsibility of the times, in an effort to promote the peaceful and integrated development of cross-Strait relations and realize China's reunification and the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 14)  Former Senator Leila De Lima is looking forward to having private, quality time with her 91-year-old mother in Iriga, Camarines Sur, who is suffering from dementia.

De Lima, who was granted provisional liberty on Monday after posting bail, said her mother Norma was clueless about her Camp Crame detention for over six years.

Ang susunod na plano is to go to Iriga (The next plan is to go to Iriga) to be with my mom, to spend a private, quality time with her, she told CNN Philippines Balitaan on Tuesday.

De Lima last visited her ailing mother in 2019 when the Muntinlupa regional trial courts handling the drug cases against her granted a 48-hour furlough.

But when her mother was in critical care due to COVID-19 in 2022, the former senator was only allowed to reach out to her via video call.

De Lima said her mother is excited to see her again.

Hinihintay na niya ako, sabi ng sister ko na nagaalaga sa kanya (My sister who is caring for her said that our mom has been waiting for me). Because my mom actually never knew that I was in jail. She thought I was just out of the country; I was in the US for study, she said.

Anyway, shes excited daw to see me because shes been asking about me for the past several months already, De Lima said. Shes bed-ridden, shes actually semi-demented, but at least naalala pa niya ako (But at least she still remembers me).

Answered prayer

Less than 24-hours since she was out of detention, De Lima visited the Minor Basilica of Manaoag in Pangasinan to fulfill her promise to the Our Lady of Manaoag.

Every day this has been my prayer; everyday Ive been hoping for this. So it happened, it finally happened, she said.

De Lima said she used to attend mass twice a month up north before her detention.

When I was jailed, I parted my prayer to her, Tulungan niyo po ako makalaya at kapag makalaya na po ako, bibisitahin ko po kayo sa shrine niyo (Please help to get out of here and once I was released, I will visit your shrine), she added. Thats the first thing that I would do, I have to really fulfill my promise. Although I was being dissuaded by the people for security reasons, I had to beg.

De Lima was acquitted in two of her drug cases filed against her by the Duterte administration for allegedly using drug money to finance her senatorial bid in 2016.

The Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court Branch 206 also allowed four other co-accused, including De Lima's former bodyguard Ronnie Dayan, to post 300,000 bail each.
SAN FRANCISCO  Revisiting one of the more brazen attacks of political violence of recent times, the 83-year-old husband of Rep. Nancy Pelosi recounted for jurors Monday how a hulking conspiracy-driven man broke into his home last fall in search of his wife.

The door opened, Paul Pelosi said, and a very large man came in with a hammer in one hand and some ties in the other hand. And he said 'Where's Nancy?'"

It was the start of a night of terror that ended in an attack captured on police body camera that left Paul Pelosi with severe head injuries.



Pelosis account came as the prosecution ended its case in the trial of David DePape, a Canadian citizen living in the San Francisco Bay Area who faces federal charges of kidnapping and assault for what he told authorities was an attempt to strike at the former House speaker.

Despite the circumstances, Paul Pelosi said he managed to keep a cool demeanor while he tried to outwit the intruder and called police from the bathroom.

I recognized that I was in serious danger, so I tried to stay as calm as possible, Paul Pelosi said.

It was the first public account of the attack from Paul Pelosi, whose skull was fractured when DePape struck him in the head with the hammer as police responded to the October 2022 break-in. The congresswoman was in Washington at the time of the attack and has not been called as a witness.



DePape, 43, faces federal assault and kidnapping charges in a trial that could go to jurors by the middle of the week. DePape, who blinked feverishly and stared at the table in front of him as Pelosi testified, has pleaded not guilty. He faces up to life in prison.

The defendant had come to the Pelosi home with zip ties and what he later told police was the intention of attacking the former House speaker.

He told investigators that he planned to kidnap the congresswoman and break her kneecaps if she refused to accept the false contention that former President Donald Trump was the winner of the 2020 election.

DePape repeatedly struck Paul Pelosi in the head with a hammer as police officers arrived at the door.

Paul Pelosi told jurors that his next clear memory was waking up in a pool of blood and being rushed to the hospital in an ambulance.

He choked up as he told the jury about his prolonged recovery. He said he still struggles with headaches and dizziness and has rarely spoken about the traumatizing ordeal with anyone.

Ive made the best effort possible to not relive this," he said.
Paul Pelosi, husband of former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, has testified against a man accused of attacking him in his San Francisco home last year.

The alleged assailant, David DePape, faces two charges including attempted kidnapping of a federal official. He has pleaded not guilty.

Mr DePape was motivated by conspiracies about Mrs Pelosi, his lawyer has said.

Mr Pelosi said Mr DePape had been looking for his wife, whom he said he "had to take out" during the attack.

"He said, she was the leader of the pack, he had to take her out, he was going to wait for her," Mr Pelosi told the court. "He was going to tie me up and wait for her."

The 83-year-old also recalled waking up to find Mr DePape "standing in the doorway".

"It was a tremendous shock, looking at him, looking at the hammer and the ties," he added. "I recognised I was in serious danger. I tried to stay as calm as possible."

Mr DePape is facing up to 20 years in prison for the attempted kidnapping charge, as well as an additional 30 years for assault on a federal official's family member.

After the incident, Mr Pelosi spent six days in hospital. In addition to a fractured skull, he also suffered injuries to his arm and hand.

According to court documents, Mr DePape broke into the Pelosi home with a hammer on 28 October last year. Once inside, he asked for Mrs Pelosi, who was not home at the time.

Officers responding to a 911 call from Mr Pelosi found both men gripping a hammer.

When asked to drop the weapon, Mr DePape abruptly swung the hammer at Mr Pelosi before being subdued by officers. The entire encounter was caught on body camera footage played in court on Monday.

Mr Pelosi told the court that he had attempted to put the incident out of his mind ever since.

"I have not discussed this incident with anybody. And I have encouraged my family not to either," he said. "I have tried to put it out of my mind. It wasn't until [the prosecutor's] meeting with you and your associates that I talked about this. I've made the best effort that I possibly can to not relive this."

Earlier on Monday, jurors heard from several police officers who saw footage of the incident or collected the electronics Mr DePape was carrying. One of the witnesses, an FBI special agent, testified that the footage showed Mr DePape striking Mr Pelosi three times.

In court last week, Mr DePape's public defender, Jodi Linker, told jurors that his client believed conspiracy theories with "every ounce of his being" but had not been motivated by Mrs Pelosi's political status.

Prosecutors, however, have alleged that Mr DePape was looking for Mrs Pelosi as part of a "plan of violence". When he was arrested, he had zip ties and duct tape in his possession.

Following the incident, Mr DePape allegedly told investigators that he had a "target list" and planned to hold Mrs Pelosi captive and break "her kneecaps" if she did not reveal "the truth". He referred to her as the "leader of the pack of lies".

Mr DePape is also facing separate state charges stemming from the incident, including attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon and residential burglary.

He could face life in prison if convicted of the more serious charges. He has pleaded not guilty.

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Paul Pelosi, husband of former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, offered new details during his testimony in the trial against the man accused of breaking into their house and hitting beating him with a hammer. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times)

Paul Pelosi, husband of former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, offered chilling details in federal court on Monday of the night he was allegedly attacked and bludgeoned with a hammer by a man now on trial for attempted kidnapping and assault.

Paul Pelosi, 83, took the stand on the second day of the federal trial against David DePape, who faces federal charges for attempting to kidnap the Democratic congresswoman and assaulting her husband with the intent to interfere with the lawmakers official duties or retaliate against her.

Read more: Man accused of attacking Paul Pelosi, stirring up right-wing conspiracies, faces San Francisco jury

DePape, 43, is accused of traveling from his Richmond residence to the Pelosis' San Francisco home the early morning of Oct. 28, 2022, in search of the lawmaker, allegedly with plans to hold her hostage and question her regarding far-right conspiracy theories involving the Democratic Party and a list of politicians and public figures.

Instead of finding Nancy Pelosi, who was in Washington at the time, DePape wandered through the quiet Pacific Heights home before stumbling upon a bedroom with her husband sleeping inside.

"The door opened and a very large man came in, with a hammer in one hand and some ties in the other hand," Paul Pelosi testified. "And he said 'Wheres Nancy?' And I think thats what woke me up."

Until then, it was a typical evening.

Paul Pelosi told jurors he'd gone to dinner that night in San Francisco. He went to sleep as usual between 11:30 p.m. and midnight, bringing a cup of ice water he took to bed each evening. He didn't set the alarm system, which the family only used when they were out of town, because it's sensitive and will go off easily with people in the home.

A couple of hours later, Paul Pelosi woke up in "tremendous shock" after realizing that "someone had broken into the house."

"And looking at him and looking at the hammer and the ties, I recognized that I was in serious danger," he said. "And so I tried to stay as calm as possible."

Paul Pelosi said he told DePape that his wife was in Washington.

"Well then were going to have to wait for her," Paul Pelosi said DePape responded.

DePape told Paul Pelosi that his wife was the "leader of the pack," and "he had to take her out," he testified. Because she wasn't home, Paul Pelosi said DePape told him he had to tie him up and wait for her.

"He had these cords in his hand. I assume thats what he was going to use," he said.

Paul Pelosi said he first tried to move toward the elevator outside the couple's bedroom, which had a telephone inside. But DePape caught on, Paul Pelosi said, so instead he moved toward his bathroom where he charged his cellphone each night.

He called 911, but didn't feel like he could be honest with the dispatcher about the situation. DePape still had the hammer, and was demanding that Paul Pelosi tell the dispatcher that he was just a friend of the family.

"And looking at him and looking at the hammer and the ties, I recognized that I was in serious danger," Paul Pelosi, shown above, told the jury in the federal trial against David DePape. "And so I tried to stay as calm as possible." (Noah Berger / Associated Press)

According to his court testimony, Paul Pelosi hung up the 911 call, and tried to reason with the intruder. DePape said he was tired, and wanted to tie Paul Pelosi up so that he could get some sleep. Paul Pelosi suggested the two men walk downstairs, where DePape left his two backpacks and other belongings. Paul Pelosi said he knew that if the police came, they needed to get downstairs where it would be easier to arrest the suspect.

"He said, 'Oh, the police are going to be here, its over for me, Im going to have to take you out,' things like that," Paul Pelosi said DePape told him. "I said 'No, theyre probably not going to come. Theyre probably not going to come.'

"And then the police were at the door."

Police body camera footage shows Paul Pelosi  holding his cup of water  opening the door with DePape standing next to him. The two were fighting for control of the hammer, which officers ordered them to drop.

DePape instead grabbed it from Paul Pelosi and swung it at his head multiple times, fracturing his skull and causing injuries to his arm and hand. Photo and video evidence shown to the jury on Thursday depict Paul Pelosi lying in a pool of his blood, struggling to breathe as police tackled DePape.

He was hospitalized for more than a week at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital for a fractured skull and other injuries. He received a dozen stitches on the back of his right arm, he said, and his badly damaged left hand was also treated. Paul Pelosi told the jurors that the plastic surgeon was able to reconstruct his hand and avoid doing skin grafts, while his head injury recovery included regaining his balance and "getting my walking back."

Paul Pelosi recounted the attack as his daughter, Christine Pelosi, sat in the far back corner of the courtroom and while DePape watched from beside his defense attorneys.

Despite the graphic testimony and evidence, the trial is considered far from an easy assault case. Prosecutors bear the burden of proving that the attack was due to Nancy Pelosi's role as House Speaker, and that DePape intended to kidnap her after breaking into the lawmaker's home.

Assistant U.S. Atty. Laura Vartain Horn told the federal court jury in her opening arguments on Thursday that DePape had gone to the couple's home that early morning with the idea to hold Nancy Pelosi hostage, break her kneecaps and teach her a lesson."

When the defendant broke into the speakers home, he had a plan, Horn told the jury of 12 men and three women. It was a violent plan.

Prosecutors attempted to bolster their argument on Monday when questioning FBI Special Agent Stephanie Minor, who has handled the case over the last year. Minor walked the jurors through a series of videos showing DePape traveling from the East Bay to the Pelosis' home, and described a list of his internet searches in the days leading up to the attack.

Minor explained how DePape had extensively researched the Pelosi family, along with others on his so-called target list, and paid for a service that provided their emails and home addresses. The prosecution also played a recording of a phone call DePape made to a reporter earlier this year, in which he seemingly apologizes for not being successful in his mission.

"I have an important message for everyone in America. Youre welcome," he said. "I would also like to apologize...Im so sorry I didnt get more of them."

But federal public defenders Jodi Linker and Angela Chuang have disputed the argument that DePape intended to kidnap Nancy Pelosi or attack Paul Pelosi because of his wife's official position in Congress.

Instead, they claim that the Pelosi home was the first stop in a broader scheme to end corruption and other offenses he believed were being committed by the Democratic Party and public officials and celebrities.

DePape's plan was to use Nancy Pelosi to put an end to his QAnon-like theory that Democratic politicians and public officials were abusing and trafficking children, the jury was told.

"This is not a who done it," Linker told the jury in her opening argument. It was a "why done it," she said, "and the why matters."

The assault has inspired additional conspiracies and prompted political attacks against the Pelosi family, including from former President Trump.

And [Nancy Pelosi's] against building a wall at our border, even though she has a wall around her house," Trump said to cheers and hollering during a speech at the California Republican Party's convention in September. "Which obviously didnt do a very good job.

Read more: Trump attacks Pelosi and Newsom while rallying California Republicans

Along with the federal criminal case, DePape faces separate state charges including assault with a deadly weapon, elder abuse, burglary and threats to a public official and their family.

Paul Pelosi said he's mostly recovered from his injuries, but that he still suffers from lightheadedness and headaches.

"There are still lumps on my head. If I run my fingers, I can still feel dents and lumps," he said. "They're not as sensitive to the touch as they were."

The recovery process was "very painful," he said. He said that he had not read news related to the incident, nor had he listened to the tapes or watched the videos.

"Ive tried to put it out of my mind," he said, taking periodic pauses to maintain his composure.

"Ive made the best effort I possibly can to not relive this."

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.
Paul Pelosi, husband of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, took the stand Monday in the trial of David DePape, the man who brutally attacked him with a hammer in the couple's San Francisco home last year.

During the proceedings, Pelosi recalled being bludgeoned during the Oct. 28, 2022 attack in the middle of the night.

"The door opened and a very large man came in with a hammer in one hand and some ties in the other and he said, 'Wheres Nancy' as I think that woke me up," he said. "Im asleep and he bursts in the door and that woke me up."

"It was a tremendous shock to recognize that somebody had broken into the house and looking at him and looking at the hammer and the ties, I recognized that I was in serious danger, so I tried to stay as calm as possible," he said.

NANCY PELOSI SERVED SUBPOENA RELATED TO CALIFORNIA CRIMINAL CASE

Paul Pelosi testified Monday about the attack that left him with serious injuries last year at the San Francisco home he shares with his wife, former House Speak Nancy Pelosi.

Pelosi, 83, who said he didn't set the home's security alarm before going to bed, was left with a fractured skull and serious injuries to his right arm and hands.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Federal prosecutors say DePape smashed his shoulder going through a glass panel on a door in the back of the Pelosis Pacific Heights mansion and confronted a sleeping Paul Pelosi, who was wearing boxer shorts and a pajama top.

"Wheres Nancy? Wheres Nancy?" DePape asked, standing over Paul Pelosi around 2 a.m. holding a hammer and zip ties, according to court records. Nancy Pelosi was in Washington and under the protection of her security detail, which does not extend to family members.

"It was a tremendous shock," Pelosi said when he saw his attacker holding a hammer.

PAUL PELOSI ATTACKER DAVID DEPAPE MAKES CHILLING CALL TO TV STATION: 'I'M SO SORRY I DIDN'T GET MORE OF THEM'

Screen grab from body cam video following the alleged assault on Paul Pelosi by David De Pape in San Francisco on October 28, 2022.

Paul Pelosi called 911 and two police officers showed up and witnessed DePape strike him in the head with a hammer, knocking him unconscious, authorities said. Prosecutors showed jurors police body camera footage of the attack.

Pelosi said he hasn't discussed the attack with anyone and has made every effort possible "to not relive this."

"Its a year later and Im trying to put it out of my mind," he said.

DePape, 43, has pleaded not guilty to attempted kidnapping of a federal official and assault on the immediate family member of a federal official with intent to retaliate against the official for performance of their duties.

Federal prosecutors brought forward an FBI agent who collected the electronics DePape was carrying, a U.S. Capitol police officer who watches the surveillance cameras at the Pelosis' home and another who has protected Nancy Pelosi since 2006, and a Bay Area Rapid Transit police sergeant.

Paul Pelosi and David DePape are seen on the ground after DePape allegedly attacked the 82-year-old.

DePape's defense lawyers have said he got caught in conspiracy theories that led him to believe the country was being run by corrupt leaders. Prosecutors said he had been planning to attack the Pelosi home for months.

He faces up to life in prison if convicted.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.





Original article source: Paul Pelosi testifies in trial of man accused of brutally attacking him with hammer inside home
A landlord in Butler County is facing a lawsuit from Attorney General Michelle Henry over alleged unlawful leasing and debt collection practices.

The lawsuit alleges A.R. Building company, which owns 20 apartment complexes in Pennsylvania, inflated some security deposit charges by 50% and sent collection letters to tenants after they moved out demanding payment. The three-count complaint alleges three violations of the Consumer Protection Law.

The lawsuit seeks civil penalties and restitution and prohibits the company from further illegal leasing and debt collection practices.

Many renters face challenges due to their unequal bargaining power in the housing market. My office will continue to hold landlords accountable for violations of state consumer protection laws and will not stand by when consumers are harmed, Henry said in a statement.

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Some of the petroleum products contracted by the US Department of Defense through suppliers in Greece and Turkiye may have Russian origin, despite Western sanctions that set price caps on them.

Source: This was indicated in an investigation by The Washington Post, as reported by European Pravda

Details: As the outlet stated, the supply of petroleum products under Pentagon contracts for servicing the US military was carried out through the Greek oil refinery Motor Oil Hellas on the Aegean coast.

After the imposition of sanctions on Russian oil, it began to flow not directly to the plant, but through an intermediary, a Turkish oil terminal in the city of Dortyol, after which Russian oil was mixed and poured over several tankers to hide its origin.

According to WP estimates, Dortyol received 5.4 million barrels of fuel oil by sea over the last two years, with all but 1.9 million coming from Russia. There have been 2.7 million barrels of Russian shipments to Dortyol since the European Union sanctions went into effect in February.

During the same period, 4.2 million barrels of fuel oil were shipped from the terminal to Motor Oil Hellas. Those shipments amount to at least 56% of all the fuel oil that the Greek refinery received by sea.

The Washington Post could not pinpoint the exact percentage of fuel oil of a Russian origin present in the products that the Pentagon purchases. Multiple ingredients that cannot all be tracked during production are used to refine those products.

It is known that since March 2022, when the United States imposed sanctions on the ban on Russian oil, the Pentagon has concluded new contracts with Motor Oil Hellas worth almost US$1 billion.

The Pentagon informed WP that they did not know about the Russian origin of petroleum products, since the responsibility for compliance with sanctions lies with contractors, in particular Motor Oil Hellas. The agency itself has no tools to control suppliers.

Motor Oil Hellas said that the company "does not buy, process or trade Russian oil or products," and "all its imports are certified of non sanctioned origin."

Earlier, it was reported that the US Treasury Department sent requests to 30 owners of about a hundred ships suspected of transporting Russian oil contrary to the price cap agreed by the Western states.

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U.S. Rep. Andy Kim (D-NJ) has officially launched his bid for the senate.

A historic spot: Kim, 41, announced his senatorial bid at Double Nickel, a brewery in Pennsauken, New Jersey, on Friday. In an X post, he said the brewery was the same location he had used to kick off his congressional campaign in 2017.

Last night I kicked off my Senate campaign in the same place I launched my first Congressional campaign six years ago. Back then many people told me it was impossible for us to win. I wasnt sure Id have the energy and resources to continue. But then something happened When I pic.twitter.com/MdlAlAy9eH Trending on NextShark: New dating trend has S. Koreans airdropping their photos to random people in bars  Andy Kim (@AndyKimNJ) November 11, 2023

Kim, a former U.S. State Department official who served under former President Barrack Obamas administration, is looking to replace incumbent Sen. Robert Bob Menendez in the 2024 democratic primary. He first laid his plan to run for senate in September.

Trending on NextShark: Kayak owners detail unusual behavior of group with Nancy Ng when she went missing in Guatemala

What he said: Kim called out Menendez before an audience of around 250 supporters, accusing the embattled senator of putting his personal interests first.

It doesnt have to be this broken politics where you just have people putting their own personal ambition ahead of whats good for this country, Kim said. Its about being a decent human being  a decent human being that treats other people with respect.

Kim was among several public officials who called for Menendezs resignation after the latter was charged with bribery offenses in September along with his wife, Nadine. Menendez allegedly accepted bribes  including cash, gold bars, mortgage payments and a Mercedes-Benz, among others  from three New Jersey businessmen.

Trending on NextShark: Chinese student discovered secretly living under mall's stairs for 6 months

Following bribery, Menendez was charged in October with conspiring to act as a foreign agent of behalf of Egypt. He is accused of handing out sensitive U.S. government information to Egyptian officials.

Menendez has denied all the charges against him.

Driving the news: Kim told reporters that he was driven to run for the senate by the decline in public trust, overseas conflicts, a potential government shutdown and the general feeling that the world is just spinning out of control.

Trending on NextShark: Sandara Park explains why she thinks Filipinos make great dates

Now is the time for change, he said. Now is the time for us to say Enough with our broken politics. We demand it, it is going to be ours for the taking.

Menendez has yet to announce a re-election campaign. In a previous statement, he said he had no intention of resigning even after the indictment.

Trending on NextShark: Man secretly learns Korean for a year, surprises bride with Korean speech at wedding
By Nidal al-Mughrabi and Abir Al Ahmar

GAZA (Reuters) - People trapped inside Gaza's Al Shifa Hospital plan to start burying bodies within the hospital compound on Tuesday without Israeli approval because the situation has become untenable, two sources at the hospital said.

Dr. Ahmed Al Mokhallalati, a surgeon, and Gaza health ministry spokesman Ashraf Al-Qidra said in separate telephone interviews from within the compound that more than 100 bodies had accumulated there, creating an acute sanitary crisis.

"We are planning to bury them today in a mass grave inside the Al Shifa medical complex. It is going to be very dangerous as we don't have any cover or protection from the ICRC (International Committee of the Red Cross), but we have no other options, the corpses of the martyrs began to decompose," said Qidra. "The men are digging right now as we speak."

Qidra put the number of bodies that had accumulated at Al Shifa at about 100. Mokhallalati said it was about 120.

The hospital, besieged by Israeli forces and close to where intense fighting between them and Hamas has been taking place, has ceased functioning normally, with insufficient electricity, water and other basics.

Mokhallalati said the bodies were generating an unbearable stench and posing a risk of infection.

"Today we had a little bit of rain ... It was really horrible, nobody could even open a window," he said.

"Unfortunately there is no approval from the Israelis to even bury the bodies within the hospital area," he said.

"Today ... civilians started digging within the hospital to try and bury the bodies on their own responsibility without any arrangements by the Israeli side.

"Burying 120 bodies needs a lot of equipment, it can't be by hand efforts and by single person efforts. It will take hours and hours to be able to bury all these bodies."

Israel says Al Shifa Hospital sits atop tunnels housing a headquarters for Hamas fighters, who are to blame for its plight for using patients as human shields. Hamas denies this.

(Writing by Estelle Shirbon; Editing by Janet Lawrence)
Four suspects are wanted in Philadelphia after tying up a family inside their home during a terrifying armed robbery caught on video last week, authorities said.

The victim, who told police that he runs a business out of his home, was standing outside with an employee just after 10 a.m. on Nov. 6 when four masked suspects jumped out of a black Acura, Philadelphia police said.

The four males, described as Hispanic, held the pair at gunpoint and forced them back inside the house in the 6600 block of 7th Street in the city's East Oak Lane neighborhood.

Inside the home, police said the suspects tied up and assaulted the family and employee.

FLORIDA SERIAL CAR BURGLARY SUSPECT WITH ALL GAS, NO BRAKES TATTOO NABBED AFTER HIGH-SPEED CRASH

The four suspects jumped out of a car and forced the two victims inside the home.

Police shared disturbing video from inside the home showing the armed suspects tying up the victims in the kitchen as a child appears.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

The suspects held the victims at gunpoint and tied them up inside the kitchen.

The suspects are also seen on video wheeling what appears to be a safe out of the home.

The suspects were seen on surveillance video stealing a safe from the home.

WASHINGTON MEN BEAT UP ARMED ROBBERS AND WRESTLE AWAY THEIR GUN, WILD HOME SECURITY VIDEO SHOWS

The victim who runs the business reported that the suspects stole his safe, firearms and jewelry before fleeing west on 66th Avenue.

CLICK TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Authorities asked anyone with information about the suspects to contact the departments Northwest Detective Division at 215-686-3353.





Original article source: Philadelphia family tied up, assaulted in home invasion as child watches, disturbing video shows
Editors Note: A previous version of this story erroneously stated the pedestrian died in the crash. We regret the error.

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  Lakeland police are searching for the driver who struck a 29-year-old man last week.

On Nov. 10 at 10:25 p.m., Justin Jones, 29, was hit by a pickup truck while crossing US-98 near I-4. He suffered critical injuries was rushed to the hospital.

According to a release from the Lakeland Police Department, a dark-colored pickup truck was heading south as Jones tried to cross the street. The driver attempted an evasive maneuver to avoid hitting Jones, but was unsuccessful.

The driver stopped in the northbound lanes after hitting Jones, according to Lakeland police, but ended up driving away without making any attempts to render aid or provide any information.

(Lakeland Police Department)

A witness captured a photo of the vehicle during the incident. Investigators believe the truck has damage to its passenger side.

Anyone with information about the driver is encouraged to contact investigator Edgardo Cruz at Edgardo.cruz@lakelandgov.net or Heartland Crime Stoppers Florida.

Tipsters will always remain anonymous when sending a tip through Crime Stoppers and could be eligible for a cash reward if the information leads to an arrest.

You can submit a tip in the following ways:

Call 1-800-226 TIPS (8477)

From your cell phone, dial **TIPS

Or visit the website www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on Submit A Tip,

Or download the free P3tips app on your smartphone or tablet.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 14)  Former health chief and now Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin has posted bail for charges filed against her over the school-based dengue vaccination program in 2016.

"We hope that this first step into cleansing our name can be dealt with timely so that scientists and doctors can perform our regular tasks," Garin said on Monday.

Garin together with her other co-accused have also posted bail in cases of the alleged realignment and augmentation of funds for immunization also related to Dengvaxia.

Named as Garin's co-accused in the graft case filed before the Sandiganbayan were Department of Health (DOH) supply chain management director Joyce Ducusin, former Undersecretary Gerardo Bayugo, former Undersecretary Kenneth Hartigan-Go, and Philippine Children's Medical Center Executive Director Julius Lecciones.

"Resolving the issue once and for all is aligned to the Doctors for Truth clamor because global history have taught us that any vaccine demonized, usually spreads to include other vaccine preventable diseases and results to outbreaks," Garin concluded.

READ: TIMELINE: The Dengvaxia controversy
An endangered mammal will be granted a safe haven in Northumberland.

Pine martens were once widespread in Britain but were almost extinct by the beginning of the 20th Century.

They have slowly been making a comeback and the Martens on the Move project will help improve its habitat on the Wallington estate.

Conservation charity the Vincent Wildlife Trust is overseeing the initiative through a 1.2m grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

It is hoped it will mean the "native and charismatic" mammal will thrive in Woodland across the 5,321-hectare National Trust Wallington site.

While populations are already recovering in some parts of Scotland, the new project will help pine martens spread further in key recovery areas including Northumberland, Cumbria and England's border with Wales.

The lottery grant will enable the project to improve habitats, recruit and train volunteers to monitor pine martens and provide opportunities for communities to find out more about the once prevalent creature.

Paul Hewitt, countryside manager at Wallington, said: "This critically-endangered animal has been lost from swathes of our countryside for so long.

"We're delighted that Wallington has been selected as the haven site for England.

"This work forms part of the Wilder Wallington project, which is helping nature recovery at a landscape scale."

Follow BBC North East & Cumbria on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk.
The Pittsburgh Pirates have announced the schedule and ticketing information for 2024 spring training.

Spring training games will be played at LECOM Park in Bradenton, Florida

The Pirates will open 2024 spring training at Fort Myers against the Twins on Feb. 24. They will host the Orioles the next day in Bradenton.

Fans can purchase season tickets, group tickets and three-game flex packs starting on Wednesday.

On Friday, Jan. 19, individual game tickets will go on sale.

Spring training season ticket holders can get discounts on merchandise, concessions and parking. Three-game flex packs can be redeemed at the ticketholders convenience.

For more information about purchasing tickets, click here.

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A small plane skidded off the runway and crashed into a moving car as it was making an emergency landing at an airport in Texas, injuring one person, authorities said.

Video footage from the incident, which happened on Sat. Nov. 11, shows the propeller plane smash through a fence as it made an emergency landing before bouncing and skidding onto the road, where it collided with a silver sedan that was driving perpendicular to the planes path.

The incident occurred at the Aero Country Airport in McKinney, a suburb approximately 35 miles north of Dallas,

A small plane skidded off the runway and crashed into a moving car as it was making an emergency landing at an airport in Texas, injuring one person, authorities said.

Miraculously, driver sustained only minor injuries

Two people, a passenger and pilot, were onboard at the time of the accident, according to the Federal Aviation Administration, while one person was on ground in the car.

The McKinney Fire Department, in a statement, said that paramedics evaluated all 3 patients at the scene and transported the car's driver to the hospital with minor injuries.

The single-engine Lancair IV-P also lost a wheel in the accident.

The McKinney Fire Department said that the flight had originated in Midland, a Texas oilpatch city 330 miles (531 kilometers) west of Dallas.

San Antonio: Hazmat team responds to 'fume-like odor' and nauseous crew on flight

'He wasn't going to have time to stop'

Jack Schneider, a bystander who captured the crash on his phone, told WFAA-TV that he saw the airplane "coming down the runway quickly" and "knew that he wasnt gonna have time to stop.

It was clearly going too fast, the tires were smoking," Schneider told the local media outlet.

The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash, said the FAA, adding that the NTSB will be in charge of the investigation.

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.

More Airplane crew discovered missing window panes after takeoff, turned around

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Small plane skids off runway, crashes into moving car in Texas: Watch
NORTH CORNWALL TOWNSHIP, Pa. (WHTM)  Plans to construct a new Lebanon County Chick-fil-A have recently been approved, and the demolition of the former Golden Corral is now underway.

According to North Cornwall Townships Public Works Director Justin Thompson, Chick-fil-A received conditional approval for their new restaurant during a Tuesday, October 3 Board of Supervisors meeting.

Following the Board of Supervisors conditional approval, the Township Solicitor reviewed the security bond, developers agreement, and the storm water O&M agreement. According to Thompson, the Solicitor found that everything was in order and they are now waiting for COLA and NPDES approval, which is expected to be completed in the next few weeks.

Since the conditional approval was granted, the former Golden Corral on 1147 Quentin Road is officially in the process of being demolished. The demolition is expected to be completed by the end of 2023.

Former Golden Corral being demolished on 1147 Quentin Road. Will soon be the location of the new Chick-fil-A.

According to the Land Development Plans, the new Chick-fil-A will boast a newly constructed 5,905 square foot space that will be capable of seating up to 70 guests at a time. The new restaurant location will also feature 55 parking spaces and a three-lane drive thru.

abc27 news reported back in June when North Cornwall Townships engineer requested additional traffic data due to concerns of traffic stacking up at the access road off of Quentin Road. According to Thompson, the Townships traffic concerns have been addressed and they do not have any traffic concerns moving forward.

Changes coming to iconic Hersheypark roller coaster

Thompson says that representatives of Chick-fil-A expect construction of the new restaurant to begin in the Spring of 2024, and depending on the weather, they expect it to be completed by the end of 2024.

abc27 news will keep you updated as more information becomes available.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
A South Shore family of five is relieved to be home in Massachusetts after being trapped in the Gaza Strip for more than a month.

Hazem and Sanaa Shafai and their three children  ages 2, 10 and 13- traveled from Plymouth and were on a family vacation when the war broke out.

Speaking to reporters at Logan Airport on Tuesday, the Shafais said they wanted their kids to get to know their extended family and learn the culture.

They were in northern Gaza when things took a dark turn.

We gave them books to read. We had some card games so when they heard the sounds, we would say just calm down. Its going to be okay, said Sanaa Shafai.

The family moved locations six times and stayed in several shelters to dodge the danger of airstrikes.

When they say southern Gaza is a safe zonethere is no such a thing as a safe zone, said Hazem Shafai. Her cousin just got killed yesterday in a safe zone walking, trying to go get bread.

The family survived for weeks with little food, water and medicine.

They traveled to the Rafah border crossing to escape six times before finally making it through on their seventh try.

The Shafais said they were initially granted permission to cross the border on November 4th.

However, they said their children were not because of a mistake on the Israeli customs list.

The bureaucratic error further delayed their escape by two days.

I dont feel the joy, but I feel safe and relief that my kids are safe, said Sanaa Shafai.

The family arrived home on Tuesday after a 19-hour air travel journey, flying from Cairo to Paris and then to Boston.

They said they are grateful for the support from neighbors and politicians who called for their safe return.

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
Several credit card skimmers have been found in Grover Beach over the past few weeks, the Grover Beach Police Department said in a social media post Tuesday.

Skimmers have been found on several card-reading devices, with six found at the Bank of America ATM at 1564 W. Grand Ave. since late September, the department said in a post on X  formerly Twitter.

Payment card skimmers can be hard to spot, and can appear to be a part of a machine, the department said. If you suspect a skimmer is installed on a device, you should contact the machines management or the police department, police said.

The Police Department also advised residents to use a digital wallet in a smartphone, which is safer and not prone to skimming or hacking devices.

MULTIPLE CARD SKIMMERS LOCATED IN GROVER BEACH!



Over the past few weeks, GBPD officers have located several credit/ATM card skimmers located on card reading devices. Specifically, the Bank of America ATM located at 1564 W. Grand has been targeted 6 times since late September. pic.twitter.com/Vqbt2j1MJf  Grover Beach Police (@Grover_BeachPD) November 14, 2023
Interpol has been seeking input from the public to solve cold cases (Ozan KOSE)

A woman found murdered 31 years ago in a river in Belgium has been identified over three decades later thanks to her flower tattoo and an international appeal, Interpol said on Tuesday.

The Lyon-based global police organisation said she was Rita Roberts from Cardiff in Wales and British.

Roberts, found lying against a grate in the river Het Groot Schijn in Antwerp on June 3, 1992, had a tattoo of a black flower with green leaves and the inscription "R'Nick" on her right forearm.

She was 31 when she moved to Antwerp from Cardiff in February 1992 and last communicated with her relatives via postcard in May 1992, according to Interpol.

"For three decades, the victim remained nameless," Interpol said.

But a breakthrough came after the police organisation in May launched a campaign to identify 22 women believed to have been murdered in Belgium, Germany and The Netherlands, but whose identity was never found in cases dating back decades.

"A family member in the United Kingdom recognised the tattoo on the news and notified Interpol and Belgian authorities," Interpol said in a statement.

The Operation Identify Me campaign has seen Interpol for the first time share previously confidential information -- so called Black Notices -- about unsolved cases hoping for input from the public.

Rita Roberts is the first case of the 22 victims to have been identified in the campaign although some 1,250 tips have been received from the public.

- 'A beautiful person' -

Rita Roberts has been "formally identified" by her family who travelled to Belgium to meet investigators. The family have asked for the media not to contact them during their grieving process, Interpol said.

"Whilst the news has been difficult to process, we are incredibly grateful to have uncovered what happened to Rita," the family was quoted in the statement as saying.

Police in Durham, England, said they had supported the family, some of whom live in the area, "during what has been a heartbreaking time for them".

Durham Constabulary called the case "historic".

Durham police quoted a statement from the family, who had asked to remain anonymous, saying they had last heard from her via a postcard from Belgium in May 1992.

"The news was shocking and heartbreaking. Our passionate, loving, and free-spirited sister was cruelly taken away," the family said.

"There are no words to truly express the grief we felt at that time, and still feel today.

"Rita was a beautiful person who adored travelling. She loved her family, especially her nephews and nieces, and always wanted to have a family of her own," the family said.

"She had the ability to light up a room, and wherever she went, she was the life and soul of the party. We hope that wherever she is now, she is at peace."

Belgian police hope for further input from the public to clear up the circumstances of Roberts' violent death, it said.

- 'Given her name back' -

It said that Roberts was believed to have spent time in the Netherlands.

She was 1.70 metres (five foot, seven inches) tall, and wearing a blue-green-purple T-shirt, Adidas jogging trousers and hiking boots when she was found.

"After 31 years an unidentified murdered woman has been given her name back and some closure has been brought to her family," Interpol Secretary General Jurgen Stock said.

"Such cases underline the vital need to connect police worldwide, especially when missing persons are involved."

Interpol, an inter-governmental organisation for police cooperation between the 195 member countries, emphasised: "The work of Operation Identify Me continues."

cgc/jh/sjw/giv
Getting pulled over by the police can be a nerve-wracking experience for drivers and passengers.

A reader asked The Sacramento Bee if law enforcement officers can ask passengers questions when theyre stopping a vehicle, and if they can request non-drivers to show identification.

Heres what law experts say:

Do drivers or passengers have to talk to police?

Drivers and passengers can remain silent when in a vehicle thats stopped by police, according to the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California.

Passengers can also ask to leave.

If you are a passenger, you can ask if you are free to leave, the ACLU said on its website. If the officer says yes, sit silently or calmly leave. Even if the officer says no, you have the right to remain silent.

Sometimes, police officers may have the driver and all passengers get out of the car and separate them to ask questions. No one has to answer any questions, the nonprofit said.

Do passengers need to show ID?

You are not legally required to show identification, if you are a passenger in a vehicle thats been pulled over by police, Shouse California Law Group said on its website.

Any driving infraction is the responsibility of the driver, it said. Without probable cause to suspect you of an infraction, police do not have a valid reason to see your ID.

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.
Several thousand people protested in June over the strict abortion laws (Wojtek Radwanski)

Poland's leftists, part of a coalition in control of the new parliament, said on Tuesday they had submitted two bills to liberalise one of Europe's most restrictive abortion laws.

Abortion in the majority-Catholic country is currently legal only if the pregnancy results from sexual assault or incest or threatens the life or health of the woman.

"One of them provides for full legalisation of the right to terminate a pregnancy until the 12th week," Left lawmaker Anna Maria Zukowska told AFP.

"The other is a bill decriminalising abortion assistance," she added.

The draft legislation was submitted on Monday, when Poland's new parliament met for the first time after an October general election.

The Left is part of a pro-EU coalition that won enough votes to form a majority and is bidding to form a government and oust the conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party which has been in power since 2015.

The president, however, has given the PiS first shot at forming the government, as it came first in the election -- though it fell short of a majority.

Poland has long had a stringent abortion law which was further tightened in 2021 to ban terminations due to foetal defects.

Even before the law was tightened, fewer than 2,000 legal abortions per year were carried out in the EU member of 38 million people.

An additional 200,000 women terminated pregnancies either illegally or abroad, according to women's groups.

But with abortion assistance outlawed in Poland, activists and doctors who help risk jail time.

In March, activist Justyna Wydrzynska was found guilty of supplying a pregnant woman with abortion pills in the first such case. She was sentenced to community service.

According to a opinion poll conducted at the time, 84 percent of Poles were in favour of easing the abortion restrictions.

amj/ach
Western training for Ukrainian troops began to adjust after criticism that it does not reflect the real situation on Ukraine's battlefield, Politico reported on Nov. 13, citing examples from a French training ground.

The main change is a greater emphasis on aerial threat awareness, as Kyiv's forces lack the air superiority dictated by the NATO doctrine, Politico said.

The French military said that adapting the syllabus did not require extensive changes as the program has always been flexible.

Now, drones more often fly above Ukrainian soldiers to get them used to air surveillance, and trainers use artillery and grenades to simulate air strikes.

Given the extensive real-life combat experience of Ukrainian troops, the teaching sometimes goes the other way, Politico noted.

"The program is not set in stone, we have integrated those criticisms in the training preparation, which is greenlit by the Ukrainians," said a French training officer.

The exercises also reportedly include trench warfare and preparations for harsh battlefield conditions.

In the past, Ukrainian soldiers raised concerns that Western training focuses too much on urban engagements in reflection of NATO's counter-insurgency operations in the Middle East, vastly different from the reality of the trench warfare in Ukraine.

Tens of thousands of Ukrainian soldiers have received training in NATO countries in order to prepare them to face Russian troops. Several Western-trained and equipped brigades were deployed in the counteroffensive, which appears to be winding down after only limited territorial gains.

While acknowledging the benefits of the Western training, Ukrainian soldiers raised several points of criticism over the summer.

This concerned mainly the lack of Western militaries' experience in facing an enemy like Russia or the relatively limited scope of the training with little space given to topics like de-mining, the media reported in August.

Read also: As Bakhmut counteroffensive lags, soldiers burnt out from horrors of war

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 14)  A Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) official on Tuesday rejected the suggestion to air drop supplies during missions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

I think this is the right opportunity for us to show to the international community that the Philippine government is really pushing the bullying behavior of China despite of our limited assets, despite of the smaller coast guard vessels that we have been deploying, PCG spokesperson for the WPS Commodore Jay Tarriela told CNN Philippines The Source.

Cagayan de Oro 2nd dist. Rep. Rufus Rodriguez on Nov. 11 said authorities should consider delivering supplies via airdrop in a bid to stop exposing civilian boats to danger during resupply missions to military outpost BRP Sierra Madre on Ayungin Shoal in the WPS.

On Nov. 10, the National Task Force-West Philippine Sea said a new diplomatic protest was filed against Beijing after the China Coast Guard fired water cannon on a Philippine vessel to block a resupply mission to BRP Sierra Madre.

Tarriela said the use of water assets will ensure that the Philippines is able to defend its sovereign rights without escalating tensions in the disputed waters.

If were going to use air drops it is like were going to do that because thats what China wants, he added.

Tarriela also stressed that the Philippines will not be deterred from maintaining presence in the WPS despite China's aggression.
PORTSMOUTH  Portsmouth Gas Light Co. representatives are due in Concord this week for a hearing with the New Hampshire Liquor Commission over an alleged violation, while La Carreta Mexican Restaurant has reached a settlement over numerous violations.

The Gas Lights hearing on Wednesday morning is linked to the Portsmouth traffic circle car crash that took the life of Drew Ceppetelli, a college student from Barrington, early in the morning of Thanksgiving 2022. She was 21. The Gas Light is accused of serving alcohol to a visibly intoxicated man who, less than an hour later, was allegedly the driver in the crash.

Tyler Troy, 23, of Northwood was indicted in July by a Rockingham County Superior Court grand jury on eight charges: negligent homicide while under the influence, negligent homicide, two counts of second-degree assault, two counts of aggravated driving while intoxicated and two counts of reckless conduct.

The Portsmouth Gas Light Co. restaurant at 64 Market St., Portsmouth.

The New Hampshire Liquor Commission temporarily revoked the Gas Lights liquor license Dec. 10, 2022 after an investigation by the commissions Division of Enforcement & Licensing. Judge Andrew R. Schulman ordered a due process hearing on the matter, however, and the license was regranted in Rockingham County Superior Court three days later.

Jon Flagg, attorney for the Gas Light, said the business would not comment ahead of Wednesday's hearing.

"As a family business, the Gas Light and its employees are very mindful of the tragedy that has impacted so many families a year ago," he said in a written statement. "Out of respect for those families, we choose not to comment on the upcoming hearing before the Liquor Commission."

New Hampshire State Police reported the fatal accident on Thanksgiving morning last year. Authorities at the time said a 2018 Porsche Macan driven by Troy exited the left side of the roadway and hit a curb divider before entering the travel area of the traffic circle. The car then flipped several times, causing multiple passengers to be ejected.

Ceppetelli and three others were transported to Portsmouth Regional Hospital, where she died from her injuries approximately five hours after the crash. Troy and another occupant were taken to Wentworth-Douglass Hospital in Dover with non-life-threatening injuries.

The court indictments against Troy state one passenger sustained a punctured lung, multiple broken ribs and broken vertebrae. Another passenger suffered a brain bleed and a broken arm in the crash, while Troys alleged actions placed two additional passengers in danger of serious bodily injury, according to court documents.

La Carreta accused in incident involving serious injury

La Carreta's representatives were scheduled to appear before the Liquor Commission on Tuesday afternoon, but the restaurant entered into a settlement agreement on Monday afternoon, according to commission spokesperson EJ Powers. Details of the settlement were not immediately known Tuesday.

La Carretas settlement is in connection with alleged violations on March 23 and March 24. The accusations include the restaurant serving alcohol to a person who was visibly intoxicated or who a reasonable and prudent person would know is intoxicated, resulting in a serious bodily injury, in addition to serving alcohol to minors, giving away free drinks and allowing an employee to consume alcohol while working.

The restaurant also faced four counts of failing to require a purchaser whose age was questionable for the purchase of alcohol to furnish an acceptable form of identification. La Carreta also allegedly sold beverages or liquor on credit and continued to operate while closed to the general public.

The restaurants hearing was initially scheduled for Oct. 24, but the Liquor Commission granted the licensees request to postpone it to this week. The Hanover Street business attorney, Pierre Chabot of Devine Millimet, did not immediately respond to a request for comment Monday.

Powers said the commission was unable to release any documentation in its investigations into La Carreta and the Gas Light.

The New Hampshire Liquor Commission did not immediately respond to a Right-to-Know public records request filed by Seacoastonline Monday morning seeking documents related to both cases.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Portsmouth Gas Light Co., La Carreta face NH liquor violations
Russian forces have concentrated assault action near the villages of Klishchiivka and Andriivka in the Bakhmut front but have not had any success.

Source: Oleksandr Borodin, press officer of the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade of Ukraine, in the 24/7 newscast, as reported by Interfax-Ukraine

Quote: "At the moment the enemy has concentrated assault actions on the right flank, near Klishchiivka and Andriivka. It can be concluded that within the last 24 hours there have been 15 attempts of assault, let alone artillery, aircraft and UAV [attacks  ed.]Yet they [the occupiers  ed.] have had no success so far."

Details: Borodin added that the Russians mainly conduct "dense" offensives of infantry in the Bakhmut district while near the settlement of Avdiivka they use armoured military equipment a lot. At the same time, they have very poor defensive positions compared to Ukrainian forces.

Quote: "Our defensive positions are much better. The enemy launches quite dense attacks from artillery, UAVs and aircraft. Sometimes, when they deem it necessary and thinking we got exhausted, they deploy infantry. Infantry usually achieves nothing and retreats, and everything repeats. Sometimes, when infantry comes closer, we have to engage in heavy fighting at a 50-100 metre distance, but it is a rare occurrence. They rarely come this close. And everything repeats. This can be called positional warfare of exhaustion."

Background:

On 15 September, the General Staff of Ukraine reported that the Armed Forces of Ukraine liberated the settlement of Andriivka.

On 17 September, the Defence Forces liberated the settlement of Klishchiivka.

Later, photo reporters published the images of the liberated villages of Klishchiivka and Andriivka.

Valerii Zaluzhnyi, Commander-in-Chief of Ukraines Armed Forces, believes that the war with Russia is moving to a new stage: "positional" warfare with static and exhausting battles. To win it, Ukraine needs high technologies.

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A Prairie Village couple have sued Mission Hills after coyote traps set in a Johnson County park caught and injured their two dogs earlier this year.

Elisabeth J. Kirsch and Douglas Drake, husband and wife, filed the lawsuit last week in Johnson County District Court accusing Mission Hills of gross, wanton negligence as well as intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress.

They contend the city knew of the risk and dangers to the public and chose to do it anyway. They seek an unspecified amount in damages.

Jennifer Lee, Mission Hills city administrator, declined to comment on the lawsuit, saying the city does not comment on pending litigation.

According to the suit, Kirsch was walking her dog Fred, a shepherd mix, and Oreo, a Boston terrier, in the park when they were snared by the traps, which the couple contend caused serious, painful and permanent injuries.

Oreo, a Boston Terrier, is awaiting surgery to amend the extensive injuries she received while caught in a coyote trap.

Both dogs required surgery for their injuries, with Oreo having 21 teeth extracted and Fred having 14 teeth extracted and repair of a split tongue. The injuries will require continued veterinary treatment and care, according to the suit.

Kirsch contends she was seriously and permanently injured as she tried unsuccessfully to free her trapped dogs. The injuries included her shoulders, neck and toe as well as a puncture wound to her arm. Drake also suffered unspecified serious and permanent injuries, according to the lawsuit.

Fred, an 11-year-old mixed breed, was injured in a coyote trap in Mission Hills on Tuesday and underwent surgery to extract 14 teeth.

They also both suffered extreme and severe emotional distress injuries, according to the suit. For Drake, the injuries he suffered interfered with his recovery from an unspecified medical condition, according to the suit.

They contend, among other things, that the city created a dangerous condition in the park by placing baited, hidden metal foothold traps there and putting people and pets at risk of serious injuries.

They contend the city failed to post proper warning signs to alert the public or to block the area to prevent people from unknowingly walking in or around the traps, according to the suit.

The couple contend the city lacked the authority, licensing or permits to place the traps, and ignored the advice of experts on trapping and killing the coyotes. They also contend Mission Hills placed the city arborist in charge of the trapping efforts, despite lacking the necessary training and experience, after qualified trappers declined to do so, the lawsuit said.

Although Lee said the city doesnt comment on pending litigation, she referenced a story The Star published shortly after the dogs had been injured, which included a statement provided by the city.

The city had set up the traps in Peetwood Park, near West 65th Terrace and Indian Lane, after receiving complaints about coyotes that have killed or injured pets and followed walkers, the city said in the statement. They had consulted with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks and began trapping aggressive coyotes.

In accordance with city ordinance, five signs were posted around the trapping location on Jan. 26, one week before the traps were set. The city also mailed notices to residents in the area.

The traps were set in an unmaintained area of the park, which is generally accessible from one direction, Lee said.

The dogs were off-leash when they became trapped, the city said. Animal control workers arrived about 20 minutes after being called to the park to release the dogs from the traps.

The signs and traps were removed after the dogs were injured.

The Stars Katie Moore provided some reporting for this story.
Brooklyn-based Israeli artist Zac Hacmon created an immersive experience focused on the identity of an asylum- seeker. The "Mi Sueno" exhibit will be on display at the Pratt Munson Gallery through Dec. 31. The video and sculpture installation is free and open to the public.

"Mi Sueno" is the continuation of a two-year collaboration with Alexa, a transgender woman from Nicaragua that Hacmon met while volunteering at the RDJ Refugee Shelter in New York City.

The project is a form of socially engaged art that is meant to have a sphere "outside of the art field," according to Hacmon. He was influenced by family history as Libyan-Jewish refugees as well as his own personal experience as an immigrant in the United States.

Alexa fled to New York due to political reasons in 2018. Two years later she began working with Hacmon, after hed received the LMCC Creative Engagement grant.

Zac Hacmon's "Mi Sueno" exhibition will be on display at Munson from Nov.10 - Dec. 31.

Hacmon interprets Alexas experience and highlights the importance of restoring self-sufficiency to those seeking asylum, said Munson Communication Manager Steve Howe.

The exhibit features Alexa dancing in a traditional blue-and-white Nicaraguan dress. It also includes her voice reciting poetry by Ruben Dario  who used his pen as a political tool before Instagram, according to Hacmon.

Its a global issue; Any of us can find ourselves fleeing our home because of political and social oppression, said Hacman. I feel its important to advocate for and to listen to refugees stories.

The exhibition is a prelude to the upcoming show in Munson Museum of Arts 2023-2024 Season, Between Worlds: Stories of Artists and Migration, on view Feb. 17 to May 5, 2024.

Between Worlds features artists working in the United States who have immigrated from other countries, experienced the Great Migration, or whose Indigenous ancestors were forced to move from their homelands.

It is a collaborative endeavor with Munson in Utica, The Mattatuck Museum in Waterbury, CT, and the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.

Not just an American Dream  a Global Dream

The video installation serves as a form of protest, said Hacmon. Alexa's dress represents the Nicaraguan flag which is prohibited under current regime and considered an act of defiance.

Mi Sueno translates from Spanish to mean my dream.

I wanted to empower the individual  as a means to uplift the collective, said Hacmon.  My goal was to revive a sense of identity to those who find themselves in vulnerable situations.

Hacmons father was born in a refugee camp in Israel. His family fled from Tripoli in the 1950s.

I am aware of the difficulties one has to handle when displaced, explained Hacmon. As an artist, my mission is to raise awareness to create a bridge for underrepresented communities to step out from the shadows.

Hacmon noted that the project is not just about reminding viewers to tap into their inner strength  it summons a global dream.

While the American dream holds a national ethos I wish to advocate for a global dream of stabilization, equity, peace that adapts to new challenges  like climate change  nationalism, LGBTQ rights, and humanitarian crises, said Hacmon.

About the work

Hacmons initial project proposal was to work with three individuals but Alexa was the only one who agreed to participate. He dedicated six months to applying for grants and received the LMCC Creative Engagement grant in 2020.

At the start of the collaboration, Alexa was on the verge of becoming homeless. The grant allowed Hacman to compensate Alexa for her time and purchase her a laptop for communicating with her family in Nicaragua.

I realized that Alexa had experienced a much different New York than I had  shed spent most of her time hiding, explained Hacman. I wanted to introduce her to the art world so we went to see museums like MOMA, the Whitney, and the MET

A core aspect of socially engaged art is to discover the talents and skills of the asylum seeker. After piano and vocal sessions Hacman learned that it was poetry and dance that Alexa was passionate about.

As part of the sound installation Alexa recites two poems: Nicaragua (1888) by Ruben Dario and Autumn (1981) by Claribel Alegria.

As part of the sound installation, Alexa recites two poems: Nicaragua (1888) by Ruben Dario and Autumn (1981) by Claribel Alegria.

The workshop aimed to give a voice to Alexas story but there was mutual growth, said Hacman. As I learned more about her culture  the beauty and richness of Nicaragua  and the strength that it took for her to overcome political persecution, she became a source of inspiration to me.

The impact

In Unit 6 of the exhibition Alexa is seen dancing to La Cumbia Chinandegana (1975) by Jorge Paladino.

Unit 6 invites viewers to watch a video of Alexa dancing in a white and blue dress. The song featured is La Cumbia Chinandegana (1975) by Jorge Paladino.

The video installation serves as a form of protest, said Hacmon. Alexa's dress represents the Nicaraguan flag which is prohibited under current regime and considered an act of defiance.

In April 2022, during the first exhibition of this show at Hunter East Harlem Gallery, one of the visitors was a social worker. She connected Alexa with Sanctuary for Families. The organization resubmitted her case and offered Alexa a program that included English classes and professional training.

Alexa managed to free herself through poetry and dance, said Hacmon. When she had nothing her voice was louder than her fears and her body became a symbol of her culture.

This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Immersive, socially engaged 'Mi Sueno' exhibit opens at Pratt Munson
WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden on Tuesday gave his most optimistic assessment yet that hostages being held in the Gaza Strip by Hamas could be released.

I believe its going to happen, but I dont want to get into details, Biden told reporters.

Asked if he had a message for the families of the hostages, Biden told them: Hang in there.

Were coming, he said on the day that tens of thousands of Israel supporters were expected to rally on the National Mall in part to demand the immediate release of the hostages.

Some of the families of Americans being held met at the White House Monday with Jake Sullivan, Bidens national security adviser.

Nine Americans are still missing after Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7and took more than 240 hostages back into Gaza.

Liran Berman speaks about his missing brothers, Gali and Ziv Berman in Washington. Gali and Ziv were taken hostage during the October 7 attacks by Hamas on Israel.

Its unclear how many hostages are currently there and if theyre still alive.

We have been very transparent about the fact that we have limited visibility into both the whereabouts of the hostages within Gaza and their condition, Sullivan told reporters Monday.

But, Sullivan added, the administration does have information indicating a substantial number of hostages are alive and could be part of any hostage release.

Those missing include many young children including a three-year-old who is an American citizen whose parents were killed by Hamas on Oct. 7.

Biden said he has been working every day to get the hostages released.

Qatar has been playing a key mediator role in the hostage negotiations.

The Israel Defense Forces have shared video from what it called a childrens hospital to support its long-held contention that Hamas uses hospitals as command centers and to hide its fighters and hostages.

The U.S. has its own intelligence that hospitals  and tunnels underneath them  are being used to conceal and support Hamas military operations and to hold hostages, according to John Kirby, a White House spokesman on national security.

We have information that confirms that Hamas is using that particular hospital for a command and control node and probably storage of equipment, weapons, Kirby said of Gazas Shifa Hospital.

He called that a war crime. But he said the U.S. still does not support air strikes against hospitals and doesnt want to see firefights inside them, which would kill innocent people.

Hospitals and patients must be protected, he said. Hamas actions do not lessen Israel's responsibilities to protect civilians in Gaza.

More: Biden says Gaza hospitals 'must be protected' as fighting, fuel scarcity cripple them: Updates

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Biden optimistic hostages held by Hamas in Gaza will be released
It was 1985 and a fresh-faced Xi Jinpings first trip to the U.S. (or anywhere outside of China, so its believed.) Wearing a brown jacket over gray pullover, necktie tidily knotted, the then 31-year-old princeling flashes a carefree grin for the camera in front of San Franciscos Golden Gate Bridge, a pose replicated by countless beguiled tourists both before and since.

Young president Xi Jinping,

then CPC party Chief of Zhengding Country,

in San Francisco, 1985.

Chinese president Xi will be meeting for the APEC forum and meeting Biden in San Francisco next week. pic.twitter.com/xwEaHO0pJn  China in Pictures (@tongbingxue) November 10, 2023

Back then, Xi was a junior Chinese official leading a delegation to the U.S. to study modern agriculture techniques. Xi visited the U.S. four more times before he assumed Chinas leadership in late 2012, and has returned four times since, most recently sharing chocolate cake with former President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago in 2017. At that meeting, Trump hailed the great chemistry between the leaders and foresaw lots of very potentially bad problems will be going away.

As predictions go, it wasnt one of Trumps best, and relations between the worlds top two economies have spiraled in the six years since. Changing that trajectory will be top of the agenda when Xi returns to San Francisco on Tuesday for an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, with a bilateral meeting with President Joe Biden set for Wednesday.

The two heads-of-state will have in-depth communication on strategic, general and directional issues concerning China-U.S. relations, as well as major issues concerning global peace and development, Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told a regular briefing on Monday.

Read More: U.S. Generals Prediction of War With China in 2025 Risks Turning Worst Fears Into Reality

The stakes are high for both sides. The moderate thaw achieved following a summit between Xi and Biden in Bali last November returned to deep freeze by February when the U.S. shot down an alleged Chinese spy balloon. Today, Washington has blocked the sale of high-tech components to China, ramped up arms sales to Taiwan, and has backed the Philippines over fresh skirmishes with the People Liberation Army (PLA) in the South China Sea.

Meanwhile, Chinas economy is mired in a severe downturn, with youth unemployment at 46.5%, by some estimates, while the worlds top trading nation again veered into deflation in October. One measure of foreign direct investment into China fell negative in the third quarter of 2023 for the first time on record.

More From TIME

Against this backdrop, one can forgive Xi if he struggles to summon the same blithe cheer visible in that almost four-decade-old photo. He desperately needs to reduce pressure on Chinas ailing economy and will seek assurances over the status of Taiwan, the self-governing island of 23 million that Beijing claims as its own. Biden, in turn, could do with a big foreign policy win with the U.S. presidential election less than a year away. He will be keen for Chinese help to resolve the conflicts in Ukraine and Israel as well as reestablishing de-escalation mechanisms between both sides armed forces.

Read More: How China Could Play a Key Role in the Israel-Hamas Warand Why Its Not

Following the visit of then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan in August 2022, military-to-military communications between the superpowers have largely ceased, with a series of recent near-misses between the nations vessels and aircraft. Biden is determined to see the reestablishment of military-to-military ties, his national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, told CBS on Sunday, saying it was in the U.S. national security interest.

However, Chinese analysts say that Washington is not walking the talk. Zhou Bo, a retired PLA senior colonel and senior fellow at the Center for International Security and Strategy at Tsinghua University, points out that no senior U.S. military official attended last months Xiangshan Forum on regional security in Beijing. I believe the U.S. missed a very good opportunity because the Chinese side extended invitations, he tells TIME.

And while the U.S. will reemphasize it seeks no change to the status quo in Taiwan, Augusts announcement of $500 million of new weapons sales, following Congresss passing in May of a historic trade deal with Taiwan, makes this a tough sell in Beijing. Concern about Taiwan is heightened as the island prepares to hold presidential elections in January, with polls indicating the Beijing-skeptic Democratic Progressive Party is on course for an unprecedented third straight term.

Read More: Both Wary of War, Taiwans Voters Eye China and China Eyes Taiwans Voters

The question is what both sides are willing to put on the negotiating table. Early reports are that a deal to curb the flow of deadly fentanyl from China to the U.S. is close to being agreed. Beijing has also demanded rollbacks in tariffs and sanctions but might have to settle for assurances the U.S. will not inflict new ones instead.

Most pressingly, Biden will want Xi to leverage his influence in TehranChina is the top buyer of Iranian oilto ensure its proxies do not expand the Israel-Hamas war. Xi has already telegraphed his peace-building ambitions by negotiating a truce between Iran and Saudi Arabia, and any progress on peace in Ukraine and Israelwhile admittedly a quixotic propositionwould be a huge win for both sides. What concessions Washington is willing to pony up is the big question.

Beijing is trying to position itself as a security player globally, says Oriana Skylar Mastro, a fellow at the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies at Stanford University and author of Upstart: How China Became a Great Power. Xi Jinping will want to move beyond just discussing regional issues to make some stronger statements about global issues as well.

Write to Charlie Campbell at charlie.campbell@time.com.
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King Charles has celebrated his 75th birthday with a business-as-usual approach and the launch of a project to help people facing food poverty.

And it is understood that he will be getting a birthday greeting by transatlantic phone call from his younger son, Prince Harry.

The King's birthday plans also saw him hosting a reception for NHS nurses and midwives.

Ceremonial gun salutes have been fired, including at the Tower of London.

Public service, rather than glitzy partying, has been emphasised in the King's birthday engagements, although it is expected that there will be a private dinner for close family and friends.

Prince Harry will not be there, but well-placed sources say that the US-based Duke of Sussex will be putting in a birthday phone call to his father.

The plans for a phone message might be seen as an olive branch, after claims that there had been no contact with Prince Harry about the birthday plans

King Charles III buys a copy of the Big Issue from seller Kelvin along with Lord John Bird, founder of the magazine

The King's birthday has also seen the official launch of his Coronation Food Project, with the King and Queen visiting a surplus-food distribution centre in Didcot in Oxfordshire.

The project is designed to tackle the twin problem of the increasing numbers of people unable to afford food, while millions of tonnes of surplus food is being thrown away.

Highlighting the campaign in an article in the Big Issue magazine, which supports the homeless, the King said: "Food need is as real and urgent a problem as food waste."

The King told the magazine that "cost-of-living pressures" were resulting in "too many families and individuals missing out on nutritious meals".

At the launch, the King paid 10 to a Big Issue seller for a copy of the magazine, which has a cover price of 4.

The magazine seller, called Kelvin, said the King asked him about whether he was in accommodation and the seller joked afterwards: "He gave me cash. That does prove something - he does carry money."

King Charles invited others who were 75 this year to a party at Highgrove

The Coronation Food Project aims to create distribution hubs to connect surplus food with food banks and charities providing food parcels.

"There are one in five people in this country that are suffering what charities call 'food insecurity' - to me, they're 'hungry'," said Baroness Casey, who co-chairs of the project.

"People are going without meals," she said.

An animation promoting the Coronation Food Project will be shown on Tuesday evening on the digital advertising hoardings at Piccadilly Circus in London.

There is a circularity to the King's launch of a food-sharing project on his birthday.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

When the then-Prince Charles was born on 14 November 1948, there was still food rationing in post-war Britain.

To mark the birth of the then-Princess Elizabeth's first child, there was a scheme to provide a gift food parcel to every family who had had a child on the same day.

According to National Archives records, more than 2,600 gift parcels were distributed in this era of austerity, with items including soap, butter, dried egg, honey, marmalade, bacon and beef.

King Charles has shared the celebrations for his 75th birthday with other people of the same age, who were invited to a party at his house at Highgrove in Gloucestershire on Monday.

King Charles and Queen Camilla at the official launch of The Coronation Food Project

He is also marking the 75th anniversary of organisations of the same vintage, including the NHS, with 400 nurses and midwives attending a reception at Buckingham Palace. It was also attended by the new Health Secretary, Victoria Atkins, following Monday's cabinet reshuffle.

The King took the time to meet many of the guests, and thanked the nurses for their work.

He was also given a birthday card on behalf of a six-year-old girl with whom he shares a birthday, and stopped to practise his Swahili with a Kenyan nurse.

Bernice Boore, 47, who also spoke to King Charles at a reception last month, said: "It was really interesting to see the King remembered me from the conversation we had last time.

"We talked about Kenya and I asked him if he enjoyed [his recent trip there]."

King Charles spoke with nurses and midwives at an event at Buckingham Palace

The King last week rebranded his charities as the King's Trust and King's Foundation, rather than Prince's Trust and Prince's Foundation, which will send another message of keeping working rather than slowing down or handing over the reins to the next generation.

He will be travelling to speak at the COP28 climate change summit in Dubai at the end of this month.

At the age of 75, King Charles is now the sixth-oldest British monarch in history, behind Elizabeth II, Victoria, George III, Edward VIII and George II.

royal family with text "Royal Watch newsletter: Get insider stories and analysis every week, straight to your inbox

You can see more royal stories in the free BBC Royal Watch newsletter emailed each week - sign up here from within the UK. or here, from outside the UK.
PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. (DC News Now)  Police in Prince William County have released photos of two men they said held up a 7-eleven at gunpoint Monday.

Officers said the two men entered the convenience store on Occoquan Rd. in Woodbridge at around 3:00 a.m. on November 13. One of the men brandished a firearm.

POLICE: 13-year-old arrested for stabbing father in DC

The men took money and fled the establishment, no injuries were reported.

The photos show the men wearing coats and face masks. One of the men was seen wearing latex gloves, the other wore utility gloves.

(Prince William County Police Department)

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
Danelo Cavalcante, the 34-year-old convicted murderer who led police on a nearly two-week manhunt after escaping a Pennsylvania prison, now faces 20 additional charges for crimes authorities say he committed during his escape.

The new charges, filed Monday by Pennsylvania State Police, include felony counts of burglary, criminal trespassing, theft and possession of a firearm.

The defendant used all means necessary to escape from prison and stay hidden from authorities, Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry said in a news release announcing the charges.

These offenses aided his efforts and elevated his threat to the public, the release continues.

A newly released affidavit of probable cause offered more details about the escape, which began when Cavalcante crab-walked, climbing sideways up the prison walls to escape on August 31. He was captured on September 13 in a wooded area about 20 miles north of the prison.

When Cavalcante was found, he had a backpack, sleeping bag, Eddie Bauer Shirt, silver paring knife, blue Gillette Razor and a stolen .22 caliber rifle, according to court documents.

The affidavit said the majority of those items were taken during a burglary from a nearby home belonging to Ryan Drummond.

The documents detail the alleged burglary and the moment prosecutors say Cavalcante stole a rifle from another home in the final days of the manhunt.

A Chester County man told police he was speaking on the phone while sitting in his garage with the doors open when a shirtless Hispanic male appeared in the man-door entrance to the garage, reached in, grabbed his Ruger Rifle and ran off, according to the affidavit.

The description he gave authorities matched that of Cavalcante, the affidavit says.

The man then fired three, maybe four shots, at the man with his pistol, the document says. Police later found discarded clothing near the home.

Cavalcante was convicted in August of murdering his ex-girlfriend, Deborah Brandao, in 2021. Prosecutors say he stabbed her to death in front of her two young children. He is also facing felony escape charges.

A representative for the Chester County Public Defenders Office declined to comment when reached by CNN.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
A drama in Russian media saw articles about troop movements in Ukraine quickly deleted.

Two state news agencies retracted articles saying Russia was moving troops away from Dnipro.

It could be a genuine mistake  or a Russian information operation, experts said.

Reports in Russian news media about troop movements on the Ukrainian frontline were swiftly deleted on Monday, with the outlets involved saying they were released in error.

The articles were published by state-owned news agencies RIA Novosti and TASS, according to several independent news outlets.

Both outlets wrote that Russia had decided to "regroup" its forces in the Kherson region, according to the Kyiv Post.

"Having assessed the situation, the command of the Dnipro group decided to move the troops to more advantageous positions east of the Dnipro," the Kyiv Post cited the Russian outlets as saying.

It reported RIA Novosti as adding: "After the regrouping of Dnipro, part of the forces will be released, which will be used for the offensive in other directions."

On Monday, TASS published an update, saying its post had been released in error.

Business Insider did not see the original posts. Clicking on a link to the TASS post on Telegram led to this message:

"Message doesn't exist" appears briefly over an unrelated article on the TASS Telegram news feed, when a link to the now-deleted post is clicked on, as of November 14, 2023. TASS/Telegram

The announcements about troop movements were significant due to their focus on the Dnipro River in Kherson.

Ukrainian troops were, as of last week, pressuring Russian forces at several locations along the river, establishing bridgeheads and attempting to connect them up.

The Russian defense ministry, in unconfirmed remarks, claimed that its forces have pushed back those efforts.

In contrast with the tone of official reports, Russian military bloggers have "near-constant anxiety" about Ukrainian movements there, according to the US-based think tank the Institute for the Study of War.

As such, the reports caused a "media frenzy" before they were deleted, according to the ISW.

The ISW has two theories as to what happened: either the reports reflected the real decision-making between high-level Russian officers, which "may have prematurely entered the information space," it said.

Or it could have been part of information warfare.

"Russian military command may have instructed state media to release and then retract these reports as part of an information operation that aims to have Ukrainian forces underestimate available Russian manpower on the east bank of Kherson Oblast," the think tank said.

Both RIA Novosti and TASS are owned by Russian state media and are subject to controls that have intensified over the past few years.

The European Alliance of News Agencies severed ties with TASS after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, saying the agency was no longer in a position to provide unbiased reporting.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 14)  The Senate on Tuesday suspended deliberation on the proposed 2024 budget of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) due to its previous position supporting the decriminalization of abortion.

This may cost the CHR, an independent constitutional office, its 934 million budget for next year as four male senators took issue with the commission's previous position.

Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva said the CHR should be given time to come up with a stand. After, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, who sponsored the budget of the CHR, made a motion to defer the plenary debate pending a "strong stand against abortion."

"If they continue to espouse the decriminalization of abortion or support abortion per se, I'm sorry I will be unable to defend this budget," he added.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, who also stated his opposition to decriminalizing abortion, approved the motion.

"You're not the only one, I will not be able to approve their budget," Zubiri also said.

Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano protested a 2022 statement that states the commission is pushing for the passage of a law decriminalizing abortion.

Cayetano named CHR Executive Director Jacqueline Ann De Guia who has given the statement in an international forum.

Villanueva also joined the interpellations, asking if this was the official position of the CHR. He is the son of Eddie Villanueva, the founder of Jesus Is Lord Church, a Christian megachurch in the Philippines.

"She does not support abortion," Estrada said, quoting De Guia. "She only supports the decriminalization of abortion in so far as it affects the life of the mother."

But the CHR clarified, through Estrada as its budget sponsor, that it was the position of the fifth commission, which was in office from 2015 to 2022 and under the leadership of the late chairperson Chito Gascon. He said De Guia was the body's spokesperson at that time.

Estrada then read a note: "The Commission on Human Rights assures the Senate that there is no position on abortion. CHR values the right to life of all as enshrined in the 1987 Constitution. The present commission is still studying the matter on abortion."

Filipinos are predominantly Roman Catholic, a religion that has consistently condemned abortion.

Cayetano stressed that the Philippines is "anti-abortion" as the 1987 Constitution provides the State "shall equally protect the life of the mother and the life of the unborn from conception." But he also read Bible verses to wrap up his interpellation.

"If we can remove a president, a Supreme Court justice, because of culpable violation of the Constitution, how can we support the CHR if they're going to say pag-aaralan pa nila kung ide-decriminalize o hindi ang abortion [they have yet to study decriminalizing abortion or not]," he said.

"We are 24 members here and we belong to different religionsand I think all of us agree that all of us are against abortion," Estrada also said.

Zubiri recalled the time when the House of Representatives gave CHR a zero budget and the Senate restored it.

"We support CHR but in this particular issue, we take it very strongly, because I believe in the right of life and I believe in life and the life of an innocent child," Zubiri said.

In September, Estrada submitted the agency's budget for plenary debates just minutes after he opened the hearing.
NASHVILLE, Tenn.  The U.S. Department of Defense on Monday identified the five Army aviation special operations forces killed when their helicopter crashed in the Mediterranean Sea over Veterans Day weekend.

The military's European Command said all five crew members on board were killed when the MH-60 Black Hawk helicopter went down "during a routine air refueling mission as part of military training." The five soldiers were ll part of the Armys 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, known as the Night Stalkers, based at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

The five service members were identified as Chief Warrant Officer 3 Stephen R. Dwyer, 38, of Clarksville, Tennessee; Chief Warrant Officer 2 Shane M. Barnes, 34, of Sacramento, California; Staff Sgt. Tanner W. Grone, 26, of Gorham, New Hampshire; Sgt. Andrew P. Southard, 27, of Apache Junction, Arizona; and Sgt. Cade M. Wolfe, 24, of Mankato, Minnesota.

Lt. Gen. Jonathan Braga, commander of the Army Special Operations Command, said the five soldiers "hail from rare patriotic families with deep military service ties that span multiple generations and formations."

"This is devastating news that reverberates across the entire Special Operations community. Every loss is tough, but in this case, service to the Nation is truly a family business and its hard to express the amount of sorrow that we all feel right now," Braga said in a statement Monday. "Our thoughts and prayers are with their families, their loved ones, and their fellow soldiers. Like the Special Operations community always does, we will wrap our arms around them, grieve with them, and promise to never forget them."

US troops killed in helicopter crash: 5 US service members die when helicopter crashes in Mediterranean training accident

Five soldiers were highly decorated

According to biographies provided by the Army Special Operations Command, the fallen soldiers had decorated careers with missions of fearless courage completed abroad and at home, earning medals of honor.

Dwyer received his commission from the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York, in 2009. He served as a Field Artillery Commissioned Officer for six years before reverting to Warrant Officer and graduating from flight school in 2018. Dwyer joined the 160th as an MH-60M pilot and deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and the Air Medal with Combat device, among many others.

Barnes graduated from Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington, in 2011. After graduation, he attended flight school at Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he completed training to become a UH-60L Blackhawk pilot. Barnes was assigned to Korea and completed deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq. His awards and decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross with Valor device and the Air Medal with Combat device among other campaign awards.

Grone enlisted in the Army in 2017 as 15T UH-60 "Black Hawk" repairer and was assigned to the 160th. After completing the Regiment's extensive assessment and training program in 2018, Grone then served as a flight instructor and and MH-60M crew chief. He deployed to Afghanistan and multiple times to Iraq, and was awarded the Air Medal with Combat device, the Army Commendation Medal and the Army Achievement Medal among numerous other awards.

Southard enlisted in the Army in 2015 as a 15T UH-60 "Black Hawk" repairer. He was first assigned to the 1st Armored Divisions Combat Aviation Brigade at Fort Bliss, Texas. Southard later completed a 13-month rotation to Task Force Sinai in support of ongoing peacekeeping operations. He volunteered for assignment to the 160th, serving as an MH-60M crew chief. He deployed to Afghanistan and was awarded two Army Commendation medals and an Army Achievement medal among other citations.

Wolfe enlisted in the Army in 2018 as a 15T UH-60 "Black Hawk" repairer. He was assigned to the 25th Combat Aviation Brigade at Wheeler Army Airfield, Hawaii, and later served as an MH-60M crew chief for the 160th. Wolfes awards and decorations include two Army Commendation Medals and an Army Achievement Medal, among other awards.

Cause of crash under investigation

Officials haven't released the cause of the crash but the Department of Defense said there is "no indication it was caused by enemy or hostile actions."

The United States has increased its military presence in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East in response to the Israel-Hamas war, including two carrier strike groups operating in the region, additional crews for U.S. Air Force squadrons and U.S. special operations forces to aid rescue efforts for hostages in Gaza.

The military first announced the crash Saturday and added that the cause is under investigation. On Sunday, military officials said "search and rescue efforts began immediately, including nearby U.S. military aircraft and ships."

The crash is the second incident involving a unit based at Fort Campbell this year. In March, nine soldiers were killed after two Black Hawk helicopters crashed in Trigg County, Kentucky, west of Fort Campbell. The nine service members  five in one helicopter, four in the other  were killed during a "multi-ship" exercise using night vision goggles, Brig. Gen. John Lubas said shortly after the crash.

Fort Campbell is home to several Army aviation units. The 160th has almost 3,000 soldiers and 200 aircraft assigned to it.

Israel-Hamas war: As war wages on in Gaza, updated maps and graphics show latest in Hamas, Israel conflict

President Biden, other officials mourn loss of service members

President Joe Biden and U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin mourned the tragic loss, noting the bravery and risks service members take to defend the country.

"Jill and I are praying for the families and friends who have lost a precious loved onea piece of their soul. Our entire nation shares their grief," Biden said in a statement Sunday. "And, during this weekend when we pause to honor our nations veterans, we once more affirm the sacred obligation we bear to those who volunteer to serve our nation as well as their families, caregivers, and survivors. We pray for the families of all our fallen warriors today and every day."

In response to the incident, Hopkinsville, Kentucky, Mayor James Knight ordered all city properties to fly flags at half-staff. Hopkinsville is about 21 miles north of Fort Campbell.

"On behalf of the City of Hopkinsville, I extend my deepest condolences to the families of the five Army Special Operations service members lost during a training accident in the Mediterranean Sea this Veterans Day weekend," Knight said in a statement. "Let it serve as a reminder to us all of the sacrifice these soldiers and their families continue to make for our freedom."

Contributing: The Associated Press

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Mediterranean Sea helicopter crash: Pentagon identifies 5 victims
Two Russian soldiers who killed at least four civilians in Kharkiv Oblast around the beginning of the full-scale invasion, including the well-known children's writer Volodymyr Vakulenko, were identified by the Prosecutor General's Office of Ukraine, according to a post on Nov. 14.

The two soldiers, whom the Prosecutor General's Office said are Ukrainian natives of Luhansk Oblast, learned the Vakulenko lived in the then-occupied town of Kapytolivka. Aware that Vakulenko had pro-Ukrainian views, the two soldiers interrogated him twice, kidnapping him and killing him the second time. His body was found in a mass grave outside of Izium.

In addition, the two soldiers are accused of abducting three other civilians, including a veteran of the Donbas war, holding them in a cellar and torturing them. Two of them were eventually shot and killed, and the third was beaten to death.

The two soldiers were declared wanted, the Prosecutor General's Office said. The investigation is ongoing.

Read also: Iryna Tsilyk: Losing intellectuals on front lines is disastrous for Ukrainian culture

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Students in Lviv are demanding the firing of Ukrainian language professor Iryna Farion from Lviv Polytechnic National University after she made disparaging comments about Russian-speaking Ukrainian soldiers, public broadcaster Suspilne reported on Nov. 14.

The professor sparked a wave of criticism after she responded to the fact that some military brigades of the Azov Regiment and the 3rd Separate Marine Brigade speak Russian, stating that she cannot "accept" to call such fighters Ukrainians, during an interview with Yanina Sokolova on YouTube channel Rendezvous on Nov. 5.

Students from Lviv Polytechnic, Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, and Kyiv National University of Technology and Design, among others, participated in the protest. The protesters brought posters with slogans such as "Farion out", and "Iryna Farion disgraces Ukraine" as seen in a video provided by Suspilne.

"My father is a soldier and I worry about him all the time, a student from Lviv Polytechnic said.

When a professor at my school says such disgusting things, it's impossible to stay silent. She teaches some of my classes."

Read also:

Later, representatives of Lviv Polytechnic University invited the students to meet with administrators.

On Nov. 7, Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets appealed to the police, Ukraines SBU security service and the National Council for Television and Radio Broadcasting over Farion's statement.

On Nov. 8, Farion published a letter from a student in the temporarily occupied Crimea who supported her position on the importance of the Ukrainian language and said that he was looking forward to the liberation of his hometown, Kerch. Farion did not conceal the student's personal information, including his name and the city where he studies.

Read also: Russia suppressing Ukrainian language in occupied territories

On Nov. 13, the Telegram channel Crimean SMERSH  a network of informants seeking out Crimean pro-Ukrainian individuals to instigating occupying forces against them  published a video in which a young man named Maxym Hlebov identified himself as the author of the letter to Farion.

In the video, Hlebov apologized for the letter and said that he had renounced his views. The caption under the video stated that the Russians had found Hlebov thanks to Farion's post.

Farion herself said that she is supported by "hundreds of people." She called the incident a "regular provocation" organized by Russian propaganda.

Later, Ombudsman Lubinets said that he had again appealed to the SBU about Farion.

Lviv Polytechnic University said that it "does not bear responsibility" for Farion's statements and that the university students have contacted law enforcement.

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
Police officers in riot gear confront demonstrators carrying a banner and protesting at the construction site of the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center, known as "Cop City," in the South River Forest area near Atlanta, Georgia on Monday. The group is opposed to the construction of the combined training facility for the Atlanta Police Department and Atlanta Fire Rescue Department. Photo by Erik S. Lesser/EPA-EFE/

Nov. 14 (UPI) -- Protesters in a march Monday to "Block Cop City" clashed with police, who used tear gas after the group blocked two lanes of traffic near the construction site of the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center.

"This is the very reason we say 'No Cop City' because we know the militarization of the police will continue and today was a perfect example of that," said organizer Kamau Franklin.

The group Defund the Atlanta Forest shared photos and footage of Monday's confrontation with police in a post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

Reverse uno card pic.twitter.com/ylwEES5vUG Defend the Atlanta Forest (@defendATLforest) November 13, 2023

"This is a group today that left prepared to breach the site, prepared to do harm, prepared to do destruction," Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum countered during a press briefing Monday afternoon.

Protesters began marching toward the site after a weekend of preparations to "bring construction to a halt."

DeKalb County police said protesters ignored commands to stop "obstructing the roadway" before forcing their way "through a line of 30 DeKalb police officers, and that's when the tear gas was used," Schierbaum explained.

As of Monday afternoon, police said there were no injuries and no arrests. About 100 protesters returned to the site but remained peaceful.

The construction site of the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center has been the scene of ongoing protests and one death.

Last month, a Georgia court ruled that state troopers who shot and killed "Cop City" protester Manuel Teran earlier this year will not face charges.

In September, 61 activists were indicted on RICO charges over ongoing actions to stop construction on the 85-acre, $90 million facility.

The Atlanta Public Safety Training Center, which will include a "mock city for burn building training and urban police training" and a K-9 training facility, is scheduled to be completed by the end of next year.
Two Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists were restricted from reading from their book or discussing systemic racism at a high school event in Tennessee last month.

Journalists Robert Samuels and Toluse Olorunnipa told NBC News that two days before they were set to speak at Whitehaven High School, they were informed they were not allowed to read from their acclaimed book, His Name Is George Floyd, and that the book would not be available at the event.

The book, a biography about Floyd and the systemic racism that led to his murder by a former Minneapolis police officer, sparking a global movement against police brutality, won the 2023 Pulitzer Prize in nonfiction and was recognized by several other organizations and awards.

But Tennessee is one of several states to have passed legislation restricting what and how students can be taught about race. Olorunnipa and Samuels, reporters for the Washington Post, said they believe this law is why event organizers told them they could not delve too deeply into the book, despite speaking to a majority Black student body.

It was really disappointing to hear that our speech was going to be limited, Olorunnipa told NBC News. Not only for us, but for the students whose access to knowledge is going to shape their journey in this world and in this country.

Memphis-Shelby County Schools spokeswoman Cathryn Stout attributed the issue to a miscommunication.

Stout told NBC News that Memphis-Shelby County Schools never told the two Black journalists they werent allowed to read from their book or discuss certain topics.

Memphis-Shelby County Schools did not send any messaging that said the authors could not read an excerpt from the book. Memphis-Shelby County Schools also did not send any messaging that said the authors could not discuss systematic racism or topics related to the death of George Floyd, Stout said.

Stout said the district was saddened and disappointed to learn the reporters were given misinformation that was said to have come from us.

However, she added, there was an issue when it came to providing the book to the students. Because of state and district regulations, Stout explained, there would need to be a review before the school could distribute the title.

Still, Samuels said he thought it was a great disservice that theyre giving these students who deserve better.

I thought about my personal disappointment and feelings of naivete that despite all the work Tolu and I had done to make sure the book would be written in a way that was accessible to them, a larger system decided that they were going to take it away, Samuels said.

Stout said the district instead provided alternatives for distributing the book to students. Samuels and Olorunnipa will now make the books available to students through a local nonprofit off school property.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Pussy Riot, the feminist art group founded by Russian punk provocateurs, demonstrated against Indianas near-total abortion ban on the steps of the state supreme court on Tuesday morning. The groups founder, Nadya Tolokonnikova, gathered with 18 other women, mostly Indiana University students, in pink balaclavas at the statehouse to film the protest, according to The Indianapolis Star. The newspaper reported that the activists inflated a 10-foot-tall vagina and let loose hot pink smoke as Tolokonnikova debuted a new Pussy Riot song called God Save Abortion. Tolokonnikova, 34, was in Indiana to speak at a university event on activism and art on Monday. I am a great believer that you should combine theory and practice, Tolokonnikova told The Guardian. Its fine to talk, but I called for the students and participants of the conversation to join me for a live performance. Abortion is banned in almost all cases in Indiana, with Republican Gov. Mike Holcomb signing the sweeping prohibition into effect in August.

PUSSY RIOT STORMS INDIANA SUPREME COURT: "GOD SAVE ABORTION"



Indiana was the first state to outlaw most abortions after Roe v Wade was overturned.



The state supreme courts have become the hand and uncontested voice of god, we protest this by paying homage to Martin Luther and pic.twitter.com/N3P2WBSKq6    (@pussyrrriot) November 14, 2023

Read it at The Indianapolis Star

Read more at The Daily Beast.
The border of Poland and Belarus

Poland must build the strongest land army in Europe to deter further Russian expansion westward, as Russian dictator Vladimir Putin responds only to force, Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Baszczak said in a Twitter post on Nov. 14.

Only the argument of force appeals to Putin, said Baszczak.

Read also: Ukraine increases minefield density by 16 times along Belarusian border

Only a clear signal that the Polish Army will be able to independently defend its territory will stop Russia from further expansion westward.

Read also: Russian bomber and fighter jet reach Belarus, Belarusian Hajun monitoring group confirms

The minister is adamant that Poland should continue to build a 300,000-strong military force to deter Moscow.

Read also: Over 2,500 trucks backed-up at border blocked by striking Polish truckers, lines still growing

"We must not deviate from the path of building the strongest land army in Europe," he concluded.

On Oct. 25, media reports said that Poland in October-November will conduct military exercises near the border with Russia and Belarus.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
A landlord allegedly stabbed three tenants to death inside a residence in Queens on Tuesday morning amid an ongoing dispute over rent, according to New York police. The suspect, 54, turned himself in, and according to NYPD Assistant Chief Kevin Williams, said he was having issues with his tenants and did something bad. The New York Post reported that officers then rushed to the address of the landlords home on Milburn Street and found the dead bodies of a man and a woman in the basement and another woman in an upstairs bedroom. According to ABC7, one of the victims, who is believed to be 51 years old, was found facedown on her bed, and police did not know whether she was attacked in her sleep. Williams said the murder weapon has not been found.

Read it at ABC7

Read more at The Daily Beast.
Queer Eye interior design expert Bobby Berk has announced that the shows forthcoming series will be his last.

Berk joined the reality shows Netflix revival in 2018 alongside Antoni Porowski, Jonathan Van Ness, Karamo Brown and Tan France.

To the Queer Eye Community who have become family to me. The love that I have received from you all over the last six years has been absolutely surreal, Berk shared on his Twitter/X account on Monday (13 November).

... Its with a heavy heart that I announce that season 8 will be my final season on Queer Eye. Its not been an easy decision to be at peace with, but a necessary one. Although my journey with Queer Eye is over, my journey with you is not. You will be seeing more of me very soon.

He added: To all our wonderful, loving, amazing, and brave heroes there is so much I want to say, and so much gratitude I want to express to you all for letting me into your homes and hearts.

Its all because of you that Ive kept going all these years and each and every one of you have changed me for the better. Im so very proud of all of you! Being able to help guide you to find the best version of yourselves is something I never took for granted and never will.

To the Queer Eye Community who have become family to me.



The love that I have received from you all over the last 6 years has been absolutely surreal. You have tuned in and been dedicated fans and together we were able to share the healing powers of design.  Bobby (@bobbyberk) November 13, 2023

On his Instagram Story, the shows grooming expert Van Ness said: One of a kind and such a star. Love you Bobby.

Culture expert Brown said: Bobby we are #ForeverTheFab5 no matter what.

Im about to be at Netflixs door and e-mails telling them you cant leave! Who is coming with me? I love you!

Fellow Queer Eye presenter Antoni Porowski, food and wine expert on the show, said: #Foreverthefab5 indeed, and dont forget it, alongside five love hearts.

Initially broadcast as Queer Eye for the Straight Guy in 2003, the concept of the show sees a team of gay professionals known as the Fab Five transform the lives of one struggling person per episode using their individual skills.

The original series aired on Bravo until 2007 before being relaunched by Netflix with a new cast in 2018.

In a recent interview, culture expert Brown said he would remain on Queer Eye despite landing his own talk show.

I want to go back, because I love those four yahoos that I work with, Brown told The Wrap in September.

I just really hope that we continue to go on  were only in season seven. Weve already shot season eight before all of this [the Hollywood double strike] went down. So Im hoping we at least go to season 10, or at least 12.

Queer Eye seasons one to seven are now streaming on Netflix.
The lawsuit claims a secret inquiry found that around 60 BOP officers accessed and shared unauthorized sensitive information about Kelly with the host of Unwine With Tasha K.

R. Kelly has been the target of multiple lawsuits in recent years, but hes turning the tables on the Federal Bureau of Prisons and video blogger Tasha K. for allegedly disclosing his private information.

HuffPost reported that Robert Kelly  the once chart-topping R&B star, now imprisoned convicted sex trafficker  claimed in a 28-page complaint filed with the U.S. District Court in Chicago that dozens of Prison Bureau officers illegally accessed his prison records and shared information with Tasha K  whose real name is Latasha Kebe, host of the celebrity gossip YouTube show, Unwine with Tasha K, and its channel, which has over 1 million subscribers.

This May 2019 photo shows singer R. Kelly leaving the Daley Center after a hearing in his child support case in Chicago. The embattled R&B singer is suing celebrity blogger Tasha K and the Federal Bureau of Prisons for allegedly leaking his private information. (Photo by Matt Marton/AP, File)

Kellys lawsuit alleges that the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General conducted a secret investigation and discovered that at least 60 BOP officers made unauthorized access to plaintiffs sensitive, confidential, and private information maintained by the BOP.

It details that one officer, designated as Officer A, unlawfully accessed Kellys data over 150 times, including email communication, phone conversations and guest visits. She allegedly sent some of the documents to herself before giving them to Kebe, violating the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act.

Kellys attorney, Jennifer Bonjean, said the officers alleged violations have affected how her client communicates with others. He is now suing for violations including negligence, invasion of privacy and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

He had every right to be able to be confident, to think the BOP would protect his information and not exploit, but unfortunately, certain BOP officers did just that, Bonjean said. He does not feel comfortable to this day talking to anyone, even his own lawyers, because of the impact of this event.

The lawsuit accuses Kebe of uploading phone call details between Kelly and women plus visitor logs and email contacts on her YouTube channel under the title R. Kelly Cant Control His Girlfriends While Behind Bars.

The popular vlogger allegedly mobilized her extensive following to harass Kelly using stolen information, causing chaos in his personal life, per the lawsuit. In a nearly 40-minute video, she vaguely hints at having the plug, which gives her access to undisclosed information.

Kelly received a sentence of over 30 years in prison after a Brooklyn jury convicted him of racketeering and sex trafficking on Sept. 27, 2021, followed by a guilty verdict on child pornography charges from Chicago jurors on Sept. 14, 2022.

He is seeking a jury trial in the current case, which comes as he appeals his 2021 and 2022 convictions.

Mr. Kelly must now bring this lawsuit to get answers and justice, the Bonjean Law Group said in a statement to HuffPost, because despite opening an investigation into the serious misconduct, the DOJ ultimately declined to indict the wrongdoers and allowed the misconduct to continue.

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The post R. Kelly sues the Federal Bureau of Prisons, Tasha K for leaking private info appeared first on TheGrio.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 14)  The Senate moved to increase the Philippine Coast Guard's (PCG) budget for 2024 by 1.3 billion in a bid to beef up the agency amid issues in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

The Senate Committee on Finance allocated around 27.1 billion for the PCG, up from the 2024 General Appropriations Bill's 25.7 billion.

It hurdled the chamber's plenary on Monday night, along with the proposed 170 billion spending plan next year of the Department of Transportation (DOTr). Overall, the DOTr's budget decreased by nearly 200 million, according to the committee report.

While the PCG is considered an armed and uniformed service, it is an attached agency of the DOTr.

PCG vessels usually accompany boats during resupply missions to the BRP Sierra Madre, which was deliberately grounded at Ayungin Shoal in the WPS.

RELATED: PCG: China used smaller, faster boats to block PH vessels in recent resupply mission

Senate Minority Leader Koko Pimentel asked for an explanation about the increased allocation during his interpellation.

Sen. Grace Poe, who defended the DOTr's budget proposal, said the agency had the highest increase in the department's budget "given the scenario that we have right now" in the WPS.

"Sila 'yung ating first line of defense do'n," she told the plenary. "Kung wala namang gasolina para patakbuhin 'yung mga barko nila, walang mangyayari, hindi tayo makaka-inspect."

[Translation: The PCG is our first line of defense in the WPS. If they don't have fuel to operate their ships, they won't be able to inspect the area.]

Poe said the PCG spends 1.7 billion a year for fuel alone.

The PCG has also a lot of "inoperable ships" due to a lack of funds for maintenance, she added.

Pimentel acknowledged the "critical role" of the PCG, adding the agency has earned the trust of Congress.

"Now is the time to tell us what you need, what you want, makikinig ang Kongreso sayo [Congress will listen to you]," he said. "Let's just be careful, let's not in any way taint the very positive image of the coast guard right now."

In a statement Tuesday, the PCG expressed gratitude for the budget increase, saying it would "boost our capability development and daily operations."

"This budget increase will significantly augment our operations not only in the West Philippine Sea but also in our fight to combat illegal activities and enforce maritime laws in our borders in the Southern Philippines and Benham Rise in the Eastern Seaboard," PCG spokesperson CG Rear Admiral Armando Balilo said.

Senators had asked the PCG during the budget hearings in September for a wish list. Then-PCG commandant CG Admiral Artemio Abu, who has now retired, asked for 600 million more for fuel to conduct patrols on top of the proposed 1.7 billion; 563 million for retrofitting, dry-docking, repair, and maintenance of vessels; and 144 million more for intelligence fund.

The DOTr also said an additional 2 billion in the PCG budget will fund the target 4,000 new hires and purchase of remote-controlled weapon systems and caliber 9mm pistols.

The Senate slashed the proposed 2024 budget of the DOTr's Office of the Secretary by 1.659 billion, according to the chamber's committee report.

Poe said items with reduced funding included rail projects due to historically low disbursement rates. The amounts were moved to the PCG and other "pressing programs" such as driver's licenses and motor vehicle plates.

RELATED: LTO to clear backlog on motor vehicle plates by Nov. 15
Rabbi Marc Schneier is pictured in this file photo speaking the during the 32nd Annual Muslim Day Parade on Sept. 24, 2017, in New York. Rabbi Schneider was named honorary grand marshal of the parade. | Michael Noble Jr., Associated Press

With rising antisemitism and Islamophobia on college campuses, a rabbi and imam have teamed up to promote peace and understanding as the Israel-Hamas war continues.

Rabbi Marc Schneier, president of the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding, and Imam Shamsi Ali of the Jamaica Muslim Center met with Muslim students at College of New Yorks Lehman College and Jewish students from Baruch College, John Jay College and Pace University, according to CBS News.

The two also appeared together on an interfaith panel on Friday.

Since the start of the war, there have been reports of increased antisemitism and Islamophobia on college campuses.

The Council of American-Islamic Relations issued a statement encouraging universities to address a sudden surge in reports of abusive and discriminatory behavior and express support for students of all backgrounds, including Muslims and Palestinians.

The Anti-Defamation League also issued a statement calling for universities to distance university leadership from dangerous, antisemitism rhetoric and urged for campus leadership to proactively use all tools at their disposal to ensure that there is a safe and welcoming campus climate for all.

In this climate where Jewish and Muslim students are feeling unsafe on campus, Rabbi Schneier and Imam Ali have acted to build bridges on campuses.

We feel as religious leaders in our communities, both communities, Jewish and Muslims, we feel a sense of responsibility to bring together students, Imam Ali told CBS News.

In the midst of this raging war in Gaza, we cherish our freedoms to protest and demonstrate, but we cannot cross the line when it comes to violence, when it comes to intimidation, when it comes to harassment, when it comes to confrontation, Rabbi Schneier said to CBS News.

Both faith leaders said they will continue their efforts to promote peace and understanding on college campuses. Compassion, advancing human dignity, respect for justice, thats what we want, Imam Ali told CBS News.

On Friday, MSNBCs 11th Hour show hosted Rabbi Schneier and Imam Ali, so that the pair could talk about how theyve been trying to build bridges on college campuses.

Rabbi Schneier and Imam Ali met when a news network hosted a segment after the death of Pope John Paul II. Both of them were on the panel 20 years and this meeting led to a strong friendship between the two that has carried over into their work to build better relationships between Jews and Muslims, Rabbi Schneier said.

One of the ways the rabbi and imam have been able to build these bridges of friendship and understanding is recognizing their similarities are finding common ground.

One of the ways to come together is realizing that we, Jews and Muslims, do not only have a common faith, but, in fact, we have a common fate, destiny, Imam Ali explained.

... Islamophobia and antisemitism are just two sides of the same coin, Imam Ali continued.

Their 20-year friendship and work together led them to gather students from New York City public colleges to talk about what they have been experiencing. Their initial visits to speak with a few students has turned into the pair being invited to go to every CUNY campus from one borough in the coming weeks, Rabbi Schneier said.

Rabbi Schneier said that their message on college campuses has been simple: We can agree to disagree without being disagreeable.

We must challenge ourselves to build these relationships, Jewish and Muslim, because we are really on the same boat. We have even more commonalities. As the rabbi said, we can disagree, we can agree to disagree without being disagreeable, Imam Ali said.

As the rabbi and imam have talked to students on campus, Rabbi Schneier said that he was heartened to hear Muslim students express that they did not support Hamas. Hamas doesnt represent the aspirations of the Palestinian people, he said.

Rabbi Schneier said during this time, we must turn to great American Muslim leaders who can help protect the Jewish people.

That is our commitment, Imam Ali said. For me, antisemitism is my fight. As he (Rabbi Schneier) has taken Islamophobia as his fight. We advance our common humanity. That in spite of the existing differences we have, we have even more in common.

At the end of the day, we are all human beings, Ali continued. We deserve dignity. We deserve respect. We deserve peace  reconciliation.

Correction: A earlier version of this story misspelled the name of Rabbi Schneier.
Rain is expected in the capital region as a storm system makes its way through Northern California, bringing with it days of precipitation over the valley, foothills and mountains.

Meteorologists predicted rain would begin Tuesday morning in Sacramento, but as of 10 a.m. not a drop had fallen in the area. According to the National Weather Service radar, the storm began west of Interstate 5, along the western Sacramento Valley, and could move into the Redding area by early afternoon.

The storm system developed over the Pacific, further west than originally predicted, said weather service meteorologist Dakari Anderson. Precipitation totals are trending lower as the system progresses slower through the area, according to the weather services latest forecast discussion.

The next chance of showers in Sacramento is now after 10 a.m. Wednesday, the five-day weather forecast shows. Anderson said the city is more likely to see rain in the afternoon. If predictions hold, that will kick off at least four days of rain in the capital. From Wednesday through Friday, there is a 20 to 60% chance of rain, with showers likely Saturday. The rain forecast is similar across the region, with Roseville, Folsom and the foothills region expecting a similar trend through the weekend.

8:45 AM Radar Update



Observed rainfall has increased along the west side of the Valley, from a trace to a quarter of an inch. Rain will continue west of I-5 this morning with the potential of light rain moving into the Northern Sac. Valley in the early afternoon. #CAwx pic.twitter.com/dE7GfSdfAL  NWS Sacramento (@NWSSacramento) November 14, 2023

A flurry of snow and rain is expected throughout the week in the Tahoe region. The snow level is expected to be between 7,000 and 8,000 feet, according to the weather service.

More wet weather is predicted in the coming weeks.

Most of the state is expected to see wet conditions this winter as a super El Nino makes its way through Earths northern hemisphere.

El Nino and its counterpart, La Nina, are climate phenomena that can affect weather patterns across the globe with extreme pressure systems, rainfall and wind, the National Weather Service wrote on its website.

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.
Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) on Monday did not rule out slowing down passage of the stopgap spending bill that Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) proposed over the weekend.

Paul, a vocal opponent of spending bills that dont include cuts, left the door open to slowing down the process and argued that House Republicans should proceed on a different track than they are.

I havent decided, Paul said when asked if he will slow down passage of the potential continuing resolution (CR). I havent seen it and I havent decided yet.

Im not really for any CR that doesnt reduce spending, Paul said, pointing to the U.S.s borrowing and debt numbers. So I wont be for any type of CR that doesnt cut spending.

My advice to the Speaker is hes going to have a tough time too unless he gets Democrats to vote for it, which most of the rest of the Republican caucus isnt that excited about it, Paul said. They should put together a conservative CR that cuts spending [and] send it over here. The Democrats will put something together thats less conservative, and then they should compromise.

If the House passes Johnsons two-pronged, laddered bill and it has more than 60 votes in the Senate, Paul would be unable to stop the bill himself but could delay its passage.

In order to expedite passage, senators would likely try to reach a deal on how long to debate the measure, which would give Paul an opening to hold things up.

Paul did as much in 2018 when he caused a brief shutdown by delaying a final vote on a bill to fund the government after then-Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) declined to give him an amendment vote.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) earlier Monday said that he was pleased with how Johnson is moving on the bill, which is a clean continuing resolution that funds four bills through late January and the remaining eight until early February.

McConnell also added that the bill is a responsible measure that will keep the lights on and that he is encouraging Senate Republicans to back it.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
All lanes of Interstate 75 southbound are now back open after a crash involving multiple cars and tractor-trailers shut it down for several hours Tuesday.

Triple Team Traffic said that lanes along I-75 SB started reopening around 5:15 p.m. following the crash that involved three tractor-trailers and seven other passenger vehicles.

The Georgia State Patrol told Channel 2 Action News that it was determined that one of the drivers involved conducted an improper lane change, causing the crash.

Three people were taken to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

There is still quite a backup from the wreck. Triple Team Traffic says the best alternate route is Cobb Parkway/Highway 41 to Interstate 285.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

TRENDING STORIES:

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IN OTHER NEWS:
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said Tuesday it is concerned about the vulnerable people being held hostage by Hamas.

We are deeply concerned that children, the elderly, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable people are among those held, said Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, the organizations president, in a statement.

The group said it has been advocating on behalf of the hostages directly with Hamas and actors who may have influence on the parties.

Spoljaric said she will be meeting with Israels foreign minister and health minister and families of the hostages at the Red Crosss headquarters in Geneva.

Families of hostages are living through an incredibly heart-wrenching time, and I want to underscore how hard we are advocating on behalf of their loved ones, Spoljarics statement said. This is a key priority for me, and I know the enormous pain the families are enduring.

More than 200 hostages were kidnapped by Hamas as part of its Oct. 7 attack on Israel when members of the militant group killed as many as 1,400 people. That prompted an aggressive air bombing counteroffensive from Israel in Gaza that has killed more than 10,000, according to the health ministry for the territory run by Hamas.

Among the hostages taken by Hamas are children who are just a few months old, young women and men, the elderly and Holocaust survivors.

Two elderly women were recovered from captivity in the Gaza Strip in late October and handed over to the ICRC. The group previously released two hostages, a dual American-Israeli mother and her 18-year-old daughter.

The Biden administration has said at least 10 American citizens are unaccounted for and has not confirmed they are all being held by Hamas.

The ICRC said it continues to request information about the hostages and their health conditions and is working to clarify the fate of those unaccounted for.

The ICRC, a neutral, impartial and independent organization said it is working to aid victims on all sides of the ongoing conflict. The organization urged the parties to uphold international humanitarian law and to spare civilians from the conduct of military operations.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
It seemed like the fight over the 110-year-old Kansas City mansion had been settled weeks ago.

Apparently not.

On Thursday, brothers Steven and Matthew Vawter  whose 7,400-square-foot Classical Revival home near the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art was, against their will, designated as historic in September by the Kansas City City Council  are once again going before the Kansas City Historic Preservation Commission to get permission to demolish the house.

Since April, the Vawters, whose family has owned what is known as the George B. Richards mansion for 62 years, have been in a pitched battle with their once-cordial neighbors who believe the stately brick home with its towering white columns and carriage house at 4526 Warwick Blvd. deserves to be preserved.

On Sept. 28, the City Council agreed with the neighbors, placing the home on the Kansas City Register of Historic Places. The move was the first time in city history that a private home was designated as historic against the will of its owners. Such a designation means the owners cannot make any alterations to the structures exterior (let alone raze it) without first receiving a certificate of appropriateness from the citys historic preservation commission.

If the owners are granted the certificate of appropriateness, they could tear the house down immediately. If the certificate is denied, the Vawters would have an opportunity to raze the house in three years.

The Vawters say theyll knock the house down, either now or three years from now.

Convinced that the empty land is worth more than the house, the Vawters want to raze the structure, get the 0.9-acre plot rezoned to commercial use, and then sell the property for maximum value for a commercial development, such as an apartment building.

In July, the family entered into a contract with a local developer, George Birt, who agreed to buy the property for $1.9 million, but contingent on having no historic designation and getting the property rezoned for commercial use.

Neighbors, meanwhile, keep urging the Vawters to try to sell the house on the residential market, as is, for an alternative use.

In April, neighbors Ryan Hiser and his partner, David Tran, offered the brothers $1.25 million for the house, with the idea of turning it into a boutique hotel. Hiser and Tran already own two bed-and-breakfast boutique hotels in the Southmoreland neighborhood, both created from stately old homes. They include The Truitt Hotel, at 4320 Oak St., and The Aida Hotel KC, at 206 E. 44th St.

Decorative molding in the home at 4526 Warwick Blvd.

The Vawters turned down the offer as far too little. They continue to insist that the home, with its outdated heating, plumbing and electricity, and some structural problems, is not salable on the residential market. Now, they say, it is likely to fall into further decay.

By designating this as historic, it all but guarantees that this house will sit vacant for three years, thus attracting vandals and vagrants, the Vawters said in a letter filed with the historic commission. The letter includes photos of broken windows along with blankets and trash around the house, suggesting a trespasser has been sleeping outside the mansion. The Southmoreland neighborhood wants to avoid a vacant lot, but  having a structure on this property is actually worse in terms of vagrancy than an empty lot.

Steve Vawter told The Star, We feel like weve been unfairly treated.  If we have to sit on it for three years and let that historic designation expire, well do it. This is going to promote vagrancy and vandalism. Thats exactly what the neighborhood doesnt want.

As before, the Vawters point out that their house is the only single-family residential home remaining in their section of Southmoreland. Multiple multifamily buildings, including the 12-story Oak Hall, stand nearby.

Blankets and trash suggest a trespasser has been sleeping outside the empty historic mansion at 4526 Warwick Blvd., in the Southmoreland neighborhood. The owners of the home want to demolish the structure, against neighbors wishes, for a possible commerical development.

Part of their petition, prepared by attorney Greer S. Lang, of the firm Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith, also claims that the citys historic designation process is being misused against the Vawters. They claim the application for historic designation was merely part of a self-interested strategy by Mr. (Ryan) Hiser to try an force the Vawters to sell the property on high unfavorable terms, far below the fair market value of the land.

Lang asserts that although Hiser repeatedly told city officials that he was no longer interested in the property, he nonetheless renewed his offer of $1.25 million on the house one week after it was designated as historic.

Given the bad precedent now set by the Citys passage of the Ordinance, Lang wrote, there undoubtedly (will) be more unscrupulous buyers who, like Mr. Hiser, will further weaponize and improperly use the historical designation process (with the City as their willing partner) to try and force unwilling homeowners, under duress and at considerable personal expense, to sell their properties at a fraction of their actual values.

For the record, the Vawters have told Mr. Hiser and his broker no thanks.

The Vawters legal team previously said they would go to court if necessary.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

Hiser told The Star he renewed his offer of $1.25 million because, as before, he only wants to save a beautiful house. If he had purchased it, he has no intention of knocking it down and putting up a high-rise.

Thats not our goal. And you can hold me to that, Hiser said Monday. Thats not one of our beliefs. What we buy, we have to love it. And were in it with the community and the neighborhood. Everything weve done  any project weve done  we always go to the neighborhood.

Built in 1913 for George B. Richards, the wealthy owner of the Richards & Conover Hardware Co., the home is fronted by four Corinthian columns, a portico and white balustrade. It has five bedrooms, three and a half baths, a sweeping center staircase and carved plaster ceilings. It was designed by the architectural firm of Root & Seimens.

If the Vawters want to sell, Hiser said, he and Tran are willing to buy.

I could have the money to go, he said. I would love to save that property. I really would. If Im not the one to save it, I hope someone would. If they want to sell it, thats great. If not, thats great, too.

Both the Southmoreland Neighborhood Association and the nonprofit Historic Kansas City Foundation have urged their members to speak against the familys application seeking demolition. The Historic Preservation Commission hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. Thursday.
Some Irish citizens may be able to leave Gaza on Thursday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DfA) has said.

Hundreds of foreign passport holders have already crossed the Rafah border into Egypt since the Israel-Gaza war started.

It is understood these would be the first Irish citizens to leave the warzone.

Tanaiste (Deputy Prime Minister) Micheal Martin is flying to Egypt on Tuesday night on a trip to the Middle East in which he will also travel to Israel and the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

A spokesperson for the DfA said it "understands that some Irish citizens may be listed for a departure from Gaza tomorrow".

"We continue to remain in contact with our citizens in Gaza as this complex situation evolves," the statement added.

'Double standards'

On Tuesday night the Dail (lower house of the Irish parliament) debated a Sinn Fein motion calling for Israel to be referred to the International Criminal Court (ICC) over its actions in Gaza.

The government said it would not back the motion, noting an ICC investigation into the situation in the Palestinian territories - including Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem - was opened in March 2021 and will cover recent events.

Speaking for government, Sean Fleming, a minister of state at the DfA, said ministers had decided earlier on Tuesday to make a voluntary contribution of 3m (2.6m) to the ICC.

He said that contribution is in response to the "urgent need of the court".

The government will now table a counter motion, Mr Fleming added, which "clearly expresses Irelands unwavering support for the vital work of the International Criminal Court".

Sinn Fein TD Chris Andrews accused the government of "double standards", saying it joined 37 other countries in referring a case against Russia to the court in 2022.

Voting on both motions is to take place on Wednesday.

Earlier on Tuesday Minister for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris told the Dail that what Hamas did was despicable and Israel had a right to defend itself.

However he said Israel was now involved in a "war on children" and was "blinded by rage".

Irish-Israeli hostage

Meanwhile, the Irish government has pledged to do "all in its power" to secure the release of an Irish-Israeli girl who is believed to be a hostage of Hamas in Gaza.

On Tuesday President Michael D Higgins met the father and the sister of Emily Hand at Aras an Uachtarain, his official residence.

Also present were the Israeli ambassador to Ireland and relatives of other Israeli hostages.

Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister) Leo Varadkar met Dublin-born Tom Hand and his daughter Natali on Monday.

Emily, who is eight, was initially believed to have been killed in an assault on a kibbutz during Hamas's attack in southern Israel on 7 October.

But her family were later told she was likely to be alive and held hostage.

Emily Hand's family believed she had been killed in the 7 October attacks on Israel but have now been told she was likely taken hostage

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Varadkar reiterated his government's call for Hamas to release all hostages immediately.

He said he would continue to raise the issue through any "avenues which may help".

"I also used the opportunity of the meeting with the Israeli ambassador to raise the issue of Irish-Palestinian dual citizens in Gaza who have asked to leave the territory," he added.

Mr Varadkar had previously said they are about 40 Irish citizens in Gaza.

Tom Hand and his daughter Natali met the taoiseach on Monday

Earlier in November, Mr Varadkar raised Emily's case with a number of representatives of Arab states.

Assistance for Irish citizens who want to leave Gaza was also discussed at the meetings in Paris.

Kibbutz attack

Emily Hand was in Kibbutz Be'eri, about three miles from Gaza, when Hamas launched its attack.

More than 100 people were killed in the kibbutz.

They were among more than 1,400 Israelis killed by Hamas in attacks across southern Israel.

Dozens of other people from the kibbutz are still missing and it is believed some of them may have been taken to Gaza as hostages.

At the last count, the Israeli Defense Forces said 242 people were being held hostage by Hamas.

Since the Hamas attacks of 7 October, Israel has been carrying out military operations in Gaza from land, sea and air, with troops and tanks now in the territory.

Gaza's health ministry, which is run by Hamas, says more than 11,000 people have been killed in the Israeli action, more than 4.500 of whom were children.

More on Israel-Gaza war
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  New information on two unsolved Utah homicides dating back to the 1980s has been released.

The Weber County Attorneys Office, in collaboration with Harrisville Police and the Weber County Sheriffs Office, is actively pursuing justice in two cold case homicides  victims Tina Gallegos and Gabriel DiStefano. Both cases have remained unsolved since the early 1980s.

Tina Gallegos body was found by Weber County Sherriffs deputies in the Ogden River on Aug. 21, 1982, and only a few weeks later, Gabriel DiStefanos body was found in a ditch by Harrisville Police officers.

Authorities now say it has become evident that these two cases are linked by matching bullets recovered from their bodies.

RELATED  The Justice Files: 40-years and still counting

In a plea for assistance from the public, our investigators are specifically seeking information regarding a towel and a shower curtain that were found in proximity to Gabriel DiStefanos remains, a release states.

The towel is reportedly described as a white towel, with the inscription Apartment 15 on one corner. It is reportedly unknown if it was embroidered or written on it with a marker or ink.

The shower curtain has been described as very light yellow in color, according to the release. It also had light green markings at the bottom of it.

Authorities say these items may play a critical role in the investigation.

We encourage anyone who might have information about the origin or recognition of these items to come forward. It remains unknown where these articles originated prior to being wrapped around Gabriels body. Determining their source could greatly aid our investigation into these two young lives tragically cut short, the release states.

The public is asked to closely examine these items and consider if they have ever seen similar articles at a hotel or motel during the early 1980s.

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If you have any information that could help us trace the origin of these items, please do not hesitate to contact Weber County Investigators. Any information, no matter how seemingly insignificant, could prove instrumental in resolving these cold cases. It also does not matter if the recollection of these items comes from a location outside of Weber County, the release states.

A press conference regarding these cases will take place on Nov. 15 at the Weber County Sheriffs Office Training Facility, located at 1400 Depot Dr., Ogden, at 4 p.m.

This is a developing story. ABC4.com will update this post as more information becomes available.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
The Russian military command might have ordered the Russian state-run media to issue and then retract reports of Russian forces regrouping in Kherson Oblast as part of an information operation. Its purpose has been to make the Ukrainian forces underestimate the available Russian military personnel on the left bank of Kherson Oblast.

Source: Institute for the Study of War (ISW)

Details: In addition, the retracted reports on Russian troops regrouping on the left bank of Kherson Oblast may indicate real ongoing discussions in the highest ranks of the Russian military command. They may have been prematurely revealed in the information space.

Another guess of military analysts is that an external source, under the guise of the Russian Defence Ministry, passed information on the "regrouping" of Russian troops on the left bank part of Kherson Oblast to Russian state-run media.

ISW analysts believe that regardless of the reasons and circumstances of the Kremlin-aligned news agencies TASS and RIA Novosti reports, the reaction they received suggests that the events in Kherson Oblast remain highly sensitive in the Russian information space.

ISW also stressed that the Russian media space has not yet coalesced around a unified rhetoric about what is happening on the left bank of Kherson Oblast.

Background: On the morning of 13 November, Russia's leading propaganda outlets broadcast the report that the Russian command had decided to regroup their troops and move them to "more favourable" positions. After a while, they officially retracted the piece, and the Russian Defence Ministry labelled the news as a "provocation".

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Pat Fallon on the Texas Senate floor in 2019. He is quitting Congress in hopes of returning to the state Senate. Credit: Miguel Gutierrez Jr./The Texas Tribune

U.S. Rep. Pat Fallon, R-Sherman, is quitting Congress and running for his old seat in the Texas Senate.

Fallon filed Monday for Senate District 30, a seat that is newly open after its incumbent, Sen. Drew Springer, R-Muenster, announced Tuesday he would not seek reelection. That means Fallon will leave Congress at the end of his current term.

Fallon quickly earned the support of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, the powerful presiding officer of the upper chamber.

"At the end of the day, the decision came down to, If we lose Texas, we lose the nation," Fallon said in a brief interview. "Its just terribly important to ensure that Texas has written a great success story and I want to keep moving that forward."

Fallon held the state Senate seat for two years prior to Springer. He called those "the best two years I ever spent" in politics.

Fallon gave up the seat to run for Congress in 2020 after former President Donald Trump tapped then-U.S. Rep. John Ratcliffe, R-Heath, to be director of national intelligence.

Senate District 30 is a solidly Republican district that stretches from the Dallas-Fort Worth suburbs up to the Oklahoma state line.

Patrick said in statement that SD-30 voters "couldnt ask for a better candidate."

"Pat was a solid member when he served in the Senate, and now he returns from Washington with a wealth of new experience," Patrick said. "I am proud to endorse [Fallon] and look forward to joining him on the campaign trail."

Frisco trauma surgeon Carrie de Moor is already running in the GOP primary for SD-30. She was originally running against Springer before he announced his retirement.

Before serving in Congress and the state Senate, Fallon was a member of the Texas House.

Fallons decision to run for his old Texas Senate seat means there will be a vacancy in Texas 4th Congressional District. The district is safely Republican and covers a swath of northeast Texas.

Candidate filing for the March primary opened Saturday and closes Dec. 11.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 14)  Some senators called for an increase in the proposed 2024 budget of the Department of Justice (DOJ), as they raised issues of human trafficking and POGO-related crimes during the over two-hour plenary deliberation on the agency's funding on Tuesday.

In his manifestation, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian said he wants to increase the budget of Anti-Trafficking in Persons Enforcement Group to 147 million.

"This is to enable them to continue their work in rescuing human trafficking victims, as well as investigating and curbing online sexual abuse of our minors," Gatchalian said.

He disclosed that while the group was allocated 76 million under the budget department's 2024 National Expenditure Program, the 2024 General Appropriations Bill (GAB) and the Senate's committee report slashed it by 10 million.

The senator said for 2023, there were about 4,038 rescued victims of human trafficking, connected to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO).

RELATED: PH's gamble on the multi-billion peso POGO industry

"My fear is syndicates will transition from trafficking foreign individuals to trafficking our local kababayans," he added.

Sen. Joel Villanueva also took the floor to express support if the DOJ would request an increase in funding for an inter-agency task force working to curb POGO-related crimes.

The inter-agency task force, which the DOJ is a part of, was formed in 2019 to monitor the number of foreign nationals employed in POGOs, Villanueva said.

"Given the rise of POGO-related crimes, we hope this inter-agency task force is continuing to do its work," he added.

"Maybe the DOJ can also make a recommendation, paulit-ulit na lang po ito," Gatchalian also said. "No such thing as legal or illegal kasi 'yong nahuhuli mga legal pa, eh."

[Translation: Maybe the DOJ can also make a recommendation because it has become a cycle. There is no such thing as legal or illegal because firms that have been caught were legal.]

Sen. Sonny Angara, chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance and DOJ budget sponsor, assured his colleagues their recommendation would be discussed "at the proper time," or during the period of amendments.

According to the Senate panel's report, the DOJ was allocated 35.455 billion for 2024. It was 1 billion higher than the amount lodged in the 2024 GAB, which was the version of the House of the Representatives.

Other requests, issues raised during deliberations

Sen. Raffy Tulfo also sought to raise the budget of some programs of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), which are both under the DOJ.

He argued that the Senate "failed to properly fund" NBI's budget request for the training of new agents, only granting 8 million out of the 290 million appeal.

Tulfo also asked for additional funding for BuCor to procure more CCTVs in detention facilities, hire more personnel, and raise the meal budget of inmates.

Sen. Bato dela Rosa also reiterated his suggestion to build a mess hall outside the Bilibid maximum compound.

Senate Minority Leader Koko Pimentel, during his interpellation, mentioned that the Office of the Solicitor General told the chamber's budget hearing that it is willing to waive its confidential fund request.

"If that's the case, we welcome a motion," Angara replied.

Angara said the Senate panel allocated 168 million for secret funds of the DOJ and its attached agencies.
Rescue crews in Uttarakhand state India will use heavy equipment to clear debris from the entrance to a tunnel where 40 workers are waiting to be rescued. The tunnel collapsed following a landslide Sunday. Photo by Sgt. Alexis Velez/PRNG

Nov. 14 (UPI) -- Rescue crews have made contact with 40 workers trapped inside a collapsed tunnel in India, and say they could reach them Tuesday or Wednesday.

State Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said national and state disaster relief teams were working together on rescue efforts.

"All the workers trapped inside the tunnel are safe and every effort is being made to get them out soon," a statement from his office said.

The tunnel collapsed Sunday morning in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand when crews, who were building the tunnel were trapped when part of it caved in due to a landslide.

Rescue workers have been able to provide the trapped men with food, water and oxygen while they try to free them via a pipeline that was originally installed to supply water to the tunnel for construction work.

The state government said Tuesday that rescue teams were "preparing to drill and insert a metal pipe of 900mm diameter in the part of the tunnel blocked by debris" to reach the workers. Rescuers hope the trapped men will be able to squeeze through the narrow pipe to safety.

The tunnel is part of the federal government's ambitious plan to improve highway connectivity to famous pilgrimage sites in Uttarakhand. The mountainous state, home to several Himalayan peaks and glaciers, also holds some of the holiest sites for Hindus.

The accident happened Sunday when part of the Silkyara tunnel collapsed while the workers were inside, trapping them about 200 meters from the opening, senior police official Arpan Yaduvanshi told BBC Hindi.

The collapse was likely due to a large landslide nearby that caused heavy debris and earth to fall on top of the tunnel and effectively sealing it, and cutting off oxygen supply to the workers.

Authorities said they were able to establish contact with the trapped workers on Sunday night with walkie-talkies.

Crews are bringing in heavy equipment to start digging through yards of debris that is covering the entrance to the tunnel before they can begin the rescue efforts.
PondaVision

A pond in Hawaii has turned an alarmingly bright shade of pink, alarming local residents.

As CNN reports, the coastal salt marsh at the Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge has been bright pink for at least two weeks now, an apparent result of an extreme drought causing water levels to drop, consequently sending the salinity of the water to twice that of the ocean.

"I just got a report from somebody that was walking on the beach, and they called me up like, 'There's something weird going on over here,'" Bret Wolfe, the refuge manager, told the Associated Press.

According to a notice by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the high salt contents likely allowed a type of single-celled organism called halobacteria, which produces the pink color, to flourish.

While it may look like a fantasy world come to life, the color change has environmental scientists deeply worried for the local ecosystem.

"Its basically a flashing red light that the ecology of this area is being gravely distressed," Shiladitya DasSarma, a microbiology professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, told the New York Times.

https://twitter.com/AP/status/1723097149288976527

Hawaii Dry-O

Fortunately, the salinity-loving organisms, which also thrive in other areas like the Great Salt Lake in Utah and the Dead Sea, don't appear to be toxic. The University of Hawaii is now investigating the situation and trying to pin down the "exact strain of the halobacteria," per the Fish and Wildlife Service.

"As a precautionary measure, we recommend that people keep a safe distance and not enter the water, dont consume any fish from the water, and ensure that pets dont drink the water," the notice reads.

Much of Maui has been suffering from a severe drought. Per the US Drought Monitor, much of the island is experiencing moderate to extreme drought conditions.

Worse yet, scientists suspect the situation will only get worse as global temperatures rise due to climate change. Even Hawaii, with its humid coastal landscapes and rainforests, can fall victim to these changes.

"This has been seen more commonly around the world, but one doesnt think of Hawaii  its not an arid part of the world," DasSarma told the NYT.

More on Hawaii: Netflix Camera Boat Attacked by Swarm of Furious Sharks
A new burger restaurant is now open in the Miami Valley.

Halal Burgers, located at 767 Lyons Road in Washington Township, celebrated its grand opening on Monday, according to a social media post from the restaurant.

>> Dayton Gets Real: New grocery store opening today with purpose to eliminate local food desert

The restaurant serves scrumptious bites crafted with care using Halal Zabiha meat, the post said.

To view the restaurants full menu, you can visit their Facebook page here
U.S. President Joe Biden should seek an end to the war in Ukraine by arming Kyiv for victory, not just for prolonging the struggle, the former U.S. Army commander in Europe, retired U.S. General Ben Hodges, wrote in a column in the UK newspaper The Telegraph on Nov. 13.

Read also: Liberating Crimea is key for Ukraine resuming Black Sea trade, expert says

Hodges said a variety of armaments need to be sent for this purpose. The United States should send ATACMS missiles with unitary warheads and a range of 300 kilometers to Ukraine. This is necessary for destroying Russian military-naval, aviation, and logistical objects in Crimea, rendering the peninsula untenable for Russian forces, Hodges said.

He said this should complement the M39 ATACMS missile with cluster munitions, which has a shorter range.

Read also: Ukrainians show off firepower in rare video showcasing launch of salvo of 3 ATACMS missiles

This will hopefully inspire Germany to provide the very effective 500-kilometer-range Taurus (cruise missile), which would add decisive capability to Ukrainian efforts to destroy Russian headquarters, artillery, and logistics, Hodges said, adding that Ukraines victory would also be hastened by the delivery of promised F-16 fighters equipped with a full range of weapons.

With all occupied Ukrainian territory under (Ukrainian President Volodymyr) Zelenskyys guns, the Kerch bridges down, and (Ukrainian forces) armed with proper Western air power, Ukraine would be able to make its drive to the Azov (Sea) and cut off half the Russian invasion army, he said.

Hodges believes that after this, there would be little need to fight for the Donbas  everything would be in place for victory and the restoration of Ukraine to its 1991 borders.

Read also: Ukraine's military advances prompts Russia to bolster defenses in northern Crimea

Previously the British and French have shown that long-range weapons can be given to Ukraine without causing a Russian nuclear attack: there is no reason for timidity from President Biden or Chancellor (Olaf) Scholz, Hodges added.

He said it was time for the West to find determination, and that Russias war against Ukraine was the result of the Wests failed strategy of containment.

Putin was sure that based on our past history and unwillingness to respond with firmness to his previous aggression that we would not do anything effective, so he launched his large scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Hodges said.

He said that if the West shows such weakness again, it might invite China to make a similar calculation, leading to a much more serious conflict than the current one, over the island of Taiwan.

Read also: Retired U.S. General expresses doubts about Ukraine NATO prospects at Vilnius summit

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Slovakia's new Prime Minister, Robert Fico, is consistent in his comments that his country will stop providing aid to Ukraine.

He also regularly parrots Russian propaganda, blaming Kyiv for Russia's invasion. This makes two of them, with Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban long being accused of being Moscow's favorite EU leader.

And while a week after Fico's win in Slovakia, Polish voters handed a win to the left-leaning pro-European liberal block, the rise of illiberal populism has raised concerns in Kyiv and Western capitals.

Future elections in Romania and the Czech Republic also have the potential to hamper the stability of the pro-Ukrainian coalition next door.

A more thorough look reveals, however, that Central and Eastern European populist leaders lack the will, strength, and, for that matter, interest to form an actual anti-Ukrainian bloc within the EU.

Should the number of populist governments in the region grow  which, as Poland shows, is far from certain  experts say that Kyiv and Brussels can expect tougher negotiations on aid and sanctions but not an overtly pro-Russian coalition formed on ideological grounds.

Slovakia, Poland on opposite tracks

Fico's populist Smer (Direction) party won the latest Slovak parliamentary elections with 23% of the vote. It soon formed a coalition government with its more moderate breakaway Hlas (Voice) party and the ultranationalist Slovak National Party (SNS).

This result was likely a disappointment for the Ukrainian leadership, as part of Fico's campaign rested on fearmongering about escalating tensions with Russia and opposition to defense assistance for Kyiv.

This was to be expected  the four-time prime minister did not have warm relations with Kyiv during his previous terms, and successfully attacked the previous Slovak government for actively supporting Ukraine.

A survey by the think tank Globsec shows that 69% of Slovaks fear that arms supplies to Ukraine risk an escalation with Moscow, the highest number in the region. The country also has the highest percentage of people blaming the West (34%) or Ukraine (17%) for causing the war.

Read also: Peter Tkacenko: Slovakia after election  If not friend, certainly not enemy of Ukraine

But it was a combination of high inflation and the chaotic legacy of the previous government that paved the way to Smer's victory.

According to Globsec analyst Lukas Dravecky, Fico's heated rhetoric had more to do with capitalizing on popular sentiments rather than an ideological basis for Bratislava's new foreign policy.

With the victory safe in his pocket, Fico began to soften his statements.

Despite his earlier pledge not to send a "single cartridge" to Ukraine once elected, he recently clarified that this concerns only old Soviet-era stocks  which are already running dry  and not commercial sales.

Notably, he did not make this distinction during the election campaign.

Banning arms sales would be against Bratislava's own interest, after all. Canceling joint contracts with NATO allies to provide Ukraine with 16 Zuzana 2 self-propelled howitzers could hit the state-owned Konstrukta-Defence company and cause job loss.

Smer-appointed Defense Minister Robert Kalinak himself holds shares in the defense industry.

Fico's opposition to anti-Russia sanctions rests rather on avoiding negative fallout for the Slovak economy. The new prime minister will probably seek to negotiate exemptions from measures that could impact his country rather than block them completely, Dravecky said.

This won't differ that much from the previous pro-Ukrainian government that asked to be exempt from the EU's Russian energy embargo.

When it comes to the 100,000 Ukrainian refugees living in Slovakia, little is expected to change, with Fico himself promising that humanitarian support would continue.

Read also: Opinion: Slovak election results threaten Europes united front

In neighboring Poland, the elections had a strikingly different outcome.

The right-wing populist Law and Justice (PiS) party, which nonetheless was one of Kyiv's most ardent supporters, providing extensive military, humanitarian, and diplomatic support, is set to lose government.

The months ahead of the Oct. 15 elections were, however, marked by disputes over Warsaw's embargo on Ukrainian grain and spirited statements by leaders on both sides.

An additional concern to Ukraine was the far-right Confederation party, the only major player in Polish politics openly critical of the support for Ukraine.

However, in an effort to win over support from farmers and to capitalize on growing discontent with Ukrainian refugees, the Confederation whipped up the anti-Ukraine card too early, peaking months before the election and gaining a mere 7.2%.

Read also: Opinion: Why the Polish elections are good news for Ukraine

Elections to follow

Romania is yet another of Ukraine's neighbors whose support is vital for Kyiv.

The country facilitates around 60% of Ukrainian grain transit, which is especially important now amid Russia's threats to Ukraine's Black Sea shipping.

Late 2024 will be quite a busy time at Romanian polling stations as the country is expecting to hold parliamentary, presidential, and local elections.

The latest surveys assign a strong position to the far-right populist Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), putting it second (20%) behind the ruling PSD social democrats (30%) but ahead of their liberal coalition partners, the PNL (18%).

At first sight, these numbers should raise worries in Ukraine, given the AUR's platform of Romanian irredentism, hard Euroskepticism, and conspiracy peddling, mixed with doses of post-Soviet nostalgia and pro-Russian propaganda.

Read also: Iohannis: Almost 60% of Ukrainian grain exports transit through Romania

The AUR's leader, George Simion, who is a persona non grata in both Moldova and Ukraine, criticized Bucharest's grain agreement with Kyiv and the support his country provides, including the planned F-16 training for Ukrainian pilots on Romanian territory.

With the elections coming and the AUR's numbers growing strong, the party seems to be toning down its rhetoric, however.

According to Vlad Adamescu, co-founder of the Politica La Minut publication, the Alliance "is trying to become more palatable to the electorate" in comparison to its more radical and overtly pro-Russian breakaway, S.O.S. Romania, currently polling little below the 5% threshold.

S.O.S.'s leader and conspiracy theorist Diana Sosoaca made not-so-veiled threats to President Volodymyr Zelensky during his October visit to Bucharest. "Don't dare to put him in the Romanian parliament," said the lawmaker.

Zelensky's speech in Romania's parliament was canceled at the time. The media connected this to "possible disruptions" by "parliamentarians with pro-Russian sympathies."

"Seeing that she's so extremist makes the AUR much more approachable, even though their ideas are quite similar," Adamescu's colleague, Razvan Petri, commented. "Suddenly, the AUR becomes a potential coalition partner."

According to Petri and Adamescu, the AUR's participation in the next government is a possible but not the most likely scenario.

With enough strength in the parliament, the AUR could stoke up negative sentiments regarding issues like the F-16 training base in Romania. However, they are unlikely to bring about a major shift in Bucharest's policies toward Ukraine, Petri and Adamescu agree.

Read also: Pavel: NATO has to consider Ukraines membership after war ends

The parliamentary elections in Czechia are still relatively distant  expected to be held in 2025  but current polls give the country's leading populist party, Andrej Babis's ANO (Action of Dissatisfied Citizens), a decent chance at unseating the ruling coalition.

Babis made headlines in Ukrainian media during the presidential elections in early 2023, where he  unsuccessfully  tried to utilize refugee and war fatigue in an effort to defeat his pro-Western, pro-Ukrainian opponent, Petr Pavel.

This earned him the label of a "pro-Russian" candidate in some Ukrainian headlines, which is not wholly deserved.

Babis's talking points were aimed mainly against the social support for Ukrainian refugees at the supposed expense of the Czech population. He also made vague pledges to seek peace in Ukraine, styling himself a peacemaker in contrast with retired General Pavel.

Babis's past record as the prime minister between 2017 and 2021 does not suggest he has any interest in a direct conflict with other EU capitals.

"He tried to play this (anti-Ukraine card) in his presidential campaign, but it was clear that this was not a winning card, as the Czech society took a more resolute stance against Russian aggression than the Slovak society," said Pavel Havlicek, an analyst at the Association for International Affairs, when comparing Babis's and Fico's campaign tactics.

A somewhat greater risk is posed by the far-right SPD (Freedom and Direct Democracy) party of Tomio Okamura, a radical force that openly promotes Russian propaganda narratives and is not shy of racist statements about Ukrainian refugees.

"The SPD is a force more likely to seek 'normalization' of Russia ties," Havlicek commented, giving cooperation in the energy sector as an example.

Polling at around 10%, Okamura's populists are the main coalition option for Babis' ANO, accounting together for around 40% of the vote as of October pollsters.

According to Havlicek, however, even many of ANO's current members seem unwilling to get involved with the SPD.

Tougher talks

Despite Fico's victory in Slovakia, and room for success for populists in Romania and the Czech Republic, their influence on the EU's policy toward Ukraine shouldn't be overestimated.

Most of these countries receive much more from the EU budget than they put in, meaning opposition to the foreign policy mainstream would risk their own isolation rather than threaten to draw others to their side, according to Dravecky.

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The questions on aid to Ukraine and sanctions on Russia will most likely be a chance for present and future populist governments to blackmail Brussels on questions that will help them domestically.

For example, Budapest links its opposition to the EU's $530 million Ukraine military aid package to Kyiv's  now suspended  listing of Hungary's largest commercial bank as a "sponsor of terrorism."

Orban's government is also opposing the $53 billion package for Kyiv, trying to unblock billions in Hungary-destined funding frozen by the EU Commission.

Likewise, rather than completely opposing continued aid for Ukraine, Fico listed conditions for Bratislava's support, which included funding for Slovak infrastructure in border areas and support for Slovak companies in the reconstruction of Ukraine.

Dravecky noted we are likely to expect more pragmatism from Fico than from Orban, whose politics have more ideological undertones in comparison.

Havlicek thinks, however, that even the Hungarian prime minister remains primarily a businessman who has to "play his game" with autocratic leaders for very utilitarian purposes, such as the development of Hungary's nuclear power plant, built by Russia's Rosatom.

Yet, the threat of rising populist forces capitalizing on Ukraine war fatigue should not be underestimated, Havlicek warns.

As the pro-Ukraine drive settles down after months of relatively static battlefield developments, the economic fallout of the war will be increasingly more palpable among Kyiv's partner countries.

This is certain to play into the hands of the populists and could make Kyiv's path toward EU membership much more difficult.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A 70-year-old security guard was pushed to the ground and locked inside a bathroom during a robbery last week at Worley Auto Parts in Southwest Memphis.

Police are looking for two men caught on camera searching the office of the business on New Horn Lake Road and stealing a cashbox and cash register.

Investigators said the armed robbers cut a hole in the side of the fence surrounding Worley and pried open the office door. Once inside, the security guard said they pointed a gun at him, pushed him down, and locked him inside the restroom.

The robbers blocked the bathroom door with a welding machine, but the security guard was able to free himself and call 911.

St. Jude employee shot to death downtown, suspect wanted

Worley Auto Parts employees said the thieves got about $1,250 from a cash box hidden in the office and an undetermined amount of money from the cash drawer.

This is at least the fourth business robbery in Memphis over the last month, where armed robbers have forced their way inside and threatened employees before leaving with cash.

On September 27, three robbers followed an employee into the Cook Out restaurant on Elvis Presley Boulevard, pointed guns at all the workers and made them lie on the floor.

Armed robbery at Whitehaven restaurant caught on camera

The trio got away with three cash tills and a clear plastic container filled with money. Police said they have one of the suspects in custody.

Police recognize Cook Out robbery suspect from traffic stop

On September 29, three armed, masked men robbed the Jack Pirtles Chicken on South Bellevue Boulevard.

Friday, MPD released pictures of the suspects who ambushed someone taking out the trash and forced their way into the restaurant.

Police said the robbers also made employees get on the floor and took cash from a safe.

Armed suspects ambush employee, rob South Memphis Jack Pirtles

On October 18, two armed robbers hit the Cook Out on Union Avenue in Midtown.

According to a police report, the manager was cleaning the kitchen with two other employees when they heard a loud noise coming from the front of the restaurant.

When they got to the dining area, they saw the glass in the front door had been shattered, and two men walking toward them with guns.

Midtown Cook Out robbed with employee inside

Police said the suspects jumped the counter, ordered the manager to open the safe, and forced employees to the ground. They got away with almost $1,400.

The Memphis Data Hub shows there have been 240 business robberies in the Memphis area so far this year. That compares to 206 during the same period in 2022.

If you have any information that can help police with their investigations of these robberies, call CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
Crocodiles are plentiful in Australia's tropical north, but attacks are relatively uncommon

A search is under way in northern Australia after a former radio host went missing while on a solo fishing trip in crocodile-infested waters.

The alarm was raised when Roman Butchaski failed to return to his camping ground on Sunday.

Some of his belongings have since been found near a river on Queensland's remote Cape York Peninsula.

Mr Butchaski, known as Butch, is an avid angler and a former host of Sydney radio station 2GB's fishing show.

His former co-host Gavin Pitchford told 2GB that his friend - though a Sydney local - regularly visited the spot on the Olive River, about 600km (370 miles) north of Cairns.

"I'm devastated. Butchy walks the banks up there regularly. He's been fishing there forever," a statement read out on air said.

Mr Pitchford also said he feared Mr Butchaski, who is in his 60s and has diabetes, may have suffered a medical episode.

On Tuesday, police announced more officers would travel to the area to assist the search.

Rescue helicopters and crews on the ground have been combing the region since they were alerted on Sunday night.

Police say the car Mr Butchaski had was found at the river. Local media report some fishing gear was discovered as well.

Queensland Police Senior Sgt Duane Amos told reporters the region is a well-known crocodile habitat, but added that Mr Butchaski is familiar with the area.

"He was well-prepared for a normal expedition that he has undertaken before," the policeman said on Monday.

Crocodiles are plentiful in Australia's tropical north, and while crocodile attacks in the country are uncommon, there have been several this year.

In February, rangers shot a 4.2m crocodile that attacked a man and ate his dog at a remote boat ramp north of Cairns.

And in May, the remains of 65-year-old fisherman Kevin Darmody were found inside a 4.1m crocodile on the nearby Kennedy River - the 13th fatal attack in Queensland since record-keeping began in 1985.

Map
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks during a Republican presidential primary debate hosted by NBC News on Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023, at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County in Miami. | Rebecca Blackwell, Associated Press

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis critiqued Mitt Romney Tuesday, saying the senator is part of the surrender caucus of Republicans who has never fought for us.

But a newly unearthed photo from DeSantis law school yearbook shows that at one point, DeSantis campaigned for Romney.

DeSantis attended Harvard Law School from 2002-05. The black-and-white photo, published by ABC News, shows a young DeSantis  likely in his first year of law school  holding a Romney for Governor sign. Romney won an election for governor of Massachusetts in 2002, his first electoral victory.

Scoop: Ron DeSantis on Tuesday criticized Sen. Mitt Romney, saying "he never fought for us" -- but a newly unearthed photo from DeSantis' law school yearbook indicates he once campaigned for him.



w/ @lcbruggeman @wsteaks https://t.co/P2G70LxkFN  Olivia Rubin (@OliviaRubinABC) November 14, 2023

Hours before the photo was published, DeSantis claimed he doesnt really know Mitt Romney and knocked the senator for not being a fighter. During an episode of The Tara Show podcast released Tuesday, host Tara Servatius asked DeSantis about the E2 Summit, a conference held in Park City last month with influential conservative donors and policy experts. Several 2024 Republican presidential candidates attended, including Nikki Haley; DeSantis did not.

You werent invited to that big fundraiser thrown by Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan, but Nikki (Haley) was, Servatius said during the podcast. Why were you not invited?

Well, look, Romney  you know, hes attacked me as saying  I mean, I dont even know, DeSantis responded. He uses, like, the left-wing cliches to do that.

But DeSantis was invited to the summit, Spencer Zwick, one of the summits organizers, confirmed.

He opted not to come, Zwick told the Deseret News. We know campaigns are incredibly busy, and you have to pick and choose how to spend your time. But he was 100% invited.

Related

Four other Republican presidential candidates attended the summit  Haley, Chris Christie, Doug Burgum and Mike Pence.

DeSantis never corrected Servatius assertion that he was snubbed, nor did he note that Romney  who founded the summit and was in attendance last month  is now only involved in an honorary capacity. Instead, DeSantis used the question as an opportunity to attack Haley and Romney, both of whom he asserted have never fought for conservatives.

Clearly, (Romney) views Nikki (Haley) as more in line with what the direction he wants to go, which to me is just a surrender caucus of Republicans who are never going to fight for anybody, who are going to go to D.C. and just let business as usual take hold, DeSantis said. We cannot afford that.

He referred to Haley and Romney as same-old, same-old Republicans whove never fought for us in the beginning.

The DeSantis campaign declined to comment for this story.

Several attendees at last months E2 Summit told the Deseret News that Haley was viewed as the widespread favorite, among candidates in attendance. A number of donors signed on to Haleys campaign after interacting with her at the summit.

Related

Romney has not endorsed a Republican candidate for president in 2024, though hes actively encouraged donors and voters to coalesce behind a single candidate to challenge Donald Trump to avoid split(ting) the non-Trump vote and awarding the former president a victory.

In a new biography of Romney written by The Atlantics McKay Coppins, the senator is critical of DeSantis, calling him an authoritarian like Trump. (I worked as the lead researcher on Coppins book.)

Hes much smarter than Trump, Romney told Coppins. You might point out, Mitt, DeSantis is real smart  do you want an authoritarian whos smart or one whos not smart?

Romney was also critical of DeSantis demeanor, saying he has no warmth at all. This has become a frequent critique of DeSantis; during last weeks debate, former presidential candidate Jon Huntsman Jr. said DeSantis has got to acquire a smile, noting the Florida governor looked like hes having a colonoscopy live on television.

Related
A roofing contractor is being sued for allegedly taking payments and completing the work.

>>Local city declares state of emergency after cyber attack, to use taxpayer money to investigate

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost is accusing Anthony Ryan, owner of Ryan Roofing & Home Improvements in Columbus, of taking nearly $45,000 from customers and delivering the services, the Ohio AGs office says.

The lawsuit alleges that Ryan violated the Ohio Consumer Sales Practices Act and Home Solicitation Sales Act.

Taking consumers money and not giving them what they paid for is the epitome of bad business, said Yost. Ohioans dont deserve it and we wont tolerate it.

The lawsuit claims that Ryan sold roofing services and new roofs to consumers, accepted the deposits, and failed to deliver the promised work, according to the Ohio AGs office.

The suit further asserts that he didnt issue refunds, as required by Ohio law, or provide his clients with the legally mandated notice of consumers right to cancel their contracts, said the Ohio AGs office.

The lawsuit seeks to compel Ryan and his company to provide refunds to the affected consumers, pay civil penalties, and cover court costs.
ROWLETT, Texas - Rowlett police are looking for two men who carried out an armed robbery and an attempted robbery of customers in the parking lot at Walmart.

It happened on two different days in two different vehicles last week.

"Our first victim, he was loading his groceries here at the parking lot, and he was approached by a suspect at gun point. Pointed a gun at him and demanded to have his wallet," said Corporal Jaqueline Vergara with Rowlett Police.

Video from the victim's dash camera from 8:54 p.m. on November 7th captured the incident.

Within eight minutes, the victim's credit cards were being used in Rowlett and Garland.

Police say the suspects left Rowlett in a stolen black Hyundai Elantra. The car was later recovered in Oak Cliff.

There is also video of the 2 suspects and a woman inside Walmart before the robbery.

"They were inside of Walmart doing some shopping. Three individuals are seen, two males, one female, about an hour later they come out, and they approach our first victim," Cpl. Vergara said.

The second incident happened two days later, on Nov. 9 at 10 in the morning.

"Same kind of of thing, the second victim was loading his groceries. He gets approached by the same suspect at gun point demanding his wallet, but this time they're in a red Hyundai Sonata. That vehicle is also stolen, stolen out of DeSoto, and we see a pattern that they're aiming for Hyundai vehicles. The way we think that they are entering these vehicles are by smashing the back right rear window," said Cpl. Vergara.

The license plate on the red Hyundai Sonata is SWH0384. Police are still looking for it.

A message mocking police was left inside the car that was used in the first robbery that was recovered.

They wrote on the dashboard screen, "We had fun."

The suspects were pursued by police from another city, but managed to get away at speeds of 100 miles an hour.

On the ceiling of the recovered vehicle they wrote, "3 police chase, rly."

Police are hopeful someone can recognize the suspects from the video from inside the Walmart.

""We have really good footage of them, so we know that someone out there knows them," said Cp. Vergara. ""They have connections in DeSoto, connections in Rowlett, so we know that someone will identify them."

Rowlett police ask that you contact Detective J. Freeman at 972-412-6250 if you know the people in the video.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 14)  The Supreme Court has upheld an earlier decision by the Sandiganbayan dismissing an ill-gotten wealth case filed by the Presidential Commission on Good Government against the estate of former President Ferdinand E. Marcos.

The elder Marcos' estate is represented by his wife, Imelda, son and now President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and daughters Imee Manotoc and Irene Araneta as well as his alleged cronies.

The SC made its decision in October, but the document was just recently made available on its website. The SC decision resolved consolidated cases filed by the PCGG in 1987 which sought to recover ill-gotten wealth from Imelda Marcos and several other individuals, among them Lucio Tan.

Among the ill-gotten wealth mentioned were "respondent Tan's delivery to Marcos and respondent Imelda of substantial beneficial interest in shares of stock in Asia Brewery Inc. (Asia Brewery) beginning July 1977 in exchange for concessions and privileges for his business ventures," stocks, and other properties.

The complaint was dismissed in 2012 by the Sandiganbayan who said "the Republic failed to discharge its burden to prove that the subject assets and properties were ill-gotten wealth because it was not shown that the same originated from the government's resources."

In its consolidated decision concerning the cases, the Supreme Court affirmed the earlier dismissals by the Sandiganbayan.

"Consequently, the petition for review on certiorari of the Republic of the Philippines is denied for lack of merit,' the document said.
Russian occupation authorities in Crimea are cancelling large-scale New Year celebrations. Meanwhile, fireworks were banned in Russian oblasts that border Ukraine.

Source: Sergey Aksyonov, Russian-appointed head of the occupation government in Crimea; Roman Starovoyt, Kursk Oblast Governor; RIA Novosti, a pro-Kremlin Russian news outlet

Quote from Aksyonov: "Large-scale Christmas and New Year celebrations will not take place in the Republic of Crimea. Safety is our top priority. Though of course we will do everything within our powers to give Crimea residents a sense of festivity. New Year celebrations for kids will be held in a restricted format; Christmas trees will be installed and streets will be decorated in cities and towns."

Details: Russian occupation authorities maintain the amber level of "terrorist threat" in Crimea. The amber level of threat was also declared in Kursk Oblast, Russia.

A temporary ban on fireworks was imposed in Kursk Oblast, ostensibly in order to ensure safety. A similar ban on fireworks was earlier introduced in Russias Belgorod Oblast.

Kursk Oblast Governor Roman Starovoyt said that Kursk Oblast Operational Staff approved a decision to ban fireworks between 15 November 2023 and 25 January 2024.

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Thousands of prisoners are thought to have been sent to fight in Ukraine since Moscow launched its offensive last February (ANDREI SMIRNOV)

Russian authorities have pardoned a former policeman jailed over the 2006 killing of investigative journalist Anna Politkovskaya after he fought in Ukraine, his lawyer said on Tuesday.

Sergei Khadzhikurbanov was one of five people jailed in connection with the murder of Politkovskaya, who worked for the independent Novaya Gazeta newspaper. She was shot dead in the lift of her Moscow apartment block aged 48.

"As a special forces fighter, (Khadzhikurbanov) was invited to sign a contract to participate in the special military operation. Which he did," lawyer Alexei Mikhalchik told AFP.

"When the contract expired, he was pardoned by presidential decree," Mikhalchik said.

Khadzhikurbanov went on to sign another contract as a volunteer and is still fighting in Ukraine, he added.

Thousands of prisoners are thought to have been sent to the battlefield since Moscow launched its offensive last February, with critics warning some have committed new crimes after returning home.

Khadzhikurbanov was initially acquitted of Politkovskaya's killing by a jury in 2009, embarrassing prosecutors. But after the Supreme Court threw out the original verdict he was sentenced in 2014 to 20 years in prison.

He would have served until at least 2030 had he not been pardoned, his lawyer said.

Her children and the editorial board of the Novaya Gazeta newspaper, which is now banned in Russia, said in a statement that they had not been told in advance about Khadzhikurbanov's pardon.

"For us, this pardon is not evidence of the redemption and remorse of the murderer," they said.

"It is a monstrous fact of injustice and arbitrariness, a desecration of the memory of a person killed for their beliefs and the fulfilment of their professional duty."

The head of Reporters Without Borders, Christophe Deloire, said Putin had "graced" the murder accomplice, calling it "the usual cynicism by the Kremlin chief."

- 'Atone with blood' -

Politkovskaya was well known for her forthright criticism of the Kremlin, denouncing alleged abuses by Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov and writing a scathing book on President Vladimir Putin's rise to power.

While Khadzhikurbanov and four others were jailed for carrying out the killing, the European Court of Human Rights in 2018 criticised Russian investigators for failing to properly look into who contracted the crime.

Politkovskaya had written books and articles detailing what she described as brutality by Russian and pro-Russian security forces during the Chechen war, and had allegedly faced intimidation from Putin-ally Kadyrov and his subordinates.

Khadzhikurbanov's pardon, which was first reported by the RBC and Baza news outlets, comes amid renewed scrutiny surrounding the use of convicts in Ukraine, after the controversial pardon of a man who had brutally murdered his ex-girlfriend.

The Kremlin last week acknowledged the use of prisoner recruits to fight in the conflict and said convicts who "atone for their crime on the battlefield with blood" could be pardoned.

"They are atoning with blood in storm brigades, under bullets and under shells," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday.

President Vladimir Putin said in September that Russian prisoners who died in Ukraine had "redeemed themselves" in the eyes of society.

Russia has probably recruited 100,000 people from prisons to fight, Olga Romanova, head of an independent prisoners' rights group has estimated.

Russian media outlets have reported several instances of released prisoners going on to commit serious offences, including murders, after leaving the army.

bur/acc
Russia is actively gathering information on Ukraines critical and military infrastructure and recruiting spotters, preparing for an air strike campaign this winter, Ukraines Defense Intelligence (HUR) spokesman Andriy Chernyak said in a comment to Liga on Nov. 14.

Chernyak clarified that Russian occupiers are actively preparing for a new wave of missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities.

We have not yet seen massive [missile] strikes [this year]; however, we observe them [the Russians] conducting reconnaissance of both critical and transport infrastructure objects, he said.

Read also: Russia has amassed over 800 precision missiles ahead of feared winter barrage of energy system

The official added that Ukrainian forces are also operating in Russian territory. According to him, Ukrainian intelligence services are actively recruiting Ukrainians to collect information, which is then recorded and transmitted to law enforcement agencies for further processing.

Read also: Ukrainian official warns Russia preparing mass missile barrage to destroy critical infrastructure in winter

In August, UK intelligence reported that Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure were likely to continue this winter.

Read also: US is working with Ukraine to protect its energy infrastructure from feared Russian winter attacks

In October, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine would respond in kind to Russian strikes on its energy infrastructure.

On Nov. 6, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said that Ukraine is preparing for the toughest winter in its history, as Russia is expected to test the defense of Ukrainian power plants with missile salvos.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
(Bloomberg) -- Russias seaborne crude shipments eased slightly ahead of a meeting of OPEC+ oil minsters later this month, bringing flows back below the level pledged by Moscow. The move comes after exports surged in October.

Most Read from Bloomberg

About 3.2 million barrels a day of crude was shipped from Russian ports in the week to Nov. 12, tanker-tracking data monitored by Bloomberg show. That was down by 40,000 barrels a day from the period to Nov. 5, but still 700,000 barrels a day above the levels seen in August.

Moscow said in early August that it would prolong export restrictions at a reduced rate of 300,000 barrels a day below their May-June average level until the end of the year, a policy confirmed earlier this month. That would imply seaborne shipments of 3.28 million barrels a day if the burden falls entirely on crude. But the reduction is spread across both crude and refined products, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak told Interfax last month after the government imposed a fuel export ban.The OPEC+ group of oil producers, jointly led by Russia and Saudi Arabia, meet in Vienna on Nov. 26 when they will consider how to respond to a weakening oil market outlook. Analysts from the smaller OPEC group argue that negative sentiment is overblown.

The less volatile four-week average flow fell to 3.4 million barrels a day, down by about 80,000 barrels a day from the period to Nov. 5. That was the lowest in four weeks, but still more than 500,000 barrels a day above shipments in the period to Aug. 20, when Moscows crude export cuts were at their deepest.

Russias elevated crude exports, combined with rising demand from domestic refineries, has drained oil inventories to their lowest since February. The countrys refinery operations are rebounding as the industry is completing seasonal maintenance, with more primary and secondary capacity scheduled to return this week.

Meanwhile, the US Treasury Department has sent notices to ship management companies about more than 100 vessels it suspects may have violated the price cap on Russian oil imposed after the invasion of Ukraine.

With all of last weeks shipments attracting the higher export duty rate for November, the Kremlins weekly revenues from oil export duties rose, despite the small drop in flows. Meanwhile, the four-week average edged lower, falling for the first time in 16 weeks.

Moscows overall oil and gas revenue soared in October to the highest since April 2022 due to high oil prices and a pause in government subsidies to refiners. Levies on crude and petroleum products  which accounted for almost 91% of total hydrocarbon revenues last month  more than doubled. Oil revenue includes mineral extraction tax on gas condensate and export duty on petroleum products, as well as subsidies payments for refiners for domestic supplies of fuel, tax reimbursements and payments for refinery modernization.

From January, Russias oil producers are set to pay a higher output tax to fund increased downstream subsidies, which were reinstated in October after being halved the previous month.

Flows by Destination

Russias seaborne crude flows in the four weeks to Nov. 12, slipped to 3.4 million barrels a day. That was down from 3.48 million barrels a day in the period to Nov. 5. Shipments remain about 180,000 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, edged lower to 2.91 million barrels a day in the four weeks to Nov. 12, down from 2.93 million barrels a day in the period to Nov. 5. Thats well below a peak of about 3.6 million barrels a day seen in May.

About 1.21 million barrels a day of crude was shipped to China in the four weeks to Nov. 12, but that figure may rise once the destinations become apparent for more than 21 million barrels of crude on tankers that have yet to signal their final port of call. Shipments to China are similar to the volume on ships heading to India, but Chinas seaborne imports are supplemented by about 800,000 barrels a day of crude delivered directly from Russia by pipeline.

Flows on ships signaling destinations in India are falling, averaging 970,000 barrels a day in the four weeks to Nov. 12.

However, the equivalent of about 630,000 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 100,000 barrels a day in the four weeks to Nov. 12, 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.

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 Nov. 12.

Flows to Bulgaria, now Russias only European market for crude, were unchanged at about 104,000 barrels a day in the most recent four-week period.

Exports to Turkey edged lower to about 390,000 barrels a day in the four weeks to Nov. 12, but remain more than twice as high as they were in July and August. The recent increase comes after Lukoil resumed deliveries to the Azerbaijani-owned Star refinery at Aliaga. Supplies to the plant 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 increased to $79.6 million in the seven days to Nov. 12, while four-week average income edged lower to $80.4 million. The higher November duty rate helped to boost the Kremlins oil revenue in the week to Nov. 12, despite the small drop in exports.

The export duty rate for December is likely to be lower than this months, with oils retreat sending the value of Russias flagship Urals crude grade back into the $60 range.

The duty 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 another new high for the year.

Origin-to-Location Flows

The following table shows the number of ships leaving each export terminal.

A total of 29 tankers loaded 22.4 million barrels of Russian crude in the week to Nov. 12, vessel-tracking data and port agent reports show. Thats down by about 300,000 barrels from the previous week.

There was one fewer shipment from Ust-Luga and from Kozmino compared with the previous week, while the number of vessels leaving all of Russias other oil terminals was unchanged.

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, one cargo of KEBCO was loaded at Novorossiysk and one from 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, Nov. 21.

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.

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The Russian military has launched heavy attacks on Klishchiyivka, near Bakhmut, having deployed numerous reserves to the area, Andriy Babychev, a fighter with the 93rd Kholodnyi Yar Brigade, said on Ukrainian national television on Nov. 14.

"The enemy is attacking Klishchiyivka from the northern side very hard; they have deployed a lot of reserves," Babychev said.

Read also: Situation around Bakhmut deteriorates, Russia probing Ukrainian defenses, says army spox

Last week the Russian troops crossed the railroad tracks, reclaimed several Ukrainian positions and began to consolidate on the outskirts of Klishchiyivka, he said.

"But after we brought up our reserves, artillery units were urgently withdrawn, the enemy was knocked out and is now behind the railroad tracks," Babychev said.

Read also: Ukrainian defenders successfully repulse intensified Russian attacks on Bakhmut front

He said that for several days Russian invasion forces have not been able to advance further.

Ukrainian forces liberated Klishchiyivka in the Bakhmut sector in Donetsk Oblast on Sept. 17.

According to the head of the press service of the Eastern Group of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Illya Yevlash, control of the village allows for the creation of a bridgehead for the further liberation of Russian-occupied territories in eastern Ukraine.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates  Tucked away outside, at the very end of the Dubai Airshows static display of aircraft, the Russian pavilion of suppliers makers spanned a large portion of the floor plan here.

This setting was markedly different from Moscows displays at recent defense fairs, where the regimes state-owned companies came practically empty-handed and kept a relatively low profile.

Failed lunar mission reflects deep problems with Russia space industry

Banking on the event to market its full range of weapons, including those used in the brutal invasion of Ukraine, Russias outdoor setup placed helicopters and air-to-air guided missiles at center stage.

One prominent presence was the KA-52E combat helicopter, of which at least 58 units have reportedly been destroyed or damaged by Ukrainians, according to the Dutch open-source intelligence website Oryx. As part of the Russian helicopter stand, the X-69 precision strike cruise missile, designed to be employed by the Su-57 fifth-generation fighter, was shown for the first time internationally, according to the manufacturer.

A total of five Russian agencies exhibited here, including Almaz-Antey with mockups of its Viking surface-to-air missiles, Rostec with the small-scale Pantsir-S1M self-propelled, anti-aircraft missile system, Roscosmos marketing the Federal Space Program Khrunichev Center, and Rosoboronexport.

Wheres Rosoboronexports Argument-2?

Rosoboronexport had planned to unveil its own spin on an anti-drone gun at the airshow. Dubbed the Argument-2, the company markets the weapon as capable of destroying the wildly effective first-person-view (FPV) drones used by Ukrainian forces on the front lines. The drones are named after their modus operandi of a simple, forward-looking video feed that allow operators to fly explosive payloads near targets for detonation.

But as of Tuesday, the new system was nowhere to be seen at the Rosoboronexport stand. Asked about the absence, a company representative at the show declined to comment.

Experts have placed the number of FPV-type drones flying in Ukraine in the many thousands per month, Sam Bendett, research analyst at the U.S.-based Center for Naval Analyses, told Defense News.

Ukrainian forces have reportedly used the weapons in the heavy fighting around Avdiivka, a battle that has inflicted the heaviest casualties on Russian invaders in 2023, according to the U.K. Ministry of Defense.

I think the value for Russia publicizing here is to promote and demonstrate sustainability and self-sufficiency, that it can produce technology like this on its own as the war drags on, whether that capability is accurate or not, Matt McCrann, chief executive of DroneShield, an Australia-based competitor in the counter-drone market, said.

Throughout the Ukraine war, the United Arab Emirates has walked a fine line by choosing to remain largely neutral, maintaining close ties to Russia while also providing humanitarian aid to Kyiv.

Last March, Emirati presidential adviser Anwar Gargash said in a statement on social media that the Gulf country believes that taking sides would only lead to more violence and that the government prioritizes encouraging all parties to resort to diplomatic action.
Russian attacks have left three Ukrainian civilians dead and 19 injured over the past day, local officials reported early on Nov. 14.

Kherson Oblast was hit by heavy Russian shelling over the course of the day, killing three people. Russian forces attacked Kherson Oblast 124 times, Governor Oleksandr Prokudin reported.

Another 15 people, including a child, were injured. Russian troops fired 618 projectiles, of which 69 were fired at the city of Kherson.

Houses, an educational institution, a commercial port, factory buildings, and a hospital were among the targets.

The attacks come just days after the city marked a year since it was liberated from Russian occupation on Nov. 11, 2022.

In Donetsk Oblast, two civilians were wounded in Avdiivka and one was wounded in a village outside of Marinka, acting Governor Ihor Moroz reported.

Homes, farms, and industrial buildings were damaged by Russian shelling across the region.

Dnipropetrovsk Oblast was also hit by heavy artillery over the past day, Governor Serhii Lysak said.

An attack on the area around Nikopol injured a 42-year-old man and damaged homes, a gas pipeline, and a power line.

Three homes, a car, and a greenhouse were then damaged in Nikopol and the nearby city of Marhanets in an overnight attack.

A drone was also shot down overnight over Pavlohrad, according to Lysak.

Kharkiv Oblast Governor Oleh Syniehubov reported a number of Russian attacks across the region, with no civilian casualties.

Russian shelling damaged a milk processing plant in Kupiansk, where there are "fierce battles," the governor said.

Russian forces used six Shahed drones in a evening attack on Izium, four of which were shot down by air defense. The strike damaged an enterprise and caused a fire to break out, Syniehubov said.

Chernihiv, Luhansk, Mykolaiv, Sumy, and Zaporizhzhia oblasts were also hit by attacks, but no casualties were reported.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Media reports Defense Ministry to dismiss 3 commanders, ministry rebuffs claim

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Russian forces shelled eight communities near the Sumy Oblast border on Nov. 13, causing over 100 explosions in one day, the Sumy Oblast Military Administration reported.

The settlements of Bilopillia, Myropillia, Seredyna-Buda, Yunakivka, Shalyhyne, Velyka Pysarivka, Krasnopillia, and Nova Sloboda came under fire from artillery, mortar shelling, and drones.

No casualties or damage to civilian infrastructure were reported.

Russian forces frequently launch multiple attacks with varied weaponry at the vulnerable communities near the Sumy Oblast border. Shelling in Seredyna-Buda on Nov. 6 killed a 63-year-old woman.

Sumy Oblast lies along Ukraine's northeastern border with Russia, and has been subject to daily shelling since parts of the region were liberated by Ukrainian forces in April 2022.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Media reports Defense Ministry to dismiss 3 commanders, ministry rebuffs claim

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
One of five men convicted of killing a Russian journalist critical of the Kremlin has been pardoned halfway through his 20-year sentence after a stint fighting in the special military operation in Ukraine.

Sergei Khadzhikurbanov was sentenced in 2014 for his role as an accomplice in the killing of Anna Politkovskaya, 48, in 2006.

The journalist worked for the independent newspaper Novaya Gazeta and wrote stories critical of Kremlin policies during the early years of president Vladimir Putins term, the war in Chechnya and human rights.

She was shot and killed in the elevator of her Moscow apartment block, triggering outrage at home and in the West.

Her death on 7 October, which is Putins birthday, led to suggestions the shooting was done to please the president.

Anna Politkovskaya was murdered after investigating rights abuses in Chechnya

It emphasised the dangers faced by independent journalists in Russia, though the Kremlin has always denied any involvement in the killing.

Khadzhikurbanov, a former police detective, was released last year to fight in Ukraine and then signed a contract with the Russian defence ministry to continue serving after his pardon, according to his lawyer Alexei Mikhalchik.

It is the most high profile case of Russias defence ministry hiring prisoners to fight in Ukraine on the promise of a presidential pardon.

The tactic was widely employed by Wagner Group financier Yevgeny Prigozhin last year. Footage from several prisons showed the warlord encouraging prisoners convicted of murder and sexual assault to join his mercenary group to atone for their crimes.

They would be offered six-month contracts to fight in Ukraine, after which they would be pardoned. One of the first instances of pardoned mercenaries was published in January this year.

Wagner warlord Yevgeny Prighozin pardoned dozens of Russian prisoners in January (Grey Zone / Telegram)

Reports later emerged suggesting Russian civilians were anxious to be living among ex-convicts , many of whom were culpable of the most serious crimes and had also spent six months in frontline combat.

Following the removal of Wagner from Ukraine and the subsequent death of Prigozhin on August 24, which was itself widely regarded as suspicious, the Russian defence ministry began more substantially recruiting from penal colonies.

The prisoners are often said to be used as cannon fodder in what has become known as human wave attacks popularised by the Wagner Group; it involves using dozens of the convicts in a first line charge on Ukrainian positions ostensibly to soak up enemy fire, allowing soldiers behind to advance under less heavy resistance.

But Khadzhikurbanov was offered a command position in the military, according to his lawyer Mikhalchik, because he was in the special forces in the late 1990s and was in almost all the hot spots, including in Chechnya.

Following the pardon, Ms Politkovskaya children, Ilya and Vera Politkovsky, issued a joint statement with their mothers former paper Novaya Gazeta in which they claimed they had not been informed about the killers pardon.

Dmitry Muratov, editor-in-chief of Novaya Gazeta, said the pardon was not evidence of atonement and repentance of the killer but a monstrous fact of injustice.

It is an outrage to the memory of a person killed for her beliefs and professional duty, he said.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said ealier this month that convicts that fought in Ukraine had redeemed themselves by shedding blood (REUTERS)

Russian human rights advocate Alena Popova, who has been critical of previous pardons, including that of a man who murdered his girlfriend before fighting in Ukraine, also issued a statement decrying Khadzhikurbanovs release.

How many more murderers and rapists will the war free? she asked.

Bill Browder, formerly one of the largest foreign investors in Russia before being removed by Vladimir Putin, described the pardon as a cynical slap in the face of justice. He added that the presidential pardon was doubly sinister given it was Putin who ordered her killing.

The pardoning of Anna Politkovskayas killer is a cynical slap in the face of justice and her family, he told The Independent. But we should not forget that the person who ordered her killing has remained free since her murder and sits as the head of state in Russia ordering many more murders and misery inside of Russia, in Ukraine and all over the world.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said earlier this month that convicts recruited to fight in Ukraine are worthy of pardons.

Those sentenced, even on grave charges, shed their blood on the battlefield to atone for their crimes, he said. They redeem themselves by shedding blood in assault brigades, under bullet fire and shelling.
Ukraines Air Force has reported that a Russian MiG-31K fighter jet refuelled twice in the air during a flight on 14 November.

Source: Colonel Yurii Ihnat, the spokesman for the Air Force, on air with the We Are Ukraine TV channel

Quote: "This is not a record [of an air-raid warnings duration  ed.], as last time it was 3.5 hours. We face new realities, and they [the Russians] have started doing things like refuelling. This time there were two in the air."

Details: Ihnat urged people not to ignore the air-raid warnings and to stay in shelters until the all-clear is given.

Background: A large-scale air-raid warning was issued in Ukraine due to the take-off of a potential carrier of Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, which lasted for 2 hours and 40 minutes.

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(CNN)  Premature babies at Gazas largest hospital are being wrapped in foil and placed next to hot water in a desperate bid to keep them alive in catastrophic conditions, the hospital director has warned, as Israeli firepower pounds surrounding streets and remaining fuel reserves dry up, leaving the facility unable to function.

Staff at the Al-Shifa hospital were fighting to keep the newborns alive and warm after oxygen supplies ran out and they had to move the babies by hand from the neonatal units incubators to a different part of the hospital. Meanwhile, a reporter for the Al Arabiya network who was inside the hospital told CNN that people were trapped there, too scared to flee due to the heavy fighting.

There is no more water, food, milk for children and babies the situation in the hospital is catastrophic, the director of the medical center, Dr. Muhammad Abu Salmiya, told CNN on Monday.

Images show several newborn babies who were taken from incubators at the hospital placed together in one bed.

The doctor on Sunday told Al Araby TV that several children had died in the intensive care unit and the nursery over the past two days amid Israels unrelenting bombardment and blockade of Gaza, an already impoverished and densely packed territory, following the October 7 attack on its territory by Hamas militants.

Dr Medhat Abbas, the director general of Gazas health ministry, told CNN that medical staff at Al-Shifa kept four infants alive after their mothers died by performing C-sections. Now they have to make it without their mothers and without electricity Can you imagine that? he said in a voice note.

When these babies are born prematurely, to sustain their lives they need to have the same temperature of their mother. This temperature can only be offered in the incubators, which are heated properly, Abbas said.

He warned that the situation would only worsen as winter draws in.

An Israeli military spokesperson told CNN on Saturday its forces were engaged in ongoing intense fighting against Hamas in the vicinity of the hospital complex, but denied firing at the northern Gaza medical center and rejected suggestions the hospital is under siege.

Israel has repeatedly claimed there is a Hamas command center underneath Al-Shifa hospital, which Hamas and hospital officials have denied. The Israeli military has also previously accused Hamas of embedding itself in civilian infrastructure. CNN cannot independently verify the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claims.

Working by candlelight

A freelance journalist inside Al-Shifa described dozens of bodies yet to be buried, ambulances that were unable to collect the wounded, and life-support systems with no electricity to function. Medics were working by candlelight, food was being rationed and people inside were starting to drink pipe water, the journalist said late Saturday.

CNN also spoke to a reporter for the Al Arabiya network, Khader al Zaanoun, who is inside the hospital.

Communication is very bad and almost impossible for us to report what is happening in the hospital and its yards, we barely have cell lines but no internet, he said.

No-one can move or dare to go out of the hospital, the staff here are aware of many strikes that are happening around the hospital, we see smoke coming up from those strikes and we know that there are people in some of those buildings but ambulances do not make their way out of the hospital because during the last days an ambulance was hit on its way out of the hospital.

Abu Salmiya, the director of Al-Shifa, told CNN that 7,000 displaced people were desperately trying to shelter in Al-Shifa hospital with about 1,500 patients and medical staff.

Inside the hospital, none of the operating rooms are functioning due to a lack of electricity, Abu Salmiya told Al Araby TV, adding that whoever needs surgery dies, and we cannot do anything for him.

Now the wounded come to us and we cannot give them anything other than first aid, he said.

The World Health Organization says Al-Shifa has been without power for three days. Regrettably, the hospital is not functioning as a hospital anymore, it said.

The spokesman for the Hamas-controlled health ministry in Gaza, Dr. Ashraf al-Qidra, said over the weekend that the intensive care unit, pediatric department and oxygen devices were out of service.

Al-Shifa is far from alone. On Sunday, the Palestine Red Crescent Society announced that Al-Quds Hospital, another major facility in Gaza City, was out of service. The PRCS said the hospital  the second largest in Gaza  was no longer operational. This cessation of services is due to the depletion of available fuel and power outage.

Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 11,180 people, including 4,609 children and 3,100 women, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Ramallah, which draws its figures from the Hamas-controlled territory. At least 28,200 people have been injured.

In recent days, 15 patients have died at Al-Shifa, among them six newborns, due to power outages and a shortage of medical supplies.

Israels blockade on essential supplies including fuel entering Gaza has deepened a humanitarian crisis as hospitals, water systems, bakeries and other services reliant on electricity shut down.

Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said on Wednesday that both Hamas and Israel had committed war crimes in the past month.

If they are left behind, they will die

Dr. Munir Al-Bursh, the director-general of the Hamas-controlled health ministry, said Monday that medical staff at Al-Shifa had refused an IDF evacuation order because they fear approximately 700 patients will die if they are left behind.

The problem is not the doctors, its the patients. And if they are left behind, they will die, and if they are transferred they will die on the way, this is the problem, we are talking about 700 patients, Al-Bursh told CNN on Monday.

There has been no response until now by the doctors, but some of the displaced people and families have already been leaving.

The evacuation order, according to Al-Bursh, is not coordinated with any international humanitarian agencies, such as the International Red Cross. The lack of coordination raises concerns about the safety and feasibility of transferring such a large number of patients, many of whom are in critical condition and will die in transport, he said.

CNN has requested comment from the IDF regarding Al-Burshs allegation that it has ordered the hospitals evacuation.

Earlier on Monday, the IDF announced that an evacuation corridor for residents of northern Gaza had been reopened. IDF spokesperson Lt. Col. Richard Hecht said Sunday that the majority of people in Al-Nasr hospital and Al Rantisi Pediatric hospital, both in northern Gaza, had been evacuated.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in an interview with CNN on Sunday that theres no reason patients cant be evacuated from Al-Shifa. Netanyahu told CNN that Israel is helping patients by establishing corridors on the ground and said that 100 or so have already been evacuated from the hospital.

CNN cannot independently verify whether any people have been able to evacuate.

CNN has previously documented Palestinian civilians being killed by Israeli strikes around evacuation zones, underscoring the reality that evacuation zones and warning alerts from the IDF havent guaranteed safety for civilians in the densely populated Gaza Strip.

International calls for a ceasefire continue to mount as global leaders pile pressure on Israel over the spiralling civilian death toll, and huge crowds gather in cities around the world for pro-Palestinian protests. But Netanyahu reiterated to CNN on Sunday that the only halt in fighting he would accept is one in which we have our hostages released.

The Israeli military estimates 240 hostages are being held by Hamas in Gaza, including civilian men, women and children. The militant group has released just four hostages  two elderly Israeli women and an American mother and daughter  while the Israeli forces said they had rescued an Israeli soldier.

Israeli troops on Sunday continued their ground operation in Gaza by going deeper into Gaza City, army spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said in a press briefing. Infantry and combat engineering forces reached the outskirts of al-Shati refugee camp in Gaza, Hagari said, which is near Al-Shifa hospital. Meanwhile, army forces in coordination with the Navy raided the Gaza marina area and are currently in the areas to its east.

Dispute over fuel offer

On Sunday, the Israeli military said it had put 300 liters of fuel at the entrance to the Shifa hospital complex, but that Hamas had blocked the hospital from receiving it. Abu Salmiya told Al Araby TV that staff had been too scared to go out to get it.

We told the Israeli army that the 300 liters of fuel they offered is not enough to operate the hospital for 30 minutes, Abu Salmiya told CNN. He said Monday that the hospital had asked the IDF for 600 liters of fuel for every hour to power its generators, but that the IDF had yet to respond.

The IDF released a video it said showed soldiers delivering the jerry cans to a curbside location near the hospital entrance. It also released an audio recording, purportedly of a hospital official accusing a Hamas leader at the health ministry of refusing to allow it to be collected.

Abu Salmiya said it was the presence of Israeli tanks that had prevented collection.

Of course, my paramedic team was completely afraid to go out, he said, adding: We want every drop of fuel, but I told (the IDF) that it should be sent through the International Red Cross or through any international institution.

Hamas dismissed the allegations and said the Israeli fuel delivery was a propaganda stunt.
Igor Orlovsky, a resident of Russia's Krasnoyarsk Krai, was sentenced to seven and half years in prison for critical comments about the invasion of Ukraine and the Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin, the Russian independent outlet OVD-Info reported on Nov. 13.

Orlovsky, whom a Russian human rights group called a political prisoner, is currently in detention and was already sentenced to three years in March for reportedly calling for the death of Russian soldiers and President Vladimir Putin on social media.

Now, a court in the Siberian Krasnoyarsk Krai convicted Orlovsky of "rehabilitating Nazism" by making a comment on social media that compared Stalin to Adolf Hitler.

"Stalin was as much an aggressor as Hitler," Orlovsky wrote.

The man was also sentenced for "discrediting" the Russian military's conduct in its invasion of Ukraine. In his comments on social media, he criticized Russia's bombing of the Mariupol Theater in March 2022 and the killing of Ukrainian civilians during the invasion.

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Orlovsky also referenced the words of the Ukrainian Ombudsman about Russian soldiers raping children in Bucha, OVD-Info wrote.

During the siege of Mariupol, Russian forces bombed a local theater building marked by the sign "children" that served as a shelter for civilians. While the exact number of the victims of the attack, denounced by Ukraine as a war crime, remains unclear, the highest estimates are up to 600 civilians killed.

The latest case against Orlovsky was opened in December last year.

Russia began prosecuting criticism of Russia's war against Ukraine as "discrediting of the Russian military" in March 2022 in order to quell anti-war dissent.

Read also: Team of liberal economists helps Putin keep his power, wage war in Ukraine

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A Bryansk chemical plant that produces military explosives and ammunition was damaged by a drone overnight, independent Russian media outlet Meduza reported on Nov. 14, citing Telegram channel Baza.

The Russian Defense Ministry claimed that air defense systems down four Ukrainian drones over Bryansk, Moscow, Tambov, and Oryol oblasts overnight.

An unexploded attack drone was "discovered in a workshop under construction at the Bryansk Chemical Plant" in the village of Seltso, Baza said.

The roof of the workshop was broken in three places, but no casualties were reported, according to Baza.

The Kyiv Independent cannot verify the report.

The plant is part of the Techmash holding of the state-owned defense company Rostec, according to Ukrainian media.

Bryansk Oblast borders Ukraine's northern Chernihiv Oblasts as well as Sumy Oblast. The plant is located around 120 kilometers from the border with Ukraine.

The Ukrainian government rarely comments on reports of drone attacks on Russian territory.

Read also: How Russias homegrown Lancet drone became so feared in Ukraine

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Russian dictator Vladimir Putin pardoned the convicted killer of famed Russian opposition journalist Anna Politkovskaya after his military service in Ukraine, Russian state-controlled media RBC reported on Nov. 14.

Former Russian police officer Sergei Khadzhikurbanov was convicted of his role in Politkovskaya's murder in 2014 and sentenced to 20 years in prison. He has been imprisoned since then but went to fight in Ukraine as part of the Kremlin's drive to recruit prisoners.

In 2022, the Russian authorities allowed Wagner Group to recruit prisoners in Russian jails. Russia's Defense Ministry has also recruited from Russian jails. Under this procedure, they were pardoned in exchange for military service.

The late Wagner Group founder Yevgeny Prigozhin said in June 2023 that as many as 32,000 former prisoners had returned to Russia after fighting in Ukraine.

Khadzhikurbanov's lawyer did not say when he started to fight in Ukraine or when he received the presidential pardon. Khadzhikurbanov is currently fighting in Ukraine on a contract with Russia's Defense Ministry, his lawyer said.

Politkovskaya came to prominence in large part because of her coverage of Russia's brutal wars in the breakaway Russian Republic of Chechnya, specifically related to her coverage of war crimes and human rights abuses. Apart from working for the independent Russian paper Novaya Gazeta, she also wrote several books about Chechnya. Tens of thousands of civilians were killed in the two wars in the early 90s and 2000s.

She was shot and killed in an elevator in her apartment building in Moscow in 2006. Khadzhikurbanov and four others were found guilty of Politkovskaya's murder, two of whom received life sentences, but it remains unclear exactly who ordered her killing.

Politkovskaya was an outspoken critic of Chechen strongman Ramzan Kadyrov, regularly denouncing his role in human rights abuses in Chechnya. There have been rumors that he, as well as Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, were linked to her death, but no concrete proof.

Read also: Team of liberal economists helps Putin keep his power, wage war in Ukraine

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Russia marked the 70th anniversary of Soviet leader Joseph Stalin's death in Red Square this year

Memorials to victims of Stalinist repression in Russia are disappearing or being vandalised amid increasing attempts to rehabilitate the Soviet dictator.

For the past nine years, more than 700 plaques have been put up in Russia and elsewhere, commemorating the final residences of people who died in Stalin's purges in the 1930s.

Since May, however, dozens have disappeared in several Russian cities, according to Oksana Matievskaya, who is part of the plaque project Posledniy Adres (last address).

Police are not investigating the issue and Ms Matievskaya believes this is no coincidence.

"The memory of the Soviet terror challenges the concept of the state always being right and is, therefore, inconvenient for the Russian authorities. Especially following the invasion of Ukraine," she said.

Millions of people described as "enemies of the people" were sent to Soviet labour camps, known as the Gulag, and 750,000 were summarily murdered during Stalin's Great Terror in the 1930s.

Other memorials are also being targeted.

At least 18 monuments to victims of repression as well as foreign soldiers who fought in World War Two have been reported stolen or vandalised since February 2022. Most are dedicated to Polish nationals.

In October, a brick memorial to a prominent Polish priest was torn down and destroyed in the city of Vladimir.

A concrete cross erected in Komi republic, in memory of Polish prisoners, was also found demolished. Police attributed its destruction to bad weather and declined to initiate criminal proceedings, local media said.

Soviet authorities executed hundreds of thousands of Poles after 1939. In 1940, 1.7 million were deported to Gulag camps in Siberia and Kazakhstan.

Some 45,000 victims of Stalin's repression are buried in Levashovo woods, outside of St Petersburg

Alexandra Polivanova of civil rights group Memorial believes the damage was ordered or carried out by authorities because Moscow wants the Soviet Union to be perceived as a powerhouse rather than an oppressive state.

She suggests the government doesn't want Russians to know the truth about their tragic past, especially now that Russian soldiers have been accused of war crimes in Ukraine.

"The authorities try to erase the memory of the crimes of that empire to cover up or justify the crimes of this one."

This is taking place alongside a resurgence in Stalin's popularity.

In July, a survey by independent pollster the Levada Centre suggested that 63% of Russians had a favourable attitude towards the Soviet leader - his highest approval rating in 13 years.

The explanation behind his rising popularity is not certain but Russian propaganda justifying the war with Ukraine has also glorified its Soviet past.

And unlike memorials to his victims, those to Stalin have increased in number.

An investigative channel on social media site Telegram called "We can explain" says there are 110 Stalin statues in Russia - 95 erected during President Vladimir Putin's rule and at least four during the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Some Russians want even more. In August the private Russkiy Vityaz (Russian Knight) Foundation inaugurated an 8m-high statue of Stalin in the town of Velikiye Luki, and is collecting money for more.

Its website argues these monuments are crucial given that Russia is fighting "a real Patriotic war". The "Great Patriotic War" is how Russians describe the 1941-1945 war between the USSR and Nazi Germany. The Kremlin regularly compares Russia's invasion of Ukraine to World War Two.

Russkiy Vityaz, which is said to have been founded by the Russian Special Forces Veterans Association, has declined to comment on the reasons for its campaign.
A Russian artillery strike on the Korabel municipal district of Kherson on Nov. 14 injured a 54-year-old woman, the Kherson Oblast Military Administration reported.

There were no details provided on further consequences of the attack at the moment.

The southern city of Kherson has suffered regular Russian strikes since its liberation in Ukraine's counteroffensive last fall.

The city, with a pre-war population of 280,000, lies at the Dnipro River, not far from the Russian-occupied east-bank part of Kherson Oblast.

Over the past day, Russian attacks on Kherson Oblast killed three people and injured 15 others, including a child, Governor Oleksandr Prokudin reported.

Read also: Under deadly attacks, Kherson fights to keep life going 1 year after liberation

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Russian occupiers have attacked the city of Nikopol in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast with kamikaze drones, killing one person and injuring another.

Source: Serhii Lysak, Head of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram

Quote: "Russian terrorists hit Nikopol with three kamikaze drones.

A 72-year-old man was injured. He is hospitalised in a moderate condition.

Unfortunately, there is also a person killed. Condolences to the relatives... Shame on the occupiers who are wagging their war against the civilians."

Details: Lysak added that the damage caused by the Russians is being clarified.

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Russia was testing Ukrainian reactions by claiming to be retreating from the left bank of the Dnipro in Kherson Oblast, Southern Defense Forces spokesperson Natalia Humeniuk said on national television on Nov. 13.

The Russians made claim and then deleted it in an attempt to gauge the readiness and response of Ukrainian fighter, Humaniuk said.

She added that the Russians had been laying the necessary groundwork among the public and in the media for a long time.

Read also: No signs of Russian retreat from occupied left bank in Kherson Oblast, reports NRC

"But there was no reaction; they realized they had got the opposite effect. Panic spread in their army, discord intensified, and they were forced to delete (the message)," she said.

Humeniuk said that the morale and mental state of Russian units on the left bank of the Dnipro are "close to critical" due to widespread desertions among the invadres and lack of coordination between army units. This complicates the invaders efforts as Ukrainian forces exert pressure on them on the left bank of the Dnipro River in Kherson Oblast.

Read also: Russian forces attempt to prevent Ukrainian troops from gaining foothold in Kherson Oblast  ISW report

Humeniuk said she would not comment on the progress of Ukrainian forces in the area to protect their units and local residents from aggressive Russian behavior. The heightened attention around this topic has led to heavy shelling of the left bank of Kherson, causing suffering to the residents, she said.

Kremlin-controlled news agencies wrote on Nov. 13 that the Russian Ministry of Defense had decided to reposition troops to more advantageous positions to the east of the Dnipro to allegedly use them for advances in other directions.

Russian media cited reports from RIA Novosti and TASS. However, within minutes the TASS Telegram channel stated that it had released the news by mistake, and the report had been canceled. The information about troop repositioning disappeared from the RIA Novosti channel as well, and in its place, a message saying canceled appeared on the website.

Read also: Russians kill three, injure 15 in artillery attacks on Kherson Oblast in a day  governor

The Russian Ministry of Defense has labeled the report of the supposed repositioning of its troops near the Dnipro on the left bank of Kherson Oblast as a provocation.

The National Resistance Center of Ukraine (NRC) reported that Russians are conducting an informational operation against Ukraine, and the announced troop repositioning is currently not confirmed.

What is happening on the left bank of Kherson Oblast?

Since mid-October, the U.S.-based think tank Institute for the Study of War has reported on the successes of Ukrainian forces and it advances on the left bank of the Dnipro River in Kherson Oblast.

The Institute reported a breakthrough across the Dnipro to the occupied part of the region near the village of Oleshkivska. At the time, judging by the reaction of Russian war correspondents, this operation could be more significant than previous similar raids by Ukrainian forces, the institute said.

At the end of October, analysts reported Ukrainian advances to the village of Krynky, and on Nov. 10, there was speculation about the possible expansion of the bridgehead and the cutting of the vital road from Nova Kakhovka to Oleshky.

The Ukrainian Armed Forces officially refuse to comment on these reports, stating only that the combat work of Ukrainian soldiers continues.

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Russian military aggression has killed 3 people and injured 15 others, including 1 child, in Kherson Oblast and left 3 civilians injured in Donetsk Oblast on 13 November.

Source: Oleksandr Prokudin, Head of Kherson Oblast Military Administration; Ihor Moroz, acting Head of Donetsk Oblast Military Administration

Details: In particular, the Russian army heavily bombarded Kherson's central part and opened fire on one Kherson hospital on Monday, 13 November. In addition, a car carrying a family came under fire on the outskirts of Kherson.

A Kherson woman, 62, and a Kherson man, 45, died of their injuries in the centre of Kherson, and a car driver, 64, died on the outskirts of the city, with two passengers in hospital.

A total of 3 people were killed, and 15 others were injured in Kherson Oblast over the past 24 hours.

Two female healthcare workers, 24 and 41, and a patient of the hospital, 81, suffered injuries during the strike. All of them sustained blast injuries. An ambulance and other vehicles were also destroyed.

A total of 124 attacks have been recorded in Kherson Oblast over the past 24 hours. Russian forces hit residential areas, a medical facility, an educational institution, an administrative building, a commercial port and a catering facility in Kherson; and the premises of a factory in Beryslav.

The Russians injured 3 civilians in Donetsk Oblast on 13 November: 2 people in the town of Avdiivka and 1 civilian in the town of Krasnohorivka.

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Continuing their relentless onslaught on Kherson Oblast, Russian forces carried out 124 shelling attacks on Nov. 13, resulting in the deaths of three residents and injuries to 15, including a child, the oblasts governor Oleksandr Prokudin reported on Telegram on Nov. 14.

Russian forces used a variety of weaponry in their attacks, including mortars, artillery, Grad multiple launch rocket systems, tanks, drones and aircraft. The city of Kherson itself bore the brunt of the attacks, with 69 projectiles hitting the city over the day on Nov. 13.

Read also: As anniversary of Khersons liberation approaches, Russians may increase shelling of city, oblast official war

Prokudin decried the deliberate targeting of residential areas by the Russians.

The Russians directed fire at factories in the town of Beryslav in Kherson Oblast. Their attacks also targeted a medical facility, an educational institution, an administrative building, a trade port, and a public catering establishment in Kherson.

Read also: One person killed in Kherson following intense Russian shelling attack

Russians continued their aggression on Nov. 12, targeting Kherson and striking the Oles Honchar regional universal scientific library, which claimed the life of a man and left his wife injured.

The situation escalated on Nov. 13, when a hospital in Kherson came under attack, resulting in the tragic loss of two lives and injuries to ten others due to Russian shelling.

Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko reported a particularly distressing incident on the same day. Russian occupiers targeted a vehicle carrying a family with an infant on the outskirts of Kherson. Tragically, the driver lost his life, and the mother of the child is currently in a critical condition. The attack occurred as the family was returning from a medical examination.

The injured infant received a head wound from shrapnel.

Read also: No signs of Russian retreat from occupied left bank in Kherson Oblast, reports NRC

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
File photo of Rwandan doctor Sosthene Munyemana arriving on October 7, 2010 at the courthouse of Bordeaux.

A former doctor from Rwanda has gone on trial in France on charges of genocide and crimes against humanity.

Sosthene Munyemana was a 29-year-old gynaecologist living in the south of Rwanda at the time of the 1994 genocide in which 800,000 people were killed.

He has lived in France for 29 years and is accused of organising torture and killings.

In 1995, a year after the Rwandan genocide, a complaint was filed against Mr Munyemana in the city of Bordeaux.

It took French prosecutors 28 years to bring the case to trial.

The key to an office in a place called Tumba will strongly feature during his trial in Paris.

Mr Munyemana, who admits he had the key, said people from the Tutsi population sought refuge in the office, with his defence lawyer arguing he worked to prevent the genocide.

But prosecutors say he locked them inside in inhumane conditions before they were taken away to be killed.

One thing that both sides in the case agree on is that it is unacceptable it has taken so many years for it to come to court.

Mr Munyemana, who denies the charges, faces life in prison if convicted.

The genocide was sparked by the death of Rwandan President Juvenal Habyarimana when his plane was shot down above Kigali airport on 6 April.

Mr Habyarimana was from Rwanda's Hutu ethnic majority, and while exactly who killed the president has not been established, the presidential guard in Rwanda's capital Kigali immediately initiated a campaign of retribution.

Leaders of the political opposition were murdered, and almost immediately, the slaughter of Tutsis and moderate Hutus began.

Within hours, recruits were dispatched all over the country to carry out a wave of slaughter.

Between April and June 1994 an estimated 800,000 Rwandans were killed in the space of 100 days.
(CNN)  When Laura Larocca visited Denmark in 2019, the climate scientist sifted through thousands of old aerial photographs of Greenlands icy coastline, which were rediscovered in a castle outside Copenhagen about 15 years ago.

Now housed in the Danish National Archives, the historical images inspired her and other researchers to reconstruct the territorys glacial history and how it has changed amid a rapidly warming climate.

After digitizing thousands of archived paper images dating back to the 1930s, Laroccas team combined them with satellite images of Greenland today to measure how much its frozen landscape has changed.

The comparison found Greenlands glaciers have experienced an alarming rate of retreat that has accelerated over the last two decades. The study, published this week in the journal Nature Climate Change, found that the rate of glacial retreat during the 21st century has been twice as fast as the retreat in the 20th century.

The work was very time consuming, and it took a lot of people, a lot of hours of manual labor, said Larocca, the lead author of the study who was a postdoctorate at Northwestern University at the time of the research. The change is stunning  it really highlights the fast pace at which the Arctic is warming and changing.

Over the past several decades, the Arctic has warmed four times faster than the rest of the world, a 2022 study showed. The fallout of that warming is mounting. For the first time on record, it rained at the summit of Greenland  roughly two miles above sea level during the summer of 2021. Earlier this week, scientists found that northern Greenlands huge glaciers, which were long thought to be relatively stable, now pose potentially dramatic consequences for sea level rise.

What struck Larocca the most was how the Danish pilots who took the original photos had no idea they would be a major contribution to climate science nearly a century later.

It is quite interesting that a lot of these photos were taken because of military operations, she said. So, they have ties with a lot of international and US history, as well. But its kind of neat how over 100 years later, were using these photos for science to document how much these glaciers have changed over time.

Larocca, now an assistant professor at Arizona State University School of Ocean Futures, said she hopes this new visual-heavy study will draw attention to the rapidly melting territory and the threat it poses to the worlds coastlines as sea level rises.

[The paper] really reinforces that our choices over the next few decades and how much we reduce our emissions really matter to these glaciers, Larocca said. Every incremental increase in temperature will have significant consequences for these glaciers, and that swift action to limit global temperature rise will really help to reduce their future loss and contribution to sea level.

This story was first published on CNN.com, "Thousands of Greenlands glaciers are rapidly shrinking. Before-and-after photos reveal decades of change"
The Sacramento region is getting closer to its first major freeway toll lane.

Caltrans, the state of Californias highway authority, is seeking public input on a proposed $465 million express toll lane project for stretches of Interstate 80 and the Highway 50 portion of the Capital City Freeway.

The proposed toll lanes would run on I-80 between the Solano-Yolo county line to West El Camino Avenue in Sacramento County, a stretch of about 20 miles. A toll lane would also be added on Highway 50 between its junction with I-80 and Interstate 5 in downtown Sacramento.

The project would also add new electronic highway message signs, improvements to the Yolo Causeway bike path and a 300-space park-and-ride lot in West Sacramento.

The federal Department of Transportation issued an $86 million grant for the project in 2021. However, that funding will expire if construction isnt approved by the end of September 2024, Caltrans officials said.

If construction is approved, Caltrans expects to begin work in October 2024 and finish about three years later. The agency is hosting two public meetings on the project: Nov. 28 at the Community Center, 1075 W. Capitol Ave. in West Sacramento, and Dec. 13 at the Mary L. Stephens Branch Library, 315 E. 14th St. in Davis. Both forums are scheduled to run from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

The Sacramento region is already in the midst of a major freeway construction boom.

A $370 million project recently added carpool lanes and extended offramps to Interstate 5 between downtown Sacramento to Elk Grove. And, for the past two years, crews have turned miles of Highway 50 in Sacramento into a gridlocked construction zone to fix crumbling pavement and add sound walls along the aging highway.
Sacramento County has paid $365,000 to settle a case in which a deputy shot a man in 2017 after mistaking a lighter for a weapon.

The settlement agreement, obtained by The Sacramento Bee from a California Public Records Act request, was signed in June.

On June 17, 2017, Kenard Thomass ex-girlfriend called 911 to report she saw Thomas walk by her home in violation of a restraining order, then saw him enter a vacant home on 53rd Avenue, according to a District Attorneys Office review.

Four deputies responded, and entered the house looking for Thomas, who was hiding in a bedroom closet, the DA memo stated. Deputy Nicholas Russell opened the closet door, saw Thomas face, and fired a shot at him, striking his shoulder.

When Deputy Trummel turned, he saw Thomas at the closet sitting and holding something in his right hand, the DA memo stated. Deputy Trummel heard Deputy Russell demand Thomas show him his hands. Thomas crawled out of the closet and dropped the object. It was a Bic lighter.

A lawsuit Thomas, who is Black, filed against the county alleged Russell acted with racial bias and violated several policies that require deputies to see a suspects hands before shooting.

At the time Russell fired the shot, Thomas was shirtless, unarmed, and was not engaging in any assaultive or threatening behavior, the federal lawsuit, filed in 2018, stated. He had a plastic disposable lighter which was clearly visible in his hand. It was obvious that Thomas did not pose a risk of harm to any person present.

As a result of being shot, Thomas suffered significant pain, as well as permanent disfigurement, and neurological damage that has affected the use of his arm, the lawsuit stated.

Sacramento County declined to comment on the settlement, said spokeswoman Kim Nava.

Sacramento Sheriffs Office spokesman Sgt. Amar Gandhi declined to tell The Bee whether Russell is still employed as a Sacramento Sheriffs deputy.

Russell later explained to investigators, I thought he had a knife, he had a gun, I thought he was coming to harm me, the DA memo stated.

Then-District Attorney Anne Marie Schubert did not file criminal charges against Russell, she announced in August 2018.

Instead of Thomas identifying his position to the deputies or allowing the deputies to find him and detain him, immediately upon Deputy Russell opening the door Thomas rushed out of the closet directly towards Deputy Russell, a District Attorneys Office memo from Aug. 27, 2018 stated. Deputy Russell perceived Thomas as an imminent threat to his safety at the time he discharged his firearm. Given the circumstances of this particular case, it is not reasonably likely a jury of twelve individuals would unanimously agree that Deputy Russell was unreasonable in his belief that he was in imminent danger of death or great bodily injury at the time of the shooting.

Of the $365,000 settlement, $259,000 went to Thomass attorney Stewart Katz, $100,000 went to Thomas, and $20,000 went to Solano County Department of Child Support as a partial payment of back child support payment obligations, Nava said.
Among a busy weekend of Veterans Day events in Amarillo were the Amarillo VA Health Care Systems 16th annual Welcome Home event on Saturday and a celebration of the U.S. Marine Corps' 248th birthday hosted by the Roan Creek Detachment #992 on Friday.

The Bomb City young Marines bring out the birthday cake Friday night at the Marine Corps birthday event in Amarillo.

The Welcome Home event featured a return to the Rex Baxter Building at the Tristate Fairgrounds for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic. Food, family fun, door prizes and multiple organizations were on hand to give veterans information about resources for them in the area.

Dr. Rodney Gonzalez, the Amarillo VA director, said this event is designed to thank veterans for their service and to let them know the services available to them.

David Lovejoy speaks at the Amarillo VA HealthCare System's "Coming Home event" Saturday at the Rex Baxter Building in Amarillo.

Kathy Williams gives an inspiring rendition of the National Anthem at the Amarillo VA HealthCare System's "Coming Home event" Saturday at the Rex Baxter Building in Amarillo.

This is a way to really thank our veterans because we know that not every veteran received the same welcome home especially those from the Vietnam War era, Gonzalez said. When I returned from my deployment in Iraq, I walked through an airport to people applauding and wanting to shake my hand but not every veteran saw that in all of our eras. This is a way for our community to come out and support them and welcome them home for all they do for our great nation."

At the celebration of the Marine Corps birthday, featured speaker retired Sgt. Major Harold G. Overstreet spoke to those in attendance about his service and the importance of Veterans Day.

Retired Sgt. Major Harold Overstreet addresses the crowd Friday night at the Marine Corps birthday event in Amarillo.

Overstreet served in the Marine Corps for 29 years and in 1991, was named as the 12th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps and retired in 1995.

Most of the veterans here today not only did they serve but they continue to serve as in continue to take care of those veterans out there, Overstreet said. You do not have to look back very far. The freedoms that everybody enjoys were paid for by the veterans before us. I think we need to stand up and appreciate those who came before us.

A volunteer helps a veteran at the Amarillo VA HealthCare System's "Coming Home event" Saturday at the Rex Baxter Building in Amarillo

Overstreet quoted the 13th Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. John Lejeune, who served from 1890 to 1929. The Marine base Camp Lejeune is named after the former commandant.

All the things that we have done, we ride on the shoulders of those that preceded us in the Corps,

Continuing, Overstreet remarked about standing on the accomplishments of those who went before this generation.

The Bomb City Young Marines bring out the colors Friday night at the Marine Corps birthday event in Amarillo.

Its the same thing with all the veterans; we are riding on the coattails of all that preceded us, Overstreet said. He said that the reason we did all that is for our country and so that our citizens might enjoy peace and security.

Overstreet said he could not say enough about those who made this all possible for him to serve.

I cannot thank those guys enough for what they did for the liberties that we all enjoy, he said. Most people do not really appreciate that until they go to some other country. We should take pride that we live in a country that everyone wants to live in.

The service of his uncles in World War II and his familys patriotism had a great effect on Overstreet, which gave him the inspiration to join the military in 1966.

Once I got in the Marines Corps, it created an insatiable appetite to learn as much as I could about being a Marine and its great history, Overstreet said. Its imperative to know the history of those that made this country what it is today.

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Salute to service Amarillo celebrates veterans, Marine Corps birthday
Samantha Woll murder: Why did Detroit police release suspect so soon after arrest?

The suspect detained in connection with the stabbing death of a prominent Jewish leader in Detroit was released because police didn't file any paperwork, including a warrant request, the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office said.

The suspect, who hasn't been identified because charges weren't filed, was taken into custody in Kalamazoo last week and was questioned for 72 hours after making an ambiguous statement to police about the Oct. 21 killing, the Detroit News reported, citing four police sources.

That's the longest law enforcement can detain someone without a court hearing, according to Michigan state law, so he was cut loose.

"There is nothing before us," the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office told Fox News Digital. "This must happen before we can review the case for a charging decision. Until then, it is entirely a police open investigation that they are continuing to work on."

SAMANTHA WOLL MURDER: DETROIT POLICE NOT NAMING ARRESTED SUSPECT IS HIGHLY UNUSUAL, EXPERT SAYS

Samantha Woll (far right) with her friends. Kelly Neumann (center) told Fox News Digital, "Simply put, she wanted to find common ground for every walk of life."

The ball is still in Detroit police's court as detectives continue their investigation.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Detroit police didn't answer specific questions about the case or the suspect's release.

"At this time, there is no new update," police said in an emailed statement.

The suspect was released after law enforcement sources told the Detroit Free Press that investigators executed a search warrant on his home.

MURDER OF JEWISH LEADER SAMANTHA WOLL WASN'T A HATE CRIME: DETROIT POLICE

Local defense lawyer Edward Bajoka, who isn't connected to the case, told Fox News Digital that the suspect's release likely means one of two things.

"This tells me either police don't have enough evidence to proceed with formal criminal charges, or police interviewed him and cleared him," said Bajoka, an attorney with the Detroit-based Bajoka Law Group.

Samantha Woll (far left) poses with bride and groom Miriam and Jake Stone and Stephanie Chang (far right), a Democratic state senator. Hours after leaving the Detroit wedding, Woll was stabbed to death.

Bajoka said police likely detained a suspect in a case like this with the hope that he says something to incriminate himself.

He knows the suspect's lawyer  Allison Kriger  by reputation, and said she's a good defense attorney, so he's not surprised the suspect didn't say anything and was released.

SLAIN SYNAGOGUE LEADER SAMANTHA WOLL'S FINAL HOURS AT DETROIT WEDDING: SHE WAS HAPPY, HAVING FUN

Kriger confirmed her client's release to the media but didn't elaborate any further.

Michigan State Police Crime Scenes Unit gather evidence at Samantha Woll's home in Detroit, Michigan, Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023. Woll was found murdered outside the residence on Saturday morning.

Woll returned home from a wedding when she was fatally stabbed inside her Lafayette Park home on Oct. 21, stumbled outside and collapsed on her front lawn.

There were no signs of forced entry, according to police.

PRO-PALESTINIAN PROTESTORS SWARM NEW YORK TIMES HEADQUARTERS CALLING FOR CEASE-FIRE IN GAZA

An anonymous caller alerted emergency responders after finding her body around 6:30 a.m.

Snippets of the emergency dispatch were heard on the police scanner early that morning saying it was a suspicious death and described a trail of blood at the scene.

Samantha Woll (far left) was killed on Oct. 21, and a suspect was released after 72 hours of questioning, according to police.

The suspect's release added to the mystery surrounding Woll's death, who was killed as tensions and antisemitic attacks were on the rise with the Israel-Hamas war raging overseas.

Detroit police said early on in the investigation that her death isn't believed to be fueled by antisemitism, but the scant amount of details have fueled speculation.

Woll was a highly respected Jewish leader and politically active in Democrats' campaigns in Detroit and the surrounding area.

She was president of the board of directors at the Isaac Agree Downtown Detroit Synagogue and worked for high-profile Democrats, including Attorney General Dana Nessel and Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin.

Detroit synagogue president Samantha Woll, left, was found dead outside her home, according to police.

Kelly Neumann, one of Woll's friends who attended her funeral, told Fox News Digital, "We have an angel now among us."

"The love for Sam at her funeral was overwhelming and unwavering," Neumann, a local lawyer, said. "She touched so many lives in the short amount of time she was on Earth. It was her tenaciousness to see things through and bring everyone together.

"Not just the lives of Jews, Muslims, Christians, etc, but people of different races, ages, the gay, the straight, the disabled, Democrats, Republicans.

"Simply put, she wanted to find common ground for every walk of life."





Original article source: Samantha Woll murder: Why did Detroit police release suspect so soon after arrest?
SAN DIEGO  The San Diego City Council is set to discuss how to fill the impending vacancy of the District 4 seat after Monica Montgomery Steppe declared victory in the race to succeed Nathan Fletcher on the County Board of Supervisors.

An agenda item for Tuesdays meeting indicates that the board will be exploring options for when and how to hold a special election for the soon-to-be empty seat on the council.

This will include whether the race for the District 4 seat can be scheduled on Tuesday, Mar. 5 to consolidate it with election day for Californias Presidential Primary.

However, it is unclear exactly when Montgomery Steppes seat on the City Council  and the position of President pro Tem  will become vacant.

Results of the Board of Supervisors race have until Dec. 7 to be certified by the county Registrar of Voters office and timeline for when Montgomery Steppe might assume the Fourth Supervisorial District seat after they are has not been announced.

Timeline: Unfolding of the Nathan Fletcher scandal

Unofficial results from the special election run-off had Montgomery Steppe with nearly 62% of the vote for the Fourth Supervisorial District. Her opponent, Reopen San Diego founder Amy Reichert, received about 38%, according to the Registrar of Voters.

With the resounding lead on Tuesday, Montgomery Steppe proclaimed victory in a statement posted to X, formerly Twitter, saying Words are not enough to thank you for showing up for our County.

It has been the honor of my life to serve the community I grew up in as its City Councilmember, she continued. It will be an honor to represent the County I grew up in as the first Black Woman Supervisor in San Diegos history.

No candidates have announced their intention to run for Montgomery Steppes current City Council seat.

The District 4 seat is one of the most diverse on the San Diego City Council. It is home to the largest population of Black residents in the city and the second-largest population of Hispanic residents.

The district is comprised of neighborhoods in southeastern San Diego, including Paradise Hills, Bay Terraces, Mountain View, Chollas View, Emerald Hills, Ridgeview/Webster, Jamacha Lomita, Skyline, Alta Vista and Encanto.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego.
A group of entertainers were seen Monday dancing and rappelling on the side of San Francisco's most iconic skyscrapers in a death-defying performance.

Members of BANDALOPP, an Oakland-based dance troupe, rappelled up and down the Transamerica Pyramid building, the city's second-tallest, on Monday afternoon.

SINGER LEE GREENWOOD CREDITS RAISING KIDS OUTSIDE HOLLYWOOD, REAL VALUES FOR TIGHT-KNIT FAMILY

Performers with the Oakland, California-based BANDALOPP dance troupe performing on San Francisco's Transameria Pyramid building on Monday.

The San Francisco Police Department said the perforce was a permitted event, posting on X" "Don't be alarmed, enjoy the show!"

Fox News Digital has reached out to the Transamerica Pyramid.

Images from Fox San Francisco show the three performers dressed in orange being helping with wires as they scaled the structure.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

On its website, BANDALOOP said it honors "nature, community, and the human spirit through perspective-bending dance."

The three performers were seen being held with wires while on the landmark Transamerica Pyramid building.

"An innovator in vertical performance, BANDALOOP seamlessly weaves dynamic physicality, intricate choreography and climbing technology to turn the dance floor on its side," it said.





Original article source: San Francisco-area dance troupe rappels on side of Transamerica Pyramid building in death-defying performance
FILE PHOTO: U.S. Rep. George Santos speaks to members of the media after his Congressional colleagues voted not to expel him from the House

By Luc Cohen

CENTRAL ISLIP, New York (Reuters) -A former fundraiser for indicted U.S. Representative George Santos pleaded guilty to defrauding campaign donors on Tuesday, adding to the pressure on the embattled New York Republican.

At a hearing in federal court in Long Island, Samuel Miele, 27, admitted to impersonating a staffer for another member of congress in soliciting campaign contributions and to charging donors' credit cards without their consent.

U.S District Judge Joanna Seybert accepted the plea to one count of wire fraud, part of an agreement with federal prosecutors, and set Miele's sentencing for April 30.

"Defrauding potential political contributors undermines our democracy," Breon Peace, the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, said in a statement.

There was no indication that Miele was cooperating with prosecutors' probe of Santos.

Santos' lawyer, Joseph Murray, was present at the hearing. He declined to comment on Miele's guilty plea.

Santos, a first-term congressman, in May pleaded not guilty to federal charges of laundering funds to pay for his personal expenses, illegally receiving unemployment benefits, and lying to the House of Representatives about his assets.

He pleaded not guilty in October to an updated indictment accusing him of charging campaign donors' credit cards without their consent and reporting a bogus $500,000 campaign loan.

A trial is set for Sept. 9, 2024. Santos has admitted to lying about much of his resume but has resisted calls for his resignation, including from fellow Republicans.

Miele, who was charged in August, had previously pleaded not guilty.

At the hearing, Miele said that in 2021 he pretended he was chief of staff to the then minority leader of the U.S. House of Representatives to help the candidate he was working for raise funds, without naming either politician.

Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has confirmed media reports that said Miele impersonated one of his aides to elicit contributions to Santos' campaign.

Miele took a 15% cut on funds raised through the scheme, prosecutors said. On Tuesday, he agreed to pay nearly $110,000 in restitution and forfeit nearly $70,000.

"He's recognized the mistake that he made," defense lawyer Kevin Marino told reporters after the hearing.

Miele is the second person close to Santos to plead guilty to federal charges in recent weeks. Nancy Marks, Santos' former campaign treasurer, pleaded guilty on Oct. 5 to a conspiracy charge for inflating his 2022 congressional campaign's fundraising numbers.

(Reporting by Luc Cohen in Central Islip, New York and Tom Hals in Wilmington, Delaware; Editing by Daniel Wallis)
SBU disrupts four new schemes for evading mobilization and illegal departure for men of conscription age

Ukraines SBU security service has disrupted four new schemes for evading mobilization and illegal departure from Ukraine for men of conscription age, the SBU reported on Telegram on Nov. 14.

A comprehensive investigation led to the organizers of the schemes from various Ukrainian oblasts being apprehended, the SBU said.

Read also: Around 100 people are denied exit from Ukraine per day, reports State Border Guard Service

The SBU reported that the suspects were paid to assist men in evading conscription, helping them escape abroad using forged documents or bypassing checkpoints.

The cost of these "services" ranged up to $10,000, depending on the urgency and method of border crossing.

SBU/Telegram

In Khmelnytskyi, the SBU exposed a local military medical commission official. For a bribe, he would falsely diagnose conscripts with serious illnesses as a means to exempt them from military service.

In Odesa Oblast, SBU officers disrupted an international criminal group involved in illegally transporting men to a neighboring European country. The suspects transported their "clients" to the border using cars or taxis and then facilitated their crossing through forest trails or pontoons across the river.

Read also:

The organizers, including an Odesa criminal known as Bastion and two foreign accomplices, operated a Telegram channel to attract "clients," receiving payments in cryptocurrency.

In Kyiv, a suspect was apprehended for selling forged documents declaring men unfit for military service due to health reasons. The individual, a 53-year-old citizen of a Middle Eastern country with a prior criminal record, was caught receiving money from a "client."

SBU/Telegram

In Lviv Oblast, the SBU detained a 51-year-old resident of the Sambir district who, with local criminal support, facilitated the transportation of evaders abroad through pre-established "forest routes."

Read also:

Under Ukrainian martial law, all men aged 18 to 60 are considered military-liable and can be mobilized. Leaving the country is prohibited for this group, except under circumstances provided for by law.

Nonetheless, instances of men illegally departing Ukraine, often involving document forgery, remain widespread.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
A Rock Hill woman will serve a maximum of 30 years in a South Carolina prison after being convicted in the death her disabled daughter who was found dead in a dresser drawer.

A York County jury on Tuesday found Jackleen Elizabeth Jackie Mullen, 26, guilty of homicide by child abuse and aiding and abetting homicide by child abuse. She was found guilty of killing India Heavenly Lacey Martin, 4, her disabled and special needs child who could not talk or walk without help and needed a feeding tube. India was found dead in a dresser drawer in her mothers bedroom in late May 2020.

Mullen told police in 2020 the child was with relatives in North Carolina before Rock Hill Police Department and law enforcement officers found the dead child in the drawer, police testified during the trial.

Mullen showed no emotion in court as the guilty verdicts were read. She did not speak in court before visiting Judge Eugene Griffith handed down the 30-year sentence. She must serve 85% of the sentence, but will get credit for the three-plus years in jail awaiting trail. That means she wont be eligible for release until she serves at least 22 years, said prosecutor John Anthony.

The Herald was the only media organization in court for the jury verdict.

Mullen faced a minimum of 20 years in prison for the convictions.

The trial started in late October, and she was found not guilty of a separate charge of murder.

Prior criminal convictions

Anthony, deputy solicitor of the 16th Circuit Solicitors Office, said in court after the verdict Mullen had a 2017 conviction for child neglect for cocaine use during her pregnancy with India.

In May 2020, Mullen was convicted of forgery  the same day India died, according to Anthony, the prosecutor. Police and prosecutors said Mullen did not tell law enforcement the truth about her daughters whereabouts before the dead child was found in the dresser.

While her child was dead in her house, Ms. Mullen came down here to the Moss Justice Center and pleaded guilty to that forgery, Anthony said.

The discovery of the body came after a call to police to investigate Indias whereabouts in 2020.

Anthony,who prosecuted the case with Senior Assistant SolicitorErin Joyner, said the sentence for the homicide by child abuse convictions should be at least 40 years in prison.

Defense says Mullen had traumatic life

Luke Shealey and Brian Shealey, twin brothers from Columbia, were the defense lawyers for Mullen. Luke Shealey said before sentencing Mullen didnt go to police or get medical attention for India, but that Mullen had a traumatic young life.

The defense argued during the trial that Mullen was not guilty of the death.

Luke Shealey asked the judge to consider sentencing Mullen to 20 years  the lowest sentence allowed under the law for the homicide by child abuse conviction.

Mullens boyfriend at the time of the incident in 2020, Audrevious Williams, is also charged in the case with homicide by child abuse and aiding and abetting homicide by child abuse, according to York County court records. His charges remain pending, prosecutors said.

Williams was not on trial this week and is not India Martins father. Williams testified earlier during Mullens trial.
A school security guard who previously lost a mayoral bid in a small Mississippi town also lost his job this week after he was charged with three counts of sexual battery against a 17-year-old girl, police said.

Isaiah Thomas Hayes, 38, also faces one count of enticement of a child for sexual purposes after his November 8 arrest, per a statement from the Jackson County Sheriff's Department.

The alleged crimes took place between August until the end of October of this year, per the department.

PENNSYLVANIA MIDDLE SCHOOL COUNSELOR ALLEGEDLY USED FIELD TRIP TO START SEXUALLY GROOMING STUDENT

School security guard Isaiah Thomas Hayes, 38, faces three counts of sexual battery and one count of enticing a child for sexual purposes, and was arrested on November 8.

Hayes was hired as a campus police officer on March 15, where he worked until his arrest, the Moss Point School District told the Sun Herald.

Previously, per the outlet, Hayes was the vice president of the district's board of trustees during the 2019 to 2020 school year. Per a campaign Facebook page, the Mississippi man ran for mayor of Moss Point in 2017 and for alderman at large in 2021  it is unclear which party's banner the accused sex offender ran on.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

PSYCHIATRIST USED AI TO CREATE CHILD PORN, SENTENCED TO 40 YEARS IN PRISON

Jackson County Sheriff told the outlet that Hayes' alleged 17-year-old victim in all three incidents came forward to the Moss Point Police Department, which subsequently contacted the larger law enforcement agency to assist in an investigation.

The school district wrote in a statement to local outlet WLOX that Hayes was "no longer employed by the district" last Thursday.

NEW JERSEY TEACHER'S AIDE USED SNAPCHAT TO RECEIVE CHILD PORNOGRAPHY: OFFICIALS

Hayes was granted $30,000 bail for each of the charges against him last Thursday. He is still incarcerated at Jackson County Detention Center, per online jail records.

"Should information be presented to the MPSDs administration that such inappropriate behavior may be taking place, the district immediately investigates and handles each situation," communications director JaLeasa Bolden wrote to the outlet. "We will continue to monitor this matter and take appropriate action based on the outcome of the investigation. We are praying for all families involved."

After appearing in Jackson County Court on Thursday, per WLOX, the 38-year-old was granted $30,000 for each of the four charges against him. He is still incarcerated at Jackson County Detention Center, per online jail records.

Court records did not list an attorney who could speak on Hayes' behalf.





Original article source: School resource officer, former mayoral candidate arrested for repeated sexual battery of teen
(CNN)  Iceland has declared a state of emergency and more than 3,000 residents have been urged to evacuate the small, coastal town of Grindavik as the countrys authorities anticipate the imminent eruption of a volcano in its southwestern peninsula.

Scientists monitoring the situation, including those at Icelands Met Office, observed changes to the situation on Sunday that could indicate magma is moving closer to the surface, and concluded on Monday that the greatest area of magma upwelling is in an area 3.5 kilometers (two miles) northeast of Grindavik.

So, what do we know about this potential eruption, what are its risks, how could it affect travel and why is Iceland, an island of just 103,000 square kilometers (40,000 square miles), home to so much seismic activity?

What happens if the volcano erupts?

Iceland is facing events that its 360,000 residents have not experienced before, at least not since the eruption in Vestmannaeyjar, the countrys Civil Protection Agency said on Friday, referencing a 1973 eruption that began without warning and destroyed 400 homes.

A 15-kilometer- (nine-mile-) long magma corridor now stretches from just northwest of Grindavik into the Atlantic Ocean, according to the Civil Protection Agency, which used models built from data collected in the area on Saturday.

Magma is a mixture of molten and semi-molten rock beneath the surface of the Earth that can cause an eruption when it finds its way to the surface, becoming lava.

If the magma erupts beneath the sea, it will be more explosive than if it erupts on land, experts say, though an eruption on land would be a greater threat to Grindavik itself.

It could become explosive if the magma interacts with sea water, Michele Paulatto, a research fellow at Imperial College London, said in a statement.

If it erupts undersea, it could cause a Surtseyan eruption similar to the one that happened in 1963, also in Iceland, and created the island of Surtsey. That particular eruption lasted several years, so this is a possibility, he added.

Bill McGuire, Professor Emeritus of Geophysical & Climate Hazards at University College London, said in a statement that there is no reason, currently, to think that this eruption will be especially big, though he noted that it is notoriously hard to forecast how big an eruption will be.

The evacuated town of Grindavik is very close to the position of the new fracture, and its survival is far from assured, he added. Everything depends upon where magma eventually reaches the surface, but the situation doesnt look good for the residents of the town.

There is still a possibility that the magma will not come to the surface at all. As Dave McGarvie, a volcanologist at the University of Lancaster in the UK, pointed out in a statement, not all dikes breach the surface to form eruptions  perhaps only one in every three or four.

He added: The best-case scenario is that this happens to the 15-km-long dike that has just formed, and that it simply cools and solidifies  and does not erupt.

However, some effects of the seismic activity are already apparent. Roads have been damaged as a result of earthquakes in the area, with the Icelandic road administration sharing photos on social media of crumbling tarmac, broken sidewalks and gaping cracks in the road.

After scientists said they couldnt rule out the magma tunnel reaching Grindavik, the Civil Protection Agency evacuated the town on Friday night, though some residents were allowed back to one area on Sunday under police escort to retrieve pets and essential items.

The famous Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa about seven kilometers (four miles) north of Grindavik that draws tourists to its steaming water, closed on Thursday as a precaution.

Toxic fumes are a real concern, the main being sulfur dioxide which can be corrosive and cause breathing problems, Paulatto added. Its not something we need to worry about in the UK, but the local population and tourists can be affected depending on the prevailing wind direction.

Is Reykjavik safe from the volcano?

Grindavik is about 70 kilometers (43 miles) southwest of Icelands capital city, Reykjavik. Authorities have not issued an evacuation order for Reykjavik, suggesting they believe it wouldnt be affected by an eruption.

However, Icelands only international airport, Keflavik, is less than 20 miles from Grindavik.

Will it cause travel disruption?

Experts dont expect a volcanic eruption to cause the same level of chaos as that seen in 2010 when the Eyjafjallajokull volcano erupted, since it is unlikely to involve the glacial ice that led to a huge ash cloud.

About 100,000 flights were canceled, affecting 2 million people, as a result of the ash spewed out by the 2010 eruption, which threatened to stall aircraft engines and cause electrical failure.

Eyjafjallajokull involved an eruption through or next to glacial ice that melted and provided water that made the eruption more explosive than it would otherwise have been, hence the high eruption plume and very wide ash dispersal, Lionel Wilson, Emeritus Professor of Earth & Planetary Sciences at Lancaster University, said in a statement.

This should not happenso they will just be dealing with weakly explosive lava fountains feeding lava flows.

What about previous eruptions in 2014 and 2021?

Iceland is accustomed to volcanic eruptions, though they often occur in the wilderness, away from populated areas. The Bararbunga volcanic system situated in the center of the country erupted in 2014, producing lava that covered 84 square kilometers (32 square miles) of highland that didnt damage any communities.

The Fagradalsfjall volcanic system erupted in 2021 for the first time in more than 6,000 years. It also didnt threaten populated areas and even become a tourist attraction as people flocked to witness a volcanic eruption.

Why are there so many volcanos in Iceland?

Iceland sits on a tectonic plate boundary that continually splits apart, pushing North America and Eurasia away from each other along the line of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. A powerful mantle plume, an area that is hotter than the surrounding magma, sits below it, which melts and thins the Earths crust. These conditions have made Iceland home to 32 active volcanoes.

This story was first published on CNN.com, "As Iceland braces for a potential volcanic eruption, what is likely to happen and what are the risks?"
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 19: Analilia Mejia, Co-Executive Director of Center for Popular Democracy, speaks during a news conference outside the U.S. Capitol calling for immediate resignation of U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Clarence Thomas



WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 19: Analilia Mejia, Co-Executive Director of Center for Popular Democracy, speaks during a news conference outside the U.S. Capitol calling for immediate resignation of U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Clarence Thomas

After an escalating series of scandals, the Supreme Court finally issued a code of conduct. But will this new code actually do anything to curb the behavior of some of the more notorious justices (**cough cough** Justice Clarence Thomas), or will it just sit there collecting dust?

Not to burst any bubbles, but the first page of the justices statement kind of gives the whole game away. For the most part these rules and principles are not new, reads the statement, The absence of a Code, however has led in recent years to the misunderstanding that the Justices of this Court, unlike all other jurists in this country, regard themselves as unrestricted by any ethics rules. To dispel this misunderstanding, we are issuing this code, which largely represents a codification of principles that we have long regarded as governing our conduct.

Read more

The short answer: this probably wont do anything.

The scandal we all know focuses on Justice Clarence Thomas cozy gift-ladden relationship with Billionaire Harlan Crow. The Republican donor has provided Thomas with luxury trips and even paid for the child he raised to attend private school. Thomas failed to disclose these gifts until after ProPublica and other outlets revealed them publicly.

The Code of Conduct does mention gifts, but it just says that Justices have to follow the already-established rules on gifting. The rules re-iterate that Justices have to disclose these gifts, but to be clear, they were already supposed to be doing that.

The Code of Conduct Lacks Teeth

The big reason it seems unlikely that this will foster a ton of change is that it completely lacks teeth. The code isnt binding, and its left entirely up to the Court to enforce.

Court watchdog groups have been quick to point out the flaw of allowing the justices to police themselves.

If the nine are going to release an ethics code with no enforcement mechanism and remain the only police of the nine, then how can the public trust theyre going to do anything more than simply cover for one another, ethics be damned? wrote Gabe Roth, Executive Director of left-leaning watchdog group Fix The Court, in a statement.

Democrats have also not responded well to the new rules. We cannot rely on Supreme Court justices to hold themselves accountable, wrote Representative Ayanna Pressley, who has been a leader on court reform. This new ethics code is pointless without enforcement, and Congress must pass the *binding* code of ethics the Court so desperately needs.

Democratic leaders such as Sen. Dick Durbin, who chairs the Judiciary Committee, have argued that this is a good step but nowhere near enough. Republican Sen. Lindsay Graham, who serves as Ranking member on the committee, has been remarkably quiet on the subject despite previously railing against an ethics code.

But the bottom line is if youre expecting a transformed Supreme Court, this doesnt look like the thing to do.

More from The Root

Sign up for The Root's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.
Once a grand estate surrounded by oak trees, all that remains of the Sea Song plantation, or the Jackson House, is a small corner of Buccaneer State Park in Waveland, Mississippi.

The exact construction dates of the Sea Song plantation are still a mystery, with two distinct years being offered. Legend suggests Andrew Jackson, following his triumph over the British in New Orleans in 1815, might have built the home as a summer retreat.

However, historical evidence from the Hancock County Historical Society challenges the 1815 claim. Considering Jacksons national hero status and the undeveloped nature of Waveland at the time, the likelihood of his involvement seems improbable.

Deeds, correspondence within the Jackson family, and historical records have now cemented 1840 as the more plausible construction period. Despite this, Andrew Jacksons possible involvement in its construction remains unlikely due to his age, health, financial constraints and prior property ownership.

What is known is that the large property and the house that once stood in Waveland were initially owned by Asa Russ, hence its original moniker, the Russ Place.

White House Connections

It wasnt until 1857 that President Jacksons nephew, whom he later adopted, Andrew Jackson Jr. and his wife, Sarah, are believed to have acquired the Waveland property. Several prominent local families, including the Claibornes, provided financial support and connections for the purchase.

Because of Andrew Jackson Sr.s status as a widow during much of his presidency, Sarah, as his daughter-in-law, was acting first lady of the United States during his second term, from 1834 to 1837.

Sadly, tragedy struck not long after their purchase when the Russ Place was destroyed in a fire. In several letters, Jackson Jr. and Sarahs son Samuel lamented the narrow escape of several workers and the devastation.

Jackson Jr. shared a similar state of sadness when informed of the loss, stating our beautiful little residence there is all burned down and now lies in ashes  . He continued, What shall become of us?

Despite the destruction, the Jackson family began reconstruction efforts that were completed by 1859. They constructed a new pier on the water, expanded the bedrooms, added a bath house, and turned the entire property into a plantation. It is also known that they were slave owners and the property was the site of slave labor in the years leading up to and during the Civil War.

Sarah described in her letters the joy living in the house brought her and spoke of the shrimp, alligators and other facets of life in antebellum Waveland. However, her joy waned with the arrival of three successive hurricanes and Jackson Jr.s constant traveling for business.

In one of her letters, Sarah noted, I am very anxious to leave this place, and no earthly power will ever induce me to return to it. I will break rock on a turnpike road first. I have lived in dread since the eleventh of August, the time of the first storm.

In 1861, the Jacksons sold the property and relocated to New Orleans. The Civil War imposed further hardships, resulting in financial struggles, Jackson Jr.s fatal hunting accident and Samuels death in combat.

Subsequent Owners

Following the war, Sarah returned to Tennessee and her former Waveland residence reverted to the Russ family. It was then leased to the Deblieux family for decades, with John Deblieux eventually gaining formal possession of the house.

In 1923, Bishop Robert E. Jones acquired the property, transforming it into Gulfside Chautauqua and Camp Meeting Ground, a Methodist retreat. Despite the house falling into disrepair, Jones envisioned restoring it and began raising funds to do so. Interestingly, Jones led integrated church services for black and white Methodists  an anomaly in the south during a time of racial division.

Tragically, Sea Song was again lost to flames in 1935, marking the end of its physical existence. The land it rested on, known as the 16th Section, was leased by the state of Mississippi to become part of Buccaneer State Park.

While President Jackson never lived in Sea Song, the site was of historical significance and despite its ties to slavery, became a unique place of integrated worship. Buccaneer State Park remains a popular spot for locals, and a historical marker for Sea Song has since been erected on South Beach Boulevard in Waveland.
HOLLAND  Police have identified a suspect in last week's homicide in Holland.

According to the Holland Department of Public Safety, the suspect is Ramses Avimael Velasco Sanabria. He is believed to reside in West Olive, but his current location is unknown.

More: Police identify homicide victim in Holland

Police have issued a warrant for Sanabrias arrest. Detectives are seeking assistance from the public in locating him. A $2,500 reward is being offered for information leading to his arrest.

Police say not to approach the suspect as he is "considered armed and dangerous," but rather to call 911.

Officers responded after 8 p.m. to shots fired in the parking lot of Moran Park Church on Monday, Nov. 6. Investigators said two vehicles pulled into the parking lot of the church and parked next to each other. Shortly after they arrived, shots were fired.

Subscribe: Get unlimited access to our local coverage

Cassandra Casares, 33, of Holland, was killed in the shooting. According to HDPS, a 34-year-old Holland man was hospitalized in stable condition. The suspect vehicle fled the scene.

Anyone with information should contact HDPS at 616-355-1150 or email investigators at policetips@cityofholland.com. Those wishing to remain anonymous should contact Silent Observer by calling 1-887-4536 or by texting OCMTIP and your message to 274637.

 Contact reporter Evan Sasiela at esasiela@sentinel-standard.com. Follow him on Twitter @SalsaEvan.

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Search underway for suspect in Holland homicide
The Seattle City Council voted down an amended proposal to use $1.5 million for services to support people experiencing homelessness on Tuesday. Instead, the funds are now available for the original proposal to address gun violence through the technology, ShotSpotter.

SEATTLE CITY COUNCIL:

Mayor Bruce Harrell had proposed $1.5 million to support the new technology and has been an advocate for this tool since he was a councilman, dating back at least a decade.

During a select budget meeting on Tuesday, Seattle councilmembers were considering a proposal to use the funds to support services to help people experiencing homelessness, instead of the ShotSpotter technology.

The council voted down the amended proposal, 5-4.

Councilwoman Lisa Herbold was in favor of the new proposed direction.

This technology simply doesnt work. In fact, the research shows that it hurts police response times by repeatedly sending officers to mistaken alerts, pulling them away from doing work elsewhere, Councilwoman Herbold wrote in a statement. We absolutely need to do more to address gun violence, but this is just throwing money away. Its money that we should be using to bring people experiencing homelessness, people who are disproportionately impacted by violence, into shelter and safety.

The Seattle City Council has been flirting with this new tool for at least a decade.

Last year, the technology was nixed from the Seattle budget despite the mayors push for it.

KIRO 7 has been covering this developing story for years, including in 2015, when we spoke with residents who shared mixed reactions about the tool.

I think it would help us solve crimes, and police would be able to identify where the shots came from, said one man

Another man spoke at a city meeting and said, I dont think installing microphones throughout the city that are managed by a third party is of valid means of doing this.

The Seattle City Council will vote on the full budget later in November.

SHOTSPOTTER TECHNOLOGY:

We spoke with Ralph Clark, CEO of SoundThinking, the company that created ShotSpotter, to learn more about the technology.

The technology is currently being used in more than 150 cities across the United States, including New York City, San Francisco, Chicago, Las Vegas, Oakland, Durham, and overseas in the Bahamas and South Africa, he said.

Numerous studies have suggested that 80 to 90% of gunfire neighborhoods go unreported by traditional 911. So this technology is really quite a game-changer in terms of being able again to detect, locate, and alert on instances of gunfire that otherwise wouldnt be known to police departments, he said.

Clark said the company places around 20 to 25 sensors per square mile in an area.

The sensors then collect data on possible gunshots, where police are then alerted.

He said the sensors can accurately detect gunshots within 80 feet of the tool.

Our type of surveillance is quite narrow. Were trying to figure out where guns are fired. Were not identifying people. Theres nothing personal in the surveillance that were detecting. Were not looking at age, sex, age or anything like that, he explained.

Clark said it would cost Seattle roughly $70,000 per year for every square mile to manage this technology.

We asked Clark if he had funded Harrells campaign in the past, who has been an advocate for the tool for at least 10 years.

The donations made to Mayor Harrells campaign in 2013 and 2014 were of relatively low quantities and simply reflected my personal and genuine support of Bruce as someone I have known over four decades. SoundThinking as a company and myself as a public company CEO since 2017 is not currently funding any of Mayor Harrells or any other local elected campaign efforts, Clark wrote in a statement.

EXPERT:

We also spoke with Frederick Rivara, a University of Washington professor of the firearm injury and policy research program, with more than 35 years of studying firearm injuries.

There is a huge problem of gun violence across the United States, including in Seattle. Weve seen increases in the last few years during the course of the epidemic, with increases in homicides and suicides, he said.

Rivara said many police departments across the nation are facing staffing shortages, and using the new technology could significantly help officers address gun violence in several communities.

I think the police dont have unlimited resources. So this is a way of using the resources in a limited number of police officers we have to the best effect, he said.

However, critics have shared concerns about how the tool would be used and how it could affect peoples privacy.

Critics have also shared concerns that the new technology could lead to over-policing in certain communities.

Rivara said he hopes police will use the tool responsibly.

I know theres been not only in this community but other communities across the country, where in particular Black men have been selected by police for increased surveillance. I hope that doesnt happen here. I think the police are a professional group of individuals and I hope they will deploy this in a way that is equitable across our communities to try to address our gun violence to the highest, Rivara said.

However, he stressed its just one tool that the police will have at their disposal to use. Its not the only tool they have. Its not the only tool our communities have.
Rep. George Santoss (R-N.Y.) former fundraiser admitted to impersonating a House leadership aide and charging donors credit cards without authorization while working for Santos, becoming the indicted congressmans second ex-aide to plead guilty.

Samuel Miele, 27, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to one count of wire fraud and stipulated to committing access device fraud, according to a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of New York, which is prosecuting the case.

Mieles guilty plea will likely exacerbate the pressure Santos is facing on Capitol Hill, where lawmakers from both parties have said the embattled freshman lawmaker should be expelled from office.

It could also compound Santoss legal jeopardy as he defends himself against 23 federal charges and denies any wrongdoing. Mieles admission of fraudulently charging credit cards seemingly overlaps with Santoss criminal charges, although it was not immediately clear whether Miele agreed to testify against the congressman.

Mieles sentencing is set for April 30, according to the U.S. attorneys office.

Santos has survived two expulsion votes this Congress, with each falling short of the two-thirds majority needed to oust a sitting lawmaker. Last month, 179 members  hailing from both sides of the aisle  voted to boot Santos from the chamber.

And it comes days before the House Ethics Committee is expected to release its final report in its investigation focused on Santos. The panel announced last month that it would reveal its next course of action in the probe on or before Nov. 17. It has been investigating Santos for months, looking into a number of allegations against the congressman.

Lawmakers have said they expect the report to be damning, and at least one New York Republican  Rep. Nick LaLota  is planning to force another vote on expelling Santos once the panel releases its work.

Santos has said that even if he is expelled from Congress, he will still run for his seat in 2024.

The Hill has reached out to Santos and his attorney for comment.

Prosecutors indicted Miele in August on four counts of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft for impersonating a top aide to a member of House leadership while soliciting donations for Santoss campaign.

Although the aides name isnt mentioned in charging documents, it appears to be the ex-chief of staff to former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.).

Prosecutors said Miele as part of his plea agreed to pay $109,171 in restitution, $69,136 in forfeiture and provide a separate payment of $470,000 to an unnamed contributor.

The defendant used fraud and deceit to steal more than one hundred thousand dollars from his victims, funneling this money into the campaign committees of candidates for the House, and into his own pockets, stated U.S. Attorney Breon Peace said in a statement. Defrauding potential political contributors undermines our democracy, and we will vigorously prosecute such conduct.

Mieles charges came roughly three months after Santos himself was indicted on accusations of misleading campaign donors, fraudulently receiving unemployment benefits and lying on financial disclosures.

Since Santoss indictment, his former campaign treasurer, Nancy Marks, took a plea deal, and prosecutors also unveiled a second set of charges against Santos, newly accusing him of inflating his campaign finance reports and charging donors credit cards without authorization.

The New York Republicans who forced a vote on Santoss expulsion last month cited Markss plea deal as the catalyst for their decision to move forward with trying to oust the lawmaker.

This story was updated at 3:12 p.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Have you received a notice for jury duty in the last year? Chances are good the answer is yes, and youre not alone.

If you received one recently, you also maybe have a better chance of getting called in and serving on a trial than during other times of the year.

Thats because there are currently more trials than average occurring at the courthouse as part of the annual holiday bump, San Luis Obispo County Assistant District Attorney Eric Dobroth told The Tribune.

After this current flurry, trial scheduling tends to slow down later in December, rise again in the new year and spring, and then slow down again during summer, he said.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dobroth said, there was a period of no trials and then a slowing of cases that went to trial.

Cases that were backlogged are now being tried.

Our office has been pushing to clear out many of the backlogged cases, starting with the most significant, Dobroth said.

Dobroth said that means working to get more trials on the schedule, which can be a challenge because there is a shortage of court reporters in the county.

Court reporters transcribe court hearings verbatim and are required for felony trials and preliminary hearings.

This has been a very significant issue for our county, he said.

Regardless of the court schedule, 1,690 people are called for jury duty each week in San Luis Obispo County, said Nikki Rodriguez, head of jury services at San Luis Obispo Superior Court.

The notices are sent out a month in advance to ensure a large enough pool of prospective jurors is available whether no trials or several are beginning in a given week.

Heres what to expect when youre called for jury duty.

What to do when you receive a jury summons

Anyone who receives a jury summons and is eligible to serve must start the process by calling 805-706-3610 after 5:30 p.m. the day before their service or visiting secure.slocourts.net/login, unless youve requested a postponement, excusal or other relief. If you ask to postpone, you will be directed to select another week you can serve.

If you are scheduled for jury service on a Monday, you can call or check the website anytime between 5:30 p.m. Friday and 7 a.m. Monday.

The prerecorded message will list prospective juror group numbers to confirm or change your time of appearance or put you on telephone standby.

If you are put on telephone standby, you will be asked to call again at a specific time for another message. You will need to call the recorded message daily for a maximum of five (5) working days.

If your group number is asked to appear at the San Luis Obispo Superior Courthouse, you will first report to Jury Services, located on the second floor and accessible from either the Monterey Street or Palm Street entrance.

Free juror parking is only available at the parking structure at 842 Palm St. across from the Palm Theatre. Jury Services will provide a coupon code with instructions when you appear.

Anyone who enters the courthouse must go through a security checkpoint. Patrons will be asked to empty their pockets and remove belts and place all belongings in a bin to be screened with an X-ray device.

Anything that is a weapon or can be used as a weapon is prohibited.

Once you check into Jury Services, you may be assigned to a courtroom, where the judge and attorneys will ask questions of prospective jurors. Youre jury service will end at the end of that day unless you are asked to continue being a part of jury selection or selected as a sworn or alternate juror in a trial.

According to California Courts, jurors selected for a trial will be paid $15 per day and at least 34 cents for each mile they travel to and from court starting the second day of their service. Selected jurors may also receive up to $12 per day if using public transit.

California law does not require people summoned for jury duty to report to the courthouse more than one per year unless they are selected for a trial.

So if you report to the courthouse, you wont be receiving another summons for at least 12 months. Those who receive summons but are not asked to report to the courthouse could receive a second summons in a 12-month span.

People may be excused from jury duty if they have no means of transportation, would have to travel an excessive distance to the courthouse, have a physical or mental impairment, provide care for a dependent and cannot afford to have someone cover for you, or if serving would be an extreme financial burden. The judge can also dismiss a prospective juror for other reasons, such as if they are a student or have a pre-paid vacation coming up during the trial window.
Ohio Department of Transportation

At least three people died and 15 others were injured after a charter bus carrying high school students and chaperones was rear-ended by a semi-truck on an Ohio highway on Tuesday. According to Licking County Emergency Management Agency Director Sean Grady, the crash took place just before 9 a.m. on I-70, and there were 57 passengers onboard. The cause of the accident remains unknown as of late Tuesday morning, but The Columbus Dispatch reviewed photographs from the scene and said that at least one other passenger vehicle was involved in the crash. The bus appears to be from Pioneer Trails, a family-owned bus business in Millersburg, Ohio. The Associated Press reported that the American Red Cross of Central and Southern Ohio addressed a request for more blood from one local hospital. Derek Varansky, the superintendent for Tuscarawas Valley Local Schools, wrote in a Facebook post that they were getting in touch with our Tusky Valley families who had loved ones on the bus and providing support to our entire school community.

Read it at The Columbus Dispatch

Read more at The Daily Beast.
Senate Democrats blocked a stand-alone Israel aid package led by Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., Tuesday after a lengthy debate on the chamber floor.

Marshall sought unanimous consent for the House's version of the package, which passed the lower chamber with bipartisan support Nov. 2 and would earmark $14.3 billion reallocated from funds meant for the IRS in President Bidens Inflation Reduction Act. Senators Marshall, Ted Cruz, JD Vance and Mike Lee introduced the Senate version last month.

But Democrats shot down the effort because the package does not include aid to Ukraine. A handful of Republican senators argued the two emergency aid packages should be split up and voted on separately.

"Though they spend three-fourths of the time telling us why we should fund Ukraine, no one will stand up and say we should not fund Israel now," Marshall said Tuesday in a press conference. "No one has an argument for that. They seem to be allergic to the word Israel.

"Bring the Ukraine funding to the floor. Let's vote on that."

GOP SENATORS INTRODUCE STAND-ALONE BILL TO AID ISRAEL WITHOUT MORE FUNDING TO UKRAINE

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

From left: GOP senators Ted Cruz, JD Vance, Roger Marshall and Mike Lee

Marshall has been leading the charge against President Biden's supplemental request to fund Israel, Ukraine, Taiwan and border security in one package. Instead, he's urging senators to rescind their support for the package and focus on each issue individually.

A majority of the GOP conference favors Israeli aid but remains divided on Ukraine support. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has previously voiced his support for a combined aid package.

During Marshall's remarks on the Senate floor requesting unanimous consent for the stand-alone legislation, he called the Ukraine conflict "a separate, unrelated conflict with no end in sight."

BIDEN ADMIN URGES MAJOR FUNDING INCREASES FOR AID TO UKRAINE, ISRAEL AND GAZA CIVILIANS

Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, a Marshall ally, argued lawmakers don't have to agree on Ukraine aid to push the Israel package on its own.

"What I find interesting about the folks who are here today is they represent a cross-section of opinion on the Ukraine question," Vance said Tuesday. "Even Sen. Schmitt and Sen. Lee, as much as we agree, we don't agree on every single permutation of how we address the Ukraine situation. What we do all agree on, though, is that the American people deserve a separate debate."

Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., called the combined aid package "putting on a bunch of unrelated issues to try to bootstrap Ukraine aid" amid a less controversial stance on supporting Israel.

Policemen stand guard as Israeli Jews pray in front of the Western Wall while attending a day of prayer in the Old City of Jerusalem Oct. 19, 2023.

Vance also said there are other ways to allot the $14 billion to Israel, "which is a very small amount of money in the United States federal budget."

Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, echoed Vance and Marshall and said the two regions are distinct with clear differences.

"We have to take into account that there are differences here," he said. "When you do evaluate each funding request on the basis of the individual merits of the conflict and question the needs of Israel and Ukraine, and for that matter, other areas in the world that have been beset by some conflicts, they're distinct and they're separate."

HOUSE GOP PASSES ISRAEL AID OFFSET BY IRS FUNDING CUTS

But Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., who chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee, was the first among several Democrats who objected to Marshall's motion and rallied continued support for both Ukraine and Israel.

"The global challenges we face are all connected, and they're all urgent," Murray said.

The bipartisan Israel aid bill passed the House in early November before being shot down by eight Senate Democrats as the bill made its way through.

Demonstrators attend an "emergency rally for Gaza" outside the Israeli Consulate in New York City Oct. 9, 2023.

Senate Democrats sunk the bill last week, citing a lack of Ukraine aid, as well as humanitarian aid, money to combat China's influence in the Indo-Pacific and border security funding.

Senate Democrats also attacked Republicans over the bill slashing IRS funding to pay for the Israeli aid, accusing them of slow-walking the aid by tying the IRS cuts to it.

Additionally, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said during a press briefing that President Biden would veto an Israel-only supplemental package if passed by Congress.

Fox News Digital's Adam Sabes and Houston Keene contributed reporting.





Original article source: Senate Democrats block bipartisan House Israel aid bill
On Monday afternoon, the Supreme Court announced each of its justices had signed a code of conduct.

Sen. Dick Durbin, the Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman, said it "falls short."

Earlier, Durbin criticized the high court, saying it shouldn't "have the lowest ethical standards."

The chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee said the Supreme Court's newly signed code of conduct  which lacks any enforcement mechanisms  "falls short of what we could and should expect."

Democratic Senator Dick Durbin, the committee's chair, made the statement in a Monday evening post to X hours after the high court announced the agreement.

"The Supreme Court has finally responded after years of refusing to act on ethics reform," Durbin said. "Its new code of conduct is a step, but it falls short of what we could and should expect from a code of conduct."

The Supreme Court's new code of conduct lays out a series of criteria for when justices should recuse themselves, when it's appropriate for them to attend events, and more.

Notably missing from the code of conduct are any consequences in the event a justice doesn't follow it. As Business Insider previously reported, the code of conduct is also seemingly toothless as the language used in it is strikingly softer, oftentimes replacing "should" where "shall" would typically be.

Durbin's critique of the Supreme Court isn't anything new. Following months of reports alleging ethical missteps by Justices Clarence Thomas, Sonia Sotomayor, and Samuel Alito, the senator repeatedly slammed the high court, saying it "should not have the lowest ethical standards."

Durbin and his Democratic colleagues in the Senate previously tried unsuccessfully to get Congress to impose a code of conduct onto the Supreme Court, facing backlash from Alito along the way.

"No provision in the Constitution gives them the authority to regulate the Supreme Court  period," Alito said in an interview with the Wall Street Journal in July.





Read the original article on Business Insider
Death toll of Palestinians in Gaza rises to 11,240: ministry

Xinhua) 13:33, November 14, 2023

People are seen among the rubble of buildings destroyed in an Israeli bombing at Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza Strip, on Nov. 13, 2023. The government media office in Gaza announced on Monday that the Palestinian death toll from Israeli attacks has risen to 11,240, while more than 28,000 others were injured. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

GAZA, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- The death toll of Palestinians has risen to 11,240 as a result of Israel's attacks on the Gaza Strip since Oct. 7, the Hamas-run government media office in Gaza said Monday.

At a press conference at the Al Shifa Medical Complex in Gaza City, the director general of the government media office Ismail Thawabta said the total deaths included 4,630 children and 3,130 women, while more than 28,000 others were injured.

He added that 41,120 housing units in the strip were completely destroyed by Israel's raids, while 94 government headquarters, 253 schools, 71 mosques, and 3 churches were also damaged.

The latest round of the Israel-Hamas conflict broke out on Oct. 7 when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, firing thousands of rockets and infiltrating the Israeli territory, while Israel responded with airstrikes, ground operations, and punitive measures that included a siege on the Gaza Strip.

The conflict has killed about 1,200 people in Israel, the majority of which from the Oct. 7 Hamas attack, according to Israeli authorities.

People are seen among the rubble of buildings destroyed in an Israeli bombing at Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza Strip, on Nov. 13, 2023. The government media office in Gaza announced on Monday that the Palestinian death toll from Israeli attacks has risen to 11,240, while more than 28,000 others were injured. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

People stand in front of a building destroyed in an Israeli bombing at Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza Strip, on Nov. 13, 2023. The government media office in Gaza announced on Monday that the Palestinian death toll from Israeli attacks has risen to 11,240, while more than 28,000 others were injured. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

Photo taken on Nov. 13, 2023 shows the rubble of buildings destroyed in an Israeli bombing at Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza Strip. The government media office in Gaza announced on Monday that the Palestinian death toll from Israeli attacks has risen to 11,240, while more than 28,000 others were injured. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

A boy stands among the rubble of buildings destroyed in an Israeli bombing at Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza Strip, on Nov. 13, 2023. The government media office in Gaza announced on Monday that the Palestinian death toll from Israeli attacks has risen to 11,240, while more than 28,000 others were injured. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

Photo taken on Nov. 13, 2023 shows the rubble of buildings destroyed in an Israeli bombing at Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza Strip. The government media office in Gaza announced on Monday that the Palestinian death toll from Israeli attacks has risen to 11,240, while more than 28,000 others were injured. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
London (CNN)  Britains beleaguered Prime Minister Rishi Sunak carried out a dramatic Cabinet reshuffle on Monday, firing his divisive home secretary and bringing back former premier David Cameron to the heart of government after a seven-year absence from politics.

The hardline Home Secretary Suella Braverman was fired early on Monday morning, after making inflammatory comments about the policing of pro-Palestinian protests in central London over the weekend. Her tenure was wrought with scandals and divisive remarks, which had long caused fractures in Sunaks government.

Sunak then announced he was bringing Cameron back to frontline politics as foreign secretary, in a stunning move that has few parallels in recent British political history.

Cameron served as prime minister from 2010 to 2016, resigning after Britain voted to leave the European Union in a referendum that he had called.

His premiership set the course of 13 years of Conservative rule, but the self-inflicted chaos of the Brexit referendum and its aftermath threw his party into years of instability from which it is still struggling to emerge.

Downing Street confirmed that James Cleverly, formerly the foreign secretary, will take over from Braverman, a shift that made space for Camerons remarkable return to Cabinet.

Braverman had served as Sunaks interior minister throughout his tenure in Downing Street, but her confrontational rhetoric towards migrants, protesters, the police and even the homeless had caused rifts in the government and sparked speculation that she was plotting a future leadership bid.

She most recently courted criticism by accusing Londons police force of applying double standards in the way they manage protests, in an op-ed in the Times of London newspaper condemning a pro-Palestinian march that Downing Street said had not been cleared by Sunak.

On Saturday, far-right counter-protesters clashed with police in central London after Braverman called the pro-Palestinian demonstration a hate march, stoking tensions around a rally taking place on Remembrance Sunday.

Bravermans comments on policing and her severe criticism of Saturdays pro-Palestinian rally were criticized by figures across the political spectrum.

You have a chance of inflaming both sides when you make such divisive remarks, Neil Basu, the former head of counter-terrorism policing in the UK, told the BBC on Monday morning. Making comments that are potentially divisive is a very dangerous thing to do no home secretary weve served under would have done the same thing.

Her departure from government comes as Sunaks party remains deeply unpopular among voters, with polls suggesting the Conservatives are drifting towards a potentially catastrophic electoral defeat next year.

Sunak has apparently gambled that bringing Cameron back into the fold would project a stability that has been missing from Westminster for some time. But it risks deepening a view among large swathes of the public that the party has run out of ideas.

Cameron resigned as an MP shortly after leaving Downing Street, meaning that King Charles was required to rapidly approve his ascension to the House of Lords on Monday in order for him to become a minister.

In recent decades, the move can only be compared to Alec Douglas-Home  prime minister for a year from 1963  who returned as foreign secretary in 1970 under Edward Heaths government.

The arrangement has led to questions over how Britains new foreign secretary will be held to account; it is virtually unheard of in modern politics for a very senior minister to sit in the Lords, and not in the Commons, where MPs operate.

I know its not usual for a prime minister to come back in this way but I believe in public service, Cameron told broadcasters in his first interview after taking the role.

Cameron makes stunning comeback

Cameron wrote on Monday that he gladly accepted Sunaks offer to become foreign secretary, but acknowledged criticisms he has made of the Prime Minister  such as when Sunak scrapped a long-awaited and expensive high speed rail project that Cameron had championed.

Though I may have disagreed with some individual decisions, it is clear to me that Rishi Sunak is a strong and capable Prime Minister, who is showing exemplary leadership at a difficult time, Cameron said.

His return to Cabinet is a staggering twist in an influential political career that had seemingly and abruptly ended seven years ago.

Cameron returned the Conservative Party to government in 2010 in a coalition with the centrist Liberal Democrats, having repaired the Tories then-broken image as an out-of-touch and antiquated political group.

He melded liberal social policies  pushing his party to approve the legalization of same-sex marriage  with austere economics, drastically cutting back the budgets of Britains public services and reducing the size of the state.

But Cameron stepped down after unsuccessfully campaigning to remain in the EU.

His appointment as foreign secretary suggests that the Tories experiment with populism  which first flourished during the Brexit campaign and captured the heart of the party during the tenures of Boris Johnson and Liz Truss  has been ditched in the run-up to next years general election.

Barely a month ago Sunak addressed the Conservative Party membership at their annual conference, describing himself as the change candidate and directly attacking aspects of his own partys past 13 years in office. He signaled that he was ready to lean into culture war politics on trans rights and climate change.

Now, two of his three most senior Cabinet posts are filled with moderate veterans of 21st century Conservatism  in Cameron and Jeremy Hunt, the Chancellor.

Cameron was ardently opposed to Brexit; despite calling the 2016 referendum to appease right-wingers in his party, he campaigned against the split from the EU and told The Times in 2019 that some people will never forgive me for holding the vote.

Unlike Braverman, neither Cleverly nor Cameron are likely to go off script and lash out at the police or protesters. It would be hard to imagine, for example, either man advocating for the UK to leave the European Convention on Human Rights so it can more easily send refugees to Rwanda - a key Braverman policy that courts have been blocking for months.

But Bravermans influence is unlikely to disappear. Sunak has made a powerful enemy of Braverman and handed ammunition to critics who will see today as confirmation of something theyd already suspected: that the Prime Minister is a centrist sellout who is more comfortable surrounded by other centrist Conservatives than pushing populism.

Braverman dismissed after string of controversies

Braverman has long been a controversial figure within the Conservative Party. She has attempted to excite the groups right-wing grassroots with populist messaging, and become the face of Britains hardline stance against asylum-seekers and illegal immigrants, but her rhetoric and controversy-ridden tenure in government has appalled many moderate members of the party.

Days before her comments on Saturdays protest deepened discord between her office and the police, she claimed in a post on the social media platform X that rough sleepers were living on the streets as a lifestyle choice, and advocated a policy to stop homeless people accessing tents.

Sunak had insisted as recently as Thursday that he had confidence in Braverman. But his spokesperson said Monday that there were issues around language that emerged over the course of their working relationship, as well as differences of style.

Its right that we can move forward now and focus on what matters to people, his spokesperson said.

Sunak is understood to have spoken with Braverman over the phone on Monday morning after taking the decision to fire her.

But her dismissal sets up a potential power battle at the top of the ruling party, pitching Britain towards yet another spell of political infighting and instability.

While a leadership challenge against Sunak would be a dramatic risk for a party that has already cycled through five prime ministers in seven years, there is a growing murmur of discontent in its ranks at Sunaks inability to reverse the Conservatives fortunes.

Alternatively, Braverman may be eyeing a run for leadership after the impending general election, expected late next year, should the Conservatives lose power to the buoyant opposition Labour Party.

But even in that scenario, Braverman will be expected to use the coming months to position herself as a radical alternative to Sunak  a pitch that could complicate the prime ministers electoral campaign in the new year.

Monday marks the second time in just over a year that Braverman has been sacked as home secretary. She served in the post for six weeks during Liz Trusss shambolic premiership last year, before resigning for breaching ministerial rules by using a private email address.

But she was back in the same position just days later; her resignation sparked Trusss downfall, and her successor Sunak speedily reinstated her after seizing power.

Under Sunak, Braverman spearheaded a heavily publicised push to clamp down on small boat crossings made by asylum-seekers. The governments flagship illegal migration bill, approved by MPs earlier this year, would essentially hand the government the right to deport anyone arriving illegally in the United Kingdom.

She is an equally furious culture warrior, borrowing rhetoric from the American right when lambasting woke culture, transgender rights and climate protesters.

Her frequent headline-snatching remarks have given ammunition to the governments critics. Last week, after Sunaks government unveiled its plan for the new session of Parliament, opposition leader Keir Starmer told Sunak in the House of Commons to think very carefully about what she is committing your government to do.

Without a serious home secretary, there can be no serious government and he cannot be a serious prime minister, Starmer said.

This story was first published on CNN.com, "Suella Braverman, Britains hardline home secretary, fired as ex-PM David Cameron makes surprise return to government"
The Senate Rules Committee voted along party lines Tuesday to advance a resolution that would allow Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) to confirm more than 350 military promotions being held up by Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) in a single package.

The resolution, however, would not apply to nominees to the Joint Chiefs of Staff or commanders nominated to lead combatant commands.

The Rules panels 9-7 vote means Schumer can bring the resolution to the Senate floor, but it needs 60 votes to pass.

One member of the Senate, the senior senator from Alabama, has defied long-standing Senate custom and prevented the swift bipartisan confirmation of hundreds of generals and flag officers, Schumer, a member of the Rules Committee, said before the vote. What Sen. Tuberville [is doing] is truly an anomaly that does much harm and requires a response.

Schumer added, If my Republican colleagues cant convince Sen. Tuberville to relent, I will bring it to the floor shortly for a vote.

We need to get these military nominees confirmed ASAP for the sake of our national security, he said.

Top Stories from The Hill

Even though Republican senators are growing exasperated over Tubervilles nine-month hold on hundreds of military nominees to protest the Pentagons abortion policy, theyre not ready to vote for a resolution to change Senate procedure for the rest of the 118th Congress.

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.), who also sits on the Rules Committee, said he opposes the Pentagons policy of paying the travel expenses of service members who cross state lines to obtain abortions but reiterated that he does not support Tubervilles holds.

As Ive said for months now, our colleague from Alabamas response is not, not, the way to reach the desired outcome he and I share. In fact, its created a nearly unprecedented situation for the Senate to address, McConnell said.

Nevertheless, the GOP leader voted with other Republicans against the resolution.

He said productive discussions about reaching a deal with Tuberville are ongoing and Im of the mind that we ought to allow them to continue.

He said he would oppose the resolution at this particular moment, reserving the option of supporting the resolution later this year.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Oklahoma Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin faced social media mockery after challenging a hearing witness to a fight and standing up to take him on before being talked down by Bernie Sanders.

Mr Mullin, a former mixed martial arts fighter, got into a heated argument with the President of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Sean OBrien on Tuesday that was close to becoming physical.

Mr Sanders, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, and a two-time Democratic presidential nominee runner-up, stepped in and admonished Mr Mullin.

The 82-year-old Mr Sanders, an independent US Senator from Vermont, was leading a hearing centred around how unions can help working families.

Mr Mullin read a tweet posted by Mr OBrien in June in which the union boss called the senator a clown and a fraud before going on to say that he pretends like hes self-made.

In reality, just a clown & fraud. Always has been, always will be. Quit the tough guy act in these senate hearings. You know where to find me. Anyplace, Anytime cowboy, he wrote at the time.

Sir, this is a time, this is a place. You want to run your mouth, we can be two consenting adults, we can finish it here, Mr Mullin told Mr OBrien during the hearing.

Okay, thats fine. Perfect, the union leader responded.

You want to do it now? Stand your butt up then, the Oklahoma senator said, standing up.

Hold it. No, no, no, sit down. Sit down! Youre a United States senator, sit down, Mr Sanders said.

Senator Mullin stands and tries to fight labor leader at committee hearing: Stand your butt up. (US Congress)

As the bickering carried on, the chairman added: Excuse me, hold it. Senator Mullin, I have the mic. If you have questions on any economic issues, anything that was said, go for it. Were not here to talk about physical abuse.

Mr Mullin faced online mockery after almost coming to blows with the union boss.

Women are too emotional to hold public office, podcast host Allison Gill wrote on X.

Ben Collins of NBC News simply wrote: Normal stuff, normal country!

The widely followed Angry Staffer account added: Senator Mullin hid under a chair on January 6, but hes real tough when he knows nobody is going to let him fight a witness.

The Rightwing Watch watchdog noted that Last month, Sen. Markwayne Mullin told a group of religious-right activists that as a Christian, he is called to love his political opponents: Even if you disagree with me, I still love you, I still respect you.

Last month, Sen. Markwayne Mullin told a group of religious-right activists that as a Christian, he is called to love his political opponents: "Even if you disagree with me, I still love you, I still respect you." https://t.co/I4UheT4Nqf pic.twitter.com/YmFdI5fwEm  Right Wing Watch (@RightWingWatch) November 14, 2023

Former Hillary Clinton and Pete Buttigieg strategist Jennifer Holdsworth tweeted out a reminder that big time coward @SenMullin hid in fear from the insurrectionists he helped foment. Hes a disgrace to the Senate and to the country.

A reminder that big time coward @SenMullin hid in fear from the insurrectionists he helped foment. Hes a disgrace to the Senate and to the country. https://t.co/LjTdj0exnA pic.twitter.com/XfGqj2oPlq  Jennifer Holdsworth (@HoldsworthJen) November 14, 2023

Kevin McCarthy pushes into a colleague who voted against keeping him as speaker. Now this from a GOP Senator. Dont tell me Trump isnt normalizing violence in our civil discourse. This is how it starts, Joyce Alene said.

Mr OBrien appeared on CNN on Tuesday afternoon, where he was asked if he was concerned that his tussle may have drawn attention away from the real issues being discussed.

Not at all. I mean, we had some great dialogue about issues that affect working people about organizing collective bargaining  unionizing America, he responded. And there was a lot of different opinions, a lot of different debate. And it was great until Markwayne Mullin  obviously we're renting space in his head  decided to erupt.

You know, we do have a lot of differences of opinions on both sides. But the one thing that's clear is that today's dialogue outside of what happened was fruitful, productive, and the one thing we've been doing as a teamsters union, I do represent 1.3 million members and I do it in the best interest of my members ... reaching across the aisle to find common ground on issues that can help working people throughout America. And we're going to continue to do that.

Unfortunately today, Mark chose to not act like a US senator and he's gonna have to pay the consequences for that, Mr OBrien said.

The Independent has reached out to the office of Mr Mullin for comment.
Sean OBrien, head of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, was serving as a witness before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee on Tuesday for a hearing focused on how labor unions are improving the lives of working families.

But the hearing took a turn when Mullin, after reading aloud the union leaders tweets calling the senator a clown and a fraud, challenged OBrien to a fight on the spot.

Sir, this is a time, this is a place. You want to run your mouth, we can be two consenting adults, we can finish it here, Mullin said from the hearing room dais.

OK, thats fine. Perfect, OBrien shot back.

You want to do it now? Mullin, a former mixed martial arts fighter, asked. Stand your butt up then.

You stand your butt up, OBrien retorted.

Mullin, who is 46 years old, stood as if he was preparing to spring into the middle of the hearing room to trade blows with the Teamster.

At that point, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), who heads the committee, tried to take control of the hearing.

Hold it. No, no, no, sit down. Sit down! Youre a United States senator, sit down, Sanders yelled while banging the gavel to restore order in the room.

The back and forth marked the latest clash between Mullin and OBrien.

The pair feuded at a March hearing when OBrien called Mullin, who previously owned a plumbing company, a greedy CEO, and Mullin told the union official to shut his mouth.

The Hills Alex Bolton has the details here.
A senior Republican congressman told Fox News Digital he felt sickened after viewing footage of Palestinian terror organization Hamas' Oct. 7 surprise terror attacks that killed 1,200 Israeli citizens.

California Republican Rep. Darrell Issa spoke with Fox News Digital over the phone after viewing the footage with most of his congressional colleagues.

Issa said the "vast majority" of congressional lawmakers were in the Cannon Caucus Room to view the footage. The congressman noted that there were "over 300" people in attendance, which led to the screening being "standing room only."

CLEARLY IRANSS WAR WITH ISRAEL': GOP CONGRESSMAN TRAVELINGI N MIDDLE EAST WARNS OF SUSTAINED CONFLICT

Rep. Darrell Issa spoke with Fox News Digital over the phone after viewing the footage with the majority of his congressional colleagues.

The senior House Foreign Affairs Committee Republican said the footage of "uniformed, military Hamas and civilian-dressed Hamas" killing "unarmed civilians" made him sick.

"I've seen decapitation and I've seen just beating, and beating on both dead and alive bodies," Issa said. "And quite frankly, I'm just sick to my stomach."

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Issa said he believes the "most important detail" was the multiple sources of the footage. Some videos came from terrorists' own social media posts, but most were from body camera footage and cellphone footage recorded by Hamas.

"I mean, the details. And you can hear it, but when you see it, it's like visiting Auschwitz or Birkenau, except it's still going on visually," Issa said.

Since the Oct. 7 attacks  during which Issa was in the Middle East  antisemitic hate crimes have been on the rise, as well as protests against Israel. Videos of protesters ripping down posters of Israelis who have been kidnapped by Hamas have gone viral online since the attacks.

Since the Oct. 7 attacks  during which Issa was in the Middle East  antisemitic hate crimes have dramatically increased, according to the Anti-Defamation League. Protests against Israel have also intensified, and there are numerous viral videos of protesters ripping down posters of Israelis who have been kidnapped by Hamas.

"I respect people's rights to protest for the things that they think are unfair," Issa said. "This isn't one of them."

"Gaza was not occupied. This was not a resistance within Gaza, but rather a deliberate attack on civilians over the border," he continued.

Issa said the situation is one of "two separate things" and that we "can talk about the unfairness of the Palestinians not having a country of their own." But those discussions should be separate from condemnation of what was shown to members of Congress, Issa said.

Issa said he believes the "most important detail" is that there are "so many sources" of the footage, noting some videos come from terrorists' own social media posts but are primarily from body camera and cellphone footage recorded by Hamas.

The videos depicted "the unprovoked slaughter of civilians, a degree of inhumanity that you usually think for the machete world of elsewhere, but not in an area where education and opportunity is available the way it is for the Palestinians in Gaza," Issa said.

The California Republican said he believes the House "did the right thing" by passing the Israel aid bill "overwhelmingly" earlier this month, a bill that paid for aid by slashing the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) funding.

Issa blasted President Biden as well, saying the president is "not complaining about the offset as much as he's complaining about it not being in two other areas."

"I don't think anything could be less appropriate. You know, funding for Ukraine and the ongoing war there, which is a military-on-military war primarily, is something I support. But supporting two fronts against two aggressors doesn't have to be combined. And, you know, I think the Senate is being petty, I think the president's being extremely petty."

Issa said the Constitution is "very clear" on the House's job to appropriate and that they have done that job while trying "to do it in a responsible way by finding funds that are less important."

"And right now, we're making them available," Issa said. "And I don't think there's anything wrong with that. I've supported every package for Israel since I've been here, this one is no exception."

The White House did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.





Original article source: Senior GOP congressman felt 'sick' after viewing footage of Hamas attacks in closed-door briefing
A senior Police Scotland detective has been charged in connection with domestic abuse offences.

BBC Scotland News understands the male officer is a detective chief inspector and has worked on sexual offences and domestic abuse cases in the past.

He has been suspended by the force.

In a statement Police Scotland said a 46-year-old man had been arrested and charged in connection with domestic abuse offences. A report has been sent to the procurator fiscal.
Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall says the Sentinel ICBM program is "struggling" and keeping it on track will "cost money."

Secretary of the U.S. Air Force Frank Kendall says that the development of the future LGM-35A Sentinel nuclear-armed intercontinental ballistic missile, or ICBM, is "struggling" and that additional costs are emerging. Kendall also said that he viewed the Sentinel program, which is set to include massive infrastructure improvements and other work beyond the LGM-35As themselves, as one of the biggest and most complex efforts his service has ever undertaken and one where failure is not an option.

Kendall made his remarks about the LGM-35A program during a public event that the Center for a New American Security (CNAS) think tank in Washington, D.C. hosted yesterday. The stated plan to date has been for Sentinels to start replacing the Air Force's existing LGM-30G Minuteman III ICBMs, 400 of which are currently deployed in silos spread across five states, in the 2030s.

An infrared image of an LGM-30G Minuteman III ICBM taken during a routine test launch. USAF

As of December 2022, the Pentagon estimated the total cost to acquire the full planned complement of LGM-35A missiles and do the other associated infrastructure work to be around $100 billion, according to an official Selected Acquisition Report released earlier this year. In the past, the projected cost to operate and maintain the Sentinels through to the end of the system's expected lifecycle in the 2070s has also been pegged at $264 billion .

The Air Force's top civilian official also said yesterday he was "cautiously optimistic" about the B-21 Raider stealth bomber program staying on schedule and meeting current cost targets. The initial pre-production Raider just took to the sky for the first time last week and is now set to start developmental flight testing, as you can read more about here .

The B-21 flies overhead during its first flight on November 10, 2023. Uncredited

"My advice to political appointees I've worked with for decades has been: never say something positive about a program that's in development. They all have risk," Kendall said. "There is a good chance that whatever program it is, no matter how well it's done to date, it's gonna get in trouble in the future."

"I'm fairly optimistic comparatively about the B-21," he continued. "Sentinel, I think is quite honestly struggling a little bit."

Kendall is an Air Force veteran and career U.S. government bureaucrat, but has also spent time working in the private sector. This includes consulting for Northrop Grumman, which is the prime contractor for both the B-21 and the LGM-35A. As a result, he has recused himself from decisions regarding either program to help avoid any accusations of impropriety. This also limits what he can say about them, though he was able to elaborate to a degree on the issues facing Sentinel.

"There are unknown unknowns that are surfacing that are affecting the [Sentinel] program," the Air Force Secretary said. "It's been a very long time since we did an ICBM."

The first of the Air Force's existing LGM-30Gs entered service in 1970, but were still based on the core Minuteman design that was developed in the 1950s. The Air Force had developed and fielded a new ICBM, the LGM-118A Peacekeeper , in the 1970s and 1980s. However, those missiles were removed from service in 2005 as a result of arms control agreements between the United States and Russia.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHlYc_MzvLk

"Sentinel is one of the most large [sic], complex programs I've ever seen," Kendall added. "It's probably the biggest thing, in some ways, that the Air Force has ever taken on because it's a vast real estate development/civil engineering program, [and] a fairly vast communications, command and control Program, as well as of course the missile itself."

The Sentinel program also has to "go into all those complex real estate/deployment [questions] ... the missile fields, plus the launch control complexes, etc, all the command and control infrastructure," he explained. "We had to go assess all that to see what might need to be replaced and how hard that job was going to be."

A graphic depicting the general configuration of a typical Minuteman III silo, which is formally called a launch facility. USAF

"So, as we get more into the program, as we understand more deeply what we are actually going to have to do we're finding some things that are going to cost money," he continued. "There's no question about that."

A rendering of a future Sentinel silo, which also highlights that much of the facility is expected to be entirely new. Northrop Grumman

Kendall declined to provide more explicit details due to his recusal. However, the unclassified version of the Fiscal Year 2022 Selected Acquisition Report for Sentinel says there were no major technical risks to the program, at least officially, as of the end of last year. Instead, concerns about schedule delays, and by extension cost increases, were linked to economic and other factors.

"Sentinel is experiencing schedule pressures due to macroeconomic factors affecting the industrial base because of [the] COVID-19 [pandemic]. Volatility in the supply chain is causing increasing lead times for parts and components that are extending to commodities," according to the report. "These pressures eliminated margin or pushed forecasted major program events dates past their baseline."

The report also cited recruiting challenges and efforts to expand the available "talent pool," issues that speak to Kendall's comments about the complexities that just come from the United States not having designed or built a new ICBM in decades.

As a result, "Sentinel is actively engaged with resolving identified risks and is conducting a schedule assessment," the Selected Acquisition Report says.

It is worth noting here that the Air Force considered, but ultimately rejected the possibility of acquiring one of a number of potentially lower-cost alternatives to the LGM-35A. These options included a siloed version of the U.S. Navy's proven Trident II submarine-launched ballistic missile, as well as a new smaller missile with intercontinental range or a design based at least in part on an existing commercial space launch rocket . The service also explored launchers positioned at the bottom of lakes or in tunnels as alternatives to loading Sentinels into existing silos, and therefore obviating the need to upgrade them, but decided against those basing concepts. You can read more about all of this, and the Air Force's justifications as they are known, here .

The US Navy's Ohio class nuclear ballistic missile submarine USS Rhode Island fires a Trident II missile during a test. USN

There are no indications currently that the U.S. government might be inclined to cancel Sentinel due to potential schedule delays or cost growth, or any other reasons. America's main potential nuclear opponents, China and Russia, are pushing ahead with their own new IBCM programs , as well as other nuclear modernization efforts.

The Pentagon currently estimates that the Chinese have around 350 ICBMs of various types , in total. Some of these are now believed to be loaded into new sprawling silo fields in various parts of the country, which are also viewed as indicative of China moving to a so-called launch on warning deterrence posture . This refers to a preparedness to launch a nuclear retaliatory strike in response to an enemy nuclear strike, but before any of those incoming warheads detonate.

Road-mobile transporter-erector-launchers for the DF-41, China's newest IBCM, on parade. Kyodo via AP

The Chinese military may even be considering acquiring a new conventionally-armed IBCM capability, which presents its own unique concerns for the United States. In addition, the U.S. military assesses that China's overall nuclear stockpile has significantly grown and is continuing to do so, with more than 500 warheads now and as many as 1,000 by 2030.

"We have to do them," Kendall said yesterday about Sentinel and B-21. "Somebody asked me about being willing to fail on programs. I said, well, there are some programs you cannot fail on. ... Both of these [are] part of the triad of programs we must succeed in getting through."

How much more it will ultimately cost and how much extra time it might take to keep Sentinel on track in the face of the emerging "unknown unknowns" remains to be seen.

Contact the author: joe@thedrive.com
Editors note: Reality Check is a Star series holding those in power to account and shining a light on their decisions. Have a suggestion for a future story? Email tips@kcstar.com.

The Shawnee City Council fired City Manager Doug Gerber on Monday because he failed to disclose that several employees had received an email with a sexually explicit video of him masturbating.

The council voted to terminate Gerbers contract for cause, in a voice vote with no opposition. Gerber has held the top leadership position since March with a $190,000 annual salary, plus perks. Gerbers contract states his termination with cause does not require the city to pay severance.

Gerber had been on paid leave since the start of this month.

We will have closure soon with City Manger Gerber, and we will move forward and find someone to lead this organization better very soon, Councilman Kurt Knappen told The Star in a recent email. I would ask the public to be patient while we figure this out and select the right person. We will stabilize things in Shawnee and get things on the right path, and I am committed to ensuring this happens.

Monday night was the third time the council has met in closed session to discuss Gerbers employment after learning of the graphic video that has roiled City Hall since it was received by employees more than a month ago. Council members agreed that Gerber had an obligation to inform them that several employees were sent the video attached to an email from an outside account.

Gerber answers to the City Council.

Gerber did not personally send the video to employees. It was emailed to some staff on Sept. 29 by an anonymous third party who, in recent emails with The Star, said they wanted to reveal Gerbers online behavior.

Gerber could claim victim status under a state law that says its illegal to disseminate videos and photos of an identifiable person engaging in sexual activity without consent.

A spokesman with the Johnson County Sheriffs Office told The Star in an email that, we would not identify whether or not someone requested an investigation or if an individual was a victim in a current investigation.

But Gerbers wife, Michele, reportedly told The Shawnee Mission Post in an email that the sheriffs office is investigating the incident, which she characterized as a criminal scam.

Michele Gerber did not respond to The Stars request for comment last week.

Earlier this month, a few council members called for a special meeting one day after The Star filed a Kansas Open Records Act request of emails related to the incident and any subsequent investigations. The Stars request is how multiple council members and the mayor said they learned of the incident a month after it happened.

While an extremely unfortunate result, we were left with no choice, as once the video was disseminated to city servers, Mr. Gerber had an obligation to inform us of its existence, Councilwoman Tammy Thomas said in a previous statement. He chose not to, leading the council to learn about it through other means a full month later. This is inexcusable.

The city subsequently denied The Stars request to view the records, saying it is a personnel matter.

At that meeting, the council placed Gerber on paid leave. And during another special meeting last week, the council appointed Public Works Director Doug Whitacre to serve as interim city manager.

It is unclear when or where the video was taken. Gerber has declined to provide details about how it came about, telling The Star at City Hall earlier this month, I think its not in the citys best interest right now to comment.

After the video was emailed, a Shawnee information technology employee sent a staff-wide email, obtained by The Star, saying the message had gotten through the citys email filter because it was a standard video file from a generic outside account. The account was blocked. The staff-wide email said the video was sent by a disturbed individual trying to cause issues with the city.

The Stars Eric Adler contributed to this report.
Kelsey Hatchers doctors have been monitoring a pregnancy unlike any they have witnessed. Hatcher is now 34 weeks pregnant and expecting healthy fraternal twin girls next month. (Getty Images) (Getty Images)

When Kelsey Hatcher visited her obstetrician for an ultrasound this year, she smiled when an image of a healthy fetus appeared on the screen.

Before leaving, Hatcher asked the nurse for further examination. Hatcher had been born with a second uterus, and she wanted the nurse to check on the health of that one, too.

Subscribe to The Post Most newsletter for the most important and interesting stories from The Washington Post.

The nurse at the University of Alabama at Birmingham's hospital spread gel on the opposite side of Hatcher's abdomen and went over it with the wand. They couldn't believe what they saw on the screen.

Another fetus was growing in Hatcher's second uterus. One in 1 million women become pregnant with two fetuses in separate uteruses, according to Richard Davis, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist treating Hatcher.

Since that May appointment, Hatcher's doctors have been monitoring a pregnancy unlike any they have witnessed. Hatcher, 32, is now 34 weeks pregnant and expecting healthy fraternal twin girls next month.

She told The Washington Post that she and her husband, Caleb, are still wrapping their heads around the rarity of her situation.

"I don't know that we'll actually fully grasp the reality of it until they're both here," Hatcher said.

When Hatcher was a teenager in November 2008, she said doctors in Birmingham discovered that she had been born with two uteruses and two cervices - a condition called uterus didelphys that occurs in about 0.3 percent of women, Davis said. Doctors warned Hatcher that she would face a heightened risk for miscarriages and premature births because of the disorder, Hatcher said. At the time, Hatcher barely thought about the implications, thinking she wouldn't become pregnant in the immediate future.

But in 2016, she became pregnant with a girl that she and Caleb welcomed early the next year. That baby, and her next two children, were born near their due dates without complications.

Hatcher said she didn't plan to have more children. But when she unexpectedly became pregnant in March, she and Caleb tried to be optimistic about their ability to raise four kids.

When she was eight weeks pregnant in May, Hatcher went to her first ultrasound appointment at the hospital. Hatcher was relieved when the nurse initially found only one fetus in her right uterus. But when the nurse looked at the left one, she discovered the twin.

Hatcher said she couldn't believe the news and started laughing. The nurse called obstetrician Shweta Patel, who reviewed the images multiple times until she became certain there was a fetus in each of Hatcher's uteruses.

Patel said that many women with two uteruses have only one fully developed and functional uterus. She said Hatcher's eggs likely traveled through separate fallopian tubes and into the different uteruses.

About 16 weeks into her pregnancy, Hatcher felt both fetuses kicking simultaneously. She and Caleb joked that the girls were fighting each other. Otherwise, Hatcher said the pregnancy has been similar to her previous three.

But around 28 weeks into her pregnancy, Hatcher began thinking about the possibility of upcoming challenges. Each uterus could contract at different times, meaning the babies could arrive hours, days or weeks apart. If one baby is born before the other, Hatcher said she will likely undergo a Caesarean section to give birth to the second twin within a few days.

At almost every doctor's appointment, Hatcher said medical experts remind her that they have not overseen this type of pregnancy. Hatcher's doctors said that her fetuses are developing at a similar and healthy pace. But because they can't lean on experience, they are handling Hatcher's pregnancy much like a twin pregnancy.

"This is such a rare thing that we don't have a lot of guidance," Patel said.

Hatcher said she and Caleb are saving money to buy a house with at least five bedrooms and a van that can fit five booster seats. The couple will give the new babies names that start with an R to match the names of their other children - 6-year-old Raelynn, 4-year-old River and 1-year-old Rhemy.

The babies' due date is on Christmas, but Hatcher hopes they'll arrive sooner so the family can celebrate the holiday at their Dora, Ala., house. While Hatcher originally expected to have three children, she's looking forward to watching her five kids grow up together.

At the same time, Hatcher said she's trying not to fixate on how unusual her pregnancy is.

"If I let myself dwell on it too much, it can be overwhelming and scary," Hatcher said. "But I just try to focus on the positive and know that I'm in the best of hands in our area, and things will turn out great."

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Editor's note: TCPalm Opinion editor and columnist Laurence Reisman has followed this case since the spring of 2022, facing numerous roadblocks for public records and interviews in the process. This is the first in a series of columns.

Never give up.

Its a theme in the lives of Thailand natives Supee Spindler, 71, and her mentally disabled daughter, Nisarat Jittasonthi, 49.

While not an uncommon theme, relatively few people are challenged by the disturbing chain of events involving federal agents that unraveled the lives of the successful owner of a therapeutic massage business in Vero Beach, Florida, and her daughter in early 2021.

After many years apart while Jittasonthi lived with her aunt in Asia, Spindler brought her daughter to the United States in 2014. Joining them was Spindlers other daughter, Supaporn Poi Naknukool, 41. With a doctorate degree in biochemistry, Naknukool worked at food science companies in Fellsmere and Deerfield Beach before returning to Thailand to raise her own family in late 2019.

Thats when Spindler and Jittasonthi moved into a new, $400,000 home west of Vero Beach. Spindler came to the United States in 2006 with Christian missionary Bob Spindler, her husband, who died in 2012. A teacher, then licensed masseuse in Thailand, Supee Spindler attended college in Port St. Lucie to get her license in Florida before starting her own business in 2009.

She was living the American dream, working as a U.S. citizen while trying to help Jittasonthi get acclimated to the United States by having her do tasks around the business, such as putting linens on massage tables. Spindler also tried to get her daughter English lessons and put her in adult education programs.

From left, Nisarat Jittasonthi and Supaporn Naknukool, Supee Spindler's daughters, and Naknukool's boyfriend, Kuanmongkol Patumarat, right, flank Spindler in an undated picture taken at Squid Lips in Sebastian.

Beginning of a nightmare

It wasnt easy, as Jittasonthi, who Thai officials said in 2015 suffered from five disabilities, struggled to learn English. It was tough to find places where her daughter, who a U.S. doctor said communicates in Thai like a 3- to 6-year-old, could socialize with others, Spindler said.

Spindler brought dolls, posters and flashcards into her home to help Jittasonthi, who also has a speech impediment. Eventually, she learned to write her name in English.

Their nightmare began in 2021.

Her daughter was taken: No charges, feds mum. Court stymies Vero Beach woman's efforts to see daughter

Vero Beach police said a woman speaking limited English appeared in their lobby that Feb. 19, claiming she had worked at Spindlers Thai House of Therapeutic Massage and was concerned Spindler may have been taking advantage of and possibly struck an intellectually disabled employee.

The woman gave police letters she said were handwritten in Thai by Jittasonthi. The letters described abuse of Jittasonthi by Spindler, the complainant said.

Three days later, police were contacted by an official with the Thai Community Development Center in Los Angeles, claiming the former employee had sent the center similar notes alleging verbal and physical abuse of Jittasonthi. Among the complaints: Spindler held Jittasonthis passport and ID, police said.

That Feb. 24, community development center officials said the letters sent to Los Angeles suggested "possible labor trafficking, police said.

Mother, daughter separated for more than a year

None of the initial police reports noted Jittasonthi was Spindlers daughter or her mother was her caretaker.

Vero Beach police contacted Homeland Security Investigations. On Feb. 25, law enforcement officials showed up at Spindlers business.

Jittasonthi answered the door, police said, adding, She was crying and visibly upset.

Without her mother present, police put her on the phone with an official from the Thai Center in Los Angeles. Then Jittasonthi was taken by police to housing arranged by Catholic Charities in West Palm Beach, police said.

More than a year later, Spindler told me she had not seen her daughter in person since and no one would let her know where her daughter was.

I started looking into the case in March 2022 after receiving an email from one of Spindler's clients. The story he relayed sounded too outrageous to have happened in this country.

The next month, Spindler told me she was shocked by the complaint made by a Thai woman she tried to help by giving a job, but had to let go because of licensing issues. Spindler cooperated with authorities, allowing them to search her home and business, records show.

How did this happen? Supee Spindler explains how police took her mentally disabled daughter in 2021

Business owner doggedly tries to find daughter

A column I wrote at the time noted Spindler had hired three Vero Beach attorneys  Andrew Metcalf, Julia Graves and Jimmy Benincasa  in an effort to cooperate with authorities and bring her daughter home.

Metcalf, a criminal defense attorney, represented Spindler during investigations by the Florida Department of Children and Families and Homeland Security.

None of (the allegations) had any basis in truth, Metcalf said, adding Spindler was nothing but cooperative. (Investigators) thought they had something, but they had nothing.

No charges ever were filed.

Spindler was dogged in trying to get her daughter back.

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In April 2021, Spindler said she got several calls from a woman identifying herself as a case worker from Catholic Charities in West Palm Beach. Spindler got to speak with her daughter, who said she was in a room by herself with a TV, washer, dryer, four sets of outfits and a thin blanket. She was provided three meals a day and could leave the room only to throw out garbage, according to notes provided by Spindler. Jittasonthi told her mother authorities said she'd have to remain there for six months.

The case worker, Spindler said, reported Catholic Charities would get Jittasonthi disability benefits. Spindler told the worker she was more interested in getting her daughter quality of life with family, and she would cover Jittasonthi's expenses.

Spindler was able to, through a Catholic Charities facility in Vero Beach, send personal items and cash to her daughter's case worker to buy Jittasonthi food, a doll house and CBD oil she used to stem seizures. Spindler also sent money so the caseworker could take Jittasonthi to a Thai restaurant and to a hair salon.

In June, Jittasonthi told Spindler on the phone she decided to live with the charity. They'd be able to find her a job and make "easy money," Spindler said, suspicious of who told her daughter to say that.

In early August 2021, the case worker said she would no longer be in touch with Spindler.

Reality of child trafficking victims: 'Sound of Freedom' misleads audiences about the horrible reality of human trafficking

Lawyer: 'It's like the shell under the coconut.'

Later that month, Graves filed a lawsuit seeking to get the Department of Children and Families (DCF) and Catholic Charities to return Jittasonthi. The attorney alleged that the agencies unlawfully detained Jittasonthi and deprived her of her freedom for invalid and illegal reasons.

DCF responded it did not have her, adding that investigations into abuse claims were not substantiated."

Catholic Charities admitted housing Jittasonthi, reporting she did not want to return to her mother.

In December 2021, Circuit Judge Janet Croom dismissed the case, saying she did not have jurisdiction because Jittasonthi was in Palm Beach County. Graves then tried to file a similar case in Palm Beach, but learned Jittasonthi was no longer there.

Its like the shell under the coconut, Graves said in April 2022 of authorities efforts to move Spindler's daughter then not tell anyone where she was.

Before she was taken, Benincasa tried to help Spindler get Jittasonthi back to Thailand for social services and to spend time with her brother and sister before returning to the United States.

By mid-2022, Spindler had spent tens of thousands of dollars  part of savings she hoped eventually would support Jittasonthi  on legal fees, private investigators and other expenses.

She had contacted her state and federal representatives, none of whom could help her find her daughter.

Supee Spindler, owner of the Thai House of Therapeutic Massage in Vero Beach, looks through items in her daughter's room on Tuesday, April 5, 2022. In February 2021, Spindler's daughter, Nisarat Jittasonthi, was taken from her after she was accused of human trafficking and has not seen her daughter in over a year. No criminal charges have been brought against Spindler.

I spoke with some of the several thousand customers Spindler said she and her employees have served over the years.

She is a sweet lady, Steve Schwartz said of Spindler, adding shes an excellent massage therapist. Shes always there to help and share and give to people who are not feeling well.

It doesnt make sense at all, he said, noting "Nungning," Jittasonthi's nickname, was always nice, seemed well-loved and happy to be working with her mother. She never looked abused or taken advantage of.

Metcalf was disturbed by the feds' intransigence. They have not provided me, Vero Beach police or Spindlers attorneys with handwritten notes Jittasonthi reportedly wrote.

(The feds) pride themselves on the fact they dont have to answer questions until there is a federal lawsuit, he said.

Spindler's biggest problem

Before I wrote that 2022 column, Metcalf pointed out Spindlers biggest problem.

Supee doesnt have a voice, he said, noting the government has allowed her daughter to vanish into thin air. Someone needs to help her.

After my column was published, a friend referred her to Vero Beach attorney Gary Rooney.

NEXT: The Rooney law firm comes up with a strategy to locate Spindler's daughter. Read the full series here.

LAURENCE REISMAN

This column reflects the opinion of Laurence Reisman and was first published in TCPalm. Contact him via email at larry.reisman@tcpalm.com, phone at 772-978-2223, Facebook.com/larryreisman or on X: @LaurenceReisman

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 Treasure Coast Newspapers: Anti-trafficking agencies kept daughter from her. She couldn't stop it
The victim of multiple sex crimes asked a judge not to give John Eldridge significant prison time.

"She still has some compassion for you," said Phil Naumoff, Richland County common pleas court judge. "If it was me, I don't know that I'd have the same."

Naumoff sentenced Eldridge, 57, of Shelby, to four years and 11 months in prison, which means he could apply for judicial release in six months.

John Eldridge appears in court with his attorney James Mayer III for a previous hearing.

Eldridge previously pleaded guilty to amended charges of four counts of sexual battery, two counts of gross sexual imposition and misdemeanor domestic violence. He was facing up to 23 years in prison.

Prosecutors previously dismissed two counts of rape and two counts of kidnapping, all first-degree felonies.

"In her original victim statement, she really didn't know what to make of this," Naumoff told Eldridge. "She was afraid of you and what you might do if you got out.

Eldridge needs punishment for crimes, judge says

"There has to be some punishment. You can't turn away from that."

The offenses happened on Aug. 3 and Oct. 31, both in 2021.

Naumoff also declared Eldridge a Tier III sex offender, meaning he must register with the county sheriff wherever he lives every 90 days for life.

An emotional Eldridge read a statement to the court.

"I'm sorry for what I've done," he said. "This occurred because of my mental illness, which over the years has gotten worse."

Eldridge said he has been in counseling for two years, saying it has helped him more than any medication.

"If I get a chance for probation, I'll be able to prove that what happened was not me, and that it is in the past," he said.

He said if he went to prison, he would not have access to treatment.

"I don't ever want to go back to where I was because that was the darkest time of my life," Eldridge said.

Defense attorney James Mayer III asked Naumoff to consider probation for his client.

'A real sad case and a horrible situation'

"I think all parties involved in this case agree this is a real sad case and a horrible situation," Mayer said. "Awful things happened at the hands of my client."

He added his client was genuinely remorseful and had accepted responsibility. Mayer said Eldridge also is an alcoholic.

"He's gotten that behind him, but the mental health issues have persisted," the defense attorney said.

Mayer said Eldridge showed he would be a good candidate for probation by doing what was required during pretrial supervision.

Mayer said the victim has been in touch with him and recommended a "short-term prison sentence."

The defense attorney also noted that Eldridge's doctors and counselors were "super concerned" about him going to prison, adding his client has been on a strict regimen that has been life-changing.

Assistant Prosecutor Christopher Brown said his office would defer to the victim but added a prison sentence would be warranted.

Naumoff said any progress Eldridge has made is "irrelevant" given the crimes.

"The damage was done," the judge said. "It can't be undone."

Naumoff said he would consider judicial release in six months, but that it was up to Eldridge for how he behaved in prison.

As he was handcuffed, Eldridge turned to the gallery and apologized to a loved one and his pastor.

mcaudill@gannett.com

419-521-7219

X (formerly Twitter): @MarkCau32059251

This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: John Eldridge, 57, of Shelby gets nearly 5 years for sex offenses
BRENTWOOD  Accused of being less than forthcoming in his financial disclosures to the court, Strafford County Sheriff Mark Brave has been ordered by Rockingham County Superior Court Judge Daniel St. Hilaire to hire his own attorney.

Brave, who is on leave as he faces felony charges alleging he used county money to fund personal trips involving extramarital affairs, had been granted a court-appointed attorney after he indicated he could not afford to hire his own. The New Hampshire attorney general's office called for an emergency status of counsel hearing, held Tuesday morning.

Strafford County Sheriff Mark Brave leaves following his appearance in court, Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, in Brentwood, N.H. Brave, who pleaded not guilty, is accused of using his county credit card to pay for travel to fictitious business meetings with multiple paramours and then lying about it to a grand jury.

At the hearing, and in their motion, state prosecutors said that they believed Brave lied on his financial statements by not including the recent sale of his home in Dover. Brave's home at 17 Schooner Drive sold for $1.15 million on Sept. 29. He has said he's getting divorced and moved into a condo in Dover.

The state questioned Brave's "proceeds from the sale, his assets and monthly expenses." The attorney general specifically questioned Brave's accuracy on the amount of proceeds he received from the sale of his home.

The judge agreed and ordered Brave to fund his own attorney. He is awaiting a trial date.

Brave filled out a financial affidavit, and on Oct. 26, Chief Justice Tina Nadeau had approved his request for a court-ordered attorney, based in the information he submitted.

Brave was arrested in August following an investigation spanning a year. The New Hampshire attorney general's office alleges Brave used $19,000 in county funds to travel and carry on multiple extramarital affairs, going to Florida, Boston and other locations, staying in hotels and eating in restaurants.

The felony charges include one count of theft by deception (a Class A felony). He also faces two counts of falsifying physical evidence (both Class B felonies) and five counts of perjury (Class B felonies) for lying to a Strafford County grand jury during the investigation that first became public in June. He pleaded not guilty in September at his arraignment, where he was not represented by an attorney. He had previously been represented by Shaheen and Gordon and said he hoped to rehire the firm after the sale of his house.

Brave did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday.

More: Sheriff Mark Brave charged with stealing $19K from county, lying about affair

The investigation into Brave's conduct spans May 2022 through May 2023. It alleges misuse of funds for airfare, hotels, meals and a cruise. In many cases, Brave allegedly listed the expenses for conferences through agencies that do not exist, including a fictitious New England Sheriffs' Association. He also cited a trip to meet in Washington with Congressman Chris Pappas, D-New Hampshire, a meeting allegedly never scheduled.

Brave's expenses were first brought to the attention of the attorney general in April by Strafford County commissioners after the sheriff's trip to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in August 2022, where his expenses were listed as $1,615.04 and included first-class airfare and an oceanfront hotel.

Brave, in multiple recent interviews, denied all allegations against him and stated they are a political and racist attack on him.

This article originally appeared on Fosters Daily Democrat: Sheriff Mark Brave ordered to hire attorney after claiming money woes
Strictly Come Dancing's Shirley Ballas has revealed she was told her stretch marks were "revolting" by a dance judge, six weeks after giving birth.

"It wasn't like it is today where everybody's got to walk on an eggshell to tell you something," the 63-year-old told the Radio Times podcast.

"I went back to dancing six weeks after having my baby.

"I was told: 'I marked you third as I refuse to look at the stretch marks on your back. I find it revolting.'"

She added: "I just accepted it, moved on and did what I needed to do - for me, it was character building."

Ballas, who is Strictly's head judge, said her experiences as a young dancer had meant she had to learn how to be less harsh when giving criticism herself.

"I had so many walls up from working in the industry for years. When we critique someone there's a frown and you're very direct."

She said her son told her that wouldn't work on British TV so gave her some tips about being constructive and smiling.

"'Maybe that way' rather than 'Your footwork sucks.' I think I do a pretty good job!"

Amy Dowden made her surprise appearance to read out Strictly's terms and conditions, last month

Ballas recently applauded professional dancer Amy Dowden for not wearing a wig in her first appearance on the show since starting cancer treatment.

The judge said Dowden showed courage by appearing with a shaved head.

"She's just an amazing young lady," she said.

"I applaud her for not wearing a wig because she wanted to shine light on cancer [for] young people.

"It took courage because she did have her wig there."

Nicknamed the Queen of Latin, Ballas took over the Strictly role from her former teacher Len Goodman in 2017.

She has spoken about online abuse since taking up the high profile position on one of the UK's most popular shows.

Last month she told Channel 5 that she had taken on a PA to filter her messages so she wouldn't have to see the most offensive ones.
FILE - Los Angeles Angels' Shohei Ohtani walks in the dugout during the ninth inning of the team's baseball game against the Detroit Tigers in Anaheim, Calif., Sept. 16, 2023. Ohtani, Cody Bellinger, Jordan Montgomery, Blake Snell and Aaron Nola were among the 130 players who became free agents Thursday, Nov. 2, as baseball's business season began the day following the Texas Rangers' first World Series title. Max Muncy, Joe Jimenez and Colin Rea gave up a chance to go free and agreed to new contracts with their teams. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis, File)

NEW YORK (AP)  Shohei Ohtani was among seven players who turned down $20,325,000 qualifying offers from their former teams Tuesday and remained on the free agent market to pursue more lucrative contracts.

In addition to Ohtani saying no to the Los Angeles Angels, others who declined to accept were outfielder Cody Bellinger (Chicago Cubs); pitchers Josh Hader and Blake Snell (San Diego), Aaron Nola (Philadelphia) and Sonny Gray (Minnesota); and third baseman Matt Chapman (Toronto).

By making a qualifying offer  calculated as the average of the top 125 contracts by average annual value  a team would receive an additional selection in next Julys amateur draft if a player signs elsewhere before then. A team signing the player could lose one or two draft picks.

Qualifying offers began after the 2012 season, and only 10 of 131 offers have been accepted.

Ohtani heads a free agent class that also includes starting pitchers Eduardo Rodriguez and Jordan Montgomery, along with Nola, Snell, Gray and Japanese star Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who is not attached to draft-pick compensation.

The 29-year-old Ohtani is coming off one of the best two-way seasons in major league history, batting .304 with 44 homers while going 10-5 as a starting pitcher with a 3.14 ERA. However, he had his second Tommy John surgery in September and is not expected to pitch again until 2025.

Ahead of the deadline to protect players from the winter meeting draft, Washington first baseman Dominic Smith and right-hander Cory Abbott were designated for assignment to open roster spots along with Seattle first baseman Mike Ford; Cleveland right-handers Cal Quantrill and Michael Kelly; Tampa Bay right-handers Cooper Criswell and Calvin Faucher; and Kansas City catcher Logan Porter and right-hander Josh Staumont.

Agreeing to one-year contracts among arbitration-eligible players were Kansas City right-hander Taylor Clarke, Washington outfielder Victor Robles and Nationals righty reliever Tanner Rainey.

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb
The San Luis Obispo County District Attorneys Office has blocked nearly $9 million in fraudulent real estate sales, the agency announced in a news release Monday.

According to the agency, its real estate fraud unit has been investigating a scam that targets real estate professionals and property owners. The scam targets vacant, lien-free undeveloped properties.

Scammers will impersonate property owners and contact real estate agents attempting to negotiate a sale, the office said in an earlier release.

The agency additionally planned to launch a focused letter campaign warning property owners that are likely targets to provide information on how to monitor and protect themselves.

The District Attorneys Office encouraged owners of undeveloped lots that do not have any encumbrances to check their property address using a trusted real estate website such as Zillow or MLS (Multiple Listing Service) to determine if their property has been fraudulently listed for sale.

Owners can also conduct a property title search using the San Luis Obispo County Clerk-Recorder websites official record search.

The agency asked anyone who discovers that their property has been fraudulently listed for sale or sold to contact San Luis Obispo County District Attorney Senior Investigator Eric Vitale at 805-781-5868 or by email at evitale@co.slo.ca.us.
At a meeting in Brussels with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, Robert Kalinak, Slovak Defence Minister, confirmed that the new Slovak government will not transfer military assistance to Ukraine from its warehouses.

Source: This was reported on Tuesday by the Ministry of Defence of Slovakia, writes European Pravda

Quote: "The head of the Ministry of Defence Kalinak informed the NATO Secretary General about the cessation of military assistance to Ukraine from Slovak stocks," the statement said.

At the same time, Slovakia offers "a fairly wide range of humanitarian, civil and technical non-lethal assistance" to Ukraine, it said.

Foreign partners, as indicated, "fully respect" the decision of the new Slovakian government.

Background:

Following his appointment, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico confirmed that he would not support military assistance to Ukraine.

On 8 November, it was revealed that the Government of the Slovak Republic did not approve the fourteenth package of military assistance to Ukraine worth 40.3 million, proposed by its predecessors.

At the same time, Fico promised not to prevent Slovak companies from producing and supplying weapons to their customers, including Ukraine.

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Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar on Monday confirmed the country's intentions to continue humanitarian assistance after the change of power, in particular by providing funds for mine clearance.

Source: European Pravda, citing the Slovak news agency TERAZ; Blanar, after a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council

Details: The head of the Slovak Foreign Ministry stressed that Slovakia wants to help Ukrainians in the winter and will direct its humanitarian aid in this direction, as well as prepare assistance in the field of mine clearance.

"The Slovak Republic will finance the production of two Bozena IV mine clearance vehicles for the Ukrainian side, which should be in service in Kherson Oblast early next year," he said.

Blanar also repeated the words of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico that the country's authorities will not provide any more military assistance to Ukraine.

"However, all commercial issues related to arms contracts are a matter for individual companies trading or operating in Slovakia, and the government will not interfere with this," the minister stressed.

Militarnyi outlet reiterates that Slovakia previously handed over 10 Slovak-made Bozena-4 and Bozena-5 remote-controlled mine clearance systems to Ukraine.

After being appointed to the post, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico confirmed that he will not support military assistance to Ukraine.

On 8 November, it became known that the Slovak government did not approve the fourteenth package of military assistance to Ukraine in the amount of EUR 40.3 million, offered by his predecessors.

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A Crock-Pot or any slow cooker can be an indispensable tool for Thanksgiving.

To make your turkey in a slow cooker, separate the breast from the dark meat so it fits.

You can even slow-cook Thanksgiving sides like mashed potatoes and stuffing.

You might not know that it's possible to make practically every Thanksgiving menu item in a slow cooker.

Insider spoke with cookbook authors and chefs about how to make your entire Thanksgiving dinner in a Crock-Pot or slow cooker, from classic Thanksgiving dishes like turkey and stuffing to regional favorites like green-bean casserole and macaroni and cheese.

Here's how to cook your entire holiday meal in a slow cooker.

Separate the turkey breast from the legs and choose one to cook low and slow.

Carved turkey breast. Bochkarev Photography/Shutterstock

Unfortunately, your Crock-Pot or slow cooker probably won't hold an entire turkey, but if you separate the breast from the legs, it can work.

"If you have a 6-quart slow cooker or larger, you still probably won't be able to fit a whole turkey in there, but you can fit a 3-4 pound turkey breast," Kendra Bailey Morris, author of "The Southern Slow Cooker," told Insider.

"The beauty of the slow cooker is that it is inherently self-basting. Slow cookers create a very moist environment with the condensation from the cooking process often rising to the top of the slow cooker and then dripping back down onto the meat, which helps to keep things moist."

Her one very important tip? Make sure to inject some fat back into your turkey breast, since the meat is very lean. She suggests using herb butter.

Mashed potatoes in the slow cooker will free up your stove space.

Mashed potatoes in a slow cooker. Erin McDowell/Insider

The secret to an easy Thanksgiving prep is preparing some dishes a day or two ahead of time.

"Mashed potatoes are great in the slow cooker, though it does take a bit of time for the potatoes to soften, so plan ahead," Sarah Olson, the blogger behind "The Magical Slow Cooker," told Insider.

Sheana Davis, chef and founder of The Epicurean Connection, added, "Mashed potatoes can be made the night before. Place them in the Crock-Pot, turn them on low in the morning, and keep them warm until serving. It frees up your stovetop. You can also thin the mixture with milk or cream if they get too thick from the heat."

Make your favorite stuffing recipe in a slow cooker instead of cooking it inside the turkey.

Stuffing. Elena Veselova/Shutterstock

Stuffing can be made in the Crock-Pot and doesn't require much recipe-tweaking.

"I would say use just about any stuffing recipe you like, just make sure it contains eggs and a liquid, like stock," Sarah DiGregorio, recipe developer and author of "Adventures in Slow Cooking: 120 Slow-Cooker Recipes for People Who Love Food," said. "Prepare it as you normally would, but instead of baking it or stuffing it into the turkey cavity, spoon it into your slow cooker. Cover and cook for about four hours on low. The top won't brown, but the sides and bottom will get nice and crisp and golden, while the center will stay pudding-like and moist."

Sarah Olson said you can use either store-bought boxed stuffing in the slow cooker or homemade stuffing, depending on your preference.

The slow-cooker version of cranberry sauce or relish is simple and makes your house smell great.

Cranberry sauce. EBMarketa/Getty Images

"Apple cranberry relish makes your house smell so good," Sheana Davis said. "Equal parts apples, cranberries, and apple and cranberry juice. Add sugar to taste, a bit of orange zest, and cinnamon. The house will smell wonderful and the relish is delicious."

Sarah Olson's recipe for slow-cooked cranberry sauce requires only a few ingredients: fresh cranberries, marmalade, and brown sugar to taste.

If you cook sweet potatoes in the slow cooker, be sure to season more generously than normal.

Sweet potatoes. vm2002/Shutterstock

"Sweet potatoes cook really well in the slow cooker," Kendra Bailey Morris said. "Every time I adapt a recipe for the slow cooker that was originally designed for the oven, I season it more generously. The slow cooker has a tendency to dilute flavors due to condensation building up during the cooking process."

Sweet-potato casserole with marshmallows can also easily be made in a slow cooker.

Sweet potatoes with cinnamon and marshmallows. Sara Seaberry/Getty Images

Sweet potato casserole topped with marshmallows is a Thanksgiving favorite, and there are multiple recipes out there explaining how to make it in a slow cooker.

One recipe by Damn Delicious explains that the residual heat from the slow cooker is the perfect method for achieving gooey, melted marshmallows on top of your casserole  without taking up any oven space.

Mac and cheese, a Thanksgiving tradition in the South, can also be made in a slow cooker.

Mac and cheese. timages/Shutterstock

Olson's recipe for slow cooker macaroni and cheese uses cream cheese, milk, sharp cheddar, and white sharp cheddar to make the noodles super creamy and flavorful.

You can make slow-cooked glazed carrots in a Crock-Pot as well.

Glazed carrots. Elena Shashkina/Shutterstock

To make, toss the carrots into the slow cooker with a little salt, brown sugar, and butter and let sit for four to five hours, until tender.

Use your normal stovetop recipe for green beans when making them in a slow cooker.

Blistered green beans for Thanksgiving. Catherine Murray/Shutterstock

When we think of slow cooker vegetables, we probably picture a puree like a mashed sweet potato. But Kendra Bailey-Morris says that green beans can (and should) be cooked in a slow cooker.

"I was raised in the South and grew up eating green beans that were cooked with some kind of seasoning meat (such as fatback, ham hocks or bacon grease)," Bailey Morris said. "I make green beans almost the exact same way as I do on the stovetop in the slow cooker and it's great because cooking the beans in the slow cooker frees up more space on my stove."

Green-bean casserole, another holiday favorite, can be made in a slow cooker.

Green-bean casserole. Getty Images

"My family cannot go without the green-bean casserole. It's pretty much the best side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas," Olson said.

Olson's recipe for green-bean casserole is perfect for a group of guests.

Appetizers like meatballs or dips can be made in a Crock-Pot.

Spinach and artichoke dip. Michael Kraus/Getty Images

From a slow-cooker Buffalo-chicken dip that's ready to reheat and serve whenever you get peckish on Thanksgiving day to easy slow-cooker meatballs guests can snack on, making a couple of appetizers in Crock-Pots is a great way to save you time.

Dinner rolls can also be made in a slow cooker or Crock-Pot.

Dinner rolls. AnnSal/Shutterstock

A necessity on any Thanksgiving table, warm, fluffy dinner rolls in a slow cooker. One recipe from I Heart Eating teaches you how to make the perfect dinner roll dough, then bake them only using a slow cooker.

You can easily make warming Thanksgiving cocktails in the Crock-Pot.

Mulled wine. Aleksandr Porvatkin/Shutterstock

"The Crock-Pot is great for beverages like mulled wine, spiked cider, or hot chocolate," New York City-based chef Jenny Dorsey told Insider. "This is ideal for smaller slow cookers so you can have hot beverages all night and less alcohol will burn off as you're not bringing it to a boil."

Try a pumpkin cheesecake  slow cookers and cheesecake recipes go hand in hand.

Pumpkin cheesecake. Alp Aksoy/Shutterstock

Your Crock-Pot is great for desserts too. While a pie might be difficult to make in a slow cooker, you can easily whip up a decadent cheesecake, like this pumpkin cheesecake from Food Network.

"Slow-cooker cheesecake has always been a thing," Dorsey said. "They're really fun to jazz up with pumpkin puree for Thanksgiving. You are essentially using your slow cooker as a bain-marie [cooking equipment that's like a heated bath] by placing the cheesecake molds into the slow cooker and surrounding it with water. The slow cooker will keep the water at an even temp, so your cake cooks uniformly."

Think ahead and use leftover stock to make turkey stew the next day.

Turkey stew. wideonet/Shutterstock

When it comes to better Thanksgiving leftovers, it's best to think ahead of time so you aren't stuck eating turkey sandwiches for a week.

"Before we put out the Thanksgiving meal, I place all the turkey drippings, some of the carved turkey trimming, potatoes, carrots, any side vegetables, a quart of chicken stock, and seasonings into the Crock-Pot on low and we have the best Turkey stew for lunch the next day," Sheana Davis said.

Dorsey also told Insider she uses her leftover turkey the next day for slow-cooker shredded turkey tacos or even a simple turkey broth in the Crock-Pot "for a rainy day."

Read the original article on Insider
FILE PHOTO: View shows the dried-up Dnipro river bank after water level sharply dropped following Kakhovka dam destruction, in Zaporizhzhia region

(Reuters) -Ukrainian forces have secured a foothold on the east bank of the Dnipro River in southern Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's chief of staff said on Tuesday.

Andriy Yermak's remarks were the first official acknowledgement that Ukrainian troops were established on the Dnipro's east bank in Kherson region.

"Against all odds, Ukraine's Defense Forces have gained a foothold on the left (east) bank of the Dnipro," Yermak said in an address to the Hudson Institute think-tank in the United States. The remarks were posted on Zelenskiy's website.

"Step by step, they are demilitarizing Crimea. We have covered 70% of the distance. And our counteroffensive is developing."

Russian forces seized Kherson region in the early days of their February 2022 invasion of Ukraine but late last year abandoned the regional capital, also called Kherson, and the Dnipro's west bank. They have since shelled Kherson and other towns from new positions on the east bank.

As Ukraine's four-month-old counteroffensive secures only incremental gains, Ukrainian officials have been cautious in describing the activities of their forces on the east bank.

A military spokesperson this month said "not bad results" had been achieved on the east bank in forcing Russian troops to reposition. Unofficial accounts have noted Ukrainian advances.

Russia's military said last week its forces had thwarted a Ukrainian attempt to forge a bridgehead on the eastern bank and on nearby islands, killing around 500 Ukrainian soldiers. Reuters could not independently verify the battlefield claim.

In a highly unusual incident on Monday, two Russian state news agencies published alerts saying Moscow was moving troops to "more favourable positions" east of the Dnipro River in Ukraine, only to withdraw the information minutes later.

In the past, Russia has sometimes used similar phrasing about moving troops to more advantageous positions in order to describe retreats.

In his address to the Hudson Institute, Yermak said the only certainty was that Russia had no intention of stopping the war but hoped "to outlast and out-endure the unity of democracies".

"We need weapons right now. Russia still has air superiority," he told the gathering. "It still is capable of producing missiles due to circumvention of sanctions. Not to mention the Iranian drones and North Korean artillery rounds."

(Reporting by Ron Popeski and Yuliia Dysa; Editing by Angus MacSwan and Gareth Jones)
The Scoop

South Africas ruling party is drawing up plans to close Israels embassy in the country and suspend regular diplomatic relations in response to the military operation in Gaza, according to a document seen by Semafor.



South Africa has no choice but to call for the closure of the Israeli embassy to South Africa due to the Israels refusal to end its military operation in Gaza, it says in the document: Until Israel adheres to international law and engages in a meaningful peace process to end the occupation of Palestine, we can no longer hold normal relations with an Apartheid State.



Two people with direct knowledge of discussions within the governing party said senior ANC figures close to President Cyril Ramaphosa were calling on his administration to sever ties with Israel for the foreseeable future.

Know More

Last week South Africa recalled its diplomats from Israel because of mounting concerns over the continued killing of children and innocent civilians in the Palestinian territories. It joined Jordan, Turkey, Chile, Columbia, and other countries in taking that step.

But closing the embassy represents an escalation from a country that has been a consistent critic of Israel. Its officials, including Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor, have compared the treatment of Palestinian people to South Africas apartheid history.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, center, and South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-sik, fourth from left, attend a welcome ceremony before their Defense Minister meeting of the South Korea-United Nations Command (UNC) Member nations at the Defense Ministry in Seoul, South Korea, on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023. (Song Kyung-Seok/Kyodo News via AP, Pool)

SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  Senior defense officials from South Korea, the United States and other nations on Tuesday warned North Korea over its nuclear ambitions and threats, vowing an unspecified collective response to any war-like aggression by the North toward its rival.

Their joint statement came after a meeting in Seoul involving U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-sik and officials from 16 other countries under the U.S.-led United Nations Command, which provided combat or medical forces in support of the South during the 1950-53 Korean War.

The meeting came a day after Austin and Shin held annual defense talks where the allies updated a bilateral security agreement with the aim of more effectively countering North Koreas evolving nuclear and missile threats.

In the statement, the defense ministers and other representatives of the U.N. Commands member states strongly condemned North Koreas unlawful nuclear and ballistic missile programs which violate multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions and called for Pyongyang to recommit to diplomacy aimed at defusing the nuclear standoff.

The U.N. Commands member states also declared they will be united upon any renewal of hostilities or armed attack on the Korean Peninsula challenging the principles of the United Nations and the security of (South Korea).

Shin during a speech at the meeting said the North would face a strong response from the international community centered on the U.N. Command if it ever attempts to invade the South again. He also issued a veiled warning against Pyongyangs growing alignment with Russia and China, as North Korean leader Kim Jong Un tries to break out of diplomatic isolation and insert Pyongyang as part of a united front against Washington.

If the countries that supported North Korea during the Korean War offer to do so again, they too will face the same punishment as North Korea, Shin said.

The Korean War was triggered by a North Korean sneak attack on the South in June 1950. The North was backed by forces from the newly formed Peoples Republic of China, which was aided by the then-Soviet Union's air force.

South Korea, the United States and troops from various countries under the direction of the United Nations fought to push back the invasion before the fighting was halted by an armistice in 1953, leaving the Korean Peninsula in a technical state of war. The U.N. Command has since remained in the South to enforce and maintain the armistice.

Before Tuesdays meeting, North Koreas Foreign Ministry condemned the event as reflecting a dangerous scheme to ignite a new war of aggression. The Norths state media also criticized the visits by Austin and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who traveled to Seoul last week, calling them warmongers bringing a new war cloud to Asia.

Animosity between the Koreas has spiked in recent months after Kim ramped up his weapons demonstrations, including events he described as simulated nuclear attacks on the South. He also authorized his military to launch preemptive nuclear strikes against enemies if it perceives Pyongyangs top leadership to be under threat.

South Korea has responded by expanding its combined military exercises with the United States as well as trilateral security cooperation with Japan. Seoul has also been seeking stronger public assurances from Washington that the United States would swiftly and decisively use its nuclear weapons to protect the South in case of a North Korean nuclear attack.

In the allies latest drills, South Koreas military said Tuesday it deployed warships, patrol aircraft and fighter jets to train with U.S. vessels and aircraft in a joint anti-submarine and counter special-operations exercise in South Koreas eastern seas. The training continues through Thursday.

Austin and Shin on Monday signed a new version of the Tailored Deterrence Strategy agreement, which was revised for the first time in a decade to address the growing threat of the Norths nuclear program.

Shin said the new document spells out that the United States would mobilize its full range of military capabilities, including nuclear, to defend the South in the event of a North Korean nuclear attack. He also said the document will provide a template for the allies to strategize how South Korea could assist U.S. nuclear operations in such events with its conventional capabilities but didnt elaborate further.

While Kim is also trying to strengthen relations with China, Russia has been his primary focus. A flurry of diplomacy between the countries, highlighted by a September summit between Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin, has triggered concerns about an arms arrangement in which North Korea provides badly needed munitions for the Russian war in Ukraine in exchange for Russian technology transfers that would upgrade Kims military nuclear program.

A Russian delegation led by Alexander Kozlov, the minister of natural resources, arrived at Pyongyang's airport Tuesday. While The Associated Press photographed the arrival, the Norths state media did not immediately release details of the visit.

In written responses to questions from AP, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said he will discuss the international response to the purported weapons deal between North Korea and Russia during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco this week. He said such military cooperation not only poses a serious threat to the security of Asia and Europe but also undermines the rules-based international order.

Both Pyongyang and Moscow have denied U.S. and South Korean claims that the North has been supplying munitions and military equipment to Russia.

___

Follow APs Asia-Pacific coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/asia-pacific
A run-of-the-mill traffic stop quickly escalated when a Florida driver claiming to be a sovereign citizen was pulled over.

Volusia Deputies pulled over a blue Ford truck on 11 November after noticing it had a sovereign citizen tag, the sheriffs office wrote in a statement on Facebook.

In body camera footage posted by the sheriffs office, the tag is visible, hanging in place of a state license plate on the back of the truck. The tag mentions Global Postal Union Treaty and Geneva Convention neutral zone transport vehicle. The tag also says do not stop and do not detain and features an American flag in the upper left corner.

The reason why Im stopping you, boss, is I didnt recognise the tags on your vehicle, the officer said. He asked for his licence and registration. The driver handed the officer a laminated piece of paper with the American flag in the upper left-hand corner.

When the officer pressed for the licence again, the driver pointed to the laminated paper and replied, I have it right there.

The driver was talking on speakerphone to a woman throughout the entire traffic stop. At this point, the woman on the other end of the line said, Do not show him anything. The driver told her that he was just showing the officer his paperwork, to which the woman shouted: No, he doesnt get to see any f***ing paperwork.

The driver pointed the phone to the officer, who told the woman the man had to identify himself or theres gonna be an issue. The woman then replied, Hes a national of the neutral powers state. As you know, that removes him from your jurisdiction.

It doesnt matter who hes identified as. Hes operating a motor vehicle in the state of Florida, maam, the police officer retorted. He then explained the situation to the woman, saying that given his lack of proper tags, it appears unregistered, and since he hasnt provided a licence, it appears the driver is operating a vehicle without one.

She kept insisting that he signed a treaty and that the officer was violating it. She then mentioned the terms of the Geneva Convention.

The officer checked the vehicle before telling the driver that it was unregistered. The driver said Right there is all I got when the deputy asked about having a Florida or out-of-state drivers licence.

Fed up, the officers apprehended the driver. Moments later, the woman on the phone rolled up in a red truck. Officers ordered her to get out of her vehicle but she didnt comply, so they smashed her driver-door windows glass and arrested her as well, the footage shows.

Detry Wogerman was arrested on charges of driving an unregistered motor vehicle, driving with a suspended/revoked licence and resisting an officer without violence, the sheriffs office wrote. Laralynne Nabozny was arrested on charges of battery on a law enforcement officer and resisting an officer with violence, the statement added.

Attention sovereign citizens: In Florida, the law is real, and deputies really will enforce it, the sheriffs office wrote.
In June 2014, just nine months after retiring from the US Marine Corps, 38-year-old SpaceX employee named Lonnie LeBlanc was sitting on a piece of foam insulation to keep it on a moving vehicle when a gust of wind blew him him off, killing him.

As a shocking new Reuters investigation reveals, employees of Elon Musk's space company in South Texas didn't have straps to secure the foam while transporting it to the facility's main hangar in South Texas.

While the senseless loss of life is a tragedy in itself, it's particularly surprising that the incident was never reported to the public over the past nine years. Worse yet, Reuters found, there have been at least 600 injuries of varying severity since then that haven't been previously reported either  indicating a safety crisis at the notoriously scrappy rocket maker.

Since 2016, SpaceX has failed to consistently report the total number of annual injuries to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), despite it being a regulatory requirement. Roughly 400 of the 600 cases uncovered by Reuters occurred during these unreported years.

The shocking report details some serious lapses in worker safety, many of which were reportedly the result of a chaotic workplace or under-trained or exhausted staff.

It also highlights the human cost of producing rockets under Musk's characteristically breakneck and reckless pace, a systemic problem that isn't just limited to SpaceX, but applies to the mercurial CEO's EV maker Tesla just as much.

OSHA inspectors determined the company had failed to provide the tie-downs needed to stop the insulation foam from being blown away and striking LeBlanc. Per the report, SpaceX did acknowledge these problems and agreed to implement new safety measures.

Out of the 600 injuries revealed by Reuters, there were 100 instances of employees suffering cuts, 29 broken bones or dislocations, and 17 cases of "crushed" fingers or hands. There was also one skull fracture, one traumatic brain injury, and four concussions. SpaceX also reported eight accidents leading to amputations, and seven eye injuries.

Employees speaking with the news agency said Musk often saw safety as being the responsibility of the individual worker. Musk even reportedly discouraged employees from wearing safety yellow because he "disliked bright colors."

Eight former SpaceX employees also told Reuters that a rocket part flying off during a pressure test fractured the skull of one employee, putting him in a coma.

SpaceX has largely gotten away with putting its employees in danger. Despite the space company's failure to consistently report the number of injuries over the years, Reuters found regulators never filed any sanctions against the company, apart from small fines ranging only from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.

Meanwhile, SpaceX has offloaded its responsibility to a number of "responsible engineers," a spokesperson told the news agency.

The space company's South Texas facilities, the home base of SpaceX's Mars rocket called Starship, has a particularly bad track record when it comes to safety, with employees reportedly working more than 80 hours a week and sleeping at the facility overnight. Some even took Adderall without a prescription, per Reuters.

That's more or less in line with Musk's repeated calls to throw caution to the wind and construct these massive rockets at a record pace.

That kind of approach has seemingly come at the cost of a more rigorous training program, sufficient testing, and fixing known defects that later resulted in injuries.

The company has had a culture of rationalizing this kind of unsafe working environment, and given the insignificant fines it has received so far, it's been able to do this largely without any consequences.

"SpaceX shouldnt be exempt from protecting workers from being injured or killed," Jordan Barab, who served as an OSHA deputy assistant secretary between 2009 and 2017, told Reuters, "just because theyre doing innovative work."

More on SpaceX: SpaceX Says Feds Are Being Unfair About Its Rocket That Exploded
MADRID (Reuters) - Spain is expected to approve a request to provide bodyguards for fugitive Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont days after he reached an agreement to back acting Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's bid for another term in exchange for an amnesty, a government minister said on Tuesday.

Tensions are running high in Spain over a controversial amnesty law agreed with Puigdemont's party Junts that will exculpate hundreds of politicians and activists involved in an attempt to separate Catalonia from Spain that peaked in 2017.

Puigdemont, who is the subject of an extradition order for leading the failed attempt, is likely to be the most high profile beneficiary of the amnesty law, a draft of which was registered in parliament on Monday.

His office first filed a request for "protection and security" from the authorities in 2018 and has habitually refiled it without success.

On November 6, in a letter seen by Reuters, Puigdemont's office argued that there had been "an increase in the level of danger and risk". His spokesperson declined to provide further details.

Cabinet Minister Felix Bolanos said the request was likely to be approved, saying every Spanish citizen had a right to safety "no matter how many ideological differences there may be", in a radio interview on RAC1, a Catalan-language radio station.

Opposition leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo, of the centre-right People's Party that is leading protests against the amnesty, said the security agreement was "surprising".

"(Puigdemont) wields enormous power," he told reporters. "He's gone from having an arrest warrant for him to be handed over to the Spanish police to being escorted by the Spanish police."

Puigdemont, who has been living in exile in Waterloo, Belgium since 2017, has been the target of taunts and insults when confronted by Spaniards who see him as the leader of an attempted coup.

In 2018, he was approached in a shopping centre in Copenhagen by a young Spaniard who asked him to kiss the Spanish flag. Puigdemont agreed, saying he had "no problem" doing so.

Having secured Junts' backing, Sanchez, in power since 2018, looks assured of winning a new term in an investiture vote on Thursday. The prospect of amnesty has brought thousands of opponents to the streets for 12 days in a row.

(Reporting by Charlie Devereux and Joan Faus, additional reporting Emma Pinedo, editing by Aislinn Laing)
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) pushed back Tuesday on the belief that there should be separation between church and state on the U.S., arguing that the founding fathers wanted faith to be a big part of government.

Separation of church and state  is a misnomer. People misunderstand it, Johnson said on CNBCs Squawk Box when asked about him praying on the House floor. Of course, it comes from a phrase that was in a letter that Jefferson wrote is not in the Constitution.

And what he was explaining is they did not want the government to encroach upon the church, not that they didnt want principles of faith to have influence on our public life. Its exactly the opposite, the Speaker added.

The letter that Johnson referred to is Thomas Jeffersons 1802 letter to the Danbury Baptists Association of Connecticut, who had expressed concerns about religious liberty. In his reply, Jefferson said that the First Amendment, which bars Congress from prohibiting free exercise of a religion, built a wall of separation between Church & State.

Top Stories from The Hill

Johnson argued that faith, our deep religious heritage and tradition is a big part of what it means to be an American in his comments Tuesday. He further argued that morality must be kept among Americans so that we have accountability.

Thats why I think we need more of that, he said. Not an establishment of any national religion, but we need everybodys vibrant expression of faith, because its such an important part of who we are as a nation.

He is not the only member of Congress who has who has suggested that faith should influence the government. Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) faced backlash last year after she said she believes the church is supposed to direct the government.

Im tired of this separation of church and state junk  thats not in the Constitution, Boebert said at the Cornerstone Christian Center in Basalt, Colo. It was in a stinking letter and it means nothing like they say it does.

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Johnson, who was elected as Speaker last month, faced criticism of his Christian faith. An op-ed in The New York Times published earlier this month claimed the Louisiana Republicans election as Speaker reflects the strength of white evangelical voters influence in the House Republican caucus.

Before taking the oath of office last month, Johnson brought his Bible to the rostrum, saying, The Bible is very clear that God is the one that raises up those in authority  each of you, all of us, according to The Associated Press.

Before serving in Congress, Johnson served as a professor at the government school of Liberty University in Virginia, a Christian school, according to AP. From 2004-12, Johnson also served on the board of the policy arm of the Southern Baptist Convention.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Scott Gilligan was sentenced at the High Court in Glasgow

A speeding motorist who killed a taxi driver in a head-on crash has been jailed for seven-and-a-half years.

Scott Gilligan, 35, had no insurance when he got behind the wheel of a Vauxhall Insignia on 14 June 2021.

He crashed into Edward Cullen's cab after going onto the wrong side of the A736 Glasgow Road near Barrhead in Renfrewshire.

Mr Cullen, 55, who had returned to work after recovering from a heart attack, died in hospital three months later.

Pedestrian Margaret Mansell, 60, was propelled through a hedge and into a field after being struck by Mr Cullen's car during the crash.

She suffered fractures and a collapsed lung as well as spleen and kidney injuries which needed "significant treatment".

Driving ban

Gilligan, of Paisley, was found to have been driving at 69mph in a 40mph zone and had been seen trying to overtake a small van before the fatal crash.

He was sentenced at the High Court in Glasgow having pleaded guilty last month to causing death and serious injury by dangerous driving.

Judge Lady Stacey told him he had been witnessed driving "at speed, aggressively and erratically" ahead of the crash.

The judge added: "Mr Cullen lost his life - there is nothing I can say or do which will take away the grief his family has felt and will continue to feel."

Lady Stacey added Ms Mansell had also "been left feeling not the woman she once was".

Gilligan - who had previous road traffic convictions - was also banned from driving for a total of nine years and nine months.
Utility providers declared Nov. 15 is officially Utility Scam Awareness Day.

More than 150 electric, natural gas and water providers came up with the day.

Action 9s Jason Stoogenke has warned you about the cons often over the years.

READ MORE: New social media scam tricking travelers out of private information

Most are impostor scams where criminals pretend to work for your utility, contact you, and try to trick you out of money or personal information.

If you get a call from someone claiming to be with Duke Energy or Piedmont Natural Gas, Stoogenke says they will never:

Threaten to cut off your power right away ...

Ask for your credit or debit card information over the phone or by email, or

Ask you to pay using third-party apps, like Cash App, Venmo, or Zelle.

Tomorrow is Utility Scam Awareness Day. Ive warned you about the cons often over the years. @DukeEnergy & @PiedmontNG will never:

-Threaten to cut off your power right away

-Ask for your credit/debit card info over the phone/email

-Ask you to pay using Cash App, Venmo, or Zelle  Jason Stoogenke (@action9) November 14, 2023

If youre not sure if its a scam, hang up the phone or ignore the email or text, then call your utility directly.

Stoogenke warns not to rely on the number provided by the person who contacted you.

(WATCH: Actors using AI to scam people into thinking loved ones are in danger)
The Supreme Court ruled that ex-presidents Mahinda (L) and Gotabaya Rajapaksa (R) and other top officials were guilty of mishandling the island's economy (LAKRUWAN WANNIARACHCHI)

Sri Lanka's Supreme Court issued Tuesday a symbolic ruling that the powerful Rajapaksa brothers -- including two ex-presidents -- were guilty of triggering the island's worst financial crisis by mishandling the economy.

The case was filed by corruption watchdog Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) and other four activists against top former officials including former presidents Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Mahinda Rajapaksa.

It also included their younger brother, ex-finance minister Basil Rajapaksa, two former central bank governors and other top treasury officials.

"We sought a declaration from the court that the mishandling or inaction on the economy by the former heads of the state and senior officials did violate the fundamental rights of people," Transparency International lawyer Nadishani Perera told AFP.

"We have received that. It is now up to the citizens to take any further action."

A five-member bench ruled 4-1 that the group were responsible for economic mismanagement between 2019 and 2022, ordering them to pay just over $450 (150,000 rupees) as legal costs to the petitioners.

"Given that petitioners came to court in the interest of the public and did not seek compensation for themselves, the court was not inclined to order compensation other than costs incurred by petitioners," Transparency International said in a statement.

The financial crisis sparked months of public protests with dire shortages of food, fuel and medicines, which eventually toppled Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

Rajapaksa centralised power after taking office in 2019 by removing independent oversight from the police, judiciary and election authorities.

But his administration stumbled when a critical foreign currency shortage left Sri Lanka unable to import vital goods.

Rajapaksa has since returned to Sri Lanka and is living under armed protection, despite calls for his arrest and prosecution on a raft of corruption charges.

str-pjm/mtp
The St. Clair County Prosecutor's Office has asked the Michigan Attorney General to handle any criminal case that arises from the investigation into Joshua Conant's death.

St. Clair County Prosecutor Mike Wendling petitioned Attorney General Dana Nessel to take over the case on Nov. 7, citing several conflicts of interest between himself, the family of the victim and the owner of the Roche Bar. Nessel agreed to the petition in a response issued on the same day.

Wendling wrote in the petition that he knew Joshua Conant and his family personally.

"That relationship included regular social interaction between the parties and a friendship with the deceased," the petition states. Wendling added that Conant's aunt had previously been employed by the Victim's Rights Unit in the St. Clair County Prosecutor's Office.

The petition also states the owner of Roche Bar is a former detective with the St. Clair County Sheriff's Office and a criminal justice professor at Ferris State University.

"This creates significant professional conflicts with multiple members of the St. Clair County Prosecutor's Office staff due to placement of collegiate interns within the office, staff members involvement in the educational structure at FSU and professional consultations regarding law enforcement issues," the petition states. "Multiple staff members also maintain a personal relationship (with the bar owner)."

Property records for the bar state the tax payer is Steve & Karl Real Estate Investment. Steven Amey, a professor at Ferris State University and director of its Law Enforcement Academy, was listed as the resident agent for the company on the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs' website. Amey did not return a request for comment left at his FSU business number Monday.

Conant died on Nov. 4. A news release from the Port Huron Police Department states bouncers working at the bar had pinned him after an altercation at the bar. A responding officer is seen in video of the incident handcuffing Conant and yelling "Stop resisting now." The officer is seen attempting to turn Conant over and begins life-saving measures after realizing Conant was unresponsive.

Both the Port Huron Police Department and Roche Bar have been criticized for their response to the incident. Several signs added to a memorial outside the bar state "Justice for Josh." A vigil was held Saturday and was attended by hundreds of people from around the Blue Water Area.

The Port Huron Police Department previously asked Michigan State Police to handle the criminal investigation, and Lt. Kim Vetter said it could be months before the investigation is complete as police await the results of an autopsy and drug test.

This article originally appeared on Port Huron Times Herald: St. Clair County Prosecutor petitions AG's office to take over case involving man's death outside Port Huron bar
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WREG)  More information was released Tuesday afternoon in the deadly shooting of St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital employee Alexander Bulakhov during a robbery in downtown Memphis.

According to police, Bulakhov was walking with his wife and 2-year-old child on Tennessee Street on Sunday evening when he was approached by a man wearing a hoodie.

The man pointed a gun and demanded property, and Bulakhov gave the man his wallet, police said. The suspect then turned to Bulakhovs wife and demanded more property.

Thats when police say Bulakhov wrestled with the man over the gun in an attempt to defend his wife. Bulakhov was shot during the struggle.

St. Jude employee shot to death downtown, 2 charged

Investigators reviewed video footage showing a white Toyota Camry with a missing bumper and damage to a door and rear window making an erratic u-turn in the area just before the robbery. Police believe the people inside were looking for victims.

On Monday, police traced the Camry to an apartment complex on Whitney in Frayser. When they got there, they say Brandy Rucker and Marious Ward were about to drive away when police stopped them.

Police said Rucker admitted to driving the Camry while Ward got out on Tennessee Street. Ward admitted to being the gunman in Bulakhovs robbery and death.

Ward had a 9mm gun in his waistband when he was arrested. Police say it was the same weapon used in the shooting.

Both Rucker and Ward are in jail, facing charges of first-degree murder and aggravated robbery, and attempted murder and robbery.

St. Jude confirmed in a statement that the victim was a member of the St. Jude community but declined to provide further details.

 Download the WREG App today and stay up to date with breaking news and weather.

 Sign up for WREG newsletters and have the latest top stories sent right to your inbox.

 See more breaking news, local news and weather from WREG.com for Memphis and the Mid-South.

We are deeply saddened by the loss of a valued member of the St. Jude community. Our thoughts are with Alexanders family and we are working to support them during this difficult time, St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital said in a statement.

A LinkedIn profile with the name Alexander Bulakhov showed he was a Post-Doctoral Researcher at St. Jude Hospital. He had only worked at the hospital since July, having moved from Brooklyn, where he worked for the State University of New York.

Neither Ward nor Rucker had previous charges listed in a Shelby County criminal database, other than a traffic ticket. Juvenile Court said it had no previous delinquency record on either suspect.

Mayor Jim Strickland said he was devastated by yet another senseless tragedy in Memphis, where this years homicide numbers are far outpacing last years.

Memphis murder map: Homicides in 2023

My heart was broken. And then obviously I prayed for the family immediately, Strickland said.

At an event Tuesday, Memphis Police Chief CJ Davis said her reaction to this tragedy is similar to her reaction to shootings MPD responds to every single day.

Very, very sad that our community members cant walk in their communities and feel safe, she said. Too many senseless shootings in our city.

Downtown Memphis Commission President and Mayor-Elect Paul Young released the following statement Tuesday evening:

I am appalled and saddened by the events of this weekend and the senseless murder of Alexander Bulakhov. Today, I am a Memphian, a father, a husband, and a parent first. Today, I am just like you. I feel the anger, frustration, and grief that has enveloped our community. And even though the suspects have been arrested and charged, this will not change the outcome of this tragedy. My heart goes out to his family and the families of all of those impacted by violence in our community. My prayers are with them.

As DMC president and mayor-elect, I can assure you that I am in regular communication with MPD. I can also state that my transition team is working on a hard-hitting crime plan that will launch within our administrations first 100 days. We will develop the strategy with MPD and will convene those needed to combat this lawlessness, including key community partners and members of the justice system. Crime is, unfortunately, an American problem, not specific to Memphis, and its going to take a multi-pronged, hard-hitting, and focused effort to turn it around. We are ready.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
A hospital researcher was shot and killed, leading investigators on a search for suspects who fled the scene in a white car, Tennessee police say.

A 32-year-old man, Alexander Bulakhov, was shot in downtown Memphis at about 7:54 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 12, according to a Nov. 13 Memphis Police Department news release on X, formerly known as Twitter. The suspects, who were in a white Toyota Camry, fled before police could detain them, officials said.

While out walking with his daughter and wife, Bulakhov was approached by a man with a gun and a ski mask, according to court documents obtained by The Commerical Appeal. The man asked for property, and Bulakhov gave him his wallet, but the man pointed the gun at Bulakhovs wife and demanded more, according to The Commericial Appeal.

The encounter turned into a deadly altercation when Bulakhov tried to protect his wife, The Commerical Appeal reported, and the mans gun went off and hit Bulakhov.

Bulakhov, who was in critical condition after the shooting, was sent to Regional One Health for medical treatment, police said. He died from his injuries.

Bulakhov was an employee at St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital in Memphis, local media outlets reported. A LinkedIn profile under the same name said Bulakhov was a postdoctoral researcher at St. Jude since July.

St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital in Memphis did not respond to McClatchy News request for comment.

A day after the shooting, at about 3:50 pm., officers located the white sedan north of where the shooting occurred, police said. Two suspects were arrested, police said: 23-year-old Marious Ward and 22-year-old Brandy Rucker.

The shooting suspects car was found north of where the 32-year-old man was shot in downtown Memphis, police say.

Their charges, according to the release, include first-degree murder, aggravated robbery and using a firearm during a dangerous felony.

The Memphis Police Department declined to comment further on the case or subsequent arrests to McClatchy News.

Ward and Rucker did not have bond posted as of Nov. 14, according to Shelby County Sheriffs Office jail records. Their next court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 15, jail records show.

19-year-old opens fire at fight, killing one and shooting own brother, Utah cops say

Husband shoots wife and brother-in-law while visiting from Florida for wedding, cops say

University employee shot to death by former co-worker on campus, Texas officials say
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA)  The St. Petersburg Police Department said it has found a suspect in a murder that took place at a local home earlier this month.

Police said on Nov. 5, relatives of Julius Moore, 74, found his body in a home on 19th Avenue South.

Florida teen sets 4 fires, commits 2 burglaries in 24-hour crime spree: police

According to investigators, Moore was dead from a gunshot wound.

His roommate, 55-year-old Jimmy Lee Mathews, was later booked on Nov. 13 in the Hillsborough County Jail for second-degree murder, the department said.

Officers said Mathews will be moved to the Pinellas County Jail at a later time.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
A stabbing call led police to a body at the scene of a hit-and-run crash, North Carolina officials said.

Now, Wilmington police are searching for clues about the driver accused of striking two people and leaving them along Carolina Beach Road. The road, also known as U.S. Highway 421, is a busy thoroughfare that leads to popular coastal towns.

Officers responded late Nov. 12 to a report of a stabbing that occurred following an altercation between two people. The Wilmington Police Department in its original news release said two people had stab wounds and also had been hit by a vehicle.

But then on Nov. 13, officials shared an update, saying officers at the scene found knives on the ground and two injured men. Both of them reportedly were walking in the road before the hit-and-run.

Progress in the investigation and additional evidence indicates a stabbing may not have occurred, as previously reported, the police department wrote in its latest news release.

One of the injured men died at the scene of the crash. He was identified as 54-year-old Guy Wescott, a Brunswick County resident.

At this time, WPD investigators are working to determine all of the specific details surrounding this incident, officers wrote. The cause of death is currently under investigation and is pending an autopsy.

The other injured man was rushed to a hospital in serious condition, police said.

As of Nov. 13, police were investigating the crash as a felony hit-and-run and searched for a dark in color SUV with front end damage. Anyone with information is asked to call officers at 910-343-3609 or use the smartphone app called tip411.

The Wilmington Police Department told McClatchy News it didnt have additional information to share on Nov. 14.

Married couple found dead in crashed boat along NC shoreline, officials say

Woman and her dog are hit and killed as she chases after it on NC highway, cops say

Man trying to help fallen biker is fatally struck by passing vehicle, NC police say
A fight nearly broke out during a Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, or HELP, committee hearing on Tuesday after Senator Markwayne Mullin read aloud a union bosss tweet snubbing the freshman Oklahoma congressman as a clown and a fraud.

Sir, this is a time, this is a place, if you want to run your mouth we can be two consenting adults and finish it here, Mullin said.

OK, thats fine. Perfect, responded International Brotherhood of Teamsters General President Sean OBrien.



You want to do it now? Mullin asked. Stand your butt up then.



You stand your butt up, big guy, retorted OBrien.

Senator Bernie Sanders narrowly defused the fight after Mullin rose out of his chair, slamming his gavel while calling the committee to order.

Youre a United States senator, sit down, boomed Sanders. This is a hearing. God knows the American people have enough contempt for Congress.

Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin @SenMullin just stood up and tried to fight labor leader Sean O'Brien @TeamsterSOB at a Senate Help Committee hearing after reading his tweet where O'Brien says he'd take him "any time, any place." pic.twitter.com/8oiPSNZJV8  Greg Price (@greg_price11) November 14, 2023

Moments later, the senator posted a photo of himself before a table of guns, captioned, Lets do it. Anyplace, anytime.
WASHINGTON  The Senate almost turned into The Octagon on Tuesday as Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin invited a Teamsters boss to throw down in a fit of anger over the union leader's mean tweets.

Mullin, a Republican former mixed martial arts fighter, challenged International Brotherhood of Teamsters President Sean O'Brien to fistfight in the middle of a hearing of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, and rose from his seat before Sen. Bernie Sanders, the committee chairman, ordered him to sit down.

Tension spiked in the committee room as Mullin veered from a defense of so-called right to work states like Oklahoma, which are inhospitable to labor unions, to reading aloud from tweets O'Brien had posted after the two clashed during a June hearing.

OBrien had called Mullin, whose personal fortune runs into the tens of millions, a clown and a fraud who pretends like hes self-made.

In reality, just a clown & fraud. Always has been, always will be. Quit the tough guy act in these senate hearings. You know where to find me. Anyplace, Anytime cowboy, OBrien wrote in June.

Speaking to OBrien from his perch at the committee table, Mullin said, Sir, this is a time, this is a place. You want to run your mouth, we can be two consenting adults, we can finish it here.

OK, thats fine. Perfect, OBrien fired back from the witness table.

You want to do it now? Mullin asked. Stand your butt up then.

OBrien, a fourth-generation Teamster, replied, You stand your butt up, big guy.

Sanders, the Vermont Independent, began tapping his gavel. Hold it. No, no, no, sit down. Sit down! he shouted. Youre a United State senator, sit down.

This is a hearing and God knows the American people have enough contempt for Congress.

But the exchange continued, with Mullin alluding to OBriens union disciplinary record. He summoned the Teamster to a charity match next year in Tulsa.

Mullins Senate biography says he had an undefeated 5-0 record in the eight-sided MMA ring and is a member of the Oklahoma Wresting Hall of Fame. MMA sites Tapology and Sherdog each list him with a 3-0 record in matches in 2006 and 2007. The reasons for the discrepancy werent immediately clear.

Excuse me, hold it. Senator Mullin, I have the mic, Sanders said. If you have questions on any economic issues, anything that was said, go for it. Were not here to talk about physical abuse.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Sen. Markwayne Mullin challenges Teamsters leader to fight
Unionized Starbucks baristas are planning to hold a major strike during the coffee chains annual Red Cup Day.

Starbucks Workers United says employees at hundreds of locations will walk out on Thursday.

Theyre accusing the Seattle-based company of refusing to fairly negotiate at cafes that voted to organize.

Starbucks claims its the union thats not fairly negotiating.

More than 350 Starbucks stores have voted to unionize, including several in western Washington.




Ella Clark didnt have much time to goof around after she graduated from high school in June. The 18-year-old had to prepare for a federal hearing in San Francisco where she would square off with corporate lawyers representing the biggest coffee chain in the world.

Clark believed Starbucks had violated her rights as she tried to form a union at her store in Northern California during her junior year. So she testified against the companys managers in a National Labor Relations Board trial in July. She says she felt intimidated and even slandered by the other side. But the judge believed her story and ruled last month that Starbucks illegally retaliated against her when she was a minor.

Clark, now a college freshman at Georgetown University, said she feels vindicated by the judges decision  but doubts it will change the companys behavior.

Starbucks would insist they havent broken the law, said Clark, who hopes to major in government and history. But it is getting harder and harder for them to say that, because there are so many rulings like this one, where it is so clear that they have broken the law and continue to.

It can be disheartening when Starbucks continues this onslaught, she added.

Ever since the union Workers United began organizing Starbucks stores in late 2021, the company has denied it threatened or retaliated against union supporters like Clark. But a growing body of decisions by NLRB judges and board members is undermining the companys public insistence that it has run a clean campaign against the union.

Starbucks would insist they havent broken the law. But it is getting harder and harder for them to say that.Former Starbucks barista Ella Clark

Administrative law judges have ruled that Starbucks broke the law in 34 out of 36 cases that had decisions as of Oct. 18, according to a recent analysis of NLRB trials compiled by the labor board. Judges dismissed some charges within those cases, but found merit in others and ordered Starbucks to cease and desist its violations.

The charges that were upheld include firing union activists, closing stores where union support was high, withholding raises and benefits from union supporters, and making promises if workers chose not to organize. The officials have told Starbucks to reinstate at least 33 former employees so far, though the cases involving those workers are currently on appeal.

One judge wrote that the violations at stores in New York State were egregious and widespread, and that Starbucks displayed a rich history of antiunion animus during the campaign. Another judge wrote that it was only rational for employees to assume that they are risking their livelihood by organizing given Starbucks actions.

Starbucks appears to be challenging these rulings as a matter of course, asking the NLRBs board in Washington to review them. (The board typically has five members, but currently only has four: three Democrats and one Republican.) So far, the board has ruled against Starbucks in all four cases in which it has issued decisions.

Ella Clark at school in Georgetown. The college freshman recently won her case against Starbucks, but the company is likely to appeal the judge's decision.

Ella Clark at school in Georgetown. The college freshman recently won her case against Starbucks, but the company is likely to appeal the judge's decision.

Where it has exhausted its options before the NLRB, Starbucks has appealed adverse decisions to federal court. In one case, the company has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to weigh in on a federal judges ruling ordering it to reinstate fired union leaders.

While appeals of several cases are pending, a board spokesperson noted, No findings of labor law violations in Starbucks-related cases have been overturned by the Board or Circuit Courts up to this point.

Asked if Starbucks believes the judges are simply getting all these cases wrong, company spokesperson Andrew Trull noted that the process for litigating unfair labor practice charges includes several layers of review and usually takes years to complete. He claimed the union was trying to weigh down the NLRB with an unprecedented number of alleged charges.

Where we believe the charges lack merit or are unfounded, we continue to defend the company and the rights of our partners as matters are fully adjudicated by the NLRB and federal courts, Trull said.

He added that the company has worked out settlements with the union and the labor board in cases where local managers have failed to comply with our policies or have inadvertently erred in their understanding of proper procedure. But he said in certain cases the union and the board have been unwilling to do so, leaving us no choice but to litigate the matter.

An NLRB spokesperson said the agency does not compile employer-specific data on unfair labor practices. But Sharon Block, a former board member who is now a professor at Harvard Law School, said she was stunned by the breadth of the decisions against Starbucks.

I havent done the kind of deep data dive to say it for sure, but I would bet that there is no other company that has amassed this many violations in a similar time period, she said. It just paints a picture, when you put it all together, of a company that is absolutely willing to violate the law in order to avoid having to deal with this union.

I would bet that there is no other company that has amassed this many violations.Harvard Law professor Sharon Block

Block testified as an expert witness on U.S. labor law at a Senate committee hearing on the Starbucks union campaign in March. Former longtime Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz testified at the same hearing under threat of subpoena and insisted the company had never broken the law.

Although all the Starbucks cases are alive in some fashion on appeal, Block said it should be getting more difficult for the company to maintain that stance with a straight face.

Its just not credible anymore, she said. You run out of room to keep arguing that because there are more and more decisions.

Last month an administrative law judge ruled that Schultz, the companys famous co-founder, personally broke the law by making an implied threat against a barista during a town hall meeting. The worker had challenged Schultz over the companys anti-union actions, citing the growing list of unfair labor practice charges against the company. Schultz invited the worker to quit: If youre not happy at Starbucks, you can go work for another company.

The judge noted that Schultz had an angry expression on his face.

But the bulk of cases involve alleged threats and retaliation by non-famous store supervisors and district managers.

Clark was a junior in high school when she read that baristas at a Starbucks in Buffalo, New York, had formed a union. She decided to do the same at her store in Mill Valley, California, just north of San Francisco, where she worked after school and on weekends. She believed the wages needed to be higher because some of her co-workers who were supporting families couldnt afford to live in the area.

Former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz testifying at a Senate hearing on the union campaign. Schultz disputed the charges and decisions against the company.

Former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz testifying at a Senate hearing on the union campaign. Schultz disputed the charges and decisions against the company.

She says she felt closely watched after she became a public union supporter. Her manager told her the union effort hurt his feelings, according to hearing testimony. Pro-union postings she put on the bulletin board were removed. A new district manager started hanging around the store. And Clark started to receive write-ups for allegedly unprofessional behavior, culminating in a final warning that she asked her parents to review because she was just a minor.

They did appreciate me as a worker, until the union petition, Clark said.

The union ended up losing the election by a single vote, 7-6.

The judge ruled that Starbucks broke the law by creating the impression of surveillance through that district manager, by ordering Clark not to post union literature, by telling Clark not to talk to people about the union, by denying her a promotion because of her union activity, and by finding pretextual reasons to discipline her. The correspondence around her final warning, the judge wrote, displayed a laser focus to pin anything [they] could muster on Clark.

There are no real financial penalties for such infractions, however. The judge ordered Starbucks to read a notice regarding the unfair labor practices and to pay Clark the extra money she would have earned had she been promoted to barista trainer.

In another recent case, an NLRB judge ruled that Starbucks illegally threatened to withhold abortion travel benefits from workers if they voted in a union.

Ian Hayes, a lawyer who has represented Workers United against Starbucks, said he expects the company to exhaust its appeal options in such cases, even though the penalties are meager and the litigation can be costly. Starbucks has deployed dozens of lawyers from the management-side law firm, Littler Mendelson, throughout the union campaign; four Littler attorneys are listed as having worked on the case involving Clark, according to board records.

Thats what weve seen so far and thats what weve come to expect, Hayes said of the appeals. You dont have to have a novel argument. You dont have to have a good argument. You dont even have to have a not-laughable argument.

No matter how many cases an employer loses, it can still succeed by prolonging the litigation and taking some air out of the organizing campaign. Workers United has organized more than 350 of Starbucks roughly 9,000 corporate-owned U.S. stores, prevailing in around 81% of the elections held. But the pace of unionization has lagged since the rapid organizing of 2022  a slowdown many union activists attribute to the companys aggressive response.

Clark quit her job at Starbucks shortly after receiving the final disciplinary warning during the fall of her senior year. A job that had once been a source of escape became the primary source of her stress, she said.

I knew any little mistake that I made, they would point to that as a reason to fire me, Clark said. Ultimately, that stress became too much on my mental health.

Since arriving at Georgetown in August, Clark has gotten involved in an effort to persuade the university to drop its contract with Starbucks over its scorched-earth union-busting campaign, as a petition puts it.

Meanwhile, Starbucks has until early December to file a brief challenging the judges decision in Clarks case. Clark might get a small amount of backpay since the judge found Starbucks withheld her promotion due to her union activity, but the lawyers warned her she might be done with college before the appeals are resolved.

Of course, a couple hundred dollars would be great, Clark said. But to see Starbucks held accountable for the way they treated me and workers like myself is worth more.

Related...
State police in Westmoreland are asking for the publics help to identify two people they say are responsible for retail thefts at the Lowes in Hempfield Township.

The male and female entered the store around 12:45 p.m. on Oct. 13 and allegedly stole two Milwaukee battery-operated leaf blowers, a Craftsman gas trimmer, two stainless steel submersible well pumps, and a 24-inch aluminum pipe wrench.

At around 10:30 a.m. on Oct. 15, the male returned and allegedly stole two snow blower fabric/vinyl cab accessories, a cast iron sewage sump pump, four 10-inch straight battery string trimmers, a pressure washer, and a cold water electric pressure washer.

The total value of the stolen merchandise is $3,281.86, state police said.

Anyone with information is asked to call Trooper Jacob Shearer at 724-832-3288 or anonymously contact the Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers at 1-800-4PA-TIPS (8477) or online. All callers to Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers remain anonymous and could be eligible for a cash reward.

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Left, one of the new Steinway models designed by Noe Duchaufour-Lawrance (right) (Steinway & Sons / Richard Wright)

Piano manufacturer Steinway & Sons has unveiled a limited edition of its classic grand piano, in collaboration with renowned French designer, Noe Duchaufour-Lawrance.

The unique look was unveiled on Monday evening (13 November) during a private concert from pianist Yuja Wang at the Palais de Tokyo, Paris.

In what could be deemed a subtle nod to his national heritage, Duchaufour-Lawrance selected veneers in ivory white, midnight blue and a red stain, each complimented by fittings in silver or gold colour.

Duchaufour-Lawrance, known for a number of memorable designs including the iconic egg-shaped pods in the bathrooms at London restaurant Sketch, said it was a dream to be able to work with Steinway.

Music, just like water, ebbs and flows, the constant flow of water erodes rocks on the shore over time drawing shapes and stretched shapes on their surface, he said, discussing what inspired his latest work.

I thought how curved traces of ink become notes on paper and how those notes become music that travels as if ripples in the air. The immateriality of sound, the fluidity of time and the resonance with space combined with these sensual lines were my inspiration.

Duchaufour-Lawrance was first approached by Steinway around three years ago.

He told The Independent that the initial idea for his design came to him relatively quickly and that, despite being an amateur pianist himself, he felt a strong emotional connection to the instrument.

Its funny, because theres a geometry in the lines that I havent done for some time  the idea of the line that never ends, he said.

(Steinway & Sons)

He admitted some nerves before the grand unveiling  theres a fear because youre in the middle of history  but those were quelled by the fact that Steinway is only releasing a limited number in his design.

Just 18 of the Noe limited editions will be available as a concert grand D-274 model, while 88 of Steinways B-211 models will be released worldwide.

Guido Zimmermann, president of Steinway & Sons Europe, said in a statement: We choose our design collaborators very carefully. Noe had a clear vision for Steinway & Sons  one that resonated on an emotional level, inspired by nature, it complimented the original design  modernising and elegantly softening it.

We are very proud of the finished instrument. Our craftswomen and men at the Hamburg Factory have done an exceptional job of marrying Noes creative artistry with our own time-honoured craft skills.

Each Noe Limited Edition is a true work of art with our goal to further spread the joy of music.
It is Ukraine's decision when and if negotiations should be started with Russia, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said before the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on Nov. 14, in comments cited by Interfax-Ukraine.

As there has yet to be a sign of goodwill from Russian dictator Vladimir Putin about an acceptable solution to the war, it is up to Ukraine to say what would be the acceptable terms, Stoltenberg said.

It is NATO's responsibility to unwaveringly support Ukraine in its fight against Russia because the only way that Putin may be willing to negotiate is if he thinks that Russia cannot win on the battlefield, according to Stoltenberg. Helping Ukraine's military is the best method of securing a lasting solution, he added.

The U.S. State Department denied reports that the U.S. has been urging Ukraine to participate in peace talks with Russia, Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel said on Nov. 7, adding that "(A)ny negotiations...are up to Ukraine."

"We are not aware of any conversations with Ukraine about negotiations outside of the peace formula structure," Patel told reporters, referring to President Volodymyr Zelensky's 10-point plan for an end to the war.

Zelensky's peace formula calls for the complete withdrawal of Russian troops from illegally occupied Ukrainian lands and the restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Media reports Defense Ministry to dismiss 3 commanders, ministry rebuffs claim

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NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg denounced Russia's plans to create a naval base in Abkhazia, a Russian-occupied territory of Georgia, in comments before the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on Nov. 14, as cited by the Georgian media outlet Civil.Ge.

"We strongly support the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia, and of course, we don't accept that these breakaway territories can be used by Russia to establish military bases," Stoltenberg said.

Moreover, he noted that the plan reveals "how far Russia is willing to go to achieve (its) military goals in Ukraine."

Russian state-controlled media Izvestia reported on Oct. 5 that Aslan Bzhania, the Russia-backed proxy leader in Abkhazia, said the region would soon host a "permanent" deployment of Russian forces in the Black Sea port of Ochamchire.

Russian authorities did not comment on the plans.

Bzhania's announcement raised concerns in Georgia, with Georgia's Foreign Ministry denouncing the plans as a violation of Georgia's territorial integrity.

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There have been Russian troops and Russian proxy soldiers on the ground in Abkhazia and South Ossetia, another occupied region of Georgia, since their seizure in the 2008 Russo-Georgian War.

Russian "peacekeepers" were also present in both regions before the 2008 war, a holdover from conflicts in both Abkhazia and South Ossetia in the early 1990s.

Both regions became de facto independent but legally part of Georgia, a status that continued until the 2008 war, after which Russia occupied Abkhazia and South Ossetia and established military bases there.

The creation of a naval base for Russia's Black Sea Fleet in Abkhazia would be a significant step, however, and one that could threaten to drag Georgia directly into Russia's war against Ukraine.

President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Oct. 24 that Russia's plans to create a base in Abkhazia were part of an effort to move its ships "as far as possible from Ukrainian missiles and marine drones," but he added that "we will catch up with them everywhere."

The comments were reported by some Georgian media outlets as a tacit admission that Ukraine would strike Russian targets in Abkhazia, a de jure part of Georgia.

Although the port is not deep enough to host larger warships from Russia's navy in the Black Sea, it could nonetheless become an important logistical hub.

"This is an attempt by the Russian Federation to expand the frontline to Georgia," said Badri Japaradize, one of the leaders of Georgia's opposition party, Lelo.

If the ships are used in attacks on Ukraine, then they would be legitimate targets, even if they are located in what is de jure Georgian territory, Japaridze added.

Read also: Mixed reaction from Georgian government after Russian forces kill Georgian citizen near occupied South Ossetia

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Rishi Sunak's new cabinet meets for the first time this morning, as his new look government takes shape.

At 23:00, the announcements were still coming, and it's not just David Cameron doing a less senior job than their previous role.

Dame Andrea Leadsom used to be a cabinet minister as business secretary - she once ran for Conservative leader and prime minister - now she's back as a junior health minister.

Damian Hinds used to be education secretary. Now he's number two in the department as minister of state.

But let's take a step back. What is this reshuffle all about?

From Rishi Sunak's perspective, it is about building a team more in his own image, and shaking off at least some of the folk he inherited from Liz Truss.

It is also about trying to change the political dial.

I'm told Rishi Sunak and David Cameron have spoken every now and again since Mr Sunak became prime minister.

It was about a week ago when Lord Cameron, as he now is, was asked if he would become foreign secretary.

This suggests - given the sideways move for James Cleverly from foreign secretary to home secretary - that Suella Braverman may have been done for even without the drama of late last week.

But Mrs Braverman's remarks did, it appears, shuffle forward the reshuffle.

David Cameron's return has prompted genuine delight from some Conservatives.

I've seen texts flying around talking excitedly about 'DC' - his initials were often used as shorthand when he was prime minister.

But others in the party see him as a Conservative from a different era: the Remain-loving author of what some see as as the austerity years. For some Conservative MPs they are two things they would run a mile from.

Governments will often appoint blasts from the past to senior roles, via the House of Lords, when they've either run out of better ideas or really do need to give the impression they're patching up very public differences.

Think Lord Mandelson as the unlikely number two to Gordon Brown in the final years of Labour's last stint in government.

As for Suella Braverman, No10 got rid of her because they were tired of her.

On plenty of policy issues she and the prime minister agreed. But her language and the attention it attracted irritated them, as did that newspaper article that wasn't properly signed off by No10.

A former minister, Dame Andrea Jenkyns, has published her letter of no confidence in Rishi Sunak.

Some of Suella Braverman's supporters claim - without evidence - a dozen or so letters have been sent in private. Who knows.

The numbers of the disillusioned tempted by political insurrection don't seem big, at least yet.

But make mistake, No10 is aware of them.

Suella Braverman was removed as part of the reshuffle

Mrs Braverman hasn't yet properly had her say after her early morning sacking by phone.

Some think she may wait until after the decision on Wednesday from the Supreme Court about the Rwanda migrant plan.

If the government loses, Suella Braverman isn't likely to stay quiet for long.

And senior folk in government think losing on Rwanda in court is more likely than winning.

But a qualified loss (or indeed qualified win) is possible, where some elements of the scheme are approved and others aren't.

The question is how much attention can Suella Braverman attract, how much appetite does the Tory party still have for stirring things up before an election - as opposed to making a case for its priorities afterwards? Let's see.

What is noticeable - and the return of David Cameron personifies - is what seems like a tilt away from the right.

The re-appointment of Esther McVey is a nod to those who might be concerned about this, charged as she is with keeping a sceptical eye on what some label political correctness or "wokery".

But the broader shift looks unmistakable to some in the party, and they don't like it.

Others hope it can sure up Conservative support in the south of England, where the electoral threat to the Tories by the Liberal Democrats is at its keenest.

Others, not least in the Labour Party, ask whether all this amounts to a coherent strategy at all, given its only weeks ago that Rishi Sunak was seeking to define himself against recent governments and prime ministers.

And now he's appointed one as his foreign secretary.

Oh and one final thought, which in the end is all that really matters with all this.

Will it change how we are governed, and the popularity, or lack of it, of the government?

There is a chance given its scale, and the eye catching return of David Cameron, that people might notice it.

Internal Conservative critics reckoned the prime minister's conference speech and last week's King's Speech didn't change the political dial.

It is far from certain this personnel reboot will either, but it might.

If you are Rishi Sunak and you are staring at what looks right now like likely general election defeat, it is worth a try.
If tech giants Google and Meta were paying a fair share of the revenues generated by their use of content from U.S. news organizations, theyd be paying out as much as $14 billion annually.

That is according to a new study from the Boston-based Brattle Group, which analyzed the financial benefits online platforms Google and Facebook receive by leveraging excerpts of content from news outlets in search results and social media postings.

Researchers derived fair payment values for ad revenues generated by online platforms use of news content, based on a 50-50 split of that income, and using that formula found Google would owe U.S. news publishers $10 billion to $12 billion every year and Facebook would owe $1.9 billion annually.

The analysis noted that the platforms do currently have some revenue sharing arrangements with U.S. news organizations but the payouts fall well short of a fair revenue sharing metric.

Existing deals made between these platforms and news publishers do not capture the full value generated by news content on the platforms, researchers wrote.

The U.S. news industry has been in financial decline since the mid-2000s as the distribution and consumption of news content has migrated largely to digital formats. Data gathered by Pew Research Center finds the U.S. newspaper industry has gone from a peak of nearly $50 billion in combined advertising and circulation revenues in 2005 to about $20 billion in 2022.

In research published in 2022, Pew noted that digital devices are by far the most common way Americans access their news but where they get that news on their devices is divided among a number of different pathways. Those pathways now include news websites, apps and search engines. And half of Americans, according to Pew researchers, at least sometimes get news from social media.

Brattle Group researchers also noted that the 50-50 revenue split they used to compute what could be owed to news outlets applies to revenue generated only from news content on the platforms and not to the total revenue these platforms generate.

As a percentage of total advertising revenue, we estimate that 6.6% of Facebook advertising revenues and 17.5% of Google Search advertising revenues should be paid to news publishers on an annual basis, Brattle researchers wrote.

According to data from Statista, Google generated over $224 billion in advertising revenues in 2022 and Facebook earned $114 billion from digital ads last year.

Earlier this year, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., introduced a bill aiming to build bargaining clout for smaller U.S. news outlets when it comes to negotiating revenue sharing contracts with online companies.

The Journalism Competition and Preservation Act of 2023 sets out a process through which certain broadcast or digital news providers may collectively negotiate with covered online platforms ... regarding use of the news providers content by the platforms, according to the proposed legislations summary filing.

The collective bargaining option, per the proposal, would be available to outlets that employ less than 1,500 people but that generate at least 50 million monthly domestic users.

Brattle researchers wrote that large digital platforms and news content creators provide complementary services, meaning that they create more economic value when used together, rather than when they are used separately. For the digital platforms, researchers noted, news media provides a source of high-quality content to keep their users engaged and coming back to the platforms. Likewise, for news publishers, the platforms provide popular, easy-to-use channels through which to distribute news content to a larger audience.

Presently, the large digital platforms in the U.S. dominate digital advertising markets, allowing them to retain essentially all of the economic value they create jointly with news publishers, the report reads.
An online scammer who tricked women and teenage girls into sending him intimate photos of themselves has been jailed for two and a half years.

Samuel Ward, 27, from Newmarket in Suffolk, offered to send his victims large amounts of money in exchange for the images.

Investigators said one victim was offered 10,000 for 10 images, but he only paid her 1.

Ward admitted offences including fraud and making indecent images of children.

Adam Priestley, senior investigating officer with the National Crime Agency (NCA), said: "Ward relentlessly targeted teenage girls and young women online with promises of payments he never intended on sending, nor had the means to do so."

The inquiry began after a 17-year-old girl in Florida reported what had happened to US law enforcement agencies.

Investigators discovered she was contacted by two Instagram accounts in May 2020 and was offered a "weekly allowance of $500 for sexual images and videos of her".

An additional message from one of the accounts showed a doctored image of a bank account balance of 98,606.80 - it included a message that said it was "Just to prove I have the funds".

Multiple social media accounts

British investigators identified Ward as the person controlling the Instagram accounts and found he had contacted a further 40 women and girls - 33 of whom were in the UK, six in the United States and one in Ireland.

Many had rejected his proposal, however officers identified 18 victims of his scam, including four who were under 18.

He approached multiple victims on social media including Instagram, Snapchat and Tinder from 2019 to 2021, using the same method.

Officers found Ward's bank statements that revealed he was in overdraft for the two-year offending period.

He confirmed he had made payments of 3 and 1 to two of his victims.

Ward appeared for sentence at Peterborough Crown Court having pleaded guilty to 19 charges, including fraud, possession of an article for use in fraud, making indecent images of children and malicious communication.

He was also handed a 10-year sexual harm prevention order.

Follow East of England news on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a story? Email eastofenglandnews@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 0800 169 1830
The U.S. Congress needs to approve the White House's request for aid to Ukraine as soon as possible in order to prevent serious consequences for Ukraine's defense, U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said in a press briefing Nov. 13.

"Each week that passes, our ability to fully fund what we feel is necessary to give Ukraine the tools and capacities it needs to both defend its territory and continue to make advances, that gets harder and harder," Sullivan told reporters.

"So, for us, the window is closing."

Sullivan said President Joe Biden had submitted a funding request to Congress that included funding for Ukraine, Israel, and U.S. border security.

Republican lawmakers in the House of Representatives have stonewalled financial support for Ukraine, excluding additional military aid from their most recent proposed budget. If a budget agreement is not reached by Nov. 17, the U.S. once more faces a government shutdown.

The House passed a stopgap budget agreement on Sept. 30 to keep the government open another 45 days. That bill also excluded funds for Ukraine.

Sullivan said the lack of funding has already impacted Ukraine's ability to defend itself against Russia's full-scale invasion.

"It is already having an effect on our ability to give Ukraine everything that it needs, and that effect will only compound over time," he said.

While Sullivan said the U.S. was currently still able to supply the military aid Ukraine has asked for, full funding would ensure that the support remains consistent and effective.

Sullivan also discussed Biden's upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in San Francisco on Nov. 15. He said Russia's war against Ukraine would be a part of the leaders' talks.

"President Biden has had a number of candid conversations with President Xi about the question of military support to the Russian Federation in the conduct of its war in Ukraine," he said.

Read also: Russia, West fight for Kazakhstan as Astana plays both sides

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WASHINGTON (AP)  Supporters of Israel rallied by the tens of thousands on the National Mall under heavy security Tuesday, voicing solidarity in the fight against Hamas and crying never again."

The March for Israel offered a resounding and bipartisan endorsement of one of America's closest allies as criticism has intensified over Israel's offensive in Gaza, set off by the bloody Hamas incursion on Oct. 7.

Overlooking a sea of Israeli and U.S. flags, the top Democrats in Congress  Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic leader Hakeem Jefferies  came together on the stage with Republicans Mike Johnson, the House speaker, and Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa. They joined hands as Schumer chanted, We stand with Israel.

Yet underneath that projection of unity, Democrats are sharply divided over Israel's course and its treatment of Palestinians. President Joe Biden now is urging Israel to restrain some of its tactics to ease civilian suffering in Gaza after voicing full-throated solidarity with the Israelis in the wars early weeks.

A succession of speakers took the stage to denounce the Hamas attack and what they said was a virulent spread of antisemitism internationally, an embarrassment to all civilized people and nations, in the words of Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who addressed the crowd by video from the Western Wall in Jerusalem.

After the largest massacre since the Holocaust, he said, let us call out together, never again.

No one will break us, he vowed. We will rise again. ... There is no greater and just cause than this.

Ernst said Hamas' brutality cannot be overstated. They murder babies, she said. "They rape women. They abuse the elderly. How anyone in America could sympathize with these terrorists is unfathomable.

Hamas militants stormed into Israel from Gaza in the surprise incursion Oct. 7, killing more than 1,200 people and taking more than 200 hostages. Israel has responded with weeks of attacks in Gaza, which have killed more than 11,000 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry.

Rachel Goldberg, mother of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who was taken hostage while attending a music festival attacked by Hamas, said the days since the attack have been slow motion torment.

These children of God range in age from 9 months to 87 years, Goldberg said of the hostages taken to Gaza. They are Christians, Muslims, Jews, Buddhists and Hindu. Why are they being left underground in the dirt?

The Homeland Security Department designated the march a level 1 security event, the highest classification in its system and one usually used for the Super Bowl and other major events, two law enforcement officials told The Associated Press. The designation means the event required substantial law enforcement assistance from federal agencies, the officials said.

The FBI and Homeland Security sent a joint bulletin to law enforcement officials in Washington warning about the potential for violence or an attack inspired by the Israel-Hamas war, the officials said. But the bulletin said clearly that federal officials havent identified any specific, actionable threat to the march, they said.

The officials were not authorized to discuss details of the law enforcement bulletin publicly and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.

Many of the demonstrators wore Israeli flags wrapped around their shoulders, flowing behind them, or held small Israeli flags in their hands. They also held placards with names and photos of the people who had been taken hostage in Gaza, often holding them up as the crowd shouted, Bring them home! Security was tight, with dump trucks blocking access to the mall and police dispersed throughout the area and on horseback.

I hope that it shows solidarity with Israel, said Jackie Seley of Rockville, Maryland, who came with friends from New York. And I hope that it raises awareness for the hostages that are currently in danger.

Melanie Lubin of Olney, Maryland, wore a flag half made up with the Stars and Stripes and half with Israels blue and white Star of David. Asked about the death toll in Gaza and criticism of the way Israel has conducted its military campaign, she said: I think everyone is concerned about what is happening in Gaza and to civilians in Israel. Israel is doing its best. This is a war. Israel did not start this war."

At one point during the rally, organizers played a video with Jewish students talking about antisemitism, reflecting how the conflict is playing out on college campuses.

Noa Fay, a Columbia University student, said many of her peers were feeling helpless about antisemitism they were seeing on campus, but she vowed not to be silenced.

I will continue to shout," she said. We should not have to do this. But we can do this, we must do this."
President Donald Trump gives his State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress, Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019, at the Capitol in Washington, as Supreme Court Justices Elena Kagan, Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh look on. | Doug Mills, The New York Times via Associated Press (Pool)

As concern grows over how private friendships affect the Supreme Courts public work, the justices have adopted an ethics code, albeit one without a clear enforcement mechanism.

The new code of conduct, released Monday, leaves compliance entirely to each justice, according to The Associated Press. It also does not significantly change the controversial ethical norms that were already in place; instead, it just puts them in writing.

For the most part these rules and principles are not new, the justices explained in the unsigned statement that accompanies the new code of conduct.

Whats new is having a written version of the rules thats released to the public, the statement explains.

The absence of a Code ... has led in recent years to the misunderstanding that the Justices of this Court, unlike all other jurists in this country, regard themselves as unrestricted by any ethics rules. To dispel this misunderstanding, we are issuing this Code, which largely represents a codification of principles that we have long regarded as governing our conduct, the justices wrote.

Among other things, the code of conduct requires Supreme Court justices to:

Obey the law.

Ensure that friends, family members, or professional or personal connections do not sway their legal work.

Not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, religion or national origin.

Recuse themselves from cases they cannot approach impartially.

Avoid using nonpublic information gathered during their legal work for their personal benefit.

Comply with the rules on accepting gifts like free trips laid out in the Judicial Conference Regulations, a preexisting document governing judicial affairs.

Related

The courts new ethics document comes seven months after ProPublica released an in-depth investigation into Justice Clarence Thomas relationship with Republican megadonor Harlan Crow, which questioned why the judge had not included vacations paid for by Crow on his financial disclosure documents, as the Deseret News previously reported.

ProPublica and other outlets have since released many more stories exploring current disclosure rules and other ethical norms. The stories have prompted calls from Democratic leaders in Congress and others for the court to clarify its policies and allow for more oversight.

The people behind these calls for change were not satisfied by Mondays announcement, according to The Associated Press.

Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, ... said Monday that the code appears to fall short of what is needed, The Associated Press reported.

Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., who is sponsoring a bill that would impose new ethics rules on the court, described the code of conduct as a long-overdue step but added that the justices need to agree to an enforcement mechanism, according to The Washington Post.

The honor system has not worked for members of the Roberts Court, Whitehouse said.
The conservative majority of the Supreme Court rejected an appeal from an Illinois inmate in solitary confinement who argued that denying him exercise was a form of cruel and unusual punishment.

The brief did not contain a reason why the six conservative justices declined the prisoners appeal.

In a dissenting opinion, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, joined by Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan, harshly disagreed with the courts denial, calling the lower courts ruling in Johnson v Prentice an indisputable legal error.

The case pertains to Michael Johnson, an inmate at the Pontiac Correctional Center who was held in solitary confinement for nearly three and a half years during which prison officials refused to allow him recreation time in the prison yard.

Johnson spent nearly every hour of his existence in a windowless, perpetually lit cell about the size of a parking space. His cell was poorly ventilated, resulting in unbearable heat and noxious odors. The space was also unsanitary, often caked with human waste, the background of the claims.

Johnson filed a complaint, claiming his Eighth Amendment right to be free from cruel and unusual punishment was violated. But the district court claimed revoking yard time was not cruel nor unusual, and the Seventh Circut upheld the ruling on Johnsons appeal.

Johnson then appealed to the Supreme Court, and while six justices did not see it necessary to rule in the case, the three liberal justices disagreed, saying the Seventh Circut focused on trivial aspects of Johnsons case rather than all the evidence concerning his health.

Johnson, who was serving time for a home invasion, was classified as seriously mentally ill by the Illinois Department of Corrections due to his bipolar disorder and severe depression diagnoses, among other conditions.

In a typical prison sentence, even in solitary confinement, inmates are allowed recreation time for at least eight hours a week. This can be revoked in something called yard restrictions, which is a form of punishment for inmates infractions.

However, Johnson received more than 70 conduct violations  most of which were minor  that led to yard restrictions imposed between 30 and 90 days.

As a result, Johnson had more than three years worth of yard restrictions.

In her dissenting opinion, Justice Jackson outlined the ways that severely restricting Johnsons ability to exercise impacted his mental and physical health.

He suffered from hallucinations, excoriated his own flesh, urinated and defecated on himself, and smeared feces all over his body and cell, Justice Jackson wrote, adding that he suffered from muscle spasms and developed respiratory difficulties.

Johnson became suicidal and sometimes engaged in misconduct with the hope that prison guards would beat him to deathWorse still, Johnsons dire physical condition led to further yard restrictions, as prison guards faulted him for being disruptive and having an unclean cell, Justice Jackson added.

Eventually, Johnson was transferred to a mental health treatment centre where his condition improved.
The Supreme Court declined to hear a case regarding the alleged unfair treatment of an Illinois prisoner Monday, despite objections from three liberal justices.

Attorneys for inmate Michael Johnson argued the conditions of his confinement in a windowless room with only occasional trips to shower violated his constitutional right against cruel and unusual punishment.

A federal appeals court ruled the treatment did not fall under that clause.

Justice Kentanji Brown Jackson led fellow justices Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan in dissent, arguing the appeals court failed to follow proper legal precedent in making its decision.

Jackson wrote that Johnsons confinement was unusually severe compared to other solitary confinement conditions because he was also deprived of access to an outdoor exercise space, even for brief periods.

Johnson spent nearly every hour of his existence in a windowless, perpetually lit cell about the size of a parking space, she wrote. His cell was poorly ventilated, resulting in unbearable heat and noxious odors. The space was also unsanitary, often caked with human waste.

She described how Johnson was levied consecutive yard restrictions as punishment, banning him from use of the outdoor exercise area for three years straight after the 30- to 90-day infractions were stacked on each other.

Thus, for three years, Johnson had no opportunity at all to stretch his limbs or breathe fresh air, Jackson wrote.

Johnson also experienced deteriorating mental and physical health while confined in the cell, she argued, including suicidality and extreme physical fatigue.

He suffered from hallucinations, excoriated his own flesh, urinated and defecated on himself, and smeared feces all over his body and cell, Jackson wrote. Johnson became suicidal and sometimes engaged in misconduct with the hope that prison guards would beat him to death.

Worse still, Johnsons dire physical condition led to further yard restrictions, as prison guards faulted him for being disruptive and having an unclean cell, she continued.

The inmate was later confined to a mental health treatment facility where his condition improved, she said.

The 7th Circuit of Appeals reviewed Johnsons case and ruled against him, saying that imposing individual yard restrictions doesnt violate the cruel and unusual punishment clause. The court cited a previous case that justified a year of yard restrictions.

But Jackson argued that Johnsons case is different because of the extreme length of the consecutive punishments, as well as his status as a mentally unstable inmate.

The appeals court did not consider the impact of cumulative exercise deprivation on Johnsons physical and mental health, or what was known to prison officials about the risks of such deprivation, she wrote.

The justice said the court should have instead judged the case on the standard of whether prison officials showed deliberate indifference to Johnsons health and safety, following a separate court present.

The Supreme Court does not provide an explanation when declining to take a case.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
In just over five weeks since the war between Israel and Hamas erupted on October 7, at least 190 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank (Aris MESSINIS)

With scores of Palestinians killed across the occupied West Bank in recent weeks, rights groups have accused Israel of giving soldiers free rein to shoot on site while war rages in Gaza.

In just over five weeks since the war between Israel and Hamas erupted on October 7, at least 190 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank, according to the Palestinian Authority's health ministry.

The figure is almost as high as the ministry's toll of 208 dead for the first nine months of the year up to the start of the war.

The surge in violence comes as raids by Israeli forces on Palestinian communities have multiplied in the West Bank, which has been occupied by Israel since the 1967 Arab-Israeli war.

Iyad Haddad, from the anti-occupation Israeli organisation B'Tselem, said "the Israeli army and settlers now have a free hand to fire on Palestinians in the West Bank" in an unprecedented way.

Since Monday alone, the health ministry said nine Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces.

The first was a 66-year-old taxi driver shot dead in Hebron, in the southern West Bank.

"A soldier heard shots and responded" the Israeli army said, while witnesses said the man killed was not involved in any violence.

Seven Palestinians were subsequently killed during an Israeli raid in Tulkarem, in the north, while a ninth was shot dead near Hebron on Tuesday morning.

Last week, Israel's extreme-right National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, who lives in a settlement himself, gave stark instructions to law enforcement.

"Zero tolerance. In case of doubt, there is no doubt," he said in annexed east Jerusalem, where a Palestinian was shot after allegedly attacking Israeli police.

- Multiple gunshot wounds -

In the West Bank, the Israeli military said they were responding to a "significant rise in terrorist attacks", with more than 550 attempted incidents since the start of the Gaza war.

At least three Israelis have been killed in the West Bank since October 7, including one who was shot dead by a fellow soldier.

In the northern city of Jenin, physician Pedro Serrano recalled treating multiple gunshot wounds during a raid on Thursday.

Most "had been shot in the abdomen and the legs", said Serrano, from Doctors Without Borders (MSF).

"Some had an exploded liver or spleen, the others had serious vascular wounds," he added.

"There was also a really sad case, of a man who walked just in front of the hospital and was hit in the head by a sniper," said Serrano.

The Israeli incursion into Jenin was the deadliest Israeli raid in the West Bank since at least 2005, according to United Nations data, with the Palestinian health ministry announcing 14 people were killed.

For its part, the Israeli military announced "10 terrorists were killed, and over 20 wanted suspects were apprehended" in the densely-populated city, which saw gun battles between Israeli forces and Palestinians.

Two of those detained were members of the Islamic Jihad militant group, which is allied with Hamas, the army said.

- 'Soldiers shoot to kill' -

The Hamas attacks on October 7 killed around 1,200 people in southern Israel, mostly civilians, according to Israeli officials.

Since then Israel has retaliated with relentless strikes and a ground invasion of Gaza, killing more than 11,200 people, the majority civilians, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory.

While the concurrent Israeli raids in the West Bank have frequently been fatal, other Palestinians have been killed in clashes.

Sayed Homeidat, a 17-year-old from Jalazone refugee camp, was one of the dozens of minors killed in recent weeks.

According to eyewitnesses, B'Tselem and Palestinian rights group Al-Haq, he was shot dead by an Israeli soldier standing more than a hundred metres away.

Israeli forces had blocked a road to repair a wall, which separates the camp from the Israeli settlement of Beit El on October 26.

Young Palestinians threw stones at soldiers but Homeidat was not involved, witnesses told AFP.

For Omran al-Risheq, from Al-Haq, "it's very clear that the soldiers shoot to kill even if they are not in danger".

The two rights organisations accuse the military of using live bullets, rather than other means, to disperse protesters.

Journalists working in the West Bank have confirmed that Israeli troops are not using tear gas as much as they used to before the war, while the killings have surged.

he/sbh/rsc/jd/srk/sea/
FILE - Family photographs of some of those who died hang on display in an exhibition at the Kigali Genocide Memorial centre in the capital Kigali, Rwanda Friday, April 5, 2019. A 68-year-old Rwandan doctor who has been living in France for decades goes on trial Tuesday in Paris over his alleged role in the 1994 genocide in his home country. The doctor, Sosthene Munyemana, is facing charges of genocide, crimes against humanity and complicity of such crimes. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis, File)

PARIS (AP)  A Rwandan doctor who has been living in France for decades goes on trial Tuesday in Paris over his alleged role in the 1994 genocide in his home country.

Sosthene Munyemana, 68, faces charges of genocide, crimes against humanity and complicity in such crimes. He has denied wrongdoing. If convicted, he faces a life sentence.

The trial comes nearly three decades after the genocide in which more than 800,000 minority Tutsis and moderate Hutus who tried to protect them were killed between April and July 1994.

Munyemana arrived in September 1994 in France, where he has been living and working as a doctor until he recently retired.

He has been investigated for decades. Over 60 witnesses are expected to testify at his trial. Members of the Rwandan community in France first filed a complaint against Munyemana in 1995.

Munyemana was a 38-year-old gynecologist in the district of Burate at the time of the genocide. He is accused of co-signing in April 1994 a motion of support for the interim government that supervised the genocide and of participating in a local committee and meetings that organized roundups of Tutsi civilians.

He is also accused of detaining Tutsi civilians without care, hygiene and food in the office of the local administration that was under his authority at the time, and of relaying instructions from the authorities to the local militia and residents leading to the roundup of the Tutsis, among other things.

This is the sixth case related to the Rwandan genocide that is coming to court in Paris. The trial is scheduled to run until Dec. 19.

Many suspected perpetrators left Rwanda during and after the genocide, some settling in Europe. Some never faced justice. On Tuesday, the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda said it had confirmed the death of Aloys Ndimbati, a fugitive indicted by the tribunal.

Ndimbati, the leader of a rural community at the time of the genocide, was accused of organizing and directing massacres of Tutsis. He faced seven counts of genocide, among other crimes. Ndimbati died by around the end of June 1997 in Rwanda, the prosecutors office said in a statement: The exact circumstances of his death have not been determined owing to the confusion and absence of order at the time.

While the survivors and victims of Ndimbatis crimes will not see him prosecuted and punished, this result may help bring some closure in the knowledge that Ndimbati is not at large and he is unable to cause further harm to the Rwandan people, the statement said.

Only two fugitives indicted by the tribunal remain at large, it said.

In recent years, France has increased efforts to arrest and send to trial genocide suspects.

Last year, Laurent Bucyibaruta was sentenced by a Paris court to 20 years in prison for complicity to commit genocide and crimes against humanity, making him the highest-ranking Rwandan to be convicted in France on such charges. He appealed.

Earlier this year, United Nations judges declared an 88-year-old Rwandan genocide suspect, Felicien Kabuga, unfit to continue standing trial because he has dementia and said they would establish a procedure to hear evidence without the possibility of convicting him. Kabuga was arrested near Paris in May 2020 after years on the run.

The mass killings of Rwandas Tutsi population were ignited on April 6, 1994, when a plane carrying then-President Juvenal Habyarimana was shot down and crashed in Kigali, the capital, killing the leader who, like most Rwandans, was a Hutu. Tutsis were blamed for downing the plane, and although they denied it, bands of Hutu extremists began killing them, including children, with support from the army, police and militias.
FILE PHOTO: A man cries at the site of a shooting at King Soopers grocery store in Boulder

FILE PHOTO: A man cries at the site of a shooting at King Soopers grocery store in Boulder

By Keith Coffman

DENVER (Reuters) - A 24-year-old man initially ruled incompetent to stand trial on charges that he fatally shot 10 people inside a Colorado grocery store in 2021, but later deemed mentally fit, pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to murder charges on Tuesday.

Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa entered his plea in Boulder District Court after a judge ruled there was sufficient evidence to try him on 10 counts of first-degree murder, in addition to dozens of counts of attempted murder, assault and weapons offenses stemming from the rampage.

Judge Ingrid Bakke set a $100 million bond for Alissa, who has remained in custody since his arrest on the day of the shooting.

Authorities allege Alissa stormed a King Soopers supermarket in Boulder, about 28 miles (45 kilometers) northwest of Denver, on March 22, 2021, armed with a legally purchased Ruger AR-556 pistol, which resembles an AR-15 style rifle.

Boulder homicide detective Sarah Cantu testified on Tuesday that Alissa killed two victims in the store's parking lot before shooting eight others to death inside the supermarket. Among those killed was a police officer responding to the scene.

One of the victims was initially shot and wounded in the back, then slain as he tried to crawl away.

He (Alissa) pursued him and shot him while was on the ground, Cantu said.

The gunman also shot and wounded a woman, then fired multiple additional rounds at her as she curled up in a fetal position, killing her, Cantu said.

All the victims who were shot died from their injuries, authorities said. The shooting spree ended when a police officer shot Alissa in the leg, leading the gunman to surrender.

The murder case against Alissa stalled after he underwent a court-ordered psychiatric evaluation and was diagnosed with schizophrenia in late 2021. The judge, relying on the conclusions of state psychologists, then deemed him mentally unfit to stand trial.

But last month, psychiatric experts reported that Alissa had responded to treatment, and Bakke agreed, ruling that his mental condition had improved sufficiently to allow prosecution to move forward.

Competence is a legal determination that weighs whether a criminal defendant understands the charges and can meaningfully assist in his or her defense. An insanity plea relates to a defendants mental status at the time of the alleged crime.

Authorities have not determined a motive for the killing spree, although at an earlier hearing, a psychologist who treated the gunman at the state mental hospital said Alissa had said he wanted to commit suicide by cop.

The judge set a tentative trial date for August 2024.

(Reporting by Keith Coffman in Denver; Editing by Steve Gorman and Bill Berkrot)
(FOX40.COM)  A woman was found dead in her home in Northern California and evidence suggests that there was an encounter with a bear sometime after her death, according to the Sierra County Sheriffs Office.

The agency said that deputies were asked to do a welfare check at the womans home in Downieville on Nov. 8. Downieville is about 110 miles northeast of Sacramento.

Video Above: Several dead geese found in Sacramento with Avian Flu

Encountered a black bear? Heres what to do if that happens

The person who made the request said that the woman, Patrice Miller, 71, had not been seen or heard from in days.

Deputies that responded had to force their way into Millers home and found her deceased, along with evidence that suggests a subsequent encounter with a bear, the sheriffs office said.

California wildlife: What to do if you encounter bears, mountain lions or snakes

Investigators believe that Miller died before the bear made its way into the home. The sheriffs office said that the animal could have been drawn to the home by scent or other factors.

The Sierra County Sheriffs Office extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Patrice Miller during this difficult time. The loss of a community member is always a tragedy, and our thoughts are with those affected by this unfortunate event, the sheriffs office said in a statement.

Its unclear what type of bear was involved, but according to the California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, black bears are the only wild bears in the state.

Are bears really a threat to humans in California?

The agency said that CDFW is helping to investigate the incident.

Residents are asked to use caution around bears and other wildlife, close ground-level doors and windows at night, and lock vehicles and remove foods, including garbage, from easily accessible areas to deter wildlife.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40.
A serial arson suspect, who a New York judge freed without bail Monday, ignited a new investigation less than two hours later on armed robbery charges, according to the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office.

Amanda Burnside, a Southampton woman who was accused of lighting fires at three houses, was released on her own recognizance despite prosecutors' request that the judge set bail at $500,000 or $1 million bond.

A judge ordered her to report for supervised release within 72 hours.

HOLLYWOOD HEADLESS TORSO SUSPECT SAM HASKELL PARANOID WEEKS BEFORE BODY FOUND IN DUMPSTER, FRIEND SAYS

Instead, according to authorities, she waited less than two hours before she acquired a knife, went into a Dollar Tree store and tried to rob it.

The fiasco prompted District Attorney Ray Tierney, the lead prosecutor in the Gilgo Beach serial killer case, to blast the state's bail laws.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

"Clearly, the dangerousness of this defendant, who allegedly tried to ignite three homes on fire, was not adequately considered, given that within two hours of her arraignment, she allegedly committed another serious, violent felony," Tierney said Monday night.

Amanda Burnside allegedly attempted to rob a Dollar Tree store in New York.

GILGO BEACH SUSPECT'S CHEEK SWAB DNA MATCHES PIZZA BOX SAMPLE: PROSECUTOR

"Furthermore, the danger that this defendant posed to society could never be adequately considered insofar as dangerousness is not a bail factor that judges can consider under New York State law."

New York's unpopular bail reform laws have been a thorny issue for Democrats in the state and local jurisdictions.

Suffolk County Republican Ed Romaine will become the first GOP county executive in 20 years after last week's election win.

CLICK TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

He campaigned relentlessly against soft-on-crime policies, and ads supporting his campaign bluntly told county residents, "We don't need another liberal."

Republicans now control all countywide seats in Suffolk and Nassau counties  two large suburbs east of New York City  and all four congressional seats in the region.





Original article source: Suspected serial arsonist named Burnside charged with armed robbery hours after leaving jail
FILE - This image provided by the Delaware Department of Justice shows Keith Gibson. Gibson, a suspected serial killer accused in the deaths of six people in Delaware and Pennsylvania in 2021, was convicted of murder and other crimes by a Delaware jury on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023. (Delaware Department of Justice via AP, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

DOVER, Del. (AP)  A suspected serial killer accused in the deaths of six people in Delaware and Pennsylvania in 2021 was convicted of murder and other crimes by a Delaware jury on Tuesday.

The jury deliberated for about six hours over two days before finding Keith Gibson of Philadelphia guilty of murder and robbery in the killings of Elsmere cellphone store clerk Leslie Ruiz-Basilio, 28, and Wilmington drug dealer Ronald Wright, 42.

Gibson, 41, also was convicted of attempted murder and robbery in the shooting of Wilmington store clerk Belal Almansoori, armed robbery of a drug store, assault, conspiracy, and gun crimes.

Gibson faces mandatory sentences of life in prison for the murder convictions. The judge did not immediately set a sentencing date.

The Philadelphia district attorney, meanwhile, has approved murder charges against Gibson in the killings of his mother and a Philadelphia doughnut shop manager, as well as the deaths of two men found shot in the head at a store in Philadelphias Germantown neighborhood. Authorities have said they will pursue those charges after Gibson is prosecuted in Delaware.

Delaware prosecutors relied heavily on video surveillance footage showing the robberies and shootings of Ruiz-Basilio and Almansoori. They also argued that ballistics evidence linked the shootings of Ruiz-Basilio and Wright and tied them to a revolver recovered when Gibson was arrested.

Clothing and other evidence, including a bicycle belonging to Gibson found near the cellphone store, also pointed to Gibson as the gunman in each of the crimes, said prosecutors, who noted that a friend of Gibson identified him as the man seen in surveillance footage from the shooting scenes.

Defense attorneys presented no evidence of their own and did not call any witnesses. Instead, they tried to poke holes in the prosecutions case by cross-examining witnesses and pointing out that there was no DNA or fingerprint evidence linking Gibson to the crimes.

Surveillance footage from May 15, 2021, at the Metro PCS store in Elsmere shows Ruiz-Basilio being confronted by a gunman, who takes her to the back of the store and shoots her in the head at point-blank range as her arms are raised. He then walks out of the store with stolen cash and cellphones and drives away in her SUV. The stolen vehicle was later recovered in Philadelphia near Gibsons home.

Almansoori, who was shot on June 6, 2021, lay on the floor of his store pretending to be dead after a gunmans first shot missed him. After stealing several items, the gunman shot the prone teenager in the head. As he was leaving, the gunman turned and shot Almansoori again. Almansoori survived and testified in Gibsons trial.

Almansoori was shot one day after Wright was killed in his Wilmington residence, which prosecutors said was a known drug house. Gibson was later found with a shoulder bag in which prosecutors said Wright kept his drugs.

Earlier on the same day Wright was shot, Christine Lugo, 40, was confronted by a gunman as she opened a Dunkin shop in north Philadelphia. Police say Gibson pushed her inside, took about $300 and shot her in the head, a killing that also was captured on surveillance video.

Gibson is accused of going on a violent rampage shortly after being released in December 2020 from a Delaware prison where he served about 13 years for manslaughter and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

After the cellphone store robbery, authorities arrested a man with one of the stolen phones. Data stored on the device included Gibsons phone number.

Gibson was arrested on June 8, 2021, after the robbery of a Wilmington Rite Aid store, during which a clerk gave him a bundle of cash containing a GPS tracking device. When police arrested him, Gibson was wearing body armor and carrying unique ammunition that prosecutors said was consistent with bullet fragments found at the two murder scenes. A revolver that prosecutors say was used in the shootings was found hidden near the spot where police arrested Gibson.
Ukrainian authorities have identified two individuals connected to the shooting of Ukrainian childrens writer Volodymyr Vakulenko and the murder of three other people during the Russian military occupation of Kharkiv Oblast, Ukraines Prosecutor Generals Office has said in a statement.

Read also: Ukrainian writer Victoria Amelina passes away from injuries sustained during Russian attack

The suspects, serving in the 4th company of the 4th battalion of the 204th rifle regiment of the mobilization reserve of the so-called LPR (Luhansk Peoples Republic), are alleged to have violated the laws and customs of war. Military officials have reported the charges, citing violations under the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

The accused, identified as the company commander with the call sign Lev and his subordinate, a machine gunner nicknamed Udod, both born in Luhansk, were allegedly involved in the events that transpired in the occupied village of Kapytolivka in Izyum District of Kharkiv Oblast last year.

Ukraines Prosecutor Generals Office

Armed occupiers conducted a search at Vakulenkos house on March 22, 2022, discovering his opposition to Russian actions. The occupiers detained the writer and his 14-year-old son, attempting to coerce Vakulenko into collaborating with the occupation authorities.

Following his refusal, the occupiers subjected Vakulenko to undressing to reveal Ukrainian-themed tattoos. However, the writer steadfastly resisted their demands. Subsequently, the Russian invaders transported Vakulenko and his son back home.

Read also: Invading Russian troops murder family in occupied Volnovakha for refusing to give up home, Ombudsman says

On March 24, the military returned and this time detained only Vakulenko. Upon the commanders order, the machine gunner Udod fatally shot the writer with a Makarov pistol.

The Prosecutor Generals Office states that the suspects are also implicated in the murder of three other civilians, including a former Anti-Terrorist Operation participant and two other men. The victims were held in unsanitary conditions in a basement without light, systematically beaten with sticks, and later killed.

A civilian man was also detained, and the occupiers forcibly inserted a hryvnia banknote into his mouth, threatening to shoot him if he removed it. After a period of captivity, the civilian was eventually released.

The authorities are currently considering declaring the suspects wanted. Investigations reveal that Lev and Udod acted as part of a group with other Russian military personnel, and efforts to identify them are ongoing.

Volodymyr Vakulenko went missing in the village of Kapytolivka near Izyum in March 2022. His parents searched for him for over six months. Subsequent investigations indicated that he had been abducted by Russian invasion forces.

Read also: First Lady Zelenska urges UNESCO to expand its presence in Ukraine

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
(Bloomberg) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping is unlikely to have the capability to conduct a successful invasion of Taiwan by 2027, according to a top Taiwanese security official, casting doubts on the progress of Beijings military modernization plans.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Taiwan will continue to delay the Peoples Liberation Armys invasion timetable by strengthening its defense capabilities, Wellington Koo, the head of the islands National Security Council, said Monday at a briefing in Taipei.

I dont think it will happen in the near future or at least within one to two years, Koo said of a Chinese invasion. If China needs to carry out amphibious landing operations to take Taiwan, I dont think it will have such capabilities by 2027.

Koo declined to pinpoint when an attack could happen, saying only that the island that China claims as its own doesnt see Beijing making invasion preparations. Beijing is already facing uncertainty next year from its own economic downturn, while the world must also deal with the US election, and wars in Europe and the Middle East, he added.

Xi is seeking to build a world-class force by 2027, a deadline that coincides with the 100th anniversary of the PLA. Mark Milley, then chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said last year Beijings military wont be ready to invade Taiwan for some time. His successor, Charles Q. Brown Jr., said last week he doubts Beijing plans to try to take Taiwan militarily.

Taiwan is separated from China by more than 100 miles (160 kilometers) of ocean, and its rugged coastline would make an amphibious invasion challenging. While China has the worlds largest navy by number of warships, its forces are largely untested.

Koo said Taiwan would use mobile weapons such as anti-ship missiles, Himars rocket systems, drones and Javelin anti-tank systems to make Chinas landing operations more difficult in the event of an invasion. The US will bring forward a Himars shipment by one year to 2026.

Earlier this month, Koo said the US government is taking steps to speed up the delivery of American weapons systems to Taiwan that have been delayed by factors including shipments to Ukraine.

US President Joe Biden is expected to touch on Taiwan when he meets with Xi this week at a leaders summit in San Francisco. Biden has repeatedly vowed to defend Taiwan from any Chinese invasion, in comments that have angered Beijing and brought new uncertainty to Washingtons longstanding policy of strategic ambiguity over the island.

Koo said Taipei and the US are discussing a possible meeting between Biden and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. founder Morris Chang at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, where he is Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wens special envoy. At last years conference, Chang had a brief chat with Xi that didnt touch on Taiwan Strait tensions.

More: Biden, Xi to Announce Deal for China to Crack Down on Fentanyl

Taiwans security cooperation with the US remains close, he said, with Washington pushing Taipei on defense reform, whole-society resilience and the construction of asymmetric warfare capabilities.

The US has a stronger sense of urgency than Taiwan, Koo said.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

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Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen poses for a photo with Taiwan's APEC representative and TSMC founder Morris Chang at a press conference in Taipei,

By Yimou Lee

TAIPEI (Reuters) - Taiwan is working on securing a one-on-one meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden and the island's representative at this week's APEC summit in San Francisco, but there is no message planned for China, a senior Taiwanese official said.

Chinese-claimed and democratically ruled Taiwan, which takes part in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum as "Chinese Taipei" and does not send its president to summits, has faced increased military pressure from Beijing, including two rounds of major war games during the past year and a half.

Wellington Koo, head of Taiwan's National Security Council, told reporters in Taipei that the government was aiming for a meeting between APEC envoy Morris Chang, the 92-year-old founder of chip giant TSMC, and Biden.

"The two sides are discussing related arrangements," Koo said when asked whether Chang plans to hold an one-on-one meeting with Biden at APEC.

The White House did not respond to a request for comment.

The U.S. State Department said that it did not have anything to announce on "specific bilateral meetings" on the summit's sidelines, but that Biden looked forward to welcoming Taiwan's participation.

A senior Taiwan official familiar with the matter said that Taiwan had requested such a meeting with the U.S. leader in previous years at APEC, and that the arrangement depended on Biden's availability.

The United States, like most countries, has no formal ties with Taiwan, but it is the island's most important international backer and arms provider.

Tensions over Taiwan are likely to feature when Biden meets Chinese President Xi Jinping at the summit.

Koo said Washington and Beijing were divided on major topics, including Taiwan.

"They are fundamentally split on core issues, so the meeting could become a place where they talk past each other," he said, adding that on Taiwan, neither side is likely to make concessions.

He said, however, that the meeting is necessary because it would an opportunity for Washington to "manage risks" amid Sino-U.S. tensions.

President Tsai Ing-wen said on Friday that Taiwan will stress the importance of regional peace at the summit, one of the few international bodies of both Taiwan and China are members and where their officials meet, even if just in passing or for pleasantries.

Asked whether Chang had been tasked with greeting Xi and sending him a message from Tsai, Koo said "no".

However, he added: "Everything should happen naturally."

Chang briefly met with Xi at last year's APEC summit in Bangkok, and discussed semiconductors with U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris.

China cut off a formal talks mechanism with Taiwan after Tsai first won office in 2016, believing her to be a separatist. Tsai says only Taiwan's people can decide the island's future and strongly rejects China's sovereignty claims.

(Reporting by Yimou Lee; Additional reporting by Ben Blanchard, and Michael Martina and Trevor Hunnicutt in Washington. Editing by Gerry Doyle)
WASHINGTON  A congressionally mandated commission is recommending the Pentagon train Taiwanese troops on U.S. soil to familiarize them with operating new weapons platforms the Asian nation purchased.

The bipartisan U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission made the suggestion to Congress as part of its annual report released Tuesday, but Taiwan may already have plans to send hundreds of troops to train in the United States.

Carolyn Bartholomew, the commissions chair, told reporters the recommendation aims to ensure Taiwan is ready to use the weapons upon their receipt so that theres not a lag time between getting it and then taking another six months of training before it becomes operational and can be used in the field.

The lessons everybody is learning from what is happening in Ukraine has been that its really important for militaries to be trained on the advanced technology that theyre going to be getting before they actually get it, and before they need it in the field, because theres been a terrible delay, Bartholomew said.

The delay refers to an approximate $19 billion sales backlog of numerous weaponry that Taiwan has agreed to purchase from the U.S. but has yet to receive due to a confluence of supply chain issues, contracting and acquisition delays, and a medley of lengthy technological and security reviews within the Foreign Military Sales process.

Theres currently training of Taiwan forces on certain weapons platforms to date, the commissions vice chair, Alex Wong, told Defense News, specifically citing F-16 fighter jets. This is not unprecedented. However, there is not yet training again on the weapons systems that have yet to be delivered. Some of them would be new to the targeting forces.

Wong said the commissions proposal would take the template that we already have with the F-16s, which we have delivered in the past, and apply it to new weapons systems.

Taiwans estimated $8 billion purchase of 66 newer F-16 fighters comprises a significant portion of the overall arms sale backlog.

Military maneuvers

Taiwanese Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng told reporters in February that Taipei is sending an undisclosed number of troops to train in the U.S. on weapons systems and military operations, according to The Wall Street Journal. The U.S. also deploys a small number of troops on the island to train Taiwanese forces, something President Tsai Ing-wen confirmed in 2021.

Wang Ting-yu, a member of Taiwans legislature from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party who sits on a defense committee, told the BBC last week that Taiwan plans to send two battalions of ground troops to the United States. A battalion in Taiwan can consist of up to 600 troops, marking a significant increase in Taiwanese troops training in the U.S.

The U.S. is emphasizing the desperate need to improve our military capacity. It is sending a clear message of strategic clarity to Beijing that we stand together, Wang said.

Taiwans diplomatic office in Washington did not respond to Defense News request for comment, and the Pentagon would neither confirm nor deny plans to train Taiwanese troops on U.S. soil.

We do not comment on specific operations, engagements or training, but I would highlight that our support for and defense relationship with Taiwan remains aligned against the current threat posed by the Peoples Republic of China, Pentagon spokesman John Supple told Defense News. Our commitment to Taiwan is rock solid and contributes to the maintenance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and within the region.

China considers Taiwan a rogue province and has threatened to retake it by force if necessary. President Xi Jinping has set 2027 as the year Chinas military would be ready for a possible operation against Taiwan.

China frequently objects to U.S.-Taiwan military ties and is particularly sensitive to actions it construes as recognizing the island as an independent state.

Consistent with the Taiwan Relations Act, the United States makes available to Taiwan defense articles and services necessary to enable it to maintain a sufficient self-defense capability, Supple said.
Your brain health is intimately connected to your gut health.

Research has found that taking a probiotic may help prevent cognitive decline in older adults.

It could also help younger adults perform better when they're stressed.

Scientists already know that probiotic supplements show promise in helping treat gut health conditions like IBS and gastrointestinal upset after taking antibiotics.

Now, scientists think that they might also slow down cognitive decline as we age, according to Jessica Eastwood, a nutritional psychology researcher in the department of psychology and clinical language sciences at the University of Reading in England.

In younger people, Eastwood told Insider, probiotics might even help people perform better when they're stressed.

"The microbes in your gut can affect your health in so many different ways," Eastwood said.

Here's some of what we know about probiotics and brain health.

Your gut and brain are intimately connected

Your gut and brain are closely connected, a partnership that's known as the " gut-brain axis ."

What affects the brain can affect the gut too, and vice-versa. That's why you might have butterflies in your stomach when you're nervous, Eastwood said.

The connection is so strong that flares of GI conditions like IBS or Crohn's disease can set off mental health issues like depression or anxiety, according to Harvard Health .

Scientists aren't exactly sure yet how these two systems work together. "Understanding exactly how these bugs in your gut are affecting your brain is still a little bit unknown," Eastwood said.

Probiotics can prevent natural cognitive decline

As we age, our cognitive functioning, which includes memory and executive functioning, naturally declines.

Eastwood and her team published a 2021 review which found that taking a daily probiotic might reduce cognitive decline in otherwise healthy older adults.

"Taking a probiotic supplement might be particularly helpful in just helping to mitigate that natural decline and maintaining cognitive function for longer," Eastwood said. Eastwood said that this might be especially beneficial as people continue to live longer .

The review also found that a daily probiotic might help improve cognitive performance in older adults who have a mild cognitive impairment or have Alzheimer's disease.

While these findings are exciting, Eastwood said that bigger and better research trials are needed.

More recently, a study presented at the American Society for Nutrition meeting in July of this year that found that older adults who took a probiotic had cognitive improvement compared to those that took a placebo.

Probiotics might also help reduce stress

Probiotics won't usually boost cognitive functioning in younger people since "they're already performing at ceiling," Eastwood said. But "where you do see an effect in younger adults is if they are stressed."

Sometimes, Eastwood said, if you're stressed, your cognitive performance goes down. But in the same 2021 review, "we find that if you take probiotics, you get this sort of buffering effect  so it reduces that decline."

In other words, taking a probiotic may help maintain normal cognitive functioning despite stress.

"In young adults that are doing exams or going through a particularly stressful period, that's maybe where there could be some use," Eastwood said.

Most studies on probiotics have had people take them daily for four weeks to six months, Eastwood said. In a 2019 study , women ages 18 to 40 who took probiotics daily for 28 days performed better on a stressful task than those who took a placebo.

We don't know which strains are the best yet

Since probiotic research is still in its early stages, we don't yet know which strains of probiotics might be the most helpful for cognitive function.

If you're interested in trying a probiotic, Eastwood recommends a multi-strain probiotic that contains a combination of the most researched strains including lactobacillus, bifidobacterium, and lactococcus species.

And as with any new supplement, you should check with your doctor first to make sure it's safe for you to take.

Read the original article on Insider
By Charlotte Greenfield

ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - The Taliban's acting commerce minister met Pakistan's foreign minister in Islamabad this week, an Afghan embassy statement said on Tuesday, discussing trade and how the thousands of Afghan citizens Pakistan is expelling could take cash and other assets back to their homeland.

The visit takes place less than a week after Pakistan said that its move to expel hundreds of thousands of undocumented Afghans was a response to the unwillingness of the Taliban-led administration to act against militants using Afghanistan to carry out attacks in Pakistan.

Taliban officials say militancy is an internal matter for Pakistan and have called on Islamabad to halt its deportation of Afghan citizens.

"Bilateral trade, especially the stranded goods of (Afghan) traders in Karachi port, smooth transfer of (Afghan) refugees' properties to (Afghanistan) and related issues were discussed," Afghanistan's embassy in Islamabad said in a statement, on acting commerce minister Haji Nooruddin Azizi's meeting with Pakistan's caretaker foreign minister Jalil Abbas Jilani.

Afghan citizens returning to Afghanistan have said there are restrictions on the transfer of cash and property to Afghanistan from Pakistan, where many had built businesses and homes for decades.

Pakistan's foreign office said Jilani conveyed the message that: "full potential for regional trade and connectivity can be harnessed with collective action against terrorism."

Last month, Pakistan set a Nov. 1 start date for the expulsion of all undocumented immigrants, including hundreds of thousands of Afghans. It cited security reasons, brushing off calls to reconsider from the United Nations, rights groups and Western embassies.

Humanitarian organisations have raised alarm at the dire conditions many Afghans who have recently returned are facing with few resources as the cold winter season begins and say many are staying in crowded shelters near the border operated by NGOs and Taliban authorities.

Pakistan's foreign office said the Taliban acting commerce minister would also undertake a trilateral meeting with representatives from Pakistan and Uzbekistan on Tuesday.

The agenda for the trilateral meeting was not clear, but the three countries have been working on plans for trade transit and railway connections between South and Central Asia that would cross through Afghanistan.

(Reporting by Charlotte Greenfield; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan)
Southwest Florida water officials voted Tuesday to issue a water shortage order limiting outdoor watering to one day per week in Tampa Bay beginning next month.

The vote by the Southwest Florida Water Management Districts governing board came after the driest rainy season in Tampa Bay in more than two decades.

The order covers the entirety of the Water Management District  including 11 whole counties and parts of five others  but has extra restrictions for Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough counties. In those three counties, residents will have one day a week to irrigate their lawns. In the rest of the district, the usual twice-per-week watering schedules will remain, except where local governments have imposed stricter measures, but wasteful and unnecessary watering, such as hosing down a driveway, will be prohibited.

The districtwide order goes into effect Nov. 21, and the extra restrictions for Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough will take effect Dec. 1. It does not apply to reclaimed water usage.

The order is a modified version of what the Water Management District calls a Phase 1 water shortage order, the least severe of such orders. Darrin Herbst, the districts water use permit bureau chief, said in Tuesdays meeting that it basically alerts the area for worsening conditions as we move forward.

The move came with the backing of Tampa Bay Water, the public supplier that provides water to most of Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough. Chuck Carden, the suppliers general manager, said the unusually dry weather and high demand for water are putting pressure on the regions water resources. As of the beginning of November, Tampa Bay faced a cumulative rainfall deficit of 7.6 inches over the prior year. Its 15.5-billion-gallon reservoir, normally full at the end of the rainy season, was down to about 12 billion gallons at the end of October.

Carden said outdoor irrigation accounts for about half of the regions potable water demand.

While we have sufficient drinking water supplies to serve the region, we are now asking to take proactive measures to increase the awareness about conserving water and lowering demand, he said. The easiest way to do this is to minimize irrigation.

Tuesdays vote marks the first such order in Southwest Florida since 2020, when similar restrictions were put in place across nine counties, including Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee and Sarasota. One major difference: That order came in the spring, usually the driest part of the year, while the new one comes at a point on the calendar when water typically is plentiful.

The single-day watering schedule to begin in December is as follows, according to the Water Management District. It does not include the city of Dunedin, which already has a single-day watering schedule.

Monday: Addresses ending in 0 or 1.

Tuesday: Addresses ending in 2 or 3.

Wednesday: Addresses ending in 4 or 5.

Thursday: Addresses ending in 6 or 7.

Friday: Addresses ending in 8 or 9, and properties with no clear address.
Samuel Bond Haskell IV, 35, has been formally charged by the Los Angeles County District Attorneys Office with three counts of murder in connection with the death of his wife and her parents in Tarzana, officials announced Monday.

On Nov. 7, the son of Samuel Haskell III, a one-time high-profile Hollywood agent at William Morris Agency, allegedly hired four day-laborers to haul off several heavy black plastic trash bags from the home he shared with his wife, 37-year-old Mei Haskell, her elderly parents and the couples three young children.

One of the laborers opened one of the bags and allegedly observed human body parts, according to a news release from the District Attorneys office. They called 911 and reported the incident.

That same day, he was reportedly seen and photographed approximately five miles from his home in the 4100 block of Coldstream Terrace disposing a large trash bag into a dumpster off Ventura Boulevard in Encino.

On Nov. 8, a man looking through that dumpster found a torso in a trash bag and called 911.

Police returned to the Tarzana home where they said they found evidence consistent with a killing and dismemberment. Haskell was arrested at the Topanga Mall later that morning on suspicion of murder.

Authorities have not yet announced the identities of the human remains in the trash bags linked to Haskell, but his wife and her parents, 72-year-old Gaoshan Li and 64-year-old Yanxiang Wang, were last seen on or about Nov. 6, the DAs release noted.

Mei Haskell's parents, Yanxiang Wang (left) and Gaoshen Li (right) are seen in photos provided by the Los Angeles Police Department.

The couples three children are safe now reportedly staying with family.

Detectives have scoured the Tarzana neighborhood for surveillance footage and are interviewing family, friends, neighbors and coworkers, but they have not yet said if they are looking for additional body parts or evidence in local landfills.

I still cant even wrap my head around it, one of the Haskells neighbors, Elle Benami, told KTLAs Rachel Menitoff. I have to remind myself a few times a day that this happened and its a reality.

Benamis kids were close to the familys boys who moved into the Tarzana neighborhood in 2021, and she said she spent a lot of time with Mei, who she described as an ideal neighbor and friend.

To also know that something like that, maybe there was something brewing under the surface that we didnt know about, Benami said. Its sad. Its scary and it kind of makes you feel helpless, I guess.

Robert Chacon, a retired special agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, told KTLA that detectives with the Los Angeles Police Department are going through the house with a fine-tooth comb, looking at blood and other forensics, as well as the familys digital footprint and social media platforms.

The challenge is how do you find out what he did if hes not talking? You have to find out through all of these other investigative avenues and youre basically piecing a timeline together, and youre piecing circumstantial evidence together to build a picture, Chacon said.

LAPD has also released photos of two white SUVs which they believe are connected to the family.

One of two SUVs police are searching for in connection to the missing family members of Samuel Haskell IV, who has been charged with three counts of murder. (LAPD)

One of two SUVs police are searching for in connection to the missing family members of Samuel Haskell IV, who has been charged with three counts of murder. (LAPD)

The 35-year-old made his first appearance in court Monday afternoon and is scheduled to be arraigned on Dec. 8. He is being held without bail.

If convicted on all three counts of murder, Haskell faces a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
Clip of a police video showing David DePape (L) armed with a hammer moments before swinging it at the head of Paul Pelosi, husband of the then-speaker of the US House (Handout)

The man accused of attacking Paul Pelosi with a hammer last year told a California jury Tuesday that the former US House speaker's husband "was never my target and I'm sorry he got hurt," US media said.

David DePape entered the Pelosi home in San Francisco at the end of October 2022, a few days before the midterm elections, wielding rope, gloves, duct tape and a small sledge hammer.

DePape, who faces possible life in prison if convicted of assault and kidnapping, detailed his conspiracy beliefs in the courtroom.

He cried several times on the stand as he detailed his view of the world, several US media outlets said.

DePape explained that he listened to right-wing podcasts and believed in conspiracy theories, including that the September 11, 2001 terror attacks were carried out by the US government itself and that a pedophilia network supplies the political elite.

During the attack, DePape is accused of grabbing a hammer and hitting Paul Pelosi, 83, in the head, fracturing his skull.

His initial plan was to target Nancy Pelosi, and on encountering her husband kept asking, "Where's Nancy?"

Paul Pelosi managed to alert the police, and officers captured the assault on body cams.

"I reacted because my plan was basically ruined," DePape said of the alleged attack.

Paul Pelosi "appeared to be genuinely remorseful about the corruption in (Washington) DC," DePape testified, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. "We had a really good rapport... Things were going pretty good until the very last second."

At the time, Democrat Nancy Pelosi was second in line to the presidency and a regular target of far-right conspiracy theories.

DePape, a Canadian citizen, said he hoped to attack others, including a feminist academic whom he accused of turning US schools into "pedophile molestation factories" and destroying children's sense of identity, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

Other personalities the defendant admitted wanting to attack included California Governor Gavin Newsom, President Joe Biden's son Hunter, and actor Tom Hanks.

DePape has pleaded not guilty. His defense admits the assault, but disputes that he specifically intended to attack Nancy Pelosi (or her husband) as a federal official -- a key factor for the prosecution.

In addition to the federal trial, DePape faces a separate trial on state charges for the attack.

rfo/tjj/st
For the next two months, visitors to Exploration Place can experience a soundscape among the grove of sweetgum trees just outside the science center in downtown Wichita.

Five local artists and engineers from the TechArtICT collective imagined, created and installed the immersive sound and light environment Whispering Woodlands. Visitors reach the installation by crossing a bridge used mostly as an emergency exit from Exploration Place to the west bank of the Arkansas River. They step off the bridge into the area typically used as a picnic grove, now temporarily fenced, and will hear a randomized rotation of sound modes coming from 25 trees. A speaker and LED lighting controlled individually are incorporated into each of the 24 trees as well as the ghost tree, a 25th tree fabricated and installed in the middle.

Some are soundscapes that we love and some are soundscapes we think kids will love, and of course theres great overlap there, said John Harrison, a musician and engineer who founded the TechArtICT collective in May 2022. We have different kinds of space sounds, we have a rain and a thunderstorm and a Gregorian chant. The LED lights complement the sounds and then react to the sounds.

The interactive element of the Whispering Woodlands experience centers on the ghost tree, which has six microphones to capture and mimic what visitors speak.

This is where you can interact with the sounds that youre hearing, Harrison said. You go up and speak to the ghost tree or ideally sing because then it can really see a pitch and react. It takes your voice and within two seconds it mimics what the environment sounds like. For example, with the space sound mode there is a robotic sound that their voice gets changed into.

Harrison, who serves as TechArtICTs director, said the collective hopes Whispering Woodlands inspires a sense of wonder and awe for visitors of all ages. This is the fourth installation by TechArtICT since it formed. Rotating artists and engineers are involved, and those who conceived Whispering Woodlands include Ernie Kind, Tom McGuire, Meghan Miller and Pankaja Withanachchi along with Harrison. To learn more about other upcoming projects by the collective as well as individual projects by the resident artists, visit techartict.org.

The group plans to see how visitors react to Whispering Woodlands and continue to evolve the experience over the next 60 days.

The way we thought about this was that it is a platform where were able to network 25 sounds independently, able to have the LEDs react to the sounds and we have mappings of how that works, Harrison said. And now the skys the limit. We can find more sounds and try more effects with the LEDs as we evolve.

While Whispering Woodlands is an extension of Arctic Adventure, Exploration Places indoor polar playground, visitors should not expect holiday lighting in the installation. Whispering Woodlands offers an interactive auditory experience day and night, though visiting close to dusk and later offers the full effect of the lighting. Arctic Adventure and Whispering Woodlands opened Nov. 10 and run through Jan. 7. They are included with general admission to Exploration Place: $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, $10 for youth and free for ages 2 and under. The science center is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and will stay open until 8 p.m. on Nov. 16 and 30; Dec. 7, 14, 21-23, 26-30; and Jan. 4.
A Northern California middle school teacher was arrested Monday on suspicion of having sex with one of her former students and having explicit photographs of the teen, according to a news release.

The investigation started after parents shared rumors about students having inappropriate photographs of a Gridley Unified School District employee Michelle Solis, police said. Solis is known to be a teacher at Sycamore Middle School in the small Butte County town  population 7,200  between Chico and Yuba City.

An evolving investigation with GPD officers, along with investigators from the Butte County District Attorneys Office produced evidence ... (of) more than just explicit photographs of a GUSD teacher were being circulated among students and the community, the news release posted on social media said.

Solis, who has taught for more than 20 years, is accused of having sex with a former student, a boy, who is now in high school. Police added the teen possessed explicit photographs of the teacher.

Solis was arrested at her residence Monday morning and faces a charge of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor under the age of 16. It wasnt clear who was representing the teacher, who still appears in the schools staff directory.

Gridley Unified School District, which serves about 2,000 students across five schools, wrote in a statement that Solis has been on administrative leave since October, when police were first notified of the allegations.

Superintendent Justin Kern said in a statement that hes shattered to have to address a situation like this  the allegations undermine and erode confidence in schools and employees. Still, the safety of children is the districts primary concern and appropriate measures will be taken to ensure this priority is addressed, he said.

While we refrain from making premature judgments about the actions of the staff member facing prosecution, it is crucial to reiterate the districts stance against any inappropriate contact between a district employee and a student, Kern said.

Kern added he recognized that this arrest may have consequences that extend beyond those directly involved. He also requested residents to stop engaging in rumors or conducting unofficial judicial proceedings on social media because its counterproductive and disrespectful.

Such behavior only exacerbates the trauma and stress experienced by those affected and can have a negative impact on our educational community beyond the scope of the investigation, Kern wrote.

Investigators urged other possible victims to come forward if they have any information. Additional charges may be considered by prosecutors if more evidence is uncovered, police said.

Police asked residents to contact the Gridley Police Department School Resource Officer Ashley Carson or Officer Emma Warren at 530-846-5670.

We as a community need to work in unity for justice in this matter, police wrote.
A 19-year-old Kansas City, Kan., man has been charged with assaulting police officers during a struggle where a gun was fired inside Oak Park Mall in Overland Park over the weekend.

The Johnson County District Attorneys Office has charged Nery Alberto Gonzalez-Munoz with two counts of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer and one count each of inference with law enforcement/fleeing and aggravated endangerment of a child, all felonies.

He has also been charged with misdemeanor counts of battery on a police officer, carrying a concealed weapon, theft and unlawful discharge of a firearm.

The charges stem from an alleged shoplifting incident at Macys in the mall. At about 4:20 p.m. Sunday, three detectives tried to stop Gonzalez-Munoz and another man near the food court for allegedly shoplifting.

As officers tried to arrest Gonzalez-Munoz, a struggle ensued. At one point, Gonzalez-Munoz got a hold of a detectives gun and fired one shot, police said.

No one was hit by the gunfire, but it sent customers running and ducking for cover. The other suspect ran from the mall and was arrested nearby.

The charges allege that Gonzalez-Munoz assaulted two of the officers with a deadly weapon during the arrest and came in physical contact with one of them in a rude, insulting or angry manner, according to court documents.

The charges also allege he placed a child under the age of 18 in danger. Gonzalez-Munoz allegedly took items less than $1,500 of value from Macys.

His bond has been set at $1 million. Gonzalez-Munoz, who turned 19 years old last week, is scheduled to make his first appearance this afternoon in Johnson County District court.

The incident on Sunday was the second time in two days where gunfire erupted in a Kansas City metro area mall.

Jackson County prosecutors have charged 21-year-old MarkAnthony Greer of Independence with six felonies in a Friday afternoon shooting at the Independence Center mall. Four people were injured in the shooting, including a pregnant woman who was put on life support.
A teenager suspected of opening fire Sunday at a Houston-area flea market, killing a juvenile, turned himself in Tuesday, police in Pearland, Texas, said.

David Negrete, 19, is being held at the Brazoria County Jail. He turned himself in around 10 a.m.

"This is still an active investigation by the Pearland Police Department. We are no longer seeking assistance regarding locating Mr. Negrete," authorities said.

Police respond to a shooting at a flea market in Pearland, Texas. (KPRC)

Police issued an arrest warrant for Negrete on Monday on suspicion of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon for his alleged role in the shooting at Coles Flea Market in Pearland, a city about 21 miles southeast of Houston.

Police spokesperson Chad Rogers said that there was a disturbance between two people at the location and that the shooting was not random. Three adults and two juveniles were injured. One of the juveniles died, police said.

Gov. Greg Abbott had announced a $15,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.

"Texas mourns the loss of a precious child following the devastating tragedy in Pearland yesterday, and our hearts are with the four other victims in the hospital as they recover from their injuries," he said in a statement.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
The story most people heard about Thanksgiving from a young age is pretty simple: A group of Pilgrims, fleeing religious persecution, sail to North American and settle on Plymouth Rock. After a hard winter, they celebrate a successful harvest with their new neighbors, Native Americans. Everybody's grateful; the end.

But that's not the full story. The Wampanoag tribe, the Indigenous people who lived at Plymouth Rock, experienced this moment very differently. Are your kids ready to hear the real history? The answer is probably yes.

Parents can start by telling their kids the truth and offering their children the more complex narrative. Kids are smart and capable of understanding, Matika Wilbur of the Swinomish and Tulalip tribes tells TODAY.com. She co-hosts the podcast All My Relations, which aired an episode called "Thanksgiving or Thankstaking?" that aims to understand the Wampanoag perspective.

Thanksgiving is rooted in a historical fallacy, Wilbur says, and the story is tied to the idea of white supremacy. "The main Pilgrim narrative coincides with colonization that was inherently oppressive and brutal.

Parents might balk at introducing the "real history" to their children because they think their children cant handle it. But thats not giving them enough credit, Wilbur says.

The backstory of Thanksgiving

Wilbur  who traveled to over 400 Tribal Nations for her documentary "Project 562"  and her co-host Adrienne Keene, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation who is an assistant professor of American Studies and Ethic Studies at Brown University, spoke with Paula Peters and Linda Coombs, Wampanoag historical scholars, for the episode.

Peters says sharing the Wampanoag perspective is essential but can be tough for parents.

Its difficult because we have to talk about some raw topics in order to get a fuller, clearer understanding, Peters, a citizen of Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and a researcher and journalist, tells TODAY.com. Quite honestly, cherry picking that moment when the Wampanoag and Puritans happen to break bread as the Kumbaya moment really does not do it any justice. The Wampanoag have been marginalized and forgotten and the back story is so incredibly critical for what ultimately happens.

Prior to the Pilgrims landing, the Wampanoag had experienced a plague that devastated their community. A "plague" is something Peters thinks children can certainly understand these days.

This is all (relevant) right now," she says. Think of what we (had) to say to our children, why they (couldn't) go to school and parents (couldn't) go to work  to protect our elders."

She says how parents share information with their children is very personal but believes they should introduce Indigenous history early and encourage their children to think critically about what they read. The Wampanoag people did not rush out to welcome the newly arrived Puritans, for example. They took months to observe them.

Being able to talk about the true trepidation that the Wampanoag had with forging a relationship (is important), she says. It wasnt like new neighbors moved in. It was very different.

Children definitely get what it's like meeting someone new who seems unlike them.

That is a creative and personal way to make it clear ... You get a new neighbor next door. They dont speak your language. They dont go to the same church. They do everything differently, Peters says. How are you going to engage with these people? These were all questions the Wampanoag leader had to ask himself.

The Wampanoag tribe also knew that other people who were like the Pilgrims had raided their food supplies in the past, so they felt wary.

What if you had a new neighbor that moved in and the first thing they did was take your cereal and Cracker Jack and not even leave a note? she says. These were new neighbors who came on the same kinds of ships that would have stolen from their fathers, their cousins, their uncles.

Who was 'Squanto' and how did he know English?

Another part of the story that parents can encourage their children to think deeply about is that role of Tisquantum, aka "Squanto," who served as a liaison because he spoke English.

We all had this story of the Mayflower and Plymouth colony and wasnt it wonderful that they came and they met with Squanto and he spoke perfect English? Peters said. Children are going to question, Well, how did he learn to speak English?

Thats a natural place to add more information. Squanto had been kidnapped by European settlers and held captive as a slave years earlier.

The answer to that involves all of those other things, being kidnapped, the plague, she said. Those parts of the stories are very tragic.

There are few books by Indigenous writers for children looking at the history of Thanksgiving, Peters says. And, Wilbur says only a handful of states  including Montana, Washington, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New Mexico and New York  mandate Indigenous history in the curriculum. Parents can reference these curricula online or turn to something like the Smithsonians Native Knowledge 360 Education Initiative for resources.

It should be in the schools, Peters said.

How to learn more about Native American history

Peters participated in Plymouth 400, the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower landing. The website and events includes Wampanoag history. Parents can explore this and the British sister project, Mayflower 400, to learn more.

There was a great interest worldwide in learning the true story, she says. We were a little bit nervous: Would they really hear us? In the past there has been a history of not interpreting what we say properly.

But people did want to listen.

I was really surprised by how welcome it was, Peters says.

Peters suggests that families who want to learn more start by learning the Indigenous history of where they are. You can look on this map to see what Native American tribe lived where you live now.

The very first thing they can do is acknowledge where they live, she says. Just understanding where you are and whose ancestral land it is and just asking the hard questions about history.

Wilbur agrees.

The path to reconciliation begins with developing relationships with the Native people whose land we occupy. Everywhere in North America has an Indigenous history and story, and there are still Indigenous people living here," she says. "There is an opportunity to build relationships with Indigenous people and support their cause."

And families who want to do more can even create new traditions.

They could become an ally to Indigenous communities by supporting their causes, either with donated time or money," Wilbur says. "Thanksgiving allows all of us to evaluate how we are being of service to community, so rather than centering what Im grateful for once a year, we could ask ourselves, 'How we are expressing that gratitude in a way that gives back?'

This story was originally published in November 2020.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
Thousands attend Tuesday's "March for Israel" on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., to denounce anti-Semitism, express American solidarity with Israel and demand the release of hostages being held by Hamas. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI

Nov. 13 (UPI) -- Thousands of protesters from across the country attended a pro-Israel demonstration Tuesday on the National Mall in Washington, amid the tightest of security, to condemn anti-Semitism and demand the release of hostages being held since last month's Hamas attack on Israel.

The demonstration, billed as "Americans March for Israel, March to Free Hostages, March Against Anti-Semitism," got underway at 1 p.m. EST. The large crowd, carrying signs of support, heard speeches and musical performances from a stage adorned with the flags of Israel and the United States.

Among the speakers was Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who spoke remotely from Jerusalem and urged unity "to march for the babies, the boys and girls, women and men viciously held hostage by Hamas; to march for the right of every Jew to live proudly and safely in America, in Israel and all around the world."

            ,   --- I invite you to watch my special address, broadcast live to the participants #MarchForIsrael in Washington D.C. pic.twitter.com/oef3IabifS   Isaac Herzog (@Isaac_Herzog) November 14, 2023

Demonstrators denounce anti-Semitism at a "March for Israel" on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI

Other speakers included relatives of the hostages being held by Hamas, as well as politicians including House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.

"Today, we stood together at the March for Israel on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., to say 'America stands for the people of Israel,'" Schumer wrote in a post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

Thousands gather on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday to denounce anti-Semitism in the "March for Israel." The event was called to express American solidarity with Israel and demand the release of hostages being held by Hamas, according to organizers. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI

Today, we stood together at the #MarchForIsrael on the National Mall in Washington, DC to say: America stands with the people of Israel. pic.twitter.com/tO1lytI3GP Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) November 14, 2023

Tuesday's march prompted a "Level 1" security event, which is the highest level possible, from the Department of Homeland Security. The National Guard assisted local police with explosive detection, venue screening and shutting down streets around the National Mall and the U.S. Capitol.

Demonstrators gather to denounce anti-Semitism at a "March for Israel" on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI

"There has never been a First Amendment event in D.C., that has been designated as a ... Level 1 event," Donell Harvin, a former D.C., chief of homeland security and intelligence, told CNN. "Those designations are reserved for high-profile events such as the Super Bowl and World Series."

According to U.S. Capitol Police, there were no counterdemonstrations or threats as of Tuesday afternoon.

Demonstrators denounce anti-Semitism at a "March for Israel" on the National Mall in Washington D.C., on Tuesday. The event was called to express American solidarity with Israel and demand the release of hostages being held by Hamas. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI

"On Oct. 7, merciless Hamas terrorists launched the deadliest attack on Israel in its 75-year history, brutally murdering the most Jewish people in a single day since the Holocaust," said Eric Fingerhut, president and chief executive officer of the Jewish Federations of North America, which helped organize Tuesday's "March for Israel."

"Israel must eliminate the terrorist threat on its border and restore safety and security to its people," Fingerhut added.

In last month's attack, Hamas -- which is based in Gaza -- killed 1,200 Israelis and took about 240 people hostage. Israel has since launched an air and ground offensive in Gaza, killing more than 11,000 people.

On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told CNN that Israel is "doing everything we can around the clock" to free the hostages.

Tuesday's demonstration in Washington follows other marches around the world to protest anti-Semitism. On Sunday, more than 100,000 people marched through the streets of Paris following a surge of prejudice in France during Israel's war with Hamas.

While there were no threats before Tuesday's event in Washington, Metropolitan and Capitol Police worked together to ensure a safe event as officers planned for possible counter demonstrations.

"MPD has asked for mutual assistance and support from the National Guard. The National Guard will be supporting some traffic safety points," D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said Monday.

MPD is "working closely with our local, state and federal partners to ensure safety and security surrounding First Amendment activities planned for Tuesday," said Paris Lewbel, a representative of the Metropolitan Police Department.

William McFarland, the House sergeant at arms, wrote in a memo to Congress that access to the Capitol Square would be restricted Tuesday, adding that the House had arranged bipartisan member transportation to and from the demonstration on a "first-come, first-served basis."
A large crowd turned out in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday for the March for Israel, gathering on the National Mall to show support for Israel, for the hostages to be freed, and to protest antisemitism, which has increased in the U.S. since the Israel-Hamas war began last month.

Renee Levy, who traveled to D.C. from Cincinnati, Ohio, told CBS News she felt it was important to be there with her son and their friends.

"It's been a really hard time to be Jewish in the U.S. this last month for these kids on college campuses, what they're having to deal with on top of mourning our dead and being worried about our hostages," Levy said. "We're also being attacked everywhere for being Jewish. So to be here with all these people today and stand in solidarity with Israel and to just be together was really important to us."

What is the March for Israel?

Ahead of the march, the organizers, Jewish Federations of North America and Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, estimated 60,000 people were expected to attend, according to the events permit obtained by CBS News. But Tuesday evening, organizers said the total turnout was much higher, estimating that 290,000 people took part.

The march's official website described the event as "an opportunity for all Americans to come together in solidarity with the people of Israel, to demonstrate our commitment to America's most important ally in the Middle East, to condemn the rising trend of antisemitic violence and harassment, and to demand that every hostage be immediately and safely released."

Thousands of people attend the March for Israel on the National Mall in Washington on Nov. 14, 2023 The large pro-Israel gathering comes as the Israel-Hamas war enters its sixth week following the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks by Hamas. / Credit: Drew Angerer / Getty Images

After the Hamas attack on Oct. 7, the Anti-Defamation League recorded 312 acts of antisemitism in the U.S. through Oct. 23  190 of which were directly linked to the Israel-Hamas war.

During that time period, there was also a 338% increase in harassment, vandalism and/or assault, compared to the same time period in 2022, according to the ADL.

Hamas, which the U.S. State Department designates as a terrorist organization, took an estimated 240 people hostage from Israel, including a number of Americans and a child as young as 3, according to the White House. Only four of the hostages have been released so far, and negotiations, mediated by Qatar, are underway to broker the release of more.

The organizers of the D.C. march encouraged attendees to post about the event on social media using the hashtag #MarchForIsrael. For those who couldn't attend in person, there was also a live stream.

Participants joined the march from across the U.S., with groups from cities like Boston, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and Baltimore arriving in D.C. by bus, and others flying long distances to be there.

"It's incredibly important for us to come together as a collective community and as a nation when there is increasing dehumanization of Israel, there is a rise in antisemitism," Laura Cherner of the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh told CBS News Pittsburgh. "To have us come together with support from the entire nation is going to be a huge, historic moment."

More than 4,000 people from the Philadelphia area headed to D.C. for the march, according to CBS Philadelphia.

Jacquie Brager, who came with a group from Maryland, told CBS Baltimore, "The hate that we've experienced in the past few weeks is depressing, and we have to show Israel that we support them."

"I'm a son of Holocaust survivors. It's been a turbulent, emotional time for me," another participant, Thomas Tibor, told the station. "My ultimate hope is peace."

People pray on Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the White House before a rally supporting Israel during its conflict with Hamas, Nov. 14, 2023, in Washington, D.C. / Credit: BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images

CBS News foreign affairs and State Department correspondent Christina Ruffini, who reported from the march, noted there was also a group of counter-protesters who appeared to be Hasidic men with signs that said "Not in our name," and "Authentic Rabbis always opposed Zionism and the State of Israel."

March for Israel safety and security

The march was designated a SEAR Level One event, meaning there would be a stronger federal law enforcement presence in coordination with local law enforcement, CBS News has confirmed. D.C. police and U.S. Park Police were on the grounds during the event.

Level One SEAR events are considered "significant events with national and/or international importance that require extensive federal interagency support," according to Department of Homeland Security, which applies a "risked-based methodology" to determine which events require the additional resources.

There have been no specific threats to the D.C. march, law enforcement officials told CBS News.

"DHS continues to work with stakeholders across the United States to share timely information and resources to enhance safety for their communities," a Homeland Security spokesperson told CBS News in a statement. "The U.S. remains in a heightened threat environment and recent events reinforce that. As the Israel-Hamas conflict continues, we have seen an increase in reports of threats against Jewish, Muslim, and Arab communities and institutions. Lone offenders, motivated by a range of violent ideologies, pose the most likely threat. We urge the public to stay vigilant and to promptly report suspicious activity to their local law enforcement."

During an on-camera Pentagon briefing on Tuesday, deputy Pentagon pess secretary Sabrina Singh said the Department of Defense approved a request for 30 D.C. National Guard members to provide traffic and crowd management support to the city's police department, with six additional guard personnel from the Civil Support Team also assisting at the event.

Other protests in support of Israel and Palestinians

The war has sparked pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian protests in major cities around the world. Last month, at the start of the war, pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian groups held dueling protests in New York City, demonstrating outside of the United Nations, in Times Square and at other landmarks, CBS New York reported.

A pro-Palestinian march in D.C. drew attendees from several U.S. cities on Nov. 3, with demonstrators calling on President Biden to end all aid to Israel, according to CBS affiliate WUSA.

On Sunday, more than 180,000 people in France  including 100,000 in Paris  held peaceful protests against antisemitism.

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Donald Trump's lawyers have indicated that they will be filing for a mistrial in the former presidents New York civil fraud case as the trial enters its second phase with one court observer characterizing the move to The Daily Beast as the "nuclear option."

Throughout the trial, Trump has pushed claims about Judge Arthur Engoron and his law clerk Allison Greenfield being biased and motivated by politics. But on Friday, the former president received outside help to support his narrative when Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., filed an ethics complaint with a state court commission citing inappropriate bias and judicial intemperance. Stefanik accused Engoron of weaponized lawfare against Trump and called on him to recuse himself.

However, since Stefanik's ethics complaint contains broad allegations of political bias without any factual basis, the ethics complaint will likely be ignored in the trial, Gregory Germain, Syracuse University law professor, told Salon

Unless there are some facts showing a serious ethical violation (which seems very unlikely), it will have no impact on the trial, Germain said. Judge Engoron's alleged statement that Trump is a bad guy, after reviewing the evidence for summary judgment, does not show judicial bias. There would have to be some evidence that Judge Engoron held that view before hearing the evidence.

Trump, who is facing a $250 million lawsuit from New York Attorney General Letitia James over more than a decade of alleged fraud, is at risk of jeopardizing his business empire. At stake is the possibility that Engoron could order a receiver to dissolve the entire company to satisfy millions in fines and ban Trump and his adult children from engaging in business activities within the state of New York.

The three-month court battle could end with Trumps lawyers filing a motion to declare a mistrial, the Beast reported. While his legal team has hinted at this ploy, nothing has been filed yet.

Attorney Alina Habba told Fox News on Sunday that "we'll be filing papers to address all of those issues... soon, very soon."

Habba added that the problem with filing motions is that the judge will be left to decide whether he will recuse himself or not.

Its a bench trial, she continued. We have one judge. And its the same judge that issued the gag order that has to make those determinations. So, at this point, I dont have any reason to believe he shouldnt after what we have learned, if its true.

Last month, Engoron imposed a gag order, prohibiting Trump and other parties from publicly discussing members of his staff after Trump baselessly accused his clerk of being the "girlfriend" of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. Subsequently, Engoron fined Trump $15,000 for breaching the gag order.

The ex-president has displayed a combative demeanor since the moment he took the stand, turning the courtroom into political theater by attacking the judge and the attorney general who brought the case against him. But employing campaign-style rhetoric in the courtroom might be detrimental to his case.

Trump's strategy of attacking the judge because the judge is ruling against him (as he does in almost every case brought against him) is a terrible strategy, Germain said. I would be shocked if these allegations have any impact at all on the trial or on an appellate court.

The purpose of Trumps allegations is entirely political, since he is hoping to obtain public support, he added. However, Trump does have an argument that James action was political since this is not the kind of case an attorney general normally brings and would not have been brought against an unknown real estate developer.

There needs to be an innocent victim or potential innocent victims for the AG to take action, Germain continued. So there is some resonance to his arguments about being targeted for political reasons. But there is also no question that he grossly overvalued his properties. Whether that constitutes fraud (where there was no reasonable reliance and harm) is a legitimate legal question for appeal. But the courts will base their decisions on evidence and the law, and not on allegations and dissatisfaction with the results of the trial.

Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course.

If Trumps team does indeed file a motion for a mistrial, it is likely that the court will deny the motion, Laurie Levenson, a law professor at Loyola Marymount University, told Salon.

The court has not been sympathetic to Trumps arguments so far and it has made clear that he, and his lawyers, have acted inappropriately throughout the trial, Levenson said. The defense may be filing this motion more for the court of public opinion and the court of appeal, than for the trial court.

A California civil rights attorney V. James DeSimone told Salon that Trumps team has not presented any facts or evidence to prove they have been treated unfairly in court. Judge Engoron admonishing Trump while on the stand was not motivated by bias but by Trumps own misconduct on the witness stand.

If a judges clerk passing several notes to him during the trial last week is grounds for a mistrial, no trial would ever be decided by a jury, he added.

Trumps attorneys are somehow claiming the contents of those notes, which they do not know, equates to influencing the judge, DeSimone said. Its an oddball and hopeless approach, but probably plays well to Trumps followers who need regular stoking to continue believing he is a victim."
Police in North Texas have arrested five people in connection with a string of burglaries that appear to have targeted the Asian American community recently.

The suspects were arrested on felony charges of engaging in organized criminal activity after they allegedly approached Asian American homes dressed as delivery workers, first ensuring that the homes were empty, Plano police department officials said. The thefts took place across several days starting on Oct. 29.

Jennifer Chapman, the departments public information officer, told NBC News that Asian Americans may have been targeted because of the tendency of some community members to store large sums of cash or other valuables in their homes.

Attorneys for four of the suspects  Juan Pinto-Rodriguez, 32 ; Luis Tafur-Tovar, 33; Helmer Patino-Calderon, 43; and Jeisson Tafur-Tovar, 29  did not respond to NBC News request for comment. Wesley Spencer, who represents the fifth suspect, Adrianna Abello-Ruiz, 24, had not yet met with his client and declined to comment.

Chapman said that the suspects, all from the Houston area, stayed at an Airbnb in Dallas. They went to the victims' homes in the middle of the day, Chapman said, before cutting off the electricity, which turned off surveillance cameras.

Police caught the suspects after they tried to break into a home where the residents, who were napping, called authorities.

There was a pattern that the detectives and our crime analysts noticed, Chapman said. The way that they were cutting the electric boxes was very distinct. Thats something that does not always occur in these types of burglaries.

For more from NBC Asian America, sign up for our weekly newsletter.

Plano is home to a significant Asian American community, which makes up more than one-fifth of the citys total population, according to the Census.

Chapman said that burglaries targeting Asian Americans in the area are not uncommon, and that for the past several years, the departments Crime Prevention Unit has hosted meetings for Asian American residents with the aim of helping them better protect themselves and their property. To avoid similar incidents, Chapman said that its critical for community members to document their belongings. Additionally, residents should make noise when they hear a knock at the door, Chapman said.

People are showing up in the afternoon, she said. Dont remain quiet inside. Saying, 'Hello' or 'How can I help you?' You dont have to open the door. That way, the person does know that theres somebody in there and hopefully they just move on.

The suspects were being held at the Collin County Jail.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
The string of burglaries took place in Plano, Texas (PPD)

Texas police have arrested five people in connection with a string of burglaries that appear to have targeted Asian Americans.

The suspects, all from the Houston area, allegedly approached properties dressed as delivery workers, first ensuring that the homes were empty, and stole cash and other valuable items, Plano police department officials said.

Police added that the suspects went to the victims homes in the middle of the day and if nobody was home, they cut off the electricity, which turned off surveillance cameras, allowing them to ransack the property.

The suspects were caught after they attempted to break into a home where the residents, who were sleeping, called authorities.

Jennifer Chapman, Plano police departments public information officer, said that investigators noticed a pattern in electricity being cut off before the burglaries took place, which also helped officers to catch the suspects.

There was a pattern that the detectives and our crime analysts noticed, Ms Chapman said. The way that they were cutting the electric boxes was very distinct. Thats something that does not always occur in these types of burglaries.

She added that the suspects may have targeted Asian Americans due to the tendency of some community members to store large sums of cash or other valuables in their homes.

Ms Chapman said this means burglaries targeting Asian Americans in the area are not uncommon, and the departments Crime Prevention Unit has been holding meetings with Asian American residents with the aim of helping them better protect themselves and their property for several years.

Juan Pinto-Rodriguez, 32; Luis Tafur-Tovar, 33; Helmer Patino-Calderon, 43; and Jeisson Tafur-Tovar, 29, were arrested on felony charges of engaging in organized criminal activity after a string of thefts that took place across several days, starting on 29 October.

The suspects were being held at the Collin County Jail.

Asian Americans make up more than one-fifth of Panos population, according to the Census.
The more than two-decade saga of one of El Paso's most disturbing slayings is set to come to an end with the execution of the man convicted in the murder of a 5-year-old girl abducted from a Walmart.

David Santiago Renteria, 53, sits in a small prison cell at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice's Polunsky Unit in Livingston, Texas, awaiting transfer to the Huntsville Unit, where he is scheduled to be executed by lethal injection Thursday, Nov. 16.

Renteria will be moved to the Huntsville Unit on the day of his execution, which is set to take place after 5 p.m. MT. He will be injected with a lethal dose of Pentobarbital, officials said.

Death row inmates are no longer allowed to make a last meal request. Renteria's last meal will be "from what's available on the day's menu to the inmates at the Huntsville Unit," Texas Department of Criminal Justice officials said.

Convicted child killer David Renteria looks back at his mother and acknowledges her well wishes with "don't worry mom, I'll be okay," as he is led out of the courtroom after being resentenced to death by lethal injection earlier.

While preparations have started for his execution, it could be postponed as Renteria's attorneys continue to file last-minute appeals in an effort to stop the killing. More appeals could be filed in the hours before his execution.

Renteria's attorney, Tivon Schardl, declined to comment, stating everything he had to say on the case was in the appeal motions he has filed.

The scheduled execution will come two days before the 22nd anniversary of the day, Nov. 18, 2001, when he kidnapped 5-year-old Alexandra Flores from an El Paso Walmart, strangled her to death and then burned her body. It also comes six days before his 54th birthday.

Renteria has declined all media requests for interviews, Texas Department of Criminal Justice officials said.

Several attempts to reach Alexandra's family were unsuccessful. Former El Paso District Attorney Jaime Esparza, who tried the case against Renteria, declined to comment because of his new role as U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas.

More: Man convicted of kidnapping, killing girl from El Paso Walmart, to be executed in November

When Renteria was officially sentenced to death in 2008, Esparza said jurors made it clear it was "important to protect our community" and sent a message that El Pasoans "will not tolerate this type of crime."

"This is one of those rare cases that the circumstances are aggravated enough, the crime is heinous and this case is definitely a death-penalty case," Esparza said in 2008. "There's no question in my mind the appropriate sentence is the death penalty and the jury did the right thing."

Renteria will be the fifth man convicted of a crime in El Paso to be executed in Texas since 1980.

The other men are Justen Grant Hall in 2019, William Josef Berkley in 2010, Ricardo Ortiz in 2009 and Ramon Pedro Hernandez in 1987.

There currently are seven other El Pasoans currently on death row. No execution dates have been set for them.

Facundo Chavez, 32, was the most recent person to receive the death penalty. Chavez was convicted of capital murder and sentenced to death in August in the fatal shooting of El Paso County Sheriff Deputy Peter Herrera during a 2019 traffic stop.

Another El Paso death penalty case remains pending in state court. The El Paso Walmart mass shooting gunman, Patrick Crusius, is charged with capital murder in the deaths of 23 people during an Aug. 3, 2019, racially motivated shooting at an East El Paso Walmart. El Paso District Attorney's Office officials are seeking the death penalty against him. A trial date has not been set.

The abduction and murder of 5-year-old Alexandra Flores while shopping with her family in November 2001 is considered one of El Paso's most disturbing crimes. This file photo shows her sister holding a star in memory of Alexandra during a healing victims walk in 2007. Alejandra's killer is scheldued to be excuted today.

New District Attorney ensure justice is served 20 years later

While appeals are still being heard, current El Paso District Attorney Bill Hicks said he is confident the execution will take place, but his team continues to work to counter any appeals filed by Renteria's attorneys.

"Up until I think 5:45 p.m., the process can always be stopped," Hicks said. "There's always a last-minute potential of a stay that can come in. So I'm planning to be there and, and while we think that it's going to go through, there's still that potential."

If Renteria is executed Thursday, it will be an end to a tragic event, Hicks said.

El Paso District Attorney Bill Hicks speaks to the press after listening to the victim impact statements after Facundo Chavez's trial on Thursday, Aug. 10, 2023. An El Paso jury has returned a death penalty sentence for Chavez, who was convicted of killing El Paso Sheriff Deputy Peter Herrera during a 2019 traffic stop.

"Anyway, you look at this, it is still an execution," Hicks said. "It is still a tragedy that a person is going to lose their life. However, not just one, but two different juries came back and said that David Renteria would be a future danger to society, and both juries came back and said that there was nothing about him or what he did or his history or who he is that would mitigate what he did and mitigate the sentence of death.

"Therefore, two different juries felt that justice in this case was that he received the death penalty. I believe very firmly that this is the final culmination of justice for Alejandra."

Hicks and his staff have remained in close contact with Alexandra's family throughout the process.

"It's obviously very, very emotional for the family," Hicks said. "It's very personal for the family, very personal for everyone who had been involved with this case in any form because it was such a horrible, senseless tragedy."

More: Convicted El Paso killer David Renteria's execution date to remain, appeals court rules

The execution will not bring closure to Alexandra's family, but it will bring an end to the legal process the family has had to endure for two decades, Hicks said.

"Frankly, they (Alexandra's family) just want it to be over with," Hicks said. "They've been waiting a very long time for this date. They don't want it to continue. They don't want it to be reset. They just want it to be over with.

"I think the way it has been expressed to me, and I think that this fits with this family, is that the execution will not bring closure. Closure comes from within. The execution will bring finality and they need finality."

David Renteria sentenced to death twice by two different juries

Alexandra was Christmas shopping with her parents Nov. 18, 2001, at a Lower Valley Walmart, 9441 Alameda Ave., when Renteria kidnapped her.

As they shopped, her parents realized she was missing. They searched but could not find her. Store surveillance video showed Alexandra exiting the store about 5:15 p.m. with Renteria.

Alexandra's body was found about 7:10 a.m. the next day. She was naked and partially burned in a carport near Downtown El Paso, the El Paso Times reported.

An autopsy revealed Alexandra was strangled to death and then set ablaze, court documents state. Investigators later revealed there were no signs of sexual assault.

A May 15, 2008, El Paso Times article reporting David Santiago Renteria was given the death penalty during his resentencing hearing.

Renteria, a warehouse worker and laborer, was arrested two weeks later.

The key evidence was the discovery of a palm print on a plastic bag found over Alexandra's head. The palm print was determined to be from Renteria, court documents state.

An investigation into Renteria led police to a vehicle registered to the killer that was at 9441 Alameda Ave. at the time and date of Alexandra's disappearance. Renteria also told police he was at the location at the time and date of her disappearance, court documents state.

In September 2003, Renteria went to trial for the first time. He maintained his innocence, claiming Barrio Azteca gang members forced him to kidnap the girl and someone else was the person who killed her, court records show.

A jury convicted him of capital murder and was sentenced to death.

In Texas, a sentence of death comes with an automatic appeal.

A Texas appeals court heard the case. In 2006, the justices upheld the conviction but ordered a new sentencing phase of the trial.

The appeals court ruled that during the sentencing phase of his original trial, there was an "exclusion of evidence showing the defendant's remorse violated due process by preventing defendant from rebutting the State's case when the State left jury with false impression and emphasized it," an appeal opinion stated.

In 2008, a new sentencing trial was held with a jury reaching the same verdict as the 2003 jury  a sentence of death.

Convicted killer David Renteria, seated right, and one of his attorneys listen to District Attorney Jaime Esparza in this April 22, 2008, photo during a resentencing hearing for Renteria in 41st District Court.

"David Renteria, you were found guilty in 2003 of capital murder. A jury found you guilty of murdering a 5-year-old little girl, Alexandra Flores," former Judge Mary Anne Bramblett, who presided over the trial, told Renteria as she handed down the sentence. "Now, another jury has again found you a future danger.

"This is an atrocious crime for which the laws of Texas allow the death sentence. Twice now, your community has decreed you should die for what you did to Alexandra," Bramblett said, the El Paso Times reported.

After the sentencing was handed down, Alexandra's family confronted Renteria as they gave emotional victim impact statements.

"The Bible speaks of forgiveness, but every tear I see my mom cry, every tear I see my family cry, every single time that we visit my sister in her grave, every holiday, every birthday, I wish you were dead," Esmeralda Frausto, Alexandra's sister, said in her 2008 victim impact statement. "You deserve to die, nothing less."

Renteria listened, expressionless, as Alexandra's family members addressed him in the courtroom, the El Paso Times reported.

"She was only 5 and beginning to understand life when you snatched her away from the people who loved her the most," Lizette Flores, Alexandra's sister, told Renteria during her victim impact statement. "Why would you do this to someone you didn't even know? Did you deserve more life than she did? You took her innocence."

The sentencing ended with an emotional outburst by Renteria's mother, the El Paso Times reported.

As bailiffs escorted Renteria from the courtroom, his mother shouted, "You're innocent, son. Don't worry."

Renteria replied, "I know, Mom. Don't worry about me."

Legal saga continues as David Renteria sat on death row

Since the 2008 sentencing, Renteria and his lawyers have filed several unsuccessful appeals and court motions. However, they briefly won a motion to postpone the Nov. 16 execution date set by the state of Texas in July.

Renteria and his attorneys filed the motion to stay the execution, asking for 327th District Court Judge Monique Velarde Reyes to indefinitely postpone the execution.

They argued his constitutional rights to due process and equal protection would be violated if the El Paso District Attorney's Office did not turn over all documents in his case, court documents state.

Reyes granted the motion April 29.

More: 8 men in El Paso murder cases on death row; Walmart shooter faces death penalty

Hicks then immediately filed an appeal of the judge's ruling. The appeal was then heard by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals  the highest criminal appeals court in the state of Texas.

The question of whether Reyes acted within her legal rights when she granted the motion was the main argument of Hicks' appeal.

Hicks questioned if Reyes even had the authority to vacate the execution date and order the DA's Office to turn over evidence  legally known as discovery  years after Renteria's trial, conviction and sentencing.

The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals reviewed the appeal and issued an opinion Sept. 18. The justices sided with Hicks stating in their opinion Reyes overstepped her legal rights to order the postponement of the execution.

2008 Convicted killer David Renteria looks in the direction of the jury as a recess is called after his mother broke down during questioning of his resentencing trial.

The justices wrote, "Renteria's conviction and sentence had been affirmed on direct appeal, and this Court's (Texas Court of Criminal Appeals) mandate had issued. Therefore, the trial court did not have general jurisdiction over Renteria's case."

Since then, Renteria's attorneys have filed several more appeals, including an Oct. 9 appeal claiming several of Renteria's constitutional rights were violated by Texas Court of Criminal Appeals' rulings, when the state of Texas set an execution date, and the legality of the chemicals that will be used in the execution.

The defense attorneys have also requested that the issue be examined by the federal court system, including the U.S. Supreme Court.

The alleged constitutional violations included:

State courts not allowing Renteria due process of law to be heard by state courts.

State courts allowing prosecutors to vacant an execution date, but not allowing a defendant to have a right to request to do the same.

State courts denying him an opportunity to be heard before setting the execution date.

Appeals court ruling a state trial court had no jurisdiction to vacant an execution date.

The right not to be injected with drugs that are illegal to use under the State's Pharmacy Act.

"A stay from this Court would recognize the value of comity between state and federal courts, reduce the overall burden of litigation, and permit the careful consideration of the many, broad-reaching questions raised by this Court's decision," Renteria and his lawyers pleaded in the appeal.

The appeal was denied Oct. 25.

More: Chavez death penalty: 'He's going to pay the price'

According to Hicks, Renteria has appealed on several other grounds that have been denied by the appeals court.

The appeals have included Renteria continuing to maintain his innocence claiming he was ordered by Barrio Azteca gang members to kidnap Alexandra and someone else was the person who killed her. These claims were brought up in his original trial and were dismissed, Hicks said.

Renteria also filed an appeal claiming his treatment in prison has been inhumane.

"Those arguments have all been addressed in the past and have not found merit in the past," Hicks said.

The last execution in Texas to be postponed by appeals on the day of the execution was on Oct. 26. William Speer's execution was postponed after an appeals court ruling came after allegations were made that prosecutors, in that case, failed to disclose evidence at trial and knowingly presented false testimony.

Aaron Martinez may be reached at amartinez1@elpasotimes.com or on Twitter @AMartinezEPT.

Times reporter Trish Long contributed to this story.

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Texas prepares for execution of El Paso man in girl's murder
In a photo <a href="https://twitter.com/Thavisin/status/1720005019687354513/photo/1">posted on social media</a> on Nov. 2, 2023, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin meets with Thai officials to discuss his pitch for the Landbridge infrastructure project, which he is bringing to the APEC summit in San Francisco. Credit - X

Since attaining the premiership in August, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has branded himself the nations chief salesman, traveling around the world to court foreign investments to boost Thailands stagnant economy. This week, as global leaders descend on San Francisco for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, hes bringing perhaps his biggest pitch yet to a new crowd of potential investors: Landbridge, a $28 billion infrastructure project that offers an alternative trade route through Southeast Asia that would bypass one of the worlds busiest sea lanes.

The proposed 100-kilometer bridge that would cut across the Kra Isthmus, the narrowest part of the Malay Peninsula, would connect the Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean without requiring ships to sail down along the tip of Singapore through the narrow Malacca Strait, which is known to experience congestion, collisions, and even piracy. The Landbridge is estimated by Thai authorities to cut transport duration by an average of four days and lower shipping costs by 15%.

The idea of creating an alternative route to the crowded Malacca Strait may be ambitious, but its not at all new: plans for such a shortcut, whether by land bridge or canal, date at least to the 17th century, in the Ayutthaya kingdom predating modern Thailand. More recently, similar ideas were also toyed with by Sretthas predecessorsincluding the administrations of Prayut Chan-o-cha and Thaksin Shinawatrabut were repeatedly shelved due to concerns about the projects impacts on wildlife and local communities.

Read More: Thailands Newest UNESCO World Heritage Site Is Being Overrun by Sacrilegious Tourists

The Landbridge project also holds the potential to become a geopolitical flashpoint as competing powers vie for influence in the region, though Srettha appears keen to sidestep such tensions by welcoming any and all investors. While the Thaksin administrations proposal to build a canal across the Kra Isthmus in the early 2000s reportedly attracted investment interest from several East Asian countries, including China, Srettha has now gone further than his predecessors by also looking to the West to secure funding for the project.

Srettha previously pitched the Landbridge to Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Chinese investors in October during the Belt and Road Forum in Beijing, where Chinese investors as well as investors from Saudi Arabia reportedly showed interest. In San Francisco this week, at his Thailand Landbridge Roadshow, Srettha stressed to U.S. investors how the proposed project, which Thailand aims to complete by 2039, would maintain the flow of goods as the capacity of the Malacca Strait faces increasing pressure.

It's important for Srettha to make the most of APEC, and pitching the Landbridge project to the West restores Thailand's traditional delicate juggling of Great Power relations, Mark S. Cogan, an associate professor of peace and conflict studies at Japans Kansai Gaidai University, tells TIME.

In a statement on Monday, Srettha said, I believe this presents an unprecedented opportunity to invest in this commercially and strategically important project that connects the Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean, connecting people in the East with the West.

What seems top of mind for Srettha is the domestic impact the project could have: the Landbridge, he says, is expected to create 280,000 jobs and increase Thailands GDP by 5.5% per year when completed.

Read More: After Awkward Ascension, Thailands New Prime Minister Tries Old-Fashioned Populism

But while its too soon to tell if Western investors will take up Sretthas offer, Cogan warns that there are political considerations that come with foreign investment in the Landbridge project that may ultimately become a stumbling block for Thailand.

The Landbridge, if there are Western investors, will demand much more scrutiny in terms of environmental impacts, potential disruptions to the south [of Thailand], and how debt to foreign investors will affect Thailand's near-term stability.

The Prime Ministers current zeal for the project, Cogan adds, reveals that as Thailand's traveling salesman, Srettha is thinking about both optics and short-term gains.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
FILE- The U.S. Treasury Department building is shown at dusk in Washington on June 6, 2019. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

WASHINGTON (AP)  The United States on Tuesday said it imposed a third round of sanctions on a group of Hamas officials, members of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad who work to transfer money from Iran to Gaza, and a Lebanese money exchange service that facilitates the transfers.

The Treasury Department sanctions, coordinated with the United Kingdom, come in response to the surprise Oct. 7 attack by Hamas on Israel that left roughly 1,200 people dead or kidnapped. The sanctions block access to U.S. property and bank accounts and prevent the targeted people and companies from doing business with Americans.

This and two previous rounds of sanctions against Hamas and its affiliates are aimed at protecting the international financial system from abuse by Hamas militants and their enablers, the Treasury Department said.

The State Department also is designating a Palestinian Islamic Jihad military leader for diplomatic sanctions.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said in an emailed statement that together with our partners we are decisively moving to degrade Hamass financial infrastructure, cut them off from outside funding, and block the new funding channels they seek to finance their heinous acts.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said we will continue to work with our partners and allies to disrupt Hamas terrorist financing channels.

The White House has said it has yet to uncover information that Iran, the principal financial and military sponsor of Hamas, was directly involved in the multipronged Hamas operation against Israel.

However, the U.S. has conducted three strikes over the last two weeks against Iranian-tied weapons depots in Syria to retaliate for the more than 50 rocket and drone attacks that militant groups have launched since Oct. 7 against U.S. bases in Iraq and Syria, which have caused dozens of minor injuries among U.S. personnel.

President Joe Biden and other officials in his Democratic administration have traveled to the Middle East to show support for Israel and have tried to tamp down tensions in the escalating war between Israel and Hamas. But those efforts have faced massive setbacks.

More than 11,000 Palestinians, two-thirds of them women and children, have been killed since the war began, according to the Health Ministry in Gaza, which does not differentiate between civilian and militant deaths.

U.K. Foreign Secretary David Cameron said the Palestinian people are victims of Hamas too. We stand in solidarity with them and will continue to support humanitarian pauses to allow significantly more lifesaving aid to reach Gaza.

The U.K.'s Tuesday sanctions target four Hamas senior leaders and two Hamas financiers.

The shadowy leader of Hamas military wing, Mohammed Deif, said the Oct. 7 assault on Israel was in response to the 16-year blockade of Gaza, Israeli raids inside West Bank cities over the past year, increasing attacks by settlers on Palestinians and the growth of settlements, among other reasons.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who declared Israel to be at war, said its military would use all of its strength to destroy Hamas capabilities. All the places that Hamas hides in, operates from," he said, we will turn them into ruins.

___

Follow the AP's coverage of the Israel-Hamas war at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war.
Thousands of demonstrators descended onto the National Mall in the nations capital on Tuesday to express their support for Israel amid its war on Hamas, and to condemn antisemitism that has spiked amid the conflict.

D.C. officials ramped up security ahead of the rally, with multiple reports saying that up to 100,000 people were expected to be in attendance at the March for Israel. The event is scheduled from 1 to 3 p.m. on the National Mall.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) were among the featured speakers.

During his comments, Johnson denounced calls for a ceasefire in the war, which has been the focus of pro-Palestinian protestors who have rallied in DC in recent weeks.

The calls for a ceasefire are outrageous, he said, before the crowd then erupted in chants of no ceasefire.

We stand with you in that Hamas terrorists waged the bloodiest assault on Jewish lives since the Holocaust and there are hundreds of hostages, many of them Americans still stuck inside Gaza, he continued.

Israel will cease their counter offensive when Hamas ceases to be a threat to the Jewish state.

Actress Tovah Feldshuh opened the rally by condemning the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas that killed an estimated 1,200 people in Israel, saying to lose a life is to lose a universe.

And as we stand shoulder to shoulder we transform thousands of our yahrzeit candles into one supernova of light and hope illuminating the memories of those we have lost and shedding light on the murderers who brought them to their death, she said.

We stand here firm against global antisemitism. We stand here firm in confrontation of antisemitism here in these United States.

National Park Police and emergency responders had a large presence outside the gathering. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said Monday that the Metropolitan Police Department will be assisted by the National Guard at some traffic points, as certain roads are closed for the event.

Schumer chanted We stand with Israel to kick off his remarks, and was followed by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) and Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) on the stage.

And history shows that when antisemitism rears its ugly head if its not dealt with forcefully and directly, it grows into deadly force or deadly force, Schumer said. But my friends, history reminds us also of one thing, that even in its darkest days, the United States has always stood with Israel, and we will do everything to say that that never, ever changes.

Schumer also condemned the phrase from the river to the sea, a slogan refers to the land between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea, which is seen by many as advocating for the removal of Israel to make way for a free Palestinian state. Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) has used the phrase, drawing condemnation from both sides of the aisle.

In fact, Hamas has said that what they did, the horror that they did on October 7 to the Jewish communities near the Gaza border, they should do to all Israelis, Schumer said.

Jeffries led the crowd in chanting never again during his time at the podium.

The Jewish people were violently expelled from the Middle East. The Jewish people was systematically murdered by the Nazi regime. The Jewish people were violently attacked by Hamas on October 7, resulting in the largest loss of Jewish life in a single day since the Holocaust, Jeffries said.

So we are here more than 100,000 people strong to unequivocally declare never again.

After delivering their remarks, the bipartisan group of lawmakers stood on the stage holding hands and led the crowd in chanting, We stand with Israel.

CNN commentator Van Jones addressed the rally before the lawmakers, emphasizing rising antisemitism and calling for the release of the more than 200 hostages taken by Hamas on Oct. 7.

Now if youre not Jewish, you may not know this. But since October 7, there has been literally an explosion of violence against Jewish people, attacks against Jewish people, horrific acts of hatred against Jewish people, Jones said.

The Jewish community stood with the civil rights movement and I cannot be silent when Jews fall under attack today, he added later on.

Now, whatever our different political beliefs and views are about whats happening overseas. You do not have to support all the policies of Israel to support and love and stand with all the people of Israel during a time of profound mourning.

FBI director Christopher Wray warned of historic levels of antisemitism last month. Between Oct. 7 and Nov. 7, the Anti-Defamation League recorded 832 antisemitic incidents of assault, vandalism and harassment across the U.S, which it said marked a 316 percent increase from the same period last year.

Demonstrators in the crowd were holding up missing posters of those who were taken hostage by Hamas. Organizers played a video showing the faces of Israelis taken hostage and the crowd shouted, Bring them home.

Leaders of the bipartisan Congressional Caucus to Combat Antisemitism  Sens. Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) and James Lankford (R-Okla.) joined Reps. Chris Smith (R-N.J.) and Kathy Manning (D-N.C.)  offered a prayer near the conclusion of the event for the hostages.

There was at least one smaller anti-Israel protest in the area. Dozens of members of the group Neturei Karta were protesting against Israel near the rally, surrounded by members of law enforcement. The ADL says the group has a very extreme agenda and has regularly aligned with international anti-Semites, Islamic extremists and groups that advocate violence against Israel.

A few people, holding Israeli flags, passed by the group, shouting vulgarities and in one case giving the middle finger.

On the edge of the rally, a small group held up a large Israeli flag, while one man stood in front of the flag, holding a poster that read Free Palestine. A liberated land is a peace of land. A man behind the flag began shouting at the counter-protester before the two engaged in an argument about free speech.

Updated: 3:13 p.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
[Source]

Amid the ongoing Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) global trade summit in San Francisco, thousands of protesters and activists gathered in the city to oppose APECs free trade agenda.

No to APEC: On Sunday, the No to APEC Coalition, a diverse group of over 100 grassroots organizations, marched through downtown and rallied against APEC, citing environmental harm by summit sponsors like Amazon and Microsoft. The coalition denounced APECs promotion of economic prosperity and environmental protection as a facade for exploiting the environment and marginalized communities in the U.S. and across the Asia-Pacific.

Speakers also accused APEC of prioritizing backroom military discussions and facilitating arms companies.

[APEC is] a tool of big business and the ruling elite to increase their profits at the expense of people and the planet, Brandon Lee of the International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines told KQED. APEC will not be epic. It will be a waste of millions of taxpayer dollars, and it will only result in further worker exploitation and environmental destruction.

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Protesting against leaders: Activists also protested against human rights abuses by leaders attending the summit  such as Chinas Xi Jinping, Philippines Bongbong Marcos, South Koreas Yoon Suk-yeol and Perus Dina Boluarte  and on international issues, including the Israel-Gaza war, calling for a cease-fire.

We gather to declare to the U.S. government and to the whole world that the masses here and the masses all over the world stand on the side of justice, of dignity, of liberation, and on the side of Palestinian people, Suzanne Ali from the Palestinian Youth Movement told KQED.

Asian American organizers, representing groups like Anakbayan USA and the Chinese Progressive Association, played a significant role in the rally. Protests are reportedly planned throughout the week, focusing on the APEC CEO Summit and CEO meetings.

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About APEC: APEC is an inter-governmental forum for the member economies in the Pacific Rim that promotes free trade throughout the Asia-Pacific region. As many as 30,000 individuals may be present during the APEC event.

Over the span of one week (Nov. 11-19), the summit will gather numerous heads of state, foreign officials and corporate leaders in San Francisco, accompanied by stringent security measures. Although APEC events will be held in different locations, it will be concentrated at Moscone Center.

Securing the summit: San Francisco has implemented barricades and fencing to secure the summit, with city officials having reportedly intensified efforts to clear homeless encampments in the conference vicinity. This move has been met with criticism on social media, with many raising concern about the displacement of the homeless population and accusing the measures as a way to prevent protests.

Trending on NextShark: Chinese student discovered secretly living under mall's stairs for 6 months

The White House announced that Joe Biden and Xi will discuss various bilateral, regional and global issues during their meeting on Wednesday.

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Last person to see missing US woman in Guatemala breaks silence
In a massive show of support for Israel, thousands of people lined the National Mall in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday.

We felt this is something we could do to support Israel, said Barbara Katzman from Philadelphia. We need peace in this world and its just not there.

Many people were waving or wearing Israeli flags.

Others held signs calling for the remaining hostages being held by Hamas to be brought home safely.

Its important to show Israelis that Americans stand behind their effort, said Steve Subar from Chicago.

For a lot of the people who spoke with our Washington News Bureau, the Israel-Hamas war is deeply personal.

Israel, my brothers, cousins, sisters, theyre all there, said Ami Weiss from New York. I actually have a good friend who is right on the frontlines in Gaza. Just praying for them every day.

Many of the people who took part in the rally traveled from around the county.

We are more than 1,600 people from the greater Boston Jewish community, said Jennifer Weinstock with Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater Boston (CJP). Its incredibly important for us to stand together We had about ten buses come from Boston and we also have a plane.

As an Israeli American myself, seeing all the people here coming to support Israel and to support the Jewish people I think is incredible, said Noam Bentov with the Boston area CJP. Its heartbreaking. My mother is there. My brothers are there They draw strength from us being here. They actually told us that. They said send pictures, send videos.

Their group included close to 200 college students from the Boston area who wanted to stand up against the rise in antisemitism on college campuses.

Theyre dealing with a lot on campus right now, said Meir Zimmerman with CJP. Some of them are feeling kind of alone, kind of afraid... Being blamed for whats going on in the Middle East just because theyre Jewish.

The massive rally brought in leaders from both chambers and both parties.

This rise of antisemitism must be stopped, House Speaker Mike Johnson told the crowd.

We are with Israel! proclaimed Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.

There have also been pro-Palestinian protests in D.C. in recent weeks following the attacks in Israel.

During those protests, people spoke out against the rise in discrimination against the Muslim community and called for a ceasefire.
Members of Brazoria County Sheriff's Department block the road leading to Cole's Antique Village and Flea Market after a shooting outside, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2023, in Pearland, Texas, near Houston. (Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle via AP)

PEARLAND, Texas (AP)  Three individuals have been arrested in connection with a deadly shooting at a Texas flea market, including one of the suspected shooters, police said Tuesday.

Three children and two adults were shot Sunday at Coles Flea Market in the Houston suburb of Pearland, with a 10-year-old boy later dying at a hospital. The others who were shot were also hospitalized with one of them later released. The shooting happened after an argument between two people who did not know each other, according to authorities.

Pearland police said that 19-year-old David Negrete, who they had been looking for after charging him Monday with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, turned himself in to authorities on Tuesday morning.

On Monday night, Pearland police announced that two individuals  Cruz Meza and Julianna Espino, both 18 years old  were each charged with tampering with evidence and making a false statement to an officer.

Meza was one of the five people shot Sunday, police said.

Both Meza and Espino were being held at the Brazoria County Detention Center. Jail records did not list an attorney for either Meza or Espino.

Police said that three of the people shot  the 10-year-old boy, a 14-year-old girl and a 37-year-old man were innocent bystanders caught in the incident.

Before Meza was arrested, police said they were investigating whether he had been involved in the shooting. Police were also reviewing whether a 16-year-old boy who was shot had also been involved in the shooting.

On Monday, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced that authorities were offering a $15,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in the case.

Pearland is located about 21 miles (34 kilometers) south of Houston.
Six people are reported dead and at least 18 others were left injured after a charter bus carrying high school band students collided with a semi-truck in Ohio on Tuesday morning.

Authorities said students from Tusky Valley Middle-High School were on their way to the Ohio School Boards Association conference in Columbus when the collission happened. The pupils had been scheduled to perform at the event.

During a vigil Tuesday evening at the schools stadium, Dr Derek Varansky, superintendent of Tuscarawas Valley Local Schools, confirmed three students, one teacher and two parents died in the incident.

He identified the students as 15-year-old Katelyn Owens, John W. Mosely, 18, and Jeffrey D. Worrell, 18. High school teacher Dave Kennat, 56, and parents Kristy Gaynor, 39, and Shannon Wigfield, were following in a car behind the bus. The three also died in the incident, which involved five cars in total.

At least 15 students and the bus driver were taken to area hospitals, officials said, though the number of students hurt remains unclear. Out of two drivers operating commercial vehicles, one was treated at the scene and the other was taken to a hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

The driver of a second passenger vehicle was also taken to an area hospital.

The conference was cancelled after news of the accident broke, a spokesperson for the association said. Ohio Republican Gov Mike DeWine spoke at the event on Monday.

Dr Varansky called the news devastating and heartbreaking.

Right now, our focus is on getting in touch with our Tusky Valley families who had loved ones on the bus and providing support to our entire school community, Dr Varansky said. Our Trojan family is strong, and it will take that strength and love to get throughout these coming challenging days.

Approximately 55 people, including 54 students and a driver, were on board when the truck rear-ended the bus around 8.30am on Interstate 70 West close to the Smoke Road underpass in Licking County, about 40 miles northeast of Columbus. All of the individuals killed were pronounced deceased at the scene.

The charter bus the students were on belonged to Pioneer Trails, a bus company operating out of Millersburg. In a statement posted to Facebook, the business said it was cooperating with authorities to determine the cause of the crash.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of those impacted by this accident, the statement concluded.

The entity has a satisfactory safety rating, according to US Department of Transportation data. It has been involved in one other crash in the last 24 months that resulted in one injured person.

During the vigil, Dr Varansky said 20 students were transported to five area hospitals with reported injuries. Eighteen of those children have been discharged and released to parents, he said, while two others remain hospitalised with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

Some of the individuals harmed were taken to Licking Memorial Hospital, Nationwide Childrens Hospital, OhioHealth Grant Medical Center, OhioHealth Pickerington Methodist Hospital and Mount Carmel East Hospital, according to The Dispatch.

A representative of The OhioHealth system said it received five patients across their campuses with minor injuries. A spokesperson for Nationwide Childrens Hospital said the facility received three victims following the incident. One has been discharged while two remain at the hospital.

The incident was been classified as a mass casualty event, The Columbus Dispatch reported, meaning that 10 or more people had been injured and needed emergency services to transfer them to local facilities for treatment.

At least 34 students were taken to the Etna United Methodist Church after the incident, where officials set up a reunification center for those not injured.

Don Hawkins, regional communications manager for the Red Cross, said a steady stream of parents had been arriving at the site since about 12pm ET.

The nonprofit fufilled a request for 30 units of blood from the Mount Carmel Health System, according to local reports.

Officials closed the highway in both directions for most of the day while crews cleaned up the site. Around 4.30pm it had been reopened on the Eastbound side, the Ohio Department of Transportation (DOT) said. The road is frequently used by semi-trucks.

A media release sent out by the DOT said that all the vehicles involved in the crash were traveling westbound when the accident occurred. At least three of them caught in the collission.

Cameras nearby show smoke rising from the crash site. Several agencies, including the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Licking County Sheriffs Department, Ohio State Highway Patrol and state DOT responded to the scene.

A hazmat team was also on site to stabilize any potential chemicals from the crash, John Wieber, deputy director of Licking County Emergency Management, said.

The Ohio governor reacted to the news on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Tuesday afternoon.

Fran and I are praying for everyone involved in the bus crash east of Columbus today, he said. It is our worst nightmare to have a bus full of children involved in such a terrible crash, and it is certainly the worst nightmare that families and schools can endure.

A representative for Mr DeWine confirmed that the governor ordered all flags at the Ohio State Capitol and in Tuscarawas County be lowered to half-mast to honour the victims of the days tragedy.

A GoFundMe has been set up to support the families of the victims. It has so far reached nearly $4,000 out of a $10,000 goal.

Dr Varansky, the superintendent, said that the middle-high school would be open on Wednesday, though it would not be a usual day. Counselors will be on site to provide support. Still, he emphasised that he would respect parents who decide to keep their kids home instead.

Today began as an exciting day, he said, standing in front of a black table where six candles had been placed. And then it quickly turned into one of the darkest days in our districts history.

The crash remains under investigation by the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
DAMASCUS, Md. (DC News Now)  The Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) said three suspects drove a Hyundai Sedan into the front door of a gun store Sunday, stealing guns and ammunition before driving away in a second vehicle.

Alexandre Rosenthal, the owner of AM Shooting Supply, a guns and ammunition store in Damascus, said burglaries are seeming to become more prevalent in the area.

We sell guns and ammunition. We sell the accessories. We do a lot of repairs on the older guns, said Rosenthal.

AM Shooting Supply has been in business since 2015  the Damascus location opened in 2019.

DC police announce road closures ahead of March for Israel

Ive been working hard to build a store. and it just bothers me that somebody would go and go and do that, said Rosenthal.

The owner of a vape shop two doors down from the gun store said theyve had multiple robberies since last year.

Our first robbery was Thanksgiving of last year, and then we didnt see anything until the last three months. And then its been really regular after that. Its concerning for the community, but [also] this is my livelihood. This is what puts food on my familys table, said Courtney Weber, store owner of Stay Lit.

Rosenthal has since taken all of his merchandise down and keeps them locked away until police find the suspects.

This is still an active and ongoing investigation. MCPD has not yet released any security camera footage of the burglary. There is a reward of up to $10,000 for information that leads to an arrest.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
From the Boiling Frogs on The Dispatch

Six months ago, in honor of the senators entry into the Republican primary, I wrote a newsletter titled How Tim Scott Wins.

It wasnt as embarrassing as it sounds. The subhead was He doesnt. Unless 

The unless part had to do with the fact that Scott was well-funded and positioned to leverage the GOP electorates recurring interest in black candidates. Herman Cain and Ben Carson each led briefly in the polls in 2012 and 2016, respectively, and Scott was far more accomplished politically than either. His famous likability would wear well on the campaign trail, too.

If any challenger was set to have a moment in the race at Trumps expense, the senator looked to be it. Its easy to imagine Scott creeping up in the polls on the strength of aggressive ad spending, I wrote, then capitalizing on the first primary debate to launch himself into contention.

Oops.

It was the other South Carolinian, Nikki Haley, who transformed strong debates into a modest polling surge. As of this weekend, Scott sat at a feeble 2.5 percent in the national average and had no prospect of clawing back conservative voters from the rising Haley. On Sunday night, he surrendered to reality and suspended his campaign.

He underperformed, but he was always a longshot and Mays newsletter recognized it. Re-reading it this morning, this line stood out: Trump has built a base of fanatic messianic support on the right preaching that America is terrible and only he can save it. Scott, essentially, is arguing that America is wonderful and his ascension to the Senate in the first state to secede from the Union before the Civil War proves it.

That was true and remained true throughout the campaign, making Tim Scott a weird match for his party at this moment. His frequently touted sunny optimism is overstatedthe shining city on the hill message came with dark caveatsbut hes a throwback insofar as he seems to believe that the cure for what ails the country lies chiefly outside of government. Less economic regulation and more religious faith: Thats the Scott philosophy.

That message might have won him the nomination in 2008 or 2012. In 2024, it mainly served to communicate that the senator, to borrow the post-liberal lingo of the hour, doesnt know what time it is.

Lets talk about vermin.

The day before Tim Mr. Sunshine Scott dropped out of the primary, the runaway frontrunner in the race commemorated Veterans Day as one does, by promising to root out the subhumans who are weakening his country from within.

The threat from outside forces is far less sinister, dangerous, and grave, than the threat from within is as succinct a summary of populist demagoguery as a human being can formulate. Along with the reference to vermin, its the sort of language that has historically resulted in mass graves, journalist Radley Balko wrote, correctly.

A few hours after posting it, Trump nonchalantly attended a UFC event with Kid Rock and Tucker Carlson in tow (again, as one does) and received a heros welcome.

Later the Washington Post asked his spokesman whether the statement didnt sound a bit, well, Mussolini-ish. An indignant Steven Cheung called the question ridiculous and accused Trump-hating reporters of grasping at straws because, and I quote, their entire existence will be crushed when President Trump returns to the White House.

The problem of how seriously to take Trump has bedeviled his critics from the beginning of his political career, but in 2023 it has a new dimension. Judging by his own rhetoric, Trumps become the most overtly fascist major-party candidate in American history, yet hes trouncing respectable opponents like Tim Scott in the Republican primary and would likely defeat Biden if the election were held today. How can that be? Do American voters agree with the right about what time it is? (You wouldnt know it from last weeks election result.) Or have they not realized yet what theyre getting themselves into?

Perhaps doomsayers like me are taking the vermin statement too seriously.

Trump is, after all, a buffoon and a notorious blowhard. His first term was spent chatting up all sorts of audacious plans that never took off, whether because he lost his nerve or was talked out of them by cooler heads. At various times he allegedly weighed withdrawing from NATO and from Afghanistan, firing Robert Mueller, shooting illegal immigrants in the legs as they approached the border, and installing Jeffrey Clark as attorney general to carry out his coup plot. None of it happened. Even the wall turned out to be mostly hype.

He also might not have any idea of the political provenance of the term vermin. Philip Bump remembers that Trumps first ex-wife accused him of keeping a book of Hitlers collected speeches by his bed, but ex-spouses say lots of things that arent true. I lean toward Jay Nordlingers view that his choice of phrase is probably more a coincidenceof sortsthan a deliberate reference to fascisms glory days. Trump isnt an ideologue so much as he is a personality type, and that personality type will invariably intuit its way to viewing enemies as vermin and human scum.

Its not a personality type anyone should want in charge of a military, but I dont think hes making any sly historical references. A candidate willing to moderate on matters like abortion and entitlements for the sake of electability wouldnt knowingly roll out Joseph Goebbels greatest hits in other subjects, would he?

Its natural for those of us who fear we know what time it is to stare at the clock and rationalize why it cant be accurate. (Or to scapegoat the media for not telling the time more accurately.) Trump doesnt mean what he says! Even if he means it, he wont try to act on it. Even if he tries to act on it, hes too incompetent to pull it off. And even if hes competent enough to pull it off, the courts will stop him.

A few weeks ago my colleague Sarah Isgur wondered on The Dispatch Podcast whether Trump staffing the Justice Department with authoritarian cronies wont turn his second term into an elaborate, endless exercise in excuse-making. His inept post-liberal lawyers will draft all manner of dubious unlawful orders and get slapped down by one originalist judge after another, leaving the White House to whine impotently that they cant get anything done because the courts wont let them. Theyll be paralyzed legally by their own unconstitutional ambitions.

If thats what happens, Ill have been wrong in thinking that I know what time it is. Team Trump dutifully obeying judicial rulings amid lots of grumbling would be a better outcome than I expect.

I dont think Im wrong, though.

Theres no way to know what the average Republican voter does and doesnt know about the specifics of Trumps more recent fascist ambitions. Presumably not much given the general disinterest about the primary.

But hes doing his best to educate them.

On Monday The Atlantics David Graham published a long list of Trumps most illiberal comments from the past few months. Id already forgotten some of them; there are simply too many day-by-day to keep them all in mind. Whats remarkable isnt just the volume, though, its how transparent Trumps been in the thick of a contested primary about his plans to turn the power of government against his enemies.

That makes it easier to rationalize away the things he says as blowhard-ery, ironically. An average person engaged in something shameful will cover it up or dissemble about it. The fact that Trump speaks publicly with bravado about his malevolent designs has the effect of conditioning his audience into believing he must not mean itor that there mustnt be anything shameful about what he wants to do. If there were, he wouldnt admit to it.

Its always been a perverse strength of his that he schemes in plain sight. The fact that the coup plot of 2021 played out on social media, tweet by tweet, surely made it harder for some to recognize it as a coup plot and easier to see it as an earnest attempt to unrig a stolen election. The fact that he insists openly, even now, that he has a right to the classified documents he took with him to Mar-a-Lago surely leads many to think there must be something to his argument. He wouldnt be so brazenly defiant if he knew he had done wrong.

His transparency about his plans normalizes and minimizes them. We frogs boil slowly.

Hes been transparent in another way. As Dan Drezner notes, many of the news stories bubbling up lately about Team Trumps hair-raising goals for a second term are quoting sources on the record, by name. Those sources mean business and they want voters to know that they mean business, enough so that theyre effectively signing their names to the project theyve undertaken.

A New York Times story published on Saturday described their hope of building huge camps to house millions of illegal immigrants whom they intend to round up in a massive national crackdown. Trumps top immigration adviser, Stephen Miller, gave an interview to the paper for the piece. A new Axios report describes a huge vetting effort to ensure that staffers in the next Trump government are loyalists willing to stretch traditional boundaries of government when their leader gives the order to do so. Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts is quoted in that one.

This is the essential difference between Trump 2016 and Trump 2024. His operation today is an actual political project staffed with post-liberal ideologues to a degree it simply wasnt before.

Seven years ago, Trump was more of a celebrity phenomenon than an ideological one. He had his nationalist prioritiestariffs, NATO skepticism, and of course the wallbut he benefited enormously simply from being the not Hillary candidate on the ballot. He was still enough of a normie Republican to sign a massive tax cut into law in 2017 and bring figures like Larry Kudlow and John Bolton into his administration. His post-liberal brain trust didnt extend much further than Steve Bannon and Miller.

He and everyone around him have been radicalized since then. Much of the radicalizing they did themselves, like when they concocted a dolchstosslegende about the rigged election of 2020 and then let the propaganda feedback loop in which they exist brainwash them into believing it. They were radicalized further by the drumbeat of indictments against Trump this year, which probably cinched the Republican primary for him. Both episodes taught them that personnel is power: He didnt have the right people in place inside the government to carry out his coup or to obstruct the attempts to prosecute him and now hes in all sorts of trouble.

In a second term, his plans will focus heavily on correcting that mistakeeven on the federal bench, perhaps, to the extent hes capable of making that happen. Total unaccountability requires the cooperation of the bureaucracy. Personnel is everything.

And because it is, that means many more people than Trump himself are now invested in carrying out his plans. Trump himself may be lazy, easily distracted, and persuadable by rational actors, but hes building an organization of fascist apparatchiks that will make sure those who surround him in a second term will encourage his worst impulses instead of thwarting them.

All of those apparatchiks know what time it is. Theyre being selected based on their ability to tell the proverbial time. Listen to Bannon.

BANNON: You dont get it. Donald Trump is a *moderate* in our movement. In future years, youre going to wish you had him back pic.twitter.com/vrHrIBA296  Jack Poso  (@JackPosobiec) November 13, 2023

You dont need to take Trump seriously or literally if it makes you feel better not to do so, but take Bannon seriously. And Miller. And Kevin Roberts, and Jeffrey Clark. There are many, many stakeholders in the post-liberal project; Trump is their vehicle, and they intend to put him to good use.

So often were told with respect to Joe Biden that were not voting for a man, were voting for a retinue of more radical advisers who are pulling the strings in his name. With Trump, increasingly it seems well end up with the same thing.

There are two ironies to the state of the race. One is that Trumps most devout supporters and most devout critics have reached a consensus on what time it is.

When @GOPChairwoman refuses to condemn the GOPs leading candidate for using the same Nazi propaganda that mobilized 1930s-40s Germany to evil, its fair to assume shes collaborating. History will judge Ronna McDaniel and every Republican who is appeasing this dangerous man. https://t.co/f4MMPoreFc  Liz Cheney (@Liz_Cheney) November 13, 2023

The other is that Donald J. Trump, fascist avatar, is well positioned at the moment to be  the normalcy candidate in next years race.

I suspect that swing voters who momentarily prefer him to Joe Biden do so because they believe a Trump presidency will transport them back to 2019, not unlike the way many who preferred Biden to Trump in 2020 believed a Biden presidency would transport them back to 2015. If you dont follow politics closely, your memories of Trumps first term might consist of little more than great economy, no wars, could do without the tweets.

If he wins the election, itll be because voters preferred Trump normalcy to Biden normalcy. Only afterward will they find out the hard way that theres no Trump normalcy to return to.

Consider what the first few months following the next election might look like if Trump wins. The GOPs imminent plans to smash or hollow out various institutions would dominate news coverage; Trump would float dubious figures for key cabinet positions, then appoint them as acting secretaries if the Senate refused to confirm them. His first executive orders would be aggressive, to set a tone; theyd be challenged in court and Trump would lose on one or more, triggering a constitutional crisis if he opted to defy the ruling.

Massive protests would greet him. Mark Esper, his former defense secretary, was asked recently whether Trump might respond by invoking the Insurrection Act and mobilizing the military. He sketched this scenario:

I think if something like that were to happen right after an inauguration in January 2025, I guess, look, there would not be a civilian chain of command in place at that point in time, first of all, to push back. So there would probably be an acting secretary, he or she would then have to decide whether or not to implement that order. Otherwise, the military chain of command would be intact. Now look, theres another option too. Most often, people go to the active duty, but theres nothing that prevents the president from asking a governor, a friendly governor, to mobilize his national guard to assist as well.

What American troops would do once theyre ordered to suppress a protest is anyones guess. I suppose it depends on whether they know what time it is.

Thats what voters should expect, but certainly arent expecting at the moment, from the so-called normalcy candidate in the race.

Wherever it goes, I assume most Republican voters will go along with it. Whether or not they know that Trump has taken to describing his enemies as vermin, theyve been conditioned over seven years to treat his whims on policy as acceptable right-wing dogma and to disregard any moral or civic critique of him as proof of liberal sympathies. (Which is why neither Ron DeSantis nor Nikki Haley will make an issue of his fitness for office, of course.) If Trump and his brownshirt advisers want to get rough with the vermin, forcing the right to take sides, theres no doubt which side most will take.

Until then, it should be the collective task of those of us who know what time it is to make sure the electorate understands that its far later than they might think. We cant stop anyone from supporting Trump, but we can make sure they do it with their eyes open. When this is over, dont let anyone claim they didnt know what they were voting for.

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It was just over a month ago that Hamas terrorists broke through the Gaza border with Israel and massacred 1,200 Israeli citizens, the vast majority of them civilians. The news, like lava flowing from a volcano, consumes dead bodies; it consumes mass graves; it consumes whole cities that lie in ruins after months of constant bombardment. The inexorable movement of the news is forever away from the volcano of what has happened.

Since Oct. 7, the news has moved on from the villages, kibbutzim and military outposts in Israel where all those people were killed, some of them burned beyond recognition. Others were children murdered in front of their parents; some were parents murdered in full view of their children, before they, too, were murdered or taken hostage.

Now the news gives us daily totals of the civilian casualties within Gaza. The total number of casualties stands today at 11,000, including just over 4,000 children. The burning viscous flow of the news will cover that number one day soon, just as it has covered the number of civilians dead and dying in Ukraine, which as of September of this year, 18 months since the start of Russias invasion, is 9,614, according to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). Other outlets put the number much higher. Ukraines leading war crimes prosecutor, Yuriy Belousov, told The Independent earlier this year, There could be 100,000 civilians killed across Ukraine, whose bodies will have to be found and identified once occupied territory is liberated.

He could be right. Do you remember the name, Bucha? It is a Ukrainian village near Kyiv. In April of 2022, shortly after Russian forces were driven back from the area around Kyiv, evidence of a massacre was discovered by Ukrainian soldiers. According to the Ukrainian government, 458 bodies were found in Bucha after the Russians left the town, including nine bodies of children. According to OHCHR, March of 2022 was the deadliest month for civilians in Ukraine, with 4,168 killed and 3001 injured.

How about the town of Izium? In September of 2022, several mass graves were discovered in the forest near Izium. According to Ukrainian authorities, graves containing at least 440 bodies were discovered at one site near Izium. A few days later, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that two more mass graves had been discovered containing hundreds of people. Zelenskyy later told the press that as many as 1,000 Ukrainians may have been massacred by Russian soldiers in Izium before Ukraine re-took the town in its September 2022 offensive.

Do you remember the Russian airstrike on Mariupol that hit a maternity hospital? I wrote about it at the time, but I had to look it up to remember that it happened on the 9th of March in 2022. Four people were killed, 16 were wounded, and one pregnant woman suffered a stillbirth after being carried bleeding from the maternity ward where she was about to give birth. How about the attack on the theater in Mariupol a few days later? According to the Associated Press, as many as 600 civilians may have died in the theater where about a thousand civilians had gathered to shelter from the bombing of Mariupol, thinking that the Russians could not possibly deliberately target a civilian theater. The AP later established that about 200 people survived the airstrike by escaping the theater through the main entrance and one side entrance. The rear of the theater was completely crushed in the airstrike.

In August of this year, the New York Times reported that the Pentagon believes the total number of Ukrainian and Russian soldiers killed or wounded in Ukraine had reached 500,000. Russias army suffered 120,000 deaths, with somewhere between 170,000 and 180,000 wounded. Ukraine lost 70,000 soldiers and between 100,000 and 120,000 are wounded. In the battle for Bakhmut alone, the Pentagon estimates there were more than 100,000 Russian casualties, with more than 20,000 soldiers from the Wagner Group alone. Ukraine has not announced its losses, but they are estimated to be similar to Russias.

Between the 1st and 27th of August of this year, there were 712 civilian casualties in Ukraine, including 147 killed and 565 injured, according to OHCHR. Those numbers include at least one child dead and nine wounded. From September 1 to 10, the latest period for which numbers are available, there were 292 civilian casualties in Ukraine, with 55 killed and 237 wounded.

The war in Ukraine has settled into what military experts call a stalemate, with fighting between Russians and Ukrainians along a 600-mile front line. On Nov. 2, Ukraines top military commander admitted as much, telling The Economist, Just like in the First World War we have reached the level of technology that puts us into a stalemate, Gen. Valery Zaluzhny said. There will most likely be no deep and beautiful breakthrough. Zaluzhny didnt come right out and say it, but he seemed to blame the sporadic nature of Western military support for Ukraines inability to break through Russias defenses. We need to ride the power embedded in new technologies, Zaluzhny told The Economist.

It has taken the better part of two years for Ukraine to acknowledge the limitations of the support it has received from the United States and other NATO countries. For example, it took almost a year for the U.S. to supply Ukraine with top-of-the-line 155 mm howitzers and HIMARS ground-to-ground rockets from the Pentagons arsenal. Only last month did the Pentagon admit that it had delivered what it called a small number of U.S. ATACMS-guided missiles to Ukraine, which had been requesting the longer-range missiles for months. Even when the U.S. did deliver the ATACMS missiles, however, it supplied Ukraine with the version that has a range of 100 miles, rather than the longer-range model that can reach out with pinpoint accuracy to 180 miles. It was the same way with tanks and other heavy military hardware. Only after Germany and Great Britain delivered their Leopard and Challenger II tanks to Ukraine did the U.S. begin to send its Abrams M-1 battle tank, and even then, the U.S. sent older models of the Abrams with old technology target acquisition and aiming systems.

Ukraine has been supplied with enough weapons to keep fighting but not to win, Sasha Dovzhyk, editor of the London Ukrainian Review, wrote in the New York Times on Monday. She told of a friend of hers who acts as a fixer for Western journalists in Ukraine, helping to arrange their trips to Ukraine and, subsequently, their visits to the front lines. Dovzhyks friend was arranging a trip for Western journalists to an area of fighting in Eastern Ukraine when on Oct. 7, the trip was suddenly canceled, and the journalists suddenly made arrangements to travel to the Middle East to cover Israels war with Hamas instead. The journalists will be back in no time once we liberate any significant patch of land, said the Ukrainian fixer.

Liberate another significant patch of occupied territories and discover another mass grave, Dovzhyk added.

I am guilty myself of the tendency to look away from wars when the fighting slows down or the atrocities stop piling up. The horrific massacre of Israeli civilians by Hamas on Oct. 7 had everyones attention for a week or so, and then came the alleged Israeli rocket strike on the Al-Ahli hospital in Gaza, which turned out not to be one of Israels rockets at all. Now all the talk is of Israels ground forces having surrounded Gaza City and confronting the dilemma of what they will do with other Gazan hospitals which Israel has said are being used as Hamas command centers and weapons stores.

No matter what Israel decides, the civilian body count will go up. Its the only thing you can count on in war  the tragic deaths of the people who did not start the war but are only trying to live through it. The blood of innocents has been flowing on battlefields since before Alexanders time, and it will be flowing in Ukraine long after Israel has completed its mission to rid itself of Hamas in Gaza. The Geneva Academy reports that more than 45 armed conflicts are currently taking place throughout the Middle East and North Africa.

Forty-five wars.

Its no wonder the lava flow of the news does not stop. There is too much tragedy and death to cover. Wars, large and small, righteous or unjustifiable, keep being written not the disappearing ink of the news, but in blood.
Charles and Camilla first met in the early 1970s and later married other people.

Years after they both got divorced, Charles and Camilla got married in 2005.

Upon Queen Elizabeth II's death, the royals assumed their new roles as king and queen consort.

Early 1970s: Charles and Camilla's love story began.

Camilla and Charles first met at a polo match. AP Photo/Christine Nesbitt, Pool

Charles and Camilla reportedly met for the first time at a Polo match at Windsor Castle in 1970, setting the stage for an on-and-off relationship that would span the next five decades.

Although the pair appeared to be smitten, Prince Charles' service in the Royal Navy, which began in 1972, put an end to their fledgling romance.

February 1973: Camilla got engaged to Andrew Parker Bowles while Charles was deployed.

Their relationship fizzled after Charles joined the Royal Navy. Dennis Oulds/Central Press/Getty Images

While Charles was away in the Royal Navy, Camilla accepted the proposal of an army cavalry officer named Andrew Parker Bowles.

July 1973: Camilla married Andrew Parker Bowles, setting the stage for a platonic relationship with Charles.

Camilla married Andrew Parker Bowles. Chris Jackson/Getty Images

In the years after the Parker Bowles tied the knot in July of 1973, she and her husband developed a close friendship with Charles, according to People magazine.

Charles was even named godfather to the Parker Bowles' first son, Thomas.

Late 1970s: Charles met then-16-year-old Lady Diana Spencer.

Charles was dating Diana's older sister when they first met. Patrick Riviere/Getty Images

The pair met in November 1977 when Diana was 16 years old and Charles was dating her older sister.

Charles and Diana began dating in July 1980 and only met up 13 times before Charles proposed the next year.

July 29, 1981: Charles and Diana were married.

Diana and Charles' ceremony was called the wedding of the century. AP

Diana and Charles were married in a fairytale ceremony that, at the time, was called "the wedding of the century."

June 21, 1982: Charles and Diana's oldest son, Prince William, was born.

Princess Diana holding newborn Prince William outside of the hospital. AP Photos

Charles and Diana welcomed their first child, Prince William, about a year after their wedding.

By this time, Camilla and Andrew Parker Bowles had already welcomed two children  Thomas and Laura.

September 15, 1984: Charles and Diana welcome their second child, Prince Harry.

Prince Harry was born in 1984. AP Photo

When Prince Harry was born, Charles was reportedly slightly disappointed because he wanted a girl.

According to Good Housekeeping, Diana's biography "Diana: Her True Story  in Her Own Words" said that she knew her whole pregnancy that she was carrying a boy, but she refrained from telling Charles because she knew he would be disappointed.

1986: Charles and Camilla reportedly began having an affair.

Their affair has been the topic of many reports and books about the royals. AP Photo/David Cheskin/Pool)

In the 2017 documentary "Diana: in Her Own Words," archival footage showed that Charles and Diana's relationship turned rocky soon after their wedding because of Charles' close relationship with Camilla.

According to Sally Bedell Smith's biography of Charles, he and Camilla reportedly began having an affair in 1986.

And, per Penny Junor's book "The Duchess: Camilla Parker Bowles and the Love Affair That Rocked the Crown," Andrew Parker Bowles was well aware of the infidelity and did nothing to stop it.

Diana also reportedly knew about the affair, according to royal biographer Andrew Morton's interview with the princess.

November 1992: "Camillagate" shone a light on Charles and Camilla's affair.

Diana and Camilla had a complicated relationship. Express Newspapers/Getty Images

In winter 1992, an intimate transcript of a 1989 phone call between Charles and Camilla was released to the public.

They talked, among other things, about Charles being transformed into a pair of her "knickers" or her tampon because Charles said, "I'll just live inside your trousers or something. It would be much easier."

The scandal was dubbed "Camillagate" by the press.

December 1992: Charles and Diana formally separated.

The announcement was confirmed by the Prime Minister. AP Photo/Press Association

Shortly after "Camillagate" made headlines, Prime Minister John Major confirmed that the Prince and Princess of Wales had formally separated.

Their split raised questions about Charles' future relationships because he was not permitted to divorce and remarry in the Church of England at that time.

June 1994: Charles publicly admitted to having an affair.

Charles publicly admitted the affair for the first time in 1994. Fox Photos/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

According to The New York Times, following months of speculation, Charles admitted to being unfaithful during an interview with documentary filmmaker Jonathan Dimbleby.

When Dimbleby asked him if he was "faithful and honorable" during his marriage to Diana, he said, "Yes, absolutely. Until it became irretrievably broken down, us both having tried."

Although he didn't specifically name Camilla as his lover, he called the other woman "a great friend of mine," and someone who "will continue to be a friend for a very long time."

Later, Dimbleby's biography of the prince, titled "The Prince of Wales: A Biography," confirmed that Camilla was the woman in question.

January 1995: Camilla filed for divorce from Andrew Parker Bowles.

Camilla and Andrew Parker Bowles announced they were getting divorced in 1995. Alistair Grant/AP

The announcement of Camilla and Andrew Parker Bowles' planned divorce set off a media firestorm with reports that Charles and Diana were next.

August 1996: Charles and Diana finalized their divorce.

Charles and Diana got divorced a year after Camilla and Andrew Parker Bowles. AP

Charles and Diana made their divorce official in the summer of 1996.

July 1997: Charles threw a birthday party for Camilla.

Charles and Camilla in 1979. Getty Images

After his divorce from Diana was finalized, Charles began trying to endear Camilla to the public and to his family.

Doing so included hosting a lavish 50th birthday party for her at his home of Highgrove, the Associated Press reported. Diana was reportedly not invited.

August 31, 1997: Princess Diana died after a tragic car crash.

Princess Diana died after a car crash. Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images

Nearly a year after the former couple signed their divorce papers, Diana died after a car crash in Paris.

Amidst the outpouring of public grief and mourning, Charles traveled to Paris to bring Diana's body back to England, and temporarily put his campaign to publicly introduce Camilla as his girlfriend on hold.

1998: Camilla reportedly met William for the first time, and the queen seemingly snubbed Prince Charles for his new relationship.

The royal family was reluctant to get to know Camilla. Chris Jackson/Getty Images

After the public's emotional response to Diana's passing, Camilla and Charles kept their relationship out of the public eye. But they were still trying to get the royal family to warm up to it.

William reportedly met Camilla for the first time in 1998, though Harry did not come along to the initial introduction.

Later that year, as the Los Angeles Times reported, the queen was notably not in attendance at Charles' 50th birthday. Many perceived it as a snub toward her son's relationship since Camilla was at the event.

January 1999: Camilla and Charles were publicly photographed together as a couple.

Camilla and Charles were photographed as an official couple in 1999. ROTA/Getty Images

Camilla and Charles started 1999 off on a fresh foot as they took their relationship public for the first time.

The pair were photographed leaving Camilla's sister's birthday party at the Ritz Hotel.

August 1999: Camilla reportedly accompanied Charles and his sons on a trip to Greece.

The family started to warm to Camilla. Jo Hale/Getty Images

It appeared that William and Harry were starting to warm up to their future stepmother in the summer of 1999.

According to the BBC, the foursome took a trip to Greece, which seemed to signal that things were becoming more serious with the couple.

June 2000: In an indirect move, the queen seemingly agreed to formally meet Camilla.

Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles, and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall. Chris Jackson/Getty Images

According to The New York Times, in 2000, Queen Elizabeth II accepted an invitation to the King of Greece's 60th birthday party held at Highgrove.

As she knew that Camilla would be there, her gesture was seen by many as a tacit acceptance of the relationship.

August 2003: Camilla and Charles moved in together.

They moved in together before they were married in 2005. Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

Camilla and Charles moved into Clarence House together in the summer of 2003.

February 2005: The couple announced their engagement.

Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall's relationship has not always been easy. John Stillwell/WPA Pool/Getty Images

The longtime couple announced their engagement on February 10, 2005, immediately fueling speculation about Camilla's new title.

Many wondered if she would be known as queen or princess consort in the event that Charles ascended the throne, and whether she would take the title of Princess of Wales (the name given to the late Princess Diana) in the meantime.

Sidestepping any potential controversy, Buckingham Palace confirmed that Queen Elizabeth II was gifting her new daughter-in-law the title of Duchess of Cornwall and that she'd be known as Princess Consort, not Queen Camilla, if Charles became king.

April 9, 2005: The longtime couple officially got married.

35 years after they first met, Charles and Camilla got married. Hugo Burnand/Pool/Getty Images

About 35 years after their first meeting, Charles and Camilla were married in a civil ceremony at Windsor Guildhall.

Although Queen Elizabeth II and her husband, Prince Phillip, were not in attendance at the ceremony, they came to the reception at Windsor Castle, according to The Sun.

August 31, 2007: Camilla chose not to attend the memorial service recognizing the 10-year anniversary of Princess Diana's death.

Camilla did not attend this 10-year memorial service for Princess Diana. Leon Neal/AP; Pool

On the 10-year anniversary of Diana's death, the royal family held a memorial service at Buckingham Palace.

Camilla was invited to the service, but she decided that it was best if she didn't attend.

According to CNN, she said in a statement, "I accepted and wanted to support them, however, on reflection I believe my attendance could divert attention from the purpose of the occasion which is to focus on the life and service of Diana."

2012: Camilla received a new title from the queen and accompanied her during her Diamond Jubilee later that year.

Queen Elizabeth II and Camilla at the Diamond Jubilee festivities in 2012. Lefteris Pitarakis/AP

In 2012, Camilla was granted the title of Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order by Queen Elizabeth II.

Later that year, Camilla rode alongside her during the Diamond Jubilee  which celebrated the queen's 60th anniversary as monarch.

April 9, 2015: The couple celebrated their 10-year wedding anniversary.

Camilla and Charles celebrated their 10 years of marriage. Suzanne Plunkett/Reuters

The month before their anniversary, Charles spoke highly of his relationship with Camilla in an interview with CNN.

"It's always marvelous to have somebody who, you know, you feel understands and wants to encourage. Although she certainly pokes fun if I get too serious about things. And all that helps," he said.

June 9, 2016: Camilla joined Queen Elizabeth II's privy council.

Becoming a member of the council is a great honor. Dominic Lipinski/AP Images

The Privy Council of the United Kingdom is a group of the queen's most senior advisors, so Camilla's addition was a great honor.

Most reports agree that Camilla and William were granted access to the council to ensure that they will both be present in the event that Charles ascends the throne.

November 15, 2020: Charles and Camilla traveled to Germany for the country's National Day of Mourning.

Prince Charles and Camilla attended a wreath-laying ceremony at the Neue Wache memorial. POOL/Reuters

The couple traveled to Germany to honor the country's National Day of Mourning for victims of war  marking their first official overseas trip since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic.

They attended the wreath-laying ceremony at the Neue Wache memorial, and Charles gave a speech highlighting the UK and Germany's "enduring connections" in a post-Brexit world.

February 17, 2021: The couple thanked vaccine volunteers at a UK hospital.

Camilla and Charles at Queen Elizabeth Hospital. MOLLY DARLINGTON/Reuters

In their first in-person engagement of 2021, Charles and Camilla visited Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham to meet and thank healthcare workers and volunteers working amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The couple received their first doses of the vaccine the week before.

February 5, 2022: Queen Elizabeth II announced that Camilla will have a new title when Charles becomes king.

Camilla's new title is queen consort. Chris Jackson / Getty Images

The day before of her Platinum Jubilee, celebrating the 70th anniversary of her accession to the throne, Queen Elizabeth II announced that Camilla will be known as queen consort instead of princess consort when Charles becomes king.

She wrote in a public message, "When, in the fullness of time, my son Charles becomes King, I know you will give him and his wife Camilla the same support that you have given me; and it is my sincere wish that, when that time comes, Camilla will be known as Queen Consort as she continues her own loyal service."

September 8, 2022: Upon Queen Elizabeth II's death, Charles and Camilla assumed their new roles as reigning monarchs.

Charles and Camilla at the Royal Ascot horse race. Alastair Grant/AP Photo

After the royal family confirmed Queen Elizabeth II's death, Charles assumed the title of King Charles III and Camilla became queen consort.

Although he ascended to the throne immediately after his mother's death because he was next in the British line of succession, Charles wasn't announced as England's new reigning monarch until the Accession Council met at St James's Palace on September 10.

Charles' official coronation, however, didn't happen until May 2023, after a period of mourning.

March 2023: They made their first international trip as reigning monarchs.

Charles and Camilla traveled abroad before the king's coronation. AP Photo/Matthias Schrader, Pool

Months after ascending the throne, Charles and Camilla traveled to Germany together, marking their first official international trip as monarchs.

This story was originally published in November 2018 and most recently updated on November 14, 2023.

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"Tiny Pretty Things" actor and ballet dancer Barton Cowperthwaite said he has been diagnosed with a brain tumor.

Cowperthwaite, 31, was taken to the emergency room after he had a seizure Wednesday, he said on TikTok. After a CAT scan and an MRI, he was diagnosed with "at least a stage 2 glioma," which is "about the size of a lemon," he said.

Gliomas are the most common type of malignant primary brain tumor in adults, according to the National Cancer Institute.

"When gliomas are diagnosed, they are graded from 1 to 4, with the higher numbers indicating a worse prognosis," the institute said, adding lower-grade gliomas occur when young adults are in their 20s, 30s and 40s.

In an Instagram post to his 183,000 followers, Cowperthwaite said Friday that "the only course of treatment for something like this is brain surgery."

Cowperthwaite played Oren Lennox in one season of the 2020 Netflix drama "Tiny Pretty Things," which follows young adults in an elite ballet academy.

He was also set to appear in James McLure's off-Broadway dark comedy "Lone Star," which is scheduled to premiere this month. He said he was days away from starting rehearsals when he was diagnosed.

Kylie Jefferson and Barton Cowperthwaite in

"I find it hilariously ironic that I was diagnosed the exact same day the SAG strike ended," Cowperthwaite said on a GoFundMe page he started to raise money for his medical expenses and other costs he and his family may incur.

His fiancee, jewelry designer Sophie Thoerner, has accompanied him on his hospital visits, he said.

This week, he is meeting with neurosurgeons around New York City, including teams at Lenox Hill Hospital, Weill Cornell Medical Center and Columbia University.

"Docs so far have been confident that theyll be able to remove most of the tumor, and that after a successful operation, and some rehab, I will be operating like my (amazing, talented, brilliant, hilarious) self," Cowperthwaite said in Friday's Instagram post. "That being said it seems like scans and check ups will be apart of my life for its lengthy remainder."

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  A Tennessee manhunt made national headlines last month after a serial rape suspect reportedly escaped from custody.

However, the hunt for Sean Christopher Williams isnt over. Almost a full month later, investigators are still trying to find Williams, who is facing nearly two dozen charges related to alleged child sex crimes.

Escapee Sean Williams removed restraints, reward offered

As the search continues, Williams has been added to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigations Most Wanted list. Launched in 1993, there have been more than 500 fugitives apprehended since the inception of the TBIs Most Wanted program.

Currently, the agency has nine fugitives, including Williams, on the list. The cases range from as early as last month to a little more than two decades ago, when a man serving time for kidnapping and robbery reportedly escaped from the Tennessee State Prison.

Some suspects likely have fled the country, but, according to the TBI, many still have ties to Tennessee. Those listed all have one thing in common in that each individual is accused of either a violent felony or major drug trafficking crime.

See Nashvilles Top 10 Most Wanted fugitives: Week of Nov. 8

The TBI considers these individuals as armed and dangerous and advises that they should only be approached with extreme caution. In many cases, tipsters can earn high-dollar rewards for information leading to an arrest.

Below is a list of Tennessees Most Wanted fugitives as of Nov. 14, 2023. Anyone with any information on any of their whereabouts is asked to call the TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND or write to TipsToTBI@tbi.tn.gov.

Sean Christopher Williams

Sean Williams (Courtesy: TBI)

Sean Williams, a former Johnson City businessman facing several felony charges including child rape and drug offenses, escaped police custody in Greene County on Wednesday, Oct. 18.

Williams was being taken to Greene County from Laurel County, Kentucky, where he was being held for two counts of rape of a child, 16 counts of especially aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor and three counts of aggravated sexual battery to a child under 13.

SEE ALSO: Who is escaped federal detainee Sean Williams?

David Jolley, the head U.S. Marshal for the Eastern District of Tennessee told News 2s affiliate WJHL that a back window was kicked out of the van in which two Laurel County Jail transport officers were transporting Williams and another inmate.

Jolley said Williams was restrained during transport but managed to remove his restraints. He was last seen in the Summer Street area of Greeneville. According to the Greene County Sheriffs Department, Williams head was shaven, and he was wearing jail-type clothes at the time.

Williams is about 5 feet, 11 inches tall, weighs around 170 pounds, and has brown hair and hazel eyes. The TBI is offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to his capture.

Cadayreis Myquon Futrell

Cadayreis Futrell (Courtesy: TBI)

Cadayreis Futrell is wanted by the Whiteville Police Department and Tennessee Bureau of Investigation for first-degree murder. The charge is related to the September 4 shooting death of Markuvious Green, according to News 2s affiliate WREG.

Over 70 of Nashvilles Most Wanted fugitives arrested within one year

Police reportedly found Green unresponsive after he was shot in the 400 block of Webb Street in Whiteville. During the investigation, officials said they determined that Futrell and three other suspects were responsible for Greens death.

The other suspects in the case were arrested between Sept. 7 and Sept. 18. Futrell is described as a 6-foot-tall black male weighing around 135 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes. A reward of up to $2,500 is being offered for information leading to his arrest.

Juan Francisco

Juan Francisco (Courtesy: TBI)

Juan Francisco was added to the TBIs Most Wanted list on May 9, 2019. He is wanted by the TBI and Knoxville Police Department for vehicular homicide and leaving the scene of an accident.

He is about 5-feet, 9-inches tall, weighs around 200 pounds, and has black hair and brown eyes. Francisco was 54 years old at the time of the alleged crime. The TBI is offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to his arrest.

Edgar Omar Torres-Rangel

Edgar Omar Torres-Rangel (Courtesy: TBI)

Edgar Omar Torres-Rangel has reportedly been on the run for close to five years. He was added to the TBIs Most Wanted list on Nov. 20, 2018, after being charged with vehicular homicide in connection with an incident out of Bedford County.

Months-long search for Nashville murder suspect ends in arrest

He is about 5-feet, 6-inches tall, weighs around 150 pounds, and has brown eyes and black hair. Torres-Rangel was 28 years old when he was added to the list. A reward of up to $5,000 is being offered for information leading to his capture.

Lorenzo Barr Kamanda

Lorenzo Barr Kamanda (Courtesy: TBI)

On October 2, 2016, the Washington County Sheriffs Office responded to a long-term care facility after learning of allegations that then-36-year-old Lorenzo Kamanda had raped a mentally incapacitated patient.

Evidence was developed and the TBI said a warrant was issued for Kamandas arrest. At the time, he was a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). After several months spent searching for his whereabouts, Kamanda was added to the Most Wanted list on March 28, 2017.

RELATED: Tennessee man added to Most Wanted list for nursing home rape

According to the TBI, Kamanda is of Nigerian descent and has a thick accent. He is about 5 feet tall, weighs around 140 pounds, and has brown eyes and black hair. He was last known to live in Johnson City, Tennessee.

A reward of up to $2,500 is being offered for information leading to his arrest.

Bounthavy Mickey Mouthouta

Bounthavy Mickey Mouthouta (Courtesy: TBI)

Bounthavy Mouthouta was added to the TBIs Most Wanted list about a month after he reportedly shot three people during a fight at the Souksavahn Restaurant in Smyrna on June 23, 2013.

Mouthouta, who went by the name Soviet, was a member of the band at the restaurant and had been playing that night, Detective Allan Nabours with the Smyrna Police Department told News 2 in an interview last year.

Once the fight broke out, Nabours said Mouthouta just started firing shots into the crowd. Afterward, he was charged with one count of first-degree murder and one count of attempted first-degree murder.

READ MORE: Smyrna homicide suspect on the run almost a decade later

However, hes managed to evade arrest for several years. He was last seen driving a 2004 silver Honda Accord with Tennessee tag 093NGR. Nabours said there have been a few reported sightings, with the last possibly being in Thailand.

Mouthouta does have family in Tennessee and could still travel back to the U.S. He was previously known for dealing drugs around Rutherford County, according to officials.

He is described as a 5-foot, 5-inch-tall male of Asian descent, weighing around 140 pounds, and with black eyes and black hair. He was 46 years old at the time of the shooting. The TBI is offering a reward of $4,000 for information leading to his arrest.

Obed Cruz-Mena

Obed Cruz-Mena (Courtesy: TBI)

On May 4, 2010, the Hendersonville Police Department discovered a 23-year-old woman dead from strangulation at an apartment on Sanders Ferry Road. Her husband, Obed Cruz-Mena was added to the TBIs Most Wanted list days after the alleged murder.

In an interview last year, Detective Steve Malach with Hendersonville Police told News 2 the couple had been going through a divorce. The day before his wife was found dead, Cruz-Mena had been working at a Chilis restaurant in Rivergate.

RELATED: Hendersonville suspect in 2010 strangulation case remains at large

While there, he was reportedly heard having an argument with his wife over the phone. Authorities said he was going to work an extra shift that night, so he told his boss, Do you mind if I go home and take care of the problem?

He made two calls to his brothers afterward, one in which police said he stated, I did something really bad and then hung up. Cruz-Menas vehicle was later discovered abandoned in Southern Texas near the Mexico border. However, he still has ties to Middle Tennessee.

He is about 5-feet, 4-inches tall, weighs around 180 pounds, and has brown eyes and black hair. He was 22 years old at the time. The TBI is offering a reward of $5,000 for information leading to his arrest.

Jose G. Rocha

Jose G. Rocha (Courtesy: TBI)

Jose Rocha is wanted by the TBI and McMinnville Police Department for criminal homicide. The charge stems from May 30, 2009, when Rocha reportedly went to a residence on Martin Street in McMinnville and got into a fight with a man who lived there.

During the fight, police said Rocha pulled out a knife and stabbed the man in the chest before fleeing the area. The man died as a result of the stab wound. Investigators believe Rocha may have been trying to flee to Texas or Mexico after the incident.

Man facing charges after woman found dead outside Nashville hotel

He was possibly driving a black or dark green Dodge Neon at the time. Rocha is about 5-feet, 8-inches tall, weighs around 140 pounds, and has brown eyes and black hair. He was 20 years old at the time of the alleged stabbing.

A reward of $5,000 is being offered for information leading to his capture.

Robert Houston Sanders

Robert Houston Sanders (Courtesy: TBI)

Robert Houston Sanders was serving an 81-year sentence for charges including kidnapping and armed robbery when he escaped from the Tennessee State Prison on April 20, 1990.

Hes the only individual whos been on the TBIs Most Wanted list since it was first formed in 1993. Sanders, who has been known to use the aliases Willie Hunter and Willie Sanders, would now be approaching his 59th birthday.

Most Wanted: Robert Houston Sanders

Despite more than two decades without an arrest, the TBI is still pursuing tips in the case and is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.

Sanders is about 5-feet, 11-inches tall, weighs around 150 pounds, and has brown eyes and black hair. Officials said he also has a tattoo on his upper right arm and scars on his right shoulder and left leg.

Anyone with any information on any of their whereabouts is asked to call the TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND or write to TipsToTBI@tbi.tn.gov.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
Designated agent handler, carries the VX nerve agent to contaminate a jeep in one of the eight chambers used for training chemical defense April 18, 2003 at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. (Photo by Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images)

In July 2023, the United States destroyed its last chemical weapon, an M-55 rocket containing a Sarin gas payload. It was the culmination of decades of hard, careful work to end an era of devastating, deadly and inhumane warfare. Before the implementation of the 193-country Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) began, however, countries began a frightening arms race with the goal of creating the deadliest chemical weapons ever conceived.

Only three countries - North Korea, Egypt, and South Sudan - have yet to sign or ratify the Chemical Weapons Convention. Israel has signed but not ratified, meaning any of these four countries could still be harboring some of these deadly substances. While not every agent listed by the CWC is only used in chemical warfare, its Schedule 1 substances have little to no use outside of killing people.

Here are the top 5 deadliest chemical weapons ever created

1. Novichok Agents

Novichok and its five known variants were first developed during the Cold War for use by the Soviet Union . Novichok agents began making international headlines once more the past few years because they were used in assassination attempts on Sergei Skripal, a former Russian Intelligence Officer and Alexei Navalny, a prominent Russian dissident.

The only reason the West knows anything about Novichok is because a former chemical weapons scientist from the former USSR divulged the information. First developed in the 1970s, Novichok was designed to penetrate NATO protections while being 100% fatal. Since its 10 times more potent than VX (one of the nerve agents, which are the most toxic of the known chemical warfare agents), it usually is. What we know for sure is they are a combination of safe compounds that are brought together right before they are used, making the agents hard to track  and no one knows what those binary precursors are.

A general view of the former flat of Charlie Rowley and a neighboring flat on October 28, 2020, in Amesbury, England. (Photo by Finnbarr Webster/Getty Images)

2. VX

Also known as Venomous Agent X, VX was designed to be stable, persistent, and deadly. Originally developed by German scientists in the 1930s, it can be absorbed through the skin or inhalation, and causes severe convulsions, paralysis and asphyxiation after exposure to tens of milligrams. Death comes within minutes. Moreover, its highly resistant to any known poison antidotes.

VX has been used by Cuban forces against Angolan insurgents in Africa in the mid-1980s. Saddam Hussein also used VX in his attacks on Kurdish minorities in northern Iraq in his al-Anfal campaign. Kim Jong-nam, half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, was attacked and assassinated with VX at an airport in Malaysia.

3. Cyclosarin

Also developed by Nazi scientists, cyclosarin is identified by the United Nations solely as a weapon of mass destruction. Odorless and colorless, cyclosarin can be shipped as a binary munition, meaning its precursor agents are stable and safe. When combined, however, the cyclosarin is five times deadlier than sarin gas and not easily dispersed or evaporated. Victims will convulse uncontrollably within seconds of exposure before becoming totally paralyzed, leading to respiratory failure and death in less than a minute.

Since cyclosarin is so costly to produce, only Saddam Hussein ever used cyclosarin in warfare, during the decade-long Iran-Iraq War.

4. Soman

Soman is another Nazi-made gas that is delivered in the form of a gas, since the agent must be activated with heat. At low levels, victims begin to drool uncontrollably, feeling fatigue, nausea and vomiting. Sweating, weakness and confusion follow before the victim can no longer control their bowel movements or urination. Larger doses cause convulsions and paralysis, followed by asphyxiation within minutes of exposure.

5. Sarin

DAMASCUS, SYRIA - JULY 13: Syrians receive medical treatment after Assad regime's alleged chemical gas attack over oppositions' frontline, where is included in deconfliction zone in East Ghouta of Damascus, Syria on July 13, 2017. (Photo by Ammar Suleyman/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)

Sarin gas made its biggest headlines in 1995 when the Japanese cult movement Aum Shinrikyo used it on a Tokyo subway, killing 14 people and injuring another 6,200. Most recently, sarin was used by the Syrian regime under Bashar al-Asad against rebels in the countrys Idlib Province.

Like the other nerve agents on this list, gas-activated sarin causes convulsions and paralysis but can kill within seconds of exposure. Its one of the deadliest chemical agents ever designed, 26 times deadlier than cyanide. But unlike the other nerve agents on the list, it can be reversed by a quick reaction with an antidote.
Two top House Republicans asked the Justice Department to investigate Michael Cohen over whether he committed perjury to Congress, citing his testimony in the New York civil fraud trial of Donald Trump and his business, according to a copy of the letter shared with CNN.

In their letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland, House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner and GOP Conference Chair Elise Stefanik highlight that Cohen, former President Trumps one-time lawyer and fixer, said under oath during the trial last month that he lied during his deposition to the House Permanent Select Committee in 2019. But their letter leaves out follow-up testimony from Cohen saying he misspoke.

When asked on February 28, 2019, if Trump directed him to inflate then-President Trumps finances, Cohen said: Not that I recall, no.

During the trial in New York last month, Cohen initially testified that he had lied under oath to Congress when he said he did not recall. Asked specifically if he was being honest in 2019, Cohen said no. Pressed in a follow-up question if he lied under oath, Cohen responded yes.

This statement by Mr. Cohen raises significant questions about his testimony before the Committee, Turner and Stefanik wrote to Garland.

But asked later during the New York trial, Cohen said he made a mistake when he testified he lied to Congress in 2019  a part of the transcript that Turner and Stefanik leave out of their letter to Garland.

I made a mistake, Cohen told the court, attempting to correct what he said earlier in his testimony. Cohen added that he stands by his original statement to Congress in 2019.

Cohen accused Stefanik and Turner of doing Trumps bidding in a statement to CNN.

The two members fail to understand the distinction between explicit and implied; which is how the question was asked and accurately responded to. The topic was further clarified several questions thereafter; which is conveniently and intentionally being ignored. I am not concerned at all with their baseless request, Cohen said. This is the type of harassment everyone, especially critics, should expect if Donald becomes President again!

Lying to Congress under oath is a federal crime.

Turner and Stefanik point out in their letter to the Justice Department that Cohen pleaded guilty in 2018 to making false statements to Congress about his conversations with then-candidate Donald Trump about plans for a Trump Tower in Moscow.

Mr. Cohens prior conviction for lying to Congress merits a heightened suspicion that he has yet again testified falsely before Congress, the Republican lawmakers wrote.

Trump has repeatedly slammed the New York attorney generals office for using Cohen as a witness in their civil fraud trial against him, arguing he has lied under oath before and therefore cannot be a credible witness.

Stefanik, the third-ranking House Republican, has become a key point person for Trump on Hill investigations. The New York Republican talks to Trump roughly once a week, frequently briefing him on the House committees work, CNN previously reported.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
(Bloomberg) -- The Philippines Supreme Court has upheld a 2012 anti-graft court decision dismissing an ill-gotten wealth case against the family of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The Sandiganbayan in September 2012 said the government body running after the Marcos familys supposed wealth failed to prove that the assets originated from the governments resources, according to the Supreme Court ruling promulgated on Oct. 3 and released on Tuesday.

The top court also denied a petition to review the case due to lack of merit.

Marcoss father, the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, was ousted by a mass uprising in 1986 after allegedly amassing between $5 billion to $10 billion of public money through their cronies and associates, according to estimates from the Philippine government. About $3 billion has been recovered as of 2020 and lawsuits are still pending to obtain more.

Earlier this year, the anti-graft court denied petitions by the Marcos family to recover assets sequestered by the government.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
The risk of violent crime to visitors in the main tourist cities remains generally low (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

British nationals visiting South Africa have been warned to be aware of smash and grab attacks taking place on vehicles.

Updated travel advice, uploaded by the Foreign Office on Friday 10 November, highlighted the high crime rate, including carjacking, smash and grab attacks on vehicles, house robbery, rape, sexual assault and murder.

In recent data posted by Statistics South Africa, there was a visible rise in household crimes in the 2022/23 period.

The FCDO adds that violent crime can take place anywhere, including in tourist destinations and transport hubs.

Most violent crimes occur in townships on the outskirts of major cities or in isolated areas. The threat is higher in central business districts of major cities than in suburban areas, and increases after dark.

However, it does add that the risk of violent crime to visitors in the main tourist cities is generally low. There is usually additional security personnel in the main tourist areas who can assist tourists.

The updated advice also includes additional information on the less secure areas around international airports in Johannesburg and Cape Town.

The advice adds: Crime can happen in and around the airport, including robbery and theft of baggage and valuables.

People have been followed from OR Tambo International airport in Johannesburg to their destinations and then robbed, often at gunpoint.

Advice states that visitors should always be careful when following GPS navigation, and that they should avoid taking alternative routes away from main roads as this can often take you into less secure areas.

Additionally, it says that for travel to and from Cape Town International airport, you should stick to the M3 and N2 where possible, and avoid the R300 and the R310 (Baden Powell) between Muizenberg and the N2 intersection.

On how best to protect your personal safety, the FCDO advises tourists to conceal valuables, take reliable public transport, stay alert if people approach you, avoid walking around after dark and travel with friends where possible.
ATLANTA - Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young and his wife Shelby Miller are celebrating a new addition to their family.

On Monday, Young, 25, shared an adorable photo on Instagram of his son Tydus Reign kissing his new baby sister.

"Mama brought you into this world," Young wrote. "Now Tydus & Dada are gonna protect you in this world."

Related: Trae Young funds renovation of Atlanta Youth Academy gym floor

The couple also announced their new baby girl was named Teal Dove Young.

It's been a big year for Young and Miller, who got married in the Bahamas in July.

The couple has been engaged since 2021. They've been together since 2017, back in Young's college days at the University of Oklahoma.
While doing research for a trip to Japan, I learned tattoos were considered taboo.

Since my husband and I both have tattoos, I worried it would make navigating some areas difficult.

We never had any negative reactions  I think it's because so many foreigners have tattoos.

I'd wanted to get a tattoo since I was 18 years old. I loved the idea of carrying art on my body with me wherever I went and was drawn to literary-themed tattoos.

Because I had so many different ideas and was also nervous about how much it would hurt, I spent years adding tattoo ideas to a Pinterest board and jealously ogling other people's.

In my early 30s, I had been reading a lot of books about trees and how they supported each other through their root system. Inspired by that, I contacted a tattoo shop and got my first one in 2021.

The minute it healed, I was itching to get another. I have only one, a set of three trees in various stages of growth on my left bicep. My husband also has one on his forearm  a narwhal in the style of Audubon drawings.

My husband and I never worried about what people would think about our tattoos until we started planning a trip to Japan. I thought our tattoos would be a big deal, but they weren't.

I worried having tattoos would cause problems in Tokyo

We discovered through our research that having tattoos might be an issue. In Japan, body art is considered taboo because of its ties to the yakuza , aka the Japanese mob.

While this is starting to change, some Japanese onsen, or hot springs, won't allow people with tattoos to enter. It's a way to bar yakuza without directly discriminating against them.

Before arriving in Japan, I wasn't sure whether we would get a lot of stares while out in public or at an onsen.

Our trip began in Tokyo, which is where I assumed we would have the most issues in such a large city because, with the warmer weather, we would be wearing short sleeves, while surrounded by people. I'm not sure if it was because the city was full of foreigners with tattoos prominently displayed or that Japanese people have accepted that body art is common in other parts of the world, but no one gave us a second look.

Though we didn't make it to a hot spring in Tokyo, I learned that there were many tattoo-friendly onsen. We also read that many times, if you just covered up body art with bandages, most places wouldn't have an issue.

After forgetting to cover our tattoos, we made do with what we had

Toward the end of our trip, while in Yakushima, an island south of mainland Japan, my husband and I visited a hot spring by the Pacific Ocean. This had been high on our bucket list. It's not just unique but also accessible only when there's a low tide, and the view is gorgeous. We couldn't wait to sit in a relaxing, warm pool while feeling the cool ocean breeze, with the waves rolling toward us.

The ocean-side hot springs next to the Pacific Ocean in Yakushima, Japan. Courtesy of India Kushner

As we arrived, we realized we had forgotten a bandage or anything to cover up our tattoos. Luckily, I had a quick-dry towel, so when we got to the circle of rocks where we could change, I helped my husband wrap his arm and then put a hair tie over it to keep it tight.

For my tattoo, I had a cover-up that I could use. The host who owned the house we were renting lived right next door. When he welcomed us to the house and explained how to find the onsen, his wife encouraged me to wear a special towel that went over my shoulders and wrapped around my body so I could cover up while bathing. I pulled the shoulder of the towel down to cover my arm, which seemed sufficient.

The author's towel cover-up. Courtesy of India Kushner

The locals didn't stare at our tattoos or pay us any attention

When we approached the onsen  which was mixed gender and made up of four or five pools, all of varying heat levels degrees  it was fairly crowded, with about three or four men sitting in the biggest one and a woman sitting in a smaller one.

We were a bit nervous and shy, as most of the men were basically naked besides small towels wrapped around their waists, which barely covered anything.

Once we were in the water, though, we stopped worrying and just relaxed. I struggled to keep my tattoo covered, but no one seemed to be looking at me. People minded their own business and no one made eye contact while sitting in the pools.

Yakushima's stance on tattoos seemed to point to a growing trend

Later that evening, we went out to dinner with our host and asked him whether tattoos were taboo in Yakushima. He smiled and said that people didn't mind because there weren't any yakuza in that part of Japan.

Yakushima Island. Courtesy of India Kushner

Despite having severe insomnia for a week as I adjusted to the 13-hour time difference, I feel extremely privileged to have been able to travel to Japan. From eating melt-in-your-mouth sushi for just $20 to hiking past 7,000-year-old cedar trees, it was truly an unforgettable experience.

Not having to worry about my tattoos made the entire trip better. It's good to know that these days, Japan is easy to navigate when you have tattoos.

Read the original article on Insider
Nov. 14 (UPI) -- The Treasury Department on Tuesday issued a new round of sanctions against Hamas-affiliated individuals and entities in connection with its current war with Israel, including the Palestine Islamic Jihad.

The department said the sanctions are in coordination with actions by Britain to protect international financial systems against Hamas and its handlers.

"The United States will continue to work with our partners, including the U.K., to deny Hamas the ability to raise and use funds to carry out its atrocities," Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said in a statement.

"Hamas's actions have caused immense suffering and shown that terrorism does not occur in isolation. Together with our partners, we are decisively moving to degrade Hamas's financial infrastructure, cut them off from outside funding, and block the new funding channels they seek to finance their heinous acts."

The Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control said that Iran is funding the Palestine Islamic Jihad through its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to assist Hamas in terrorism activities.

On Tuesday it sanctioned Nasser Abu Sharif, who it said has been the PIJ's representative to Iran, which has used the IRGC to train PIJ fighters to build and develop missiles in Gaza.

The Muhjat Al Quds Foundation in Gaza was also designated for providing financial support to the families of PIJ fighters and prisoners and is funded in Iran.

The Treasury said it has also designated Akramal-Ajouri, the Damascus-based deputy secretary general of PIJ and leader of the Al-Quds Brigades, for sanctions. The brigade serves as PIJ's militant wing.

"Hamas uses the Lebanon-based money exchange company Nabil Chouman & Co. to transfer money from Iran to Gaza," the Treasury Department said. "For several years, the company has served as a conduit for transferring funds to Hamas, transferring tens of millions of dollars to the terrorist organization."

The department said Chouman owner and founder Nabil Khaled Halil Chouman, together with his son Khaled Chouman and another Lebanon-based money exchanger Reda Ali Khamis worked with the Hamas military wing.

It also targeted Mahmoud Khaled Zahhar and Mu'ad Ibrahim Muhammed Rashid al-Atili, which the Treasury identified as a pair of key Hamas leaders.

Zahhar is a senior member and co-founder of Hamas who has spoken publicly on behalf of the group and acknowledged and thanked Iran for its support of Hamas, the Treasury said.
This screen shot from video provided by ABC7 Chicago, shows Ozinga cement truck driver Jeff Hanus on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023, being interviewed about helping a choking woman. Jeff Hanus was working at a job site on Nov. 4 pouring concrete for the company Ozinga when the woman drove up to his truck parked near Interstate 55 in the Chicago suburb of Bolingbrook. She exited her car, leaving two children inside, and approached Hanus. He performed the Heimlich maneuver on the woman, twice thrusting his fists into her abdomen before whatever was choking her dislodged. (ABC7 Chicago via AP)

BOLINGBROOK, Ill. (AP)  A truck driver who saved a choking woman after she pulled over along a Chicago-area highway says he acted on instinct when he saw her in distress.

Jeff Hanus was working at a job site on Nov. 4 pouring concrete for the company Ozinga when the woman drove up to his truck parked near Interstate 55 in the Chicago suburb of Bolingbrook. She exited her car, leaving two children inside, and approached Hanus.

She raises her hands up towards her throat, and that's the international sign for choking, so I asked, 'Are you choking?' and she clearly said yes," Hanus, a retired Army sergeant from Hazel Crest, told WLS-TV.

He performed the Heimlich maneuver on the woman, twice thrusting his fists into her abdomen before whatever was choking her dislodged.

Instinct took over. I try to live my life both from my heart and my gut, and thats what was in control, Hanus said.

Video from Hanus' truck shows the woman leave her car and then approach Hanus, who had jumped out of his truck when he noticed her. Once her throat was cleared, the woman returned to her vehicle, where Hanus said two toddlers were in the back.

He said the woman didnt speak with him immediately after he helped her, other than indicating that she was now OK.

It seemed she was pretty shaken up. So I dont think she was in the mood for a conversation," he said.

Hanus said his interaction with the woman was a reminder of a good friend who died from choking a few years ago. He said he's grateful the woman found him in a sea of traffic.

Her angels and my angels got together, and it worked out, he said.
WASHINGTON  House Republican Conference Chair Rep. Elise Stefanik and House Intelligence Committee Chairman Rep. Mike Turner asked Attorney General Merrick Garland to investigate Michael Cohen, after Donald Trumps former fixer told a New York court that he had lied about his handling of the former president's business dealings in sworn testimony to Congress.

That Mr. Cohen was willing to openly and brazenly state at trial that he lied to Congress on this specific issue is startling, Stefanik, of New York, and Turner, of Ohio, both Republicans, wrote in a letter to Garland obtained first by NBC News. His willingness to make such a statement alone should necessitate an investigation.

Appearing as a key witness in Trumps New York civil fraud case last month, Cohen said he made false claims under oath when he told the House Intelligence Committee that neither Trump nor Allen Weisselberg, the former chief financial officer of the Trump Organization, asked him to inflate the numbers on Trumps personal financial statement.

Cohen was questioned by an attorney for Trump over his deposition on Feb. 28, 2019, and asked whether he was being honest in front of the Permanent Select Committee. Cohen said he had not been and conceded that he had lied. After working for Trump for years, Cohen turned on Trump in 2018 and later testified against him before Congress.

Trumps defense in the New York case has questioned Cohens credibility repeatedly.

Stefanik, a member of the House Intelligence Committee, has urged the same.

The Biden Justice Department must take off its partisan blinders and investigate disgraced fraudster and disbarred attorney Michael Cohen, a felon previously convicted for lying to Congress, who just admitted to lying again to Congress, she said in a statement to NBC News.

In a statement, Cohen rejected Stefanik and Turners perjury claim and accused the lawmakers of working on behalf of the former president to muddy the waters in his legal case.

Republican Congress members Stefanik and Turner continue to do Donalds bidding in witness tampering and obstructing justice, Cohen said. The two members fail to understand the distinction between explicit and implied; which is how the question was asked and accurately responded to. The topic was further clarified several questions thereafter; which is conveniently and intentionally being ignored.

Cohen added, I am not concerned at all with their baseless request.

Further, Cohen warned, This is the type of harassment everyone, especially critics, should expect if Donald becomes President again!

The Justice Department did not respond to a request for comment.

The criminal referral against Cohen comes just days after Stefanik, a top Trump ally, filed a judicial ethics complaint against the judge presiding over the case.

Rep. Elise Stefanik speaks in front of an American flag at a press conference at the Capitol (Michael Brochstein / Sipa via AP file)

Trump is accused of purposely overstating the value of his familys real estate assets in a suit that threatens the former presidents control of his business.

In 2018, Cohen, Trumps one-time personal attorney, pleaded guilty in federal court to lying to Congress about his work on a Trump-branded real estate project in Russia during the 2016 presidential campaign.

His testimony last month came amid a dramatic showdown that saw Trump storm out of the courtroom after the judge presiding over the case fined him $10,000 for violating a gag order. The former president returned to court later that day.

Trump, the Republican front-runner in the polls in the 2024 presidential race, has stoked controversy over suggestions that if returned to office, he could use the federal government to pursue his opponents as he believes the government has been weaponized against him.

In an interview last week with the Spanish-language channel Univision, Trump said that if they do this, and theyve already done it, but if they follow through on this, yeah, it could certainly happen in reverse.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Two days after his vulgar Hialeah rally, an equally pumped ex-President Donald Trump railed against his political opponents in New Hampshire on Veterans Day.

He called his political opponents on the left vermin, a word that echoed fascist Adolf Hitler in Nazi Germany for millions of Americans, especially for World War II veterans, Holocaust survivors and Jewish families under the growing threat of antisemitism.

But to me, and many of the 2 million Cuban exiles scattered around the United States, when Trump said his foes live like vermin within the confines of our country, he evoked another sinister character: Fidel Castro.

I remember all that my family endured in Cuba during the years he was consolidating his regime, not as a running film of memories, but in scenes of intense clarity because they were frightening, alienating and cruel.

If theres anything that stands out in my childhood in Cuba, its being labeled a gusana  worm in my neighborhood, and most ferociously, in school  after it became known that my parents were leaving the country, and my father was sent to labor in the agriculture fields as punishment.

After being labeled by Castro, I lost my school honors and my well-earned first place position on the honor roll  replaced by a boy with lower grades, but who was a compliant Communist Youth member, a pionero.

That the mayor of Hialeah, Esteban Bovo, is asking the council to name a street after criminally charged Trump in the city where I went to school in exile  graduating at the top of my class from high school a short seven years after our arrival in what Castro derisively called Yankee Paradise  is a dishonor to our history.

READ MORE: Rampant vulgarity, lies  and a street named Trump Way  overshadow best-run GOP debate | Opinion

Dehumanizing rhetoric

Tyrants  and would-be tyrants like Trump, who carry within them the disposition to, as his campaign threatened Monday, see to it that critics are crushed  seem to prefer refer to insects, invertebrates, to humiliate and dehumanize opponents.

Like Trump with vermin, Castro first used the term gusanos, in a fiery 1961 speech in reference to counter-revolutionaries.

He spoke of shaking the rotten tree, and the gusanos will drop out.

The term later was used to denigrate Cubans who sought to flee the country during the short Camarioca boatlift of 1965 and on the ensuing Freedom Flights that brought 250,000 Cubans, including my family, to Miami through 1971.

And who doesnt remember Castro demonizing Cubans fleeing on the Mariel boatlift as escoria  scum  slander that carried into early exile?

Trumps use of vermin was no fluke.

He reiterated words that have a history related to genocide on his social media, once again lying about elections being stolen to justify his unprecedented attempts to undermine American democracy.

In honor of our great Veterans on Veterans Day, he wrote, we pledge to you that we will root out the Communists, Marxists, Racists and Radical Left Thugs that live like vermin within the confines of our Country, lie, steal, and cheat on Elections, and will do anything possible, whether legally or illegally, to destroy America, and the American Dream. . . . Despite the hatred and anger of the Radical Left Lunatics who want to destroy our country, we will MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN.

Former President Donald Trump leaves the stage at a campaign rally Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, in Claremont, N.H.

He distorts reality and rouses fear as Castro did with the perennial nattering about a Yankee invasion to excuse the militarization of everything, including school curricula, and to stoke divisions that led families to become estranged from each other for political reasons.

Beware Trump 2.0

Trump 2.0 should be sounding alarm bells all over Miami-Dade, not winning converts.

His branding of Democrats as Communists and Marxists is only a campaign tool to divert attention from policy issues where Republicans lose support.

The far-left in this country has little, if any, political power  certainly not legs to win a national election. Its the hard-right fueled by Trumpism thats dangerously gaining acceptance when a major party, the GOP, overwhelmingly prefers him in polls to far better candidates.

Such support emboldens Trump in the same way Castro was bolstered when more than 90% of the population rallied with him against power-usurper Fulgencio Batista  only to begin an exodus of detractors fearing for their lives and their future, that continues to this day.

Castro didnt follow Karl Marxs playbook to establish a Communist state for all. He followed Hitler and Francisco Franco in Spain. Castro used communism to gain allies and enable what Trump wants the United States to be: his personal fiefdom. Nothing short of idolatry will do.

Dehumanizing a sector of the Cuban population as undesirable animals made it easier for Castro to execute them as it did Hitler to exterminate 6 million Jews. And Castro got rid of opponents with the support of the people who chanted paredon, paredon, calling for the heads of batistianos they hated.

Its frightening to think that it didnt take much for Trump in Hialeah  home to old and new Cuban exiles  to get people chanting repeatedly to his rage against President Biden: F--- him up! And to applaud Trumps threat to round up immigrants into giant detention camps and deport them.

Castro, too, used immigration for political purposes, castigating or rewarding people with permission to leave as it benefited his agenda.

His loss was Miamis gain, or so, weve told ourselves.

Of all people, Cuban Americans should see Trump for what he is  dangerous.
Top Trump campaign advisers Monday sought to tamp down a spate of reporting about possible second-term policy and personnel plans that former President Trump would implement if he wins reelection next November.

The statement from Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita appeared to be addressing reports from The New York Times and Washington Post about Trumps plans for a second term.

The efforts by various non-profit groups are certainly appreciated and can be enormously helpful, Wiles and LaCivita said. However, none of these groups or individuals speak for President Trump or his campaign. We will have an official transition effort to be announced at a later date.

Therefore, these reports about personnel and policies that are specific to a second Trump Administration are purely speculative and theoretical, they added. Any personnel lists, policy agendas, or government plans published anywhere are merely suggestions.

The Times has in recent weeks laid out Trumps sweeping plans for cracking down on immigration and the likelihood that he will install attorneys who wont hold up his proposals. The Post, meanwhile, has reported how Trump and his allies could use the government to go after his enemies.

The stories have cited various outside conservative groups and former Trump White House officials, including Stephen Miller, Russ Vought and officials affiliated with Project 2025, an effort affiliated with The Heritage Foundation designed to identify potential staffers for the next GOP administration.

Wiles and LaCivita on Monday said the increasing number of stories about potential plans for Trumps second term are neither appropriate nor constructive.

President Trump and his campaign are singularly focused on beating Joe Biden and achieving victory next November, they said. While we understand fully the value of planning a transition back to the Oval Office, these press reports are largely unfounded and an unnecessary distraction from the work we are doing to defeat the most corrupt and incompetent president in what is the most consequential election in the history of our country.

Trump and his campaign have proposed a plethora of policies as part of his 2024 campaign for the White House. The former president has said he would implement the largest domestic deportation operation in American history and has called for drug traffickers to receive the death penalty.

He has in recent days suggested it would be fair game for his administration to target a political opponent, citing his multiple indictments during a Democratic administration.

And Trump has said he would reimpose an expanded version of his travel ban that applied to several Muslim-majority countries and would implement ideological screenings for those coming into the United States.

Trump is dominating the Republican presidential primary, leading by nearly 60 percentage points over his next nearest challenger in an average of national polls. He is also leading by double digits in nearly every state-level poll.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Rep. Elise Stefanik, the House GOP conference chair, and House Intelligence Chair Mike Turner are calling for a criminal investigation into whether former Donald Trump attorney Michael Cohen committed perjury in testimony before Congress.

In their complaint, sent to Attorney General Merrick Garland, the two say there is compelling evidence that Cohen appears to have committed perjury and knowingly made false statements while testifying under oath during his deposition before the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (Committee) on February 28, 2019. They go on to request that the Department of Justice investigate whether his testimony warrants another charge for making a false statement.

The Biden Justice Department must take off its partisan blinders and investigate disgraced fraudster and disbarred attorney Michael Cohen, a felon previously convicted for lying to Congress, who just admitted to lying again to Congress, Stefanik said in a statement.

In 2019, Cohen, who worked for Trump for decades, was asked by the committee about the personal financial statements of then-president Trump and whether or not Trump directed both him or Allen Weisselberg  then-Trump Organization chief financial officer  to inflate the numbers for his personal statement.

Cohen responded: Not that I recall, no.

But when Cohen was asked about his 2019 testimony when he was called as a star witness in the civil fraud trial in New York against Trump last month, he stated that he had lied under oath during his appearance before the committee. Cohen later clarified during the trial that while Trump never specifically asked him to alter their financial statements, it was understood he was speaking in code.

He did not specifically state, Michael, go inflate the numbers,' Cohen testified. Donald Trump speaks like a mob boss, and what he does is he tells you what he wants without specifically telling you.

In the letter, Stefanik and Turner write, Cohens testimony at the New York trial is inconsistent with his testimony before the Committee. That Mr. Cohen was willing to openly and brazenly state at trial that he lied to Congress on this specific issue is startling. His willingness to make such a statement alone should necessitate an investigation.

Cohen responded to the referral in a statement saying, Republican Congress members Stefanik and Turner continue to do Donalds bidding in witness tampering and obstructing justice. The two members fail to understand the distinction between explicit and implied; which is how the question was asked and accurately responded to. The topic was further clarified several questions thereafter; which is conveniently and intentionally being ignored. I am not concerned at all with their baseless request.

Stefanik is a close ally of Trump and was the first member of Congress to endorse his third bid for the presidency. Last week, she also filed an ethics complaint against Judge Arthur Engoron for displaying inappropriate bias and judicial intemperance. Engoron is presiding over the $250 million lawsuit brought by New York Attorney General Tish James against Trump that accuses him of inflating his assets for financial gain.

Trump has railed against James and Engoron  prompting the judge to impose a partial gag order on Trump. On Tuesday morning, he shared a post on his social media site, Truth Social calling for both of them to be put under citizens arrest.

Trump has also castigated Cohen for his participation in the trial, calling him a serial liar.

Trump is currently being sued in New York, and investigated in Georgia, Florida, Washington and Manhattan in cases that have intersected with his 2024 presidential campaigning and threaten his political and business future.

Trump and his three grown children have testified in the New York civil fraud case in recent weeks. Donald Trump Jr. returned to the witness stand Monday to defend his father and the Trump Organization in the trial.
Former President Trump in a sudden twist dropped his bid to move his hush money criminal case to federal court Tuesday.

At the time of publication, the reason the former presidents counsel moved for a voluntary dismissal of the appeal was unclear.

The decision to do so means Trump will proceed in state court as he defends himself against 34 charges of falsifying business records, which revolve around hush money deals made with former adult film star Stormy Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal. The women were paid a combined $280,000 to cover up allegations of an affair.

Trumps filing Tuesday came one day before his lawyers were due to submit their argument in writing to the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals as to why Trumps case should be moved.

Trumps lawyers previously indicated they wanted to move courts to raise various federal defenses to the indictment and argue it was an impermissible act of state hostility against a federal official.

A move to federal court would have broadened the jury pool to include prospective jurors outside of deep-blue Manhattan.

It also would have doomed chances of the trial being televised, a matter that remains an open question as the case moves ahead in state court.

The Hill has reached out to Trumps legal team for comment.

Trumps appeal followed a federal judge rejecting the former presidents effort to move courts, ruling the case was not sufficiently connected to Trumps role as president.

Hush money by itself is legal, but prosecutors charged Trump over how he reimbursed his then-fixer, Michael Cohen, for making the payments to the women in 2017.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Braggs (D) office  which opposed Trumps effort to move to federal court  alleges Trump improperly deemed the reimbursements a legal retainer in an effort to hide damaging information from the public ahead of that years presidential election. Trump pleaded not guilty.

Braggs office declined to comment.

Trumps New York criminal trial is scheduled to begin March 25 before New York Supreme Court Acting Justice Juan Merchan, though that could change if timelines cross with his federal case over efforts to subvert the 2020 presidential election, which is set to begin March 4. A federal trial over his alleged mishandling of classified documents is currently scheduled to begin on May 20.

And in Georgia, where a trial date is not yet set, Trump faces charges over an alleged unlawful conspiracy to remain in power following the 2020 election. Trump opted against attempting to move his charges there to federal court, although several of his co-defendants are actively mounting such a bid.

In New York, Trump has frequently butted heads with Merchan, who is overseeing the trial. The former president has referred to him as a Trump Hating Judge and claims Merchan HATES ME.

Trumps legal team has filed a multi-pronged strategy to get the hush money indictment dismissed before trial, and a hearing on the matter is scheduled for Feb. 15. Trump recently indicated in court filings he plans to attend in person.

The former president has spent much of this fall in courtrooms, attending several weeks of his civil fraud trial in Manhattan in person  down the street from where his hush money trial is set to unfold. His appearances in court have often been dramatic and an opportunity to take his campaign pitch to the courtrooms where he says he is being tried for politically motivated reasons.

Trumps demeaning comments about Merchan are similar to the insults hes hurled at Judge Arthur Engoron, who is overseeing the fraud case.

Unless its timeline changes, Trumps hush money trial will fall squarely in the middle of the 2024 GOP presidential primary, in which he is the undisputed frontrunner.

Updated 4:28 p.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Spectacular landscapes along Xizang section of China's longest national highway

People's Daily Online) 13:38, November 14, 2023

Photo shows a beautiful view of Mount Namjagbarwa in Nyingchi city, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. (People's Daily Online/Tsering Norbu)

Encompassing a full spectrum of geographic features on earth, the section of the G219 national highway, China's longest national highway along its land borders, in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region offers breathtaking views of natural landscapes.

Stretching from frigid highlands to tropical zones, the Xizang section of the G219 national highway connects many natural wonders of the world, such as the Himalayan mountains, the world's most magnificent mountain ranges; Mount Qomolangma (Everest), the world's highest peak; Medog county, one of the most biodiverse places on earth; and the Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon, the world's deepest canyon.

A journey along the Xizang section of G219 is a geographical feast for the eyes. Travelers can experience dramatic visual transitions from ice-capped mountains to rivers and lakes, from barren deserts to forests and grasslands, and from lofty mountains and deep valleys to pastoral country scenes. Each sight presents a new landscape spectacle.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
MIAMIThe stage keeps shrinking; Donald Trumps lead keeps growing. Thats the scenario facing Republican candidates after yet another televised debate seemingly failed to catapult any of them into real contention with the former president in the race for the GOP presidential nomination.

There were only five candidates on stage in South Florida on Wednesday, down from eight in the first debate and seven in the second. Throughout, the sparring over domestic and foreign policy has been substantive, budding rivalries have intensified, and the jockeying for second place has ratcheted up. Nikki Haley is rising; Vivek Ramaswamy is falling; Ron DeSantis is stuck in neutral.

None of it, including the recent withdrawals of former Vice President Mike Pence and Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, has threatened Trumps standing atop the field or produced a consensus alternative. And upon the conclusion of the third debate, conversations with the campaigns chasing the former president suggest they dont have an obvious strategy for altering this essential dynamic of the GOP primaryother than to have faith that what hasnt worked so far will eventually pay off.

Time is short; voting begins with the January 15 Iowa caucuses.

In the spin room following the debate, Haley campaign spokeswoman Olivia Perez-Cubas tried to separate the former South Carolina governor and ex-U.S. ambassador to the United Nations from the pack. In this debate, she told The Dispatch, [Haley] showed that she is the Trump alternative, and shes the Biden alternative.

But Haley is also trailing Trump by more than 30 percentage points in Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolinaand nearly 50 points nationally. What is her campaigns plan to close the gap? I think it is doing what we are doing, Perez-Cubas said. You do as well as you can in Iowa. You go into New Hampshire eight days later and you do as well as you can in New Hampshirethe field is consolidating, it is already consolidatingand then she enters South Carolina.

Its not going to happen overnight, Perez-Cubas adds. But for us, its slow and steady.

Of course, Haley isnt alone in attempting to explain the, as yet, unexplainable.

DeSantis is Haleys chief rival in the battle for second place. He narrowly leads her in Iowa while trailing her in both New Hampshire and South Carolina. So, the Florida governor is clearly contending to win this particular sub-contest of the Republican primary. Indeed, the DeSantis campaign is investing time and resources to undermine Haley, in order to chart a path to Trump.

But DeSantis challenge is greater than edging out his fellow governor. To start, he has to at least make a big enough dent in Trumps support among GOP voters that the former president feels compelled to participate in an upcoming televised debate. And like Haley, its unclear the governor has a viable plan to get from here to there, even after scoring the backing of Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, perhaps the most coveted endorsement of any 2024 caucus or primary.

DeSantis delivered another debate performance last week that was roundly praised by voters in snap polls conducted immediately afterward, but does his campaign have a strategy to make the primary an actual race? Were going to let the caucuses start this process, Ryan Tyson, a top DeSantis adviser, told The Dispatch. Were actually going to let people show up and make a decision. Thats where this begins, and we really like what were seeing on that front.

Considering DeSantis poll numbers are declining at worst and encased in amber at best, what is his campaign seeing that warrants such optimism? Tysons theory of the case is that the current polling reflects passive engagement in the process and, based on his experience on the trail in Iowa, where he is now spending most of his time, the governors support will spike once likely Republican caucusgoers truly dial in and decide whom to vote for.

People are tired of politics. Its in their face all the time, Tyson said. All I ask is, just go walk around Iowa, just spend a little time walking around a Machine Sheda normal place. Im telling you, theyll start to wake up soon, and we like our chances when they do.

The obstacle confronting Trumps Republican opponents is daunting, and plain to see in the publicly available data. On August 23, the day of the first debate, the former president led among GOP voters with an average of 55.4 percent in national polls. On November 8, after more than two months of campaigning and two high-stakes televised debates, his share of support had  climbed to 58.5 percent. A similar story is playing out in the early states: Trumps support in Iowa increased during that same period, from 43.2 percent to 47.3 percent.

Meanwhile, GOP challengers preferred line of attack on Trumpthat he is unelectablehas been largely neutered this fall. Over the past 10 days, national polls and surveys of key battleground states show the 45th president beating his successor. Multiple criminal indictments, some of which could land Trump in jail, have failed to damage his viabilityin both the Republican primary and the general election.

That is quite the predicament for Haley and DeSantis, but also for Ramaswamy, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum. Those who remain insist the race is not over, but none of them can identify exactly what will deflate Trump, or exactly what they are going to do to surpass him.

Team Christies optimism is based, at least in part, on its belief that Trumps nearly 60 percent support in current polling is actually a sign of weaknessif you treat Trump as a quasi-incumbent. Its a highly questionable claim. Were getting there, Christie adviser Mike DuHaime insisted, just minutes after the conclusion of the most recent debate.

Shortly after, former Sen. Cory Gardnerin the spin room on behalf of the Scott campaigndescribed the effort to block Trump from the nomination as a solvable math equation. Weve got seven out of 10 voters who are willing to vote for somebody other than Donald Trump, the Colorado Republican said, apparently referring to recent polling. We have five out of 10 right now who are actually doing it on paper. We need to make sure that the next two voters to get to that seven out of 10 actually see, hear, and feel Tim Scotts message.

Scott, of course, was ultimately unable to crack the formula, dropping out of the race four days later. And thus far, theres little indication the other candidates are any closer to figuring it out.

Read more at The Dispatch

The Dispatch is a new digital media company providing engaged citizens with fact-based reporting and commentary, informed by conservative principles. Sign up for free.
Former President Trump prompted backlash for comparing his political enemies to vermin who needed to be exposed, with critics drawing comparisons to dictators from decades ago.

Trump, in a Veterans Day speech in New Hampshire, pledged to root out  the radical left thugs that live like vermin within the confines of our country, the latest in a growing line of increasingly incendiary comments about his political opponents heading into the 2024 election.

The former president warned the audience of supporters that the threat from outside forces is far less sinister, dangerous and grave than the threat from within. Our threat is from within. Because if you have a capable, competent, smart, tough leader, Russia, China, North Korea, theyre not going to want to play with us.

Democrats and even some Republicans expressed alarm over Trumps comments, equating them to the type of rhetoric used by dictators during World War II and suggesting it was a sign of how Trump would conduct himself if elected to a second term in the White House.

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The Trump campaign dismissed the criticism. But the vermin comment is just the latest in a growing string of remarks that have raised alarms for Trumps critics.

On a weekend when most Americans were honoring our nations heroes, Donald Trump parroted the autocratic language of Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini  two dictators many U.S. veterans gave their lives fighting, in order to defeat exactly the kind of un-American ideas Trump now champions, Biden campaign spokesperson Ammar Moussa said in a statement.

White House spokesperson Andrew Bates similarly said the comments echoed Hitler and Mussolini, suggesting Trumps language would be unrecognizable to our founders, but horrifyingly recognizable to American veterans who put on their countrys uniform in the 1940s.

Jim Messina, who managed President Obamas 2012 reelection campaign, described Trumps remarks as from the same authoritarian propaganda playbook used by dictators.

Top Stories from The Hill

Trumps comments, which he also posted on Truth Social on Saturday, come as hes leading the Republican presidential primary contest by an average of nearly 60 percentage points. A slew of recent polls have shown him leading President Biden in several key battleground states that will likely determine the outcome of the 2024 race.

The Trump campaign rejected comparisons between Trump and old dictators, with spokesperson Steven Cheung saying in a statement that those who try to make that ridiculous assertion are clearly snowflakes grasping for anything because they are suffering from Trump Derangement Syndrome and their entire existence will be crushed when President Trump returns to the White House.

His denigration of his political rivals as vermin forced Republicans into the familiar, uncomfortable position of having to try and defend Trump, the front-runner to be on the partys presidential ticket next year.

Republican National Committee (RNC) chair Ronna McDaniel was asked on multiple Sunday morning shows about the remarks, and she declined to condemn or directly address the former presidents language.

Im not going to talk about candidates that are in a contested primary. Thats  you can talk to him about what hes saying, McDaniel said on CNNs State of the Union.

Former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.), one of the most outspoken Trump critics in the GOP, wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, that Trump was using the same Nazi propaganda that mobilized 1930s-40s Germany to evil. She added that history would judge every Republican who is appeasing this dangerous man.

Prior to Saturdays remarks, Trump has spoken fondly of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who has been accused of rolling back democratic norms, and he has praised the leadership of Chinese President Xi Jinping, whom Biden has described as a dictator.

Trump has in recent days also hinted at what could be waiting for his political opponents if he returns to the White House. At a Florida rally last week, Trump told supporters he would be allowed to investigate Biden since he himself was indicted, and he pledged to have the Justice Department investigate every Marxist prosecutor in America.

And in a Truth Social post Monday, he attacked special counsel Jack Smith and Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco as deranged and suggested they would end up in a Mental Institution by the end of his next term because they suffer from Trump Derangement Syndrome.

I dont really think that pitting Americans against each other is going to help us in a time when a lot of people are suffering, and thats what this type of rhetoric is aimed to do, said Sarah Matthews, a former Trump White House and campaign spokesperson.

And I think him using this kind of increasingly erratic rhetoric, it just doesnt seem to penetrate through as much in Americans minds because theyre so used to him saying these kinds of crazy things, she added. And thats whats concerning.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
(Bloomberg) -- As he sat on the witness stand in a New York courtroom last week, Donald Trump reached into his pocket, pulled out a piece of paper and tried to hand it to the judge.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Trump explained the document showed the standard disclaimer he used on financial records he sent to lenders  essentially saying they cant rely on him to tell the truth. These disclaimers are likely to come up again and again in his defense case, which kicked off this week at the civil fraud trial against him.

The judge, who refused to accept the document Trump tried to hand him in court, has already rejected the disclaimer argument over and over, signaling it will be a losing strategy for the former president and his real estate business.

Read More: Trumps full disclaimers and statements of financial condition from 2011, 2012, 2016, 2017 and 2021.

Central to the case are the statements of financial condition Trump had his accountants at Mazars USA LLP send to lenders detailing his assets and their values. The state of New York alleges he inflated his net worth by as much as $3.6 billion a year to get better terms on loans and insurance, reaping $250 million in illegal profit from 2011 to 2021.

Trump insists that the worthless statement clause included in those documents is proof enough that no fraud was committed, and that financial institutions did their own due-diligence. The argument has continuously come up in the chaotic trial over claims he defrauded Deutsche Bank AG and other banks by inflating the value of his assets.

It says, very strongly, do your own due diligence, Trump testified Nov. 6. Dont take anything from this statement for granted. You could look at the statement, but you must do your own analysis and due diligence. He added, If there is any mistake, the disclaimer clause covers it.

Worthless Defense

But the judge said boiler-plate warnings about the reliability of his financial statements arent legally binding.

Defendants reliance on these worthless disclaimers is worthless, state court judge Arthur Engoron wrote in September, when he found Trump liable for fraud in the case. The trial is focused on the remaining claims in the lawsuit filed by New York state  including issuing false financial statements and conspiring to falsify business records. At the conclusion, the judge will rule on liability for those claims and determine any penalties.

Engoron has rejected Trumps argument twice  and was upheld both times by a state appeals court, once for his ruling in September and again over a January motion to dismiss. The judge said defense lawyers argued repeatedly that a disclaimer should exonerate lies on financial documents, even though the documents put the onus for accuracy squarely on the defendants shoulders.

Disclaimers arent designed to be used in the way Trump has, according to John Moscow, a former prosecutor in the Manhattan District Attorneys office. Instead, they allow borrowers the right to make minor adjustments if theres an error in the documents theyve submitted, he said.

The whole point in this case is that the document as a whole was an attempt to get the bank to believe the numbers were essentially correct, Moscow said. Trump thought that by saying only kidding in small type at the bottom, then thats OK. The court disagreed. I dont know any bankers who disagree with the court on that one.

Trump Undeterred

So far, Trump and his lawyers havent been deterred. Just last week, the judge again rejected the disclaimer argument when he denied Trumps motion to dismiss the case for lack of legally sufficient evidence.

The former president, who may return to the witness stand later, is continuing to lean into the disclaimers as his legal team starts presenting its case against the lawsuit filed last year by New York Attorney General Letitia James. The first six weeks of the trial were focused on witnesses called by the state, including Trump and his three eldest children, who worked at the Trump Organization. The proceedings could last into December.

Trumps financial statements, which were submitted as evidence in the case, include disclaimers from Mazars that declare the asset valuations werent audited or verified and werent calculated using generally accepted accounting principles.

In a social media post last week, Trump doubled down on his argument that such warnings clear him of any liability. This is the paper that I wanted to submit that the Judge refused to take, because he doesnt want anyone to know about the disclaimer clause at the beginning of each Financial Statement, he wrote.

Downplaying Documents

Kevin Wallace, a senior enforcement lawyer for the New York Attorney Generals office, spent several hours questioning Trump in court about the statements of financial condition.

Trump acknowledged he would look at the statements of financial condition prepared between 2011 and 2017, but he downplayed their significance. Banks didnt find them very relevant, the former president testified, insisting the documents were accurate because they were prepared by his accounting firm.

The defense case, which is expected to last until Dec. 15, began Monday with Donald Trump Jr. as the first witness. Donald Trump and Eric Trump may also return to testify in their own defense after taking the stand earlier in the trial as witnesses for the state. Dates for that potential testimony havent been set.

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Judge Aileen Cannon, who is overseeing the trial on former President Donald Trumps alleged mishandling of classified documents after leaving office, rejects a motion by special counsel Jack Smiths team seeking to establish December deadlines for Trumps lawyers to identify the evidence they will seek to use in court. After an appeals court judge pauses a gag order that restricted Trump from attacking members of New York Judge Arthur Engorons staff and earned him $15,000 in fines, Trump returns to doing just that. Heres the latest from the criminal and civil proceedings targeting the former president.

Classified documents

Judge pushes back December deadlines until at least March 1, 2024, all but guaranteeing trial delay

Key players: Judge Aileen Cannon, special counsel Jack Smith

On Friday, Cannon swiftly rejected a Thursday filing made by prosecutors requesting that the judge schedule December deadlines for Trumps lawyers to identify which classified documents they would use at trial, ABC News reported.

Instead, Cannon said she wouldnt consider establishing deadlines until March 1, 2024, when she has scheduled a conference to hear arguments on delaying the trial until after the 2024 election.

Because the case centers around highly classified material, including national security secrets kept at Trumps Florida home, access to the evidence is restricted. Trumps lawyers have argued they need more time to view it.

Cannon has scheduled the trial to begin on May 20, 2024, a date she kept to in a ruling last week. But she also stated that she would revisit the question on March 1.

Why it matters: Trump is seeking to delay the start of the trial until after the 2024 election, which, if he wins reelection, would give him the opportunity to attempt to pardon himself in the federal case should he be found guilty. Cannons March 1 deadline for evidence discovery, which some legal experts say is proof of bias toward the man who appointed her to the bench, makes it more likely that a verdict will not be reached prior to Election Day.

New York financial fraud

Freed from gag order, Trump returns to attacking judges clerk

Key players: Judge Arthur Engoron, clerk Allison Greenfield, New York appeals court Judge David Friedman

Trump returned to attacking Engoron and Greenfield Thursday, hours after Friedman issued a pause on the gag order that restricted him from criticizing the clerk, Reuters reported.

His Ridiculous and Unconstitutional Gag Order, not allowing me to defend myself against him and his politically biased and out of control, Trump Hating Clerk, who is sinking him and his Court to new levels of LOW, is a disgrace, Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social about Engoron and Greenfield.

Engoron has fined Trump a total of $15,000 for violating his order, which the judge says was put in place to assure the personal safety of his staff.

In a request this week for a mistrial, Trumps lawyers argued that Engoron and Greenfield were biased against him.

Friedman wrote that the gag order may violate Trumps freedom of speech rights outside the courtroom. The issue will be taken up by the full appeals court in the coming days, and until a final ruling is issued, Trump is free to criticize Engorons staff.

Why it matters: Trump has been outspoken in criticizing judges, staff, witnesses and prosecutors in the cases against him, portraying them as part of a coordinated effort to keep him from being reelected in 2024. Judges have had to weigh whether those remarks threaten the safety of those they are made against and whether they could impact the prospect of a fair trial.

Recommended reading

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Thursday, Nov. 16

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Photo illustration: Yahoo News; photo: Drew Angerer/Getty Images, John Bazemore/Pool/AFP via Getty Images, Getty Images (2)

Judge Scott McAfee, who is overseeing the Georgia election interference case against former President Donald Trump and 14 others, sides with Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis and issues a protective order to block the public release of sensitive evidence in the case. New York Attorney General Letitia James, meanwhile, asks Judge Arthur Engoron, who is overseeing Trumps financial fraud case, to rule on his request for a mistrial by December. Separately, an appeals court judge pauses Engoron's gag order on the former president.

Georgia election interference

Judge issues protective order

Key players: Judge Scott McAfee; Fulton County DA Fani Willis; co-defendant and former elections supervisor Misty Hampton; Hamptons attorney Jonathan Miller; pro-Trump lawyers Jenna Ellis, Sidney Powell, Kenneth Chesebro; and bail bondsman Scott Hall

Following the publication of proffer videos in which Ellis, Powell, Chesebro and Hall talked about the specifics of the case, McAfee issued a protective order Thursday intended to block the public release of sensitive information prior to trial, ABC News reported.

The Court has an interest in ensuring that all parties retain their right to a fair trial before an unbiased jury, a process that could become unattainable should the public be allowed to vet every piece of unfiltered evidence months before trial, McAfee wrote.

In arguing for the protective order, Willis told McAfee that the release of the videos was intended to intimidate witnesses in this case. As part of their plea deal, Ellis, Powell, Chesebro and Hall have agreed to testify.

Prosecutors had provided the proffer videos to the lawyers of the 15 co-defendants, and Miller, Hamptons lawyer, admitted leaking them to the media.

Miller explained his rationale during an emergency hearing on Wednesday, telling McAfee that to hide those proffers, that show all the underlying things went into those pleas, it misleads the public about what's going on.

But McAfees order is not ironclad or automatic. Prosecutors must identify which evidence they believe is too sensitive to be released prior to the trial and lawyers for the defense can challenge that before the judge.

Why it matters: McAfee wants the case to be tried in court, not in the media. Thursdays order is another step in achieving that goal, but one that Trump and his co-defendants could argue is violating their right to free speech.

New York financial fraud

Appeals court judge pauses Trump gag order

Key players: New York appeals court Judge David Friedman, Judge Arthur Engoron, clerk Allison Greenfield, Trump lawyer Alina Habba, New York Attorney General Letitia James

Saying it may violate Trump's freedom of speech outside the courtroom, Friedman on Thursday issued a stay on the gag order imposed on Trump by Engoron that directed him not to attack his clerk and other court staff, the Associated Press reported.

Trump's lawyers had filed a lawsuit against Engoron on Wednesday that claimed the gag order was an abuse of power.

Until the appeals process plays out, Trump is now free to offer his criticism of Greenfield on social media and outside the courtroom, and Habba indicated he would do just that.

I dont see a reason for restrictions because Ms. James is continuing to disparage my client, Habba said.

Why it matters: Trump has long claimed that James and Engoron are conducting a politically motivated trial against him and has repeatedly sought the judge's removal from the case. For now, he can continue to speak freely about Greenfield to try to make that point.

James asks Engoron to rule on Trump mistrial motion by Dec. 8

Key players: New York A.G. Letitia James, Judge Arthur Engoron, clerk Allison Greenfield

James sent Engoron a letter Thursday requesting that he issue a ruling on Trumps motion for a mistrial in the $250 million civil financial fraud trial by Dec. 8, The Hill reported.

In the letter, James cites spurious allegations made by Trumps lawyers in their filing.

Trumps lawyers argued in their motion that the evidence of apparent and actual bias is tangible and overwhelming on the part of Engoron and Greenfield, and argue that the judge has already made up his mind in the case.

Engoron has twice fined Trump for a total of $15,000 for violations of a gag order he issued to prevent the defendant from attacking his clerk.

He will issue a ruling on whether to grant a mistrial, which is seen as a longshot, but Trumps lawyers can appeal his decision.

Why it matters: The case is expected to wrap up on Dec. 22. Trumps lawyers began presenting their defense of the former president, his two eldest sons and their family business this week. If a mistrial is granted, James would be compelled to retry it before another judge.

______________________

Wednesday, Nov. 15

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Photo illustration: Yahoo News; photos: Jefferson Siegel/AFP via Getty Images, Yuki Iwamura/Bloomberg via Getty Images, Brandon Bell/Getty Images, Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images, Getty Images (5)

Former President Donald Trumps lawyers request a mistrial in the financial fraud civil trial in New York, alleging bias from the trial judge and his clerk. In Georgia, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis says she sees Trumps trial on election interference lasting through early 2025.

New York financial fraud

Trump files motion for mistrial

Key players: Judge Arthur Engoron, clerk Allison Greenfield, New York Attorney General Letitia James

In a 30-page filing Wednesday to the Manhattan Supreme Court, Trumps lawyers requested a mistrial in the $250 million civil lawsuit brought by James, saying Engoron is biased against him and Greenfield influences his decisions too much, the Guardian reported.

In this case, the evidence of apparent and actual bias is tangible and overwhelming. Only the grant of a mistrial can salvage what is left of the rule of law, Trumps attorneys wrote in their filing.

On Greenfield, they added: Before the court rules on most issues, the court either pauses to consult with her on the bench or receives from her contemporaneous written notes.

In September, Engoron sided with James, ruling that Trump, his adult sons and their family business were liable for years of financial fraud due to inflating the value of their assets. Engoron has since fined Trump a total of $15,000 for attacking Greenfield in violation of a gag order put in place to shield his staff.

A spokesperson for Jamess office said the request for a mistrial was another attempt to distract from the facts in the case.

Once again, Donald Trump is trying to dismiss the truth and the facts, but the numbers and evidence dont lie, the spokesperson said in a written statement.

If a mistrial is declared, that would delay the trial from moving forward and could result in its being retried before a new judge.

Why it matters: Trump has so far lost his bids to have Engoron recuse himself, to have him removed from the case and to have the case delayed and thrown out. The request for a mistrial is one such further attempt. If it fails, Trump could still appeal Engorons final verdict in the case.

Georgia election interference

Willis: Trumps Georgia trial could last through early part of 2025

Key players: Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, Judge Scott McAfee

In a Tuesday interview with the Washington Posts Live Global Womens Summit, Willis said that she believed Trump and his 14 co-defendants would stand trial on charges that he sought to subvert the election results in Georgia and that the proceedings could extend past the 2024 election, USA Today reported.

I believe in that case there will be a trial. ... I believe the trial will take many months. ... And I dont expect that we will conclude until the winter or the very early part of 2025, Willis said.

While Trump has sought to delay the start of all four criminal trials against him until after the 2024 election, the scheduling of the Georgia case will be up to McAfee.

The timing of the trial suggested by Willis would have Trump sitting in the courtroom during the home stretch of the 2024 presidential election, but a verdict may not come until months afterward.

Willis said she had not considered the political calendar when pushing forward with her indictments.

I dont, when making decisions about cases to bring, consider any election cycle or an election season," Willis said.

Four co-defendants have already pleaded guilty in the case.

Why it matters: Trump has already cited the busy campaign season as reason to delay his criminal trials. Polls have shown that a guilty verdict in any of them could have an impact on his chances of victory in 2024.

Recommended reading

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Tuesday, Nov. 14

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Photo illustration: Yahoo News; photos: John Bazemore-Pool/Getty Images, Alyssa Pointer/Getty Images (2), Getty Images (3)

After video of bail bondsman Scott Hall and lawyers Jenna Ellis, Kenneth Chesebro and Sidney Powell discussing the Georgia election subversion plot is published, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis asks the court to issue a protective order to prevent further footage from being aired before trial. In New York, meanwhile, Judge Arthur Engoron makes no mention of Trump sharing a social media post calling for a citizen's arrest of Engoron and New York Attorney General Letitia James.

Georgia election interference

Prosecutors seek protective order after proffer footage surfaces

Key players: Former Trump-aligned lawyers Jenna Ellis, Kenneth Chesebro and Sidney Powell, Georgia bail bondsman Scott Hall, former White House deputy chief of staff Dan Scavino, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, Judge Scott McAfee

Williss team filed an emergency request for a protective order Tuesday with the judge in the Georgia election subversion case in which Trump and 14 others still face felony charges, the Hill reported. The order would limit the defendants access to videotaped statements made by those who plead guilty in the case.

The release of these confidential video recordings is clearly intended to intimidate witnesses in this case, subjecting them to harassment and threats prior to trial, prosecutors wrote in their motion to McAfee.

On Monday, ABC News and the Washington Post published clips of Ellis, Chesebro, Powell and Hall, all of whom have pleaded guilty in order to avoid jail time, discussing the specifics of the case, including offering details that could prove incriminating against Trump.

He said, The boss is not going to leave under any circumstances. We are just going to stay in power, Ellis is seen telling prosecutors in one of the segments about an exchange she had with Scavino. And I said to him, Well, it doesnt quite work that way, you realize. And he said, We dont care.

Why it matters: Willis has secured plea deals with four defendants in the case so far. Their testimony will be a key part of establishing guilt for Trump and the others charged. While the videos published Monday illustrate how damaging it could be for Trump, Willis wants to keep more of it from becoming public prior to the case going to trial.

New York financial fraud

Trump shares post calling for citizens arrest of Engoron and James

Key players: Judge Arthur Engoron, New York Attorney General Letitia James

As the second day of the defenses presentation in the trial got underway in Manhattan, Engoron made no mention of a night post on Truth Social that Trump had shared Monday with his 6.4 million followers, ABC News reported.

In a post titled, MY FANTASY, a user on the social network who goes by the name VonRitter wrote, I WOULD LIKE TO SEE LITITIA JAMES AND JUDGE ENGORON PLACED UNDER CITIZENS ARREST FOR BLATANT ELECTION INTERFERENCE AND HARASSMENT, The Daily Beast reported.

James brought the $250 million civil lawsuit against Trump, alleging that he, his adult sons and their family business inflated the value of their assets in order to obtain favorable bank and insurance terms and defrauded the state of revenue.

Engoron has already ruled that the defendants are liable for years of fraud. The trial will, in part, determine the damages to be awarded.

While Engoron has imposed a gag order on Trump and his lawyers that prevents them from attacking the judges staff, he has not included attacks on himself or James in that order.

Why it matters: Trump has repeatedly attacked the judges and prosecutors in the numerous criminal and civil cases against him. Spreading the citizens' arrest fantasy follows that pattern, but as George Washington University law professor Jonathan Turley made clear, acting on that idea would likely be illegal. Just in case anyone is taking such a statement as more than a fantasy, there is no basis for a citizens arrest and such an effort to physically hold either the judge or the attorney general would most certainly constitute a criminal act, he wrote on X, Salon reported.

___________________

Monday, Nov. 13

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Photo illustration: Yahoo News; photos: Robert Alexander/Getty Images, Spencer Platt/Getty Images (2), Scott Eisen/Getty Images, Getty Images (3)

Former President Donald Trumps eldest sons seek to portray their father and his company in glowing terms as the financial fraud trial resumes in New York City. In Florida, federal Judge Aileen Cannon rejects a motion by Trumps lawyers to postpone the start of the classified documents trial until after the 2024 election but says she will revisit that decision in March.

New York financial fraud

Donald Trump Jr. returns to witness stand, while Eric Trump plays to the court of public opinion

Key players: Trump Organization executive vice presidents Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, Judge Arthur Engoron, New York Attorney General Letitia James

Trump Jr. returned to court Monday as a witness for the defense in the $250 million civil lawsuit bought by James, testifying about the history of the Trump Org. and calling his father an artist, CBS News reported.

"He's an artist with real estate," Trump Jr. said of his father, adding, "That is his canvas that he creates. He is a creative guy, and he's also good at building."

Engoron has already sided with arguments made by James, finding Trump, his eldest sons and their family business liable for years of financial fraud in New York. The trial will, in part, decide penalties for the defendants.

Eric Trump also used art as a metaphor to describe his family business, Huffpost reported.

Our assets are worth a fortune. Theyre the Mona Lisas of the real estate world, he said during an interview with Fox News Sunday over the weekend.

Why it matters: Trumps sons, who are defendants in the case, continue to try to shine the best possible light on their business practices. Engorons ruling in the case could cost them millions of dollars and prevent them from conducting business in New York, however.

Classified documents

Judge refuses to delay start of trial but will revisit question in March

Key players: Judge Aileen Cannon, special counsel Jack Smith, Trump lawyers John Lauro and Todd Blanche

Cannon on Friday denied a motion by Trumps attorneys to delay the start of the classified documents trial until after the 2024 presidential election but said she would revisit the request in March, the Palm Beach Post reported.

Trump has been charged with violating the Espionage Act, among other crimes, by illegally retaining classified documents after leaving office and thwarting the governments attempts to recover them.

The trial is scheduled to begin on May 20.

Trumps lawyers had argued they needed more time to review 1.3 million documents and hundreds of hours of surveillance video footage shot at Mar-a-Lago that was given to them by Smiths team.

Smith argues that Trump has not established good cause for his many requests to delay the start of the trial.

Why it matters: While Cannons ruling represents a victory for Smith, the judge has also signaled her sympathy toward the arguments put forward by Trumps attorneys and could change her mind in March.
On a private conference call Monday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis urged his presidential campaign's national finance committee to recruit donors from Sen. Tim Scott's newly defunct operation, according to a participant.

Hours earlier, former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley announced that she would spend $10 million on ads in Iowa and New Hampshire starting the first week of December.

When other candidates are dropping out or fading away, the aggressive moves bolster the assertion of an increasing number of Republican strategists and operatives: that the GOP presidential primary campaign is coming down to a fight between Haley and DeSantis to pull into second behind former President Donald Trump.

The field is already winnowing, long before the first votes are cast in Iowas Jan. 15 caucuses.

Former Vice President Mike Pence suspended his bid late last month, and Scott, R-S.C., abruptly followed suit Sunday after a lackluster showing in last weeks NBC News-hosted GOP debate. Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy are polling in the low to mid single digits, and two other candidates  North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum and former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson  failed to qualify for the debate.

Yet the consolidation of the field isn't a slam-dunk positive for the remaining Trump rivals. In Iowa, Scott's supporters divided relatively evenly among Trump, Haley and DeSantis when their second choices were polled in an NBC News/Des Moines Register/Mediacom survey last month. Each of the three other candidates would get about a quarter of the 7% support Scott got in that survey.

Everyones wrestling for second place at this point, if these polls are to believed, which I think they are, said a Christie donor, who posited that only a criminal conviction of Trump could change the dynamics. Short of that, I dont see, honestly, how he loses the nomination.

Within Christie's circle of donors, there's a growing sense of doom  and some suggestion that it's time for him to exit the stage.

"Those of us who are anyone-but-Trump are wondering why he doesnt get out of the race, said a second Christie contributor, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to avoid angering the candidate. Hes lower-level Lilliputian at this point. I havent seen any evidence that were making any headway."

Maria Comella, a senior adviser to Christie, said: If we were determining the race at this moment based on current polling, then everyone should get out and just cede it to Trump. Thats not how this works. We are still over two months away from the first votes being cast, and this is a war of attrition. This will end up being a two-person race, and Id like to see the person standing there next to Trump actually be the one candidate able to take him on.

Comella gently chided those who think they have a crystal ball.

For everyone today who seems to know exactly how this is going to play out, Id like to know where they were back in 2016, 2012 and 2008, she said.

In a milestone first reported by NBC News, Christie's campaign said Monday that he has met the 80,000-donor threshold to qualify for the next Republican debate in December. But he hasnt yet met the polling criteria, according to an NBC News analysis. That would require him to hit the 6% mark in two national polls or in one national poll plus two polls from separate states.

DeSantis, the beneficiary of tens of millions of dollars in spending by the super PAC Never Back Down, had some early stumbles in raising money.

But DeSantis allies were pleased with his performance in last weeks debate, and his campaign raised $1 million within 24 hours of the face-off with Haley, Ramaswamy, Christie and Scott. (Haley also raised $1 million in the first 24 hours.) After he launched a $2 million ad buy in Iowa earlier this year, DeSantis was in strong enough financial position to pour more cash into the buy.

Still, some donors remain jittery over the cash flow.

"The burn rate was so high in the beginning he could be on fumes by Iowa, said a second DeSantis donor who wasnt on the Monday call. Thats why youre seeing these desperate cash calls.

But the campaign pushed back against any notion that DeSantis was struggling with fundraising.

As much as the press loves to play the unnamed sources game, the reality is that our campaigns fundraising only continues to accelerate," DeSantis campaign spokesman Andrew Romeo said. "We continue to see great results, such as raising over $1 million in 24 hours after the debate last week, and will have all the resources we need to grind out the battle for the nomination.

The DeSantis donor, like many other Republicans have in recent weeks, described the contest as a two-person race to be in second to Trump.

Haley, who has risen in national and state polls since the first Republican debate at the end of September, is still below 10% in most national surveys. But she was running even with DeSantis for second place in Iowa in the NBC News/Des Moines Register/Mediacom poll in October, and she also holds that spot in many public polls of New Hampshire and South Carolina. DeSantis has been in second place in national surveys, behind Trump, since before he entered the race in May.

There doesn't appear to be much incentive for either DeSantis or Haley to leave the race when both of them have enough cash to keep running, polls show that they have distanced themselves from the rest of the pack, and voters haven't yet cast ballots. But even if one of them could consolidate non-Trump support, it's not clear that Trump could be defeated.

Trump has been polling above the 50% threshold  at times cracking the 60% mark  in surveys for several months. His attacks appear to have weighed down DeSantis, who now polls worse against President Joe Biden in many hypothetical general election matchups than Trump does.

A New York Times/Siena College poll this month found Haley beating Biden in a general election by greater margins in most battleground states than other Republicans, including Trump.

That explains, at least in part, why Haley is getting a second look from donors to other candidates who have either dropped out or look like they are on their last legs.

Bill Strong, a donor and member of Haleys campaign executive committee, said he thinks it will be a two-person race: between Haley and Trump.

He pointed to polls showing Haley leading DeSantis in New Hampshire and South Carolina and being in a dead heat for second in Iowa. He also argued that Haley spent her money wisely, ramping up after a strong first debate performance in Milwaukee in September and waiting for December to launch a $10 million TV ad campaign in Iowa.

Gov. DeSantis will fight hard. Nikki will win, Strong said. The focus Ive had is get it down to a point where its Nikki versus President Trump, and then the voters can decide. I think when they see the contrast  given his age and her policy positions  shes going to be the nominee.

But the NBC News/Des Moines Register/Mediacom survey suggests that the lion's share of DeSantis voters in Iowa would go to Trump, not Haley, if DeSantis dropped out, while the plurality of Haley voters would go to DeSantis if she left the race. It has been part of the DeSantis team's pitch for support throughout the fall.

Forty-one percent of DeSantis supporters in Iowa said Trump is their second choice, and only 27% said Haley, according to the poll. But 34% of Haley voters chose DeSantis as their second choice, with only 12% identifying Trump as their next pick.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Former President Donald Trump may already be on thin ice with the jurist presiding over his New York fraud trial, but that didnt stop him from reposting a supporters creepy suggestion that Judge Arthur Engoron and New York Attorney General Leticia James should be placed under citizens arrest. MY FANTASY I WOULD LIKE TO SEE LITITIA [sic] JAMES AND JUDGE ENGORON PLACED UNDER CITIZENS ARREST FOR BLATANT ELECTION INTERFERENCE AND HARASSMENT, reads the message Trump reposted on his social media platform, Truth Social. The original post was made in response to a lengthy screed by Trump complaining about his prosecution. Trump has repeatedly broken a narrow gag order set by Engoron during the trial that bars him from going after prosecutors and court staff. The fed-up jurist also issued a narrow gag order on Trumps attorneys over repeated comments about his law clerk.

Read it at Mediaite

Read more at The Daily Beast.
Donald Trump has long been known for directing fiery rhetoric at his followers, and he apparently wants to them to take his words seriously.

Thats according to ABC News Jonathan Karl, who said the former president admitted to him that he hopes his supporters act on his words  even if it means violence.

That was the assertion the Washington correspondent made Monday in an interview with MSNBCs Nicolle Wallace, when he discussed a conversation he had with Trump in August 2019, after mass shootings in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio.

There were real concerns that there would be copycats, there would be more [shootings], Karl told Wallace.

Trump responded using phrases that echoed the propaganda of Nazi Germany, Karl said, even though he might not know the history of it.

Hes using this language, Karl said. This language out of the Third Reich  enemy of the people.

Karl said he asked the president if he was worried his supporters might take his words to heart, saying, Arent you concerned they will act on them?

Karl said Trump didnt miss a beat with his response.

He said, I hope they take my words to heart. I believe the press is the enemy of the people, Karl remembered Trump telling him.

Karl said he is still trying to figure out what would make a person say things that could inspire others to lash out.

Maybe its an inability to have any kind of empathy or understanding of the consequences of your words, but [his rhetoric] is consistent. Thats not new.

Karls comments came after a wild weekend in which Trump, in the words of MSNBC host Joe Scarborough, went full-on Hitler and referred to political opponents as vermin during a Veterans Day speech in Claremont, New Hampshire.

You can watch Karls segment below.

Karl also discusses Trump in his new book, Tired of Winning: Donald Trump and the End of the Grand Old Party.

Related...
Trumps Truth Social has lost $73 million in less than 2 years, new filing says

Former President Trumps social media platform, Truth Social, has lost $73 million in net sales since the platforms official launch in February 2022, according to a new financial disclosure filing from Digital World Acquisition Corp. (DWAC).

Digital World is a merger partner with Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG). Trump owns a stake in Truth Social that was last valued at between $5 million and $25 million.

The form shows that Truth Social lost $50 million on just $1.4 million of net sales in 2022 and another $23 million within the first six months of this year, according to the filing, which was first reported by The Hollywood Reporter.

If TMTG is unable to complete its merger with DWAC and receive more funds, the company may not survive, according to the filing.

The amended S-4 filing noted in a section titled Risks Related to TMTG that TMTGs independent registered public accounting firm has indicated that TMTGs financial condition raises substantial doubt as to its ability to continue as a going concern.

It also outlines that its fortunes are closely tied to that of Trump, saying, If Truth Social fails to develop and maintain followers or a sufficient audience, if adverse trends develop in the social media platforms generally, or if President Trump were to cease to be able to devote substantial time to Truth Social, TMTGs business would be adversely affected.

Internet access and a regular presence on social media are strictly limited when in police custody or during a prison sentence, and Trump is currently facing a slew of criminal charges across multiple states.

X, the platform formerly known as twitter that is now under the helm of Tesla CEO Elon Musk, reinstated Trumps account last November after a nearly two-year ban from the platform.

Trump, who is facing a slew of legal battles while campaigning to serve a second term as president, verbally affirmed on Oct. 30 that he will continue to honor the agreement his company made with DWAC until the merger is complete, The Hollywood Reporter reported.

The filing also states that there is concern from TMTG management that it will have sufficient funds to meet its liabilities as they fall due and concluded that it will be difficult to to raise additional funds through traditional financing sources in the absence of material progress toward completing its merger with Digital World.

Trump officially launched the social media platform in February 2022, aiming to become a competitor to other tech heavyweights such as Metas Facebook and X.

Trump and partners debuted Truth Social after the former president was banned from Twitter and Facebook a day after the Jan 6., 2021, attack at the Capitol, when a mob of his supporters stormed the building in an effort to stop the certification of the 2020 election results.

Before his suspension, Trump and officials in his administration spread a barrage of untrue misinformation about the 2020 election results across his social media platforms.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
While Donald Trumps Truth Social may be his soap box of preference, a filing shows that since its launch in 2022, the social media platform brought in $3.7 million in net sales while suffering a loss of $73 million.

The Hollywood Reporter notes that this is the first time internal financial details from within the company, which is owned by Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG), have been shared publicly. A new financial disclosure from TMTGs SPAC merger partner Digital World Acquisition Corp. revealed that in 2022, Truth Social took $1.4 million in net sales, but lost $50 million; during the first six months of this year, the company made $2.3 million, but lost $23 million.

According to the filing, TMTGs financial situation is such that its independent registered public accounting firm has indicated that TMTGs financial condition raises substantial doubt as to its ability to continue as a going concern. Per THR, the document also states that if TMTG does not complete the merger with DWAC, it may be forced to close shop.

A number of risk factors related to TMTG were also detailed in the amended S-4 filing, including the mention of layoffs in regards to the Truth Socials streaming video service. On March 1, 2023, TMTG eliminated several positions, the filing stated. This action followed a review of all departments, most significantly impact(ing) TMTGs streaming video on demand (SVOD) and infrastructure teams.

When Trump founded TMTG, he agreed to a social media exclusivity term that required him to first channel any and all social media communications to his Truth Social account for six hours prior to posting the content to other platforms, according to SEC filings.

In August 2022, Fox Business reported that Truth Social owed more than $1 million to RightForge, the service that hosts the app on the web. And in January, Rolling Stone reported that the ex-president informed several people close to him that he did not want to renew the exclusivity agreement with Truth Social, his own company.

On Oct. 30, Trump verbally affirmed that he will honor that agreement at least until the merger is complete, according to the new filing.

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Russia is allegedly trying to recruit Wagner veterans. This effort was revealed by some former Wagner paramilitary group fighters, as well as military bloggers.

They claim that the Russian military is asking for the assistance of Wagner veterans to fight the Ukraine troops in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

But, will they accept Russia's offer after the recent issue between the Russian military and their deceased leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin?

Russia Recruiting Wagner Veterans to Fight Ukraine

According to The Japan Times' latest report, military bloggers and ex-Wagner members claimed that the Kremlin is not just recruiting Wagner veterans to strengthen its forces in Ukraine.

The Russian government is also recruiting them to salvage some of the mercenary group's fighting potential, as well as avoid another mobilization in the wake of Prigozhin's mutiny and death.

This latest detail about Russia's efforts to win against Ukraine was also confirmed by four former Russian inmates, who worked with the PMC Wagner in eastern Ukraine.

They shared that the Russian military called and messaged them regarding the offer; military contracts were even allegedly offered to them during the past few weeks.

Three of them revealed more specific details, such as being urged to join the Rosgvardia; the militarized national guard of Russia.

Read Also: US, Japan, South Korea to Begin Real-Time Data Sharing on North Korean Missiles Upon Conclusion of Multi-Year Drill

Other Details About Russia Wagner Recruitment Effort

The Guardian reported that it used a Russian phone number to contact some recruitment centers that are trying to attract former Wagner troops.

Based on their conversations, the Wagner recruitment effort in Russia started in October.

"We are urgently looking for new people this month. You will fight as Wagner but the contracts will be signed with Rosgvardia," said veteran Wagner soldier Andrei Bulgakov.

He also shared that the Rosgvardia would be commanded by Prigozhin's son, Pavel (Pavel Yevgenyevich), as a sign of respect.

Several Wagner recruiters, who are working in Volgograd and Moscow, also confirmed the role of Prigozhin's son in the Rosgvardia recruitment process.

However, information about Pavel Prigozhin is still limited. As of writing, Russian President Vladimir Putin hasn't confirmed all the shared details regarding the rumored Wagner veteran recruitment efforts of his military.

Related Article: Vladimir Putin's Viral Video Confuses Netizens; Rumors Claim Russian President Using Face Fillers

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
WASHINGTON  Top Republican lawmakers brushed aside questions about former President Donald Trumps alarming vow to purge his political opponents, which he referred to as vermin in a Veterans Day message over the weekend.

Is that worse than deplorables? I dont use that kind of language, but its a free country, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) told HuffPost on Monday, citing a comment former Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton repeated about Trump supporters in 2016.

Real Hitlers are called Hamas, Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) added, referring to the militant group that launched a bloody attack against Israel last month.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) also brought up the deplorables remark when asked about Trumps pledge.

Are you kidding me? After Hillary Clinton called us all deplorables, people are actually offended by that? she told HuffPost. She basically said that half of the country was beneath her and beneath everybody else.

Asked whether the terms were comparable, given that Trumps language had historical overtones of 1930s-era fascism, Greene said, I would say that the Democrats are 1930s fascists and Nazis and your publication is horrible.

Trump, the front-runner for the Republican presidential nomination, shared a message on his social media platform Truth Social in which he vowed to root out the Communists, Marxists, Fascists, and Radical Left Thugs that live like vermin within the confines of our Country, lie, steal, and cheat on Elections, and will do anything possible, whether legally or illegally, to destroy America, and the American Dream.

Trumps critics, including President Joe Bidens 2024 reelection campaign, said the former president had echoed the language of dictators who sought to dehumanize their opponents, including Nazi Germanys Adolf Hitler.

On a weekend when most Americans were honoring our nations heroes, Donald Trump parroted the autocratic language of Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini  two dictators many U.S. veterans gave their lives fighting, Biden campaign spokesperson Ammar Moussa said in a statement.

Former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) also drew comparisons to Nazi Germany after Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel dodged questions about Trumps comments in an interview with NBCs Meet the Press on Sunday.

When @GOPChairwoman refuses to condemn the GOPs leading candidate for using the same Nazi propaganda that mobilized 1930s-40s Germany to evil, its fair to assume shes collaborating, Cheney wrote in a post on X. History will judge Ronna McDaniel and every republican who is appeasing this dangerous man.

Trumps hold on the GOP is still as strong as ever, and its clear that most Republican voters want to see him become president again. Over the weekend Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), a well-liked establishment figure who bet on a hopeful, optimistic message to voters, shocked just about everyone by suspending his presidential campaign.

With just over two months until the GOP Iowa caucuses, time is quickly running out  and may be up already  for someone to stop Trump from becoming his partys standard-bearer again.

Hes very clearly completely in charge of the party, and theyre not going to put up a fight no matter how reckless or irresponsible he gets, Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) said. His second term would be dystopian, it just would. All the stuff he wanted to do but didnt get away with because he had a handful of semi-responsible people around him.

Some Republican House members said they would not comment on the remark because they had not seen it or heard it. Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) said, I would have to see the context.

And some said Trumps rhetoric mattered less than his record. Rep. Victoria Spartz (R-Ind.) said, I just care what people do. I dont care what people say.

But one House Republican did say he disagreed with Trumps remark. Rep. Chip Roy of Texas at first said hed learned it wasnt a good use of time to comment on things Trump had said. But he quickly decided to do so anyway.

Let me just put it this way. I often dont agree and have been very public in my disagreements, he said.

Asked if this was one of those times, Roy said, Of course I disagree with that.

Jonathan Nicholson contributed to this story.

Related...
Turkey is on track to import a record amount of Russian Urals oil this month according to energy traders, Reuters reported Nov. 13.



The market expects Urals oil sales to Turkey to surpass October's 1.4 million tons this month to beat October 2022's all-time peak of 1.43 million tons.



Russia remains a top oil exporter globally despite U.S. and EU sanctions on Moscows energy sector.



Ankara has been buying Russian barrels after its biggest oil refinery STAR, owned by Azerbaijans SOCAR, reached an agreement with Russia's Lukoil.



India and China, the worlds most populous economies, also continue purchases of Russian energy despite western pressure, with New Dehli remaining the single largest buyer of Urals oil.



Pakistan also resumed purchases of Russian oil and is seeking a long-term deal with Moscow for energy supplies.

Read also: Oil prices slide as Russia, Saudi Arabia plan supply boost

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
ANKARA (Reuters) - The Turkish parliament's foreign affairs commission will debate a bill approving Sweden's NATO membership on Thursday, according to the official agenda of the commission.

President Tayyip Erdogan submitted the bill to parliament for ratification three weeks ago, in a move welcomed by NATO and Stockholm. Turkey had initially raised objections due to what it said was Sweden's harbouring of groups it deems terrorists.

The bill must be approved by parliament's foreign affairs commission before a vote by the full general assembly. Erdogan would then sign it into law.

While saying Ankara expected more from Sweden in combating Kurdish militants, Erdogan said this month that he would try to facilitate the ratification as much as possible.

NATO foreign ministers will meet in Brussels on Nov. 28-29.

Long-neutral Sweden and Finland applied to join NATO last year to bolster their security after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Finland's membership was sealed in April, but Sweden's bid has been held up by Turkey and Hungary.

(Reporting by Tuvan Gumrukcu; Editing by Jonathan Spicer)
Following the arrest of two people this week in the shooting death of a St. Jude researcher, Alexander Bulakhov, court documents paint a picture of a robbery escalating to a homicide.

The shooting happened in Downtown Memphis on Sunday around 8 p.m. in front of 495 Tennessee St. Police found Bulakhov, 32, bleeding from a gunshot wound. He was rushed to Regional One Health, but died from the injuries shortly after.

Less than 24 hours later, Memphis police arrested two individuals  Marious Ward, 23, and Brandy Rucker, 22 . The two were charged with first degree murder in Bulakhov's death.

The intersection of Butler Avenue and Tennessee Street, near where Alexander Bulakhov, a St. Jude researcher, and his wife and daughter were walking when Bulakhov was shot defending his wife during an attempted robbery, is seen in Downtown Memphis, on Tuesday, November 14, 2023.

According to court documents, Bulakhov, his wife, and his 2-year-old daughter were out for a walk when a man in ripped jeans, a hoodie, and a ski mask approached his family and started waving a gun.

After the man, identified as Ward in records, demanded what is described as "property," Bulakhov handed Ward his wallet, court records show. But Ward then allegedly turned the gun on Bulakhov's wife, demanding more property, the records show.

It was then, according to court documents, that Bulakhov began to struggle with Ward in an effort to protect his wife. During the struggle, Ward's gun went off, shooting Bulakhov.

After, police said, the suspects quickly took off in a white Toyota Camry. The same car was seen by police Monday afternoon, and the investigation took the officers to the area of Whitney Avenue and Steele Street.

Video evidence of the shooting depicted a male exiting the same car police found, and "walk toward the victim and witness and shooting the victim," according to court documents.

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of a valued member of the St. Jude community," St. Jude said in a statement. "Our thoughts are with Alexanders family and we are working to support them during this difficult time."

Ward and Rucker were also charged with a slew of crimes related to the shooting, including especially aggravated robbery, first degree murder in perpetration of an aggravated robbery, criminal attempt first degree murder, criminal attempt aggravated robbery, and employing a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony.

A pathway towards the Mississippi River and Butler Park near where Alexander Bulakhov, a St. Jude researcher, and his wife and daughter were walking when Bulakhov was shot defending his wife during an attempted robbery is seen in Downtown Memphis, on Tuesday, November 14, 2023.

Rucker, court documents said, confessed to police that she was driving the vehicle before and after the shooting.

According to Bulakhov's LinkedIn profile he was a postdoctoral research assistant with St. Jude, working in the structural biology department. He earned his master's degree in chemistry and enzymology from Moscow State University in Russia in 2013 and was a genetic engineer in Russia until 2018.

In late 2018, according to his LinkedIn, he came to the U.S. and began working as a postdoctoral researcher at State University of New York's Downstate Health Sciences Center in Brooklyn, New York. He came to Memphis to work for St. Jude in July.

Bulakhov's killing comes during the late parts of a year that has been on pace to become the worst year for crime since the FBI and Tennessee Bureau of Investigation began collecting and publicly releasing data in 1995.

The number of homicides in Memphis city limits has far outpaced previous years through the end of September, with 269 reported by the Memphis Shelby County Crime Commission. That outpaces the previous record-setting year, 2021, by 63 homicides  and is a 32% increase when accounting for population changes.

Downtown Memphis Commission President and Mayor-Elect Paul Young called the killing "senseless" and said he was in regular communication with MPD and his transition team is working to develop a "hard-hitting crime plan" to launch within the first 100 days of his administration.

"I am appalled and saddened by the events of this weekend and the senseless murder of Alexander Bulakhov," Young said in a statement. "Today, I am a Memphian, a father, a husband and a parent first. Today, I am just like you. I feel the anger, frustration and grief that has enveloped our community. And even though the suspects have been arrested and charged, this will not change the outcome of this tragedy. My heart goes out to his family and the families of all of those impacted by violence in our community. My prayers are with them."

Young said the crime plan his administration will implement come Jan. 1, 2024 will bring together a swath of community leaders and law enforcement officials.

"Crime is, unfortunately, an American problem, not specific to Memphis, and it's going to take a multi-pronged, hard-hitting and focused effort to turn it around. We are ready," he said.

Ward and Rucker also face robbery charges and those follow a year-long increase in a category that has seen a 20% increase through the first nine months of 2023 compared to 2022. It is a 42% increase from the same time period in 2021.

Both Ward and Rucker are being held without bail and will be arraigned in Shelby County Criminal Court on Wednesday.

Micaela Watts is a reporter for The Commercial Appeal covering healthcare, hospitals, and resource access. She can be reached at micaela.watts@commercialappeal.com.

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: 2 arrested after Memphis shooting of St. Jude's Alexander Bulakhov
A woman and an elderly man were refused entry to a shelter situated on the property of an energy company during a Russian shelling attack on Kherson, the Kherson Oblast Prosecutor's Office reported on Facebook on Nov. 14, saying an investigation into the incident had been opened.

The woman and man were at the company offices on Nov. 13 to restore their consumer's personal accounts. A massive shelling attack then began, but the visitors were not allowed to enter the shelter used by the company's employees, nor were they told the address of the nearest shelter.

Read also:

Law enforcement officers launched a pre-trial investigation into official negligence (Part 1 of Article 367 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). They are also conducting investigative actions to establish all the circumstances of the situation.

The prosecutor's office added that Kherson is constantly under enemy fire, so it is unacceptable that the norms of the current legislation of Ukraine and the rights of people to civilian protection are violated.

Read also:

This is not the first such case in Ukraine.

Overnight on June 1, three people were killed in the Desnianskyi district of Kyiv as a result of a strike by Russian ballistic and cruise missiles. Those killed were a 33-year-old woman, a 34-year-old woman, and her nine-year-old daughter. Together with other people, they tried to get into the shelter. According to the husband of one of the victims, it was locked, and people were knocking and trying to open it. Police later confirmed that the door to the shelter was locked.

On June 4, the Holosiyivskyi District Court of Kyiv imposed pre-trial restrictions on four suspects in the case of the deaths near the closed shelter. The most severe measure of restraint was imposed on the 62-year-old security guard  two months in a pre-trial detention center.

The Graty outlet reported that he pleaded guilty, but said he committed the crime unintentionally because he did not have enough time to open the shelter before the explosion after the air raid alert was declared.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
The Prosecutor General's Office has identified two Russians involved in the shooting of Ukrainian children's writer Volodymyr Vakulenko and the murder of three more people during the occupation of Kharkiv Oblast. They will be put on the wanted list, the Prosecutor General's Office reports.

Source: Prosecutor General's Office

Quote from Prosecutor General's Office: "Two Russian soldiers were served with notice of suspicion of violating the laws and customs of war (Article 27.2, Article 28.1-2, Article 438.1-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).

The suspects are serving in the 4th Company of the 4th Battalion of the 204th Rifle Regiment, a mobilisation reserve of the 2nd Army Corps, a LPR [so-called Luhansk People's Republic  ed.] force inside the 8th Guards Combined Arms Army of the Southern Military District of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. The perpetrators are the commander of this company, aka Lev ["Lion"], and his subordinate, a machine gunner Udod. Both are natives of Luhansk".

Details: According to the investigation last year, the suspects were deployed in the then-occupied village of Kapytolivka, Izium district. They found out that Ukrainian children's writer Volodymyr Vakulenko, who opposes Russia, lives in the village.

On 22 March 2022, armed occupiers arrived at Vakulenko's house and conducted a "search" there, after which the writer and his 14-year-old son were detained. Russians took them to their place of deployment and tried to persuade the writer to cooperate "with the new government".

After rejecting the proposal, the writer and his son were sent back home.

On 24 March 2022, Russians returned and, this time, "detained" only the writer. After that, Lev, the commander of the company, ordered his subordinate, a machine gunner, to shoot the writer. Udod shot at the man with a Makarov pistol. As a result of his gunshot wounds, Vakulenko died on the spot.

The suspects are charged with the murder of three more civilians: a man who had taken part in the Joint Forces Operation, and two others.

It is reported that the Russians kept these people in a cellar in unsanitary conditions, without electricity, and systematically beat them all over their bodies with sticks. Later, they were taken to the forest in Kapytolivka, where they were killed. Forensic analysis established that the two victims were killed by shots from a Makarov pistol. The third victim was beaten to death by the Russians.

Law enforcement officers established another fact of ill-treatment of the civilian population by suspects. They forced a hryvnia note into the mouth of one of the 'detainees'. The Russians added that if the man takes it out of his mouth, they will shoot him. However, they released the civilian after holding him in a cellar in inhumane conditions.

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Tyre Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man, was beaten for nearly three minutes by now-former Memphis police officers on Jan. 7. The incident left Nichols in the hospital in critical condition, he never made it home from the hospital.

After three days in critical care, Nichols died from his injuries. Now Nichols's family awaits the trials of the five former officers, all of whom are also Black, who were charged with various state felonies, including second-degree murder, and then they were indicted in federal court in September.

Here's everything that has happened since Jan. 7.

Tyre Nichols pulled over, Memphis police weave their tale

On Jan. 7, Memphis police pulled Nichols over for a traffic stop near Raines and Ross roads at about 8:30 p.m. At the time, police said a confrontation ensued as they approached the vehicle driven by Nichols, who they said ran from the scene.

In the same initial statement, officers said that Nichols ran and they chased him on foot before Nichols was detained and then "complained of a shortness of breath."

In video footage later released, police can be heard yelling at Nichols to get out of his car and they can be seen forcibly removing him from the car. Police pepper sprayed him after the initial stop, according to video and records.

Body cam footage from Tyre Nichols case

When the four videos from Nichols's stop were released by Memphis police, it was described by law enforcement and attorneys for Nichols' family as "absolutely appalling," "alarming," and "unconscionable."

Memphis police officers punched, kicked and pepper-sprayed Nichols in a brutal and, ultimately, fatal beating, video footage shows, all less than 100 yards from his family home. Officers also hit him with a baton.

The videos show officers kicking Nichols at least twice in the face, striking him at least three or four times with a baton in the upper body area, punching him at least four times to the face, punching him at least two more times to the upper body area and kicking him at least twice in the abdomen.

DA drops cases: Shelby County DA drops '30 to 40' cases worked by officers charged in Tyre Nichols beating

Seperate trials request: 2 former Memphis police officers in Tyre Nichols case ask to be tried separately

Protests sparked by Tyre Nichols beating

Multiple protests happened in Memphis after Nichols' death.

Less than a month after his death, a peaceful "Justice for Tyre" protest, organized by Black Lives Matter and Decarcerate Memphis, started near the Shelby County Court House and the group marched along Adams Ave. before ending up at Poplar and Danny Thomas. The protesters chanted "Say his name. Tyre" and "Justice for Tyre Nichols."

It wasn't the last one. Protests revolved around police reform and cries for justice in the case.

Take a look at the stories and everything that happened in the first few months here.

Tyre Nichols autopsy: What was revealed

Nichols, who died after being brutally beaten by Memphis Police officers, was killed by blunt force trauma, attorneys Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci said after they and the family viewed the autopsy report.

"The legal team representing the family of Tyre Nichols acknowledges the release of the medical examiner's report, the contents of which are highly consistent with our own reporting back in January of this year," Crump and Romanucci said in an email statement.

The report was done by Dr. Laura Bagwell and Dr. Marco Ross at the West Tennessee Regional Forensic Center.

The blunt force injuries to Nichols' head left him with hemorrhaging in his brain, caused from the brain smashing into the inside of his skull.

In addition, he had multiple bruises and cuts throughout his body.

Read the full story here.

Sixth officer fired: Memphis Police Department fires sixth officer in death of Tyre Nichols

Former Memphis police officer Preston Hemphill won't face charges

The one white former officer fired from the Memphis Police Department for his role in pulling Nichols over on the evening of Jan. 7 won't face charges, Shelby County District Attorney General Steve Mulroy said May 2.

Hemphill was part of the group of officers involved in the initial confrontation that occurred after officers pulled Nichols over and yanked him from his car.

"By no means do we endorse the conduct of Officer Hemphill," Mulroy said. "Note that the Memphis Police Department did, in fact, take administrative action against Mr. Hemphill...But we do not believe that criminal charges are appropriate. Mr. Hemphill was not present for the initial traffic stop, nor was he present when the other officers removed Mr. Nichols forcibly from his car and put him on the ground...He had to make his decisions based on what he knew, or what he thought was happening, and was following the lead of other officers."

Take a look at the full story here.

Who are the former Memphis police officers charged in the Tyre Nichols case?

Five Memphis police officers were fired after the completion of an internal investigation. All five of the officers were Black men.

Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Justin Smith, Emmitt Martin III and Desmond Mills, Jr. were all charged with one count of second-degree murder, aggravated assault-acting in concert, two counts of aggravated kidnapping, two counts of official misconduct and one count of official oppression, court records show.

Previous reprimands: 4 officers indicted in Tyre Nichols death had previous reprimands, suspensions by MPD

Desdomn Mills Jr. pleads guilty in Tyre Nichols case

The 33-year-old former police officer was federally charged with excessive force, deliberate indifference, conspiracy to witness tamper and obstruction of justice in early September. On the state level, Mills and four others were charged with second-degree murder, aggravated assault, official oppression, two counts of aggravated kidnapping and two counts of official misconduct in late January.

Mills pleaded guilty to excessive force and conspiracy to witness tamper in federal court Nov 2. In state court, he pleaded guilty to the slew of charges related to Nichols' death.

"My use of force was excessive and I gave misleading statements," Mills told Judge Mark Norris when asked by the judge to give his account of what happened.

Mills isn't expected to be sentenced until May 2024.

Read the full story here.

When do the defendants in Tyre Nichols' death case go to trial?

Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Justin Smith and Emmitt Martin III are slated to head to state criminal trial in mid-August 2024, according to Shelby County Criminal Court Judge James Jones Jr.

In addition to the trial date, Jones set three other dates to make sure the case stays on track. Discovery is slated to be completed by Dec. 4, all written motions are due by Feb. 2, 2024, and hearings on those motions will be held before June 14, 2024.

The federal civil rights, conspiracy and obstruction offenses, and a trial is scheduled for May 2024.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tyre Nichols' death in Memphis: What to know from beginning to trial
The Scoop

The United States and China will likely agree this week to set up a formalized channel for talks on artificial intelligence when President Joe Biden and Xi Jinping meet in San Francisco during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, according to people familiar with the matter.

The talks are expected to take the form of track 1 or track 1.5 diplomatic discussions, meaning they would involve some level of official government participation. One person posited that the discussions could amount to a new working group on AI guardrails.

The White House did not respond to a request for comment and a Chinese embassy spokesperson declined to offer specifics. Biden administration officials previously signaled that AI will likely be a topic of conversation at APEC.

When asked by Semafor about potential AI announcements out of the Biden-Xi meeting, Matt Murray, the State Departments senior official for Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, told reporters Monday that the U.S. wants to continue to advance discussions related to AI with APEC nations and in bilateral talks.

Journalist Bill Bishop wrote in his Monday newsletter that there could be an announcement on an AI working group and that Beijing wants to use it to complain about tech controls.

Setting up a new channel would follow a pattern in the Biden administrations recent engagements with China, which have also included new working groups to tackle economic and financial issues.

Know More

The South China Morning Post reported earlier this week that Biden and Xi would pledge to ban using AI to command and control nuclear weapons, in autonomous drones, and other weaponry.

Matt Sheehan, a fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace who focuses on global technology, told Semafor that such an agreement would be significant, particularly on the nuclear side. For years, U.S. policy experts have pushed for a pledge on only allowing humans to direct nuclear weapons.

In the past, what I had heard is that the U.S. had reached out to China at different points about having military AI talks and the U.S. had gotten burned. At least the perception of U.S. diplomats was that the Chinese side was not seriously engaging, Sheehan said.

More recently, China has shown a desire to engage with the international community on AI, including by participating in the U.K.s AI Safety Summit at the start of this month. It was also among the first governments to pass laws regulating the technology domestically.

I think they are looking for ways to work with the U.S. and the rest of the world on AI, and potentially theres something there that the U.S. and China could do together, Michael Froman, who heads the Council on Foreign Relations, told Semafor in an interview last week.

But some experts are skeptical that the U.S. and China will actually make this kind of pledge, particularly when it comes to AI in autonomous weapons.

Autonomous drones have been a feature of both countries weapon systems for some time and it is doubtful to me, at least, that they would back off  just in the cases where the drones are powered by AI systems, Mark MacCarthy, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, told Semafor. He said an agreement on nuclear systems seemed more likely.

The View From China

Chinese Embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu said in a statement to Semafor that think tanks and experts from China and the United States have been conducting discussions on the topic of artificial intelligence. He said that China wants to cooperate with all parties to properly cope with the risks and challenges brought by the military application of AI, among other goals.
HOWELL - A Toms River man driving a U-Haul rental truck crashed into three police cruisers during a two-hour, 100-mile chase Saturday night that ended with an arrest in Jackson, police said.

Zachariah Hartman, 38, was charged with two counts of eluding, two counts of aggravated assault and one count of obstruction.

There were no reports of injuries resulting from the chase.

Howell police went to Longhorn Steakhouse on the complaint of a customer acting erratically and getting confrontational, Howell Police Sgt. Peter Kuppler said.

More police news: Jackson man sentenced for violent confrontation with Lakewood police

When they arrived, Hartman fled, striking a Howell police car, Kuppler said. As the chase went on through the township, Hartman hit two other police cruisers, disabling one, he said.

The 100-mile chase continued through seven other towns: Freehold, Freehold Township, Colts Neck, Millstone Township, Plumsted, Jackson and Lakewood, Kuppler said.

Hartman is being held at Monmouth County Jail in Freehold Township, where he awaits a detention hearing.

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: Toms River NJ man slams into 3 cop cars in 2-hour,100-mile chase: Cops
The King is marking his 75th birthday by launching the Coronation Food Project, which aims to tackle food poverty and waste.

As was the case for his mother, Elizabeth II, he also has an "official birthday", in June, celebrated with the Trooping the Colour ceremony.

Prince Charles was crowned King Charles III at Westminster Abbey in May 2023 alongside his wife, Queen Camilla.

What does the King do?

The King is the UK head of state, but his powers are largely symbolic and ceremonial, and he remains politically neutral.

He receives daily dispatches from the government in a red leather box, including briefings ahead of important meetings, or documents needing his signature.

The prime minister normally meets the King on a Wednesday at Buckingham Palace.

These meetings are completely private, and no official records are kept of what is said.

Rishi Sunak is the second prime minister of King Charles's reign

The King also has a number of official parliamentary roles:

Appointing a government - the leader of the party that wins a general election is usually called to Buckingham Palace, where they are invited to form a government. The King also formally dissolves the government before a general election

State Opening and the King's Speech - the King begins the parliamentary year with the State Opening ceremony, where he sets out the government's plans in a speech delivered from the throne in the House of Lords

Royal Assent - when a piece of legislation is passed through Parliament, it must be formally approved by the King in order to become law. The last time Royal Assent was refused was in 1708

In addition, the monarch leads the annual Remembrance event in November at the Cenotaph in London.

The King also hosts visiting heads of state, and regularly meets foreign ambassadors and high commissioners.

For his first state visit, Charles visited Germany, where he became the first British monarch to address the country's parliament, speaking in English and German.

The King also travelled to France for a three-day state visit in September, and to Kenya for a four-day state visit in October, where he acknowledged the "abhorrent and unjustifiable acts of violence committed against Kenyans" during their independence struggle.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

Buckingham Palace has confirmed the King will deliver the opening address at the Cop28 climate conference in Dubai in December.

Charles is also head of the Commonwealth, an association of 56 independent countries spanning 2.5 billion people. He is head of state for 14 of these, known as the Commonwealth realms, as well as the Crown dependencies - the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.

The Queen supports the King in carrying out his work and undertakes her own public engagements on behalf of the 90 charities she supports.

Where does the Royal Family get its money?

The Royal Family receives an annual payment from the taxpayer, known as the Sovereign Grant, which is used to pay for official expenses, such as the upkeep of properties and staff costs.

The amount is based on a proportion of the profits of the Crown Estate, a property business owned by the monarch but run independently. It had assets worth 16.5bn in 2022.

The Sovereign Grant was worth 86.3m in 2022-2023, the same as in 2021-2022. But total spending for the year was 107.5m, a 5% increase on the 102.4m spent the previous year, with more than 20m drawn from financial reserves to cover the shortfall.

A 10-year refurbishment programme for Buckingham Palace began in 2017

The King also receives money from a private estate called the Duchy of Lancaster, which is passed down from monarch to monarch. It covers more than 18,000 hectares of land, including property in central London. Worth 654m, it generates about 20m a year in profits.

The Duke of Cornwall (currently William, Prince of Wales) benefits from the Duchy of Cornwall, which mainly owns land in the south-west of England. Worth 1bn, it generated a net surplus of 24m in 2022-23.

The King and William receive the profits from the duchies personally, and can spend the money as they wish. Both voluntarily pay income tax on the proceeds.

In addition, some other Royal Family members have private art, jewellery and stamp collections which they can sell or use to generate income as they wish.

What happened at the Coronation?

In May 2023, Charles and Camilla were crowned by the Archbishop of Canterbury in front of more than 2,000 guests, including global politicians, fellow kings and queens, religious leaders, celebrities and community champions.

During the ceremony at Westminster Abbey, the King was anointed with "holy oil", and received the orb and sceptre, symbols of royalty.

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Afterwards, huge crowds lined the streets of central London to watch the King and Queen return to Buckingham Palace in a mile-long procession featuring more than 4,000 members of the armed forces from the UK and the Commonwealth.

Take That and Katy Perry headlined a concert at Windsor Castle, which also featured the Royal Shakespeare Company, the Royal Ballet, the Royal College of Music and the Royal Opera.

On the final day of Coronation celebrations, several members of the Royal Family joined volunteers at projects across the UK, while 30,000 charities arranged 55,000 events as part of the Big Help Out initiative.

More than 60 protesters were arrested during the Coronation, including the head of the anti-monarchy group Republic, Graham Smith.

How was Charles's accession marked in Scotland?

Two months after the Westminster Abbey Coronation, the King was presented with the Scottish crown jewels, in a special service of thanksgiving at St Giles' Cathedral, in Edinburgh.

He was given the sword, orb and the crown worn by Mary, Queen of Scots, in 1543, collectively known as the the Honours of Scotland.

The King was presented with the crown by the Duke of Hamilton and Brandon

The service was followed by a 21-gun salute from Edinburgh Castle and a flypast by the Royal Air Force's Red Arrows.

Thousands lined the Royal Mile, in Scotland's capital, to watch the procession, including some protesters chanting: "Not my King".

Who else is in the Royal Family?

After the Coronation, members of the Royal Family watched a flypast from the the Palace balcony

Prince William is the elder son of King Charles and his first wife, the late Princess Diana. After the death of the Queen, he became the Prince of Wales and Duke of Cornwall while retaining his previous Duke of Cambridge title. He is married to Catherine, Princess of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall and Cambridge . They have three children: Prince George , Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis

The Princess Royal (Princess Anne) was the Queen's second child and only daughter. She is married to Vice Adm Timothy Laurence and has two children with her first husband, Captain Mark Phillips: Peter Phillips and Zara Tindall

The Duke of Edinburgh (Prince Edward) was the Queen's youngest child. He is married to the Duchess of Edinburgh (Sophie Rhys-Jones). They have two children: Lady Louise and James, Earl of Wessex

The Duke of York (Prince Andrew) was the Queen's second son. He has two daughters with his former wife, the Duchess of York (Sarah Ferguson): Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. Prince Andrew stepped down as a "working Royal" in 2019 after a controversial BBC Newsnight interview about allegations that he had sexually assaulted Virginia Giuffre. In February 2022, he paid an undisclosed sum to settle the civil sexual assault case which Ms Guiffre brought against him in the US

The Duke of Sussex (Prince Harry) is William's younger brother. He is married to the Duchess of Sussex (Meghan Markle). They have two children: Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. In 2020, they announced they were stepping back as senior royals and moved to California

How does succession work?

The order of succession sets out which member of the Royal Family takes over as monarch when the existing one dies or abdicates. First in line - the heir to the throne - is the monarch's eldest child.

Since Royal succession rules were amended in 2013, sons no longer take precedence over their older sisters.

King Charles's heir is his elder son, the Prince of Wales.

William's eldest child Prince George is second-in-line to the throne, and his daughter Princess Charlotte is third. Her younger brother Prince Louis is fourth and Prince Harry is fifth.

A family tree graphic showing Queen Elizabeth IIs children Charles, Anne, Andrew and Edward and their families. It also shows the line of succession from King Charles III to his son William and grandson George

How popular is the Royal Family?

A YouGov opinion poll of more than 2,000 adults in Britain ahead of the first anniversary of Queen Elizabeth's death suggested a sharp generational divide in attitudes towards the Royal Family.

Overall, 62% wanted to keep the monarchy, with 26% backing an elected head of state - up from 17% a decade earlier.

But while 80% of the over-65s supported the monarchy, only 37% of 18 to 24-year-olds agreed.

Similarly, 75% of the over-65s believed the Royal Family was good value for money, but only 34% of 18 to 24-year-olds felt the same.

Asked about King Charles, 59% thought he was "personally doing a good job".

There was also less support for the royals in Scotland or Wales than in England, where London had higher levels of people against the monarchy than anywhere else in the country.

Where do the Royal Family live?

The King and Queen's official residence, Buckingham Palace, is undergoing a 10-year 369m refurbishment, so they continue to split their time between Clarence House in London and Highgrove in Gloucestershire.

Other Royal residences include Windsor Castle, Sandringham, in Norfolk, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, in Edinburgh, and Balmoral Castle, in Aberdeenshire.

In August 2022, the Prince and Princess of Wales moved from Kensington Palace in west London to live in Adelaide Cottage, on the Windsor Estate.

The Prince and Princess of Wales with their children on their first day at Lambrook School in Berkshire

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A middle school counselor in southeastern Pennsylvania, Kelly Ann Schutte, has been charged with the alleged sexual assault of a student.

The charges include three counts of institutional sexual assault, three counts of indecent assault of a person less than 16 years old, and one count of corruption of minors. The victim, in this case, was a 14-year-old middle school student at the time of the alleged crime, as per Mail Online.

Penssylvania School Guidance Counselor Sexually Assaults Student

The disturbing events unfolded, according to court documents, during a class field trip in the fall of 2022 when Schutte reportedly sat next to the minor on the school bus. This initial encounter seems to have set the stage for an inappropriate relationship that would later lead to severe charges.

The situation came to light when the student's mother learned that her son had been kissed and touched inappropriately by his high school counselor. She promptly reported the incident to 911, initiating an investigation that would reveal even more disturbing details.

Court documents allege that Schutte and the student had an ongoing, intimate relationship beyond the school premises. They communicated through apps like Canvas and Snapchat, and Schutte allegedly called the student to her office during school hours, leading to missed classes.

What is particularly troubling is that their inappropriate relationship continued even when classes were dismissed for the summer. The alleged sexual contact reportedly took place in various locations, including Schutte's car parked outside a local supermarket, her home, and even the student's bedroom while his family was away.

A significant turning point in this case occurred when the student called his parents in a panic on July 17. He needed to be picked up from Schutte's home, where he had been caught kissing her by a family member.

The family member, upon discovering the inappropriate relationship, angrily intervened, prompting the teen to flee from the house and seek refuge on a nearby street. There, he called his parents and disclosed the nature of his relationship with Schutte, according to NBC10 Philadelphia.

Read Also: Ohio: Students Concerned About School's Transgender Bathroom Policy

Police Interviews Strengthen Student-Schutte Relationship Case

Subsequent interviews with the police corroborated the victim's account. The student revealed that he and Schutte had been in regular contact since the fall of 2022, following the class trip where they initially sat together on a school bus. He also admitted to missing classes due to his meetings with Schutte.

Police discovered messages and pictures on the teen's cell phone, confirming his statements. Surveillance footage further supported the case, showing Schutte and the student visiting a supermarket where she purchased a bottle of wine.

Investigators also found evidence of sexual assault at the teen's home in Bucks County, including Schutte's earring left behind as a grim reminder of the events.

Charges against Schutte were filed following the investigation, and the Pennridge School District placed her on administrative leave in July when they first learned of the allegations. She is restricted from entering school district premises and having contact with students and staff.

This distressing case serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting the safety and well-being of students in educational institutions. It also highlights the need for vigilance in promptly identifying and promptly addressing inappropriate relationships between school staff and students. The legal proceedings will determine Schutte's guilt or innocence, but the impact of such allegations on the school community and the lives of those involved is undeniable, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported.

Related Article: Yacht Sinks After Orca Attack in Strait of Gibraltar, Raising Questions About Safety

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Congress must pass Ukraine aid in weeks, not months, the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee said Tuesday.

Speaking at the POLITICO Defense Summit, Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.) said Congress should continue to target November or December.

Kyiv can hold on, but they would not be in as strong a position, Smith said. They will be in a very dangerous position if we dont get resources to them reasonably soon.

Smith expressed support for a supplemental that ties aid to Israel, Taiwan and Ukraine together, which President Joe Biden requested in a $106 billion package in October.



Its widely expected that House Speaker Mike Johnson will not move a Ukraine funding package, despite saying publicly since he took the gavel that he would bifurcate Israel and Ukraine aid.

Smith said he disagrees with Republicans who want to tie Ukraine aid to strong border security provisions, saying it does not make any sense, and blamed Republican skepticism of Ukraine aid on former President Donald Trumps lack of support for it.

The bottom-line reason here is that President Trump's decided that he doesn't like Ukraine, Smith said. You've got a lot of Republicans who I know, know, in their hearts and minds  they support Ukraine, but how do they deal with Trump and his shall-we-say rather enthusiastic supporters? So there's not much policy here and a lot of politics.

Smith also expressed support for not tying that package to the stopgap spending bill, saying it would complicate the changes for Congress passing it all.

Asked about pressure from Bidens allies in Congress to publicly disclose the scope of U.S. arms being sent to Israel, Smith said the Biden administration must be open.

There should be oversight, there should be transparency, we should know what were sending, Smith said.
Ukraines security services arrested a national lawmaker who previously had ties to Rudy Giuliani on Monday, claiming that he was involved in an intelligence operation on behalf of the Russian government.

Parliament member Oleksandr Dubinsky assisted Giulianis 2019 efforts in Ukraine to dig up political dirt against President Biden, specifically regarding his son Hunter Bidens business in the country.

Dubinsky is accused of treason, as prosecutors allege he and others worked with Russian intelligence services to destabilize Ukrainian politics.

The main task of this organization is to shake the socio-political situation in Ukraine and discredit our state in the international arena, Ukrainian Security Services (SBU) said in a statement. For this, the group received money from military intelligence of the [Russian Federation.]

The network Dubinsky belonged to received more than $10 million for their work, Ukrainian security services said.

Citing their investigation, SBU said that Dubinskys involvement in the scheme included spreading misinformation about the 2020 presidential election.

As part of the pretrial investigation, it was documented that the suspect was spreading fakes about the higher military and political leadership of our country, SBU said, adding that he spread fakes about the alleged interference of Ukrainian high-ranking officials in the U.S. 2020 presidential election.

Top Stories from The Hill

Former member of parliament Andriy Derkach and former prosecutor Kostiantyn Kulyk were also implicated in the scheme.

Dubinsky, Derkach and Kulyk were among seven Ukrainians sanctioned by the Treasury Department in 2021 for being part of a Russian misinformation ring that attempted to smear Biden in 2019.

The Treasury Department said Dubinskys involvement was designed to perpetuate these and other false narratives and denigrate U.S. presidential candidates and their families.

Both Derkach and Kulyk fled the country, SBU said, long before the indictment. If convicted, the charges carry a 15-year sentence.

Dubinsky confirmed on Telegram that he had been charged and pleaded his innocence.

Im to be held in custody until Jan. 12, 2024  thats called New Year in a detention facility, he said Tuesday.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
FILE - President Joe Biden's son, Hunter Biden, leaves after a court appearance, July 26, 2023, in Wilmington, Del. House Republicans issued subpoenas Wednesday to members of President Joe Biden's family, taking their most aggressive step yet in an impeachment inquiry bitterly opposed by Democrats that is testing the reach of congressional oversight powers. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

KYIV, Ukraine  Ukrainian police and prosecutors have accused two politicians and a former prosecutor of treason, saying they colluded with a Russian intelligence agency in aiding an effort by Rudy Giuliani several years ago to tie the Biden family to corruption in Ukraine.

Those accused include Kostyantyn Kulyk, a former Ukrainian deputy prosecutor general who had drafted a memo in 2019 suggesting Ukraine investigate Hunter Biden, President Joe Bidens son, for his role serving on the board of a Ukrainian energy company.

Also implicated were a current member of Ukraines parliament, Oleksandr Dubinsky, and a former member, Andrii Derkach, who had publicly advocated for an investigation in Ukraine into Hunter Biden. They had also promoted a spurious theory that it was Ukraine, not Russia, that had meddled in the 2016 presidential election in the United States.

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The three were indicted on charges of treason and belonging to a criminal organization. The charges refer to information-subversive activities and focus on actions in 2019 before the U.S. presidential election. They do not say if or when the activity stopped.

In the run-up to the 2020 election in the United States, Giuliani and later President Donald Trump had encouraged Ukrainian officials to follow up on the allegations against Hunter Biden. The effort included a phone call by Trump to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in July 2019 urging an investigation into the Bidens, at a time when the Trump administration was withholding military aid for the Ukrainian army.

Critics say that pressure to investigate the Bidens was politically motivated, aimed at harming the elder Bidens chances against Trump in the 2020 presidential election.

Trump and Giuliani denied that there was anything inappropriate about their contact with Ukrainian officials, with Trump describing his phone call to Zelenskyy as perfect. The administration said military aid to Ukraine was withheld over concerns about corruption in the Ukrainian government.

The events led to Trumps first impeachment in the House of Representatives. He was acquitted in the Senate.

Ukrainian media on Tuesday suggested the indictments, too, had a political component for Zelenskyy: that they were intended to send a signal to Biden now, as his administration is pressing Congress for military assistance to Ukraine, that Kyiv will root out accused Russian agents, including those who had promoted accusations against his family.

In statements released Monday, Ukrainian police and the countrys domestic intelligence agency said all three men were members of a spy network established inside the Ukrainian government and handled by Russias military intelligence agency, known as the GRU.

The intelligence agencys statement said the Russians paid members of the group $10 million. An aide to Derkach, Ihor Kolesnikov, was detained earlier and convicted on treason charges.

Two members of the group, Derkach and Kulyk, fled Ukraine after Russias full-scale invasion in 2022, the statement said. Dubinsky was remanded to pretrial detention in a Ukrainian jail Tuesday.

Dubinsky, in a statement posted on the social networking site Telegram, said that the prosecutors had not presented one fact to support the accusations, and that the charges were retribution for criticizing Zelenskyys government in his role as a member of parliament. He said that he testified a year and a half ago as a witness in a treason investigation of Derkach but at the time had not been accused of any wrongdoing.

Dubinsky was expelled from Zelenskyys political party, Servant of the People, in 2021 after the United States sanctioned him for meddling in the American political process.

The Ukrainian intelligence agencys statement said that Kulyk had used his position in the prosecutor generals office to promote investigations that worked in favor of the Kremlin, without specifying any cases.

In late 2018, Kulyk compiled a seven-page dossier asserting that Ukrainian prosecutors had evidence that may attest to the commission of corrupt actions aimed at personal unlawful enrichment by former Vice President of the United States Joe Biden, according to a copy leaked by a Ukrainian blogger.

The dossier suggested that Biden, when he had served as vice president, had tried to quash a corruption investigation into the natural gas company, Burisma Holdings, where his son served on the board. Former colleagues of Kulyk at the prosecutors office confirmed he had written the document, which helped set in motion an effort by Trumps personal lawyer, Giuliani, and other supporters to press for an investigation in Ukraine.

In a phone call with Zelenskyy that became central to the impeachment case, Trump had asked the Ukrainian president to investigate supposed conflicts of interest by Biden when he was vice president, according to White House notes of the call. Trump denied he had linked military aid to Ukraine to the investigation of the Biden family.

Allegations of corruption and ties to Russia had trailed Kulyk for years in the Ukrainian media and among anti-corruption watchdog groups before he compiled the dossier.

In 2016, he was indicted in Ukraine on charges of illegal enrichment for owning apartments and cars that seemed beyond the means of his modest official salary. One car, a Toyota Land Cruiser, had been bought by the father of a military commander fighting on the Russian side in the war in eastern Ukraine.

c.2023 The New York Times Company
Support for further Ukraine aid has weakened in Congress, and Oleksandra Sasha Ustinova is working hard to boost it back up.

Ustinova, a member of the Ukrainian parliament, is making regular five-day visits to Washington, looking to convince as many lawmakers as she can to approve additional funding and weapons for her war-torn country.

Were trying to meet the leadership, were trying to meet the key committees and were trying to speak to as many people as we can. We literally have meetings every 30 minutes, Ustinova, 38, told The Hill via phone recently while driving in western Ukraine.

Kyiv is currently contending with a grinding ground-based counteroffensive and artillery campaign to take back eastern territory from Russian troops. After several key advances, the fight has slowed, bogged down by mines and other defenses that Moscows forces have set up. With winter fast approaching, the aid is seen as even more vital.

But further U.S. support, which has wide bipartisan support, in recent weeks has faced an increasingly complicated road ahead thanks to House conservatives, who insist on the need to hold separate votes on the aid to Ukraine and Israel. Bipartisan talks on a border security package have also complicated the work.

New Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has signaled a willingness to allow more Ukraine aid, even as his voting record shows a consistent no on more dollars for Kyiv.

We cant allow [Russian President Vladimir Putin] to prevail in Ukraine, because I dont believe it would stop there, and it would probably encourage and empower China to perhaps make a move on Taiwan. We have these concerns, Johnson said in late October, one day after he was voted Speaker. But he also argued the White House has not been clear on what is the endgame in Ukraine.

Ustinova has singled out those in Congress she believes can be swayed on funding. In her strong English  she studied at Stanford University and spent a year in the United States during high school  she speaks with as many as eight lawmakers a day, also meeting with whole panels or caucuses, including her biggest supporters in the Armed Services, Intelligence and Foreign Relations committees.

People who are ready to meet are those who are open for a dialogue, she said. Its difficult to persuade someone who has already made their decision.

She specifically targets those who voted in favor of the first Ukraine support package but opposed another round of funding earlier this year.

Theyre not people who dont like or dont want to support Ukraine. Those are people who need more information; those are people that can be persuaded and those are people that you need to talk to, Ustinova said.

Im trying to explain to them how it works, what our vision is, and Im honestly telling them that everybody is very comfortable thinking Ukraine is winning. What if Ukraine loses? Do you understand that youre gonna have Putin right next to Poland, Baltic countries, and hes gonna invade?

That was the attack plan when she was last stateside on Oct. 26 along with a cohort of other Ukrainians, meeting with House and Senate lawmakers, and officials at the Pentagon and U.S. Agency for International Development.

While there, she met with Johnson and others in the GOP, fielding questions about Kyivs goals.

These people need something they can communicate with their own voters in their districts, and they need something to use even to persuade their own colleagues sometimes, she said.

Ustinova usually visits Washington every three to four months, with Mondays reserved for government contacts, Tuesdays through Thursdays to meet with lawmakers on the Hill and Fridays a chance to speak with think tanks.

Her 14-hour days used to be much worse at the start of the war, when she would start at 6:30 a.m. to do television hits with Fox News, CNN or MSNBC and stay up until 11 p.m., all while nearly nine months pregnant.

She also happened to be the only member of the Ukrainian parliament in the United States when Russia attacked.

Days before the war began, she booked a flight to the United States to visit her husband who works in Texas, a trip where she also intended to reach out to her connections on Capitol Hill and warn them of the brewing situation along the Ukrainian border.

But after Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the incursion on Feb. 24, 2022, when Ustinova was 8 1/2 months pregnant, she and her husband decided it was too dangerous to fly back to Ukraine and deliver their child in a war zone.

Instead, she booked a flight to Washington the same day.

She remained there for the next six weeks, staying in a borrowed bedroom and meeting with members of Congress, Biden administration officials and think tank experts daily.

She met with more than 50 lawmakers before she returned to Texas to have her child, a daughter born April 12, 2022.

Ustinova said she seriously considered naming the child Javelin after the U.S. missile provided to the Ukrainian military and used to great effect against Russian forces  but her husband begged her off.

Instead, they landed on Victoria, because we needed a small victory.

Since then, she spends most of her time back in Ukraine, where shes been a member of the countrys parliament since 2019.

In October 2022, she took on the added role of chair of the Parliamentary Temporary Special Commission on monitoring arms supplies to Ukraine, a temporary oversight committee set to track the use and receipt of arms transfers to the country.

While home she meets defense attaches of other countries, takes meetings in multiple cities, works on national bills and visits the front lines. At the time of this interview, Ustinova was stopped at a gas station en route to a meeting with chairs of factions of the European Parliament.

In total, the United States has given Ukraine $44.2 billion in military assistance since February 2022, the most recent being a $125 million aid package to meet immediate battlefield needs, as well as $300 million for Ukraines air defenses, according to a Nov. 3 announcement.

Congress has also approved $113 billion in military, economic and humanitarian assistance for the country since the start of the invasion.

But the Pentagon last week warned it now must meter out its support for Kyiv, with 95 percent of its funds for the country exhausted.

Were going to continue to roll out packages, they just are getting smaller, Defense Department deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh told reporters Thursday. So we really implore Congress to pass the supplemental request that the President sent up so that we can continue to meet Ukraines battlefield needs.

To that end, Ustinova has changed her messaging from that of the early days of the war, when she pressed U.S. officials and lawmakers for more advanced weapons to fight the Russian forces, asking the West to set up a no-fly zone, more economic sanctions against Moscow and humanitarian aid for her people. Now, with public support for Ukraine waning, shes switched tactics, giving updates on the situation on the battlefield, laying out what they need and why and sharing expectations and plans.

It used to be, Were gonna support Ukraine, as long as it takes. Its something that people dont take as it is anymore, she explained. Now, were trying to explain to them what the plans are, how the accountability is being done, how transparent we are with your government, stuff like that.

She estimates that shes spoken to more than 100 members of Congress so far.

As far as plans for the future, Ustinova is unsure whether she will run for parliament again, saying it depends on how the war ends.

For now, she just hopes to make it to Texas next month to spend time with her daughter and husband.

All my plans broke on February 24, she said. I was supposed to live with my baby, I already had a room for her and everything settled in Kyiv. I thought she would be going to work with me. I already had a nanny to help, and my mom was supposed to live with me, and it all collapsed.

She added: Ukrainians are used to living now, today. You dont know whats gonna happen to you tomorrow and you dont know what tomorrow is going to look like. Im just being honest. So Im not planning anything.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The goal to supply Ukraine with one million rounds of ammunition will not be reached, the German Defence Minister said on Tuesday.

It comes as Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said there has been an increase in attacks from Russia in the Avdiivka, Kupyansk, Donetsk regions.

Ukrainian forces said that they repelled a total of eight attacks on the battered, strategic city of Avdiivka.

Speaking about the ammunition goal, Boris Pistorius said: It is safe to assume that the one million rounds will not be reached.

He told reporters ahead of an EU Defence council in Brussels that he expects other countries to do more to ramp up Ukrainian military aid and hopes the German parliament will approve topping up military aid by four billion euros.

However, in response to the German ministers claims, the EU commissioner for industry insisted they would meet their target.

Im responsible for ammunition production capacity so I can confirm that the target of producing more than a million rounds of ammunition a year, which we set ourselves and which they hope to achieve from spring onwards, will be met, Thierry Breton told reporters.

Key Points

Zelensky warns Ukrainians to prepare for winter onslaught from Russia

Russia intensifies attacks in Avdiivka

Strong explosions in Kyiv as Ukrainian capital comes under attack

Two Russian landing boats filled with armoured vehicles destroyed

Goal to supply 1m rounds of ammunition to Ukraine will not be reached, German Defence Minister

EU industry commissioner insists one million ammunition target will be met

09:55 , Athena Stavrou

Following the German defence ministers claim that the goal to supply Ukraine with one million rounds of ammunition will not be reached, the EU commissioner for industry insisted they would.

At a summit of defence in Brussels, Thierry Breton told reporters that the target would be reached,

Im responsible for ammunition production capacity so I can confirm that the target of producing more than a million rounds of ammunition a year, which we set ourselves and which they hope to achieve from spring onwards, will be met, he said.

Britain agree to discounts on insurance for Ukrainian Black Sea exports

15:11 , Athena Stavrou

Ukraine and Britain have agreed a special mechanism for discounts on war risk insurance for Ukrainian goods exports, including through the Black Sea corridor, the Ukrainian Prime Minister said on Tuesday.

It will make it possible to make a discount on the cost of insurance against military risks for exporters of all products from Ukraine. This will make the Black Sea corridor more accessible to a wider range of exporters, Denys Shmyhal said on Telegram messenger.

He said the mechanism involved a pool of British insurance companies.

(AP)

Why Russia retracted state media reports on its Ukraine frontline movements

14:25 , Athena Stavrou

The fog of misinformation around the war in Ukraine thickened on Monday after Russias state news agencies claimed Vladimir Putin was withdrawing troops from the Dnipro river frontline  and then immediately retracted the update.

The potentially significant bulletins were available for about 10 minutes, after which two state news outlets withdrew them without any follow-up.

You can read more about this here:

Why Russia retracted state media reports on its Ukraine frontline movements

NATO secretary general discusses importance of continued support to Ukraine.

13:55 , Athena Stavrou

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg participated in a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council of the European Union with EU Defence Ministers in Brussels on Tuesday,

On the situation in Ukraine, Mr Stoltenberg highlighted that intense fighting continues. The situation on the battlefield is difficult. And that just makes it even more important that we sustain and step up our support for Ukraine because we cannot allow President Putin to win, said the Secretary General.

Ukraine must prevail as a sovereign independent nation in Europe and its in our interest to support Ukraine, he said.

(NTB/AFP via Getty Images)

Weather conditions impacting battlespace'

13:22 , Athena Stavrou

Ukrainian and Russian sources have noted that weather conditions are impacting the battlespace, according to a war-monitoring think-tank.

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said that factors such as falling leaves have complicated efforts but not halted operations.

They reported that the Ukrainian ground forces spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Volodymyr Fityo noted on November 13 that rain and mud in Donbas impede the speed of ground maneuver advances.

Ukrainian 14th Mechanized Brigade Spokesperson Nadiya Zamryha stated on November 12 that fog and rain complicate both Russian and Ukrainian aerial reconnaissance efforts and lead to reduced numbers of attacks.

Meanwhile, Russian milbloggers claimed that recent heavy rains led to reduced shelling and that strong winds and rain interfere with Russian drone operations and complicate offensive operations in western Zaporizhia Oblast

Russian sources also circulated footage purporting to show mud and rain filled Ukrainian trenches.

(Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

One dead after Russian drone attack, governor says

12:54 , Athena Stavrou

One person has died and a 72-year-old man has been hospitalised after a Russian drone attack in Nikopol.

The governor of the Dnipropetrovsk region, Serhiy Lyask, posted on Telegram: A 72-year-old man was injured. He is in the hospital in a moderate condition. Unfortunately, there is also a dead person. Condolences to the relatives... Shame on the occupiers who are fighting with the civilians.

Zelenksy reports increase in Russian assaults

12:33 , Athena Stavrou

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said there has been an increase in attacks from Russia in the Avdiivka, Kupyansk, Donetsk regions.

He wrote in a Telegram post: The enemy continues to take revenge on the free Kherson: shelling the city center without any military necessity.

It comes after Ukrainian forces said that they repelled a total of eight attacks on the battered, strategic city of Avdiivka.

It was earlier reported that Mr Putin was going to make a third attempt at capturing the city known for its large coking plant after failing twice before.

Vitaliy Barabash said Putins troops need Avdiivka.

Quite simply, Avdiivka and its strategic position is geographically located on heights and you can see Donetsk... from here, he said, referring to the Ukrainian area occupied by Russia

Grain exports via Black Sea corridor hit 4m tonnes

12:09 , Athena Stavrou

Ukraines exports through an alternative Black Sea shipping corridor have reached almost four million metric tonnes since the route started operating in August, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Tuesday.

Ukraine launched a humanitarian corridor for ships bound for African and Asian markets to try to circumvent a de facto blockade in the Black Sea after Russia quit a United Nations-brokered deal that had guaranteed Kyivs seaborne exports during the war.

(EPA)

Russia to increase production of laser-guided artillery'

11:14 , Athena Stavrou

Russia has announced it will increase production of its 152mm Krasnopol-M2 laser-guided artillery munitions, the UK Defence Ministry said today.

In their latest intelligence update, Britains Ministry of Defence said Russia will improve the rounds weather performance which has already achieved some success with Krasnopol.

The intellegence said Russia utilises uncrewed aerial vehicles to designate targets for Krasnopol, by shining a laser beam at the target.

They added that the limiting factors of the ammunition include low cloud.

Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine  14 November 2023.



Find out more about Defence Intelligence's use of language: https://t.co/9N61NE51LF



 #StandWithUkraine  pic.twitter.com/34KEoKgvlB  Ministry of Defence  (@DefenceHQ) November 14, 2023

Blinken and David Cameron discuss Israel, Ukraine and China

10:31 , Athena Stavrou

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and newly appointed British foreign minister David Cameron discussed the Israel-Hamas conflict, relations with China and help for Ukraine during a telephone call on Monday, the State Department said.

Secretary Blinken and Lord Cameron underscored continuity in the U.S.-UK special relationship and its importance to regional and global security, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a readout of the conversation.

The former PM attended his first Cabinet meeting this morning as foreign minister (PA)

Russian strike hits hospital injuring two-month-old baby, UN says

08:54 , Athena Stavrou

The UN humanitarian coordinator for Ukraine said Russian attacks in Kherson, Ukraine, struck a hospital injuring a two-month-old baby girl and killing civillians.

Denise Brown said she was utterly outraged and deeply disturbed by the brutal attacks on Monday afternoon.

She added that the attacks killed and injured civilians and an innocent baby girl was hospitalised with a blast injury.

Oleksandr Prokudin, governor of Kherson Oblast, said that two people had been killed and a further ten had been injured.

He said in a Telegram post: Eight vehicles, including an ambulance, an administrative building, a hospital and at least fifteen houses were destroyed or damaged.

With these blows, the Russians ended the lives of two people. According to detailed information, ten more were injured.

He added: As a result of the attack on the hospital, two female medical workers, aged 24 and 41, as well as an 81-year-old patient of the medical facility were injured. All of them have mine-explosive injuries.

Project HOPE, a global health & humanitarian organization, said their staff were holding a meeting at the hospital at the time.

None of the team were injured. Natalja Iscenko, Project HOPEs Liaison Officer, said: While inside, we counted more than 10 explosions, and the walls were shaking. When we got outside and saw the damage and heard of casualties, we realized just how lucky we were.

If timing had been different, this could have been us.

Germany updates on goals for aid to Ukraine

08:50 , Athena Stavrou

The goal to supply Ukraine with one million rounds of ammunition will not be reached, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said on Tuesday.

It is safe to assume that the one million rounds will not be reached, he told reporters ahead of a EU Defence council in Brussels.

He also added that he expects other countries to do more to ramp up Ukrainian military aid and hopes the German parliament will approve topping up military aid by four billion euros

Russia destroys four Ukrainian drones

08:20 , Athena Stavrou

Russian air defences destroyed four Ukrainian drones over four Russian regions including the Moscow region overnight, Russias defence ministry said in a statement.

The drones were destroyed in Moscow, Tambov, Orlov and Bryansk regions, the ministry said.

Putin makes third failed attempt to capture Avdiivka as shelling intensifies

07:51 , Athena Stavrou

Ukrainian forces repelled a total of eight attacks on the battered, strategic city of Avdiivka by Vladimir Putins troops in the past 24 hours, said Ukraines military spokesperson Oleksandr Shtupun.

It was earlier reported that Mr Putin was going to make a third attempt at capturing the city known for its large coking plant after failing twice before.

Vitaliy Barabash, head of Avdiivkas military administration, also revealed Russias losses in its current drive for Avdiivka.

He said Mr Putins troops need Avdiivka.

Quite simply, Avdiivka and its strategic position is geographically located on heights and you can see Donetsk... from here, he said, referring to the Ukrainian area occupied by Russia.

Zelensky says Ukraine can deliver frontline success  but the current stalemate with Russia is hurting Kyiv

07:00 , Tom Watling

It is clear there is little movement on the battlefield, writes Askold Krushelnycky, and that is bad news for Kyiv.

Analysis: Ukraines current frontline stalemate with Russia is hurting Kyiv

Zelensky tells Ukrainians to brace for enemy Putins winter attacks

06:00 , Tom Watling

Volodymyr Zelensky has warned Ukrainians to prepare for an increase in Russian attacks on the countrys infrastructure.

The war-time president said his country could suffer attacks similar to the ones carried out by Vladimir Putins troops last year.

About 10 months into Russias invasion, a string of attacks were carried out on power stations and other plants linked to the energy network, prompting rolling blackouts in widely separated regions.

We are almost halfway through November and we must be prepared for the possibility that the enemy may increase the number of drone or missile strikes against our infrastructure. Russia is preparing for winter, the Ukrainian president said in his nightly address on Sunday.

And in Ukraine, all our attention should be focused on defence, on response to terrorists, on everything Ukraine can do to make it easier for our people to get through this winter and to increase the capabilities of our troops.

Zelensky tells Ukrainians to brace for enemy Putins winter attacks

Hungary's Orban says negotiations on Ukraine's future EU membership should not move forward

05:00 , Tom Watling

Hungarys prime minister said Friday he does not support moving forward on negotiations on Ukraines future membership in the European Union, signaling again that his country could pose a major roadblock to Kyivs ambitions to join the bloc.

EU leaders are to decide in mid-December whether Ukraine should be formally invited to begin talks to join the 27-member union, with Hungary seen as a potential obstacle. Unanimity among all member states is required to admit a new country into the bloc, giving Hungarys prime minister, Viktor Orban, a powerful veto.

Hungary's Orban says negotiations on Ukraine's future EU membership should not move forward

Two Russian landing boats filled with armoured vehicles destroyed by Ukraine in significant loss for Putin

04:00 , Tom Watling

Ukraine on Friday said its naval drones had destroyed two small Russian landing boats in Crimea, in an embarrassment for President Vladimir Putin.

Ukrainian military intelligence said two amphibious Russian ships loaded with armoured vehicles had been hit by naval drones overnight.

One of the boats was identified as an Akula class vessel, while the other landing vessel was a Serna class.

The results of intelligence conducted on 10 November 2023 near Vuzka Bay in temporarily occupied Crimea show that after an attack by naval drones, two small Russian landing ships have been destroyed, a Ukraine military report said.

As a consequence of the attack, both vessels went to the bottom, the Akula straight away and the Serna after attempts to save it.

Ukraine destroys Russian landing boats in significant loss for Putin

Military training efforts for Ukraine hit major milestones even as attention shifts to Gaza

03:00 , Tom Watling

Battle cries pierce the smoke and rat-a-tat-tat of gunfire as Ukrainian soldiers fight through and take enemy trenches and dugouts that hide gruesome, bloody remains.

Grenade! one screams in Ukrainian. Another yells: Lets go, lets go, lets go, lets go!

This time, no lives or limbs were lost. Because this time, the rounds fired were blanks and the enemy troops were, in fact, French soldiers whose intention was not to kill the Ukrainians but instead to help shape them into better, more lethal warriors.

But soon, the war games these troops played in the mud in France will become all too real, when the Ukrainians return home and are sent to the front lines against Russias forces.

Military training efforts for Ukraine hit major milestones even as attention shifts to Gaza

Russian officers killed in act of revenge in occupied Ukrainian city

02:00 , Tom Watling

Three Russian officers have been killed in an act of revenge in an occupied Ukrainian city, said Kyivs intelligence officials.

A blast struck a Saturday meeting attended by Russian National Guard and FSB intelligence service officers in occupied Melitopol, said the Ukrainian intelligences main unit.

This act of revenge, carried out by representatives of the local resistance movement, took place in the (post) offices seized by the Russians, the Ukrainian defence ministrys intelligence department said on Sunday.

Russian forces have established their headquarters in Melitopol, a city in southwestern Ukraine that was captured in the early days of the war.

As a result of the explosion at least three National Guard officers were killed at the headquarters, officials said.

Russian officers killed in act of revenge in occupied Ukrainian city

Germany's support for Ukraine is to be 'massively expanded' next year

01:00 , Tom Watling

Germanys aid for Ukraine will be massively expanded next year, the foreign minister said Monday as Kyiv heads into its second winter since Russia launched its full-scale invasion.

Germany has become one of Ukraines top military suppliers since the war started in February 2022, sending material that includes tanks, armored personnel carriers, air defense systems and Patriot missile systems.

Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said as she arrived Monday at a meeting with European Union counterparts that, even as Europe grapples with the war between Israel and Hamas, its still important to face the geopolitical challenge here.

Germany's support for Ukraine is to be 'massively expanded' next year

From Gaza to Ukraine, China to the EU: The major issues piling high in David Camerons in tray

00:00 , Tom Watling

The former prime minister is re-entering frontline politics during a tumultuous time. Chris Stevenson looks at what he will need to tackle first and where his instincts may take him.

From Gaza to Ukraine, China to the EU: The major issues facing Cameron in new role

Zelensky tells Ukrainians to brace for enemy Putins winter attacks

Monday 13 November 2023 23:00 , Tom Watling

Volodymyr Zelensky has warned Ukrainians to prepare for an increase in Russian attacks on the countrys infrastructure.

The war-time president said his country could suffer attacks similar to the ones carried out by Vladimir Putins troops last year.

About 10 months into Russias invasion, a string of attacks were carried out on power stations and other plants linked to the energy network, prompting rolling blackouts in widely separated regions.

We are almost halfway through November and we must be prepared for the possibility that the enemy may increase the number of drone or missile strikes against our infrastructure. Russia is preparing for winter, the Ukrainian president said in his nightly address on Sunday.

And in Ukraine, all our attention should be focused on defence, on response to terrorists, on everything Ukraine can do to make it easier for our people to get through this winter and to increase the capabilities of our troops.

Zelensky tells Ukrainians to brace for enemy Putins winter attacks

Russian UN envoys shoot back at Western criticism of its Ukraine war and crackdown on dissidents

Monday 13 November 2023 22:00 , Tom Watling

Western countries on Monday repeatedly called on Russia to end domestic repression of dissident voices and end its war in Ukraine  and human rights violations related to it  as Russia came under a regular review at the U.N.s top rights body.

A delegation from Moscow, led by State Secretary and Deputy Justice Minister Andrei Loginov, defended Russias right to ensure law and order by restricting some forms of protest or voices that might threaten domestic security. He also said Russias special military operation in Ukraine had no relation to the subject matter at issue in the review.

Russian UN envoys shoot back at Western criticism of its Ukraine war and crackdown on dissidents

Ukrainian politician on US sanctions list suspected of state treason

Monday 13 November 2023 21:00 , Tom Watling

Ukrainian lawmaker Oleksandr Dubinsky has been formally notified that he is suspected of treason for allegedly spreading misinformation about the political leadership and cooperation with Russias military intelligence, officials said on Monday.

Ukraines security service, the SBU, on Monday said on the Telegram messaging app that a politician was under suspicion, but did not name the suspect.

Lawmaker Yaroslav Yurchyshyn, first deputy head of the parliamentary committee on anti-corruption policy and lawmaker Oleksiy Honcharenko both named Dubinsky, also on Telegram.

Dubinsky received a (notice of) suspicion of state treason. He was searched today, Honcharenko said.

In his own post on Telegram, Dubinsky called the notice of suspicion fabricated and based on the absolute lies of top state officials.

The lawmaker was expelled from the ruling Servant of the People party in 2021 after he was put on a U.S. sanctions list over alleged election meddling. He denied those accusations and continued to work in parliament.

The SBU said the suspect was a member of a criminal organisation, financed by Russias military intelligence.

The criminal organisation was created in 2016 and included as well an ex-lawmaker, their aide, and an ex-prosecutor.

Ukrainian parliamentary deputy Oleksandr Dubinsky has been suspected of treason



It is alleged that he spread fakes about #Ukraine's top military and political leadership at the behest of Russian intelligence.



The Security Service of Ukraine believes that he worked in an entire pic.twitter.com/93CDfftS57  NEXTA (@nexta_tv) November 13, 2023

Listen to Zelenskys nightly address

Monday 13 November 2023 20:15 , Tom Watling

You can listen to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskys nightly address below.

The Ukrainian leader delivers a speech every night. The video has been given English subtitles.

We are working to get an unconditioned political decision by the European Council to open accession talks with Ukraine.



It is a matter of principle for Ukraine to implement all seven European Commission recommendations and fulfill everything that is required at this point of pic.twitter.com/ShE7jYb8Ri  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) November 13, 2023

EU plan for new Russia sanctions to go to members this week

Monday 13 November 2023 19:30 , Tom Watling

European Union officials are finalising the last details of a proposed 12th package of sanctions on Russia that will include a diamond ban, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on Monday.

Borrell said the European Commission, the EU executive, could approve the proposed package on Wednesday. It would then go to the Council of the EU, comprising the blocs 27 member countries, for discussion and approval.

Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the EU has already applied 11 packages of sanctions against Moscow to diminish the Kremlins ability to finance the war. The measures span across sectors and include some 1,800 individuals and entities.

This twelfth package will include ... new export bans, among them ... diamonds, actions to tighten the oil price cap, in order to decrease the revenue that Russia is getting from selling its oil - not to us but to others - (and) fighting against circumvention, Borrell told reporters after a meeting of EU foreign ministers.

EU diplomats told Reuters last week said the 27-nation bloc had been waiting for a G7 green light to move ahead with the diamond ban. An EU official said the current timing for a European Commission proposal for the package, that would then be debated by the EUs 27 governments, was early next week.

We are finalising the last details of this package, Borrell said.

European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell rings a bell to signify the start of a meeting of EU foreign ministers (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

100th ship departed through Black Sea humanitarian corridor

Monday 13 November 2023 18:45 , Tom Watling

The US ambassador to Ukraine, Bridget Brink, has said the 100th ship has departed through the black Sea humanitarian corridor since its opening in August 2023.

She wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter: Today the 100th ship departed the Black Sea humanitarian corridor - an export lifeline for Ukraine that has delivered 3.7 million tons of food & goods to the world.

Today the 100th ship departed the Black Sea humanitarian corridor - an export lifeline for Ukraine that has delivered 3.7 million tons of food & goods to the world. pic.twitter.com/rL0Xv1rxQY  Ambassador Bridget A. Brink (@USAmbKyiv) November 13, 2023

Over 100,000 Ukrainians evacuated since invasion

Monday 13 November 2023 18:00 , Athena Stavrou

Save Ukraine - an organisation focused on rescuing vulnerable Ukrainians - said they have successfully evacuated 108,880 people from the frontlines.

In a post on X they added that since the onset of the full-scale invasion last February, they had provided humanitarian assistance to more than 186,450 people.

Save Ukraine's rescuers have successfully evacuated over 108,880 people from the frontlines since the onset of the full-scale invasion.



Starting from February 24, 2022, our extensive rescue network has provided #humanitarianassistance to more than 186,450 people, with our pic.twitter.com/2fhibTGQss  Save Ukraine (@SaveukraineUs) November 13, 2023

Ukraines foreign minister congratulates David Cameron

Monday 13 November 2023 17:20 , Tom Watling

Ukraines foreign minister, Dmytro Kuleba, posted on X to congratulate David Cameron on his appointment as Foreign Secretary today.

Mr Cameron mentioned Ukraine in his first statement as foreign secretary today and Mr Kuleba said he is looking forward to working side by side with the former British Prime Minister.

Congratulations to @David_Cameron on his appointment as Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom. I am looking forward to working side by side to advance the Ukrainian-UK partnership, bring Ukraines victory closer, and restore peace and security on the European continent.  Dmytro Kuleba (@DmytroKuleba) November 13, 2023

Ukrainian politician on US sanctions list suspected of state treason

Monday 13 November 2023 16:50 , Tom Watling

Ukrainian lawmaker Oleksandr Dubinsky has been formally notified that he is suspected of treason for allegedly spreading misinformation about the political leadership and cooperation with Russias military intelligence, officials said on Monday.

Ukraines security service, the SBU, on Monday said on the Telegram messaging app that a politician was under suspicion, but did not name the suspect.

Lawmaker Yaroslav Yurchyshyn, first deputy head of the parliamentary committee on anti-corruption policy and lawmaker Oleksiy Honcharenko both named Dubinsky, also on Telegram.

Dubinsky received a (notice of) suspicion of state treason. He was searched today, Honcharenko said.

In his own post on Telegram, Dubinsky called the notice of suspicion fabricated and based on the absolute lies of top state officials.

The lawmaker was expelled from the ruling Servant of the People party in 2021 after he was put on a U.S. sanctions list over alleged election meddling. He denied those accusations and continued to work in parliament.

Two killed and 10 injured in Russia strike on Kherson

Monday 13 November 2023 16:24 , Tom Watling

At least two people have been killed and a further 10 injured in southern Ukraine following a Russian striking earlier this afternoon, a local governor has claimed.

Oleksandr Prokudin, governor of Kherson Oblast, said in an update on Telegram: After lunch, the enemy covered the central part of the city with fire from barrel and rocket artillery.

Eight vehicles, including an ambulance, an administrative building, a hospital and at least fifteen houses were destroyed or damaged.

With these blows, the Russians ended the lives of two people. According to detailed information, ten more were injured.

A 44-year-old woman and a 47-year-old man received minor injuries. A 57-year-old woman has an acute reaction to stress and a back burn.

As a result of the attack on the hospital, two female medical workers, aged 24 and 41, as well as an 81-year-old patient of the medical facility were injured. All of them have mine-explosive injuries.

Earlier, it was reported that a 64-year-old grandfather was killed by a Russian shell that hit his car as he drove his family, including his toddler granddaughter, back from a medical check-up at the nearby hospital.

Eight vehicles and multiple buildings were destroyed in Kherson earlier today, according to local officials (Oleksandr Prokudin / Telegram)

Reports revealing drug use on Russian frontlines are credible, UK MoD says

Monday 13 November 2023 15:45 , Athena Stavrou

Reports that 15 per cent on Russian soldiers are using drugs are credible, the British Ministiry of Defence said.

In September 2023, independent Russian media outlet Vertska reported that up to 15% of Russian soldiers in Ukraine were using drugs, including amphetamines and cannabis, and that they were easy to obtain even on the frontline.

In an intelligence update on Monday, the Defence Ministry said the reports follow numerous others of a high rate of disciplinary incidents, crimes and deaths related to alcohol abuse amongst the Russian force.

Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine  13 November 2023.



Find out more about Defence Intelligence's use of language: https://t.co/d6uagaiJ0t



 #StandWithUkraine  pic.twitter.com/8De5TUQ2c1  Ministry of Defence  (@DefenceHQ) November 13, 2023

Hungary keeps block on disbursing military aid tranche to Ukraine

Monday 13 November 2023 15:20 , Tom Waitling

Hungary will block the disbursement of the next tranche of military aid to Ukraine under the European Peace Facility (EPF) until Kyiv provides guarantees that OTP bank or other Hungarian firms will not be blacklisted as international sponsors of war, the countrys foreign minister said on Monday.

The EPF, created in 2021, is meant to finance actions that prevent conflicts, build peace and strengthen international security.

Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said in a video clip from Brussels that Hungary had faced pressure at a meeting to support the payout of 500 million euros, but he said Budapest could not give its backing without such guarantees.

Russian shelling kills three, wounds infant in Ukraine, Kyiv says

Monday 13 November 2023 14:50 , Athena Stavrou

Three people were killed and six, including a 2-month-old infant, were wounded during Russian shelling of the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson, local governor Oleksandr Prokudin said on Monday.

Russian troops abandoned Kherson and the western bank of the Dnipro River in the region late last year, but now regularly shell those areas from positions on the eastern bank.

Prokudin said on the Telegram messaging app that two people were killed and four wounded when the central part of the city had been shelled.

In a separate message, the governor said that a hospital in the city was shelled by Russians, and earlier on Monday a car was shot at in a suburb of Kherson, killing one person and wounding a 2-month-old infant and his mother.

Reuters could not independently confirm reports.

(AFP via Getty Images)

Norway announces 73m in humanitarian aid to Ukraine

Monday 13 November 2023 14:20 , Tom Watling

Norway has announced it will provide 73 million in additional humanitarian aid to Ukraine.

The announcement was made on Monday by the foreign ministry.

The funds will be directed towards the Norwegian Red Cross, the Norwegian Refugee Council, the Norwegian Church Aid, Norwegian People's Aid, Caritas Norway, Save the Children, and the civil emergency force NORCAP, the ministry said.

Despite its size, Norway has committed the fourth largest amount of aid to Ukraine out of all the Western allies. Only the US, Canada and the United Kingdom have supplied more.

It has also committed the most amount of aid relative to its gross domestic product - 1.708% - according to the Kiel Institute.

EU's 20 billion euro plan for Ukraine military aid hits resistance

Monday 13 November 2023 13:55 , Athena Stavrou

A European Union plan to spend up to 20 billion euros on military aid for Ukraine is meeting resistance from EU countries and may not survive in its current form, diplomats say.

Josep Borrell, the EUs foreign policy chief, proposed in July that the bloc create a fund with up to 5 billion euros a year over four years as part of broader Western security commitments to bolster Ukraine as it fights Russias invasion.

But as EU defence ministers prepare to discuss the plan in Brussels on Tuesday, diplomats say multiple countries - including EU heavyweight Germany - have voiced reservations about committing such large sums years in advance.

Im not going to declare it dead at this point yet. But of course, improvements can always be made, a senior EU diplomat said on Friday, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Germany has had a lot of questions ... and rightfully so. Were talking about a lot of money.

European F16 training centre set for Ukrainian pilots opens tomorrow

Monday 13 November 2023 13:43 , Tom Watling

F-16 jets flown in from the Netherlands have conducted a honorary flyover this morning in southeast Romania ahead of the opening of a European F-16 training centre intended to facilitate the instruction of Ukrainian pilots, footage has shown.

Romanian defence minister Angel Tilvar and his Dutch counterpart Kajsa Ollongren will open the centre, while Romanian pilots will start training tomorrow.

The Ukrainian pilots are set to undergo training in the near future, according to Mr Ollongren.

There will be 16 training programs. This will also apply to Ukraine. This is the first collaboration between the Romanian and Dutch governments. We all want to maintain collective security, said US Ambassador to Romania Kathleen Kavalek.

The Netherlands are providing between a dozen and 18 fighter jets.

The training is taking place at the Borcea Air Base just over 90 miles directly west from the Romanian capital of Bucharest.

UK prime minister Rishi Sunak and the then-PM of the Netherlands Mark Rutte announced on May 19 the readiness of the United States to approve the training of Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets .

Five F-16 jets arrived at the Borcea Air Base last week from the Netherlands.

A Dutch F-16 fighter jet is seen at the Volkel Air Base in Volkel, Netherlands (REUTERS)

Grandfather killed and toddler injured during Russia strike on Ukrainian family

Monday 13 November 2023 13:26 , Tom Watling

A young toddler has been hospitalised after a Russian shell struck her familys car while they returned from a medical examination, local Ukrainian officials have claimed.

The 64-year-old grandfather, who was driving the car, is believed to have been killed but the body was almost completely burned, according to interior minister Ihor Klymenko, making identification difficult.

The attack happened in the suburbs of Kherson city in southern Ukraine.

The Kherson Regional Prosecutors Office wrote on Telegram: A car containing a man, a woman and a two-month-old baby was in the area of aathe shell.

A 36-year-old woman received a traumatic leg amputation, doctors are fighting for her life. A child was hospitalised with a mine-explosive injury.

The Independent has seen footage allegedly showing the injured toddler, blood pouring from her head, being driven back to hospital.

The Ukrainian familys car was seen burned out by the side of the road in Kherson Oblast (Telegram / Ihor Klymenko)

Germanys aid to Ukrain to be massively expanded'

Monday 13 November 2023 12:36 , Athena Stavrou

Germanys aid for Ukraine will be massively expanded next year, the foreign minister has said.

It comes as Kyiv heads into its second winter since Russia launched its full-scale invasion.

Germany has become one of Ukraines top military suppliers since the war started in February 2022, sending hardware including tanks, armoured personnel carriers, air defence systems and Patriot missile systems.

Foreign minister Annalena Baerbock said as she arrived at a meeting with European Union counterparts that as Europe grapples with the war between Israel and Hamas, it is still important to face the geopolitical challenge here.

She said that will include helping Ukraine through the coming winter months and our support will be massively expanded for next year.

Over the weekend, the Bild am Sonntag newspaper reported that Chancellor Olaf Scholzs governing coalition wants to increase Germanys military aid for 2024 from the 4 billion euros (3.5 billion) initially planned to 8 billion euros (7 billion).

It said parliaments budget committee will need to sign off on the plan later this week.

Kremlin says report on Nord Stream attack is alarming'

Monday 13 November 2023 12:04 , Athena Stavrou

The Kremlin said on Monday that a Washington Post article reporting that a Ukrainian military officer coordinated the attack on Russias Nord Stream pipelines was alarming.

The report also said that Ukraines president Volodymyr Zelenskiy was not aware of it.

No one has taken responsibility for the September 2022 blasts, which occurred off the Danish island of Bornholm and ruptured three out of four lines of the system that delivers Russian gas to Europe.

The Washington Post reported that Roman Chervinsky, a senior Ukrainian military officer with deep ties to Ukraines intelligence services, was the coordinator of the attack and cited unidentified people familiar with the operation as saying President Volodymyr Zelenskiy was kept out of the loop.

Traces of Ukraine in this sabotage, this terrorist act, are increasingly appearing in reports, investigations and media reports, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

It says that President Zelenskiy may not have been aware of such actions by his subordinates from the security agencies. This is a very alarming signal not only for us, but also for the countries of the collective West, Peskov said.

If the Kyiv regime is no longer in control of the situation in its own country, then this is alarming and should also be taken into account.

Russia may announce March 2024 presidential election date

Monday 13 November 2023 11:35 , Athena Stavrou

Russias parliament may announce on Dec. 13 that next years presidential election has been preliminarily scheduled for March 17, the state news agency RIA reported on Monday, citing a source in parliament.

President Vladimir Putin has already decided to run in the election, Reuters reported last week, citing six sources, a move that will keep him in power until at least 2030 as he seeks to steer Russia through its most uncertain period in decades.

(AP)

Cameron mentions Ukraine in first statement as UK foreign minister

Monday 13 November 2023 10:53 , Athena Stavrou

Former British leader David Cameron was named as the countrys new foreign secretary on Monday in a surprise appointment made by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak as he reshuffled his top team.

In a statement posted to X, formerly known as Twitter, Mr Cameron said the ongoing war in Ukraine was part of a daunting set of international challenges.

He wrote: The Prime Minister has asked me to serve as his Foreign Secretary and I have gladly accepted.

We are facing a daunting set of international challenges, including the war in Ukraine and the crisis in the Middle East.

At this time of profound global change, it has rarely been more important for this country to stand by our allies, strengthen our partnerships and make sure our voice is heard.

(PA)

Russian state in direct control of Wagner troops

Monday 13 November 2023 10:23 , Athena Stavrou

The Russian state is now exercising more direct control of Wagner Group troops, the British Ministiry of Defence said.

In an intelligence update the Defence Ministry said large elements of the Wagner Group had likely been assimilated into the command structure of Russias National Guard (Rosgvardiya) and resumed active recruitment.

It comes several months after the plane crash that killed Prigozhin  the mercenary leader who had challenged his regime and launched a military coup by marching onto Moscow in a dramatic threat to the Kremlin not seen in decades.

The intelligence update went on to say the Wagner arm in question is likely led by Pavel Prigozhin, son of the late Wagner owner Yevgeny Prigozhin.

They added other groups of Wagner fighters have highly likely joined another Russian PMC, Redut, which according to a Radio Free Europe investigation now has 7,000 personnel in total.

Members of the Wagner Group military company sit atop of a tank on a street in Rostov-on-Don, Russia (AP)

Kremlin declines to comment on state news agencies withdrawl of reports

Monday 13 November 2023 09:28 , Athena Stavrou

The Kremlin on Monday declined to comment on state news agencies withdrawal of reports on the regrouping of Russian troops in southern Ukraine.

Two Russian state news agencies published alerts on Monday saying Moscow was moving troops to more favourable positions east of the Dnipro River, only to withdraw the information minutes later.

Russian state media withdraw alerts on troop 'regrouping' in southern Ukraine

Monday 13 November 2023 09:05 , Athena Stavrou

Two Russian state news agencies published alerts on Monday saying Moscow was moving troops to more favourable positions east of the Dnipro River in Ukraine, only to withdraw the information minutes later.

The highly unusual incident suggested disarray in Russias military establishment and state media over how to report the battlefield situation in southern Ukraine.

The RBC news outlet quoted the defence ministry as saying: The sending of a false report about the regrouping of troops in the Dnieper (Dnipro) region, allegedly on behalf of the press centre of the Russian Ministry of Defence, is a provocation.

Russia moves some troops to more favourable positions east of Dnipro River

Monday 13 November 2023 08:16 , Athena Stavrou

Russia is moving its Dnepr group of forces to more favourable positions east of the Dnipro River in Ukraine, state news agency RIA cited the Russian defence ministry as saying on Monday.

Russias military said on Friday that its forces had thwarted a Ukrainian attempt to forge a bridgehead on the eastern bank of the Dnipro and on nearby islands.

Reuters could not independently verify the military reports

Blast kills 3 Russian officers in occupied town, Ukraine says

Monday 13 November 2023 07:38 , Athena Stavrou

At least three Russian officers were killed in the Moscow-controlled Ukrainian city of Melitopol in a blast Ukraines intelligence said on Sunday was an act of revenge by local resistance groups.

Melitopol is a town in southwestern Ukraine that has become a hub for Russian forces since they captured it in March last year.

The blast allegedly occurred during a meeting of Russian officers on Saturday.

This act of revenge, carried out by representatives of the local resistance movement, took place in the (post) offices seized by the Russians, the Ukrainian Defence Ministrys intelligence department said on the Telegram messaging app.

Reuters could not independently verify the Ukrainian intelligence claim. Russias defence ministry did not immediately responded to Reuters request to comment.

The Ukraine intelligence statement said the Saturday meeting was attended by Russian National Guard and FSB intelligence service officers.

As a result of the explosion at least three National Guard officers were killed at the headquarters, the statement said. Information of other enemy losses is being clarified.

Ukrainian forces reportedly advance in western Zaporizhia Oblast

Monday 13 November 2023 07:00 , Tara Cobham

Ukrainian forces reportedly advanced in western Zaporizhia Oblast on Saturday, according to a US war think tank.

The Institute for the Study of War said this comes as Ukrainian forces continue their counteroffensive operations in the area of southern Ukraine.

Southern #Ukraine:



Ukrainian forces continued counteroffensive operations in western #Zaporizhia Oblast on November 11 and reportedly advanced. (1/3)https://t.co/wivagUgj7S https://t.co/Cq1fVKbqwu pic.twitter.com/OVzEgTxfmo  Institute for the Study of War (@TheStudyofWar) November 12, 2023

In pictures: Ukrainian forces battle in Avdiivka as Russia increases attacks on key city

Monday 13 November 2023 06:00 , Tara Cobham

Members of Ukraine's National Guard Omega Special Purpose unit fire a mortar toward Russian troops in the front line town of Avdiivka on Wednesday (REUTERS)

Members of Ukraine's National Guard Omega Special Purpose fire a SPG-9 anti-tank grenade launcher toward Russian troops in the front line town of Avdiivka last week (REUTERS)

Ukrainian servicemen move past a burning car hit by a kamikaze drone outside the front line town of Avdiivka on Wednesday (REUTERS)

Recap: Husband of US journalist detained in Russia appeals for release

Monday 13 November 2023 05:00 , Tara Cobham

This wasnt how Pavel Butorin expected to celebrate his anniversary this week, with his wife of 21 years in a Russian prison and barely any communication available.

Russian-American journalist, Alsu Kurmasheva  who works as an editor for U.S. government-funded Radio Free Europe  has been detained in Russia for almost a month and charged with failing to self-register as a foreign agent.

Alsu should be celebrating this anniversary with me and our children at home, not in a Russian prison, Butorin told The Associated Press in an interview in Prague on Friday. We want her back. Alsu must be released as soon as possible, he said, visibly shaken.

Karel Janicek reports:

'We want her back,' husband of US journalist detained in Russia appeals for her immediate release

Finnish Border Guard reports spike in asylum seekers from Russia

Monday 13 November 2023 04:00 , Tara Cobham

The Finnish Border Guard has reported a spike in asylum seekers arriving at the countrys southeastern border from Russia.

In a statement on Sunday, it said 91 people have arrived at the border crossing points without required travel documents since the beginning of August, which is a higher number than usual, having travelled from a third country via Russia.

It said this represents a change, as Russian authorities have previously not allowed travel from Russia to Finnish border crossing points if the passenger did not have the required travel documents.

In its assessment, the Finnish Border Guard said: This is a phenomenon of illegal migration. International crime is probably also linked to the phenomenon. The number of illegal border crossings at the land border (areas outside of border crossing points) has not changed.

Two Ukrainian women save almost 1,000 from pensions to buy drones'

Monday 13 November 2023 03:00 , Tara Cobham

Two Ukrainian women saved money from their pensions to buy drones for their countrys forces, according to the Advisor to the Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine.

Liudmyla Skubriieva, from Rozhniativ, and her relative Halyna Hil, from Kyiv, together saved the equivalent of almost 1,000 to send two kamikaze drones to the 10th Mountain Assault Brigade Edelweiss, Anton Gerashchenko said on the social media platform X, alongside a photo of the pair.

Two Ukrainian ladies saved money from their pensions to buy drones for Ukrainian defenders.



Liudmyla Skubriieva from Rozhniativ and her relative from Kyiv, Halyna Hil, bought two kamikaze drones for the AFU. They collected almost UAH 20,000 each from their pensions.



The drones pic.twitter.com/0igB9qcyJ6  Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) November 12, 2023

Germany set to double Ukraine military aid, according to source

Monday 13 November 2023 02:00 , Tara Cobham

German chancellor Olaf Scholz's governing coalition has agreed in principle to double the country's military aid for Ukraine next year to 8 billion euros ($8.5 billion), a political source in Berlin said on Sunday.

If approved by parliament, where Scholz's parties hold a majority, the boost would lift Germany's defence spending to 2.1% of its gross domestic product target, beyond the 2% pledged by all North Atlantic Treaty Organization members, the source added.

Lawmakers from Scholz's Social Democrats, the Free Democrats and the Green party agreed on the increase in negotiations over the proposed 2024 federal budget ahead of a formal meeting of the budget committee of the Bundestag - or lower house of parliament - on Thursday, Nov. 16, the source said.

Bloomberg News first reported on the news on Saturday, citing people familiar with the matter.

A spokesperson for Germany's Ministry of Defence said the Bundestag committee has not finished negotiations and declined to comment further.

Defence minister Boris Pistorius, interviewed by broadcaster ARD, referred to the planned doubling of military aid to Ukraine.

"It is a strong signal to Ukraine that we will not leave them in the lurch," he said, adding the move, if agreed, would mean the annual budget allocation would be enough to last the whole year.

Recap: Ukraine destroys Russian landing boats in significant loss for Putin

Monday 13 November 2023 01:00 , Tara Cobham

Ukraine on Friday said its naval drones had destroyed two small Russian landing boats in Crimea, in an embarrassment for President Vladimir Putin.

Ukrainian military intelligence said two amphibious Russian ships loaded with armoured vehicles had been hit by naval drones overnight.

One of the boats was identified as an Akula class vessel, while the other landing vessel was a Serna class.

Alisha Rahaman Sarkar reports:

Ukraine destroys Russian landing boats in significant loss for Putin

Recap: Watch Russia test intercontinental ballistic missiles from new submarine

Monday 13 November 2023 00:00 , Tara Cobham

Russia increases attacks on key city Avdiivka in attempt to gain ground

Sunday 12 November 2023 23:00 , Tara Cobham

Russian forces have also increased attacks on the key frontline city of Avdiivka in eastern Ukraine in an attempt to gain ground, Ukrainian military officials said Sunday.

Ukraine's General Staff said that Russian troops were also continuing their weekslong push to encircle Avdiivka, a Ukrainian stronghold south of Bakhmut and a key target since the beginning of the war. It's considered the gateway to parts of the eastern Donetsk region under Kyiv's control. The General Staff said Russia's air force was playing a key part in the latest assault.

Gen. Oleksandr Tarnavskyi, who leads Ukrainian troops fighting in and near Avdiivka, said Sunday that the attacking Russian forces were ramping up airstrikes, particularly those using guided bombs. He wrote on Telegram that Russian troops had launched 30 airstrikes and 712 artillery barrages at the city and surrounding areas over the previous day, and clashed almost 50 times with Ukrainian units.

A police officer stands in front of a damaged building, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in the town of Avdiivka, Donetsk region, Ukraine, in October (REUTERS)
FILE PHOTO: Local resident walks next to residential buildings heavily damaged by permanent Russian military strikes in the front line town of Avdiivka

(Reuters) - Fighting gripped the area around the shattered eastern Ukrainian town of Avdiivka, Ukraine's military said on Monday, with Moscow's forces intensifying air bombardments and trying to move forward with ground forces.

Officials said Russian forces had suffered heavy losses around the city. They also said Ukrainian forces had repelled Russian attacks in other areas of the 1,000-km (600-mile) front line.

And with Ukraine engaged in a counteroffensive making only incremental gains in the east and south, its commander in chief spoke to the new U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of staff.

Russia has focused on eastern Ukraine since failing to advance on Kyiv in the early days of the 20-month-old war and in mid-October launched a push to seize Avdiivka -- 20 km (12 miles) from the Russian-held city of Donetsk.

"Fighting is still going on. Over the last two days, the occupiers have increased the number of air strikes using guided bombs from Su-35 aircraft," Ukrainian military spokesman Oleksandr Shtupun told national television.

"The enemy is also bringing in more and more infantry. But when they tried to deploy armoured vehicles the day before yesterday two tanks and 14 other vehicles were burned out."

Ukrainian forces, he said, had repelled eight attacks in the past 24 hours on the city, known for its vast coking plant.

Vitaliy Barabash, head of Avdiivka's military administration said Russian forces, told the state news agency Ukrinform that Russian losses in the current drive on the city stood at minimum 3,000-4,000 dead and a further 7,000-8,000 wounded.

He said "not a single building" was intact in the city, with just over 1,500 of its pre-war population of 32,000 remaining and evacuations proceeding. The hospital was functioning under constant shelling and a single shop was open.

"Quite simply, Avdiivka and its strategic position is geographically located on heights and you can see Donetsk...from here," Barabash said. "And that's what they need it."

Ukraine's General Staff, in its evening report, said its forces had repelled 15 Russian attacks near the long-contested town of Maryinka, east of Avdiivka, as well as 11 near Bakhmut to the northeast and six near Kupiansk, in Ukraine's northeast.

Russian accounts said Moscow's forces had repulsed five Ukrainian attempts to advance on villages outside Bakhmut, a town captured by Russian troops in May after months of fighting.

Ukrainian Commander-in-chief, General Valery Zaluzhnyi, said he had discussed the "hottest sectors" of the front line with Charles Brown, U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of staff.

Zaluzhnyi this month said the war was entering a phase of attrition, prompting President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to dismiss any notion that the conflict was headed towards stalemate.

(Reporting by Ron Popeski; Editing by Michael Perry)
Persistent Ukrainian strikes on the facilities of Russias Black Sea Fleet are forcing Moscow to look for alternative base locations for its navy, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Nov. 14.

Addressing inquiries about Russia's declared intentions to establish a naval base in occupied Abkhazia, Georgia, Stoltenberg underscored that NATO firmly supports the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia. He reiterated NATO's refusal to accept the use of Georgia's occupied regions by Russia to pursue its objectives.

Read also: Ukraine strikes back in Crimea, damaging two Russian small landing ships

This is a violation of Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity and demonstrates the lengths to which Russia is willing to go in order to achieve its military objectives in Ukraine, said Stoltenberg.

Read also: Ukraine attacks more Russian landing craft in Crimea, crippling naval landing operations

It also shows that the Ukrainians have been successful in their attacks on naval facilities in Crimea, leading Russia to look for alternatives. It underscores the achievements of the Ukrainians in challenging Russian naval power.

Earlier in November, Ukrainian intelligence reported that an attack by surface drones in Crimea resulted in the destruction of two small Russian landing ships.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Ukraine and the US have been adapting unusual pairings of weapons systems to work together.

They've seen success in using US missiles with Buk-M1 systems and HARM missiles on Soviet fighter jets.

Combining Western and Soviet air-defense systems is known as the FrankenSAM program.

With its air defenses working overtime to defend against constant Russian strikes, Ukraine is working with the US to create new capabilities by cobbling together Western and Soviet systems that weren't built to play together.

The Frankensteinian effort, often combining American missiles with Soviet launchers or radars or reviving and modernizing Cold War technology, appears to be working, showing signs it could help boost Ukraine's defenses at a critical time.

Over the weekend, a Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson, Yurii Ihnat, said in an interview that Ukraine had successfully converted a Soviet air-defense system to fire US-provided missiles and was testing the combination on American soil, the Kyiv Independent reported. The outlet quoted Ihnat explaining, "We have good results of the combat use of Buk-M1 antiaircraft missile systems on the training ground in the United States, which have been converted and adapted to American missiles."

US officials told The New York Times in late October that testing had been underway over the past few months and had included pairing Buks with US-provided RIM-7 Sea Sparrow missiles and Soviet-era radars with American AIM-9M Sidewinder missiles. Reporting earlier this year indicated Ukraine had found ways to modify the Soviet Buk air defenses to fire the RIM-7.

Ihnat said Ukraine had to adapt its Soviet defense systems to carry other missiles due to limited supplies and an obvious inability to get new ones from Russia.

The US and its Western allies have offered Ukraine air defenses such as Patriot batteries, IRIS-T, NASAMs, and Gepard antiaircraft guns, but Ukrainian forces continue to operate several Soviet air defenses, the Buk and the S-300 being among the most prominent. But they're running low on missiles, expending them at rapid rates to counter Russian airstrikes and drone attacks. The US, on the other hand, has plenty of Sea Sparrows and other SAMs to offer. The challenge is how to adapt both to work together.

USS Bonhomme Richard, an amphibious assault ship, firing a NATO Sea Sparrow surface-to-air missile to intercept a remote-controlled drone in 2016. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Diana Quinlan/Released

While the Pentagon has recently prioritized combining air-defense components for Ukraine ahead of Russian strikes this winter, all under the so-called FrankenSAM program that was first talked about in leaked documents on Discord earlier this year, Ukraine and the US have long been working together to marry American and Soviet weaponry. Back in September 2022, for instance, with a little creative engineering, Ukraine equipped its MiG-29 fighter jets with AGM-88 HARM missiles. The US weapons were previously incompatible with Ukraine's Soviet jets, but apparent physical and operational launching modifications were made.

At the time, Gen. James Hecker, the head of US Air Forces in Europe, said it "was quite the effort" integrating the missiles into Ukrainian MIGs. "Now, is it as integrated as it is on an F-16?" he said, continuing: "Of course not. So it doesn't have all the capabilities that it would on an F-16." But it worked, giving Ukraine the ability to hunt enemy radars.

The new capability was promising for Ukraine and indicated future modifications to its Soviet systems could be made, such as firing US missiles from Soviet Buk vehicles, which are self-propelled, mid-range surface-to-air missile systems. Then, in January, the US announced the inclusion of radar-guided Sea Sparrow missiles in an aid package. Officials told Politico at the time that Ukraine had already managed to adapt Buks to fire Sea Sparrows, making Kyiv the second country besides Taiwan to operate ground-launched versions of the missile.

That innovative potential speaks to the larger narrative of Ukraine's scrappy ability to improvise and adapt its arsenal, one of the most recent examples being the R-360 Neptune anti-ship cruise missile that was modified for land-attack missions. The Neptune's new role has been surprisingly successful, with the missile taking out formidable Russian S-400 air defense systems in Crimea.

Marines remove a training AGM-88 HARM Missile from an F/A-18C Hornet on the flight deck of the USS Theodore Roosevelt. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Anthony N. Hilkowski/Released

The work being done as part of the rather unusual FrankenSAM air-defense project comes at a pivotal time for Ukraine, with its counteroffensive potentially drawing down heading into winter and Russia launching new offensives in certain areas while reinforcing their fortified defenses.

"As winter approaches, we are putting up a protective shield against renewed Russian attacks on energy, water and heating infrastructure," Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany said in late October, announcing a new aid package to Ukraine, including batteries of air defenses and another Patriot system. "This is because it is becoming apparent that Russia will once again use cold and energy shortages as a weapon against the civilian population."

In late October, a Ukrainian official talked about using AIM-9 air-to-air missiles as surface-to-air missiles, saying: "We found a way of launching them from the ground. It's a kind of self-made air defense."

The official added that the new systems would help "get us through the winter."

Read the original article on Business Insider
The Russians have kept trying to surround Avdiivka in Donetsk Oblast, and have conducted assaults near Ivanivske, Klishchiivka and Andriivka, but Ukrainian soldiers are holding the defence; a total of 80 clashes took place at the front during the day.

Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook, information as of 06:00 on 14 November

Quote from the General Staff: "During the past 24 hours, 80 combat clashes took place. In total, the enemy launched four missile strikes and 53 air strikes and carried out 45 attacks from multiple-launch rocket systems on the positions of our troops and populated areas."

Details: In the area of responsibility of the Tavriia Operational Strategic Group on the Avdiivka front, the Russians keep trying to surround Avdiivka with support from aircraft. Ukrainian soldiers are steadfastly holding the defence, inflicting significant losses on the Russians. The Russians offensive operations south of Novokalynove, Avdiivka, Sieverne and east of Pervomaiske in Donetsk Oblast were unsuccessful. Here, the Defence Forces repulsed 18 attacks.

On the Lyman front, the Russians conducted unsuccessful assaults near Nadiia and Novoiehorivka (Luhansk Oblast) and Torske (Donetsk Oblast), where Ukrainian defenders repelled six attacks.

On the Bakhmut front, the Russians carried out assaults near Ivanivske, Klishchiivka and Andriivka (Donetsk Oblast), where the defenders repelled 15 attacks. The defence forces of Ukraine are continuing their assault operations south of Bakhmut in Donetsk Oblast, inflicting losses on the Russians in manpower and equipment and consolidating their positions.

On the Marinka front, the Russians, with aircraft support, conducted unsuccessful assaults near Marinka and Novomykhailivka (Donetsk Oblast), where the defenders repelled 24 attacks.

On the Shakhtarsk front, the Russians conducted assaults south of Zolota Nyva in Donetsk Oblast without success.

In the area of responsibility of the Khortytsia Operational Strategic Group on the Kupiansk front, the Russians carried out assaults near Synkivka, Petropavlivka and Ivanivka (Kharkiv Oblast), where Ukrainian soldiers repelled seven attacks.

On the Zaporizhzhia front, Ukrainian defenders repelled four Russian attacks near Robotyne in Zaporizhzhia Oblast.

At the same time, the Defence Forces of Ukraine continue to conduct an offensive operation on the Melitopol front, inflict losses in manpower and equipment on the Russian forces, and exhaust the Russians along the entire front line.

In the area of responsibility of the Odesa Operational Strategic Group on the Kherson front, Ukrainian soldiers are conducting counter-battery combat, inflicting fire damage on Russias rear.

In the area of responsibility of the Pivden (North) Operational Strategic Group on the Volyn and Polissia fronts, the operational situation remains without significant changes.

On the Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna fronts, the Russians maintain a military presence in the border areas, and carry out active diversionary activities in order to prevent the transfer of Ukrainian troops to vulnerable areas.

During the day, the Ukrainian Air Force carried out eight strikes on areas where Russian personnel, weapons and military equipment were concentrated and one strike on a Russian anti-aircraft missile system.

Units from Rocket Forces and Artillery hit six areas where Russian personnel, weapons and military equipment were concentrated, two command posts, six artillery systems, an air defence system and another important Russian target.

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Dmytro Kuleba, Ukraines Minister of Foreign Affairs, responding to supporters of peace talks with the Russian Federation, listed cases when the latter violated agreements.

Source: the ministers tweet (X), European Pravda

Details: In particular, Kuleba recalled the Budapest memorandum, where Russia agreed to "respect the independence, sovereignty and existing borders of Ukraine", as well as "refrain from the threat of force or its use against the territorial integrity or political independence of Ukraine."

The Foreign Minister also pointed to the 1997 Russian-Ukrainian Friendship Treaty, according to which Russia agreed to respect the territorial integrity of Ukraine and "confirmed the inviolability of borders."

To those who have missed the previous 30 years, here is a short list of the results of negotiations with Russia that it never respected:



1. The Budapest Memorandum of 1994. Russia agreed to respect independence, sovereignty, and the existing borders of Ukraine as well as  Dmytro Kuleba (@DmytroKuleba) November 14, 2023

In addition, Kuleba mentioned the OSCE Istanbul Summit in 1999, when Russia undertook to withdraw its troops from the Transnistrian region of Moldova, as well as from Georgia, by the end of 2002.

In addition, according to the minister, the Russian Federation violated the ceasefire agreement with Georgia in 2008.

Kuleba also mentioned Russia's violation of the agreement regarding the Ilovaisk "green corridor", the "Minsk" agreements of 2014 and 2015, as well as the Black Sea grain initiative.

"There are no conclusions to be drawn here, except that no one can seriously use the words "Russia" and "negotiations" in the same phrase. Putin is a habitual liar who promised international leaders that he would not attack Ukraine days before his invasion in February 2022. Russia's tactic has remained consistent in its many wars over the last three decades: kill, grab, lie, and deny," the minister emphasised.

Earlier, the NBC channel, citing sources, reported that US and European officials had begun closed-door talks with Kyiv regarding possible peace talks with the Kremlin to end the war.

Diplomatic sources in the EU previously called this information false.

Gabrielius Landsbergis, Lithuanias Foreign Minister, called the reflections of Western officials on the possibility of such negotiations dangerous.

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In Gaza, the humanitarian crisis has escalated to a critical level due to a succession of electrical shortages.

These shortages have now started to impact al-Shifa Hospital, which happens to be the largest medical facility in Gaza, as per Aljazeera.

Gaza Hospital Closures

Six premature babies and nine other patients have tragically lost their lives as a result of this situation. In a recent statement, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, expressed grave concern over the current state of affairs, describing it as "dire and perilous."

Ghebreyesus has underscored the heightened vulnerability of various patient groups, including premature infants, who now face increased risks.

In a significant development, operations at Al-Shifa and al-Quds Hospital, the second-largest medical facility in Gaza, have stopped.

This closure comes amid ongoing violence, with reports of Israeli snipers firing at anyone near al-Shifa Hospital, effectively trapping thousands inside. The death toll in Gaza since October 7 has surpassed 11,100 due to Israeli attacks, while Hamas's attacks have resulted in over 1,200 deaths in Israel.

The crisis extends beyond al-Shifa, as none of the hospitals in the northern Gaza Strip are operational. This has left thousands trapped in al-Shifa, where the intense fighting between Israel and Hamas forces has severely hindered evacuations. The situation has been exacerbated by Israel's fuel embargo, leaving hospitals without sufficient power, food, or water.

The World Health Organization reported losing all communication with Al-Shifa Hospital after the fuel shortage intensified. With 37 premature babies at risk, the situation is increasingly desperate. The hospital, along with Al-Quds Hospital, is now out of service and is facing power outages that threaten the operation of essential medical devices like incubators and oxygen supplies.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel offered fuel to Al-Shifa Hospital, but it was refused. However, Dr. Marwan Abusada, a surgeon at the hospital, countered this statement, asserting that the amount offered was insufficient for the hospital's needs, according to France24.

Read Also: Chinese Premier Commits To Boost Imports, Expand Market Access

Gaza Hospital Faces Fuel Shortage, Evacuation Challenges

According to him, the hospital requires at least 10,000 liters daily to run vital parts of the facility, whereas the IDF reportedly left only a fraction of this amount.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced evacuation routes from three hospitals in Gaza, including Al-Shifa, to allow safe passage southward. However, two doctors from Al-Shifa reported to NBC News that they were unaware of any evacuation plans or anyone leaving the hospital using the IDF-provided route.

The IDF stated that they left 300 liters of fuel outside Al-Shifa Hospital but claimed that Hamas prevented hospital staff from accessing it. This claim further complicates the already dire situation, as essential services like healthcare are caught in the crossfire of the ongoing conflict.

This unfolding humanitarian crisis in Gaza highlights the devastating impact of the conflict on civilians, particularly on vulnerable groups such as hospital patients and premature babies. The lack of adequate medical facilities and supplies, compounded by the ongoing violence and restrictions, underscores the urgent need for international intervention and support to address the immediate needs and ensure the safety of those affected, NBC News reported.

Related Article: Arrow 3: Israel Deploys Hypersonic Ballistic Missile Interceptor on Hezbollah Terror Cell

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Ukraines National Guards have captured Russian soldiers on the Zaporizhzhia front.

Source: Eastern Operational-Territorial Group of the National Guard of Ukraine

Details: Personnel from the National Guards unit No 3017 captured four Russian soldiers on the Zaporizhzhia front, replenishing Ukraines exchange fund.

The National Guard reported that the Russians were captured in the course of their attempt to reclaim the positions they had lost earlier.

Identification documents indicate that three of the Russian soldiers were serving in the 136th Separate Motorised Rifle Brigade, and one in the 1430th Motorised Rifle Regiment of the territorial forces of the Russian Federation.

Two of them are contract soldiers.

The National Guard also said that the captured soldiers spoke in formalities, claiming that they came to Ukraine to protect civilians from "Nazis" and to liberate "their" [i.e., Russian  ed.] lands. They claimed that they have been serving for under a year and have not been given appropriate military training or taken part in hostilities during this time. They also said that their units were suffering from low morale and were unmotivated to carry out assault operations.

One of the prisoners said he was punished for refusing to take part in hostilities and only returned to the front for fear of imprisonment.

All of the prisoners said that Russian men were being mobilised under threat of criminal liability (8-15 years of imprisonment) for refusing to take part in the so-called "special operation" [Russias euphemism for the war in Ukraine  ed.]. Those who join are promised social guarantees and the prospect of getting rich quickly.

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The Ukrainian Armed Forces have successfully reclaimed around 50% of territories previously occupied by Russia, Presidential Chief-of-Staff Andriy Yermak said on Nov. 14, the press service of the Ukrainian president reported.

Yermak, on a visit to the United States, met with advisors to the leaders of the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and France. They discussed the situation on the front line, the defense of the grain corridor (the sea lane in the Black Sea by which Ukraine exports grain to other countries) and security guarantees for Ukraine.

Read also:

As noted by the Head of the Presidents Office, the Ukrainian army has already regained about 50% of the territories previously occupied, the statement said.

The current size of the Russian grouping in Ukraine is three times larger than at the beginning of the aggression, added Yermak, emphasizing the countrys need for international support.

Read also:

Yermak had previously indicated that the next year would be decisive in resolving Russias full-scale war. Earlier, the Chief of the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, General Valerii Zaluzhnyi, stated in a series of materials for UK news magazine the Economist that the war was transitioning into an exhausting positional phase for Ukraine.

Following this, Zelenskyys office issued several statements with indirect contradictions of the generals remarks.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Woman, an IDP from the town of Toretsk, reacts after evacuation at a temporary shelter in Kostiantynivka

Woman, an IDP from the town of Toretsk, reacts after evacuation at a temporary shelter in Kostiantynivka

By Max Hunder and Ivan Lyubysh-Kirdey

KOSTIANTYNIVKA, Ukraine (Reuters) - Olha Skachkova and her son, 11-year-old Denys, climbed out of an armoured van which had just whisked them out of their home town of Toretsk, close to the front lines where Ukrainian and Russian forces are fighting fierce battles.

With the war grinding towards its second anniversary, millions of Ukrainians have already fled for safety, and many others who have endured the dangers of artillery fire and snipers are still being evacuated.

For Skachkova, the final straw was her son telling her that he was frightened by the constant shelling nearby.

"My child started to feel very scared ... it was frightening," she said at a shelter in Kostiantynivka, a city in the Donetsk region which is about seven km (four miles) from the front line and is the first port of call for many civilians fleeing the war. "So I decided to go."

Her mother, who is 69, stayed behind.

"My mother didn't want to go," Skachkova told Reuters, recalling how she had told her daughter that she did not want to be a burden.

Moscow denies targeting civilians but the U.N. refugee agency says about 5 million Ukrainians have been internally displaced by Russia's invasion. Many are from Donetsk region, which has been hit harder by fighting than any other province.

Tetiana Scherbak, a senior volunteer who has helped to run the shelter since March, left the eastern city of Bakhmut on Feb. 24 this year - the first anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion.

Scherbak said there were 80 spaces at the centre for internally displaced people (IDPs), and estimated that she had seen about 700 pass through its doors.

Families with children usually stayed for a few days, while older evacuees were harder to find permanent homes for and sometimes stay for months.

"(The elderly) don't want to go anywhere," she said. "Many want to be near their cemetery, as they say, near their relatives. They think they will be able to return to their homes."

'LET ME DIE HERE'

For 81-year-old Maria Maliarenko, a native of the frontline town of Chasiv Yar, leaving her apartment was a tough choice, even after the windows and doors had been blown out by shelling.

"I never thought I would leave. I thought, 'let me die here'. But you can't survive without other people, if there is no-one there," she said.

Her roommate, Yulia Nikonova, was evacuated in April from Bakhmut, a city that fell to Russian forces after some of the fiercest and most deadly clashes since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022.

The 76-year-old was struck in the hand by a sniper's bullet and lay wounded for three days. She was told by Ukrainian soldiers who rescued her that she would have died had she stayed another two days.

"On the fourth and fifth floors, the walls between the apartments would fall like dominoes," she said, recalling the horrors of fighting that reduced much of Bakhmut to rubble.

In the next door room at the centre, Skachkova and Denys were settling in to their temporary home while awaiting more permanent accommodation elsewhere.

Denys strode over to two other boys and said: "Let's be friends." The reply was affirmative.

"This is my first time out of Toretsk," he confided to his new pals.

(Reporting by Max Hunder and Ivan Lyubysh-Kirdey, Editing by Timothy Heritage)
The UK government wants to send some asylum seekers to Rwanda, but the policy has been ruled unlawful by the Supreme Court.

The Court said there was a risk that asylum seekers sent there could be returned to their home country, which would break UK and international human rights laws.

But the prime minister insists the policy will go ahead.

What was the Rwanda asylum plan?

The five-year trial - announced in April 2022 - would have seen some asylum seekers sent to Rwanda to claim asylum there.

Under the plan, they could be granted refugee status to stay in Rwanda. If not, they could apply to settle there on other grounds, or seek asylum in another "safe third country".

The government said "anyone entering the UK illegally" after 1 January 2022 could be sent there, with no limit on numbers.

Rwanda could also have asked the UK to take in some of its most vulnerable refugees.

The UK has already paid the Rwandan government 140m, but no asylum seeker has actually been sent to the country. The first flight was scheduled to go in June 2022, but was cancelled after legal challenges.

Why did the government want to send asylum seekers to Rwanda?

The government said the policy would deter people arriving in the UK through "illegal, dangerous or unnecessary methods", such as on small boats across the English Channel.

More than 45,700 people used this route to come to the UK in 2022, the highest figure since records began.

Chart showing the number of people crossing the English Channel in small boats, 2018-2023 (15 November 2023)

In January the PM said "stopping the boats" was one of his key priorities.

As of 13 November, the number of small boat crossings in 2023 was a third lower than at the same point the year before. But it is not clear which government policies have contributed to that fall.

What did the Supreme Court say about the Rwanda policy?

The UK Supreme Court ruled unanimously that the Rwanda scheme was unlawful.

Five top justices said the Court of Appeal had been right to conclude in June that there had not been a proper assessment of whether Rwanda was a safe country for asylum seekers.

Lord Reed, the Court president, said there was strong evidence to believe that genuine refugees sent to the country could be at risk of being returned to their home countries where they could face persecution. In law, this is called "refoulement".

It breaches part of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), which prohibits torture and inhuman treatment. The UK is a signatory to the ECHR.

The judges said the policy also breached safeguards in three British laws passed by Parliament over the last 30 years.

And they cited Rwanda's poor human rights record, and its past treatment of refugees.

The Rwandan government rejected the judges' conclusions, saying: "We take our humanitarian responsibilities seriously, and will continue to live up to them."

What has the government said?

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he remained "completely committed to stopping the boats", and was determined to "end the merry-go-round" of legal challenges.

He told MPs that the government was negotiating a new treaty with Rwanda that would protect against refoulement, and was prepared to change the law to ensure the policy went ahead.

Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick later said it was "absolutely critical that flights go off to Rwanda in the spring".

Emergency legislation could declare that Rwanda is a safe country, but legal experts have questioned how that might work.

Former Supreme Court judge Lord Jonathan Sumption told the BBC the prime minister's plan was "profoundly discreditable", and would still be a breach of the government's international law obligations.

"It would be constitutionally a completely extraordinary thing to do, to effectively overrule a decision on the facts, on the evidence, by the highest court in the land," he said.

Where is Rwanda?

Rwanda is a small land-locked country in east-central Africa, 4,000 miles (6,500km) south-east of the UK.

Map showing Rwanda

It borders Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Tanzania and Uganda.

With a landmass about one-tenth of the size of the UK, it has a population of 13.8 million.

President Paul Kagame hopes to win a fourth term in 2024, which would extend his presidency to nearly three decades.

He won the last presidential election in 2017 with nearly 99% of the vote, but critics accuse him of supressing his political opponents.

According to Human Rights Watch, "Rwanda is a country where it's very dangerous to oppose the government".

Would the plan save the government money?

The government has not provided a total cost for the scheme.

An economic-impact assessment prepared for the government's Illegal Migration Bill estimated that removing each individual to a third country, such as Rwanda, would cost 63,000 more than keeping them in the UK.

That is the difference between the total cost of removing an individual - estimated to be 169,000 - and the 106,000 spent on housing support if they remain in the UK.

The latter figure includes a payment to the third country of around 105,000 per person, as well as 22,000 for flights.

Legal challenges meant the first Rwanda flight was cancelled shortly before take-off in June 2022

The Home Office said no cost would be incurred if the policy prevented an individual from entering the UK illegally.

But it acknowledged it could not say how many people would be deterred.

The UK's asylum system costs 3bn a year. About 8m a day is spent on hotel accommodation for refugees and asylum seekers.

Critics say the daily cost is so high because of the time taken to decide on applications, and a ban on asylum seekers working while waiting for confirmation of their status.
By Michael Holden and Sam Tobin

LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's Supreme Court will deliver its ruling on Wednesday on whether the government can go ahead with its plan to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda, a decision which could have far-reaching ramifications for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

At hearings in October, government lawyers argued that the top court should overturn a ruling that the scheme to send thousands of asylum seekers more than 4,000 miles (6,400 km) to East Africa was unlawful as Rwanda was not a safe third country.

Sunak hopes the Rwanda scheme will help stop the flow of migrants across the Channel from Europe in small boats, and so deliver one of his key policy pledges and energise his ailing premiership ahead of an election expected next year.

With his Conservative Party languishing about 20 points behind in the polls and immigration a major concern for some voters, victory in the Supreme Court would be seized on by the government as a sign it was getting to grips with the issue. Defeat would be viewed as another failure.

The court's decision could also magnify calls from some Conservative lawmakers for Britain to pull out of the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR), especially after Sunak upset some on the right of his party by sacking Suella Braverman, a vocal critic of the treaty, as the minister in charge of the issue on Monday.

The government has suffered a number of major defeats in the Supreme Court in recent years, most notably when it found former Prime Minister Boris Johnson had acted illegally when he suspended parliament in 2019.

The five senior judges, including the court's president Robert Reed, will deliver their decision at about 1000 GMT on Wednesday.

PRESSING NEED

During three days of hearings, the judges heard from government lawyers who said there was a "serious and pressing need" for the Rwanda scheme.

They argued Rwanda was "less attractive" to those who might come to Britain, and so the scheme would be a deterrent, while the deal struck with the East African country would ensure the human rights of migrants deported there would be protected.

"There is a strong public interest in deterring illegal, dangerous and unnecessary journeys from safe third countries to the UK, whilst ensuring that those who continue to make such journeys are removed to a safe third country," they said.

Rwanda has said it would offer migrants sent from Britain the opportunity to build a new, safe life.

But lawyers representing asylum seekers from Syria, Iraq, Iran, Vietnam and Sudan who face being sent to Rwanda argued it was unlawful to send people there because it would breach the ECHR, and put them at risk of being returned to their home countries despite having valid asylum claims.

They also said asylum seekers faced inhuman or degrading treatment within Rwanda, and their argument has support from the United Nations' refugee agency.

The Rwanda deal, struck by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson in April 2022, was designed to deter asylum seekers from making dangerous journeys across the Channel, and Sunak has made ending the influx one of five priorities as he seeks to turn around his and his party's fortunes.

"We will stop the boats," James Cleverly, Braverman's replacement as interior minister, said on X, formerly known as Twitter.

This year more than 27,000 people have arrived in Britain on small boats without permission, after a record 45,755 were detected in 2022.

The scheme was put on hold in June last year after the European Court of Human Rights granted a last-minute injunction, blocking the first planned flight. That directive has now expired.

(This story has been corrected to say that the ECHR injunction has expired, in paragraph 17)

(Reporting by Michael Holden; Editing by Alex Richardson)
The organizers of the award ceremony, where at least 19 Ukrainian soldiers from the 128th Mountain Assault Brigade were allegedly killed in a Russian attack, ignored basic security measures that could have prevented the incident, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said on Nov. 14.

A preliminary investigation revealed what happened on Nov. 3 when the soldiers were killed and found that reports of Russian reconnaissance drones operating in the area, including an air alert, were ignored. In addition, the soldiers were gathered in the yard of a house, with 10 cars parked outside, which was plainly visible from above.

"All rules of disguise were ignored," Umerov said.

Ukraine's 128th Mountain Assault Brigade reported on Nov. 6 that a Russian attack had killed 19 of its soldiers but did not provide any further details and urged not to spread "unverified, often fake information" before the end of the investigation.

"The best of our fighters died... We express our sincere condolences to their families and promise to avenge our brothers a hundredfold," the brigade said on Facebook.

An investigation into the incident and the potential negligent behavior of the organizers of the award ceremony, as well as anyone else who may have been involved, is ongoing, Umerov said.

"Everyone who is guilty of this tragedy will be punished according to the law," he added.

President Volodymyr Zelensky announced an investigation into the deaths of the soldiers on Nov. 5 in order to "establish the full truth about what happened, and to prevent this from happening again.

He also said the incident could have been avoided.

The president promised to implement changes in the armed forces to address negligence, Soviet-era practices, and bureaucracy.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Media reports Defense Ministry to dismiss 3 commanders, ministry rebuffs claim

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
More United Nations aid workers have been killed in Gaza than in any other single conflict in the organizations 78-year history, the UN said Monday, a stark reminder that humanitarian staff from global agencies have not been spared from Israels relentless bombardment of the besieged strip.

A total of 102 aid workers with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) were killed and 27 others wounded in Gaza since Israels war with Hamas began more than a month ago, the agency said.

In the last 24 hours, one UNRWA staff member was killed with her family in the north of the Gaza Strip due to strikes, the agency said in a statement. This is the highest number of United Nations aid workers killed in a conflict in the history of the United Nations.

The latest war exploded after the October 7 terror attacks by Hamas where militants killed at least 1,200 people in Israel and took more than 200 hostages.

Israel says it is fighting to eliminate Hamas - which it says has embedded itself in Gazas civilian infrastructure.

UN offices around the world lowered their flags to half-mast and UN staff held a moment of silence Monday to mourn and honor their colleagues killed in Gaza.

They will never be forgotten, said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who led the minute of silence from UN headquarters in New York.

UNRWA said those killed were among 13,000 of its staff working in Gaza and many had died alongside their families during Israels bombardment and blockade of the Palestinian territory following the October 7 attack by Hamas militants.

They were teachers, school principals, health workers, including a gynecologist, engineers, support staff and a psychologist, the statement said.

The UN aid workers are among at least 11,180 people killed in Israeli airstrikes, including 4,609 children, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Ramallah, which draws its figures from the Hamas-controlled territory.

UNRWA is the main UN agency operating in Gaza and is sheltering some 780,000 people in more than 150 overcrowded facilities even as basic services have crumbled.

The agency was established a year after the 1948 Arab-Israeli war and provides services such as education, healthcare, and relief and social services.

It followed the creation of the United Nations in 1945, after the Holocaust and other horrors of World War II, with the aim to prevent such atrocities and future world wars from happening again.

Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said on Wednesday that both Hamas and Israel had committed war crimes in the past month.

Home to more than 2 million people crammed into 140 square miles (362 square kilometers), Gaza had long been one of the worlds poorest places, cut off from the outside world for the last 17 years by an Israeli and Egyptian blockade.

Israels current siege and bombardment has created a deepening humanitarian crisis with desperate conditions inside Gaza, including the near total collapse of the healthcare system and the widespread destruction of whole neighborhoods.

The agency said its staff are working round the clock with scarce supplies to support those displaced in its schools and buildings, facilitating what little aid deliveries make it into Gaza and aiding vulnerable Gazans including pregnant women and babies.

The Israeli blockade on all fuel and most food, water and medicine from entering Gaza has meant UNRWAs aid operation has been strangled of resources, said Thomas White, director of UNRWA Affairs in the Gaza Strip, and the agency will be forced to entirely halt services including desalination plants and waste removal due to a lack of fuel.

White said UNRWA has no fuel to fill its trucks in Gaza and will not be able to receive deliveries of aid through the Rafah crossing on Tuesday.

Earlier this month, UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said its staff in Gaza are sharing the same living conditions as anyone else.

Theyre struggling on a daily basis to find the bread, to find the water, to protect their children. And despite that, and despite the heavy loss within this organization, they remain committed to do whatever is possible to provide support to the people in Gaza. But its a constant daily struggle, Lazzarini said

Despite protections under international law, aid organizations, NGOs, journalists and medics have also fallen victim to the flighting. The Committee to Protect Journalists said as of Monday, at least 42 media workers have been killed since the start of the war.

More than 60 UNRWA facilities  mostly schools sheltering thousands of civilians  had suffered collateral or direct damage by Israeli strikes, the agency said, and since October 7, 66 people sheltering in its facilities have been killed. On Sunday, one of its premises in Rafah in southern Gaza was hit by an Israeli naval strike and sustained significant damage.

This recent attack is yet another indication that nowhere in Gaza is safe. Not the north, not the middle areas and not the south. The disregard for the protection of civilian infrastructure including UN facilities, hospitals, schools, shelters and places of worship is testament to the level of horror that civilians in Gaza are living every day, said Lazzarini.

The Israeli military said Monday that it carried out a strike based on operational requirements, adjacent to a UN building on Sunday.

UNRWA said that of the total facilities damaged, 70% were south of Wadi Gaza, in the middle and southern areas including Rafah and Khan Younis. This is the area of Gaza to which the Israeli military has instructed civilians in the north of Gaza and Gaza City to move.

CNNs Tim Lister, Niamh Kennedy, Tamar Michaelis and Kareem El Damanhoury contributed reporting.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Students who complete bachelors degrees in the UNC System earn, over their lifetime, a median of about $572,000 more than North Carolinians without a degree, according to a new report released Tuesday.

In total, the report found, students receiving an undergraduate degree from the system earn a median of about $1.2 million over their lifetime. Subtracting the cost of tuition and attending one of the states 16 public universities, those earnings translate into a median $500,000 return-on-investment for students compared to non-degree holding North Carolinians, the report found.

Students who complete graduate-level degrees in the states public university system experience a median return of $938,000 on the investment in their education, compared to North Carolinians who hold only bachelors degrees. Thats out of total, median lifetime earnings of about $2.1 million, the report found.

The calculations were made by comparing the expected lifetime earnings of UNC graduates against the expected lifetime earnings of those without a college degree for undergraduate programs or with a bachelors degree for graduate programs, as measured by the American Community Survey, in the state, the report states.

UNC System President Peter Hans told The News & Observer in an interview Friday that the study shows that graduates of UNC System schools derive great value in their lives and in their careers.

And were proud of that, Hans said.

The report, mandated and funded by the state legislature and conducted by Deloitte, analyzed investment returns for more than 700 undergraduate programs and 575 graduate programs across the 16-university system. It included millions of data points and took more than 18 months to complete.

The highest return for undergraduates was in the field of biotechnology, which yielded a median return of more than $3.2 million over a graduates lifetime. For graduate students, the highest return came from medical science programs, which yielded a median lifetime return of more than $5.2 million.

The report found that 94% of undergraduate programs and 91% of graduate programs in the system provide a positive return on students investments. Hans said he believes the Board of Governors, which oversees the university system, will charge himself and the chancellors across the system with assessing programs that did not result in a positive return and develop solutions to grow the value proposition of those programs.

Hans said he could think of a number of ways we might address that, including lowering the cost of certain programs or creating more direct career pathways out of certain programs. Hans did not explicitly say that the study could lead to the elimination of programs that do not provide positive investment returns for students, but emphasized a need for a public-interest standard in approving programs.

Weve got to be able to show the students that theyll be better off at the end of their experience than they were going in, he said.

Legislatures involvement in ROI study

The state legislature mandated the UNC System conduct a study of programs investment returns through a provision in the state budget two years ago.

The provision directed the system to contract with an outside research group to to conduct an evaluation of its current programs at each constituent institution, including operational costs, student outcomes, and return on investment (ROI) of each program.

The provision further specified that the analysis should include, among other figures, the number of students in each program, the number of faculty and other staff employed for each program, the costs to operate each program, the return on students investments and the return on the states funding of the university system.

Hans said his conversations with legislators led him to believe that they wanted a better analytical evaluation of how the UNC System impacts the state.

We tout the UNC System as an engine of opportunity. I believe it is. I believe the report demonstrates, proves that it is, Hans said. But they wanted something to quantify that, and thats fair.

The report found that for every dollar the state invests in the system, students earn an additional $23 in lifetime earnings, which Hans characterized as a very strong return on investment for the state of North Carolina.

This additional income or purchasing power for North Carolina graduates flows into the State economy, producing monetary benefits from increased taxes, spending power, and societal benefits from community and charitable contributions, the report states.

Hans said the report is not tied to any particular ask for additional funding from the state legislature, but he said he thinks it will provide the system and legislature a resource to consult to better allocate our resources.

Eventually, the reports findings will be available online in interactive dashboards, with the hope that prospective students, their families and other stakeholders in the university system can use it as a resource in understanding the value of an education from the system. Hans acknowledged that task will be a difficult one, given that the report itself is 80 pages and includes a vast amount of data.

The challenge to us is going to be to make this information not just accessible, but understandable, he said.

Hans also cautioned students and others not to make decisions about their courses of study based solely on the investment returns they might glean.

I do want to say, students should study what they what they love and pursue their their passions, Hans said. Because people who are passionate about particular fields and areas of inquiry tend to be very good at their work and very satisfied with their lives.

Members of the UNC System Board of Governors are expected to review, discuss and respond to the report at their meetings this week. The meetings are being held at UNC Greensboro, where an ongoing review of academic programs  which could lead to the elimination of some programs  has prompted pushback from students and faculty this semester.
The Navy wants to demonstrate the ability to use a uncrewed underwater vehicle to launch and recover a drone that can operate underwater and in the air.

The U.S. Navy is set to demonstrate the ability of an uncrewed underwater vehicle, or UUV , to launch and recover a smaller drone that can both swim and fly . The service says it wants the two platforms to be able to go through the deployment and retrieval processes autonomously  without any human involvement.

The Office of Naval Research (ONR) announced today that it had hired SubUAS to "develop and demonstrate launch and recovery capabilities of the Naviator from and to a UUV (using a UUV surrogate)." The total value of the contract, which was formally awarded on November 8, is nearly $3.7 million, if all options are exercised.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FC9EJhs0pc0

What ONR is currently referring to as the Subsurface Autonomous Naviator Delivery (SAND) system must be able to launch and recover the Naviator "without a human-in-the-loop," according to a brief statement about the deal with SubUAS.

The Naviator drone at the center of this project is a known quantity and has been in development since the early 2010s, in part with the help of U.S. military funding through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. SubUAS was founded in 2016 to handle continued work on the Naviator, which was originally created by a team led by F. Javier Diez, an associate professor at Rutgers University in New Jersey.

At a quick glance, the Naviator looks a lot like a typical quadcopter drone. However, is designed specifically to be able to pull itself along underwater, as well as fly, and transition seamlessly from one medium to the other. As seen in the pictures throughout this piece, a number of iterations of the uncrewed aerial system have been developed over the years and SubUAS describes the platform as scalable .

A pair of pictures showing one of the Naviator designs demonstrated over the years. Rutgers University

"Naviator is scalable to multiple sizes, with a 16-foot wingspan and 0-90+ lbs payload, and is optimized for a variety of sensors, cameras, and other payloads. Naviator is faster to deploy than existing underwater Remote Operating Vehicles (ROVs), and is also able to reach its target faster via flight," according to a 2020 U.S. government press release . "It has longer embedded mission capabilities than similarly sized drones, and utilizes precise GPS and visual position hold, as well as power-saving buoy sentry mode. The platform can easily surface, send data, receive new instructions, and begin a new mission."

The same release also said that Naviator was capable of "tetherless operation with remote pilot control, and the ability to conduct autonomous missions." SubUAS's website notes that smaller versions of the drone could be used in swarms.

A rendering from SubUAS showing another Naviator configuration. SubUAS

SubUAS has said in the past that existing Naviator types are capable of reaching underwater speeds of up to 3.5 knots, and could potentially get up to 10 knots depending on their size and configuration. It's unclear how fast the drone can fly in its aerial mode.

The ONR contract notice today does not provide details on the capabilities of the specific Naviator design it plans to test or what type of UUV mothership it might intend to represent using the unspecified "surrogate." However, it's not surprising that the Navy is interested in this kind of capability.

Mines are probably the biggest problem for the Navy, Diez, the professor at Rutgers behind the Naviator design, said back in 2015 . They need to map where mines are. Now there are a lot of false positives. This could be a better technology to rapidly investigate these potential threats.

A graphic depicting, in very general terms, how a Naviator might help locate mines in its underwater mode, surface to transmit that data back to friendly forces, and then go back down below the waves to continue searching for more threats. SubUAS

In a naval context, "the drones could emerge quickly from the depths, get a quick glimpse of enemy ship deployments, and then hide again," a news item from Rutgers at that time further noted. "An air-and-water drone could also help engineers inspect underwater structures, such as bridge and dock piers, ship hulls and oil drilling platforms."

In this role, Naviator could help protect friendly forces by checking the hulls of ships and coastal infrastructure below the waterline for evidence of mines being placed or other signs of hostile infiltration.

A rendering depicting a Naviator drone inspecting underwater oil or natural gas-related infrastructure. SubUAS

Naviators could help with search and rescue missions, too. "For instance, the vehicle could scan the water from above to locate missing swimmers and sailors, and upon spotting shipwreck debris could dip underwater to further examine the scene," Rutgers' 2015 news item notes.

There are also various potential civilian scientific research and commercial applications for the Naviator.

For the U.S. Navy, being able to employ Naviators in swarms and deploy them discreetly using UUVs, which themselves could be launched via crewed submarines, opens up additional possibilities and offers additional operational flexibility. For instance, a swarm of Naviators could scour a broader area around the UUV for threats and do so relatively rapidly.

The UUV's ability to launch and recover the aerial drones without any need for immediate, direct human involvement only increases the ability of the pairing to operate autonomously forward of other friendly forces. This is fundamental to an advanced UUV's mission set.

Its unclear what UUVs the Navy might be exploring as future motherships for Naviator drones, but larger types the service is looking to acquire, like the Boeing Orca seen here, are among the possibilities. GAO

The requirement for the Naviators to be recoverable and their quadcopter-like design imposes certain limitations, including in terms of range, endurance and applicable mission sets. Tasks like conducting swarming non-kinetic and kinetic attacks on enemy forces, using payloads like electronic warfare jammers or small munitions, or even acting as a 'kamikaze drone' that just smashes into its target and explodes would be better left to longer-range fixed-wing drone platforms that are not necessarily intended to be retrieved afterward. That's not to say Naviators couldn't do some of these things, but just in much closer proximity to the launching UUV than other alternatives.

The range issue would also be mitigated to some degree by advanced UUV's ability to slip deep into denied or otherwise sensitive areas before launching the drones to perform any assigned missions closer to their targets than what any other launch platform could provide.

The Naviator's highly autonomous capabilities would also be critical to not being detected and not needing to communicate with the launch platform for much of its flight. While extending a communications mast or buoy and connecting to the drone is clearly possible, that would increase the risk of detection greatly to the UUV. By sending the Naviator on its way and recovering it after its mission and then downloading its intelligence products, both drones can stay effectively silent throughout the sortie, only communicating during recovery operations.

ONR's SAND concept is, of course, not the first time, even recently, that the Navy has announced plans to demonstrate underwater-launched uncrewed aerial system capabilities.

In 2021, ONR awarded a separate contract to Raytheon to demonstrate its ability to launch versions of its Block 3 Coyote drone configured as loitering munitions, also known as kamikaze drones, from UUVs and uncrewed surface vessels (USV). The same year, the Navy announced its intention to buy unarmed 120 AeroVironment Blackwing submarine-launched drones. American submarines have had a proven ability to launch smaller fixed-wing drones for surveillance for many years now.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTpUG9fCJpA

The Navy also said just last week it hopes, as part of a program called Razorback, to begin fielding a new UUV that can be launched and recovered using the torpedo tubes on its existing crewed submarines within a year. This follows the cancellation of the Snakehead UUV program last year in part due to that design being too large to find inside a standard torpedo tube, limiting the options for deployment and retrieval. The Navy has developed other torpedo-tube-launched drones in the past, but these have typically not been readily recoverable by the same means.

Another Navy program, called Orca , is also pushing ahead with the development of a large-displacement UUV that is not intended to be launched or recovered via a torpedo tube. The Navy also has various smaller UUVs in service and in development .

In recent years, the U.S. military has been exploring options for launching aerial drones configured to perform various missions, including in swarms, from a host of other platforms, including ground-based systems , crewed surface warships , traditional fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters , and even high-altitude balloons .

It remains to be seen what will come from the Navy's new project to launch and recover Naviators from other underwater drones, and do so without the need for direct human involvement. What is clear is that this effort is completely in line with the kind of capabilities the service is pushing to field in the near term.

Contact the author: joe@thedrive.com
(KRON)  A United Airlines flight made an emergency landing at San Francisco International Airport Monday night, United confirmed.

Flight UA1909 was headed from Los Angeles to Vancouver, but it touched down in the Bay Area due to a potential security issue on board, United said. According to Flight Aware, the plane took off at 7:13 p.m. and landed at SFO at 9:28 p.m.

United flight 1909 diverted to San Francisco this evening due to a potential security issue on board. The flight landed safely and was met by local law enforcement. We are working to get our customers to their final destination as soon as possible, United said.

There were 148 passengers on the plane, and it had an eight-member crew.

United did not expand on the nature of the possible threat. KRON4 has reached out to the San Francisco Police Department for more and are awaiting a response.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
A dramatic rescue operation is underway in northern India, where a tunnel collapse has trapped dozens of workers in Uttarkashi, a town in the Himalayan region.

The incident occurred early Sunday during a shift change, with as many as 40 workers caught in the rubble following the collapse of a tunnel-constructed section as part of an extensive Himalayan highway project, as per CNN.

Uttarkashi Crisis Urgent Rescue for Workers in Collapsed Tunnel

The Uttarkashi superintendent of police, Arpan Yaduvanshi, told CNN that communication with the trapped workers has been established, and they are currently alright. Rescuers supply oxygen and water to the men through the debris, with emergency personnel working tirelessly to free them.

Photos and videos from the site show rescue teams and a large excavation machine working at the dark tunnel entrance. Both state and national disaster officials have joined local police in the rescue effort.

Uttarkashi Circle Officer Anuj Kumar reported that about 20 meters (65 feet) of debris has been cleared, but another 40 meters (130 feet) remains. The 4.5km (2.7 mile) tunnel, part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Char Dham Road Project, aims to connect the holy Hindu shrines of Uttarkashi and Yamunotri.

Durgesh Rathodi, a state disaster response official, told AFP that approximately 200 meters (218 yards) of the tunnel had collapsed, with oxygen being supplied to the trapped workers through tubes. However, the rescue operation is challenged by additional rubble falling as rescuers work to remove the blockage.

Photographs from the government rescue teams reveal massive piles of concrete obstructing the tunnel, with twisted metal bars from the broken roof, adding to the situation's complexity. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has called for prayers for the safe rescue of the workers, according to South China Morning Post.

Read Also: Pakistan: Suffocating Air Pollution Grips Lahore City, Leading to Shutdown

Ongoing Uttarkashi Tunnel Rescue with No Worker Response

Rathodi also mentioned that a message was sent to the workers through the oxygen-supplying tube, assuring them that all efforts were being made for their safety. However, no response has yet been received from inside the tunnel. The precarious nature of the situation is highlighted by the fact that more rubble is falling as the debris is being cleared.

A local police officer expressed optimism about rescuing the trapped men but acknowledged the difficulty in estimating the time it would take. The Char Dham Road Project, which includes the tunnel, aims to improve connectivity to famous Hindu shrines and areas bordering China.

However, accidents on large infrastructure construction sites are common in India, with a similar incident in January 2021 in Uttarakhand resulting in the deaths of at least 200 people, mostly construction workers, due to flash floods triggered by a glacier burst.

The current rescue effort in Uttarkashi is a race against time to save the trapped workers, reflecting the risks associated with significant construction projects in ecologically sensitive areas.

The incident underscores the need for stringent safety measures and effective emergency response strategies in large infrastructure projects, particularly in regions prone to natural disasters. As the rescue operation continues, the focus remains on the safety and well-being of the trapped workers and the hope for their swift and safe recovery, Aljazeera reported.

Related Article: London Pro-Palestinian Rally Draws 300,000 Participants; Dozens Detained

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There is an eerie familiarity to how the world is reacting to the war between Israel and Hamas.

In 2014, I was a speechwriter for the Israeli delegation to the United Nations when Hamas terrorists kidnapped and killed three Israeli teenagers, kicking off 50 days of war. For the past month, I have felt an unsettling sense of deja vu as Ive watched the U.N. go through the same tepid motions in response to todays war.

The modus operandi of terrorist groups like Hamas has long been to prey on the weak and defenseless. On June 12, 2014, Palestinian terrorists abducted Eyal Yifrach, 19, Gilad Shaar, 16, Naftali Fraenkel, 16, on their way home from school. Israel launched a military operation in the West Bank to locate the boys and found their bodies 18 days later, buried in a shallow grave north of Hebron.

The ensuing war saw an Israeli ground offensive into Gaza. The goal was to stop Hamas unceasing rocket fire into Israeli towns and destroy its underground tunnel network. Then, as now, the response from the United Nations and the international community made clear that Hamas would never be held accountable for its actions.

Shortly after the three boys were abducted, our delegation called on the U.N. to denounce the kidnapping. A U.N. spokesperson replied that there was no concrete evidence the boys were kidnapped by terrorists.

U.N. agencies then embraced the both sides approach. UNICEF, which exists to protect children, posted online: Recent violent events affecting Palestinian and Israeli children underline the urgent need for stronger protection for children in the region.

From there, it wasnt long before U.N. officials were laying the blame on Israel.

Hamas' crimes against Israelis have gotten worse

Nearly a decade later, the U.N. is following the same dance steps. The difference is that Hamas crimes have grown exponentially.

The Oct. 7 slaughter of more than 1,200 Israelis was the single-largest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust and the second-largest terrorist attack since 9/11.

Antisemitism is an unending plague: My father, Elie Wiesel, survived Auschwitz. He'd ask these questions about Israel-Hamas war.

Since that horrific day, the U.N. has called numerous emergency sessions, held hours of debate, drafted hundreds of pages of draft resolutions  all of which amount to very little.

It has not passed a single resolution to condemn Hamas savagery, even though terrorists wore GoPros to document themselves slaughtering, raping and torturing civilians. Similarly, the U.N. has not called for the release of more than 200 hostages, including babies, children and the elderly.

The walls of the old city of Jerusalem feature projected pictures of Israelis abducted by Hamas terrorists on Oct. 7, 2023, and are currently held hostage in the Gaza Strip.

Instead, the U.N. has set its focus on conditions in Gaza, blaming Israel even as Hamas hides behind the civilian population and continues to fire rockets at Israels civilian centers.

U.N. officials are pressing for a cease-fire, knowing full well it would give Hamas the chance to regroup, rearm and renew its attacks. Back in 2014, there were a series of short-lived cease-fires, which Hamas breached.

The United Nations was founded in the wake of World War II to maintain peace and security and prevent atrocities like the Holocaust. It is failing to live up to that mission.

'We will kill you': I was held hostage in a war zone. Years later, the trauma remains.

UN provides cover for terrorists

Eight decades later, the U.N. is a clubhouse for dictators and a den of moral equivocation. It is a home for corrupt tyrants to stand in judgment of free democracies, where warmongers like Russia wield a veto and notorious human rights abusers like Iran get tapped to lead human rights forums.

By cultivating the appearance of a virtuous global body, the U.N. dangerously telegraphs to terror organizations and their state sponsors that there will never truly be a price to pay for committing atrocities. Worse, the U.N. gives them cover.

Jewish students are being vilified. Will our allies stand up to antisemitism?

After Oct. 7, the international outcry shifted from horror for Israel to horror at Israel in less than a week. While it is reasonable to expect Israel to abide by the laws of war, it is entirely unreasonable to expect nothing from Hamas.

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.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the Security Council that the deadly Hamas attack on southern Israel did not happen in a vacuum. These six words were all the world needed to hear to decide that Hamas, genocidal in its intent and brutal in its action, was justified on Oct 7.

In one way, Guterres is right: The attacks didn't happen in a vacuum. Since Hamas took over the Gaza Strip in 2007, the U.N. has watched the terrorist group steal billions of dollars in international aid, build command centers inside hospitals and store rockets in schools operated by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency.

On the U.N. watch, Gaza has become what the Israeli ambassador to the United States calls the biggest terror complex in the world  and Hamas has learned repeatedly that they can get away with murder.

Aviva Klompas

Aviva Klompas is the former director of speechwriting at the Israeli Mission to the United Nations and co-founder of Boundless Israel, a nonprofit organization that partners with community leaders in the U.S. to support Israel education and combat hatred of Jews.

You can read diverse opinions from our Board of Contributors and other writers on the Opinion front page, on Twitter @usatodayopinion and in our daily Opinion newsletter. To respond to a column, submit a comment to letters@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Hamas once again murders Jews in Israel. And UN tries to justify it
A Texas university went into lockdown after a fatal shooting on campus, officials told news outlets.

The shooting happened at about 9 a.m. Monday, Nov. 13, at Prairie View A&M University, campus police told KPRC.

Investigators say an ex university employee shot and killed a former co-worker at the Governor Bill and Vara Daniels Farm and Ranch, KTRK reported.

The more than 770-acre facility is dedicated to aiding the needs of the Academic, Extension, and Research programs, according to the university.

The employee had several gunshot wounds and died at the scene, police told KTRK. Investigators are working to determine what may have motivated the killing.

Officers caught the suspect as he was trying to drive away from the area, and he was taken into custody, police told KPRC. Officials have not publicly identified the accused shooter or announced any charges.

The university canceled classes for the rest of the day.

Our hearts go out to family, friends, and all impacted by this tragedy, Prairie View A&M said in a news release. The Prairie View A&M University Police Department is leading the investigation.

Prairie View A&M is roughly 50 miles northwest of Houston.

Man making threats against pastor is shot and killed outside church, Texas cops say

Man accused of choking dog is shot to death by animals owner, Texas police say

Dog attacks 3 kids during recess after crawling under school fence, Nebraska cops say
Oleh Davydchak, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs of Lviv Polytechnic National University, met with students on Nov. 14 as they rallied for the dismissal of linguist Iryna Farion, who teaches at the university, news outlet Novyny.Live has reported.

Davydchak said that a decision to dismiss Farion would be "difficult." In order to take it, it is necessary to "study all the materials, circumstances, listen to the teachers, Farion herself, and the students," he said.

Read also: Ukrainians are reading significantly more during war  and Russian-language books are disappearing

"You came to us to express your opinion, and were listening to it. The same as with the opinions of other teachers and other students," he said.

Davydchak also added that "according to the questionnaires," there has been no negative feedback to Farion from students so far.

Students in Lviv are demanding the firing of Ukrainian language professor Iryna Farion from Lviv Polytechnic National University after she made disparaging comments about Russian-speaking Ukrainian soldiers, public broadcaster Suspilne reported on Nov. 14.

The professor sparked a wave of criticism after she responded to the fact that some military brigades of the Azov Regiment and the 3rd Separate Marine Brigade speak Russian, stating that she cannot "accept" that such fighters be called Ukrainians.

Read also: After Bucha and Irpin, Imagine what Russia would do to Lviv  says Ukrainian warrior urging unity

She was speaking during an interview with Ukrainian journalist and television presenter Yanina Sokolova on the YouTube channel Rendezvous on Nov. 5.

Students from Lviv Polytechnic, Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, and Kyiv National University of Technology and Design, among others, participated in the protest. The protesters brought posters with slogans such as "Farion out", and "Iryna Farion disgraces Ukraine" as seen in a video provided by Suspilne.

She is currently a lecturer, associate professor, doctor of philology, and professor of the Ukrainian language department at Lviv Polytechnic.

Later, representatives of Lviv Polytechnic University invited the students to meet with administrators.

On Nov. 7, Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets appealed to the police, Ukraines SBU security service and the National Council for Television and Radio Broadcasting over Farion's statement.

Read also: Russia suppressing Ukrainian language in occupied territories

On Nov. 8, Farion published a letter from a student in the temporarily occupied Crimea who supported her position on the importance of the Ukrainian language and said that he was looking forward to the liberation of his hometown, Kerch. Farion did not conceal the student's personal information, including his name and the city where he studies.

On Nov. 13, the pro-Russian Telegram channel Crimean SMERSH  a network of informants seeking out Crimean pro-Ukrainian individuals to instigating occupying forces against them  published a video in which a young man named Maxym Hlebov identified himself as the author of the letter to Farion.

In the video, Hlebov apologized for the letter and said that he had renounced his views. The caption under the video stated that the Russians had found Hlebov thanks to Farion's post.

Farion herself said that she is supported by "hundreds of people." She called the incident a "regular provocation" organized by Russian propaganda.

Later, Ombudsman Lubinets said that he had again appealed to the SBU about Farion.

Lviv Polytechnic University said that it "does not bear responsibility" for Farion's statements and that the university students have contacted law enforcement.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
An unlicensed driver with an illegal gun inside the glove box of his car was arrested on Friday after he ran out of gas, according to authorities.

Jamal Ramos, 25, of Springfield, is charged with unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, unlicensed possession of a firearm, and possession of ammunition without an FID.

State Police say Trooper Angela Younger happened upon Ramos, who had run out of gas, on Interstate 91 in Holyoke. Ramos reportedly told the trooper he wasnt able to make arrangements with anyone who could help him or bring him gas.

After arranging a towing contract service provider to pick Ramos up, Trooper Younger asked if she could see his license. Ramos did not have a drivers license and after confirming the status of his license, he was issued a citation.

In preparation for the tow, Trooper Younger performed an inventory of the car. Police say Ramos became nervous at this point and refused to move away from the car.

When Trooper Younger searched the glove box, she allegedly found a loaded Galesi-Brescia handgun. She asked Ramos if he could produce a license to carry, which he could not.

Ramos was then placed under arrest and transported to the Northampton Barracks to be booked, photographed, and fingerprinted.

He was arraigned Monday in Holyoke District Court.

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A Buffalo Soldier before an event recognising the legacy of the soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment

The US Army has overturned convictions of 110 black soldiers who were arrested after the 1917 Houston Riots.

A military review found the soldiers were not given fair trials and were "wrongly treated" because of their race.

Records will now be reclassified to characterise their military service as honourable.

The riots took place after months of racial provocations against members of a regiment known as "Buffalo Soldiers".

"By setting aside their convictions and granting honourable discharges, the Army is acknowledging past mistakes and setting the record straight," Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth said in a statement on Monday.

The 3rd Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment was one of four regiments of all black servicemen also known as "Buffalo Soldiers", a nickname dating back to the 1860s.

The Houston Riots took place on 23 August 1917 after months of racial tensions, including the violent arrest and assault of two black soldiers.

Amid rumours of additional threats to the soldiers from a white mob, a group of armed black soldiers assembled in the Texas city, where clashes erupted.

Nineteen people died in the violence, including civilians.

The army convicted 110 soldiers from the regiment on charges including disobedience of lawful orders, mutiny, and assault with intent to commit murder.

Ultimately, nineteen soldiers were executed, including 13 who were executed in secrecy within a day of being sentenced. Others were sentenced to life behind bars.

Historians say the process was "characterised by numerous irregularities", the Army said.

It remains the largest mass execution of American soldiers by the US Army.

In October 2020 and December 2021, the Army received petitions from retired general officers requesting clemency for all the soldiers.

Under Secretary of the Army Gabe Camarillo said: "We cannot change the past; however, this decision provides the Army and the American people an opportunity to learn from this difficult moment in our history."

The Army has said relatives of the soldiers may be entitled to compensation.
The US Army has named five soldiers killed in a helicopter crash in the eastern Mediterranean over the weekend (AP)

The US Army has named five soldiers killed in a helicopter crash in the eastern Mediterranean over the weekend.

Five Army aviation special operations forces were killed when their helicopter experienced an in-flight emergency during aerial refueling training that resulted in the crash over the Mediterranean sea.

US European Command said search and rescue operations were launched immediately following the crash, but none of the soldiers survived.

A US official previously told CBS News the five soldiers were special operations forces who had been deployed to Cyprus in case an evacuation of Lebanon or Israel was ordered.

The US Department of Defense released the identities of the five soldiers, who were all from the same base in Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

The five deceased men were named as Sgt Cade Wolfe of Minnesota, 24, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Stephen Dwyer of Tennessee, 38, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Shane Barnes of California, 34, Staff Sgt Tanner Grone of New Hampshire, 26, and Sgt Andrew Southard of Arizona, 27.

The US Army is investigating the crash, but said there are no indications that the crash was caused by enemy or hostile actions.

Additional US forces were deployed to the Middle East in response to the 7 October attack on Israel by Hamas militants.

Two aircraft carriers  the Ford and the Eisenhower  along with supporting ships and dozens of aircraft have been deployed to the eastern Mediterranean since the attack.

Following news of the soldiers deaths, tributes flooded in, with the US Army describing each of the five men as a national treasure whose loss cuts deeply.

The commander of the Army Special Operations Command, Lt Gen Jonathan Braga, said the deceased soldiers hail from rare patriotic families with deep military service ties that span multiple generations and formations.

This is devastating news that reverberates across the entire Special Operations community, Mr Braga said on Monday in a statement. Every loss is tough, but in this case, service to the Nation is truly a family business and its hard to express the amount of sorrow that we all feel right now.

President Joe Biden also paid tribute to the five soldiers, saying their deaths illustrate how service operators put their lives on the line for our country every day.

He added that the crash occurred at the start of the weekend commemorating Veterans Day. [First lady] Jill [Biden] and I are praying for the families and friends who have lost a precious loved one  a piece of their soul. Our entire nation shares their grief, he said.

Meanwhile, Staff Sgt Grones parents paid tribute to their son in a Facebook post, saying that they were beyond proud of what you became and believed in. Thank you for all these amazing years. Please watch over us. Love you and cant express how much you will be missed.

The incident marks the second time US Army personnel from Fort Campbell have died in a helicopter crash this year.

In March, two HH-60 Black Hawk helicopters collided during a nighttime training flight, killing all nine soldiers aboard
The nations Catholic bishops gather for their annual fall meeting in at the Marriott Waterfront hotel in Baltimore on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023. On Tuesday, the Catholic leaders called for peace in a war-torn world and unity amid strife within their own clerical ranks. (AP Photo/Tiffany Stanley)

BALTIMORE (AP)  Catholic leaders called for peace in a war-torn world and unity amid strife within their own clerical ranks on Tuesday, as U.S. bishops gathered in Baltimore for their annual fall meeting.

The meeting came soon after two actions by Pope Francis that illustrated the divisive challenges facing the Catholic Church  removing one of his harshest conservative critics from his role as bishop of Tyler, Texas, and releasing a document conveying a more welcoming stance to transgender people than the official positions of the U.S. bishops.

In his opening address Tuesday, Archbishop Timothy Broglio, the president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, expressed empathy for those in conflict zones, from Myanmar to the Middle East.

We recognize and defend the right of Israel to exist and to enjoy a place among the nations, said Broglio, who heads the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA." At the same time, we know that the Palestinians ... have a right to a land that is their own. The Holy See has long advocated for that right.

The Baltimore meeting comes on the heels of an unprecedented meeting in Rome, where Catholic clergy and laypeople gathered for 25 days last month to discuss the future of the Catholic Church, including its stances on women and LGBTQ Catholics.

Cardinal Christophe Pierre, who as papal nuncio is Pope Francis diplomatic representative to the United States, acknowledged tensions over the recently concluded synod but took a positive tone.

We may have had serious anxieties about the synod, especially if we are focusing on the particular agenda or idea, whether negative or positive, Pierre said. But this is not what synodality is all about.

Pierre emphasized dialogue, saying church members need bishops to show how our diversity, harmonized, displays the beauty of the church and of the Catholic faith.

The bishops plan to amend their voter guide ahead of an election year where abortion rights are expected to drive turnout.

The bishops elected Toledo Bishop Daniel Thomas over a more prominent cultural warrior, San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone, as the new head of their committee on pro-life activities. The committees chair serves as the conferences point-person in efforts against abortion, a top priority for the bishops.

Jamie Manson, head of Catholics for Choice, called it an ironic choice, given that Thomas serves in Ohio where Catholic groups just spent more than $12 million fighting a losing battle against abortion access. Ohio voters enshrined abortion rights by ballot amendment last week.

Manson said in a statement that the Catholic bishops are doubling down on their losing abortion strategy through 2024.

In a news conference, Broglio affirmed the bishops would maintain their efforts even as the political landscape on abortion has shifted.

Ending innocent human life is simply not acceptable, Broglio said. Well continue to do whatever we can to influence those who go to the polls to vote.

The polarized synod process is ongoing, and leaders will reconvene in Rome next year. On the left are those who support Pope Francis vision of a more welcoming, inclusive church. On the right are conservative critics of Francis agenda, including many U.S. bishops, who say its essential to hold the line on current teachings in areas such as gender and sexuality.

In the wake of the synod, Pope Francis has made decisions in recent weeks that put him at odds with some of his conservative critics.

In late October, Pope Francis moved the church closer to welcoming transgender people. A Vatican document said trans people could be baptized as well as serve as godparents under certain conditions.

Then, just days before the annual U.S. bishops meeting, the pope removed Bishop Joseph Strickland, an outspoken papal critic and voice against LGBTQ inclusion, from his diocese in Texas. Strickland on Sunday posted a video on X, formerly known as Twitter, of himself speaking out against homosexuality five years ago at the U.S. bishops meeting.

My voice has been removed from these gatherings but I hope someone, anyone will take up the message, he wrote.

Strickland was seen Tuesday praying with people outside the conference hotel in Baltimore.

A rally in support of Strickland is scheduled for Saturday in Tyler.

___

Smith reported from Pittsburgh.

___

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the APs collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
A major federal climate report shows that the U.S. is unlikely to meet national or international climate targets and warns of dire consequences for the country.

The Fifth National Climate Assessment, released Tuesday, finds that the planet is very likely to heat up by an average of between 4.5 and 7.2 degrees Fahrenheit (2.5 and 4.0 degrees Celsius) compared to pre-industrial times  outpacing goals of both the U.S. and international community.

While it puts the likely warming window in that range, the report notes that scientists cannot rule out further warming and potentially catastrophic outcomes.

Higher values are not definitively ruled out, and feedback loops such as changes to cloud cover may lead to more warming in the future, it said.

It noted that tipping points such as the loss of the Greenland and West Antarctic ice sheets, loss of the Amazon rainforest and cloud disappearance risk creating further accelerations to planetary warming.

Yet, even at the projected rise in average global temperature, the report notes that the U.S. is likely to see significant temperature changes  and the warmer days and extreme weather that comes with them.

At 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit of global warming, the average U.S. temperature is very likely to increase by between 4.4 and 5.6 degrees. The northern and western parts of the country are likely to experience this warming at disproportionate levels, the report said.

The congressionally mandated report was put forward by the U.S. Global Change Research Program, which is made up of 14 federal agencies.

The previous version of the report was put forward in 2018, under the Trump administration. That report likewise warned that climate change would disrupt the lives of Americans.

Its release on the day after Thanksgiving raised questions about whether the administration was trying to bury it. The New York Times later reported that officials attempted unsuccessfully to push scientists to downplay their conclusions in the Trump-era report.

The new report said the U.S.s recent rates of planet-warming emissions decline is not enough to stave off global warming or meet its climate goals.

Between 2005 and 2019, greenhouse gas emissions decreased by less than 1 percent per year on average. They would need to decline by more than 6 percent per year on average to achieve the countrys current target of bringing its emissions down to net-zero by the middle of the century.

It reported that emissions could further be cut by improving energy efficiency; electrifying more energy uses such as transportation and heating while also bringing down emissions from electricity use; shifting toward less meat consumption; and reducing food waste.

The report listed consequences all around the country, noting that at this level of warming, the Southeast will see six more days over 100 degrees Fahrenheit each year and the Midwest will see 10 more days over 95 degrees.

It said that further warming will create more risks for the nations water supply, food security, infrastructure, health, ecosystems and economy.

For example, climate change is expected to make food less available and more expensive as high temperatures reduce crop yields and introduce disease, while droughts and wildfires may threaten water supplies and put more heat stress on livestock.

Air pollution could also worsen, especially since chemical reactions that produce smog speed up with higher temperatures and more sunlight. And if climate change reaches severe levels  with warming between 9 and 14 degrees Fahrenheit  about 25,000 more people may be killed on a yearly basis in 2100 than in 2000.

It also highlights key regional impacts of the warming planet.

The northeastern U.S. is already seeing more rain and snow, and extreme precipitation events have increased by about 60 percent in the region. In the future, increases in heat waves are expected to also increase mortality rates in the Northeasts urban areas.

Meanwhile, in the Southwest, climate change is exacerbating water supply issues. The report says that between 1913 and 2017, average water discharge from the Colorado River decreased by 9.3 percent for each 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit of warming.

It also said that changes in the timing of streams that come from melting snow are expected to disrupt water infrastructure and hydropower to meet the regions needs.

Dave White, lead author of the reports Southwest regional chapter, pointed out that declines in water availability in the area worsened by climate change, could reverberate well beyond the borders of Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Colorado, Nevada and California.

You just need to think about the benefits that water from this region provides, White told The Hill. It affects your ability to have affordable and healthy foods year-round.

He added that Western water is also crucial for the regions semiconductor manufacturing, saying in many ways, it touches everyone in the country.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Russia may repeat its attempts to destroy Ukraine's energy facilities this winter, so the United States is discussing with the Ukrainian authorities ways to prepare for such attacks.

Source: State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller during a briefing, Voice of America

Details: According to Miller, in all conversations with representatives of the Ukrainian government, the State Department makes it clear that the United States will continue to support Ukraine.

Support for Ukraine, as well as strengthening Ukraine's infrastructure before the winter, was the subject of morning conversations between US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Andrii Yermak, the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine.

The US State Department spokesperson also stressed that the US will never make any decisions regarding Ukraine without Ukraine.

Quote from Matthew Miller: "Of course, we will talk about Ukraine, the war in Ukraine, and we will talk about how we can best defend Ukraine, we always do that  looking for ways that other countries can assist Ukraine."

Background: In September, it became known that the Russian forces were conducting reconnaissance of Ukrainian energy facilities with the aim of further strikes. The Ukrainian Defence Forces were intensively preparing for such actions.

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(Bloomberg) -- The US has given a large number of Chinese journalists permission to enter the country to cover the first meeting between presidents Xi Jinping and Joe Biden in a year, in a sign of improving ties.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The US has issued hundreds of visas for Chinese reporters to cover the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation gathering in San Francisco where the talks will take place, according to a person involved in preparations for the summit this week, who asked not to be identified discussing a private matter.

The issue of journalist visas has been a source of tension in China-US ties since 2020, when both nations expelled reporters and those that remained were often placed on rolling, short-term permits. In 2021, the nations eased the restrictions for reporters they permanently host, handing out one-year multiple entry visas.

Despite that, China and the US continue to limit the number of visas they give to reporters from the other country.

China and the US have reached a consensus on providing each other with visas for journalists accompanying visiting delegations, Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in response to a request for comment. The two governments have maintained close communication and coordination on this.

See: Biden, Xi to Announce Deal for China to Crack Down on Fentanyl

Xis trip marks his first visit to the US since 2017 and comes amid hopes that his conversation with Biden will bring some relief to strained ties between the worlds two largest economies. The Xi-Biden meeting will be a highlight of the APEC summit, and Chinas reporters will focus on covering their president.

Xi is trying to present himself as a global leader on par with the president of the US, said Oriana Skylar Mastro, who researches Chinas military as a center fellow at Stanford Universitys Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies.

The Xi-Biden meeting will be the first time the two leaders have spoken since the Group of 20 summit in Bali, Indonesia, in November last year.

More: China Weighs Ending Freeze on Boeing With 737 Max Deal in US

The US has made resuming high-level military links between the nations a priority of the Xi-Biden sitdown. Beijing cut that communication after then Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan in 2022. A string of tense military encounters in the South China Sea has raised the risk of an accident leading to a wider conflict.

Washington and Beijing are also set to reach an agreement for China to crack down on the manufacture and export of fentanyl, according to people familiar with the matter, in return for lifting restrictions on Chinas forensic police institute.

--With assistance from Jacob Gu.

(Updates with comment from Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs in fifth paragraph.)

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Billie Eilish addressed her sexuality and slammed the trolls who keep on commenting about her body in an interview for Variety, discussing her Grammy-nominated 'Barbie' track 'What Was I Made For?'

In the past years, Eilish declared her sexuality as "straight." However, after years of fending off speculation about her sexuality, she cleared that she was not as straight as a ruler as before.

Billie Eilish Comes Out as Queer

According to Variety, Eilish has confirmed that she could not understand girls well. She said she loves girls and was attracted to them for real.

"I have deep connections with women in my life, the friends in my life, the family in my life. I'm physically attracted to them. But I'm also so intimidated by them and their beauty and their presence," she said.

Eilish was usually untroubled, but she addressed her sexuality a little less casually when she brought the information to the public.

In 2021, she was accused of queerbaiting when she posted a video of her with other dancers with a caption of "I love women." In her interview with Elle, she said that many people have been paying too much attention to her life, especially her sexuality.

She said, "Like, oh yeah, that's everyone else's business, right? No. Where's that energy with men?"

Furthermore, she admitted she was discouraged when people commented about her body. She said that she may now be comfortable with the public about her sexuality, but the double standards for men and women in our culture still frustrate her.

She also said that she uses fashion to avoid comments about her body. She commented as she noticed that nobody comments on men's bodies.

She was upset with the fact that men who were muscular and who were not still got the same respect and praise. But she added that girls were cool with men's bodies because girls are nice and see people for who they are.

Read Also: A$AP Rocky Faces Criminal Charges for the Second Time Without Rihanna, Sparks Separation Rumors

Billie Eilish's Achievements

Despite being a young woman in her 20s, Eilish has already won seven Grammys and an Oscar.

She started to make waves in the music industry when she was 13 years old with her song 'Ocean Eyes' with her older brother, Finneas. In 2019, her 'Bad Guy' became a megahit and reached No. 1.

She said that her success in the music industry was not entirely her true happiness. She said that the awards were all just external validation.

Eilish's new Oscar set to win was 'Barbie' movie original song 'What Was I Made For?', which received a lot of love from the audience. While she gets praise for her acting debut as cult leader Eva in Prime Video's horror satire series "Swarm."

She said she was finally feeling good, becoming someone she loves, and doing things she felt proud of.

Related Article: Billie Eilish Hits Back at Critics Over Feminine Style Change





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House Speaker Mike Johnson proposed a two-tiered plan to avoid a government shutdown before funding runs out on 17 November

The US House of Representatives has passed a short-term funding bill in a bid to avert a government shutdown that looms on Friday, despite a major Republican revolt.

The measure, the first major test for new House Speaker Mike Johnson, was approved by 336 votes to 95.

It keeps federal agencies open at current spending levels until mid-January.

The Senate is expected to approve the stopgap measure before the week's end.

It must be signed into law by President Joe Biden before government funding expires on 17 November, otherwise tens of thousands of federal employees would be temporarily laid off without pay as soon as next week and various government services would be abruptly suspended.

Mr Johnson hailed its passage as putting "House Republicans in the best position to fight for conservative policy victories".

The vote required a two-thirds majority to pass. On Tuesday night, 93 Republicans opposed the measure.

The bill faced criticism from the House Freedom Caucus - a group of likeminded Republicans who are fiscally conservative and regularly oppose party leadership - in part because it does not include the steep spending cuts they wanted.

"Republicans must stop negotiating against ourselves over fears of what the Senate may do with the promise 'roll over today and we'll fight tomorrow,'" the group said in a statement.

Neither does the bill include President Biden's request for more than $100bn (80bn) in funding, including for Ukraine and Israel.

But House Democrats sided with Mr Johnson, citing the need to keep the government functioning.

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In a statement released before the vote, the Democratic leadership said it would support the resolution because it was "devoid of harmful cuts and free of extreme right-wing policy riders".

The vote marked the first major test of leadership for the new Republican House Speaker, Mr Johnson.

His unusual two-tiered plan leaves parts of the government - including the Food and Drug Administration, Veterans Affairs and the Department of Transportation - funded until a January deadline, while others would be funded up to early February.

The stopgap measure is meant to give lawmakers time to prepare longer-term spending bills.

Mr Johnson's continuing resolution is a so-called "clean" bill with no spending cuts, policy provisions or other strings attached.

The Speaker's decision to override the right flank of his party and pass a funding bill with Democratic support is the very same tactic that led to the removal of his predecessor, Kevin McCarthy, in October.

"We're not surrendering," Mr Johnson said after a closed-door meeting of House Republicans on Tuesday morning, as he referred to their slim 221-213 majority, "but you have to choose fights you can win".

The new House Speaker is three weeks into the job, but the discontent from some in his party on Tuesday indicated his political honeymoon could be short-lived.

Texas congressman Chip Roy, an influential conservative, told reporters the House Freedom Caucus was "trying to give the speaker a little grace", but argued that "today's a mistake, right out of the gate".

The Republican party has experienced a tumultuous two months after eight right-wing Republicans voted to oust Mr McCarthy.

Tensions flared before the vote on Tuesday, when right-wing congressman Tim Burchett of Tennessee accused Mr McCarthy of "elbowing" him in the back while he stood in the halls of Congress.

The incident led another Republican lawmaker, Matt Gaetz, to file an ethics complaint.
By Daphne Psaledakis

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The United States and Britain imposed a fresh round of sanctions on Tuesday targeting Hamas as they seek to cut off funding for the militant Palestinian group following its deadly attack on Israel last month.

The United States announced its third round of sanctions since the attack, targeting key Hamas officials and the mechanisms through which Iran provides support to Hamas and its ally Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), another militant group.

Britain added sanctions on four Hamas senior leaders and two financiers, the Foreign Office said in a statement, including the group's political leader in Gaza and the commander of its military arm.

"The United States will continue to work with our partners, including the U.K., to deny Hamas the ability to raise and use funds to carry out its atrocities," Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said in a statement.

"Hamass actions have caused immense suffering and shown that terrorism does not occur in isolation. Together with our partners we are decisively moving to degrade Hamas's financial infrastructure, cut them off from outside funding, and block the new funding channels they seek to finance their heinous acts."

Israel vowed to wipe out Hamas after the militant group's fighters burst across the fence around the Gaza enclave on Oct. 7 and rampaged through Israeli towns, killing civilians. Israel says 1,200 people were killed and around 240 were dragged back to Gaza as hostages in the deadliest day of its 75-year history.

Medical officials in Hamas-run Gaza say more than 11,000 people are confirmed dead from Israeli strikes, around 40% of them children, and countless others trapped under rubble. Around two-thirds of Gaza's 2.3 million people have been made homeless, unable to escape the crowded territory where food, fuel, fresh water and medical supplies are running out.

The United States on Tuesday also issued guidance on providing humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people despite sanctions on Hamas, clarifying that U.S. measures "do not stand in the way of legitimate humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people."

Hamas is designated a terrorist group by Israel, the United States, the European Union, Britain and others.

While Americans are generally barred from engaging in transactions with Hamas and PIJ, neither Gaza or the West Bank are subject to an embargo or jurisdiction-based sanctions, the guidance said.

It clarified that transactions in support of certain nongovernmental organization (NGO) activities are authorized, such as providing lifesaving medical assistance to civilians in Gaza at a hospital staffed or occupied by Hamas. Transactions related to official business of certain international organizations, such as the United Nations, are also authorized, the guidance said.

FINANCES TARGETED

Since the Oct. 7 attack, Washington has imposed three rounds of sanctions on Hamas. It has targeted the group's investment portfolio and issued an alert to financial institutions on countering Hamas financing while senior officials have discussed the group's access to funds on trips abroad.

Washington's action on Tuesday specifically targeted Mahmoud Khaled Zahhar, a senior member and co-founder of Hamas, the PIJ's representative to Iran and the Damascus-based deputy secretary general of PIJ and leader of its militant wing.

Lebanon-based money exchange company Nabil Chouman & Co was also targeted, along with its owner and founder, who was also targeted by Britain. The Treasury said Hamas uses the company to transfer money from Iran to Gaza and accused it of having transferred tens of millions of dollars to the group.

Washington's move freezes any U.S. assets of those targeted and generally bars Americans from dealing with them. Those who engage in certain transactions with them also risk being hit with sanctions.

(Reporting by Daphne Psaledakis, Doina Chiacu and Susan Heavey in Washington and Muvija M in London; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama, Gareth Jones and Jonathan Oatis)
The US military's B-1 Lancer carried out another mission around the Middle East this week.

The supersonic bomber has flown several missions around the region since the beginning of November.

The display of combat power, though unrelated, comes at a time of increased military activity in the area.

US military B-1 Lancers have been busy in the Middle East this month. The latest mission is the third time in just a little over a week that the supersonic bombers have been used to put American airpower on display in the region.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Monday that B-1 Lancers recently conducted missions in its area of responsibility  which spans over 4 million square miles and stretches diagonally from Egypt to Kazakhstan  for the third time in eight days, "demonstrating the ability to rapidly project combat power."

The B-1B Lancer is a multi-mission, supersonic aircraft that the US Air Force has described as the "backbone of America's long-range bomber force."

Capable of flying at 30,000 feet and traveling at speeds of over 900 mph, faster than the speed of sound, this decades-old aircraft can be heavily armed with a variety of conventional precision and unguided bombs and missiles. It has previously deployed on combat missions in Afghanistan, in Iraq, and in southeastern Europe during NATO's air campaign against former Yugoslavia.

The US military announced the first of the recent B-1 Lancer missions on November 5, saying that "the mission was designed to build agility and interoperability between US and partners while demonstrating the ability of the US military to respond to crises and contingencies across theaters." Three days later, on November 8, CENTCOM announced another mission  that time publishing photos of US F-16 fighter jets escorting the heavy bomber. It is unclear exactly when the most recent mission took place.

Though flights come at a time of increased military activity in the region and the tempo is somewhat irregular, a CENTCOM spokesperson told Insider that these bomber missions are part of the dynamic force employment Bomber Task Force flights and were planned in advance of the eruption of tensions in the area early last month. The Pentagon has said the same.

A B-1 Lancer supersonic heavy bomber on a mission. US Air Forces Central

"It's important to differentiate the bomber task force mission from the current situation in the Middle East," Pentagon Press Secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said at a briefing on November 6, "recognizing that, again, it does demonstrate to our allies and our partners the capabilities that we have to respond to a variety of situations while also, again, showing our potential adversaries that we have these capabilities."

Tensions across the Middle East remain high as Israel's war against Hamas stretches into its sixth week and Iran-backed militias continue to attack US forces in Iraq and Syria with drones and rockets. Over the past month, the Pentagon has confirmed more than 50 attacks on its service members, although some think tanks like the Washington Institute for Near East Policy have pegged this figure much higher.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd has announced retaliatory strikes on three separate occasions, each time targeting Iranian assets in eastern Syria, with the most recent airstrikes occurring on Sunday. These "self-defense strikes" have hit a weapons storage facility, a training facility, and a safe house.

The Biden administration has routinely signaled its desire to keep the Israel-Hamas war contained to the Gaza Strip and prevent it from spiraling into a regional conflict. In repeated messages of deterrence to Iran and its proxies, the Pentagon has dispatched a large amount of combat power to the area  including aircraft carriers, destroyers, cruisers, fighter aircraft, and an Ohio-class submarine  while vowing that it will continue to take any action to protect American troops and facilities.

"The US Air Force is engaged, postured, and ready with credible force to assure, deter, and defend anytime, anywhere," US Air Forces Central Command said on Tuesday after the most recent B-1 Lancer flights, reiterating the deterrent goal of the Bomber Task Force missions.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The US's abilities to give Ukraine "everything it needs" are shrinking every week without the approval of a new large aid package for Ukraine in Congress.

Source: Ukrinform, citing Jake Sullivan, US Presidential National Security Advisor, at a briefing in Washington.

Quote from Sullivan: "It is already having an effect on our ability to give Ukraine everything that it needs, and that effect will only compound over time."

Details: Sullivan stressed that the US Congress should approve the president's request, which includes aid to Ukraine and Israel, as soon as possible, as it directly affects US national interests.

He said that the Biden administration sent a request for the allocation of funds for Israel, Ukraine, the Indo-Pacific region, as well as strengthening the border: "We detailed exactly what we needed, including for Ukraine, and we still need that, and we need it as soon as we can get it."

Sullivan emphasised that the US government is working actively with both the House and the Senate, both Republicans and Democrats, to secure the votes to ensure that funding.

He noted that a strong majority is maintained in both chambers to approve the request of the US president. Sullivan said that "the United States national interest will be deeply harmed if we are not able to secure and sustain funding for Israel, Ukraine, the Indo-Pacific and the border."

Sullivan also warned Congress against bringing the situation to a government shutdown that threatens the country after 17 October. He noted that such a development could be a "devastating blow" primarily to the American military, which protects the national security interests of the United States.

Apart from that, he said, a potential shutdown would send a signal to the international community that "the United States cannot pull together on a bipartisan basis." This is especially important at a moment when the world is experiencing turbulence, including due to Russia's war against Ukraine and Israel's fight against Hamas terrorists.

Background:

US President Joe Biden is trying to convince the US Congress to support aid to both Ukraine and Israel and to approve a new US$106 billion aid package, which includes more than US$61 billion in funding for aid to Ukraine.

But Mike Johnson, the new speaker of the US House of Representatives, insists that the aid packages for Ukraine and Israel be considered by Congress separately, and the "Ukrainian" package be considered together with appropriations for border security with Mexico.

The White House and the Senate criticised and rejected a draft bill from the speaker of the US House of Representatives, Mike Johnson, on the temporary extension of funding with different terms for different government agencies.

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US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen is seen on a screen as she speaks during a press conference in the Moscone Convention Center at the APEC summit in San Francisco (ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS)

President Joe Biden's administration signaled Monday it would postpone a draft of an Asia trade pact that had been set to be unveiled at a summit in San Francisco, after facing domestic criticism.

Biden, welcoming 20 other members of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum to San Francisco where he will meet on the sidelines with Chinese President Xi Jinping, had been expected to announce substantial progress on a nascent trade deal.

But Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said there was still work to be done on the most contentious part of the so-called Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF), the trade component.

"There's been significant progress, but it looks not to be complete, like something that is likely to require further work," she told reporters after leading talks of APEC finance ministers.

"Nevertheless, in a number of areas that I think are critically important to the United States, like supply chains, environment, sustainable finance, we've made a huge amount of progress and we've made progress on trade too, but it appears not to be complete," she said.

IPEF falls well short of a traditional trade deal as it does not offer trade access.

Nonetheless, it would aim to set standards for business across some 40 percent of the global economy including three of the world's top five economies -- the United States, Japan and India.

IPEF also includes Australia, South Korea and much of Southeast Asia, but notably not China, as the United States tries again to assert a leadership role in Asia.

Senator Sherrod Brown, a member of Biden's Democratic Party close to labor unions, who faces reelection next year in battleground Ohio, on the eve of the summit called for the entire removal of trade from the IPEF.

"Any trade deal that does not include enforceable labor standards is unacceptable," Brown said.

The Democrats enjoy only a slender majority in the Senate and some in the party fear IPEF could be a replay of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a more ambitious trade deal that former president Barack Obama pitched to Asian allies.

Donald Trump denounced that deal as ignoring US workers' interests and pulled out immediately after entering the White House in 2017.

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WASHINGTON (Reuters) - An Oklahoma senator challenged Teamsters President Sean O'Brien to a fight during a Senate hearing on Tuesday rising from his seat, before the committee chair stepped in defuse the confrontation.

The verbal sparring began after Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin paraphrased from a June tweet posted by O'Brien about the Senator: "...What a clown, a fraud. Always has been, always will be. Quit the tough guy act in these senate hearings. You know where to find me. Anyplace, Anytime cowboy."

Mullin finished with an offer to fight O'Brien at the hearing, saying "Sir, this is a time, this is a place, if you want to run your mouth, we can be two consenting adults, we can finish it here," while pointing to the floor separating the two.

O'Brien responded "OK that's fine, perfect."

Mullin then rose for his seat after O'Brien said "You stand your butt up, big guy" as the two traded further barbs. At that point Sanders, who was chairing the hearing with union presidents, said to Mullin: "You're a United States senator, sit down."

Mullin again later in the hearing challenged O'Brien to fight for charity in April.

The hearing ended without further disruption from either one.

(Reporting by Chris Sanders, Editing by Nick Zieminski)
Antony Blinken, US State Secretary, and David Cameron, the newly appointed UK Foreign Secretary, have discussed joint military assistance to Ukraine.

Source: US State Department

Quote: "They also discussed relations with the PRC and cooperation to help Ukraine prevail against Russias war of aggression."

Details: Blinken and Cameron emphasised the continuity of the special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom and its importance to regional and global security.

The diplomats also reportedly discussed the conflict between Israel and Hamas, including efforts to increase the delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians in the Gaza Strip.

Background: On 13 November, David Cameron was appointed as the UK foreign secretary. He had resigned in 2016 amid the referendum on the Brexit vote. The referendum was Cameron's political gamble at the time, and he suffered a defeat. It seemed that he had said farewell to public politics forever.

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A new, massive Charlotte-area postal distribution facility is one of two North Carolina sites that will be the backbone of the U.S. Postal Services 10-year, $40 billion plan to modernize how mail is delivered across the country.

The Charlotte Regional Processing and Distribution Center is up and running at 524 Scaleybark Road in Gastonia, just west of Charlotte. Its one of the first regional plants to open in the U.S. and will be the template for 60 facilities planned nationwide, USPS spokesman Jeffery Adams said.

The nearly 700,000-square-foot center facility started operating in phases over the last two weeks, U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy told The Charlotte Observer during a tour of the site on Thursday. DeJoy was appointed postmaster general in 2020.

He noted how the postal system is competing for business with FedEx, UPS and other regional package carriers. Our goal is to become the preferred delivery provider in the nation, DeJoy said. We just have to reconfigure a lot.

The Gastonia project started about 15 months ago, DeJoy said, and is now getting mail from downtown Charlotte plants.

Another North Carolina regional plant is planned in Greensboro as part of DeJoys Delivering for America plan announced two years ago to transform the postal service.

Over the next 18 months, DeJoy said $200 million will be invested in North Carolina between the Gastonia and Greensboro plants, and updating other sites. DeJoy declined to say how much will be invested in the Gastonia facility. But About half of that  $100 million  will be invested in the Gaston County distribution center and other facility upgrades in Charlotte.

This new strategy will reduce redundant operations and transportation across the nation, saving us both time and money, DeJoy said last year when announcing the plan.

U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy spoke with employees during a recent tour at the new Charlotte Regional Processing & Delivery Center in Gastonia. The site is part of a $200-million modernization plan for postal service in the state.

USPS regional centers service improvements

The postal service has about 500 regional distribution plants across the country.

DeJoys plan calls for closing many delivery units, annexes and plants to instead create mega-centers that process, sort and send out mail for delivery under one roof. That includes opening 60 centralized centers equipped to handle the surging volume of packages since the pandemic.

The aim is to increase speed, reduce costs and improve our service, DeJoy said. Its not easy right now. We have old facilities, we have old equipment, built for 40 years ago. Were trying to modernize that.

DeJoy said when he took over during the pandemic, the postal service was projected to run out of cash in 60 days. He said his strategy has reduced projected losses from $160 billion to about $70 billion.

The Charlotte Regional Processing & Delivery Center is at 524 Scaleybark Road in Gastonia, just west of Charlotte.

Gastonia site is central to growth

The Gastonia Regional Processing & Distribution Center will serve as far south as Columbia and west to Johnson City, Tennessee.

(It was) one of the first ones we selected based on the analytics, looking at all the different traffic coming into and out of the Southeast, DeJoy said.

Interstate 85 is an ideal location, he said, to support growth in the Carolinas outside of Charlotte, and NorthPoint Developments 365-acre industrial park between Gastonia and Lowell was available for the new distribution center.

Updating postal facilities NC

Other existing postal facilities will be repurposed, DeJoy said.

For example the downtown Charlotte site will become a sorting and delivery center with about 250 carriers and new package equipment. We were handling 20 million packages a day by hand at the Charlotte site, DeJoy said. Its time to use conveyors.

Through the years, the postal service had expanded annexes while other buildings have fallen into disrepair and are dark. Were out to fix all of that, DeJoy said.

The Charlotte Regional Processing & Delivery Center in Gaston County will service customers as far south as Columbia and west to Johnson City, Tennessee.

Hiring for long-term careers

The U.S. Postal Service has about 20,000 employees in North Carolina, including 5,000 in the Charlotte region.

The Gastonia plant will have 700 to 1,000 workers. Hiring is underway with over 400 employees hired as of last week.

The U.S. Postal Service has 516,760 workers, according to the agencys website.

Delivering mail quickly and efficiently

Although the Gastonia plant wont be fully operational for the upcoming holidays, DeJoy said as of now, 98% of customers are getting their packages within two to three days.

Another new services include Ground Advantage, which offers delivery within five days across the country. DeJoy expects to see more products and services, plus new initiatives such as having some all-electric vehicles in Charlotte in the near future.

Over the next 18 months, Postmaster General Louis DeJoy said $200 million will be invested in North Carolina between the Gastonia and Greensboro plants, and updating other sites.
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  The Museum of Utah is coming to Salt Lake City, celebrating the states unique history, culture, and art through world-class exhibits, programming, and community spaces.

The museum, which is currently being built on the Utah State Capitol grounds, is slated to open in 2026 under the umbrella of the Utah Historical Society, according to a release.

Featuring 17,000 square feet of exhibition space, Utahs first state history museum will be free to the public, and open year-round.

First responders on scene of plane crash in Provo Canyon

Courtesy of Utah Historical Society

Courtesy of Utah Historical Society

Courtesy of Utah Historical Society

Courtesy of Utah Historical Society

The future gateway to Utahs State Capitol complex, the organization said, will feature four main galleries: Inspiring Utah, Building Utah, Becoming Utah, and Connecting Utah  safely housing, preserving, and protecting Utahs history and art collections.

The museum will share stories through the Utah Historical Societys expansive collections and have the ability to point visitors to important cultural heritage locations across the state, making the museum a trailhead for heritage tourism in Utah, said Jennifer Ortiz, director of the Utah Historical Society.

Rio Tinto Kennecott recently announced a $10 million donation for the Museum of Utah. The donation will be distributed over the next 10 years, representing Kennecotts deep connection and historical ties to Utah, a release states.

As a result, the Building Utah gallery will be presented by Rio Tinto Kennecott, honoring the work of Utahns, ranging from agriculture and mining to homemaking and railroad building.

The museum will reportedly display over 400 items for Utahns to enjoy.

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(Bloomberg) -- Venezuelas head of congress said he would not invite European electoral observers next year after the European Union extended sanctions on fifty Venezuelan officials.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Jorge Rodriguez said the EU could not be partial and objective after it extended sanctions on dozens of government officials on Monday, including the head of the electoral body, Elvis Amoroso, for another six months.

This is the second time Rodriguez publicly rejects observation from the European group, but the first since reaching an agreement with Venezuelas opposition for free and fair elections in exchange for the easing of sanctions. Rodriguez, a close ally of President Nicolas Maduro, said the EU would not be invited to oversee the 2024 presidential vote as long as their sanctions remained in place.

Read More: EU Shortens Venezuela Sanctions Review Amid US Democracy Push

Rodriguez said the EU had violated the agreement by extending sanctions, even though it exceptionally shortened the measures review period from 12 months to 6 months. As part of the deal signed in October, Venezuela had agreed to invite five organizations, including the EU, to oversee next years elections.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

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Tens of thousands of protesters flooded the streets of 53 cities across Spain on Sunday, expressing their vehement opposition to acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's controversial plan to grant amnesty to Catalan separatists.

The move is seen as a strategic maneuver by Sanchez to secure the parliamentary votes necessary for another term in office, as he faces mounting anger and accusations of compromising the nation's integrity, as per Financial Times.

Accusing Pedro Sanchez of Betrayal, Power Play

The conservative opposition, led by Alberto Nunez Feijoo and Isabel Diaz Ayuso, organized protests in major cities, accusing Sanchez of compromising the nation's rule of law and buying political power through his association with Catalan allies. The proposed amnesty, a deal between Sanchez's Socialist Party and separatists involved in the failed 2017 push for Catalan independence, has become a focal point of discontent, with banners labeling Sanchez a "traitor."

The looming publication of the amnesty law next week has heightened concerns about potential outbreaks of public disorder. While inching Sanchez closer to a majority, the deal is deeply unpopular among the Spanish populace. It has already triggered violent protests, raising the specter of a resurgence in nationalism and empowering far-right factions.

The situation took a darker turn with the shooting of Alejo Vidal-Quadras, a former president of the People's Party and founder of the far-right Vox Party. The assailant, who escaped on a motorcycle, targeted Vidal-Quadras shortly after he voiced his opposition to the amnesty deal and called for continued resistance.

While the motive remains unclear, the incident adds a layer of tension to an already volatile political landscape. The amnesty deal has been criticized, particularly for its potential impact on legal proceedings against prominent Catalan political figures like Carles Puigdemont.

The agreement, designed to cover alleged crimes related to the 2017 independence movement, has sparked debates over the erosion of the rule of law in Spain and the potential transformation of the nation into what some describe as a "totalitarian tyranny," according to The Washington Post.

Read Also: Sullivan Says US Continues Hostage Negotiations; 9 Americans Still Missing

Spain's Amnesty Sparks Judicial Crisis

The controversy has spilled onto the streets and permeated Spain's political and judicial arenas. The General Body of the Judicial Power, Spain's highest judicial authority, has labeled the proposed amnesty as threatening the rule of law, setting the stage for legal challenges.

Meanwhile, the high court in Madrid has expanded its terrorism investigation to include Puigdemont and other Catalan leaders, potentially complicating their legal standing even if the amnesty is enacted.

The unrest has led to violent clashes between police and demonstrators, with the far-right Vox party and the Popular Party supporting the protests. Vox's leader, Santiago Abascal, labeled the amnesty offer as a "coup" against the Spanish state and called for continued resistance.

As Sanchez attempts to navigate these challenges and secure a coalition government with the support of left-wing and separatist parties, the coming weeks are poised to be pivotal. The prime minister faces street protests, political opposition, and judicial hurdles that may impede his plans for a government that hinges on a delicate balance between various factions. The outcome remains uncertain, and Spain stands at a crossroads, grappling with the consequences of a divisive amnesty deal that has ignited deep-seated tensions across the nation, Courthouse News Service reported.

Related Article: Thousands March in France to Oppose Antisemitism

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
HOUSTON - A shelter-in-place has been issued for those on campus at Victoria College in response to a shooting, police say.

According to Victoria Police, officers responded to the campus after reports of shots fired at the Continuing Education Center Building around 7 p.m.

Authorities say one person, a 30-year-old male, was found shot and taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

FOX 26 Houston is now on the FOX LOCAL app available through Apple TV, Amazon FireTV, Roku, Google Android TV, and Vizio!

All Victoria College and University of Houston-Victoria buildings were placed on lockdown out of precaution, police report.

The suspected shooter is believed to have left the area before police arrived. Victoria police officers continue to search for the suspect.

VPD officers are releasing students and employees building by building and escorting them to their vehicles. Individuals on campus are urged to stay indoors until authorities escort them out, officials say.

Victoria College says all classes and offices will be closed on Tuesday, Nov. 14 out of respect for the stress individuals may be facing.

No other injuries have been reported at this time.
FREDERICK COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now)  The Frederick County Sheriffs Office said a man was arrested on Saturday after sexually soliciting a teenage girl.

Deputies said they arrested 43-year-old Brian Brooks, of Stephens City, Va., on eight separate counts of sexual solicitation of a minor.

On Oct. 11, undercover investigators were posing as a 14-year-old girl when Brooks started messaging them through an app. Investigators said Brooks knew that he was speaking to an underage girl and continued to have sexual conversations with them and ask for sex.

Man held woman, forced her to have sex for money in DC home, police say

Brooks said he would go to Frederick County to have sex with the girl. He was arrested at the location where they agreed to meet.

This male individual knew, without a doubt, that he was speaking to a 14-year-old girl and continued discussions with her in the hopes of having sex with a minor, said Lt. Andrew Crone, FCSO Criminal Investigations Section commander. Our detective, who posed as this teenage girl, worked diligently to identify and apprehend Brooks without incident.

Brooks was taken to the Frederick County Adult Detention Center.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON)  Sunday evening, San Francisco police responded to reports of an armed robbery in North Beach. Sources say the victims were a visiting media crew and that they met with San Francisco Mayor London Breed.

We dont want anyone in San Francisco to be a victim of any crime, whether they are a visitor or a resident, Mayor Breed said in a statement. SFPD is actively investigating this case, and we know that when an arrest is made, our District Attorney has taken a strong position of aggressively prosecuting crimes like these.

Im going to have to take you out: Paul Pelosi delivers chilling testimony in DePape trial

The robbery allegedly took place near Broadway and Columbus Avenue at 4:56 p.m. The victims told police three suspects armed with guns drove up near them, exited the vehicle and approached them. The victims then said the suspects demanded their production equipment, which the victims gave up, and fled the scene.

Sources say the victims will have equipment on loan during the rest of their stay.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the SFPD at 415-575-4444 or text a tip to TIP411 and begin the message with SFPD.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
The United States has published its gold standard climate report - a major assessment on the climate crisis, required by law, which comes around every five years or so. It involves hundreds of scientists and experts, resulting in a clear - and alarming - insight into how rising global temperatures are impacting America today, and what the future will hold.

Among the findings is one which perhaps feels intuitive, but can no longer be overlooked. While all Americans are being impacted by climate change, it is the underserved and overburdened that are being harmed the most.

In other words, heatwaves, wildfires, sea-level rise, violent storms - they all take a higher toll on Black, Brown and Asian communities, Native Americans and the countrys poorest citizens. These heavy burdens are financial, physical, mental, and social, and only add to the historic injustices woven into the fabric of American life.

Climate change will make food less available and more expensive, along with healthcare, insurance and property costs. Public budgets will be stretched as spending increases on disaster relief, leaving less for social welfare programs. Outdoor workers will lose income as hours are curtailed by more dangerously hot days.

Then theres the destructive impacts that cannot necessarily be counted in dollars and cents. Quality of life is threatened by climate change in ways that can be more difficult to quantify, such as increased crime and domestic violence, harm to mental health, reduced happiness, and fewer opportunities for outdoor recreation and play, the National Climate Assessment 5 (NCA-5) warns.

These impacts are already in motion, no matter where you look. The poorest Floridians, with a lack of insurance and savings, have struggled the most to rebuild from the devastation of Hurricane Ian in 2022, placing them more at risk of falling into long-term debt and financial hardship.

The historic racist practice of redlining - which barred Black Americans from getting mortgages and buying homes - has left many in neighborhoods more at risk of flooding. African-Americans accounted for half of the death toll when Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans in 2005. Nearly one in three Black residents never returned to the city after their homes were destroyed.

Phoenix, Arizona, had record heat-related deaths in 2023 after an unprecedented number of days above 100 degrees this summer. The final toll is expected to include a large number of people with little escape from brutal temperatures: homelessness jumped 46 per cent in the city in the past four years, due to a soaring housing market and lasting impacts of the pandemic.

Steps are being taken to address this tangled web of issues. The Biden administration is investing billions to tackle the climate crisis with a mandate that 40 per cent of funding be directed towards programs which fall under the environmental justice umbrella.

On the Navajo Nation, for example, tribal members are being trained to work in solar technologies, and expand renewables across communities where many households still lack reliable electricity and drinking water. In a cluster of cities in Massachusetts, health departments have received funding to help those with asthma in places particularly burdened by air pollution and substandard housing.

These are certainly positive developments, but it is not enough. Fighting the climate crisis goes beyond adapting to impacts which we can no longer avoid. It will require the US to take a long, hard look at its wealth inequality, which climate change threatens to turn from a wide gap into a yawning chasm.

While the US has made strides in cutting its domestic carbon footprint, it is the richest Americans who are firmly in the gas-guzzling driving seat. The top 10 per cent of wealthiest households are responsible for more than 40 per cent of total US emissions; the one per cent of richest Americans make up 15-17 percent of that alone.

The climate crisis is, of course, a shared global battle, one where every fraction of a degree rise increases the possibility of unforeseen consequences.

While there are still uncertainties about how the planet will react to rapid warming and catastrophic future scenarios that cannot be ruled out, the future is largely in human hands, NCA-5 says.

Its a fight which America - the country with the largest carbon footprint in history - is showing promising signs that it could lead, benefiting not just the wider world but also those living a few blocks away, in some cases.

But it requires some of Americas elite to pull their heads out of the increasingly hot sand.
Gaza mother Fadwa Kullab holds her newborn Mohammad inside a UN-run shelter in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip (Mai YAGHI)

With eyes wide open and his tiny fists clenched tightly, Mohammed Kullab is just a few days old, having started life in Gaza amid the chaos of the Israel-Hamas war.

"Nobody should be born in such circumstances," sighed his mother Fadwa Kullab, who has sought shelter at a UN school building in Gaza's southern city of Rafah.

Kullab now has seven children but said Mohammed's "birth was the most difficult experience of my life".

Like other mothers of newborns AFP spoke to in Gaza, she said her baby son had been refusing her breast milk.

"I'm not eating well," Kullab said, stressing that she had successfully breastfed her other six children.

Breastfeeding mothers are advised to drink at least three litres (more than six pints) of water a day and eat well to produce sufficient milk -- but finding clean water and food in Gaza is becoming harder by the day.

The already poverty-stricken and long blockaded Palestinian territory was plunged into its worst ever war after its Hamas rulers launched their October 7 attack on Israel.

About 1,200 people were killed and 240 kidnapped, among them 35 children including a 10-month-old, Israeli officials say.

The war unleashed by the attack has seen Israel relentlessly bombard and besiege Gaza and launch a ground invasion.

More than 11,200 Palestinians have been killed, most of them women and children, according to the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza.

Nearly two thirds of Gaza's 36 hospitals, already overwhelmed with war-wounded, have been knocked out of service due to a lack of fuel to power their generators.

Gaza City's biggest hospital Al-Shifa, packed with patients and displaced, is now inside a fierce urban combat zone, with its director reporting scores of dead buried in a mass grave in the complex.

Among those who died were seven premature babies in its disabled neonatal unit, Gaza's deputy health minister Youssef Abu Rish said.

- 'I could lose the baby' -

Countless new mothers in Gaza now fear the very worst, among them Kullab who said she feels helpless and unable to protect her children.

She has struggled to find baby formula and nappies, she said as she cradled her tiny son, swaddled in blankets.

Another woman, Najwa Salem, 37, said her newborn has jaundice, marked by yellowish skin and eyes. The condition can be worsened by low milk intake and dehydration and is often treated with daylight exposure.

To minimise the risk of neurological damage, Salem would like to take her infant boy outside, but said she hesitates because of the "rubbish piling up and the bombing".

Inside the UN school classroom Salem now shares with about 70 others, the mother worried because the scar from her Caesarian section had become infected.

Although she gave birth in a hospital, she said she was asked to leave after just one night "because they had too many wounded people to care for".

Outside, the huge amount of dust from the incessant bombing is causing breathing difficulties that spell special dangers for infants.

Another woman, eight-months-pregnant Umm Ibrahim Alayan, complained of coughing fits since she fled her neighbourhood as it was being bombarded.

Her intense coughing may have provoked the early contractions she has suffered, she said, her hands flitting nervously between her rounded belly and her face.

"I'm terrified, all I want to do is hold my baby in my arms," she said, sobbing. "I feel I could lose the baby at any moment."

- 'Utterly hellish conditions' -

The UN Population Fund's top official for the Palestinian territories, Dominic Allen, said pregnant women in Gaza "have nowhere to go, there is nowhere safe".

The UN says there are more than 50,000 pregnant women and an average of 180 births a day in Gaza, with a population of 2.4 million.

"We estimate that a minimum of 15 percent of these births will have complications, which will require basic or comprehensive obstetric care," Allen said.

The war is creating "a high-stress environment" likely to foster "complications of birth and may lead to miscarriages", he said.

The UN agency has cited the "nightmarish" case of one woman discharged just three hours after giving birth.

It said there were shortages of blood to treat postpartum haemorrhage and of antiseptic for stitches and treatment after umbilical cords are cut.

So far, the UN agency has managed to get 8,000 delivery kits into Gaza. They contain umbilical cord cutters, blankets for newborns, disposable sheets and other items.

But these only address a fraction of the need, and Gaza's health ministry says some women have been forced to give birth without a midwife in the overcrowded shelters.

"The nightmare in Gaza is much more than a humanitarian crisis, it's a crisis of humanity," said Allen.

One aid group still working in northern Gaza's heavily bombed Jabalia refugee camp is ActionAid, helping women inside the Al-Awda hospital which has been without power for days.

Surgeons there said they performed 16 C-sections on Sunday, without anaesthetic or other crucial supplies.

"Thousands of women in Gaza are risking their lives to give birth, undergoing Caesareans and emergency operations without sterilisation, anaesthesia or painkillers," said ActionAid's Riham Jafari.

"These women deserve quality healthcare and the right to give birth in a safe place. Instead, they are being forced to bring their babies into the world amid utterly hellish conditions."

my-crb/hmw/fz/kir
Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway has sold more than 60% of its BYD shares since last summer.

Buffett may have been taking profits, pruning his portfolio, or cutting his geopolitical exposure.

Here's why the stock sales are surprising, and what the thinking might be behind them.

Warren Buffett famously says his "favorite holding period is forever," and both he and his business partner, Charlie Munger, have gushed about BYD this year.

Yet their Berkshire Hathaway conglomerate has sold more than 60% of its stake in the Chinese electric vehicle maker since last August. Here's a closer look at the unusual move.

Bye bye BYD

Buffett and Munger paid $232 million for 225 million BYD shares in 2008, representing 25% of the company's Hong Kong-listed shares, or 9.9% of the overall company.

They disclosed their first sale last year after 14 years without touching the position, and since then have slashed their holding to about 88 million shares as of October 25  less than 8% of the Hong Kong shares, stock-exchange filings show.

The disposals are striking for several reasons. Buffett rarely sells a stock without a compelling reason, as doing so can incur taxes, and he takes pride in owning companies for the long run.

For example, Berkshire hasn't touched its stakes in Coca-Cola and American Express in nearly 30 years  and the two positions are now worth a combined $50 billion or nearly 10% of Berkshire's net assets.

Buffett and Munger will dump a stock or dispose of a business if there's a major decline in its situation or prospects. For example, they exited the "Big Four" US airlines after the pandemic struck in early 2020, as they believed air travel wouldn't recover for years to come. They also sold Wells Fargo after years of scandals, despite being one of its biggest shareholders for many years.

Berkshire has scored a big win with BYD, as it paid the equivalent of about $1 a share in 2008, and the Hong Kong-listed shares now change hands at more than $30.

An "extraordinary" company

Buffett would typically keep that kind of winning wager in his portfolio, to avoid paying capital-gains taxes, capture further upside for the stock, and be able to crow about it for years to come. That's especially the case when there don't appear to have been any big problems at the company that have eroded its growth potential or market position.

The stock sales are also surprising given both Buffett and Munger have hailed BYD as a truly special company this year. Buffett called it and CEO Wang Chuanfu "extraordinary" in April, while Munger recently described the automaker as a "miracle," and said its leader is a manufacturing genius who's "better at actually making things" than Tesla CEO Elon Musk.

Finally, it's unlikely that Buffett needed to free up money. Berkshire was sitting on a record $157 billion of cash, Treasury bills, and other liquid assets at the end of September, its latest earnings show.

A BYD car on display at the Nanjing International Auto Show. Getty Images

Why did Berkshire sell?

A big reason that Berkshire has been cashing in its BYD stock may be geopolitics. The US and China have been clashing in recent months over everything from microchips and Taiwan to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Buffett and Munger may have decided to pull back from China given the rising tensions  the reason why they dumped Taiwan Semiconductor only a few months after buying it.

Buffett said in April that the breathless rise in BYD stock over the past few years, and the possibility of finding something better to invest in, were factors in the sale. He and Munger may have opted to realize some of the roughly 30-fold gain they'd made on the stock, especially as the company faces more than a few risks.

BYD is more aggressively valued than in years past, it's still in a capital-intensive business in a brutally competitive industry, and investing heavily in battery development and other technologies.

The Berkshire chief may have found it easier to offload BYD than other stocks because it was never the best fit for his portfolio. The 93-year-old investor generally sticks to US-based companies in industries he deeply understands like fast food or insurance  a Chinese EV maker was always out of his comfort zone.

It's not clear whether Buffett and Munger sold BYD stock because they wanted to take profits, free up cash, prune their portfolio, cut their geopolitical risk, or avoid future problems at the company. Berkshire shareholders will be watching closely to see if they sell any more shares  or provide further explanation.

Read the original article on Business Insider
WARWICK  A 3-year-old boy who drowned in a Warwick neighbor's pool this summer had apparently followed his 13-year-old autistic brother out of the house and into the pool, unbeknownst to his father or the neighbor, police reports indicate.

The Aug. 28 drowning of David Holloway III happened after his older brother had been found on multiple occasions swimming in the neighbor's pool without permission, incidents that prompted the neighbors to complain to the boy's parents, the reports indicate.

The father of the boy who drowned, David Holloway, 32, was arrested and charged last week with two counts of child endangerment and five counts of cruelty to or neglect of a child, the Warwick police announced.

More: Police investigating death of 3-year-old in Warwick of apparent drowning - what we know

The boy's mother, Kaitlyn Nolan, 31, was charged with five counts of cruelty to or neglect of a child, the police said.

According to police reports, Holloway, Nolan and five children had been living in the house at 126 Gorham Ave. for several years but had recently split up. Nolan told the police that Holloway had kicked her out. She told the police she came by periodically to care for the children but hadn't been there in several days.

On the morning of Aug. 28, the first sign that something was wrong came when the house got "too quiet," David Holloway told Warwick Officer Rene G. Gauthier. Holloway told Gauthier he'd gone upstairs to check on the five children, saw them all, then used the bathroom and went downstairs to do the dishes, the reports say.

"After several minutes he felt that things were too quiet, because he can usually hear the boys jumping around and went upstairs to discover that" the boys were gone, Gauthier wrote. (Their sisters, ages 4, 7, and 10, were still in the house.)

Holloway went outside, began shouting for the boys and walked toward the house across the street at 121 Gorham Ave., because, Holloway explained, his oldest son "has been known to sneak over to that house and go in the pool," Gauthier wrote.

In the backyard, Holloway found the 3-year-old boy face down on the deck by the pool. (Video later reviewed by police showed his older brother had pulled him out after they'd both been playing in the pool.) Holloway picked up the child, brought him back to his house, started CPR and called 911, Gauthier noted.

Warwick fire and rescue treated the child and brought him to Hasbro Children's Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 12:42 p.m.

Drowning in Warwick prompts investigation

The incident prompted an investigation by the Warwick police that included interviews with Holloway and Nolan, neighbors and a review of video from the house where the boy drowned.

One of the homeowners was inside the house when the boys were in the pool, but she didn't realize anyone was in the water. She told the police she was on the other side of the house folding laundry and couldn't hear anything outside because the air-conditioning was running.

She estimated that the 13-year-old boy had sneaked into their pool "20 or more" times. She thought the gate had been locked but said the boy would even scale their fence to get into the pool.

She and other neighbors told the police they would sometimes find the older boy inside their houses uninvited. He would also play on one neighbor's trampoline uninvited, according to police reports.

Holloway and Nolan told the police they put locks on doors, nailed windows shut and moved furniture to keep the teenager inside the house, but he often managed to get around those measures.

Police reports also described conditions inside the house where the children lived as "deplorable," with garbage and pet feces on the floor, urine, fleas and the smell of marijuana, according to the police.

In the basement was "a large marijuana growing operation" of about 40 plants, as well as bagged marijuana, Detective Ben Bratko found. "In contrast to the rest of the house the basement appeared relatively clean," he wrote.

The state Department of Children, Youth & Families told the police the children would not be allowed to stay in the house because of its condition.

Several animals, including two dogs, were removed. One of the dogs, described as "a 13-year-old female hound mix named Molly," was emaciated and had an apparently serious ear infection. She had to be euthanized, the police said.

Holloway was also charged with one count of unnecessary cruelty to animals resulting in death, and one count of unnecessary cruelty to animals.

Holloway was arraigned in District Court on Friday and bail was set at $50,000 personal recognizance along with special conditions recommended by DCYF.

Nolan was presented before a bail commissioner Thursday and was released on $5,000 with surety.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Parents David Holloway and Kaitlyn Nolan charged in drowning death
Nov. 14 (UPI) -- A bright light followed by a loud boom in a Minnesota city is believed to have been the result of a meteor, officials said.

Beltrami County Emergency Management said numerous reports came in from Bemidji and the surrounding area about 6:30 p.m. Monday of a bright flash of light and a loud boom that rattled the windows and walls of homes.

The Beltrami County Sheriff's Office checked local power stations and transformers for any sign of an explosion, but everything seemed to be working normally.

A video provided by a resident shows what appears to be a meteor streaking through the sky.

"It is obvious there was something of significance that passed over the skies of Beltrami County, but we can only speculate it was a meteor at this time," county spokesman Christopher Muller told WCCO-TV.
WAYNESBORO  The City of Waynesboro will enforce a ban on "skill game" machines before the year is out, police said Tuesday.

In 2020, the Virginia General Assembly enacted laws declaring skill game machines to be illegal gambling devices. The laws, which were amended by the General Assembly in 2022, made possessing, operating, or playing skill games a criminal offense. It also provided both civil and criminal penalties for those operating such devices, police said in a press release.

Pictured is the Bank Arcade and Skill Games in Waynesboro.

But after a lawsuit was filed in Emporia Circuit Court challenging the ban, the court entered an injunction prohibiting enforcement of the ban until a trial could be held. Because of this injunction, many jurisdictions allowed the continued operation of the gambling devices, including Staunton and Waynesboro.

On Oct. 13, the Virginia Supreme Court vacated the lower courts decision and lifted the injunction that prevented the enforcement of the code sections, prompting local officials to begin enacting the ban.

In light of the state supreme courts ruling, and based upon the provisions of the Virginia Code that prohibit the playing or offering of skill games, police and the Waynesboro Commonwealths Attorneys Office will resume enforcement of the ban Dec. 1, the release said.

In the meantime, the Waynesboro Police Department will be notifying establishments known to utilize skill games about the reinstatement of the ban on the machines.

Last week, Staunton announced that Commonwealths Attorney Jeffrey Gaines will grant a grace period through Jan. 1 to allow time to educate the public, and for city businesses to remove their skill games before the year is out.

Virginias attorney general has recommended that no enforcement action regarding skill games starts before Nov. 15.

Uniontown public hearings and county comprehensive plan community input are on THE AGENDA

A. Lee Ervin, former Augusta County Commonwealth's Attorney, dead at 72

Brad Zinn is the cops, courts and breaking news reporter at The News Leader. Have a news tip? Or something that needs investigating? You can email reporter Brad Zinn (he/him) at bzinn@newsleader.com. You can also follow him on X (formerly Twitter).

This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Waynesboro set to jettison so-called 'skill game' machines
Western officials increasingly suggest that Russias war against Ukraine may last for another five years, with neither Russia nor Ukraine willing to back down, yet both unable to break the deadlock, UK weekly news magazine the Economist wrote on Nov. 13.

The article notes that these are currently challenging times as the conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip threatens to spill over into the entire Middle East, with the United States and Iran also poised to clash in the background. Meanwhile, the war in Ukraine, the largest in Europe since 1945, shows no signs of ending.

The use of Ukraines air defense systems is expected to sharply increase in winter when Russia, having amassed months worth of missile stockpiles, is likely to commence sustained attack on Ukrainian energy systems.

Read also:

As of now, the United States is likely capable of fulfilling the requirements of both Ukraine and Israel. Additionally, in recent weeks, France and Germany have committed to providing increased assistance to Ukraine.

However, if the war or both wars drag on, compromises will be necessary, warns the Economist.

Read also: Examining the claim of Ukraines 70,000 military deaths

As time goes on, there will be trade-offs as certain key systems are diverted to Israel, writes Mark Cancian of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, a think-tank in Washington.

A few systems that Ukraine needs for its counter-offensive may not be available in the numbers that Ukraine would like, he added.

The Economist highlights a more significant issue: The United Stated cannot simultaneously arm itself and its allies.

If (U.S.) production lines are already struggling to keep pace with the exigencies of arming Ukraine, notes Iskander Rehman of Johns Hopkins University in a recent paper on protracted wars, they would be completely overwhelmed in the event of an actual protracted, peer-to-peer conflict with an adversary such as China.

Read also: Ukraines top general unveils his strategic blueprint  The Economist

The article delves into the prospect that if the war in Ukraine remains an open wound in Europe and the Middle East ignites, the West will find itself in a precarious position in the event of a new serious crisis.

One risk is that adversaries may take advantage of chaos in other countries to advance their own goals. For example, if the United States becomes entangled in a war in the Pacific, Iran will undoubtedly feel more confident in its ability to advance its nuclear weapons program.

Even more alarming is the prospect of an active conspiracy. European military planners attach great importance to the possibility that Russia may conduct threatening maneuvers during a crisis around Taiwan to divert the attention of the United States and tie allies to itself, preventing them from extending a helping hand in Asia.

As in the cold war, each crisis, no matter how parochial or trivial, might come to be seen as a test of American or Chinese power, drawing each country in, the article concludes.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
(Photo : Alex Wong/Getty Images)

House lawmakers are set to vote on an impeachment measure against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas that was filed by Marjorie Taylor Greene.

The House of Representatives is expected to hold a vote on Monday concerning Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas' impeachment measure.

The vote would not revolve around deciding whether or not to impeach Mayorkas but instead on a Democratic motion to table the resolution filed by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene. The latter is seeking to impeach Mayorkas. If the motion to table is approved, the House will not proceed with the impeachment vote against the DHS secretary.

Alejandro Mayorkas Impeachment Measure

Greene is considered one of the most controversial and House hardline lawmakers and filed her resolution last Thursday. She claimed that the Homeland Security Secretary failed to secure the southern border from undocumented migrants and drugs.

The lawmaker also filed it as a "privileged resolution, " forcing the House to vote within two legislative days. When asked last week why she introduced the resolution, Greene said it was because people just died the day prior.

The Republican was pointing to a photograph of two of her Georgia constituents who lost their lives during a police car chase with a human smuggler that occurred near San Antonio, as per ABC News.

Greene said that people were dying every single day in the United States because Mayorkas was breaking the law and his oath of office. Despite her efforts, House Republicans are divided on the effort. Some moderates do not fully support the measure without completing a full investigation beforehand.

During an interview earlier this month, House Speaker Mike Johnson said that Mayorkas has been an object of failure in his position. He added that he believes the Homeland Security Secretary has committed impeachable offenses.

Democratic lawmakers are expected to vote uniformly to table Greene's measure against Mayorkas. She previously brought forward several articles of impeachment for Mayorkas in May. However, at the time, House GOP leaders never brought them to a vote.

The development also comes as the House scrambles to negotiate a new budget resolution to avoid a government shutdown. According to CNBC, Congress has only four days left until the temporary spending bill adopted in late September expires.

Read Also: Republican Senator Tim Scott Drops Out of 2024 Presidential Race

Border Crisis

A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) official said that the House is wasting time playing political games as government funding is expiring this week. He added that a lapse in appropriations will damage the country's border security and national security.

The department added that if a government shutdown ensues, roughly 72% of DHS employees will have to work without pay. The impeachment motion against Mayorkas passes in the Republican-led House, the Homeland Security Secretary will face a trial in the Democratic-led Senate.

In the incident that Greene mentioned, the Texas Department of Public Safety said that the suspected smuggler was evading law enforcement from Zavala County. He then hit a second vehicle head-on.

Greene's resolution itself alleges that the DHS secretary violated his oath to uphold his constitutional duty by allowing the supposed "invasion" of undocumented immigrants who are crossing the border. On the other hand, a spokesperson for the DHS said that Republicans have wasted months trying to conduct baseless attacks, said CBS News.

Related Article: Supreme Court Announces Adoption of Code of Conduct Amid Scrutiny of Ethics Practices





@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
An investigation is ongoing after the arrest of a 20-year-old Westfield man accused of molesting a girl at Grand Park and sexually preying on other girls via social media.

The Westfield Police Department started investigating nearly a year ago in December 2022. A mother reported taking away her 12-year-old daughters phone and finding messages where the girl described the Grand Park encounter to a friend, according to court documents.

"He raped you," her friend responded.

Officials say it's likely there are other victims who haven't been identified by investigators.

After being taken into custody, Benjamin Rollo told investigators they'd likely find more than 1,000 images of young girls on his phone. Police also found a Snapchat account that wasnt linked to any phone number, address, name or email.

The account communicated with at least 13 Snapchat accounts belonging to users who identified themselves as girls between ages 11 and 15. The account asked to meet or exchange explicit content with the girls.

Hours after sexually molesting the 12-year-old in July 2022, the account linked to Rollo messaged a 15-year-old girl asking to meet, then sent the girl a video of male genitals, according to the affidavit.

Benjamin Rollo

Police linked the anonymous account to Rollo after they found explicit photos and at least one video sent to the young girls with his face in them, according to Westfield police.

Rollo's attorney declined to comment for this article.

Court records: 12-year-old girl molested at Grand Park

The girl told investigators she kept the details of what happened in July 2022 secret because she was afraid of getting in trouble for sneaking out of a bedroom window with a friend during a sleepover.

A man, later identified as Rollo, picked up and drove the girls to a parking lot at Grand Park then molested the 12-year-old girl in the backseat of his vehicle. Police found messages on the girls phone where she told a friend she had asked Rollo to stop and he didnt listen, the affidavit reads.

Police accused Rollo of meeting another girl after connecting on Snapchat. A 14-year-old girl told police they'd exchanged nude photos and videos on Snapchat before meeting in person in December 2022. The 14-year-old told police she was able to rebuff sexual advances during the encounter.

More Central Indiana crime news: A 19-year-old showed off his gun to friends. Now a teen is dead

Rollo was detained at a home in West Lafayette. During his arrest, Rollos laptop and phone were seized.

He is charged with three counts of child molesting, two counts of sexual misconduct with a minor and two counts of possession of child pornography.

Online court records show Rollos bail was set at $100,000 during an initial hearing Monday. Rollo was still in custody at the Hamilton County Jail as of Tuesday afternoon, records showed.

Child molesting and rape both start as Level 3 felonies in Indiana, but child molesting is a less burdensome charge to prosecute, said Joshua Kocher, the chief deputy prosecuting attorney in Hamilton County.

Sentencing guidelines for Level 3 felonies Indiana are imprisonment of three to 16 years, with an advisory sentence of nine years in prison.

Online safety tips for parents with children online

Taking a moment to talk with children about the potential dangers of online interactions and ensuring children understand the importance of responsible internet use is crucial, according to the Westfield Police Department.

Parents should remind their children to never share personal information online and be skeptical of strangers. Parents should also caution their children against befriending unknown people online and never agree to meet with them unsupervised, according to the police department.

Parents should also push for open communication and encourage children to share concerns and experiences, the department said.

Contact Jake Allen at jake.allen@indystar.com. Follow him on Twitter @Jake_Allen19.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Westfield PD: Man used Snapchat to lure girl, 12. She may not be alone
The White House dismissed a reporter asking Monday whether President Biden was "embarrassed" about San Francisco's need for a "total makeover" ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's, along with other world leaders, planned visit there for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit this week.

The exchange came during the White House press briefing when National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan attempted to avoid the question about the liberal city's effort to remove homeless encampments for the summit before flat out refusing to respond.

"The president is incredibly proud of the record that the United States will bring as hosts to this summit. And I went through some of it today: the strongest economic record of any developed country, the lowest unemployment over a sustained period in half a century, far-reaching investments in innovation in ships, re-building America's infrastructure," Sullivan said, making no mention of the removal of the homeless.

WATCH: BIDEN AGAIN REFERS TO VP AS PRESIDENT HARRIS DURING WHITE HOUSE'S STANLEY CUP CELEBRATION

Jake Sullivan, White House national security adviser, speaks during a news conference in the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House in Washington, DC, on Monday, Nov. 13, 2023.

The reporter pressed Sullivan, noting that even Democrat California Gov. Gavin Newsom admitted it was "true" that the cleanup was because of the upcoming APEC summit.

"Does President Biden agree it's more important to impress the leader of China than the American people that live in San Francisco and pay taxes every day?" the reporter asked.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

"First, I completely reject the premise of your question, but, secondly, I don't know what the context of what Governor Newsom said, so I won't respond to it," Sullivan responded.

KARI LAKE OFFERS SOLUTION TO REPUBLICAN ELECTION LOSSES, PREDICTS GOP VOTERS WILL SHOW UP FOR ONE MAJOR NAME

People inhabit encampments on the streets of San Francisco, California on Saturday, April 15, 2023.

Local Fox affiliate KTVU reported that the efforts to clean the city have created "noticeable" cleanliness to the streets but also far fewer homeless encampments on major thoroughfares.

Additionally, emails obtained by the San Francisco Chronicle show that the city's superintendent of Street Environmental Services Christopher McDaniels was "concerned about historical encampments that are close to priority areas."

Those areas include seven intersections in two neighborhoods that have long been the "epicenter" of the homeless crisis, according to the Chronicle. Another official, San Francisco Deputy Director of Operations DiJaida Durden, said that the city needed to "stay on top of the growing encampments," then asked, "Do we have a plan?"

SPEAKER JOHNSON TELLS NYC TO AXE SANCTUARY CITY STATUS IN RETURN FOR MIGRANT FUNDING: UNCONSCIONABLE

U.S. President Joe Biden, left, and Chinese President Xi Jinping, right.

The Chronicle noted that the areas Durden flagged have ended up "tent-free" just days ahead of the APEC summit.

The much-anticipated face-to-face between Biden and Xi will be the first since the two leaders met in Indonesia in November 2022.

CLICK TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Fox News' Peter Aiken contributed to this report.





Original article source: WH dismisses reporter asking if Biden 'embarrassed' about liberal city's 'total makeover' before Xi visit
Durham County is putting $237,000 toward a downtown memorial honoring the enslaved people of Stagville Plantation..

Stagville was not just a slave plantation. It was considered a slave complex, County Commissioner Nimasheena Burns said this month. They had over 900 people at Stagville. That is a very rich history.

The Stagville historic site, a small remnant of what was once among the largest plantations in North Carolina, lies less than 10 miles north of downtown Durham.

The site of the new memorial downtown remains undecided, but its intent is to bring the history of slavery to Durhams city center, where it cant be tucked into the woods and ignored.

Enslaved people, not slaves at Stagville State Historic Site

Undated photos of two of the residents of Stagville, born into slavery: left, Doc Edwards, born 1850; and Amy Shaw, right, born 1850. Above photo is of some of the four still standing slave cabins in Stagvilles Horton Grove.

On Monday night, the Board of County Commissioners voted to give the money to the nonprofit Stagville Memorial Project, which has been working on the project for years:

2017: Durham protesters toppled a Confederate statue downtown.

2018: A city-county committee on Confederate Monuments and Memorials identified enslaved people as missing from the narrative formed by local historical monuments.

2019: The idea for a downtown Stagville monument was formed following a serendipitous meeting among Stagville descendants and people involved in local politics.

2020: A committee held listening sessions to gather input.

2021: The county promised its support. The committee formed a nonprofit.

Juneteenth 2022: When they initially hoped to unveil a memorial.

November 2023: The first significant chunk of funding  $237,000 from the county  was secured.

They still need to finalize a location, select an artist and solicit community engagement on the design.

Visitors of the Stagville Plantation take a self-guided tour on June 17, 2021, in Durham, N.C. Stagville Plantation will have emancipation tours in honor of Juneteenth, a day which remembers June 19, 1865, when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, learned about their freedom following the end of the Civil War. On Saturday, the plantation will educate visitors about the end of slavery and the lives of the nearly 1,000 enslaved people who lived on the plantation.

The city is also being asked to help fund the project. It was an option in this years participatory budgeting process, where residents vote on how to spend $2.4 million on projects benefiting the community.

The results are being tallied and the winning projects should be announced this month. The request for the Stagville monument was set at $275,000.

Even if it doesnt get selected ... we need them to be a partner on this, County Commissioner Wendy Jacobs said.

An old slave quarters building at Horton Grove near the Stagville Plantation in northern Durham County

Stagville plantation surveyors uncover enslaved peoples past

Visiting Stagville Plantation

Address: 5828 Old Oxford Highway, Durham, NC, 27112

Hours: Open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Cost: Free. Guided tours cost $2 for adults and $1 for seniors and children.

Contact: 919-620-0120
This year, three airlines have put the spotlight on the international part of Raleigh-Durham International Airport.

Monday, Aeromexico announced it would start nonstop flights between RDU and Mexico City next summer, becoming the second destination in Mexico after Cancun.

The announcement comes after Air France recently took over the Paris route from Delta, and Lufthansa announced it would begin flying nonstop between RDU and Frankfurt, Germany, next summer.

If youre hoping to make use of your passport in the coming year, heres a look at the nine international destinations you can fly to nonstop from RDU.

Mexico

Destinations: Cancun and Mexico City

Aeromexicos announcement gives RDU two nonstop flights to Mexico, after Cancun on the Yucatan Peninsula.

How to go:

American and JetBlue already fly to Cancun International Airport, with Delta starting flights in December.





Aeromexico will begin the 1,675-mile nonstop service to Mexico City Juarez International Airport on July 1, 2024. The 99-seat plane will fly daily under a joint agreement between Aeromexico and Delta Air Lines.

Book flights at aeromexico.com.

Aeromexico announced Monday that it will begin flying nonstop between Raleigh-Durham International Airport and Mexico City on an Embraer 190 like this one in the summer of 2024.

Canada

Destinations: Toronto and Montreal

Air Canada has been flying to Toronto since 1997, becoming RDUs first international carrier. Service to Montreal began in 2019.

How to go:

The airline flies twice daily between RDU and Toronto-Pearson International Airport.

The Montreal flight is daily on a 50-seat Canadair Regional Jet. It is on pause for now but will resume in May.

Book flights at aircanada.com.

Lufthansa will begin flying nonstop between Raleigh-Durham International Airport and Frankfurt, Germany, in June 2024.

Germany

Lufthansa announced in September that its flights to Frankfurt, Germany, would begin June 6, 2024.

How to go:

Lufthansa will operate the flights year around 5 days a week: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Flights will arrive at RDU shortly before 2 p.m. and leave shortly before 4 p.m.

Frankfurt Airport  4,277 miles from RDU  is Lufthansas hub in Germany, with connecting flights to Europe, Africa, the Middle East and India.

The plane will have 255 seats with 42 Business, 28 Premium Economy and 185 Economy.

Book flights at lufthansa.com.

Bahamasair began twice-weekly flights between Raleigh-Durham International Airport and Freeport, Grand Bahama, on Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022.

Bahamas

Bahamasair resumed twice weekly flights between the Triangle and Freeport on Grand Bahama Island this month, and theyll continue through the winter and spring. The airline began flying a year ago to RDU, one of only five U.S. destinations for the carrier, but suspended the service Aug. 20.

How to go:

The resumed flights began Nov. 12 and will operate Thursdays and Sundays, taking about two hours each way.

From Freeport, Triangle travelers can continue on to Nassau, the nations capital, where they can catch connecting flights to 11 other airports in the Bahamas.

The airline says it expects to end the flights for the summer on May 30, 2024.

Book flights at bahamasair.com.

United Kingdom

American Airlines began flying nonstop from RDU to Londons Heathrow Airport in 1994, but suspended the flights during the COVID-19 pandemic. The direct flights resumed in June 2022.

How to go:

The flight operates daily on a Boeing 777-200 aircraft, which has 272 seats, including 36 with lie-flat seating.

Book flights at aa.com.

France

The first Air France flight from Paris pulled to the RDU gate in October with much fanfare. Air France took over the Paris route that Delta Air Lines began in 2016 and revived in the spring of 2021.

How to go:

The airline will initially fly the Paris route three days a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The airline is scheduled to resume daily flights on March 31.

Paris offers connecting flights to the rest of Europe, Africa, India and the Middle East.

Air France and Delta are partners, seamlessly selling tickets to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport on each others flights.

Travelers will fly on a 279-seat Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

Book flights at airfrance.us.

An Icelandair plane enters the apron at Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) for the first time in Morrisville, N.C. on Thursday, May 12, 2022.

Iceland

Icelandair launched new flights to Iceland in May 2022, flying four days a week May through October. Iceland quickly became a popular destination but also a mid-way connector to the United Kingdom, Scandinavia and other parts of Europe, with more than 70,000 passengers taking the route so far.

How to go:

This month, the airline said the service would operate daily starting May 20.

Passengers travel on a 160-seat Boeing 737MAX 8 to Keflavik, the airport outside Icelands capital Reykjavik .

Book flights at icelandair.com.
Three California Republicans helped House Democrats block an impeachment vote of President Joe Bidens Homeland Security Secretary Monday, the latest skirmish in a dispute involving policy disagreements, not criminal wrongdoing.

Eight House Republicans joined with all Democrats to head off a floor vote by sending articles of impeachment to the committee thats already investigating Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. The Homeland Security Committee has been looking into whether Mayorkas has been derelict in managing the U.S.-Mexico border but has not yet recommended impeachment, let alone a House vote.

The Constitution reserves impeachment for officials who have committed treason, bribery and other high crimes and misdemeanors.

California Republican Reps. Tom McClintock, John Duarte and Darrell Issa were among the eight Republicans who joined Democrats to stall the vote. Duarte, R-Modesto, and Issa, R-Vista, didnt rule out eventually voting to impeach, but not before the committee made a recommendation.

McClintock, R-Elk Grove, said in a statement that while Mayorkas was the worst cabinet secretary in American history, guilty of malfeasance, neglect of duty and maladministration, those werent grounds for impeachment as laid out by the Constitutions authors. Instead, he said, this effort was based on policy differences.

The founders specifically rejected terms like malfeasance, neglect of duty and maladministration as grounds for impeachment, McClintock said, because they feared such vague terms would be twisted for political ends and render the executive subordinate to the legislative branch.

McClintock said, politicians have tried to stretch the meaning of high crimes and misdemeanors to apply to political disagreements, and that is antithetical to the fundamental architecture of the Constitution.

McClintock leads the Houses subcommittee on immigration and border security.

Policy disagreements

On Monday, the House voted 209-201 to put off coinsideration of impeachment articles put forward by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Green, R-Ga.. She claims that Mayorkas violated his oath of office by failing to curtail migrant crossings at the southern border.

Migrants were apprehended crossing the border this year at a rate higher than any time since 1960, when officials started tracking the data, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. This is the third record-setting year in a row, as immigration globally is at historic highs.

Greenes impeachment articles allege that Mayorkas violated a constitutional clause that guarantees states protection against invasion, in this case by immigrants illegally crossing the border. She claims Mayorkas broke a 2006 law that requires the government to maintain operational control over the U.S.-Mexico border: The Secure Fence Act says the border is only operationally secure if no people or contraband improperly enter the country.

Mayorkas has said that no administration has fully stopped illegal crossing of people or contraband across the border since the law passed.

The Department of Homeland Security slammed the impeachment articles and investigation, saying it was meritless, a waste of time and based on political disagreements.

Secretary Mayorkas continues to be laser-focused on the safety and security of our nation, a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said in a statement Tuesday. This baseless attack is completely without merit and a harmful distraction from our critical national security priorities.

House committee investigating border

Since Republicans took a slim House majority in January, those angry over border policy have threatened investigations into the Biden administrations management of illegal immigration.

But Greenes impeachment attempt is an example of how lawmakers with objections to policy have increasingly turned to a tool meant to condemn and remove officials who face credible accusations of criminal wrongdoing. Using impeachment to condemn political decisions in Congress would be unprecedented.

The Homeland Security Committee started interviewing former officials in June to try to build a case that Mayorkas was in dereliction of duty. The committee has not recommended impeachment so far; no impeachment hearings have been held.

Issa argued that the Homeland Security Committee would find Mayorkas deserves impeachment. But that there must be a trial first.

I will be requesting my opportunity to testify before the committee and make my case why Sec. Mayorkas is the worst to ever hold his job and why impeachment would be a fitting punishment, Issa said in a statement.

Duarte told Axios before the vote that he would not support voting on impeachment that hasnt gone through regular order. Holding the vote would also eat up time as the House worked to avoid a government shutdown before a Friday deadline: We dont have time to waste, Duarte said.

The Bee reached out to a spokesperson for Duarte.

Greene, who is on the committee, said on the House floor Monday that it has slow-walked her impeachment articles.

We have been waiting for regular order for six months, and the committee of jurisdiction in Congress has failed to act, Greene said. My articles of impeachment sit collecting dust with the others while Americans die every single day.

Impeachment considerations

Its highly unlikely Mayorkas would be removed from office even if the House voted to impeach him. That right belongs to the Senate, which has a slim Democratic majority.

Mayorkas would be the second cabinet official in history to be impeached. The first was Secretary of War William Belknap in 1876, after being accused of improper conduct while administering government contracts. He was acquitted by the Senate.

The House recently launched an impeachment inquiry into Biden over his son Hunters overseas business deals. The White House has denied wrongdoing and experts have called it the weakest presidential inquiry in history.

Having to vote on impeaching a Biden cabinet secretary without a formal inquiry could have been politically risky for vulnerable Republicans, particularly ones in districts that the Democratic president won in 2020. Five of the 18 Biden-won GOP districts are in California.

And voting on impeachment this week would have set off hours of debate while the House rushes to avert a fourth partial government shutdown in a decade. Funding for Homeland Security is on table.

Mayorkas has testified before Congress eight times this year, recently pleading with Congress for supplemental funding for the department.

Every day, the 260,000 men and women of the Department of Homeland Security enforce our laws, secure our border, and safeguard our communities, Mayorkas said in a November Senate hearing, noting actions to combat the illicit trade of fentanyl, remove noncitizens, arrest international criminal leaders, rebuild communities after disasters and prevent attacks.

They do all of this, and much more, despite being perennially underfunded and inadequately resourced, Mayorkas said.
Flags across Tennessee were lowered to half-staff on Monday, but why?

Gov. Bill Lee ordered flags across Tennessee to be flown at half-staff after the death of five soldiers from Fort Campbell during a training mission overseas over Veterans Day weekend.

"Maria & I are devastated by the tragic loss of 5 Fort Campbell service members over the weekend. We ask Tennesseans to join us in prayer for their loved ones during this time," Lee wrote on Monday.

Maria & I are devastated by the tragic loss of 5 Fort Campbell service members over the weekend.



We ask Tennesseans to join us in prayer for their loved ones during this time.



Flags at the State Capitol will be lowered through Friday in their memory. https://t.co/iUpTcsAZGJ  Gov. Bill Lee (@GovBillLee) November 13, 2023

The five service members were part of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, known as the Night Stalkers. They were killed when their helicopter crashed during a refueling training off of the coast of Cyprus on Saturday, according to U.S. officials. Officials have yet to release the cause of the crash but have maintained that there are no indications of any hostile activity involved.

From California to Tennessee: What we know about 5 fallen soldiers in Black Hawk crash

Why are the flags at half-staff in Tennessee?

By order of Gov. Lee, flags over the State Capitol and all state office buildings will be flown at half-staff until sunset on Friday, Nov. 17, to remember the five Fort Campbell soldiers killed during a military training mission over the Mediterranean Sea.

How long will the flag be at half-staff?

Flags will be flown until sunset on Nov. 17.

Who was killed in the helicopter crash in the Mediterranean?

The Pentagon released the names of the five U.S. Army service members on Monday. Those who died were:

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Stephen R. Dwyer, 38, of Clarksville, Tennessee

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Shane M. Barnes, 34, of Sacramento, California

Staff Sgt. Tanner W. Grone, 26, of Gorham, New Hampshire

Sgt. Andrew P. Southard, 27, of Apache Junction, Arizona

Sgt. Cade M. Wolfe, 24, of Mankato, Minnesota

Why do flags fly at half-staff?

According to USA.gov, the U.S. flag flies at half-staff or at half-mast when the nation or a state is in mourning.

The flag can be ordered to fly at half-staff by the president, a state governor or the mayor of the District of Columbia.

Here are the events that usually trigger it:

The death of a government official, military member, or first responder

A national tragedy

Memorial Day or another national day of remembrance

Where do flags fly at half-staff or half-mast?

Gov. Lee's order requires flags be flown at half-staff at the State Capitol and all state buildings.

Is it half-staff or half-mast?

On ships and at naval stations ashore, flags are flown at half-mast.

Elsewhere ashore, flags are flown at half-staff.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Why are flags half-staff in Tennessee? Honoring Fort Campbell soldiers
San Francisco is hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, with President Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping expected to meet on Wednesday. (Carlos Barria/Reuters) (REUTERS)

President Biden arrives in San Francisco on Tuesday to find a city much cleaner than the one to which locals have become accustomed, with homeless encampments, open-air drug markets and widespread property crime.

Thats because city officials undertook an intensive effort to clean up the city ahead of this weeks Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit  and the much-anticipated meeting between Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Wednesday.

During a White House news briefing on Monday, a reporter asked national security adviser Jake Sullivan if the president was embarrassed that an American city needs to go through a total makeover to be presentable for his out-of-town guests.

Sullivan did not answer the question.

Recommended reading

A city in trouble

For years, San Francisco has experienced twin realities, with the immense wealth of Silicon Valley competing with the incredible despair of the citys homeless population, now estimated to be around 7,700 people, many of whom are experiencing serious mental illness and drug addiction.

Many also live in public encampments, which court orders have made difficult to permanently remove, to city leaders endless frustration. A ready supply of cheap and powerful fentanyl has turned some downtown neighborhoods, especially the Tenderloin, into sites of almost unimaginable human suffering, with victims of addiction sprawled across sidewalks, shuddering in doorways  and sometimes dying from overdoses in open sight. And the shattered glass of broken-into cars has become a common sight, with critics alleging that lenient criminal justice policies have contributed to an epidemic of property crime.

Additionally, remote work has left large swaths of downtown San Francisco empty, adding to the sense of public unease and causing some to worry that the city was about to enter a doom loop.

There are very many compounding things that got us to a place where we are now, but theres also a deep commitment to bounce back, city planner Geeti Silwal told USA Today, adding that the Asian leaders summit was an opportunity for a municipal reset. This event could give the city some much-needed vibrancy.

Recommended reading

A homeless encampment in San Franciscos Tenderloin neighborhood on Aug. 28. (Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images) (Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

A clean city makes locals wonder

In a matter of days, San Francisco went into overdrive to prepare for the arrival of Biden, Xi and other leaders. Homeless encampments were cleared, with tents gone from Market Street, the citys main thoroughfare, and the blocks around City Hall, a move city leaders justified by citing unprecedented security and logistical concerns. Sidewalks rife with drug paraphernalia and human waste were cleaned. A new city seemed to emerge, to residents astonishment.

San Francisco feels clean, smells good, and feels MUCH SAFER after this weeks cleanup in preparation of @APEC, resident Alex Lau wrote in a social media post. This should be the world class city we should be striving for. We have been settling for less. Lets keep San Francisco clean and safe for everyday San Franciscans!

But others wondered why it took so long, why the city could not undertake similar measures until the leaders of the worlds two major superpowers decided to meet in San Francisco. If the city is able to create an illusion that its clean and runs effectively and humans are in shelters, deli owner Adam Mesnick mused to the New York Times, even if its just for APEC, why is that not sustainable for the longer term?

Recommended reading

Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Oct. 18. (Suo Takekuma/Kyodo News) (Getty Images)

A precedent

San Francisco is hardly the first city to deal with the social ills on its streets by trying to move them out of public sight.

In 1999, after a homeless person attacked a midtown office worker, New Yorks mayor at the time, Rudy Giuliani, threatened to arrest homeless people who insisted on using public spaces like sidewalks for shelter. The founding fathers never put that in the Constitution, the blustery mayor said.

His successor, the Upper East Side billionaire Mike Bloomberg, paid for homeless people to travel to reunite with their families. The citys current mayor, former police officer Eric Adams, has also said that homeless people who are a danger to themselves or others could face involuntary confinement.

San Francisco is subject to a different set of laws  and a different set of problems, shaped by politics, culture and even climate. But even this famously progressive city has started to rethink its approach, fearing that businesses and conventions will flee. Earlier this year, Salesforce founder Marc Benioff said he would move his companys huge annual conference unless San Francisco restored cleanliness and order to parts of downtown.

Nobody liked that  I didnt like to say it, Benioff said at the time, though he was ultimately pleased with the result.

Recommended reading

People walk past the Moscone West Convention Center ahead of the APEC summit on Nov. 11. (David Paul Morris/Bloomberg Media) (Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Gavins town

When Benioff made his demand, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, the former mayor of San Francisco  who is widely expected to seek the presidency at some point  proudly owned up to the fact that he and city leaders had been willing to do whatever it took to keep Salesforce from leaving.

Were sucking up to you, we want to keep you here, Newsom said during an event with Benioff at the Salesforce conference, which took place in San Francisco as planned, after some cleanup efforts.

Newsoms reputation is closely tied to both his native city and the state he now governs. If California as a whole is perceived as the most troubling aspects of San Francisco writ large  that is, a state where crime and open-air drug use are implicitly tolerated, while homeless encampments grow unchecked  he will have difficulty persuading voters in New Hampshire and Iowa that he should be in charge.

That may explain why, as with Benioff, Newsom proudly admitted that San Francisco was being cleaned up for Xi. I know folks say, Oh, theyre just cleaning up this place because all those fancy leaders are coming into town, Thats true because its true, the governor said.

Recommended reading
In a downtown Toronto courtroom on Sunday, as a jury found disgraced fashion mogul Peter Nygard, 82, guilty on four counts of sexual assault, his son Kai Zen Bickle sat in the front row.

"Justice was was served here," Mr Bickle said soon after, outside the Toronto courthouse. "We are dealing with a systemic monster who used his business talents for evil, to prey on others."

The six-week trial had been the first time Mr Bickle had seen his father since a dinner party in 2019, where he says he saw Nygard inappropriately touch a girl.

"That's where Kai Nygard kind of died," said Mr Bickle, who has since assumed his mother's last name.

The alleged incident was a shock to Mr Bickle, who said he had loved his father. "I knew a different man," he told reporters. "Since then, it's been a massive effort to seek justice."

A lawyer for Nygard did not immediately respond to a BBC request for comment regarding his son's accusation. He has previously denied all allegations against him.

Nygard's stunning fall from grace - ending a decades-long career at the helm of a global fashion empire - has been publicly supported by Mr Bickle, who has spent the past four years cooperating with authorities and assisting those who say they were victims of his father's abuse.

After the 2019 dinner party, Mr Bickle said he reported his father to an executive at Nygard's company, but was rebuffed and ridiculed, told by his father he was "mentally unwell".

"I got a taste of what it was like to blow the whistle against a monster or a powerful predator," he said.

Behind the scenes, Mr Bickle made contact with lawyers involved in a civil case against his father, he said, volunteering information to them and to investigators. And at Nygard's company, Mr Bickle said he slowed efforts to liquidate the corporation's assets, waging business battles to delay Nygard from moving them offshore.

"I blew the whistle in September of 2020, calling him out as a flight risk," Mr Bickle said, a move that finally revealed to his father that he was not on his side. "That's when I was shut out from every point of contact."

"It's not a good association to be the son of the monster," he said. "But I couldn't bear the thought of another person being harmed."

Peter Nygard seen in a police vehicle in Toronto after the guilty verdict

His father's Toronto trial centred mostly on the testimony of five women, who testified they were lured by Nygard to a private luxury bedroom in his firm's Toronto headquarters and sexually assaulted. The complainants were between the ages of 16 and 28 during the attacks, which they said occurred between the 1980s and 2005.

But Nygard - who was once estimated to be worth at least $700m (570m) - has been accused of abuse by dozens of other women. He is still facing another trial in Montreal next year, and assault and confinement charges in Winnipeg.

Once his criminal cases in Canada are completed, he is set to be extradited to the US, where authorities claim he engaged in a "decades-long pattern of criminal conduct" involving at least a dozen victims across the globe. He is currently fighting that extradition.

And two of Mr Bickle's younger brothers have also launched lawsuits against Nygard, accusing their father of hiring a "known sex worker" when they were teens.

Through representatives, Nygard has repeatedly denied all wrongdoing.

"There are so many survivors out there, this is their day," Mr Bickle said.

A sentencing hearing will be set on 21 November.
The Supreme Court justices had a message for the American public Monday as they announced a code of conduct: We hear you, but you really dont get us.

The justices said, right at the start, they were issuing the code because of some confusion  a misunderstanding  regarding their ethical obligations.

They avoided any reference to controversy over justices acceptance of lavish gifts and other controversial off-bench activities that have been highlighted in months of media investigations and congressional scrutiny.

Chief Justice John Roberts, who had struggled for months to persuade all eight of his colleagues to adopt a formal code, was likely aided in his effort by the escalating atmosphere. This code, however limited, does give the justices and their allies, including congressional Republicans, some cover against critics.

The absence of a Code has led in recent years to the misunderstanding that the Justices of this Court, unlike all other jurists in this country, regard themselves as unrestricted by any ethics rules, the nine justices wrote releasing the document Monday. To dispel this misunderstanding, we are issuing this Code, which largely represents a codification of principles that we have long regarded as governing our conduct.

The 14-page document offered the first move on a formal statement of practices intended to ensure judicial integrity, and it shows at least implicit recognition of the loss of public confidence, as has been demonstrated in recent polls. But the document left many questions unanswered, including how any of the newly articulated guidelines would be enforced or how people can lodge a complaint about the justices activities.

There was also a tone of defiance and defensiveness at the core of the code and accompanying commentary, beginning with the reference to the nine misunderstood justices and the implication that people just dont understand their constraints.

Laced through the materials were mentions of the difficulties the justices face in assessing conflicts or improper influence, for example, because of their heavy caseload and their permissive practice of accepting friend of the court briefs on cases.

They articulated a new rule related to such amicus curiae briefs that appeared designed to blunt recent criticism of justices relationships with lawyers and business groups that sponsor such filings, but said recusals arent necessary.

Neither the filing of a brief amicus curiae nor the participation of counsel for amicus curiae requires a Justices disqualification, the court said.

In a separate note of commentary, the court said justices might inadvertently fail to recognize when their conduct undermines confidence in the judiciary. Because of that, they added the word knowingly to a provision currently in the code that lower court judges follow.

The high court code revealed Monday says a justice should neither knowingly lend the prestige of the judicial office to advance the private interests of the Justice or others nor knowingly convey or permit others to convey the impression that they are in a special position to influence the Justice.

In their commentary, the justices explained, It is not always clear, for example, whether particular conduct undermines, promotes, or has no effect on public confidence in the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary.  This concern is heightened with respect to Canons applicable to Justices of the Supreme Court, given the often sharp disagreement concerning matters of great import that come before the Supreme Court. These Canons must be understood in that light.

Role of the chief

Roberts, who shepherded the effort for a public set of rules, faced internal discord as well as outside pressure.

Some justices, including Elena Kagan and Amy Coney Barrett, had said publicly that they supported a formal ethics code. But Samuel Alito suggested he thought the move was unnecessary, telling The Wall Street Journal in an interview that he already voluntarily follows disclosure statutes that apply to lower court judges.

Earlier in the year, CNN reported that Roberts was having trouble gathering a majority of justices for a formal code, let alone the unanimity produced on Monday.

In April, Roberts had tried to answer the public and congressional criticism by sending a statement of ethics principles and practices to the Senate Judiciary Committee. It said the nine justices reaffirm and restate those principles. The document included an appendix of judicial ethics authorities that the justices said they consulted.

The move failed to appease Democratic senators and court watchdog groups.

On Monday, Roberts and his colleagues went further by saying they were actually promulgating this Code of Conduct to set out succinctly and gather in one place the rules the justices would follow. The court said it would continue to assess whether it needed to do more on the subject.

Yet, it also made plain it sees many constraints to determining whether conflicts of interest exist.

Most significantly, the materials said nothing about an enforcement mechanism or how anyone could lodge a complaint about justices activities.

But they emphasized the sheer volume of appeals that reach their door, 5,000 to 6,000 petitions from parties that have lost their case in lower courts. Most are rejected out of hand.

Roughly 97 percent of this number may be and are denied at a preliminary stage, without joint discussion among the Justices, as lacking any reasonable prospect of  review. Recusal issues must be considered in light of this reality. It also emphasized that in some instances, more than 100 amicus briefs are filed in a single case, and added, in light of the Courts permissive amicus practice, amici and their counsel will not be a basis for an individual Justice to recuse.

News organizations have ramped up their investigative coverage of the justices in recent months. ProPublica has particularly brought to light luxurious travel and other benefits that Justice Clarence Thomas received from wealthy conservatives. Thomas has rejected any suggestion of impropriety, and his lawyer in August described criticism of the justice as political blood sport.

Much of the condemnation of the justices lack of a binding ethics code has followed a series of ideologically and politically charged rulings by the conservative majority, most notably the June 2022 reversal of Roe v. Wade, which had made abortion legal nationwide.

But before that, for nearly five years, the justices had wrestled with how to respond to complaints over the absence of any written code of conduct. It was difficult to know what obligations the justices even accepted.

With Mondays foundational document, the justices have moved forward. The issue now is whether the action will alter the public perception of the court or change how the justices conduct themselves.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Houston - The Wichita Falls Police Department is seeking assistance in locating Krystelle Ward, a 12-year-old Hispanic girl who ran away from her home.

Courtesy of Wichita Falls Police Department

Krystelle is 4 feet 11 inches tall, weighs 90 pounds, and has black hair and brown eyes. She was last seen at 1129 Harlan in Wichita Falls around 4:00 p.m. on November 13.

FOX 26 Houston is now on the FOX LOCAL app available through Apple TV, Amazon FireTV, Roku and Google Android TV!

Family members suspect she may be with a 28-year-old man and believe the pair is headed towards Houston. The name of the companion is not released at this time.

The police have assigned case number 23-110538 to Krystelle's disappearance and urged the public to report any information immediately.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX 26 NEWS APP

If you have any details, please call 9-1-1 and provide as much information as possible.
Washington's EBT card is now considered among the most vulnerable targets of the card skimming scheme in the U.S. As of writing, more and more Americans are becoming victims of card skimmers.

Based on statistics, debit and credit card skimming schemes increased by over 79% from 2021 to 2022. Financial company FICO warned that roughly 70% of fraud cases in the United States are tied to skimmers in five states.

These are New York, Florida, Pennsylvania, California, and Washington. If you commonly use your credit or debit card, here's what you need to know about the worsening card skimming in the U.S.

Washington's EBT Card Most Vulnerable to Worsening Card Skimming

Yahoo News reported that credit and debit cards are not the only targets of card skimmers. In fact, even EBT (electronic benefit transfer) cards are now becoming more vulnerable to these fraudsters.

For those who are not familiar with EBTs, these are similar to debit cards since they are used by government assistance to send funds to people who are in need. Numerous state governments can track these cards using their own EBT systems.

Since EBT cards usually have funds, card skimmers are becoming more interested in them. Babs Roberts, a staff of Washing State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), confirmed that over 2,000 of their clients lost $1.6 million in benefits.

She said that this is because they were targeted by card skimmers between April 2022 and October 2023.

"I think the impact on the clients is most difficult to deal with because it is totally not their fault that this is happening," explained Roberts.

Javelin Strategy and Research's Director of Fraud and Security Tracy Kitten suggested using a chip that can make card skimming harder to pull off.

"With the advent of the chip, which could be a tap-and-go payment or where you actually insert the card into the card reader, and it prevents the ability to capture those card details from the magnetic stripe," said Kitten.

Read Also: How to Sell Gold Without Getting Scammed-And Why It's a Good Time to Do It

What Americans Can Do To Protect EBT Cards

Forbes reported that the best thing Americans can do to avoid card skimmers is to identify if an ATM or other devices used for card transactions are skimmed.

For example, they can check if the alignment between the card reader and the panel underneath is suspicious. This is because skimmers use their malicious device on top of the card reader.

This is why it usually sticks out at an odd angle or covers arrows in the panel. Another thing you can do is manually inspect the card reader and keypad.

You can check if the keypad wiggles or if there's something covering the card reader. If ever you notice something suspicious, the best thing you can do is ask for assistance from the staff or security guards there.

Related Article: US Fed's Lower Swipe Fee Proposal Is Good News for Businesses, but Not for Big Banks-Here's Why

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
FILE - A man walks by the Wisconsin Capitol, Oct. 10, 2012, in Madison, Wis. Supporters of Wisconsin's taxpayer-funded school choice and independent charter school programs urged the Wisconsin Supreme Court, which is located inside the state Capitol, on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023, to reject a lawsuit seeking to declare the programs unconstitutional, saying such a move would create chaos for tens of thousands of families with students currently enrolled. (AP Photo/Scott Bauer, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

MADISON, Wis. (AP)  Supporters of Wisconsin's taxpayer-funded school choice and independent charter school programs urged the state Supreme Court on Tuesday to reject a lawsuit seeking to declare the programs unconstitutional, saying such a move would create chaos for tens of thousands of families with students currently enrolled.

Private schools, parents with students who attend them, advocacy groups and the state chamber of commerce argue in court filings that the 32-year-old program has benefitted families for a generation and the effort to undo it is politically motivated, after the Supreme Court's majority shifted to liberal control earlier this year.

A mere change in membership should not create an opportunity to challenge precedent, supporters of school choice programs, being represented by the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty, contend. A single election is not a mandate to radically change the law.

The lawsuit was filed two months after the state Supreme Court flipped to 4-3 liberal controlled. With that change, Democrats hope the court will rule in their favor in pending cases seeking to overturn Republican-drawn legislative electoral maps and undo the states ban on abortion.

The school choice lawsuit comes after decades of complaints from Democrats who have argued that the program is a drain on resources that would otherwise go to public schools.

The nation's first school choice program began in Milwaukee in 1990. Then seen as an experiment to help low-income students in the state's largest city, the program has expanded statewide and its income restrictions have been loosened, and it served more than 52,000 students at a cost of $444 million in the last school year.

Democrats including Gov. Tony Evers, who previously served as state superintendent of education, have been longtime critics of the program. But Evers this summer agreed to increase spending on the programs as part of a larger education funding package that was also tied to a deal sending more money to Milwaukee and local governments.

The first question for the Wisconsin Supreme Court to decide is whether to take the case directly or first have it work its way through lower courts. The plaintiffs want the high court to take it directly, which would mean a ruling could come in months rather than perhaps years if it had to go through the lower courts.

The lawsuit was brought by several Wisconsin residents and is being funded by the liberal Minocqua Brewing Super PAC. Kirk Bangstad, who owns the Minocqua Brewing Co., is a former Democratic candidate for U.S. House and state Assembly. His brewery produces beer with politically themed names that tout Democrats, such as Evers Ale, a nod to the governor.

Bangstad's super PAC has funded previous lawsuits targeting Republicans.

The lawsuit asks the court to stop three state officials from continuing the choice programs: Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, Superintendent of Public Instruction Jill Underly and Secretary of the Department of Administration Kathy Blumenfeld.

All three of them faced a Tuesday deadline to file arguments.

The lawsuit argues that the states revenue limit and funding mechanism for voucher school programs and charter schools violate the Wisconsin Constitutions declaration that public funds be spent for public purposes.

It also contends that vouchers defund public schools, do not allow for adequate public oversight and do not hold private schools to the same standards as public schools.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled in 1992 that Milwaukees voucher program was legal. But the current lawsuit alleges that as the program has expanded, the situation has dramatically changed.

At the start of last school year, enrollment in choice programs was more than 29,000 in Milwaukee, 3,900 in Racine and 17,000 elsewhere in the state, according to the state Department of Public Instruction. Another 2,200 disabled students received vouchers under a special needs scholarship program.

Ending the programs now would cause chaos, for tens of thousands of families, argued 22 parents of voucher-enrolled students, private schools and choice advocacy groups.

The Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty, a conservative activist law firm, on Tuesday released a report claiming that if the school choice program ended, the Milwaukee school district would have to open about 17 additional buildings to accommodate the influx of students. Statewide, more than 3,700 teachers would have to be hired in public schools, the report said.
A paedophile gang whose drug-addicted members posed as witches and wizards have been found guilty of running a child sex abuse ring.

Childrens charity NSPCC said the case was one of the worst in recent decades after seven men and women were found guilty of sexual assault and rape by a jury at Glasgow High Court.

In a trial that spanned more than two months, evidence emerged that primary school-aged children were plied with alcohol and cocaine and subjected to a campaign of sexual depravity, including group rapes, at various properties between 2012 and 2019.

During pre-recorded testimony and police interviews with several of the young victims, the jury was told that one child was put inside a microwave, an oven, a fridge and a freezer in an attempt to murder them.

Iain Owens, 45, Elaine Lannery, 39, Lesley Williams, 41, Paul Brannan, 41, Scott Forbes, 50, Barry Watson, 47, and John Clark, 46, were all found guilty of rape and sexual assault.

Lannery was found guilty of attempted murder along with Owens, Williams and Brannan, who were also found guilty of drug offences.

Marianne Gallagher was convicted of assault but cleared of other charges. Three others were acquitted of all charges.

Elaine Lannery was found guilty of rape and attempted murder - Spindrift Photo Agency

Judge Lord Beckett will deliver sentencing at the High Court in Glasgow in January.

Matt Forde, the NSPCCs development director, told Sky News: There have been some horrendous cases over the decades. But this one is truly shocking and the public will find it difficult to think that children can have experiences like this, that they can be exposed to such willful and awful treatment, such horrendous abuse.

Defence lawyers had argued the children may not have been telling the truth, but prosecutors said it would be off the scale devious to make up crimes of the most monstrous kind.

Older children claimed that they were forced to abuse a younger child during prolonged attacks, referred to in court as child rape nights.

The children believed their attackers were witches and wizards who had the ability to turn them into dogs and cats with their magic wands.

The jury was told one of the child victims said: Two witches holded [sic] my legs down, it felt uncomfortable, all the witches and wizards were watching.

Iain Owens was found guilty of rape and sexual assault - Spindrift Photo Agency

It was also alleged that a Ouija board was used to call on spirits and demons, causing the children to believe that they could see, hear and communicate with spirits and demons.

The court was told one boy was said to have become desensitised to what was inflicted on him, while other children described being subjected to a scary and confusing world.

A woman who used to be in a relationship with one of those convicted said: I hope they get the book thrown at them. I do not condone violence, but I really hope, when they get sentenced, they will get what is coming to them. Karma gets you.

Detective Superintendent Nicola Kilbane said: This has been a horrific ordeal for the young victims who were subjected to years of unimaginable abuse. Our thoughts are with them today and I hope this outcome can help them in moving forward.

The levels of depravity shown in this case are extremely rare in Scotland and the courage of the victims was essential in securing this conviction.

This was a long, complex and challenging investigation for a team of officers and staff who had to work through the most harrowing evidence to bring those responsible for these despicable crimes to justice.

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.
An Australian woman accused of poisoning her former in-laws with deadly mushrooms at a family lunch has put her Melbourne house up for sale.

Erin Pattersons townhouse, located in the eastern Melbourne suburb of Mount Waverley, is valued at $1m and now reportedly on the market.

It is different from the home where the alleged mushroom poisoning incident occurred in July, which is located in Victoria states Leongatha town, about 118km away.

Ms Patterson, 49, had acquired the townhouse in 2019, according to local media. It is a three-bedroom and three-bathroom property. The property was transferred from joint ownership by Ms Patterson and her former partner Simon Patterson into her name alone in 2021, according to The Age.

The townhouse, situated at 2/2 Lyons Street and spanning 249 square metres, is scheduled for auction at 11am on Saturday, reported news.com.au.

It is expected to fetch anywhere between $960,000 and $1,050,000.

The house is desired for its defined dimensions and is a convenient placement in the Mount Waverley Secondary Catchment (STSA), real estate agency Ray White said.

This easy-care townhouse is equally suited to those starting out or downsizing as it is for families and investors.

Ms Patterson was charged with three counts of murder and five counts of attempted murder earlier this month.

She had served up a Beef Wellington dish that included mushrooms for a family gathering in Leongatha earlier this year.

The lunch hosted by Ms Patterson was supposed to have been a reconciliation with her former husband Simon Pattersons family for the sake of their children.

The gathering included Simons parents Gail and Don Patterson, both aged 70, Gails sister Heather Wilkinson, 66, and Heathers husband Ian Wilkinson, 68.

Gail, her sister Heather, and Don soon became unwell after consuming the meal and had to be hospitalised. They later died.

Mr Wilkinson, a well-respected Baptist pastor, was left fighting for his life after being rushed to hospital in a critical state. He was later discharged and is said to be recovering.

Ms Patterson had earlier denied all wrongdoing.
A Michigan woman vacationing with her four children in Daytona Beach was jailed after authorities said she abandoned a 1-year-old child who was found around midnight unresponsive by the ocean in 57-degree weather.

Shamika Mitchell, 37, of Detroit, was initially arrested Nov. 8 and charged with unlawful desertion of a child. A judge released her on her own recognizance after she spent a day in jail, court records show.

Following an investigation, Mitchell was rearrested Nov. 10 on a charge of aggravated child abuse. She was in the Volusia County Branch Jail Tuesday on $50,000 bail.

Courts records and reports from both Daytona Beach police and the Volusia Sheriff's Office obtained Tuesday detail how the 1-year-old boy was left on the beach.

Child advocate sought Woman wanted in child abuse, torture case worked for child welfare organization say police

Older son searches unsuccessfully for baby brother

Daytona Beach police said they were called at midnight Nov. 8 to the parking lot of Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 129 N. Halifax Ave., after Mitchell's older son fought with her when she returned from the beach without the 1-year-old.

Police determined that church security allowed Mitchell to stay in the parking lot because she was looking for a safe place for her children to sleep, according to a police report.

The security employee saw Mitchell leave the car with the small boy in her arms, the report stated.

When Mitchell returned without the child, the older sibling questioned her. Mitchell said she met the toddler's father at a nearby 7-Eleven and left the child with him, police said.

The older brother knew this was false because the child's father was in Detroit. He walked around searching for his little brother and calling out his name. The older brother asked the church's security to call 911, the police report stated.

While police were speaking with the mother, the older son became upset that she abandoned the child and tried to hit her. The older sibling was arrested when he hit officers who tried to stop him, a Daytona Beach police report stated.

Shamika Mitchell, children, vacation in Daytona Beach

Court records show that Mitchell, the 1-year-old boy and three other children had been vacationing in Daytona Beach since Nov. 2.

When Daytona Beach police questioned Mitchell, she stuck to her story that she left the child with the father, and when asked for proof, provided the father's telephone number. Police called the father and learned he was in Detroit, court records state.

Authorities immediately launched a search for the 1-year-old.

Child found in water, cold, shivering

Shortly after, police were called to the beach at Main Street and Ocean Avenue where passersby reported finding a child. The child was identified as Mitchell's missing son, court documents said.

A woman said as she was walking, she noticed something in the sand and initially thought it was an animal. As she got closer, she saw it was a child, court papers said.

In court documents, the woman said the child was on his hands and knees near the water and the waves washed over him, completely submerging him at times.

Bystanders got the child out of the water and called 911, court records indicate.

Sheriff's deputies patrolling the beach responded to the child's location. On scene, they found bystanders had taken off the child's soaked diapers, and were trying to warm him, according to a sheriff's office report.

A deputy put the shivering child in a patrol car and turned on the heater to continue warming the baby. The child's skin was cold to the touch, he was unresponsive, and had an elevated pulse and shallow breathing, the sheriff's office report detailed.

The deputy continued to help the toddler who started moving his legs once he warmed up, and he was placed in the care of paramedics, sheriff's deputies said.

Surveillance video shows mother returning without the baby

Daytona Beach police said they reviewed surveillance video footage that captured Mitchell's movements. Video recordings showed Mitchell walking on the boardwalk with the child in her arms at 11:57 p.m. on Nov. 7. She is seen walking down a beach access staircase with the baby, reports said.

At 12:02 a.m. on Nov. 8, Mitchell comes up the beach access staircase without the child.

Then at 12:45 a.m., a sheriff's deputy was notified by dispatchers that the child had been found on the beach at Main Street and Ocean Avenue, the sheriff's report documented.

The Department of Children and Families took custody of the children Nov. 8, as officials awaited the arrival of their grandparents traveling from Michigan, authorities said.

Police noted in their report that it was 57 degrees that night.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Shamika Mitchell accused of abandoning baby on Florida beach at night
A woman murdered in Belgium in 1992 has finally been identified after an unusual police campaign. British woman Rita Roberts, 31, was ultimately discovered to be the victim after her family recognized a distinctive black flower tattoo published in a BBC article earlier this year. The article reported on Interpols Operation Identify Me, in which the international police agency publicly released black notices, which seek information about unidentified bodies and which are usually only circulated among police forces. Roberts had left her home in Wales in February 1992 and traveled to the city of Antwerp in Belgium. Her body was discovered against a grate in a river in June, and it was apparent shed suffered a violent death. Roberts family, who last heard from her via a postcard the month before her death, said the news was shocking and heartbreaking but they are thankful to have uncovered what happened to Rita.

Read it at BBC

Read more at The Daily Beast.
A woman never notified the Social Security Administration of her mothers death in 2010 and went on to steal more than $268,000 in her retirement benefits, federal prosecutors said.

The 51-year-old, a U.S. citizen living in Tijuana, Mexico, is accused of keeping her mothers death hidden and her bank account active to collect the benefits for 13 years, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of California.

After the womans mother moved from California to the womans home in Tijuana due to her declining health, she died in June 2010, prosecutors said. At the time, the Social Security Administration was regularly depositing retirement benefits into the mothers bank account, according to prosecutors.

These monthly benefits replace a portion of a persons income after they retire or work fewer hours than before.

The woman is accused of withdrawing her mothers benefits with her bank card and impersonating her mother twice in calls she made to her mothers bank, prosecutors said.

During the second call  which was made after the SSA stopped paying the mothers benefits because the agency learned of her death  the woman asked the SSA why the benefit payment ended, according to prosecutors.

Three weeks after the SSA ended the payments, the woman was arrested June 27 while trying to enter the U.S. from Mexico, prosecutors said.

On Nov. 13, a federal judge sentenced the woman to one year and one day in prison for Social Security fraud, the attorneys office announced in a news release.

Pedro Bernal Bilse, the womans defense attorney, told McClatchy News in a statement on Nov. 14 that the womans family depended on her mothers benefits.

When (her) mother passed, it was difficult to find an alternative source of income, Bilse said.

In a sentencing memorandum submitted on his clients behalf, Bilse wrote that his client used her mothers benefits while she was alive to care for her, including to pay for her medical and personal expenses, and to care for her own needs and that of her children.

According to Bilse, the woman took her mother in for several years and cared for her when no other family member was willing to do so, he told McClatchy News.

As part of the womans sentencing, she must pay the SSA $268,143 in restitution, prosecutors said.

My client is content with the resolution in this case and accepts the courts sentence, Bilse said.

Man hid his moms death in 1990 and stole $830,000 in benefits meant for her, feds say

Mexican citizen used US mans identity since 1992, stole thousands in benefits, feds say

Woman collected $88,000 of her dead parents benefits for years in Alabama, feds say

Her mom died in 2016, but she kept collecting her retirement benefits, feds say
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said a woman has died after being shot in Southeast D.C. Tuesday morning.

MPD said that at about 8:15 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 1900 block of Minnesota Ave Southeast for the report of a shooting.

When police arrived at the scene, they found a woman who had been shot.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
The Starbucks Workers United union has announced that thousands of employees at hundreds of locations nationwide will walk off the job on the coffee chains Red Cup Day promotional event this week.

According to Reuters, employees cite staffing and scheduling issues as two main reasons for starting their Red Cup Rebellion this week.

Red Cup Day  which falls on Thursday  is one of Starbucks most popular promotions. The company gives out free reusable cups, creating what a barista calls one of the most infamously hard, understaffed days of the whole year.

10 Fwy could reopen in 3 to 5 weeks; no demolition necessary, Newsom says

This year, on the heels of victories won by striking workers across different industries nationwide, Starbucks workers are taking the rebellion to the next level, the union said.

Staff shortages arent the only reason baristas are protesting; in June, workers at a Starbucks in Cypress Park walked off the job in protest of the removal of pride month decorations in addition to stalled contract negotiations.

Workers United represents more than 360 stores and 9,000 unionized employees across America.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
By Gabrielle Tetrault-Farber

GENEVA (Reuters) - The World Health Organization (WHO) praised staff at Gaza's Al Shifa hospital on Tuesday for doing "everything they can" to care for patients despite being surrounded by Israeli forces trying to wipe out Hamas.

The hospital has ceased functioning normally since Israel began its offensive in Gaza following the deadly Hamas attack on southern Israel in Oct. 7, and has insufficient electricity, water and basic equipment.

Israel says the hospital sits on top of an underground headquarters for Hamas fighters. The militant group denies this.

"We know there's not enough food, that the staff are struggling to get any clean water because their water tanks were destroyed, but they are still doing everything they can to keep providing medical care for the desperately ill patients they have," WHO spokesperson Margaret Harris said in Geneva.

"We actually still describe Al Shifa as a functioning hospital because of the heroic efforts the staff are making."

Harris said Al Shifa now had 700 patients, more than 400 health staff and around 3,000 internally displaced people. She said 20 inpatient deaths had been reported in the last 48 hours although the situation could be much worse.

"Everyone in that hospital is in a really, really dire situation," she said. "We, as the world, have to find a way to help them. The best way would be to stop the hostilities right now. Focus on saving lives, not taking lives."

People in the hospital are planning to start burying bodies within the facility's compound, two sources at the hospital said, because of an acute sanitary crisis.

"Somehow the understanding that a hospital must be a safe haven, a place where people come to be cured, to be treated when they are in trouble, when they are in need, it has been forgotten," Harris said.

"There seems to be a trend to want to turn them into places of death, despair and danger, which should never happen."

Israel said Hamas gunmen killed more than 1,200 people and took about 240 back to Gaza as hostages in the Oct. 7 rampage. Medical officials in Hamas-run Gaza say over 11,000 people have been killed in Israeli strikes since then.

Israel, which rules out a ceasefire which it says could enable Hamas to regroup, denies Al Shifa is under siege and says its forces allow routes for those inside to exit.

Medics and officials inside the hospital say this is not true and those trying to leave have come under fire. Reuters could not verify the situation independently.

(Reporting by Gabrielle Tetrault-Farber; Editing by Timothy Heritage)
An enormous creature  considered by some to be the "world's most dangerous bird"  shocked beachgoers in Bingil Bay in northeastern Australia as it rose from the water and shook itself off, the Queensland Government said in a news release.

Called a cassowary, the towering, flightless bird is related and somewhat similar in appearance to an ostrich or emu, and can grow to be as tall as a human person. One of three surviving species of cassowaries in the world, only one  the southern cassowary  is found in Australia. The bird's native habitats include the tropical rainforests of northeast Queensland, Papua New Guinea, which is across the water from those Queensland rainforests, and some surrounding islands.

The southern cassowary has a distinct look, with Queensland environmental officials describing its characteristic glossy black plumage, a tall, brown "helmet" on top of its head, and a "dagger-shaped" claw attached to the innermost toe on each of its feet. They are Australia's heaviest bird, with females weighing up to about 165 pounds and males weighing as much as 120.

The sighting in Bingil Bay was reported to Australia's Department of Environment and Science on Oct. 31. A visitor initially alerted Nikita McDowell, a Bingil Bay campground host, after spotting the cassowary swimming about 200 meters, or 650 feet, offshore. McDowell told Queensland government officials that she followed advice from local wildlife carers and the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service to monitor the bird until it moved on when ready.

A southern cassowary sighting along the shores of Bingil Bay, in the Australian state of Queensland, was reported on Oct. 31 to wildlife authorities. / Credit: Queensland Government

"I went to make a coffee and when I returned, it was gone," she said.

Cassowaries are shy and typically hard to spot, according to the Library of Congress, which writes in a description of the "world's most dangerous bird" that although the creatures are powerful, they are not overly aggressive and attacks are rare. The birds "can do a lot of damage" if they are provoked, though, and the library notes that some attacks in the past have been deadly.

A cassowary killed its owner on the man's farm near Gainesville, Florida, in 2019. The bird apparently attacked him when he fell in its vicinity, authorities said at the time. They believed the owner, 75-year-old Marvin Hajos, was breeding cassowaries on his property.

While they cannot fly, cassowaries are strong swimmers and, on land, have been clocked running at speeds of up to 31 miles per hour. In Australia, the southern cassowary is an important contributor to rainforest ecosystems, as it spreads the seeds of rainforest trees, the government said, adding that some of those seeds are too large for any other animal to swallow and disperse them.

The towering creature shocked visitors at the Bingil Bay campground when it rose from the water, before eventually leaving the area on its own. / Credit: Queensland Government

"The southern population of the southern cassowary is listed as endangered under the Nature Conservation Act 1992, and it is important that, sick injured or orphaned cassowaries are reported to QPWS," said Stephen Clough, a wildlife officer, in a statement about the Bingil Bay sighting to the Queensland Government.

"We're not sure how long this animal was in the water or why it went for a swim but the footage is astonishing," he said.

Sneak peek: The Death of an Officer's Wife

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Romania has officially opened an F-16 training center that would provide service to Ukrainian pilots as well as NATO allies at the 86th Air Base in Fetesti.

The announcement of the new training center was made by the Romanian Ministry of National Defense. The center was inaugurated by Romanian Defense Minister Angel Tilvar and his Dutch counterpart Kajsa Ollongren.

Romania's New F-16 Training Center

The European F-16 Training Center (EFTC) will serve as an international hub for F-16 pilot training as well as boost interoperability between allied nations. It would also help in training Romanian pilots and those that come from allied and partner countries.

Under a cooperation agreement, the Romanian Defense Ministry provided the air base, the Netherlands contributed F-16 aircraft units, and the Lockheed Martin company supplied instructors and maintenance for the equipment.

Ukrainian pilots are expected to undergo roughly six months of training at the new training center. The EFTC is believed to enable Ukraine to build expertise in operating the F-16 as part of its air force capabilities, as per Euromaidan Press.

The opening of the new center comes as pilots from Ukraine have already started to receive training on F-16 fighter jets last Oct. 25 in the United States at an air base located in Arizona. The new Romanian training center has was also built to better position military alliance in the face of various complex challenges in Eastern Europe and the Black Sea region.

The U.S. ambassador to Romania, Kathleen Kavalec, attended the opening of the EFTC and called the collaboration an "example of how the public and private sectors can cooperate to further our defense priorities."

She added that she was there at the opening of the new training center with one simple message, which was that the United States government would support it in any way it could. The development comes as Romania has been a member of NATO since 2004.

The country also shares a long border with Ukraine and since Russia's invasion of Kyiv in February 2022, the embattled European nation has repeatedly asked its backers to provide advanced fighter aircraft to assist in its fight against Moscow's continued aggression, according to the Associated Press.

Read Also: Swarm from Kyiv: Ukraine Says Drones Struck 335 Russian Targets In Single Week

Helping Ukraine Against Russia

Romania has continued to increase its defense spending while the NATO military alliance strengthened its presence on Europe's eastern flank. The latter sent additional multinational battle groups to alliance members, including Romania, Hungary, Bulgaria, and Slovakia.

The opening of the EFTC also comes after the country last week said that it was pushing to buy 54 units of the latest-model Abrams main battle tanks and related equipment from the United States. It was part of a deal that was worth at least a billion dollars and was made to help the European Union country meet regional security challenges.

The situation comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Nov. 7 that five Dutch F-16 fighter jets had arrived in his nation. In a post of X, formerly known as Twitter, Zelensky expressed his gratitude to the Netherlands and Prime Minister Mark Rutte for leading the way in supporting his war-torn nation.

The Dutch Defense Ministry also noted that the Netherlands will work to provide 12 to 18 F-16 fighter jets for training purposes. It added that the jets would remain Dutch property and would only be flown in NATO territory, said Yahoo News.



Related Article: Gaza's Al Shifa Hospital Surrounded by Israeli Forces





@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken met with Presidential Office Head Andriy Yermak on Nov. 13 to discuss air defense equipment and winter preparations, Blinken's team said in a post on X.



Yermak thanked the Biden administration, both houses of Congress and the American people for its security guarantees saying they are "critical to guaranteeing stability in our state and bringing victory closer."



Tensions are high in Washington as Republicans and Democrats are struggling to produce a consensus which will keep the federal government funded.



U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson revealed on Nov. 11 a new proposal to keep the federal government open, a plan which excludes additional funding for Ukraine.



With just four legislative days left until the federal government shutdown deadline, lawmakers are scrambling to produce a consensus.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Rapper YNW Mellys retrial is once again being pushed back after prosecutors asked for additional time to prepare for the double murder case.

Broward Circuit Court Judge John Murphy granted prosecutors request, giving the state three extra weeks. Opening arguments are expected to begin Feb. 5, instead of the originally rescheduled date in January.

In a filing, prosecutors Alixandra Buckelew, Taylor Collins and Justin Griffis cited recent developments in the case, including the removal of lead prosecutor Kristine Bradley and new witness tampering charges against Melly.

Broward Circuit Judge John Murphy presides over a bond hearing for Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly on Friday, September 15, 2023. His previous trial ended in a mistrial after the jury was deadlocked and unable to reach a verdict in July 2023. Demons, 24, is accused of killing two fellow rappers and conspiring to make it look like a drive-by shooting in October 2018. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Buckelew, who was on the team that tried the three men convicted of rapper XXXTentacion, was assigned to Mellys case in October, days after Bradley being ousted from the case. While Murphy didnt find that Bradleys integrity and veracity as a prosecutor have been compromised, he said in a court filing that he granted the defenses motion to recuse her in an abundance of caution. Defense attorneys have repeatedly said they plan to call Bradley as a witness in the retrial.

The prosecutors removal is tied to a 2022 incident on the seventh floor of the Broward courthouse allegedly involving Miramar Police Detective Mark Moretti. Public Corruptions Unit Prosecutor Michelle Boutros, who previously testified about the incident, was present when Moretti was taking a statement from Jamie King, Mellys mother. Kings attorney Robert Trachman and Broward Sheriffs Office Sgt. Jason Hendrick were also there at the time.

Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly, looks up as members of his defense team confer while the jury deliberates at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Friday, July 21, 2023. Demons, 22, is accused of killing two fellow rappers and conspiring to make it look like a drive-by shooting in October 2018. (Amy Beth Bennett / South Florida Sun Sentinel)

At some point, Hendrick stepped out, and Moretti executed a search warrant for Kings phone. Shortly after, BSO Deputy Adam Gorel arrived at the conference room. When King and Trachman left, Moretti told Gorel that he should say he was present when Moretti executed the search warrant, Boutros said on the stand.

Accounts of what Moretti said  or didnt say  differ among the parties in the case. According to a filing by Bradley, Moretti asked Gorel whether he was there when the phone was taken, and Gorel said something along the lines of: I can be if you needed me to be. Boutros, on the stand, declared that Gorel didnt say that.

The detective, according to prosecutor Griffis, isnt under investigation by any agency for alleged misconduct. In a September memo, Internal Affairs Sgt. Brittany Parker closed a complaint made by King against Moretti, also writing that Boutros claims about the detective contradicted Gorels sworn statement.

What else is going on?

On Friday, the rappers legal team is set to sit Moretti through another deposition, or a sworn interview with a witness conducted before a trial. Under Florida law, witnesses cant be deposed more than once unless the state and defense agree  or a judge rules to allow the second interview.

READ MORE: Lead detective in YNW Melly case set to be questioned. Heres why  and what it means

The case is continuing with jury selection despite the dismissal of the first panel of prospective jurors last week. The second panel will return to be questioned in December, as prosecutors and defense attorneys work to create a new one . There are also dozens of pending motions, the bulk of which were drafted by the defense, on which the judge has yet to rule.

Jamell Demons, better known as YNW Melly, sits on trial on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, at Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Alerta!

YouTube will soon make users add a disclaimer when they post artificial intelligence-generated or manipulated videos.

In a company blog post, the video giant outlined its forthcoming rule change that will not only require a warning label, but will display disclaimers larger for certain types of "sensitive" content such as elections and public health crises.

As Bloomberg reports, this change at the Alphabet-owned company comes after a September announcement that election ads across the firm's portfolio will require "prominent" disclosures if manipulated or generated by AI  a rule that's slated to begin mid-November, the outlet previously reported.

In its announcement, YouTube also said that those who repeatedly refuse to comply may have their content removed, their accounts suspended, or their access to advertiser money revoked.

It's unclear when exactly the outlet plans to roll out these changes, but the company also said that it'll eventually "make it possible to request the removal of AI-generated or other synthetic or altered content that simulates an identifiable individual, including their face or voice."

"Weve heard continuous feedback from our community, including creators, viewers, and artists, about the ways in which emerging technologies could impact them," the statement reads. "This is especially true in cases where someones face or voice could be digitally generated without their permission or to misrepresent their points of view."

Mock-ups showing label added to YouTube's mobile video player. Images via YT.

Double Dipping

In what may be a nod to the growing trend of AI-generated songs created "in the style of" various famous musicians, the company will also allow musical artists and their representation to request the takedown of "AI-generated music content that mimics an artists unique singing or rapping voice"  but this, too, comes with caveats.

"These removal requests will be available to labels or distributors who represent artists participating in YouTubes early AI music experiments," the statement reads, an apparent reference to the company's "Music AI Incubator" project with Universal Music Group that was announced back in August and will provide an "artist-centric approach" to generative AI tools.

As Bloomberg explains, these forthcoming disclosures are part of Google's attempted response to growing pressure for industry giants to responsibly handle AI innovation  and not, like so many other companies, let excitement about the rapidly-evolving tech get away from them.

"Responsibility and opportunity are two sides of the same coin," Kent Walker, Google's president of legal affairs, told the news site. "Its important that even as we focus on the responsibility side of the narrative that we not lose the excitement or the optimism around what this technology will be able to do for people around the world."

Whether Google is actually tamping down excitement or merely attempting to circumvent AI legal drama, however, remains to be seen.

More on AI video: The Guy Behind "Shrek" Says AI Is Going to Wipe Out Human Jobs in Animation
By Lucy Craymer

WELLINGTON (Reuters) - New Zealand Prime Minister-elect Christopher Luxon will not attend APEC in San Francisco and instead the country's caretaker trade minister will represent the country, the political parties confirmed on Tuesday.

A spokesperson for the caretaker government said Damien O'Connor, who remains the country's trade minister until a new government is sworn in, will attend the APEC meeting on behalf of the government this week.

The conservative National Party won the largest share of votes in the Oct. 14 general election but needs the support of both right-wing ACT New Zealand and the populist New Zealand First Parties to form a majority government. Negotiations are ongoing.

The former Labour government is operating in caretaker mode until a government can be formed.

Luxon had said he would like to attend APEC talks but his spokesperson said on Tuesday that he would not be attending the meeting as negotiations are ongoing. The National Party will not send an observer.

New Zealand operates a mixed-member proportional system, which means coalition governments are the norm and historically it takes roughly a month for a government to be formed, but it can take longer.

Parliament must meet with six weeks of the official election result but there is no date for when a government must be formed.

(Reporting by Lucy Craymer. Editing by Gerry Doyle)
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been briefed on the increase in Russian assault actions on the front.

Source: Zelenskyy on Telegram

Quote: "Daily conference call. Intelligence reports, schedules for ammunition, missiles, and equipment supply. Summary from the front.

The military reported an increase in the number of enemy assault actions: Avdiivka, Kupiansk, the Donetsk front. I am grateful to our soldiers who hold their positions and do not stop offensive operations."

Details: The president emphasised that the Russians are taking revenge on liberated Kherson, so they are firing on the city centre without any military necessity.

Zelenskyy noted that the city's defence capabilities in intelligence, counter-battery, radio-electronic warfare and air defence were strengthened by the decision of the previous meeting of the Staff of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief. Its implementation is monitored.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs reported that the aftermath of the night attack is being dealt with.

The president said the military also constantly analyses changes in Russian tactics of using UAVs and makes corrections in the work of Ukrainian air defence systems.

Zelenskyy reminded everyone that the operation of the grain corridor is ongoing. As of now, Ukraine is passing the four million tonnes of cargo mark, and the number is growing.

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When one lane of traffic is closed on a congested road ahead, many drivers will change lanes as soon as possible to avoid passing stopped cars and merging ahead of them.

For some, its a question of etiquette.

However, Kansas and Missouri transportation agencies say that merging right away and leaving lots of empty lane before the closure may actually be more dangerous in some cases.

Instead, those agencies recommend the zipper merge.

That means cars use both lanes as long as they can, and at the last second, when they reach the point where a lane is closed, they merge.

It requires drivers to coordinate, slow down and take turns. They pass by the closure in the single lane one after the other. It looks something like the closing of a zipper  hence the name.

While some drivers consider it rude to pass by cars that have stopped and move over ahead of them, highway officials on both sides of the state line say it reduces congestion in the open travel lane.

Early merging forces traffic in the open lane to slow down considerably, creating back-ups in the open lane and frustrations for drivers, the Kansas Department of Transportation wrote in a 2016 post on its website.

By using two full lanes of traffic until the merge, you reduce the difference in speed between the two lanes, the Missouri Department of Transportation wrote on its website. The length of backups is reduced by 40-50 percent.

How does a zipper merge work?

According to the Kansas Department of Transportation, drivers should wait until their lane is about to end before merging in between cars on the open travel lane.

When drivers see the lane closed ahead sign and traffic backing up, drivers should stay in their current lane up to the point of merge and then take turns with the other drivers to safely and smoothly merge into the remaining open lane, the department wrote.

When traffic volumes are heavy and traffic is moving slow, it is much safer for motorists to remain in their current lane until the point where traffic can orderly take turns merging.

The department also refers to this practice as a late lane merge.

When is the best time to perform a zipper merge?

Kansas and Missouri authorities agree that zipper merges are best used when traffic is congested and moving slowly.

When other vehicles are moving quickly, its safest to merge into the open travel lane before your lane ends.

Thats because when traffic is moving quickly, merging at the last minute may be more difficult and cause cars in the closed lane to stop entirely.

They then must merge from a dead stop, slowing down the open lane.

The Missouri agency recommends the so-called early merging during times of light congestion, and zipper merging when there is heavy congestion with slowed or stopped traffic.

Do you have more questions about driving in Missouri or Kansas? Ask the Service Journalism team at kcq@kcstar.com.
Nelson County voters cast their ballots in the Nov. 7 election at the highest rate in the region. The Virginia Department of Elections reports 58% for the county, or 6,861 out of 11,843 registered voters, higher than surrounding counties and the cities of Lynchburg and Charlottesville. In 2019 that rate was 54%, up from 43% in 2015.

Independent Mark Embrey won a tight sheriffs race with 3,376 votes, or 53% of the vote over two-term incumbent David Hill, who had 2,963 votes, or 47%. Embrey won 6 of 10 precincts, Hill won three and the Rockfish precinct was a tie with 611 votes to each candidate.

Im absolutely humbled by the trust and confidence that the citizens of Nelson County have bestowed upon me, Embrey said via phone call.

Im very proud of my campaign and the race that we ran. Im energetic and enthusiastic to get to work for the citizens of Nelson County, and I cant wait to achieve the goals and objectives that we have laid out.

Hill said in a Facebook post it was an honor and privilege to serve as sheriff the past eight years and he will assist Embrey in the coming weeks in ensuring a smooth transition into a new administration.

"On a personal level, I appreciate the relationships that I have developed with the great people of Nelson County and across the Commonwealth," Hill said in the post. "We are a great community, and together, many incredible opportunities will be afforded to us. I look forward to what the future holds for each of us, and I plan to remain very active within our community."

On the Nelson County Board of Supervisors, incumbent David Parr won another term as West District supervisor, taking 65% of the vote. His opponent, Independent Mark Franklin, fell short with 34% of the vote.

I am humbled by the overwhelming support I received leading up to the election, Parr said in a statement. Voter turnout exceeded expectations and the results prove what Ive known all along  the West District wants a supervisor who represents the goals and values of our community. I look forward to working with this new Board as we focus on finishing the Comprehensive Plan, updating zoning, focusing on lowering taxes while growing our tax base, and establishing a fair formula for funding our schools on a per-student basis.

In the South District, Republican Jessica Ligon is positioned to win the board of supervisors seat, taking 59% of the vote over Independent Mary Kathryn Allens 40%.

In a statement on election night, Ligon said, thank you to all that voted. I am looking forward to this opportunity to serve the citizens of Nelson County.

Ligon owns Lovingston Veterinary Hospital, and has talked about improving transparency and communication between the board and community, curtailing spending and making improvements to public schools if elected.

On the Nelson County School Board, incumbent Ceaser Perkins is positioned to win the South District seat over challenger Phil Purvis. Ceasar is the boards current vice chair and has occupied the South District seat since 2015, running unopposed in the 2015 and 2019 elections. He took about 58% of the vote to Purvis roughly 42%.

Reached by phone, Perkins declined to comment but acknowledged he was pleased with the results. For the school boards West District seat, incumbent Shannon Rothgeb Powell won her seat in an unopposed race with 94% of the votes with the provisional ballots still outstanding at press time.

Unopposed races

Nelson County Commonwealths Attorney Daniel Rutherford was elected to his third term. He ran unopposed and garnered 96% of the vote as of deadline, with one precinct still outstanding.

Also unopposed was Nelsons Clerk of Court Lisa Dugan Bryant, who garnered 99% of the votes, with one precinct still left to report.

Running unopposed, Angela F. Hicks was elected to her third term as Nelson Countys Treasurer. She received 99% of the votes, with one precinct still outstanding.

Kimberly Taylor Goff was elected to the role of Nelson Countys Commissioner of Revenue in an unopposed race. Goff, who will serve her first term, garnered 99% of the votes, though the provisional ballots had not been tallied as of deadline.

Nelson voters back Griffin in House 53 race

Forest attorney Tim Griffin, a former prosecutor in Bedford and Amherst counties, will represent the newly drawn Virginia House 53 district after defeating Amherst County Democrat Sam Soghor in the Nov. 7 election. Griffin won the district, which includes parts of Bedford and Nelson counties and all of Amherst County, with close to 71% of the vote.

At a recent forum in Bedford Griffin said he will push for low-tax policies and making Virginia a friendly state for people who are moving out of blue states, such as New York and California.

Griffin has said school choice and giving parents more power in deciding their childrens educational model is one of the most important issues in the commonwealth and he will support bills that help law enforcement in fighting crime, adding that is good for local businesses.

A Liberty University graduate, Griffin attended Appalachian Law School and is in regular contact with legislators around the nation in cleaning up our state elections, according to his campaigns website.

Nelson County voters leaned in favor of the Republican, who took about 56% of the vote in the county, or 2,347 votes, and he won the Lovingston, Shipman, Gladstone, Roseland and Montebello precincts. Soghor won the Nellysford precinct and had 1,834 votes overall, or roughly 44%, in Nelson.

Nelson narrowly backs Laufer in House 55 race

In Virginia's House District 55 race, Nelson County leaned slightly in favor of Democrat Amy Laufer, who won the seat over Republican Steve D. Harvey with 61% of the vote across the entire district.

In Nelson, Laufer narrowly got the nod with 1,109 votes, 49 more than Harvey, or 51%. She won the Faber and Rockfish precincts while Harvey won the Schuyler precinct.

Were going to save abortion rights. Were going to take on gun violence. Were going to protect our LGBTQ students, Laufer said at a victory party in Charlottesville Nov. 7. This win is your win.

The (Charlottesville) Daily Progress contributed.
The Lynchburg Fire Marshals office is continuing to investigate the origin of a fire that heavily damaged a home in the 1100 block of Wise Street early Monday morning, the Lynchburg Fire Department said.

Fire crews responded to 1104 Wise St. just before 1 a.m. after a police officer spotted flames coming from the second story of the home and had gone to alert the residents inside. All four of the people living in the home were able to get out safely, and it took crews the better part of two hours getting the fire extinguished, LFD said.

According to the Fire Marshals office, the fire started in a second-floor sunroom and spread into the attic and roofline of the home. The fire department said arson has been ruled out, and while the cause has not been specifically determined, it does appear to be accidental. Investigators are still conducting interviews with residents.

Fire damages were estimated to be at least $100,000, LFD said.
The School Administrators of Iowa recognized the superintendent of the Council Bluffs Community School District as one of the top school leaders in the state.

Vickie Murillo was among eight Iowa superintendents chosen by area SAI districts for 2023-24 recognition, according to a news release.

"SAI is pleased to celebrate the contributions and leadership of school superintendents dedicated to serving students and their communities," Lisa Remy, SAI's executive director, said in a news release.

Murillo, who is in her seventh year in Council Bluffs, was recognized for pushing every student in the district to graduate with a high school diploma and a second credential, which aims to make postsecondary education or career training inescapable.

The district's Diploma +1 program involves active partnerships in the community, "creating meaningful opportunity for students of all ages, elevating the expectations for our students, generating prepared candidates for local business and industry jobs, and allowing students to earn valuable college credits, certificates and diplomas while in high school  all at no cost to the students or families," according to the release.

Murillo also expanded early childhood education opportunities through opening the Anne E. Nelson Early Learning Center, which SAI cited in its recognition.

Both programs represent partnerships with community members and philanthropic support. In an interview with The Nonpareil, Murillo also credited other district leaders  along with the teachers and staff of the district  for their shared accomplishment.

Murillo said it was an honor to be selected in the top several leaders out of more than 300 school districts in Iowa.

"We've done so much good work here in Council Bluffs," Murillo said. "I know that it celebrates the work of my leadership, but I can tell you, I'm only as good as the cabinet and the administration and the teachers and its staff as a whole here in Council Bluffs, and it speaks to our work and the leadership. I always say that our leadership is really supported by those that work together. It's not about one person. It's about a team."
Part of the charm of a snow day, especially for procrastinators, is the instant gratification of knowing there's nothing expected.

That's changing for Council Bluffs Community School District students, who will now be asked to complete remote learning activities during snow days.

They won't have a full day worth of lessons, nor will it be like the Zoom school of the bad old days of pandemic lockdowns where parents were enlisted to join the ranks of paraeducators.

In exchange for completing the remote learning lessons, students will get their full spring break. The district previously had trimmed the break to accommodate for snow days so students could still receive enough instructional time.

If there are more than four snow days, or school days canceled due to extreme wind chills, then days may be added to the end of the school year to fulfill state requirements. Those additional snow days may not trigger remote learning because they'd be made up with regular school days.

"We can have that nice spring break that parents have been calling for," said Diane Ostrowski, the district's chief communications officer. "There's new flexibility in Iowa law, just passed last year, that allows us to do this, because before you couldn't use a remote learning day as a valid school day."

Parents were told in a letter last week to expect Chromebooks to go home this weekend to test Wi-Fi and access to the learning sites.

On remote learning days, students will be asked to work on their own pace to review previous learning, preview upcoming learning or practice skills, according to the letter. They will access material from district teachers but not receive live instruction, although they can email teachers as needed during school time.

"We are sensitive to the challenges remote learning may present, so these days are designed for independent work," the letter states. "If your child is ill and cannot participate in remote learning, please contact the school to report their absence."

Accommodations and modifications may be made for students on individualized learning plans, and preschool students will have age-appropriate resources sent home. Students attending classes at Iowa Western Community College will also be given specific guidance.

Ostrowski said the new model for snow days takes advantage of the district-provided devices and BLink Wi-Fi network that was tested during the pandemic. But it won't mean that students won't have time to go play in the snow or enjoy other beloved snow day activities.

"We know how to do online learning," she said. "Let's take advantage of the resources that we have and continue the learning on those days."
31 Palestinians killed in Israeli bombardment of Jabalia refugee camp

Xinhua) 13:43, November 14, 2023

GAZA, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- Palestinian security and medical sources said on Monday that 31 Palestinians were killed in an Israeli bombardment that targeted several homes in the Jabalia refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip.

The Hamas-run Civil Defense in Gaza said in a statement that Israeli aircraft targeted a residential area in the Jabalia refugee camp, which led to the complete destruction of 12 homes and the killing of 31 people.

At least ten others were injured in the bombing, added the statement.

The government media office in Gaza announced earlier in the day that the Palestinian death toll from Israeli attacks has risen to 11,240, while more than 28,000 others were injured.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Florida lawmakers passed four new bills to Gov. Ron DeSantis on November 13 and have only until November 28 to act on the goals to secure Jewish institutions and fight antisemitism.

The Florida House and Senate met to discuss issues such as hurricane relief and security funding for ethnic organizations. They also exchanged remarks about the Israel-Hamas war.

Florida Lawmakers Pass New Bills

Florida lawmakers have sent the new four bills to DeSantis to impose extensive business authorizations on Iran and safeguard Jewish institutions and black colleges and universities, known as HBCUs.

The lawmakers also discussed providing consolation money for the industries damaged by Hurricane Idalia and working on students who qualified for school voucher scholarships.

On November 6, the legislative session started with the opening statement and prayer, led by David Schaecter, a Holocaust survivor, in a heavy German accent.

The session remained heart-wrenching to take action when Schaecter recalled that he watched the Nazis kill his mother and little sisters with machine guns when he was ten years old.

"I urge you all to stand with me and view the world through my eyes, as someone who watched marches and protests in Europe that led to gas chambers and mass graves," he told the room full of legislators. "I am here to tell you that our world needs a rude awakening," he said.

He said the increasing protests encouraged hate crimes. He urged to stop and fight antisemitism, which was rampant across America now and threatened the safety of the Jewish students on campuses.

Sen. Alexis Calatayud, a Republican and the sponsor of SB 6-C said they aim to make Florida the second-safest place for Jewish people this week.

Calatayud added before they voted that antisemitism was a corrosive stain on the soul of human history.

Read Also: Billie Eilishaffiliate with Safe Place Opens Up About Sexuality, Slams Trolls for Criticizing Her Body

Antisemitism in Florida

Antisemitism in Florida increased by 400 percent, so providing more funding to secure Jewish schools, mosques, Holocaust museums, and other institutions was vital to safeguarding Jewish people.

According to The Guardian, councilors in Mount Dora have decided to affiliate with Safe Place, a historic and eclectic small city famous for its antique stores, art galleries, and festivals, to provide victims of hate crimes a temporary home if they feel threatened.

Democratic senators were even eager to pass the bill as it would raise funding for security at black institutions.

Sen. Jason Pizzo, a Democrat from Broward County, said that he does not want to hear another black kid getting killed in his district. He said that every child's life was priceless and could not be paid in dollars as it was worth more than that.

Democratic state Sen. Rosalind Osgood, also from Broward County, said that hate was never right as we live in a fallen world that can be dominated by people who do evil things.

The vote on the bill became an emotional moment for the Jacksonville-area state senators as they were still grieving from their hometown tragedy on August 26 when a white man shot at a Dollar General store and killed three black people.

Related Article: France Reports Over 1,000 Antisemitic Acts Perpetrated Since October 7 Hamas Attack





@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
A 2006 graduate of Abraham Lincoln High School will be the next executive director of NAMI Iowa.

The organizations board of directors announced Ryan Crane will step into the role beginning Nov. 27, according to a news release.

I am grateful and honored to be selected as the new leader of NAMI Iowa, Crane said in the release. There is a lot of work to be done as we seek to improve access to mental health services and resources.

NAMI Iowa provides advocacy, education and support on mental health issues. Peggy Huppert, who has served as its executive director since 2016, will retire at the end of the year.

NAMI Iowa is at the forefront of an exciting and encouraging trend, as more people now see mental health as an everyday part of their lives, and stigma around the issue is reduced, Crane said. My background of community leadership and connecting donors to important causes can help propel NAMI Iowa into the future.

Crane has most recently served as director of philanthropy for the Des Moines Community Playhouse. Hes also served in leadership roles at the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, Primary Health Care Inc., Planned Parenthood of the Heartland and One Iowa.

A Council Bluffs native, Crane holds bachelors and masters degrees from the University of Northern Iowa as well as a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy designation from the American College of Financial Services.

Mary Neubauer of Clive, a parent advocate who serves as president of the NAMI Iowa Board, said in the release that Crane was elected after a methodical search.

The NAMI Iowa Board is gratified to have selected such an effective advocate and well-qualified nonprofit executive as our organizations next statewide leader, Neubauer said. I echo Ryans sentiments: While Iowa has made progress in recent years in terms of mental health resources, the need for treatment and support has grown all around us. We look forward to working with Ryan to continue this vital conversation.
The Council Bluffs I-80 sanitary pump station began discharging wastewater early Tuesday morning to allow the city to repair a damaged force main.

A force main is an 8 mile long pipe, 36 to 42 inches in diameter, that links the city to the treatment plant at 25th Street and Avenue Q.

There are five such pipes in Council Bluffs, the largest of which handles 80% of the citys wastewater and has a pumping capacity of 30 million gallons per day.

Repairs will be conducted as quickly as possible, but the city said in a news release that it may take several days.

While the force main is being repaired, Council Bluffs estimates that approximately 4 million gallons of untreated wastewater will be discharged per day.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources warns that people should avoid contact with Missouri River waters downstream of Interstate 80.
DES MOINES  Donald Trump supporters in Iowa have a mix of reactions to Gov. Kim Reynolds' endorsement of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in his bid for the GOP presidential nomination.

Supporters of Trump, who remains the Republican presidential frontrunner in Iowa according to polling, said Reynolds decision to endorse did not affect their support of the former president, but some said it affected their view of Reynolds, who is popular among Iowa Republicans.

Explaining the reasons for her endorsement, Reynolds said in media interviews on Nov. 6 that she did not believe Trump could win the general election. She also praised DeSantis' leadership and effectiveness as an executive, promising that he would lead on conservative principles and not be distracted.

Ron is focused, he is principled, he is results-driven. And, in short, what I love most about Ron, is he gets things done, she said.

Trump garnered 43% of the support of likely Republican caucus-goers in a recent Des Moines Register/NBC News/Mediacom Iowa Poll. DeSantis registered 16%, tying for second place with former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley. The poll included South Carolina U.S. Sen. Tim Scott, who has since dropped out of the race.

Paul Dykstra, a resident of Kellerton and state House candidate in 2022, said the endorsement did not change his opinions on Trump or Reynolds.

Governor Reynolds has been a good governor, he said. She had to make a lot of tough decisions in the last three years. All I tell anybody who gets critical of anybody: Walk a mile in their shoes, and what would you do? 

Dykstra said he was confident the party leaders would be able to come back together after the primary and leave any disagreements in the past.

Nothing is really decided until the caucus here in Iowa, and thats when we as a state got to come together and support the one that is selected, he said.

But others said they were disappointed in Reynolds for endorsing an opponent of the former president.

Trump criticized Reynolds in July for, at the time, remaining neutral in the caucuses and not endorsing him. He again lashed out at Reynolds on Truth Social after news broke that she would endorse DeSantis. He called the decision the "end of her political career."

Laura Ausdemore, a farmer from Harrison County, said she thought Reynolds made the wrong decision, and it made her question her support for the governor.

Reynolds has done a few things I'm not happy with, but all in all, she seemed to be pretty good, she said. But this kind of tipped me the other direction. I went, Wow. I can't believe she just did that. 

She said Reynolds endorsement of DeSantis made her more confident in her support of Trump.

The same is true for Mike Bixler, a Cedar County supervisor who has thrown his support behind Trump. Bixler said he was very disappointed that Reynolds endorsed DeSantis.

Repeating an argument Trump has made, Bixler said Trump helped Reynolds become governor by tapping former Gov. Terry Branstad as ambassador to China, which led to then-Lieutenant Gov. Reynolds assuming the role.

I just think her loyalty should be with Donald Trump no matter what, whether she wants to come out and say it or not, Bixler said. But especially to back to DeSantis, so far back in the poll is, I think, politically suicidal.

While Bixler said Reynolds will still remain a popular governor, he said he was going to step back and take a look at his support for her.

If you look at Trump's rallies and the support and trying to keep Iowa first in the caucuses and all the money that Trump has brought in with his rallies, Im just very surprised that she would even take a chance for or against coming out public, he said.

At the Des Moines rally where Reynolds announced her endorsement for DeSantis, he predicted she may attract some criticism, commending her for backing his candidacy.

I appreciate Gov. Reynolds getting involved in the process, DeSantis said of the endorsement. Now, look, when you do that, some people don't like it and some people say this or that. But I think that she understands what I understand, which is this country has hit the skids. This country is in a period of decline.

Gary Leffler, a member of the Polk County Central Committee and former primary candidate for Iowas 3rd Congressional district who supports Trump, said he spoke with Reynolds briefly a few days after she endorsed DeSantis, telling her he harbored no ill feelings for her decision.

Because you pick a different flavor of ice cream to me, youre still my governor and youve still been a good governor, he said. ... I dont have any animosity. Obviously, do I wish that she would have picked President Trump? Yeah.

How will Reynolds' endorsement affect the race?

As for the effects of Reynolds endorsement on the caucus campaign, the Trump supporters said they dont think it will do much in pulling away support from the former president.

I'm sure that Gov. Reynolds will impact some people, Leffler said. The feedback I've seen is maybe two or three points at the most.

Dykstra said he did not think the endorsement would have much impact on the race, saying the community-based nature of the caucuses has more of an impact than endorsements.

When people gather together in their communities and have a good discussion on who they support and why they support them, and theres any amount of reasoning that takes place, I think people come together and make a good decision," he said.
"Actual photo of me trying to catch all the Christmas bulbs the cat keeps knocking off ..."



Cecelia Henery-Smith

was this week's winner.



The winner's name will be put into a drawing for a free month subscription or extension.



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Olfa Hamdi, former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Tunisias national carrier and founder of La troisieme Republique [The Third Republic] movement, will run for the presidency during the next elections.

Hamdi unveiled her plans over the weekend and presented herself as the suitable replacement of incumbent Kais Saied whose election in 2019 has harmed so much the North African country.

After four years of bad governance and divisive policies based on fear, President Kais Saieds strategic choices have seriously damaged the State of the Tunisian National Union. They now constitute a serious sovereign risk to Tunisias national security and to the socio-economic well-being of the Tunisian people, she said.

Today, I am unveiling my candidacy for the 2024 presidential election. I present to the Tunisian people an alternative political vision aimed at securing a better economic future for their families and meeting their needs for hope, security, prosperity, and unity, she added.

Hamdi also indicated that she is embarking on a dialogue with all Tunisians at home or abroad in view of building a broad coalition guaranteeing a peaceful and successful political transformation in the forthcoming presidential elections.

Through this declaration, I humbly ask the Tunisian people to support me in conducting this dialogue, in leading this campaign and, ultimately, in realizing this vision of all of us united to bring our country into the 21st century. May God help me and bless our country, she said furthermore.

Hamdi who headed the national carrier for one month (Jan. 07  Feb. 22 2021) launched her political party in February this year.
Congolese students in conflict-plagued eastern province of North Kivu have tested successfully long-range missiles and explosives capable of attacking the positions of powerful M23 rebels sowing havoc in the region.

The students from the ISTA, the regional applied technical Institute in the provincial city of Goma, reportedly unveiled long range surface-to-surface missiles and explosives. They conducted a first successful test on Sunday November 12.

I have to say bravo, even if the idea that these explosives will kill humans repulses me! Were at war, and our applied engineering students might just be able to turn the tide with the missiles theyre training to make! local journalist Rodriguez Katsuva indicated.

Katsuva also indicated the students will for the next step mount explosives on the missiles.

The province has been for several years now the theater of clashes between government forces and M23 rebels backed by neighboring Rwanda. M23 activities have caused death of hundreds of thousands of people and the displacement of millions of Congolese.
Libya is seeking cooperation with African Union Center for Disease Control (CDC) in many fields including primary health care services, strengthen mental health services, as well as supporting response to epidemics and health emergencies, Libya Observer reports citing the Libyan Foreign ministry.

The North African countrys Health minister Ramadan Abu Janah met Monday November 13 with a CDC delegation. The talks touched on cooperation to enhance the capabilities of Libyas national health system.

The two sides also reviewed current cooperation programs and future prospects between the two parties in many fields, most notably primary health care services, strengthen mental health services, as well as supporting response to epidemics and health emergencies.

The African Union health agency strengthens the capacity and capability of Africas public health institutions as well as partnerships to detect and respond quickly and effectively to disease threats and outbreaks, based on data-driven interventions and programs.

The agency in September allocated Libya $5 million for the acquisition, and distribution of medical supplies to thousands of people affected by Storm Daniel that unleashed torrential rains and flash floods in North-Eastern region of the country.

Over 11,000 people were killed in the catastrophic event.
China's foreign business partners are now pulling out their funds from the Asian country. Experts said that billions of dollars in profit are being re-collected by foreign businesses out of China at an alarming rate.

This shows that although US President Joe Biden's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to boost the relationship between the two nations, non-Chinese companies are still becoming more cautious. Here's what business experts revealed regarding the fund pull-out trend of foreign companies in China.

China's Foreign Business Partners Pull Out Money at Alarming Rate

Nick Marro, a global trade lead analyst at the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) explained why American and other non-Chinese businesses in China are pulling out their funds.

Via BBC News, Marro said that domestic policy uncertainty, slower growth, and anxieties around geopolitical risk are among the main concerns of these foreign businesses.

Because of this, many of them are now thinking about alternative markets. Recently, some studies revealed that foreign investments in China declined by over $11 billion.

This happened in the three months to the end of September 2023. Market analysts said that the drastic foreign investment decline is the first decrease since records began in 1998.

They concluded that the massive investment decrease is proof that foreign companies are no longer interested in re-investing their profits in China. Instead, most of them now want to move out of the Asian market.

"China is currently facing slower growth and needs to make some corrections," explained Swiss industrial machinery manufacturer Oerlikon's spokesperson.

"In 2022, we were one of the first companies to transparently communicate that we expect the economic slowdown in China to impact our business," he added.

Read Also: Billionaires Launch Media Campaign to Promote Israel Amid Pro-Palestinian Protests

Will Biden-Xi Meeting Ease Foreign Business' Fears?

As of writing, it is hard to conclude if the meeting between Joe Biden and Xi Jinping-which is scheduled on Wednesday, Nov. 15-will help ease the fears of foreign investors in China.

The Guardian reported that the upcoming conference between the two supernation leaders is also overshadowed by the wars happening in Ukraine and Israel.

Although this is the case, many people believe that Xi Jinping's visit to the U.S. could greatly benefit China, such as attracting more foreign investors and retaining companies already in China.

Aside from the U.S.-China business relationship, Biden and Xi Jinping will also discuss other serious topics, such as Taiwan, the Israel-Hamas war, the upcoming U.S. election, and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Related Article: Joe Biden Considers Bolstering Military Ties With China, National Security Advisor Says

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The junta in power in Gabon known as the Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions (CTRI) unveiled Monday November 13 a timeline for the transition which will come to an end in August 2025 following general elections.

The CRTI led by incumbent transitional leader General Brice Oligui Nguema came to power on August 30 by removing longtime President Omar Bongo Odimbah in power for 14 years, in the wake of general elections that it believed was rigged.

Oligui Nguema subsequently took oath on September 04 as the transitional President of the central African country without providing any information on the duration of the transition. In a communique read Monday by lieutenant-colonel Ulrich Manfoumbi Manfoumbi, the CTRI indicated that it will hand over power in August 2025 following general elections. It also announced the adoption of a new constitution to be put through a referendum slated for between November and December 2024.

The first draft of the constitution will be unveiled end of August next year. The CTRI also announced a national and inclusive dialogue to be headed by the Catholic Church, for April 2024. The presentation of the timeline comes amid diplomatic efforts by the transitional President to end the countrys isolation by international organizations including the African Union (AU) in response to the military takeover.

Oligui Nguema met last week in Riyadh  Saudi Arabia, several African leaders including leaders of Cote dIvoire and Mauritania calling on them to defend the country before the AU.
French Ambassador to Rabat Christophe Le Courtier said his country has long backed Moroccos autonomy plan for the Sahara but now it was high time we made progress.

Speaking to 2M state media, le Courtier said France adheres to Moroccos momentum on the Sahara issue, and that his country is aware of what Morocco has achieved in this region.

He said the autonomy plan needs to be shared globally and that France backs Moroccos efforts.

This marks the first interview by the French diplomat with a state Moroccan media since ties cooled about three years ago.

Last month, despite the frost in Rabat-Paris relations, France has leant towards Moroccos stance at the UN urging all parties, including Algeria, to resume the round tables process with a view to finding a political solution to the Sahara conflict, while stressing the pre-eminence of the autonomy plan.

I reaffirm the historic and straightforward and steady support of France to Moroccos autonomy plan, said Frances permanent representative to the UN Nicolas de Riviere following the adoption by the Security Council of a resolution renewing the mandate of the UN peacekeeping mission in the Sahara, MINURSO, for another year.

The autonomy plan has been on the table since 2007. It is now time to make progress, he said.

The call for the resumption of round tables between all parties would unsettle Algeria which has backtracked from the political process and vowed not to take part again.

Morocco insists on the participation of Algiers in the UN political process in view of its key role in perpetuating the conflict through its Polisario proxies.

Morocco welcomed the UN Security Council resolution which reiterated the serious and credible character of the autonomy plan.

The resolution urged all parties to work together based on a spirit of compromise towards the achievement of a realistic, practicable, enduring and mutually acceptable political solution.
U.S. Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) Todd D. Robinson travels this week to Morocco and Algeria to discuss key initiatives and to advance shared interests of security, stability, and economic prosperity.

During his North-African trip (Nov.1221), Mr. Robinson will engage with security, justice, and law enforcement officials on the importance of transparent, accountable, and effective justice systems as essential elements for good governance, said U.S. State Department in a press release.

Assistant Secretary Robinson will also underscore the U.S. commitment to supporting these nations to enhance their legal frameworks and improve law enforcement capabilities, added the State Department.
During the Arab-OIC summit in Riyadh, Arab and Muslim leaders denounced the ongoing Israeli targeting of civilians in Gaza and called for a ceasefire and a lasting two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Out of all leaders who spoke at the summit, the Syrian and Iranian regimes showed hypocrisy and drew disdain as they have been involved in the killing of more civilians in the region than Israel.

To stay in power, Bashar Al Assad plunged his country into a civil war killing more than 328,000 people and displacing 14 million people, backed by Iranian militias.

After wreaking havoc through their proxies in Iraq, Yemen and Lebanon, Iranian Mullah sought in vain to stoke tension in Shia-inhabited areas of eastern Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

In Yemen, more than 220,000 innocent people died in the war that outbroke after the violent takeover of the Iran-backed Houthi militias.

Iran extended its schemes to export its Islamic revolution using proxies in Africa, including terrorist separatist groups such as the Algeria-hosted Polisario front, which boasts attacking civilians in Moroccos Sahara territory.

In Palestine, where most of the international community and Muslim leaders advocate a two-state solution, Iran prefers to play a disruptive role, arming proxies such as Hamas to attack Israel, triggering the latters violent and indiscriminate attack on civilian facilities leaving scores dead and injured.

The Iranian and the Syrian regimes should have also been condemned along with Israel as far as the indiscriminate targeting of civilians is concerned.
Sutherland Public Schools hopes to gain a Lincoln County sheriffs deputy as a school resource officer through a three-year, $125,000 federal grant the Sheriffs Office recently received.

Skeptical county commissioners agreed Monday to talk some more but are wary about the fiscal commitment when budgets are tight and Sheriff Jerome Kramer already is trying to fill five open deputys positions.

You have to look down the road and say, How are we going to fund this? Commissioner Kent Weems told Sutherland High School Principal Amanda Huebner and school board member Brandy Buscher, who also is director of student services for North Platte Public Schools.

Chairman Jerry Woodruff asked Weems and Commissioner Joe Hewgley, who form the boards Law Enforcement/Judiciary Committee, to explore the COPS Hiring Program grant and its requirements with Sheriffs Office and Sutherland school officials.

Kramer, Lt. Dan Newton and Sgt. Derek Hanna told commissioners that they dont have to decide whether to accept the U.S. Department of Justice grant until Dec. 16. They also can return the money if they cant use it.

If we have the (grant) money secured, we can figure out a way to make this work between now and next August when the county draws up its 2024-25 budget, Kramer said.

Hanna, the Sheriffs Office liaison to Lincoln Countys school districts, said he has talked with them about school resource officers for five years. It usually came down to funding, he said.

The North Platte school district helps the city pay for three Police Department school resource officers. In the rest of the county, only the Sutherland district has shown official interest, Hanna said.

Buscher suggested to him that the Sheriffs Office apply for the COPS Hiring Program. Its described by its website as providing funds to hire and/or rehire additional law enforcement officers to boost community policing and crime prevention.

It wasnt until Nov. 2 that the Justice Department notified the Sheriffs Office that it had won a grant, Hanna said. It would provide up to 80% of the salary of a new patrol deputy in the place of a current deputy who then could be assigned as Sutherlands SRO.

Given training and equipment costs, the COPS grant would cover about 70% of the cost to create a new deputys position, Hanna said. Sutherlands schools would cover the difference.

Commissioners said they know Lincoln Countys rural schools deal with some of the same student behavioral and family issues as North Plattes schools.

But they said theyre doubtful the county could sustain an extra deputy after the grant runs out. They also noted Kramers staff shortages, which take even longer to fill because the county has only two slots per training class at the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center in Grand Island.

When it comes to safety of schools and stuff like that, I get it, Hewgley said. But my first responsibility on this side of the table is to the people of Lincoln County when it comes to law enforcement for the general public. We have a hard time maintaining our level of people that I think we need.

Huebner said Sutherlands schools call deputies about three times a week about child abuse and neglect or student behavioral problems. State law requires her staff to wait for law enforcement rather than intervene, she said.

The exchange got testy at times. Im speaking for the community of Sutherland, Huebner said. There is an identified need. Im asking you to look at the data and listen.

We also see the data every year come June, when we see people coming in here protesting their property tax valuations, complaining about their tax rate, Commissioner Chris Bruns replied.

Weve done a really good job of not raising the tax rate. But there is a strong public opinion not to raise taxes in this county. And I dont know how we move forward without raising taxes if we adopt a program like this.

Buscher said other grants are available to help offset costs of a school resource officer. Other districts in the county could share the costs if they wanted such a deputy in their building one or two days a week, she said.

The COPS grant also doesnt require that the money be spent specifically on a school resource officer, Hanna added.

In other business, commissioners:

Agreed to sign a contract with Cleary Building Corp. of North Platte for $115,000 to build a storage building for Region 51 Emergency Managements equipment. The vote follows two previous failures to find an affordable builder via the countys regular bidding process.

Approved a formal resolution selling a 3-acre sliver of land for $1 to the village of Sutherland extending from the north edge of Walnut Street. That segment provides access to the citys water tower, which had been cut off by a nearby landowner disputing the lands ownership.

Accepted a tardy $6,694 change order related to the remodeling of a recently purchased building at 111 N. Dewey St. for the 11th Judicial District Probation Office. Its leaders held an open house Monday afternoon.
There it was on the webpage: a shiny, glowing number 36. A perfect score.

Nate Rohda was beyond ecstatic  a reaction expected of any proud parent.

But in all honesty, he wasnt entirely surprised. He knew there was a high possibility his son, Chance Rohda, would step away with the best score possible on the ACT.

Chance is technically a freshman in high school at East Butler Public Schools in Brainard  emphasis on technically  and it has always been clear he was academically gifted.

But, he forgot his watch on his second attempt at the test  the first try a month earlier earned him a 35  which threw his timing off, and he had to leave two questions on the math portion of the four-part test blank. The odds appeared to be stacked against him.

Everything seemed to go wrong, Nate Rohda said.

So, Chance wasnt expecting to get a perfect composite score, not this go-around at least.

Even so, when his dad opened the email containing his score, a bold number 36 sat there waiting for him.

I mightve said a swear word, Chance said of his reaction to the score. I was super excited.

A top score on the ACT is rare for any student, with less than 1% of test-takers scoring that high on average. Of the 1.34 million graduates in 2022 who took the ACT, only around 3,300 earned a 36, according to the ACT nonprofit organization.

But, Chances score was even more special.

At 13 years old, Chance is among the youngest students in the country to earn the top score on the ACT  with a score of 36 in science, English and reading, and a 35 in math.

He mustve only missed the two math questions he didnt answer, Nate Rohda said. Were very proud, obviously, because while it comes easy to him, he still works very hard.

In his 11 years at East Butler, Superintendent Michael Eldridge has only ever seen one other student achieve a perfect ACT score as a junior, but like Nate Rohda, he wasnt shocked to hear of Chances score.

I was impressed, but not surprised, Eldridge said. He's gifted academically, but he's also a well-rounded kid. Hes easy to build a relationship with. He's kind to others. He's respected by his classmates. He's just all in all a really good kid to have in the building.

The ACT is broken up into four individually scored sections to create a composite, or average, score and is typically taken by high school juniors and seniors, which, technically, Chance qualifies as.

Again, emphasis on technically.

Before Chance even started school, it was obvious he was advanced for his age.

He just was a sponge for knowledge, Nate Rohda said.

So, Rohda and his wife, Jennifer, took Chance to see a professor at Creighton University to help them decide the best route for his education. There, they were advised to place Chance with older students and start him at a higher grade level.

When the time came for Chance to enter kindergarten, the family, who had recently moved to Brainard from Omaha, looked at other schools, including one for gifted children in Reno, Nevada. But, they ultimately decided there was no better place for Chance than East Butler.

The school was more than accommodating, Nate Rohda said, and worked to design a unique program for Chance, allowing him to take his core subjects with the third grade class, while doing things such as art and music with his fellow kindergarteners. Chance has followed a similar model ever since.

Thats the beauty of East Butler, its K-12, all in one building, so it was logistically doable, Nate Rohda said. The school is just great.

Now, Chance has the academic status of a junior in high school as a freshman and could graduate at age 15.

While Chance hasnt yet decided if he will put on his cap and gown early, he has already begun scouting potential colleges, with the University of Nebraska-Lincolns Raikes School of Computer Science as the current front-runner. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the U.S. Air Force Academy are also contenders.

However, Nate Rohda said a part of him hopes his son chooses to stay in high school to soak up the final years of his childhood and graduate with the class of 2027.

We're really happy with the place we're at now. He's good at sports. He's good at school. He's accepted, Nate Rohda said.

Theres fear, and it's a tough fear, too, because people don't want to hear you complain that your kid is too smart, he continued. There are definitely some growing pains there.

No matter what path Chance chooses  and when he chooses to take it  achieving his goal of a perfect ACT score has lifted a heavy weight off his shoulders.

It's a sigh of relief, he said, because now I can focus on extracurriculars and building my resume and just being a teenager.
(Rob Pinney/Getty Images)

Less than two years after they were implemented, Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden announced that the UK would be reducing its investment screening powers to make them "more business-friendly".

In response to security concerns that foreign countries like China were too easily able to acquire UK enterprises with national significance in technology and other areas, the UK implemented new screening powers in January 2022.

This week, Dowden will begin a review with the goal of "narrowing and refining" the National Security and Investment Act, which gives the government the authority to investigate takeovers and, in the end, prevent them.

In an interview with the Financial Times, Dowden expressed his desire to make sure that the state imposes "as little regulatory burden as necessary" and that "government regulation keeps up with the dynamism of the private sector".

So who is the deputy prime minister?

Who is Oliver Dowden?

Oliver Dowden has been the MP for Hertsmere, in Hertfordshire, since 2015. He is currently the deputy prime minister.

He grew up near Watford and he said he had an excellent state education, attending a comprehensive school before reading law at Trinity Hall, Cambridge. His father worked at a factory and his mother at Boots.

Before becoming an MP, Dowden worked for PR firm Hill & Knowlton and as former prime minister David Camerons deputy chief of staff.

He was appointed Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster last October before being appointed Secretary of State in the Cabinet Office in February.

Mr Dowden is a key ally of Rishi Sunak, and backed him strongly in both Tory leadership contests last year.

Over the years, the deputy prime minister has been minister without portfolio, Cabinet Office between September 2021 and June 2022. Before that, he was digital, culture, media and sport secretary between February 2020 and September 2021.

He has also been paymaster general and a parliamentary secretary.

Story continues

Cancel culture and the war on woke

Dowden has hit headlines over the past couple of years by intervening in the national debate over the so-called cancellation of controversial historical figures.

Speaking to the Evening Standard last year, Dowden said that woke culture runs contrary to the great liberal traditions of Western democracies.

As culture secretary, Dowden opposed the return of historic artefacts held in British museums and galleries that had been brought to Britain during colonisation. In particular, he argued that the Benin bronzes, most of which had been removed by British armed forces from Benin City during a punitive raid, should remain in Britain.

In an interview with Channel 4 News in September 2021, about the bronzes held in the British Museum, he said: The collections of our great national institutions have been developed over many, many centuries, in many times in questionable circumstances. I think the question now is about what we do with these.

I love the Benin bronzes, Ive seen them many times throughout my life, and I think them being in the British Museum, which is a world repository of heritage, allows people to see it but that doesnt stop us from sharing it.

Dowden was also embroiled in a controversy over claims that his department was behind an anti-woke purge of arts board members deemed to be on the wrong side of a cultural war surrounding statues, wealth derived from the slave trade and the representation of colonialism in museums.

During his time as co-chairman of the Conservative Party, Dowden continued to be identified with the controversy over woke culture.

In February 2022, Dowden gave a speech in the USA to the Heritage Foundation in which he called cancel culture a painful woke psychodrama sweeping the West and sapping its confidence.
When Antonisia Nisi Collins enrolled at Auburn University, there was very little confusion on where she wanted her career path to go.

Collins has been performing in drama and theater-like classes since she was six years old. By the time she was in middle school, she found the confidence she needed to push forward.

I did start off a little shy but as I started to realize I was kind of good at what I was doing. I started to gain more confidence. My confidence really didnt come till about middle school, Collins said. Thats when I was like, Okay, this is promising for me, So Ive really been doing it my whole life.

Now at 22 years old, Collins is Performance Apprentice with the Childrens Theatre Company, an organization based in Minnesota. According to the CTC website, it is the only company in Minnesota to be nominated for three Tony Awards, and the only theater focused on younger audiences to win the Tony Award for regional theatre.

Collins joined the company over the summer and is performing in her first role with the company as an Adult Who Ensemble for the Dr. Seusss How the Grinch Stole Christmas! show, which will be held at the UnitedHealth Group Stage in Minneapolis, Minn. from Nov. 7 to Jan. 7.

Tickets can be purchased online through the CTC website or by calling the ticket office at 612-874-0400. Tickets cost as low as $15 and the venue can seat 747 spectators.

In many ways, that is right on track for the young performer that graduated from Auburn in May 2023 with a bachelors of fine arts in musical theater. As a Performance Apprentice, Collins said the majority of her responsibilities involve working with the children that work with the CTC programs.

Im kind of like the bridge between the student and staff. As far as everyone on staff, Im closest to the age of the students. So its like Im an ally for the students and Im also an ally for the staff, Collins said.

She said that in addition to mentoring, she is learning a lot about the theater business through the connections CTC has and the performances she is able to be a part of, like The Grinch. While being in the ensemble and serving as an understudy, Collins said that the rehearsal process is more rigorous and demanding than shes ever experienced, but it is worth it because after years of balancing school and theater, this has been her first chance to truly do it full-time.

That, combined with a welcoming theater environment, is making Minnesota feel like home even if it is over 1,000 miles away from Montgomery, where she grew up.

Ive been contemplating staying here in Minneapolis just because its so theater heavy and I would have more opportunities here than I would have, say back home, Collins said.

The CTC website said that the company is the most significant provider of accessible theatre education opportunities in the region, and every year there are thousands of children that experience theatre for the first time through the student matinees and education programs.

For Collins, the role has been a welcomed challenge, but something she has felt ready for since high school. Collins attended Book T. Washington High School in Montgomery and was heavily involved in a theater courses there. While the classes sometimes experienced a lot of teacher-turnover, that allowed Collins and the more experienced students to take charge with the class.

There was a group of us who had been doing it a long time, who would lead warmups and kind of take charge of the class if a teacher wasnt there, Collins said. This one time one of the younger students came up to me and she told me that I inspired her to want to do theater, like just coming into class and I guess being myself and performing everything. She told me that Ive made her believe that she can also do it and from that moment, I was like well, Im having a major impact on people and Im definitely gonna go to college and continue theater.

While at Auburn, she performed has roles in Into the Woods and Detroit 67, both with the Auburn University Department of Theatre, as well as a role in Four Little Girls at Alabama Shakespeare Festival). Collins said that Auburns program gave her a variety of experiences in different departments, and it also facilitated her connection with CTC.

At the end of each semester, Collins said that Auburns department hosts a senior showcase at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, Ga. Through that Alliance connection, Auburn learned that the CTC was holding auditions at the theater, and Collins and some of her classmates and friends, including her twin sister, decided to travel to Atlanta to audition.

While everyone she was with got the sorry to inform you email, Collins did not hear anything at first, before eventually getting a callback. However, the callback was virtual and Collins had suffered a broken toe, hindering her ability for the dancing portion of the audition. Despite that, she powered through and eventually landed the job with CTC.

This doesnt happen to everyone where you have an immediate opportunity. And I had an immediate opportunity. I just couldnt believe it, Collins said. All the hard work that Ive been doing. has been paying off and I really am making an impact and then to have a position where I am working with kids and I continue to make an impact on young lives. Its just a full circle moment for me. I was just so excited. I feel so blessed for this opportunity.

Her role as a Performance Apprentice is for the 2023-2024 season, and as for whats next, Collins is looking forward to the next test or challenge that she may face in her young career whether that is with the CTC or elsewhere.
An Auburn alumnus, World War II veteran and New York Times bestselling author was honored by the Auburn Veterans Resource Center on Friday.

In many ways, those could be three separate accolades for three different people, but they all describe the late Eugene Sledge. He was recognized by the Auburn Veterans Resource Center with the unveiling of a display honoring Sledges military career.

Im just honored to see my fathers legacy perpetuated like this, and this is a wonderful tribute. Im deeply honored that Clay Buchanan, Curtis Pippin and the rest of the team at the Veterans Resource Center did what they did.

Im totally impressed by their sense of urgency, attention to detail, their execution and the dedication they showed to make this happen, said Henry Sledge, Eugene Sledges son.

The display includes one of Sledges dress uniforms, several medals, a canteen, shovel, his mortar sight carrying case and a copy of his 1981 bestselling memoir, With the Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa, which was source material used for the 2010 HBO miniseries The Pacific.

Henry was among many Sledge family members to attend the unveiling. The display resides in Veterans Resource Center conference room in Foy Hall, on Auburn Universitys campus.

Curtis Pippin is the program coordinator for the VRC and he hopes that the the display and the story it tells will serve as inspiration for other veteran students following similar paths.

The Eugene Sledge display at the Auburn Veterans Resource Center showcases the journey from military service to academic success, offering a relatable and motivating example for our student veterans, Pippin said. As both an Auburn alumnus and a military hero, Sledges story connects deeply with our community, highlighting the diverse experiences and strengths that veterans bring to our campus. This display celebrates his legacy and underscores Auburns dedication to supporting the unique paths of its veteran students as they transition into university life.

Born in 1923, Eugene Sledge, nicknamed Sledgehammer, by his unit, served as a mortarman with the U.S. Marines in the Pacific Theater during World War II. He eventually rose to the rank of corporal before being discharged in 1946. Following the war, Sledge attended Auburn, then called Alabama Polytechnic Institute, and earned a bachelors degree in business administration before returning to the school again in 1953 and earning a masters of science in botany in 1955.

While at API, Sledge was a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity.

He loved Auburn University. I went here, and so did my brother and mother. People here at Auburn made this happen, and that shows the legitimacy of my fathers legacy and his reputation, Henry Sledge said. Things like this dont just happen overnight, and Im hugely grateful to everyone who worked to make this possible. Its beautiful, and Im also grateful to Greg Schmidt, Tommy Brown and the rest of the team at the archives for being such good stewards of my fathers papers, letters and everything.

The display at the AVRC is comprised of military relics the Sledge family have been donating to Auburn University for over 20 years. Included in those relics are the Eugene B. Sledge Papers, which are held at the Special Collections and Archives in the Ralph Brown Draughon Library, containing material from all aspects of his life.

The AVRC display was organized by Marine Corps veteran and current Auburn student Clay Buchanan, who worked with members from Special Collections and Archives, the VRC, the Auburn Student Veterans Association, AU Student Affairs, AU Facilities, the Alabama Marines Foundation, the Marine Corps League and the City of Auburn to build the display.

When I realized the collection included a dress blue uniform, I felt it deserved to be in a displayed area because it represents what we are doing here at the Veterans Resource Center and the Auburn Student Veterans Association, Buchanan, a business and professional flight double major, said. I couldnt think of a better way to show that, and Id like to thank everybody who helped me make this happen.

After earning his masters, Sledge remained in school and earned his doctorate in biology in 1960 at the University of Florida. He started teaching the subject and others at The University of Montevallo in 1962, and he remained at the school until 1990 when he retired. It was during those years at Montevallo that he finished compiling his notes from World War II and released With the Old Breed, detailing his combat experience in the Pacific.

Sledge died in 2001, and a second memoir, China Marine: An Infantrymans Life after World War II, was released posthumously in 2002. The book chronicles more of his postwar experience, including his time with the military in Beijing and his return to Mobile after he was discharged.

The unveiling was held on Nov. 10, the 248th anniversary of the creation of the U.S. Marine Corps and the eve of Veterans Day, with VRC leadership, members of the ASVA, university leaders and AU First Lady Tracy Roberts, an Air Force veteran, in attendance.
Three Indian cities have become part of the 10 most polluted areas in the world after two regions in the South Asian country joined New Delhi following Diwali festival celebrations.

In the capital, the air quality index (AQI) was recorded at a figure of 407, which put New Delhi in the "hazardous" category. Mumbai, India's financial capital, came sixth with an AQI of 157 while Kolkata, which is located in the east, was ranked seventh with an AQI of 154.

India's Air Pollution Crisis

Having an AQI level of 400 to 500 means that the conditions could affect people's health and is a range that is considered to be dangerous to individuals who have existing diseases. On the other hand, a range of 150 to 200 AQI can cause discomfort to people who have asthma, lung, and heart problems. AQI levels of zero to 50 are considered to be good.

Since Sunday night, residents from New Delhi have had a thick layer of smog circulating in the region that sent its AQI to an alarming 680 shortly after midnight. Annually, Indian authorities ban firecrackers in the capital but these restrictions have rarely been enforced, as per Reuters.

In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Indian lawmaker Saket Gokhale asked local law enforcement personnel for details regarding cases where people used firecrackers and the action that was taken against the people who were responsible.

The spokesperson for the New Delhi police did not answer several calls asking for comment regarding the situation. Every year, the air quality in northern India is expected to deteriorate ahead of winter. At this time, cold air traps pollutants from vehicles, industry, construction, dust, and agricultural waste burning.

Authorities from the Indian capital also postponed a previous decision to restrict the use of vehicles after a short burst of rain on Friday that brought some respite following a week of toxic air. The local government said that it plans to maintain the ban on construction activities and keep schools closed to protect the health of residents, according to Aljazeera.

Over the past week, children have struggled to breathe the polluted air, forcing them to flood hospital emergency departments. The daily concentration of fine particles less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter (PM2.5) in New Delhi remained above 200 micrograms per cubic meter.

Read Also: Himalayan Tunnel Collapse: Rescuers Rush To Save Dozens of Trapped Workers

Toxic Air Conditions

The particles are known to enter people's bloodstream and cause poor health. This was the conditions between Nov. 3 and Nov. 9. The World Health Organization (WHO) also has guidelines that recommend concentrations to stay below an average of 15 micrograms per cubic meter over 24 hours.

An atmospheric chemist at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Mohali, Vinayak Sinha, said that every year it was the same situation. Sinha noted that atmospheric conditions after the monsoon exacerbate air pollution in the region.

A policy researcher at the Council on Energy Environment and Water in the Indian capital, Karthik Ganesan, said that despite expected pollution this time of year, the current conditions came as a surprise.

This is primarily because the amount of crop waste that was burnt in the neighboring Punjab region was lower than usual this year. This caused some people to expect a milder increase in pollution, said Nature.



Related Article: Spain Faces Protests After Vehement Opposition Over PM Pedro Sanchez's Amnesty Plan





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i feel like literally every artist on tour over the last year has had to make this request/announcement during a show. how many times does it need to be said?!?!

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It's AMAZING you have to tell people this

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People should know better by now. She was way too nice, you gotta put the fear into them Mother!

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I went to a lot of concerts in Japan when I lived there and they'd often have gift boxes in the lobby/entrances so that fans could drop off gifts for the artist. I've never seen that at a concert in the West though. More artists should do it if only to try and prevent this nonsense (it also keeps everything neat and clean so that if the artist wishes, plushies etc can be donated)

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I can see it being a security issue in the US. I feel like Western artists are more cautious about accepting anonymous gifts like that, which is quite reasonable imo.

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It is. But presumably everyone will have gone through security and it'd be safer than throwing things on stage.

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I know Tori Amos did a "virtual meet and greet" at her tour for the last two years where you could go to the venue at noon and meet up with one of her employees who would accept gifts and letters for Tori. Tori used to do actual meet and greets for decades pre-covid but given that she's older and there's a pandemic, she didn't for this last tour but still had this way you could connect with her. I know that she would often put little gifts she got from these in her instagram pics showing the night's setlist (she changes her setlist every night) so people felt like they were still connected

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i think florence welch has had a box on the merch stand where ppl could put their letters for her in the past.

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Cant believe were not even half way through and shes had three different boyfriends coming to the shows.

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Ive had this thought lol

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joe never went to an eras show, so technically only two lol

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Her summer tour schedule is insane, I hope we get some cute fun candids at least!

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I had to block this user. Her face and demeanor irritates me lol.

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Taylor Swift talking about healthy boundaries with Swifties may be one of the wildest statements I've ever heard/read

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Concert etiquette is truly in the gutters

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Her fans are extremely and deeply stupid. I think she just made things worse.

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Ever since Ariana's Manchester concert I can't imagine how terrified I'd be of people just throwing stuff on stage.



People's etiquette in general in public spaces has gotten so bad, everyone is impatient, brash, and overall even more rude post COVID. I'm not sure what the hell has happened, it's like politeness and social norms have gone out the window and everyone is still just wild.

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Yes! Wish Id read your comment before I made mine it feels like everyone is just out to get theres and they dont care how it impacts anyone else

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I never had to worry about concerts before Covid but now every time I want to see someone I have to steel myself for potentially being near total assholes and wondering if its worth it



Muna fans are some of the most inconsiderate in my experience lol, seen them three times and each time Im somehow right by the most obnoxious girls that NEED to be noticed by the band by any means necessary, it doesnt even feel like they care about the songs half the time. At least Im not afraid for my life or anything like I am at shows men go to but its genuinely put me off seeing them again.

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I was talking about this the other day. On the Eras concert I went to, I noticed a lot of young people who didn't accurately assess how hard it would be for them to be in the pit section at the very front of the stage, because it's GA so you're basically squeezed onto one another. This has been like this for eons in Argentina, but with the pandemic, there is an entire generation of people who went into it as tweens and exited it as teens, so they never got to experience their first concerts, adapting to them, learning.

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and i love you so much 

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She's right and she should say it!

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It really feels like during lockdowns people just completely forgot how to behave in public, now everyone acts like the only thing that matters is what THEY want, filming and uploading strangers, throwing things at people its so gross

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I've noticed this at concerts, in movies, at musicals... they seem to think because they bought a ticket, it gives them the right to do whatever they want, even if they're ruining the experience for other people who ALSO bought tickets.

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Ive seen lots of those comments too, also why come to a concert if you cant let people have fun!



Idk how to explain to people that you should sing and scream but not need to be the loudest in a sea of thousands and especially not when its clearly inappropriate to do so (Phoebe fans that ones for you!). You should dance but not slam into other people. You should take pictures and videos but not blind people around you because you want to have your flash on.



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I think that is why when that one guy recently shot at an influencer who was yelling pedophile at him as a prank, people sided with the person with the gun.

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Taylor: please don't 

Cardi B: bitch! 



I know they're diff situations but it's funny to me. I'd be Cardi for sure.

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I can hear the Cardi one

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i was so impressed by cardi's aim and throw

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I like the piano

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Rihanna lying to a fan saying YES about remembering them and the bracelet they gave her! pic.twitter.com/dvPlJ1NkEg  Park Bom Enthusiast (@ultyangson) March 24, 2021



it's delulu i can't fathom why people think rich celebrities want their little tchotchkesit's delulu

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I'm sorry for repeating myself from the previous post where this was mentioned but wow. This is on a whole new level of horrible. This is on an entirely new ballpark.

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it's disturbing how GLEEFUL they are about it

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And he's not receiving nearly enough push-back...

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The level of warped and deranged you have to be to do something like this while Palestinian people are being killed in the thousands is making me rage more than i ever have i almost wanna quit the internets i can never forget the harrowing videos i saw of body parts en masse the screams and the fact it continues to this day is astounding.

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There was one video I saw of a desperate and distraught father yelling into the rubble for his children. Someone was kind enough to translate what he was saying, and the part where he yelled "My dears! My dears! I can't hear you!" devastated me. When he finally broke down I couldn't keep myself from crying. This is all so horrifying.

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I saw that one, it was gut-wrenching

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I will be closely monitoring this post for the next hour or so, please think before you post.



Report any comments directly to me or another mod

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Once again want to thank you and the other mods for all you do monitoring these posts. I know it's not easy and I appreciate it.

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every time i see this icon i mistake it for a young ardal o'hanlon and ive no idea why

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I always think its Chris Hansen

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I thought it was Seth macfarlane but the image was squeezed so his head is thinner oop

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u are a great mod<3

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can I just thank you and all the mods for being so awesome? I made the post, you guys just approve them and then have to sit there and read awful things so we can have a safe community. love you and I hope youre taking care of yourselves.

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He and his friends can go fuck themselves.



Edited at 2023-11-14 02:25 am (UTC)

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I wonder what it's like being so happy about how dumb you are

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they go hand in hand tbh

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this talentless fucking piece of shit i hope he fucks off into oblivion after the show's done

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he will. no one liked him even when it was popular.

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Idk he got A LOT of good will from that Doja situation - I didn't watch stranger things but I was fully entrenched in that weirdo situation

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Now hold up. He is by far the most talented actor of the bunch and Wills storyline really resonated with a lot of fans. Im one of them. Im shocked and disappointed at this. Cue we were all rooting for you gif.

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thank you for this post



this uninformed child has made me madder than i really think is healthy. i sincerely hope he has at least one sane person in his life that will guide him in the right direction because this is truly vile behavior

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glad to, I wanted my first post in a decade to be a fun one but here we are.



its the laughing like hyenas for me. I hope he falls down some steep stairs.

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hope he falls down some steep stairs.



Into a vat of goo covering with those tiny thin LEGOs, so every time he tried to stand up, all he feels is the pain along the arches of the feet.

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premie babies that should be in incubators are dying but go off with your stickers and your tongue out so cute and quirky

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When he was posting on Twitter that no one needed to actually do any research, it should be obvious, I thought that he was Pro Palestine. Oops. That's a really stupid thing to say either way.

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I've truly loved the Zionist shut-down of "this is very complex and you're actually really ignorant and need to do your research". It's such a tired method of silencing people, but what's amazing is the amount of people (myself included) who have gone away and done the research only to come back and say "I did what you asked! I'm now even angrier :)!"

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I've learned more about the history of the entire geographical area in the past month than I ever knew in my entire life. I am in no way going to claim I'm an expert, obviously, but it just makes everything happening here all the more nauseating when you have even the slightest inkling of the whole story.



And I guess it's partly in thanks to these Zionist fuckos telling us we're too stupid to understand why genocide is totally ok just as a special treat this time.

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I hope he grows to see how ugly and vile is this.

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it matches his outward appearance. 



Edited at 2023-11-14 02:35 am (UTC)

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Ugh, these takes are never it. Being ugly/not conventionally attractive and being a good person are not equivalent to one another!

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A white cis man learning from his mistakes? There's a higher change of hell freezing over tbh.

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Villainous shit

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This is making me so mad. Thousands and thousands of Palestinians have been killed and then there's people just being okay with it and it's upsetting.

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I never want to see his face when stranger things 5 ends. I'm certain by the time the show comes out, he'll "apologize" to save face.



He truly just turned out to be horrible.

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i don't think he will at all. it's people who are speaking up against genocides the ones losing their jobs and safety! these racist zionist will be fine, UNFORTUNATELY. i wish him the worst of the worst in life, though. won't even pirate st5. fuck him and anyone close to him who won't call him out on it.

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oh he is over. the stranger things writers having to rewrite the season now because of this, its never coming out rip

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they dont care, theyre not rewriting the strike timeline, they wouldnt rewrite half the actors dying and a real world zombie apocalypse at this point, they just have to push the turd out before the cycle of spinoffs starts. at least this man cant act his way out of a paper bag and doesnt have finn wolfhards face to fall back on, so as long as no one buys his knockoff nutella well never see him again.

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I think someone mentioned in another post that a couple of the people involved in it are Zionists so somehow I doubt he'll lose his job

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That would make so much sense he lnows exactly what hes doing and knows there will be no repercussions

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I wish I was just being cynical, but you don't get canceled for applauding the suffering of brown people by state violence in the US.

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idts :/ i doubt he'll even be criticised. if amy schumer didnt get any consequences, doubt he evem will

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P sure the duffer brothers and shawn levy all signed that biden thank you letter unfortunately :/ Which is a shame because in a fair world, Noah and brett gelmen would both be canned.

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You mean the writers who thought it would be funny to put Sadie Sink in the position of having her first kiss and then teasing her about it? Those writers?

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yeah I doubt the Duffer brothers are writing anyone out of ST5 due to them championing a Zionist perpetrated genocide. Because if they were it would defintiely be Brett Gelman.

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The only people getting in trouble in this situation are the people who are pro-Palestinian so nobody is gonna be rewriting anything, really the only backlash to this will be online, the ST writers themselves are apparently Zionists anyway so.

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An Engaged and Digitally Enabled Workforce Saves Lives

To truly work to zero, businesses must focus on creating and nurturing a culture of safety, and thankfully, advanced next-generation technologies can help.

Despite the business communitys best efforts, preventable workplace injuries, illnesses and fatalities are not a thing of the past. Rather, lawmakers worldwide are passing new occupational safety and health and safety (OSH) laws to reduce harmful and tragic events. In the U.S., OSHA updated its Hazard Communications Standard and issued its final rule to improve the tracking of workplace injuries and illnesses. However, regulatory compliance does not equal workplace safety.

The majority of business leaders and industry groups understand the need to go beyond compliance and advocate for strong safety cultures. In 2023, the National Safety Council (NSC) launched its Work to Zero initiative, a campaign to eliminate workplace fatalities by 2050 with effective technologies and stronger stakeholder partnerships.

To truly work to zero, businesses must focus on creating and nurturing a culture of safety, and thankfully, advanced next-generation technologies can help.

Driving Workplace Safety  an Uphill Climb for Leaders

Its a difficult undertaking to ensure the safety of dozens, hundreds or thousands of workers in one location, and its nearly impossible at scale, across multiple regions or among a diverse workforce. In 2021 alone, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 2,607,900 non-fatal injuries and illnesses in the private sector and 5,190 fatal work-related injuries. One workplace death is too much, let alone several thousand.

Private-sector business leaders in particular have several key tasks and objectives to tackle to achieve effective workplace safety protocols and drive these numbers down.

Leaders must align their companies on OSH policies and procedures especially if they have a diverse workforce of full-time, part-time and contingent workers, contractors and service providers spread across geographic locations. This can be challenging, given labor and workplace safety laws can vary by industry and geography. Businesses must comply with their home country OSH laws and regulations, plus local laws and regulations for each labor category.

Business leaders also must overcome worker resistance to follow OSH policies and best practices. While necessary,safety compliance can be tiresome and create more work for everyone involved. Likewise, policing staff can also be time-consuming, intrusive and awkward. But ignoring rules, cutting corners and failing to provide oversight can lead to tragedy.
Nigeria could still be months away from full commercial operations at its huge new Dangote refinery.

The Kingdom pledged to invest in the overhaul of Nigeria's oil refineries, which have been struggling to meet fuel demand.

Nigeria expects to see "significant investment flow immediately" from Saudi Arabia after the top crude producer in the Middle East and Africa's largest oil producer signed investment and cooperation agreements in the energy sector at a summit in Riyadh last week.

Nigeria has been looking to attract foreign investment in its upstream and downstream sectors, while Saudi Arabia has recently launched its "Empowering Africa" initiative to bring cleaner energy, connectivity, e-health, and e-education solutions to African countries.

The total Saudi investments in Nigeria, including in the energy sector, could be worth several billion U.S. dollars, Nigerian minister of budget and economic planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, told Bloomberg in an interview after a bilateral round table in Riyadh.

"We expect to see significant investment flow immediately," Bagudu said.

Last week in Riyadh, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu met with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and reviewed the bilateral cooperation and coordination in various fields.

The energy ministers of several African countries, including Nigeria, signed memorandums of understanding with Saudi Arabia at the Saudi-Africa summit.

The Kingdom pledged to invest in the overhaul of Nigeria's oil refineries, which have been struggling to meet fuel demand, leaving Africa's top crude oil producer in a position to have to import fuels. The four currently operating Nigerian refineries have been in dire need of upgrades for years.

Nigeria could still be months away from full commercial operations at its huge new refinery, Africa's biggest. The Dangote Refinery, with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day (bpd), has been commissioned, but full-scale production, including production of gasoline for Euro/pe, is not expected to begin until the second half of 2024, analysts have told Bloomberg.

After years of delays and massive cost overruns, Nigeria finally saw the giant oil refinery commissioned in May. The Dangote Refinery, built by the group of the same name of Africa's richest person, Aliko Dangote, was inaugurated by Nigeria's former President Muhammadu Buhari before he left office at the end of May.

The government hopes the new refinery will alleviate a chronic fuel shortage that has turned Africa's biggest oil producer into a fuel importer. Nigeria, OPEC's top crude oil producer in Africa, has had to rely on fuel imports due to a lack of enough capacity at its refineries, some of which had to undergo refurbishment in recent years.

The agreements with Saudi Arabia could accelerate Nigeria's refinery overhaul.

Commenting on the Nigeria-Saudi deals, Nigerian Oil Minister Heineken Lokpobiri said the memorandum of understanding is aimed at "promoting collaboration and strengthening our partnership in the oil and gas sector for mutual benefits."

"From this, we can anticipate enhanced technological exchange, investment inflow and a strengthened strategic partnership, paving the way for sustainable growth and prosperity in our energy landscape."

Nigerian President Tinubu, for his part, noted that he had assured investors at the Saudi-Africa Summit of Nigeria's "commitment to a stable, profitable business environment."

"We are ready for change, ready for investment, ready for growth, ready for business," the Nigerian President said.

"As a government, we have taken sustainable steps to cut the red tape, clearing the path for free market operations, and affirming our stance against corruption."

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Energy is a key part of the Nigerian push to attract investments.

"Saudi Arabia, being a key player in the global energy market, holds the potential to channel significant investments into Nigeria, thereby stimulating economic growth, job creation and infrastructural development," the Nigerian Oil Ministry said in a statement carried by local news outlet Punch.

Apart from ending dependence on imported fuels, Nigeria looks to boost its oil and gas production and leave behind years of pipeline vandalism, oil theft, and a lack of investment in capacity.



By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Oil prices moved higher on Tuesday as both OPEC and the IEA released reports pointing to strengthening global oil demand growth.

Chart of the Week

- Two weeks before the start of the COP28 summit in the United Arab Emirates, market watchers are bracing for tough talks as even the creation of a World Bank-led climate disaster fund turned out to be too difficult for participating states.

- In the Middle East itself, the energy transition is a distant dream as a mere 1% of power generation in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, or Oman comes from renewable sources. Even in the UAE the same metric stands at just 7%.

- Dependent on hydrocarbon revenue to fund their national budget, Middle Eastern nations would most probably lobby for the tripling of current renewable capacity by 2030, but would want to avoid any restrictive measures on oil investments and production.

- The UAE and Oman aim to reach net zero emissions by 2050; Bahrain, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia by 2060 and Qatar has so far failed to put forward a net zero target of its own.

Market Movers

- Oklahoma-based drilling firm Mach Natural Resources (NYSE:MNR) said it would buy oil and gas assets in the Anadarko Basin producing 32,000 boepd from privately-held Paloma Partners for $815 million in cash.

- US storage and distribution firm Global Partners (NYSE:GLP) agreed to buy 25 fuel terminals from US refinery Motiva for $306 million, almost doubling the companys storage capacity to 18.3 MMbbls.

- Canadas midstream giant TC Energy (NYSE:TRP) said it is looking to spin off its assets in Mexico and Canada, ideally to form joint ventures with partners, as part of its $2.2 billion divestiture program.

Tuesday, November 14, 2023

A relatively upbeat OPEC monthly report was surprisingly backed up by the IEAs oil demand growth hikes as the international agency lifted both its 2023 and 2024 annual numbers, arguing that a more palatable oil price will boost consumption next year. The prospect of tougher US enforcement of Russian price cap sanctions and potentially renewed SPR purchases helped push Brent past the $83 per barrel mark, despite market fundamentals remaining softer than throughout most of 2023.

OPEC Remains as Optimistic as Ever. Brushing aside fears of recession, OPEC reiterated its bullish view on oil demand growth in 2024 at 2.25 million b/d, only slightly lower than this years 2.46 million b/d, saying the market was exaggerating negative sentiments amidst robust demand.

Iraq to Resume Kurdish Oil Exports. Iraqi oil minister Hayan Abdel-Ghani announced that Baghdad reached an understanding with Turkey over the resumption of northern oil exports and expects to reach an agreement with the Kurdish authorities on restarting production over the upcoming days.

US Shale Production to Fall Further. The EIAs Drilling Productivity Report sees US shale output decline to 9.652 million b/d in December, just a tad below its November forecast, as production is set to edge lower in the Anadarko, Appalachia and Eagle Ford basins.

LNG Prices Defy Seasonality, Trend Sideways. Europe and China are both set to record the highest LNG imports in months, however sufficient inventories combined with adequate supply have so far failed to lift liquefied gas prices into the winter, with JKM still hovering around $17 per mmBtu.

Exxon Aims for 2026 Lithium Start. In its inaugural lithium strategy presentation, US oil major ExxonMobil (NYSE:XOM) confirmed it plans to start production of EV-quality battery metal at its Arkansas "Project Evergreen venture by 2027, testing direct lithium extraction technologies.

Chinese Major Takes Over Iraqs Leading Field. Following years of disputes, the Iraqi government has signed a settlement agreement with ExxonMobil (NYSE:XOM) that would allow the US company to fully quit the West Qurna 1 oil field, with PetroChina (SHA:601857) becoming the projects operator.

Chevron Restarts Key Israel Field. US oil major Chevron (NYSE:CVX) announced it had resumed production from Israels offshore Tamar field, a month after hostilities in Gaza prompted it to halt supply altogether, with Egypt and Jordan expected to see higher imports over the upcoming days.

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Referendum Puts an End to Ecuadors Oil Frontier. Ecuadors national oil company Petroecuador announced it would shut down its 57,000 b/d upstream project in the Yasuni ecological reserve in the midst of the Amazon rainforest, following an August referendum on the issue.

Glencore Comes to the Rescue. Swiss-based international trader Glencore (LON:GLEN) provided Africa-focused driller Tullow Oil (LON:TLW) a $400 million five-year debt facility to help manage its 2026 maturity bonds, in return taking over the marketing of Tullows offshore Ghana oilfields.

China Keeps Copper Under Tight Control. The international clout of Chinese players in the copper market is increasing as China is increasing its copper smelting capacity by 45% by 2027, the majority of incremental smelting capacity globally, turning into a net exporter by the end of the decade.

Saudi Arabia Wants to Move into EV Batteries. Saudi Arabias Minister of Investment Khalid al-Falih stated that Riyadh is considering investments into the production of EV batteries and hydrogen-powered vehicles, seeking to become the regional carmaking powerhouse in the Middle East.

Pressure Mounts on Venture Global. European energy majors BP (NYSE:BP), Shell (LON:SHEL), or Edison (BIT:EDN) pressed the US-EU Task Force to intervene in Venture Global LNGs failure to deliver cargoes into their term deals, as the Louisiana plant is still not fully operational due to faulty equipment.

White House Investigates Russian Oil Shippers. The US Treasury Department sent information requests to some 30 ship management companies about 100 oil tankers it suspects of violating Western sanctions on Russian crude exports, aiming to enforce the $60 per barrel oil price cap.

By Michael Kern for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
The European Union is considering toughening up the sanction enforcement on evaders of the price cap on Russian oil, almost none of which now trades below the ceiling of $60 per barrel, the Financial Times reported on Tuesday.

The price cap mechanism set by the G7 and the EU says that Russian crude shipments to third countries can use Western insurance and financing if cargoes are sold at or below the $60-a-barrel ceiling. The measure took effect at the end of 2022 when the EU imposed an embargo on imports of Russian crude oil.

But Western officials are increasingly concerned that Russia is selling nearly all of its crude above the price cap.

Almost none of Russias crude shipments in October were executed below the cap, a senior EU government official told FT.

The latest data makes the case that were going to have to toughen up, the official said.

Theres absolutely no appetite for letting Russia just keep doing this.

In the past weeks, EU officials have discussed tougher sanction enforcement, according to FT.

Last month, the United States took a tougher stance on the sanctions against Russia and sanctioned two vessels for violating the price cap.

The U.S. is also reportedly working to further clamp down on price cap evasion.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury has requested information from ship management companies about 100 tankers it suspects of violating Western sanctions on Russian oil, Reuters reported this week, citing a source who has seen the notices the Treasury has sent.

As a result of the stricter sanctions enforcement, shipping rates for transporting Russian crude have surged, traders have told Reuters.

Earlier this month, Russian government data showed that the average price of the flagship Russian crude grade, Urals, was $81.52 per barrel in October 2023. Thats higher than the average Urals crude price for the same month of last year, $70.62 per barrel.

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But this month, the price of a barrel of Urals shipping out of Russian ports has retreated to levels close to the G7 price cap after higher freight rates and falling Brent crude prices dragged it down, Reuters has calculated.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Last week, oil prices logged a third straight weekly decline, sinking to the lowest level since mid-July as concerns about demand continue to replace the fear of production outages related to the Middle East conflict. Front-month Nymex crude for December delivery rose 1.9% Friday but settled -4.1% for the week to $77.17/bbl, while January Brent crude recorded a similar weekly decline to $81.43/bbl. December gasoline was down -0.5% for the week to $2.19/gal while December diesel fell -6.2% to $2.74/gal.

Oil markets have been experiencing a shift in sentiment, with a significant decline in speculative buying also putting pressure on prices. The volume of long positions in crude oil has decreased due to macroeconomic fears overshadowing traditional supply and demand factors. To exacerbate the situation, global supply has increased largely driven by higher output by Iraq and Iran. Indeed, some indicators suggest that softness has developed in the physical market raising worries about faltering demand. Notably, Chinese refiners have ordered less supply for December. Although China imported 13.5% more crude in October than a year ago, the growth figure was exaggerated by coronavirus restrictions in place last year. Imports were up slightly on a month-on-month basis to 11.5M bbl/day but remained ~1M bbl/day below levels during the summer. Related: U.S. Oil Rigs Continue To Fall

The current situation is in stark contrast to the mood in recent weeks whereby traders anticipated a major threat to global oil supply, reminiscent of the Arab oil embargo that occurred half a century ago during the Yom Kippur war. Overall, the current fall in oil prices could signify growing concerns about the state of the global economy as well as a market being driven by fear rather than fundamentals.

"The meltdown we've seen in prices is reflecting two things: concerns about the global economy hitting a brick wall based on data out of China and also a sense of confidence that the war in Israel and the Gaza Strip is not going to impact supply," Price Futures Group's Phil Flynn has told Reuters.

India, Not China, To Drive Future Oil Demand

In the not-so-distant future, India, not China, is expected to be the main driver of global oil demand growth.

For decades, China has been the key to global oil demand growth thanks to an economy that maintained a blistering growth clip for a long stretch. But as the law of large numbers dictates, that era of exemplary growth could be in the rearview mirror. Economic pundits have predicted that Chinas growth rate will slow down to between 2 and 5 percent in the coming years, down from nearly 10% in the past decades thanks to a declining population and slowing productivity. The dramatic slowdown is expected to change the global oil order, with India replacing China as the main driver of global demand growth. Over the past decade, the Asia-Pacific region accounted for 79% of global oil demand growth with China alone accounting for nearly 60%.

Chinas role as a global oil demand growth engine is fading fast, Emma Richards, senior analyst at London-based Fitch Solutions Ltd, has told The Times of India. According to the analyst, over the next decade, Chinas share of emerging market oil demand growth will decline from nearly 50% to just 15% while Indias share will double to 24%.

Over the medium-term, commodity analysts at Standard Chartered have predicted that Chinas oil product demand growth will slow to 516 kb/d in 2024 from 819 kb/d in 2023, the result of a fall in GDP growth to 4.8% in 2024 (from 5.4% to 2023). They have also forecast Indias demand growth will increase to 331 kb/d in 2024 from 268 kb/d in 2023, helped by favorable base effects and only a slight slowing in GDP growth (6.0% in 2024 from 6.1% in 2023).

A rapidly growing population, which has likely surpassed Chinas, is expected to be the main driver of consumption trends in India. Meanwhile, the countrys transition from traditional gasoline and diesel-fueled transport is expected to lag other regions, in sharp contrast to Chinas skyrocketing adoption of electric vehicles and clean energy in general.

Chinas adoption of electric vehicles has been lightening fast, a trend that does not bode well for gasoline demand in the worlds biggest car market. EV sales in China nearly doubled to 6.1 million units in 2022, compared with just 48,000 units sold in India, according to BloombergNEF. BNEF has revealed that EVs are already displacing over 1.4 million barrels a day of oil use globally.

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By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com

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Glencore has struck a deal to acquire the coal operations of Teck Resources in a $9-billion transaction also involving two other companies.

Earlier this year, Glencore offered to acquire the whole company but Teck shareholders rebuffed the offer that valued the company at $22.5 billion. Per the proposal, the merged entity would be split into two, one focusing on coal and the other on metals.

Instead, the Canadian miner opted to restructure its business, separating its copper and zinc operations from its coal operations.

A few hours after the Wall Street Journal, the Globe and Mail reported that the deal being discussed also involved Nippon Steel and South Koreas POSCO. Per that report, which also cited unnamed sources, the three would buy the majority of Tecks coal business, paying a combined $8.9 billion.

Of this total, Glencore would pay $6.9 billion and receive in exchange a 77% stake in the coal business. Japans Nippon Steel, for its part, would swap its current stake in a Teck coal project for a 20% stake in the coal operations, paying an additional $1.7 billion. POSCO would also swap its stakes in two Teck coal projects for a 3% stake in the coal business of the company.

The FT later confirmed this information as it reported on the acquisition deal.

The development suggests that despite the massive pressure on companies operating in the coal space, interest in the commodity remains, as does demand. The deal negotiations come ahead of COP28, where coal will be discussed at length, judging by a recent intensification of calls to phase out the most polluting hydrocarbon.

As a result of that growing pressure, most commodity traders have shrunk their coal operations but Glencore has bucked that trend. The Swiss major has remained active in coal although it has announced plans to wind down that business by 2050 in case its shareholders want that.

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By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
On Monday, Canadian-Israeli peace activist Vivian Silver, who went missing on October 7, was found dead and killed in the brutal Hamas attack on Israel.

Silver's family believed Hamas militants had taken her hostage in southern Israel.

Silver Confirmed Dead

Silver's son, Yonatan Zeigen, confirmed his mother's death and said that her mother's remains had been found earlier at Kibbutz Be'eri but were only identified recently, more than five weeks after the October 7 attack. Close relatives and the Israeli government also confirmed her death.

"It is with deep sadness that the Government of Canada has learned that Canadian-Israeli citizen Vivian Silver is deceased," Global Affairs Canada said.

The organization contacted Silver's family and noted they were providing assistance. However, the family still has no response.

Yonatan said he called his mother after he heard that Hamas gunmen attacked civilians near her home in Be'eri Kibbutz on October 7. He was able to reach his mother, and they immediately switched to texting through WhatsApp after hearing screams and gunshots on the call.

He said that they stopped talking so the gunmen would not hear their conversation. He also said that his mother updated him when the gunmen were inside the house and, later on, the house was burned to the ground.

Silver's other son, Chen Zeigen, said that the Israeli government contacted them after the attack to inform them it had geolocated Silver's phone in Gaza.

After the call, Silver's family was hopeful that their mother was still alive and held hostage along with more than 200 others in Gaza.

Idit Shamir, Israel's consul general in Toronto, posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, that Silver's death was distressing. She extended her heart to the family and friends of Silver and said her memory may be a blessing.

Read Also: Joe Biden Considers Bolstering Military Ties With China, National Security Advisor Says

Who is Vivian Silver?

Silver was raised in Winnipeg and relocated to Israel in the 1970s as she wanted to be a part of a peaceful solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Silver was an active member of different humanitarian groups. She became an activist who helped initiate and run several aid organizations.

Silver was the founder of Women Wage Peace, an organization that advocates for the ceasefire of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and encourages women to be part of the peace.

She was also the co-CEO of the Negev Institute for Strategies of Peace and Development, an Arab-Jewish organization that promotes social change, and a former board member for the Israeli human rights organization B'Tselem.

Her son said her mother always believed people were equal without their ideologies.

Silver also organized a march for peace on the Jordan River in the West Bank in 2017. The demonstration was about denouncing the Israeli attack that killed Palestinian civilians in Gaza.

During the Israel-Hamas conflict, she would still drive sick Palestinians from Gaza to hospitals in Israel at the age of 74.

Related Article: Hundreds of Gaza Pro-ceasefire Protesters Attend Sit-in Demonstration at Statue of Liberty





@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Guyana asked on Tuesday the International Court of Justice to order Venezuela to stop a planned referendum on a potentially oil-rich territory which the two neighbors have disputed for over a century.

The dispute between Venezuela and Guyana regarding the Essequibo region is a long-running one, stemming from an arbitration decision from 1899, which gave control over Essequibo to the then-British colony Guyana.

Venezuela has not accepted the arbitration and recently moved to reinforce its claim over the territory with the referendum slated for December 3. The International Court of Justice said earlier this year it has jurisdiction over the issue after Guyana approached it in 2018 to rule on the ownership of the disputed territory. A final decision on the matter, however, may be still years away.

Guyana claims that Venezuela is seeking to annex the territory of 160,000 square kilometers (61,776 square miles) and that the referendum poses a threat to the territorial integrity of Guyana.

It seeks to create a new Venezuelan state that purports to annex and incorporate into its own territory Guyana's entire Esequiba region, more than two thirds of its national territory and to grant Venezuelan citizenship to the population, Carl Greenidge, Guyanas representative, told Reuters.

Guyana has become a hotspot for exploration and development in recent years after Exxon and Hess found more than 11 billion barrels of oil equivalent offshore the South American country.

Currently, Guyana produces around 360,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude. Exxon, leading a consortium with Hess Corporation, is currently producing all the crude oil in Guyanathe worlds newest oil-producing nation, before the South American country announces winners in its first-ever offshore licensing round expected later this year.

Exxon is currently preparing to launch a sixth offshore oil project in Guyana, with $12.93 billion earmarked for its development.

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By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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Natural gas supply from Israel to Egypt is expected to return early next week to normal levels after an Israeli gas field resumed production suspended in the wake of the Hamas attack in early October, Bloomberg reported on Tuesday, quoting a source with knowledge of Egypts gas import levels.

Low Israeli gas supplies to Egypt also mean low or none Egyptian LNG exports to Europe, which rely on a growing number of cargoes to replace the pipeline gas supply from Russia, most of which was cut off last year after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

In Israel, gas production from the offshore Tamar field has resumed, a month after it was suspended in the wake of the Hamas attacks on southern Israel. The Tamar field is one of the two massive offshore gas fields that put Israel on the global gas map when they were discovered. The field last year produced 10.25 billion cubic meters, up by 18% in 2021. It is operated by Chevron, which also operates the other major gas field in the country, Leviathan.

After the resumption of gas production at Tamar, gas flows from Israel to Egypt are set to nearly double and return to the pre-war levels by early next week, according to Bloombergs source.

Egypts gas imports from Israel are set to return to the pre-war level of 800 million cubic feet a day early next week, compared to only 250 million cubic feet per day in early November, the anonymous source told Bloomberg.

Export flows of gas from southern Israel to Egypt through the offshore EMG pipeline are also likely to restart this week, sources told Bloomberg on Monday. Supplies from Israel to Egypt via EMG were suspended following the shutdown of the Tamar field, although some of those exports were re-routed through Jordan.

Higher Egyptian gas imports and eased concerns about production disruption in the Eastern Mediterranean are good news for Europe, which could hope for some LNG from Egypt this winter, barring an escalation and other field shut-ins.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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Russias oil export revenues declined by $25 million to $18.34 billion in October amid lower international oil prices, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said on Tuesday.

The lower benchmark crude prices more than offset a shrinking discount for Russias crude grades versus North Sea Dated, the agency said in its latest Oil Market Report published today.

In volumes, total Russian oil exports dropped by 70,000 barrels per day (bpd) in October compared to September, and averaged 7.5 million bpd last month, due to lower refined product exports which more than offset higher exports of crude oil, according to the IEAs estimates.

Russias ban on fuel exports affected product shipments at the end of September and early October. Russia enforced a three-week ban on diesel exports to countries other than four former Soviet statesBelarus, Armenia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan.

Moscow partially lifted the ban on diesel exports on October 6, and seaborne exports resumed shortly after that. The ban was lifted on exports of diesel and gasoil delivered to seaports by pipeline, provided that the diesel producer supplies at least 50% of the diesel to the domestic market.

The temporary ban on exports of Russian diesel and heavy refinery maintenance were estimated to have reduced Russias diesel exports by sea by 11% in October compared to September.

Apart from gasoline and vacuum gas oil (VGO), the prices of all other Russian crude grades and products were above the G7 price caps, the IEA said in Tuesdays report.

The first US Treasury sanctions imposed under the G-7 price cap contributed to slightly weaker Russian crude prices in the latter half of the month due to rising shipping costs, the agency added.

As a result of the stricter sanctions enforcement, shipping rates for transporting Russian crude have surged, traders have told Reuters.

Earlier this month, Russian government data showed that the average price of the flagship Russian crude grade, Urals, was $81.52 per barrel in October 2023. Thats higher than the average Urals crude price for the same month of last year, $70.62 per barrel.

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Via Metal Miner

Although they fell 4.29% throughout October, aluminum prices remain trapped within a sideways trend established back in July. Prices retraced from their late-September spike but failed to create a lower low. Therefore, they continue to move within a tight range.

Overall, the Aluminum Monthly Metals Index (MMI) remained sideways, with a modest 0.72% decline from October to November.

Aluminum Prices: Global Aluminum Premiums Move Lower Amid Demand Challenges

The aluminum market remains largely unchanged at the midway point of Q4. Aluminum prices remain range-bound, as they still lack the momentum to form a sustained up or downtrend. Despite relatively flat aluminum prices throughout H2, global aluminum premiums appear bearish. This suggests markets remain oversupplied amid ongoing demand challenges.

The Midwest premium has shown steady declines throughout the year. Since peaking in February, the Midwest premium fell over 35%. While the pace of declines appeared to slow in recent months, by mid-November, the premium nonetheless slumped to its lowest level since March 2021. As of this writing, it has yet to show any meaningful signs of a turnaround.

Europes unpaid duty premium also reflects a challenged market. Indeed, the premium has loosely mirrored its Midwestern counterpart over recent years. And while it found a peak later than the Midwest premium, it remains down on the year and currently sits at its lowest level since March 2021.

Compared to the West, demand in the East appeared relatively stable. The Main Japanese Port premium, which settles quarterly, held steady during the second and third quarters at $127.50 per ton. This is slightly below its two-year average of roughly $140 per ton. However, the MJP suggested a weaker market outlook by Q4, with a nearly 24% drop to $97 per ton.

Norsk Hydro Q3 Sales Plunge

Meanwhile, aluminum producers saw Q3 earnings reflect the challenged market environment. In its Q3 earnings report, Norsk Hydro revealed a sharp decline in sales. Indeed, bauxite and alumina sales plunged 89% from Q2, while aluminum sales fell by 57%. Although the company noted that demand from Chinas EV and renewable energy sectors remained strong, it failed to offset the downturn of the global industrial and real estate markets.

Norsk Hydro, one of Europes largest producers, is far from alone in its current market woes. Although it managed to beat estimates, Alcoa also faced a Q3 loss. It seems higher energy prices continue to challenge margins despite lower raw material prices.

CME Aluminum Contract Continues to Gain Market Share

Despite the down market, the CME aluminum contract continues to gain participants as volumes and open interest found new all-time highs last month. By the end of October, average daily trades showed a 170% year-to-date rise as they climbed to 6,800. Meanwhile, open interest jumped to 4,800 contracts.

CME aluminum futures have managed to built enough liquidity to serve as a viable contracting benchmark alternative to the LME. The two price points continue to show a strong correlation, and although they are not the same, the delta between them remains narrow.

Meanwhile, the LMEs challenges continue to attract competitors to its prized contracts. While liquidity remains largely stable for LME aluminum futures, markets continue to pay close attention to the impact of lower-priced Russian aluminum within its warehouses. After the volume of Russian-origin material retraced to 76% in September, stocks climbed to 79.5% throughout October. This is near where they peaked at over 81% in August.

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Russian aluminum continues to benefit from ongoing demand despite self-sanctioning from some. While the differentials between Russian aluminum and material produced elsewhere remain a risk to LME prices, such risks have yet to translate to a meaningful bifurcation in aluminum prices between the LME and CME.

By Nichole Bastin

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While climate visas could facilitate controlled migration, building floating cities offers a way to preserve culture and community without displacement.

Small island states are facing existential threats due to rising sea levels, forcing over 1 billion people to potentially relocate by 2050.

Youll remember the image: Tovalus climate minister Simon Kofe rolling up his trousers to give up a recorded speech for the Glasgow Cop26 climate conference standing knee-deep in seawater symbolising his nations vulnerability to the climate crisis in an appeal for help.

These nations are literally sinking into the sea  leaving their residents imperilled over the future of their homes.

But its not just small island states  the climate crisis could force over 1bn people from their homes by 2050. Some 150m p ople are currently living on land that will be below the high-tide line by 2050. The United Nations estimates extreme weather is causing over 20m people to have to move out of their homes to new areas each year  in an unprecedented wave of migration that will only get worse.

In the UK the politics of immigration is fraught to say the least. Whilst Brexit was presented as an opportunity to cut back on immigration from the EU, numbers have actually gone up since the referendum and immigration remains at the top of voters list of worries.

This is especially so with the Stop the Boats slogan flaunted by the Conservative Party, which though controversial addressed a real issue. There were 46,000 people detected arriving in Britain from across the Channel last year, making journeys that endanger their lives.

The scheme designed to prevent this  offshore processing in Rwanda  is subject to a decision in the Supreme Court due next week.

So the argument goes, if we will wind up with thousands of people fleeing as a result of climate change, better to be proactive and offer specific visas so we can have control over who comes in.

But this isnt actually what the people of these countries necessarily want from Western nations.

New Zealand was the first country to float the idea of climate refugee visas back in 2017 under Jacinda Ardern. However, after consultation over six months the plans were dropped  as Pacific islanders did not actually want refugee status.

Instead, they preferred an approach of reducing emissions, supporting adaptation efforts and providing legal migration pathways.

In the light of news that Australia is now setting up a special new visa to citizens of Tuvalu offering citizens an escape from rising sea levels in the low-lying Pacific island nation, City A.M. wondered: are these visas a good idea? Or is innovative infrastructure  like floating cities  more appealing?

Climate visas

Australias proposal is that every year up to 280 people will be given permanent residency  amounting to 2.5 per cent of the population (11,000).

Leaving aside the politics of Australias decision (China is also vying for ties with Pacific island countries and Australia is conscious of rebranding from its poor record on climate).

Models suggest for every degree of temperature rise, 1bn people will be displaced and analysts are warning of a mass migration from affected countries to northern ones, such as the UK.

Preparing legal routes of entry could prevent illegal immigration spikes and prepare the UK, and affected people, for the population change.

Centre right think tank Onward already published a report urging the UK government to input new controllable visa schemes earlier this year.

The proposed natural disaster visa scheme would permit people to either earn money and rebuild their lives before returning to their home country or to settle permanently in the UK if they had no home to return to.

Alex Luke, senior researcher and co-author of the report, said: The two controllable visa schemes would demonstrate firm global leadership, boost resilience abroad, and even help us to meet our own energy security and net zero targets.

It is entirely in keeping with the recent Illegal Migration Bill and the refreshed Integrated Review.

The problem with this approach is that it risks the loss of culture and community, history and heritage, that is intertwined with place.

Floating islands et al

The alternative is building climate adaptation infrastructure. For example the African island nation Sao Tome and Principe which was experiencing coastal flooding 10 times a year, the World Bank worked to boost flood resilience through sea walls and rock revetments, while working with communities on voluntary relocation to safer areas.

After the 2004 tsunami, the Maldives built heightened sea defences, elevated buildings and early warning systems. The island nation also explored replacing diesel fuel with solar power and determining how to safeguard precious fresh water supplies.

One more memorable suggestion is the idea of building floating islands on top of or adjacent to small island states as an alternative, indestructible base near the existing community.

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In 2018 a startup building floating man-made islands as a climate crisis solution held discussions with French Polynesia to build a prototype in their territory. However after protests and government opposition it got cancelled.

This is probably because the proposed island was set to be a libertarian utopia, funded by Silicon Valley contrarian Paypal founder Peter Thiel.

In the Maldives, the floating city idea has proved buoyant. The island nation is developing a floating city to house 20,000 people in a lagoon in the Indian Ocean, near the capital. The city will be built on a series of hexagonal-shaped floating structures and should rise along with sea levels.

The Maldives is currently predicted to become uninhabitable by 2100 due to rising sea levels.

The global conversation will inevitably turn to the fate of small island state dwellers. Whether the answer is climate visas or new floating cities  and most likely it will be a combination of policies that provide citizens options for their future  there is not much time to play with.

In the unique archipelago of Tovalu some 40 per cent of the capital district is underwater at high tide and by the end of the century the country is projected to be fully submerged. Two islands out of the nine atolls are already nearly submerged. The island is mostly just around three metres above sea level. It is also very narrow. Locals say their home is being swallowed up.

By City AM

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Two controversial library books will remain on shelves in the Omaha Public Schools after district-level reviews found that they help students feel seen, heard and valued.

The OPS school board approved the reviews on Monday, which will allow several copies of All Boys Arent Blue by George M. Johnson and Tricks by Ellen Hopkins to stay in age-appropriate schools.

The decision is just the latest in several school board discussions across Nebraska about books following an uptick of reports made by parents and community members, some of whom who dont have children in the school districts.

Many of the reports express concern about content around gender identity, race and sex expressed in a variety of ways, from childrens picture books to high school chapter novels. The American Library Association has documented more book challenges were made in 2022 than in the past 20 years.

Kathy Poehling, president of the Omaha Education Association, spoke at Mondays meeting to ask the board to keep both books in district libraries.

OPS is a diverse and inclusive district and our students deserve the rights to choose books that represent themselves and their families, she said.

All Boys Arent Blue, which is a memoir that reflects on Johnsons life growing up Black and queer, has become one of the most banned books in U.S. schools. Over the past couple of years, at least 29 school districts have banned the book because of its LGBTQ content and for being sexually explicit.

Most recently, the Papillion La Vista school board voted in August to keep the book in libraries following multiple review requests from community members.

Tricks, which depicts the story of five teenagers who fall into prostitution, also has been frequently banned.

In OPS, multiple review requests were received in July from community members who said All Boys Arent Blue and Tricks both contained content that was inappropriate for students.

The district convened a district-level review committee, which included district staff and members of the public, to review the books. All Boys Arent Blue has five print copies and one audiobook in high schools around the district. They have been checked out 22 times since October 2021.

Tricks has four print copies, with one at a middle school and three in high schools, which have been checked out 41 times since 2009.

The review report, signed Nov. 8 by Susan Christopherson, OPS chief academic officer, said both books will stay in libraries because the committee has concluded they received significant positive professional reviews and grade-level recommendations, in addition to helping students feel seen and heard in literature, among many other reasons.

Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of November 2023
COUNCIL BLUFFS  The Council Bluffs Interstate 80 sanitary pump station began discharging wastewater early Tuesday to allow the city to repair a damaged force main.

A force main is an 8-mile-long pipe, 36 to 42 inches in diameter, that links the city to the treatment plant at 25th Street and Avenue Q.

There are five such pipes in Council Bluffs, the largest of which handles 80% of the citys wastewater and has a pumping capacity of 30 million gallons per day.

Repairs will be conducted as quickly as possible, but the city said in a press release that it may take several days.

While the force main is being repaired, Council Bluffs estimates that about 4 million gallons of untreated wastewater will be discharged per day.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources warns that people should avoid contact with Missouri River waters downstream of Interstate 80.

Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of November 2023
SAN FRANCISCO  President Joe Biden and China's Xi Jinping swept into San Francisco on Tuesday as the two leaders made their final preparations for their first engagement in a year at a historic estate outside of the city.

Biden expressed hope that the talks would help put a shaky U.S.-China relationship  marked by sharp differences over the last year  in a better place. The two leaders arrived in the city to be greeted by hundreds of demonstrators who lined up along their motorcade routes, waving Chinese, Taiwanese and Tibetan flags as well as signs in support of and opposition to the Chinese leader.

Biden, before leaving Washington to make his way West on Tuesday to attend this year's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, said his broad goal was to get Washington and Beijing "on a normal course corresponding" once again even as they have sharp differences on no shortage of issues.

"Being able to pick up the phone and talk to one another if there's a crisis. Being able to make sure our militaries still have contact with one another," Biden told reporters at the White House. "We're not trying to decouple from China, but what we're trying to do is change the relationship for the better."

The two leaders will meet at Filoli Estate, a country house museum about 25 miles south of San Francisco, according to three senior administration officials. The officials requested anonymity to discuss the venue, which was not yet confirmed by the White House and Chinese government.

Separately, a U.S. official confirmed Biden and Xi are expected to announce an agreement that would restore talks under what's known as the Military Maritime Consultative Agreement, used by the U.S. and People's Liberation Army navies and air forces to improve safety in the air and sea. Until 2020, they had been meeting regularly since 1998 for the talks. The official requested anonymity to preview the expected leaders' announcement.

Biden arrived at San Francisco International Airport Tuesday afternoon and Xi landed shortly after. The Chinese president was welcomed on the tarmac by Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, California Gov. Gavin Newsom and U.S. Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns.

Hundreds of onlookers gathered on the leaders' motorcade route, some holding signs that read "End CCP," the initials of Chinese Communist Party. Another sign read "Warmly Welcome President Xi Jinping" and was affixed to concrete bollards.

Pro-China and anti-China demonstrators also gathered near the Moscone Center, the venue where many APEC meetings were being held.

Beijing supporters waved U.S. and Chinese flags as they waited for Xi's motorcade to arrive at a hotel near the convention center where the Chinese delegation is staying. Several supporters used oversized Chinese national flags to obscure the few Xi critics there and used loudspeakers to play the patriotic "Ode to the Motherland."

Scuffles broke out between the two groups, but police quickly intervened to maintain order. The crowds were kept out of the road by tall, metal barriers.

Later, protesters gathered just blocks from the Moscone Center to call for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war.

The long complicated U.S.-Chinese relationship has come under heavy strain over the last year, with Beijing bristling over new U.S. export controls on advanced technology; Biden ordering the shooting down of a Chinese spy balloon after it traversed the continental United States; and Chinese anger over a stopover in the U.S. by Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen earlier this year, among other issues. China claims the island as its territory.

The talks at Filoli will give the leaders a chance to try to dial back tensions in a picturesque backdrop.

The sprawling estate along Northern California's coastal range features a Georgian revival-style mansion and English Renaissance gardens. It was built in 1917 as a private residence but was opened to the public in 1975 as a nonprofit and site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Wealthy San Francisco socialite William Bowers Bourn II named Filoli by taking the first two letters of key words of his personal credo, according to the estate's website: "Fight for a just cause. Love your Fellow Man. Live a Good Life." The estate's gardens feature in Jennifer Lopez's film "The Wedding Planner."

White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Biden is coming to Wednesday's meeting in a strong position.

"He's not going to be afraid to  to confront where confrontation is needed on issues where we don't see eye to eye with President Xi and the PRC," said Kirby, using the initials for the People's Republic of China.

Biden will also be looking to use this week's summit of Asia-Pacific leaders to demonstrate that the United States has the gumption, attention span and money to focus on the region even as it grapples with a multitude of foreign and domestic policy crises.

Biden enters the Xi meeting feeling buoyed by the U.S. economy's strong performance. While the majority of U.S. adults believe the economy is weak, Biden has managed to prove wrong a large swath of economists who predicted that millions of layoffs and a recession might be needed to bring down inflation.

Beijing released economic data last month that shows prices falling due to slack demand from consumers and businesses. The International Monetary Fund recently cut growth forecasts for China, predicting economic growth of 5% this year and 4.2% in 2024, down slightly from its forecasts in July.
KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip  The Israeli military entered Gaza's largest hospital early Wednesday, conducting what it called a "precise and targeted operation against Hamas in a specified area" of the facility, which has been the site of a standoff with the militant group.

Israeli authorities claim the militants conceal military operations in the Shifa Hospital but, with hundreds of patients and medical personnel inside, the military previously refrained from entering.

In recent weeks, Israeli defense forces publicly warned that such use of the hospital jeopardizes its protected status under international law, the military said. On Tuesday, military officials conveyed again to Gaza authorities that all military activity in the hospital must cease within 12 hours.

Unfortunately, it did not, the military said.

Hamas denied the Israeli accusations that it uses the hospital for cover.

Military officials gave no further details but said they were taking steps to avoid harm to civilians.

The operation unfolded after the military seized broader control of northern Gaza on Tuesday. The army said it captured the territory's legislature building, the Hamas police headquarters and a compound housing Hamas' military intelligence headquarters  gains that carry high symbolic value in the country's quest to crush the ruling Hamas. Their strategic value was unclear.

Meanwhile, Israeli defense officials said they agreed to allow fuel shipments into the Gaza Strip for humanitarian operations. It's the first time Israel allowed fuel into the besieged territory since the Hamas militant group's bloody invasion of Israel on Oct. 7.

Inside some of the captured buildings, soldiers held up the Israeli flag and military flags in celebration. In a nationally televised news conference, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said Hamas "lost control" of northern Gaza and Israel made significant gains in Gaza City.

Asked about the time frame for the war, Gallant said: "We're talking about long months, not a day or two."

One Israeli commander in Gaza, identified only as Lt. Col. Gilad, said in a video that his forces near Shifa Hospital seized government buildings, schools and residential buildings where they found weapons and eliminated fighters.

For days, the Israeli army encircled Shifa Hospital. Hundreds of patients, staff and displaced people were trapped inside, with supplies dwindling and no electricity to run incubators and other lifesaving equipment. After days without refrigeration, morgue staff on Tuesday dug a mass grave in the yard for more than 120 bodies, officials said.

Elsewhere, the Palestinian Red Crescent said Tuesday it evacuated patients, doctors and displaced families from another Gaza City hospital, Al-Quds.

Israel vowed to end Hamas rule in Gaza after the Oct. 7 attack on Israel in which Hamas militants killed some 1,200 people and took roughly 240 hostages. The Israeli government acknowledged it doesn't know what it will do with the territory after Hamas' defeat.

The onslaught  one of the most intense bombardments so far this century  has been disastrous for Gaza's 2.3 million Palestinians.

More than 11,200 people, two-thirds of them women and minors, have been killed in Gaza, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry in Ramallah. About 2,700 people have been reported missing. The ministry's count does not differentiate between civilian and militant deaths.

Fighting has raged for days around Shifa Hospital, a complex several city blocks across at the center of Gaza City that has now "turned into a cemetery," its director said in a statement.

The Health Ministry said 40 patients, including three babies, died since Shifa's emergency generator ran out of fuel Saturday. Another 36 babies are at risk of dying because there is no power for incubators, according to the ministry.

The Israeli military said it started an effort to transfer incubators to Shifa. But they would be useless without electricity, said Christian Lindmeier, a World Health Organization spokesman.

The Health Ministry proposed evacuating the hospital with the supervision of the International Committee of the Red Cross and transferring the patients to hospitals in Egypt, but has not received any response, ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qidra said.

While Israel says it is willing to allow staff and patients to evacuate, some Palestinians who have made it out say Israeli forces fired at evacuees.

Israel says its claims of a Hamas command center in and beneath Shifa are based on intelligence but has not provided visual evidence to support them. Denying the claims, the Gaza Health Ministry said it invited international organizations to investigate the facility.

The evacuation at the Al-Quds Hospital followed "more than 10 days of siege, during which medical and humanitarian supplies were prevented from reaching the hospital," Palestinian Red Crescent officials said.

The White House's national security council spokesperson, John Kirby, said the U.S. has unspecified intelligence that Hamas and another Palestinian militants use Shifa and other hospitals and tunnels underneath them to support military operations and hold hostages. Kirby said the U.S. doesn't support airstrikes on hospitals and does not want to see "a firefight in a hospital where innocent people" are trying to get care.

Israel says it has killed several thousand fighters, including important mid-level commanders, while 46 of its own soldiers have been killed in Gaza. In recent days Hamas rocket fire into Israel  constant throughout the war  has waned, though two people were wounded Tuesday in a rocket attack on Tel Aviv.

Families and supporters of the roughly 240 people being held hostage by Hamas started a protest march from Tel Aviv and expect to reach Jerusalem on Saturday.
President Joe Biden and Chinas Xi Jinping have swept into San Francisco and are making their final preparations for their first engagement in a year. Biden expressed hope that the talks would help put shaky U.S.-China relationship in a better place. The two leaders arrived in the city to be greeted by hundreds of demonstrators who lined up along their motorcade routes, waving Chinese, Taiwanese and Tibetan flags, as well as signs in support and opposition of the Chinese leader. Biden said his broad goal was to get Washington and Beijing on a normal course corresponding once again even as they have sharp differences on no shortage of issues.
California Governor Gavin Newsom claimed on Monday, November 13, that the large fire that closed a section of Interstate 10 freeway in Los Angeles was intentional.

Newsom stated at a press conference that an initial probe revealed "malice intent" and that it was "done and set intentionally," as reported by CNN. The governor did not disclose whether there were leads or suspects as the inquiry is ongoing.

Severe Effects on LA People, Economy

When the freeway was closed, LA Mayor Karen Bass said it was a crisis for a community that had traffic problems to begin with. Because of the ongoing closure of the freeway in both directions near Alameda Street in the heart of the city's business district, she recommended commuters to set aside extra time for their trips and research other routes.

Citizens were warned by citywide text message before Monday's morning commute to brace for heavy traffic since the expressway would be blocked indefinitely.

Toks Omishakin, the state's transportation secretary, estimated that more than 300,000 people, or about the entire population of Pittsburgh, use the highway route every day.

According to Newsom, it has major implications for the city's economy, as well as the health and safety of Los Angeles residents. "The impact to our schools, to vulnerable communities - all of that we take very seriously, and we're sober and mindful of the urgency to get this open."

See Also: California Gov. Gavin Newsom Issues State of Emergency Following Massive 10 Freeway Fire in LA

Public Alert Issued

The Los Angeles Fire Department reports that early Saturday morning, November 11, a fire broke out in a storage yard and quickly spread under the freeway to a second storage facility, where it engulfed about 80,000 square feet and destroyed several vehicles. The fire chief has confirmed that no one was hurt in the incident. The city is currently rushing to assess the safety of the roadway and repair the damage.

Bass has previously warned that the issue would not be fixed in one or two days, but there is still no expected timeframe for reopening the section of interstate.

The state's transportation agency recommended that residents work from home or use other modes of transportation if at all feasible. Public schools in the area will stay open, although the LA Unified School District has indicated that school bus routes may change.

The Port of Los Angeles urged visitors to plan for severe traffic Monday morning, noting updates and alternative routes.

After the shutdown, Newsom declared a state of emergency and said the state would examine the damage and start making repairs as soon as the site was accessible.

See Also: Los Angeles I-10 Freeway Could Trigger Massive Traffic After Fire Prompts Shut Down

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
WASHINGTON  The Supreme Court adopted its first code of ethics Monday in the face of sustained criticism over undisclosed trips and gifts from wealthy benefactors to some justices, but the code lacks a means of enforcement.

The policy, agreed to by all nine justices, does not appear to impose any significant new requirements and leaves compliance entirely to each justice.

Indeed, the justices said they have long adhered to ethics standards and suggested that criticism of the court over ethics was the product of misunderstanding, rather than missteps by the justices.

"The absence of a Code, however, has led in recent years to the misunderstanding that the Justices of this Court, unlike all other jurists in this country, regard themselves as unrestricted by any ethics rules," the justices wrote in an unsigned statement that accompanied the code. "To dispel this misunderstanding, we are issuing this Code, which largely represents a codification of principles that we have long regarded as governing our conduct."

The ethics issue has vexed the court for several months over a series of stories questioning the ethical practices of the justices.

Many of those stories focused on Justice Clarence Thomas and his failure to disclose travel, other hospitality and additional financial ties with wealthy conservative donors including Harlan Crow and the Koch brothers. But Justices Samuel Alito and Sonia Sotomayor also have been under scrutiny.

In September, Justice Elena Kagan acknowledged that there were disagreements among the justices over the contents of an ethics code, but did not specify what they were. The justices achieved unanimity Monday, but predictably offered no explanation for how they got there.

Liberal critics of the court were not satisfied, with one group saying the code "reads a lot more like a friendly suggestion than a binding, enforceable guideline."

Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., one of the loudest voices complaining about the court's ethical shortcomings, mixed praise for the court with a call to do more.

"This is a long-overdue step by the justices, but a code of ethics is not binding unless there is a mechanism to investigate possible violations and enforce the rules. The honor system has not worked for members of the Roberts Court," Whitehouse said.

A court ethics code proposed by Whitehouse that cleared the Senate Judiciary Committee without any Republican support would allow for complaints and investigation by lower-court judges.

Three justices, Amy Coney Barrett, Brett Kavanaugh and Kagan offered support for an ethics code in recent months. In May, Chief Justice John Roberts said there was more the court could do to "adhere to the highest ethical standards," without providing any specifics.

Public trust in and approval of the court is hovering near record lows, according to a Gallup Poll released just before the court's new term began on Oct. 2.

As recently as last week, Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said the justices could quiet some of the criticism and a Democratic push to impose an ethics code on the court by putting in place their own policy.

Durbin's panel, which has been investigating the court's ethics, plan to subpoena Crow and conservative activist Leonard Leo about their roles in organizing and paying for justices' luxury travel. The committee has scheduled a vote on the subpoenas for Thursday.

The Democratic-backed ethics bill also would require that justices provide more information about potential conflicts of interest and written explanations about their decisions not to recuse. It would seek to improve transparency around gifts received by justices. The Democratic bill had little prospect of becoming law in the Republican-controlled House, much less the closely divided Senate.

The push for an ethics code was jump-started by a series of stories by the investigative news site ProPublica detailing the relationship between Crow and Thomas. Crow has for more than two decades paid for nearly annual vacations, purchased from Thomas and others the Georgia home in which the justice's mother still lives and helped pay for private schooling for a relative.

ProPublica also reported on Alito's Alaskan fishing trip with a GOP donor, travel that Leo helped arrange. The Associated Press reported that Sotomayor, aided by her staff, advanced sales of her books through college visits over the past decade. The AP also reported that universities used trips by justices as a lure for financial contributions by placing them in event rooms with wealthy donors.

The court's initial step on ethics, in the spring, also did not mollify critics. Roberts declined an invitation from Durbin to testify before the Judiciary panel, but the chief justice provided a "Statement on Ethics Principles and Practices" signed by all nine justices that described the ethical rules they follow about travel, gifts and outside income.

The statement provided by Roberts said that the nine justices "reaffirm and restate foundational ethics principles and practices to which they subscribe in carrying out their responsibilities as Members of the Supreme Court of the United States."

16 political cartoons that judge the Supreme Court
HONOLULU  A pond in Hawaii turned so bubble-gum pink, it could be from the set of "Barbie"  but the bizarre phenomenon is no cause for a dance party. Drought may be to blame for the strange hue, scientists say, and they're warning against entering the water or drinking it.

Staff at the Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge on Maui have been monitoring the pink water since Oct. 30.

"I just got a report from somebody that was walking on the beach, and they called me up like, 'There's something weird going on over here,'" said Bret Wolfe, the refuge manager.

Wolfe was concerned the bright pink could be a sign of an algae bloom, but lab tests found toxic algae was not causing the color. Instead an organism called halobacteria might be the culprit.

Halobacteria are a type of archaea or single-celled organism that thrive in bodies of water with high levels of salt. The salinity inside the Kealia Pond outlet area is currently greater than 70 parts per thousand, which is twice the salinity of seawater.

Wolfe said the lab will need to conduct a DNA analysis to definitively identify the organism.

Maui's drought is likely contributing to the situation. Normally Waikapu Stream feeds into Kealia Pond and raises water levels there, but Wolfe said that hasn't happened in a long time.

When it rains, the stream will flow into Kealia's main pond and then into the outlet area that's now pink. This will reduce the salinity and potentially change the water's color.

"That might be what makes it go away," Wolfe said.

No one at the refuge has seen the pond this color before  not even volunteers who have been around it for 70 years. The pond has been through periods of drought and high salinity before, though, and Wolfe isn't sure why the color changed now.

Curious visitors flocked to the park after photos of the pink pond appeared on social media.

"We prefer that they come to hear about our mission conserving native and endangered waterbirds and our wetland restorations. But no, they're here to see the pink water," Wolfe joked.

He understands everyone's fascination. "If that's what gets them there, it's OK," he said. "It is neat."

The wildlife refuge is a wetland that provides nesting, feeding and resting habitat to the endangered Hawaiian stilt, known as aeo, and the Hawaiian coot or alae keokeo. It also hosts migratory birds during the winter.

The water doesn't appear to be harming the birds, Wolfe said.

As a wildlife refuge, people aren't supposed to wade into the pond or let their pets in the water regardless of its color. But officials are taking an extra precaution to warn people not to enter the water or eat any fish caught there because the source of the color has yet to be identified.

Climate change fueling crime wave in Mediterraneans olive oil industry
LINCOLN  Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen issued an executive order Monday requiring all state employees to return to working in their offices by Jan. 2.

In the order, Pillen said he had examined the state workforce and found that a significant portion of state employees have continued to work remotely all or part of the time.

Such arrangements began during the COVID pandemic as the state and other employers followed public health directions to reduce transmission of the virus. The arrangements have continued as employers struggle with worker shortages and many employees sought the flexibility of remote work.

But Pillen said Nebraska has an obligation to deliver services in a way that uses tax dollars most responsibly. He said that means recalling state employees to the office, now that the pandemic is over.

The citizens of Nebraska have the commonsense expectation that people are most productive when they are working together in the office and not remotely, he said in the order.

Nebraskans are back to work, and they expect that our agencies are fully staffed and open for business Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., he said. As public servants, we have a duty to meet that expectation, and deliver maximum value to the taxpayers.

Pillen did not provide evidence to show that productivity had suffered from employees working from home or elsewhere or that service to taxpayers had deteriorated.

Justin Hubly, executive director of the Nebraska Association of Public Employees, the largest state employee union, called the order disappointing. He said he believes that Nebraskans have a commonsense expectation that state employees are getting their work done efficiently, not that they have to do it in an office.

He noted that some areas still struggle to fill positions, including areas such as accounting and purchasing, where employees are not dealing with the public and work can be done remotely.

Hubly said the opportunity to work remotely is important to NAPE members, and he expects the union to include remote and hybrid work options in future bargaining.

Along with returning to the office, Pillens order requires state employees to work 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The order outlines some cases in which exceptions may be authorized by agency heads. Those include employees whose assigned work hours fall outside those hours and situations in which office space is unavailable without additional cost.

Exceptions can be made to sustain critical operations in a business area with a workforce shortfall. Exceptions may also be made for employees who move away from their original office location and no reasonable in-office arrangement is possible, as long as the employee remains in Nebraska.

But the order requires agencies to measure and track productivity for employees who are given exceptions and requires agencies to regularly report the status of their workforce.

Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of November 2023
LINCOLN  Marshall Vogel, the husband of missing Lincoln man Tyler Goodrich, was interviewed by the Lancaster County Sheriffs Office last week and was 100% cooperative, Chief Deputy Ben Houchin said.

The interview clarified some details the Sheriffs Office was looking into, such as the items Goodrich would usually take out with him, Houchin said.

Goodrichs and Marshalls children also were interviewed Thursday, but nothing of note was mentioned, Houchin said.

The FBI also came in Thursday and was briefed on the case.

If we get any evidence they can help us with, we will be able to use them, he said.

Houchin previously said Vogel had informed investigators that neither he nor his children would be talking to investigators anymore, prompting the office to obtain a search warrant.

Vogel hired attorney Sanford Pollack after the third search of his home, according to a statement Pollack sent to the Journal Star last Tuesday. While Pollack said he instructed Vogel to give no more statements to law enforcement or interview the couples children without his consent, he said I did not state that Mr. Vogel would not cooperate with the investigation.

According to Houchin, Vogel was the last person to see Goodrich on Nov. 3 at their home about 7:45 p.m. Camera footage from the home shows Goodrich running out that night.

Goodrich was reported missing Nov. 4 by Vogel. The night before he was reported missing, a domestic disturbance was called in at the residence. Deputies found no evidence that a crime had occurred.
London (CNN)  Britains beleaguered Prime Minister Rishi Sunak carried out a dramatic Cabinet reshuffle on Monday, firing his divisive home secretary and bringing back former premier David Cameron to the heart of government after a seven-year absence from politics.

The hardline Home Secretary Suella Braverman was fired early on Monday morning, after making inflammatory comments about the policing of pro-Palestinian protests in central London over the weekend. Her tenure was wrought with scandals and divisive remarks, which had long caused fractures in Sunaks government.

Sunak then announced he was bringing Cameron back to frontline politics as foreign secretary, in a stunning move that has few parallels in recent British political history.

Cameron served as prime minister from 2010 to 2016, resigning after Britain voted to leave the European Union in a referendum that he had called.

His premiership set the course of 13 years of Conservative rule, but the self-inflicted chaos of the Brexit referendum and its aftermath threw his party into years of instability from which it is still struggling to emerge.

Downing Street confirmed that James Cleverly, formerly the foreign secretary, will take over from Braverman, a shift that made space for Camerons remarkable return to Cabinet.

Braverman had served as Sunaks interior minister throughout his tenure in Downing Street, but her confrontational rhetoric towards migrants, protesters, the police and even the homeless had caused rifts in the government and sparked speculation that she was plotting a future leadership bid.

She most recently courted criticism by accusing Londons police force of applying double standards in the way they manage protests, in an op-ed in the Times of London newspaper condemning a pro-Palestinian march that Downing Street said had not been cleared by Sunak.

On Saturday, far-right counter-protesters clashed with police in central London after Braverman called the pro-Palestinian demonstration a hate march, stoking tensions around a rally taking place on Remembrance Sunday.

Bravermans comments on policing and her severe criticism of Saturdays pro-Palestinian rally were criticized by figures across the political spectrum.

You have a chance of inflaming both sides when you make such divisive remarks, Neil Basu, the former head of counter-terrorism policing in the UK, told the BBC on Monday morning. Making comments that are potentially divisive is a very dangerous thing to do no home secretary weve served under would have done the same thing.

Her departure from government comes as Sunaks party remains deeply unpopular among voters, with polls suggesting the Conservatives are drifting towards a potentially catastrophic electoral defeat next year.

Sunak has apparently gambled that bringing Cameron back into the fold would project a stability that has been missing from Westminster for some time. But it risks deepening a view among large swathes of the public that the party has run out of ideas.

Cameron resigned as an MP shortly after leaving Downing Street, meaning that King Charles was required to rapidly approve his ascension to the House of Lords on Monday in order for him to become a minister.

In recent decades, the move can only be compared to Alec Douglas-Home  prime minister for a year from 1963  who returned as foreign secretary in 1970 under Edward Heaths government.

The arrangement has led to questions over how Britains new foreign secretary will be held to account; it is virtually unheard of in modern politics for a very senior minister to sit in the Lords, and not in the Commons, where MPs operate.

I know its not usual for a prime minister to come back in this way but I believe in public service, Cameron told broadcasters in his first interview after taking the role.

Cameron makes stunning comeback

Cameron wrote on Monday that he gladly accepted Sunaks offer to become foreign secretary, but acknowledged criticisms he has made of the Prime Minister  such as when Sunak scrapped a long-awaited and expensive high speed rail project that Cameron had championed.

Though I may have disagreed with some individual decisions, it is clear to me that Rishi Sunak is a strong and capable Prime Minister, who is showing exemplary leadership at a difficult time, Cameron said.

His return to Cabinet is a staggering twist in an influential political career that had seemingly and abruptly ended seven years ago.

Cameron returned the Conservative Party to government in 2010 in a coalition with the centrist Liberal Democrats, having repaired the Tories then-broken image as an out-of-touch and antiquated political group.

He melded liberal social policies  pushing his party to approve the legalization of same-sex marriage  with austere economics, drastically cutting back the budgets of Britains public services and reducing the size of the state.

But Cameron stepped down after unsuccessfully campaigning to remain in the EU.

His appointment as foreign secretary suggests that the Tories experiment with populism  which first flourished during the Brexit campaign and captured the heart of the party during the tenures of Boris Johnson and Liz Truss  has been ditched in the run-up to next years general election.

Barely a month ago Sunak addressed the Conservative Party membership at their annual conference, describing himself as the change candidate and directly attacking aspects of his own partys past 13 years in office. He signaled that he was ready to lean into culture war politics on trans rights and climate change.

Now, two of his three most senior Cabinet posts are filled with moderate veterans of 21st century Conservatism  in Cameron and Jeremy Hunt, the Chancellor.

Cameron was ardently opposed to Brexit; despite calling the 2016 referendum to appease right-wingers in his party, he campaigned against the split from the EU and told The Times in 2019 that some people will never forgive me for holding the vote.

Unlike Braverman, neither Cleverly nor Cameron are likely to go off script and lash out at the police or protesters. It would be hard to imagine, for example, either man advocating for the UK to leave the European Convention on Human Rights so it can more easily send refugees to Rwanda - a key Braverman policy that courts have been blocking for months.

But Bravermans influence is unlikely to disappear. Sunak has made a powerful enemy of Braverman and handed ammunition to critics who will see today as confirmation of something theyd already suspected: that the Prime Minister is a centrist sellout who is more comfortable surrounded by other centrist Conservatives than pushing populism.

Braverman dismissed after string of controversies

Braverman has long been a controversial figure within the Conservative Party. She has attempted to excite the groups right-wing grassroots with populist messaging, and become the face of Britains hardline stance against asylum-seekers and illegal immigrants, but her rhetoric and controversy-ridden tenure in government has appalled many moderate members of the party.

Days before her comments on Saturdays protest deepened discord between her office and the police, she claimed in a post on the social media platform X that rough sleepers were living on the streets as a lifestyle choice, and advocated a policy to stop homeless people accessing tents.

Sunak had insisted as recently as Thursday that he had confidence in Braverman. But his spokesperson said Monday that there were issues around language that emerged over the course of their working relationship, as well as differences of style.

Its right that we can move forward now and focus on what matters to people, his spokesperson said.

Sunak is understood to have spoken with Braverman over the phone on Monday morning after taking the decision to fire her.

But her dismissal sets up a potential power battle at the top of the ruling party, pitching Britain towards yet another spell of political infighting and instability.

While a leadership challenge against Sunak would be a dramatic risk for a party that has already cycled through five prime ministers in seven years, there is a growing murmur of discontent in its ranks at Sunaks inability to reverse the Conservatives fortunes.

Alternatively, Braverman may be eyeing a run for leadership after the impending general election, expected late next year, should the Conservatives lose power to the buoyant opposition Labour Party.

But even in that scenario, Braverman will be expected to use the coming months to position herself as a radical alternative to Sunak  a pitch that could complicate the prime ministers electoral campaign in the new year.

Monday marks the second time in just over a year that Braverman has been sacked as home secretary. She served in the post for six weeks during Liz Trusss shambolic premiership last year, before resigning for breaching ministerial rules by using a private email address.

But she was back in the same position just days later; her resignation sparked Trusss downfall, and her successor Sunak speedily reinstated her after seizing power.

Under Sunak, Braverman spearheaded a heavily publicised push to clamp down on small boat crossings made by asylum-seekers. The governments flagship illegal migration bill, approved by MPs earlier this year, would essentially hand the government the right to deport anyone arriving illegally in the United Kingdom.

She is an equally furious culture warrior, borrowing rhetoric from the American right when lambasting woke culture, transgender rights and climate protesters.

Her frequent headline-snatching remarks have given ammunition to the governments critics. Last week, after Sunaks government unveiled its plan for the new session of Parliament, opposition leader Keir Starmer told Sunak in the House of Commons to think very carefully about what she is committing your government to do.

Without a serious home secretary, there can be no serious government and he cannot be a serious prime minister, Starmer said.

The-CNN-Wire

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BLOOMINGTON  Authorities on Tuesday released more details about a fatal crash in southwest Bloomington that is prompting calls for drivers to take more care around construction zones.

The Illinois State Police responded to a crash at 11:45 a.m. Monday on Interstate 74, milepost 133, near the split with Interstate 55. A semitrailer struck two other vehicles before running off the road to the right, overturning and catching fire, the agency said.

The semi driver, who has not yet been identified, was pronounced dead.

The road was closed and traffic re-routed until roughly 11:30 p.m. Monday. State police said no further information about the crash was available.

Frank Friend, spokesperson for the Bloomington Fire Department, confirmed that two people were taken to a hospital after the crash.

The situation could have turned even more dire. Friend noted that, as traffic was being diverted, there were "10 or 15 near misses that we were witnessing."

First responders need room to work in those situations, he said. Vehicles should slow down and move to the right.

"Its very dangerous to operate on the highway," Friend said. "People need to pay attention to what they're doing."

In a social media post, Laborers' Local 362 said the semi struck a "crash truck" that was in place to protect the workers who were in the middle of the interstate, completing work on a stretch of the interstate that had been shut down all summer. The union characterized the crash as "totally preventable" and urged drivers to obey the speed limit and remain alert in construction zones.

The man in the cab of the crash truck was hospitalized and is expected to survive, the union said.

Ronnie Paul, business manager for Local 362, said the laborers just want to remind people to slow down in construction zones.

"It's the end of the work season out there. We've been fortunate this year with no bad injuries, bad accidents," he told The Pantagraph on Tuesday. "But yesterday is a stark reminder that the workers are still out there, still working. And we want everybody to go home safe at the end of the day."

The McLean County Coroner's Office did not immediately respond to a request for more information.
The most famous Jewish man in history felt that forgiveness was part of their tradition  even seeing that increased forgiveness is a mark of better Jewishness.

That historical person, despite the distortions and human consequences of his life, still seems outstandingly Jewish and good. What he offered was catholic  universal  and inclusive of Roman soldiers who occupied his country, of Samaritans  in some ways the equivalent of todays Palestinians  and of sinners generally.

If I recall correctly, Muslims still honor that Jewish individual as the last of the historical prophets before the revelation to Mohammed  but honor him they did for his goodness and his message  not the later interpretations.

With some scholars, I am no longer comfortable calling myself with the term Christian, though it is that Jewish man as my Messiah (the Christ) whom I consider the most important teacher and influence on my fundamental way of life.

I write this in the light of the inhumane Hamas attack on October 7, and then the disproportionate response by the Israeli defense forces. The spiral of lethal violence currently occurring in Gaza is begetting more lethal violence in the next generation of the Palestinian inhabitants who once lived peaceably in that area  and much of the larger area around it  before those fleeing the Nazi Shoah came there.

Peace will happen in that area only when the human hearts now engaged in violent hatred, especially the parents who are losing and have lost their much loved children, accept that differences do not need to be divisive but mutually helpful, that respect for fellow human beings is more important than land, and that the God of all sides (G-d, God, or Allah) is the creator of that land, our globe, and the universe we all live in.

Joris Heise, Bloomington
Splenda Ghana, an importer of Splenda Zero Calories and Splenda Stevia Sweeteners has donated its products (Splenda Sweeteners) worth thousands of Ghana cedis to eleven (11) diabetic health facilities in the Greater Accra and Eastern regions.



The facilities include the Mamprobi Hospital, Lapaz Community Hospital, Kaneshie Polyclinic,



Achimota Hospital, Maamobi General Hospital, Madina Polyclinic, Tema Community 22 Clinic, La Polyclinic, and Ashaiman Polyclinic in the Greater Accra region, the Eastern Regional Hospital, and Matthew 25 Clinic in the Eastern region. The initiative aligns with the companys Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities of promoting healthy living. Also, it is to commemorate the 2023 World Diabetes Day WDD).



Further, the organization presented glucometers to selected health facilities. Also, in partnership with Elwak Keep Fit Club they organized a health walk and free health screening exercise for the public. Again, Splenda Ghana partnered with the Mamprobi Hospital to organize a health talk on healthy living for patients and other clients as part of activities to mark this years WDD.



The WDD is marked on 14th November every year since its institution in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO). According to WHO, WDD was established in response to growing concerns about the worldwide escalating health threat posed by diabetes. WDD became an official United Nations Day in 2006. It is the worlds largest diabetes awareness campaign reaching a global audience of over 1 billion people in more than 160 countries. (worlddiabetesday.org)



WHO recognizes diabetes as a chronic, metabolic disease characterized by high levels of blood

glucose (or blood sugar), which leads to serious damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves. Further analysis by the organization states that 24 million adults are living with diabetes in Africa, and the number is expected to rise by 129% to 55 million by 2045.



The Managing Director of Brighter Purpose Group Limited and the Team Lead for Splenda Ghana, Mrs. Maabena Webb, who presented the products explained that Splenda is a global



brand of sugar substitutes in the management of diabetes. Splenda Ghana supports medical advice to diabetics and non-diabetics on the consumption of regular sugar which is high in calories and raises blood glucose levels. We are donating one of our products, the natural Splenda Stevia Sweetener to enable diabetics to enjoy their beverages and still continue to live healthy lives.



She reiterated that a study by WHO indicates that the African region has the highest numbers in

statistics with regard to undiagnosed cases of diabetes. Knowing this, we at Splenda Ghana have tasked ourselves to join the IDF to educate the world, especially Ghanaians and Africans about the risks of diabetes, and also support those who have already been diagnosed to manage the condition.



During her interaction with some of the diabetics at the visited health centers, Mrs. Webb who is also a member of the Blue Circle Voices Network, an IDF diabetes advocacy group shared her experience with gestational diabetes and advised Ghanaians to live healthy lifestyles by eating healthy, engaging in regular physical activities, maintain a normal body weight and avoid smoking.



The Head of Administration and Human Resources at Splenda Ghana, Mr. Baffour Ohene-Kena spoke on the theme for 2023 World Diabetes Day. He said, our theme for this year, Know Your Risk, is appropriate as it cautions us about our lifestyle. Its time we make our health our priority by living better lifestyles.



He advised persons living with diabetes to pay attention to their doctors instructions and also ask relevant questions concerning their health during reviews.



Splenda Ghana was established in November 2020 as a subsidiary of Brighter Purpose Group

(BPG) Limited (a renowned business investment and consulting company). It serves as a channel for BPG to drive its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives in Ghana and Africa.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









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Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant declared on Tuesday (November 14) that Hamas has lost control of the Gaza Strip after 16 years as the Israel Defense Force (IDF) is on the verge of capturing Gaza City.

According to The Times of Israel, Gallant made the statement after an assessment of the fighting in the city, saying that Israeli forces were advancing "according to plans and [carrying] out the tasks accurately [and] lethally."

"There is no force of Hamas capable of stopping the IDF," he said. "The IDF is advancing to every point. The Hamas organization has lost control of Gaza. Terrorists are fleeing south. Civilians are looting Hamas bases. They have no confidence in the government."

Gallant also said that the IDF has "intensified" its activity against Hamas tunnels in recent days.

"We work according to tasks," he added, referring to Foreign Minister Eli Cohen's earlier indication that international pressure might force Israel to alter its actions in Gaza. "We don't have a stopwatch. We have goals. We will achieve our goals."

Read Also: Gaza's Al Shifa Hospital Surrounded by Israeli Forces

Hamas Offers Deal to Release 70 Hostages in Exchange of 5-Day Truce

Meanwhile, Reuters reported that the al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas's armed wing, said on Monday (November 13) that it told Qatari mediators that it was ready to release up to 70 women and children held in Gaza in exchange for a five-day truce with Israel.

"Last week there was an effort from the Qatari brothers to release the enemy captives from women and children, in return for the release of 200 Palestinian children and 75 women detained by the enemy," Hamas spokesman Abu Ubaida said in an audio recording posted on its Telegram channel.

Hamas added that the truce should include what it said was "a complete ceasefire" and "allow aid and humanitarian relief" across the strip.

Abu Ubaida also accused Israel of "procrastinating and evading" the price of the deal.

Israeli authorities are yet to respond to Hamas's deal as of writing.

Related Article: Major Gaza Hospitals Shut Down as Israel-Palestine War Rages, Leaving Thousands of Patients, Babies, Medics Stranded

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Kenyans have been given a special holiday to plant 100 million trees as part of the government's goal to plant 15 billion trees in 10 years.



The holiday allows "each and every Kenyan to own the initiative", according to Environment Minister Soipan Tuya.



Each Kenyan is being encouraged to plant at least two seedlings, leading to the 100-million target.



The initiative is intended to help fight climate change.



Trees help tackle global warming by absorbing carbon dioxide from the air while releasing oxygen into the atmosphere.



The government is making available about 150 million seedlings in public nurseries.



It is providing the seedlings for free at its forest agency centres for Kenyans to plant in designated public areas.



But it has also encouraged Kenyans to buy at least two seedlings to plant on their own land.



President William Ruto led the exercise in Makueni in the east of the country. Cabinet ministers were sent to other regions to lead the process alongside county governors and other officials.



At one site near the source of Kenya's second-longest river, Athi, there were dozens of people, including soldiers and residents, some with their families.



"I have come together with my colleagues, I'm happy to be here to show my love for the environment," student Wycliffe Kamau told the BBC.



"I have come to plant trees here, because our water levels have been diminishing. Even here at the river source, the levels are very low, trees have been cleared," said local resident Stephen Chelulei.



"We need to reverse climate change so that our children can have a place to live when we are no longer there."



However, many people, especially in the cities, are unlikely to take part and will just take advantage of the extra holiday.

Source: BBC









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Flooding in Somalia has left residents without homes and food shortages.



Around 1.6 million people in Somalia are thought to be affected by the heavy seasonal downpours.



The UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs says the flooding has been worsened by the El Nino effect, which is causing changes in weather patterns around the world.



Somalia's President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, said: "The people have been displaced, homes and properties destroyed, the people are hungry, and that is our problem right now, that is what we are focusing on."



The president also expressed concern about the added risk of outbreaks of diseases such as malaria and cholera.



The UN has described the floods in East Africa as "a once-in-a-century event".





Source: BBC









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Financial reparations are long overdue to Africans and the diaspora as compensation for the enslavement of people of African descent, Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo said on Tuesday on the first day of a conference on how to address such historical injustices.



Advocates have long called for paying reparations or making other amends for slavery, but the movement has recently gained momentum worldwide amid growing from African and Caribbean countries.



"No amount of money can restore the damage caused by the transatlantic slave trade ... But surely, this is a matter that the world must confront and can no longer ignore," Akufo-Addo said, launching the four-day reparations conference in the Ghanaian capital Accra.



The event is expected to produce an African-led action plan to push for reparatory justice, establish an African committee of experts to oversee the plan's implementation, and boost collaboration with the broader diaspora, according to a list of planned outcomes on its website.



"The entire period of slavery meant that our progress, economically, culturally, and psychologically, was stifled. There are legions of stories of families who were torn apart," Akufo-Addo said. "You cannot quantify the effects of such tragedies, but they need to be recognised."



From the 15th to the 19th century, at least 12.5 million Africans were kidnapped and forcibly transported by European ships and merchants and sold into slavery. Those who survived the brutal voyage ended up toiling on plantations under inhumane conditions in the Americas, mostly in Brazil and the Caribbean, while European settlers and others profited from their labor.



In September, a United Nations report said countries could consider making financial payments among other forms of compensation, but cautioned that legal claims are complicated by the time passed and the difficulty in identifying perpetrators and victims.



Akufo-Addo said he welcomed what he called an unequivocal call from Caribbean nations for reparations.



"We in Africa must work together with them to advance the cause," he said to applause from the audience that included other African and Caribbean heads of state and other high-level delegates.

Source: Reuters









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The police in Adamawa state has arrested a 20-year-old bride, Amina Hassan, of Mubi North LGA, Adamawa state for setting her husband's house ablaze over his refusal to divorce her.



The suspect got married to her husband, Muhammed Auwal about 5 weeks. She told the police that she set the house on fire because of her husband's refusal to end their union.



We made an arrangement that he will divorce me after the marriage. I met him and pleaded with him to divorce me, but he remained adamant. He descended on me and started beating me instead of divorcing me as a result of which I lost my temper and set the house ablaze", she further narrated.



Residents of the community say few days to the wedding, Amina told her parents that she was no longer interested in the marriage, but her parents said there was no going back because they had distributed invitation cards. After the marriage, the bride sought for a help from a native doctor to turn the heart of her husband away from her or make him to hate her so that he will divorce her.



After collecting the sum of N12,000 from her for the job, the native doctor performed all necessary rituals and succeeded in turning her heart further away from him instead of his heart away from her as agreed. She lamented that the native doctor has since relocated to Maiduguri in Borno State and his phone number is no longer reachable.



Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the state police command, SP Suleiman Nguroje, said further investigation is being carried out by the police.









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National Youth Organizer of the New Patriotic Party, Salam Mustapha has fired missiles on the Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Sam George for calling Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia a religious prostitute.



The Ningo-Prampram legislator, in an interview on Metro TV, questioned the Islamic faith of Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia accusing him of not being a true Muslim.



Do you know whether our Vice President is a Muslim or a Christian? Who told you he is a Muslim?, he questioned.



Sam George stated that the Vice President is not a proper Muslim and I will show you why. When the issue of fasting for girls came up during Ramadan, Dr. Bawumia was silent.



He added that no true Muslim in the world believes that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior. He is not a proper Muslim and for this, he named Dr. Bawumia a religious prostitute.



Reacting to this on Peace FMs Kokrokoo morning programme, Salam Mustapha questioned Sam Georges thinking that if a Muslim inter-mingles with Christians, he becomes a religious harlot.



To him, Sam George must get his head examined for making such remarks.



Personally volunteering an information about his family, Salam Mustapha revealed that four of his sisters are Christians despite they biologically being a Muslim family.



Me, as a person, Im a Muslim. Most of my contemporaries, my friends are Christians. In fact, I attended SDA schools, he disclosed and stressed so, if you dont understand my background, you wont understand my intricate relationship with the Christian faith.



He therefore described Sam Georges comments as the highest height of buffoonery.



We shouldnt tolerate bigotry in this country. What Sam George did, it is shameful. It is recklessNo wise person will do what he didYou should get your head examined, he fumed.



This inter-faith religious co-existence that we have enjoyed over the period, let us not take it for granted, he cautioned.



Defending the Vice President, Salam emphasized, in 2024 elections, we are not going to look for a spiritual leader. Were looking for somebody who is committed to his country.







Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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Alan Kyeremanteng, a two-time NPP Flagbearer hopeful, who has defected to form his own political party, at a campaign rally last week, asserted that the Presidency and Vice Presidency is one ticket - combined ticket.



Thus, to him, Vice President Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia, as part of the Akufo Addo Presidential ticket, has nothing more or new to offer Ghanaians in the next four years.



Reacting to this on Peace Fm's "Kokrokoo" programme with host Kwami Sefa Kayi on Tuesday, November 14, Nana Akomea, Managing Director of STC, opined that Alan Kyeremantengs assertions lack basis.

Nana Akomea said if Alan's claims are anything to go by, the Ghanaian electorate would not have on two occasions elected Vice Presidents, John Evans Atta Mills and John Dramani Mahama, to the helm of affairs at the Presidency.



He further pointed out that against a field of strong competitors which included Mr. Kyerematen, the NPP delegates, in the 2023 primaries, voted massively for Vice President Bawumia to succeed President Akufo-Addo.



"Alan's assertion cannot therefore be correct," he said.



Citing the voting patterns in the USA and some other African countries to buttress his point that there is nothing wrong in voting for someone who has once served as vice President to be President, Nana Akomea stated "sitting presidents of Kenya and Tanzania earlier served as Vice presidents as well as President Biden of the United States. Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria also served earlier as Vice President of Nigeria before being elected president, among several other examples in history".



Nana Akomea therefore wondered how all these facts could have eluded Mr. Kyeremanteng.



He urged the leader of the newly-formed Movement for Change to cease throwing shades at Dr. Bawumia and rather concentrate on his core message "as that is what will be of interest to the Ghanaian electorate".



Nana Akomea concluded that Dr. Bawumia would soon outline his compelling vision and action plan that will define his candidature and propel him to victory in December 2024.





Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the Dragon spacecraft lifts off from Launch Complex 39A at NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023, on the companys 29th commercial resupply services mission for the agency to the International Space Station. Liftoff was at 8:28 p.m. EST. Credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

At 8:28 p.m. EST on Nov. 9, 2023, NASA's Atmospheric Waves Experiment, or AWE, lifted off from Kennedy Space Center in Florida aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on the 29th commercial resupply mission (CRS-29) for NASA.

An uncrewed SpaceX Dragon spacecraft carrying AWE and more than 6,000 pounds of other cargo autonomously docked with the International Space Station at 5:07 a.m. EST on Nov. 11.

Once installed on the outside of the space station, AWE will spend two years studying undulations in the air known as atmospheric gravity waves to understand the flow of energy through Earth's upper atmosphere and space, helping us better understand the connections between terrestrial weather and space weather.

Provided by NASA
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Credit: Thirdman from Pexels

Patents and licenses safeguard the intellectual property of the rights holder from being copied or sold without their permission. Companies and individuals who want to make use of the patented or licensed invention must make a formal request to do so.

In industries where oligopolies operatea small number of producers who control the supply of a good or commodity and can determine pricesthe profitability of licensing a patent depends on two critical factors: the chosen method of payment for license access and the relative number of firms granted the license as opposed to those left without.

Previous studies on technology transfer within oligopolistic markets predominantly revolved around non-cooperative licensing methods, including take-it-or-leave-it offers and auction-based systems. However, negotiations play a key role in granting and obtaining licenses between the technology holder and licensee companies. The bargaining aspect of cooperative game theory has been under-researched.

Published on September 12, 2023, in the Journal of Public Economic Theory, a study by Associate Professor Shin Kishimoto from the Graduate School of Social Sciences at Chiba University, Japan, examined which stable licensing schemes could maximize profits for the technology holder based on a combination of fees and royalty licenses. His mathematical model revealed a number of interesting results.

First, if a licensing scheme is rejection-proofwhen a group of licensee applicants doesn't have the incentive to reject the licensing scheme being offeredand not dominatedwhen there is no better licensing scheme for the technology holder and licensee applicants than the offered licensing scheme (i.e., stable), then the royalty rate does not necessarily maximize the total profit of the technology holder and licensees. In this scenario, fee licensing is not achieved through bargaining, except when the royalty rate maximizing the total profit of the technology holder and licensees is equal to zero.

Second, a stable licensing scheme always exists for the group of licensees who maximize the sum of the technology holder's profit and their own total surplus.

Third, a comparison of the technology holder's profits under the stable licensing schemes shows that it is always beneficial for the technology holder to grant the license to the applicants, which maximizes the sum of the technology holder's profit and the licensees' total surplus.

These findings build on Prof. Kishimoto's previous research on cooperative game theory in technology transfer. "In my previous study, I separately analyzed two payment methods, lump-sum fees, and per-unit royalty, for technology licensing through bargaining. In practice, however, their combinations are also used as a payment method. This paper provides a perspective on the question of which licensing contracts are desirable for technology holders," he says.

"In addition, by comparing these results with those of the non-cooperative previous study, I found that the number of licensees might be fewer in the licensing-through-bargaining approach than through auction. If technology holders aim at a wide diffusion of their technologies, my paper suggests that they should license through auction."

Prof. Kishimoto's research offers valuable insights for technology holders seeking optimal licensing strategies to boost profits. Policymakers can leverage this knowledge to inform intellectual property and antitrust regulations. Moreover, the study underscores the significance of cooperative game theory in technology transfer, which can enhance the outcomes of licensing agreements for businesses.

While the paper employs simplified mathematical models and assumptions, like the rejection-proof concept and specific mathematical conditions, which may not fully represent the complexities of real-world technology transfer scenarios, Prof. Kishimoto is hopeful that more papers will focus their lens on game theory that is predicated on cooperation and bargaining outcomes.

"There are not many papers that study technology licensing through bargaining from the viewpoint of cooperative game theory. Thus, I hope that subsequent studies will be done based on this research," he concludes.

More information: Shin Kishimoto, Stable licensing schemes in technology transfer, Journal of Public Economic Theory (2023). DOI: 10.1111/jpet.12664
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An artist's impression of the powerful blast of gamma rays, caused by an explosion in the distant universe, that reached Earth on October 9 last year.

Last year the brightest flash of light ever seen in the night sky disturbed Earth's upper atmosphere in a way that has never before detected before, researchers said on Tuesday.

A massive burst of gamma rays from an enormous cosmic explosion around two billion light years away arrived at Earth on October 9, 2022, lighting up telescopes around the world.

Quickly nicknamed the "BOAT"for Brightest Of All Timethe flash lasted just seven minutes but its afterglow was visible to amateur astronomers for seven hours.

The flash activated lightning detectors in India and triggered instruments that normally study explosions on the sun called solar flares.

It also affected long wave radio communications in the lower ionosphere, a section of Earth's upper atmosphere around 60 to 350 kilometers (37 to 217 miles) above the surface.

The BOAT also affected the upper ionospherethe very first time a gamma-ray burst has been observed in this section of the atmosphere, a team of Italian and Chinese researchers said on Tuesday.

From 350 to 950 kilometers above Earth, near the edge of the space, the upper ionosphere is where radiation from the sun turns into charged particles that form an important electric field.

Mirko Piersanti, a researcher at Italy's University of L'Aquila, told AFP that experts in this field had been debating for two decades whether gamma ray bursts could have any impact on the upper ionosphere.

"I think we finally answered the question," said Piersanti, the lead author of a new study in the journal Nature Communications.

The researchers were lucky that the ChineseItalian CSES satellite, which has an electric field detector, "was exactly in the zone that was illuminated by the gamma-ray burst" 500 kilometers above Earth in the upper ionosphere, he said.

"We found a shape in the electric field that had never been observed before," Piersanti added.

"It is amazing," European Space Agency gamma-ray expert Erik Kuulkers said in a statement.

"We can see things that are happening in deep space but are also affecting Earth."

Extinction threat?

Piersanti said the research would help scientists understand the potential threat that other gamma-ray bursts could pose in the future.

The worst-case scenario would be if such a powerful blast came from much closer to homesay, within our own Milky Way galaxy. That could "completely erase" Earth's ozone layer, he said.

This would expose everything on the surface to the full might of the sun's ultraviolet radiation, potentially wiping out life on Earth.

There has previously been speculation that past gamma-ray bursts could have caused ancient mass extinction events.

But Piersanti emphasized that much remains unknown.

It is also possible that the ionosphere would absorb all the gamma rays and "nothing would happen" to those of us on the ground, he explained.

Last year's gamma-ray burst, officially called GRB 221009A, is believed to have been caused by either a massive dying star exploding into a supernova, or the birth of a black hole.

Given its immense power, it could also have been botha supernova explosion leading to the creation of a black hole.

The blast came from the direction of the constellation Sagitta and traveled an estimated 1.9 billion years to reach Earth.

It is now 2.4 billion light years away because of the expansion of the universe.

On average, more than one gamma-ray-burst reaches Earth every day.

But one with the brightness of the BOAT is estimated to come around once every 10,000 years.

More information: Mirko Piersanti, Evidence of an upper ionospheric electric field perturbation correlated with a gamma ray burst, Nature Communications (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42551-5. www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-42551-5 Journal information: Nature Communications

 2023 AFP
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Predictive margins plots for the interaction term value creation innovation with value proposition innovation and contour plot. Credit: Journal of Business Research (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2023.114229

Despite the growing interest in Business Model Innovation (BMI), there is a lack of robust empirical evidence regarding its long-term effects. This gap is now being filled by the research efforts of authors Prof. Dr. Lutz Gocke (HS Nordhausen), Matthias Menter (FSU), Dr. Christopher Zeeb (FSU), and Thomas Clauss (Uni Witten). Methodologically, the effects and distinctions of three dimensions are examined: value creation, value proposition and value capture. In other words: How is value created? What is value promised? How is this value measured?

But what exactly does the term Business Model Innovation (BMI) encompass? It refers to the adaptation or redesign of business models that can influence a company's success. Such changes can provide significant competitive advantages to companies. Especially in startups, it's evident that altering the business model is positively correlated with a company's success.

However, for established companies, the consequences of business model innovations are more intricate and less obvious. These changes can have profound impacts: company processes might need fundamental restructuring, market positioning can shift, or even existing business segments might be affected or replaced. This necessitates a reevaluation of resource allocation.

The study was based on comprehensive data collection, involving the analysis of more than 35,000 press releases. It encompassed more than 2,300 BMI events from 60 German publicly traded companies, which were then compared against fixed performance metrics. The findings, published in the Journal of Business Research, reveal a positive effect of business model innovation on company performance, even if this effect occurs with a time delay.

The authors have identified that different parts of a business model can have both positive and negative effects. Importantly, a company can develop better if it focuses its efforts on specific dimensions rather than distributing them equally across many.

The results of this study have far-reaching implications for the strategic management of business model innovations. Managers are encouraged to plan careful resource allocation to extract maximum benefits from BMI activities. The study underscores the importance of contemplating resource distribution and strategic alignment in the context of business model innovation.

The research findings fill a gap in literature by offering a deeper analysis of the impacts of business model innovation on company performance. Particularly, the study highlights the positive time-delayed effects of various dimensions of business model innovation on performance.

The authors point out that their study paves the way for future research. In the upcoming period, the focus will be on investigating how different dimensions of business model innovation align or could potentially replace one another. This will take into account resource allocation and underlying thinking. Such insights could facilitate more effective resource utilization and smarter strategic decisions for business model innovation.

The publication of this study contributes to a better understanding of business model innovation and its effects on companies. The insights provide valuable perspectives for both managers and researchers, opening up new avenues for future research in this field.

More information: Matthias Menter et al, Disentangling the complex longitudinal relationships between business model innovation and firm performance, Journal of Business Research (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2023.114229 Journal information: Journal of Business Research

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Many airlines are already sharing their concerns regarding the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, claiming that this conflict could decrease future profits.

Several travel firms already confirmed that their bookings have dropped in recent weeks because of the war in the Middle East.

Statistics also showed that international flight bookings drastically decreased weeks after the Hamas attack on Oct. 7.

Airlines Expect Israel-Hamas War to Decrease Future Profits

ForwardKeys, a travel analytics firm, said that international flight bookings decreased 20% compared to 2019 levels three weeks after the deadly terrorist attack of the Hamas militant group.

Comparing it to the weeks before the Hamas attack, booking levels were 5% less. Experts said that many travelers are now scared to visit the Middle East and other countries since the Hamas group killed over 1,200 civilians, as well as took 240 hostages.

Days after the Hamas terrorist attack happened, major airlines decided to suspend or reduce their flights to Israel's Ben-Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv, as CNBC reported.

But, the issue here is that even travel to non-Middle Eastern countries and regions also declined because passengers were afraid of being victims of terrorist attacks.

Now, numerous airlines are concerned regarding the negative effects of the Israel-Hamas war on their future profits. One of these is United Airlines, which said that the conflict could "eat" into its profits in the last three months of 2023.

Read Also: Hong Kong's Airlines to Boost Tourism by Offering Free Flight Tickets! How Can You Qualify?

Non-Middle Eastern Locations Also Unsafe

NBC News reported that federal officials warn passengers to be extra alert and cautious even if they are visiting non-Middle Eastern countries and other locations.

They said that travelers should be wary if they are visiting popular tourist locations since these places could be the next targets of Hamas and other terrorist groups.

To ensure that passengers know the safety measures they need to take in case of terrorist attacks, officials suggest following the State Department's accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and other social media sites.

This will allow them to receive the latest updates regarding potential terrorist attacks or other violent events. If you want to learn more about travel safety during the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, you can click here.

Related Article: Hamas Attack Update: AA, Other Major Airlines Cancel Flights to Israel-Here's What FAA Says In Updated NOTAM

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Belgium's southern Wallonia region pledged Tuesday to offer free blood tests for residents to measure their possible exposure to PFAS "forever chemicals" amid a scandal over polluted drinking water.

Local authorities have been rocked after an investigation by the RTBF news outlet last week revealed they had ignored warnings over elevated chemical levels in tap water in several districts.

The pollution has been linked to fire-fighting foam and aircraft de-icing products used at a US Air Force base in Chievres, near Ath.

According to the investigation, water consumed between autumn 2021 and spring 2023 by thousands of people had a concentration of toxic chemicals at times six times above the European limit.

Found in everyday products such as non-stick frying pans and waterproof clothing, Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) take a very long time to break down in nature and have been linked to cancer, infertility and environmental damage.

Faced with growing concern in Wallonia, the region's environment minister Celine Tellier told a stormy hearing before the local parliament that levels measured in tap water were now "well below the norm".

She said blood tests would be offered to anyone who volunteers and as a "precautionary measure" residents of seven communes, including Ath and Mons, were advised not to consume locally-produced eggs and vegetables.

The initial alert on water contamination in the region dates back to 2017.

As early as 2018, the US Army urged soldiers to consume only bottled water.

Tellier said her office had not received any information about an "imminent threat to health".

But she added that an official had been sacked for overlooking an email from a water company last year.

 2023 AFP
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Images of 2009 DQ 118 (green dashed arrows) displaying a cometary tail (white arrows). Frames (a) and (b) are from the first activity epoch and resulted from our Active Asteroids citizen scientist project and archival search. Frame (c) is an APO follow-up image showing faint signs of activity resulting in the tentative discovery of the second epoch of activity. In frames (a) through (c), the negative heliocentric velocity (black arrow outlined in red) and antisolar (yellow arrow) directions projected to the on-sky plane coincide with each other and the direction of the tail. Frame (d) is a stack of our Magellan follow-up observations confirming the discovery of the second activity epoch. In this frame, the tail is oriented between the antisolar (yellow arrow) and negative heliocentric velocity (black arrow outlined in red) directions projected to the on-sky plane. North is up, and east is left in each image (solid green arrows), and all directions are referenced to the ephemeris location of 2009 DQ 118 (which is centered in each image) at the time of observation as given by JPL Horizons (Giorgini et al. 1996). (a) 300 s VR-band Dark Energy Camera (DECam) image taken with the 4 m Blanco Telescope at Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory (CTIO), Chile, on UT 2016 March 8 (Prop. ID 2016A-0189; PI: Rest; observers: A. Rest, DJJ). (b) 200 s r-band DECam image, UT 2016 March 9 (Prop. ID 2015A-0121; PI: von der Linden; observer: A. von der Linden). (c) 300 s VR-band image taken with the Astrophysical Research Consortium Telescope Imaging Camera (ARCTIC) on the APO 3.5 m Astrophysical Research Consortium (ARC) Telescope, UT 2023 February 24 (Prop. ID 2Q2023-UW08; PI: Chandler; observer: C. Chandler). (d) A co-added stack of four 150 s WB4800-7800-band images taken with the Inamori-Magellan Areal Camera and Spectrograph (IMACS) on the 6.5 m Magellan Baade Telescope at Las Campanas Observatory, Chile, on UT 2023 April 22 (PI: S. Sheppard; observer: S. Sheppard). Credit: The Astrophysical Journal Letters (2023). DOI: 10.3847/2041-8213/acfcbc

A team of space scientists, astronomers and astrophysicists affiliated with multiple institutions across the U.S., working with a colleague from Italy, has determined that a celestial object spotted by citizen scientists back in 2016 is neither a comet nor an asteroid, but an object that lies on the boundary between both. In their paper published in the journal The Astrophysical Journal Letters, the group describes the multiple tests they did to determine the nature of the object and what they learned about it as a result.

While much space science is conducted by professionals in the field, much is also done by so-called citizen scientistspeople with an interest in space who participate by using amateur telescopes to peer at the night sky.

In this new effort, a group of such citizen scientists discovered an object in the night sky that had not been identified by the scientific community. They continued their work by searching through publicly available archival data and found images of the object, but no instances where it had been singled out. In so doing, they found what they described as clear signs of comet behavior. The group registered the object with the Active Asteroid project, where it came to the attention of the research team.

The research team promptly named the object quasi-Hilda 2009 DQ 118 . The Hildas are a band of comets and asteroids that exist between the Trojans and the main asteroid belt. The object found by the citizen scientists was not a true Hilda asteroid, however, hence its quasi title.

Orbits of representative bodies (blue curves) from eight dynamical classes in the corotating frame with Jupiter (orange line) illustrating the similarities between 2009 DQ 118 and other quasi-Hildas. Each subplot shows 200 yr of orbital integration in this reference frame. (a) Active asteroid 2015 VA 108 orbits in the main asteroid belt and is a candidate main-belt comet (Chandler et al. 2023). (b) Near-Earth binary asteroid (65803) Didymos-Dimorphos was the target of the NASA Double-Asteroid Redirection Test mission (DART). It is the first artificial active asteroid (Li et al. 2023). (c) Active Centaur (2060) Chiron (95P) resides between the orbits of Jupiter and Uranus. (d) JFC 67P/ChuryumovGerasimenko crosses the orbits of Jupiter and Mars. It was visited by the ESA Rosetta spacecraft. (e) Long-period comet C/2014 UN 271 (BernardinelliBernstein) is currently inbound from the Oort cloud and will reach its perihelion, near the orbit of Saturn, in 2031 January. Because this comet is highly inclined (i  95), it appears to be interior to the orbit of Jupiter in part of this XY projection. (f) Trojan asteroid (3548) Eurybates in a characteristic Trojan tadpole orbit indicative of a 1:1 mean-motion resonance with Jupiter. Eurybates is a target of the NASA Lucy spacecraft mission. (g) Asteroid (153) Hilda in its iconic 3:2 interior mean-motion resonance with Jupiter. Hilda asteroids are defined as being in this resonance and also display this trilobate pattern in this frame. (h) Active quasi-Hilda 282P/(323137) 2003 BM80 displays a typical asymmetric quasi-Hilda corotating pattern (Chandler et al. 2022). (i) 2009 DQ118 with a quasi-Hilda orbit similar to 282P. Credit: The Astrophysical Journal Letters (2023). DOI: 10.3847/2041-8213/acfcbc

After studying 20 images of the object found in the archives, the researchers gave it a look using both the Astrophysical Research Consortium Telescope and the Magellan Baade Telescope. In doing so, they found what they describe as a second epoch of activity associated with the object. They then carried out a photometric analysis of the tail and found that it was approximately the same length and brightness in all the images that had been taken. They also tracked its orbital history using dynamical simulations.

The work by the team showed that the object was indeed a quasi-Hilda and that it frequently came close to Jupiter as it orbited around the sun. The researchers found no evidence to suggest the object is a comet or an asteroid. It was neither mostly ice nor mostly rock, which puts it on the boundary between both.

More information: William J. Oldroyd et al, Recurring Activity Discovered on Quasi-Hilda 2009 DQ 118 , The Astrophysical Journal Letters (2023). DOI: 10.3847/2041-8213/acfcbc Journal information: Astrophysical Journal Letters

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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

When armed conflict breaks out, we first focus on the people affected. But the suffering from war doesn't stop when the fighting does. War trashes the environment. Artillery strikes, rockets and landmines release pollutants, wipe out forests and can make farmland unusable.

One in six people around the world have been exposed to conflict this year, from civil war in Sudan to Russia's war in Ukraine to the Israel-Hamas war.

War has returned. Conflicts are at their highest point since the second world war. Deaths are at a 28-year high. As we grapple with the immediate plight of people, we must not lose sight of what war leaves behindthe silent casualty of the environment.

What damage does war do?

Armed conflict leaves a long trail of environmental damage, which in turn can worsen our health and that of other species.

Chemical weapons and pollution from weapons stay in the environment as a toxic legacy. Explosives release pollutants such as depleted uranium into soil, while landscapes can be destroyed by troop movement and the breakdown of infrastructure.

The damage can last far longer than you'd think. The bloody WWI Battle of Verdun in France left the once-fertile farmland contaminated. Over a century later, no one can live in the Red Zone due to the threat from unexploded bombs.

As the Russia-Ukraine war wears on, severe air pollution, deforestation and soil degradation have mounted.

Conflict also causes habitat loss and decreased biodiversity. Between 1946 and 2010, wildlife noticeably declined in African nations affected by armed conflict.

Landmines are particularly bad, as they are designed to remain in place until stepped on. Long after a war ends, they can still kill people or animals. Landmines also cause degradation and limit access to safe land, which can then become over-exploited. Landmines have been unearthed by flood waters in Libya, Ukraine, Lebanon and Bosnia Herzegovina.

Many explosive weapons are designed to withstand short periods of intense heat. But when high temperatures linger, unexploded bombs can detonate. As the world heats up, we may see more explosionsnot just from remnant bombs, but from munitions dumps.

In the fast-heating Middle East, this is already happening. In Iraq, six arms depots exploded during intense heat waves between 2018 and 2019. In Jordan, heat waves have been blamed for a similar arms dump explosion in 2020.

At war's end, weapons are often dumped in the ocean. From the first world war until the 1970s, out of date munitions and chemical weapons in the United Kingdom were dumped into the sea. It may have seemed like an easy solution, but the bombs haven't gone away. Over 1 million tons of munitions litter the floor of a natural ocean trench between Northern Ireland and Scotland. These sometimes detonate underwater, while chemical weapons have washed up on beaches.

During the second world war, intense fighting took place on the Solomon Islands. Even today, people die or are wounded every year when uncovered bombs go off. Fishers have to be wary of underwater bombs.

Environmental exploitation such as illegal logging or diamond mining can accelerate during wartime, with profits used to buy weapons to fuel more fighting. At least 40% of civil war and internal conflicts between 1946 and 2006 were tied to natural resources such as teak and gold, according to the United Nations.

Sometimes, natural resources can become targets, as in the deliberate firing of oil wells in Kuwait or destruction of Ukraine's Kakhovka Dam. These scorched-earth tactics do untold damage to the environment.

How do war and climate change interact?

The long-running war in Sudan's Darfur region has been dubbed the world's first climate change war due to its origins in drought and ecological crisis. While it's difficult to clearly draw a link between the changing climate and an armed conflict, climate change is at minimum an indirect driver of armed conflict and can exacerbate existing social, economical and environmental factors. In turn, conflict worsens the damage done by climate change as it limits people's ability to respond or cope with climate shocks.

Wars and extreme weather can both force people from their homes. At the end of last year, the number of people forced to seek refuge elsewhere in their own country was at an all time high. When people are forced to move, the disruption can add extra environmental damage through plastic and other types of waste.

When wars are raging, they take priority for governments. That, in turn, can limit efforts to reduce emissions or adapt to climate change.

That can make disasters worse. Colombia's deadly 2017 landslide killed more than 300 people. Why was it so deadly? In part, because many people had fled to the affected town, Mocoa, to avoid war and had built makeshift houses with no protection against disasters. We also know deaths from disasters increase in nations riven by armed conflict.

The world's military forces are intense users of fossil fuels, accounting for 5.5% of global emissions. If we took the world's military forces as one country, they would be the fourth highest emitter, after China, America and India.

We can no longer ignore the devastating coupling between war and environmental damage, including climate change. Wars make our ability to adapt to climate change worse, and environmental damage from conflict will exacerbate climate change.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

The U.K. needs an evidence-led and proportionate regulatory approach for genetically modified (GM) crops to realize the technology's benefits for human health, agriculture and the environment, according to a new Royal Society policy briefing.

The "Enabling genetic technologies for food security" briefing, led by Professor Jonathan Jones FRS, Group Leader at The Sainsbury Laboratory, Norwich, 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 U.K. crop regulation, involves moving genes between species and is regulated differently to other breeding technologies which make genetic changes within a species.

The U.K.'s 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 U.K. scientists have already been commercialized in other countries, but not in the U.K. A more supportive regulatory approach in the U.K. would boost innovation and result in new applications of GM methods that benefit the British public and global food security.

Earlier this year, the U.K. government has already 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.

The Royal Society briefing 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 U.K. can learn from other regulators that have greater experience with GM technology, such as the U.S. To support greater innovation, the U.S. Department of Agriculture recently reformed the way it assesses environmental risks from GM crops such that crop developers do not need to invest in extensive risk assessment if there is no scientific reason to believe that the crop is likely to cause an environmental harm.

The first GM plant approved in the U.S. under its new framework was developed by U.K. researchers at the John Innes Center, Norwich: the "purple tomatoes," developed using genes from the snapdragon plant, which have higher concentrations of health-supporting anthocyanins.

GM methods enable applications that would not be possible with other methods and could be particularly important for reducing the environmental impact of agriculture while providing enough food for a rising population. These methods hold great potential in adapting crops to the pressing challenges posed by climate change, pests, diseases, biodiversity loss and invasive species.

"We need to feed people properly without destroying the planet," said Professor Jones, whose research spans a range of GM applications, including potatoes resistant to late blight disease, which farmers currently spray 1520 times a year to control.

"Manufacturing and spraying fertilizers and pesticides results in a significant carbon footprint and collateral damage to non-target insects and the wider ecosystem. Using GM methods, we can replace chemistry with genetics for pest and disease control.

"GM is one arrow in our quiver, but one we cannot afford to spurn. 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."

Examples of GM applications being developed in the U.K. and around the world:

Pest and disease resistanceLate blight costs U.K. potato farmers about 50m a year in crop losses and fungicide treatments. The blight resistant variety of Maris Piper potato developed by The Sainsbury Laboratory contains genes from species in the same Solanum genus as domesticated potatoes and that are already deployed in the U.S. Other examples include insect resistant aubergines for Bangladesh and the Philippines, insect resistant cowpea in West Africa, tomatoes and potatoes resistant to viruses and bacterial wilt, and wheat resistant to stem rust.

Improving yields and reducing fertilizer dependenceResearchers at the Crop Science Center, Cambridge, are testing GM barley modified with genes from the leguminous plant, Medicago truncatula, that enhance access to soil nutrients through symbiotic association with soil fungi. This could help reduce applications of fertilizers and their environmental impacts on soil and river ecosystems.

Adapting to environmental changeA drought resistant wheat variety, modified with a gene from sunflowers, was developed in Argentina and has been approved for cultivation in Brazil and certified safe for human consumption in Australia, Brazil, Columbia, New Zealand, Nigeria and the U.S.

Removing heavy metals or explosive contaminants from soilIn a three-year field trial, the University of York's Center for Novel Agricultural Products, working with the U.S. Department of Defense, demonstrated a genetically modified native grass species (Panicum virgatum) can effectively remediate soils contaminated with explosive residues.

More information: Enabling genetic technologies for food security. royalsociety.org/-/media/polic  -policy-briefing.pdf

Provided by Royal Society
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A new study finds forests could absorb vastly more carbon with better protection.

Protecting forests globally could vastly increase the amount of carbon they sequester, a new study finds, but given our current emissions track, does it really matter?

For Thomas Crowther, an author of the assessment, the answer is a resounding yes.

"I absolutely see this study as a cause for hope," the professor at ETH Zurich said.

"I hope that people will see the real potential and value that nature can bring to the climate change topic."

But for others, calculating the hypothetical carbon storage potential of global forests is more an academic exercise than a useful framework for forest management.

"I am a forester by trade, so I really like to see trees grow," said Martin Lukac, professor of ecosystem science at University of Reading.

However, he considers forest carbon potential calculations like these "dangerous," warning they "distract from the main challenge and offer false hope."

Crowther has been here before: in 2019 he produced a study on how many trees the Earth could support, where to plant them and how much carbon they could store.

"Forest restoration is the best climate change solution available today," he argued.

That work caused a firestorm of criticism, with experts unpicking everything from its modeling to the claim that reforestation was the "best" solution available.

Nodding to the furore, Crowther and his colleagues have now vastly expanded their data set and used new modeling approaches for the study published Monday in the journal Nature.

They use ground-sourced surveys and data from three models based on high-resolution satellite imagery.

The modeling approach is "as good as it currently gets," acknowledged Lukac, who was not involved in the work.

The study argues vastly more carbon could be stored by forests with minimal effort to protect them.

'Achieve climate targets'

The study estimates forests are storing 328 gigatons of carbon less than they would if untouched by human destruction.

Estimates of the world's remaining carbon "budget" to keep warming below the 1.5C range from around 250-500 gigatons.

Much of the forest potential139 gigatonscould be captured by just leaving existing forests to reach full maturity, the study says.

Another 87 gigatons could be regained by reconnecting fragmented forests.

The remainder is in areas used for agriculture, pasture or urban infrastructure, which the authors acknowledge is unlikely to be reversed.

Still, they say their findings present a massive opportunity.

"Forest conservation, restoration and sustainable management can help achieve climate targets by mitigating emissions and enhancing carbon sequestration," the study says.

Modeling and mapping the world's forests is a tricky business.

There's the scale of the problem, but also the complexity of what constitutes a forest.

Trees, of course, but the carbon storage potential of a woodland or jungle is also in its soil and the organic matter littering the forest floor.

The study does not account for the effect of forest fires or other climate-linked risks.

Trees versus emissions?

Ground-level surveys can offer granular data, but are difficult to extrapolate.

And satellite imagery covers large swathes of land, but can be confounded by something as simple as the weather, said Nicolas Younes, research fellow at the Australian National University.

"Most of the places where there is potential for carbon storage are tropical countries... these are places where there is persistent cloud cover, therefore satellite imagery is very hard to validate," he told AFP.

Younes, an expert on forest remote sensing, warns the complexity of the study's datasets and modeling risks introducing errors, though the resulting estimates remain "very valuable".

"It will not show us the exact truth for every pixel on Earth, but it is useful."

One objection to quantifying forest carbon potential is that conditions are far from static, with accelerating climate change, forest fires and pest vulnerability all playing a role.

And, for Lukac, whatever potential forests have is irrelevant to the urgency of cutting emissions.

The study's estimated 328 gigatons "would be wiped (out) in 30 years by current emissions," he said.

Crowther, who advises a project to plant a trillion trees globally, rejects an either-or between forest protection and emissions reduction.

"We urgently need both," he said.

More information: Lidong Mo et al, Integrated global assessment of the natural forest carbon potential, Nature (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06723-z Journal information: Nature

 2023 AFP
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Since its discovery at the end of the 19th century, the torpedo ray species Torpedo suessii has never been sighted again by scientistsonly the three historical specimens in the fish collection at the Natural History Museum Vienna are known. Credit: NHM Wien

There are always little treasures to be found in museum collectionsthat's what makes them so valuable for research. With todays methods of analysis, new, detailed findings can be elicited from archives that are often centuries old.

Scientists from the Natural History Museum Vienna, Austria, and the LOEWE Center for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (TBG) in Hesse, Germany, have now analyzed the genetic data of a rare and presumably already extinct species of torpedo ray. It was collected, preserved, and described during the second Austro-Hungarian deep-sea expedition in the Red Sea between 1897 and 1898, but has never been observed again since. The new results confirm that the torpedo ray Torpedo suessii is a separate species within the genus.

Torpedo rays are known to be able to paralyze their prey using an electric organ made of converted muscles. Their electric shock has even caused divers to lose consciousness. Otherwise, they are sluggish fish that swim slowly or bury themselves in the sand or mud of the seabed. The eleven known species are found in temperate and tropical seas and vary in shape, color, and size between 15 and 180 centimeters.

The now genomically analyzed Torpedo suessii, named after the Austrian geologist and pioneer of the Vienna High Spring Water Pipeline Eduard Suess (18311914), is a very rare species. It was first described by the Viennese ichthyologist and curator of the fish collection at the Natural History Museum Vienna Franz Steindachner (18341919) after an expedition to the Red Seaincluding Yemenwhich he led scientifically.

The research trips on the SMS Pola organized by the Austrian Academy of Sciences at the end of the 19th century were aimed, among other things, at the zoological exploration of various bodies of water, including the eastern Mediterranean and the Adriatic.

"This specimen is a real rarity for us, as only the three historical specimens of the species Torpedo suessii in our collection are known. Since its discovery, the fish species has never been sighted again by scientistsdespite its striking skin pattern, which is reminiscent of the spots of a giraffe with up to eight large dark brown spots with lighter outlines on a light brown background," reports Associate Professor Dr. Anja Palandacic, Collection Manager of the Fish Collection at the NHM Vienna.

"We therefore assume that Torpedo suessii is extinct. The results of our genome analysis confirm that it should be regarded as a separate species within the torpedo ray family," continues Palandacic. She is the first author of the study published in the journal Zoologica Scripta.

"In view of the increasing threat to marine ecosystems and the fish communities living in them due to climate change and pollution, it is crucial to take stock of marine biodiversity in order to protect it. With our genome analyses and the resulting information on species, we want to gain a better understanding of biodiversity on Earth and thus contribute to its conservation," says Dr. Carola Greve, Head of Laboratory at the LOEWE Center TBG.

"Of course, rare species or unique samples such as those of the Torpedo suessii from museum collections are particularly valuable for our analyses and subsequent species comparisons. Analyzing samples that were collected more than a hundred years ago and have been kept in the collections ever since requires great care during laboratory work and is a special eventespecially when a species can also be genomically identified," says Greve.

More information: Anja Palandacic et al, From historical expedition diaries to whole genome sequencing: A case study of the likely extinct Red Sea torpedo ray, Zoologica Scripta (2023). DOI: 10.1111/zsc.12632

Provided by Senckenberg Gesellschaft fur Naturforschung
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Abnormal enzyme activity is a hallmark of several diseases including cancer, neurodegeneration, inflammation, and metabolic disorders. Enzyme-activated near-infrared fluorescent probes have emerged as highly sensitive and specific visualization tools for the real-time monitoring of enzyme activity. This review highlights recent advances in the development of enzyme-activated fluorescent probes, and their diverse applications in biomedical research, diagnostics and health care. Credit: The authors

Enzymes, essential for normal cellular and physiological functions, are implicated in various diseases like cancer and diabetes due to their abnormal activity. Therefore, tracking enzyme activity is a valuable strategy for the diagnosis and monitoring of diseases. Conventional imaging techniques are limited by the need for contrast agents, low sensitivity, and spatio-temporal resolution.

To overcome these limitations, researchers are increasingly investigating fluorescent probes for non-invasive and real-time visualization of enzyme dynamics and corresponding disease status.

In a new review article, researchers from Korea have summarized the latest advancements in the development of enzyme-activated near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent probes and their diverse applications in biomedical research and medicine. Providing further insight into their article, the lead authors,

Professor Jun-Seok Lee from Korea University College of Medicine and Professor Juyoung Yoon from Ewha Womans University in Korea, explained, "While conventional biomarker examination relies on the comparative expression level of a target enzyme, it does not reflect enzymatic activity. Enzyme-activated fluorescent probes can help monitor the dynamics of enzyme activity in vitro and in vivo."

The review article was published in Trends in Analytical Chemistry.

Enzyme-activated fluorescent probes primarily consist of three components: a fluorophore that emits fluorescence upon activation, a linker, and an enzyme recognition unit. When the probe encounters the target enzyme, the resulting charge or energy transfer activates the NIR-fluorophore, emitting detectable fluorescence.

The authors describe various design strategies for these adaptable fluorescent probes, with versatile applications in studies targeting enzymes involved in metabolic processes, neurotransmission, cell growth, cell death, and other key processes.

NIR-fluorescent probes are widely used in biomedical imaging to visualize cells and tissues, and they provide highly sensitive and real-time measurements of enzyme activity in cells as well as animal disease models.

Their selectivity allows for the detection of aberrant enzymes specific to certain tumors or diseases, aiding early and differential diagnosis. Additionally, they are used to outline tumor margins or specific tissues, guide surgical resection, and hold promise in assessing therapeutic responses to enzyme-targeting therapies. Furthermore, their applications extend to environmental sensing, food safety, water, and air analysis.

Enzyme-activated fluorescent probes offer high specificity and sensitivity, excellent biocompatibility, ease of use, and tunable properties, making them valuable assets in biomedical research and health care. Further studies can help in the designing of multi-target fluorescent probes capable of distinguishing between different cell types and aiding in clinical research, diagnostics, disease monitoring, and treatments. Overall, these probes hold significant potential to revolutionize health care.

This review enhances our understanding of fluorescent probes and lays the foundation for future research that can expand their applications. The authors conclude by saying, "Abnormal enzyme activity is a hallmark of several diseases. NIR fluorescent probes can be used as molecular tools for visualization and quantification of such biomarkers. While significant advances have been made in their development, additional studies are needed to widen their bioapplications."

More information: Hyunsun Jeong et al, Recent advances in enzyme-activated NIR fluorescent probes for biological applications, Trends in Analytical Chemistry (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2023.117335

Provided by Korea University College of Medicine
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A schematic diagram showing the preparation of a pH-responsive Lipiodol Pickering emulsion-based microreactor for transarterial ferro-embolization therapy of HCC. Credit: Science China Press

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. For most intermediate-advanced HCC patients, transarterial embolization (TAE) therapy is the mainstream treatment by utilizing embolic agents to block the tumor blood supply to induce ischemic necrosis attributing to its minimal invasiveness.

In clinical treatment, transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), which combines embolic agents with chemotherapy drugs, is also frequently adopted to achieve improved therapeutic benefit. Among these clinically used embolic agents, Lipiodol is a commonly used liquid embolic agent for TAE treatment, and it has also been collectively applied with chemotherapeutic drugs for TACE.

However, the limited stability of such Lipiodol-drug emulsion always led to fast diffusion of drugs from the embolization site, which thereby remarkably weakens the therapeutic efficacy of these chemotherapeutic drugs and imposes systemic toxicity. Therefore, development of stable Lipiodol-drug emulsion with sustainable drug release profiles holds great promise to approach improved treatment of HCCs.

To solve this challenging problem, in a recent research article published in National Science Review, a collaborative research team led by Professor Zhuang Liu from Soochow University (Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials, FUNSOM) proposed a water-in-oil Lipiodol Pickering emulsion stabilized by calcium carbonate nanoparticles and hemin.

Compared with conventional Lipiodol emulsion, the obtained Lipiodol Pickering emulsion enabled stable encapsulation of various hydrophilic molecules in the aqueous droplets and pH-responsive release of the encapsulated molecules due to the presence of CaCO 3 nanoparticles.

Inspired by the capacity of lipoxygenase (LOX) in promoting the generation of cytotoxic lipid radicals from polyunsaturated fatty acidy, a major component of Lipiodol, a pH-responsive and self-fueling ferroptosis-inducing microreactor (coined as LHCa-LPE) was concisely constructed by encapsulating LOX with such Lipiodol based Pickering emulsion.

Such LHCa-LPE was shown to be capable of effectively inducing ferroptosis of cancer cells with Lipiodol as the source of PUFAs via the cascading lipid peroxidation chain reaction. Upon transarterial embolization, such LHCa-LPE could effectively suppress the growth of orthotopic N1S1 HCC in rats by serving as bifunctional embolic and ferroptosis-inducing agents.

Overall, this study highlights a facile strategy to prepare stable Lipiodol based embolic agent, which is also promising for potential clinical translation because all components in such emulsions have excellent biocompatibility, holding great promise for clinical translation.

More information: Chunjie Wang et al, Self-fueling ferroptosis-inducing microreactors based on pH-responsive Lipiodol Pickering emulsions enable transarterial ferro-embolization therapy, National Science Review (2023). DOI: 10.1093/nsr/nwad257
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Credit: Princeton University Press

Shame can be a powerful motivatorparticularly on the world stage. Calling out human rights abuses can isolate a government; it can cause a public outcry and embarrass leaders into compliance. For many international relations scholars, shaming remains one of the best tools to combat human rights violations.

However, Rochelle Layla Terman, AB'08, knows that this tactic has serious drawbacks. While working for a human rights organization focusing on women in Muslim-majority countries, Terman found that shaming was often counterproductive.

"In many cases, shaming not only fails to induce compliance but incites a backlash, provoking resistance and worsening human rights practices," said Terman, an assistant professor in UChicago's Department of Political Science.

In a new book, "The Geopolitics of Shaming: When Human Rights Pressure Worksand When It Backfires," Terman challenges conventional wisdom by taking a more nuanced approach. She argues that understanding the political, economic and historical relationships between countries is key to knowing how and when shaming can improve human rights conditions.

In the following edited Q&A, Terman discusses why governments shame each other and how they can do so more effectively.

What does 'naming and shaming' mean in a geopolitical context?

When international relations scholars talk about shaming, we're referring to the international communitystates, human rights organizations like Amnesty International or Human Rights Watch, the U.N., other expertscoming together to exert moral pressure on countries that violate human rights.

For example, when Amnesty International asks you to sign a petition on behalf of a political prisoner in China, or the U.N. issues a resolution condemning state violence in Syria, they are shamingputting that country in the spotlight, condemning violations, urging reform.

What reasons might a state have for shaming or not shaming another state?

States shame for three reasons: (1) to enforce a desired norm of behavior, (2) to collect social rewards from audiences and (3) to stigmatize the target.

On the other hand, shaming has downsides. Criticizing other governments can generate serious political risks by upsetting a valuable strategic relationship.

For example, China's alliesincluding many Muslim nationshave refused to condemn China's alleged abuse of Uyghurs in Xinjiang because they fear undermining a profitable partnership. Likewise, the United States was reluctant to shame Saudi Arabia over the death of Jamal Khashoggi in 2018. That's because human rights are a touchy subject, and Saudi Arabiaa US allydid not appreciate being criticized in this area and threatened to retaliate economically.

What are the consequences when shaming backfires?

People typically resent being told what to do, especially by foreign actors, and respond very defensively. Contrary to some received wisdom, I find that international shaming exerts counterproductive effects on public opinion, increasing both nationalist sentiments and hostility toward human rights advocacy.

In light of this reaction, leaders are rewarded for standing up to international pressure. Meanwhile, leaders who "give in" have their political legitimacy undermined at home. The result is that violations tend to persist or even exacerbate.

For example, after Western countries condemned Uganda and Nigeria for attempting to criminalize homosexuality in 2014, some observers reported a spike in human rights violations of L.G.B.T. people. Other research has observed similar dynamics in China, Israel, and other countries.

How would you describe the relational approach you present in your book?

We can't understand social sanctions (like shaming) without appreciating the specific relational context in which it occurs. States rely on each other for things they care about. These things could be material in naturesecurity, trade, etc. They could be intangiblethings like status, esteem and recognition.

States shame their friends and adversaries in very different ways.

Typically, leaders only criticize their friends when they hold strong preferences for the norm they're enforcing. Even then, they take steps to avoid a super negative reaction so as to maintain a valued partnership. In contrast, leaders will condemn rivals regardless of genuine normative beliefs, because doing so provides a strategic advantage. As a result, states shame their rivals in particularly stigmatizing, sensationalist, and inflammatory ways.

The effects of shaming are also conditional on the relationship between source and the target. Shaming coming from strategic partners is more costly and more credible. The target is more likely to take this criticism seriously and comply in order to maintain the valued relationship.

Shaming from rivals, on the other hand, is less costly. Plus, accusations from adversaries are often less credible; they're seen as a cynical attempt to sully the target's reputation. All of that allows the target to easily deny and reject the accusations.

Are there ways for governments to shame more effectively, or in a way less likely to backfire?

The main policy implication is clear: When it comes to human rights diplomacy, the critic matters as much asand perhaps more thanthe criticism.

In practice, however, this principle is not so simple to implement. It's quite easy (and even politically beneficial) to condemn an adversary for abuses; unfortunately, such efforts are unlikely to work and often backfire. Leaders are most effective when shaming an ally, but that is very difficult to do precisely because of the strategic risks involved. As a result, shaming is most common in situations where it is least likely to be helpful.

Despite the political liabilities involved, governments are in a better position to influence states with which they share political or economic ties. This means that, if they really want to secure human rights, leaders must summon the political will to overcome the potential enforcement costs involved in shaming a strategic friend or ally.

They must be willing to put relational benefitsincluding security or economic benefitson the line.
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Iceland has 33 active volcanic systems.

From Christmas gifts to sheep, residents forced from an Icelandic town damaged by hundreds of earthquakes in recent days were able to briefly return on Monday to retrieve their belongings, authorities said.

The southwestern town of Grindavikhome to around 4,000 peoplewas evacuated in the early hours of Saturday after magma shifting under the Earth's crust caused hundreds of earthquakes in what experts warned could be a precursor to a volcanic eruption.

The seismic activity damaged roads and buildings in the town situated 40 kilometers (25 miles) southwest of the capital Reykjavik, an AFP journalist saw.

"Many roads are just wrecked. It's like a maze that you have to drive through," Johannes Daoi Johannesson, 34, told AFP on returning to the town.

"I was basically here just to empty my house as much as I could and take the essentials," he said, along with "something for the kids, Christmas presents."

After waiting for hours in their cars, residents could enter their homes for just a few minutes to collect their valuables, with Icelandic police and civil protection vehicles on standby.

"We ask everyone to take as short a time as possible," the country's emergency response department said in a statement, adding that it was limiting numbers to two people per vehicle.

'Considerable uncertainty'

An AFP journalist at the scene saw people filling their cars to the brim, with residents taking furniture, paintings and even sheep.

"We are a little bit desperate, a little bit paralyzed and sad, actually. If you start to think about all the time and energy you have put in building up your home, it's just sad," Hans Wierer, a local resident, said on Sunday.

Iceland, which has 33 active volcanic systems, has declared a state of emergency, with shelters and help centers opened in several nearby towns.

"We have a fissure that's about 15 kilometers long, and anywhere on that fissure we can see that an eruption could happen," Vidir Reynisson, head of Iceland's Civil Protection and Emergency Management agency, told AFP on Saturday.

Such evacuations do not happen often, according to David McGarvie, a volcanologist at the University of Lancaster.

"The last evacuation of an entire sizeable settlement in Iceland occurred 50 years ago during the 1973 eruption on the island of Heimaey off the south coast of Iceland," he said.

"The displaced people of Grindavik will be understandably anxious because there is considerable uncertainty over the future of their town."

Grindavik is on the country's southwestern Reykjanes peninsula, home to the Fagradalsfjall volcano.

Three eruptions have taken place near Fagradalsfjall, in March 2021, August 2022 and July 2023all far from any infrastructure or populated areas.

 2023 AFP
Filmmakers and artists have withdrawn their submissions from the International Documentary Festival Amsterdam (IDFA) after its organizers strongly condemned the use of the slogan "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free" at an opening night protest.

During a speech by IDFA artistic director Orwa Nyrabia, three activists took to the stage holding a sign with the slogan, which some deemed as a call for an Arab state of Palestine and others saw as antisemitic and calling for the extermination of the Jewish state of Israel.

Nyrabia reportedly joined sections of the audience in applauding the intervention, but later said he could not see the words on the banner from where he sat on stage.

"I clapped to welcome freedom of speech, and not to welcome the slogan," he said, adding that the slogan was a "triggering statement" and an "offensive declaration for many, regardless of who carries it".

Germany announced last week that it has listed "From the river to to the sea..." as a slogan supporting a radical Islamist group such as Hamas. This meant that its use in public could count as a criminal offense similar to the public display of the Nazi swastika.

However, the Dutch court of appeals upheld a previous ruling last month that the slogan deserved legal protection on free speech grounds.

Read Also: Gal Gadot's Screening of Hamas' October 7 Attack on Israel Sparks Protests, Brawl in LA

IDFA Criticizes Pro-Palestine Slogan

According to The Guardian, the organizers of the IDFA - which would run from November 8 to 19 this year - said that the use of the "From the river to the sea..." slogan went against their aim to provide a safe space for civic debate.

"There are many ways that people use or read this slogan, and that various sides use it in opposing ways, all of which we do not agree with, and we believe that this slogan should not be used in any way and by anybody any more," the organizers said in a statement.

Before the festival's statement, 16 leading figures from the Israeli film industry signed an open letter expressing their "uttermost dismay, disappointment, and concern" during the protest and its eventual shutdown.

On the other hand, the Palestine Film Institute (PFI), a national body responsible for promoting the cinema of Palestine that is usually hosted by the festival for one day each year, organized protests against IDFA's condemnation of the pro-Palestine slogan.

As of Tuesday (November 14), 12 filmmakers have withdrawn their films from the festival at the behest of the PFI. Pro-Palestine filmmakers, arts organizations, and cultural workers have also boycotted the IDFA.

Among them was Basma al-Sharif, a juror of the festival's experimental "Envision" competition.

Al-Sharif has parents who were born in Palestine, and explained that the "From the river to the sea..." was an anti-apartheid slogan advocating a state in which people of all faiths had equal rights. By denouncing it, she added, the IDFA has aligned itself with what she called the Israeli government's "aggressive propaganda."

The slogan, in its most basic form, referred to the land from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea, the territory which Israel mostly controlled.

Meanwhile, Palestinian filmmaker Mohamed Jalaby has not withdrawn his film "LIfe is Beautiful," which dealt with his own statelessness. This meant audiences could still watch the film.

"I want to be heard", Jalaby told the Guardian. "Because now that everything has been destroyed, what is left are our stories and freedom of expression."

Related Article: Soccer Players Anwar El Ghazi, Youcef Atal Suspended for Israel-Hamas War Remarks

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
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Credit: MurielBendel, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

"Don't blame the mangroves," is a key take-away of an international collaboration looking into vegetation removal, sedimentation, and coastal restoration. The study, published in Nature Communications, shows coastal restoration on a smaller local scale isn't going to cut through the mud without larger scale catchment change.

Contributing author, oceanographer Professor Karin Bryan from the University of Waikato says, "Going into the work we thought we knew what was going to happen, but the modeling showed surprisingly different outcomesmangroves do not trap and cause sedimentation build up as we'd anticipated."

The researchers used computational models based on New Zealand estuaries to assess sedimentation inputs, and the frictional effects of mangroves on the sedimentation.

Professor Bryan worked within the NIWA Future Coasts Aotearoa program to build evidence of impacts and restoration efforts on local low land coastal ecosystems.

"We know changes in upstream land-use like deforestation have significantly changed downstream coastal and estuarine ecosystems. We wanted to look at how levels of up-stream sedimentation interact with down-stream vegetation like mangroves to assess the efficacy of certain remedial efforts at a local scale," says Professor Bryan.

The results show that coastal mangrove removal initiatives, guided by knowledge on local-scale effects, cannot stop or mitigate mud-infilling of estuaries to restore previous sandy ecosystems.

"The removal of mangroves enhances estuary-scale sediment. This means human interventions like vegetation removal in estuaries can lead to counterintuitive results that actually impede restoration efforts, highlighting that more holistic management approaches are needed," says Professor Bryan.

Again, research points to solutions needing to be found within the larger scale catchmentsfor example the reduction of sedimentation loss from up-stream land-use practice.

More information: Danghan Xie et al, Mangrove removal exacerbates estuarine infilling through landscape-scale bio-morphodynamic feedbacks, Nature Communications (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42733-1 Journal information: Nature Communications
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(A) The Marsili Basin lies in ~3000 m water depth in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Ocean Drilling Program Leg 107 Sites 650 and 651 marked as red circles. Red box shows map in (B). Campi Flegrei (CF) fields (source of 39.8 ka Campanian Ignimbrite and 14.9 ka Neapolitan Yellow Tuff) shown with nearby submarine canyons (Dohrm [DC] and Magnaghi [MC]) as yellow lines. VeVesuvius; SCStromboli Canyon. (B) CHIRP subbottom profiles shown as white dashed lines. Continuous white lines involved the acquisition of additional airgun seismic data. Bathymetry is a merged dataset of a 40-m grid CHIANTI multibeam bathymetry together with EMODNET bathymetry. Contour interval is 1000 meters. Credit: Geology (2023). DOI: 10.1130/G51198.1

Researchers have discovered a series of large undersea sediment deposits in a region near Italy that were likely formed by an ancient volcanic supereruption.

These deposits, known as megabeds, were found in the western Marsili Basin, an area at the bottom of the Tyrrhenian Sea that surrounds the Marsili Seamount, a large undersea volcano.

By combining geophysical data acquired from a Spanish research project and data from sediment cores collected from a nearby Ocean Drilling program site, scientists were able to show that three deposits are made up of alternating beds of volcaniclastic sand and mud, while the fourth is a volcaniclastic debris flow, a more dense mixture of volcanic sediment and water.

The study's findings, published in the journal Geology, suggest that these structures were deposited during a volatile time when the Campi Flegrei caldera and the Neapolitan Yellow Tuff supereruption were active.

The new study suggests that these megabeds originated not from nearby volcanoes, but from a volcanic province to the north. That province, researchers think, was an area once near the Campanian Ignimbrite (CI) supereruption of Campi Flegrei, the largest one of its volcanic eruptions since the caldera's formation nearly 50,000 years ago.

This still volcanically active region could pose immense danger in the future, said Derek Sawyer, lead author of the study and an associate professor of earth sciences at The Ohio State University. The discovery of these previously unknown megabeds is pivotal for understanding and measuring the impact of such recurring geohazards over time.

"Megabeds are important components of deep-sea basins and are thought to be the result of major catastrophic events," he said. "So studying them can serve as an important archive into how these events affected the Earth."

The CI supereruption was so violent an incident that it had a profound effect on the planet and had a hand in shaping Earth's climate and ecosystems, as well as a huge chunk of human migratory and geologic history. Thanks to the huge amounts of dust and ash that were left behind on land and eventually traveled into the ocean, Sawyer and his team were able to discern the age and composition of the four sediment deposits, and determined that their interpretation that the megabeds originated from the Campi Flegrei caldera to the north is likely supported.

More evidence supporting the theory came from the researchers' discovery that tiny marine microbes called benthic foraminifera that reside within these megabeds were found not to have originated from Marsili as previously assumed, but from the Campi Flegrei caldera.

Though scientists can now better predict potential ruptures and other types of seismic hazards, recent volcanic and hydrothermal activity in the Mediterranean has raised scientists' concerns over whether the Marsili Seamount, which rises 3,500 meters from the seafloor to a depth of 489 meters below sea level, will erupt soon.

"This is the part of Italy, the Phlegrean Fields, where Mount Vesuvius is and it's still a very volcanically active area, so it's a known hazard and continuously monitored," said Sawyer. "In doing marine geoscience studies like these, we're working to help understand past eruption events to aid in the effort to build resilient communities that have as much information as they can in order to avoid getting displaced."

If a volcano in this region were to erupt today, the movement of such vast magma deposits beneath the surface could trigger tsunamis threatening nearby coastal cities and cause a variety of other ecological disasters.

While the study did find that megabeds recur in the Marsili Basin about every 10,000 to 15,000 years, Sawyer said that because not every eruption creates a megabed, scientists should be vigilant in watching for events that don't adhere to these timescales. As the last one is estimated to have happened about 2,100 to 3,000 years ago, there's still some uncertainty regarding when the next one will occur.

"We have to be cautious about these predictions, but in order to be prepared for it, more research is needed," Sawyer said.

More information: Derek E. Sawyer et al, 50,000 yr of recurrent volcaniclastic megabed deposition in the Marsili Basin, Tyrrhenian Sea, Geology (2023). DOI: 10.1130/G51198.1 Journal information: Geology
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Lingnan University study shows unfair representation of MDW in mistreatment cases in Chinese media. Credit: Lingnan University

Most Chinese-language media reports concerning migrant domestic workers (MDW) in Hong Kong fail to report their mistreatment factually, independently and critically, and focus on news appeal while neglecting the deeper roots of this important issue, related to power and the interplay of gender, race, ethnicity, and class, according to a recent study by Lingnan University.

These news stories distance the community from the sufferings of MDW, reinforcing inequalities, and inhibiting any discussion that might lead to improved policies, practices and awareness.

Most Chinese-language media reports concerning migrant domestic workers (MDW) in Hong Kong fail to report their mistreatment factually, independently and critically, and focus on news appeal while neglecting the deeper roots of this important issue, related to power and the interplay of gender, race, ethnicity, and class, according to a recent study by Lingnan University.

These news stories distance the community from the sufferings of MDW, reinforcing inequalities, and inhibiting any discussion that might lead to improved policies, practices and awareness.

From 1974, the Hong Kong government allowed residents to employ foreign domestic workers, leading to an influx of MDW from the Philippines. With the expansion of the middle class in Hong Kong and increased demand for full-time, live-in domestic helpers, the number of MDW grew from 21,500 in 1982 to more than 385,000 in 2020, around 5% of the total population.

However, despite their increasing numbers over the past five decades and their notable contribution to local families, many MDW in Hong Kong are still subject to prejudice and mistreatment, just like "muijai" or amahs decades ago. A poll conducted by the NGO Mission for Migrant Workers in 2017 revealed that a significant number of MDW respondents have reported either physical (18% of respondents) or sexual abuse (6%).

In order to better understand Chinese-language media representations of MDW in Hong Kong, and their wider significance and effects on societal perceptions of MDW issues, Prof Janet Ho Nga-man, Head of Department of English and Prof Andrew Sewell, Associate Professor of Department of English, embarked on a project analyzing MDU mistreatment reports in the Chinese-language media.

They read 398 reports published between 2010 and 2019 in three popular Chinese-language newspapers, and examined the discursive representations of perpetrators and victims in the reports. The study placed media discourse within a broader sociological framework in order to highlight its important role, and to stress the inherent intersectionality of MDW issues.

To understand the relationship between issues such as discrimination, power differentials, and mistreatment in their social context, Professor Ho and Professor Sewell employed conceptual tools of social control and structural inequality. Social control refers to the processes, approaches, and resources for imposing order on individuals, so that their behavior conforms to moral norms and expectations. Structural inequality may occur in the form of exploitation, penetration, fragmentation, and marginalization.

The study identified three significant points in the way the MDW and their employers were discursively portrayed in the news reports. First, the reports tended to exonerate perpetrators and blame victims. This inevitably contributed to the power imbalances and further marginalization of MDW. For example, in the physical abuse cases, positive personality traits (a responsible wife) or contributory factors (employers' emotional stress and mental illness) were often highlighted, showing perpetrator exoneration.

The reports also tended to focus on either negative personality traits (laziness or incompetence) or contributory factors (unsatisfactory performance), revealing widespread victim blaming. When perpetrator exoneration and victim blaming worked in tandem, the severity of the mistreatment would be downplayed, and MDW put in a disadvantaged position.

Second, through narrativization, the media gave the stories a familiar cognitive frame of interpretation, encouraging readers to attribute causes of mistreatment to perceived shortcomings of the MDWs. For example, the mother was stressed because her children were at school, and the helper was lazy, so the mother physically assaulted the helper. This, to a certain extent, encouraged moral evaluation and legitimated the mistreatment of the MDWs.

The third main point of these media reports was sensationalismpresenting information so as to gain readers' attention and provoke an emotional response. For example, in a sexual abuse case, most media reports included detailed descriptions, so that they read like erotic or sensationalist stories. These oversimplified, overly sexualized narratives inevitably served to misrepresent the issues and people involved, increasing the scope for perpetrator exoneration and victim blaming, as well as perpetuating harmful stereotypes and structural inequalities.

The study noted that the way MDW mistreatment was framed in Hong Kong's Chinese-language news reports, and the discursive representation of both perpetrators and victims contributed to community-wide stereotypes about MDW, while maintaining existing relations of employer dominance, as well as social control and structural inequality, which in turn set the stage for continued domestic abuse. In fact, social exclusion and stigmatization of Filipinos and Indonesians are still common in Hong Kong.

The report also highlighted the need for researchers to engage with journalists and the general public to challenge negative representations and fight discrimination. While the media has to care about its readership, it should bear some responsibility for better societal understanding of MDW mistreatment and facilitate improved policies, practices and awareness.

Provided by Lingnan University
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Conceptual diagram depicting how wolves indirectly alter the trajectory of forests by constraining the distance beavers forage from the safety of water. In a system without wolves (a), beavers can safely forage farther from water than they would be able to in a system with wolves (b). Credit: Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences (2023). DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.1377

A team of land managers at the University of Minnesota, working with a colleague at the University of Manitoba, has learned more about the role wolves play in boreal forest dynamics as they prey on beavers. In their study, published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B, the group used GPS trackers on wild wolves and cameras placed around several beaver ponds at a forested park in Minnesota to learn more about the impact of beavers and wolves on forest dynamics.

Prior research has shown that beavers play a major role in forest dynamics because they clear land, dam streams and forage on areas around beaver ponds. Prior research has also suggested that wolves may alter the impact that beavers have on forest dynamics by preying on them when the beavers stray too far from their self-built lodgesgiving wolves a role in forest dynamics. In this new effort, the research team took a closer look to determine the impact wolves have on forest dynamics by preying on beavers.

The work involved capturing and GPS tagging multiple wolves over the years 2015 to 2022 as part of the Voyageurs Wolf Project, being conducted in Voyageurs National Park. The tags allowed the research team to track the movements of the wolves, particularly when they ventured near beaver ponds. The researchers also set up multiple remote cameras around several beaver ponds during the same period, allowing them to monitor the movement of both beavers and wolves.

The research team visited the beaver ponds periodically, noting the lengths of beaver feeding trails, dead animal remains and the amounts of fecal deposits left by both animals. By combining the data, they were able to identify the areas where they wolves preyed on beavers and the means by which the beavers protected themselves.

The researchers found that the beavers responded to the presence of wolves in their area by using shorter feeding trails, which led to reductions in the size of foraging areas around beaver ponds. This, they contend, shows that wolves play a role in boreal forest dynamics by incidentally reducing the size of the "halo" around beaver ponds. They found that the presence of wolves altered approximately 23 to 47 acres of forest land in the park.

More information: Thomas D. Gable et al, Wolves alter the trajectory of forests by shaping the central place foraging behaviour of an ecosystem engineer, Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences (2023). DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.1377 Journal information: Proceedings of the Royal Society B

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Scientists uncover prolonged radio emissions above a sunspot, akin to those previously seen in the polar regions of planets and certain stars, which may reshape our understanding of intense stellar radio bursts. Credit: Sijie Yu

In a study published in Nature Astronomy, astronomers from New Jersey Institute of Technology's Center for Solar-Terrestrial Research (NJIT-CSTR) have detailed radio observations of an extraordinary aurora-like display occurring 40,000 km above a relatively dark and cold patch on the sun, known as a sunspot.

Researchers say the novel radio emission shares characteristics with the auroral radio emissions commonly seen in planetary magnetospheres such as those around Earth, Jupiter and Saturn, as well as certain low-mass stars.

The discovery offers new insights into the origin of such intense solar radio bursts and potentially opens new avenues for understanding similar phenomena in distant stars with large starspots, according to the study's lead author and NJIT-CSTR scientist Sijie Yu.

"We've detected a peculiar type of long-lasting polarized radio bursts emanating from a sunspot, persisting for over a week," said Yu. "This is quite unlike the typical, transient solar radio bursts typically lasting minutes or hours. It's an exciting discovery that has the potential to alter our comprehension of stellar magnetic processes."

Famous auroral light shows that are visible across the sky of Earth's polar regions, like the Aurora Borealis or Aurora Australis, occur as solar activities disturb Earth's magnetosphere, which facilitates the precipitation of charged particles to the Earth's polar region where the magnetic field converges, and interacts with oxygen and nitrogen atoms in the high atmosphere. Accelerating toward the north and south poles, such electrons can generate intense radio emissions at frequencies around a few hundred kHz.

Yu's team says the newly observed solar radio emissions, detected over a vast sunspot region temporarily forming where magnetic fields on the sun's surface are particularly strong, differ from previously known solar radio noise stormsboth spectrally and temporally.

"Our spatially, temporally and spatially resolved analysis suggests that they are due to the electron-cyclotron maser (ECM) emission, involving energetic electrons trapped within converging magnetic field geometries," explained Yu.

"The cooler and intensely magnetic areas of sunspots provide a favorable environment for the ECM emission to occur, drawing parallels with the magnetic polar caps of planets and other stars and potentially providing a local solar analog to study these phenomena."

"However, unlike the Earth's auroras, these sunspot aurora emissions occur at frequencies ranging from hundreds of thousands of kHz to roughly 1 million kHza direct result of the sunspot's magnetic field being thousands of times stronger than Earth's."

"Our observations reveal that these radio bursts are not necessarily tied to the timing of solar flares either," added Rohit Sharma, a scientist from the University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW) and co-author of the study. "Instead, sporadic flare activity in nearby active regions seems to pump energetic electrons into large-scale magnetic field loops anchored at the sunspot, which then power the ECM radio emission above the region."

The "sunspot radio aurora" is thought to exhibit rotational modulation in sync with the solar rotation, producing what Yu describes as a "cosmic lighthouse effect."

"As the sunspot traverses the solar disk, it creates a rotating beam of radio light, similar to the modulated radio aurora we observe from rotating stars," Yu noted. "As this sunspot radio aurora represents the first detection of its kind, our next step involves retrospective analysis. We aim to determine if some of the previously recorded solar bursts could be instances of this newly identified emission."

The solar radio emissions, albeit weaker, are likened to stellar auroral emissions observed in the past and may suggest that starspots on cooler stars, much like sunspots, could be the sources of the certain radio bursts observed in various stellar environments.

"This observation is among the clearest evidence of radio ECM emissions we have seen from the sun. The characteristics resemble some of those observed on our planets and other distant stars, leading us to consider the possibility that this model could be potentially applicable to other stars with starspots," said Bin Chen, NJIT-CSTR associate professor of physics and a co-author.

The team says the latest insight, linking the behavior of our sun and the magnetic activities of other stars, could have implications for astrophysicists to rethink their current models of stellar magnetic activity.

"We're beginning to piece together the puzzle of how energetic particles and magnetic fields interact in a system with the presence of long-lasting starspots, not just on our own sun but also on stars far beyond our solar system," said NJIT solar researcher Surajit Mondal.

"By understanding these signals from our own sun, we can better interpret the powerful emissions from the most common star type in the universe, M-dwarfs, which may reveal fundamental connections in astrophysical phenomena," added Dale Gary, NJIT-CSTR distinguished professor of physics.

The research teamincluding collaborators Marina Battaglia from FHNW and Tim Bastian of the National Radio Astronomy Observatoryused broadband dynamic radio imaging spectroscopy observations from the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array to achieve the discovery.

More information: Sijie Yu et al, Detection of long-lasting aurora-like radio emission above a sunspot, Nature Astronomy (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41550-023-02122-6 Journal information: Nature Astronomy
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Researcher from the Institut Teknologi Bandung in Indonesia installs one of the seismic stations close to the proposed site of the new capita. Credit: ITB

Professor Nick Rawlinson is fascinated by the shifting crust of the planet, the jostle of tectonic plates, the rupture of faults and the shaking of the earth.

As a seismologist, he uses instruments that convert vibrations from deep in the earth into the electronic "signatures" of an earthquake.

Beyond the fascination, however, Rawlinson is keenly aware of the human and economic cost of natural hazards. Half Bornean, he recounts the shock of hearing of the 2015 Sabah earthquake. "Part of the summit of Mount Kinabalu fell, killing 18 people including schoolchildren and their teachers.

"From that point on, I refocused my work away from a more fundamental understanding of earth processes towards working with Indonesian and Malaysian scientists in Borneo on earthquake hazard."

Indonesia experiences around 300 significant natural disasters per year. In recent times, one of the most devastating was in 2018 when an earthquake and tsunami largely destroyed the city of Palu, killing 4,500 people, resulting in 200,000 refugees, and costing the Indonesian economy an estimated US$911 million.

"Natural hazards like earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions are unstoppable," explains Rawlinson. "But the impact can be changed if the built environment has been constructed to mitigate their effects."

So when, in 2019, the Indonesian parliament announced it would move its capital from Jakarta to East Kalimantan in Borneo and build a new city, Nusantara, Rawlinson and his Indonesian partners saw a rare opportunity to advise on building with safety in mind.

Indonesia's goal is to build an "eco-city" that will be the hub of stable governance in the country for the decades and centuries to come. It's a bold ambition, and not without its criticsconcerns have been raised about destruction of the rainforest in Borneo, about cost and about what will happen to Jakarta itself.

"Notwithstanding these concerns, the fact is that Jakarta is now a very risky city to live in," says Rawlinson. "Uncontrolled urbanization has led to overcrowding, pollution and regular flooding. The city is literally sinking. Nearly half of it is below sea level and the extraction of groundwater has led to further subsidence. Add to this the threat of earthquakes and eruptions from nearby volcanoes and you have a perilous situation."

On the surface, Nusantara looks like a safer setting. But scientists are worried about its proximity to the Palu earthquake and the confluence of four tectonic plates near the site. Credit: University of Cambridge

For the past five years, Rawlinson's team in the Department of Earth Sciences has been working with Indonesian researchers at the Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), led by Professor Sri Widiyantoro, to build an earthquake hazard map for Borneo.

When the location of the new capital was announced, the partnership deployed an additional array of seismic stations even closer to the proposed site of the city.

The location of the new capital is across the Makassar Strait from the tectonically active island of Sulawesi, which has implications for seismic hazard in eastern Borneo. The aim of the researchers was to identify any previously undiscovered active faults, image in detail the shallow structure beneath the proposed site, and use the results to drive a better understanding of earthquake hazard in and around the new capital.

"If a new city is to be built, our work could inform building codes and disaster management planning, which would help save lives and reduce economic loss," explained Rawlinson.

After a year of measuring seismic activity, the researchers are now analyzing data from the seismometers in the location of the proposed capital: "Fortunately, early analysis has not revealed anything unexpected," says Rawlinson, "no evidence yet of active faults or unusual seismicity in the area."

Meanwhile, the combined results of previous and recent work have provided unprecedented seismic data coverage of the region, which can inform ongoing construction of the city.

Crucially, to maximize the impact from the project, Widiyantoro is working with the National Earthquake Study Center (PuSGeN) of the Ministry for Public Works and Housing (PUPR), who are responsible for developing seismic hazard maps of Indonesia. This institution also assists the Indonesian President in formulating policy and coordination around planning and infrastructure development for roads, buildings and other infrastructure.

"Our data is being used to improve regional probabilistic seismic hazard maps," explains says Widiyantoro. "PUPR has been very supportive of this work and our collaboration with Cambridge.

"The data is available in an open access regional database of information, which will be critical to setting appropriate building codes and informing disaster management planning."

Adds Rawlinson, "Ultimately, our goal is to help decision-makers understand earthquake risk to ensure the long term viability of the new capital. The long-term aim of the partnership is to continue to improve earthquake science across Indonesia, ready for the next time the earth moves."
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Research in the International Journal of Tourism Policy has shown how social media platforms can influence holidaymakers and travelers in seeking out destinations that have been the victims of adverse events, natural disasters or conflicts. The colloquial term "revenge tourism" was coined in 2021 for this kind of vacation where people sought out experiences to combat the negative impact of lockdowns and lost time caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the term has taken on a broader definition since.

Vishal Shukla of the School of Business at Auro University in Surat and Pramod Kumar Srivastava of the School of Business at Galgotias University in Greater Noida, India, examined user-generated content on social media platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. They could glean insights into the role social media played in both the origin and spread of this kind of tourism. The prevalence of posts in this context reflects the growing significance of social media as a space for individuals to share their travel narratives and recommendations, the research shows.

The team explains that the findings have implications for tourism management, disaster management, and social media administration. From a theoretical standpoint, the study also adds to our existing knowledge of the influence of social media activity on tourism. It suggests that there is a need for additional studies to examine the repercussions of this kind of tourism on local communities at the travel destinations in question.

There is also a pressing need to emphasize the responsibilities of various tourism stakeholders. Advocating for the adoption of responsible tourism practices that consider the potential consequences of tourism on local communities should be high on the agenda. In addition, there is a need to develop sustainable tourism so that "revenge tourism," however well-meaning, does not have a detrimental effect on the very locations and communities it seeks to help.

Indeed, from a societal perspective, the research encourages destination marketers and travel companies to balance the benefits against putative adverse effects. It also promotes a shift toward sustainable practices that could foster mutual benefits for both tourists and the locations they visit.

More information: Vishal Shukla et al, Travelling with a vengeance: the influence of social media on revenge tourism, International Journal of Tourism Policy (2023). DOI: 10.1504/IJTP.2023.134525

Provided by Inderscience
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Credit: Queensland Museum

A paper recently published in Zootaxa documents the 48 species of ground-hunting spiders from the family Miturgidae, which can be found across Australia, particularly in arid habitats in open eucalypt forest, brigalow, mallee, heath, and desert.

Lead author, Dr. Robert Raven, who worked on the decades-long project during his tenure with Queensland Museum Network, said originally in this group there were only three known species formally described.

"The newly described species have a body length of up to 10 millimeters, and are nocturnal and fast-moving spiders," Dr. Raven said.

"I was surprised at how many species were described in this paper, I knew there were a lot, but the number was far higher than I predicted."

Several of the species have been named in honor of notable scientists, curators and those involved within the arachnid community, including former Channel Ten "Totally Wild" presenter Ranger Stacey Thomson.

Ranger Stacey said it was a surprise and an honor to have a species named after her.

"During my time with, I spent many hours filming spider stories over the years with Robert and the team at Queensland Museum and it was always amazing," Ranger Stacey said.

"I learnt so much about arachnids, their biology and unique behaviors and I hope that these stories helped show children around Australia what incredible creatures spiders are."

Another species has been named in honor of Dr. Barbara Baehr who alone has described more spider species from Australia than any person in the past century. Another has been named after accomplished photographer, media presenter and arachnologist Caitlin Henderson, who collected the species that was named for her.

Queensland Museum Network CEO Dr. Jim Thompson said the process to formally describe species can be lengthy.

"Our taxonomists are like detectives in the work they do to formally describe new species to science," Dr. Thompson said.

"Quite often species are obtained and become part of the collection, but they may not be formally known to science. That's where the work of our researchers, scientists and honoraries come in.

"Sometimes this process can be quick, but other times, it can take decades and I commend the remarkable work of Dr. Raven and his colleagues on this project."

More information: Robert J. Raven et al, Revisions of Australian ground-hunting spiders VI: five new stripe-less miturgid genera and 48 new species (Miturgidae: Miturginae), Zootaxa (2023). DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5358.1.1 Journal information: Zootaxa

Provided by Queensland Museum
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

In an ideal workplace, organizations should strive to protect employees from abusive supervisors, but for employees who experience this type of intense workplace stress, new research from the University at Buffalo School of Management offers insight and coping strategies.

Available online ahead of publication in the Journal of Organizational Behavior, the study examines whether employees can recover from supervisory abuse during leisure time, and if individual personality traits impact the restoration process.

"Abusive supervision is detrimental to employees' well-being. Victims experience increased emotional exhaustion, job stress, negative emotions, and physical symptoms like pain, weakness, fatigue and shortness of breath," says study co-author Min-Hsuan Tu, Ph.D., assistant professor of organization and human resources in the UB School of Management. "Our study clarifies why and under what conditions abused employees engage in certain activities to recover after work."

Gathering data from 203 full-time employees in Taiwan, the researchers analyzed more than 1,500 daily responses over 10 consecutive working days to measure employee perception of nonphysical aggression from a boss or manager, such as humiliating or threatening subordinates or taking credit for their work.

Researchers also measured whether employees felt an urgent need to take a break from job demands; which of their leisure activities increased happiness; levels of enthusiasm and optimism the following day; and whether extroverted personality traits affected this process.

The data supports the recovery paradox phenomenonwhen employees need to recover from abuse, they are too exhausted or depleted to proactively engage in beneficial recovery activities, such as social or physical activity.

"Our findings indicate that introverts, in particular, are able to recover effectively by participating in leisure activities that demand minimal energy, such as reading a book, watching television or relaxing on the couch," says Tu.

To ensure employee well-being and prevent long-term consequences, the study confirms that it is critical for organizations to inhibit and remove abusive supervisionand to support victims' recovery processes. Tu says organizations should offer more training on leadership competence and emotional engagement. They also should support leisure time and work-life balance by discouraging work-related communications during nonwork time.

More information: MinHsuan Tu et al, How and when abusive supervision leads to recovery activities: The recovery paradox and the conservation of resources perspectives, Journal of Organizational Behavior (2023). DOI: 10.1002/job.2757
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Thirteen years after a kayaker reported stepping into a stinging patch of muck in the Congaree River, contractors have cleaned up the toxic mess that covered a stretch of the river bottom below the Gervais Street bridge in Columbia, South Carolina.

Work crews excavated and removed some 38,500 tons of coal tar from two sections of river bed between the Gervais and Blossom street bridges in what has been one of the largest environmental cleanup projects in Columbia's recent history.

The $20 million Congaree cleanup effort was pronounced officially complete during a public event along the river Monday that featured Gov. Henry McMaster, Columbia Mayor Daniel Rickenmann and Keller Kissam, Dominion Energy's South Carolina president.

Officials said the cleanup work, underway for more than a year, finished about a year ahead of schedule.

"There were many who doubted that it could be done, but I'm here today to say proudly that not only did our exceptionally talented and dedicated team do it, they did it in a manner that sets an example for others to follow," Kissam said in a prepared statement.

McMaster, who took a personal interest in the cleanup effort, told the crowd gathered at the river that having to clean up the Congaree shows why it is important to protect the environment. The coal tar is believed to have drained into the river from an old manufactured gas plant, which operated on Huger Street from around the turn of the 20th century to the 1950s.

"There's a lesson in here: That it's easy to mess things up, but it's hard to clean up," McMaster said. "Here we are cleaning up something that was done probably inadvertently without thinking. Everything went into the river back way back then."

"We have to be sure now that what we are doing is not messing something up so somebody has to clean it up later."

With the work completed, Rickenmann said plans to develop parts of the river can move more smoothly. Columbia leaders have long envisioned having a riverfront park near where the cleanup occurred.

The city also wants to expand the system of trails along the area's rivers and plans are on the table to open Williams Street, which runs parallel to the Congaree between Gervais and Blossom streets.

"Opening up the river and the connectivity is something we have talked about for so long," Rickenmann said. "This riverfront is really ..... the catalyst for Columbia."

Perhaps more importantly, the cleanup makes it safer for swimmers and kayakers below the Gervais Street bridge. The area near the end of Senate Street has historically been a popular spot to launch watercraft.

Dominion contractors dug up the material and hauled it away after building two temporary dams to hold back water in parts of the river. The dams, highly visible in Columbia during the cleanup, have now been removed and the state Department of Health and Environmental Control says the project was a success.

Work done in the river occurred on about three acres that contained the vast majority of the coal tar, which was located in two spots where the public might most be likely to have come in contact with it. A small amount of coal tar was left in other, less accessible parts of the river, according to Dominion. Overall, the coal tar was scattered over an 11 to 14 acre area.

Dominion's Tom Effinger said the muck dug from the river bottom was hauled to a landfill on Screaming Eagle Road in Richland County for disposal.

During the cleanup, more than coal tar was removed. Work crews pulled out 2.5 tons of trash and debris, such as tires, Kissam said.

Contractors also found more than 100 Civil War era relics, including a wagon wheel, a Confederate saber, cannon balls and an anchor. Some of the Civil War era relics were believed to have wound up in the river during the time of Union General William Sherman's assault on Columbia in 1865.

Hundreds of other artifacts were recovered from other eras, including from when Native Americans lived in the area.

Work crews found at least one unexploded bomb that was from an era after the Civil War. A special military bomb crew hauled it off. To protect workers, armor-plated heavy equipment was used to dig through the mud, Kissam said.

The cleanup work started in May 2022 after years of disagreements on whether to remove the tar or cover it up with rocks and leave the material in place.

SCE&G, later acquired by Dominion, had initially considered cleaning up the tar in the face of pressure from DHEC. But the company then changed its mind after saying cleaning up the tar would be a difficult, expensive process.

Leaving the tar in place and covering it up with stones and fabric would have saved the company $11 million at the time. SCE&G said it was having trouble getting environmental permits for the work, which is why it opted for leaving the material.

Critics said, however, that it was the company's responsibility to get the tar out of the river since the pollution had drained from the manufactured gas plant site on Huger Street.

Then, after the Congaree River keeper organization threatened a pair of lawsuits, Dominion restarted efforts to cleanse the river bottom of coal tar. The power company restarted the project and got the permits it needed.

Once the cleanup work finally began in May 2022, it went smoothly, officials said.

Coal tar is a goopy black substance generated from the 1800s to the 1950s at manufactured gas plants that produced energy. It is filled with toxins, including cancer causing benzene and substances that can cause tumors on fish.

Nationally, an estimated 5,000 coal tar sites exist across the country, including spots in other parts of South Carolina, besides the Congaree River.

In 2010, a kayaker notified DHEC that he had stepped in the substance, prompting the agency to post public warning signs along parts of the river. Other people, including riverkeeper Bill Stangler, also came in contact with the burning muck.

Stangler, the riverkeeper for the Congaree, Broad and lower Saluda rivers, said the coal tar cleanup took a lot of effort on the part of his organization, state regulators and local politicians. Had people not pushed the power company to restart the cleanup, it may never have been done, said Stangler, who said he was not invited to Monday's public event along the river.

"We've been advocating on this for more than a decade, ever since a local river user stepped in that tar," Stangler said. "It took a lot of work to get there. It was contentious at times, but we are happy to see this project get done."

"It sends a signal to our community and communities across the country that if you stand up and speak and fight for your rivers, great things can happen."

2023 The State. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Jesus Ociel Baena Saucedo (they/them), Mexico's first openly non-binary magistrate and well-known LGBTQ activist, was discovered dead at their house on Monday, November 13, in the state of Aguascalientes, which is located in the central region of the country.

Authorities in the state of Aguascalientes, located around 500 kilometers (300 miles) to the northwest of the capital city, report that Baena's love partner was also discovered dead in the house where the two of them lived.

Accident or Murder?

According to Mexico's Security Minister Rosa Icela Rodrguez, the cause of death remains unclear. "We don't know yet ... if it was a homicide or if it was some kind of accident," she stated during President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador's daily news conference, the New York Post reported. "The investigation is going to be done."

Aguascalientes' Attorney General Jess Figueroa added there is currently no evidence to suggest that the death was the result of any kind of foul play.

The district attorney's office has said that the initial findings show that there were no traces of blood discovered outside of the crime scene and no damage found in the accessways to the residence. They are also ruling out the presence of a third person as a factor in the deaths. The office said in its statement that "one of the lifeless bodies found was holding a cutting instrument."

Although there was no mention of the killings possibly being connected to a hate crime, Figueroa said that the matter would be examined from a gender perspective since Baena identified as a non-binary person.

See Also: Canadian-Israeli Peace Activist Vivian Silver Found Dead, Killed in Hamas Attack

Advocacy-Related Death Threats

Advocates for LGBTQ rights noted that Baena had been intimidated because of their advocacy.

"They were a person who received many hate messages, and even threats of violence and death, and you can't ignore that in these investigations. They, the magistrate, was breaking through the invisible barriers that closed in the nonbinary community," said Alejandro Brito, head of the LGBTQ rights organization Letra S, according to CBS News.

Brito claimed that Baena's online prominence made the judge a target and wanted authorities to include this fact in their thorough, unbiased inquiry.

Thousands of people in the center of Mexico City mirrored Brito's sentiments, holding candles over pictures of Baena and other victims of anti-LGBTQ+ violence. The crowd chanted "Justice" and "We won't stay silent" as they requested an investigation into the killings.

Baena served on the Electoral Tribunal in the Mexican state of Aguascalientes for a little over a year.

In an interview with CNN from October 2022, Baena said emphatically that no non-binary person had ever served as a magistrate in Latin America. Baena said that becoming the first was a significant accomplishment and validation of their efforts to advance LGBTQ rights over the years.

See Also: 5 US Military Troops Killed in Aircraft Crash into the Mediterranean Sea During Training

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

A dozen years ago, the Foxconn City industrial park in China became infamous for a rash of worker suicides. Foxconn (a manufacturer of iPhones, among other notable products) initially responded by installing safety netting around the facility so that employees were unable to hurl themselves from windows to their deaths effectively.

These incidents prompted investigations and policy changes to combat worker exploitation at this particular company, yet the international problem of exploited labor has continued to escalate.

"Like so many other things in the supply chain, the pandemic started bringing slavery to light," said Joe Walden, an associate teaching professor in analytics, information & operations management at the University of Kansas.

"People started asking more and more, 'Who and where am I buying this from?'"

In his new article "Modern Day Slavery in Your Supply Chain," Walden estimates the number of workers living in slavery conditions between 17-21 million worldwide. Although some countries have laws that prevent slave labor and/or require audits of their supply chains, he offers further recommendations to fix this global crisis. The article appears in Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal.

"I define 'slavery' in today's environment as being forced to work in a job that you either are coerced to work in, not paid to work in or held in an environment where you don't have a choice but to work in," he said.

Although China is a frequent offender, workplace slavery occurs the most in Europe, specifically Great Britain, Walden said.

"That's mainly because of the influx of so many immigrants where you can easily slide in indentured servants or slave labor without people noticing," he said.

"Part of it is driven by everybody wanting the lowest price. Well, obviously the lowest price is going to come from somebody not paying for labor."

While there is scant information on how prevalent such worker exploitation remains in the United States, Walden said it is a contributingalbeit camouflagedcomponent of the supply chain.

He said, "One of the problems is there are no regulations, laws or requirements to look past that first supplier."

Are American businesses morally obligated to investigate their supply chains?

"I think soespecially given our past," he said.

"We fought a war over slavery 160 years ago. With all the modern-day issues that keep bubbling up over the slavery issue, we owe it to ourselves. We need to say, 'I've checked my supply chain. We're good. My suppliers, my supplier's suppliers and my supplier's supplier's suppliers aren't involved."

Walden became interested in this issue when he witnessed new laws being introduced in the EU to combat slavery.

"I thought, 'If they're passing laws in Europe, how big is this issue really?' It's amazing to find out it's huge," said Walden, who noted that Gartner, one of the largest business research companies, recently shared survey results in which 70% of respondents "have no clue what's going on in their supply chain."

The professor was particularly shocked at how widespread slavery was within the manufacturing industry.

"I assumed that when looking for modern-day slave labor, I was going to find everything involving the sex trade," he said. "But probably three-fourths of what's going on is not in the sex trade. It's in the supply chain."

Raised in North Carolina, Walden spent 26 years in the U.S. Army, with an additional five more working as a contractor. There, he developed his expertise in warehousing and distribution, which included designing a 4.2 million-square-foot distribution center in Kuwait for Operation Iraqi Freedom. He retired as a colonel.

He's written extensively about the supply chain, including an article titled "Bridging the Talent Gap. What is Being Done and What Needs to be Accomplished to Help Fill in or Eliminate the Supply Chain Management Talent Gap?" for the Journal of Supply Chain Management, Logistics and Procurement.

"The most important thing is people must start looking at walking the process in their supply chain. Unfortunately, what's happening now is most people are looking at their first level of suppliers  and they're not looking any further than that. 'I don't care where you get it from as long as I get a good price and good quality. The other stuff is your problem,'" Walden said. "The reality is that it's actually everyone's problem."

More information: Joseph L. Walden, Modern Day Slavery in Your Supply Chain, Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal (2023). DOI: 10.14738/assrj.109.15569
All New York attorneys are now required to file their mandatory biennial registration in their Online Services account online. In a new amendment to Parts 118.1 and 118.3 of the Rules of the Chief Administrator, online registration will be mandatory for all New York attorneys effective Dec. 1.

These new rule changes have been instituted in an effort to streamline the registration process and reduce paper waste.

Mandatory online registration reduces paper waste, shortens processing times and improves data collection, including the accuracy and completeness of attorney information, said Chief Administrative Judge Zayas.

Over 80% of New York attorneys have already voluntarily registered online, meaning many are familiar with the online process to file their biennial registration electronically.

For those who have not yet registered, attorneys will be required to establish an Online Services account to log on to the electronic registration system. The system allows access to maintain current contact information, pay the biennial fee (if required), report CLE compliance and affirm other certifications required by court rules.

All attorneys are required to both register online and establish an Online Services account.
All across the country Saturday, grateful Americans joined together to express our appreciation to the men and women of the armed forces. Here in the Southern Adirondacks, that gratitude was expressed in many ways.

World Awareness Childrens Museum

At the World Awareness Childrens Museum in Glens Falls, Navy Veteran Amie Gonzalez and Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer Juan Gonzalez, retired, shared their world-traveling adventures in the military, as well as a little bit about why they chose to serve their country.

I wanted to be part of something bigger than myself, Amie Gonzalez said. I wanted to see if I could do it. Being a girl I wanted to see if I was tough enough and strong enough, and I absolutely was.

Gabriel and Sarah Miani brought their daughters Vivienne and Tallulah up from New Jersey for a weekend visit with long-time friend Rachel Dunn and her two girls Paige and Charlotte, who live in Saratoga Springs. Gabriel and Dunn met as children while both of their families were stationed in Norfolk, VA.

We both come from very deep military families, Gabriel said. The two of us wanted to do something that was Veterans Day related today in honor of our service people. So we found this and it was a great fit for us.

Its nice for them to hear this from somebody besides us, Dunn added.

Adirondack Brewery

For the past four years, Adirondack Brewery has been producing a special veterans blend, called DD-214 Blonde IPA. The name refers to the DD form 214, certificate of release or discharge from active duty.

Our head brewer, Bob, is an Air Force retiree, explained Preston Kirkpatrick, general manager of the brewpub. He got together with a bunch of local veterans that helped out in the past, and some new ones, and they brewed it together.

The brew is made of a special blend of hops from Yakima Chief Hops, a grower-owned network of farms that donates a portion of its profits to charities. For 2023, the co-op has partnered with Homes For Our Troops, which builds and donates specially adapted homes for severely injured post-9/11 veterans.

As it has in years past, to celebrate Veterans Day, the brewpub was giving away a free DD-214 to veterans on Saturday with the purchase of any food item.

Its just one little way for us to say, thank you to our veterans, Kirkpatrick said.
From a press release: Campaign includes a survey to assess impacts on individuals balancing work with caregiving, along with a business guide and resources.

The New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA), the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) and partner agencies have launched a Working Caregivers initiative to address the unique stresses experienced by individuals who are balancing work with a caregiving role for family, friends, or neighbors.

As part of this initiative to raise awareness and support working caregivers, NYSOFA is asking New Yorkers to complete a statewide survey to assess specific challenges faced by individuals in this role. NYSOFA and NYSDOL also offer a Caregivers in the Workplace Guide offering tips and resources for employers to help support working caregivers, including some further resources outlined below.

NYSOFA Director Greg Olsen said, Any caregiver is susceptible to feelings of burnout and other associated mental health, social or economic impacts. Our statewide survey has already begun to collect important data on the experiences of working caregivers in New York State, 32% of whom are assisting individuals for 22 hours or more every week. But the impact is two-fold, affecting employers as well as employees.

He added: Recognizing these unique stresses, we are leveraging support from private and public employers on an initiative to help all working caregivers at a time when 67% are missing days of work and 58% report being unable to focus while at work due to caregiver burden, according to preliminary results of our survey. A caregiver-responsive work environment is right for employees and employers alike. I encourage all employers to read our caregiving guide, share some of the support services already available for your employees, and ask employees to take our survey so that New York State can continue to advance caregiver-supportive policies.

New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, I encourage working caregivers statewide to complete this survey. Their valuable input will guide us as we explore meaningful solutions to provide the best support and services for these essential workers.

Association on Aging in New York Executive Director Becky Preve said, The Association on Aging in New York is proud to partner with New York State on initiatives to support working caregivers. These initiatives are providing employers with tools and resources to support their employees who are on the front lines of caregiving in New York State. I encourage all New York businesses to participate in this initiative. I also encourage employees to take the statewide working caregiver survey that will further inform efforts to support working caregivers.

About Caregiving: A caregiver is a family member, friend or neighbor who provides uncompensated care and support to someone else, such as a spouse, an older parent, children, or someone with chronic or other medical conditions. More than half of unpaid caregivers dont even self-identify as caregivers.
ATLANTIC CITY  The city will use about $3.75 million in federal grants to hire 30 new police officers, officials said Monday.

The money will be used to hire school resource and traffic safety officers, police said in a news release.

Public safety is a top priority of my administration, and we are constantly looking for ways to make improvements, Mayor Marty Small Sr. said. Youve heard recently about some initiatives weve been taking, including forming the Boardwalk Improvement Group (BIG) and installing new, state-of-the-art cameras in our neighborhoods. Now, this funding for 30 new officers will give the Atlantic City Police Department the tools they need to further our efforts to enhance safety and make this city one of the safest around.

The money comes from a Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) hiring grant.

The funds are part of about $217 million in grants to hire and retain 1,730 police officers in about 400 communities nationwide. The city's grant is New Jersey's largest and one of the largest in the U.S., police said.

"One of the most important benefits of having school resource officers in our schools is their ability to build positive relationships with students, police Chief James Sarkos said. "These officers serve as positive role models and mentors for students, helping to build trust and respect between law enforcement and the community. By collaborating with school administrators, parents and community leaders, the officers can help to create a safe and supportive learning environment for all students.
ATLANTIC CITY  U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew, R-2nd, called Monday for a federal takeover of the Atlantic City Housing Authority due to unsafe living conditions in its properties.

The request was sent to Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Marcia Fudge.

Because of the total lack of leadership by the Atlantic City Housing Authority and its complete inability to do its job, families in the authoritys communities have been left with no heat and no hot water as we approach the height of winter, which will have significant impacts on the health of its residents, Van Drew said in a statement. This is unacceptable and deeply disturbing that Atlantic City bureaucrats have faced no accountability and no consequences for the terrible conditions residents are faced with.

A lack of heat, hot water or both has been reported in recent weeks at Altman Terrace, Inlet Towers and Stanley Holmes Village, which is also undergoing court-ordered daily monitoring for potential gas leaks.

Authority Board Chair Stephanie Marshall is requesting a meeting with Van Drew and representative of the HUD to discuss the issues.

"I was deeply disappointed to read Congressman Van Drews letter to HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge. Neither he nor his office contacted me before issuing the statement. Indeed, we have not received any contact from the Congressman for well over a year. I agree with the Congressman that the AHCA faces serious challenges. However, these challenges did not start with this Board but rather result from a long history of prior failures well before the current Board was in place," Marshall said in a statement. "Notwithstanding this, the Board is addressing these challenges and has put together a qualified team to implement a corrective action plan to be approved and overseen by the US Department of HUD. This plan will include most critically redevelopment of our aging housing stock. Remember, that Atlantic City Housing buildings are some of the oldest, if not the oldest remaining public housing, in the nation and date back to 1936."

For the past year, residents have called into question the living conditions at Stanley Homes.

We gave the authority more than enough time to remedy its failures, but it is clear that it does not possess the ability, nor competency, to get the job done. Therefore, the federal government must immediately take over the authority so residents can have safe and livable conditions, Van Drew said.

The request comes a week after officials from HUD issued a scathing rebuke of the Housing Authority during a meeting with the local agencys residents, board members and former staff, who described poor conditions at the authoritys communities.

This has been a complete and total failure by government, Richard Monocchio, HUDs principal deputy assistant secretary for public and Indian housing, said during the online meeting last week.

A recent HUD-commissioned audit of the local authority is one of the worst audits that Ive ever read in my life, Monocchio said then.

Residents cannot wait another six to 12 months for a remedy. Residents needed action from the authority yesterday. The authority failed them, and as such, I now urgently request HUD to come in and take over as soon as possible. Lives depend on it, Van Drew said.

Staff writer Allison Burdo contributed to this report.
OCEAN CITY  Staging will soon begin for about two weeks worth of beach replenishment in Ocean Citys south end before the project moves to the sand-starved Strathmere section of Upper Township.

In a recent message to residents, Ocean City Mayor Jay Gillian said mobilization for the project could begin as soon as Wednesday.

Last month, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced it had awarded a $33.7 million contract to Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Co. of Illinois to build beaches in Ocean City, Strathmere and Sea Isle City.

The north end of Strathmeres beaches is clearly in the worst shape, with steep cliffs cut into dunes and little beach at high tides. Paths over the dunes in the north end of the seaside community have been closed for years, with the one at the lifeguard headquarters at Williams Avenue, reopened for beachgoers this summer, closed and blocked for the fall.

By the weekend, Gillian told residents, dredging operations are expected to pump sand from Corsons Inlet onto beaches from 56th Street to 45th Street, closing about 1,000 feet of beach at a time.

Ocean Citys beaches from 14th Street north were rebuilt last year, under a $21.5 million Army Corps contract with the same company, the latest reconstruction of the citys beaches since the initial federal project in 1992.

According to Gillians message, the Ocean City portion of the project will take about 16 days from when pumping starts, wrapping up in mid-December. Plans call for the work to add 257,000 cubic yards of sand to the beaches, with additional stockpiles of sand for emergencies, before the work moves on to Strathmere.

The projects are officially a joint effort between the municipalities, the state and the federal government. Local communities pay 12.5% of the project costs.

Sea Isle City considers beach tag price increase Sea Isle City beachgoers may pay more for their sandy spot in the sun next summer as officials consider a potential $5 increase in the price of daily, weekly and seasonal tags.

We have been working with the Army Corps and the state Department of Environmental Protection for more than 30 years on these projects, and Im grateful for an excellent working partnership to protect our coastline, Gillian said.

Strathmere is set to receive about a half-million cubic yards of sand, according to a project description posted by the Philadelphia District of the Army Corps. An average dump truck can carry 10 to 15 cubic yards of material at a time.

The contract includes rebuilding dune crossovers, as well as fencing and other features, according to the Army Corps.

The Strathmere beaches will be rebuilt from the inlet to about Jasper Avenue in the section known as Whale Beach, according to the Army Corps. An annual report completed for Upper Township last year by the Stockton University Coastal Research Center states that storms in the 1990s breached the dune in that area four times, resulting in severe property damage.

Since the 2001 NJ state and local beach project, the situation has improved dramatically, the report states. Hurricane Sandy did not penetrate the dunes largely because of a final NJ State/local project completed in 2009.

After the Strathmere portion, the work will move to Sea Isle City, adding 252,000 cubic yards of sand from about 29th Street to 53rd Street, then another 388,000 cubic yards from 73rd Street to the Townsends Inlet area in the south end of the island.

Last month, Sea Isle officials approved $3.2 million for the local share of the project costs. That amount increased from what was originally expected.

As everyone knows, over the past couple of months weve suffered from significant erosion, which is the basis of our revised cost share, Sea Isle Mayor Len Desiderio said before a vote on the spending.

Ophelia draws sand from Jersey Shore beaches Another September weekend brought another miss from a northbound named storm at the Jersey Shore, which again avoided serious damage.

Upper Townships share of the cost has been estimated at $1.3 million.

According to Ocean City spokesperson Doug Bergen, the cost for the Ocean City portion of the project is an estimated $6.8 million, with the citys municipal share estimated at $850,000.
China is allegedly using what could be the world's largest online disinformation operation just to harass Americans. This was revealed by a new review conducted by CNN.

Based on the American news channel's findings, the Chinese government was the one that established the massive disinformation system.

Involved experts said that this online disinformation scheme is a part of China's intimidation campaign against the United States and its people.

China Allegedly Harasses Americans Using the World's Largest Disinformation Scheme

CNN US said that it reviewed court documents, as well as public disclosures by social media firms. All these documents revealed that China is harassing American citizens, businesses, and politicians using its disinformation campaign.

The new review claimed that China is harassing them in a very violent manner. The U.S. State Department also discussed this alarming revelation, saying that the disinformation tactic is part of a broader multi-billion-dollar effort to influence the world's information environment.

It American executive department added that the Chinese government is also using this online disinformation operation to silence its critics. Involved investigators further stated that the harassment against Americans is China's effort to drive them into a state of constant paranoia and fear.

The review revealed that victims usually don't know where to ask for assistance. Although some of them have already spoken to law enforcement, such as the FBI, the needed safety measures are still insufficient.

Meanwhile, Facebook and other social media websites are also making drastic efforts to prevent thousands of fake accounts targeting innocent users. However, their efforts are being overwhelmed by the slew of new accounts being created each day.

This is not the first time that China has been accused of using disinformation to pursue its interests.

"As the [People's Republic of China] has grown more confident in its power, it appears to have calculated that it can more aggressively pursue its interests via information manipulation," said the U.S. State Department's Engagement Center via CBS News.

Read Also: Is China a Bigger Threat Than Russia? US Republicans Want More Military Aid for Taiwan, Less for Ukraine

About China's 'Spamouflage'

China's massive disinformation campaign is known as "Spamouflage" or "Dragonbridge." Experts describe it as a network with hundreds of thousands of accounts that are dispersed across major social media platforms.

They claim that these Chinese accounts are not only harassing Americans who are criticizing the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). China is also allegedly using them to discredit U.S. politicians and disparage American businesses.

This Chinese disinformation network was discovered more than four years ago. However, it is only now that Meta and other social media giants confirmed that the campaign is really linked to China.

Related Article: Joe Biden, Xi Jinping To Meet in California for Diplomatic Talks Amid Strained Relationship

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
CAMDEN  A New Jersey man who admitted posting a broad online threat aimed at synagogues and Jewish schools in the state last year was sentenced to 15 months in prison Tuesday.

U.S. District Judge Christine OHearn in Camden imposed the sentence on Omar Alkattoul, 19, of Sayreville, who earlier pleaded guilty to transmitting a threat in interstate and foreign commerce. He had faced up to five years in prison.

Federal prosecutors have said Alkattoul expressed hatred of Jews and admitted posting online that God cursed the Jewish people and God should burn gay people. He also told investigators he had researched how to obtain a gun, shooting ranges and mass shootings but in the days before posting his threat was about 50/50 on whether he would actually carry out an attack.

No one should be targeted for violence or with acts of hate because of how they worship, U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger said in a statement.

A message seeking comment was left with the public defender representing Alkattoul.

Authorities have said they did not believe Alkattoul had the means to carry out any specific attack.

Alkattoul used a social media app on Nov. 1, 2022, to send a link to a document entitled When Swords Collide, according to prosecutors, and he admitted to the person he sent it to that he wrote the document, stating: Its in the context of an attack on Jews.

The FBI issued a statewide alert Nov. 3 and announced a suspect had been identified the next day but did not identify him at that time. The warning prompted some municipalities across the state to send extra police officers to guard houses of worship and schools.

Public warnings about nonspecific threats against Jewish institutions, made by groups including Christian supremacists and Islamic extremists, arent unusual in the New York City area, and many turn out to be false alarms.

But the area has also seen deadly attacks, including the firebombings of two synagogues and an attack on a rabbis home in 2012, a fatal stabbing at a Hanukkah celebration in 2019, and a shooting that same year that killed three people in a kosher market and a police officer.
The skies are quiet again over South Jersey. The regions regular, informal air show  the 177th Fighter Wing of the New Jersey Air National Guard  has deployed overseas again.

The wing is part of the 119th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron that arrived in the Mideast at the end of last month, joining counterterrorism efforts related to the Israel-Hamas conflict. Details about its deployment are of course secret, but its part of the U.S. Central Commands defense of American interests in 20 countries there.

The 119th will help protect U.S. forces and support American efforts to stem growing unrest in the region since the Hamas assault Oct. 7 on Israel.

Since the attack, Iranian-backed militias have made at least 42 drone and rocket attacks on U.S. installations in Iraq and Syria, the Pentagon said. At least 21 troops have been injured in the attacks.

We know that the groups conducting these attacks are supported by the (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) and the Iranian regime, Pentagon press secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said. 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.

The 177th Fighter Wing frequently has taken on crucial security and protective roles for more than two decades, including in war zones. Many of its members have seen action overseas multiple times.

Twice the 177th has deployed to Iraq, the most recent tour in 2019 lasting six months as part of the security forces at Joint Base Balad north of Baghdad. The unit also has served in Afghanistan and in Qatar, and in 2014 was part of an air expedition in the Pacific for a significantly extended time period.

At home the fighter wing regularly is called to respond to any potential airborne risk arising along the East Coast. After 9/11, the fighter wing was engaged in round-the-clock air patrols over New York, Washington and other major cities.

The war zone this time looks at least as risky as past Mideast deployments, and maybe more. The use of inexpensive deadly drones has become common, with effectiveness even against the air forces of some nations.

Considering the importance and frequency of the service to the nation by the 177th Air National Guard Fighter Wing, it should be flying the latest and most capable fighter aircraft, the F-35 Lightning II.

The F-16s that the fighter wing flies are 1986 models that have been upgraded. They lack many of the advanced electronics of the F-35 and its radar-thwarting stealth design. Officials have said the F-16s that the 177th is flying could remain in service until the late 2020s.

In 2016, Atlantic City Airport was among 18 locations considered for basing F-35s in the future. But it didnt make the cut to the final five, with the Air Force citing inadequate air quality as the primary factor for that decision.

Three years later, South Jersey politicians and business leaders intensified their efforts to convince the Air Force to base the new F-35 fighter jets with the 177th Fighter Wing. They said the airport is ready for the latest-generation jets and the units location in the mid-Atlantic is strategically important, patrolling airspace over major cities from New York to Washington, D.C. The New Jersey Assembly voted unanimously in support of the fighter upgrade.

The 177th Fighter Wings proven record of service at home and overseas should be enough to convince the Air Force to provide it with current generation aircraft. We hope this latest deployment into the Mideast hot zone makes the change inevitable.

Theres no telling how long the 177th will be in the Middle East this time. The next time the jet fighters are roaring overhead, well join the people of South Jersey in thinking appreciatively, there go our pilots and crews, keeping their skills sharp to protect us at home and the nations forces and friends abroad.
On the occasion of Children's Day, an event that celebrates childhood innocence, joy, and the potential of those who will carry the future, actors Kamal Haasan, Allu Arjun, Mammootty, and Ajay Devgn sent their best wishes on Tuesday.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Ulaganayagan wrote in Tamil: My Childrens Day wishes to children to lead a safe, happy, and educational life. Greetings to those who have a childs heart.

Posting a picture of himself walking on a red-decorated carpet with his son, Bollywood superstar Ajay Devgn wrote: No big parade, just a simple walk with my best bud. Happy Childrens Day, champ!

Sharing a picture of himself getting merry with his wife and children, Telugu superstar Allu Arjun simply wrote: Happy Childrens Day.

Malayalam cinema megastar Mammootty shared a picture of himself greeting school children on a busy street in Kerala. Surrounded by both his crew and the paparazzi, he wrote on X: Happy Childrens Day
Punekars celebrated and are celebrating Diwali in full swing. On the day of Laxmi Pujan, people busted crackers in great numbers which resulted in deteriorated air quality in the city.

A dense haze was developed due to which visibility was reduced and the air quality slipped from Moderate to Poor quality. The meteorology department stated, The cold weather and humidity were the primary reason behind the cause of the dense haze. Bursting crackers on Diwali was an addition to it.

Prior to the festival, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) had urged the citizens to celebrate Diwali peacefully. It seems everyone has turned a blind eye as 27 fire incidents were reported in a day in Pune city.
Black Hawk College honored area first responders for their contributions, sacrifices and dedication to public service.

Community members were invited to nominate first responders who have demonstrated a willingness to place their own lives at risk for others or have dedicated themselves to the service of others in the 12 months before nomination.

The college received 58 award nominations for the 2023 awards and selected four recipients. The awards:

First Responder Hero Award: Sgt. William Lind, East Moline Police Department

On Oct. 24, 2022, Lind was critically injured in the line of duty while attempting to arrest a suspect wanted on felony arson charges. Lind has recovered from his injuries and has returned to work on restricted duty.

Jeff Ramsey, East Moline chief of police, accepted the award on Lind's behalf.

First Responder Agency of the Year Award: Moline Fire Department

This recognition highlighted Moline Fire Department's contributions to ensuring the safety and well-being of the community. The department received the most nominations of any first responder agency.

In 2022, the Moline Fire Department responded to 8,592 calls for service (CFS). Total calls for service have steadily increased for several years, from 7,642 in 2020 and 7,888 in 2021. The department is on pace to respond to more than 8,800 calls for service in 2023.

The department also participated in 7,457 hours of training, provided more than 100 hours of public education, installed 176 smoke/carbon monoxide detectors and performed more than 1,000 business inspections in 2022.

Travis Noyd, deputy fire chief, accepted the award on behalf of the department.

Civilian First Responder Hero Award: Peyton Sallows; and Certificate of Appreciation: Michael Arp, Genesis Ambulance Services

On Sept. 5, 2023, Peyton Sallows, a 7 year old from Port Byron, displayed incredible bravery when her mother was experiencing severe anaphylactic shock. She saved her mother's life with a quick thinking and calm response when calling 911. Her actions were instrumental in the first responders' swift arrival and successful life-saving intervention.

Michael Arp, a first responder from Genesis Ambulance Services, administered the critical first aid that helped stabilize Peyton's mother's condition.

The awards were presented at the fourth annual First Responders Appreciation and Criminal Justice Career Exploration Day. More than 100 high school and college students attended and were able to talk to representatives from 18 first-responder agencies about career opportunities.

Photos: Black Hawk College Class of 2023 Commencement at the Vibrant Arena at the MARK
The 37th Annual McCarthy-Bush YMCA Turkey Trot is flapping its wings and ready to fly.

With less than a day to go, "turkeys" from 25 states have signed up to run, walk, waddle or stroll through Downtown Davenport, according to a news release.

The Turkey Trot course begins on East 4th Street, heads west to Main, then north past Palmer College and Central High School. The 5k turnaround is just north of Locust St., and the 5-mile course continues around and through Vander Veer Park.

"Weve got a real buzz with thousands of people ready to flock downtown for another great YMCA Turkey Trot," said Luis Leal, Turkey Trot race director for the YMCA of the Iowa Mississippi Valley. "I've spoken to hundreds of people whose family traditions depend on getting together and coming downtown for a nice run or walk before the big Thanksgiving Day meal."

The 200-yard, 400-yd and 1-mile events begin at 8:30 a.m. with the 5K and 5-mile events following at 9 a.m.

The annual Turkey Trot takes place on Thanksgiving morning with pre- and post-race activities taking place in the Quad-City Times parking lot.

Registration for the trot can be completed online until 8:45 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning. Packet pick-up will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 22 at the Bittner YMCA from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m.

Lead sponsors McCarthy-Bush, Rhythm City Resort Casino, UnityPoint Health and Iowa American Water, are covering the cost of the operations of the event, meaning all registration fees will go directly to supporting area children in early learning programs, students in summer camp, teens in mentoring programs, and families and seniors who are able to participate with YMCA memberships and classes.

Supporting the entire community through our sponsorship of the YMCA Turkey Trot has been important to the McCarthy-Bush family for multiple generations, said Ben Bush, YMCA volunteer board member and director at McCarthy-Bush. My grandfather believed in the YMCA and we continue to support this great community cause.

Since it began in 1986, more than 65,000 registrations have made the Turkey Trot the YMCA of the Iowa Mississippi Valley's number one fundraiser. In 37 years, more than $2.4 million has been generated in direct support of local kids and families who need it the most.

Photos: Turkey Trot in Davenport 112218-Turkey-Trot-001 112218-Turkey-Trot-002 112218-Turkey-Trot-003 112218-Turkey-Trot-004 112218-Turkey-Trot-005 112218-Turkey-Trot-006 112218-Turkey-Trot-007 112218-Turkey-Trot-008 112218-Turkey-Trot-009 112218-Turkey-Trot-010 112218-Turkey-Trot-011 112218-Turkey-Trot-012 112218-Turkey-Trot-013 112218-Turkey-Trot-014 112218-Turkey-Trot-015 112218-Turkey-Trot-016 112218-Turkey-Trot-017 112218-Turkey-Trot-018 112218-Turkey-Trot-019 112218-Turkey-Trot-020 112218-Turkey-Trot-021 Just for fun: Turkey Trot 112218-Turkey-Trot-023 112218-Turkey-Trot-024 112218-Turkey-Trot-025 112218-Turkey-Trot-026 112218-Turkey-Trot-027 112218-Turkey-Trot-028 112218-Turkey-Trot-029 112218-Turkey-Trot-030 112218-Turkey-Trot-031 112218-Turkey-Trot-032 112218-Turkey-Trot-033 112218-Turkey-Trot-034 112218-Turkey-Trot-035 112218-Turkey-Trot-036 112218-Turkey-Trot-037 112218-Turkey-Trot-038
A man is accused of hanging a dog inside a Davenport home and then putting the dead animal in a freezer in the home, police said.

Noah Daniel House, 24, is charged with one count of animal torture.

The charge is an aggravated misdemeanor under Iowa law that carries a prison sentence of two years.

According to the arrest affidavit filed by Davenport Police Detective Brandon Askew, on Monday, officers were sent to a home in the 200 block of South Lincoln Avenue.

During the investigation, detectives learned that at 3 p.m. Oct. 21, House did inflict death upon a 5-year-old dog inside of the residence by hanging the dog in a sadistic manner by its collar until it died, Askew said in the affidavit.

House then placed the dogs body in a garbage bag and placed in a freezer inside the home.

Detectives recovered the dead animal Monday.

House was arrested and placed in the Scott County Jail at 4:24 p.m. He was released from the jail after posting a $2,000 cash bond.

House is scheduled to make a first appearance on the charge in Scott County District Court on Wednesday.
Guns become works of art at Kilo Arms, where owner Anthony Koessl customizes firearms with laser engraved designs and practical, colorful protective coatings. The results are distinctive and durable.

Ive always been pretty into different firearms and shooting sports, Koessl said. My dad has a laser engraving business in Montana. I came up with the idea of combining the two and being able to start my own business where I retexture pistol frames.

Koessl is a veteran who served eight years in the Air Force and deployed to Afghanistan twice. After leaving the military, Koessl and his family moved to Sturgis, where Koessl opened Kilo Arms in 2019.

One of Koessls specialties is Cerakote, a protective ceramic coating that can be applied to metals, plastics, polymers and wood. Koessl trained with Roman Arms in San Antonio, Texas, and he is one of the only certified Cerakote applicators in western South Dakota.

Roman Arms is one of the more prestigious Cerakote shops in the nation, and they became a training facility to train other Cerakoters to manufacturers standards, Koessl said. Cerakote coating is abrasion and chemical resistant. Its very protective. It helps keep things like rust and scratches from happening.

Koessl said Cerakote can be applied to a wide range of products that benefit from protective coating.

Were able to offer customization not only to firearms but to automotive and motorcycle parts. Weve done some industrial equipment, protecting different fittings and bolts  the applications are kind of endless, he said.

Theres a lot of hunting rifles that have come through because (Cerakote) adds abrasion resistance. Hunters are able to toss their rifles in a pickup and not worry about ruining the finish, Koessl said.

We can do mix and do different shades. We spray every color individually so we can make just about every pattern someone could be looking for, Koessl said.

Kilo Arms works with other companies and manufacturers that want to offer our services on their products, and would love the opportunity to help more Black Hills businesses with their protective coating and engraving needs, he said.

Koessl warranties his work and in five years, he has yet to need to redo a project.

If a coating from my shop fails in a way that indicates an application error, I offer to redo the service, free of charge, he said.

Koessl also is trained in laser engraving and creates custom colors and patterns with a computer-controlled laser.

We can put anything from logos up to full floral designs that would cover the entire side of a firearm, he said. We design it all on the computer. It gives us the ability to be very precise and get real intricate with the designs.

Being able to take someones vision and bring it to life has been the exciting thing, Koessl said.

Prices for Kilo Arms can range from less than $100 to a few thousand, depending on the project, Koessl said.

Kilo Arms is still making a name for itself locally in the Black Hills, and Koessl said his business is more widely known online. Currently about 95% of his business comes from locations nationwide such as Florida, New York and California.

Ive had things in the shop from both coasts at the same time. Were definitely more known on the internet than we are West River, he said.

West River is exactly where Koessl wants to be, though. He wanted to live near his family in Montana and got a full time job calibrating and repairing medical equipment for a local hospital. He runs Kilo Arms in addition to his full-time job.

Koessl and his wife, Kayla, have four boys ages 10, 4 and 10-month-old twins.

When hes not at his full-time job, Koessl said his life is spending time with his family and working in his shops on Kilo Arms projects.

Sturgis is the first place Ive ever been able to choose where to move, and Im pretty happy with what weve got, Koessl said. I love that we have that small-town feel but were able to get the amenities one would need around here Ive been a really big fan of small town life, which is something Ive found here.

Go to kiloarms.com or follow facebook.com/kiloarms for more information about Kilo Arms products and services.
Jordan Hare, the 28-year-old Rapid City man accused of hitting a 14-year-old with his vehicle and fleeing the scene a year ago, reached a deal with the state just before trial and agreed to plead guilty to obstruction of a public officer, the Pennington County State's Attorney's Office announced Monday afternoon.

Obstruction of a public officer is a class one misdemeanor with a maximum sentence of one year in the county jail and up to a $2,000 fine.

The state will drop the charge of hit and run resulting in death or injury, a class six felony with a maximum of two years in prison and up to a $4,000 fine. A charge of failure to yield to a pedestrian will also be dismissed. The class two misdemeanor carries a maximum sentence of 30 days in the county jail and up to a $500 fine.

Nevaeh Brave Heart died on the scene after a vehicle struck her in the evening of Oct. 14, 2022 in the intersection of North Lacrosse and East Van Buren streets in Rapid City. Four days later, police arrested Hare based on supposed video evidence tracing his vehicle to a south Rapid City residence.

In past court hearings, the state claimed Hare washed his truck and painted the rims to cover up evidence. According to the state, a review of evidence and new data from Hare's phone led to the conclusion that he is guilty of obstruction.

"The plea agreement comes after a thorough review of the available evidence, including witness statements, an updated forensic review of Mr. Hares cellular phone and other technology, a comprehensive review of the evidence collected at the scene, and all evidence collected following the incident," according to the State's Attorney's Office statement.

Heather Bettelyoun, Brave Heart's mother, told the Journal she completely disagreed with the "horrible plea agreement."

"I'm disgusted. I'm hurt, and I'm sad. I'm frustrated. I feel abandoned," she said. "I feel like we are second-class citizens with this horrible deal."

Bettelyoun said she received a call from the State's Attorney's Office on Friday and she informed them she did not agree with the deal.

"Don't believe what the State's Attorney says that they could not prove the hit-and-run felony. They promised me a long time ago that since they could not charge him with something more serious than felony hit-and-run, like manslaughter, that the state would never consider pleading the case down to a misdemeanor like they are now," she said. "Several days before the trial, I believe the state showed a lack of courage and were not willing to stand up for Native American victims against a young, white suspect."

Bettelyoun said Brave Heart's cousin, who was walking in front of her when she was struck, was "ready, willing, and able to testify truthfully at trial."

Chief Deputy States Attorney Kevin Krull attributed the decision to ethics in a Monday statement.

It is a prosecutor's ethical responsibility to bring cases to trial that it believes can be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. This ensures the legal process is just, protects the rights of victims and the accused, and upholds the principles upon which the system is built," Krull said.

The statement sent out by the State's Attorney's Office expressed sympathy for the family's loss.

"Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Nevaeh, who have endured an unimaginable loss," it read. "We understand this has been an incredibly difficult time for them, and we extend our deepest sympathies and condolences."

A date has not been set for the plea hearing.
Lawmakers questioned the Governor's Office of Economic Development over the effectiveness of the state's Freedom Works Here workforce ad campaign on Monday in Pierre.

In an interim meeting of the Appropriations committee, GOED Commissioner Chris Schilken and GOED Finance Director Travis Dovre defended the campaign, which has run since late June, saying that while it's one of the most successful workforce campaigns in state history, tracking the success has been difficult.

"We would like to be able to provide a list of every individual who moved here, but the challenge with past workforce marketing initiatives have been just that," Dovre said. "Not everybody who sees those ads decides to register with the Department of Labor and Regulation for job seeking services. They may use other sources or just decide to move here for other reasons. So, unfortunately, the short answer is we will probably never be able to have an exact number to provide to this committee of how many people have moved here."

The office has tracked the campaign's success based off of how many impressions the ads have gotten on television and social media, as well as tracking who's registering to learn more about moving to South Dakota, Schilken explained.

He defined the workforce campaign's success as having gained over 800 million impressions across the country, with 7,423 people having requested information on South Dakota and over 1,900 people proceeding to the final stages of finding a career in the state.

In Gov. Kristi Noem's weekly columns last week, she highlighted four stories of people who had moved to the Mount Rushmore state after seeing the ads.

"Our Freedom Works Here campaign is showing people that South Dakota really is the best state in America to live, work, and raise a family  and folks are moving here to be a part of it all," the second-term Republican governor wrote.

Additionally, the stunt the office pulled by sponsoring a NASCAR entry, driven by a last-in-the-points standing driver at two different races, resulted in a 0.24% click-through rate, Schilken said.

The total cost of the NASCAR sponsorship was $130,000.

Rep. Chris Karr, R-Sioux Falls, questioned why GOED and Design Sensory, the Tennessee-based marketing firm selected to oversee the Freedom Works Here campaign, didn't come up with a better way to track the success.

"You hire all these national companies that have all this experience and I imagine one of them might have an idea, too, about how do we track this back and what incentive can we provide so that they are encouraged to identify whether they moved or not at the end of the day," Karr said.

Aside from the difficulty of tracking who's moving to South Dakota and who's actually applying for open jobs in a state with one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation  state metrics say South Dakota is No. 1 in this category, while Economic Policy Institute's third-quarter state unemployment data shows South Dakota is tied for third  lawmakers were also curious about the funding of the campaign.

Initially, the state allocated $5 million in future funds to GOED for the Freedom Works Here campaign, which started in mid-June. But GOED received an additional $400,000 from the over 30 private businesses who wanted to partner with the department in order to receive information about the campaign.

Schilken told lawmakers GOED had partnered with private businesses before for marketing opportunities and that GOED matched the expenditures the private businesses made.

"The more dollars that the partners provided, GOED matched, the longer the ad could run," he said.

The funds raised from the private businesses are being placed into the Industrial Development Fund, Schilken said.
Feature: A heartfelt remembrance -- UN mourns record fallen staff in Gaza

13:48, November 14, 2023 By Wang Jiangang ( Xinhua

UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- A hush fell over the gathered dignitaries and staff at the UN headquarters in New York on Monday.

It was a moment that transcended the usual bustle of diplomacy and debate -- a commemoration steeped in reverence, dedicated to honoring the lives and legacies of those UN employees who perished amidst the turmoil in Gaza.

Since the Israel-Hamas conflicts escalated in Gaza on Oct. 7, more than 100 UN employees have been killed, marking the most significant loss of life in such a short period the organization has faced in its 78 years.

These individuals, ranging from school principals and teachers to health workers and engineers, served the 2.2 million residents of Gaza through the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees amidst the bombardment and siege over the past month.

The month-long conflicts also have claimed more than 11,180 lives on the Palestinian side and around 1,200 on the Israeli side. Countries around the world have called for an immediate ceasefire and the entry of humanitarian aid in the war-torn region.

The ceremony featured a minute of silence, led by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in the Economic and Social Council Chamber, observed by UN resident coordinators from across the globe, who are meeting this week. Alongside Guterres were Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed and Dennis Francis, president of the UN General Assembly.

Following the mourning, UN staff gathered in the headquarters' Secretariat lobby, where the names of the fallen colleagues echoed as they were read out.

Amidst a gathering of staff holding signs with messages like "responsibility to protect" and "protect civilians," First Vice President of the Staff Union, Francisco Brito, said, "May they rest in eternal power and peace."

At the crack of dawn around 7:30 a.m. (1230 GMT), a poignant scene unfolded as the UN flag was hoisted to half-mast, standing alone in the sky without the usual company of the 193 member states and two observer states' flags. Normally, all these flags are raised each weekday morning, then lowered in the afternoon.

During the commemoration, Riyad Mansour, permanent observer of the State of Palestine, stressed the urgent need for a ceasefire to facilitate the delivery of essential aid and to halt what he termed a "crime against humanity" -- the mass displacement forcing Palestinians from Gaza, their homeland.

"We don't want to live a second Nakba. We want to stay in our homeland and rebuild the Gaza Strip," he said, expressing hope for a resolution to end the conflicts and enable Palestinians to live in an independent state.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Thousands of people are expected to gather in the US capital on Tuesday afternoon (November 14) to express their support for Israel and condemn antisemitism.

Organizers of the "March for Israel" said that as many as 100,000 people are anticipated to attend the event, which would take place at the National Mall in Washington.

Fox News reported that a coalition of Jewish organizations have planned the march to show continued solidarity with the people of Israel, which has since been in a state of war against Hamas after its October 7 attack.

Around 1,400 Israeli and other civilians were killed by Hamas and around 238 people were taken hostage. Since then, thousands of Palestinian civilians have been killed in the crossfire in Israeli airstrikes as a consequence of Hamas placing military targets next to or below civilian infrastructure.

US Jews for Israel

Jewish Federations of North America president and CEO Eric Fingerhut said that the march would show the world that Americans support Israel, reject antisemitism, and demand the release of the remaining hostages held by Hamas.

"On October 7th, merciless Hamas terrorists launched the deadliest attack on Israel in its 75-year history, brutally murdering the most Jewish people in a single day since the Holocaust," Fingerhut said in a statement.

"Israel must eliminate the terrorist threat on its border and restore safety and security to its people. Americans have rightly stood by Israel at this critical moment because Americans understand that Israel's fight against Hamas is no different than America's fight against Al Qaeda and ISIS."

Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations CEO William Daroff added that the protest was a call for the US to send "a resounding message of support" to Israel as an ally, as well as to "stand in solidarity with the victims, hostages, and their families," reject anti-Israel and anti-Jewish rhetoric and sentiment, and unite around "shared values of peace, justice, and freedom."

Read Also: UPenn Student Who Praised Initial Hamas Attack on Israel Later Arrested for Stealing Israeli Flag on Campus

Beefing Security Up

Security for the event and safety for its participants has been prioritized after a string of antisemitic incidents involving the injury or death of Jewish people joining pro-Israel demonstrations.

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said on Monday (November 13) that DC authorities are working to ensure the safety and security of the event and that no credible threats against the march have been detected.

DC Mayor Muriel Bowser has also deployed the National Guard to assist police in ensuring the safety of the participants.

"It's imperative that America sends a resounding message of support to our ally that we stand in solidarity with the victims, hostages, and their families, that we reject extreme anti-Israel rhetoric and sentiment, and that we are united around shared values of peace, justice, and freedom," MPD spokesperson Paris Lewbel said.

The event was organized after thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrations came to Washington on November 4 for a similar demonstration.

The Palestinian Youth Movement's local chapter warned its members "to not fall into the trap set by Zionists" and to not engage with pro-Israel supporters."

Several officials from the Department of Homeland Security have told NBC News on the condition of anonymity that the event's security level was raised to its highest designation

Related Article: Thousands March in France to Oppose Antisemitism

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
A 31-year-old Darby man is facing multiple felonies for allegedly pulling a gun outside a Hamilton bar after being asked to leave.

Clayton Allen Anglese was charged with felony assault with a weapon and misdemeanor carrying a concealed weapon while under the influence in Ravalli County Justice Court on Monday, Nov. 11.

According to court documents, a Hamilton Police Officer was dispatched to the Rainbow Bar in downtown Hamilton after an employee of the bar reported that Anglese had threatened a female and needed to be removed.

While law enforcement was en route to the bar, a second report was received from a man who said that Anglese had threatened him with a long-barrel revolver and was last seen walking south toward Main Street.

Law Enforcement located Anglese at Marcus Street and Taulman Lane and held him at gunpoint. Anglese reportedly was carrying a loaded Ruger Redhawk .44 Magnum long-barrel revolver tucked into the back of his pants. Officers reported that Anglese smelled of alcohol and slurred his speech. A Derringer .22 Magnum was also located in his pocket.

The bar employee who initially called law enforcement told officers that Anglese had practically stalked a woman that night and became confrontational when asked to leave due to his behavior. Anglese reportedly asked the employee where he lived. When the employee declined to answer Anglese allegedly responded, Ill find you.

A male patron at the bar told officers he had also told Anglese to leave in an effort to help the bar employee. He said that initially Anglese was belligerent but walked away, however, once he had crossed the street Anglese yelled at the patron and pulled out the gun, pointing it at him before walking away while holding the revolver.

Law enforcement then spoke with an employee of Marleys Bar in Hamilton who reported that Anglese had been causing problems for weeks. The man told the officer he wanted to ensure Anglese had left the area, and that when he told him to leave Anglese said you wont see me, but Ill see you, and then pulled out the long-barrel revolver from his waistband.

When interviewed by law enforcement after his arrest, Anglese allegedly told officers he had a few drinks at the Rainbow Bar and then left before returning shortly after a confrontation with some men at the bar. He also allegedly admitted to having some woman drama at the bar lately.

Justice of the Peace Jennifer Ray set bond at $20,000.
CHEYENNE, Wyo.  She refused to ban books, many of them about racism and the experiences of LGBTQ+ people. And for that, Suzette Baker was fired as a library director in a rural county in central Texas.

"I'm kind of persona non grata around here," said Baker, who had headed the Kingsland, Texas, library system until she refused to take down a prominent display of several books people had sought to ban over the years.

Now, Baker is fighting back. She and two other librarians who were similarly fired have filed workplace discrimination claims with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. And as culture war battles to keep certain books from children and teens put public and school libraries increasingly under pressure, their goal is redemption and, where possible, eventual reinstatement.

So far, it's a wait-and-see whether the claims will succeed  and set new precedent  in the struggle between teachers and librarians around the country who oppose book bans and conservative activists who say some books are inappropriate for young minds.

The fight has involved a record number of book-banning eff orts; some libraries cutting ties with the American Library Association, which opposes book bans; and even attempts to prosecute librarians for allowing children to access books some consider too graphic.

At least one terminated librarian has gained a measure of success.

Brooky Parks, who was fired for standing up for programs on anti-racism and LGBTQ+ stories she organized for teens at the Erie Community Library north of Denver, won a $250,000 settlement in September. Reached through the Colorado Civil Rights Division, the settlement requires her former employer to give librarians more say in decisions involving library programs.

Parks' settlement with the High Plains Library District capped a stressful eight month period without work, when community donations helped her avoid losing her home. And it will likely resolve Parks' claim with the EEOC, said her attorney, Iris Halpern, who represents the three librarians.

"I just wasn't going to back down from it. It was just the right thing to do," said Parks, now a librarian at the University of Denver.

After her firing in 2022, Baker filed an EEOC claim against her employer, the Llano County Library System in Kingsland, Texas. And in September 2023, Terri Lesley, executive director of the Campbell County Public Library System in Gillette, Wyoming, filed a claim over her firing last summer.

Halpern, with the Denver firm Rathod Mohamedbhai, compared the wrongful termination claims to civil rights era legal battles.

"It is honestly sad that we've gotten to this point. But history is a constant struggle and we have to learn from our past," she said.
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The Queens Library Tea Room has been open only for six months, but the traditional tea room has proved so popular its already outgrown its space and moved to Jackson Ward.

The new location at 221 E. Clay St., in the former home furnishings shop Flourish Spaces, triples the amount of space.

Before, we could only seat about 24 people. Now we can seat 40 or more, said Clarissa Luna, co-owner of the tea room with her husband, Daniel. And we have more room for private and special events.

The new location is directly across from the Greater Richmond Convention Center.

The reservation-only tea room serves a variety of imported teas from Londons Fortnum & Mason in clear teapots and mix-and-match china cups. The space is decorated with antique furnishings, Empire sofas, chandeliers and passed-down furniture.

Richmond has really embraced this tea culture, because people are looking for something different, Daniel Luna said. We are a space that welcomes conversation and celebrates special occasions.

The Queens Library will be offering a holiday tea Dec. 1 through Dec. 23, featuring a flight of four teas, a tea tower with goodies provided by such vendors as Mosaic and Two and a Half Irishmen, and holiday decorations throughout the space.

Our holiday teas are already almost fully booked on the weekends, Clarissa Luna said. We were able to open up a few slots.

The new space offers two extra rooms, which can be reserved for events like baby or bridal showers. The Brick Room feels like a Jackson Ward dining room, and The Mural Room is a more modern space with a sweeping mural from Richmonder Naomi McCavitt.

In the new location over the past weekend, the Queens Library hosted more than 100 guests, including the six queens from the Broadway in Richmond musical Six that was at the Altria Theater.

In May, the Lunas opened the Queens Library Tea Room in the former space of The Queen Bee & Co. at 21 W. Main St., a block from The Jefferson Hotel.

We knew almost immediately that the space was too small, Clarissa said. Especially for the holidays.

The Lunas said they are excited to move to historic Jackson Ward and feel that the new location is a perfect fit for their business, which trends toward tourists and special occasions.

They would like to do a few Maggie Walker-themed teas in the spring and hope to work with Jackson Ward restaurants such as Mama Js.

Wed love to serve chicken salad from Mama Js, Clarissa said.

The former occupant, Flourish Spaces, has moved to the River Road II Shopping Center at 5019 Huguenot Road.

The reservation-only tea room serves a two-hour tea Tuesdays through Fridays from noon to 2 p.m. and on Saturdays at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Afternoon teas run $39 for adults and $27 for children; the holiday tea costs $65 for adults and $44 for children.

PHOTOS: The Queen's Library Tea Room
The Virginia Department of Health has approved a plan from Bon Secours to build a freestanding emergency room in Hanover County and rejected a competing proposal from HCA Healthcare.

In a decision made public last week, state health commissioner Dr. Karen Shelton gave conditional approval for a $17 million ER at 11400 North Lakeridge Parkway in Hanover. Shelton determined a Bon Secours facility would increase health care accessibility in a growing, aging area and give relief to the overcrowded Memorial Regional Medical Center.

She rejected HCAs competing plan to construct a $39 million freestanding ER at 10054 Sliding Hill Road in Hanover, the same site where HCA had previously proposed building a hospital. The health system also rejected that proposal earlier this year.

Vanessa MacLeod, an adjudication officer for the state health department, wrote in a review that a new HCA emergency room is unnecessary, given that the health system already has a freestanding ER in Hanover running below capacity and plans to build another in Scotts Addition.

Before a health system can build certain new facilities in Virginia, it must receive a Certificate of Public Need, in which the state affirms the project meets a need, does not exceed appropriate costs and does not negatively impact already existing services.

In documents filed with the state, the nonprofit Bon Secours has called the new facility the Bon Secours Ashland Emergency and Imaging Center. Bon Secours demonstrated a need for services there, and a new facility will not negatively impact the other health care providers in the area, Shelton determined.

Bon Secours operates the only hospital in Hanover, Memorial Regional. Some of the services at Memorial Regional are at capacity and in need of relief.

The proposed project is more beneficial than the status quo, MacLeod wrote. No reasonable alternative to the proposed project exists.

The new Bon Secours facility is expected to be complete in about two years.

Bon Secours will also offer higher-than-average charity care for the proposed project, according to the approval document. The health system will provide free or discounted care equaling 2% or more of its gross patient revenue coming from its CT and MRI scanners. The average hospital in greater Richmond devotes about 1% of its gross patient revenue to charity care.

HCA, a for-profit system, does not need another ER, Shelton determined, because its existing ER is under capacity. The Hanover Emergency Center on Chamberlayne Road, which opened in 2014, has room for more patients, MacLeod wrote.

The proposed ER also would have been a short drive from HCAs other hospitals  Henrico Doctors, Parham Doctors and Retreat Doctors  and 11 minutes away from the new freestanding ER that HCA is planning for Scotts Addition.

The applicant has not demonstrated lack of access to their patients preferred providers or to other providers in the service area, MacLeod wrote.

MacLeod also determined that the $39 million cost of the facility, to be paid by HCA, is not reasonable given the relative benefit and is more than double what Bon Secours expects to pay. The new facility also would not foster beneficial institutional competition between the two health systems.

HCA said it wanted to build a freestanding ER on Sliding Hill as a first step toward an entire hospital.
Two people were taken to a hospital Monday after a letter containing a powdery substance was received at the Chesterfield County Magistrate's Office.

The sheriff's office said the employee who opened the letter "immediately started having a reaction to the exposure."

Sheriff's deputies working in the adjacent jail booking area assisted, and one also began having a reaction, the department said.

Both were taken to Chippenham Hospital, where they were released after being treated. A hazardous material team collected the material and decontaminated the area.

The office is at 6900 Mimms Drive in Chesterfield, in the same complex as the Chesterfield County Jail. Magistrates handle search warrants, emergency protective orders and other matters.

The sheriff's office said the incident disrupted operations at the jail.

Jail operations were disrupted during the incident, which is being investigated by the sheriff's office and fire marshal. The substance was sent to the state Department of Forensic Science for analysis.

From the Archives: 27 photos of Willow Lawn Willow Lawn Willow Lawn Willow Lawn Willow Lawn Willow Lawn Willow Lawn Willow Lawn Willow Lawn Willow Lawn Willow Lawn Willow Lawn Willow Lawn Willow Lawn Willow Lawn Willow Lawn Willow Lawn Willow Lawn Willow Lawn Willow Lawn Willow Lawn Willow Lawn Willow Lawn Willow Lawn Willow Lawn Willow Lawn Willow Lawn Willow Lawn

is located at 6900 Mimms Drive, Chesterfield, VA 23832 on the right side of the Chesterfield County Jail building.

The magistrate immediately started having a reaction to the exposure, the Chesterfield County Sheriffs Office said. Sheriff deputies in the jails booking area, which is adjacent to the magistrates office, responded to assist. One of the responding deputies also began to have similar symptoms when he arrived.

Both people were taken to Chippenham Hospital, where they were treated and released.
Prince George County police said a suspect stole over $20,000 worth of diesel from a convenience store.

Police said Pablo Navarro, of Miami, tampered with a fuel-dispensing mechanism at the 7-Eleven in the 4500 block of County Drive. Navarro meddled with the pulsar, an instrument inside the fuel dispenser that measures the volume of fuel withdrawn and displays the cost of the fuel, according to police.

With the help of 7-Eleven loss prevention investigators, police said they were able to link Navarro to six thefts from the convenience store. Police did not specify the period during which these thefts occurred.

Navarro has been charged with 21 crimes, including seven counts of felony grand larceny, police said. The investigation is ongoing, and additional charged may be added.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Prince George Police Department at (804) 733-2773 or Crime Solvers at (804) 733-2773. The P3tips app also may be used anonymously.

Prince George police also urged individuals and law enforcement agencies in other jurisdictions to contact them regarding possible similar crimes.

Fall photos from The Times-Dispatch photo archives Fall Fall Fall Fall Fall
State corrections officials said a woman tried to smuggle drugs into Red Onion State Prison, a supermax facility in Wise County, on Sunday.

A Virginia Department of Corrections spokesperson said that staff acted on intelligence that the suspect would be bringing drugs to (the prison). Officials said the woman admitted to having drugs and surrendered a small package that she had concealed within her body.

The incident remains under investigation. VADOC representatives did not immediately clarify the source of the tip, the substance that had been seized or whether an inmate or prison staff were the intended recipients.

Virginia prisons have been grappling with an overdose surge. A March report indicated there were 85 drug overdoses inside Virginia prisons in 2022, up from 51 the previous year.

Data previously obtained by the Richmond Times-Dispatch shows there were four deaths in VADOC custody at Red Onion between 2018 and 2022. VADOC officials declined to release specific details regarding the causes of these deaths, citing exemptions to the Freedom of Information Act.

A Greensville inmate was found in possession of a suspected eight to 10 grams of fentanyl, 1.5 ounces of methamphetamine, 100 to 150 suboxone strips, 15 grams of THC oil, two doses of LSD and tobacco during a Nov. 2 search related to the lockdown, according to the VADOC spokesperson.

15 photos of the Richmond City Jail from The Times-Dispatch archives Richmond City Jail Richmond City Jail Richmond City Jail Richmond City Jail Richmond City Jail Richmond City Jail Richmond City Jail Richmond City Jail Richmond City Jail Richmond City Jail Richmond City Jail Richmond City Jail Richmond City Jail Richmond City Jail Richmond City Jail
After some wild swings during the first two weeks of the month, temperatures have stabilized closer to normal for now, and there are two systems worth monitoring for significant rain.

Up to this point, there have certainly been drier falls in Richmond, but with 5.51 inches of rain since Sept. 1, this is the 10th-driest fall on record so far.

The first chance for rain comes from the potential convergence of two systems late Friday into Saturday. The system that brought rain to the Gulf Coast on Monday will drift east-northeast for a few days while a cold front  the leading edge of some relatively colder air  moves into Virginia from the west.

For the moment, it does not appear that the two systems will synchronize enough to bring soaking rain to central Virginia. The more likely scenario is for a few small showers between Friday night and early Saturday, producing less than a tenth of an inch of rain. The rest of this weekend looks dry and seasonal with afternoon temperatures around 60 degrees both days.

Next week, there are strong signs of a large storm bringing rain to most of Virginia. The timing, however, is not ideal, as early data suggests the rain comes Tuesday or Wednesday right before Thanksgiving. As this is going to be a storm that covers multiple states, it is a good idea to follow it closely if you are planning to travel for the Thanksgiving holiday.

That storm has the potential to bring upward of an inch of rain for the middle of next week, which is sorely needed. And to be fair, a very small amount of the data suggests some wet snow could mix in with the rain. Having said that, we would need to see a much more consistent signal in the data over the next three to four days before truly being concerned about snow or ice in Virginia right before Thanksgiving.

Richmond has had 20 Novembers without an inch of rain, the most recent coming two years ago, when 0.70 inches fell in 2021. But the variation from year to year is huge during this month. The wettest November came in 2009 with 9.60 inches of rain, five of which came over two days as the remnants of Hurricane Ida moved into Virginia from the south.

Conversely, the driest November on record was 1890, with only 0.11 inches. Eclipsing that record seems especially unlikely, as the weather pattern suggests at least another couple of chances of significant rain between Thanksgiving and the first of December.

And if you think weve had a lot of warm afternoons this fall, the numbers back you up.

In the six weeks since Oct. 1, Richmond has had 29 days that were at least 70 degrees, the third most on record. The recent warm spells of October and early November have also nudged 2023 back into first place as the warmest calendar year on record in Richmond.

From the Archives: Over 150 photos from the 1960s
WORCESTER, Mass.  A man and woman accused by authorities of operating a commercial sex ring with wealthy and prominent clients in Massachusetts and Virginia appeared in court Monday; however, a hearing on whether they should remain behind bars while they await trial was delayed until next week.

Junmyung Lee, of Dedham, Massachusetts, and Han Lee, of Cambridge, Massachusetts, were handcuffed as they walked into the courtroom in Worcester, Massachusetts. They answered yes and no questions from the judge about whether they understood that they were waiving their right to a preliminary hearing but otherwise did not speak.

U.S. Magistrate Judge David Hennessy scheduled a detention hearing for Nov. 22.

They were arrested last week when investigators busted the network of brothels in Massachusetts and Northern Virginia that authorities say brought in hundreds of thousands of dollars for the operators. Acting Massachusetts U.S. Attorney Josh Levy said those who bought sex services include politicians, military officers and government contractors with security clearances.

None of the clients has been charged, and authorities have not publicly named any of them. But the U.S. attorney has stressed that the investigation is in the early stages and said prosecutors are committed to holding accountable both those who ran the scheme and those who fueled the demand for this ring.

An attorney for Junmyung Lee declined to comment after the hearing, and Han Lees lawyer declined to comment last week. A third person charged in the case, James Lee, was arrested in California and has yet to appear in court in Massachusetts. A judge in California ordered James Lee to remain behind bars while he awaits trial, the prosecutors office said.

Authorities say the operation was run using websites that falsely claimed to advertise nude Asian models for professional photography. They are accused of renting high-end apartments to use as brothels in Watertown and Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Tysons and Fairfax, Virginia.

Levy said buyers paid upward of $600 per hour for services and some even paid a monthly membership fee to be pre-cleared for sex in a process similar to TSA PreCheck, Levy said.

From the Archives: Old Richmond buildings
With Del. Don Scott Jr., D-Portsmouth, set to become Virginias first Black Speaker of the House, both parties are shuffling leadership roles in their caucuses following last weeks elections.

With Democrats holding their majority in the Senate and taking control of the House of Delegates, Scott will preside over the House chamber.

I am deeply honored to be the next Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates  the first Black person to serve in this role, Scott said in a statement. The voters were clear on Tuesday that they wanted leadership that would move Virginia forward and that is exactly what I will do as your next Speaker!

In her role as lieutenant governor, Republican Winsome Earle-Sears will continue to preside over the Senate  which means Black people will hold two of the most prominent roles in state government.

This years elections also ushered in more lawmakers of color, and LGBTQ people.

The Senate Democratic Caucus will announce its leadership roles Wednesday. Over the weekend, the House Democratic Caucus selected Del. Charniele Herring, D-Alexandria, as House majority leader and Del. Kathy Tran, D-Fairfax, as caucus chair. Herring returns to the post she held from 2020 to 2022, when Democrats had control of the chamber.

House Republicans elected outgoing House Speaker Todd Gilbert, R-Shenandoah, as minority leader  a position he held when the Democrats previously held the majority in the chamber. Gilbert was House majority leader from 2018 to 2020 and minority leader from 2020 to 2022. He had been challenged by Del. Terry Kilgore, R-Scott, who has served as House majority leader while Gilbert served as speaker, beginning in January 2022.

A Washington Post article cited unnamed GOP legislators who expressed frustration at Gov. Glenn Youngkins push for a 15-week abortion limit with exceptions for rape, incest and the life of the mother as reasonable, and claimed that it cost them the election.

Tran first joined the legislature amid the 2017 Blue Wave where Democrats captured the House and began ushering in more diverse candidates. Last weeks elections rebuffed the 2021 red wave in which Republicans took control of the House as well as the offices of governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general.

I first came to the House as part of the Blue Wave of 2017 where voters repudiated MAGA extremism for the first time, Tran said in a statement upon her announcement as chair. I cannot wait to return to this role now that voters have rejected that extremism yet again.

Counter to Democrats MAGA extremism refrain, Republicans have consistently accused Democrats of having far-left agendas.

Scott has underscored the significance of a Black person becoming speaker of the House in the former capital of the Confederacy.

I am deeply honored to be the next Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates  the first Black person to serve in this role. The voters were clear on Tuesday that they wanted leadership that would move Virginia forward and that is exactly what I will do as your next Speaker! pic.twitter.com/0b2AU2QiaP  Don Scott (@DonScott757) November 11, 2023

His pending elevation to the speakership continues an arc of redemption for a lawyer who once served seven years in prison after a 1994 conviction on a federal drug-related charge. Scott was arrested in the drug case while studying law at Louisiana State University. According to a 2018 profile of Scott in The Virginian-Pilot, he maintained he was innocent and pleaded no contest to one charge. He told the newspaper he drove to Alabama in 1994 to pick up $26,000 for a drug dealer he knew, but that he never saw drugs himself. Scott said the experience taught him how to fight for others.

The abortion issue

With Democrats controlling both chambers, Virginia became the latest state to send a message about resisting abortion restrictions. Also on Election Day, Ohioians passed a referendum to enshrine abortion protections into the state constitution, and Kentucky re-elected Gov. Andy Beshear, a Democrat who had made abortion rights a pillar of his campaign. Last year, Kansas rejected a ballot referendum that would have undone abortion protections.

Though it was Youngkin and his political action committee that primarily carried the messaging around the proposal to prohibit most abortions after 15 weeks, some Republicans pointed fingers at Gilbert for not rebuffing the focus in favor of other issues.

Some GOP candidates expressed understandable concern about the approach of Youngkin and his PAC, noted University of Richmond professor Carl Tobias. Candidates questioned hand-picking candidates whom Youngkin thought would win, funding them with substantial resources, hosting rallies with Youngkin as the headliner, and emphasizing the 15-week abortion ban as a consensus position.

Around July, Republicans stopped using the word ban and began to frame the proposal as allowing up to 15 weeks while alleging the Democrats supported no limits. Youngkins PAC invested $1.4 million in ads focused on abortion messaging, while some GOP candidates sought to avoid taking a stance on the issue.

Democrats alleged that Republicans wanted more restrictions than they were presenting. A handful of GOP candidates were caught discussing their desire for or possibilities or further restrictions in surreptitious recordings taken by activists posing as Republicans.

Gilbert  who stressed he would not back legislation with restrictions earlier than 15 weeks  prevailed in keeping his leadership role in the Republican Caucus.

Im honored that my colleagues have once again put their trust in me to lead our Republican team for the coming term, Gilbert said in a statement. I look forward to working with our caucus to advance our shared Republican values and serve as a check on the worst far-left policies put forward by the incoming Democratic majority.

House Republicans reelected Del. Amanda Batten, R- James City, as caucus chair, while Del. Michael Webert, R- Fauquier, was reelected as Republican whip. They echoed in their statements that they would push back against far-left initiatives.

Key takeaways from the election, Tobias said, are that most Virginia voters  especially suburban women and people of color  want a government that works for them on issues like funding for public schools, social programs, a healthy environment, and law enforcement.

And, Tobias added: They also seem to want less emphasis on divisive culture war issues, namely fewer restrictions on reproductive freedom and transgender students in public schools.

Aside from going on the offense on abortion, Youngkin hosted a series of Parents Matter Conversations over the summer where he featured candidates in competitive districts.

The effort was the partys attempt to build on the parents rights movement that contributed to their 2021 successes. The idea is to give parents more authority in public school curricula and student policies, but it has been met with pushback from some parents and Democrats, who accuse Republicans of seeking to censor reading materials and cite potential harm to trans and nonbinary students.

Youngkin will finish his term as governor contending with a similar partisan composition that Gov. Terry McAuliffe did  in which the governors party does not control both chambers. This means that much of his partys agenda may not make it to his desk, while he may choose to veto much of what the Democrats send to him to sign.

It could also create space for more bipartisan legislation  such as making further strides in mental health resources and finding ways to help lower the cost of living  an issue on which both parties have signaled an interest. Amid the much-delayed budget negotiations over the spring and summer, lawmakers noted a shared goal of investing in public education.

Im very proud of what we have accomplished together  a divided government that demonstrates that, yes, we can do this,  Youngkin said in post-election remarks last week. Im optimistic that we can continue to find a path forward.

Gallery: Virginia voters cast ballots on Tuesday
At least three people were killed and 15 others injured after a semi-trailer collided with a bus on Interstate 70 West in Licking County, Ohio on Tuesday morning (November 14).

According to the Associated Press, the truck rear-ended the charter bus carrying students and chaperones from the Tuscarawas Valley Local School District in eastern Ohio shortly after 09:00 local time.

The bus was bound for an Ohio School Boards Association conference in Columbus when the crash happened.

"Right now, our focus is on getting in touch with our Tusky Valley families who had loved ones on the bus and providing support to our entire school community," Tuscarawas Valley Local School District superintendent Derek Varansky said in a Facebook post.

Read Also: United Flight 1909 Makes Emergency Landing in San Francisco Due to Bomb Threat

Licking County Emergency Management Agency director Sean Grady confirmed to NBC's Columbus affiliate WCMH the number of the dead and injured in the accident.

A total of 57 people were onboard, he added.

The injured were taken to hospitals in the area, but their conditions were not immediately clear.

I-70 was closed eastbound at State Route 310 and westbound at State Route 158 near Kirkersville. Traffic was being forced to exit, with US 40 running parallel to I-70 between the two exits.

This is a developing story. Please follow HNGN for more updates.

Related Article: Los Angeles I-10 Freeway Fire Was 'Set Intentionally,' California Gov. Gavin Newsom Claims

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With more body camera tapes to review, more social media postings to look at and more mental health issues to consider, its taking more time to deal with criminal cases  so Virginia needs more prosecutors and more legal help for indigent defendants, a state watchdog says.

A fresh look earlier this year at what commonwealths attorneys workload actually looks like shows Virginia needs 112 more prosecutors, even after filling current vacancies, Joe McMahon, chief analyst at the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission, told commission members Monday.

That translates to a 15% increase over the 728 prosecutors positions currently funded, he said.

Currently, 6.5% of funded positions are vacant.

Filling those would address less than half the unmet felony workload, McMahon said. Nearly three-quarters of commonwealths attorneys offices have no vacancies but still have workloads that exceed what staff can handle, he said.

The additional prosecutors are needed to meet new staffing standards determined in a study by the National Center for State Courts and state Compensation Board.

At the other table in Virginia courtrooms, it is getting harder and harder to find attorneys willing to take on court appointments to defend indigent defendants.

A slow, seven-year decline that saw the number of attorneys actively taking on court appointment drop 11% has accelerated since 2020, with a 49% drop from that point to just 1,907 who have accepted at least one appointment.

Half of judges surveyed said it is challenging finding attorneys to take on the work. Some say it is getting to the point where the amount of time needed to find attorneys and the number of schedule conflicts that arise are getting in the way of court proceedings.

The big issue is the capped fees and low hourly rate, $90, set by state law.

For a juvenile charge, for which an attorneys fee is capped at $120, only 13% of the average of just over 10 hours attorneys spend on these cases is actually paid for at that $90 rate, McMahon said.

Even for the shorter amount of time a misdemeanor drunken driving charge involves  a bit more than 6 hours, only 20% of an attorneys time is covered by that $120 fee cap.

A violent felony, for which the fee is capped at $1,235, about 55% of the average 25 hours an attorney spends on such cases is actually covered.

Some 91% of 580 attorneys said they were taking fewer cases or stopped taking cases altogether because of low pay.

McMahon said that in addition to raising fee caps, it might help to link fee caps to the amount of time different kinds of cases require.

At the 28 state-fund public defender offices, attorneys say they sometimes don't enough time to obtain and review evidence or to do legal research.

Those offices serve 56 localities, including Richmond, Chesterfield County and Petersburg, as well as the Charlottesville area, Roanoke, Lynchburg and Waynesboro.

Help that lawyers in private practice rely on  paralegals  is in short supply.

Instead of the National Association for Public Defense recommendation of one paralegal for every four attorneys, the Virginia average is one for every 13; in Richmond, it is one paralegal for 34 attorneys, said JLARC senior analyst Kate Agnelli.

One challenge is that the number of hours involved in cases has ballooned, from 41 hours for a murder case in 2010 to 61 hours now, and from 13 hours in other violent felony cases to 25 now, she said.

The main reasons seem to be dealing with body cams, evidence from social media and defendants mental health issues, she said.

JLARCs analysts found court-appointed lawyers, public defenders and higher-paid attorneys all do about as well in court. Defendants represented by appointed lawyers avoid conviction in 50.3% of cases; those represented by public defenders in 51% of cases; and those defended by others in 53.6%.

Today in history: Nov. 13 1942: Draft Age 1969: Spiro Agnew 1979: Ronald Reagan 1982: Vietnam Veterans Memorial 1985: Armero, Colombia 2015: Paris 2017: Oakland Raiders 2019: Impeachment Hearings 2020: Joe Biden 2020: Kim Ng
Workers buried a time capsule Monday on Capitol Square in front of the new General Assembly Building. The contents are not the type of objects that usually show up on Antiques Roadshow.

The objects range from the sentimental  Christmas ornaments depicting the Executive Mansion and Capitol Square  to the strange, such as two floppy disk drives. The collection also includes items Virginians hope will stay in the past  a sealed COVID test and a sealed mask.

The capsule includes 18 publications; 14 pins, such as those worn by members of the House and Senate; seven photos or DVDs; 15 pieces of electronics or other trinkets; and the reflections of 10 Senate pages.

Virginia recently opened the sparkling new General Assembly Building, which houses committee rooms, lawmakers offices, dining areas and more.

The steel plate cover for the time capsule is from the old building that used to be here, said project manager Chinh Vu of the Department of General Services.

We figured lets take a piece of history and repurpose it. We havent determined a date to open it up again. Right now, its indefinite.

The publications in the time capsule include a list of speakers of the House and clerks of the chamber, starting with the House of Burgesses in 1619; and a Senate points of personal privilege handbook illustrating how and when a senator may stand to speak.

Stories from and about members of the Richmond Times-Dispatch are among the objects saved for posterity. They include a Times-Dispatch story about how Capitol page programs give teens an up-close look at democracy in action; and a 2022 Washington Post story on the retirement of Times-Dispatch senior photographer Bob Brown, who covered Virginia governors for half a century.

The collection also includes On the Back Roads Again, a second compendium from Brown and then-Times-Dispatch columnist Bill Lohmann about their adventures in search of people, places and pie.

Today in history: Nov. 13 1942: Draft Age 1969: Spiro Agnew 1979: Ronald Reagan 1982: Vietnam Veterans Memorial 1985: Armero, Colombia 2015: Paris 2017: Oakland Raiders 2019: Impeachment Hearings 2020: Joe Biden 2020: Kim Ng
Grab-led digital bank, GXBank announced that it has began making its beta digital banking app available to an exclusive group of 20,000 Malaysian individuals starting from today. This comes following a successful internal testing phase, conducted among GXBanks own employees and partners.

With the app now officially rolled out for beta testing, GXBank is able to share some of the features that users will be able to tap into within the app. Chief of these is the setting up of a banking account with GXBank, which can be done seamlessly and for free. As usual, youll be required to complete an electronic Know Your Customer (eKYC) verification process using your MyKad and a one-time password (OTP), as well as set up your security features, such as facial recognition using biometrics (existing Grab users can access GXBank through the Grab app itself).

Once your account is up and running, you must deposit a minimum of RM10 to begin using the savings feature  a minimum amount meant to accommodate the needs of the underserved population. This is in comparison to the minimum deposit required for the setting up of bank accounts with conventional banks, which typically stands at a higher amount of RM20 and upwards.

Another feature that will be made available to beta-testers is the Pockets goal-based savings feature; it essentially lets you save for specific needs and goals  including a new home, an upcoming holiday, and even retirement  with daily interest of up to 3% p.a.. Users can create up to 10 Pockets and monitor their savings progress within the app, as well as receive tips periodically to boost their savings.

In terms of security, users can lock and secure their accounts in the event of fraudulent or unauthorised transactions. They can also set limits to their daily spending to help them keep to their budget, thereby allowing for better financial management. Other notable benefits that users can look forward to as well include a cashback reward of RM20 (earned with a minimum deposit of RM100) and a complimentary GrabUnlimited subscription for up to six months.

Chief executive officer of GXBank, Lai Pei Si shared that during the development of the bank app, thousands of surveys had been conducted to identify the pain points of existing mobile banking apps that need to be resolved. Some issues that were highlighted include the daily system maintenance downtime imposed by incumbent banks, as well as the hassle faced when printing or sending documents and having to visit a branch.

Our features consist of 24/7 system uptime for full banking access, it takes less than 10 minutes of onboarding process, and also instant paperless application for credit products (which will roll out in the near future), said Lai, adding that customers needs will be supported through various channels, including an all-day customer support service. Additionally, all customers will be protected by Perbadanan Insurans Deposit Malaysia (PDRM), up to RM250,000 for each depositor  as per Bank Negara Malaysias (BNM) guidelines.

Moving forward, Lai said that the GXBank app will be updated to support other languages, namely Bahasa Malaysia and Mandarin, once it is officially launched. A waiver on the RM1 MEPS withdrawal fee at automated teller machines (ATMs) nationwide will also be introduced in the future, in addition to unlimited cashback rewards when customers use GXBanks debit card for transactions once it is rolled out.

As we continue to test the stability of our app and gather feedback from users, we hope to develop a digital banking experience and app that is uniquely tailored to the financial needs of Malaysians of all generations, Lai further commented.

GXBank  which is backed by a consortium consisting of Grab, Kuok Brothers Sdn Bhd, and SingTel  is the first of five digital bank licence applicants in Malaysia to be greenlit by BNM to commence operations. The remaining four are expected to announce their operations sometime between now until the April 2024 deadline set by BNM.

If youd like to participate in the beta-testing of the GXBank app, you can head on over to its official website here to register and join the waitlist.

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Cancun judge sentences former boyfriend to 25 years for attempted murder

Cancun, Q.R.  A Cancun judge has ordered a man to serve 25 years in prison for attempted murder. The sentenced was handed down to Eidelber N for the 2021 attempted murder of his former girlfriend.

In a statement, the State Attorney Generals Office (FGE) reported after concluding the corresponding process, it obtained a conviction of 25 years in prison for Eidelber N for the crime of attempted femicide to the detriment of a victim in events that occurred on January 1, 2021, in Cancun.

According to the FGE statement, Eidelber N was arguing with his former girlfriend regarding his recent whereabouts when at one point the man takes out a knife and tells her that he is going to kill her.

She was left with various puncture wounds on her face and other parts of her body, as a result. The unidentified woman was able to run for help, which lead to the arrest of Eidelber N.

Eidelber N was sentenced to 25 years in prison and must pay a fine of 130,000 pesos in addition to being sentenced to pay compensation for the damage in favor of the victim, they reported. Both Eidelber N and his former girlfriend are of foreign nationality. He will serve his time in a Mexican prison.
Dallas man convicted of carrying gun after weekend arrest at Cancun International

Cancun, Q.R.  An American man found entering Mexico with a handgun is waiting sentencing. Over the weekend, Soren P was arrested inside the Cancun International Airport after Customs located a weapon.

Soren P had arrived from Dallas and was in the process of having his luggage scanned when agents noticed the gun. National Guard took him into legal custody inside Terminal 3 of the Cancun Airport.

He has since been presented before a Cancun judge and found guilty of entering Mexico with an illegal weapon. He is now waiting sentencing.

In a statement, the Attorney Generals Office (FGR) of Quintana Roo, reported the conviction Monday, a conviction against Soren P, of American nationality, for the crime of carrying a firearm, but did not say what his sentence could be.

According to the police report, elements of the National Guard detained Soren P in Terminal 3 of the Cancun International Airport, who arrived on a flight from Dallas, Texas and who was detected in the RX band to have inside his suitcase a .45 mm caliber firearm and a magazine with eight useful .45 mm caliber cartridges, they reported.

Soren P remains jailed while local authorities determine his sentence.
Tulum hit and run victim dies on side of highway

Tulum, Q.R.  A pedestrian has died in a highway hit and run in the municipality of Tulum. Late Sunday night, police were made aware of the accident witnessed by passing motorists.

It was around 11:00 p.m. when the unidentified man was struck by a car that kept going. The adult male was left laying on the side of the highway where he was pronounced dead by medical personnel.

The hit and run happened along a section of Tulum highway between two large hotels. Witnesses are reported to have seen the man crossing the highway when he was struck. The impact threw him several meters into the air.

National Guard Highways (Guardia Nacional Carreteras) arrived at the scene to cordoned off the area while the body was removed. Police continue to search for the responsible vehicle.
Uber joins Cancun C5 Security Centre to ensure user safety

Cancun, Q.R.  Rideshare company Uber will be able to move forward with their state legalizing process after signing up with the C5 Centre. As part of the recent mobility law updates, public transport vehicles must be connected to the states C5 centre to ensure user safety.

On Monday, State Secretary Cristina Torres Gomez announced that Uber has agreed to join the Command, Control, Computing, Communications and Citizen Contact Center (C5) of Quintana Roo.

The signing of the agreement comes after several months of talks between the rideshare company and state authorities. The company has agreed to link their vehicles with the C5 Security Centre which will provide authorities with a live location, plate number and vehicle description as well as the name of the Uber driver and current passenger.

The agreement also includes installing a panic button for passengers in the event of an emergency.

Uber has been in talks with the state government and tests have been carried out so that the panic buttons that Uber will have work perfectly. This agreement is for the link of 100 percent of Uber vehicles with the C5 after several talks we have had, Torres said.

The agreement comes into effect immediately because they have already been testing the panic button system, she said, noting that the Uber platform will feed the information to the C5 database.

Torres said that the panic button system is being extended to all concessioned public units, including state taxis, which is already a law and will be considered mandatory in 2024.
CHRISTIANSBURG  When election night ended Nov. 7, Montgomery County was left with hundreds of votes still left to be counted. A week later, provisional ballots, same-day registration votes, and write-ins have changed the apparent results for at least county local race, and left Blacksburg write-in candidates anxiously waiting for final numbers.

Last week, Republican incumbent Darrell Sheppard led the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors District E race by 43 votes over Democrat Anthony Grafsky.

After more than 900 provisional ballots were counted Monday, Grafsky shifted ahead, beating Sheppard by just 31 votes with a final result of 1,347 votes to Sheppards 1,316.

With this result, Democrats picked up two seats and now have a 5-2 majority on the county Board of Supervisors, the largest majority held by either party on the board in years.

Final write-in tallies in the Blacksburg Town Council race  which will determine one seat  were being determined Tuesday, but had hit a snag at around 10 a.m. when officials discovered that 662 votes were missing from their final count.

The focus of the write-in count was the race for the third council seat. Blacksburg voters elected two incumbents, Michael Sutphin and Jerry Ford Jr., but they were the only two ballot candidates in a race for three seats.

Two people led concerted campaigns for the seat, state Democratic Party spokesman Liam Watson and retired Virginia Tech administrator Rick Johnson.

Watson, who has attended vote count meetings in-person since Election Day, was in the lead after the county Electoral Boards list of names were validated, with 2,157 votes to Johnsons 1,605.

However, with the discovery of the 662 uncounted votes, the election could still not be called by the end of the day, with election board members opting to redo the entire count on Wednesday.

Watson suggested that a large part of the problem may be missing same-day registration ballots, which were shown to at least be a large portion of lost votes for one precinct.

In precinct E, at least, they were saying that 100 of the missing votes were same-day registration, Watson said.

With the vote standing as it is, Johnson would need to pick up over 83% of the remaining votes to win a seat.

Watson said that, if he wins, hell be the youngest person to ever serve on the Blacksburg council.

Many write-in votes were ruled invalid during the Tuesday count, including many write-ins for national figures such as Donald Trump and Kanye West, some votes for political concepts like Free Palestine or Keep Children Safe and votes for people already on the ballot for other localities, all of which cannot be counted as votes for the Blacksburg Town Council.

Watson said that he intends to once again be at the Montgomery County Election Office in person for the recount on Wednesday, adding that hes slept very little since Nov. 7, waiting every day to hear results.

Over the course of this week, I feel like Ive aged 19 years, Watson said.

The votes counted this week did not change any other county race, several with tight tallies on Nov. 7, including the District B school board contest between longtime board member Penny Franklin and former school Superintendent Mark Miear, who is part of the board that voted unanimously to fire him last year. Franklin beat Miear by 86 votes according to the updated count.
We have some exciting news on the academic-literary front. That involves the Cundill History Prize, reputed to be the worlds richest for non-fiction historical research. McGill University in Montreal has awarded it annually since 2008.

James Morton Turner  known as Jamie to his peers at Roanokes Patrick Henry High 32 years ago  did not take top Cundill honors in 2023. That $75,000 award went instead to Tania Branigan, for Red Memory: Living, remembering and forgetting Chinas Cultural Revolution. Congrats are in order for her, too.

But Turner, 50, was one of two other Cundill finalists who collected $10,000 each. The longtime professor of environmental science was honored for Charged: A History of Batteries and Lessons for a Clean Energy Future.

Charged also recently took top honors for another literary award, the Susanne M. Glasscock Humanities Book Prize for Interdisciplinary Scholarship. Thats been awarded by Texas A&M University since 1999.

Later this month, Turner will deliver a lecture in College Station, Texas, to mark the presentation of that $10,000 prize.

Of the dual honors, Turner modestly said, 98% of this is good timing. Everybody wants to talk about batteries.

Batteries are definitely becoming more essential to everyday life. Thirty years ago hardly anyone walked around one in their pockets. Today most of us do, if were carrying a mobile phone.

More recently, batteries have become commercially viable for automobiles, and battery-powered big-rig trucks seem just around the corner. Battery-powered aviation is coming, too, Turner said.

Just last month pilots for an experimental electric-aviation company, Beta Technologies, successfully flew a battery powered small plane from Vermont to Florida. (That journey required 24 landings and lots of recharging, though.)

Weyerhaeuser Environmental Books published Charged in 2022; the paperback versions available on Amazon.com for $24.95. The online retailer describes it thusly: The dirty work essential to a clean energy future.

Turner told me he considers the summary a fair assessment.

Turners the eldest of four offspring of James M. Jay Turner and his former wife, Suzi Turner. He graduated from Patrick Henry High in 1991, and during his time there he attended the Roanoke Valley Governors School for Science and Technology.

Afterward, Turner earned a bachelors degree at Washington and Lee University, a masters from Brown University and a doctorate at Princeton.

He got it all from his mother, said Jay Turner, the retired contractor and public servant.

For the past 17 years, the younger Turner has taught as a professor of environmental science at Wellesley College in Massachusetts, which is just west of Boston. (You might recognize it as Hillary Clintons alma mater.) He and his wife, Darcy, have three sons under 17.

As of Monday afternoon, Charged had 16 reader-ratings on Amazon, where it scored 4.5 out of a possible five stars. The online retailer ranked as the 369th best-selling book in the Climatology subgenre, No. 812 in Environmental Science books, and 1,298th in books about the History & Philosophy of Science.

One of Americas founding fathers, Benjamin Franklin, was among early inventors intrigued by the possibilities of storing electricity. But batteries as we know them today werent commercialized until the late 19th century.

At that time, they were roughly the size of a can of bug spray, Turner noted.

Since then, batteries have shrunk in size greatly as their uses have multiplied. Today, one of the most popular sizes on supermarket shelves is the AAA, which is roughly half the length of a cigarette. And while the chemistry behind batteries hasnt changed much, the material inside them has.

Todays lithium-ion batteries pack a whole lot more punch than the zinc-manganese batteries of the early 20th Century, Turner said. The cellphone batteries today can store three times as much electricity as they could just 20 years ago, he added.

Presently we live in a dirty-energy world dominated by petroleum, coal and natural gas. Those impose double-whammy environmental costs  first in terms of mining fossil fuels, then a second time when we burn them.

Battery technology holds a promise of greatly reducing the latter kind of pollution, but not necessarily the former. Thats because the metals and other elements necessary for battery production come from mining, a process thats dirty all by itself.

And that presents all kinds of new challenges moving forward, Turner says. One of the big ones is how to mitigate environmental damage from all the new mines necessary to provide the minerals for batteries. There will be hundreds if not more of those mines. And some of the mined elements, such as lithium, are exceedingly nasty.

Theres a cost to a clean-energy transition, Turner told me in a phone call last week. The only way we can manage and minimize those costs is being upfront about the potential consequences of mining all those minerals.

Still, he added, its definitely preferable to scale up clean-energy technologies rather than sticking with fossil fuels and risking change to the environment.
LYNCHBURG  A wildfire near Big Island is producing heavy smoke in multiple areas of Bedford County, the county announced early Tuesday in a news release.

The 15-acre Matts Creek fire is within the James River Face Wilderness of the Jefferson National Forest, according to the county. The entire fire is on national forest lands and is 0% controlled as of 9:39 a.m. Tuesday, the time the release was issued.

The Forest Service has closed a 10-mile stretch of the Appalachian Trail between the James River Foot Bridge and Petites Gap Road as a result of the fire.

The U.S. Forest Service is overseeing firefighting efforts at this time, the release said.

The communities seeing the heaviest smoke include Big Island, Boonsboro and Forest. Unless a resident sees flames or has reason to believe there is a brush fire nearby they should not call 911, the news release said. The county needs to keep these phone lines open for emergency calls.

The Matts Creek fire was reported Sunday and is 5 miles southeast of Glasgow and 5 miles northwest of Big Island. About 40 firefighters and support staff have responded to it, according to the U.S. Forest Service website for the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests.

Bedford Countys outdoor burning ban remains in effect until further notice, the county news release said. It is illegal to burn leaves, yard waste, or any other flammable material. It is also illegal to light or maintain a fire, such as a campfire or fire pit.
Two foreign journalists from the Czech broadcaster CT24 who were on assignment in San Francisco to cover the APEC Summit were robbed at gunpoint on Sunday (November 12).

The San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) said in a statement that three armed suspects got out of a car to demand production equipment from the victims - reporter Bohumil Vostal and cameraman Milan Nosek - before driving away.

Investigations are underway, the SFPD added.

In an email to NBC News, Vostal confirmed that he and Nosek were approached by three armed suspects on Sunday after getting footage of the city. The equipment taken from the Czech journalists was worth $18,000, and they are looking to get their footage back.

The SFPD told local media they were investigating the incident. However, they would not confirm or verify if the Czech journalists were the victims as they could not identify victims or witnesses.

Read Also: White House Says Joe Biden, Xi Jinping Plan To Meet During an Economic Summit in San Francisco

Beefing Up Security

San Francisco is hosting the APEC summit from November 11 to 17 this year, with US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping confirming their attendance at the meeting.

According to the city's Department of Emergency Management, San Francisco is expecting up to 20,000 visitors from over 20 countries for the summit. Ahead of the meeting, security and general clean-up of the city was conducted.

"We don't want anyone in San Francisco to be a victim of any crime, whether they are a visitor or a resident," the office of San Francisco Mayor London Breed said in a statement. "SFPD is actively investigating this case, and we know that when an arrest is made, our District Attorney has taken a strong position of aggressively prosecuting crimes like these."

The SFPD released details saying that the city saw a 13.7% in robberies from 2022. A little more than a third of respondents in a survey conducted by the city government this year also said they felt safe in the city day and night.

Related Article: Security Ramps Up in San Francisco Ahead of APEC Summit

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
With ballots settled, less than 200 votes made the difference to put Republican Chris Obenshain in office in the new 41st House District covering parts of Montgomery and Roanoke counties.

A close race got even closer over the weekend as registrars tallied provisional ballots and counted up mail-in votes.

Outpaced on provisionals, Obenshains Election Day lead shrunk from 936 votes to just 181 ahead of Democrat Lily Franklin, according to state election results as of Tuesday morning.

A margin of less than 1% makes the vote eligible for recount, but that wont be necessary.

After spending the weekend watching registrars count the votes, Franklin said she conceded to Obenshain by phone call on Monday night.

Obenshain took to social media to declare victory about 8 p.m. Monday, in what proved to be one of the closest races for the whole state legislature, on an overall narrowly decided election year.

The closeness of this election reflects the division we see across our Nation, Obenshain wrote. My commitment to you is to work with members of both parties to find common ground and common sense solutions to the issues facing our Commonwealth.

At a state level, that division is reflected by a narrow majority Virginia Democrats won in the state House, and kept in the Senate. Those majorities will be working with Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin for the last two years of his term.

Locally, Obenshain becomes the first delegate to serve this new 41st House District, reshaped by the state Supreme Court to conform with 2020 census results.

The district was predicted to lean a few percentage points in favor of Republicans. At the polls this year, it was a division along county lines that made the difference.

Democratic turnout in Montgomery County outnumbered Republicans by more than 2,200 votes, while Republicans outvoted Democrats by some 2,400 in Roanoke County, according to election results provided by the state.

Obenshain, who works as a prosecutor, said hes going to work right away to represent Southwest Virginia.

I am certain that we can work together to build a stronger Virginia, Obenshain wrote. On issues like growing our economy, protecting our communities, expanding our mental health resources, and improving education.
Thank you for reading!

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Mitosis is a fundamental process in cell biology, driving the division of a single cell into two daughter cells. Cell division ensures that an organism's body cells continue to thrive and replace damaged or worn-out cells.

Thanks to mitosis, we're able to generate identical copies of cells, such as those used in tissue repair and growth.

Advertisement

The Process of Mitosis

During mitosis, a diploid parent cell undergoes a series of events. The nucleus of the parent cell divides, culminating in the formation of two genetically identical diploid somatic cells, or daughter cells.

This means that each daughter cell possesses an exact copy of the parent cell's genetic material, with the same chromosome number and genetic information.

One of the key players in this process includes the mitotic spindle, a complex structure of spindle microtubules that guides the orderly separation of chromosomes.

As the chromosomes line up along the metaphase plate, they undergo precise segregation into the two daughter cells during anaphase. Meanwhile, the nuclear membrane disassembles and reassembles, ensuring a smooth transition.

The Importance of Mitosis

Mitosis is essential for the growth, repair, and maintenance of multicellular organisms. It allows for the constant renewal of cells like skin, blood, and muscle, all while ensuring that these new cells are genetically identical to their parent cells.

In essence, mitosis is the cellular workhorse that keeps our bodies functioning smoothly.
PHOENIX, Ariz.  The South Carolina Governors School for Science & Mathematics (GSSM) was awarded the Innovative Partnership Award at the National Consortium for Secondary STEM Schools (NCSSS) Professional Conference in Phoenix for its work with the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium.

The NCSSS Innovative Partnership Award recognizes inventiveness in partnerships between member schools, local businesses, corporations and post-secondary institutions. In the From Seeds to Shoreline program, Dr. Jennifer Browns marine biology students gathered tens of thousands of Spartina alterniflora (smooth cord grass) seedlings in Charleston, South Carolina and then her botany students replanted them at Huntington Beach State Park located in Murrells Inlet.

Congratulations to Dr. Jennifer Brown, her students and the team at the South Carolina Sea Grant Consortium, GSSM President Danny Dorsel said. Anytime we can connect course work with real life, it is a win. The South Carolina shores represent a precious resource for our state. To have our students and faculty be a part of the efforts to maintain and restore them makes the GSSM family proud.

The From Seeds to Shoreline project spanned across an entire school year. In December 2022, GSSM marine biology students traveled to the College of Charleston Grice Marine Laboratory, located at Fort Johnson on James Island, to collect Spartina alterniflora seedlings. Students suited up in waders and jumped into Charleston Harbors cold water to collect more than 20,000 specimens.

I would like to thank the South Carolina Sea Grant Consortium and their marine education specialists for allowing GSSM to participate in this fun, impactful initiative, Dr. Brown said. Our students have experienced an active restoration project and now understand how their actions can contribute to big changes within our South Carolina communities.

When students returned from their holiday break, Dr. Brown and her class placed the seeds into a 70 incubator based in a classroom on GSSMs campus in Hartsville. The process tricked the seedlings into spring time, which sped up the development timeline. Students planted the tiny plants into pots and eventually into a small temperature-controlled greenhouse.

In April 2023, GSSM students loaded onto the bus and traveled to Huntington Beach State Park, where they dug into the pluff mud to replant the Spartina alterniflora seedlings. The salt marsh restoration project will help protect the Murrells Inlet shoreline from high tides, hurricanes and other environmental threats.

The South Carolina Governors School for Science & Mathematics participation in the From Seeds to Shoreline program allowed them to take the concepts that they learned in the classroom with their excellent instruction and apply it out here in the field, said E.V. Bell, Sea Grant Consortium Marine Education Specialist. They were able to conduct transects, looking at different species abundance, and diversity. They were also able to study concepts like climate change and other issues that are impacting our saltmarsh.

Brown has taught at GSSM since 2013. Her classes are known to be challenging and engaging. She often provides real examples in the classroom so that students can visually and practically experience the theory taught in class. Her students have opportunities to obtain real world experience while out in the world among nature.

Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Brown has a B.S. in Biology from the College of Mount Saint Joseph, and a M.S. and Ph.D. in Botany from Miami University. Brown teaches AP Biology and three above-AP advanced elective courses: Botany, Marine Biology, and Molecular Biology of the Cell.
Afghans on trucks waiting to cross from Pakistan in Chaman in early November (Banaras KHAN)

Afghanistan urged Pakistan on Tuesday to release thousands of containers of imports it said were stuck at Karachi port since Islamabad clamped down on transnational cargo.

Pakistan authorities say they have lost millions of dollars in taxes because goods are being sent duty-free from its ports to land-locked Afghanistan, and then smuggled back across the border.

Afghan authorities say Pakistan has stopped more than 3,000 Afghanistan-bound containers at Karachi port while demanding more tax and duty payments, causing millions of dollars in losses to traders.

The goods include high-end electronics, machine parts, chemicals and textiles -- all of which attract huge tariffs if imported to Pakistan. The quantities of these goods destined for Afghanistan have soared in the past two years and are unrealistic given the size of the market there, Pakistan officials say.

The issue was raised Tuesday by Nooruddin Azizi, Afghanistan's minister of industry and commerce, in a meeting with Jalil Abbas Jilani, Pakistan's caretaker minister of foreign affairs.

They spoke about "the transit problems and challenges of the two countries", a statement from the Afghan embassy said.

"Hundreds of these containers have been parked since several months, while some have been stopped more than a year. The goods inside are spoiling and the traders are suffering losses," an official of the Afghan consulate in Peshawar told AFP.

The trade row is one of several thorny issues that have grown between Kabul and Islamabad since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in August 2021.

Last month Pakistan ordered hundreds of thousands of Afghans who its government says are illegal migrants to return home or face being deported.

Pakistan officials said Tuesday more than 300,000 Afghans had voluntarily left since October, when Islamabad imposed a November 1 deadline for them to depart, but Afghanistan's Taliban authorities insist the majority have been forcibly repatriated.

Story continues

Pakistan said it has opened five new border crossing points to help speed up the process.

Millions of Afghans fled their homeland over the past four decades to escape war and poverty, most settling in Pakistan or Iran.

Pakistan says the deportations are to protect its "welfare and security" after a sharp rise in attacks, which the government blames on militants operating from Afghanistan.

Afghan authorities are struggling to cope with the influx of returnees -- including many who have never set foot in the country.

Balochistan province information minister Jan Achakzai told reporters in Quetta that authorities had blocked at least 50,000 identity cards held by Afghans that they believed were fake.

"We suspect that 250,000 more fake ID cards have been issued. The matter is under investigation and those found guilty will face strict action," Achakzai said.

sjd-fox/sco
By Darya Korsunskaya and Alexander Marrow

(Reuters) -Yandex's Dutch holding company is considering selling all its Russian assets at once, rather than just a controlling stake, three people close to the matter told Reuters, as the parties race to finalise a deal before the end of the year.

Often referred to as "Russia's Google", tech firm Yandex was one of the few Russian companies with the potential to become a global business until Moscow started its war with Ukraine in February 2022.

Yandex dominates the taxi and online advertising sectors in Russia. Its ride-hailing service operates in eight African countries and the company has tested self-driving cars in Israel and the United States.

Under pressure to comply with Kremlin demands over content, Yandex sold its news aggregator and other online resources to state-controlled rival VK in late 2022, seeking to depoliticise its business. It then began work on a corporate restructuring.

With a Dubai board meeting scheduled in late November, the parties involved are hoping to reach an agreement in December, the people said. Any deal ultimately requires approval from shareholders and Russia's government.

Yandex declined to comment and the people could not be named because the matters are not yet public.

Dutch holding company Yandex NV's planned restructuring is aimed at recouping some shareholder funds with the sale of its main revenue-generating Russian businesses, such as its search and ride-hailing operations. It then plans to develop four other business lines internationally.

'CONTROL FOR LESS'

Yandex NV may sell 100% of a holding company set up in Russia's Kaliningrad region, said one of the people. Another said Yandex NV's complete exit was quite likely, though not decided.

A third source said this scenario would see Yandex NV make a clean break with Russia. The sources said it was possible buyers would not end up with 100% of the assets, as Yandex management could hold share options. Some Russian investors in Yandex NV would also have the opportunity to convert their stakes.

Story continues

One of the people estimated the total value of the deal at 560 billion roubles ($6.18 billion), after accounting for a 50% discount that the Kremlin demands for foreign asset sales.

Another person said the transaction would be around $5 billion.

In May, sources told Reuters that Russian billionaires had put forward bids, offering around $7 billion for half of the company.

"Russia acquires control for less," the third person said.

Moscow has raised pressure on exiting foreign companies, demanding a contribution of the sale price to the Russian budget, and even seizing assets in the case of Danish brewer Carlsberg and French yoghurt maker Danone.

Yandex NV shareholders could easily have been left with nothing, said one of the sources.

The deal's prospects came under further strain when Yandex's co-founder Arkady Volozh criticised Russia's "barbaric" invasion of Ukraine in August. Four people subsequently told Reuters that the Kremlin's fear of a serious tech brain drain was the main factor preventing Moscow from nationalising Yandex.

($1 = 90.6340 roubles)

(Reporting by Darya Korsunskaya and Alexander MarrowEditing by David Goodman, Bernadette Baum and Barbara Lewis)
Poisoning 'most likely' cause of Parry Avenue field dog deaths, site reopens to public: AVS (Photo: Google Maps)

SINGAPORE  Investigations have found no evidence of contamination at a field in Parry Avenue, despite authorities asserting that two of the three dogs that died after visiting the field in October were "mostly likely" poisoned.

The Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) and the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) said in a joint statement on Saturday (11 November) that testing of samples taken from the field - a regular spot for dog owners - found no substances that could have killed the two dogs on 5 and 6 October.

Furthermore, post-mortem findings found no evidence that the third dog experienced poisoning. It was also not reported to have seizures, and is likely to be unrelated to the other two cases.

No other related cases have also been reported in the vicinity or other parts of Singapore, and the field was reopened to the public on Sunday, after being cordoned off for investigations.

Dog owners had flagged the Parry Avenue field on social media in early October, claiming that their dogs had experienced symptoms of poisoning, such as multiple seizures and vomiting.

According to multiple news reports, the suspected poisoning cases were alleged to not only be at the Parry Avenue field, but also along the nearby Phillips Avenue and Sandilands Road.

Third case unrelated to other two cases

As two of the deceased dogs were cremated before investigations, no samples were available for laboratory analyses to determine the cause of illness and death.

However, considering clinical information on hand, AVS and SLA said that poisoning was the "most likely cause of demise".

After interviewing the owner of the third dog, which died on 5 October, the authorities determined that the dog did not enter the Parry Avenue field, but had walked in the vicinity of the field.

Clinical signs of the third dog were found to be unlike the other two dogs, and it did not suffer from seizures. Based on the findings, it is likely the third case is unrelated to the other two cases, said the authorities.

Story continues

How investigations were carried out

AVS and SLA commenced investigations upon being alerted to the matter on 7 October.

The affected dog owners and attending veterinarians were interviewed by the agencies to gather relevant medical, environmental and epidemiological information. Dog owners living in the vicinity of Parry Avenue were also contacted to report any similar cases.

Environmental samples from the field and its surrounding areas were also tested by the National Environment Agency. An advisory was also issued to all licensed veterinarians in Singapore.

The authorities would like to remind dog owners to keep a close watch on their dogs in public places, such as leashing their dogs to minimise the risk of injury.

Suspected cases of animal cruelty or injuries can be promptly reported to AVS's website or by calling the Animal Response Centre (1800-4761600).

Do you have a story tip? Email: sgnews.tips@yahooinc.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter. Also check out our Southeast Asia, Food, and Gaming channels on YouTube.
Here are 10 must-visit locales.

As a record-breaking year for travel volume comes to a close, all eyes are on 2024. Where are travelers set to go in the new year? Those itching for a getaway in need of a dose of destination inspiration are in luck.

American Express released its annual list of trending destinations, featuring 10 must-visit locales based on Amex card member bookings and curated recommendations from the companys 7,000 travel consultants. This year, travelers are thinking bigger and bolder, embracing more off-the-beaten-path spots and ever-more-immersive experiences.

People have become incredibly purposeful about the trips they take. Travelers are building vacations around their passions, knowing what they want to get out of a trip, Audrey Hendley, president of American Express Travel, told Travel + Leisure. These passions are drawing people to new itineraries and bringing them to new destinations, beyond the traditional hot spots.

The trending locations, driven by Gen Z and Millennials, highlight a desire to go beyond conventional vacation cities. An early 2023 Amex-commissioned report found that 89 percent of respondents want to travel to destinations theyve never visited before; 68 percent of respondents say they pride themselves on finding places to go to before they become popular.

Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Therefore, its no surprise that Amexs list spotlights alternatives to popular destinations around the world. We are still seeing demand for the tried and true destinations like Rome and Las Vegas, but these off-the-beaten-path places also have so much to offer, and younger travelers are gravitating towards new experiences, Hendley notes.

For instance, Hendley and her team say that instead of flocking to Mexicos Riviera Maya for its scenery and vibrant culture, head over to the equally picturesque (and perhaps more food-oriented) inland experience of San Miguel de Allende. On the other side of the world, the expansive biodiversity of the Seychelles is offered as an alternative to the iconic beaches of The Maldives. (Luxury properties in either of the locales, such as Rosewood San Miguel de Allende and Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island, are part of Amexs Fine Hotels + Resorts program, providing perks like room upgrades, complimentary breakfast, and late checkout.)



Story continues

The full list of 2024 trending destinations are:

Adelaide Hills, Australia as an alternative to Blue Hills National Park, Australia.

Bodrum, Turkey as an alternative to Istanbul, Turkey.

Cervo, Italy as an alternative to Amalfi, Italy.

St. Kitts & Nevis as an alternative to the Virgin Islands.

Niseko, Japan as an alternative to Sapporo, Japan.

San Miguel De Allende, Mexico as an alternative to Riviera Maya, Mexico.

Santa Fe, New Mexico as an alternative to Sedona, Arizona.

The Seychelles as an alternative to The Maldives.

Udaipur, India as an alternative to Agra, India.

Zermatt, Switzerland as an alternative to St. Moritz, Switzerland.

As for where Hendley wants to go herself? I would love to go to Udaipur, India [and] dedicate a couple of weeks to properly explore and get a feel for the local culture, she says.



For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on Travel & Leisure.
SIOUX CITY -- A Sioux City man was arrested Tuesday for allegedly striking a woman in the head with a pistol and threatening her life.

The Sioux City Police Department said in a statement that Robert Anthony Steiner II, 31, was arrested on a charge of domestic abuse assault  third or subsequent offense, a class D felony.

At 7 a.m. Tuesday, officers were dispatched to the 1300 block of West Third St. for a report of a domestic assault.

On the scene, officers found the 31-year-old victim, who had injuries to her head. The statement said she reported that Steiner struck her several times in the head with a pistol and threatened to "kill her." The incident occurred while a 2-year-old was sleeping in another room, according to the statement.

After the assault, the statement said Steiner left the scene on foot. Officers found him inside of a residence in the 200 block of Rebecca St.
Thankfully, not a Steam Deck 2 this time.

Video game distributor Valve dropped today, Thursday, the Steam Deck OLED as the better and sleeker way of gaming.

Valve officially revealed the $549 rehauled version of the company's handheld gaming PC after weeks of hints and teasers.

Vetted as the ultimate version of Steam Deck, the OLED model will have a larger 7.4-inch HDR display screen running at 90Hz and a 50% longer battery life. The device will also have twice the memory size than the standard LCD versions.

For absolute gamers, there is also the $649 1TB OLED that features an exclusive startup movie and virtual keyboard theme.

Steam Deck OLED will be available on Nov. 16, Thursday, in the US and Canada as limited editions.

Introducing Steam Deck OLED. Featuring an HDR OLED screen, longer battery life, and faster downloads. Available November 16th.



Learn more at https://t.co/uVdBCpJVuX pic.twitter.com/W4YnimTqCL  Steam Deck (@OnDeck) November 9, 2023

Steam Deck OLED Performance and Worth Compared to the Original

The higher price and larger screen do not necessarily mean better performance for the OLED version as the display remains at the native 1280x800 resolution.

The most noticeable upgrade in the two will probably be that OLED is much lighter than its predecessor and will include updated thermals for a better cooling system, a problem that bugged the previous versions.

The OLED will also have the new Wi-Fi 6 module that will enable three times faster download speed and better online gaming experience, depending on the internet connectivity and router.

An improvement can be seen in the device's integrated processor with the upgrade to the 7nm APU, previously 6 nm APU, for a bit smoother actions when playing games like Insomniac's Spider-Man or God of War 4.

In an interview with The Verge, Valve engineer Yazan Aldehayyat said there would be no chance of image burn-ins after the OLED undergo "accelerated testing at max brightness for weeks or months on end."

Read Also: 5 Games to Play With Steam Deck

More OLED Upgrades vs. Steam Deck LCD

Here are the other improvements Valve has added to the Steam Deck 2 from the original 2022 model:

1,000-nit HDR peak brightness and 600-nit SDR peak brightness

Displays 110% DCI-P3 color gamut

Quieter cooling fans

Improved bass speakers

1mm taller thumbsticks

Darker button prints

"Higher fidelity haptics"

"Redesigned trackpad for improved fidelity and edge detection"

180Hz touchscreen polling

Bluetooth 5.3 with dedicated antenna

Faster 0.8C charging rate

Easier repair access through rear cover machine screws

"Bumper switch is now on joystick board for easier repair, improved bumper shock reliability

Unfortunately, Steam Deck OLED will remain limited to the all-black color set with the options for a redesign with third-party backplates and skins. No turbo mood too.

Steam Deck 2 Possible Release Dates

Valve assured that the OLED version is not the promised Steam Deck 2. The company said to hold the new-gen release at least until 2025.

The company reported to have "multiple millions" of Steam Decks after the announcement. Valve expects the number to rise significantly in the coming days.

Related Article: Valve Says Steam Deck Successor Might Take 'A Couple of Years'
LE MARS, Iowa -- A 15-year-old boy is facing a felony charge in connection with a hit-and-run pedestrian accident in Le Mars Sunday, which seriously injured a woman.

The teen, who was not identified by police, was arrested at 10 a.m. Tuesday on a charge of leaving the scene of an accident, a class D felony.

Police Chief Kevin Vande Vegte said in a statement that the accident was reported at 7:23 p.m. Sunday at the intersection of Sixth Avenue and Fourth Street Southwest.

Brandi Moll, 45, of Le Mars, was struck by a vehicle while she was walking westbound in the north crosswalk of the intersection. The vehicle, a newer model, red four-door pickup, fled the scene traveling southbound on Sixth Avenue Southwest.

Moll was taken by ambulance to Floyd Valley Healthcare in Le Mars and was later flown to MercyOne Siouxland Medical Center in Sioux City.

Video from various businesses and private parties helped authorities identify the vehicle as a 2003 Chevy Silverado 2500 and track its movements, according to Vande Vegte

While on patrol, a Le Mars police officer located the suspect vehicle, which "showed evidence of the collision," Vande Vegte said. The vehicle was seized and the 15-year-old boy was subsequently taken into custody, charged and taken to juvenile detention.

The incident remains under investigation.
STORM LAKE, Iowa  A Lakeside, Iowa, man was sentenced Monday to 10 years in prison for having sexual contact with a 9-year-old child in Storm Lake nearly five years ago.

Harny Dosalua, 36, had entered Alford pleas in May in Buena Vista County District Court to two counts of lascivious acts with a child. In an Alford plea, a defendant does not admit guilt, but the judge enters a guilty plea into the record. Charges of second-degree sexual abuse and lascivious conduct with a minor were dismissed as part of a plea agreement.

After he's released from prison, Dosalua will be required to register with the Iowa Sex Offender Registry, and District Judge Nancy Whittenburg also ordered him to serve a lifetime special sex offender sentence after he completes his prison sentence. If he were to violate terms of the special sentence, he could be sent back to prison.

The Storm Lake Police Department received a report of a sexual assault on Feb. 16, 2022. An investigation revealed that the child was assaulted in December 2018 in a home in the 500 block of College Avenue.

Dosalua was arrested Feb. 24, 2022.
SIOUX CITY  A female pedestrian suffered life-threatening injuries when she was struck by a motorcycle on Historic Fourth Street Saturday night.

Sioux City Fire Rescue and police officers were dispatched to the accident in the 1000 block of Fourth Street at 11:18 p.m., according to a statement from the Sioux City Police Department.

Upon arrival, officers found a 23-year-old woman who was unconscious and suffering from a head injury. She was taken to a Sioux City hospital by ambulance. The statement described her injuries as life-threatening.

The driver of the motorcycle, whom police identified as 24-year-old Anthony Simon, of Omaha, suffered a minor head injury.

The statement said Simon was driving a 2023 Suzuki motorcycle eastbound in the 1000 block of Fourth Street when he collided with the pedestrian who was walking southbound across Fourth Street.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with any additional information about the incident is asked to call the Sioux City Police Department at 712-279-6440 or Crime Stoppers at 712-258-8477.
SIOUX CITY  As Woodbury County election workers processed absentee ballots during the June 2020 primary election, they alerted their boss to what they considered an unusual number of write-in votes on Republican ballots cast for Jeremy Taylor for both county board and county auditor and recorder.

Woodbury County Auditor and Recorder Pat Gill, who also is the election commissioner, said handwriting on the ballots looked similar, but since the ballots had been separated from the envelopes bearing the voters' signatures, it was impossible to tell who had submitted the ballots and follow up on any suspicions, Gill said.

"It looked like something was going on, but at that point there was nothing I could do," Gill testified Tuesday, the second day of a federal trial in Sioux City in which Taylor's wife, Kim Taylor faces 52 charges related to voter fraud.

A few months later, just before the general election, Gill had suspicious ballots he could trace, and he reported it to the FBI.

Kim Taylor trial Kim Taylor, left, her attorney, F. Montgomery Brown, right, and Taylor's mother enter the Federal Building in Sioux City Monday for the first 

Prosecutors allege the ensuing investigation uncovered a scheme in which Kim Taylor fraudulently filled out voter registration forms, absentee ballot request forms and cast absentee ballots on behalf of voters in Woodbury County's Vietnamese community in order to secure votes for her husband, Jeremy Taylor, who ran unsuccessfully for the Republican nomination for a U.S. House seat in the 2020 primary election and was elected to the Woodbury County Board of Supervisors in that fall's general election.

Kim Taylor has pleaded not guilty, and her attorney in his opening statement to jurors denied there was any scheme. Jeremy Taylor, who met his wife in Vietnam when he was teaching there, has not been charged but has been named an unindicted co-conspirator.

In late October 2020, Gill said he was contacted by Tam Doan, a Sioux City resident who said she had tried to request an absentee ballot but was told she'd already returned a completed one. Gill met with Doan and her brother, Thien Doan, who was living in Ames, Iowa, where he attended college, also had not received a requested ballot. Gill said he found the returned ballots, and both voters said they had not filled them out.

As his sister testified a day earlier, Thien Doan testified on Tuesday that the signature on the voter affidavit accompanying the ballot and shown to him in court was not his, and the ballot was marked in favor of Donald Trump for president.

"I had no intention of voting for Donald Trump in that election," said Doan, a registered Democrat.

Gill had Tam and Thien Doan, who both moved to the United States from Vietnam as children with their parents, sign forms invalidating the completed ballots and gave them new ones, which they filled out at the courthouse and returned. Gill kept the invalidated ballots, later turning them over to the FBI.

Tam and Thien Doan's mother, Huong Nguyen, testified she had filled out the ballots on their behalf with help from Kim Taylor. A Vietnam native who immigrated to the United States in 2002, Nguyen said she has limited ability to read, write or speak English and needs help filling out documents. She usually has her children or another friend help her, she said through an interpreter.

Nguyen said she'd never met Kim Taylor before Taylor called to offer her help with voting. Nguyen said Taylor filled out the voter registration forms and absentee request forms for the primary election for her and her children. Nguyen said she signed them on her children's behalf.

"Whatever forms she helped me fill out, I would sign," Nguyen said. "I asked Kim if it was OK for me to sign, and she said it was OK, so I signed."

Prior to the general election, Taylor visited again and helped Nguyen fill out absentee ballot requests for her and her children, weeks before Tam Doan made her own absentee request for the family. After the absentee ballots arrived, they disappeared one day, Tam Doan testified.

Nguyen said Taylor had come to her home and helped her fill them out without her children's knowledge or permission. Taylor then took them and dropped them off at the courthouse and, Nguyen said, told her not to tell her children what had happened to their ballots.

"She told me if (Tam) asked about them to tell her I don't know, so I lied," Nguyen said. "When my daughter asked, Kim had already helped me fill out those forms."

Kim Taylor trial Kim Taylor, center, and her defense attorney F. Montgomery Brown and an unidentified woman walk towards the Federal Courthouse in Sioux City M

It led to Doan's inquiry and discovery at Gill's office that ballots had already been returned in her and her brother's names.

After the general election was over, Gill said he contacted the FBI to report the irregularities involved with Tam and Thien Doan's ballots.

Gill said he's never talked to Kim Taylor, but knew she was active helping people register to vote, obtain absentee ballots and vote. He said he'd heard complaints about Taylor's activities.

"People felt she was pretty aggressive," Gill said under cross examination from Taylor's attorney, F. Montgomery Brown. "What I would say is it's a get out the vote effort and there's absolutely nothing wrong with it."

Brown questioned Gill, the lone Democrat holding an elected Woodbury County office, extensively about his role in a citizen's challenge of Jeremy Taylor's voter registration in late 2019, when Taylor was on the county board. Gill upheld the challenge, finding Taylor did not live at the address listed on his voter registration and therefore was disqualified from holding office because his voter registration address was not within the district he represented as required by state law. Taylor resigned from office, but was elected months later to represent the district in which his new home was located.

Gill, who testified for more than three hours Tuesday, will return to the witness stand for more cross examination when the trial resumes Wednesday.
SIOUX CITY  In February 2020, Tam Doan filled out a voter registration form, checking the box as a Democrat.

Three months later, in advance of Iowa's primary election, another registration form, this time with the Republican box checked, was submitted with her name, address and signature on it to Woodbury County election officials.

Seeing that document in federal court Monday, Doan, who was living in Sioux City at the time after completing college at Iowa State University, said the handwriting and signature were not hers, and she hadn't given anyone permission to submit it on her behalf.

"I was not aware that anyone had registered for me," Doan testified on the first day of evidence in Kim Taylor's trial on 52 charges of voter fraud. Taylor has pleaded not guilty in U.S. District Court in Sioux City to 26 counts of providing false information in registering and voting, three counts of fraudulent registration and 23 counts of fraudulent voting.

Prosecutors accuse Taylor of offering to translate absentee ballots and other election forms for voters in Sioux City's Vietnamese community, many of whom have limited English speaking, reading and writing abilities, and then filling out forms, and in some cases ballots, for them and signing their names. In other cases, it's alleged she told parents they could fill out and sign forms and ballots for their children.

In all cases, the government alleges, Taylor did it to help her husband, Jeremy Taylor, whom she met when he was teaching in Vietnam, get more votes during his unsuccessful run for Congress in the 2020 Republican primary election and his election to the Woodbury County Board of Supervisors in that fall's general election.

"The defendant may characterize her actions as helping people vote, but it was entirely self-interest. She wanted to do everything possible to help her husband win elections," Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Castaldi said in her opening statement to jurors, calling Taylor's actions a scheme that jeopardized free and fair elections.

Kim Taylor's attorney, F. Montgomery Brown, said there was no scheme. Taylor was helping people with Vietnamese backgrounds who have trouble understanding English take part in the election because voter information is printed in English only.

"If they wanted to vote, they had to have help," Brown said in his opening statement. "That activity, that help is a core protected right."

Doan, who came with her family to the United States from Vietnam when she was 4, said she has been a U.S. citizen since age 17. Her mother is not fluent in English and often needs help filling out important documents.

Doan did not request a primary ballot, but did so in the fall for the general election. Living at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, Doan said she filled out absentee ballot requests for herself, her mother and her younger brother, who was attending Iowa State at the time and had asked her to request one for him. She said the ballots came to their Sioux City home. One day while at work, Doan said, her mother called to ask where the ballots where. When Doan returned home from work, the ballots were gone, she said, and her mother told her she didn't know where they were.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ron Timmons showed Doan a copy of a voter affidavit accompanying her ballot that was dated Oct. 16, 2020. Doan said the handwriting and signature were not hers. The ballot also had marked choices for Donald Trump and all Republican candidates, including Jeremy Taylor, who sat in the first row of the gallery behind his wife Monday. Doan said she never would have voted for Trump, and wouldn't have voted for the county offices because she didn't know who any of the candidates were.

After her initial absentee ballot went missing, Doan called the Woodbury County Auditor's Office to request a new ballot and was told she had already submitted one. She went to the courthouse, viewed the ballot and affidavit and told county auditor and election commissioner Pat Gill that the writing was not hers. Doan filled out a form to invalidate the ballot and request a new one, documents shown to her in court that she said bore her signature. She then filled out her own ballot.

Under cross examination from Brown, Doan, who now lives in California, said she did not know who had filled out the forms in her name. The writing could have been her mother's, she said, but many Vietnamese adults tend to have similar handwriting so she couldn't say for sure if it was her mother's. She did not remember ever seeing Kim Taylor in her house, she said. Doan said she had suspected her mother filled the ballots out, but never confronted her about it. Only during discussions with FBI agents during the ensuing investigation did her mother confess to her that she had filled out the ballots.

The trial will resume Tuesday and is expected to last up to three weeks.
NASA astronauts Jasmin Moghbeli and Loral OHara marked their first spacewalk this month with a tool bag floating through space.

The pair concluded their maintenance work outside the International Space Station (ISS) in six hours and 42 minutes, according to the space agency.

The spacewalk on Nov. 1 saw Moghbeli and OHara complete works on the stations solar arrays, which track the sun, but they ran out of time to remove and stow a communications electronics box. Leaving this task for a future spacewalk, the pair instead conducted an assessment of how the job could be done.

During the hours-long mission, a tool bag gave them the slip and was lost, NASA said, with flight controllers spotting it using the ISS external cameras. Fortunately, the tools were not required for the remainder of their tasks.

Mission Control analyzed the bags trajectory and determined that risk of recontacting the station is low and that the onboard crew and space station are safe with no action required, NASA said on its official blog.

According to EarthSky, a website tracking cosmic events, the tool bag is currently orbiting Earth ahead of the ISS, and can potentially be spotted from Earth with a pair of binoculars during the next few months until it disintegrates in our planets atmosphere.

This isnt the first time an astronaut has lost tools in space. In 2008, Heide Stefanyshyn-Pipers bag floated away while she was cleaning and lubricating gears on a malfunctioning rotary joint. A 2006 spacewalk saw astronauts Piers Sellers and Michael Fossum lose a 14-inch spatula while testing a method of repairing the space shuttle.

Space debris or junk, like these objects, are artificial materials that orbit Earth but are no longer functional. They can be anything from a small chip of paint to parts discarded during rocket launches.

In September 2023, the European Space Agency estimated 35,290 objects were being tracked and cataloged by the various space surveillance networks, with the total mass of objects orbiting Earth amounting to more than 11,000 tons.

___

30 breathtaking images from NASA's public library 30 breathtaking images from NASA's public library The moon from Apollo 11 Earth from the International Space Station Hurricanes on Earth Shuttle space walk Shuttle in silhouette Eruption on the sun Raikoke volcano eruption Rover selfie Cargo craft docks John Young on the moon Canadian aurora Helix Nebula The cracking Brunt Ice Shelf Cassinis capture of Saturn The heart of Madagascar The last landing The eye of the hurricane International Space Station Watercolor of the sea The Great Red Spot of Jupiter Monument Valley Flying through an aurora Pillars of Creation Total eclipse of the sun Untethered in space Marbled Pluto The wild river Supermassive black hole The space selfie An SLS test article
A West Des Moines nursing home has been cited for 62 violations in recent weeks, one of which is tied to a resident who contracted gangrene and had to have a leg amputated.

Since August, the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing has visited Pine Acres Rehabilitation and Care Center twice and cited it for violating a total of 47 federal regulations and 15 state regulations  an exceptionally large number of violations. The state agency has proposed a total of $89,500 in fines against the facility during that same three-month period.

The first visit was in response to a backlog of 13 uninvestigated complaints, all of which were substantiated by inspectors. The second visit, in late October, was in response to another 12 complaints, all of which were substantiated. In both instances, the home was cited for failing to employ a sufficient number of workers.

Staffing levels are a growing concern among advocates for the elderly as care facilities struggle to fill staff vacancies. Gov. Kim Reynolds recently joined other Republican governors in opposing federal efforts to impose new staffing requirements on nursing homes that collect taxpayer money through Medicare and Medicaid.

Pine Acres primary owner, New York investor Akiko Ike, has ties to other nursing home owners who currently stand accused of defrauding the government.

Among the issues cited by state officials during their most recent inspection at Pine Acres is the homes alleged failure to assess and treat a growing pressure sore on the foot of a 70-year-old woman. On the morning of Sept. 12, the woman was found in bed, twitching and jerking, and didnt know where she was or the year. The resident was taken to a hospital and admitted in critical condition after being diagnosed with blood poisoning, septic shock, a serious bone infection and gangrene.

The hospital performed an emergency surgical amputation of the residents leg, just below the knee, to prevent any further spread of the infection in her foot. The woman later told inspectors she felt that if she had been given the prescribed baths and skin assessments related to the sore on her foot, the amputation could have been prevented.

As a result of the situation, the state proposed a $9,250 fine against Pine Acres for failing to provide residents with the required nursing services. That penalty was then tripled to $27,750 due it being a repeat violation but was held in suspension so the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services could consider imposing a federal penalty. According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, federal penalties were last imposed at Pine Acres in December 2021.

An additional fine of $6,500 was proposed for resident abuse. That fine was then tripled to $19,500 due to it being a repeat violation and held in suspension. A separate $500 penalty for failing to report resident abuse was also held in suspension.

The home was also cited for failing to investigate, prevent or correct alleged violations, failing to meet professional standards, failing to deliver the minimum quality of care, failing to properly label and store drugs and other issues.

Resident abuse cited in August visit

During their August visit top Pine Acres, inspectors noted that in February 2023 the administrator had received an email from a relative of a resident. The relative expressed concern that when she was shocked at the sight of the multiple open sores on the residents skin. The relative indicated she was stunned by this and said she couldnt believe she had not been notified. The director of nursing responded that the staff would be re-educated, but allegedly offered no explanation as to the lack of notification.

Days later, the resident was admitted to a hospital and diagnosed with urine in her bloodstream and acute kidney failure. A Pine Acres staffer told inspectors the hospital staff had concluded the wounds on the residents skin had been caused by toxins that her kidneys couldnt excrete and were emerging through her skin. Two workers told inspectors they didnt realize anything was wrong with the woman because staffers from the previous shift hadnt reported anything. The state proposed, and then suspended, a $7,500 fine for failing to assess residents and provide the necessary care.

Additional fines that were held in suspension include $7,000 for failing to provide adequate nursing services, and $13,250 for failing to investigate allegations of resident abuse and failing to separate the accused workers from the alleged victims.

State inspectors reported that seven of the homes residents complained that workers were rough with them when providing care. A serious adverse outcome was likely to occur as the facility additionally failed to report and thoroughly investigate all allegations of abuse, the state inspectors reported.

A nurses aide told inspectors she had relayed to the director of nursing a female residents complaint that a worker was being rough with her. The aide said the director of nursing responded by saying the accused worker was needed cover the facilitys staffing needs. The administrator acknowledged such issues had been pushed under the rug.

According to inspectors, staff and residents had also raised concerns about a male employee who was alleged to be rough with residents, had cussed at them, manhandled them, and forced some of them to go to bed hours before they wanted to retire for the evening. One resident complained the worker had responded to her request for assistance in using the bathroom by entering her room, removing her oxygen supply and then pulling her call-light cord out of the wall. An aide questioned why the man was still working there and told inspectors the facility needed to get him out of here.

A review of the male workers personnel file revealed no disciplinary action and no concerns related to resident complaints, inspectors alleged.

Residents complained of being ignored by staff

Two residents complained to inspectors that the overnight-shift workers were rude, sat outside residents rooms talking loudly on the phone with their ear buds in, and did not engage with them while providing care. A third resident complained half the staff at Pine Acres was horrible, said mean things, and were physically rough when providing care.

The facilitys social services assistant told inspectors the staff had repeatedly failed to provide assistance for one male resident. She told inspectors the man would scream when his call light went unanswered but multiple staffers would ignore him while sitting at the nurses station. An aide told inspectors that other workers in the home would verbally abuse the residents and that when shed arrive for her morning shift the residents were soaking wet.

Residents also complained to the homes administration that they couldnt get any assistance from the staff after 9:30 p.m. because the workers were all in the breakroom waiting to clock out and go home.

While an inspector watched, a resident using a walker approached a male employee of the home, identified in state reports as Staff Z, and asked for some Kleenex for herself and her roommate.

In their written report, the inspectors described the interaction:

Staff Z, a certified nurses aide, approached the resident and, while chewing gum with an opened mouth  and told the resident the facility didnt have any Kleenex. The resident asked inquisitively, You dont have any Kleenex? Why? Staff Z continued to chew gum in the same manner and replied, Because the delivery truck hasnt come yet! The resident asked when she could get some Kleenex and Staff Z said in an abrupt tone, In about three days!

The resident initially responded, Oh, OK, as she turned around to walk away. She furrowed her eyebrows with a bewildered look, turned back toward Staff Z, and said, Three days? Why would it take three days to get Kleenex? Staff Z exclaimed, l am not telling you a story! in a defensive tone, similar to someone accused of lying.

Inspectors also cited Pine Acres for a medication error rate that was approaching 11 percent; for providing residents with cold meals; and for having expired food on hand in the kitchen, including molasses that had expired 43 months earlier, corn muffin mix that had been expired for 16 months, and milk that had expired six days earlier.

The home was also cited for insufficient staff, with inspectors noting that residents complained of horrible wait times to have their call lights answered. The homes director of nursing told inspectors she felt the home was overstaffed.

Pine Acres owner tied to man accused of fraud

According to federal records, Pine Acres is owned and managed by a New York-based group of investors that includes Akiko Ike, who has a 60% ownership stake in the facility. Other investors include Yisroel Kaplan, who has operational control of Pine Acres and a stake in another Iowa care facility, the Prestige Care Center in Fairfield.

One of Kaplans partners is Ephram Lahasky, who is the husband of Ike, Pine Acres primary owner.

In Vermont last year, regulators raised concerns about who was behind the proposed purchase of care facilities in that state  Lahasky or his wife. Ike was the officially designated buyer, but it was Lahaskys name that appeared on the loan documents.

Lahasky is currently being sued by New York Attorney General Letitia James, who has accused Lahasky and others of defrauding the government of more than $18 million while understaffing and neglecting residents at The Villages, a 120-bed facility in northwestern New York.

Lahasky and his partners in The Villages allegedly obtained mortgages to finance the original purchase of the facility, then obtained a $15 million loan to refinance the mortgage. They then claimed $4 million as a cash distribution of loan proceeds.

In 2020, the facility was again refinanced through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and an additional $3.6 million was withdrawn as profit for the owners, according to the New York attorney general. The care facility then had to repay the inflated costs of the mortgage out of its operating account, which allegedly led to a dramatic decrease in the quality of care while creating the false impression of a cash-strapped nursing home.

Lahasky has also been part owner of Brighton Rehab and Wellness Center in Pennsylvania, where authorities have accused the operators of falsifying staff hours and overcharging for resident care.

Healthy hot spots: The most physically active counties in Iowa Healthy hotspots: The most physically active counties in Iowa How physical activity varies across the country #25. Shelby, Iowa #24. Polk, Iowa #23. Cedar, Iowa #22. Buchanan, Iowa #21. Jasper, Iowa #20. Hamilton, Iowa #19. Scott, Iowa #18. Mitchell, Iowa #17. Boone, Iowa #16. Benton, Iowa #15. Winneshiek, Iowa #14. Marion, Iowa #13. Mills, Iowa #12. Plymouth, Iowa #11. Dickinson, Iowa #10. Sioux, Iowa #9. Dubuque, Iowa #8. Madison, Iowa #7. Johnson, Iowa #6. Grundy, Iowa #5. Linn, Iowa #4. Warren, Iowa #3. Bremer, Iowa #2. Story, Iowa #1. Dallas, Iowa
The Republican National Committee will allow presidential candidates to attend The Family Leaders Thanksgiving forum, backing away from its prior warning to candidates that participating in the event could lead to disqualification from future debates.

The RNC and The Family Leader have reportedly agreed on the format for the Christian conservative organization's Nov. 17 forum.

The Family Leader Foundation invited the top five major Republican presidential candidates to its Thanksgiving Family Forum in Des Moines. The RNC initially said the proposed format constituted an unsanctioned debate, and in a letter first reported by RealClearPolitics warned campaigns their attendance at the Family Leader event would disqualify them from future debates.

RNC rules prohibit candidates from attending any debate that is not organized by the party.

Bob Vander Plaats, president and CEO of the Family Leader, over the weekend posted to social media site X, formerly Twitter, that he and the RNC came to an agreement on the forum.

The RNC and I have agreed on the format of @TheFamilyLeader November 17 Thanksgiving FAMiLY Forum. The Forum is NOT a debate. Thus, the RNC is giving a thumbs up for candidates to participate. Thanks to the RNC for facilitating a win/win for the process. #ChooseWell2024, Vander Plaats posted Saturday.

Family Leader spokesperson Drew Zahn said in an email the RNC has relented on its previous position and agreed to the format of the Forum as planned.

Five Republican candidates  former President Donald Trump, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former United Nations ambassador Gov. Nikki Haley, South Carolina U.S. Sen. Tim Scott and Ohio biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy  were invited to the forum.

Zahn said three of the five invited candidates  DeSantis, Scott and Ramaswamy  had confirmed plans to attend. Scott, however, has since dropped out of the race.

He said Trump is unlikely to accept, and said the group expects to announce Haley's confirmation shortly.

We expect to have three candidates on stage, around the table at the same time, for a civil and insightful conversation moderated by Bob Vander Plaats, Zahn said.

An RNC spokesperson on Monday confirmed it is OK with candidates attending The Family Leader forum.

Vander Plaats said on Fox News last week that he may consider endorsing a candidate after the forum. While he has not publicly endorsed a candidate so far, he has been critical of Trump.

After we have that conversation with the candidates, our board, my team and myself, well just get a chance to discern if this is the time for us to weigh in or not, he said.

Haley announces $10 million ad buy in Iowa, New Hampshire

Former U.N. ambassador Nikki Haleys Republican presidential campaign announced Monday plans to reserve $10 million in television, radio and digital advertising across Iowa and New Hampshire beginning in the first week of December as she jockeys with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to emerge as the clear GOP alternative to former President Donald Trump.

In a statement announcing the ad buy, Haleys campaign was critical of DeSantis operation and asserted that shes the only candidate other than Donald Trump who is positioned to do well in Iowa and New Hampshire.

In an email sent Monday, SFA Fund, a super PAC supporting Haley in the race, noted Never Back Down, a super PAC supporting DeSantis, recently canceled ad buys in Iowa and New Hampshire during November.

DeSantis campaign spokesman Andrew Romeo, speaking to the Associated Press, dismissed the jabs by the Haley campaign.

We are confident the Iowa voters will see who will best represent them and their values, he said.

The sizable ad buy by the Haley team comes as the Republican presidential field continues to narrow. Former Vice President Mike Pence suspended his presidential campaign late last month, and South Carolina U.S. Sen. Tim Scott announced late Sunday that he was doing the same.

Nikki Haleys momentum and path to victory are clear, Haley for President campaign manager Betsy Ankney said in a statement.   Nikkis campaign is built to win the primary against Donald Trump and all polls show she is by far the strongest Republican against Joe Biden in the general. After Republican losses in 2020, 2022, and 2023, its time to leave behind the chaos and drama of the past and nominate a new generation of conservative leadership.

An October Des Moines Register/NBC News/Mediacom Iowa poll showed 43% of likely Iowa Republican caucusgoers pick Trump as their first choice for president, with DeSantis and Haley tied for second at 16%.
KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP)  The Israeli military raided Gaza's largest hospital early Wednesday, conducting what it called a targeted operation against Hamas as troops seized broader control of northern Gaza, including capturing the territory's legislature building and its police headquarters.

In recent days, the focus of the war has been Shifa Hospital, with hundreds of patients, staff and displaced people trapped inside. Shifa had stopped operations over the weekend, as its supplies dwindled and a lack of electricity left it no way to run incubators and other lifesaving equipment. After days without refrigeration, morgue stuff dug a mass grave Tuesday for 120 bodies in the yard.

Amid the standoff, the hospital in the center of Gaza City became a focal point of clashing narratives about the war, now in its sixth week. Israel claims Hamas is using civilians as human shields, while Palestinians, rights group and international critics say Israel is recklessly harming civilians.

The Israeli military said early Wednesday that it raided specific areas of the sprawling Shifa complex, while trying to avoid harming civilians. The statement gave no further details.

Israel has long alleged that the militants conceal military assets in the facility and other hospitals, a claim denied by Hamas and medical staff.

Elsewhere, the Palestinian Red Crescent said Tuesday it had evacuated patients, doctors and displaced families from another Gaza City hospital, Al-Quds.

Israel vowed to end Hamas rule in Gaza after the Oct. 7 attack, which killed some 1,200 people and resulted in the taking of roughly 240 hostages. The Israeli government has acknowledged it doesnt know what it would do with the territory long-term after Hamas defeat.

The Israeli onslaught has been disastrous for Gazas 2.3 million Palestinians.

More than 11,200 people, two-thirds of them women and minors, have been killed in Gaza, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry in Ramallah. About 2,700 people have been reported missing. The ministrys count does not differentiate between civilian and militant deaths.

Almost the entire population of Gaza has squeezed into the southern two-thirds of the tiny territory, where conditions have been deteriorating as bombardment there continues. About 200,000 fled the north in recent days, the U.N. said Tuesday, though tens of thousands are believed to remain.

The U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees said Tuesday that its fuel storage facility in Gaza was empty and that it would soon cease relief operations, including bringing limited supplies of food and medicine in from Egypt for the more than 600,000 people sheltering in U.N.-run schools and other facilities in the south.

"Without fuel, the humanitarian operation in Gaza is coming to an end. Many more people will suffer and will likely die, said Philippe Lazzarini, the commissioner-general of UNRWA.

Israeli defense officials changed course early Wednesday to allow some 24,000 liters (6,340 gallons) of fuel in for humanitarian efforts, officials said. Earlier, they repeatedly rejected allowing fuel into Gaza saying Hamas would divert it for military use.

The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories, the Israeli defense body responsible for Palestinian affairs, said it would allow U.N. trucks to refill at the Rafah crossing on the Egyptian border later Wednesday. It said the decision was in response to a request from the U.S.

PLIGHT OF HOSPITALS

Fighting has raged for days around the Shifa Hospital complex at the center of Gaza City, turning it "into a cemetery, its director said in a statement.

The Health Ministry said 40 patients, including three babies, have died since Shifas emergency generator ran out of fuel Saturday. Another 36 babies are at risk of dying because there is no power for incubators, according to the ministry.

The Israeli military said it started an effort to transfer incubators to Shifa. But they would be useless without electricity, said Christian Lindmeier, a World Health Organization spokesman.

The Health Ministry has proposed evacuating the hospital with the supervision of the International Committee of the Red Cross and transferring the patients to hospitals in Egypt, but it has not received any response, ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qidra said.

While Israel says it is willing to allow staff and patients to evacuate, some Palestinians who have made it out say Israeli forces have fired at evacuees.

Israel says its claims of a Hamas command center in and beneath Shifa are based on intelligence, but it has not provided visual evidence to support them. Denying the claims, the Gaza Health Ministry says it has invited international organizations to investigate the facility.

The evacuation at the Al-Quds Hospital followed more than 10 days of siege, during which medical and humanitarian supplies were prevented from reaching the hospital, Palestinian Red Crescent officials said.

In a post on social media, they blamed the Israeli army for bombarding the hospital and firing at those inside.

The White Houses national security council spokesperson, John Kirby, said the U.S. has unspecified intelligence that Hamas and other Palestinian militants use Shifa and other hospitals and tunnels underneath them to support military operations and hold hostages.

The intelligence is based on multiple sources, and the U.S. independently collected the information, a U.S. official said on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive matters.

Kirby said the U.S. doesn't support airstrikes on hospitals and does not want to see a firefight in a hospital where innocent people" are trying to get care.

MARCH FOR HOSTAGES

Families and supporters of the around 240 people being held hostage by Hamas started a protest march from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. The plight of the hostages has dominated public discourse since the Oct. 7 attack, with solidarity protests held across the country. The marchers, who expect to reach Jerusalem on Saturday, say the government must do more to bring home their loved-ones.

Where are you? Shelly Shem Tov, whose 21-year-old son, Omer, is among the captives, called out to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. We have no strength anymore. We have no strength. Bring back our children and our families home.

BATTLE IN GAZA CITY

Independent accounts of the fighting in Gaza City have been nearly impossible to gather, as communications to the north have largely collapsed.

Inside some of the newly captured buildings, soldiers held up the Israeli flag and military flags in celebration. In a nationally televised news conference, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said Hamas had lost control of northern Gaza and that Israel made significant gains in Gaza City.

But asked about the time frame for the war, Gallant said: Were talking about long months, not a day or two.

One Israeli commander in Gaza, identified only as Lt. Col. Gilad, said in a video that his forces found weapons and eliminated fighters in government buildings, schools and residential buildings.

Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari said Israeli forces have completed the takeover of Shati refugee camp, a densely built district bordering Gaza City's center, and are moving about freely in the city as a whole.

Israel says it has killed several thousand fighters, including important mid-level commanders, while 46 of its own soldiers have been killed in Gaza.

Jeffery and Keath reported from Cairo. Associated Press writers Amy Teibel in Jerusalem, Wafaa Shurafa in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip; and Samy Magdy in Cairo contributed to this report.
The formula is as hoary and as reliable as an opposites-attract rom-com: Collect a disparate group of people in an isolated country house, and have them start turning up dead one by one. The phones are down, a ferocious storm makes the roads impassable, so the assembled guests must figure out for themselves who is picking them off. Agatha Christies The Mousetrap has enjoyed the longest run of any play in history by using this premiseincluding a twist ending audience members were urged not to divulgesince 1952. Now the new FX limited series A Murder at the End of the World demonstrates just how versatile this classic British mystery trope can be. Knives Out, Rian Johnsons 2019 vamp on the closed-circle whodunit, may have played up its camp value, but A Murder at the End of the World is quite serious in making it a vehicle for social commentary and a sincere depiction of grief. Its a clever, luxe puzzle show, a highly polished tin man endowed with a beating heart by Emma Corrins performance as its main character.

Corrin plays Darby Hart, the 24-year-old author of a true-crime memoir describing how she and her ex-boyfriend, Bill (Harris Dickinson), amateur internet detectives, tracked down a serial killer. Lanky and androgynous, with a mop of pinkish-blond hair and a wardrobe of baggy hoodies, Corrins Darby resembles a fusion of the young Jodie Foster with Mr. Robotera Rami Malek. She receives an invitation to a retreat in Iceland hosted by Andy Ronson (Clive Owen), the worlds most celebrated tech magnate. The invite is delivered by Ray, Ronsons bespoke A.I., visible only through the VR goggles Ronson has delivered to her, and played with delicious serenity by celebrated audiobook narrator Edoardo Balleriniaka the Voice of God. Abashed and a little thrilled to be ushered into the ranks of Aspen Institutestyle thought leaders, Darby plans to stash her backpack in an overhead compartment during the flight, only to find herself in a private jet furnished like a posh living room. The hotel in Iceland is even fancier, a masterpiece of Scandinavian minimalism, presided over by the omnipresent Ray and nestled like a grounded spaceship in a vast, spectacular wilderness of snow.

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Among the guests are a Brazilian astronaut, the first woman to walk on the moon (Alice Braga); a Chinese developer specializing in smart cities (Joan Chen); an Iranian activist (Pegah Ferydoni); a disabled robotics whiz (Ryan J. Haddad); and a Black filmmaker (Jermaine Fowler). But the person Darby most wants to meet is Ronsons wife, Lee (Brit Marling, also a writer and director of the series), once a legendary hacker whose tricks Darby has herself used to solve crimes. The guest shes most surprised to see, however, is Bill, who after their breakup became a famous artist specializing in critiques of technology.

A tentative reconciliation kindles between the couple, but then Darby, who keeps popping outdoors to smokeone of the plausibility-stretching details of Murder at the End of the World is how much time people spend outdoors without gloves or hatswitnesses the films first murder victim, through a window, collapsing in evident distress. The death is deemed an overdose, and perhaps a deliberate one, but Darby will have none of that and commences her own investigation, hacking into the hotels comprehensive security system and questioning the other guests.

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More guests die under dubious circumstances and the inevitable storm arrives, bringing not only a blizzard but also an avalanche to cut off the hotel and its occupants from the authorities. Darby chases plenty of red herrings and scrutinizes the requisite clues, but in a departure from the insouciant custom of country-house mysteriesin which the characters rarely waste much time mourning the victimsshe also grieves profoundly for her lost romance with Bill. Tender flashbacks recall their even-younger days, road-tripping through a Midwest filmed through a haze of undersaturated yellow, as they track their homicidal quarry.

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Related From Slate How Faithful Is Death on the Nile to Agatha Christies Classic Novel? Read More

Corrin, who is nonbinary, has a face that transmits a novels worth of emotion with the tremble of an eyelid, and the director Zal Batmanglij takes full advantage of it. In one particularly affecting flashback, Darby and Bill meet for the first time in real life after weeks of communicating virtually. Darby meanders through a diner looking for him, her gaze lingering over canoodling couples and parents feeding their kidsall the creaturely pleasures shes forsaken for life onlineuntil she finally spots Bill waiting for a table in a shabby sweater. Their eyes meet, and Corrin conveys first attraction, then affection, then wonderthe whole story of a woman falling in love without a single word spoken. At times during Darbys investigation, she will suddenly recall exactly what shes lost, and Corrin makes these flashes of heartbreak as riveting as the series plot.

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Whodunits need to keep switching the object of suspicion, which for Darby means allies who suddenly start to look like possible culprits and vice versa. But in addition to the formulas obligatory enigmas, one of the central mysteries of A Murder at the End of the World is why Bill and Darby broke up. As a puzzled fan of her book remarks to Darby at a reading, It seemed like you were so in love. Just as the series apparent good guys turn out to be nefarious and the sketchy supporting characters are later revealed to be virtuous, the viewers picture of Darby, too, keeps changing. The other guests, all older, tend to underestimate her and to wonder why Ronson invited her. Shes our heroine, so were indignant on her behalf and disinclined to see her flaws, but they eventually make themselves known. Ronson, who regards himself as a sort of king (and rants like a mad one), tells Darby he invited her because he needed a fresh page in a stale court, but surely that cant be his only motive?

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Ronson has his own space program and a herd of construction robots, as well as a 5-year-old son he dotes on, named, inexplicably, Zoomer. The apparent model is Elon Musk, but Ronson is a smoother, cannier character. The series attitude toward technology is ambiguous, although eventually its skepticism becomes preachy. They all think technology is going to save them, the astronaut tells Darby, explaining why energy companies refuse to take the coming climate crisis as seriously as they should, and Bill compares cellphone addiction with cigarette smoking. Nevertheless, the series savors the gorgeous, effortless luxury of Ronsons life under the tireless care of Ray. The pervasive surveillance this life enables allows Ronson to control everyone around him, but it also provides Darby with the clues she needs to solve the murders, making her uneasily complicit with his overreach. Similarly, she is both an agent of justice and a junkie who cant set aside her phone to have an earnest conversation with the man she loves. Both Lee and Bill have Luddite tendencies, having spent time off the grid, but Darby never seems to have interrogated technologys intrusions. She is a classic example of the error of letting the ends justify the meansdidnt she once use the internet to catch a killer?

Catching the present-day killer, however, requires more ingenuity. When A Murder at the End of the World revealed its final twist, I laughed for several minutes, but for reasons I cant reveal without spoiling the ending or the joke. Who would expect a confection so delicious to be filled with such sharp shards of glass? Dame Agatha herself would surely be impressed.
Exxon Mobil announced plans to step into lithium production for electric vehicles in the U.S. amid increasing demands for batteries and advanced electronics.

The oil giant is said to start extracting lithium metals from underground brines in the southern US state of Arkansas in 2027. Exxon owns 120,000 acres in the state's Smackover Formation.

The company is set to drill 10,000 feet into the ground into the saltwater reservoirs. Exxon expects the venture to be "a profitable and high-growth business for the long term here."

No specifics were given on how much Exxon plans to invest in the project or when it is considered profitable.

Exxon's transition towards the EV market came after demands for energy transition drives surged over the year.

The International Energy Agency estimated lithium-consumption will greatly increase between until 2040 due to rising need for ion batteries for electric vehicles and energy storage in the future.

Electric Vehicles Trend and Why Are They Here to Stay

Sales for EVs have reached an all-time high in 2022 with 14% of the total 10 million cars being electric.

Demand for modern breeds of cars become more common thanks to environmental issues, availability of models, and improved ranges compared to oil-powered rides.

These factors are expected to continue in the U.S. well until the start of 2030.

Elon Musk's Tesla remains the manufacturer of electric vehicles with the company sending 1,313,851 electric autos worldwide since its foundation.

Read Also: Tesla May Sue Cybertruck Owners for $50K for Reselling Too Soon

Exxon Services for Electric Vehicles and Advanced Electronics

The oil conglomerate has started to dip its fingers into the energy industry in 2016 as talks of EVs and hybrid cars become more common amid climate issues.

EEI, the company's venture capital firm in New Jersey, earlier started to invest in solar and nuclear projects among its non-oil ventures.

Exxon aims to supply lithium batteries to over 1 million EVs per year, becoming the leading metal provider before 2020.

Reuters reported that the company will need well over $2 billion capital to supply 50,000 tons of batteries to attain the big dream.

Related Article: The Electric Drive Experience: Embracing the Advantages of Electric Car Tech
President Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, will meet this Wednesday for what could be their most consequential diplomatic rendezvous in many years.

The questionwhich the meeting wont decide, but will go a ways toward answeringis whether the United States and China are inevitably cruising toward confrontation, as some military officers have predicted, or whether the two countries can strike some balance between engagement and competition, and, in the process, bring stability to the world.

The two leaders, who will have a one-on-one session during this weeks Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference in San Francisco, havent spoken with, much less seen, each other since a similar get-together at the G20 summit in Bali, Indonesia, exactly one year ago.

Since that earlier summit, a series of incidents and misunderstandings have plunged US-China relationsnever quite harmoniousinto a state of suspicion and hostility reminiscent of the Cold War. There was the shootdown of a wayward Chinese spy balloon that drifted across America, a string of steadily aggressive military exercises near Taiwan, the ramming of a Philippine boat in the South China Seaand a series of countermoves by the U.S., Japan, Australia, and the Philippines that showed, depending on ones outlook, the vitality of Americas alliances or the danger of escalation and war.

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Amid all this high drama, Chinese officers cut off their once-routine communications with U.S. military leaders, while Xi stepped up his alliance with Russian President Vladimir Putin and (sort of) voiced support of Hamas in its war with Israel.

Yet in the past few months, a few streaks of sunlight have pierced through the gloom. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo had cordial, productive meetings with their Chinese counterparts; national security adviser Jake Sullivan did the same with foreign minister Yang Wi; Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Xi himself, as did a congressional delegation, to whom the Chinese leader said there were 1,000 reasons to make U.S.-China relations better and no reason to make them worse.

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Biden has said several times that he has no desire to undermine the rule of Xis Chinese Communist Party (though he will continue to speak out against their human rights violations and unfair trade practices). He has also denied any intention to recognize Taiwan as an independent state (though he will continue to supply and train its military for self-defense). Finally, he has cited several global issuesfood security, climate change, pandemics, the spread of opiates, and the perils of artificial intelligencethat can be solved only through U.S.-China cooperation.

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The fact that Xi is coming to San Francisco (his first trip to the U.S. in six years), and has agreed to meet with Biden one-on-one (far from a sure thing just a few weeks ago), suggests that he too wants to calm tensions with Washington and to resume active engagement on at least some issues.

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One question, though, is how far Xi is willing to go toward this detenteand why. The Chinese economy is on a downturn, in part due to Xis reassertion of central government control, and in part because Western companies have been pulling out of their investments. Xi was also surprised that his chumminess with Putin over the war in Ukraine repelled leaders not just in Washington but in all of Europea continent where Xi would like to make political and economic partners. Is he talking nice simply in order to lure investors back into his firms and Western politicians back in his court?

Wednesdays meeting wont reveal an answer to that question, but Xis attitude and demeanorhis willingness to present or accept cooperative approaches to one or two of the issues on the tableshould tell Biden whether its worthwhile to send emissaries to meet with their Chinese counterparts on a wide range of matters over the rest of his term: that is, whether its worthwhile to explore how far Xi is willing to go.

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Elizabeth Economya longtime China expert, recently a senior adviser at the Commerce Department, now a senior fellow at Stanford Universitys Hoover Institutionhas her doubts. In a recent speech at the American Academy in Berlin, she said that China and the U.S. are split on too many fundamental issues for this one meeting to be transformative. China has 14 border disputes with its neighbors (the question of Taiwans ownership and the proper lines of demarcation in the South China Sea are only the best known); it wants to become the dominant power in the Pacific; and it is creating its own multinational agencies and asserting its own currency as part of a campaign to create an international order quite apart fromand in competition withthe one dominated by the U.S.

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To these ends, Xi is siding with Russia in its war on Ukraine, and with Hamas in its war on Israel, not so much because of the stakes involved but because those wars are gobbling up American war supplies and Washingtons attentionand, therefore, diverting supplies and attention from Asia Pacific, especially from Taiwan. In short, these wars, and Americas involvement in them, make China feel more secure.

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White House officials say Biden and Xi will discuss the full range of issues that affect both countriesincluding Ukraine and the Middle East. Biden may try to persuade Xi that he has nothing to fear from the U.S. military in the Pacific and therefore should feel no need to support Russia or Hamas, especially since neither Russia nor Hamas does anything to help China. Yet Biden also needs to keep stationing aircraft carriers in the Pacific, supplying arms to Taiwan, enforcing maritime boundaries as recognized by international law (as opposed to the boundaries asserted by China), and maintaining the complex network of political and military alliances in the regionall while insisting he poses no threat to China, even though a big point of these alliances is to deter and contain Chinese aggression.

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Complicating this further is that Xis acts of aggression are driven, to some degree, by desire to keep American warships away from Chinas borders. As with many confrontations throughout world history, one leaders belligerence is another leaders deterrence. In other words, the U.S. and China have very different interests, so each country is acting in a way that defends or asserts those interestswhile challenging, even threatening, the other sides interests.

Its hard to be peaceful and friendly under these circumstances. Yet its vital to try. And other countries, in far more dangerous confrontations, have done so.

During the Cold War, the United States and the Soviet Union signed several arms control treaties, took cooperative measures to keep other countries from going nuclear, and jointly developed a smallpox vaccineeven while fighting or abetting several proxy wars and competitively promoting very different visions of international order.

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Can the U.S. and China figure out a similar mix, to their mutual benefit?

There are differences between the two international faceoffs. By the final years of the Cold War, the Soviet Union was a sclerotic powera gas station with nuclear weapons, as the late Sen. John McCain once called itoffering the world nothing but a bankrupt ideology. In contrast, the Peoples Republic of China, even with its repressive political system, is a vibrant (if somewhat declining) economy, an importer and exporter of attractive consumer products, the holder of a substantial portion of Western debtin short, a vital country that isnt about to shrivel up or implode.

At the same time, the United States, while the worlds most powerful nation by most measures, suffers from myriad political dysfunctions, not least a public (and Congress) divided on the issue of how much it wants to remain a world leader. In other words, when Xi calculates how much he wants or needs to compromise, or alter the timetable of his goals, for the sake of good relations with the U.S., he has to wonder whether Biden and his team will remain in power, and thus whether any deal he strikes with them will remain in effect for another year or for another five years.

To paraphrase Trotsky, many Americans are no longer interested in the world, but the world is still interested in us. What Biden and Xi say and do on Wednesday will shape what policies both men pursue in the coming weeks and monthsbut their paths may be prolonged or disrupted by what American voters do a year from now.
This is Totally Normal Quote of the Day, a feature highlighting a statement from the news that exemplifies just how extremely normal everything has become.

It does worry me that the House process requires you to come back and deal with half the budget on one date and half the budget on another date. Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy, speaking with NBCs Meet the Press

Folks, we are here, once again, to discuss how the U.S. government is on the brink of a shutdown. Congress has until the end of the day on Friday to pass a new budget, or the government will run out of funding. This time, House Speaker Mike Johnson is testing out a novel approach: His proposal would keep essential government functions temporarily funded at current spending levels and put off touching any new spending bills until 2024.

Its been dubbed a laddered continuing resolution, and would fund programs and agencies like the Food and Drug Administration, Veterans Affairs, Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development at current spending levelswhile affording lawmakers a peaceful holiday recessat least until Jan. 19, 2024. The spending bills that Congress cant seem to agree on, like funding for Ukraine and Israel and southern border policy, wont be taken up until Feb. 2, 2024.

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Johnson wants to do away with Congress habit of pushing through last-minute, omnibus spending packages right before the end of the year when lawmakers tend to squeeze in their partys priorities. (Remember the 2019 shutdown, when the Trump administration insisted on a $5 billion border wall, and the government shut down for 35 days over it and reopened without any border wall funding? Yes, that kind of thing.)

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By staggering the governments spending deadlines, Johnson is hoping to buy the GOP some negotiating time while avoiding a government shutdown. This two-step continuing resolution is a necessary bill to place House Republicans in the best position to fight for conservative victories, he said in a statement on X.

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Why does it seem like the government is always running out of money? Didnt we just do this a couple months ago? (Yes). And didnt we do the same thing over the summer? (Actually, that was a fight about raising the debt ceilingheres an explainer about the difference between the two.)

Over the weekend, Democrats and Republicans alike voiced their skepticism. Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy told NBCs Meet the Press that the laddered CR looks gimmicky. He was skeptical of enacting a process that requires lawmakers to revisit the governments budget on one date and half the budget on another date, saying its a little bit of a recipe for failure.

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Meanwhile, far-right Republicans like Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Chip Roy spoke out against the bill. I 100% oppose, Roy said on X, arguing it was funding Pelosi level spending and policies for 75 daysfor future promises. 

Just a few days ago, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries also seemed to be firmly against it. He called the proposal a nonstarter and an extreme, right-wing policy joyride that is reckless and would only crash and burn the federal government.

But Jeffries changed his mind on Monday, saying he was carefully evaluating the proposal, while stopping short of endorsing it, according to the Hill.

On Tuesday, the House Freedom Caucus released a statement against Johnsons bill, describing his approach as negotiating against ourselves over fears of what the Senate may do with the promise roll over today and well fight tomorrow. 

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Related From Slate Somehow Theres Finally a New Speaker of the House Read More

Now the GOP leadership is planning to fast-track a vote on the bill, which will require them to work with Democrats to get it through.

What will happen next? Are we headed for another shutdown, or is everyone going to get on board with agreeing to put a pin in it for now and do this all over again in the new year?

Perhaps Murphy put it best:

Well, listen, I dont think anybody can predict what happens in the House of Representatives today, he said on Meet the Press. That place is a political dumpster fire right now.
This is Totally Normal Quote of the Day, a feature highlighting a statement from the news that exemplifies just how extremely normal everything has become.

It was a clean shot to the kidneys. Rep. Tim Burchett on his Tuesday encounter with former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy

In October, Tennessee Rep. Tim Burchett was one of the eight Republicans who voted to vacate Rep. Kevin McCarthys speakership. It was a somewhat surprising move, given that Burchett is not a member of the attention-seeking far-right Freedom Caucus; he says the vote was a matter of principled belief in fiscal responsibility.

On Tuesday, McCarthy (allegedly) got his revenge while Burchett was speaking with NPR congressional reporter Claudia Grisales, who wrote on Twitter that McCarthy knocked Burchett toward her while passing them in a Capitol hallway. Heres Burchett describing the incident to CNNs Manu Raju:

Rep. Tim Burchett claims on CNN that Kevin McCarthy hit him from behind with "a clean shot to the kidneys" and calls him "a bully" pic.twitter.com/CCLQvNuWHw  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) November 14, 2023

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Said Burchett: Well, I was doing an interview with Claudia from NPR, a lovely lady, and she was asking me a question. And at that time, I got elbowed in the back, and it kind of caught me off guard because it was a clean shot to the kidneys. And I turned back, and there was Kevin. Burchett went on to describe McCarthy as a bully with $17 million and a security detaillikely an allusion to his control over campaign fundraising accountsand the type of guy that, when youre a kid, would throw a rock over the fence and run home and hide behind his mamas skirt. He added that such behavior is not the way we handle things in east Tennessee.

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According to both Burchett and Grisales, the congressman then chased after McCarthy and confronted him, during which the former speaker denied having elbowed Burchett. It was a little heated, but I just backed off, said Burchett to CNN. He kept scurrying, trying to keep people between me and him.

At about the same time, Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin challenged Teamsters President Sean OBrien to a fight at a meeting of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions:

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Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) challenges Teamsters leader Sean OBrien to a physical fight, standing up midway through a Senate HELP Committee hearing.



Chair Bernie Sanders (I-VT) repeatedly attempts to break them up: Youre a United States senator. pic.twitter.com/E4U624cDsS  The Recount (@therecount) November 14, 2023

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Related From Slate POLITICS It Was Shocking. But the Ouster of Kevin McCarthy Was Inevitable From the Start. Read More

You want to run your mouth? We can be two consenting adults. We can finish it here, Mullin said before Sen. Bernie Sanders restored order. The history between the two extends back to March, when Mullin accused OBrien of wasting union members money and OBrien suggested (with some evidence to support his theory) that Mullins claim of earning only a $50,000 salary while running his own plumbing business was an accounting trick. OBrien later called Mullin a clown in a confrontational Twitter post, which the senator reads from in the video above.

Finally, Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene accused California Rep. Darrell Issa of lacking testicles because he criticized her procedural approach to impeaching Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas.

The congressional deadline to pass a continuing resolution that funds the operations of the federal government is Friday.
On Monday, the justices of the Supreme Court issued an extremely confusing statement laying forth the courts brand-new ethics code for the justices themselves. These justices would like, through the announcement, to reassure us there is nothing actually new about the new code: For the most part these rules and principles are not new, the justices write. The Court has long had the equivalent of common law ethics rules, that is, a body of rules derived from a variety of sources, including statutory provisions, the code that applies to other members of the federal judiciary, ethics advisory opinions issued by the Judicial Conference Committee on Codes of Conduct, and historic practice. So what is new, then, is that the old rules are now binding on the justices?

No! Because of course the new/old rules are not precisely binding on the justices. Thats because the old rules, like the new ones, lack any sort of enforcement mechanism. So if the old rules were advisory principles, to which the old justices could look for guidance in deciding whether or not to adhere to them, so too the new rules, which are binding, will mainly serve as guidance to which the justices may newly look for guidance. Or, as the Associated Press plainly put it: The code leaves compliance to the justices themselves and does not create any other means of enforcement.

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The most interesting question answered by the promulgation of the new/old rules, therefore, is who it was that was confused about the old rules to such an extent that they needed to be laid down. And as the court notes in its statement regarding the code of conduct:

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The absence of a Code, however, has led in recent years to the misunderstanding that the Justices of this Court, unlike all other jurists in this country, regard themselves as unrestricted by any ethics rules. To dispel this misunderstanding, we are issuing this Code, which largely represents a codification of principles that we have long regarded as governing our conduct.

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In other words, it is not the justices who have misunderstood the various sources, canons, common law provisions, etc. when they failed to disclose gifts from donors with cases before the court, or when they attended Koch events that granted access to them for high-dollar donors, or even when they failed to recuse in cases in which they had an interest. The confusion, in reading the old rules, was evidently ours and ours alone. In order to dispel a public misunderstanding of the old rulesand why some members of the court declined to abide by themthe court is repromulgating virtually the same rules, which they themselves will enforce, but this time assuring us that we got it wrong the first time when we didnt think they alone should enforce them. Trust the same justices who declined to follow the old rules to better adhere to the new ones, they urge. This time they really will unilaterally and in secret make better choices. Then and only then will your confusion desist.

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Because there is no mechanism by which rule-breaking can be investigated, or adjudicated, the new code serves largely as what one can only describe as a compendium of old whines in new bottles. Come for the whining about bodily attacks on jurists, stay for the whining about how they need book revenue. If all of this material sounds extremely familiar, thats because the substance of it is all stuff other judges have been doing for years, as the justices have continued to explain on repeat why they can only try to be bound by as much of it as they choose.

Related From Slate Clarence Thomas Latest Pay-to-Play Scandal Finally Connects All the Dots Read More

The new code further commits to uphold the integrity and independence of the judiciary and to avoid impropriety and the appearance of impropriety in all activities. This is of course the lodestar of the old rules and of an April statement in which the justices collected all these old rules as part of an old, new pledge toreaffirm and restate their commitment to said rules. Surely yet to come will be the graphic novel version of the old rules, the Netflix version, and the collectors edition action figurines, each of which will affirm that the rulesonce confusing to the public but always crystal clear to the justicesare now crystal clear to everyone, even if still left entirely to the justices discretion to enforce on their own, without oversight or actual enforcement powers.

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Whats also clear from the new/old rules: The appearance of impropriety, a test that has to do with how we the public define impropriety, is also being, once again, left entirely to the court to determine and uphold. In the event that a future justice fails to, say, repay a loan on a recreational vehicle, or says that he took an open seat on a private jet because nobody was using it, we can all rest assured that the impropriety therein is our own. And the tone throughoutthe patient parental explanation that this is our stupidity in forcing this issueis deeply worrisome coming from a chief justice who refused to testify on these very matters last spring and a justice who has said in a newspaper interview that Congress has absolutely no role to play in regulating the court.

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Finally, there are lots of places in the new/old code where you will find sections that appear to have been reverse-engineered to paper over the misconduct that we have learned of this year with caveats about knowingly and now in effect. Old failures to disclose? Bygones. There is a lengthy explanation of why the need to have nine justices on most cases, the rule of necessity, will trump the need for an individual recusal. There is language that attempts to clean up judicial participation at political events and Federalist Society dinners, use of staff for judicial book sales, and some financial disclosure loopholes, but the tell, again, is that on these matters, the justices believe the confusion has been yours; they have been perfectly consistent all along.

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If there is a lesson, still, to be learned from the ethical revelations of the past year, and the ethics industrial complex that journalism has erected to continue to mine the infractions, it is that newsgathering mattersthat when the justices are left to their own ethical devices, misconduct happens, it goes ignored by the other justices, and it becomes weaponized by wealthy entities seeking to alter outcomes in cases, such that an entire infrastructure of corruption goes undetected for years. Being granted a peek into the tent in which judicial monarchists nod sagely and pinkie swear they are still adhering to the rules they ignored does little to assuage a public that still wants to know how Leonard Leo seated three justices and made a ton of bank on a project predicated in ignoring ethical rules.

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On Monday, after immense pressure from the public, journalists, good-government groups, and Congress, the courts answer seems to chiefly be that this is annoying. And that if they explain again that they are following the old rules, we can all go back to the days of undisclosed luxury salmon fishing and big donor meet-and-greets at the Supreme Court historical society and Koch junkets. This entire document reads like a great big its not me, its you to a public that continues to understand that we the public are not, in fact, the primary ethics failing of the Supreme Court.

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Props to the justices for signing onto a thing, even if its an old thing recast as a new thing, principally drafted with the intention of instructing us that they still cant be made to do anything. It was probably difficult to get some of the courts present membership to concede even that the public is hopelessly confused and needs a tune-up. My guess is that this unenforceable new set of old rules will mollify close to nobody. But insofar as its phrased to imply, perhaps for the first time since this ethics mess began, that the court is aware of public opinion, its a tiptoe in the right direction. Maybe the fact that the court is finally willing to admit that theres a problemeven while insisting its the public with the problemsignals that this is a conversation and not a sermon from the mount. And maybe thats the best start we can hope for.
Small business grants can be especially useful when it comes to making major improvements, like commercial building upgrades. Luckily, several communities recently launched small business grant programs to cover facade improvements and physical upgrades. Read about these grant programs and more in the list below.

North Sacramento Facade and Property Improvement and Transformative Reinvestment Grant Programs

Sacramento, California is opening a new round of grant funding to support small businesses and nonprofit organizations in North Sacramento. The city is offering a total of $3.5 million through two grant programs. The first is the North Sacramento Facade and Property Improvement Grant Program, which offers between $5,000 and $30,000 for exterior enhancements to businesses along Marysville Boulevard or Del Paso Boulevard. The second program is the North Sacramento Transformative Reinvestment Grant Program, which offers funding to businesses within District 2 boundaries to help create and retain jobs or expand. December 5 is the deadline to apply for both programs.

Sell Your Business Drive Traffic to Your Website Discover the Zoho Ecosystem Advertise Your Business Here

Vermont Small Business Technical Assistance Exchange Grant Program

Vermont is dedicating $1.25 million to its Small Business Technical Assistance Exchange grant program. The program aims to support 183 small business projects around the state, prioritizing businesses owned by women, veterans, BIPOC, formerly incarcerated people, people with disabilities, rural residents, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and residents aged 25 and younger or 55 and older. Through the program, businesses can request up to $4,000 for a projects that meet the programs requirements. Eligible projects may include anything from website development to legal services. To qualify, businesses must be operational in Vermont for at least 12 months from the date of application submission. Businesses must also have annual revenues between $5,000 and $5 million and fewer than 50 employees. The online application portal is available now.

Pittsfield Glow Up! Business Improvement Grant Program

The Pittsfield Glow Up! Business Improvement Grant Program is now accepting applications from eligible businesses in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. The Pittsfield Economic Revitalization Corporation and Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. are partnering to facilitate the program, using funds from the America Rescue Plan Act. Busnesses can use funds to cover various physical improvements like painting, lighting, or accessibility upgrades. Businesses not selected during the first funding round can still apply for funding during the second round. December 31 is the deadline to apply.

Braintree Small Business Grants

Braintree, Massachusetts is allocating $300,000 in pandemic relief funds to a new small business grant program. Eligible small businesses can apply for grants of up to $5,000 to help ehance their infrastructure, streamline operations, or bolster digital capabilities. There are a wide range of eligible projects, from storefront enhancementsto hiring professional consultants.

Integro Bank Foundation Grant Program Donation Page

Phoenix-based Integro Bank recently announced the launch of the online donation landing page for its foundation. This new online donation system will allow the Integro Bank Foundation to offer grants that support businesses and nonprofit organizations in the community. The foundation also plans to offer advisory services to small businesses and startups using this funding.

Small Business Deals

The Ozarks Small Business Incubator Grant Writing 101

The Ozarks Small Business Incubator is holding a workshop this month to help local entrepreneurs secure grant funding. The workshop, called Grant Writing 101: How to Write a Winning Proposal, will take place on November 30 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The workshop will go over the fundamental principles of grant writing and how to find potential funding sources. Interested entrepreneurs can sign up for the program online now.
A site of Baden culture has been added to the country.

The abandoned quarry above Hajnacka in the Rimavska Sobota district has revealed another secret. (Source: Marcela Ballova)

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The abandoned quarry above Hajnacka in the Rimavska Sobota district, which was also famous as a site for sapphires in basalt, has revealed another secret.

A few days ago, Ladislav Oravec, an amateur mineralogist who comes here to look for gems, was attracted by a number of shards and one object in particular, writes My Novohrad.

"I thought I'd try to find a new deposit of sapphires near the quarry. During the inspection of the terrain, I was particularly interested in the shards," Oravec said.

He works with the Dornyay Bela Museum in Salgotarjan, Hungary, and have participated in archaeological research several times.

"I knew it would be something really old," he added.

A helping hand in the heart of Europe offers for you Slovakia travel guide.

Oravec soon contacted Alexander Botos, an archaeologist from the Gemersko-Malohontske Museum in Rimavska Sobota. He conducted a field survey on Thursday, November 9.

Jozef Stankoviansky, a historian and publicist, who is currently the director of the archaeological museum in Horna Lehota, Brezno district, was also interested in the location from an archaeological and mineralogical point of view.

Interesting archaeological site
President Zuzana Caputova stresses the importance of media.

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The media are part of the blood circulation of democracy and their limitation would result in her dying, said President Zuzana Caputova in response to Prime Minister Robert Fico's intention of checking the credentials of the so-called "hostile media" upon entering the Government Office.

According to Fico, TV Markiza, the dailies Dennik N and Sme, as well as the news website Aktuality are "hostile media".

Fico attacked media before election

Fico added that the media will be seen as unwanted guests at the Office until the decision is made. At the beginning of October, he talked about his wish of conducting friendly relations with the media.

I am in favour of normal, working and pleasant relations [with the media] in the future," Fico told journalists at the first press conference after the parliamentary election.

Before the election, Smer, as well as several other political parties, regularly attacked the media and journalists. However, the biggest disseminators of attacks on journalists and the media were Fico and other members of the now ruling Smer party, an analysis by the Jan Kuciak Investigative Journalism Centre showed in October.

The president reminded Fico that criticism of politicians is also part of the media's work.

"For us, the politicians, this can be naturally uncomfortable. But the importance of the media goes beyond our discomfort and is irreplaceable for democracy," emphasised the head of state.

Reporters Without Borders will watch government

The Reporters Without Borders organisation intends to ensure that Slovakia complies with its international obligations in press freedom and the rule of law after the new government taking office, the TASR news agency wrote.

In its government programme, which the parliament began to discuss on Tuesday afternoon, the government committed itself to creating conditions for the equal functioning of all media as well as prevent unauthorised interference with the freedom of the press and the right to disseminate information. The government claims that it wants to protect freedom of speech, including on social networks. It expects the public media to provide independent and objective journalism.

RTVS, the Slovak public broadcaster, will be divided again into Slovak Television and Slovak Radio, but the government programme also allows for another solution that would "strengthen RTVS' public status".

Slovakia is currently in 17th place among 180 countries in the RSF World Press Freedom Index.
Today, it's Ryanair that operates regular flights to Dalaman, Turkey.

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From next year, holidaymakers will be able to fly to Antalya, a popular Turkish resort on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, on a regular route.

The Turkish airline Pegagus Airlines will operate flights from Bratislava from May 18 to October 26.

The flights will operate twice a week, on Wednesday and Thursday. The flight to Antalya takes three and a half hours.

During this year's summer season, Antalya was the most popular holiday destination for tourists from Slovakia as part of charter flights for travel agencies.

The regular flight from Bratislava to Dalaman in Turkey is currently provided year-round by Ryanair.
Dear fellow Elder Millennials, are you ready to feel old? Like, old old? Give Up turns 20 this year.

Thats right, The Postal Services seminal 2003 album that got you through all those high school and/or college breakups, the album that taught you that twee electronicism in music could be sadand actually really good?hits the two decade threshold this year. And to make matters worse, Transatlanticism, the magnum opus for frontman Ben Gibbards other/main band Death Cab For Cutie is 20 now too.

The Weight of Time is often too much to bear and so one must turn to drowning their sorrows. But seeing how these two iconic albums are not yet of drinking age, the next best possible consumable is of course coffee. Luckily, there are brews for just such an occasion. Bellingham, Washingtons Camber Coffee has once again teamed up with Death Caband for the first time with The Postal Serviceto create custom coffees to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Give Up and Transatlanticism.

As with the previous Death Cab collaboration, these two were orchestrated by Ryan Russell, a Marketing Specialist at Camber who prior to coming into coffee spent time as a band photographer; Russell began working with Death Cab back in 2006 and has continued to do so in a coffee context.

For this dual collab, both coffees were personally tasted and approved by the band(s). The more straight forward of the two is The Postal Services single origin Ethiopia Riripa, a washed heirloom variety coffee grown between 1,900 and 2,200 MASL in the Sidama region, having flavors of pineapple, orange zest, and honeydew. Death Cab, on the other hand, opted to go with a blend this time around. A mix of washed and natural processed coffees from Guatemala Sierra Las Minas, Honduras, Capucas, and the Guji Zone in Ethiopia combine for sweet notes of dark chocolate, plum, and molasses, with a full, honey-like body.

When approaching how each coffee would taste, I took into account a few of the preferences I knew about the band members and sent out some of our favorite coffees during the tour for everyone to brew together, Russell tells Sprudge. Death Cab landed on a sweet and chocolatey blend of coffees from Latin America. The Postal Service went with a singingly bright and tropical Ethiopia.

Currently on pre-order, both coffees are available exclusively via each bands website, with 12oz whole-bean bags retailing for $27. Orders are expected to begin shipping out later this month.

And as is Sprudge tradition for music and coffee collaborations, please enjoy these reimaginings of coffee-themed song names from The Postal Services Give Up and Death Cab for Cuties Transatlanticism.

D(e)C(af) Sleeps Alone Tonight

Such Great Elevation

Recycled Convention Center Air

Natural (Processed) Anthem

Transatlanticism (of the coffee supply chain)

SCA Expo 86

Lightness of Roast

Tiny Vessels for Espresso

We Looked Like Maragogipe
Here are the finalists for the Sprudge Design Awards Outstanding Design Achievement, Print Materials category. This award honors outstanding design pertaining to print materials. Printed menus, posters, one-sheets, handbooks, zines, magazines, flyers, and other forms of printed material are eligible for consideration.

Cat & Cloud Outstanding Design Achievement  Print Materials Finalist At Cat & Cloud we have a mission to inspire connection, by creating memorable experiences. This is something we seek to do with our guests every day, however it is a mission that applies internally as well. We seek to create a company where our team members or inspired to grow and learn new things, ultimately leaving them in a better place. This is why we take pride in the physical things we create. Things like our company handbook, and our new training tool, the Cat & Cloud Passport. Both of these beautifully outline all the things a Team Member needs to know to get started and grow at Cat & Cloud. The intention behind them is for the experience to be one that is simple, and easy to understand. While also feeling beautiful and fun. This is also the intention behind the other tools we create. Be it a sell sheet for our wholesale department, or a shelf talker in our cafes. These should all be simple items that inform the people reading them with just what they need to know. We are honored when anyone gives us some of their time, so we want to respect that opportunity, while also having some fun alone the way. One of the values we have at Cat & Cloud is artistry, where we believe all the work we do has the chance to be a piece of art, be it pouring a latte, plating food, or even just a humble handbook. Visit the official Cat & Cloud website.

Vote for Cat & Cloud here.

La Marzocco Outstanding Design Achievement  Print Materials Finalist Over the last 20 years, La Marzocco has dedicated its holiday present to celebrating the culture of coffee around the world through a coffee table book. In 2022 to celebrate the opening of Accademia del Caffe Espresso, La Marzocco focused the lens on coffee growing origins, roasting, and the coffee drinker. Creative direction by Chris Salierno, photography by Andres Pardo Gomez, Giancarlo Barzagli, and Michele Campagni. Visit the official La Marzocco website.

Vote for La Marzocco here.

Parlor Coffee Outstanding Design Achievement  Print Materials Finalist Parchment is a publication produced by Parlor Coffee highlighting the world behind your cup of coffee. Its formatted like a newspaper, complete with articles, interviews, and photographs that shed light on the human stories behind the coffees we source and roast. Parchment Volume 003, published in October 2023, takes us to the Santa Barbara mountain in the company of our exporting partners at Beneficio San Vicente. For three generations, the Paz family has championed smallholder farmers in the region; their story, told through interviews with Fidel Paz and Benjamin Paz and an essay by Dillon Edwards, reminds us of both the challenges and the hope for specialty coffee in Honduras. The Parchment Volume 003 broadsheet is available to order as part of our Santa Barbara Set. Producer info cards with portraits by Rich Gilligan accompany each coffee. Volume 003 has been redesigned to rest neatly within our two- or four-pack shipping boxes for an elegant presentation alongside our eight-ounce retail boxes. Direction and editing by Dillon Edwards, AJ Walzer, Stephanie Dana, and Daniel Levin-Becker. Photography by Rich Gilligan. Design and illustrations by Franklyn. URL: https://parlorcoffee.com/pages/parchment Visit the official Parlor Coffee website.

Vote for Parlor Coffee here.

Royal Coffee Outstanding Design Achievement  Print Materials Finalist The coffee family tree gets a major overhaul in Royal Coffees new and improved genetic map of Arabicas most famous global cultivars in a newly released infographic entitled World History and Geography of Arabica Cultivars. Take a tour through time and space in coffee plant types, in a new detailed infographic developed by Chris Kornman, author of Green Coffee: A Guide for Roasters and Buyers and the Director of Education for The Crown: Royal Coffees Lab & Tasting Room in Oakland, California. For the first time, coffees genetic evolution can be contextualized visually using both historical reference points and geographical data meticulously researched and cited in a companion article, also published on the Royal Coffee website. The story of Arabicas journey from Ethiopia to where its grown today is far more complex than one infographic or essay can convey, said Kornman. But I hope this new World History of Arabica Coffee Cultivars can create traceable histories and geographies for the worlds most common variety groups. Project URL: https://royalcoffee.com/world-history-geography-of-arabica-coffee-cultivars/ Visit the official Royal Coffee website.

Vote for Royal Coffee here.
Nintendo announced that the company will be streaming its Indie World Showcase on November 14 on the company's YouTube channel.

Read Also: 5 Mario Kart 8 Tips to Improve Your Gaming Experience

Nintendo Indie World Showcase Details

In an X post, Nintendo revealed that the showcase will only last about 20 minutes but it will be full of new announcements. Moreover, the company will also provide updates on the upcoming indie games for Nintendo Switch.

 A new #IndieWorld Showcase is airing tomorrow, 14/11 at 18:00 CET! Tune in for roughly 20 minutes of new announcements and updates on indie games coming to #NintendoSwitch.



Watch here: https://t.co/mPwg9Eb5HF pic.twitter.com/miAW8zOeGI  Nintendo of Europe (@NintendoEurope) November 13, 2023

During the last Indie World back in April, the company welcomed Oxenfree II: Lost Signals, Blasphemous 2, Teslagrad 2, Rift of the NecroDancer, and Shadows Over Loathing. Do note that the showcase is different from Nintendo Direct presentations as it gives more emphasis on huge first-party and third-party games.

Last September, the Direct broadcast announced Mario vs. Donkey Kong, Super Mario RPG, F-Zero 99, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, and Another Code: Recollection. While the company did not give any hint, fans will only have to wait a couple of hours before the big reveal.

Nintendo and Indie Games

Although Nintendo is primarily known for its big game titles and franchises, the company is not one to shy away from supporting indie game developers. With the release of the Switch, the company proved its kindness by making it a popular choice for indie game releases.

Aside from that the company has been extending support to indie game developers and small studios by giving them development kits, assistance, and promotional opportunities. The Nintendo eShop, which serves as the distribution service for Switch, has a dedicated section for indie games. This gives the small developers a chance to be discovered by gamers.

Upon the official announcement, fans can expect to see trailers, gameplay footage, and additional news about the indie games that will be featured during the presentation.

Related Article: Nintendo Reveals Live-Action 'Zelda' Film is in Development
Here are the finalists for the Sprudge Design Awards Outstanding Design Achievement, Vessels category. This award honors outstanding design of mugs, travel tumblers, demitasse, or any form of vessel out of which coffee can be served. Vessels must be available for purchase, used in a cafe, or otherwise offered for public use.

Just Go Coffee

Outstanding Design Achievement  Vessels Finalist

Asymmetry cups aim to elevate your sensory experience and are perfect for coffee, tea, and wine tasting. The designer, Shih Ru Wang, has been working on this project for years and first presented Asymmetry cups to the public when she competed in the 2023 World Brewers Cup. She secured 1st place in the preliminary round, and the new design successfully captured significant attention. To date, over 3000 cups have been sold worldwide through pre-orders.

In terms of appearance, this tasting cup features two different types of rim angles: an open mouth and a narrow mouth. The open mouth allows the liquid to first contact the sides of your tongue, enhancing the liveliness of acidity. On the other hand, the narrow mouth allows the liquid to pass through your tongue entirely, providing a longer-lasting sensation. You may also notice that the upward-open and downward-narrow shape of the cup can better fit your nose, allowing you to perceive the aroma more effectively.

Regarding the cups internal design, you will find internal ripples that can activate the aroma and flavor when you swirl the cup. Therefore, its recommended to swirl the cup every time before you take a sip. Through Asymmetry cups, you are in for a truly remarkable sensory experience.

URL: https://www.coffee.justgotw.com/products/%E3%80%90asymmetry-cups%E3%80%91

Visit the official Just Go Coffee website.

Vote for Just Go Coffee here.

Three Marks Coffee Roasters

Outstanding Design Achievement  Vessels Finalist

How a cup might enhances the experience of a specialty coffee?

A handle interrupts the space between coffee and drinker. The Marks 185 Cup boasts an ample grip that not only provides a tactile experience but also beckons you to savor the coffee even before taking a sip. The unique design, with varying wall thicknessesstraight on the exterior and curved on the interiornecessitated a specialized manufacturing process involving rotational molds and meticulously optimized firing temperatures.

URL: https://www.retoschneller.com/#section_marks

Visit the official Three Marks Coffee Roasters website.

Vote for Three Marks Coffee Roasters here.

Created Co.

Outstanding Design Achievement  Vessels Finalist

When the Specialty Coffee Expo announced a Portland show for 2023, Created Co. approached me, as they were interested in featuring a Portland Coffee Designer to create artwork for this event being held in the coffee mecca of the USA. As a Portlander, I have found visual representations of the Rose City can be predictable and overplayed  therefore, I had a personal goal to illustrate the personality of Portland in a fun and delightful way, calling out the PNW-vibes of urban foraging, roses, drizzle, cosiness, and of course coffee. Created Co. kindly offered me full creative freedom, so I selected my favorite Desert Tan tumbler color as a base, then selected a 1970s color palette and vintage illustration style as a personal expression of myself as an artist.  Liz Chai

URL: https://created.co/products/artist-collaboration-tumbler-with-elizabeth-chai

Visit the official Created Co. website.

Vote for Created Co. here.

notNeutral

Outstanding Design Achievement  Vessels Finalist

Pico by notNeutral

Pico is the newest line of ceramic drinkware designed by notNeutral. We named the collection after Pico Boulevard, the iconic thoroughfare from the Pacific Ocean to Main Street in downtown Los Angeles, which unites many of the citys most culturally diverse neighborhoods.

We drew from our teams diverse expertise in handmade ceramics, specialty coffee, and design technology to create a collection that looks striking on the table and performs beautifully in a professional coffee setting. Our team took great care considering many rounds of prototypes, materials, and glaze techniques, incorporating feedback from our local barista community before arriving at our final design.

Our empathetic approach to design centers on understanding how a product is used to ensure positive interaction between the user and object we create. When we design cafeware, we consider the experience of the barista and drinker alike. Our signature flat-topped handle offers an ergonomic grip, the glazed lip makes for a comfortable sip, and the tulip-shaped bowls keep beverage temperatures stable. The cups curved interiors are ideally shaped for pouring latte art, and the saucers rim is slightly upturned to lift effortlessly off the table. The spoon fits carefully into the saucer and rests intuitively in hand.

Visit the official notNeutral website.

Vote for notNeutral here.

Mr. Espresso

Outstanding Design Achievement  Vessels Finalist

Prior to the May opening, ceramic artist Nadia Elgan designed and created one-of-a-kind pieces for The Caffe by Mr. Espresso, mirroring the ethos of The Caffe  honoring Italian old-world coffee tradition in a decidedly contemporary space with a sleek Bay Area look. The artist used locally sourced clay with sand from California beaches to truly highlight the beauty of the landscape in each vessel.

The interior of each vessel features an egg-shaped bottom for polished and easy pouring, while the base of the pieces are made thicker to keep the coffee warm until the last sip.

The juicy orange glaze gives a perfect pop of color that ties it all together.

The artist designed and created 5 cups, a saucer and a pastry plate. Cups sizes are: 2-oz, 3-oz, 5-oz, 8-oz, and 12-oz.

The 2-oz, 5-oz and 8-oz cups were fully glazed, designed with a handle and multi-use saucer.

The 3-oz and 12-oz cups were designed without a handle and left unglazed on the exterior.

The end result for use in The Caffe, as well as for individual purchase, is a line of vessels, that blend both function and design  marrying Italian traditional aesthetics with a kiss of California flare.

URL: https://www.thecaffeoak.com

Visit the official Mr. Espresso website.

Vote for Mr. Espresso here.
Here are the finalists for the Sprudge Design Awards Outstanding Packaging, Ready-To-Drink category. This award honors outstanding design in the field of ready-to-drink coffee/coffee-adjacent products, including canned and bottled cold brew, teas, coffee beer. Considerations include original label art, descriptive text, and physical presentation.

Equator Coffees

Outstanding Packaging  Ready To Drink Finalist

Our Organic Cold Brew Coffee bottle stands out as a true embodiment of innovative and eye-catching design. Heres why it deserves the Best Design  Read to Drink Coffee award:

1. Glass Bottle Elegance: Our product comes in a sleek and environmentally-friendly glass bottle. Its elegant and premium appearance enhances the RTD coffee-drinking experience.

2. Transparent Label: Through thoughtful design, weve integrated a transparent window around the label, allowing customers to see the product inside. This not only adds to the visual appeal but also builds trust, as customers can appreciate the premium quality of our organic cold brew and real dairy used to make Equator RTD taste incredible.

3. Clear and Approachable Communication Hierarchy: The label employs a clear communication hierarchy that prioritizes essential information. Branding, flavor, Cold Brew and Organic are all prominently displayed, ensuring that consumers can quickly grasp the products unique selling points.

4. Flavor Presentation: Each flavor variant of our cold brew is visually distinctive on the label, utilizing colors and clear naming conventions which aids consumers in quickly identifying the flavors they desire.

5. Iconic Tiger Logo and Bold use of Red: Equators iconic tiger logo and traditional red color graces the front of the bottle, instantly catching the eye with its bold and memorable presence. The tiger symbolizes strength and grace, connecting the consumer to the core of our brand.

6. Organic Certification: The label proudly communicates our commitment to Organic, Fair Trade and giving back via 1% for the Planet. In a world where health and sustainability are paramount, this information is an essential selling point that distinguishes our brand in the market.

Our Organic Cold Brew Coffee bottle represents the perfect fusion of form and function, a standout in the crowded market of ready-to-drink coffee. Its glass bottle, iconic tiger logo, transparent label, and clear communication hierarchy come together to offer an exceptional coffee-drinking experience. We believe this design is not just visually appealing but also drives customer engagement and loyalty. We humbly submit our entry for the Best Design  Read to Drink Coffee award, as a testament to our commitment to excellence in design and product presentation.

Visit the official Equator Cold Brew website.

Vote for Equator Cold Brew here.

Ritual Coffee Roasters

Outstanding Packaging  Ready To Drink Finalist

Not just for summertime, its for anytime.

Cold brew aficionados and busy people whove got sh*t to do can now recharge on-the-go with an artful can of Rituals refreshing single-origin black coffees or a smooth oat milk latte. And we dont sacrifice quality for convenience  each batch is brewed with one of our very favorite coffees, sourced from coffee farmers we personally know around the world. We flash-brew our coffee using hot water to extract the full complexity of flavor and then chill it down immediately to lock in the nuances and beautiful aromatics. We worked with Aimee Kilmer at Good Stuff Partners and local artist Galine Tumasova to design the beautiful artwork on the cans. The artwork on each can celebrates a San Francisco neighborhood beloved to Ritual. Each features elements that are recognizable to anyone who has visited that neighborhood, and other pieces are delightful little Easter eggs that you really have to know the neighborhood well to identify.

URL: https://ritualcoffee.com/serve/canned-coffee/

Visit the official Ritual Coffee Roasters website.

Vote for Ritual Coffee Roasters here.

Onyx Coffee Lab

Outstanding Packaging  Ready To Drink Finalist

This year we released Extractions, premium coffee concentrates that provide specialty coffee in an infallible, shelf-stable, ready-to-use liquid form, creating a new intersection of convenience and quality in the specialty coffee industry. Extractions is the first specialty grade premium coffee extract that shows true flavor profiles and showcases the terroir of different producers and farms from around the globe. With Extractions, were not just offering a convenient coffee solution  were offering the full journey of flavor that people have come to expect from Onyx coffee.

We wanted the design and packaging for this product to highlight the coffee and honor a desire for both excellence and ease of use. A transparent glass bottle featuring familiar Onyx type and marks, this product truly feels at home in the Onyx lineup while also allowing the extractions to truly be the showcase.

URL: https://onyxcoffeelab.com/products/southern-weather-extractions?variant=40402130567266

Visit the official Onyx Coffee Lab website.

Vote for Onyx Coffee Lab here.

Caffe Luxxe

Outstanding Packaging  Ready To Drink Finalist

Caffe Luxxe Cold Brew Bottle Concentrate  Product Launch 2023

Good Brew Comes to Those Who Wait. With the success of Caffe Luxxe Cold Brew ready to drink, a market demand became apparent for a concentrated version for home consumption and cocktail mixology in a stronger format.

Create an emotional sense of fun, light-heartedness, and a sunny disposition that conforms to the Caffe Luxxe brand identity.

Bring together a design approach that captures the colors, the story, and the energy of Caffe Luxxes Italian lifestyle inspiration.

Create a package thats presents itself comfortably as part of a bartenders kit.

Caffe Luxxe Cold Brew Concentrate is a line extension of the classic Caffe Luxxe Cold Brew ready to drink. Featuring the popular Caffe Luxxe Montenero Blend steeped for 22 hours and retained in a highly concentrated format to allow consumers to dilute it to their own taste preference and also be used for making cold brew cocktails.

Visit the official Caffe Luxxe website.

Vote for Caffe Luxxe here.

Nguyen Coffee Supply

Outstanding Packaging  Ready To Drink Finalist

Nguyen Coffee Supply launched three flavors of their new Ready-To-Drink (RTD) cold brews into national retail at the beginning of 2023. The sleek design of the can matches the standard company branding with its royal blue coloring and font styles; however, it prominently reads Nguyen larger and vertically across the can highlighting the name for retail placement as well as bringing attention to the companys pride in its Vietnamese origins. During the design study stage, the company noticed that most RTD coffees on shelf read horizontally with horizontal flavor bands; when zooming out it was easy for the shelf to look like a sea of bands. This was a key factor for designing with a vertical logo  to break up the sea of horizontal bands and stand out on the shelf visually.

Each flavor has a unique color band which also runs vertically to elongate the can and stand out on shelf: the original flavor of Classic Black flaunts the companys original Truegrit blue (100% Robusta coffee beans), leaning into the companys mission to elevate the robusta coffee experience. The Coconut SKUs brown matches the outer shell of a coconut (as photographed in the attached marketing shots), and the Condensed Milk SKU is a vibrant teal, a less common color palette currently found on shelf to denote the innovation behind our Condensed Milk flavor. The three flavors together create a bold and progressive color palette when the cold brews are sold in a variety pack or merchandised together on shelf.

Once the vertical design draws a customer in, at the very top of the can laid out in a horizontal format are the words Vietnamese Coffee to immediately identify the product. The eyes will then drift over to the flavor band and description.

The decision to utilize a tall and slim can was inspired by the energy drinks set, and to show the power of robusta coffee within a smaller format. Through our innovation of 100% robusta cold brew (non existent on the market prior to our launch), robusta offers 2x the amount of caffeine than arabica beans, offering a boost of clean, natural energy. All 3 RTDs are low to no sugar, helping consumers reimagine the Vietnamese coffee experience in a clean format without the jitters or sugar crash.

The minimalist design mirrors the minimal ingredients in the RTDs, similar to other products offered in natural grocery stores including national distribution with the Whole Foods Market. Earlier this Fall, Nguyen Coffee Supply announced that their RTDs are now available in every state that has a Whole Foods Market.

On the back of the can is a short message from the founder and a QR code for consumers to learn more, connecting the retail ready product back to the companys e-commerce roots. Alongside the message is a pronunciation key for Nguyen. This level of intentional design ties the product experience back to the companys original mission to educate people about diverse cultures, expand the conversation and bridge communities.

URL: https://nguyencoffeesupply.com/products/cold-brew-variety-pack?variant=43510430433538

Visit the official Nguyen Coffee Supply website.

Vote for Nguyen Coffee Supply here.

Parlor Coffee

Outstanding Packaging  Ready To Drink Finalist

Parlor Cold Brew on Tap is seasonally sourced, expertly roasted, precisely brewed, and boxed up to take wherever you may need a pick-me-up. This delicious, refreshing cold brew boasts rich chocolate tones balanced by delicate vanilla and melon top notes. Simply pour from the integrated tap nozzle over ice and enjoy.

Originally developed for New York Citys busiest and most discerning cafes, Parlor Cold Brew is sourced and roasted by our team with the same standards as any of our whole-bean offerings, then brewed and packaged with the utmost precision. Consider this simple to use, multi-serving tap box your one-stop (coffee) shop: a convenient, shelf-stable cold brew option for the quality-conscious.

Each 96-ounce tap box is designed with a handle on top for transport and a simple punch-out design on the front to access the tap nozzle once youre ready to serve. Once youve emptied your tap box, separate the inner bag from the outer cardboard, which can be recycled with your other cardboard materials. The inner bag is #4 LDPE and the spouts are #2 HDPE.

96 fl.oz. (2840 ml). 12 eight-ounce servings per container.

URL: https://parlorcoffee.com/products/cold-brew-on-tap

Visit the official Parlor Coffee website.

Vote for Parlor Coffee here.
Here are the finalists for the Sprudge Design Awards Outstanding Packaging, Whole Bean / Loose Leaf category. This award honors outstanding design in the field of whole-bean coffee and loose-leaf tea. Considerations include original label art, descriptive text, and physical presentation.

Civil Coffee

Outstanding Packaging  Whole Bean / Loose Leaf Finalist

The Civil Experience: Calidad

Experience begins the moment you hold our packaging, which proudly echoes calidad  a Spanish term embodying quality.

Crafted from eco-friendly, recyclable fiber, our box boasts an innovative sealing system that elegantly unveils its treasures. The understated yet impactful Civil Roasters logo is meticulously embossed/debossed, capturing attention with its gold foiled accents. A dynamic colorful labeling system graces the exterior, detailing the origin/blend, intricate flavor profiles, and a trove of coffee knowledge, perfect for the discerning enthusiast.

Every surface of our packaging is meticulously conceptualized, mirroring the core values of Civil. As consumers tear the top, theyre greeted by the vibrant Civil rojo hue, complemented by heartfelt community messages in shimmering gold foil. This journey culminates with a pristine white kraft bag, crowned with a gold foil Calidad diamond emblem  a testament to equilibrium, audacity, and unparalleled quality

Brew Civil, take a sip y Tomatelo Suave

Visit the official Civil Coffee website.

Vote for Civil Coffee here.

Five Senses Coffee

Outstanding Packaging  Whole Bean / Loose Leaf Finalist

In collaboration with our Western Australia-based design agency, Juicebox, each single-origin release is brought to life with its own bespoke label artwork. We provide detailed sensory & origin notes, and they do their magic. Just like the coffee itself, each label represents the beautiful flavours and diverse culture behind them. Our bags are soft-plastic recyclable and certified carbon neutral.

Visit the official Five Senses Coffee website.

Vote for Five Senses Coffee here.

Daydrink

Outstanding Packaging  Whole Bean / Loose Leaf Finalist

The jars are heavily inspired by the free spirited mentality of the 60s and 70s. Our intention was to create a fun, nostalgic, and light aesthetic with an infusion of minimalist sensibilities. We use our logomark to build the repeating pattern on the front of the packaging and use a varying color palette inspired tonally by the 70s, but also the by flavor of amazing coffee in the jar. Most importantly we wanted to create something sustainable that people felt like they could connect with on a deeper level and functionally use after the coffee is gone.

Visit the official Daydrink website.

Vote for Daydrink here.

Olympia Coffee Roasting Company

Outstanding Packaging  Whole Bean / Loose Leaf Finalist

A trusted name in specialty coffee since 2005, Olympia Coffee Roasting decided this past year to try something new with our packaging. Made in collaboration with Siegenthaler & Co. in Colombia, our 2023 packaging update engages with our most deeply-held values: connecting quality of coffee to quality of life for all our farmers and staff, all the way from seed to cup. Printed on plant-based, renewable materials and featuring a wrap-around design and unique colorways for each of our evergreen coffees, this brand refresh is designed to foster connection and create joy with every bag.



URL: https://www.olympiacoffee.com

Visit the official Olympia Coffee Roasting Company website.

Vote for Olympia Coffee Roasting Company here.

Philocoffea

Outstanding Packaging  Whole Bean / Loose Leaf Finalist

Philocoffea is a coffee equipment brand founded by Tetsu Kasuya, who won the World Brewers Cup in 2016. The brand is known for its focus on simplicity and quality, reflecting Japanese humble mentality. Tetsu Kasuyas approach to coffee brewing emphasizes precision and attention to detail, and this philosophy is reflected in the design and functionality of Philocoffea products.

Japanese have the attitude of relentlessly pursuing only quality in a quiet and reserved manner. To reflect this, package doesnt use much colors and complex design but just simple design.

URL: https://en.philocoffea.com/collections/coffee/products/oo3-ethiopia-tomodachi-world-champion-series?variant=42714135036079

Visit the official Philocoffea website.

Vote for Philocoffea here.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20231113/georgia-police-deploy-tear-gas-to-disperse-demonstrators-protesting-cop-city-center-1114935094.html

Georgia Police Deploy Tear Gas to Disperse Demonstrators Protesting 'Cop City' Center

Georgia Police Deploy Tear Gas to Disperse Demonstrators Protesting 'Cop City' Center

Georgia police utilized tear gas to disperse a crowd of demonstrators seeking to block the construction of a new police and firefighter training facility near Atlanta, the DeKalb County Police Department said in a statement.

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"DeKalb County Police officers deployed tear gas canisters to disperse the protestors," DCPD said on Monday via the social media platform X, formerly Twitter. "No injuries have been reported and no arrests have been made as of noon." The demonstrators blocked traffic toward the site of the future Atlanta Public Safety Training Center, colloquially known as Cop City, as part of an unpermitted protest, the statement said. Protesters were informed they were obstructing the roadway and would not be permitted to continue their demonstration, the statement said. However, the protesters ignored police orders and attempted to force their way through a line of law enforcement officers, the statement added. The public safety training center has faced criticism from anti-police and environmental activists, who claim the facility could result in greater police militarization and damage the local environment.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230907/georgia-attorney-general-hits-61-cop-city-protesters-with-racketeering-charges-1113166061.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231113/us-reportedly-running-low-on-air-defense-systems-amid-heightened-mid-east-tensions-1114935259.html

US Reportedly Running Low on Air Defense Systems Amid Heightened Mid East Tensions

US Reportedly Running Low on Air Defense Systems Amid Heightened Mid East Tensions

The US military is running low on air defense systems after it deployed six more Patriot systems to the Middle East, a report said on Monday.

2023-11-13T23:36+0000

2023-11-13T23:36+0000

2023-11-13T23:35+0000

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The United States is reportedly running low on air defense systems as administration officials look to meet demands prompted by an increasingly hostile environment in the Middle East.A US media outlet reported that six additional MIM-104 Patriot systems were being deployed to the Middle East following a spree of missile attacks on American bases in Syria and Iraq. The new batteries are being sent to Bahrain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, the report notes.However, the redeployments have strained Washingtons stocks so much that the Pentagon decided to pull the system out of the Dubai Air Show, which began on Monday. The Pentagon had planned to display all three elements of the system.The Patriot missile system was deployed in Ukraine, with conflicting reports about its effectiveness. The Ukraine government claimed it successfully thwarted Russias hypersonic Kinzhal missiles, but Moscow dismissed that claim, saying the number Kiev claimed to shoot down exceeded the total number deployed.In May, it was reported a Patriot system was damaged after it failed to intercept an attack. US officials claimed the damage was minor, but Russia has since shown it is capable of striking deep into Ukrainian territory. In August, Russian missiles struck both Lvov and Lutsk in Eastern Ukraine, more than 400 miles from the front line.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230106/theyre-helping-a-lot-biden-praises-non-existent-patriot-systems-in-ukraine-1106086263.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231020/is-russias-kinzhal-missile-nuclear-capable-1114335350.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231114/camer-wrong-rehabilitated-former-uk-pm-is-psycopath-and-war-criminal-1114952058.html

Camer-Wrong: Rehabilitated Former UK PM is 'Psycopath and War Criminal'

Camer-Wrong: Rehabilitated Former UK PM is 'Psycopath and War Criminal'

Former British Prime minister David Cameron's return to frontline politics as foreign secretary was immediately controversial. Geopolitical analyst Ian Shilling said Cameron's legacy was one of corruption and war crimes.

2023-11-14T18:04+0000

2023-11-14T18:04+0000

2023-11-14T18:04+0000

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David Cameron is still unfit to hold office seven years after he resigned as British prime minister, says a political pundit.Current PM Rishi Sunak surprised the nation when he resurrected Cameron's failed career as part of his cabinet reshuffle on Monday, which began with the sacking of outspoken home secretary Suella Braverman. Cameron was made Foreign Secretary as James Cleverly moved to the Home Office.Cameron must now be granted a peerage in the House of Lords by King Charles III so he can qualify to serve as a minister. That prompted a protest from House of Commons speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle that Cameron would not be answerable to fellow MPs in the elected lower house of Parliament.Geopolitical analyst Ian Shilling told Sputnik that Cameron was "a disgusting, totally corrupt traitor, mass murdering, psychopath and war criminal." "This is the root cause of all these illegal immigrants crossing the channel into the UK and millions of people crossing into Italy from Libya and into France," he continued.The commentator said that, outside of the European Union, British foreign policy was a "laughing stock"  as was the US under President Joe Biden. In another blast from the British political past, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly considering his former British counterpart Tony Blair as his "humanitarian coordinator" for the besieged Palestinian enclave of the Gaza Strip  once the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have finished demolishing it in their latest attempt to destroy the Hamas movement.Blair embroiled the UK in former US president George W Bush's invasions and occupations of Afghanistan and Iraq.* ISIS (Islamic State) or Daesh is an international terrorist organisation banned in Russia and by United Nations Security Council resolutions.For more incisive analysis of the top news stories, tune in to our Sputnik Radio show The Backstory.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231113/dodgy-dave-cameron-made-foreign-secretary---but-with-what-global-legacy-1114918790.html

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david cameron appointed foreign secretary, rishi sunak cabinet reshuffle, tony blair israel humanitarian coordinator
https://sputnikglobe.com/20231114/campus-shutdowns-of-pro-palestine-protests-rooted-in-racism-says-activist-1114936444.html

Campus Shutdowns of Pro-Palestine Protests Rooted in Racism Says Activist

Campus Shutdowns of Pro-Palestine Protests Rooted in Racism Says Activist

On Friday, Columbia University announced that it was suspending two student organizations for holding pro-Palestine protests which they alleged included "threatening rhetoric and intimidation."

2023-11-14T03:05+0000

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The groups, Students for Justice in Palestine and Jewish Voice for Peace held events on campus that called for a ceasefire in Gaza and included the Palestinian slogan From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.The statement released by the University did not specify which rhetoric used during the event it considered threatening or what actions the protesters took that it considered to be intimidation.Sputniks Political Misfits sat down with Sonya Epstein, an organizer for Jewish Voice for Peace. Hosts John Kiriakou and Michelle Witte asked her about the suspension and what she believes are its true motives.Epstein said she believes the unauthorized event allegation is something that is selectively enforced by college administrators to combat views they do not like.She cited her own experience while at UMass Amherst, when the administration went out of its way to distance itself from a pro-Palestine event, even though the campus hosts hundreds of events not affiliated with the college.On the more serious accusation that the event included threatening rhetoric and intimidation, Epstein said she believes it was related to the slogans chanted at the events and written on signs.I think it is around from the river to the sea or even just saying free Palestine just anything. I think there has been an extreme focus on from the river to the sea which isnt necessarily new, Epstein explained. Weve seen this for years now, where people claim it is a call for all Jewish people in so-called Israel to be wiped out when there is really nothing saying that in any way.The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has been labeling Pro-Palestine protests as anti-Semitic activities, including those hosted or attended by the Jewish Voice for Peace. Epstein argued that this shows the organization is not actually focused on combating anti-semitism.Another protest is scheduled on the Columbia University campus on Tuesday, though it is not co-sponsored by the Students for Justice in Palestine or the Jewish Voice for Peace.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231107/israel-forced-to-consider-gaza-tactical-pause-due-to-intensity-of-global-protests-1114797357.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231114/caught-on-camera-ukraine-faces-un-heat-over-use-of-banned-lepestok-mines-1114948453.html

Caught on Camera: Ukraine Faces UN Heat Over Use of Banned Lepestok Mines

Caught on Camera: Ukraine Faces UN Heat Over Use of Banned Lepestok Mines

In a presentation of the Landmine Monitor 2023 report to the UN Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR), Human Rights Watch has accused Ukraine of multiple violations of the Ottawa Convention banning anti-personnel mines.

2023-11-14T13:51+0000

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Mark Hiznay, editor of Landmine Monitor 2023 and associate director of the Arms Division at Human Rights Watch, alleged that Ukraine has violated the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Treaty in the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine.He added that UNIDIR has evidence of the use of anti-personnel mines in the Donbass region, particularly in Donetsk, where locals have recorded videos of mines being planted or detonated.The PFM-1 Lepestok (Petal), a blast fragmentation anti-personnel mine, is triggered when a person steps on it. The small size and protective color of the casing make these munitions difficult to detect. Cluster munitions are used to mine areas. Ukraine ratified the Ottawa Convention in 2005, which prohibits the use, stockpiling and production of anti-personnel mines.According to an investigation conducted by Human Rights Watch last fall, Ukrainian forces used cluster munitions during the bombardment of Izium and the surrounding area. As a result, at least eight civilians were killed and another 15 were injured. UN experts also reported in their findings that Kiev used cluster bombs.In February, the website of the Ottawa Convention announced that its chair would hold a dialogue with Ukraine following the publication of the Human Rights Watch report.Russia's Permanent Mission to the United Nations circulated a letter in the Security Council accusing Kiev of using Lepestok land anti-personnel mines against civilians in Donbass. However, Ukrainian representatives claimed at the annual meeting of the Ottawa Convention in Geneva in June that the Ukrainian armed forces do not use this type of weaponry.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230906/how-ukraines-lepestok-mines-made-streets-hazardous-for-children-1113153538.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231114/chaos--power-vacuum-in-wh-is-why-israel-snubs-us-advice-on-gaza---sy-hersh-1114939951.html

'Chaos & Power Vacuum' in WH is Why Israel Snubs US Advice on Gaza - Sy Hersh

'Chaos & Power Vacuum' in WH is Why Israel Snubs US Advice on Gaza - Sy Hersh

While offering Israel unwavering support, the Biden administration blocked calls for a ceasefire in Gaza at the UN. US officials also put on a show of shuttle diplomacy across the Middle East, while talking behind closed doors with Israeli leadership to contain reelection fallout for POTUS, Russian Foreign Intelligence Service claimed.

2023-11-14T09:40+0000

2023-11-14T09:40+0000

2023-11-14T09:53+0000

seymour hersh

sy hersh

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Israel has dismissed any advice from the White House regarding its operation in Gaza because there is a power vacuum in Washington, Seymour Hersh has cited sources as saying.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not been listening to the waffling of the Biden administration, the US investigative journalist wrote on Substack.The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have been intensifying their Gaza operation to eliminate Hamas amid global protests over the spiraling Palestinian civilian death toll. Over 11,000 people, many of them children, have already died in the enclave, according to the Gazan Health Ministry. There have been global marches of protest against what is seen as a disproportionate military response on the part of Israel, with similar demonstrations in the US as well. While the US was quick to announce at the start of Israels retaliation for the Hamas October 7 attack that it had its back, it launched a feeble attempt at shuttle diplomacy.US President Joe Biden made two trips to Israel, followed by Secretary of State Antony Blinkens unsuccessful diplomatic push to the region, and CIA Director Bill Burns Middle East foray to allegedly work on the release of hostages, Sy Hersh underscored. However, Netanyahu continues to do as he wishes in Gaza, the journalist added.When asked of the impact of those visits by Biden officials, an informed US source told Hersh: Bibi to those three blind mice: Shaddup already.The US official elaborated:Earlier on Monday, the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) also supported this notion, saying that the United States was calling on Israel to accelerate its operation in the Gaza Strip behind closed doors as it may negatively affect President Joe Bidens reelection bid in case of prolongation.It should be added that the Biden administration unilaterally blocked calls by dozens of countries at the UN to institute a ceasefire in Gaza last month. President Biden reiterated only last week that there was no possibility for a ceasefire in Gaza, while National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Tel Aviv had agreed to set in place four-hour daily humanitarian pauses in Gazas northern areas to allow for Palestinians to get out of harms way.Opening for Possible Settlement of WarAs for the developments in Gaza City, the IDF is constantly tightening the noose around Hamas fighters, underscored sources cited by Sy Hersh.Furthermore, an opening might be emerging for a possible settlement of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, Seymour Hersh underscored. Hamas was described as displaying a change in tone by sources, and had begun talking about an exchange of its prisoners in Israel for the hostages it captured in the surprise terrorist attack on October 7.This was a sign that the war is moving quickly toward a settlement, a US official was cited as saying. Talk about trading hostages for prisoners generated hope in the American intelligence community because Hamas, now facing surrender or death, had a last chance to get any benefits from hostages, the insider added.Specifically, the change in tone was linked to the fact that two Hamas leaders, Yahya Sinwar and Mohammed Deif, had reportedly fled Gaza City, as well as increased use of sniper fire near Gazas biggest hospital  Al-Shifa  along with five other hospitals. There was no need to bomb now, said the insider. Hamas allegedly proposed a 72-hour ceasefire that would allow time to seek out and recover hostages from the October 7 attack, with negotiations about that possibility ongoing, according to an insider.At the same time, ongoing collapse of the Hamas tunnel system as a result of Israeli bombing left clues suggesting where the Israeli hostages might be kept, wrote Hersh. Furthermore, insiders claimed that the Israeli special operations community was urging considering a raid that could free the hostages without any need to bargain with Hamas.Earlier, Israeli intelligence suggested that the Hamas hostages may have been transferred from the tunnels to the basement of Al-Shifa, according to the journalist. Now, with the surrounding neighborhood heavily bombed, the hospital might be the last stand," a quoted source claimed. "They are planning to come in shooting, said the insider, in reference to the Israeli Air Force's reportedly planned mission to "destroy the hospital and expose the tunnel openings, for the follow-on infantry forces."As for Benjamin Netanyahus post-war planning, he intends to remake the governing structure in Gaza and the West Bank, sources informed Hersh. A rebuilt Gaza City would be secured by Israeli police or military force, with a revitalized Palestinian Authority, under new leadership approved by Israel, in charge of governance in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231113/chaos-at-state-department-as-memo-blasts-biden-over-misinformation-on-gaza-war-1114922015.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231113/us-calling-on-israel-to-speed-up-gaza-operation-behind-closed-doors---russias-intel-service-1114926067.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231111/what-could-israels-security-control-over-gaza-look-like-1114888906.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231114/china-displays-live-fire-missile-launch-by-j-20-stealth-fighter-for-first-time--1114957245.html

China Displays Live-fire Missile Launch by J-20 Stealth Fighter for First Time

China Displays Live-fire Missile Launch by J-20 Stealth Fighter for First Time

China for the first time displayed a live-fire missile launch by a J-20 stealth fighter jet in a celebration video released on Friday, a day ahead of the 74th founding anniversary of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force.

2023-11-14T18:52+0000

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The video also showed the procedure how the PLA Air Force intercepts and expels foreign military aircraft, demonstrating the PLA Air Force's confidence and expertise, analysts said.Released by China's Ministry of National Defense, the video contained footage taken during the PLA Air Force's training that reflects its achievements in development and enhanced capabilities. In a story concerning a combat sortie by the air force of the PLA Southern Theater Command, a foreign military aircraft attempted to approach a PLA exercise area, before two J-16 fighter jets received orders to immediately take off and deal with the situation.Deterred by the Chinese warplanes, which took measures including radio communications, warning maneuvers and infrared warnings, the foreign military aircraft was forced to leave.The video clip showed how the PLA Air Force intercepts and expels foreign military aircraft, Zhang Xuefeng, a Chinese military expert, told the Global Times on Friday.In the clip, the foreign military aircraft attempted close-in harassments and even provocation despite radio communications and warning maneuvers by the J-16s. When it was about to reach the line, the Chinese aircraft took the measure of infrared warning, which is to launch infrared flares within visual range, a more striking way of warning to the foreign military aircraft.Throughout the entire procedure, the PLA Air Force pilots took maneuvers and made unwavering decisions showing a high level of skill, expertise and confidence, Zhang said.The video said that the PLA Air Force conducts combat alert and aerial patrol missions all the time, launches combat sorties more than 10,000 times a year, and is always ready for combat and ready to defend China's territorial airspace.It reflects the high level of combat readiness of the PLA Air Force, and also indicates the complexity of aerial threats China faces, Zhang stressed.The highlight of the video is close-up footage on a live-fire missile launch by a J-20 stealth fighter jet, observers said.In the clip, the J-20 launched an air-to-air missile from its side missile bay, as the missile quickly flew out of view with plume behind it.The design of the J-20's weapon bays are unique and reliable, Zhang emphasized.With the J-20 being China's most advanced fighter jet in active service, the reveal of how it launches a missile is an epitome of the achievements the PLA Air Force has reached in equipment development, Zhang stressed.Another part in the video showed that airborne troops with parachutes on their backs boarding a whopping seven Y-20 large transport aircraft.Having as many as seven Y-20 large transport aircraft in one location reflects the continued increase in the PLA Air Force's strategic power projection capabilities, Zhang stated.Since the commissioning of the Y-20, this type of aircraft has carried out many types of important missions, sending emergency aid supplies to many countries to as far as the South Pacific.This displays China's emphasis on peaceful engagement and its image as a responsible major power, Zhang said, noting that the Y-20 is a pioneer in the Chinese military's image as a powerful force, a civilized force, and a peaceful force.This article was originally published on the Global Times website.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20220531/chinas-j-16-fighter-jets-deployed-in-latest-joint-strategic-patrol-with-russia-1095895195.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20220531/chinas-j-16-fighter-jets-deployed-in-latest-joint-strategic-patrol-with-russia-1095895195.html

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President Yoon Suk Yeol said on Tuesday that the ban on short selling will continue indefinitely after it was reinstated for the first time in three years, until the government comes up with fundamental measures to root out illegal market practices.

The presidents remark hints that the ban can be extended, after the Financial Services Commission (FSC) announced last week that short selling will be fully suspended until the middle of next year.

Leaving illegal short selling undone will hinder stocks from being priced in a fair and objective manner, Yoon said during a weekly Cabinet meeting at the presidential office in Seouls Yongsan District.

He was referring to naked short selling, a banned practice of selling stocks without actually borrowing or owning those shares, allegedly done by global investment banks.

Such practice is in contrast to the legitimate method of short selling, in which a trader borrows shares and buys them back at a lower price to pocket the difference.

Illegal short selling will inflict massive losses on retail investors while dampening credibility on the stock market and prompting investors to leave, the president said. The government thus will ban short selling to ensure there is no further loss suffered by retail investors.

He accordingly asked the FSC and the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) to level the playing field to protect retail investors, by taking fundamental measure to improve the situation.

Because short selling is widely practiced by foreign investors, the ban prompted concerns that Koreas stock market will be regarded as less open and transparent for international investment.

It also prompted concerns that the ban will furthermore toughen Koreas bid to gain developed market status from global index provider Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI).

Under the circumstances, Yoon said the suspension on short selling will rather positively influence competitiveness of the countrys stock market in the long term."

He pointed out Korea has a high concentration of retail investors and tends to be more volatile compared to the U.S.

Meanwhile, the ban on short selling, according to the industry sources, is not particularly leading to a bullish market as expected in favor of retail investors.

The sources said it is partly because foreign investors were short covering or buying back the borrowed shares in order to return them to the lenders in high volumes on Nov. 6, the first day of the ban, but not since then.

On Nov. 6, Korean stocks went up 5.66 percent  the highest in almost four years  as foreign investors net-purchased 711.1 billion won ($548.6 million) worth of shares on the benchmark KOSPI.

The sources speculate that the short covering appears to have ended, given that the current Koreas stock regulations do not define by when short covering should be completed after short selling takes place.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20231114/coming-year-will-decide-fate-of-proxy-war-in-ukraine-top-zelensky-aide-admits-1114950687.html

Coming Year Will Decide Fate of Proxy War in Ukraine, Top Zelensky Aide Admits

Coming Year Will Decide Fate of Proxy War in Ukraine, Top Zelensky Aide Admits

Ukraines NATO-backed summer counteroffensives disastrous collapse has sparked infighting between the Ukrainian government and military, with the US and its European allies turning their attention to the Middle East, and broaching the previously taboo topic of peace talks with Russia, which the West went out of its way to sabotage in 2022.

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2023-11-14T17:15+0000

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The coming year will prove decisive for both Washington and Kiev in the proxy war against Russia in Ukraine, Zelensky administration head Andriy Yermak has said.Assuring that Ukraines counteroffensive is still developing, and that Kiev knows how to achieve victory, Yermak said President Volovymyr Zelensky has a clear plan, the priorities of which include the development of our defense industry, and the deploying of our own arms production. But [that] will be later. Meanwhile, we need weapons right now. Russia still has air superiority. It is still capable of producing missiles, doing evasion of sanctionsAnd we especially need air defense systems.If "Ukraine stands and wins, the rules-based order stands and wins," the official said, suggesting that "as Ronald Reagan put it, we have come to a time for choosing. It is either up to freedom, law and order or down to totalitarianism. Ukraines choice is absolutely clear." On the subject of peace talks with Russia, Yermak dismissed any possibility of a settlement unless it's on Kievs terms. We seek peace, but not just any peace. In our case, ending the war through compromise is nothing more than pausing it. Ukraine will not repeat the mistake of Minsk, he said, referring to the 2015 Minsk Peace Agreement blueprint for ending the Donbass crisis, whose implementation Ukrainian governments blocked for more than seven years before the escalation of the Donbass crisis into a full-blown NATO-Russia proxy war in early 2022.Doom and Gloom Dominates CapitalsYermaks remarks stand in stark contrast to the public mood in both Kiev and Washington following Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Valery Zaluzhnys bombshell interview with and article for a British business magazine earlier this month characterizing the conflict with Russia as a stalemate and admission that there will most likely be no deep and beautiful breakthrough in Ukraines blood-soaked counteroffensive.President Zelensky denied that the conflict had entered a "stalemate," and Zaluzhnys comments were followed by the mysterious death of one of his aides in a live grenade explosion. Over the weekend, US media accused a Zaluzhny-affiliated general of organizing last years attack on the Nord Stream pipeline.Zaluzhny spoke to Pentagon Joint Chiefs Chairman Charles Brown on Monday, saying the situation was complicated but under control, and pointed to the urgent needs of the Ukrainian army, including grenades, air defense equipment, and drones.In Washington too, the Ukraine conflict seems to have fallen on the back burner of Americas global geopolitical priorities as the US turns its attention to the crisis in the Middle East, and faces the threat of a government shutdown at home.Newly-picked House Speaker Mike Johnson proposed a stopgap government funding bill without aid to Ukraine or Israel last week which the Biden White House blasted as extreme and unserious. Lawmakers will have until this Friday to make a deal to avoid a shutdown, and disarm the threat of the United States defaulting on its gargantuan $33.7 trillion national debt.Amid the Ukrainian stalemate, the Palestine-Israel conflict and the debt showdown, anonymous US officials told media last week that quiet talks were underway between US and European officials on the one hand, and the Ukrainian government on the other, about possible peace talks with Russia.Western countries sabotaged a draft Russian-Ukrainian peace agreement in the spring of 2022, shortly after the conflicts escalation, with then-British Prime Minister Boris Johnson flying to Kiev to instruct Zelensky not to sign a peace deal with Moscow.A year and a half and up to 190,000 Ukrainian casualties later, it remains unclear what Russias new peace terms might be. President Vladimir Putin said in July that the ball was in Kievs court as far as peace talks go, lamenting that the previous agreement had been shamelessly thrown into the dustbin of history.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231104/fact-check-us-envoy-claims-not-one-piece-of-equipment-sent-to-ukraine-stolen-1114716022.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231114/ukraines-top-general-tells-us-chief-of-staff-about-difficult-situation-in-ukrainian-armed-forces-1114937705.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231104/us-and-europe-in-talks-with-ukraine-on-possible-peace-deal-with-russia---report-1114708713.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231112/ukraines-foreign-us-mercs-in-zaporozhye-reportedly-left-for-israel-1114905371.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231114/countdown-to-shutdown-new-speaker-haunted-by-mccarthys-ghost-in-us-spending-bill-battle-1114942774.html

Countdown to Shutdown? New Speaker Haunted by McCarthy's Ghost in US Spending Bill Battle

Countdown to Shutdown? New Speaker Haunted by McCarthy's Ghost in US Spending Bill Battle

As Congress enters a crucial week with an impending deadline, Speaker Johnson is caught in a delicate balancing act, addressing conservative calls for budget cuts and policy changes while courting Democrats for a spending extension.

2023-11-14T12:43+0000

2023-11-14T12:43+0000

2023-11-14T12:43+0000

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On Monday, Speaker Mike Johnson's new strategy to avert a government shutdown faced resistance from unyielding Republicans. Nevertheless, it seemed increasingly likely to gain bipartisan support in the coming days, given the reduced opposition from Democrats.The House is poised to consider a significant bill by Tuesday to fund federal agencies until early 2024, with two specific deadlines. This approach allows Congress to finalize annual spending legislation and postpones discussions on military aid to Israel and Ukraine.This situation resembles a similar crisis from about six weeks ago. At that time, then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy locked horns with the opposition in his own party over a funding measure, relying on Democratic support to pass a temporary extension. As a result, he lost his speakership. Unlike McCarthy, Johnson, known for his staunch conservative stance, seems less likely to face such repercussions within his ranks. Moreover, Republicans, hesitant to repeat the chaos following McCarthy's ousting, are showing some flexibility.The current budget is set to expire this Friday at midnight. Johnson, who took the reins as Speaker a few weeks ago, finds himself in a predicament similar to McCarthy's: Conservative members demand significant budget cuts or the inclusion of Conservative policies in any spending extension. However, these demands are unlikely to pass in the Democrat-controlled Senate, prompting the speaker to seek Democratic support.Key right-wing House Republicans, including Representatives Scott Perry (Pennsylvania) and Andrew Clyde (Georgia), are firmly against extending the current spending levels set by the Democratic leadership last year, citing fiscal and policy concerns. Despite this internal dissent, Speaker Johnson is courting Democratic support for his proposal, which seeks to fund vital federal programs like veterans' affairs, transportation, and energy until January 19, 2024. Additionally, the plan includes funding for the Pentagon until February 2, 2024.Two powerful New York Democrats - Senator Chuck Schumer and Congressman Hakeem Jeffries - while dissatisfied with the proposal - called a continuing resolution (C.R.), recognizing it as a pragmatic solution to prevent a shutdown. Schumer has put off the Senate's alternative funding vote, allowing the House to proceed with Johnson's proposal. Jeffries, in a letter to fellow Democrats, has expressed concerns about the plan's structure but appreciates its avoidance of extreme policy provisions. The White House, though critical, has not indicated whether President Joe Biden would veto the plan.Johnson's challenge is to pass the bill and garner Democratic support for procedural steps to bring the bill to a vote. Anticipating Republican resistance, the leadership is considering introducing the bill under a rule suspension, requiring a two-thirds majority for passage. This tactic was used to pass the last stopgap bill on September 30.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231001/us-congress-narrowly-avoids-government-shutdown-capping-off-a-uniquely-dysfunctional-week-1113832252.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231114/eu-cant-keep-promise-of-one-million-shells-for-ukraine---german-defense-minister-1114945249.html

EU Can't Keep Promise of One Million Shells for Ukraine - German Defense Minister

EU Can't Keep Promise of One Million Shells for Ukraine - German Defense Minister

EU members made an ambitious promise in March 2023 to produce and supply 1 million 155mm artillery shells to Ukraine in a year  while also replenishing their own armies' stocks, depleted by fuelling the proxy war with Russia.

2023-11-14T13:01+0000

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Germany's defense minister has admitted that the European Union cannot keep its promise to supply Ukraine with a million artillery rounds.Boris Pistorius told media before a summit of EU defense ministers in Brussels that the pledge to deliver the shells by the end of March 2024 had always been unrealistic.He conceded that while Brussels had the money to pay for shells, European arms firms did not have the extra capacity to increase production in the short term.But Thierry Breton, the EU Commissioner for the Internal Market with responsibility for the ammunition scheme, insisted that the target "will be met"  but appeared to blame shortfalls individual EU countries for not making enough effort.The EU pledged in March to supply Ukraine with a million newly-produced 155mm-calibre shells for Western-supplied towed and self-propelled howitzers, including the US-made M777 and the French 'Caesar', after member states depleted their own armed forces' stocks arming Ukraine.Commission Vice-President Josep Borrell, the unelected EU executive's representative for foreign affairs and security, also tried to deny that the plan had been a failure."It's an interaction between the industry and the member states. The work is in process," Borrell said.He blamed producers for exporting 40 percent of production to non-EU countries, adding: "maybe what we have to do is to try to shift this production to the priority one, which is the Ukrainians."The Brussels-based bloc has diverted money from its European Peace Facility to buy arms for NATO's proxy conflict with Russia in Ukraine. But the West has been unable to supply enough weapons and ammunition to match Russia's expanded industrial capacity, which has allowed its army to fire more than 20,000 artillery shells per day along the entire front.The sudden escalation of the Israel-Palestine conflict on October 7 has also shifted the focus if US military aid from Kiev to Tel Aviv.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231113/hungary-refuses-to-approve-allocation-of-500mln-euros-for-arms-for-ukraine-1114927147.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231114/eyewitness-reveals-how-family-of-four-died-during-israeli-strike-in-southern-lebanon-1114944200.html

Eyewitness Reveals How Family of Four Died During Israeli Strike in Southern Lebanon

Eyewitness Reveals How Family of Four Died During Israeli Strike in Southern Lebanon

Samir Ayoub, a Russian-Lebanese journalist, lost four of his family members - younger sister Samira (60) and her granddaughters Rimas (14), Talin (12) and Lian (10) - during an Israeli drone strike on the village of Aitarun

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Samir highlighted that he did not expect that an Israeli drone would attack the civilians who "have nothing to do with the military." That tragic day, his sister Samira, her daughter Huda, and granddaughters Rimas, Talin, and Lian were packing their things and moving to Beirut, while schools were closed near the Israeli border, and asked Samir for help.Then, when the family started driving to Beirut, the tragedy suddenly occured. Samir Ayoub described the moment:According to him, Huda, mother of the murdered girls and his niece, is still in hospital with serious injuries, but her life is not in danger now. She remembers what happened to her car that day. Samir wants to remember the murdered girls as "wonderful children," who had their own dreams about the future. He revealed:The Lebanese government condemned the actions of the Israeli military and filed a formal complaint to the UN for committing a war crime.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231113/pentagon-asks-israel-not-to-expand-war-to-lebanon-amid-fresh-warnings-from-iran-1114933035.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231114/is-israel-using-white-phosphorus-amid-gaza-crisis-syria-calls-for-opcw-probe-1114953557.html

Is Israel Using White Phosphorus Amid Gaza Crisis? Syria Calls for OPCW Probe

Is Israel Using White Phosphorus Amid Gaza Crisis? Syria Calls for OPCW Probe

Syria highlights Israel's alleged use of the banned white phosphorus in the ongoing Palestine-Israel conflict and urged IAEA intervention.

2023-11-14T19:37+0000

2023-11-14T19:37+0000

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Israel's alleged use of banned white phosphorus munitions in the ongoing Palestine-Israel conflict was brought forward by Damascus amid concerning new reports of such incidents. In an address at the 4th Session of the Conference on establishing a Middle East Zone free of nuclear and other forms of weapons of mass destruction, Dr. Al-Hakam Dandi, the acting charge daffaires of Syria's Permanent Delegation to the UN, brought to the forefront Syria's profound concerns. The official reiterated the nation's appeal to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to actively engage in its responsibilities, stressing the urgency for the IAEA to adopt a proactive stance in revealing the secretive military nuclear program of Israel, which, in Syria's perspective, poses a persistent threat to international peace and stability.Dandi further highlighted the severe risks to regional and global tranquility emanating from Israel's arsenal of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons, which receive substantial support from the United States and some Western allies. The Syrian diplomat specifically condemned the use of white phosphorus - an internationally banned substance - by Israeli forces in civilian areas in Gaza and Lebanon. This necessitates, he argued, an in-depth investigation by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) into Israel's employment of such weaponry.Dandi also pointed out the paradox wherein Israel, with the backing of certain Western nations - notably the United States, remains the sole Middle Eastern state equipped with such weapons while eschewing international supervision of its nuclear facilities. The diplomat referenced Syria's longstanding commitment to non-proliferation, evidenced by its early adoption of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and a Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement with the IAEA, in addition to its adherence to both the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) and the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), thereby fulfilling its international commitments.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231103/us-israel-will-try-to-block-probe-into-use-of-white-phosphorus-by-israel---ex-un-official-1114683128.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231114/israels-intent-to-genocide-palestinians-in-gaza-is-very-clear---journalist-1114949285.html

Israel's Intent to 'Genocide Palestinians' in Gaza 'Is Very Clear' - Journalist

Israel's Intent to 'Genocide Palestinians' in Gaza 'Is Very Clear' - Journalist

As Israel Defense Forces (IDF) press ahead with their attack on Hamas in Gaza, Israel's intent to genocide Palestinians is very clear, Eva Bartlett, an independent writer and journalist, told Sputnik.

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As the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) press ahead with their attack on the Hamas militant group in the Gaza Strip irrespective of the mounting civilian death toll, Israel's intent to genocide Palestinians is very clear, Eva Bartlett, an independent writer and journalist, told Sputnik."If it had not been after October 7, it would have happened at another occasion," she added.Bartlett, who was in the West Bank in 2007 as an activist, witnessed, as she described it, the hellish reality that Palestinians endure every single day under Israeli occupation.Bartlett also pointed to what she called the "bombasticness" of Israel, saying that Israeli leadership and military spokespeople "love to say things like bomb, or usually bomb Gaza to the Stone Age, destroy Gaza, flatten Gaza," etc.Israels bombing and ground invasion has killed over 11,000 people since October 7, with close to 40 percent of them children, according to the enclaves health authorities. Incidentally, going back to the surprise attack launched by the militant group, Eva Bartlett urged a little bit more skepticism over the Israeli narrative on how many people were killed by Hamas. She pointed to the reports of emerging videos and testimonies that point the finger at Israeli forces being a responsible for a significant portion of those dead.At the moment, we need concrete actions to stop Israel's genocide, Bartlett insisted. As Israel's war on Hamas intensifies, pro-Palestinian protests have rippled around the world. Massive demonstrations have taken place in Washington, London, Berlin, Paris, Istanbul, and Ankara, all calling for a ceasefire as the civilian death toll in Gaza grows.The Biden administration unilaterally blocked calls by dozens of countries at the UN to institute a ceasefire in Gaza last month. However, since then, demands for a ceasefire have become more vociferous. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk recently emphasized the urgent need to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.A joint Arab-Islamic summit on November 11 urged the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court to investigate war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by Israel against Palestinians." Leaders and representatives of the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation had gathered for an emergency joint Arab-Islamic summit held in Saudi Arabias capital, Riyadh. In its communique, those gathered dismissed attempts by Israel, or its supporters like the United States, to describe the retaliatory war being waged in Gaza as self-defense or justifying it under any pretext.The summits participants also urged all countries to stop exporting weapons and ammunitions being used by Israel to kill the Palestinian people and destroy their homes, hospitals, schools, mosques, churches and all their properties.As for mainstream Western publications, They want people to see this as a war between Israel and Hamas, and it is not, Eva Bartlett said.Generally, Western analyzes tend to overlook intentionally the reason Palestinians are willing to sacrifice lives, the reason Palestinians are needing to resist, and they never give that context, she added.Eva Bartlett acknowledged that she had nothing but a general cynicism towards international bodies like the International Criminal Court (ICC), because they're always basically working on the side of NATO or Israel or whichever belligerent entity is waging destruction And they're also used as tools against, for example, Russia or in this case, resistance.However, she said, I have to insist on the urgency for international bodies or individual countries to be courageous enough to deliver humanitarian aid into Gaza, it's desperately needed. People are starving. They don't have potable water. They do not have medicines, they do not have anesthesia. They do not have electricity for the hospitals to function. That is what we need to prioritize right now. Later, you can talk about international solutions."

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231110/scott-ritter-explains-why-israel-cannot-beat-hezbollah-on-its-own-1114869549.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231114/israeli-strikes-on-gaza-hospitals-should-be-investigated-as-war-crimes---hrw-1114941950.html

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IDF Announces 'Precise and Targeted' Op Against Hamas in Shifa Hospital

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said Wednesday that its forces are carrying out a "precise and targeted" operation against Palestinian movement Hamas in the Shifa hospital  the largest hospital in the Gaza Strip  and are seeking to avoid harm to civilians.

"Based on intelligence information and an operational necessity, IDF forces are carrying out a precise and targeted operation against Hamas in a specified area in the Shifa Hospital," the IDF said in a statement on Telegram.

The IDF said Israel is "at war with Hamas, not with the civilians in Gaza," adding that it has facilitated "wide-scale evacuations of the hospital and maintained regular dialogue with hospital authorities."

"The IDF forces include medical teams and Arabic speakers, who have undergone specified training to prepare for this complex and sensitive environment, with the intent that no harm is caused to the civilians being used by Hamas as human shields," the IDF said.

Israel's army also called on Hamas members in the hospital to surrender, the statement read.

Earlier in the day, the media reported that the Israeli army had officially notified the medical personnel of the Shifa hospital of its intention to storm the medical facility.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20231114/new-nord-stream-spin-pushed-as-us-acutely-aware-ukraine-cant-win---cia-vet-1114951136.html

New Nord Stream Spin Pushed as US 'Acutely Aware' Ukraine Can't Win - CIA Vet

New Nord Stream Spin Pushed as US 'Acutely Aware' Ukraine Can't Win - CIA Vet

Washington and some Europeans are aware that the war against Russia cannot be won by Ukraine even with more open support from NATO, Philip Giraldi told Sputnik, commenting Washington Posts new spin on Nord Stream story.

2023-11-14T17:21+0000

2023-11-14T17:21+0000

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Washington and some Europeans are becoming acutely aware that the war against Russia cannot be won by Ukraine even with more open support from NATO, Philip Giraldi, former military intelligence and CIA operations officer with experience in Europe and the Middle East, told Sputnik.This explains the timing of The Washington Posts new spin on a Ukrainian colonels alleged role in the Nord Stream sabotage, the pundit suggested.A Ukrainian colonel by the name of Roman Chervinsky allegedly played a key "coordinating" role in the attack on the Nord Stream gas pipelines last year, The Washington Post reported on Saturday, citing Ukrainian and European officials, as well as other people familiar with details of the operation. According to the outlet, Chervinsky, currently on trial in Kiev over alleged abuse of power, is a senior Ukrainian military officer with close ties to the country's intelligence. The outlet added that Chervinsky did not act alone, and, furthermore, had received orders from some senior officials. The latter, in turn, reported to Ukraine's top general, Valery Zaluzhny, the newspaper wrote, citing people familiar with how the attack was carried out.As for Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky, he purportedly had no knowledge of the attack plans. It should be noted that in an article published earlier this year, sources cited by WaPo stated that Zaluzhny denied any connection to the Nord Stream pipeline blastsWeighing in on the The WaPo story, Russia claimed the US and NATO were trying to find a scapegoat for the Nord Stream sabotage. This is an attempt, several moves ahead, to dismiss any trace of culpability for this terrorist act. Of course, Ukrainian services, obviously intelligence, were involved... But it would have been impossible to pull this [attack] off without American and NATO forces involvement, said Russias State Duma lawmaker Alexey Chepa.Accusations leveled against the disgraced senior Ukrainian officer in The Washington Post report published over the weekend come against the backdrop of the Kiev regime's botched counteroffensive. Adding further backdrop to the story is the recent spat between Zaluzhny and President Volodymyr Zelensky over the commanders comments earlier. Zaluzhny drew flak for saying that Ukraines counteroffensive had reached a stalemate.Furthermore, the violent new spiral of the Palestine-Israel conflict has taken attention from Ukraine's floundering attempts to impress patrons in the West.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231113/us-nato-hope-to-deflect-blame-for-nord-stream-sabotage---russian-lawmaker-1114925250.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231113/ex-cia-officer-msm-nord-stream-sideshow-conceals-zelensky-vs-zaluzhny-infighting-between-mi6-cia-1114931074.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231114/north-korea-blasts-g7-bloc-as-cold-war-relic-that-should-be-dismantled-immediately-1114944909.html

North Korea Blasts G7 Bloc as Cold War Relic That Should Be Dismantled Immediately

North Korea Blasts G7 Bloc as Cold War Relic That Should Be Dismantled Immediately

The comments come in the wake of last weeks G7 foreign ministers statement strongly condemning the Democratic Peoples Republic of Koreas nuclear and missile programs, and demanding the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

2023-11-14T11:29+0000

2023-11-14T11:29+0000

2023-11-14T11:33+0000

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North Koreas Foreign Ministry lashed out at the G7 on Tuesday, calling the bloc of wealthy industrialized Western economies a Cold War relic that should keep its nose out of the affairs of other countries, and end its existence altogether.I resolutely reject and most strongly condemn the joint statement of the G7 foreign ministers meeting, which is peppered with groundless and unreasonable accusations seriously encroaching upon the dignity and sovereignty of the DPRK, North Korean Department of International Organizations Director-General Jo Chol Su told reporters, responding to the G7 statement put out following the bloc's foreign ministers' meeting in Tokyo on November 8.Jo accused the G7, whose members include the United States, Britain, Italy, Japan, France, Germany and Canada, plus the European Union, of causing and fomenting a series of global crises, from Ukraine and the Middle East to the Taiwan Strait, the South China Sea and the Korean Peninsula.For the G7 to try to find fault with the actions of independent, sovereign states like the DPRK is constitutes a mockery of and an insult to the international community aspiring after fairness and equity, the senior North Korean diplomat said. I think [the] G7 had better look at its image reflected in the eyes of the international community first before accusing others.Meanwhile, it is keen on muscle-flexing in the Taiwan Strait and other parts of the South China Sea, talking about freedom of navigation, international order based on rules and opposition to change of the status quo by force or coercion. It has staged a series of bilateral and multilateral joint naval military exercises with their allies to escalate the regional military tensions to the maximum. On the Korean Peninsula, it is pushing the situation to the brink of a nuclear war by establishing different nuclear confrontation policies, including the Washington Declaration, and accelerating the efforts for routine deployment of its strategic nuclear submarines, strategic bombers and other nuclear strategic assets, the diplomat added.Jo accused the USs G7 allies, including Japan, Britain, France, Germany and Canada, of stoking tensions and having disgraceful records doing considerable harm to international peace and security, citing, for example, to Britains provision of depleted uranium tank shells and long-range missiles to Ukraine, the deployment of naval forces to the Asia-Pacific, and moves to heighten nuclear tensions in the Pacific through the AUKUS pact with the US and Australia.North Koreas response follows the G7 Foreign Ministers statement calling on Pyongyang to unilaterally denuclearize and liquidate its missile programs in a complete, verifiable, and irreversible manner, and slammed the DPRK over claims of arms transfers to Russia. With the rise of the BRICS bloc of countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and from January 1, 2024 onward Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates), the G7 is steadily losing its dominant status in global economic and geopolitical affairs, accounting for some 30 percent of the worlds total GDP, compared to 37 percent for the BRICS.North Korean media have hailed the rise of BRICS, characterizing the Global South country-led blocs growing power as a factor that will speed up the end of the domination of the US dollar in global trade.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231113/us-south-korea-revise-deterrence-plans-against-north-korea-for-1st-time-in-10-years---pentagon-1114918637.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231105/north-korea-us-japan-south-korea-military-alliance-could-trigger-world-war-iii-1114742729.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231108/brics-share-of-global-economy-may-rise-more-than-twofold-compared-with-g7-by-2040-1114815952.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231114/russian-foreign-trade-in-january-september-amounted-to-5302bln-1114943310.html

Russian Foreign Trade in January-September Amounted to $530.2Bln

Russian Foreign Trade in January-September Amounted to $530.2Bln

Russia's foreign trade in the period from January to September amounted to $530.2 billion, the Russian Federal Customs Service said on Tuesday.

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"Russia's trade in January-September amounted to $530.2 billion, with exports having amounted to $316.9 billion, imports  $213.3 billion," the service said in a statement, adding that the positive trade balance for the first nine months amounted to $103.6 billion. During the given period, exports amounted to $448.9 billion, and imports  $180.3 billion. Thus, Russian imports increased by 18.3%, and exports decreased by 29.4%. According to the service, Asian countries amounted for the largest share in Russia's trade in January-September, with exports worth $226.6 billion and imports worth $139.7 billion. The leaders in exports were mineral products with a share of about 60%, in imports  machinery and equipment (50.6%). As for Europe, exports from Russia fell by 69.9% to $65.3 billion, and imports decreased by 8.7% to $59.2 billion.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231107/russia-china-trade-up-277-in-10-months-of-2023-1114777224.html

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By Ko Dong-hwan

Korea's hanwoo beef exports have made a breakthrough despite the recent outbreak of lumpy skin disease as Hong Kong has agreed to resume importing the Korean product from all regions of the country including areas where infections have occurred, according to the agriculture ministry, Tuesday.

After the first infection case was reported on Oct. 19, exports of hanwoo beef had been limited to regions where the disease has not been detected.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs said Korea's full-scale hanwoo beef exports will begin once again on Wednesday as eight cities and provinces that have suffered outbreaks as of Monday  Incheon and the provinces of Gyeonggi, Gangwon, North and South Chungcheong, North and South Jeolla and South Gyeongsang  will be included in the outbound shipment list.

The deal came after Hong Kong's disease control authority revised its regulations to enable the broader import of hanwoo beef, as Korea has been trying to control the local spread of the disease. The revision resulted from an agreement between the ministry and the Hong Kong authority on Nov. 7.

The agreement, however, will continue to prevent the nation from exporting bovine organs and heads to Hong Kong, lifting bans only for meat. Under the current quarantine regulations in Hong Kong, the barred items remain restricted for export for 12 months from the first confirmed day of infection.

The ministry said it started sharing information as to how seriously the disease was affecting the country with the Hong Kong authority since the first infection of lumpy skin disease was detected.

"As a result of the bilateral agreement, the country's hanwoo exporters no longer need to go through the hardships of seeking new suppliers in North Gyeongsang Province and Jeju Island," said the ministry official, referring to regions that have remained clear of the disease so far and were thus allowed to continue exports.

Hong Kong has been the country's main hanwoo beef importer since 2015 when Korea started exporting the meat. The Chinese city has imported 63.8 percent of this year's entire hanwoo beef exports of 52.6 tons as of Nov. 9, according to the ministry.

Malaysia and Cambodia started importing the meat this year as well.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20231114/spains-workers-party-submits-amnesty-law-for-supporters-of-catalan-independece---reports-1114936261.html

Spain's Workers' Party Submits Amnesty Law for Supporters of Catalan Independece - Reports

Spain's Workers' Party Submits Amnesty Law for Supporters of Catalan Independece - Reports

The Spanish Socialist Workers' Party has submitted a law on amnesty for supporters of Catalonia's independence to the lower house of the Spanish parliament, reported Spanish broadcaster on Monday.

2023-11-14T01:59+0000

2023-11-14T01:59+0000

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On Thursday, the PSOE reached a deal with the pro-independence Junts per Catalunya (Together for Catalonia) party on the amnesty law. The deal will allow Sanchez to be reelected as prime minister of Spain. Later that day, the Spanish General Council of the Judiciary lodged a protest against the agreement reached between Sanchez and the Catalan party on the amnesty law. The media reported that over 300 supporters of Catalonias independence and 73 police officers accused of using force during the 2017 referendum could fall under the amnesty law. The law also provides for the annulment of criminal and administrative liability of all those who committed crimes related to the secession process of Catalonia during the last decade, from January 1, 2012 to November 13, 2023.In this case, former Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont, who is still under investigation for organizing an illegal referendum in 2017, will be able to return to Spain without any proceedings.In July, Spain held a general election where the right-wing People's Party (PP) received the most votes and 137 seats out of 350 in the Spanish parliament. However, even with the support of the another right-wing VOX party, it still fell short of the 176 seats needed to form a government. At the moment, Sanchez has the support of 179 lawmakers. His party has managed to garner the support of the left coalition bloc Sumar, the Junts per Catalunya party, the Republican Left of Catalonia, the Basque leftist party EH Bildu, the Galician Nationalist Bloc (BNG), the Basque Nationalist Party and the Canarian Coalition (CC) party, which had previously sided with the PP.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230202/un-experts-demand-that-spain-investigates-alleged-spying-targeting-catalan-leaders---ohchr-1106936495.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231114/taiwanese-parties-joining-ranks-to-unseat-pro-us-cabinet-mend-ties-with-beijing-1114953833.html

Taiwanese Parties Joining Ranks to Unseat pro-US Cabinet, Mend Ties With Beijing

Taiwanese Parties Joining Ranks to Unseat pro-US Cabinet, Mend Ties With Beijing

Joe Biden's Indo-Pacific strategy envisaging Taiwan's militarization over the alleged China threat may fall apart at the seams as Taiwanese political forces unite to outperform the pro-US ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in the January 2024 elections.

2023-11-14T16:49+0000

2023-11-14T16:49+0000

2023-11-14T16:49+0000

us

tsai ing-wen

ma ying-jeou

taiwan

china

beijing

cato institute

democratic progressive party (dpp)

m1a2 abrams

high mobility artillery rocket system (himars)

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Washington's proxy war in Ukraine has resulted in delayed military deliveries to Taiwan: according to the Cato Institute, the US arms sale backlog to Taiwan amounts to $19.17 billion. Earlier this month, the American libertarian think tank presented a detailed breakdown of the backlog, shedding light on the scope of the island's militarization.The US has recently speeded up arming the island of Taiwan, citing the potential threat of a Chinese "invasion," something that Beijing has repeatedly ruled out. In the eyes of China, the island is an inalienable part of the People's Republic and its reunification with the mainland should come through peaceful means.Speaking to the BBC on November 6, Wang Ting-yu, a ruling party legislator with close ties to Taiwan's leader Tsai Ing-wen, placed emphasis on the urgent need to improve the island's military capacity in the face of the "China threat." Wang told the media that Taipei is fixing to send two battalions of Taiwanese ground troops to the US for training  marking the first time since the 1970s, when Washington established diplomatic ties with Beijing and halted formal relations with Taiwan under the One China principle.The aforementioned military buildup in the island has prompted Beijing's deep concerns and is fraught with the risk of a potential clash in the Taiwan Strait between Chinese, US and Taiwanese forces, per international commentators.Unlike Belligerent DPP, Kuomintang Seeks Normalization With ChinaHowever, this nightmare scenario can be avoided, especially if the DPP loses the 2024 election, scheduled for January 13, to the coalition of the Kuomintang (KMT) and the Taiwan Peoples Party (TPP).The Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, a DC-based think tank, suggested Monday that a potential KMT and TPP win may have a serious impact on US-China-Taiwan relations.The crux of the matter is that the KMT seeks to improve ties with China and dissolve tensions which have grown between Beijing and Taipei since in 2016, when the DPP gained both the presidency and legislative majority on the island. Prior to that, between 2008 and 2016, Taiwan signed 23 treaties on cross-strait trade with China, opened direct flights, schools, and facilitated business exchanges under then-Taiwan leader Ma Ying-jeou from the KMT."Vote for the KMT, and there will be no battlefield across the Taiwan Strait," Ma Ying-jeou told a crowd of his supporters earlier this year, in January. While Taiwanese leader Tsai Ing-wen (DPP) met with US high-ranking officials in March-April (much to Beijing's displeasure), Ma Ying-jeou embarked on a charm offensive in China, where he underscored that the people living on both parts of the Taiwanese strait are "Chinese."Why KMT + TPP is a Winning CombinationBy building an alliance with the four-year-old TPP, the KMT is apparently seeking to boost its election odds to reach its goal of pacifying the island. TPP presents itself as a centrist political party and an alternative to both KMT and DPP. The party was established on August 6, 2019 by Ko Wen-je and has gained significant public support since then.On October 30, the KMT and TPP agreed on the establishment of a coalition between the two parties; set a goal of maximizing their seats in the island's parliament; and decided to pick the strongest candidates to bring the DPP's eight-year "one party monopoly" to naught.So what are the KMT-TPP's election odds? Last week's polls indicated that a twin ticket of TPP Chairman Ko Wen-je and KMT presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih outperformed DPP hopeful Lai Ching-te and his pick, according to City Development Communication Association.Per the survey, in a four-way race, Lai got 30.1%, followed by Ko at 24.5%, Hou at 17.3%, and another Taiwanese presidential candidate Terry Gou, the Foxconn Founder, at 11.3%. In a three-way race (without Gou), Lai received 32.2%; Ko got 30.4%; Hou won 22.6%, while 14.8% respondents remained undecided.At the same time, a Ko-Hou ticket received 49.8% of potential votes, while Lai's ticket with Representative to the US Hsiao Bi-khim got only 38%.Should Team Biden Change Approach to Taiwan Issue?Quincy Institute's scholar David Zhong argues in his recent piece that Washington should take into account the possibility of a KMT-TPP coalition win in the forthcoming election. Per Zhong, this pacifist dynamics in Taiwan offers a "welcome respite" to Washington, which has been entangled in Ukraine affairs.The emergence of the KMT-TPP bloc in Taiwan may help the US and China de-escalate and evade any conflicts for at least four years, per the scholar. However, if the DPP's Lai Ching-te wins, one should expect that he would push ahead with further confrontational stance against Beijing, Zhong believes.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230412/us-speed-up-of-arms-supplies-to-taiwan-prior-to-islands-2024-elections-sends-ominous-signal-1109390632.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231110/biden-to-reaffirm-us-not-supporting-taiwan-independence-at-xi-meeting-on-nov-15-1114867688.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230803/is-biden-preparing-to-dump-ukraine-for-taiwan-1112361859.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231114/ukraines-top-general-tells-us-chief-of-staff-about-difficult-situation-in-ukrainian-armed-forces-1114937705.html

Ukraine's Top General Tells US Chief of Staff About Difficult Situation in Ukrainian Armed Forces

Ukraine's Top General Tells US Chief of Staff About Difficult Situation in Ukrainian Armed Forces

General Valeriy Zaluzhny, in a telephone conversation with the Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Charles Brown, described the situation in the combat zone as "complicated but under control".

2023-11-14T05:45+0000

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General Valeriy Zaluzhny has conducted a telephone conversation with the Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Charles Brown during which he described the situation in the combat zone as "complicated but under control". According to him, the "hottest" areas remain the Avdeevka, Kupyansk and Maryinka directions. US officials estimate that the Ukrainian armed forces have suffered 70,000 fatalities and up to 120,000 wounded during the conflict in Ukraine, according to a report in The Economist in November. In August, The New York Times, citing estimates by Western officials and analysts, wrote that the Ukrainian army's losses exceeded 150,000 soldiers killed and wounded.The Ukrainian counteroffensive began on 4 June. Kiev sent brigades which had been trained by NATO instructors and armed with Western equipment into battle. Three months later, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Kiev's push had failed, with Ukraine suffering heavy casualties.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231113/ukraine-losing-its-best-soldiers-in-meat-grinder-of-botched-counteroffensive-1114918309.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231114/un-report-detail-us-human-rights-abuses-1114937460.html

UN Report Detail US Human Rights Abuses

UN Report Detail US Human Rights Abuses

The Biden administration is unraveling over the Presidents Middle East policies as both State Department and USAID employees go public with dissent.

2023-11-14T10:56+0000

2023-11-14T10:56+0000

2023-11-14T10:56+0000

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UN Report Detail US Human Rights Abuses The Biden administration is unraveling over the Presidents Middle East policies as both State Department and USAID employees go public with dissent.

Mark Sleboda, Moscow-based international relations security analyst, joins us to discuss Ukraine. There is speculation that European voices are moderating as German Chancellor Olaf Scholz proposes a dialogue with President Putin. Mark discusses Scholz's quotes claiming that Russias campaign against Ukraine is the return of imperialism in Europe." Mark also says newspapers of record are now talking about a rift between the political heads in Ukraine and Russia. Mark Sleboda says there seems to be a lot of political maneuvering going on just in the past 24 hours and that now a total of five Ukrainian leaders have been removed from their positions of leadership in the last few weeks.KJ Noh, peace activist, writer, and teacher, joins us to discuss China. President Xi has a number of advantages as he prepares to meet with President Biden in California. KJ says that China wants to de-escalate and have mutual trade negotiations. KJ says China is not a fool, and can see all that the US is doing while asking for large concessions from China. KJ calls it very "bizarre behavior" on the part of the United States.Misty Winston, radio host and political commentator, joins us to discuss domestic politics. Misty discusses Rep. Tim Scott, the token Black Republican, suddenly dropping his campaign. Misty says no one will miss Sen.Scott and that it's better that he drops out early. Misty says it's entirely amusing to watch the Republican debates with Trump not participating and considers the debates a joke, with no actual exchange of ideas except when the candidates are insulting one another.Dr. Nicolai Petro, professor of Political Science at the University of Rhode Island, joins us to discuss Ukraine peace prospects. The Ukraine neocon project has come around to the inevitable need for a diplomatic ending through pragmatic dialogue. Prof. Petro says he hears the recognition of limitations that have been imposed on how this war progresses but he thinks there is a difference between a temporary cease-fire vs. actually having a solution that will lead to a sustainable peace in Eastern Europe. Here, says Dr. Petro, is where the connection is missing.Max Reed, American Student Union President, joins us to discuss neoliberal collapse. Even Jake Sullivan is admitting that the scourge of neoliberal capitalism is unsustainable. Max Reed says that the country is too divided and there is not a President powerful enough to embrace.Dr. Radhika Desai, author and professor in the Department of Political Studies and Director of the Geopolitical Economy Research Group at the University of Manitoba in Canada, joins us to discuss the crash of the US Empire. The Biden administration is unraveling over the President's Middle East policies as both State Department and USAID employees go public with dissent. Dr Desai says that she has long argued that American homogeneity has never been secured over the last decade and a half. The dissolution of American power, she says, has been discussed as we continue to see the inability of the US to accomplish a Ukrainian win over Russia and control over the Israeli-Palestinian War.Marjorie Cohn, Professor Emerita at Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego, joins us to discuss US human rights violations. Prof. Cohn discusses a UN Report that details rampant US Human Rights violations at home and abroad. Two-thirds of US breaches of the civil and political rights covenant involve racial discrimination. Prof. Marjorie Cohn says that this report puts the US in a shameful place.The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the position of Sputnik.We'd love to get your feedback at radio@sputniknews.comCatch us in the US at 105.5FM, 104.7FM, 102.9FM, 1390AM, 1140AM

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the critical hour, us middle east policies, us human rights violation record, peace prospects in ukraine, china-us relations, xi's visit to the usa, the end of us hegemony
https://sputnikglobe.com/20231114/us-desire-to-pay-ukraines-way-hits-new-low-as-israel-and-border-issues-take-priority-1114952320.html

US Desire to Pay Ukraine's Way Hits New Low as Israel and Border Issues Take Priority

US Desire to Pay Ukraine's Way Hits New Low as Israel and Border Issues Take Priority

Congress allocated over $113 billion in military, economic and humanitarian funding to Ukraine in 2022, with more than $46 billion of that constituting arms assistance. Last month, President Biden asked for a new round of supplemental funding to the tune of $61.4 billion. Conservative Republicans have threatened to reject the request.

2023-11-14T16:22+0000

2023-11-14T16:22+0000

2023-11-14T16:51+0000

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Ukraine is running out of money and time and could get left behind by Congress as US lawmakers shift their priorities and focus to staving off an imminent government shutdown, and to ramping up funding for Israel and the southern border with Mexico. Thats according to a fresh US media report assessing the mood in Washington at the moment.Ukraine funding, I believe, if its worth doing, needs to stand on its own, Republican Representative Mark Alford of Missouri said, addressing recently elected House Speaker Mike Johnsons commitment to keep funding bills separate to prevent the bundling of a large number of unrelated priorities into a single piece of legislation.House Republicans passed a $14 billion aid package for Israel earlier this month, with the money coming from cuts in spending for the Internal Revenue Service. Senate Democrats and many Senate Republicans have rejected the legislation, with President Biden vowing to veto it, demanding that any support for Israel also include money for Ukraine and other spending, including on the border and Americas geostrategic competition with China.Some Senate Republicans, including lawmakers traditionally known for their hawkish positions on Russia, have joined with their conservative colleagues in the House in questioning further Ukraine assistance. I want to be frank with you about our problem, Republican Senator Marco Rubio of Florida told Biden administration officials at a hearing last week. People come up to me and say the following: We have five, six thousand people a day crossing our border; weve got all these other needsWhy is Ukraine important in that context? I hear that constantly, the senator said.Pentagon officials have already sounded the alarm about the dwindling aid for Ukraine from existing outlays, with a DoD spokeswoman saying the department has turned to metering out the remaining money, with about $1 billion in funds remaining. Were going to continue to roll out packages. But theyre getting smaller, the spox said.Along with military funding is the problem of Ukraines massive budget shortfall, which is expected to hit up to $40 billion in the coming year. The countrys national debt approached 50 percent of GDP in 2021, even before the escalation with Russia, and at more than $162 billion now, is expected to surpass 100 percent of GDP next year.The country has relied on US and EU support over the past year and a half to keep the lights on and the business of government running, but funds are quickly running out.The battle in Congress over funding priorities challenges the pompous tone of administration officials and the Pentagon about the USs ability to support as many conflicts as necessary. America can certainly afford to stand with Israel and to support Israels military needs and we also can and must support Ukraine in its struggle against Russia, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said last month, adding that the US economy is doing extremely well.The United States can walk and chew gum at the same time, Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin added.The dropping interest in Ukraine among Republican lawmakers has prompted Ukrainian officials to step up their lobbying, notwithstanding revelations by Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Valery Zaluzhny earlier this month that Ukraines counteroffensive had failed and that there wont be a deep and beautiful breakthrough.A Ukrainian victory is not only our strategic interest. It is the interest of the United States as well, Zelensky administration chief Andriy Yermak emphasized in a speech in Washington on Monday. The coming year will be decisive for the proxy war with Russia, and a turning point in the war is approaching, he noted.Supporters of additional aid, meanwhile, have expressed growing frustration as Capitol Hill and ordinary Americans (the majority of whom now say aid to Ukraine should be capped) shift their focus.Lawmakers are suffering sensory overload, with Ukraine competing with other important issues, and messages circulating in the ether that can dilute our messages, pro-Ukraine funding Republican Senator Todd Young of Indiana explained. Assuring that Ukraine and Israel were linked, Young said that there is a rules-based order that is under threat by Russia, Hamas, China and others, and we need somebody to enforce those rules.The shift in tone on Ukraine in Congress, and reports of US and EU calls for peace talks with Moscow have evoked cautious optimism that the blood-soaked 20-month proxy war against Russia may be approaching its end. But Russian officials arent counting on a halt of Western military support for Kiev in the near future.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231102/us-house-passes-143bln-israel-aid-bill-unlikely-to-clear-senate-biden-veto-threat-1114676884.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231108/usaid-warns-no-funding-left-for-direct-budget-support-in-ukraine-1114821828.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231112/ukraines-foreign-us-mercs-in-zaporozhye-reportedly-left-for-israel-1114905371.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231114/us-house-blocks-effort-to-impeach-homeland-security-secretary-mayorkas-1114935988.html

US House Blocks Effort to Impeach Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas

US House Blocks Effort to Impeach Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas

The US House of Representatives blocked a measure to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas for his alleged mishandling of the United States southern border.

2023-11-14T01:09+0000

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americas

us

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marjorie taylor greene

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House lawmakers voted 209-201 on Monday night to send the impeachment resolution against Mayorkas, which was introduced by Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, back to the House Homeland Security Committee. Eight Republicans joined Democrats in voting to prevent a floor vote on the measure. Greene accuses Mayorkas of violating his constitutional duties by allowing tens of millions of illegal immigrants to cross into the US. If the House of Representatives had moved forward articles of impeachment against Mayorkas, the Democrat-majority Senate would then hold an impeachment trial.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230920/bidens-migrant-border-crisis-blows-hole-worth-millions-in-colorado-city-budget-1113529760.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231114/us-senator-says-will-take-100-years-to-determine-whether-aid-for-ukraine-worthwhile-1114957367.html

US Senator Says Will Take 100 Years to Determine Whether Aid for Ukraine Worthwhile

US Senator Says Will Take 100 Years to Determine Whether Aid for Ukraine Worthwhile

It will take a century to ultimately determine whether the United States support for Ukraine was a worthwhile endeavor, US Senator Roger Marshall stated on Tuesday.

2023-11-14T18:18+0000

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"I dont know whos wrong and right when it comes to Ukraine funding. I think its going to take 100 years and history to judge whos right on the Ukraine funding," Marshall said during a press conference. Marshall and several other Republican senators spoke in favor of holding separate votes on US aid for Israel and Ukraine, following a $106 billion supplemental funding request from the Biden administration that includes assistance for both countries. The US House of Representatives passed a standalone Israel aid package, which the White House and Senate Democrats have opposed. Marshall stressed that he is certain in his support for Israel funding even though the senator is unsure whether he is correct on Ukraine funding. US Senator J.D. Vance said Senate Democrats are avoiding holding a separate debate on US support for Ukraine. Democrats do not want the Biden administration to have to answer "tough questions" about its approach to Ukraine, Vance added.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231004/almost-half-of-americans-say-us-military-aid-for-ukraine-not-worth-expense---poll-1113929286.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231114/watch-russian-ka-52-alligator-chopper-shows-its-mastery-at-dubai-airshow-2023-1114948343.html

Watch: Russian Ka-52 Alligator Chopper Shows Its Mastery at Dubai Airshow 2023

Watch: Russian Ka-52 Alligator Chopper Shows Its Mastery at Dubai Airshow 2023

"Rosoboronexport" presented for the first time at the Dubai Airshow the Ka-52 combat reconnaissance and attack helicopter with a set of airborne weapons.

2023-11-14T14:36+0000

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2023-11-14T14:36+0000

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Rosoboronexport has for the first time at the Dubai Airshow presented the Ka-52 combat reconnaissance and attack helicopter with a set of airborne weapons. The helicopter has been recognized by international experts as the best in its market segment. The capabilities of the Russian Ka-52 helicopter are shown in airshow footage.The Ka-52 attack helicopter is designed to destroy enemy tanks, armored and unarmored combat vehicles, personnel, and helicopters on the front line and in tactical depth. The Ka-52 has high combat survivability, round-the-clock operational capability, and high combat power. It is also the only helicopter in the world equipped with a catapult shock-absorbing system.

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The capabilities of Russias Ka-52 helicopter were shown at the Dubai Airshow The capabilities of Russias Ka-52 helicopter were shown at the Dubai Airshow 2023-11-14T14:36+0000 true PT0M28S

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231114/watch-russias-giatsint-s-self-propelled-artillery-guns-in-combat-action-in-kupyansk-direction-1114941400.html

Watch Russias Giatsint-S Self-Propelled Artillery Guns in Combat Action in Kupyansk Direction

Watch Russias Giatsint-S Self-Propelled Artillery Guns in Combat Action in Kupyansk Direction

The Russian Defense Ministry has released footage of Russias Giatsint-S self-propelled artillery guns in action in Kupyansk direction.

2023-11-14T12:20+0000

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The Russian Defense Ministry has released footage of Russias Giatsint-S self-propelled artillery guns in action in Kupyansk direction.After the aerial reconnaissance unit locates groups of troops and enemy equipment, their coordinates are transmitted to the artillery crew of the Giatsint-S self-propelled artillery installation. The combat vehicle then moves into position and opens fire on the identified enemy targets.The Giatsint-S self-propelled artillery units of the Western Military District carry out precision strikes against enemy positions in the Kupyansk direction around the clock, the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement.The artillery crews of the Giatsint-S artillery are destroying military facilities, fortifications and enemy personnel. The artillerymen's combat work is notable not only for its accuracy, but also for its speed: it takes only a few minutes from receiving the target coordinates to firing a shot, the ministry said.

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Russias Giatsint-S self-propelled artillery guns in action in Kupyansk direction Russias Giatsint-S self-propelled artillery guns in action in Kupyansk direction 2023-11-14T12:20+0000 true PT0M40S

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231114/what-are-hamas-survival-odds-as-israeli-military-gains-ground-in-gaza-city-1114957823.html

What are Hamas' Survival Odds as Israeli Military Gains Ground in Gaza City?

What are Hamas' Survival Odds as Israeli Military Gains Ground in Gaza City?

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have managed to seize Hamas parliament, government seat, and police headquarters in the course of the military ground operation in the region, according to the Israeli press.

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The IDF announced on Tuesday that the 7th Armored Brigade and Golani Infantry Brigade had taken over a number of Hamas sites in Gaza City despite fierce resistance from the Palestinian Islamist militants. Social media accounts have been circulating photos of Israeli troops holding the Jewish state's banner in what appears to be premises captured from Hamas.On October 7, Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), and other Islamist groups carried out a surprise attack on Israeli cities and military positions. In addition to launching around 6,000 rockets, the Islamist groups infiltrated Israeli settlements, slaughtered 1,400 civilians  including elderly and children  and military servicemen, and took around 240 hostages. In the wake of the attack, which caught the Israeli government off guard, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared war on Hamas, kicked off massive air strikes against the militants' positions in the strip, and later authorized a ground operation in Gaza.Has Hamas Lost Control of Gaza?Even though the fighting on the ground has been raging on, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant suggested on November 13 that Hamas had lost control of the Gaza Strip. "There is no force of Hamas capable of stopping the IDF. The IDF is advancing to every point. The Hamas organization has lost control of Gaza," Gallant said, adding that Gaza civilians are "looting" bases left by the militant group. As of Tuesday, the death toll in the IDF ground operation had reached 46 Israeli servicemen.Over the past two days, most fighting occurred around Shifa Hospital, which, according to Tel Aviv, was used by Hamas as cover for an underground command center. However, the IDF denied that it has besieged or directly attacked the medical center, adding that it has maintained contact with the Shifa staff to allow safe passage of civilians and patients.Per the IDF, the Israeli military supplied 300 liters of fuel to Shifa Hospital on Sunday, but Hamas prevented the healthcare facility from receiving it. Earlier, the director of the hospital, Mohammed Abu Selmia, complained that the facility lost power on Saturday.On Tuesday, the Israeli military also shared a tape of conversation between an IDF liaison officer and Abu Selmia regarding the handover of 37 incubators, four breathing machines, and other critical medical equipment from Israel to the hospital amid mounting criticism of Tel Aviv's ground operation by the international community, including Israel's allies, the US and EU. The hostilities have claimed the lives of over 11,000 Palestinians, according to the Health Ministry of Gazas Hamas government.Last week, Israel agreed to four-hour daily "tactical, localized pauses" in its offensive in the Gaza Strip. Per the Israeli media, these pauses were observed on Tuesday, too, to enable Palestinians to evacuate toward the south. Over 800,000 out of the 1.1 million Palestinians from the northern part of Gaza have already fled to the south through safe corridors set up by the IDF.Hamas Can Still Play Hostage CardMeanwhile, the Israeli media reported on Tuesday that the Israeli Air Force had struck 200 Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip over the past 24 hours. Nonetheless, Hamas has continued to fire rockets at Israeli military positions and residential areas from Gaza. The missile attacks from the Islamist group have been ongoing almost uninterruptedly since the October surprise assault.Per Trombetta, Hamas still has some cards up its sleeve:Meanwhile, the Netanyahu Cabinet appears to have no doubts that Israel must prevail in the conflict with Hamas and ensure the Jewish state's security. Earlier, Benjamin Netanyahu rejected Washington's apparent proposal that the Palestinian Authority should take the reins of Gaza after the hostilities are over. Per him, discussions of who should govern the strip would "only come after the eradication of Hamas." Speaking to Fox News last Thursday, the Israeli prime minister emphasized that the enclave must be "demilitarized, deradicalized and rebuilt" in the first place.In a joint press conference on November 12, which Netanyahu held alongside Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Minister Benny Gantz, the Israeli prime minister brushed away international criticism over how the IDF is conducting its military operation against Islamists in the Gaza Strip: "No international pressure, no false allegations about IDF soldiers and our state," will impact Israels resolve, per Netanyahu. Israel will "stand firm against the world if necessary," he stressed. "Israel has to win for its own sake and for the world."

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231031/russian-born-jewish-hostage-featured-in-hamas-video-may-still-be-alive--1114623972.html

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Novelist Han Kang received a prestigious literary award in France last week for her book "I Do Not Bid Farewell."

"The Vegetarian" author, for which she won the International Booker Prize in 2016, said she would much like to "bid farewell" now to stories about Korea's tragic history, and move on to brighter and warmer ones.

"My two recent books  'Human Acts' in 2014 and 'I Do Not Bid Farewell' in 2021  were about historic events. Now I want to write about personal stories," Han said during a press conference marking her winning the Prix Medicis for foreign literature.

"I've had enough of feeling cold, as it snows so much in 'I Do Not Bid Farewell.' I would like to have spring come," she said.

Han said neither did she expect to win the award, nor did she anticipate the award ceremony to be so casual and relaxed as if being invited to a small dinner party.

"I had prepared what to say at the ceremony, but there was no ceremony at all. I did not even make an acceptance speech," the author said.

The Prix Medicis, among France's four major literary awards, was established in 1970 to celebrate exceptional literary works. Previously, Han's "Greek Lessons" was nominated for the award in 2017.

"I Do Not Bid Farewell," which has yet to be published in English, depicts the tragedy of a 1948 civilian massacre on Korea's southern island of Jeju from the perspective of three women  Kyung-ha, In-sun and Jung-shim.

The then government distorted the April 3, 1948, uprising of Jeju islanders against the U.S. military-led rule as a communist riot and massacred an estimated 14,000-30,000 civilians, or up to 10 percent of the island's population at the time.

"While the lead character Jung-shim appears to be sad, lethargic and small, she does not stop grieving, does not bid farewell and fights till the end," Han said.

"That mindset (of Jung-shim) is the core of the book and I tried to have that passion and persistence while writing it."

The French edition of the novel was published by Grasset in late August under the title "Impossibles adieux."

Han said she liked the French translation of the title so much so that she is considering choosing "Impossible Goodbyes" as the English one.

"I had a lot of struggles while I was writing the book. I often complained to my editor of the fear that I might not be able to finish the book," she said.

"It took me seven years to finally complete the story and when I did that, it was the happiest moment for me," said Han who made her literary debut as a poet in 1993.

"I think a lot about life lately. We should return this one-off life, which was given to us as a present whether you like it or not. I would like to develop the idea of being alive and write about spring," she said. (Yonhap)
Equine Guelph will host three racing-exclusive online courses again on TheHorsePortal.ca in the winter of 2024. With funding from Central Ontario Standardbred Association, Ontario Racing and Standardbred Canada, these short courses will be available free (value $95) for Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario licensees and Standardbred Canada members.

Racehorses are elite athletes and peak performance can only be achieved with optimal health. Given the demanding life of the equine athlete, racehorses are at risk for respiratory issues, gut health issues, lameness and injury every day, said Gayle Ecker, director of Equine Guelph. There are daily practices that can be employed to reduce the risk and we are pleased to share this practical information with the industry.

Trainers, grooms, owners and other industry stakeholders from the Standardbred, Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing sectors will reap the benefits of learning the latest in equine healthcare through free access to these three online courses developed to address the top three industry-identified healthcare issues facing racehorses:

Racehorse Lameness/Injury Prevention & Care, Jan. 22 - Feb. 2, sponsored by Ontario Racing: Learn how to notice the small, subtle changes which signify something is amiss prior to noticeable lameness, at which point irreparable damage could have already occurred. Pick up tips on signs of lameness to watch for and when to take a break from training. Dr. Melissa McKee will act as course instructor.

Racehorse Gut Health & Ulcer/Colic Prevention, Feb. 12-23, sponsored by Central Ontario Standardbred Association: Learn from experts how to reduce the chance of digestive tract issues in the barn and improve your horses performance on the track. Course instructor Dr. Nicole Weidner will be discussing common causes of gut health issues such as ulcers and colic as well as providing advice for early detection and prevention.

Racehorse Respiratory Health, March 4-15, sponsored by Standardbred Canada: Doctors Sarah Shaw and Amy Lack will return as the course co-instructors for the Racehorse Respiratory Health online course. Participants will learn daily practices that can optimize health and performance and reduce the risk of respiratory issues in equine athletes. The issue of bleeding will be a major point of discussion in this years offering.

The flexible two-week online courses are available 24/7 and feature a lively Discussion Board where students have the opportunity to submit questions to the experts. Industry members are encouraged to sign up for one or all three courses, and repeat students are welcome back to join in the new discussions this winter.

Equine Guelph is pleased to welcome back Industry Ambassadors Ruleen Lilley and Renee Kierans for a third year. Lilley and Kierans will represent the Standardbred and Thoroughbred sectors, respectively, as peer helpers in all three courses. They will be online to assist course participants, ask practical questions to industry experts on behalf of their sector and encourage lively, robust online discussions between students from the different racing sectors.

Help your racehorses reach their full potential. For those who have never taken an online course before, no prior online learning experience is required. Limited registrations are available. Be sure to hold the dates and register now for these two-week, racing-exclusive online courses.

Sign-up instructions:

Standardbred Canada members - TheHorsePortal.ca/SC (free)

AGCO licensees - TheHorsePortal.ca/OR (free)

COSA members - TheHorsePortal.ca/COSA (free)

Industry members outside of Ontario: TheHorsePortal.ca ($95)

(With files from Equine Guelph)


OBrien Award winner and Canadian Pacing Derby champion Sintra will officially be retired with a special ceremony this Saturday, Nov. 18 at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

A 10-year-old gelding, Sintra amassed 48 wins, $1.6 million in earnings and a mark of 1:47.2 during a tremendous racing career.

Owned by The Stable since July of 2022, Sintra won his final career start on Sept. 25 at Grand River Raceway before his connections unanimously decided that the veteran pacer was ready to move into retirement.

Although Sintra finished his racing days with trainer Harry Poulton and TheStable, the son of Mach Three spent most of his career in the care of trainer Dave Menary.

The Stables Anthony MacDonald announced in mid-October that Sintra would be returned to the Menary family to enjoy his well-earned retirement.

The Stable will formally return Sintra to the Menarys during Saturdays retirement ceremony.

Sintra provided both connections with career highlights.

Menary and co-owners Brad Gray and Michael Guerriero received a major thrill with Sintras upset victory in the $615,000 Canadian Pacing Derby in September of 2017. The outstanding pacer then provided MacDonald and The Stable a memorable victory in the 2022 Gold Cup and Saucer in Prince Edward Island.

Sintras retirement ceremony will take place in the winners circle following Saturdays first race.

Post time for Saturdays card is 7:10 p.m.

(Woodbine)
The North Iredell High School Performing Arts Center was the setting for the 2024 Miss Statesville and Miss Iredell County competition on Saturday afternoon.

There was also a teen competition for the younger competitors.

The Miss Statesville and Iredell County programs are official preliminaries to the Miss America and Miss America Teen Pageants.

All contestants are judged in the areas of on stage conversation, private Interview, physical fitness, talent and evening gown competitions.

The executive director for the local program is Ryan Pegarsch.

Twelve contestants competed for the four titles, two teen and two miss, who will then advance on to the state competition next summer.

Piper Pollard, a senior at Stokes Early College, was awarded the title of Miss Iredell Countys Teen.

She is the daughter of Gary and Paige Pollard and sang For Good in the talent competition.

Kamryn Hollowell was crowned the 18th Miss Statesville Teen.

She is a sophomore at Corinth Holders High School and the daughter of Michael and Karen Hollowell.

In the talent competition, she performed a fast-paced clogging routine to Michael Jacksons Smooth Criminal and Bad, which won her the Talent Award for the Teen Division.

In addition, Kamryn was awarded the Community Service Award.

Both new titleholders were crowned by outgoing queen, Tatum Robbins and special guest, Miss North Carolinas Teen, Hanley House.

Peyton Rice, Piper Erskine, and Emilee Grace Bradley also competed in the event.

Piper and Kamryn will both compete for the Miss North Carolinas Teen title in June.

The miss contestants were divided into two groups.

This was decided by residential eligibility requirements.

One group competed for the Miss Iredell County title while the other was eligible for Miss Statesville.

Jamie Logan, a recent graduate of Methodist University and West Virginia University, was crowned Miss Iredell County 2024.

The daughter of Michael and Beverly Logan, she performed a lyrical dance to Flashlight for her talent presentation.

She was also voted Miss Congeniality by her fellow contestants.

Deovenue Chappell won the talent portion of the event with her vocal rendition of Rise Up.

Morgan Kimrey also participated in this division.

Hannah Harvey, last years Miss Iredell County, who was a Top 16 finalist at Miss North Carolina, crowned Jamie as the new titleholder.

Tiffany Lauren Smith, a graduate of Pfeiffer University, was crowned Miss Statesville 2024.

She performed a vocal rendition of Feeling Good in the talent competition which received a rousing ovation from the audience

Tiffany is certainly no stranger to pageantry, as this will be her seventh attempt at the Miss North Carolina title.

She has previously represented Stanly County, Central Carolina, Raleigh, Queen City, Blue Ridge Valley and Johnston County, and loves competing for the scholarship opportunities.

Maayan Eaves guitar and vocal performance to John Mayers Age of Worry was the talent winner in the Miss Statesville division.

The other participants were Anderson Raines and Amber Potts.

Jamie and Tiffany will represent the Statesville and Iredell County areas in next Junes Miss North Carolina Pageant in High Point.

The pageant served as a homecoming of sorts for last years Miss Statesville, Taylor Loyd.

This past June, Taylor became the first Miss Statesville in the history of the pageant to capture the Miss North Carolina title.

She performed a couple of vocal presentations during the show and spoke with the audience about her experiences thus far as Miss North Carolina and her preparations for the upcoming Miss America Pageant to be held in Orlando, Florida in January.
Update Wednesday morning

The national trend of early voters tending to cast ballots for Democrats proved to also be true in Smyth County.

When the early votes were reported, incumbent treasurer Tom Burkett took a slim lead over Republican challenger Lori Hester Deel. With provisional votes and post-election ballots yet to be counted, Burkett is ahead by 29 votes, 4,121 to 4,092.

***

As the precincts reported in with their vote tallies Tuesday night, the outcomes of some of the highly contested constitutional officer races in Smyth County were apparent early on, while others stayed close.

However, even as the first precinct totals came in, Republican Phillip Bucky Blevins took a decisive lead over Paul Morrison, a Democrat, in the race for commonwealths attorney. Blevins, a current deputy commonwealths attorney, easily overcame the challenge by Morrison, a longtime defense attorney.

The two men were vying to fill the top prosecutors seat being vacated by Roy Evans, who plans to retire at years end.

On Facebook, Morrison congratulated Blevins and wished him the best, saying, All I want is a safe Smyth County for my family, and I am sure he wants the same for his.

He went on to extend his gratitude, writing, Thanks to all of you, this has been one experience I will never forget.

With all but the provisional, early voting, and absentee ballots being reported, the unofficial results gave Blevins the lead with 79.28% of the votes cast.

In the race for commissioner of the revenue, Republican Bradley Powers also took a decisive lead over Democrat Brian Walker. The two businessmen were competing to fill the office being vacated by Jeff Richardson, who also plans to retire at the end of the year.

According to Tuesday nights unofficial results, Powers claimed about 61.41% of the votes cast.

Walker also wished Powers well and extended his thanks to supporters.

In the clerk of court race, incumbent John Graham, a Democrat, held onto his post against a challenge by Republican Eric Stingy Davidson, a newcomer to elected office campaigns. Graham held his office with 58.67% of the votes.

In the race for treasurer, incumbent Tom Burkett, a Democrat, apparently lost his post to Lori Hester Deel, a Republican and current vice chair of the Board of Supervisors. The race was one of the closest with Deel tallying 3,472 votes to Burketts 3,285.

Incumbent Sheriff Chip Shuler had no challengers on the ballot but lost more than 7.5% of the votes to a write-in campaign. He did receive about 93% of the countywide vote.

With four seats on the board of supervisors up for election this year, two newcomers who were unopposed got the necessary votes of confidence to take their seats in January. Rick Billings will represent the North Fork District and Jason Parris will do the same for the Rye Valley seat. Incumbents Charlie Atkins, the Atkins District, and Kris Ratliff, the Park District, also received votes of confidence.

School board seats for the same districts were also unopposed and the incumbents were returned to office: Susan Williams, Atkins; Kyle Rhodes, Park District; Jesse Choate, Rye Valley; and Mac Buchanan, North Fork.

Travis Hackworth, a Republican, easily overcame a challenge by Democrat Robert Beckman for the 5th District Senate seat.

In his home county, Jed Arnold, who was unopposed on the ballot for the 46th House of Delegates seat, captured nearly 98% of the votes cast.

Of Smyths 20,229 registered voters, about 34% cast ballots Tuesday. The early voting results, absentee ballots, and provisional votes were not included in these results.

All results, provided by the Virginia Department of Elections, are unofficial.
Guterres pledged to work on securing funding for early recovery projects, particularly in the critical electricity sector, according to al-Souria Net.

The Old Damascus Directorate has officially launched the Early Recovery project in the historic Old Damascus area of the Syrian capital, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme.

Tamima Abboud, Director of the Old City of Damascus, announced in an interview with the Syrian regimes Al-Baath newspaper on Tuesday that the directorate is presently engaged in a digital transformation and smart management initiative for the Old City.

This endeavour involves developing a phased executive action plan that ensures its preservation on the World Heritage List, while transforming it into a sustainable digital city that caters to the daily needs of its residents and considers its economic, tourism, cultural, and environmental aspects.

According to Abboud, the project comprises four components:

Foundational and enabling, which encompasses equipping the digital transformation unit, procuring computer equipment, and establishing committees responsible for conducting topographic surveys and aerial photography. Urban planning. Smart urban management. Smart implementation projects for infrastructure and services.

Abboud further explained that the early recovery plan, developed in coordination with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), includes the establishment of a community support center at the headquarters of the Old City of Damascus Directorate, along with the presentation of critical development projects.

In line with this effort, maintenance and reconstruction operations are currently underway for the collapsed section of the Old City of Damascus wall in the Farayen neighbourhood. These measures aim to enhance disaster protection and reduce the risk of fires. Additionally, they involve identifying potential locations for establishing dry fire lines in neighbourhoods where access to fire trucks is challenging.

The Early Recovery Steps:

Over the past year, the Syrian regime has expedited its initiatives related to early recovery projects, a term mentioned in Security Council Resolution 2642, through a series of meetings with senior UN officials.

In a meeting between the regimes Foreign Minister, Faisal al-Mekdad, and the United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, held on the sidelines of the General Assembly meetings in New York in September 2022, these projects were discussed.

Guterres pledged to work on securing funding for early recovery projects, particularly in the critical electricity sector, and to engage with concerned countries in this regard.

Al-Mekdad, in turn, expressed his appreciation to the Secretary-General, emphasizing the importance of certain countries not obstructing the implementation of Resolution 2642 regarding early recovery projects.

According to the United Nations Development Programme, early recovery is an approach that addresses recovery needs during the humanitarian emergency response phase.

In essence, this concept involves restoring essential services that enable affected individuals to become self-reliant in a more sustainable manner, reducing their dependency on relief organizations for basic necessities.

Humanitarian workers in Syria have previously cautioned against the Syrian regimes exploitation of early recovery projects as a means to replenish its coffers and gain legitimacy. The regime has a history of misappropriating aid, distributing it solely in loyalist areas, manipulating aid money transfer exchange rates, and employing associates in aid and procurement positions.

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 Foreign Minister added that the contemporary world is increasingly rejecting European colonial history, according to al-Watan.

Foreign and Expatriates Minister Faisal al-Mekdad stated that the Zionist entity has shown a complete disregard for red lines, international agreements, and humanitarian laws in its ongoing aggression against Gaza.

Mekdad took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to express his views, noting that certain groups professing commitment to human rights, a rules-based global order, and international law have shamelessly supported Israel in every possible way, effectively endorsing the war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by Zionist forces against Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.

He emphasized that people around the world who support the Palestinians right to return and establish their independent state in their homeland, as well as those who have recently become aware of Israeli atrocities, will not tolerate further lies and deceit from the United States and the Western nations.

The Foreign Minister added that the contemporary world is increasingly rejecting European colonial history and the United States unwavering support for Israel. In the face of Israels deliberate actions resulting in the deaths of approximately twelve thousand Palestinians, with over half of them being children, and with the support of the West under morally questionable pretexts, the global conscience must awaken.

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.
Dog meat traders up in arms over gov't plan to end dog meat consumption
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.

On Monday, Syria granted an extension for the United Nations to deliver aid to opposition-held areas in the northwest through two Turkish border crossings, valid for another three months. Meanwhile, security tensions arose in the al-Hol camp in northeastern Syrias Hassakeh Governorate on Tuesday, triggered by a protest from families of Islamic State (ISIS) militants.

Syria allows UN to keep delivering aid from Turkey

Syria has extended permission for the United Nations to deliver aid to opposition-held areas in the northwest of the country via two Turkish border crossings for another three months, the United Nations said on Monday.

According to Reuters, after an earthquake killed more than 50,000 people in Turkey and Syria in February, Damascus initially allowed the U.N. to dispatch aid through the Turkish crossings for three months. That has now been extended for a third time until Feb. 13.

The U.N. cross-border operation remains a lifeline to people in north-west Syria. Each month, the U.N. and partners reach an average of 2.5 million people with critical assistance and protection services, the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said in a statement.

Syrias mission to the United Nations in New York confirmed the extension of the U.N. use of the Bab al-Salam and Al Raee crossings.

US and Iran-backed groups trade fire in Syria. Will it get worse?

The United States and Iran-backed armed groups in the Middle East are increasingly trading fire in Syria since Israel launched its brutal military assault on the Gaza Strip on October 7, according to Al-Jazeera.

US bases in Syria and neighbouring Iraq have been attacked multiple times, raising fears of regional escalation as Iran has warned against the mounting death toll in Gaza. More than 11,000 Palestinians have been killed in nearly 40 days of non-stop Israeli bombing.

So, whats the latest with the attacks, how closely tied are they to whats happening in Gaza, and how could this escalate?

How big are the strikes?

Iran-backed groups have attacked US forces in Syria and Iraq more than 50 times since the start of the Gaza war, with several attacks coming this week, according to US military officials.

The attacks, involving rockets, missiles and drones, have inflicted minor damage and have not killed any US soldiers.

Washington has warned that the attacks must stop. It has also launched retaliatory strikes, the latest of which came late on Sunday against two purportedly Iran-linked sites in Syria. One hit a training facility near Abu Kamal, with another targeting a safe house near Mayadin, both located in eastern Syria.

The Pentagon did not provide any details on the damage caused by the strikes, but the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), a London-based monitoring group, said eight members of Iran-backed militias were killed in the attacks. Al Jazeera however could not independently verify the figure.

US officials said last week at least 56 US personnel have been injured in attacks in Syria and Iraq that started on October 17. Injuries ranged from minor wounds to traumatic brain injuries, but the Pentagon said all had been treated and they returned to work.

US diplomat slams Turkey for flying drones near US bases in NE Syria

James Jeffrey, former US Representative for Syria, criticized Turkey for flying drones in close proximity to US bases in northeast Syria at this ultra-sensitive time when the whole Middle East is a powder keg.

In an interview with Washington Online on North Press, Jeffrey said that flying Turkish drones near the US bases in northeast Syria is the stupidest action by Turkish authorities in years.

Jeffrey emphasized that the US forces in Syria and Iraq have been under attack by Iranian and Iranian-backed militias for weeks. Given this volatile situation, he questioned why Turkish drones were flying near American troops at such a sensitive time.

Why was this drone flying in close proximity to American troops at this very very sensitive time? He wandered.

He stressed that performing this action, amidst heightened tensions in the Middle East, has raised concerns and highlighted the need for Turkish political oversight.

This is brain dead. This is really bad. It means that somebody in Ankara is not carrying out political oversight over these things, Jeffrey strongly criticized.

Jeffrey noted that President Biden had made it clear that any escalation would be met with a strong response. He cited a recent incident where an American destroyer successfully intercepted missiles and drones fired by Iranian-backed Houthis towards Israel.

Maintaining strong relations between Turkey and the US was emphasized by Jeffrey as he stressed the importance of good relations.

Additionally, he highlighted Turkeys potential role in mediating Israel-Hamas conflict. Turkey can play a mediating role. It is very important that Turkey keeps lines open to everyone, Jeffery said.

Regarding the Turkey-Israel relationship, he confirmed the importance of trade, tourism, and intelligence cooperation between the two countries in countering the shared threat posed by Iran in the region.

Israel is not a threat to Turkey, Turkey is not a threat to Israel, but Iran is a threat to both, the American diplomat concluded.

Wives of ISIS militants protest in al-Hol camp in NE Syria

The al-Hol camp in the Hassakeh Governorate, northeastern Syria, witnessed early on Tuesday security tension following a protest by the families of the Islamic State (ISIS) militants.

Al-Hol Camp, located in the southeast of the city of Hassakeh, houses 55,000 individuals, including 8,803 of foreign nationalities, according to the latest statistics obtained by North Press.

A source from the Hawl camp told North Press that a protest was organized by the wives of ISIS militants where they demanded the release of their husbands who are detained in prisons in areas held by the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES).

The Hawl camp includes the al-Muhajirat section designated for foreign women who came to Syria to join the group.

On multiple occasions, the AANES called on foreign countries to repatriate their nationals from the camp.

The source added that the security forces ended the protest and have been conducting several patrols to monitor suspicious movements in the camp.
Consulates require residents abroad to dispatch the birth certificate to a relative inside Syria for registration, according to Syria TV.

The Syrian regimes embassies and consulates have recently ceased the registration of births in several countries, including the UAE. They now require residents abroad to dispatch the birth certificate to a relative inside Syria for registration, accompanied by exclusive payment of fees in USD.

Salem, a 45-year-old resident of the UAE, recounted to Syria TV that the regimes embassy in Abu Dhabi refused to register his newborn son last week. Instead, they instructed him to send the birth certificate to a relative in Syria. The embassy employee did not provide reasons for the halt in registering new births.

Consequently, Salems father encountered difficulties in registering his grandson. According to Salem, his father narrated the process: Upon receiving the birth certificate, my father attempted to register it in Qatana. There, he was directed to the Civil registrar (General Administration  Marja). Subsequently, after registering, he was instructed to proceed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for ratification.

At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Salems father was surprised when the certifying officer demanded a $50 certification fee, deviating from the equivalent in Syrian pounds based on the regimes Central Bank exchange rate.

Salem clarified that his father managed to obtain $50 from an intermediary who converted the fees from Syrian pounds to dollars, paying them as certification fees due to the unavailability of the amount in USD. He then returned to the central souls to affix his signature on the birth certificate, endorsed by the Foreign Ministry.

Consequently, Salems father was compelled to pay $50 and an additional thousand pounds in commission, a practice contradictory to the 2020 legislative decree No. 3, which prohibits the use of non-Syrian pounds as a means of payment.

The consular departments website within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs specifies that fees for document attestation must be paid in Syrian pounds.

A generation of Syrians without identity

According to a lawyer in Damascus, the Syrian Civil Status Law No. 13 of 2021 provides two avenues for birth registration. The first involves registration through the Syrian diplomatic mission in the country of residence or where the incident occurred. The second allows the submission of documents to any civil registration center in Syria for registration, eliminating the necessity to visit a Syrian diplomatic mission.

In an interview with the Syria TV website, the lawyer clarified that the law permits the use of the second method if, for any reason, registration through the diplomatic mission is not feasible. Importantly, this allowance is not contingent on the refusal of registration by consular or embassy personnel without a corresponding decision or explanation.

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 SNHR sais the forces of the Syrian-Russian alliance persist in intentionally bombing civilian objects and infrastructure in northwestern Syria.

The Syrian Network for Human Rights has verified that the forces of the Syrian-Russian alliance persist in intentionally bombing civilian objects and infrastructure in northwestern Syria. This information is detailed in a report titled At least 73 incidents of attacks on vital civilian centers by the Syrian alliance forces in northwestern Syria since October 5th, 2023.

According to the report, the offensive actions of the Syrian-Russian alliance forces in northwestern Syria, initiated on October 5, primarily targeted civilian areas such as the city of Idleb and its surrounding western, southern, eastern, and northern countryside. The attacks also extended to areas in the western countryside of Aleppo and the al-Ghab plain in the western countryside of Hamaareas not under the control of the Syrian regime forces. These attacks consisted entirely of ground assaults executed by the Syrian regime forces utilizing rocket launchers and artillery.

The report further states that a significant number of these attacks purposefully targeted densely populated areas situated away from contact lines and civilian structures that typically experience high levels of activity. This strategy appears designed to maximize damage to service infrastructure benefiting residents, resulting in the loss of civilian lives and the displacement of tens of thousands of families.

The documented statistics in the report reveal the killing of at least 68 civilians, including 24 children, 14 women, and 3 humanitarian workers, due to the assaults by the Syrian-Russian alliance forces on areas in the governorates of Idleb, Aleppo, and Hama in northwestern Syria. This period spans from October 5, 2023, to November 11, 2023. Notably, 59 civilians, including 20 children and 10 women, lost their lives at the hands of the Syrian regime forces, while nine civilians, including four children and four women, fell victim to Russian forces.

Additionally, the report documents two massacres by Syrian regime forces and one massacre by Russian forces. Over the period from October 5, 2023, to November 11, 2023, it records a total of at least 73 incidents of attacks on vital civilian centers perpetrated by the Syrian-Russian alliance forces in northwestern Syria. Of these, 69 were attributed to the Syrian regime forces, and four were attributed to Russian forces, encompassing 24 attacks on educational facilities, 11 on medical facilities, and 12 on places of worship.

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 French officials affirmed their country's steadfast support for UN Security Council Resolution 2254, according to Baladi News.

The head of the Syrian Negotiation Commission, Badr Jamous, held discussions with Frances envoy to Syria, Ambassador Brigitte Curmi, and the French Consul General in Istanbul, Oliver Coven, to address the latest developments in the political process.

In a statement released on Monday, the Commission highlighted that the meeting occurred at the French Palace in Istanbul, focusing on the ongoing political advancements in the Syrian issue. Jamous emphasized, the imperative of progressing the political process, ensuring that the Syrian people are not left as victims of cross-border militias and the Syrian regime, which has resulted in Syria becoming a failed state.

Jamous underscored the significance of garnering increased political support and international engagement to bring an end to the Syrian tragedy that has persisted since 2011, and devising effective mechanisms to counteract the regimes evasion of the implementation of international resolutions.

In response, the two French officials affirmed their countrys steadfast support for UN Security Council Resolution 2254, advocating for the comprehensive implementation of international resolutions that align with the aspirations of the Syrian people. Additionally, they expressed continued humanitarian support for the Syrian people.

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.
Since 2014, the UN has utilized the Bab al-Hawa crossing from Turkey to distribute aid to millions in northwestern Syria.

The Syrian state has agreed to an extension of the authorization for delivering aid to areas beyond Damascus control through two Turkish border crossings, lasting for an additional three months.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) verified the Syrian states consent to prolong the aid delivery, stating, The UN cross-border operation remains a vital support for people in northwest Syria. The United Nations and its partners offer essential assistance and protection services to an average of 2.5 million people every month, as reported by Reuters.

Simultaneously, Syrias mission to the United Nations in New York affirmed the extension of the UNs utilization of the Bab al-Salam and al-Rai crossings.

Since 2014, the UN has utilized the Bab al-Hawa crossing from Turkey to distribute aid to millions in northwestern Syria under a mandate from the Security Council. However, this mandate expired in mid-July due to the 15-member councils failure to reach an agreement for an extension. Shortly thereafter, Damascus declared that the United Nations could resume using the Bab al-Hawa crossing for an additional six months.

On July 13, 2023, Syrias representative to the United Nations, Bassam Sabbagh, announced permission for humanitarian aid to enter the Bab al-Hawa border crossing for a period of 6 months.

The matter of opening humanitarian crossings is a contentious topic in the Syrian issue, with ongoing Security Council meetings addressing the continued opening of these crossings. While Western countries emphasize the need for ongoing access, Russia exercises its veto power to prevent the openings without Damascus consent.

Russian Permanent Representative to the United Nations Vassily Nebenzia previously accused UN Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria, David Cardin, of developing close cooperation with armed factions in Idleb. Nebenzia stated, The Syrian armed groups in Idleb have developed a close cooperation, somewhat fruitful with Mr. David Cardin, the United Nations Deputy Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria, who happens to be a British national. He noted that his country rejected a decision to pass aid to northern Syrian regions through Turkish territory without passing through Damascus.

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.
A Kelso woman who says she was wrongly arrested for stealing the mayor of Longviews cellphone is suing the city, Mayor MaryAlice Wallis, and two Longview police officers in federal court.

Tiffany Lynn Traufler, 36, of Kelso, filed the suit Friday in U.S. District Court of Western Washington alleging that her civil rights were violated when she was wrongly detained by the Longview officers named in the suit  T. Shelton and Nicholas Pannoni  in front of her family and customers of a local theater on June 28, 2022.

Traufler was arrested at Kelso Theater Pub on South Pacific Avenue on suspicion of stealing the mayors cellphone while in the check-out line at the Longview Grocery Outlet at 920 Ocean Beach Highway. Traufler, represented by Angus Lee of the Vancouver-based Angus Lee Law Firm, was never charged with a crime.

Longview Police Department Capt. Branden McNew said the city cannot comment on pending litigation. Wallis told The Daily News Monday she was unaware the suit was filed and declined to talk further about the case.

The arrest

In 2022, Wallis reported to the police she had put her phone on the Grocery Outlet counter, left the market and returned after five minutes later only to find her phone was missing. Upon reviewing the security camera footage, police found Traufler had placed the phone in her purse, a police report sates.

When suspect is located, I would like to press charges, Wallis wrote in a 2022 statement to police.

Traufler was detained inside the theater during the showing of Lightyear, as seen in Kelso police body camera footage obtained by The Daily News. In the footage, Trauflers husband tells police she didnt steal that phone, adding that his wife told the theater clerk about the phones app trying to locate the owner.

The lawsuit alleges Wallis used a phone-finding app to locate the missing phone, while the probable cause statement for Trauflers arrest says police concluded she was at a movie theater based on her Grocery Outlet purchases.

After Pannoni observed security camera footage and noticed Traufler purchased gummies, he sent a photo of Traufler to Kelso police and asked them to check the movie theaters, the report says.

In the suit, Traufler asserts she attempted to return the phone by calling the most recent contact number but found the device already deactivated. She then sought assistance from the movie theater staff to locate the phones owner.

In another body camera footage, Kelso police officer Adam Swartout asks a theater concession stand employee if Traufler had asked her about the phone. The employee replies, She said she found the phone in her purse, adding that Traufler asked if anyone in the theater had lost the phone.

Swartout asks if Traufler looked genuinely confused about having the phone, to which the worker replies yes.

Later he tells Shelton, It sounds to me like she (Traufler) possibly genuinely didnt mean to do it.

On July 1, 2022, the Cowlitz County Prosecuting Attorneys Office decided not to pursue second-degree theft charges against Traufler.
Woodland School Board member Trish Huddleston fears that more mask mandates could be on the horizon for Washington schools, and proposed a resolution at the boards Thursday meeting to take a stance against them before theyre announced.

Huddlestons proposed resolution expresses unequivocal opposition to any public health mandate by federal, state or local governments including masking, vaccines, testing or social restrictions on the basis that residents have a constitutional right to make decisions about their personal health.

I thought it would be a bold statement of us saying we dont want that anymore, Huddleston said. We dont want to watch our town be devastated and suffer like they did before.

Woodland was the first school district in the area to return to full-time in-person lessons for elementary students, according to a November 2021 announcement. All Woodland schools operated fully in-person for the 2021-2022 school year, which began at a time when Cowlitz County COVID-19 hospitalizations were at an all-time high and the contagious Delta variant was spreading, as reported by Cowlitz County Health and Human Services.

Local mandates

Temporary mask mandates have popped up in schools across the country over the past few months and some Bay Area counties are again requiring health care workers to wear masks until April, but Cowlitz County does not currently require masks. The Cowlitz County Board of Health is considering a medical freedom resolution that opposes COVID-19 restrictions, similar to Huddlestons proposal.

As of August, the Washington Department of Health does not require masking, but recommends that people wear masks on public transportation, when COVID-19 hospital admission levels are high, after exposure to COVID-19 or if they test positive or display symptoms. Private businesses can choose to require masks, and local health officials can declare mask mandates in response to outbreaks.

COVID-19 vaccinations are mostly optional, but all employees at public and private K-12 schools in Washington are required to either be vaccinated or have a religious or medical exemption following an August 2021 proclamation by Governor Jay Inslee.

Board response

The board voted Thursday to table the discussion for now to give members time to consider how to adjust the propositions language, and will return to it at a future meeting to be determined.

Woodland School Board Vice President Jeff Wray said Huddlestons resolution would not be very useful because government regulations override individual school board policies, and that the community might feel let down if the board promises to oppose mask mandates but is not actually able to prevent them. He also noted that resolutions are not often looked at outside of the school district, making them an ineffective form of protest.

We can stomp our feet here in our room, but nobody will see it, he said.

As an alternative, he suggested reaching out to like-minded members from other school boards about submitting comments to the state Legislature together.

Board member Sarah Stuart said that questioning the Department of Health is not part of the school boards role, and that they should stick to their own area of expertise and let the Department of Health do its job protecting public health.

If they tell people that work in the restaurant industry that they have to wash their hands, (the workers) cant say, Well, freedom, I dont have to, Stuart said.

She said that while she supports personal choice, she does not believe individuals should have complete medical freedom over issues that affect other community members, such as hand washing or vaccinations.

We have vulnerable people among us, kids and staff, and they are worthy of protecting too, she said.

Additionally, if a student or staff member becomes sick or injured due to schools not following public health recommendations, the school district could be held liable, she said.

Board member Tom Guthrie said that he worries the uncompromising language of the resolution, which states that the board opposes any attempt at imposing public health mandates, could cause problems in the future because it does not give the board leeway to make judgment calls on individual situations.

In 2018, 2019, no one saw COVID, no one had COVID, no one knew what it was, he said. It just came upon us, and it came upon us quick. In two years, we may have something different, maybe more devastating. We dont know.
Yesterday, Nvidia unveiled the H200 chip for artificial intelligence models, which will now be the company's most advanced semiconductor. Now today, November 14, things in the AI space has become even more exciting. In the first incident, YouTube announced that it would begin a crackdown on AI-generated deepfakes, especially those that mimic the platform's music industry partners. In other news, a new Oxford study has revealed that AI can help predict the risk of a heart attack as much as 10 years ahead of time. This and more in today's AI round-up. Let us take a closer look.

YouTube to begin cracking down on AI-generated songs

YouTube is introducing guidelines allowing record companies to request the removal of songs that use AI-generated versions of artists' voices, also known as deepfakes, as per a blog post by the company. The platform will implement a tool enabling music labels to flag content that mimics an artist's unique voice. This move comes in response to the rise of AI-generated music, exemplified by instances like "Heart on My Sleeve," a song featuring AI-made vocals imitating Drake and the Weeknd, which was removed from streaming services after criticism from Universal Music Group. YouTube plans to test the new controls with a selected group of labels and distributors before a broader rollout, mentioning their participation in early AI music experiments.

AI can predict heart attacks, says study

A study conducted at the University of Oxford, funded by the British Heart Foundation, reveals that AI has the potential to predict a person's risk of a future heart attack up to 10 years in advance, reports The Guardian. Researchers suggest that this technology could significantly enhance the accuracy of cardiac CT scans, commonly used to identify arterial blockages or narrowing. The study indicates that AI predictions could help save lives and improve treatment for nearly half of the patients, including those with no apparent signs of heart artery disease, who may be at a high risk of a heart attack within the next decade.

AI could threaten next general elections, warns UK cyber security agency

According to a report by Sky News, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has issued a warning that countries like Russia are likely to attempt to interfere with the upcoming United Kingdom poll, scheduled for January 2025, as well as other major elections in Western democracies. The annual review by the agency, which operates under Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), highlights concerns about the potential use of increasingly realistic deepfake videos and other forms of disinformation aimed at influencing voter preferences.

Singapore's GIC chief tells investors to go for big tech over startups in AI space

Singapore's sovereign wealth fund, GIC, suggests prioritizing investment in established big tech companies such as Microsoft, Alphabet, and Meta over potentially overvalued startups in the rapidly growing generative AI sector, reports the Financial Times. Lim Chow Kiat, the CEO of the $700 billion fund, emphasized that these tech giants, with their existing customer base, are already capturing significant value in the transformative technology.

Customers are paying for [their services] already. So, actually, that is quite a good place for investors to double down on. We need to be careful not to get sucked into the hype. But it is more important not to lose interest, Kiat told the Financial Times.

UK's retailer Kingfisher launches AI-powered customer assistant

Home improvements retailer Kingfisher, known for brands like B&Q and Castorama, has introduced what it claims to be the first AI-powered assistant in the segment, as per a Reuters report. This virtual assistant is designed to assist customers with do-it-yourself (DIY) projects by answering queries online and offering step-by-step advice on various home improvement tasks, along with product recommendations. Customers can ask questions related to DIY projects, and the assistant provides relevant advice. In addition to text chat, the assistant will soon have the capability to analyze photos for visual searches and answer visual queries.
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The research team led by Hiroshima University engineers developed a 3D printing method that achieved stainless steel and aluminum bonds capable of withstanding separation stress of up to 17404.5 pounds per square inch on average. Credit: Motomichi Yamamoto/Hiroshima University

Steel and aluminum are key players in supporting economic growth, yet materials joining them remain unexplored due to their fusion zones' brittleness. A new 3D printing method's fix may be a step toward a steel-aluminum hybrid renaissance.

A new 3D printing method shrunk brittle zones plaguing steel and aluminum's juncture to a size of less than two microns, overcoming a fundamental barrier to fusions of these titans of the automotive, aerospace, and critical infrastructure sectors.

These two metals have been rivals for market share, especially in the auto industry. Steel is stronger and cheaper. But aluminum has a better strength-to-weight ratio. Combining them can deliver weight savings without sacrificing structural integrityvalued by automakers as it is a step toward slashing carbon emissions. Yet fusions of steel and aluminum remain largely unexplored due to the brittle intermetallic compound (IMC) formed where their contrasting metallurgical properties meet.

"The challenge in combining aluminum alloys with ferrous materials, like the stainless steel used in our study, is the formation of the extremely brittle intermetallic compound. To improve joint strength, a joining method must suppress IMC formation to an ultra-thin layer," said research co-lead Motomichi Yamamoto, professor at Hiroshima University's Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering.

He and his co-researchers developed a 3D printing method that combined the hot wire technique, diode laser, and fluxeswhich aids the proper spread and fusion of metals by preventing harmful oxidationto control IMC thickness in the joint zones of stainless steel and aluminum (aluminum-magnesium) alloy.

They presented their findings at the 76th Annual Assembly of the International Institute of Welding and the International Conference on Welding and Joining held in July at the Marina Bay Sands Convention Center in Singapore.

Schematic of the hot wire laser 3D printing method Credit: Motomichi Yamamoto/Hiroshima University

How it works

Via the hot wire method, the researchers heated the aluminum alloy close to its melting point before depositing it into the molten pool. This laser-irradiated pool is a localized area where the dissimilar metals merge.

To test two ways of flux application, they used different aluminum alloy wires: solid wire and flux-cored wire (FCW). In the first one, where chloride flux was coated on the 15-millimeter (mm) austenitic stainless steel base plate, the fluxless solid wire was used. In the second, they shifted to FCW as the flux source and left the base plate bare.

They assessed different laser spot sizes and process speeds to determine which combination performs best in activating flux, minimizing IMC formation, and achieving accurate and consistent prints. They got the most stable bead formation using a laser defocus distance of +15 mm. Anything over that led to excessive flux pre-melting and the clumping of aluminum blobs at the tip of the filler wire, disrupting bead formation.

They also found that low-speed modeling performed the best, diminishing IMCs down to 12 microns when the printing pace was set at one meter per minute (m/min).

Next, they evaluated the laser power's influence on bead appearance and IMC breadth. The team used a fixed processing speed of 1.5 m/min during these experiments. They found that laser power settings have no significant impact on IMC thickness but it is a factor in bead shape.

A laser power of 4.7 kilowatt (kW) was too weak and led to defects at the center of the bead. Powering it up to 6 kW, however, turned out to be excessive, resulting in fumes and unstable bead shapes. Bead defects were resolved at the sweet spot of 5 kW and 5.5 kW.

The researchers found that laser spot size is a factor in activating flux coated on the stainless steel base. Meanwhile, they discovered that laser power determines the size of the molten pool in the FCW approach.

High-speed image showing the aluminum alloy and stainless steel 3D printing method Credit: Motomichi Yamamoto/Hiroshima University

Testing the optimized calibrations

Based on their findings, the team applied the optimal combinations and fabricated one specimen per flux supply method to test for tensile strength. Both specimens were made up of nine aluminum layers with each stack having a height of 12 mm. The researchers used solid wire for the succeeding layers in both samples.

The optimized calibrations achieved stainless steel and aluminum bonds that withstood separation stress of up to 17,404.5 pounds per square inch on average. Their IMC layers were also suppressed to less than two microns.

Observing the fractures sustained by the specimens under a scanning electron microscope, the researchers found what differentiated the strong bonds from weak ones. The samples that took the most force to break apart showed the presence of dimples, suggesting a ductile instability fracture. This happens in highly ductile materials which are more likely to deform than break when subjected to excessive strain. Once it cannot sustain further deformation, it fractures abruptly.

Meanwhile, those with the lowest strength exhibited particles. Analysis using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy revealed the presence of oxides and flux elements such as potassium, fluorine, and carbon in the particles. This suggests that the weak bond is due to the entrapment of flux and other defects in the interface.

The researchers hope their method could help usher in a renaissance for designs combining aluminum and steel.

"We hope that this new process will help to create innovative product designs and revolutionary improvements in product performance by enabling high-strength direct joining of stainless steels and aluminum alloys," Yamamoto said.
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Schematic of redundancy evaluation. Credit: Nature Communications (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42992-y

From ChatGPT to DALL-E, deep learning artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms are being applied to an ever-growing range of fields. A new study from University of Toronto Engineering researchers, published in Nature Communications, suggests that one of the fundamental assumptions of deep learning modelsthat they require enormous amounts of training datamay not be as solid as once thought.

Professor Jason Hattrick-Simpers and his team are focused on the design of next-generation materials, from catalysts that convert captured carbon into fuels to non-stick surfaces that keep airplane wings ice-free.

One of the challenges in the field is the enormous potential search space. For example, the Open Catalyst Project contains more than 200 million data points for potential catalyst materials, all of which still cover only a tiny portion of the vast chemical space that may, for example, hide the right catalyst to help us address climate change.

"AI models can help us efficiently search this space and narrow our choices down to those families of materials that will be most promising," says Hattrick-Simpers.

"Traditionally, a significant amount of data is considered necessary to train accurate AI models. But a dataset like the one from the Open Catalyst Project is so large that you need very powerful supercomputers to be able to tackle it. So, there's a question of equity; we need to find a way to identify smaller datasets that folks without access to huge amounts of computing power can train their models on."

But this leads to a second challenge: Many of the smaller materials datasets currently available have been developed for a specific domainfor example, improving the performance of battery electrodes.

This means that they tend to cluster around a few chemical compositions similar to those already in use today and may be missing possibilities that could be more promising, but less intuitively obvious.

"Imagine if you wanted to build a model to predict students' final grades based on previous test scores," says Dr. Kangming Li, a postdoctoral fellow in Hattrick-Simpers' lab. "If you trained it only on students from Canada, it might do perfectly well in that context, but it might fail to accurately predict grades for students from France or Japan. That's the situation we are up against in the world of materials."

One possible solution to address the above challenges is to identify subsets of data from within very large datasets that are easier to process, but which nevertheless retain the full range of information and diversity present in the original.

To better understand how the qualities of datasets affect the models they are used to train, Li designed methods to identify high-quality subsets of data from previously published materials datasets, such as JARVIS, The Materials Project, and the Open Quantum Materials Database (OQMD). Together, these databases contain information on more than a million different materials.

Li built a computer model that predicted material properties and trained it in two ways: One used the original dataset, but the other used a subset of that same data that was approximately 95% smaller.

"What we found was that when trying to predict the properties of a material that was contained within the domain of the dataset, the model that had been trained on only 5% of the data performed about the same as the one that had been trained on all the data," says Li. "Conversely, when trying to predict the properties of a material that was outside the domain of the dataset, both of them did similarly poorly."

Li says that the findings suggest a way of measuring the amount of redundancy in a given dataset: if more data does not improve model performance, it could be an indicator that those additional data are redundant and do not provide new information for the models to learn.

"Our results also reveal a concerning degree of redundancy hidden within these highly sought-after large datasets," says Li.

The study also underlines what AI experts from many fields are finding to be true: that even models trained on relatively small datasets can perform well if the data is of high enough quality.

"All this grew out of the fact that in terms of using AI to speed up materials discovery, we're just getting started," says Hattrick-Simpers.

"What it suggests is that as we go forward, we need to be really thoughtful about how we build our datasets. That's true whether it's done from the top down, as in selecting a subset of data from a much larger dataset, or from the bottom up, as in sampling new materials to include.

"We need to pay attention to the information richness, rather than just gathering as much data as we can."

More information: Kangming Li et al, Exploiting redundancy in large materials datasets for efficient machine learning with less data, Nature Communications (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42992-y Journal information: Nature Communications
More US students expected to study in China

14:07, November 14, 2023 By Zhao Huanxin ( Chinadaily.com.cn

A US student who studies at Soochow University learn to make mooncakes with primary school children on Sept 15, 2020, in Suzhou, Jiangsu province.Hua Xuegen / for China Daily

The number of students from the United States heading to China to study is likely to increase in the years to come due to their sustained interest in the country, a US State Department official said, as both Washington and Beijing agreed to ramp up people-to-people exchanges.

"We know there is continued interest of American students in learning about China, we are confident that interest will continue," Marianne Craven, acting deputy assistant secretary for academic program at the US State Department's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, said on Thursday.

The official made the remarks at a media briefing for the launch of the Open Doors 2023 Report on International Educational Exchange, that was released by the bureau and the Institute of International Education (IIE) on Monday.

In 2021-22, the number of US students studying abroad for academic credit totaled 188,753. Three quarters of the students chose to study in Europe, and only 4.7 percent, or 8,892 students, headed to Asia, according to the report.

During the same period, there were 211 US students pursuing academic credit in the Chinese mainland, the lowest number in a decade.

The situation has caught the attention of US Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns, who has called for bringing more US students to China.

After a recent meeting with Wesleyan University President Michael Roth, who was in Beijing and Shanghai to recruit prospective students and meet alumni members, Burns wrote on social media on Oct 26: "We discussed the importance of (US) universities, students, scholars returning to (China). There are currently only roughly 350 American students in China, compared to more than 11,500 in 2019."

Those numbers do not match the figures in some research conducted in China.

In an online discussion with the Stimson Center on May 2, Burns confided that his "only personal goal" was to learn Mandarin, and he encouraged more Americans to do so.

"Despite the fact that our administration has really focused on the competitive aspects in large measure in our relationship, we do want to see students travel back and forth; we ought to want to see young Americans learning Mandarin, learning the culture and history of this country," he said.

At Thursday's briefing, Craven revisited the ambassador's remarks, saying, "We certainly concur."

Mirka Martel, head of research, evaluation &learning at IIE, said the COVID-19 pandemic had affected the number of US students studying in China.

"But we do note that as travel restrictions have lifted and as travel is again available, that we likely may see that US students will continue to go to China for their study abroad experiences," Mirka said.

She said that the interest of the US students in pursuing studies in China "has been there in the past".

"This is quite different from the numbers we had before the pandemic. Before the pandemic, we had robust numbers of US students studying in China," she said.

For example, in the 2016-17 academic year, close to 12,000 students were in China and nearly 15,000 American students were there back in 2011-12.

"That interest is not going to go away," Allan Goodman, chief executive officer of IIE, said.

With tensions between China and the US showing signs of easing in recent months following a series of high-level engagements, more government support for studying abroad in each other's country can be expected.

During their meeting late last month in Washington, DC, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterated the importance of ties between the two peoples, and both sides welcomed strengthening people-to-people exchanges between students, scholars, and businesses, including working to increase the number of direct flights between the two countries, an official readout said.

China, with 289,526 students studying in the US, remained the leading place of origin for international students in the US in the 2022-23 academic year, accounting for 27.4 percent of the total number of international students, according to the Open Doors report.

It said the number of students coming from China has fallen in the last three years predominantly due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Overall, the US hosted more than 1 million international students during the 2022-23 academic year, a 12 percent increase compared to the previous academic year, the fastest growth rate in more than 40 years, according to the Open Doors report.

It said the number of international students who enrolled for the first time in a US college or university during the 2022-23 academic year increased by 14 percent year-on-year to 298,523, building on the 80 percent increase in the prior year.

International students accounted for 6 percent of the total US higher education population and contributed nearly $38 billion to the US economy, according to the US Department of Commerce.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
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High-performance MoS 2 ring oscillator based on air-gap device structures. Credit: Fan et al

Transistors are crucial electronic components that regulate, amplify and control the flow of current inside most existing devices. In recent years, electronics engineers have been trying to identify materials and design strategies that could help to further improve the performance of transistors, while also reducing their size.

Two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides have some advantageous properties that could help to enhance the capabilities of transistors. While past studies have demonstrated the potential of these materials in individual transistors, their use for developing entire integrated circuits (ICs) that operate at high frequencies has proved challenging.

Researchers at Nanjing University in China recently created new ICs that can operate at GHz frequencies, based on the 2D semiconducting material monolayer molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ). Their devices, presented in a Nature Electronics paper, rely on MoS 2 -based field-effect transistors (FETs).

"Since the report of the first MoS 2 transistor in 2012, [much progress] have been achieved," Hao Qiu, co-author of the paper, told Tech Xplore. "However, most of [this progress is] on the device level. On the circuit level, the operation frequency was limited to 13 MHz, which is far lower than the CMOS technology as well as the carbon nanotube technology."

The primary objective of the recent research by Qiu and his colleagues was to realize a fast 2D semiconductor-based IC that reaches beyond GHz frequencies. To do this, the team first fabricated a ring oscillator (RO), a tunable electronic circuit that produces signals in a specific frequency, utilizing MoS 2 -based transistors.

Wafer-scale MoS 2 ring oscillator arrays. Credit: Fan et al

"The RO was constructed by cascading five inverters in a ring, and the output was read through a buffer," Qiu explained. "Each inverter was constructed from an enhancement (E)-mode FET as the drive and a depletion (D)-mode FET with the gate and source terminals connected as the load. The as-fabricated FETs are in the E mode due to little unintentional doping during fabrication. To obtain D-mode FETs, we deposited sub-stoichiometric AlOx on MoS 2 by atomic layer deposition (ALD) as the n-doping layer."

The researchers evaluated their IC in a series of tests and found that it could operate at frequencies of up to 2.65 GHz. They also run a series of computer simulations that demonstrated the scalability of their design and its potential for meeting targets set within the industry for 2031.

"We adopted the design-technology co-optimization (DTCO) strategy and demonstrated two-dimensional semiconductor integrated circuits that can operate in the GHz regime," Qiu said. "Our work highlights the critical role of DTCO in advancing 2D semiconductor circuit-level performance."

The new design introduced by this team of researchers could ultimately contribute to the future improvement and scaling of ICs. In their next studies, Qiu and his colleagues plan to continue working on their devices to further boost their performance, facilitate their large-scale fabrication and enable their integration with existing electronics.

"In addition to increasing the integration level, we are on the way to further optimizing performance, power, and area of the 2D semiconductor integrated circuit," Qiu added.

More information: Dongxu Fan et al, Two-dimensional semiconductor integrated circuits operating at gigahertz frequencies, Nature Electronics (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41928-023-01052-5 Journal information: Nature Electronics

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An Airbus A350-1000 aircraft flies above a mosque during the ongoing Dubai Airshow.

Ethiopian Airlines ordered 31 Boeing jets with an option for 36 more in a "landmark" deal on Tuesday as it joined the list of companies betting big on the growth of aviation.

The order, announced at the Dubai Airshow, was the biggest ever made by an African airline for Boeing aircraft, the US manufacturer said.

The 11 787 Dreamliner and 20 737 MAX planes with a list price of more than $5.6 billion are part of the airline's expansion plans, said group CEO Mesfin Tasew.

"The addition of the brand new, latest technology with both wide body and narrow body will enable us to expand our network and enhance our growth, our operations and profitability," he said.

With a fleet of 140 aircraft covering 100 destinations, Ethiopian Airlines is already Africa's biggest carrier, Tasew added.

Brad McMullen, Boeing's senior vice-president of commercial sales and marketing, called it a "landmark commitment" from the flag-carrier.

Ethiopian Airlines is not the only carrier eyeing expansion. Dubai's Emirates airline ordered 95 Boeing planes on Monday, while budget carrier flydubai bought 30 wide-bodied aircraft from the US firm as it seeks to open up new routes.

Turkish Airlines has confirmed talks with Airbus, Boeing's European rival, for up to 355 jets. In June, India's low-cost airline Indigo ordered 500 Airbus A320-family planes, the biggest ever order for civil aircraft.

Engine stalls purchase

While Boeing has enjoyed the lion's share of the deals in Dubai this week, Airbus announced an order for 10 A350-900 planes by EgyptAir on Tuesday.

Airbus commercial director Christian Scherer told a news conference the deal marked "an important milestone" in the "long and successful partnership" with the state-owned carrier.

Without discounts, which are routinely applied in the industry, the transaction is worth $3.2 billion, according to the manufacturer's latest published list price.

However, Emirates chief executive Tim Clark said on Tuesday that he will not buy Airbus's A350 until he has concluded negotiations with engine manufacturer Rolls Royce, which he blames for a lack of durability and longevity.

"Forty percent of the 350-1000s have been sold into this region," Clark said, adding: "This is the region that is buying these airplanes and will buy the big numbers if the engine issue's resolved."

Airbus has emphasized that technology used in the A350s means the aircraft consumes 25 precent less fuel than its competitor's previous models.

But the Emirates chief said reliability was paramount in the selection of aircraft.

"They (Boeing) might not be as advanced in their technology, in their build materials. But in the end, what we want is reliance," Clark said.

Also on Tuesday, Emirates announced contracts worth $1.2 billion with the French aircraft equipment manufacturer Safran.

That includes an agreement for Safran to equip the Emirates fleet of Airbus A350s, Boeing 777X-9s and Boeing 777-300s with new seats costing $1 billion at list price, Emirates said in a press release.

Air Arabia, based in Sharjahan emirate neighboring Dubaiordered 240 LEAP-1A engines in a deal with a book value of about $3.36 billion to power its existing order of 120 Airbus A320neo family aircraft, the company said.

 2023 AFP
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Key iPhone supplier Foxconn posted 'better-than-expected' profits in the third quarter.

Key iPhone supplier Foxconn posted "better-than-expected" profits in its third quarter, with leadership on Tuesday attributing the surprise jump to demand ahead of the holiday season.

The firmalso known by its official name Hon Hai Precision Industryis the world's biggest contract electronics manufacturer and assembles devices for several companies, most notably Apple's iPhones.

It said net profit for July-September rose to Tw$43.1 billion (US$1.3 billion) from Tw$38.8 billion in the same period last year.

"We have entered the traditional peak season in the second half and our operations are set to gradually improve quarter on quarter," CEO Young Liu said during an earnings call.

"These performances were better than expected in the first half of the year."

Tuesday's results follow consecutive quarterly profit misseswith January-March seeing a drop of 56 percent and a one percent fall in the next three months.

Liu added that he expected "robust growth in revenue" for consumer smart products during the fourth quarter.

Foxconn is China's largest private-sector employer, with more than a million workers nationwide.

But the companyas well as key client Applehas been looking to diversify its manufacturing supply chain after it saw production affected by strict COVID restrictions in China and diplomatic tensions with the United States.

Last month, Chinese state-run media Global Times reported that Foxconn was under land use and tax investigations for its sites in central Hunan and Hubei provinces, though no details on the offenses were provided.

Chief financial officer David Huang sought to reassure investors during Tuesday's call.

"At present, the group's production and operations are all normal," he said. "We will actively cooperate with the operations of relevant units and hope to complete the relevant work as soon as possible to alleviate everyone's concerns about the uncertainty."

Taiwan's national security chief on Monday said the tax probe was "political", as billionaire founder Terry Gou is running for president of the democratically ruled island.

Liu said he did not "have any crystal ball at this time" on the election outcome, or on China's potential reaction if Gou wins.

"I don't know what's going to happen. But from the management team's point of view, we would have to be prepared for all the possible cases," Liu said. "I wish (Gou) the bestthat's all I can say."

Gouwho gave up his Foxconn management reins four years agois currently polling last among the major candidates, with Vice President Lai Ching-te the current frontrunner.

Taiwan's Central Election Commission announced Tuesday that Gou had collected enough valid signatures of support, making him eligible to formally register as a candidate.

 2023 AFP
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

President of the long-haul airline Emirates Tim Clark speaks to journalists at the Dubai Air Show in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023. Long-haul carrier Emirates signaled Tuesday it will hold off on a major purchase of Airbus A350 aircraft over concerns about their Rolls Royce engines, marking a major blow for the European manufacturer as it hopes to close the sale during the Dubai Air Show this week. (AP Photo/Lujain Jo) ///

Long-haul carrier Emirates signaled Tuesday it will hold off on a major purchase of Airbus A350 aircraft over concerns about their Rolls Royce engines, marking a major blow for the European manufacturer during the Dubai Air Show.

Emirates President Tim Clark's comments to journalists at the show came the day after his airline announced a $52 billion purchase with Airbus' rival Boeing Co., while its sister airline FlyDubai bought another $11 billion of aircraft from Boeing.

Meanwhile, Ethiopian Airlines said it was buying 31 aircraft from Boeing, including 20 737 MAX aircraft in a sign of renewed confidence in the single-aisle aircraft by the carrier after it suffered a deadly crash in 2019 with the airplane that led to its worldwide grounding.

Airbus has yet to strike a major deal at the show, which comes as global airlines like Emirates have bounced back from the lockdowns of the coronavirus pandemic with increased global demand for travel.

In his comments to journalists at the Emirates chalet on the runway of Al Maktoum International Airport, Clark raised concerns about the maintenance required for the Rolls Royce engines on the A350.

"If the engine was doing what we want it to do ... then it would re-enter the mix of assessment for our fleet plan," Clark said.

But in a statement to the Associated Press, Rolls Royce said "The A350-900 XWB-84 is the best engine out there when you look at efficiency, durability and reliability."

"The Airbus A350 and Rolls-Royce Trent XWB have proven again and again to be a winning combination. More than 56 customers have chosen to order and/or operate the aircraft which has set an industry benchmark for efficiency and reliability," the statement added.

Airbus did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Emirates is a heavyweight when it comes to East-West travel out of Dubai International Airport, the world's busiest for international travel.

Boeing Co. Senior Vice President Brad McMullen, left, and Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew hold Boeing aircraft models at the Dubai Air Show in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023. Ethiopian Airlines said Tuesday it was buying 31 aircraft from Boeing, including 20 737 MAX aircraft in a sign of renewed confidence in the single-aisle aircraft by the carrier after it suffered a deadly crash in 2019 with the airplane that led to its worldwide grounding. Credit: AP Photo/Jon Gambrell

Clark also said that Emirates needs to buy aircraft now as it moves forward with plans to expand its routes and networks.

"Irrespective of the difficulties of getting these aircraft out of the door, we have to place orders now because the lead time for deliveries are so long," Clark said.

Clark also said that the tensions in the wider Middle East sparked by the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip wouldn't affect Emirates' business, adding they are used to working around the region's geopolitical problems. He said although the Israeli market was one of the fastest growing markets for Emirates, they had to stop their daily flights to Tel Aviv, Israel, but that the airline was able to absorb the demand fall-off.

Emirates and FlyDubai launched direct flights to Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv after the two countries established diplomatic ties in 2020.

Two major Israeli firmsRafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. and Israel Aerospace Industrieshad been slated to participate in the Dubai Air Show. But the IAI stand, bearing the slogan "Where Courage Meets Technology," was roped off and empty Monday. On Tuesday, a few people gathered there.

Also in the market for aircraft is Riyadh Air, a new Saudi carrier being created as part of trillions of dollars worth of spending planned in the kingdom. In March, the airline announced an order of up to 72 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner jetliners and has further plans to expand.

Clark said he wasn't worried about the competition, however.

"If Saudi Arabia wants to spend $2 trillion on doing wonderful things over there, they've got to have the labor from somewhere. And that labor force has got to be brought in, and their carriers are going to find it difficult in the early stages to meet that demand," he said. "So do I think it's a problem with this lot? No, I don't  because we managed to build Emirates through all of this competition, rising geopolitical socioeconomic difficulty."

The air show, which sees billions of dollars worth of deals, including by arms manufacturers, comes two weeks before Dubai hosts the United Nations' COP28 climate talks.

Aviation has particularly drawn the ire of climate change activists, in part due to the amount of jet fuel the industry burns. Emirates in January successfully flew a Boeing 777 on a test flight with one of its two engines entirely powered by so-called sustainable aviation fuel, or SAF. Earlier this month, the airline cleared SAF for flights, including one to Sydney, Australia.

Sarang helicopter display team from India, perform during second day of the Dubai Air Show, United Arab Emirates, Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili

However, "decarbonizing civil aviation is incredibly difficult and will be long term," Clark said.

On Tuesday, Ethiopian announced its deal with Boeing that will see it buy the 737 MAX aircraft, as well as 11 787 Dreamliners. It also agreed to options to potentially buy another 36 aircraft21 MAX planes and 15 Dreamliners. Boeing described it as "the largest-ever purchase of Boeing airplanes in African history," without offering a sales price for the deal.

The March 2019 MAX crash shortly after takeoff from Addis Ababa killed all 157 people on board. It was the second involving a Boeing MAX in less than five months and led to a worldwide grounding of all MAX jets for nearly two years.

Asked about the crash, Ethiopian Group CEO Mesfin Tasew said it "has left a big scar in our memory."

"We have checked and confirmed that the design defect of that aircraft has been fully corrected by Boeing and we have renewed our confidence in that aircraft," he said.

Other purchases Tuesday included:

Emirates announced $1.2 billion in deals with French firm Safran, including for seats.

Emirates announced plans for a $950 million maintenance facility at Al Maktoum International Airport, the city-state's second airfield.

EgyptAir announced it would buy 10 Airbus A350-900s. It did not disclose the price of the aircraft.

Boeing and SCAT Airlines of Kazakhstan announced the airline would purchase seven Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. It also did not disclose terms for the sale.

 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Production at the maker of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram models is being affected after a cyberattack on an automotive supplier disrupted its operations, the automaker said.

The cyberattack affected Chinese supplier Yanfeng International Automotive Technology Co. Ltd., whose website wasn't working Monday evening. The company's North American headquarters is in Novi. It manufactures a number of just-in-time parts, including seats, interiors, electronics and other components.

She declined to specify what production or locations have been affected.

Crain's Detroit Business reported the disruption earlier Monday.

Cybersecurity is an increasing concern for many businesses, governments and other organizations. Two lawsuits recently were filed against the University of Michigan after hackers were able to access personal information of up to 230,000 people at the beginning of fall semester.

Stellantis and Yanfeng also recently won a motion to obtain equipment from Auburn Hills supplier Unique Fabricating Inc., which filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy last week.

2023 The Detroit News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
In a significant development for the European crypto landscape, Bitvavo, the Netherlands-based cryptocurrency exchange, has attained a pivotal license from the Austrian Financial Market Authority. This milestone enables Bitvavo to extend its services into Austria, marking a notable step in its European expansion strategy.

The approval from the Austrian Financial Market Authority underscores Bitvavos commitment to complying with the regulatory frameworks of the European crypto market. With previous successes in the Benelux region and Italy, this achievement positions Bitvavo to offer its diverse portfolio of over 200 cryptographic and virtual currencies to the Austrian market. The company is now eyeing further expansion into Germany, with an application pending with the German Financial Supervisory Authority, indicating broader aspirations in the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland).

This move aligns with Bitvavos ambition to establish itself as a leading regulated cryptocurrency exchange in Europe. The companys recent legal victory in the Rotterdam court alongside Commerce, the Dutch successor to Binance, further signifies a potential shift in the Dutch regulatory landscape concerning cryptocurrencies. The court ruled against the obligation to pay substantial supervision fees, challenging the governments stringent stance on regulating crypto enterprises. This decision reflects a growing sentiment opposing excessive governmental control in the crypto sector.

The legal dispute between Bitvavo, Commerce, and the Dutch regulator revolved around fees amounting to over $2.3 million. The courts ruling in favor of Bitvavo and Commerce indicates a resistance against whats perceived as governmental overreach in regulating the cryptocurrency industry.

The development signifies not just a geographic expansion but also an affirmation of compliance with Europes stringent regulatory frameworks. Bitvavos journey into Austria follows prior successes in the Benelux region and Italy, demonstrating a commitment to navigating complex regulatory landscapes.

With aspirations to dominate the DACH market (Germany, Austria, Switzerland), Bitvavos recent triumph in Austria places it strategically at the forefront of regulated cryptocurrency exchanges in Europe. Offering access to a diverse portfolio of over 200 cryptographic and virtual currencies, Bitvavo stands poised for substantial growth within the Austrian market.

However, the significance of Bitvavos Austrian entry extends beyond its commercial aspirations. A recent legal victory alongside Commerce, the Dutch successor to Binance, against the Dutch governments strict regulatory stance reflects a potential turning point in the Netherlands approach to regulating crypto enterprises.

Furthermore, Bitvavos proactive stance echoes in its response to the fallout from Genesis bankruptcy last year. Demonstrating customer-centricity, Bitvavo has outlined plans to reimburse its affected customers, providing options like cash, digital assets, and convertible preferred equity notes denominated in DCG. This move underscores the companys commitment to navigating industry challenges with a strong focus on customer welfare.

The multifaceted approach of strategic regulatory compliance coupled with customer-centric initiatives positions Bitvavo as a standout entity in Europes evolving cryptocurrency landscape. The Austrian expansion not only represents a substantial business growth opportunity but also exemplifies adaptability and resilience in a dynamic market.

Moreover, Bitvavo has taken steps to address the fallout from the bankruptcy of Genesis, a move highlighting its commitment to customer protection. The company plans to reimburse affected customers through various options, including cash, digital assets, and convertible preferred equity notes denominated in DCG. This initiative becomes crucial given Genesis collapse and its interconnectedness with other struggling crypto businesses, which had significant implications in the crypto market.
Texas A&Ms Board of Regents will hold a special telephonic meeting at 10 a.m. Friday to discuss, and possibly vote, on naming a sole finalist for the universitys open president position.

A&M Chancellor John Sharp announced Monday he would recommend the regents name A&Ms interim president, Ret. Gen. Mark Welsh III, the sole finalist for the permanent position, and delivered the news to A&Ms Faculty Senate Executive Committee during a meeting between the two parties and Regents Chair Bill Mahomes.

Welsh has served as A&Ms interim president since July 21. He took over for M. Katherine Banks, who resigned in wake of the botched hiring of Kathleen McElroy to become the universitys journalism director amid a tumultuous summer on the main campus. He was previously the dean of A&Ms Bush School of Government and Public Service.

Should regents accept Sharps recommendation, it would begin a mandatory 21-day waiting period to officially appoint Welsh into the role. Regents would take feedback and input from faculty and others during that time, Mahomes told the Faculty Senate Executive Committee.

Sharp said in a statement on Monday there is an urgency to reach a final decision with A&Ms open president position and bring further stability to the universitys administration, which will help with academic and administrative hiring decisions and bring renewed momentum to different initiatives. A&M has a number of key vacancies to fill, such as several dean roles.

Welsh hasnt stood idle as interim president and is scheduled to deliver a State of the University address Nov. 29.

Soon after he took the position, he began a two-month assessment of The Path Forward, a Banks-led initiative from 2021 that brought sweeping organizational changes across campus and was met with mixed opinions. During the review, Welsh met with hundreds across campus. In early October, he announced decisions on how to move forward from The Path Forward during an all-faculty and staff meeting.

Campus community members have expressed their support of Welshs moves in the interim and have cited his transparency and rationale behind the decisions hes made over the past four months.
Texas A&M Chancellor John Sharp will recommend that A&Ms Board of Regents name the universitys interim president, Ret. Gen. Mark Welsh III, the sole finalist for the permanent position, Sharp announced Monday.

Sharp delivered the news to A&Ms Faculty Senate Executive Committee during a Monday meeting where he was joined by Board of Regents Chair Bill Mahomes, who said he plans to call a special meeting in the coming days to consider Sharps recommendation. A source who wished to remain anonymous since they were not authorized to speak on behalf of the university told The Eagle this special meeting is expected to happen Friday.

This move was first reported by The Texas Tribune and soon confirmed by The Eagle before Sharps formal announcement.

Welsh has served as A&Ms interim president since July 21 after M. Katherine Banks resigned in wake of the botched hiring of Kathleen McElroy to become the universitys journalism director amid a tumultuous summer on the main campus. He was previously the dean of A&Ms Bush School of Government and Public Service.

Sharp said in a statement released Monday afternoon there is an urgency to reach a final decision and bring further stability to the universitys administration, which will help with academic and administrative hiring decisions and bring renewed momentum to different initiatives.

Like many of you, I am pleased with the direction of Texas A&M under General Welshs leadership, Sharp said in a statement. He is moving decisively to advance the universitys mission, and he is doing it while ensuring that faculty, staff, and others are properly informed and included.

I want to again encourage the Faculty Senate to gather and share faculty perspectives about General Welsh at this critical time.

Should regents accept Sharps recommendation, it would begin a mandatory 21-day waiting period to officially appoint Welsh into the role. Regents would take feedback and input from faculty and others during that time, Mahomes told the Faculty Senate Executive Committee.

Hammond told the full Faculty Senate during a Monday meeting their discussion with Sharp and Mahomes went well. She noted how A&Ms search for a full-time dean for the College of Arts & Sciences netted no external candidates strong enough to be selected as a finalist. Hammond added there are other interim positions that need to be filled, but strong external candidates have voiced theyre not willing to come to A&M without knowing who the next university president will be.

There has been a strong sentiment among the faculty  and this is my opinion as well  that the process every time should be for a full national search with strong faculty involvement in the process, Hammond said. However, it is also my opinion that the university might not be in a place to get strong external candidates. Also, it is my opinion that the university does not have the time needed to do a full national search without negatively impacting upcoming dean selection processes across the college.

Sharp said he reminded faculty representatives he encouraged the Faculty Senate on Oct. 24 to review Welshs credentials and provide feedback as soon as possible. Hammond had sent a letter to Sharp on Oct. 24, obtained by The Eagle, asking if the Faculty Senate could lead an open search or vetting process for the president position. Sharp responded later that day saying he and regents would value their assessment and opinions on the presidential search and whether or not they believe Welsh should be elevated to the permanent position.

Last Thursday, Hammond sent a letter to the Faculty Senate, obtained by The Eagle, saying they should expect to vote on at least three questions during Mondays meeting: Should A&M do a full national search right now for a permanent president? If A&M doesnt do a full search, should faculty be able to vet the candidate and provide transparent feedback?

This letter came on the heels of the Board of Regents wrapping up on-campus meetings last week where they did not take any action on the universitys presidential search.

Welsh hasnt stood idle as interim president.

Soon after he took the position, he began a two-month assessment of The Path Forward, a Banks-led initiative from 2021 that brought sweeping organizational changes across campus and was met with mixed opinions. During the review, Welsh met with hundreds across campus. In early October, he announced decisions on how to move forward from The Path Forward during an all-faculty and staff meeting. Those decisions included elevating the provosts position, codifying academic freedom for librarians and retaining the merged College of Arts & Sciences. Over 600 people attended and more than 5,000 others watched via livestream.

Welsh will deliver a State of the University address Nov. 29.
On Tuesday, Precinct 3 Commissioner Nancy Berry announced a re-election campaign to maintain her position on the Brazos County Commissioners Court.

Berry has been the commissioner for Precinct 3 since 2016 and was mayor of College Station from 2010-16.

In a press release announcing her campaign, Berry lists four main accomplishments. Berry said that she helped secure the passage of the 2022 Brazos County Road bond which seeks to invest nearly $100 million in planning and an additional $750 million in possible state and federal funds.

She also cites an almost 20% reduction in property tax rates since her election to the court.

According to the adopted budget for 2024, the Brazos County property tax rate is around 5% lower but will increase revenue by 12.38% compared to last year.

During her time in office, Berry also said she helped establish the R U OK program in Brazos County which aims to assist local seniors who live alone.

The press release also mentions that Berry has participated in the College Station and Bryan Police and Fire academies, the Brazos County Sheriffs Academy, and the District Attorney Academy.
North Korea on Tuesday denounced a joint statement issued by the Group of Seven foreign ministers that condemned Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programs, demanding the immediate dismantling of what it called a confrontational group of destroyers of peace.

Wrapping up a two-day meeting in Tokyo on Wednesday, the foreign ministers of the G7 advanced countries issued the joint statement condemning North Korea's ballistic missile programs and its suspected arms transfers to Russia.

Jo Chol-su, director general of the department of international organization at North Korea's foreign ministry, said he "resolutely" rejects and "most strongly" condemns the joint statement containing "groundless and unreasonable accusations" against the North, according to the official Korean Central News Agency.

"The G7, which is no more than a group for only a few countries' interests, cannot represent the international community," Jo said, describing the G7 as a "confrontational group of destroyers and violators of peace and stability."

The official denounced the United States for pushing the Korean Peninsula to the brink of a nuclear war by routinely deploying its strategic assets to the peninsula. He also lashed out at Japan, which assumed the G7 presidency for this year, for releasing "nuclear-polluted water" into the Pacific Ocean, calling Tokyo a "troublemaker."

"The G7, the remnant of the Cold War, should be dismantled immediately," Jo said. "This will be the first step toward defusing the present international crisis and restoring global peace." (Yonhap)
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Crews continue to hold and mop-up control lines of a wildfire at Tuggles Gap in Patrick County that has now consumed 1,097 acres.

The Virginia Department of Forestry reported the size of the fire had grown to 1,150 acres as of Sunday morning, but a statement later that morning from Patrick County Administrator Beth Simms reported the number from Patrick County Emergency Management at 1,080 acres.

After more accurate mapping, the acreage now stands at 1,097 acres, a follow-up from the Southwest Virginia Incident Management Team stated. Forestry resources will continue to patrol and mop-up the fire on Sunday.

In addition to Tuggles Gap, the affected area includes Ravens Den and the Blue Ridge Parkway area of Woolwine, Simms stated.

Patrick, Henry, Floyd, Surry, Carroll, Montgomery, and Franklin counties and the city of Martinsville along with the Virginia Department of Forestry, Virginia Department of Emergency Management, Virginia Department of Corrections, Virginia Communications Cache, National Park Service, U.S. Forestry, and the National Guard have been instrumental in our efforts, Simms said in Sundays release. Homes in the Ravens Den, Tuggles Gap, and Blue Ridge Parkway area of Woolwine have been notified. If the situation changes, emergency personnel will promptly update the public through the County Everbridge system as well as reverse 911. Continuous emergency personnel presence and patrols are in effect throughout the duration of this incident.

On Sunday, a U.S. Army Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter arrived at the staging area at Tuggles Gap Roadside Inn to assist in the efforts. Several people involved in the firefight said Staff Sgt. Nathan Pettway, a native of Stuart, is assigned to the helicopter that is assisting.

Saturday afternoon the Henry County Department of Public Safety Sheriffs Office Mobile Command Center was seen leaving the staging area and headed to a newly identified hotspot in Woolwine.

A county-wide burn ban is still in effect and will remain in effect until further notice, said Simms in the release.

Henry County and the city of Martinsville have joined Patrick County by implementing a burn ban that went into effect Wednesday, and will remain until further notice.

Unusually dry weather conditions have created a high risk of wildfires; therefore, effective Nov. 8, all outdoor burning is prohibited until further notice. The only exception to this ban are covered gas, electric or charcoal barbecue grills or smokers and manufactured outdoor wood furnaces, a release from Henry County Fire Marshal Lisa Garrett stated.

Martinsville Fire Chief Dan Howell declared an immediate ban on all outdoor burning activities within the city limits at nearly the same time as Henry County.

Due to dry conditions and the limited likelihood of significant rainfall in the near future, the city of Martinsville is implementing an outdoor burning ban, said Howell in the release. This local ban strictly prohibits all outdoor burning, encompassing but not limited to wood, brush, logs, leaves, grass, debris, paper, trash, and other flammable materials.

The bans will remain in effect until conditions improve and local authorities decide the lift them.

Henry County, along with adjoining jurisdictions, are at a high level of fire danger, said Garrett. Conditions are dangerous, and we need everyone to understand the seriousness of this issue.

Gov. Glenn Youngkin declared a State of Emergency on Nov. 6, specifically addressing the Tuggles Gap wildfire and other wildfires in the state.

The declaration was issued to assist firefighter response efforts to Tuggles Gap in Patrick County and Quaker Run in Madison County where, according to the Virginia Department of Forestry, had grown to 3,877 acres and was 40% contained as of 9:45 a.m. Sunday.

The National Weather Service Office in Blacksburg said a wedge of high pressure would move into the affected area Sunday night and Monday from the central Plains, providing continued dry conditions through most of the week, with the next chance of rain coming on Friday with an associated cold front.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Nick Bieneck, owner of Tuggles Gap Roadside Inn, for his support in providing a command center, accommodations for firefighters, and nourishment, said Simms. Bieneck posted on his business Facebook page that his Inn would be closed for the next few days in order for everyone to get some much needed rest.

In addition to Tuggles Gap and Quaker Run, the Virginia Department of Forestry said they were tracking a total of nine wildfires in Virginia as of 3 p.m. Sunday.
Malaysian law enforcement authorities have announced the takedown of a phishing-as-a-service (PhaaS) operation called BulletProofLink.

The Royal Malaysia Police said the effort, which was carried out with assistance from the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on November 6, 2023, was based on information that the threat actors behind the platform were based out of the country.

To that end, eight individuals aged between 29 and 56, including the syndicate's mastermind, have been arrested across different locations in Sabah, Selangor, Perak, and Kuala Lumpur, New Straits Times reported.

Along with the arrests, authorities confiscated servers, computers, jewelry, vehicles, and cryptocurrency wallets containing approximately $213,000.

BulletProofLink, also called BulletProftLink, is known for offering ready-to-use phishing templates on a subscription basis to other actors for conducting credential harvesting campaigns. These templates mimic the login pages of well-known services like American Express, Bank of America, DHL, Microsoft, and Naver.

According to an analysis from Microsoft in September 2021, BulletProofLink actors also engaged in what's called double theft wherein the stolen credentials are sent to both their customers and the core developers, resulting in additional monetization avenues.

"BulletProftLink is associated with the threat actor AnthraxBP who also went by the online nicknames TheGreenMY and AnthraxLinkers," cybersecurity firm Intel 471 said last week.

"The actor maintained an active website advertising phishing services. The actor has an extensive underground footprint and operated on a number of clear web underground forums and Telegram channels using multiple handles."

Believed to be active since at least 2015, BulletProftLink's online storefront is estimated to have no less than 8,138 active clients and 327 phishing pages templates as of April 2023.

Another noteworthy feature is its integration of the Evilginx2 phishing kit to facilitate adversary-in-the-middle (AiTM) attacks that make it possible for threat actors to steal session cookies and bypass multi-factor authentication protections.

"PhaaS schemes like BulletProftLink provide the fuel for further attacks," Intel 471 said. "Stolen login credentials are one of the primary ways that malicious hackers gain access to organizations."

In a sign that threat actors are constantly updating tactics in response to disruptions and taking more sophisticated approaches, AiTM attacks have also been observed employing intermediary links to documents hosted on file-sharing solutions like DRACOON that contain the URLs to adversary-controlled infrastructure.

"This new method can bypass email security mitigations since the initial link appears to be from a legitimate source and no files are delivered to the victim's endpoint as the hosted document containing the link can be interacted with via the file-sharing server within the browser," Trend Micro said.

The development comes as a 33-year-old Serbian and Croatian national, Milomir Desnica, pleaded guilty in the U.S. to operating a drug trafficking platform called Monopoly Market on the dark web and for conspiring to distribute over 30 kilograms of methamphetamine to U.S. customers.

The illicit marketplace, which was set up by Desnica in 2019, was taken offline in December 2021 as part of a coordinated exercise in partnership with Germany and Finland. Desnica was arrested in Austria in November 2022 and extradited to the U.S. to face drug trafficking charges in June 2023.
The family of Connie Williams Baasch, who suffered a fatal injury on Oct. 15, 2022, is not satisfied with the findings of the Hall County Sheriffs Department investigation into the incident.

Baasch was found unconscious in the bedroom of her home at 4704 Stoneridge Path that day. She died on Feb. 28 of this year, at the age of 68, in an Omaha hospital.

Baasch lived alone in the home.

In a news release on March 3 of this year, the Hall County Sheriffs Department said deputies were detailed to the home in regard to an unconscious female who was reported as a fall victim.

As the investigation continued, it appeared the injuries were suspicious in nature. Deputies began investigating the injury as a possible criminal incident. This investigation is ongoing at this time, says the March 3 release.

On March 3, Hall County Chief Deputy Josh Berlie said its an investigation that were still working (on), and weve been working since the day that it happened.

Were looking at all angles, Berlie said. Were trying to determine what caused the injuries, whether it is a criminal incident or a noncriminal incident. The department is investigating everything.

On Sept. 29, following a lengthy investigation, the Sheriffs Department gave an update on its investigation into Baaschs injuries.

Although the investigation cannot rule it out, there is currently no sufficient evidence to suggest Baaschs injuries were sustained from a criminal act, the release concludes. Investigators have extinguished all possible avenues that could lead to the cause of these injuries. Should additional information arise, investigators will continue to follow up on the investigation.

The family still does not believe it was a fall, says Tim Williams, one of Baaschs sons.

The Sheriffs Department is continuing with the fall conclusion because the family member who found her, talking to a 911 dispatcher, assumed she had fallen when asked what had happened. So theyve taken that and continued to run with (the idea) that she had fallen, Williams said.

Baasch was found by her brother, Chuck Lonowski, on the afternoon of Oct. 15, 2022.

In the Sept. 29 release, the Sheriffs Department said they had found no criminal evidence that it was a criminal act.

But they cant say that it was an accidental fall either, Williams said.

So while there was no criminal evidence, They forgot to say that they have no evidence to prove that it was a fall, Williams said.

Later on the day she was found, Williams says, deputies told his two brothers they had everything they needed and the family could go ahead and clean up.

After Baasch was injured, a hole was found in a patio glass door.

Baaschs sister, Karen Kelly, says the same day Baasch was found, deputies told family members they could clean up the broken glass from her patio door and cover it with plywood.

There was no blood trail leading up to the room where she was found, Williams says.

We dont feel that she fell and then somehow wandered up into her room, he said.

There was no blood on the white carpet of the main floor, no blood on the stairs and no blood on the wall, he said.

Blood was found on the bedroom floor, next to her bed.

Kelly says three areas of contact were found on her sisters head. Theres no way that much damage could have been caused by falling, she said.

Referring to the three points of contact on her skull, If she fell I would think there would have been blood on whatever she hit, Kelly wrote in a letter to The Independent.

We do not feel it was a fall and dont believe there was any evidence to prove it was a fall, Williams said.

Kelly doesnt feel it was a thorough investigation. When Baasch was asked if she fell, she said yes, Kelly said.

With that much damage done to her skull and brain I doubt if she knew what she was saying. After surgery she never spoke again, Kelly wrote in her letter.

The night of the day she was found, the girlfriend of one of the brothers washed Baaschs sheets and shampooed the blood out of her bedroom carpet.

Investigators came in two or three days later to look for evidence but left her bloody blanket and pillows in her room, Kelly says.

Those items were collected months later, Williams said, when one of his brothers found them and called deputies.

Sometime in November, when Baasch was being transferred from CHI St. Francis to a hospital in Omaha, a member of the hospital staff asked Williams if he wanted the clothes Baasch was wearing when she came in. Williams said yes and took the clothes to the deputies a couple of days later.

Her son Tim took the clothes she was wearing to them but this was after she died. Yes, it sounds like a thorough investigation to me, Kelly concluded, sarcastically.

What does Williams think happened to his mother?

I think somebody came into the house and did it to her, he said.

Williams doesnt know who it could have been, because the people whove been investigated by the sheriffs department have been cleared. So other than that, we have no idea who would have done it, he said.

The sheriffs department says that in attempting to establish the cause of the injuries to Baasch, a full investigation was completed.

Investigators collected physical evidence from the scene which was processed by the Nebraska State Patrol Crime Lab, served over a dozen search warrants to examine Baaschs medical history, financial history, and several electronic media devices, says the Sept. 29 release. Additionally, mobile communication network data was collected, and the Hall County Sheriffs Office used experts in the field of cell tower/Geofence forensics from different agencies across Nebraska to analyze the mobile communications network data during the time Baasch received her injuries.

Investigators also conducted several neighborhood canvasses and interviewed a multitude of Constance Baaschs family, friends and other persons of interest, the release says.

On Nov. 9, the Sheriffs Office said it has no additional statement beyond what was covered in its news releases.
CARBONDALE  Southern Illinois University will recognize National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week with a variety of special activities this week, coinciding with Leadership and Service Week.

As we began discussing National Hunger and Homelessness Week, food insecurity and how it affects students and the community, we became aware that it is also a great opportunity for Leadership and Service Week, said Aimee Lemrise, SIU Sustainability Office director.

This particular week seems to bring together so many components of the universitys Imagine 2030 strategic plan pillars, including sustainability; student success and engagement; and diversity, equity and inclusion, that we wanted to plan some events to bring attention to sustainability and the other pillars and highlight our commitments to them. In addition, throughout the week, we will be collecting food for the Saluki Food Pantry, along with winter clothing and hygiene products. You can find collection boxes in various locations around campus, added Lemrise.

Diverse activities planned, public welcome

While some of the events are focused on students or the campus community, most are open to the general public, and there is no cost to attend.

The schedule for the week, with all events open to the public unless otherwise specified, includes:

Tuesday, Nov. 14

Alumni Speaks: featuring Mildred Williams at noon in the Old Main Room at the Student Center. Williams, a 2011 alumna of SIU and coordinator of the Black Resource Center, will share her experience with homelessness and houselessness and explain the difference. Sarah Alli-Brown, a sophomore journalism major from Chicago who is coordinator of the Black Affairs Council, will interview Williams as she shares about her journey and tells how she hopes to guide students to develop tools of healing so they can thrive and excel.

Sustaining Our Service: Women in Leadership, an evening of motivating discussions and team-building activities, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center. The event includes dinner. While there is no cost to attend, participants must RSVP by emailing rsohelp@siu.edu by Monday.

Wednesday, Nov. 15

Feeding the Community, featuring LaRayia Gatson founder and executive director of Lunch on Me, noon to 2 p.m. at the Carbondale Pavilion. Enjoy a free lunch, games and music. Gatson will speak at 5 p.m. in the John C. Guyon Auditorium at Morris Library that evening, discussing her program, hunger, unity, empowerment and hope as well as shining a light on people who are often invisible. A reception with light refreshments will follow her evening keynote address.

Thursday, Nov. 16

Breakfast for SIU student leaders at the Student Center Ballroom A at 9 a.m.

Serving through Leadership Luncheon, noon-1 p.m., Student Center Ballroom A, with Tina Owens as special guest speaker. Owens is an alumna of SIU, with a bachelors degree in health care management, and holds a masters degree in organizational leadership from Columbia Southern University. She served in the Coast Guard for 22 years. She completed Officer Candidate School in Connecticut and served on the guards only tall ship, sailing from Puerto Rico to South America and back to New London, during which time she was the only female medical support.

During her career, she served at duty stations in New York City, Virginia, North Carolina, California, New Jersey and Hawaii. After retiring in 2017, she became a patient-centered medical home certified content expert and helps less-fortunate children in middle Tennessee get much-needed health care.

Lunch will be provided.

The activities are sponsored by the Sustainability Office, the Black Resource Center, the Office of Student Engagement, and the Center for Service-Learning and Volunteerism.
CHICAGO  A Chicago firefighter died Monday from injuries he suffered when he fell through a light shaft at a burning building, officials said.

Andrew "Drew" Price, 39, was helping battle a fire at a four-story building in the Lincoln Park neighborhood that began about 6 a.m., Fire Commissioner Annette Nance-Holt said.

Price was on the roof opening up holes for ventilation when he fell through a light shaft while putting out hot spots, Nance-Holt said, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

She said a "mayday" was called and Price was located right away, but fellow firefighters needed to breach a wall to reach him. He was taken to the Illinois Masonic Medical Center, where he died of his injuries, the commissioner said.

Price had been a Chicago firefighter since 2009, Nance-Holt said.

"We all knew Drew," she said. "Drew worked out. He was a health nut. Loved by so many and will be missed by all."

Fire department spokesman Larry Langford said it was too early to know what started the blaze. It damaged the inside of the building, which houses a ground-floor restaurant and apartments upstairs and is near the Lincoln Hall music venue, WLS-TV reported.

Price was the fourth Chicago firefighter to die in the line of duty this year.

"This job is a very, very dangerous job and we go to work and we never know if we'll come home," Nance-Holt said.
SPRINGFIELD  Patti Serpa is a single mother of five who relies on a state-sponsored tax credit to send her youngest, 12-year-old Santos, to St. Pius V School, a Catholic grade school in Chicago that she feels provides him with a better education than his former public school.

Being at St. Pius, its a family, Serpa said in Springfield last week, where she and dozens of others gathered to demand lawmakers keep the tax credit scholarship program alive. I have all the teachers and principals numbers, like their cellphone numbers. When youre a single parent you look for stuff like that.

The eleventh-hour effort to save the Invest in Kids tax credit scholarship program, mounted during the final week of the General Assemblys last session of the year, failed as lawmakers adjourned without taking up a proposal to extend it beyond Dec. 31.

Invest in Kids prompted fierce debate over the merits of what some equate to a politically volatile school choice voucher program. While supporters say the tax credit gave children in low-income families a shot at a better education, opponents argued it failed to adequately benefit those kids and chipped away at public education. Both sides said they believe it was the first time such a voucher program has been discontinued.

Around the country, weve seen voucher programs only grow, never end, said Cassie Creswell, of the advocacy group Illinois Families for Public Schools, which opposed Invest in Kids. So its  really a historic rollback of school privatization, which has been gaining speed, especially in the last couple years.

Invest in Kids was signed into law by Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner in 2017. It gave individuals and corporations a 75% tax credit, capped at $1 million, on donations to private school scholarships. Total annual credits were capped at $75 million. Various nonprofits process the applications and distribute the money.

The program had broad support among Republican legislators, who back a school choice agenda and have fought against public school teachers unions. Democrats were divided on an extension for the program.

Last month, four Democratic lawmakers tried to save the program by backing a bill that wouldve extended the program through 2028 and reduced the maximum annual credits awarded by the state to $50 million from $75 million.

Also, instead of the current 75% tax credit, the proposal called for donors to get a 100% credit for the first $5,000 they contribute, then a maximum 65% tax credit for any additional amount if the children they sponsor live in underserved communities and a maximum 55% credit if the children dont. The annual limit for tax credits would be reduced to $500,000 from $1 million.

But, in addition to arguments against the use of public tax credits to fund private schools, many of which are connected to religious organizations, some Democrats expressed concern that not enough children from low-income families were benefiting from the program, especially Black and Latino children  though the latest proposal was aimed at easing those concerns.

During the 2022-23 school year, no Black students received the scholarships at more than half of the schools participating in the program, and there were no Latino recipients at about a third of the schools, according to data compiled by the Illinois Department of Revenue.

Only about a quarter of the money in the program went to low-income students, and roughly the same percentage went to students from areas with at least one low-performing public school, according to the Department of Revenue data.

Democratic state Rep. Fred Crespo said that in the weeks leading up to adjournment, some House Democrats felt the state should have other funding priorities.

Some people feel that that money should go to public schools. Others probably felt that, Well, its money that could be invested in folks and not-for-profits that provide services to people with disabilities, said Crespo, of Hoffman Estates.

A Democratic lawmaker who supports the program said the bid for an extension was hurt because some advocates, particularly the conservative Illinois Policy Institute, tried to turn the issue into a larger crusade against politically powerful teachers unions like the Chicago Teachers Union and the Illinois Federation of Teachers, which are strong political allies and campaign contributors to many Democratic lawmakers. The institutes long-standing anti-union agenda was evident in its support of Rauner, who waged an unsuccessful war against public service unions allied with Democrats.

Once the battle became that ideological, its just not going to pass with legislative Democratic majorities, said the lawmaker in support of the Invest in Kids program, who asked not to be identified because he did not want to publicly comment on a politically sensitive issue.

While it has traditionally supported Republican candidates in Chicagos suburbs, the Illinois Education Association saw the legislatures decision to not extend Invest in Kids as a major victory.

The voucher system was intentionally created with a lack of oversight and accountability, leaving us with no data to measure its effectiveness, the IEA said in a statement. We need to focus on providing the necessary funding to our public schools so that all children in Illinois continue to have access to a high-quality, public education.

Creswell and some Democrats also argued that scholarship money went to private schools that deny access to students for reasons that include sexual orientation.

On Friday, supporters of Invest in Kids lamented its impending demise during a news conference at Chicago Hope Academy, a private school on the West Side. Ike Muzikowski, Hopes principal and president, said 150 students  roughly half of the schools student body  benefit from the tax credit scholarship program.

Removing these scholarships removes opportunities from students who deserve an equitable opportunity to choose something better for themselves, Muzikowski said.

Creswell said it should be up to private schools to raise money from donors for students who need scholarship help.

These donors who have been getting tax credits should continue writing their checks to schools and to scholarship organizations, Creswell said, noting that those donations will be eligible for federal tax deductions as they were before Invest in Kids was created.

While acknowledging that donors would be free to continue giving to scholarship funds after the tax credits end, House Republican leader Tony McCombie of Savanna said, Unfortunately, some folks might not be able to financially do that.

All 40 members of the House GOP were ready to support an extension of the program, and McCombie said shell continue to push for it to be revived.

It is my hope that over the remainder of the year that the advocates for and against this will actually come together, sit at a table together and will come up with a remedy and well whip the votes on both sides of the aisle and come to the speaker and to the (Senate) president and say, This is my roll call. We have the votes. And lets call this bill, McCombie said.

If Democrats who chose to let the program lapse are committed to increasing funding for public education, I would love to hear that as the reason of the bill not being called, McCombie said.

If the governors saying thats what hes going to be doing, Id be interested in hearing that, McCombie said.

Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker has shifted positions on the program in the last five years.

As a candidate for governor in 2018, he vowed to repeal Invest in Kids, but after taking office he approved a legislative initiative that extended the program for a year beyond its original expiration date and expanded it to private trade schools.

During this past springs legislative session, Pritzker was noncommittal, though hes also said the program should be modified to allow for a federal as well as state income tax deduction for donations.

Last month, Pritzker indicated hed sign a bill extending the program if the legislature approved one, only to later walk back those comments by saying hed defer to lawmakers on whether a proposal would move forward.

Days before last weeks final legislative session, the governor told a reporter that support for public education is really where my focus is.

Pritzkers office did not respond to a request for comment on the decision by legislative Democrats to let the program lapse.

At Fridays news conference on the West Side, Tiffine White of North Lawndale credited Hope Academy with keeping her children, who attended the school with the help of Invest in Kids scholarships, away from street violence. Two of her kids graduated from Hope Academy and enrolled in college, while two others are seniors at the school. They will be able to graduate without their scholarships being affected, she said.

Without the scholarship, I dont know what would have happened. My boys might be a statistic of the streets, she said.

Some supporters said they worry more religious and private schools will be at risk of closing if they lose students who are able to attend thanks to the scholarship program.

Bob Gilligan of the Catholic Conference of Illinois said Invest in Kids doesnt present a challenge to either teachers unions or public schools, noting that the Catholic Church has supported increased funding for public education in Illinois.

Eva Villalobos, whose four daughters attend St. Gall School in the Southwest Side Gage Park neighborhood, said it would cost more than $20,000 per year to keep her kids in the school without the scholarships.

If I go back to work, maybe I could afford it paycheck to paycheck, said Villalobos, a former accountant. But what about all of these other families that dont have careers and do not have those options?

Guffey reported from Chicago.
Denmark Technical Colleges president says the college is working to engage, educate and empower students for the future.

We've seen so much growth since we've been at Denmark Tech, President Dr. Willie L. Todd Jr. said.

Now the goal is: How do we move further than where we were?"

Todd spoke to Bamberg County Council during its Nov. 6 meeting.

It truly is a blessing: Edisto Habitat dedicates 96th home Antoinette Gadsen has an attitude of gratitude for all the volunteers who are making her dream of homeownership come true through Edisto Habitat for Humanity.

Enhancing academics and inspiring technological advancements  that's been very important to us. Since Ive been there, we've actually been able to put new technology on the whole campus, in every classroom. So every classroom has the ability to do synchronous and asynchronous work, Todd said.

DTCs goals include engaging the entire community in the colleges mission and strengthening its communication infrastructure.

Toys for Tots: Annual campaign gives chance for Christmas, chance to give The local Toys for Tots campaign is continuing its partnership with the Marine Corps Reserves program to help children have a merry Christmas.

Through our director of marketing and public relations, our social media reach has extended so far beyond, he said.

The college is also working on student success.

When I talk about student success, for me right now we're getting what I call the COVID graduates. These are students that spent the last two, three years sometimes at home looking at a computer. ... We all know that wasn't the best way for any of young people to learn, Todd said.

Angels, kettles and Christmas: Salvation Army gift-giving campaigns begin The Salvation Army is preparing to bring happiness and hope to families lives during this years holiday season.

The colleges 10-year master plan includes building projects like the renovation of the gym.

We've been thankful to all our partners, but especially partners like Bamberg County, Todd said.

He noted the county's significant help with the college's road paving project.

For safety purposes alone, that has been great on our campus. That campus has not seen new roads and parking lots and things like that in some cases in almost 50 years, Todd said.

The college has seen a 50.1 percent increase in its enrollment with the addition of students in its workforce programs, Todd said.

Last fall, we actually had 725 students in academic programs, but we served over 1,000 students if you look at students who are in our workforce programs. ... We've really been proud of that, but what we've been seeing is right now our goal is to get to 800 full-time equivalent," Todd said.

The president said the college's lack of funding from the federal Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund this year has impacted enrollment.

Last fall, we were at 727 academic students. This fall, we're at 635 academic students. ... So now what we're trying to do is to see how we can increase scholarship funding, Todd said.

The graduation rate, to me, still is not what we want it to be at all, but we're definitely trending upward, he said.

The college is planning for new technical programs such as HVAC and battery storage.

We have a licensed practical nurse program, but we're looking at turning that into an RN program. We're going to be submitting a substantive change for that, he said.

Get The Times and Democrat app today Local news has never been this personal. Free to download. Subscribers enjoy unlimited access.

Todd said a Center of Energy, a Center for Health Care and a Security Command Center for Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence have been created on campus.

Last year alone, there were over 700,000 unfilled jobs in the energy field. We want to make sure that we get in on this, he said.

Fusion Cyber was also going to be putting a security operations center on Denmark Tech's campus, he said.

Todd said partnerships are key to the college's success.

In every area that Denmark Tech can improve, we have improved. Weve improved with enrollment. We've improved with retention. Weve done so much deferred maintenance on that campus. ... Thank you for your continued support," Todd said.

Councilwoman Sharon Hammond said, I know that you are going to continue to grow and grow this community and keep your students happy. ... You're doing a good job, and thank you.
Korea has attended the Finance Ministers' Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in San Francisco this week to discuss ways of cooperation with member nations on the global economy, sustainable finance and digital assets, the finance ministry said Tuesday.

The Korean delegation led by Deputy Finance Minister Choi Ji-young attended the two-day meeting that began Sunday (U.S. time), where the 21 member nations agreed upon joint efforts to secure growth momentum while ensuring financial soundness, according to the Ministry of Economy and Finance.

The focus of the meeting was also on how to mobilize financial resources to better achieve net-zero goals and to promote the responsible development and use of digital assets, including crypto assets and stablecoins.

During the meeting, Choi explained Korea's effort to introduce tighter fiscal rules, which call for capping the fiscal deficit to 3 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP), and stressed the need for talks on the establishment of standards and norms on digital assets among the member nations.

He also presented the country's growth strategies, as well as its ongoing role in the international community to fight climate change, such as its decision to contribute an additional US$300 million to the Green Climate Fund, according to the ministry.

On the sidelines of the meeting, Choi held one-on-one talks with representatives from Indonesia, Thailand, Peru and other nations on joint infrastructure projects and a wide range of industry issues and asked for their support for Korea's bid to host the 2030 World Expo in its southeastern port city of Busan.

The finance ministers' meeting took place ahead of the APEC summit, slated for Nov. 15-17, which is expected to bring together representatives from the member economies, including Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol.

Established in 1989, APEC is an inter-governmental framework designed to promote free trade throughout the Asia-Pacific region. The United States last hosted the APEC summit in Hawaii in 2011. (Yonhap)
A school in a deprived area earns accolades for breaking down traditional barriers between educators, parents, and pupils.

Wheres your mommy? a school assistant asks two blond pupils in a school hallway. Shes out partying, a disheveled father answers on their behalf. He looks as if hes just returned from a party himself.

Its Saturday morning, the elementary school in Trmice is having its open house, and this anecdote serves as a good illustration of the state of things here.

Trmice, until 1994 part of the city of Usti nad Labem in northern Bohemia, is a small town with several socially disadvantaged areas and high unemployment, indebtedness, and lower-than- average educational achievement. A third of the students at the Trmice elementary school are Roma, a third have special educational needs, and a third come from an unsupportive home environment. And these groups overlap in various ways.

In the Usti nad Labem region, one in seven children leaves school prematurely. Socially disadvantaged areas account for almost two thirds of such children. But in Trmice such cases can be counted on one hand, and every year the number of those opting for areas of study leading to a diploma grows.

So how do they do it in Trmice? How does the school manage to push children who arent motivated from home and dont care much about anything  as principal Marie Gottfriedova describes many of those at her school  toward further successful education?

Principal Marie Gottfriedova

One thing is clear after just a few visits: Its not because of any miraculous teaching methods. What is striking is the above-average relationship of the teachers with the students and their families. Its evidenced by an empathetic interaction with the disheveled dad from the opening anecdote, or that when Gottfriedova walks through the school, someone is always stopping her. During the open house, past graduates follow her and the teachers around. They came to let them know how theyre doing now. The principal stops to chat with someone here and there, praising them about the nice outfit they had at the dance last night or inviting them for dessert in the common room. Three boys whove been out of the school for two years and are here to visit their former class teacher give each other hugs. Guess what, I have a 1 [top mark] in Czech, one of them boasts. I have a 2, another chimes in.

Slacking Off Wont Pay Off

Were in a school with a specific composition of pupils, but its not just about Roma and children from poor families. The Czech education system needs change almost everywhere. Czech pupils lag behind in mathematics and reading; they dont understand the world of natural sciences. These results are clear in all the tests that compare Czech children with the rest of the developed world. Czech children dont like school. And less-educated families lack confidence in the school system and are not motivated to have their children achieve the highest possible level of education.

The result? In some regions, one in 10 children fails to advance to the next grade. And this fact is not as cute as the mischievous students in the popular Mach and Sebestova cartoon (known outside Czechia as Max and Sally). When students get left back once or twice, their education often stops with the seventh or eighth grade. They dont complete basic education and thus cant go on to most secondary or trade schools, nor can they take part in retraining courses offered by the Labor Office. Every year, up to 2,000 students leave school prematurely; several times that number fail to finish secondary school. The Agency for Social Inclusion calculates that each such child will cost the Czech social security system 13 million crowns ($575,000) over their lifetime. So it doesnt pay off for anyone.

A first-grade class. The maximum class size in all grades is 20.

Trmices success depends on two things: good communication with families and work with the teaching staff, says Marta Miklusakova from the Agency for Social Inclusion. She monitors the Trmice school, viewing it as a model where students can succeed even in a complicated environment.

They have good relationships with children and parents; they can communicate with them. They have been working on it for a long time, she says. But equally important is the system of managing teachers and their evaluation and continuing education. The work is undoubtedly debilitating; the teacher encounters failure much more often than elsewhere, and deals with family contexts that are complex. At the same time, theres almost zero turnover at the school; everyone feels good there.

But as Miklusakova points out, good relationships alone are not enough if they dont lead to educational success. This, too, is going well in Trmice.

In a school where 50 out of 320 children have special educational needs (and many others are not officially diagnosed, but their unsupportive home environment doesnt make their education any easier), just one to two children a year dont finish elementary school. Often it was the children who were transferred to us after the city authorities intervened, because they had some problems in their original school. They came here, for example, to repeat a grade, and we werent able to work wonders, Gottfriedova explains.

An after-school animation club, one of 20 clubs children can sign up for.

Last year, three students finished in the eighth grade; the other 29 continued on to the ninth. Twenty-one went on to a secondary school that leads to a diploma (including three to a gymnasium, the most demanding academically); the remaining 11 to apprenticeships. All those who continued their schooling were admitted to their chosen area of study. The principal doesnt have exact numbers on how many pupils from her school end up graduating from secondary school. But she does have unofficial information, thanks to good relations with graduates. Those few who give up or fail probably wont come tell us about it, but the vast majority continues to do well.

Look Up

An hour of civics, a rare combined group of the two ninth-grade classes  a demanding course. Topic: psychology. It starts with a test. Its not about marks. Students can work together and discuss the answers together. The level of knowledge doesnt matter. Everyone tries; no one slacks off  not that the teacher lets them. The hour runs at a brisk pace, and in a positive spirit. The teacher doesnt lecture from the blackboard or shout. He lets wrong answers go but acknowledges each one that at least comes close to being right.

Its not by chance, and its not just the nature of a particular teacher. In Trmice, they know that no one likes to learn in an atmosphere empty of trust or confidence. And in that kind of environment, passivity is the greatest enemy. Thats why Stephen Hawkings motivational quotes hang on the walls: Look up at the stars and not down at your feet and Never give up work. Work gives you meaning and purpose, and life is empty without it. This mindset is reflected in the strong emphasis on music, dance, and sports. The school offers 20 afternoon clubs with the goal of building on the positive and giving everyone an opportunity to stand out.

First-graders at recess. Eighty percent of success is if the children enjoy going to school, principal Gottfriedova says.

In ninth-grade music class, everyone works together despite the high concentration of adolescent egos.

A sixth-grade Czech class.

A first-grade class. The maximum class size in all grades is 20.

Ninth-grade music class

An after-school animation club, one of 20 clubs children can sign up for.

Principal Marie Gottfriedova

Dont Waste a Single Day

Problems are not left to fester. For example, the Trmice school serves as a model for Usti nad Labems schools  even those considered prestigious  on bringing down the rate of absenteeism. Skipping school regularly is usually the first step to a child eventually not attending school at all, or failing to advance to the next grade.

Dear Madam Principal, we are currently dealing with a large influx of reports of unexcused absences from some schools. We believe your school can be a good example in the sense that such reports rarely come from you, and your work with students, therefore with families, is very effective, Gottfriedova reads in her office from a letter she just received from the Usti nad Labem regional childrens protection authority (OSPOD).

Schools often fail to adequately deal with absenteeism; its common practice to add up the hours and when they reach 25, they turn to OSPOD. But because OSPOD is swamped, the issue may not be addressed for several months, during which the family may think no one has noticed, and the number of absences continues to grow.

Ninth-grade music class

So how do they do it in Trmice? Its motivational competition Dont waste a single day can do quite a bit. The class with the lowest number of missed hours gets 2,000 crowns ($90) for an activity or a trip; an individual can win a tablet. Children are really into it; sometimes it goes to extremes, so that parents call us and say their child wants to go to school with a fever, Gottfriedova says with a laugh. There are usually seven or eight children with zero absences. Going to school to win a tablet is probably not the right motivation, but it cant be denied that Trmice never stops trying to figure out how to solve problems.

But the foundation of its success is work with families. The recipe: timeliness and good will. As soon as the first five or six [absentee] hours appear, the class teacher comes to tell me and we act. Usually the schools social assistant goes to the family and acts in keeping with the situation and knowledge of the family, Gottfriedova says. Sometimes its enough to explain matter-of-factly that the school must monitor attendance and ask for a reason why the child didnt arrive. Other times, the social assistant asks someone from the family to go to school with her. Sometimes she cooperates with the local police or the Roma association Romano Jasnica, whose staff is also in contact with the families.

The right approach is important. Not to immediately put those parents into the role of culprits, says Gottfriedova. To react with understanding  we might find out, for example, that the mother went to bed with a fever and wasnt able to take care of a six-month-old child so she kept the older sibling at home with her. Well ask her to just call us next time and tell the truth.

Most people respond positively to this approach. At the school, they are convinced that the more personal the contact, the better the chances of mutual understanding. There will be a few cases we have to report, and OSPOD has other tools, such as cutting benefits and so on, Gottfriedova says. But I am a person who naturally believes, and experience bears this out, that prevention is better, Gottfriedova says. When you have to resort to legal means, its mostly a lost cause anyway.

The social assistant plays a key role. Our assistant Katka Vysinova is Romani and has a certain charisma; she has an equilibrium in her; shes super-kind but at the same time assertive. And she can sense what works with whom. Sometimes you gently explain that theres nothing to be afraid of. And sometimes you have to be more firm. Thats a big resource for the school.

But most schools cant afford such a treasure. The procedure for assigning social workers to schools is not very systemic, Miklusakova of the Agency for Social Inclusion says.

A sixth-grade Czech class.

Schools have a capped budget, which means each school meets its needs based on whats most urgent. An assistant who visits families is usually the lowest priority.

How did they get a social assistant in Trmice? We are involved in all sorts of development projects run by the Education Ministry or Jan Evangelista Purkyne University in Usti nad Labem, Gottfriedova explains. Thanks to that cooperation we have, for example, a special pedagogue and two joint education coordinators who map whats working or not working for us in the area of inclusion and where well go from there. Its extra money, but of course also a lot of extra work.

Breaking the Ice

Its Thursday, half past six, but many school windows are still lit. In Room 6B a teacher, a boy, and his parents sit around a table. Were meeting here, Vojta, because of you: the assistant and I, and your mom and dad, the teacher begins the meeting with a factual statement, but she knows why shes doing it. The feeling that everyone met at school because of the boy is a very important signal and a big encouragement for him.

Its called a tripartite meeting, and they cant praise it enough in Trmice, even if it eats up much more time than a group class meeting. Its important to always start with praise, showcasing whats going well. The teacher talks about what she appreciates about Vojta (he knows how to be helpful) and what he does thats important for the class (he stands up for weaker kids). She then passes on information from individual teachers.

Geography: right now it looks like a [mark of] 3; but theres a note from the teacher that if you would participate more and put at least a little more effort into papers, you could get a 1, the teacher says encouragingly. Another Trmice principle: Never just report the mark, but always add a specific recommendation. The student then has a chance to explain what prevents him or her from putting forth maximum effort and what he or she needs to do differently. At the end, the parents also get a turn to speak. The result of the meeting often is a kind of understanding about what the child and teacher will try, and what the parents will help with so the childs results are better. Always end with some perspective, a hope that if I try something different, it will go better.

A tripartite breaks the ice. Even families we havent seen until then have come to them, Gottfriedova says. Then they let on that they didnt want to go to class meetings because they were afraid bad things would be said about their child in front of everyone  which of course we didnt do, but they have that experience from when they were in school themselves.

Tripartite meetings take place twice a year; a month is reserved for them. Throughout September, students with an individual educational plan meet with their teachers and assistants; November is reserved for regular students. Its repeated in the spring. Twenty minutes are set aside for each meeting, but sometimes the group winds up chatting for an hour and a half. We get a lot of important information about the child, but most of all something very valuable builds up  the knowledge that were in the same boat, that there are no big gaps between us, and that the child is the center of attention, the principal says. Its also important that we dont just talk when theres a problem  which is usually the case when parents are in contact with a school.

Its Friday. The combined ninth grades have music class. The first surprising thing is that during warm-ups everybody really sings, puberty or no puberty. Last week, everyone went to the cinema to see Bohemian Rhapsody. And given that todays theme is rhythm, teacher Drahoslav Stranek plays Queen melodies on the keyboard. The children add rhythmic accompaniment on various instruments. Rather than typical elementary school music education, its reminiscent of an orchestra rehearsal. Even the space is more of a rehearsal studio full of instruments than a classroom.



In ninth-grade music class, everyone works together despite the high concentration of adolescent egos.

The Queen film yields several class sessions on various subjects. A school outing to the movies in Trmice doesnt mean killing a morning but preparing for it and making the most of it afterward. Its a film for the informed, so beforehand we talked about what kind of band it was, what era it was, and what they came up with that was new, Stranek says. Its not just about music, but also about relationships, admitting differences, faith in oneself.  Freddie Mercury had to extricate himself from his family and go after his own goals. We also can work with this in ethics, in civics; individual teachers returned to it in their homerooms. Plus, its long, they have to read subtitles, thats already a challenge for a lot of kids, and its good that they try.

During the class after visiting the cinema, everyone was asked to write whatever came to mind. Someone commented on the music; someone on the cast; one boy wrote: I went home and listened to Queen all evening. Normally I dont spend much time with my parents, but they heard it and came into my room to listen, too. 

The music lesson continues; two boys in the front row are chatting. Hey, Jirka, Im remembering that time two years ago, how you were cooperative, you were interested, we worked on songs together, the teacher says to one of the boys, sounding more like a father than a teacher. In Trmice they believe in the need to build on good relationships with the children. Reminding them about good things works better than punishment or a raised voice. Maybe we still remember this from our own childhoods  when we liked a teacher, we didnt want to make her angry.

The teacher announces that at the end of class the students will rehearse a beloved Czech folk tune. Its a surprise for the principal for the next school concert, the teacher says. And will the principal like that? a girl asks, and its clear that she wants nothing more at that moment.

What is happening in Trmice is no magic. Teachers practices are similar to those of experts in modern pedagogy, such as Dylan Wiliam, a British pedagogical celebrity who started out as a math teacher at a school full of unmotivated children from socially disadvantaged backgrounds. In a nutshell: The teacher pays individual attention to the children if possible, constantly making sure that he has everyones attention, and tries to motivate everyone. He rebukes gently, with gestures, a touch, a quiet remark. And he praises aloud.

Principal Gottfriedova emphasizes that its not about specific pedagogical procedures but rather the feeling underlying them: that school is a service. I think thats what makes the difference in the end: that children see teachers standing in front of them who realize theyre not an institution that sets conditions and presents lists of what the children have to have before they deign to teach.

She herself is clear on the nature of that service: When I can, I begin the debate by asking that we write down what we want a graduate of the school to be like. We usually agree: a responsible person, independent, creative, empathetic, able to cooperate and help, conscientious, thorough, trustworthy, to have charm, a spark.  And what do we do in schools to develop all this? The teacher comes up with a lesson, the children should sit still if possible, then they should write it down, and after two days they should reproduce it  preferably using the same words. How do I develop creativity, responsibility, cooperation, motivation with that?

Ahead of Their Time

Individual elements of what works in Trmice  such as tripartite meetings or an emphasis on a congenial atmosphere  can be found in the Czech education system. But schools have to figure it out for themselves; theres no comprehensive manual or methodology. The success of individual schools depends on the personal qualities of the principal and his or her activities, including the ability to gather information and apply for financial support from grants, without which its impossible to achieve all this. They dont have it easy, especially if theyre not supported by the local powers that be.

In Trmice, for example.

Im a little bothered by the makeup of the children, although of course its due to the makeup of the population, Trmice Mayor Jana Oubrechtova says without mincing words. Apparently by that she means the Roma. The level of education is declining because it adapts to the weaker ones. Reportedly, some parents agree and some now drive their children to schools in Usti nad Labem. But the mayor has no statistics or evidence for these claims. According to Gottfriedova, three or four children per year assigned to the school go elsewhere, and four years ago one mother took out her first-grader in November on the grounds that many Roma pupils were in the class. She doesnt know of any other cases.

Sometimes it takes a lot of energy, Gottfriedova says of the relationship with local authorities. And if sometimes the notion that I call it a day and go somewhere else has crept into my head, it wasnt because of the biggest bully we have here at school, but because of the town hall.

The Czech School Inspectorate was last at the Trmice school in 2014. Its report assesses as above-average, for example, support for social literacy, a quality and well-constructed program of free-time activities, a positive atmosphere. We visit schools more often where theres some problem, says Varja Pauckova, head of the inspectorates Usti nad Labem office. We have no indication from Trmice that the school, which was doing well six years ago, strayed from that path and went in the wrong direction. It seems ahead of its time.

What works in Trmice is clear to see. So why arent there more such schools? The Czech School Inspectorate has asked the same question, and has begun to monitor similarly successful schools and document their procedures in a report with examples of inspirational practices. The Trmice school is included among 80 being monitored.

The school creates equal opportunities for pupils to learn, regardless of their social or cultural affiliation, provides them with support measures, develops tolerance and makes sure no pupil is excluded from the collective, Ondrej Andrys, deputy central school inspector, wrote in an e-mail. The Trmice elementary school also distinguishes itself with its strong culture and strives to provide quality educational materials, with the help of co-financing from grants. Its educational program has served as an inspiration for other schools as they put their general education plans into practice. The school provides an above-average number of free-time activities, promotes an individual approach to instruction and individualized assessment, and modern methods and forms of work.

The inspectorate is also drafting a thematic report on the common features of schools that succeed in working with disadvantaged pupils. We describe a total of eight schools, and the purpose of the report is to point out useful strategies that schools could use and for which they should find support from authorities, the National Pedagogical Institute, and the Ministry of Education, but also other actors, for example doctors or social workers, explains Dana Prazakova from the school inspectorates central office.

These are very useful steps, until now lacking, on the part of the inspectorate. But its not enough. Trmice isnt complaining about finances. The school simply operates at a high speed and engages in various projects to improve its budget or raise money for support staff. But in general, Czech education is desperately underfunded, and nothing will move much until that changes.

Cries for Help

Trmice principal Gottfriedova has a special session with one class today. The reason: problems with one boy. He moved to Trmice from a school in Usti nad Labem, where they didnt know what to do with him, and here he tries to fit in by acting tough and rudely. He disrupts class, yells, and swears. Some classmates appreciate him for it, as adolescents will. This isnt the first time the principal has talked with this class, and shes already had a three-hour conversation with the mother, which revealed that she doesnt know how to deal with her son either.

Im convinced that no child misbehaves just because he wants to, Gottfriedova later explains. Theres always a reason. Its often a cry for help. As soon as you allow that possibility, you look at him differently. We shouldnt be in competition with the child. The school hardly ever uses formal punishments such as reprimands or lower marks for behavior. In this, too, they hold a strong belief that more can be accomplished through good will  even if it sometimes means hours of talking to the child or the parents.

Today well talk about what you like about your class, the principal begins. The children pipe up: Were good friends, we help each other, we like to play together. And now the not-so-good things. Does your class have any weaknesses? The children: Noise  Some children are really noisy, and somebody would maybe like to read during a break and doesnt have any peace.

The children are used to such open talks and evidently are good at the give-and-take. They provide names of the children who disturb the most. And when it comes to what can be done to make things better, most identify their own faults: I need to improve. Its interesting that children usually know very well what they do well and what they dont, Gottfriedova says. They dont need a mentor over them to tell them One doesnt do that. 

To get better? she continues. Thats easy to say, but its good to spell out in what. You can make a resolution for this week: quiet. Try to have more calm here. Eliminating vulgar expressions or rudeness can be a task for the following weeks. The class teacher will carry on working with the class in this spirit.

Class over, the principal is satisfied. It wasnt about the boy at all. We didnt traumatize him by picking him apart, but he recognized himself in it and was able to say: It would help if you wouldnt pay attention to me. In fact he admitted that he was doing it to get a reaction.

Better Relationships, Better Grades

Relationships, relationships. Child-to-child. Student-to-teacher.

Teachers in Trmice say that when youngsters want to come to school and improve themselves, theyve taken the biggest step toward success at school, better marks, and laying a foundation to continue studying and to take responsibility for ones life.

Thats why the school offers a wide variety of clubs, and with few exceptions the teachers themselves lead them. One who is a beekeeper launched a beekeeping club. An athlete leads the floorball club. They meet children on a different level in the afternoon, which can be a great advantage with children who have a problem, Gottfriedova says. Prices are symbolic. The basic rate is 50 crowns ($2) per semester, or a little more if materials are involved, for example art supplies. They are financed in part from projects implemented in cooperation with the University of Jan Evangelista Purkyne and partly from the schools operating budget.

In practice, this means we might not buy as much new office furniture, but we view childrens clubs as a priority, and wed rather give up material goods in favor of the childrens success and meaningful use of their free time, the principal explains.

Everyone has the opportunity to be good at something. And theres a lot, including the prestigious school orchestra, Trmikus. They recorded a CD and performed at the Rudolfinum concert hall in Prague. A student-made film, The Key to Life, won first prize at a festival of animated school films. The schools logo came from a student competition. It even has its own television station. The ninth-graders paid tribute to their teachers two years ago by making a Czech version of Michael Jacksons They Dont Care About Us. They sold hot dogs to earn money to rent a studio, where they recorded the song and even made a video to go with it.

They transformed the refrain into: No one can top us because we are ninth-graders. Does that sound like demotivated students from a poor region?

But lets not paint too rosy a picture. Such students still exist.

Sometimes Its Just Not Possible

In the words of Marie Gottfriedova: Do what we can, never give up on someone, but at the same time keep your feet on the ground and dont fall apart if it doesnt work out.

Take, for example, the case of a girl well call Iveta.

A very problematic story: She finished first grade in a special-needs school, and then it was discovered that shed been placed there by mistake, recalls assistant principal Drahos Stranek. She went to regular school, but it didnt work. Then she came to us; we tutored and helped her. When she was about to finish, she didnt know what to do with herself, and the family didnt deal with it. It seemed to us that she had an artistic inclination and wanted to be among people. When we said hairdresser, her eyes lit up.

Stranek negotiated everything at the trade school and arranged a loan from an organization that finances secondary school studies for Roma children. I even offered to the family that if they came by the school, I would drive them [to the trade school]. And the result? Not only did she not enroll at the school, but she didnt even come for her remedial exams, Stranek says. Sometimes we succeed through acquaintances or relatives, but no one had an influence on this family.

But there have been only a handful of such children, and they remember each one well, just as they do the positive cases, when the child was successfully pointed in the right direction. Trmice has a graduate, for example, at the International Conservatory in Prague. Her name is Nela Dzudzova and the copyright on her career is held by Stranek, who doubles as the Trmice music teacher and head of its school orchestra. He noticed how musical young Nela was, how well she sang, and literally pushed her to the conservatory entrance exams. I worked with her on music theory and above all motivated her, telling her she could do it, he recalls. It worked out. Nela was accepted to the conservatory in Teplice. But she didnt feel good there; she felt the teachers discriminated against her and so moved to Prague.

When a boy with an extraordinary talent for percussion signed up for the school orchestra, they got him a private tutor and later a place in several bands. He didnt go to a conservatory; hes training to be a carpenter and teaches drums in the local youth leisure time center. Hes being raised by his grandfather, who is ill and getting on in years, so the boy could have ended up much worse; the drug business is flourishing right in the house where he lives, Stranek says. Its good that he got a taste of music.

From everything thats been reported above, its probably already clear that the commitment of Trmice teachers and the principal is far beyond the normal bounds of the teaching profession. It also includes regular meetings, which take up every Wednesday afternoon. One week principal Gottfriedova meets with teachers from grades one through four, the next week with colleagues from the upper levels, and other times with assistants. Teachers discuss in these sessions what works for them; they also commiserate.

Where to get so many motivated teachers in a country where this profession doesnt enjoy much prestige or appreciation? Gottfriedova says she was fortunate that many teachers were retiring when she became principal, so she could build her own teaching staff. There are almost as many men as women (and the men predominate in grades five to nine). Many have returned to education after many years; and she succeeded in attracting about a third from fields outside education.

It might have to do with personality, which of course is difficult to replicate. But a clear vision of what makes a good teacher is also there. They must be pedagogical alchemists rather than experts in mathematics or science, she says. Psychologists, people capable of empathy who win over children, will be far more able to figure out how to reach others and with whom to form a relationship, because everything rises and falls with that relationship.

Smiles All Around

The first days she came from school saying, Mom, its like Im in a dream,  Jana says about her daughter Tereza. The family moved to a village near Trmice after relations in Terezas original school got so bad that the girl was on the brink of mental collapse. Jana said that things started to go downhill following a case of physical abuse (editors note: the names used here are pseudonyms because of the sensitive nature of those accusations).

My daughter spoke out. We were dealing with it through an educational counselor; the class teacher didnt like that we went around her, so then my daughter had problems with her, too. The first half of seventh grade she still had top marks, and she was third in the English Olympiad. And suddenly she had 5s [the lowest mark]. The teacher humiliated her in front of her classmates; Tereza started coming home in tears. She would feel sick in the morning; shed vomit, have diarrhea. The doctor sent her to a psychologist, then to a psychiatrist. Diagnosis: stress disorder, in danger of needing institutional treatment. The psychiatrist recommended that I not send her to school for the rest of the school year.

The family moved, and Tereza and her younger sister enrolled in the Trmice school. Theyre both excited, about the instruction as well as the approach of the teachers, their mother says. The teachers present the curriculum in a fun way, and they care that everyone understands it. In physics, a teacher drops a bottle of water on the floor and vividly explains something about it. Tereza had been failing physics; here she started to enjoy it, she studies, she reads about it, and the teacher says shes the best. Tereza has completely taken off  shes playing the flute and ukulele. Im beaming with happiness.

Mother and daughters are full of praise for the teachers.

Theyre interested in the relationships in the class, Jana says. When someone argues or fights they dont leave it be; everything is dealt with immediately. Weve never experienced that at any school, and weve been through a few. It wasnt until here that when the children go to school, they come home smiling. And theyre telling me about it, one talking over the other. That means an awful lot for me as a mother.

Principals Have All the Power

Top officials at the Education Ministry understand that the Trmice schools record in developing the potential of each and every student is not easy to replicate. How do they explain its success? In that theres only one Marie Gottfriedova, and the example of the Trmice school shows the importance of the pedagogical leadership of the school principal, says Jaroslav Faltyn, head of the ministrys department of preschool, primary, and special education. If it works as well as it does in Trmice, a school has hope for a qualitative shift.

And thats exactly the problem.

In the Czech education system, the quality of a school depends a great deal on the personality of the principal and his or her individual abilities. Theres no such thing as a good school with a bad principal.

Nevertheless, the state doesnt provide any special training for school principals. Not only does the state not offer support to schools, like the one in Trmice, which operate in socially difficult terrain, but it also doesnt address how to get capable people into the positions of principals at such schools, says writer Tomas Fertek, a longtime observer of Czech education. Theres no system for educating principals or career preparation. People get to these positions by chance, often without the needed skills. Best case, they supplement their knowledge and skills after the fact, individually, without clear guidance from the [education] ministry  sometimes through courses, sometimes by going around to well-known and successful schools with prominent principals. This is what we need to change first if we really want there to be a chance that examples of good practice, such as Trmice, spread throughout the education system. Right now its a randomly wandering infection. 

One initiative aiming to transform the status quo is Lead Live, an NGO-run program that is the first that seeks to systematically train principals. Above all they lack long-term support and the opportunity to share with people in the same positions, program manager Libor Pospisil explains. Thats why Lead Live is a two-year, intensive program, which builds a lasting learning community from leadership positions in schools. We dont have the ambition to develop principals in all the competencies they should have, but we focus on those that have the greatest impact on children. We help principals especially in the area of so-called pedagogical leadership, or the ability to teach children well and ensure they enjoy school and learning.

Know-how transfer is possible, and the Trmice school is ready for it. Now its important that there be more schools that can replicate its processes, and more leaders to support them.

Gottfriedova comes to school every day with this idea in mind:

Dont give up on them under any circumstances; try to awaken in them responsibility for their own destiny; be there for them. For every one of them, whether prepared or not prepared, ragged or spiffed up, looking at me nicely or not, with homework done or without. Im here for them and I will be at their side, motivate them, and create conditions so each advances somewhere.

Ten recipes for success a la Trmice:

1. Above-average relationships between teachers and pupils. 2. Good knowledge of families and positive communication with them. 3. Pleasant school atmosphere: Children like going to school = 80 percent of success. 4. Good work with teaching staff: Teachers regularly share experiences, provide mutual support. 5. Individual work with children. 6. Active involvement in projects of the Education Ministry or universities, from which the school can get additional funds.



7. Investing in school assistants. In a school with an ethnic minority, it is important that some of the assistants be from that environment. 8. Tripartite meetings (teacher, parent, student) to build mutual trust. 9. Interesting instruction, emphasis on positive motivation. In an atmosphere of distrust no one wants to learn. Passivity is the biggest enemy in such an environment. 10. Plenty of after-school activities/clubs. So everyone has a chance to stand out at something.

Lucie Fialova is the editor of EDUzin, a magazine about education in the Czech Republic.

Translated by Dasa Obereigner. All photos by Katerina Lanska.
A network of education centers run by young people for young people is helping demolish barriers facing ethnic Azeris in Georgian society.

In the small village of Mollaoglu in a rural area of southern Georgia, there is a special space for the local students to gather.

Here, five years ago, Ariz Dashdemirli, 29, an ethnic Azeri and a Georgian-language teacher, transformed a part of his house into an educational center where Azeri students, from first to 12th grade, can study, prepare for university, and help each other learn.

His colleagues from the village school as well as former students teach classes in math, English, the Azeri language, and Azeri history  all in their mother tongue, Azeri. Dashdemirli focuses on his main goal of helping the students improve their knowledge of Georgian, because, as he points out, living isolated in a fully Azeri-speaking community, without having much contact with Georgians, has contributed to a low level of knowledge of Georgian. That has made the integration process even more arduous for Azeris here in the Marneuli district, not far from the border with Azerbaijan.

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When Georgians used to come to our village, everyone would point at me since I was the only one who knew the language, he recalls.

Once two women from an NGO came, and they asked me what I would like to do for my village if I could. I said I would like to see the youth of my community become well-educated and enlightened. They liked my idea and told me to start writing down everything I needed, so they would fund it, Dashdemirli says.

With support from the TASO Foundation, where the women worked, Dashdemirli and Kamran Afandiyev, a friend from the nearby village of Khuldara, proposed to open an educational center free of charge, based on an informal learning approach.

What began as a one-room schoolhouse has now grown into a network of education centers in this Azeri-speaking area, places where young people can learn Georgian, English, or computer skills, play sports, and meet their peers from surrounding villages. Older students can prepare for university entrance exams, and adults, too, benefit from the classes. In communities where girls often have fewer opportunities than boys, the centers are helping break down barriers to higher education and fulfilling careers for women.

It Started in One Room

When the two young men first started the project in 2015, the venue was a small room at the Mollaoglu village school, where Dashdemirli works as a Georgian teacher. They held some small events such as book discussions and presentations. But after two years, Dashdemirli decided to move it to his home. With building materials provided by TIKA, the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency, he and his students, as well as fellow villagers, built a 20-square-meter, dedicated teaching area in his house.

Ariz Dashdemirli. Photo by Teresa Di Mauro.

After two years, needing more space, the project branched out to Khuldara, Afandiyevs home village. His garage became the Khuldara Public Resource Center. In 2018, the pair founded an NGO called the New Thinking Institute and even though they now run their own centers in their villages, they meet almost every day.

The students are divided into three groups: first to fifth grade, sixth to eighth, and ninth to 12th. Usually primary school teachers work with the first group and sometimes former students who are now at university come back to the village to support them. The teachers and older students teach children about computers, play games and simulations, and guide them through readings from books. Depending on the grants the project receives, the university students are paid a small salary.

If primary school teachers experience is good enough, they work with the first group of students on a one-to-one basis. Every student has a different psychology. Every one of them is valuable for us, and we want them to be unique, Afandiyev explains.

The middle group is eligible to join a media lab for ethnic minority youth run by the Georgian Institute of Public Affairs (GIPA). Dashdemirli and Afandiyev prepare them through movie days, book clubs, and classes in computers, the Georgian language, and other subjects.

The two center leaders mainly work with the last group of students, those preparing for university entrance exams. To imbue a sense of responsibility not just for their own education but for others as well, final-year students work with younger groups, who in turn teach the pre-sixth graders.

Kamran Mammadli. Photo via Facebook.

Afandiyev says the high rate of acceptance into Georgian universities is a major success of his center.

The number of students accepted to universities from my center was 17 in 2018, four in 2019, and 14 in 2020. In 2019 those four people were the only ones who prepared for the university, which means we had a 100-percent success rate in that year, he says.

In all, 880 Georgian Azeri students were among the nearly 29,000 applicants admitted to Georgian universities for the 2019-2020 academic year, the regional news site Borchali TV reported, citing Georgian education authorities. That represents a huge step forward from 15 years ago, when as RFE/RL reported at the time, Azerbaijans then-ambassador to Georgia, Ramiz Gasanov, stated that out of 4,500 ethnic Azeris who graduated from high school in Georgia that year, only 27 managed to qualify for higher education in the country.

Dashdemirli and Afandiyev were among the first students to take part in the 1+4 program, a project that the Georgian government began in 2009 to encourage more members of minority communities to pursue university studies. The program includes an intensive Georgian-language course for one year prior to starting regular studies at a Georgian university  if the student first passes the university entrance exam in their native language.

More Opportunities for Girls and Women

Learning not only the language but the customs and traditions of the Georgians is an important part of the centers work. Dashdemirli explains that as a part of an Open Society Foundation Georgia project, they simulate everyday life in a Georgian environment, introducing the kids to Georgian traditions, religious practices, and cuisine.

I am sure in the next few years we will overcome the issues related to the language barrier, because the kids are learning! he says, and his students confirm his enthusiasm.

We used to be shy, withdrawn, passive. We were not even able to introduce ourselves in Georgian, says Sama Khalilova, an 18-year-old student at the Mollaoglu center. Now we have completely changed. For example, almost everyone who comes here [to the center] is later accepted to university. They live in the city, they learn Georgian fluently, and they come back to the village. So, more people in the village are starting to speak Georgian.

Her fellow student Bahar Mammadova, 17, notes the rapid progress since the center opened.

My sister now studies medicine in Tbilisi, in Georgian. She told my parents that I became more active since I joined Arizs center. She said when she was my age, she couldnt speak Georgian this well. But at my age now all of us here are able to express ourselves freely in Georgian.

Together with helping kids achieve better school results and reignite their passion to learn, the visible accomplishments of the students and the increased confidence in the teachers  who went door to door to persuade suspicious parents to allow their children to visit the center  appear to be contributing to a more open attitude toward girls education.

Before, girls used to marry at age 14 or 15. There used to be about five weddings a month. As time passed, it decreased, and now it is very rare. Even if it happens today, we dont go to their weddings, Khalilova says.

Girls werent able to commute freely. We could only go to school or private tutors, says Arzu Osmanova, 17. We couldnt meet in other places. After Ariz opened this center and it proved itself, we could meet here or any other place, and travel to [the rest of] Georgia. Now when we just sit at home, our parents are like, Why are you staying home? Go and learn something. 

Sakina Rustamova. Photo via Facebook.

Ariz talked to my father and changed his mind, Mammadova says. But they never told me what they discussed. After that I was free to come here. But it was really hard to change villagers minds. When we were walking, everyone was bad-mouthing us, especially [saying things] about girls: Where are they going? What do they do there? Why would a girl go out at night? Our mothers would come home and say, All the village women were gossiping about you. But they dont think like that anymore. Now, they attend and learn at the School for Mothers.

Funded by USAID, this school is New Thinking Institutes latest revolutionary project, according to Dashdemirli. Twice a week, 10 or 12 housewives and mothers gather at the Mollaoglu center to study Georgian, English, math, and computer literacy. The goal is to enable them to help their kids with their homework, as well as empower themselves, as in the case of Sevil Nasibova, a grandmother and one of the most enthusiastic students of the school.

I attend every event Ariz and Kamran have held since they founded the New Thinking Institute. When I heard they had opened the School for Mothers, I decided to join because I have a little grandchild at school.

Since I married very early, I left school very early as well, in the ninth grade. I had very little school knowledge. But now, I can try to help my grandkid. Im very happy. All of us here have kids or grandkids, and we can now start to help them, she says.

The project also helped her raise her level of Georgian, making her everyday life issues easier.

Last year, Dashdemirli and Afandiyev won a prize of around $800 when the Marneuli municipality held a competition for innovative ideas to aid local youth, with a proposal for an online essay competition in Georgian and Azeri for schoolchildren. This partnership was the first of its kind between the centers and the municipality, but Afandiyev is confident there will be more as the centers gain the trust of local officials.

Dashdemirli and Afandiyevs efforts beyond their educational goals should also help in that regard. Together with the students, they also write grant applications to fund local initiatives. In this way, they helped build a new asphalt road in Mollaoglu and install garbage bins to reduce the amount of litter.

Reversing the Azeri Brain Drain

As the former head of the Integration Center for Azerbaijanis of Georgia, Aygul Isayeva, notes, the Soviet breakup changed the educational landscape for Georgias Azeris:

Under the Soviet Union, the state language was Russian and nobody was forced to learn Georgian. However, after its collapse, learning Georgian became mandatory, but until 2000, there was no integration plan for minorities. So it became common, especially among students, to leave Georgia for Azerbaijan after high school and continue their education in Baku.

Zakir Ayvazli. Image via Facebook.

Most of Georgias approximately 230,000 ethnic Azeris live in the southern Kvemo Kartli region, where the Marneuli district is located. Many live in mono-ethnic villages and speak little Georgian. The Azeris community, like ethnic Armenians, also fare poorly in school, especially at the university level, where retention rates for minority students are poor compared to native Georgian speakers.

Further educational reforms are in the works. The Education Ministry is introducing what it terms the New School Model, a set of reforms aimed, among other goals, at better inclusion and improved quality of education for minority students.

According to Lela Tskitishvili, the ministrys coordinator of ethnic minority programs, the reforms aim to enhance the knowledge of both the state language and the minorities native languages and the creation of mechanisms that will attract new bilingual specialists to work in preschools and schools in regions where ethnic minorities live.

However, Tskitishvili stresses, the New School Model will reach minority schools only starting from 2023.

In the meantime, says Tamar Antadze, an anthropologist at the Center for Civil Integration and Inter-Ethnic Relations (CCIIR), the Azeri minority still needs to deal with two major issues in the field of education: the low quality of teachers and textbooks.

Most [teachers] dont know Georgian  they are 60-plus years old. It is very unlikely that young teachers are teaching ethnic minorities. They [the older teachers] never rotate. They will stay there until the end of their lives, Antadze says.

In 2012, in order to promote bilingual education reform, the Education Ministry and textbook publishers agreed to translate one textbook for each subject for the first to sixth grades into Armenian, Russian, and Azeri. Rather than translate the entire texts, however, the ministry directed publishers to leave 30 percent of each book in the original, Georgian text. The results of the initiative were not as expected.

They thought bilingual education was just a bilingual textbook where one paragraph was written in Georgian and one in Azeri. It was terrible because it was a total mess, Antadze continues.

Although initiatives such as the 1+4 program have opened doors for minority students to extend their education and career prospects  and the New School Model promises further reforms  Dashdemirli and Afandiyev saw that serious problems needed to be addressed if a cohesive educational strategy for minorities were to become a reality.

While waiting for these major changes to happen, they created an alternative to the public school system that can help fill those holes.

After studying all our lives in Georgia, we knew where the gaps in the education system were and we decided to try to fix them. For instance, we think that learning everything by heart is a problem here. So what we try to do instead is to help our students develop their critical thinking without telling them this is right, this is wrong,  Afandiyev says.

The Circle Widens

The tangible results achieved at the Mollaoglu and Khuldara centers inspired other young people to follow the path that Dashdemirli and Afandiyev blazed.

The reason I started this center was the lack of such a place for students in our village. They were unable to enjoy their leisure time and develop themselves informally. I personally had such problems. I experienced firsthand what it is like not to have informal education during the school years, says Sakina Rustamova, the ethnic Azeri head of the Ashaghu Saral Community Center.

The first time I saw the center at Kamrans house I liked it a lot, but I never thought I could also start such an initiative. They really inspired me, she adds.

The Aghmamedlo community center. Image via Facebook.

Rustamova, 24, a fresh graduate of Tbilisi State Universitys law faculty, heads one of four new centers in the Marneuli district motivated by the two original, one-room schoolhouses.

In early 2019, Rustamova spent four months being trained under the auspices of a youth empowerment project run by the Tbilisi-based Human Rights Education and Monitoring Center (EMC), and then accepted an offer to open a center in her village to teach Georgian, English, and chess, as well as hold training sessions.

Most importantly, parents and teachers welcomed my initiative, Rustamova says. This was the biggest motivation for me to start. We are thinking of expanding our center in the near future. So much changed in our students in two years. They became more active and dream big.

The initial group of 25 students has doubled in the two years since the center opened. The center, which is supported by EMC and the Open Society Foundations, has shifted all its activities online as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect Georgian schools.

Her experience has also changed her attitude toward integration in Georgia.

Previously I viewed myself as a stranger, an alien in my own country. But today I can say Im a law-abiding Georgian citizen. If everyone living in Georgia learned and spoke Georgian fluently they would take a more active role in civic life and become more demanding of the authorities. The biggest barrier to that is the linguistic one, she says.

Like Rustamova, Zakir Ayvazli, 21, head of the Aghmamedlo Community Center and also an ethnic Azeri, drew inspiration from the two original centers, and started thinking seriously about opening his own at a seminar organized by EMC in 2019, a place that would bring progress for our community and youth.

From just six students at the outset, the center now teaches 30 young people.

We grew particularly during the pandemic, and the majority are girls. Because of the pandemic, we work via Zoom, he explains.

The lockdown has forced the center to curtail its teaching, Ayvazli notes.

We teach Georgian to those who want to learn from scratch, but at the moment we have taken a break due to the pandemic. Because we teach Georgian for beginners, mostly adults attend the class. People who have attended a Georgian-language course say their knowledge of the language has improved. So now, they are looking forward to when the lessons start again, he says.

A Magnet Center

Some of the centers have been a real success in terms of outreach and attracting pupils from surrounding villages. A case in point is the Kasumlo Youth Center.

Arzu Bayramova, the centers 20-year-old head, realized her dream to open her own teaching center in 2017, when she was just 16, thanks to the support of her school principal and grants from the Christian charity World Vision International.

The center now serves 160 children, half of them girls, from Kasumlo and three nearby villages. Some come to take classes in Georgian, English, and art; others to play sports. Bayramova says her Georgian-language students are making good progress.

The Kasumlo center. Image via Facebook.

The center can also help improve the social situation of girls and women, she believes.

Our teaching staff also work to prevent early marriage by attracting as many girls as possible to the center and implementing projects tackling this problem, she says.

The pandemic has shifted work online at Bayramovas center as well. Volunteers at the center helped those villagers who dont speak Georgian to register for pandemic-related government social support, she says.

The village centers have made progress toward one goal among others, of enhancing the Azeri communitys integration through teaching Georgian to youth and adults. However, says Kamran Mammadli  a Georgian-Azeri who heads Salam, an NGO that works for greater justice and equal treatment for minority groups  learning the majority language alone will not solve the integration problems ethnic Azeris face.

I speak the language, I identify myself as a Georgian, but the people here will never consider me as 100-percent Georgian. I think it is necessary to raise awareness among Georgians to accept and support us in our integration process.

However, for Dashdemirli the first step to integration is the ability to communicate with the majority Georgians:

To make integration possible a common language is needed. In this regard, either we have to learn the Georgian language or they have to learn our language. Since the state language is Georgian, and because there are different ethnicities living here, we have to learn and use Georgian as our common language.

Freelance journalist Teresa Di Mauro writes on Caucasus affairs for the Italian magazine Atlante delle guerre e dei conflitti del Mondo and collaborates with the Armenian news site CivilNet and Tbilisi-based OC Media. She is a student in the Erasmus Mundus journalism masters program.

Heydar Isayev, born and raised in Baku, is a student in the multimedia journalism and media management masters program at the Georgian Institute of Public Affairs. He has contributed to the schools initiative to teach multimedia to children of ethnic minorities in Georgia.
Burdened with worryingly high levels of infection, this country needs to cast off the misinformation and ignorance about tuberculosis. From Bas-TV.

The disease of the poor! This is what doctors once dubbed tuberculosis, on the basis that malnutrition and inadequate living conditions are the main drivers of the disease. Tuberculosis is an infectious disease which, in terms of mortality rates, is only surpassed in Moldova by HIV, according to medical specialists.

World Health Organization data shows that a third of the worlds population is infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the microbe that causes TB. Around 10 percent of the population risks having the latent infection progress to the active stage of the disease.

Moldova is one of 18 countries in Europe and Central Asia with a high rate of TB infection, and among the first 30 countries worldwide with the highest occurrence of multidrug-resistant TB. According to Alexandra Sevcenco, a pulmonologist from the Basarabeasca district in southern Moldova, the country is considered at high risk from an epidemiological point of view, and an infection hotspot for TB. Around 90 percent of the Moldovan population is believed to be infected with TB. And the symptoms of the disease can be easily mistaken for those of a common cold.

Alexandra Sevcenco. Image from the BasTv Facebook page.

Alexandra Sevcenco, pulmonologist: The main symptoms of TB infection are a prolonged cough  for three weeks or longer  often, but not always high fever, and weakness. TB symptoms are similar to the symptoms of a common cold, or of pneumonia, bronchitis, or flu.

Veronica Oprea. Image courtesy of Bas-TV.

Veronica Oprea, family doctor: We diagnose tuberculosis either in people who come to us, or in people we examine while on house calls. High-risk groups include migrants, people infected with HIV, socially vulnerable people, drug addicts, people suffering from psychiatric diseases, people with type 1 diabetes, and people living together with others infected with TB.

Very often, people dont come to the doctor on time, because the onset of the disease is very sneaky, and other diseases may resemble it, Sevcenco says. Only X-rays or a microscopic analysis of sputum can confirm whether someone has TB.

The law requires those at high risk of TB infection to have annual pulmonary X-rays. Another diagnostic method was made possible through A doctor for you, a nationwide campaign to gather information on the health of rural Moldovans. Belarus helped the campaign with a donation of a mobile lung X-ray machine to the Chiril Draganciuc Institute of Phthisiopneumology in Chisinau.

COVID Fears Drive Patients Away From TB Clinics

According to doctors, the statistics show a decline in TB patients from 2019 to 2020 not because there are fewer cases of tuberculosis, but because COVID-19 has taken the spotlight. Tuberculosis is a poor persons disease, and pulmonologists say it has always been present in critical situations. Many people wonder if there is a treatment for it. Of course there is, specialists say. The best prophylactic measure is timely detection, especially considering that only between 5 and 10 percent of people who are infected get ill.

Maria Arvat. Image courtesy of Bas-TV.

Maria Arvat, a social worker at the Basarabeasca Support Center for TB Treatment, explains that center staff inquire about patients psychological problems; the center has a psychologist who gives therapy sessions both for patients and their relatives, because the family plays a crucial role in persuading someone to stay the full course of treatment.

Visits to patients houses enable center staff to assess their living conditions. In the event of social problems, the center can file cases on their behalf to local city halls or district councils, Arvat says. They also visit village halls, because local government bodies know who is ill among the local population and can offer a more accurate picture.

A number of civil society groups offer support to those with TB. Speranta Terrei (Hope for the Earth) has been active in the northern city of Balti for more than a decade, providing free examinations, treatment, and psychological support. Former clients speak of the importance of the work done by volunteers; some have volunteered themselves.

Specialists say we should change the mindset that tuberculosis is far from us, or doesnt have anything to do with us. In reality, tuberculosis is a disease that doesnt care about someones gender, age, education, or income. There are people with the disease in every country and on every continent, regardless of their race or nationality. Patients with TB can be young or old, tall or short. Some are well-educated, but others cant read or write. Some are rich, others are poor. According to the last World Health Organization report, each year around 9 million people get tuberculosis. Each day, around 1,000 people catch the disease; in Europe, as well as in our country, the trend is falling.

10 Myths About TB

Only marginal people get tuberculosis  people with an asocial lifestyle, alcoholics, drug addicts, or those who live in poverty. Tuberculosis can be treated, but it cant be cured. You can catch TB by sitting next to an infected person on a bus. Prisons and homeless people are the two main reservoirs of tuberculosis. The treatment is very expensive and lasts for years. The free treatments provided by hospitals are the cheapest on the market, meant for third-world countries, and are not effective. Tuberculosis can be treated using folk remedies. Its better to avoid all treatment and just live as long as you were meant to than to undergo treatment and ruin your health with the medication. There is no effective vaccine for TB. Vaccinating children is useless and can even cause harm. If we are to make progress in the fight against tuberculosis, it is necessary to return to mass screenings and X-rays.

A version of this article by Tatiana Casim originally appeared in Romanian on the website of Bas-TV, a Moldovan TV channel serving the Basarabeasca district. Bas-TV has added additional material.

Translated by Ioana Caloianu.
Jackson has joined the few municipalities with hate crime ordinances, as Wyoming remains of the last states in America without a law against it.

On Monday night, the Jackson Town Council voted unanimously to approve a bias crime ordinance and make the existing anti-discrimination law more inclusive during a third and final reading.

The ordinance passed within minutes without discussion among council members or input from the public. Vice Mayor Arne Jorgensen noted that he is proud of this community, as this process went very smoothly.

I am struck by the fact that this process is dramatically different than it was when we went through the anti-discrimination ordinance, Jorgensen said during the meeting. ...It shows this community, I think, is recognizing the importance of doing these kinds of actions. 

Just this month, the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice hosted a national forum which highlighted growing hate-motivated crime against Jewish, Muslim, Arab and LGBTQ+ communities across the country.

Jacksons hate crime law makes it illegal to commit crimes against individuals based on their actual or perceived race, color, religion, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ethnicity, disability, age, political affiliation, homelessness and pregnancy status.

It carries the maximum penalty allowed by the state, which is up to $750, six months in jail or both, the ordinance states.

The Jackson Town Council passed an ordinance in 2018 that prohibits discrimination in housing, public accommodations and employment, but it only protected against discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.

This amendment adds all of the additional characteristics listed under the bias crime ordinance to the existing discrimination law.

Casper, Cheyenne and Gillette all have similar hate crime ordinances.

Your news on your smartphone Your story lives in Wyoming, and our new mobile app is designed to make sure you dont miss breaking news, the latest scores, the weather forecast and more. From easy navigation with the swipe of a finger to personalized content based on your preferences to customized text sizes, the Star-Tribune app is built for you and your life. Dont have the app? Download it today from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Nailah Blackman believes shes entering her creative prime.

Nailah, on the eve of her 26th birthday celebrations, says she is creatively firing and feels evolved.

The Sweet & Loco singer will mark the occasion with a special performance, at La Tropical nightclub in San Fernando, tomorrow night. The public is invited to purchase tickets to the festivities at the door.
A group of Koreans held captive by an illegal firm in Myanmar has been released and safely moved to the country's commercial capital of Yangon, Seoul's foreign ministry said Tuesday.

After receiving reports in early October that 19 Koreans were held captive in the border town of Tachileik, the ministry said it asked police authorities in Myanmar for swift measures to ensure their safety.

The Myanmar authorities successfully located their whereabouts after launching a search mission late last month and helped them to relocate safely to Yangon on Monday, according to the ministry.

Tachileik is located in the Golden Triangle, which straddles Thailand, Myanmar and Laos. The area is known as a hub for illegal activities, such as trafficking and voice phishing scams.

The ministry urged Koreans to take extra caution in the area as cases involving luring people with the promise of high profits and then kidnapping and forcing them to engage in illegal activities have recently increased there. (Yonhap)
A nursing manager waiting for two years to get an echocardiogram (ECG) appointment for an urgent heart condition is the reality and experience of patients in the public healthcare system.

Members of the public ventilated several negative experiences they have had at health centres and hospitals to a Joint Select Committee (JSC) town hall meeting on Social Services and Public Administration on Wednesday at the Parliament Complex, Cabildo Building, St Vincent Street, Port of Spain.
Ultimately, the fate of the Report of the Commission of Enquiry (CoE) into the Paria Diving Tragedy is as important as the report itself.

From all indications, the Commissions report contains a cauldron of hard truths. We can easily extrapolate from comments by CoE chairman Jerome Lynch, KC, that those truths will rock many a boat. But we too agree that the public interest demands immediate public view of its contents.
The top diplomats of South Korea, the United States and Japan will hold trilateral talks in San Francisco on the fringes of the summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum this week.

Foreign Minister Park Jin will join U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa for the talks on Tuesday (local time), Lim Soo-suk, South Korea's foreign ministry spokesperson, said in a briefing.

They are expected to discuss ways to respond to the growing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia.

Pyongyang is believed to have provided Moscow with weapons and munitions in exchange for Russia's help in weapons technologies.

The three-way talks will also come amid concerns Pyongyang is preparing to make a third attempt to launch a military spy satellite after two failures in May and August, respectively.

The three top diplomats last had a "pull aside" meeting on the margins of the U.N. General Assembly in New York in September. (Yonhap)
1999 saw Kevin Smith breaking out of his traditional mold of mocking pop culture to mock religion. His fourth film, Dogma, stars Ben Affleck and Matt Damon as fallen angels who have found a loophole back into heaven, which, when used, will prove Gods fallibility and cause all of existence to unravel. Standing in their way is abortion clinic counselor Bethany Sloane (Linda Fiorentino), who has been selected by God to stop the angels with the help of two prophets. Naturally, those prophets are Jay and Silent Bob because, well, Dogma is a Kevin Smith movie, and who else could they be?

Click right here to get the best of Cracked sent to your inbox.

A turning point in Smiths comedic career, read on about why George Carlin was so eager to sign up, why you cant watch it today and the hilarious way Smith dealt with protesters. Why? Because God wills it so

15 George Carlin Inspired Dogma Dogma was inspired by Smiths Catholic upbringing as well as some of Carlins act, as Carlin was a famously lapsed Catholic who spoke of the religion and its hypocrisies in his stand-up.

14 Catholic No More Smith has credited Carlin with disabusing him of Catholicism during the filming of Dogma.

13 Why Carlin Appeared in Dogma According to Smith, Carlin always wanted to do more acting in his career and enjoyed working with the director because he got the opportunity to actually act.

12 Jay and Silent Bob Will Return in Dogma Smith wrote the script for Dogma before he completed Clerks. Thats why the end credits for his debut film say, Jay and Silent Bob will return in Dogma, even though they would appear in Mallrats and Chasing Amy first. Advertisement Advertisement

11 Smith Called Robert Rodriguez for Support on Dogma Though it was his fourth film, Smith was apprehensive about directing Dogma due to it being a considerably larger production than his previous movies. He called his friend and fellow filmmaker, Rodriguez, and asked, Im supposed to make this movie, Dogma, its got angels; its about the end of the world. I dont think I can do it. Would you direct it next week? Rodriguez rebuffed Smith, stating, You can do this, man. Heres my one tip for you: Just pull the camera away from the wall. Youre always shooting against the wall. Turn it towards a window.

10 Blood of an Angel According to the DVD commentary, Affleck accidentally cut himself with a knife during the gun shop scene. That take was used in the final edit. Advertisement Advertisement

9 Matt Damon and Ben Affleck BFFs To date, BFFs Damon and Affleck have appeared in nine films together, with Dogma being their fifth collaboration. Their other Smith projects include Chasing Amy, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back and Jay and Silent Bob Reboot.

8 Where Buddy Christ Belongs The Buddy Christ statue from Dogma now resides in the Jay and Silent Bobs Secret Stash comic book shop in Red Bank, New Jersey Advertisement Advertisement

7 Golgothans Inspiration Golgothan, the shit demon, is introduced as being Not born. Shit into existence. This line was lifted from the Batman graphic novel Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on Serious Earth by Grant Morrison and Dave McKean. In the comic, its referring to the villain Clayface, whom Golgothan strongly resembles.

6 To Hell with Dogma Due to its lampooning of Catholicism, Dogma was widely protested. In 1999, Smith learned there would be local protests in New Jersey and thought itd be funny if he joined the mob. He and his friend made signs that read To Hell with Dogma and Dogma is Dog Shit. Smith was even interviewed by the local news as a protester. Advertisement Advertisement

5 Matt Damon Loved Jay Damon loved Jason Mewes performance in Dogma, saying, Nobodys saying it, but Ill say it: Jason Mewes stole the movie out from under everybody.

4 So Did Alan Rickman Rickman, who played the angel Metatron, the voice of God, became friendly with Mewes during filming. Alan loved Jason and found him endlessly fascinating, Smith has said. Advertisement Advertisement

3 Smiths Biggest Success Dogma became Smiths biggest hit, making $44 million off a $10 million budget.

2 You Cant Watch Dogma Despite its success, Dogma is unavailable to stream, rent or purchase because its owned by Harvey Weinstein. As Smith has said, My movie about angels is being held by the devil himself. Advertisement Advertisement
A veritable whos who of Tucson music legends will share the Club Congress stage on Saturday, Nov. 18, to celebrate the release of a CD that will benefit Casa Maria.

Glimmers of Hope: Songs for Casa Maria, produced by Rich Hopkins, features contributions from some of Tucsons most celebrated musicians, including Howe Gelb, Billy Sedlmayr, Hopkins and his band Luminarios, Lisa Morales, River Roses, Tom Walbank, Mark Insley and Joe Pena. The album also includes a song from Tucson-born, Tempe-based indie rocker Roger Clyne.

It just all turned out so magical because all the songs just fell together in some cosmic kind of way, Hopkins said. The songs sound tailored for Casa Maria, dealing with issues of homelessness, struggles, forgiveness, loss and glimmers of hope.

The album features a dozen songs that the artists have previously recorded, including Pakuliss Alls Forgiven, Moraless Hermana, Dark End of the Street from Sedlmayr and Gabriel Sullivan, Insleys Ten Cent Redemption, Runnin Down a Train from Peter Dalton Ronstadt and Liz Cerepanya, and Walbanks Tamp it Down.

Hopkins said Howe Gelbs Turn Down the Day was the only new song on the album, which also features Comin Down Again from Hopkins and Luminarios, Running Around the Sun from Joe Pena, Peach by River Roses, Look My Way by Stephen Edward Lee and Maria by Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers.

Glimmers of Hope is a follow-up to The Whole Enchilada: The History of Desert Rock, Tucson, Arizona, 1978-1994, which Hopkins curated and released in summer 2022. That album, which also benefitted Casa Maria, is an anthology of Tucson desert rock, featuring profiles and photos of 28 Tucson bands and 31 songs that provided the soundtrack for Hopkins and the generation coming out of that era.

Hopkins said he didnt have time to do anything on the scale of The Whole Enchilada for the annual Casa Maria Thanksgiving Benefit Concert, which Hopkins launched around 25 years ago.

This was really easy and fun, Hopkins said of the new album. It just sounds like it was all kind of meant to be. It wasnt 12 people sending me strangely random songs and it sounds kind of odd. It sounds like it was meant to be.

Tucson native Morales, who has lived in Austin, Texas, for years, will headline Saturdays concert at Club Congress, 311 E. Congress St. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the show starts at 5:30 with artists performing short sets. Admission is a suggested $10 donation and donations of canned food and clothing also will be accepted.

Also on the lineup: Peter Ronstadt and Liz Cerepanya, Walbank, River Roses, Rich Hopkins and Luminarios, Sedlmayr, Pakulis, Lee and Insley.

Longtime Casa Maria worker and activist Brian Flagg will be the master of ceremonies.

Copies of the CD will be available for sale at the show or at Hurricane Records, 636 N. Fourth Ave. Proceeds from the sale will benefit Casa Maria.
As Mexican families continued to cross the U.S.-Mexico border into Arizona in large numbers, Tucson was again the busiest of Border Patrols nine sectors in October, according to new federal data released Tuesday.

Border agents in the Tucson sector encountered more than 55,000 people between ports of entry last month, compared with 51,0000 in September, U.S. Customs and Border Protection data show.

The second-busiest port of entry was far behind Tucson, with about 38,000 irregular encounters in Texass Del Rio sector, said Colleen Putzel-Kavanaugh, associate policy analyst with the Washington D.C.-based Migration Policy Institute. The largest demographic of arrivals in that sector were people from Venezuela.

Nearly half of the migrants encountered in the Tucson sector were from Mexico, and the majority of them were part of a family unit, she said.

Border-wide, total migrant encounters between ports of entry were down 14%, compared with September.

Violence in Mexico has contributed to larger number of families fleeing the country, a shift from historical trends in which primarily single men were coming from Mexico seeking work.

Under the now-expired Title 42 policy, Mexican nationals arriving between ports of entry were disproportionately likely to be immediately expelled to Mexico, compared to other nationalities, Putzel-Kavanaugh said. Thats likely due to Mexicos proximity to the U.S.

But with the expiration of Title 42 last spring, those larger numbers of Mexican arrivals are showing up in CBP data, she said.

Within the Tucson sector, human smuggling routes have been shifting in response to multiple factors, including changing border enforcement patterns and violence south of the border. U.S. border agents have been seeing larger numbers of migrants processed at the Three Points station since last month.

In recent weeks, armed conflict between warring criminal groups in the Sasabe, Sonora region has contributed to human smugglers shifting their routes eastward, migrant-aid workers in the region said. Thats resulted in the usually low-traffic San Miguel gate, on the Tohono Oodham Nation lands, experiencing thousands of migrant arrivals in recent weeks.

Aid workers said some residents of Sasabe, Sonora, who werent otherwise intending to leave their homes, have been so scared by the violence in their community that theyve sought refuge in the U.S.

Tohono Oodham officials have demanded more border agents and resources at San Miguel to help manage the large number of migrants arriving, and waiting to be processed, on tribal land.
Humberto and Czarina Lopez: The Tucson couple donated $9 million to support the development of the HSLopez School of Business Analytics at the University of Arizona's Eller College of Management. The school will work to enhance business analytics education through faculty and research endowments and a program endowment. The Lopezes also committed $8 million to the College of Medicine  Tucson. One of their gifts will also serve to establish the Iovanna C. Lopez Endowed Deanship, named in honor of their daughter. Humberto Lopez received his degree in accounting in 1969 from the Eller College, then known as the UA School of Business and Public Administration.

Kiwanis de Amigos: The service club is taking two dozen students from Hendricks Elementary School shopping for gifts for members of their household this holiday season. Kiwanis de Amigos members, volunteers and members of the Key Club at Sabino High School will meet with the young shoppers at Walmart where they'll have a budget of $125 each to fulfill the lists they have prepared. That will be followed by a wrapping party and a surprise gift for the shoppers. The holiday initiative is in addition to the support Kiwanis de Amigos has provided to the Flowing Wells Family Resource Center for several years.

Southwest Gas: More than 50 volunteers from Southwest Gas teamed up with Tucson Clean and Beautiful to plant shade trees on the campus of Esperanza en Escalante, which provides housing, social services, programs and transportation to assist veterans transitioning into everyday life. The shade trees will provide a more peaceful, connective experience for the veteran residents, while helping to save on energy usage, aid in water retention and decrease erosion, absorb CO2 and increase shade canopy.

Coldwell Banker Realty: The Tucson Williams Centre office of Coldwell Banker Realty hosted a Homes for Dogs Adoption event in conjunction with Coldwell Banker Realtys national Homes for Dogs Project. The event was held in partnership with the Humane Society of Southern Arizona at the Tucson Williams Centre office, 5460 E. Broadway. For the Homes for Dogs Project, Coldwell Banker Realty offices collect toys, pet food and monetary donations to help out the staff and volunteers of shelters. Select offices also partner with local shelters and organizations to host pet adoption events.
A startup marketing a line of kids products celebrating play and culture and a maker of spiked teas were the top winners at the 26th edition of the IdeaFunding business-pitch competition in Tucson.

Berry Cultured LLC won the main-stage grand prize at IdeaFunding on Thursday night, receiving $25,000 and a one-year sponsorship with the University of Arizona Center for Innovation incubator program, which sponsored the top prize with UAVenture Capital.

Berry Cultured, which markets a line of toys, gifts and other items to promote culture-based play through an online store, is led by founder Heidi Calderon of Tucson and has its main office in Phoenix.

The company also won IdeaFundings $5,000 Adelante Prize, supporting diverse founders and sponsored by the Community Investment Corporation.

Ray Rays Sonoran Spirit Tea, a Tucson-based maker of spiked tea drinks founded by Rachel DAcquisto, won second prize, $5,000 and a one-year sponsorship with the UACI, co-sponsored by Startup Tucson.

Ray Rays also was awarded the $1,000 Tucson Foodie Prize sponsored by Tucson Foodie.

IdeaFunding, part of the weeklong TenWest Impact Festival, was presented by the Arizona Commerce Authority with the UACI as funding partner.

The other prize winners, all based in the Tucson area, are:

$5,000 Social Impact Prize sponsored by United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona, awarded to Xoco, which offers Spanish bilingual play and multilingual experiences;

$1,000 Liftoff Prize sponsored by the UAs Tech Launch Arizona, awarded to Fringe Metrology, which offers software for high-precision surface measurement;

$1,000 Sustainability Prize sponsored by Cox Communications, awarded to NexoTerra, which repurposes discarded cannabis plants into biodegradable plant-growing cubes;

$1,000 Peoples Choice Award sponsored by Hivemetric and Startup Tucson, awarded to The Earnest House, a transitional living space.

In addition, four companies were each awarded $2,500 for winning pitches in vertical industry competition: Tech and bio-industry, Tempe-based Beyond Silicon; food industry, Tucson Tea; consumer products and services, Originals by Eva; and software as a service, Breathe EV.
Reporter Jessica Votipka, who covers K-12 education for the Arizona Daily Star, has won a national Journalism Education Association Friend of Scholastic Journalism Award.

The award recognizes a professional journalist, professional media outlet or other individual or group making a significant contribution to scholastic journalism.

Votipka was recognized for her work as an education reporter at The Independent in Grand Island, Nebraska. In 2022, she broke the story that Northwest High School cut its newspaper, The Viking Saga, after it published a Pride issue for the month of June. As a result, she won the Nebraska Press Association first-place prize in in-depth reporting.

Because of Votipkas reporting, I know student press freedom is something Nebraskans know more about, said Kirsten Gilliland, adviser to The Viking Saga student newspaper.

Marcus Pennell, who was a student on the papers staff at the time of the censorship, said Votipka has inspired me to follow in her footsteps as an exceptional journalist.

Votipka and the five other Friends of Scholastic Journalism Award recipients this year were recognized last weekend at the Fall JEA/NSPA National High School Journalism Convention in Boston.

Votipka joined the Arizona Daily Star newsroom in August. To send her news tips, email jvotipka@tucson.com.

Founded in 1924, JEA supports free and responsible scholastic journalism.
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

An intruder who was fatally shot while hiding in a midtown home has been identified by Tulsa police as a family member who reportedly had been banished from the home for several years.

Officers responded around 2:30 a.m. Friday to the residence near 22nd Street and Rockford Avenue, where Tyler Gattis was found in the basement. He died at a hospital of the gunshot wound, police said.

Investigators were told the homeowners were awakened by their dogs barking, prompting them to search the house for a possible intruder. Gattis brother reportedly shot at a man hiding behind a couch, police said. Neither brothers age was provided.

According to the homeowners, Gattis had not been allowed in the house for several years, police said.

Gattis brother was released after being questioned. Police said evidence will be reviewed by the Tulsa County District Attorneys Office for a determination of whether charges should be filed.

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Curtis Killman Tulsa World Staff Writer Follow Curtis Killman 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

Two brothers implicated in the 2019 Delaware County fatal shooting of a Grove man were sentenced Monday in Tulsa federal court.

Cody Dwayne Buzzard, 29, was sentenced to serve 25 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release.

Dakota Chase Buzzard, 22, was sentenced to 6 years in prison along with three years of post-custody supervision.

The two brothers were arrested along with their father, James William Buzzard, 50, following the Aug. 1, 2019, shooting death of Jerry Tapp, 48.

Tapp was fatally shot in his front yard near Jay after returning home from an overnight shift driving a truck. His partner was shot in one of her wrists after she opened the door of their residence to check on the noise she had heard outside.

Prosecutors contended that James Buzzard had been mad at Tapp after the latter fired two shotgun rounds in self-defense at Buzzard while being chased at a high speed in a vehicle by Buzzard and others. The gunshot caused a projectile to strike but not break the skin on the ankle of one of James Buzzards children, according to prosecutors.

James Buzzard began telling others at that point that he was mad at Tapp for shooting his daughter and because he would sometimes house his estranged wife when she would periodically leave him.

Prosecutors contended that the Buzzards drove to Tapps residence early on the morning of the shooting and waited for him to return from work before ambushing him.

A federal grand jury indicted the three Buzzards, all of Grove, in March 2022 on first-degree murder charges.

The two brothers pleaded guilty after lesser charges were filed against them.

Cody Buzzard pleaded guilty Aug. 11, 2022, to second-degree murder in Indian Country and to brandishing and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.

U.S. District Judge Gregory Frizzell sentenced him on Monday in accordance with a stipulated plea agreement to consecutive prison terms of 15 years on the murder charge and 10 years on the gun charge.

Dakota Buzzard pleaded guilty March 10 to one count of firearms conspiracy.

A jury convicted the brothers father, James Buzzard, on July 20 on all three charges lodged against him in a second-superseding indictment  first-degree murder in Indian Country, assault with a deadly weapon in Indian Country and discharging a firearm in relation to a crime of violence.

James Buzzards sentencing date has not been set.

The three were prosecuted in federal court because the Buzzards are tribal members and the shootings occurred within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation reservation.

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By Kim Hyun-bin

Italian Ambassador to Korea Emilia Gatto expressed, Tuesday, her enthusiasm for the annual Italian Cuisine Week, a celebration that holds a special place in the hearts of Italians around the world.

"Actually what I just wanted to say is that for us, this event, which lasts one week, has a very interesting program and a lot of events. For us, it's one of the most important appointments that we have all over the world through our embassies," she said at her residence in Seoul.

The ambassador sees the extravaganza as not only a promotion of Italian culinary culture but also a means of fostering a dialogue with the host country.

"Not only as promotion of our culture, of our culinary culture, which is, of course, one important aim but also to dialect, to have a dialect with the country we are in," she emphasized.

Expressing her admiration for Korean cuisine, the ambassador highlighted the event's role in promoting cultural exchange between Italy and Korea.

"As I'm really fond of Korean food, I think that this is very much the case that is to promote our food culture and also to promote Korean food culture because both are really excellent," she said.

"I firmly believe that culinary culture is part of national identity, but that doesn't mean that you only have to protect and think that all the other cultures are not as good. It's important to be curious and to be open. That doesn't mean that you will lose your food identity."

Her words underscore the event's dual purpose  a celebration of Italian culinary excellence and a bridge to appreciate and exchange with the rich tapestry of Korean gastronomy. This year's Italian Cuisine Week, according to her, is not just a feast for the senses but a testament to the openness and curiosity that define a truly global culinary experience.

The Italian Cuisine Week, a celebration that has become a culinary highlight since its inception in 2016, kicked off with the theme "Dining with the Italian Cuisine: Well-being with Taste." Running from Nov. 13 to 23, it promises a delectable experience for food enthusiasts and cultural aficionados alike.

The diverse offerings of the event, which not only showcase the expertise of four renowned Italian chefs but also delve into the secrets and passion behind Italian cuisine. The week kicks off with cooking classes at the Italian Residence, hosted by chef Marco Ferrari, promising to unravel the intricacies of Italian culinary craftsmanship.

Italian cuisine has a rich and ancient history that dates back thousands of years, influenced by a diverse array of cultures and traditions over centuries. Renowned for its simplicity and the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients, Italian cuisine is characterized by unique regional features, Ferrari said.
When the going got tough at Tulsa Public Schools this year, it was a behind-the-scenes leader named Ebony Johnson who stepped up.

Two months later, some school board members  including the only one who did not support her appointment as interim superintendent  began discussing the idea of making her temporary duty assignment a permanent gig.

With threats of a state takeover still looming over the states largest school district, would Johnson accept or even compete for the job if a wider search is launched?

It doesnt get any simpler than her answer:

Yes, and yes.

Running a school district that serves 33,000 kids and is the citys third-largest employer is a big job on its own.

But Johnson is doing so while also contending with State Superintendent Ryan Walters unrelenting demands for proof that local leadership can produce rapid, significant improvement in student achievement indicators.

The Tulsa World went to Johnson, who has a proven track record of individual school site turnaround efforts, to get answers about her short-term strategies for the district she attended as a child and where she has dedicated her entire professional career.

Why was she willing to take the helm during a time of crisis and extraordinary scrutiny?

When folks have judgment around what can be done and what they dont believe is possible, thats when I get the most excited, Johnson said. Are there challenges that we have before us? Absolutely. But its unfair for there to be an inaccurate narrative that we are not producing students who are going on to be amazing.

Homegrown leader

Johnson attended Whitman Elementary, three different middle schools  then-Anderson Middle School, Deborah Brown Community School and Gilcrease Middle School  then McLain High School, where she graduated in 1994.

She laughs when recalling how all-business she was as a teen, but it seems like foreshadowing now.

I was always involved in leadership roles. I was senior class president, I read the morning announcements  anything I could do, Johnson said. I even walked around with a briefcase in high school and wore suit jackets.

During her high school years, she explored the possibility of going into broadcast journalism under the mentorship of a local TV newswoman.

In the end, her love of writing, speaking and reading made her believe that teaching those subjects would be a better path for her.

She majored in English education at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, completed a teaching internship at Muskogee High School and then came right back to Tulsa to begin her career at TPS in 1999.

She later completed a masters degree in school administration from Northeastern State University and a doctorate in education from the University of Oklahoma.

Johnson earned the honor of Teacher of the Year at her very first school, Monroe Middle School, before going on to work as a dean, assistant principal and then principal. She worked for several years as executive director of student and family support services for the whole district and her most recent role was as chief learning officer.

Becoming full superintendent of a district under the gun of a possible state takeover would come with career risks  but some of those she already accepted by becoming interim superintendent.

Johnson said she and her husband of 23 years and their children, who are 16 and 20, discussed all of the many considerations for her personally and for their entire family at that juncture.

She concluded there was no alternative but to step in and serve the district that served me, pour into the community that poured into me.

I feel that it would be a continuation of us moving in the right direction in leadership and it would allow us to not go backwards, but to continue forwards with the charge that we have before us, Johnson said.

Turnaround experience

Johnson spent years in the trenches working in schools with high concentrations of students living in poverty and struggling academically.

She affectionately calls them students who are most at-promise, rather than most needy.

She took on principalships of three schools on the states needs improvement or F schools lists  Academy Central Elementary School, McLain High School and Central High School.

Her blueprint for getting performance indicators in those places trending in the right direction is something that still informs her work today.

It goes something like this: First identify the gifts and talents of faculty and staff members, set high expectations and goals for improvement  then doggedly track them, hold herself up as a servant to support the entire team, and then get out of peoples way and give them full credit for their successes.

I set some strong goals from the beginning that we will be a premier school, we will not be an F school, and students will learn how to read, Johnson said. Alongside that is really just firing our families up around their role as their childs first teacher and making sure they were aware of all the things they could do to help us, as well.

Reality check

Johnson said she believes TPS needs to be more blunt with parents and the community at large about its greatest challenges.

What we have to do is a much better job of telling the truth. What is the actual issue here? she said.

For starters, new, extreme rates of chronic absenteeism since the pandemic are stifling student growth, and the state holds schools to account for those rates.

What can parents and families do? Send your children to school every day, Johnson said. We need help with that.

Students who miss 10% or more of a school year for any reason are considered chronically absent. Statewide, Oklahoma schools received a D for attendance on the most recent state report cards, with almost 20% of students meeting that definition during the 2021-22 school year.

The rates were even higher in Tulsa, with 45.38% of students classified as chronically absent in 2021-22, compared to 22% in 2018-19. On the most recent state report card, an alternative middle school was the only secondary TPS site to receive an attendance grade above a D.

At our secondary sites, we know that pre-pandemic, we had some students that truly struggled with what it meant to come to school on a regular basis because of a lot of factors, Johnson said. Post-pandemic, it has hit an all-time high. We feel like a lot of that has to do with students connecting to jobs and just a lot of helping their families out.

Chronic absenteeism is a serious focus for us. We need help with that.

Then theres the challenge of having a qualified teacher in each classroom when the students get there.

With five weeks left until winter break, TPS still has about 100 certified teaching vacancies across the district, with particularly acute needs for those serving English learners and students with special education needs.

A coinciding wave of baby boomer retirements has left TPS relying more heavily on rookie teachers who need a lot of extra support and training.

As of October, almost one-fourth of TPS teachers have less than two years experience. Additionally, since the start of the fiscal year on July 1, the district has had 235 emergency teaching certificate requests approved by the Oklahoma State Board of Education  an increase of 42 from one year ago and 91 compared to October 2020.

We have some great emergency- and alternatively certified teachers who look like they should have been in education this whole time, Johnson said. However, theres also an initial challenge of getting them up to speed with what it means to be a teacher and what it means to be an educator.

Lastly, Johnson feels there is a serious need for TPS to better explain the nuances of its student literacy scores and how the community can help address the continuous nature of this critical challenge.

Its absolutely not true that 88% of our kids cant read. Its false, not accurate and a gross misrepresentation. And its not fair for our district to carry the stigma that our kids cannot read, Johnson said.

The districts partnership with Reading Partners is a simple way concerned citizens can make sure more early readers are on track to read at grade level by third grade, by volunteering just one hour per week.

If you look at levels of proficiency across our state, we are struggling as a state in this area. But even a child scoring below basic level (on the state test) still does not mean they cant read. It means their amount of comprehension is still a struggle.

The timeline

As a condition for receiving its current state accreditation, TPS is now being required to provide monthly updates to the Oklahoma State Board of Education.

Specific requirements placed on the district include creating a plan to train all TPS teachers in the science of reading, creating an improvement plan for each of its 24 schools that received an F on the most recent state school report cards, and the developing and publishing new internal controls to prevent embezzlement.

TPS began using academic interventions for students based on the science of reading more than two years ago and is on track to implement professional development on the science of reading for all of its elementary school teachers in early 2024.

In addition to the monthly reports before the state board, Johnson and other TPS officials are meeting regularly with representatives from the Oklahoma State Department of Education to discuss the districts academic progress.

Two of those state officials are even touring schools to have in-depth conversations with educators in the field to see the challenges for themselves, and TPS has been offered helpful advice and even access to things such as a new holiday-time tutoring program the state will be launching, Johnson said.

Despite Walters threats of additional punitive measures if progress to his liking is not made within months, Johnson said given the districts faculty shortages and high concentration of students living in poverty or learning English as a second language, a realistic timeline for a complete academic turnaround is three to five years.

Right now, its a bit premature for us to land at a place where we can say whatll happen at the end of the year, she said. I can say that our district and our teams are working every day, looking at data on a consistent basis, monitoring progress, going into classrooms, talking with school leaders and other team members who work in various spaces and places, moving in and giving more support so that we can have the most successful year that we can have.

TPS will also try to avoid test fatigue before annual state tests in April by delaying the districts own spring progress test until after.

When asked what TPS parents can do about the target on the districts back, Johnson said she worries that a greater sense of urgency is needed.

She said deeper, daily check-ins on each childs progress would go a long way to support what were attempting to do at our school sites.

Asking their children daily, not just how are things going at school, but Lets talk about each class, Lets look at your grades in PowerSchool (online parent portal), I received the weekly grade update from TPS, lets discuss that, What type of supports can I give you for X, Y, Z class? Johnson said. That would be tremendous help from our parents and guardians.

Johnson isnt just talking the talk here. Her own 16-year-old child is among the districts 33,000 students in her charge.

Young students dont just need academic content. They need encouragement and support at school and home to become responsible, self-aware learners who are mindful of academic expectations, time management, organization and preparation, Johnson said.

My own child is taking a class that she enjoys but is a challenge for her, she said, with a little laugh. Its critically important that Im asking her questions about how hard have you studied? Are you being responsible? Are you aware of the expectations in the classroom? What do you need to do in order to be better prepared for the next test or quiz?
Lenzy Krehbiel-Burton Tulsa World Staff Writer Follow Lenzy Krehbiel-Burton Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today

A local organizations request to pull a sexual assault survivors memoir from the shelves of Union High Schools library received a chilly reception from several Union parents at Monday nights school board meeting.

You have the right to opt out and censor your childs experience, Union parent Erica Stormont said. You do not have the right to censor my childs experience.

Made during the public comment portion of the meeting, the request to remove Alice Sebolds 1999 memoir Lucky came from members of the Tulsa County Chapter of Moms For Liberty. Moms For Liberty has been labeled an extremist group by the Southern Poverty Law Center.

According to its online library catalog, Union has one copy of the book on the shelves at the high school.

Lucky includes a description of the authors being beaten and sexually assaulted near the campus of Syracuse University as an 18-year-old. Although elementary school-age children were in the room during Monday nights meeting, a sexually explicit excerpt from the book was read aloud by a member of Moms For Liberty during the public comment period.

While there are offensive books sitting on your shelf,  there are new rules put into place, and you have to abide by them, Tulsa County Moms For Liberty Chairwoman Janice Danforth said. You have to remove it or risk losing accreditation.

Earlier this year, the Oklahoma State Board of Education unanimously approved an administrative rule change that allows the accreditation of an individual school or an entire district to be downgraded if it is found to have library materials that are excessively sexualized or pornographic.

That rule also requires school districts to have a process in place to address challenges to library materials. Union already had such a policy in place prior to the rules implementation, and district officials said after the meeting that as of Monday night, no such challenge to the books inclusion on the library shelves had been filed.

Because the request was made during public comment and was not a published agenda item, Unions Board of Education could not take any action on the matter Monday night.

Danforth filed unsuccessful challenges in 2022 to have Me and Earl and the Dying Girl and 13 Reasons Why pulled from the shelves at her childrens district, Bixby Public Schools.

Along with Stormont, Union parent Heather Cacoperdo also shared her objection to the request to pull the book from the shelves. A mother of three Union students, Cacoperdo acknowledged that Lucky might make some readers uncomfortable, but she said there may be students who have experienced sexual assault who can relate to it.

We trust our leadership, she said. This is a large, diverse and, most importantly, inclusive district.

A small, noisy group like Moms For Liberty is welcome to make decisions about what their own children read. They dont get to make decisions for the 15,000 kids attending this district.



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Lenzy Krehbiel-Burton Tulsa World Staff Writer Follow Lenzy Krehbiel-Burton Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today

A brawl nearly broke out Tuesday morning between U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin and Teamsters General President Sean OBrien during a hearing of the Senates Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.

After reading off printed copies of previous tweets in which OBrien called Mullin a fraud, a clown and a greedy CEO, Mullin challenged the union head to a fight.

Sir, this is a time, this is a place, Mullin said from the platform at the front of the hearing room. If you want to run your mouth, we can be two consenting adults. We can finish it here.

OK, thats fine. Perfect, OBrien said.

You want to do it now?

Id love to do it right now.

Well, stand your butt up then.

You stand your butt up, OBrien retorted, prompting Mullin to stand up and the committees chairman, Sen. Bernie Sanders, to intervene.

Stop it. Sit down. You are a United States senator, the Vermont independent said. This is a hearing. God knows the American people have enough contempt for Congress.

Despite the admonishment, Mullin then attempted to challenge OBrien to a mixed martial arts match in Tulsa. A former professional MMA fighter, Mullin made a similar challenge to OBrien via Twitter earlier this year.

Mullin and OBrien have previously had other frosty public exchanges, including a March 3 committee meeting in which the pair argued over who is worse: labor leadership or business management.

Calls to Mullins office after the hearing were not immediately returned. The senator was quoted by The Hill as saying he was just answering OBriens anytime, anyplace call.

He called me out.  He said anytime, anyplace. You dont call me out and say anytime, anyplace and then not back up what you said, Mullin said.

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Three years ago, it was a second consecutive weekend for a Protect the Vote rally in support of then-President Donald Trump.

Undaunted by his unsuccessful bid to secure a second term in the White House, hundreds of supporters converged on a south Tulsa park.

Despite the almost insurmountable odds that the outcome would turn in their favor, the event  organized by the Tulsa County Republican Party  was energetic at LaFortune Park along Yale Avenue. There were homemade signs, Trump 2020 flags and plenty of disenchantment over election results that many participants claimed was marred by yet to be proven allegations of widespread voting fraud.

The group was steadfast in standing in solidarity with the Trump administrations longshot legal challenge of Joe Bidens victory, even going as far as encouraging others to pressure states to reexamine ballots.

The goal, said Tulsa County Republican Party Chairman Bob Jack, was to firmly support the president until all objections to the results have rendered a ruling.

There are people out there who are supporting our president, said Jack, and we are not going to walk away from our president. Were not standing down until the president stands down.
A Texas water district has offered to pay attorneys, engineers and surveyors for advice to resolve a state boundary dispute along the Red River at Lake Texoma.

The North Texas Municipal Water District could pay up to $300,000 for the expert advice after Oklahomas Red River Boundary Commission approved the plan at a meeting Tuesday. It still would have to be approved by the Texas water districts board at its meeting on Thursday.

The dispute involves a Texas water pump station that lies just a few feet on the Oklahoma side of the border. That discovery dates to 2009, when invasive zebra mussels in Lake Texoma caused officials to take a closer look at old survey maps and easements. Those maps wrongly placed the border when the pump station was built in 1989.

University of Oklahoma President Joseph Harroz Jr. presented the consultation plans to the five-member commission, which first met in April after being dormant for years. At that meeting, the commission directed Harroz to come up with a panel of experts to advise the commission.

We believe these groups are the right ones to help us truly understand all of the issues where we need technical expertise so this commission can make fully educated and confident decisions, Harroz, a former dean of the OU College of Law, said Monday. Theres a reason this is taking so long. You dont want to get these boundary issues wrong. You dont want to get these species issues wrong.

In April, officials with the water district proposed swapping equal parts of state territory near the pump station. The Oklahoma commission took no action on that proposal and instead directed Harroz to come up with a plan.

Those costs are robust, but this is an important water source for us, David Kelly, the water districts governmental affairs and special projects manager, said at Tuesdays meeting. Were committed to this process, and we appreciate the state of Oklahoma helping with that process.

The water district has continued to pump water from the lake under a 2014 memorandum of understanding between former Govs. Mary Fallin of Oklahoma and Rick Perry of Texas. The North Texas Municipal Water District is permitted to take up to 197,000 acre-feet of water from the pump station each year. That pump station serves about 219,000 people in north Texas.

Without a resolution, the Texas water district estimated that it would take at least $50 million to build a new pump station on the Texas side of the border.

Harroz said that if the Texas water district approves the expert consultation costs, it could come back with recommendations before the Oklahoma Red River Boundary Commission in late February or March 2024.

Whenever youre moving state boundary lines, you dont want to get it wrong a second time, Harroz said. Its bad enough to get it wrong the first.

About Oklahoma Watch Oklahoma Watch, at oklahomawatch.org, is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that covers public-policy issues facing the state.

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Cutting through the noise with Neil deGrasse Tyson | Across the Sky podcast
Vietnam should boost administrative reforms and issue more effective policies to attract and retain foreign direct investment (FDI) enterprises amid news reports about U.S. technology company Intels plan to shelve an investment for expansion in Vietnam, according to local economist Huynh The Du.

Intels investment in Vietnam is a successful project and its further operation in the Southeast Asian country in the near future is obvious, Dr. Du said.

However, the results of Vietnams establishment of the Saigon Hi-Tech Park and the country's issuance of great incentives to attract Intel and other FDI projects have not been as expected, he remarked.

Nevertheless, the current global economic downturn and domestic issues are great challenges for retaining existing projects and wooing more foreign investments from Intel as well as other FDI enterprises if the country does not come up with breakthrough solutions.

In reality, current FDI projects have less connectivity with the local economy.

The operations of Intel Products Vietnam, the Vietnamese business of the U.S.-based chipmaker, and many other FDI firms are basically within their factories, along with some social activities.

This was shown clearly through Intels newly-released data and a report on its 10-year investment in Vietnam made by the Fulbright Vietnam University, Dr. Du said.

The added values that Vietnam is entitled to, including laborers salaries and taxes, are lower than one percent of FDI firms exports. The country mainly takes charge of assembly.

Just a few domestic enterprises provide simple services, such as packaging, catering, and security.

Meanwhile, neighboring China has developed its ecosystems to retain foreign enterprises with the foundations of a developed country.

In reality, foreign firms producing hi-tech products need spaces, a stable power supply, and a qualified workforce.

Also, the country needs to improve its infrastructure and train high-quality manpower.

Vietnamese military-run telecom group Viettel recently recruited a mere 100 out of 2,000 students graduating with excellent academic records, suggesting problems in the education system, according to Dr. Du.

Furthermore, there is a trend that high-skilled laborers tend to move to other countries. Vietnam's two largest cities are facing a shortage of infrastructure, while the state apparatus does not work quickly and effectively for fear of making mistakes.

Many other emerging markets are willing to make that bet while developed countries have better conditions.

As a result, if Vietnam does not accelerate its reforms, it will find it hard to retain FDI firms.

Intels latest investment was in January 2021 with US$475 million and its total capital in the Southeast Asian country, at $1.5 billion, is less than one percent of the firms investments announced over the past two years, at $157 billion, including $7 billion channeled into Malaysia, Dr. Du said.

Vietnam should take notice that Intel closed its factory in Costa Rica despite previous promises.

It should act to have a firm position like China and other successful countries instead of being a middle-income country as at present.

Reuters reported last week that Intel shelved a planned investment in Vietnam that could have nearly doubled the U.S. chipmaker's operation here, citing one person briefed on the plans.

The source told Reuters that Intel had made that decision around July.

A second source who attended two separate meetings in recent weeks between U.S. companies and top Vietnamese officials told the news agency that Intel had raised concerns about the stability of power supplies and excessive bureaucracy.

In response, Nguyen Anh Thi, head of the management board of the Saigon Hi-Tech Park in Ho Chi Minh City, said Intel Products Vietnam had yet to make an official announcement on changes to its expansion plan.

Intel Products Vietnam is still operating as normal at its factory in the Saigon Hi-Tech Park.

A representative of Intel Products Vietnam refused to comment on the accuracy of the news, saying that Vietnam will continue to be a critical part of Intels global manufacturing operations.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
The Ha Long international cruise port in Quang Ninh Province, northern Vietnam has welcomed thousands of visitors from Europe and the U.S. aboard two 5-star superyachts.

The Maltese-flagged cruise ship Celebrity Solstice, carrying 2,683 European and American tourists, arrived at the port on Monday.

Upon docking, the tourists disembarked to begin a journey exploring renowned destinations in Ha Long, such as the Quang Ninh Museum and double-decker bus tour, to immerse themselves in the local culture and cuisine.

The visitors will also explore Hanoi and Hai Phong City before the Celebrity Solstice ship departs from Ha Long Bay on Tuesday evening, marking the conclusion of its sea voyage in Vietnam as it returns to Hong Kong.

Another 5-star superyacht Regatta, registered in the Marshall Islands, is scheduled to dock at the Ha Long international cruise port on Tuesday, with almost 700 visitors from Europe and America.

Following their exploration of Ha Long, this international tourist group is set to visit Tien Sa Port in central Da Nang City, Chan May Port in central Thua Thien-Hue Province, Nha Trang City in south-central Khanh Hoa Province, and Ho Chi Minh City before continuing their journey to Cambodia, Thailand, and Singapore.

Passengers disembark the Maltese-flagged cruise ship Celebrity Solstice at the international cruise port in Quang Ninh Province, northern Vietnam, November 13, 2023. Photo: T.Duong / Tuoi Tre

During the ongoing cruise season, the Ha Long international cruise port plays regular host to large passenger ships visiting Ha Long Bay and the tourist destinations of Quang Ninh, with a total of 16 large tourist ships registering to dock at the port.

The port is expecting nearly 60 ships with over 70,000 passengers to register for docking in 2024.

Among the registered ships are those belonging to renowned and world-famous brands such as Mein Schiff 6 and 5, Celebrity Solstice, Noordam, MSC Splendida, Westerdam, and more.

Before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Quang Ninh annually welcomed around 100 luxury cruise ships, bringing in approximately 150,000-180,000 international tourists.

The return of high-end cruise tourist groups not only signifies the revival of the international tourist market but also underscores the enduring allure of the iconic Ha Long Bay.

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Every weeknight in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, a heartwarming scene unfolds at a noodle shop that generously serves free bowls to the underprivileged.

The shop, situated at 16A Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street in the district, operates from 8:00 pm to 9:30 pm every weekday.

Good people

When Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspapers reporters visited the noodle shop in early November, the busiest person in the entire establishment was undoubtedly Cao Thi Hoa, a 62-year-old resident of the same district.

Hoa said that she used to earn a living from a food stall, but now she volunteers to cook for the poor -- an act of kindness she carries out night after night simply because it brings her joy.

Her heart warms at the sight of gig workers, sanitation workers, lottery vendors, and more, all crowding into the tiny shop to enjoy a bowl of noodles that she cooked.

Some were so ravenous that they asked for a second serving.

Hoa is not the only one who feels this way, as dozens of volunteers in the shop take turns preparing ingredients, washing dishes, and clearing tables.

It is exhausting work, but their spirits remain undaunted, fueled by the simple joy derived from helping others.

One of Hoas customers on that night was Le Nho Yen, a 65-year-old lottery vendor from central Quang Nam Province.

A bowl of noodles like this normally costs from VND35,000 [US$1.44] to VND40,000 [$1.64], said Yen.

Le Nho Yen enjoys a bowl of noodles at a charity noodle shop on Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, November 2023. Photo: Thuy Duong / Tuoi Tre

In his worn-out attire, Yen shared that before discovering the noodle shop, he could only afford to reward his long day peddling lottery tickets with a single bundle of sticky rice costing VND10,000 ($0.41).

This meager meal left his throat dry.

I am so grateful for the people doing this, the man said, his eyes misty.

There are still many good people in real life.

Also in the shop that night was Hai, a 28-year-old deliveryman for Shopee, an e-commerce platform.

The shop brings about a feeling of warmth and positive thoughts for laborers like me, Hai said.

I will recommend this place to others in need.

He added that he was in a tight spot that night; otherwise, he would have preferred to leave this opportunity for the less fortunate.

The individual who initiated the free noodle shop said that the inspiration to take action struck after he had repeatedly witnessed weary, downtrodden people eating modest meals in bus stops at night.

Those facing challenging times and anyone seeking a bit of warmth are welcome inside our noodle shop, said the shop owner, who chose to stay anonymous.

Ho Tien Huy, deputy chairman of the Peoples Committee of Da Kao Ward in District 1, praised the shop as an act of charity aimed at assisting those in need.

Therefore, the ward will give its full support, Huy stated.

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Jonathan Arjen Ijff, a 48-year-old Vietnamese-Ducth man, has returned to Vietnam nine times over the past 16 years with the same purpose of looking for his biological mother.

He believes that Vinh Long Province in southern Vietnam is where he was brought into the world.

He has traveled across many southern Vietnamese provinces to seek his mother.

'Im Hung. Im a Vietnamese.'

Ijff, of Dutch nationality, can say a few Vietnamese words but always starts his story by introducing himself, Im a Vietnamese. Vinh Long is where I was born.

Ijff is an artist and a graphic designer. He has a Vietnamese name: Nguyen Khanh Hung.

Speaking short sentences in Vietnamese with imperfect pronunciation is a way that the Vietnamese-Dutch man has prepared himself to reunite with his bio-parents if a miracle happens.

Pointing at a site on Pham Hung Street in Vinh Long City, the capital of the namesake province, along the Co Chien River, Ijff said it used to be the location of the Good Shepherd convent, where his mother carried him in her arms for the last time.

He recalled that he was born in January 1975 in Vinh Long. After several days, his mother left him at the Good Shepherd convent.

He was later taken to Ho Chi Minh City, where he was taken care of by Carolina van Roijen, the wife of then-Dutch Charge d'Affaires in Vietnam Jan Herman van Roijen, at the Dutch Embassy on now Hai Ba Trung Street.

In mid-April 1975, he and 26 other children were adopted and Carolina van Roijen took them on a flight to the Netherlands.

Ijff was adopted by a farmer family in Beemster Polder, a rural land in the north of the Netherlands.

It took a long time before I began to care about my origin. And it took me many years to decide to visit my homeland. I set foot in Hanoi for the first time in 2007 but my initial plan was to familiarize myself with this country," he said.

Arriving in Hanoi and feeling the land under my feet, I felt relieved. That was love. Vietnam embraced me.

In Beemster, I was with my younger sister as the only adoptees in the community. In Vietnam, I discovered everyone looks the same as me. Since then, I have visited Vietnam many times and every time I return, I always have a feeling that I am one step closer to my origin."

Jonathan Arjen Ijff (R) on a flight to the Netherlands 48 years ago. Photo: Supplied

'Please help me find my mother!'

About 10 years ago, Ijffs adoptive mother passed away. She had earlier given him some photos of him when he was three months old and a piece of paper saying that his Vietnamese name is Nguyen Khanh Hung and his place of birth is Vinh Long.

In 2017, he returned to Vietnam again to find his biological mother.

During the journey to look for his mother, he has felt that Vietnam is warm and friendly thanks to his Vietnamese friends. He has also gradually found the manner of a child of this land himself.

After nine visits to Vietnam, Ijff has not found any clue about his bio-parents but he said he is not hopeless.

To prepare for the reunion, Ijff studied the Vietnamese language diligently during the COVID-19 pandemic.

I hope when I meet my mother, I can say hello to her and that Im her child, he said.

Coming back to Vietnam this time, he wrote, Please help me find my mother in Vinh Long, in both English and Vietnamese and printed it on 100 leaflets.

He has wandered numerous streets in Vinh Long over the past week to search for information about his mother. He showed everyone the bilingual leaflets, praying for a miracle.

I always believed that my mother was loath to do what she did, but she wanted the best for me. If my mother is still alive, she may be about 70 [years old] now. I probably have siblings," Ijff said.

I have sought my mother for many years and I earnestly hope to meet her so that I can hug her and tell her that I love her and I am living well.

He added that he would travel to Ho Chi Minh City next week and then return to the Netherlands, noting that this lunar year is the Year of the Cat and he was also born in a Year of the Cat, so he hopes luck will come and a miracle will happen this year.

In 2019, a friend who Ijff met in Vinh Long invited him to celebrate the Lunar New Year holiday, or Tet, with his family. That Tet was special as it was his first after 48 years living in Europe.

Residents busily prepared for the Lunar New Year. Streets were full of flowers and banners. That was the first time I'd learned about lucky money and gone to the pagoda on the first days of a new lunar year," Ijff said.

Tet made me more proud that I was born in this place.

Jonathan Arjten Ijff at the age of two or three. Photo: Supplied

Reunifying two halves of a person

Besides looking for his biological parents, he has another mission  looking for the Vietnamese version of himself.

I always try to unify the two halves of myself, which is extremely difficult. I will probably never become a Vietnamese person but I want to try, he confided.

He has reached out to the Vinh Long Archive Center to search for documents about himself.

However, among the 26 children adopted in 1975, only dossiers on three people remain.

Although I dont have any clues yet, I believe that my mother is here. If I can find her, I will return to live in the land where I was born, Ijff added.

No one knows how long Ijffs journey to look for his origin will last and none can make sure that his crusade will be fruitful or not, but he said he finds his mother in every corner and will continue the job while he is still able to.

In September last year, Ijff joined a contest to design a logo for the celebration of 50 years of Vietnam-The Netherlands diplomatic ties (1973-2023) held by the Dutch Embassy and Consulate General. His design, featuring both Vietnams lotus and the Netherlands tulip, won the contest.

Ijff said the orange color in the logo symbolizes the Netherlands, red represents Vietnam, and pink is the same color of the two kinds of flowers.

At the beginning, I did not expect a prize at the contest but I later considered it not merely a contest," the Vietnamese-Dutch man said.

I joined it to connect with Vietnam and to requite the past. Lotus and tulip flowers are the embodiments of myself  a Vietnamese Dutch.

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Protecting forests globally could vastly increase the amount of carbon they sequester, a new study finds, but given our current emissions track, does it really matter?

For Thomas Crowther, an author of the assessment, the answer is a resounding yes.

"I absolutely see this study as a cause for hope," the professor at ETH Zurich said.

"I hope that people will see the real potential and value that nature can bring to the climate change topic."

But for others, calculating the hypothetical carbon storage potential of global forests is more an academic exercise than a useful framework for forest management.

"I am a forester by trade, so I really like to see trees grow," said Martin Lukac, professor of ecosystem science at University of Reading.

However, he considers forest carbon potential calculations like these "dangerous," warning they "distract from the main challenge and offer false hope."

Crowther has been here before: in 2019 he produced a study on how many trees the Earth could support, where to plant them and how much carbon they could store.

"Forest restoration is the best climate change solution available today," he argued.

That work caused a firestorm of criticism, with experts unpicking everything from its modelling to the claim that reforestation was the "best" solution available.

Nodding to the furore, Crowther and his colleagues have now vastly expanded their data set and used new modelling approaches for the study published Monday in the journal Nature.

They use ground-sourced surveys and data from three models based on high-resolution satellite imagery.

The modelling approach is "as good as it currently gets," acknowledged Lukac, who was not involved in the work.

'Achieve climate targets'

The study estimates forests are storing 328 gigatons of carbon less than they would if untouched by human destruction.

Estimates of the world's remaining carbon "budget" to keep warming below the 1.5C range from around 250-500 gigatons.

Much of the forest potential -- 139 gigatons -- could be captured by just leaving existing forests to reach full maturity, the study says.

Another 87 gigatons could be regained by reconnecting fragmented forests.

The remainder is in areas used for agriculture, pasture or urban infrastructure, which the authors acknowledge is unlikely to be reversed.

Still, they say their findings present a massive opportunity.

"Forest conservation, restoration and sustainable management can help achieve climate targets by mitigating emissions and enhancing carbon sequestration," the study says.

Modelling and mapping the world's forests is a tricky business.

There's the scale of the problem, but also the complexity of what constitutes a forest.

Trees, of course, but the carbon storage potential of a woodland or jungle is also in its soil and the organic matter littering the forest floor.

Trees versus emissions?

Ground-level surveys can offer granular data, but are difficult to extrapolate.

And satellite imagery covers large swathes of land, but can be confounded by something as simple as the weather, said Nicolas Younes, research fellow at the Australian National University.

"Most of the places where there is potential for carbon storage are tropical countries... these are places where there is persistent cloud cover, therefore satellite imagery is very hard to validate," he told AFP.

Younes, an expert on forest remote sensing, warns the complexity of the study's datasets and modelling risks introducing errors, though the resulting estimates remain "very valuable".

"It will not show us the exact truth for every pixel on Earth, but it is useful."

One objection to quantifying forest carbon potential is that conditions are far from static, with accelerating climate change, forest fires and pest vulnerability all playing a role.

And, for Lukac, whatever potential forests have is irrelevant to the urgency of cutting emissions.

The study's estimated 328 gigatons "would be wiped (out) in 30 years by current emissions," he said.

Crowther, who advises a project to plant a trillion trees globally, rejects an either-or between forest protection and emissions reduction.

"We urgently need both," he said.
The finance ministries of Korea and China held an inaugural meeting on bilateral economic exchanges Tuesday to discuss ways to boost cooperation on various industrial and economic issues involving major private companies, officials said.

The inaugural Korea-China economic cooperation and exchange meeting was held in the Chinese city of Changchun earlier in the day, organized jointly by Korea's finance ministry and China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC).

The meeting was held after the two nations' top economic policy makers agreed to launch one during last year's ministerial-level meeting to enhance bilateral economic ties.

Tuesday's event brought together hundreds of officials from their respective governments, economic institutions and companies, including Korea's top carmaker Hyundai Motor, major battery company LG Chem and China's Alibaba Group, according to the Ministry of Economy and Finance.

During the meeting, they shared their investment circumstances and supportive measures for foreign companies, and explored business opportunities.

"We will hold the meeting on an annual basis to help Korean firms better communicate with the Chinese government and address their difficulties in running a business in China," a ministry official said.

On the sidelines of the meeting, director-level officials from the ministry and the NDRC agreed to hold a new ministerial meeting at an early date, the finance ministry said. (Yonhap)
The world's top management consultancy McKinsey & Company is using its position as a key advisor to the UN's COP28 climate talks to push the interests of its big oil and gas clients, undermining efforts to end the use of the fossil fuels driving global warming, according to multiple sources and leaked documents.

Behind closed doors, the US-based firm has proposed future energy scenarios to the agenda setters of the summit that are at odds with the climate goals it publicly espouses, an AFP investigation has found.

An "energy transition narrative" drafted by the firm and obtained by AFP only reduces oil use by 50 percent by 2050, and allows for trillions of dollars of continued investments in "high-emissions assets" per year up to mid-century.

McKinsey -- whose big oil clients range from America's ExxonMobil to Saudi Arabia's state-run Aramco -- is one of several consultancies giving free advice to the United Arab Emirates as it hosts the critical negotiations, which start on November 30.

Controversially, the talks are being presided over by Sultan Al Jaber, head of the Emirati state oil firm ADNOC.

With scientists saying 2023 is certain to be the hottest year on record, and greenhouse gas emissions headed for unprecedented levels, McKinsey is "vocally and brazenly calling for lower levels of ambition on oil phase-out at the highest levels within the COP28 presidency," said a source who was in the room on confidential discussions with the summit hosts.

McKinsey responded insisting that "sustainability is a mission-critical priority" and that it is committed to helping clients decarbonise.

"We are proud to be supporting COP28 by providing strategic insight and analysis, and sectoral and technical expertise," it told AFP.

'Written by oil industry for oil industry'

Some of McKinsey's rival consultancies operating in Dubai have worked in the spirit of finding genuine climate solutions, according to three sources who have taken part in high-level preparatory meetings, who asked not to be named as the proceedings were confidential.

"But it was very clear from an early stage that McKinsey had a conflict of interest," said a source who took part in COP28 presidency discussions.

"They would give advice at the highest levels that was not in the best interest of the COP president as the leader of a multilateral climate agreement, but in the best interest of the COP president as the CEO of one of the region's biggest oil and gas companies."

Confidential documents seen by AFP back this up.

The McKinsey energy scenario for the COP28 presidency "reads as if it was written by the oil industry for the oil industry", said Kingsmill Bond, a top equity expert who analysed it.

"This is clearly not a credible pathway to net zero," Bond, a senior principal at the Rocky Mountain Institute think tank, told AFP.

A COP28 spokesman confirmed to AFP that "McKinsey supports COP28 through providing insights and analysis on a pro bono basis." But to say the firm presented scenarios incompatible with global climate targets "is just incorrect", he added.

At odds with net zero

Structured like a law firm, McKinsey employs some 35,000 people worldwide, including 2,500 partners and 700 semi-autonomous senior partners, with revenue last year reported at about $15 billion.

The 2015 Paris Agreement calls on nations to cap warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius, and the UN's scientific advisory body has said the world economy must be carbon-neutral by 2050 to stay below that.

But analysts said the pathway McKinsey suggested to Jaber for the COP talks would allow fossil fuel firms to continue to pump way too much oil and gas to hit "net zero".

"On average, 40-50 MMb/d (millions of barrels per day) of oil is still expected to be utilized in 2050," compared to about 100 MMb/d today, McKinsey's narrative said.

That is twice the amount allowed in the International Energy Agency (IEA) net zero roadmap, said Jim Williams of the University of San Francisco, a top modeller of decarbonisation trajectories.

The IEA says CO2-removal technologies must scale up 100,000-fold by 2050 to stay on track for a net zero world -- a mind-boggling challenge with no guarantee of success.

But the McKinsey scenario would likely require at least double that, experts said.

"It must involve either far more massive levels of negative emissions technologies" that pull CO2 out of the air, "or an even faster phase out of coal and gas", said former BP geologist Mike Coffin, head of the Oil, Gas and Mining team at Carbon Tracker.

Oil demand to peak

McKinsey's draft for COP28 says that up to mid-century, $2.7 trillion a year in continued investment will have to be sunk into "high-emissions assets", including ones related to oil and gas as well as various other areas such as heavy industry and agriculture.

"Even with the current situation and no additional climate policies, we expect that global oil demand will peak in this decade," said IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol.

But many oil and gas majors -- buoyed by high prices and profits in the wake of the conflict in Ukraine -- have backed off commitments to transition to renewables or, in some cases, doubled down on their core business.

"We will stay anchored in what we know we're good at," ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods told McKinsey in an interview published on the firm's website in September, explaining why his company steered clear of wind and solar power.

Internal revolt

In 2021, McKinsey's work for fossil fuel clients sparked a rebellion within its own ranks.

More than 1,100 of the firm's employees signed an internal letter seen by AFP warning that "there is significant risk to McKinsey and our values from pursuing the current course."

"Our inaction on (or perhaps assistance with) client emissions poses serious risk to our reputation" and "our client relationships", they wrote.

"We have been telling the world to be bold and align to a 1.5C emissions pathway; it is long overdue that we take our own advice."

McKinsey told AFP that the firm has committed to help clients reach the 2050 net zero target and this means engaging with "high-emitting sectors".

"Walking away from these sectors would do nothing to solve the climate challenge," it added.

'We need consultancies'

As global warming accelerates, many companies are hiring consultancies to prepare for climate-related risks and opportunities.

"We do need the consultancies to help because we've got to get going and move very quickly," said Bob Ward of the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment at the London School of Economics.

"But it's essential that they actively work for the transition rather than trying to slow it down because of the vested interests of incumbents, such as the fossil fuel industry."

The big players -- McKinsey, Boston Consulting Group and Bain -- hire top graduates on six-figure salaries to draw up plans for clients.

A 2022 McKinsey document promoting private carbon markets seen by AFP identified several of its important clients, including oil firms Chevron and BP, power firm Drax, and mining giant Rio Tinto.

The world's largest oil company, Aramco, declined to comment when asked by AFP about its relationship to the firm.

McKinsey says it has helped healthcare industry clients develop solar capacity, wind energy providers to become more competitive, and at least one developing country to source more electricity with renewables, but does not name the clients.

"If we want to ensure a managed decline of fossil fuel production, we can't do so if those helping (companies) make money from fossil fuel production continue to have a seat around the table," Pascoe Sabido, a researcher at the Corporate Europe Observatory think tank, told AFP.

He said there was a regulatory "blind spot" over consultancies' role in handling the climate crisis.

"The lobbying and the fixing that happens under the radar... is much more dangerous because there's much less accountability."

'Gas and oil consultancy'

McKinsey has weathered tough headlines over recent years.

It was forced to pay out hundreds of millions of dollars over the past two years to settle lawsuits after being accused of fuelling an opioid overdose epidemic by advising drug companies. McKinsey denied any wrongdoing.

Multiple investigations have shown that oil and gas giants were aware of the likely trajectory and impacts of global warming as early as the 1970s based on research by their own scientists, while at the same time sowing doubt on climate science that had come to the same conclusion.

McKinsey is "capable of doing good work helping clients navigate the energy transition, but that work pales in comparison to what it is doing for oil and gas," said one former McKinsey consultant, who asked not to be named due to a non-disclosure agreement.

"They serve the world's largest polluters," he argued. "The firm is best understood as possibly the most powerful oil and gas consulting firm on the planet posturing as a sustainability firm, advising polluting clients on any opportunity to preserve the status quo."
The Vietnamese Embassy in Myanmar has promptly drawn up plans to protect Vietnamese citizens living and working in some northern states in Myanmar, while requesting support measures from local authorities to ensure security and safety for the Vietnamese citizens and create favorable conditions for them to leave the dangerous areas amid the complicated developments in this country.

The move followed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs directive, said the embassy.

The ministry is proactively working with authorities in China and Myanmar to ask for assistance in the Vietnamese protection process.

It advises Vietnamese citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Shan, Kayin, and Rakhine States in Myanmar amid the escalating ethnic conflict there.

Those Vietnamese who remain in these states should be evacuated to another country or return to Vietnam.

The Vietnamese citizens in Myanmar should stay updated on the information about the situation released by Burmese authorities, and warnings from the Vietnamese Embassy in Myanmar.

Vietnamese citizens in need of support can contact the Vietnamese Embassy in Myanmar via the phone number +959660888998, or the citizen protection hotlines at +84 981 84 84 84 and +84 965 41 11 18, or via baohocongdan@gmail.com.

Ethnic minority insurgent groups attacked security posts in Myanmar on Monday. As fighting erupted on two new fronts, thousands of people crossed into neighboring India seeking safety, reported Reuters.

A resident of Rathedaung Town, Rakhine said that several shots rang out before dawn on Monday, followed by hours of artillery bombardment.

The military blocked entrances to the area and reinforced administrative buildings.

Myanmar's military junta is facing its biggest test since taking power in a 2021 coup after three ethnic minority forces launched a coordinated offensive in late October, capturing some towns and military posts.

President Myint Swe last week said that Myanmar was at risk of breaking apart because of an ineffective response to the rebellion, while the generals say they are fighting "terrorists.

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Vietnamese State President Vo Van Thuong and his spouse departed for the U.S. from Hanoi at noon on Tuesday to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders Week 2023 in San Francisco, California at the invitation of U.S. President Joe Biden.

Thuong's trip is scheduled to last until Friday.

His entourage includes Chairman of the Vietnamese Presidential Office Le Khanh Hai, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien, Minister of Finance Ho Duc Phoc, Chairman of the National Assembly's Culture and Education Committee Nguyen Dac Vinh, and other top officials.

The Vietnamese president is set to join a series of APEC events, which are scheduled to run through Friday, and engage in several bilateral activities in the U.S., according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

This is the Vietnamese state presidents first working trip to the U.S. since he took office in March this year.

His U.S. visit coincides with the celebrations of the APEC Summits 30th anniversary and the 25th since Vietnam joined it.

President Thuongs participation in the APEC Summit demonstrates Vietnams support for multilateralism, said Vietnamese Ambassador to the U.S. Nguyen Quoc Dung.

Vietnam is one of a few APEC members to host the APEC leaders meetings twice. The Southeast Asian nation chaired the meetings in Hanoi in 2006 and in Da Nang City in 2017.

Ambassador Dung affirmed that Vietnam is willing to join hands with APEC members to help forum further thrive to build a sustainable economy and produce new opportunities and advantages to overcome current global uncertainties.

The top Vietnamese officials trip is aimed at fostering bilateral ties between Vietnam and the U.S. after the two nations lifted their relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership during President Bidens Vietnam visit in September.

Throughout his trip, President Thuong and other top officials will meet U.S. officials and representatives of American enterprises to advance cooperation.

Vice-State President Vo Thi Anh Xuan (L) sees President Vo Van Thuong (R) off at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, November 14, 2023. Photo: Vietnam News Agency

APEC 2023, themed Creating a Resilient and Sustainable Future for All, aims for an interconnected, innovative, and inclusive region.

APEC was founded in 1989 as an informal dialogue forum to promote regional economic integration.

The APEC leaders' meeting was held for the first time in 1993, and then became an annual event.

APEC now includes 21 members, covering some 40 percent of the global population and almost half of global trade.

Deputy Chief of Mission for the U.S. Mission in Vietnam Melissa Bishop (L) shakes hands with State President Vo Van Thuong at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, November 14, 2023. Photo: Vietnam News Agency

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Firefighters in Thu Duc City under Ho Chi Minh City on Sunday successfully rescued nine people trapped in an elevator at a local clinic, the municipal police said on Monday.

A police officer said that police in An Khanh Ward were notified of the incident at 9:00 am on the same day.

Six firefighters and a special-use vehicle were quickly dispatched to the clinic on Street No. 34 in the ward for rescue operations.

After reassuring the stuck people, these rescuers used cutters to separate the two doors of the elevator to take all the victims out safely.

To reduce elevator accidents, police in Thu Duc City ask the owners of buildings equipped with elevators to ensure elevator emergency calls and surveillance systems work well, according to Phap Luat (Law) newspaper.

They are also told to regularly check elevators and have them serviced.

Parents should not let their young children enter an elevator alone, or get into mischief in an elevator to avoid accidents.

Residents are advised to keep calm and not to shout in panic if they are trapped in an elevator.

They should not try to open the elevator door to avoid danger, said police officers.

Nine people trapped in an elevator at a clinic in Thu Duc City are saved by firefighters. Photo: Supplied

A woman is rescued after getting stuck in an elevator at a clinic in Thu Duc City. Photo: Supplied

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Check out the latest news in Vietnam today:

Politics

-- Vietnamese State President Vo Van Thuong will depart for the U.S. from Hanoi on Tuesday to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders Week 2023 in San Francisco, California between Tuesday and Friday this week at the invitation of U.S. President Joe Biden.

-- The Vietnamese Embassy in Myanmar has promptly drawn up plans to protect Vietnamese citizens living and working in some northern states in Myanmar, while requesting support measures from Myanmar authorities to ensure security and safety for Vietnamese citizens and create favorable conditions for them to leave the dangerous areas amid the complicated developments in this country, said the embassy.

Society

-- Dozens of large trees on Truong Chinh Street in Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City have been cut down to make room for a road linking Tran Quoc Hoan and Cong Hoa Streets, which is aimed at easing congestion in the Tan Son Nhat International Airport area.

-- Rescuers in Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City on Sunday successfully saved nine people trapped in an elevator at a local clinic, the Ho Chi Minh City police said on Monday.

-- Police in Thu Duc City on Monday arrested a 39-year-old man who drove a seven-seater car after drinking alcoholic beverages on Sunday. His car collided with five other vehicles and knocked down a house wall, killing an 18-year-old woman and injuring two others.

Business

-- Many investors from the U.S. and Europe have shown more interest in the merger and acquisition (M&A) market in countries with an impressive growth rate like Vietnam, heard a conference in Ho Chi Minh City on Monday.

-- Maltese-flagged cruise ship Celebrity Solstice with nearly 2,700 European and American tourists aboard docked in Quang Ninh Province in northern Vietnam on Monday. Another cruise ship from Marshall Islands will also arrive in the province on Tuesday, carrying nearly 700 travelers.

Lifestyle

-- U.S. legendary jazz musician Kenny G, during his tour in Vietnam for a performance on Tuesday, donated a saxophone for auction to raise funds for the disadvantaged, especially children, in the country, Kenny G said at a press briefing on Monday.

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A plane departing from Hanoi delayed landing at Da Nang International Airport in the namesake city, located in central Vietnam, on Monday when a dog ran into the airport.

The dog was found in the apron area of the airport at 2:58 pm on the same day.

Airport workers quickly chased the animal to avoid obstructing the operation of the airport, but the dog ran around the facility and onto some taxiways and runways.

Meanwhile, flight VN173 taking off from Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi was nearing the Da Nang City-based airport, so it was requested to delay its landing.

After the dog was captured at 3:25 pm, the plane made a safe landing at the airport at 3:36 pm.

Several local airports such as Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City, Tho Xuan in north-central Thanh Hoa Province, Cam Ranh in south-central Khanh Hoa Province, and Da Nang sometimes face incursions by animals and runaway dogs.

According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam, the entry of dogs, cats, and other animals to the grounds of airports through holes on fences poses a threat to flight safety and security.

As such, the authority repeatedly asks airport officials to regularly check fences surrounding the airports.

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Dozens of large trees on Truong Chinh Street in Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City were cut down to make room for a road linking Tran Quoc Hoan and Cong Hoa Streets, which is aimed at easing congestion in the Tan Son Nhat International Airport area.

In particular, 17 khaya senegalensis trees measuring about 13 meters high, an eight-meter Indian almond tree, two five-meter mango trees, and six cassia fistula trees were chopped down.

Some Khaya senegalensis trees stumps are 60-70 centimeters in diameter.

The city will complete the job by Friday this week.

The road project investor will hand wood from these trees over to the Ho Chi Minh City Infrastructure Management Center under the municipal Department of Construction for sale and submission of revenue to the state coffers.

After the road is completed, pterocarpus macrocarpus, barringtonia acutangula, and yellow-flamboyant trees will be planted along the sidewalks.

A khaya senegalensis tree has its trunk measure 60-70 centimeters in diameter. Photo: Tien Quoc / Tuoi Tre

The road project connecting Tran Quoc Hoan and Cong Hoa Streets, which requires an estimated investment of over VND4.8 trillion (US$196.5 million), was planned to be executed between 2021 and 2024.

The road will link to the T3 terminal of Tan Son Nhat International Airport, improving traffic circulation in the area.

It will have a length of some four kilometers, starting at the Phan Thuc Duyen-Tran Quoc Hoan Intersection and ending at the intersection of C12, Cong Hoa, and Truong Chinh Streets upon completion.

The road will have six lanes and a designed speed of 50 kilometers per hour.

It will include a nearly-one-kilometer-long four-lane overpass in front of the T3 terminal, and two tunnels at the Phan Thuc Duyen-Tran Quoc Hoan and Truong Chinh-Tan Ky Tan Quy intersections.

The stump of a tree after being cut down. Photo: Tien Quoc / Tuoi Tre

Many branches and tree trunks are cut into small sections and put on the sidewalk of Truong Chinh Street in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Tien Quoc / Tuoi Tre

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U.S. legendary jazz musician Kenny G, during his tour in Vietnam for a performance on Tuesday, donated a saxophone for auction to raise funds for needy people, especially disadvantaged children, in the country, he said said at a press briefing on Monday.

He is set to perform at the Kenny G Live in Vietnam show at 8:00 pm at My Dinh National Convention Center in Hanoi on Tuesday.

The show will last for nearly two hours, featuring Kenny Gs big hits such as Going Home, Havana, Romeo & Juliet, and My Heart Will Go On.

It is meant to open the Good Morning Vietnam music project, a community initiative launched by Nhan Dan (People) newspaper and IB Group Vietnam.

Due to such a meaningful project, world-renowned saxophonist Kenny G decided to give the organizer of the initiative his saxophone for charity auction.

The donated saxophone was designed as the one produced in 1950 and used by the saxophonist when he started his career.

Kenny G said that he seldom donates his saxophones, except for special occasions.

He previously presented a platinum record to former U.S. President Bill Clinton, he recounted, adding that a few years back, he gave away a saxophone to a charity program.

U.S. musician Kenny G plays the saxophone in Hanoi, November 13, 2023. Photo: Hoa Nguyen / Tuoi Tre

Kenny G plays music with all his heart, he said.

He travels around the world to bring his sound and music to many families.

The American smooth jazz saxophonist, composer, and producer said that he was glad to return to Vietnam for the second time since his first performance in the country in 2015.

Vietnamese peoples friendliness and hospitality surprised and impressed him a lot, he said.

Kenny G said that after his music show, he would visit Da Nang City and Hoi An City in central Vietnam.

He is planning to give the Vietnamese audience a special music video set to be shot at some of Vietnams historical and cultural sites.

I hope I will tour Vietnam for more performances, he added.

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Last week ABC announced new kids animation Tales From Outer Suburbia and a third season for Kangaroo Beach.

Tales From Outer Suburbia

Adapted from the bestselling illustrated book Tales From Outer Suburbia, the 10 x 22-minute animated series is heading into production with leading Australian animation studio Flying Bark Productions in collaboration with Highly Spirited.

Director Noel Cleary will oversee cutting-edge CGI animation and its handcrafted stop-motion look and feel. Shaun Tan will oversee the series as Creative Director, with Sophie Byrne (Highly Spirited) and Alexia Gates-Foale (Flying Bark) as Producers.

Shaun Tan says: Sometimes it takes a truly strange event to reveal how we feel about our place in the world, and what things we care about most deeply. With Tales From Outer Suburbia, we hope to awaken that fantastic realisation that fiction and reality are never very far from one another, that there is really no such thing as normal life.

Libbie Doherty, Head of ABC Children & Family said: The minute Tales from Outer Suburbia was presented to us we knew we had to get on board with Shaun and this excellent team. Shauns unique take on Australian life, strikes a chord in all of us with evocative imagery and powerful storytelling. This adaptation will be iconic. A landmark TV series that will create long lasting memories for young audiences and their families. We are so thankful to all our partners  the ACTF, Screen Australia and Screenwest who continue to get behind Australian Childrens Content.

Bernadette OMahony, ACTF Head of Content said: We are excited to have Tales From Outer Suburbia go into production after extensive development. It takes a lot of committed, like-minded partners to turn such a visually stunning book into something just as special on screen. We cant wait for the world to see Shaun Tans vision come to life with this talented team.

Grainne Brunsdon, Screen Australia Head of Content said: The rich and surreal world of Tales From Outer Suburbia, based on the hugely popular book by Shaun Tan, with scripts from Lally Katz and Sam Carroll, and hyper-real animation created by Flying Bark, is sure to delight viewers of all ages. Entertaining and thought-provoking, this series will remind us that fiction and reality are closer than we think.

Alexia Gates-Foale (Flying Bark) and Sophie Byrne (Highly Spirited) said: Shaun Tans anthology stories have a unique way of portraying modern suburban existence in an enchanting and sophisticated way, and it will be a joy to reimagine them for a broader audience. From an enormous water buffalo in an empty lot, to humans with cat-like features, the true story of each episode is how ordinary people react to these extraordinary incidents. We are thrilled to see these stories realised on the ABC.

The series begins when almost thirteen-year-old Klara and her six-year-old brother Pim move to Outer Suburbia with their newly single mother Lucy. The siblings summer holiday turns into a series of unexpected and surreal adventures. The family goes on a roller-coaster ride of emotion, encountering weird and miraculous phenomena as they adapt to their new reality.

The series was developed by the ACTF during COVID and is commencing production at Flying Bark in New South Wales and at Siamese in Western Australia.

Kangaroo Beach

After producing two seasons of Kangaroo Beach in NSW, Cheeky Little Media (Ginger & the Vegesaurs, Kazoops) have teamed up with Siamese to co-produce a new season. Season 3 will be produced across both states, with some key cast being played by WA voices and a new location inspired by the Western Australian landscape.

Libbie Doherty, Head of ABC Children & Family said: The Kangaroo Beach cadets welcome Spyke the echidna into the team, who will stretch their boundaries with her daredevil antics. Summer is always full throttle on Kangaroo Beach and this season wont disappoint. Thank you to Cheeky Little Media and Tim Bain for this quintessential Australian series. Were also welcoming on board Siamese, bringing their animation expertise from WA. We are also grateful to our brilliant financing partners the ACTF, Screen Australia, Screen West and Create NSW for supporting this 100% Australian production.

Christopher Sharp, Screen Australia Head of Scripted said: We are thrilled to support the third season of Kangaroo Beach, a series that has captured the hearts of kids nationwide. With its fun, action-packed and educational storylines, Kangaroo Beach is testament to the creativity and talent within the Australian childrens television industry.

Celine Goetz, Producer, Cheeky Little Media said: We cant wait to dive into production on Season three. There is so much for the audience to get excited about with this new series, a stunning new lake location, a plucky new cadet in training and of course, all of the ingredients that we know our fans love  action, comedy and tonnes of heart.

Since splashing onto screens across Australia in 2020, Kangaroo Beach became a smash hit with its young audience and families, securing itself as the second most-watched ABC Kids series on ABC iview. Season three will see the cadets returning for another summer stacked with fun, adventure and friendship. The cadets will spend more time under the sea, scuba diving around the beautiful reef, as well as up in the mountains in a spectacular new lake location that is surrounded by gum trees and connected via a long and bendy river through the bush to Kangaroo Beach. While our cadets are well versed in surf beach safety, theyre unfamiliar with inland waterways and have loads to learn, so there will be plenty of new adventure in store.

Its fantastic to see Season 3 of Kangaroo Beach and Tales From Outer Suburbia heading into production here in Perth. We are pleased to be partnering with the ABC, Australian Childrens Television Foundation and Screen Australia in bringing these iconic animated series to television screens and to see WA production company, Siamese teaming up with Cheeky Little Media and Flying Bark, creating lots of opportunities for WA cast and crew, said Rikki Lea Bestall, Screenwest CEO.

Were excited to partner with Flying Bark and Highly Spirited for Tales from Outer Suburbia. To be part of the world-building process, that will breathe life into Shaun Tans inspired recollections of growing up in the northern suburbs of Perth, is an extraordinary opportunity for Siamese and all Western Australian creatives involved. We are also excited to be working with Sydney-based Cheeky Little on Season 3 of Kangaroo Beach. Already a favourite amongst the ABC Kids viewers and enjoyed by audiences worldwide, this production marks our first steps into the preschool space, with hopefully many more to follow. said Francesca Hope, Siamese Executive Producer.

The Kangaroo Beach cadets welcome Spyke the echidna into the team, who will stretch their boundaries with her daredevil antics. Summer is always full throttle on Kangaroo Beach and this season wont disappoint. Thank you to Cheeky Little Media and Tim Bain for this quintessential Australian series. Were also welcoming on board Siamese, bringing their animation expertise from WA. We are also grateful to our brilliant financing partners the ACTF, Screen Australia, Screenwest and Create NSW for supporting this 100% Australian production.

Production on Tales From Outer Suburbia and Kangaroo Beach kicks off this month and Siamese has a number of opportunities available for Western Australian crew on both series. Head to the Screenwest website here to express your interest.

Production credit: Tales from Outer Suburbia is a Highly Spirited and Flying Bark Productions production for the ABC. Major production investment from Screen Australia and the Australian Childrens Television Foundation in association with the ABC. Produced in New South Wales and Western Australia with Siamese and financed with support from Screenwest and Lotterywest. International sales by the Australian Childrens Television Foundation. Adapted from Shaun Tans multi-award-winning book Tales From Outer Suburbia. Directed by Noel Cleary. Creative Director: Shaun Tan. Writers: Sam Carroll and Lally Katz. Producers: Sophie Byrne and Alexia Gates-Foale. Executive Producers: Barbara Stephen, Bernadette OMahony, Julia Adams, Francesca Hope and ABC Executive Producers: Libbie Doherty, Jo Boag.

Production Credit: Kangaroo Beach Season 3 is a Cheeky Little Media production for the ABC, produced in association with Siamese. Major production investment from the ABC in association with Screen Australia and the Australian Childrens Television Foundation (ACTF). Financed with support from Screenwest and Lotterywest and Surf Life Saving Australia. International sales by the Australian Childrens Television Foundation (ACTF) and Infinite Frameworks. Post, digital and visual effects supported by Screen NSW. Developed with assistance of the ABC. Cheeky Little Commercial continues as the global brand manager.
Legendary drama writer / director / producer James Davern, best known for A Country Practice and Bellbird, died on Monday, aged in his 90s.

Daverns success as a producer of Australian Drama led to a Logie Hall of Fame induction and an Order of Australia Medal for service to television as a writer, director and producer.

His career began in the 1960s as a writer and script editor with ABC Television. He was later employed in the areas of drama and music programmes as both producer and director, and is widely regarded as establishing the the Australian scriptwriting team process.

In 1967 he was director and producer of the very first Bellbird episode, staying with the series in a number of positions for seven years.

He created A Country Practice, one of the most popular drama series in Australian television history. The series ran from 1981 to 1993 with 1,058 episodes. It was briefly remade by Network 10 in 1994 which ran for just 30 episodes.

In 2021 Davern told A Country Podcast, There was a lot of opposition to it when it first started. Up til then Australian television drama had been, in the main, detectives chasing baddies, shoot-outs and chase sequences and all that sort of thing. But we didnt have any chase sequences, and we didnt have anyone shooting anyone. We just had a lot of people working away together, trying to make their lives work.

One of the statistics that really heartened me was that 1/3 of the audience was over 60, 1/3 was between 20 and 60, and 1/3 was under 20. Three generations of a family could sit down together. Now thats heartening.

In addition to memorable characters and drama moments such as Mollys death, ACP in 1989 featured an Indigenous activist who helped found the Canberra Tent Embassy.

Actor Gary Foley once told the Guardian, Jim Davern rung me up and asked me if I was interested. I said I was only interested if I could write my own character and my own dialogue. The character I wanted to play was an Aboriginal Christian pastor who advocated land rights.

Daverns prolific career as writer also included Homicide, Alpha Scorpio, Rush, Patrol Boat, Warming Up and as a producer and/or executive producer on Barnaby and Me, No Room to Run, Queen of the Road, Hectors Bunyip, Land of Hope, Whipping Boy, The Hostages, Reprisal and Without Warning.

Photo: A Country Podcast
President Yoon Suk Yeol said in an interview published Tuesday that military cooperation between North Korea and Russia poses serious threats to the region and beyond, and he plans to raise the issue during this week's summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum.

Yoon made the remarks in a written interview with the Associated Press, a day before he flies to San Francisco to attend the APEC summit, as the North is believed to have provided Russia with munitions and weapons for the war in Ukraine in exchange for Moscow's help with its military programs.

South Korean officials said the North has been preparing to make a third attempt to launch a military spy satellite after two failures earlier this year. Russia's technological assistance could help the North succeed in the upcoming launch.

"These two countries' military cooperation...not only poses a serious threat to the security of the Korean Peninsula, Northeast Asia and Europe but also undermines the universal rules-based international order," Yoon was quoted as saying.

Yoon said he will "underscore such diverse security threats" posed by the "illegal" military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow, and "discuss ways to strengthen cooperation" at the APEC meeting, according to the interview.

Yoon noted that North Korea's plan to launch a military reconnaissance satellite indicates it wants to advance its "nuclear delivery vehicle," and its successful launch will mean an advancement in its intercontinental ballistic missile capabilities.

"If North Korea succeeds in launching the military reconnaissance satellite, it would signify that North Korea's ICBM (intercontinental ballistic missile) capabilities have been taken to a higher level," Yoon said. "Therefore, we will have to come up with reinforced countermeasures."

Yoon warned that the North's provocations will bring "immediate and strong retaliation" from South Korea and the U.S. based on its alliance.

"An effective way to prevent North Korea from miscalculating is to demonstrate our robust deterrence capabilities and determination towards North Korea based on the solid ROK-U.S. joint defense posture," he said in the interview.

The ROK stands for South Korea's official name, the Republic of Korea. (Yonhap)
Mesopotamia is known as the "cradle of civilization," but it's still not the oldest on this list. Dorling Kindersley / Getty Images/Dorling Kindersley

How do you determine the oldest countries in the world?

We know how old the Earth is: about 4.54 billion years. But how do you measure the age of a country? Borders and governments change all the time. Sometimes a nation with a rich history is fairly young, like Russia, which formed in 1991 after the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

For the purposes of this list, we looked at places with a documented history of government or large organized civilizations within areas similar to the boundaries of present-day countries. It's unlikely historians will ever agree on a single "oldest country," but each of the nations on this list is a strong contender.

Here are the top 10 oldest countries in the world.

10. San Marino

This tiny nation on the Italian peninsula holds the Guinness World Record for the oldest existing republic in the world. With a total area of just 24 square miles (62.2 square kilometers), San Marino is one of the smallest countries in the world but has managed to hang onto its independence for centuries. (Vatican City is the smallest country in the world, at just 121 acres or 49 hectares.)

According to tradition, San Marino was founded on September 3, 301 C.E., by St. Marinus. Although historians dispute that founding date, it's true that San Marino has functioned as a self-governing republic since at least the 13th century CE.

The historic city center around Monte Titano is a UNESCO World Heritage site. According to UNESCO, San Marino is the "only surviving Italian city-state, representing an important stage in the development of democratic models in Europe and worldwide."

When Napoleon invaded Italy in his quest to build a world empire, he respected the small country's self-sovereignty, and when Italy unified in 1861, San Marino remained independent through formalized treaties.

9. Japan

Like San Marino, Japan has a semi-mythical founding date. The legendary Emperor Jimmu, a descendant of the sun goddess Amaterasu, is believed to have founded Japan's imperial dynasty in 660 B.C.E,. making Japan the oldest continuous hereditary monarchy in the world.

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Historians place the nation's founding somewhat later, around the mid-4th century C.E., when the archipelago's states merged into one.

According to Britannica, "The questions of how the unification of Japan was first achieved and of how the Yamato court, with the tenno ('emperor of heaven') at its centre, came into being in central Honshu have inspired many hypotheses, none of which has so far proved entirely convincing."

While Japan's unification remains murky, historians do agree that Japan has been occupied by humans since Paleolithic times. The archipelago's first inhabitants immigrated from the Korean peninsula via land connections over what is now the Korea Strait.

8. Mexico

Present-day Mexico's history can be traced back to 1200 B.C.E. with the founding of the Olmec civilization. The Olmecs lived along the Gulf of Mexico and southern Mexico and are famous for the huge basalt heads believed to represent Olmec rulers.

The Olmecs likely established the first form of writing in the Americas and participated in extensive trade networks. Their influence can be seen in the Mayan and Aztec cultures that later dominated the area.

7. Greece

The first government in present-day Greece actually predates ancient Greece. Beginning around 1600 B.C.E., the Mycenaean Civilization consisted of multiple kingdoms, including Thebes and Athens, which are some of the oldest continuously habited cities in the world.

"Control is everywhere present in the evidence: walls, roads, inventories, and orders for production," historian Dr. Carol G. Thomas writes in the Oxford Encyclopedia of Ancient Greece and Rome. "The strong presence of military activity in painted or sculptured representations, as well as in actual weapons and armor, describes the character of Mycenaean control."

The Mycenaean Civilization thrived in Greece until the mid-12th century B.C.E., when Greece experienced its Dark Age. However, the cultural legacy of the Mycenaeans lived on.

As Dr. Thomas describes it, "the Dark Age was not a wall of separation but a bridge of transition that reshaped an inheritance in accord with the difficult circumstances inherent in the Greek environment."

Today, the Mycenaean ruins of Mycenae and Tiryns are UNESCO World Heritage sites.

6. China

Government in China dates back to at least 1600 B.C.E. with the founding of the Shang dynasty, the first nonlegendary Chinese dynasty. (It's possible that evidence will later emerge to support the existence of the earlier Xia dynasty.)

The Shang dynasty controlled the northeast portion of present-day China, extending as far north as Hebei Province and as far west as Henan Province. During Shang rule (circa 1600-1046 B.C.E.), the Chinese created a 12-month, 360-day calendar and began developing the writing system used today.

The archeological site Yin Xu was the capital city of the Shang dynasty in 1300 B.C.E. and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

5. Iraq

Mesopotamia (present-day Iraq) is often called "the cradle of civilization." That has to make Iraq pretty old. But how old?

One estimate is 2334 B.C.E., the beginning of Sargon's rule. Sargon united the region's city-states under the Akkadian empire and established the first Semitic dynasty. Sargon ruled from the capital city Akkad (or Agade), believed to be somewhere on the Euphrates River but as of yet undiscovered.

4. Armenia

Armenian historian Movses Khorenatsi's "History of the Armenians" covers the period from creation until 428 C.E. Khorenatsi's account places the founding of Armenia at 2492 B.C.E., but until recently, there was no evidence to back up this early date.

A 2016 study published in the journal Nature found genetic evidence of Armenian origins dating between 3000 and 2000 B.C.E. "We note that these mixture dates also coincide with the legendary establishment of Armenia in 2492 B.C.E.," the study's authors wrote.

This DNA study confirms in general outline much of what we know about Armenian history, historian Hovann Simonian told the New York Times.

Genetic mixing decreased suddenly around 1200 B.C.E., "a time when Bronze Age civilizations in the Eastern Mediterranean world suddenly collapsed," the authors wrote. The study also showed a change in genetic makeup around 500 years ago, when the Ottoman-Persian wars split Armenia in two.

If Khorenatsi's account is true, Armenia could be one of the oldest countries in the world.

3. India

In 2023, the United Nations named present-day India the most populous country in the world. It's also one of the world's oldest countries.

The Indus Valley civilization, which thrived on the Indian subcontinent from 2500 B.C.E. until it was replaced by the Vedic civilization around 1500 B.C.E., was the most extensive of the world's three major early civilizations. (The others were Mesopotamia and Egypt.)

The Indus civilization stretched as far west as Sutkagan Dor near the Arabian Sea (in present-day Pakistan) and as far east as Alamgirpur, near India's current capital city of New Delhi.

Despite India's long history, by some measures, the country is only a few decades old. For almost a century from 1858 to 1947, India and Pakistan were part of the British empire. August 15, 1947, is celebrated as Independence Day  when India once again became a self-governing country.

2. Iran

The ancient kingdom of Elam was founded in present-day Iran around 2600 B.C.E. Its capital city was Susa, now a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Archeological evidence shows urban life in Susa from the fifth millennium B.C.E. to the 13th century C.E. At its height under Shilkhak-In-Shushinak, Elam extended west to the Tigris River (modern-day Iraq) and south to Persepolis.

Little is known of Elamite culture and religion due to the lack of materials and the fact that the Elamite language has not yet been deciphered.

By another measure, the country is very young. The Islamic Republic of Iran was established in 1979.

1. Egypt

Egypt is the oldest country in the world if we accept its founding as 3150 B.C.E. That's the estimated beginning of the reign of Narmer, the first king of the first dynasty of Egypt, and the end of the period considered predynastic or ancient Egypt.

The Narmer Palette (circa 3200-3000 B.C.E.) suggests Narmer unified Upper and Lower Egypt  on one side, Narmer is depicted wearing the White Crown of Upper Egypt; on the other, he wears the Red Crown of Lower Egypt.

Whether or not Narmer actually unified Egypt, the Palette dates to "precisely the period in which Egypt first became a unified, powerful, wealthy, and literate state," historian Robert J. Wenke wrote in The Oxford Encyclopedia of Ancient Egypt.

Original article: 10 Oldest Countries in the World
The Infrastructure Survey (Photo: Submitted)

Presented in collaboration with the three South Yorkshire Chambers, the QES is part of the largest and most representative independent business survey of its kind in the UK. Each quarter more than 6,000 businesses are asked to participate.

For the last survey of 2023, Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with Doncaster Chamber and Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber, are hoping to gain insight on how infrastructure in the region is affecting local businesses.

A similar Infrastructure Survey was carried out this time last year, so now the survey aims to gauge if the situation has improved since then. It asks the important questions about whether businesses think the regions transport networks are fit for purpose.

The data from this survey will allow each Chamber to authentically represent its members on these issues and amplify its collective voice to influence local and national governments or policy makers to support local businesses in the region.

Louisa Harrison-Walker, CEO of Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, said: With our latest QES, local businesses have a valuable opportunity to discuss their infrastructure needs. We recognise that if infrastructure is not up to scratch it can have negative implications for businesses and employees.

Its important for us to gain these insights so we can inform conversations on a national level and lobby for meaningful change, especially in light of the recent HS2 cancellation and debates over how the government may reinvest funding to transform infrastructure in the North.

With that said, I urge all organisations in Sheffield to spare just a few minutes to fill in the Infrastructure Survey and make their voice heard. Every response counts and each will make a massive difference to the future of the region.

The QES makes real change possible. Following the Q2 QES Survey earlier this year, the results revealed that businesses in our region were struggling with recruitment and retention.

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In response, Sheffield Chamber of Commerce ran a series of online seminars to educate businesses on recruiting the best staff.

Sheffield-based solicitors Fragomen and recruitment experts Pratap sponsored a session to offer businesses across the region valuable insights and practical strategies. The final webinar was also uploaded online for those who couldnt attend.

The Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, as part of the wider British Chambers of Commerce, represents Sheffield on a regional and national level, and helps businesses to grow and build communities.

The deadline to share your views to The QES Infrastructure Survey is December 5. Have your say now.
FILE PHOTO: State Opening of the Parliament, at the Houses of Parliament, in London

By Andrea Shalal

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -British Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch plans to attend a meeting of a major trans-Pacific trade pact, which does not include the United States, on Wednesday on the sidelines of an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco.

It will be Britain's first attendance at a meeting of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) after London signed up to the trade bloc in New Zealand in July, a British official said.

U.S. officials had no immediate information about the CPTPP meeting, saying that the United States had not been invited.

CPTPP is a free trade agreement sealed in 2018 between 11 countries - Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam - after the former Trump administration withdrew the United States from the proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). Britain is the only European member of CPTPP and the first new country to join since it was created in 2018.

"Joining CPTPP will link the UK to some of the world's most dynamic economies, a club that is worth 12 trillion pounds ($14.99 trillion) of gross domestic product," the official said.

Details about the CPTPP meeting and which countries will participate were not immediately available.

To date, China, Costa Rica, Ecuador and Taiwan have applied to join the trade pact, and South Korea, Thailand, and Ukraine are also considering membership.

The United States has said it is not interested in joining the trade bloc, despite calls from some lawmakers to sign up. Washington is advancing its own initiative, the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF).

($1 = 0.8006 pounds)

(Reporting by Andrea Shalal; Editing by Susan Fenton, Robert Birsel)
U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin on Tuesday expressed concerns over North Korea's growing nuclear and cyber threats, and its expanding military cooperation with Russia for its war in Ukraine.

The Pentagon chief used his speech to the defense ministerial meeting with the United Nations Command (UNC) and South Korea during his Seoul visit to address growing North Korean threats and call for closer cooperation among the UNC member states.

Austin said North Korea is supplying "lethal aid" to Russia to fuel its war in Ukraine, while Russia is providing more support in "wide-ranging illicit activities."

"We are also troubled by the recent growth in military cooperation between Russia and DPRK," Austin said, referring to North Korea's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

The remark comes as the North is believed to be in the final stage of preparations to make a third attempt to launch a military spy satellite after two failures earlier this year. Seoul officials said Russia's technological assistance could help the North succeed in the upcoming launch.

The U.S. official criticized China and Russia, two permanent members of the U.N. Security Council with veto power, for helping Pyongyang by refusing to hold it accountable for recent provocations.

"We are deeply concerned that the PRC and Russia are helping the DPRK to expand its capabilities by enabling it to evade sanctions from the U.N. Security Council," Austin said, referring to China's official name, People's Republic of China.

In this vein, Austin praised the UNC's role in promoting peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula over the past 70 years and called for closer cooperation among member states to help deter North Korea's provocations.

"Today we have come together to shore up security for the next 70 years and our shared commitment for the defense of the Republic of Korea, and the peace and stability on this peninsula will remain vital," he said.

During the inaugural meeting, Defense Minister Shin Won-sik shared Austin's concerns and issued warnings against Pyongyang.

"I warn North Korea. Now as a U.N. member, engaging in illegal aggression against the UNC will be a self-contradiction," Shin said in a remark.

If North Korea makes a provocation, Shin said its regime will face "strong retaliation" from the international community with the UNC member states at the center.

"If countries that assisted North Korea during the Korean War decide to support it again, they will face consequences similar to those of North Korea," Shin said, apparently referring to China and Russia.

"This meeting will serve as a powerful warning to countries or groups attempting to reject the international order based on rules and seeking to change the status quo through force," he added.

The UNC was established in July 1950 under a U.N. mandate to support South Korea against North Korea's aggression and has been overseeing the armistice that halted the 1950-53 Korean War.

On Monday, North Korea renewed its calls for dissolving the UNC, denouncing the meeting between South Korea and the UNC member states as a "dangerous" scheme to spark a "new war of aggression" against Pyongyang. (Yonhap)
The Institute for Social Development Studies (ISDS) in collaboration with Plan International Vietnam recently organized a workshop entitled "Project summary: Increasing awareness of ethnic minority youth about human trafficking and child marriage through digital technology - EMPoWR/Em Vui.

The overall goal of the project is for girls, boys, young men and women of ethnic minorities (from 10 - 24 years old) to use digital spaces to learn and access their rights. , access support services and contribute your opinions to policy makers.

The project is implemented from June 2020 to the end of June 2023 in 4 provinces, 11 districts and 52 communes of Ha Giang, Lai Chau, Quang Binh and Quang Tri provinces.

Ethnic minority students were excited to participate in a training class.







According to Dr. Khuat Thu Hong, Director of the Institute for Social Development Studies (ISDS), "The project has received effective support from central and government agencies as well as relevant agencies in the project area. The most important thing is that the project has been very enthusiastically received by ethnic minority youth in 4 provinces. Em Vui's products are loved and widely used by children, teachers, and social organizations in the project area."

According to Dr. Khuat Thu Hong, the lesson learned through this project is mutual respect and trust between partners and love for the children. That is the condition and motivation to achieve success.

Although the project closed, the Em Vui online platform is still there. Em Vui is still a reliable and useful address for teenagers and local officials and teachers in their efforts to join hands to repel child marriage and prevent human trafficking, helping teenagers grow up. to be safe, healthy and have a happy life", Dr. Khuat Thu Hong shared.

Expressing his interest in using the Em Vui platform in discussion session No. 1 on experiences using the Em Vui platform locally, Ho T.R.T, a member of the Bru Van Kieu ethnic group in Huong Hoa district of Quang Tri province, expressed his interest in using the Em Vui platform. or, On the Em Vui platform, I watched animated episodes of "Mi's Journey" about human trafficking and child marriage. In addition, I also learn lessons about safety in cyberspace."

Teacher Nguyen Thi Hong Nhung, a teacher in Lao Va Chai commune, Yen Minh district, Ha Giang province said: "The school has organized many activities of the Em Vui Project at school such as cyber safety training and promoting the use of the Em Vui platform as well as guiding children to participate in competitions and programs. The students are extremely excited and interested in the rich and useful content."

It is known that Em Vui is an open space that attracts the participation and connects relevant individuals, agencies and organizations to join hands to spread knowledge, skills and spread useful messages to the community. teenagers in all parts of the country. This is also a dialogue forum between ethnic minority youth and policy planners and managers from relevant agencies at all levels.

In the past 6 months, there have been an average of nearly 400 visits per day, most of which are ethnic minority teenagers in the project areas of Ha Giang, Lai Chau, Quang Binh and Quang Tri provinces.

The Em Vui project also directly trained 7,458 ethnic minority youth on Internet knowledge and cyber safety skills. After the training, 4,766 students have basic knowledge of cyber safety issues.

In 2022, the project communicated directly to 8,771 ethnic minority youth. In 2023, the communication activity "Promoting the use of Em Vui online platform" attracted more than 20,000 ethnic minority teenagers.

Thuy Vi
SEOUL  Vietjet has been honoured with two Korean awards, winning first place in the air transportation category at the "Consumer Satisfaction Brand Awards 2023" (CSBA) hosted by JoongAng Ilbo, one of the major newspapers in South Korea, and the "2023 Korea Consumer Best Brand Awards" (CBBA).

The awards aim to recognise global and domestic companies for bringing the best experiences to their Korean customers in various industries, considering the company's reliability, service experience, and company value. Vietjet is the only airline brand honoured at both awards this year.

Myung-seo Koo, business director of JoongAng Ilbo, said: The ultimate goal of this event is to select reliable companies through the Consumer Satisfaction Brand Awards. We will establish an exemplary corporate image by comprehensively judging the safety of the brand, public trust, and excellence of service.

The Korea Consumer Best Brand Awards organiser said the purpose of the award is to select companies or brands with high consumer satisfaction through not only brand competitiveness but also customer satisfaction management and sound social values.

Since its first flight to Seoul in 2014, Vietjet has transported nearly 7.4 million passengers on 14 routes, with over 300 weekly flights connecting South Korea's major cities of Seoul, Busan, and Daegu to Viet Nams famous destinations of HCM City, Ha Noi, Hai Phong, a Nang, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Can Tho, and a Lat.

When flying with Vietjet, passengers also receive complimentary SkyCare insurance, experience flights on new aircraft with professional and dedicated crews, and enjoy delicious hot and fresh meals. Vietjet also runs many frequent ticket promotions to provide affordable airfares to Korean consumers.

The airline said it will open its 15th route in the South Korea-Viet Nam network, connecting the coastal cities of Busan and Phu Quoc starting from December 2023.

Vietjet previously has been named Asia's Leading Airline for Customer Experience 2023 by the prestigious global award, World Travel Awards. The airline has also won international awards from reputable organisations such as Skytrax, World Business Outlook, and AirlineRatings.

A new route to Shanghai

Vietjet also said it will open a new route connecting HCM City to the bustling and vibrant Shanghai City to celebrate the festive season.

From December 1, the airline will offer one return flight on the route per day. With a flight time of just over four hours, flights from Tan Son Nhat International Airport take off at 16:25 (local time) and land at Pudong International Airport at 21:30 (local time). Flights from Shanghai depart at 23:00 (local time) and arrive at 02:45 (local time) in HCM City.

Shanghai, the city located on the Huangpu River, is one of the top famous cities in China that attracts tourists not only for its scenic landmarks, bustling shopping centres, and vibrant urban life but also for being a leading economic, financial, and logistics hub in China, as well as in the region and the world.

"The route connecting Shanghai to HCM City will create more opportunities for investment cooperation, economic and cultural exchanges, facilitating easy travel not only between the two cities but also expanding further with Vietjet's flight network across various destinations in Asia and Australia," Vietjet said in a statement.

Vietjet warmly welcomes passengers on flights full of happiness and smiles. With Vietjets modern and eco-friendly fleet, professional and dedicated flight crews, passengers can enjoy delicious, hot and fresh organic meals from around the world, together with attractive performances at an altitude of 10,000 metres.

Passengers having flights with Vietjet also receive complimentary Sky Care insurance and opportunities to accumulate points for attractive rewards through the Vietjet SkyJoy loyalty programme.  VNS
KUALA LUMPUR  Vietnam Airlines (VNA) has officially become a member of the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA). This event marks a significant step forward for Vietnam Airlines in expanding international cooperation and enhancing its presence in the Asian region.

As a member of the AAPA, Vietnam Airlines will participate in the Association's meetings and joint activities. Through this, the airline can stay updated and exchange information about trends in the aviation industry, while also receiving in-depth insights, forecasts and advice from top experts in the region and the world. These activities will help enhance the efficiency of Vietnam Airlines' management, operations and service quality. Additionally, Vietnam Airlines can establish and strengthen bilateral relationships with leading airlines in Asia, diversify its product offerings, and provide passengers with more attractive and high-quality options.

Subhas Menon, Director General of the AAPA, said, It is an honour for AAPA to welcome Vietnam Airlines into our ranks. Vietnam Airlines has been a renowned international carrier for years, playing a crucial role in the development of Viet Nams economy and its aviation industry. The airline will add significant weight to AAPA as the voice of airlines in the Asia Pacific region.

Le Hong Ha, CEO of Vietnam Airlines, stated, "Through our membership in AAPA, Vietnam Airlines will not only enhance its operational efficiency within the Asia-Pacific region but also elevate Viet Nams national airline's global reputation. Vietnam Airlines will also have the opportunity to contribute valuable viewpoints and perspectives from both the airline and the broader Vietnamese aviation industry on important regional issues. Moreover, AAPA membership will facilitate collaboration between Vietnam Airlines and leading Asian airlines, resulting in the delivery of even more exceptional products and services to passengers worldwide."

Global passengers appreciate Vietnam Airlines for its safety, punctuality, high-quality services and distinctly Vietnamese cultural characteristics. The national airline has maintained its 4-star Skytrax service quality for many consecutive years. In 2023, Vietnam Airlines was honoured with the "5-Star International Airline" award by The Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX). Throughout its development journey, Vietnam Airlines is proud to be a bridge for trade, tourism and culture between Viet Nam and the world.  VNS
HA NOI  Viet Nam aims to increase the share of renewable energy in the primary energy supply to around 20 per cent in 2030 and around 85 per cent in 2050.

That was the message from Tran Hong Thai, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Science and Technology, at yesterday's 1st Asia Meeting on Environment and Electrical Engineering.

Thai said Viet Nam was pressing ahead with the phase-in of renewable energy and had launched many programmes, including the national "Researching and Developing Energy Technologies Programme" which is aimed at facilitating investment in green energy and smart grids.

He also said the ministry had recently submitted a legal draft to the Prime Minister for approval, which involves the decommissioning of low-efficiency equipment. The draft was green in that it had a provision for low-efficiency gas- and coal-powered generators.

Guido Hildner, German Ambassador to Viet Nam, said Germany was providing more than 1 billion euros for cooperation projects in Viet Nam, most of which focused on green energy transition.

"We are supporting Viet Nam to read existing job profiles and develop new ones with green skills. Each year, 35,000 trainees are benefiting directly from our cooperation", said the ambassador.

He added that in the next two years, Germany would provide another 61 million euros for projects in three areas - forestry, energy, and vocational training.

ang Bang Viet, Deputy Director of Science, Technology & Energy Department, Vietnam Electricity, said the National Power Development Plan VIII (PDP VIII) had set the targets for energy transition in Viet Nam in the next decades.

From 2023 to 2050, under the plan, the share of renewable energy in the energy mix is expected to increase from 26 to 62 per cent. Hydropower would move in the opposite direction, from 28 to 6 per cent. The same goes for coal-derived power, which would be phased out during the period.

Meanwhile, gas-derived power is projected to increase from 11 per cent in 2023 to 25 per cent in 2030, then decrease gradually to 8 per cent by 2050.

Khanh Duc Hoang, a representative from the Institute of Energy, said coal-derived power would be completely phased out by 2050. Gas-derived power, meanwhile, was expected to become the core part of the energy mix by 2030 but would be gradually superseded by hydrogen by 2050.

Solar power is projected to hit 189 GW by the date under PDP VIII whereas wind power would contribute 30 GW in 2030 and 170 GW in 2050 to the national power output.

Nguyen Quang Minh, Director of Power Market Development Research and Training Center, said renewable energy would become mainstream in Viet Nam in the long term but it would be not the case in the short- and medium-term because traditional energy still takes a large share of the pie.

Of the 271.1 TWh of electricity generated in 2022, 38 per cent came from coal, 30 per cent from hydropower, 11 per cent from gas & oil, 10 per cent from solar farms, 3.3 per cent from wind farms, 6.7 per cent from small hydro, and 1.2 per cent from imports.  VNS
HA NOI  One of the best-selling instrumental artists of all time, Grammy award-winning saxophonist Kenny G is in Ha Noi, ready for his concert at the My inh National Convention Hall on Tuesday (November 14).

His concert, the second after first playing in Viet Nam seven years ago, marks the opening of Good Morning Vietnam, an international music project dedicated to the community in the Southeast Asia country.

The project, initiated by Nhan Dan (People) newspaper, aims to support families of Vietnamese invalids and martyrs, as well as pupils and teachers working in remote areas.

Talking with local media in a press conference in Ha Noi yesterday, the famous saxophonist said he is very excited to come back to perform in Viet Nam.

My team and I didnt know that our music was so popular here. And now, when I know about that, I hope I will have a chance to perform here in Viet Nam more, Kenny G said.

The 67-year-old artist surprised the conference attendees by playing a short tune from Forever in Love.

During the one-night-only concert, the American saxophonist will enchant the audience with several of his hits such as Going Home, The Joy of Life, Forever in Love, Sentimental, By the Time This Night Is Over, Songbird, Havana, The Moment, and My Heart Will Go On.

The repertoire will also include a song from his 20th studio album, Innocence, which will be available in early December.

Earlier, the Viet Nam-based international-standard concert organiser IB Group  one of two concert organisers, suggested a repertoire including a Vietnamese folk tune. They sent the artist the sheet music of Beo Dat May Troi (Floating Water-ferns and Wandering Clouds)  a very popular folk song. However, the artist wasn't able to make it work this time.

I was busy travelling all over the world over the past months for my concert tour and didnt have time to work with that piece because to be able to play a tune, it is more than playing music notes. I listened to it and found the melody quite interesting, he said.

Kenny G, renowned for his contributions to music, has recently expanded his philanthropic efforts. In addition to being the first international artist to perform at a charity concert, he generously donated a saxophone to support individuals facing challenging circumstances, with a focus on helping children.

This donation holds sentimental value, as the saxophone is a replica of a 1950 model that Kenny G played during his student days, a version no longer in production. His involvement in this project, especially following his second visit to Viet Nam, demonstrates his dedication to using his platform for meaningful causes.

According to Le Quoc Minh, Editor-in-chief of Nhan Dan newspaper, the item will go under the hammer at an auction soon after the concert.

We have some enterprises and individuals who show interest in the auction and wish to own this meaningful saxophone. The auction of this item will contribute significantly to our funds to support people in difficult circumstances."

To show their great appreciation for the guest artist, the concert organiser gave him a Bat Trang ceramic vase depicting images of famous spots in Ha Noi such as One Pillar Pagoda and Flag Tower.

Before arriving in Ha Noi, the Kenny G team sent a 60-page list of requirements on accommodation, transportation, sound equipment, and stage, aiming to guarantee the best quality for the concert.

On his first visit to Viet Nam seven years ago, the artist was impressed by the Vietnamese bun cha -- vermicelli with grilled pork and fresh herbs. So this time, one of his requirements is to sample the dish again, which is one of the characteristic foods of Ha Noi.

After the concert, the artist said that he would travel to a Nang and Hoi An, where I can explore this beautiful country for the first time.

Kenny G is an American composer, producer, and saxophone legend with hundreds of instrumental music pieces. In 1994, he won the Grammy for Best Instrumental Composition for Forever in Love. He has sold over 75 million records worldwide and became one of the best-selling artists of all time. He became a very familiar name for Vietnamese audiences during the 1990s.  VNS
Thu Ha

My Malaysian friend Chiam Jia Xin recently visited Ha Noi. He asked me to travel to the mountainous province of Ha Giang with him and try a local specialty dish.

As a foodie, Chiam said: Ive heard that apart from the natural beauty of the landscape, there are still many specialties such as chao au tau (rice porridge with pork leg, stir-fried minced pork and au tau root); thang co (horse meat & bones) and particularly thang den (floating rice cakes).

He said he was very excited to be able to try thang den.

We headed to Ha Giang by car the next day.

On the way, Chiam told me that he was fascinated with the virgin beauty of the landscapes of Ha Giang, such as fields of buckwheat flowers which were blossoming to welcome us.

I love the immense light pink of the flowers which are in full bloom, as if this rocky plateau is wearing a new beautiful shirt. It helps me to relax so much, Chiam said.

I told him that in the past the buckwheat seeds had been used to cook cake and porridge and make wine.

When we arrived in the city centre, Chiam said he wanted to try thang den cake immediately.

A tour guide led us to a shop that was filled with the fragrance of molasses mixed with ginger and thang den cakes inside and outside.

My mouth was watering, and Chiams too.

After we waited a few minutes, a waiter brought us each a bowl of colourful rice cakes floating in hot sweetened ginger water topped with roasted peanuts. We eagerly started to eat.

The small rice balls were soft but filling, we slurped the hot sweet ginger water spoon by spoon and enjoyed its fragrance.

I love this dish for its fragrance from sticky rice, fieriness from ginger mixed with molasses, and buttery richness from roasted peanuts. It is more enjoyable when trying it on a cold day, said Chiam, adding that he felt rejuvenated, no longer tired from the journey.

Chiam asked the shop owner Trinh Thi Vinh how to make the cake.

Vinh said to produce the best cakes, she uses special sticky rice called Yen Minh grown right in Ha Giang Province. Different from lowland sticky rice, this rice seed is bigger and firmer.

It has a buttery rich taste, soft and very fragrant, that no other sticky rice can compare to, Vinh said.

The rice should be soaked in water for 5-6 hours and ground to a wet powder, then when the dough becomes elastic it is rolled into balls the size of a big toe tip with green bean mixed with sesame and coconut threads, she said. The last step is to boil the balls until they float, then serve them in a bowl with molasses-sweetened ginger water.

They are best when topped with roasted peanuts and eaten hot, she said.

Chiam told me that he would remember the recipe and ask his mother to cook the dish at home in Malaysia. VNS
Dr Mattias Larsson*

Thuy is a lively 12-year-old girl. She went on vacation to the countryside in central Viet Nam to help her grandmother on her farm. A few days after coming back home she developed fever, pain, headache, puffy eyelids, tenderness and swelling in the neck.

She was taken to a local clinic that diagnosed parotitis and treated her with an oral antibiotic and paracetamol. She got some temporary relief, but after some days the symptoms got worse.

The high fever persisted, and the neck pain and headache worsened. She also developed torticollis and overall muscle pain. She was unable to open her mouth and mostly lost her appetite. She also developed chest pain and cough.

The increasingly worried parents decided to take Thuy to Family Medical Practice. When examined the paediatrician noted swollen glands near the ears and enlarged lymph nodes in the neck. She was breathing rapidly, and their chest appeared to be sinking inwards. When listened to with a stethoscope, crackling sounds were heard. An ultrasound revealed inflammation in the salivary glands and an abscess in the back of the throat. Blood tests showed signs of a bacterial infection, anemia (low red blood cell count) due to Thalassemia (hereditary small red blood cells). Chest X-rays showed irregular spots and consolidation in the upper part of the lungs.

When asked about exposures, Thuy said that she had helped her grandmother in the rice fields wet soil and got some cuts on her feet and legs. The paediatrician knew that Burkholderia pseudomallei, a bacterium common in southeast Asian soil and surface water, can enter the body through small wounds, spread through the blood and cause Melioidosis (Whitmores disease) with abscess.

However, the correct diagnosis of Melioidosis is tricky as it mimics many other conditions, hence also called the great mimicker. The diagnosis was confirmed through blood and pus fluid cultures incubated for 48 hours that showed bacterial colonies with metallic shine that was positive for the Three Antibiotic Disk Test typical Burkholderia pseudomallei antibiotic resistance pattern.

Thuy was treated with an intensive treatment for two weeks including intravenous antibiotics. Her condition improved and she had no more fever. However, to eradicate the infection she had to use an oral antibiotic for another four months.

Melioidosis spreads through direct contact of contaminated soil dust or water droplets, ingestion of contaminated water, food or through skin abrasions. It is very rare for people to get the disease from another person. Persons with open skin wounds should avoid contact with soil and standing water. Farmers are recommended to wear boots to prevent exposure through the feet and lower legs.

Although healthy people may get melioidosis, underlying medical conditions that may increase the risk include diabetes, liver and kidney disease, cancer, chronic lung disease and, as for Thuy, thalassemia.

There are several types of melioidosis infections, localised abscess, lung and blood infections, each with different symptoms but all including high fever. Children often present with parotitis, an inflammation of the salivary glands located near the ear. The incubation period can range from one day to many years, but generally symptoms appear two to four weeks after exposure.

Children under 16 years of age constitute 515 per cent of melioidosis cases and compared to adults have lower mortality rates, are less likely to be associated with underlying diseases and more likely to involve localized disease such as parotitis.

Melioidosis is underdiagnosed as few physicians know about the disease, hence limited number of clinical specimens are sent for bacterial cultures and if sent the 48-hour incubation of agar plates is not always performed correctly. There is a new point of care test, the Active Melioidosis Detect (AMD) that hopefully will be available soon. Raising awareness for the disease amongst the public, physicians and laboratory staff as well as introducing a simple laboratory algorithm could increase the detection rate significantly. Family Medical Practice

*Dr Mattias Larsson is a paediatric doctor at Family Medical Practice and associate professor at Karolinska Institutet and has a long experience in research on infectious diseases. He has worked with the Oxford University Clinical Research Unit and the Ministry of Health of Vietnam. He is fluent in English, Swedish, Vietnamese, German and some Spanish.

Visit Family Medical Practice Hanoi 24/7 at 298I P. Kim Ma, Kim Ma, Ba inh.

To book an appointment, please call us at (024).3843.0784 or via Whatsapp, Viber or Zalo on +84.944.43.1919 or email hanoi@vietnammedicalpractice.com.

FMPs downtown location in Ho Chi Minh is in Diamond Plaza, 34 . Le Duan, Ben Nghe, district 1, Thanh pho and 95 . Thao ien, district 2. Tel. (028) 3822 7848 or email hcmc@vietnammedicalpractice.com.
BRUSSELS  The 50th founding anniversary of diplomatic ties between Viet Nam and Luxembourg (November 15, 1973 - 2023) will open up a new chapter for the bilateral relations, a Vietnamese diplomat has affirmed.

In an interview granted to the Viet Nam News Agency (VNA)s resident correspondent in Brussels, Vietnamese Ambassador to Belgium and Luxemburg Nguyen Van Thao, who is also Head of the Vietnamese delegation to the European Union (EU), noted that the relationship has witnessed very good development steps over the past five decades.

According to the ambassador, the signing of the EU-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and particularly the visit to Luxembourg by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in December 2022 have opened up a new page for the bilateral relations, which targets green finance  an outstanding strength of Luxembourg over the past decades.

Viet Nam should learn from Luxembourgs experience in financial services to make changes in its development path and optimise advantages to create development breakthroughs, he said.

Green finance plays a crucial role as Viet Nam is pursuing a green, sustainable economy, he said, adding the country and its international partners announced the establishment of the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), and it made strong commitments at the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26).

The ambassador also highlighted the establishment of the Vietnam-Luxembourg strategic partnership on green finance on the occasion of the official visit to Viet Nam by Luxembourg Prime Minister Xavier Bettel in May, which, he said, has laid a firm foundation for the bilateral cooperation.

Green finance was also tabled for discussion during the visit to Luxembourg by Minister of Finance Ho uc Phoc and representatives from the State Securities Commission (SSC), the Hanoi Stock Exchange, the HCM Stock Exchange, and four major banks of Viet Nam in July, the ambassador said.

The two sides agreed to coordinate to issue government bonds and green bonds, towards corporate bonds in Luxembourg, he continued, noting to that end, Viet Nam needs good legal and technical systems and capable human resources.

The diplomat expressed his belief that there will be specific action programmes that are expected to give momentum to Vietnams green development in the coming time.  VNS
HA NOI  The Vietnamese Embassy in Myanmar has promptly devised plans to protect and ensure the safety of Vietnamese citizens living and working in some northern states which have seen complex security developments in recent days.

In response to this situation and following the guidance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), the embassy has also actively engaged in discussions with relevant local authorities, requesting support measures from the Myanmar side to ensure security and safety for Vietnamese citizens and to create favourable conditions for them to leave dangerous areas.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, meanwhile, has contacted relevant authorities of China and Myanmar, seeking their assistance to Viet Nam in safeguarding its citizens in the region.

The MoFA has advised Vietnamese citizens to avoid traveling to or staying in Shan, Kayin and Rakhine states, if not absolutely necessary. Those currently living in these states should promptly evacuate themselves and their assets to a third country or return to Viet Nam.

Citizens should get regularly updated information from the Myanmar authorities and the MoFA (Consular Department or Vietnamese Embassy in Myanmar) to respond promptly.

In case of emergencies, they can contact the hotlines for citizen protection of the embassy at +959660888998 and of the MoFA's Consular Department at +84 981 84 84 84; +84 965 41 11 18 or its email at baohocongdan@gmail.com.

Myanmar's border region has been boiling with decades-old tensions between ethnic armed groups and the government over resource exploitation rights.

Since late October, a coalition of three rebel forces has attacked the Myanmar army in Shan state in the northeast region bordering China, capturing several towns and causing the displacement of at least 50,000 people and cutting off trade routes, according to United Nations.

China has called on all sides to end the conflict.

The rebel alliance says it has so far seized more than 100 military outposts. Towns in the Kayin region (central Myanmar, to the west of Shan State) were also attacked.  VNS
TAY NINH  Tay Ninh Province is boosting the development of high-tech agriculture to increase product value and develop agricultural production sustainably.

The south-eastern province has abundant human and natural resources and favourable weather for developing agriculture.

Nguyen inh Xuan, director of the province Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, said the province had identified agriculture as one of the pillars of its economy.

The province has many favourable conditions for developing agriculture as it has 341,897ha of farmland, accounting for 84.6 per cent of its total area, according to Xuan.

The agriculture sector makes many important contributions to the provinces socio-economic development.

More farmers in the province have increased the use of machines in their production to reduce labour costs and increase efficiency.

The use of machines is focused on the provinces key agricultural products such as rice, sugarcane and cassava.

In rice cultivation, the use of machines is 100 per cent for tilling, 2.9 per cent for sowing, 65-70 per cent for tending and 95-100 per cent for harvesting.

In sugarcane cultivation, the use is 100 per cent for tilling, 50-70 per cent for tending, and 40 per cent for harvesting.

Nguyen Huu Nghi, who has one of the largest sugarcane farming areas in the province, said this year he spent more than VN10 billion (US$420,000) to buy machines for growing the cane.

He said he used machines to grow and harvest all his 310ha of sugarcane.

Previously, he hired about 100 workers to harvest sugarcane manually and they could harvest about 150 tonnes of cane a day, he said.

He now hires 15 workers to operate harvesting machines and they can harvest about 300 tonnes a day, he said.

With the use of machines for all cultivation stages, he earns a profit of VN16-20 million (US$670-820) per hectare a year, he said.

Besides using machines to reduce labour costs, the province has increased growing high-value crops to improve production efficiency.

The province has turned about 7,640ha of farmlands that grow ineffective crops into growing fruits between 2020 and the first half of this year.

In animal husbandry, more farmers have switched from small-scale breeding to industrial breeding and farms.

The province has 627 animal farms and 107 poultry farms, up 12.6 per cent from 2020.

It has more than 10 million poultry, up 6.1 per cent against 2020.

The production value of agriculture is now VN109 million ($4,500) per hectare a year, up VN9 million ($370) from 2020.

The province has implemented 39 agriculture extension models to provide advanced farming techniques for farmers between 2020 and the first half of this year.

It has assisted farmers and organisations to implement origin traceability for 1,728ha of farming area and granted 130,500 origin stamps for five types of fruits  mango, green skin and pink flesh grapefruit, honeydew melon, Thai custard apple and Hoang Hau custard apple.

It has 15 farming areas totalling 552ha that have been granted production codes for exporting to China, the US and the EU.

However, the development of high-tech agriculture faces difficulties such as the small number of high-tech farming models and the shortage of workers who can use high-tech farming methods.

Nguyen Thi Kim Oanh, director of the province Department of Science and Technology, said the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development should co-operate with relevant departments and agencies to research and apply science and technology in agriculture production to adapt to climate change, develop high-tech farming areas, and develop smart, clean, organic and ecological agriculture, and high-tech farms and agricultural co-operatives.

Her department would support the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to develop agricultural products and the key products of craft villages which have advantages for becoming products under the countrys One Commune-One Product programme, and build brand names for agriculture, forestry and fishery products and craft villages key products, she said.

Investment

The province has invested in many irrigation systems to boost agricultural production.

It has built 48 infrastructure projects for agricultural production and clean water for rural areas worth a total of VN559 billion ($23 million) between 2020 and the first half of this year.

A project providing irrigation for the west area of the Vam Co River has completed its first phase and serves to irrigate 17,000ha of farming areas.

To further develop high-tech agriculture, the province plans to develop 20 high-tech farming areas covering a total of 11,000ha in 2022-30.

They include 13 crop growing areas, five animal breeding areas, and two farming areas for both growing crops and breeding animals.

Xuan, director of the province Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, said the province had attracted many investors to invest in breeding animals.

Up to 148 animal breeding projects had been registered for investing in the province, and the province Peoples Committee had approved 112 of the projects with a total investment capital of VN9.6 trillion ($390 million), he said.

The approved projects breed chickens, pigs, cattle and goats.

Fifty-four approved projects have been implemented and operated.  VNS
HA NOI  The Vietnam Red Cross Society will host the 11th Asia-Pacific Regional Conference of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (AP-11) in Ha Noi from November 20 to 23.

Themed Asia-Pacific: Prepared for disaster, the AP-11 will feature 450 participants, including 100 domestic members and 350 international guests from all national Red Cross and Red Crescent associations in the Asia-Pacific region and the Middle East - North Africa region.

President of the Vietnam Red Cross Society (VNRC) Bui Thi Hoa told a press conference on November 13: The AP-11 is an opportunity to promote the VNRC's development cooperation activities with international partners and organisations and businesses in Viet Nam, affirming the Vietnamese Governments commitment and the responsibility of regional Red Cross and Red Crescent societies in responding to climate change and disasters."

At the event, participants will review the results of humanitarian activities from the AP10 conference in 2018 until now and discuss orientation plans for the entire Asia-Pacific region for the period 2023-26.

They will also discuss promoting cooperation, coordination mechanisms and exchange of experiences among national associations in the Asia-Pacific region.

Within the framework of the conference, VNRC will also organise the Red Cross - Red Crescent Youth forum in the Asia-Pacific region with the theme "Improving resilience: Inspiring youth leaders inspiration to promote creativity and prepare for disasters".

The forum will be attended by 60 Red Cross and Red Crescent youth delegates representing 60 countries in the region, one delegate from each country.

Nguyen Thuc Thuy Tien, Miss Viet Nam 2018, a typical youth delegate with many social activities, will represent Viet Nam at the forum.  VNS
HA NOI  Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh received in Ha Noi on Tuesday French virologist Prof. Francoise Barre-Sinoussi during which he asked France in general, the Paris-based Pasteur Institute and the Professor, to encourage scientists to continue conducting research, especially those on emerging infectious diseases in Viet Nam.

The PM expressed his admiration for the French professor, who co-discovered the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that causes AIDS in 1983, received a Nobel Prize in Medicine in 2008. Since 1988, the professor has come to Vietnam more than 20 times and provided training for and helped scientists, hospitals and research institutes connect with experts around the world and join international research network.

Chinh said that the Viet Nam-France cooperation has been continuously strengthened and developed over the past time, including medical collaboration, especially in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. He affirmed that Viet Nam appreciated the results of medical cooperation with France in general and with the Pasteur Institute in particular.

He suggested that France in general, the Pasteur Institute and Prof. Barre-Sinoussi encourage scientists to continue conducting research, especially those on emerging infectious diseases in Viet Nam; further support Viet Nam in expanding cooperative activities, exchanging experiences, training scientific staff, building facilities, transferring technology, and implementing research projects in preventing and controlling HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B and C and other infectious diseases in Viet Nam.

The PM proposed continuing technical assistance and choosing Viet Nam as one of the global research sites in the field of health in general and monitoring the status of epidemic models in particular, consulting on developing policies to meet the goal of ending HIV/AIDS and other epidemics in the country.

He also suggested helping Viet Nam in training medical human resources, increasing scholarships for Vietnamese medical students and staff to study and practice in France, acting as a bridge for scientists to exchange and work in the two countries, and providing funding for Viet Nam to implement specific programmes and projects in the health sector.

Prof. Barre-Sinoussi and her colleagues thanked the Vietnamese Government and Prime Minister for their support and for creating conditions for the two sides to cooperate and effectively implement projects in the field of health, serving as a model for the world to follow.

They said that they will continue to accompany Viet Nam not only in the fight against HIV but also in the prevention and control of infectious diseases such as COVID-19, tuberculosis, hepatitis, monkeypox, dengue fever and other emerging infectious diseases.

They added they are ready to provide technical assistance, exchange research, support human resources training in the health sector for Viet Nam and act as a bridge connecting Vietnamese scientists and those in the world as the Vietnamese Prime Minister suggested.  VNS
HA NOI  The Vietnam News Agency (VNA) and the Armenpress News Agency of Armenia signed a cooperation agreement via video conferencing on Tuesday, marking the official collaboration in specialised activities between the two national news agencies.

VNA General Director Vu Viet Trang said the agreement provides the basis for them to officially exchange news in different forms and carry out other cooperation projects matching each sides demand and capacity.

She expressed her belief that the two news agencies will better fulfill their duties of introducing the countries and people of Viet Nam and Armenia, and covering events of public concern in both countries as well as emerging issues in the region and the world. This will help enhance mutual understanding between the two peoples and promote exchanges, traditional friendship, and multifaceted cooperation between the countries.

The VNA has been developing diverse forms of news to publish on multiple platforms while gradually applying artificial intelligence to reduce manpower and cost and step up data journalism based on the rich source of data it has stored for nearly eight decades, she went on.

She said that as Armenpress is strongly developing multimedia news such as videos and podcasts, the VNA wishes to learn from experiences shared the Armenian side, which was established in 1918, as they will be very useful for the VNA during the digital transformation process.

The official noted as prestigious news agencies, their cooperation will contribute to the substantive, practical, and effective growth of the Viet Nam - Armenia relations. She considered the agreement, signed in the presence of Armenian Ambassador Vahram Kazhoyan, as an important milestone in the expansion of multifaceted ties.

On this occasion, Trang thanked the ambassador and the embassy of Armenia for helping strengthen the two news agencies connections, adding that the VNA hopes for the ambassador and the embassys effective coordination in the agreement implementation.

Speaking via video conferencing, Armenpress Director Narine Nazaryan also viewed the deal signing as an important contribution to the Armenia - Viet Nam ties, and said the cooperation is highly meaningful in the era of technological development, as today's news is without borders.

For his part, Armenian Ambassador to Viet Nam Vahram Kazhoyan affirmed that the 20th century became a demonstration of the friendship between the two countries, with then President Ho Chi Minhs visit to Armenia from July 21 to 23, 1959 marking a new era of bilateral relations. The opening of the Armenian Embassy in Ha Noi 10 years ago was a new start of the development of their ties.

He perceived that the signing of the cooperation agreement between the two agencies will help Armenian and Vietnamese people access high-quality news more quickly from prestigious and trustworthy sources.  VNS
GSM Green and Smart Mobility Joint Stock Company (Green & Smart Mobility) launched the first fully electric taxi service in Laos under the Xanh SM brand yesterday, November 9.

Attending the opening ceremony were the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Public Security of Laos, General Vilay Lakhamphong; Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos, Mr. Nguyen Ba Hung; Mr. Anouphap Tounalom, Chairman of the People's Council of Vientiane City and Secretary of the City Party Committee; and several other members of key ministries and branches from Vietnam and Laos.



Residents of the capital, Vientiane, and international tourists to Laos can easily book a Xanh SM taxi through the Xanh SM Laos application on the App Store and Play Store, like technology ride-hailing companies. Customers can also hail cars directly on the street. Route and fare information will be open to the public for every journey. In the immediate future, Xanh SM Laos will use the VinFast VF 5 Plus model, painted in the brand's signature blue-green colour, operating in Vientiane. The number of vehicles is expected to be increased to 1,000 and expanded to the famous tourist town of Vang Vieng (Vientiane) and other provinces and cities such as Luang Prabang, Savannakhet, Champasak... in the next stages.

With intentions to extend operations across the country, Xanh SM is anticipated to generate thousands of new employment in Laos, providing residents with alluring prospects for professional advancement. In particular, each SM Lao Green driver will be oriented to develop into a "green ambassador", directly connecting customers with the brand and enhancing the green - clean, environmentally friendly image of Lao tourism. GSM also aims to popularize the electric vehicle experience in Laos by developing a green mobility service ecosystem, including electric vehicle rental, package car booking, tourist car booking, and personalized car booking. ... create comprehensive solutions, promoting electrified mobility to each citizen.

Read more: Vietnam, Netherlands cooperate on developing electric transportation

"The launching event of Xanh SM Laos is a special milestone, the beginning of GSM's journey of international conquest," stated Mr. Nguyen Van Thanh, Global General Director of GSM Company. With its exceptional features, VinFast electricity, and 5-star service standards, the Green SM cab is poised to transform Laotian transportation completely. Success in the first international market will be a favourable step for GSM to expand globally. Immediately after Laos, GSM is expected to expand to Southeast Asian countries."

Speaking at the event, the Secretary of the City Party Committee and chairman of the People's Council of Vientiane City - Mr Anouphap Tounalom, said that the trend of using electric vehicles is increasing in Laos, especially in big cities like Vientiane.

Mr Tounalom emphasized that the launch of the Green SM taxi service in Laos is a commendable step, not only helping Lao people and tourists have more quality transportation options from now on but also contributing to focus on protecting the environment in Laos, helping the Lao Government fulfil the national goal that by 2030, 30% of all vehicles in circulation will be electric vehicles.

According to Mr Anouphap, the introduction of GSM in Laos is highly anticipated at a time when 2024 is not only the Year of Visit Laos but also the year that Laos assumes the rotating presidency of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) but also helps generate jobs and income for people in the country, helping it overcome economic challenges.

Also read: The first electric taxi in Vietnam has been launched

Thua Thien Hue focuses on promoting green and sustainable transport development

The Vientiane City Party Committee secretary also urged forward-thinking companies like GSM to make investments and support the Lao government's objectives for sustainable growth. Pledged that the local government will take the greatest possible steps to foster a business climate that will allow GSM to grow significantly in Laos.

During the event, Nguyen Ba Hung, the Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos, confirmed that the availability of VinFast electric vehicle lines in particular and the capacity of GSM in general not only positively contribute to the implementation of Laos' national strategy but also serve as a great source of inspiration and motivation for many Vietnamese businesses considering Laos as a destination for investment and development activities soon.
The conference on urological and reproductive anomalies at Children's Hospital of Central Vietnam

Held from November 10 to 11, the event marked the first collaboration between Children's Hospital of Central Vietnam, the European Pediatric Urology Association, and the Thien Nhan Programme to organise an international conference on surgical restoration of urological-reproductive anomalies.

The conference featured reports from top global experts from Italy, England, France, and Australia, as well as leading Vietnamese doctors. The presentations covered the mechanisms of pathogenesis, anatomical injuries, and modern surgical techniques for complex urological-reproductive anomalies.

Urological and reproductive anomalies, though not uncommon, often become challenging topics for both patients and families, as well as in public discourse. Many children, particularly in rural areas, silently endure the hardships of these "intimate" anomalies throughout their growth, causing physical and psychological trauma.

The Thien Nhan and Friends Programme and its partners have addressed this issue for over a decade, providing free surgeries for children with urological-reproductive anomalies. In severe cases, some children are entirely deprived of the opportunity to lead a normal life, attend school, or integrate into society.

Beyond financial concerns, the technical aspects of performing surgeries pose a significant challenge for both patients and many doctors in Vietnam. Hence, the collaboration between Children's Hospital of Central Vietnam, the Thien Nhan Programme, and their partners in organizing the International Conference on Surgical Restoration of Urological-Reproductive Anomalies.

Associate professor Pham Duy Hien, Deputy Director of Children's Hospital of Central Vietnam, expressed appreciation for the collaboration, emphasising the complexity of such anomalies.

He highlighted the importance of restoring anatomical function and finding quality of life after surgery, acknowledging the long journey involved.

Roberto De Castro, former chief pediatric surgeon at Ospedale Maggiore di Bologna in Italy and currently practising in reputable hospitals in Lecce and Bologna, commended the support from the Vietnamese community and organisations like Children's Hospital of Central Vietnam.

He emphasised the shared dream among healthcare professionals to heal all children with anomalies, making the conference a meaningful platform for sharing new techniques.

During the conference, presenters shared theoretical knowledge and conducted four typical surgical procedures on the morning of November 10 and 11, addressing the key issues of the event.

Stakeholders help improve adolescent reproductive health services in Yen Bai Save the Children and Daiichi Sankyo in collaboration with the Department of Health, Pediatric and Obstetrics Hospital of Yen Bai province, on July 4 organised a project launching workshop, aiming to protect maternal and child health.

Pulling back the curtain on Vietnams healthcare innovation journey We believe that innovation is essential to solving the healthcare challenges we face today, and that innovation brings like-minded stakeholders together to co-create a healthy, sustainable, and prosperous future for Vietnam.

GE transformation journey General Electric (GE), a 130-year-old industrial conglomerate known for its innovations in energy, aviation, and healthcare, is embarking on a transformative journey that will see it split into three independent companies. This strategic shift marks a significant chapter in GE's storied history, underpinned by a carefully orchestrated communication strategy to navigate this complex transition.
Global Finances Worlds Best Digital Bank Awards are based on submissions from banks that wish to be considered.

The judging panel is composed of representatives from Infosys, a global leader in consulting, technology, and outsourcing solutions.

The winners were selected based on their strategy for attracting and servicing online customers, their success in encouraging clients to use digital offerings, the growth of their online customer base, the breadth of products offered, the evidence of tangible benefits gained from their digital initiatives, and their website design and functionality.

The sub-category winners were selected based on the relative strength of their products and services.

With these digital capabilities, including electronic customs declaration processing and eTax payments, Citi now provides an expanded suite of digital services to its corporate clients in Vietnam.

In the sub-category of Best Corporate or Institutional Digital Banks, Citi Vietnam won the award for Best Online Cash Management Services, Best Mobile Banking Adaptive Site, Best Social Media Marketing and Services, Best Innovation and Transformation, and Best Open Banking APIs.

Ramachandran A.S., Citi Vietnams country officer said, The awards are a recognition of our digital first strategy that has helped clients build operational efficiency and resilience using our digital solutions, such as those for client onboarding, instant payments, and cross-border transfers and trade. Our digital capabilities are a key distinguishing factor that enables us to be the pre-eminent bank for clients with cross-border needs.

In Vietnam, Citi has introduced CitiDirect BE Digital Onboarding for corporate clients, which has resulted in the majority of new accounts being opened digitally.

It also introduced the CitiDirect BE Document Centre, a new service that digitalises supporting documents and streamlines the processes required to make cross-border payments for institutional clients.

With these digital capabilities, including electronic customs declaration processing and eTax payments, Citi now provides an expanded suite of digital services to its corporate clients in Vietnam.

Vietnam climbs two positions in Global Innovation Index 2023 Vietnam has risen to 46th place out of the 132 economies in the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2023, published by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

Unleashing Vietnam's digital potential: Citi eCommerce and Technology Conference 2023 On October 4, Citi Vietnam hosted the eCommerce and Technology Conference 2023 for clients, titled Unleashing Vietnam's Digital Potential, at Park Hyatt Saigon Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.
The conference was participated in by 45 representatives from the United Kingdom, the United States, Brazil, France, Germany, Mexico, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Thailand, Switzerland, Turkey, Australia, Hungary, the Philippines, Japan, and Vietnam. Representatives from 33 other countries also joined the online platform.

According to Ivan Alver, co-chairman of GMAP, the strengths of the Vietnamese market include stable politics and an abundant and skilled workforce with lower labour costs than in China.

"Therefore, multinational companies and investors are choosing Vietnam as a location to implement their supply chain diversification strategies," he said.

Frederic De Boer, another co-chairman from GMAP, asserted that despite the economic downturn, there is a significant number of transactions taking place.

We think this will continue. Good companies will be attractive at good valuations. But its even more important to spend more time on preparations and the implementation of sales process than before, said De Boer.

GMAP is a worldwide partnership of 30 merger and acquisition (M&A) firms covering 50 countries and regions throughout the Americas, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.

GMAP 2023 was hosted by RECOF Vietnam, aiming to serve as a valuable platform to showcase and facilitate investment opportunities in Vietnam for the esteemed GMAP M&A professionals. It provided a comprehensive understanding of Vietnam's market dynamics and fostered deeper communication between RECOF and its partners around the world, thereby attracting investments from a wider range of countries within the partnership network.

The execution of cross-border M&A deals involving different countries is a pillar of GMAPs strategy.

Over the last 12 months, more than 20 overseas deals were closed involving various locations around the globe. RECOF Vietnam wants to foster the realisation of international deals initiated from Vietnam.

Representatives from GMAP and RECOF at the press briefing before the conference

Vietnam is recognised as one of the most promising and attractive countries worldwide, boasting a significant population size, an impressive economic growth rate, and a burgeoning middle-income consumer base.

Over the years, the country has successfully attracted investments from various parts of Asia, including Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, and China. However, there has been a noticeable absence of investments from Europe and the Americas.

According to Tran Thi Hai Yen, director of the Investment Promotion Centre-South Vietnam, Vietnam is a favourable destination for foreign investment. Figures from the Ministry of Planning and Investment show that up to October, 143 countries and territories have invested in the nation. There are more than 38,600 projects with total registered capital of over $460 billion.

Vietnams foreign direct investment for the first ten months of 2023 reached $18 billion, marking a 2.4 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. This is the highest amount seen in the last five years, Yen said at the conference.

Through the GMAP Conference, RECOF Vietnam endeavours to create a crucial bridge, connecting GMAP M&A professionals and investors with new opportunities in Vietnam.

The conference featured insightful presentations, discussions, and networking sessions, enabling participants to gain valuable insights into the investment landscape, regulatory frameworks, and emerging sectors in Vietnam. Moreover, attendees had the opportunity to engage in fruitful discussions with industry experts, government officials, and prominent business leaders.

Sam Yoshida, CEO of RECOF Vietnam said, "We are excited to host the GMAP Conference and provide a platform for international investors to explore the untapped potential of Vietnam."

"Through this conference, we aim to foster stronger partnerships and encourage a diverse range of investments from our esteemed GMAP M&A professionals, ultimately contributing to the growth and development of Vietnam's economy," Yoshida concluded.

Japanese fuelling new dealmaking trends in Vietnam Japanese investors continue to make waves in Vietnams merger and acquisition landscape. Masataka Sam Yoshida, head of the Cross-border Division of RECOF Corporation and CEO of RECOF Vietnam Co., Ltd., told VIRs Thanh Van more about the ongoing momentum of Japanese dealmaking in Vietnam.

Consolidation lending to confidence in M&A market Despite a challenging year for mergers and acquisitions in 2021, Vietnam is expected to see a rebound in dealmaking activities. Masataka Sam Yoshida, head of the Cross-border Division of RECOF Corporation and CEO of RECOF Vietnam Co., Ltd., shared with VIRs Thanh Van his insight into the market.

Japanese M&A in Vietnam on a steady track to bigger deals Japanese mergers and acquisitions continue to pick up the pace in Vietnam. Masataka Sam Yoshida, head of the Cross-border Division of RECOF Corporation and CEO of RECOF Vietnam Co., Ltd., talked with VIRs Thanh Van about the recovery of dealmaking activities by Japanese investors in Vietnam.
David L. Rogers, a member of the faculty at Columbia Business School (left), and Paul J. Bailo, senior advisor for top US companies like Apple and Bank of America

How do well-established organisations streamline the acceleration of their innovation processes?

Bailo: Large companies such as Citi, J.P. Morgan, and American Express often have venture capitalist groups to incubate and pilot new ideas. They invest in innovation labs and startups, sometimes retaining them for their portfolios or selling them.

Its important for Vietnamese companies, including banks, to consider how they can get ahead in fields like robotics and AI. Partnerships with academic institutions and memberships in innovation labs can help companies stay ahead of the curve and future-proof their operations.

While having internal innovation groups can be beneficial, they often face challenges due to differing mindsets within the organisation. External venture capitalist firms and partnerships with universities can be more effective in driving innovation. This is because they operate at the cutting edge and can provide the necessary freedom and perspective needed for breakthroughs.

Its about creating a conducive environment for innovation that goes beyond the traditional boundaries of an organisation.

What specific actions should Vietnam take to advance digital banking?

Bailo: Vietnam should create a government office dedicated to digital transformation to drive policy and regulation, similar to the new office established by the White House. This could help in defining clear governance rules for digital banking.

The country needs to look beyond the banking industry to identify best practices in customer experience design. Vietnam can learn from the way regulated industries like banking in the United States differentiate themselves through customer journey optimisation.

Moreover, establishing a document akin to the US Department of Defence governance on data would set a foundation for ethical data practices. Essentially, its about building an infrastructure that supports fintech growth and digital innovation, from incubators to entrepreneurship programmes, which currently seems to be lacking based on the available research.

Vietnam should also consider creating incubation hubs for fintech innovation, leveraging insights from global banking leaders to enhance customer journeys and experiences.

Considering the power centralisation in many organisations, how can middle-managers effectively persuade their leaders to embrace this approach?

Rogers: The traditional top-down management style is outdated and cant adapt quickly to change. Modern management should empower individuals at all levels to make decisions and innovate.

Leaders should set the vision, outcomes, and priorities, then enable others to generate ideas based on data and drive innovation. Centralised planning is too slow for todays fast-paced world.

Can you provide examples of how different financial organisations have adapted to digital innovations?

Rogers: In the United States, some banks are intensely focused on digitising their core business, expanding into new financial services like cybersecurity solutions, and fostering growth through robust startup accelerators. An example of this is MasterCard, which partners with early-stage fintech startups, integrating them into their network to connect with global banks and merchants.

A local example is MB in Vietnam, which created a marketplace within their app that goes beyond traditional retail banking, allowing customers to access various services, not just their own. Its a prime example of looking beyond conventional services and being willing to partner with other companies.

With a significant portion of Vietnams business sector being small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), what advice do you have for them to embark on digital transformation with limited budgets?

Bailo: The principles of efficiency, customer-centricity, and technology leverage apply to businesses of all sizes. Its not the size of the company that matters, but the mindset. SMEs should focus on using technology to keep the customer at the centre of everything they do, which can drive efficiency and revenue.

The key is to be resourceful with the available technology - many tools are free or almost free - and to use the smaller size as an advantage to stay close to the customer and be responsive to their needs.

Collaboration and capital from larger businesses, combined with mentorship, can significantly aid smaller companies. Additionally, SMEs should distinguish whether they are small because they serve a niche market or if they have the potential to scale. For those with the potential to scale, joining venture capital initiatives or accelerator programmes can be very beneficial.

What is the distinction between SMEs and their approach to digital transformation?

Rogers: SMEs serving a limited market should still pursue digital transformation but tailor it to the needs of their customers. Simpler organisations have the advantage of agility and can implement change more easily. They can experiment with creative solutions without the need for expensive technologies and grow from there.

For companies that uncover a scalable business model, opportunities for expansion will arise, leading to potential partnerships or participation in accelerators.

For example, Amazon began by selling books and has now expanded into a multifaceted enterprise with most of its profits coming from cloud services, not retail. This shows that starting small doesnt limit growth and profitability. SMEs should continuously look for new customer problems to solve and be ready to pivot and expand their services.

Vietnam banks support 'adopt and build' approach to digital transformation More than 55 per cent of chief information officers in Vietnam are more inclined to embrace an adopt and build approach in their digital banking transformation, above the Asia-Pacific average of 48 per cent.

Digital transformation is the way forward for agriculture Experts, government officials, industry leaders, and innovators from around the world gathered in Hanoi on November 9 for a crucial event to explore how digital tools can transform Vietnam's agricultural sector, making it more competitive, sustainable, and climate-resilient.
Shanghai in the Eyes of Global Executives: Tishman Speyer CEO on how Shanghai fuels the future of development

(People's Daily App) 15:32, November 14, 2023

Rob Speyer, CEO of New York City real estate company Tishman Speyer, expressed his pride in participating in the 35th annual conference of the International Business Leader's Advisory Council (IBLAC). He commended Shanghai for its dedication to progress and development, highlighting its potential for a prosperous future. Speyer emphasized the importance of directing resources towards growth industries, embracing technological advancements, and welcoming new forms of development in planned growth areas to further enhance Shanghai's resilience. He acknowledged the significant role played by IBLAC in identifying these industries, technologies, and types of development.

(Video source: Wenhui Daily)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Defense Minister Shin Won-sik on Tuesday offered support for the signing of a finalized deal between Australia and South Korean defense company Hanwha Aerospace in Canberra's acquisition project for advanced armored vehicles, Seoul's defense ministry said.

In July, Australia selected the company with its Redback armored vehicle as the preferred bidder for the project to acquire 129 next-generation infantry fighting vehicles by 2028.

Shin said his ministry will provide necessary support to ensure the deal takes place smoothly during talks with Australia's Defense Industry Minister Pat Conroy in Seoul, according to the ministry.

In response, Conroy vowed to make efforts to sign the contract at an early date, it said.

The talks took place on the margins of the inaugural defense ministerial meeting between South Korea and the U.N. Command member states on Tuesday.

Earlier in the day, Conroy said he plans to visit Hanwha Aerospace during his visit to the country.

"They have been down selected as the preferred tenderer for the largest Army acquisition (project) in the history of our country, so it's very exciting days," Conroy said. (Yonhap)
The information was shared during a working session between Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and president and CEO of Marubeni Corporation Masumi Kakinoki in Hanoi on November 13.

Kakinoki said, "Marubeni Corporation has been present in Vietnam since 1991. So far, the corporation has invested $593 million here, creating jobs for 7,500 people. The corporation is engaged in import-export activities, the development of thermal power and industrial plants, food processing, and textile factories."

He added, "Vietnam is one of our most important markets in Asia. Marubeni Corporation plans to invest billions of dollars with a focus on energy, processing, exports, and infrastructure development. We hope the government will direct its ministries and local authorities to facilitate the implementation of these projects."

PM Chinh welcomed the upcoming development plan, including the O Mon II Thermal Power Plant, the Quang Ninh Liquefied Natural Gas Power project, wind farms, solar power, industrial parks, food processing factories, timber products, raw materials for export, and smart city projects.

The PM requested Marubeni Corporation to bolster trade promotion and its networking activities while promoting the export of industrial, agricultural, and seafood products. He asked the corporation to support the linkage of supply chains between Vietnam and Japan, further increasing the nation's participation in global value chains.

In addition, the PM also suggested that the corporation should coordinate closely with Vietnamese partners to promote cooperation on alternative energy sources such as wind power, solar, and biomass to facilitate Vietnam's transition to green, clean, and sustainable energy.

Marubeni to foster investment in green energy projects Marubeni Corporation will foster its investment in renewable energy, biomass, and hydrogen project to support Vietnam in achieving decarbonisation.

Japans Marubeni takes a stake in AIG Marubeni Corporation has scooped up a stake in AIG Asia Ingredients Corporation (AIG), a major supplier and manufacturer of food ingredients and packaged food products in Vietnam.
It is important for insurers to understand the increasingly dynamic preferences to bring suitable and attractive products that best fit consumers. Award-winning regional insurtech company Igloo provides people-first and simple insurance solutions that leverage up-and-coming technologies to protect disadvantages segments against emerging risks to deliver insurance for all.

Tri Nguyen, Vietnam country manager, Igloo

We forecast that the following types of insurance will be the top five in non-life products capturing the attention of consumers next year.

Asset insurance

With the increasing occurrence of natural calamities like floods and fires, it is becoming more important for Vietnamese consumers to protect their valuable assets and increase their financial resilience.

To address this, Igloo has partnered with e-commerce giant Shopee to introduce Home Content Insurance in Vietnam, a comprehensive protection solution for indoor assets, against unexpected events such as natural disasters and fire.

With Home Content Insurance, Igloo enables asset owners to receive protection that matches and ensures the continuity of day-to-day life in times of calamity.

Fire insurance

A deadly fire in Hanoi in early September rang a warning bell about the fire risks of apartment buildings and awareness of fire safety across the country. Therefore, fire insurance is expected to receive greater attention from consumers.

Besides raising peoples awareness and knowledge about fire prevention, having fire insurance to protect the property from losses and damage brought by fire is necessary. This will also be an important criterion for homebuyers and renters to choose where to live in the future.

Pet insurance

The number of pet owners is constantly increasing, with an average annual growth rate of about 11 per cent per year. Vietnam is not an exception, where more and more people consider pets as a member of their family. Pet-related services are also on the rise, with Gen Z willing to spend 20 per cent of their disposable income on raising and caring for pets.

Health insurance for pets is also growing at an impressive rate, with an average annual rate of 23.4 per cent. Igloo recently partnered with GCash and Malayan Insurance in the Philippines to offer Pet Insure, which provides reimbursement, pet owners liability, and 24/7 pet owners personal accident cover. This product will soon be expanded to Vietnam.

Health and accident insurance

Health insurance is not new but has always been and will be the driving force for development of Vietnams non-life insurance industry. The ageing population and a strong growth of the middle class has led to the significant increase in the need to use higher-quality medical services.

Health insurance is provided by most insurers in the country. However, one of the major reasons consumers are hesitant about buying insurance products is a lack of personalisation.

Traditional insurance policies often include broad coverage, which drives up costs. On top of that, many aspects of the policies might not apply to each consumer.

Weather index insurance

In recent years, the country has seen an increase in extreme weather events, affecting peoples lives and causing huge damage to property, especially the vulnerable communities whose livelihoods depend on the weather like farmers.

It is crucial to take measures to protect this fragile community against extreme weather conditions. Protecting farmers not only helps solve social security problems, but is also important to ensuring the food security of the nation. With a simple claims process based on the predetermined weather indices, the weather index insurance is expected to increasingly attract a greater interest.

Last year, Igloo and partners announced the launch of the countrys first Weather Index Insurance  a blockchain-based parametric index insurance product that automates the insurance claims of rice farmers. This May, we continued to expand this weather index insurance to coffee farmers in the central highlands of Vietnam.

The parametric insurance will pay out claims calculated using pre-assigned values for losses due to weather events or natural calamities. It will also eliminate the need to individually verify claims, thereby reducing transaction costs.

Vietnams non-life insurance market expected to fare better than regional peers Global credit rating agency in the insurance market AM Best is maintaining its stable market segment outlook on Vietnams non-life insurance industry, backed by favourable demographics, ongoing digital transformation, and an improving regulatory framework.

Non-life insurance sees rosy first-half performance The non-life insurance segment recaptured momentum, reaching double-digit growth in premium revenue in the first half of this year, with the indemnity rate also being forecast for an upsurge.
Mokbel will continue with her role as head of Global Customer Unit Telenor, supporting Telenor Group in its transformation journey, and she will remain a member of the regional executive leadership team of Ericsson Southeast Asia, Oceania and India.

Rita Mokbel, head of Ericsson Vietnam

With over 14 years at Ericsson in both regional and global senior leadership roles, Mokbel has demonstrated experience in general management, strategy, sales, business development, operations management, and technology consultation. She has successfully navigated diverse stakeholders such as communication service providers, governments, and enterprises across continents such as Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas, each with their distinct challenges and needs. Her ability to spearhead complex digital transformations, revitalise business accounts, and architect significant growth showcases her adaptability and strategic foresight.

Nunzio Mirtillo, head of Ericsson Southeast Asia, Oceania and India said, "Vietnam is a fast-growing market that is embracing mobile connectivity to accelerate digital transformation. With her extensive experience of working in the telecoms industry and with Ericsson, I am confident that Rita, together with her team, will continue to deliver on our commitment to support Vietnams sustained socioeconomic development and accelerated digital economy journey, driven by science, technology and innovation."

"I would like to thank Denis Brunetti for the strong foundation he has created for Ericsson in Vietnam in collaboration with our customers, industry and broader business community," Mirtillo added.

Commenting on her appointment, Mokbel said, "I am delighted to take on the role of leading our talented team and working with mobile service providers in Vietnam to ensure that the country stays at the forefront of 5G development, sharing our technical capabilities as well as our global, regional, and local market insights. We will leverage Ericssons technology leadership to contribute to Vietnam's technological advancement and economic growth."

In terms of her academic qualifications, Rita holds a PhD in financial engineering, alongside a masters degree in telecommunications engineering and a second masters degree in modelling and computer simulation. She also holds executive programme certifications from globally renowned institutions like Oxford and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, with specialisations in fintech and AI.

Ericsson has been supporting service providers in Vietnam with commercial 5G pilots since 2020, leveraging its technology leadership to deliver a world-class consumer experience to the expansive 4G installed base  which can seamlessly and efficiently be upgraded to 5G capabilities when required. Ericssons 5G portfolio can offer significantly lower cost and energy per delivered Gigabyte.

Today, Ericsson powers 155 live 5G networks across 66 countries. Ericssons 5G leadership has been recognised by important independent analyst report Gartner 5G Magic Quadrant 2023, (third year in a row) and Frost Radar Global 5G Infrastructure. Ericsson also scored the number one position in the latest ABI Research report on telco vendors' sustainability.

Ericsson Vietnam wins Vietnams Top 10 Best Workplaces in 2023 Ericsson has been recognised as one of the Top 10 Best Workplaces in Vietnam in 2023 for the second consecutive year by the Great Place to Work Institute.

Ericsson to accelerate Vietnams digitalisation journey via upskilling in 5G The upcoming launch of the AI Lab by RMIT and Ericsson is pinning high hopes on upskilled manpower for Vietnams digital transformation. Denis Brunetti, president of Ericsson in Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos, talked to VIRs Minh Anh about the ambitious goals of Ericsson through this initiative.
Representatives of Sao Do Group and CME Solar Company signed a cooperation agreement to deploy a rooftop solar power system at Nam Dinh Vu IP, Haiphong

The collaboration, announced during the signing ceremony on November 9, marks a promising alliance between Sao Do Group-a diverse economic enterprise with extensive development experience in Haiphong-and CME Solar Company, a leading developer of green energy in Vietnam.

The primary objective of this collaboration is to support businesses within Nam Dinh Vu IP in accessing and utilising clean power sources with optimal cost efficiency. The total estimated solar power capacity for the entire Nam Dinh Vu IP is projected to exceed 1GWp so both parties aim to achieve up to 50 MWp in the first phase by the middle of 2024, 200MWp in 2025 and to get 700MWp in 2030. This initiative also targets a reduction in CO 2 emissions, making a significant contribution to the sustainable development of the IP.

Green energy transformation

Spanning 1,329 hectares, Nam Dinh Vu IP holds a prime location in the Haiphong Economic Zone, making it highly appealing to investors.

Nam Dinh Vu Industrial Park has successfully attracted more than 65 domestic and international companies from countries such as Japan, Korea, China, Germany, France, and Singapore from different sectors like garments, furniture and electronics.

Sao Do Group, a prominent investor in industrial parks in Haiphong, is committed to investing in renewable energy for the development of green and ecological IPs.

In collaboration with CME Solar, they are deploying solar power systems within the industrial park. This not only alleviates pressure on the national electricity system, particularly during peak dry seasons, but also aligns with foreign-invested enterprises' increasing adoption of renewable energy.

Businesses within Nam Dinh Vu IP have collectively signed a cooperation agreement to advance green development, prioritising environmentally friendly technologies and the deployment of renewable energy in their production and business operations.

Nguyen Thanh Phuong, general director of Sao Do Group said, "Converting to green energy is an effective solution, especially with a reliable partner like CME Solar to deploy and develop rooftop solar power systems in Nam Dinh Vu. We hope that businesses and factories in the industrial park can access power sources at competitive prices, save costs, and support us in achieving the 2050 net carbon target."

CME Solar  Trusted partner in sustainability

As a collaborator for numerous domestic and international enterprises, including Foxconn, LG Innotek Haiphong, and Song Hong Garment, CME Solar solidifies its position as Vietnam's trusted partner in green energy developer. Through this strategic cooperation agreement with Sao Do, CME Solar continues to play a pivotal role as a renewable platform in Vietnam and regions.

CME Solar is the preferred partner for solar energy projects in Vietnam, well-known for a number of key advantages emphasized by CEO Chung Dieu Tuan.

Firstly, the company places a strong emphasis on Technical and Quality Assurance, ensuring safety and sustainability in strict compliance with domestic and international standards. Secondly, it is renowned for Efficient Project Management, marked by rapid progress, a profound understanding of the Vietnamese market, and unwavering commitment to project timelines. Lastly, the in-house Comprehensive Operations and Maintenance approach involves the team from the project's design stage, ensuring optimal functionality and maintenance through a dedicated central monitoring system. This commitment to excellence has led Sao Do to choose CME Solar as a partner.

CME Solar and Searefico ink cooperative partnership With a shared commitment to reaching net-zero by 2050, Vietnamese renewable energy company CME Solar JSC has announced a new partnership with Searefico JSC, a leading national brand in engineering and technology, to promote rooftop solar across Vietnam.

CME Solar offers scholarships to poor students in Tinh Bien CME Solar has carried out an initiative granting scholarships and educational support packages to students and residents of Tinh Bien town in the southern province of An Giang.

CME Solar and Sumitomo Forestry sign agreement to promote rooftop solar CME Solar JSC, the leading renewable energy company in Vietnam, on June 13, signed a joint venture agreement with Sumitomo Forestry Corporation (Japan) to expand and develop the rooftop solar market to promote the application of clean energy solutions across Vietnam.

Norsk Solar signs deal with CME Solar to promote solar energy solutions Norway's Norsk Solar has inked a deal with Vietnam's CME Solar to advance renewable energy initiatives in Vietnam, especially solar energy solutions in the country.
This marks the second consecutive year of Shinhan Life Vietnam's partnership with SOS Children's Village Vietnam. Last year, the company presented 15 computers and community medicine cabinets to families at the SOS Children's Village in Hanoi.

Bae Seung Jun, general director of Shinhan Life Vietnam, delivering a sponsorship package worth more than $6,300 to a representative of SOS Children's Village Danang

With a focused commitment to serving educational initiatives and cultivating extracurricular skills for the children of SOS Village Danang, Shinhan Life Vietnam aims to provide an environment that is conducive to learning and recreation.

This initiative seeks to enhance the children's access to knowledge and elevate their learning experiences, bringing tangible benefits to the children.

Beyond the provision of goods and equipment for the SOS Children's Village, Shinhan Life Vietnam places an emphasis on fostering the independent development of each individual.

Beyond the provision of goods and equipment, Shinhan Life Vietnam places an emphasis on fostering the independent development of each individual.

Since June, it has been collaborating with BNJ Vietnam to implement an educational programme for children and young adults aged 15 to 25 at SOS Children's Village Vietnam.

The initiative, titled iLead Leadership Values, was developed by Dr. John C. Maxwell and is focused on understanding self-value and leadership principles. The initial academic year of the scheme has been implemented successfully over a period of more than five months.

Shinhan Life Vietnam and BNJ awarding certificates to iLead graduation students in Danang

In 2023, Shinhan Life Vietnam has undertaken many social activities targeting the younger generation, particularly those facing difficult circumstances, with the aim of providing them with a more promising future.

In September, the company visited and donated VND150 million ($6,300) towards treatment costs and over 120 gifts to paediatric leukaemia patients at the City Childrens Hospital.

Furthermore, Shinhan Life Vietnam distributes thousands of free meals during every national holiday to paediatric patients and families at the Children's Hospital. Concurrently, it is continuing its drive to provide over 50,000 free policies for the Shinhan - An Binh Blood Cancer Insurance.

Recognising the pivotal role of businesses in influencing the sustainable development of society, representatives of Shinhan Life Vietnam maintain their unwavering commitment to the ongoing collaborative community efforts, which aligns with the company's journey towards its sustainable development in the Vietnamese market.

Japfa Vietnam accompanies children to schools Japfa Vietnam has collaborated with livestock feed agents to organise gift-giving activities for preschool and elementary school students at seven schools in Yen Bai, Hoa Binh, and Tuyen Quang provinces in early September.

Generali Vietnam brings Bep am cho em campaign to children in Dien Bien On September 29, Generali Vietnam, in collaboration with the National Fund for Vietnamese Children (NFVC) and the Dien Bien Department of Labour, War Invalids, and Social Affairs, launched a new kitchen and celebrated the Mid-Autumn Festival with the children at Ban Mai Kindergarten in Dien Bien Dong district.
"An entity related to contractor Sunray Woodcraft Construction, which is controlled by Tan Teng Huat and family, is in due diligence to buy the 134-key Hotel Telegraph at the corner of Robinson Road and Boon Tat Street from Viva Land," cited Mingtiandi on November 11.

Founded in 1987, Sunray Woodcraft Construction Pte Ltd. is an established Singapore brand specialising in commercial interior fit-out, with business activities spanning across Singapore and Asia.

The deal is estimated to be valued between approximately $125 million - $133 million.

Hotel Telegraph, situated at the intersection of Robinson and Boon Tat streets in Singapore, was acquired by Viva Land in May 2022 for 240 million SGD (about $173 million). The transaction at the time was hailed as a benchmark for Singapore's hotel market. Following the acquisition, Viva Land rebranded SO/Singapore to Hotel Telegraph.

According to Mingtiandi, Viva Land could potentially incur a loss of around $51.42 million, equivalent to a 30 per cent loss, if the deal goes through. Previously, Viva Land had reportedly put the hotel on the market for 200 million SGD (around $146.9 million).

Meanwhile, another member of the Sunray family currently holds a 10 per cent stake in a joint venture that acquired the office complex at 39 Robinson Road - adjacent to Hotel Telegraph - from Viva Land earlier this year.

The transaction value is reported to around $293.2 million, 20 per cent lower than the record-breaking $367.3 million paid by Viva Land for the property in 2020.

Viva Land, reportedly linked to Eric Chu, husband of Truong My Lan, chairwoman of Van Thinh Phat Group, has been in the spotlight in recent months.

In February, Chu sold a development site in Hong Kong's Quarry Bay for $55.46 million, which represented a 36 per cent mark-down from what he had paid in acquiring the property in 2018.

In June, Chu was reported to have sold a hotel on King's Road in Hong Kongs Tin Hau area, taking a 40 per cent hit from the 2017 purchase price, and let go of a luxury villa in Sun Hung Kais Severn 8 project on the Peak.

Truong My Lan was arrested following several irregularities in bond issuance in late 2022.

Viva Land, originally known as Circus Power, primarily operates in the real estate sector.

Established in 2020, with headquarters in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Singapore, Viva Land is chaired by Chen Lian Pang, with Eddie Lim as CEO.

Currently, Viva Land owns and operates several projects on prime land in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, including Saigon One Tower in District 1, One Central Saigon at the centre of District 1, Capital Place in Lieu Giai, Hanoi, Tuan Chau Island in Halong city, and Landmark Haiphong in Haiphong.
The Essence Grand Halong Bay Cruise Super Yacht offers superior features

The Essence Grand Halong Bay Cruise I is proud to be the greenest, safest, and most modern super yacht sailing in the world heritage site bay.

It can be considered an artistic masterpiece created by Vietnamese human resources from the design process to the shipbuilding.

Green

With the mission of preserving natural heritage and developing sustainable tourism, The Essence Grand Halong Bay Cruise marks the first green cruise on Vietnam's tourism map. The super yacht features a Chiller-branded air conditioning system manufactured by Daikin from Japan, which meets the standards of international 5-6 star super yachts.

In addition, The Essence Grand Halong Bay Cruise I is the only cruise ship on Halong Bay that uses high-quality paint by International Paint in the Netherlands. In addition, the painting is carried out according to the Performance Standard for Protective Coatings process, making the paint durable for more than 15 years.

The ship's hull and internal steel structures are protected against corrosion, helping to increase the life of the ship, minimise repainting, and reduce the discharge of old paint into the environment.

Along with the yacht's hardware, the green element is also shown in the choice of interior materials. The entire interior is made from industrial wood that is planted specifically to be harvested, instead of exploiting perennial forests. The deck is made from a modified bamboo material, which is environmentally friendly, while the utensils and water bottles on the yacht are all conveniently made from recyclable materials.

The Essence Grand Halong Bay Cruise Super Yacht offers superior features

Safe

Aiming to put people at the centre, Essence Grand Halong Bay Cruise focuses on ensuring the absolute safety of tourists and crew members.

The super yacht has been granted VR-SB registration, which allows it to operate in all coastal areas of Vietnam's territorial waters. This is the first super yacht accommodation in Vietnam that meets international standards on the environment, technical safety, and overnight sleeping on Halong and Lan Ha bays. It also carries out coastal cruises around Cat Ba, Haiphong, and Vung Tau.

The super yacht ensures that all the water onboard goes through its filtration and softening treatment system.

Essence Grand Halong Bay Cruise I is the only cruise ship in Halong Bay equipped with two rescue boats with full dry food, flashlights, and signal flares, ensuring the highest life-saving ability in emergencies. Furthermore, the yacht is also equipped with 12 self-inflating rafts.

Modern

In addition to international safety and technical standards, the Essence Grand Halong Bay Cruise I yacht has the luxurious and modern appearance of a super yacht from the future. This design gives visitors a complete perspective to enjoy the beauty of Halong Bay and other beautiful coastal areas of Vietnam.

Furthermore, the ship is equipped with a building management system to help reduce the number of staff. It automatically adjusts the temperature, cutting the energy consumption of the air conditioning system. It is absolutely safe, decreases electricity usage by more than 30 per cent, and minimises greenhouse gas emissions compared to a gas-to-air system.

Ha Long Bay named among 24 most ideal world destinations in 2024 Forbes magazine has recently published a list of the 24 Best Places To Travel In 2024, which included Ha Long Bay. The list was compiled by Luxury Travel Advisor OvationNetwork.
Rrtveit at the Norwegian Seafood Council booth at VietFood and Beverage

What factors have been the most important in enabling Norwegian salmon to reach its global status?

Every day, over 40 million servings of Norwegian salmon are enjoyed by diners in more than 150 countries worldwide.

Its success isn't attributed to a single secret, it is the result of several factors, including strict adherence to regulations, sustainable practices, and a commitment to producing high-quality products. Sustainability is a crucial aspect of this.

Through collaborations with relevant stakeholders in the industry, the Norwegian government has enforced stringent regulations and guidelines to ensure environmental sustainability in its aquaculture operations. This approach includes implementing stocking limits, conducting strict environmental impact assessments, and continuous water quality monitoring to minimise the ecological impacts.

To produce high-quality salmon, does Norway have rigorous standards and criteria?

Norway's commitment to ensuring the quality and safety of its seafood products, including salmon, stems from a comprehensive and meticulous management system that governs all aspects of seafood production.

We have strict control measures to meet international safety and quality standards. This involves routine inspections of processing facilities and strict adherence to food safety and hygiene regulations.

Norway's commitment to ensuring the quality and safety of its seafood products, including salmon, stems from a comprehensive and meticulous management system that governs all aspects of seafood production.

For example, the feed for the salmon is free from genetically modified organisms, chemicals, and growth hormones.

It contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, with 75 per cent of the ingredients sourced from plants and 25 per cent from marine ingredients like groundfish and shrimp.

Furthermore, Norway has significantly reduced the use of antibiotics. Since 1987, this figure has decreased by an astonishing 99 per cent, with only 0.14 grams of antibiotics used per tonne of salmon.

Even during transportation and export, the country maintains stringent standards for packaging, temperature control, and transportation conditions, ensuring that Norwegian seafood products reach international markets in the best possible condition.

What is the secret behind producing some of the world's largest, healthiest, and most nutritious salmon?

The worldwide reputation for producing top-quality salmon results from a multidimensional research and care process. This commitment underscores Norway's position at the forefront of the industry.

The most critical aspect of this process is selective breeding, which involves carefully choosing parent salmon with desirable traits, such as fast growth rates, disease resistance, and overall good health. By selectively breeding from these individuals, Norwegian researchers have consistently produced generations of salmon with superior genetics.

Additionally, scientists continuously strive to enhance the growth potential of salmon, ensuring that they reach market size efficiently. This improves productivity and reduces the environmental impact of salmon farming.

Asbjrn Warvik Rrtveit introducing Norwegian salmon at the first-ever Norwegian Salmon Academy in Vietnam

At the salmon museum in Alta in Norway, a sign says, "What would salmon sushi be without Norwegian salmon?" What was the main factor that made salmon sushi such a popular dish?

When it comes to salmon sushi, Japan is often the first place that springs to mind.

Yet, the roots of this culinary sensation can be traced back to Norway. In 1985, Thor Listau, then serving as the Norwegian Minister of Fisheries, led a delegation to Japan with a pioneering mission  introducing Norwegian salmon sushi to the Land of the Rising Sun.

During that era, the Japanese predominantly indulged in sushi made from tuna and sea bream. Raw salmon wasn't part of their culinary tradition, as they held reservations about their local salmon being prone to parasites and lacking the ideal taste, colour, and aroma for raw consumption.

In response, Thor Listau and his team set out on a quest to convince the Japanese that salmon from Norway's cold North Atlantic waters was not only different but also ideally suited to sushi.

Norwegian salmon exporters tailored their products to align with Japanese tastes to make this happen. They introduced salmon sushi and sashimi, perfectly catering to the Japanese preference for the freshness of raw fish. Furthermore, they crafted salmon products to harmonise with local culinary customs.

With time, these tireless efforts bore fruit. Japanese consumers gradually embraced salmon as an integral part of their cuisine.

This transformation wasn't confined to Japan, eventually spreading to other corners of the world. Today, Norwegian salmon is synonymous with quality and freshness. It enjoys a cherished status in sushi restaurants and households worldwide, where approximately 40 million servings are relished daily.

Norwegian companies bring green tech solutions to Vietnam Nearly a dozen Norwegian companies are presenting their expertise and tech solutions to help promote a sustainable green economy in Vietnam.

Vietnam a 'star in global supply chain' Vietnam is a star in the global supply chain in terms of garments and textiles, footwear and electricity, according to a new report.
DETROIT (AP)  Stellantis said Monday it will offer buyout or early retirement packages to about 6,400 nonunion U.S. salaried employees as the auto industry faces what the company is calling challenging market conditions.

The automaker, formed in the 2021 merger of Fiat Chrysler and PSA Peugeot of France, said it is taking the action to protect our operations and the company.

The offers, which include what the company said is a favorable benefits package, will go to workers who would like to leave the company or retire to pursue other interests.

Workers with five to nine years of service would get three months of base pay under the offers, while those with 10 to 14 years would get six months. Workers with 15-19 years would get nine months of base pay and those with 20 or more years would get a full year, the company said.

Stellantis said it has about 12,700 U.S. salaried workers who are not union members.

It said the buyouts will help prepare the company for the transition to electric vehicles.

Stellantis made buyout offers to groups of white-collar and unionized employees in the U.S. and Canada in April. It was hoping to cut the hourly workforce by about 3,500 people but wouldn't say how many salaried workers it was targeting.

The company posted net income of just over $12 billion (10.9 billion euros) in the first half of the year. But it said a 44-day strike by the United Auto Workers union this fall cost it $795 million (750 million euros).
NEW YORK (AP)  Columbia University and a university-affiliated hospital announced Monday they will notify 6,500 former patients of disgraced gynecologist Robert Hadden of federal sex crimes that he was convicted of earlier this year.

Under the plan announced by Columbia and Columbia University Irving Medical Center, patients who were abused by Hadden over his decades-long career will be given the opportunity to apply for compensation from a $100 million settlement fund.

Victims can also sue under New York's Adult Survivors Act, but the one-year window to file lawsuits closes after Nov. 23.

Hadden was convicted in January of four counts of enticing victims to cross state lines so he could sexually abuse them. He was sentenced in July to 20 years in prison.

Hadden 65, pleaded guilty earlier to state charges, admitting that he had sexually abused patients.

Federal prosecutors said Hadden sexually abused patients from 1993 through at least 2012 while he was working at the Irving Medical Center and New York-Presbyterian Hospital.

We owe it to the courageous survivors and the entire Columbia community to fully reckon with Haddens abuses, Columbia University President Minouche Shafik and Irving Medical Center CEO Dr. Katrina Armstrong said in a news release. Columbia failed these survivors, and for that we are deeply sorry.

Shafik and Armstrong said the multi-pronged plan to address the legacy of Hadden's abuse will include an independent investigation to examine the failures that allowed the abuse to continue and the establishment of a center for patient safety.

Hadden's accusers included Evelyn Yang, the wife of former presidential candidate and New York mayoral candidate Andrew Yang, who said Hadden abused her when she was pregnant with her first child.

Evelyn Yang, in a joint statement with accuser Marissa Hoechstetter, pressed the university to increase the amount of the settlement fund and to ensure that all of Haddens patients receive notifications before the Adult Survivor's Act deadline.

Although we are pleased by the universitys plan to support survivors and investigate its own failures, we remain committed to ensuring they follow through on these promises, the statement said.

University officials said direct notice will be sent to nearly 6,500 former Hadden patients to alert them to his conviction and sentence and to inform them of their right to sue or to seek compensation from the settlement fund.

The fund will open in January 2024 and stay open for at least a year, they said.

An attorney for Hadden accusers said the former patients were being encouraged to participate in a settlement process that he said was underfunded and designed without input from victims.

I do not support this plan, Anthony DiPietro said in an emailed statement, because Columbias proposal allows the university, and its lawyers, to retain all the power to decide the value of each persons claim. While our state and federal court systems may be imperfect, they remain the best method to fairly and justly adjudicate civil disputes."
Police have referred a captured prison fugitive to the prosecution for making a run for it during outside hospital treatment before he was caught three days later, officials said Tuesday.

Kim Gil-soo, 36, ran away while receiving treatment for abdominal pain at a hospital in Anyang, 18 kilometers south of the capital on Nov. 4. He had been detained at the Seoul Detention Center, south of Seoul, on charges of special robbery.

Police caught Kim three days later after tracking a call he made to his girlfriend from a public phone booth in Uijeongbu, northeast of Seoul. Kim reportedly received money from his girlfriend and sibling while on the run, changed his clothes several times, and looked up news articles to prepare for the chase.

Kim denied the run was premeditated.

But police suspect Kim had swallowed part of a plastic spoon as part of his escape plan. He was transferred to Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital and fled the hospital by taxi after asking prison officials to uncuff him for a bathroom visit.

Police have also referred his girlfriend to the prosecution on charges of assisting him on the run.

Meanwhile, the correctional authorities are investigating whether the response of their staff was appropriate, after they came under fire for reporting to the police that the fugitive was missing an hour after his escape. (Yonhap)
For many in Waco, transportation is a given. Most only have to consider directions when making plans to get to their destination.

But for others, figuring out how to get from point A to point B often comes with a litany of unknowns. What if the parking lot doesnt have designated handicapped spaces? What if the Lyft or Uber driver wont take a seeing-eye dog? What if a wheelchair gets stuck on a crack in the sidewalk? What if a crosswalk is actually leading into oncoming traffic?

Mobilize Waco, a disability advocacy group formed in 2018, is working with officials in the Waco Metropolitan Planning Organization and Texas Department of Transportation to improve accessibility in Waco for people with disabilities. Members of the group tested out crosswalks at the new intersections along the recently rebuilt stretch of Interstate 35 to offer feedback, something they are slated to do for several other upcoming projects.

Several board members were also recently invited to join a workgroup with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation advisory board to help update the Texas Accessibility Standards, last changed in 2012, which set design requirements for new or updated public facilities from fire alarms and ATMs to park benches, lavatories and curb ramps.

Mobilize Waco was founded by social worker Meg Wallace in May 2018 under the name Amberley Collaborative, a name which the groups website says comes from the Cincinnati suburb where Wallace grew up, Amberley Village.

Wallace said Mobilize Wacos mission is to work toward full participation in Waco for the disabled community through advocacy. She said Mobilize Waco wants people with disabilities to be advocates for themselves, and have support from allies.

Ultimately, Wallace said the groups goal is to get people with disabilities into positions of leadership, or as she says be where the sausage is being made.

Board member Suzette May, who is mostly blind and is often accompanied by her guide dog, Fred, said she and Wallace have become mainstays at Waco MPO meetings in order to advocate for including accessibility in the transportation planning progress.

While involvement with the MPO facilitates more conversations, May said Mobilize Waco is still aiming to get members into city leadership positions and hopes to keep working with city organizations to complete advocacy projects.

May said she and her family moved to Waco from San Saba four years ago after she began losing her vision. San Saba, a town of about 3,000 people 90 miles west of Temple, was too rural and did not have any public transportation, May said. This meant she ended up stuck at home most of the time, as she had no way to get somewhere without someone else driving her.

While Waco is far ahead of smaller towns like San Saba, it is still far behind bigger cities such as San Antonio or Dallas when it comes to accessibility, May said. For example, many crosswalks in town, especially downtown, do not have designated walk buttons and only have visual signs indicating when it is safe to cross.

Along the rebuilt I-35 corridor intersections, the MPO and TxDOT worked to include locater tones  beeping sounds that give visually impaired people an idea of where the crosswalk is  as well as designated walk buttons that vibrate when it is safe to cross, which people can hold onto while waiting if they are unable to see the visual signals or hear the vocal signals giving crossing directions.

Its scary to think, if youre deaf blind, stepping off that curb and you cant hear the traffic and you cant see the traffic, I cant even imagine, May said. To have that thing vibrating, knowing that I can walk now, thats a big deal.

Among the other updates on the I-35 corridor crosswalks are raised arrows on the crossing buttons pointing in the direction of the crosswalk, a helpful guide for people who cannot see the crossing. May said Mobilize Waco has also been invited to give feedback along the Waco Drive corridor, where sidewalks and traffic lights are being reconstructed.

Waco MPO Director Mukesh Kumar said accessibility is one of many goals when drafting transportation plans. He said Wallace and Mays constant presence at meetings allows more voices to be heard and results in better integration of accessible mobility into the MPOs plans.

Having the conversations at the MPO, which handles planning ahead of projects actually being carried out, allows for solutions to be thought of before they ever become an issue, Kumar said.

Improving accessibility for people with disabilities also benefits everyone, he said. For example, anyone pushing a stroller benefits directly from accessible sidewalks. In fact, during a recent MPO test of sidewalks using an automated vehicle, a pedestrian who happened to be nearby got a stroller stuck on a bump in the sidewalk.

Another project Mobilize Waco is currently focused on is accessible handicap parking in the downtown area. Board member Jimmy Moreno, who uses a wheelchair and is a manager at Bitty and Beaus Coffee at Stones Throw near Franklin Avenue and University Parks Drive, said the parking lot for the coffee shop does not have much handicap parking. While there are a few handicap spots closer to the shops, most of the spots are at the far back end of the lot, something he said makes little sense.

In addition to the hassle of having to traverse the entire lot to reach the shops at Stones Throw, many of the employees at Bitty and Beaus use wheelchairs, Moreno said. Recently, Mobilize Waco was able to petition the city to remove a bike rack near the front of the building, and is currently in the process of officially changing the bike parking area to a handicap spot, Moreno said.

Overall, May said city officials have been receptive to the requests Mobilize Waco has made. Similar to Kumar, May said she sees improvements to accessibility as helping everyone get around, not just people with disabilities.

Its going to affect everyone at some point in their life, May said. Everybodys going to get old and not be able to walk well and use a wheelchair. Or you may break your ankle and be on a nice scooter for six months. Even temporarily, everybodys going to encounter being disabled, for whatever reason. Theyre making improvements to things that affect me right now. But it could affect you in your future, right. So Ive been just really, really pleased that Waco has cared enough to really put effort behind that. Theyve put funding behind it and they put a lot of effort behind it.
Saturday opened the monthlong candidate filing period for the March primaries, marking an official start for several McLennan County races that will share the ballot with higher profile matchups, including presidential contests.

McLennan County voters will weigh in March 5 on their parties picks to run in the Nov. 5 general election for both the Texas House seats representing the area, along with two county commissioner seats, the tax assessor-collector and several district judge positions.

Candidate filling will continue through Dec. 11. The last day to register to vote in time for the primaries is Feb. 5. Early voting will start Feb. 20.

District 56

Texas House District 56 is set to be a wide-open race since Republican incumbent Charles Doc Anderson announced in September he will retire at the end of his term, after 20 years in the position. As of Monday, two Republicans and a Democrat have announced their intentions to run for the seat.

Erin Shank, a local bankruptcy lawyer and former teacher, announced her candidacy for the seat earlier this month. Shank ran against Anderson in 2022 as the Democratic nominee, garnering only 29.8% of the vote in the solidly red district. A self-described centrist, Shank said she has learned much from the last race, and plans to run on a platform focused on fixing issues on border security and maintaining protections against pollution from dairy farms along the Bosque River, Wacos main drinking water source.

Pat Curry, a local businessman, first announced his intention to challenge Anderson in September, only two days before Anderson announced his retirement. Running as a Republican, Curry said he decided to run in order to get lawyers out of Austin and get a fresh face with new ideas into office with a platform also focused on border security and Bosque River pollution.

Curry said his experience as a business leader will transition well to leading in the Legislature. Curry was highly involved in the revitalization of Central Freight Lines in the 1990s and has been the owner of Rabroker Air Conditioning and Plumbing, and Miracle-Ear Hearing Aid Centers.

Devvie Duke, former president of the McLennan County Republican Women and member of the State Republican Executive Committee for the Republican Party, first announced her candidacy last month. Duke has been endorsed by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, and said her experience in local Republican leadership, often spent traveling to Austin to testify on pending bills, will translate well to representing Central Texans and getting conservative legislation passed in the House.

District 13

As of Monday, only incumbent Angelia Orr, R-Itasca, has announced intentions to run for the Texas House District 13 seat. Orr was elected in 2022 with 77.5% of the vote in the newly-created House District 13, which includes Bosque, Falls, Freestone, Hill and Limestone counties, as well as parts of McLennan County.

Bellmead, Robinson, East Waco, parts of downtown Waco and some parts of the neighborhoods surrounding Baylor University are in Orrs district.

Sheriff

McLennan County Sheriff Parnell McNamara first announced in January his intentions to run for reelection of the post he has held since 2012. Prior to becoming sheriff, McNamara worked for the U.S. Marshals Service for 33 years and comes from a family with a long history in Texas law enforcement.

Jeff Aguirre, a former sheriffs office deputy and current anti-gang investigator with the McLennan County District Attorneys Office, announced his intentions to challenge McNamara in March for the Republican nomination for sheriff. Aguirre has spent 25 years in various law enforcement positions, including several years spent in Afghanistan as an international police liaison and advisor with a company that contracted with the U.S. Department of Defense. Since 2022, he has assisted the DAs office with murder investigations and gang-related criminal cases.

19th state district judge

Judge Thomas West first announced his intentions to run for reelection last month. A Republican, West first won the judge post for Wacos 19th State District Court in 2020. According to his campaign website, he has disposed of more than 4,000 felony cases since taking office, including about 60 jury trials.

74th state district judge

Judge Gary Coley, a Republican, confirmed Monday he intends to run for reelection as judge of Wacos 74th State District Court, a post he has held since 2008. The 74th Court mainly oversees civil and family cases.

474th state district judge

Judge Alan Bennett, a Republican, confirmed Monday he will run to keep his position in the first election for Wacos 474th State District Court. Gov. Greg Abbott appointed Bennett in December 2022 as the first judge for the newly created court, which mainly oversees juvenile and Child Protective Services cases.

Precinct 1

Precinct 1 McLennan County Commissioner Jim Smith, a Republican, filed Saturday to run for reelection. Smith has held the Precinct 1 commissioner post, which represents South Waco and Robinson, since 2020.

Precinct 3

Precinct 3 McLennan County Commissioner Will Jones, a Republican, filed Saturday to run for reelection. Jones has held the post since 2012. Precinct 3 makes up much of the northwest corner of the county, including West and parts of Bellmead and Lacy Lakeview, as well as the areas surrounding Lake Waco.

Tax assessor-collector

McLennan County Tax Assessor-Collector Randy Riggs, a Republican, filed Saturday to run for re-election. Riggs has held the post since 2012.
Cherokee Nation stories

Robert Lewis of the Cherokee Nation will lead a storytelling event from 3 to 4 p.m. Wednesday at the Mayborn Museum, 1300 S. University Parks Drive.

Lewis will share stories of his people and culture. Lewis engages audiences of all ages with witty and amusing personal stories and Cherokee tales of language and history. The event is being held in partnership with Baylor Universitys Institute of Oral History and Baylor Universitys Department of History.

MidTex scholarship deadline

MidTex Farm & Ranch Show scholarship applications are being accepted through Wednesday. Applicants should be outstanding FFA, FCCLA, Family and Consumer Sciences, and 4-H members in McLennan County.

For more information, email Sarah McDonald at smcdonald@wacochamber.com.

Medicare meeting

A free Medicare educational meeting will start at 9:30 a.m. Thursday at the Area Agency on Aging of the Heart of Texas, 1514 S. New Road.

Along with Medicare enrollment questions, topics of discussion will include Medicare Advantage, how to avoid scams, money saving tips and supplemental insurance.

Light refreshments will be served.

Holiday break camps

Waco Parks and Recreation will offer holiday break camps daily from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Nov. 20-22.

Cost is $45 per child. The camps will take place at the Dewey, Doris Miller and South Waco community centers.

The camps keep kids engaged and active during their holiday break with outdoor adventures, crafts, games and educational activities.

For more information, call 254-750-5980.

Transportation meeting

A public meeting to discuss the statewide active transportation plan will be held from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Lee Lockwood Library and Museum, 2801 W. Waco Drive.

The plan will be developed in collaboration with the Texas Department of Transportation's Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, metropolitan planning organizations, other key stakeholders and the public.

Scrap tire collection

Waco's Solid Waste Department will celebrate America Recycles Day by hosting Scrap Tire Collection Day from 7 a.m. to noon Saturday at 501 Schroeder Drive.

All scrap tires will be recycled. The event is for Waco residents only.

Preregistration is available at https://www.waco-texas.com/Events-Activities/Scrap-Tire-Collection-Day, by calling 254-299-2606, or by emailing solidwasteinfo@wacotx.gov.

Participants should bring their registration confirmation page and photo ID to the event. Residents must bring a current Waco water bill with residential trash service if they opt out of preregistration.

A maximum of 10 tires per household will be accepted. Maximum size of tires is 20 inches, with no rims or wheels. No tires from businesses, off-the-road tires, skid steer parts or earth mover parts will be accepted.

For more information, call 254-299-2612.

'Coco' rescheduled

The Waco Parks and Recreation Department will screen "Coco" from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday at the Hart-Patterson Track and Field Complex, 3113 Clay Ave.

The original screening was canceled because of inclement weather.

Chamber awards

The 2023 Cen-Tex African American Chamber of Commerce annual awards banquet will run from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday at Baylor University's Hurd Welcome Center, 905 S. University Parks Drive. Doors open at 6.

Tickets are $125 per person, available at bit.ly/45b6IYC.

For more information, call 254-235-3204.

Thanksgiving meal

Mission Waco will holds its annual Thanksgiving lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 23 at Meyer Center, 1226 Washington Ave.

All are invited to come and enjoy lunch and fellowship.

Chapel will run from 11:30 until noon, with lunch served from noon to 1 p.m. and new coat bingo from 1 to 2 p.m.

Mission Waco is seeking volunteers to assist with food preparation Nov. 22 and to help prepare turkeys ahead of time, including cooking, deboning and separating white and dark meat. For information on volunteering, email Bailie Rouse at brouse@missionwaco.org.

Salvation Army meal

The Salvation Army of McLennan County will hold its Thanksgiving meal from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 23 at the Community Kitchen, 300 Webster Ave.

Volunteers are needed to support the event. To volunteer, call 254-756-7271. The Salvation Army is also asking for pies, cookies and cakes from the community for the event.
WATERLOO  Johannah Nanke normally takes six hours to create a lesson plan for her American Literature class, but now she can do it with the click of a mouse.

The West High School English teacher started utilizing artificial intelligence as her personal secretary this year. AI helps her with drafting emails, writing individual educational plans, creating rubrics and matching students to appropriate reading levels.

Many teachers in the area are delving into the world of AI in hopes of implementing it in their classrooms.

Ann Thomas, the media and library consultant for Central Rivers Area Education Agency, is taking the reins on teaching educators about the technology. She began holding professional development meetings about AI early this year after ChatGPTs 2022 launch. Shes booked up every day through the end of January doing presentations.

It got really good, really fast last November, she said. Schools and education were kind of caught without knowing quite what to do.

She said it is important for school districts to not ban AI because its here and its not going to go away, and students need to be taught how to use it ethically.

Kim Ross, a chemistry and physics teacher at Waverly-Shell Rock High School, is one of those educators taking the initiative to inform her students on how and when to use AI.

She became interested after learning about it from her daughter and eventually took summer classes on the topic, earning a credential through Drake University. She also attended a virtual conference on AI.

She uses the technology to help with lesson planning, create worksheets and problems, write scientific procedures and proofread her work.

She also encourages her 11th grade chemistry students to utilize ChatGPT to help check their work and provide them with extra practice problems. For students to get the best and most accurate results, she teaches them how to write good prompts  or what to input into the program.

In one of her recent lessons, Ross required students to use the tool to check their claims and evidence when doing lab reports. A claim is a statement that answers a question and evidence is scientific data that supports that claim.

Junior Nolan Foster said it was unexpected when Ross told students at the beginning of the year that she was going to experiment with AI in the class.

I was really surprised when she asked us to use it, he said. Ive had about five teachers not let us use it.

Foster puts his lab reports into ChatGPT to make them better as well as ask for extra practice problems. He likes AI because someone else doesnt need to be present to assist him.

It helps because Mrs. Ross is one person, he said. She can use it as another teacher.

Nanke said having an assistant in her classroom is helping her be a better teacher.

This time last year, I was just really struggling, she said. AI gave me a second wind to my education.

She said prior to AI helping write her emails, newsletters and rubrics, most of her time would be spent at the computer. Now, she is spending time in the class actually with my kids and is a more effective teacher.

AI not only gives Nanke extra time helping students, it also helps her come up with new projects and homework ideas. She tells students to use AI to help when they are struggling with things like creating a thesis statement or essay outline but only as a jumping off point. She said students can use the technology to help them with rough drafts  something she doesnt always have the time for.

(AI) invigorated my enthusiasm for what I do and takes some of the stress away, that mental load that we have of managing 140 children a day, she said. This just really lets me focus on what is important  and thats working with my kids.

However, not all educators have been immediately keen on using AI. Thomas said many teachers and administrators are worried about plagiarism and cheating.

Technically, she noted, using AI to write something for you is not plagiarism. According to the law, plagiarism involves writing created by a human. The content created from AI is owned by the person who inputs the prompt.

Thomas said some districts are looking at reworking their plagiarism policies to deal with academic dishonesty.

Both she and Ross said cheating is not a new concept. Using AI to cheat is just another way to do it and is bound to happen, whether teachers allow using AI or not.

I feel like I want (the idea of using AI) to be way out in the open and then have a discussion, Ross said. There are kids that legitimately dont think there is wrong information.

In teaching about AI, whether to other educators or students, Ross and Thomas touch on bias and hallucinations. AI bias is an anomaly that comes from the program due to prejudiced assumptions made during the development of algorithms. Hallucinations are a response that includes false information.

I certainly dont think (AI is) anything that schools should be putting behind a firewall, Thomas said. This is going to be on the computers at home. They need to understand how to use it and use it ethically.

Another reason teachers are wary of using AI is because they are afraid it may take their jobs. But pro-AI educators say that isnt possible.

This does not do your job for you, Nanke said. You couldnt just throw anybody in these rooms with these kids.

My philosophy is that its a tool, Ross said. And, with any tool, it doesnt replace anybody. You have to learn to use that tool correctly.

Ross also said everyone needs to learn about, or at least be aware of, the technology. She thinks there will eventually be legislation that could regulate AI. In turn, teaching students about the pros and cons of AI could help them be more informed in the future.

You can draw your own conclusions about whether AI is good or bad, but its here, she said. Its going to become part of your life and you need to know what youre okay with and what youre not.

ChatGPT is landing kids in the principal's office, but not because of cheating ChatGPT is landing kids in the principal's office, but not because of cheating One challenge has been a dearth of training and guidance on how to deal with AI Digital surveillance technology can pose disparate impacts on students; parent support for it is also waning More than 1 in 3 teachers know of a student whose online activity has drawn the attention of law enforcement; meanwhile, digital filtering presents a negative academic impact
Southeast Iowa's representative in Congress is facing a primary challenger from the right flank of the GOP.

David Pautsch, a Davenport Republican and devout Christian known for organizing the annual Quad Cities Prayer Breakfast and advocating for a greater role of Christianity in government, said he filed paperwork with the Federal Elections Commission last week to run for Iowa's 1st Congressional District.

He's challenging Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, a Republican who won a second term in 2022.

Pautsch thinks Miller-Meeks is "too often out of step with the principles of her fellow Republicans and with biblical morality," he told the Quad-City Times.

Miller-Meeks' campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Pautsch, 69, said the biggest reason he's running was to "restore a sense of trust in God. He's real. He's relevant, and he promises to bless the nation whose God is the Lord."

Pautsch founded Thy Kingdom Come Ministries in 1988 and the Quad Cities Prayer Breakfast in 1995, he said. Recent keynote speakers at the prayer breakfast have included former Arizona gubernatorial candidate and Quad-Cities area native Kari Lake and My Pillow founder Mike Lindell. Both have questioned the results of the 2020 election.

He said Miller-Meeks "doesn't have a passion for the relevance of God in our community. She votes wrong consistently."

Pautsch criticized Miller-Meeks' vote in support of the Respect for Marriage Act. Miller-Meeks joined 46 other House Republicans, including Iowa Republican Ashley Hinson, in supporting the bill, which requires the federal government to recognize marriages regardless of the sex or race of the couple. The bill included a provision to clarify that religious organizations are not required to perform same-sex marriages.

"She doesn't understand that marriage is between a man and a woman, and there's no such thing as marriage apart from a man and a woman," Pautsch said.

Pautsch also took issue with Miller-Meeks' votes opposing Jim Jordan for speaker. Miller-Meeks voted for Jordan on the first ballot but opposed him on the following two House floor votes for speaker over concerns of whether he could unite the party. Miller-Meeks said the decision prompted death threats to her office.

In seeking the office, Pautsch also said he's a "great believer in healthy and strong families and economic prosperity and respect for life, practical and patriotic education, free and fair elections."

Two of Pautsch's five sons were involved in combat for the U.S. Armed Forces, one in Iraq and one in Afghanistan. Cpl. Jason G. Pautsch, just 20 years old at the time, was killed in action in 2009 while deployed to Iraq.

"We've lost our way. We have become so secularized to think we're so capable on our own. We are not. My son paid the price," David Pautsch said.

Pautsch graduated from the Armed Forces School of Music in 1973 and was a tuba player in the Continental Army Band in Ft. Monroe, Virginia, according to his resume.

Pautsch worked for Luis Palau, an evangelist, in Portland, Oregon, as a crusade director from 1982 to 1985, according to his resume.

He has also consulted for Ag Spectrum and has owned several marketing consulting firms, including most recently purchasing Ramsey Advertising in 1990.

Photos: Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks reelected to U.S. House of Representatives
DENVER (AP)  The defendant in a 2021 mass shooting that killed 10 people at a Colorado supermarket pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity on Tuesday as a judge ruled that the case can move to trial.

Alissa is charged with murder and multiple attempted murder counts. Neither his attorneys nor anyone else has disputed that he was the gunman. A forensic psychologist testified during a hearing in September that the 24-year-old Alissa bought firearms to carry out a mass shooting and indicated there was some intention to commit suicide by cop. Alissa, dressed in an orange and white striped jail uniform, looked down and at the judge at times as she advised him of rights about entering the insanity plea.
Russian Defence Ministry report on the progress of the special military operation (13 November 2023)

The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the special military operation.

In Kupyansk direction, the active actions of the Zapad Group of Forces supported by air strikes, artillery fire, and heavy flamethrower systems repelled four attacks launched by the assault groups of the 30th, 54th, and 57th mechanised brigades of the enemy close to Zagoruykovka and Timkovka (Kharkov region). The losses of the Armed Forces of Ukraine amounted to 160 troops killed and wounded, as well as two motor vehicles.

In Krasny Liman direction, the coordinated actions of the Tsentr Group of Forces, strikes of helicopters, artillery fire repelled four attacks launched by the assault groups of the 24th and 63rd mechanised brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, 12th Azov Special Forces Brigade, and 15th National Guard Regiment close to Chervonaya Dibrova and Kremennaya (Lugansk Peoples Republic). The enemys losses amounted to 150 troops and one motor vehicle.

In Donetsk direction, the Yug Group of Forces jointly with aviation and artillery repelled two enemy attacks close to Belogorovka (Lugansk Peoples Republic) and Kleshcheyevka (Donetsk Peoples Republic).

In addition, the Russian troops inflicted fire damage on the 28th mechanised and 77th airmobile brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as well as the 241st territorial defence brigade close to Kurdyumovka, Razdolovka, and Bogdanovka (Donetsk Peoples Republic). The total enemy losses over the past day amounted to 205 troops, two armoured fighting vehicles, as well as two UAV control points.

In South Donetsk direction, the Vostok Group of Forces supported by aviation and artillery caused fire damage to the clusters of manpower of the 72nd mechanised and 79th air assault brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine near Nikolskoye and Novomikhailovka (Donetsk Peoples Republic). The enemys losses amounted to 100 troops, three pick-up trucks, as well as one U.S.-made AN/TPQ-50 counter-battery radar station.

In Zaporozhye direction, one attack launched by an assault detachment of the AFU 65th Mechanised Brigade near Rabotino (Zaporozhye region) was repelled by the Russian Group of Forces, air strikes, and artillery fire.

Also, a cluster of manpower and hardware of the 117th Mechanised Brigade of the AFU north of Novopokrovka (Zaporozhye region) was hit by fire. The enemys losses included up to 40 servicemen and two motor vehicles.

In Kherson direction, the enemy suffered losses of up to 60 Ukrainian servicemen killed and wounded, two pick-up trucks, and two Msta-B howitzers as a result of complex fire damage.

Operational-Tactical and Army aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles, and Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces have engaged AFU manpower and hardware in 118 areas during the day.

Ten Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles were shot down by anti-aircraft defence forces near Raigorodka, Sergeyevka (Lugansk Peoples Republic), Spornoye, Maryinka (Donetsk Peoples Republic), Novoye (Zaporozhye region), Novye Lageri(Kherson region).

In total, 534 airplanes and 254 helicopters, 8,881 unmanned aerial vehicles, 441 air defence missile systems, 13,383 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,183 combat vehicles equipped with MLRS, 7,073 field artillery guns and mortars, as well as 15,237 units of special military equipment have been destroyed during the special military operation.

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A Seoul court on Tuesday dismissed a lawsuit filed by YouTubers to reverse the Presidential Security Service's decision to expand the guard zone around former President Moon Jae-in's retirement home.

The service enlarged the zone around Moon's house in Yangsan, 301 kilometers southeast of Seoul, from the initial 100-meter radius to a 300-meter radius in August last year as part of stricter security measures against protest rallies in the neighborhood.

Public access is allowed in the designated guard zone, but any behavior deemed to have "elements of harm" is prohibited.

A group of four right-wing YouTubers, who previously participated in protest rallies near Moon's house, had since filed an administrative lawsuit against the Presidential Security Service to reverse the extension.

The Seoul Administrative Court dismissed the suit Tuesday, saying it does not constitute a case subject to an administrative review.

"The extension was made as part of a decision to protect a former president, and it is difficult to see it as an administrative decision that has a direct impact on the general public," the court said.

"Furthermore, it is hard to argue the decision violated the Presidential Security Act, given that it was made in the wake of violent acts, (protesters') tension with residents and road conditions in the area," it said. (Yonhap)
The Wilson Volunteer Fire Department will receive a grain rescue tube and training this year through a program from Nationwide, according to a press release.

Last year, there were at least 42 grain entrapments and 15 fatalities in rural America, the release says, the highest number in more than a decade.

Nationwide's Grain Bin Safety campaign has provided rescue tools and training to 332 fire departments in 32 states.
WAUPUN  Human rights activists who have been organizing protests at Wisconsin prisons, including Waupun Correctional Institution, say inmates are being subjected to conditions at the understaffed institutions that are more commonly found in authoritarian countries.

There is a really sober reality about the physical conditions that exist here at Waupun Correctional, inmate advocate James Wilbur said outside the prison Thursday. We see there are rodents who have taken over the facility. Men are being subjected to incredibly vicious physical conditions ranging from the food to the physical state and structure of the institution. ... This is incredibly vicious and it is torturous and no human being should be subjected to those type of physical conditions.

Wilbur, director of prison outreach for the advocacy group WISDOM Wisconsin, has been leading protests at the state Capitol, Waupun and Green Bay Correctional Institution, with more planned.

It is our intent to continue these protests in the months coming up to put pressure on the department of corrections and asking them to be responsible for providing equitable, fair and meaningful care for the men and women who are incarcerated in our facilities, he said.

Inmates at Waupun have been under lockdown since March, spurred by staff shortages. The Department of Corrections calls the restrictions modified movement rather than lockdowns, because officials can adjust the restrictions over time.

At least three inmates at Waupun have died over the last four months. One death was confirmed as a suicide. The other two remain under investigation.

A group of Waupun inmates filed a federal lawsuit in Milwaukee last month alleging conditions at that prison amount to cruel and unusual punishment.

In Waupun, we are seeing men are being locked into 6-by-8-foot cages for up to 23 and a half hour a day, Wilbur said. They are not being given meaningful access to health care, behavioral health services, access to their familys phones are being severely restricted. There also has been some disparaging situations where men are tempted to commit suicide.

Wilbur said the group is seeing similar problems at correctional institutions in Green Bay and Stanley, and also at the womens prison in Taycheedah.

While staffing shortages are a commonly cited cause for the lockdowns, some of the states medium- and minimum-security facilities have staffing levels higher than needed, Wilbur said. WISDOM has asked the Department of Corrections if some staff cannot be relocated to Waupun.

DOC spokesperson Kevin Hoffman said Waupun and Green Bay are the only two institutions that are under the modified movement.

Operations are assessed daily and changes are made when they can be done safely for staff and all persons in our care, Hoffman said in an email.

Mark Rice, Wisconsin Transformational Justice Campaign Coordinator at WISDOM, said staffing concerns mask some of the real problems with people being sent to prison for smaller crimes and racial disparities in sentencing.

Weve always had the goal of cutting the states prison population in half, Rice said. Originally it was known as the 11 by 15 campaign: We aimed to cut Wisconsins prison population by half to 11,000 by 2015. That is carrying on now with the transformation justice campaign.

Rice said the group also wants to greatly reduce the number of people under supervision in Wisconsin and reduce the use of the labels that have been put on people who have gone through the system.

We are also just reimagining the entire system and how we build stronger and healthier communities, Rice said. For far too long, the state has been too reliant on prisons and courts as solutions. We are working at shifting that way of thinking and imagine what is possible.

One goal for WISDOM, Rice said was to increase treatment options for mental health and addictions for people instead of building new prisons and adding to those in prisons.

We have too many politicians sitting idle while peoples rights are being trampled on, Rice said. Now would be the time for change. What is going on in the prison system right now in Waupun, Green Bay, Stanley and other prisons is a humanitarian crisis that has to be ended immediately.
School districts in Dodge County scored in the meets or exceeds expectations categories on the latest Wisconsin Department of Instruction report cards, with Beaver Dam Unified School District meeting expectations.

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction released the 2022-23 report card for every public school in Wisconsin on Tuesday.

A majority of districts in the state met, exceeded or significantly exceeded expectations, according to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instructions. Of the 378 public school districts in Wisconsin, the passing grades were received by 357 districts.

The report cards offer measures and indicators that provide school districts insight into areas to celebrate and areas that need improvement, according to Beaver Dam Superintendent Mark DiStefano.

Schools are evaluated on four priority areas: student achievement in reading and mathematics on statewide assessments; student growth in those assessed areas; the performance of each schools state identified target group of students; and postsecondary readiness, which uses several measures as predictors of college and career readiness.

Each district and school are given an overall accountability score and rating category. The Overall Accountability Score is calculated on a score of zero to 100. The rating categories range from Fails to Meet Expectations to the highest category, Significantly Exceeds Expectations. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects, the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction cautions comparing School Report Cards scores to past years and between districts.

While the amazing work that is done in our schools on behalf of students and families cant be accurately measured on the report card, we are pleased with the improvements we have seen in several areas and continue to use the data that we have to support our efforts in providing the best education we can for all of our students, DiStefano said in a statement. Our mindset is one of continuous improvement and we will continue to work toward further enhancing our performance.

Through a continued commitment to excellence, belief in all children, and partnerships throughout the whole BDFam, we will continue our upward trajectory.

Overall performance scores at most Beaver Dam sites saw increases from the previous rating year, DiStefano said. The Beaver Dam Unified School District is identified as Meeting Expectations. Prairie View Elementary School scored in the highest category, earning the distinction of Significantly Exceeds Expectations. Washington and Wilson elementary schools scored in the Exceeds Expectations category. Beaver Dam High School and Beaver Dam Middle School as well as Jefferson and Lincoln elementary schools meet expectations.

All of our schools and staff are committed to doing our very best for students each and every day, Prairie View Elementary Principal Brandon Krause said. We are very pleased with how that has translated for us at Prairie View, and there are celebrations to be had across all of our schools.

Other local districts listed as meeting expectations include Horicon, Columbus, Randolph and Waupun. Mayville, Fall River and Dodgeland exceeded expectations.

Dodgeland Superintendent Jessica Johnson said the gains Dodgeland has seen with the rating were not from one year nor is it the only benchmark the district uses in assessing itself.

We believe they are testament to years of unwavering commitment and dedication to the growth of our students, Johnson said. The report card is just one measurement that we utilize to inform our work at Dodgeland.

Close Beaver Dam celebrates at fall downtown festival Beaver Dam's fall downtown fest was held on Saturday. Event included downtown casket races, trick or treating at downtown businesses, witches procession and dance, costume contests, arts and crafts for kids, scavenger hunts, Chamber of Mystery, games and activities, vendor market, dance and music performances, food trucks and local fare and DJs.
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Reno Fire tells us that two firefighters were hurt while trying to extinguish the flames, but have since been released from medical care.
Dr Gaya Gamhewage, WHO Director, Prevention of and Response to Sexual Misconduct, speaks during the 76th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, May 25, 2023. Internal documents obtained by The Associated Press show that the World Health Organisation has paid $250 each to at least 104 women in Congo who say they were sexually abused or exploited by Ebola outbreak responders. That amount is less than what some U.N. officials are given for a single day's expenses when working in Congo. (Antoine Tardy/WHO via AP)


EirGrid, the Irish national electricity grid operator, and Reseau de Transport d'Electricite (RTE), the French grid operator, have officially signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at fortifying energy security, enhancing affordability, and diversifying energy supply in Europe.



Mark Foley, Chief Executive of EirGrid, and Xavier Piechaczyk, President of the managing board of RTE, convened at EirGrids headquarters in Dublin to formalize this landmark agreement.



The signing ceremony also commemorated the ongoing progress of the Celtic Interconnector, a submarine power cable interlinking the electricity grids of Ireland and France.



The MoU solidifies the commitment between EirGrid and RTE to collaboratively develop grid and system perspectives, tapping into the abundant offshore renewable energy resources. The mutual endeavor emphasizes the welfare and climate interests of both nations.



This partnership aims to establish a joint working group dedicated to advancing critical matters vital for achieving shared national and broader European ambitions for climate neutrality, emphasizing affordable, secure, and sustainable energy.



The MoU signifies a united effort by both TSOs, aligning with the European Union regulatory framework to bolster security of supply, diversify energy sources, meet national energy targets, promote renewable energy ambitions, and create new development opportunities for Ireland and France.



Moreover, this agreement mirrors a larger ambition supported by the European Network of Transmission System Operators (ENTSO-E), promoting offshore projects spanning across the Atlantic Ocean. This collaborative effort among Ireland, Spain, Portugal, and France envisions offshore wind production capacities of 26 GW by 2040 and 54 GW by 2050.



The collaboration also aims to explore the potential for a new interconnection with Ireland, potentially hybrid, serving as a connection function for offshore wind power and facilitating electricity exchange between the two countries.

Commenting on this significant partnership, Mr. Foley highlighted the strides toward achieving climate goals and energy security, stating, This collaboration with our French counterparts is pivotal in realizing our offshore renewable energy potential, bolstering energy security, and fostering an affordable and diversified energy system.

He further emphasized the progress of the Celtic Interconnector and the transformative impact it will have on Irelands power system, enhancing resilience and efficiency.



Mr. Piechaczyk stressed the importance of this partnership in planning and developing energy generation and offshore grid networks, essential pillars for establishing a decarbonized European electricity network aligned with the EUs commitments.



The signing of this MoU signifies a crucial step towards reinforcing energy ties between Ireland and France, envisioning a sustainable and interconnected energy future.

For more information about offshore wind farm projects across the globe,

click here

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Pamela Varkony with staff members of Afghan National Hospital.

Pamela Varkony with a group of Afghan women entrepreneurs.

The United States completed its withdrawal from Afghanistan on Aug. 15, 2021, amid chaotic frightening scenes at Hamid Karzai International Airport where Afghans desperately sought to board one of the last planes that would lift them away from a desolate future under the rule of the Taliban.No one had more to fear than the women of Afghanistan. In two decades since Americans invaded the country and toppled the old Taliban regime, women emerged into the social and educational life of their country. They could go to school, hold jobs and strive toward a future where women were valued and had human rights.Compared to Western countries with strong womens rights movements, their gains might seem modest and tentative, but they were real. Suddenly, with the American withdrawal and the collapse of the Afghan coalition government, they were abandoned to the re-emergence of the Taliban. They faced the choice of becoming refugees or staying in Afghanistan to survive under an authoritarian regime that devalues women. For those who had worked for the Americans, the choice was stark  freedom, but also uncertainty, as a refugee or potentially death at the hands of the Taliban.Arrows of Light: The Journeys of Afghan Women is a compilation of personal essays, photographs, and artwork that tells the stories of what happened to Afghan women and their families during and after the American withdrawal. These are women who refuse to be victims. They choose instead to live in hope  and with defiance.Their resilience is just remarkable, says Pamela Varkony, who edited the anthology.Varkony is a motivational speaker, world traveler, and an award-winning writer from Pennsylvania. She now lives in Tampa where she is a contributing writer for 83 Degrees. She is eager for readers to hear the voices and understand the aspirations of Afghan women. She recently addressed the American Association of University Women and hopes to soon do the same at Lehigh University.Arrows of Light is one of several anthologies published annually with support from the International Womens Writing Guild.Every woman was so enthusiastic about the project, says Varkony. Everyone wanted to tell their stories. They want the world to know they are out there.The cover photo of the lush Afghanistan countryside is the work of Mariam Alimi. One line in a poem she wrote gave the anthology its name: If you are a girlyou will always find ways to shoot arrows at the light.Alimi was born in Kabul during the Soviet occupation of the 1980s. She was one of the first women professional photographers in Afghanistan. After the American withdrawal, Alimi and her family fled Afghanistan and restarted their lives in the United States.But Varkony says, like many emigrants, Alimi struggled to find employment in her chosen profession. Her first job was as a nurses aide, she said. Today Alimi is an award-winning photographer and video journalist.Each story in the anthology is personal but also universal to the experience of Afghan women.Aziza Munji knew life as a refugee for 18 years in Pakistan where her family fled during the 1990s conflicts and the rise of Taliban control. As a young woman, she returned alone to Afghanistan to pursue her dreams of education, a career, and a family. In 2016, she earned an undergraduate degree in psychology. She served as an interpreter and social media specialist for five years with NATO and U.S. military forces in Afghanistan.In her essay, she recalls the harrowing journey to a new life in Pennsylvania with her husband, an investigative journalist. As the couple sought to escape the Taliban and certain death, they had the life of their then-one-month-old son to protect.At every turn, the Taliban controlled their efforts to reach Kabuls airport where thousands of Afghans converged seeking escape. One bus ride ended with the Taliban allowing the passengers into the airport only to turn them away with gunfire.They spent days with no water and no food, even for their baby. It took 12 days and a second bus ride to the airport before an airlift to Qatar, then to Germany, and on to Poland for months. A former supervisor of Munjis, who was back in America, aided in getting their names onto an approved list.After more than a year in the United States, Munji says her family no longer feels threatened. But she writes, We are still worried about our families who are left behind in Afghanistan, for whom we can do nothing but to pray.For Meena Habib, leaving Afghanistan was never a choice she would make. She had passionately pursued a career as a journalist, writing stories about Afghan street children, violations of human rights and suicide attacks. Her family disapproved and pressured her to quit.When she won awards, she hid them away from her family. She was threatened with death by elected officials, attacked by the Taliban and arrested. She worked for two Afghan media companies but later founded Roidad News, the only woman-led news agency in the country.For Sedra Aman, the fight for equality also continues inside Afghanistan.Aman embraced her educational opportunities and began a career in accounting. She became the social media manager of the first online bookstore in Afghanistan  Kabul Reads.She loved going to the office. On the day the Taliban took over Kabul, she risked one last visit to the office to savor what she knew would be gone in an instant. She heeded her mothers advice to be safe and wear a burqa even over her long dress.Within a half hour of her arrival, she was told to go home. The Taliban ordered the business closed immediately.Months later, Aman dared to open her own virtual business, Alvaan Online Giftshop. It is possible to find a few photos on a Facebook page of items formerly for sale. But Varkony says, They (Taliban) shut it down.Varkony, an IWWG member and freelance writer, led the anthology project, which included fundraising as well as collecting and editing the essays. She relied on a network of friends and colleagues to reach out to the women in and out of Afghanistan.This is the true definition of a real passion project, says Varkony.Varkony holds Afghanistan close to her heart. She twice visited the country and wrote freelance articles and blogs about life in Afghanistan.Her first visit was in 2006 as a writer and volunteer with the Business Council for Peace. The not-for-profit organization seeks to advance women in business particularly those who live in countries riven with conflict, including Afghanistan.She helped with public relations and marketing and blogged about her experiences and the work done by the Business Council. She returned in 2007 as an embedded journalist with a United States military medical team.When I got the chance I didnt hesitate, Varkony says. I just fell in love with Afghan women who are the smartest, bravest, the most impressive group I know.Several of the women whose essays are included in Arrows of Light are now lifetime friends. When she set about collecting the essays she dipped into the Christmas card list. Every woman has one, she says.Every woman has a network, so I started working my network, she adds.Each woman in the anthology has her own support network as well.Thats how women in Afghanistan survive, Varkony says. They support each other. They care for each other. When they call each other sister, they arent kidding.And, she adds, People are responding to these stories.The Afghan women endure so much but Varkony says, They are just defiant.To purchase "Arrows of Light: The Journeys of Afghan Women through Amazon, please click here For more information, visit Pamela Varkony Roidadha Press and International Womens Writing Guild
Caregiving for my dad, a veteran of World War II and the Korean War, for over a decade was a great joy and honor. Yet, as it is for many veteran and military caregivers, it was financially devastating for me.

There are 6.5 million veteran and military caregivers in the U.S., and they provide unpaid labor valued at $14 billion a year. On average, they spend more than civilian caregivers, putting their own financial stability at risk. In fact, veteran family caregivers typically spend $11,500 a year of their own personal income on out-of-pocket costs for their loved ones. Thats 1.5 times higher than the average spent by family caregivers overall ($7,242), according to AARP data.

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I spent even more than that when I cared for Dad, covering the mortgage, food, clothing, medications, medical equipment and other services that Medicare or the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) wouldnt provide. I also made safety modifications to the bathroom and footed the bill for such supplemental costs as paid caregivers to help out after the monthly budget was depleted. At the same time, I was also caregiving for my mom and my sister.

Watch AARP and EDFs Financial Caregiving Webcast AARP and the Elizabeth Dole Foundation hosted a conversation about the financial impact of caregiving on veteran and military families with Amy Goyer, AARP caregiving expert, and Shawn Moore, manager of the Dole Foundations financial wellness program. The panelists shared experiences and insight from their personal caregiving journeys and provided expert advice for military families on how to build a secure financial future. Watch a recap of the event here.

Financial struggles despite strong retirement planning

Mom and Dad had done solid retirement planning, working with a financial planner. Their plan included savings, investments, long-term care insurance, Social Security and Dads pension. Nevertheless, their financial resources were drained by Moms 25-year struggle with stroke-related health issues and Dads Alzheimers. When I stepped in to help them, their savings and investments were gone, and they were in debt.

Dad was eventually approved for VA health care and Veterans Aid and Attendance benefits, which helped in the final few years of his life. Still, despite my providing 60 to 80 hours of unpaid labor a week (while working full-time), their caregiving costs were far beyond anything my parents could have predicted. Caregiving for someone living with Alzheimers or another form of dementia is a long haul, and caregiver costs are higher than they are for other caregivers.
Ihn Yo-han refutes speculation about early disbandment of committee

By Lee Hyo-jin

The innovation committee of the ruling People Power Party (PPP) is struggling to carry out its mission to overhaul the conservative party after its reform proposals have faced stiff resistance by some of its political heavyweights.

Ihn Yo-han, the committee chairman, has been urging the party's mainstream members to leave their traditional strongholds, (North and South Gyeongsang provinces), and run in the opposition-dominated areas of Seoul and Gyeonggi Province in the upcoming general elections.

Although the committee did not make this into an official proposal, Ihn's demand for party heavyweights to make "sacrifices" has drawn a backlash from them.

Rep. Chang Je-won, a three-term PPP lawmaker representing a district in Busan, said he will not leave his home turf.

They are telling me to go to Seoul. But I will not head to Seoul to carry on my modest political career, he said during a gathering with his supporters in Busan, Saturday.

Rep. Joo Ho-young, a seasoned lawmaker who has won his parliamentary seat in Daegu in five consecutive elections since 2004, also made it clear that he will not leave the region.

My political career began in Daegu, and it should end here. I am not going to Seoul, he said during a briefing session in Daegu's Suseong District, Nov. 8.

Making things worse for Ihns committee is former PPP chairman Lee Jun-seoks push to create a breakaway party.

The move is expected to bring divisions within the PPP, undermining Ihns ongoing attempt to patch things up with the former chairman in a show of reconciliation and unity among party members.

Lee, who has been butting heads with the PPP leadership since his membership got suspended in April last year, said in recent interviews that he is considering creating his own party, even setting a Dec. 27 deadline to finish his preparations.

The committee's drive to overhaul the party has been losing steam recently and its members have reportedly discussed wrapping up their mission earlier than scheduled. The 13-member reform team was launched in late October and is scheduled to disband on Dec. 24.

But Kim Kyung-jin, a member of the innovation team, refuted such claims.

"At this point, there have been no specific discussions about ending our activities, nor were there any agreements related to such a matter," he said in a statement, Tuesday.

Ihn also strongly refuted such a possibility.

"Such discussions did not take place, and it will not happen in the future either," he told reporters after a meeting with PPP members at a party's office on Jeju Island, also on Tuesday.

Earlier in the day, Ihn visited the Jeju 4.3 Peace Park and paid tribute to the victims of the Jeju Uprising and Massacre which began on April 3, 1948. The visit appears aimed at showing the PPP's empathy with the public's sentiment.

Previously, Rep. Tae Young-ho of the PPP came under fire by claiming that former North Korean leader Kim Il-sung ordered the uprising.

It remains to be seen, however, whether the committee will be able to fulfill its role by the end of next month.

Political commentator Rhee Jong-hoon said that Ihn's team has so far failed to live up to its expectations.

Under Ihn's leadership, the committee kicked off with high anticipations that it would bring big changes to the ruling party, but we havent seen any progress so far. None of the reform proposals made by the committee has been properly implemented, he said.

In a worst-case scenario, the PPPs innovation team could meet the same fate as a similar committee that was created within the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), Rhee commented.

The DPK also launched an innovation committee earlier this year to rebuild its reputation following a slew of scandals. But it did not succeed in bringing major changes to the party after its reform proposals failed to garner wide support among party members.
Movie

The 'Gladiator' director doesn't care whether he wins an Oscar or not because he would rather focus on his health as he is about to turn 86 years old this year.

Nov 14, 2023

AceShowbiz - Sir Ridley Scott is worried it's too "late" for him to win an Oscar and he's decided his health is "far more important." The 85-year-old "Blade Runner" director has yet to win a coveted Academy Award despite spending more than 30 years in the movie industry, but he's adamant there are more important things in life to worry about than whether he's going to win a trophy for his work.

"We'll it's a bit late for me [to win an Oscar]. I care more about being well enough to cope with what I'm doing, so my health is far more important than a f****** gong," he told the Sunday Times newspaper.

The director then added, "I did get a knighthood though." When asked if he worries about his own mortality as he reaches his mid-80s, Scott replied, "No, I don't think about it. I get up in the morning and say, 'Ah great! Another day of stress.' "

Scott is heading back to cinemas this month with the release of his new historical epic "Napoleon" which stars his "Gladiator" actor Joaquin Phoenix as the French military commander.

The film has already prompted criticism from some historians over its portrayal of events, with Scott even publicly hitting back at TV expert Dan Snow after he posted a video on TikTok breaking down the film's inaccuracies after watching the trailer.

Snow explained, "I love historical epics. I love Ridley Scott. But if you're watching this movie, it ain't a documentary," and the director retorted, "Get a life."

Scott now says he has no time for nitpicking from experts. He said of the film, "Like all history, it's been reported. Napoleon dies them, 10 years later, someone writes a book. Then someone takes that book and writes another book and so, 400 years later there's a lot of imagination [in history books]. When I have issues with historians, I ask, 'Excuse me, mate were you there? No? Well, shut the f*** up then.' "

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The 'Break Free' songstress and the 'Spamalot' actor take a picture together backstage at 'Gutenberg! The Musical!' along with the show's stars Josh Gad and Andrew Rannells.

Nov 14, 2023

AceShowbiz - Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater have been photographed together on their latest outing. The pair posed for a picture backstage at "Gutenberg! The Musical!" during their Broadway date night over the weekend.

The former Nickelodeon star and the Broadway actor spent their Sunday, November 12 by watching the show at the James Earl Jones Theater. In some snaps shared by the show's actor Andrew Rannells, he took a picture backstage with the pair and his co-star Josh Gad.

The four stars were all smiles in the snap as Ariana and Ethan stood apart with Andrew standing between them. Ethan was also sandwiched between Josh and Andrew without Ariana joining them in another photo.

"We had some big fun in Schlimmer yesterday! Spamalot's Ethan Slater AND Michael Urie! Two great guys to eat dreams with. Plus Ariana Grande! It was a perfect Sunday," Andrew wrote in the caption. Returning the favor, he promoted Ethan's musical as adding, "Go see Spamalot!"

In the comments section, fans went wild over Andrew's low-key way of debuting Ariana and Ethan as a couple on Instagram. "Andrew Rannells hard launching Ethan and Ariana was NOT on my bingo card but I'm so here for it," one person reacted to the post.

Another remarked, "the ariana and ethan hard launch." Seemingly not anticipating it, a third admitted, "andrew rannells hard launching ariana and ethan is insane and was certainly not on my 2023 bingo card."

Ariana was previously seen attending the first preview of Ethan's upcoming musical "Spamalot" in New York City. On October 31, the "7 Rings" songstress was seen at the St James Theatre to watch the preview of the Monty Python musical revival with two of her best friends, Elizabeth Gillies and Doug Middlebrook.

While in attendance, the 30-year-old was not hesitant to put on a "Spamalot" paper crown that was handed out to the audience. She was also kind enough to take pictures with fans outside the theatre.

Ariana has been supporting her beau since they reportedly moved in together in New York. "Ethan informed his friends and soon-to-be ex-wife [Lilly Jay] that he's living with Ariana full-time in New York," a source told Us Weekly earlier in October.

The pair first sparked dating rumors in July after filming "Wicked" together in London. In October, Ariana quietly and amicably reached divorce settlement with her ex-husband Dalton Gomez. Meanwhile, Ethan is currently in divorce process with his estranged wife Lilly.

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The 'Underworld' actress turns heads at the Hollywood actor's 49th birthday bash in Beverly Hills with her choice of outfit, which serves as a perfect nod to one of the birthday boy's legendary movies.

Nov 14, 2023

AceShowbiz - Kate Beckinsale knew how to honor Leonardo DiCaprio at his birthday party. The actress turned heads at the Hollywood actor's 49th birthday bash in Beverly Hills with her choice of outfit, which served as a perfect nod to one of Leo's biggest movies "Titanic".

The "Underworld" star joined other A-listers at the Saturday, November 11 soiree. For the party, Kate appeared to dress as the "Heart of the Ocean" necklace from "Titanic". She opted for a The Blonds minidress with a campy featuring a huge blue gem necklace that hung around her hip.

Her dress also had three rows of clear crystals adorning the bodice, imitating the necklace chain. "The Aviator" actress completed her look with platform pumps, a little black purse and a matching hair bow.

In addition to Kate, Kim Kardashian, Lady GaGa, Zoe Kravitz, Channing Tatum, Beyonce Knowles, Jay-Z, Taika Waititi, Tobey MaGuire and Snoop Dogg were among the famous names attending the party. Lil Wayne allegedly performed at the bash as "everyone was singing classic hip hop" at one point, according to an insider. The source also told PEOPLE that Leo was "raised and carried around the room."

It was also said that Leo and his girlfriend Vittoria Ceretti weren't shy in getting intimate in public at the bash. They were "affectionate and kissing throughout the night," the source claimed.

The lovebirds first sparked dating rumors when they were photographed getting hot and heavy in a club in Ibiza, Spain. The couple further fueled the romance rumors as he continued to bring the model to various events and parties around the world.

"They've been spending quite a bit of time together over the past few months, and they're enjoying getting to know one another on a deeper level," the informant spilled to Page Six back in September. The "Don't Look Up" actor appeared to confirm the rumors when he was seen out and about with Vittoria and her mom Irmelin Indenbirken at the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana Museum in Milan, Italy the next month.

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Cover Images/Media Punch/Janet Mayer Celebrity

In a joint interview, the 43-year-old reality superstar and the TV host recall a time that they were together at a dinner put on by the Kering Foundation during New York Fashion Week.

Nov 14, 2023

AceShowbiz - Kim Kardashian went head-to-head with Lauren Sanchez at an auction for a Balenciaga dress. The 43-year-old reality superstar is good friends with TV host Lauren, who recently got engaged to Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos, and recalled a time that they were together at a dinner put on by the Kering Foundation during New York Fashion Week, where the two fought to win a number by the esteemed fashion house but Kim decided they could share it.

In a joint interview with Lauren, Kim told Vogue, "I'm a big auction girl. and my strategy was to come in last minute. I called 'We'll share it!' [across the room] . I thought, you wear it once, I'll wear it once, it'll be so cute!" In the end, Kering offered to make two dresses, and both women paid $200,000 and traveled to Paris together for the fitting.

Meanwhile, Kim went on to add that she and Lauren are always in touch with each other via their DMs and described the bride-to-be as a "girl's girl" She said, "Lauren and I are always sending DMs building each other up. Every time there's a look that we like, she'll say, 'WOW,' or, 'OMG you look amazing.' She's such a girl's girl!"

In August, the couple held a lavish engagement party with a select group of friends aboard the billionaire's $500 million superyacht. They were joined by Microsoft founder Bill Gates and his partner Paula Hurd, Wendi Murdoch, the ex-wife of media mogul Rupert Murdoch and socialite Fabiola Beracasa Beckman for the "intimate" affair aboard the Bezos' beloved Kora in the breathtaking Positano, Italy, according to Page Six.

Jeff proposed to the former broadcaster aboard Kora off the coast of Cannes in May. A source told the New York Post's Page Six column at the time, "They were all over each other. I mean, they're always affectionate, but they could not keep their hands off each other."

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The 21-year-old Grammy and Oscar winner says she's totally fine with the Georgian emcee rapping about her body on the 'For All the Dogs' track because she knows that 'it's a joke.'

Nov 14, 2023

AceShowbiz - Billie Eilish doesn't mind at all with Lil Yachty rapping about her boobs. In fact, the "Happier Than Ever" hitmaker says she's "flattered" by the rapper's lewd lyrics about her body on Drake's "Another Late Night".



The 21-year-old offers her two cents when speaking to Variety. "I think it's fun! I'm flattered! Yachty is my friend. Drake is my friend," she tells the outlet. "It's a joke. I do have big t*ts. I love it."

On the tune, which appears on Drake's latest album, "For All the Dogs", Yachty raps about a former flame, "I let her go, she fine as hell but baby wasn't stylish." He continues, "She had big t*ts like Billie Eilish but she couldn't sing."

Billie is not the only celebrity to be name-dropped on the song. Millie Bobby Brown also finds her name mentioned in Drake's verse that reads, "Weirdos in my comments talkin' 'bout some Millie Bobby, look/ Bring them jokes up to the gang, we get to really flockin'/ Or send a finger to your mama in some FedEx boxes/ Open up that s**t, it's jaw droppin', really shockin.' "

Drake uses the lyrics to hit back at critics who were not feeling his friendship with Millie. The Canadian rap star, who first met the "Stranger Things" leading lady in November 2017 backstage at one of his Australian concerts, was previously accused of "grooming" for being friends with the actress.

Millie has shut down the haters though. She argued back in September 2018, "Why u gotta make a lovely friendship ur headline? U guys are weird... For real." She continued, "im lucky to have people in the business extend their time to help me further my career and offer their wisdom and guidance. Im very blessed to have amazing people in my life."

"u dont get to choose that for me," the British native further emphasized. "Its nice to have people to understand what i do. Now get back to talking about real problems in this world other than my friendships... jeez."

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Instagram Celebrity

Emma Heming Willis is plagued with guilt because she has 'resources that others don't' while caring for her retired actor husband who is currently battling dementia.

Nov 14, 2023

AceShowbiz - Emma Heming Willis is filled with guilt during Bruce Willis' ongoing health struggles. The "Die Hard" actor is struggling with Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) - a degenerative disease, which causes behavioural changes and communication difficulties - but his wife admitted she feels fortunate by the "resources" she has during such a difficult time.

"I struggle with guilt, knowing that I have resources that others don't. When I'm able to get out for a hike to clear my head, it's not lost on me that not all care partners can do that. When what I share about our family's journey gets press attention, I know that there are many thousands of untold, unheard stories, each of them deserving of compassion and concern," she told Maria Shriver's Sunday Paper.

And 45-year-old model Emma - who has daughters Mabel, 11, and Evelyn, nine, with the 68-year-old star - is keen to "be an advocate" for thhose going through similar struggles. She added, "I see that what I share matters to others who may be struggling, and in a small way makes them feel seen and understood."

"I want people to know that when I hear from another family affected by FTD, I hear our family's same story of grief, loss, and immense sadness echoed in theirs...It's important to me to be an advocate on behalf of those families, who don't have the time, energy, or resources to advocate for themselves."

She is urging people to see that "hope is everything," just as she does despite Bruce - who has daughters Rumer Willis, 35, Scout Willis, 32, and Tallulah Willis, 29, with ex Demi Moore - continuing to struggle.

She explained, "I have so much more hope today than I did after Bruce was first diagnosed. "I understand this disease more now, and I'm now connected to an incredible community of support. I have hope in having found a new purpose - admittedly one I never would have gone looking for - using the spotlight to help and empower others."

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Prudent approach needed to maximize national interest

Currently, the eyes of the world are fixed on the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders meeting in San Francisco. The global trade summit, slated for Nov. 15-17, will draw world leaders including U.S. President Joe Biden, Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Yoon Suk Yeol. Most of the leaders from the 21 APEC member countries will attend the summit. It will be presided over by Biden. Diverse bilateral meetings will also take place on the sidelines of the event.

The summit will offer a precious opportunity for Yoon, in particular, who is poised to discuss ways to cement trilateral cooperative ties with Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. Yoon is also set to take part in the Indo Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) summit, led by the U.S., to focus on ways to diversify global supply channels. There is the possibility of a summit between Yoon and Xi. The envisaged meeting has drawn growing attention due to the prospects of achieving a breakthrough in stalled relations between Seoul and Beijing.

Yoon has been pressed to properly utilize the APEC gathering, which comes at a time of strengthening relations between North Korea and Russia. Pyongyang is allegedly ready to offer conventional weapons to Moscow in return for obtaining state-of-the-art military technology. This will facilitate the Norths bid to heighten its prowess in weapons of mass destruction, such as nuclear missiles and surveillance satellites, thus intensifying tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

With the apparent advent of a New Cold War era, there is a growing possibility of multiple military conflicts in addition to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and Israel-Hamas war, prompting China and North Korea to consider armed confrontations in their respective regions. Should such ominous scenarios materialize, the military and diplomatic postures of the U.S. could weaken, thus enticing Pyongyang to resort to military provocations.

Against this backdrop, it is encouraging that the defense chiefs of South Korea and the U.S. agreed on Monday to share the U.S. strategic early warning system (SEWS) data to promptly detect the military and missile activities of the North. South Koreas Defense Minister Shin Won-sik and U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin reached that agreement during the 55th Security Consultative Meeting (SCM) held in Seoul. In a separate trilateral meeting, they also agreed with their Japanese counterpart Minoru Kihara to carry out pre-planned three-way military drills from next year to more effectively cope with possible threats from outside.

South Korea also needs to upgrade its economic cooperation with the U.S. to enhance the competitiveness of domestic enterprises amid escalating global hegemonic rivalry. The U.S. has been fortifying restrictions on Chinese high-tech industries like batteries and semiconductors, triggering concerns over possible adverse impacts on Korean businesses. Yoon should roll up his sleeves to persuade the Biden administration to stand on our side.

In line with this, the Yoon administration should conduct pragmatic diplomacy so that relations with China can proceed toward mutual respect and benefits. China is South Korea's largest trade partner and is the only state that can exercise influence on North Korea. The Yoon government should cast off the yoke of the previous Moon Jae-in administrations subservient diplomacy toward China and turn the bilateral ties onto a normal track. For starters, efforts should be focused on realizing Xis visit to Seoul.

Should the summit occur, it will be the second meeting between Yoon and Xi since they met on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Bali in November last year.

A possible successful summit between Biden and Xi will also pave the way for the South to mend its ties with China. And the two countries will be able to find common ground on mutual prosperity through enhanced economic cooperation and find breakthroughs concerning the deadlocked issue of North Koreas buildup of nuclear capabilities. Proactive and strategic diplomatic activities are needed to effectively tackle the major diplomatic events surrounding APEC.
Instagram Celebrity

The 'Yellowjackets' actress has tied the knot with Christian DeAnda and made sure everyone who attended her nuptials supported 'love for all' when sending out invitations.

Nov 15, 2023

AceShowbiz - "Yellowjackets" star Samantha Hanratty has swapped vows with Christian DeAnda. The 28-year-old actress and the pre-production assistant - who has worked on "The Suicide Squad" - got married at Terra Mia Vineyards in Paso Robles, California, on Saturday, November 11.

Wanting guests to only attend if they had supported her "no matter who" she ended up with, Samantha, who is bisexual, admitted she had "quite a few declines."

Speaking about the 140 friends and family in attendance at their wedding, she told The Knot Magazine, "I wanted to make it very clear that if you don't believe in love for all, and you don't celebrate love for all, we'd rather you send your best wishes."

"I'm bisexual and really wanted the people there to be ones who would have supported me no matter who I ended up with. A lot of my friends happen to be queer, and I didn't want a situation where anybody feels any way other than loved and respected. And so I've had quite a few declines."

Discussing the moment the couple exchanged vows, which they wrote themselves, Samantha said, "The tears were flowing."

Samantha's mother, Ellen Hanratty, planned the wedding - which was officiated by the "Jack and the Beanstalk" star's cousin Christopher Senderling - and she had plenty of experience after previously planning nuptials for four of her other daughters.

Speaking about her mum, Samantha said, "I'm the fifth daughter to get married, so she knows what she's doing. My mom loves doing DIY projects and we've been so lucky to have her do it all."

Christian had been to the venue several times before when he was working for a catering company during his college years.

Samantha, who is teetotal, wasn't initially sure about getting hitched at a vineyard, but she "knew it was the place" as soon as she saw it. She said, "I wasn't sure I wanted to have my wedding at a vineyard, but the moment I saw the property, I knew it was the place. I had three other venues to go view and I cancelled them immediately."

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The attorney who used to work for the MAGA leader will move to another country as the lawyer warns of the politician's 'revenge' if he returns to the Oval Office.

Nov 15, 2023

AceShowbiz - Donald Trump's former lawyer plans to "leave the country" if he is re-elected as President of the United States. Michael Cohen has warned a potential re-election "could be a real problem" for the nation's democracy, and he has real fears about how things could pan out.

"This could be a real problem, not only again for us, but also for America's democracy and the future of this country I will leave the country," he said on ITV's "Good Morning Britain".

Cohen added that he "fears for his safety" and life, and alleged that Trump will try to "exact revenge" on anyone he can. He continued, "I fear for my safety. I fear for my life. Again, you don't know Donald Trump. I do."

"Don't listen to my words. Listen to his words. He will exact revenge on anyone who has done him wrong. There's a lot of people on that list. It's not just me. It's judges, it's lawyers, it's citizens. It's prosecutors. It's Congress members. He will exact revenge on anyone and everyone that he's capable of."

Asked if he would consider seeking asylum in a forein country, he confirmed he "absolutely" would. Trump, 77, is facing charges of inflating his wealth on financial statements given to banks to secure loans, which he has denied.

Cohen claimed while he wants Trump to be "held accountable" for the allegations, he isn't sure if seeing the businessman turned politician behind bars is the right move for the US as a whole. He explained, "I want him held accountable, but I have great concerns that if in fact Donald Trump is locked up in an institution, that he would sell or give away national security secrets for a bag of tuna or a book of stamps."

"My bigger concern is the protection and safety of America. So let them put him under a very serious home confinement situation. But to put him into an institution, remember, for four years, he was briefed every single day on national security issues. I care more about America than I do seeing Donald Trump behind bars."

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Abinash Panda has recently assumed the role of Chief Manager, Digital, Retail Experience & Innovation - D2C at Samsung Electronics. He shared the news on LinkedIn, expressing his enthusiasm for the position.

He posted,Happy to share that Im starting a new position as Chief Manager, Digital, Retail Experience & Innovation - D2C at Samsung Electronics!

Prior to this, Abhinash served as the Marketing Manager - Digital at Dabur for over two years, showcasing a strong track record in the digital space. Notably, he played a significant role as the Digital Account Lead for Coca Cola during his three-year tenure with IPG media brands. His extensive experience also includes four years at Group M, where he began as Business Manager - Digital Media Planning & Buying in 2014. Abhinash has previously contributed to organizations such as Publicis Media, Fareportal Inc, Ibibo web pct ltd, IIFL, and BSNL.
Sidharth Shakdher, the Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Disney+ Hotstar, has resigned from his position. Shakdher, who has been associated with Disney+ Hotstar for over seven years, initially joined Hotstar in 2016 as the Senior Vice President and Growth Head.

In 2018, he was tasked with leading the consumer business for Disney+ Hotstar and was subsequently promoted to EVP and Business Head. In 2021, he took on the responsibilities of leading the marketing, growth, and direct-to-consumer business for the platform.
Federal Banks latest Diwali Campaign Karo Bachaane Ki Shuruaat Bachpan Se is a family celebration of innocent promises made to make the next Diwali bigger for everyone. The biggest of Indias festivities is a moment to wish, gift, deck up, enjoy the food and be thankful for the prosperity in our lives. In some cases, when you are away from home, one gives money, in this instance called Diwali to children.

It is this moment of receiving a fund transferred by Grandpa to his Grandson, that sparks off a whole set of promissory chutzpah by the protagonist to his entire family. Only, to be tapped by the mother, who taps a note to self, of where will the money to fund all this come from.

The heart-warming campaign emphasizes the importance of starting to save very early from the childhood as a step towards financial empowerment. Karo Bachaane Ki Shuruaat Bachpan Se is a campaign that centers around a young protagonist, Ishaan, whose aspirations are funnelled by the guidance of his supportive mother.

The campaign encourages a child not to be in doubt of fulfilling everyones promises and take steps towards making it happen. His mother, who knows a thing or two about earning and saving sets up a recurring deposit in addition to the Diwali received by Ishaan.

The campaign perks up Federal Bank Savings Accounts, Recurring and Fixed Deposits, Credit and Debit Cards all as instruments of saving by setting aside funds or saving on the numerous offers.

"Our protagonists have always been progressive, comfortable with technology, across age groups and well represented equally by people from different walks of life. In Karo Bachaane Ki Shuruaat Bachpan Se, the Mom who is seemingly a career woman herself, sets up an online recurring deposit. This will continue to add more to the Diwali received. There is a play of technology, transfers and teaching early life lessons. The pragmatism of the film is not in lessoning but in lessening the dilemmas by channelling the innocence, to delivering on commitments.

This is a continuum of Federal Banks Rishta Aap Se Hai, Sirf App Se NahiTM, template, where the human desire for better living is powered by the convenience of using Federal Banks smooth digital assets. said MVS Murthy, Chief Marketing Officer at Federal Bank.

At Federal Bank, we hold 'Rishta' in high regard, emphasizing family connections in our communication. A crucial aspect of this is preparing the next generation for their financial journey. Starting to save early is key; understanding compound interest sooner makes reaching financial goals easier. This isn't just about Diwali; it highlights Federal Bank's assistance in both short and long-term savings. Our aim was to use the Diwali spirit to inspire young customers to begin saving. This is just the first step in strengthening the love for the Federal Bank brand, and we're optimistic that it will resonate with our customers - Rohit Dubey, Executive Creative Director, Ogilvy
On World Kindness Day, Ketto, a crowdfunding platform based out of India, is not only celebrating the simple acts of kindness that make the world a better place, but the organization has also put together an intriguing report that sheds light on how Indians donated in 2023. Here are some insights about the same:

419,893 Indians made their first-ever online donations this year, and most of them donated Rs 500, proving that even small acts of kindness can make a big impact. Also, the biggest donation this year was Rs. 25,00,000 from Mysore, Karnataka  which is enough to buy over 800 acres of land on the moon!

We all know what TGIF is, but do you know what TGIDF is? It's 'Thank God It's Donation Friday.' Ketto observed that most people donate on Fridays compared to other days of the week. A donor from Hyderabad made 941 Ketto donations in the last year, proving that generosity knows no bounds. That's nearly 3 a day!

The average donation on Ketto is Rs. 1120. That's enough to buy 74 Vada pavs, plus one for good luck! Also, Mumbai took the lead in supporting animal welfare causes, followed by Thiruvananthapuram, demonstrating their dedication to creating a positive impact. In comparison to this, Delhiites preferred to support food-related causes over education.

The most popular donation modes are UPI, wallet, card, and bank transfer. Also, Ketto donors made over 1.3 million donations this year, more than the number of people living in Bhutan! They also received tips from 190,187 donors this year affirming their dedication to creating positive change. The crowdfunding platform also witnesses the highest number of donations on the sixth of every month.

At 11:33 PM on 6th February 2023, Ketto received the highest number of donations in a single minute. It was also observed that donors are most likely to give between 10 and 11 PM, both facts indicating that kindness never sleeps. Did you know? Online donors saved a whopping Rs. 51,829,651 in taxes thanks to the power of 80G tax exemptions.

These are Ketto's fast-growing fundraising categories -- the donations for soldiers increased by 2675% this year. Donations for senior citizens increased by 484.06%, ensuring our elderly are living their golden years in dignity. Contributions towards food and hunger also rose this year by 381.14%. Moreover, donations to widow empowerment increased by 100%

These were the top ten states that donated the most across the country - Maharashtra, Karnataka, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, and Gujarat, proving that although Indians are divided by borders, they are united by the spirit of giving.

Varun Sheth, CEO and Co-Founder of Ketto says, "In 2023, we saw something truly amazing  our community came together to support each other. It's just incredible to see how even the smallest acts of kindness can be powerful and make a big difference. We've shown the world that kindness has no limits, and by working together, we can create a much better world for everyone."

Kunal Kapoor, Co-Founder of Ketto says, "Kindness is a universal language that bridges cultures and connects people. Being compassionate isnt a tough choice so why not indulge in the practice of giving? It's inspiring to see how people have begun to contribute to causes and make a difference. This is only the beginning of a brighter future, which leads us to believe that kindness knows no bounds!"

These fascinating data points not only reflect the indomitable spirit of generosity among Indians but also underscore the immense potential of collective kindness in creating a brighter, more compassionate world. It is a testament to the incredible impact that each individual can make in the pursuit of a better society.
Prithvi Raj Singh Oberoi, the influential figure in Indian hospitality and Chairman Emeritus of the Oberoi Group, passed away on the morning of November 14, leaving behind a legacy of unparalleled hospitality.

As the former executive chairman of EIH Limited, the flagship of The Oberoi Group, he is recognized as a man who revolutionized the landscape of the hotel industry in India. In addition to providing leadership for the management of luxury hotels in several countries, Oberoi has been instrumental in pioneering the development of Oberoi Hotels and Resorts. As highlighted on its website, the Oberoi brand has come to represent fine luxury hotels.

PRS Oberoi was bestowed with the Padma Vibhushan, the country's second highest civilian honour, in January 2008. The International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) conferred him with the Lifetime Achievement Award in December 2012 as a global recognition of his exceptional leadership, vision and contribution to develop The Oberoi Group as one of the world's leading luxury hotel chains.
SBI Life Insurance, one of the leading private life insurers across the country, unveiled a heart-warming Paanchvi Diwali Childrens Day film, raising awareness around the importance of nutrition and healthcare amongst rural and tribal children of India. The film leverages Artificial Intelligence to brings forth the crucial need for child nutrition, especially among the rural populace. The story highlights how the social issues related to malnutrition & lack of education around the need for proper healthcare among the tribal communities residing in Dhar (Rajasthan) & Baran (Madhya Pradesh), have been overcome through SBI Lifes interventions with Action Against Hunger NGO, which leverage the governments existing Anganwadi infrastructure.

According to reports, 74.1 per cent of the Indian population cannot afford healthy food. This means that more than 100 crore people in India are bound to eat food with insufficient nutrition. As per UNICEF, undernutrition reduces economic advancement due to losses in productivity, poorer cognition and poorer educational outcomes.

SBI Lifes "Paanchvi Diwali, thus is an effort to address the dire need to make India malnourishment free and ensure that every child across rural India is healthy and nourished.

The digital video uses the state-of-the-art mid-journey AI to narrate an emotionally charged real life story of a tribal mother and daughter residing in Rajasthan. This innovative approach in digital storytelling highlights the plight and resilience of mothers from the rural & tribal communities to do everything that makes their child healthy and nourished. At its core, the campaign "Paanchvi Diwali" celebrates the successful partnership of parents and the Anganwadi health centers in safeguarding their childs health until they turn five years of age. The film is a vivid portrayal of the sacrifices and triumphs of tribal mothers, resonating with the spirit of Diwali  a festival of light and hope.

Set to the enchanting rhythms of Rajasthani folk music, the campaign highlights the collaborative efforts of SBI Life and Action Against Hunger NGO, in combating child malnutrition across rural India. This initiative underlines SBI Lifes dedication in nurturing the health of new mothers and infants in nomadic tribes to reach the age of five with robust health and nutrition.

The Digital Video Commercial (DVC) begins with a tribal mother and child visiting the Anganwadi for a regular health check-up, where joyfully discovers the childs positive growth. The revelation that the child will turn 59 months by Diwali fills the mother with excitement. Rushing home, she joyfully declares her child as the utsav moorthi and asks for her daughters Diwali treat. The daughter requests for Kheer which becomes a mission for the mother. The AI-led video beautifully captures moments of maternal sacrifices and determination, from late-night visits to the center, to farming for a living and ensuring childs regular health checkups, culminating into a touching scene where the child, acknowledging her efforts, shares a spoonful of Kheer with her mother. Overwhelmed, the mother realizes that she is the true 'utsav moorthi.'

The campaign closes with poignant visuals of the mother and child celebrating Diwali, interspersed with real-life images of Sahariya tribe mothers and their children  a true reflection of the campaigns impact.

"Paanchvi Diwali" is more than a campaign; it's a narrative of resilience, care, and the joy of celebrating lifes little victories. It stands as a proud testament to SBI Life's commitment to its social responsibilities, making a meaningful difference in the communities it serves.
Putting an end to piracy completely is akin to eliminating shoplifting once and for all! These words of an anti-piracy expert encapsulate the harsh reality and challenges inherent in the battle against piracy. We have to live with the menace no matter how hard authorities the world over try.

Early this month, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting issued a notification, designating nodal officers tasked with addressing complaints lodged by copyright holders concerning pirated or infringing copies of their films on the Internet. Upon receiving complaints from the copyright holder or their authorised representatives, the nodal officers are mandated to issue notifications to intermediaries, directing them to disable access to and remove the pirated links from the internet.

How effective can this step be? Adgully attempts to find an answer in this two-part series.

A good plan, but...

Experts say that it is a step in the right direction, but they are unsure of its efficacy. The current challenges faced by producers in combating piracy involve a complex process of dealing with various levels: the websites hosting pirated content, servers facilitating uploads, Internet service providers (ISPs) enabling access, and the end consumers. The traditional approach involves obtaining court orders to compel ISPs to block specific sites, which is both expensive and time-consuming. The introduction of nodal officers is seen as a positive step, potentially streamlining the process.

It is a good plan. But we are yet to know how efficient this process is going to be, because they (the nodal officers) are going to get a lot of requests. And we dont know if they have enough team to handle all the requests, because they have to co-ordinate with the Internet Service Providers (ISPs), remarks Mugil Chandran of Block X Technologies, who assists producers in fighting piracy.

He adds that with these nodal officers in place, producers need not go through the laborious process of going to court and getting an order to block websites carrying pirated content. They can directly approach the nodal officers with the list of websites to be blocked.

We obviously ask the websites to remove the pirated content. We reach out to the servers where the pirated content is uploaded. Most of the servers are in copyright-free countries, mostly Scandinavians. So, there is no support from them; even if they respond it will be delayed, and by that time the pirated content would be transferred to some other server. And the process continues, he explains.

The only people who respond to anti-piracy experts or producers are ISPs.

We cant reach them (ISPs) directly without a court order. What we do as producers or anti-piracy agents is that we give a list of sites and help them with the legal process. We share the court order with the ISPs and ask them to block the site. The problem is that by the time we do that the pirates would shift to another website or server. Then again we have to obtain a court order and get that list approved by the court. It is an expensive and time-taking process. These processes get eliminated with the arrival of nodal officers. We have already raised some request with the nodal officers, till now we have not got any reply, says Chandran.

What about the apps?

The effectiveness of these anti-piracy measures is compromised when applications remain untouched. This is relevant because a significant portion of piracy activities occurs on platforms such as Telegram. If such large file-sharing apps are taken to task, it is tantamount to upending the piracy apple-cart. But it is easier said than done!

We are yet to find out if this will be effective with platforms like Telegram, where groups are being created and files are being shared directly. Here, there is no intermediate person; but the platform is used for sharing content. I am curious to know the nodal officers position on applications. That makes a big difference. This can be a big deal if the nodal officers say that they are looking at blocking apps, says Chandran, adding that he has sent the nodal officers an enquiry on whether Telegram as a platform will be blocked or blacklisted in India.

The creators go scot-free

Another issue is that those who host the content remain unscathed.

According to Chandran, the authorities are not scrutinising anybody who hosts the content; whoever is creating or pirating content directly is being penalised, not somebody who is supporting it. Supporting a platform where it is being shared or the person behind it is not being considered as an accomplice. Which means they are not recommending self-censorship or self-regulation, adds Chandran.

For example, he explains, if pirated content is being uploaded on certain website or server, they are not being held accountable or directed to remove that file. The current approach to combating piracy focuses on penalising those directly involved in creating or pirating content, neglecting the accountability of supporting platforms or individuals. This issue is particularly complex when dealing with apps like Telegram, as ISPs cannot delist them. There is no clarity on this, exacerbating the challenges in addressing this aspect of piracy.

Additionally, the effectiveness of these measures is undermined when individuals employ Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). When a VPN is activated, users no longer operate with an Indian IP address. Consequently, even if an Indian ISP blocks access, its efforts become futile as the VPN allows users to bypass these restrictions, rendering the measures ineffective in preventing access to pirated content.

What producers say

Producers are sanguine about the development.

Arjun Singgh Baran and Kartk D Nishandar, Founders of GSEAMS, feel that they are very optimistic about this development. According to them, Anything which will help us to collectively battle piracy is absolutely a step in the right direction. If implemented judiciously, it will help us address the root of the piracy issue, take action, pull down pirated content and block sites which are promoting it. It would be interesting to see how this proposed mechanism will function and how effective it will be. For instance, how will fraudulent copyright claims be addressed and how will such a dispute be resolved quickly? If a systematic way to call out and root out piracy is put into place, it will definitely help.

This indeed is a positive development, particularly given the absence of a dedicated institutional framework for taking direct action against pirated film content beyond legal recourse under the Copyright Act and IPC sections, says producer Anand Pandit.

With this new system, copyright holders or film producers can file a complaint along with the URL where the pirated copy is hosted and the name of the website is responsible. Nodal officers can then instruct the websites to remove such content within 48 hours, he says.

Pandit, however, feels that while this is a step in the right direction and will provide some relief to the industry, it may not be sufficient to completely eradicate piracy. According to him, it is important to explore additional measures that require coordinated efforts among various stakeholders in the film industry and administrators to address this issue to its full extent.
By Ahn Ho-young

The leaders of South Korea, Japan and the United States met on Aug. 18 at Camp David, where they agreed on the substantial strengthening of their relations in security, the economy and technology, and declared the opening of a new chapter in the relations among the three countries.

The following month, the leaders of North Korea and Russia met at the Vostochny Cosmodrome in the Russian Far East, where it was suspected that North Korea and Russia agreed on the barter of North Koreas conventional weapons for Russias high technology to support North Koreas programs for weapons of mass destruction.

These two events are often cited as Exhibits A and B of mutually reinforcing confrontation between the Southern Triangle of South Korea, Japan and the United States and the Northern Triangle of North Korea, Russia and China. I recently had an opportunity to meet with a group of academics and former diplomats to discuss related issues. The following points appealed to me.

First, I found it interesting regarding the analysis of North Koreas perceptions and approaches. It was in 2007 that North Korea began to blame the U.S. for starting a new cold war and suggested the need to strengthen relations between North Korea, Russia and China. That was the time when a large number of former communist countries were busy introducing reforms and openness, and transforming their countries. That was also the time when the U.S. made consistent efforts to improve relations with China and Russia.

North Korea made a rare exception by turning its back the global trends of reforms and openness, developing nuclear weapons and suffering from global sanctions. Thus, North Korea loathed the new international order, and longed for the return of the Cold War order. After almost 20 years, North Korea now seems to be relieved that international relations are turning to a resemblance of the Cold War.

Second, China was the biggest beneficiary of the end of the Cold War and the subsequent globalization. Chinas GDP stood at $1.4 trillion in 2001 when China joined the WTO with the U.S.' blessing. In 2022, it went up to $18 trillion.

In making that impressive transformation, China depended hugely on the exchange of goods, finance and technology with the market economies of the West. Thus, de-linking from China after all these years, is not a viable option for the West, neither for the former or its partners in the West.

For that reason, China has to play by the rules-based international order, at least to the extent necessary. This will work as an important inhibition for China to become fully committed to the Northern Triangle with North Korea and Russia, who reject the rules-based international order almost in its entirety. Some participants, however, held a view that such conjectures on Chinas position could be our own wishful thinking.

Third, participants were of the view that South Korea better avoid the frame of the deepening confrontation between the Southern Triangle and the Northern Triangle. Such a frame will have a self-fulfilling impact and help North Korea and Russias efforts to pull China further into their orbit. Instead, South Korea must maintain its position that it is strengthening its cooperation with the U.S. and Japan, only because Koreas core values are being increasingly challenged. South Korea does not seek to divide its neighbors into differing and opposing camps.

As a matter of fact, that is precisely the point made in Koreas Indo-Pacific Strategy announced in December last year. With respect to China in particular, the strategy stated that Korea wishes to continue to develop relations with China on the basis of the rules-based international order, mutual respect and benefits.

There had been a long gap in the exchange of visits among high-level officials between Korea and China. It was somehow interpreted as arising from Chinas unhappiness with the Yoon governments posture to pursue principle-based relations with China. Such a view began to subside after President Yoons meetings with Prime Minister Li Qiang in Jakarta and soon in New Delhi last September on the occasion of ASEAN and G-20 meetings. Prime Minister Han also met with President Xi on the occasion of the Asian Games in Hangzhou.

Many participants found these developments timely and suggested that the momentum should be maintained. For example, a South Korea-Japan-China summit meeting has been long delayed. It is now Koreas turn to host the meeting, a good opportunity to engage China. At the same time, China has long dangled the idea of Xi making a return visit to Korea, which Korea hopes will happen in the not-too-distant future. Through such meetings and visits, China could show to the world that it can be a constructive actor to address a large number of challenging issues we face globally as well as regionally in Northeast Asia, Eastern Europe and the Middle East.

Ahn Ho-young is chair professor of North Korean Studies, Kyungnam University. He served as Korean ambassador to the U.S. and vice foreign minister.
In conversation with Adgully, Meghna Apparao, Director of e-commerce (India) at Meta, delves into the intricacies of enhancing customer experiences through personalisation in the digital landscape. She sheds light on Metas commitment to leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) for tailored content, collaborations with brands, and the ethical use of data. The discussion also touched on key findings from Metas festive trends study, offering valuable insights for brands navigating the dynamic Indian market.

Personalisation is crucial for enhancing customer engagement and loyalty. What are some of the key technologies or approaches that Meta employs to achieve this in the ever-evolving digital landscape?

Every day people discover new content and brands on our platforms, and AI is at the heart of driving these personalised experiences. AI enhances personalisation by curating content more effectively and tailoring it to user preferences. This enables people to discover brands and content that they find most relevant.

"A Meta-commissioned online survey by GFK indicated that 82% of the surveyed online shoppers in India have discovered products and brands on Meta technologies."

This quarter is turning out to be a big one for digital marketers, and were in the midst of probably our first AI-powered festive season. AI is taking center stage across the advertising industry with more tools available to marketers than ever before  from AI-powered automation tools to early-stage generative AI tools.

In fact, our festive trends study by YouGov revealed that 69% of Diwali shoppers find personalised content on Facebook and Instagram helpful, underscoring the impact of AI-driven personalisation.

Could you share some insights into how Meta India collaborates with brands and businesses to help them effectively leverage the data and tools available for their e-commerce and retail strategies?

Weve seen strong momentum this year, especially during the ongoing festive season, from our e-commerce and retail advertisers. A significant share of this momentum is coming on the back of Reels, business messaging, and our suite of AI solutions.

Reels, for instance, is redefining storytelling in India and transforming the dynamics of consumer engagement for brands. A study that Meta got done by research firm Factworks demonstrated that Reels can spark action amongst users, with 82% of the surveyed people saying that they follow a business, and 77% saying that they purchase a product after watching Reels. Nearly three out of four people also message a business after watching Reels.

The shift to messaging is driving the next chapter of digital transformation for Indias businesses, and Meta is playing a role in this shift. WhatsApp is deeply entrenched in the daily lives of Indians, making it a natural choice for how people and businesses get things done.

"More than 60% of people on WhatsApp in India message a business app account, and revenue from Click-to-Message ads in India has doubled year-over-year. These are powerful opportunities for e-commerce and retail businesses to connect with their customers."

Furthermore, AI is playing a transformative role in helping advertisers achieve their goals more effectively and efficiently. Alongside our recent introduction of Generative AI ad features, we have developed AI-powered tools like the Meta Advantage Suite, which is our portfolio of automated ad products. These solutions assist businesses in automating various stages of the ad creation process, further accelerating their campaign performance. Globally, more than half of our advertisers are already using one of our AI powered solutions demonstrating the significance of these tools for business performance.

With the growing concern for data privacy, how does Meta ensure that customer data is used ethically and in compliance with regulations while still delivering personalised experiences?

Privacy is paramount to us, and our terms of service are crystal clear about how we handle user data while delivering personalised experiences.

"We adhere to our stringent privacy policy that explains how we collect and use data to determine some of the ads that users come across on our platforms."

People can also go to the settings page of the relevant Meta product at any time to review their privacy choices and control the way their data is used.

"Giving people control over what they share is very important to us, and on our platforms, people have a say in the ads that they see. They can review and change the things that influence what ads they see in their ad preferences."

For instance, when they see an ad, they can hide the ad, hide all ads from the advertiser or let us know about a problem with the ad. Or they can choose Why am I seeing this? to get more context on why they might be seeing it. Weve also built tools to give people more transparency and control over things like Off-Facebook Activity, which empowers users to see, control, and disconnect the data that other apps and websites share with Facebook.

Were constantly improving these tools all the time and we design every new product and feature with privacy in mind.

Could you share key findings for brands from Metas festive trends study?

The festive period is the most important for brands across India and plays a key role in the expanding digital economy of the country. What weve learnt is that this period goes beyond Diwali, starting as early as August, and continuing broadly until the New Years.

The study showed the increasing influence of influencers, messaging, and AR in driving purchases during the festive season. Nearly two-thirds of the surveyed shoppers said that they are highly influenced in their purchasing process by influencers and content creators. 66% of Diwali shoppers also said that they are more likely to consider purchasing from a business if they can contact them via instant messaging.

"And with AR and VR disrupting the shopping experience, three out of five shoppers said that AR experiences help get them into the Diwali spirit and ultimately influence their purchase decisions."

We believe that these insights are not just key for the festive season, but will define how brands engage with their customers in the years to come.
Noise levels during Diwali celebrations in several parts of Mumbai exceeded readings of last year, and firecrackers were burst beyond the 10 pm deadline set by the courts, an NGO specialising in noise pollution awareness said on Monday.

Diwali was celebrated with traditional pomp and fervour, marked with lights and firecrackers, across the nation on Sunday.

The maximum noise level recorded in Mumbai during celebrations this year was 117 decibels, up from the top reading of 109.1 decibels last year, Awaaz Foundation said.

The decibel levels peaked between 82 and 117 at Marine Drive in south Mumbai at 9:55 pm, with the promenade seeing a huge crowd of revellers bursting serial and aerial bombs, the NGOs founder Sumaira Abdulali said in a release.

The police began stopping the bursting of firecrackers only after 10:10 pm, and also detained some people for not heeding directives in this connection, the NGOs release said.

On Friday, the Bombay High Court directed that firecrackers could be burst only between 8 pm and 10 pm in the state in view of the deteriorating air quality in the metropolis and several other major cities.

The bursting of firecrackers increased after 9 pm at Marine Drive, the Awaaz Foundations release added.

At Shivaji Park, firecracker use was observed at about 7.45 pm. Barring a few stray crackers at a distance, there were few firecrackers used along the road from Shivaji Park (in Dadar) to Marine Drive, the release said.

At Shivaji Park, which is a residential zone, the noise level was recorded at 99 decibels at 7.45 pm and 95 decibels at 11.45 pm. During Diwali in 2021, the highest noise level, at 100.4 decibels, was recorded at Shivaji Park, it added.

This year, fewer aerial crackers were burst overall when compared to the period since 2020, but the bursting of loud serial crackers increased the decibel levels at several points, the NGO said.

Though no crackers containing toxic chemicals are permitted as per Supreme Court orders, their presence was detected during chemical analysis. It included barium, a chemical banned by the apex court, the release informed.

It said the air would contain these harmful chemicals, including barium, in the period after Diwali and would contribute to poor AQI.

For the first time in a decade, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board and Awaaz Foundation did not conduct their annual pre-Diwali joint firecracker testing to determine their noise levels, the release informed.

Meanwhile, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Monday appealed to citizens to refrain from bursting firecrackers on the remaining two days of the Diwali festivities.

In Maharashtra, Bali Pratipada or Bali Padwa (November 14), an occasion when devotees worship Lord Krishna, and Bhaubeej (November 15), a festival that signifies the importance of brother-sister bonding, form part of Diwali celebrations and people burst firecrackers on these two days also.

The civic body urged Mumbai residents to celebrate the two festivals in an environment-friendly, green, and pollution-free way to address the pressing issue of air pollution.

In a release, the BMC urged citizens to refrain from using firecrackers besides avoiding the use of plastic bags. Furthermore, citizens are encouraged to utilize waste and recyclable items to the maximum extent possible, promoting an environment-friendly and pollution-free Diwali celebrations, it stated. Through the release, Mumbai civic commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal advised citizens to celebrate Diwali safely and responsibly and urged them to adhere to guidelines issued by Honourable High Court. It said as part of the Government of Maharashtras Majhi Vasundhara Abhiyan 3.0, Swachh Survekshan 2023, and Swachh Vayu Survekshan Abhiyan, citizens were urged to celebrate festivals that are free from crackers, plastic, garbage, pollution, and are eco-friendly (green).

Mumbai city is a shared space, and minimizing air pollution during Diwali is an act of consideration towards each other. Lets make a collective effort for cleaner air, the release stated.

The BMC asked citizens to refrain from bursting crackers in prohibited zones such as hospitals, educational institutions, places of worship, petrol pumps, and on roads.
Others Specials Diatron Expands to India, Announces 2024 Reagent Manufacturing Plans

New Delhi (India), November 11: Diatron, a prominent player in the development, manufacturing, and marketing of hematology and clinical chemistry analysers and their associated reagents for medical and veterinary use, has taken a significant step by inaugurating a new office in New Delhi, India. This strategic move highlights Diatron's commitment to strengthening its presence in Asia, a region with a burgeoning diagnostics market, and to providing its services to both existing and new customers in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. Additionally, they plan to commence manufacturing their associated reagents for medical and veterinary use in India from 2024, a move that will create new job opportunities in India.

Diatron's new office in India (Asia) marks a pivotal development, bringing numerous advantages to customers and partners alike. The establishment of a sales presence in the APAC region ensures swift and timely support, expediting project progress and leading to more efficient outcomes. Enhanced communication capabilities and geographical proximity promise to eliminate language barriers, fostering a more productive collaboration.

Peter Zsoka, CFO and Board of Director at Diatron MI Plc., Budapest, Hungary, spoke about the Indian expansion project, saying, "We started this journey five years ago with a vision to expand our regional presence. The inauguration of our new office in Delhi marks a significant milestone. With the new office, we plan to further strengthen our commitment to the Indian market. Our goal is to commence reagent manufacturing in India by 2024, reflecting our dedication to this region and the healthcare sector."

Ronald Backes, Vice President of Sales & Marketing and Board Member of Diatron, Budapest, Hungary, says, We are dedicated to strengthening our partnership with the Asian market, a region that has always been of the utmost importance to us. The opening of our new office is a testament to our commitment to contributing to healthcare advancements. The early results and benefits we've witnessed are just the beginning of a long and prosperous partnership. Together, we aim to spearhead healthcare advancements in Asia, ultimately enhancing the quality of patients' lives.

Diatron's expert team in New Delhi is geared up to provide even swifter responses to the inquiries and requirements of both its existing and new customers in the APAC region.

Thrilled about the inauguration of our new office in India, Julio Freyre, Director of Clinical Chemistry Business at Diatron MI Plc. in Budapest, Hungary, expressed, "Expanding into the APAC region is a remarkable stride in our dedication to advancing global healthcare. We are determined to bolster the healthcare system in the region by offering innovative solutions and cutting-edge diagnostics. Our devoted team in India will play a pivotal role in realising this vision."

For over three decades, Diatron has been on a dedicated journey with a singular purpose - to develop, manufacture, and distribute high-quality diagnostic equipment tailored to the healthcare sector. Their product range includes clinical chemistry and hematology analysers for human and veterinary use, designed to enhance medical diagnostics and patient care.

These systems play a crucial role in early disease detection, from diabetes and anaemia to cardiovascular conditions, through blood analysis. They enable doctors to promptly identify issues and initiate timely treatments, ultimately saving lives. Diatron's vision has made its brand recognized globally, with products distributed and marketed in more than 110 countries. Over 50,000 Diatron clinical chemistry and hematology analysers are actively used in laboratories worldwide, and their continuous growth is attributed to strong customer relationships.

About Diatron MI:

Diatron, based in Budapest, Hungary, is a proud member of the STRATEC SE Group, located in Birkenfeld, Germany. Diatron offers a comprehensive package, including innovative research and development, excellence in manufacturing and reagent production, and top-quality sales office and service support in the fields of hematology, clinical chemistry, and CLIA. The company's products are present in over 110 countries, distributed through a dedicated distributor network, with a continuously expanding customer base. For more details, please visit http://www.diatron.com.

For any further information, please contact:

Franciska Dienes | Senior Marketing & Communication Expert

Phone: +36 1 2794 400

Email: marketing@diatron.com
Austal USA laid the keel for its first steel ship on Tuesday, a symbolic milestone not just in the life of the ship but of the shipyard itself. In the process, the shipbuilder and the Navy paid tribute to a Native American man who served in the U.S. Marine Corps and went on to become a respected advocate for Native American rights and environmental concerns.

The ship, designated T-ATS 11, is one of several Navajo-class towing, rescue and salvage ships that Austal is under contract to build in Mobile. When it enters service it will become the USNS Billy Frank Jr.

Frank died in 2014 at age 83 after an eventful life. Born into the Nisqually tribe in Washington state, he served in the Marine Corps for two years in the 1950s. He went on to become a champion of tribal fishing rights and posthumously received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015.

In Tuesdays keel-laying ceremony, William Frank III and his wife, ship sponsor Peggen Frank, burned their initials into a steel plate that will be fixed within the ship. Peggen Frank, using the traditional language of the ceremony, certified that the keel had been well and truly laid.

Larry Ryder, vice president of business development and external affairs for Austal USA, said the fact that we have, I think, six tribes represented today shows you the importance of this event.

Todays ceremony is especially meaningful for Austal USA as it is the first keel-laying weve had for a steel ship, said Ryder. So its a big deal for the shipbuilders you see here.

The T-ATS is a U.S. Navy ship that combines the capabilities of an oceangoing tug with those of a rescue and salvage ship.U.S. Navy/Austal USA

Though changing economic conditions have caused Austal USAs parent company to designate the deal as onerous, the fact remains that securing it was a major development in Austals transition from a builder specializing in aluminum work into one able to compete for more plentiful steel work. More steel contracts, including one for construction of U.S. Coast Guard cutters, have followed.

U.S. Navy Capt. Ryan Bohning described Frank as a man of uncommon courage and character whose participation in fishing protests resulted in him being arrested 50 times. Frank persevered against great odds to protect Native American rights, he said.

From the bottom of my heart this is truly an honor, said William Frank III, chairman of the Nisqually tribal council. To have this opportunity to really educate people about who my father was, about who our tribes are.

It was a striking contrast to a past era in which Native American children were sent to boarding schools where they couldnt speak their tribal languages or observe tribal ways, he said. To think about where we are today, in 2023, where were getting a Navy ship named after one of our own tribal members, thats huge.

Peggen Frank dons welding gear as Austal USA structural fitter Brandon Auld prepares to help her burn her initials into a plate to be fixed inside the future USNS Billy Frank Jr.Lawrence Specker | LSpecker@AL.com

Peggen Frank joked that the way things are going, her late father-in-law will end up with more awards and accolades than arrests. She said she believed that if he could have been present, hed be grinning from ear to ear and wed be hearing that big, deep, Billy laugh. Can you hear it? I can.

She said Billy Frank Jr. had been a powerful beacon of cultural strength in changing times, and that the ship bearing his name will carry that spirit into the waters of the world in years to come.

As the Franks welded their initials onto the plate, they were assisted by A-class structural fitter Brandon Auld.

T-ATS 11 is the first of five Navajo-class ships to be built in Mobile, according to Austal.
A head-on crash in Blount County left one woman dead and two others injured.

The wreck happened at 2:20 p.m. Monday on Alabama 75, about four miles north of Oneonta.

Christina M. Bass, 45, of Hayden was driving a Pontiac Vibe collided head-on with a Nissan Murano, according to Senior Trooper Justin ONeal. Bass was pronounced dead on the scene.

The driver of the Nissan, 72-year-old Elaine Miller of Altoona, was taken to UAB Hospital in Birmingham. Millers passenger, 53-year-old Melissa Casey, was also taken to the UAB.

The crash remains under investigation by Alabama State Troopers.
An inmate at a federal prison in Alabama is among 23 people alleged to be members of the violent Sex Money Murder (SMM) gang operating inside and outside of prisons and jails across the country.

The U.S. Department of Justice on Tuesday announced a 12-count indictment in the Northern District of Georgia charging the defendants with numerous crimes including racketeering conspiracy, drug trafficking and gun violations.

Sean Carr, 51, is among the defendants. He is incarcerated at the federal prison in Talladega.

Carr, aka Nut and Nutkase, is charged with RICO conspiracy and conspiring to possess a controlled substance with the intent to distribute.

According to court documents, SMM is a subset of The Bloods gang, which originated in Los Angeles in the early 1970s.

The SMM subset has spread from the Bronx and New York to areas across the East Coast, including Georgia, where it operates inside and outside prisons and jails.

The indictment states that that when SMM was predominantly active in the Soundview section of the Bronx, Carr rose to prominence in the gang.

Carr is already serving 40-year sentence on a Rico conviction out of New York for SMM-related charges from two decades ago.

The indictment alleges an extensive criminal enterprise in which SMM members, including inmates within the Georgia Department of Corrections, orchestrated numerous crimes, including murders, attempted murders, attempted arson, drug trafficking within and outside of GDOC facilities, and wire and bank fraud.

Federal authorities say 11 of the defendants were in prison when they allegedly committed or ordered the charged crimes.

SMM members, according to the indictment, committed multiple acts of violence in furtherance of the racketeering conspiracy, including storming a home and shooting multiple rounds of ammunition into a bathroom, killing a 9-month-old boy; on multiple occasions, incarcerated SMM members murdering, stabbing, or beating other inmates for disrespecting SMM leadership or violating SMM rules; and shooting and killing another SMM member on belief that the member had cooperated with law enforcement.

The defendants and their criminal associates are alleged to have committed murder, engaged in stabbings and attempted murder, and distributed thousands of dollars worth of illicit drugs inside and outside the Georgia prison system, all to enhance the power and prestige of their gang, the Sex Money Murder set of The Bloods, said Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Departments Criminal Division.

For more than a decade, the gang members and their associates allegedly orchestrated a criminal enterprise within and outside of multiple prisons to earn money for, boost their status in, and impose discipline required by the gang, authorities said.

Gang activity poses a grave risk of harm to our communities as well as to many of our institutions, said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan for the Northern District of Georgia. The defendants charged in this case allegedly perpetrated numerous violent and other criminal offenses, including multiple murders, brutal assaults, and drug trafficking crimes, on behalf of the gang Sex Money Murder.

Its alarming to think that these criminals were brazen enough to distribute dangerous drugs and commit heinous crimes while behind bars, said DEA Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Robert J. They must now face the consequences.

Those charged are:

 Ryan Brandt, aka Street Life and Robert Kraft, 44, of Hays State Prison in Trion, Georgia, is charged with RICO conspiracy, conspiring, aiding, and abetting, and possessing a controlled substance and a controlled substance analogue with the intent to distribute.

 Kyle Oree, aka Nasty Nu, 52, of Washington State Prison in Davisboro, Georgia, is charged with RICO conspiracy, conspiring to possess and possessing a controlled substance with intent to distribute and a controlled substance analogue with the intent to distribute.

 Chase Pinckney, aka Chase Pickney, Three Shots, Noriega, and Sinatra, 38, of Ware State Prison in Waycross, Georgia, is charged with RICO conspiracy and conspiring to possess a controlled substance with the intent to distribute.

 Elton Jackson, aka 2gz and John Madden, 41, of Telfair State Prison in Helena, Georgia, is charged with RICO conspiracy and conspiring to possess a controlled substance with the intent to distribute.

 Sean Carr, aka Nut and Nutkase, 51, of FCI Talladega in Talladega, Alabama, is charged with RICO conspiracy and conspiring to possess a controlled substance with the intent to distribute.

 Lavorsia Jones, aka Shitbag, 23, of Dacula, Georgia, is charged with RICO conspiracy and conspiring, attempting, and possessing a controlled substance with intent to distribute and possessing a controlled substance analogue with the intent to distribute.

 Danielle Ford, 49, of Ellenwood, Georgia, is charged with RICO conspiracy, conspiring to possess a controlled substance with intent to distribute, and possessing a controlled substance analogue with the intent to distribute.

 Charlton King, aka Hells Militant Camp, 23, of Valdosta, Georgia, is charged with RICO conspiracy.

 Demarco Draughn, aka Shoota B, 28, of Macon State Prison in Oglethorpe, Georgia, is charged with RICO conspiracy.;

 Richard Smith, aka Alleyway and Brett Favre, 36, of Ware State Prison in Waycross, is charged with RICO conspiracy and conspiring to possess a controlled substance with the intent to distribute.

 Rontavious Fowler, aka Lil Hot, 26, of Hancock State Prison in Sparta, Georgia, is charged with RICO conspiracy.

 Shavon Thomas, aka Shavon Edwards, 55, of Decatur, Georgia, is charged with RICO conspiracy and conspiring to possess a controlled substance with the intent to distribute.

 Lionel Edwards, aka Tony, Tyson, and Python, 41, of USP Florence in Florence, Georgia, is charged with RICO conspiracy.

 Anthony Jernigan, aka Hell Raiser, 36, of Hays State Prison in Trion, is charged with RICO conspiracy.

 Cedric Pierre, aka Flip, 23, of Robert A. Deyton Correctional Facility in Lovejoy, Georgia, is charged with RICO conspiracy and conspiring to possess and possessing a controlled substance with the intent to distribute.

 Ricardo Sanchez, 40, of Macon State Prison in Oglethorpe, is charged with conspiring to possess and possessing a controlled substance with the intent to distribute.

 Troy McCraine, 57, of Tennessee, is charged with conspiring to possess a controlled substance with the intent to distribute.

 Qawwee Mitchell, 36, of Gainesville, Georgia, is charged with conspiring to possess and possessing a controlled substance with the intent to distribute, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possessing a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.

 Sherri Gandy-Torres, 56, of Lakeland, Florida, is charged with conspiring to possess and possessing a controlled substance with the intent to distribute.

 Nyla Blacknell, 43, of Duluth, Georgia, is charged with conspiring to possess and possessing a controlled substance with the intent to distribute and possessing a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.

 Tracey Wise, 46, of Milledgeville, Georgia, is charged with conspiring to possess a controlled substance with the intent to distribute.

 Shounnette Wooten, 50, of Gray, Georgia, is charged with conspiring to possess a controlled substance with the intent to distribute.

 Kierra Williams, 31, of Milledgeville, Georgia, is charged with conspiring to possess a controlled substance and possessing a controlled substance analogue with the intent to distribute.
By Peter S. Kim

Since the outbreak of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, geopolitical risks have risen markedly around the world. The latest conflict between Israel and Palestine is another confirmation of the conflicts spreading to far corners of the world. With deglobalization being taken apart by the rising populism and nationalistic wave, countries are seeing the reversal of the peace dividend many took for granted. When the U.S. banned Huaweis 5G equipment in 2019, it was the first early example of businesses impacted by rising geopolitical risk. A combination of authoritarian regimes and an increasingly unipolar world leads to rising defense spending by many countries.

For defense contracts, nations with clearly defined political allegiance will naturally veer toward their allies. But it can be a double-edged sword for countries with politically neutral positions. Last month, South Korean President Yoon called for the defense industry to be a growing export sector, calling for Korea to become one of the top four weapons producers in the world. The declaration is prompted by Koreas recent mammoth contract win from Poland, and hopes are that it is the first of many to follow. Korean companies hope to capture rising demand from many countries looking for alternatives to existing contractors. In 2022, South Koreas arms exports are estimated to hit a record high of over 20 trillion won ($15 billion), notably with a major contract with Poland to supply K2 tanks, K-9 self-propelled howitzers, FA-50 light attack aircraft and Chunmoo multiple rocket launchers. The contract is worth almost 17 trillion won, the biggest win ever for Korea. As Poland is a NATO member and in the vicinity of the escalating geopolitical tensions, it is thought that it is just the beginning of sustained demand from the region.

Historically, South Korea depended on imports for its defense needs, in particular its principal ally, the U.S. But, with the U.S. defense contractors experiencing supply bottlenecks from supply chain issues and rising wages, Korean companies can gain market share with pricing advantages. Korean defense contractors also have the bonus of Korean weapons systems being designed for joint operations with the U.S., making them for smooth integration with those used by NATO allies.

Despite its alliance with the U.S., South Korean companies are seeking to balance between the U.S. and China to optimize their export potential. Korean companies are famous for their opportunistic and agile export strategies, and they have thus far shown their desire to remain neutral on political matters for their market positioning.

Besides the political alignment, the Korean defense industry follows the classic Korean export strategy of competitive pricing, typically at a 30 percent discount against the global leader. Korean exporters adopted the strategy successfully for many decades, where its advantages in labor cost coupled with government support allow for the pricing discount to international competition, especially the Japanese exporters. The currency advantage further helped "Korea Inc." apply cost advantage aggressively against Japanese products due to the yen strengthening during its lost decades. The ensuing volume growth of Korean products then allows for economies of scale, providing the foundation for sustained market share gains. Koreas pricing strategy is most famously adopted by China, whose massive incursion into global trade is partially responsible for the current tensions with the U.S.

The second edge for Korean exporters established is the quick turnaround in orders where its industriousness and urgency to satisfy customer demand has helped garner a loyal following worldwide. The turnaround time is especially critical for industries with long waiting periods, such as shipbuilding and construction, explaining Korean companies historical success. We also saw such traits during the pandemic when Korean pharmaceutical companies were one of the first companies to provide COVID-19 testing kits.

Finally, some notable companies like Samsung Electronics and Hyundai Motor Company used the cash flow from the growth phase to narrow the quality gap with the industry leader, eventually establishing a spot as the best in its sector. For the two brands, transitioning from the volume growth stage to moving up the quality curve has been the critical step many other Korean brands struggle with. Unsurprisingly, the Korean government also emphasized the importance of aerospace and artificial intelligence technology, which could be crucial in future battlefields.

The addressable market for the defense industry is vast, with global exports dominated by the U.S. and European producers, with an estimated 90 percent of global supply. Therefore, the opportunity is there for "Korea Inc." to utilize its trademark strengths in competitive pricing, quick turnaround on orders and with the governments backing. And if Korean companies continue to catch up on product quality relative to global peers, the secret formula for the next emerging Korean export industry could be in the making.





Peter S. Kim is the managing director of KB Financial Group.
A south Alabama family is seeking answers about what happened to their loved one inside an Alabama prison, leaving him hospitalized for more than a week.

Barbara Anne Turner said she found out that Klifton Adam Bond was hospitalized, not from prison officials, but from another man locked up at Donaldson Correctional Facility, a state prison near Birmingham. The man told her that another inmate attacked Bonds, stabbed him and beat him in the head with a pipe on Nov. 6. Turner told Bonds mother, Rebecca Crafton.

I called the prison all night and his mother called the prison all night, and then they said wed have to call the warden in the morning, Turner said. Then when we called in the morning, they said she was in a meeting.

Crafton said warden finally called back late on Tuesday but still wouldnt provide many details about the attack or Bonds condition. She did confirm he was at UAB Hospital.

Bonds family believes he was transported to UAB to undergo brain surgery, but they say they have not been allowed to speak to him or his doctors.

Crafton sent a letter to wardens at Donaldson and leaders of the Alabama Department of Corrections last week seeking more information about how her son ended up at UAB Hospital.

Sadly, this is not the first time he has been attacked there,, said Turner said. He is at UAB in an ICU trauma unit after having to have brain surgery. I hold the warden and guards responsible for not protecting him as they knew the danger he was in.

Turner said Bond had been victimized by prison gangs who use violence and intimidation to extort families. He had been beaten before in an incident that left him with three broken ribs, a dislocated knee, and a fractured eye socket. Bond refused to identify his attackers out of fear they might retaliate and kill him, Turner said.

The family paid extortion money to try to keep him safe, Turner said. Although they knew Bonds was in danger, the family said prison staff did nothing to help protect him.

When did the prisoners begin running the prisons? she said.

Bond is serving a 20-year sentence for conspiracy to commit burglary. Police arrested him and another conspirator in 2017 after a home invasion turned deadly in Foley. The homeowner shot and killed a man who was using a pickaxe to break into his house and Bond later pleaded guilty to helping plan the robbery.

The Alabama Department of Corrections confirmed Monday in an email that Bond was in critical condition after suffering a head injury in a suspected attack by another inmate.

Alabama prisons have been under fire for violent conditions for years. Officials from the U.S. Department of Justice wrote a report in 2019 which found conditions likely violated inmates Constitutional rights. Overcrowding and understaffing created conditions where violence and extortion became unchecked and correctional officers frequently used excessive force.

The report found that correctional officers failed to protect inmates even when they suspected the threat of violence. Crafton said the man who attacked her son had a long, violent criminal history and should have been separated from other inmates.

After learning from another inmate about the attack on her son, Crafton said it took another day to get information from Alabama Department of Corrections.

I know where he is, Crafton said. I dont know what is going on with his treatment or condition. Starting on Monday, they gave us the runaround.

After the family retained a lawyer, they began to get some answers about Bond. But they still feel shut out from treatment decisions and dont feel they can trust the information coming from ADOC without speaking to doctors.

Family members do not believe they should be excluded from decisions about Bonds care. They have reached out to several officials for assistance and announced a press conference for Nov. 13 as part of the push to get more input about Bonds medical treatment.

In her letter, Crafton said prison officials are trying to transfer her son back to Donaldson against the advice of doctors.

I am asking that you keep him at UAB hospital so long as his doctors think its necessary to keep him there, she wrote.

Crafton and Turner said they are worried about what might happen to Bond if he is transferred back to Donaldson.

At one point they were talking about transferring him back, Turner said. I just worry that the next time he could be killed.

Updated Wed. Nov. 15 with additional information from the Alabama Department of Corrections
In the wake of Bubba Copelands suicide, the influential Alabama think tank that once owned 1819 News issued a statement declaring it has no legal, editorial or financial affiliation with the website.

In response to erroneous reporting by several national publications, the Alabama Policy Institute (API) would like to highlight that 1819 News and API formally separated on December 31, 2022. There is no legal, editorial, or financial affiliation between the two entities, the think tank said in a statement Friday.

AL.coms reporting of Copelands suicide has stated that 1819 News is a website that was once owned by API.

The think tank launched the website in October 2021. In January, 1819 News announced its formal independence from API.

Jeff Poor, editor-in-chief of 1819 News, told AL.com Monday he did not have a response to APIs remarks.

Copeland, the mayor of Smiths Station and a pastor at First Baptist Church of Phenix City, took his own life Nov. 3 in Lee County, two days after 1819 News published photos of him wearing womens clothing and makeup.

An additional 1819 News post on the same day Copeland killed himself, accused him of using the names and photos of local residents, including a minor, without permission in posts, including the real name of a local businesswoman in a fictional story about a man who develops a deadly obsession with taking over her identity.

At Copelands funeral on Friday, held a day before his wedding anniversary, the late mayor and pastor was remembered as a larger than life figure devoted to his family and church but also struggled with depression.

The tragedy ... will be compounded if we, his friends, do nothing, said longtime Copeland friend David White, adding that the late mayors attackers and critics will move on to feed their voracious appetites on someone else.

If the next time a friend becomes the focus of hate, may we all speak up a little sooner and a little louder to at least say, this is my friend. If we can do that, then we may say we learned, White said.
Several hundred opponents of Atlantas public safety training center on Monday attempted to march to the site from Gresham Park Recreation Center, taking over busy city streets along the way until they ran into a blockade of about 30 DeKalb County Police in riot gear with armored vehicles, tear gas and flash-bang grenades on Constitution Road.

Police unloaded the canisters and small explosive devices as protesters attempted to push past their line. Many protesters fled into the forest, while others retreated away from the gas.

The confrontation lasted just a few minutes. Police began threatening arrests as the protesters realigned themselves further down Constitution Road, with many locking arms in front of the crowd, appearing to prepare for a second run at police.

This is an illegal protest. You need to disperse or you will be arrested, an officer repeatedly said from a police cruiser.

Minutes after those announcements, the crowd turned and began the trek back to the rec center.

A statement from DeKalb County government said the crowd was dispersed because protestors did not have a permit to block traffic. There were no injuries or arrests reported.

The march was a culmination of a four-day event, billed as a mass mobilization to Atlanta. The weekend was filled with protest training, and opponents began gathering for the march about 8 a.m. Monday morning  intending to march to the site of the controversial, $90 million facility that is currently under construction.

Organizers passed out N95s, water and snacks before the march began. One walked around with sharpies for attendees to write the jail support number on their arms in case of arrest. Two black helicopters circled overhead.

A truck and trailer pulled up filled with large painted creatures  handmade butterflies and dragon heads with smiling teeth. Organizers called it a multi-person puppet that was carried with the crowd on their march.

Just before 8:30, the crowd began chanting Viva viva Tortuguita, in remembrance of Manuel Tortuguita Teran, who was killed by police in January. The police report says Teran shot at officers first, wounding a trooper, before being killed by return fire. Terans family disputes findings from the police investigation into the death.

Terans mother, Belkis Teran, said those involved in the movement to stop the construction of the training facility have told her they continue to remember her son, who went by the pronouns they/them. Last month, a special prosecutor assigned to investigate Terans death announced that no charges will be filed against the Georgia State Troopers involved.

Manuel was everyday, doing something for somebody, she said. Little by little, all these people were touched by them.

Sunday night, organizers asked on social media that all participants pledge themselves to a code of conduct that included not bringing weapons or explosives to the event. The pledge also asked protesters to not destroy construction equipment or bring alcohol or illegal drugs to the demonstration. Those pledges were read to the crowd Monday morning just before the march started.

Having this basic agreement will allow many people to join this action with clarity and trust, the post said. These agreements are not philosophical or political requirements asked of any participant, or judgements about the validity of some tactics over others. These basic agreements are meant to create a basis for trust, so we can work together for this mass action and know what to expect from each other that day.

City officials say the new center is necessary to provide world-class training to its officers and firefighters, which are currently using outdated facilities. Opponents fear it will be used to further militarize police and construction will destroy swaths of one of the largest urban forests in the country.

Violence has erupted at the site before.

In addition to Terans death, explosive devices were hurled at police and equipment set on fire during another demonstration.

Dozens of people have been arrested and charged under the states racketeering law, and opposition to the facility has garnered world-wide attention and led to a petition drive meant to force a referendum on the issue. The petition effort is currently delayed in court proceedings.

Organizers have said the goal is to halt construction of the $90 million facility and a flyer for the event said: Cop City Will Never Be Built. Marchers carried a huge banner in front that read: We are the peoples stop work order.

City officials say construction is about 40% complete.

We will protect ourselves and each other from police violence, is the last pledge on the list.

A spokesperson for the mayors office said that the city is monitoring the ongoing situation.

The City supports the First Amendment and worked with local activists to proactively develop guidelines for the safety of all involved, the mayors office said in a statement. Today, several of the protesters showed up in DeKalb County with PPE, weapons and clear intent to carry out violence.

Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum held a news conference Monday evening, at which a number of weapons were displayed, including shovels, a gas mask and bolt cutters which the chief said would have been used to breach the site if protesters had made it through. Schierbaum also said DeKalb County Police made one arrest, but was unable to provide details.

This is not a group that has the best interests of Atlanta at heart. This is a group, today, that left Gresham Park prepared to breach the site, prepared to do harm, prepared to do destruction, Schierbaum said, before calling protesters members of Antifa.

Kamau Franklin with community movement builders addressed the gathering crowd Monday morning: As we know the struggle to stop cop city is ongoing and it takes many tactics and strategies to stop it from being built. Weve been out here for over two years fighting to stop cop city.

We stand here to say today is not a time for cowards. Its not a time for cowardness. We have to make choices. Youre either with the oppressed or with the oppressor.

_____

2023 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Visit at ajc.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Authorities have released the name of a child who died after being found unresponsive in her Trussville home early Monday.

The Jefferson County Coroners Office identified the girl as Khloe Teresa Williamson. She was 5, and the daughter of a Trussville City Schools teacher.

Trussville police and fire medics were called to a home on Kestral View Road at 6:30 a.m. after family found Khloe unresponsive inside a laundry hamper.

She was rushed to St. Vincents East where she was pronounced dead at 7:17 a.m.

An autopsy was performed on Monday. Chief Deputy Coroner Bill Yates said the cause of death is pending additional lab studies.

Police on Monday said they believe Khloes death was accidental. The investigation is ongoing.

A statement issued by Trussville City Schools Monday night said Khloe  a kindergartner - was a precious, smart, and inquisitive child whose heartbreaking loss has affected us all.

This is a very sad and tragic event, and our thoughts and prayers are with the family, the school systems statement read. We are arranging to have counselors on-site for our students and staff in the wake of this tragedy.

We are more than a school system in Trussville, we are a family, according to the statement. Something like this touches us all, and we will provide support to the family in the coming days and weeks as they deal with this tragic loss.
Former longtime Madison County Sheriff Blake Dorning died Tuesday, the sheriffs office announced on social media.

Dorning, 61, died after a battle with cancer, the sheriffs office said. He served four terms as sheriff and did not seek reelection in 2018.

Sheriff Blake Dorning was a man of integrity, faith, honor, courage, and duty, the sheriffs office said in its Facebook post. But most of all, and at his very core, Blake was a man of compassion. He loved his family, his friends, and his community. He loved the Madison County Sheriffs Office and the brave men and women who kept our communities safe. Today, as our hearts are breaking, we can take solace in knowing that with Blakes final journey now complete, his weary days of pain have passed, and his timeless days of peace have just begun.

Dorning joined the sheriffs office at the age of 21 in 1983. He worked as a corrections officer before working in patrol. Dorning was promoted to sergeant in 1989, lieutenant in 1994 and captain in 2001.

Known throughout north Alabama as an expert on the barbeque grill, Dorning was elected sheriff in 2002. Kevin Turner was elected to succeed Dorning in 2018.

Sheriff Dorning will be remembered for his selfless service, devotion, and dedication to his family, fellow law enforcement, and community during his career, and will forever be a role model and example of professionalism in our agency, Turner said in the Facebook post. May God rest his soul and peace be with his family during this most difficult time.
On Oct. 15, Daniel Williams expressed hope that he would get his life back on track as he anticipated his release from an Alabama state prison.

I aint got to much longer left pray for me Im coming home better then I was before drug free its been a crazy ride 3 different prisons now, Williams, an inmate at Staton Correctional Facility in Elmore County, posted to Facebook. Its almost over.

How every body doing I ain't got to much longer left pray for me I'm coming home better then I was before drug free it's been a crazy ride 3 different prisons now. It's almost over Posted by Daniel Williams on Sunday, October 15, 2023

Williams, who was serving a one-year sentence for second-degree theft, was looking forward to Nov. 9, his release date from Staton.

But a week after his Facebook post, the 22-year-old was the victim of a possible inmate-on-inmate assault, according to the Alabama Department of Corrections.

A week after the allegedly brutal beating that left Williams brain dead, according to his family, they removed life support. Williams died Nov. 5 at the medical unit at Kilby Correctional Facility, four days away from his release.

Williams family alleged he was raped and sold out to prisoners at Staton.

They also claimed the warden told them he died of a drug overdose, but noticed signs Williams was beaten when they saw him at the hospital.

Efforts to reach a spokeswoman for the Alabama Department of Corrections on the familys allegations were unsuccessful.

Kelly Betts, the spokeswoman, offered this timeline on the possible beating and Williams death:

On Thursday, November 9, 2023, an inmate death was reported at Kilby Correctional Facility. Inmate Daniel Terry Williams was found unresponsive in the Health Care Unit. Medical staff attempted to revive him, but they were unable to resuscitate him, and he was pronounced deceased by the attending physician.

On Sunday, October 22, 2023, a possible inmate-on-inmate assault was reported at Staton Correctional Facility. Inmate Williams was discovered unresponsive in his dorm and was transported to the Health Care Unit. Medical personnel treated Williams and monitored his condition. The decision was made to transfer him to an area hospital for further evaluation and treatment. He remained at the hospital until the family decided to remove him from life support. He was transported to Kilby Correctional Facility for long-term comfort care where he subsequently died.

Betts said the agency is investigating Williams death.
Jenna Ellis, the former Trump campaign attorney who recently struck a plea deal in Fulton County, reportedly told prosecutors she was informed in the weeks following the 2020 election that the then-president was not going to leave the White House despite his loss to Democrat Joe Biden.

The disclosure came during an interview Ellis recorded with the Fulton County District Attorneys office, according to ABC News, which obtained excerpts of the session. The network also said it had viewed portions of a similar interview  or proffer  conducted with Sidney Powell, another lawyer who was affiliated with former President Donald Trump after the 2020 election.

Both Ellis and Powell reached agreements with Fulton prosecutors last month, pleading guilty to lesser crimes in exchange for their cooperation in the case. The women were among the 18 defendants indicted alongside Trump in August for racketeering and other alleged crimes stemming from the former presidents effort to overturn Georgias 2020 election results.

Ellis and Powells Georgia-based attorneys did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Monday evening. A spokesman for the Fulton DAs office declined to comment.

The proffers were sent to the attorneys for all the remaining defendants in the case as part of the discovery process, according to people with knowledge.

Ellis recounted to prosecutors a conversation she had with Dan Scavino, a senior White House aide, on Dec. 19, 2020, according to ABC. Scavino reportedly told her the boss, meaning Trump, is not going to leave under any circumstances. We are just going to stay in power.

When Ellis responded that it doesnt quite work that way, Scavino said, we dont care, according to a portion of the Ellis proffer released by ABC. In the video, Ellis is seen talking to Adam Ney, an assistant Fulton DA.

In her proffer, Powell shed more light on her frequent communication with Trump in the weeks following the election, according to the network, despite the campaign distancing itself from her publicly. Powell reportedly said that Trump inquired about the status of her lawsuits challenging results.

Powell also reportedly provided details about the infamous Oval Office meeting on Dec. 18, 2020, in which Trump and other advisors discussed seizing voting machines and appointing Powell special counsel to investigate election fraud.

_____

2023 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Visit at ajc.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
A National Public Radio reporter on Tuesday tweeted that she saw Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Cal., shove Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., from behind.

Have NEVER seen this on Capitol Hill, Claudia Grisales tweeted. McCarthy shoved Burchett. Burchett lunged towards me. I thought it was a joke, it was not. And a chase ensued.

Burchett was one of eight Republicans who voted to oust McCarthy as Speaker of the House.

Have NEVER seen this on Capitol Hill:



While talking to @RepTimBurchett after the GOP conference meeting, former @SpeakerMcCarthy walked by with his detail and McCarthy shoved Burchett. Burchett lunged towards me. I thought it was a joke, it was not. And a chase ensued...  Claudia Grisales (@cgrisales) November 14, 2023

Burchett alleged McCarthy came up and took a cheap shot from behind as the Tennessee Republican spoke with reporters, Fox News reported. It was deliberate. It was just a cheap shot by a bully.

Grisales said Burchett chased down McCarthy.

Hey Kevin, whyd you walk behind me and elbow me in the back? she tweeted.

I didnt elbow you in the back, she said McCarthy replied. Burchett said: You got no guts, you did so.

Burchett told CNN that McCarthy is the type of guy that, when youre a kid would throw a rock over the fence, and run home and hide behind his mommas skirt.
A Mississippi coast man found guilty of indecent exposure earlier this month was taken into custody again Monday, now facing a charge of 1st-degree voyeurism for reportedly photographing a minor in an intimate area.

Richard Hightower, 53, was arrested at his Moss Point, Miss., home after investigators executed a search warrant there.

Hightower waived his right to an extradition hearing and was brought back to Mobile, where he was formally charged and remained in Mobile Metro Jail as of Tuesday afternoon, held without bond pending a Wednesday hearing.

Earlier this month, a Mobile County judge found Hightower guilty of indecent exposure stemming from an April incident in which he exposed his genitalia to students at the University of South Alabama. He was sentenced to serve four months in jail and one year of probation.

Hightower spent one night in jail and was released pending an appeal, court records show. Hightower had twice previously been convicted of misdemeanor indecent exposure, and the third incident could have resulted in a felony charge, but prosecutors opted to only prosecute him under the misdemeanor charge.

Subsequent to that conviction, the Mobile County District Attorneys Office became aware of the voyeurism accusation.

Court records indicate Hightower was found guilty of exposing himself to a female student through a dorm room window at Samford University in 2008. He was sentenced to a year in jail, although records are not clear on how much of that sentence he served.

Then, in 2010, Hightower entered a guilty plea in Tuscaloosa County Circuit Court to indecent exposure and criminal trespassing stemming from a 2007 incident in which he approached a female on the University of Alabama campus, tried to pull up her skirt and then hit her before fleeing the scene.

Court records also show Hightower was twice charged with sexual abuse and once with attempted sexual abuse in Alabama, as well as public lewdness, but the disposition of those cases was not immediately clear.

Due to his previous felony convictions in Mississippi, Richard Hightower is a habitual offender, said Mobile District Attorney Keith Blackwood in a release, and we will fully prosecute the alleged criminal acts.

Blackwood did not elaborate on the nature of Hightowers previous felony convictions in Mississippi.

Anyone with information on Richard Hightower, particularly anyone who believes they have been victimized by Hightower, is asked to contact the district attorneys chief investigator, Don Gomien, at 251-574-6681 or via email at dgomien@mobileda.org.
The family of the Mississippi man who was killed by a police SUV and buried without their knowledge said their grief was compounded on Monday when his body was exhumed without them being present.

Ben Crump, the renowned civil rights attorney representing the family of Dexter Wade, sent AL.com a letter from Hinds County Board of Supervisors Attorney Tony R. Gaylor to another lawyer representing the Wade family indicating that Wades body was to be exhumed at 11:30 a.m. Monday.

But when Wades family and attorneys showed up for the exhumation, they learned Wades body had been taken 8 a.m. Monday without any family being present, Crump claimed.

There is no excuse for the way this case has been handled. Every time [Wades mother] Ms. [Bettersten] Wade takes a step toward getting answers as to what happened to her son, Jackson officials bring her two steps back, Crump said. We hoped today that Ms. Wade could receive some answers and closure, but once again she is just left with more questions and even more trauma.

The Associated Press efforts to reach Gaylor were unsuccessful.

Bettersten Wade went seven months not knowing her son, who she believed was missing, was struck and killed by an off-duty officer in a police SUV in Jackson.

Dexter Wade was buried in a paupers field in a Mississippi penal farm.

Since the day that Dexter Wade was struck and killed by a Jackson Police Department cruiser, the truth and facts of this case have been heavily obscured. Dexters mother did not know what happened to her son for months, even after her tireless efforts and multiple requests to officials to help her, and long after he had been identified, Crump siad. Justice delayed is justice denied, and we will keep fighting for justice in Dexters name until his mother gets the closure she deserves.
By Park Jae-hyuk

CHANGWON/GOSEONG COUNTY, South Gyeongsang Province  Gigantic substructures that will support offshore wind turbines stood under gantry cranes, Thursday, at a 410,000-square-meter site of SK oceanplant, a subsidiary of SK ecoplant, in the southeastern coastal county of Goseong, South Gyeongsang Province.

Called jackets, the three-legged wind turbine foundations are made with supersized steel pipes from a factory in the yard, which has machines to bend thick and wide steel plates. Inside the factory were workers who were braving the flying sparks to weld these large steel plates.

On another 510,000-square-meter site, which is a 15 minute drive from the first yard, an offshore crane that can lift up to 10,000 tons was being prepared for assembly of the upper and lower parts of the jackets. An assembled foundation is up to 100 meters in height and weighs over 2,000 tons.

SK oceanplant will export the jackets to Taiwan, which is leading the Asian offshore wind power market. The Korean firm holds a 44 percent share in Taiwans jacket market. The company said all of its jackets are made for export.

We are exporting jacket components to Japan, although we do not export end products to the country, SK oceanplant Executive Vice President Sam Hwang told reporters, adding that the company is also interested in exporting its products to Vietnam and Australia. We are also tapping the U.S. market to sell our products for wind farms off the coast of Oregon.

SK oceanplant says it will build local factories in the U.S. or Europe, if it finds buyers for its jackets in the regions.

Jacket makers exist in Europe, Southeast Asia and Taiwan, but among the manufacturers in the Far East, we have sold the largest amount, proving our technical skills, SK oceanplant Chief Strategy Officer Kim Soon-jong said.

Although SK oceanplant seeks overseas expansion at this moment, it is also ready to contribute to Koreas offshore wind power sector.

Under construction is a 1.57 million-square-meter site near the other two sites, where the company will produce floating substructures that will be used for offshore wind farms off the coast of Ulsan. The company explained that floating wind turbines generate more electricity than fixed ones do.

The new yard will be the factory of the largest floaters, Hwang said.

SK ecoplant, the parent company of SK oceanplant, is also playing a role in Koreas transition to RE100, which refers to a global initiative to use renewable resources for all energy.

Before visiting the sites, SK ecoplant invited reporters to the Gyeongnam Changwon Green Energy Center, which is filled with facilities for photovoltaic power generation, energy storage systems, hydrogen fuel cells and water electrolysis systems. The center is managed by SK ecoplants subsidiary, Changwon SG Energy.

Hyundai Minuteness CEO Oh Jung-seok told reporters that his company has been able to satisfy the demands of its foreign clients by using electricity generated from the center.

Our company supplies construction equipment components to Volvo and Clark, he said. If we fail to satisfy our clients request to use renewable energy, we cannot trade with them.

He added that his company was able to save time and money by using the Green Energy Centers electricity, instead of building its own power plant using renewable resources.

Apple and German carmakers are asking Korean suppliers to use renewable energy, so SK ecoplant will help Korean exporters survive and overcome difficulties, SK ecoplant Vice President Oh Seoung-hwan said.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams kept a busy public schedule Monday, but sidestepped questions about the FBI investigation that prompted agents to seize his phones and raid the home of his chief campaign fundraiser.

Speaking at Manhattan helipad where an air taxi company was demonstrating electric aircraft, Adams laughed, then walked away, when a reporter asked whether anyone else on his team had had their phone seized by the FBI.

Were talking about helicopters, the Democrat said, smiling. Later, he indicated he might answer questions during his next scheduled news briefing on Tuesday, but not until then.

FBI agents stopped Adams last week as he was leaving a public event and took his electronic devices, including phones and an iPad. The seizure came four days after agents searched the home of the lead fundraiser for his 2021 mayoral campaign, Briana Suggs.

The New York Times and New York Post have reported that part of the investigation involves examining whether Adams inappropriately tried to help the government of Turkey get city approval to open a 35-story skyscraper housing diplomatic facilities in 2021, despite concerns about the towers fire safety systems.

At the time, Adams was Brooklyns borough president, a minor position in city government, but he had already won the Democratic mayoral primary and was seen as all but certain to win in the general election.

The U.S. attorneys office in Manhattan, which is overseeing the investigation, has declined to comment. A search warrant obtained by the Times indicated authorities are also examining whether the Adams campaign conspired with the Turkish government to receive illegal campaign contributions from foreign sources, funneled through straw donors.

While he ducked questions Monday, Adams said in a statement that he hadnt done anything wrong.

As a borough president, part of my routine role was to notify government agencies of issues on behalf of constituents and constituencies, Adams said in a statement issued by his campaign. I have not been accused of wrongdoing, and I will continue to cooperate with investigators.

The Turkevi Center opened near the United Nations on Sept. 21, 2021, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Turkeys president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Roughly two months earlier, the citys Fire Department had rejected the fire-protection plan for the building, built to house Turkeys consulate and mission to the United Nations.

With Erdogans planned visit to New York days away, Turkeys consul general reached out to Adams to inquire about the status of the towers occupancy permit. Adams then contacted Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro.

The Times and Post reported that investigators had been examining Adams text messages and interviewing Fire Department officials, including Nigro, about the sequence of events that led to city officials authorizing the building to open.

The Times reported that a fire protection consultant working on the project reported numerous deficiencies with the building involving smoke detectors, elevators, doors and other components used to prevent fires. Nevertheless, the city issued a temporary occupancy permit, clearing the way for Erdogan to open the facility.

A message seeking comment was left at a phone number connected to Nigro, who retired last year, and an email was sent as well. An email was also sent to the Turkish consulate, as well as the fire protection consultant.

Adams has continued to attend public events as news reports swirled about the investigation, including marching in the citys Veterans Day parade on Saturday. His last fully open news conference with reporters, though, was on Wednesday, two days after FBI agents seized his phones  but before that search had become publicly known.

He told reporters at the time that he didnt think he had anything to fear from the investigation and that he would be shocked and hurt if someone who worked for his campaign did anything improper.

Adams didnt mention that the FBI had seized his devices.
United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain called Tuesday for Congress to step up for the working class and for the fight for economic justice to happen in the streets, characterizing a failure to achieve the goal as a national security risk.

Fains prepared remarks were scheduled to come alongside comments from Sean OBrien, president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, and Sara Nelson, international president of the Association of Flight Attendants-Communication Workers of America, during a hearing before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions called Standing Up Against Corporate Greed: How Unions are Improving the Lives of Working Families.

The meeting led to a heated exchange when an Oklahoma senator challenged OBrien to a fight.

Some 146,000 UAW members employed by the Detroit Three automakers are assessing whether to ratify tentative agreements that secure 27% wage increases over four-and-a-half years, cost-of-living adjustments, billions of dollars in investments, increased retirement contributions, shorter timelines to the top wage and paths to representing workers at battery plants. The union hopes to reverse its past failures in organizing non-unionized automaker plant and bring its gains there.

We have no interest in being a private welfare state, Fain said. The working class needs this committee, and the entire Congress to step up. You all have an essential role to play. Not only in supporting our fights and other fights like ours. But to finish the job for economic and social justice for the entire working class.

He added: We need a pro-worker Congress, guided by a vision of liberty and justice for all, elected leaders who understand that economic justice is a national security risk for all of those who dont have it. Its a fight worth fighting for. We must bring that fight into the workplace, as well as the streets, but also in the halls of power in the chambers of the U.S. Senate.

He highlighted actions by other automakers since the UAW announced tentative agreements with the Detroit Three. Toyota Motor Corp., Honda Motor Co. Ltd. and Hyundai Motor Co. all have announced wage increases in the past couple of weeks.

We call that the UAW bump, and that stands for: U Are Welcome, he said, and were very proud of that.

Opposing testimony criticized the union for not doing more to object to automakers plans to move to zero-emission and all-electric vehicles, which are more expensive to produce because of their batteries.

Its not justice, said Diana Furchtgott Roth, director of the Center for Energy, Climate and Environment for the conservative Heritage Foundation think tank, to make cars that are so expensive that most Americans cant afford to buy them.

Fain highlighted in the tentative agreements gains for U.S. investment for electrified as well as internal combustion engine vehicles, including reshoring product from Mexico.

Were going to embrace this, he said. Were not going to run from it. But our biggest concern to all this is it needs to be a just transition in this process where workers arent left behind.

The new agreement would increase automaker labor costs. Ford Motor Co. characterized it as an additional $850 to $900 per vehicle that it hopes to absorb through improvement in efficiencies.

Stellantis NV on Monday, however, announced it had made buyout offers to 6,400 salaried workers, about half of its white-collar workers who are not represented by the union. The tentative deal with the automaker also includes buyout offers to UAW-represented workers in 2024 and 2026.

When they took over, they want to cut their way to profitability, but they do it on the backs of workers, and they dont have to cut those jobs, Fain said. They chose to cut those jobs. It has nothing to do with our contract. They made $12 billion in the first six months of this year.

Meanwhile, OBrien pointed to gaps in legislation that allow employers to refuse to negotiate first contracts after workers organize. Nelson called on greater accountability for union busting and company unions as well as release to flight attendants to be able to strike.

Sen. Bill Cassidy, a Republican from Louisiana, criticized the hearing as a taxpayer-funded pep rally for big labor unions. He criticized the Protecting the Right to Organize Act, saying it would open workers to retaliation and intimidation because of the elimination of secret-ballot union elections and put state right-to-work legislation at risk. The legislation would prohibit employers from permanently replacing striking workers, ban the use of offensive lockouts, and remove prohibitions on secondary strikes.

The title of this hearing suggests that unions are functioning well, he said, and that means that partisan legislation like the PRO Act is not necessary.

Committee Chair Bernie Sanders, an independent from Vermont, said: One of the issue that we dont talk about is that over the last 50 years, despite huge increase in technology and worker productivity, the average American worker is making about $50 a week less than he or she did 50 years ago. How did that happen?

The hearing did get heated during an exchange between Sen. Markwayne Mullin, a Republican from Oklahoma, and OBrien over a previous post OBrien made on X, the social-media platform formerly known as Twitter.

Mullin is a former mixed martial arts fighter.

Sir, this is a time, this is a place. You want to run your mouth, we can be two consenting adults, we can finish it here, Mullin said from the hearing room dais, according to The Hll.

OK, thats fine. Perfect, OBrien shot back.

You want to do it now? Mullin asked.

Get your butt up, Mullin said, standing from his seat and later referring to OBrien as a thug, as Sanders, an independent from Vermont, struggled to get the hearing back on track.

Hold it. No, no, no, sit down. Sit down! Youre a United State senator, sit down, Sanders yelled while banging the gavel to restore order in the room.

The exchange was resolved in an agreement to get coffee.

2023 www.detroitnews.com. Visit at detroitnews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Ohio Congressman Jim Jordan is reviving his push to move the FBIs headquarters to Alabama.

Just as he did in July, Jordan, R-Ohio, said on social media Tuesday that Huntsvilles Redstone Arsenal is the ideal location. His post even sarcastically cited the fact that the gated Army post has an airfield that could accommodate FBI Director Christopher Wrays private jet.

Jordan also briefly advocated for Huntsville during a House Judiciary hearing Tuesday concerning the selection of a site in Maryland earlier this month for the new headquarters. The Maryland site was selected over a site in Virginia  both in the Washington D.C. metro area.

I dont want it to go to either place frankly, Jordan said. If it goes anywhere, it should go to Huntsville where they already have all kinds of land, all kinds of space and all kinds of operations.

In identical posts on Facebook and X, Jordan posted, The FBI wants a new headquarters. Republicans shouldnt give them a dime for it. In fact, they should move the FBI out of the Swamp entirely. Huntsville, Alabama would work. The FBI already considers it a second HQ and it has a landing strip for Wrays private jet.

The FBI wants a new headquarters. Republicans shouldnt vote to give them a dime for it.



In fact, they should move the FBI out of the Swamp entirely.



Huntsville, Alabama would work.



The FBI already considers it a second HQ and it has a landing strip for Wrays private jet.  Rep. Jim Jordan (@Jim_Jordan) November 14, 2023

And on the House Judiciary GOP account on X, a post Tuesday afternoon said, The FBIs Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama is the perfect place to house the bureaus headquarters. Plenty of new facilities, save taxpayer dollars, out of the Swamp, runway for Wrays private jet. Why not? U.S. Rep. Dale Strong, whose north Alabama district includes Redstone Arsenal, reposted the post.

The FBI's Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama is the perfect place to house the bureau's headquarters!



-Plenty of new facilities

-Save taxpayer dollars

-Out of the Swamp

-Runway for Wray's private jet



Why not? pic.twitter.com/yr6jsZIXKd  House Judiciary GOP  (@JudiciaryGOP) November 14, 2023

Jordan is chair of the House Judiciary Committee.

The debate over a site to replace the deteriorating J. Edgar Hoover Building, located on Pennsylvania Avenue between the White House and U.S. Capitol, has been ongoing for about a decade. The Washington Post reported last week that federal officials had chosen the site in Greenbelt, Md., for the headquarters.

Jordan has lobbied to move the headquarters out of the Washington area. In July, the Wall Street Journal reported Jordan believed that the FBI would be less likely to be infected by what he sees as liberal politics.

Jordan also mentioned Huntsville as an alternative site in a July letter to Rep. Kay Granger, chair of the House Appropriations Committee. The FBI, while The Post reported had concerns about the selection process for the headquarters, has said it wants to remain in the Washington area for logistical purposes.

While the $3 billion FBI campus at Redstone Arsenal has been described as a second headquarters with 19 of the bureaus 26 divisions having a presence at Redstone Arsenal. Still, according to FBI descriptions of the Huntsville campus, it does not have the capacity to accommodate the HQ workforce in Washington.
A suspect has been charged in the hit-and-run death of a 19-year-old bicyclist in Cullman County.

Ryan J. Jolly, 36, of Harpersville, is charged with manslaughter and leaving the scene of an accident with death, Alabama State Troopers announced Tuesday.

Jolly arrested about 5:15 p.m. Monday and booked into the Cullman County Jail.

Dakota R. Lamons, a Hanceville father of four, was killed Nov. 9. The crash happened at 6:46 p.m. Thursday on Alabama 91 near Cullman County 501, about eight miles south of Hanceville.

Senior Trooper Brandon Bailey said Lamons was riding a bicycle when he was struck and thrown from his bicycle. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

Bailey said Lamons was struck by Jolly who was driving a Chevrolet Silverado.

A GoFundMe has been set up to help with Lamons burial. Donations can be made here.
Vimal Patel says the Great Recession of more than a decade ago taught him how to sustain his family businesses during lean times, skills that the 39-year-old Auburn University graduate believes would make him a problem-solver in Washington.

Patel manages his familys hotels in Troy, Montgomery, and Dothan and a laundromat in Eufaula. He said the job requires many hours behind the wheel of his 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe and constant attention to the stream of messages on his phone.

The whole goal is communication, Patel said. I have about 60 employees. I tell them I want to hear from them. And if they have issues going on, I want to know what they are. Im like a problem sponge, and you throw everything youve got at me. Because thats how I can make a difference.

I prefer text messages. So, I get texts all the time about random things. And thats my job. My job is to fix stuff.

Patel is one of 13 candidates for the Democratic nomination in the 2nd District, which spans south Alabama and includes Montgomery County and a portion of Mobile County. There are eight Republicans running.

Candidates flocked to the race after a federal court approved a new map that changed the 2nd District from safely Republican to one where a Democrat can win. The primary is March 5.

Read more: Whos running? 21 candidates join race in Alabamas redrawn 2nd Congressional District

Patel lives in apartment built into one of the family hotels in Troy. He is married and has an 11-year-old daughter. He shares his home and office with his father, Pravin Patel, who built three of the hotels.

Patels family immigrated from India in 1980. The first one in his family born in America, Vimal Patel graduated from Charles Henderson High School in Troy and earned a political science degree from Auburn in 2007.

He said he assumed management responsibilities for the family businesses around 2009 to 2010, a time when the recession and its aftermath was squeezing the economy in Alabama and across the nation.

Patel said he does not want to brag but believes that made him able to handle most any circumstance when it comes to business.

The recession back then is still imprinted into my head, Patel said. When we talk about how to manage a business, I still manage it in a way that worked through the recession.

It makes you lean. It makes you smarter. It makes you know how to run things. So, I dont meet a lot of people that intimidate me when it comes to numbers and how to manage things.

Patel said he believes the business skills would make him effective in Congress and help tackle issues like the federal deficit and the long-range outlook for Social Security. He said those in Washington have responded to those foundational problems with complacency.

Thats ridiculous, for us to know the Titanics hitting the iceberg and to say that were just going let two political parties take us right into it, Patel said.

The real issue is, what kind of changes need to take place to keep it solvent, Patel said. Right now, youre just having people throw up bullets in the air. Youre going to want to elect people who have numbers in mind, who know how to do those things. You cannot spend money that you dont have.

Patel ran for the 2nd District seat in 2022, losing in the Democratic primary to Phyllis Harvey-Hall, who is also running again this time.

U.S. Rep. Barry Moore, R-Enterprise, defeated Harvey-Hall to win his second term. But the new map moved Moores hometown into the 1st District, where Moore is challenging Rep. Jerry Carl, R-Mobile, leaving the 2nd District with no incumbent.

Patel said he has always leaned toward a Democratic viewpoint on certain issues. Patel supported the Affordable Care Act passed by Congress under former President Obama and says its emphasis on preventive healthcare was commonsense.

Patel disagrees with Republican candidates for Congress who call for abolishing the federal Department of Education. He said he thinks he knows why, but said the answer is to fix it, not eliminate it.

I understand where theyre coming from, Patel said. They feel let down. And they think the local government and the state government can handle those problems. And I dont want that to become adversarial. Thats why Im the candidate.

Because when you look at the 13 candidates on this side or even the (eight) candidates on the other side, youre not going to find a more consensus candidate than me. Because I look at things as whats best not just for our constituents, but whats best for our country. So, when you look at education, you say, OK. How do we reform this?

Patel said he would support a federal initiative to improve education that would not take decision-making away from the state and local levels.

Patel said if he goes to Congress he will have a staff member whose job is to inform small businesses about federal programs that can help them. Patel said he saw the need for that effort during the COVID pandemic, when he said he only learned about a federal grant program from a chamber of commerce Facebook post.

This was life-saving money for small businesses, Patel said. And let me tell you, I know small business owners. And theyre not out there just sitting on Facebook. Theyre out there working from morning to night.
Enviva Inc. says it plans to continue building a $375 million wood pellet production facility in Alabama, despite financial difficulties that resulted in a cratering of the companys stock price and a restructuring of its senior leadership team.

Shares of Enviva plummeted last week from a 52-week high of $61.99 last November to a low of $0.61 after the company announced it had lost $85.2 million in the third quarter of 2023, much more than previously expected. The stock price dropped by nearly 80% in just two days following the announcement.

Enviva produces wood pellets that are burned for heat or to generate electricity, mostly overseas, where governments subsidize wood-burning power plants as a renewable energy source.

The company in its Q3 earnings statement blamed the losses on a decrease in the price of wood pellets, operational problems at its plants, and said that it may not be able to repay its debts if market conditions continue.

These conditions and events in the aggregate raise substantial doubt regarding the Companys ability to continue as a going concern [to continue operating], the company said in its Q3 report.

However, in the same report, Enviva says it is planning to continue construction of its new plant in Epes, located in Sumter County in south Alabama near the Mississippi state line.

Construction of Epes is progressing well, and the Company continues to expect that the facility will be operational in mid-2024, Envivas stock report said. Approximately 40% of the total investment has been made to date, with the remaining investment scheduled throughout the next seven quarters.

Enviva did not respond to requests for comment from AL.com seeking more details about progress at the Epes facility and whether construction might be jeopardized by the companys financial woes.

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey gave remarks at the groundbreaking for an Enviva Wood Pellet Plant Wednesday June 28, 2023 in Epes, Ala. (Governors Office /Hal Yeager)Alabama Governor's Office

The Epes project was initially announced as a $175 million facility in 2019, but Enviva said at the groundbreaking in June 2023 that it expects to invest $375 million on average in each new plant going forward, including the Epes plant and another planned facility in Mississippi.

Alabama politicians from both parties hailed the arrival of the Enviva plant, cheering the expected 300 jobs it would bring to Alabamas Black Belt where such jobs are scarce.

The fact that the worlds largest wood pellet producer is building its largest production facility to date here, in Sweet Home Alabama, is yet another testament to our nation-leading business climate and world-class workforce, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey said at the groundbreaking ceremony on June 28.

The companys latest report says construction on the Epes facility is proceeding, while the company is considering a 12-month delay on the Mississippi plant due to its financial issues.

Enviva says it is engaging in executing a multi-faceted transformation plan, under new leadership. Previous CEO Thomas Meth relinquished his title while staying on as president. The companys new CFO, Glenn Nunziata, was named interim CEO, effective Nov. 9.

Since joining Enviva approximately two months ago as CFO, I have devoted my full attention to analyzing our operations, performance, and financial profile, Nunziata said in the Q3 report. While we have a great deal of work to do, we are encouraged by the progress being made through our cost reduction and productivity initiatives.

The company also faces a class-action lawsuit filed by shareholders alleging that Enviva failed to disclose material information about the financial condition of the Company, causing them to lose money.

As of the publication of this story, the companys stock price had rebounded slightly from last weeks lows, trading around $1.50 per share.
A north Alabama judge handed down a punishment of 10 life sentences plus 199 years in prison on Tuesday to a Jackson County man convicted of sexually abusing underage girls and other offenses.

David Wayne Adams, 53, of Pisgah, also has no shot at parole according to the sentence doled out in Jackson County Circuit Court, according to WAFF.

Adams sentence was not in electronic court records as of late Tuesday afternoon.

Adams had been convicted of sexual abuse, second-degree rape, second-degree sodomy, production of child pornography and electronic solicitation of a child in connection with the abuse that began more than a decade ago.

The victims, who are now adults, said in their victims impact statments that Adams daughter would bring friends home from church and school. Adams would then abuse them, they said, according to WAFF.
The Senate Rules Committee on Tuesday advanced a resolution that would pave the way for an end to Sen. Tommy Tubervilles months-long holds on military promotions.

In a 9-7 party line vote, the committee approved sending the resolution, which would allow all the nearly 400 promotions blocked by Tuberville to be considered en bloc, or in large groups, to the full Senate.

We believe this is the most sensible way to do it because it is a temporary policy, and I want people to have hope that we are going to get this done, said Rules Committee Chairwoman Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn. And this is the first step in the process to get these promotions through.

Since mid-February, Tuberville has held up the promotions over a new Department of Defense policy that reimburses service members for travel-related expenses for abortions if the procedure is illegal where they are stationed.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who sits on the Rules Committee, said while he agrees with Tubervilles stance on the Pentagons abortion policy, he does not believe the holds are the proper tactic for Tuberville to protest his displeasure of it.

As was said for months now, our colleague from Alabamas response is not the way to reach a desired outcome he and I share, McConnell said. Unfortunately, our colleague has chosen to exert his leverage on career military officers with no influence over this administrations policy prioritization.

Still, McConnell was among the seven Republican senators to vote against the resolution debated before the Rules Committee, pointing to ongoing negotiations with the White House over the policy.

I appreciate the work put into the standing order proposal that the committee is considering but I will oppose taking that route at this particular moment, he said.

Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., who is a member of the Senate Rules Committee and voted against the resolution, suggested the measure would set a dangerous precedent.

The action taken today by my Democratic colleagues on the Senate Rules Committee is an ill-advised erosion of the institution of the Senate and the core Constitutional role the chamber should play in providing appropriate advice and consent. Fundamentally changing the rules of this institution, even temporarily, sets a dangerous precedent that undermines our nations tried-and-true system of checks and balances, Britt said in a statement following the vote.

The Senate rules are designed to ensure the minority party has a true voicenot to whimsically bend to benefit Democrats wishes at any given moment in time. Ultimately, rules are real rules only if theyre applied evenly across the board, blind to which party is in power, Britt continued. And lets face realitywhen Democrats are in the majority, theyre happy to throw the minority partys rights down the drain to achieve their short-term partisan agenda; yet, when Democrats are in the minority, they would never cede those same rights. This so-called temporary rule change would forever damage the institution of the Senate.
When Palestinian-American and Democrat Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib posted a video saying from the river to the sea, she was promoting a rallying cry for the destruction of the State of Israel and genocide of the Jewish people. This call for Jewish genocide was the same call the Nazis made. Its disturbing to realize that many pro-Palestinian and, inevitably, antisemitic protesters know nothing about the history of the Jews and Israel. They have no sense that Jews, rather than controlling the world, have been its victims for millennia, enduring an incomparable history of persecution that has led to repetitive bouts of ethnic cleansing, genocide, and racist laws that make Jim Crow seem tame.

In 1492, the Spanish monarchs Alhambra decree gave the Sephardic Jewish population, which had Iberian roots stretching back almost a millennia, four months to convert or be banished. Most migrated to Poland or the Ottoman Empire.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, the descendants of those Sephardic Jews who had relocated to Poland found their new Russian overseers sanctioning or condoning pogroms. The Jews were being cleansed again. Many fled to the United States. Almost simultaneously, in answer to Theodor Herzls renewal of the Biblical precept that Jews should return to Zion, many Jews embarked on a First and Second Aliyah (incoming or, literally, going up) to lands that were then part of the Ottoman Empire. The Ottomans welcomed the arriving Jews, happily selling them land in a mostly barren desert or a swamp infested with malaria and yellow fever.

During WWI, the Ottomans were courted by the Allied Powers, but they chose to ally with the Axis Powers. After the war, per routine spoils of war protocol, the losing empires were dismantled, and the victors determined the recipients of the spoils. The Ottoman Empire was broken up into many future Middle Eastern nations but, first, they had to be prepared for nationhood. To that end, temporarily, they became protectorates or mandates of France or Britain.

The Mandate for Palestine was the answer to halting the ongoing heinous history of racism against the Jews. The Jews would be given their own nation. The land chosen was not arbitrary. The Ottomans had conquered this land in the 16th century, and now the Allied Powers reconquered it and were returning it to the Jews who had lived their continuously since roughly 1800 B.C.

In 1912, Albanian lands that the Ottomans had seized in the 14th century were similarly returned to the Albanians as the spoil of another war. They, too, would have their own nation.

Image: Jewish cemetery in Ohio vandalized with swastikas. WKYC video screen grab.

The Mandate for Palestine supercharged Jewish hatred in the Middle East. Muslims had been content to have Jews living amongst them as a productive subordinate population but rejected their being equal with Muslims. At the same time, petty British bureaucrats feared Jewish threats to their power, so they also fomented anti-Jewish hatred amongst the Arabs.

Meanwhile, in Europe, Hitler was supercharging hatred for the Jews. The Nazi-led execution of over 6 million Jews from 21 countries was and remains the most heinous act of racism in history. Between WWI and WWII, the third through fifth Aliyah took place, and 368,000 Jews migrated from Europe and the Middle East to the Mandate for Palestine. Many more would have migrated, but the British restricted entry. Many Jews would have also fled to the United States, but FDR had to weigh saving Jews against appeasing his anti-Semitic constituents. The latter prevailed.

Responsibility for the Mandate for Palestine shifted from Britain to the UN in 1947. The UN decided that the mandated lands, which included Jordan, would accommodate a Jewish and a Palestinian nation. Israel was supposed to be a place where Jews could live securely in peace. Some of the very people who rejected the presence of a Jewish state in the Middle East would now be Israels neighbors. The United Nations, by its charter, is committed to preventing future wars, but it set Israel up for war.

On May 14, 1948, Israel became an independent nation. The population of Israel/Palestine was 82.1% Jewish. On May 15, 1948, a coalition of Arab nations attacked Israel and leveraged the territories allocated for a Palestinian nation. Their hatred for Jews increased after suffering a humiliating loss to this fledgling nation of people that Muslims historically stereotyped as merchantsnot soldiers. The violence against Jews in the Middle East was now ratcheted up, with Muslim Nations evicting 900,000 Jews, many of whom had lived in those lands since Roman times. Israel took in every refugee.

Surrounded by Arab (and one Iranian) nations seeking its demise, Israel needed the UN to deter Muslim nations from invading it. But this did not occur. Most UN member nations are antisemitic or anti-Zionist (as if there is any real difference). In 1975, the UN passed a resolution that declared Zionism as a form of racism and racial discrimination.

The UN was encouraging hatred against Jews and, for all intents and purposes, denying the right of a sovereign UN member to exist. An organization with a charter to protect the sovereignty of members and peaceful coexistence was a pawn of Muslim aggression, and it still is. On October 24, UN General Secretary Gutierrez, like President Obama, disgracefully rationalized the murder of 1,400 Israelis because of Israels occupation. Framed as occupiers, Israelis become synonymous with white supremacists, and per Biden and Gutierrez this is one of the greatest threats in the world. This makes punishment justified, and Hamas propagandists know that.

Obamas and Gutierrezs characterization of Jews as occupiers is even more disturbing because both know the Jews stopped occupying Gaza in 2005, and Hamas became the ruling power in 2007. If Israel were an occupying or ruling power in Gaza, the October 7 massacre might not have occurred.

Further, both know that, in the West Bank, the Palestinian Authority governs, and Israels settlers and settlements are a reasonable defensive measure, given the circumstances. If the settlers werent there, the massacre of October 7 could have been many times worse. Is Obama a product of his mentor, Jeremiah Wright, or his admired racial brother, Louis Farrakhan? Is Gutierrez, as alleged, a mouthpiece for Hamas propaganda?

By appealing to their antisemitic constituents, the current presidential administration is scarcely better. Team Biden told Israel that after winning the war (which it is doing), it cannot occupy Gaza. But the administration knows this is a recipe for future wars. Incredibly, the White House reported on October 16 that hate crimes against Jews are more than 50% of total religious-based hate crimes. Then, on November 1, the White House announced, taking on hate is a national strategy, and, further, that it had created the first National Strategy to Counter Islamophobia.

Until October 7, Jews were living relatively free of religious persecution within Israel but in a region rife with antisemitism and anti-Zionism. Responses to the October 7 massacre indicate that antisemitism and anti-Zionism are global.

Shamefully, this includes the United States, where politicians, college students, and other protesters, many of whom were BLM protesters who protested to end racism, now participate in protests that stoke racism and incite violence against the most persecuted people in the world. I posited at the beginning of this essay that many pro-Palestinian protesters are ignorant about Jewish history. However, if they dont have that excuse, then God help America because it indicates that a visible portion of Americas youth and the left is immoral and inhumane. That should frighten all Americans.
Another 200,000 people have fled northern Gaza since Nov. 5, the U.N. humanitarian office said Tuesday, as Israeli ground forces battle Palestinian militants around hospitals where patients, newborns and medics are stranded with no electricity and dwindling supplies.

The humanitarian office, known as OCHA, says only one hospital in the north is capable of receiving patients. All the others are no longer able to function and mostly serve as shelters from the fighting, including Gazas largest, Shifa , which is surrounded by Israeli troops and where 36 babies are at risk of dying because there is no power for incubators.

The war, now in its sixth week , was triggered by Hamas' surprise attack into Israel, in which militants massacred hundreds of civilians and dragged some 240 hostages back to Gaza. Israel launched heavy airstrikes for nearly three weeks before sending troops and tanks into the north. The war has killed thousands of Palestinian civilians and wreaked widespread destruction on the impoverished coastal enclave.

Israel has urged civilians to evacuate Gaza City and surrounding areas in the north, but the southern part of the besieged territory is not much safer. Israel carries out frequent airstrikes from north to south, hitting what it says are militant targets but often killing women and children.

U.N.-run shelters in the south are severely overcrowded, with an average of one toilet for 160 people. In all, some 1.5 million Palestinians, more than two thirds of Gazas population, have fled their homes.

People stand in line for hours for scarce bread and brackish water. Trash is piling up, sewage is flooding the streets and taps run dry because there is no fuel for water pumps or treatment plants. Israel has barred fuel imports since the start of the war, saying Hamas would use it for military purposes.

The U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, which is struggling to provide basic services to over 600,000 people sheltering in schools and other facilities in the south, said it may run out of fuel by Wednesday, forcing it to halt most aid operations. It said it was unable to continue importing limited supplies of food and medicine through Egypt's Rafah crossing, Gaza's only link to the outside world.

With Israeli forces fighting Palestinian militants in the center of Gaza City, the territory's main city, both sides have seized on the plight of hospitals. Images of doctors trying to keep newborns warm at Shifa have circulated widely.

Israel accuses Hamas of using hospitals as cover for its fighters , alleging that Hamas has set up its main command center in and beneath Shifa, without providing visual evidence. Both Hamas and Shifa Hospital staff deny the Israeli allegations.

On Monday, the military released footage of a children's hospital that its forces entered over the weekend, showing weapons it said it found inside, as well as rooms in the basement where it believes the militants were holding hostages.

Hamas uses hospitals as an instrument of war, said Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the armys chief spokesperson, standing in a room of the Rantisi Children's Hospital decorated with a colorful childrens drawing of a tree. Explosive vests, grenades and RPGs were displayed on the floor.

Meanwhile, gunfire and explosions raged Monday around Shifa, which Israeli troops encircled over the weekend. Tens of thousands of people have fled the hospital in the past few days and headed to the southern Gaza Strip, including large numbers of displaced people who had taken shelter there.

For weeks, Shifa staff members running low on supplies have performed surgery on war-wounded patients, including children, without anesthesia and using vinegar as antiseptic. After the weekend's mass exodus, about 650 patients and 500 staff remain in the hospital, which can no longer function, along with around 2,500 displaced Palestinians sheltering inside with little food or water.

The Health Ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza said 32 patients, including three babies, have died since its emergency generator ran out of fuel Saturday. It said 36 babies, as well as other patients, are at risk of dying because life-saving equipment cannot function.

Early Tuesday, the Israeli military said in a statement that it had started an effort to transfer incubators from Israel to Shifa. It wasn't clear if the incubators had been delivered or how they will be powered.

International law gives hospitals special protections during war. Hospitals can lose those protections if combatants use them to hide fighters or store weapons, but staff and patients must be given plenty of warning to evacuate, and the harm to civilians cannot be disproportionate to the military objective.

The International Committee of the Red Cross tried Monday to evacuate some 6,000 patients, staff and displaced people from another Gaza City hospital, Al-Quds. But the Red Cross said its convoy had to turn back because of shelling and fighting. Israel released a video showing what it said was a militant with a rocket-propelled grenade launcher entering Al-Quds Hospital. An Israeli tank was stationed nearby.

The U.S. has pushed for temporary pauses to allow wider distribution of badly needed aid. Israel has agreed only to daily windows during which civilians can flee northern Gaza on foot along two main roads.

As of last Friday, more than 11,000 Palestinians, two-thirds of them women and minors, have been killed since the war began, according to the Health Ministry in Gaza, which does not differentiate between civilian and militant deaths. About 2,700 people have been reported missing.

Health officials have not updated the toll, citing the difficulty of collecting information.

At least 1,200 people have died on the Israeli side, mostly civilians killed in the initial Hamas attack. Palestinian militants. The military says 46 soldiers have been killed in ground operations in Gaza, and that thousands of militants have been killed.

About 250,000 Israelis have evacuated from communities near Gaza, where Palestinian militants still fire barrages of rockets, and along the northern border, where Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah militant group have repeatedly traded fire since the start of the war. (AP)
Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) has been bleating about a Palestinian Genocide in the current conflict between Israel and Hamas.* Shes not alone. Weve heard the same from the supposedly neutral Palestinian UN envoy, an official who had been under review for biased antisemitic social media posts, big-shot unbiased Iranian poohbahs, and loads of others. Indeed, claims that Israel has committed genocide are multiple and antedate the current conflict.

What follows is proof of how astounding and (ahem) devastating this alleged genocide is. It is unlike any other in the history of the world.

No malarkey.

To put the Palestinian genocide in context, here is a table of 15 genocides recognized by the United Nations, in order of number dead, including the years, estimated number of dead, UN resolutions re: each genocide, sources of the death numbers, and who committed the genocide. (Data culled from the UN Security Council website.)

Genocide Years Estimated number of dead UN resolutions Sources Who committed the genocide The Holocaust 19411945 6 million Jews General Assembly Resolution 2200A (XXI) of 16 December 1966 United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Nazi Germany The Holodomor 19321933 3.9 million Ukrainians General Assembly Resolution 69/271 of 22 December 2014 Holodomor Research and Education Centre Soviet Union The Cambodian Genocide 19751979 1.7 million Cambodians General Assembly Resolution 39/146 of 14 December 1984 Cambodian Genocide Documentation Center Khmer Rouge The Rwandan Genocide 1994 800,000 Tutsis Security Council Resolution 955 (1994) of 8 November 1994 United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda Hutu extremists The Armenian Genocide 19151917 1.5 million Armenians General Assembly Resolution 96/8 of 12 December 2016 Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute Ottoman Empire The Anfal campaign 19861989 500,000 Kurds Security Council Resolution 688 (1991) of 5 April 1991 Anfal Genocide Documentation Center Iraqi government The Circassian genocide 18641867 500,000 Circassians General Assembly Resolution 2625 (XXV) of 24 October 1970 Circassian Genocide Documentation Center Russian Empire The Assyrian genocide 19151918 250,000 Assyrians General Assembly Resolution 36/123 of 10 December 1981 Assyrian Genocide Research Center Ottoman Empire The Greek genocide 19141923 300,000 Greeks General Assembly Resolution 2625 (XXV) of 24 October 1970 Greek Genocide Museum Ottoman Empire The Darfur Genocide 2003-2009 300,000 Darfuris Security Council Resolution 1706 (2006) of 31 August 2006 International Criminal Court Janjaweed Militia and the Sudanese government The Bosnian Genocide 19921995 100,000 Bosniaks Security Council Resolution 827 (1993) of 25 May 1993 International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia Bosnian Serb forces The East Timorese genocide 19751999 100,000 East Timorese Security Council Resolution 1272 (1999) of 25 October 1999 United Nations Special Committee on Decolonization Indonesian military The Herero and Namaqua genocide 19041908 100,000 Hereros and Namaquas General Assembly Resolution 2625 (XXV) of 24 October 1970 Genocide Watch German Empire The Guatemalan genocide 19811983 200,000 Mayans General Assembly Resolution 39/146 of 14 December 1984 Guatemalan Forensic Anthropology Foundation Guatemalan government The genocide of the Yazidis by ISIL 2014present 5,000 Yazidis Security Council Resolution 2379 (2017) International Criminal Court Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL)

Notably, seven of the above genocides involved Muslims as the perpetrators (the Ottoman Empire, the Iraqi government, the Sudanese government and the Janjaweed Arabs, the Indonesian military, and ISIL). Socialists committed several others.

There you have it. The Palestinian Genocide, like no genocide ever in all its population-increasing, low mortality rate glory.

With that information in mind, lets look at the alleged Palestinian genocide.

Oddly, as the chart shows, the United Nations has not officially recognized a Palestinian genocide. So, we need to look elsewhere for data. According to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS), Population Estimates by District and Governorate, 2023, the population has grown from 1.1 million in 1967 to 14.0 million in 2023. This represents a growth of 12.9 million people for an average annual growth rate of 3.1%.

Image: The beach in Gaza, just two years ago (cropped). YouTube screen grab.

The PCBS defines a Palestinian as any person whose usual place of residence is in the Palestinian Territory, regardless of nationality or place of birth. This definition is consistent with the definition used by the United Nations.

The Palestinian population is not evenly distributed. The majority of Palestinians live in the Gaza Strip, Judea and Samaria (which is incorrectly called the West Bank), and East Jerusalem. However, there are also significant Palestinian populations in other countries, such as Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria.

According to the PCBS, the Palestinian population in the Gaza Strip, Judea, and East Jerusalem has grown from 1.1 million in 1967 to 5.4 million in 2023. This represents an average annual growth rate of 3.5%. This breaks down as follows:

In the Gaza Strip, the population has grown from 385,000 in 1967 to 2.2 million in 2023, representing an average annual growth rate of 4.1%.

In Judea and Samaria, the population has grown from 700,000 in 1967 to 3.2 million in 2023, representing an average annual growth rate of 3.1%.

This huge population growth comes from several factors, including high birth rates and low mortality rates. The population is also young, with a median age of 20.5 years. This means that the Palestinian population is likely to continue to grow in the coming years.

In other words, unlike all those other genocides, the alleged Palestinian Genocide has resulted in substantial population growth and is associated with low mortality rates. In fact, in the areas in which were told a genocide occurred, weve witnessed one of the fastest population growth rates in the world.

That is quite a trick.

Maybe Allah really is Akhbar.

____________________

*As a reminder, the Palestinian people are a 1960s political construct, not an indigenous people with ancient ties to the land.
At the beginning of this month, a Chicago-based staffing agency partnered with a number of local Democrats to hold a job fair for around 400 open job positions, to a group of around 500 illegal aliens; from a Breitbart item on the news yesterday:

With interpreters provided for them, the migrants met with representatives in fields including health care, manufacturing, hospitality, logistics, and others. The companies also offered help securing government services, legal papers, and even training and educational opportunities.

(Chicago businesses offer 400 jobs to on-the-run felons seems like a more accurate headline, because after all, the first act of these foreigners on our soil was a felonious one, and its a crime for which theyre not paying.)

Meanwhile, black Americans have the highest unemployment rate in the country; according to the latest national data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, that number was 5.8% for October 2023. According to a September report from a local Chicago outlet, Chicago unemployment rates hovered around the national average, but among black residents? That number was a whopping 14.3%.

Black Americans have the HIGHEST unemployment rate in the country and yet these companies have 400 positions available for ILLEGAL ALIENS (Im not sugar coating a nothing)



87% of Bidens votes came from Black Americans and many are now saying theyll be voting for him again pic.twitter.com/XRoryva2eS  I AM (@ibullydabully) November 10, 2023

Now I mention the job statistics for the black community because thats a large chunk of the Democratic voting bloc in Chicago, and three top-tier partners of the event were local Democrats: Alderperson (not Alderman) Andre Vasquez, 100% Pro-Choice Kevin Olickal, and the far-left Hoan Huynh.

Well, congratulations to the black Chicagoans, because theyre getting exactly what they voted for, even though they probably didnt realize itthey went to the ballot box for abortion, skin color, and progress and got more unemployment, more crime, and more betrayal. Illegals are the Chicago political machines newest crop of voters, of course theyre rolling out the red carpet to accommodate; getting these tens of thousands of people on the government dole means a new reliable voting bloc for years to come.

Just yesterday, Peter Von Buol, a longtime friend of AT sent me this video:

A Brandon Johnson supporter demanding he stop the buses from dropping off immigrants because theyre stealing all the handouts for which the blacks have been waiting but still supporting him? Didnt she ever hear the fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me saying?

I also cant figure out why the average leftist voter cant figure out that corporations and businesses are money-making ventures, not charities. Theyre not hiring illegals over Americans because theyre dedicated social justice warriors, theyre hiring illegals because it benefits the business.

Image from X.
California's governor, Gavin Newsom, played Mr. Straight Talker for all those questioning peasants out there, wondering how San Francisco could clean itself up so fast for China's leader:

JUST INGavin Newsom confirms San Francisco only cleaned up its homeless encampments because China's Xi Jinping was visiting:



"I know folks say, 'Oh, they're just cleaning up this place because all these fancy leaders are coming into town.' That's true because it's true." pic.twitter.com/MSdMRLF5Fz  Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) November 13, 2023

And there's no question the mess that has come to define that city has been cleaned up. The local reaction is here:

Texts with a friend about the 180 happening in SF for the APEC conference.



Serious question: why is the government willing to do this for international leaders, but not for the hardworking citizens of San Francisco? pic.twitter.com/UzkRBVKSz5  Michelle Tandler  (@michelletandler) November 14, 2023

It raises the basic question: If you could clean it up that fast, why didn't you clean it up earlier, when the citizens were stepping in excrement, their cars were sporting broken windows from robbers, their stores were getting looted, their elderly were getting assaulted, and residents and businesses and conventions were moving away from the city in droves?

That wasn't so hard, now, was it? They had it in their hands to clean up miles of filthy, crime-strewn, drug-addicted disorder that has made life a living hell for residents ... and they didn't do it. They sat on their hands all this time and let the poop fields grow bigger, the old people get assaulted, the women get robbed, and schoolchildren step over drug-addicted bodies ... until China's dictator, Xi Jinping, blew into town for the APEC summit of nations and then they put on a show.

Then Newsom steps in and says that's exactly what they've done, as if Xi has a right to walk through streets without stepping in poop and getting his car broken into, while citizens do not.

He justified his remarks later in the speech on the tweet by saying that he was having "conversations" about maybe bringing those clean safe streets for everyone.

But it was just talk. It wasn't the Xi Jinping treatment, which was immediate action, as if the citizens could be a priority here.

And yeah, that admission, which for all the world sounded like Walter Mondale telling voters in 1984 that he would raise their taxes, was received about the same way as the message sank in. Mondale, like Newsom, thought nothing was wrong with what he was saying.

It indicates to us that decline and sludge and crime and garbage and all the things plaguing San Francisco is a choice, the choice of its public officials and they can clean the place up when they want to.

It demonstrates how larded up with power the NGOs, the unions, the activists, and the other organs of power are calling the shots in San Francisco. Those are the ones who are preventing city officials from cleaning up the city.

That may be who a majority (but not all) of the voters in San Francisco voted for, but it also shows that these elites in San Francisco pretty well hate their constituents. They are about themselves, not serving the public.

It ought to become a campaign issue for Newsom and his Democrats, who can fix any social problem they want to, except that they just don't want to.

Image: Twitter screen shot
To hear the press tell it, the public has flipped, shifted, moved squarely into the Joe Biden camp, and abortion is the driving force.

That the Virginia statehouse flipped blue in the last off-year midterms proved it, right? Big Democrat triumph, big public swing to the Dems, right?

Maybe not so fast.

Turns out one of the 'winners' in the Virginia state Senate race doesn't actually seem to live in her district.

According to The Daily Wire:

Virginia Democrats last week took control of the state House and retained control of the state Senate by one seat  but a winning senator may have lied about residing in the district, a situation that could lead to the chamber falling into Republican hands. Democrats are slated to control the state Senate 21-19, but if Ghazala Hashmi is ineligible to hold office because she lied on her campaign paperwork, then a situation could arise where she is replaced by a Republican, and Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Sears would cast tie-breaking votes. Virginia Senate candidates are required to live in the district they are running for, and Hashmi filed candidacy paperwork saying she lived in an apartment on Boulder Lake Drive in North Chesterfield in Senate District 15.

Comically, four neighbors were watching, and together compiled the information in a spreadsheet, taking 62 drives past her home to find that she lived there, documenting her car and taking photos of her entering and exiting the house.

Apparently, it was like detective work, but done by the locals.

It also resembles the neighborly intervention that pretty well proved that Chula Vista mayoral candidate Ammar Campa-Najjar, was living with his girlfriend, current Rep. Sara Jacobs of San Diego, in the fancy Banker's Hill neighborhood of San Diego and not in Chula Vista as he claimed.

This whole thing amounts to a pattern by politicians, mostly Democrats, to skirt residence rules and just represent some place they have nothing to do with, for their own ends.

Rep. Adam Schiff, who has lived in Maryland for decades, seems to be one of these characters. There are also reports that Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona also does this, reportedly living in Texas, and the current appointed Senator of California, Laphonza Butler, who filled the late Dianne Feinstein's seat, is one of these, too, having an established residence in Maryland, too. I wrote about that pattern here.

If the facts pan out about this unethical breach of residency requirements, the Senate could flip to Republicans in Virginia. Which would be quite a relief -- and quite possibly a cause for hope for Republicans that they are continuing to advance. Of course, with so much at stake and Democrats crowing so loudly about how the voters supposedly love their leftwingery and want more of it, you can bet that they will fight like cornered rats to keep the status quo.

One can only hope that rule of law prevails in Virginia as it doesn't in places like California where these shenanigans go on regularly, with no politicians ever punished (Richard Alarcon, a powerful Los Angeles city councilman, was kicked out of office, but evaded punishment).

That would be refreshing.

Image: Ron Cogswell, via Wikimedia Commons // CC BY-SA 2.0
There are two brief but powerful statements about law and justice etched in stone upon the two buildings in Washington, D.C. which house those most responsible for carrying them out. On the Department of Justice building, on its most visible Pennsylvania Avenue side, these words appear: "Where law ends tyranny begins." On the Supreme Court building we behold: "Equal Justice Under Law."

Both of these precepts can only have authentic meaning if selective enforcement of the law for improper purposes is avoided. Where law ends is where discretionary enforcement begins, and it will be tyranny if carried out selectively for improper ends. Equal justice under law also cannot exist if carried out with such selectivity.

It is for that reason that from the earliest times of American jurisprudence, the courts have said that "the law always watches the exercise of discretionary power with a jealous eye." If it did not do so, "equal justice" would soon be a mockery.

Millions of Americans in the court of public opinion are already wondering how the selective prosecutions of Trump can be allowed to go forward. The main reason is that the Supreme Court has proclaimed reluctance to stop selective enforcement except in extreme cases, because of "the traditional discretion of the prosecutor to charge." Yet the Court does not consider itself impotent to step in if selective enforcement becomes sufficiently outrageous.

The lead case is United States v. Armstrong, 517 U.S. 456 (1996). In it the Court established two elements for taking action: 1) "a discriminatory effect", and 2) motivation "by a discriminatory purpose."

If the court of opinion has any voice, both of these elements are already clear in the multiple cases brought against Trump -- 91 criminal counts in four cases, plus civil lawsuit attacks.

The discriminatory effect is easily demonstrated by both: 1) the unprecedented nature of cases brought against a former President, and 2) the stark difference in treatment of those presenting legally similar cases but different politics. How can the 91 counts not be selective, when in all American history not one -- repeat, not one -- has ever been brought against a former President, much less one also a present Presidential candidate? And given the non-prosecution of Hillary Clinton with her destruction of 33,000 subpoenaed emails and of Joe Biden with his at least five separate caches containing confidential records, the discriminatory effect is clear.

The analysis of discriminatory purpose involves two steps. First, is politics an impermissible basis for selective prosecution? In Armstrong the Court listed "unjustifiable" standards "such as race, religion, or other arbitrary classification." Does one's political party fall under the "other" category? Surely it must do so even more than the important categories of race and religion, for otherwise we would live in a Banana Republic instead of a Democracy. And the most penetrating student of selective prosecution, University of Chicago Law professor Kenneth Culp Davis explicitly condemned "political considerations" as an impermissible category. (3) The principle that no one should be prosecuted for partisan motives is so clear that it hardly need be stated. Even the notoriously political Judge Samuel Chase declared in 1800:

The decision of courts of justice will not be influenced by political...prejudices...political motives...never ought to enter courts of justice.

Second, can it be shown that the prosecution(s) of Trump are motivated by political considerations? Such is the easiest demonstration of all, since the elective prosecutors involved openly expressed their plans to "get Trump" as their campaign promises, and numerous Democrat leaders have expressed satisfaction that the prosecutions will at the least hinder if not derail Trump's campaigning.

In sum, the American people can see what is obviously going on. The only remaining questions are whether the Trump defense teams will raise the selective prosecution issue and if so, how the courts will respond. Selective enforcement in pursuit of political agendas constitutes "an existential threat to our Democracy" and should not be allowed.

Image: Free image, Pixabay license, no attribution required.
Tania Galinanes is a martyr to the aspirational job of being a school librarian, driven out by the draconian dictates of Governor Ron DeSantis and his inquisitors in the Florida legislature. Thanks to them, she can no longer put sexual or racially divisive content before young children. Those restrictions, according to a loving profile in the Washington Post, make her job untenable.

I dont think I can do better than to give you the first two paragraphs from the WaPos teary essay because they so perfectly set the tone for what is to come:

It was her last Monday morning in the library, and when Tania Galinanes walked into her office and saw another box, she told herself that this would be the last one. Inside were books. She didnt know how many, or what they were, only that she would need to review each one by hand for age-appropriate material and sexual content as defined by Florida law, just as shed been doing for months now with the 11,600 books on the shelves outside her door at Tohopekaliga High School.

Can you feel it? Can you feel the sheer horror of making sure that high school students, some of whom are as young as thirteen, are not being exposed to sexualized material?

Image by Andrea Widburg using an AI prompt.

But thats not all. On her last day at the school, Tanias being burdened by another DeSantis mandate, one intended to stifle her freedoms as a librarian:

Shed wanted to get to the box right away, but now she saw one of the school administrators at her door, asking whether shed heard about the latest education mandate in Florida. Whats the name of this thing? he said. Freedom Week? She exhaled loudly. Freedom Week. Oh, good, he said. You know about this. Yes, Tania knew about it. It was one more thing the state had asked of them, a mandatory recitation of parts of the Declaration of Independence to reaffirm the American ideals of individual liberty, along with something else she had heard from the district. They asked us to please not celebrate Banned Books Week, Tania said.

The horror! Instead of being able to make a big deal about Gender Queer and other banned books that feature graphically displayed LGBTQ+ sex (including, in many books, even more weird fetishes), she was being expected to put the Declaration of Independence before the schools students. No wonder she exhaled loudly. This kind of stuff is clearly more than any decent librarian should be asked to bear.

The breaking point for poor Tania came when parentsthose uneducated, hate-filled, puritanical monstersstood before a school board and read from books they described as a danger to kids. And of course, the evil Moms for Liberty came after her on Facebook saying that, if she was going to put sexually explicit, fetishistic books in the school library, she shouldnt be a school librarian. When she realized that things such as LGBTQ+ stuff were off the table, this knowledge was so upsetting to Tania that she got eczema and insomnia. The pain. Oooh, the pain.

The essay goes on and on as Tania moans over boxes of sheet music (no sexual content here) and is forced to mark with an M for mature, those materials that cover sex and violence. Were told that Tiffany D. Jacksons book Grown earned one of those scarlet (well, actually, black on scarlet) letters.

Its intriguing that the WaPo essay focuses on a book about race, rather than LGBTQ+ stuff, undoubtedly to make the point that the Florida standards are racist. However, the reality is that, according to a site that really likes the book, it contains physical, emotional, verbal, and sexual abuse, grooming, addiction, suicidal threats, mention of suicide, violence, kidnapping, stalking, murder. That is, its really not material for the younger set.

I very quickly got bored with the essay because its one endless sob story about evil parents blocking good librarians from exposing mentally and emotionally needy young people to important information about LGBTQ+ sexuality and Americas systemic racism. However, its important to know that this is what the left believes: You, the parents, are evil puritans. They, the educators, are bringing your children from the darkness you create into the light they shine. And theyre going to fight back hardby being both vicious and patheticto silence your voice.
The European Union is tightening its grip on Apple and forcing the company to bow down to the continents laws. Apple was first obligated to ditch the Lightning port on its iPhones and switch to USB-C. The EU is also working to force Apple to allow for app sideloading on iOS.

To double down pressure on Apple, the European regulators subjected iMessage and App Store to interoperability rules under the Digital Markets Act (DMA). This means Apple should open iMessage to third-party messaging services and let users sideload apps. Last week, Google and Europes biggest carriers sent a letter to the European Union to call for the inclusion of iMessage as a gatekeeper, claiming the decision would benefit European consumers and businesses.

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A report by Bloomberg now points out that Apple wants to appeal the inclusion of iMessage and App Store as a gatekeeper service. Apple formerly claimed iMessage is not big enough to be included in the list. The tech firm also wants to know which part of the App Store falls under the DMA rules.

The EU is looking to force Apple to open its eco-system for third-parties

The appeal request isnt yet filed. The iPhone maker still has time until next Thursday, November 16, to appeal the decision.

The EU has requested Apple to comply with the rules by March 2024. Appealing to the decision wont affect the deadline. As TechCrunch already reported, Apples Form 10-K filing reveals the company is considering changing the App Store business model. Weve been hearing rumblings about iOS sideloading features for many years. But it might soon come true thanks to EU obligations.

Apple engineers were already spotted working on software changes for the iOS 17 release cycle that lets users sideload apps. It remains to be seen when Apple finally opens the iOS gates to third-party app stores.

Its worth noting that interoperability rules only apply to Apples business in the EU. This means sideloading apps to iOS and opening up iMessage to third-party messaging apps might be exclusive to the EU customers. Apple could continue with its current business practices in the US, Asia, and the rest of the world. The lawmakers in the US might decide to force Apple to allow app sideloading in iOS if EU obligates the tech firm to do so.
After having just announced its VR headset, the Vision Pro, Apple has reportedly already begun working on a successor. This leak comes as a surprise as the Apple Vision Pro isnt even commercially available yet. However, according to MacRumors, designs for a second-generation AR/VR headset by Apple are already underway. This move could signify that Apple isnt taking its foray into VR lightly, and is vying to become the top dog of the industry.

The Vision Pro promises a premium VR experience

Apple first announced the Vision Pro back in June of this year. It was Apples first foray into a new major category of tech since the Apple Watch in 2015. The Vision Pro is slated to be available to consumers starting early next year in the States, and globally shortly after. This makes news of a potential successor, codenamed Project Alaska, quite surprising if true.

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As many expected, Apple went all-out with its new product. The Vision Pro looks and feels Apple, and promises seamless integration into the Apple ecosystem. It offers a brilliant, crisp display and top of the line motion tracking. It also ships with features never before seen in the VR world. The display can go transparent when you need to talk to someone. It manages to integrate people passing by you into your content. There is also an avatar it can create of you to participate in Facetime calls. Another major selling point is how the headset tackles and eliminates nausea with high refresh rates and zero juddering.

Project Alaska might be available in 2025

Reports of Apple working on a successor to the Vision Pro have been surfacing for a few months now. If the images are any indication of the final product, Project Alaska will look quite similar to the Vision Pro. Reports claim the headset will enter Product Validation Testing in 2025. If so, Apple might be looking at a release date in late 2025 or early 2026.

According to the reports, the Vision Pros successor will sport flat temples instead of the current rounded ones. This might mean a different speaker configuration or a lack of any audio output. References to an external audio accessory are found in the documentation, which might be a replacement for integrated speakers. The straps on the back of the headset have also changed to a flatter design.

The headset is rumored to feature cutting-edge hardware, including a TrueDepth camera, two micro-OLED displays, and infrared illuminators. Despite all this, rumors suggest the new headset will be cheaper than the first-generation Vision Pro.

If Apple can continue making premium mixed-reality headsets while selling them for cheaper and integrating gaming support for Windows PCs, they could really shake the market. The coming years are going to be exciting for enthusiasts as Apple improves its new line of headsets and the competition responds in kind.
Google called up an expert to the stand, to defend its actions during the antitrust trial in the US. The expert in question is Kevin Murphy, who teaches at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

An expert appeared at court to defend Google in the US antitrust trial

He was called up to the stand, and argued in favor of Google. He said that Apple and others played Google and Microsoft off against each other, with a clear purpose to get considerable payouts from Google.

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As a reminder, Microsoft has its Bing search engine, which is a competitor to Google. Mr. Murphy defended Googles payments, and even said that the payments to device markers (and others) were often passed through to users in the form of cheaper plans, or phones.

Kevin Murphy said that Microsoft had basically all pre-installed browser defaults in the early 2010s, but that it didnt mean anything for the company. Why? Because Bing got just 15% of search queries at the time.

He also added that changing default presets on devices may be complex for some, but that they usually install a different browser, or something of the sort. We dont really see how thats relevant to anything, but there you have it.

The Justice Department & Google have been at it for over two months now

Now, as a reminder, the Justice Department is suing Google, and alleges that the company took advantage of its huge resources to stay at the top in an anti-competitive manner. The DOJ accused Google of paying billions ($26.3 billion) in 2021 to ensure that it keeps its market share as high as it was.

The trial kicked off on September 12, and was projected to last for two months. Were already past that time, so this could be the last week of trial, actually.

A lot of details did surface, even though many of them were kept under the rug. This was a semi-private trial, kind of and it still is.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak brought back former leader David Cameron as foreign minister on Monday in a reshuffle triggered by his firing of interior minister Suella Braverman after her criticism of police threatened his authority.

It was the latest reset for a prime minister whose Conservative Party is badly lagging the Labour Party before an election expected next year. Cameron's return suggested Sunak wanted to bring in a more centrist, experienced hand rather than appease the populist right of his party which backed Braverman.

It also reawakens divisive debate over Brexit: Cameron held the referendum on European Union membership in 2016 and was hated by many on the right of the party after he campaigned to remain. He quit soon after Britain voted 52 percent-48 percent to leave.

The ministerial reshuffle followed growing criticism of Braverman from opposition lawmakers and members of the governing Conservatives, enabling Sunak to bring in allies and remove ministers he felt were not performing.

His hand was forced when the ever-controversial Braverman defied him last week in an unauthorised article accusing police of "double standards" at protests, suggesting they were tough on right-wing demonstrators, but easy on pro-Palestinian marchers.

The main opposition Labour Party said her comments had inflamed tensions between a pro-Palestinian demonstration and a far-right counter protest on Saturday, when nearly 150 people were arrested.

While her removal was no surprise, it was the appointment of Cameron which caused shock in the party. It was welcomed by more centrist lawmakers but loathed by some on the right who described it as the ultimate "Brexit surrender."

Cameron said he was glad to take on his new role at a time of global change. "I know it's not usual for a prime minister to come back in this way but I believe in public service.

"I hope that six years as prime minister, 11 years leading the Conservative Party gives me some useful experience and contacts and relationships and knowledge," he told reporters, saying he would tow the government line despite having disagreed with Sunak at times in the past.

Cameron has been out of politics since 2016 and will be able to return to government via an appointment to the House of Lords upper house of parliament.

Brexit returns

Sunak's press secretary said the prime minister launched the reshuffle to create a "strong, united team that will be focused on delivery", after the government had come under fire for failing to meet some of its pledges.

But Cameron's return compounded the anger felt by some on the right after Braverman's sacking. They backed her stance on protests and immigration and predicted she would remain a vocal force.

One lawmaker, Andrea Jenkyns, wrote a letter to the head of the 1922 Committee that governs Conservative lawmakers calling for a no confidence vote in Sunak over what she called his Machiavellian role in ousting former prime minister Boris Johnson and the "purge of the centre-right from his cabinet."

To trigger a leadership challenge, 53 of the 350 Conservative lawmakers in parliament must write letters of no confidence to the chairman of the 1922 Committee.

Some Brexit supporters said Cameron's role in the Brexit vote meant the "remain" wing of the party had taken over, while others questioned how Sunak could bring back a man who in 2021 was criticised for lobbying government during COVID on behalf of supply chain finance firm Greensill as it collapsed.

Asked about the case, Cameron said "all those things were dealt with by the Treasury select committee, by other inquiries ... as far as I am concerned that is all dealt with".

James Cleverly, previously foreign minister, was appointed to replace Braverman. He is seen as a safe pair of hands and said his new role was "to keep people in this country safe".

His first challenge will come on Wednesday when the Supreme Court rules on whether asylum seekers can be deported to Rwanda. A defeat would lead some lawmakers to amplify calls for Britain to quit the European Convention on Human Rights.

With Braverman sidelined, her attentions might focus on preparing for a possible future race for leader of the party if, as opinions polls suggest, the Conservatives lose the election expected next year.

The Labour Party has consistently held an around 20-point lead in the polls, and Sunak has failed to reduce that gap.

He tried to relaunch himself as a representative of "change" at his party's conference last month, when his message was overshadowed by a poorly communicated decision to cancel part of the country's biggest rail project.

Labour had called Sunak weak since Braverman's article was published on Wednesday. Now, opposition lawmakers said his decision to appoint Cameron was an act of desperation.

Lawmaker Pat McFadden, Labour's national campaign coordinator, said: "A few weeks ago Rishi Sunak said David Cameron was part of a failed status quo, now hes bringing him back as his life raft."

"This puts to bed the prime minister's laughable claim to offer change from 13 years of Tory failure." (Reuters)
Google will open its fourth retail store in the United States in 2024. It will be located in the heart of Boston, Newbury Street. This is the first Google Store in Boston and will be the third store to open on the East Coast, following stores in Chelsea Market and Williamsburg. After it finally opens its doors in 2024, it will be Googles fourth retail location. Notably, the Google Experience Store next to Googleplex, Mountain View is the most recent opening. It was inaugurated in September.

Google Store, Boston is opening gates next year

Googles upcoming retail store will be located at in a five-story mixed-use building at 149 Newbury St. in Boston. The first floor will be retail space while the second hosts storage. The store will be located between a restaurant and a clothing store, the company confirmed to Boston Business Journal last week.

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Like other retail stores, it will also sell a variety of Google products, including Pixel phones, Nest devices, and Fitbits. Customers will also be able to get help with their Google products from trained Google staff. The store will also offer similar services to Apple stores, including appointments for hardware setup, tech education, and troubleshooting.

Google, please open more retail stores!

Googles friendly competition, Apple, has over 272 retail stores in the United States alone. This is likely because Apple started selling phones and hardware much earlier than Google. However, Google still needs to step up its retail presence; opening just one store per year is not enough.

Googles Boston store is opening in at least one-and-a-half months. If you want to experience a Google Store now, you can visit one of the existing stores. They are available in Chelsea Market, New York City, or Williamsburg, Brooklyn. You can also visit the Googleplex in Mountain View, California, which opened last month.
Samsungs Galaxy S24 series may bring a few notable hardware upgrades but the most exciting improvements could come from the software. The company is equipping the new flagships with Galaxy AI, a comprehensive on-device AI tool powered by its generative AI model Samsung Gauss. The service is baked directly into One UI and can elevate your software experience with intuitive actions and suggestions. Leaks have now shed more light on its features.

Galaxy AI could be game-changing for Samsung

Samsung unveiled its AI model at its AI Forum 2023 event last week. It said the model consists of three toolslanguage processing, code generation, and image generation. The firm has now confirmed that the service will support at least six languages at the beginning. Along with Korean and English, it can also process text in French, Spanish, Chinese, and Japanese. Samsung may add support for more languages later on.

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In a benchmark run, Samsung Gauss language processing AI tool showed better results than OpenAIs GPT-3 (ChatGPTs brain) and Metas LLaMA2. The Korean language model, in particular, outshone the competition by a huge margin. One of the biggest advantages of Samsungs Galaxy AI is that everything happens locally on the device. Your data never leaves your phone, ensuring data safety and privacy, while giving you unmatched AI features.

This applies to image generation and code generation as well. Whether you want to compose an email, summarize a document, generate an image, fill an existing image with AI-generated details, erase objects from an image, generate code for software development, or simply need help with some other task, Galaxy AI can do it all without requiring an internet connection or any app. All of this is processed on the device level in front of you.

The new AI tool can also analyze the users app habits and patterns to provide proactive suggestions. You may be able to automate some complex tasks. For example, if youre traveling, Galaxy AI may be able to detect that and provide you with information on the weather and traffic conditions of your destination. These are just a few examples of the capabilities of Samsungs new AI model, which should make its public debut with the Galaxy S24 series.

The Galaxy S24 lineup is still two months away

We may get to learn more about Galaxy AI before its debut. Thats because the Galaxy S24 series is still two months awaythe new Samsung flagships are rumored to arrive on January 17, 2024. Thats plenty of time for more leaks as the Korean firm prepares for the market release of the upcoming products. We will keep you updated with all the latest information about Galaxy AI.
is hard at work on its next-gen flagship smartphones, the Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24+, and Galaxy S24 Ultra. The company plans to unveil the devices in January next year. Leaks have already revealed the key hardware specs and some AI-powered software features of the trio. We also have a fair idea of their design thanks to concept images and CAD renders. Dummy units of the phones have popped up but they may be fake or inaccurate.

The new Galaxy S24 dummy units could be fake

Shared on X/Twitter by @SonnyDickson, all three models of the Galaxy S24 series are seen in white dummy units. The devices are pictured from various angles, showing their design details from close. From button placements and antenna lines to the rear camera array, speaker design, USB-C port, and SIM tray, the images give us visuals of everything. However, noted tipster Tevengnus has called these dummy units fake.

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The tipster didnt provide further context explaining what was shown inaccurately. However, if we go back and pull up the first CAD renders of the Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24+, and Galaxy S24 Ultra from September, we can notice a few discrepancies in the fresh dummy units. The antenna lines arent in the same place as we saw on those renders. Not all of them, but a few appear to be misplaced.

Additionally, the Galaxy S24 Ultra dummy doesnt reflect the bottom speaker redesign. After a few years of gap, Samsung is returning to the coin slot-type rectangular strip for the speaker grille. It has been using tiny pill-shaped holes lately. The latter design looks more premium but the Korean firm is still making this change. It may be saving some manufacturing costs by going with a more simple design that is easier to cut.

Perhaps the switch to a titanium frame may have triggered this change. Since titanium is harder to cut and process, carving out perfect holes for the speaker grille may have added to the manufacturing cost. Rumors say the Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24+ will get the same Armor Aluminum frame as before, hence they retain the hole-type speaker design too. Long story short, these dummy units may not be too far off the final design but not accurate either.

Galaxy AI may be the biggest attraction of the new Samsung flagships

The Galaxy S24 series is undergoing a few design changes and bringing some notable hardware upgrades. However, its biggest attraction may be Galaxy AI, a built-in AI tool that could be a game-changer. Samsung is integrating the tool into One UI, so its ready to assist you everywhere. It processes all AI tasks on-device without your data leaving your phone. With the Galaxy S24 lineup about two months away, we may hear more about Galaxy AI in the coming weeks.
Google reportedly paid Samsung $8 billion over four years to make some of its apps default on Galaxy devices. The deal saw the Korean firm ship its Android smartphones and tablets with Google Assistant as the default voice assistant, Google Play Store as the default app store, and Google Search as the search engine.

Samsung took payment to promote Google apps over its alternatives

Samsung has been the worlds largest smartphone company for the past several years. Like most other Android OEMs, it ships phones with a custom Android skin. The Korean firms One UI is one of the most heavily customized Android-based software. Along with a UI redesign and new features, Galaxy devices ship with Samsung-made alternatives for some Google apps such as Messages, Play Store, Google Assistant, Chrome, Gboard, and more.

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However, most of those apps merely exist as alternatives and arent defaulted. Instead, Samsung offers some Google apps as default options on its phones. It turns out the company took payment from the Android maker to do this. James Kolotouros, Vice President for Partnerships at Google, shared the details while testifying in the ongoing antitrust case filed by Epic Games, the makers of the popular battle royale video game Fortnite.

According to Kolotouros, Google has a plan to share Play Store revenue with Android OEMS in exchange for preinstalling the app on the homescreen of their products. The company even tried persuading Samsung to not offer the Galaxy Store as a standalone app store on Galaxy devices. As part of its Project Banyan, Google offered Samsung $200 million over four years to house the Galaxy Store within the Play Store rather than a separate app.

The plan was to use Googles billing system for in-app purchases made via the Galaxy Store. However, the Korean firm didnt accept the proposal. The firms later agreed on a $8 billion deal that would make Google Assistant, Play Store, and Search default options on Galaxy devices for four years. Google also planned to pay Samsung an additional $1 billion to pre-install the Play Store on the homescreen. However, it pulled back this request, likely because Samsung could offer the Galaxy Store next to it.

The Google executive defended the companys stance

While Google struck a deal with Samsung, the company also planned to offer big sums to other Android manufacturers to keep rival services at bay. The company saw Amazons app store as a threat, among others, and devised a plan to encourage OEMs to promote the Play Store on their devices. It wanted to offer a cut of the Play Store revenue, Bloomberg reports.

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Documents presented in court show that the company was willing to spend $2.9 billion across Search and Play in 2020, growing to $4.5 billion in 2023. This was to secure platform protections for Search and Play and critical apps protections on more devices from non-Samsung manufacturers. There was also a tiered plan offering up to 16 percent share of Play Stores revenue and a 12 percent share of Search revenue depending on the size of the firm.

Googles ultimate plan is to boost its business. As Kolotouros said, Google never barred Samsung from putting the Galaxy Store on the homescreen of its devices. The plans to include the Play Store on the homescreen were for its benefit but that doesnt mean the Korean firm couldnt include the Galaxy Store there. It paid companies to promote its products but never forced them to remove competing solutions from their devices.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai recently took a similar stance defending the company in the DOJ (Department of Justice) antitrust case. He said self-prioritizing isnt wrong. Its a way of doing business. Unfortunately, Googles practices have made it difficult for smaller businesses to grow and compete against it. Whether these antitrust cases make the company scale back these business practices, time will tell. Pichai will testify in the Epic case later today.
It has been revealed that Google pays Apple a ton of additional cash thanks to Safari. What do I mean by additional? Well, on top of what Apple gets to keep Google Search as the default search engine across its portfolio.

Google pays a ton of additional cash to Apple thanks to Safari browser

This report actually comes from Bloomberg, following Kevin Murphys testimony. Now, Kevin Murphy is an economics professor at the University of Chicago, and he testified on behalf of Alphabet in a court case against the Justice Department.

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In any case, it was revealed that Google pays 36% of all ad revenue it generates via Safari browser (through Google Search) to Apple. That was supposed to be kept under wraps, but its another detail that surfaced.

As a reminder, Google paid Apple around $18 billion back in 2021 to be the default search engine on Safari, across Apples portfolio of products. That number could be even higher these days, of course.

Were likely looking at tens of billions of dollars here

So, how much is 36% of all ad revenue via Safari? Well, we cant say, the exact numbers were not revealed. However, were likely talking about tens of billions of dollars. Googles total revenue in 2022 was $279.8 billion, and the majority of that came from advertising. Considering how many people use Safari its safe to say were looking at billions upon billions of dollars here.

For those of you who are out of the loop, Google and the DOJ have been at it for quite some time. A lot of information was revealed during the court case, even though many things were kept under the rug.

The DOJ is trying to prove Google is using its resources to maintain market dominance. Google, on the other hand, is trying to prove no wrongdoing in its business over the years. The trial is set to last for around two months, and it started on September 12, so we should be near the end at this point.
Samsung is one more step closer to unveiling the Galaxy A25 5G. The company has just picked up another important certification for the new mid-range phone. The device has been certified by renowned independent product testing firm TUV Rheinland, hinting at a nearing launch.

Galaxy A25 5G receives the TUV Rheinland certification

The Galaxy A25 5G will succeed Samsungs Galaxy A24, which debuted in April this year with 4G connectivity. Last week, we gave you exclusive official renders of the new phone. It picked up the FCC certification shortly after that, while a major leak followed a few days later to reveal most of its specs and alleged European pricing.

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Now, the device has popped up on the TUV Rheinlands website. Spotted by MySmartPrice, the listing shows that the phone will be available in a dual-SIM variant with support for 25W fast wired charging (9V, 2.77A). While no other information was revealed, earlier leaks, benchmarks, and certifications have already given us a lot. The phone packs a 5,000mAh battery.

The US version of the Galaxy A25 5G will support 11 5G bands, the FCC revealed. It boasts NFC, Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi 5, and GPS and features a microSD card slot. Storage options include 128GB and 256GB, paired with 6GB and 8GB RAM, respectively. Samsungs in-house Exynos 1280 processor powers the device. The 5nm chipset has a peak CPU speed of 2.4GHz.

The upcoming mid-range Samsung phone features a 6.5-inch display with an FHD+ resolution. We should be looking at a Super AMOLED panel with a 90Hz/120Hz refresh rate. For imaging, the Korean firm is giving you a 50MP primary rear camera, an 8MP ultrawide lens, a 2MP macro camera, and a 13MP selfie camera. We are expecting OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) and 1080p video recording.

Samsung may launch the phone earlier than the 2023 model

The Galaxy A25 5G popped up on a Geekbench listing in September, revealing Android 14 onboard. However, a recent leak said the device will ship with Android 13. If the later report is accurate, Samsung may be looking to unveil it early next year. Even if it isnt, recent developments suggest the new mid-range phone will arrive on the market earlier than its predecessor.

As our exclusive renders show, the handset will come in four colors: Black, Blue, Silver, and Yellow. The Korean firm usually gives these colors fancy names, so expect something similar this time too. The Galaxy A25 5G may cost around 300/$300 for the base variant when it launches next year. Stay tuned for more information.
Foldable phones have gained significant traction in recent years. Take the OnePlus Open or Pixel Fold, for example. The right credit must go to Samsung for popularizing the concept of foldable smartphones.

While Samsung wasnt the first to introduce a foldable phone, it played a pivotal role in popularizing the concept. In 2018, at its annual developer conference, Samsung showcased its plans for foldable devices, followed by the launch of the Galaxy Z Fold a few months later. However, foldables have consistently faced a significant barrier: their price. Unlike Candybar smartphones, foldables carry a hefty price tag.

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Samsung officially denies rumors of an affordable foldable

Recent rumors suggested that Samsung might be working on a mid-range foldable phone slated for release in 2024. However, the company has officially denied these rumors, stating that it has no plans to manufacture foldable smartphones in the mid-range price category.

We dont plan to manufacture foldable smartphones that are priced in the [mid-range], and the latest rumors are groundless, Korea JoongAng Daily cited Samsungs spokesperson.

This might seem odd. But last week a report emerged claiming that Samsung may be gearing up to launch affordable foldables. TrendForce reported that the supply chain sources have revealed that Samsung is planning to launch mid-range foldable phones in 2024.

There might still be hope, given the competition in the market

Samsung spokespersons statement clears the air that something below $500 is not in the works. However, it doesnt necessarily eliminate the future chances of a Samsung affordable foldable. The initial 2022 report only stated that the device would be priced below $800, which, by current smartphone standards, is not considered midrange.

Theres undoubtedly rising competition in the foldable market. Several brands, including Chinese brands, have jumped onto the foldable market to grab a share. Samsungs key competitors remain Honor, OnePlus, Vivo, Oppo, Motorola, and Google. Moreover, the demand for foldable is expected to grow in 2024, noted Counterpoint Research.
Following the YouTube global crackdown on ad blockers, the platform has come under fire for allegedly tracking users and using JavaScript code to detect ad blockers. A privacy advocate has filed a civil complaint against YouTube with the Irish Data Protection Commission. The complaint also scrutinized Meta over collecting users data without consent and targeting ad blockers.

Privacy consultant Alexander Hanff alleges that YouTube uses JavaScript code to detect which viewer uses ad blockers, then disables the video until the ad blocker is off. The platform allows users to either buy a Premium subscription or continue watching videos with ads, which is very annoying. YouTube already announced that using ad blockers violates its Terms of Service.

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A privacy advocate in Ireland files a civil complaint against YouTube and Meta over targeting ad blockers

While YouTube is expanding its crackdown against ad blockers, the parent company Google sponsors an ad blocking summit and even offers to work closely with ad blocker developers. Google Chrome lead developers who attended the Ad-Filtering Dev Summit in Amsterdam announced adding a new privacy and security category to the Chrome web store to help users find ad-blocking extensions more easily.

The civil complaint also accuses Meta of collecting users data and tracking their behavior for the past five years. Hanff claims Meta used this information to target users with personalized ads.

In recent years, the EU and Big Tech have gone head to head over handling users data and targeting them with ads. The regulators always believe tech firms such as Apple, Google, and Meta use their dominance to collect personal data without obtaining consent from users. Multiple lawsuits against these companies were filed to make them pay a sum of money in fines- thanks to the Digital Markets Act (DMA).

The disputes with the EU even prevented Meta from launching the Threads app to European customers. Similarly, Apple plans to appeal for the inclusion of iMessage and App Store as gatekeeper services. The EUs DMA is a set of strict rules that aims to keep Big Tech accountable for its business practices. DMA might also force Apple to allow for app sideloading in iOS.
U.S.-China engagements have moved us "along the right path": Yellen

Xinhua) 18:52, November 14, 2023

SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said Monday that recent U.S.-China engagements have moved the two sides "along the right path."

"Responsibly managing the U.S.-China economic relationship" has been "a key priority" throughout her time in San Francisco, Yellen told reporters at a press conference following the conclusion of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Finance Ministers' Meeting.

Yellen noted that she met with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng last week, and had a "productive meeting" with China's new Finance Minister Lan Fo'an this week.

"President Biden and I believe strongly in advancing the values we share with our allies and partners in the Asia-Pacific and beyond, while also pursuing a healthy and stable economic relationship with China," said the U.S. treasury secretary.

Going forward, Yellen said, "We hope to build on the foundation we have laid to further deepen communication, stabilize the relationship, and make progress on key issues."

"There's hard work ahead of us, but I believe our engagements here have moved us along the right path," she said.

At the press conference, Yellen highlighted that APEC economies are "at the center of the global economy and our world's economic future."

"Cooperation across APEC economies is also key to tackling the challenges we all face, including the urgent threat of climate change," she said.

The U.S. treasury secretary also told reporters that APEC finance ministers talked about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict's risk to the global economic outlook.

"We've not really seen yet much economic impact from what's happening, but we are concerned and broadly view it as critical not to see the conflict expand," she said.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
A man convicted over the murder of the Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya, best known for reporting on abuses in Russia's war in Chechnya early in Vladimir Putin's presidency, has been pardoned in return for fighting in Ukraine, the news outlet RBC reported on Tuesday.

Politkovskaya was shot dead outside her flat in Moscow in 2006, triggering an outcry in the West and underlining the growing dangers of reporting in Russia as Putin gradually clamped down on independent media.

Sergei Khadzhikurbanov, a former law enforcement officer, was sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2014 for organising the killing.

RBC quoted Khadzhikurbanov's lawyer Alexei Mikhalchik on Tuesday as saying he had last year taken advantage of a scheme, known to have been used principally by the Wagner mercenary force, to sign up from prison to fight in the war in Ukraine, which Moscow calls a "special military operation" (SMO).

"Then he was pardoned, and is now participating in the SMO as a volunteer soldier, having entered into a contract with the ministry of defence," Mikhalchik said.

Khadzhikurbanov was convicted in 2014 along with four other men from Chechnya, a mostly Muslim region in the northern Caucasus where Russia and its local allies crushed two rebellions, in 1994-96 and, under Putin, in 1999-2009.

In 2018, the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg found that, while the authorities had found and convicted a group of men who had directly carried out the contract killing, they had "failed to take adequate investigatory steps to find the person or persons who had commissioned the murder".

Politkovskaya, who did much of her work for the independent investigative magazine Novaya Gazeta, now banned in Russia, won more than a dozen international prizes for reporting on abuses committed in Chechnya by Russian and allied forces as well as by rebels, despite repeated detentions and death threats. (Reuters)
(ANSA) - ROME, NOV 14 - The government of Premier Giorgia Meloni and representatives of the Roman Curia met bilaterally on Tuesday to discuss progress in preparations for the 2025 Holy Year, or Jubilee.

During the meeting, which lasted about an hour, both parties reportedly expressed their appreciation for the fruitful and intense cooperation between Italy and the Holy See in the organisation of a historic and global event that will bring millions of pilgrims to Rome and to Italy from all over the world, the premier's office at Palazzo Chigi said in a statement.

The steering committee set up at Palazzo Chigi, which has been meeting fortnightly in recent months, will continue to coordinate and monitor the progress in the preparations for an event that is of cultural as well as spiritual importance.

Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri said the meeting had been inspired "by the utmost harmony between Italy and the Holy See".

The meeting "made it possible to measure both Italy's commitment and the importance that the Holy See attributes to the event, but also its appreciation for the work being done," he continued, thanking "the government, President Meloni, the steering committee, Undersecretary Mantovano for this extraordinary commitment".

"It is crucial for us to do our utmost to make Italy and the city able to welcome the many pilgrims" who are expected, said Gualtieri.

The mayor said that in total 189 public works are planned for the Jubilee and that so far 12 construction sites have opened - including one, involving roadworks, that includes multiple worksites.

A further 17 worksites are set to open between the end of 2023 and the beginning of 2024.

Photo: Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri (ANSA).


(ANSA) - ROME, NOV 14 - The Senate culture committee on Tuesday gave its backing to the appointment of cultural and political journalist and writer Pietrangelo Buttafuoco as the new chairman of the Venice Biennale Foundation, replacing Roberto Cicutto when the latter's term ends in March.

"Buttafuoco is a professional with huge multifaceted talent, attentive to innovations in the cultural sector at an international level and to the young and future generations," said right-wing League senator and Committee Chair Roberto Marti.

"I am certain that a person of his stature will also perform this important role with the utmost commitment and responsibility, enhancing the artistic peculiarities of our country in the world," he added.

Buttafuoco, 60, was named in October by rightwing Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano and the opposition claimed the appointment was a sign of a continuing rightwing takeover of key cultural posts like state broadcaster Rai, which the government says is a traditional part of Italy's spoils system.

Premier Giorgia Meloni's rightwing Brothers of Italy (FdI) party said the appointment marked the "breaking of another glass ceiling", at a body where leftist placemen and cronies have allegedly traditionally been appointed.

The eclectic Buttafuoco, one of Italy's top public intellectuals and a practising Muslim, was a far-right activist in his youth like Meloni, but both have since espoused more traditionally conservative or rightwing positions.

Buttafuoco, indeed, writes for leftwing daily Il Fatto Quotidiano, a fierce Meloni critic, and another liberal daily that staunchly opposes the premier, La Repubblica, as well as for centrist daily Il Foglio and business daily Il Sole 24 Ore.

(ANSA).


(ANSA) - ROME, NOV 14 - Lilia Cavallari, the president of the Parliamentary Budget Office (UPB), on Tuesday criticised the government's 2024 budget bill, saying it lacked long-term vision.

"The budget appears to be based on a short-term outlook, with temporary and fragmented interventions," Cavallari told a joint session of the Lower House and Senate budget committees.

She added that, for the second year running, the budget features an increases in the deficit with respect to the previously set target, as well the postponement to 2026 of the forecast for when the deficit will come below 3% of GDP.

On Tuesday, the Bank of Italy, the Audit Court and industry association Confindustria also picked fault with some aspects of the package before the Lower House and Senate budget committees.

Premier Giorgia Meloni has said that the budget bill was a "serious" one that uses the little money available to help those most in need. (ANSA).


(see related) (ANSA) - ROME, NOV 14 - Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti said Tuesday that the government did the best it could in difficult circumstances with the 2024 budget bill.

"The budget was prepared in an extremely complicated scenario, in which the uncertainty linked to recent events in the Middle East comes on top of the difficulties that have long characterised the economic and geopolitical situation," Giorgetti told a joint session of the Lower House and Senate budget committees.

"A compromise between the different demands and the internal and external budgetary constraints had to be found within the executive.

"It was not an easy job, but I think it was done as well as possible".

Among other things, the 28-billion-euro package maintains a cut to the labour-tax wedge for low earners, features aid for working mothers as part of efforts to reverse Italy's declining birth rate and cuts the number of Irpef income-tax bands from four to three by merging the two lower bands. (ANSA).


(ANSA) - ROME, NOV 14 - President Sergio Mattarella visited Taranto on Tuesday to inaugurate the southern city's Festival of Paralympic Culture.

The head of State met disabled athletes and hailed the Italian Paralympic movement for the victories it has achieved both on and off the field of sport.

"Every barrier that gets knocked down is a success for society as a whole and, in recent years, the Paralympic movement has knocked down many barriers," he said.

"These are great results to be proud of.

"These medals give great pride to the entire country and enable us to follow Paralympic sport with ever greater admiration".

(ANSA).


Suella Braverman accused Rishi Sunak of magical thinking for failing to come up with a back-up plan if his Rwanda policy is blocked in the Supreme Court and said he could betray his promise to stop the boats even in the event of victory.

In an excoriating letter to the Prime Minister after being sacked as home secretary, Mrs Braverman warned that Mr Sunak has no credible Plan B if justices in the UKs highest court rule the scheme is unlawful on Wednesday.

She claimed that even if the policy gets the go-ahead then his compromises will mean the asylum policy could be thwarted yet again by the European Court of Human Rights.

My letter to the Prime Minister pic.twitter.com/7OBzaZnxr2  Suella Braverman MP (@SuellaBraverman) November 14, 2023

Her replacement James Cleverly had outlined the possible outcomes during the first meeting of the Prime Ministers new-look Cabinet after the dramatic reshuffle that saw Mrs Braverman shown the door.

Senior ministers have wargamed responses to a possible defeat of what Downing Street admits is a crucial policy but Mrs Braverman warned of a betrayal of Mr Sunaks promise to do whatever it takes to stop unauthorised Channel crossings all the same.

The sacked home secretary wrote in the letter she published online that if they lose he will have wasted a year on the Illegal Migration Act only to arrive back at square one.

Worse than this, your magical thinking  believing that you can will your way through this without upsetting polite opinion  has meant you have failed to prepare any sort of credible Plan B, she said.

She said she posed her own credible back-up  without which she said there is no hope of flights this side of an election in the event of a court defeat  but received no reply.

Even in the event of Supreme Court victory, she said the Government will struggle to deliver our Rwanda partnership in the way that the public expects.

Lord Cameron and James Cleverly with fellow members of the Cabinet (Kin Cheung/PA)

She said the Act is far from secure against legal challenges and will leave us vulnerable to being thwarted yet again by the European court in Strasbourg.

I can only surmise that this is because you have no appetite for doing what is necessary, and therefore no real intention of fulfilling your pledge to the British people.

She accused Mr Sunak of having opted for wishful thinking as a comfort blanket to avoid having to make hard choices as he refused to consider leaving the European Convention on Human Rights, or even overruling elements in his legislation.

Downing Street vowed to continue to work to tackle small boat crossings whatever the outcome in the Supreme Court.

The Prime Minister believes in actions, not words, a No 10 spokeswoman said in response to Mrs Bravermans declaration of political war.

Downing Street earlier said Mr Cleverly had briefed the Cabinet over some of the possible scenarios to Wednesdays ruling.

Leaving the European Convention on Human Rights was not discussed at the meeting, the Prime Ministers official spokesman said.

Contingency plans have been discussed among Cabinet ministers, the spokesman said, and options for possible scenarios have been prepared.

Suella Braverman was sacked in Rishi Sunaks reshuffle (Jacob Phillips/PA)

Last month, the Home Office challenged a Court of Appeal ruling from June that overturned the High Courts finding that Rwanda could be considered a safe third country for migrants.

Lawyers representing people facing deportation to the east African nation argue Rwanda is an authoritarian, one-party state with a woefully deficient asylum system.

But the Home Office has said the policy to remove asylum seekers to a country less attractive than the UK, but nevertheless safe, is lawful.

Five justices at the Supreme Court will give their verdict on Wednesday morning, before Mr Sunak faces Prime Ministers Questions.

The Illegal Migration Act brought into law the Governments policy of sending some asylum seekers to Rwanda.

However, the plans announced in April 2022 have been held up in the courts, with no deportation flights having taken place despite 140 million already being handed to Kigali.

Whereas Mrs Braverman repeatedly signalled she wanted out of the politicised court, Mr Cleverly said while foreign secretary in April he was not convinced the move is necessary.

He said that the European countries that are not signatories  Russia and Belarus  are a small club, adding: I am not convinced it is a club we want to be part of.

Mr Sunak has set stopping small boats of asylum seekers from arriving in Britain as one of his five pledges to the electorate.

But more than 27,300 migrants have been detected making unauthorised crossings of the English Channel so far this year, according to official figures.

The Supreme Court ruling by Lords Reed, Hodge, Lloyd-Jones, Briggs and Sales will be handed down on Wednesday after 10am.
Rishi Sunak will assemble his new-look Cabinet featuring Lord David Cameron for their first meeting after the sacking of Suella Braverman in a dramatic reshuffle that triggered anger on the Tory right.

In a major gamble to revive his electoral fortunes, the Prime Minister gave the former leader a peerage to bring him back from the political wilderness and promoted loyalists to the top team.

Lord Cameron will be back around the Cabinet table on Tuesday for the first time since he stood down as prime minister and quit as an MP after losing the Brexit referendum in 2016.

He admitted such a return is not usual but said he wants to support Mr Sunak through a difficult job at a hard time.

The reshuffle  launched after Mr Sunak sacked Mrs Braverman as home secretary  risked inflaming the rift in the Conservative Party.

Former minister Dame Andrea Jenkyns submitted a furious letter of no confidence in Mr Sunak to the Tory backbench 1922 Committee as a result of the decision.

Deputy Tory chairman Lee Anderson was among hardline MPs at a Commons meeting where concerns were shared about Mrs Bravermans ousting after she accused the police of bias.

Tensions could be further ramped up on Wednesday, when the Supreme Court hands down its judgment on the Rwanda asylum policy central to Mr Sunaks promise to stop the boats crossing the Channel.

(PA Graphics)

Mrs Braverman, who warned she will have more to say in due course, could add to pressure by championing leaving the European Court of Human Rights if the Government loses the appeal.

In a foreign policy speech to the Lord Mayors Banquet in Londons Guildhall, Mr Sunak vowed to stand up for tolerance and free speech as conflicts overseas create division at home.

James Cleverly was appointed Home Secretary as he was moved from the Foreign Office to make way for Lord Cameron, while promotions included Victoria Atkins to Health Secretary and Laura Trott to Treasury Chief Secretary.

In a conciliatory move to the Tory right, GB News presenter and former work and pensions secretary Esther McVey was brought back into Government as a minister without portfolio.

In another sign Mr Sunak is looking ahead to the election, Richard Holden replaced Greg Hands as Conservative Party chairman following a string of by-election losses and a mauling in council contests during his nine months in charge.

Suella Braverman was sacked as home secretary by Rishi Sunak (PA)

Mr Sunak continued reshuffling the junior ranks on Monday evening and is expected to make a few more alterations on Tuesday.

Conservative former Cabinet minister Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg said the reshuffle would not help win the Tories the next election, suggesting it will benefit the Reform party founded by Nigel Farage.

The MP told BBC Newsnight: The Champagne will be flowing in the Reform party headquarters tonight after whats been done today.

Writing in the Daily Telegraph, Sir Jacob said Mrs Braverman was sacked for being right and accused the Prime Minister of being too effete to care enough about key issues, like tackling immigration, that voters mind about so much.

Lord Camerons appointment was a massive shock in Westminster not just because of the rare return of a former prime minister to Government but because of his past closeness with China.

Enough is enough, I have submitted my vote of no confidence letter to the Chairman of the 1922. It is time for Rishi Sunak to go and replace him with a 'real' Conservative party leader. pic.twitter.com/yJmGc14d75  Andrea Jenkyns MP  (@andreajenkyns) November 13, 2023

He has also been critical of Mr Sunaks scrapping of the northern leg of HS2 in a conference speech in which the Prime Minister distanced himself from the legacy of his predecessors.

Lord Cameron also faces questions over the Greensill affair, in which he privately lobbied ministers in an attempt to win Greensill Capital access to an emergency coronavirus loan scheme.

The Commons Treasury Committee said the former MP displayed a significant lack of judgment, but cleared him of breaching lobbying rules.

In his first interview since returning to frontline politics, Lord Cameron said he believes that is all dealt with and in the past as he said he has quit all his roles.

I now have one job, as Britains Foreign Secretary, he told broadcasters.

No 10 stressed that the Cabinet should always speak with one voice in highlighting the importance of collective responsibility binding ministers and explaining Mrs Bravermans sacking.

She had made inflammatory comments suggesting homelessness is sometimes a lifestyle choice and wrote an unauthorised newspaper article criticising the way police have handled pro-Palestinian mobs.

Mr Sunaks press secretary rejected tick-box diversity after the reshuffle left the four great offices of state being held by privately-educated men for the first time since the Tories 2010 election win.
Anti-corruption campaigners have called for the Government to do more to tackle financial crime in the UKs Overseas Territories ahead of a key meeting this week.

Senior representatives from Britains Overseas Territories are due to meet in London this week for an annual meeting with ministers, with anti-money laundering policies expected to be on the agenda.

Ahead of the meeting, campaigners including the UK Anti-Corruption Coalition (UKACC) have called for the UK Government to push the Overseas Territories to set up registers showing the real owners of companies by the end of the year.

Westminster legislated for the introduction of public registers of beneficial ownership  seen as a key tool in the fight against corruption  in 2018 and the Overseas Territories committed to introducing them in 2020, but little progress has been made since.

Dame Margaret Hodge, chair of Parliaments all-party group on anti-corruption and responsible tax, said: Our Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies must bring an end to the decades of secrecy which have allowed wealthy oligarchs, criminal gangs, drug smugglers and human traffickers to hide and launder their dirty money.

This means they must stand by their commitments to establish public registers of beneficial ownership by the end of this year.

Members of Parliament legislated on this nearly five years ago, so these tax havens must either respect the will of Parliament, or Government must step in and force them to honour their promises.

The UKACC published a poll of more than 6,000 people on Monday showing 72% of people agreed that the UK Government should take more responsibility for working with Overseas Territories to tackle money laundering and tax evasion.

Analysis by Transparency International has linked numerous companies registered in British Overseas Territories such as the British Virgin Islands to corruption cases, saying they have aided gross abuses of entrusted power for private gain around the world.

Duncan Hames, director of policy at Transparency International UK, said: Its hard to ignore the scale of economic crime exploiting some of Britains offshore financial centres, so progress by the Overseas Territories toward delivering on their commitment to introduce transparent company ownership registers is to be welcomed.

However, it appears that most of these territories are far from being on track to meet the deadline for implementing these registers by the end of this year.

As representatives from the Overseas Territories meet with the UK Government this week, all in attendance should be clear that stamping out economic crime is in the interests of the whole British family  and that this will mean the Overseas Territories fully delivering on the commitments they have made.
Veteran Tory MP Esther McVey has been given the unofficial title of minister for common sense after Rishi Sunaks reshuffle on Monday.

Officially a minister at the Cabinet Office, the MP for Tatton, in Cheshire, was the most prominent appointment from the right wing of the Conservative Party in a reshuffle that saw that factions standard bearer, Suella Braverman, sacked from the Home Office.

Her exact responsibilities have not yet been set out, with new party chairman Richard Holden telling Times Radio she was there to represent a part of that broad panoply of opinion that the Conservative Party represent.

Described as a plain-speaking northerner, she appears to have been brought in with a brief to tackle woke issues in Whitehall.

One of her priorities could be cutting the number of diversity officers in the Civil Service.

Esther McVey was appointed late on Monday in what has been regarded as a move to placate right-wing Conservatives following the dismissal of Suella Braverman (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

In December 2022, Ms McVey was one of 40 Tory MPs to sign a letter endorsing a Conservative Way Forward report that argued cutting diversity and inclusion officers could save the taxpayer more than 500 million and get back one million working days lost to diversity training.

The report also claimed the Government was supporting politically motivated and anti-British campaigns to the tune of 7 billion a year, and called for a review of spending on woke causes.

More broadly, Ms McVeys record suggests she will provide a right-wing voice at the cabinet table on a number of issues.

In 2019, she launched the Blue Collar Conservatives group with backing from former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith. Although the group has been less active since 2020, its principles include commitments to free speech and tax cuts that will resonate with backers of Suella Braverman.

She has subsequently lent her name to other causes, including signing a letter from 43 MPs in July that called for the phasing out of internal combustion engine vehicles to be pushed back to 2035.

Ms McVey was also an outspoken critic of Covid lockdowns, describing them as imposing Communist-style control over the public, and she chairs the all-party group on pandemic response and recovery which has been backed by lockdown-sceptic organisation Collateral Global.

Away from Parliament, Ms McVey has been a regular presenter on GB News alongside her husband, fellow MP Philip Davies, and has frequently hosted anti-lockdown figures on her show. Earlier this year, the pair were found to have broken Ofcom rules on impartiality during an interview with Chancellor Jeremy Hunt.

She has had to give up her paid TV presenting role as it is not compatible with being a minister.

But she is likely to remain a regular on the airwaves, giving the Governments view on issues as a minister.

Asked about her role as minister for common sense, the Prime Ministers official spokesman told reporters that was not her public title.

Pressed on whether her title was the minister for the war on woke, the spokesman said: Again, happy to repeat she is the minister without portfolio in the Cabinet Office.
In a bid to appease the Tory right, Conservative leaders have for years flirted with taking the nuclear option of leaving the European Convention on Human Rights.

Jet fuel will be poured onto that row on Wednesday if the Supreme Court upholds a ruling that Rishi Sunaks Rwanda asylum scheme is unlawful as a vengeful Suella Braverman waits in the wings.

Suella Braverman will be on the attack over the ECHR (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

 What is the ECHR?

After the darkest days of the Second World War, political leaders including Winston Churchill advocated for a Council of Europe (CoE) to oversee a charter of human rights.

This led to the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) being signed in 1950. Its drafting was led by Conservative MP Sir David Maxwell-Fyfe and the UK was among the first to ratify the international treaty.

Today the legal commitment signs up all 46 CoE members to abide by rules on rights to life, liberty and expression, and protection from torture, degrading treatment and slavery.

It is not linked to the European Union, so Brexit did not affect the UKs obligations.

The European Court of Human Rights, in Strasbourg, makes binding judgments on the convention.

 Why is the convention back in the headlines?

The Supreme Court will hand down its judgment on Wednesday on whether the Prime Ministers plans to remove asylum seekers who arrive on small boats to Rwanda. It is central to his pledge to stop the boats crossing the English Channel.

The Government went to the highest court in the UK after appeal judges found the policy was unlawful because the east African nation was deemed unsafe. The ruling also touched on the ECHR.

If he loses the appeal, Mr Sunak may consider whether there is any scope to take the case to Strasbourg.

My letter to the Prime Minister pic.twitter.com/7OBzaZnxr2  Suella Braverman MP (@SuellaBraverman) November 14, 2023

In a scathing attack on the Prime Minister after her sacking as home secretary, Suella Braverman said his legislation is vulnerable to being thwarted yet again in Strasbourg even if it wins in the British legal system.

 Does Rishi Sunaks Government want to quit the convention?

The Prime Minister promised to do whatever it takes to stop small boats but has been resisting taking action on the ECHR, other than to argue for reform over the order that blocked the inaugural flight to Kigali last year.

The most strident rhetoric came from Mrs Braverman, repeatedly signalling she wanted to quit the politicised court.

Even after she was sacked by Mr Sunak, immigration minister Robert Jenrick said they must halt the boat crossings no ifs, no buts in an interview with the Telegraph.

But in the past, James Cleverly  who has inherited the Home Office from Mrs Braverman  has taken a more moderate approach.

In April, while foreign secretary, he said he was not convinced leaving the ECHR was necessary to have a robust immigration system.

He said the European countries that are not signatories are a small club, telling the Guardian: I am not convinced it is a club we want to be part of.

Mrs Braverman may want to exact revenge for her sacking while trying to boost her popularity on the right of the party, in the event of a leadership contest, by calling for Mr Sunak to quit the convention.

 Which European nations arent signatories?

Vladimir Putins Russia is an outlier in not being part of the convention (Nick Potts/PA)

The outliers in Europe that are not signed up to the ECHR are a conspicuous duo: Vladimir Putins Russia and Belarus.

Back in the 1960s, Greece left the convention after a military coup abolished democracy.

 Have the Tories always wanted to leave?

When he was prime minister, Lord David Cameron said he ruled out absolutely nothing in a bid to scrap Labours Human Rights Act, which incorporated the convention into British law.

Frustrated by Strasbourgs rulings while home secretary, Theresa May urged people not to vote to leave the EU but instead focus on the ECHR.

Both Boris Johnson and Liz Truss also kept the threat on the table as they sought to placate the right of the party.

But the Conservatives are far from united over the issue, with more moderate MPs standing strongly in support of the UKs international commitments.
An elderly woman was forced to stay in a hospital ward rife with coronavirus, her daughter has told the Scottish Covid-19 Inquiry.

Margaret Kilpatrick told the inquiry that her mother, who was 89 at the time, was taken from her care home to a hospital in Scotland for emergency surgery under the promise she would be taken to a green pathway ward  meaning there was a guarantee of no Covid on the ward.

Her mother underwent crucial surgery after doctors found a tumour on her bowel which caused her severe abdominal pain.

However, after undergoing surgery, she was taken from a high priority bed and placed in a red pathway ward  a term given to wards where patients with Covid were cared for, the inquiry heard.

Her mother was in hospital from June 8 until June 24 2020.

Mrs Kilpatrick said she was unaware her mother had been taken to a Covid ward and only found out after she asked.

I subsequently found out, having asked the question, that no, it was the red pathway Covid ward, she said.

She added: Apparently they needed the bed from high dependency for someone else, and that was the only place they could find a bed for my mum.

Mrs Kilpatrick said she was shocked when staff asked whether her mother was shielding as she had previously referred them to an NHS letter telling how her mother, who had a number of health conditions, was very vulnerable and was thus shielding.

Asked by the panel if this was a cause of concern to her, she added: Well, weve been living from March until June with fear of Covid and then my very vulnerable mother, post very major surgery, is put into what Im told is the red pathway Covid ward, and she doesnt have Covid.

She also told the inquiry of the impact not seeing her family had on her mother.

During the first lockdown my mum said to me it was worse than during the war because you were deprived of your family and community contact, she said.

She did say that. It was, at least during the war you can see family and go about your business.

Her mother has since died, the inquiry was told.

The inquiry also heard from Shona Wallace, whose 32-year-old daughter, who has a learning disability, lived in a care home throughout the lockdown.

Mrs Wallace told the inquiry that her daughter, Claire, was left distressed due to not being able to have proper contact with her family.

Despite this, her daughter had regular contact with an aromatherapist who was drafted into the care home to give treatment to residents.

Mrs Wallace said she was distraught that her daughter was able to have regular contact with the aromatherapist but could not have contact with her family.

The inquiry, taking place before Lord Brailsford in Edinburgh, continues.
The parents of babies conceived from donors should be able to find out their biological origins from birth rather than waiting until they are 18, a regulator has said.

It is one of a number of recommendations made by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) to modernise fertility laws.

The regulator said updating the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act would improve patient care and maintain our position as a country where scientific and clinical innovation can flourish.

It is calling for the removal of donor anonymity from the birth of any child born from donation.

Clinics should also be required by law to inform donors of the potential for their identity to be discovered through means other than the HFEA register, such as social media or DNA testing websites.

Julia Chain, chairwoman of the HFEA, said: Nowhere in this field has the pace of social and technological change been more rapid than in the growing popularity of direct-to-consumer DNA testing and social media, with a lasting impact on donor anonymity. We need to balance the law with what is taking place in reality.

She said the HFEAs proposal on anonymity reflects the fact that the current system, where identifiable information about a donor is disclosed to the donor-conceived person at 18 and only upon request, can no longer effectively keep up.

We know this a significant departure, and so a gradual approach to reach this position may be best, but it should be the aim to futureproof the law, she added.

Donor anonymity laws changed earlier this year and from October the first donor-conceived young adults born after a certain date could apply to the HFEA for information.

The current consent element of the Act should also be overhauled, according to the HFEA, with updates to include automatic record-sharing between clinics and the NHS central records.

Almost 52,000 people used fertility treatment services in 2021, according to the HFEA (Dominic Lipinski/PA)

The regulator said this would support more joined-up and safer patient care at hospitals and within primary care and patients would be able to opt out.

Elsewhere, the regulator recommended that all donors and recipients should have counselling before starting treatment.

It also wants to offer greater support to innovation in treatment and research in the fertility field, and said the Act should be futureproofed to accommodate future technologies and scientific developments.

Ms Chain said current laws do not reflect the range and type of fertility treatment on offer today, nor modern regulatory standards.

She added: We think there should be changes that will ensure the law can continue to effectively protect patients, as well as support the scientific advances that can help them have a much-wanted child.

According to the HFEA, the number of people having fertility treatment has increased from a little over 6,000 in 1991 to almost 52,000 in 2021.

Ms Chain said the sector has also changed, leaving the regulators powers out of step with patient expectations and regulatory standards.

The HFEA has recommended it should have the power to issue fines and is also calling for greater freedom on deciding the regularity of inspections at clinics.

Today most patients fund their treatment themselves, which has changed their view of this area of healthcare to being consumers with active choices to be made, Ms Chain added.

Many UK regulators have a wider and more effective range of powers to improve compliance and protect patients and consumers than those available to the HFEA.

Our proposals would improve patient safety and protection, and maintain the UKs position as a country where scientific and clinical innovation can flourish. In all our work, the special status of the human embryo will remain a guiding principle as its potential makes it different from all other human tissue.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: We asked the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority to undertake a stakeholder consultation about the priorities for reform as we recognise legislation needs to be modernised and are grateful they have undertaken this work.

The report raises important issues about considering regulatory powers that better protect fertility patients and the quality of the service they receive.

We will respond to its recommendations in due course.
A trial has been shown CCTV footage of shots being fired from a stolen car towards a childrens playground, hitting an 11-year-old girl and a boy aged 15, during a murderous feud between two armed groups.

Jurors were told both victims were struck in the leg by bullets at a park in Shelley Road, Wolverhampton, on May Day, during an afternoon shooting which triggered a high-speed car chase straight from the movie directors script.

Prosecutors allege the shots were fired from a Ford Focus car containing Kian Durnin, Martinho De-Sousa and Tireq McIntosh, who all deny attempting to murder a person unknown and wounding both victims with intent.

Durnin, 22, De-Sousa, 24 and McIntosh, 23, further deny possessing two handguns with intent to endanger life and aggravated vehicle-taking.

Opening the case against the men at Birmingham Crown Court on Tuesday, prosecutor Tim Cray KC likened the events due to be considered by jurors to a movie script, with guns being fired, car chases and feuds between people in and around the city of Wolverhampton.

Before showing the court footage said to show the driver and front seat passenger of the Focus firing from the vehicle, Mr Cray told the jury: We want you to watch with us a short clip of video.

That is because those pictures will impress on you, far more graphically than any words could, what this case is about and why it is so serious.

Alleging that the intended targets of the shooting were the occupants of a Mini Cooper which gave chase after the shooting, Mr Cray said the childrens playground was right in the line of fire.

The prosecutor said: You will not be surprised to hear that this attack, two gunmen firing multiple shots, led to some shocking results.

Two people were hit by the bullets. (The 11-year-old girl) was playing in the park in the playground with her friends.

One of the bullets hit her.

Another young person was 15 years old at the time. He was in the car park area on a push bike and one of the bullets hit him, again in the leg.

The court heard the children, who cannot be identified because of a court order, were treated in hospital and both made recoveries from their wounds.

Suggesting that it was only a matter of luck that could be measured in fractions of a second that no one died, Mr Cray asked: So, what on earth was happening? What led up to this and who was doing the shooting?

Claiming Durnin, of Milton Road, De-Sousa, of Deansfield Road, and McIntosh, of Valley Road, all in Wolverhampton, had got into the Focus in the New Park Village area of the city, Mr Cray alleged: Durnin was the driver, McIntosh was the front seat passenger and De-Sousa was in the back seat.

The Focus reverses up, almost right to the entrance of the park, which allowed them to make a rapid getaway after the shooting.

Durnin, the driver, is leaning out of the window nearest the camera firing. McIntosh, the front seat passenger was leaning out of his front window. Both men were firing handguns.

The court heard the Mini Cooper had also been stolen and gave chase to the Focus together with a man on an electric bike and two other cars, a Peugeot and a Seat Leon, which joined the chase later.

Mr Cray added: Over the next 10 minutes there was then a high-speed car and bike chase through the streets of north-east Wolverhampton.

And one of the chasers fired a shot at the Focus which blew out the back windscreen. That bullet was later found lodged in a headrest of the Focus.

Although the true motive would only ever be known by those involved, Mr Cray said the evidence showed two armed groups existing cheek by jowl with each other who were prepared to fire live ammunition and engage in a high-speed chase in stolen cars with murderous intent.

All those things prove this was a planned attack on rivals, caring absolutely nothing for the public and whoever may be caught up in the shooting or the aftermath, he told the jury.

Jurors were told that both Durnin and McIntosh deny being in the Ford Focus at the time of the shooting.

The trial continues.
Suella Bravermans plans for a crackdown on the use of tents by homeless people has been shelved.

Mrs Braverman was sacked as home secretary on Monday following a series of controversial comments, including describing homelessness as a lifestyle choice.

The plans will not be included in the new Criminal Justice Bill or other legislation, Downing Street said.

Mrs Braverman had pushed for legal changes to stop those who cause nuisance and distress to other people by pitching tents in public spaces, warning that unless we step in now to stop this, British cities will go the way of places in the US like San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Unless we step in now to stop this, British cities will go the way of places in the US like San Francisco and Los Angeles, where weak policies have led to an explosion of crime, drug taking, and squalor. 2/4  Suella Braverman MP (@SuellaBraverman) November 4, 2023

She had reportedly been calling for a new civil offence to deter charities from giving tents to homeless people if their use could cause a nuisance.

But following her exit from government, Downing Street said there were no plans to implement the measures.

The Prime Ministers official spokesman said: Its not going to be introduced in the Criminal Justice Bill. Im not aware of any plans for its introduction elsewhere.

Asked why Downing Street had repeatedly said Rishi Sunak had full confidence in Mrs Braverman, while he was already planning to sack her, the spokesman said: The Prime Minister continued to work closely with the former home secretary, not least on the issue of small boats.

Obviously he subsequently took a decision to change his team, that is his prerogative and I think he set out some of the rationale I think at the top of Cabinet.

It was not unusual for the Prime Minister to carry out reshuffles from time to time.

Opening the first meeting of his new-look Cabinet on Tuesday, Mr Sunak said he now had a strong and united team.

A Home Office factsheet said the Criminal Justice Bill would include a package of measures to improve lives and quality of life by tackling nuisance begging and rough sleeping where it causes damage, disruption, harassment or distress to the public, while avoiding criminalising the genuinely vulnerable.

The legislation creates a new offence to tackle organised begging and creates new civil notices and orders to prevent nuisance begging and rough sleeping.

Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper said there was nothing in the Bill on restoring neighbourhood policing or to turn around the shocking collapse in crime rates.

While there are measures in the Criminal Justice Bill that Labour has called for, the Tories should have been brought forward years ago, and theres a total absence of measures to deal with town centre crime, she said.

The Bill goes nowhere near far enough to deal with the criminal justice problems we face.
Immigration minister Robert Jenrick has said the Governments Rwanda deportation plans will go through with no ifs, no buts.

In the wake of Suella Braverman being sacked as home secretary, Mr Jenrick told the Telegraph the Government aims to stop the boats in their entirety by next years general election.

He said: Be assured that as a prudent Government, we have been thinking through what further steps we could take.

I worked closely with the former home secretary on various options. But at the heart of this is the deep conviction that you have to inject deterrence into the system.

We must ensure the Rwanda policy succeeds before the next general election. No ifs, no buts, we will do whatever it takes to ensure that happens.

He did concede the Government would struggle to achieve its goal of stopping the boats if their plans to send asylum seekers to Rwanda were deemed unlawful.

The Supreme Court is to give its decision on whether the Governments plans are lawful on Wednesday.

A group of people, thought to be migrants, who were towed into Kent in August (Jordan Pettitt/PA)

Last month, the Home Office challenged a Court of Appeal ruling from June that the multimillion-pound deal was unlawful.

The Illegal Migration Act brought into law the Governments policy of sending some asylum seekers to Rwanda.

However, the policy announced in April 2022 has been held up in the courts, with no deportation flights having taken place.

The first planned flight to Rwanda in June 2022 was grounded minutes before take-off following a ruling by a judge at the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg.

As a result, Mr Jenrick has not ruled out the UKs exit from the European Convention on Human Rights.

He told the Telegraph that if the Governments Supreme Court challenge fails, he has been clear that we have to do whatever it takes to make stopping the boats a reality.
The Irish Government has been accused of double standards for not referring Israel to the International Criminal Court.

Sinn Fein brought a private members bill to the Irish Parliament on Tuesday evening as the conflict in the Middle East continues.

Sinn Fein TD Matt Carthy opened the debate by quoting from two recent accounts given by doctors based in Gaza, and described a rise in the number of children being classified as WCNSF  wounded child, no surviving family.

He urged government to refer Israel to the International Criminal Court in response to cries from Gaza.

Cavan-Monaghan TD Matt Carthy (PA)

Mr Carthy said his partys motion sets out simply that Ireland should use our voice by referring these heinous acts to the International Criminal Court.

He blasted a counter motion from government, saying it doesnt set out a single argument as to why it cant make this referral, only the excuses as to why it wont.

The counter motion, in the name of Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheal Martin, condemns the attack by Hamas on the people of Israel on October 7.

It also deplored the escalation of violence in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory since then, particularly the killing of innocent men, women and children, the taking of hostages, the destruction of civilian infrastructure and the mass displacement of civilians.

It notes that the ICC announced the opening of an investigation into the situation in Palestine, including Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem in March 2021, which will cover recent events.

Mr Carthy told the Dail on Tuesday evening: A referral to the ICC can be made by Ireland and it should be made. There should be no excuses.

The Sinn Fein motion should be adopted unanimously as a response from Ireland to the obscenity that is WCNSF  wounded child, no surviving family.

Speaking for government, Sean Fleming, a Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, said ministers had earlier that day decided to make a voluntary contribution of three million euro to the ICC.

He said that contribution is in response to the urgent need of the court.

Ireland is a consistent and strong supporter of the court, and of its independence and impartiality, he told the Dail.

The International Criminal Court has confirmed unambiguously that the ICC has jurisdiction over the current situation that we see unfolding.

He said said a current investigation into the situation in Palestine  including Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem  covers war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Mr Fleming also told the Dail he was surprised at the text of the motion proposed, saying for Ireland to refer the situation to the ICC would simply repeat an action that is already has been taken.

It would not progress the ongoing investigation any further. It is not clear to me therefore what the intention of this motion, he said.

He added that to make the referral would serve no legal purpose, and could also be viewed by some as attempting to politicise the court.

As such the government is instead tabling a counter motion  (which) clearly expresses Irelands unwavering support for the vital work of the International Criminal Court.

Sinn Fein TD Chris Andrews accused the government of double standards, pointing to Irelands action in 2022, joining with 37 other countries to refer a case against Russia to the court.

The hypocrisy is absolutely clear, he said.

Voting of the motion and government counter motion is set to take place on Wednesday.

Earlier, speaking during Leaders Questions in the Dail, Minister for Higher Education, Simon Harris described the situation as the most serious and important of issues of our time and in our world today

He said he is proud of the stance of the Irish Government and that Mr Martin travelled on Tuesday evening to Egypt, Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory.

He said Mr Martin will continue that diplomatic work, that call for peace, that quest for a ceasefire and crucially the protection for Irish citizens trapped in Gaza.

Theres absolutely no doubt that what Hamas did was despicable, weve all condemned it, it deserves absolute condemnation, it was an act of terror on the people of Israel  of course Israel had a right to defend itself but that original right to defend itself has now become in my view a war on children  and you cannot build peace on the mass graves of children, he said.

It is unfortunate that a country has become blinded by rage.

The Irish Parliament will debate a motion by the Social Democrats on Wednesday evening calling for sanctions to be taken against Israel.
Gruffalo author Julia Donaldson has said it is a lovely thought that the animated adaptation of her childrens book Tabby McTat could help some politicians become a bit more humane.

The book by the acclaimed writer, 75, explores the friendship between a singing cat and a homeless busker named Fred.

It is the latest of her books to be adapted by Magic Light Pictures as a Christmas special for the BBC, following hits such as The Gruffalo and Zog.

The Tabby McTat film is adapted from Julia Donaldsons book (Magic Light Pictures Ltd 2023/PA)

Asked if the story could engender more kindness in people, Donaldson said it would be nice if the film could encourage kindness and explained that she had not thought a lot about Freds background and the fact he is homeless.

Fred was just a busker, she said.

She added: Thats a lovely thought, that a film like this could help some politicians become a bit more humane.

On Monday former Home Secretary Suella Braverman was sacked following a series of controversial comments, including describing homelessness as a lifestyle choice for some.

Susan Wokoma voices a cat called Sock in the film (Ian West/PA)

Enola Holmes actress Susan Wokoma, 35, who voices a cat called Sock in the film, said any parallels between the storys depiction of homelessness and current political debate on the subject is coincidental.

She explained: Where this world was set in the book wasnt London. Thats something thats happened afterwards.

So its all these really coincidental things that have happened before said politicians said what they said.

She added: I think at the crux of this story is compassion for everybody.

Donaldson, who said she comes from a long history of busking, added that she thinks publishers might have been worried about the homelessness angle as it was once suggested to her that she could re-write the book and make it about two cats.

Gavin And Staceys Rob Brydon voices Fred in the film and said watching it made him quite emotional as its a really, really heart-warming story.

Rob Brydon voices Fred in Tabby McTat (Ian West/PA)

Doctor Who star Jodie Whittaker, who described the film as a tearjerker, also features as the narrator.

She said: Im a fan of this story  Ive been reading it at bedtime for quite a while so Ive had quite a lot of practice and I think that Ive done myself proud.

The film follows Tabby McTat and Fred before the two are unexpectedly separated and Tabby McTat has to embark on a journey across the streets of London.

Lending their voices to the film alongside Wokoma, Whittaker and Brydon, are Gangs Of London actor Sope Dirisu voicing Tabby, Peep Shows Cariad Lloyd as Prunella and The Thick Of It actress Joanna Scanlan as Pat.

Tabby McTat will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer and is directed by Sarah Scrimgeour and Jac Hamman, known for their work on TV movie Superworm, based on Donaldsons book.
The King has backed pioneering methods of river restoration on the Balmoral Estate, including putting dead trees in waterways.

The monarch backed a campaign launched by the Riverwoods initiative, a partnership of 18 leading organisations including charities and Government agencies, led by the Scottish Wildlife Trust.

The initiative aims to boost recovery of Scotlands rivers and reverse declines of freshwater species such as wild salmon.

Rivers and streams cover 125,000km (77,671 miles) in Scotland, but face threats including over-grazing, pollution, and the introduction of invasive exotic species.

Landowners, gamekeepers and fisheries experts carrying out significant restoration work, such as expanding river woodlands, restoring degraded peatlands, and reconnecting water courses with their natural flood plains.

They were filmed for the campaign, which aims to inspire landowners to take practical action to restore rivers, and focuses on growing threats to waterways.

Centuries of logging, burning and grazing left the riverbanks exposed, with no trees to protect from climate change  meaning rivers are heating up and holding less dissolved oxygen, and it can be impossible for fish to survive.

Charles and his sons William and Harry on the banks of the River Dee on the Balmoral Estate in 1997 (PA)

The Balmoral Estate has been carrying out extensive work to restore natural processes on the River Muick, Deeside, including tree-planting and peatland restoration with the River Dee Trust.

Workers at Balmoral are replicating an important natural process by inserting dead trees back into the river to recreate complex underwater habitats and diversify flows in ways that benefit wildlife, including spawning fish.

Mike Thornton, Riverwoods Project manager, said: Riverwoods is a wide partnership, and we are always looking to inspire new projects. Through showcasing existing success stories and sharing best practice, we aim to show that restoration is not only possible but also financially viable and well-supported.

Richard Gledson, factor at Balmoral Estate, said: Historically, we were so tidy minded. If a tree fell into the river, youd be told to take it out. But times have changed, and King Charles was quickly convinced of the plans potential benefits.

His Majesty is keen for us to do as much as we can to improve the environment, and if that encourages others to follow our example, then wed be delighted.

Peter Cairns, executive director of Scotland: The Big Picture, who oversaw the production of the new films, said: We hope the experience and testimony of the King and other landowners and experts will boost the appetite for really ambitious nature recovery in and around our rivers.
The King celebrated his 75th birthday by chatting to hundreds of NHS nurses at Buckingham Palace.

Charles hosted a reception in central London to highlight the work of nurses and midwives over the decades as part of the NHS 75 celebrations.

Among the guests were around 400 nurses and midwives from across the NHS as well as the new Health Secretary, Victoria Atkins, following Mondays Cabinet reshuffle.

The King took the time to meet many of the guests and the crowd around Charles was sometimes five deep as he made his way around a ballroom.

He appeared to enjoy himself as he moved around the room making jokes and thanking nurses for their work.

Charles was given a card on behalf of a six-year-old girl with whom he shares a birthday.

Charles speaks with guests during a reception on his 75th birthday (Toby Melville/PA)

Sandra Stephens, 36, handed the King the letter on behalf of her daughter Isabella.

She said: It is my daughters birthday today as well so she wrote him a letter and I offered him the letter.

It said, Hello, King. Do you know who I am? My name is Isabella and it is my birthday as well so happy birthday, too.

He looked at the letter briefly and I asked, Could you accept this letter? And he said, Of course. He was just so pleasant.

Charles during a reception on his 75th birthday to celebrate nurses and midwives working in the UK (Toby Melville/PA)

Charles also stopped to practice his Swahili with a Kenyan nurse.

Bernice Boore, 47, who also spoke to the King at a reception last month, said: It was really interesting to see the King remembered me from the conversation we had last time.

We talked about Kenya and I asked him if he enjoyed (his recent trip there).

Then we started talking about Swahili words. I think he knew his Swahili, to be fair. That was really exciting.

The King greeted the Health Secretary at the start of the event. After speaking to Charles, Ms Atkins said: What an amazing end to this part of the day, to be here in Buckingham Palace with His Majesty the King, celebrating these incredible people who work in our NHS.

I think it is so wonderful for His Majesty to show his appreciation, and therefore our appreciation, for all that they do to look after us.

Asked if the King congratulated her on her new role, Ms Atkins said: He was as welcoming and kind and friendly as one would hope to imagine.

The King was also treated to a surprise performance of Happy Birthday by the NHS choir, with nearly the whole ballroom joining in, before he left the event.
The Kings 75th birthday will be a working day for the monarch marked by gun salutes across the capital.

Charles will officially launch the Coronation Food Project with the Queen which aims to bridge the gap between food waste and food need.

The royal couple will visit a surplus food distribution centre outside London and meet staff and volunteers to hear about the ways in which food waste can be used for social good.

Charles will also host a Buckingham Palace reception highlighting the work of nurses and midwives over the decades as part of the NHS 75 celebrations.

Among the guests will be around 400 nurses and midwives alongside the Chief Nursing Officer of England Dame Ruth May and Amanda Pritchard, chief executive of NHS England.

Birthday celebrations began early for the King when on Monday he was guest of honour at a party staged in the grounds of his Highgrove home in Gloucestershire.

Charles joined a host of people, from community stalwarts nominated by friends and family who were also turning 75 this year, to representatives from organisations marking the same milestone, from the NHS to members of the Windrush generation.

Among the famous faces at the event were celebrity chef Raymond Blanc, The Repair Shop host Jay Blades and singer Leee John from the 1980s group Imagination.

The King chatted with Jay Blades, left, during his birthday party at Highgrove (Chris Jackson/PA)

Charles Philip Arthur George was born on November 14 1948 at Buckingham Palace.

After his birth  the first at the royal residence since 1886  his father the late Duke of Edinburgh drove to Caxton Hall to register the event.

The King is likely to celebrate his milestone birthday privately with family and friends.

At noon, the Kings Troop Royal Horse Artillery, named by Charless grandfather King George VI, will fire a 41-gun salute from Londons Green Park.

An hour later, the Honourable Artillery Company will fire a 62-gun salute at Tower Wharf, Tower of London  an extra 21 for the City of London.
A lawyer representing the mother of Stephen Lawrence has demanded answers from the Metropolitan Police following allegations a senior officer involved in her sons murder case was corrupt.

Mr Lawrence was murdered in a racist attack by a group in south-east London in 1993.

The BBC has reported that a secret Met Police report from 2000 concluded Ray Adams, a former Scotland Yard commander in the section of the force responsible for the murder investigation, was corrupt.

Among the allegations are that Mr Adams was cleared by a police corruption probe in the 1980s following false evidence given by a man linked to the family of one of Mr Lawrences killers.

Mr Adams was questioned about corruption during the 1998 Macpherson inquiry into Mr Lawrences death, but the report and its findings were not released.

The inquiry said it had not seen evidence that Mr Adams was involved in trying to hold back the murder investigation.

Imran Khan KC, who represents Mr Lawrences mother Baroness Doreen Lawrence, told the PA news agency he has written to Scotland Yard to ask when it knew about the information, why it has not been mentioned, and what steps are being taken.

Mr Khan told the BBC the report about Mr Adams, 81, who denies any wrongdoing, was dramatic, disturbing and shocking.

A lawyer for Baroness Doreen Lawrence has demanded answers (Victoria Jones/PA)

The lawyer said he wants the Met to apologise for not telling Baroness Lawrence and her family about what they knew, and I want them to apologise to Sir William Macphersons inquiry and to admit that they misled that inquiry.

Mr Lawrence was murdered by a gang of racists in Eltham, south-east London, in April 1993, as he ran to catch a bus with his friend Duwayne Brooks.

Only two of his killers  Gary Dobson and David Norris  have ever been brought to justice.

The original investigation into his death was hampered by institutional racism in the Metropolitan Police, and claims that corrupt officers had sought to protect Norris, whose father Clifford Norris was a notorious drug dealer.

The Metropolitan Police said: A number of the allegations made by the BBC are relevant to Operation Probitas  a six-year IOPC (Independent Office for Police Conduct) investigation into whether corruption played a part in the investigation into the murder of Stephen Lawrence and the attack on Duwayne Brooks.

In 2021, the IOPC referred a file to the CPS (Crown Prosecution Service), who considered criminal charges against four officers involved in the early stages of the investigation of Stephens murder. Former Commander Ray Adams was not one of these officers.

Earlier this year the CPS announced their decision that none of the officers should face further action. This is now subject to a victims right to review and, as such, the full Operation Probitas report has not been published by the IOPC. It would therefore be inappropriate for us to discuss the content of that report at this time.

The IOPC has also carried out a separate inquiry into whether in 1998, senior officers in the MPS did not disclose all relevant information about allegations of corruption to the Macpherson Inquiry. This inquiry may also have relevance to the allegations referenced in the BBCs report.

The IOPC found no indication that any officer may have committed a criminal offence.

The Mets Directorate of Professional Standards will be writing to the BBC to request access to any material in their possession that supports allegations of police corruption. We will review such material, alongside the outcomes of the above IOPC investigations and any previous relevant anti-corruption investigations conducted by the Met, to determine whether any further action is required.
Russian media mogul Lord Lebedev has warned against the erosion of free speech in the UK in his second ever contribution in the House of Lords.

Lord Lebedev, the owner of the London Evening Standard and shareholder in The Independent, used his rare appearance in the upper chamber to claim that Britains enemies are laughing at us over cancel culture.

The independent crossbench peer also claimed he has seen industrial quantities of falsehoods about himself in the press  but added it was a good thing journalists did not fear for their lives in this country.

Speaking during the fourth day of debate on the Kings Speech, as peers discussed issues around science, technology, media and culture, he argued it would be insane to throw away the freedoms that make the UK a hub of innovation.

Lord Lebedev started by speaking about his great-grandfather, who was in Stalins war cabinet, and who his family say was never able to speak openly about anything out of fear.

The businessman, whose father is a Russian oligarch and former KGB agent, said: The downright terror that afflicted the country where I was born of being punished for saying the wrong thing

That is why this countrys great tradition of free speech has long aroused such admiration in my heart and around the world.

Ten years ago I told the Leveson Inquiry that a free and independent media was essential for Britain today.

It has been alarming since then to see the erosion of free speech that is taking place here.

Lord Lebedev criticised JK Rowling being forbidden from speaking at great universities, Nigel Farage having his accounts closed at Coutts, Roald Dahl books receiving modern edits and the BBC taking down Fawlty Towers from iPlayer.

Harry Potter author JK Rowling sparked backlash with her views on trans issues (Ian West/PA)

Insisting that he applies these values to those across the political spectrum, he defended Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and MP Andrew Bridgen in having controversial views about Hamas and the Covid vaccine respectively.

He added he was concerned that the recently passed Online Safety Bill, which aims to protect people from illegal and harmful content online, would give further legal basis for censorship and self-sponsorship that is already under way.

The 42-year-old peer said: When you muzzle people, cancel them, sack them, merely because they champion their honestly held opinions, then you are playing with fire.

By allowing people to be censored right, left and centre, we are making a huge mistake.

By suppressing free speech, we are not contradicting the nutters and conspiracists, we are giving credence and foundation to their otherwise bonkers assertions.

Worst of all, we are allowing the most deadly enemies of freedom to claim an equivalence between cancel culture in Britain and the suppression of free speech around the world

We are giving our enemies precisely the stick they need to beat us with. Theyre not laughing with us anymore, they are laughing at us.

Lord Lebedev was controversially given a life peerage in 2020 amid reports Boris Johnson went against advice from British security services that it posed a national security risk.

Mr Johnson denied he overruled advice, stating it was simply incorrect.

He said it would obviously be extraordinary if the security services deemed Lord Lebedev a security risk and the Prime Minister had intervened to ensure a peerage was granted.

However, his former aide Dominic Cummings claimed he was in the room when Mr Johnson was informed of security concerns.

Lord Lebedev has said he is not a security risk and this his family has a record of standing up for press freedom in Russia.

Since his appointment three years ago, he has never voted and has only spoken once before on the floor of the chamber, during the Queens Speech debate in May 2021.
Thailands Central Group has become majority owner of Selfridges after taking equity in the department store giant from its crisis-hit co-owner.

The move comes after reports that a stake in Selfridges could be sold.

Last year, the billionaire Weston family completed the roughly 4 billion sale of Selfridges to a joint venture comprising Central and Austrian property firm Signa.

However, the future of the venture became uncertain after Signa  the property empire built by Rene Belko  called in restructuring experts in the face of a significant cash-crunch.

Selfridges was bought by the joint venture for 4 billion last year (James Manning/PA)

Mr Benko was ousted from the business, which also had joint ownership of the Chrysler Building in New York, earlier this month amid talks to bolster its finances.

The Sunday Times reported that the sale of Signas stake in Selfridges was among options to provide the firm with cash to appease lenders.

Central Group was among the firms to provide its partner Signa with a loan.

On Tuesday, Central said it has now converted this loan into equity amid difficulties at the Austrian firm to repay its debts.

As a result, Central has taken some of its partners stake in the retail group, making it the majority shareholder.

It is understood Signa still holds a significant stake in Selfridges, which also owns Brown Thomas and Arnotts in Ireland.
Downing Street has said it is not focused on tick-box diversity after a reshuffle left the four great offices of state held by privately-educated men for the first time since the Tories 2010 election win.

The Cabinet shake-up is about forming a strong and united team, No 10 said as it defended the changes from questions about the lack of women in the most senior positions in Government.

Former prime minister Lord Cameron has been appointed Foreign Secretary while his predecessor James Cleverly has taken over from Suella Braverman as Home Secretary, with Jeremy Hunt remaining as Chancellor.

Newly appointed Home Secretary James Cleverly leaves Downing Street (Maja Smiejkowska/PA)

Answering questions about the reshuffle from reporters on Monday, Prime Minister Rishi Sunaks press secretary said: The Deputy Prime Minister (Oliver Dowden) went to a state school.

This is about having a strong and united team thats focused on delivering for the public and bringing in some of that experience, with David Cameron on the foreign policy brief to deliver the best for the country.

Thats what were focused on rather than tick-box diversity.

She said that women were getting senior jobs elsewhere in Government, adding: You will see a lot of women rising up the ranks today.

Three of the current office-holders  Mr Sunak, Mr Hunt and Lord Cameron  graduated with first class honours in philosophy, politics and economics (PPE) from the University of Oxford.

All four were educated at either public or private school, while two  Mr Sunak, who has Indian heritage, and Mr Cleverly, who has West African heritage  are from minority ethnic backgrounds.

Only eight women have ever served in one of the roles  Margaret Thatcher as prime minister, Margaret Beckett as foreign secretary, Jacqui Smith as home secretary, Theresa May as both home secretary and PM, Amber Rudd as home secretary followed by Priti Patel and Ms Braverman and Liz Truss as foreign secretary and PM.

No woman has yet held the role of chancellor.

The Truss ministry was notable for initially having no white men serving in the great offices of state for the first time in British political history, with Kwasi Kwarteng becoming the first black chancellor.
The Cabinet reshuffle which saw the return of former prime minister Lord David Cameron and the dismissal of Suella Braverman as home secretary has been labelled a risk and a gamble by the nations newspapers.

The balancing act Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has attempted between the different wings of the Conservative Party is assessed in various titles.

The Daily Telegraph says Mr Sunak is gambling with the Conservative Partys very survival with Sherelle Jacobs asking if he has made the gamble of his career.

Has Sunak destroyed the careful balance of power upon which his position is based? she asked.

Well find out very soon whether Sunak has gambled with a full comprehension of the stakes. For now we can only gape slightly dumbfounded at British politics latest shock turn.

Writing for the Telegraph, former Cabinet member Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg argues the former home secretary was sacked for being right and for following Conservative policy and principles too loudly for the refined tastes and sensitivities of the Prime Minister.

He said: The sacking of Suella Braverman removes a champion of orthodox conservative policy that is popular in the country.

Many Tories will view this reshuffle and feel that the Prime Minister does not want to deal with their concerns.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and former home secretary Suella Braverman (PA)

The Times argues that the appointment of Lord Cameron risks playing into Labours hands by confirming the Oppositions assertion that Mr Sunaks administration is just the latest incarnation of 13 years of Tory government.

It says Mrs Braverman expected to be sacked and felt she would be better off outside the cabinet than within given the carnage that the Tories face over the next year.

The risk of a confrontation with the right of the party, the paper said, could balance on the Supreme Court judgment on the Rwanda asylum policy.

Sunaks calculation as he reshapes his government is that he has the political strength to quash any rebellion from the right, it said. If the Rwanda decision goes against the government on Wednesday his mettle is likely to be tested.

The paper adds the appointment of Esther McVey to an anti-woke role in the Cabinet was designed to keep hardliners on side.

The Daily Mail describes the reshuffle as Rishis big throw of the dice with Richard Littlejohn arguing that Mr Sunak has underscored his own inherent weakness.

Out of ideas, out of touch with Tory voters and rapidly running out of road, its difficult to see what this bizarre last throw of the dice is supposed to achieve, he said.

Cabinet reshuffle

The Daily Express says Mrs Braverman has been liberated to become the peoples champion while Sam Lister said the return of Mr Cameron has dragged them back 10 years.

Sacking Suella Braverman and reviving the career of David Cameron has sent a message to the right of the party, and in particular those representing the Red Wall, that he has given up on them, he said.

Kevin Maguire labels the reshuffle pantomime politics in the Daily Mirror, declaring that Christmas is coming early for Keir Starmer and Labour as Mr Sunak has punctured his entire Downing Street change plan to present himself as a new, fresh leader.

The Guardian calls it a high-stakes reshuffle with Pippa Crerar saying it has fanned the flames of rebellion.

Camerons appointment indicates a determined strategic tilt from Sunak towards shoring up the blue wall, with polls showing that many voters in the Tory heartlands backed the prime minister because they thought he would be a Cameron mark two, she wrote.

In The Sun, Harry Cole said Mr Camerons return on the same day as Mrs Braverman is sacked is a big signal from the centre on the direction of travel No 10 now wants to go.

Further afield, the New York Times echoes the view that Mr Sunak has taken a gamble with another reset and a swerve to centre.

It said he had tried various gambits to address his partys unpopularity with voters but none seem to have worked.

While bringing back Mr Cameron is a political gamble, Mr Sunak may have judged the risk worthwhile, it said. He has limited time to win back voters, or possibly even to limit the scale of a defeat in the looming election.

Le Monde asked if the appointment of the former prime minister was an attempt to limit the discontent of Bravermans many right-wing supporters, by making her firing less personal.

It said while Mr Cameron passes for a moderate Conservative and is known on the international scene, his legacy is controversial  to say the least.

The Sydney Morning Herald describes his return as a gamble with uncertain pay-off, while The Australian says Mr Sunaks call to one of his predecessors was seen as desperate rather than inspired.
Irelands deputy premier has said the government will leave no stone unturned in their efforts to return an Irish-Israeli girl to her family.

Emily Hand, eight, was initially thought to be dead in the aftermath of the attack on Israeli citizens on October 7, but recent information indicates that she is now feared kidnapped to Gaza.

Tanaiste and Foreign Affairs Minister Micheal Martin met Emilys father Tom in Dublin on Tuesday afternoon.

Everyone in Ireland feels the deepest sympathy for Thomas and all the Hand family, given the horrific and traumatic ordeal they are currently experiencing, he said.

Thomas and Natali Hand during a press conference for families of hostages feared taken in Gaza (Norma Burke/PA)

Emily will turn nine on Friday This brilliant and talented young girl needs to be returned to her family immediately.

My department will leave no stone unturned in pursuing that outcome.

He added: We have been engaging intensively internationally through political, official and security channels in a bid to secure Emilys safe return.

Later this week, I will be raising Emilys case in all appropriate meetings during my visit to Israel, Egypt and the occupied Palestinian territory.

All our thoughts are with Emily and her family at this profoundly difficult time. All hostages in Gaza should be released immediately and unconditionally.

Thomas Hand during a press conference at Israels embassy in Dublin (Norma Burke/PA)

Speaking on RTE Radio, Irish premier Leo Varadkar said it was important not to forget Emilys case.

The Taoiseach said he met the Israeli ambassador to Ireland Dana Erlich about Irish citizens who wished to leave Gaza and was told that it is not the case that Israel is refusing to let Irish citizens leave.

Im very conscious that we have citizens in Gaza, Im very conscious that theres a young Irish girl, nine years old this week, Emily Hand, who is being held by Hamas as a hostage in Gaza, lets not forget her, he told RTE Radio.

Very conscious that we have 400 Irish troops on the Israeli border in Golan, in southern Lebanon. Their safety is paramount to me and in everything we do and say, were bearing all of those things very much in mind.

He said that the situation in Gaza is deteriorating rapidly, and a ceasefire should be put in place and adhered to by all sides.

He said that Hamas cannot be blamed for violence in the West Bank, which he said was significant that it had been raised as an issue by British PM Rishi Sunak, an ally of Israel.

He said Ireland would not change its position in calling for a humanitarian ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
William Hague has played down speculation that he played a key behind-the-scenes role in the return of David Cameron, following the former prime ministers shock appointment as Foreign Secretary.

Lord Camerons surprise decision to take up the Cabinet role prompted speculation that Lord Hague  a close ally of Rishi Sunak who was himself foreign secretary in the 2010 Tory-Liberal Democrat coalition  helped engineer the move.

But Lord Hague on Tuesday distanced himself from such manoeuvrings while acknowledging that he did know about the plan in advance.

Amid questions about when exactly Mr Sunak decided to appoint the former prime minister, Lord Hague also said that he was aware a few days before.

William Hague suggested that the appointment of David Cameron had been planned for at least a few days by the Prime Minister (Daniel Leal/PA)

Speaking to Times Radio, he said: I do like the idea of David Cameron coming back into government and was very enthusiastic about it. I knew about it a few days before and spoke to David Cameron to brief him about my views on foreign affairs and the Foreign Office, but it wasnt my idea.

You read these things that I set it up in some way, it was my idea. Thats not the case.

I know Rishi Sunak and David Cameron very well, but sometimes in politics things are simpler than they look, sometimes somebody just asked somebody else around for a chat and said, Why dont you do this? And they say, Well, OK, fine.

It doesnt need any intermediary, they just sort it out themselves. So thats what happened in this case.

Mr Sunak succeeded Lord Hague as MP for Richmond (Yorks) when the senior Tory stepped down as an MP in 2015.

The resurrection of Lord Camerons political career, cut short by his defeat in the 2016 Brexit referendum, has divided Tory MPs.

His return, as well as a slew of appointments from the centre of the Conservative party, has angered some on the right.

Dame Andrea Jenkyns, a long-time Boris Johnson loyalist, submitted a no confidence letter to Sir Graham Brady, chairman of the backbench 1922 committee.

Newly installed party chairman Richard Holden, an MP from the so-called red wall of former Labour heartlands turned Tory in 2019, stressed the need for unity ahead of the next general election.

We are a broad church of a political party, we want all parts of the centre right in British politics to be represented. Its the nature of our democracy.

What we dont do is have small splinter parties ahead of a general election and then a deal cooked up behind the scenes.

What you see is a broad church, Conservative party with a common goal, united together in what it is deciding to put forward to the country, he told BBC Radio 4s Today programme.
Rishi Sunak discussed the ongoing challenge facing the Metropolitan Police in his meeting with Sir Mark Rowley following last Saturdays unrest near the Cenotaph and the pro-Palestinian demonstration, Downing Street said.

The Prime Minister stressed the vital importance of pursuing both Hamas supporters and those responsible for violent scenes near the war memorial on Armistice Day in his talks with the Met commissioner, Number 10 said.

It comes a day after Suella Braverman was sacked as home secretary, after she branded pro-Palestinian protesters hate marchers and accused the police of bias for letting a rally go ahead on Saturday.

Mrs Braverman had also been blamed for stoking tensions after scenes of far-right violence towards officers on Saturday resulted in dozens of arrests.

No 10 said the powers available to officers to deal with protests would be kept under review to see if they need to be beefed up.

There have been suggestions that ministers could give police greater powers to tackle protests following the clashes over the weekend.

The Prime Ministers official spokesman said: The public rightly expect that the full force of the law is used to bear down on some of the shocking scenes of criminality we saw over the weekend, whether it was EDL protesters or those seemingly supporting Hamas, a proscribed terrorist organisation.

Speaking after Mr Sunaks meeting with Sir Mark, he said: (The Prime Minister and Sir Mark) discussed the ongoing challenge of policing the marches and the need to ensure the Jewish community feels safe in light of the continued use of antisemitic chants and imagery.

Counter-protesters clashed with police in Parliament Square on Saturday (Jeff Moore/PA)

The official said the PM had asked Sir Mark to pass on his thanks to officers on the front line during the weekend, adding: They have an extremely difficult job to do and he was grateful to them for doing it.

He added: Its important that police have the powers they need to carry out their role and we will continue to keep that under review.

The commissioner had come under pressure from politicians after several weeks of demonstrations for a ceasefire in the escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Saturdays march coincided with Armistice Day and multiple Conservative MPs had urged organisers to cancel the demonstration, which Mr Sunak had branded provocative and disrespectful.

The Prime Minister had said that both far-right thugs and those singing antisemitic chants and brandishing pro-Hamas signs and clothing must face the full and swift force of the law following Saturdays unrest.

Were backing @metpoliceuk to keep the British public safe. Home Secretary @JamesCleverly will work with Sir Mark Rowley to drive down crime. pic.twitter.com/GbYKDqLfdn  Home Office (@ukhomeoffice) November 14, 2023

Sir Mark also met Mrs Bravermans replacement, James Cleverly as the Home Office said the new Home Secretary will work with the force to drive down crime.

Downing Street did not deny an apparent change in tone within the Home Office since Mr Cleverly took over after the department shared a photo of the minister with Sir Mark, accompanied by the message that the force has the Governments backing to keep the British public safe.

Ill leave it to you to decide how to interpret pictures issued by the Home Office, the PMs spokesman said.
The dwindling number of 2024 GOP primary candidates is raising fresh questions about the race as the Iowa caucuses fast approach.

Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) announced Sunday he was suspending his campaign, marking the latest exit from the field as the race to beat former President Trump increasingly looks like a match-up between former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Here are the five biggest questions about the winnowing GOP field:

Can Haley overtake DeSantis?

One of the most significant questions looming over the field is whether Haleys momentum  which has only grown in recent months after three strong debate performances  will ultimately be enough to eclipse DeSantis in the 2024 primary.

DeSantis had largely been seen as the chief rival to Trump during much of the primary, but multiple resets, staff layoffs and leadership changes, along with the Florida governors inability during the race to narrow the gap against Trump, have raised questions about his viability.

A RealClearPolitics polling average of Iowa surveys has DeSantis in second behind Trump, with Haley third. But in RCPs polling averages of New Hampshire and South Carolina surveys, Haley places second, with DeSantis behind her.

Meanwhile, one poll  an NBC News/Des Moines Register/Mediacom survey of Iowa respondents released in late October  showed DeSantis and Haley tied for second behind Trump.

Both campaigns are seeking to prove theyre seeing high donor enthusiasm. After the third GOP debate, DeSantis and Haley each raised more than $1 million within 24 hours.

Now, political observers are watching with bated breath to see who will prove to be the most competitive Trump alternative.

Will Christie stay in the race?

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) has made his criticism of Trump the focal point of his campaign, but polling has shown hes struggled to make inroads with the GOP electorate, a substantial portion of which is still aligned with Trump.

The RCP polling average of surveys out of New Hampshire, where Christie has based his campaign, has him in fourth place at 8.5 percent  trailing Trump by double digits, who sits at 46.5 percent. But in RealClearPoliticss polling averages of Iowa and South Carolina surveys, the former New Jersey governor sits at 3.7 percent and 3.3 percent, respectively.

Hes prosecuting a case that, while I think is correct, most of the party doesnt want to hear, said GOP strategist Doug Heye.

It also remains to be seen whether Christie will qualify for the fourth debate next month in Alabama. Should he not, the former New Jersey governor might decide its best to bow out to consolidate support around a more viable Trump opponent.

What went wrong with Scott?

Although there were signs over the summer that Scott was enjoying some renewed interest as DeSantis struggled to narrow the gap with Trump, that interest ultimately didnt translate into support for his bid.

Scott, who largely campaigned on an optimistic and positive message, stayed away from the back-and-forths that occurred between Haley, biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and former Vice President Mike Pence during the first debate, often fading into the background as a result. Though he sought to go more on offense during the second debate, the South Carolina Republican struggled to have any clear breakout moments.

Negative attention really sells right now, explained Republican strategist Ron Bonjean. GOP voters are looking for people to reflect how they feel, which is why Donald Trump is 30 points ahead in the polls because theyre unhappy with the way America is going, and I think Tims got a much more of a positive messaging and a happy warrior status, which in a normal campaign might be very appealing, but this is such an unusual time in American politics.

The fact Scott once again failed to stand out during the third debate in Miami last week  an event the senator almost didnt qualify for  might have been the final nail in his campaigns coffin.

What does Ramaswamy do?

Ramaswamy, who launched his candidacy in February as a little-known GOP contender, has drawn extensive coverage since the summer, when he was seen as something of a breakout GOP star. Republicans lauded him as an effective communicator and floated him as a possible vice president or Cabinet pick.

But questions also remain about what Ramaswamy will do in the Republican primary as he, too, finds himself trailing Trump, Haley and DeSantis in early state polling. Ramaswamy has at times staked out foreign policy positions that have made him an easy target for some of his competitors, and his debate performances have also attracted criticism, particularly when he went after Haleys daughters presence on TikTok.

He has not changed his style of being aggressive and throwing as much mud at the wall to see whatll stick and then going in that direction, Bonjean said. He is somebody that has the resources to continue to run, but hes not gaining traction.

Is there any chance of an early state upset against Trump?

All signs are pointing to the increasing possibility Trump will be the 2024 GOP presidential nominee. None of the candidates, including DeSantis or Haley, has been able to overtake Trump in national or early state polling.

But some are still wondering if theres a chance that one of them could score a surprise victory over the front-runner in one of the early voting states like Iowa or New Hampshire.

Heye and Bonjean agreed Trump looks positioned to be the partys candidate heading into next fall, even as the former president has been indicted in four separate cases.

Bonjean noted times running out for donors to decide whether to get behind DeSantis or Haley because the Iowa caucuses are roughly two months away.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Leaders warned of the "disastrous repercussions" of what they called Israel's "retaliatory aggression"

Hypocrisy, double standards and a failure to understand the region. These are the charges being levelled at the West, primarily the US, by leaders of 57 Arab and Muslim countries who convened at the weekend in the Saudi capital Riyadh.

How is it, foreign ministers said to me, that the West slams Russia for killing civilians in Ukraine, yet, in their words, it "gives a green light to Israel to do the same in Gaza"?

In the luxurious surroundings of Riyadh's Ritz-Carlton hotel, amid giant floral bouquets and glittering chandeliers, and a world away from the shattered landscape of Gaza, princes, presidents and prime ministers met for the Joint Arab Islamic Extraordinary Summit.

Blame for the war and the destruction of lives and property was heaped unilaterally on Israel and its supporters. No-one criticised Hamas for its 7 October raid into southern Israel that killed 1,200 people and saw some 240 taken hostage, triggering the massive military retaliation. Israel, said the secretary general of the Arab League, had committed criminal acts.

"We warn of the disastrous repercussions of the retaliatory aggression by Israel against the Gaza Strip, which amounts to a war crime," said the final communique. "We warn of the real danger of the expansion of the war as a result of Israel's refusal to stop its aggression and of the inability of the [UN] Security Council to enforce international law to end this aggression."

Few people I spoke to at the summit expected Israel to take much notice. Instead, it was clear that this summit and its intended message of unity was aimed at Israel's biggest backer - the United States. Leaders want the Biden administration and the West in general to exert sufficient pressure on Israel to stop the war altogether.

But what they could not agree on was how to achieve that. The summit pulled together some strange bedfellows - an indication of just how worried the region is at events in Gaza spiralling beyond their control.

Iran's President Raisi (L) said now was the time for action over Gaza, not words

Iran - Israel's main adversary - attended, with President Ebrahim Raisi striding across the carpeted halls in his black, cleric's robes, flanked by his scowling security men in dark suits and collarless shirts. This in itself was a surprising sight.

Until they patched over their differences in March this year, Saudi Arabia and Iran were arch rivals exchanging venomous mutual accusations. They still have competing agendas, with Iran backing what many call its "proxy militias" - Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen.

The Saudis, together with their conservative Arab allies like Egypt and Jordan, see these movements as dangerous destabilisers.

As he departed Tehran airport for Riyadh, President Raisi said that now was the time for action over Gaza, not words.

But anyone expecting concrete, punitive actions against the US or the UK was left disappointed. The United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, which only recently opened full diplomatic, trade and security ties with Israel under the Abraham Accords, resisted calls to break them off.

Syria's President Bashar al-Assad was also at the summit. Until very recently he was a pariah in the Arab world for the repressive actions of his regime in Syria's civil war. He told the summit it would achieve little without concrete measures, but suggestions of an oil embargo or the expulsion of US bases from Arab countries were quietly batted away.

More on Israel-Gaza war

Yet there is no denying that the 7 October Hamas raid and the ensuing war has changed the whole paradigm in the Middle East.

Up until that murderous morning in southern Israel the tectonic plates of regional politics were shifting away from the interests of Iran and its militant allies. Six Arab nations had already established full ties with Israel; Saudi Arabia was well on the way to being next. The Israeli tourism minister visited Riyadh just days before the Hamas raid. Dubai has been luring Israeli tourists in large numbers and there has been a huge Arab appetite for Israel's expertise in technology, surveillance, bio-tech and other sectors.

With the exception of Qatar, which hosts the exiled political leaders of Hamas, Gulf Arab rulers had grown tired of what they saw as the corruption, inefficiency and infighting of Palestinian leadership. While sympathetic to the plight of ordinary Palestinians, still without a state after 75 years, they largely took the view that Israel was too important a nation to ignore, and that it was time to move on and normalise ties with it. The question of a future Palestinian state, while still featuring in speeches, was getting little practical attention.

Syria's President Assad (L) was until very recently a pariah in the Arab world

Today, those Arab-Israeli ties, while not yet broken, are certainly fraying at the edges.

"We are really worried about the radicalisation of our youth," one Arab foreign minister told me on background. "They watch what is happening in Gaza on TV and they are increasingly angry."

Time and again I heard delegates complain that the actions of the Netanyahu government have gone far beyond self-defence and are now dragging the region down a dangerous path. There are concerns that extremist narratives are gaining popularity online.

Arab and Muslim leaders are frustrated that the UN Security Council has failed in their eyes to exercise any restraint on Israel's military in Gaza. America's opposition to a ceasefire has deeply embarrassed those countries it calls allies in the region.

Washington's strategic alliance with the oil-rich Gulf Arab states dates back to 1945 and a wartime meeting on a US warship in the Red Sea between President Eisenhower and the founder of modern Saudi Arabia, King Abdulaziz. Today, the US still provides the bulk of Saudi and Gulf Arab defence and security needs.

But below the surface things are changing. Ever since the Obama administration's "pivot to Asia" there has been a fear here in the Gulf that the US is losing interest in the region, that it cannot be relied upon as a loyal partner. At the same time, the influences of Moscow and Beijing are in the ascendant. China recently brokered the rapprochement between Iran and Saudi Arabia. President Putin has impressed Arab leaders with his unstinting support for Syria's President Assad. They compare this with how quickly Washington abandoned Egypt's President Mubarak in 2011 when the crowds came out on Cairo's Tahrir Square.

None of this means the West has lost the friends it had in the Middle East. Those Arab allies are clearly reluctant to go beyond angry words with Washington. But they do want to be heard and for the violence in Gaza to stop now, before events in the region and in their own countries risk deteriorating far beyond their control.
Stefanos Tsitsipas had to withdraw from the event after consulting with a doctor

Jannik Sinner claimed his first ever victory against Novak Djokovic as the Italian beat the world number one at the ATP Finals in Turin.

Sinner, 22, won a third-set tie-break to secure the group match 7-5 6-7 (5-7) 7-6 (7-2) in three hours and nine minutes.

It was 36-year-old Djokovic's first defeat since the Wimbledon men's final in July.

Earlier, Stefanos Tsitsipas withdrew from the competition through injury.

Tsitsipas, 25, retired through injury against Denmark's Holger Rune after consulting with a doctor at the changeover.

"It kills me not to be able to finish this tournament," the Greek said.

Sinner, who will play Rune in his third match, ended Djokovic's 19-match unbeaten run in front of his home crowd.

However, the 24-time Grand Slam champion can still qualify for the semi-finals by beating Polish ninth seed Hubert Hurkacz, Tsitsipas' replacement.

After Sinner took the first set, Djokovic levelled and fought back from 4-2 down in the third before being outplayed in the deciding tie-break.

"I think I was really brave and intelligent in important moments. We both played really well, it was a high-level match," world number four Sinner told Amazon Prime.

"It means a lot to me, when you win against the world number one who has 24 Grand Slams, it's the top.

"It was a tactical match and I managed to win so I'm really, really happy."

In the earlier match, Tsitsipas, the world number six, trailed Rune 2-1 in his group match and appeared to be troubled by a back problem and left the court to a few jeers from the crowd inside Pala Alpitour.

"I'm really gutted that I wasn't able to finish the match," he said. "It's a shame also not to give that spot to someone else to at least try and do something with it.

"Unfortunately, I felt terrible on the court. I did what I could do in the best possible way to be ready and fit for this match, but it didn't work out for me."

"For sure it was very unfortunate," 20-year-old Rune said. "Even in the first service game you could see he wasn't serving anywhere near full like he can, I knew something was off."
Based on national standards, a single forensic pathologist is allowed to perform up to 300 autopsies per year.

Its the position of the National Association of Medical Examiners that all overdose deaths should be autopsied. Specifically, the organization says that external examination is an inadequate substitute for autopsy for the purposes of detecting and certifying drug caused deaths.

But due to staffing shortages plaguing medical examiner offices nationwide, thats not happening in New Hampshire. In fact, data shows that out of close to 300 deaths considered drug related so far in 2023, 140 were autopsied while the other 157 received external exams only. Thats more than 50 percent of drug deaths that have gone without an autopsy this year.

While toxicology tests are performed on all overdose deaths, showing which drugs were present in the persons system and at what quantity, an autopsy provides the most comprehensive and accurate look at the cause of death, which isnt always obvious, experts say.

On a recent Friday morning, Kim Fallon, chief forensic investigator for the New Hampshire Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, descended three flights of stairs into the basement of Concord Hospital. She opened an unmarked door  the morgue, where bodies are stored in a large freezer, on racks and on the floor, and signs about formaldehyde plaster the walls.

On a white board in the chilled room where autopsies are performed, written in dry erase marker, are words such as liver, thymus, and femoral. Scales suspended in the air are used to weigh individual organs. Countless tubes labeled with various colors are reserved for blood, urine, and vitreous fluid.

Fallon said the National Association of Medical Examiners, which grants accreditation to offices like hers, has standards for how many autopsies a forensic pathologist can perform per year. Ideal is 250, she said, and the number shouldnt go over 300.

With just two forensic pathologists in New Hampshires office  Drs. Jennie Duval and Mitchell Weinberg  that means no more than 600 total autopsies for an entire year.

Drug deaths are only one kind of case the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner handles. Under state law, it has jurisdiction over sudden, unexpected, or unnatural deaths, including homicides, suicides, unintentional injuries, car crashes, and others.

If we had 500 overdose deaths a year, thats all we would be doing and no one else would be getting autopsied, Fallon said.

This chart shows the breakdown of types of deaths investigated by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in 2020.

In 2020, for example, according to the offices annual report, the breakdown was as follows: Of 1,749 deaths investigated, 52 percent were fatal accidents (which includes unintentional overdoses), 32 percent were natural deaths, and 13 percent were suicides. Around 1 percent were ruled homicides and 2 percent were undetermined. The office conducted 587 autopsies that year.

New Hampshire isnt alone in the predicament of having to choose which individuals they autopsy. There is a critical shortage of forensic pathologists nationwide. According to the national association, its estimated the country has just 750 full-time, board-certified forensic pathologists. Some estimates say the U.S. needs 1,200 to 1,500 to meet the demand.

The only way to hire a forensic pathologist, Fallon said, is to poach one from another office or wait for the new class to pass their board exams each academic year. Per the College of American Pathologists, an average of 37 new forensic pathologists have been certified per year over the last 10 years, but surveys indicate that only 21 full-time newly trained individuals remain in the field each year.

Becoming a forensic pathologist requires a minimum of 13 years of schooling. After obtaining an undergraduate degree, candidates must complete medical school to become a licensed M.D., followed by a four-year residency in anatomic and clinical pathology, and then an additional year of a forensic pathology residency or fellowship. Only then are candidates allowed to take their board exams, making them eligible to enter the career field.

In New England, there are two fellowship training sites, in Boston and Farmington, Connecticut.

In 2021, trying to fill a vacancy for an associate medical examiner, New Hampshires job listing indicated a salary range of $200,000 to $240,000.

We have the OK to hire a third pathologist, you just cant get one, Fallon said. There are plans with somebody who would be finishing up schooling next year.

Based on national standards, New Hampshires office should have three forensic pathologists. Lately theyre utilizing locum tenens, or temporary contractors, in an attempt to make up for the vacancy.

Why should drug deaths be autopsied?

In an overdose death scenario, its typical that most individuals die at the scene. Assistant deputy medical examiners, who are on call 24/7 in all 10 counties, will arrive and conduct their own investigation alongside police.

Various tubes in the morgue at the New Hampshire Office of the Chief Medical Examiner are used to collect toxicology specimens.

If the decision is made to forgo an autopsy, the body will typically be transported to a funeral home, where the ADMEs perform an external exam  looking for puncture wounds or track marks, for example, along with drawing specimens for toxicology. The death isnt certified as an overdose until the toxicology report comes in, which can take around eight weeks, and a doctor reviews it.

In some cases, that may be sufficient, but its not considered best practice, said Fallon.

An autopsy is looking at every organ individually and seeing if they had any heart problems, an infection, any abnormalities, she said.

Toxicology results may reveal that someone very likely died of fentanyl intoxication, for example, but they wont show if they had endocarditis or a brain abscess, common conditions in chronic drug users.

People can die from other things while theyre overdosing on drugs, Fallon said. You could miss something.

Why is an accurate cause of death so important? Death certifications have public health and data collection implications. The cause of death can also be critical for families and loved ones, for historical documentation, and for financial reasons, as well. For deaths certified as COVID-caused, for example, families were eligible for up to $9,000 through FEMAs COVID-19 funeral assistance program.

The autopsy crunch wasnt always so dire. Prior to the opioid crisis, there used to be fewer than 200 drug deaths a year in New Hampshire and all of them would be autopsied.

The same has happened in other states. According to a 2018 Department of Justice report, on average, medical examiner offices nationwide were performing autopsies in just 38 percent of deaths investigated.

David Fowler, who retired as Marylands chief medical examiner in 2019, published a 2017 study looking at skyrocketing overdose deaths, staffing shortages, and fear of losing accreditation if doctors perform more autopsies than theyre allowed. In his conclusion, he wrote, Now, more than at any other time, accurate certification of deaths from a cause that is a major threat to the publics health is critical. These data inform so many potential interventions and also act as an important tool in the evaluation of these interventions.

Fowler said that not fully investigating these deaths with a full autopsy to properly evaluate them completely threatens the intent of a competent medicolegal death investigation system.

Similarly, the National Association of Medical Examiners says a complete autopsy is necessary for optimal interpretation of toxicology results, and should be considered in conjunction with scene findings, medical history, and circumstances surrounding the death.

When we get a third doctor, well be doing more autopsies, Fallon said.

ue to staffing shortages plaguing medical examiners offices nationwide, New Hampshire is performing autopsies on less than 50 percent of its drug overdose deaths.

This story was originally published by the New Hampshire Bulletin

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: NH does autopsies for less than 50% of overdose deaths.
Nepal's government is no fan of TikTok. Dado Ruvic/Reuters

Nepal's government announced an immediate ban on TikTok.

Authorities last week tightened control over all social media with new rules for users.

The ban is the latest example of rising international pressure on the Chinese-owned app.

The government of Nepal banned TikTok over what it says it its damaging effect on Nepalese society.

Content shared on the app was responsible for disturbing "social harmony, family structure and family relations," said Rekha Sharma, Nepal's minister for communications and information technology.

"The decision to ban was made today, and relevant authorities are currently addressing the technical issues," Sharma said.

It is unclear when TikTok's 2.2 million users in Nepal will lose access to the Chinese-owned app.

While the ban in Nepal is unlikely to have a serious impact on the app, which has more than 1 billion users worldwide, it's another sign of the rising global pressure facing owner Bytedance.

In 2020, India banned TikTok and 58 other Chinese apps in the interest of the country's "sovereignty and integrity" following geopolitical tensions. Meanwhile, lawmakers in the US, Canada, Europe, New Zealand, and Taiwan have also taken steps to restrict access to TikTok citing national security concerns.

In the US, some state and federal officials have introduced blanket bans on having the app installed on government devices, in an effort to prevent Chinese authorities potentially accessing sensitive information .

International concerns center on whether user data could make its way into the hands of the Chinese government and its role in the spread of disinformation. A number of countries have initiated probes to understand how credible this threat is.

TikTok has denied sharing information with the Chinese government and said it would not do so if asked. But under Chinese law, authorities can request access to data held by companies.

The crackdown on TikTok in Nepal follows a series of tight controls on other social media platforms announced last week, per The Kathmandu Post.

Social media companies must now register with the government, open an office, and pay taxes in Nepal.

A 19-point "not-to-do" list has also been introduced for users across all platforms, including a ban on posts that contain hate speech, spread misinformation, or terrorism-related content.



Some journalists and activists in the country warned that the new restrictions are a government attempt to suppress free speech, The New York Times reported.

TikTok did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider, made outside normal working hours.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Des Moines Public Schools has increased security after a teacher's joke last week about forcing students "to be gay" went viral on social media, prompting a barrage of complaints and threats.

The post featured a district employee posing in front of what appears to be a large mirror in a classroom with the caption "Every day is another opportunity to force kids in public schools to be gay."

"Because of harassment and even threats triggered because of an employees social media post, we have had to increase our public safety presence at a school and notify law enforcement," said Phil Roeder, the district's spokesperson.

Officials have not named the school.

Ian Roberts visits Des Moines public schools a day after being named the new superintendent May 16, 2023.

The threats came after social media accounts for Libs for TikTok  run by far-right influencer Chaya Raichik  posted screenshots Friday from the staff member's social media post with the caption, "This is an actual elementary school teacher in @DMschools."

Several commenters called for the staff member to be fired.

Related: When Libs of TikTok tweets, threats increasingly follow

Des Moines Superintendent Ian Roberts released a statement Friday addressing the unnamed staff member's post and ensuing controversy.

"This was a poor attempt at humor and sarcasm," Roberts wrote. "And as we know, attempts at humor and sarcasm, especially online, can be easily misunderstood. The employee was wrong to make this post, has realized it was a mistake and has removed it."

The district's personnel office has been tasked with working with the employee, he said.

"This shouldn't need to be said, but perhaps it must: Our schools and teachers are focused on providing a quality education to our students, which does not include encouraging or forcing any student to identify with any specific sexual orientation," Roberts said.

The Des Moines Education Association declined to comment on the situation because it is a personnel matter, instead referring the Des Moines Register to Roberts' statement.

District officials said they are taking the ongoing harassment generated by the Libs of TikTok post seriously.

"From staffing to technology to training, DMPS invests a great deal of resources to assure the safety and well-being of our students and staff," Roeder said. "In this situation we are not taking anything for granted in light of the well-documented disruption this anti-LGBTQ group has triggered elsewhere around the country."

Related: In 3 years, 60 books have been challenged in Iowa schools. A new law could ban far more.

Last school year, the Des Moines School Board approved doubling school security spending, setting aside $13 million as part of its $610 million budget.

This is not the first time Libs of TikTok has brought widespread scrutiny down on an Iowa school district.

Last year, a post lead to the removal of a controversial book from Sioux City Community School District. In 2022, the social media account released pictures and videos from an unauthorized drag show at Ankeny High School. School officials, students and the performers faced harassment following the incident.

Samantha Hernandez covers education for the Register. Reach her at (515) 851-0982 or svhernandez@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter at @svhernandez or Facebook at facebook.com/svhernandezreporter.

Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent Ian Roberts' statement

One of our school employees made a social media post with a photo and a caption that read "Every day is another opportunity to force kids in public schools to be gay." This was a poor attempt at humor and sarcasm. And as we know, attempts at humor and sarcasm, especially online, can be easily misunderstood. The employee was wrong to make this post, has realized it was a mistake, and has removed it. The district's personnel office will address the matter with them.

I want to be very clear: Des Moines Public Schools is an open and accepting place for our students, staff and families. We are proud to be the most diverse school community in Iowa, welcoming everyone regardless of their race, ethnicity, religion, gender or sexual orientation.

Unfortunately, an online anti-LGBTQ group has taken the employee's post and shared it widely on social media. This has created countless and unnecessary disruptions, including harassment and even threats, towards this employee and others within the district. This shouldn't need to be said but perhaps it must: our schools and teachers are focused on providing a quality education to our students, which does not include encouraging or forcing any student to identify with any specific sexual orientation.

In solidarity,Superintendent Dr. Ian Roberts

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Des Moines schools' staff member targeted after Libs of TikTok post
Bobby Berk is pictured.

The Fab 5 are now the Fab 4.

After six years as the interior design expert on Netflix's "Queer Eye," Bobby Berk has announced the series' upcoming eighth season will be his last.

"It's not been an easy decision to be at peace with, but a necessary one," Berk wrote in announcing the news via his social media on Monday.

Berk has co-hosted the Netflix reality show reboot alongside culture expert Karamo Brown, food and wine expert Antoni Porowski, fashion expert Tan France and grooming expert Jonathan Van Ness since the series launched in 2018.

Since then, the show and its Fab 5 have garnered acclaim, with 10 Emmy awards and tons of contestants'  or "heroes" as they're called in the show  lives changed.

In announcing his departure, Berk thanked the "dedicated fans" who taught him "kindness, love and acceptance that has changed my life for the better." He also gave a shoutout to the heroes for letting him into their "homes and hearts."

"It's all because of you that I've kept going all these years and each and every one of you have changed me for the better," Berk said. "I'm so very proud of all of you! Being able to help guide you to find the best version of yourselves is something I never took for granted and never will."

The 42-year-old also seemed to allude to a new project on the way.

"Although my journey with 'Queer Eye' is over, my journey with you is not. You will be seeing more of me very soon," he wrote.

And it doesn't appear to be a decision the rest of his crew have animosity toward, per each one's comments  besides France  on the post, which he ended with #foreverthefab5.

"We are #ForeverTheFab5 no matter what," Brown wrote. "I'm about to be [at] Netflix's door & e-mails telling them you can't leave! Who is coming with me? I love you!"

Brown also posted his own tribute to his social media, saying, "My heart is broken that season eight will be [Berk's] last on 'Queer Eye!' He is magic in what he designs and how he makes us all feel."

"#Foreverthefab5 indeed, and don't forget it," Porowski commented on Berk's post, along with five red hearts.

Van Ness also commented three red hearts and posted on his story, "One of a kind & such a star. Love you Bobby."

Season eight of "Queer Eye," which will take place in New Orleans, is set to premiere on Jan. 24. It's not yet clear if they will bring on a new interior design expert for the already planned season nine, which will take place in Las Vegas.

SEE MORE: 'Queer Eye' co-host Karamo Brown says honesty is key with parenting
Backed by the Cannes Film Market and Argentinas INCAA film agency, the 15th Ventana Sur and its much anticipated works in progress sections, Primer Corte and Copia Final, unspool over Nov. 27-Dec. 1 in Buenos Aires.

This years crop of films, either in post-production or completed, make scant reference to the regions brutal historical past, perhaps with the exception of Pepe by Nelson Carlo de los Santos Arias, which begins with the capture of drug lord Pablo Escobar who sowed terror and chaos for years in Colombia, or Jose Maria Cabrals Tiguere, set in a 90s Dominican Republic.

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In contrast, they focus more on human interest stories as in the territorial dispute in El Casero; family clashes in November and Una casa con dos perros  also a reference to Argentinas economic crisis  as well as issues of identity and intergenerational relationships.

In Mexican filmmaker Rigoberto Perezcanos poignant black-and-white drama, Los Amantes se despiden con la mirada, parents force their will on their daughter to marry an older man.

Los Ahogados (The Drowned) by Juan Sebastian Jacome and Victor Mares is a slickly done suspense thriller that also reflects on the social divide among the haves and have-nots.

Three out of the six films in the Copia Final section are from Central American and the Caribbean, reflecting the upsurge of local cinema from those small territories.

They are represented by lauded filmmakers from the Dominican Republic, led by Cabral, whose Carpinteros (Woodpeckers) was the first Dominican film to compete in the official selection of Sundance, and Costa Ricas Antonella Sudasassi, whose debut feature The Awakening of the Ants, repped Costa Rica at the Oscars. Her second feature, Memories of a Burning Body, is a lyrical portrait that has actors freely intertwine and recreate the lives of three anonymous elderly women who narrate their life stories.

Five of the films in the two sections have elderly leads, which is quite unprecedented, said programmer Eva Morsch-Kihn, who cited November, Memories of a Burning Body, Una casa con dos perros, Semillas and even Gloria, where the grandmother is a disembodied voice on the phone but still a key character.

Out of the 180 films the programmers viewed, they noted that none of the films delved overtly into their respective countries troubled pasts. Perhaps this new generation of filmmakers is not as impacted by their countries history, Morsch-Kihn observed.

PRIMER CORTE/ FIRST LOOK

O Deserto de Akin, (The Cuban Doctor), Bernard Lessa (Brazil, Rede Filmes, Ladart Filmes)

Filmed in Espirito Santo, Brazil in June and July this year, the drama explores a Cuban doctors dilemma when political changes threaten his life in Brazil. Bernard Lessa, known for The Woman and the River, which participated in VSs Primer Corte in 2017, and The Nights Substance, directs this upcoming film with early-stage editing, sound yet to be added.

El Regresado, (He Who Returns), Armando Capo (Cuba, Gato Rosa Films)

In Gibara, Cuba, aspiring painter Mandi returns amidst wartime. His art challenges the political system but is stifled by absurdity, bureaucracy and budding love. Capos pics have long gained international recognition, with his debut feature August winning accolades at Cannes, San Sebastian and Amiens, as well as premiering at the Toronto and San Sebastian Film Festivals.

He Who Returns

Gloria, Felipe Sholl (Brazil, Syndrome Films)

In Rio, Gabriel falls in love with escort Adriano and befriends Monica, Mateus, Roger, and Laila. When Adriano vanishes, Gabriel joins the escort world to find him. He faces a choice between life and death but finds a new family with Monica and friends. Felipes directorial debut, Fala conmigo snagged top awards at the Rio Festival, Gloria is his second feature film.

Gloria

Los Ahogados, (The Drowned), Juan Sebastian Jacome and Victor Mares (Ecuador, Uruguay, AbacaFilms S.A., Rain Dogs Cine SRL)

Shot in Ecuador, Marcela, a wealthy novelist, faces a maids murder and escalating harassment of her family. She investigates the incident as she struggles to maintain her sanity. Jacomes feature debut, Ruta de la Luna, garnered international recognition, while his Cenizas is among the most acclaimed Ecuadorian films in recent years. He is directing animated feature Norma in Panama. Backed by Ibermedia and Ecuador funds.

The Drowned

Los Amantes Se Despiden con la Mirada, (Lovers Bid Farewell), Rigoberto Perezcano (Mexico, Tiburon Films, Paloma Negra Films)

In the Oaxaca valley, Elida resists an arranged marriage with older man Damian, choosing love for young Olivo over tradition. Director Perezcano, known for Northless (2009), a festival winner, explored similar themes in Carmin Tropical (2014), which won best film at the Morelia Film Festival. Drama won the Premio de Estudios Churubusco Azteca in the 2020 Impulso Morelia.

Lovers Bid Farewell

Semillas, (Seeds), Eliana Nino (Colombia, Spain, Nino Visual, MGC Marketing)

Shaira aspires to join a horse-riding festival, but her horse vanishes when her grandfather sells it during a crop drought. He shares a belief that animals are held in the sky until rain returns. Determined, Shaira seeks magical seeds to restore her horse. Semillas is Ninos debut feature and has won script development and production support from Colombias FDC and the Spanish Film Institute, ICAA.

Seeds

COPIA FINAL/ FINAL CUT

El Casero, (The Landlord), Matias Lucchesi (Argentina, Uruguay, Amada Contents / Twins Latin Films / Nadador Cine)

Marcela and Claudio return to their family home after 20 years, intending to transform it into a boutique hotel. The property manager, Ramon (70), occupied it in their absence and rented it out since he never received his salary and tax payments from Marcela. As they clash over reclaiming their property, a battle ensues, each asserting their rightful ownership. Lucchesi, is known for Ciencias Naturales, El Pampero and Las Rojas.

El Casero

Memorias de un cuerpo que arde, (Memories of a burning body), Antonella Sudasassi Furniss (Costa Rica, Spain, Sub.stance Films / PlayLab Films)

In their twilight years, Ana (68), Patricia (69), and Mayela (71) open up about their hidden sexuality, breaking the silence they shared with mothers, sisters, daughters, and granddaughters. Backed by Costa Rican Fauna Fund, Ibermedia, Hubert Bals Fund. Presented at the San Sebastian CoProduction Forum. Sudasassi gained acclaim for her feature debut, El despertar de las hormigas, the first Central American film to be Goya nominated.

Memories of a burning body

Noviembre, (November), Milena Times (Brazil, Ponte Produtoras / Espreita Filmes

In northeastern Brazil, 18-year-old Janaina, the first in her family to pursue a college degree, grapples with a surprise pregnancy. Three generations sharing a cramped apartment navigate love and conflict. November is director Milena Times debut feature. She is known for her award-winning short films, Dam (2016) and Au Revoir (2013).

November

Pepe, Nelson Carlo de los Santos Arias (Dominican Republic, France, Germany, Namibia, Monte y Culebra, 4A4 Productions /Pandora Films)

In the Colombian jungle, a young hippo named Pepe has been killed. His ghost tells a story that mixes truth and fiction, seriousness and playfulness, contributing to the imaginative lore of neighboring towns. These stories are rife with macho fights, dictatorships, and beings who passed away without ever truly understanding where they were. Carlo de los Santos found early success with short SheSaid HeWalks HeSaid SheWalks and docu Santa Teresa and Other Stories. Cocote won a Signs of Life Golden Leopard at Locarno.

Pepe

Tiguere, (Tiger), Jose Maria Cabral (Dominican Republic, Tabula Rasa, Trukemer)

In a Caribbean community, wealthy parents enroll their teenage sons in a boot camp led by Alberto, an Alpha male, where theyre trained to become real men. Pablo, Albertos own son, a budding artist, embarks on a journey of self-discovery. The Dominican Republics most renowned filmmaker, Cabral is known for socially relevant works like Carpinteros and Hotel Coppelia, lauded at national and international film festivals, including Sundance.

Tiguere

Una casa con dos perros, (A House with Two Dogs), Matias Ferreyra (Argentina, Gualicho Cine SRL / Vega Cine SRL)

In the 2001 Argentina crisis, 9-year-old Manuels family moves in with his grandmother La Tati, causing conflicts with Uncle Raul and a deceased dog. Amid the turmoil, Manuel finds an unexpected bond with his grandmother. Filmmaker Ferreyra co-founded Osa animation studio and won awards for his work, including for the script of Una casa con dos perros.

A House with Two Dogs

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WASHINGTON  The families of American citizens kidnapped by Hamas militants in Israel nearly 40 days ago said Tuesday they want to focus international attention on the plight of their loved ones in captivity  including a 3-year-old American girl who the White House confirmed was taken into the Gaza Strip during the Oct. 7 terror attack.

In an exclusive interview in Washington with NBC News Lester Holt, the girls great-aunt was joined by seven other families whose relatives were taken hostage during the brazen Hamas assault on kibbutzim, a musical festival and homes across Israels south. They spoke as thousands of people from across the U.S. descended on the National Mall for a pro-Israel march.

For more on this story, watch NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt tonight at 6:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. CT.

Liz Hirsh Naftali, the great-aunt of 3-year-old Abigail Mor Idan, revealed that the little girls parents were killed in their home at the Kfar Aza kibbutz. Abigail was in her fathers arms when a Hamas gunman shot him. He fell on top of her. Abigail then crawled out from under her fathers body  full of his blood, Hirsh Naftali said.

Image: Liz Hirsh Naftali (Greg Kahn for NBC News)

The girl ran over to a neighbors house and sheltered with that family in a bomb shelter. The last thing we learned was that somebody saw [a] terrorist taking this mother, her three kids and Abigail out of the kibbutz, Hirsh Naftali said. Thats all we know.

Abigails older brothers survived the terror attack. They saw their mother murdered. They saw their father murdered. These kids know their parents are gone, Hirsh Naftali said. What do you say to these kids? You give them love. You give them everything.

The hostage crisis in the Middle East has left families in agony over the fates of their loved ones.

Image: Orna and Ronen Neutra. (Greg Kahn for NBC News)

Its been 39 days. We know nothing. We know they were taken. We know they were whole when they were taken. We have no idea where theyre being held, whether theyve been tortured, whether theyre being fed, said Orna Neutra, whose 21-year-old son Omer was taken. Can you imagine that? Its unimaginable.

Yael Alexander, whose 19-year-old son was taken, said she has found it difficult to eat and sleep since Oct. 7. Jon Polin, whose 23-year-old son Hirsch was captured on video being loaded onto a pickup truck with one of his arms blown off, said simply: We will not stand still until we bring them back.

Image: Jon Polin and Rachel Goldberg. (Greg Kahn for NBC News)

Israels government has said Hamas militants are believed to hold 239 captives. In television interviews over the weekend, the White Houses national security adviser said the U.S. does not know the exact number of hostages, though he confirmed nine Americans are still missing after terrorists stormed into Israel on Oct. 7 and killed more than 1,000 people.

Israel and Hamas have been at war since that day; Israels retaliatory aerial bombardment and ground offensive in Gaza has devastated the enclave and killed more than 11,000 people, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. Hamas claims that it does not have custody of all the hostages and that some were taken by a militant group also based in Gaza, Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

We currently have nine Americans who are missing, one green-card holder who is missing, national security adviser Jake Sullivan told CNN on Sunday. We dont know the status  whether they are alive or whether they have passed away  but we are looking to get the safe recovery of all of those individuals.

Image: Yael Alexander and her son, Roy. (Greg Kahn for NBC News)

The families who spoke to NBC News met with Sullivan at the White House on Monday night. The families did not provide specifics about their meeting, but they all agreed that President Joe Biden and his administration seem deeply committed to bringing about the release of their loved ones.

From the best of my understanding, the administration is pursuing every available channel in order to obtain the release of the hostages, said Yehuda Beinin, whose daughter and her husband were taken captive.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in an interview with NBCs Meet the Press on Sunday that there could be a potential deal with Hamas leaders to release the hostages, but he declined to provide specifics. I think the less I say about it, Netanyahu told Kristen Welker, the more Ive increased the chances that it materializes.

Netanyahu, who has drawn intense scrutiny in Israel for appearing to be caught off guard by the brazen Oct. 7 assault, insists that Israels military offensive in Gaza represents the countrys best strategy for freeing the hostages because it applies pressure on Hamas.

When asked whether he took hope from the possibility of a deal taking shape, Ronen Neutra  Ornas husband and Omers father  replied: We have to have hope. We believe that we want our kids back. We want our families back, and whatever deal that is going to be in the works is welcomed.

Bidens top Middle East adviser, Brett McGurk, plans to travel to Israel and other countries in the region this week for discussions focused on securing the release of hostages, an administration official said. The official said McGurks trip is expected to include a visit to Qatar, which has played a key role in negotiations.

Hamas has so far released four hostages: Judith and Natalie Raanan, an American woman and her teenage daughter; and Nurit Cooper and Yocheved Lifshitz, two older Israeli women whose husbands are still believed to be in captivity.

In addition, Israel said military forces rescued an abducted soldier, Pvt. Ori Megidish.

Hamas has claimed it released the four hostages for humanitarian reasons, an assertion that has been met with skepticism from the West. The act of taking hostages is considered a war crime under international humanitarian law and a violation of the Geneva Conventions governing war and military occupations.

Image: ruby Chen (Greg Kahn for NBC News)

The group of American hostages are not the only captives to have foreign nationality. Israels government said last month that 138 of the hostages had foreign passports from 25 countries, including 54 Thais, 15 Argentinians, 12 Germans, six French and six Russians.

Ruby Chen, whose 19-year-old son Itay was kidnapped, told NBC News on Tuesday that the painful ordeal of the last 39 days has come with one bittersweet silver lining.

All of us have our own families, he said, referring to the 11 people who surrounded him, but now we have a new family. This is my new family.
Thanksgiving. What a holiday!

There's no religion involved. No gifts to fret about. Just eating, drinking and watching (or not) football games. Any wonder then that Thanksgiving is our nation's most popular national holiday? Nearly 80% of Americans named Thanksgiving their favorite, according to Statista, a global digital data platform; Memorial Day and Christmas (78%) were close behind.

However, for some, Thanksgiving may also be stressful, if not the most stressful holiday (Christmas has that one locked; 74% of Americans voted it the most trying holiday, according to healthcare organization MedStar Health).

Especially if you're hosting.

All that shopping, cleaning, prepping, cooking, serving and  yes, darn it  cleaning again. No wonder fewer Americans (26%) planned to host Thanksgiving last year than the previous year (47%), according to LendingTree, an online lending marketplace. Of course COVID may have impacted people's willingness to get together when getting together was a potential health risk.

Still, hosting is, let's not kid ourselves, work. But it doesn't have to be nerve-wracking work. You can lessen the stress, perhaps even eliminate it. How?

We asked the experts  professional cooks and restaurateurs  for their fool-proof tips. Follow their advice and you may find you have even more reasons to be grateful this year. Here's to a happy, delicious and stress-reduced or even stress-free holiday.

Plan ahead

Planning ahead may be the the most crucial ingredient for keeping your stress hormones from going batty. "You'd be surprised how many people scramble on the day of," said Joseph Tartamella, executive chef of Felina, a contemporary Italian restaurant in Ridgewood.

If you haven't yet, start planning now. "Have a plan of action," Tartamella said. "Plan the menu, the shopping, your guest list." The more planning, the less worrying; the more control you will have to execute your plan, aka, make a delicious Thanksgiving dinner without a lot of dramarama.

Shop at least three days before the holidays

We don't live in pre-refrigeration times. We can store our ingredients in the refrigerator, not to mention our dry ingredients in our pantries. So there's absolutely no reason to leave the shopping until the day before Thanksgiving (good luck finding the right-sized turkey at your supermarket) or, perhaps, even worse, two days before Thanksgiving. Unless, that is, you love chaos, crowds and bare shelves.

Shopping aisles certainly will be packed the day before the holiday with swarms of people who somehow thought that one bag of potatoes would suffice or forgot they'd run out of sugar the previous week. But two days before the holiday  Tuesday, that is  even more shoppers will be in those traffic-jammed aisles. The reason? According to grocers, "everyone thinks Wednesday is the busiest day and therefore everyone goes on Tuesday," said Michael Rulhman, author of The Buying and Selling of Food in America. In other words, procrastinators think they'll outsmart even more profound procrastinators.

Outsmart them all and, if you can, do most of your shopping three days, if not a week, ahead of time. Before you do, check to make sure your spices are not out of date. Check your pantry for staple items you know you'll need. And make sure you have enough paper goods on hand -- paper towels, napkins, etc. Also, make certain you have ice for drinks and enough wine and beer to quench your guests' thirsts.

The cart can hold up to 16 bottles of wine and liquor.

Not a wine connoisseur? Christine Nunn, former chef of Vesta Wood Fired in East Rutherford, who today has a catering firm, Picnic Catering by Christine, has a few recommendations. "It would not be Thanksgiving without Beaujolais Nouveau," she said. "Its the perfect wine for the bird." She also recommends zinfandels, pinot noirs or rich chardonnays. "Stay away from big reds and light whites. Be in the sweet spot."

Cook much of your meal in advance

You certainly don't need to wait for the day your guests arrive to chop, dice or mince. "Do the heavy lifting the night before," said Ariane Duarte, former chef and owner of Ariane Kitchen & Bar in Verona, who today with her husband, Michael, owns and heads CulinAriane Caterers based in Brick.

Jonathan Bernstein, owner of B&M Market, a gourmet market, events caterer and butcher shop in Park Ridge, advises making your sides a day or two before. Much, he said, can be made in advance.

"You dont want to be making mashed potatoes from scratch at 2 oclock in the afternoon when your guests are due to arrive," he said. Besides, if you make stuff ahead of time, you can deal with whatever mishaps or surprises may befall you ahead of time.

"What if the potatoes take longer to boil than you thought?" Bernstein said. You'll have more time and less angst to deal with it when you don't also have to worry about hanging up coats and pouring drinks. You can warm your cooked mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole and creamed spinach in the oven before serving.

If nothing else, you can clean and blanch your vegetables  brussels sprouts, green beans, carrots  beforehand.

Nunn advises serving cold appetizers. "Don't waste any oven space on appetizers," she said. Nor precious time preparing the day of. Among her cold apps suggestions: shrimp cocktail, chips and dip and guacamole.

Desserts too can be made ahead of time. "Have your pie crust ready days before," Duarte said. "Or buy your pie crusts. There are decent pie crusts out there."

Take shortcuts

Grabbing a roast turkey out of the oven...with oven mitts.

Yes, chefs wax poetic about the culinary benefits of using fresh, seasonal, local ingredients. Bravo, we applaud that. But you're not a professional chef or, for that matter, running a fine-dine restaurant. Use the very best ingredients you can afford. But if you're pressed for time  and can't afford shiitake mushrooms for your vegetable medley  there's no shame in using frozen or canned items.

Nunn is a big proponent.

"I'm a big big proponent of Campbells soups," she said. Use it, she said, to make broccoli casserole, green bean casserole, even a corn casserole. "You stick it in the oven and pull it out. It tastes good and it does the trick," she said. You may find your guests appreciate it more than hoity-toity versions. "I tried to make green bean casserole from scratch one year and no one ate it."

Do the same with cranberries, she said. "Open a can of Ocean Spray," she said. You're not only going to save yourself time but apparently grief.

Nunn said that she tried to make fancy, fresh cranberry relish  candy pecan sauce with Grand Marnier, cranberry sauce with chipotle, cranberry orange pecan sauce.

And? "No one wanted it."

Brine your turkey

Use a food-safe bucket or cooler to brine a turkey or chicken.

Ariane Duarte of CulinAriane said brining a turkey is "dummy-proof: It guarantees a tender, moist turkey."

Logan Ramirez, chef and co-owner of Gioia Mia, a new, ambitious Italian restaurant in Montclair, couldn't agree more. Brining makes the turkey a "moisture sponge," he said. "Not only will the turkey cook quicker, but it will taste better."

Never brined a turkey?

It's easy. It's essentially giving turkey a long bath in water, salt and seasoning solution of your choice. That, at least is a wet brine. (There's a dry brine as well.)

You can make your own wet brine: the general rule is four tablespoons of salt to every four cups of water and add whatever seasonings you'd like. Or use Logan Ramirez's recipe for a 15 pound bird, below. (If you don't want to brine, get a kosher turkey; brining is part of the kosher process, so it comes brined.)

You can also dry brine which involves salting your turkey for a few days. For specific instructions, Liz Johnson, The Record's features editor, shared hers one year.

Johnson, a former food writer, recommends pouring lots of salt on your bird. Use more salt than you think you need, then refrigerate for a day, wipe off the salt just before you're ready to slide it into the oven and roast. Johnson reported that the first time she used this low-stress technique, her Thanksgiving turkey was "the most flavorful of my life."

Ask for help

Few people come to Thanksgiving empty-handed. Asked by a guest what he or she can bring, don't hesitate to let them know.

"If you hate making glazed carrots, let them do it," Nunn said.

Bernstein of B&M Market however warns, "Dont have them bring crucial items."

Like? "Gravy," he said. "What if their gravy sucks?"

It's best to ask for alcohol and dessert, he said. And make sure everyone knows to bring more than necessary. "You don't want people to not bring enough," Bernstein said. "Everyone is going to want seconds. So discuss quantity."

Besides, he said, "Its not the worst holiday to have leftovers."

Want even more help? Get some of your food, if not all, catered. Or get it to-go or delivered from a restaurant.

"You want Thanksgiving at home," Nunn said. "It's better to get food, even if it's from Boston Market, and enjoy it at home. There's just something about Thanksgiving and being home."

Set the table beforehand

Duarte of CulinAriane recommends setting the table the night before. "You don't want to be looking for that damn fork," Duarte said, when your guests are about to arrive. "This way you don't have to worry about it. It's done, it's ready."

And unless you really, really feel a need to go all out and decorate your table with pumpkins, gourds, fruits, flowers and foliage, keep it simple  and easy.

"People get so stressed about it," Nunn said. "One year, one of my cousins spray painted all the pumpkins and had all this gold ornaments. It's not necessary. When I was a kid, my uncle would have to take his furniture of out the living room, set up tables here and there and we used paper plates. It's the people and the food that matter. Not what the table looks like."

Turkey Brine

Courtesy of Logan Ramirez, chef and co-owner of Gioia Mia in Montclair

1 pint kosher salt

1/2 pound of light brown sugar

4 quarts of water

1 pint apple cider

1 cup black peppercorns

1 bunch thyme

1 bunch rosemary

1 garlic bulb, split in half

5 bay leaves

Add all ingredients in a stockpot and simmer on a low flame for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain, and cool the liquid in an ice bath or your refrigerator.

Submerge turkey (thawed, giblets and neck removed) in brine for no longer than 24 hours. You can use a stockpot, a plastic bucket or a special brining bag.

Pat turkey dry before cooking.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Thanksgiving hacks: Here are top tips for Turkey Day from NJ chefs
A former Indiana police chief was arrested and charged with 17 felonies on Monday.

Indiana State Police said former Rising Sun Police Chief, Harlis S. Hoover Jr, 37, was charged with bribery, official misconduct, fraud, theft and ghost employment, following a four-month investigation.

Officials said they began an investigation into Hoover in July after a someone reported that he was possibly defrauded by Hoover.

More: Connecticut man charged after police find $8.5 million worth of illegal mushrooms in home

Police say the former chief is facing multiple felonies tied to alleged fraud, theft

According to police, Hoover allegedly borrowed $10,000 from the individual to buy a car in December 2021, but there was not evidence that he ever bought the car.

Hoover then allegedly tried to convince the man to forgive the loan. Hoover still served as the Rising Sun police chief at that time.

Officials said they discovered that Hoover has also borrowed money to buy other vehicles but there was no evidence those were ever purchased either. Additionally, police allege Hoover bought and sold cars to make a profit but never signed the titles.

"Other instances of fraud, theft, and official misconduct were uncovered during the investigation," police said.

Police also accused Hoover of ghost employment, adding that during their investigation they discovered that on multiple occasions he would take care of personal businesses, often times outside his county, while claiming he was on duty in Rising Star.

He was placed on administrative leave in July, at the start of the investigation.

He's currently being held at the Dearborn County Law Enforcement Center until his initial court appearance.

More: Hollywood agent's son arrested on suspicion of murder after torso found in dumpster

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ex-Rising Sun, Indiana police chief arrested faces felony charges
This years Revolution Festival in Britain was an event like none other. One thousand communists from across the world gathered for an inspiring, historic event, energised by the momentous next step: launching the Revolutionary Communist Party. If you're in Britain, join our comrades in this venture!

Capitalism is dying on its feet. In Palestine, in Ukraine, and all over the world, millions have been plunged into horror by a wretched system that offers no way forward.

After an unrelenting series of shocks to the world economy, the ruling class is terrified. The tired old lefts, meanwhile, are mired in pessimism.

In contrast, the mood at this years Revolution Festival was electric. The International Marxist Tendency has never been stronger. We are marching forward all across the planet.

Fresh layers of workers and youth are moving into struggle. Ever-larger numbers can see that capitalism is at a dead end, and are turning to the banner of communism.

Revolutionary upheavals are being prepared everywhere. Britain, once considered a paragon of conservatism and stability, has today become one of the most unstable and volatile countries.

It is against this backdrop that one thousand communists from all over Europe  and beyond  gathered in London last weekend, from 10-12 November, to arm themselves with the ideas necessary to lead the working class to power.

The festival was a show of strength, both numerically and politically. The International Marxist Tendency (IMT)  in Britain and internationally  has grown by leaps and bounds in the last few months, with our open appeal to communist youth. And this years event demonstrated clearly not only the incredible success of our drive to recruit for revolution, but also the solid rock of theory upon which we are building our organisation.

But the are you a communist campaign? was only the beginning, revealing the thirst for genuine revolutionary ideas, and the giant political vacuum that exists in Britain.

For this reason, Rob Sewell, editor of Socialist Appeal, announced to a packed hall on Saturday night  and to ecstatic cheers  that we will soon be discarding our current name, and instead opening a new chapter in our organisations development: renaming our paper to The Communist, and hoisting a new bright red banner as the Revolutionary Communist Party.

Why we are communists

Alan Woods  Marxist author and political editor of the In Defence of Marxism magazine  kicked off the weekend by asking a plenary rally: Are YOU a Communist. The resounding answer was YES!

But, as Alan explained, our revolutionary optimism as Marxists stands like an island amidst a sea of despair.

Without an understanding of the causes behind all the chaos around us, many only mourn the terrible symptoms of the system in its death agony, believing that the world has gone mad. Even worse, jaded old lefts run around like headless chickens, squealing about the rise of fascism, just as the working class is awakening and beginning to flex its muscles.

Marxists, however, are armed with theory, allowing us to look beneath the surface of this turbulence.

Capitalism is horror without end, Alan noted, quoting Lenin. But this has given rise to a process of radicalisation, opening up the possibility for a huge growth in the forces of Marxism and genuine communism.

Young people in particular, Alan explained, are leaping over the wreckage of reformist socialists like Corbyn and Sanders, and are instead looking towards Marx and Lenin.

It is these fresh class fighters with whom our recruitment campaign has struck a chord. And this was clear from the festival itself, with a thousand  mostly young  communists gathered from all across Britain, joined by delegations from 20 other countries.

Following Alans introduction, contributions from IMT comrades on the Friday evening underlined this internationalism, with inspiring speeches by visitors from Canada, Switzerland, Brazil, Italy, and more about the success of the are you a communist? campaign in these respective countries.

But the most highly-anticipated success story and announcement awaited attendees on Saturday evening

Revolutionary Communist Party

In a rousing speech to the Saturday plenary, Rob Sewell outlined the tasks facing communists in Britain by quoting Leon Trotsky:

The contradictions undermining British society will inevitably intensify. We do not intend to predict the exact tempo of this process, but it will be measurable in terms of years, or in terms of five years at the most; certainly not in decades. This general prospect requires us to ask above all the question: will a communist party be built in Britain in time with the strength and the links with the masses to be able to thaw out at the right moment all the necessary practical conclusions from the sharpening crisis?

Rob showed that we are building such a party at pace.

To a standing ovation, Rob announced that we had reached 1,101 members  vaulting over our target of 1,000 by the end of the year.

We now have our sights set on doubling to 2,000 members as quickly as possible, in time for the next general election and the turbulent events that will follow. This will mark an important milestone along the road of becoming a mass communist force in Britain.

These conquests have come from enthusiasm and audacity, Rob explained. But even more boldness will be required in the coming period, in order to reach and attract the growing layer of revolutionary workers and youth to our banner.

In the words of Marx: The communists disdain to conceal their views and aims. We must be a red beacon for all those looking to fight against capitalism.

For this reason, the well-worn clothes of Socialist Appeal are to be replaced by a new uniform, fit for the forward march that we are undertaking.

Next year, in May, Rob therefore proclaimed, will mark the founding congress of the Revolutionary Communist Party. And as a stepping stone towards this, from January, our comrades will be armed with a brand new paper: The Communist.

Both of these announcements caused the crowd to jump to its feet, with spontaneous renditions of the Internationale and Bandiera Rossa, and a sea of red flags waved in applause.

Comrades are clearly excited and eager to begin building this new party and its press straight away. We appeal to all those reading to join us in these efforts.

School of communism

We are determined to construct a powerful, genuine communist organisation, in Britain and internationally. And the foundation to all this is revolutionary theory. In order to change the world, we must first understand it. And this means equipping ourselves with the scientific method of Marxism.

Throughout the festival, this point was underlined. The only justification for our existence as an organisation, distinct from the rest of the movement, is our ideas. The revolutionary party is the collective memory of the working class. Marxist theory is the distilled experience of history and the class struggle.

To that end, the whole weekend was billed as the school of communism. And throughout 36 talks, comrades covered everything from Pinochets 1973 coup in Chile, to the Palestinian struggle; from Black Marxism and racism, to the lessons of Soviet economy.

In all sessions, there was a tremendous appetite for theory. Rooms were full to capacity. Audiences listened attentively to the speakers, whilst furiously taking notes. And discussions were crammed with comrades  experienced and new  providing excellent contributions.

Unfortunately time was limited, however. The weekend could only give comrades a taste of the immense riches of Marxism. Nevertheless, with 7600 in sales from the Wellred Books stall, attendees clearly went home with ample supplies for mastering these revolutionary ideas for themselves.

Revolutionary sacrifice

Ideas, however, need an organisation to transmit them. In the words of Marx, theory must become a material force. And under capitalism, this requires finances  the sinews of war.

The collection on Saturday evening reflected the spirit of revolutionary sacrifice amongst comrades; the dedication and desire to build such a vessel for carrying and spreading Marxist ideas far and wide.

Comrades and branches from all across the country stood up and shouted out their impressive pledges.

This, in turn, revealed the growth of the organisation, including in areas and towns where previously we have had little-to-no presence, with national organiser Ben Gliniecki reporting on the development of each branch and cell as they announced the results of their fundraising efforts.

In total, over 210,000 was raised  shattering our annual target of 160,000 by 50,000, and providing the material resources necessary for launching the Revolutionary Communist Party in the months ahead.

If you want to help raise this figure even further, then donate to our fighting fund today!

Preparing for power

One thousand members (1101, to be precise) is clearly an incredible achievement  one that all comrades who have helped to get us here should be extremely proud of.

By fighting on the frontlines of every struggle and mass movement, we are becoming a point of reference for workers and youth searching for revolutionary solutions. And we are certainly punching well above our weight.

Truth be told, however, our size is still modest  and clearly insufficient for the tasks that impend, as Alan emphasised in his closing remarks on Sunday afternoon.

The message coming out of #RevFest2023 was therefore clear. We must urgently build, in order to be able to make an impact on the titanic events that lie ahead.

There is no time to waste! As Rob Sewell stated, quoting the IMTs founding member and Marxist theoretician Ted Grant:

Revolutionary audacity can achieve everything. The organisation must consciously pose itself and see itself as the decisive factor in the situation. There will be no lack of possibilities for transforming ourselves into a mass organisation on the wave of the revolution.

So if you are a communist, and are not yet organised, then what are you waiting for?! Join us  the communists of the IMT  today!
A leak of discovery materials in the Georgia election subversion case against former President Donald Trump and his co-defendants prompted the Fulton County district attorneys office Tuesday to file an emergency motion for a protective order in an attempt to prevent other material from becoming public.

Portions of proffer videos  the legal term for videotaped conversations some of Trumps co-defendants had with prosecutors  were leaked to several news outlets on Monday. ABC News and The Washington Post reported on the videos, including on-camera statements from former pro-Trump attorneys Jenna Ellis, Sidney Powell and Kenneth Chesebro as well as Atlanta-based bail bondsman Scott Hall.

The four of them were required to give the proffers to prosecutors as part of the plea deals they cut with the DAs office in the sprawling racketeering case brought against them.

On Tuesday, Fulton County DA Fani Willis renewed a motion for a protective order of discovery materials and said that the release of these confidential video recordings is clearly intended to intimidate witnesses in this case by subjecting them to harassment and threats prior to trial.

Included in the motion by prosecutors was an apparent admission via email from one of Trumps co-defendants.

It was Harrison Floyds team, Todd Harding, Floyds attorney, said in an email thread with the DAs office, apparently acknowledging they leaked the videos. The email chain includes current and former defense attorneys on the case.

In a subsequent email, Harding called the prior email admission a typo.

A hearing has been scheduled for Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. ET.

The Fulton County district attorneys office did not immediately respond to CNNs request for comment about the emergency protective order or leaked videos.

The videos provide some new details about efforts by those close to Trump to reverse the election in his favor.

Ellis told prosecutors that Dan Scavino, Trumps onetime deputy White House chief of staff, dismissed her concerns that Trumps legal options for challenging the election were becoming increasingly limited, according to one of the videos.

And he said, Well, the boss, meaning President Trump and everyone understood the boss, thats what we all called him, he said, the boss is not going to leave under any circumstances, Ellis said, according to the video.

Other information was revealed to prosecutors by Powell, Chesebro and Hall, according to the Post, which reported Chesebro said in his statement that he briefed Trump at a White House meeting on election challenges in Arizona and summarized a memo in which he offered advice on assembling alternate slates of electors in key battlegrounds to cast ballots for Trump despite Bidens victories in those states.

Powell, who was known for pushing some of the more fringe legal theories after the election, told prosecutors in her videotaped statement that if Trump named her special counsel to look into election irregularities, as she wanted him to do, she would have sought to seize election equipment and would have used the military to do so if necessary.

The judge in the Fulton County case had previously failed to rule on the initial protective order filed in September by the DAs office. In the months since the motion, the district attorneys office did not follow up to ask for an official ruling.

Going forward, the State will not produce copies of confidential video recordings of proffers to any defendant to prevent further public disclosure, prosecutors added in Tuesdays motion.

Instead, defendants must come to the District Attorneys Office to view confidential video recordings of proffers. They may take notes, but they will be prohibited from creating any recordings or reproductions.

CNNs Devan Cole contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Kristina Looney (Leicester Middle School, trumpet), Bobby Bergeron (Leominster High School, tuba), and Angie Crockwell (Marlborough High School, alto saxophone) will march at the 2023 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

When the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade marches through the streets of New York City on its 2 -mile path, three faces among the thousands will be very familiar to local music students.

Three band directors, from public schools in Leicester, Leominster and Marlborough, will be part of a 400-person marching band with their wind instruments.

Leicester Middle Schools band director Kristina Looney will play the trumpet, Leominster High Schools marching band director Robert Bergeron will play the tuba and Marlborough High Schools band director Angie Crockwell will play alto saxophone.

In an interview inside the music room at Leicester Middle School, the Massachusetts trio said getting to be part of the band was an honor that makes them feel like kids again.

It's just the coolest thing, said Looney, 34. I can tell people are as excited as I am because it's just something that's so well known and so big.

The three were picked by an Ohio-based project called Saluting Americas Band Directors, which is run by the Michael D. Sewell Memorial Foundation, an organization created in 2017 by the family of its namesake who was a high school band director for 34 years.

While Crockwell and Bergeron have participated in other parades as members of the foundation in previous years, Looney joined only recently, applying but without high hopes.

Looney is a Leicester native herself, starting out on the trumpet as early as 10 years old, playing all throughout middle school, high school and later in college at the University of New Hampshire, where she majored in music and played in the schools band.

Looney can also be seen in a 2010 film called "Furry Vengeance" playing in a marching band as a movie extra.

But as life complicated things with her two toddlers and busy at work as Leicester Middle Schools only music teacher, she said this was a way for her to get back to what music is about in the first place  the joy of playing.

I hardly ever play anymore, said Looney.

Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade is tied for the second longest-running parade in the country, being held for the first time in 1924 on the same year as America's Thanksgiving Parade, which is held in Detroit.

The parade in Philadelphia, now called 6abc Dunkin' Donuts Thanksgiving Day Parade, precedes the other two by four years.

At a pace of around 4 miles per hour, the parade will trot through the city starting at 9:30 a.m., with the 400-member band, among whom will be Looney, Bergeron and Crockwell, among the front pieces of the parade.

This year will be the parades 97th installment, cancelled only during World War II, while it was held at a much, much smaller scale in 2020.

In addition to the 400-member band, the parade will also feature 18 musicians, among them Cher, 25 balloons, 31 floats, among other acts.

For Bergeron, the 29-year-old tuba player who has taught marching band music at Leominster High School for the last five years, Macys Parade will be his second, first marching in 2013 with his college marching band at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, where he was studying music.

Then he was just 19.

I have this memory, and this is kind of why I teach music, said Bergeron. My dad passed away when I was 11 years old in the middle of December and I remember watching the Macy's Parade with him on our last Thanksgiving.

Then he told me he was going to watch me in the Macy's Parade someday.

I made it my life dream at that point to then be in the Macy's Parade and now I'm doing it twice.

For Crockwell, a versatile musician with 26 years of teaching experience and a list of instruments she can play longer than she can fit in a single breath, the parade will be a high note that she says matches the Rose Parade, an event held on New Years Day in Pasadena, California, where she played in 2022 alongside Bergeron.

During her long career in teaching, Crockwell has taught orchestra, guitar and piano at Marlborough High School for seven years, while before that she spent 15 years teaching at Grafton Elementary School.

Following her parents suggestion, music was never in her early plans, earning a degree in sociology from UMass Amherst, which she said played a great role in her juggling the different personalities in the bands she directs as a teacher.

Although low-key in comparison to her major, she pursued music as a minor and later earned a certificate from a university in Ohio.

A native of Queens, New York, who held a lot of memories from her years as a child, this parade will be an accomplishment four decades in the making.

I remember going to the Macy's Parade when I was 8 and I just remember saying, Whoa, look at all these balloons. I wish I was in the parade.

Well, here we are.

The three said that theres a lot of preparation that goes into the parade, especially with a performance Monday at Ground Zero where they will play "Amazing Grace" and the "Star-Spangled Banner."

In the typical red uniforms  for which they had to send the measurements for way ahead of time  the three will spend a lot of time practicing with the rest of the 400 band directors, possibly on the grounds of a local high school in New York City or New Jersey.

The trio said that some of the music titles, which theyve already started to practice, are 76 Trombones, the signature piece from the 1957 musical "The Music Man" that has become a marching band standard, and an Americana medley by John Philip Sousa, an early 20th-century composer whose music is well known among marching band circles.

Looney recalled her elementary school teacher in Leicester, Ann Emond, who first taught her how to play 76 Trombones.

I have been thinking of her a lot because she taught me that girls could do anything, that music is a lifelong activity," said Looney.

Although the trio will be spending Thanksgiving Day away from home, they consider the Macys Parade a great honor that they hope will inspire their students to appreciate band music even more.

In a time when were losing music departments, Bergeron said, cuts are happening left and right, I think this is a really special opportunity for us to advocate for what it is we do.

I just see this as a monument to what it is we do on a day-to-day basis."

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Leicester, Leominster Marlborough band directors part of Macys Parade
Washington  The House on Tuesday passed a two-step plan from Speaker Mike Johnson to fund federal agencies into the new year, sending the legislation to the Senate days before the approaching deadline to avert a government shutdown.

The short-term measure cleared the House in a 336 to 95 vote. Known as a continuing resolution, it received substantial support from House Democrats, who helped ensure its passage over the objections of dozens of Republicans. The bill is the first major piece of legislation the House has approved since Johnson became speaker.

The plan, which Johnson unveiled Saturday, extends federal funding at current levels for one group of agencies and programs through Jan. 19, and a second batch through Feb. 2. Johnson argued the extension will allow lawmakers to avoid a massive end-of-year spending bill while negotiations over spending levels continue.

Though more Democrats voted for the bill than Republicans, Johnson celebrated its passage, saying it puts the GOP "in the best position to fight for conservative policy victories."

"The innovative two-step approach takes Washington's preferred Christmas omnibus monstrosity off the table, shifts the government funding paradigm moving forward, and enhances our ability to rein in the Biden administration's failed policies and government spending," he said in a statement. "We also are better positioned in the upcoming supplemental debate to demand Border Security, ensure oversight of Ukraine aid, and support our cherished ally, Israel."

Avoiding a shutdown

The resolution's passage in the House all but eliminates the threat of a shutdown on Saturday, when most government funding expires. The Senate is expected to quickly approve the bill, which would allow President Biden to sign it into law before the deadline.

The House suspended its rules to pass the plan, raising the threshold for passage to two-thirds of the House. That meant Johnson, who was elected to lead the House just three weeks ago, had to rely on votes from dozens of Democratic lawmakers. Uncertainty about the bill's fate was cleared up just before the vote on its passage, when Democratic leaders said in a joint statement they support it.

"We have consistently made clear that a government shutdown would hurt the economy, our national security and everyday Americans during a very fragile time and must be avoided," they said. "To that end, House Democrats have repeatedly articulated that any continuing resolution must be set at the fiscal year 2023 spending level, be devoid of harmful cuts and free of extreme right-wing policy riders. The continuing resolution before the House today meets that criteria and we will support it."

What were the odds of passage? Who opposed the bill and who supported it?

On Tuesday morning, the House Freedom Caucus, a group of far-right Republican lawmakers, announced its opposition to the stopgap measure because it failed to include spending cuts or provisions to strengthen border security.

"Republicans must stop negotiating against ourselves over fears of what the Senate may do with the promise 'roll over today and we'll fight tomorrow,'" the group said in a statement.

But the lack of additional policy changes, especially those favored by conservative lawmakers, helped to secure greater support from House Democrats, who said they want to avoid a government shutdown and favored a "clean" continuing resolution.

"From the very beginning of this Congress, Democrats have made clear that we are going to find common ground with our Republican colleagues on any issue in good faith whenever and wherever possible, but that we will also push back against their extremism whenever necessary," Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries told reporters Tuesday. "That's been the framework approach that we've taken from the beginning. That'll be the lens through which we evaluate the continuing resolution today."

Jeffries said Democrats were concerned about the bifurcated deadlines in Johnson's plan, but said it's "extremely important" to avoid a funding lapse.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Monday that Johnson's two-step plan is "untested," but added that the White House's goal is to "take the best path forward for the American people." Mr. Biden separately has declined to say whether he would veto the short-term measure if it were sent to his desk, but he would have no incentive to shut down the government rather than extend current funding levels.

In the Senate, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said he is "heartened" that Johnson's proposal doesn't include funding cuts, and pledged he and McConnell would work to determine the best way to "get this done quickly" if the funding package passed the House.

"Neither McConnell nor I want a shutdown," Schumer said in a news conference.

Speaker Mike Johnson's first test

The funding proposal posed a test for Johnson, who did not hold any positions in GOP leadership before he claimed the gavel last month. His ascension to the speakership capped a chaotic October for House Republicans, which began with former Speaker Kevin McCarthy's historic removal from the post as a result of a deal he made with Democrats in late September to keep agencies funded for 45 days  through Nov. 17.

All House Democrats backed McCarthy's stopgap measure. While his agreement avoided a lapse in government funding, it triggered a backlash from far-right Republicans that ultimately cost him the gavel. The House was left without a speaker for three weeks and found itself effectively paralyzed.

Though Johnson is following a similar path as McCarthy in pursuing a funding bill that maintains spending levels and does not include conservative priorities, there appears to be less of an appetite among conservative lawmakers to take action against the speaker.

The Freedom Caucus said in its statement announcing opposition to the two-step continuing resolution that it remains "committed" to working with Johnson, but called for "bold change."

Johnson, meanwhile, has defended his approach and said his so-called "laddered" continuing resolution will avoid Congress being forced to accept a massive omnibus spending package right before the holidays.

"That is a gift to the American people, because that is no way to legislate. It is not good stewardship. It's the reason we're in so much debt," he said.

Johnson said the Jan. 19 and Feb. 2 deadlines will allow lawmakers to work through the appropriations process "in good faith."

"What we need to do is avoid the government shutdown," he said. "Why? Because that would unduly harm the American people. Troops wouldn't be paid. We know all the effects of that, and so we have to avoid that and we have a responsibility to do it."

Left out of Johnson's funding proposal is emergency assistance for Israel and Ukraine, which President Biden had requested Congress provide after the Oct. 7 attack on Israel by Hamas. It's unclear when Congress could act to approve the additional funding, but the speaker said approving the short-term funding measure will allow Republicans to pursue discussions on necessary oversight for Ukraine aid and provide assistance to Israel.

Massive fire shuts down L.A. freeway indefinitely, Gov. Newsom declares state of emergency

Speaker Johnson's plan to prevent government shutdown faces hurdles

Israeli forces move in on Al-Shifa hospital hours after thousands march in Washington, D.C.
Iceland has declared a state of emergency after hundreds of earthquakes struck the southwestern Reykjanes peninsula in the past 48 hours.

Despite fears of an impending volcanic eruption, flights from the UK to Keflavik international airport 10 miles north of the eruption site are going ahead as usual.

On Sunday 12 November, all scheduled flights from Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, Stansted and Manchester landed without incident.

On 13 November, the 6.20am easyJet departure from Manchester was the first to land in Iceland. Shortly after, the 7.15am Wizz Air flight from London Luton landed at 10.12am local time.

The 7.35am easyJet service from Luton landed at 10.18am, while the British Airways flight from Heathrow landed at 10.49am. At the time of writing, other flights to have departed without incident include the 7.40am Jet departure from Glasgow, the 8.35am Jet2 from Manchester and the 10.55am Play service from Stansted.

Travellers are advised to monitor local media for updates (Ragnar Th. Sigurdsson , arcticimages.com)

There are an additional 11 services scheduled for Monday 13 November. Icelandair will run two services from Heathrow at 12.15pm and 8.40pm respectively, as well as one from Gatwick at 12.00pm, one from Manchester at 11.55am and another from Glasgow at 12.45pm. Additionally, there will be one service departing Gatwick at 2.25pm and another from Manchester at 4.10pm  both operated by easyJet.

There are another four flights departing Luton. The first is scheduled at 1.45pm, with others at 2.10pm, 2.25pm, and 8.30pm. The 2.10pm is run by Wizz Air, with the rest operated by easyJet.

A spokesperson for easyJet said: Our flying schedule is currently operating as normal, however we are monitoring the situation closely and should this change we will contact customers directly to advise on their flights.

All UK flights are set to go ahead (Alamy/PA)

Foreign Office advice is regarded by the UK travel industry as the arbiter of whether or not a destination is safe.

Were it to warn against travel to parts of Iceland, holidaymakers already there would be moved and no further departures would operate to those areas.

The Foreign Office ramped up its travel advice on 11 November, saying the threat of a volcanic eruption is increasingly possible.

The official advice reads: Earthquakes and indications of volcanic activity have increased above normal levels on the Reykjanes peninsula, southwest of Reykjavik. The Icelandic authorities continue to monitor the area closely, particularly the area northwest of Mt Thorbjorn near the Svartsengi power plant and the Blue Lagoon. On 10 November, a Civil Protection Alert was declared after an intense swarm of earthquakes.

The town of Grindavik was evacuated as a precaution. Some roads have been closed and visitors are advised to stay away from the area.

Keflavik International Airport is operating as normal. While there is no current eruption, it is increasingly possible that one could occur. You should monitor local media for updates and follow the authorities advice on travel to the area.

The Blue Lagoon in Iceland (AP)

The advice stops well short of advising against travel to Iceland, meaning airlines and holiday companies are operating as normal  with no automatic right to cancel.

The much-loved Blue Lagoon geothermal spa will remain closed until 7am on 16 November after it experienced tremors during one of the quakes.

The town of Grindavik was evacuated and some roads have been closed and visitors are advised to stay away from the area.
Netflix



"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."



IF YOU'RE WATCHING a movie, and you see David Fincher's name listed as the director... there's a pretty strong chance that you're going to have a good time. The director is an expert on crafting thrillers that will keep you on the edge of your seat. He's created some of the most well-known films of the genre to date, including Se7en and Fight Club, and has even dabbled in television, creating the short-lived cult favorite Mindhunter.

That's why everyone is talking about The Killer, Fincher's newest release that premiered both on Netflix and in theaters.

Starring Michael Fassbender, The Killer follows, well, an unnamed assassin. Despite his rigid, self-imposed rules and focused mindset, we catch up with him on a daya rare daywhen he botches a job. While a regular person with a regular job could dust themselves off and move along, our protagonist lives anything but a normal life; there are consequences for his actions.

Those consequences manifest in a break-in at his remote home in the Dominican Republic, where his girlfriend Magdala resides. He returns to find Magdala hospitalized, and decides to get revenge.

What follows is an international manhunt, where we get to see Fassbender's character methodically (and sometimes whimsically) track down anyone he can find who played a part in his girlfriend's injury. He burns bridges and is forced to question his own rules, and whether or not they're worth following. While it's not Fincher's best (not much can rival The Social Network or Gone Girl), The Killer is still very strong work from a master filmmaker.

If you're looking an explanation on how it ended, and what it all meant, we have it for you below.

What happened at the end of The Killer?

Netflix

Over the course of the film, we see our unnamed protagonist (who from now on we'll call The Killer) travel to Louisiana, Florida, and New York, taking out everyone involved in the job he botched, and the assassin hired to punish him for his mistake. His final destination turns out to be Chicago, where he finally nails down the man who paid for the original assassination of the businessman we see in the beginning of the film.

His name is Claybourne, and he's a billionaire venture capitalist. In observing his habits, The Killer spies an opportunity to gain access to his home and sneaks into the gym (called "Balquinox," a clear riff on the upscale fitness brand Equinox) where Claybourne meets with his personal trainer.

While Claybourne goes off to his workout session, The Killer finds his way into the locker room and, using a card copier off of Amazon, creates his own passkey into Claybourne's apartment. Later that day, when Claybourne returns to his apartment, The Killer arrives for a confrontation.

With Claybourne at gunpoint, The Killer asks if the venture capitalist had a personal vendetta against him. But Claybourne explains the killer has it all wrong. It wasn't personal, it was an unfortunate business decision. Claybourne says it's his first time ever paying for a hitman, and when he got word the job went wrong, Hodges (the killer's point of contact for all his assignments) suggested Claybourne "arrange for insurance to prevent any blowback." While Claybourne admits he didn't realize what that meant, Hodges clearly decided The Killer needed to be taught a lesson. For an additional $150,000, Claybourne paid to erase any connection he had to the hit gone wrong and (potentially) to have The Killer murdered for his mistake. It turned out to be both lucky for The Killer that he wasn't home when the assassins came, and unlucky that Magdala was there instead.

The Killer digests all this new information and makes a huge decision: he won't kill Claybourne, but if he decides to put another hit on The Killer again, he'll die a gruesome death. And it makes sense: Claybourne is a high-profile figure, whose death would no doubt be worthy of investigation (and, probably, lots of media attention). For a hitman who wants to lie low, it's not worth putting his life at risk.

Claybourne lives, and The Killer walks out. The next we see him is back in the Dominican Republic. He's retired (we're assuming) and lounges out in the sun with a healed Magdala.

It's likely we won't see more of this character, to be honest. Fincher isn't known for making sequels (though he's recently teased a second Social Network), and after killing just about everyone who would give him a job (and threatening the one person still left alive) it'd be surprising if The Killer decided to make a return to his life of assassinations. From his successful career, he likely has more than enough money to live the rest of his life under the radar and away from any U.S. law enforcement trying to track him down.

If you are interested in more adventures of The Killer, though, we have some good news: the film is based on a series of French graphic novels. And they are readily available for purchase.



Shop Now The Killer: Affairs of the State amazon.com $20.91

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A teenager in Las Vegas died from injuries he received earlier this month when he was beaten by a mob outside a high school, the boy's father says.

Jonathan Lewis Jr., 17, was "involved in a physical altercation with approximately 15 individuals" a short distance from Rancho High School on Nov. 1, according to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. When officers arrived, Jonathan was unconscious and school staffers were performing CPR. Emergency responders rushed him to a nearby hospital, where he later died.

The teen's father, Jonathan Lewis Sr., said his son was attacked after he jumped in to help his friend  a smaller boy who had something stolen from him by the group and was thrown into a trash can.

"Jonathan just wanted to protect his friend," Lewis, 38, told USA TODAY. "He's a hero."

Police investigate case as homicide; school district assists

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department's homicide unit is handling the case. On Tuesday, the department did not answer whether any suspects had been identified or arrested.

"The LVMPD is actively investigating this incident," an email from a department spokesperson said. "An update will be provided when available."

Videos of the incident circulated online and show the teen on the ground as he is being kicked and punched in a large brawl. Other teens stand to the side and can be seen filming with their cellphones.

In a statement shared with USA TODAY, the Clark County School District said it's working with police and the district attorney's office to ensure those responsible for Jonathan's death are "held accountable."

"All of CCSD grieves the loss of every student," the statement said, adding: "CCSD does not tolerate violence or threats to students or their safety. We all must come together as a community to address the needs of our students so disagreements are resolved through dialogue rather than violence."

The family started a GoFundMe to raise funds to be split between each of Jonathan's parents. As of Tuesday morning, more than $78,000 had been donated.

Family plans foundation to tackle youth violence issues

Jonathan was a connoisseur of music, especially hip-hop, and had aspirations of becoming "an artist of some kind," Lewis said.

In recent months, the pair had discussed the possibility of Jonathan moving to Austin, Texas, to live with his father. Lewis outfitted his home with a studio, and he intended to teach his son how to paint with acrylics.

"I had a car for him," Lewis said. "He was about to start a whole new life."

After he was attacked, Jonathan was taken to the University Medical Center of Southern Nevada, where he was put on life support and died four days later.

"I'm still in shock," Lewis said. "I'm going to probably spend the rest of my life just trying to do something about it now because ... I just lost my boy."

At their son's bedside, Jonathan's parents thought of starting a foundation  Team Jonathan  that would focus on root problems causing youth violence. Lewis made a website in dedication to his son and announced what he hopes will become a nonprofit with a national scope  one that would offer after-school and mentorship programs, especially for children without stable home lives.

And, as far as the ongoing criminal case, Lewis said he's not going to live in his pain and anger.

"Justice, to me, is not just these kids going to prison," he said. "I'm not going to feel like I have justice for my son until things change in society."

Christopher Cann is a breaking news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him via email at ccann@usatoday.com or follow him on X @ChrisCannFL.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Las Vegas teen Johnathan Lewis dies after being attacked by mob
A group of three librarians who were fired for opposing book ban policies in Texas, Wyoming, and Colorado has filed complaints with the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

If victorious, they could set a new precedent challenging the wave of conservative-backed book bans that have spread across the US in recent years.

Suzette Baker was fired from her position as library director of Llano County, Texas, in 2022 for refusing to take down a display of books targeted by previous book bans.

The display, featuring books touching on subjects including racism and the lives of LGBT+ people, included a tongue-in-cheek sign referencing a pastor in Tenessees book burning event that read, We put the lit in literature

I would love to be optimistic, Ms Baker, told The Associated Press. "I know there are a lot of people in this community who are just absolutely behind the library being open and free and equal for all. And theres a lot of people who arent. So its a hard, hard situation.

The Independent has contacted Llano Countys library system for comment.

The EEOC doesnt comment on pending or potential filings.

The workplace civil rights watchdog has the power to investigate employers, sue them, or authorise employees to bring lawsuits.

Llano County is also the subject of a separate April 2022 lawsuit from library patrons challenging the removal of 17 library books from a public display, with titles ranging from a teen book on the KKK, to Isabel Wilkersons Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents, and childrens book from the I Need a New Butt! series.

In March, a federal judge ordered the 17 titles temporarily returned to the shelves while the lawsuit is ongoing.

In June, a federal appeals court heard arguments from the county, which is challenging the lower court decision.

Llano County argues the books are still available within the library system, while the patrons argue that removing them because of their content violates the First Amendment.

There have been at least 1,477 attempts to ban 874 individual book titles within the first half of the 2022-2023 school year, according to PEN America. Thats an almost 30 per cent increase from the previous school year.

The bans disproportionately targeted stories by and about people of colour and LGBT+ people, PEN found, with at least 30 per cent of the impacted titles concerning race and racism, or featuring characters of colour. More than a quarter of challenged titles include LGBTQ+ characters or themes.

In 2022, the American Library Association recorded a record of more than 1,200 attempts to remove books from schools and libraries.

Alex Woodward contributed reporting to this story.
Olivia Swann, Todd Lasance

NCIS: Sydney heads Down Under for the first-ever international franchise of the hit naval investigative drama, which is shot against the beauty of Sydney Harbour, and as a result of the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes here in the U.S. will now premiere on CBS instead of staying exclusive to Australia, which was the original plan.

Prior to its premiere here in the U.S., Parade caught up with creator/showrunner Morgan ONeill for a chat about how NCIS: Sydney will stand out from the other four series in the franchise, and what will be familiar to fans.

I think between the combination of the location, the exoticism of a place like Australia, the tempo of the way we work and a sense of larrikinism [impertinent and disrespectful behaviour], youre going to get a very different flavor of NCIS: Sydney and hopefully one that is additive rather than duplicative, he says.

The story starts at the very beginning of the formation of an NCIS office in Australia when members of Americas NCIS agents afloat team and the Australian Federal Police (AFP) combine to solve the death of an American seaman which happened on a U.S. nuclear submarine during an AUKUS ceremony in Sydney Harbour.

"Im pretty excited by what weve delivered on," O'Neill continues. "I think fans of the show will recognize a lot of the shared DNA that NCIS: Sydney has with the other four iterations, thats for sure. But I think theyll also see a real twist in what theyre used to. The first international version of the show, the first show set in the Southern Hemisphere, the first blended family, the first time weve seen Americans and Australians working together. I think theres a lot of firsts that hopefully the core audience for NCIS will really lap up."

The series stars Olivia Swann as NCIS Special Agent Captain Michelle Mackey, Todd Lasance as AFP Liaison Officer Sergeant Jim 'JD' Dempsey, Mavournee Hazel as Forensic Pathologist Bluebird 'Blue' Gleeson, William McInnes as Forensic Pathologist Dr. Roy Penrose, Tuuli Narkle as AFP Liaison Officer Constable Evie Cooper, and Sean Sagar as Special Agent DeShawn Jackson.

Mavournee Hazel, William McInnes,, Tuuli Narkle, Todd Lasance, Olivia Swann and Sean Sagar Credit: Daniel Asher Smith/Paramount+

In addition to sharing his thoughts on what will be familiar and what will be new, ONeill reveals a big Easter egg from episode two that ties in with the very first episode of NCIS, which took place aboard Air Force One.

Read on for what the Aussie showrunner had to say about the making of the latest chapter of NCIS:

Former NCIS showrunners Shane Brennan and Don Bellisario are sometimes in Australia. Did you want to chat with them?

We didnt, although I know that Don does have a presence in Australia, and obviously Shane does, too. Shanes currently the president of our Writers Guild. Obviously, they both have deep roots in the show. But, no, when the opportunity first arose, my first instinct was to go back and watch every episode of the show I could possibly watch to make sure that I understood the show in its foundational form.

Watching it, it became very clear that while each of the iterations of the show is very different one to the other, they all have this shared DNA, which is that you really love to spend an hour with these characters. They feel like family to one another and then hopefully as you watch, they feel like family to you.

You feel like its a kind of comfort food in a time when if you open the newspaper or click online theres a lot of really dark stuff going on in the world. I think in some ways shows like NCIS are a bit of an antidote to that. And so, I felt like thats a shared DNA that all those iterations of the show have that we also tried to replicate.

Moran O'Neill Photo: Daniel Asher Smith/Paramount+

Related: Every NCIS Spinoff and Where to Watch Them

I also understood if you take a sample of those four existing franchises [NCIS, NCIS: New Orleans, NCIS: Los Angeles, NCIS: Hawaii] you can see that the makers were never interested in replicating the show. They didnt want to make the same show twice. Los Angeles is incredibly different to the original show, and New Orleans to that and Hawaii to that again.

And so, I felt really confident that the pathway to success in terms of expanding the universe of NCIS was not to try and make the same show again, but to really feel empowered to make an authentic show that felt like it was from somewhere else. And in this case somewhere else is a long way from everywhere else. Thats a good thing for us. That gives us a real point of difference.

All the shows are different. They obviously have NCIS in common. But they also have something else in common. What do you think it is that they have in common that you want to include in NCIS: Sydney?

Theres a few things. They all have fun in common, and a kind of twinkle in the eye. Theres a lot of police procedurals on telly right now that you can watch and theyre great shows, but theyre really focused on peeling back the human psyche and looking at the dark insides of what we are and what makes us tick. And thats all great, but thats not really NCIS. NCIS does it with a twinkle, with a little cheeky wink. I think thats really distinctive to NCIS. And, interestingly, thats really distinctive to Australians. Thats kind of how we are, certainly how were perceived internationally. From that perspective I think thats something that all the NCIS shows share in common.

Another thing is that watching the show you realize that the organization of NCIS is the minnow in the 17 U.S. military intelligence acronyms. There are 17 of them to my knowledge. You have NSA, CIA and the FBI up one end with hundreds of thousands of employees. And then all the way down at the other end, number 17 of 17 is NCIS, which has 1,000 agents worldwide. Its the smallest, its the least resourced, its the least known of all these organizations, which makes it the scrappiest. Real world and on the show, they constantly have to do more with less. Theyre underdogs. You could be describing Australia; thats how Australias viewed.

So, from that perspective NCIS in Sydney is a perfect fit. When you consider that we have this enormous harbor, the worlds largest harbor, we live on the worlds largest island in this really contested patch of water that is the Indo-Pacific. Im shocked that we havent already made this show.

William McInnes, Sean Sagar, Tuuli Narkle, Todd Lasance, Olivia Swann, and Mavournee Hazel Credit: Daniel Asher Smith/Paramount+

To me, the element that they all have in common is that the teams come to be families and theyre families that bicker and they tease each other. Its that camaraderie that we tune in for every week.

Thats exactly right. I was describing it to someone the other day as in some ways its a family drama crossed with a workplace comedy. That I think is such a special tone the show has, and we tried really hard to make sure that we played within the world of that special tone.

We have the advantage, obviously, of the family coming together for the very first time on day one. What the other iterations have always done is drop the audience into an office that was already completely functional with already established relationships that were well advanced, and they basically played off of that. Whereas we have the advantage of watching them walk into the office on day one not having known each other, having to build those bonds and having to test them and having to try and create a sense of family on the run, at speed, while trying to solve a crime in 42 minutes. Thats just inherently fun.

Then when you consider that the two parts of this organization are coming together with two very different cultural lenses, theres the opportunity for so much of this culture clash coming together and misunderstanding and cross communication and miscommunication. We leaned into it because it seems a very obvious and enjoyable place to kick the show off from.

Related: Can You Imagine Harrison Ford or Jennifer Aniston as the Stars of NCIS?

When you sit down and you have this blank page in front of you and you have to create the show, how do you decide on the characters? Yes, there has to be somebody who leads the team, there has to be somebody who does the technical stuff and there has to be somebody who does the autopsies. But how do you flesh them out and give them personalities?

Look, youre absolutely right. Any audience of this show knows that there are particular roles to be filled. There has to be someone who leads the team, there has to be someone whos the 2IC [2IC means second in command], there has to be someone who has the medical skills to autopsy a body and work out cause of death, and there has to be someone who has the forensic skills to work out the nitty gritty of the crime. Each of the iterations of the NCIS franchise has those characters. The key is not to simply ape those characters in a new show. That would have been death.

Look at the character of Abby (Pauley Perrette), for instance. I think Abby is one of the iconic characters of the 21st century on television. Shes beloved and shes universally recognized. Theres no way you could create Abby version 2.0. Youd be trying to push s--t up hill, basically. Shes already claimed that space. So, from that perspective, when it came time to create the character of Bluebird Gleeson, I wanted to have a nod to Abby in a funny way, but I also wanted to go as far from that as possible. In the character of Blue, for instance, shes got a massive imposter syndrome going on. Shes too young, shes ill qualified, she doesnt feel like she belongs playing with the adults. Shes socially awkward and a little anxious.

What she shares in common with Abby is that shes tremendously good at her job. And shes naturally gifted in the world in which shes chosen to exist. I guess in short, the idea is to look at the archetypes that the show requires and then to find a new spin on them, so it doesnt feel like were just treading water.

Similarly, with Captain Michelle Mackey, who runs the outfit. Shes a former Marine Corps chopper pilot; shes a maverick. Shes really hard to work with. Shes shuttled around the world of NCIS staying in port just long enough to piss people off before shes moved on again. Shes a tricky customer to play with but her maverick instincts are often the reason that the case gets solved. Shes got a little bit of Gibbs in her if you look at her from that perspective. A little bit of Gibbs, but were not trying to create Gibbs 2.0.

Related: Mark Harmon Discusses Life Post-NCIS and Whether He's Retired From Acting

In the character of Michelle Mackey, weve got a really new, fresh, interesting female head who bucks the trend of what happens a lot on television, which is to create female characters who are warm and motherly and accessible and approachable. All of which are great, but I was more interested in creating a character who was forged on the battlefield a little bit and who you really have to work to open up. When you do, its really satisfying.

Weve tried to create characters who are interesting, who have contour and angle and who dont feel like cookie cutter characters that wed seen before on TV. Were playing with the archetypes and then trying to work against them as much as you can.

William McInnes, Mavournee Hazel and Olivia Swann Credit: Daniel Asher Smith/Paramount+

We talked about how its similar to the other shows. What makes it uniquely NCIS: Sydney? Besides the harbor, which adds so much with its beauty.

In addition to the harbor and the fact that were 9,000 miles from Los Angeles and the water goes down our sinks the other way around and summer is winter and winter is summer, apart from all that location stuff  what I love doing when I travel is I love sitting in a coffee shop and just watching the tempo of the world around me to try and see how that tempo differs to what Im familiar with. You can see it in the franchises that exist already. L.A. is kind of fast and flashy and has a really high tempo. New Orleans has this laid back, jazz infused, Big Easy low, sultry walk through life. The tempo of those two worlds is very, very different one to the other.

I think what makes Sydney different is that it has its own rhythm, it has its own tempo. We have a word, larrikinism, which I naively thought was an international word but apparently, its not very well known internationally. A larrikin is someone who is naturally mischievous and understatedly funny. Australians have a sense of larrikinism.

The Australian larrikin was introduced to the world by Crocodile Dundee all those years ago, where its a laconic, laid back, understated sense of humor. The show has that, I think, and I think that should feel distinctively Australian.

I dont think youre going to get that sense of what JD brings to the show, for instance. He never undermines Mackey as the boss, but hes constantly keeping her honest just with a comment here or there to make sure that the Australian way, which is quite different to a lot of other countries... We dont do very well with hierarchies in Australia. We have a more egalitarian sense of how things like offices should run.

When Mackey comes in, a former Marine Corps captain and NCIS special agent, she has a sense of what authority should look like. We, as Australians, have a little difficulty playing that game. I think youll find a flattening of the hierarchies is a very distinctive Australian thing so anyone can speak their minds. Thats also fun.

Related: Find Out Which NCIS: Los Angeles Star Will Join NCIS: Hawai'i

NCIS: LA had Deeks (Eric Christian Olsen) as an LAPD officer assigned to NCIS, but the Sydney team is made up of NCIS and Australian Federal Police, so thats an aspect, also, that is unique to the show, that theyre combined.

Hugely. I think the Australian Federal Police are our equivalent of the FBI. When NCIS operates in Australia, it operates under the authority of organizations like the AFP. So, thats a brand-new situation for NCIS, but also its a brand new situation for the officers of the AFP. They effectively get seconded to a foreign law enforcement organization and everything that goes with that. Its new both for the show, but also for those Australian law enforcement officers who find themselves investigating U.S. naval crimes for the first time. So, theres a lot of firsts.

One episode has an extremely venomous snake in it. Will we see a lot of dangerous animals?

Look, its Australia so you can only go so far before you bump into a dangerous animal. Its the truth. We have a reputation internationally as being this place where everything can kill you. In one sense, thats true. In another sense, its just the version of Australia that the world sees. But we do have 20 of the worlds 25 most dangerous snakes in this country and 80 percent of the worlds most venomous creatures.

I was talking to a friend from Darwin the other day, which is where a lot of Marines are based, which is in the very top end of Australia. There are 180,000 people up there, including 5,000 Marines. But 200,000 saltwater crocodiles. And so, youve got a situation where the salties outnumber the humans, which is pretty indicative of the country that we live in.

We meet an Inland Taipan in episode two, which for those viewers who are into Easter eggs for a show like this if you remember back to the very first episode of the very first iteration of NCIS, the toxin that was on the collar of the shirt that was worn by the Naval officer aboard Air Force One, the toxin that was impregnated at the dry cleaners was Inland Taipan venom. We thought wed give a big nod back to the very original show some 20 years ago and include the Inland Taipan, which only exists in Australia. We figured they were future nodding to us and we would nod in retrospect back to them.

Related: The 'NCIS' Cast: Where Are they Now?

What if we love NCIS: Sydney, are we going to get to see season 2? Or because the strike is over, is it going back to the original plan to be exclusive to Australia?

Ive got a sneaking suspicion that youll be seeing more of us. Obviously, we havent announced season 2 yet, but should that happen, were geared up and ready to go. As I was saying to someone the other day, NCIS isnt really in the habit of making one-off series. This is a universe that likes to expand and keep expanding. Hopefully, if you enjoy the show as much as I hope you will, well get the opportunity to do it again and to keep telling you stories from the great southern land.

NCIS: Sydney premieres on Tuesday, Nov. 14 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CBS and streams on Paramount+ the following day.

Next, Many Questions Remain as NCIS Heads Into Its 21st Season
SANFORD, Maine  There is a new and unusual union in the state of Maine, and its officers and members recently held their first meeting in Sanford.

The Maine Cannabis Union.

Since unions are common  for firefighters, teachers, electrical workers, and more have them  you might ask what makes this newly formed one unusual.

Pete Tranchemontage, of Uncle Petes Re-Leaf, a medical marijuana provider in Sanford, can tell you. Hes the vice president of the organizations board of directors.

Anybody that has teeth in the industry, we all want to get together, Tranchemontagne said during a recent interview at his home.

The Maine Cannabis Union is working to secure quality and affordable health benefits for its members and protect the small marijuana businesses from corporate influences.

Growers. Dispensary owners. Their employees. All of them, according to Tranchemontagne.

I know for a fact they can make a difference, he added.

According to Susan Meehan, president of the new union, efforts are focused on securing quality and affordable health benefits for members and protecting the cottage industry of small cannabis businesses throughout the state from corporate influences, interests and attempts to take over the field.

Its healthy as it is now, with small businesses serving their community, Meehan said.

Meehan does not own a cannabis business but does hold a registry card that allows her to work in the industry. Before the union, and now for the union, she focuses on legislative analysis and research, advocacy, and community building, she said.

More: Maine's Patrick Dempsey named Sexiest Man Alive by People magazine

'Strength in numbers' fuels Maine Cannabis Union

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers officially welcomed the Maine Cannabis Union into its ranks Oct. 10. The union, registered with the Maine Secretary of States Office as a nonprofit organization, states on its website that it relies on advocacy, communication, education, community engagement, and the democratic process to advance its mission.

Joining forces with the IAMAW has allowed the Maine cannabis industry to find strength in numbers, Meehan said. She added that the Maine Lobstering Union also is an affiliate of the IAMAW.

Pete Tranchemontagne is seen here outside his South Sanford home, where he runs his medical cannabis business, Uncle Pete's Re-Leaf. Tranchemontagne is the vice president of the board of directors for the newly formed Maine Cannabis Union.

The strength in numbers is phenomenal, she said. These are industries that we see as key to the economy and integral to the Maine landscape.

The union had its first meeting at the former Back Street Sanford restaurant on Oct. 14. A meet-and-greet for members and prospective members will be held at Sticky Bud Farms in Windham on Dec. 2.

As of Nov. 10, the union had approximately three dozen members, comprised largely of business owners, some of whom are licensed for both medical and adult-use cannabis.

Were averaging about 5 to 10 new members a week, Meehan said. I believe our membership will skyrocket once employees join us.

Gravy runs out: Wells restaurant to shut down a year after making move from Somersworth

Affordable health insurance, lobbying and more

Susan Meehan, the president of the newly formed Maine Cannabis Union, is seen here at the State House in Augusta, where she frequently advocates for stakeholders in the cannabis movement and industry.

According to Meehan, the union is working on how it may benefit patients and customers in the future. Both are welcome to donate to the union and join its efforts, Meehan said.

Regarding health benefits, Tranchemontagne said people in the industry have to get a really expensive private-group plans or otherwise rely on MaineCare for their medical needs.

We have to build out numbers, so we can go in and get better benefits and better premiums on everything, Tranchemontagne said of the union.

In this Dec. 13, 2017, file photo, James MacWilliams prunes a marijuana plant growing indoors in Portland, Maine. The Maine Cannabis Union, a new organization that represents cannabis growers, dispensary owners and employees, recently formed.

Other benefits of joining the union, according to Tranchemontagne: members no longer have to pay for lobbyists, and they also get to vote on union matters, including who serves on the board of directors.

Youre a paying member, you vote, he said. You have a right. You dont get steamrolled.

Tranchemontagne said it would help the states economy if the new union grew in membership and secured quality health benefits for their numbers.

More: Maines Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge to build new visitor center

Union president: 'We want this industry to succeed'

Both Tranchemontagne and Meehan are veterans of the cannabis movement with personal stories driving their advocacy.

Tranchemontagne said cannabis has helped him manage both his health and the pain he experiences as someone who suffered a devastating level of poisoning from a bottle of foreign water nearly 40 years ago. The incident wreaked havoc on his body, brought him close to death, and continues to challenge him to this day, he said.

Meehan said cannabis was the only thing that worked for her young daughter, Cyndimae, who had a debilitating form of epilepsy.

Meehan moved from Connecticut to Maine so she could access cannabis for her daughter, who became a national advocate for medical marijuana. Cyndimae died in 2016 at the age of 13.

Susan Meehan, left, says cannabis improved the quality of life for her daughter, Cyndimae, who battled a ruthless form of epilepsy. Cyndimae was such a fighter and an advocate for herself and others that national news media reported her passing at the age of 13 in 2016.

Tranchemontagne expressed optimism that the new union is going to do a lot of good.

Everybody matters, he said. Its a brand new industry, and its our one chance to steer this right.

Meehan also expressed optimism, noting that the union has a unique makeup.

Were hoping it becomes a new and effective model, she said. We want this industry to succeed.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Maine Cannabis Union: Marijuana workers and businesses unite
WASHINGTON  Tens of thousands of demonstrators gathered at the National Mall on Tuesday for a rally in support of Israel and against the antisemitism and bias incidents that have erupted in the U.S. since the start of the Gaza war.

The "March for Israel" rally came as the war between Israel and Hamas entered its sixth week and with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continuing to reject calls for a cease-fire.

This is the moment to speak up for ourselves and be united in support of Israel, said 21-year-old Indiana University student Jared Cohen.

Follow live updates here

Meanwhile, the death toll in Gaza continued to climb and Palestinians trapped there by the fighting faced a dire humanitarian crisis, many hiding in packed hospitals that were struggling to treat patients while fuel, food and power remained in short supply.

The latest convulsion of violence in the Holy Land erupted on Oct. 7 when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking some 240 hostages.

People attend a

Supporters speak out

Tahl Ben-Yehuda, 53, a cantor from Overland Park, Kansas, said she came to be a voice for two of her cousins, Keith and Aviva Siegel, who had been taken by Hamas.

Those hostages need to be freed, Ben-Yehuda said. Israel is living right now with an existential threat. It is simply not okay to let 240 people be held as hostages. The world needs to rise.

Organizers of Tuesday's event said they are not only calling for the return of the hostages but want to underscore "Israel's right to remain free from violence and the right of Jewish communities in North America and around the world to live free from hate."

"There's no place for such an ancient form of hate," said Gil Preuss, the CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, a chapter of the Jewish Federations of North America.

Preuss said the Hamas attack on Israel should be an opportunity for peace-seeking Israelis and Palestinians to seek the eradication of the militant group.

"I firmly believe that Israelis and Palestinians need to be able to live in freedom and security, and it is the goal that both populations would like to have," Preuss said. "The question is how do we get there?"

Thousands of civilians, both Palestinians and Israelis, have died since October 7, 2023, after Palestinian Hamas militants based in the Gaza Strip entered southern Israel in an unprecedented attack triggering a war declared by Israel on Hamas with retaliatory bombings on Gaza. (Brendan Smialowski / AFP - Getty Images)

Ben-Yehuda, who considers herself a liberal Jew, said she too has empathy for Palestinians in Gaza and remains critical of Netanyahus policies and failures for not working toward a two-state solution.

I believe in the state of Israel, but the government is different, Ben-Yehuda said. Israel has to continue, but she has to be for justice.

Busloads of pro-Israel supporters began arriving at the Stadium-Armory in Washington, D.C. well before the march got underway.

Several were chartered by New York Citys Temple Emanu-El for D.C. More buses carrying an estimated 1,250 people from the Jewish Federation of Cleveland arrived at the Kennedy Center. And a group from Hebrew Academy Miami posed with the Israeli flag before heading to the rally.

But many were greeted by sometimes profane anti-Israel graffiti sprayed in red paint on sidewalks and garbage dispensers.

"It's sickening to know that's what people are doing," said Simon Taylor, a representative from the Orthodox Union.

Ruthie Hollander, who is also a member of the Orthodox Union and had her 14-year-old daughter in tow as she greeted the buses, said in her community "every single person is one degree of separation from someone in Israel."

And so wherever politically many fall out, on a personal level, this is such a tragedy and so difficult," Hollander said. "Many of us are really struggling even to just go day to day and theres a lot of fear, especially in New York City. Hate crimes have risen significantly.

Increased security

Concerned about possible outbreaks of violence between pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian supporters, Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser took steps early on to make sure her police force and the National Guard were ready.

The Department of Homeland Security raised the security level to the highest designation in anticipation of an enormous crowd and because members of Congress were expected to attend, two DHS officials told NBC News.

Image: Participants hold signs as they stand on the National Mall at the March for Israel (Mark Schiefelbein / AP)

Among others, the speakers at the event were expected to include Israeli President Isaac Herzog, "Will & Grace" star Debra Messing, and relatives of the hostages being held by Hamas.

Netanyahu suggested Sunday there might be a possible deal to release the hostages.

While the event is billed as a "march," it is expected to stay within the National Mall rather than spill out into the streets. Organizers have said upward of 60,000 people could attend.

A march through the streets of Paris against antisemitism attracted about 100,000 people Sunday, and it was supported by representatives of the major political parties.

At least one pro-Palestinian group, the Washington chapter of the Palestinian Youth Movement, has asked its supporters on Instagram "not to engage" with Tuesday's pro-Israel event. Since the fighting began on Oct. 7, pro-Palestinian organizations have held their own rallies in cities across the U.S. and globally.

Demonstrations have also roiled college campuses as schools struggle to contain escalating rhetoric and threats of violence. They include an Arab Muslim student at Stanford University who was struck in a hit-and-run that authorities are investigating as a hate crime and the arrest last month of a Cornell University junior accused of making online threats to Jewish students.

The Anti-Defamation League said Monday that in the month since the war between Israel and Hamas began, it has documented 832 antisemitic incidents of assault, vandalism and harassment across the U.S. This is a 316% increase from the same period last year.

"As we have seen repeatedly, when conflict arises in the Middle East, particularly when Israel exercises its right to self-defense, antisemitic incidents increase here in the U.S. and around the world," Jonathan Greenblatt, the league's CEO, said in a statement.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations also said it has seen a sharp rise in bias incidents since Oct. 7. Since then, the group said, it has received 1,283 "requests for help and reports of bias," a 216% increase from an average period last year.

Corey Saylor, the council's research and advocacy director, said it was the largest wave of Islamophobic bias the group has documented since the Trump administration implemented an immigration ban.

"Both Islamophobia and anti-Arab racism are out of control in ways we have not seen in almost 10 years," Saylor said in a statement.

Erik Ortiz and Julia Ainsley reported from Washington, Corky Siemaszko reported from New York City.
A Pafford EMS medical transport helicopter lifts off from outside Joe Aillet Stadium on the Louisiana Tech University campus

A student at Louisiana Tech University is accused of injuring four people in random stabbings on campus.

Jacoby Johnson, a senior at the school, was arrested Monday on campus after the stabbing incidents, which occurred shortly after 9 a.m.

Johnson is being held at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center and has been charged with four counts of attempted second-degree murder, according to the school.

Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker said three of the four victims were airlifted to a local hospital. One did not need treatment.

Two of the victims in the hospital are in critical but stable condition, and one is in stable condition. Walker said their injuries were "very serious at the time" of the incident.

All four victims are female. Their identities have not been released.

While the suspect had no prior criminal history, police said there was one previous incident in which he needed to be checked on, and was deemed OK at the time by authorities.

Police said Johnson used a knife with a 4-inch blade during the attacks on campus.

The stabbings "are deeply disturbing for all of us in the City of Ruston," said the mayor. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families during this very difficult time."

Walker said the safety of residents, faculty and staff at Louisiana Tech are of "paramount importance," and that a thorough investigation is underway.

Louisiana Tech President Les Guice also spoke out following the stabbings.

"In the wake of this unsettling incident, our hearts go out to those impacted most directly. Our immediate focus is on those affected by today's violence. While we're grateful for the timely care being provided to the victims, we understand the shock and worry that may linger on campus and in the community," Guice said.

"The University will continue to make safety a priority. Please know that you can and should be willing to give and receive compassion and support as needed during this time. I encourage you to rely on the bonds of the Tech community as we grieve and heal," he continued.

Louisiana Tech will hold special group counseling sessions throughout the week. The school's standard counseling services are also available to students individually at no charge.

A prayer vigil will be held by the Black Student Union Tuesday night at 6 p.m. in the Quad.

A blood drive will be held on campus at Tolliver Hall from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday.

An investigation remains open and ongoing.
Rishi Sunaks government has announced sanctions against four senior Hamas leaders and two of the groups financiers, in David Camerons first move as the new foreign secretary.

Lord Cameron  who has been handed a life peerage so he can join the Tory government  said he wanted to help Israel disrupt the abhorrent terrorist organisation.

The sanctions were coordinated with similar measures introduced by the Joe Biden administration in the US, also targeting leaders and financiers.

We will continue to use every tool at our disposal to disrupt the abhorrent activity of this terrorist organisation, working with the United States and our other allies, making it harder for them to operate and isolating them on the world stage, said the former Tory PM.

The new foreign secretary added: The Palestinian people are victims of Hamas too. We stand in solidarity with them and will continue to support humanitarian pauses to allow significantly more lifesaving aid to reach Gaza.

The Foreign Office said Hamas political leader Yahya Sinwar was among the key individuals from the groups political and military wings targeted by the new sanctions.

Sinwar, Muhammed Deif, Marwan Issa, Musa Dudin, Abdelbasit Hamza and Nabil Chouman have been made subject to travel bans, asset freezes and arms embargoes that prohibit the sale of weapons to any of the individuals, the Foreign Office said.

The action is co-ordinated with the US and aimed at disrupting operations even if the leaders are pulling the strings from outside of Gaza, Mr Camerons department said.

Sinwar, Deif and Issa are all senior leaders of Hamas while Dudin is a West Bank-based Hamas official and Hamza and Chouman are both financiers, according to the government.

David Cameron attended cabinet for the first time as foreign secretary (Getty Images)

US Treasury secretary Janet Yellen said the Biden government would continue to work with its partners, including Britain, to deny Hamas the ability to raise and use funds to carry out its atrocities.

Mahmoud Khaled Zahhar, a senior member and co-founder of Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ)s representative to Iran and the Damascus-based deputy secretary general of PIJ and leader of its militant wing were among those sanctioned by Washington.

Lebanon-based money exchange company Nabil Chouman & Co was also targeted, along with its owner and founder. The US Treasury accused the company of having served as a conduit for transferring funds to Hamas.

It come as junior Foreign Office minister Andrew Mitchell has said the Sunak government is considering using air and maritime options to get more aid into Gaza  including through its bases in Cyprus.

The junior minister told the Commons the government was considering its options for transporting aid into the war-torn Palestinian territory.

Mr Mitchell also insisted that Mr Cameron believes it is essential that MPs are able to scrutinise his work  even though they will not be able to question him directly in the Commons.

The return of Mr Cameron  who advocated for Remain in the Brexit referendum he called in 2016  has sparked a furious backlash from Tory Brexiteers.

Its back to the past: a world in which Brexit may have happened legally but not in the mindset of those who rule us, said Boris Johnsons former Brexit minister Lord Frost.

Meanwhile, China hawks criticised Mr Camerons return to the frontline and said he should explain and business links to Beijing. Lord Cameron became vice chairman of the China-UK investment fund after leaving No 10.

Former Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith has questioned how Mr Camerons conflict of interest with his business links to China will be resolved.

Im a little bit puzzled about this because until recently it appears hes being paid by the Chinese government to promote certain things to do with the government, Sir Iain told GB News.
Former Conservative prime minister David Cameron has made a shock return to government after being appointed foreign secretary in a bombshell Cabinet reshuffle.

Mr Cameron, who is not an elected MP but was made a peer on Monday, is replacing James Cleverly in the role as he moves to the Home Office to replace Suella Braverman.

The controversial home secretary was sacked in the emergency reshuffle after a month that began with her suggesting homelessness was a lifestyle choice and ended with her being blamed for far-right protesters disrupting a pro-Palestine rally she had branded a hate march, a tense situation that lead to violent clashes and 100 arrests.

Mr Cameron had appeared alongside Mr Sunak and other former prime ministers at the Cenotaph in Whitehall on Remembrance Sunday to pay respects to Britains war dead, just hours before accepting his successors invitation to serve as foreign secretary.

Elected Conservative Party leader on 6 December 2005, Mr Cameron led a coalition government with the Liberal Democrats from May 2010 and then a Tory majority administration from May 2015.

Follow all the latest on the Cabinet reshuffle on our live blog.

Rishi Sunak has appointed former prime minister David Cameron as foreign secretary (REUTERS)

His tenure in Downing Street ended on 13 July 2016 after the referendum on Britains future within the European Union (EU), which he had called, ended with a narrow win for the Leave campaign, prompting the pro-Remain PM to step aside.

Mr Cameron duly stood down as MP for Witney in Oxfordshire in September 2016 and has since spent his time residing in leafy Chipping Norton, writing his memoirs, helping out at the local food bank and otherwise pursuing opportunities as a lobbyist, occasionally to controversial effect.

But how can the former PM become foreign minister without being elected? We take a look below:

How can David Cameron return to government without being an MP?

The reason Mr Cameron can return to Cabinet despite no longer serving as an elected MP is that King Charles III has just handed him the dignity of a Barony of the United Kingdom for life, a hastily-awarded life peerage that entitles him to enter the House of Lords and therefore take up the role.

This is permitted because, under Britains unwritten constitution, it does not expressly say that a person must be an MP to become a minister. However, the ministerial code does stipulate that a secretary of state must be a member of the House of Commons or the Lords in order to qualify for the position.

Making Mr Cameron a peer, therefore, clears the path for him to serve as foreign secretary, although the process of formalising his title could take several weeks as it will require a number of legal documents, including letters patent and a writ of summons, to be drafted, submitted and approved.

Former prime ministers David Cameron, Gordon Brown, Tony Blair and John Major attend the Remembrance Sunday ceremony at the Cenotaph (Getty Images)

However, even then the appointment is not without complications. As the SNPs leader in Westminster, Stephen Flynn, was quick to point out on Monday, Mr Cameron will only be accountable to parliaments select committees, rather than to the members directly, because he is not a member of the Commons.

Tory MP Sir Michael Fabricant was also among those complaining that Mr Cameron wont be accountable to MPs other than before a select committee  noting that he will not be allowed to make statements, answer urgent questions, or take part in foreign office questions in the Commons.

In taking the role, Mr Cameron becomes the 15th former prime minister to serve in a later government led by someone else, following in the footsteps of former Tory PMs Sir Alec Douglas-Home, Neville Chamberlain and Arthur Balfour.

Another notable example of an unelected minister from recent history serving the British government is Lord David Frost, who was Brexit minister in the aftermath of the referendum and Boris Johnsons chief negotiator to the EU before resigning from government in 2021.

What has Cameron said  and what has been the reaction?

Anticipating hostility given his recent criticism of Mr Sunaks decision to scrap the northern leg of the HS2 high-speed rail project, Mr Cameron acknowledged on Monday that he may have disagreed with some individual decisions by the current administration but hailed his new boss as a strong and capable prime minister.

Writing on X, formerly Twitter, he said: We are facing a daunting set of international challenges, including the war in Ukraine and the crisis in the Middle East.

At this time of profound global change, it has rarely been more important for this country to stand by our allies, strengthen our partnerships and make sure our voice is heard.

The Prime Minister has asked me to serve as his Foreign Secretary and I have gladly accepted.



We are facing a daunting set of international challenges, including the war in Ukraine and the crisis in the Middle East. At this time of profound global change, it has rarely been more  David Cameron (@David_Cameron) November 13, 2023

Among those immediately critical of Mr Camerons appointment was the aforementioned Mr Flynn, who posted on X: Truly remarkable that during a time of huge international unrest, not least in Ukraine and Gaza, the House of Commons will not be able to directly scrutinise the work of the actual foreign secretary. The UK is not a serious country.

Liberal Democrat foreign affairs spokesman Layla Moran meanwhile cited the 2021 Greensill lobbying scandal as grounds for revoking his qualifying peerage.

Bringing back a scandal-hit, unelected former prime minister who has been criticising Sunaks government at every turn has the stench of desperation, she said.

There is not even the bottom of the barrel left for Sunak to scrape in the Conservative Party. David Cameron was at the heart of the biggest lobbying scandal of recent times. Handing him a peerage makes a mockery of our honours system. Camerons peerage should be blocked given his shady past.

Pat McFadden, the Labour Partys national campaign coordinator, observed: A few weeks ago, Rishi Sunak said David Cameron was part of a failed status quo  now hes bringing him back as his life raft.

This puts to bed the prime ministers laughable claim to offer change from 13 years of Tory failure.
Democrats gained control of one Pennsylvania countys Board of Commissioners for the first time in 100 years following the concession of the incumbent Republican commissioner on Monday.

After a tight race for Dauphin Countys Board of Commissioners in Pennsylvania, the boards incumbent vice chairman Chad Saylor announced on Monday he would concede to Democratic challenger Justin Douglas, congratulating his opponent in a statement online.

The county commissioner election is close, but the outcome is now clear. I congratulate Justin Douglas on his victory and wish him all the best as he becomes the new Dauphin County Commissioner in January, Saylor wrote in a statement posted to the countys Facebook page.

Saylor called his time on the board the most rewarding experience of his career and said the remainder of his term will focus on adopting a county budget.

Unofficial election results as of Monday showed Douglas had just a 55-vote lead over Saylor, a difference of .05 percent of the total vote. Incumbent commissioners George Hartwick, a Democrat, and board chairman Mike Pries, a Republican, both won reelection to their seats, each garnering about 27 percent of the vote for the three-person vote.

Republicans have controlled Dauphin Countys board of commissioners since 1919, according to PennLive.com.

Saylor was appointed to the board in June 2021 to fill the term of former commissioner Jeff Haste. Prior to his time on the board, Saylor spent more than 30 years in government and political at the state and local levels, according to Dauphin Countys website.

Douglas on Monday referenced Saylors concession in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, where he reposted news of the concession and wrote, Happy Monday.

The Pennsylvania Capital-Star reported Douglas is a pastor living in Conwego Township with his wife and three children. He has reportedly worked with the unhoused population, LGBTQ individuals and those dealing with poverty and has pledged to focus on the countys corrections system, mental health care services and workforce if elected, according to the Pennsylvania Capital-Star.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A former Fox News Capitol Hill reporter and producer has sued the network, claiming he was fired for challenging its on-air lies about the 2020 election.

Jason Donner alleges in the lawsuit that Fox News knew President Donald Trump's claims that voter fraud was behind his 2020 loss were false but that following backlash from Trump and the network's audience over its Election Day announcement that President Joe Biden had won Arizona, it "purged" journalists who spoke out against false election fraud claims.

"To win back viewership and pledge its loyalty to President Trump, Foxs corporate leadership purged the news division and those reporters who spoke out against claims of election fraud," says the suit, filed in Washington, D.C., Superior Court.

The wrongful termination and discrimination claim seeks undisclosed damages and expenses, as well as a judgment that would prohibit Fox News from discriminating or retaliating against Donner or other current or former Fox News employees. Though it was filed Sept. 27, the lawsuit did not come to light until Monday in a report by the Daily Beast.

Mr. Donners lawsuit speaks for itself, and we have no further comment beyond that, plaintiffs lawyer Brendan J. Klaproth said by email.

Neither a Fox News spokesperson nor lawyers for the network responded to requests for comment.

The suit claims the network immediately capitulated to Trump after he denounced it. Post-election layoffs included the reporter who made the announcement on the air, Chris Stirewalt, and about 20 other journalists, the suit says.

The filing cites text messages between Lachlan Murdoch, a co-chair of Fox News' parent company, News Corp., and the network's CEO, Suzanne Scott, in which Scott is quoted as saying the network's Arizona call "was damaging but we will highlight our stars and plant flags letting the viewers know we hear them and respect them.

A News Corp. spokesperson did not immediately respond to an inquiry seeking comment from Murdoch or his representatives at the company.

According to the suit, Donner was reprimanded and prohibited from expressing "opinions" when, on Nov. 19, 2020, he posted on Twitter (now known as X) that Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani claimed voter fraud in Philadelphia but told a Pennsylvania court, "This is not a fraud case."

Fox News became a "toxic environment" for journalists with allegiance to the truth, the suit says, and the toxicity reached a peak on Jan. 6, 2021, when Trump supporters stormed the Capitol in an attempt to thwart the counting of the electoral votes certifying Biden's victory.

Donner was working in the Senate's Radio and Television Correspondents Gallery when the Capitol was breached, the claim says. As the Capitol began to be "attacked," he said, he sought refuge inside the Fox News booth as the network reported that the rioters were "peaceful," according to the suit.

Later, as violence continued, including gunshots, a Fox News reporter said of rioters on the air, according to the claim, "When you hear their voices, you can understand why they were severely disappointed."

Donner called the Fox News control room, according to the filing, and said, "I dont want to hear any of this f-----g s--- on our air ever again because youre gonna get us all killed."

Despite increased scrutiny from Fox News executives, according to the suit, Donner was defiantly pro-fact, pushing back when executives directed reporters to cover stories based on pro-Trump opinion pieces published by newspapers and conservative websites, the filing says.

When prime time host Tucker Carlson prepared to air a special, "Patriot Purge," that claimed the Jan. 6 incursion was orchestrated by Trump opponents, Donner worked on a piece debunking the conspiracy theory and other false claims in the special, the suit says.

"Patriot Purge was released despite the fact that Fox News knew it contained false information," the suit says.

By spring 2022, Donner was in the crosshairs of managers, including his new supervisor, who "demanded" that he and colleagues "inaccurately report on the election and former President Trump."

Donner went on medical leave shortly thereafter, according to the lawsuit. The filing further says that after he returned, he filed a written complaint to his supervisor and the network's human resources department, taking issue with coverage that included false claims about the Capitol insurrection, as well as criticisms that he was reporting on topics "the network does not care about," such as Supreme Court nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson's confirmation process.

That resulted in an over two-hour-long Zoom meeting with HR in which Donner complained about the "false reporting" by Carlson, who has since left the network, and the "toxic environment" it bred there, the suit claims.

A request for comment sent to the Facebook page of Carlson's new show was not immediately answered.

The next month, Donner took a sick day as he recovered from the effects of the Covid vaccine, resulting in his supervisor's calling him the next day and yelling at him while questioning his work ethic, according to the lawsuit. He was fired the day after that, on Sept. 28, 2022, the suit says.

The suit cites information included in Dominion Voting Systems' 2021 claim against Fox News, in which the voting machine maker said the broadcaster defamed it by airing claims that it was tied to the late Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, paid kickbacks to politicians and deployed machines that rigged the vote count against Trump.

Fox News settled that suit for $787.5 million. "We acknowledge the Courts rulings finding certain claims about Dominion to be false," the network said in a statement after the April settlement.

Donner's political discrimination claims  he says he was a lifelong Republican but voted Democratic in recent elections  are based on the District of Columbia Human Rights Act, which prohibits workplace bias based on political affiliation.
Before you head over to the produce department and grab a few tomatoes to hurl in my direction, hear me out: the Albertsons-Kroger merger could be a very good thing for consumers.

Why? Because, like it or not, the way we shop has dramatically changed. More Americans are doing their shopping online or at a discount warehouse. Fewer go inside the grocery store. For many, that weekly trip to the market is becoming a thing of the past. Online and warehouse competition has changed everything  and it has helped lower the cost of many goods.

Walmart, Amazon and Costco are now the major players in the grocery marketplace. Chances are, youve purchased an item at one of the three over the past 30 days.

In fact, Walmart/Sams Club make up nearly a third  30%  of the U.S. grocery market share, as data reported by Axios shows. Costco tallies another 7%. Amazon is moving quickly and accounts for more than 5%. And consider this: Amazon Prime, Walmart and Costco have more than 250 million subscriptions.

Even if the Albertsons-Kroger merger proceeds, it would account for just 9% of nationwide sales, according to the International Center for Law and Economics. But what it would do is get the attention of the big three  increasing competition with their 42% of the current market share.

Kroger and Albertsons are cognizant of criticisms of the deal. The chains say they will sell 413 stores and eight distribution centers to address any questions about a monopoly in certain communities, as Bloomberg noted.

In fact, a review of all of the Albertsons and Kroger locations throughout the country shows very few places where the two stores both have locations.

The Federal Trade Commission is now reviewing the proposal and could rule sometime next year. Kroger-Albertsons says it is prepared to fight in court to ensure the merger goes through. No supermarket mergers have been litigated since 1988.

It is likely the largest dispute will be over what defines the term supermarket. Does it have to be a traditional brick-and-mortar location? Will online supermarkets be counted? If not, why? It is clear that Amazon, Walmart and Costco directly compete with Kroger and Albertsons, so why wouldnt they be included in any merger analysis?

Nearly 30 years ago, supermarkets accounted for 81% of retail sales. That dropped to 61% a decade later, and today, its near 50%. Where have all of the customers gone? Online and warehouse stores.

An economist with the Strategic Resource Group recently told Yahoo Finance: Krogers acquisition of Albertsons is the last, best, and final chance to level the playing field.

As with any proposal, there is fear of the unknown. But we shouldnt let fear destroy an opportunity to increase competition and improve the outlook for the consumer.

Chris Cargill is the President of Mountain States Policy Center, an independent research organization based in Idaho, Montana, Eastern Washington and Wyoming. Online at mountainstatespolicy.org.
A man was found with serious injuries in Brazil Street, Leicester

Two people have been arrested after a man was found seriously injured in Leicester.

Police were called to reports that a man was being attacked by a group of people in Brazil Street shortly before 22:00 GMT on Monday.

A man in his 20s was taken to hospital for treatment for injuries which are not life-threatening or life-changing.

Two men, aged 23 and 33, have been arrested in connection to the incident.

Detectives say windows of a property in New Bridge Street were also damaged at the same time.

Shortly after 22:00, a white Mini Cooper was chased by police before being stopped in Norman Street.

A 33-year-old man was subsequently arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and drink-driving.

About 20 minutes later officers tried to stop a red Skoda Roomster however the driver made off before crashing with another vehicle in Church Gate.

A 23-year-old man was arrested a short distance away on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

Both men remain in custody.

Det Insp Mike Chandler said: Im particularly keen to speak to anyone who was in Brazil Street or New Bridge Street around the time of the incident and who has either doorbell or dashcam footage."

Follow BBC East Midlands on Facebook, on Twitter, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP)  The matriarch of a South Florida family who made their fortune practicing dentistry has been arrested at Miami International Airport on charges of orchestrating the hit-man murder of her ex-son-in-law, one week after her oral surgeon son was convicted on the same first-degree murder charge.

Authorities said Donna Adelson, 73, was arrested Monday night as she and her husband were about to use one-way tickets to board a flight to Dubai and Vietnam, countries that do not have an extradition treaty with the United States. She is charged with arranging the 2014 murder of Florida State University law professor Daniel Markel, who was shot in the head inside his Tallahassee garage.

Leon County State Attorney Jack Campbell said in a Tuesday phone interview that while he believes his prosecutors already had enough evidence to convict Adelson before Monday, plans for her arrest had to be accelerated when investigators learned of her plans to leave the country.

It was going to be complicated and really difficult trying to bring them back, depending on where they ended up in the world, Campbell said. The arrest was not just based on the flight, but that played a part in the timing.

Adelson was being held Tuesday at the Miami-Dade County Jail without bail pending her transfer to Tallahassee. Jail records do not show if she has an attorney, but she has long denied involvement in the killing.

Her son, Dr. Charlie Adelson, was convicted last week of arranging Markel's shooting through a girlfriend, Katie Magbanua. She employed her ex-husband and his friend, both members of the notorious Latin Kings gang, to murder Markel, 41.

Magbanua and her ex-husband, Sigfredo Garcia, are serving life sentences after being convicted earlier of first-degree murder. His friend, Luis Rivera, is serving a 19-year sentence after pleading guilty to second-degree murder and testifying against the others.

Charlie Adelson, 47, faces a mandatory life term when sentenced next month.

Markel had been involved in a bitter custody battle with his ex-wife, lawyer Wendi Adelson, and had gotten a court order barring her move from Tallahassee back to South Florida with their two young sons.

Authorities say the Adelsons offered Markel $1 million to let his ex-wife and sons move, but when he refused Charlie Adelson and other members of the family began plotting his death.

During his trial, it was shown that Charlie Adelson paid Magbanua $138,000, which she split with the killers, and the family then gave her a no-show job at their dental practice and other payments totaling more than $56,000. Charlie Adelson also gave her a used Lexus.

Wendi Adelson and her father, dentist Harvey Adelson, have not been charged, but Campbell said the investigation remains open. They have denied involvement.

Markel was shot while parking in his garage after he dropped his sons off at daycare and visited the gym.

The Adelsons immediately became suspects in Markel's slaying after Wendi Adelson told detectives that the killing could have been arranged on her behalf, saying her parents were very angry at Markel. She told them that her brother had joked about hiring a hit man to kill Markel as a divorce gift, but he bought her a TV instead.

Still, the investigation involving local and state agencies and the FBI proceeded slowly.

Investigators were able to track phone records showing numerous calls between Charlie Adelson and Magbanua, her and the killers and Charlie Adelson, his mother and his sister in the hours before and shortly after the killing as well as large monetary transactions between the family and Magbanua. Garcia and Rivera were then linked to a rented Toyota Prius the killers used.

In 2016, an FBI agent, impersonating an extortionist, approached Donna Adelson outside her home and demanded $5,000 to not turn information about the slaying over to investigators. The ruse had been concocted in hopes that it would trigger a reaction from the Adelsons.

She contacted her son, telling him they needed to discuss some paperwork and that you probably have a general idea what I'm talking about. They led to several calls and meetings between her and her son.

Charlie Adelson was arrested last year after technicians enhanced a recording made of him and Magbanua inside a Mexican restaurant in 2016 while they were under surveillance discussing the extortion attempt.

In the conversation, Adelson told Magbanua that she would need to meet with the extortionist and agree to a one-time payment.

He also told her he wasn't worried about being arrested, but if he thought police had any evidence proving the family orchestrated the slaying, we would have already gone to the airport.
Some true stories are stranger than fiction, and some stories are blatant fiction  but all of them need music. This year a trio of veteran composers took on three exceptional tales: of an author who exploits the publishing industry by fabricating a memoir that will sell; of a court case ostensibly about a contract dispute but really about the exploitation of a whole community in their time of grief; and of a woman in her 60s attempting to swim from Cuba to Florida. The scores are alternately playful and profound, but all of them are ultimately concerned with the truth.

"I loved it because it's the kind of conversation we need to be having about art," Laura Karpman says of screening "American Fiction" before composing the film's score. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Laura Karpman

'American Fiction'

When Laura Karpman first screened American Fiction in its rough form, she scream-laughed at one of the films fake-out endings. Cord Jefferson directed this adaptation of Percival Everetts sharply satirical novel, "Erasure"  a story about a novelist, played by Jeffrey Wright in the film, whose books arent considered Black enough so he responds by adopting a false identity and writing a bald mockery of a genre he believes is exploiting historical pain and stereotypes.

I loved it on a hundred different levels, Karpman says. I loved it because its the kind of conversation we need to be having about art, what it is to be an artist, what it is to be identified or judged on what you appear to be rather than what you are  which is, I think, an experience that many, many artists have.

Also, she adds, its just a nuanced and incredible conversation about race in America. And the most radical part of the movie is, of course, the lovely family story.

Read more:How the 'Ms. Marvel' theme changed composer Laura Karpman's life

This medley of topics and disparate tones created an interesting challenge, but Karpman started with the sincere portrait of Monk (Wright) and his family. She had recently lost her father, just like the protagonist in the film, and had acquired his Steinway piano. She started moving her fingers around the ivories just to get a feel for the instrument, and her wife ran in saying, Press record!

Karpman had unconsciously wandered into a jazzy, wistful tune that became the family theme. The piano spoke to me, she says. It was very, very weird. It was like my dad was talking to me.

Like Monks family members  who experience sudden loss, estrangement and elder dementia, but also love and laughter  the theme is very thoughtful, but its always out of sync, Karpman says. Its generally played by two pianos, or a flute and piano, or guitar and piano, but they never quite play together. The exception is when Monk and his brother (Sterling K. Brown) are having fun in a pool, where Karpman turned the theme into a bossa nova.

The composer, who played in jazz clubs when she was studying classical music at Juilliard, was inspired by the characters namesake  Thelonious Monk  to give him a Monk-like theme, but one that could also have humor to it, she says. So it kind of limps along in 5/4, and it occurs in all these various ways. ... It goes and then it stops, and it goes and stops. But then there are points where it kind of kicks into a nice kind of groove.

Then there is the films dark humor, which Karpman scores with a straight face. She wrote a piece inspired by Maurice Ravel by way of Herbie Hancock for a clever scene where two actors enact characters on the page of Monks cynical fake memoir, My Pafology, and she wrote a sweeping love cue for the false romantic fade-to-black.

But at the heart of the score is this pensive, jazzy personality  and her fathers piano.

I was always kind of a weird player, Karpman says. But with this piano and this score, I found myself as a pianist. The family theme flowed literally out of my own family. Its very, very meaningful to me.

Michael Abels

'The Burial'

Another film straddling humor and a far deeper story about race is this Maggie Betts adaptation of a 1999 New Yorker article about a real court case where an old white man sued another rich white man over a contract dispute regarding a chain of funeral homes  but both sides hired powerhouse Black attorneys to play to the predominantly Black jury in a small Mississippi courthouse.

Along the way, attorney Willie Gary (Jamie Foxx) uncovers a gross exploitation of Black Southerners by the defendant company, who knowingly gouged them for funeral services.

Betts original cut opened on an establishing shot of a tree in a grassy field, which is later revealed to be an unmarked burial ground for Americas enslaved Africans. The director had used an organ performance of Bachs Jesu, Joy of Mans Desiring under that shot because, to her, it was the sound of a funeral.

And even though that opening shot was eventually replaced, composer Michael Abels developed a main theme in relation to that famous 1723 piece  a series of downward triplets usually sung by noble French horn and representing victory in the halls of justice.

Betts and Abels agreed "The Burial" should have a very classical score, both as a contrast to the 90s hip-hop tracks littered throughout the soundtrack, and as a way of throwing the audience off balance. Its a story set in the near-contemporary South, but once we get there, says Abels, its a societal dilemma. Its not just one person versus another.

Read more:For Jordan Peele, the 'Nope' score provides the 'spectacle and the spectrum'

Abels came up with a halting woodwind motif that plays during the first act as the case is first explained. Its a theme that makes you ask a question, Abels says. When you have woodwinds and you have that space between the notes, it kind of makes you go: Huh. Every nugget of information that goes in in the beginning, we need people to keep track of those so that when it all starts to fit together, theyre with us.

As the next onion layer is peeled, regarding the underhanded deal the funeral corporation made with the Black Baptist church, Abels introduces a mysterious, fizzing waltz motif for piano and harp. That theme, he says, tells us: Were getting to the heart of it.

There are emotional spikes tied to big revelations and jousting on the stand, but mostly this isnt a conventional courtroom drama. Its the story of an unlikely friendship that forms between Gary and his client, Jeremiah OKeefe (Tommy Lee Jones), as well as yet another rotten racist system uncovered almost by accident.

When you see that people, even in death, are somehow redlined, and their next of kin are exploited, says Abels, its disheartening, and its eye-opening. And so to see the people who were exploited get a chance to clap back is really satisfying.

The film ends with that shot of the burial ground, tying this recent injustice to an ancient one, and as the credits roll there is a remarkable new arrangement of Jesu, Joy of Mans Desiring by Abels, which interweaves his theme  born in reaction to the Bach  for the movie.

Alexandre Desplat

'Nyad'

Diana Nyad, at least as shes portrayed by Annette Bening in the film Nyad, is prickly, blunt and something of an egomaniac. She inspires fierce loyalty from her best friend, Bonnie (Jodie Foster), and the navigator (Rhys Ifans) shes hired to assist on her impossible swim from Cuba to the Florida Keys  even as she barks and bites at them.

One of composer Alexandre Desplats tasks was to highlight the softness hiding inside of her.

I think that anyone that watches the film understands that there is something much softer inside, thats hidden by this aggressivity, Desplat says. Ive met people like that, who can be aggressive in life and in fact its their fragility. Theyre as fragile as crystal. So my work was to bring that crystal out and make it shine, make it ring.

Read more:Guillermo del Toro and the 'joyous melancholy' of the 'Pinocchio' song 'Ciao Papa'

He wrote two themes for Nyad. One is a bright, rising tune for electric guitar and flutes, to make us feel who she is, he says. It couldnt be a sophisticated melody that goes forever with lots of chord changes. It had to be very easy to grasp, and with the sound of the guitar its very clear. The theme conveys the immense challenge she sets before herself.

The other is about the sexual trauma Nyad experienced as a child, which bubbles up in flashbacks throughout the film. The tune is more mysterious and rhythmic, with flutes pulsing over a chugging guitar, two dark chords and thundering timpani.

The score is what is in her head and in her heart, Desplat explains. The rest is there on the screen. Why should I add anything? Thats always been my philosophy: Try not to double what I see on screen.

He didnt, therefore, worry much about evoking the idea of water or the threat of sharks and lethal jellyfish, or the rise and crushing fall in Nyad's four attempts to cross the Straits of Florida. But when Nyad hallucinates seeing the Taj Mahal underwater, Desplat does score the moment with a fittingly grand sense of Eastern wonder.

The music has to bring out who she is, and how she suffers, how she dreams, when she has delirium, what has traumatized her when she was a child, he says. Its always her. And you understand better why Bonnie is such a good friend, how they can really bond together. Without the music, you feel it, of course, because the actresses are so fantastic. But the music, I think, expands it in a deeper way  gives it depth of field.

Fundamentally, Desplat did not want to undermine the incredible authenticity that directors Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi  making their scripted feature debut after such riveting documentaries as Free Solo and The Rescue  so smartly achieved.

I didnt want the score to be overwhelming, Desplat says. If the music would have been all the time singing over her, it would have just killed the reality of it. You have to believe in it. If the music becomes too much like a score, it sucks.

Get the Envelope newsletter, sent three times a week during awards season, for exclusive reporting, insights and commentary.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
North Dakota police shot and killed a 17-year-old during a traffic stop in a mall car park connected to a reported shooting (BPD)

North Dakota police shot and killed a 17-year-old during a traffic stop in a Bismark mall car park.

Officers in Bismarck responded to gunfire in the city in the early hours of Sunday and say they identified Nicholas Bruington as a suspect in a shooting incident.

Police say they stopped a car in which Bruington was a passenger in the citys Kirkwood Mall parking lot at around 1.50am.

Burlington had a firearm and did not follow commands and was shot by three officers at the scene, BPD said in a statement. It is not clear if he raised his weapon towards the officers, none of whom were injured.

They performed life-saving procedures on the suspect who was then taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead.

All three officers, who have not been identified by BPD, have been placed on administrative leave while the shooting is investigated by the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

Burlington was suspected of shooting at another minor, who was not injured, according to police.

He was enrolled in Bismarck Public Schools for a week last year but was not currently enrolled in the citys schools.

The incident was the first fatal police shooting in the city since January 2020, according to Lt Luke Gardiner.
Lloyd Austin hosted Yoon Suk-yeol at the Pentagon in April

On Sunday, when South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol hosted US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin at his home for dinner, he urged Mr Austin to be vigilant against any type of North Korean attack, including surprise assaults "resembling Hamas-style tactics".

Ever since Hamas launched its brutal cross-border attack on Israel on 7 October, South Korean politicians and defence chiefs have invoked comparisons between that and what Pyongyang might do to the South.

Last month the Chair of South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff also said that if Pyongyang was to wage war on the South in the future, there was evidence to suggest "it could follow a similar pattern to the Hamas invasion".

But is South Korea really at risk of a similar attack? Or has the conflict merely given its hawkish government a reason to beef up its defences and get tougher on North Korea?

Hamas's assault on Israel, where rockets were fired into its territory as guerrilla fighters invaded, is a prime example of what is known as hybrid warfare. Ryu Sung-yeop, a research fellow at the 21st Century Military Studies Institute, noted that this is something North Korea has traditionally been very good at, adding that if it were to engage in an hybrid war, Seoul would suffer.

While Hamas fired 5,000 rockets into Israel in the early hours of 7 October, Pyongyang's artillery could fire an estimated 16,000 rounds an hour. To combat the threat, Seoul is developing its own missile defence system, similar to Israel's Iron Dome.

And just like what Hamas has done in Gaza, the North is also thought to have built a network of underground tunnels, some running under the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ), which could be stocked with weapons and used in a potential invasion.

How real is the threat from the North?

The threat of North Korea has been omnipresent in the South for decades, and current tensions between the two Koreas are especially high.

However its last significant attack came 13 years ago, when soldiers shelled a South Korean island, killing two marines and two civilians.

Security experts say that North Korea's strategy has evolved since then, meaning its goal in a conflict would no longer be to breach the border, but to destroy the capital Seoul.

"While Hamas mainly relied on short range rockets, North Korea has a much bigger range and variety of artillery. Its strike capability is many more times that of Hamas," Hong Min, the Director of North Korean Research at the Korea Institute for National Unification, said.

In recent years, Pyongyang has focused on improving and increasing its arsenal of nuclear weapons, claiming to have developed short-range ballistic missiles capable of carrying tactical nuclear weapons. This means North Korea now has no reason to use similar tactics to Hamas, according to Cho Seong Ryul, a former defence advisor to the government. "North Korea is a sovereign country, with its own army and nuclear weapons."

Mr Cho, now a military studies professor at Kyungnam University, also argued that North Korea had "no incentive to go to war right now," given that they already have an independent state.

Furthermore South Korea and the US have repeatedly made it clear that any attack on the South would result in the end of the Kim regime, and Kim Jong Un's top priority has always been his regime's survival.

Even so, the attack on Israel has led the conservative government in South Korea to question whether security along the border is as tough as it could and should be. The administration has taken a hard line on North Korea, prioritising military strength and the threat of retaliation over dialogue and engagement.

Specifically, it has criticised a military agreement, signed by the North and South in 2018 under the country's previous administration, which was intended to prevent cross-border skirmishes and attacks.

North Korean artillery units are capable of firing fire an estimated 16,000 rounds an hour

The deal created a no-fly zone, prohibiting both sides from operating military aircraft or surveillance equipment near the border. South Korea's recently appointed defence minister, Shin Won-sik, has now proposed scrapping the agreement, in order to have surveillance drones monitor the North.

"The 2018 military agreement has greatly limited our surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities," Mr Shin said in the wake of Hamas attack. He added that if Israel had kept a better eye on its border with Gaza, it could have reduced the number of casualties.

Although North Korea has breached the deal several times since 2018, the number of skirmishes has reduced, leaving some experts to suggest that getting rid of it would inflame tensions and make an attack more likely. "Scrapping the agreement may slightly improve real-time monitoring close to the border, but not in a significant way", Hong Min, from the Korea Institute for National Unification, noted.

Mr Hong said the focus should be instead be on preventing the North from attacking in the first place." At this point there is nothing any country can do to completely protect against all of North Korea's arsenal if, like Hamas, it decides to launch everything all at once."
A top adviser to Donald Trump privately told colleagues in December 2020 that his boss would not leave the White House "under any circumstances", new video alleges.

Dan Scavino, who was then serving as Mr Trump's chief of staff and director of social media , allegedly claimed at a White House Christmas party that the President would "just stay in power" regardless of election rules.

The accusation was made by former Trump campaign lawyer Jenna Ellis as part of a plea bargain with Georgia state prosecutors, who have charged Mr Trump and 18 others with plotting to illegally overturn the result of the 2020 presidential election.

Footage obtained by ABC News from a confidential meeting with investigators shows Ellis describing an alarming conversation she had with Mr Scavino on or around 19 December, 2020.

"I emphasised to him [that] I thought the ability to challenge the election results was essentially over," Ellis told prosecutors during the meeting, referring to a raft of failed legal challenges launched by the Trump campaign the previous month.

"He said to me, in a kind of excited tone: 'Well, we don't care and we're not gonna leave.'"

"I said, 'what do you mean?' And he said: 'Well, the boss'  meaning President Trump, and everyone understood that's what we all called him  he said, 'the boss is not going to leave under any circumstances. We are just going to stay in power.'"

Ellis expressed doubt, telling Mr Scavino that "it doesn't quite work that way, you realise". Mr Scavino allegedly responded: "We don't care."

In response, Mr Trump's lawyer Steve Saddow told ABC that the "purported private conversation" described by Ellis was "absolutely meaningless" because Mr Trump ultimately left the White House on schedule in January 2021.

"If this is the type of bogus, ridiculous 'evidence' [Georgia] District Attorney Willis intends to rely upon, it is one more reason that this political, travesty of a case must be dismissed."

Ellis pled guilty last month to one count of aiding and abetting false statements, admitting that she had spoken with reckless disregard for the truth when she claimed without evidence that thousands of felons and under-18s had voted illegally.

In exchange for her full cooperation with prosecutors, she will avoid a prison sentence, instead paying a $5,000 fine and performing 100 hours of community service.

Before working for Mr Trump, Ellis was a prominent conservative lawyer best known for arguing that the US constitution was founded upon and must be interpreted according to Christian morality.

The Independent has asked both Ellis and Mr Scavino for comment.
Donald Trump boasted about being told that there was only one other political leader who ever got crowds as big as mine, apparently misunderstanding that he was being compared to Adolf Hitler, a new book has claimed.

Following a conversation with then-chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel, the former president reportedly said he had been complimented on the size of his rallies during his time in office.

The claims come in a new book written by ABC News chief Washington correspondent Jonathan Karl, titled Tired of Winning: Donald Trump and the end of the Grand Old Party.

Karl writes that a Republican member of Congress "close to Donald Trump" relayed the interaction to him, as told by the former president.

"One prominent member of Congress  a Trump ally  told me that the president, on two separate occasions, claimed Merkel had complimented him on the large crowds he attracted when he spoke, according to the book.

She told me that she was amazed at the size of the crowds that came to see me speak, Trump told the Republican Congressman.

In fact, she told me that there was only one other political leader who ever got crowds as big as mine.

The former president reportedly said he had been complimented on the size of his rallies during his time in office, following a conversation with then-chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel (Getty Images)

Karl writes that the congressman had been left wondering whether Mr Trump understood that Ms Merkel was apparently alluding to Hitler. And Im thinking, he told me while recounting his interaction with Trump, you know who shes talking about, right?" the book states.

The journalist described the member as "very prominent" and "absolutely blown away by this," adding Which would be more unsettling: that he didnt or that he did?

Karl also suggests that the ally of Mr Trump felt that the former president had enjoyed the comparison to the German dictator, at least the aspect of him attracting all those huge crowds."

But an aide to the Trump campaign was quick to deny the claims that Mr Trump had boasted about the remarks made by Ms Merkel, and said that Karl was disgraceful and talentless.

This filth either belongs in the discount bargain bin in the fiction section of the bookstore or should be repurposed as toilet paper, the spokesperson told The Daily Beast.

It comes after Mr Trump recently drew ire from historians following a Veterans Day speech  which also prompted to comparisons to dictators such as Hitler.

In the speech the former president referred to his political adversaries as vermin and argued that his domestic opponents are more of a threat to the US than the likes of China, Russia and North Korea.

Mr Trump recently drew ire from historians following a Veterans Day speech  which also prompted to comparisons to dictators such as Hitler (REUTERS)

Speaking in Claremont, New Hampshire, he told the crowd in his usual grievance-laden parlance: We pledge to you that we will root out the communists, Marxists, fascists and the radical left thugs that live like vermin within the confines of our country that lie and steal and cheat on elections.

Mr Trumps use of the word vermin was criticised by historians speaking to The Washington Post.

A senior research scholar at the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University, Timothy Naftali, told the paper that the language is the language that dictators use to instil fear and that when you dehumanize an opponent, you strip them of their constitutional rights to participate securely in a democracy because youre saying theyre not human. Thats what dictators do.

Earlier this yearThe New York Times reported that European diplomats were actively formulating back-up strategies in the case that Mr Trump is re-elected for a second term in the Oval Office in 2024.

The outlet reported that prospect of him returning to the White House has become an important topic of discussion in private conversations, with some calling it terrifying, The New York Times reported.
The New Orleans Coast Guard is searching a 200-mile area for a man who went missing Monday from a Louisiana cruise ship bound for Montego Bay, Jamaica.

The 8th District Coast Guard in New Orleans received a report that a 28-year-old male passenger was missing from the Carnival Glory cruise ship Monday afternoon. Two aircraft were launched to conduct searches, following the ship's track toward Jamaica.

The passenger's family identified the missing man as Tyler Barnett from Houma, Louisiana, who is the father of twin girls. Coast Guard Third Class Petty Officer Anthony Randisi confirmed the passengers name.

Security teams onboard the ship began looking for Barnett after being alerted by his family on Monday morning, said Matt Lupoli, a spokesperson for the Carnival Cruise Line.

Tyler Barnett's sister was also on the cruise as well as 13 other relatives. Destiny Barnett said she feels trapped, because her vacation is over but she doesn't want to leave without knowing what happened.

"It makes you feel crazy to be stuck on a ship where everyone else is having a good time," said Destiny Barnett. "It was supposed to be a vacation but for us, it's hell."

Randisi said Barnett was last seen on security cameras just after midnight Monday, after the Carnival Glory left its port in New Orleans, but before it was scheduled to dock in Montego Bay on Wednesday.

Lupoli said the Carnival Glory was cleared by the Coast Guard to proceed to Montego Bay. The cruise is also scheduled to stop at Grand Cayman Island and Cozumel, Mexico, before returning to New Orleans on Nov. 19, according to its itinerary.

Destiny Barnett is calling for a thorough search of individual cabins before the ship docks in Jamaica, she said that at this point, only cabins on Tyler Barnett's floor had been searched.

She watched the surveillance footage of her brother on Tuesday morning and where he could be seen at the casino just after midnight the night he went missing. His card was last used at his cabin door. His cellphone was in his room and his bed was not slept in.

Last month, 26-year-old Kevin McGrath went missing on a different Carnival Cruise Line ship bound for the Bahamas. He was also not detected by the cruise lines surveillance systems.

Barnett's grandmother, Dirlean Tate Mason, is not on the cruise but is anxiously waiting for news. She said Tyler Barnett works on the river barges in Louisiana and does not think he would try to take his own life. He loves his girls, she added.

"It just seems odd to me that there's no camera, as many cameras as they say they have," said Mason. "I had paced the floor and cried all day yesterday. I just want answers and I'm holding out for hope."

The Coast Guard issued broadcasts to mariners in the Gulf of Mexico notifying them that a person had potentially fallen overboard, said Randisi.

In a post on X, the Coast Guard said search efforts were temporarily paused on Monday night due to dangerous weather conditions, including rough seas and strong winds. They said they would launch additional search assets as soon as the conditions allowed it.

According to data from cruise industry consultancy firm GP Wild, there were 212 man overboard incidents on cruise ships between 2009 and 2019. Forty-eight of those passengers were rescued.

In April this year, Coast Guard crews suspended a search for an Australian passenger who fell off a cruise on the coast of Hawaii after a three day search yielded no results.
Some little kids dream of building a treehouse. But one Japanese man turned his childhood dream into an adult reality.

Growing up in Tokyo, Satoru Kikugawa frequently visited the family summer home in the countryside, where he learned to appreciate nature. A Japanese childrens book called I Want a Big Tree sparked the dream of having a treehouse one day.

However, it wasnt until decades later that a family trip to Borneo brought urgency and the push to make that dream a reality.

As Kikugawa explains it, he was flying over the island when he saw a large forest cut down and turned into a palm plantation.

I understand economically that selling lumber brings a stable income, but this impacts carbon levels and the diversity in wildlife. So I thought about how we can save the environment that can still provide income for the locals, says Kikugawa.

It was the first seed of what is now Treeful, an upscale resort in Okinawa prefecture.

A handmade hammock outside a Treeful cabin. - Treeful

There was just one problem  Kikugawa had absolutely no idea how to build a treehouse. By day, he worked as the chairman of Gala, Inc, a company that creates role-playing video games, among other projects.

He turned to YouTube and began watching instructional videos. It took years, plus plenty of trial and error. He had to teach himself how to use a circular saw and other carpentry tools.

Kikugawa was able to buy some land in forested Okinawa. But instead of choosing the location and then cutting down a tree, he walked around until he saw the right tree, which he hugged. From there, he began to build the house around it.

A family affair

I didnt get much support initially when I had this [treehouse] idea, Kikugawa says. Many saw me as just a rich man looking to find a hobby.

But there was someone who believed in Kikugawas idea  his daughter Maha. She tells CNN that her father instilled a love of nature in her from childhood.

Maha went on to major in ecosystem science and policy at the University of Miami. Then, she accompanied her dad on trips to Costa Rica and the US to visit similar treehouse projects.

Kikugawa completed the first of his structures, Spiral Treehouse, in 2014. It became the first part of what is now Treeful.

I look up to my father and his passion for making the world a better place though treehouses, Maha tells CNN Travel.

From an early age, my father taught me the importance of nature. Now we are working together through this sustainable treehouse resort to protect it and send a message to others on its values.

The rustic view from one of Treeful's rooms. - Treeful

Leaving no trace

Now, there are four treehouses at this resort, each built to ensure as little disturbance to the environment as possible. One, the AeroHouse, was built 1.2 meters above ground level to protect the local wildlife habitat.

Wooden dowels were used instead of metal bolts, and rooms have composting toilets. Well water is sterilized with ultraviolet light, avoiding the use of chlorine.

The floors and ceiling are made of shredded wood so the sunlight can still flow through the treehouse and provide energy to the plants that lie underneath, avoiding disruption to the ecosystem.

In-room decor, like lamps and bookshelves, is also made with stones and branches that have fallen naturally from the forest.

And Donna, the resort goat, keeps the grass maintained.

Building a treehouse, building a legacy

Seven years after Kikugawa started building a treehouse, the resort opened in 2021.

Since then, it has won several design awards and recognition from Guinness World Records for having the worlds lowest treehouse, clocking in at 3.6 m (11 ft 9 in) below the base of the host tree.

But Treefuls founder has visions beyond his native Japan.

Kikugawa is working with the Cambodian government on a project to build treehouses inside Phnom Kulen National Park near Siem Reap.

Its one of several initiatives aimed at combatting illegal logging.

From 2016 to 2021, Cambodia has lost more than 38,000 hectares of forest  nearly 9%, forcing USAID to end its forest protection program after over $100 million dollars in investment.

I want to grow this business and take it international, says Kikugawa.

Getting there

Visiting Treeful requires planning ahead.

Its a 90-minute drive from Okinawas Naha Airport (OKA), or three hours by bus (with one transfer) from the town of Genkawa Iriguchi.

The Treeful staff advises getting there before sunset, as they dont use artificial lights and the forest can get quite dark.

Treeful Treehouse Sustainable Resort, 2578, Genka, Nago City, Okinawa, 905-1141, Japan.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
SAN FRANCISCO  The man who broke into former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's home last year unexpectedly testified in his own defense Tuesday, delivering rambling explanations for the hammer attack on her husband  an act he said he regrets because they had "a good rapport."

Defense lawyers for David DePape have conceded their client broke into the Pelosi home in Pacific Heights on Oct. 28, 2022, and hit Paul Pelosi with a hammer.

DePape has pleaded not guilty to attempted kidnapping of a federal official and assault on the immediate family member of a federal official.

The defense said DePape never intended to harm either Nancy or Paul Pelosi. After breaking into the home and jarring Paul Pelosi out of bed, DePape said he felt comfortable around him.

Image: Paul Pelosi (Noah Berger / AP)

"We kinda had a good rapport going," DePape testified. "He was an amiable gentleman. We had a good rapport going, and I kinda trusted him."

When officers arrived, DePape said he hit Pelosi once, though police body camera footage showed it was three times.

Defense attorney Angela Chuang asked her client why he hit Paul Pelosi.

"To get to my other targets," DePape testified, adding, "I felt really bad for him because we had a good rapport, and Paul was never a target."

The defense has said DePape's plans were to use Nancy and Paul Pelosi to lure a person the government has labeled "Target 1."

That person has been identified by local prosecutors and the defense, for which she testified Tuesday, as Bay Area scholar and University of Michigan professor Gayle Rubin, a leading academic in feminist theory and queer studies.

DePape rattled off a long list of grievances  many of which regularly echo through far right circles  that led to the night he broke into the Pelosi home.

He said that before his arrest, he spent six hours a day looking for political commentary on YouTube.

"Everything was a lie coming from the press," said DePape, wearing a zip up blue-gray cardigan and tan khakis.

He was emotional at times, dropping expletives, crying and clasping his hands in prayer.

The jury did not show any reaction to DePape's testimony.

After a courtroom break, U.S. District Court Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley asked a marshal to sit near DePape, in apparent concern that the defendant might act erratically.

During cross-examination, Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Vartain Horn asked DePape if he knew that breaking into Pelosi's home would likely lead to violence.

"Wasnt my intention, but a possibility, yes," he said.

And when Horn asked DePape if he planned to hold Nancy Pelosi hostage, the defendant tried to hedge his answer.

"I believe thats a mischaracterization," DePape responded.

Trial testimony concluded Tuesday afternoon, and closing arguments are set to begin Wednesday morning.

Chris Young reported from San Francisco, and David K. Li from New York City.
Lawmakers questioned the Governor's Office of Economic Development over the effectiveness of the state's Freedom Works Here workforce ad campaign on Monday in Pierre.

In this "Freedom Works Here" campaign video, Gov. Kristi Noem touts the strength of the state's economy and its growing apprenticeship programs while donning a plumber's uniform.

In an interim meeting of the Appropriations committee, GOED Commissioner Chris Schilken and GOED Finance Director Travis Dovre defended the campaign, which has run since late June, saying that while it's one of the most successful workforce campaigns in state history, tracking the success has been difficult.

"We would like to be able to provide a list of every individual who moved here, but the challenge with past workforce marketing initiatives have been just that," Dovre said. "Not everybody who sees those ads decides to register with the Department of Labor and Regulation for job seeking services. They may use other sources or just decide to move here for other reasons. So, unfortunately, the short answer is we will probably never be able to have an exact number to provide to this committee of how many people have moved here."

The office has tracked the campaign's success based off of how many impressions the ads have gotten on television and social media, as well as tracking who's registering to learn more about moving to South Dakota, Schilken explained.

He defined the workforce campaign's success as having gained over 800 million impressions across the country, with 7,423 people having requested information on South Dakota and over 1,900 people proceeding to the final stages of finding a career in the state.

In Gov. Kristi Noem's weekly columns last week, she highlighted four stories of people who had moved to the Mount Rushmore state after seeing the ads.

"Our Freedom Works Here campaign is showing people that South Dakota really is the best state in America to live, work, and raise a family  and folks are moving here to be a part of it all," the second-term Republican governor wrote.

Additionally, the stunt the office pulled by sponsoring a NASCAR entry, driven by a last-in-the-points standing driver at two different races, resulted in a 0.24% click-through rate, Schilken said.

More: Kristi Noem's South Dakota workforce campaign is hitting the NASCAR Cup Series circuit

The total cost of the NASCAR sponsorship was $130,000.

Rep. Chris Karr, R-Sioux Falls, questioned why GOED and Design Sensory, the Tennessee-based marketing firm selected to oversee the Freedom Works Here campaign, didn't come up with a better way to track the success.

"You hire all these national companies that have all this experience and I imagine one of them might have an idea, too, about how do we track this back and what incentive can we provide so that they are encouraged to identify whether they moved or not at the end of the day," Karr said.

Aside from the difficulty of tracking who's moving to South Dakota and who's actually applying for open jobs in a state with one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation  state metrics say South Dakota is No. 1 in this category, while Economic Policy Institute's third-quarter state unemployment data shows South Dakota is tied for third  lawmakers were also curious about the funding of the campaign.

More: South Dakota governors economic advisers caution against optimism in 2024

Initially, the state allocated $5 million in future funds to GOED for the Freedom Works Here campaign, which started in mid-June. But GOED received an additional $400,000 from the over 30 private businesses who wanted to partner with the department in order to receive information about the campaign.

Schilken told lawmakers GOED had partnered with private businesses before for marketing opportunities and that GOED matched the expenditures the private businesses made.

"The more dollars that the partners provided, GOED matched, the longer the ad could run," he said.

The funds raised from the private businesses are being placed into the Industrial Development Fund, Schilken said.

This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Freedom works here ad campaign tracking success has been hit or miss
Disagreement among House Republicans over Speaker Mike Johnsons (R-La.) two-step plan to extend government funding until next year is throwing Washington into uncertain territory ahead of a Friday shutdown deadline  a familiar pattern for the House GOP that is nonetheless creating the Speakers first major balancing act of his tenure.

Chances of a shutdown seemed to decrease Monday, as indications emerged that Democrats could help Johnson pass the two-step continuing resolution (CR) despite their reservations, with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) saying he was pleased that Johnson was advancing a bill without spending cuts, and House Democratic leaders saying they were carefully evaluating the proposal.

But Johnson still faces a tricky path to final passage  and his handling of the stopgap will set the tone for how he handles the right flank and government funding issues going forward.

At least nine House Republicans had voiced their opposition to the plan as of Monday evening.

One of the nine, Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), expressed disappointment with the new Speakers tactics. He criticized the bill for not including any changes to asylum policies or funding of the Department of Homeland Security, mentioning the recent deaths of two Americans in a head-on collision with a suspected migrant smuggling vehicle, which also killed the five migrants.

Its absurd that were continuing to fund that. Mike [Johnson] ought to know better, and Republicans who are thinking about supporting this ought to know better, Roy said.

Johnson argues that the two-step plan is the best way to avert a massive omnibus funding package pushed by the Senate  a key demand of conservatives  and allows Congress more time to negotiate on fiscal 2024 funding after Republicans lost three weeks to finding a replacement for ousted former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.).

The two-step CR is a way to get the broken appropriations process back on track without resulting in a massive omnibus spending bill, Rep. Andy Harris (R-Md.), an architect of the two-step plan, wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Under the CR, part of government funding would run out Jan. 19, with the rest running out Feb. 2  a concept that members of the hard-line conservative House Freedom Caucus initially embraced.

But now, many of those members in the right flank are enraged that the bill extends funding at current levels  dubbing it a clean CR  without shooting for conservative policy concessions or making substantial cuts to spending.

I will not support a status quo that fails to acknowledge fiscal irresponsibility, and changes absolutely nothing while emboldening a do-nothing Senate and a fiscally illiterate President, Rep. Scott Perry (R-Pa.), chair of the House Freedom Caucus, said on X.

More than enough House Republicans have expressed opposition to the plan to make GOP leadership need to rely on Democratic votes in order to pass the bill.

Democrats and the White House have sharply criticized the two-step CR, with White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre calling it a recipe for more Republican chaos and more shutdowns. If it does not pass, Congress will have to scramble to come up with an alternative plan to avoid a shutdown the weekend before the Thanksgiving holiday.

But President Biden told reporters Monday that he would not make a determination about whether he would veto the bill if it came to his desk, and Democratic leaders in both chambers declined to flatly oppose the bill.

Though the two-deadline approach concerns Democrats, and the bill does not include the funding for Israel and Ukraine that they would have liked to see, there is little else in it for them to oppose.

For now, I am pleased that Speaker Johnson seems to be moving in our direction by advancing a CR that doesnt include the highly partisan cuts that Democrats have warned against, Schumer said on the Senate floor.

A Dear Colleague letter from House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), Minority Whip Katherine Clark (D-Mass.), and Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.) on Monday said they found the two-step proposal troublesome but did not fully oppose it.

They said they were carefully evaluating the bill.

One House Democrat told The Hill on Monday that he will vote for the stopgap: Rep. Dean Phillips (D-Minn.), who is mounting a long-shot bid for the Democratic presidential nomination.

But getting Democratic votes on the bills final passage is only one challenge for House GOP leaders.

First, the House GOP needs to pass the procedural rule, which governs how a bill is considered on the House floor and is generally unanimously opposed by members of the minority party, despite how they might vote on the underlying legislation.

Roy on Monday said he would vote against the rule on the House floor, and Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) said he would likely oppose it. Republicans can only afford to lose three GOP votes on the rule and still see the legislation advance, assuming full attendance and unified Democratic opposition.

To avoid a failed rule vote, House Republicans could bring up the CR under a fast-track procedure called suspension of the rules  but it would need support from two-thirds of the House in order to pass.

House GOP leaders were exploring that option Monday, according to House Rules Committee Chair Tom Cole (R-Okla.).

Pursuing such a move would require support from dozens of Democrats for passage  and could further inflame the right flank. Roy said that bringing the bill up under suspension would be a very bad idea.

Rep. Jim McGovern (Mass.), the top Democrat on the House Rules Committee, said Republicans may not have any other choice but to bring the CR up under suspension.

In one sense, avoiding a government shutdown and getting agreement from Democrats would be a victory for Johnson.

Republicans have generally not politically benefited from forcing shutdowns in years past, and it would force Democrats who had fiercely criticized Johnson personally, as well as his stopgap approach, to accept his strategy.

Still, working with Democrats risks turning Republicans who helped elect Johnson to the Speakership against him, and eroding confidence in his ability to negotiate concessions down the line.

One key question will be whether more Democrats support the bill than Republicans  a dynamic that had prompted fierce criticism of McCarthy multiple times this year.

McCarthy was ousted in the wake of fury at his decision to move a clean CR with the support of Democrats at the last funding deadline in September.

Norman said he is not yet satisfied with how the new GOP leadership is handling the fiscal issues that matter most to him.

Im very frustrated that we dont have top lines on full-year appropriations, Norman said.

But even those who are most vocally opposed to the stopgap plan are not ready to float replacing Johnson with a different Speaker.

Im not gonna go down that road, Roy said.

He inherited a bad situation, Norman said.

Mike Lillis and Mychael Schnell contributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
File photo of a person holding used needles.

A harrowing new federal survey is shedding more light on just how bad the substance abuse crisis has grown in the United States.

According to new data from the Department of Health and Human Services, nearly 49 million Americans aged 12 or older reported having a substance use disorder in 2022. That number included some 29.5 million people who had an alcohol use disorder, 27.2 million people who had a drug use disorder, and 8 million people who had both an alcohol and drug use disorder.

The survey also found that 23% of those aged 18 or older reported having a mental illness in the past year, translating to more than 59 million Americans. About 1 in 5 children aged 12 to 17 reported experiencing a major depressive episode within the past year.

SEE MORE: 'What the hell is going on?' Questions surround child fentanyl deaths

The latest data is based on responses to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, which has been conducted each year since 1990 to better determine how things like drugs, alcohol and mental health are impacting American lives.

"Today's data reinforces the urgency of President Bidens call to action: With more than 48 million Americans struggling with substance use disorder, Congress must step up and provide the funding President Biden is requesting to expand essential lifesaving services and crack down on illicit drug trafficking," said White House Drug Policy Director Dr. Rahul Gupta. "This is not a red state or a blue state issue: As the data shows, there are tens of millions of Americans in every state across the country affected by this public health crisis."

SEE MORE: Overdose deaths caused by counterfeit pills growing in the US

The Biden administration has requested more than $2.7 billion from Congress to help bolster the government's substance abuse disorder services and also crack down on illegal drug trafficking.

"The overdose epidemic is heartbreaking. But its also preventable. We have and continue to make progress. To continue to make progress will require proper funding and commitment," said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. "We will not stop using every tool available to get Americans the help they need. Right now, the Presidents emergency supplemental budget request is before Congress with a request for additional, critical funds to take on the overdose crisis ... Now Congress must do its part."

However, the call to action comes as Republicans and Democrats on Capitol Hill are faced with a more imminent problem: a potential government shutdown. With the federal government set to run out of money at the end of this week, any future spending  or spending cuts  are the primary issue of debate.
WASHINGTON  Former President Donald Trump warned on Monday that special counsel Jack Smith and other Justice Department officials will wind up in a mental institution if he is re-elected as president next year.

In a comment on his Truth Social website, Trump called Smith, former Justice Department official Andrew Weissmann and U.S. Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco a "team of losers and misfits" from CREW, an ethics watchdog group. He also attacked "all the rest of the Radical Left Zealots and Thugs who have been working illegally for years to 'take me down.'"

They will end up, Trump said, "suffering from a horrible disease, TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME (TDS!), in a Mental Institution by the time my next term as President is successfully completed. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!"

Smith has been overseeing the federal investigations into Trump's mishandling of classified documents after he left the White House and his efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election. The probes led to indictments charging Trump in each case.

The election interference case is set to begin in March 2024 in Washington, D.C., while the classified documents case is expected to start in Fort Pierce, Florida, in May 2024.

Trump has repeatedly disparaged Smith, other DOJ prosecutors and federal judges involved in the various legal cases against him.

Trump faced a gag order in the federal election interference case which prohibited him from making statements about potential witnesses or critical comments about the federal prosecutors who charged him.

However, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit temporarily paused the order from Judge Tanya Chutkan earlier this month. The hold is in effect until after the appeals court hears oral arguments on Nov. 20 on Trump's request for the gag order to be permanently removed.

Smith's office and Weissmann declined to comment. The Department of Justice did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
SAN FRANCISCO  A United Airlines flight was diverted to San Francisco Monday evening due to a "potential security issue," a spokesperson for the airline said.

United flight 1909 was originally headed to Vancouver, having left from Los Angeles, and it landed safely at SFO around 9:30 p.m., an SFO duty manager said.

"The flight landed safely and was met by local law enforcement. We are working to get our customers to their final destination as soon as possible," United said.

Officials said the threat came from inside the plane while it was over Northern California. The incident concluded with the threat being deemed not credible, the duty manager said.

United said there were 148 passengers onboard with eight crew members. The airline said the flight was met by local law enforcement upon landing but there was no word on whether anyone was arrested.

Flight 1909 left SFO for Vancouver at 7:06 a.m. Tuesday, according to online flight trackers.

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By David Lawder

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - The commerce chiefs of the United States and China will meet at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum this week, one of a series of cabinet-level engagements surrounding high-stakes talks between U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

A U.S. Commerce Department spokesperson confirmed that U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao planned to meet but was not able to provide details and timing.

Raimondo is participating in ministerial meetings for APEC and the Biden administration's Indo-Pacific Economic Framework discussions.

Biden and Xi are expected to meet in the San Francisco Bay area on Wednesday in an effort to calm a tense relationship between the world's two largest economies.

Raimondo first mentioned the meeting with Wang, their third in person in less than six months, in an interview with CNN that aired on Sunday.

She said it was time to "ratchet down the temperature" of the U.S.-China relationship. She added that she would not "sugarcoat anything, not to pretend that this isn't a great competition, but to be direct and be honest and also to ... responsibly manage this relationship."

Her meeting with Wang follows U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen's meetings last week with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, during which the two sides agreed to "intensify communication"- including with a return trip for Yellen to China next year.

Raimondo has a more difficult China portfolio than Yellen, as Commerce oversees contentious U.S. export controls on advanced semiconductors and chip manufacturing equipment, and other sensitive technologies that could have military applications. She said there can be "no negotiation" over these.

During her visit to Beijing in late August, during which she met with Wang, Raimondo agreed to set up a dialogue with Chinese officials on export controls to avoid misunderstandings about the measures.

She also said during the trip that U.S. businesses had told her that China was becoming "uninvestible" for U.S. firms. She repeated the comment to CNN, citing China's new anti-espionage law, unpredictable regulations and government raids on U.S. firms.

(Reporting by David Lawder; editing by Grant McCool)
An unprecedented number of undocumented Indian immigrants are crossing U.S. borders on foot, according to new data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. What has been a years-long increase in migration has now developed into a dramatic spike.

From October 2022 to this September, the 2023 fiscal year, there were 96,917 Indians encountered  apprehended, expelled or denied entry  having entered the U.S. without papers. It marks a fivefold increase from the same period from 2019 to 2020, when there were just 19,883.

Immigration experts say several factors are at play, including an overall growth in global migration since the pandemic, oppression of minority communities in India, smugglers use of increasingly sophisticated and in-demand methods of getting people to America, and extreme visa backlogs.

The number of undocumented Indians in the U.S. has been climbing since borders opened post-Covid, with 30,662 encountered in the 2021 fiscal year and 63,927 in the 2022 fiscal year.

Out of the nearly 97,000 encounters this year, 30,010 were at the Canadian border and 41,770 at the Southern border.

The Southern border has just become a staging ground for migrants from all parts of the world to come to the U.S. most quickly, said Muzaffar Chishti, a lawyer and the director of non-partisan research group Migration Policy Institutes New York office. Why would you wait for a visitor visa in Delhi if you can make it faster to the Southern border?

The Canadian border, on the other hand, has large stretches that are virtually unguarded at times, said Gaurav Khanna, an assistant professor of economics at the University of California at San Diego, whose research concentrates on immigration.

While not all routes look the same, a journey from India to the U.S. might take migrants on several legs, all while being passed among various facilitators.

People will get you to, lets say, the Middle East, or people will get you to Europe, Chishti said. The next journey from there would be to Africa. If not Africa, maybe then to South America. Then the next person will get you from South America to the south of Mexico. Then from the south of Mexico to the northern cities of Mexico, and then the next person will get you over to the U.S.

Long, treacherous journeys often land migrants in limbo, facing overwhelmed immigration systems, he said. CBP told NBC News that families coming to the U.S. illegally will face removal.

No one should believe the lies of smugglers through these travel agencies. The fact is that individuals and families without a legal basis to remain in the United States will be removed, a CBP spokesperson said.

But when those migrants are coming from across an ocean, experts say, the reality is far more complicated.

You can easily turn people back to Mexico  thats their country, make a U-turn, Chishti said. But you cant deport people to faraway places that easily. Mexico wont take them. Why would Mexico take an Indian?

mmigrants from India wait to board a bus to be taken for processing after crossing the border from Mexico (Mario Tama / Getty Images file )

Who's migrating and immigrating and why

Though still relatively low compared to migration from Mexico and Central America, the number of undocumented Indians crossing U.S. borders has been growing for several years, said Pawan Dhingra, a professor of American studies at Amherst College. But the growth this past fiscal year was unprecedented.

He and other South Asian American scholars worry that the recent spike might have something to do with worsening conditions for minorities like Muslims, Sikhs and Christians in India under Prime Minister Narendra Modis government, which has been widely criticized for human rights violations.

Many of them are Sikh, seeking asylum based on how they feel theyve been mistreated and targeted in Punjab under Modis government, he said. Now the U.S. has a big problem on its hands. Its cozying up to Modi in every possible way, in terms of state visits and rhetoric, but it has an increased set of asylum-seekers from this country.

A series of laws deregulating Indias agricultural sector in 2020 threatened to upend the lives of many farmers, especially in the North Indian state of Punjab. Modis government, among other things, removed the minimum prices of key crops, leading to massive protests around the country that were sometimes met with violence from the state.

In September 2021, over 500,000 farmers gathered in the state of Uttar Pradesh to protest the laws.

The bills were formally repealed in December 2021.

But experts say the destabilization and the scale of the protests were enough to constitute an asylum claim.

They have a perception that they have no future in that country, Chishti said.

In comparison to an India that migrants might feel is pushing them out, a promised new life in the U.S. seems ideal. The general success of Indian Americans in the U.S. or of previous migrants who have taken the same journey are some of the factors that pull people in.

People in Punjab might know people who went from their village, cousins and aunts and uncles and so forth, Khanna said. That creates more waves of movement.

Decades-long visa backlogs have made it difficult for would-be immigrants to join their families in the U.S., leaving many with little recourse. On top of that, Covids devastation has also created a crop of desperate migrants in India and around the world, experts said.

With social media-savvy groups masquerading as travel agencies, hopeful migrants often pay their life savings to make the journey, Khanna and Chishti said.

The poorest people in the country do not migrate; they cant afford to, Dhingra said. But those who will undergo such challenges to migrate are still desperate for some kind of economic or political change.

With lofty claims and misinformation often circulated on Facebook and WhatsApp and even plastered around small towns in India, migrants might not know exactly what they are getting themselves into, they said.

It is extremely treacherous, but people might not actually know how treacherous it is, Khanna said.

Last year, a lower-income family of four with two young children was found dead near the U.S. border with Canada. Having made the journey from a village in Gujarat through a similar illegal pathway, they were separated from the rest of the group during a blizzard. Their bodies were found just 13 yards from the border.

You have to really either mortgage your life savings or mortgage your life to take this difficult journey, Chishti said.

Patel family (RCMP via Reuters)

What happens at the border

Those who make it to the U.S., sometimes after having traversed multiple continents, are often met with an immigration system that is extremely disorganized and lacks the capacity to give them real answers, Chishti said.

The processes at the Southern border have, for decades, been designed with the idea that single Mexican men are coming in to work, Chishti said. But thats not the case anymore, and the systems have not adapted to meet the new volume and challenges, he said.

Now, there are more families, as well as those who are neither Mexican or Central American, and the biggest reason is asylum.

There are not enough beds and not enough Border Patrol officers to screen you, Chishti said. So what we do now, mostly, we just let people in in various buckets.

A spokesperson for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement told NBC News that each case is carefully and individually assessed before a decision is made.

Regardless of nationality, ICE makes custody determinations on a case-by-case basis, in accordance with U.S. law and U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) policy, considering the circumstances of each case, they said.

Though sending asylum-seekers back is also not as easy as it sounds, Chishti said.

Its a diplomatic hassle to return people, he said, noting it requires an agreement between two countries that does not exist between the U.S. and India.

What typically happens, instead, is that Indian migrants are issued notices to appear before judges on specific dates, he said, and those immigration courts have backlogs of their own. If migrants do not have lawyers, their hearing dates may be delayed for months or years.

It is a system breaking under its own weight, Chishti said. So smugglers know that; they publicize that.

The U.S. as a promised land for the South Asian diaspora

While it might be logistically easier for migrants to go to Europe or the U.K., the U.S. holds a unique promise for Indian nationals specifically, experts said.

I dont think it takes much propaganda or marketing for people to see the U.S. as a highly developed country that has opportunities, Dhingra said. So the question becomes What are my chances of making it there versus making it somewhere else?

For a burgeoning diaspora with a high median household income, level of English proficiency and college education level, it remains to be seen how Indian Americans will receive this growing group of lower-income undocumented immigrants.

Will we be a community that preaches acceptance of these migrants and others, or will we be a community thats focused on quote-unquote law and order that has very little sympathy towards those who cross without full documents? he asked. Thats hard to predict.
For members of unions, there's something disarming about a fellow member knocking on their door, even if it's to canvass for a political candidate.

Doors open a bit wider. "Uh-huh" becomes "Oh really?"

When Democratic City-County Councilor Kristin Jones canvassed in 2019 with a firefighter or United Auto Workers member by her side, she found she was invited inside homes and to union meetings  something she rarely experienced during her previous decade soliciting votes for Democratic campaigns.

And Jones  whose husband is a longtime UAW member and who herself is now a member of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees  credits her slim 257-vote victory in a split district in 2019 to the support of organized labor.

"You cannot put a price tag on going door to door with a member of a union to talk to another member of the union," she said. "That just gives me credibility with them. 'Shes ok, shes one of us.'"

Councillor Kristin Jones, from District 16, speaks during the official groundbreaking for Elanco's global headquarters, at the former GM Stamping Plant Site on Tuesday, April 12, 2022, in Indianapolis.

Unions have long helped decide elections, often in favor of Democrats. But the coordinated effort pairing Jones with union members was not a partisan one: She was part of the first class of an Indiana AFL-CIO program called Path to Power, in which unions recruit, train and hit the streets for their own members running for office  including "household" members, like Jones  regardless of political party.

In a state with a weakened, superminority Democratic party, unions can no longer rely on the party and its candidates to get pro-labor policies across the finish line. They have to rely on themselves, as well as make friends on both sides of the aisle.

It's a trend that's been building since at least the 1990s, when unions started to feel abandoned by Democratic leaders like former President Bill Clinton for negotiating labor-unfriendly trade deals. Rank-and-file union members have been drifting away from the Democratic party on non-labor issues, too, like gun ownership and abortion, for decades.

Indiana has seen some shifts in union allegiance in the decade since the General Assembly passed right-to-work legislation in 2012 and then redrew district maps that gave Republicans the supermajority in the Statehouse. Contributions to the Indiana Democratic Party's central committee from unions and union-affiliated PACs these days are about half what they were in the decade prior.

So, unions are doubling down on a candidate-centered approach, and for some, that includes supporting Republicans, particularly those with strong pro-labor platforms.

"We had to come up with something for the survival of our values and our principals," said Brett Voorhies, president of the Indiana AFL-CIO, describing Path to Power. "If you want something done right, you got to do it yourself. And thats exactly what Im doing  Im putting people in office that can do it right, because were representing ourselves."

Indiana State AFL-CIO President Brett Voorhies promotes the organizations new website, HoosierUnion.com, on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023 at the Indiana AFL-CIO offices in Indianapolis. Voorhies says the website will be a one-stop shop for information from labor history to workplace rights.

How union support for the party has changed

When Danny Ernstes joined the UAW in 1993, the political climate in Indiana was very different.

The statehouse was roughly half Democrat, half Republican. Democrats controlled the governor's offices. Races in many districts were competitive.

In Ernstes' eyes, Democrats were the only friends of labor.

"It was just kind of drilled into our head: Democrat, good; Republican, bad," he said.

And, crucially, they had the ability to win elections. Putting boots on the ground for Democratic candidates proved a good investment for unions. That's no longer always the case.

Unions in Indiana still heavily support Democratic candidates for office. But contributions to the party apparatus have dropped off.

Whereas unions and union-affiliated PACs gave more than $500,000 a year to the state central committee prior to 2010, in the last decade, annual contributions have hovered around $250,000.

The UAW Region 3 Victory Fund, the PAC representing the UAW region that comprises Indiana and Ohio, stopped donating to the Democratic committee entirely after 2014.

"We're tired of losing, we're tired of throwing money away," Ernstes said.

The Indiana AFL-CIO's donations to the party have dropped precipitously, too: from tens of thousands a year prior to 2010, to just $2,000 last year.

On the flip side, some unions, like those in the construction trades, have ramped up their donations to Republican candidates in recent years.

The Indiana State Pipe Trades Association, for example, gave nearly $20,000 in 2022 to Republican candidates like State Sen. Kyle Walker and State Rep. Cindy Ledbetter. The Pipe Trades and the Indiana AFL-CIO endorsed Walker in his Senate race.

Kyle Walker, the Republican incumbent for State Senate in District 31, tours NeuroHope therapy clinic and wellness center Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2022, in Lawrence, Indiana. Walker is running against Fishers City Councilor Jocelyn Vare in a race that is polling closely.

In 2022, for the first time, the Indiana-Kentucky-Ohio Regional Council of Carpenters' donations to Republicans outpaced its donations to Democrats.

Over the past two years or so, Jerome Stanford, Indiana political director of the carpenters' union, has been making a concerted effort to get to know members of the Republican caucus, he said. For him, it's a numbers game in two ways: making smart investments with his members' money, and listening to the views of his members who, these days, are about half Republicans themselves.

By approaching individuals on both sides of the aisle, the carpenters open themselves up to making more friends, more lawmakers who could carry the ball on issues affecting wages and working conditions. Plus, the statehouse today has very few lawmakers who were involved in the right-to-work battle.

"So my job isnt to hold a grudge because the Republican party brought right-to-work to the state," Stanford said. "My job is to educate the lawmakers who we are, what we do, how we benefit the country, and then let the lawmakers decide if they want to help us or attack us."

Path to Power

In small manufacturing communities like Muncie, Democrats running for office used to be synonymous with labor. They were often union members themselves.

But Muncie's major factories have closed, corporate interests have bled into both political parties nationally, and culture war issues have come to define partisan lines. The rank-and-file feel their interests have been pushed to the side.

"Now you do need a program that is deliberately re-organizing," said Mat Davis, a statewide organizer with the AFL-CIO.

At the Laborers Local 1112 union hall, UnoBlessed, executive director of the Indiana AFL-CIO, shows Muncie City Council candidate William McIntosh how to navigate the canvassing route of UAW households on Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023.

The AFL-CIO has used union membership data to map out every precinct in Indiana for the Path to Power program. The federation recruits and trains members to run in precincts where they know there is union density  votes they can turn out.

Knocking on doors in Muncie on a Saturday in late October, Davis specifically visited UAW members to tell them about a candidate running for an at-large city council seat, William MacIntosh, who is also a UAW member.

Davis didn't bring up abortion or crime. He brought up collective bargaining, because Delaware County commissioners had recently rescinded collective bargaining.

At the Laborers Local 1112 union hall, UnoBlessed, executive director of the Indiana AFL-CIO, shows Muncie City Council candidate William McIntosh how to navigate the canvassing route of UAW households on Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023.

Path to Power is growing. From running 13 candidates in 2019, the program this year had a record 32 candidates running in local offices across the state, three of whom are Republicans  also the most-ever. Twenty-five of those candidates were successful on Nov. 7.

Some labor organizers say this kind of ground game is sorely missing from the state Democratic party. This perception, in part, explains the drop in donations to the party, they note.

"How do you invest in something that doesnt have a plan, path to victory?" Voorhies said.

Stanford said his members in the carpenters union take note of Republicans' strong stances and legislative victories in areas like abortion and "parental rights" in schools. The overturning of Roe v. Wade came from decades of organizing by Republican activists; Republicans in the Indiana Statehouse were the first to act immediately following the Supreme Court decision, with their own state law restricting abortion. Democrats were powerless to stop it. Some members want to side with the winner.

"When they look at the Democratic party, they dont see that action plan," Stanford said. "They see the Republican party on offense, and they see the Democratic party on defense."

Indiana Democrats struggle to maintain morale in the party, even for union members who are staunch supporters, like the American Federation of Teachers of Indiana.

President GlenEva Dunham said it feels like she needs to give her members a motivational speech every December post-election.

"There is some work to be done in the Democratic party, in terms of morale," she said. "Thats anything when you get handed loss after loss after loss."

Part of the problem is the party doesn't have the kind of high-profile, fundraising juggernauts running for statewide offices like they used to in former Sen. Joe Donnelly and former gubernatorial candidate John Gregg.

Gregg had massive support from labor, raising more than $2.5 million from unions. This year's Democratic candidate for governor, former schools superintendent Jennifer McCormick, has raised about $335,000, about a tenth of which came from unions.

Building a bench

What unions are doing makes sense to state Democratic Party chair Mike Schmuhl, who took the helm in 2021.

The electoral math being what it is, he understands they have a business decision to make.

"They have their own goals and priorities that they are striving for, that they're working toward. And for each one that's just different. And so I respect that. I understand that," he said. "And I also think that you know, in our opinion, in a supermajority atmosphere, that unions have to have a certain posture when it comes to forming relationships with the Statehouse."

Unions are building their own bench, so to speak. For a long time, Ernstes said, they felt like the Democrats put the onus on unions.

"We can't be relied upon to be their bench program," he said.

Regardless of how Path To Power affects the state party, Schmuhl said he supports the program  and any program that tries to get people to step up and run for office.

"It's just a challenge to get people to run for office in this day and age," he said. "If you have a family, you have a good job, politics right now is really kind of dark, depressing, really vitriolic. ... The more people doing it in our state, I think the better because I think we need to bring more balance back to Indiana in every level."

Indiana Democrats hold a press conference addressing SB1, Indiana's near-total abortion ban on the 4th floor of the Indiana Statehouse on Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2022, in Indianapolis. From left, Jocelyn Vare (Candidate for Indiana Senate - District 31), and Victoria Garcia Wilburn (Candidate for Indiana House - District 32), and Myla Eldridge, Marion County Clerk, listens as Mike Schmuhl, chair of the Indiana Democratic Party speaks during the press conference.

The Democratic party's relationship with labor has changed over the decades, but it's still the party that cares about unions' values, Schmuhl said  like preserving the ability to collectively bargain, earn a livable wage and keep a secure pension.

But the party needs to do a better job of communicating that it cares about economic issues and is not just focused on social and cultural issues, he said.

Republicans, on the other hand, have made gains among the working class through issues like gun rights and abortion and by painting Democrats as elite and out of touch. Former President Donald Trump performed well among union members in 2016, and support remained strong through 2020, even against vocal labor supporter President Joe Biden.

In other words: Democrats feel Republicans have lured away many working class voters.

"We certainly have lost a great deal of the messaging war on that front," said Kip Tew, a former state Democratic Party chair. "Theres a feeling among rank-and-file that Democrats dont fight for their economic well being. Weve been painted as elitists and university professors."

It's hard to build an extensive ground game with only a half dozen staff at the state Democratic party. Battleground states like Michigan or Wisconsin get far more financial assistance from the national party, and have dozens of statewide organizers, compared to Indiana's three.

Elections: 2024 primaries look like 'tipping point' for Indiana Republican's future

As for the party's plan for the future, Schmuhl places hope in a handful of suburban mayoral offices and statehouse seats, like the House seats being vacated by retiring Republican members Jerry Torr and Donna Schaibley. The most immediate plan is to "take a bite out of the supermajority," he said.

"Unions want to back a horse that can win," he acknowledged. "And I think that the more frequently we do that now and in the future, the more likely we are to garner more support from organized labor to build upon the support we already have."

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: As Democrats struggle in red Indiana, unions focus political attention inward
ZANESVILLE  The Zanesville Museum of Art has received a grant from the Taylor-McHenry Memorial Fund to hire elementary education support staff. The education team members will be working on the museums fourth grade Exploring Ohios History Through Art (EOHTA) program. Work will include evaluating, reviewing and revising curriculum.

During school field trips to the museum, support staff will be responsible for directing students through the ZMAs galleries while completing activities that reinforce core social studies standards taught in the classroom. Upon completion of the curriculum, support staff will summarize and analyze the results, making adjustments to continually improve the curriculum.Exploring Ohios History Through Art is the ZMAs fourth-grade curriculum that engages students using artwork on view at the museum. The initial draft of the curriculum was written in spring 2018 by Zanesville City Schools administrators and educators, a grant-funded contract curriculum writer and museum staff.

The pilot program was launched the same year at National Road Elementary School and now the program is in all Zanesville City Schools. Exploring Ohios History through Art was funded by the Ohio Arts Council. Printing support was provided by the Muskingum County Community Foundation. The program was made possible in part to the support of the Strengthening Civics Education Fund through the Foundation of Appalachian Ohio.

We are so excited to add members to the ZMA education team, said Education Coordinator Misty Johnson. With their help, we will be able to better serve our local elementary school students while providing a unique opportunity for educators to share their expertise using the ZMAs impressive permanent collection and other educational resources.

To apply for the elementary education support staff position, go to zanesvilleart.org.

This article originally appeared on Zanesville Times Recorder: Grant will allow Zanesville Museum of Art to add support staffers


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YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 14, ARMENPRESS. Armenia and Viet Nam are strengthening the circle of cooperation by building media bridges: Armenpress and the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) signed a cooperation agreement on November 14.

The signing ceremony was held online.

The agreement was signed by Armenpress Director Narine Nazaryan and Vietnam News Agency Director-General Vu Viet Trang.

Armenias Ambassador to Viet Nam Vahram Kazhoyan, whose efforts were instrumental in the implementation of signing this agreement, joined the ceremony from Hanoi.

The agreement will allow the two news agencies to exchange their media products, news reports, photos and videos.

In her speech, Director Narine Nazaryan said that Armenpress highly values international partnership and treats its mission of bringing the world closer to its readers very seriously. This is why Armenpress is steadily expanding the list of its international partners: today, yet another highly important and significant agreement is supplementing the range of cooperation agreements we have signed with news agencies of approximately 30 countries. The geography of our partners encompasses almost every continent, from the Americas to Asia, from Europe to Africa. This cooperation agreement is the first one with any of the ASEAN countries. We are currently developing a similar agreement with the news agency of the Philippines, and we hope to finalize and sign it very soon. This cooperation is immensely significant in this era of technological development, when information knows no boundaries. Our mutual commitment of comprehensively, rapidly and accurately reporting the news will undoubtedly strengthen the relations between Armenia and Viet Nam. With this agreement, we assume a commitment to discover the potential of the Armenian-Vietnamese cooperation, to expand and strengthen the cultural ties, implement joint projects, and contribute to the two peoples getting to know each others culture and values better, Nazaryan said.

Narine Nazaryan said that this year Armenpress will mark its 105th anniversary of foundation. She also announced the upcoming launch of new foreign language departments in the agency.

Our reputation of a reliable and trusted news agency which weve been committed to over the course of a century makes us constantly move forward in line with technological progress and time. Armenpress distributes its news reports in six foreign languages  English, Russian, Arabic, French, Turkish and Spanish. Taking this historic occasion, I am proud to announce the upcoming launch of the Georgian, Chinese and Iranian language departments at our agency, which will be available in the coming days. We realize our mission of creating strong and reliable media ties between Armenia and the rest of the world, and we seek to present our news product, as well as the news products of our partners, through our multi-language newswire to a bigger audience, Nazaryan said.

The Armenpress Director also talked about the crucial role of the news media in promoting mutual recognition between nations. She thanked the staffs of the two news agencies for their contributions in reaching this milestone.

The news media play a crucial role in raising awareness about various issues, promoting mutual-recognition and strengthening relations between nations. By overcoming the geographic distance, Armenpress and the Vietnam News Agency will present stories which will reflect universal values of humanity, by promoting the spirit of unity and mutual respect. I express my gratitude to our dedicated staffs for being a part of this historic moment and for their tireless work towards bringing this initiative to life. Let our cooperation be productive, let our exchanges be bright, and let us work together for a stronger relationship for the benefit of our nations, Narine Nazaryan concluded.

In turn, Vietnam News Agency Director-General Vu Viet Trang said in her speech that under the agreement, the two agencies will formally exchange information in various forms and implement other cooperation projects that align with the needs and capabilities of each side.

I believe that today is a special day for the Vietnam News Agency and the Armenpress News Agency with the signing of the bilateral cooperation agreement between our two news agencies. The accord inked today helps VNA officially establish professional partnership with Armenpress. Under the agreement, the two agencies will formally exchange information in various forms and implement other cooperation projects that align with the needs and capabilities of each side. Together we will better perform our mission to introduce the country and peoples of Viet Nam and Armenia to the world, and cover events of mutual interest to the public in both countries as well as emerging issues in the region and the world. This collaboration will contribute to further enhancing mutual understanding between our two nations, promoting exchange activities and strengthening the longstanding friendship and multifaceted cooperation between Viet Nam and Armenia, Director-General Vu Viet Trang said.

She added that VNA has been focusing on developing various types of multimedia products and making these products available on multiple platforms. Moreover, VNA is gradually incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) technology into the information production process to reduce manpower, costs and generate data journalism products from the abundant sources of information accumulated by the agency over nearly eight decades.

We understand that Armenpress is robustly developing multimedia journalism products such as videos and podcasts. Therefore, VNA is eagerly looking forward to exchanging professional experiences with Armenpress during the course of carrying out our agreement. Armenpress, with its long tradition dating back to 1918, has undergone various stages of development and organizational restructuring. Thus, its experiences will be highly beneficial to VNA in the current digital transformation period. We believe that, through the information bridge, VNA and Armenpress, as reputable news agencies in each country, will help deepen the cooperative relationship between Viet Nam and Armenia in a more practical and effective manner, commensurate with the potential, strength and development space of both nations, the VNA Director-General said.

Vietnam News Agency Director-General Vu Viet Trang thanked Armenian Ambassador to Viet Nam Vahram Kazhoyan and the Armenian Embassy in Viet Nam for promoting the partnership between the two news agencies.

Ambassador Kazhoyan also delivered a speech at the signing ceremony.

Taking this opportunity, I would like to congratulate Armenpress and VNA on the signing of the Cooperation Agreement between Vietnam News Agency and Armenpress News Agency. I would also like to congratulate the peoples of Armenia and Viet Nam, who will have better, faster and high-quality information about each others countries, coming from such prestigious and trustworthy sources. Armenia and Viet Nam have had historical relations since the middle ages. However, the 20th century has become the true manifestation of our friendship, when Armenian people helped the Vietnamese people in their fights for independence and the reunification of Viet Nam. President Ho Chi Minh's historical visit to Armenia on July 21-23, 1959, marked a new era in our relations. But with the independence of Armenia in 1991 and opening of the Armenian Embassy in Hanoi, ten years ago, these very days opened a new beginning in the development of bilateral relations between the Republic of Armenia and the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam. I am sincerely glad that the meeting and the agreement I had four years ago, on October 31, 2019, with the former VNA General Director, Mr. Nguyen Duc Loi, regarding the signing of a cooperation agreement, has been successfully fulfilled today. It's true that COVID-19 brought its negative impact on the progress of this work but here we are today, with the signed Cooperation Agreement, and I would like to thank both parties for their dedicated work in achieving the today's result. I wish all of us productive cooperation, the Ambassador said.

Photos by Mkhitar Khachatryan, Hayk Harutyunyan, Vietnam News Agency

Vietnam News Agency (VNA) is the state news agency of Viet Nam founded on 15 September 1945. With more than 60 media products, VNA provides domestic and foreign media outlets with news in Vietnamese, Chinese, English, French, Spanish and Russian.

VNA is the largest news agency in Viet Nam and has representative offices in all 63 Vietnamese cities and provinces and 30 overseas bureaus across the five continents.

Armenpress is the largest and leading news agency in Armenia covering domestic, regional and international events. Armenpress was founded in 1918. The news agency publishes an average of 400 news reports daily in Armenian, English, Russian, Spanish, French, Arabic and Turkish. Armenpress has its very own correspondents stationed in Brussels, Washington D.C., New York City and Moscow. The Armenpress photo archive stores over 1,000,000 historic and rare photos dating back to the beginning of the 20th century. Armenpress cooperates with more than 30 leading media outlets around the world from Latin America to Africa, from Europe to Asia. The news agency has been actively developing its video and podcast department over the past few years. Armenpress has been a media sponsor of both local and international major conferences and events, such as 17th Summit of the International Organization of La Francophonie, STARMUS VI, Global Media Congress, Digital Almaty, AIM Congress and others.
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 14, ARMENPRESS. Minister of Defense of Armenia Suren Papikyan has met with UAE Minister of State for Defence Mohammed Ahmed Al Bowardi during his visit to the UAE.

The meeting was attended by the Armenian Minister of High-Tech Industry Robert Khachatryan.

Issues related to the prospects for developing defense cooperation between Armenia and the United Arab Emirates were discussed, the Ministry of Defense said in a readout.

The sides expressed their readiness to make efforts to develop cooperation and establish a legal framework for it.
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 14, ARMENPRESS. On November 13, the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia in the United Kingdom organized an official reception in honor of the visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan, to mark the opening of the new building of the Embassy of Armenia in the UK and the launch of the Armenia-UK Strategic Dialogue.

MPs of the UK Parliament, representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Development, the Armenian community in the UK, public and political figures attended the event.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan and Chris Allan, the Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia Division (EECAD) at Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Ambassador of Armenia to the United Kingdom Varuzhan Nersisyan delivered welcome and congratulatory remarks, the foreign ministry said in a press release.

FM Ararat Mirzoyan said in his remarks:

We are gathered here for two important reasons:

First, to celebrate Armenias new Embassy premises in the heart of London. For us, this edifice marks the significant milestone in Armenias relationship with the UK and demonstrates the importance we place on deepening our relations built upon shared values, mutual respect, and a commitment to peace, democracy and economic development.

This year Armenia and the UK are celebrating 32 years of diplomatic relations, however our ties date back centuries. On this profound basis Armenia and the UK have made significant progress in enhancing political ties and economic cooperation, fostering stronger trading links and promoting closer people-to-people exchange through tourism, education, and culture. Opening of the new embassy building is a testimony to our enduring relations and readiness to deepen the cooperation.

Secondly, we are also here to mark the establishment of a Strategic Dialogue between Armenia and the UK. This is indeed a new chapter in our bilateral relations, which provides us with an elevated framework to strengthen cooperation in critical areas like regional security, sustainable development and human rights. Through the Strategic Dialogue, we are reaffirming our commitment to working closely with the UK in addressing global challenges and advancing our common interests.

We have a long road to cover and an important turn on that road starts here and today. We aspire for an even more ambitious bilateral cooperation agenda through the signing of the Armenia-UK Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement. This agreement will give us a solid legal foundation to further elevate our relations for the benefit of both peoples.

Dear guests,

Armenia is proud of the significant progress we have made in building a modern, democratic, market-oriented, open and vibrant society. We gratefully acknowledge the UKs ongoing contribution to these efforts and today, Armenia and the UK stand together as proud democracies.

Despite the humanitarian and security challenges that Armenia is currently facing, I want to assure you that we remain firmly committed to our democratic aspirations. We continue to focus on the opportunities to establish peace, stability and cooperation in our region. It is in this context that the Prime Minister of Armenia has recently introduced the Crossroads of Peace project, the key essence of which is the development of communications by means of renovating, building, and operating roads, railways, pipelines, cables and electricity lines. This can play an instrumental role in connecting North to South and West to East.

Dear guests,

Im confident that together, we can contribute to a global community that values peace, justice, and is hinged on solidarity to jointly meet the ever-increasing challenges.

Thank you all again for being here today.
TOKYO, Nov 14 ( News On Japan ) - Entry denials into the United States from Japan have surged in the past year, with some young Japanese women visiting Hawaii for tourism being forced to return to Japan.

The reality of overseas prostitution earnings and agents have emerged as a backdrop to these entry refusals.

Due to the rapid increase in Asian women going overseas to earn high wages, U.S. immigration checks have become stricter.

Even Japanese women visiting places like Hawaii for tourism are being denied entry and forced to return.

On social media, there are recruitment ads suggesting, "Hostesses, models, and beautiful women can earn up to 4 million yen in 4 weeks, with accommodation in a villa with a pool."

Massachusetts federal prosecutors recently cracked down on an Asian high-class prostitution network, as reported in the United States.

According to authorities, most of the women working there were of Asian descent, serving hundreds of clients including politicians, doctors, and military personnel, with payments of up to $600 per hour.

Strict entry inspections are now conducted in the U.S., and recently in Australia too.

An overseas agent said, "Specific women are taken to separate rooms and questioned. If they are wearing high brands, having a one-way ticket, or not having a hotel reservation, there's a high chance of being sent back."

Experts say that once denied entry into the U.S., there's a risk of being unable to enter for 10 years.

Related articles:

Three Arrested for Operating High-End Brothel Network

Japanese women denied entry into Hawaii; suspected of prostitution?
Sothebys managed to snatch a victory (Pyrrhic?) from the jaws of defeat by prearranging successful sales of all 31 works offered Wednesday night from the Emily Fisher Landau Collection of modern, postwar and contemporary art.

Auctioneer Oliver Barker was able to announce at the end of that very uneven evening that 100% of the offerings had found buyers (aka: a White-Glove Auctiona highly unusual, if not unprecedented, occurrence in this sale category). That said, several works were hammered at prices so low that I had expected Barker to put an end to the attendees misery with the word Pass (i.e., unsold).

The fact that this never happened suggested to me that the auction house had prearranged with the Fisher Landau Estate (beneficiary of the disposals) that, one way or another, every work would sell, regardless of how low the hammer-price might fall.

Also detracting from the allure of the sale was the likelihood that the Whitney Museum, where Fisher Landau had served as trustee, had already skimmed most of the cream of the collection, having received donations of some 400 works.

Although the Whitneys Marcel Breuer-designed building changed its malleable identity to the Met Breuer

Tom Campbell, then the Mets director, speaking at the October 2016 press preview for Kerry James Marshall show at Met Breuer

At center: Ian Alteveer, then the Mets associate curator of modern and contemporary art

Photo by Lee Rosenbaum

and then to its current status as Frick Madison

The Repeatedly Repurposed Breuer Building

Photo by Lee Rosenbaum

soon to switch from nonprofit museum to commercial entitythe Sothebys Breuer (or whatever the auction firm chooses to call it), it still includes a gallery named for late Whitney patron, which I came upon while visiting the Fricks press preview Wednesday for yet another of the intriguing 2023 two-handers at NYC museums (the latest being the Fricks Bellini/Giorgione matchup):

Photo inside the Breuer building, taken by Lee Rosenbaum on the morning of Nov. 8

But back to the recent Fisher Landau disposals: Among the Sothebys shockers was the $19-million hammer price ($22.17 million with fees) for a Rothko from his Seagram Murals series, selling far short of the $30-40 million presale estimate of its hammer price:

Rothko, Untitled (from Seagram Murals series), 1958 (final price with fees: $22.17 million, est.: $30-40 million)

Image: Courtesy Sothebys

Also jaw-droppingly underpriced: Rauschenbergs black-and-white silkscreen, Sundog, which hammered at $4 millionstopping dead (but selling) at half of the low end of its $8-12 million presale estimate:

Rauschenberg, Sundog, 1962 (final price with fees: $4.9 million, est.: $8-12 million)

Image: Courtesy Sothebys

Derek Parsons, Sothebys vice president and senior press officer, confirmed my suspicions about the sales out-of-range prearrangements. In response to my query, he stated this:

The entire Fisher Landau collection had a house guarantee from Sothebys, and then many of the works also carried third-party guarantees [aka irrevocable bids].

Parsons later told me that a total of 24 works (in the Nov. 8 auction) carried third-party guarantees. All of these machinations meant that the auction was preordained to succeed, no matter how lackluster the bidding was for some lots on the day of sale.

As Zachary Small wrote for the NY Times:

Sothebys had assured the owners that it would purchase the Picasso [the sales star lot, seen below]and nearly 30 other consignments from the estateif buyers failed to bid above a minimum price. Auctioneers said that over recent weeks they were in a frenzy to secure third-party guarantees that were slightly higher, saving their company from assuming debt on the trove of artworks.

Why this frenzy? With so much presale publicity foreseeing an art-market correction, there was an urgent need to bolster buyer confidence. This has been a shaky time for the global art market, as noted by Kelly Crow of the Wall Street Journal in her post-sale wrap-up of the Fisher Landau disposals. Similarly, in a preview of the sale in the Times, Small had noted this:

Major auction houses are hedging their bets in the fall season of sales, offering fat guarantees to sellers to secure their worksand pricing some of their top items more conservatively after the spring season demonstrated weakness in the blazing-hot $60-billion art market.

If not blazing hot, Landau landed prices solid enough to support this frothy headline of Sothebys post-sale press release:

Emily Fisher Landau Collection Establishes New High in $406.4-Million White-Glove Evening Sale

The white-glove status (meaning: 100% sold) was a given, in light of the pre-arrangements. But Sothebys subhead sabotaged the significance of this vaunted New High:

Most Valuable Sale Devoted to a Female Collector in Auction History (emphasis added)

How many sales devoted to a female collector are in competition for the most valuable designation?

As far as white gloves go: they were real (in a sense). You can see them, below, adjusting the star lot of the evening:

Picasso, Femme a la montre, 1932 (final price with fees: $139.36 million, est.: $120 million)

Image: Courtesy Sothebys

The big news of the major 20th-century sale at Christies the following night was not the decent performance of its offerings. (For that analysis, Ill turn you over to my former companion in auction-house press scrums, Judd Tully, now writing for The Art Newspaper.)

The landmark moment of Thursday nights sale, for most of us watching in person or online, came at the beginning, when veteran auctioneer Jussi Pylkkanena consummate coaxer of just one more bid (and then another)announced that this was to be his final outing in New York, winding down his 38 years at Christies. When I first saw him in New York, conducting a sale in May 2012 (when he was president of Christies Europe), I had compared his demeanor unfavorably to the always entertaining Christopher Burge, Christies legendary auctioneer, some of whose banter Jussi astutely emulated.

With outstretched arms, Jussi Pylkkanen embraces attendees at the start of his last auction in New York

Screenshot by Lee Rosenbaum

As he has often said to encourage balky bidders: Weve come a long way. As reported by another of his journalistic acolytes, Georgina Adam: His last bang of the hammer will be on 7 December in London, where he will preside over Christies Old Master paintings sale. After that, he will be working as an independent art advisor, Georgina wrote. Thats been the career path of several high-profile auctioneers and specialists over the years.

Thursday night, as planned, Jussi deftly fielded bids on the first 35 works in the sale, then briskly handed over the proceedings to the more subdued Adrien Meyer, who wielded the hammer for the remaining offerings.

A tough act to follow, Pylkkanen floated off on a high noteMonets Water-Lily Pond, his last lot in New York, fetching the highest price of the evening$74.01 million (with fees):

Monet, Water Lily Pond, ca. 1917-1919

Image: Christies

It was a watery watershed moment.
Modi said that he has been moving around the state in the past few days and has noticed tremendous support from people for the BJP

Bhopal: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that a BJP storm, created by the groundswell of support for the party in Madhya Pradesh, will blow away the Congress in the state in the November 17 elections.

Addressing an election meeting in Shajapur in Madhya Pradesh, Mr Modi said that he has been moving around the state in the past few days and has noticed tremendous support from people for the BJP.

The public trust seen in the BJP is amazing. Those making electoral calculations while sitting in Delhi hardly understand the ground situation. A BJP storm, created by peoples tremendous support for the party, will uproot the Congress in Madhya Pradesh, he said.

Mr Modi said that, as per the reports from various parts of the state, the Congress has accepted the defeat and left it to its fate.

The Congress has accepted that its false promises cannot withstand the onslaught of Modis guarantees, he said, adding, The Congress is not even in the race in this poll in Madhya Pradesh.

Mr Modi said that the looming defeat in the polls has frustrated the Congress leaders. Therefore, they have started threatening the government officers in the state.

Mr Modi assured the people that the BJP will retain power in the state in the ensuing Assembly polls and there is no need for them to be scared of any intimidation by the Congress leaders.

Attacking the grand old party, Mr Modi said that the Congress used to say that it was not possible to abrogate Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir and ban triple talaq. The party used to challenge the BJP to declare a timeline for the construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.

All these things are done. They (the Congress) dont know what material Modi is made of, he said.

In an indirect dig at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for saying that his party, if voted to power in MP, will replace made-in-China mobile phones with made-in-Madhya Pradesh sets, the Prime Minister said that the Congress leaders could not notice the achievements made by the country in the recent past.

Mr Modi said that during the Congress regime, the mobile phone manufacturing sector was worth `20,000 crores, which has now grown to `3.5-lakh crores. The country currently exports mobile phones worth `1-lakh crores.

He was responding to the speech made by Mr Gandhi in Harda in MP on Monday, pledging to replace "made-in-China mobile phones with "made-in-Madhya Pradesh" sets if his party returns to power in the state.

Mr Modi said that there was a record sale of products manufactured in India this Diwali. Products worth around `3.45-lakh crores were sold in the country during the festival.

Earlier, the country used to import products related to the Diwali festival worth `1.5-lakh crores. This is one of the success stories of the "vocal for local" policy of the Centre, he said.

He attacked the Congress, saying that the party is trying to regain its ground by making false promises to the people.

When there was the opportunity for the Congress to do something, the party indulged in corruption and nepotism, he said, adding that the grand old party is now identified with corruption, appeasement (of minorities), hooliganism, and communal riots.

"Wherever the Congress goes, it brings destruction in its wake. The Congress can only offer hostility, despair and negativity, he said.

Mr Modi said that the Congress has only treated tribal communities as a votebank and has done nothing for them.

But the BJP has undertaken several measures for the welfare of the community and their recognition at the national level.

He said that tribal children were suffering from malnutrition during the Congress regimes. But the Congress leaders used to take pictures with the malnourished tribal children to hog the limelight.

On Tuesday, the Prime Minister also addressed election rallies in Betul and Jhabua in the state.

In Jhabua, he said that it was his last election meeting in the state ahead of the November 17 Assembly elections.

Later in the evening, Mr Modi held a massive roadshow in Indore.

People were seen showering flower petals on him when his cavalcade passed through the colonies in Indore city. Slogans praising him were greeted all along the route of his roadshow.
The Kamal Nath government collapsed when 22 Congress MLAs resigned from the party and subsequently from the Assembly in March 2020

Congress leader and MP Rahul Gandhi waves at supporters during a roadshow ahead of the Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections, in Bhopal, Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023. (PTI Photo)

Bhopal: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday exuded confidence that his party will win power in Madhya Pradesh in the November 17 Assembly elections.

Addressing an election meeting in Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh, Mr Gandhi claimed that the Congress will bag 145150 seats in the 230-member MP Assembly in the polls.

The Congress leader alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union home minister Amit Shah and Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan pulled down the Congress government in the state by purchasing the party's MLAs in March 2020.

The mandate given to the Congress to form the government in Madhya Pradesh in the 2018 Assembly polls was stolen by the BJP, he said.

The Congress had won 114 seats, two short of a majority, in the last Assembly elections and formed the government with the help of two BSP MLAs, one SP legislator and four Independents.

The Kamal Nath government collapsed when 22 Congress MLAs resigned from the party and subsequently from the Assembly in March 2020.

Mr Gandhi said that the Kamal Nath government had waived off farm loans of 27 lakh farmers.

He pledged to implement all the promises made by the Congress for MP if it is voted to power in the state.

Mr Gandhi said that the previous BJP government in Karnataka was taking a 40 per cent commission for government works and added that he has asked the Congress government in Karnataka to return the money to the poor over the next five years.

He said that the Congress-ruled states of Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh and Chhattisgarh have been providing subsidised LPG cylinders at Rs 500 to people in their states, whereas in other states they are selling at Rs 1,200 to Rs 1,400.

He also addressed an election rally in Tikamgarh in the state.
Its true that when votes are fractured, outcomes are unpredictable.

Elections are obviously a testing time for political competitors. The intensity increases when the possibility of dislodging the incumbent seems easier than ever before. Confined within the relatively smaller arena of states, Assembly elections tend to appear more ferocious as fights between desperate rivals.

Some outbursts by a few partners within the INDIA alliance, fortified by speculation that all is not well and the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance is a non-starter as a challenger to the BJP in the forthcoming mother of all Lok Sabha elections in 2024, could be one of two things. One possibility is that the INDIA bloc was a balloon that is now leaking air and will soon collapse, and the other is that all is well with the alliance, even if there is no seamless adjustment of seats between the parties within the INDIA bloc.

The first possibility would make the jittery BJP ecstatic; the second possibility will make it even more nervous as it faces the qualifying races for the 2024 final that have already started in the five states of Mizoram, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and Telangana. If the apparent stresses and cracks within the INDIA bloc grew to the point where mutual distrust between competing parties turned into a classic internecine war of annihilation, it would be reasonable that the BJP, as the principal beneficiary, would be relieved and rejoice.

Anything that hinders the consolidation of the INDIA bloc would rescue the BJP from its knee-jerk concessions necessitated by the compulsion of political circumstances. In Chhattisgarh, the superstar campaigner of the BJP suddenly announced a five-year extension of the 5 kg per person Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana for 800 million people who need free rations to stave off starvation, or as Narendra Modi put it, went to bed hungry. The other revealing involuntary admission is by the BJPs election mastermind, Amit Shah, also in Chhattisgarh, on the caste census: The BJP never opposed a caste census but decisions have to be taken after giving it a lot of thought.

After trashing the Bihar caste survey, this abrupt change of stand is indicative that Kamandal politics of the inauguration of the under-construction Ram Mandir at Ayodhya is under pressure from Mandal politics of the poor and civilisationally deprived.

That the majority of Indians need the government to step in to keep them fed is a bitter moment of facing the truth; the economy, contrary to the dressed-up data released by the Modi government, is in dire straits, short term and in the medium term. However much the BJP may deplore appeasement politics, the need to take control and perhaps even credit for a caste census in the future is another clue to how uneasy lies the head that wears the crown. The third initiative by the BJP to promise, albeit in the indefinite and distant future, increased representation for women by reserving one-third of seats in the Lok Sabha and in the state Assemblies, is a concession that garnering support from women voters could decide the fate of the party in this round of elections.

Two concessions during the campaign and one before the election ball was set rolling adds up to a lot of pressure that the Modi government needs to handle to unseat Ashok Gehlot in Rajasthan, Bhupesh Baghel in Chhattisgarh, K. Chandrasekar Rao in Telangana and retain power in Madhya Pradesh as well as keep MNFs chief minister Zoramthanga in Mizoram glued to its side. The Congress is obviously the principal opponent everywhere.

The twist in this tale of binary politics, however, is the presence of regional parties seizing the opportunity to dig themselves into new territories, turning the electoral battle into multi-cornered fights. The assumption hitherto has been that all multi-cornered fights from within the ranks of the parties in opposition to the BJP hurts the Congress. Party boss Mallikarjun Kharge has named the Prime Minister, home minister and the investigative agencies as additional contestants in every constituency where the Congress, its friends and the BJP are engaged in combat. The BJP, it seems, needs every weapon in the governments arsenal to try sustain the myth of its invincibility.

Its true that when votes are fractured, outcomes are unpredictable. The prevailing wisdom is that divisions within the Congress and splits in the Opposition votes will work for the BJP. It is as likely that regional parties as an alternative to the BJP and the Congress can shave away support to the BJP, lowering its chances of getting past the winning post.

If, however, parties like the Aam Aadmi Party and Samajwadi Party team up with the Congress to back government formation in the poll-bound states, it would jeopardise the BJPs post-poll result plans, if it has any, of inveigling susceptible winners from the other side. It would then strengthen the INDIA bloc and increase the BJPs uneasiness, as it would promote the idea of a united Opposition working to oust Narendra Modi and defeat the BJP.

Recent opinion polls, and these can be tricky in anticipating exactly how voters will decide, indicate there is no strong wind blowing in the BJPs favour. When votes are fractured, there the outcomes are unpredictable. The polls also suggest that even after Mr Modi firmly inserted himself into the regional battlefields, uncertainty has not declined for the BJP. The voters are also not definitely anti-Congress or anti-INDIA. On the contrary, voters polled by various surveys are fully aware of what the INDIA alliance is, even though they say they dont think it is working according to a well-defined and easily grasped plan.

From what Mr Kharge has said publicly, it is evident that he is working overtime to drive his party to victory and keep the INDIA bloc together; conversations are ongoing, including with the disgruntled Akhilesh Yadav and Nitish Kumar. The INDIA bloc, as he explains it, will reconvene after December 3 when the election results are out.

Any anticipation that the INDIA bloc is likely to fall apart, because the Congress, unusually, has concentrated its efforts on winning in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and Telangana, is an ardently desired wish of the BJP. It implies that INDIA partners now regret the formation.

Till the 2024 general election, speculation whether the INDIA bloc fails or succeeds will be rife. As a bloc, it is a potential threat to the BJPs tested playbook for winning elections. It is unlikely that the Congress or regional and smaller parties will jeopardise the best opportunity they have by working against each other and so gift the BJP a huge advantage.
Tomorrow's summit in San Francisco could result in China banning the export of the chemical components of the opioid that has caused tens of thousands of overdose deaths in the United States. The price for this is the lifting of sanctions on the Chinese Institution of Forensic Medicine, accused of covering up human rights violations in Xinjiang.

San Francisco (AsiaNews)  On the eve of the long-awaited meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and his US counterpart, Joe Biden, scheduled for tomorrow in San Francisco on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, the issue of fighting fentanyl trafficking is at the top of the agenda.

According to Bloomberg, the two leaders could sign an agreement on combating the illegal spread of the very powerful synthetic opioid that has become the number one cause of deaths among drug addicts in the United States.

The issue has long been one of the main topics on the table in Sino-US relations. Washington accuses Beijing of complicity with Chinese companies that export the chemical components used in the production of fentanyl.

The powerful narcotic analgaesic is about 80 times more powerful than morphine, and improper use can lead to addiction.

As the fentanyl crisis continues to get worse in the United States, drug deaths nationwide hit a new record 109,680 in 2022 with about two thirds of all overdose deaths involving a synthetic opioid, according to preliminary data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

China has always maintained that it has already cracked down on fentanyl production and export. But in reality, Chinese companies have continued to export the components to Mexican cartels, which then smuggle the drug into the United States.

Frosty relations between Washington and Beijing have also made progress in the matter impossible.

Now, China has agreed to prosecute the companies that produce the chemical components used to produce fentanyl, which is an important domestic development for the Biden administration.

The deal, however, requires a major concession from the United States, namely lifting sanctions against the Chinese governments Institution of Forensic Science, which is accused of conducting mass surveillance and human rights abuses in the Xinjiang region.

Imposed in 2020, these sanctions were explicitly motivated by the institutes involvement in abuses committed in China's campaign of repression, mass arbitrary detention, forced labour, and high-tech surveillance against Uyghurs, ethnic Kazakhs, and members of other Muslim minority groups in the Xinjiang Autonomous Region.

Photo: Flickr /Elvert Barnes
by Dario Salvi

Msgr. Martinelli on the appointment that in a fortnight in Dubai will also see the presence of Pope Francis. Ecology and climate become "an element of catechesis" today, especially in the land of Arabia. A document of religious leaders has already been drawn up in Abu Dhabi. Faiths can "converge on ecological issues", finding "fertile ground for encounter, confrontation, dialogue and knowledge" that also embraces "spiritual and doctrinal heritage".

Milan (AsiaNews) - The theme of climate linked to religion as an "element of catechesis". For Msgr. Paolo Martinelli, apostolic vicar of southern Arabia (United Arab Emirates, Oman and Yemen), the events scheduled in recent weeks in the Gulf recall an element that has long been at the center of the mission and constitutes a privileged terrain for dialogue with Muslims.

In Emirati society, as in neighboring Oman - explains the prelate - there is great attention to the environmental issue, especially among young people who have read and studied the contents proposed in Pope Francis' Laudato Si. And as COP28 approaches, the issue has become even more central."

In fact, from 30 November to 12 December, Expo City Dubai will host the UN international climate conference, in the presence of over 70 thousand participants including heads of state, government officials, international industrialists and representatives of the private sector.

To these are added academics, experts, young people and non-state actors to delve deeper into the contents of the Paris Agreement and which, in the Emirates, will be summarized for a first global assessment. To (also) highlight the progress made towards the objectives and analyze the critical elements and unresolved issues.

The theme - says Msgr. Martinelli - is central to the life of the Church and of young people and it is they themselves who ask to explore it in depth in the post-confirmation process".

We talk about ecological conversion, integral ecology - he adds -, expressions that indicate not only a particular aspect, but also a concrete theme that is part of their reality, which concerns them on a human level, in interpersonal relationships and with other faiths. A path that my predecessor [Msgr Paul Hinder] had already started and which I myself have strongly supported on a pastoral level."

The Pope at Cop28

In recent days, confirmation has arrived regarding the Pope's presence at Cop28, as part of a three-day official visit to the Emirates from 1 to 3 December. The most significant moment will be December 2, when the pontiff will speak at ExpoCity with a speech addressed to the heads of state and government of the various nations, followed by private bilateral meetings.

The following day, before returning to Rome, the inauguration of the "Pavilion of Faith" is scheduled, which embodies and promotes the six objectives that led to its birth: to inspire faiths and religious leaders to operate as agents of change for the climate ; show practical actions by religious institutions and communities to stem climate change with effective indicators and monitoring mechanisms; create a coalition of religious people who work for the climate; encourage faith leaders themselves to engage in climate dialogue and inspire change; strengthen support for climate action; unify and guarantee the greatest possible strength of the religious leaders present.

Francis spoke about participation in COP28 in Dubai last weekend at the Angelus, in which he urged the faithful present in St. Peter's Square to pray so that the conference achieves its objectives.

An essential goal, to give life - in a world increasingly marked by divisions, conflicts and violence - to common policies and fruitful collaboration to limit the increase in global temperatures and verify the impact of climate change.

The launch, two years ago, of the Laudato Si action platform, linked to the encyclical, which intends to offer useful tools for the care of what the Pope has called several times "our common home", fits into this perspective.

An initiative promoted by the Dicastery for the service of integral human development, which represents a shared space in which the Church studies and develops responses to the ecological and environmental crisis, a theme also present in the Laudate Deum.

Two years ago - underlined the Pope at the end of the Marian prayer - the Platform was launched. I thank those who have joined this initiative and I encourage them to continue the path of ecological conversion" by praying "for the Dubai Conference on climate change".

Environment land of mission and dialogue

"The interreligious element" in addressing climate issues is "a central point" and, repeating the words of the pontiff, faiths "have the common task of safeguarding and promoting creation" continues the vicar of Arabia.

"It is an interesting aspect - he adds - that religions can converge on ecological themes, finding fertile ground for meeting, comparison, dialogue and knowledge" which is expanding to also embrace "the spiritual and doctrinal heritage".

To confirm the importance, the prelate recalls having dedicated more than one passage in the first pastoral letter to the faithful of the vicariate published recently: "God calls us - he writes - and attracts us to himself through the beauty of things and life. We discover that God calls us to beauty, goodness and love. Life is a vocation because reality is a pro-vocation."

The vicar continues by recalling the teaching of Saint Francis of Assisi and the Canticle of Brother Sun, inviting the faithful to "defend creation and the environment - as Pope Francis repeatedly teaches us - because things are signs of God. They lead us to God. It is part of our vocation to take care of creation because creatures are a gift from God, who invites us to love."

And if life is a "vocation to love and be loved", he concludes, in caring for nature, the common home, the Christian finds fertile ground to carry out his mission and to establish a relationship of dialogue with Islam and other faiths.

GATEWAY TO THE EAST IS THE ASIANEWS NEWSLETTER DEDICATED TO MIDDLE EAST. WOULD YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE IT EVERY TUESDAY VIA E-MAIL? SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER HERE.
Today's news: Nepal wants to ban TikTok. Fighting in Myanmar near the border with India. Two deaths also in southern Lebanon from Israeli air force raids. For Korean intelligence, Beijing is directly behind fake news agencies spreading propaganda. Turkmenistan 'turns off' radio and TV signals from Uzbekistan.

INDIA

Rescue operations continue for 40 Indians trapped inside a highway tunnel in the Himalayas. The construction, which is part of a project to allow Hindu pilgrimages on the mountain range, collapsed during construction on Sunday morning. So far, food, water and oxygen have been provided and the rescuers (more than 100) have always remained in contact with the workers.

NEPAL

Nepal has decided to ban the Chinese application TikTok "to preserve social harmony". Communications and IT Minister Rekha Sharma told the BBC that the platform spreads harmful content, adding that "the ban will come into force immediately and telecom authorities have been instructed to implement the decision." TikTok is very popular among 16-24 year olds. According to local media, more than 1,600 cybercrime cases linked to the platform have been recorded in Nepal over the past four years.

MYANMAR

About a hundred Rohingya refugees have reached the coast of the Indonesian province of Aceh after fleeing from Myanmar. A local fisherman said they were "weak and needed food". Meanwhile in the country the anti-coup militias are continuing to carry out their joint operation against the Burmese army: after the capture of two outposts, the Chin National Front is trying to consolidate positions along the border with India.

CHINA  SOUTH KOREA

According to South Korean intelligence, China is behind a series of fake sites that pose as well-known media outlets in the country. The National Intelligence Service (NIS) said Monday that Chinese press relations agencies Haimai and Haixun created phishing sites that resemble those of news agencies and then generated a series of stories it calls pro-China. and anti-US.

GAZA  ISRAEL

While fighting continues around the al-Shifa hospital, under which according to the Israeli Defense Forces there is a Hamas command and control centre, yesterday two people were also killed in an Israeli attack in southern Lebanon, in city of Ainata, according to an organization close to Hezbollah and fears of an expansion of the conflict are increasing. US President Biden said that al-Shifa hospital must be protected.

RUSSIA

At the Russian Academy of People's Economy and Civil Services, linked to the presidential administration, the training program for "media police" has been opened, in which students will study for four years to learn to distinguish "anti-Russian content" on internet, along with expressions of extremism, crimes against people and much more.

TURKMENISTAN

Turkmenistan is trying to block all radio and television signals coming from Uzbekistan, officially in a plan to combat narcotics smuggling, but in practice to further limit the population's access to sources of information that are not controlled by the Ashgabat government , using special equipment that also blocks phones.
by Melani Manel Perera

Collapsed embankments force dozens of families to leave their homes at tea plantations. They urge the government to provide them with safe housing. During celebrations for the Hindu festival, Sri Lankan President Wickremesinghe expresses hope that the lamps of prosperity will guide the country towards development for all.

Colombo (AsiaNews)  This years celebrations for the Hindu festival of Diwali in Sri Lanka was marked by mixed feelings of joy and sorrow.

While the government celebrated the "festival of lights" in a grandiose way, some Tamils in rural areas said that they would not celebrate Diwali at all, due to floods and landslides that have devastated Tamil regions.

"What a Diwali for us, who have been swept away from where we were, some Tamil said. About 33 members of eight families of plantation workers were displaced yesterday due to the collapse of a protective stone wall in front of a row of plantation houses in the upper part of Mocha Tea Plantation, a village in Nuwara Eliya District, a news reporter, Chandana Jayaweera, told AsiaNews

The displaced found temporary shelter at a pre-school building in the tea estate, including 15 school-age children.

Displaced plantation workers are calling on the authorities to provide homes for the displaced families in a safe place instead of temporary solutions. They complain that continuing heavy rains could cause another part of the embankment to collapse, putting their lives at risk.

In Rathnapura district, Tamil estate workers have been displaced for three weeks, Anthony Jesudasan, executive director of the Voice of the Plantation People Organization (VOPP), told AsiaNews.

Nine families with almost 40 people (seniors, adults, youth and children) are temporarily staying at the Praja Shakthi Foundation.

Still, even in this situation of grave hardship, devotees light Diwali lamps and participate in religious rites, supporting the shared aspiration to infuse light into every soul.

By contrast, the official celebration of the Hindu festival was held on Sunday in Colombo in the presence of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who was warmly welcomed according to Hindu rites.

"As we celebrate Diwali, it is my fervent hope that the nation unites on this occasion and become a beacon, igniting the lamps of prosperity across the country and steering Sri Lanka towards being a developed country by 2048, marking one hundred years of independence.
In his message for World Youth Day, which will be celebrated in the dioceses on Sunday, 26 November, the pontiff also mentions the scourge of youth suicide. When we think of human tragedies, [. . .] we can also be part of Gods answer to the problem.

Vatican City (AsiaNews)  Pope Francis released a message to young people today for the 38th diocesan World Youth Day, which will be celebrated on 26 November 2023, solemnity of Christ the King.

In it, the pontiff writes: We are living at a time, though, when for many people, including the young, hope seems absent. Sadly, many of your contemporaries who experience wars, violent conflict, bullying and other kinds of hardship, are gripped by despair, fear and depression.

He also mentions the great meeting in Lisbon last summer and the appointment for 2027 in Asia when the WYD will stop in Seoul. The Jubilee in Rome in 2025 will come between the two, centred on the virtue of hope, as in rejoicing in hope, words from Saint Paul (Rm, 12:22), in this years World Youth Day.

I would like to take you by the hand and walk with you on the path of hope, writes the pope. I would like to speak with you about our joys and hopes, but also of our sorrows and concerns, and those of all our brothers and sisters in the human family (cf. Gaudium et Spes, 1)

The pontiff notes that when these words were written, during Pauls time, Christians were undergoing harsh persecution.

The joy in hope proclaimed by the Apostle is the fruit of Christs paschal mystery and the power of his resurrection. It is not a product of our human efforts, plans or skills, but of the energy born of an encounter with Christ.

Sadly, many of your contemporaries who experience wars, violent conflict, bullying and other kinds of hardship, are gripped by despair, fear and depression. They feel as if they are in a dark prison, where the light of the sun cannot enter.

A dramatic sign of this is the high rate of suicide among young people in different countries. In such situations, how can we experience the joy and hope of which Saint Paul speaks?

There is a risk that instead we will fall prey to despair, thinking that it is useless to do good, since it would not be appreciated or acknowledged by anyone.

For Christians, as people created in Gods image and likeness, the task is to "be signs of his love, which gives rise to joy and hope even in situations that appear hopeless.

The pope cites as an example the young father in the movie "Life is Beautiful," who with great sensitivity and creativity, manages to transform harsh realities into a kind of adventure and game.

We see them played out in the lives of so many saints who were witnesses of hope even amid the most horrid examples of human evil. We can think of Saint Maximilian Mary Kolbe, Saint Josephine Bakhita, and Blessed Jozef and Wiktoria Ulma and their seven children.

[T]hat was the hope of the Virgin Mary, who remained steadfast beneath the cross of Jesus, certain that the good outcome was near.

For the pontiff, Christian hope is no facile optimism, no placebo for the credulous: it is the certainty, rooted in love and faith, that God never abandons us and remains faithful to his promise.

Christian hope is not a denial of sorrow and death; it is the celebration of the love of the risen Christ, who is always at our side, even when he seems far from us.

Hope, Francis adds, must be nurtured and the first step is prayer, because, as Benedict XVI wrote, even when no one listens to me any more, God still listens to me.

Hope is also fed through daily choices. Francis suggests one that young people can actually make.

On social media, it always seems easier to share negative things than things that inspire hope. So my concrete suggestion is this: each day, try to share a word of hope with others. Try to sow seeds of hope in the lives of your friends and everyone around you.

The message also turns to another image dear to young people, that of the smartphone that spreads light at night with a flashlight.

At huge concerts, thousands of you move these modern candles to the rhythm of the music; it is an impressive sight. At night, light makes us see things in a new way, and in the darkness a certain beauty shines forth. So it is with the light of hope which is Christ. From Jesus, from his resurrection, our lives take on light. With him, we see everything in a new light.

Hope is also the gaze with which to look at one's daily life as well. The challenges and difficulties will always be there, but if we possess a hope full of faith, we can confront them in the knowledge that they do not have the final word. And we ourselves can become a small beacon of hope for others.

Like the disciples who came down from the mountain after the Transfiguration, We must not flee from the world, but love the times in which God has placed us, and not without reason.

Dear young people, do not be afraid to share with others the hope and joy of the risen Christ! Nurture the spark that has been kindled in you, but at the same time share it. You will come to realize that it grows by being given away!

Stay close in particular to your friends who may be smiling on the outside but are weeping within, for lack of hope. Do not let yourselves be infected by indifference and individualism. Remain open, like canals in which the hope of Jesus can flow and spread in all the areas where you live.

Finally, Francis addresses another invitation to young people, to take up the Final Document of the Synod dedicated to them in 2018 and the Apostolic Exhortation Christus vivit.

The time is ripe to take stock of the situation and to work together with hope for the full implementation of that unforgettable Synod.
Interview: Economic integration in Asia-Pacific should continue to be enhanced, Japanese researcher says

Xinhua) 20:25, November 14, 2023

TOKYO, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- The Asia-Pacific economic integration should continue to be enhanced and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) can play an important role in promoting global development, Japanese researcher Kiyoyuki Seguchi has said.

Seguchi, research director at Japan's Canon Institute for Global Studies, told Xinhua in a recent interview that the Asia-Pacific, as an important engine driving world economic growth, will continue to lead the world economic development.

"In the long term, Asia will continue to provide a strong impetus for world economic growth, and the center of Asia's economic growth is in China," Seguchi noted.

According to a report by the Asian Development Bank, economic recovery in the Asia-Pacific region has largely benefited from China, which contributed more than 60 percent of the region's growth.

Seguchi pointed out that the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) connects Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America and other regions to seek common development, and is an initiative that benefits the world.

It is a good thing for China to go beyond Asia and play a role in the world, Seguchi said, adding that it is very important for China to strengthen its relations with Africa, Latin America, the Middle East and other regions to promote the development of developing countries.

Seguchi believes that opening up to the outside world is an important cornerstone of China's economic development, and the Chinese government's commitment to deepening reform and opening up is of great significance to China and the world at large.

Seguchi said that the development of Asia requires the concerted efforts of all parties, and hopes that APEC will become a platform that promotes close cooperation and smooth exchanges among various economies.

To strengthen APEC's role, it is necessary to make effective use of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership while deepening cooperation between China and countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Seguchi said.

Seguchi noted that China is actively advancing the process of joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, and he looks forward to China and Japan working with other Asian economies to continue to promote world free trade and investment.

APEC is the highest-level and most influential economic cooperation mechanism with the broadest range in the Asia Pacific region. The 30th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting is scheduled to be held in the U.S. western coastal city of San Francisco on Nov. 15-17.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
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A survey in early November by the Israel Democracy Institute sees Israelis feel closer to their country, the highest level since 2003. Optimism in the Arab population is up, the desire to migrate is waning. The Israeli military confirms the death of a female soldier held by Hamas, hit by friendly fire during an airstrike.

Jerusalem (AsiaNews)  The war in Gaza against Hamas seems to strengthen the sense of belonging and attachment of the Israeli population to their country, especially among Arab Israelis, limiting the desire to migrate, reversing a trend that until now drove a substantial number of people to leave in search of better living conditions.

This is what emerges from a survey  the fourth since the start of the conflict in the Strip  conducted by the Viterbi Family Center for Public Opinion and Policy Research, a study group linked to the Israel Democracy Institute.

Data were collected on 5 and 6 November 2023, with 502 men and women interviewed via the internet and by phone in Hebrew and over a hundred in Arabic, with a confidence level of 95 per cent.

Meanwhile, the Israeli army announced the death of a female soldier held hostage in Gaza, effectively confirming a video previously published by Hamas showing her alive and later dead.

According to the Palestinian group, the soldier was killed by friendly fire, allegedly dying during an Israeli air raid. Analysts point out that this is the first time that Israel has confirmed a Hamas claim since previous reports of the killing of dozens of hostages had never been confirmed.

The survey examines - among others - possible links between Hamas's attack and the government's focus on judicial reform rather than security, the timing of negotiations, the position of those who manage the conflict, Gazas future after the war, optimism about the future and feeling part of Israel, choosing to stay despite past and current difficulties.

In terms of sense of belonging, among both the Jewish and Arab populations, the survey found the highest figure since the researchers first asked the question in 2003.

In both groups, but especially among Arabs, there was a sharp increase compared to the measurement carried out in June 2023. Within the Arab sample, the share of Christians and Druze who feel part of the State of Israel (84 per cent) is significantly higher than that of Muslims (66 per cent), but overall, the sense of belonging remains a consistent majority in all religious groups.

In terms of age, the study shows interesting elements: the greatest increase in feeling part of the State of Israel and its problems is recorded among the youngest, 18 to 24 (June, 44 per cent; November, 70 per cent).

Among Arab respondents who feel part of the State of Israel and its problems, 35 per cent are optimistic about the future of the country, compared to 4 per cent of those who do not feel part of the state.

In light of the trauma and difficulties experienced in October, more than a month after the October 7 attack, the reaction is no longer one of flight or migration.

On the contrary, to the question (asked seven times since 2015), If you could receive American citizenship or citizenship of another Western country, would you prefer to move there to live or would you prefer to remain in Israel? the vast majority prefer to stay (total sample, 77 per cent; Jewish sample, 80.5 per cent; Arab sample, 59 per cent). Only a minority wants to move abroad (out of the total only 11 per cent; Jewish sample, 8 per cent; Arab champion, 26 per cent).

The share of those who prefer to emigrate has declined among both Jews and Arabs. Among Jewish respondents it is now at its lowest level in the last decade, while for Arabs it must be compared to the significant increase recorded in June in the previous survey.

(Photo from Israel Democracy Institute)
by Vladimir Rozanskij

With the mobilisation for the war in Ukraine, several thousand Buriati - ethnic Mongols living within Russia's borders - moved to Ulan Bator. But in recent decades, the capital has changed a lot, turning over a new leaf from its Soviet heritage. And despite their historical and cultural affinity, the Rlokanty are finding it hard to settle in a world very different from the one they were used to living in.

Ulaanbaatar (AsiaNews) - Since the beginning of the mobilization for the war in Ukraine, over 6 thousand Russian citizens have moved to Mongolia, mostly ethnic Mongolians from Buryatia, Zabaykal and the Irkutsk region, settling mostly in the capital Ulaanbaatar.

Although the Buryats and Mongols are close relatives, the Relokanty from Russia struggle to acclimate to a world very different from the one they were used to living in. An anonymous journalist and photographer from the Baikal People agency reported various impressions of their conditions in Mongolia's main metropolis.

Until about twenty years ago, Ulaanbaatar did not differ much from the typical capitals of the Soviet Asian republics, as Mongolia had remained under the strong influence of the USSR for 70 years, even though it was not formally part of it.

In recent times the city has changed profoundly, and its inhabitants have freed themselves from the many symbols of the communist period, such as the mausoleum and monuments to Lenin in the central squares, and contemporary buildings have been built in place of the previous barracks, still existing in the most Russian cities.

The name of the city, Ulan-Bator or Ulaanbaatar according to the various spellings, appeared 100 years ago, in place of the ancient Urga, the Russified variant of the Mongolian rg which means "palace, seat of an important man".

After the revolution, in 1924 it was decided to call it Bator-Khoto, "Hero City", meaning the memory of Genghis Khan, but the Comintern, the international structure of the communists, insisted on Ulan-Bator.

The capital, home to over a million people, is considered the heir of the ancient Karakorum, seat of the Great Khan "of the oceans" who presided over the entire Mongol Empire, even if a Kharkhorin (Karakorum) currently exists to the west of the metropolis.

At the beginning of the 2000s, de-colonization from the Russian-Soviet past was activated, with the removal of monuments and the renaming of city streets and squares: the Nayramdal district, the Soviet title of "friendship between peoples" became Bayanzurkh , which means wealth and prosperity.

The Russian language is actually still very widespread among the Mongolians, and the Russians here cannot get lost along the way, they always find someone who understands them and helps them. Young people, however, have no interest in studying Russian, having South Korea and the United States as their main references.

In Russian history textbooks, the Golden Horde of the Mongols is still represented as a collection of wild and cruel cutthroats, as they were described by the nineteenth-century Russian historians Karamzin and Klyuchevsky, although the level of development of the Mongol Empire did not stand out negatively compared to the European states of the late Middle Ages. It was an empire based on religious tolerance, and among the khans there were also Christians.

The central square of Ulaanbaatar was renamed in 2013 as Genghis Khan Square; although the descendants of the revolutionaries tried to maintain the Soviet title of Sukhe-Bator, the leader who occupied the central mausoleum together with the other politician Coybalsan, are now buried at the cemetery, and the mausoleum itself has been removed.

The parade entrance of the government palace, recently visited also by Pope Francis, is dominated by the imposing statue of Genghis Khan who sits on the imperial throne, with his descendants and commanders next to him, those who invaded Asia, Russia and the Middle East. 95% of the population are Mongolians, and the rest are Asian Russians and Kazakhs, as well as a number of Koreans. Many Chinese live in Inner Mongolia, and outside the country there are about nine million Mongolians, three times more than the same inhabitants inside.

Modern Mongolia is looking for its own path to democracy and overcoming deep-rooted corruption systems, focusing above all on the capital, while in the rest of the country there are still many Yurt villages, the nomadic tents of the ancient people. Today the "new nomads" are the Russian relokanty, who will also have to learn to become Mongols of a civilization that is rebuilding itself, seeking stability and peace.
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The Israeli army said Tuesday that its troops captured multiple military and government buildings from the Islamist group Hamas in the Gaza Strip, including "the headquarters of the Legislative Assembly and the Hamas government".

"Combined combat forces of the 7th Brigade took control of the headquarters of the Legislative Assembly and the Hamas government, the Hamas police headquarters and an engineering college used for weapons production and development," the military spokesman said, adding that these buildings were captured "in the past few days".

The buildings taken also include a training centre, a command and control room, and a compound used for detention and interrogation.

"Combined combat forces of the Golani Brigade successfully secured the governor's residence, identified as a facility used by the Hamas terrorist organisation," the army added, detailing that "this building housed both Hamas military and police offices as well as military intelligence offices, headquarters and several Hamas outposts".

Some of these buildings, the military statement said, were allegedly used as training sites for the Islamist group's 7 October attack on Israel, which left 1,200 dead and more than 240 hostages captured and taken to Gaza.

Since then, Israeli retaliatory attacks - by air, sea and land - have left more than 11,180 dead, 28,200 wounded, 3,000 missing and more than 1.5 million displaced in Gaza, where 46 Israeli troops taking part in the ground offensive have also been killed.
Subaru, on the other hand, gains access to a lot of perks from within the largest automaker in the world. The Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ are clear examples of how well the collaboration is going, and there's also the all-electric Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra, among other perks. But what if the two automakers shook hands to attack the American unibody compact pickup truck sector?Indeed, ever since Hyundai dared to take a leap of faith and announce the production of the Santa Cruz model, many carmakers have pondered whether also to join the revived sector. By the time Hyundai finished planning all the details, one rival also joined them in that leap of faith, and Ford introduced the Maverick unibody pickup truck to America.As it turns out, the latter was a lot more successful than the initial promoter of the sector's rebirth. Nowadays, everyone allegedly wants a piece of the action  from Ram with the upcoming North American Rampage to the potential return of the Toyota Stout nameplate or the arrival of a Corolla Cross-based unibody pickup truck, whichever gets approved by the corner office head honcho first.Interestingly, Subaru is another brand that's touted by the rumor mill as ready to join the party. That's kind of odd because the latter doesn't have a lot of models in America  the 2024 Crosstrek, Forester, Outback, Ascent, Impreza, Legacy, plus the 2023 Solterra, BRZ, and WRX, and that's it. However, the imaginative realm of digital car content creators is adamant that Subaru might join the Maverick and Santa Cruz battles with a reborn BRAT or Baja, depending on who you ask.Dimas Ramadhan, the virtual automotive artist behind the Digimods DESIGN channel on YouTube, has taken up the task of revealing the revived Subaru Baja, for instance. And while the original from 2002 to 2006 was an all-wheel drive four-door utility model related to the Subaru Legacy and Outback passenger cars, this unofficial reinterpretation completely abandons the Ute legacy in favor of classic four-door workhorse looks.In fact, if we are not mistaken, we think there's a little more Toyota inspiration than it should be if we identify the Tacoma profile well. Actually, that's not such a bad idea  the TNGA-F modular body-on-frame platform could also underpin a model from Subaru. Maybe the Baja doesn't need to be just a Ford Maverick menace  perhaps it could also jeopardize the sales of the Chevy Colorado/GMC Canyon, Ford Ranger, Jeep Gladiator, or Nissan Frontier mid-sizers? That's an intriguing thought, right?
SUV

There were many introductions this year, from the Prius 'Hybrid Reborn' in Prime plug-in hybrid form to the new Corolla Cross Hybrid, from the long list of members of the Nightshade family to the trio of GR special editions (GR86 Trueno, GR Corolla Circuit, GR Supra 45th Anniversary), and including the trio of superstars  2024 Grand Highlander three-row CUV, N400 Tacoma, and the returning 2024 Land Cruiser.But wait, as there is more. Toyota is not ready to end the automotive fall season until they also pay their respects to the iconic Los Angeles Auto Show (November 17-26). And we already know what is brewing for the event in California  back in October and earlier this month, the company teased two models that will arrive on the eve of the 2023 LA Auto Show. We know the next-gen XV80 Camry and the Crownwill debut on November 14 at 10 PM ET, thanks to previous teasers and swift announcements on the press portal.Naturally, with mere hours to go before the double premiere (something that Lexus also did quite successfully in June when they presented the all-new GX and first-ever TX), everyone is hyped beyond belief about the Japanese carmaker. That includes the rumor mill  particularly the imaginative realm of digital car content creators. No worries, there are a lot of visions about the Camry and Crown SUV if you're impatient, too. So, the good folks at the AutoYa , AutomagzPro, and Real Automotive channels on YouTube have unleashed their resident pixel masters to preview these juicy new Toyotas.First, the host at AutoYa has another set of unofficial renderings from the channel's prolific CGI expert  they already showcased the 2025 Toyota Camry on a couple of previous occasions before the company presented its first teaser to the public. It's only shown from the front, this time, with a couple of extra colors for added panache  and we feel it might not be spot on for the actual design of the XV80.The peeps over at AutomagzPro , on the other hand, have a couple of different interpretations of the hypothetical design of the best-selling mid-size sedan  one stemming directly from their imagination and having nothing to do with the official teasers and a second one that tries to stay closer to what's in store in the real world. In the end, since this is all wishful thinking, you can choose any of these as your favorites.Meanwhile, the Real Automotive focuses on the second big novelty from Toyota for the LA Auto Show  the upcoming new body style for the flagship Crown series. Officially dubbed by Toyota as the Crown SUV, this version is the true crossover of the family, not the one already on sale from a little over $40k. It's also a futuristic interpretation of the Crown design themes, probably assisted by the intervention of AI software.So, do you like it more or less than the virtual Camrys you have already seen? Also, do you think Toyota will feature any powertrain revolution for the Camry and Crown SUV, or are they playing it safe with the teased HEV badges, meaning that we already know what's featured under the hood from other models in the range?
For more than a decade, this was one of the most secretive superyachts in the world. It was one of the few lucky luxury toys to have the same owner throughout this entire time. When it finally revealed itself to the world, Loretta Anne was so mesmerizing that it found a new owner almost instantly.

Some superyachts can spend years on the market despite their opulent features. That wasn't the case for Loretta Anne, a gorgeous 156-footer (47 meters) built in New Zealand in 2012. Although it doesn't come from one of the world's top superyacht builders and it doesn't boast the highly-coveted Dutch or Italian pedigree, this sophisticated pleasure craft made a splash in the fascinating world of bespoke vessels that are worth more than mansions.Despite its age, Loretta Anne was a fresh arrival on the market. That's because it was used exclusively by its private owner for more than a decade. Unlike other luxury yachts that operate as charter vessels and change hands every couple of years, this dark navy beauty has stayed away from prying eyes ever since its debut. And when it finally opened up to the world, yachting connoisseurs were quick to confirm its worth.Loretta Anne was asking for $18 million, and it got that in just three months, a record sale time in the superyacht market. Its new owner is still mysterious, but the Kiwi vessel got its international fame from the original owner, Loretta Ann Rogers. She was married to Ted Rogers, founder of the Canadian media empire Rogers Communications, and she was a savvy businesswoman and active philanthropist.Like many billionaires, Loretta Ann was in love with yachts, water sports, and exotic vacations. She was known to travel extensively to exotic destinations and snorkel in places like the Bahamas. At the same time, the former marketing at Alloy Yachts, which built the Loretta Anne yacht, described her as one of the most "down to earth" owners she had ever met.The Canadian heiress owned three pleasure craft custom-designed by the acclaimed Dubois Naval Architects. The one named after her was her third and final yacht, which she fully enjoyed before passing away in 2022.The gorgeous Kiwi build got instant recognition (four Super Yacht Awards, including the 2013 "Motor Yacht of the Year") and is still considered one of the most impressive pilothouse yachts in operation today.Some of its atypical features include an oversized flybridge, a large galley on the main deck, stunning artwork inspired by marine life throughout its interiors, and a flexible gym that can be converted into an additional cabin. With a shallow draft and powerful engines, this $18 million bespoke floating mansion is designed to travel to the Bahamas in style and comfort.
Apple's AirTag has become a must-have device for tracking belonging, as its small form factor allows us to install it virtually anywhere.

But the features that make it such a convenient device are the small form factor and how it communicates with the master device. The tiny pill-shaped tracker doesn't have built-in Internet access or GPS but uses nearby iPhones to communicate its location to the owner.It can access any iPhone in proximity specifically to show its location in the Find My app on the owner's smartphone.These features have turned AirTags into a double-edged sword, and Palm City Republican Rep. Toby Overdorf believes it's time to stop people from misusing the device.Stalkers and criminals have turned to AirTags to monitor their victims , hiding the device in their cars, backpacks, or purses. The AirTag can indeed warn someone that it's moving with them, but if it's planted in a hard-to-reach spot, it could take hours until the victim finds it.Overdorf believes Florida should have steep penalties for people who use AirTags for stalking, so he proposes turning it into a third-degree felony. It means anyone using an AirTag to keep tabs on someone's location could spend ten years in prison and pay a $5,000 fine. Today, a criminal doing the same thing can only get up to 60 days in prison and a $500 fine.Overdor says Florida should better regulate the AirTag, so he wants the tracking devices to be specifically included in the laws. As a result, criminals turning to AirTags for nefarious purposes would no longer fall under a second-degree misdemeanor.The bill states that the AirTag can still be used by parents and caregivers to track others as long as they act in good faith. In other words, installing an AirTag in your kid's backpack won't be considered a punishable misdemeanor. Law enforcement would also have exemptions to track criminals, as the AirTag has already proved to be a valuable tool in the fight against thieves.Apple has already tweaked the AirTag to prevent activities like stalking. The device can notify the person who carries the AirTag by sending a notification on their phone. The user can make the device generate a sound without notifying the owner. Apple is also working with the police to determine the identity of an AirTag owner based on the serial number and the ID associated with the device.Police tell residents to call 911 whenever they find an AirTag and believe they are in danger. Otherwise, you can always file a report if you come across a hidden AirTag in your car, as the officers can work with Apple to find how and why they planted the device to track your location.
Glamping redefined the way we enjoy the outdoors by adding a hefty dose of luxury. It's much easier to connect to your natural surroundings when you're inside a fully equipped sanctuary with lavish amenities and a stylish design. This Australian version takes things to the next level with a stunning layout and a sophisticated deck.

Photo: Aussie Tiny Houses

Photo: Aussie Tiny Houses

Photo: Aussie Tiny Houses

Aussie Tiny Houses is a brand that needs no introduction. Its glorious builds have not only conquered the hearts of countless Australians but also inspired one of the most popular design trends in the world of tiny living. Tiny houses designed in Australia are instantly recognizable and easy to fall in love with. They're incredibly open and bright without sacrificing functionality and high comfort levels.With their unique indoor/outdoor connection, Australian tiny homes are particularly well suited for holiday rentals. Aussie Tiny Houses even has a couple of tiny house models that were specifically designed to operate as BnBs. One of them is Balnarring 6.0, an idyllic sanctuary for two.Balnarring boasts a modest size, but it's big on luxury. The six-meter (19.6 feet) length and 2.4-meter (7.8 feet) width only allow a single-level configuration with an open-space design. However, the apparent disadvantages were turned into assets. This is especially true for the home's main bedroom.It was set up in the area that's typically dedicated to the living area, thanks to the great views. A BnB tiny house can do away with the living room and add the extra space to the bedroom. The result is a wonderful relaxation cocoon where a comfy two-person bed is practically surrounded by oversized windows. We're talking three-sided panoramic views any time of the day, anywhere inside the bedroom.Plus, by using oversized windows instead of regular ones, the Australian brand amplified the illusion of an indoor/outdoor flow. It's a great way to start the day end to end it, taking in those wonderful views, especially if you're on vacation. And Balnarring was born to become the ultimate vacation retreat for a romantic getaway.

The ingenious design makes the most of Balnarring's main floor space. The bed headboard doubles as a discrete separation wall. On top of the wall, a large area provides extra storage. On the other side of the wall, guests have access to an adorable dining nook. It's a 1.6-meter (5.2 feet) breakfast bar with matching bar stools  the perfect setup for romantic meals.The home's large sliding doors made of glass ensure the same indoor/outdoor flow in this part of the house as well. The huge window at the end of the house offers stunning views of the natural surroundings, thanks to the open-plan layout that creates an obstructed line of sight from one end to the other.Balnarring's minimalistic dining nook can also double as a bedroom vanity or even as a work desk. Functionality is key, especially in such a tight space. A compact kitchen occupies the other end of the house, and it's beautifully framed by glass doors and windows that bring the outdoors in. No tiny house would be luxurious without a well-equipped kitchen, and this one has it all, from a dual-burner cooktop and a built-in bar fridge to numerous cabinets. It proves that even a kitchenette can be perfectly functional and stylish.The bathroom follows the same principles. It's large enough to include a comfortable 1,200 x 900 mm shower, an eco-friendly composting toilet, and an elegant vanity with extra storage. Balnarring's tiny bathroom is already surprisingly luxurious for a dwelling this size, but if you want to enjoy the full spa-like experience, you must add the fancy deck with a pod and pergola.This popular builder is one of the few to offer three deck trailer options in various sizes. The one with a pod and pergola is the most luxurious, and it could turn any tiny house into a sophisticated relaxation sanctuary.In addition to a steel frame pergola with high-insulated ceiling panels, this option includes a unique feature . It's basically a pod living space (3.3 x 2.4 meters/10.8 x 7.8 feet) with a sliding door, a sliding window, and an insulated floor.This highly versatile extension can be transformed into anything from an extra bedroom to a yoga studio or a home office. It's an area that truly blurs the line between the outside and the inside, and its a sophisticated way of enjoying nature without sacrificing comfort.The pergola deck trailer is another great option that can be used to add a luxurious outdoor bathtub  a popular addition to glamping retreats. Either way, a deck trailer is one of the most ingenious ways to extend the space of a tiny home while also embracing the natural surroundings.As for pricing, the Balnarring 6.0 starts at A$101,900 ($65,000). The optional Deck Trailer with a pod and pergola for this size would cost an additional A$56,900 ($36,200). It's worth it if it means getting a fabulous holiday retreat that embodies the Aussie spirit and a deep connection with nature.
The moment when America's future military aviators will get to train on a brand-new aircraft is fast approaching. This, after the maker of the new machine, Boeing, completed the next stage of the testing process.

The plane in question is called T-7A Red Hawk, in honor of the Tuskegee Airmen, the group of almost all-African American pilots who proved themselves during the aerial battles of the Second World War on board Curtiss P-40 Warhawk airplanes.It has been in development over at Boeing for the past several years, but now, in 2023, it has really moved a lot of steps closer to operational status.The last time we got an update on the Red Hawk was back in September when the U.S. Air Force (USAF), the organization that will use it, received its first aircraft of this kind. Previously, in June, the plane conducted its very first test flight at the hands of USAF pilots.The first Red Hawk was delivered to the Air Force at one of its bases in Saint Louis. There was talk then of one of the planes being delivered to the Edwards Air Force Base in California where the next phase of testing was supposed to begin.That happened last week when, according to Boeing, one Red Hawk, designated APT-2, traveled for a distance of 1,400 miles (2,253 km) from an undisclosed location to Edwards.The plane that was moved to California is described as the first production representative jet off the assembly line. It was flown by a mixed USAF-Boeing crew  this being a trainer and all, it comes with a two-seat configuration.The flight was not non-stop, as the Red Hawk landed three times, at air bases in Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Arizona. The stops were needed for both refueling and show-and-tell displays for the USAF people.Now that it reached Edwards the Red Hawk will begin a series of procedures that include flutter tests. That's a way of putting aircraft through their paces meant to see how the structure handles aerodynamic loads and how much vibration on the wing occurs when air is flowing around it. Elsewhere, two other test aircraft will undergo different procedures.The plane has been designed to run on a General Electric turbofan engine rated at 17,000 lbf of thrust when the afterburner is engaged. It will be capable of reaching speeds of over 800 mph (1,300 kph) and a top altitude of 50,000 feet (15,000 meters).The Red Hawk is meant to replace the T-38 Talon in the USAF arsenal. Thats a trainer aircraft thats been around since the 1950s and still forms the basis of the Air Forces training procedures.Boeing received back in 2018 a $9.2 billion contract to make no less than 351 T-7As, but also simulators and support hardware.
Cybertruck wraps have been the talk of the town since one prototype was seen wearing one in June. A recently spotted Cybertruck impressed with its "Minecraft" wrap, but a minor detail caused even more controversies. The pickup truck featured a round steering wheel, making people wonder what the default steering wheel option would be at launch.

Who would want a standard steering WHEEL on their Cybertruck? ?? ???? pic.twitter.com/Czsz909n0r  Greggertruck (@greggertruck) November 14, 2023

Tesla Cybertruck is the most controversial electric vehicle of our times, and it's likely to cause even more controversies after the first units are delivered on November 30. Although Tesla remained tight-lipped, the Cybertruck's features, both real and imagined, have caused more keystrokes on social media than the never-ending stream of crises that crippled humanity in the past three years. This explains why every Cybertruck appearance causes uproar.This summer, the Cybertruck got intriguing camouflage wraps , causing everyone to wonder what the purpose was. After all, we've seen countless naked Cybertruck prototypes before. What was left to hide? It later turned out that the camo wrap was the actual product there, not the Cybertruck. Tesla is seriously considering offering such an option for the pickup truck and is already training its service center personnel with Model 3 and Model Y wraps A Cybertruck wrapped in what people called "Minecraft" camo made the rounds recently after being spotted in Mountain View, California. Surprisingly, it wasn't the wrap that was its most exciting feature. After all, a similarly wrapped Cybertruck was seen in September without making waves. This time, it was the steering wheel, which was perfectly round. This differs from the "squircle" design we know from the Tesla Investor Day in March.The steering wheel in the picture snapped in a Mountain View parking lot looks similar to the one introduced with the refreshed Model 3 (Highland) in China and Europe. This choice is even more bizarre considering that the Cybertruck proved capable of moving the wheels lock-to-lock by rotating the steering wheel less than 180 degrees. In fact, the Cybertruck appears to have dynamically adjusted steering, which automatically adjusts the steering ratio depending on speed and other conditions. This means that, unlike the Model S and Model X, the Cybertruck doesn't need a round steering wheel.I don't know why Tesla chose this setup for this particular unit. I know this is not the first time Tesla fitted a round steering wheel on the Cybertruck. We saw this first in the Tesla Bot video presented during the 2023 Shareholders Day on May 16. In that video, a group of Optimus robots were moving in front of several Cybertruck prototypes. The closest to the camera had a round steering wheel, which few people noticed then.We still don't know many things about the Tesla Cybertruck despite the delivery event being scheduled two weeks from now. The steering wheel configuration is only one of them. Tesla showed with the Model S/X that it was willing to reconsider its decisions and reinstate the round steering wheel for those who wanted it. Will we see a similar approach with the Cybertruck?
The prime minister of Thailand, Srettha Thavisin, was invited by Tesla VP Lars Moravi to climb on top of the Cybertruck's tonneau cover. The picture has circled the world, proving how strong the Cybertrucks' vault cover was. I'm sure Rivian, who delivered its vehicles with a fragile tonneau cover, is following this closely.

EV

Cybertruck with the PM of Thailand @Thavisin

and @larsmoravy at Tesla Fremont today

Source: TT srettha.thavisin pic.twitter.com/cad2HXMIym  Greggertruck (@greggertruck) November 14, 2023

Many early Rivian owners found out that the R1T's powered tonneau cover was a lot more fragile than it should be on an adventure pickup truck. The cover used a complicated system to stow away the multiple blades in the space behind the cabin. As most complex things do, it was prone to jamming and breaking, so Rivian had to remove it from its configurator. Thestartup promised a fix but needed more than a year before finally offering a new powered tonneau cover This was the biggest mistake Rivian made with the R1T, which otherwise proved a surprisingly well-thought-out vehicle. The electric pickup truck is known for being able to withstand the harshness of an off-road trail and even for doing some actual truck work. This is why some people think the Cybertruck might be a city dweller by comparison. And if the Rivian's powered tonneau cover were a joke, the one on the Cybertruck would be even more so.Well, we can now safely rule out this possibility, as recent imagery shows that the Cybertruck is a lot sturdier than most people thought. The vault cover, in particular, is built to withstand a significant load without bending or, God forbid, breaking. This became obvious after Tesla VP for Vehicle Engineering Lars Moravi invited Thailand's Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, for a photo shoot on top of the Cybertruck. The cover proved as solid as the Cybertruck's stainless steel exoskeleton, showing no sign of stress.The shocking moment happened during Thavisin's visit to Tesla Fremont to discuss the country's collaboration with Tesla. Thailand is the place where most pickup trucks for Asia-Pacific markets are built, so it's no coincidence that the country's prime minister was invited to test the Cybertruck. If Tesla ever considers building the Cybertruck in other parts of the world, Thailand is undoubtedly THE place. I'm sure Australians are looking forward to this happening as soon as possible.People at Rivian are also watching closely the Cybertruck. Even if it proved no match for the R1T on the Hollister Hills stair steps , it's arguably the most disruptive competitor in the electric pickup truck segment. And considering how difficult it was for Rivian to come up with a better tonneau cover for the R1T, seeing the Cybertruck vault cover withstanding the weight of two people must have been an inspiration if not a challenge. I'd love to hear RJ Scaringe saying, "Challenge accepted," in a Barney Stinson voice.
Initial reports indicated that the assembly would take place in Northern Mexico. However, it was allegedly decided that the first cars should come to life in Austin, as Musk believes the engineers should be close to the assembly line. As for the biggest news when it comes to this model (pun intended), it is the rumored starting price of under $25,000.This is where the reports end, and the speculation begins. This covers just about everything, from the car's name to the design, platform, powertrains, and everything else. The most logical move would be to christen it the Tesla Model 2 . The moniker has surfaced several times over the years, though there is still nothing official about it, including the launch date. However, we all know how Tesla rolls, don't we? That said, it is likely a few years away, and its production kickoff is bound to be delayed several times.In terms of styling, it's been said that it might look like a smaller Cybertruck , albeit without a bed, as the entire cabin and cargo area will be closed off, with the latter probably being accessible through a tailgate/liftgate. Its platform might be used for a fully autonomous vehicle, and that makes sense, as it would allow the automaker to keep the development and production costs in check, thus making the sub-$25k car possible. We expect the base grades to offer single-motor powertrains, whereas the upper specs might feature dual motors with eAWD and impressive outputs.Now, while giving it a styling inspired by the bigger Cybertruck seems to be what Elon Musk wants, there have been several attempts to sketch it out, and the latest doesn't have anything to do with the brand's pickup. Instead, the digital artist, Theottle, used the Cupra Born as the foundation stone. The compact electric vehicle was virtually modified to look like a Tesla at the front, sides, and rear, and even though it does just that, it cannot shed its Volkswagen Group weight.But why use the Cupra Born, which is the same car as the Volkswagen ID.3 beneath the skin? Because Musk jumped behind the wheel of an ID.3 a few years ago, part of his visit to Germany. Thus, it's all based on assumptions, as realistically speaking, nothing appears to have been decided when it comes to the Tesla Model 2. But could this design work, and would you approve this move if you could?
$47 million dollars. This is where the hammer dropped during the latest RM Sothebys event, in which the unique Ferrari 330 LM/250 GTO by Scaglietti was auctioned off in a stand-alone sale in New York.

Photo: RM Sotheby's

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This 1962 racing car is considered the Holy Grail of Ferraris. The model had last changed hands back in 1985, also with RM Sothebys, but for a fraction of the price: $500,000, the equivalent of $1.4 million today, according to Good Duff, Rm Sothebys global head of auctions, an Ohio-based collector.With fees included, the price now goes all the way to $51.7 million. It thus, becomes the worlds most expensive classic car sold publicly sold this year. At number 2 comes the 1967 Ferrari 412 Berlinetta that sold for $30.2 million on August 17.It is also the most expensive Ferrari ever sold at an auction. A Ferrari 250 GTO was reportedly sold privately for more than $70 million in 2016.But the sum falls short of the auction houses expectations, as the 1962 Ferrari 330 LM/250 GTO had an unpublished estimate of $60 million.Two bidders battled for the racing car all the way to $47 million in an event presided by Oliver Barker, who is also the chairman of the European division of the auction house. The car was parked in front of a painting by the contemporary art star Jonas Wood.RM Sothebys declined to give any information about the one who will take the car home. They, thus, become one of the only 36 Ferrari 250 GTO owners that rolled off the production line between 1962 and 1964. Fashion designer Ralph Lauren and the drummer of Pink Floyd, Nick Mason , are two of the members of the exclusive owners club.The model, chassis number 3765, was originally a 330 LM, a race car with a slightly larger engine, then converted into a 250 GTO in 1962, the only one ever raced by Scuderia Ferrari. In 1964, Ferrari sold it to a Sicilian surgeon for $6,000.The Ferrari comes with quite an impressive background. Painted in red and wearing the Number 7 racing every, it stands as the only Ferrari 250 GTO powered by a 4.0-liter V12 engine and the only factory GTO Tipo t have been raced by the racing division of Ferrari.In 1962, it finished first in its class and second in the overall ranking at the Nurburgring 1,000-Kilometer race. It also competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans that year, driven by Mike Parkes and Lorenzo Bandini for Scuderia Ferrari. They crashed the car on lap 56 and were forced to retire.The model also won the Best in Show award at the Amelia Island Concours dElegance in Florida in 2012.At $47 million, it is still far from the most expensive classic car ever sold at an auction remains the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe, purchased for $135 million.
A fine-driving crossover based on a platform developed under the watch of ex-Ferrari man Philippe Krief, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio comes with turbocharged four- and six-cylinder lumps. The sixer is exclusive to the so-called Quadrifoglio, a nameplate that harks back to the 1923 Targa Florio.

AMG

Photo: KaRace on YouTube

The 14th edition of the well-known endurance race saw Italian racing driver Ugo Sivocci assert dominance over everybody else  including Enzo Ferrari  in an Alfa Romeo RL Corsa with two four-leaf clovers painted on the vehicle's side-opening hoods. Fast forward to 2023, and Quadrifoglio means BMW M-rivaling performance for both the Stelvio crossover utility vehicle and the Giulia sedan.When it comes to specific traits, Quadrifoglio now means twin-turbo V6 with loads of power (510 ps or 503 hp) and torque (600 Nm or 443 lb-ft). Pictured in black, the Stelvio Quadrifoglio we're covering today is punchier than stock due to a Stage 1 upgrade. This example of the breed reportedly develops 586 ps and 850 Nm at the crankshaft, which converts to just around 578 mechanical ponies and 627 pound-feet.Pretty serious for a D-segment crossover, especially one devoid of electric assistants. The Mercedes-GLC 63 S E Performance comes to mind with its 671-horsepower setup, which brings together a four-pot engine and a rear-mounted electric drive unit.Far lighter than the GLC 63 series (think 1,905 kilograms compared to a whopping 2,310 for the plug-in Merc), the Stelvio Quadrifoglio sounds incredibly good for a V6 because its V6 borrows a few things from the Prancing Horse's twin-turbocharged V8 engine.Aurally pleasing for a sixer, the 690T engine doesn't hold a candle to the odd-firing V10 of the Audi R8. Pictured with a canvas top, the German supercar has a clear advantage in terms of curb weight (1,770 kilograms). It's also more powerful (610 ps or 602 hp). On the other hand, the naturally-aspirated V10 doesn't make as much torque (560 Nm or 413 lb-ft).Far more aerodynamic as well, the Lamborghini Huracan's cousin further differentiates itself from the Stelvio Quadrifoglio with a dual-clutch box from Dana Graziano. The Alfa Romeo uses the hugely capable 8HP from ZF, a torque-converter automatic that further equips rear-biased M cars and utilities.Given the aforementioned, it's crystal clear that Audi's mid-engine supercar is quicker than the Stelvio Quadrifoglio in a straight line. The folks at KaRace clocked bests of 3.5 and 3.8 seconds, respectively, to 100 kilometers per hour (62 miles per hour).In the quarter mile, that would be 11.6 and 11.8 seconds. Pretty close, and most impressive on the Alfa Romeo's part. It's not as close from a roll, though. The pull from 100 to 200 kilometers per hour (62 to 124 mph) takes 7.3 seconds in the Audi and 10.5 in the Stelvio Quadrifoglio, which goes to show that less weight and better aero make a world of difference.
They have come all the way from Vietnam to conquer the American car market, and they believe theyve got just the right strategy for it. VinFast announced they plan to extend their dealer network in the US.

SUV

kWh

The Vietnamese company has already received more than 70 dealer applications. If they are all approved, VinFast is going to start delivering the models they build through 125 points of sales nationwide. They are also planning to have hundreds of such sales points by the end of 2024, including their current showrooms.VinFast is already selling four models in the United States, all of them with electric powertrains. The lineup starts with the V6 subcompactavailable in two variants: the VF 6 Eco with 174 horsepower and 184 lb-ft and a range of 248 miles, while the VF 6 Plus gets 201 horsepower, 228 lb-ft of torque and a range of 237 miles. They both sport a small 59.6battery pack.The VF 7 SUV gets 201 horsepower and 228 lb-ft in the Eco variant and 348 horsepower and 368 lb-ft in the Plus one. They are both equipped with the same 75.3 kWh battery pack, which is enough for a range of 280 miles for the Eco and 268 miles in the Plus.Upper in the range, there is the VF 8. Both trim levels are powered by a dual-motor setup that generates 349 horsepower in the Eco and 402 horsepower in the Plus. The 87.7 kWh battery pack provides them with a range of 264 miles and 243 miles, respectively.Meanwhile, the VF 9 is a seven-seat SUV that starts at $83,000 in the Eco variant. The two electric motors deliver 402 horsepower, while a larger battery pack, with a capacity of 123 kWh, stores enough energy for a drive of up to 330 miles. The Plus variant gets just as much horsepower, the same battery pack, and 291 miles of range. But the extra equipment justifies the price gap. The VF 9 Plus starts at $91,000.A ten-year or 125,000-mile warranty for the vehicle and ten-year unlimited mileage warranty for the battery are part of the aftersales plan.The VinFasts Parts Distribution Centers can fulfill orders from all regional markets, including the United States, and will support requests coming from dealers.In an attempt to attract as many customers as possible, VinFast is going to take the Pop-up Mobile Test Drives across Austin, Texas, and other cities and allow everyone interested to see what the VinFast EVs are actually about. The CEO of the company says they are trying to make EVs accessible to everyone.The presence of dealers on American territory will shorten waiting times and will help the company to meet the demands and needs of the US customers. Furthermore, VinFast is planning to sell cars in up to 50 global markets by the end of 2024.
According to the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Armenia-UK strategic dialogue was launched with a meeting between Mirzoyan and British Minister for Europe Leo Docherty held the same day.

The meeting reportedly began with a private conversation and later continued in an extended format with the participation of delegations from both countries.

The sides emphasized that the activation of the high-level political dialogue between the Republic of Armenia and the UK recently, the start of the strategic dialogue testify to the willingness of the parties to qualitatively raise the Armenia-UK partnership to a new level and to the efforts invested in that direction, the Armenian ministrys report said.

It said discussions during the meeting were held around the entire agenda of bilateral relations between the two nations.

The parties thoroughly discussed security and stability issues in the South Caucasus, the process of normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Foreign Minister Mirzoyan underscored the significance of moving forward in the peace process based on the principles outlined in the statement adopted after the quadrilateral meeting in Granada in October, the report said.

The Armenian foreign minister was quoted as emphasizing the importance of public commitments from Azerbaijan as well as active engagement by international partners in this issue.

Minister Mirzoyan also reportedly presented the Crossroads of Peace project developed by Armenia, highlighting the expected advantages resulting from its implementation.

According to the report, the displacement of more than 100,000 ethnic Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh due to ethnic cleansing by Azerbaijan was also raised at the meeting and the sides addressed steps being taken to meet the primary needs and rights of the Nagorno-Karabakh people.

The meeting between Mirzoyan and Docherty followed an official ceremony of the opening of a new embassy of Armenia in London. Speaking at the ceremony, the Armenian foreign minister called it a historic moment.

We not only open a building, but lay new foundations for deepening our relations. We are reaffirming our commitments to deepen our political dialogue, our economic ties, our cultural ties, Mirzoyan said, stressing that the opening of the new embassy building coincided with the launch of the Armenia-UK strategic dialogue.
The European Commission and the leaders of the member states will have the final word on both the number and the powers of the mission after the endorsement by the Foreign Affairs Council came on Monday. Presumably, the final decision will be made in December.

Hailing the decision, Armenias Deputy Foreign Minister Paruyr Hovannisian on Tuesday said that the move will enhance the stability of the countrys restive borders with Azerbaijan.

The EU mission in Armenia (EUMA) currently consisting of 100 or so observers and experts was launched at the request of the Armenian government in late 2022 with the stated aim of preventing or reducing ceasefire violations along the border with Azerbaijan. Russia, Armenias increasingly estranged ally, has opposed it from the outset, saying that it is part of broader Western efforts to drive Moscow out of the South Caucasus.

The Azerbaijani takeover of Nagorno-Karabakh in September this year has raised more fears in Yerevan that Azerbaijan will invade Armenia to open a land corridor to its Nakhichevan exclave. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian urged Western powers to prevent Baku from provoking a new war in the region when he addressed the European Parliament in October.

Two weeks ago the EUMA said its members had already carried out more than a thousand patrols.

Hovannisian said that the expansion of the EUMA would enable more active work related to border monitoring.

The decision is to expand the number of observers, to strengthen their capabilities, which will make it possible to carry out more active work related to observation, to submit relevant reports to Brussels and member states -- something that we definitely believe will further strengthen stability at our borders. We dont have numbers yet, but we believe that an adequate number should be provided in order to carry out the works more effectively, said Armenias deputy foreign minister.

While officially no figures have been published yet, Arman Yeghoyan, the pro-government head of the European Integration Commission in Armenias National Assembly, said he expected it to be a significant increase. He said that should the final decision be made, more European observers are likely to engage in patrolling the borders of Armenia already next year.

As for whether a military component could be added to the EUMA, Yeghoyan said: At the moment, we are talking about the expansion of the border-monitoring mission with the existing mandate, that is, the expansion of the number of personnel and its duration.

The decision by the EU to beef up its border-monitoring mission in Armenia is likely to irk Russia as well as Azerbaijan which has already criticized EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell over his statement concerning Baku.

After the Foreign Affairs Councils meeting on Monday Borrell, in particular, warned Azerbaijan against any violation of Armenian territorial integrity that he said would be unacceptable and would have severe consequences for the quality of our relations.

In a statement issued today Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry described Borrells accusations as absolutely inadequate and unacceptable, claiming that they deliberately distort the current realities in the region.

Azerbaijans ministry also claimed that the EUs efforts to arm Armenia are encouraging the policy of drawing the South Caucasus into new confrontations. Responsibility for this also lies with the EU, the statement concluded.
14 November 2023 08:30 (UTC+04:00)

Abbas Ganbay Read more

Politics is a force that can overcome all wills and even brotherhood and friendship. Because politics serves the requirements and principles of the existing time more than national and ethnic values.

The same climate currently exists in the South Caucasus. We are talking about the triangle of Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia, which is a complete part of the region. Although it is necessary to take steps towards peace negotiations in the South Caucasus, certain obstacles from both outside and inside are delaying the process.

France's desire to arm Armenia at such a moment and the green light on the way to pursue this harmful aspiration cannot be considered fvourable to the fate of the entire South Caucasus.

On the night of November 12, the French multi-purpose armored vehicle Bastion manufactured by Acmat was loaded in the Georgian port of Poti. According to information France transferred military equipment to Armenia through Georgia, which caused bewilderment.

Knowing that France has long held Armenia close to itself and by its hands wants to impose "order" in the South Caucasus, this deal undermines the path to achieving a peace treaty between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

In the meantime, the Georgian government expressed its desire to be a mediator in the mentioned peace process, and after that it became a mediator, even partially, on the issue of weapons, somewhat damaging the transparency of the processes.

In a comment for AZERNEWS, Georgian expert and journalist Gela Vasadze said that Georgia has not officially expressed any statements on this issue, where Georgia's position on the conclusion of a peace treaty between Azerbaijan and Armenia is clear - according to him, it was proposed to meet in Tbilisi as a platform for peace treaties.

"This proposal was voiced during President Ilham Aliyev's visit to Tbilisi. As for the relations between France, Azerbaijan, and Armenia in this case Georgia did not express any position, that is in principle from the point of view of the Georgian government it is a matter for Paris, Yerevan, and Baku. We have offered ourselves, in Tbilisi; we are not mediators, as mediators are directly involved in the process, we are just a host party. Therefore, in my personal opinion, this is an ideal platform for peace treaties, where no other force will interfere," Vasadze said.

France's continued policy of arming Armenia is crossing a line where peaceful settlement and coexistence in the South Caucasus requires it to meet its neighbors, namely Azerbaijan in its offer of joint efforts for peaceful coexistence in the Caucasus. Armenia may be equipping itself with "offensive" weapons for stability and defense, and while Azerbaijan has taken the return of Armenians back to Garabagh on the table, Armenia is ignoring the same right of return of Western Azerbaijanis. Theoretically, one can assume that something more serious will follow the "Bastions". And based on these assumptions Armenia may well undertake another armed provocation.

The West has long had its eye on the South Caucasus region and is looking for ways to establish itself on Armenian territory, to neutralise Russian influence in the region, and possibly to undermine ways to achieve the 3+3 format.

Unfortunately, Gela Vasadze expressed a somewhat cold attitude towards this format, considering only the Russian factor. Putting aside all economic interests, he noted that supposedly the 3+3 format is a factor that enables Russia to permanently remain in the South Caucasus. However, this format can create a common interest platform for all the states included in the format in the South Caucasus.

The Georgian journalist added that Armenia's support for the 3+3 format can only be of a formal nature. But if we look at the basis of the matter, Pashinyan's main goal is to integrate into the European Union with all his strength. For example, according to Vasadze, Georgia is more inclined to integrate into the EU just like Armenia.

In fact, a careful look at history suggests that Georgia's current approach increases the risk of creating a kind of threat to its territorial integrity. Georgian authorities need to think about the interests and security of Georgia itself. Including taking into account some unfavorable circumstances in which Armenia is laying claims to a part of Georgian territory.

In 1918, after barely appearing on the map of the South Caucasus, Armenia unleashed a war not only with Azerbaijan but also with Georgia over the Borchaly district. Moreover, the fact that after the "Sovietisation" of Armenia the Lori lands were presented as a gift to Armenia has not only whetted Yerevan's appetite. Today Yerevan is openly laying claims to Georgian Javakheti, which Yerevan has already renamed "Javakh". It is also possible that 50,000 Armenians who left Garabagh, not wishing to stay in Yerevan, will move to Abkhazia.

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14 November 2023 21:15 (UTC+04:00)

Abbas Ganbay Read more

The projects carried out in the field of "green energy" provide an opportunity to expand the potential of electricity production and export, and open wide prospects for the transportation of electricity from Central Asian countries to Europe through Azerbaijan.

This was announced at a tripartite meeting held in Baku with the participation of the ministers of economy and energy of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Republic of Uzbekistan, and the Republic of Kazakhstan regarding the discussion of the prospects of exporting electricity from the territory of Azerbaijan to Europe from Central Asian countries.

It was noted that Azerbaijan is a successful supplier of electricity in addition to exporting oil, oil products, and natural gas.

"The policy of the three countries regarding the development and export of renewable energy allows Azerbaijan to play the role of a bridge for the supply of electricity from the countries of Central Asia to Europe. Azerbaijan, together with Georgia, Romania, and Hungary, will allow the export of 4 GW of electricity from the Caspian Sea-Black Sea-European energy is working on the creation of the corridor. Another 1 GW of "green" energy is planned to be transported via the Nakhchivan-Turkey-Europe route," it was said in the report.

Moreover, according to the information, the access of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to these corridors will strengthen the development of the electricity markets of these countries, cooperation on the production and supply of green hydrogen, and ammonia, and strengthen the partnership on energy security and "green projects" within the framework of the Middle Corridor.

The parties noted the non-alternativeness of sustainable development based on the widespread use of renewable energy sources and the expansion of generation capacity and stressed that they will continue their unilateral and joint efforts on decarbonization without harming their economic development.

During the discussions, the successful experience of joint action and partnership in various spheres, including the field of energy, was noted. The parties appreciated Azerbaijan's initiative on coordinating and synchronizing efforts on the future development of the energy system of regional countries, as well as mutual efforts in the direction of supplying clean electricity to the markets of third countries.

Noting the potential of the countries for renewable energy, the ministers said that they are ready to join the project on the export of electricity obtained from alternative sources to Europe. In this context, after the integration of Azerbaijan's energy system, interest was expressed in investigating the possibilities of laying a high-voltage power line through the bottom of the Black Sea.

The ministers emphasized that the development of the "green" energy transmission project will strengthen the relations between the energy systems and economies of the participating countries, as well as give a new impetus to the national energy industries.

As a result of the meeting, a joint communique was signed. The next meeting at the level of ministers of economy and energy is expected to be held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

At the meeting, it was noted that the participation of President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev as an honored guest at the 5th Consultative Meeting of Central Asian Heads of State is an important indicator of brotherly relations between Azerbaijan and Central Asian countries.

It was reported that Kazakh and Uzbek companies participate in the projects implemented in the territories liberated from occupation. On behalf of the Uzbek people, a high school named after Mirza Ulugbey was built in Fuzuli. In this city, the Children's Creativity Center project named after Kurmangazi is implemented by Kazakhstan.

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A book presentation "Uzun Hasan, Ruler of the Aghgoyunlu state" has been held within the 9th Baku International Book Fair.

Published by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the book provides insight into the life of Uzun Hasan, an outstanding statesman and commander's genealogy and biography, as well as the collections of material culture samples belonging to the Aghgoyunlu state, kept in the world museums, Azernews reports.

The book consists of two parts. The first part features historical information about the domestic and foreign policies of Uzun Hasan and his son Sultan Yagub, political processes in Azerbaijan and the world in the 15th century, European travelers who visited Azerbaijan and stayed at the Aghgoyunlu Palace in the 14th-15th centuries, the activities of Uzun Hasan's mother Sarah Khatun - the first female diplomat not only in the history of Azerbaijan, but throughout the East, romanticized the image of Uzun Hasan's spouse Despina Khatun in European culture. The first part of the book also provides information about the collection of material and cultural values of the Aghgoyunlu state in museums around the world.

The second part of the publication is a catalog that includes information about rare exhibits of the Military Museum in Istanbul, as well as more than 50 exhibits dating back to the Aghgoyunlu period, stored in the Azerbaijan National History Museum, the National Art Museum, the Carpet Museum and Ganja Museum of Local Lore.

The book was published as part of the exhibition "Uzun Hasan, Ruler of Aghgoyunlu State, hosted by the Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku.

The exposition offers a fascinating journey through Azerbaijani history. This is the first exhibition dedicated to the ruler of Aghgoyunlu State, Uzun Hasan,

Through the exhibits, visitors to the centre can learn more about the history of Aghgoyunlu State.

Nearly 80 exhibits were brought to Azerbaijan for the first time, especially for the exhibition,which lasts until January 17, 2024.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @lmntypewriterrr

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14 November 2023 17:43 (UTC+04:00)

Abbas Ganbay Read more

"Azerbaijan calls on the OSCE to put pressure on Armenia to provide accurate maps of minefields laid by it in the liberated territories in Garabagh," Head of the State Security Service (SSS) Ali Nagiyev said at a meeting with the President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Pia Kauma, Azernews reports.

According to A. Nagiyev, Azerbaijan is currently carrying out large-scale reconstruction works on the lands liberated from occupation. Armenia has mined a significant part of the mentioned territories, but despite repeated appeals, the mine maps have not been handed over to the Azerbaijani side, and the ones provided by it turned out to be inaccurate, he noted.

The head of the SSS noted that this seriously hinders the speedy realization of projects on Garabagh's restoration. In addition, the number of victims of mine terrorism in Azerbaijan is increasing, therefore the necessity for the OSCE, along with other international organizations, to put pressure on Armenia to provide accurate maps of minefields was stressed.

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14 November 2023 10:00 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

In accordance with the instruction of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, the return of former internally displaced persons to the restored city of Lachin continues, Azernews reports.

Another group of former IDPs consisting of 10 families or 40 people left the Gobu Park 3 residential complex in Garadagh for Lachin on November 14.

The resettled families will settle in the houses where they once lived in Lachin, which were restored or rebuilt on the basis of instructions from the head of state after the end of the Armenian occupation. Lachin residents thanked President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva for their comprehensive care and expressed gratitude to the valiant Azerbaijani Army, which liberated the lands from occupation.

Thus, until today, a permanent settlement in the city of Lachin has been provided for 325 families - 1245 people.

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14 November 2023 12:38 (UTC+04:00)

Abbas Ganbay Read more

Mine victims should be recognised as a vulnerable group, and their rights should be ensured.

This was stated during discussions at the 31st session of the Human Rights Council's (HRC) Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism on the impact of mine aggression on human rights at the UN Geneva Centre on November 13, Azernews reports.

Antonio Stango, President of the Italian Federation for Human Rights, who presented a paper on "The devastating impact of landmines on the protection of human rights in the South Caucasus" at the event, noted the scale of the humanitarian tragedy of landmine contamination in Garabagh. It was emphasised that Azerbaijan is the second country in Europe in terms of landmine contamination.

Within the framework of analysing the report, it was informed that, as a result of 30 years of mine terror by Armenia, international customary and humanitarian law, as well as fundamental human rights, have been grossly violated.

A.Stango stated that all this prevents the return of more than 700,000 former Azerbaijani IDPs to their native lands and infringes on their rights to a healthy life, work, and education. The importance of launching an international human rights mechanism and providing compensation to Azerbaijani citizens affected by the mine rupture was noted.

Moderator of the event - Executive Director of Universal Human Rights Mark Limon in his speech spoke about the importance of recognizing mine victims as a separate, particularly vulnerable group in the international human rights system.

Thierry Vallet, the organizer of the event and President of the French Association for Freedom of Conscience, who supported the idea, stated that during his colleagues' visit to the liberated city of Aghdam earlier this year, they had witnessed that a cemetery and religious monuments had been booby-trapped, resulting in mostly civilian victims.

Vallet called on Armenia to co-operate with Azerbaijan on post-conflict humanitarian demining.

Representative of Bosnia and Herzegovina, human rights activist Leyla Alajbegovic, who defends the rights of mine victims, proposed not just to recognize the rights of mine victims at the UN level, but to develop a compensation mechanism for the restoration of their rights.

It is worth noting that Bosnia and Herzegovina has been the most affected in Europe by mine contamination.

"If the perpetrators of mine terror in Bosnia and Garabagh do not pay compensation, this inhumane style of warfare will continue to destroy the future of millions of people in other parts of the world," said Lejla Alajbegovic.

Delivering the final report at the event, Ambassador at Large of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan Elshad Iskenderov noted that as a result of almost 30 years of Armenian occupation, one-tenth of the country's territory was deliberately mined by Armenia, and more than 1.5 million mines were laid in these territories.

After the Second Garabagh War, the Armenian side stubbornly refused to provide information about the laid mines, and then at the insistence of the Azerbaijani leadership did hand over maps of minefields, but as a result of checking these maps, it was found that they were only 25 percent accurate.

Stating that only in the post-conflict period did more than 300 people become victims of mine ruptures as a result of such criminal position of official Yerevan, Elshad Iskenderov stressed the need to send an inspection to Armenia within the framework of a special international mechanism and to obtain accurate information about the actions of this country on mines against Azerbaijan.

"Every day the international community drags out the pressure on Armenia to provide this information turns into new human casualties, prevents the return of hundreds of thousands of people to their homes, delays the process of establishing peace in the region," the Ambassador said.

The participants of the event decided to make a joint statement at the regular session of the Human Rights Council demanding the need to recognize and ensure the rights of mine victims.

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14 November 2023 11:10 (UTC+04:00)

Azerbaijani Defense Minister Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, who is on a visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to participate in the international exhibition "Dubai Airshow 2023," has met with Italian Defense Minister Guido Crozetto, Azernews reports.

The press service of the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported that the meeting discussed prospects of cooperation between Azerbaijan and Italy in military, military-technical, military-educational, and other fields, as well as other issues of mutual interest.

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14 November 2023 11:30 (UTC+04:00)

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has received Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan Laziz Kudratov.

The head of state praised the excellent organization of the 16th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization held in Tashkent, and recalled his meeting with the President of Uzbekistan on the sidelines of this event.

Saying that the agenda of friendly and brotherly relations is very broad and covers various areas, President Ilham Aliyev stressed the importance of proposed joint projects in economic, industrial, including industrial cooperation, agricultural and other fields.

The head of state expressed confidence that fruitful discussions on the agenda of cooperation in the coming years and achievement of the set goals would be conducted during Laziz Kudratov`s visit to Azerbaijan.

Laziz Kudratov extended the greetings and best wishes of the President of Uzbekistan to the head of state.

President Ilham Aliyev thanked for the greetings, and asked the minister to communicate his greetings to Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

Laziz Kudratov noted that friendly relations between the presidents of Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan created a solid basis for the bilateral cooperation to rise to a qualitatively new level, and stressed the significance of reciprocal visits and meetings of the two countries` presidents in terms of strengthening the strategic relationship.

Laziz Kudratov pointed out that Uzbekistan was happy for the economic success achieved by Azerbaijan and the improvement of the population`s well-being thanks to President Ilham Aliyev`s wise and far-sighted policy. He also underlined that the Uzbek people watched with pride a military parade in the city of Khankendi marking the third anniversary of the Victory in the Patriotic War. Emphasizing that it was the determination, strong will and successful policy of the President of Azerbaijan that enabled the restoration of historical justice, Laziz Kudratov said that during his visits to Shusha and Fuzuli he saw the ongoing great reconstruction and restoration works there.

They exchanged views on the deepening of ties in industrial cooperation, as well as in the fields of economy, trade, transport and logistics.

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14 November 2023 16:33 (UTC+04:00)

Abbas Ganbay Read more

The European Union countries have a hard time accepting the new reality that has emerged in the South Caucasus region after the Second Garabagh War and Azerbaijan's victory. These words of MP Tural Ganjaliyev are quoted in an EU Reporter article, Azernews reports.

"Before we restored our territorial integrity, some of our partners said they supported Azerbaijan's territorial integrity and sovereignty. But after the 2020 war and the recent September events, we saw that the European Union countries do not easily accept the new reality, which is very strange for us," he said.

Touching upon the return of ethnic Armenians to Garabagh, Ganjaliyev emphasized that Azerbaijan is a multi-ethnic country.

"The Azerbaijani government launched a website for Armenians who left Garabagh where they can register to return, but Armenia blocked it on its territory. But we hope Armenians will return," he said, adding that Azerbaijan is also asking the Armenian authorities to create opportunities for the return of 300,000 Azerbaijanis expelled in the 1980s.

According to Vugar Bayramov, MP for Economic Policy, Industry, and Entrepreneurship, the end of the conflict could have a huge positive impact not only on the economies of Azerbaijan and Armenia but also on Georgia's economy, as the three South Caucasus countries could form a strong single market.

"If there is a link between Azerbaijan and Armenia, of course, it will ensure strong and sustainable peace in the region," the MP said.

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14 November 2023 16:12 (UTC+04:00)

Abbas Ganbay Read more

The Azerbaijani Human Rights Commissioner, Ombudswoman Sabina Aliyeva met with a delegation headed by OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA) President Pia Kauman, who is on a visit to Azerbaijan.

According to Azernews, this was reported at the Ombudsman's Office.

The meeting was also attended by Chairman of the Western Azerbaijan Community Aziz Alakbarli, Deputy Chairman Hikmet Babaoglu, member of the Azerbaijani delegation to the PACE Kamal Jafarov, as well as Azerbaijani Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative to the OSCE Rovshan Sadigbayli.

Aliyeva provided the guests with detailed information on the activity of the Ombudsman's Office in the sphere of protection of human rights and freedoms.

The Ombudswoman talked of Armenia's policy of aggression and terror against Azerbaijan and ongoing reconstruction works in the territories liberated from Armenian occupation.

The Commissioner stressed that the protection of the rights and freedoms of Armenian residents of the Garabagh region is always at the centre of the attention of the Azerbaijani government.

She also reminded the foreign representatives that after the First Garabagh War, about 4,000 Azerbaijanis are still missing, and the Armenian side refuses to provide information about their fates.

The Ombudswoman said that despite numerous appeals, Armenia still does not provide Azerbaijan with accurate maps of minefields. The mines laid by Armenia during the years of occupation continue to threaten the lives of civilians and hinder the process of IDPs' return to their homes, the ombudsman says.

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14 November 2023 14:27 (UTC+04:00)

Abbas Ganbay Read more

Prospects for expanding mutual cooperation in the energy sector between the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela have been discussed, Azernews reports.

With reference to SOCAR, this became known during the meeting of SOCAR President Rovshan Najaf with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Venezuela to Azerbaijan, Christopher Alberto Martinez Berroteran.

At the meeting, information on global energy projects initiated by Azerbaijan was presented, and SOCAR's multifaceted activities and long-term strategic goals were discussed.

Within the framework of the meeting, SOCAR and Venezuelan companies exchanged ideas on cooperation in the oil and gas sphere and the development of hydrocarbon resources, as well as the organisation of a mutual exchange of experience in the field of decarbonization and personnel training.

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13 November 2023 23:50 (UTC+04:00)

As part of the visit to Uzbekistan of the delegation of the German Development Bank KfW, senior portfolio manager Vitalis Ritter and Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade Laziz Kudratov signed a number of important bilateral documents, Azernews reports, citing Kun.uz News Agency.

One of the key documents was a grant agreement focused on the implementation of the project Support for Vocational Education in the Republic of Uzbekistan. According to this agreement, grants totaling 16 million are allocated to Uzbekistan. 14 million of these funds will be used for vocational training, construction, renovation and equipment of single-centers in employment centers in Uzbekistan. In addition, 2 million will be allocated to support the project as a whole.

The second significant step was grant agreements related to the project Modernization of the system of training and advanced training of medical personnel in the city of Termez. These agreements provide for the allocation of funds in the amount of 13 million to create a simulation training center in Termez and another 500 thousand to support staff development activities.
14 November 2023 18:30 (UTC+04:00)

By Dr Mehmood Ul Hassan Khan

The White Houses confirmation of the Xi-Biden meeting in San Francisco next week has become a hot topic in the international media, which has also swayed social media around the globe. Since this meeting has strategic significance in terms of the revival of socio-economic relations, the removal of consequential geopolitical barriers, and converging geostrategic trans-regional spheres, hopefully both leaders will try to stabilise relations to achieve mutually beneficial propositions.

The objective of the meeting will likely act as a catalyst for further negotiations. The upcoming meeting comes about a year after the two leaders met in person during the G20 summit in Bali, Indonesia, last year.

Since neither the US nor China have intentionally shared any agenda with the media, it is impulsively flooded with lots of guesses, numerous speculations, rumours, and conspiracy theories. However, both leaders will likely discuss the crucial issue of restoring a U.S.-China military hotline to prevent any escalations between the two countries. Regional experts are optimistic about the outcome of the meeting, which will yield a resumption of high-level military communications and an agreement to address the fentanyl crisis.

It expects that matters pertaining to the U.S.-China bilateral relationship, macro-economic stability, climate change, artificial intelligence, the strategic importance of maintaining open lines of communication, and a range of regional and global issues, i.e., the continued Russia-Ukraine conflict, the Israel-Palestine war, and moreover, matters of disagreement, i.e., Taiwan and the South China Sea, will also be discussed because both countries have a shared interest in global stability and a stable global economy, creating immense opportunities and reimbursements for both sides. In addition, maintaining an open dialogue with China will gain Biden's support from the US public.

Being a responsive player in international cooperation and global governance, China signed a declaration at the AI Safety Summit, hosted by the UK at Bletchley Park, signalling a commitment to an international approach to AI and its use earlier in November.

Naturally, after the Bali summit last year and the meeting of two leaders, hopes were high that the two countries could fix their faulty lines. But conflicting realities and false and fake propaganda about the balloon controversy further delayed Secretary of State Antony Blinken's planned trip to Beijing.

Afterward, Chinese openness, transparency, and diplomatic wisdom encouraged the rise of political wisdom and bilateral diplomatic connectivity in Bidens administration. Since then, a series of meetings between top U.S. and Chinese officials have paved the way for next weeks meeting.

In this connection, Blinken travelled to Beijing in June and met with Xi to try to restore confidence between the two sides. The National Security Adviser, Jake Sullivan, recently met with Chinas foreign minister, Wang Yi, in Washington to further regularise open channels of communication and dialogue. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, Special Climate Envoy John Kerry, CIA Director William Burns, and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimando tripped to China in the last six months. The two sides have also launched consultations on arms control, maritime concerns, and debt issues which good omen for both countries. Hopefully, this meeting could cap tension levels and offer some stability for further negotiations.

Obviously, the timing of this meeting is crucial. Both countries are apparently in search of mutual consensus, concessions, and accommodations to strike a balance amid strategic competition in an increasingly precarious world. It is indispensable for the U.S. and the West at large to acknowledge that China plays a significant role in determining the course of the relationship and global stability and aims for a workable.

Economically and financially, there is a lot at stake for the international corporations and markets, corporate giants including Apple, Nike, and Caterpillar are heavily reliant on the Chinese market to drive revenue and growth, while China remains the worlds manufacturing epicenter. Thus success of this meeting would be a stimulator for the multinational companies growth and trans-regional marketing niches.

In summary, all global stakeholders, countries, communities, investors, and corporations are eager to see US-China cooperation in addressing a range of global issues such as nuclear arms control, climate change, and the regulation of artificial intelligence.

Both countries should follow the philosophy of accommodation that can establish the required boundaries to prevent competition from escalating into conflict, while actively seeking avenues for cooperation on pressing global challenges.

In this connection, the US should discard the role of the ultimate decider and recognise Chinas substantial role and responsibility in shaping the intricate dynamics of this relationship.

Nevertheless, the Xi-Biden meeting during the APEC Summit offers an ideal setting for both countries to rekindle the spirit of collaboration and cooperation, reminiscent of the framework for cooperation that emerged from the previous years G-20 meeting in Bali.

The summit offers an opportunity to inject stability into an increasingly precarious world. Both nations must acknowledge their common challenges and seek new areas of cooperation while considering the priorities of allies, companies, and investors who demand a balanced and nuanced approach to U.S.-China relations.

Last but not least, the San Francisco meeting should rest bilateral strategic priorities, strike a balance between competition and cooperation, and set a new path ideally free from all false and fake propaganda for mutually achieving a prosperous, progressive, stable, and sustainable world and economy. It should also help in addressing various global challenges rather than exploiting them.

The author, Dr Mehmood Ul Hassan Khan, is an executive director at the Centre for South & International Studies (CSAIS) in Islamabad.

He is also a regional expert on China, CPEC, & BRI.

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14 November 2023 18:59 (UTC+04:00)

Kazakhstan will step up collaboration with Saudi investors to advance joint projects, Azernews reports, citing Interfax.

Kazakh Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov highlighted the urgency of completing necessary official procedures to advance joint investment initiatives with Saudi Arabia, including a 1GW wind power plant in the Zhetysu region, the government press office said.

The government meeting discussed the construction of the large wind farm scheduled to begin in 2025, upon reaching a final agreement. Smailov instructed "central government agencies to complete all necessary official procedures."

The government meeting also covered new projects in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, metallurgy, and other sectors.

"Kazak Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov called for stepping up efforts in working with Saudi Arabian investors at all levels. He asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Kazakh diplomatic mission in Jeddah, the national company Kazakh Invest, and other relevant government agencies and organizations to adopt a more dynamic approach and identify potential projects," the government said.

Smailov asked for a business forum to be organized to bring together entrepreneurs from Kazakhstan and Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia's Acwa Power, a global leader in renewable energy, is set to construct the Zhetysu region's 1 GW wind power plant near the Dzungar Gate. A memorandum with Acwa Power was signed in July 2022, followed by an agreement in March 2023 on joint project principles. Acwa Power's portfolio spans 12 countries and includes various renewable energy sources like solar, geothermal, and wind power.

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14 November 2023 19:35 (UTC+04:00)

A 5.1 million programme of the European Union and the United Nations, implemented in Georgia between 2019-2023 have directly benefited up to 100 small and medium-sized enterprises across the country and played a significant role in establishing four business clusters, the Georgian office of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations said on Tuesday, Azernews reports, citing Agenda.

The organisation said the EU Innovative Action for Private Sector Competitiveness in Georgia programme had created learning and development opportunities for over 1,500 entrepreneurs and farmers across Georgia, strengthening their business skills and increasing their prospects in the international marketplace.

Georgian Deputy Economy Minister Genadi Arveladze, who took part in an event summarising the programme, said his Government had created a cluster development project that presented a broad vision of cluster development opportunities in the country together with the organisations involved in the implementation of the programme.

The FAO said the EU and the UN had assisted four business clusters through the programme:

1. Seed and Seedlings Cluster - facilitating the National Seedling Certification System development, technical support for nurseries, farmers training and Farmers' Markets, with the cluster supported by the FAO

2. Packaging Cluster  formation of PMAG, a holder of the Bronze Label of the European Cluster Excellence Initiative and full member of the World Packaging Organisation. The cluster was supported by the UN Development Programme

3. Georgian Biopharmaceutical Cluster, which was supported by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation

4. Marine Fishing Cluster, supported by the UNIDO

Arveladze said 55 cluster areas had been analysed as part of the programme.

We have started cluster development in terms of packaging design, in the sectors of plantations, biopharmaceuticals and marine fisheries. We also provided significant support in training, manuals and grants, he said.

The number of cluster members has increased, [and] trade balance in selected sectors has improved, which indicates positive results of the cluster approach, the Deputy Minister added.

With financial support from the EU, the programme was implemented in partnership with the Georgian Government and the private sector, with active involvement of four UN agencies: the FAO, the UNDP, the UNIDO and the International Organisation for Migration.

---

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Considering the deep morass of complete incompetence at the Federal level, in the executive branch of our self-governed People, unarguably the worst in modern times; if certain changes could be made by Impeachment of those most qualified: Who would be your best choice because of abject Corruption, incompetence, or both?

40.82% Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas12.24% Attorney General Merrick Garland20.41% President Joseph R. Biden2.04% Are you a MAGA Extremist, and do not know any better? These are our best of days, not our worst.24.49% FBI Director Christopher Wray
A hundred pro-Hamas US State Department employees have signed a memo blasting Joe Biden for pushing "misinformation" on the war between Israel and Hamas and for publicly siding with Israel. They have also leaked their memo to the media.

https://redstate.com/nick-arama/2023/11/13/internal-state-dept-memo-throws-biden-under-the-bus-accuses-him-of-misinformation-on-israeli-war-n2166291

It is outrageous that we have a hundred people in our own State Department who back the Hamas war criminals and are clearly anti-Jewish. It would be like a bunch of State Department employees in 1941 issuing a memo criticizing Roosevelt for siding with the UK over Nazi Germany and accusing him of "misinformation".

This is a part of the far left deep state that we need President Trump back to clean out. People who condone war crimes and war criminals should NOT be working for our State Department or for any US government agency for that matter. These are the traitors within.
Anesthesiologist Anna Gabrielian, MD, a former employee of Baltimore-based Johns Hopkins Hospital, and her spouse, Jamie Lee Henry, MD, who are accused of sharing medical records with Russia, are set for retrial Nov. 27, CBS News reported Nov. 13.

The two physicians, who pleaded not guilty in May, are accused of being involved in a conspiracy wherein they gave confidential medical records to an FBI agent posing as a Russian representative.

The couple claims Dr. Gabrielian saw an undercover FBI agent's camera during their first meeting and inferred she was dealing with the KGB. Their trial in June was declared a mistrial after a juror said they were entrapped by the U.S. government.

According to the Justice Department, Dr. Gabrielian provided the FBI agent posing as a Russian representative with medical information related to two individuals. Dr. Henry, an Army physician, provided information related to five individuals.
By SA Commercial Prop News

Hyprop Investments CEO Pieter Prinsloo says the group benefitted from good growth from Rosebank Mall, following its re-development, additional income from the new sub-Saharan African investments, as well as from exchange rate gains.



Hyprop Investments (HYP) which recently bought two shopping malls in Serbia and Montenegro, today reported a dividend of 297,8 cents per share  an 13,4% increase on that declared a year earlier.

An upturn in revenue from its local property assets especially Rosebank Mall, sub-Saharan African investments and rand hedge gains were some of the factors that helped Hyprop distributions growth for the six months ended December 2015.

During the reporting period, the company acquired Ikeja City Mall in Lagos, Nigeria and opened Achimota Mall in Accra, Ghana. Post period, it made its first foray into Eastern Europe, buying significant stakes in a mall in Serbia and one in Montenegro for about R2bn.

We maintained robust growth in all key indicators, says CEO Pieter Prinsloo.

Total revenue and distributable earnings from South African investment property increased by 11,9% and 9,7%, respectively, beneting from the inclusion of income from Rosebank Mall for the full period.

Many South African property funds have invested markedly offshore in the past couple of years, as they were lured by a lower cost of debt in Europe than in SA and promises of superior economic growth than that of SA. But Hyprop has chosen to expand abroad more cautiously than its rivals, which some investors have been impressed by.



Funds such as Redefine Properties, Tower Property Fund and Rockcastle Global Real Estate have bought into Eastern Europe while Texton Property Fund builds a portfolio in the UK.



Evan Robins of Old Mutual Investment Group says the performance had been solid and that the only mall in its portfolio that had seen its income growth decrease was The Glen, which had faced challenges from The Mall of the South, located in the south of Johannesburg.



There has been a solid South African performance from Hyprop, which was expected. The robustness of their Eastern European and African investment strategy still needs to be demonstrated. The new mall that has completed near the Glen has had a detrimental impact on The Glen, says Robins.

Ian Anderson, the chief investment officer at Grindrod Asset Management says the SA portfolio did particularly well, highlighting the defensive nature of Hyprops high-quality retail portfolio.

"The company has been able to raise its guidance for this year due to the highly accretive transactions in Africa and Eastern Europe, where the company is capitalising on very low funding costs at the moment. Competition in Eastern Europe is obviously hotting up among South African investors, suggesting future opportunities may not be as rewarding as more investors will be chasing the prized assets across the region," says Anderson.

Vacancies and Refurbishments



Retail vacancies declined to 0,9% from 1,3% in June 2015, as a result of new lettings at Somerset Mall and Willowbridge. Vacancies in the office portfolio also improved marginally to 7,2% from 8,3%.

Several smaller projects relating to extensions and tenant refurbishments totalling R141 million were completed during the period, including the Woolworths extension at Somerset Mall for R58,5 million and the H&M extension at Clearwater Mall for R37 million.

Sub-Saharan and Offshore Investments

Hyprops sub-Saharan footprint excluding SA also contributed to growth in net income for the period, with distributable earnings from the investments increasing by 68,2% to R35,3 million, in part due to income from Accra-based malls West Hills Mall and Achimota Mall and Lagos-based Ikeja City Mall.

The current investment in sub-Saharan Africa totals R4,1 billion, which is financed with US Dollar bank funding according to the company.



Recently in February Hyprop acquired a 60% interest in Delta City Belgrade and Delta City Podgorica in via a United Kingdom based joint venture company, Hystead Limited. Homestead Group Holdings Limited has acquired the remaining 40% in both malls.

Analysts say Hyprop is a reliable dividend payer with solid growth prospects but it may need to be more ambitious and try to grow its distributable earnings by numbers in the 20%s instead of just by double digits.
A Tampa, Fla.-based physician has pleaded guilty to unlawful drug distribution, wire fraud and making false statements related to healthcare.

In May 2019, Tommy Louisville, MD, 71, became ineligible to prescribe controlled substances after he was suspended from practicing medicine for two years, according to a Nov. 6 news release from the Justice Department. He continued to issue controlled substances, concealed from Medicare that he was not authorized to issue prescriptions and shuttered his medical business in November 2019.

Additionally, between April and May 2020, Dr. Louisville used his closed business to obtain $33,034 in a federal Paycheck Protection Program loan. His loan application contained multiple fraudulent documents, including monthly payroll that implied he actively operated a business and employed six people. He agreed to forfeit the $33,034.

Dr. Louisville faces up to 10 years in prison for the drug distribution charge, five years for the false statement charge and 20 years for the wire fraud charge. His sentencing date has not been set.
As the number of physician assistants and other advanced practice providers grows and they treat an increasing number of patients nationwide, the line between how advanced practice providers and physicians can practice has blurred.

Some policymakers have introduced legislation aiming to loosen restrictions on how non-physician providers, such as certified registered nurse anesthetists, are allowed to practice without the supervision of a physician. The motion to expand the scope of practice of certain providers has been vigorously debated.

This legislation is supported by the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology and the Rural Health Action Alliance.

"CRNAs are the primary providers of anesthesia care in rural settings and have been instrumental in delivering care during the pandemic to patients where they live and when they need it," Angela Mund, DNP, CRNA, president of AANA, said in a news release from the organization. "Often, CRNAs serve as the sole anesthesia provider in rural hospitals, affording these facilities the capability to provide many necessary procedures."

Other organizations, including the American Medical Association, oppose similar legislation regarding CRNAs. In a letter to legislative leaders, AMA CEO James Madara, MD, said the organization opposes CRNA liberty expansion because CRNAs do not have the same amount of training and education as physicians, and that increasing scope of practice can lead to higher patient costs.

Ninety-five percent of U.S. voters said physicians should be involved in treatment decisions. This preference may have contributed to a lawsuit submitted by three California nurse practitioners who want the right to use the title "doctor."

The DNPs claim a California statute allowing only state-licensed allopathic and osteopathic physicians to use the term "doctor" is unconstitutional and claim they have earned the right to the title after receiving their doctorate degrees.

A bill in Missouri, meanwhile, faced backlash for pushing to expand the medical capabilities of nurse practitioners.

"The amount of training that the nurse practitioners have to be practicing is far less, in some respects less than 10% of what a physician has, day to day," John Burroughs, MD, board chair of the Missouri Academy of Family Physicians, told NBC affiliate KYTV.

Deborah Blinzler, RN, told the news outlet the requirements to obtain a nurse practitioner title does provide equitable experience and training when compared to physicians.

"To be a nurse practitioner, you have to have a nursing background," Ms. Blinzler told KYTV. "A lot of us have had 20-30 years of experience before going back to school. That gives us the experience. We have our base, BSN. Then we go on for our MSN or the doctorate. So we have three or two to three years on top of that. Then physicians go on for a residency, which is more training, but we've had 10 to 15 years of training."

Supporters say expanding the independent practice capabilities of advanced practice providers will expand access to care. The issue remains widely debated, however.
The number of licensed nurse practitioners in the U.S. climbed from 355,000 in 2022 to 385,000 in 2023, an increase of 8.5%, according to a Nov. 13 news release from the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the role of nurse practitioner is the fastest-growing job in the country, and the profession is projected to grow 45% by 2032.
Hospitals in the Columbus, Ohio, area were notified of a "mass casualty incident" Nov. 14 after a bus accident left three dead and at least 18 injured, according to The Columbus Dispatch.

The crash involved five vehicles on a local interstate, including a semi truck and a charter bus transporting high school students and chaperones to a state conference. Ohio State Highway Patrol Lt. Nate Dennis said 18 people were taken to local hospitals from the crash site, according to CNN.

OhioHealth is treating five patients involved in the crash, a spokesperson told The Columbus Dispatch. Mount Carmel East also requested and received 30 extra units of blood, though it's not clear how many patients the hospital received.

Learn more here.
Digital health company Virgin Pulse completed its $3 billion merger with benefits and analytics platform HealthComp.

The two parties announced the deal to create a single "health platform as a service company" in September. Private equity group New Mountain Capital is now the majority owner of the company, according to a Nov. 9 Virgin Pulse news release.

Even with the merger, the companies will retain their brand and name.

"We are stronger together as one purpose-driven organization with the technology, talent, and opportunity to radically change how people engage with and navigate the healthcare ecosystem," Virgin Pulse and HealthComp CEO Chris Michalak said in the news release. "This combination will deliver on the ultimate vision of the Homebase for Health platform, and I'm looking forward to making a bigger impact on the lives of millions of people.
Tampa (Fla.) General Hospital received a $5 million donation from TGH board member Blake Casper.

The donation will help fund a surgical, neuroscience and transplant pavilion at the health system's flagship Davis Islands campus. Mr. Casper's donation kicked off the health system's five-year, $100 million "Elevating Excellence" fundraising campaign, according to a Nov. 13 Tampa General news release.

Mr. Casper joined the Florida Health Sciences Center Board of Directors in 2015. He is the CEO of Casper Co., a hospitality management organization.

"Tampa General Hospital holds a special place in my heart, and I know the same can be said by so many throughout our community," Mr. Casper said in the news release. "As a board member, I have been especially fortunate to witness the remarkable care and dedication of their team across the entire health system. As someone who entrusts the health of my own family to TGH, this gift is our way of giving back and ensuring the organization is well positioned to continue driving excellence, innovation, and the well-being of our community in the future."
Hollister, Calif.-based Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital has signed a new two-year agreement for commercial/employer-sponsored plans with Anthem Blue Cross  the largest insurer in San Benito County, according to a Nov. 13 news release.

The new contract, which takes effect Jan. 1., allows for increases in reimbursements in years one and two of the deal. People in San Benito County insured by Anthem are able to access healthcare services at Hazel Hawkins' and its clinics in the San Benito Health Care District.

"Through the hard work of our leadership team, as well as with our counterparts at Anthem, we believe we have negotiated a contract that allows us to continue to deliver quality healthcare for the residents of San Benito County, while also improving reimbursements for that care," Hazel Hawkins Interim CEO Mary Casillas said.

The healthcare district has been soliciting proposals from buyers or future partners  to help secure access to services in a financially viable way  after declaring a fiscal state of emergency and filing for Chapter 9 bankruptcy earlier this year.
Attorneys for St. Petersburg, Fla.-based Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital said they plan to appeal the verdict that requires the hospital to pay $261 million in damages to the family of 17-year-old Maya Kowalski, whose case was made famous by a Netflix documentary, the Tampa Bay Times reported Nov. 13. The appeal is likely to delay payments until next year, but if unsuccessful, the hospital could face significant headwinds.

The jury ruled that the hospital must pay $211 million to the family in the medical malpractice lawsuit and after further deliberations awarded an additional $50 million in damages on false imprisonment and battery counts.

The $261 million in damages represents close to half of the $592 million in revenues the hospital reported in 2021, according to the report.

The hospital's CFO Sherron Rogers testified during the trial that they could be forced to tap into cash reserves, possibly affecting future credit ratings and delaying future expansion projects, according to the report.

Insurance will likely cover some of the $211 million awarded in compensatory damages, but Florida law prohibits insurance from covering the $50 million awarded in punitive damages, according to the report.

Robert Bonar, DHA, a professor and program director of the Master of Health Care Administration at Washington, D.C.-based George Washington University, told the news outlet that even with the help of insurance, there are other financial implications down the road. A large claim made on liability policies will likely lead to the hospital paying more for future insurance, for example.

"Large claims like this will frequently impact the organization across the whole spectrum," he told the news outlet. "It will lead to increases in self insured retentions, increased insurance premiums."
Allegheny Health Network CFO James Rohrbaugh has value-based care, workforce support and digital transformation on his mind.

Mr. Rohrbaugh joined Pittsburgh-based Allegheny Health Network in 2014 and has served as CFO since 2020. Allegheny Health Network is part of Highmark Health, which also operates Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield.

He sat down with Becker's to talk about his top priorities for 2024, the system's partnerships and digital transformation initiatives.

Editor's note: Responses have been edited for length and clarity.

Question: What are your top three financial priorities for 2024, and how do those align with your system's goals overall?

James Rohrbaugh: I think about value-based care. At the top of our list is provider transformation. We believe that we can transform ourselves to be financially sustainable in the long run through value-based care. An important element of that to us is the provider and payer partnership.

I think we're in a unique situation because we've got Highmark Health as a parent company, so we've got a provider and a payer. When we think about the challenges we're facing and the opportunities, the biggest one is the fact that we can figure out ways to align opportunities for providers and payers to work together better, to benefit the payer's members and our patients. I think at the top of the list is to be able to leverage that, because that, from my perspective, that's a really unique opportunity for us in terms of how we make sure that we're financially stable.

The second priority is really around the workforce. As we've worked to recover from the pandemic, the challenges that providers have during the pandemic were exacerbated and challenged and accelerated by the workforce challenges. Making sure that we've got the workforce to take care of our community has been an important priority and will continue to be an important part of our strategy going forward. We've done a lot of things during the pandemic around being innovative. We set up an internal staffing team, for example; we worked at reducing agency cost, we've deployed innovative staffing models, and we've worked really hard to improve retention. A big part of our ongoing improvement has been the fact that we've had improvements in the workforce, in terms of the number of people in the organization as well as retention.

The third one is digital strategies. When we think about nursing in particular, internally, the initiatives, we call them "reimagine nursing." Thinking about how we remove administrative burdens on our most important resource  our people  and how we let them work at the top of their license.

Q: What are the biggest financial challenges you're facing right now? On the other hand, what are the biggest opportunities?

JR: I would put workforce at the top of it. Just look at nursing shortages we've had across the industry, and the number of people that have exited the nursing workforce during the pandemic. We're fortunate we have two schools of nursing. We've added a part-time nursing school program and a weekend program to give people flexibility. We provide financial support for those programs. Most importantly, we've increased retention rates from the graduates for those programs, in terms of the folks we keep in our system.

I think that from an opportunity perspective, digital strategies are at the top of the list. I talked a little bit about reimagine nursing. For example, right now we have a pilot program at Allegheny General Hospital for virtual patient discharges. We've used this program to return nurses to the workforce that don't want to be at the bedside. Patients can speak with them on a face-to-face basis via virtual technology to get the discharge instructions. It's saving time for the bedside nurse, and the focused attention has also improved patient satisfaction with the process. It's been really valuable.

There's other programs we have in place around digital strategy. We have a tele-ICU program where we're providing virtual support to our ICUs, we've got a tele-stroke program. We also stood up a virtual patient safety program, where we have virtual sitters who are able to provide attention for those patients that need additional attention. I would say the technology piece is the single biggest opportunity in healthcare we have around bringing more resources that we need to do and doing it in a more efficient way, and frankly, I think there's opportunity to leverage it to improve patient satisfaction as well.

Q: Looking ahead to 2024, what partnerships, joint ventures or mergers and acquisitions are you looking at in terms of growing your system or strengthening your financial position?

JR: Partnerships are an important part of success in any healthcare organization, where we look for partners that share values. We've got a number of partnerships we've put in place this past year with skilled nursing facilities focused on providing us capacity for patients that need to be discharged to [those facilities]. During the pandemic, we went through a challenging period of time, as all providers did, where when it's time for a patient to be discharged, there were not skilled nursing facility beds available. So we partnered up with skilled nursing facilities to make sure there's better availability for discharge.

I talked a little bit about Cedar, the financial services work we're doing. That partnership has not been just about deploying their product, but it's been about us working with them, between the health plan, Highmark, AHN and Cedar together, figuring out how we can continue to improve the patients' experience with the billing, registration process. We're working strategically with them on identifying additional opportunities there.

We have a partnership with [microhospital developer] Emerus for neighborhood hospitals. We've got four neighborhood hospitals, and those are joint ventures between Emerus and ourselves. Those have also been an important part of our growth strategies, at AHN  putting those small-footprint hospitals out in the community to provide better access for our patients in a little bit different model.

Q: Given the unpredictability of events like global pandemics, what are you doing to ensure your financial resilience and sustainability for the future?

JR: I started the conversation talking a little bit about value-based care. I do think that's important: transforming the way we deliver care becomes important. I talked about some of the ways we're transforming it, whether it be digital health, whether it be just value-based care initiatives in general, but we believe those will help drive down the cost of care. We know that work needs to be partnered up with our payers in a way that drives new economic models that will allow us to share in economics between the provider and the payer.

As I think about the future, I think that's a really important part of the work we do. When you think about the pandemic, what became challenging for providers in the pandemic was volumes dropped quickly, right? When volumes drop, if that's unnecessary utilization, of course that's a good thing for the payer. The work we need to do between us, between the payers and the providers, is making sure that our economic incentives are aligned. I think that's at the top of my list.

I also think continued work around resilience and supply chain. When I think about the pandemic, one of the things that created the most fear on everybody's part is the availability of supplies and the challenges that came from the availability of supplies. We were fortunate that we have our own distribution center. While it was challenging, we didn't have a lot of disruption. I think that's a risk area we have to continue to take a look at.

The think workforce and digital enablement are the third legs of the stool around what we need to make sure we do in order to make sure we reduce the vulnerability of providers. To make sure we have the right pipeline around the workforce for the future. Given the fact that nobody's ever going to have access to all the resources they need, we need to make sure we're enabling digital technologies to help provide some level of efficiency to providers.
Brawley, Calif.-based Pioneers Memorial Healthcare District has tapped Christopher Bjornberg as CEO.

Mr. Bjornberg most recently served as CEO of Mayers Memorial Healthcare District in Fall River Mills, Calif. In 2022, he was elected Northern Sierra section chair of the Hospital Council for the California Hospital Association, according to a Nov. 10 news release from Pioneers Memorial.

"As Pioneers Memorial Healthcare District's new CEO, Mr. Bjornberg will be leading the district through this time of transition by focusing on continuing the progress made over the last year stabilizing finances, improving employee satisfaction and retention, process and procedure improvement, elevating quality and patient satisfaction," the release said.
by Jeff Stein





For those of us whove long despised Benjamin Netanyahu for so many things, from his odious corruption to his opportunistic alliance with far right extremists (and many things in between), his brutal assault on Gaza to destroy Hamas for all time has been particularly frustrating. More than 11,100 Palestinians have been killed, thousands more wounded and more than two thirds of the population displaced, according to a Reuters report Monday. The stomach-churning reports and videos of dead and bleeding Palestinians, mostly women and children, have had the astonishing and deeply upsetting effect of prompting hundreds of thousands of young people in the West to embrace the cause of Hamas, the Islamist suicide cult to which the only good Jew is a dead one.





Members of an Israeli family reunite at Ben Gurion International Airport after the Israeli raid on a hijacked Air France plane that had been flown to Entebbe, Uganda, in 1976. (Reuters)





The leaders of Hamas expectedindeed, wished forexactly the brutal scale of bombings Israel has unleashed on Gaza. That was the whole point of its Oct. 7 attacks, which included the murders of some 1,200 unarmed civilians and the rapes and beheadings of women and children.





Will we have to pay a price? Yes, and we are ready to pay it, Ghazi Hamad, a member of the Hamas politburo, told Beiruts LCBI television in an interview aired on Oct. 24, according to The Washington Post. We are called a nation of martyrs, and we are proud to sacrifice martyrs, another Hamas official, Basem Naim, asserted in an interview Friday with The Post.





The fight is brutal and Hamas wants it to be brutal, retired former Special Forces officer Jason Amerine, who led one of the first Green Beret teams into Afghanistan to rout the Taliban, observed for SpyTalk. When a civilian dies, Hamas wins. When an Israeli dies, Hamas wins.





Hamas hoped for mass uprisings that would help fuel a second wave of assaults, and more massacres of Jews, we can assume.





One wonders how many Palestinians in Gaza signed up to be martyrs to the barbarity of HamasISIS by any other name. No doubt many Gazans, if not most, wouldve preferred that the cruel and corrupt group go away years ago, no matter the indignities Israel visited upon them. In effect, theyve been hostages of the extreme Islamist militants as well, and far longer, than the Israelis and others hauled away early last month.





No Good Options





Decades ago, Israeli operatives pulled off a spectacular hostage rescue, at the Entebbe airport in Uganda. Now, after years of largely fawning movies and TV series on Israeli intelligence and military operations, its not at all surprising that many peopleincluding Israelis themselveswonder why the campaign to root out Hamas in Gaza couldnt have spared mass Palestinian casualties and be over by now.





Everyone, not least in Israel, hoped for another Entebbe moment when the brilliance and daring of the IDF and Israels intelligence could achieve the impossiblein this case freeing the 240 or so hostages and destroying Hamas without reducing Gaza to rubble and by avoiding large numbers of civilian casualties, Bruce Hoffman, the venerable terrorism expert and professor at Georgetown Universitys Center for Jewish Civilization & Center for Security Studies, told SpyTalk.





The problem is, Gaza is nothing like Entebbe, catch word for the astonishing 1976 raid in which Israel flew a hundred commandos 2,500 miles to Uganda and rescued 102 hostages held by Palestinian terrorists and German radicals after they hijacked an Air France flight between Athens and Tel Aviv. The Israeli commandos killed all of the hijackers and 45 supporting Ugandan soldiers, and blew up 11 Soviet-supplied MiG-17s and MiG-21s on the way out, with losses of only five wounded and one killed (who happened to be Benjamin Netanyahus older brother). A 2018 thriller celebrated the operation.





At Entebbe, the commandos needed only light assault weapons to subdue the terrorists. By contrast, in Gaza, it faces thousands of Hamas fighters entrenched in a vast network of subterranean redoubts, including under hospitals, assert Israeli officials, backed by U.S. intelligence.





Under Al Shifa hospital in particular, they say, the militantshave spent the better part of 16 years building a vast command complex, according to the New York Times. The hospital, Israeli officials said, was spared in past Israeli operations out of concern for civilian life, but at the cost of leaving whatever may be underneath it intact. It is a mistake that Israel will not repeat this time, the officials said.





Entebbe-syle assaults on Al Shifa and tunnels elsewhere would be great, but there is no way around attacking the 300 km of underground tunnels that are Hamas nerve center and life lines, except the way that it is, has been, and continues to be done, Hoffman said in an email. Which is to say, with devastating air and artillery bombardments and tank assaults backed by infantry and sappers. All of which has created gruesome casualties and horrific videos that have ignited mass anti-Israel demonstrations, not to mention raw antisemitic passions that had been unacceptable, at least in the West, since the Nazi Holocaust.





Opinion Swings





In the immediate aftermath of Hamass Oct. 7 rampage, a large majority of Israelis were out for blood, with 65 percent in favor of a ground offensive in Gaza, according to an Oct. 19 poll reported by Reuters. A little over a week later, as the likely costs of an offensive sunk in, almost half (49 percent) said it would be better to wait and 22% were undecided, the poll said. The fate of the Israeli and other hostages in a ground offensive, not the lives of Palestinians, was surely uppermost in Israeli minds. But the Biden administration was soon alarmed by the mounting casualties, not to mention the stigma it had earned by its initial full throated backing for Israel.





Virtually everyoneoutside of Israels rabid Arab-hating extremists and useful idiots of the Wests pro-Palestinian leftwishes the destruction of Hamas could be achieved without mass civilian casualties. But Hamas itself, proud of its goal of wiping out Israel from the river to the sea, is content to fight from underground to the last Palestinian family.





Bunker buster bombs that can crush the tunnels look to be Israels only tactical option for snuffing out Hamas, and that inevitably impacts the structures above and people who are living and working there, Hoffman says. If there is another option, I havent seen [it] and special operations are no answer to tunnel warfare.





But thats intolerable, much of the world has decided. Most Israelis, and those of us who support their right to exist, are pinching their noses, if not stifling despair, as Netanyahu presses his bloody campaign in Gaza. We are outraged and nauseated by having our sympathy for Israel poisoned by the serpentine prime minister. The problem is that, for many outsiders, Netanyahu is Israel, even though 76 percent of its citizens want him to resign, according to a Nov. 3 poll.





Benjamin Netanyahu cannot stay even one more day on the chair of the prime minister, retired IDF Major General Noam Tibon said over the weekend, reflecting the long held views of many military and intelligence leaders even before Oct. 7, when Hamas fooled Netanyahu into believing it had been emasculated. He is a failure and he must go.





But thats not coming anytime soon in Israels so-called wartime unity government. They are stuck with Netanyahu as he leads Israel into a dark tunnel of its own making in Gaza.





What concerns me is how quickly everyone turned on Israel, Amerine said. Netanyahu has zero credibility with anyone so he cant even make a good case for the war. Israel is already losing because of this. Someone with better political standing needs to explain why this fight is necessaryparticularly Biden, he said, who has failed to do so.





The Israeli public wont get the immediate results it craves. There will be no repeat of the 1976 famed rescue of hijacked Israeli passengers at Entebbe in Uganda, Janine Zacharia, a former Washington Post Jerusalem bureau chief wrote last week.





By now, the Israeli hostages are surely dispersed, she added. Heartbreaking videos of their appeals for rescue will undoubtedly supplant the nauseating videos of their capture soon, further traumatizing a fully devastated nation.





Jeff Stein is the editor-in-chief of SpyTalk, a newsletter covering U.S. intelligence, defense and foreign policy, on the Substack platform. Previously, he was the SpyTalk columnist (and national security correspondent) at Newsweek, and before that, the SpyTalk blogger at The Washington Post.
A 29-year-old employee of Hawaii State Hospital was found stabbed to death Nov. 13 at the facility, which is a behavioral health facility in Kaneohe.

Tommy Kekoa Carvalho, 25, was arrested at the hospital and charged with murder, according to police records.

Mr. Carvalho was a patient at Hawaii State Hospital who had been discharged in August, according to a statement released by the department of health. Since his discharge, he had been transitioning from inpatient treatment to housing at a state operated residential program.

The employee suffered multiple stab wounds, including to the neck and head, KITV news reported.

"On-site state hospital leadership immediately responded to ensure the safety of residents and staff," Kenneth Fink, MD, director of the Hawaii Department of Health stated. "Deputy Director for behavioral health, Marian Tsuji, Hawai'i State Hospital Administrator Dr. Kenneth Luke, and I arrived on campus this evening to support operations and offer emotional support to staff. We are working with law enforcement to support their investigation into this matter and will provide updates as they become available."

The name and role of the deceased employee were not immediately released.
Members of the Illinois Nurses Association began a two-day strike Nov. 14 at Howard Brown Health and Brown Elephant locations around the Chicago area.

The union represents various roles at the healthcare clinic system, from nurse practitioners to retail employees, according to a Nov. 12 INA news release shared with Becker's. Howard Brown Health, which serves the LGBTQ+ community in the Chicago area, is a federally qualified health center with 11 clinics.

Union members authorized a strike in October, according to the release. The union and Howard Brown Health have been in negotiations for a new contract for more than a year. The clinic system said in a Nov. 8 Facebook post that it gave the union a final contract offer, which includes a raise of 4.5% to 19.7% for each worker immediately this year and 3.25% next year. The offer also includes an additional paid holiday, as well as dozens of tentative agreements with the union regarding issues such as bereavement leave and labor-management meetings.

Union members contend that fair wages, affordable insurance and protections in the event of layoffs remain sticking points in bargaining. "Workers have complained for many years that they do not receive fair wages, working conditions free from harassment, or reasonable benefits," the union said in the release. "These issues were what spurred the union's formation in 2022 and have fueled continuing organizing."

"We value our staff and are proud of the many improvements we have worked on together in this negotiation process," Howard Brown Health said in a statement. "We hope to reach agreement on a final contract."








Gainesville-based Northeast Georgia Health System has paused a policy restricting holiday decorations after pushback from workers, according to ABC affiliate WSB-TV.

The policy, announced earlier this month, restricted decorations to hospital-approved kits, each including a tree, ornaments and a wreath, the TV station reported.

NGHS spokesperson Sean Couch told WSB-TV the policy's intent "was to create a consistent and professional appearance with holiday decorations across all of our locations."

It came as a result of some employees asking about rules related to decorating for their patients and patients' families. NGHS did not have a policy regarding the issue before this month.

Once the policy was announced, some employees asked for clarification about the policy, had a question about the policy or expressed "that it really kind of soured their holiday spirit," Mr. Couch said.

NGHS is pausing the policy for this year and will create employee engagement councils to solicit feedback, Mr. Couch said, according to WSB-TV.

"Everyone agreed we would just put a pause on that policy this holiday season, let it roll on as it always has, and then next year get several groups of employees together to talk about the policy, the intent of the policy, and figure out the best path forward," he said.

Northeast Georgia Health System is a nonprofit community health system anchored by Northeast Georgia Medical Center's five hospital campuses.
Healthcare workers at three Connecticut hospitals in the recent spotlight have rallied at the state capitol in Hartford to criticize working conditions.

Los Angeles-based Prospect Medical Holdings currently owns the three hospitals  Vernon-based Rockville General Hospital, Waterbury Hospital and Manchester Memorial Hospital  and is aiming to sell them to Yale New Haven (Conn.) Health. The Rockville and Manchester facilities fall under the Eastern Connecticut Health Network umbrella.

The planned sale has been delayed over disputes about the asking price, originally $435 million, and amid investigations into the financial practices of Prospect Medical by the state's attorney general's office.

Workers from all three hospitals rallied at the capital to allege that vendors are not being paid and that supplies are short, according to a Nov. 13 WTNH report. They were also joined by lawmakers, according to a Connecticut Public Radio report.

"This rally is neither coordinated nor sanctioned by ECHN's or Waterbury Hospital's leadership or Prospect Medical," Prospect Medical said in a statement. "However, we understand that some members of our medical staff and other employees feel compelled to participate in this event due to its relevance to the hospitals' future. While we respect the rights of our employees to engage in civic activities, patient care remains our utmost priority. We are continuing to provide quality, compassionate care to our patients today, as we do every day."

State Rep. Jason Doucette, D-Manchester, said he wants to see the Yale deal close quickly, according to the Connecticut Public Radio report.

"The sooner we can get this transaction done, the sooner that we can get Prospect Medical out of the state of Connecticut," he said. "The alternative is frankly unthinkable; certainly in my community it could have a devastating impact."
Two Maryland physicians accused of attempting to help Russia by sharing patient medical records are set for retrial Nov. 27, CBS News reported Nov. 13.

The defendants  Anna Gabrielian, an anesthesiologist, and her spouse, Jamie Lee Henry, an Army physician, both of Rockville, Md.  are accused of participating in a conspiracy that involved giving confidential medical records to an undercover FBI agent posing as a Russian representative. At the time of the alleged conspiracy, Dr. Henry was a staff internist stationed at Fort Bragg, an installation of the Army in North Carolina. Dr. Gabrielian worked at an unnamed medical institution in Baltimore.

The couple allegedly offered to provide the undercover FBI agent with private medical records to assist Russia. Dr. Gabrielian provided the purported Russian representative with medical information related to two individuals, including the spouse of an employee of the Office of Naval Intelligence, and Dr. Henry provided medical information related to five individuals who were military veterans or related to military veterans, prosecutors allege.

Dr. Gabrielian and Dr. Henry were charged with conspiracy and for the disclosure of individually identifiable health information for each patient whose information they allegedly shared. Their original trial in June was declared a mistrial after a juror refused to convict, saying the government entrapped the couple.

If convicted, they face a maximum of five years in federal prison for the conspiracy and a maximum of 10 years in federal prison for each count of disclosing the health information.
From a jury awarding $261 million to a family that sued a Johns Hopkins hospital in a case made famous by a Netflix documentary, to Rady Children's facing a lawsuit alleging it secretly recorded a patient and her family, here are six hospital lawsuits, settlements and legal developments Becker's has reported since Nov. 7:

1. A jury awarded an additional $50 million to a family that sued a Johns Hopkins children's hospital in a case made famous by a Netflix documentary, bringing the total damages to $261 million.

2. A group of health systems from across the country is seeking to block the Health Resources and Services Administration from reinstating a registration policy for offsite clinics of 340B-eligible hospitals they allege will cost billions if left unchecked.

3. Dr. Anthony Coleman recently resigned from his role as CEO of Des Moines, Iowa-based Broadlawns Medical Center. He had already accepted another position before signing an $800,000 settlement agreement with Broadlawns  but the hospital says it was unaware he had taken a new job when the document was inked.

4. A nurse accused St. Louis-based BJC HealthCare of delaying her start date and withdrawing a job offer because she is deaf.

5. A federal judge sided with Kennett Square, Pa.-based Genesis Healthcare, ruling that the Health Resources and Services Administration's definition of who qualifies as a patient under the 340B drug pricing program is too narrowly defined.

6. Rady Children's Hospital, based in San Diego, is facing a lawsuit alleging that it secretly recorded a patient and her family to prove the child was suffering from abuse.
A Colorado man who entered a children's hospital with a handgun has been sentenced to 33 months in prison.

Jeremy Tate, 29, broke in through an employee entrance at Children's Hospital Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora on Sept. 24, 2022, according to a Nov. 13 Department of Justice news release. He carried a handgun. The Aurora Police Department and University of Colorado Police Department responded to reports of an armed suspect in the hospital. University police located Mr. Tate and recovered the gun.

In addition to prison time, Mr. Tate, of Aurora was sentenced to three years of supervised release for one count of felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

"The Aurora Police Department said the intruder had no intent to harm and Children's Colorado was not a target," the hospital said in a statement shared with Becker's in September 2022. "The intruder is not a current or former Children's Colorado employee."
VCU Health's abandoned downtown Richmond, Va., development project, which has left the health system on the hook for approximately $80 million, will be investigated by state officials, according to a Nov. 14 Richmond BizSense report.

The Virginia General Assembly's oversight agency, the Joint Legislative Audit & Review Commission, approved a study of the reasons behind the system's aborted redevelopment of the city's public safety building, with a special focus on the governance structure of the health system, the report said.

Gov. Glenn Youngkin has urged a separation between the governance of the health system and the university, calling for the university president, Michael Rao, PhD, to step down as chair of the health system, a move Dr. Rao has agreed with.

Findings from the investigation are expected sometime in 2024, with such investigations usually taking between seven and 17 months, according to the report.
The teen whose family won a $261 million verdict against St. Petersburg, Fla-based Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital has filed a criminal complaint alleging sexual abuse while at the hospital, the Daily Mail reported.

Maya Kowalski, 17, whose story was featured in the Netflix documentary "Take Care of Maya," filed the complaint Nov. 10 at the Pinellas County (Fla.) Sheriff's Office, according to the Nov. 11 story. Her attorney, Greg Anderson, told the news outlet that a "physician or a person appearing to be a physician" entered her hospital room in October 2016 and sexually abused her.

"These allegations originally arose during trial and were not admitted into the case. As soon as the hospital became aware of the allegations, and in accordance with their policies, they immediately initiated an internal investigation and contacted law enforcement last month," Ethen Shapiro, an attorney to the hospital, said in a statement to Becker's. "Federal privacy laws restrict Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital from sharing more, but the hospital takes allegations of this nature very seriously and always puts the safety of their patients above all else."

A jury awarded the Kowalskis $261 million in a medical malpractice lawsuit Nov. 9, agreeing that the hospital falsely imprisoned Maya Kowalski after calling a child abuse hotline on her mother, Beata, for suspected Munchausen syndrome by proxy. Beata Kowalski took her own life while Maya Kowalski was in the hospital and not allowed to see her mother.

While the hospital plans to appeal the verdict and may not pay anything until at least next year, the judgment could force it to use cash reserves, possibly affecting its credit rating and future expansion projects, its CFO testified during the trial, the Tampa Bay Times reported Nov. 13. The hospital could also make multiple insurance claims as a result.

"Large claims like this will frequently impact the organization across the whole spectrum," Robert Bonar, a professor of healthcare administration at Washington, D.C.-based George Washington University, told the news outlet. "It will lead to increases in self-insured retentions, increased insurance premiums."
In just one year, the nurse practitioner profession has added 30,000 employees to the workforce, according to data released Nov. 13 by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.

The role has already been dubbed one of the fastest growing professions in the U.S. by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The latest data revealing a nearly 9% year-over-year growth rate for the profession underscores that this will not slow down anytime soon.

In fact, the BLS estimates that the nurse practitioner role will experience a 38% growth rate within the next decade, with around 30,000 annual openings for the role every year until 2032.

The footprint of the profession's impact within patient care is also widening. Between 2013 and 2019, Harvard researchers found that 25% of health visits in the U.S. were conducted by a non-physician, such as a nurse practitioner or a physician assistant.

NPs growth won't help overall nursing shortage

While the profession's growth is noteworthy and increasing numbers of nurse practitioners in the field will continue to mean additional clinicians to care for patients  especially in the context of a physician shortage where NPs often fill gaps in primary care  the overall growth is not expected to move the needle on the nursing shortage.

"For nursing in general, it's a great opportunity for nurses to elevate their practice and participate in healthcare with more autonomy But in the long run, it's not going to benefit bedside nurses. I think we're starting to see some of the bedside nurses who actually feel like they've been deserted by nurse practitioners," Ceonne Houston-Raasikh, DNP, RN, chief nursing officer for Keck Hospital of USC in Los Angeles, told Becker's. "But I think really we should be framing it as what most people do in their careers, which is, wanting to elevate and do more and aspire to achieve greater things in their career."

Making the decision to pursue an advanced degree in nursing makes room for more nurse leaders, but few who choose to do so remain at the bedside. This is what could lead fellow nurse colleagues to feel abandoned or like they carry a different work burden still at the bedside while others leave it to move up, she explained.

"It's definitely not going to help the nursing shortage in the long run, but it is not going to hurt it either," Dr. Houston-Raasikh said. "Most nurse practitioners start off working at the bedside, then they go back to school, and then they move on into their nurse practitioner roles. But I think what we should really be focused on in nursing is really looking at the number of educators that we have, because if we had more nursing educators, we would be able to educate more nurses and bring more nurses into the field."

A lack of nurse educators due to pay and scarcity has caused nursing programs to turn thousands of students away throughout the last several years.

Where NP growth will matter most

As the profession continues to add more employees each year, nurse practitioners will be in more decision-making roles including hospital and health system leadership positions, C-suite positions, as voting members on boards, etc. All those things that can improve the experience of bedside nurses overall, according to Stephen Ferrara, DNP, president of the AANP.

Still, he says, "more work needs to be done as outdated hierarchical models that fail patients and artificially constrain the full participation of all healthcare providers still dominate too many facets of healthcare."

Nurse practitioners are also critical to rural care, making up more than 25% of the rural primary care workforce, he explained. In 2018, nurse practitioners accounted for one third of all primary care clinicians who billed Medicare, according to a report from the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission.

"In my conversations with NPs around the country, I frequently hear they chose to become an NP because they were interested in providing services that improve patients' overall health and decrease the need for hospital services," Dr. Ferrara told Becker's. "Additionally, nurse practitioners  especially in states with full practice authority  frequently return to their communities to provide access to those in most need."

As such, primary care will likely be the area that sees the most benefit from the increasing addition of NP professionals throughout the workforce, Drs. Ferrara and Houston-Raasikh agree.

"When you look at some of the statistics out there, we know that almost half of our physicians are going to be retiring  half of our primary care physicians," Dr. Houston-Raasikh said. "And in addition to that, we have more and more physicians who are choosing to specialize. So between the retiring primary care physician and physicians who are choosing to specialize, we will continue to see that space be available for nurse practitioners to function in that primary care role."
by M. K. Bhadrakumar

If the United States is a declining power and Chinas rise inevitable in the Indo-Pacific; if Russia regards itself as a global power and is determined to bury the US-dominated rules-based order; if the defeat of the US and NATO in the Ukraine war has become a fait accompli; if Canada was encouraged by the US to fret and fume over alleged Indian involvement in Nijjars killing; if Israels bloodbath in Gaza is actually genocide  well, Indias policymakers havent heard any of this. That is the message coming out of the US-Indian 2+2 foreign and defence ministers meeting in New Delhi on November 10.





Indias Defence Minister Rajnath Singh (left) and US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin after their meeting in Delhi on June 2023 [Photo: Indian Ministry of Defence]





The big picture is that after audaciously claiming the mantle of leadership of the Global South as recently as in September, in a span of over two months, India is gliding over to the American camp as the US indispensable ally, even aspiring to be a global defence hub with Pentagons help.





The following were some of the takeaways at the 2+2 meeting:

Sharing technology relating to maritime challenges, including in the undersea domain;

co-development and co-production of ground mobility systems;

India to undertake US aircraft maintenance and mid-voyage repair of US naval vessels;

US investment in Indias maintenance, repair, and overhaul of US aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles;

finalisation of a Security of Supply Arrangement, which will deepen the integration of defence industrial ecosystems and strengthening of supply chain resilience;

creation of new liaison positions between the two armed forces further to Indias full membership of the multinational Combined Maritime Forces, headquartered in Bahrain;

Maximisation of the scope of the Logistics and Exchange Memorandum Agreement, and identify steps to enhance the reach of the US naval vessels to Indian bases.

No doubt, the above is only the tip of the iceberg, while this extraordinary transition in Indian policies will largely remain behind closed-doors. The US seems supremely confident that India is ready to enter into an exclusive alliance, something that New Delhi never sought with any big power. What is the offer that the Biden Administration has made to India that the latter cannot refuse?





Clearly, such a massive shift in Indias military policies needs to be co-related with the fundamental postulates of foreign policy. That said, curiously, call it bipartisan consensus or whatever, Indias main opposition party apparently couldnt care less about the shift. This is not surprising. The shift is actually about a nascent India-US alliance to counter China  and that is a policy front where it is difficult to choose between Tweedledum and Tweedledee.





To be sure, both Russia and China understand that Indian foreign policy is transitioning. But they pretend not to notice and would hope it is an aberration. At any rate, neither Russia nor China can stop India on its tracks. Their capacity to leverage Indian policies has dramatically shrunk  Moscows in particular  in the contemporary security environment.





The heart of the matter is that India is not ecstatic about the growing multipolarity in the world order. India is a beneficiary of the rules-based order and feels far more comfortable with a bipolar world order where multipolarity, if at all, remains a fringe phenomenon while the US pre-eminence will continue to prevail for decades to come. Such a paradigm is perceived as advantageous for India to navigate its pathway toward checking Chinas hegemonic instincts while also optimally developing its own comprehensive national power. It is an ambitious agenda which is risky too, as policies change in Washington as presidents come and go and American interests get redefined and priorities change.





Today, however, the Indian willingness to align with the US is more evident than ever before. The animus against Chinas rise was palpable at the 2+2 meeting. India has cast away any residual pretensions and is shifting toward an openly adversarial relationship with China. The QUAD has become an important locomotive. To be sure, a Chinese response can be expected  when or in what form, time will tell.





This is only possible because Delhi feels reasonably assured that Washingtons Indo-Pacific focus remains intact under the Biden Administration despite growing engagement with China. Of course, an inflection point is arising as Chinese President Xi Jinping will make his first trip to the US in five years and a summit meeting with President Biden has been meticulously prepared, which both sides hope will be productive and make the Sino-American relationship more predictable.





The three regional issues that figured prominently at the 2+2 were Afghanistan, Ukraine and the Palestine-Israel conflict. The Joint Statement devoted a separate paragraph with the sub-title Afghanistan, which implicitly accused the Taliban rulers of not adhering to their commitment to prevent any group or individual from using the territory of Afghanistan to threaten the security of any country.





The joint statement goes on to pointedly recall UNSC Resolution 2593 (2021), which specifically demands that Afghan territory not be used to threaten or attack any country or to shelter or train terrorists, or to plan or finance terrorist attacks.





Delhi is making a radical departure from its attempts to constructively engage with the Taliban rulers. One reason could be intelligence inputs to the effect that Afghanistan is once again becoming a revolving door for international terrorist groups.





A second possibility could be that the US and India share a sense of exasperation over the Talibans growing proximity with China and the spectre of Afghanistan turning into a hub of the Belt and Road Initiative. Beijings plan to build a road connecting Afghanistan via Wakhan Corridor is a game changer in geo-strategy which is profoundly consequential. Anything that relates to the security of Xinjiang cannot but be a matter of incessant interest to Delhi.





The 2+2 joint statement signals a renewed US-Indian convergence on Afghanistan. How far this would translate as proactive moves is a moot point. Notably, the US and its allies are also exploiting Russias preoccupations with the conflict in Ukraine to double down on their post-cold war strategy to roll back Russian influence in Afghanistan. Moscow senses that it is losing ground in its backyard.





When it comes to Ukraine and the Palestine-Israel conflict, what emerges is that the US and Indian sides have succeeded in harmonising their respective positions on these crucial regional conflicts. In reality, Delhi is shedding its strategic ambivalence and moving towards the US position. This comes out in the strokes in the joint statement by what it says and what it doesnt. Thus, on Ukraine, Russias attritional war has consequences predominantly affecting the global South. This apart, Moscow can learn to live with the 2+2 formulation on the Ukraine war.





As regards the West Asian situation, the joint statement voices vehement support for Israels fight against terrorism. But here, again, India refuses to call out Hamas. Nor is India endorsing Israels war on Hamas, leave alone pre-judge its chances of success. Most important, the joint statement omits any reference to Israels so-called right to self-defence, a mantra that is constantly on Bidens lips.





India cannot possibly call the Gaza war an act of self defence when Israel has unleashed such a brutal military operation against hapless civilians and razed Gaza City to the ground  reminiscent of the joint British-American aerial bombing attack on the city of Dresden, the capital of Saxony, during World War II on the horrific night of 9-10 March 1945 killing over 25000 German people.





Perhaps, all these diplomatic peregrinations through the valley of death could be better understood against the backdrop of the intense back channel dealings involving Hamas leadership in regional capitals in which Biden administration would have high stakes and is a participant.
We're all often guilty of it. Being so busy that we begin to rush. I often need to take a figurative and literal breath to remember why I  and I'm sure many of us  became pharmacists in the first place: to help people lead healthier lives.

However, there are a few steps we can take as pharmacists to elevate patient care and contribute to whole health. This is especially important during the busy holiday season when we see spikes in illness as cold weather sets in and people gather indoors.

As pharmacists, we know there's usually only one of us behind the counter. The line stretches with 10 or more patients waiting. A patient needs their prescription filled urgently, while another needs to update their insurance information, and the phone's incessant ringing adds to the chaos. We're faced with complex medication administrations, high patient loads, and dozens of daily medication reviews.

I recently found myself thinking of ways pharmacists can improve care during this season, when I thought, "What better way to understand this idea than by conversing with the patients themselves."

As a pharmacist at CarelonRx, Carelon's pharmacy benefit manager, I reached out to our patients to hear about their experiences interacting with pharmacists across various settings (insurance, hospital, retail, etc.) and to ask for their advice.

Here are their five tips I found most helpful for pharmacists to provide high-quality patient care during the holiday season:

Listen. Martha*, an elderly patient battling multiple chronic conditions and who gets out of her house once a month to pick up her medications from the pharmacy. She always appreciates when a pharmacist takes time to listen to her concerns and then performs a thorough review of her medications. Supply resources. Jack* no longer has reliable transportation to the pharmacy. He used an Uber to pick up his prescription, but that's not a feasible long-term solution because it can be expensive. He says it would be helpful for a pharmacist to provide community resources so he can stay adherent to his medications. Simplify instructions. Consider the case of Mark*, who finds it challenging to manage his medication schedule. Simplify instructions for complex regiments and provide pill organizers or smartphone apps that help patients keep track. Increase cultural sensitivity. Respect diverse backgrounds. Take a moment to learn about any cultural or religious practices that might impact a patient's medication adherence. This sensitivity can go a long way. Practice self-care. This tip is from me, not a patient. If we don't take care of ourselves, we can't take care of our patients. Find moments for you  take an actual lunch break, step away from email on weekends, find time to exercise and clear your head, and rejuvenate with your families and friends in the evenings. We can only treat our patients as well as we treat ourselves.

These are certainly easier said than done. As we step into this demanding season, I hope youll each join me in finding small ways in our day-to-day roles to further enhance patient care.

Ami Bhatt, PharmD, is staff vice president of clinical pharmacy services at CarelonRx, part of Elevance Health.



*Patients names have been changed to protect privacy.
Already, Valley fever costs about $1.5 billion per year in Arizona and California, and experts anticipate the fungus that causes the illness will widen its reach in the country over the next few decades, The Washington Post reported Nov. 13.

The CDC estimates there may be more than 500,000 cases of infections caused by Coccidioides  a flesh-eating fungus  every year in the U.S. Valley fever, or coccidioidomycosis, is thought to be endemic in the Southwestern U.S., with about 97% of cases confirmed in Arizona and California. However, more cases have popped up outside of these regions, and researchers anticipate warming temperatures will push the disease east by the end of the century, making it endemic in regions such as the Great Plains.

There is not yet definitive evidence to link higher temperatures to rising cases of Valley fever, though the connection seems obvious for many clinicians on the front lines treating the disease.

"I cannot think of any other infection that is so closely entwined with climate change," Rasha Kuran, MD, associate medical director of the Valley Fever Institute at the University of California Los Angeles, told the Post.

Already, the disease is costly in the two states where it is most prevalent. In California, more than 1,000 people are hospitalized with Valley fever every year. This year, experts predict the state could see more than 10,000 cases.

Cocci lives in dry, hot soil and can be contracted when people breathe in microscopic fungal spores from the air. Symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath and rash and typically develop between one and three weeks after breathing in the spores. More than half of people feel no symptoms and may recover on their own. For those who do not, the disease can be severe.

No vaccine exists for the infection, though agencies are ramping up efforts to encourage the development of one.
Respiratory virus season is heating up in the U.S., and hospitals are starting to feel the effects amid an influx of respiratory syncytial virus and influenza patients. Meanwhile, new COVID-19 admissions, which had been declining for several weeks straight, have stabilized.

Here's a look at where things stand with COVID-19, flu and RSV as of Nov. 13, based on the latest available information:

COVID-19: New weekly COVID-19 admissions have started to stabilize after five weeks of consecutive decline, though remain lower than this time last year. There were 14,728 new admissions for the week ending Nov. 4. Based on past trends, the nation may see another winter uptick in December or January, when flu also tends to peak.

Flu: Activity is ramping up in most parts of the U.S., most noticeably in the South Central, Southeast and West Coast regions. Nearly 2,000 patients with lab-confirmed flu were admitted to a hospital for the week ending Nov. 3, an increase from the week prior, according to the CDC's most recent data. Alaska, New Mexico and Florida reported high flu activity for the week, while Louisiana, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama and Washington, D.C., reported moderate flu activity.

RSV: Nationwide, the positivity rate has increased from nearly 5% in mid-October to over 10%. Hospitals in the South have reported long emergency wait times and in some cases, having to hold critical patients in the ED until beds open up amid a spike in RSV. In Texas' Dallas-Fort Worth region, nearly all pediatric hospital beds are full. With RSV trends in the South often a harbinger of what's in store for the rest of the nation, hospitals have been bracing for capacity strain.

Health experts had been betting on a trio of vaccines to stave off severe illness and pressure on hospitals this virus season, though that largely depends on uptake ahead of virus season ramping up. According to estimates from late October, about 4% of the U.S. population had received the new COVID-19 shots since their rollout in mid-September. Nearly 30% of U.S. adults are estimated to have received a flu shot as of Oct. 28, according to CDC data.

This year also marks the first time RSV vaccines are available for adults 60 and older, a group that is at high risk of severe disease, though the CDC has not published estimates on uptake. A new monoclonal antibody to prevent severe disease from RSV in babies is in short supply. With access not yet widespread, the pediatric community does not believe the antibody will have a significant effect on volumes this virus season.
There's no "coffee badging" in the military, so companies are increasingly looking to hire veterans, according to a Nov. 9 article from The Wall Street Journal.

In an era where 60% of employees worldwide are quiet quitting, workers who give their all and are "willing to pay their dues" are harder to find, per the Journal. Around 200,000 people leave the military every year, equipped with skills that appeal to employers  such as hard work, humility and detail-orientation  and void of traits that do not  such as entitlement and aversion to criticism.

As a result, employers are jumping at the opportunity to hire veterans. The most recent jobs report showed the unemployment rate for former service members at 2.9%, one point lower than the overall U.S. rate. And demand for the Pentagon's SkillBridge program, which connects veterans to companies, has grown so rapidly that the Department of Defense had to temporarily halt applications over the summer. In 2019, the program had 150 participating employers; now, it has more than 3,800.

The practice of hiring veterans can include a learning curve on both the employers' and employees' side, according to the Journal. It can be difficult to explain how military experience will translate to the private sector, and new hires may be lacking in some hard skills.

To help bridge the gap, Meta created a military-skills translation tool that allows veterans to enter their armed-forces title and be matched with a corporate role that could be a good fit. And employers are increasingly looking at applicants' personal qualities, not their skillset, to determine if a person is right for the job.



"Ability is not teachable and values are often not teachable, so the qualities that we are least able to influence are the things we often find in veterans," David McCormick, former CEO of the world's largest hedge fund, Bridgewater Associates, told the Journal.
Spine and orthopedic surgeons can expect to see a larger push for minimally invasive techniques, increased use of new technology and some economic challenges in 2024, according to four surgeons.

Four surgeons recently spoke with Becker's about their predictions for next year.

Editor's note: These responses were lightly edited for clarity and length.

Question: What changes do you expect to see in the spine and/or orthopedic surgery industries in 2024?

Adam Bitterman, DO. Chair of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Huntington (N.Y.) Hospital and Assistant Professor at Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell (Hempstead, N.Y.): Orthopedic and spine device companies will continue to advance the mission of "less through more." There has been a major push to advance minimally invasive surgery, and as such, the orthopedic industry must continue to innovate and create technologies to produce and maintain high quality outcomes without additional risk while maintaining a cost conscientious approach.

Sean Rajaee, MD. Co-Director of the Outpatient Hip and Knee Center and Arthroplasty Fellowship at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center (Los Angeles): I expect to see a bigger push toward utilization of technology in orthopedic surgery, particularly the introduction of artificial intelligence for decision-making preoperatively and operatively with robotic technology. But this will take years to evolve.

Peter Whang, MD. Professor in the Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation at Yale University School of Medicine (New Haven, Conn.): I expect that 2024 will continue to be a difficult environment for surgeons as well as orthopedic and spinal implant companies. Considering the looming cuts in Medicare reimbursement for our services in the setting of increasing expenses, we are facing significant headwinds that make the practice of medicine almost untenable for surgeons and our industry partners alike. In response to these challenges, I believe that we will see an even greater shift of orthopedic and spinal procedures to the outpatient setting in an attempt by surgeons to establish more diverse income streams while providing more cost-effective care. Likewise, I anticipate that there will be further consolidation in our industry as more companies grapple with the stark economic realities of our healthcare system. Despite these myriad issues, I remain optimistic about the future of orthopedic and spinal surgery. which I am confident will continue to advance in terms of the development of novel technologies and the ability to improve the clinical outcomes of our patients.

Hasan Zaidi, MD. Co-Director of the Adult Deformity/Scoliosis Center and Associate Professor of Neurosurgery at Harvard Medical School (Boston) and Director Spine Research at Brigham and Women's Hospital (Boston): I expect to see spine technologies on the horizon that allow spine surgical navigation to be safer, less obtrusive to the surgical workflow, continual registration/recalibration, and at a lower cost. Democratization of spine surgical navigation outside of major academic medical centers, with lower cost and higher fidelity navigation tools are the future.
NGMedical GmbH's Move-C device made its debut in Taiwan, according to a Nov. 14 news release.

The expansion comes a couple months after the medtech company announced 1,000 cases with the disc in Germany. It earned CE approval in 2019.

Move-C offers motion in all six planes and is the first artificial disc with additively manufactured titanium endplates.
Applications, including for pig, poultry and cattle sheds and biogas plants, had used falsified soil sample results

A leading academic has hit out at Mid Ulster District Council after it found dozens of farm planning applications which had used fake evidence did not breach planning controls.

The council, which covers part of Lough Neagh and counties Derry and Tyrone, was one of nine of Northern Irelands 11 councils which received the applications.

A total of 108 applications, including for pig, poultry and cattle sheds and biogas plants, had used falsified soil sample results in an attempt to bypass environmental regulations, the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) has found.

The applications were submitted between 2015 and 2022. It is understood that around three-quarters were approved.

The 108 applications are now subject to a series of council investigations.

The Audit Office has also launched a review into how councils and government departments are handling the issue.

Mid Ulster council received 30 applications - the highest of any local council.

In documents seen by The Detail, the council found there was no breach of planning control in 26 of the cases.

Mid Ulster reviewed the applications in its area after NIEA asked all nine councils affected to look at the cases earlier this year.

Correspondence between Mid Ulster and the NIEA has shown that, in 26 of the 30 cases, the council found no breach of planning control relating to fabricated soil samples because there are no planning conditions attached to permission relating to soil sample analysis levels or results.

Accordingly the planning department of the council does not intend to pursue this matter any further.

Of the remaining four applications, one has not yet been granted planning permission.

The Detail asked Mid Ulster about the outcome of the other three applications but it did not respond.

Farmers who wish to build new livestock sheds must provide soil samples to show that the manure spread on fields as fertiliser can be absorbed by the ground and will not run off into streams and rivers.

Dr Geraint Ellis, an expert on planning and environmental law at Queens University Belfast, said the council's response was pretty shocking.

He said it had not taken wider environmental concerns into consideration.

I find these documents incredibly frustrating to read as it clearly highlights yet another glaring example of the poor environmental governance in Northern Ireland and particularly in how the planning system deals with environmental protection, he said.

He raised concerns about the under-resourcing of the planning system and the narrow range of environmental expertise that is often available to planning authorities.

A spokesman for the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) said it has developed environmental training for council planners.

The Audit Office met council chief executives in September over the 108 applications.

The office said it had since been told that the councils are investigating the circumstances of each case and are taking legal advice on the potential implications.

The Detail asked Mid Ulster if it is reviewing its findings on the 26 applications.

A council spokesman said it was working alongside the relevant authorities to assist in ongoing investigations.

However, due to the potential risk of prejudice to these ongoing investigations, we are unable to comment any further at this time.
JMK Group proposals for the erection of a new Hotel/aparthotel, comprising circa 135 hotel beds and 93 apart-hotel beds in Titanic Quarter.

JMK Group proposals for the erection of a new hotel/aparthotel, comprising circa 135 hotel beds and 93 apart-hotel beds in Titanic Quarter.

Belfasts hotel and hospitality sector is set to expand after permission was granted for four new hotels  three in the Cathedral Quarter of the city centre alone.

It will mean Belfast could benefit from almost 400 new rooms for visitors to the city.

The news has been welcomed as a positive sign of confidence in Belfast and Northern Ireland as a tourist destination.

Colin Neill, chair of Hospitality Ulster, said the approval from Belfast City Council should come as a boost to all in the city centre and in the sector.

This obviously puts out the signal that Belfast is open for business and hotel accommodation in the city remains in high demand, he said.

Its a superb vote of confidence in what the city can provide.

While we have to bear in mind that not all planning applications, even if successful, come to fruition, it is a positive step forward in enhancing Belfast and Northern Ireland as a whole as a tourist destination.

Not only will the new hotels provide much needed jobs in the industry, they will allow more people to come and stay in the city centre and help to safeguard existing jobs in the hospitality industry, Mr Neill added.

It shows we are on the right track towards continuing to develop Belfast and will be a boost for the whole country should the hotels finally open for business. The more people we can attract to the city and to Northern Ireland, and the more variety of accommodation we can offer them when they arrive, the better for everyone in the industry.

While there is not yet any indication on when any of the four new hotels will be expected to open, the go-ahead for four properties will be seen as a major and positive move to continue the reinvigoration of the city centre.

The biggest of the hotel projects to receive approval from Belfasts planning committee was for the erection of 135 hotel beds and 93 aparthotel beds directly south of Titanic Belfast and north-west of Hamilton Dock, located off Queens Road, Belfast. It will also have a restaurant/cafe and bar, gym, landscaped public realm, car and cycle parking.

JMK Group proposals for the erection of a new Hotel/aparthotel, comprising circa 135 hotel beds and 93 apart-hotel beds in Titanic Quarter.

That project is being led by JMK Group and when completed will sit opposite the Titanic Belfast Experience building.

The citys former War Museum is also set to undergo a change after permission was granted for a 120-bed development at 9-13 Waring Street in the Cathedral Quarter.

The building has been sitting vacant for over a decade since the museum was moved just around the corner to Talbot Street.

Plans will see the former office space transformed into a new hotel with a bar/restaurant and covered rooftop terrace and return the historic building to its former glory.

Approval was also given to alter, extend and amalgamate existing buildings at 35 and 37 Donegall Street and 7 Donegall Street Place to create a 20-bed hotel with bar/restaurant. It will have an associated outdoor seating area where a Belfast pub group plans a build featuring a courtyard with shipping containers.

The plans, from 3 Wise Men Pubs, part of Clover Group, include 23 self-contained pod hotel rooms and a courtyard where performances can be held. Its part of a total investment of 1.4m by the group, which will help to create 50 new jobs.

And permission was also granted for the former NI Housing Executive offices at 10-16 Hill Street for renovation. It will become a 20-bed boutique hotel with a restaurant and bar.

Chair of Belfast City Councils Planning Committee, Councillor Matt Garrett said: Its great to see these developments coming forward and contributing to Belfasts economic growth.
NI firms managing director to step down after almost 20 years: Walk into any supermarket and youll see brands using our products
A planning application for a student accommodation development on Great Victoria Street has been announced on the site of Fanum House

Plans for a new 55m purpose built student accommodation development in Belfast city centre have been announced today.

Property development company South Bank Square has announced that it has submitted a proposal of application notice to Belfast City Council for a new student accommodation development.

This is the first stage in obtaining planning permission for major developments.

The proposed development, which will be known as The Grattan, will include 610 bedrooms, a cafe, residents lounge, fitness suite, business hub and landscaped roof terraces.

It will be located on the site of the Fanum House building on Great Victoria Street. The proposal will include the demolition of the vacant 11-storey office building.

Fanum House was formerly the Belfast headquarters for newspapers and media including the Irish Times and Sky, with its rooftop the setting for many TV reports during the Troubles.

Martin Mallon, managing director of South Bank Square, said: Our exciting new proposals for The Grattan represent a major investment in Belfast, and an opportunity to regenerate this part of what was once known as the Golden Mile.

The local stakeholders have recently made significant improvements to the streetscape of the area, and we aim to build on those improvements through this pivotal development of a prime gateway site on the southern edge of the city centre.

The site is ideally located close to the new Transport Hub and within easy walking distance of both Belfast city centre and Queens Quarter.

He added: We acknowledge the vibrancy that has been created by new student developments in other parts of the city and we strongly believe that our new proposals will bring renewed energy and creativity to this particular area.

This part of Great Victoria Street has long been neglected and we believe that our development will be a major catalyst for the wider regeneration of the area.

In 2020 Southbank announced that it would be redeveloping the site into 210 new apartments in a 45m development, which would also be known as The Grattan.

This followed an application submitted in 2011 for the development of a 15-storey 173 bedroom hotel with a basement at the 110 Great Victoria Street site.

Belfast has seen a flurry of student accommodation developments in recent years.

Last year year the city centre saw the announcement of a new student accommodation development on the former site of the Movie House cinema on the Dublin Road.

Up the road, a new student accommodation block, made up of 270 rooms, opened earlier this year on Bruce Street.

In September Queens announced that it would be investing up to 100m in over 1,000 student rooms across three sites, including the Dublin Road project.

Two other projects at Laganback in south Belfast and Brunswick Street in the city centre are also planned by Queens.

But earlier this year, Belfast City Council rejected an application for what would have been the largest student development in the city.

The 795 unit building would have been based on lands bounded by Library Street, Stephen Street, Little Donegall Street and Union Street, in the Carrick Hill area in the north of the city.
By the end of this year the seventh of ten Russian Borei-class SSBN (ballistic missile carrying) nuclear submarines enters service. Three more are in various stages of completion and expected to enter service between 2024 and 2028. These may be the last SSBNs Russia can afford for a long time. While Russia allocated more of its defense budgets to SSBNs than any other type of ship, the post-Cold War Navy budget keeps shrinking. The Cold War ended in 1991 but Russias financial problems continued to get worse. Mistakes continue to get made, like invading Ukraine in early 2022. That was a major miscalculation, and the financial costs are being felt throughout the Russian military.

Despite all that, work continues, if more slowly, on numerous projects. Particularly SSBNs. The slowdowns have a cumulative effect. For example, in late 2020 Russia conducted a multiple missile launch from one of its new SSBNs. For the second time since the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, a submerged Borei class SSBN fired multiple SLBMs (sea-launched ballistic missiles) in rapid succession. This time the SSBN was off the Pacific Coast in the Sea of Okhotsk and the four Bulava SLBM warheads landed 5,500 kilometers to the west in the Chizha test range, a large body of water in northwest Russia near Archangel and long used as a landing zone for SLBMs fired from off the Pacific coast. The last such multiple missile test was in 2018 when another Borei in the White Sea (north of Murmansk) fired four Bulava SLBMs eastward for 6,000 kilometers and the warheads landed off the east coast of the Kamchatka Peninsula in the Kura test range, a body of water used as a landing zone for ICBMs as well as SLBMs.

As impressive as these two tests were, they did not match the last multiple SLBM launch carried out in 1991 just before the Soviet Union was dissolved. That test involved a Delta IV SSBN launching all sixteen of its R29 SLBMs. While the solid fuel Bulavas could be launched every 3-4 seconds, the liquid fueled R29s required 14 seconds between launches. It took nearly four minutes for the Delta IV to launch 650 tons worth of missiles. The largest launch of SLBMs took place in 1998 when a Typhoon class SSBN launched all twenty of its R-39 SLBMs not as a test, but to destroy them in a public manner as part of the post-Cold War START disarmament agreement. The twenty R-39s did not travel far as they were programmed to self-destruct shortly after launch, which they did.

As of early 2021 Russia had four Borei SSBNs in service. Four more were then under construction and two more on order for delivery by the end of the 2020s. The Boreis were the first post-Cold War Russian SSBN and the first one began construction in 1996, but took 17 years to complete. The problem was that the capabilities of Russian shipyards had declined during the 1990s because skilled engineers and workers were free to find better paying jobs and did so on a large scale. As a result, the Boreis currently being built will take about eight years to get into service. The last Soviet era-SSBNs, the Delta IV class took three or four years to complete. The seven Delta IVs entered service between 1984 and 1990 and six of them were refurbished a decade ago so they could remain in service until enough Boreis were ready.

Delays getting the new Borei SSBNs into service were made worse because problems with their new SLBMs continued after the first Borei was ready for service. There were so many missile delays that the older Delta class SSBNs had to stay in service longer than they were designed for. That meant these Deltas were unable to go to sea as often, a problem that was partially solved by refurbishing six of them. As a result, Russia has had few SSBNs at sea since 2010. The seven Boreis now in service and at sea compensate for the growing inability of the Deltas to stay out for long periods.

The fourth Borei was also the first improved Borei, or Borei A design, and construction took longer, and cost more, than planned. One feature, adding four more SLBM launch tubes, was deleted. Borei A includes improved electronics and changes to the hull and propulsion system to make the boat quieter and more maneuverable. There are now additional sonar arrays on the sides of the boat in addition to the usual one in the bow (front). There were significant changes to the propulsion system to improve maneuverability at low speeds. The hull now has a sleeker form without the noticeable bump behind the sail, which is the small superstructure on top of subs. One morale-enhancing new feature was a small (four-seat) sauna. There are also larger and more comfortable crew quarters. These changes made the Borei-A look more like Western SSBN as well as perform like one. These changes made to create Borei A were so expensive that the navy could only afford to build ten Boreis.

The Boreis are essential to replace the aging Delta IVs. In many ways the Delta IVs were a superior design compared to the Boreis. There were 43 Deltas put into service between 1972 and 1990. There were actually four distinct models: Delta I, II, III and IV. These varied in size from 7,800 to 13,500 tons, and capabilities. Russia had already built a class of subs to replace the Deltas, and these were the enormous 24,000-ton Typhoon/Akula class SSBNs. These proved too expensive to build and operate. Six of them entered service between 1981 and 1989, and to save money, all were retired or scrapped by 2009. One Typhoon was still around until early 2023, to test new SLBM designs. Thats because the missile tubes on the Typhoon are so large that they can easily be modified to handle any new SLBM design. The last Typhoon retired in early 2023. The problems with the Typhoons were a foretaste of worse problems with the Borei and other large subs and surface ships planned.

The shipyards could not get it done. Part of the problem was growing corruption, which played a role in destroying the Soviet Union, as well as a shortage of qualified managers, engineers and construction workers to design, develop and build these new ships. Because of all that Russia has had to cope and adjust its plans. In the 1990s it was decided that subs were more important than surface vessels and that meant, once all the budget and construction management problems manifested themselves after the 1990s, the subs always had priority. This led to the cancellation of several large surface ship construction plans and many modifications for submarine construction and use. More subs were retired as they became too old and expensive to operate. Money was always found to keep construction of new subs, especially SSBNs, going. There was also more patience for dealing with the seemingly endless flaws found in the new subs and their weapons. Priorities took priority.

The first three new Borei Class boats were supposed to be based in the Pacific but was changed with only two in the Pacific. One reason for that was the lack of money to refurbish and reactivate the Chizha Test Range near Archangel. This facility was used to monitor ballistic missile or SLBMs test-fired from east to west. The test range on the Pacific coast has been upgraded so that ballistic missiles and SLBM testing can continue and be accurately monitored to measure success, and accuracy, of test warheads. To continue testing the Bulava one of the Boreis had to be assigned to the Northern Fleet.

During the Cold War, most of Russias SSBNs were based in the north, at several bases east of the Norwegian border and facing the Arctic Ocean. Russia spent over $350 million to expand and improve its submarine base on the Kamchatka Peninsula on its Pacific coast. This enabled new SSBNs to threaten China, as well as the United States.

The Boreis are the first new Russian boomers, naval slang for SSBNs, to enter service since 1990 when the last Delta IV entered service. Borei is the first new Russian sub design since the end of the Cold War. The other two Boreis, Alexander Nevsky and Vladimir Monomakh, benefited from all those delays with the first Borei and were built much more quickly.

The Boreis are closer in design to the Delta IVs and American Cold War SSBNs. The Boreis are 170 meters (558 feet) long and 13 meters (42 feet) in diameter. Surface displacement is 15,000 tons, and 16 Bulava SLBMs are carried. Work on the Yuri Dolgoruky was delayed for several years because the first missile being designed for it did not work out. A successful land-based missile, the Topol-M, was quickly modified for submarine use. That should have worked but it didnt and failed in many frustrating ways. This "Bulava" (also known as R-30 3M30 and SS-NX-30) SLBM was a larger missile, cutting the Boreis original capacity from 20 to 16 missiles. The boat also has four torpedo tubes and twelve torpedoes or torpedo tube-launched missiles. There are also tubes for launching smaller countermeasure devices that look like torpedoes. The Bulava has a max range of 10,000 kilometers with six warheads and 8,000 kilometers with ten warheads.

The Boreis have a crew of 107, with half of them being officers. This is a common Russian practice when it comes to high tech ships like nuclear subs. Each of these Borei A boats cost at least two billion dollars, in part because money was spent on improved crew quarters. That was necessary to attract enough skilled, and volunteer, sailors to run these boats. The high cost of Boreis, by Russian standards, is partly because many factories that supplied parts for Russian subs were in parts of the Soviet Union that are not now within the borders of post 1991 Russia. New factories had to be built. All components of the Boreis and their missiles are to be built in Russia.

Without the Bulava, the only alternative was to redesign the Boreis to use the existing R-29 Sineva SLBM. This is the last liquid fuel Russian SLBM in service and was used in the older Delta class SSBNs. This redesign would cost billions of dollars and delay the Boreis entering service by several years. To many, switching to the older, but more reliable, Sineva missiles seemed like a reasonable move. Liquid fuel missiles are more complex than solid-fuel missiles, even though they use fuel that can be stored for long periods inside the missile. Unable, for a long time, to develop the technology for solid-fuel rockets, Russia made the most of this and developed some very effective "storable liquid fuel" rockets. It was only near the end of the Cold War that Russia finally mastered the solid-fuel rocket construction techniques. But only one solid fuel SLBM entered service, the huge 90-ton R-39 for the massive Typhoon SSBNs.

Borei boats have missile tubes designed to hold the Bulava, which is 12.1 meters long and two meters in diameter. The Sineva is 14.8 meters long and 1.8 meters in diameter. The additional length of the Sineva would require substantial revisions in the existing Borei design and the two still under construction in 2018. The only existing solid fuel SLBM that works, and is carried in the larger Typhoon, is the R-39, and it is huge, as in 16 meters long and 2.4 meters in diameter. Much too large even for a rebuilt Borei.

These delays in getting Bulava to work reliably resulted in a lot of embarrassing changes. Thats because, in early 2012, Russia announced that its SSBNs would resume long-range "combat patrols" within a year. On schedule, the Russian Navy finally accepted its first Borei, Yury Dolgoruky, for service on December 30th, 2012. Thus, it appeared that the newly commissioned Yury Dolgoruky would be the first Russian SSBN in many years to make a long-range cruise, as soon as it had a working SLBM to arm it. Mass production of Bulava began in 2013, with the goal of producing at least 124 of them. Yury Dolgoruky finally made its first combat patrol in 2015, although it was understood that only about half of the 16 Bulava SLBMs carried would work if launched. Since then, the Bulava SLBM is considered combat ready but only if you accept that about half of them may not work.

The Russian Navy has made a mess of its SSBN force and has done slightly better developing new SLBMs. This is all about what kind of SSBN force Russia will have in the future and what those SSBNs will be capable of. At the moment the answers seem to be diminished and not much.

The Delta IV refurb included the SLBM tubes and launch equipment so the Delta IV can handle the latest (MU2) version of the R-29 missile. Most of the improvements in the R-29MU2 include the third stage, which can now carry 12 warheads, each able to hit a different target. Alternatively, the R-29MU2 can carry eight warheads and numerous decoys and penetration devices to assist in deceiving anti-missile systems. The upgrade extends the life of the Delta IV 3-4 years which means that by the late 2020s only one Delta IV will still be in limited service and, depending on how much money and patience is available, as many as ten Borei's.
Two female entrepreneurs who use technology and psychology to reshape gift-giving have raised over 0.5m for their platform.

Online gift-matching marketplace Needi has received a boost from lead investor Techstart Ventures, and are now on track to scale to 10m before the end of 2024.

Needi, founded by former sales directors Louise Doyle from Armagh and Steph Scholes from Manchester, has also been supported from the Ulster Bank Entrepreneur Accelerator.

The duo want to reshape shoppers approach to gifting, both in direct to customer sales and in the corporate gifting world.

They have also been sourcing corporate gifts from independent businesses for companies such as Virgin, Quickbooks and Ticketmaster.

By utilising technology and artificial intelligence, Needi has plans to match shoppers with a high quality, local, product or service based directly on their needs.

Shoppers provide the platform with some specific information about the recipient and are matched with gift options among over 3,000 products.

Ms Scholes said much of its recent growth has been down to time spent on the Ulster Bank Entrepreneur Accelerator programme.

She said: Being surrounded by a community of entrepreneurs and having uninterrupted access to mentors was hugely beneficial. Whats more, we found new merchants who are now selling on our site and crucially, were introduced to investors and have been able to secure funding as a direct result of these meetings.
A 20-year-old man is to stand trial accused of starting a fire that devastated a listed building in Belfasts Cathedral Quarter, a judge ordered today.

Patrick Gough was allegedly responsible for the blaze which caused millions of pounds worth of damage to businesses in the area.

Flames engulfed the Old Cathedral Building on Donegall Street in the early hours of October 3 last year.

Built more than a century ago, the property was home to a number of small creative businesses and studios.

At the time police said the fire broke out in a neighbouring coffee shop before ripping through the historic site.

It was estimated that the full extent of the damage would be more than 3m.

Firefighters tackle the blaze in Belfast's Cathedral Quarter. Pic: Pacemaker

Gough, previously of Victoria Street in Belfast, faces a charge of arson being reckless whether lives of staff or members of the public would be endangered.

He is further accused of carrying out a burglary at a nearby restaurant on the same date, where three bottles of alcohol and a till were stolen, and possessing a small quantity of cannabis.

Gough, who has been on remand at Hydebank Young Offenders Centre, appeared remotely at Belfast Magistrates Court for a preliminary enquiry hearing.

He confirmed that he understood the allegations but declined to give any evidence or call witnesses at this stage.

His barrister, Sean Doherty, told the court: The defendant denies the offences, but accepts there is a prima facie case (to answer).

No further details about the circumstances surrounding the blaze were disclosed.

Granting the prosecutions application, District Judge Ted Magill confirmed: (Gough) is returned for trial at the Crown Court.

The accused remains in custody and will appear again for his arraignment on a future date to be fixed.
Students owed thousands of pounds by a bust political travel business founded by an Alliance MLA will not get their money back.

Volunteer USA Ltd  trading as Politrip - was a company that allowed young people to volunteer on election campaigns in the US.

It went into liquidation in 2022 with debts of more than 64,000.

The BBC has reported that liquidators confirmed there is "no prospect of recovery" despite almost 90 customers being owed money when their trips were cancelled.

The business was advised by Alliance MLA Patrick Brown, who was a consultant for the firm.

The South Down MLA founded the Politrip company in 2017 before selling the brand in 2021 to a new company set up by Politrip's then general manager to continue its operations - Volunteer USA Ltd.

However, Mr Brown was then employed as a paid consultant on a rate of 800 a month in Volunteer USA Ltd.

An Alliance spokesman told the BBC they had "sympathy" for those who lost money but the party was "not connected" to the business.

"We have sympathy with anyone who lost money relating to this scheme but all enquiries should be directed to Volunteer USA, as this is a matter for that organisation, not Alliance, and the party is not connected to it, said the party.

Alliance has previously said no internships were offered by the party and it was "at no time asked to participate in such an arrangement".

Mr Brown was also contacted for comment.

One former NI student told the BBC that instead of a refund he was offered an election internship with Alliance.

Ross Wilson, 25, from Bangor, said he paid more than 1,000 but was denied a full refund when his US trip was twice cancelled due to the pandemic.

He said Politrip instead offered him an "internship" with the Alliance Party ahead of the 2022 Northern Ireland Assembly election campaign.

In one email, he was told it would be "Patrick Brown who will be running the programme".

Mr Wilson didnt feel this offer was fair.

"I live in Bangor anyway, so why would I be spending whatever it was, like 800 at the time they were saying, just to go to Belfast during the day and go door-to-door?"

A liquidator was appointed for Politrip's operating company Volunteer USA, in October 2022.

It was found the firm had 2,000 in the bank, but it owed 8,000 to HM Revenue and Customs and almost 60,000 to individual customers.

Final liquidation accounts are due to be filed and in the coming months the company will be formally dissolved.
Cristy has become the latest contestant on The Great British Bake Off to be eliminated after she failed to impress during party bakes week.

This weeks episode of the Channel 4 show saw the bakers tackle sausage rolls, a chocolate party cake technical challenge and an anything but beige-buffet showstopper.

After the three rounds, presenter Noel Fielding announced that Matty was the star baker whilst Alison Hammond revealed that 33-year-old PA Cristy would be the eighth contestant to leave.

Cristy from east London has left the tent (Mark Bourdillon/Love Productions/Channel 4)

Cristy said on the show: It has been such a crazy, fast-paced experience.

So I can now sit back and reflect on what an amazing time I have had.

I am really proud to have got this far. I am really proud.

Judge Dame Prue Leith said: I am so sorry to see Cristy go because she cares so much and she is a really, really good baker.

Following the show, the mother from east London added: The most emotional thing about leaving the show was Alison crying which made me cry more.

I was prepared already in my mind as I knew I hadnt done enough to stay.

I was feeling so exhausted and homesick at this point so I truly felt ready to leave but at the same time so emotional to be saying goodbye. Everyone was so lovely and kind, gosh I love them all so much.

Discussing what she has taken away from the show, she said: Ive learnt to ignore fear and go for it. I never thought on week one I would reach the quarter finals.

I suffered with impostor syndrome quite badly, but I just ignored that horrible thought and pushed through.

I think as long as you are trying your best, theres no such thing as failure. Ive learned self love and belief too.

Cristy will join presenters Jo Brand and Tom Allen on The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice on Thursday on Channel 4 at 8pm.
Lord Lebedev spoke in the House of Lords for the second time since receiving a peerage in 2020 (PA)

Russian media mogul Lord Lebedev has warned against the erosion of free speech in the UK in his second ever contribution in the House of Lords.

Lord Lebedev, the owner of the London Evening Standard and shareholder in The Independent, used his rare appearance in the upper chamber to claim that Britains enemies are laughing at us over cancel culture.

The independent crossbench peer also claimed he has seen industrial quantities of falsehoods about himself in the press  but added it was a good thing journalists did not fear for their lives in this country.

Speaking during the fourth day of debate on the Kings Speech, as peers discussed issues around science, technology, media and culture, he argued it would be insane to throw away the freedoms that make the UK a hub of innovation.

Lord Lebedev started by speaking about his great-grandfather, who was in Stalins war cabinet, and who his family say was never able to speak openly about anything out of fear.

The businessman, whose father is a Russian oligarch and former KGB agent, said: The downright terror that afflicted the country where I was born of being punished for saying the wrong thing

That is why this countrys great tradition of free speech has long aroused such admiration in my heart and around the world.

Ten years ago I told the Leveson Inquiry that a free and independent media was essential for Britain today.

It has been alarming since then to see the erosion of free speech that is taking place here.

Lord Lebedev criticised JK Rowling being forbidden from speaking at great universities, Nigel Farage having his accounts closed at Coutts, Roald Dahl books receiving modern edits and the BBC taking down Fawlty Towers from iPlayer.

Harry Potter author JK Rowling sparked backlash with her views on trans issues (Ian West/PA)

Insisting that he applies these values to those across the political spectrum, he defended Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and MP Andrew Bridgen in having controversial views about Hamas and the Covid vaccine respectively.

He added he was concerned that the recently passed Online Safety Bill, which aims to protect people from illegal and harmful content online, would give further legal basis for censorship and self-sponsorship that is already under way.

The 42-year-old peer said: When you muzzle people, cancel them, sack them, merely because they champion their honestly held opinions, then you are playing with fire.

By allowing people to be censored right, left and centre, we are making a huge mistake.

By suppressing free speech, we are not contradicting the nutters and conspiracists, we are giving credence and foundation to their otherwise bonkers assertions.

Worst of all, we are allowing the most deadly enemies of freedom to claim an equivalence between cancel culture in Britain and the suppression of free speech around the world

We are giving our enemies precisely the stick they need to beat us with. Theyre not laughing with us anymore, they are laughing at us.

Lord Lebedev was controversially given a life peerage in 2020 amid reports Boris Johnson went against advice from British security services that it posed a national security risk.

Mr Johnson denied he overruled advice, stating it was simply incorrect.

He said it would obviously be extraordinary if the security services deemed Lord Lebedev a security risk and the Prime Minister had intervened to ensure a peerage was granted.

However, his former aide Dominic Cummings claimed he was in the room when Mr Johnson was informed of security concerns.

Lord Lebedev has said he is not a security risk and this his family has a record of standing up for press freedom in Russia.

Since his appointment three years ago, he has never voted and has only spoken once before on the floor of the chamber, during the Queens Speech debate in May 2021.
On World Diabetes Day, Belfast midwife Dawn Adams spoke to the Belfast Telegraph about her experiences

Her knowledge of diabetes prior to diagnosis was limited.

Her great aunt had diabetes and she remembers her mother buying special chocolate or jam each Christmas.

A schoolfriend was diagnosed with Type 1 in their early teens but it was never discussed.

I also remember watching the film Steel Magnolias and the Channel 4 soap opera Brookside, which had portrayals of Type 1 diabetes, she says.

While they gave me a rather traumatic insight into what diabetes might look like, the characters were mostly well supported by their family and friends  and there was no overt stigma or shame attached to living with the condition.

The causes of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are different and multifaceted but, no matter the type, diabetes requires careful, constant management.

Dawn at Thriveabetes 2023, which was held in Dublin, discussing female-related diabetes issues

People with diabetes cannot make enough insulin and those with Type 1 diabetes have to inject insulin several times a day, typically before every meal. Around 400,000 people are currently living with Type 1 diabetes in the UK, including around 29,000 children.

Type 2 diabetes is extremely common, so much so that by 2030, Diabetes UK predicts that five-and-a-half million people will have the condition.

Dawn is keen to make others aware of the overlapping symptoms between menopause and diabetes. These include, but are not limited to: increased glucose variability; mood fluctuations; sweats or coldness; irregular menstrual cycles; increased worry and anxiety; increased fatigue due to disturbed sleep; heightened feelings of loneliness; decreased confidence, and feeling like a burden on other people.

Theres very little research available on the impact of diabetes on menopause or on the impact of menopause on people with diabetes. But for me, I noticed that since entering perimenopause, my glucose levels have become more difficult to keep within my target range, she says.

I know this because I wear a continuous glucose monitor, which allows me to compare real data sets recorded since I started using it in 2016. I also have an insulin pump and have noticed an increase in the amount of insulin I need over the past five years.

Despite eating smaller portions, eating less often, and increasing my activity levels with swimming and walking (now that I dont have to do school runs), my weight has increased.

I suspect that the reduction in oestrogen and progesterone levels are responsible for that increased glucose variability.

For example, for those who have pre-existing diabetes and are pregnant, we know that changes in oestrogen and progesterone levels in each trimester affect glucose levels. So it isnt unlikely that the same hormonal variations in perimenopause will have a similar effect  only without the action of counter-regulatory placental hormones.

Dawn raising money for causes like Diabetes UK

Dawn says its important to be aware of the types of diabetes. She lives with Type 1, but has relatives with Type 2, friends with latent autoimmune diabetes of adults (LADA), maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) and Type 3c, as well as those living with gestational diabetes.

There are other facts about the condition she feels important to mention.

Firstly, there is no cure as there is a strong genetic and epigenic component to developing diabetes. No food is off limits and exercise can help with optimising blood glucose levels, but the condition is also impacted by sleep, hydration, illness, stress, weather temperatures, and activities of daily living such as making beds, vacuuming, looking after family members, puberty, pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Diabetes also doesnt have a particular type of person it is more likely to affect. Family history, ethnicity and BMI can play a part in developing the condition but, aside from a proven genetic risk, there are no absolutes, she continues.

Lastly, it is hard work. It affects us differently depending on what stage of life were at, but it doesnt need to control us. There are devices and lifestyle techniques that can enable us to take the power back  and so we should.

Navigating a single health condition can be challenging an estimated 73% of people with diabetes in the UK have seen stigmatising behaviour towards their condition  but couple this with diabetes for women of menopausal age and women may face a double stigma, says Dawn.

Until very recently, menopause was seen as an uncomfortable joke. It was a way of brushing off personality and changes to body shape, mood or capabilities in women aged 40-60. The work done by Davina McCall to highlight the menopause challenges has helped to open up conversations in workplaces, among friendship groups and by charities, she says.

Ultimately diabetes for women of menopausal age involves a stigma of two parts  first through the widespread stigma faced by women going through the menopause, then through the stigma of diabetes itself.

Diabetes is wrongly attributed to a personal failure to eat the right food, exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight.

The condition is much more complex than that, but it is still the butt of jokes about food.

For example, Abbotts Lets Change Perspective campaign showed that one in four people with diabetes has directly experienced a negative throwaway comment about their condition. I, personally, have experienced stigma and have been shamed for treating dangerously low blood glucose levels with pure orange juice. I remember when studying at Queens University, a classmate snatched a Kinder Bueno out of my hand and screeched into my face: You cant eat that! Youre diabetic!

My blood glucose was so low, I couldnt physically stand up and I was experiencing severe visual disturbance, which happens before slipping into a hypoglycaemic coma as brain activity slows down to keep your heart beating. I burst into tears and from somewhere deep within me managed to gather the strength to say: If I dont eat that, youre going to have to call an ambulance.

She gave me back the chocolate bar and no ambulances were called, but I was later chastised by my peers for being cheeky. I have often been shamed and criticised for having low blood glucose, high blood glucose and normal blood glucose levels by colleagues and friends.

When Im out for a meal, for example, if I choose not to have a dessert because I dont like the selection on offer, people look at me like a close family member has just died and say things like: Oh, I am so sorry. I forgot you cant eat that.

Other stigma and shaming experiences have included colleagues announcing theyre having diabetes for breakfast as they have a piece of toast with a thin scraping of jam on top.

Now that perimenopause is in the equation, I think that stigmatising behaviours are often seen as a lazy or easy opt-out for people who dont understand something or who feel a fear of a particular condition.

Abbotts Lets Change Perspective campaign also revealed that the general public doesnt recognise examples of stigma in everyday life, despite the majority of people with diabetes experiencing it, which suggests that widespread unconscious bias also exists.

Dawn enjoying an ice cream while out and about

Having access to a continuous glucose monitor and insulin pump makes Dawns everyday life with the condition much easier.

Thanks to the support of friends with Type 1 diabetes, I also use software on my phone to manage my insulin doses more discretely. This has meant Im not tied to eating food at regular intervals throughout the day, and I have noticeably fewer low blood glucose episodes  certainly those that require assistance from paramedics, than previously, she says.

Every day, I try to ensure I have enough insulin in my pump, enough battery power on my pump and my phone, that my infusion site isnt red or swollen, and that my glucose sensor isnt about to expire.

Its also about ensuring that everything is firmly attached to me, which can be another challenge when hot flushes happen. I also carry a small box of sweets or a carton of apple juice around just in case of alerts from my phone to say that my glucose levels have dropped too low.

Simple things like not setting a temporary glucose target on my phone to account for activity like walking through Belfast, shopping in Newry or canoeing in Fermanagh can be enough to cause my glucose levels to drop suddenly, so remembering to make this change is important.

However, the biggest impact for me is waking up each morning fit and able for the day ahead. I am constantly thankful to those researchers who have kept me alive this long and whose work continues to improve my quality of life.

Before I had this technology, every day was like walking a tightrope with potentially fatal falls. It still feels like that sometimes, but now I have a safety net to catch me.
A Co Antrim man caused the deaths of a retired couple in a car crash after he allegedly ran a red light, a jury was told on Monday.

Craigavon Crown Court also heard claims that in the aftermath of the incident, 58-year-old Andrew McGarrity destroyed the SD memory card of his dash cam, allegedly smashing the card into pieces before hurling the camera into bushes.

McGarrity, from Loughview, Gawleys Gate in Aghagallon, denies causing the deaths of John and Sylvia McKee by driving carelessly on Northway in Portadown. He also denies that he perverted justice in the aftermath in that he allegedly destroyed the SD card from the dash cam in your vehicle immediately following your involvement in a road traffic collision.

The couple, who had three children, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, sustained fatal injuries when their black Peugeot 108 and McGarritys silver Honda Accord collided on Northway in Portadown on August 4, 2019.

Opening the Crown case on Monday, prosecuting KC Philip Mateer told the jury that 72-year-old Mrs McKee passed away at the scene, while her husband of 35 years John (74), succumbed to his injuries just over a week later.

He described how the incident occurred at the junction of Northway and the Seago Road, with McGarrity heading towards Portadown and the McKees trying to turn right onto the Seago Road.

Mr Mateer told the jury the junction was controlled by traffic lights and it was the Crown case that even though Mr McKee was not in the dedicated lane for turning rightthat makes absolutely no difference because it was the PPS case that McGarrity failed to stop at the red light".

He told the jury that, according to witnesses, Mr McKee began his manoeuvre when there was a filter light allowing him to turn right.

Explaining that an expert engineer had studied the scene and the pattern of the lights, it followed that if Mr McKee had a green light, that dictated McGarritys approach would have had a red light.

Mr Mateer further contended the expert had observed that there was at least five seconds between McGarritys light turning red and Mr McKee getting a green light.

He put to the jury that while every driver had faced a dilemma of braking hard to meet a red light approaching a junction where the lights had just changed, in the case against McGarrity, he had been approaching a firm red light and he would have had ample opportunity to stop.

Revealing that in the immediate aftermath McGarrity had asked officers whether the traffic lights had cameras, the barrister further contended that after the defendant realised what he had done, he destroyed the dash cam to prevent the police from looking at the footage.

During police interviews, McGarrity claimed that when approaching the junction his light had been green, and when he saw the black Peugeot in front of him, he stood on the brakes but couldnt avoid a collision.

He added that he had got rid of the dash cam because a friend had told him if the police get their hands on it, they will do you for whatever transgression that they might find on it.

Asked what he believed was the cause of the collision, McGarrity told police it was their fault - they pulled out in front of me.

Maintaining that his light was green the whole way down, he told officers Its terrible that this has happened but f*** me, I feel bad enough without getting arrested. Sorry for swearing but as far as I was concerned the light was green. F*** me Im no saint but you dont drive through a red light at 55 to hurry someone.

The trial continues.
A 71-year-old man extradited under a European Arrest Warrant has appeared in court accused of sex offences against a young girl

A 71-year-old man extradited under a European Arrest Warrant has appeared in court accused of sex offences against a young girl.

Jan Pokarz, whose address was simply given as Poland, appeared at Dungannon Magistrates Court today charged with two counts of sexually assaulting a female child on dates between June 2015 and September 2016.

The court heard the alleged victim was aged under 13 at the time.

A detective constable said she executed the warrant which was originally issued in February 2021.

Opposing bail, the detective said police considered Pokarz a flight risk and said officers could not locate his passport.

She explained a decision had been taken to prosecute Pokarz, but he was never interviewed as he returned to Poland before this could be done.

It is my understanding the defendant was in Poland when he found out about the allegations, she said.

He had denied them and during a conversation it is claimed he said he would not be going to jail. He never returned from Poland and police consider him to be a flight risk.

We do not have and cannot locate his passport at this time.

A defence barrister set out how Pokarz, Resided in Northern Ireland for just under a year in and around 2016. He was aware of the allegations against him but understood they had been withdrawn so returned to Poland.

It emerged he was arrested there last month and held in custody but allegedly made it clear he wished to be brought back to Northern Ireland in order to have the matters addressed.

The defence conceded, That is something of a double-edged sword and the court may think he went to Poland because of the allegations, however, it was always his intention to return.

He advised the defendants partner has also travelled to Northern Ireland and is in possession of his passport which she was ready to surrender to police.

Pokarz had travelled on an identity card when being brought to Northern Ireland which has been retained by police.

The defence stressed: Any address for release for bail would have to be approved by police but applying for accommodation is very difficult while in custody.

Meanwhile, a prosecuting lawyer confirmed the case is ready to be fixed for a committal hearing to transfer to crown court for trial.

After consideration, District Judge Michael Ranaghan ruled: Arrest Warrants were necessary to get this matter progressed. The alleged charges are extremely serious involving sexual offences against a child aged under 13. I find there is a risk of flight and on that basis I am refusing bail.

Pokarz was remanded in custody to appear again by video-link on November 22.
A former British Army soldier was refused bail and remanded in custody today when he appeared before the Magistrate's Court in Londonderry accused of defrauding HM Revenue and Customs.

A police officer told District Judge Barney McElholm that Darren Iddon was alleged to have received 30% of a payment of 28,000 from HMRC and that messages found on a mobile phone in relation to another ongoing drugs investigation referred to him as sorting out half of Derry.

The officer said she believed other people were also involved in the fraud.

Iddon (47) with an address at Millett Terrace in Bury, England, is charged with concealing, transferring and possessing criminal property in relation to bank accounts.

He's further charged with giving false information to HMRC and conspiring to commit fraud.

He's alleged to have committed the offences between 2018 and 2021.

The police witness said officers involved in a separate drugs investigation had seized and triaged a mobile phone and on it they found a series of alleged fraud messages implicating the defendant.

At the time the defendant was stationed with the British Army in Cyprus and the officer said she believed the defendant knew the police were looking for him.

She said the defendant recently travelled from Cyprus to the Republic of Ireland and last weekend he was arrested by Lancashire police and brought to Northern Ireland.

She said she believed if granted bail the defendant would present a risk of flight.

Applying for bail, solicitor Seamus Quigley said the defendant, who had no relevant record, was arrested on his way to work last week.

He is employed as a chef in Bury. He is not a Cypriot citizen, the only reason he was in Cyprus was because the British army took him there.

His career with the British Army has ended and he only has a British passport. There are multiple investigations in this case involving potentially multiple suspects who have yet to be interviewed.

He is not a financial genius or whizzkid. I do not know, but I would be amazed if there were not others pulling the strings, he said.

Refusing bail Mr McElholm said: There are some people in this city who could not live beyond the 30mph zone, therefore you know they are not going to go anywhere.

But this defendant has lived and worked abroad. In terms of getting people back, Brexit has not functioned too well.

It would be premature now to consider this man for bail.

Circumstances may change but at the moment if released on bail he could interfere with an ongoing investigation by seeking to hide or destroy certain matters the police would be seeking to look at.

The defendant was remanded in custody until December 7.
Two men who today admitted hijacking a Tesco delivery van before careering through red lights and colliding with other vehicles have been told they face jail.

Although Judge Geoffrey Miller KC freed 40-year-old Ciaran Barker and Caoimhin Corr (24) on bail, he warned the pair given their offences theres an inevitability to how you will ultimately be dealt with.

The van the pair hijacked in Ards narrowly missed hitting a pedestrian who was pushing a buggy and the pairs escapade finally came to an end when police stopped the van in east Belfast using a stinger device.

Standing side by side in the dock at Downpatrick Crown Court, Barker, from the Whitewell Road in Newtownabbey and Corr, from Norglen Parade in west Belfast, each pleaded guilty to hijacking a Tesco delivery van on August 5, last year.

The pair also confessed to aggravated vehicle theft, driving dangerously, stealing 80 of alcohol from an off-licence and aggravated vehicle theft causing damage to three other cars.

Corr admitted a further charge of driving while banned and Barker admitted further charges of driving while banned, resisting police and stealing 10 of chocolate from the Maxol garage in Ards.

When the pair were initially charged the court heard how the catalogue of offences began at an off-licence in Millisle when Barker took 80 of alcohol to the counter and with Corr holding open the door, the pair walked out without paying and got into a car driven by a third male.

The offences then moved to Ards where a female member of staff at the Maxol garage spotted the defendants 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 earlier and 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 his arm 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 cab, and fearing what might happen he got out. Barker got in and the van sped off through the busy town centre.

A police officer outlined how 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 police officer, Corr and Barker swapped driving duties because by the time officers 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 seat.

In court today, Judge Miller adjourned passing sentence until January 19, by which time there will be a pre-sentence probation report before the court.
Fighting the Russian invaders led Ukraine to improvise additional weapons when there were not enough of the standard systems available. This led to Ukrainians modifying weapons sent by NATO nations and creating their own weapons for use against specific targets. Many of the special systems are UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles), USVs (Unmanned Surface Vessels) and at least one UUV (Unmanned Underwater Vessel). Ukrainians also modified their Russian made aircraft, like the MiG-29 or Su-27 fighters and Su-25 ground attack aircraft to use Western missiles and guided bombs supplied by NATO nations.

Ukraine made similar modifications to their Russian air defense systems so that American Sidewinder air-to-air and Sea Sparrow surface-to-air missiles could be launched using Russian air defense radars and fire control systems for ground-based anti-aircraft missiles.

Ukraine also had to modify Western tanks they received to protect them from commercial quadcopters modified to carry and drop explosives on tanks. The thinner top armor of tanks is vulnerable to this sort of thing, as is the engine compartment. This attack technique was developed by the Ukrainians early in the war. The Russians later adopted it and turned into a potent threat to Ukrainian tanks, especially the new Western models. To deal with this a barrier, similar to metal fencing, was installed over tank turrets using four poles. The Russians now use several of these quadcopters to attack one tank. New, larger models of quadcopter that can carry more explosives are also being used. These quadcopters are controlled remotely by a nearby Russian operator.

The chief active countermeasure is an electronic jammer which disrupts the control signal and renders the quadcopters useless. The Ukrainians do not always have a jammer handy, and a backup option was to have another tank or nearby Ukrainian infantry open fire at the quadcopters to disable them. The Ukrainians have a lot of jammers and use them frequently. The Russians do the same, but both sides do not always have the right jammer for a particular situation. This is an old problem.

Signal jammers have been used since World War 2 and have improved in performance, portability and the potential for causing unexpected and unintentional problems. For example, commercial photo satellites have been providing the public with regularly updated photos since 2005 when Google Earth was introduced. This free service demonstrated the usefulness of commercial satellite photos but also had some unwanted side effects. The most common problem was the use of Google Earth by criminals and terrorists. Now the problem of unwanted side effects has shown up with a new generation of commercial satellite services that use radar to provide a more abstract but more detailed image of what is on the ground. The two Sentinel radar satellites provide updated data on what is down there about once every 36 hours. Its growing number of users can filter the data in many ways to obtain a result that suits their needs which includes resource (crops, forests) monitoring and tracking forest fires and other natural disasters like earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and the like. Sentinel also became popular with users who just wanted to see all that the system could do. Thats when it was discovered that Sentinel could, using the right filters, detect Patriot air defense system radars night or day and in any weather. In hindsight, this sort of side effect was to be expected because this sort of thing has happened before with ground or aircraft based electronic transmitters. This is not a new problem as it occurred as far back as World War 2.

Military equipment that depends on electronic devices has increasingly run into unexpected, and sometimes fatal, problems. This problem was first widely reported during the 1990 campaign to liberate Kuwait. It was discovered that certain combinations of airborne jammer frequencies could trigger an involuntary launch of Patriot anti-aircraft missiles as well as less catastrophic but equally unexpected events. Investigation of these incidents revealed something electronic warfare experts have been warning of for a long time. With so much exotic new gear, capable of putting out so many different signals, and in a huge number of combinations which create even more new electronic signals, there was no way to know what kind of impact this would have on existing military, and civilian, electronics. Throughout the 1990s, the problem only got worse. This became obvious as there were increased incidents of military electronics tests trashing, or playing with, nearby civilian electronic devices, especially ones that used remote control like garage door openers. This was a particular problem in one California county where hundreds or thousands of the door openers would flap open simultaneously, which threatened a blackout. The military continues seeking solutions, because it's important for military equipment, especially communications and control systems, not to suffer electronic interference.

The 2003 Iraq War saw rapid development of electronic jammers to shut down wireless detonators for roadside bombs. This brought about more unanticipated disruption of friendly electronics. Iraqi civilians are well aware of this problem, as they quickly learned that their cell phone service tended to disappear when an American military convoy approached. Other wireless gadgets went haywire in identifiable patterns. The list of items affected grew as the American jammer (mainly the Warlock series) added more frequencies to its repertoire. Warlock jammed some military equipment, including radios. This was not good. Efforts were made to deal with this, but none were particularly promising. As a result, the most likely source of "hostile" jamming is the force with the greatest number of transmitters. With Sentinel, those transmissions can be monitored on a global scale and future incidents of electronic unintended side effects can be more quickly measured and monitored worldwide.

Success in the Ukraine War requires a lot of things, and dealing with jamming is one of them.
Colleen Fitzsimons is accused of aiding and abetting misconduct in public office

A prison officer has denied an accusation of misconduct in public office by plotting to smuggle drugs and illicit items into Maghaberry jail.

Standing in the dock of Craigavon Crown Court, currently suspended prison officer Colin Gallagher (57) entered a not guilty plea to the single charge against him alleged to have been committed between 1 October 2016 and 22 March 2017.

Gallagher, whose address was given as c/o Maghaberry Prison, is alleged to have wilfully misconducted yourself to such a degree as to amount to an abuse of the publics trust in you.

He is accused of surreptitiously taking certain illicit articles into HMP Maghaberry which were then passed to a sentenced prisoner.

While Gallagher was arraigned today (Tues), lawyers for his four co-accused defendants asked for their cases to be adjourned for two weeks to allow for final consultations.

His serving prisoner is co-accused 58-year-old Hugh McCormick, also with an address c/o Maghaberry, who is accused of aiding and abetting misconduct in public office between 1 October 2016 and 22 March 2017.

Facing the same charge are Denise Agnes Fitzsimons (62), her daughter Colleen Fitzsimons (age unknown) from Wyndham Street in Belfast, and 34-year-old Eamon Clarke, from Abbeyville Place in Newtownabbey.

Eamon Clarke

Colleen Fitzsimons is accused of aiding and abetting misconduct in public office

In addition, Denise Fitzsimons is also alleged to have possessed 6,000 on criminal cash at her Belfast home on Rosevale Street on 20 March 2017.

The charges arise following a police investigation into an alleged conspiracy to traffic illegal substances into jail.

Detectives discovered cash, drugs and mobile phones at the prison officers home.

Denise Agnes Fitzsimons at Craigavon Court.

Hugh McCormick (right) and Denise Agnes Fitzsimons at Craigavon Court.

The court has previously heard how it is alleged that Gallagher was taking illicit articles into prison for two serving inmates and that the investigation had produced hundreds of recordings, phone calls and transcripts between co-accuseds.

Describing it as an extremely substantial and extremely complex case with around 4,000 pages of evidence, Gallaghers defence solicitor Patrick Higgins revealed that in addition there will be evidence from helicopter footage, undercover officers and theres CCTV from inside and outside the prison.

Following his arraignment, Judge Patrick Lynch KC freed Gallagher on continuing bail and adjourned the case to 28 November.
David Cameron tells MPs in the House of Commons that the Saville Inquiry into the Bloody Sunday killings found the actions of British soldiers was both unjustified and unjustifiable (PA)

The sister of a teenager killed on Bloody Sunday has questioned whether David Cameron can contribute anything to global peace and justice in his new role as Foreign Secretary.

And the brother of a man killed during the Civil Rights march in Derry on January 30, 1972, has urged Mr Cameron to call for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East.
The Northern Ireland Affairs Committee (NIAC) is set to appoint a new chair after Simon Hoare MP was moved to a new role during Rishi Sunaks reshuffle.

Mr Hoare, who had been chair of the committee since 2019, said it was the most enormous pleasure and honour.

The Tory MP for North Dorset was appointed as local government minister at the Department of Levelling up, Housing & Communities.

The NIAC is a House of Commons committee and examines the expenditure, administration and policy of the Northern Ireland Office and its associated public bodies.

In a post on X, Mr Hoare said: It has been the most enormous pleasure and honour to chair the NI Affairs Committee since 2019.

Ive made many friends along the way. NI and her people are both very special and I hope I have done some good along the way.

Ive made some mistakes but I know I have always tried my best.

Earlier this year, Mr Hoare defended holding what were described as secret talks with loyalist paramilitary leaders in Belfast.

It was part of government efforts to encourage UVF and UDA figures to buy into the post-Brexit trade protocol.

It is understood the discussions on June 5 and 6 focused on the paramilitary groups transitioning from organised crime, and exploring what would be necessary for them to move to support the Windsor Framework.

Sources said senior UDA and UVF figures took part in some of the meetings as representatives of community organisations.

Mr Hoare told the Belfast Telegraph at the time: I categorically refute the description of my private conversations as secret talks.

I wasnt there as an envoy sent by Number Ten or the Northern Ireland Office. I wasnt there to negotiate or make an offer to loyalists.

I wasnt reporting back to anybody. I was there in a purely personal capacity.

I am chairman of a select committee. I have no power. This was a listening engagement.

His meetings were facilitated by loyalist activist Jamie Bryson, whom Mr Hoare met during the conference to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement at Queens University, Belfast.
Hare coursing has been illegal in Northern Ireland since 2003

Alliance has criticised Sinn Fein after the partys ard fheis voted in favour of regulating hare coursing instead of banning the cruel and sadistic activity.

Some Sinn Fein delegates said an outright ban would hurt the chances candidates in upcoming local elections.

The republican party backed regulation instead, after a series of motions calling for an outright ban of the practice were raised at the partys annual conference.

The party heard extended debate for and against the matter, including speakers who said that hares are a species of international importance protected under wildlife acts.

Several speakers called for an all-Ireland ban on hare coursing.

Hare coursing has been illegal in Northern Ireland since 2003.

Supporting a ban, senator Lynn Boylan said there was nothing inherently rural about hare coursing as she criticised those who get their kicks out of watching a defenceless hare run for its life.

She said the practice was a relic of our colonised past.

However, the ard comhairle motion said hunting and hare coursing should instead be strongly regulated and that alternatives such as drag hunting and lure coursing should be promoted and incentivised.

It called for Government departments to establish a commission of experts to examine and recommend appropriate regulations.

The passing of this motion meant subsequent proposed motions for and against the practices of coursing and fox hunting were not voted upon.

Alliance MLA John Blair attempted to get a ban on hunting with dogs passed in the Assembly before the DUP collapsed the devolved government. This was also opposed by Sinn Fein MLAs.

Mr Blair said: It was deeply disappointing Sinn Fein did not vote to ban hare coursing, particularly as the party looks to enter the next government in the south.

Unfortunately, it has echoes of when Sinn Fein voted against my Private Members Bill on banning hunting with dogs over two years ago.

Any hunting of wild animals is a cruel and sadistic practice and it is not enough to merely regulate it, strongly or otherwise.

It appears the party is merely selectively progressive and it depends on the issue involved.

Animal welfare is a priority for Alliance and remains so. When the Assembly returns, I will bring my Bill forward again and attempt again to bring local legislation into line with the rest of the UK, by ending this barbaric past-time and making Northern Ireland a leader in stopping such cruelty.
Suella Braverman has attacked the Prime Minister in a letter following her sacking (PA)

Suella Braverman has blown the lid off Rishi Sunak as a decent man who was honourable and everything else, a DUP MP said last night.

Sammy Wilson said the Prime Minister had thrown Northern Ireland under the bus after the sacked Home Secretary accused Mr Sunak of failing to keep a promise to her on Northern Irelands post-Brexit deal.

In an incendiary letter from the former Home Secretary that accused the Prime Minister of betrayal, she accused him of having manifestly and repeatedly failed to deliver on key policies, and said his distinctive style of government means you are incapable of doing so.

Mr Sunak became Tory leader in the aftermath of Liz Trusss disastrous and short-lived tenure without facing a vote of party members.

Mrs Braverman indicated she did a deal with him to secure her pivotal support, which she claimed he reneged on.

She said she agreed to support Mr Sunaks candidature to be PM because of the firm assurances you gave me on key policy priorities.

One of those assurances was that Mr Sunak would deliver the Northern Ireland Protocol and Retained EU Law Bills in their then existing form and timetable.

The Protocol Bill was the brainchild of Liz Truss as foreign secretary, but Mr Sunak dropped it and went on to negotiate the Windsor Framework.

He has hailed it as a foreign policy triumph, although unionists rejected it.

Days before Mr Sunak scrapped the Protocol Bill, she had said: Weve been aware for some time now of challenges relating to trade, customs and sovereignty when it comes to Northern Ireland and the NI protocol.

The legislation that the government introduced is one of the biggest tools we have in solving the problem on the Irish Sea. Its clear and its right that the PM is committed to finding a pragmatic solution to resolve these issues which are affecting the people of Northern Ireland, and that we find a solution thats pragmatic and workable both for the EU and the UK.

Rishi Sunaks reshuffle: Suella out and Cameron in

Last night, East Antrim MP and DUP Brexit spokesman Sammy Wilson backed Ms Braverman.

He said: "She really has blown the lid off the image that there is of Sunak, the image of a man who wanted to get things done, of a decent man who was honourable and everything else.

"I mean, it's quite clear promises were made and then because it suited him to keep pals with the EU, Northern Ireland gets thrown under the bus and the promises are just forgotten."

In terms of ongoing negotiations between the DUP and the Government, Mr Wilson said there is "no movement" and "as Sir Jeffrey said, there is a long way to go".

He added: "And I suspect when you actually see what he (Sunak) did with the Protocol Bill, it's quite clear that we've got a Prime Minister who doesn't give any priority to the maintenance of the Union, and seems to be determined now to restore relationships with the EU, even if that means breaking relationships within the United Kingdom.

"I think that Suella Braverman has exposed all of that."

Letters of no confidence have been submitted and Mr Wilson is aware of one former minister having done signed.

"I can tell you around the House of Commons there is scathing criticism of him and we'll see what happens at Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday, he'll certainly have a very rough time," he said.

"And Suella Braverman I understand is going to make her resignation speech  and I think that will be a bit of dynamite.

"The Conservatives are already hanging their heads in despair or mad with him because of the way he is leading the party.

"Sunak has probably cost his party a pile of seats by the way he has dealt with her."

Mr Wilson believes Sunak is moving the Tory party to the left but may have just enough people to keep him in position for now.

Reacting to the letter, DUP colleague Lord Dodds tweeted: Braverman reveals PM gave her "firm assurances" that he would "deliver the NI Protocol...Bill in [its] existing form & timetable".

"Instead he accepted an Irish Sea Border and wants unionists to do so also. No chance.

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Meanwhile, an SDLP spokesperson said: Another sacked Tory Minister suddenly outraged about the post Brexit arrangements they voted for in Northern Ireland. What a surprise.

Other assurances Ms Braverman accused the PM of reneging on included cutting legal migration, inserting measures to override the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and the Human Rights Act on legislation to stop the boats, and the promise of unequivocal guidance to schools on protecting biological sex and safeguarding single-sex spaces.

You have manifestly and repeatedly failed to deliver on every single one of these key policies, she said, adding: I must surely conclude now, you never had any intention of keeping your promises.

The nail in Ms Bravermans ministerial coffin may have been an unauthorised article for The Times in which she accused police of double standards because of the way pro-Palestinian mobs have been handled.

She said she pushed Mr Sunak to legislate to ban the hate marches, saying Britain is at a turning point in our history and faces a threat of radicalisation and extremism in a way not seen for 20 years.

But she told him: I regret to say that your response has been uncertain, weak and lacking in the qualities of leadership that this country needs.

Ms Braverman had been criticised after using Northern Ireland parades as a point of comparison while referring to pro-Palestinian protests as hate marches.

They are an assertion of primacy by certain groups  particularly Islamists  of the kind we are more used to seeing in Northern Ireland, she wrote.

Also disturbingly reminiscent of Ulster are the reports that some of Saturdays march group organisers have links to terrorist groups, including Hamas.
A body has been discovered on the shoreline of the smallest of the Aran Islands off the coast of Galway.

The discovery was made this afternoon and the body was recovered from the shoreline on Inis Oirr.

The body was located by the Inis Oirr Coast Guard unit and was taken by the Inis Mor RNLI lifeboat and gardai to Rossaveal on the mainland in south Connemara.

The body was then taken to University Hospital Galway for a post mortem examination .

The identity of the deceased person has not been released, nor has it been confirmed whether it was a male or female body which has been recovered.

Searches have been taking place for a missing person in Clare and also a person in Galway.
The King has marked his 75th birthday by launching an initiative to support charities feeding the nation with unwanted food  and surprised a Big Issue seller with a generous donation.

Charles visited a food distribution hub in Oxfordshire to kick-start his Coronation Food Project with the Queen and found himself twice serenaded with verses of Happy Birthday.

The Duke of Sussex, Charles estranged son, is expected to ring his father to wish him a happy birthday according to an online BBC article, and the milestone anniversary has already been marked by goodwill messages on the Royal Familys social media accounts.

Charles and Camilla waved off van drivers in the rain (Andrew Matthews/PA)

The head of state is the cover star of the latest Big Issue edition after penning a short message about food waste and those in need and he handed seller Kelvin, 61, 10 for the magazine costing 4 at the end of the event.

He wrote: Food need is as real and urgent a problem as food waste  and if a way could be found to bridge the gap between them, then it would address two problems in one.

It is my great hope that this Coronation Food Project will find practical ways to do just that  rescuing more surplus food, and distributing it to those who need it most.

Kelvin, who has been homeless for periods of his life since a teenager, was joined by Big Issue founder Lord Bird and joked afterwards: He gave me cash, that does prove something  he does carry money.

King Charles III, buys a copy of the Big Issue from seller Kelvin along with Lord John Bird the founder of the Big Issue. Ian Vogler/Daily Mirror

The 61-year-old, whose pitch is outside Somerset House in central London, added: He asked if I was in accommodation and about selling the Big Issue. I said its got me through the bad times and it has a positive social message.

He said about the Coronation Food Project: I think it goes to show he cares, hes reaching out to the general public.

Charles and Camilla were given a tour of the South Oxfordshire Food and Education Alliance, part of FareShare, a national network of charitable food redistributors.

They met volunteers sorting boxes of produce from avocados and green peppers to soft drinks, others filling delivery vans, and toured a new kitchen where people will be educated about food nutrition and large numbers of meals prepared from food destined for landfill

Charles and Camilla in the new kitchen at the South Oxfordshire Food and Education Alliance (SOFEA) surplus food distribution centre, in Didcot. Ian Vogler/Daily Mirror

When the King walked over to the delivery vans, a small group of people nearby began singing Happy Birthday, and he greeted Katy Anne Perugia who led the rendition, she said: The King said to us how did you know it was my birthday and we all laughed.

Gun salutes were fired across the capital to mark the Kings anniversary with 41 volleys fired at noon by the Kings Troop Royal Horse Artillery from Green Park, and an hour later the Honourable Artillery Company fired 62 volleys at the Tower of London  an extra 21 for the City of London.

Dame Martina Milburn, who is leading the Coronation Food Project with Baroness Louise Casey, said the initiative had three elements  reducing manufacturing and supermarket waste, supporting the expansion of food distribution hubs and awarding grants to organisations working in the sector.

She added: What the foodbanks have been telling us is theyve seen an increase in people using them over the summer, which is unprecedented.

So were expecting a complete Tsunami this winter.

Before leaving, the King met senior representatives from leading supermarkets and budget food retailers who have signed up to the Coronation Food Project pledge to distribute more surplus food.

Those invited sang Happy Birthday to the King who smiled as they group marked his milestone.
A thunderstorm warning has come into effect for southern England (Gareth Fuller/PA)

Southern England has been battered with stormy weather on Tuesday as flooding causes travel disruption.

A thunderstorm warning was in place for southern England from 5am until noon, with downpours across parts of the UK.

Overrunning overnight engineering works delayed commuters between Bracknell and Wokingham in Berkshire, with slippery rails also causing delays between Nottingham and Mansfield.

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Further north, heavy flooding has caused the railway station at Carnforth, Lancaster, to close until midday, while ScotRail implemented blanket speed reductions across its services on Tuesday morning.

There were also reports of trees being downed, including one in Tower Hamlets, London.

On Tuesday afternoon, the Environment Agency had 14 flood warnings in place, meaning flooding is expected, with 101 lesser flood alerts also active.

Areas of concern include the River Ouse in York and the River Vyrnwy near the border between Wales and Shropshire.

Met Office meteorologist Marco Petagna said Storm Debi is expected to clear away from the UK to the east in the early hours of Tuesday, but wet and windy weather should linger.

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He said that heavy and potentially thundery showers will move eastwards across the south of England.

We could see 15-20mm, almost an inch, of rain across some southern counties of England combined with fairly gusty winds as well, he said.

A weeks worth of rain could fall in an hour or two in that warning area and you could see wind speeds of 40-50mph.

If you are in that warning area, it is going to be quite tricky (to travel).

Allow extra time to travel and keep tuned to the forecast overnight.

If you are out and about, take extra care and be prepared to see thundery showers.

Waves crash over the harbour arm in Folkestone, Kent (PA)

A very active jet stream has been the cause of much of the wet weather, Mr Petagna said, as he warned it shows no sign of stopping in the next week.

He warned that much of the UK is in the firing line, with pretty unsettled weather expected over the next week.

Despite the wet weather, fairly normal temperatures for this time of year of 9-12C are expected.
Armored vehicles move towards an Improved Ribbon Bridge during Remagen Ready 24-1, on Fort Cavazos, Texas, Nov. 4. Remagen Ready 24-1 is an 11-day training exercise focused on Large Scale Combat Operations with the division as unit of action. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. David Dumas)

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EU leaders have acknowledged that they risk failing to provide Ukraine with the promised one million rounds of ammunition they pledged to help Kyiv stave off the Russian invasion (Virginia Mayo/AP)

European Union nations have acknowledged they may be on the way to failing Ukraine on their promise of providing the ammunition the country needs to stave off Russias invasion and to win back occupied territory.

With much fanfare early this year, EU leaders promised to provide one million rounds of ammunition to Ukraines front line by spring 2024, a goal that would have amounted to a serious ramp-up of production.

But the 27-nation bloc, for more than half a century steeped in a peace, not war message and sheltering under a US military umbrella, is finding it tough to come up with the goods.

European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell at the European Council building in Brussels (Virginia Mayo/AP)

The one million will not be reached, you have to assume that, German defence minister Boris Pistorius said.

After a Tuesday meeting of EU defence and foreign affairs ministers in Brussels, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell also cast doubt on the goal.

So maybe by March we will not have the one million shots, Mr Borrell said.

Estonias defence minister Hanno Pevkur said it was crucial to ramp up supply of the ammunition.

Look at Russia. They are producing today more than ever. They are getting shells from North Korea. Europe cannot say that  Russia and North Korea can deliver and we cannot, he said.

Estonian defence minister Hanno Pevkur said it is crucial to ramp up supply of ammunition to Ukraine (Virginia Mayo/AP)

Some 300,000 rounds have been delivered from existing stocks in the EU so far.

With the rest becoming increasingly elusive to source before spring, Latvian defence minister Andris Spruds insisted the original target should not be taken too literally.

Well, of course, one million rounds are symbolic. I think aspiration and ambition is important, he said.

On the battlefield, though, the presence of ammunition is the only thing that counts.

In Ukraines war with Russia, 155mm artillery rounds play a pivotal role.

The daily consumption of 6,000 to 7,000 shells highlights their strategic importance.

Acquiring one million such shells could secure stability for Ukraine for at least half a year, providing a substantial advantage in sustained operations and flexibility on the battlefield, observers said.

EU commissioner Thierry Breton insisted the industry production target of one million rounds could be met but it is now upon member states to place their orders.

Dutch defence minister Kajsa Ollongren said industry must step up its game (Virginia Mayo/AP)

However, EU members put the blame on producers.

We have all signed contracts. Weve done joint procurement. So industry now has to deliver. It has to step up its game to produce more, said Dutch defence minister Kajsa Ollongren.

Mr Breton acknowledged that the EUs over-reliance on so-called soft power and decades of sinking budgets in many European nations had left the bloc exposed.

As you well know, it is history, certainly the peace dividend. It is true that we dropped a bit, even significantly, our production capacity, but the industrial base is still there to ramp up production anew, he said.

One way to get more ammunition, according to Mr Borrell, is to redirect current EU exports and prioritise Ukraine.

About 40% of the production is being exported to third countries, he said.

So maybe what we have to do is to try to shift this production to the priority one, which is the Ukrainians.
The war, now in its sixth week, was triggered by Hamass surprise attack on Israel (Abed Khaled/AP)

It came as health officials warned that the only way to save three dozen newborns trapped in the hospital would be to call a ceasefire and transport them out of the besieged territory.

After days of battles with Palestinian militants, Israeli forces have encircled Shifa Hospital, where hundreds of patients, medical staff and displaced people are trapped with dwindling supplies and without electricity to run incubators and other equipment.

Gazas largest hospital has emerged as a symbol of Palestinian suffering in the war between Israel and Hamas that extends far beyond its walls.

Only one hospital in the territorys north is still capable of receiving patients, and about 200,000 Palestinians have streamed out of the area towards worsening conditions in the south in recent days, the UN humanitarian office said on Tuesday.

The war, now in its sixth week, was triggered by Hamass surprise attack in Israel, in which militants killed hundreds of civilians and dragged some 240 hostages back to Gaza.

The conflict has killed thousands of Palestinian civilians and wreaked widespread destruction on the impoverished enclave.

Hamas released a video late Monday showing one of the hostages, who identifies herself as 19-year-old Noa Marciano, before and after she was killed in what Hamas said was an Israeli strike. The military later declared her a fallen soldier, without identifying a cause of death.

She is the first hostage confirmed to have died in captivity. Four were released by Hamas and a fifth was rescued by Israeli forces.

Israel accuses Hamas of using hospitals as cover for its fighters, and alleged that the militants have set up their main command centre in and beneath Shifa. Israel says these claims are based on intelligence but has not provided visual evidence to support them.

Premature babies in Gaza Citys Shifa hospital (Dr Marawan Abu Saada/AP)

Both Hamas and Shifa Hospital staff deny the allegations, and the Health Ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza says it has invited international organisations to investigate the facility.

The ministry said 40 patients, including three babies, have died since the hospitals emergency generator ran out of fuel on Saturday.

The military said it placed fuel several blocks from Shifa, but Hamas militants prevented staff from reaching it  an allegation the ministry denied, saying instead it was too dangerous for staff to venture out.

According to the ministry, 36 babies remain who are at risk of dying because there is no power for incubators.

The Israeli military said it had started an effort to transfer incubators to Shifa. But Christian Lindmeier, a spokesman for the World Health Organisation, said they would be useless without electricity and that the only way to save the newborns was to move them out of Gaza.

Another hospital under siege or under attack is not a viable solution. Nowhere is safe in Gaza right now, he said.

Palestinians wounded in the Israeli bombardment wait for treatment in Gaza Citys Shifa hospital (Yasser Qudih/AP)

He said an evacuation would require specialised equipment and a ceasefire along the route.

Health Ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qidra said it has proposed evacuating the hospital with the supervision of the International Committee of the Red Cross and transferring the patients to hospitals in Egypt, but has not received any response.

He said 120 bodies will be buried in a mass grave inside the hospital because they are unable to safely transport them to cemeteries.

International law gives hospitals special protections during war. Hospitals can lose those protections if combatants use them to hide fighters or store weapons, but staff and patients must be given plenty of warning to evacuate, and the harm to civilians cannot be disproportionate to the military objective.

On Monday, the military released footage of a childrens hospital that its forces entered over the weekend, showing weapons it said it found inside, as well as rooms in the basement where it believes militants were holding hostages.

The video showed what appeared to be a hastily installed toilet and ventilation system in the basement.

Flares rise over Gaza City, as seen from southern Israel (Leo Correa/AP)

The Health Ministry rejected the allegations, saying the area had been turned into a shelter for displaced people.

The Red Cross tried on Monday to evacuate some 6,000 people from another Gaza City hospital, Al-Quds, but said its convoy had to turn back because of shelling and fighting.

Israel has urged civilians to evacuate Gaza City and surrounding areas in the north, but the southern part of the besieged territory is not much safer. Israel carries out frequent air strikes throughout Gaza, hitting what it says are militant targets but often killing women and children.

Some 1.5 million Palestinians, more than two thirds of Gazas population, have fled their homes, and UN-run shelters in the south are already severely overcrowded.

People stand in line for hours for scarce bread and brackish water. Rubbish is piling up, sewage is flooding the streets and taps run dry because there is no way to power water systems. Israel has barred fuel imports since the start of the war, saying Hamas would use it for military purposes.

The onset of rainy, cold weather added to the misery.

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The UN agency for Palestinian refugees, which is struggling to provide basic services to more than 600,000 people sheltering in schools and other facilities in the south, said it may run out of fuel by Wednesday, forcing it to halt most aid operations.

It said it could no longer import limited supplies of food and medicine through Egypts Rafah crossing, Gazas only link to the outside world.

As of Friday, more than 11,000 Palestinians, two thirds of them women and children, have been killed since the war began, according to the Health Ministry, which does not differentiate between civilian and militant deaths. About 2,700 people have been reported missing.

At least 1,200 people have died on the Israeli side, mostly civilians killed in the initial Hamas attack. The military says 46 soldiers have been killed in ground operations in Gaza, and that thousands of militants have been killed.

About 250,000 Israelis have evacuated from communities near Gaza, where Palestinian militants still fire barrages of rockets, and along the northern border, where Israel and Lebanons Hezbollah militant group have repeatedly traded fire.

The war has also fuelled tensions in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, where at least seven Palestinian were killed overnight during an Israeli raid, the Palestinian Health Ministry said on Tuesday. More than 190 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank since October 7.
Senior defence officials from South Korea, the US and other nations have warned North Korea over its nuclear ambitions and threats, vowing an unspecified collective response to any war-like aggression towards its rival (Song Kyung-Seok/Kyodo News/AP)

Senior defence officials from South Korea, the United States and other nations warned North Korea on Tuesday over its nuclear ambitions and threats, vowing an unspecified collective response to any war-like aggression towards its rival.

Their joint statement came after a meeting in Seoul involving US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, South Korean Defence Minister Shin Won-sik and officials from 16 other countries under the US-led United Nations Command, which provided combat or medical forces in support of the South during the 1950-53 Korean War.

The meeting came a day after Mr Austin and Mr Shin held annual defence talks where the allies updated a bilateral security agreement with the aim of more effectively countering North Koreas evolving nuclear and missile threats.

In the statement, the defence ministers and other representatives of the UN Commands member states strongly condemned North Koreas unlawful nuclear and ballistic missile programmes which violate multiple UN Security Council resolutions and called for Pyongyang to recommit to diplomacy aimed at defusing the nuclear stand-off.

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin and South Korean Defence Minister Shin Won-sik attend a welcome ceremony before their meeting in Seoul (Song Kyung-Seok/Kyodo News/AP)

The UN Commands member states also declared they will be united upon any renewal of hostilities or armed attack on the Korean Peninsula challenging the principles of the United Nations and the security of (South Korea).

Mr Shin said during the meeting that the North will face a strong response from the international community centred on the UN Command if it ever attempts to invade the South again.

He also issued a veiled warning against Pyongyangs growing alignment with Russia and China, as North Korean leader Kim Jong Un tries to break out of diplomatic isolation and insert Pyongyang as part of a united front against Washington.

If the countries that supported North Korea during the Korean War offer to do so again, they too will face the same punishment as North Korea, Mr Shin said.

The Korean War was triggered by a North Korean attack on the South in June 1950. The North was backed by forces from the newly formed Peoples Republic of China, which was aided by the then-Soviet Unions air force.

South Korea, the US and troops from various countries under the direction of the United Nations fought to push back the invasion before the fighting was halted by an armistice in 1953, leaving the Korean Peninsula in a technical state of war. The UN Command has since remained in the South to enforce and maintain the armistice.

Before Tuesdays meeting, North Koreas Foreign Ministry condemned the event as reflecting a dangerous scheme to ignite a new war of aggression.

South Korean forces take part in a welcome ceremony before the South Korea-United Nations Command meeting in Seoul (Song Kyung-Seok/Kyodo News/AP)

The Norths state media also criticised the visits by Mr Austin and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who travelled to Seoul last week, calling them warmongers bringing a new war cloud to Asia.

Animosity between the Koreas has increased in recent months after Mr Kim ramped up his weapons demonstrations, including events he described as simulated nuclear attacks on the South.

He also authorised his military to launch pre-emptive nuclear strikes against enemies if it perceives Pyongyangs top leadership to be under threat.

South Korea has responded by expanding its combined military exercises with the United States as well as trilateral security co-operation with Japan.

Seoul has also been seeking stronger public assurances from Washington that the US would swiftly and decisively use its nuclear weapons to protect the South in case of a North Korean nuclear attack.

In the allies latest drills, South Koreas military said on Tuesday that it has deployed warships, patrol aircraft and fighter jets to train with US vessels and aircraft in a joint anti-submarine and counter special-operations exercise in South Koreas eastern seas. The training continues until Thursday.

On Monday, Mr Austin and Mr Shin on signed a new version of the Tailored Deterrence Strategy agreement, which was revised for the first time in a decade to address the growing threat of the Norths nuclear program.

Mr Shin said the new document spells out that the US would mobilise its full range of military capabilities, including nuclear, to defend the South in the event of a North Korean nuclear attack.

He also said the document will provide a template for the allies to strategise how South Korea could assist US nuclear operations in such events with its conventional capabilities, but did not elaborate.

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin and South Korean counterpart Shin Won-sik shake hands during a signing ceremony at the 55th Security Consultative Meeting in Seoul on Monday (South Korea Defence Ministry/AP)

While Mr Kim is also trying to strengthen relations with China, Russia has been his primary focus.

A flurry of diplomacy between the countries, highlighted by a September summit between Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin, has triggered concerns about an arms arrangement in which North Korea provides badly needed munitions for the Russian war in Ukraine in exchange for Russian technology transfers that would upgrade Mr Kims military nuclear programme.

A Russian delegation led by Alexander Kozlov, the minister of natural resources, arrived at Pyongyangs airport on Tuesday. While the Associated Press photographed the arrival, the Norths state media did not immediately release details of the visit.

In written responses to questions from AP, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said he will discuss the international response to the purported weapons deal between North Korea and Russia during the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation Summit in San Francisco this week.

He said such military co-operation not only poses a serious threat to the security of Asia and Europe but also undermines the rules-based international order.

Both Pyongyang and Moscow have denied US and South Korean claims that the North has been supplying munitions and military equipment to Russia.
Police personnel stand guard in front of Bangladesh Nationalist Party activists during a rally in Dhaka demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Oct. 28, 2023.

Nasir Rahman, an opposition activist from Dhakas Rampura neighborhood, died in a hospital bed a year ago after suffering from cirrhosis of the liver.

But if a police complaint seen by BenarNews is to be believed, Rahman participated at a rally organized by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party on Oct. 28 during which, the document said, he vandalized cars, threw Molotov cocktails at vehicles, and attacked police outposts.

I would only say to the plaintiff of the case that, if possible, go ahead and arrest my husband from his grave, Rina Akter, Rahmans widow, told BenarNews.

Rahman is among at least four dead people, whom family members and BNP officials identified, but who have been implicated in a new wave of criminal cases lodged with police following the rally. The main opposition party staged that massive street protest to pressure Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina into resigning ahead of a general election expected in January.

At least six other men were named in similar complaints although they were either living abroad or were incarcerated when those alleged offenses took place.

In the same case naming Rahman, police implicated Sanaullah Mia, a prominent pro-opposition lawyer who died more than two years ago, among 241 identified and 1,500 unnamed individuals.

My father was a well-known figure in Bangladesh. He died in 2020, and everyone knows it, Shafiqur Rahman Rana, Sanaullahs son, told BenarNews. This is a real example of the fake and fictitious cases being filed by the police against BNP leaders and workers.

Abdul Jalil, a police officer at the Rampura Police Station who filed the case on Oct. 29, did not contest the BNPs claim.

However, he said, The names were included in the First Information Report based on information from eyewitnesses and local residents.

If there are any errors in the list of those accused, it will be rectified during the investigation, he told BenarNews.

Two similar cases were filed in Khulna, a southwestern city, and Moulvibazar, a northeastern town, against individuals who died years ago.

At least 10 people have died and thousands have been arrested, local media reports said, since the BNP staged its anti-government rally on Oct. 28 to demand that Hasina resign to make way for a neutral caretaker government ahead of the polls. She has steadfastly refused to give in to those demands made at that rally and a series of other rallies organized by the BNP this year.

Police personnel escort Bangladesh Nationalist Party leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, center, outside a court in Dhaka, Nov. 3, 2023. [AFP]

The last two general elections conducted during Hasinas tenure were controversial.

The BNP and its allies boycotted the 2014 vote over concerns about its fairness, allowing the Awami League to return to power. And in 2018, despite the BNPs participation, the ruling party secured more than 95% of parliamentary seats amid widespread claims of fraud.

Two days ahead of the BNPs latest rally, police in Gazipur, a district neighboring Dhaka, arrested Sheikh Shamim and Saiful Alam Khan, two activists who have since been jailed, according to Sheikh Md. Alek, a local BNP leader who briefed reporters about their case.

Two days after the rally, local police filed a case against 78 identified and more than 50 unidentified individuals, accusing them of setting fire to a motorcycle and vandalizing a car on the night of Oct. 30. Both Shamim and Khan appeared on the list of identified suspects.

Sakhawat Hossain, the officer-in-charge of Tongi West Police Station where the duo were detained, did not deny that both had been arrested before the crime allegedly took place.

We arrested some people from the spot in relation to the Oct. 30 incident. Other accused have been named based on the information provided by them, he said. They may have given us such information to mislead us.

When police investigate the allegations, the mistakes will be corrected, he said.

Also in Gazipur, Maqul Hossain, a former leader of the Jamaat-e-Islami, a faith-based political party opposed to the government, was named in a case of vandalizing vehicles on Nov. 2.

His brother, Manik Hossain, told reporters that Hossain had been in Saudi Arabia to perform the Umrah pilgrimage at that time.

Because of Bangladeshs burdened criminal justice system, people mistakenly named in complaints could face years of legal struggles before being formally cleared.

Those accused in these false cases have to go through a long ordeal of the legal process, Shahdeen Malik, a constitutional lawyer, told BenarNews. They need to be proven innocent only through the judicial process. So the individuals have to suffer financial loss along with the harassment of a long judicial process.

Minister: no such thing as a Gayebi case

Its not uncommon for police in Bangladesh to harass the opposition activists. But the trend of accusing dead and incarcerated people in criminal cases is a relatively new phenomenon, according to Nazrul Islam Khan, who sits on the BNPs top decision-making body.

When they accuse dead people, people in jail or people in exile, then it becomes evident that these cases are baseless, he said.

Media reports of such cases surfaced just prior to the 2018 election. Around that time, police filed cases against thousands of opposition activists across the country  many of those cases appeared to have a common set of accusations and descriptions.

Within the opposition party, some refer to these instances as Gayebi or ghost cases.

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, who oversees law enforcement, rejected the characterization.

There is no such thing as a Gayebi case, he told BenarNews. Sometimes witnesses or arrested individuals provide police with false information intentionally or unintentionally, leading police to name others.

Even if a dead or missing person becomes an accused inadvertently, the name is dropped during the investigation, he said.
Presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto (right) and running mate Gibran Rakabuming Raka, the eldest son of President Joko Widodo, greet supporters upon arriving to register their candidacies for the 2024 election, at the General Election Commission building in Jakarta, Oct. 25, 2023.

Indonesian presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto has increased the lead over his closest competitor in a new opinion poll after picking the presidents son as his running mate, analysts said Monday.

Prabowo, a former army general who serves as the defense minister in President Joko Jokowi Widodos second administration, leads the race with 40.6% support, according to figures released on Sunday by pollster Indikator Politik Indonesia.

He is followed by Ganjar Pranowo, the ex-governor of Central Java, who has 27.8% support and former Jakarta Gov. Anies Baswedan, who has 23.7%. The poll was conducted from Oct. 27 to Nov. 1 based on 1,220 respondents in 38 provinces.

Another survey, that was released by Poltracking Indonesia on Friday, showed that Prabowo had 41.7% of the vote, while Ganjar had 31%, and Anies had 25.7%. This was a significant increase from September, when Prabowo and Ganjar were running neck and neck.

Prabowos support appears to have grown thanks to his alliance with Jokowis eldest son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, who is the mayor of Solo, said Dominique Nicky Fahrizal, a researcher at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies in Jakarta.

For Jokowis ardent supporters, it is clear where his support goes, Dominique told BenarNews.

Burhanuddin Muhtadi, the founder of Indikator Politik, agreed about the apparent change in the polls.

Ganjars vote shrinkage is most likely attributed to Jokowis supporters who now back Prabowo, Burhanuddin said.

Jokowi, 62, who is due to leave office next October because of term limits, defeated Prabowo in the two previous presidential elections and has been in power since 2014.

Ganjar Pranowo, presidential candidate of the ruling Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle, greets supporters upon arriving to register his candidacy to run in the 2024 presidential election, at the General Election Commission building in Jakarta, Oct. 19, 2023. [Achmad Ibrahim/AP]

On Monday, the election commission certified that the three candidates would compete in the Feb. 14 presidential election after they met all the registration requirements.

The commission will determine the candidates order on the ballot in a draw on Tuesday, Antara, Indonesias state news agency, reported.

Prabowo, 72, is a former son-in-law of the late dictator Suharto and an ex-commander of the armys special forces. He has been accused of human rights violations during his military career, which he has denied.

Despite criticism of his choice of running mate and the two previous elections, Prabowo has an ally in Jokowi, who appointed him to oversee the nations defense and has expressed support for his sons candidacy.

Presidential candidate Anies Baswedan (foreground right) walks with running mate Muhaimin Iskandar (foreground left) upon arriving to register to run in next years election, at the General Election Commission building in Jakarta, Oct. 19, 2023. [Tatan Syuflana/AP]

Last week, an ethics body at the Constitutional Court dismissed Chief Justice Anwar Usman, Jokowis brother-in-law, over ethical violations tied to an Oct. 16 ruling that allowed Gibran, 36, to seek the national office as a vice-presidential candidate.

In response to a petition challenging an age requirement of 40 for presidential and vice-presidential candidates, Anwar upheld the requirement with an exception for candidates who had previously held or been elected regional leaders.

The ethics council said Anwar was guilty of violating the principles of impartiality, integrity and independence. Still, he can serve on the court as a judge and his ruling is binding.

Six days later, Prabowo picked Gibran as his running mate.

Nepotism is an issue for elite

Questions have trailed Jokowi in recent months about whether he is building a political dynasty by promoting his family members and loyalists to government roles.

Jokowis other son, Kaesang Pangarep, was recently appointed chairman of the youth-oriented Indonesian Solidarity Party days after joining the organization.

Playing down such concerns, Jokowi last week likened the brouhaha to Korean soap operas.

Most voters do not care about nepotism and dynastic politics, and they will follow Jokowis implied endorsement of Prabowo and Gibran, analysts said.

Those are only problems for the elite and the educated. For the lower class, they dont matter, said Ujang Komarudin, a political scientist at Al-Azhar University in Jakarta.

Indikators Burhanuddin agreed with the assessment, saying his survey showed that dynastic politics was not a major concern for voters.

In fact, there is a tendency for people to be slightly more tolerant or not worried (about dynastic politics), he said.

Workers arrange folded ballot boxes at a General Elections Commission warehouse in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, Nov. 3, 2023. [Devi Rahman/AFP]

The presidential race has already been marked by accusations of bias and intimidation from some of the contenders.

On Saturday, Ganjars campaign claimed that some law enforcement officials were favoring Prabowo and Gibran. Spokesman Aiman Witjaksono alleged that some officials were instructed to install billboards supporting Prabowo and Gibran.

I hope my suspicion is wrong, but if I look at some indications that occur in the regions, its hard to say there is nothing here, Aiman told local website SINDOnews.

Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, Prabowos national campaign team coordinator, dismissed those allegations.

The rise in their popularity is not due to any police officers who put up Prabowo-Gibran billboards, he told the Tempo.co news website. Such a cheating method is not logical for us to achieve victory.

The national police said they were committed to neutrality.

If there are any findings like that, we will take firm action according to the applicable regulations, spokesman Ahmad Ramadhan said.
U.S. President Joe Biden meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Bali, Indonesia, Nov. 14, 2022.

The world will be watching as Chinese President Xi Jinping meets his American counterpart Joe Biden in San Francisco on Wednesday, amid a fraught climate of bilateral relations marred by a tech war and geopolitical tensions.

Their meeting, on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit hosted by Biden, will be their first face-to-face encounter since the presidents of the two superpowers met a year ago in Bali.

But analysts say their expectations for the new round of Xi-Biden talks are modest.

Some experts, while not anticipating a change in the trajectory of the Sino-U.S. relationship, are hopeful that the talks will deliver some results such as the formal resumption of military-to-military relations.

Diplomatic and commercial dialogues between the two superpowers have resumed after the downing of a Chinese balloon earlier this year, said Zhang Baohui, director of the Centre for Asian Pacific Studies at Lingnan University.

The two sides have even begun strategic dialogues on nuclear and maritime issues. However, the U.S. wants to reopen military-to-military dialogues to prevent inadvertent incidents. This meeting between the top leaders should remove the hurdle for military-to-military exchanges.

If so, this should be a significant development as the world is very concerned by the prospect of military conflicts between the two countries in sensitive areas like the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea, Zhang said.

To be sure, U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters on Monday that both sides during the meeting would discuss strengthening communications and managing competition responsibly so that bilateral relationship does not veer into conflict.

The way we achieve that is through intense diplomacy, Sullivan said.

He added there were areas where interests overlap, such as efforts to effectively manage competition that could be done by reestablishing military-to-military communications.

Incremental outcomes

If there were any outcomes to emerge from the Xi-Biden meeting, Ian Chong, a political scientist from the National University of Singapore, believes they will be incremental, but nonetheless important to maintain the momentum of expanding dialogue.

Such effects will not be seen immediately after the meeting. Rather, they may unfold as more areas come under discussion in the following months to inject more predictability into the U.S.-PRC relationship to avoid unintended escalation, even as competition continues, Chong said, referring to the Peoples Republic of China.

Xi probably seeks to press the PRCs case on Taiwan and the South China Sea, while probing the U.S. on trade and technology and seeking more predictably in the bilateral relationship, he noted.

Biden will likely reiterate U.S. positions on Taiwan and the South China Sea, while seeking more stability in the bilateral relationship. They may try to gauge each others positions on the Israel-Hamas conflict, Russian aggression in Ukraine, climate, and AI.

A Chinese microchip is seen through a microscope set up at the booth for the state-controlled Tsinghua Unigroup project during the 21st China Beijing International High-tech Expo in Beijing, May 17, 2018. [Ng Han Guan, AP Photo/File]

In light of the recent expert ban by the Biden administration on microchips, another area of contention that is expected to be discussed is semiconductors, alongside the push for generative AI in both the U.S. and China, said James Downes, head of the Politics and Public Administration Programme at Hong Kong Metropolitan University.

The key achievable issues or goals will likely relate to the ongoing tech war between both countries, said Downes. The Biden-Xi Summit will be much more successful if both sides focus on economic issues, as opposed to long-term and divisive geopolitical issues.

According to Lingnan Universitys Zhang, Xi will no doubt press the United States to relax technology denial measures against China, but he believes the U.S. is unlikely to yield on this issue.

Technological competition constitutes a central place in the overall U.S. competition strategy, he said.

Zhang believes that Xi will try to persuade Biden to return the bilateral relationship to cooperation and away from strategic competition, by seeking a U.S. commitment that it does not support Taiwans quest for independence.

Biden, in contrast, will seek to stabilize the competition to prevent conflict by pursuing more measures to build guardrails for its competition with China, like the resumption of military-to-military dialogues.

The U.S. will assure Beijing that it will follow the One China principle. Nonetheless, deepening security cooperation between Washington and Taipei will continue to bother Beijing and lead to contentious relations with the U.S.

A Chinese coast guard vessel maneuvers beside the Philippine Coast Guard ship BRP Cabra as they approach Second Thomas Shoal (Ayungin Shoal) during a resupply mission in disputed waters of the South China Sea, Nov. 10, 2023. [Jim Gomez/AP]

Seeking specific outcomes

Meanwhile, Sullivan said that the U.S. was looking for specific outcomes in the overlapped areas of interests from the summit, which include efforts to combat the illicit fentanyl trade and a discussion between the two leaders on critical global issues such as Russias war against Ukraine, and the evolving crisis in the Middle East.

Given Chinas stance on the Mid-East conflict, there may be a potential that the leaders may agree-at-large, in expressing the importance of peace in the region.

Geng Shuang, Chinas deputy ambassador to the United Nations, said in New York on Monday that establishing peace in the region was an important task for Beijing.

However, it could be challenging for Biden and Xi to release a joint agreement on criticizing Hamas as Beijing has traditionally shown a less sympathetic stance on Israel, when compared to that of the U.S. This difference in diplomatic approaches may complicate the leaders in reaching a more detailed consensus on the Israel-Hamas war.

In fact, according to the state-run Xinhua News Agency, Geng expressed shock and concern over statements made by an Israeli minister about using nuclear weapons in the Gaza Strip, and labeled the Israeli remarks as irresponsible and troubling.

While Geng condemned the idea of using nuclear weapons, largely aligning with the international community and the Non Proliferation Treaty principles, the senior diplomat did not specifically address or criticize the actions of Hamas, which have led to civilian casualties.

Some 1,400 Israelis, mostly civilians, were killed in a wave of suprise attacks launched in southern Israel on Oct. 7. On the other side, at least 11,000 people, many of them Palestinian children, have been killed in retaliatory airstrikes and ground operations launched by the Israeli military against Gaza in the weeks that have followed, according to news reports.

Radio Free Asia (RFA), a news service affiliated with BenarNews, produced this report.
A view of the Palace of Justice, where Malaysias two highest courts, the Court of Appeal and the Federal Court, are housed in Putrajaya, July 6, 2022.

In a landmark review on Tuesday, Malaysias highest court removed seven convicts from death row and reduced the life sentences of four others, following the countrys abolition in April of mandatory capital punishment for some crimes and other reforms.

All 11 now have to serve 30 years in prison from the date of their arrest, according to the national news agency Bernama.

The cases were the first set to be reviewed since mandatory capital punishment ended for 11 crimes, and life prison sentences were lowered for all crimes.

One of the convicts who got a reprieve Tuesday was Teh Hock Leong, who had been on death row for the longest time  at 24 years  after his 1999 arrest for a drug offense. After the court commuted his death sentence, it lowered his sentence to 30 years, and then further reduced it to 20 years, for good behavior.

That means, Teh got to walk free Tuesday after the Federal Courts ruling, his lawyer Guok Ngek Seong told BenarNews.

Teh is out today as he was given remission under the law for good conduct. The family is grateful he is back home, said Guok.

Tuesday's review of the 11 convicts sentences was conducted after Malaysias law minister said that appeals for lesser punishments could begin on Sept. 12, after the Abolition of Mandatory Death Penalty Act came into force on July 4. The mandatory death sentence was removed for 11 offenses including drug trafficking and murder.

A total of 1,020 death-row and life-sentenced inmates were eligible to have their sentences reviewed, Malaysian Law Minister Azalina Othman Said announced on Tuesday.

Since Nov. 9, the Federal Court had received 871 applications for reviews of death sentences and 117 applications for reviews of life sentences, the minister said.

Azalina reiterated that the death penalty was retained as a punishment for criminal offenses.

However, the imposition of the death penalty is no longer mandatory and the amendments to the law have now given judges the liberty to use their discretion to mete out the appropriate punishment, she said.

Case of ex-PM Najibs bodyguard

Tuesdays review came days after the release from an Australian detention sentence of a former Malaysian policeman, Sirul Azhar Umar, who had fled his country to escape the death sentence in a politically charged murder.

Sirul and his colleague Azilah Hadri were members of then-Prime Minister Najib Razaks security detail. They were convicted and sentenced in 2015 for the October 2006 murder of a Mongolian model and interpreter, Altantuya Shaariibuu.

She had been shot dead and her body blown up with military-grade explosives in a remote jungle outside Kuala Lumpur.

Azilah, who is currently on death row, had implicated the now-incarcerated Najib and a defense analyst in the murder, saying in a sworn statement in 2019 that the two had instructed him to kill Altantuya for being a spy.

Sirul fled Malaysia and sought asylum in Australia where he was taken into an immigration detention center and had been held there since January 2015, until his release after a Nov. 6 ruling by an Australian court, local media reported.

Australian law prohibits the deportation of individuals to locations where they could face the death penalty. Since his release, Sirul is staying in Canberra with his son who has lived in Australia for more than a decade, Australian media said.

Malaysian Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said there was a slim chance to repatriate Sirul if he applied for a review to change his death penalty to life in prison and if that application was approved.

[S]irul has the right to apply for review [of his sentence] through his lawyer. Only after all the processes have been completed can we apply for an extradition process, he said during a press conference on Tuesday.

BenarNews reached out several times to Siruls lawyer, William Levingston, and the Villawood Detention Centre in Sydney, where the former policeman had spent nine years, but didnt hear back.
MBABANE  Between 2015 and 2018, reported gender-based violence (GBV) cases accumulated to a shocking 41 312.

The statistic is contained in a letter that was sent to both the prime minister and the deputy prime ministers offices by a consortium of at least nine women and civil society organisations.

Dated November 2, 2023, the letter stipulates that between 2015 and 2019, the total number of annual sexual offences and domestic violence (SODV) cases reportedly increased by 289 per cent. The consortium revealed in the letter that data from the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) included in the report of the Commission on Human Rights and Public Administration on implementing the SODV Act indicated a steady increase in report of GBV cases. In 2015, there were 8 067 cases of GBV, 9 102 in 2016, 11 081 in 2017 and 13 062 in 2018 as detailed in the letter.

Consortium

The consortium is made of such organisations as the Coordination Assembly of Non-Governmental Organisations (CANGO), Swatini Action Group Against Abuse (SWAAGA), Liphimbo Labomake, Women Unlimited, Kwakha Indvodza, MenEngage, 1 Billion Rising Solidarity, African Womens Peace and Development Foundation (AWPDF) and others.

Through the letter, the consortium revealed that they acknowledged the efforts to address GBV that had been made in recent years by government, NGOs, civil society, faith-based leaders, private sector and individuals, but the levels of violence had not been reduced.

Denying

There can be no denying the pervasiveness of gender-based violence in Eswatini and its devastating effects on individuals, families, communities and the nation at large. On a daily basis there are reports of increasingly gruesome acts of GBV and we, as a country, simply cannot afford to continue a business as usual approach to dealing with it, reads the letter. The consortium shared their concern that instead of being reduced, the GBV cases had continued and seemed to be increasing as evidenced by alarming statistics. They asserted that while all were affected by GBV, the reality was that women and children were facing the brunt of this scourge. For instance, one in five cases reported are of sexual violence, a rate that is higher than anywhere else in SADC. There are also growing number of femicides  these killings of women of all ages, from all walks of life, is creating an environment of fear and insecurity amongst women throughout the country, reads the letter.

The consortium, whose Chairpersonis SWAAGA Director Nonhlanhla Dlamini, is calling for government to declare GBV as a national emergency. Some of the reasons for that, as detailed in the letter, is that SWAAGA revealed that cases increased by more than 100 per cent during the COVID-19 period. At some point, it was reported that more than 320 new cases were reported and over 900 calls on the toll-free line were received on a weekly basis. The letter depicts that, notably, in the Shiselweni Region, 15 women had been killed as a result of GBV within the first three months of 2022. Findings from the 2014 Multi-Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) indicated that among children (girls and boys) of less than 15 years, 80 per cent have experienced emotional aggression and physical violence. In addition, 50 per cent of girls have experienced sexual violence. Alarmingly, violence occurs in places that children considered as safe spaces. Workers are frequently absent, distracted and unable to fully focus on their jobs.

Figures

Taking cognisance of the fact that only one in seven GBV cases are reported, these figures are truly alarming, reads the letter. The consortium revealed that it was so important the country remembers that behind the statistics and other data were actual human beings. They revealed that these were people with hopes and dreams, whose experience of GBV violated their rights to security, bodily autonomy, physical and mental health and in the worst cases, life. They asserted that GBV was having a devastating impact, not only on the individuals who were violated but also on their families, communities and wider Eswatini society. Every woman that dies in the increasing femicide we are witnessing signifies the loss of a grandmother, mother, a sister, a daughter, an aunt, a friend, a colleague e.t.c and the irreparable harm that results to those left behind, reads the letter.
The Vietnamese warship Quang Trung leaves Cam Ranh port and heads toward Zhanjiang in China, Nov. 8, 2023.

A joint military exercise between China and five Southeast Asian nations opened this week in Zhanjiang in southern Guangdong province, Chinese state broadcaster CCTV reported.

The militaries from Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam have sent personnel and warships to the Aman Youyi-2023 (Peace and Friendship-2023) drills, which focus on joint anti-terrorism and maritime security, according to a statement from Chinas Ministry of National Defense.

The aim is to help participants enhance their urban anti-terrorism, maritime anti-terrorism and anti-piracy capabilities, and deepen military mutual trust and cooperation to safeguard regional peace and stability, the ministry said.

It did not specify how long the drills off the coast of Zhanjiang are to last, but the Cambodian and Vietnamese defense ministries said it is expected to conclude on Nov. 22.

This is the first time Vietnam, Cambodia and land-locked Laos are taking part in the exercise, initiated by China and Malaysia in 2014.

Cambodian troops board a Chinese airplane to take part in Aman Youyi-2023, Nov. 12, 2023. [Cambodias Ministry of Defense]

The drills follow an incident last week when ships from China and the Philippines confronted each other over Manilas resupply mission to troops stationed at the disputed Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea.

Manila accused Beijing of blocking Philippine ships as well as firing water cannons at one of them. Beijing said the ships trespassed into Chinese waters.

The right approach

The Philippines previously joined the drills as an observer but is not participating this time. It did participate large-scale U.S.-led regional military exercises such as Cobra Gold in March and Balikatan in April.

Vietnam and Malaysia, which also hold contesting claims over parts of the South China Sea, have sent teams to Zhanjiang.

Some countries participating in the Aman Youyi-2023 exercise also have maritime disputes in the South China Sea, but they chose the right approach, which is not to let disputes affect friendship and cooperation and jointly safeguard regional peace and stability, Chinese military analyst Zhang Junshe told the pro-Beijing Global Times.

This year marks the fifth exercise and the first hosted by China. The previous four editions were held in Malaysia.

Cambodias Ministry of Defense said it dispatched 92 troops to the drills while Vietnam sent one of its Gepard-class frigates, the Quang Trung.

China has been seeking closer military-to-military cooperation with Southeast Asian countries to respond to what it calls interference from the United States and its allies.

China and Laos held a joint military exercise called Friendship Shield 2023 in Laos in May. In March, Cambodia and China carried out exercise Golden Dragon 2023 in Cambodias Kampong Chhnang province.

Radio Free Asia (RFA), a news service affiliated with BenarNews, produced this report.
Former Sen. Leila de Lima waves to her supporters as she leaves police detention in Manila, Nov. 13, 2023.

Supporters of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said Tuesday that the bail granted to an arch critic of his drug war demonstrated the judiciarys independence and showed he was not involved in the case.

The United States meanwhile welcomed the release on Monday of former Sen. Leila de Lima from detention on politically motivated charges after nearly seven years in custody.

De Lima had been behind bars since 2017 on charges she described as a political vendetta by Duterte. She was granted bail in the last of three drug-related cases brought against her during Dutertes term (2016-2022).

However, supporters of Duterte, who faces an International Criminal Court investigation, said the former president should not be blamed for de Limas long incarceration.

The former president has no involvement in any case, Sen. Imee Marcos, the sister of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., told reporters.

No one can interfere with the judiciary. Lets protect their independence.

Relatives of drug war victims hold photographs of their slain loved ones with placards calling for justice, during a protest to mark then-President Rodrigo Duterte's final year in office, in Manila, June 30, 2021. [Eloisa Lopez/Reuters]

Duterte faces an International Criminal Court (ICC) probe for alleged crimes against humanity linked to drug-war deaths. More than 8,000 suspected drug addicts and dealers were killed during the war on narcotics launched by then-president in 2016, according to government figures.

Sen. Marcos cited the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Courts decision to free de Lima on bail to show that there was no need for the ICC to prosecute Duterte, because the Philippine justice system was independent enough.

[Former] Sen. de Limas bail yesterday was a testament to that. The independence of the judiciary is present and true. Our court is a court of law and justice, oblivious of personalities or any political noise, Sen. Marcos said.

President Marcos, who won the general election last year with backing from Duterte, has also cut off all communications with the ICC. Last year, Marcos said ICC investigators would not be allowed to enter the country.

The administration under Duterte, who once publicly said that de Lima deserved to rot in jail, had filed three charges against her of receiving payoffs from drug traffickers when she served as justice secretary between 2010 and 2015. The courts had earlier dismissed two other related cases for lack of evidence.

God forgive him

Shortly after her release on Monday, de Lima said she would consult with her lawyers to determine what cases she would file against the people behind her detention. She said she forgave Duterte, although there must also be accountability.

God forgive him and God bless him. Lets start there, de Lima told a news conference Monday hours after the court granted her temporary liberty. This is a moment of joy. As much as possible I want to be gracious.

The United States, meanwhile, led the international community in hailing the release of de Lima.

The U.S. State Department urged the Philippines to resolve the remaining case against her in a manner that is consistent with its international human rights obligations and commitments, spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement Monday.

Several European countries also voiced their support for de Lima, and said that they were closely watching developments in the last case.

The envoys of France, the Netherlands, Australia and the European Union all welcomed de Limas release.

Gerard Carreon and Jojo Rinoza in Manila and Jeoffrey Maitem in Davao City, southern Philippines, contributed to this report.
Wisoot Binlatah, a candidate for the post of Sheikhul Islam, Thailands top Islamic community leader, speaks during the funeral of Aziz Phitakkumpon at the central mosque in Songkhla province, Oct. 23, 2023.

Provincial committees representing Thailands 4 million Muslims will soon elect a new leader to oversee the affairs of the Islamic community in this majority-Buddhist country.

The three candidates for the post of the Sheikhul Islam  the nations top Islamic authority  include one from the insurgency-wracked southern border region and two from the capital Bangkok.

Theyre vying to replace another Muslim leader from the widely impoverished Deep South who died last month after serving as the Sheikhul Islam for more than a decade. The results from voting by 800 people who sit on Islamic provincial committees nationwide are due out Nov. 22.

The Sheikhul Islam serves as the Thai governments top adviser on Islamic Affairs, including on efforts to bring peace to the mainly Muslim Deep South.

The troubles in the Deep South are the chronicle of identity, culture and different thoughts, including extremism, Wisoot Binlatah, one of the candidates and a native of southern Songkhla province, told BenarNews.

In order to solve the problems, it needs the approaches on culture and religious understanding which could lead those who consider violence to be moderate.

The Deep South encompasses Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat provinces along with four districts in Songkhla.

More than 7,300 people have been killed and 13,500 others have been injured since a Malay Muslim separatist insurgency in this region along the Thai-Malaysia border flared up again in January 2004. At the time, scores of Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN) insurgents raided an army battalion and made off with hundreds of military weapons from an arms depot.

In recent years, government negotiators held peace talks with MARA Patani, an umbrella group bringing together various rebel organizations and factions, and later with BRN, the regions largest insurgent group, but violence still persists.

The authorities must realize the cultural approach. I dont want to see the use of brute force but soft power  culture and religious teaching to mold their minds to feel that all are brothers and sisters under the same nation, Wisoot said, adding that he had the backing of the local Islamic committee.

Thailand allows more religious freedom than some Muslim-majority nations, he noted.

We can build Muslim identity under the framework of the constitution and laws without using violence, said Wisoot, who was educated in Egypt.

Muslims in Thailands Deep South attend the funeral of the Islamic communitys national leader, Aziz Phitakkumpon, at a cemetery near the central mosque in Songkhla province, Oct. 23, 2023. [BenarNews]

The other two candidates, Prasarn Sricharoen and Arun Boonchum, are natives of Bangkok who were educated in Saudi Arabia. They did not respond to BenarNews requests for interviews.

A local BRN leader in Pattani province, who asked not to be named over security concerns, had advice for whomever is elected.

The moderate leader must be brave in deciding what is right, otherwise the problems will go on and on like what happened in the past, the BRN official told BenarNews.

The new leader will succeed Sheikhul Islam Aziz Phitakkumpon who died on Oct. 22 at the age of 76. A native of Songkhla province, Aziz was elected leader in 2010.

The Sheikhul Islam, also known as Chularatchamontri in Thai, advises the government on Islamic affairs, issues fatwas (rulings or clarifications on Islamic law) and announces religious events to be observed.

About half of Thailands Muslim population is concentrated in the Malay-speaking Deep South, where locals expressed hope for the new leader.

The Sheikhul Islam has an important role in the joint efforts to solve the violence in the Deep South. Surely, he needs to know the religion, but everyone has to bear in mind how we can elect the right person who can help on both religious matters and the deterrence of violence, Rusdee Bakok, the deputy chairman of Yala Islamic Committee, told BenarNews.

People [here] want an indigenous Sheikhul Islam because the majority of Muslims live here. If we can have a local person, we will have a Sheikhul Islam who knows the troubles and it is tacitly known that Deep South Muslims are more ardent than those elsewhere in the country, he said.

A villager in Pattani said he wanted to see a change.

I want the 19th Sheikhul Islam to be a moderate who is good at and strictly observes the teachings to lead us accordingly, Ismail Doloh told BenarNews.

I dont like the previous Islamic leaders who did not duly follow the religious principle, he said without elaborating because it is considered a sin to criticize the dead.
Bennington, VT (05201)

Today

Partly cloudy early then becoming cloudy with periods of rain this afternoon. High around 50F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

Rain showers this evening with overcast skies overnight. Low 37F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%.
BENNINGTON  A judge granted a state motion Monday for a new competency evaluation in the years-long case of Darren Pronto, accused in the slashing death of a Bennington woman in early 2021 as she walked along Downtown Benningtons Riverwalk path in broad daylight.

The saga of accused murderer Pronto continued with the evaluation order by Judge Kerry McDonald-Cady, the second such order for state prosecutors during an afternoon hearing on Monday.

Pronto was released from Vermont Department of Mental Health custody in April when he was released from the state psychiatric hospital and turned over to the Department of Corrections.

Pronto was remanded into the care of Mental Health last December after all sides in the case agreed  after three separate court-ordered psychiatric evaluations came to the same conclusion that Pronto could not stand trial for the murder of 26-year-old Emily Hamann because of significant mental health issues  to a stipulation and order of confinement, allowing for the seamless transition from the criminal case to a secure mental health treatment facility without dismissing the criminal case.

That agreement allowed prosecutors to ask for and receive additional competency evaluations if he was released from DMH custody. It also allowed for Prontos case to be restarted immediately if he was ever to be released from the state psychiatric hospital and the care of DMH, including that he be moved to prison without bail rather than being released into the community.

The stipulation was the brainchild of Deputy States Attorney Jared Bianchi, who saw the need for treatment and tried to balance that with the publics safety.

Bianchi filed a new motion in October to determine competency. Prontos defense attorney, Frederick Bragdon, filed a response in opposition to the states motion. In court Monday, Bragdon suggested that at some point the ongoing evaluations of Pronto needed to end.

Your honor, at some point, enough is enough, Bragdon said in open court, as Emilys mother sat in the front row during the hearing. We may not be at that point yet, but the truth is, everybody, through several competency evaluations, thinks hes incompetent. I dont see that changing. Im sorry for this tragedy. Im renewing my objections to the competency evaluation and would like to be present for the record.

Emily Hamann, 26, a young mother, was walking alone along the Riverwalk in downtown Bennington just before noon on Jan. 18, 2021, when police say Pronto jumped her and cut her throat after lying in wait. He was stopped by police a short distance from the murder scene, carrying a folding pocket knife covered in blood.

Pronto was released from DMH custody after he was deemed incompetent to stand trial in an earlier assault case in Pownal in 2018. He was released from the hospital months before murdering Hamann in broad daylight.

After the new evaluation concludes, a contested hearing will then be scheduled, and the judge will once again determine if Pronto can stand trial or whether he is incompetent to face the murder charge.

Competency is a legal adjudication decided by a judge after an adversarial hearing, said Kelly Carroll, Emilys mother, after the hearing ended. Carroll is part of an effort to change some of Vermonts laws on how competency is evaluated in Vermont. Competency is fluid. Its not a medical diagnosis. If youre going to be competent enough to plan and execute a first-degree murder, you should be competent enough to go to trial.

Pronto faces a life sentence if found competent to stand trial and is found guilty. He has been either behind bars or in a mental hospital since his arrest in January 2021. There is no word on when the new competency evaluation will happen or when the actual competency hearing will take place. He is currently being held at the Southern State Correctional Facility in Springfield.
NHLANGANO  A church invader was killed by a mob after allegedly disturbing congregants during a service at Hosea on Sunday.

It was gathered that the deceased, Sethu Gumedze (18), went into the church premises while imbibing alcohol and upon arrival; he left the bottle of alcohol next to the entrance and went inside the church. Sources revealed that he sat inside the church and the congregants reacted to the strong smell of alcohol coming from him. It was said that he was allegedly confronted by the pastor, who requested that they step outside and engage in a conversation. Allegations are to the effect that the deceased allegedly drew a Three Star knife and threatened to stab the pastor with it. The pastor is alleged to have made calls to some of his relatives to come to his rescue.

Teenager

It was alleged that the now deceased teenager ran to a neighbouring homestead where he asked to be locked in as there were people baying for his blood. He was referring to the people who had been called by the pastor to assist him. Among the people, it was said, were at least two congregants, who left the service and followed Gumedze. It was said that he then escaped through a window and went to another homestead, where he asked to be locked in one of the family houses. Sources revealed that the occupants of the second homestead allegedly called the mob that was looking for Gumedze and informed them of his whereabouts. The family members allegedly granted the mob permission to break one of the windows and gain entry into the house wherein the now deceased was assaulted.

Grandmother

It was gathered that he was then taken by the mob and made to pass by his homestead and his grandmother saw his hands tied at the back and was assaulted with sticks and kicks. It was gathered that he was assaulted until he could not walk and was unresponsive on the ground. A young man is said to also have been assaulted as he tried to stop the mob from assaulting Gumedze. He was thrown to a thorny tree and the mob ran away thereafter, said the source. According to Gogo Thunjwa, grandmother to deceased Gumedze, one congregant told her that her grandson went to the church and was confronted by the pastor as he was seated with his arms folded inside the church. She said she got information that her grandson ran to two different homesteads. She confirmed that the mob passed by her homestead and she saw her grandson with his hands tied at the back as he was assaulted by the mob.

Assault

I did not go there as one of the men among the mob threatened me and I concluded that they wanted me to follow them so they could assault me as well, she said. Gogo Thunjwa said she instead called the father of the deceased and informed him of what was happening. It was said that police were called by the father and they took Gumedze to the hospital where he was certified dead upon arrival. As of yesterday, it was gathered that the police had rounded up the people implicated in the incident for questioning, including the pastor. Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Superintendent Phindile Vilakati confirmed the death of an 18-year-old boy of Hosea, who was assaulted with sticks and batons all over his body and was certified dead upon arrival at Matsanjeni Health Centre.
With Thanksgiving around the corner, I am once again promoting, to anyone who will listen, the idea of using hard cider instead of stock for making gravy. I have been doing this for years, and my family loves it so much I always have to make a lot of it.

Once, some time ago, I was having trouble finding hard cider and had to resort to a national brand. It was definitely not as good. Imagine how delighted I was to meet Matt Brogan, of Berkshire Cider Project, at the Massachusetts Cheese Festival, held at High Lawn Farm this fall. We chatted about using hard cider in cooking. A few weeks later I went to North Adams to visit their cidery and tasting room at Greylock Works and had a long conversation with Matts wife and partner in the business, Kat Hand, about their cider story.

For so many of us, life unfolds differently than we anticipated, and this likewise has been true for Kat and Matt. It started with a cider-making kit as a gift to Matt. Their interest in hard cider grew and soon they were taking the leap to making hard cider professionally  what started as a hobby had become their work and their passion. At the Greylock Works tasting room, you can stop in for tastings or a glass of hard cider, local cheese plates and bottles to go. You can also find their ciders at many stores and restaurants across the Berkshires.

Our region is so lucky to have producers like Kat and Matt. Not only is it wonderful to have locally-made, small-batch, artisanal cider, but they also partner with many orchards and others in the area, supporting growers in the region. We all know the late frost in May was devastating to many apple orchards in the region, but its fine to make cider with imperfect, frost-damaged apples.

Every year the Berkshire Cider Project makes a special community cider with whatever apples anyone brings to them, and so every year, the cidrage of that offering is entirely different. In addition, many of our local historic sites have apple trees and they have partnered with places such as Hancock Shaker Village and Arrowhead to make some special, very small-batch hard ciders.

I have written here before about making gravy, and I offer that again here, along with instructions in case you dont have pan drippings or want to make vegan gravy. Feel free to double or triple the recipe and keep some in the freezer for the next time you want a little gravy without the effort of making it from scratch. Ive also made wonderful poutine with duck fat, oven fries, cider gravy and cheese curds.

Another recipe Ive enjoyed is sausage and cabbage braised in hard cider. This recipe has the flexibility to work well with sausage made from any number of meats, and even with vegan sausage. I most recently made it with an apple and sage vegan sausage which would be a great Thanksgiving main for your vegan and vegetarian guests.

My third recipe suggestion here is a potato gratin with a cider-based cheddar sauce instead of cream. This sauce is quite versatile and can also be used to make Welsh rarebit (a dish in which the cheese sauce is traditionally made with beer) or presented in a fondue pot with various breads, and cooked sausages and vegetables for dipping.

Whatever recipe you decide to try, be sure to have some hard cider to enjoy with your meal.

HARD CIDER GRAVY

(Makes about 1 1/2 cups of gravy, can be doubled or tripled

INGREDIENTS

Pan drippings from roast turkey, chicken, pork or 2 tablespoons butter or canola oil

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 1/2 cups hard cider

DIRECTIONS

Place the roasting pan on a large burner, taking care to remember it may be hot if it has come right out of the oven. If you have no drippings or want a vegetarian or vegan gravy, melt the butter or heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan.

Add the flour and whisk to combine with the drippings or butter or olive oil. If desired, keep whisking until the roux becomes light brown.

Pour the cider into the fat and flour mixture and whisk to combine. Bring to a simmer and continue to whisk and cook until the gravy thickens.

Pour through a strainer, if desired, to remove any lumps or bits that were stuck to the pan.

HARD CIDER BRAISED SAUSAGE AND CABBAGE

Serves 2

INGREDIENTS

4 sausages, meat or vegan, preferably a flavor choice that will work with cabbage and cider

2 tablespoons butter or canola oil, plus more if needed

1 medium onion, sliced into half-moons

1 1/2-2 pounds cabbage (green, red, or Savoy), core discarded, leaves shredded

1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided

A few grinds of pepper

Pinch ground nutmeg

2-3 whole allspice berries (optional)

3/4 cup hard cider

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 400 F.

Melt butter or heat olive oil in an ovenproof saute pan with an ap lid, or a Dutch oven would work, too. If using vegan sausages, check the package label for any instructions. Brown the sausages on all sides and remove to a plate.

Add more butter or oil if needed and add the onion and 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Saute until soft and translucent and beginning to brown. Add the cabbage and the remaining  teaspoon salt. If you need, add the cabbage in batches, adding more as the shreds wilt and soften.

Once the cabbage has fully cooked down, add the nutmeg, allspice berries and the cider. Scrape up any browned bits stuck to the pan.

Return the sausages to the pan, cover, and cook in the oven for 30 minutes, checking after about 15 minutes to make sure the liquid has not reduced too quickly. (If so, add more cider or some water.)

Serve with something to absorb the sauce, such as mashed potatoes.

HARD CIDER POTATO GRATIN

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 cups hard cider

4 ounces Cheddar cheese, shredded

1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided

Pinch white pepper or a few grinds of fresh pepper

Pinch ground nutmeg

2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, cut into -inch slices

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 350 F. Spray a gratin dish with cooking spray for easier cleanup.

Melt the butter in a medium saucepan. Add the flour and whisk to combine. Pour in the cider and continue to whisk until the roux and the cider are fully incorporated.

Add the shredded cheese and whisk until melted. Add  teaspoon salt, pepper, and nutmeg.

Arrange one layer of overlapping potato slices on the bottom of the gratin dish. Sprinkle with  teaspoon salt and pour over about  of the cider-cheese sauce. Repeat to make three layers of potatoes.

Bake for 1 hour and allow to cool 15 minutes before serving.
Part of General Electric Co.'s water treatment facility along the banks of the East Branch of the Housatonic River is seen from an area near Newell Street.
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Career timeline

1990: Elected as state senator representing Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire and Hamden counties at age 25. She served three terms and helped draft the 1993 Education Reform Act.

November 1998: Swift is elected lieutenant governor as Paul Celluccis running mate.

April 2001: After Cellucci was appointed Ambassador to Canada, Swift becomes acting governor, making her the first woman to perform the duties of governor in Massachusetts. At 36, she was the youngest female governor or acting governor in U.S. history.

March 2002: Five months after announcing her candidacy for a full term as governor, she withdraws under pressure after a Boston Herald poll showed Mitt Romney defeating her in a Republican primary by a 75 percent to 12 percent margin. Citing family reasons, she said, "I believe that this is in the best interest of our state, as it will allow the Republican Party's best chances of holding the governor's office in November." Three hours later, Romney announced his candidacy and went on to defeat Democrat Shannon O'Brien in the November general election.

2008: Swift campaigns in New Hampshire and Florida for Republican presidential candidate John McCain, whom she had endorsed a year earlier.

2023: Swift takes a new job in the nonprofit education policy field, continuing her post-political career path and stating that while she remains a Republican, shes supporting Nikki Haleys bid for the nomination as the 2024 Republican presidential candidate.
I dont know why they keep putting phone books in my mailbox or throwing them at my front door. There is absolutely zero excitement which wells up within me whenever I get a new updated phone book. Phone Book 2.0 isnt any more exciting than Phone Book 1.0.

When I discussed finding the gospel in 1 Chronicles, I noted that the beginning chapters are a bit like reading through a phone book. Its important information, but its really dry. Yet, we were able to discover that even there we can connect a few dots to see the beautiful gospel of Jesus  even in a genealogy filled with names we cant pronounce.

2 Chronicles (which was originally just combined with 1 Chronicles into one volume), thankfully doesnt begin with a long list of names. In 2 Chronicles we get right into the action  but just because it is action-packed doesnt mean we can easily see how it points to Jesus. How does this oft over-looked book in the OT point to Christ?

How Do You Find the Gospel in the Old Testament?

I suppose before understanding how to find the gospel in the OT, itd be helpful for us to define the gospel. The simplest definition is one given by JI Packer: God saves sinners. If youd like to put a bit more meat on your gospel presentation, I use two different frameworks with four points each. The first is GodManChristResponse. The second is more of a story: CreationFallRedemptionGlory.

The first presentation centers upon Gods character and how humanity fails to meet Gods holy standard, as such the judgment of God is upon us. But the good news is that Jesus Christ fixes this by fulfilling what is required through his life, death and resurrection. Our only fitting response, then, is to respond to Him in repentance and faith. When this happens, we are united to Christ and his record becomes our record.

The second presentation centers upon the overarching story of the Bible. God lovingly created us to love Him and enjoy Him forever. We were made for rest, rule, and relationship. But we made shipwreck of this, and so rather than having the blessings of obedience we are under the curse of disobedience. Rather than having peace (rest), purpose (ruling), and healthy relationship we often experience the opposite. Ultimately, we are alienated from God. But thankfully God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to bear our curse and to fulfill what God intended for humanity. As such we now experience the blessings of Jesus obedience in our place. He restores the rest, rule, and relationship we were created to enjoy. Someday everything will be ultimately restored and we will live in a new heaven and a new earth.

We could write entire books focusing on these various themes of the gospel. But every gospel story follows this basic skeleton. No matter where you find yourself in the Old Testament (or the New Testament) you can find one of these various threads. Every place in Scripture is either telling you something about God, something about our rebellion, something about His rescue, or something about our future restoration. If you can spot this, then you can fill out the rest of the story.

How Do You Find the Gospel in 2 Chronicles?

1 Chronicles ends with the death of King David. Its quite the blow. What does this mean for the Messianic promises? Yet, we see that we arent without hope. Perhaps it will be another king, one through the line of David, that Israel will have her Rescuer. The first in line for this is King Solomon.

Unlike 1-2 Kings, whose stories are often rehashed in Chronicles, the focus of this book is on the Southern Kingdom of Israel. Those in the Northern Kingdom are left out of this history. The focus here is upon the good and bad kings of Judah and their blessings or curses. This provides a lesson for the current generation that is returning from exile. Will you pick up the mantle of the good kings and experience blessing or that of the bad kings and re-experience the curse?

The end of 2 Chronicles is odd. It ends with the proclamation of a pagan king, Cyrus, who has allowed the Jews to return to their land. What is most strange, however, is that the book ends on an incomplete sentence:

Whoever is among you of all his people, may the LORD his God be with him. Let him go up (2 Chronicles 36:23).

Up where? Why does the story come to such an abrupt stop? It is because the hope of the Chronicler  the final book of the Hebrew Old Testament  is still looking forward to the Messiah. It ends without a Davidic ruler on the throne. But it ends in hope. There is hope that another king is coming, who will lead out of a different exile. That is the only hope for going up.

Wouldnt it be amazing to read this ellipsis and then immediately read in the gospel of Matthew another genealogy, an extension of the line of King David, and then to read that this Son of David goes up out of the water of baptism and the Spirit descends like a dove? These stories are meant to be tied together. That incomplete sentence in 2 Chronicles is begging for a completion, its crying out for a deliverer, for one to complete the story, for one to be the true King. Jesus ends the sentence.

How Do You Find the Gospel in 2 Chronicles 7:14?

2 Chronicles 7:14 is an incredibly popular verse. Its often one of the 10 most shared verses in the Bible. We like to use it whenever were attempting to call our nation back to the Lord, or when were experiencing particular turmoil. But I would contend we almost always use this verse wrongly. It reads:

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

In 2 Chronicles, Solomon gets to build the temple which David didnt get to build. He asks for wisdom and gets it. It seems as if Solomon might be the deliverer. Solomon wants to know that the Lord is pleased, so he requests fire to come down from heaven. It does. There are many years between 2 Chronicles 7:10 and 7:11. By the time we get to verse 14 the temple has been finished.

Here God is using the same covenant language that was used with the Israelites in Deuteronomy. It outlines blessings and curses of obedience or disobedience. This is really the theme of Chronicles. As Stephen Dempster has said in Dominion and Dynasty:

After the judgment of the exile, the command to rebuild the temple is nothing less than a catalyst for the fulfillment of the prophetic hopesThe goal of the canon is clearly the great house of God, which is as inclusive as the globeBut this has to be understood in the dual sense of house, meaning dwelling and dynastyThe [Hebrew Bible] orients its readers to the future. As such the Story is unfinished. The long, dark night of exile awaits a sequel  the dawning of a new light that will radiate to the ends of the earth. (227)

We must ask, why is the Chronicler highlighting this prayer of Solomon and Gods response? Solomons temple had been destroyed. But now they are rebuilding. Would the same promises stand for this temple? The story of Solomon, connected with the aim of Chronicles, is to call the people back to this faithfulness. They are turning their face to the Lord; will He heal their land?

This is, then, a specific promise for a specific people. Yet, its a general principle that God will indeed respond when a nation (or individuals) turns to God and humble themselves.

Ultimately, this is a promise that is fulfilled in Christ. It wasnt about Solomons Temple and it wasnt about the Second Temple either. Both pointed to something greater  to Immanuel, God with us. Jesus is the ultimately fulfillment of these hopes. When we turn to Christ, we know that we can experience redemption. Not necessarily nationalistic healing but the forever redemption which comes through the kingdom of God.

Related articles

How Do We Find the Gospel in the Short Book of Obadiah?

How Do We Find the Gospel in Old Testament Book of Hosea?

Where Is the Gospel amidst the Laws of Deuteronomy?



Photo credit: SparrowStock
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LOBAMBA  Desperate job seekers are allegedly offering bribes to personnel of the Eswatini National Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services (ENFRES) during the ongoing recruitment exercise.

The personnel registered their concerns yesterday that they were being offered varying amounts. This was shared yesterday at Lobamba, where aspiring firefighters are undergoing a physical fitness test to be employed by the emergency services. The firefighters said they were receiving calls on end from some emaSwati, promising them money and cattle in exchange for jobs. They said they started receiving the offers on the first day of the recruitment exercise.

Parents

It was gathered from the fire personnel that parents of children were also involved in the bribery claims. As a result of the calls they received, some fire personnel said they had decided to switch off their cellphones to discourage the bribes. So determined were the job seekers that they sent parents to homes of the ENFRES senior officers. One of the ENFRES managers revealed that he almost arrived late at the King Mswati III International Airport to welcome back Her Majesty the Indlovukazi from her South Africa trip, due to one man who was demanding to see him. He said the man told him that he had already set aside two cows for him, provided he offered his child a job. I declined the offer and told the man never to do such a thing again. The man was so persistent but his efforts failed. As we speak, my cellphone is currently off as means to avoid the bribery phone calls, said the officer. Another ENFRES personnel said an aspiring firefighter came to his house one evening, asking for his help in securing a job as he was desperate. The officer wondered how the individual got to know where he resided.

Asleep

I was asleep on that day when I was informed that someone was looking for me. I was skeptical at first to open the door due to the increasing crime in our society. The person told me that his father wanted me to give his child a job and I would get a reward in the form of money for that, said another fire officer. The officer said he turned down the offer due to the consequences of committing corruption. He said he then advised the individual to tell his father to go to the ENFRES superiors and state his case. He said the same person never called him again; instead more new calls started coming in. Another fire officer said; I have just received a call from one parent requesting me to register her child who failed the five-kilometre run. The officer said he told the parent of the aspiring firefighter to stop calling him, because he was only assigned to monitor the recruitment exercise. Sesifile tincingo awati nje. Basitsembisa imali. Who said we are responsible for hiring people? We all know that there is job scarcity in the country, but what the parents are doing is totally wrong, said the officer.

Another fire officer said he had recently put one caller on loud speaker while in the presence of his superiors, as the caller tried to offer him money in exchange for a job for her children.

Superiors

She dropped the call after I informed her that she was on loudspeaker and my superiors were listening to the conversation, said the fire officer. The services Acting Divisional Officer Maurice Simelane confirmed that some fire personnel were receiving calls from people promising them many things for jobs. This is not the first time that desperate job seekers offered money for jobs as recently, some senators were accused of having paid MPs money to be elected.

Next

Meanwhile, aspiring firefighters came in numbers yesterday to try their luck. Many fell along the way, while a few made it to the next stage, were they faced each other in six exercises.

They were made to do various exercises, which included push-ups and ladder jack, which involves lifting the ladder up. Another exercise was climbing a 10.5-metre long ladder as well as a climbing a drill tower. They were also tested on horse lay, which is to unfold the horse pipe and quickly fold it back. They were also made to run while carrying two 25 litre containers of water. Within a minute, they had to do five laps of a 20 metre distance with the containers. It was gathered that six male aspiring firefighters were disqualified for cheating. One of the fire personnel revealed that they tried to force entry into the finishing line, despite them knowing that they did not take part in the five kilometre race. It was also noted that most female aspiring firefighters failed to lift up the ladder, resulting in an automatic disqualification.
Jem's Birding & Ringing Exploits in the Eastern Province and elsewhere in Saudi Arabia
Laughter is the best medicine, and Burger King South Africa prescribes it through smiles and affordable meals. In this time of 'electricity only when you're asleep' and a seemingly endless bout of 'mid-month blues', Burger King is bringing some much-needed joy and relief with their latest marketing campaign 'The Small Pleasures'.

While the economy might be doing its own funky dance, consumers can too  with a Burger King Value Meal thats big on taste and light on the wallet. In these turbulent times, Burger King is there to serve up a recipe for happiness.

Julia Ridderhof, strategist at Grey Advertising Africa, loves this campaign. She says: "The Small Pleasures campaign brilliantly captures the exceptional value you will get when you come to a Burger King. It reminds us that you can still indulge in life's simple joys amongst all the chaos  like enjoying a King Value meal that doesn't break the bank."

The campaign comes to life through a new TV commercial. Imagine an ordinary South African, fresh from a shopping spree, who suddenly can't find their car in the mall parking lot. Panic and anxiety start to creep in, only to be chased away by the realisation that they parked on a different level. It's like breaking Olympic records with fewer hurdles and more fries. Finding the car in question is the sweetest, smallest pleasure ever.

TJ Njozela, creative director at Grey Advertising Africa, explains: "Many South Africans are cash-strapped right now because the cost of living has gone up. It's becoming increasingly difficult to find small moments of joy in our challenging socio-economic landscape. This TVC shows how just a small pleasure can be a huge relief. That's how Burger King's King Value Meals offer people the opportunity to enjoy a small pleasure, despite our challenges, with a burger, drink, and fries from a small R39.90."

The Small Pleasures campaign focuses on providing customers with affordable and satisfying menu options that cater to their everyday financial challenges. According to Ezelna Jones, marketing executive at Burger King: The campaign aims to provide customers with a range of affordable menu items that deliver on taste, quality, and value for money. Through this campaign, Burger King South Africa hopes to establish itself as a leading provider of affordable and high-quality fast food options that caters to the needs of budget-conscious consumers.

Burger King  perfecting the flame-grilled Whopper since 1954.

Watch the television commercial:



To find out more about Grey Advertising Africa, visit https://www.grey.co.za or follow them on social media.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreyAfrica

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grey_wolfpack/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/GreyJHB

LinkedIn: https://za.linkedin.com/company/grey_za

Credits:

Louise Johnston: managing director

Glenn Jeffery: executive creative director

David Mthembu: creative director

TJ Njozela: creative director

Jayson Dicks: copywriter

Seth Beukes: senior art director

Brett David: business director

Anelisa Molose: account director

Ingrid Shellard: producer

Julia Ridderhof: strategy
Country Road opened the doors to its new V&A Waterfront store on 10 November. The store is targeting a 5-Star Green Star interior certification from the Green Building Council of South Africa, as the newly designed space is set to reimagine the luxury retail experience. If awarded, this prestigious rating showcases South African excellence in building healthy, environmentally responsible spaces.

Image supplied

The ethos of the Country Road brand is evident in every detail and resonates with the modern South African consumer. We worked on the concept with HMKM, a London-based firm, and in 2019, we opened our first flagship in Melbourne. We are very excited to open our first store of this concept in South Africa, where the concept is designed to reflect and take inspiration from the stunning Cape Town scenery, says Alicia Buffington, head of store design for Country Road Group.

Throughout the store, every consideration was given to ensure the store reflects Country Roads commitment to responsible design. Fixtures incorporate recycled plastics, carpets are made using recycled polyester yarn, upholstery is made using recycled wool, and a curated collection of furniture is sourced locally.

This project has been 12 months in the making, and we are very proud of what the team has been able to achieve, says Elle Roseby, managing director of Country Road.

On our journey towards sustainability, purpose is embedded in everything we do; From the way we design our products, source our materials, build our stores, and connect with our communities. Seeing the new Country Road store open in the V&A Waterfront, we know that this purpose has truly been brought to life in the most beautiful way.

The Country Road store at the V&A Waterfront is one of its largest stores at 993m2 trading, and the space was designed to enhance the experience of customers while celebrating the concept of sustainability in fit outs.

Our choice of materials focused highly on their inherent sustainability credentials, and we looked to source local materials, where possible. We included tiles that are locally manufactured, our flooring contains responsibly sourced timber and low-emission plywood, and the wall coverings contain a high percentage of post-consumer recycled materials. In addition, the lighting design is based on energy reduction and supplied and installed locally, Buffington adds.

Roy Bagattini, group CEO of Woolworths says this is an exciting milestone on a transformational path in sustainability advocacy which began over 50 years ago.

Country Roads new flagship store brings to life how we seek ways to do better and think bigger, to meet our aspiration of being one of the worlds most responsible retailers. Two years ago, we shared our new Good Business Journey strategy, which we call Vision 2025+, which outlined an ambitious set of sustainability goals for 2025 and beyond that have been designed to really stretch and challenge ourselves. For us, sustainability is not only about minimising and mitigating the negative impacts of what we collectively do; its about actively giving back more than we take, and is one of the biggest responsibilities of our time.
Mercedes-Benz South Africa (MBSA) has announced that it will be making an investment of R40m in South Africa to create additional electric vehicle charging stations across the country in collaboration with Chargify.

Source: Supplied

The Three-Pointed Star aims to build 127 charging stations in two phases. Phase 1 is scheduled to be completed by the end of the first quarter of 2024. Following this, Phase 2 is set to begin at the end of Q1 2024, with the goal of reaching completion ideally by the end of the same year.

During the first phase, R15m will be used to build 67 charging stations. In the second phase, an amount of R25m is earmarked for 60 stations, which will bring the total to 127.

When it comes to whether the stations will be AC or DC, co-CEO of Mercedes-Benz South Africa and executive director of Mercedes-Benz Cars, Mark Raine, told Bizcommunity that an 80/20 split has been allocated for Phase 1 with 80% of the chargers being AC and 20% being DC.

"Phase 2 will have a higher DC share relative to Phase 1. In terms of distribution, we have DC chargers installed and planned for across the country including Johannesburg, Pretoria, Bloemfontein, Mthatha, Richards Bay and the Kruger," Raine said.

MBSA said the stations will be built in strategic key areas in the country. These areas are the main routes between metropolitan areas, which include airports, shopping malls, restaurant hubs, private hospitals, strategic expansion sites, residential estates and small towns throughout South Africa.

Source: Supplied

"With this installation, an EV driver can now travel from Durban to Cape Town; Woodhill Estate and Country Club; Da Vinci Hotel in Sandton; Champagne Castle in Drakensberg; Highwaymans in Pilgrims Rest; Courtyard Sandton, and Silvermist Wine Estate.

"Other locations, such as Plettenberg Hotel, Wilderness Hotel, Swartberg Hotel in Prince Albert, and Karoo Junction Mall in Beaufort West to name a few are currently in the installation phase," MBSA said in a press statement. Other locations included on the planned grid are BT Ngebs Mall and Mayfair Hotel in Mthatha.

ESD programme and job creation

Raine said MBSA seeks to increase economic activity within the automotive supply chain and bring about transformation in the industry with this investment. "To this effect, Chargify works in partnership with local service providers to carry out installation work across all nine provinces. This contributes to locational job creation and community development," he said.

"The partnership with Chargify not only gives us the opportunity to grow the share of the local EV charging network but also reaffirms Mercedes-Benz South Africas ambition to expand its enterprise and supplier development (ESD) portfolio. Our ESD programme is aimed at making a real and lasting impact towards the transformation of the country through the creation of sustainable and meaningful jobs."

South Africa's most extensive EV public charging network

MBSA said it's actively working to build South Africa's most extensive EV public charging network along with Chargify.

"By fostering relationships with sites across the country and establishing professional partnerships, Chargify is contributing to the growth of this network. Mercedes-Benz South Africa and Chargify are creating a landscape of EV chargers to support the EV revolution and ensuring the network's smooth operation by collaborating with operational partners like GridCars. Notably, all Mercedes-Benz EQ customers will benefit from a 10% discount when charging via the Chargify network," the luxury carmaker said.
The education department wants to close Amanzi Primary School because it only has 114 learners.

Parents are putting up a fight to save Amanzi Primary School, located on a farm in Kariega. The Eastern Cape Department of Education wants to close the school because it only has 114 enrolled grade R to 7 learners and it is deemed small and unviable. But parents say numbers are increasing at the school.

According to the departments rationalisation programme, primary schools must have a minimum of 135 learners and secondary schools 200. A school closure however should not mean that learners have to travel for more than 45 minutes one way to a primary school and 75 minutes for a secondary school, given the distance to be travelled and the condition of the roads, the guidelines state.

In a letter to the school, education circuit manager Sebenzile Hoko said the department would meet parents to start the process of closure and merging your school.

But last week, at a meeting with district officials, parents flatly refused to accept the schools closure.

This is the only primary school on this farm and it is a beacon of hope, said parent Ntozakhe Tshazibane.

He said it was inspiring that two staff members had been students at the school 27 years ago.

In 2016, it had only 25 learners. But now, theyre 114. Thats growth. You cant stifle this growth, he said.

Parents fear that requiring learners to travel to town would lead to higher dropout rates and that their children are afraid to travel to urban areas.

School principal Buyiswa Qundele said this year the school had taken in 39 learners when Sindawonye Primary, about 19km away, was closed by the department.

We are now surprised and shocked by their new move, she said.

She said the 114 figure excluded seven more learners who do not have identity documents. I am trying my best to have the Department of Home Affairs assist, she said.

Eastern Cape education spokesperson Malibongwe Mtima said Amanzi was not the only school facing closure in Nelson Mandela Bay. This is a national policy that must be adhered to, he said.

Published originally on GroundUp.
HSBC plans sale of Mauritius retail and wealth businesses to Absa.

Source: Pexels The deal will solidify Absa's presence and influence in the retail banking sector in Mauritius.

The transaction will give Absa an even greater foothold in retail banking in Mauritius.

HSBC Holdings plc has reached an agreement to divest its wealth, retail, and business banking operations in Mauritius to Absa Group.

The deal encompasses assets and liabilities associated with approximately 38,000 customers.

The agreement is pending regulatory approval and anticipates completion in the third quarter of the upcoming year.

HSBC will maintain its service offerings to mid-size companies, large corporates headquartered in Mauritius, and local subsidiaries of international firms.
Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille will on Monday sign an agreement with Google, which will see the Ministry of Tourism and the digital platform collaborate on several areas of work. This is in line with the department's work of enhancing the use of technology to market South Africa's tourism offering.

Google search with generative AI recently expanded to South Africa.

De Lille will sign the agreement with Dr Alistair Mokoena, the country director for Google South Africa.

In an era of digital transformation, collaboration between technology giants and government entities has the potential to reshape industries and enhance public services. According to the Department of Tourism, the agreement will map the way to a visionary partnership between Google and the Ministry of Tourism, focusing on non-monetary exchanges to leverage each other's strengths for mutual benefit.

The primary goal of the partnership is to harness Google's technological expertise to support the Ministry of Tourism's efforts in promoting South Africa as a prime tourist destination. The partnership aims to facilitate knowledge sharing, skills development, and the use of digital tools to enhance tourism experiences and sustainability, the department said in a statement.

The areas of collaboration include digital skills training, culture and heritage sites promotion, and thought leadership.

By tapping into Google's technology through digital skills training and the sharing of insights, South Africa's industry, notably SMEs, can present their offerings in innovative ways, engaging potential tourists and inspiring them to explore the country."

The collaboration is in line with the goal of increasing international arrivals and growing domestic trips in South Africa. This in turn will help tourism businesses grow, help the countrys economic growth, and support job creation efforts, the department said.
Illegal mining, also known as artisanal mining (Zama Zamas), continues to pose a significant challenge for South Africa's mining industry. The issue has far-reaching economic, social, and environmental impacts. It costs the sector and national fiscus billions of rands each year, poses significant health and safety risks to those who participate in it, contributes to an increase in crime and illegal trade, and can contaminate precious natural environments.

Rudie Opperman. Source: Supplied

However, as technology and digital tools advance, theres an opportunity to deploy these solutions in the fight against illegal mining. Edge computing has a significant role to play. With the right implementation, it can enhance the effectiveness of anti-illegal mining efforts in the country.

South Africa regularly bears witness to the consequences of illegal mining. In July, it was reported that at least 17 people in a settlement in Gauteng had been killed after being poisoned in a gas leak, with the victims believed to be illegal miners. Though the cause of the recent Joburg explosion that took place on Wednesday 19 July has yet to be confirmed, the event highlighted the threat of illegal mining to the citys gas and pipeline infrastructure.

The advent of edge computing could be a meaningful change in this scenario. By processing data closer to the source, edge computing can provide real-time insights and responses, potentially allowing for quicker detection and prevention of illegal mining activities. This technological advancement could be the key to mitigating the impacts of illegal mining and ensuring the safety and sustainability of South Africas mining industry.

A breakthrough at the edge

Private industry players and public institutions have a responsibility to deploy the latest security innovations in combatting illegal mining. Edge computing represents an opportunity to achieve maximum insight from video surveillance without having to rely on 24/7 human surveillance or excessive protection measures for assets that are no longer valuable, such as sealed mines.

Edge analytics also allows for faster response times in the event of an incident, saving lives and positively contributing to an important sector.

Edge computing is a decentralised computing paradigm that brings data processing and computation closer to the source of data generation, typically at or near the edge of the network. In traditional cloud computing models, data is sent to centralised data centres for processing and analysis. Edge computing shifts this processing to local devices or edge servers, reducing the latency and bandwidth requirements associated with transmitting substantial amounts of data to the cloud.

By processing data locally, edge computing enhances the efficiency and performance of various applications. This is particularly useful in scenarios where real-time data analysis and quick decision-making are crucial, such as in mining operations.

Real-time data for ready responses

Because edge computing enables the processing of data closer to the source of collection, it could be extremely valuable for combatting illegal mining. By deploying edge devices, such as sensors and cameras, directly at mining sites or vulnerable areas, real-time data can be gathered and analysed on-site.

This instantaneous processing of data allows for immediate detection of unauthorised mining activities, preventing further damage and illegal extraction. Edge computing enables the processing of geospatial data collected from satellites and drones.

This data can be used to create detailed maps of mining areas, track changes in land use, and identify areas prone to illegal mining activities. The timely analysis of this geospatial data assists law enforcement agencies in planning targeted interventions.

Remote, but still reacting

Illegal mining often occurs in remote or hard-to-reach areas, making traditional surveillance and monitoring challenging. Edge computing solutions enable the deployment of advanced surveillance systems that can monitor remote locations effectively.

Real-time video analytics can identify suspicious activities and trigger immediate alerts to security personnel or relevant authorities. With the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, edge computing facilitates seamless communication and coordination between various sensors and devices.

Connected IoT-enabled devices such as seismic sensors, environmental monitors, and geolocation trackers enable authorities to gain valuable insights into potential illegal mining activities, including ground disturbances, unauthorised equipment usage, and irregular movement patterns

.

In remote areas with limited or unreliable internet connectivity, edge computing solutions can function in offline mode. This means that the data collected at mining sites can be processed and analysed locally without dependence on continuous internet access  critical with South Africas current power crisis.

Once a connection is available, the relevant data can be transmitted to central databases for further analysis and reporting.

Each incident is unique

Each illegal mining operation poses its own challenges. And, while its difficult to suggest a single solution, the advantage of edge computing in combatting illegal mining cannot be ignored. Its ability to process real-time data, facilitate enhanced surveillance, and integrate IoT devices enables more effective monitoring, detection, and prevention of these activities.

By leveraging edge computing solutions, authorities and mining companies can improve their response capabilities, mitigate environmental impacts, and protect valuable mineral resources from exploitation by unauthorised individuals or groups.

Edge analytics in network surveillance should be seen as a component of a holistic security strategy. Therefore, its important to work with expert product vendors to establish a scalable, edge-enabled ecosystem for long-term growth and increased efficiency.
MBABANE  A Standard Bank manager has been hauled to a disciplinary hearing because she allegedly promoted and supported sexual harassment.

The Manager Voice Branch, Xolile Ngwenya, is alleged to have committed the offences between April 2022 and January 2023. She is alleged to have intentionally failed and/or neglected to exercise her duty as the team leader of the Voice Branch and purportedly breached the banks values and code of ethics. This, Ngwenya is alleged to have done in that, by conduct and words, you promoted and supported sexual harassment within your team. The disciplinary enquiry dated October 3, 2023, by omission, Ngwenya allegedly failed to prevent and/or report the People and Culture claims of sexual harassment against the banks former employee, Vukani Dlamini, whom at the time, was employed by Standard Bank and purportedly sought sexual favours in return for promotions.

According to the disciplinary enquiry, the bank views the charge against Ngwenya very seriously. It states that she is entitled to have a representative of her choice at the hearing, who may be a fellow employee and to call witnesses that she may consider necessary. Ngwenya was also informed that in the event she failed to attend the enquiry without reasonable notice, the enquiry would proceed in her absence. The chairperson of the disciplinary hearing, Sikhumbuzo Simelane, ruled that the Swaziland Union of Financial Institutions and Allied Workers (SUFIAW) was not entitled to represent an employee in the hearing, because the latter is outside of the collective bargaining unit of the trade union.

Application

The chairperson also dismissed Ngwenyas application for legal representation. According to the chairperson, Ngwenya could still, if she so desired, continue to request other employees of the bank or any other local financial institution to represent her in the hearing. Ngwenya approached the Industrial Court on urgency, seeking a review and the court to set aside Simelanes ruling and that she be allowed legal representation in the disciplinary hearing. In the application in court, Ngwenya submitted that the allegations against her predominantly emanated from the year 2018, at the time when she had not been promoted to her current position. She said on October 16 and 18, 2023, she attended the disciplinary hearing in the company of SUFIAW Secretary General Jabu Shiba, who submitted and she (Ngwenya) applied to be represented by her at the disciplinary hearing.

Shiba is a union official and not an attorney, as such she had faith in her regarding representation at the disciplinary hearing. However, the chairperson of the hearing, pursuant to hearing their submissions when she applied to be represented by Shiba, dismissed the application to be represented by a union official. The chairperson also directed that Ngwenya should source representation from financial institutions in the country, an order she viewed as not being reasonable or well-reasoned. Ngwenya submitted that on October 26, 2023, pursuant to being ordered to look for representatives in other banking institutions in the kingdom, she returned to the hearing which had been scheduled to proceed at 2pm on the same date. She said she submitted the difficultly she faced in other banking sectors in detail, mainly the employees whom she approached complained that their primary allegiance was in rendering services for their employers.

Hence it is rather impossible to be away from work during working hours just so to represent an employee working for a competing banking institution when they themselves have duties to discharge and targets set for them to attain daily and monthly, said Ngwenya. The disciplinary hearing was postponed to November 7, 2023, whereupon again, she applied for external representation, in particular by a lawyer, whose primary work was mainly to represent clients. Further, she submitted that her charges were of a serious nature, embarrassing, confusing, complex and legalistic. She pointed out that sexual harassment was a crime and as such she was advised it had certain legal elements which personally she did not know and could never comprehend in haste.

Dismissing

Ngwenya argued that Simelanes ruling dismissing her application for legal representation, and that she could still, if she so desired, request other employees of the bank or of any other local financial institution to represent her in the hearing, necessitated that she approached the court urgently. She argued that this was more so because there was no other way in which the purported miscarriage of justice that is peculiar and or exceptional in her case could be ameliorated and averted. The exceptional circumstances in my case is that I am being denied a reasonable right to at the very least have a representative at the hearing by a setting impossible conditions of acquiring services of a representative as pointed in the order. These bases warranted that this honourable court intervened in the incomplete disciplinary hearing to avert the miscarriage of justice in me being denied a right to be represented through being given impossible conditions of obtaining one (seeking external representation from other banking institutions). Ngwenya averred that prior to the issuance of the ruling, her attorney extended courtesy to the bank on her behalf. She said her attorney wrote a correspondence to the bank requesting that the issue of her representation be reasoned.

Proposition

He made a proposition to the effect that, either a union representative represents me or I be allowed to be represented by a lawyer and the bank as well be represented by one of its in-house pool vastly experienced lawyers in its legal department or they can appoint from outside. I should state that at first respondents (bank) legal department there are well experienced attorneys who have had experience in the practice of law and who appeared in all courts in the country for years prior to joining the bank in the legal department, hence there are competent individuals who can adequately represent the bank as initiators against my attorney, argued Ngwenya. Standard Bank had filed a notice to oppose the application. However, when the matter was heard on Friday, Ngwenya was granted her prayers by consent of the parties and the matter was settled. Ngwenya was represented by Meluleki Ndlangamandla of MLK Ndlangamandla Attorneys while Derrick Jele appeared for the respondent.
Newsom on Xis visit: I know folks say, Oh, theyre just cleaning up this place because all these fancy leaders are coming into town. Thats true because its true.

NEW - Newsom on Xi's visit: "I know folks say, 'Oh, they're just cleaning up this place because all these fancy leaders are coming into town.' That's true because it's true."pic.twitter.com/qxp8UXZUuW  Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) November 13, 2023

Via: Daily Mail:

San Francisco has frantically cleaned up its act, booted out the homeless and thrown up security barriers ahead of Chinese president Xi Jinpings visit.

Xi is set to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in the Bay Area where he will meet President Joe Biden for the first time in over a year.

The Democrat-run city has erected steel security walls in the downtown area and booted out the vagrant tent-dwellers for the Communist rulers visit.

Biden, like his San Francisco liberal allies, campaigned heavily against walls, in particular Donald Trumps barrier at the US/Mexico border. San Francisco-based Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi and former mayor and current California Governor Gavin Newsom have also slammed the notion of walls.

But photos showed central roads surrounded by steel barriers and sidewalks cleared of homeless people as the lawless city cleans up its act ahead of the visit by Xi  after Chinese propaganda likened the fentanyl-infested metropolis to hell.
Al Salam Bank has partnered with Solidarity Bahrain to launch Al Salam Takaful, a comprehensive Shari'a-compliant insurance package.

Individuals will be able to benefit from fire, auto, travel, domestic helper, pleasure craft, personal accident insurance, group medical health for families, while corporations, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) will be provided with Takaful coverage for office comprehensive, performance bond, marine, and group medical insurance.

Al Salam Takaful product falls under the umbrella of Al Salam Bank's partnership with Solidarity Bahrain. The launch ceremony took place at the bank's headquarters, in the presence of Al Salam Bank's Board of Directors, Ashraf Bseisu - Group Chief Executive of Solidarity Group Holding, Jawad Mohammed - Chief Executive Officer of Solidarity Bahrain, and a number of Executive Management members from both institutions. The collaboration aims to strengthen the bank's efforts to become a one-stop-shop for all banking and Takaful products.

Financial portfolio

Mohammed Buhijji, Head of Retail Banking at Al Salam Bank, said: "With the exponential growth of our financial portfolio and client base since the acquisition of Ithmaar Bank's consumer banking business and a selection of assets from Ithmaar Holding, including 55.91% ownership in Solidarity Bahrain's intermediate parent, of Solidarity Group Holding BSC (c), Al Salam Bank offers innovative banking solutions, including a streamlined digital onboarding process through our Self-Service Kiosks.

We will continue to develop partnership opportunities between Al Salam Bank and Solidarity Bahrain to deliver innovative financial digital solutions that support environmental sustainability as part of our digital transformation strategy and the objectives of the Economic Vision 2030."

Buhijji further added: "We at Al Salam Bank are committed to meeting the needs of our client base. As such, we have launched 'Al Salam Takaful', which offers a full suite of Shari'a-compliant insurance products. This initiative will further support our ongoing efforts to position the Bank as a one-stop-shop for all banking and Takaful products. Clients and individuals interested in applying for a Shari'a-compliant insurance policy can complete the process instantly through the Self-Service Kiosks, by contacting the call center, or by visiting any branch."

Mohammed said: "We have attained remarkable milestones in our collaborative project with Al Salam Bank that is aimed at delivering a diverse range of Takaful Products, through the various platforms of Al Salam Bank as we continuously strive to enhance our customers' experience to foster the unwavering trust among all our stakeholders."--TradeArabia News Service
Bahrain's Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA) met the top officials of Saudi Arabias Digital Government Authority to discuss potential collaboration during the 7th meeting of the GCC eGovernment Ministerial Committee, held recently in Oman.

iGA Chief Executive Mohammed Ali Al Qaed held talks with the Governor of Saudi Arabias Digital Government Authority, Engineer Ahmed bin Mohammed Alsuwaiyan on the sidelines of the meeting.

Al Qaed praised the strong ties between the two kingdoms, highlighting Saudi Arabia's efforts in advancing information and communication technology (ICT).

He also acknowledged the Digital Government Authority's role in implementing strategies and advanced technologies for the digital transformation of government services, wishing Saudi Arabia continued success.

Al Qaed also shared details about Bahrain eGovernment initiatives, national projects and digital transformation, underscoring the importance of strengthening technical cooperation.

The Governor commended the iGAs digital transformation efforts and its implementation of digital policies in Bahrain's government sector.

He later extended an invite for Al Qaed to join a high-level discussion at the Digital Government Forum in Riyadh next month to be held from December 19 to 20.

The forum serves as a platform for Bahrain to showcase its pioneering experience in digital transformation and meet with experts and decision-makers in digital government, both locally and internationally.-TradeArabia News Service
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Sharakah, Oman's premier SME development company, has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering an ecosystem rich with opportunities for local manufacturers and industrial projects.

With 25 years and more of experience in SME development, Sharakah stands as a beacon of support for entrepreneurs, offering services such as equity financing, loans and development programmes that enhance entrepreneurial skills.

It provides tools for risk assessment, performance tracking, and facilitates global market integration, thus enriching Oman's SME ecosystem.

Sustainable sectors

Underpinning its strategy, Sharakah is also venturing into new sustainable sectors such as renewable energy, In-Country Value projects, and ICT. These sectors are identified as pivotal for the sustainable growth of SMEs in the sultanate.

Ali Ahmed Muqaibal, CEO of Sharakah, said: Aligned with the 2040 Industrial Strategy, Oman is honing its focus on sectors that are knowledge-based, rely on natural resources, or are capital-intensive. The strategy envisages a paradigm shift to an economy bolstered by diverse and technologically advanced industries.

The nation's industrial vision includes embracing Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies to empower factories and the conceptualization of green industrial and smart cities. These steps are set to redefine the manufacturing environment, making it more sustainable, efficient, and competitive on a global scale.

Emphasising the necessity for SMEs to be competitive and resilient in the global market he said: We are pleased to offer our strategic support on building the capacity and capability of SMEs in Oman, ensuring our commitment to facilitating innovative funding solutions and build our corporate partnerships and programmes to contribute in rejuvenating Omans manufacturing and industrial sector and initiate an era of industrial growth and innovation.--TradeArabia News Service
A legal executive for former solicitor Michael Lynn has told his trial she signed another solicitor's name on undertakings at his instruction, because there was fear there and she was under horrendous pressure at the time.

Mr Lynn (55), of Millbrook Court, Redcross, Co Wicklow is on trial accused of the theft of around 27 million from seven financial institutions. He has pleaded not guilty to 21 counts of theft in Dublin between October 23rd, 2006 and April 20th, 2007.

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It is the prosecutions case that Mr Lynn obtained multiple mortgages on the same properties, in a situation where banks were unaware that other institutions were also providing finance.

The financial institutions involved are Bank of Ireland, National Irish Bank (later known as Danske Bank), Irish Life and Permanent, Ulster Bank, ACC Bank, Bank of Scotland Ireland and Irish Nationwide Building Society (INBS).

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On Tuesday, former legal executive with Michael Lynn & Co solicitors Liz Doyle, gave evidence. She told John Berry BL, prosecuting, that she worked as a legal executive in the firm.

Huge pressure

Ms Doyle told the trial there was huge pressure in the office. There was never a day where you could switch off, she said. You were on call 24/7. Constant phone calls, constant emails. It was difficult.

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Ms Doyle was brought through a mix of documents, including statements of affairs and solicitor's undertakings. In a number of these, she agreed that she signed the name Fiona McAleenan. Ms McAleenan was a solicitor in the practice at the time.

Ms Doyle said she signed Ms McAleenan's name at the instruction of Mr Lynn. She said he told her he had spoken with Ms McAleenan and Ms McAleenan had authorised Ms Doyle to sign her signature.

Ms Doyle said she also signed Kinsella Mitchell and Associates' signature, again at the instruction of Mr Lynn. Kinsella Mitchell and Associates were auditors for Michael Lynn and Co solicitors.

Ms Doyle said she did not apply the Kinsella Mitchell stamp to those same documents and did not know who did. The court has heard evidence from John Kinsella that the stamp used was not his company stamp.

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When asked by Mr Berry why she signed Kinsella Mitchell, Ms Doyle said, because I followed Mr Lynn's instructions. When asked why she followed instructions, she replied: Because there was a fear there at this stage, so I followed his instructions.

The pressure in the office was absolutely horrendous at that time, she said. We were working long hours from early morning to late evenings and the pressure was still there when you got home. It was just huge pressure.

Documents

Ms Doyle was also shown a document that was sent to Irish Nationwide Building Society (INBS) with the letterhead 'Fiona McAleenan Solicitors'. Ms Doyle agreed she signed the letter in Ms McAleenan's name.

She said Mr Lynn presented her with the letterhead. I wasn't too happy to be honest, because I knew it wasn't correct, she said. I sent it on the instruction of Mr Lynn.

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Ms Doyle told the trial she was struggling at the time. She said her husband's business collapsed in 2006 and there was pressure there.

The couple had a mortgage on their family home in Maynooth and Ms Doyle said they re-mortgaged a property they owned in Cabra to put money into the business. They then took out another loan of 600,000 to pay their mortgages.

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Ms Doyle agreed with prosecution counsel that she knew what she was doing in relation to signing the documents was wrong.

When asked again why she did it, she said she had already explained the pressure she was under. I was running on empty, she said. I was under huge pressure and I signed them.

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Cross-examining Ms Doyle, Paul Comiskey O'Keeffe BL, defending, said Mr Lynn does not accept he instructed you to put Fiona McAleenan's signature on any document. Ms Doyle disagreed.

He put it to Ms Doyle that there was a culture in the firm where people were signing each other's names on documents. Ms Doyle said she couldn't recall.

Mr Comiskey O'Keeffe put it to Ms Doyle that she said the reason she signed the documents was because of the pressure and that she also threw in something about being afraid of Mr Lynn.

Defence counsel noted Ms Doyle had also said she believed she had Ms McAleenan's permission to sign her signature.

So the pressure, the horrendous pressure as you said repeatedly, can't have been the reason you signed it, Mr Comiskey O'Keeffe said, later adding: They can't both be true. Ms Doyle did not accept this.

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She agreed she never mentioned to Ms McAleenan that she was signing her signature.

Properties

Ms Doyle agreed that three of her family members worked for Mr Lynn and that he sang at her wedding. She said she earned a good salary but disputed the defence's submission that it was 95,000 per annum including bonus. She said that as well as the homes in Maynooth and Cabra at that time, she also had a property in Kilcock.

She agreed with defence counsel that she paid a deposit on an apartment in Portugal and a deposit on a further two apartments in Budapest, but that she pulled out of the sales and received the deposits back. She denied that she had a 4x4 Jeep that she drove at weekends, saying they had a family carrier.

She said after the High Court froze Mr Lynn's assets; she had 600,000 in loan monies in the company's client account. She agreed she was entitled to this money and that she received money from the Law Society compensation fund, but said she couldn't recall the figure.

She said she did not recall making a claim from the Solicitor Mutual Defence Fund, as she said in a statement to gardai, saying she probably meant the compensation fund. My husband dealt with all that, I was unwell at the time, she told the court.

The court heard that Irish Life And Permanent took a civil case against Ms Doyle and Ms McAleenan, during which Ms McAleenan alleged Ms Doyle was part and parcel of the fraud perpetuated by Mr Lynn, Mr Comiskey O'Keeffe said.

I can't recall, Ms Doyle replied. She agreed she does not accept those allegations.

The trial continues before Judge Martin Nolan and the jury.
A Limerick farmer has launched a High Court case in a bid to challenge permission for the expansion of facilities at a nearby factory over concerns about alleged stormwater discharge by it and others operating at the same industrial estate.

Tom Ryan says his farm at Ballynoe, Mungret, has always frequently flooded due to water levels in the nearby Barnakyle River which, he claims, has increased outflow due to stormwater discharged into a feeder canal from Raheen Industrial Estate.

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Following prompting by him, he alleges, Limerick City and County Council, the Environmental Protection Agency and IDA (Investment Development Agency) Ireland, which manages the industrial estate, began to investigate the water quality.

They have established there are pollutants discharging into Loughmore Canal but have not yet established who is responsible for this, he claims.

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Mr Ryans High Court judicial review has been brought over An Bord Pleanalas grant of permission in September to major US chipmaker Analog Devices International for the construction of a liquid hydrogen storage tank, alterations to equipment and associated works at Ballynoe Road in the industrial park.

He is also challenging the boards approval last August for significant extensions by Analog at the same site.

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Analog announced last May that it will invest 630 million in its research and development manufacturing plant in Limerick, creating 600 local jobs.

A few years ago, Mr Ryan says, he became concerned about the quality of water discharging onto his lands during flooding periods, as he noticed a whitish residue and his cattle getting sick.

Some of his herd developed growths on their faces, could not eat, and had to be put down, he says.

The vet was unable to identify the cause, but Mr Ryan says he believes it was due to alleged discharges from the industrial estate.

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Both permissions to Analog are invalid, he claims, because the board misdirected itself in law as to whether an environmental impact assessment was required in considering part of the developments effects or the cumulative effects of these works together with other developments in the area.

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There is a further invalidation to the expansion approval due to the boards belief that monitoring of stormwater discharge under an integrated pollution control licence worked as a mitigation measure that would avoid adverse effects on the integrity of the Shannon Estuary special protection area.

He alleges the board failed to have proper regard to the local development plan when making its decision on the expansion.

Mr Ryans case was entered into the High Courts commercial planning and environmental list this week.

On the application of his senior counsel, James Devlin, instructed by FP Logue solicitor Eoin Brady, Mr Ryan also secured permission from Mr Justice Richard Humphreys to pursue his claim against An Bord Pleanala and various State parties, who were not opposed to the case entering the fast-track list.

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The EPA, a notice party in the case, was also neutral on entry to the list, its solicitor, Rory Ferguson of Fieldfisher, told the court.

There was no answer in court from Analog, IDA Ireland or the local council, which are also notice parties.

In a sworn statement, Mr Ryan says flooding of his lands has always occurred, and the Office of Public Works carries out an arterial drainage scheme in the area.

However, alleged discharge from the industrial estate entering a nearby canal, which eventually feeds into the Barnakyle River, has led to an increase in outflow and renewed flooding, he alleges.

He now believes the alleged discharges from the industrial estate are damaging his cattle, lands and livelihood and should be properly assessed before planning permission for new developments at the estate is granted.

He says he has spent many years trying to get the issue of water pollution addressed by the appropriate authorities to no avail.

He is not against development at the industrial estate, having seen the benefits employment there has brought.

The case will return to court in two weeks.
There is a massively urgent need for investment in flood defences in Downpatrick after a crack has appeared in the Quoile Bridge, a local MLA has said.

Patrick Brown, Alliance MLA for South Down, and Sinn Fein MP Chris Hazzard both visited the historic bridge on Monday where the damage had been discovered.

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Downpatrick was one of a number of towns in the North badly impacted by flooding following bouts of heavy rain last week.

Part of the bridge has come away from the road after heavy flooding in recent weeks (PA)

Businesses in the main street of the town were under several feet of water for days after the River Quoile burst its banks.

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On Monday, the Quoile Bridge, connecting Downpatrick to Killyleagh, was closed after a crack appeared between the wall and road surface of the bridge, and a stone on one of the pillars became dislodged.

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Mr Brown said the damage to the bridge is thought to have been caused by pressure from recent flooding.

We believe that this may be linked to the recent impact of the floods from a build up of debris and toxic sludge and the pressure of the water behind that, actually causing part of the wall to pop out because of pressure at the bottom of the structure, he said.

As a result, the road has been closed since this morning and will likely remain closed for the foreseeable future until we can try and get to grips with the scale of the damage here.

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Alliance MLA Patrick Brown at Quoile Bridge on the Killyleagh Road on the outskirts of Downpatrick (PA)

There has not been a devolved government in Northern Ireland for over a year due to the DUP's ongoing boycott of power-sharing institutions in protest against post-Brexit trading arrangements.

In the absence of an executive and assembly, Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris reallocated 15 million (17.2 million) of funding to allow emergency grants of 7,500 to be given out and for a rate relief scheme to be put in place for businesses impacted by floods.

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Mr Brown said despite the emergency funding, the need for long-term investment is massively urgent.

Weve got the 15 million there, a substantial chunk of that will be going towards supporting businesses in Downpatrick, he said.

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But we cant forget about the need to invest in our infrastructure urgently as well. This cannot be put on the long finger, it cannot be forgotten about because of the lack of a minister and an executive.

This needs to be done now to protect livelihoods, to protect people and businesses in Downpatrick and indeed in other parts of Northern Ireland as well.

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An arrow points to a spot where part of the bridge has come away from the road (PA)

Mr Brown said the large volume of traffic on the Quoile bridge, which is hundreds of years old, may have contributed to the structural damage, but that work would need to be done to both the bridge and the river to protect Downpatrick from future flooding.

There is a substantial need to invest in trying to potentially widen the bridge to make it fit for purpose in the longer term, and also the wider issue around flood defences and protecting and cleaning up the river as well so that we dont see this build up of toxic sludge and debris, just literally choking the river and causing this pressure, he said.

He added: The fact is that just because a flood happened last week, doesnt mean one cant happen again next week, whilst were still in a serious situation of not having adequate flood defences.

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Mr Hazzard said the damage to the bridge so soon after Downpatrick was flooded highlights the urgent need for review and investigation.

For this to happen it really shows you the need now for the departments to urgently get to the review stage, he said.

Sinn Fein MP Chris Hazzard at the edge of the River Quoile (Claudia Savage/PA)

Were meeting with the head of the civil service tomorrow at Stormont Castle to start to begin that process to find out, are the departments like DFI rivers for example, are they now doing the investigations to identify what has caused this and what we now need to do to make sure it doesnt happen again.

And that has been brought into sharp focus today, by the structural damage done to the Quoile Bridge.

Again, were going to have a situation where key strategic routes are closed. Thats not good for local businesses and its not good for local ratepayers as well.

Mr Hazzard said there had been an underinvestment in public infrastructure.

If you take, for example, for the last 13 years under a Tory administration in London, our public services here have been absolutely hammered by austerity, he said.

Peter Mullan, a Downpatrick resident, said that a lack of maintenance to the bridge and river had put his home in jeopardy (Claudia Savage/PA)

Theres billions of pounds have went out of the Stormont block grant, that has meant that departments have not been able to spend the money they have.

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So thats the sort of thing we need to see changed and thats some of the message we will be giving to the head of the civil service tomorrow.

Peter Mullan is a Downpatrick resident who lives a short distance from the bridge.

Mr Mullan said that his home had been badly damaged during floods, and that a lack of maintenance to the bridge and river had put his home in jeopardy.

It ended up with my entire house was under two inches or more of water, just enough to completely destroy the furniture in my lounge, all my downstairs carpets, all my wood floors in my kitchen, the new wood floors in the rest of my downstairs and also the new wooden doors that I had fitted just a matter of a few months ago, theyre destroyed with water coming up the bottom edge.

So I feel very strongly that this bridge and this river should have been maintained better, and because it hasnt been maintained properly I personally have suffered.

Flooding in the streets of Downpatrick at the beginning of November (PA)

Storm Debi has seen strong winds hit the North, but has not led to flooding as severe as that which has been seen in the Republic.

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Mr Mullan said there was a certain amount of anxiety that came with listening to the weather forecasts in the run-up to Storm Debi so soon after his area was so badly affected.
The Tanaiste has said the government will leave no stone unturned in their efforts to return an Irish-Israeli girl to her family.

Emily Hand, eight, was initially thought to be dead in the aftermath of the attack on Israeli citizens on October 7th, but recent information indicates that she is now feared kidnapped to Gaza.

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Tanaiste and Foreign Affairs Minister Micheal Martin met Emilys father Tom in Dublin on Tuesday afternoon.

Everyone in Ireland feels the deepest sympathy for Thomas and all the Hand family, given the horrific and traumatic ordeal they are currently experiencing, he said.

Thomas and Natali Hand during a press conference for families of hostages feared taken in Gaza. Photo: Norma Burke/PA.

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Emily will turn nine on Friday This brilliant and talented young girl needs to be returned to her family immediately.

My department will leave no stone unturned in pursuing that outcome.

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He added: We have been engaging intensively internationally through political, official and security channels in a bid to secure Emilys safe return.

Later this week, I will be raising Emilys case in all appropriate meetings during my visit to Israel, Egypt and the occupied Palestinian territory.

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All our thoughts are with Emily and her family at this profoundly difficult time. All hostages in Gaza should be released immediately and unconditionally.

Thomas Hand during a press conference at Israels embassy in Dublin. Photo: Norma Burke/PA.

Speaking on RTE Radio, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said it was important not to forget Emilys case.

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The Taoiseach said he met the Israeli ambassador to Ireland Dana Erlich about Irish citizens who wished to leave Gaza and was told that it is not the case that Israel is refusing to let Irish citizens leave.

Im very conscious that we have citizens in Gaza, Im very conscious that theres a young Irish girl, nine years old this week, Emily Hand, who is being held by Hamas as a hostage in Gaza, lets not forget her, he told RTE Radio.

Very conscious that we have 400 Irish troops on the Israeli border in Golan, in southern Lebanon. Their safety is paramount to me and in everything we do and say, were bearing all of those things very much in mind.

He said that the situation in Gaza is deteriorating rapidly, and a ceasefire should be put in place and adhered to by all sides.

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He said that Hamas cannot be blamed for violence in the West Bank, which he said was significant that it had been raised as an issue by British PM Rishi Sunak, an ally of Israel.

He said Ireland would not change its position in calling for a humanitarian ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The core of the problem with RTE lies outside the station, union spokesperson Emma OKelly has said.

Her comments come ahead of the publication of the organisation's new strategic vision later on Tuesday, which includes a plan to reduce the workforce at the national broadcaster by up to 400 by 2028.

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Details of the plan were leaked on Monday before they could be revealed to staff at a meeting.

The Government was doing RTE and its staff a disservice by staying silent on the subject, Ms O'Kelly told RTE radios Today with Claire Byrne.

Although she had not yet seen the full proposals, from what had been reported the picture was bleak, she said.

"A smaller RTE, more privatisation, pushing some sections into the private sector.

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Things that are currently done in-house by people who have decent jobs because we fought for them to be decent jobs, who get maternity leave, who get holiday pay, who can get mortgage approval.

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"The talk is of increasing the numbers of programmes being made outside RTE. Now, I'm not sure if it's to be 50 percent or by 50 percent.

"We need clarification on that. But this is exactly as I expected - slash jobs in order to farm them out to the private sector and public money to sustain a gig economy where, as I say, people would be working from gig to gig with no security and none of those rights and entitlements.

Ms OKelly said she wanted to hear from politicians, and she wanted to hear from the public. What kind of RTE did they want? What kind of arts and culture coverage? What about the Irish language?

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The Government had disgracefully remained completely silent on the issue of the future funding model for RTE.

So the core of this problem goes outside RTE, and it needs to be discussed outside RTE by the Government. We need to hear from them. We need to hear their vision and also by the public. I want to hear what the public has to say.

Strategic vision

Earlier, the group secretary for the RTE trade union group expressed disappointment at the way in which staff found out details of the director generals plans for the future of RTE.

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Cearbhall O Siochain said it was very disappointing to find out about RTE's reform plans through leaks to the media.

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It comes as another gut punch to an already winded staff. Physically, its sickening to read about it in the media before you're told by your own employer.

We haven't seen the plan and we're waiting to hear a lot more than what was leaked yesterday, he told RTEs Morning Ireland.

The unions will have a meeting with Mr Bakhurst on Tuesday at which they hope to see the full document, which was the first step and would require full discussion with staff, said Mr O Siochain.

According to reports, the proposal includes plans for 400 redundancies, or about 20 per cent of the workforce, which was a tall order, he said.

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You're talking 100 jobs a year on average over the course of this plan.

We have already experienced a certain level of staff shortages. RTE is already stretched in many areas. Reorganisation and redundancies will impact on those who remain carrying an extra burden, filling in the gaps, plugging the holes.

Mr O Siochain said he did not think that privatising up to 50 percent of output would be a good thing for a public broadcaster. That has implications for our colleagues throughout the organisation as well.

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Our staff are picking up the tab for poor governance and bad management by those who walked away on big money.

Mr O Siochain said the Government had a role to play in funding public broadcasting, and it was not acceptable for staff to be expected to pick up the tab.

Reform was not necessarily a bad thing, but it needed to be fair, he said.

Long-term solutions

Meanwhile, the head of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Ireland, Seamus Dooley, called on RTE management to provide assurances that the long-term interests of the station are at the heart of the solutions being proposed.

What we now want is to concentrate on the issue at hand, which is the redundancies. We're used to this kind of what I would call messing around. But this is important. This is the future of public service broadcasting in Ireland we're talking about, Mr Dooley told RTE radios Morning Ireland.

What we want to hear today is a sustainable plan for the future. I do not believe that 400 redundancies is the answer to all of these problems. The reality is that the crisis in our industry has been caused initially by the shattering of trust because of revelations of corporate governance failure.

But there is also a political failure to address the issue of funding. And the director generals plans are entirely dependent on political courage in relation to the funding of public service broadcasting. So what we would worry about is that there will be a series of principles announced, but want detail. We want an absolute assurance that the long term interests of RTE, the long-term interest of public service broadcasting, is at the heart of any proposal rather than some short-term plan to keep politicians on board.
A Stardust survivor who lost one of her best friends in the blaze, said it felt like she was trapped in the toilets for a lifetime and thought she was going to die as smoke filled the room before she and two others were rescued by firemen.

Another witness told the Dublin District Coroners Court jury how she began to pray after becoming trapped in the nightclub and was rescued by firemen at the moment she finished reciting the Lord's Prayer.

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The inquest heard evidence today from three witnesses who were trapped in various toilets in the complex on the night of the fire, which claimed the lives of 48 young people when it broke out in the early hours of Valentines Day 1981.

Deirdre Dames was 18 at the time and attended the Stardust with her good friend Margaret Kiernan (18), who lost her life in the blaze.

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She told the court she had been out dancing when one of her friends pointed out the fire and said they should leave.

Ms Dames was heading back towards Margaret and her other friends when the DJ made an announcement about a small fire and told everyone to head for the exits.

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The witness told Gemma McLoughlin Burke BL, a member of the coroners legal team, that a male friend grabbed her hand and said: Come on quick run. She said she was heading over to the table but when the lights went out, she lost him.

I couldnt breathe and I couldnt see, she said, explaining how she then crawled to the toilets on her hands and knees.

She said there were two people ahead of her in the toilets.

Atmosphere

Asked to describe the atmosphere in the room, Ms Dames said: It was mental, you couldnt see, you couldnt breathe. The chap was trying to put water onto our faces. I was getting sick, and I got weak so I put my head down the toilet, you know to try and get more water but nothing was coming out.

She said there was smoke in the toilets, and she kept saying get the windows open.

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There were people screaming outside to get us out and we kept saying we cant, we cant get out. We cant open the windows. They wont open. They wont open, explained the witness.

You could hear people outside screaming theyre in there, Jesus get them out, get them out but they couldnt do anything for us.

She said she could remember steel plates and bars on the window. Ms Dames told Brenda Campbell KC, representing the family of Margaret Kiernan, that the last time she saw her friend was on the dancefloor when they were all dancing together.

I said come on well get the last boogey in and I never saw her after that, said Ms Dames.

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She confirmed she and Margaret had been friends since primary school and lived in close proximity to each other.

Ms Dames said that as the smoke took hold in the toilets, you couldnt breathe, you just thought: Thats it, Jesus were gone.

She said at one point, someone opened the door and she said close that door fast because the fire was coming in.

The flames were coming right in on top of us, she said. It was either stay in there and choke or; I dont want to say the other word. We couldnt breathe.

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She said the man who was in the toilets put on the taps so they could try to get water into their mouths.

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I think the people outside were more hysterical than we were because they were trying their bestyou could hear them saying: Jesus get them out get them out.

Trapped in toilets

She said it felt like they were trapped in the toilets for a lifetime before the fire brigade came in and rescued them.

Louise Murray, 17 at the time, told the inquest today that she also ended up trapped in a toilet  located at the rear of the stage  for a time before she was rescued from the blaze.

Ms Murray described inhaling debris that felt like lumps of chewing gum, but hot and said she had no voice for a year after the fire. When it did come back it was like a broken microphone, she said.

She said she had been on the stage messing and still dancing before she noticed the fire.

Ms Murray said it looked small at first but when the shutter went up the blaze flew across the ceiling.

Ms Murray said the lights went out and there was a one room toilet at the back of the stage which she and others went into. She said she could see thick black smoke pouring in over the top of the door.

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She told how she came out of the toilet and turned right and ended up in the stars dressing room. She said there was also a toilet in this room, and she went in and lifted off the top of the cistern to get some relief from the heat.

Felt like an oven

You just felt like it was like an oven, she explained. She said everyone else tried to do the same and some of those present tried to put their head down the toilet bowl.

Ms Murray said she then came out of this toilet and picked up pints of beer which she kept swishing round her mouth to try and help because of the hot debris she was inhaling.

I was taking in deep breaths and Id scream, said Ms Murray. Eventually I kind of gave up hope.

She said after a while she thought of her family and friends and went into a kind of trance. Ms Murray said she started to pray and asked the others in the room to join in with the Our Father. She said that as soon as the prayer was finished, the door was kicked in and she could see a big white light as firemen came to bring them out of the building.

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She said she was given the kiss of life by a man outside and was then brought to hospital.

Breda Walsh, 19 at the time, told the inquest that after the fire was noticed, she ran into the gents toilet near the front door by mistake. I think we all thought we were going for the exit door but we were going for the toilet door, she said, adding there were about 18 people in the toilets at the time.

Everyone was screaming and there were people on the windows trying to pull the bars off, she said. She confirmed to counsel that there were also steel panels on the windows.

Ms Walsh said the smoke was coming in and one of the young men kept putting her face to a hole in the wall to get some air and taking turns himself to do the same.

She said she then fainted from the smoke and a short time later she was rescued by the fire brigade.

Evidence was also heard today from Helen Henby, who was in the company of Mary and Martina Keegan and Mary Kenny who all lost their lives in the blaze.

She confirmed to counsel at the inquest that she had also seen Michael Griffith, her next door neighbour, earlier in the night leaving the dancefloor. Mr Griffith also died in the fire.

Ms Henby told how she had been dancing with her four friends, Antoinette, Mary and Martina Keegan and Mary Kenny when the fire was noticed.

She said after they collected their bags the lights went out and people began running and screaming.

Debris falling

Ms Henby said she and her friends were all holding hands as they tried to make their way to an exit, but they became separated as the heat took hold, and she crawled under a table to get away from debris falling from the ceiling.

She told Ms McLoughlin Burke that the lights went out and after that it was just madness.

We were holding onto each other, everyone was screaming and the heat was just too much. All I remember is thick black smoke; it crowded over us.

She said some of the debris falling from the ceiling was glowing with fire, the smoke was dense and people were falling over each other and screaming.

Ms Henby said she crawled out from under the table and was lying on the floor. I thought I was dead. I just lay there, she said.

She said as she was lying on the ground in an area around exit five someone came and pulled her out.

Ms Henby said she had suffered third degree burns all over her body as well as burns to her head for which she had undergone several operations. She said she spent four months in hospital after the fire.

Evidence was also heard today from Joseph OReilly and David Mulligan who gave separate accounts of attempting to leave through the front door, exit two. The two men said they were hampered by the large crowds pushing towards the main entrance.

The two men both gave accounts of witnessing a bouncer kicking open a door to a passageway which led to the Lantern Rooms and said they escaped the building this way.

Mr Mulligan said he had decided to leave the Stardust at around 1.25am on the night of the fire and as he was getting his coat he saw a bouncer lead a girl who was crying to the door. He said the bouncer opened the door with a key, let the girl out and then locked the door again.

He told Ms McLoughlin Burke that as he was putting his coat on, he saw something flickering in the partitioned off area and thought it was a flashlight before the partition was lifted up and he realised it was a fire.

He said very quickly, stuff started dropping down from the ceiling that were the size of your hand.
Suella Braverman accused Rishi Sunak of being uncertain, weak and lacking in the qualities of leadership that this country needs as she said the Tories are running out of time and urgently need to change course.

The former home secretary, who was sacked by the British prime minister on Monday, issued a rallying cry to the partys right with a call for an authentic conservative agenda as she aimed a broadside at the Tory leader.

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Mrs Braverman, who claimed her support was pivotal for a Prime Minister with no personal mandate, accused Mr Sunak of betraying the country over key policy promises.

My letter to the Prime Minister pic.twitter.com/7OBzaZnxr2  Suella Braverman MP (@SuellaBraverman) November 14, 2023 Advertisement

In an incendiary resignation letter, Mrs Braverman:

 Said Mr Sunak has manifestly and repeatedly failed to deliver on key pledges;

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 Claimed he has relied on magical thinking rather than being prepared to do whatever it takes to stop small boat crossings of the English Channel; and

 Told Mr Sunak we have endured record election defeats and your resets have failed and we are running out of time.

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Mr Sunak sacked Mrs Braverman over the phone on Monday morning, clearing the way for a reshuffle which saw former prime minister David Cameron brought back into government as Foreign Secretary.

Mrs Braverman said being fired was disappointing but for the best as she aimed a series of blows at Mr Sunak.

The nail in her ministerial coffin may have been an unauthorised article for The Times in which she accused police of double standards because of the way pro-Palestinian mobs have been handled.

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She said she pushed Mr Sunak to legislate to ban the hate marches as Britain is at a turning point in our history and faces a threat of radicalisation and extremism in a way not seen for 20 years.

But she told him: I regret to say that your response has been uncertain, weak and lacking in the qualities of leadership that this country needs.

Mr Sunak became Tory leader in the aftermath of Liz Trusss disastrous and short-lived tenure without facing a vote of party members.

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Mrs Braverman indicated she did a deal with him to secure her support in October 2022  which she claimed he reneged on.

She said Mr Sunak was rejected by a majority of party members in the contest with Ms Truss but during his second campaign it is generally agreed that my support was a pivotal factor in him being installed as Tory leader and Prime Minister.

She agreed to back him because of firm assurances on cutting legal migration, inserting measures to override the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and the Human Rights Act on legislation to stop the boats, support for key pieces of Brexit legislation and the promise of unequivocal guidance to schools on protecting biological sex and safeguarding single-sex spaces.

You have manifestly and repeatedly failed to deliver on every single one of these key policies, she said, adding: I must surely conclude now, you never had any intention of keeping your promises.

Mrs Braverman, who backs leaving the ECHR, said that given his opposition to quitting the convention, Mr Sunak should have been prepared to block off the risk of human rights challenges to measures to curb migrant crossings.

Your rejection of this path was not merely a betrayal of our agreement, but a betrayal of your promise to the nation that you would do whatever it takes to stop the boats, she said.

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Ahead of Wednesdays Supreme Court ruling on the Rwanda migration plan, Mrs Braverman accused Mr Sunak of magical thinking  believing that you can will your way through this without upsetting polite opinion and of failing to prepare a plan B should the justices rule against the Government.

But even if the Government succeeds and the Rwanda plan is backed, Mrs Braverman said the compromises made by Mr Sunak over the small boats measures will mean a struggle to deliver it in the way the public expects.

With a general election expected next year, Mrs Braverman told Mr Sunak: Someone needs to be honest: your plan is not working, we have endured record election defeats, your resets have failed and we are running out of time. You need to change course urgently.

In a sign she will champion causes cherished by the partys right  and with a possible view to her own leadership ambitions  she said: I will, of course, continue to support the Government in pursuit of policies which align with an authentic conservative agenda.

A No 10 spokeswoman said: The prime minister believes in actions not words.

He is proud that this government has brought forward the toughest legislation to tackle illegal migration this country has seen and has subsequently reduced the number of boat crossings by a third this year. And whatever the outcome of the Supreme Court tomorrow, he will continue that work.

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The PM thanks the former home secretary for her service.

The Conservative Party is walking away from the coalition of voters who brought us into power with a large majority in 2019.



We remain committed to working for a Conservative victory at the next election by making the case for the realignment. Common sense for the Common Good. pic.twitter.com/CErlL738dI  The New Conservatives (@thenewcons) November 14, 2023

Mr Sunak was already facing anger from the right of the Tory party.

Miriam Cates and Danny Kruger, who co-chair the New Conservatives grouping of MPs, stressed their support for Mr Sunak but expressed deep disappointment that Downing Street has decided to give up on the voters Boris Johnson won over in the 2019 general election.

They said: Until yesterday, we held on to the hope that the government still believed in the realignment  that they would work to rebalance our economy, reorient our foreign policy, radically reduce migration and restore common sense in our schools and universities. That hope  the project of the realignment  has now dwindled.

In political terms, it appears the leadership has decided to abandon the voters who switched to us last time, sacrificing the seats we won from Labour in 2019 in the hope of shoring up support elsewhere.

Mr Sunak held his first post-reshuffle Cabinet meeting on Tuesday morning, hailing his strong and united team.
The German government has said it is granting a 7.5 billion euro (6.5 billion) loan guarantee to energy technology company Siemens Energy as part of a 15 billion euro (13 billion) package to help the firm, an important player in the transition to renewable energy sources.

Siemens Energy sought help from the government as it struggles with problems at its Gamesa wind energy subsidiary, including quality issues with previously installed wind turbines.

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The company said on October 26 that the strong growth in order intake, particularly in the former gas and power business areas, leads to a rising need of guarantees for long-term projects.

It said it was in talks with partners, including the government, to ensure access to guarantees to facilitate the anticipated strong growth.

The government held talks with Siemens Energy, industrial conglomerate Siemens AG  which spun off Siemens Energy in 2020 and retains a minority stake in the company  and with private banks.

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The Economy Ministry said on Tuesday that the governments precondition for helping was that all stakeholders participate appropriately in safeguarding the company.

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It said the outcome was a package of 15 billion euros in guarantee lines, of which private banks would provide 12 billion euros (10.4 billion) and with Siemens Energy securing the rest in negotiations with further stakeholders.

The government agreed to backstop the bank guarantees to the tune of 7.5 billion euros.

In addition, Siemens Energy and Siemens AG plan to negotiate the sale of shares in a joint venture that would bring in about two billion euros (1.7 billion) for Siemens Energy, the ministry said.

Siemens Energy will not be able to offer a dividend or pay bonuses to its management while the measures are under way.
GFIU Launch a new e-Learning Workshop on Understanding the FATF Process

The Gibraltar Financial Intelligence Unit (GFIU) has launched its latest workshop on its online learning platform called e-Nexus.

The workshop, titled Understanding the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Process, is designed to provide professionals from both the public and the private sector with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of the FATF process.

e-Nexus is part of the GFIUs outreach progamme, Project Nexus, and was launched in October 2020. In January this year, it won the Best Project Achievement award as part of the Public Service Excellence and Improvement Awards. To find out more about e-Nexus, click on https://www.gfiu.gov.gi

The FATF is the global standard-setter for measures to fight money laundering and terrorist financing, and understanding the process is not only imperative but it ensures that professionals are better equipped for future assessments.

Minister for Justice, Nigel Feetham, visited the GFIU offices and had an opportunity to meet with the staff and see the e-Nexus system. His visit underscored the Government's recognition of the work being done by the GFIU and its support to the vital role financial intelligence plays to combat economic crime.

Director of the GFIU, Edgar Lopez, emphasised: e-Nexus workshops have transformed the way that we reach all professionals working in anti-money laundering and counter terrorist financing. In todays dynamic world, it is not only a convenient means of reaching out but its also a means for users to stay current with the demands of a rapidly changing threat landscape.

Minister Feetham expressed his appreciation and said: The GFIU continues to expand its outreach and engagement efforts, and I am pleased to see that e-Nexus is a powerful tool that can deliver essential information in an innovative and sustainable manner. I am very grateful for the work being done by the GFIU and I am confident that it remains committed to providing the necessary guidance and tools to professionals in the finance centre.
Palestinian authorities have called for a ceasefire to evacuate three dozen newborns and other patients trapped inside Gazas biggest hospital as Israeli forces battle Hamas in the streets just outside and seize more ground across northern Gaza.

For days the Israeli army has encircled Shifa Hospital, determined to seize the facility, which it says Hamas hides in and beneath to use civilians as shields for its main command base.

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Hospital staff and Hamas deny the claim.

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Meanwhile, hundreds of patients, staff and displaced people are trapped inside, with supplies dwindling and without electricity to run incubators and other life-saving equipment.

With refrigeration out for days, staff on Tuesday were digging a mass grave in the yard for more than 120 bodies in the mortuary, health officials said.

The stand-off at Shifa and other hospitals comes as Israeli forces control larger swathes of Gaza City and the surrounding northern part of the Gaza Strip, saying they are driving out and killing Hamas fighters.

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Israels defence minister Yoav Gallant said in a nationally televised press conference on Tuesday night that Hamas has lost control of northern Gaza and that Israel has made significant gains in Gaza City.

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But asked about the time frame for the war, Mr Gallant said: Were talking about long months, not a day or two.

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Israel has vowed to crush Hamas rule in Gaza after the militants October 7 surprise attack into Israel in which they killed some 1,200 people and dragged roughly 240 hostages back to Gaza.

But even as its troops control more of a devastated north Gaza, the Israeli government has acknowledged it does not know what it will do with the territory after Hamass defeat.

The onslaught  one of the worlds deadliest and most intense bombardments this century  has been disastrous for Gazas 2.3 million Palestinians.

More than 11,200 people, two-thirds of them women and minors, have been killed in Gaza, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry in Ramallah.

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About 2,700 people have been reported missing.

The ministrys count does not differentiate between civilian and militant deaths.

Almost the entire population of Gaza has squeezed into the southern two-thirds of the tiny territory, where conditions have been deteriorating even as bombardment there continues.

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A Palestinian baby wounded in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip is brought to a hospital in Deir al-Balah (Hatem Moussa/AP)

About 200,000 fled the north in recent days amid the intensifying fighting, the UN humanitarian office said on Tuesday.

Tens of thousands are believed to remain in the north.

Hamas released a video late on Monday showing one of the hostages, who identifies herself as 19-year-old Noa Marciano, before and after she was killed in what Hamas said was an Israeli strike.

The military later declared her a fallen soldier, without identifying a cause of death.

She is the first hostage confirmed to have died in captivity.

Four were released by Hamas and a fifth was rescued by Israeli forces.

Fighting has raged for days around Shifa Hospital, a complex several city streets across at the centre of Gaza City that has now turned into a cemetery, its director said in a statement.

The Health Ministry said 40 patients, including three babies, have died since Shifas emergency generator ran out of fuel on Saturday.



Families and friends of about 240 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza call for their return as they begin a five-day March for the Hostages from Tel Aviv to the Prime Ministers Office in Jerusalem, Israel (Ohad Zwigenberg/AP)

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Another 36 babies are at risk of dying because there is no power for incubators, according to the ministry.

The Israeli military said it had started an effort to transfer incubators to Shifa.

But they would be useless without electricity, said Christian Lindmeier, a spokesman for the World Health Organisation.

He said the only way to save the newborns was to move them out of Gaza.

Another hospital under siege or under attack is not a viable solution. Nowhere is safe in Gaza right now, Mr Lindmeier told The Associated Press.

He said an evacuation would require specialised equipment and a ceasefire along the route.



A wounded Palestinian boy arrives in the emergency room of the Shifa Hospital following Israeli air strikes on Gaza City, central Gaza Strip (Abed Khaled/AP)

The Health Ministry has proposed evacuating the hospital with the supervision of the International Committee of the Red Cross and transferring the patients to hospitals in Egypt, but has not received any response, ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qidra said.

While Israel says it is willing to allow staff and patients to evacuate, some Palestinians who have made it out say Israeli forces have fired at evacuees.

UN and Palestinian health officials say it is too dangerous to move the most vulnerable patients without proper ambulances and equipment.

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Israel says its claims of a Hamas command centre in and beneath Shifa are based on intelligence but has not provided visual evidence to support them.

Denying the claims, the Gaza Health Ministry says it has invited international organisations to investigate the facility.

The Palestinian Red Crescent said on Tuesday it had evacuated remaining patients, doctors and displaced families from another Gaza City hospital, Al-Quds, after more than 10 days of siege, during which medical and humanitarian supplies were prevented from reaching the hospital.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, it blamed the Israeli army for bombarding the hospital and firing at those inside.

The White Houses national security council spokesperson John Kirby said the US has unspecified intelligence from a variety of sources that Hamas and another Palestinian militant group use Shifa and other hospitals and tunnels underneath them to hide and support military operations and hold hostages.

But Mr Kirby said the US does not support air strikes on hospitals and does not want to see a firefight in a hospital where innocent people, helpless people, sick people are simply trying to get the medical care that they deserve.



A Palestinian man collects plastic as smoke rises from a fire in a landfill, east of Gaza City (Fatima Shbair/AP)

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On Monday, the military released footage of a childrens hospital in Gaza City that its forces entered over the weekend, showing weapons it said it found inside, as well as rooms in the basement where it believes militants were holding hostages.

The video showed what appeared to be a hastily installed toilet and ventilation system in the basement.

The Health Ministry rejected the allegations, saying the area had been turned into a shelter for displaced people.

Independent accounts of the fighting in Gaza City have been nearly impossible to gather, as communications to the north have largely collapsed.

Videos released by the Israeli military show troops moving through the city, firing into buildings.

Bulldozers push down structures as tanks roll through streets surrounded by rubble and partially collapsed towers.

The videos portray a battle where troops are rooting out pockets of Hamas fighters and tearing down wherever they find them.

The military says it is also gradually dismantling the groups tunnel network.



People inspect a damaged house in Ashkelon, Israel, after it was hit by a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip (Maya Alleruzzo/AP)

Israel says it has killed several thousand fighters, including important mid-level commanders, while 46 of its own soldiers have been killed in Gaza.

The military says Hamas has lost control in the north, and in recent days Hamas rocket fire into Israel  constant throughout the war  has waned.

Details of the Israeli account and the extent of Hamas losses, however, could not be independently confirmed.

One Israeli commander in Gaza, identified only as Lt Col Gilad, said in a video that his forces near Shifa Hospital had been seizing government buildings, schools and residential buildings where they found weapons and eliminated fighters.

After each was cleared, the location was demolished, he said.

The army said it had captured Gazas legislature building  about two streets from Shifa  the Hamas police headquarters and a compound housing Hamass military intelligence headquarters.

The captured buildings carry high symbolic value, though it was unclear what their strategic value is.



Smoke rises from an explosion in the Gaza Strip as seen from southern Israel (Victor R Caivano/AP)

Hamas fighters are believed to be positioned in underground bunkers.

Israeli news sites showed pictures of soldiers holding up the Israeli flag and military flags in celebration inside some of the buildings.

Israel has urged civilians in the north to flee south, but southern Gaza is not much safer.

Israel carries out frequent air strikes throughout Gaza, hitting what it says are militant targets but often killing women and children.

Some 1.5 million Palestinians, more than two thirds of Gazas population, have fled their homes, and UN-run shelters in the south are severely overcrowded.

People stand in line for hours for scarce bread and brackish water.

Rubbish is piling up, sewage is flooding the streets and taps run dry because there is no way to power water systems.



Palestinians walk past buildings destroyed in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip, at the main road in Bureij refugee camp, Gaza Strip (Adel Hana/AP)

Israel has barred fuel imports since the start of the war, saying Hamas would use them for military purposes.

At a tent camp outside a hospital in the central town of Deir al-Balah, people trudged through mud as they stretched plastic tarps over flimsy tents.

All of these tents collapsed because of the rain, said Iqbal Abu Saud, who had fled Gaza City with 30 of her relatives.

How many days will we have to deal with this?

The UN agency for Palestinian refugees, which is struggling to provide basic services to more than 600,000 people sheltering in schools and other facilities in the south, said on Tuesday that its fuel storage facility in Gaza is empty and that it will soon end relief operations.

That would halt most aid efforts, including bringing limited supplies of food and medicine in from Egypt.

Without fuel, the humanitarian operation in Gaza is coming to an end. Many more people will suffer and will likely die, said Philippe Lazzarini, the commissioner-general of the UNRWA.

Israel has repeatedly rejected allowing fuel into Gaza, saying it will be diverted by Hamas for military use.
Palestinian authorities have proposed a Red Cross-supervised evacuation of a hospital beset by fighting in Gaza.

It came as health officials warned that the only way to save three dozen newborns trapped in the hospital would be to call a ceasefire and transport them out of the besieged territory.

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After days of battles with Palestinian militants, Israeli forces have encircled Shifa Hospital, where hundreds of patients, medical staff and displaced people are trapped with dwindling supplies and without electricity to run incubators and other equipment.

Gazas largest hospital has emerged as a symbol of Palestinian suffering in the war between Israel and Hamas that extends far beyond its walls.



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Only one hospital in the territorys north is still capable of receiving patients, and about 200,000 Palestinians have streamed out of the area towards worsening conditions in the south in recent days, the UN humanitarian office said on Tuesday.

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The war, now in its sixth week, was triggered by Hamass surprise attack in Israel, in which militants killed hundreds of civilians and dragged some 240 hostages back to Gaza.

The conflict has killed thousands of Palestinian civilians and wreaked widespread destruction on the impoverished enclave.

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Hamas released a video late Monday showing one of the hostages, who identifies herself as 19-year-old Noa Marciano, before and after she was killed in what Hamas said was an Israeli strike. The military later declared her a fallen soldier, without identifying a cause of death.

She is the first hostage confirmed to have died in captivity. Four were released by Hamas and a fifth was rescued by Israeli forces.

Israel accuses Hamas of using hospitals as cover for its fighters, and alleged that the militants have set up their main command centre in and beneath Shifa. Israel says these claims are based on intelligence but has not provided visual evidence to support them.



Premature babies in Gaza Citys Shifa hospital (Dr Marawan Abu Saada/AP)

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Both Hamas and Shifa Hospital staff deny the allegations, and the Health Ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza says it has invited international organisations to investigate the facility.

The ministry said 40 patients, including three babies, have died since the hospitals emergency generator ran out of fuel on Saturday.

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The military said it placed fuel several blocks from Shifa, but Hamas militants prevented staff from reaching it  an allegation the ministry denied, saying instead it was too dangerous for staff to venture out.

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According to the ministry, 36 babies remain who are at risk of dying because there is no power for incubators.

The Israeli military said it had started an effort to transfer incubators to Shifa. But Christian Lindmeier, a spokesman for the World Health Organisation, said they would be useless without electricity and that the only way to save the newborns was to move them out of Gaza.

Another hospital under siege or under attack is not a viable solution. Nowhere is safe in Gaza right now, he said.



Palestinians wounded in the Israeli bombardment wait for treatment in Gaza Citys Shifa hospital (Yasser Qudih/AP)

He said an evacuation would require specialised equipment and a ceasefire along the route.

Health Ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qidra said it has proposed evacuating the hospital with the supervision of the International Committee of the Red Cross and transferring the patients to hospitals in Egypt, but has not received any response.

He said 120 bodies will be buried in a mass grave inside the hospital because they are unable to safely transport them to cemeteries.

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International law gives hospitals special protections during war. Hospitals can lose those protections if combatants use them to hide fighters or store weapons, but staff and patients must be given plenty of warning to evacuate, and the harm to civilians cannot be disproportionate to the military objective.

On Monday, the military released footage of a childrens hospital that its forces entered over the weekend, showing weapons it said it found inside, as well as rooms in the basement where it believes militants were holding hostages.

The video showed what appeared to be a hastily installed toilet and ventilation system in the basement.



Flares rise over Gaza City, as seen from southern Israel (Leo Correa/AP)

The Health Ministry rejected the allegations, saying the area had been turned into a shelter for displaced people.

The Red Cross tried on Monday to evacuate some 6,000 people from another Gaza City hospital, Al-Quds, but said its convoy had to turn back because of shelling and fighting.

Israel has urged civilians to evacuate Gaza City and surrounding areas in the north, but the southern part of the besieged territory is not much safer. Israel carries out frequent air strikes throughout Gaza, hitting what it says are militant targets but often killing women and children.

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Some 1.5 million Palestinians, more than two thirds of Gazas population, have fled their homes, and UN-run shelters in the south are already severely overcrowded.

People stand in line for hours for scarce bread and brackish water. Rubbish is piling up, sewage is flooding the streets and taps run dry because there is no way to power water systems. Israel has barred fuel imports since the start of the war, saying Hamas would use it for military purposes.

The onset of rainy, cold weather added to the misery.





22 of 36 - MORE THAN HALF the hospitals in Gaza are non-functional due to lack of fuel, damage, attacks and insecurity.



The 14 hospitals remaining open have barely enough supplies to sustain critical and lifesaving surgeries and provide inpatient care, including intensive pic.twitter.com/vHqSVXevT8  WHO in occupied Palestinian territory (@WHOoPt) November 14, 2023

The UN agency for Palestinian refugees, which is struggling to provide basic services to more than 600,000 people sheltering in schools and other facilities in the south, said it may run out of fuel by Wednesday, forcing it to halt most aid operations.

It said it could no longer import limited supplies of food and medicine through Egypts Rafah crossing, Gazas only link to the outside world.

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As of Friday, more than 11,000 Palestinians, two thirds of them women and children, have been killed since the war began, according to the Health Ministry, which does not differentiate between civilian and militant deaths. About 2,700 people have been reported missing.

At least 1,200 people have died on the Israeli side, mostly civilians killed in the initial Hamas attack. The military says 46 soldiers have been killed in ground operations in Gaza, and that thousands of militants have been killed.

About 250,000 Israelis have evacuated from communities near Gaza, where Palestinian militants still fire barrages of rockets, and along the northern border, where Israel and Lebanons Hezbollah militant group have repeatedly traded fire.

The war has also fuelled tensions in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, where at least seven Palestinian were killed overnight during an Israeli raid, the Palestinian Health Ministry said on Tuesday. More than 190 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank since October 7.
Senior defence officials from South Korea, the United States and other nations warned North Korea on Tuesday over its nuclear ambitions and threats, vowing an unspecified collective response to any war-like aggression towards its rival.

Their joint statement came after a meeting in Seoul involving US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, South Korean Defence Minister Shin Won-sik and officials from 16 other countries under the US-led United Nations Command, which provided combat or medical forces in support of the South during the 1950-53 Korean War.

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The meeting came a day after Mr Austin and Mr Shin held annual defence talks where the allies updated a bilateral security agreement with the aim of more effectively countering North Koreas evolving nuclear and missile threats.

In the statement, the defence ministers and other representatives of the UN Commands member states strongly condemned North Koreas unlawful nuclear and ballistic missile programmes which violate multiple UN Security Council resolutions and called for Pyongyang to recommit to diplomacy aimed at defusing the nuclear stand-off.

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US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin and South Korean Defence Minister Shin Won-sik attend a welcome ceremony before their meeting in Seoul (Song Kyung-Seok/Kyodo News/AP)

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The UN Commands member states also declared they will be united upon any renewal of hostilities or armed attack on the Korean Peninsula challenging the principles of the United Nations and the security of (South Korea).

Mr Shin said during the meeting that the North will face a strong response from the international community centred on the UN Command if it ever attempts to invade the South again.

He also issued a veiled warning against Pyongyangs growing alignment with Russia and China, as North Korean leader Kim Jong Un tries to break out of diplomatic isolation and insert Pyongyang as part of a united front against Washington.

If the countries that supported North Korea during the Korean War offer to do so again, they too will face the same punishment as North Korea, Mr Shin said.

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The Korean War was triggered by a North Korean attack on the South in June 1950. The North was backed by forces from the newly formed Peoples Republic of China, which was aided by the then-Soviet Unions air force.

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South Korea, the US and troops from various countries under the direction of the United Nations fought to push back the invasion before the fighting was halted by an armistice in 1953, leaving the Korean Peninsula in a technical state of war. The UN Command has since remained in the South to enforce and maintain the armistice.

Before Tuesdays meeting, North Koreas Foreign Ministry condemned the event as reflecting a dangerous scheme to ignite a new war of aggression.



South Korean forces take part in a welcome ceremony before the South Korea-United Nations Command meeting in Seoul (Song Kyung-Seok/Kyodo News/AP)

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The Norths state media also criticised the visits by Mr Austin and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who travelled to Seoul last week, calling them warmongers bringing a new war cloud to Asia.

Animosity between the Koreas has increased in recent months after Mr Kim ramped up his weapons demonstrations, including events he described as simulated nuclear attacks on the South.

He also authorised his military to launch pre-emptive nuclear strikes against enemies if it perceives Pyongyangs top leadership to be under threat.

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South Korea has responded by expanding its combined military exercises with the United States as well as trilateral security co-operation with Japan.

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Seoul has also been seeking stronger public assurances from Washington that the US would swiftly and decisively use its nuclear weapons to protect the South in case of a North Korean nuclear attack.

In the allies latest drills, South Koreas military said on Tuesday that it has deployed warships, patrol aircraft and fighter jets to train with US vessels and aircraft in a joint anti-submarine and counter special-operations exercise in South Koreas eastern seas. The training continues until Thursday.

On Monday, Mr Austin and Mr Shin on signed a new version of the Tailored Deterrence Strategy agreement, which was revised for the first time in a decade to address the growing threat of the Norths nuclear program.

Mr Shin said the new document spells out that the US would mobilise its full range of military capabilities, including nuclear, to defend the South in the event of a North Korean nuclear attack.

He also said the document will provide a template for the allies to strategise how South Korea could assist US nuclear operations in such events with its conventional capabilities, but did not elaborate.



US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin and South Korean counterpart Shin Won-sik shake hands during a signing ceremony at the 55th Security Consultative Meeting in Seoul on Monday (South Korea Defence Ministry/AP)

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While Mr Kim is also trying to strengthen relations with China, Russia has been his primary focus.

A flurry of diplomacy between the countries, highlighted by a September summit between Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin, has triggered concerns about an arms arrangement in which North Korea provides badly needed munitions for the Russian war in Ukraine in exchange for Russian technology transfers that would upgrade Mr Kims military nuclear programme.

A Russian delegation led by Alexander Kozlov, the minister of natural resources, arrived at Pyongyangs airport on Tuesday. While the Associated Press photographed the arrival, the Norths state media did not immediately release details of the visit.

In written responses to questions from AP, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said he will discuss the international response to the purported weapons deal between North Korea and Russia during the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation Summit in San Francisco this week.

He said such military co-operation not only poses a serious threat to the security of Asia and Europe but also undermines the rules-based international order.

Both Pyongyang and Moscow have denied US and South Korean claims that the North has been supplying munitions and military equipment to Russia.
Blessing Offor - Grammy Nomination | PFA Media

Nashville, TENN. - Two-time Dove Award winner Blessing Offor, received two GRAMMY Award nominations today for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album for My Tribe, and Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song for Believe.

If this is what it feels like for dreams to come true, then its been worth every second and every sacrifice, Blessing says. Im still kind of speechless to be recognized like this by the Academy, but Im sure tears arent far behind!

My Tribe has proven to be a critical hit since its release in January 2023, as it is officially the BIGGEST STREAMING DEBUT from a solo male artist at Capitol CMG. The album  which Billboard calls a testament to [Blessings] own hard-fought journey - debuted in the Top 20 position on three Billboard charts  Christian /Gospel Albums, Top 200 Christian/Gospel Albums, and Current Digital Albums charts. Lead single Brighter Days has established itself as a mainstream bastion, hitting top 25 on Mainstream AC radio.

The albums second single Believe, is a deep, and honest inward look into the Nigeran born musician. The soulful R&B-tinged track evokes feelings of trust, doubt, hope, and love, accompanied by Blessings masterful piano work and trademark vocal style. You can watch the music video for Believe at the link HERE.

The news adds to what has been an award-winning year for Blessing, who took home two 2023 Dove Awards last month.

###

To connect with Blessing Offor, follow him at:

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Tasha Cobbs Leonard | Shore Fire Media

Congratulations to Tasha Cobbs Leonard, who is proud to have earned two 2024 GRAMMY nominations for Best Gospel Album for her release of Hymns (Live) and Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song for her single with Lecrae, Your Power. This achievement marks the seventh nomination for the Motown Gospel/TeeLee Records artist, named Billboards Top Gospel Artist of the Decade. Previously, Leonard won the Best Gospel/Contemporary Christian Music Performance GRAMMY Award for her Billboard chart-topping single, Break Every Chain.

It is always an honor to be recognized by my peers in this way, says Tasha Cobbs Leonard on the Grammy nominations. Im so humbled that my music continues to impact people and connect them to God!

Stream Hymns (Live) Here

Hymns (Live) was captured in front of a live audience of more than 3,000 at The Greenwood Oasis on the campus of New Life Southeast in Chicago. The record is a larger-than-life reimagining of classic hymns of love and grace, one that speaks to our modern world even as it reaches far beyond it. The arrangements are sweeping and cinematic, drawing on worship and gospel and even hints of country, pop, and R&B, radiating an undeniable sense of joy and fellowship at every turn. Hymns (Live) touches all corners of gospel greatness, featuring extraordinary guests: Jennifer Hudson, Kierra Sheard, The Walls Group, Ricky Dillard, and even Mary Mary, who havent released music in over five-years.

ABOUT TASHA COBBS LEONARD:

A pastors daughter born and raised in Georgia, Leonard first emerged to widespread acclaim with her breakout 2013 release, the RIAA-certified gold album Grace, which garnered a GRAMMY, three Doves, and three Stellar Awards on the strength of its chart-topping, platinum-selling lead single, Break Every Chain. In the years that followed, Leonard would go on to establish herself as one of her genres most celebrated voices, racking up more than two billion streams across platforms, landing three more #1 singles and five #1 albums, three additional gold-selling singles, performing with everyone from Common and Nicki Minaj to Ne-Yo and Ciara, and making national television appearances on Good Morning America, Soul Train Awards, CNN's Fourth of July, BET's Black Girls Rock, CBCs A Day Of Healing, and the Super Bowl Gospel Celebration. Billboard named Leonard the Top Gospel Artist of the Decade, while NPR declared her a gospel sensation, and Forbes hailed her as by far one of the most successful contemporary gospel artists of our time. A tireless advocate for empowerment and positivity, Leonard also broke new ground as an author, actress, entrepreneur, and executive pastor at The Purpose Place Church in her adopted home of South Carolina, where she co-pastors with her husband and producer, Kenneth Leonard, Jr.

Connect with Tasha Cobbs Leonard

Official Site | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Telstra CEO Vicki Brady says the nations biggest telco has won new customers as a result of last weeks Optus outage, while pushing back on calls for extra regulation that would force it to share its infrastructure in the event of another mass disruption.

Last weeks outage affected about 10 million Optus customers, leading some to desert the company barely a year after it suffered the worst cyber breach in Australian history.

Telstra chief executive Vicki Brady in February. Credit: Arsineh Houspian

The exact number of customers ditching Optus is yet to be determined, but speaking at an annual investor day in Sydney, Brady said her company had seen an uptick in new customers as a direct result of the outage.

We take zero pleasure in any competitor or operator experiencing major outages, the Telstra boss told assembled investors and media on Tuesday.
They act as quasi-banking firms, yet operate without the scrutiny of one and adroitly engage in regulatory arbitrage by standing in a gray zone. Theres no reliable estimate on how big the industry is, but probes disclosed by authorities suggest an enormous scale. One investigation in Chinas western Gansu province uncovered an operation with 75.6 billion yuan in assets, state media reported in 2021, citing Chinas State Administration of Foreign Exchange. The money was spread among a network of five organisations that used more than 8000 bank accounts across more than 20 provinces. Crackdowns on ideologically out-of-favour industries, uncertainty over geopolitical tensions and Xi Jinpings push for common prosperity have spooked the rich and even the middle class. Credit: AP The networks are truly global in scope, operating not only in Hong Kong but wherever there are significant numbers of the Chinese diaspora. Its highly likely that underground banks will have pools of funds ready in key locations, so recipients can receive their cash quickly, and in the local currency, according to a 2019 intelligence assessment by the UKs National Crime Agency (NCA). Linking up with one of these money shops, though, isnt a decision to be taken lightly. People caught using illegal currency-exchange services in mainland China usually are fined 30 per cent or more of the amount of money they attempted to transfer. If the sum is significant, those providing the service face significant jail time. Although the maximum penalty of a life sentence is typically handed down only when there are compounding offences such as bribery, reports of sentences ranging from one to five years are common.

Although Chinas capital laws dont apply if youre in the likes of Hong Kong, the UK or Singapore, theres a risk of legitimate banks getting suspicious about the source of funds. A spokesperson for the Monetary Authority of Singapore says that while the city-state doesnt implement the capital controls of other jurisdictions, the regulator requires financial institutions, including remittance agents, to detect and report suspicious transactions and behaviour. Institutions are also required to mitigate reputational, legal and operational risk from activities affected by other jurisdictions laws. Loading Singapores banks have reason to be on especially high alert: In August authorities arrested and charged 10 people with Chinese origins with a range of crimes including money laundering. More than S$2.8 billion ($3.2 billion) of cash and other assets were frozen or confiscated. The allegations involve attempts to move proceeds from illicit activities such as scams and illegal gambling, not remittances. Walking a tightrope But there is a dark side to remittance operations. To ultimately settle exchanges via hawala, Chinese underground banks regularly use cash generated by criminal groups through activities such as drug trafficking, cigarette smuggling, organised illegal immigration and human trafficking, according to the NCA. For example, a gang with operations in both China and the UK might front the money to pay a hawala recipient in London and then get paid a corresponding amount by the underground bankers in Shanghai.

The British law enforcers found that Chinese student accounts were sometimes used as a back door to get money into the legitimate banking system. The NCA identified more than 100 people whod made cash deposits into over 14,000 personal bank accounts held or set up predominantly by Chinese students. The amount of cash put into these accounts in a 12-month period totalled in excess of 100 million ($190 million), with some of the people parking more than 2.5 million each. The high stakes of navigating this murky world are one reason why trusted financial professionals have emerged as go-betweens. While it could cost them their careers if caught by company compliance, private bankers under pressure from clients can step into a gray zone. Bloomberg News spoke to four financiers who discussed how the lines can be blurred. All requested anonymity to speak freely. One former private banker, who currently works at a multifamily office, describes how hes personally been involved in moving money for wealthy clients. Another financier says hes helped introduce clients to such services, while his firm helps rich Chinese set up variable capital companiesa structure used by some investment funds in Singapore that can shield the ultimate beneficiaries identity from the public, though regulators can see. Even if moving money out of China becomes more difficult, experts dont foresee any letup in overall attempts. Credit: Bloomberg Two other private bankers at different European banks say that while on the books they cant help clients avoid capital controls, they do pass on contact information for underground remittance agencies for close and trusted customers. Typically none of these referrers take a cut: Passing on the links is about keeping important clients happyand potentially winning future lucrative, legitimate business. The explosion in wealth in China over the past decades means theres plenty of potential demand. UBS, for example, estimated in its annual wealth report that there were 6.2 million Chinese with assets of more than $US1 million at the end of 2022. Right now there are increasing signs that more money is looking to leave. Real estate consultant Juwai IQI said in August that it expects more than 700,000 Chinese to exit the country in the next two years. Top destinations for buying propertybased on searches on its siteinclude Australia, Canada and the UK. Singapore introduced a 60 per cent property tax for foreign purchasers in April, which has crimped midmarket demand.

The forensic detective game If more cash flows out of China than into it, that means not all remittance requests can be satisfied by mirrored transactions, and agencies need to find ways to actually get money across the border. Clamping down on these routes has been a long-running game of cat and mouse. Chinese authorities have swatted simple options such as cash being moved in suitcases or car trunks or sailed to Hong Kong in junks. Increased scrutiny of overseas acquisitions has reduced the opportunities to get money out by paying an inflated price for companies outside China. And the crackdown on crypto has made it much harder to use digital currency as a workaround. Yet there are still ways. One popular technique is known as smurfing. It involves recruiting people on the mainland who havent used their legitimate remittance quotas of $US50,000. By using many people, the agencies can then use their bank accounts and small individual allowances to funnel large amounts of money outside the country. Case investigations disclosed by the government show that sometimes this can reach epic scale. One man, surname Li, recruited 102 individuals to help send C$6.8 million ($7.7 million) in 2020, state media reported. Many wealthy families feel its essential to have money outside the country, whether to diversify assets or to pave the way for potential future immigration. And when the sums of money are even bigger, things get more sophisticated still. One common ruse is to doctor import contracts where bills have to be settled offshore. This can be done by inflating the value of the goods imported, with the seller then agreeing to siphon the difference into a separate offshore account. Or it can involve outright falsification. In one case in the eastern city of Wenzhou, a company created fraudulent commercial trades claiming it paid $US9 million for imports. Another investment company, in Shenzhen, fabricated trades and wired almost $US18 million overseas, according to the State Administration of Foreign Exchange disclosures.

Uncovering these sorts of illicit trades has become something of a forensic detective game for companies such as XTransfer Ltd., which helps small and medium-size businesses with trade and clears compliance with banks. In the companys Hong Kong office, a member of XTransfers staff points to lines of data used to check whether a trade is authentic. In total the company uses more than 1000 stats to automate verification. There are usually telltale signs when somethings off. High-value goods including diamonds, emeralds or big-ticket electronic items are a common ruse for fabricated trades, says Gong Weisong, an anti-fraud expert at XTransfer. If the number of transactions to a specific seller is abnormally high, and also from various unrelated accounts, thats another red flag, Gong says. Another thing weve noticed is that people who make up trades will often have meticulous documentation, which is also abnormal. Even if moving money out of China becomes more difficult, experts dont foresee any letup in overall attempts. Based on unexplained discrepancies in tourist datawhich suggest Chinese tourists are leaving cash abroad when they travelas much as $US150 billion is expected to exit this year, according to an estimate from Gary Ng, a senior economist at French investment bank Natixis. Loading After the Covid era, Chinese have an increased demand for sending money overseas both for work or personal reasons, says Liu Xinyu, a partner at law firm King & Wood Mallesons. More people could resort to illegal channels, and we could see a rise in cases investigated by authorities. As well as being lucrative, the underground networks are sophisticated, clipping transactions in a way familiar to anyone whos done foreign exchange. One way they make money is by asking for a more expensive exchange rate, according to people whove used them. For example, if one typically needs 716 yuan for $US100 at a bank, theyd ask for 733 yuan instead. The rates change daily.
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Eating outBrisbane Location is a technicality: Prawnster vows to continue trading The future of one of Brisbanes most popular seafood restaurants remains in doubt after the Supreme Court upheld the termination of its lease. Matt Shea November 14, 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

Closing down isnt an option. So says The Prawnster owner Martin Brennan, who remains defiant in the face of a Friday Supreme Court decision that upheld an April 30 termination of his restaurants berthing and mooring deed at Dockside Marina. The Prawnster restaurant at Dockside Marina. Facebook / The Prawnster We just need to stay open, stay trading, and the solution will be worked out, Brennan says. The popular 60-seat Kangaroo Point restaurant, which occupies two refurbished trawlers and a covered pontoon, has been mired in a lengthy legal stoush concerning its commercial operations at the marina, and the subsequent termination of its mooring deed.

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The Prawnster continued to trade while Brennan took his fight to the Supreme Court, and now he says it will be business as usual while he decides on his next steps. Visitors are pouring into the city during the holiday period, he said. We have Christmas functions booked, so were just going to continue trading, as far as Im concerned. Location is a technicality. Well keep the business trading. Were just going to have to slip around the river or up the river a little bit. Light-filled seafood restaurant a fresh catch for Portside Wharf We have our niche and I cant see any good reason to close the business, based on popular demand. What that looks like is probably slipping around possibly closer to the CBD and just trying to find moorings. Brennan says hes gutted by Fridays decision.

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The Prawnster owner was seeking to clarify in court whether the restaurant could operate on the Crown lease at Dockside Marina. But the court addressed the April termination of the berthing and mooring deed first and, in upholding that decision, said there was no need to hear the matter on varying the Crown lease. The court said, yes, you can cancel his mooring deed, Brennan said. We didnt dispute that; of course he can  But then [the court] said, On that basis, theres now nothing to see here. Im not going to take a look at the underlying Crown lease to determine whether trading is permissible under the lease. Were just keeping our options open, Brennan said. Were just continuing to trade while our lawyers are looking at it. Should we appeal? Should we pursue this action so that it does get clarified and then we can get our sub lease? Its pretty complex. Brennan opened The Prawnster on a refurbished trawler moored at Dockside Marina, opposite the New Farm Riverwalk, in August 2020. The concept was simple: serve fresh seafood sourced direct from trawlers working the Queensland coast, but on a boat on the Brisbane River. Brisbanes best restaurant openings of 2023  so far

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It was an idea modelled on businesses such as Prawn Star in Cairns and the Fishermans Co-Op on the Gold Coast, and its proved enormously popular with locals and tourists, leading to the addition of the second boat and the pontoon. Weve got to keep trading, Brennan said. Its a great little concept  people love us. Theres been an outpouring of support on social media. Last year on Tripadvisor, we were voted among the top 10 per cent of restaurants worldwide. Whether The Prawnster stays at Dockside or is forced to move, Brennan is confident hell be able to trade through the holiday period. Either way, we will find somewhere, he said. Im kind of doing two things at once, which is, What are we going to do about the legal action? Do we have grounds on which to appeal that? At the same time, Im drafting a bunch of letters to the state and local government. Were really throwing ourselves at their feet ... surely one of you, or together, will find somewhere for us to moor.
We all wore something red and the food was themed red. My husband was there with a red jumper on. Her daughter viewed the party with affection and its considered as an important reason why she embraced puberty so confidently. My daughter is positive about her period, Teague-Jones says, She doesnt shy from telling us that she has her period, and when friends come over and accidents happen, she hasnt hesitated to come to me for help or supplies. Its not shamed in our house, just normal. When to approach with caution

While Teague-Jones is proud to have held a period party for her daughter, 32-year-old Bianca Terry, who had a party thrown for her when she first had her period at age nine, found the experience very uncomfortable. Loading My mother and nonna were both waiting for me at the gate  I knew something embarrassing was about to occur because Nonna never picked me up from school, says Terry. All of a sudden, there was praise, love and emotions coming from my nonna as she celebrated my coming into womanhood. Once home, Terry says the celebration continued with an honorary salute to her period and a family dinner. At the age that I was, I just felt embarrassment, she says, I was extremely young. Dr Kimberley OBrien, principal child psychologist at Quirky Kids, says embarrassment is a common reaction from girls to period parties.

Most I have checked in with didnt like the concept of the period party, says OBrien. They see it as a private stage they would share with their mum, rather than the whole family or social group  mostly because they feel that when they look back, they may feel embarrassed that theyve had friends over to celebrate that. But while Terry was initially embarrassed by her period party, she now reflects on the experience fondly. Growing into an adult, I saw the reason behind celebrating this moment. It signifies the potential of having children one day and growing the already large family. This is an important value in Italian culture: family, she says. She also believes it helped normalise the experience for her and this has, in turn, influenced her now open, honest and supportive approach with both her stepdaughters and daughters. I sat her [eldest stepdaughter] down and gave her a purse, which had information packs around periods and sample pads. We talked through what she had been through with her mum and I shared my own experiences with her, says Terry. I did the same for my second stepdaughter too.

The right kind of support While not every adolescent girl has a positive opinion about period parties, OBrien says that the view is dependent on the individual. Loading She believes its important to have discussions about any potential celebration with the young person before planning anything, and to always follow their lead. But party or no party, most importantly, OBrien believes that parents can best help their daughters prepare for their period by embracing lots of education, a view also shared by primary school health and physical education teacher Claire Morris.
Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr John Gerrard has given an update on the states latest COVID wave, pushing back on calls from the Australian Medical Association of Queensland for a return of mask-wearing.

Queensland Chief Health Officer John Gerrard fronts a briefing in Brisbane. Credit: Brisbane Times/Matt Dennien

He told journalists at a briefing in Brisbane that the wave started four weeks ago, with 221 patients in public hospitals, but appeared to be in line with the trend of waves becoming less severe.

Two people are in intensive care and there have been no deaths.

Gerrard said people becoming ill were largely those over 65 who had not received a booster this year  something he urged them to do.

That would be disproportionate to the level of risk, he said of calls for a general return of public mask wearing, but asked people to respect the desires of individual health facilities or households.
Minister for Infrastructure holds first co-ordination meeting

Minister John Cortes, who has recently taken on Infrastructure in his Portfolio, has set up an Infrastructure co-ordination Committee which met with him for the first time on Thursday.

The Committee includes the Chief Technical Officer and representatives from the Technical Services Department, Gibraltar Electricity Authority, AquaGib, Gibtel and the Department of the Environment. The Committee will meet with the Minister on at least a quarterly basis, with an operational subcommittee meeting at least monthly.

This will ensure co-ordination of infrastructure works around Gibraltar, avoiding duplication and making these works more efficient and cost-effective. This is expected to result in less disruption to the public in general, and help reduce and manage traffic diversions, noise and dust.

Minister Cortes said: I am privileged to have worked with many of these professionals through the years. There is great expertise here, and our aim is to pool our knowledge and resources in such a way that infrastructure works, while always inconvenient, will be managed in a way to minimise disruption, with full information being made available to the public in advance. We will move Gibraltar forward, improving our quality of life, in the most efficient and effective manner possible.
Social and economic pressures are driving Australians apart and fuelling concerns about migration in the wake of the pandemic, with 33 per cent of people worried the migrant intake is too high.

Household stress has taken community cohesion to its lowest level in more than a decade and fuelled a sense of gloom about the years ahead, according to new research that shows 41 per cent of people are pessimistic about Australias future  up from 24 per cent three years ago.

The Scanlon Foundation report on community attitudes found 33 per cent of people worried the migrant intake is too high. Credit: Jason South

Young adults are the least trusting and positive in the community, with 47 per cent of people aged 25 to 34 saying they are pessimistic about the future compared to 35 per cent of those aged 65 and over.

The Scanlon Foundation report on community attitudes, funded by the not-for-profit foundation and led by Australian National University lecturer James ODonnell, concludes that social cohesion is at its lowest level since the annual studies began in 2007.
The federal government is on a collision course with the states and territories over roads, railway lines and roundabouts after Infrastructure Minister Catherine King revealed that without changes to the current $120 billion pipeline of work, no new projects could be started until 2033.

King said an independent review of the pipeline that was put in place by the Coalition, due to be released in coming days, had found it would be almost impossible to deliver promised projects that were sucking money and resources away from nationally important work.

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan is among a group of premiers worried about the federal governments plans to overhaul infrastructure spending. Credit: Simon Schluter

Significantly, they found that, without making significant immediate changes to program settings, the Australian government cannot afford to meet identified cost pressures, nor add any new projects to the pipeline in the next 10 years, she said on Tuesday.

King immediately faced push-back from the states, with Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk  who faces an election next year  vowing to stand up to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, saying her state faced losing $1 billion a year in federal infrastructure funding.
In the Lorraine Motel car park, some 55 years after that shot rang out in a Memphis sky, a holidaying Brisbane journalist found himself seeking some news from home.

These days, the site of Martin Luther King jnrs brutal assassination is home to the National Civil Rights Museum  a modern building adjoining the former segregation-era motel for Black guests barred from the nicer accommodations in downtown Memphis.

The National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel, Memphis.

It draws a direct line from the slave ships off west Africa to the election of the countrys first African-American president and beyond, via Jim Crow, lynchings, Emmett Till and, of course, that fateful day in Memphis.

For all its faults  and there are many  the US is good at confronting its past, no matter how uncomfortable it can be, and how much blowback from the usual suspects it might attract.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has called on her federal Labor government counterparts to do whats right for the growing state when overhauling major infrastructure funding.

Infrastructure Minister Catherine King announced states would be pushed to pay for at least half of new road and rail infrastructure after a yet-to-be released review of projects given federal support.

Right now, Queensland needs more infrastructure, not less, says Annastacia Palaszczuk. Credit: Matt Dennien

King told an infrastructure summit on Tuesday that while a drop in overall funding was not proposed, full federal funding or 80:20 per cent splits with the state would no longer be the default.

The federal government would also only financially support projects in which its contribution would be at least $250 million, to limit projects to those of national significance.
Before Optus confirmed this mastheads reporting on the identity of the international peering network, a separate source close to Optus, who was not authorised to speak publicly, told this masthead on Tuesday that it was the Singtel Internet Exchange. It was this exchange, the source said, that Optus was alluding to in a statement on Monday afternoon as the one sending routing information changes to the telcos routers on the day of the outage that put them into meltdown. Optus said in its Monday statement that those changes were sent following a routine software upgrade. The Optus source added that the software update occurred at the Singtel Internet Exchange, not on the Optus network. Analysis from Kentik, a company that monitors the internet, shows the length of the outage in Co-ordinated Universal Time (UTC). Credit: Kentik's Doug Madory Once received, the routing changes then propagated through multiple layers in the Optus network and exceeded preset safety levels on key routers that could not handle them, resulting in the routers disconnecting from Optus core network to protect themselves. The changes meant technicians had to be deployed to key locations across the country to access routers that had gone offline so that they could restore services, which delayed restoration.

Loading Poor filters Despite the Singtel Internet Exchange being one of the triggers for the outage, an Optus source said the Australian telco was primarily responsible for the outage. Its still Optus fault when it comes to its own network (unless Singtel required Optus to accept routes blindly), an Optus engineer, who was unclear what commercial agreements may have been in place, said. The source, as well as other external network engineers this masthead spoke to, said Optus should have had filtering rules in place that dismissed or ignored the update from the Singtel exchange.

On the day of the outage, a senior Optus executive phoned a counterpart at content distribution network Akamai, another of the telcos peers, believing it had triggered the outage. By Friday, Optus engineers were still adamant that Akamai was partly to blame. However, Akamai definitively ruled this out in a statement on Monday night. Akamai did not trigger the outage, a spokesperson told this masthead. Optus customers seek an explanation for the outage on Wednesday. Credit: Chris Hopkins As more details of the cause of the Optus outage emerge, Telstra chief executive Vicki Brady said the nations biggest telco had won new customers as a result of Optus network meltdown. But she pushed back on calls for extra regulation, arguing that would force it to share its infrastructure in the event of another mass disruption. Last weeks outage affected about 10 million Optus customers, leading some to desert the company barely a year after it suffered the worst cyber breach in Australian history.

The exact number of customers ditching Optus is yet to be determined, but speaking at an annual Telstra investor day in Sydney on Tuesday, Brady said Telstra had seen an uptick in new customers. We take zero pleasure in any competitor or operator experiencing major outages, the Telstra boss said. While it was early days since the incident and Telstra was continuing to see elevated levels of new customers signing up, Brady said she wouldnt anticipate major shifts in [market] share. Telstras executives were quick to spruik the resiliency of its network in front of investors, highlighting increased investment and reliability.

Network sharing in the picture Channa Seneviratne, Telstras executive in charge of technology development and innovation, said the telcos mobile network was superior to competitors due to its best in class resilience and security. Seneviratne said Telstra was in favour of network sharing in the event of a natural disaster like a bushfire, which would enable Optus or Vodafone customers to send texts or make and receive calls. Communications Minister Michelle Rowland and Emergency Management Minister Murray Watt and their departments have begun developing such emergency roaming capabilities  work that was already underway before last weeks outage. Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

But that was a very different proposition to network-sharing in the event of an outage, said Seneviratne. Loading Last week we lost one of the national networks, roughly one-third of our carriers. We dont design our networks to have overhead to manage another carriers whole customer base, it just doesnt work that way. Im sure its going to be the topic of conversations with some of the parliamentary inquiries, and well be happy to participate and co-operate with that, Seneviratne said. Its a very different proposition, emergency roaming in a selected area, versus opening up the possibility of having 11 million Optus customers suddenly come into our network. You probably end up having two national outages.
The stunning return of former leader David Cameron to international politics after seven years in the wilderness following his disastrous Brexit loss says one of two things about the current state of Britains Conservative government.

Either, after a lengthy stint of drift and chaos, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has decided to put the grown-ups back in charge or  as many suspect  he is so bereft of ideas and talent in his ranks that he reached into an ever dwindling bag of tricks in an act of desperation.

Former British prime minister David Cameron has been appointed foreign secretary. Credit: PA

Camerons appointment to the House of Lords and his return to cabinet, this time as foreign secretary, comes at a time of great domestic despair in the UK and a time of global peril. Many are kept awake at night by a war in Eastern Europe with no end in sight, by the potential spread of Israels war on Hamas in the Middle East and the ever-present spectre of an assertive China in the Indo-Pacific.

The briefings from those close to Sunak are that Cameron is a respected figure on the world stage who will help ensure Britain plays a leading role in shaping global affairs while Sunak can focus on the domestic economy.
Memorandum of Understanding between Gibraltar and Tangier

A historic occasion took place in the Mayors Parlour, City Hall on Friday 10th November 2023 with the Signing Ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding between Gibraltar and Tangier.

The Mayors of both cities, Ms Carmen Gomez GMD and Mr Mounir Lymouri, signed the official scroll in the presence of the Minister with responsibility for Morocco the Hon Prof John Cortes MBE JP MP, the Minister for Culture the Hon C Santos GMD and a large group of distinguished guests drawn from both communities.

The Memorandum serves to highlight the historical and ongoing links between both cities and manifests the friendly relations enjoyed by their inhabitants, as well as aspiring to foster and develop mutual understanding and the furtherance of links in fields such as culture, sport, and economic development.

It also refers to the Moroccan workers who provided an essential labour service to Gibraltar during the closed border period and the legacy handed down to succeeding generations in both communities to this day.

A reception followed the signing ceremony and a reciprocal visit to Morocco is planned in the near future.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party over the use of Lord Ram and Ram Mandir in the election campaign in five states.

Addressing a public rally in Guna's Raghogarh, Amit Shah promised that the BJP would bear the cost for the darshan of Lord Ram Lalla if its government is formed in Madhya Pradesh.

Reacting to it, Sanjay Raut said "I have read the statement of Amit Shah. In some meeting, he announced that if the BJP government is formed in Madhya Pradesh then the people will be given the darshan of Ram Lalla for free. Lord Ram is famous for the whole country and the world, but the way Ram Lalla is being promoted in the election campaign, it means that if the people of Madhya Pradesh defeat you, then people will be stopped from going to see Ram Lalla. What kind of politics is going on in our country?"

Ram Mandir has taken centre stage in the election campaign of the BJP. From PM Modi to Home Minister Amit Shah has accused Congress of halting the construction of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.

"BJP should apologize for the way issues are being raised in the campaign. Have you become the owner of Ram Lalla or has Ram Lalla appointed you as an agent? This is a very serious matter. If the Election Commission is really alive then action should be taken in this regard," Sanjay Raut added.

The union minister accused the Congress Party of 'halting' the construction of the temple and 'disrespecting' the Indian culture.

"Congress party always insulted our pilgrimage sites and Indian culture. Narendra Modi built the Ram temple in Ayodhya, built the Kashi Vishwanath corridor, built Baba Mahakal's Lok and Somnath temple built of gold. The PM revived Badrinath Dham and Kedar Dham too," he said.

Shah further said that the Ram Lalla was in a "humiliated state" for 550 years.

"The Congress party was stalling, deviating and delaying Ram Mandir for 70 years. Ram Lalla was in a humiliated state for 550 years. You made Modi ji the Prime Minister, he performed Bhoomi Pujan of Ram temple and today Ram temple is being built in Ayodhya," he added.

Further speaking on the rift in the INDIA bloc, Sanjay Raut said that after the election in 5 states, all the leaders will sit once again and discuss about the complaints. "Some things have happened in the assembly elections, but I have repeatedly told you that INDIA Alliance has been made for the Lok Sabha elections," he said.
Sahara Group founder Subrata Roy dies aged 75 after prolonged illness, as per media reports.



Prime Minister Narendra Modi began a 10-km roadshow in Jharkhand's capital Ranchi around 10pm on Tuesday. The roadshow began amid tight security soon after Modi landed at the Birsa Munda airport in a special aircraft, officials said. Thousands of people lined up on both sides of the stretch to greet the PM. Modi is on a two-day Jharkhand visit beginning on the eve of tribal icon Birsa Munda's birth anniversary that also happens to be Jharkhand's statehood day on November 15 Prime Minister Narendra Modi began a 10-km roadshow in Jharkhand's capital Ranchi around 10pm on Tuesday. The roadshow began amid tight security soon after Modi landed at the Birsa Munda airport in a special aircraft, officials said. Thousands of people lined up on both sides of the stretch to greet the PM. Modi is on a two-day Jharkhand visit beginning on the eve of tribal icon Birsa Munda's birth anniversary that also happens to be Jharkhand's statehood day on November 15

The Election Commission on Tuesday issued a show-cause notice to Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra for allegedly making unverified and false statements with regard to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Acting on a complaint made by the BJP that she had made "false" and "unverified" statements against Prime Minister Modi at an election rally in Madhya Pradesh recently, the poll panel asked her to explain her statement by 8 pm on Thursday.



EC has issued a show-cause notice to AAP for alleged disparaging remarks against PM Modi on social media, PTI reports. The Election Commission on Tuesday issued a show-cause notice to Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra for allegedly making unverified and false statements with regard to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Acting on a complaint made by the BJP that she had made "false" and "unverified" statements against Prime Minister Modi at an election rally in Madhya Pradesh recently, the poll panel asked her to explain her statement by 8 pm on Thursday.EC has issued a show-cause notice to AAP for alleged disparaging remarks against PM Modi on social media, PTI reports.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday trained his guns at the main opposition party in the state- Congress, alleging that the grand old party always treated tribals as a 'vote bank' in contrary to his party-BJP, which has been working for the welfare of the community. Addressing a public rally in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh's tribal-dominated Jhabua district, PM Modi also promised to provide free education to girls from KG to their post-graduation and to open medical colleges in tribal districts once the BJP government is formed in the state.



An earthquake of magnitude 6.2 has struck Sri Lanka, as per media reports. Simultaneously, Ladakh was also struck by a magnitude 4.4 earthquake. More details are awaited.



Nine out of 11 state capitals analysed in India have recorded higher pollution in the first 12 hours after Diwali celebrations this year than what it was last year. The government's National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) tracker analysed PM 2.5 (fine particulate matter) data for 11 capital cities--Bangalore, Bhopal, Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi, Gandhinagar, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Mumbai and Patna--for the day before Diwali, the day of Diwali and the day after Diwali (till 12 pm) for the years 2022 and 2023. The highest spike (recorded at 15-minute intervals) was seen in the national capital Delhi. It was at 999.5 ug/m3 at Pusa on November 13 at 1:30 am.



Union Minister and BJP's election in charge of Rajasthan Pralhad Joshi on Monday exuded confidence that his party will win in the upcoming Assembly election in the state with a thumping majority. "We are going to win the Rajasthan Assembly election with a thumping majority," Pralhad Joshi said while talking to ANI in Hubbali in Dharwad district of Karnataka.



Delhi Labour Minister Raaj Kumar Anand inspected vehicles entering Delhi at the Singhu Border on Monday night and took stock of the implementation of anti-pollution measures. "We checked the essential and non-essential goods. We will set up big boards and awareness camps that the trucks carrying non-essential goods should be stopped before arriving at the Delhi border," Raaj Kumar Anand told ANI.
Tech billionaire Elon Musk expressed his apologies for not meeting Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal during the latter's visit to Tesla's manufacturing facility in California.



Earlier in the day, Goyal engaged with Indian-origin engineers and professionals and discussed India's role in contributing to the electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer's growth. The minister wrote a post on X (formerly Twitter), sharing details about his visit to Tesla's facility in Fremont, California.



"Visited Tesla's state-of-the-art manufacturing facility at Fremont, California. Extremely delighted to see talented Indian engineers and finance professionals working at senior positions and contributing to Tesla's remarkable journey to transform mobility," he said.





Extremely delighted to see talented Indian engineers & finance professionals working at Senior positions and contributing to Teslas remarkable journey to transform mobility.



Also proud to see Visited @Tesla s state of the art manufacturing facility at Fremont, California.Extremely delighted to see talented Indian engineers & finance professionals working at Senior positions and contributing to Teslas remarkable journey to transform mobility.Also proud to see pic.twitter.com/FQx1dKiDlf November 14, 2023

Musk, however, was unable to meet with the minister in person as he was unwell and could not travel to California. "Missed Mr Elon Musk's magnetic presence and I wish him a speedy recovery," Goyal wrote. Musk, however, was unable to meet with the minister in person as he was unwell and could not travel to California. "Missed Mr Elon Musk's magnetic presence and I wish him a speedy recovery," Goyal wrote.



Responding to Goyal's post on his visit to the Tesla factory, the billionaire said he was honoured by the minister's visit and said that he looked forward to a future meeting. In a post on X, Musk said, "It was an honour to have you visit Tesla! My apologies for not being able to travel to California today, but I look forward to meeting at a future date."

It was an honor to have you visit Tesla!



My apologies for not being able to travel to California today, but I look forward to meeting at a future date. Click here to follow our WhatsApp channel November 14, 2023

Goyal also said that Tesla is planning to double the number of components it imports from India. "Proud to see the growing importance of Auto component suppliers from India in the Tesla EV supply chain. It is on its way to double its component imports from India," Goyal posted on X. In September, Goyal had said that Tesla was aiming to source components worth between $1.7 billion and $1.9 billion from India this year, having bought $1 billion of components last year. Goyal also said that Tesla is planning to double the number of components it imports from India. "Proud to see the growing importance of Auto component suppliers from India in the Tesla EV supply chain. It is on its way to double its component imports from India," Goyal posted on X. In September, Goyal had said that Tesla was aiming to source components worth between $1.7 billion and $1.9 billion from India this year, having bought $1 billion of components last year.



In August 2021, the tech billionaire had said Tesla might build a manufacturing unit in India if it first succeeded with imported vehicles in the country. He had said Tesla wanted to launch its vehicles in India, "but import duties are the highest in the world by far of any large country!".



Reuters had earlier reported that Goyal was set to discuss Tesla's plan to manufacture a $24,000 car in India and establish charging infrastructure across the nation.
By Daisuke Wakabayashi, Bhadra Sharma & Claire Fu

As developing countries weigh the consequences of borrowing heavily from China for major infrastructure projects, anti-corruption officials in Nepal have begun an investigation into a flagship airport financed and built by Chinese state-owned companies.



Nepals $216 million international airport in Pokhara, the countrys second-biggest city, opened in January. China agreed to provide loans to build the airport more than a decade ago. Nepal tapped China CAMC Engine- ering, the construction arm of a state-owned conglomerate, Sinomach, as the contractor. The airport has failed to attract any regular international flights, raising concerns about whether it will generate enough revenue to repay loans to its Chinese lenders. Nepali officials have asked Beijing to change the loans into a grant to ease the financial burden, but China has not agreed to do so.



Last month, The New York Times reported that CAMC had inflated the cost of the project and undermined Nepals efforts to maintain quality control, putting a priority on its own business interests. Nepals Civil Aviation Authority, the agency overseeing the airports construction, did not put up much resistance  reluctant to upset Beijing on an important project for both countries.



Shortly after the articles publication, Nepals Commission for the Investigation of Abuse and Authority raided the Pokhara offices of the Civil Aviation Authority and seized documents related to the project.



Bhola Dahal, a spokesman for the anti-corruption agency, confirmed that an investigation into the airport was underway but declined to elaborate, noting that it was still in the preliminary stages.



The investigation is the latest black eye for Chinas overseas infrastructure projects, which face criticism for costly and poor-quality construction that leaves borrower countries awash in debt. Beijing has declared the Pokhara airport the flagship project of its Belt and Road Initiative with Nepal.



Nepal, one of the poorest countries in Asia, had sought to build an international airport in Pokhara since the 1970s in the hopes of turning the city into a tourist destination.



Jagannath Niroula, deputy director general at the Civil Aviation Authority, said anti-corruption investigators had spent two or three days in Pokhara looking into the airports construction quality.



A few engineers who had worked on the airport told investigators that building quality had been compromised and that the projects infrastructure was not sound, said two people familiar with the investigation, who did not have permission to speak publicly on the matter.



In a statement, Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it was not aware of an investigation into the airport, but noted that it had always required Chinese firms operating abroad to comply with local laws and regulations. The ministry said CAMC strictly implemented quality standards and kept complete records during the construction process. CAMC did not respond to requests for comment about the investigation.
$200,000 research seed funding awarded to the Institute for the Wireless Internet of Things at Northeastern University, USA

Winning proposal is developing an O-RAN digital twin platform to automate end-to-end AI/ML development, integration, and testing

Honorable mentions go to two proposals from EURECOM with OpenAirInterface Software Alliance, and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University with George Mason University

The O-RAN ALLIANCE (O-RAN) today announced the result of its Call for Proposals for seed funding of platforms that support research and development of next generation open Radio Access Network (RAN) infrastructure.

Seed funding of $200,000 has been awarded by O-RAN ALLIANCE to the Institute for the Wireless Internet of Things at Northeastern University for their proposal to develop an O-RAN digital twin platform based on the Colosseum network emulator, with the capability to automate end-to-end AI/ML development, integration, and testing.

Openness, programmability, and intelligence are key to wireless innovation, said Tommaso Melodia, Director of the Institute for the Wireless Internet of Things, We are excited to work with the O-RAN ALLIANCE to develop future architectures, algorithmic, and software frameworks that leverage Colosseum  the Open RAN Digital Twin  and our OpenRAN Gym toolset to enable end-to-end testing of AI/ML closed-loop control in programmable networks.

The funding initiative was led by O-RAN ALLIANCE's next Generation Research Group (nGRG). Its objective is to provide a forum to facilitate O-RAN related 6G research efforts and determine how O-RAN may evolve to support mobile wireless networks in the 6G timeframe and beyond, by leveraging industry and academic 6G research efforts worldwide. The purpose of the seed funding is to be a significant enabler for broader funding of research platforms for next generation infrastructure.

Academic and other research organizations were invited to submit their proposals related to next generation infrastructure for evolving O-RAN architecture. 17 applications were submitted by academic and research organizations from North America, Europe, and Asia. The evaluation and final selection were based on three criteria:

Potential impact in advancing O-RAN nGRGs goals for research and development for next generation infrastructure

Ability to leverage the provided funding for future research efforts benefiting next generation infrastructure, including funding from other sources

A track record in successful development of research platforms as well as any existing lab infrastructure that may be utilized for projects using current and future funding



In addition to the winning proposal, the O-RAN ALLIANCE also recognized two other proposals with honorable mentions for their excellent quality and value for the industry:

EURECOM and OpenAirInterface Software Alliance  Evolving 5G End-to-End Network Platform towards a Next Generation Infrastructure

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and George Mason University  FEMO-CLOUD: Federated, Multi-site O-Cloud Platform for Next generation RAN Research and Experimentation



The O-RAN ALLIANCE continues to focus on developing a stable and mature specification framework for open and intelligent RAN, enabling the RAN industry to deliver commercial products and solutions, said Alex Jinsung Choi, Chair of the Board of O-RAN ALLIANCE, and SVP Network Technology at Deutsche Telekom. Its great to see such high interest and cooperation in research for open innovations in future RAN generations, which will provide the basis for upcoming detailed specifications by the O-RAN ALLIANCE to enable even higher-performing and more feature-rich mobile networks.

About O-RAN ALLIANCE

The O-RAN ALLIANCE is a world-wide community of more than 300 mobile operators, vendors, and research & academic institutions operating in the Radio Access Network (RAN) industry. As the RAN is an essential part of any mobile network, the O-RAN ALLIANCEs mission is to re-shape the industry towards more intelligent, open, virtualized and fully interoperable mobile networks. The new O-RAN specifications enable a more competitive and vibrant RAN supplier ecosystem with faster innovation to improve user experience. O-RAN based mobile networks at the same time improve the efficiency of RAN deployments as well as operations by mobile operators. To achieve this, the O-RAN ALLIANCE publishes new RAN specifications, releases open software for the RAN, and supports its members in integration and testing of their implementations.

For more information, please visit www.o-ran.org.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231113238712/en/
WNS

News Summary

WNS (Holdings) Limited (NYSE: WNS) (the Company or WNS), a leading provider of global Business Process Management (BPM) solutions, today announced the appointment of Judy Marlinski to the Companys Board of Directors effective December 1, 2023. She will also become a member of the Companys Audit Committee.
Gibraltar to be represented at UK Youth Parliament on Friday

Earlier this year, His Majestys Government of Gibraltar announced an exciting opportunity for a young person to participate at the UK Youth Parliament sitting in the House of Commons on Friday 17th November.

Following an essay competition where individuals were asked to write about the most important issue affecting young people in Gibraltar, Jessie Chipol was selected as the competition winner. The competition was judged by young people from the Commonwealth Youth Association.

The meeting will take place on Friday 17th November and will include representatives of the UK Overseas Territories who will each have a two-minute slot to raise the most important issue affecting young people today. The speeches will be delivered from the despatch box and the session will be streamed live on Parliament TV.

Mr Chipol will also have the opportunity to take part in the UK Overseas Territories Youth Summit which is being held in London at the same time.

The Deputy Chief Minister, the Hon Dr Joseph Garcia CMG MP, said:

This is the second time that Gibraltar is represented at the UK Youth Parliament. It is, indeed, a remarkable opportunity offered by the Government, for our young people, and I was very pleased to meet with Jessie last week and wish him all the very best ahead of his address to the House of Commons on Friday. The Government is, once again, very grateful to the Speaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle for the inclusion of young people from the UK Overseas Territories in this event.

Since we were elected to Government in 2011, we set out to offer our young people from all sides of the political divide as many opportunities as possible to represent Gibraltar abroad. We now send individuals to the Commonwealth Youth Parliament, the Commonwealth Youth and Womens Forum and provide our students with the opportunity of visiting the UK Government and Commonwealth institutions in London. Young people are the future and it is important we continue to provide them with opportunities such as these.
Today, in the Calculated Risk Real Estate Newsletter: Lawler: New Census Long-Term Population Projections Are MASSIVELY Lower Than Previous Projections



A brief excerpt:

From housing economist Tom Lawler:



Last Friday Census released new long-term projections of the US resident population, this time going out to 2100. The last time Census released long-term population projections was in 2017 (going out to 2060), and the 2023 projections for the middle scenario are massively lower than the 2017 projections.



Here is a chart showing the middle-case projections for the US resident population for the 2017 release compared to the 2023 release. (Note: Census has not released updated population estimates for 2011 through 2019 that reflect Census 2020 results, but I have estimated what 2016 to 2019 would look like based on updated net international migration estimates for 2010 through 2019.)

...

I have been looking into these projections and have found some issues for the projections over the next few years, and Ill be rewriting more about this topic soon. However, for those analysts who have kept using the 2017 population projections for analysis purposes even though it was obvious they were woefully out of date, these latest population projections have surely left them dazed and confused.

There is much more in the article. You can subscribe at https://calculatedrisk.substack.com/
SHREVEPORT, La. - Shreveport police say one of the two men shot Sunday evening in the parking lot of the YMCA on Knight Street has died.

The Caddo Parish Coroner's Office on Monday identified the victim as Marvin Carter, 24, of Shreveport.

The second victim is being treated at Ochsner LSU Health hospital for life-threatening injuries.

YMCA CEO Gary Lash said four people were leaving the YMCA and going to their cars when shots were fired. Members and staff called 911, and Shreveport police and EMS were on site within minutes.

"We are thankful for their quick response and are keeping those who responded as well as the victims and their families in our thoughts and prayers," Lash said Monday in a statement.

KTBS spent some time at the "Y' Monday and it was pretty much business as usual. The parking lot was full and plenty of people were coming and going throughout the day.

Lash said YMCA staff are working with SPD, which has assured them "this was an isolated, targeted incident."

"The safety and wellbeing of everyone who enters our doors is a top priority of the YMCA of Northwest Louisiana, and we will continue to work with Shreveport police to ensure our safety policies align with best-in-class practices," Lash said.

Shreveport police and Caddo Parish Sheriffs Office will increase patrols of the BHP YMCA area immediately, he added.

Carter's death is the 69th homicide in the city of Shreveport. It happened in the city's 71105 zip code.

Anyone with information on the shooting should contact Shreveport police at 318-673-7300.
Fort Johnson, LA (71446)

Today

Areas of patchy fog early. Scattered thunderstorms developing this afternoon. High 71F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Showers and thundershowers this evening, then cloudy with rain likely overnight. Low 57F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 100%.
Do you know what created the loudest sound on Earth? People 3,000 miles away described it as cannon fire from a nearby ship, but it wasnt cannon fire. Ranchers on a sheep farm in Alice Springs, Australia, almost 2,500 miles away said they heard two shots from a rifle, but it wasnt a rifle. But what was behind this sudden and unprecedented sound? Estimated at 310 decibels, scientists believe it was the loudest sound ever produced on the surface of the planet.


Borneo cement shortage threatens construction projects

14 November 2023

A shortage of cement in Sabah, Borneo, is having a significant impact on the state's construction industry, particularly in the towns of Sandakan, Lahad Datu and Tawau in the east coast. According to The Borneo Post, the shortage is in danger of causing all construction activity to grind to a halt.

Henry Tsen, president of the Sabah Builders Association (SBA), has expressed concern for the countrys construction companies. They were badly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic over the past three years due to the lockdown, rapid increase in building materials and labour cost, shortage of workers and disruption of supply chain, he said. Many are just recovering from their financial difficulties, it adds further financial burden by this unexpected disruption to their work progress. SBA opines it will be beneficial to the construction sector to have additional cement manufacturers/suppliers to provide more reliable cement supply to the construction industry.

According to Mr Tsen, Borneos government had promised to award more projects to Sabahs construction companies but many have not yet been implemented, including the remaining contracts on the Pan Borneo Highway. He has called on the government to progress these projects as soon as possible to improve cashflow for those companies in the construction sector.

Published under
Ghana shuts three cement companies

14 November 2023

The Ghana Standards Authority has shut down three cement companies due to their use of inferior materials, reports the Daily Graphic. The three cement producers in question are Xin An Safe Cement Ghana Ltd, Kumasi Cement Ghana Ltd, and Uniceme Cement Ghana Ltd. The move is reportedly part of a wider crackdown by the GSA on substandard cement production in Ghana.

Along with the closure of cement plants, the GSA also intends to prohibit the construction of new cement factories, pending a streamlined permit issuance process by regulatory institutions.

What we are doing is ensuring fair trade and stability in the manufacturing space. We stand a chance of making this country a hub for manufacturing for the global market and trust is key for any major player who wants to invest in the country, Professor Alex Dodoo, director general of the GSA, told the Daily Graphic.

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Pi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and Fannie Mae Crumsey Foundation, Inc. will host a Mental Health Campaign Event - Erase Mental Health Stigma at the Family Justice Center at 5705 Uptain Road this Saturday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. The Mental Health Campaign is designed to raise awareness of mental health issues, reduce stigma and promote mental well-being.The event will feature a variety of activities, including: Keynote speakers on mental health and well-being; Workshops on topics such as stress management, anxiety coping and depression recovery; Resource tables from local mental health organizations; and Food, drinks and activities for all ages."We believe that shining a light on mental health will help erase the stigma associated with it," organizers said."This event is free for the community. We hope to provide coping mechanisms that will aid in reducing anxiety and depression."
The school resource deputy assigned to Tyner High School was called to a disorder in the Mall area of the school on Monday. Upon arrival at the location in question, the deputy discovered what appeared to be the aftermath of a fight between multiple students.

One of the students was walking around in an agitated state pulling on doors to see which one might open. It appeared as though he was attempting to gain access to the building to continue the fight. The student refused attempts at de-escalation by several HCDE staff members which caused the school resource deputy to intervene. The SRD attempted to block the students access to a set of doors which caused the student to push the deputy out of the way.



The SRD then attempted to take the student into custody; however, the student resisted, and they both fell to the ground. Back-up assistance was requested by the SRD and the student was ultimately taken into custody.



The student was then transported to Hamilton County Juvenile Detention Center and will be charged with the following:



Disorderly conduct

Resisting arrest

Assault on law enforcement

Additional charges may be pending based on review of incident related video and witness statements.


Officials of Jake Marshall Service said they have run out of space at the current location at 2912 S. Hickory St., and they plan to build nearby.

Richard Pollard told members of the Planning Commission that the firm acquired property in the 2800 block of S. Hickory and tore down four houses.

He said two of the houses were condemned. He said the homes had been rentals that were not kept up.

Community members said since the houses were razed they had been experiencing flooding problems that were not there before.

Mr. Pollard said Jake Marshall would comply with all stormwater requirements on the project.

The Planning Commission recommended approval of the rezoning request to Office Zone.
Chances are if you've watched a child make their way down a slide, scooted across a set of monkey bars, or simply let their imaginations run wild amongst the equipment of a local playground, you have PlayCore to thank.

PlayCore is one of the country's leading creators of play and park structures and has been in business for almost 50 years locally spinning out magical structure after magical structure for so many in the community to enjoy. And when one of its employees just happened to show up for a pancake breakfast to raise money for the Friends of the Park Group at Harrison Bay State Park, the magic began to brew.

"Melissa Benson came to our breakfast and when we found out she worked at PlayCore we knew we had a broken slide on our main playground which needed to be replaced so we inquired about finding a replacement. Well, it turned out there wasn't a replacement for the particular slide," said Dean Morgan, one of the founding members of Friends of the Park group.

But in the process of trying to locate a slide which might work, Benson reached out to one of the company's partners in GameTime, a company in business for close to 100 years, and instead of a slide replacement delivered a brand new playground.

"Melissa reached out to us about a yellow spiral slide replacement and we couldn't find one, so I told her we have a full playground in storage if they wanted it. For us, both PlayCore and GameTime , it's about enhancing the communities we live, work and play in. It's such a beautiful state park up here and once I visited it I fell in love with the place. We were more than happy to provide the playground and install it free of charge. Kids grow up every day and we didn't want them to miss out on having something like this to utilize," said GameTime's Julie Gardner.

And with that said, Gardner and a group of installers hauled up the new playground from Sanford, Florida and with the help of the Friends of the Park group, installed the nearly $40,000 worth of equipment a couple of weeks ago.

"There are just so many people to thank for this. Being a state park we generally have a lot of red tape we have to go through to improve the space, and most of it is done through grants, but that usually takes time," said Don Campbell, the longtime head Park Ranger at Harrison Bay.

"Our Friends of the Park group is amazing and they are invaluable to what we provide here. Once they sink their teeth into getting something down, we cut through the red tape pretty quickly. And for PlayCore and GameTime to donate such a massive project says a lot about the type of companies they are and their values," Campbell added.

The new playground sits adjacent to the old one in the state park in an open field and will provide countless hours of play and recreation for the youngsters for years to come. And it's just the beginning.

Two years ago, Harrison Bay State Park was forced to close the swimming pool and plans are now in place to replace the area with a massive park-themed playground and recreation area.

"It will be park oriented specific for us and an asset we can use to bring more people into the park and educate them. We couldn't be more excited about the direction we are headed, and this small playground they donated is really a special and unexpected start towards that goal of providing our community a special place to recreate within," Campbell added.

"They have such wonderful people up here and we couldn't be any happier to have provided the equipment for the kids to utilize. This is part of our core mission and we believe various forms of recreation, play and physical activity are essential to a healthy life balance. And what a perfect place to put a playground up here," said Ms. Gardner.

Added Ms. Morgan: "We have such a great park up here and this thing came together really quickly thanks to Melissa. Sometimes we have to think outside the box to get things done and PlayCore and GameTime went above and beyond to make sure this happened. What a great addition to our park. I can't wait to see the kids enjoy it."
Crews have recovered the body of Joshua Murphy, 25, who went missing just after midnight near Harrison Bay State Park. He and two other men left Harrison Bay State Park boat ramp by canoe for Patten Island.

The canoe overturned, leaving the three men in the water. There were no life jackets on the boat. Two of the men were able to swim to the island, where they built a fire to keep warm. A fisherman heard their cries for help and responded, calling for emergency assistance around 2:30 a.m.

The Hamilton County Sheriffs Office used a Remote Operated Vehicle and located the body around 8 a.m. in seven feet of water. TWRA officers, along with Dallas Bay Fire Department, Hamilton County STARS, Tennessee State Parks, Hamilton County Sheriffs Office (Drone Team, Marine Patrol Unit and Dive Team), assisted in search and recovery efforts.

The body was transported to the Hamilton County Medical Examiners office. The incident remains under investigation.

This is the 26th boating fatality this year.

The Sheriff's Office gave this account:

Early this morning around 12:00 a.m., a canoe overturned with three adults near the area of Harrison Bay State Park and Patten Island. Two of the individuals made it to a nearby shore and built a fire to keep warm and began to yell for assistance. Fortunately, around 2:30 a.m., an angler nearby heard their cries for help and notified emergency personnel.

Personnel with the Hamilton County Sheriffs Office Sheriffs Underwater Recovery Team (SURT), Marine Patrol Unit, and our Unmanned Aerial Systems Unit responded to assist the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) search for the missing boater. Personnel with the Dallas Bay Volunteer Fire Department, Hamilton County STARS, and Tennessee State Parks also responded to help search for the missing boater.

As part of the search operations, HCSO UAS pilots utilized drones with FLIR technology to search the water and shoreline for the boater, while HCSO Marine Patrol personnel located and recovered the canoe. At approximately 8 a.m., public safety divers in the HCSO SURT Team located the body of the missing boater with a remote-operated vehicle (ROV) in seven feet of water. SURT Team divers then conducted a dive to retrieve the body.

Sheriff Austin Garrett said, While many of our citizens know we conduct law enforcement operations throughout the county, many do not know the HCSO has waterborne and airborne operations which allows us to respond to a variety of incidents in order to help keep our community safe. These specialized units and their subsequent capabilities, combined with state-of-the-art equipment and extensive training, are just another way the Sheriffs Office is leading the way in law enforcement services and operations in Hamilton County.

"It is always unfortunate when tragic incidents result in a loss of life, however, I am grateful for our personnel and our partners for their diligent search throughout the night and later recovery efforts this morning for this missing boater.
Steven Tremayne Chaney was sentenced on Monday to five years in prison for violation of the three-strike law.Formerly residing on Willowdale Road, Chaney was convicted of theft by receiving stolen property and driving while license suspended.Chief Assistant District Attorney Scott Helton presented the case for the State, while Chaney wasrepresented by Dalton Attorney, Jerry Moncus.The City of Dalton Police Officers found Chaney driving a stolen vehicle in July 2022.Upon further investigation, evidence showed that Chaney was aware that the vehicle has been stolen, and had also been driving while his license was suspended. Chaney claimed that he had purchased the vehicle for $500  the vehicle was found to be worth an estimate of $5,000.Chaney did not have a title for the vehicle, nor did he have a bill of sale. The dealer tag was alsostill in the vehicle, instead of a drive-out tag, along with the dealer protective application that were still on the floor mats.Senior Superior Court Judge Jack Partain sentenced Chaney under Georgias three strikes law,meaning that the five years he received will be without parole. Georgia law requires thatdefendants who have three prior felony convictions receive no parole time on a fourth of subsequent felony conviction.Chaney was previously convicted of possession of methamphetamine (2017), possession ofmethamphetamine with the intent to distribute (2015) and possession of methamphetamine(2007). All three prior felonies were in Whitfield County.
Dr. Suni Choi Kim, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, passed away on October 12, 2023. She was 95.

Suni was raised in Manchuria, China and attended medical school in Seoul, South Korea. While attending medical school, the Korean War broke out, separating all contact between her and her family in Manchuria. This had a devastating impact on her - not knowing how her family was and unable to receive family support for medical school tuition and living expenses.



In spite of many obstacles, Suni completed medical school and became a pediatrician. She worked as a physician during the Korean War and later immigrated to Canada and then to the United States.



Suni's motto was, "It's never too late." After serving pediatric patients at St. Jude's Children's Hospital in Memphis and in a group private practice in Chattanooga, she decided to join the U.S. Army as an army pediatrician at age 50. She was stationed in Germany and from there was able to see the world. At age 60, she learned to play the cello and at age 70, took swimming lessons and became a proficient swimmer. From age 70 - 80, she participated in a Precept Bible study and at age 81, got married for the first time to the man she fell in love with nearly 60 years earlier.



She was married to Dr. Chung Shik Kim for 13 years before he passed away. Through marriage, Suni's family grew to include three daughters and three sons-in-law (Mary and Rob Prokop, Pearl and Brian Williams, Kathy and Glenn Moyer), two grandsons (Daniel and Paul Moyer), and many sisters, brothers, and cousins-in-law. Her family loved and cared for her throughout the 15 years she had been in their lives.



Suni had many dear, wonderful friends throughout her life who loved and cared for her. She was truly blessed to have such wonderful people surrounding her as they were also blessed by her. Suni had a sunny disposition just like her name is pronounced and will be dearly missed.



A memorial service will be held on Monday, Dec. 4, at Heritage Funeral Home in Chattanooga. Visitation will be from 11 a.m.-11:30 a.m. followed by a memorial service from 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. She will be laid to rest at the National Cemetery in Chattanooga where there will be a brief burial service at 1 p.m.



Visit the online obituary at www.heritagechattanooga.com to post tributes and share memories.



Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home, East Brainerd Chapel.


Area residents are invited to kick off the Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday at Gratefull. Gratefull, formerly known as One Table created by Causeway, is free to attend and a traditional Thanksgiving meal to be provided at no cost between 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in the middle of the 200-block of E. Martin Luther King Boulevard in front of the Bessie Smith Cultural Center.

Gratefull began in Chattanooga in 2014 and since then, every year the week before or the week leading into Thanksgiving, cities across the country shut down a city block for strangers and friends to gather and share a meal in the middle of the street at one long table. Through Gratefull, organizers are removing barriers and bringing people together from across social boundaries, simply to get to know each other, and build understanding. Because any and everyone is invited to the Thanksgiving table, Gratefull has evolved into Chattanoogas most culturally diverse and inclusive event, said officials.

The concept of Gratefull has been adopted by multiple cities throughout the southeast including Milan, Tn., Nashville, Huntsville and Dalton.

Gratefull is made possible by generous financial support from The Maclellan Foundation, Delegator, Hamico, Patten and Patten Inc., Kazee, Synovus Bank, Citizens of Heaven Church, CHI Memorial, First Horizon, EPB, John P. Franklin Funeral Home, Chattanooga Chamber Downtown Council, 35 South Real Estate & Design and Brewer Media Group.

The event is hosted by River City Company, city of Chattanooga, United Way, Bessie Smith Cultural Center and Causeway.

In-kind sponsors include Brooke Bragger Photography, Summitt Pianos, World Centric, New Terra Compost, Cartters Trail Floral Design Studio, with food donations provided by Party Bites, Neidlovs, Community Pie, Champys, Frothy Monkey, Dipped Fresh, Davis Waynes, Southern Star, McCallie Dining Services, Coca-Cola, Mama Reds and Food City.

For those who attend Gratefull and would like to give back to the community, luncheon attendees are encouraged to bring supplies to benefit the Maclellan Shelter for Families. A collection bin will be available that day. Items of need include nonperishable food, coffee supplies, disposable plates and silverware, hygienic supplies including toothpaste, diapers and laundry supplies.

People from all walks of life ranging from friends, co-workers, and strangers will gather and share a meal in the middle of the street at one long table.


Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti on Monday joined 25 other state attorneys general in sending a letter to Congress, requesting the passage of the Immigration Enforcement Partnership Act of 2023 (H.R. 1337). If signed into law, this bill would grant state attorneys general the authority to enforce certain federal immigration laws.

They said the federal governments ongoing failure to effectively protect our border creates a heavy burden on the states and a serious threat to national security. The combination of overwhelming demands on social services, exploitation through human trafficking, and the relentless flow of fentanyl and other deadly drugs has created a bipartisan clamor for action.

Controlling the border is the most fundamental duty of any national government, said Attorney General Skrmetti in a statement. "When our federal government fails to defend that border, the states must be given authority to join in the enforcement of immigration laws. Im proud to co-sign this letter in support which would empower U.S. States everywhere to do the job the federal government refuses to do.

The letter sent Monday lays out an urgent request for Congress to pass the Immigration Enforcement Partnership Act of 2023. Doing so would authorize a state attorney general the ability to request in writing that the Department of Homeland Security adequately fulfill certain duties related to immigration enforcement. Within 30 days of receiving such a request, DHS must ensure that such duties are adequately fulfilled by DHS officers and employees or authorize that states officials to fulfill such duties. The state attorney general may sue DHS for failure to meet this bills requirements. The letter also urges Congress to expeditiously give the bill a hearing.

The following attorneys general signed onto the latest letter: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming.


In the realm of electric vehicles, powered by stored electric energy, the key lies in rechargeable batteries capable of enduring multiple charge cycles. Lithium-ion batteries have been the poster child for this application. However, due to limitations in energy storage capacity and other associated challenges, the focus has shifted to an intriguing alternative known as dual-ion batteries (DIBs).

Dual-Ion Battery Demonstrating High Durability after Multiple Recharges POSTECH

Dual-ion batteries utilize both lithium cations and counter anions simultaneously, offering a high energy density akin to traditional batteries. This allows them to store a substantial amount of energy. However, they face a hurdle due to the larger anions, causing expansion and contraction of the graphite anode material during charge and discharge, which can lead to decreased battery durability.

In a recent breakthrough, a collaborative research team tackled the durability issues of dual-ion batteries through innovative polymer binder research. The team included Professor Soojin Park (Department of Chemistry), alongside PhD candidates Jieun Kang (Department of Chemistry) and Jinwoo Hwang (Department of Chemical Engineering) from Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Professor Jeong Woo Han (Materials Science and Engineering) from Seoul National University, and Professor Ja-Hyoung Ryu (Department of Chemistry) and Ph.D. student Seungho Lee (Department of Chemistry) from Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), and Professor Jaegeon Ryu (Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering) from Sogang University. The findings from this study were published in Advanced Materials.

The binder plays a critical role in securing various chemicals within rechargeable batteries. In this study, the research team introduced a novel polymer binder that incorporates azide groups (N 3 -) and acrylate groups (C 3 H 3 O 2 ).

Azide groups form a robust covalent bond with graphite through a chemical reaction facilitated by ultraviolet light, ensuring the structural integrity of graphite during its expansion and contraction. Meanwhile, acrylate groups facilitate the reconnection between the graphite and the binder, even if the bond is disrupted.

Experimental results showed that dual-ion batteries equipped with the newly developed binder maintained exceptional performance, even after enduring over 3,500 recharge cycles. These batteries also demonstrated swift charging capabilities, with about 88% of the original capacity being restored within just 2 minutes.
A Native American monument is unveiled in Sacramento, Calif., Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023. California lawmakers and Native American tribes celebrated the unveiling of a monument outside of the state Capitol building to commemorate the history of Sacramento-area tribes. The monument reveal comes years after protesters tore down a statue of a Spanish missionary in the state's historic Capitol Park.
Judith Schalansky at The Paris Review:

One stifling hot night in early August, I dreamed, as I always do when I have a fever, the old, familiar dream: the earth opens up before my feet, a gaping pit appears, and into this pit I fall, then clamber straight back out, as eager as a cartoon character, only to fall into the next pit that suddenly yawns before me. An endless obstacle course engineered by some higher power, an experiment going nowhere, the opposite of a story. This dream has followed me since childhood and is probably as old as the realization that I will, one day, end up in a pit forever. As a piece of drama, it is extremely simple, and yet its an effective dream and no more unoriginal than that of my friend Sibylle, who told me over breakfast a few days later that she has regular nightmares of being swept away by a vast, tsunami-like wave.

I was reminded that of all the arts I would like to master, lucid dreaming is at the top of the list: you sleep and dream, fully aware that you are asleep and dreaming, but the real skill lies in being able to intervene in the events of your dream and steer the plot in your favor.

more here.
In this special episode of The Bulletin, host Mike Cosper talks with Dan Senor, co-author of The Genius of Israel: The Surprising Resilience of a Divided Nation in a Turbulent World. The two discuss Israels unique cultural identity, shaped around shared stories and practices that have the capacity to bridge divides in times of trial. Learn about how Jewish practice can inform the way Christians build community and sustain each other through suffering.

Joining us this week:

Dan Senor is co-author of the forthcoming book The Genius of Israel: The Surprising Resilience of a Divided Nation in a Turbulent World, which will be released on November 7, 2023. He is also co-author of The New York Times bestseller Start-Up Nation: The Story of Israels Economic Miracle, which has been translated into more than 30 languages. He was a senior advisor to former speaker Paul Ryans campaign for vice president and foreign policy advisor to senator Mitt Romneys presidential campaigns. He has written for The Financial Times, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, USA TODAY, and The Washington Post. In addition, he is the host of the podcast Call Me Back.

Listen to More in This Bonus Series:

Making Sense of the Israel-Hamas War

Antisemitism and the Jewish Identity

Hamas and the Laws of War

Terrorism and the Road to War

The Bulletin is a production of Christianity Today

Executive Producer: Erik Petrik

Producers: Clarissa Moll and Matt Stevens

Editing and Mix: TJ Hester

Music: Dan Phelps

Show Design: Bryan Todd

Graphic Design: Amy Jones

Social Media: Kate Lucky
This article is published in collaboration with Campus, a Taiwanese evangelical magazine.

In the summer of 2021, American public opinion reached a new milestone: Just over half the country, per a survey by The Chicago Council on Global Affairs, supported sending US troops to defend Taiwan if China were to invade.

Since then, as cross-strait tensions have heightened and the US began supporting Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression, American opinion has wavered. Though increasingly likely to say Taiwan-China tensions are a very serious problem for the United States, Americans are not of one mind on what our countrys policies toward Taiwan and China ought to be.

Our disagreements on this subject dont follow clear partisan or religious patterns. Though Democrats and Republicans are strongly polarized on many issues, when it comes to Taiwan, polling shows mixed views across partisan lines.

Americans increasingly view China as an enemy and are increasingly worried Beijing will choose to invade. But ambiguity isnt just an official US strategy; our national thinking on this subject really is ambiguous, and American Christians generally and evangelicals specifically arent distinct from our compatriots here.

What if China attacks Taiwan? What the United States should or would do is a truly open question in American politics, and what Taiwanese Christians should do is an even more complex question.

The last two years of escalation in tension in US-Taiwan-China relations are worrisomemost of all in those cases where such escalation could have been avoided. Careless rhetoric from US president Joe Biden and provocative but ultimately unnecessary US political visits have exacerbated relations with China without meaningfully enhancing Taiwanese security.

Meanwhile, it has become commonplace in American politics to assume US-China military conflict is inevitable, and US policymakers and politicians seem to be spending too much time hyping that threat and too little effort taking pragmatic steps to forestall it. It is easy to arrange a photo-op in Taipei and burnish ones own political brand. It is more difficult to attempt the long, halting, often frustrating work of preventing an open war between nuclear powers that would upend the world as we know it.

Troublingly, the current shape of US-Taiwan-China relations looks like a classic example of what political scientists call a security dilemma. As Harvard University international relations scholar Stephen M. Walt has explained at Foreign Policy, a security dilemma is what happens when the actions that one state takes to make itself more securebuilding armaments, putting military forces on alert, forming new alliancestend to make other states less secure and lead them to respond in kind.

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Walt gives several examples of contemporary security dilemmas, and Beijings recent behavior is among them: China regards Americas long position of regional influence [around the Indo-Pacific]and especially its network of military bases and its naval and air presenceas a potential threat, and it has responded with regional military buildup of its own.

And this, in turn, has made some of Chinas neighbors less secure, and some of those neighbors, including Taiwan, have responded by moving closer together politically, renewing ties with the United States, and building up their own military forces. All of which, Walt explains, has led Beijing to accuse Washington of a well-orchestrated effort to contain it and of trying [to] keep China permanently vulnerable.

The result? A tightening spiral of hostility that leaves neither side better off than before. This is a grim prospect; and grimmer still is the possibility of war between China and Taiwan, or China and the US, or both.

In 2022 the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a US think tank, arranged a war game to explore the consequences of US involvement in a hypothetical Chinese invasion of Taiwan. In their hypothetical simulation, China lostbut the victory came at a high price. A war like this would likely devolve into brutal large-scale combat, a report on the exercise concluded. The death toll would be historic by any modern measure, and thats without the real chance of a nuclear exchange.

But, crucially, the assumption that such a war is inevitable is wrong. Tense and rivalrous but functionally peaceful coexistence remains possiblejust as it has been for decades. In the US, for our part, keeping the peace would require a strategic reorientation toward prudence and restraint, a recommitment to working-level diplomacy with both Taipei and Beijing, and an eschewal of performative politics that needlessly and fruitlessly tighten the spiral of hostility.

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In the years during and after my time in seminary, I was a member of a Mennonite church. Like other Anabaptist Christiansa category in which I still place myself, though Ive moved to a new city and, therefore, a different congregationmy Mennonite community believed that Jesus was to be taken seriously and literally when he told us to love our enemies (Matt. 5:4348).

We believed, too, that the category of enemy included not only our annoying family members or political competitors but our national enemiespeople who would do us real harm. We believed, and I still believe, that Jesus asks us to reject violence, even when that choice is very costly, because it is the choice he made for us in choosing to suffer the violence of the cross rather than inflict it on his enemies (Rom. 5:8, James 4:4).

But Anabaptists also recognize that this is a very difficult thing to ask. In sermons and other church teachings about enemies and nonviolence, my church returned again and again to a particular story from church history that encapsulates how we tried to think about this hard teaching in our own lives.

The story is about another Anabaptist, a Dutch man named Dirk Willems who lived in the 16th century. Willems was imprisoned by Catholic authorities for his faith, but he was able to craft a rope out of rags in his jail cell and use it to escape out the window. He ran off as fast as he couldwith a prison guard in close pursuit.

It was winter, and Willems soon came to a frozen pond. He was thin from his time eating prison rations, and he ran lightly across the surface of the ice. The guard followed, but he was better fed and too heavy for the ice to support himso he plunged into the frigid water and began to drown.

And although Willems could have escaped, he didnt. Instead, he turned around and rescued the guard from the icy pond at the risk of his own life.

And what did the guard do for the man who had saved his life? He arrested him again, returning him to prison. A few months later, Willems was executed, burned at the stakehis screams reportedly heard more than a mile away as the wind blew the fire off his upper body, prolonging his suffering.

Dirk Willems loved his enemy, and in return, his enemy handed him over to a horrible death.

Mennonites tell this story, terrifying though it is, because Willems knew what would happen to him when he turned around on that ice. He wanted to live and not sufferhe was escaping, after all. Perhaps he had a passing hope that showing the prison guard mercy would mean he would be shown mercy. But surely, he realized there was no such guarantee. Yet he rescued his enemy anyway.

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Not only did Willems rescue the guard, but he must have done so without hesitation. Drowning in an icy pond can be very quick. If the guard had gotten stuck under the ice or become too cold, he would not have lived.

That means Willems must have run back as soon as he realized what had happened. He had no time for ethical calculation, no time to weigh whether Jesus really expected him to love this enemy this way. He had to act immediately. He had to act on instinct. He had to act with a speed that wouldve only been possible if loving his enemies was something he had long since learned to do well. Willems was able to save his enemy when every second counted because he had already conformed this part of his life and character to the peace of Christ.

That is why the Anabaptist Christians I knew told this story so much: It is not easy to love an enemy, even with Gods help. It does not come naturally to us. And it is not something we can simply decide to do in the moment of action. What we do when an enemy is before uswhen we are furious or terrorized or in anguishwill be less of a choice than an instinct. It will be less something we consciously decide to do than an expression of who we are.

It is all very well to say, I would turn the other cheek. I would not strike back. But we dont and cant really know what well do until the first strike hits.

One of our teachers at my Mennonite church used to say that he truly believed Jesus called him to nonviolence, but he did not know what hed do if a burglar threatened to kill his wife or child. He could only hope and pray that his response would be Christlike. He could only ask God to prepare him, through sanctification, so that if that day of violence ever came, his instinct would be conformed to the image of Jesus, like Dirk Willemss instinct was (Rom. 8:29).

For many of us in modern, wealthy countries, the first strike may never come. It is easy for me, in this sense, to talk about a Christian call to love our enemies and the need to build an instinct of peace. As a middle-class woman in America, my instinct may never be put to the test.

But in Taiwan, it well could be. If tensions across the Taiwan Strait lead to war, how should Christians in Taiwan respond?

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I dont expect allor even mostChristians to agree with me about what Jesus meant when he told us to love our enemies. I realize many deeply faithful Christians have interpreted that command differently than I and other Anabaptists do. Maybe you arent convinced that Jesus has called his followers to a principle of nonviolence at all costs. Maybe, if China were to invade Taiwan, you would take up arms to defend your home and do the aggressors violence in return.

By the standard of the venerable Christian philosophical tradition of just war theory, your cause would unquestionably be just. And even though I believe Jesus commanded his followers to lay down our arms, writing in peace and safety 8,000 miles away, I could hardly condemn you if you didnt. I dont know what Id do if the Chinese military threatened my family, life, and home. I can only hope and pray my response would look something like Christ. That is what I hope and pray for Christians in Taiwan too.

But first, I hope and pray that war will never come. Mercifully, as serious as the situation has become, war remains far from certain. Peace, though uneasy, has lasted. And God willing, it will last longer still.

Bonnie Kristian is the editorial director of ideas and books at Christianity Today.

[ This article is also available in  and . ]
A Finnish court ruled in favor of the free speech of a member of Parliament and a Lutheran bishop on Tuesday morning, affirming they have the legal right to say that homosexual acts are sin and marriage should be between a man and a woman.

The ruling was unanimous, upholding a lower court decision for last year, which was also unanimous.

Im overjoyed, said Paivi Rasanen, a Christian Democrat who has served in Parliament for 28 years. This is a tremendous victory for us but also for everyone concerned with the protection of fundamental freedoms.  No one should be punished for peacefully expressing their faith.

Juhana Pohjola, bishop of the conservative and confessional Evangelical Lutheran Mission church, said he and his family stopped and read Psalm 103 when they received the verdict: Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits (vv. 12).

Pohjola was charged with hate speech for publication of Rasanens 23-page booklet, Male and Female He Created Them, in 2004. The text was part of the churchs catechetical series of Christian teachings on important issues.

Rasanen was charged under the criminal hate crime statute for the booklet as well as for a tweet condemning the mainline Lutheran churchs support for a Pride event in 2019 and a follow-up radio interview where she said that, according to the Bible, homosexual acts are sin and shame.

According to prosecutors, these statements were not only offensive but likely to incite hate and violence against LGBT people.

The Office of the Prosecutor General argued such speech is not protected because it causes intolerance, contempt, and hatred and thus endangers lives.

More than 70 percent of Finns support same-sex marriage, which has been legal in the country since 2017. A majority of the members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland, the mainstream church that Pohjolas denomination broke from in the early 2000s, also hold that position. The church does not currently perform same-sex marriages, but 54 percent would like that to change.

Many in Finland see protection of LGBT people as the most critical civil rights issue of the day.

Prosecutor Anu Mantila ran for office on the promise to do more to protect LGBT people. Her case against Rasanen and Pohjola has received lots of national attention and wide support from Finns.

Offensive speech has a damaging effect on people, she argued before the court. If you put all the statements together, it is clear that they are derogatory towards homosexuals. Condemning homosexual acts condemns homosexuals as human beings.

Mantila argued religious freedomwhich is enshrined in Finnish law and international law, which Finland recognizesdoes not protect every reading of the Bible. Some interpretations, according to the prosecutor, should be punishable by law.

You cant say anything under the guise of religion, Mantila said. You can cite the Bible, but it is Rasanens interpretation and opinion about the Bible verses that are criminal.

All three judges rejected her arguments.

There must be an overriding social reason for interfering with and restricting freedom of expression, the court said. There is no reason to alter the final result of the District Courts judgment.

In 2022 the lower court ruled that it is not for the District Court to interpret biblical concepts.

The legal team defending Rasenan and Pohjola said in an online press conference that they were celebrating the fantastic verdict.

Paul Coleman, the executive director of Alliance Defending Freedom International, described the ruling as a monumental victory.

In a free and democratic society, all should be allowed to share their beliefs without fear of censorship, he said. Criminalizing speech through so-called hate-speech laws shuts down important public debates and poses a grave threat to our democracies. We are relieved to see courts enforce the rule of law when state authorities overstep by seeking to penalize and censor statements that they dislike.

Rasanen and Pohjola both said they didnt seek this legal conflict but were committed to seeing it to the end.

I will not apologize for what apostle Paul has stated in the Book of Romans, Rasanen said. I decided whatever comes, whatever the conclusion or the result will be, I will not give up.

Pohjola said when he was first called into the local police station for questioning, officers told him the case would go away if he took Male and Female He Created Them off the internet. But he refused.

To me, this is not only a cultural and legal battle but a spiritual battle, he said. This is my calling as a Christian, as a pastor: to guard the faith and teach it publicly and carry the cross.

Many in the Evangelical Lutheran Mission were relieved by the ruling, though. Pohjola said ministers texted him when they learned of the ruling on the news, with messages like, We are so happy that our bishop is not labeled as a criminal.

There was a real fear, he explained, that the small Lutheran denomination might be branded a criminal group, with a criminal agenda. Theyve been reminded that speaking publicly can come at a cost.

We cannot take freedom of speech and religion for granted. We have to defend it and use it, Pohjola said.

The case may not be over, however. Government prosecutors can file an appeal with the Supreme Court. The top court in Finland takes, on average, about 6 percent of cases.
Editors note from CT: The Nashville Presbytery issued a statement this week clarifying some details of its process and stating that Scott Sauls has been restored to his ordination. The presbytery had temporarily suspended his ordination six months ago, after an investigation revealed a pattern of relational, emotional, and spiritual neglect. Sauls confessed to those findings, as well as fostering a culture of mistrust among the [church] staff.



The presbytery had since found that he had engaged in intensive counseling, pursued a process of repairing injured relationships, expressed his confession and repentance to Christ Presbyterian Church, and sought reconciliation with those he had wronged, it said. The presbytery approved of Saulss resignation from Christ Presbyterian Church, but he is now is in good standing and will continue as a minister in the Presbyterian Church in America.

Scott Sauls, an influential pastor and author, has resigned from the Nashville megachurch he had led for the past decade.

Members of Christ Presbyterian Church (CPC) voted to accept Saulss resignation during a congregational meeting on Sunday night.

Sauls had been on an indefinite leave of absence since May after apologizing for an unhealthy leadership style. A group of church leaders known as the session had asked the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) congregation to accept Saulss resignation.

In addressing the congregation, Sauls apologized to those he had hurt and said that he and his family would continue to serve Jesus.

We had hoped to continue forward and help with CPC, Sauls told the congregation during the meeting, according to The Tennessean, which first reported the news of Saulss resignation. But we now believe the most merciful thing to do is step aside so the church can seek new leadership and we can seek the Lords will for whatever comes next as well.

The church declined to comment on news of Saulss resignation.

Saulss tenure at the church began with great promise and was marked by growth. A protege of the late Tim Keller, Sauls promoted a Christianity marked by kindness and grace, rather than culture war politics, in books like A Gentle Answer: Our Secret Weapon in an Age of Us Against Them, Befriend, and Irresistible Faith.

Sauls admitted earlier this year that he had been harsh with church staff and used the power of the pulpit as a weapon against those who disagreed with him.

I verbalized insensitive and verbal criticism of others work, he said in an apology to the congregation earlier this year. Ive used social media and the pulpit to quiet dissenting viewpoints. Ive manipulated facts to support paths that I desire.

During Sundays meeting, he apologized again.

To anyone who has been hurt, whether known or unknown to me, I am deeply sorry, he said. I make no excuses and I ask for your forgiveness.

According to the PCA Book of Church Order, the end of Sauls tenure at Christ Presbyterian has to be approved by the Nashville Presbyterya regional group that oversees pastors.

The stated clerk of the presbytery did not respond to a request for comment.

After announcing his leave from Christ Presbyterian in May, Sauls was indefinitely suspended by the presbytery. The process of pastoral discipline in the PCA has been criticized because of a lack of transparency.

Concerns about pastoral leadership styles have come under increased scrutiny in recent years.

Many megachurch pastors followed a top-down, corporate leadership approach popularized by such pastors as Bill Hybels and Mark Driscoll, which has led in some cases to unhealthy and sometimes abusive leadership cultures. And the line between church conflict and spiritual abuse is much debated.

According to The Tennessean, Sauls told the congregation that a presbytery committee planned to lift his suspension and that the decision to resign was his.

It has been an honor serving this community, Sauls told the congregation at Sundays meeting, according to the newspaper.

Were going to miss you. We wish you the best and we love you.
Defending Hamas, Turkish president Recep Erdogan upstaged his own nation.

One day prior to last months 100th anniversary of the modern state of Turkey (now formally called Turkiye), an estimated 1.5 million people gathered for a pro-Palestinian rally October 28 and heard their Islamist-leaning leader denounce Israel as a war criminal.

Hamas is not a terror organization, Erdogan had previously stated October 25. It is an organization of liberation, of mujahedeen, who fight to protect their land and citizens.

Observers noted that immediately after the October 7 terrorist attacks by Hamas that killed 1,200 mostly civilian Israelis and took 240 hostage, Erdogan had struck a cautious tone. Reports circulateddenied by Ankarathat Turkish officials quietly asked Hamas leaders to depart the EU candidate country. And in advance of the rally, the president reiterated that he could never excuse acts that target civilians.

Then something changed.

Despite efforts over the past year to heal a diplomatic rift with Israel, Erdogan now questioned its existence.

What was Gaza and Palestine in 1947, what is it today? he asked rhetorically, in reference to the establishment of Israeli statehood in 1948. Israel, how did you get here? How did you get in? You are an invader.

And widening his scope, the head of the NATO-member nation impinged his allies in religious terms, calling the Gaza attack revenge for the 15th century fall of Constantinople.

Oh, West, I cry out to you, do you want to start your crusade against the Crescent again? Erdogan asked. If you are making such efforts, know that this nation is not dead.

The next day, in a muted celebration, he laid a customary wreath at the grave of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, who abolished the Ottoman caliphate and established a secular republic in 1923. In attendance was the ecumenical patriarch of the Eastern Orthodox Church, Bartholomew I.

Two weeks prior, Erdogan attended the inauguration of Mor Ephrem Syriac Orthodox Church, honoring the estimated 25,000 Assyrian Christian citizens of Turkey. It was the first church to be built with state funding since Ataturks founding.

And since Erdogans party took power in 2002, 20 churches have been restored.

The church we have built is a symbol of freedom of religion and belief in our country, Erdogan stated. At a time when divisions, conflicts, and hate crimes based on religious and ethnic origin are increasing in our region and the world, this embracing attitude of Turkey is very important.

His October 15 remarks were poignant, with the Israel-Hamas war raging. In between the church ceremony and the Palestinian rally, Erdogan sent Swedens NATO application to the Turkish parliament for ratification. And this month, the Incirlik air base in southeast Turkey received the deployment of a pair of United States B-1 Lancer long-range bombers.

Last week, Turkish protestors tried to storm it.

Turkish Christians have had a complicated relationship with Erdogan, and generally do not speak out on political matters. But one believer voiced his strong displeasure with the presidents comments.

It is not acceptable. Hamas is a terrorist organization, said Gokhan Talas, founder of Miras Publishing Ministry. Calling its attack anything else could cause another painful trauma for victims and their families.

The small evangelical community in Turkey, he said, has diverse views about Israelstemming from both political and eschatological differences. Some speak in terms of unconditional support for the prophetically reconstituted Jewish state. Others, rejecting such theology, find justification for the Palestinian militant response.

But Ali Kalkandelen, president of Turkeys Association of Protestant Churches, made clear their unified position.

As Christians, we believe that God is the judge over everything, he said. We are against any war, killing, and the death of innocent people.

They are praying for both sides, he added. And also Erdogan.

Talas believes that Israels first reactions were fair and balanced, in line with its right of self-defense. But he also believes what he calls its later unbalanced attacks and insufficient measures to protect civilian lives warrant criticism for contributing to a humanitarian tragedy.

He wants all people to push both sides toward peace.

But most Christians, Turkish and foreign, are staying silent, cautious about being labeled pro-Israel, said Daniel Brown, director of the Istanbul-based Institute for the Study of Religion in the Middle East. Other than calls for peace, Christian leaders have made few public statements.

The church is tiny, and reticent to comment on sensitive issues.

There is a recognition of serious problems all around the world, Brown said, and that God's people shouldn't be taking sides against anyone God loves.

But if the war in Gaza has dividedor quietedTurkish Christians, Turkish society is decidedly pro-Palestinian. A recent survey shows overwhelming support for a ceasefire and for subsequent Turkish participation in peacekeeping forces. Recognizing the public pulse, Erdogan has written off Benjamin Netanyahu. An opposition newspaper, meanwhile, has caricatured the Israeli prime minister as a vampire.

The Turkish parliament proceeded to boycott Coca-Cola and Nestle.

Most Turks do not support inexcusable Hamas terrorism, said Mustafa Akyol, the Turkish author of Islam Without Extremes: A Muslim Case for Liberty. Their Palestinian sympathy, like that found in most Muslim-majority nations, is currently tied to the thousands of children killed by Israeli bombs.

This does not mean they are antisemitic, he said. Pro-Hamas and antisemitic attitudes do exist in Turkey, including within Erdogans political base. But the driver, Akyol said, is the decades of plight of the Palestinian people. The United States and the West are blamed as well.

The more that horrific suffering continues, he said, the more anti-Israel Turkish sentiments will become.

At the same time, another poll on the centennial anniversary found 64 percent of the Turkish population endorsing secularism. Only 19 percent supported Islamic governance. A solid plurality (45%) supported becoming like Germany, with Qatar placing second (9%).

Contrary to the low-key celebration, Talas observed widespread popular commemoration and excitement. He said the nation was proud to be both secular and democratic, and believed Erdogan is posturing for upcoming municipal elections.

Kalkandelen does not believe the rupture with Israel is serious.

Turkey has been a very good ally to Israel for many years, he said. I believe they will keep this positive relationship in the future.

Nonetheless, Erdogans stridency surprised him. Despite the presidents religious attachment to the Palestinians, Kalkandelen said the Turkish leader is adept at keeping a balanced foreign policy. He trusts Erdogan will not embroil the nation further in geopolitical controversies, and suspects Israel will recognize the sensitivity of this topic and not allow it to jeopardize relations.

Appearances are otherwise, however, as both nations have pulled their respective ambassadors.

Even so, Turkey has not broken diplomatic relations, maintaining intelligence contacts while proposing a role to help broker hostage negotiations. And reports stated that Turkey facilitated the delivery to Israel of one million barrels of oil from Azerbaijan.

Still, the Turkish TRT network hosted a Hamas leader who declared October 7 paved the way for removing Israel as he called on clerics to incite the Islamic nation [to] take action.

Shortly thereafter, the Qatar-based International Union of Muslim Scholars issued a fatwa summoning Muslim nations for military intervention.

Previously strong Turkey-Israel ties were broken in 2010 when Israeli forces stormed a Turkish vessel trying to break its blockade on Gaza. In the following years, relations between the two countries were shaky. In 2014, Erdogan stated that what he believed was Israels disproportionate response to Hamas-led violence was keeping Hitlers spirit alive.

Ties were moderately repaired, however; but then in 2018, Turkey withdrew its ambassador in the wake of Donald Trump moving the US embassy to Jerusalem. Two years later, relations were restored once more. Following the 2022 earthquake in southeast Turkey, Israel stated it delivered the second-largest humanitarian aid delegation, paving the way one month later for Israeli president Isaac Herzogs visit to Ankara, for the first high-level delegation since 2008.

And last September, Erdogan met Netanyahu for the first time.

Both sides approach the other opportunistically, said Talas. But what happens in the long run is built on mutual interests.

Yet Christian interests, he said, must pursue peace. He believes that the failure of international powers to address the ongoing Israeli occupation has created a culture of hatred in the regionand that the response of vengeful terrorism has only harmed Palestinians further.

Too many American Christians, however, have an incomplete understanding that overlooks the social, cultural, and historical issues of an entrenched conflict, said Talas. And worse, he said, uncritical support for Israel ignores their fellow Palestinian believers who struggle and sacrifice daily for the gospel.

It is this gospel that informs his advice to everyone.

Love your enemy. Love your neighbor. Pursue goodness and all that is good, Talas said. Any motivation other than these commandments only creates complex and useless discussion.

Editors note: CT now translates select articles into Turkish

[ This article is also available in espanol. ]
Home U.S. Bishop removed by Pope Francis: 'I know the Lord is with me'

A theologically conservative Catholic bishop in Texas who was a strong critic of Pope Francis' actions says despite being ousted by the pontiff from his position, he remains confident that the Lord is with me.

The Vatican posted a bulletin on Saturday describing appointments and resignations of bishops, noting at the end that Bishop Joseph Strickland of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Tyler, Texas, was removed from office.

The Holy Father has removed Bishop Joseph E. Strickland from the pastoral care of the diocese of Tyler, United States of America, and has appointed Bishop Joe Vasquez of Austin as apostolic administrator of the same diocese, stated the Vatican. Vasquez will oversee the Texas-based diocese until a permanent successor is named.

Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston explained in a statement released Saturday that the decision to remove Strickland came following an Apostolic Visitation earlier this year by Bishop Dennis Sullivan of Camden and Bishop Emeritus Gerald Kicanas of Tucson.

The Prelates conducted an exhaustive inquiry into all aspects of the governance and leadership of the Diocese of Tyler by its Ordinary, Bishop Joseph Strickland, said DiNardo.

As a result of the Visitation, the recommendation was made to the Holy Father that the continuation in office of Bishop Strickland was not feasible. After months of careful consideration by the Dicastery for Bishops and the Holy Father, the decision was reached that the resignation of Bishop Strickland should be requested.

The Vatican first asked Strickland to resign on Thursday. When Strickland refused to step aside, according to DiNardo, the pontiff decided to remove him from office. DiNardo implored people to keep Bishop Strickland, the clergy and faithful of the Diocese of Tyler, and Bishop Vasquez in our prayers.

In a statement announcing Stricklands departure over the weekend, the Diocese of Tyler said, Our work as the Catholic Church in northeast Texas continues.

The Diocese added, Our mission is to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to foster an authentic Christian community, and to serve the needs of all people with compassion and love. We strive to deepen our faith, promote the common good, and create a welcoming environment for all to encounter the loving God  Father, Son, and Spirit.

For his part, Strickland told LifeSiteNews in an interview six hours after his removal from office that he believed there were forces in the [Catholic] Church that dont want the truth of the Gospel but rather want it changed and ignored.

WATCH: My exclusive interview with Bishop Strickland, where I ask him all the questions on everyone's heart in the midst of his unjust cancellation.



Pray for this good Bishop. #IstandwithBishopStricklandpic.twitter.com/G1TaPO0c4P  John-Henry Westen (@JhWesten) November 12, 2023

They want to be rid of the truth that is gloriously not going to go away, Strickland asserted. It is a sad day for me, but Im strong in the Lord.

I encourage myself and others to go more deeply than ever into prayer. To pray for Pope Francis, to pray for the Church, to pray for our world.

Strickland also said that while he was unsure of his next steps, I know that the Lord is with me. I know the power of His love. He urged the faithful to pray for Francis even when one is frustrated or angry with him.

Strickland, like many theologically conservative Church leaders, has emerged as a critic of Francis for advancing what he views as efforts to undermine traditional teachings of the Catholic Church regarding gender, marriage and sexuality and a failure to articulately defend such teachings from those who seek to change them.

Throughout his papacy, Francis has repeatedly extended an olive branch to the LGBT community while declining to change the Catholic Churchs teachings about marriage and homosexual practices.

Just last year, Strickland illustrated his discontent with the pontiff when reacting to the dismissal of longtime pro-life activist Frank Pavone from the priesthood: The blasphemy is that this holy priest is canceled while an evil president promotes the denial of truth & the murder of the unborn at every turn, Vatican officials promote immorality & denial of the deposit of faith & priests promote gender confusion devastating livesevil.

Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, an outspoken critic of the pontiff who in 2020 claimed that Catholic Church leaders were allowing heresy, sodomy and corruption abound in the institution, denounced the removal of Strickland.

The removal of His Excellency Archbishop Joseph Strickland, especially after the failure to ambush him with the Apostolic Visitation, appears as a cowardly form of authoritarianism, which in no way fits with Bergoglios rants about welcoming and inclusiveness, said Vigano in a tweet.

This affair will reveal who stands with the true Church of Christ and who chooses to stand with His declared enemies. To remain silent and endure this umpteenth violation of the most basic principles of justice and truth is to make oneself complicit with a subverter.

Viganos reference to the pontiff as Bergoglio reflects that Francis given name is Jorge Bergoglio.
Home World Finnish court acquits politician of 'hate crime' charges for Bible tweet against LGBT pride

A Finnish court of appeal on Tuesday tossed out the "hate crime" charges against a lawmaker and Lutheran bishop who have been in a four-year legal battle for expressing traditional Christian beliefs regarding sexuality and gender.

Finnish MP Paivi Rasanen was unanimously acquitted by the Helsinki Court of Appeals on charges stemming from her 2019 tweet that took issue with the Finnish Lutheran Church's promotion of LGBT "pride month" by citing verses from the Bible. She faced another charge for comments she made about homosexuality on a radio show.

She faced further charges for a pamphlet she wrote in 2004 titled "Male and Female He Created Them: Homosexual relationships challenge the Christian concept of humanity." Bishop Juhana Pohjola of the Evangelical Lutheran Mission Diocese of Finland also faced charges for having published the pamphlet 19 years ago.

Rasanen, the former leader of Finland's Christian Democratic Party, who also served as Finland's interior minister from 2011 to 2015, had already been acquitted in March 2022 by the three-judge District Court of Helsinki, which ruled that the government should not be interpreting biblical concepts.

She was dragged back into court in August when state prosecutors appealed the lower court's ruling. One prosecutor took issue with her description of homosexuality as "sin," and argued that while she is free to cite the Bible, "it is Rasanens interpretation and opinion about the Bible verses that are criminal."

The charges against Rasanen and Pohjola fell under the umbrella of the "war crimes and crimes against humanity" section in Finnish law.

Paul Coleman, who is executive director of ADF International and served on Rasanens legal team, likened her trial to something medieval.

At the heart of the prosecutors examination of Rasanen was this: would she recant her beliefs?" Coleman said. "The answer was no  she would not deny the teachings of her faith. The cross-examination bore all the resemblance of a 'heresy' trial of the Middle Ages; it was implied that Rasanen had 'blasphemed' against the dominant orthodoxies of the day."

The appeals court on Tuesday ruled that they had "no reason, on the basis of the evidence received at the main hearing, to assess the case in any respect differently from the District Court. There is therefore no reason to alter the final result of the District Courts judgment."

Despite objections from some to Rasanen's beliefs, the judges noted that "there must be an overriding social reason for interfering with and restricting freedom of expression."

The prosecution was ordered to pay tens of thousands of euros to cover the legal fees for both defendants, though they have until January to appeal to the Supreme Court of Finland.

I am deeply relieved, Rasanen said Tuesday following her latest acquittal, according to a press release from her lawyers at Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) International. The court has fully endorsed and upheld the decision of the district court, which recognized everyones right to free speech.

It isnt a crime to tweet a Bible verse, or to engage in public discourse with a Christian perspective, Rasanen continued. The attempts made to prosecute me for expressing my beliefs have resulted in an immensely trying four years, but my hope is that the result will stand as a key precedent to protect the human right to free speech. I sincerely hope other innocent people will be spared the same ordeal for simply voicing their convictions.

During an interview with The Christian Post shortly before her participation in the 2022 International Religious Freedom Summit in Washington, D.C., Rasanen placed her prosecution in the context of Christianity's receding influence in Finland and other Western nations.

"We all are sinners and we need Jesus. But now, I think there is a heavy hatred against Christian values in our society," she told CP at the time. "If you speak about gender issues  that there are two genders or that marriage belongs to one woman and one man  it arouses hatred against you in our society."

Explaining how she "never thought" she would ever be prosecuted for expressing traditional Christian views of marriage and sexuality, she said, "Nothing has changed in my faith and in my conviction, but suddenly I was like a criminal because of this hate."

"The world has changed," she added. "I think that my conviction has not changed but the world has changed very [quickly] in Finland and I think that also in other Western countries, post-Christian countries."
Home Politics House Speaker Mike Johnson 'wholeheartedly' endorses Trump: 'I'm all in'

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., formally endorsed former President Donald Trump on Tuesday, asserting the necessity of making President Biden a "one-term president."

"I have endorsed him wholeheartedly," Johnson said during an interview with CNBC host Joe Kernen, who probed regarding the new speaker's position on the former president.

Johnson said he had been "one of the closest allies that President Trump had in Congress."

"He had a phenomenal first term those first two years, as you all know. We brought about the greatest economic numbers in the history of the world, not just the country, because his policies worked, and I'm all in for President Trump," he added.

.@SpeakerJohnson: "I'm all in for President Trump. I expect he'll be our nominee...we have to make Biden a one term president." pic.twitter.com/oVtmkRkQVj  MAGA War Room (@MAGAIncWarRoom) November 14, 2023

Johnson believes Trump will likely be the Republican nominee amid the dwindling GOP primary field. Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., withdrew earlier this week, following in the footsteps of former Vice President Mike Pence, who dropped out on Oct. 28.

While he was still serving as a state lawmaker in Louisiana, Johnson had been critical of Trump during the 2015 GOP primary, claiming in a Facebook post that he lacked "the character and the moral center" to be president, according to The New York Times.

"I am afraid he would break more things than he fixes," he wrote. "He is a hot head by nature, and that is a dangerous trait to have in a Commander in Chief."

Johnson, who first ran for Congress in 2015 and was elected the next year, told the outlet Monday that his view of Trump, whose style he noted was different from his own, changed after he got to know him.

"During his 2016 campaign, President Trump quickly won me and millions of my fellow Republicans over," Johnson told The Times. "When I got to know him personally shortly after we both arrived in Washington in 2017, I grew to appreciate the person that he is and the qualities about him that made him the extraordinary president that he was."

Johnson also defended Trump during his first impeachment in 2019 and campaigned for him in 2020. He also led the amicus brief signed by more than 100 House Republicans in support of an unsuccessful 2020 lawsuit filed by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton that urged the U.S. Supreme Court to delay the electoral vote in four swing states amid allegations of fraud.

Johnson's predecessor, Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., has yet to formally endorse Trump, telling NBC News last month that while "there is a very good chance I would endorse" him, he is focused on other things.

"Because I've got a Southern border wide open, I have war in the Middle East, I've got things I'm focused on right now," McCarthy said. "I believe President Trump will be our nominee. And I believe President Trump will get reelected."

Despite declining to participate in any debates, Trump has remained the far-and-away leader of the Republican primary pack, garnering more than 58% of support from likely primary voters as of Tuesday, according to national polling data analyzed by FiveThirtyEight. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis comes in a distant second at roughly 14% support.
Home World Indi Gregory dies after being removed from life support; parents 'angry, heartbroken'

An 8-month-old baby girl in England died early on Monday after a court ordered her off life support and transferred to an in-patient hospice last week against the wishes of her parents.

Indi Gregory, who suffered from an incurable mitochondrial disease and had been in pediatric intensive care at the Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham since she was born in February, died at 1:45 a.m. local time, the girl's father, Dean Gregory, said in a statement released by the family's lawyers at the London-based Christian Concern.

Lord Justice Peter Jackson, Lady Justice Eleanor King and Lord Justice Andrew Moylan shot down an appeal from Indi's parents last Friday that sought permission for them to remove her from life support at home.

Gregory said he and Indi's mother, Claire, "are angry, heartbroken, and ashamed" in the wake of her death.

"The NHS and the Courts not only took away her chance to live a longer life, but they also took away Indis dignity to pass away in the family home where she belonged," Gregory said.

"They did succeed in taking Indis body and dignity, but they can never take her soul. They tried to get rid of Indi without anybody knowing, but we made sure she would be remembered forever. I knew she was special from the day she was born," he continued, adding that Indi's mother "held her for her final breaths."

Dean Gregory had earlier said that after Indi was first transferred to hospice and removed from life support over the weekend, she stopped breathing but then recovered, noting that "she is fighting hard."

Indi's case drew the intervention of Italian political leaders, who granted her emergency citizenship on Nov. 6 and offered to provide specialist treatment at the Vatican-run Bambino Gesu Pediatric Hospital in Rome at no cost to the NHS or U.K. taxpayers.

Dr. Matteo Corradini, who serves as the Italian consul in Manchester, urged British authorities to grant him jurisdiction over Indi's case under Article 9 of the 1996 Hague Convention, given her new citizenship, an unprecedented move that the Court of Appeal described last Friday as "wholly misconceived" and "not in the spirit of the convention."

Shortly after news of Indi's death, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni tweeted, "We did everything we could, everything possible. Unfortunately it wasn't enough."

Abbiamo fatto tutto quello che potevamo, tutto il possibile. Purtroppo non e bastato.

Buon viaggio piccola Indi. pic.twitter.com/io7scfTf3O  Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) November 13, 2023

Simone Pillon, a former Italian senator who helped arrange the girl's potential treatment at the Bambino Gesu, tweeted out an image of Indi and paraphrased Isaiah 53:7-8 by applying it to her situation.

"She was oppressed and afflicted, yet she did not open [her] mouth; she was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so she did not open [her] mouth. By oppression and unfair judgment she was taken away," Pillon wrote.

"She was oppressed and afflicted,

yet she did not open hers mouth;

she was led like a lamb to the slaughter,

and as a sheep before its shearers is silent,

so she did not open hers mouth.

By oppression and unfair judgment she was taken away"

(Is 53, 7-8)#IndiGregorypic.twitter.com/CzPlqRv94K  Simone Pillon (@SimoPillon) November 13, 2023

Pope Francis also addressed Indi's case last week, with a Vatican spokesperson saying the pope "embraces the family of little Indi Gregory, her father, and her mother; prays for them and for her, and turns his thoughts to all the children around the world who, at this very hour, are living in pain or whose lives are at risk because of illness or war," according to Vatican News.

Andrea Williams, who serves as chief executive of the Christian Legal Centre, urged for reform of the U.K. healthcare system in the wake of Indi's case, according to a statement.

"We need families to be free to appoint alternative doctors and medical experts with equal access to the patients records," said Williams. "We need proper mediation at the earliest stage rather than parents being dragged into unfamiliar court settings and facing down taxpayer-funded legal teams."
Home World 'Inhumanity': Pastors shown footage of Hamas atrocities during private embassy screening

WASHINGTON  Dozens of pastors gathered at the Israeli Embassy Monday for a private screening of raw footage and audio of Hamas gunning down civilians in their homes and bragging about killing Jews as they seek to bear witness to the brutality of the Oct. 7 attacks.

In partnership with the embassy, the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews hosted the screening of a 45-minute video compiled by the Israeli government showcasing the murders committed by Hamas on civilians in southern Israel.

The footage shown during the event was collected from various sources, including Hamas body cameras, security cameras, social media posts, cell phone cameras and first responders.

The event did not permit attendees to record the footage due to concern that some victims' families have yet to see the graphic videos and photos of their dead loved ones.

Before the screening began, Eliav Benjamin, the embassy's deputy head of mission, delivered opening remarks, contending that Israel shouldn't apologize for any of its actions and must defend its people. The screening comes amid mounting calls for a ceasefire in Gaza. After Hamas militants killed over 1,400 people (over 1,110 civilians) in its Oct. 7 surprise attack, the Hamas-run health authorities state that over 11,000 people in Gaza have been killed since Israel launched retaliatory airstrikes and a ground offensive last month.

Benjamin stressed that Israel is fighting a "just war," not just on its behalf but on behalf of the free world, and is doing all that it can to prevent civilian casualties.

"This is not a war of religion," Benjamin said. "It is, in a way, a war of civilizations, or the civil world against those who don't believe in civilizations."

In the first set of videos, Hamas members are seen breaching the border in Gaza and infiltrating Israel through a hole in the fence. The terrorists proceeded to shoot at cars driving down the highway, killing the passengers inside and dragging their dead bodies out of their vehicles.

"Allah is great, Allah is great!" some of the terrorists could be heard chanting.

Other video clips showed Hamas terrorists attacking civilians in their homes or shooting at the attendees of the Supernova Music Festival, where the terrorists killed around 260 people. Some of the video clips showed the armed Hamas militants dragging injured and bleeding festival attendees and throwing them into the back of a pick-up truck, presumably taking them to Gaza as hostages.

Another clip showed Hamas terrorists pulling a bound and injured Israeli citizen out of the back of a truck, forcing her to walk barefoot into the vehicle. The girl in the video is noticeably injured, and the back of her pants were stained with blood.

In one of the audio recordings played alongside the video clips, a Hamas terrorist purportedly uses a dead Jewish woman's phone to call his parents and brag about murdering 10 people. He instructed them to pull up WhatsApp to see his murder victims.

"I killed 10 people," one of the terrorists said. "Ten people with my bare hands."

"Your son is a hero," he added.

Another disturbing clip showed a Hamas terrorist trying to use a farming tool in an attempt to decapitate a lifeless body. An audio clip purported to show Hamas terrorists discussing how some victims were beheaded.

An in-home security video showed a father and his two young sons trying to flee their home, but the father was killed by a grenade. Another scene shows the two boys crying over the death of their father as a terrorist rummages through the fridge and pulls out a drink.

The 45-minute video also contained several photos of the victims, including multiple babies killed by Hamas. Some of the victims' bodies appeared to have been burnt by the terrorists.

Bishop Paul Lanier, The Fellowship's chairman of the board of directors who opened the event with a prayer, delivered remarks after the video concluded. He expressed a desire for the screening to inspire a change in those who watched the footage.

In an interview with CP, Lanier clarified his remarks, saying Christians are typically "peace-loving people" who want to focus on joy and good things instead of focusing on tragedy.

"And our Christianity will not allow us to do that," the bishop said. "We have to throw light upon the inhumanity, the brutality that took place, and equally be as fervent and bold and determined to stand for life and the people of Israel."

As some Christian leaders have issued calls for a ceasefire, Lanier questioned how anyone could use faith to defend a ceasefire when the danger is still present.

"As long as Hamas is firing weapons and holding hostages, a ceasefire is entirely incongruent with reality," he said.

Jonathan Avendano, managing director of the National Hispanic Pastors Alliance, of which several pastors in attendance are affiliated, argued that the only way to stop evil is to "erase it."

"There's a quote: 'If Israel surrenders, then Israel will be obliterated. But if Hamas surrenders, then there will be true peace," he told CP.

That Hamas-run health authorities' death toll figures in Gaza don't break down combatant deaths and civilian deaths, but the United Nations expressed concern earlier this month that women and children are "bearing the brunt" of the casualties.

In an interview with The Christian Post, Benjamin decried the Hamas-run health ministry's death toll numbers as fake, noting that this has been part of Hamas' modus operandi for years. He highlighted the false claim that Israel had bombed an Anglican hospital in Gaza as a recent example.

At first, it was reported that Israel was behind the explosion at the al-Ahli Hospital that reportedly killed around 500 people. However, it was later confirmed that the Palestinian Islamic Jihad had misfired a rocket, and the death toll was dozens, not hundreds.

Benjamin also highlighted the various ways Israel is attempting to reduce civilian casualties by designating areas for Gazan residents to safely evacuate from the north to the south. Benjamin said 150 trucks filled with humanitarian aid are going into Gaza per day, and Israel is providing water to Gaza despite the war.

"Israel is adhering to International Human Rights Law 100%," Benjamin proclaimed.

One of the most significant challenges for Israel right now, according to Benjamin, is that the Jewish state is forced to justify actions not long after it experienced a horrific attack.

"It's our obligation, let alone right, to defend ourselves and make sure that this never happens again," he said. "And we hope that the entire world gets that."
Home Politics Trump, Biden in virtual tie among young voters: poll

Democrat President Joe Biden and Republican former President Donald Trump are in a virtual tie for the support of younger voters heading into the 2024 election, according to a recently released poll.

According to a New York Times/Siena College survey released last week, 30% of voters aged 18-29 said they would vote for Biden, while 29% said they would vote for Trump. Independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. grabbed 34% support of young voter respondents.

Additionally, only 30% of young voters said they strongly approve or somewhat approve of Bidens job as president. By contrast, 64% of the demographic said they either strongly disapprove or somewhat disapprove of his job performance.

Meanwhile, 39% of young voter respondents said they held either a very favorable or somewhat favorable opinion of Trump, with 50% saying they held a very unfavorable or somewhat unfavorable opinion of the former president.

For their report, the NY Times and Siena drew from a sample of 3,662 registered voters living in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, conducted via telephone from Oct. 22 to Nov. 3, with a margin of error of plus or minus 1.8 percentage points for all registered voters, and a margin of error of plus or minus 2 percentage points for the likely electorate.

The close numbers for younger voters between Trump and Biden is considered surprising, as Biden easily won the demographic in the 2020 election, reported The Hill.

Young people as we know have always been fiercely independent, said John Della Volpe, director of polling at the Harvard Kennedy School Institute of Politics, as quoted by The Hill.

Its a more cynical electorate with God knows how many more independentcandidacies, which on the youth cohort are more likely to hurt Biden more than Trump.

The same NY Times Siena poll also found that Trump was leading Biden in five of six swing states: Arizona (49% vs. 44%), Georgia (49% vs. 43%), Michigan (48% vs. 43%), Nevada (52% vs. 41%) and Pennsylvania (48% vs. 44%). In Wisconsin, Biden led Trump by a slim margin of 47% vs. 45%.

In September, The Washington Post and ABC News released a poll in which 51% of respondents said they would vote for Trump, while 42% said they would vote for Biden.

Conducted by Abt Associates, The Washington Post/ABC poll drew from a survey conducted Sept. 15-20 of 1,006 adults, with a margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points.
Home Opinion Will John Lennox lead Jordan Peterson out of Egypt?

No public intellectual on the planet today seems more insistent on interpreting Scripture through the lens of psychology than Jordan Peterson. So when John Lennox sat down recently with this hugely popular psychologist to have a conversation about God, the Irish mathematician and theologian was careful to tactfully navigate through Petersons problematic biblical hermeneutic.

Jordan Peterson's interest in Scripture has skyrocketed in recent years, as evidenced by his lectures on Genesis, and his round table discussion with six other scholars who read through Exodus together.

And it is Petersons interest in Exodus that John Lennox picked up on during their recent visit. Lennox discerningly noted that God gave His people the Ten Commandments in Exodus only after the Passover sacrifice. He said, Setting up rules and regulations is hugely important. We need them. They are in the New Testament and the Old Testament. One of the major messages of Exodus is first redemption, and redemption is by the blood of the Passover lamb, and then the teaching.

While Peterson initially nodded in agreement, the blurry lens of his unorthodox hermeneutic quickly steered him off course. Rather than judiciously engaging Lennox in an earnest effort to learn why the Passover lamb was so enormously significant to God, Peterson hurriedly directed the discussion toward the sacrifices man made in the post Paradise lost transition in Genesis. Human beings, Peterson said, are called upon to sacrifice.

The clinical psychologists anthropocentric emphasis at this critical juncture completely bypassed the redemptive nature of the Passover lamb. And, he expressed no interest in exploring what Scripture reveals about the divine plan and prophetic significance of the Passover sacrifice, not to mention the entire sacrificial system in the Old Testament.

Peterson then posed an excellent question: What is the sacrifice that is most pleasing to God? He presumed to know the answer as he immediately opined, The answer to that has to be  that you offer up everything to whats transcendent  its the willingness to lay everything on the line in the pursuit of truth and something more abundant.

The former professor would have been prudent at this pivotal point to proceed more like a student and less like a teacher. I say this because Dr. Peterson seemingly failed to recognize the simple fact that the sacrifice most pleasing to God was the atoning death of Jesus on the cross. There is not even a close second. After all, Christ is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).

Lennox graciously offered an informed response to Petersons perspective: It seems to me that we may need to think in terms of different kinds of sacrifice. You see, at the heart of Christianity is not my sacrifice, but Gods sacrifice  Gods acceptance of me depends on a sacrifice that is entirely outside of me but can be appropriated by me. Christ died and rose again  It goes to the heart of God doing something so that He can forgive me and deal with the guilt that I have incurred by messed up behavior and all the rest of it.

Theologians use the term extra nos to describe what God did outside ourselves, and it underscores the massive chasm that exists between Christian theology and human psychology. One is rooted in mans behavior, while the other shines the spotlight on Gods particular redemptive act that allows us to enter into an eternal relationship with our Creator. Salvation comes from outside ourselves as we place our faith in the Saviors sacrifice at Calvary.

Lennox, like the Apostle Paul before him, has a laser-like focus on the central event of human history, and his compelling conviction and clarity regarding the good news of the Gospel is the result of the Holy Spirits work in his heart and mind. Jesus said, God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16).

The cross of Christ is the only means by which man can be reconciled to God. Paul wrote, I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the Law, Christ died for nothing (Galatians 2:21). All of mans noble efforts, religious deeds, and personal sacrifices cannot wash away even one of his sins.

Mathematicians, scientists, and psychologists who become grounded in the Gospel and in Scripture interpret the Bible through the lens of theology rather than psychology. I addressed the difference between these two academic disciplines in my CP op-ed, Comparing Psychology to Theology.

Jordan Peterson has spent the past four decades analyzing, adapting, and applying concepts introduced by the likes of Friedrich Nietzsche and Carl Jung. And yet the personal opinions of famous psychologists pale in comparison to the spiritual insights and eternal truth that the Holy Spirit revealed to the Apostle Paul and the other biblical authors. God gave Paul a tremendous amount of sanctified reason, and this enlightened reasoning from Heaven is light years ahead of worldly wisdom due to its supreme accuracy, scope, relevance, and benefits.

In order for someone to successfully press on with God, it is necessary to leave Egypt and enter into the robust promised land of New Testament theology. The book of Romans, for example, has been called the cathedral of the Christian faith. Apart from Gods sacrifice at the cross, we would go to our grave clinging to little more than a lifetime of lectures on psychology, scientific discoveries, technological advances, etc.

Jordan Peterson's theological understanding continues to evolve. My 2018 CP op-ed, The Truth Claims of Jesus and Jordan Peterson, explores a few of his earlier ideas. Jordan Peterson and John Lennox clearly appreciate one another. Peterson even suggested that Lennox join the group when the scholars meet again in Miami for their next Bible seminar. So, will Lennox lead Peterson out of an Egypt of his own making, and into a theological understanding of the Lamb of Gods redemptive accomplishment? It is certainly possible.

Like Moses before him, John Lennox is not a self-appointed prophet. When called by God, Moses stated: Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt? (Exodus 3:11) You see, Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth (Numbers 12:3).

Likewise, those who are led out of Egypt possess the genuine humility necessary to gratefully affirm this glorious certitude: We have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all  because by one sacrifice He has made perfect forever those who are being made holy (Hebrews 10:10,14).

A blameless and unblemished sacrificial Lamb was slain 2,000 years ago on a hill called Golgotha outside the gates of Jerusalem so that the Father can accept spiritual children into His family and see believers in His Son as perfect in His sight.

Christ entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, having obtained eternal redemption  How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! (Hebrews 9:12,14).
Home U.S. Defrocked Alabama priest returns to US after taking 18-year-old girl to Italy, archdiocese says

A Roman Catholic priest in Alabama who was suspended after abandoning his parish to leave the country with a teenage girl last summer has since returned to the U.S., the archdiocese announced last week.

Alex Crow, 30, left Corpus Christi Parish in Mobile at the end of July to travel with an 18-year-old recent graduate of McGill-Toolen Catholic High School. The archdiocese said they are "relieved" amid "numerous individuals and media reports" indicating that the two have since come back, the archdiocese said in a Nov. 6 statement.

The relationship between Crow and the teen  whose name has been left out of media reports at her family's request  prompted four separate investigations by her family, the Archdiocese of Mobile, the Mobile County Sheriff's Office, and the Mobile County District Attorney's Office, according to OSV News.

Accusing him of abandoning his assignment, the archdiocese released a statement in July accusing Crow of behavior "totally unbecoming of a priest," adding that he had been informed that he was no longer permitted to "exercise ministry as a priest, nor to tell people he is a priest, nor to dress as a priest."

Shortly after the two departed for Italy, a family member of the teen located her there, the Mobile County Sheriffs Office announced last summer, according to AL.com.

Mobile County District Attorney Keith Blackwood's office announced last week that they would not be pressing charges against Crow and that they have since closed the investigation that began at the request of the archdiocese after the teen first disappeared with him, according to a statement reported by CBS affiliate WKRG.

The DA's office explained their decision to close the investigation came after they subpoenaed the teen when she returned. They said investigators also interviewed more than 30 witnesses, pored over thousands of pages of documents, and spoke to many "concerned citizens in the community."

When they interviewed the teen, investigators noted that she "appeared in seemingly good health and said that she is safe," but that she and her attorney declined to answer questions.

"Without being able to speak with the young lady about these events, we do not have sufficient admissible evidence to charge a crime at this time. Therefore, this investigation is currently closed," the DA's office said, adding that it would be inappropriate to answer "any questions about a private relationship between two now-adults."

Mobile County Sheriff Paul Burch has previously suggested that Crow's relationship with the girl extended to before she was 18, and his office released a love letter that Crow allegedly penned to her on Valentine's Day this year, when she was still underage.

"It screams pedophile to me," Burch said of the letter in August, according to WPMI. "Ill just say it like it is."

Burch also claimed that Crow, who used to perform in a rock band, was interested in demons and exorcisms, and might have taken the teen to Italy to receive one, according to The Daily Mail.

Regarding where the case now stands, a spokesperson for the Mobile County Sheriff's Office told The Christian Post on Monday that "based on all evidence that we have discovered thus far, there are no criminal charges coming from the Mobile County Sheriff's Office."

"However, if anyone has any 'new' information, we will document and investigate if need be," the sheriff's office added.

The archdiocese acknowledged last week that while Crow's behavior was "scandalous," they likewise had no indication that the defrocked priest had committed a crime.

"To the extent law enforcement is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding Crow's behavior, the Archdiocese will continue to cooperate fully," the archdiocese said, adding that "Crow's sudden departure created scandal, hurt and confusion within the Archdiocese. We continue to pray for God's grace to bring healing to this situation for everyone."

The archdiocese said Crow has not contacted anyone there, but noted that he remains barred from celebrating Mass, visiting Catholic school grounds, or leading any church ministries, and encouraged anyone who saw him doing so to alert them.

Questions that have swirled around the Crow situation prompted an online petition in September urging for the removal of Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi, who has led the archdiocese since 2008.

In an Oct. 6 statement responding to the online petition, which has garnered more than 16,000 signatures as of Monday, the archdiocese cautioned that "reaction to a 'local' petition is not necessarily restricted to local response and is quite likely to elicit response from those nationally, and even globally, that may have other unrelated grievances."

While expressing sympathy for those who are concerned, the archdiocese claimed that "school and parish officials have responded to every complaint of misconduct with the full force of the office within  and with respect for  canon and civil laws."

"Archbishop Rodi has said before, and reiterates again, that when he came to Mobile 15 years ago, he could not guarantee there would be no cases of sexual misconduct, but he did guarantee that it would not be tolerated," the statement continued. "He has kept that promise and continues to honor it."

The archdiocese added that they reported Crow's departure with the young graduate to law enforcement immediately "out of an abundance of caution."

A spokesperson for the archdiocese told CP that they had nothing further to add beyond the statements they have already made.
Home Church & Ministries Alabama megachurch with nearly 5,000 members leaves UMC

An Alabama megachurch that has nearly 5,000 members has left the United Methodist Church due to the mainline Protestant denominations ongoing debate over homosexuality.

Christ Methodist Church in Mobile, which reportedly has 4,936 members, was one of eight churches granted disaffiliation from the UMC by the Alabama-West Florida Conference at a special session held on Sunday.

The churches departed the UMC under paragraph 2553 of the Book of Discipline, which outlines the process by which congregations can leave the denomination due to the debate over LGBT issues.

Alabama-West Florida Bishop David Graves said in a statement released Sunday that he considered the disaffiliations as another somber day in the life of the Alabama-West Florida Conference.

We are saddened to say farewell to the eight churches disaffiliating from the United Methodist Church and wish them the best in ministry. We pray for these churches as they navigate ministry in a new season, said Graves.

I especially want to thank those churches who have decided to remain United Methodist and those who heard my call to refrain from holding discussions around leaving the denomination until we have more information. I appreciate your faithfulness to your call and covenant all while leading your churches in a most difficult season.

In May, the Alabama-West Florida Conference held a special session in which they voted to approve the disaffiliations of 193 congregations, representing 38% of the churches in the regional body and 39% of its membership.

At present, the conference has 311 congregations that remain affiliated with the denomination, while the conference has reported that, recently, 11 new church plants have started.

In September, the conference created a reaffiliation policy for those churches that have departed the UMC, but might have second thoughts about their decision.

According to this policy, a church that disaffiliated under Paragraph 2553 can reaffiliate if it brings its church property with it, has at least 50 members, and shows financial sustainability.

The reaffiliating church must have a congregational vote in which either a simple majority or a supermajority approves the measure, depending on the rules that govern the congregation.

Although the UMC currently bans the ordination of noncelibate homosexuals and the blessing of same-sex unions, many theological progressives have refused to enforce or follow these rules.

The ongoing debate over the issue has prompted thousands of congregations to vote to leave the denomination, often joining more theologically conservative denominations like the Global Methodist Church or the Free Methodist Church.

According to numbers compiled by UM News that were accessed Tuesday morning, a little over 6,800 congregations have departed the UMC since 2019, with more than 4,700 of that number leaving this year.
Home Church & Ministries International House of Prayer changes law firm investigating abuse allegations after protest

Days after a collective of former staff, students and members of the International House of Prayer in Kansas City, Missouri, launched a petition suggesting that the national law firm Stinson LLP, hired to investigate abuse allegations against founder Mike Bickle, "may carry the appearance of vested interests or potential biases," the ministry has announced Stinson's replacement with a local firm.

"Third parties that claim to represent alleged victims have communicated a lack of trust in the national law firm IHOPKC engaged to lead the inquiry. After careful consideration, our leadership team has decided not to proceed with STINSON LLP and instead has retained a local KC law firm to conduct interviews with alleged victims," IHOPKC said in a statement on Instagram.

"That local firm has already begun outreach to the few alleged victims whose identities are known, as well as the individuals claiming to represent anonymous Jane Does. IHOPKC is committed to investigating any allegations of abuse in our organization in a way that honors privacy, safety, and due process," the ministry added. "It is our sincere desire to serve and assist every alleged victim in order to see truth and light come forth during this sensitive and challenging time."

Bickle is being investigated for "serious allegations including sexual immorality" made against him by multiple women.

Just over a week ago, IHOPKC leaders said one decades-old claim against Bickle was found to have "some credibility" so far while other allegations brought by anonymous victims or third parties have been more difficult to ascertain.

As of Tuesday, it's unclear which local law firm had replaced Stinson. IHOPKC did not immediately respond to calls for comment from The Christian Post.

Two Sundays ago, Stuart Greaves, executive director of IHOPKC, read a statement to congregants at Forerunner Church in Grandview, Missouri. He explained why Stinson LLP was initially hired "to conduct an impartial examination" of the allegations against Bickle "with the goal of assessing their merit and advising the ELT regarding appropriate steps to take."

"Regarding the allegations so far, there has been one allegation from 26 years ago that has some credibility. There are other allegations that have been more difficult to ascertain due in part to the fact that they are either anonymous or represented by third parties," Greaves said.

"Some of the alleged events predate the founding of IHOPKC. Additionally, some of the women that were named in the allegations have publicly refuted that they were ever victims of abuse, and even denounced the representatives of the alleged victim group for using their names without permission," he added.

In a Change.org petition endorsed by more than 2,800 people, the collective of former IHOPKC staff, students and members suggested that Stinson be replaced with the Virginia-based GRACE (Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment) organization.

"We believe the gravity of these allegations cannot be understated, nor adequately addressed should they be handled by parties that may carry the appearance of vested interests or potential biases," the group said. "The integrity of the IHOPKC organization and the wellbeing of its members hinge on a process that assures impartiality, thoroughness, and transparency."
Home Church & Ministries Jamal Bryants megachurch makes good on years old promise with opening of medical clinic

The Jamal Bryant-led New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Stonecrest, Georgia, opened a full health clinic on their campus Saturday, becoming the first church in Georgia to do something like this, according to Bryant.

We will be the very first church in the entire state of Georgia to have a full health clinic on our church campus, the megachurch pastor declared in an interview with WSB-TV.

Bryant, whose church was heavily involved with testing and community support at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighted how critical the medical clinic is for the community the church serves by pointing out how the pandemic impacted the black community due to pre-existing conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease.

You know, the African American community was inequitably impacted during the pandemic, from pre-existing conditions and so that clinic wants to contend with it head on, Bryant said.

He explained that the clinic will be for the entire community and will offer both primary and urgent care, disease prevention and other medical testing.

Well be able to do screenings, examinations, and X-rays. You wont have to go to other places, you can do it right there. A full staff of certified board doctors and nurses, Bryant said. Well be open five days a week, Monday-Friday, and Saturday is the only day where an appointment is required.

The clinic, which will be open in two weeks, has partnered with Community Healthcare of America and will accept several forms of insurance and Medicaid and Medicare.

The opening of the medical facility follows an announcement Bryant made to his church in 2019 to build a medical facility on the churchs campus that will serve the uninsured and underinsured, as well as build affordable housing for seniors because the church is the largest land-owning church in America.

"We are tremendously blessed by the overwhelming support and enthusiasm surrounding the Community Healthcare of America Clinic at New Birth," said Tony Safieh, the clinic's director, in a statement to CP. "Since the announcement, our phone lines have been abuzz with community members eager to access the enhanced health resources coming to South DeKalb County. Following our ribbon-cutting ceremony, we have slightly adjusted our official opening date to ensure that we not only meet but exceed the healthcare needs of this community. While we anticipate only a two-week delay, please be sure to visit our website at www.communityhcoa.com or call us at 770-217-1823 to remain abreast of our opening date."

In his 2019 sermon, Bryant cited the rapid growth of the older adult population in the U.S. and explained that he believes God has called his church to invest in the welfare of seniors and other vulnerable populations.

The fastest growing demographic is now our seniors, for the first time in American history. There are more 60-year-olds than there are 16-year-olds. We are a multi-generational church, and we have to make sure that we take care of our parents and our grandparents, he said.

"So right on our campus were gonna be building an assisted-living home for our seniors. Right on our campus it is our intention to build a medical facility for people in this community who do not have health insurance and for those who are underinsured, Bryant added. "Far too many are dying of curable diseases. And we want to make sure that the church doesnt just operate on Sunday, but Monday through Saturday, that we are a lamplight to the community. Thats what God is calling us to do."

Bryant had promised to start making good on his promises in 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic delayed his plans.

We are the largest land-owning church in America. And next year, yall get ready, cause its gonna be construction trucks all over our sanctuary, all over our campus, he said at the time. Were looking to build right on our campus, affordable housing.
Home Church & Ministries Pastor identifies 4 questions every believer should ask regarding Christian liberty

A Virginia megachurch pastor outlined the four questions every Christian should ask themselves when it comes to the gray areas of Christian liberty, from the topic of alcohol consumption to the movies that are appropriate to watch.

True freedom in the Lord means that we are now free to live as we should and not as we please, Austin Hamrick, pastor of Cornerstone Chapel in Leesburg, said during a sermon titled Four Questions Every Christian Should Ask Themselves last month. True liberty is not a license to sin. It's very important for us to understand this: God's grace sets us free from sin. It doesn't set us free to sin. And there's a big difference."

Hamrick warned that sometimes Christians think that because they are "saved by God's grace," they can "just do whatever I want and God doesn't care."

"Paul anticipates this. He's like, 'Hold on. Now listen, you are free. But it means that you're free from sin. It doesn't mean that you're free to sin,' he explained.

The pastor emphasized the importance of standing firm in the freedom granted by Christ while avoiding the pitfalls of using this liberty as an opportunity for self-indulgence. He highlighted four critical questions that Christians should ask themselves when faced with decisions in gray areas where the Bible doesn't provide explicit guidance.

He cited 1 Corinthians 6:12, which states, Everything is permissible for me, but not everything is beneficial. As an example, Hamrick shared his personal decision to refrain from watching a film that, despite its compelling story, contained language he felt would negatively impact his spirit.

If the Bible doesn't directly address it, the first question that I'm going to say you need to ask yourself is, Is it less than beneficial? I have the liberty to do certain things, OK, but is it less than beneficial? Is it potentially detrimental for me, rather than being good for me? Even though this might not necessarily be declared in the Bible as a sin? Is this just practically good for me?' he said.

The second question Christians should ask themselves, according to the pastor, is, Could it master me?

You need to ask yourself, 'Could doing this, participating in this, watching this, could it potentially master me? Could I become a slave to this? Is this addictive?' And if so, then listen to your God-given conscience and be cautious to participate, he stressed. There are a lot of things that might not necessarily be sinful, but it has the potential to enslave you. And so, I'd say don't do it if it has the potential to master you.

"I've talked to a lot of people who said, 'You know, I didn't think doing this was going to be wrong because I couldn't find chapter and verse, but I knew that it could potentially control my life, but I did it anyways,'" he added.

Third, Hamrick encouraged Christians to ask themselves, Could it cause others to stumble? Christian freedom, he emphasized, is not an opportunity for self-indulgence but a call to serve others in love and to be a positive influence within the community.

Our faith is not exclusively all about us. It's not all just always about me. How I live my life, what I do with my life and following Jesus. I need to take others around me into consideration, he said.

Sometimes we think, My relationship with the Lord is just all about me and Jesus, and so I don't care what other people think of me. It's just me and the Lord, I can do whatever I want. Paul says that in your relationship with you and Jesus, it matters how you display that relationship when you're around other people. So, in the exercise of your freedom, could it potentially damage someone else?

Finally, the pastor challenged Christians to ask, Does it lack edification?

No one should seek their own good but the good of others, he said. Does doing this, even though this might be a personal liberty for me, does doing this lack edification? Does what I'm doing right now build someone else up or tear them down? Is it lifting them up and encouraging them in their relationship with the Lord? Or, am I setting a bad example? Will this build other people up or will it have the opposite effect?

Our aim should always be to build others up, he added. The Christian faith is not about seeking our own good, but it's about building others in the Body up. It's about encouraging others. So, I'm just going to be sensitive. I'm going to be cautious even though I might have liberty or I might feel free to do a certain thing.

Hamrick reminded believers that they can responsibly navigate their freedoms without falling into the traps of legalism or licentiousness. He warned against returning to the yoke of bondage from which Christ has set believers free, pointing out the difference between being free from sin and being free to sin.

When you're faced with some of these topics that maybe the Bible doesn't necessarily address directly, be wise with your liberty, be wise with your freedoms. Take any topic of liberty, pass it through this litmus test, he concluded. You have been called to liberty. It's the greatest thing in the world. You are free in the Lord  do not use your liberty as an opportunity for the flesh.
Home U.S. Woman permitted to pray at Virginia school board meeting after dispute earlier this year

A Virginia woman who was prohibited from praying at a school board meeting earlier this year was allowed to pray as part of her public comments after a negotiated agreement with the school board.

During a public comment portion of the Suffolk Public Schools Board meeting in August, resident Angela Kilgore offered to use the remainder of her allotted comment time to pray for Suffolk Public Schools and its board members when she was prevented from doing so by Board Chair Tyron Riddick.

In response to Riddicks prohibition, several members of the audience began to recite the Lords Prayer, which prompted security to clear the room.

Following the meeting, Founding Freedoms Law Center (FFLC) and First Liberty Institute sent a letter to Suffolk Public Schools Board urging officials to update their public comment policies to reflect the right of religious citizens to express their viewpoint without fear of censorship.

After their initial letter went unanswered, FFLC issued a demand letter on behalf of Kilgore, asking the board to allow her to pray as she had planned.

After our attorneys were able to fully communicate the constitutional issues at play, the board finally agreed to allow Ms. Kilgore to pray during her public comment time, a FFLC spokesperson said.

At the boards Nov. 9 meeting, Kilgore said she was humiliated by the boards decision to stop her prayer just weeks earlier.

I was met with disrespect, humiliated, kicked out, and/or escorted out, she said. It seems to be the standard of this board that if you don't like what you are hearing, you kick us out.

... In August, I was led by the Holy Spirit to pray for our children, schools and this board, the chair  shut me down, but God moved.

In her prayer during Tuesdays meeting, Kilgore asked the Lord to grant wisdom to the board members and to help protect parental rights.

Heavenly Father, we ask that you would grant our school board wisdom as they seek to shape our laws in a rapidly shifting and increasing polarized topic, Kilgore prayed.

We pray for your mercy on our nation. Please help our leaders to issue good guidance, particularly regarding education in schools, and may they be courageous in pursuing what is right and just rather than caving into the demands of ideological pressure groups.

In a statement, Victoria Cobb, president of The Family Foundation and its legal arm FFLC, said the change of heart by the district was a win for religious freedom.

We are pleased that the Suffolk School Board eventually acknowledged that they were wrong to discriminate against Angela Kilgore in denying her the ability to express religious speech, said Cobb. The government doesnt get to disfavor or disallow religious speech over non-religious speech.

Im glad they got the message and that I had the opportunity to pray, said Kilgore. In my comments I shared, 'You were wrong by shutting me down. You know it. I know it, and now everyone will know it.'

I decided that I could not stay silent and just go away because the right of free speech including prayer is simply too important.
Home Opinion Israel: No longer a sideline on which humanity can stand

In 1974, I arrived in Jerusalem as an exchange student from Berkeley. I was 20 years old and unconnected to the trauma the recently ended Yom Kippur war had left in its wake. I was there for an adventure, not to look into the shaken souls of those around me. So I had a great year, returned home, and never looked back.

I shouldnt say never. Ten years ago my college-age stepson Sam was in a moral and emotional crisis. Four decades had passed since I had been in Israel. But I remembered how good that year had been for my sense of self and for understanding who I am as a Jew. I told him about my time in Israel and how I thought an experience in a faith-based community would help him find his way. Within a few weeks, my wife and I boarded a flight with Sam in tow. The plan was simple. We would drop him off at the program in which we had enrolled him, spend a few days touring the country, and then head back to our lives in New York.

We did return to New York. We returned to begin packing our bags, dismantling our household, arranging our business obligations, and explaining to our three other children, parents, and friends that we would be back to visit but that we were going home. We arrived in Israel in 2013 and were welcomed at the airport by a volunteer who greeted us as new immigrants. To him, it didnt matter if we were arriving from Ethiopia, Russia, Uzbekistan, or India. Welcome home, he said.

The last 10 years have been the most fulfilling of our lives. I suppose deep inside we knew that our joyful sojourn in our indigenous homeland would be disrupted at some point; life for Jews has never been a straight line. But the brutality and viciousness of Hamass assault opened a wound that we, the second generation of Holocaust survivors, have been trying to reckon with our entire lives.

But now is not the time for lamentation. As sirens blare, we run to shelters, helping old folks navigate the stairs and making way for mothers holding babies so they can get first to a secure place. Under Hamas and Hezbollah rockets, everyone is more concerned that others are the first to make it to safety.

When we hear the all-clear message, my wife and I returned to packing medical kits for IDF soldiers. Our task is to put labels on blood sample bottles. It is tedious monotonous work. But in our minds, each label we affix has the name of a young soldier on it. So we go about our work with meticulous care to ensure that our tiny part of the triage of wounded soldiers is done perfectly.

A few days ago I went to a farm on the Gaza border to work in the orchards. I remembered a passage that was read to us by the headmaster of the Christian school I attended as a child down south. Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad, for the tree is known by its fruit. When I arrived at the farm, I was told how weeks before the paths leading to the groves were lined for days with bodies of young people, Jews, Christians, and Moslems who had been murdered, raped, and mutilated. No time for lamentation, I told myself. Without our help, the fruit on the trees would soon fall dead on that same ground.

The following day I received this message from the mother of the farmer:

We were still sitting shivah (mourning) for October 7 when we were turned away from our home on the orders of the army. The avocado went, the pineapple went, and the winter sabra fruit went too. We spent a week in Eilat, two weeks passed, almost three, and then the farmer in our son woke up. A farmer, it turns out, is a fickle creature, like the weather that abuses him all his days, and we discovered that our soul was bound by the actions of our hands. Today is already the third harvest and with volunteers like you, we are almost done. Thank you for the support without which our avocados would have found their way to the trash and you would not have entered the history book of the nation of Israel.

Every Jew and Christian throughout the world must understand today that whether choosing to stand on the sidelines or to activate every resource at your disposal, you too are a part of the history book of the nation of Israel.
After Sunak's Cabinet reshuffle, where do new ministers stand on abortion and assisted suicide?

After the sudden dismissal of Suella Braverman as Home Secretary earlier today, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has undertaken a major cabinet reshuffle ahead of his Autumn Statement next week.

Former Home Secretary, Suella Braverman, who, in an apparent reference to the coming introduction of abortion buffer zones across the UK, told police in September that "silent prayer, within itself, is not unlawful", has been replaced by James Cleverly, the former Foreign Secretary.

Cleverly has tended to abstain on votes related to life issues although, in 2015, he did vote against a bill to legalise assisted suicide in England and Wales. However, more recently, he has voted in favour of giving the Northern Ireland Secretary new powers to impose the commissioning of abortion services on the region.

David Cameron appointed Foreign Secretary

Former Prime Minister, David Cameron, will be taking over Cleverly's position as Foreign Secretary. Although absent from politics since 2016, the former PM indicated his support for reducing the abortion limit from 24 to 20 weeks in 2012. In 2008 he said "I would like to see a reduction in the current limit, as it is clear that, due to medical advancement, many babies are surviving at 24 weeks".

In 2014, as PM he described sex-selective abortion as "simply an appalling practice", although in 2015 he abstained from voting for an explicit ban of the practice. In the same year, he also abstained from voting on an attempt to make assisted suicide legal.

The former Health Secretary, Steve Barclay, who is the new Environment Secretary, has been replaced by MP for Louth and Horncastle, Victoria Atkins. Atkins supported the introduction of 'DIY' home abortions as a permanent feature of the law in England. More recently, she has supported the introduction of abortion buffer zones, including making it illegal to offer help outside abortion clinics.

New Environment Secretary Steve Barclay has previously voted in favour of giving the Northern Ireland Secretary new powers to impose the commissioning of abortion services on the region, as well as in support of the creation of three-parent embryos in 2015. However, in the same year, he voted against making assisted suicide legal and in favour of an explicit ban on sex-selective abortion.

Minister of State (Minister for Health and Secondary Care) Will Quince and Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Primary Care and Public Health) Neil O'Brien will also likely be replaced though that information has not yet been released. Their full voting records of life issues can be viewed below.

A number of other government ministers have also been moved, though not all the new positions have been confirmed.

 Right to Life UK
Calls for Archbishop of Canterbury to resign

The Most Rev Justin Welby has faced further criticism this week, with a formal request for his resignation being placed before the Church of England General Synod.

Mr Sam Margrave, lay member for Lichfield Diocese, presented two petitions, which Synod members will be able to put their name to over the coming days.

The first raised questions about the Archbishop of Canterbury's judgement in safeguarding matters  citing his links with John Smyth, his championing of Mike Pilivachi - including presenting him with the "The Alphege Award for Evangelism and Witness" in 2020 - and his willingness to meet with gay rights campaigner Peter Tatchell.

That petition also challenges the Archbishop's personal commitment to safeguarding with references to a report that he allegedly "failed to alert police when a priest was accused of sexually assaulting a worshipper" and comments from Meg Munn (the acting chair of the Independent Safeguarding Board) on her resignation that the Archbishop had undermined her work.

The second petition suggested that the Archbishop of Canterbury misled General Synod in July when he was asked how he and the Archbishop of York had voted at the Archbishops' Council that decided to disband the Independent Safeguarding Board. His answer was that both he and the Archbishop of York had wanted to wait, but it was later confirmed that, whatever their wishes, they had both in fact voted in favour as it had been a unanimous decision. It called for a statement from the Archbishop of Canterbury and an apology to General Synod.

These petitions follow other calls for the Archbishop's resignation. During a private meeting with the Archbishop of Canterbury on November 10, some conservative evangelicals indicated their belief that he should step down and Jayne Ozanne made similar comments in The Times the following day.

Speaking after he had made his petition to Synod, Mr Margrave said, "I will take criticism from those at the top of the Church, but my job is to represent those in the pews and to protect children, support survivors and embody good governance.

"It doesn't matter whether someone is a Parish Priest or Archbishop of Canterbury. We all need to be accountable. The Church of England is heading straight into an iceberg, if we haven't already, and we need a new Captain to helm the ship."

Responding to the calls, a Lambeth Palace spokesperson said on behalf of Welby: "The Archbishop remains focussed on serving the church as it navigates these challenging times. He has no plans to retire before this 70th birthday."
Guerrilla control, blockades, and long river journeys: a day in the life of Latin American Bible translators

Pastor Basil* and his team who help to lead one of unfoldingWord's partner organizations in Latin America are translating Bible stories for the Zamora* people, living deep in the jungles of South America.

At present 875,000 people in the region have no scripture in their language but in this closed country, the numerous risks involved with conducting a church-centric Bible translation project didn't stop Pastor Basil and his team. Their compassion for friends and family who want to know more about Jesus motivates them.

A normal day for the translation team begins with worship, a devotional and team building. These are essential components of the church-centric approach to ensure the discipleship of the translator and the building of the team.

Rather than merely working to produce a product, they are cultivating Christian maturity as they build Bible translation capacity for their local churches.

Arranging the translation workshop for the Zamora people is no small feat, but that was the easy part. The team faced much adversity to simply arrive at a safe location to begin this work. The challenge was to get everyone to the centralized training location, along with food and supplies to last a week.

In the jungle, rivers are the highways. Few roads penetrate the forest, and drug cartels and anti-government guerrillas endanger travellers.

The team took 13 copies of Open Bible Stories to 13 villages in the Zamora region. Provisions for a trip like this would last many days.

The entire translation team, no matter what direction they were coming from, put their lives at risk as they passed through guerrilla-controlled areas.

Everyone travels by river and everyone has to negotiate with a middle man for a boat and a pilot.

One of the translators spent three days travelling downriver by canoe. Another found a boat with a motor and travelled five days upriver, avoiding an otherwise seven-day paddle. Both journeys required significant expense to even find the boats and pay to use them.

Meanwhile, blockades sealed off the city where Pastor Basil lives.

Departure day for Pastor Basil to get to the safe location was the very day his city was sealed off by workers on strike. They blocked all the exits with buses, trucks, and other barriers, angrily demanding more pay.

Describing the situation, he said: "The government would not allow anyone in or out. We did not know how we were going to get out of the city to get to this place."

So, he prayed: "God, this is your trip, this is your journey. Please help us know how to get out of here."

With strong resistance to any bible translation work from the government, negotiating their way out wasn't an option.

As he drove around looking for answers, Pastor Basil received a text from a friend which read "Take the dirt road through District B. No blockade there." District B was known as a high-crime area but with determination, he kept driving eventually out of the city and without being seen by any guards.

After such a commute, more challenge followed. Wrestling with the concepts and practice of translation is par for the course but the end outcome will have a lasting impact on the growth and discipleship of their communities.

Sometimes, individuals are so deeply invested in the work and deeply committed to a particular interpretation that conflict happens.

In their tenacity about the ministry, it becomes easy to forget the Lord is in the process.

Like any other human endeavour, disagreements can be intense. That's why every session ends with prayer and the sharing of testimonies of how God has worked in their lives.

Every time this translation team arrange a workshop to continue their work, they become more at risk of attracting unwanted attention from both the government and guerrilla groups.

Yet they keep going.

Due to their determination, they now have six Open Bible Stories translated into the heart language of the Zamora people.

Kelly Cox Vivanco, Marketing Project Manager for unfoldingWord said, "Growing up in Latin America, I've seen the lack of access to some resources that are available only in the English language, and as a Spanish speaker, I would feel frustrated not to have access to that knowledge. After having the blessing to work in this training with the Spanish team, I met indigenous brothers and sisters who have no scripture in their heart language, and I could understand their deep desire to bring it to their families and community.

"I understood the frustration but more over their determination. No physical obstacle is big enough when you finally have access to the knowledge, in this case, of how to translate the Bible into your heart language. Something unimaginable for so many years. Now through church-centric Bible translation, the church is being strengthened in hard-to-reach areas."

This team of translators are part of the Latin American Spanish Whole Bible Whole Nation Project using the emerging model, church-centric Bible translation, to translate Bible resources and fifty Bible stories spanning Genesis to Revelation. This emerging model emphasizes autonomy, training translators from other people groups to use tools to translate the Bible for themselves.

* Names have been changed for security reasons.
Most Christians think AI isn't good for the Church: study

(CP) As some pastors experiment with using artificial intelligence to generate a church sermon, a new study released by Barna shows that the majority of Christians don't believe AI is good for the Church.

Artificial intelligence, according to IBM, "leverages computers and machines to mimic the problem-solving and decision-making capabilities of the human mind."

And ChatGPT, a large language model-based chatbot which understands and generates humanlike text is one of the most popular examples of AI in the public space.

In a survey of 1,500 U.S. adults conducted online by Barna in partnership with Gloo, from July 28Aug. 7, researchers found that a majority of Christians disagree with the statement, "AI is good for the Christian Church." Some 30% of respondents said they strongly disagree with the statement, while another 21% said they somewhat disagree. Another 27% reported that they don't know.

Only 6% of Christians said they strongly agree with the statement, while 16% said they somewhat agree.

In general, a majority of U.S. adults in the survey said they were still getting familiar with AI. Just 10% said they used AI for work often or personal business.

Some 29% of U.S. adults said, "I don't trust it." Thirty-five percent said, "I am curious about it," while 21% said, "I am fascinated by it."

In survey published earlier this year by Gloo looking at what ministry leaders think about AI and the Church, 63% of leaders were found to be comfortable in their understanding of AI, while 28% of church leaders said they are only slightly or not knowledgeable at all. Just 9% considered themselves very knowledgeable.

Some 62% of leaders said they rarely or never use AI in their work. Nineteen percent said they used it occasionally, while another 19% reported that they use AI on a weekly or daily basis.

More than half of the ministry leaders, 54%, said they were both extremely concerned about ethical or moral issues related to using AI in the Church and the technology's emergence in the world.

"The data reveals that church leaders are quite split in their opinions on the role of AI in the Church and how they are reading the terrain," Savannah Kimberlin, associate vice president at Barna Group, said in a statement on the study.

"Forty-three percent of respondents admitted to feeling uncomfortable or anxious about AI being used in churches, and one in four went so far as to say the Church should resist or condemn the use of AI," she added. "However, one in three enthusiastically shared they believe AI will improve their efficiency or effectiveness. Stats like these show that the time is right to come together and have meaningful conversations on the topic."

Jay Cooper, pastor of the LGBT-affirming Violet Crown City Church, recently spoke with The Christian Post about his decision to experiment with an AI generated service in September.

"The idea to create an admittedly unorthodox AI-generated worship service came from my belief that the church should not only be aware of the most pressing issues of our world, but also to actively engage in them," Cooper told CP.

In the end, however, Cooper found the AI generated service deficient.

"In short, it was boring," he said.

Cooper explained that even though ChatGPT did not "generate anything overtly heretical," it's not a "thinking sentient being."

"It is a program that we have created and it's doing what we've programmed it to do," he said. "Therefore, in many ways, what it generates is a reflection of who we are, meaning it's often wrong, misguided, prejudiced, and broken."

 The Christian Post
BEIJING/BAODING, Hebei, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- Two days after the Chinese solar term of the Beginning of Winter, President Xi Jinping came to the areas flooded this summer in Beijing and neighboring Hebei Province, visiting affected people and inspecting post-disaster reconstruction. It was a tightly-scheduled inspection trip. On Friday, Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, shuttled between the Mentougou District in the western suburb of Beijing and the city of Baoding in Hebei all in one day. He visited villages and an urban residential community, where he dropped by the homes of the locals. His inspection stops also included a school, a dam, shops, and a farmland. At the Shuiyuzui Village in Mentougou, learning that floods damaged 87 percent of the households, Xi asked how the restoration was going. "All the damaged houses have been renovated," a local official answered. A clean village road led Xi to the home of villager Li Meng. A signboard on the wall showed that the residence was once submerged in water about 2.6 meters deep. Li told Xi that the summer flood drowned the first floor, leaving his home in mud. But with government subsidies, he managed to repair the two-story house and furnish it with new furniture and appliances. Xi has always been concerned about those who were affected by the floods, and made important instructions on flood prevention and disaster relief work on multiple occasions. During an inspection of northeastern Heilongjiang Province in September, he visited a village hit by a flood. He also mentioned the flood-hit areas in north China. "I will visit other affected areas some time later." Braving the early winter chill, Xi on Friday went on to arrive at a community in Zhuozhou, a county-level city in Hebei that was hit hard by the severe flooding in summer. He first inspected a heating station there. Learning that the community had received a heat supply half a month ahead of schedule, Xi praised the work to ensure people a warm winter. He then dropped by the home of resident Dong Caiying, whose apartment on the first floor was soaked in flooding water. Xi looked at the thermometer at Dong's home, touched to check the heat of the radiator heater, and said with a smile, "The temperature is up to standard." "Seeing that your lives have been restored to normal and even improved, I feel relieved and glad," Xi said. The Wanquanzhuang Village of Diaowo Township is located at a flood detention and storage area in Baoding. All 311 households suffered the impact of the disaster during this year's flood season, and some houses were washed down or seriously damaged. But now the village takes on an encouraging look of reconstruction. Villager Fu Jun invited Xi to his to-be-completed new household, showing the president around inside. Fu told Xi that he received compensation from insurance companies soon after the flood, and the materials used for reconstruction were subsidized. "Having a visit here today, I feel relieved to see that the policies of the CPC Central Committee have been translated into concrete actions and really worked," Xi said to villagers. "I believe your post-disaster lives will be better."
The nations largest healthcare system, the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) strives to deliver the same high-quality standard of care for the 9 million veterans it serves each year, regardless of health status or location. Fulfilling that goal is tough for an organization with over 1,300 facilities, but the VHA has learned that using the right technology can make a big difference to success.

The organization is currently piloting private 5G networking, a foundational technology that can improve communications, which hospitals have struggled with for years. Since the radio waves cell phone services use dont penetrate medical buildings concrete-and-steel walls, they cant deliver signals to and from a cell phone tower. For that reason, most facilities use WiFi. But WiFi was designed to transmit data, not voice calls. As doctors and nurses travel along hospital corridors, the WiFi signal may switch access points, causing them to lose their connection during calls that could be critical.

A private 5G network works differently. Its a cellular network designed to operate within the building, ensuring consistent high-quality reception. By avoiding the public internet, it also strengthens cybersecurity and supports patient privacy.

Once in place, a private 5G network allows hospitals to deploy advanced capabilities. A successful cutting-edge pilot program at a VA hospital in Livermore, CA illustrates some of the possibilities. Working with partners Verizon, Microsoft, and Medivis, the hospital has set up a secure, private 5G networkthe first among VA hospitals  that is designed to power augmented reality (AR) applications for surgeons and medical trainees.

The ultra-fast, secure network has nearly zero latency, giving all surgeons equal access to advanced imaging tools for pre-surgical planning. During surgery, they can superimpose 3D scans on patients bodies as they operate, improving precision and accuracy. The network will also be used to create immersive, lifelike training for surgical residents. Currently, hospitals use mannequins or live actors to simulate patients, but they are expensive and require intensive planning and scheduling.

With a private 5G network, hospitals can provide augmented reality (AR) training to supplement or replace mannequins and actors. AR systems can be updated in real time, keeping trainees up to date with the latest information and techniques. Some training can be accessed remotely with a laptop and a headset, allowing hospitals to serve hundreds of participants across the globe with less planning and expense.

A 5G network could also help the VA keep better track of medical equipment. Like many hospital systems, the organization is understaffed, with 92% of facilities reporting a severe nursing shortage. Studies have shown nurses spend 21 to 60 minutes per shift searching for supplies and equipment, removing them from patient care and costing hospitals up to $14 billion dollars a year in lost productivity.

The nursing shortage is expected to grow, making enhancing efficiency a crucial goal. With a private 5G network, nurses can locate items they need using a mobile device, and obtain directions for the fastest route to reach them. They can also use intelligent video monitoring to receive alerts when patients at risk of falling attempt to leave their beds, helping to avoid a significant cause of injury.

Hospitals using 5G can add more capabilities, including establishing a secure, high-performance connection to all the cloud services they use. They can also securely share cloud-based information with other facilities using the system. Transmitting data over a private network makes it much harder for hackers to break in.

Many veterans receive home care through telehealth, which is especially valuable for the disabled and those who live far from providers. By deploying an easy-to-install, wireless base station, even veterans in far-flung areas can be assured of reliable connectivity.

The future is wide open for medical 5G networks, and these are just some of the services it can provide. Agencies may be able to obtain funding for proposals through the Technology Modernization Fund.

Discover more: https://www.verizon.com/business/solutions/public-sector/federal-government/veterans
Consimtamantul pentru Antecedente / Verificare de lichidare

Eu, confirm ca am aplicat la Secretariatul de Pre-Verificare / Verificare a Procurorilor si recunosc ca candidatura mea este supusa unei verificari de antecedente / de validare efectuata de Centrul National Anticoruptie (CNA) din Moldova. Furnizarea datelor mele personale, copia pasaportului meu, CV-ul si semnatura de mai jos servesc drept consimtamant pentru ca datele mele personale sa fie verificate de catre CNA pentru a finaliza verificarea antecedentelor/autorizatiei necesare.

Inteleg ca rezultatele verificarii antecedentelor/autorizatiei mele vor fi transmise catre Dexis Consulting Group ca autoritate de angajare si contractare pentru postul la care am aplicat.

De asemenea, confirm ca urmatoarele sunt atasate aici ca parte a transmiterii mele:

__XX_ Copie pe fata si spatele pasaportului meu

__XX_ CV-ul actual care arata toate angajarile si studiile anterioare.
Apel de candidaturi pentru selectarea a 10 jurnalisti de investigatie si 10 experti (juristi, reprezentanti ai societatii civile) in cadrul atelierului de consolidare a capacitatilor de investigare a cazurilor de coruptie la nivel inalt
HelpAge International contracteaza experti sau companii de consultanta pentru instruiri in domeniul comunicare, marketing si sustenabilitate a activitatilor generatoare de venit pentru varstnici
Charity sector figures have responded to a speech by Charity Commission chair Orlando Fraser last week in which he said that the regulator may intervene if trustees demonstrate personal squeamishness around sources of philanthropic funding.

Jay Kennedy, director of policy and research at the Directory of Social Change, said the focus on trustees refusing donations for personal reasons appeared to be a straw man.

Meanwhile, Autism Nottingham said Fraser had indicated in his speech that he wants to force unethical donations on charities.

An unusual role for the regulator

Fraser said last week that the Commission will rarely intervene when trustees decide to accept, refuse or return a donation but rarely is not never.

The Commission may well intervene if we consider that such intervention would be consistent with our risk and regulatory framework, including if any decision-making is materially irrational, he said.

One example of materially irrational decision-making would be when it is apparent that the motivations for a return or refusal are simply the personal worldviews or preferences of the relevant trustees, rather than the best interests of the charity.

Kennedy said: Theres much to agree with in Orlando Frasers speech  wanting to boost philanthropy in the UK, shining a light on how we might get the wealthy to do more, holding up the regulatory environment here as a good example and model for elsewhere.

Its maybe an unusual role for the regulator to play but discussions about philanthropy need a higher profile.

The points about trustees refusing donations for personal reasons seem to be a straw man, though. I doubt this is a common problem and there doesnt seem to be any data to back it up.

Kennedy said the sector needs a policy discussion about how to better facilitate wealthy people setting up foundations or how they could contribute to existing foundations, for example via the Community Foundation model.

More help and guidance is needed in this area and we need to take advantage of existing expertise in the sector and the Commission about this, he said.

Autism Nottingham: Commission wants to force unethical donations on charities

Claire Whyte, chief executive of Autism Nottingham said that charities having moral foundations are not squeamish and that the chair of the Charity Commission wants to force unethical donations on charities.

She added: A sense of righteous progressiveness of a trustee or charity executive is not preventing charities from accepting donations from sources they find unethical, but knowing that benefactors would lose faith in the charity and no longer feel comfortable accessing its services.

Whyte said: We work hard to be an ethically and morally run charity, we try to champion diversity and acceptance throughout of staff and our beneficiaries. The notion of accepting money from funders who go against our moral foundations is counterintuitive to our mission.

If, for example, we accepted funds from an organisation that is strongly against transgender people, we would lose the faith of our transgender beneficiaries, it won't matter how much money we are given if we don't have their trust to support them, we won't have anyone left to support.

The CEO said being forced to accept money from donors who support organisations that harm a charitys beneficiaries is also a concern.



Whyte said: There are many organisations out there that have hidden (and sometimes not so hidden) agendas that could be harmful to Autistic people. By taking donations from these organisations, this would be showing the world we are condoning their actions.

As an autistic-led autism charity, this would be a complete compromise of our morals, both as a charity and as Autistic people, and that's not the message we want to send.

Assessing risk increasingly difficult

Charlotte Sherman, growing giving policy and partnerships manager at the Chartered Institute of Fundraising, posted on X that each charity needs to decide what will work best for them and their community.

We have to face up to the fact that assessing reputational risk is becoming increasingly difficult. Strong opinions on certain activities means there is a bigger risk of donors withdrawing their support if they disagree with their chosen charity accepting certain gifts. (1/4) https://t.co/shHpb1iFOd  Charlotte Sherman (@CharSherman111) November 10, 2023

Carol Mack, chief executive at the Association of Charitable Foundations said the organisation was pleased to hear Fraser explicitly reference the critical role of philanthropy within the voluntary sector.



We support his call encouraging greater philanthropic giving within the UK, transforming private wealth into social good. The charitable foundation model offers a transparent and effective way of doing this.

Mack added one of the unique benefits of foundations is their flexibility and agility to respond to a crisis. For instance, Fraser suggests more philanthropic donations could be used to support the operating costs of charities.

Foundations have trailblazed the way with this approach, funding core costs for charities that might otherwise have closed or scaled back the support they offer. But demand for foundation funding hugely outstrips supply which is why this focus on growing philanthropy is so welcome, the CEO said.

sign up to receive the free Civil Society daily news bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector,
Crossbench peer Robert Skidelsky has been suspended from the House of Lords for a month amid an investigation into a charity he chaired for 20 years.

The Charity Commission opened an inquiry into the Centre for Global Studies in August 2022 and appointed interim managers to the exclusion of Skidelsky and other trustees to review its governance and administration.

In March, the Commission sent a disclosure of information to the House of Lords, suggesting that Skidelsky might have breached the code of conduct for peers.

A subsequent investigation and report by the House of Lords commissioner for standards found several breaches of its code of conduct, including Skidelskys failure to register and declare interests related to his think tank.

It also reported that the charity had become inactive last year and Skidelsky planned to close it but faced delays in doing so.

Findings of the Lords investigation

The Centre for Global Studies  originally named the Centre for Post-Collectivist Studies  grew out of the Social Market Foundation (SMF), which became a charity in 1992 and had Skidelsky as its first chair.

Skidelsky resigned as chair of SMF in 2002 and subsequently founded the Centre for Global Studies, a think tank aiming to educate the public in economic and social affairs.

During his investigation, Martin Jelley found that there was no clear distinction between the Centre for Global Studies and Skidelskys role as a parliamentarian.

One of Skidelskys former employees told Jelley: Lord Skidelsky is the charity and the charitys sole purpose is to support the work that he does.

Jelley reported that two of the main funders of the Centre for Global Studies were Russian oligarchs Mikhail Gutseriev and his son Said, who are subject to UK government sanctions for allegedly supporting the Belarus government.

Skidelsky said these donors had never attempted to influence his views or actions as a member of parliament and that donations from Said Gutseriev ceased in May 2022.

He told Jelley that the think tank had been moribund since then, having no revenue, and that the trustees decided to close it in May 2022 but faced delays in doing so because of Santander bank freezing its bank balance and the Commissions decision to launch an investigation.

Jelley wrote in his report: He explained that he had amended his entry in the Lords register of interests in April 2022 because of his intention to wind up the charity, but he had re-registered this interest in May 2023 as the process was taking longer than he had anticipated.

Breaches of code of conduct

Jelley concluded that, because Lord Skidelsky decided to establish the Centre for Global Studies as a registered charity and associated company, its clearly a distinct entity  and therefore external  to Lord Skidelskys parliamentary role.

As a result, the code of conduct required this interest to be registered in several ways in the interests of transparency. Its worth noting that, even if Lord Skidelsky had opted to receive the donations directly and personally, rather than through a charity, they would still have been registrable.

He called Skidelskys decision to remove his interest in the think tank in May 2022 premature, saying that it represents a clear breach of the code of conduct, which requires members to register in the register of Lords interests all relevant interests in the interests of openness and accountability.

While Lord Skidelsky eventually re-registered this interest in May 2023, I note this only occurred after my investigation commenced in April 2023. Despite his clear statement to the contrary, its also clear Lord Skidelsky benefitted financially from the Centre for Global Studies (as did members of his family), so this interest should also have been registered as a pecuniary interest under category 2 rather than as a non-financial interest under category 10.

Association with sanctioned donors

Jelley said: I acknowledge that as the purpose of the Centre for Global Studies was to support his work as an academic and parliamentarian, there is no evidence that it had a separate agenda that Lord Skidelsky was seeking to advance.

While I consider this to be a mitigating factor, members still have a responsibility to maintain a clear and transparent distinction between their outside interests and their parliamentary work.

He added: With reference to the grounds on which the donors in question were subsequently sanctioned by the UK government, as well as paragraph 35 of the guide to the code, I also believe Lord Skidelsky should have exercised more caution about the potential public perception of this association  especially considering his position that most of the charitys activities fed or shaped his parliamentary work  including the need to take particular care in abiding with his obligations under the code of conduct in that context.

Jelley concluded that considering the various breaches of the code of conduct, a short suspension would be justified in the circumstances.

Accordingly, I recommend that Lord Skidelsky be suspended from the House for one month.

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Over 260 organisations across the UK have received the Kings Award for Voluntary Service, the government has announced.

The Kings Award for Voluntary Service, previously known as the Queens Award for Voluntary Service , is equivalent to an MBE and the highest award recognising local voluntary groups in the UK.

This year, 262 charities, youth groups and museums were recognised for their outstanding work, an increase on the 244 organisations that received the award in June 2022.

Meanwhile, to mark his birthday, King Charles III unveiled the Coronation Food Project, an initiative that aims to tackle food waste and food needs in the UK in partnership with charities the Felix Project and FareShare.

The Big Issue reported that the project will be co-chaired by Baroness Casey of Blackstock and Martina Milburn, former chief executive of the Princes Trust.

Last week, Buckingham Palace announced that three charities founded by the king while he was Prince of Wales  the Princes Trust, the Prince of Waless Charitable Fund and the Princes Foundation  will be renamed the Kings Trust, King Charles III Charitable Fund and the Kings Foundation, respectively.

The Princes Trust International will also be renamed the Kings Trust International in due course, the charity has confirmed.

Award recipients: Its an incredible honour

This years award recipients include charities such as BEEP Doctors (BASICs) Cumbria, Caritas Diocese of Salford and Wandsworth Mediation Service (WMS).

Theo Weston, chair and founder of BEEP Doctors, said: This is a massive honour and were immensely proud to have been awarded the Kings Award for Voluntary Service.

In my view, its by far and away the best thing to have happened to the BEEP Doctors charity in our nearly 30-year history.

The trustees of WMS said: Were delighted that the peace-making vision of WMS has been recognised by the king. Over the past 20 years, our work has supported and empowered thousands of people in conflict, improving lives and reconnecting families, colleagues and communities.

Patrick ODowd, director of Caritas Salford, said: Its an incredible honour for our amazing volunteers to be recognised by King Charles in this way.

Were hugely proud and it really is testament to the selfless time and dedication every individual who helps our charity gives. Between them, they dedicate thousands of hours every year to support Caritas and were so grateful for their support.

Government: Brilliant to see the king continue the late queens legacy

Culture secretary Lucy Frazer said: Each year, millions of volunteers give up their time to provide care and support, and this award recognises those truly making a difference to the lives of others across the UK.

Its brilliant to see the king continue the legacy of her late majesty and reward those who support their local communities with kindness and compassion. Congratulations to all those who have been awarded.

Awardees will be announced on 14 November each year to mark King Charles IIIs birthday, as the monarch turned 75 today.

Eligible groups for the next round of awards will be assessed from December 2023 to May 2024.

.

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A federal judge on Tuesday rejected efforts by major social media companies to dismiss nationwide litigation accusing them of illegally enticing and then addicting millions of children to their platforms, damaging their mental health.

U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in Oakland, California, ruled against Alphabet, which operates Google and YouTube; Meta Platforms; which operates Facebook and Instagram; ByteDance, which operates TikTok; and Snap, which operates Snapchat.

The decision covers hundreds of lawsuits filed on behalf of individual children who allegedly suffered negative physical, mental and emotional health effects from social media use including anxiety, depression, and occasionally suicide.

Rogers rejected arguments that the defendants were immune from being sued by the U.S. Constitutions First Amendment, and a provision of the federal Communications Decency Act that shields internet companies from third-party actions.

She dismissed some claims that the defendants platforms were defectively designed.

The litigation seeks, among other remedies, unspecified damages and a halt to the defendants alleged wrongful practices.

More than 140 school districts and more than 30 state attorneys general have filed similar lawsuits against the industry.
 
LONDON, SINGAPORE, 14 November 2023  As part of CNBC's mission to inspire and empower the next generation of business leaders and investors, CNBC, First in Business Worldwide, today launched the brand campaign 'Live Ambitiously' across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia-Pacific.

In campaign elements airing on TV and available on digital and social platforms, CNBC anchors discuss their relationship with ambition, what personal success means to them, their best advice, and how they have overcome challenges. Viewers are given access to anchors in a new way, as they share personal stories about their achievements and how they got to where they are today.

Launched in North America earlier this year, the campaign is now live around the world, with international spots from Christine Tan, anchor of Managing Asia, Karen Tso and Steve Sedgwick, co-anchors of Squawk Box Europe, Martin Soong and Sri Jegarajah, co-anchors of Squawk Box Asia, Joumanna Bercetche and Julianna Tatelbaum, co-anchors of Street Signs Europe, and Tanvir Gill, anchor of Street Signs Asia.

"'Live Ambitiously' shines a spotlight on CNBC's ability to inspire our audiences to recognize and embrace their own ambition, and seize opportunities to improve their lives and financial well-being" said KC Sullivan, President of CNBC.

"With this brand campaign, we are reinforcing CNBC's position as the world's number one business and financial news network and strengthening the communication of the brand globally. Our anchors are incredibly driven individuals who are deeply committed to providing consumers with the news and information they need to help them succeed. This campaign offers a look behind the curtain like never before, and I believe that the personal success stories from our talent will resonate around the world."

CNBC is where ambition meets opportunity. To learn more about CNBC's 'Live Ambitiously' campaign, visit cnbc.com/live-ambitiously.

Share what ambition means to you on social media using #LiveAmbitiously.

About CNBC

CNBC, First in Business Worldwide, is the recognized global leader in business and financial news. With headquarters in New Jersey, London and Singapore, CNBC covers financial markets in real-time, offering breaking news, exclusive interviews, stocks and trading analysis, and in-depth reports on factors driving the economy. CNBC's mission is to help business leaders, the financial community and anyone with assets to invest or protect make informed money decisions and get ahead.

CNBC's vast portfolio includes the TV channel, available in over 372 million households, hotels and office buildings across 154 countries; CNBC.com, the online destination for the latest financial news and information; CNBC PRO, the network's premium subscription service with first access to markets and influential voices, as well as the CNBC app, podcasts, newsletters, live events, and social media and digital video platforms.

CNBC is a NBCUniversal company. For more information, visit www.cnbc.com

Media Contact

Eden Kyle, Communications Manager, CNBC International

Eden.Kyle@nbcuni.com
Paul Pelosi, husband of former US Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), attends US President Joe Biden's State of the Union address in the House Chamber of the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on February 7, 2023.

The husband of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi recalled Monday being bludgeoned by a hammer-wielding assailant and waking up in a pool of his own blood.

Paul Pelosi, 83, took the witness stand to testify against the man accused of attacking him with a hammer in a politically motivated attack on Oct. 28, 2022.

"The door opened and a very large man came in with a hammer in one hand and some ties in the other and he said, 'Where's Nancy' as I think that woke me up," Pelosi testified. "I'm asleep and he bursts in the door and that woke me up."

The husband of the former House speaker suffered a fractured skull in the attack.

The suspect, David DePape, has pleaded not guilty to attempted kidnapping of a federal official and assault on the immediate family member of a federal official.

Pelosi testified he didn't set his home's alarm before going to bed, so there was no warning sound when DePape broke glass of a rear door to enter.

The assailant had a hammer and zip ties and Pelosi said: "I recognized I was in serious danger."

"He was standing in the doorway and I assume he was 3, 4 feet away from me," Pelosi testified. "It was a tremendous sense of shock to see somebody broken into the house."

When Pelosi told his attacker that the House speaker was in Washington, D.C., DePape allegedly said he'd have to tie him up and they'd wait for his return.

Pelosi managed to get his cell phone and call 911 from the bathroom before DePape snatched the phone away, he testified.

The victim said he knew his best chance to survive was getting downstairs to meet responding police and Pelosi testified that he told DePape: "Since all your stuff is downstairs why don't we go downstairs, you can tie me up and you can get some sleep."

When officers arrived, Pelosi said he reached for DePape's hand, with the hammer, before the assailant pushed him away and started hitting him.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Vartain asked Pelosi what he remembered next and he said: "Waking up in a pool of blood."

Pelosi said he still has headaches and dizzy spells from the brutal attack.

The victim quipped that he's pleased his hair has grown back in, saying it "must be Italian roots or something."

Pelosi completed his testimony with no cross-examination from DePape's defense lawyers, who do not contest that their client was the attacker.

DePape appeared stoic as Pelosi testified.

While the victim moved and spoke slowly, he appeared alert and generally recovered from last year's attack.

Pelosi admitted that he's tried to keep that horrifying night out of his mind: "I made the best effort I possibly can to not relive this."

Nancy Pelosi was not in court Monday. Although she has said she has no intention to seek the gavel again, Pelosi, 83, has already announced her 2024 run for the San Francisco seat she's held since 1987.

Their daughter, Christine Pelosi, was in court on Monday, as she's been since jury selection on Nov. 6.

Closing arguments are slated for Wednesday and the deliberations are expected to begin later that day.

Before Paul Pelosi took the stand Monday afternoon, prosecutors showed jurors police body camera footage of the attack, in which the victim was struck three times.

The disturbing footage, played in slow motion, appeared to transfix jurors though no one reacted audibly.

DePape's defense previously sought to prevent the government from showing the hammer attack in slow motion, but U.S. District Court Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley allowed it.

This federal trial, unfolding in downtown San Francisco, is sure to lay bare the corrosive impact of conspiracy theories and misinformation in modern politics.

By the admission of his own defense team, DePape was caught in a rabbit's hole of far-right conspiracies that led him to believe the nation is run by a "ruling class engaged in corruption," defense attorney Jodi Linker told jurors last week.

DePape wasn't out to kidnap Nancy Pelosi or do harm to Paul Pelosi, the defense maintains, but to use them to reach a person the prosecution calls "Target 1."

That person has been identified as Bay Area scholar and University of Michigan professor Gayle Rubin, a leading academic in feminist theory and queer studies.

The government has said DePape planned for months to attack the Pelosi home and kidnap the former House speaker.

DePape allegedly had $9,000 cash, zip ties, rope and duct tape in a backpack that he brought to the Pelosi home, according to the government. The assault was captured on officers' body cameras.

The suspect has blogged about his belief that aliens, communists, religious minorities and global elites all threaten America, authorities have said.

He's repeated baseless allegations that Joe Biden's victory over Donald Trump in 2020 was not legitimate and embraced QAnon, a far-right movement that claims America is being secretly run by a cabal of devil-worshipping pedophiles, officials have said.

DePape faces up to a life sentence if convicted.
(This is CNBC Pro's live coverage of Tuesday's analyst calls and Wall Street chatter. Please refresh every 20-30 minutes to view the latest posts.) Tuesday started with Nvidia getting more praise from one analyst, and a battery stock downgrade. Bank of America reiterated its buy rating on Nvidia, citing the announcement of new artificial intelligence products. Meanwhile, Morgan Stanley downgraded Freyr Battery, citing a tough environment for the lithium-ion battery maker. Check out the latest calls and chatter below. 9:28 a.m. ET: Wells slashes Plug Power price target: 'Plug the funding gap' Plug Power will face a $2.5 billion funding gap by 2025 as the hydrogen fuel cell maker burns through cash, Wells Fargo warned. Wells deeply cut its price target for Plug Power to $4 per share from $7 per share prior. The company's cash burn rate was $400 million in the third quarter, according to Wells. Plug's cash burn should slow to $250 million per quarter on lower capital expenditures, but this only gives the company three quarters at most before it has to raise external funding. Wells maintained its equal weight rating on Plug, noting that the company does stand to benefit from robust growth as the hydrogen economy expands. UBS slashed its price target for Plug by nearly 70% to $5.00 from $15.50 prior on spending concerns. The investment bank maintained its buy rating due to international and domestic policy support for clean hydrogen development. "PLUG continues to spend beyond its means and we have seen cash balances dip by $1.7Bn," analyst Manav Gupta wrote. In our view, it would help if management came up with a strong plan to lower cash burn, manage inventory in a better way and how to get to positive gross margin," Gupta wrote. 8:49 a.m. ET: Post-Covid, here are some of the new habits that stuck and what it means for spending The Covid pandemic changed everyone's routine overnight, but years out we're starting to see which habits were brought on merely by circumstances and which ones stuck for the long haul. In a research note, Wolfe Research's Stephanie Roth said 25% of our work days are spent at home so that tech equipment people purchased three years ago may need to be replaced soon. We're also still spending less on dry cleaning and public transportation. "The rise of the day trader helps account for the surge in ETFs at the expense of mutual fund fees," she wrote. Finally, spending has increased on plants, boats, motorcycles, toys and hobby items. "We've all found one COVID hobby we actually like, whether it's boating, biking or gardening," she said.  Christina Cheddar-Berk 8:48 a.m. ET: Barclays upgrades three fertilizer stocks on more favorable potash view Mosaic and Nutrien were double upgraded to overweight from underweight at Barclays owing to the bank's improved outlook for potash prices (especially versus nitrogen). Israel's ICL (also traded in U.S.) was upgraded to overweight from equal weight. Mosaic's price target rose 5% to $42, Nutrien's by 6% to $68 and ICL's was cut 7% to $6.50. More negatively, CF Industries was cut to underweight from equal weight (price target unchanged at $85), and Corteva to equal weight from overweight (target slashed 24% to $50 from $66). "Overall, we see more relative upside in companies with exposure to Potash, as we move into a new ag season," analyst Benjamin Theurer wrote Tuesday. The moves also came "in anticipation of a likely lower corn crop in Brazil and an expected switch in the North American planting back to soy and out of corn."  Scott Schnipper 8:29 a.m. ET: Roth MKM initiates Marvell Technology at buy Semiconductor company Marvell Technology is poised to benefit from the demands created by artificial intelligence, according to Roth MKM. "We believe MRVL's infrastructure market position is also levered to high-performance AI data center infrastructure demand. Along with stronger processing and memory requirements, these advanced data center architectures also require higher bandwidth connectivity, higher performance storage, and improved security," analyst Suji Desilva said in a note to clients. Desilva initiated coverage of Marvell with a buy rating, pointing out that the company is already seeing strong growth from its AI-related businesses. "In its most recent quarter, MRVL's cloud AI (+20% q/q) sub-segment saw above-average growth and the company is on track to exceed its previously guided $800M AI revenue run-rate," the note said. Desilva set a price target of $60 per share for Marvell, which is 12% above where the stock closed Monday.  Jesse Pound 8:27 a.m. ET: Tesla a leader in AI, which could expand its self-driving business, says Goldman Sachs Tesla is well positioned to be a leader in artificial intelligence, which could help expand its full self-driving (FSD) business for its own fleet of vehicles, according to Goldman Sachs. "While we believe that it's too early to ascribe material market cap to AI licensing/services businesses (either selling/licensing FSD to other auto OEMs or providing Dojo as an AI training tool for other companies) given the high degree of competition  these businesses could be a source of upside depending on how well Tesla executes," analyst Mark Delaney said in a note Monday. He reiterated his neutral rating and $235 price target, which implies 5% upside from Monday's close. "We believe the market opportunity would be large," Delaney said. An upside case for FSD could be $50 billion to $100 billion a year of revenue from Tesla's fleet by 2030, up from Goldman's calculations of $1 billion to $3 billion right now, he added. Overall, the total addressable market for the automotive software and services industry could be $1 trillion long term, he predicted. Shares of Tesla are up more than 80% year to date.  Michelle Fox 8:26 a.m. ET: Expect 'modest downside risks' from Target ahead of third quarter results, Bank of America says Target's third-quarter results could show the retail giant continuing to contend with macroeconomic challenges and higher food inflation, according to Bank of America. "We see modest downside risk to our same-store sales forecast of -5% given moderating Food at Home inflation, potential ticket pressure from TGT's Affordable Joy initiative, slower-than expected traffic recovery, and other macro challenges impacting discretionary spending (e.g. student loan payments, inflation, interest rates, etc.)," analyst Robert Ohmes said in a Tuesday note. Target will report third-quarter results on Wednesday before the opening bell. Analysts polled by FactSet forecast an adjusted $1.47 per share for the quarter on $25.28 billion in revenue.  Brian Evans 7:56 a.m. ET: Wells Fargo sees more AI upside for Microsoft The artificial intelligence-fueled boom for Microsoft is far from done, according to Wells Fargo. Analyst Michael Turrin said in a note to clients that Microsoft's Ignite event on Wednesday should give new details about Microsoft's AI projects. "We're anticipating a series of AI related product announcements (100+ expected) to come from Ignite, MSFT's annual IT conference. Most prominently is MSFT's suggested efforts around building AI chips, 'Project Athena', which could reduce reliance on NVDA for GPU capacity and potentially unlock further margin opp LT," the note said. Turrin raised his price target to $425 from $410. The new target is nearly 16% above where the stock closed Monday. Shares of Microsoft are up more than 50% year to date. The stock has also found new momentum after struggling in the late summer and is up nearly 12% over the past month. MSFT YTD mountain MSFT in 2023  Jesse Pound 7:36 a.m. ET: Morgan Stanley initiates Abivax at equal weight Biotech company Abivax has promising upside potential  but investors may want to wait until more "de-risking" occurs, according to Morgan Stanley. Analyst Vikram Purohit initiated coverage on Abivax with an equal weight rating. His price target of $15 implies shares gaining more than 10% from where they closed on Monday. "Pipeline program obefazimod has a novel MOA and has generated encouraging PhII data in UC, but we would expect shares to remain range bound until further de-risking occurs through data updates in 2025," Purohit said in a Tuesday note. Obefazimoid is a treatment for inflammatory bowel disorders, which Purohit believes could become a commercially viable therapy for ulcerative colitis in 2025 if its Phase III trends well. "Abivax's mgt. team brings relevant experience to the field of IBD drug development, and we are encouraged by the proactive steps being taken by the company to help manage placebo responses and trial variability issues that can complicate late-stage IBD trial outcomes," Purohit said. Furthermore, the company's upcoming pipeline diversification in 2024 and 2025 could present tailwinds for shares, he added. The stock began publicly trading on Oct. 20 with an IPO price of $11.60. Shares last closed at $10.50, which represents a 9.5% decline from its listing price.  Hakyung Kim 7:32 a.m. ET: 'Choppy' near-term for Dick's Sporting Goods, says Morgan Stanley Morgan Stanley is lowering its estimates on Dick's Sporting Goods ahead of the company's third-quarter earnings announcement on Nov. 21. The firm reduced its price target by $5 to $145, which implies more than 31% upside from Monday's close, while retaining its overweight rating. It also expects the sports retailer to post a slight earnings per share miss. The "[near-term] stock path looks choppy given continued margin reversion and potentially weaker demand in '24; [long-term] we believe sales/margins can hold above '19," analyst Simeon Gutman said in a Monday note. To be sure, Gutman added that the company is still in a favorable position due to its category dominance and healthy balance sheet.  Hakyung Kim 6:50 a.m. ET: Stifel says buy Vistagen Therapeutics Biotechnology company Vistagen Therapeutics could have a large market opportunity on its hands, according to Stifel. Analyst Paul Matteis initiated coverage on the company with a buy rating and $12 price target. That suggests shares could more than triple in value from Monday's close. "We think the risk/reward here is highly upside-biased into the fasedienol PALISADE-3/4 studies in social anxiety disorder (SAD), reading out in 2025," Matteis said in a Monday note. Fasedienol is a neurosteroid in clinical development for Social Anxiety Disorder. While the analyst noted that studies for anxiety treatments are difficult to execute  with Vistagen already having had a setback in one of its two smaller studies  only one of its two additional anxiety studies has to succeed for it to gain approval. "More broadly, SAD is a very large market opportunity, and at the current VTGN valuation (a discount to many CNS peers), we think the risk/reward has an upside skew ahead of two additional trial readouts in 2025," said Matteis. Shares jumped 2.5% Tuesday before the bell. The stock, however, remains negative 11.6% year to date.  Hakyung Kim 6:36 a.m. ET: JPMorgan downgrades BeautyHealth BeautyHealth will likely have limited upside in the coming quarters amid a rocky period, according to JPMorgan. JPMorgan downgraded shares to underweight from neutral and withdrew its prior price target of $10 on shares. "Even better than expected commentary on underlying market trends won't be enough to offset a significant story as a new management team steps in to lead the company and near-term domestic challenges weigh on results for at least the next 3-6 months," analyst Allen Gong wrote in a Tuesday note. Shares have plummeted more than 54% following its third-quarter earnings announcement Monday after the bell. The company lowered its full-year guidance and posted greater-than-expected impact from challenges with its HydraFacial Syndeo device in the U.S. market, according to Gong. "We see these dynamics significantly limiting upside for the coming quarters with an uncertain outlook after that now that 2025E targets have been cleared, a setup that will likely mean investors won't revisit this name until this period of upheaval is past us," said Gong.  Hakyung Kim 6:28 a.m. ET: Deutsche Bank upgrades Take-Two Interactive Take-Two's risk-reward profile has become more favorable, according to Deutsche Bank. Take-Two recently announced that Rockstar, one of its publishing labels, will release the first trailer for the next Grand Theft Auto title in December. "We believe a major product announcement, such as the highly anticipated trailer for GTA 6, is likely to drive positive investor sentiment and should serve as a catalyst for the stock," analyst Benjamin Soff wrote in a Tuesday note. The firm upgraded the video game company to buy from hold. It also increased its price target by $20 to $175, implying shares could rise 12.9% from Monday's close. "Additionally, as we move into the back half of FY24 and FY25, we would expect to receive initial announcements for other major releases from Take-Two's robust development pipeline (which includes 14 core immersive titles across FY25 and FY26)," Soff said. While management noted it expects slightly lower numbers from net bookings in 2025, Soff said the company's development process and pipeline remains on track. "In light of these announcements, we are now more confident capitalizing our multi- year forecast at a higher multiple based on increased clarity surrounding the magnitude and timing [of] Take-Two's long-term growth opportunity," Soff said. Shares added more than 2% Tuesday before the bell. The stock has surged 44.1% in 2023.  Hakyung Kim 6:02 a.m. ET: Bernstein upgrades Kraft Heinz, says pullback has been 'overdone' Bernstein upgraded Kraft Heinz shares, saying it is better-positioned compared to its food peers in an anti-obesity drug backdrop. U.S. food companies have broadly struggled in 2023, with the sector down 21% year to date. Companies with higher exposure to GLP-1 weight loss drugs have performed the worst in the sector, the firm noted. Analyst Alexia Howard upgraded Kraft Heinz shares to outperform from market perform. She has a price target of $40 on shares, which suggests 20.3% upside potential from where shares closed on Monday. Howard cited the company's "cheap valuation, fair relative positioning in a GLP-1 world given its protein-forward portfolio in the U.S., and an improved business model implemented under [CEO] Miguel Patricio." "With its multiple at an all-time low and a portfolio that is better positioned relative to peers in a GLP-1 world, we see the risk-reward as attractive over the next 12 months," added Howard. Shares gained 1.6% Tuesday during premarket trading. The stock remains down more than 18% year to date.  Hakyung Kim 5:41 a.m. ET: Roth MKM initiates AMD with a buy rating Chipmaker Advanced Micro Devices is a "strong investment opportunity," according to Roth MKM. The firm initiated the stock with a buy rating and $125 price target, which suggests 7% upside from Monday's close. AMD has rallied 80.3% in 2023 amid surging demand for AI chips. "We believe AMD's differentiated portfolio of high- performance compute/networking processors and accelerators represents a strong investment opportunity," analyst Suji Desilva wrote in a Monday note. Desilva cited AMD's growing market share in the cloud server and enterprise markets, as well as strong leverage in AI infrastructure growth. He added that AMD will likely benefit from the cyclical client PC recovery. "While overall consumer demand has remained muted, we nonetheless expect these segments to exhibit a recovery progression over the next several quarters. Accordingly, we expect AMD to report steadily recovering revenue in its client and gaming segment," Desilva said.  Hakyung Kim 5:35 a.m. ET: Morgan Stanley downgrades Freyr Battery Morgan Stanley isn't sure if shares of Freyr Battery can be bounce back amid broader pressures on the battery storage market. "3Q brings a narrative change in FREY's outlook with new risks to tech, strategy and funding that's been appropriately discounted by the stock market. While cash burn is manageable, the stock should trade at discount to cash value until FREY shows progress on its sample cell campaign," analyst Adam Jonas wrote in a Monday note. Jonas downgraded shares to equal weight from overweight. He also slashed his price target to $2 from $13, which suggests 14.3% upside from Monday's close. Investment in Freyr's Norwegian gigafactory Giga Arctic has been paused, and the company seems to be prioritizing U.S. production  which eliminates "some of the most attractive aspects of the original FREY thesis as a 'clean' battery manufacturer," said Jonas. The company's 24M technology customer qualification plant is also seeing many delays, which has contributed to a worsening funding outlook, the analyst added. "There may be a number of factors that ultimately dictate the ability of FREY to raise new capital to commission giga-scale facilities. In our view, the most important of these is execution of the CQP itself. If they can't make cells in an automated way, it may be difficult for FREY to find funding," said Jonas. Shares were trading 2.3% lower Tuesday before the bell. The stock is down nearly 80% year to date.  Hakyung Kim 5:35 a.m. ET: Bank of America reiterates buy rating on Nvidia Bank of America reiterated Nvidia as buy and maintained a price target of $650 per share after the company announced an upgraded version of one of its key AI products. "Importantly, H200 is compatible with its predecessor H100 installations, enabling faster time to market. We view the latter point as critical, as hyperscalers do not need to invest to reconfigure their existing hardware platform, incentivizing customers to remain key partners of NVDA," wrote analyst Vivek Arya. The upgrade "simplicity only adds to the competitive portfolio NVDA holds, which coincides with 1) a leading AI networking platform supporting both Infiniband/Ethernet connections, and 2) a leading software stack, which has already shown abilities to upgrade performance of GPUs already deployed. Nvidia is coming off its ninth straight day of gains, its longest winning streak since March. If the stock rises Wednesday, it would tie a winning run not seen since 2016.  Fred Imbert
Google pays Apple 36% of its search advertising revenue from Safari under the terms of the two companies' search default agreement, an Alphabet witness said in open court Monday amid a protracted antitrust battle between Google and the Department of Justice.

The figure, which was not previously known to the public, is one of the clearest indications of how lucrative Google's search deal has been for both Apple and the search engine company. Both companies have fought to limit revealing the deals' details, citing potentially anticompetitive effects.

The incidental disclosure from Alphabet's expert witness Kevin Murphy, a professor of economics at the University of Chicago, was not expected. Murphy's testimony came as part of the company's efforts to fight the Justice Department's claims that the company illegally maintains dominance over search and advertising markets.

Williams & Connolly antitrust partner John Schmidtlein visibly cringed when Murphy revealed the number, Bloomberg News reported.

The search default agreement is a major focus of the proceedings. Judge Amit Mehta has described the Apple-Google deal as the "heart" of the case. It's a number Wall Street pays attention to as well. Bernstein analyst Toni Sacconaghi has estimated in a note to clients that Apple would see $19 billion in 2023 revenue as a result of the search engine default deal with Google.

Google declined to comment. Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai defended such deals when he testified in the proceedings. But Google's competitors have described the arrangement as damaging to their business. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, for example, pushed back in detail when he testified in October.

Nadella said that "every year" he had held the top job at Microsoft, he had "dialogues" with Apple over a default search engine deal for Microsoft's Bing, even if that meant billions in short-term losses. Nothing had yet come of those talks, Nadella said.

Nadella said that the idea of an "open web" was a misnomer. "Everybody talks about the open web, but there really is the Google web," he said on the stand.
A 787 Dreamliner at the Boeing manufacturing facility in North Charleston, on December 13, 2022.

Boeing must deliver 70 narrowbody 737s and 14 widebody 787 Dreamliners in November and December to meet its target for 2023, setting the U.S. planemaker up for a sprint over the holiday season.

The U.S. planemaker on Tuesday reported delivering 34 jets in October, about half as many as its European rival Airbus , which delivered 71 aircraft.

Boeing has said it would deliver at least 375 narrowbody aircraft this year - a reduction from its original goal of between 400 and 450 737s - as well as at least 70 Dreamliners.

Delivery numbers are typically largest in the final months of the year as planemakers race to meet annual goals. Boeing will meet its targets if it can match its delivery pace for last year, when it handed 87 737s and 16 Dreamliners to customers in the last two months of 2022.

Meanwhile, Airbus needs to deliver 161 aircraft in November and December to meet its annual goal of 720 deliveries.

Boeing's deliveries for October included 18 737 MAXs and one older-model 737 NG aircraft that will be converted into a P-8 maritime surveillance aircraft for the U.S. Navy.

Widebody deliveries included three 777 freighters, six 767s and six Dreamliners.

Boeing slowed 737 deliveries in August after the discovery of a supplier defect involving misdrilled holes on some aircrafts' aft pressure bulkhead. Executives had said in an Oct. 25 earnings call that 737 deliveries that month would be in line with September, when the company delivered 15 narrowbody jets - the planemaker's lightest month so far this year.

"With demand strong, our focus remains on delivering airplanes," Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun told investors in October.

Boeing booked 123 gross orders last month, bolstered by a deal with Southwest Airlines for 111 MAXs. It reported six cancellations, which included one MAX for Aerolineas Argentinas and five MAX for customers that Boeing declined to identify.

Boeing's gross orders since the start of January rose to 971, or 841 net orders after factoring in cancellations and conversions and 1,066 net orders after accounting adjustments.

Airbus has booked orders for 1,399 aircraft through October, or a net total of 1,334 planes after cancellation.
An Etihad Airways Boeing 787-9 "Dreamliner" aircraft displays Israeli and Emirati flags after landing upon arrival from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at Israel's Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv, on the company's first scheduled commercial flight from Abu Dhabi, on April 6, 2021.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates  Airlines have seen a drop in bookings in the weeks following the start of Israel's war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, and some expect it to cut into their future profits.

According to travel analytics firm ForwardKeys, international flight bookings were 20% below 2019 levels in the three weeks after the attack by the Palestinian militant group Hamas against Israel on Oct. 7, and 5 percentage points below the period of three weeks before the attack.

The terrorist assault killed some 1,200 people and saw a further roughly 240 taken hostage, triggering the most ferocious Israeli response that the region has ever seen. Israel's aerial bombing campaign and subsequent ground offensive in Gaza has killed more than 11,000 people, according to health authorities there.

In the days following the attack, major airlines suspended or reduced flights to Israel's Ben-Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv. But air travel demand to and from other countries and regions was noticeably affected, too.

In the three-week period before Oct. 7, ticket issuance from the Middle East was just 3% below 2019 levels, according to ForwardKeys data, illustrating the steady recovery of the sector from the Covid-19 pandemic. In the three-week period after Oct. 7, by contrast, ticket issuance from the Middle East was 12% lower than 2019 levels, marking a difference of 9 percentage points.

But the biggest drop in terms of international departures was in flight ticket issuance from the Americas, which was actually up 6% from 2019 levels in the three weeks before the attack, and fell to 4% below those levels in the three weeks after, totaling a drop of 10 percentage points.

International arrivals to the Middle East meanwhile plunged by 26 percentage points in that time frame, with the biggest drops by country being Israel, followed by Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Lebanon. ForwardKeys draws its data from the International Air Transport Association's industrywide ticketing database which includes major international carriers, but not budget airlines like easyJet or Ryanair .
Hiroki Takeuchi, GoCardless chief executive, on the MoneyConf Stage, attends Web Summit 2021 in Lisbon, Portugal. Harry Murphy | Sportsfile | Getty Images

GoCardless, the British fintech company backed by Alphabet's venture capital fund GV, is considering more mergers and acquisitions as it looks to grow market share in the highly competitive online payments space. "We're constantly reviewing the market for opportunities that will accelerate our growth, add value to our core payment platform or strengthen our open banking proposition," Hiroki Takeuchi, GoCardless' CEO and co-founder, told CNBC in an exclusive interview. Last year, GoCardless acquired the Latvian open banking startup Nordigen in its first major acquisition. Financial information was not disclosed. The deal was aimed at expanding access to bank account information for GoCardless' 85,000 customers globally. "Will we do more of that? We're very open minded, not just for us but in general," Takeuchi said. "In this space I expect there's going to be a lot of opportunities for consolidation and M&A [mergers and acquisitions], especially in the context that some companies in this space are going to be well positioned to survive these challenging conditions and grow stronger." GoCardless is one of the darlings of the British fintech industry. Co-founded by Takeuchi, Monzo co-founder Tom Blomfield, and Matt Robinson, in 2011, the business processes more than $30 billion of payments across over 30 countries in a single year. The U.K. fintech industry attracted $2.9 billion in the first six months of 2023. That was down 37% from last year, as investors turned their backs on loss-making, high-growth startups in response to the worsening macroeconomic situation. Britain is, nevertheless, among the standout countries globally when it comes to the might of its fintech industry. According to CNBC analysis of data from Statista, the country is the second-largest market for so-called fintech "unicorns," or firms that command a valuation of $1 billion or more.

Changing market conditions

Takeuchi pointed to Visa's $2.2 billion acquisition of Swedish open banking fintech Tink in 2021 as an example of the kinds of deals to watch out for in the coming months. In August, London-based fintech Rapyd acquired PayU GPO, a huge slice of the payments business PayU that focuses on emerging markets, from Dutch tech investment firm Prosus for $610 million.

watch now

"We've seen market conditions change over the last 18 to 24 months," he said. "What we've been really focused on is making sure that core offering we're bringing to merchants is as good as it can be and that we're staying more focused on a few key set of things and getting them right to continue to drive the growth of the business. Open banking is one thing and definitely something we think is really important." GoCardless made revenues of 70.4 million ($85.9 million) in the fiscal year ended June 2022, up 45% year-over-year. However, it recorded a net loss of 62.8 million for the year, marking a 34% increase from its 46.8 million loss in the 18 months ending June 2021. GoCardless' technology allows firms to collect direct debit payments from consumers. These payments are typically for subscriptions  think of your gym memberships, news subscriptions, and monthly meal kit orders. In 2021, GoCardless also added the ability to collect one-off payments, powered by open banking. Without naming any acquisition targets of interest, Takeuchi suggested that the frailty of some players in the payments industry would leave them exposed to corporate takeovers. "Some companies, they're not going to be set up for the longer term. The ability to fundraise in this environment is much harder," Takeuchi said. "One of the things that is important in this space to achieve is you have to get to significant scale. I know how much it costs to get to that scale because we've invested for 10 years." He added, "There will be opportunities for us. We're open minded. The important thing is that we're very disciplined on it being aligned to that strategy we have." Takeuchi said that the integration with Nordigen was "going very well" and that the company had invested a lot of time investing in the smooth combination of Nordigen's teams with GoCardless.

What is open banking?

Open banking is a set of nascent technology standards that allows third-party technology companies to obtain access to account information from large incumbent banks and use that data to offer new services.
Google CEO Sundar Pichai, arrives for a US Senate bipartisan Artificial Intelligence (AI) Insight Forum at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on September 13, 2023. (Photo by Mandel NGAN / AFP) (Photo by MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images)

Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai on Tuesday confirmed that Google pays Apple 36% of Safari search revenue, under the terms of a default search agreement that is core to the Justice Department's antitrust claims.

Pichai was testifying in a separate lawsuit filed against Google by Epic Games, the maker of Fortnite. An expert witness testifying on Google's behalf in Washington, D.C., antitrust proceedings revealed the 36% figure in open court on Monday, apparently by accident.

An attorney for Epic asked Pichai if the detail presented by Google's witness was accurate. "That's correct," Pichai responded.

The Epic attorney then alleged that Google pays Samsung, Android's largest hardware partner, less than half of what it pays to Apple. Pichai replied that while he didn't know for certain, it was possible.

"It's like apples and oranges," Pichai said about the Samsung deal. He added that the deals sometimes pay carriers. In later questioning, Pichai said that Google competes "fiercely with Apple."

Google spent nearly $49 billion in Traffic Acquisition Costs in 2022. Google's TAC costs include all of Google's payments to companies like Apple and Samsung to place its search engine in front of users.

The breakdown of Google's revenue-sharing agreement with Apple had been not been revealed until the Monday disclosure in court from University of Chicago economics professor Kevin Murphy. Murphy had been testifying on Google's behalf and was responding to questions from Alphabet's lead attorney, Williams & Connolly partner John Schmidtlein, when he revealed the figure.

The attorney for Epic also asked Pichai about the exact dollar amount it pays to Apple, to which Pichai said it was over $10 billion. But the attorney pushed back, contending the figure is actually $18 billion.

At the beginning of Tuesday's trial session, lawyers for both Google and Apple asked Judge James Donato to keep figures concealed.

"It doesn't seem to be sinking in," Donato said to the lawyers. "This is a courtroom in the United States  we do business in bright light and open doors." He added, "Just coming in and saying, 'We're kind of sensitive about this,' isn't going to fly."

News outlets and the U.S. Justice Department alike have recently criticized a separate antitrust trial involving Google, alleging the company unnecessarily conceals information related to the case from the public

Alphabet is in the middle of multiple legal battles. It faces two separate Justice Department suits in Virginia and Washington, D.C., related to allegedly anticompetitive behavior. Alphabet is also being sued by Epic Games, which has alleged that the company maintained an illegal monopoly with its Google Play store. Epic filed a similar suit against Apple but lost in federal appeals court in April.

Google and Samsung did not immediately respond to CNBC's request for comment on Pichai's testimony. Apple did not comment.

--CNBC's Kif Leswing contributed to this report.
A screen grab captured from a video shows premature babies under treatment in the neonatal intensive care unit removed from the incubators and transferred to another department in the hospital after Israeli attack on Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, Gaza on November 14, 2023.

U.S. President Joe Biden called for medical facilities in Gaza to be protected, as Israel continues its offensive in the region. "Hospitals must be protected," he said at an Oval Office event on Monday, calling for "less intrusive action" by Israeli forces.

IDF said its forces were conducting a "precise" operation against Hamas in a specific area of the Al-Shifa medical complex "with the intent that no harm is caused to the civilians being used by Hamas as human shields."

This comes as the World Health Organization states the situation at the Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City has grown increasingly dire and that a cease-fire is necessary to preserve civilian lives. The WHO has said that Al-Shifa has ceased to function.

Elsewhere, the U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestine said it will have to wind down its operations within 48 hours after depleting fuel supplies. "The humanitarian operation in Gaza will grind to a halt in the next 48 hours as no fuel is allowed to enter Gaza," UNRWA Director Thomas White said late Monday on social media.

In the U.S. tens of thousands of demonstrators streamed into Washington, D.C., for a "March for Israel" on Tuesday for a strong show of support for Israel and a condemnation of antisemitism.
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates  Amid the bustle and footfall of thousands of visitors and exhibitors at the 2023 Dubai Airshow, one pavilion is notably empty: that of Israel.

During its first-ever Dubai Airshow in November of 2021 following the Abraham Accords, which saw it normalize relations with the United Arab Emirates, Israel was represented by several of its major defense contractors and smaller tech and weapons firms. Its companies' stands saw no shortage of engagement, with Emiratis and Saudis examining Israeli wares and holding conversation with the firms' staff, many of whom were in the Gulf for the first time in their lives.

Two years later, and five weeks into Israel's war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, the scene is unrecognizable.

The only visible Israeli representation was a large pavilion for state-owned Israel Aerospace Industries, as well as stands for Elbit Systems Ltd. and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. More notable than the pared down presence of Israeli companies was the lack of staff and visitors; the spaces were typically deserted or occupied by unaffiliated airshow visitors who said they were just there to use the free chairs and tables.

On the show's first day, the IAI pavilion was surrounded by a red cordon, which was removed by the second day.

CNBC attempted to speak to one individual who said they worked for IAI and two who were working at the Elbit Systems stand, but in all cases the individuals declined to comment. IAI and Elbit Systems did not reply to an emailed CNBC request for comment.

CNBC contacted two representatives of Israeli defense firms that attended the airshow in 2021; they said they did not attend this year's show because they had been drafted into the country's military.

Meanwhile SIBAT, Israel's International Defense Cooperation Directorate, canceled its participation; an email from the Israeli Defense Ministry's media bureau was cited by Defense News prior to the event as saying: "In light of the war that began on Oct. 7, SIBAT has decided not to inaugurate a national pavilion at global defense exhibitions until further notice."
Ken Griffin, founder and CEO of Citadel, at CNBC's Delivering Alpha summit on Sept. 28, 2022.

Billionaire Citadel CEO Ken Griffin is "actively contemplating" financially supporting former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley in the Republican primary for president.

"That's a decision that we're actively contemplating. I mean, we are at the finish line on that choice. Yes or no," Griffin said in an interview Tuesday with Bloomberg TV, when asked whether he planned to financially support Haley.

Griffin, who has an estimated net worth of $34 billion according to Forbes, also hinted to Bloomberg that he wanted to see Haley debate former President Donald Trump. The current Republican front-runner has so far refused to participate in any of the primary debates, but he continues to lead by double digits in national polling.

Griffin is the latest of several wealthy, Republican donors who have said in recent days that they plan to support Haley over Trump and the rest of the primary field.

Griffin's public consideration of Haley comes after he gave $5 million to a political action committee that backed Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' gubernatorial campaign in 2021.

As of Tuesday, wealthy Republican political donors who are seeking an alternative to Trump have fewer candidates to choose from than they did a month ago.

On Sunday, Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., surprised even his own staffers when he announced on live TV that he was dropping out of the race.

Since then, a small group of former Scott donors have signaled they are ready to move into Haley's camp.

Veteran investor and billionaire Stanley Druckenmiller donated to Scott's campaign earlier this year.

But on Monday he told CNBC that following Scott's announcement, he planned to support Haley exclusively from now on. Druckenmiller has donated to Haley affiliated groups in the past.

Meanwhile, Haley's campaign is working hard to capitalize on the shrinking primary field.

Metal refining magnate Andy Sabin told CNBC that he heard from Haley's campaign within hours of Scott's withdrawal from the presidential race.

Until Sunday, Sabin had been fundraising for Scott's primary effort. Now he said he will decide after the Thanksgiving holiday how he can best help Haley.

On Monday, Eric Levine, a New York based attorney who previously raised money for Scott, sent out an invitation to a fundraiser he is co-hosting in New York City next month. The beneficiary? Nikki Haley,, according to an invitation reviewed by CNBC.
Washington may be able to avoid a government shutdown by the upcoming Friday deadline, but that doesn't mean Congress  or the markets  are quite in the clear. House Speaker Mike Johnson said on CNBC's " Squawk Box " on Tuesday that he expects enough lawmakers on both sides to pass his two-step "laddered" continuing resolution. The continuing resolution plan would extend federal funding for some government agencies until mid-January, while other agencies would be funded through early February. While the conservative hardline bloc, the Freedom Caucus , announced its opposition toward Johnson's plan, several House Democrats and both Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell expressed their support for the plan. This comes after lawmakers already narrowly managed to extend the earlier Oct. 1 deadline. However, with several contentious issues still on the table, such as border security and aid for Israel  economists and policy analysts on Wall Street believe the two-tier continuing resolution will just lengthen the process of reaching longer-term fiscal deals. "If Congress avoids a shutdown, it will likely be through yet another temporary extension. As we wrote recently, the longer the government operates under short-term extensions, the less likely it will be that Congress will reach a deal on full-year spending bills," Goldman Sachs chief economist Jan Hatzius wrote in an Oct. 25 note. The House is expected to vote on the continuing resolution around 4:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday. More fights ahead? The continuing resolution "doesn't show any resolution to the underlying problem," which sets up more fights in January and February 2024, added Benjamin Salisbury, director of research at Height Capital Markets. "This is like two heavyweight boxers feeling each other out at the beginning of the first round. That doesn't mean that you're not going to have the showdown  it just means that this is the prologue," Salisbury said. Government shutdowns historically have a limited and short-lived impact on markets. In fact, Stifel's chief Washington policy strategist Brian Gardner noted that the S & P 500 actually rose during the prior two government shutdowns. The broad-market index gained 10% during the last shutdown from December 2018 to January 2019, he said. During the 16-day shutdown in October 2013, it rose 3%, Gardner added. "There are some small caps or pure plays or companies that are affected, but it's more of a specific issue, [related to] payments [and] timing," said Salisbury. He noted that certain energy companies may be waiting for certain guidelines and regulations from the government that could be delayed during the shutdown. "But in terms of macro impacts, a government shutdown is not death. It's a different animal." To be sure, he noted that the continuing resolution could mean that lawmakers can get away with at least a partial government shutdown with fewer consequences, which could have different implications for the political and markets spheres that are not yet clear. Brinkmanship is a bigger issue While even the worst-case scenario of a shutdown doesn't worry most investors, the bigger issue of the drawn-out political polarization is a longer term concern, said Eric Diton, president and managing director of The Wealth Alliance. Late Friday, Moody's Investors Service cut its ratings outlook on the U.S. government to negative from stable. The ratings agency highlighted the ongoing political polarization preventing a consensus on a fiscal plan. "We seem to [have] become more and more dysfunctional in managing our finances. That really has to change. We can't just keep adding on trillions of debt without a plan," Diton said. "Our currency is the de facto currency of the world. We've got to lead by example, and we've got to get real about our finances," he said. CNBC's Michael Bloom and Chelsey Cox contributed to this report.
House Republican Conference Chair Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) speaks during a news conference following a weekly House Republican caucus conference meeting at the U.S. Capitol Building on January 19, 2022 in Washington, DC.

House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik on Tuesday urged Attorney General Merrick Garland to investigate whether Donald Trump's former lawyer Michael Cohen perjured himself in testimony to Congress.

Stefanik, joined by House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner, R-Ohio, alleged in a letter that Cohen's recent testimony in Trump's civil business fraud trial in New York contradicted what he told lawmakers under oath in 2019.

Cohen's testimony in both settings centered on his claims of financial wrongdoing by Trump.

Stefanik, a New Yorker who is one of Trump's most vocal allies in Congress, and Turner wrote that Cohen's testimony in New York court "is inconsistent with his testimony" before the House Intelligence panel.

"Mr. Cohen's prior conviction for lying to Congress merits a heightened suspicion that he has yet again testified falsely before Congress," the Republicans wrote.

They asked Garland to investigate whether any of Cohen's testimony "warrants another charge" for violating federal perjury laws.

Tuesday's letter is the second time in less than a week that Stefanik, who is not a lawyer, has formally called for action to be taken against Trump's perceived legal enemies.
Starship launches for the first time on its Super Heavy booster from Texas on April 20, 2023.

SpaceX is pushing hard to launch the second spaceflight of its Starship rocket this week.

CEO Elon Musk claimed the company will receive its federal launch license in the coming days, the final hurdle before a second attempt. The company has been waiting for the completion of a federal environmental review led by the Federal Aviation Administration and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

"Was just informed that approval to launch should happen in time for a Friday launch," Musk said in a social media post on Monday evening.

Musk did not specify who informed him of the impending regulatory approval, and SpaceX did not respond to CNBC's request for clarification.

An FAA spokesperson deferred to SpaceX "regarding Elon Musk social posts," noting the agency has no updates to share since a statement on Oct. 31. The FAA announced last month the completion of the license's safety review  which focuses on protecting the public and property  of SpaceX's Starship license. At the time the environmental review with FWS was ongoing.

A request for comment into the FWS' Texas office returned an automatic reply indicating at least some representatives for the office are at a staff retreat through Thursday.
House Speaker Mike Johnson on Tuesday endorsed Donald Trump for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, while defending the former president's efforts to reverse his 2020 election loss to President Joe Biden.

"I'm all in for President Trump," Johnson said on CNBC's "Squawk Box." "I expect he'll be our nominee, and we have to make Biden a one-term president."

Johnson suggested he had already thrown his weight behind Trump, saying, "I have endorsed him wholeheartedly." But it was unclear when the Louisiana Republican had previously given Trump his official backing.

Trump had not officially endorsed Johnson when he became the Republican Party's fourth nominee for speaker last month, amid a drawn-out scramble to replace ousted Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif.

But Trump gave what he called a "strong suggestion" to "go with the leading candidate, Mike Johnson, & get it done, fast!"

Trump has dominated the 2024 Republican presidential field, but it is unusual for a party's leader in Congress to publicly endorse a candidate this early in the race, before the first primary vote has been cast.

Johnson endorsed Trump in 2020, and he backed Trump's efforts to overturn his Electoral College loss to Biden. Johnson led a Supreme Court brief signed by more than 100 other House Republicans in support of a Texas lawsuit that aimed to discount the election results in key states that Trump lost.
A Republican senator and the president of the Teamsters union nearly got into a fistfight Tuesday in the middle of a Senate committee hearing, until Sen. Bernie Sanders stepped in and broke it up.

The exchange began when Sen. Markwayne Mullin, of Oklahoma, read a tweet that Teamsters President Sean O'Brien had posted in June.

"You want to run your mouth? We can be two consenting adults, we can finish it here," Mullin said to O'Brien, who was testifying at a hearing on labor unions in America.

"OK, that's fine, perfect," O'Brien replied. "I'd love to do it right now."

"Then stand your butt up then," Mullin shot back.

"You stand your butt up," O'Brien said.

Mullin, dressed in a white shirt and no jacket, then stood up and began to move toward O'Brien.

"No, no, sit down! Sit down! You're a United States senator!" shouted Sanders, the Vermont independent and chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee.

Mullin and O'Brien continued to trash-talk each other in the hearing room.
Russian attacks have been increasing on the Ukrainian cities of Avdiivka and Kupyansk, as well as the Donetsk region, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Tuesday.

Ukraines Ministry of Defense is considering dismissing three commanders of the armed forces, Ukrainian news outlet Ukrainska Pravda reported Tuesday, citing unnamed sources in Ukraines military and political leadership.

According to the sources, Ukraine's Defense Minister Rustem Umerov is preparing to dismiss Oleksandr Tarnavskyi, who is in charge of one of the fronts of the Ukrainian counteroffensive, and Serhii Naiev, commander of Joint Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, along with another army chief.

Ukraine's presidential office did not confirm or deny the report to the outlet. If the dismissals do take place, they are likely to partly reflect criticism of Ukraine's counteroffensive, which has seen few gains since it was launched in June.
U.S. President Joe Biden shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping as they meet on the sidelines of the G20 leaders' summit in Bali, Indonesia, November 14, 2022. Kevin Lamarque | Reuters

BEIJING  After another rocky year of U.S.-China tensions, the two countries' presidents are set to meet this week in person for the second time since Joe Biden took office. It will be a rare summit before the U.S. presidential election cycle kicks off in earnest. Taking a tough stance on China, the second-largest economy in the world, has become one of the few areas of bipartisan agreement. Biden plans to run for reelection. "The focus will be on expanding dialogue in order to low[er] tail risks in the relationship and prevent a crisis that neither leader is looking for," said Michael Hirson, head of China Research at 22V Research. "Flashpoints such as Taiwan and the South China Sea need to be managed carefully," he said. "For that reason the meeting is still important, especially ahead of a politically charged 2024 that will begin with an important presidential election in Taiwan in January and end with the U.S. presidential election." U.S.-China tensions have escalated over the last several years, beginning with tariffs under the Trump administration and spilling over into broader tech restrictions under the Biden administration.

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Controversy in early February over an alleged Chinese spy balloon flying in U.S. airspace revealed how fragile relations have become  the incident pushed the two countries to suspend already limited high-level talks. In April, during that period of estrangement, Washington, D.C.-based think tank Center for Strategic and International Studies published a report that described U.S.-China relations as seemingly "caught in a worsening vicious cycle." "This translates into a stalemateand, in fact, spiraling tensionsthat go even further than the typical 'security dilemma,' in which each side takes steps to defend itself which in turn generate insecurity for the other, who then responds in kind," the report said.

The immediate aftermath of the [Biden-Xi] meeting is likely to mark a cyclical high point for bilateral relations Gabriel Wildau Teneo

Sentiment began to improve over the summer after U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken finally made a high-stakes visit to Beijing in June, followed by visits from several other senior officials. In early October, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and five other U.S. senators representing both the Republican and Democratic parties had an 80-minute meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. But both sides are still waiting for more action. "The current trend in China-U.S. relations is one of easing," said Shen Yamei, director of the department for American Studies and an associate research fellow at the China Institute of International Studies. "This easing is a relaxation of the atmosphere," she said in Mandarin, translated by CNBC. "No actual changes have occurred." She pointed out, however, that the establishment of many new communication channels means there is much to look forward to.

Export controls

During this week's meeting, Shen expects the Chinese side to bring up U.S. export controls and investment restrictions. The Biden administration has restricted U.S. companies from selling high-end tech, primarily in semiconductors, to Chinese companies and sought to curb U.S. investments in such Chinese tech. U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo in a trip in August had "said no" to China's requests to reduce the controls and called the them "matters of national security." Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng also raised the issues during preparatory meetings with U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen in San Francisco on Nov. 10, according to state media. "Aside from Taiwan, export controls are Beijing's top concern, but there is no political space in Washington roll back existing controls," Gabriel Wildau, managing director at consulting firm Teneo, said in a note. "The immediate aftermath of the [Biden-Xi] meeting is likely to mark a cyclical high point for bilateral relations," he said. "The key question is whether this high point extends into a plateau or whether political pressures trigger a new cycle of deterioration," he said. "As previously discussed, the period since June has offered a window of opportunity to stabilize relations; following the meeting, this window may close." Taiwan is set to hold its presidential election in January, and a more pro-independence winner could stir more of Beijing's ire. Beijing considers Taiwan part of its territory, with no right to independently conduct diplomatic relations. The U.S. recognizes Beijing as the sole government of China but maintains unofficial relations with Taiwan, a democratically self-governed island. While speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives in August 2021, Nancy Pelosi became the highest-ranking U.S. official to visit Taiwan in 25 years. The trip prompted Beijing to suspend talks on climate with the U.S., one of the few areas of potential cooperation.

Areas of cooperation

The Biden administration has said the U.S. is in competition with China, while looking to ensure that it "does not veer into conflict." "The Biden-Xi meeting might include a pledge to cooperate or establish a new formal bilateral working group on safe use of artificial intelligence," Teneo's Wildau said. He added that "the two leaders may pledge to cooperate and coordinate on providing humanitarian aid to Gaza, ensure smooth passage of grain through the Black Sea, and support postwar reconstruction in Gaza and Ukraine." The U.S. remains China's largest trading partner on a single-country basis. However, Shen pointed out that trust between the U.S. and China is still quite low. "No one believes what [the other] says now," she said.

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Paving the way

Goodwill efforts have increased in the weeks leading up to the planned summit on Wednesday local time between Biden and Xi in San Francisco, alongside the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting. For example, more direct flights between the U.S. and China are resuming from a low base. Chinese commodity importers in October signed the first agreements since 2017 to buy U.S. agricultural products in bulk, according to a release from the U.S. embassy in Beijing. China's Ministry of Commerce last week announced it was gathering information in an effort to address unequal treatment of foreign businesses in China versus domestic ones  a longstanding business complaint. However, on the cultural front, the three remaining giant pandas in the U.S. on loan from Beijing returned to China last week due to an expiring contract. China has lent pandas to countries around the world as a diplomatic tool.
Investors are cautiously optimistic ahead of Wednesday's meeting between U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, as both leaders gather in person for the first time in a year to ease tensions between the world's largest economies. The meeting is set to occur during a critical time for both economic giants. China is facing an economic slowdown driven by a deteriorating real estate industry and weak levels of consumer spending. On top of that, U.S.-China tensions have been exacerbated in recent months by a growing rivalry between for tech supremacy. Signs of smoother communication between the geopolitical heavyweights this week could provide a slight lift to markets, according to some analysts. Moves will likely remain muted, however, as trade policies affecting key areas of the market  such as U.S. semiconductor export controls  are expected to persist. The best-case scenario out of this meeting, according to HSBC co-head of Asian economic research Frederic Neumann, is that both nations form a framework for more frequent discussions moving forward. "We shouldn't get carried away with expecting too many deliverables. This is really about two sides, two presidents, looking eye-to-eye," Neumann said. "Few concrete signals may help the market. One is military communication, and also making some progress on climate change cooperation." Biden and Xi, who will meet during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco, are expected to discuss a variety of global issues, ranging from tariffs on Chinese products, economic relations and a fentanyl crackdown . The presidents are also set to pledge a deal limiting the use of artificial intelligence in military technologies, according to The South China Morning Post. The talks "could reestablish military communications between the two countries, which in turn could reduce geopolitical risks  a positive for the markets," Stifel chief Washington political strategist Brian Gardner said in a Tuesday note. Investors shouldn't anticipate any breakthroughs, though, Gardner noted, as the firm's base case remains that the U.S. will extend most of its tariffs on Chinese imports and will set new restrictions on chip exports. In October, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced it will prevent the sale of some advanced AI chips to China due to worries they could be used for military development purposes. Biden in August signed an executive order to limit U.S. investments going towards the Chinese development of sensitive technologies  such as semiconductor, quantum computing and artificial intelligence companies  over national security concerns . Chinese companies, meanwhile, have accelerated in global patent holdings in the cybersecurity sector, according to a recent Nikkei report. Still, the U.S. is behind in overall chip development. Its manufacturing share has dropped from 37% to 12% in the last three decades, largely due to higher operating costs in the U.S. compared to Asia. Impact on companies The Biden administration's recent bans, as well China's economic slowdown, have been top-of-mind concerns for investors who have parked their money in chip stocks and tech names with sizeable markets in the region. Shares of these companies continue to rally, however, as they continue to innovate despite facing geopolitical headwinds. The recent U.S. export restrictions inhibited sales of Nvidia's A800 and H800 chips, which were both created for the Chinese market to comply with previous export rules, as well as chips made by Advanced Micro Devices and Intel . Nvidia fell nearly 4.7% the day the restrictions were announced, but the stock has since picked up. Shares gained 2% on Tuesday after the company unveiled its newest high-end graphics processing unit. AMD and Intel are also up 86% and 48% for the year, respectively. According to Evercore ISI analyst Neo Wang, this week's meeting could be a pivotal stage for Xi to welcome foreign investment. Wang noted the Chinese commerce minister recently assured Micron's CEO of China's commitment to strengthen the investment environment for foreign businesses, in an attempt to convince the executive to grow its presence in the country. Even amid its reshoring efforts, memory chip maker Micron maintains a strong presence in China and is pivotal to its economy, Wang said. Micron is planning the biggest chip factory in U.S. history in an attempt to bring advanced memory production back to its home country. The company aims to increase the share of chips it makes in the U.S. from 10% to roughly 60% in the next two decades. Its shares have gained 54% this year and rose 3% on Tuesday. MU YTD mountain Micron YTD Electric vehicle maker Tesla and tech companies such as Microsoft  which has had a long-standing presence in the country  are also emblems of foreign investment in China. "Beijing really needs Tesla in China as a spur to its domestic EV makers...to put pressure on the domestic EV makers, which helps to improve the efficiencies and productivity of the whole sector," Wang said. Tesla's China-made electric vehicle sales fell in October, while its Chinese rival BYD saw an increase in its deliveries in October. Tesla has popped more than 90% this year but is down 6% this quarter. More reassurance to Chinese investors To be sure, while these stocks continue to rally, investors in the U.S. largely remain cautious about making any trades based on expectations ahead of the Biden-Xi talks. If anything, Chinese investors could leave Wednesday with more reassurancewhich China's economy desperately needs as it struggles to make a post-pandemic recovery. Chinese investors "remain concerned that the deterioration in the bilateral political relationship could have a negative impact on the Chinese economy," Matthews investment strategist Andy Rothman said. "A positive meeting will reduce those concerns ... and make it easier for them to get their confidence back to invest in their own market." Shaun Rein of China Market Research Group told CNBC last week that the meeting "might lower down the temperature," but that he does not expect "anything meaningful" to come from it. Ahead of the meeting, Rein had said that he is "cautiously optimistic" for China's 2024 growth as multinational companies  from Europe, South Korea and Japan, rather than the U.S.  plan to make a big comeback in in the country next year. In the meantime, he said the Biden administration's recent restrictions have 'depressed' the wealthy Chinese consumers who deal more with international trade. "The problems the U.S. has with China are going to continue, and therefore you're not looking for some big improvement to the relationship, you're looking to put a floor under the relationship," Derek Scissors, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, told CNBC's "Power Lunch" on Monday.
Jake Bullock and Luke Anderson only want to get you "a small amount of high." The two 35-year-olds are co-founders of Cann, a beverage startup with a flagship drink that includes two milligrams of tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC  the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. Anderson and Bullock refer to it as a "social tonic," or a hangover-free alternative to beer. Cann launched in 2019, and if you haven't heard of the Los Angeles-based startup, you might be surprised to learn that it has sold more than 10 million drinks across seven states and Canada, the company says. It's one of the top-selling cannabis beverage brands in the U.S., according to market research firm BDSA. Bullock and Anderson project sales of more than 9 million cans next year  which, with prices starting at $24 per six-pack, would generate at least $36 million in annual revenue. That would tip Cann into profitability, a spokesperson tells CNBC Make It. Don't miss: 2 college friends pawned watches and cars to fund their cannabis startupit could bring in $400 million this year Those projections rely on the country's "sober curious" movement, as younger generations consider the health effects of regular alcohol consumption. Only 62% of adults under age 35 say they drink alcohol, 10% less than two decades ago, according to an August poll from Gallup. Cultural trends like Dry January and Sober October seem to get more popular each year. Unsurprisingly, the co-founders say they're well-positioned to fill the void  even as research into cannabis' health effects remains inconclusive. "The younger you are, the less booze you're drinking," says Bullock, Cann's CEO. "So it would not surprise me if in 10 years, THC seltzer is a category that we talk about like beer, spirits, wine, in terms of size."

Homemade drinks in a Palo Alto garage

Legal cannabis edibles usually contain 10 milligrams of THC per serving, with inexperienced consumers typically advised to start with a smaller amount. That means Cann isn't aimed at stoners who want "to get as high as possible," Anderson says. ("No shade to stoners!" he adds.) Rather, it targets social drinkers who still want a slight buzz from a "bubbly, refreshing" drink without booze's nasty hangover, he says. Cann came from the co-founders' own desire to cut back on alcohol: The pair met in 2014 as colleagues at consulting giant Bain & Co., where they bonded over being "both closeted queer people" at the time. They kept in touch after leaving to get MBAs  Anderson at Harvard University, and Bullock at Anderson's alma mater of Stanford University. Repeatedly, their conversations came back to "this big idea around getting older, hangovers getting worse, and alcohol being the worst thing that we do to our bodies," says Bullock. A Colorado native, Bullock started comparing alcohol and cannabis habits. A single beer was a lot less potent than most edibles, or even a few puffs from a shared joint, making it harder for people to casually use cannabis in social situations, he says. In 2018, he mixed some homemade drinks in his garage in Palo Alto, California, getting feedback from his Stanford classmates. That same year, Constellation Brands, which produces Corona and Modelo beers, invested $4 billion in Canadian cannabis company Canopy Growth. Anderson recalls hearing Bullock's idea and thinking: "Wouldn't it be cool if that [$4 billion] was us?"

'Like selling meat in a vegan grocery store'

Once the co-founders joined forces, they spent months testing drinks before packing and delivering 3,000 cans to a Los Angeles location of the MedMen dispensary chain. Within four weeks, the dispensary requested another 30,000 cans, Bullock and Anderson say. The Cann duo scrambled to find a warehouse to rent, and outfit it with the equipment to produce that many drinks. An early misfire made the first batch taste "like chlorine" because they hadn't filtered the water properly, says Anderson. "We threw them all out, and then we started over again and still made our delivery deadline," he says. "As long as we [avoid] being stressed out about the big picture, we've been very successful at blasting through obstacles one at a time."

Cann's ingredients include grapefruits sourced from Florida and blood oranges from Sicily, says Bullock. Source: Cann

Only being able to sell in dispensaries is a challenge, Anderson says. MedMen locations, which resemble Apple stores, are known for feeling accessible for novice cannabis users. Most other dispensaries don't exactly help Cann appeal to its ideal audience. The duo learned that the hard way. When they stopped focusing on their first location to expand to 80 dispensaries across California, they quickly saw their monthly sales drop to $20,000, down from roughly $80,000. Panicked, they spent "eight hours a day, multiple days a week" in those dispensaries to "push as many of these products directly onto the occasional person that accidentally wandered in," Anderson says. "It was like selling meat in a vegan grocery store," he adds. "[But] we didn't have anywhere else we could sell it. So that was really our only choice."

A new strategy to compete with the alcohol industry
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UAW members attend a rally in support of the labor union strike at the UAW Local 551 hall on the South Side on October 7, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. Jim Vondruska | Getty Images

DETROIT  The United Auto Workers achieved record contracts with the Detroit automakers following contentious talks and roughly six weeks of targeted labor strikes. But not all of the union's members are satisfied with the tentative agreements. The deals, which were recommended for ratification by UAW leaders, were on pace to pass as of Tuesday morning, but support is narrowing. The agreements have received notable rejections at major Ford Motor and, especially, General Motors plants in recent days. Workers at Chrysler owner Stellantis are still in early voting but have so far largely backed the contract. At least three major assembly plants representing 9,730, or 21%, of GM's 46,000 UAW-represented employees have voted against the pact. They include 61% against at Lansing Delta Township plant in Michigan, which builds Buick and Chevrolet crossovers; 67.5% rejection at a Cadillac and GMC crossover plant in Spring Hill, Tennessee; and 52% opposed at GM's Flint, Michigan, truck plant. A handful of other smaller plants also have voted against the deal. At Ford, the automaker's Kentucky Truck Plant  its largest in terms of employment and revenue  had 54.5% of members vote against it. The UAW reached tentative deals with each of the automakers, so each is voted on separately. One or more could fail, while another ratifies. They are not contingent on one another. Reasons behind the disapproval vary, according to industry experts and UAW members who spoke with CNBC. Veteran workers are worried about not receiving as much as newer employees under the terms of the deals, including retirement benefits. They're also concerned about language in the tentative agreements. There's also lingering distrust in union leadership after past corruption scandals of former leaders. Others cite inflated expectations from UAW President Shawn Fain regarding 40% pay increases, traditional pensions and retiree health care for all, the elimination of "tiers" and a 32-hour workweek. "I don't think the tentative agreement goes far enough. I think it's divisive. It doesn't get rid of the tiers, and it doesn't meet all of our needs as a whole," said Brian Keller, a former UAW presidential candidate in several past elections and an outspoken worker from Stellantis' Mopar parts operations. "You got to remember, we were stagnant from the time of the bankruptcy to 2015. We didn't get no wage increases."

Record deals, with some caveats The UAW's tentative agreements with automakers include: 25% wage increases, including 11% upon ratification

reinstatement of cost-of-living adjustments to pay

a three-year progression to top wages instead of eight years

billions in new investments

the inclusion of some battery workers Major targets they didn't include: 40% general wage increases

complete elimination of wage and benefit tiers

a 32-hour workweek

post-retirement health care coverage and traditional pensions for all

According to UAW voting trackers, Ford is closest to ratifying the pact, with roughly 65% approval, as most major plants have already voted. GM had 52% of workers voting so far in support of ratification as of Tuesday morning. However, that didn't include the Lansing Delta Township plant voting against the pact. Stellantis, which remains in early voting, currently has roughly 82% of members in support of the pact. Most of its major plants still need to vote. The UAW did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the voting results or when the union expects voting to end. Each local UAW chapter conducts its own voting. The union has touted the deals as achieving $23 billion in new gains for the union  four times more than during the last negotiations in 2019. There were also more gains for veteran workers than the entirety of the last deals, and a historic step in achieving "equal pay for equal work," a cornerstone of organized labor, according to the union. The union prioritized reinstatement of cost-of-living adjustments, or COLA, over increases in some bonuses, including ratification ones that dropped from as much as $11,000 during the last round of negotiations four years ago to $5,000 under these tentative agreements.

What is Fain telling members?

Fain, who spoke Tuesday during a U.S. Senate committee hearing, has continuously said UAW members are the highest power in the union and will ultimately decide whether the deals ratify. But Fain last week conducted an online broadcast in an attempt to smooth over some concerns, including about COLA, bonuses and other issues. "I truly believe these are record contracts and are a major victory for our movement," Fain said Wednesday amid voting. "There were many in the media and in the corporate class who were saying we didn't know what we were doing. And they thought we'd never get a deal. But then we got all three." Keller, who ran for president against Fain but supported him during a runoff election against incumbent UAW President Ray Curry, said he also has concerns over consolidation of Mopar parts facilities, potential layoffs in the future and other language in the contract. Timothy Orner, who works in fleet operations at Stellantis' Jeep complex in Toledo, is concerned about changes to 401(k) benefits that are based on 40-hour work weeks at a 10% company contribution compared with a 6.4% contribution based on annual pay, including overtime.

UAW President Shawn Fain greets members attending a rally in support of the labor union strike at the UAW Local 551 hall on the South Side on October 7, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. Jim Vondruska | Getty Images

"Just because it's a double-digit number, it doesn't make it better," said Orner, who was among the first so-called Tier 2 workers to be hired in 2009 without a traditional pension and lower benefits. "There's no more '30 and out.' They want you to work longer, to do things longer." The UAW did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding the 401(k) change, which is outlined in the deal. The company contends there has been a cap since 2012. However, it's unclear why additional language was added this year to specify a limit of 2,080 hours annually, which equates to 40 hours a week, for the 401(k) contribution. Fain last week admitted to not achieving everything he wanted for UAW retirement, including pensions and health care. He said these benefits remain a target for future bargaining when the tentative deals, if ratified, expire on April 30, 2028.

What are veteran workers' concerns?

A veteran Ford worker of 25 years said there's frustration that Fain didn't achieve what he promised to reward traditional, or Tier 1, employees compared with newer hires, also known as in-progression or Tier 2 workers. "Tier 1 gave back in 2008 and we feel we lost a lot of money over 17 years," said the worker, who asked not to be named for fear of criticism or retribution by the union. "It's sad that this group of people worked an entire career without ever getting their money. He did not come through. He made Tier 2 whole." China Jones, a 23-year worker at Louisville Assembly Plant, shared a similar sentiment. "Older veterans like us made the sacrifices for them [the automakers]," she told a local television station. "And we don't get nothing out of it." GM, which has the lowest support thus far for the deal, has the highest number of traditional workers on a percentage basis, followed by Ford and then Stellantis. Stellantis also had far more usage of temporary workers, who will largely be converted to full-time employees and be eligible for top wages by the end of the deals. "The [workers] hired before 2008 are going to be less thrilled with the contract, primarily because they're going to get the 25% that everybody got, but the new hires, temporary and progression workers could get up to 160% or so," Art Wheaton, a labor professor at the Worker Institute at Cornell University. "It can be plant-by-plant for the ratification votes based on what are their demographics in that particular location."

What happens next?
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines)  In a better world, universal healthcare and a functional healthcare system would provide even the economically challenged with access to state-subsidized medication and treatment. However, here in the Philippines, institutions such as CHILD Haus continue to be the proverbial fountain of hope for so many.

Thanks to its founder, Ricky Reyes, and fully championed and supported by SM Prime Holdings, Inc. Chairman of the Executive Committee, Hans Sy, CHILD Haus exists as a beacon of hope for those who have exhausted all tears  a timely reminder that there are people who care and understand that their own good fortune is a blessing best served by caring and sharing.

The stories of CHILD Haus share a common thread of hope and the caring that abounds within the establishment. There's a tradition of lending a helping hand that stretches back to Mr. Henry Sy, Sr., and that torch has now been passed on to Mr. Hans and his own children.

It's about cases of cancer-stricken children and promoting a culture that says some prayers are answered. The tales of courage of Aya, Laura, and Jessa serve as testimonials to the culture of hope that CHILD Haus wants to foster. And if there are very special friends picked up along the way, then so be it.

Aya was born with a liquefied brain tumor. Soon after her birth in June 2011, her ophthalmologist noticed a growth near her eye but initially, it was not diagnosed as a tumor. Her subsequent weight loss, withdrawal from play and study, led to a biopsy and the discovery of the brain tumor. Aya's condition reached a crisis point in November 2022, with her body functions shutting down.

CHILD Haus became the answer, and Aya finished her chemotherapy cycle and underwent radiation after being admitted to this 'home'. Aya's mother, Jasmine, is forever grateful for how CHILD Haus literally saved her daughter's life. Ricky adds that Aya is the life of the party, interacting with other children and being a constant source of joy.

Laura was born in 2005, had a growth blocking her anus, and almost died. She was treated for colon cancer through regular surgery, and it was perennially a struggle for her parents to raise money for these operations. Her mother worked as an Overseas Filipino Worker abroad, taking two to three-year contracts to help raise the money for Laura's medical care.

In 2016, an emergency forced her father to improvise a stretcher on a tricycle to bring her to the Emergency Ward of the nearest hospital. A new growth in her neck in 2020 meant she now also had a thyroid condition. As Laura herself says, she's had a truly colorful life, and her admission to CHILD Haus, where along with the medical procedure, both housing and food are given for free, was the godsend her family so badly needed.

In 2008, Jessa, then 13 years old, was diagnosed with ovarian teratoma. At one point, she thought she would die and as the eldest in the family, committed to getting better, underwent surgery and chemotherapy, and felt strong enough to enter college. In her 2nd year in college, there was one day when she couldn't move her body, and doctors practically gave up on her, suggesting to her parents to bring her back to Quezon. This was 2015 and life in Quezon helped her feel stronger, and her goal was to help her community even if unsure about her life span.

By 2019, Jessa had passed the board exam, was a professional teacher and applied to the Department of Education. So, there she was, qualified, but because of the cancer, she wouldn't be hired. She turned to styling balloons and party favors, as a means to raise money, to buy her medicine and travel to Manila for treatment. A nationally televised passenger ship accident was her fate, a floating styrofoam her lifesaver. She would be featured on the news shows as the shipping disaster survivor suffering from stage 4 Ovarian cancer.

Brought to CHILD Haus after she came out in the news, she would soon discover that her admission to CHILD Haus was on the special request of a certain person who had heard of her plight. Treatment meant a substantial reduction of the tumor via surgery, in February of this year. Post operation, Mr. Hans sought her out and would visit her regularly to remind her to never lose hope. It's a lesson she has gratefully learned, and she considers Mr. Sy to be her guardian angel here on Earth. Find inspiration in Jessa's remarkable journey by watching her video story below.

Talking about his long association with CHILD Haus and its 21-year history, Ricky proudly explains why this cause is very dear to his heart. There are now two CHILD Haus 'homes'  one in Quezon City and one in Manila, beside the Philippine General Hospital. At any one point in time, you'll find up to 130 children housed with their mothers. If it's an infant, both parents are allowed to be with the child. Food and shelter are provided, and the presence of the parent ensures that the child is accompanied when visiting the doctor or undergoing medical procedures.

CHILD Haus founder 'Mader' Ricky Reyes. Photo from SM Supermalls

For Ricky, it's about finding those cases where hope has diminished, if not blacked out, and finding answers to the prayers of these children and their parents. Ricky acknowledges the crucial role played by Mr. Hans in all of this, from finding a new home for CHILD Haus a decade ago to dropping by at least once a month to ensure the upkeep and maintenance is kept to a high standard.

SM Prime Holdings Inc. Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy. Photo from SM Supermalls

Tears, hope, and caring are all about being compassionate. And let's note how the word 'passion' is found within 'compassionate'  as the passion to help others, and to make it one's mission is easily misunderstood nowadays, as some individuals use charity to bestow themselves with a badge of honor. But when we see individuals and families dedicating years and decades to this pursuit, that's truly the time to appreciate their commitment to this mission of hope.

CHILD Haus stands as a beacon of hope for those facing daunting challenges, highlighting the transformative power of compassion, care, and sharing. Photo from SM Supermalls

To know more about inspiring stories and events at SM, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @smsupermalls on social media.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 14)  A lawmaker urged the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to come up with specific targets that Philippine Airlines (PAL) must meet for it to keep its title as the 'flag carrier' of the country.

During the Senate plenary debate on Monday on the proposed 2024 budget of the DOTr, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano expressed dismay over the increasing complaints from passengers about PAL's services, suggesting that certain standards should be met by the airline to retain its title or else it would be up for grabs.

There has to be an ultimatum with them (PAL) that if they want to be a flag carrier, theres a certain standard that they have to follow, he said.

Cayetano said the complaints were about randomized removal of passengers due to overbooked flights, dysfunctional seats, and sudden changes in flight details.

The use of incentives and disincentives should be implemented to make the flag carrier accountable for its overbooking practice, Cayetano said.

If the regulators or people overseeing them make sure na masakit sa kanila [that it would be painful for them] to overbook, then it will become not a matter of kindness to them but a matter of a business decision, he added.

PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna on Tuesday said it is addressing the issues raised by Cayetano.

She said that the overbooking is usually due to the decision of the airline to operate or downgrade into smaller aircraft for safety reasons.

"We are cognizant of the areas where we fall short, but we are committed to carrying out our mandate as the nation's flag carrier," Villaluna told CNN Philippines.

"Despite these challenges, we have restored flights to most of our domestic, regional and international destinations," she also said. "We look forward to route network expansion, fleet growth and service innovations. "

"We are carrying out cabin refurbishing to address seat and inflight entertainment issues and working with suppliers to resolve global supply chain issues," she added.

The airline has placed aircraft orders to build and boost its fleet, Villaluna said, adding that it is investing in "digital transformation" and has already expanded its staff.

Cayetano stressed that an airline bearing the country's name should always carry it with integrity.

When you're carrying the name of the Philippines, (you should be) just like Singapore (Airlines) na until the end they follow (the principle) that everything about the Singapore government is integrity, he added, citing the airline voted as the world's best in the 2023 World Airline Awards.

The lawmaker also said that PAL should be obligated to return the payments and provide complimentary tickets to passengers who were unable to board due to its overbooking.

The limiting of overbooking to just one or two seats would also prevent PAL from receiving lawsuits from complainants, he added.

For her part, Senator Grace Poe supported Cayetano's frustration, adding that PAL receives privileges from bearing the country's title as a flag carrier.

CNN Philippines has requested comments from PAL and DOTr.
Cebu (CNN Philippines, November 14) The Sugbo Merkadong Barato announced that it will offer rice and chicken at lower prices in its stalls in the upcoming Cebu provinces pop-up markets.

During a meeting with Gov. Gwen Garcia at the Cebu Capitol on Monday, San Miguel Foods (SMF) General Manager for Visayas Region Rico Gomez announced that it will be joining the pop up stores on Nov. 28.

The Capitol allocated 100 million in purchasing NFA rice to be sold at 20 per kilo for poor families.

SMF will be selling Magnolia Chicken at discounted prices, according to the Public Information Office of the Cebu Capitol.

Gomez was quoted as saying that it is the decision of the "top management" of San Miguel to join and help promote the noble cause of the program.

We will help the Governor achieve the objective to sell affordable products that even the poorest of the poor can buy," said Gomez in Cebuano.

SMF, a subsidiary of San Miguel Corporation, will also join the Cebu Provincial Government school feeding program for more than 878,000 students in all public schools in the province.

SMF will provide three metric tons of Magnolia Premium Chicken for the first five days of the feeding program which translates to about 600 kilos per day.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 14)  The Department of Health has recorded nine deaths directly related to the administration of COVID-19 vaccines, with half caused by sudden and severe allergic reactions.

Dr. Alethea De Guzman, chief of the DOHs epidemiology bureau, told the House Committee on Public Order and Safety on Tuesday that the deaths were recorded out of over 78 million people vaccinated against COVID-19.

The panel is investigating the excess deaths allegedly recorded in the Philippines in 2021 based on data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

DOH Assistant Secretary Beverly Lorraine Ho said screening for allergies was part of the checkup that all persons went through before getting the COVID-19 vaccine.

She said there were also medical kits on hand in vaccination sites for people who would develop adverse reactions to the jabs.

"Of all the reported, what we call adverse events following immunization of COVID, our latest tally is nine deaths," she said.."Nine lang doon sa 78 million doses na in-administer natin ang sigurado tayo na dahil sa bakuna ang dahilan ng pagkamatay nila."

[Translation: Of all the reported, what we call adverse events following immunization of COVID, our latest tally is nine deaths. Only nine out of 78 million doses administered are certain to have died because of the vaccine]

Ho added half of the deaths were anaphylactic reactions, meaning these were severe and sudden allergic reactions to the vaccine.[

"Very transparent tayo in any product registration. Lahat may potential adverse event. Thats why part ng screening natin bago ka babakunahan, kasama yun," she said.

[Translation: We are very transparent with any product registration. All have the potential for adverse events. That's why screening is always part of the vaccination process.]

Based on the data from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), 78.4 million people have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of March 31, 2023. Over 23 million received booster shots.

The FDA also recorded 112,450 people who developed suspected adverse reactions to the COVID-19 jabs, of which 10,643 were considered serious.

The FDA considered reactions to the vaccine as serious when these resulted in hospitalization of the patient, significant disability, a life-threatening condition or death, and a birth defect or congenital malformations.

Meanwhile, Ho said the government has stopped administering COVID-19 jabs even if stocks are still available because their permits have expired.

She, however, said the emergency use authorization for the vaccines are still in effect so they can be purchased by the private sector.

Ho said the governments COVID-19 vaccination program ended in August, using jabs donated by Lithuania.

"Because the vaccines are expiring or have expired and (we) have not gotten extension permits, then technically, no one can vaccinate anyone using those vaccines at this time," she explained.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 14)  Lawyer Jessica Lucila Gigi Reyes denied in open court on Tuesday that she signed any document endorsing bogus non-government organizations (NGOs) and implementing agencies for projects under her former bosss Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF).

Reyes, who used to be chief of staff to former senator and now chief presidential legal counsel Juan Ponce Enrile, testified for the first time in her defense in a plunder case she is facing in relation to the misuse of PDAF.

She was asked to look at letters she supposedly signed that nominated agencies that would implement livelihood projects under Enriles PDAF and the recipient NGOs controlled by businesswoman Janet Lim Napoles.

It is not my job nor am I authorized to nominate the implementing agency for the projects of the senator under the PDAF. These agencies are designated through the GAA (General Appropriations Act)," Reyes said.

Reyes claims she first learned about the endorsement letters when the Commission on Audit (COA) used these documents as part of its special audit on the Priority Development Assistance Fund from 2007 to 2009.

She said Enrile supposedly confirmed to the COA through a letter that those were in fact her signatures.

However, they later learned that Enriles former deputy chief of staff Jose Antonio Evangelista asked Enrile to sign the letter to COA verifying the signatures without asking Reyes about it first.

"I said to my former boss how can you be the one to authenticate our signatures, even I havent seen it, Reyes said.

Evangelista is not a co-accused in the plunder case against Enrile for the diversion of his pork barrel, although he was included in those charged in the graft cases in relation to the same alleged crime.

Enrile is accused of conspiring with Reyes and Napoles in pocketing over P170 million in kickbacks or commissions in exchange for endorsing Napoless NGOs for projects under his PDAF from 2007 to 2009.

Ruby Tuason

Reyes also denied the allegations of state witness and self-confessed bagman Ruby Tuason that she (Reyes) received the kickbacks on behalf of Enrile.

Reyes said she met Tuason several times, usually they shared meals in various restaurants, to discuss other matters, including the sale of one of Enriles properties.

"I did not receive any money from Ruby Tuason in these restaurants, Reyes said.

She is set to continue her testimony on November 21.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 14)  The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) said contrary to some lawmakers' claim, it is just one of the several power distributors in the country and its rates reflect the "true cost of electricity."

Meralco made the statement after three lawmakers proposed to split its franchise into three, saying the company, being the country's biggest power distributor, controls electricity rates in the country.

READ: Lawmakers: Split Meralco 'mega-franchise' into three to attract investors, reduce electric rates

"Meralco is also only one of several DUs (Distribution Utilities) and ECs (Electric Cooperatives) operating in the country. We have strictly abided by the rules and guidelines of our franchise as operations are heavily regulated by the ERC," Meralco said in a statement on Tuesday, referring to the Energy Regulatory Commission.

Citing a study of International Energy Consultants, Meralco said its rates are fair and reasonable. It also explained that the Philippines' power prices are higher than neighboring countries because their governments are providing subsidies.

Laguna Rep. Ann Matibag, one of the bill's supporters, earlier said that for 2023, electricity prices have surged instead of being reduced to a cheaper "competitive level."

For November, Meralco announced a 0.2347 per kilowatt hour (kWh) increase in rate.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 15)  COVID-19 vaccine wastage has reached 49.7 million doses since the start of the pandemic, latest government data showed.

In a Senate hearing on Tuesday, the Department of Health's (DOH) budget sponsor Pia Cayetano said 38.54 million doses have expired without being used.

Minority Leader Sen. Koko Pimentel estimated the vaccine wastage at 24.865 billion at 500 per dose.

"We'd like to emphasize na napaka-iksi talaga ng shelf life ng COVID vaccines, 6 months 'yun and then yung mga na-donate pa is 3 months," Cayetano said.

[Translation: We'd like to emphasize that the shelf life of the COVID vaccines is very short. That's 6 months and for the donated ones 3 months.]

Of the 49.7 million wasted vaccines, the senator said 26.2 million doses were donated by other countries, while 23.7 million shots were procured by the government.

Cayetano said the data were included in a DOH report reviewing the country's COVID-19 response. The report was submitted to the Office of the Executive Secretary.

But the report does not contain a financial record of the total amount that the country spent in response to the pandemic, she added.

The senator also clarified that the country will not be procuring COVID-19 vaccines in the 2024 budget, but the government will be accepting 500,000 doses donated by COVAX.

CNN Philippines correspondent Eimor Santos contributed to this report.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 15)  The Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) urged the Supreme Court to dismiss the petition filed by the Duterte Youth Party-list over the substitution bid of former Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner Rowena Guanzon as first nominee of P3PWD Party-list.

Assistant Solicitor General Maria Victoria Sardillo-Salom made the manifestation in the OSG's opening statement at the opening of oral arguments at the high court on Tuesday.

The OSG said Comelec's decision to approve the substitution of Guanzon underwent the right process, and her name was reflected in the new set of nominees.

Sardillo-Salom cited Republic Act 7941 or the "Party-List System Act," which contains "the power to promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to carry out the purpose of the party-list system."

In June 2022, Comelec approved the substitution of Guanzon and the new set of nominees a day after the original five nominees of P3PWD party-list resigned.

However, Duterte Youth chairman Ronald Cardema said the substitution of the P3PWD nominees was invalid since it violated Comelec's rule that substitution "shall be made not later than Nov. 15, 2021."

The OSG, in response, said jurisdiction of the case still lies on Comelec since Guanzon did not assume office yet.

Several persons with disabilities were also present during the arguments to show their support for Guanzon.

Filipina Paralympic powerlifter Adeline Dumapong-Ancheta said they hope they will be represented at the chamber sooner rather than later.

"Hangga't hindi nauupo ang aming representative ay walang boses o tinig yung mga may kapansanan sa Kongreso," she stressed.

[Translation: As long as there is no representative, the disabled community has no voice in Congress.]

The next oral arguments have been set for Nov. 28.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 14)  A month after the data breach that affected at least 13 million members of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), the state health insurer has yet to completely restore its systems.

"As of November 14, today, web-based systems, e-claims, members portal, etc. are restored, the core system are also restored. Not yet completely restored are the utility system like risk info system and other internal systems," said Senator Pia Cayetano, sponsor of the proposed 2024 budget of the Department of Health (DOH).

This was disclosed during late night plenary debates in the Senate on the proposed 353.269 billion budget of the DOH for next year, including a 101.514 billion subsidy for PhilHealth.

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel pointed out the sheer amount of government subsidy to PhilHealth, saying it should contain funding for information and communications technology.

"Because this 101 billion is a subsidy so meaning to say they have corporate funds. Did they neglect to set aside amounts for their computerized system to prevent this kind of hacking?" Pimentel asked.

"No neglect, your honor, according to Philhealth," Cayetano replied.

"Let's just learn from this incident 'yung hackers nilagay online ang data na nakuha from PhilHealth system," Pimentel stressed.

Cayetano, who defended the DOH familys budget, said PhilHealth is working on beefing up its security system.

It has created a crisis committee, hired a security consultant, and established a business continuity plan, she also said.
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New Simpsons episodes are a lot like pizza  even when its bad, its still plenty cheesy.

In last nights Iron Marge, the Simpsons writers covered heavily-tread territory as they told the story of Lisa and Bart, guilt-ridden over a thoughtless birthday present to their thankless mother, tracking down Marges never-before-mentioned childhood pet, a parrot named Petey. This familiar and sentimental Marge is underappreciated A-plot was bolstered by Homers obsession with a parody of the neighborhood app Nextdoor, called Alarmist, as he mongered fear across Springfield for online validation.

Iron Marge was, unfortunately, a bland entry for the Simpsons 756th episode, but I watched it so that you dont have to and identified the five funniest moments of the night with a high degree of relativity attached to the word funniest.

#5: You Know What They Say, The Lawn Is The Mustache Of The House!  Ned Flanders

After bastardizing Ned Flanders' character so badly that cultural commentators coined the term Flanderization to describe how hyperbolically lazy writers get with their core characters, the Simpsons storytellers have been letting the happy-go-lucky widower get back to his roots  specifically those below his nose and above his upper lip. When Lisa and Bart question their friendly neighborino over how carefully he manicures his front lawn, he lets this one loose.

#4: We Need To Warn People! It Could Cause A Sinkhole! Or Activate A Gremlin!  Homer When He Finds A Faulty Sprinkler In The Park

Homer's hysteria over a leaky lawn waterer later proves to be foreshadowing  not because of a rogue Mogwai, but because he and Agnes Skinner fall into a sinkhole caused by the sprinkler, inspiring the resolution of the conflict between them over their fearmongering competition. The rules for Mogwai ownership have been questioned and criticized ad nauseam  isn't it always after midnight?  but the don't get them wet one doesn't get nearly enough attention.

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#3: Oh, That Place Is Sketchy. Milhouse's Dad Was A Sign-Spinner For A Meth Clinic There  Bart On North Townsburg

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Iron Marge added a new location to the Simpsons geography, the seedy city of North Townsburg, where Bart and Lisa must travel to track down the last known location of Petey the Parrot. Besides being populated entirely by storefronts for liquor stores, weed dispensaries, tax preparation professionals and one combination of all three, the funniest way to describe this ne'er-do-well neighboring town is to make us imagine Kirk Van Houten borrowing a feeling all over a giant cardboard sign for meth treatment.

#2: When You Get In A Tight Spot, Sour Gummy Cyanide Capsules!  Lisa On The Kids' Spy Kit She And Bart Buy Instead Of A Birthday Present

Most of the first act revolves around Lisa and Bart's decision to buy themselves snooping gear instead of getting their mom a proper present, and most of the time spent with the walkie talkie toys and secret recording devices is unremarkable. However, the mentioning of kid-friendly flavored poison is one of the stronger punchlines in the episode, for better or for worse.

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#1: We Did Not Make Friends On The Bus Ride Home. Petey Is Kind Of Racist  Bart On The Parrot He Didn't Know Was Awful

The reveal at the end of the episode is actually pretty solid  after Lisa and Bart travel three hours to a sketchy city and interrogate all the locals, they find and trap the bird whom they thought was their mother's best friend growing up. As it turns out, owning a protective parrot was a nightmare Marge wanted to forget, and Petey nearly destroys the Simpson family's master bedroom before the family brings the bird back to Townsburg. The implication that, at some point, Petey learned racial slurs does open up the possibility that he picked up his colorful vocabulary from the Bouvier household  what else was that flight attendant Clancy hiding?
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Only a month ago, Rishi Sunak used his speech at the Tory party conference to convey his vision for Britain.

Declaring himself the candidate for change, he pledged to break the 'old consensus' which had failed the country. He would be bold, he said, and radical.

What then are we to make of the Prime Minister sacking Suella Braverman and bringing David Cameron back to fill one of the great offices of state?

The ex-premier may represent lots of things but change isn't one. Indeed, many loyal Tories will think that if Mr  now Lord  Cameron is the answer to anything, No 10 is asking the wrong question.

Steadfastly pro-EU, he read the nation's mood spectacularly badly on Brexit and, after the referendum result, scarpered off with indecent haste. There are also valid questions over the new Foreign Secretary's judgment on the global stage. In particular, his policy as PM of sucking up to China proved hopelessly and dangerously naive.

Declaring himself the candidate for change, Sunak pledged to break the 'old consensus' which had failed the country

A heavy-hitter and confident communicator, it's also true Lord Cameron has experience and diplomatic skills which will let him take much of the international burden off Mr Sunak's shoulders

And when Mr Sunak has made a virtue of restoring integrity to Downing Street, isn't it a risk to employ Lord Cameron? After all, it's not so long ago the ex-PM was caught up in an unedifying lobbying scandal  an oven-ready attack ad for Labour.

So now he's back, what does he bring to the party? Well an enviable contacts book for starters. A heavy-hitter and confident communicator, it's also true Lord Cameron has experience and diplomatic skills which will let him take much of the international burden off Mr Sunak's shoulders.

The stakes could not be higher  because the world hasn't looked so perilous for decades. First and foremost, Lord Cameron must not backslide a millimetre in supporting Ukraine and Israel.

And whatever his reservations about Brexit, he must strive to exploit its myriad opportunities, especially the UK's deepening engagement with the most thriving and dynamic parts of the globe.

Wouldn't it be exquisite to watch this arch-Remainer help seal a lucrative trade deal with India that would be the envy of all his old chums in the EU?

On the domestic front, it's likely Lord Cameron can steady the horses in the Tory shires, where he is still well thought of. But it's hard to see him doing much for the party's fortunes in the Red Wall, his appeal being more Surrey than Sunderland.

As for Mrs Braverman, the PM may well have considered her unforgivably disloyal after a string of controversial interventions, but she spoke for the quiet majority who care about what is happening to Britain.

She articulated their concerns about mass immigration, the failing multiculturalism policy, leniency shown to terror apologists and the woke takeover of the country's institutions  from the police to the BBC.

As for Mrs Braverman, the PM may well have considered her unforgivably disloyal after a string of controversial interventions, but she spoke for the quiet majority who care about what is happening to Britain

On the domestic front, it's likely Lord Cameron can steady the horses in the Tory shires, where he is still well thought of

It's a testament to Tory dysfunction that Sir Keir Starmer, a deeply underwhelming figure, remains so far ahead in the polls

The unbridled glee at her sacking among Opposition MPs, the wet fringes of the Tory party, the liberal commentariat and, of course, at the broadcaster, speaks volumes.

But moving the impressive James Cleverly to Home Secretary is smart, as is appointing Esther McVey as 'Common Sense Tsar' to oversee the anti-woke agenda.

Will this be enough to placate the Tory Right? Only time will tell, but any MP who thinks salvation lies in yet more no- confidence letters  and trying to unseat another leader  needs their head testing.

Right now Mr Sunak is the party's best and only hope of seeing off Labour.

It's a testament to Tory dysfunction that Sir Keir Starmer, a deeply underwhelming figure, remains so far ahead in the polls.

Reshuffles are all well and good. But to really change this dismal narrative, the Government must give voters some positive reasons to back the Tories.

The Chancellor can start by breathing some life into the economy by cutting taxes  not least those shackling business.

Next week's Autumn Statement is the perfect opportunity
Every year, the witty interior decorator and man-about- town Nicky Haslam releases his Common List, printed, paradoxically, on a tea-towel.

And, sure enough, every year someone without a sense of humour flies into a rage over it.

This year, the money-saving expert Martin Lewis, never a bundle of laughs, was the fall-guy. Furious at Haslam's inclusion of grieving and the Northern lights, he posted: 'Forgive me, but what a prat!' on Twitter/X.

Britain has a long and honourable tradition of causing offence. You might almost say that it's what we're best at.

Haslam is a gifted exponent of what the late Auberon Waugh used to call 'the vituperative arts'. He likes to tease: his lists are cleverly designed to ensure that every single person in Britain is offended by at least one item.

Every year, the witty interior decorator and man-about- town Nicky Haslam (pictured) releases his Common List, printed, paradoxically, on a tea-towel

For instance, his 2018 list included breakfast meetings, swans, hedge funds, mindfulness, Bono, intensely private people, Woman's Hour, The Proms and central heating. My guess is that most of those who agree with him on hedge funds would be upset by his inclusion of Woman's Hour, and that most of those who dislike Bono love The Proms.

As I read his latest list, I found myself laughing in agreement at most of them - Zoom meetings, fly pasts, 110 per cent, podcasts, Grayson Perry, Wimbledon. But then I came to Petroc Trelawny and I spluttered with indignation. How could you, Nicky? How could you include the charming Petroc Trelawny, whose breakfast show on Radio 3 is always an oasis of calm and beauty?

But then I realised that by huffing and puffing at the injustice of it all, I had fallen into the well-laid trap. Nicky Haslam's Common List is designed to puncture the self-satisfaction of all those who read it. There's no escape. Once we have finished laughing at everyone else, we must learn to laugh at ourselves.

It's now exactly 40 years since The Complete Naff Guide was first published. It was the precursor of Haslam's Common List, but much more wide-ranging: roughly 500 lists of 'where not to go, how not to speak, who not to be' spanning 250 pages. The lists ranged from Naff Clothing (cummerbunds, sweatshirts with advertising legends, university scarves) to Naff Things The Royal Family Do (walkabouts, go to university with three O-levels, have more than one birthday, display a Goonish sense of humour).

Some lists were long, others short. Naff Ways Of Killing Your Neighbour's Dobermann had just one item in it: Mince.

This year money-saving expert Martin Lewis (pictured), never a bundle of laughs, was the fall-guy. Furious at Haslam's inclusion of grieving and the Northern lights, he posted: 'Forgive me, but what a prat!' on Twitter /X

All human life was there. Naff Songs included Imagine, Don't Cry For Me Argentina, My Way, As Long As He Needs Me and 'any song by Shirley Bassey'. Sadly, the book was published much too early to include the entire back catalogue of Robbie Williams.

Forty years on, it's astonishing how many of the targets are still current, and still naff. Naff Things People Do At The Theatre includes: talk, explain plot to deaf aunt, cry 'bravo!', laugh at sallies by Shakespearian fools and snore.

I particularly like the long list of Naff Personal Habits And Behaviour, which includes: share a bath, send Christmas cards showing photograph of self, family or house and mix up a punch in the bidet. Self-puncturingly, in this same category the authors include: 'write a non-book especially timed to catch the stocking-filler market'.

As an author who will shortly be handing in a new book to his publisher, I was delighted to find a list of Naff Things Publishers Say To Authors. It includes, 'Hullo Simon - sorry - Stephen, of course, I...' 'It just needs a bit of tightening' and 'I liked it, but the Sales Director's wife thought...'

It is followed by a list of Naff Things Authors Say To Publishers, all of which ring a bell. My favourites are: 'Don't worry about me, I just wrote the bloody thing', 'My mother couldn't find a copy in her local bookshop. And if they can't get a copy...' and - best, or worst, of all - 'Excuse the spelling.'

Like Nicky Haslam, the authors love to bite the hand that feeds them. After laughing like a drain at Naff Smells - tweed, fringe theatres, wet dogs, boiled eggs - I chanced upon a list of Naff Surnames, which includes Proops, Biggs, Pile, Nobbs, Humpage and... Brown.

How very dare they!
Meet Steph. Steph, with her kindly smile and discreet touch of lipstick, her blonde bob and her cerise designer jacket, a silver handbag tucked under her arm and a statement necklace.

She's the new chief executive of a women's health charity, Endometriosis South Coast, campaigning to help women in the early stages of diagnosis for two diseases of the womb called endometriosis and adenomyosis. Not only are these conditions painful, they can make it difficult to become pregnant.

'Isn't it ridiculous,' asks a caption beside Steph Richards's photo on the charity's handouts, 'that I've got to my 40s before any medical professionals even mentioned endometriosis?'

At this point, I should point out that Steph isn't actually in her 40s: she's 71. And if no one discussed endometriosis with her when she was younger, the most likely explanation is that she's a trans woman and doesn't have a womb.

A health charity for a womb condition that can leave women in agony for years has come under fire for appointing a trans woman, Steph, as their new chief executive

Though the charity yesterday clarified that the quote accompanying Richards's photo was from a person the charity supports rather than the new CEO herself, the fact remains that Steph doesn't need to worry about suffering from endometriosis herself for the same reason that I don't lie awake worrying that I might have testicular cancer. It's physically impossible.

Because we're talking about medical conditions that can be life-changing, sometimes with fatal consequences, I think it's important to use clear language. Steph Richards is not biologically female. However, I'm going to use her preferred pronouns and refer to her as she, since I fervently believe everyone has a right to live any way they choose - provided that it's not at the expense of other vulnerable groups.

I support trans rights, but not when they start impinging on women's rights. Women are not a second-class species.

Males who want to be seen and treated as women, who want to actually be women, can adapt their lifestyle in lots of ways. They can wear wigs and make-up. They can buy feminine clothes, adopt female names and pronouns, and mimic women's body language with head tilts, fluttering eyelashes and tinkling laughs.

But there's one thing clothes and make-up cannot change. Even the most sincere trans woman must face the reality that her internal reproductive reality remains male. Aspects of female biology such as periods, pregnancy and breastfeeding are immutable barriers to the notion that a man can literally 'become' a woman.

That may be why female health issues are at the forefront of the debate over trans rights versus women's rights.

There's an active movement to force the language of trans dogma onto women's healthcare, as though reality can be bullied into submission. And if reality itself cannot be, perhaps women can.

So what are we to make of Steph's appointment? It's certainly possible that a trans woman may find it 'self-validating' to be involved in issues that affect only women.

We have seen other trans activists being given similar roles. One is trans woman Mridul Wadhwa, the CEO of Edinburgh Rape Crisis centre, who said that rape survivors who had a problem with her appointment needed to 'reframe their trauma'. That comment doesn't seem to betoken a deep empathy with female victims of rape.

Another is Suzanna Hopwood, a lay clinical examiner for the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, whose job is to assess doctors who are applying to work in women's reproductive health.

I support trans rights, but not when they start impinging on women's rights. Women are not a second-class species, writes Milli Hill (pictured)

I don't oppose the involvement of trans women or biological males in women's healthcare and charity work. It isn't always necessary to have personal experience in order to understand crucial issues.

But where reality is misrepresented, or women's rights are undermined, I have to protest. And with the appointment of a trans woman to run Endometriosis South Coast, I cannot sit in silence.

Yesterday, Richards hit back at her critics, saying: 'My birth sex doesn't come into it  my CV does.'

Well, let's have a look at her CV. This isn't the first time I have encountered Steph Richards. She is also a Labour Party activist and a Women's Officer for the party's Portsmouth branch. On social media, she has used inflammatory language, labelling women who disagree with trans doctrine as 'Terfs' - an ugly insult, meaning 'Trans-Exclusionary Radical Feminists'.

At a feminist conference in 2021 where I was speaking, Steph led noisy protests outside. This became frightening, especially when an Ethiopian woman named Zemzem Mohammed stood up to talk about rape in her home country, while outside the trans activists were screaming vulgar slogans in support of sex work: 'Blow jobs are real jobs.'

After Steph and I were invited to attend a Reith lecture, where we didn't actually meet, she said on social media that she had asked to be moved away from me, and was taken to a 'safe room' - as though my presence was a threat.

Despite this, she contacted me online repeatedly. 'I agree we can't change sex totally,' she said, 'but we can a bit.' Then she said, 'I have offered to share my knowledge with you, to improve your books.'

I turned down that generous offer, and also indicated that I didn't want to meet in person.

'I'm more than happy to travel up, Milli,' Steph replied. 'I know you live in Somerset. Think about it.' Steph must know that I have received death threats from trans activists. She was saying to me: 'I know where you live.'

The kindest interpretation I can muster is that she lacks all awareness of how ominous she sounds. That alone makes me doubt that Steph has the empathy or sensitivity to help women going through a diagnosis of endometriosis.

This disease, where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows in other places such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes and bladder, is debilitating and sometimes agonising. It can be especially painful during periods, and it can increase the risk of miscarriage.

I do not believe it is an exaggeration to say that no man, not even a caring husband whose wife suffers from endometriosis, can ever fully understand all the physical and psychological implications.

For a trans woman to imply she has an innate right to represent women with endometriosis is insulting and cruel.

Steph Richards does us one great service, however, by becoming the face of a serious problem throughout healthcare. The presence of women is being eroded.

Take this tweet by the Vagina Museum in East London: 'Instead of 'women's health', say 'reproductive health' or 'gynaecological health'. Instead of 'women and girls', say 'people who menstruate' or 'people who have periods'.'

In Surrey, Kingston hospital's delivery suite published its monthly statistics last week without any reference to women, instead referring to 'labouring people' and 'birthing people'. And Guy's and St Thomas' advised expectant mothers that 'most people[sic] have their first ultrasound scan around 12 weeks' - as though this service was equally applicable to women and men.

Language like this matters. A headline on the main webpage for Endometriosis South Coast warns that 'one in ten people are diagnosed with endometriosis'.

The reality is that as many as one in ten women might suffer the disease, no biological men will ever get it.

This is not a widely publicised condition, and it ought to be imperative that this charity, set up to combat it, provide accurate information.

The charity seems to think that being inclusive to males who think they are female is more important than scientific reality. Appointing a trans woman, Steph Richards, as CEO prioritises virtue-signalling over the importance of improving women's lives.

Yet again, we are relegated to second place, all to support the insane delusion that biological males can become women.
When I first became a mum more than 30 years ago, there was an unusual sort of party still in vogue.

The 'chickenpox party' was seen by many as a rite of passage: the parent of an infected child would gather together friends with young children to contract this highly contagious virus.

The parties got chickenpox out of the way early on, because the older you are when you get it, the worse the symptoms and consequences are likely to be.

I would happily have sent my son Calum to one back then  had he not contracted the virus anyway aged 18 months, ending up covered in the blistery rash that is its hallmark. By the time I had my daughter Alice five years ago, there was no need for this rudimentary though effective approach.

A vaccine had been developed, but I had to pay 140 for a private clinic to administer the two injections, taken three months apart. I did so because I firmly believe it to be the safest course of action.

Risks are mitigated by vaccination with a live virus that presents, in all but the most exceptional cases, no serious side-effects other than rarely a mild fever or rash (Stock Image)

That's why I heartily welcome the proposal from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) that the NHS should offer the varicella vaccination, as it is known, alongside the MMR vaccine to infants at 12 and 18 months of age.

This is long overdue: countries such as Germany, Canada, Australia and the US have been doing this for years, while in the UK it has been available on the NHS only to people in close contact with those particularly vulnerable to the disease or its complications.

But chickenpox can be nasty, and its risks often underestimated. Among under-fours, 39 out of 100,000 will end up in hospital, while almost one in 100,000 will have severe complications which can be life-threatening.

These risks are mitigated by vaccination with a live virus that presents, in all but the most exceptional cases, no serious side-effects other than rarely a mild fever or rash.

Of course, there is  rightly  an ongoing debate about the extent to which we load our children's immune systems with vaccinations. As with all medical issues, we must always balance the risk against the potential cost.

I spoke out against the prospect of Covid vaccinations for children, for example, believing that there was little proven benefit to administering a vaccine for which we had no long-term data to the young  who are at very little risk from Covid in the first place.

But when it comes to varicella, we are in very different territory, with plenty of robust data showing both its safety and effectiveness. Figures from the US show that in the 25 years after being rolled out in 1995, it has prevented 91million cases, 238,000 hospitalisations and 2,000 deaths.

There is also a 'knock-on' benefit, in the form of a greatly reduced chance later in life of developing shingles, a nasty infection which lies latent in the bodies of those who have suffered from chickenpox.

A vaccine had been developed, but I had to pay 140 for a private clinic to administer the two injections, taken three months apart

Of course, there is  rightly  an ongoing debate about the extent to which we load our children's immune systems with vaccinations (Stock Image)

Data from a 2019 study showed that the risk of vaccinated children developing shingles in later life was reduced by two-thirds compared to those who had contracted chickenpox.

The prospective vaccination scheme has yet to be costed. It will not be cheap, but the JCVI says its research shows that any rollout would be cost-effective and possibly cost-saving.

Yes, NHS funds are limited, but when it comes to children's health, it is worth spending the money.

Future generations may miss out on the great social leveller that was getting chickenpox. But they'll also be spared the frantic itching, the endless lotion and the scars to prove it.

The only question is: what took the NHS so long?

Jabs for every baby in drive to banish chickenpox

By Kate Pickles and Emily Craig

All babies and toddlers are set to be offered chickenpox jabs under recommend-ations which aim to help make the infectious virus 'a problem of the past'.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has advised the vaccine should be offered in two doses at 12 months and 18 months.

It would be added to the existing MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine to create the MMRV jab. Millions of older children would also be offered the chickenpox vaccine under a catch-up programme.

It is hoped the move will see chickenpox join the likes of polio, mumps and smallpox in being all but eradicated by childhood vaccination programmes.

Such a programme on the NHS would also spell an end to controversial 'chickenpox parties', where children are intentionally exposed to the disease in the hope that they catch it while they are young when it is likely to be less severe.

Known for its itchy red spots, chickenpox is highly contagious and can be spread through coughing, sneezing and direct contact with those who are infected (Stock Image)

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has advised the vaccine should be offered in two doses at 12 months and 18 months (Stock Image)

Known for its itchy red spots, chickenpox is highly contagious and can be spread through coughing, sneezing and direct contact with those who are infected.

Data from other countries suggests that the vaccine, which is known as the varicella jab, drastically reduces circulation of the virus while preventing the most severe cases in children.

Professor Andrew Pollard, of the JCVI, which has submitted its recommendations to the Department of Health, said: 'For some babies, young children and even adults, chickenpox or its complications can be very serious, resulting in hospitalisation and even death.

'Adding the vaccine to the childhood immunisation programme will dramatically reduce the number of chickenpox cases in the community, leading to far fewer of those tragic, more serious cases.'

The NHS had been worried that introducing it could increase the risk of chickenpox and shingles  which it can cause  in adults.

Its website says if a childhood vaccination programme was introduced, people would not catch the virus as children, leaving unvaccinated ones to get infected as adults.

But health officials will now look at the best ways to introduce the jab. Fewer cases during the pandemic mean there is currently a larger pool of children without immunity, the UK Health Security Agency says. Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam, from the agency, said: '[This] will help to make chickenpox a problem of the past.'
Rishi Sunak gave his new cabinet a pep talk, earnestly informing his crack operatives they were 'strong and united', 'energetic and enthusiastic'.

The English do not always like being told that they are energetic or enthusiastic  it smacks too much of PT lessons  but Mr Sunak's ministers smiled goatishly, eager to do the right thing. The Prime Minister welcomed those who were making Cabinet debuts (a flutter of coy eyelashes) and 'those for whom it may not be their first time'.

This triggered laughter, for opposite Mr Sunak sat David Cameron, monumental and motionless, the prophet Elijah attending a parochial church council meeting. Lord Cameron had ambled over from the Foreign Office, accompanied by his sidekick Andrew Mitchell, overseas aid minister. Is 'amble' really the verb? Like 'saunter', it is possibly a little below his lordship. Nor will 'meander' do because it implies absence of purpose and our new Foreign Secretary is magnificent at projecting pumped-lip statesmanship. He can probably make even the decapitation of his breakfast boiled egg resemble an act of ritual seppuku.

Mr Sunak, talking a touch too fast, told his team they were taking 'big, bold decisions to drive change  so let's get to work!' Jeremy Hunt, Chancellor, stared at him wide-eyed, be it in wonderment or incredulity. On Mr Sunak's other side a civil servant, Emma Churchill, remained as impassive as Harriet Harman watching speeded-up musical sequences in The Benny Hill Show.

On their walk to No 10, Mr Mitchell stayed half a pace behind his new Secretary of State, as decreed by political etiquette.

This is not the first time Mr Mitchell has worked for Mr Cameron, having been his chief whip at least two ice ages ago

Opposite Mr Sunak sat David Cameron, monumental and motionless, the prophet Elijah attending a parochial church council meeting

On their walk to No 10, Mr Mitchell stayed half a pace behind his new Secretary of State, as decreed by political etiquette

The wise chamberlain never overtakes his emperor. For Mr Mitchell, these must be days of mixed emotions. He no doubt feels he himself would have made a fine foreign secretary. Nor is this the first time he has worked for Mr Cameron, having been his chief whip at least two ice ages ago. And yet Mr Mitchell thought Suella Braverman a complete fright, vulgar beyond words. Win some, lose some.

In the Commons later, Mr Hunt introduced his new Treasury ministers to the House. They were, he alleged, 'outstanding'. The new Financial Secretary, Nigel Huddleston, would 'work out how to bring taxes down'. His predecessor Victoria Atkins had been made Health Secretary and would therefore 'no doubt be trying to push them up'.

Richard Fuller (Con, North East Beds) noted that Labour MPs kept suggesting new taxes to a Labour front bench that tried to bat them away, while Tory MPs kept suggesting tax cuts to a government that tried to bat them away. Mr Huddleston, not the nimblest of ballerinas: 'I thank my honourable friend.'

The Prime Minister welcomed those who were making Cabinet debuts (a flutter of coy eyelashes) and 'those for whom it may not be their first time'

Mr Mitchell thought Suella Braverman a complete fright, vulgar beyond words

Mr Mitchell arrived to make a statement about Israel, deputising for his pasha. If anything, he was even smoother than Cameron. When the two of them are in a meeting together, it must be like swimming in double cream. His immaculate suit, apricot tie and floppy fringe were matched by an echoey voice, spankingly pukka: 'settlah' for settler, 'izzuy' for issue. 'Effectively' was given a sharp flick on the second syllable: 'ef-fictiv-lia'.

Opposite sat Labour's Einstein, David Lammy, who can't even say 'new' without making it 'noo'. He and Alicia Kearns (Con), the pub darts champ manque who chairs the foreign affairs committee, moaned that Mr Cameron would be dodging democratic scrutiny. Mr Mitchell indicated that Dave would submit to bi-monthly examination by Ms Kearns.

And then, as the sun sank and Evensong's bell tolled from St Margaret's, a Sidewinder missile landed on Downing Street: Suella's letter to Rishi! Longer than Psalm 119, more full of brimstone than anything in the Old Testament. 'This is for the best,' wrote Suella. The language of a smashed love affair. V. v. cross. A mad granny belabouring a shop manager with her furled brolly. Bill Deedes, when editing The Daily Telegraph, used to react to angry missives by telling his secretary: 'Ettie, file it under L for loony'.
Signs are designed to be practical, offering directions or information, or in some cases crucial warnings.

But sometime signs makers get things very wrong, leading to creepy and confusing posters.

People from around the world have shared the most ominous signs they spotted and Bored Panda collated the best into an online gallery.

One shows a 'do not feed baby to crocodile' sign which was spotted in an American zoo.

Elsewhere a creepy sign about mannequins was found in a disused nuclear bunker, in Essex.

While a sign spotted on the Bucklin Trail, in Killington Vermont, assured hikers that the trail was 'the point of no return.'

People from around the world have shred the most ominous signs they spotted and Bored Panda collated the best into an online gallery. Including a 'do not feed baby to crocodile' sign which was spotted in an American zoo

A door, which was chained shut, at The California Institute of the Arts, warned people of a 13 foot drop on the other side.

Elsewhere, a bizarre sign was spotted in a hotel toilet asking guests not to drink the loo water.

Here FEMAIL takes a look at some of the terrifying danger signs from around the world...

A door, which was chained shut, at The California Institute of the Arts, warned people of a 13 foot drop on the other side

Another terrifying warning got super graphic as it revealed a machine 'doesn't know the difference between paper and flesh'

A warning nobody should need! Elsewhere a bizarre sign was spotted in a hotel bathroom asking guests not to drink toilet water

A shopper spotted this bizarre sign while browsing with their child

While this sign was spotted, in Chicago, near the former site of The Argonne National Laboratory, which was an early site used for The Manhattan Project (a programme to produce the first nuclear weapons during World War II)

This sign was spotted, in Australia, warning people of 'unexploded ammunition' in the area

Elsewhere a creepy sign about mannequins was found in a disused nuclear bunker, in Essex

Another ominous sign asked parent to get their kids into this 'cage free day care'

While a sign spotted on the Bucklin Trail, in Killington Vermont, assured hikers that the trail was 'the point of no return'

This funny warning sign added a little bit of humour asking people to fill a decoy purse of angry bees for thieves to find
Lorraine Kelly reported on the scene when Pan Am Flight 103 in Lockerbie

Lorraine Kelly said does not feel she has the right to feel traumatised by the Lockerbie Bombing after meeting a woman who lost her neighbours in the disaster.

The presenter, who reported on the terror attack in 1988, then aged 29, saw first-hand the devastating aftermath of the tragedy when Pan Am Flight 103 exploded mid-air, killing all 259 people on board and 11 on the ground in the Scottish town of Lockerbie.

In ITV1's new documentary Return to Lockerbie, Lorraine confronts her own difficult memories, including the broken cockpit of the plane which was still warm and the craters and bodies as she drove through the town's outskirts.

She met with Gillian Moffatt, who was nine years old at the time of the disaster. Gillian had moved from Sherwood Crescent only weeks before Pan Am 103 cut a huge crater in the street, killing several of her neighbours and damaging her family home.

Lorraine Kelly (pictured) does not feel she has the right to be traumatized following the Lockerbie Disaster

Following the catastrophe, Gillian was left in a 'really dark place' and in later life was unable to work after being diagnosed with PTSD.

However, Gillian explained that she struggles to perceive herself as a victim.

'There's almost a bit of, "Well theres probably lots of people have it. So why am I special?". Because I'm not. I'm not,' she told Lorraine.

She added: 'I think it's a conditioned response to the culture of not talking about it for so long.

'Let's face it, at any time when you have a loss or a trauma, the one thing you need to do is talk about it. And that is a healing process, isn't it? That's how we get through things.'

Lorraine found common ground with Gillian, because she too, did not allow herself a victim status.

She said: 'What Gillian said really resonated with me, that everybody is allowed to have some sort of trauma from this. It's OK.

'And it's not a sign of weakness to say, actually, I was really badly affected by that. And I still am today.'

The TV presenter met with Gillian Moffatt (pictured) during the documentary, who was nine years old when the flight crashed in her neighbourhood

In conversation with Lorraine, Gillian revealed that she lost several of her neighbours from the crash and her home was damaged

Lorraine continued: 'It sort of gets me thinking about how I have never really thought about what it's done to me and the long-term effects to me as well.'

'But I was only there reporting on it. I wasn't living it. I was able to go in and then go back to my life.

'So, I don't feel as if I have the right to feel traumatised.

Breaking away from the camera, she told the producer: 'Im awfully concerned about that. I don't want people to think that Im special, do you know what I mean?

Thirty-five years ago this December, then 29-year-old Lorraine Kelly was one of the first TV reporters to arrive at the scene

The Pan Am Flight 103 exploded mid-air, killing all 259 people aboard and 11 on the ground in Lockerbie

'It's exactly the same as Gillian, see when she was saying that it was like, oh my God - thats exactly how I feel.'

Reports say 73 per cent of people living in Lockerbie 35 years ago suffer from PTSD.

It was not as common to offer counselling back in 1988, and Ms Kelly said her own form of 'therapy' was just talking to her father about her traumas.

She said one of the reasons she made the documentary was to highlight the issue of PTSD and encourage people suffering to get help.

Return To Lockerbie with Lorraine Kelly is on ITV1 & ITVX at 9pm Wednesday.
Ceira Sutherland, 24, was rushed to A&E with crippling stomach and rib pains

A pet shop worker who thought her bad back was caused by lifting heavy deliveries discovered the excruciating pain was actually caused by going into labour.

Ceira Sutherland, from Thurso, Caithness, Scotland, had no idea she was pregnant before she dramatically gave birth to her daughter last November.

The 24-year-old rushed to A&E with crippling stomach and rib pains and then gave birth to the 10lb baby.

Ceira says she had a period six weeks before giving birth, had no baby bump, suffered no morning sickness and used condoms every time she had sex with her partner.

Oblivious to being pregnant, the mum continued to party and drink and enjoyed a boozy night out with shots and spirits just weeks before giving birth to Amelia Aitken.

Pet shop worker Ceira and her partner Andrew Aitken, a butcher, with Amelia at four months old

Amelia made her surprise arrival in November 2022, weighing 10lbs

It was even more of a surprise for Ceira and her partner, Andrew Aitken, 27, as she had been told that conceiving would be difficult due to her polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

She describes how butcher Andrew was so stunned he stood 'silently in shock' for a while.

Ceira said: 'We hadn't even thought about having children yet.

'I have PCOS so I was told quite young that I might not even be able to have children so this was a complete surprise.

'We were using condoms every time so it was an even bigger surprise.

'Kids were something we both wanted but not for a while.'

Two days before Amelia's arrival, Ceira did an 11-hour shift at work when she began experiencing excruciating back pain.

Unsuspecting Ceira went home to her partner's house when her symptoms worsened and she decided to head to A&E.

Ceira said: 'At work, I have to pull in big deliveries and it never bothered me before but my back felt so sore that I had to go sit down and put a hot pack on it.

The couple bath baby Amelia when she was one-week-old

Ceira Sutherland, 24, was stunned when her 'bad back' turned out to be a baby. Pictured at seven months pregnant

'I finished my shift and went to my partner's house.

How common are cryptic pregnancies? One in 450 pregnant women in the UK don't know they are going to have a baby until week 20 of their pregnancy (half-way through), and one in 2,500 women are oblivious to the fact until they go into labour. It's a phenomenon known as cryptic pregnancy - also referred to as 'pregnancy denial'. Cryptic pregnancies typically affect either young women, who have never experienced a pregnancy, or women who believe they've gone through the menopause and who choose not to use contraception. Women with erratic menstrual cycles are also more likely to miss signs they are expecting. This is especially true among women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), where small cysts grow on the ovaries; the hormone imbalance often leads to irregular or non-existent periods. Yet there are some women who will continue to have monthly bleeds throughout their pregnancy. In this case, a scan at the local GP may be the only method of confirmation. Women may simply not expect to find they are pregnant if they are taking the Pill - but then those taking it religiously can still become pregnant. Eight in 100 women can get pregnant while on the Pill - usually not because of problems with the Pill, but with the taker, either because they've missed the Pill, thrown up or had diarrhoea. Advertisement

'I felt really sick and my back was sore, I just went for a nap.

'I woke up and started to get rib pains but thought nothing of it.

'When it was about 11pm that night I thought 'something is not right' and I decided to go to A&E.'

Doctors sent Ceira home with painkillers but she was forced to return three hours later after the pain intensified.

Medics believed there could be something wrong with Ceira's gallbladder - but were confused over the level of pain she was experiencing.

After a urine sample was taken, Ceira was told it was positive but she believed it was a false positive due to her PCOS.

Ceira said: 'I didn't even know they were doing a pregnancy test on my urine sample until she said they've both come back positive.

'I thought it could be a false positive because of my PCOS or, if I was, I was only a few weeks along.

'I was more concerned about the pain I was in.'

Further tests left doctors baffled over the cause of Ceira's pain.

Eventually it was confirmed the retail worker was definitely pregnant, but Ceira was told the baby was 20 weeks at most due to her recent period.

Ceira said: 'Looking back now it's so obvious it was contractions because it was intense shooting pain every five minutes but I was never thinking 'I'm in labour'.

'Doctors couldn't understand why I was in so much pain.

'They said it was definitely a cyst. I was getting pain relief but it wasn't even taking the edge off the pain.'

The next day a nurse went to swab Ceira for one final test when she spotted the baby's head emerging.

Ceira said: 'As the nurse went to swab me, I just heard an 'oh'. I said 'is that a bad oh?'

'She said "you're pregnant, the head's there, you're in labour".'

Ceira and Andrew, from Scotland, show off Amelia when she was six days old

Ceira is pictured hours after giving birth to Amelia on 27 November 2022

Amelia, who is turning one on 27 November, was a complete surprise to her parents

'Then it was a mad rush to take me to the labour unit. There were loads of doctors waiting in this room for me.

'I thought it would be a teeny baby and I didn't know if it was a survivable age.

'Once I started labour and her head was out, they said "this is clearly not a 20-week old baby".'

Just hours after finding out she was pregnant, Ceira gave birth to baby Amelia, born at 7pm on 27 November, weighing 9lb and 13oz.

However, Ceira was concerned over the health of her new arrival after admitting to drinking alcohol during her pregnancy.

Ceira said: 'When she came, I thought "whose baby is this?" I don't think it kicked in until a week later that this is our baby.

Unexpected baby Amelia wears a bunny printed onesie and wooly hat at nine months old

Ceira said Amelia is 'a really happy baby', pictured at ten months old

Proud dad Andrew Aitken holds his daughter Amelia two days after she was born

Ceira pictured at eight months pregnant - without knowing

'Andrew was silent and stood there in shock. He didn't know what to do or say, he took it quite well though.

'I had been on nights out and I had drunk. I think I had been on a night out in mid-October not knowing I was eight months pregnant.

What is PCOS? Causes, symptoms and treatment explained... PCOS stands for polycystic ovary syndrome. PCOS is a hormonal disorder causing enlarged ovaries with small cysts on the outer edges. Women with PCOS may have infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods or excess male hormone (androgen) levels. Symptoms include menstrual irregularity, excess hair growth, acne, and obesity. Fertility may also be affected. While the exact cause of PCOS isn't known, insulin resistance caused by a highly refined and processed diet is believed to be one of the biggest triggers. PCOS can be managed through diet, the contraceptive pill and other oral medications. Source: Mayo Clinic Advertisement

'I was quite drunk, there were spirits and shots, it was a big night out.

'I felt a lot of guilt when she was born. When I found out I was definitely pregnant, I thought "I've drunk and what am I going to give birth to right now?".

'I was so relieved when they said she was completely fine.'

Despite delivering a full-term baby, Ceira had no idea she was ever pregnant due to having periods and showing none of the obvious signs.

Ceira said: 'With my PCOS my periods are quite irregular anyway, I had one six weeks before she was born.

'I'd gone over a year without a period before so this wasn't unusual for me.

'I never took a pregnancy test, I had no morning sickness.

'There was no change in my stomach at all and no pains until I was in labour.

'Being pregnant hadn't crossed my mind at all over the nine months.

'Every doctor said this is such a miracle because I'd been told I couldn't have kids because of my PCOS.'

Now mum to a near one-year-old, Ceira reflected on her daughter's 'crazy' arrival into the world.

Ceira said: 'She's honestly the easiest baby ever. From a week old, she's slept 12 hours a night.

'She's a really happy baby. It's crazy a year ago we didn't even know about her.'
The final series of Netflix's royal drama The Crown will depict the last time Prince William and Prince Harry spoke to their mother - but it will not be a true reflection of the conversation.

The first instalment of series 6 will cover the final weeks of Princess Diana's life before the fatal car crash with Dodi Fayed in August 31, 1997 at the Pont de l'Alma tunnel in Paris, but as a fictionalised version of events, viewers can expect to see some embellishment of the facts.

In epsisode four of the final series, the late Diana, Princess of Wales, is depicted as frustrated while in Paris with Dodi Fayed, and desperate to return to the UK to see her sons.

After missing one opportunity to speak with them on the phone, Diana finally manages to have a call with Prince William and Prince Harry, in which they have a heartfelt exchange.

However, according to Prince Harry and Prince William's accounts of the last phone call he ever had with his mother, this version of events does not quite ring true.

Series six of The Crown will depict the final phone call Princess Diana shared with her sons Prince William and Prince Harry before she died

In the episode, Diana calls Balmoral, where her sons are on holiday with their father.

During the phone call, William asks his mother if she's going to marry Dodi Fayed, to which Diana says she is not.

He then explains all the newspapers in the UK are reporting that the pair are engaged.

Diana replies: 'I am emphatically not going to marry Dodi. To be honest, I cant wait to come home.'

Prince William and Prince Harry have only spoken once about their final phone call with their mother - and can't remember much of what was said

William then asks his mother if she is ok. She nods and says: 'I'm ok. Its just a bit mad here. I don't really understand how I ended up here. Mummy just needs to make some changes to her life, thats all. But that's not your problem - thats mine.'

In a tender moment, she tells her sons she loves them and they reply to say they love her too. She promises to return home the following evening to see them.

Later in the episode, Diana comes to her untimely death in the car accident.

Although it is true that Prince William and Prince Harry shared a phone call with their mother on the last day she was alive, their recollections of the call do not reflect the Netflix series' depiction.

Speaking in a 2017 documentary Diana: Our Mother, the Princes discussed for the first time the details of their 'desperately rushed' final call with the late royal.

Recalling the chat, they expressed their regret that they were desperate to go back outside and play with their cousins, who were also at Balmoral.

Harry said: 'I can't really, necessarily, remember what I said. But all I do remember is probably, you know, regretting for the rest of my life how short the phone call was.

'And if I'd known that was the last time I was going to speak to my mother  the things I would have said to her.'

The fact that Harry, who was 12 at the time of his mother's death, cannot remember the details of his final conversation with Diana suggests it was not a chat where deep feelings were expressed - rather, an ordinary discussion because neither Diana nor the princes knew it would be their final conversation.

William also said of the call: 'Harry and I were in a desperate rush to say goodbye, you know, see you later'.'
Actress Elizabeth Debicki  who plays Princess Diana in The Crown  has spoken for the first time about the experience of playing her as a ghost who appears to both Prince Charles and The Queen.

Debicki, 33, describes the scenes between her and Dominic West, playing Prince Charles, as beautiful and adds that it gives the late Princess the chance to tell her estranged husband how much she loved him  which she did not get in real life.

She said: We didn't do any rehearsal. I think we just rolled the camera and that we were both very curious, I think, as actors and also I remember feeling like, "This is going to hurt". And it did.

We kind of just opened our hearts up because what Peter [Morgan] imagines is this. To me it's so beautiful because - and it's also why it was so devastating to shoot.

'It's so easy to understand what the Charles character is feeling because for anyone who's lost anyone you know, the second you lose them, the only thing you would do - you would give anything for - is to talk to them one more time.

Actress Elizabeth Debicki  who plays Princess Diana in The Crown  has spoken for the first time about the experience of playing her as a ghost (Pictured: Elizabeth Debicki appears as Princess Diana's ghost to The Queen - played by actress Imelda Staunton)

So that makes me very emotional, just thinking about it. But anyway, we shot it and also I think what's beautiful is that it's an imagined Diana.

'And what he gives her too is the freedom to say the things she's always wanted to say to him, which is  and we see it.

'We see this hostility and the difficulty ended up but finally there's this moment where she just is able to say: "I have loved you so much". I'm really glad that I got to say that in that character.

The Australian actress, 33, said playing Princess Diana's ghost had been 'beautiful', but it also 'hurt' (Pictured: Elizabeth Debicki at The Crown Season 6 Part 1 premiere held at Westwood Regency Village Theatre in Los Angeles on November 12, 2023)

In the show, which streams from November 16th, the late Princess has an emotional reconciliation with a grieving Prince Charles.

She tells him how handsome he is and reminds him how much she loved him as he weeps with regret.

The imagined scene comes after Prince Charles has been depicted sobbing over her body in a hospital morgue in Paris.

Diana tells him: Thank you for how you were in the hospital. So raw, broken - and handsome. Ill take that with me.

You know I loved you so much. So deeply, so painfully too. Thats over now. It will be easier for everyone with me gone.

Charles tells the dead Diana: It was ever thus. You were always the most beloved of all of us.

He adds: The only thought Ive had since the moment I heard is regret. She tells him: That will pass and he replies: No, it wont.

Writer Peter Morgan has said that the Diana depicted in these scenes is not a ghost but a visualisation in the minds of her family.

When Princess Diana's ghost appears to Prince Charles, she tells him how handsome he is and reminds him how much she loved him as he weeps with regret. (Pictured: Actor Dominic West as Prince Charles speaking with Princess Diana's ghost)

Debicki said this week that she felt a real anxiety when opening the scripts for this final series of the Netflix drama. I knew how very, very sad it was going to be for me on a human level to tell that story and on an acting level. And also of course, the idea of sort of saying goodbye to the characters so I put off reading the scripts for as long as I could and then I did read them one day and I read them all in one go.

She said that researching the late Princess she had been surprised by her playfulness and humour and also by the extent of her humanitarian work.

I understood the kind of basics, but I think the way that Princess Diana used her platform, and it was so progressive at the time to stand up, and so brave, I mean, the amount of vulnerability that she must have experienced in sort of discussing mental health issues that pertain to her knowing that she could sort of touch an enormous audience of people who were experiencing.

We also have everything she did for AIDS and everything she did for landmines. I mean, what I learned in researching season six too was just how little of the world's attention was on that subject, and she just absolutely grabbed that spotlight and just shone it right on there. And she put her body on the line too, and it was just, that was remarkable to me really incredible.

She added: The relationship she has with her children in this show is just the pinnacle. Its her centre. It's her purpose, they're her whole heart so and I was just lucky that I had these miraculous kids who I just adored being around and last night when I saw them I felt the same way.

Meanwhile actor Jonathan Pryce, who plays Prince Philip in the show, has spoken for the first time of his misgivings over the portrayal of his friendship with Penny Romsey, his carriage driving partner, in series five.

The actress said she felt a real anxiety when opening the scripts for the final series of the Netflix dramae

He said: The main thing I learned about him that I didn't know came from my first meeting with Peter Morgan, when he told me the direction in which he wanted to take Philips character and that he wanted to expose and talk about this relationship he had with Penny Romsey.

I knew nothing about this relationship. And I left Peter's house thinking, do I want to be the man who tells the world that Phillip has this friendship?

'And I was very nervous about it and then I went to France and I thought Ill Google it - and I put the two names into Google and European Google was full - page after page after page - of stories about Philip and Penny and that gave me a lot of confidence to approach that storyline.

'But it also told me about how the British press were presumably manipulated into suppressing these stories. And that was a very interesting thing to discover how the power that the royal family might have, and Philip especially.
Zara Tindall cut a glamorous figure as she attended the VIP breakfast for Rebecca Vallance's Holiday 2023 launch at Harrods today.

The niece of King Charles, 42, joined the Australian designer and several famous faces, including Lady Victoria Hervey and Amber Le Bon, at the Studio Frantzen restaurant.

Looking effortlessly elegant, Zara stunned in the brand's Eva dress, featuring a figure-skimming silhouette and dazzling pearl embellishment. The sophisticated 640 design also featured voluminous puff sleeves and a cut-out back.

Zara was positively radiant as she posed for photographs with Ms Vallance, 43, in the iconic London department store.

The royal mother-of-three added a pair of simple black court shoes and complementary pearl drop earrings to her ensemble.

Zara Tindall cut a glamorous figure as she attended the VIP breakfast for Rebecca Vallance's Christmas launch at Harrods today

She showcased a natural make-up look, consisting of dark mascara, bronzer and nude lipstick, while her blonde locks were swept back into an elegant updo.

Rebecca Vallance is continuing her global expansion by launching Holiday 2023 at British retailer Harrods.

Founded in 2011, the label swiftly secured Harvey Nichols after presenting its first collection in Paris.

As the business began to evolve internationally, Rebecca returned to Australia and launched the company locally in 2012, where it now has a dedicated following.

A number of celebrities have embraced the brand's signature look, characterised by a blend of structured tailoring and luxurious fabrics.

It comes after Zara was snapped attending the Cheltenham Showcase. The two-day event is described by organisers as an opportunity for racegoers to have the chance to 'learn about different racehorse ownership experiences'.

The niece of King Charles stunned in the brand's Eva dress, which incorporated a figure-skimming silhouette and dazzling pearl embellishment

Zara was positively radiant as she posed for photographs with Ms Vallance, 43

Zara showcased a natural make-up look, consisting of dark mascara, bronzer and nude lipstick, while her blonde locks were swept back into an elegant updo

The royal mother-of-three added a pair of simple black court shoes and complementary pearl drop earrings to her ensemble

As well as racing, there are special Q&A sessions with people from the racing world, and a book signing session with Nicky Henderson.

Keen horse enthusiast Zara, who has competed at Olympic level in equestrian events, was photographed watching the action alongside former jockey and racing journalist Alice Fox-Pitt (nee Plunkett).

Zara, who is the niece of King Charles and daughter of Princess Anne, was dressed sensibly for the bracing October weather.

The 42-year-old wrapped up against the cold in a houndstooth coat, which she paired with a trilby.

Underneath, she wore a black high neck jumper. Slung over her arm was a classic black handbag with chain detailing in the shoulder strap.

In her typical style, Zara opted for natural make-up, boasting a fresh complexion with a natural lip and dark eyeliner.

Despite the seemingly grey weather, she appeared pleased to be at the event, and was photographed smiling as she walked through the grounds.
The King's 75th birthday has been marked with gun salutes and a birthday sing-along at a food waste project - where the monarch picked up a copy of the Big Issue.

A 41-gun royal salute in Green Park, central London, a 62-gun salute at the Tower of London and a 21-gun salute in Edinburgh today all marked Charles's milestone.

Meanwhile, the King arrived in cheery spirits in Didcot, Oxfordshire, with Queen Camilla to launch the Coronation Food Project at a food waste distribution centre.

Among the many people he met there was Kelvin, who sells the Big Issue magazine, which is sold by homeless people to help them earn an income.

Photos show the King greeting Kelvin, who is holding a stack of the magazines. The special edition features a black and white portrait of King Charles on the front cover.

King Charles and Queen Camilla (both pictured) braved the rain today as the monarch celebrated a working birthday

During their visit to the South Oxfordshire Food and Education Alliance today, the royals met staff working at the surplus food distribution centre

The King bought a special edition of the Big Issue from seller Kelvin (right) with Lord John Bird, (centre) the founder of the Big Issue, stood between them

The special edition of the Big Issue features a black and white portrait of King Charles taken by Rankin

Dispelling the common belief that royals never carry physical money around with them, the King was seen handing the Big Issue seller a 10 note as he picked up his copy

London's Piccadilly Lights were lit up with a birthday message for Charles and the tourist attraction also displayed a quote from his Big Issue article.

And dispelling the myth that royals never carry cash, photographs show Charles handing Kelvin a 10 note, as he buys himself a copy of the magazine.

The King, who's enjoying a working birthday before private celebrations later on, laughed as he was treated to a rousing rendition of Happy Birthday to mark his three quarters of a century.

Charles replied: 'Oh gracious!' after Baroness Louise Casey, who is helping to create his Coronation Food Project, asked whether he minded if guests serenaded him.

Baroness Casey told the monarch: 'I was wondering if it was all right' at which point the King raised his eyebrows questioningly and looked around comically. He then quipped: 'Have you practiced?' to a group of volunteers behind him.

Happy birthday! King Charles III waves to well-wishers as he arrives at the launch of the Coronation Food Project with Queen Camilla in Didcot

The 41-gun salute lit up a murky day in Green Park with members of The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery carrying out the ceremonial tradition

The King looked a tad bashful as everyone joined in, including Queen Camilla, who also clapped loudly at the end.

The monarch wore a warm-looking camel coat and a smart royal blue tie with a slate grey suit for the official visit, taking time to wave to those who'd gathered outside - many wearing disposable raincoats - to offer well wishes on his birthday.

Queen Camilla, 76, opted for a stylish emerald green skirt suit with black knee-high boots and black leather gloves, and antique pearl drop earrings for the public outing - with both royals needing umbrellas to brave the inclement Oxfordshire weather.

The Coronation Food Project was inspired and devised by the King, who has long been concerned about waste, particularly when it comes to food, and the cost of living crisis. More than 12million tons of food is wasted each year in the UK alone.

The project will work with, and crucially raise funds for, existing food waste projects around the country to save and circulate more surplus food and use it for social good.

The monarch wore a warm-looking camel coat and a smart grey suit for the official visit, taking time to wave to those who'd gathered to offer well wishes on his birthday. Queen Camilla opted for a stylish emerald green skirt suit with black knee-high boots for the public outing

As workers at the food waste depot, wearing hi-vis jackets, looked on, the king and queen waved to those who'd made the journey to wish Charles a happy birthday

Waving in the rain! The King, who's enjoying a working birthday but will celebrate privately this evening with friends and family, looked in good spirits as he waved to the crowds ahead of launching the initiative in Didcot

Seeing the funny side of the dismal weather served up on his birthday, King Charles pictured waving at those gathered in Didcot

Queen Camilla shakes hands with community leaders in Didcot; the royals also met with supermarket chiefs during the visit

Not quite birthday cake: Charles eyes up a crate of Ryvita as he tours the food distribution warehouse

It will help scale up nationwide projects and build warehouses, as well buy fridges, freezer and refrigerated lorries. The project is being led by Baroness Casey and Dame Martina Milburn and co-ordinated by the King Charles III Charitable Fund.

'We are beyond delighted about it. It is such an honour for us and support for the project just wouldnt have happened without you. We are incredibly grateful to you,' Baroness Casey told the King and Queen.

Arriving in pouring rain, they met staff and volunteers in the warehouse, the King asking questions about how the surplus food is received and distributed to community organisations.

At one point, the monarch asked: 'I hope you have had a lunch break. Theres plenty to eat!'

The King also took a peek inside a freezer and then outside viewed four Fareshare food vans loaded with goods for distribution. Are you just about to go out? he asked one driver.

Although the engagement hadnt been publicised in advance, there was a small but vocal crowd outside who burst into another rendition of happy birthday.

The royal couple visited the kitchen at the food hub, meeting New Zealand chef Alex, far left, and admiring some of the dishes created from surplus food

Although King Charles declined to try any - he famously works through his lunch break - he was inquisitive about how the dishes were made

There was no escaping a rendition of Happy Birthday either, with Queen Camilla enthusiastically joining in

The monarch also waved off four food delivery vans from the car park, chatting to the drivers about their day

On fine form! The King smiles at those shouting happy birthday in his direction

Stoic support: A group of royal fans, wearing plastic rain macs, patiently await the arrival of the king and queen

The project in Didcot aims to bridge the gap between food waste and food need (Pictured: Charles and Camilla in Oxfordshire this afternoon)

Queen Camilla and King Charles chat as they arrive at the centre on Tuesday

The Coronation Food project uses food waste to create new meals for the community, and was officially launched by the King and Queen on Tuesday

Meanwhile 70 miles away in London, members of The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery carried out the ceremonial tradition of a 41-gun salute for the King, lighting up a murky day in Green Park.

The Honourable Artillery Company fired an additional 62-gun salute at Tower Wharf, Tower of London - an extra 21 for the City of London - at 1pm.

North of the border in Edinburgh Castle, the Band of Royal Regiment of Scotland played their instruments, ahead of 16 Regiment Royal Artillery firing a 21-gun salute.

Baroness Louise Casey greets King Charles as the royals arrive by car in Oxfordshire

Finally under shelter, the King and Queen met workers at the food waste centre

Back inside the Didcot hubs offices, Charles and Camilla popped into the kitchen where chef Alex MacKay was making a delicious array of hot food with a team of volunteers.

'Happy birthday, he told the sovereign. How did you know? joked Charles.

The chef continued: Would you like to see what we are cooking, sir? This is all from surplus food. The dishes included plates of fresh vegetables and a lentil and black bean chilli.

I had hope to feed you but I understand we cant. Would you like to have a taste? he added.

The King, who famously never stops for lunch, said he had another engagement to get to.

Before he left, Charles asked him: Are you from Australia?

Alex replied: Oh no, and we were getting on so well! Im from New Zealand. You know what you do, sir. You ask someone if they are from New Zealand and for the Australians, thats a compliment!

The 41 gun salute in Green Park was followed by a 62-gun salute at Tower Wharf, Tower of London - an extra 21 for the City of London - at 1pm

The King also spoke to food influencers including Bake Offs Crystelle Pereira, as well as the chief executives of several major supermarkets and food suppliers including Morrisons, Sainsburys and Waitrose, alongside Amazon, ABF and Princes, who have all signed up to the newly-created Food Alliance to help stop food waste and donate surplus produce.

There was also time to chat with Lord Bird, co-founder of The Big Issue, who launched the Coronation Food Project on Monday with a new portrait by Rankin of the King on the front cover.

He told the King: 'I havent seen you for a quarter of a century.

Has it been as long as that? asked the King. You havent changed a bit!

Kelvin, who has sold the Big Issue off and on for 25 years during periodic bouts of homelessness, explained afterwards: It just shows he cares. He is reaching out to the general public. He is a good man.

The Royal Family always try to help but he really does. The world is in turmoil and we need to all be together. We are all equal. He is using his position to facilitate change. His mother would be proud of him. She was a benevolent and kind person. 

The King's horses trot through the royal park ahead of the 41 gun salute which took place at noon on Tuesday

Before Charles and Camilla left for another engagement, followed by a private dinner in London, the King unveiled a plaque to mark his visit before he and the Queen waved off four food distribution vans.

Later today, Charles will host a Buckingham Palace reception highlighting the work of nurses and midwives over the decades as part of the NHS 75 celebrations.

Among the guests will be around 400 nurses and midwives alongside the Chief Nursing Officer of England, Dame Ruth May, and Amanda Pritchard, chief executive of NHS England.

Armed with earplugs to protect their hearing against the sound of the gunfire, the Honourable Artillery Company (HAC) prepare to carry out a 62-gun salute in the rain at the Tower of London

Members of the HAC pictured at Tower Wharf, the Tower of London on Tuesday morning

The guns are fired across the Thames in the 62-gun salute at Tower Wharf

This morning, the Royal Family's social media accounts paid tribute to King Charles on his 75th birthday, posting a photobook-style montage of images showing the monarch from his very first public appearance as a baby to more recent times - and lots of key moments in between.

The 39-second clip was posted on X this morning by the @RoyalFamily account and rolls back the decades for the monarch as he celebrates a milestone birthday - showing some of the most important moments of his life and more intimate photos spent with family members through the years.

With Tower Bridge in the background, the gunners fire the salute

The Band of Royal Regiment of Scotland play, ahead of 16 Regiment Royal Artillery firing a 21 Gun salute at Edinburgh Castle

The Right Honourable the Lord Lyon chats with 16 Regiment Royal Artillery after they fired a 21-gun salute at Edinburgh Castle

Queen Camilla pictured being greeted by Dame Martina Milburn, a former chief executive of the Prince's Trust, as she arrived to launch The Coronation Food Project

Queen Camilla climbs into a car with an umbrella as she departs the launch of the Coronation Food Project

Holding a stylish transparent umbrella, the Queen looked relieved to be back under cover

Queen Camilla took shelter from the rain under an umbrella as she arrived Didcot

The post shared two emojis, one of a crown and the other of a cake, alongside the words 'Wishing His Majesty The King a Happy 75th Birthday.'

There are images of the late Queen, including one from 1948 when she was pictured for the first time in public with her firstborn. Charles is seen fast asleep wearing a royal christening gown in his mother's arms.

Princes William and Harry also appear, although not together, with happy scenes from their childhood flashing past, including the moment the then Prince Charles and the late Princess Diana introduced their second son to the world at St Mary's Hospital in London in September 1984.

To mark the King's 75th birthday on Tuesday, the Royal Family's official X account shared a touching 39-second photo montage of Charles' life

A young then Prince Charles pictured in 1970, when he was just 22, right: a photo of the late Queen in a playful scene with her children

Charles is working today, and will launch the Coronation Food Project with the Queen which aims to bridge the gap between food waste and food need. Yesterday he was presented with a cake at Highgrove

There's also a November 1997 image of the then Prince Charles with a young Prince Harry as father and son are seen smiling together as they recorded their handprints in concrete while on an official visit to South Africa.

Elsewhere, a 1998 snap of Charles with Princes William on the slopes in the Swiss ski resort of Klosters, a long-time faovourite of the royals, also appears.

The photobook-style montage opens with a blue-and-white front cover featuring a floral scene with bee imagery and the words 'Happy Birthday Your Majesty'.

Stirring classical music provides the soundtrack as the montage races through the decades.
Series six of The Crown is set to drag up a rumour Buckingham Palace has previously labelled 'the opposite of truth' over Princess Diana's funeral.

In the fourth episode of the final instalment of Netflix's royal drama which lands on the streaming playform on 16 November, Prince Charles is reeling from his ex-wife's death and struggles to hold it together while making arrangements for her funeral.

Scenes from the episode depict him at odds with his parents, the late Queen and Prince Philip, over the issue of a state funeral for Princess Diana.

In the drama, the royal couple suggest the funeral should be a 'Spencer family matter' whereas Charles insists a state funeral is necessary and appropriate.

However, this plotline goes directly against a furious statement issued by Buckingham Palace in 1997 amid reports there was a disagreement behind the scenes over Diana's funeral.

Series 6 of The Crown wull depict Princess Diana's final days and the aftermath of her death - including a controversial scene where the royal family argues over a state funeral for her

In the fourth episode of the new series, Charles returns from Paris, where he had travelled to retrieve Diana's body, he discusses her funeral with his parents.

An argument ensues about whether Diana should be laid to rest in a private Spencer funeral, or whether she should have a state funeral.

Prince Philip declares the funeral is a 'Spencer family matter'.

Charles hits back and says: 'The prime minister believes in a public funeral, a state occasion in all but name - and I agree with him.'

A state funeral was held for Princess Diana on 6 September, 1997, a week after she died in a car crash in Paris

The Queen says: 'That would mean leaving Scotland and participating in some huge spectacle in London.

Phili adds: 'Do you really want to out the boys through that? They'd have to walk behind the coffin in front of all those cameras.'

Shortly after Princess Diana's death, Channel 4 News reported that, while Charles was insistent upon a state funeral for the mother of his sons, the late Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip were at odds with him.

Channel 4 also reported that Diana's brother, Earl Spencer, had argued with the Royal Family over her funeral arrangements.

The TV station said 'high-level sources' at the Palace had reported tensions behind the scenes over the funeral, claiming that the Queen, her private secretary Sir Robert Fellowes and her aides wanted Diana's body to rest in a private mortuary before the funeral.

According to the report, Charles furiously overruled the suggestion following a 'blazing row'.

In response to the report, Buckingham Palace issued a strenuous denial that senior royals wanted to give Princess Diana a private funeral.

The Palace released a strongly-worded statement describing the report as 'the opposite of the truth'.

In the stern rebuttal, the wording of which is almost unprecedented for the Royal Family, the statement read: 'In the aftermath of the tragic death of the Princess of Wales, there has been a wave of speculation and inaccurate stories about the events leading up to, and subsequent to, the funeral. These stories need to be corrected.'

Although the statement admitted there had been 'some minor differences over points of detail', these issues were 'swiftly and amicably resolved'.

It added that the stories reported by Channel 4 were 'the direct opposite of the truth'.
King Charles 'appreciates the Princess of Wales for the solid family network' she has given to Prince William and for showing his grandchildren a 'normal' life, a royal expert has claimed.

The monarch - who turns 75 today - is said to be completely 'devoted' to his grandchildren and 'admires' Prince William and Kate Middleton's parenting approach.

Speaking to OK!, royal expert Jennie Bond opened up about Charles and Kate's relationship and how the Princess' 'normal' background is benefitting Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, eight, and Prince Louis, five.

She explained: 'I think Charles admires and appreciates the solid family network she has created for William.

'The King is devoted to his grandchildren, George, Charlotte and Louis, and photographs show that he has an easy relationship with all three. Im sure he is very proud of the way Kate is bringing them up.'

Pictured: King Charles arrives for a Christmas service at St Mary Magdalene church with the Prince and Princess of Wales in 2018

What's more, the expert - who is the BBC's former royal correspondent - highlighted how the Princess of Wales had to learn exactly what it means to be a member of the Royal Family.

Having grown up out of the limelight, Jennie labelled the Princess of Wales the 'perfect person' to help her children understand their roles in the Firm.

She added: 'I think Kate is key to providing a balanced upbringing for her children, but particularly for a boy born to be King. She has learned what it means to be royal - the restrictions as well as the privileges.'

At the Jubilee Concert outside Buckingham Palace last year, Charles proved himself to be a doting grandfather when stepped in to give Kate a break from Prince Louis' cheeky antics.

During the concert, the King was spotted with the Prince and Princess of Wales' youngest son on his knee and pointing out things that interested the youngster.

Earlier this month, King Charles lovingly referred to Kate as his 'beloved daughter-in-law' during a state visit to Kenya.

While delivering a speech at a state banquet in Nairobi, King Charles recalled Prince William and Kate's 2010 engagement in Kenya.

He said: 'It was here, in sight of Mount Kenya, that my son, The Prince of Wales, proposed to his wife, now my beloved daughter-in-law.'

Pictured: King Charles and the Princess of Wales at the world premiere of the James Bond film No Time to Die in 2021

Pictured: the Prince and Princess of Wales with their three children during the Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022

Prince William proposed to his then long-term girlfriend Kate Middleton in October 2010 in a log cabin while on safari at the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, where he had spent part of his gap year almost a decade before.

Kate is known to have a warm relationship with her father-in-law and has reportedly helped smooth the sometimes fractious relationship between the King and his son, William.

King Charles and Kate have also shown several public signs of their close relationship over the past few years.

For instance, the Princess of Wales lovingly called her father-in-law by his family nickname of 'grandpa' when she greeted him at a G7 reception in 2021.

Meanwhile, in April 2021, the then Duchess of Cambridge shared a kiss on the cheek with her grief-stricken father-in-law as they left Prince Philip's funeral.

Kate consoled Charles as the pair walked out of St George's Chapel following the emotional service in memory of the Duke of Edinburgh.

Pictured: King Charles and Prince Louis during the Platinum Jubilee concert outside Buckingham Palace in June 2022

Photographs show Kate comforting the then Prince of Wales over the loss of his father by putting her hand on his shoulder. She then kissed him on the cheek as they set off from the entrance of the chapel.

Elsewhere, when greeting one another at engagements, Kate and the King will often share a friendly embrace and pecks on the cheeks.

On top of this, Prince William is also reported to see Carole Middleton as a 'second mum'.

Carole, the Princess of Wales' mother, has provided a real sense of normality amid any chaos for Prince William since he married Kate in 2011, royal biographer Angela Levin told The Sun in 2021.
A petition to save Nestle's Caramac chocolate bar from being discontinued has garnered the support of over 27,000 people in less than a week.

The fan favourite sweet treat was axed last week by the brand who claim it's not as popular as others in their range.

However, some Britons are outraged by the decision - joking they are 'going to riot' and others claiming that the decision is 'ageist'.

One fan has taken it as far as to set up a petition on Change.org, which is quickly gathering signatures.

Urging Nestle to reverse its choice, organiser Gary Millar argued that axing the chocolate bar would be a 'significant loss to our cultural heritage'.

A petition to save Nestle's Caramac chocolate bar from being discontinued has garnered the support of over 27,000 people in less than a week

Laying out his reasons, he wrote: 'Of course there are more important causes, but this nostalgic sweet petition is gaining national interest

'As a lover of Caramac bars, I am deeply saddened by the potential discontinuation of this beloved treat.

'The unique blend of caramel and white chocolate has been delighting taste buds for over 50 years since it was first produced by Mackintosh's in 1959.

'Its smooth texture and toffee-like flavor have made it a favorite among many, including myself.

'Unfortunately, there is growing concern that production may cease due to changes in consumer preferences and market trends.

'This would be a significant loss not only for those who enjoy Caramac bars but also for our shared cultural heritage.

'The UK confectionery industry is worth 1.1 billion annually (according to Mintel), and iconic products like Caramac contribute significantly to its success.'

He pleaded: 'We cannot let this piece of confectionery history fade away without a fight.

Laying out his reasons, he wrote: 'Of course there are more important causes, but this nostalgic sweet petition is gaining national interest'

'By signing this petition, you are showing your support for preserving the production of Caramac bars and ensuring future generations can enjoy its unique taste as we have. Please sign this petition today to help save our beloved Caramac!'

The petition is well on its way to reaching its next goal of 35,000 signatures, with almost 600 people adding their names today alone.

One fan who signed, commented 'Whilst many more important things are going on in the world, something as simple as a sweet treat acts as a pick me up Caramac has been mine for decades.

'In a family with many who cannot eat cocoa this little bar of indulgence has enabled them to be no different to those who can eat many other brands.'

Another pledged 'One of my favourites. If it goes I'll NEVER buy Nestle chocolate again'.

Someone else added 'I cannot eat chocolate due to an allergy and this is the best best alternative. Come on Nestle listen to the people. We love it'.

Meanwhile, older supporters chimed in with 'Ive enjoyed Caramac for over 50 years' and 'I am fed up with losing my past'.

The bar was also a staple for those who are allergic to cocoa - one customer said 'I cannot eat cocoa as it gives me a migraine.

Someone else added 'I cannot eat chocolate due to an allergy and this is the best best alternative. Come on Nestle listen to the people. We love it'

READ MORE: As Caramac is axed, these are 14 other discontinued treats fans are clamouring to see back on the shelves Advertisement

'Caramac is my treat and means I dont feel left out when others are eating chocolate'.

Another disappointed consumer wrote 'Nooooo! Caramac must be saved! It's been a firm favourite of mine all my life! I grew up with Caramac.

'I don't like white chocolate, and can take or leave milk chocolate, but caramac is perfect. The only chocolate I could eat a whole bar of! It has to be saved!'

Someone else added 'I have eaten Caramac since I was a child. I'm 56 it's sad that all of our traditional sweets are disappearing.'

It comes after brand and culture expert Nick Ede told FEMAIL: 'It feels that Nestle are being a bit ageist towards the product and have left it on their product shelves to die.

'It is important for brands to evolve and create new product but to many Caramac was a heritage one and very popular. It made its name for itself after the war and was super popular with baby boomers but it seems to have fallen out of favour or flavour should I say!'

What's more, shortly after the announcement of Caramacs demise, the chocolate giant announced a further discontinuation - the Animal Bar.

Due to 'low performance,' it's being pulled from shelves after 60 years, leaving shoppers hit with another blow.

A spokesperson told MailOnline it's 'being discontinued, for the same reason as Caramac  a steady decline in sales'.

One social media user commented 'I've woken to the news that the Animal bar will soon be extinct. It brings back fond memories from my childhood, and I know of no other chocolate bar that cracks in the same deliciously satisfying way,' a second added.

Another pleaded 'Don't you dare get rid of the Animal bar or so help me god'.
Queen Maxima of the Netherlands commanded attention in a fiery red dress as she attended an event to mark the fifth anniversary of a non-profit aiming to create a 'debt-free country'.

The mother-of-three, 52, came dressed to impress as she hosted celebrations in The Hague for the SchuldenlabNL Foundation, which is involved in efforts towards ridding Dutch citizens of their debt.

Maxima turned heads in a figure-hugging red midi dress with long sleeves. She teamed the frock with a pair of dark red suede pointed pumps and a matching leather clutch bag.

Ever the fashionista, she paired the bag and shoes with a wine-coloured poncho which she later removed once inside the building.

Opting for minimal jewellery, she accessorised the look with a pair of red chunky drop down earrings, while she sported just one ring and one bracelet.

Queen Maxima of the Netherlands came dressed to impress today as she hosted the fifth anniversary of SchuldenlabNL in The Hague

Her signature blonde tresses fell loosely around her shoulders, serving as the perfect frame for her glamorous make-up.

The royal opted for black smokey eyeshadow, liquid eyeliner and a rosy pink lip to finish her make-up look.

She appeared in cheery spirits as she made her way around the event and greeted all in attendance.

The event, which took place today, saw participants reflect on the work carried out by financial advisory company Deloitte and SchuldenLabNL to ease debt stress across the nation.

SchuldenLabNL, a non-profit organisation, today celebrated five years in its attempt to improve effectiveness of Dutch debt support.

Queen Maxima, the honorary chairman of the SchuldenlabNL Foundation, spoke with various professionals about her passion for the initiative.

Queen Maxima turned heads in a figure-hugging red midi dress with long sleeves

She appeared in cheery spirits as she made her way around the event and posed for photographs

Queen Maxima is the honorary chairman of the SchuldenlabNL Foundation, who have worked in partnership with financial advisory company Deloitte

The busy queen recently stepped out to celebrate 30 years of parents support group Home-Start operating in the country.

The stylish monarch accessorised her fitted Dolce and Gabbana dress with a brooch made up of black stones, as well as black patent court shoes and a petite leather handbag.

Attending the event in Culemborg, which is in the centre of the Netherlands, Queen Maxima, 52, was dressed for the autumn air in a navy broad-brimmed velvet hat and smart leather gloves.

As she arrived at the event, the Queen was greeted by two children who welcomed her with a bunch of colourful flowers and a drawing.

The purpose of the visit was to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Home-Start Netherlands, a volunteer organisation which offers different kinds of support to parents with young children.

The royal opted for black smokey eyeshadow, liquid eyeliner and a rosy pink lip to finish her make-up look

The mother-of-three also spoke with various professionals about her passion for the initiative

As a forum to recognise the achievements of Home-Start Netherlands over the past three decades, as well as the organisation's plans for the future, the event saw parents and volunteers open up about their experiences.

Joined by her husband King Willem-Alexander, Maxima welcomed members of the public who had previously penned letters to either the King or Queen.

During the meeting, an in-depth discussion about the letters took place, with themes ranging from solidarity to social security, housing, and climate.

The royal couple strive to acknowledge and listen to people's concerns and discuss prospects to strengthen society.

Maxima appeared focused as she listened to the concerns of the Dutch public while sitting in the grand red board room.

The royal teamed the look with a matching leather clutch bag and a pair of red chunky drop down earrings

The stylish monarch also donned a pair of red suede pointed pumps to finish off the look

The royal couple put on a cheerful display while smiling for a group photograph with the attendees.

To mark the occasion, the royal house wrote: 'His Majesty the King and Her Majesty Queen Maxima will receive a dozen Dutch people at Noordeinde Palace on Wednesday, November 1, for an in-depth discussion about the letters they previously wrote to the King or Queen Maxima.

'The members of the Royal House receive more than ten thousand letters every year. These are all handled and stored with the intervention of the King's Office and the Royal Household.

'By entering into discussions with a number of the letter writers, the Royal Couple wants to listen to people's concerns and discuss with them further about the possibilities they see to strengthen society.

'People were chosen who show commitment to a wide variety of themes, such as solidarity, social security, housing and climate.'
Actor Jonathan Pryce, who plays Prince Philip in The Crown, has spoken for the first time of his misgivings over the portrayal of the late royal's friendship with Penny Romsey.

Penny, Countess Mountbatten of Burma, was Philip's carriage driving partner and featured in series five of the Netflix show played by British actress Natascha McElhone.

The actor said he had no previous knowledge of Philip's friendship with Penny Bradbourne - maiden name Knatchbull - which Mr Pryce said made him think the 'British press were presumably manipulated into suppressing these stories'.

He said: 'The main thing I learned about him that I didn't know came from my first meeting with Peter Morgan, when he told me the direction in which he wanted to take Philip's character and that he wanted to expose and talk about this relationship he had with Penny Romsey.

'I knew nothing about this relationship. And I left Peter's house thinking, "Do I want to be the man who tells the world that Phillip has this friendship?".

The Duke of Edinburgh was said to have provided support for the countess after her five-year-old daughter died of kidney cancer. Here the pair are pictured walking together with her husband Lord Brabourne in the background in 2009

Penny, also known as Countess Mountbatten of Burma, was Philip's carriage driving partner and featured in series five of the Netflix show (pictured) played by British actress Natascha McElhone

Jonathan Pryce attends the Los Angeles Premiere of Netflix's "The Crown" Season 6 Part 1 at Regency Village Theatre on November 12

Mr Pryce added: 'And I was very nervous about it and then I went to France and I thought I'll Google it - and I put the two names into Google and European Google was full - page after page after page - of stories about Philip and Penny and that gave me a lot of confidence to approach that storyline.

'But it also told me about how the British press were presumably manipulated into suppressing these stories. And that was a very interesting thing to discover how the power that the royal family might have, and Philip especially.'

The Crown, which is based on the royal family but also weaves in fictional storylines, sparked fury during the release of season five as it suggested that a 'lonely' Philip turned to Penny for 'intellectual companionship'.

But in real life too, the closeness between the Duke of Edinburgh resulted in rumours of an affair over their decades-long friendship, however the pair always strenuously denied the accusation.

And the rumours of a romance between the two were somewhat quietened after Penny also developed a close relationship with the late Queen Elizabeth II.

The second episode in the series showed the pair developing a close friendship after the death of Penny's daughter Leonora from kidney cancer.

In the episode, Philip takes it upon himself to offer condolences to the family after Leonora's death - and finds Penny at home alone.

The two discuss grief with Philip presenting her with a posy of flowers. The pair then discuss marriage and Philip hints he and the Queen have 'grown in separate directions.'

Philip encourages Penny to take up a hobby to distract her from the grief, before she reveals she has an old carriage in the garage of her home. Penny shows Philip a carriage in the garage - 'Norton wouldn't to sell it, we've been told it's beyond repair.'

Philip makes it his pet project to renovate the carriage back to it's former glory, before presenting it to Penny and inviting her along for a ride.

Penelope (Penny) Romsey, also known as Countess Mountbatten of Burma, who befriended Prince Philip at a polo match in 1975 when she was 20, became one of his closest confidantes despite being 32 years his junior and was pictured on walks with the Duke over the years

Prince Philip and Penny Knatchbull had a friendship lasting decades after they bonded over a love of carriage riding. Here they are pictured at the Royal Windsor Horse Show in 2009

The pair sit in his car at the Royal Windsor Horse Show in 2009. The new season of The Crown is set to show Philip pursuing an affair with the Countess Mountbatten of Burma, it has been reported

The two laugh and joke with one another on an intimate ride through the countryside, with their hands touching on multiple occasions.

Upon their return to Penny's home, they discuss setting up a charitable foundation in memory of Leonora, which Philip has drawn up plans for.

At the end of the episode, The Queen and Prince Philip discuss the idea of having 'secrets' from one another.

But a source who knows the family slammed The Crown's portrayal of Penny as 'deliberately cruel' and 'unnecessarily unsympathetic'.

An acquaintance of the family - who had not yet seen the series - told The Telegraph last year: 'It is one thing for a script to be drivel, another to be so deliberately cruel.

'I think maybe they have shot themselves in the foot rather with this but for the majority, it will simply pass them by.'
Queen Letizia of Spain cut a glamorous figure this afternoon as she attended the opening of a Picasso exhibition in Madrid.

The 51-year-old royal wore a red power suit in an appearance at the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia with her husband King Felipe, 55.

The mother of two's stylish two-piece suit featured subtle shoulder-pads and light tortoiseshell buttons on the sleeves and jacket.

Letizia paired her red jacket with an oyster-coloured silk blouse with slight ruching around the neckline, and completed her chic ensemble with pink block high heels.

Pictured: Queen Letizia and King Felipe inaugurate the exhibition Picasso 1906: The Great Transformation at the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia

Taking a leaf out of the Princess of Wales's book, Letizia styled her glossy brown hair in loose waves for the occasion.

The Spanish royal kept her jewellery minimal, opting for an elegant pair of diamond dangly earrings.

What's more, the Spanish queen donned her signature bronze smokey eye look and finished off her makeup with a nude lipstick.

Meanwhile, King Felipe was dapper in a grey pinstripe suit and red tie, which perfectly completed his wife's outfit.

The exhibition officially opens tomorrow at the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia and runs until March 2024.

The national museum has had ties to the Royal Family since it was opened in 1992 and was named after King Felipe's mother Sofia.

It's been an exceptionally busy few months for the royal couple, who have squeezed in a tour of Denmark and seen their 18-year-old daughter Princess Leonor swear allegiance to the throne.

The queen comes from humble beginnings. Born on September 15, 1972, in Oviedo, northern Spain, Letizia grew up in a middle-class family and attended a public school.

Letizia, 51, paired her statement red jacket with an oyster-coloured silk blouse with slight ruching around the neckline

The European royal kept her jewellery minimal - opting for an elegant pair of diamond dangly earrings

King Felipe was dapper in a grey pinstripe suit and red tie, which completed his wife's outfit

The Picasso exhibition officially opens tomorrow at the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia and runs until March 2024

The mother-of-two's stylish two-piece suit featured subtle shoulder-pads and light tortoiseshell buttons on the sleeves and jacket

While her mother, Maria Rodriguez, was a nurse, Letizia took after her father, Jesus Jose Ortiz Alvarez, and stepmother Ana Togores, who are both journalists, and studied communications at university in Madrid.

She then got her Masters in broadcast journalism and after a stint at Asturian daily paper, La Nueva Espana, she went on to work for ABC, a popular national newspaper that enjoys the third largest circulation in Spain.

Next came a stint at Spanish news agency EFE before a move to Guadalajara in Mexico saw her take on a role on local paper, Siglo 21.

Back in Spain a year later, she worked for the Spanish version of Bloomberg, a news channel and agency specialising in economics, before moving to CNN+.

Before she met Felipe of Spain, Letizia was married to high school literature teacher Alonso Guerrero Perez, who was nine years her senior.

Pictured: King Felipe and Queen Letizia with their daughters Princess Leonor (left) and Princess Sofia (right) at Leonor's swearing in ceremony last month

Pictured: Queen Letizia with Queen Mary of Denmark during her state visit to Copenhagen earlier this month

The couple wed in 1998 following a ten-year romance, with the pair meeting when the future Spanish queen was just 16.

They tied the knot in a civil ceremony in the town of Almendralejo, Badajoz, but divorced the following year.

By the time she met her husband-to-be, Felipe, in 2002, Letizia was working for popular TV channel 24 Horas, where along with anchoring the popular Telediario 2 evening news bulletin she reported on a wide range of breaking news event.

As a news anchor, she reported live from Ground Zero after the 9/11 attacks in 2001.

She met Prince Felipe the following year  at the site of an oil spillage in Northern Spain. The year after first meeting Felipe, Letizia quit her job and a few days later their engagement was announced.

Letizia and Felipe's marriage in Madrid in 2004 prompted an upswing in support for the royal family, and her habit of championing High Street brands like Zara proved popular. She and Felipe had two daughters, Leonor in 2005 and Sofia in 2007.
Meghan had a poppy broach pinned to her sweater for the outing, which came one day before Remembrance Day in the UK and Veterans Day in the US

Meghan Markle may well have quit her life in the UK - but she still found a touching way to pay tribute to British veterans on Friday when she stepped out sporting a poppy brooch, which are worn as a show of support for the Armed Forces.

The 42-year-old wore the brooch while stepping out for a spot of lunch and a quick shopping trip with her model pal Kelly McKee Zajfen in Montecito at the end of last week, taking full advantage of the warm California weather by sporting a pair of chic La Ligne cargo shorts and a simple pair of black Aquazzura ballet flats.

She paired the shorts with a black La Ligne sweater - to which she affixed her poppy pin, wearing it on the left breast of the garment, a position that is meant to signify the act of keeping fallen veterans close to your heart.

Meghan topped off the ensemble with some glamorous sunglasses and a thin black belt, and was seen toting a large black-and-white striped Cesta Collective bag over one shoulder, while her long brunette locks were pulled back in a casual ponytail.

Cesta Collective is described as a 'mission-based brand' that 'aims to have a positive social impact by promoting gender equality and economic empowerment, through joyful, ethically-made accessories'.

Meghan Markle may well have quit her life in the UK - but she still found a touching way to pay tribute to British veterans when she stepped out sporting a poppy brooch

The 42-year-old wore the brooch while stepping out for a spot of lunch and a quick shopping trip with a friend in Montecito at the end of last week

Meghan took full advantage of the warm California weather by sporting a pair of chic cargo shorts and a simple pair of black ballet flats

The women had their arms around one another as they walked down a small flight of steps outside the Italian eatery where they enjoyed lunch together

The outing came just one day before Remembrance Day in the UK and Veterans Day in the US, an emotional occasion that both Meghan and Harry marked earlier in the week when they met with military veterans and their families at Camp Pendleton in San Diego on Wednesday.

Prince Harry, 39, who was stripped of his honorary military titles when he quit his role as a working royal, and Meghan both wore Royal British Legion poppies for the occasion - as they did the following day when they cut the ribbon on a new fitness center for veterans at the venue.

However on Friday, Meghan's husband was nowhere to be seen as she enjoyed a girls' lunch with Kelly - the co-founder of an organization called Alliance of Moms - whose nine-year-old son George suddenly passed away in July of last year.

At the time, a friend of the Zajfen family revealed to DailyMail.com that George had been found 'unresponsive' and that his death had come as a complete shock to his loved ones and parents.

Kelly herself has been open about her grief on Instagram, writing in October of last year that she was 'not really okay', telling her followers: 'The light everyday is dim. I try my best. We are all trying our best. Im so broken.

'Im searching everyday to find some new way to mold the pieces back together and Im completely aware that it may not all fit again.'

In May, she posted a heartfelt tribute to Meghan on her account, praising the Duchess of Sussex for her support and praising her for being such an 'incredible friend and mother'.

'You are always the first to say yes and support those you love. You are a fierce advocate for those who are in need,' Kelly continued, while sharing an image of herself and the Duchess of Sussex both wearing 'Community Motherhood' T-shirts in support of an Alliance of Moms campaign.

And it appears their bond is stronger than ever judging by their close appearance on Friday, when they were seen leaving local Montecito restaurant Pane e Vino with their arms around one another.

Former model Kelly was seen toting a white paper bag of leftovers as the pair left the eatery, which is described as the area's 'first authentic Italian restaurant' and serves an array of seasonal daily specials, as well as a selection of handmade pasta dishes, including farfalle with fresh salmon and rigatoni pomodoro.

Following their lunch date, the two women made their way to nearby 'luxury women's clothing boutique' Wendy Foster, where Meghan is known to have shopped in the past - having been seen there as recently as last October.

Meghan appeared to be in great spirits during the outing, during which she was seen beaming from ear-to-ear as she and her friend made their way to the Duchess's waiting Range Rover - accompanied by a burly security guard.

The Duchess of Sussex paired her shorts-and-sweater combo with some glamorous shades, and she carried a black-and-white striped tote over one shoulder

She wore her poppy brooch on the left breast of her sweater - a position that symbolizes the act of keeping those who have passed close to a person's heart

At one point, Meghan put her hand on her friend's back as they left Montecito eatery Pane e Vino, which describes itself as the area's 'first authentic Italian restaurant'

The Duchess of Sussex was seen smiling and laughing as she and her pal left the restaurant and made their way to a nearby luxury clothing boutique

The two women - who both carried brown paper Wendy Foster shopping bags - were seen chatting and laughing with one another, seemingly without a care in the world.

Wendy Foster, a boutique that Meghan was seen visiting with Kelly back in October, sells an array of high-end clothing brands, including AG Jeans and Nili Lotan.

It marked a much more carefree occasion for the Duchess, who earlier in the week spent time meeting with American military veterans alongside her husband, with a statement issued by their foundation, Archewell, revealing that the couple 'spent the morning with veteran and activeduty service members and their loved-ones at Camp Pendleton in San Diego, California'.

The pair were pictured with around a dozen people at a discussion table, and according to Archewell learned about the work of Operation Bigs, a mentoring program set up in 2004.

The scheme connects military children and families with others who have gone through similar experiences.

Pioneered by Camp Pendleton, it has in the last nine years served more than 3,000 Navy and Marine Corps children, according to Archewell, and has expanded to over 30 affiliates across the country.

Meghan was sporting a bold red manicure that she showed off while gesturing as the pair strolled out of the restaurant - with her pal carrying a bag of what appeared to be leftovers

The two women then made their way to Wendy Foster, where they both did some shopping

Meghan was seen sporting her signature jewelry - which includes a gold Cartier Love Bracelet and a diamond pinky ring

The Duchess was seen embracing her friend as they exited the restaurant

Harry spent a decade in the British Army - including two tours of Afghanistan - and has a long personal connection with the military, one that he has made great efforts to maintain even after quitting royal life.

He and Meghan have spent previous Veterans' Days on military sites: in 2021, they were at McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey, and in 2020 visited a military cemetery in Los Angeles.

After visiting Camp Pendleton, Meghan and Harry then travelled to downtown San Diego to open up a new gym for Navy SEALs and veterans wounded in combat.

The 20,000-square-foot Warrior Fitness Program West Coast Facility is the second site to open, after a Virginia Beach facility launched in 2017.

The foundation has already helped more than 800 active-duty and veteran SEALs and surface warfare combatant crewman - and both sites now have advanced technology, equipment and personnel designed to help with physical and mental recovery, according to The Times of San Diego.

'We're thrilled that the Duke and Duchess are here,' said Tony Duynstee, a former SEAL who spoke for the SEAL Foundation.

'It's quite an honor for them to be here for the commissioning.'
He has recently revealed that shopping carts are filled with germs

A doctor has issued a severe warning about shopping carts - claiming that the average supermarket hold-all is actually dirtier than a toilet, and therefore more likely to give you an infection.

Dr. Kunal Sood is a board-certified acute and chronic pain doctor who resides in Germantown, Maryland.

He frequently shares tips on his TikTok account, where he boasts more than 1.9 million followers.

Most recently, the health care expert took to the video-sharing platform to warn his followers about the dangers of shopping carts.

Dr. Kunal Sood is a doctor who has revealed that shopping carts are dirtier than toilets and more likely to give you an infection

The health care expert took to the video-sharing platform to warn viewers about the dangers of shopping carts by giving an example of a woman who got an infection from a cart

He noted that, according to a study from the University of Arizona, more than 75 per cent of shopping carts were positive for fecal bacteria

In a viral clip, which has so far amassed more than 474,000 views, he explains why grocery carts can be covered with a high level of bacteria.

He captioned the video: 'Do you clean your shopping cart before using?'

Dr. Sood began by giving an example of a woman who claimed she got hand, foot and mouth disease from the grocery cart after putting her baby on it for the first time.

'So it is possible to pass an infection from a shopping cart,' he said before lifting the lid on how many germs there really were.

He noted that, according to a study from the University of Arizona, more than 75 per cent of shopping carts were positive for fecal bacteria.

The health care expert claimed that grocery carts held more germs than toilets.

'The study even showed the shopping carts were even dirtier than toilets because toilets were more likely to be cleaned than the shopping carts,' he said.

Dr. Sood also shared his tip for avoiding the transfer of germs when using a grocery cart.

'The best way to lower the risk of infection for both you and your kids is to use a disinfecting wipe and make sure you wipe the shopping cart handle,' he advised.

The health care expert claimed that grocery carts hold more germs than toilets

Viewers flooded the comments section and expressed their shock while thanking the doctor for his advice

Viewers flooded the comments section and expressed their shock while thanking the doctor for his advice.

One person said: 'Oh my god - new fear unlocked.'

Another user added: 'I am going to use wipes from now on.'

Someone else wrote: 'Yeah definitely gonna start cleaning the cart from now on. That's awful.'

'Thank you! I have had a lot of anxiety about shopping carts recently, I knew it wasn't just in my head,' a fourth person declared.
The two women enjoyed lunch together at an Italian restaurant before going shopping at a nearby luxury women's clothing boutique

Meghan Markle took a break from her roles as wife and mother in order to play the part of supportive friend on Friday, when she enjoyed a girls' day out with her close pal Kelly McKee Zajfen - 16 months after the former model's nine-year-old son 'mysteriously' passed away.

The 42-year-old Duchess of Sussex, who Kelly once described as an 'incredible friend and mother', was pictured making her way out of a local Montecito restaurant with her former model pal, with both women seen chatting and laughing happily as they exited the eatery.

Their fun-filled outing comes just over one year after a close friend of the Zajfen family revealed to DailyMail.com that Kelly's son George had been found 'unresponsive' in their family home and that his death had come as a complete shock to his loved ones and parents.

Kelly - who is also mother to George's twin sister Lily - herself has been open about her grief on Instagram, writing in October of last year that she was 'not really okay', while telling her followers: 'The light everyday is dim. I try my best. We are all trying our best. Im so broken.

'Im searching everyday to find some new way to mold the pieces back together and Im completely aware that it may not all fit again.'

In May, she posted a heartfelt tribute to Meghan on her account, praising the Duchess of Sussex for her support and praising her for being such an 'incredible friend and mother'.

Meghan Markle played the role of supportive friend on Friday when she stepped out for lunch with close pal Kelly McKee Zajfen - 16 months after her young son passed away

The 42-year-old appeared in good spirits as she joined her friend for a lunch and shopping trip

Meghan took full advantage of the warm California weather by sporting a pair of chic La Ligne cargo shorts and a simple pair of black Aquazzura ballet flats

The Duchess of Sussex placed a supportive arm around her friend as they left the restaurant

The outing comes 16 months after Kelly's nine-year-old son George passed away after being found 'unresponsive' at his family home

'You are always the first to say yes and support those you love. You are a fierce advocate for those who are in need,' Kelly continued, while sharing an image of herself and the Duchess of Sussex both wearing 'Community Motherhood' T-shirts in support of an Alliance of Moms campaign.

And it appears their bond is stronger than ever judging by their close appearance on Friday, when they were seen leaving local Montecito restaurant Pane e Vino with their arms around one another.

Former model Kelly was seen toting a white paper bag of leftovers as the pair left the eatery, which is described as the area's 'first authentic Italian restaurant' and serves an array of seasonal daily specials, as well as a selection of handmade pasta dishes, including farfalle with fresh salmon and rigatoni pomodoro.

Following their lunch date, the two women made their way to nearby 'luxury women's clothing boutique' Wendy Foster, where Meghan is known to have shopped in the past - having been seen there as recently as last October.

Meghan appeared to be in great spirits during the outing, during which she was seen beaming from ear-to-ear as she and her friend made their way to the Duchess's waiting Range Rover - accompanied by a burly security guard.

And while she may well have quit her life in the UK - the Duchess still found a touching way to pay tribute to British veterans on Friday when she stepped out sporting a poppy brooch, which are worn as a show of support for the Armed Forces.

Meghan took full advantage of the warm California weather, donning a pair of chic La Ligne shorts and a black La Ligne sweater - to which she affixed her poppy pin, wearing it on the left breast of the garment, a position that is meant to signify the act of keeping fallen veterans close to your heart.

Meghan topped off the ensemble with some glamorous Celine sunglasses and a thin black Givenchy belt, and was seen toting a large black-and-white striped Cesta Collective bag over one shoulder, while her long brunette locks were pulled back in a casual ponytail.

Cesta Collective is described as a 'mission-based brand' that 'aims to have a positive social impact by promoting gender equality and economic empowerment, through joyful, ethically-made accessories'.

The Duchess of Sussex paired her shorts-and-sweater combo with some glamorous shades, and she carried a black-and-white striped Cesta Collective tote over one shoulder

She wore her poppy brooch on the left breast of her sweater - a position that symbolizes the act of keeping those who have passed close to a person's heart

At one point, Meghan put her hand on her friend's back as they left Montecito eatery Pane e Vino, which describes itself as the area's 'first authentic Italian restaurant'

The Duchess of Sussex was seen smiling and laughing as she and her pal left the restaurant and made their way to a nearby luxury clothing boutique

The outing came just one day before Remembrance Day in the UK and Veterans Day in the US, an emotional occasion that both Meghan and Harry marked earlier in the week when they met with military veterans and their families at Camp Pendleton in San Diego on Wednesday.

Prince Harry, 39, who was stripped of his honorary military titles when he quit his role as a working royal, and Meghan both wore Royal British Legion poppies for the occasion - as they did the following day when they cut the ribbon on a new fitness center for veterans at the venue.

The two women - who both carried brown paper Wendy Foster shopping bags - were seen chatting and laughing with one another, seemingly without a care in the world.

Wendy Foster, a boutique that Meghan was seen visiting with Kelly back in October, sells an array of high-end clothing brands, including AG Jeans and Nili Lotan.

It marked a much more carefree occasion for the Duchess, who earlier in the week spent time meeting with American military veterans alongside her husband, with a statement issued by their foundation, Archewell, revealing that the couple 'spent the morning with veteran and activeduty service members and their loved-ones at Camp Pendleton in San Diego, California'.

The pair were pictured with around a dozen people at a discussion table, and according to Archewell learned about the work of Operation Bigs, a mentoring program set up in 2004.

The scheme connects military children and families with others who have gone through similar experiences.

Pioneered by Camp Pendleton, it has in the last nine years served more than 3,000 Navy and Marine Corps children, according to Archewell, and has expanded to over 30 affiliates across the country.

In May, Kelly posted a heartfelt tribute to Meghan on her account, praising the Duchess of Sussex for her support and praising her for being such an 'incredible friend and mother'

Meghan was sporting a bold red manicure that she showed off while gesturing as the pair strolled out of the restaurant - with her pal carrying a bag of what appeared to be leftovers

The two women then made their way to Wendy Foster, where they both did some shopping

Meghan was seen sporting her signature jewelry - which includes a gold Cartier Love Bracelet and a diamond pinky ring

The Duchess was seen embracing her friend as they exited the restaurant

Harry spent a decade in the British Army - including two tours of Afghanistan - and has a long personal connection with the military, one that he has made great efforts to maintain even after quitting royal life.

He and Meghan have spent previous Veterans' Days on military sites: in 2021, they were at McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey, and in 2020 visited a military cemetery in Los Angeles.

After visiting Camp Pendleton, Meghan and Harry then travelled to downtown San Diego to open up a new gym for Navy SEALs and veterans wounded in combat.

The 20,000-square-foot Warrior Fitness Program West Coast Facility is the second site to open, after a Virginia Beach facility launched in 2017.

The foundation has already helped more than 800 active-duty and veteran SEALs and surface warfare combatant crewman - and both sites now have advanced technology, equipment and personnel designed to help with physical and mental recovery, according to The Times of San Diego.

'We're thrilled that the Duke and Duchess are here,' said Tony Duynstee, a former SEAL who spoke for the SEAL Foundation.

'It's quite an honor for them to be here for the commissioning.'
The Prince and Princess of Wales were seen enjoying a late night out as they departed Clarence House close to midnight after King Charles's glittering 75th birthday party.

But reports suggest the monarch's biggest gift this year was the call he received from his younger son, Prince Harry, who allegedly phoned to wish his father a happy birthday  their first phone call in six months.

Dressed to impress, Kate, 41, oozed elegance in an emerald Needle & Thread Alicia sequin-embellished recycled polyester gown, while Prince William, also 41, looked smart in a white shirt and jacket as he drove from the royal residence.

They were joined at the monarch's birthday celebration by his niece Princess Beatrice, Princess Margaret's daughter Lady Sarah Chatto and Princess Anne's daughter Zara Tindall and her husband Mike Tindall.

Looking effortlessly elegant, Zara, 42, stunned in Australian designer Rebecca Vallance's 640 Eva dress, featuring a figure-skimming silhouette and dazzling pearl embellishment.

Sources close to Harry told the BBC he would be calling his father, who does not own a mobile phone, for his birthday. According to The Sun, Charles is understood to have also spoken with his daughter-in-law Meghan Markle during yesterday's call.

Charles and Harry are understood to have had minimal contact for months, particularly since the release of Harry's tell-all memoir Spare, published in January, and a Netflix series, which was released the month prior to that.

The Prince and Princess of Wales drive from Clarence House after 11pm last night

Prince William and Kate are seen leaving the event after celebrating the King's birthday

Looking effortlessly elegant, Zara Tindall (pictured with husband Mike), 42, stunned in Australian designer Rebecca Vallance's 640 Eva dress, featuring a figure-skimming silhouette and dazzling pearl embellishment

Princess Beatrice waves as she arrives at Clarence House for the King's birthday celebrations

Buckingham Palace declined to comment, preferring to focus on His Majesty's Coronation Food Project. MailOnline has contacted Harry and Meghan's organisation Archewell for comment.

Other guests at Charles' glittering birthday bash included the late Queen Elizabeth II's racing manager John Warren and Sarah Troughton, who is one of the Queens six companions (a role which replaced the former lady-in-waiting position) and oldest friends.

Sarah, the Lord-Lieutenant of Wiltshire, is a second cousin of King Charles via her maternal grandfather, who was a brother of the Queen Mother.

Penny Knatchbull also made a glamorous arrival in a stunning blue gown as she arrived at Clarence House.

The Countess Mountbatten of Burma befriended Prince Philip at a polo match in 1975 when she was 20, became one of his closest confidantes despite being 32 years his junior and was pictured on walks with the Duke over the years

Lady Susan Hussey, 84, the former lady-in-waiting to the late Queen Elizabeth II, was also in attendance, sporting an elegant blue shimmering gown, while Jools Holland also made an appearance.

Other family members attending Charles' birthday event also included the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, and David Armstrong-Jones, the 2nd Earl of Snowdon, the son of the late Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones.

Charles marked his 75th birthday with a gun salute and a sing-along at a food waste project followed by a reception for the NHS on Tuesday.

Harry and Meghan previously said they had 'no contact' from Buckingham Palace about an invitation to Charles' 75th birthday event on the evening.

The Sunday Times reported that Prince Harry had turned down an invitation to the birthday bash, and will stay in California . But a spokesperson for the Sussexes told MailOnline that the couple had no idea about it.

A source close to the Sussexes told MailOnline that they were not invited to Charles party.

William and Kate having a late night as they drive home from the party celebrations

Lady Sarah Chatto, 59, daughter of Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones, 1st Earl of Snowdon, donned a dazzling display of jewellery when attending the King's birthday bash

Zara (pictured with Mike) teamed her stunning dress with a velvet blazer and matching court shoes, while carrying a shimmering metallic clutch bag

The King's niece (pictured with her husband Mike Tindall) opted for a glamorous smattering of makeup to complete her sophisticated look

Sarah Troughton, pictured, who is one of the Queens six companions (a role which replaced the former lady-in-waiting position) and oldest friends. Sarah, the Lord-Lieutenant of Wiltshire, is a second cousin of King Charles via her maternal grandfather, who was a brother of the Queen Mother

Penny Knatchbull pictured arriving at the birthday party. The Countess Mountbatten of Burma befriended Prince Philip at a polo match in 1975 when she was 20, became one of his closest confidantes despite being 32 years his junior and was pictured on walks with the Duke over the years

Zara's sophisticated 640 dress also featured voluminous puff sleeves. Pictured, Zara and Mike arriving at Clarence House

Guests arrive at Clarence House in Central London, for the party. Pictured left, the late Queen Elizabeth II's racing manager John Warren

Lady Susan Hussey, the former lady-in-waiting to the late Queen Elizabeth II, was dressed in an elegant blue shimmering gown as she had her taxi door opened for her as she arrived at Clarence House

Jools Holland, pictured left, arrives at Clarence House to celebrate the King's 75th birthday

'They had not received any invitation and were unaware of any celebrations until the stories came out,' the insider said, adding: 'I'm sure the Duke will find a way to reach out privately to wish His Majesty a happy birthday like he has always done'.

A friend of the couple suggested the Palace could even have leaked the 'snubbing' story to take attention away from the recent royal visit to Kenya, where the King faced calls to apologise for Britain's colonial past.

'The story is being positioned in a way to make it look like the Duke is snubbing his father, which he is not,' the friend said. 'Considering the trip [to Kenya] didn't go well, this might be a welcome distraction.'

A 41-gun royal salute in Green Park, central London, a 62-gun salute at the Tower of London and a 21-gun salute in Edinburgh all marked Charles's milestone on Tuesday.

The King arrived in cheery spirits in Didcot, Oxfordshire, with Queen Camilla to launch the Coronation Food Project at a food waste distribution centre.

Among the many people he met there was Kelvin, who sells the Big Issue magazine, which is sold by homeless people to help them earn an income.

Photos show the King greeting Kelvin, who is holding a stack of the magazines. The special edition features a black and white portrait of King Charles on the front cover.

And dispelling the myth that royals never carry cash, photographs show Charles handing Kelvin a 10 note, to buy a copy.

The King, who enjoyed a working birthday before private celebrations, laughed as he was treated to a rousing rendition of Happy Birthday to mark his three quarters of a century.

Charles replied: 'Oh gracious!' after Baroness Louise Casey, who is helping to create his Coronation Food Project, asked whether he minded if guests serenaded him.

Baroness Casey told the monarch: 'I was wondering if it was all right' at which point the King raised his eyebrows questioningly and looked around comically. He then quipped: 'Have you practiced?' to a group of volunteers behind him.

The King looked a tad bashful as everyone joined in, including Queen Camilla, who also clapped loudly at the end.

The monarch wore a warm-looking camel coat and a smart royal blue tie with a slate grey suit for the official visit, taking time to wave to those who'd gathered outside - many wearing disposable raincoats - to offer well wishes on his birthday.

Queen Camilla's son Tom Parker-Bowles looks dapper as he arrives at Clarence House for the celebrations

The Duke of Gloucester (pictured alongside the Duchess of Gloucester) is the late Queen Elizabeth II's cousin and a full-time working member of the Royal Family

Former MP Rory Stewart looked smart in a suit and blue scarf as he arrived at the birthday bash

David Armstrong-Jones, pictured, the 2nd Earl of Snowdon, the son of the late Princess Margaret and celebrated photographer Antony Armstrong-Jones - the first Earl of Snowdon

Queen Camilla's sister Annabel Elliot (pictured left) arrives Clarence House for the birthday celebration

Queen Camilla, 76, opted for a stylish emerald green skirt suit with black knee-high boots and black leather gloves, and antique pearl drop earrings for the public outing - with both royals needing umbrellas to brave the inclement Oxfordshire weather.

The Coronation Food Project was inspired and devised by the King, who has long been concerned about waste, particularly when it comes to food, and the cost of living crisis. More than 12million tons of food is wasted each year in the UK alone.

The project will work with, and crucially raise funds for, existing food waste projects around the country to save and circulate more surplus food and use it for social good.

It will help scale up nationwide projects and build warehouses, as well buy fridges, freezer and refrigerated lorries. The project is being led by Baroness Casey and Dame Martina Milburn and co-ordinated by the King Charles III Charitable Fund.

'We are beyond delighted about it. It is such an honour for us and support for the project just wouldn't have happened without you. We are incredibly grateful to you,' Baroness Casey told the King and Queen.

Arriving in pouring rain, they met staff and volunteers in the warehouse, the King asking questions about how the surplus food is received and distributed to community organisations.

At one point, the monarch asked: 'I hope you have had a lunch break. There's plenty to eat!'

The King also took a peek inside a freezer and then outside viewed four Fareshare food vans loaded with goods for distribution. 'Are you just about to go out?' he asked one driver.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla smile and wave during the launch of the Coronation Food Project and the visit to the South Oxfordshire Food and Education Alliance, a surplus food distribution centre, on November 14, 2023 in Didcot

Charles greets Britain's newly appointed Health Secretary Victoria Atkins, Chief Nursing Officer for England Ruth May and CEOof NHS England Amanda Pritchard as he meets nurses and midwives to celebrate their work at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday

The King bought a special edition of the Big Issue from seller Kelvin (right) with Lord John Bird, (centre) the founder of the Big Issue, stood between them

The royal couple visited the kitchen at the food hub, meeting New Zealand chef Alex, far left, and admiring some of the dishes created from surplus food

London's Piccadilly Lights were lit up with a birthday message for Charles and the tourist attraction also displayed a quote from his Big Issue article.

The 41 gun salute in Green Park was followed by a 62-gun salute at Tower Wharf, Tower of London - an extra 21 for the City of London - at 1pm

Although the engagement hadn't been publicised in advance, there was a small but vocal crowd outside who burst into another rendition of happy birthday.

Meanwhile 70 miles away in London, members of The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery carried out the ceremonial tradition of a 41-gun salute for the King, lighting up a murky day in Green Park.

The Honourable Artillery Company fired an additional 62-gun salute at Tower Wharf, Tower of London - an extra 21 for the City of London - at 1pm.

North of the border in Edinburgh Castle, the Band of Royal Regiment of Scotland played their instruments, ahead of 16 Regiment Royal Artillery firing a 21-gun salute.

Back inside the Didcot hub's offices, Charles and Camilla popped into the kitchen where chef Alex MacKay was making a delicious array of hot food with a team of volunteers.

'Happy birthday,' he told the sovereign. 'How did you know?' joked Charles. The chef continued: 'Would you like to see what we are cooking, sir? This is all from surplus food.' The dishes included plates of fresh vegetables and a lentil and black bean chilli.

'I had hope to feed you but I understand we can't. Would you like to have a taste?' he added.

The King, who famously never stops for lunch, said he had another engagement to get to. Before he left, Charles asked him: 'Are you from Australia?'

Alex replied: 'Oh no, and we were getting on so well! I'm from New Zealand. You know what you do, sir. You ask someone if they are from New Zealand and for the Australians, that's a compliment!'

The King also spoke to food influencers including Bake Off's Crystelle Pereira, as well as the chief executives of several major supermarkets and food suppliers including Morrisons, Sainsbury's and Waitrose, alongside Amazon, ABF and Prince's, who have all signed up to the newly-created Food Alliance to help stop food waste and donate surplus produce.

There was also time to chat with Lord Bird, co-founder of The Big Issue, who launched the Coronation Food Project on Monday with a new portrait by Rankin of the King on the front cover.

He told the King: 'I haven't seen you for a quarter of a century.' 'Has it been as long as that?' asked the King. 'You haven't changed a bit!'

Kelvin, who has sold the Big Issue off and on for 25 years during periodic bouts of homelessness, explained afterwards: 'It just shows he cares. He is reaching out to the general public. He is a good man.

'The Royal Family always try to help but he really does. The world is in turmoil and we need to all be together. We are all equal. He is using his position to facilitate change. His mother would be proud of him. She was a benevolent and kind person. '

Before Charles and Camilla left for another engagement, followed by a private dinner in London, the King unveiled a plaque to mark his visit before he and the Queen waved off four food distribution vans.
Collapsed high fashion designer Alice McCall has brushed off critics who have slammed her collaboration with a Chinese fast fashion giant.

While the Australian brand believes the comeback will attract a 'wider audience', 'embarrassed' and 'devastated' fans have slammed the decision, saying it goes against everything the company stands for.

Responding to the backlash, founder Alice McCall told FEMAIL: 'Everyone has a right to express their views. I'm just very much focused on the launch of this collection which I truly believe in.'

The label was founded in 2004 but struggled during the Covid-19 pandemic before going into liquidation in February owing $1million to creditors.

The pieces were regularly featured on red carpets and in high fashion editorials for Vogue, Harper's Bazaar and Elle and the brand was beloved for what many described as its 'playful sensibility'.

Customers have been left 'shocked and embarrassed' after Australian fashion label Alice McCall announce a collaboration with Chinese brand Shein

Following the announcement on Monday, fans flocked to Instagram and X to share their opinion and shock

On X one person wrote: 'Absolutely devastating to see what's become of Alice McCall'

Another said she is 'absolutely devastated'

Following the announcement on Monday, fans flocked to Instagram and X to share their opinion.

'Alice McCall x Shein is so embarrassing.. why would you tank your own brand like that?' one wrote.

'Designer who went bust decides to collaborate with a sweat shop factory,' another said.

'Absolutely devastating to see what's become of Alice McCall,' a third added on X.

On Instagram, a commenter wrote: 'The Alice McCall brand makes one of the most disappointing moves in a desperate attempt to make money. Having to turn off the comments on the Instagram post just an hour after posting is the cherry on top.'

Another said they were 'shocked and enraged' by the decision.

Speaking of the backlash, Ms McCall (pictured) told FEMAIL 'everyone has a right to express their views'. 'I'm just very much focused on the launch of this collection which I truly believe in,' she said

However, Ms McCall said: 'This collaboration will allow a whole new audience, who may not have been able to afford an Alice McCall piece in the past, the opportunity to purchase a piece that is every bit as good as anything I have previously created.

'One of my principles as a designer is to make garments that last and I've taken this philosophy through to the pieces in this collection.

'A highlight for me with this collection was that, for the first time in my two decades as a designer, I have been able to work with rescued fabrics and have also used recycled polyester in this collection.'

'This collaboration will allow a whole new audience, who may not have been able to afford an Alice McCall piece in the past, the opportunity to purchase a piece that is every bit as good as anything I have previously created,' Ms McCall said

The collection will launch on November 16 in Australia, New Zealand and the US with prices ranging from $15 for a bralette to $120 for a dress

'I have always resonated with the idea that my designs can become attainable to a wider audience, so when the opportunity to partner with SHEIN presented itself, it felt like I was able to turn this vision into reality,' Ms McCall added.

'A highlight for me was that, for the first time in my two decades as a designer, I have been able to work with rescued fabrics and have also used recycled polyester in this collection.

'The styles feel fresh, elevated, easy to wear and obviously Alice.'

One fan hit back over the brand's sustainability claims and, saying polyester was not an environmentally friendly material.

'Given designers are well aware of Shein's practices, polyester as a fabric is just plastic and not sustainable nor environmentally friendly or ethical in anyway, this collaboration reeks of just doing it to make money,' the Instagram comment read.

A Shein spokesperson said: 'Alice McCall's flirty, feminine collection, coupled with her use of preferred materials, such as rescued fabric, will hit the mark for many customers around the world'

A Shein spokesperson said: 'We are always identifying ways to bring customers more of what they love.

'Alice McCall's flirty, feminine collection, coupled with her use of preferred materials, such as rescued fabric, will hit the mark for many customers around the world.'

The collection will launch on November 16 in Australia, New Zealand and the US with prices ranging from $15 for a bralette to $120 for a dress.

The collection incorporates rescued textiles sourced via Shein's partnership with Queen of Raw, a global circular economy technology company.

Shoppers can expect pastels, floral prints, nods to 70s Italian lingerie, art nouveau-inspired pieces and more in the feminine collection.

In November 2020, Alice McCall went into voluntary administration.

In a statement posted to Instagram, Ms McCall said: 'After two decades, I have come full circle with the brand, Alice McCall. It is time to close the doors, making space for a new chapter in my life.

'I want to say thankyou and acknowledge all the people that have worn , supported and loved the brand over the years.'

It was also reported McCall owed more than $1million to its creditors with more than half of the money indebted to the Australian Taxation Office.
Domino's has delighted fans with the launch of their new Christmas menu, which includes a festive pizza with turkey toppings.

The pizza chain has re-brought back its much-loved The Festive One pizza across the UK starting today, November 13.

Loaded Fries with Cheese are also on the new menu.

The limited edition festive treat is topped with the merriest of Christmas trimmings, including pulled turkey breast marinated in aromatic sage and onion.

To complete the toppings are a loaded helping of traditional sausage, crispy smoked bacon and a portion of onions.

Domino's has re-launched its much-loved The Festive One pizza across the UK starting today, November 13 (Stock image)

The Festive One pizza (pictured) is topped with the merriest of Christmas trimmings, including pulled turkey breast marinated in aromatic sage and onion

It's base is comprised of Domino's signature hand-stretched dough and smothered with vine-ripened tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese.

For those with a sweet-tooth, a generous drizzle of cranberry sauce makes for the final festive ingredient.

If you're keen to get your hands on The Festive One, you'll have to be quick as it's available for just a limited time only - until January 2, 2024.

For a double dose of festive treatment, a new cheesy side is joining the menu alongside The Festive One pizza.

The new Loaded Fries with Cheese combines crispy, golden brown fries with a layer of cheese sauce and drizzly, melted Mozzarella.

And for even more good news, the new Loaded Fries with Cheese will be a permanent addition to the menu, with new variations and flavours to arrive soon.

Following rave reviews from fans, the Twisted Doughballs, Chocolate Cinnamon flavour will also be joining the Domino's menu indefinitely.

Sam Wilson, menu maker at Dominos said: 'Our fans love The Festive One, so much so they demand its return every year.

Joining the menu is the all new Loaded Fries with Cheese (pictured) - which combines crispy, golden brown fries with a layer of cheese sauce and drizzly, melted Mozzarella

'And who are we to argue? This year, were bringing back the sweet and tangy cranberry drizzle, as well as our marinated pulled turkey, giving our fans the perfect festive bite.

'Even better, you can now enjoy your festive slice with our new Loaded Fries with Cheese. Talk about the ultimate present'.

The Festive One and Loaded Fries with Cheese are available to order online, through the Dominos app or via your nearest Domino's store.

Earlier this year, Domino's stateside launched a special emergency pizza program to treat its fans after a long and stressful day .

The limited edition scheme - which runs until February next year - is offering customers one free medium, two-topping pizza that can be used whenever it's most needed.

To qualify, customers must place an online delivery order of $7.99 or more and join the Domino's loyalty program.

The free, emergency pizza must then be claimed within 30 days of the initial online carryout order.

The program will be active all day, everyday, until February 11, 2024 - except for December 31.

Dominos senior vice president and chief brand officer Kate Trumbull shared via Fox Business: 'Perhaps you burned dinner, the power went out or maybe your in-laws just dropped in without notice.

'Whatever your emergency situation, Dominos believes a free pizza can make anything better'.
A mum has sparked a heated debate after revealing the 'unusual' name she picked for her newborn son - and thousands claim it makes the baby sound 'like a serial killer'.

She revealed her baby was called 'Karver McClain' and that even though both parents fell in love with the name at first, they started second-guessing it recently.

The new mum was adamant on the first name 'McClain' years before she was even married, but her husband refused to indulge it as anything more than a middle name.

'My mum was reading a list of names and found the name Karver. I heard it and loved it - so did [my husband]. I though it looked dumb with a 'C' so we spelt it 'K' and put it on the birth certificate,' she shared in a Reddit post.

'I asked for opinions in a baby name group and several people said that it was the perfect name for a serial killer, and others told me that they'd hate their mum forever if she named them Karver. Others just kept telling me it's horrible.'

A young mum has regrets after naming her baby son 'Karver McClain' (stock image)

The mum went on to explain her conundrum.

'Should we start calling him by his middle name? Is it too late for that now that he's almost one and knows his name? Is his name as bad as everyone says?'

Many online shared their honest opinions on the 'unique' name - with some making arguments against its aesthetic presentation.

'Karver McClain sounds like a brand of elastic waisted pants for elderly women at a [department store],' one said.

'Karver is pretty bad, in my opinion,' a woman said. 'It's quite violent, and the "K" instead of a "C" looks harsher. What about Carter? It's very close to Karver.'

'Also, having a "K" for Carver then a "C" in McClain that both have the same sound seems odd. I know a McClain, it's a good name, but they're very Irish so it fits,' another said.

'I love Carter! He will thank you for it. I am sorry but McClain is horrible to me. I would keep it as a middle,' a fourth added.

READ MORE: Woman slammed after naming her baby girl after a dangerous drug Advertisement

A mum has sparked a heated debate after revealing the 'unusual' name she picked for her newborn son - and thousands claim it makes the baby sound 'like a serial killer'

Some didn't even like the sound of McClain.

'This is so weird. I heard McClain and think of the French fries brand McCain. Why not change the baby's name to Carter to not mess him up developmentally?' a woman wrote.

'McClain reminds me of John McClane from Die Hard,' another said.

But some didn't see the problem with the baby's name.

'Karver McClain is a [great] name. It's a little 80s-action-show, but I think that's pretty cool. People are named Hunter and Archer - so the context of Carver doesn't bug me. It's not like you named him Stingray,' a man said.

'I know a Carver. He's nice,' a woman added.

'I admire any mum that branches out with a unique name,' another wrote.
READ MORE: The Kivin method is oral sex move that 'blows womens' brains out'

Sexual wellness is coming for men.

Originally aimed at women, the craze is perhaps one of the most surprising to take off in the last few years.

The idea that intimate pleasure is intrinsic to long-lasting, good health has sparked a host of online articles, products and even entire stores over the past few years.

The items on offer could easily be mistaken for face massagers or skin oils: sex toys are in sleek, discreet packaging and bottles of lubrication are renamed intimate gel.

Theres even whole sections dedicated to this stuff at department stores like Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom.

But now, an upcoming array of products will be aimed at men. While male sex toys are not uncommon in the LGBTQ community, these types of items are not often aimed at heterosexual men.

The male sex toy market is expected to reach $39.39 billion by the end of 2032, compared to $15,380 in 2019

Butter Wellness, which launched in February, makes two male sex toys aimed at stimulating the prostate

The male sex toy market is expected to double from its current worth over the next decade - to around $39.39 billion, according to market research firm Future Market Insights.

The most popular products will range from the relatively tame vibrating rings, to the more adventurous prostate 'ticklers' and even mechanical masturbators.

Butter Wellness, which launched in February, is one company aimed at breaking down that stigma.

'Butter is solving these problems by creating a modern mens sexual wellness brand centered around education, innovation, and approachability,' the brand's website states.

Arcwave sells solo sex toys that claim to be 'the closest thing to a female orgasm for men'

'Were creating products for the often-overlooked yet most pleasurable area of a mans bodythe prostate, otherwise known as "the male G-spot."'

The prostate is a walnut-sized gland located between the base of the penis and the rectum. It produces fluid that mixes with sperm to help it travel and survive.

The prostate has thousands of nerve endings, which makes it the primary erogenous zone for men, leading to its nickname as the male G-spot. Stimulating this is said to intensify orgasms.

Butter's products, which cost from $89, use vibration to stimulate the prostate and the perineum, a tiny patch of sensitive skin between the scrotum and the anus.

Meanwhile, tech firm Arcwave sells solo toys and sets for sex with female partners. One of its products is the Arcwave, which claims to offer 'the closest thing to a female orgasm for men', and works by releasing puffs of air to stimulate the genitals.

One man who regularly uses such devices is 35-year-old Ben Mey from New York, who began experimenting with sex toys alone and with partners when he was 16.

He said using a variety of toys can result in stronger orgasms because they can target areas like the prostate.

'Physically speaking, sex is more intense and pleasurable when the G-spot is hit,' says Mr Mey, who is in a long-term monogamous relationship, told DailyMail.com.

'Using male sex toys has allowed for my partners and I to become closer and more intimate. One or both of us would either become bored in the bedroom or just missing something, so using toys did spice things up and allow for us to connect on a different level.'

Though he said he and his friends visit sex shops together to look at devices, the subject is still largely taboo among straight men.

'I do think men are hesitant to purchase male sex toys due to the stigma, and the fear that women or even their friends will judge them or drop the relationship because of it,' he said.

However, he also said that many of his friends have admitted to trying them and have called them 'game changers.'

In addition to pleasure, masturbation can also have a host of health benefits.

It also boosts cortisol, a hormone that helps regulate the immune system. Some research has also suggested that men who achieved solo orgasm had more white blood cells, which fight against infections.

'Sex should be seen as part of one's well-being, so why not make it fun with toys that add to the fun of it all,' Mr Mey.
The second of a cluster of patients to contract a deadly fungal infection in a Brisbane hospital has died only six weeks after receiving a life-saving heart transplant.

Adam Retmock, 45, was one of five patients at The Prince Charles Hospital involved in the infection cluster and the second to have succumbed to the illness.

He is survived by his devastated wife Kelly Richards, who told 7News that her husband was unable to endure the ongoing pain inflicted by post-surgery complications.

Adam Retmock, 45, was one of five patients at The Prince Charles Hospital involved in the infection cluster and the second to have succumbed to the illness

Mr Retmock is survived by his devastated wife Kelly Richards

'After the transplant there were a number of complications ... Adam had acquired a fungal infection,' Ms Richards said.

Despite weeks of treatments and procedures to try to treat the infection, Mr Retmock died in hospital on Friday, November 10.

'He said, 'I'm done, I've just, I cannot continue this level of suffering',' Ms Richards said.

'My understanding is that if he hadn't contracted this infection he would still be here.

'That last week of his life could have been so much better.'

A hospital spokesperson said reviews of the other four cases who acquired fungal infections at the Brisbane hospital were in their 'early stages'.

'Despite extensive testing, no link has been established between the fungal infections identified in the five heart transplant patients and the hospital,' they said.

'It is understood the patient was experiencing several complications following the transplant.

'Transplant patients are some of our most vulnerable patients and can be susceptible to various illnesses and infections in the community, especially once they return home.'

Mr Retmock died in hospital on Friday November 10

While the other four patients, who were all transplant patients, were sent home, Mr Retmock never left the hospital.

All of the affected patients were placed on prophylactic antifungal treatment.

Early analysis has identified four different strains of fungal infection among the five patients, only one of which was the strain found at The Prince Charles Hospital.

It was also reported by 7News that a high fungal reading was found in the area that stored equipment used to retrieve transplant organs, though this was not confirmed by the hospital.

Mr Retmock's family said he had only learnt he could possibly die from the infection while watching the news in hospital and that he had not been told by his doctors.

'He should have found out from the hospital because he was a very brave person,' Ms Retmock said.

'I would like for those other families still involved to be perhaps better communicated with and to have all the information laid out more clearly to them.

'I'll miss him forever.'

It's understood another heart transplant patient died of multiple complications in September.
An outraged mother suffering from an agonising womb condition has slammed a charity supporting those with the illness after a trans woman was appointed as its new chief executive.

Endometriosis South Coast (ESC) announced that transgender Labour activist Steph Richards - who has repeatedly clashed with feminist campaigners - would be the organisation's head.

But the news left women's rights campaigners 'insulted', with one furious activist raging everyone had 'lost their collective minds', while others insisted the role should have gone to a biological female.

Jeannette Towey, 66, who has suffered with endometriosis since she was 15 and has had five miscarriages due to it, said she was 'sickened' by the appointment.

The mother of two, from Crowborough in East Sussex - whose daughter also has the agonising condition - said: 'To appoint someone like that to a role with an endometriosis charity is an insult in the extreme. It's appalling. I never thought we would see an endometriosis charity succumb to this kind of woke ideology.'

Transgender Labour activist Steph Richards - who has repeatedly clashed with feminist campaigners - will be the organisation's head

Mother of two Jeannette Towey, 66, has suffered from endometriosis since she was 15 and was outraged by the appointment

Health charity Endometriosis South Coast provoked outrage on social media by announcing trans woman Steph Richards was their new chief executive with a quote implying biological men could suffer from the condition

ECS's announcement of Ms Richards' appointment also came with a statement next to her image that said: 'Isn't it ridiculous I've got to my 40s before any medical professionals even mentioned endometriosis.'

Charity founder is PhD student and sufferer of endometriosis Endometriosis South Coast founder and chairman of trustees is Jodie Hughes, who was diagnosed with Endometriosis at the age of 29. Ms Hughes has previously spoken as a keynote speaker at a round table event on transgender health care and had studied transgender and gender bias theories at university. Her PhD at the University of Roehampton was looking at the disparities in the care of Endometriosis patients In an article written by Ms Hughes, entitled 'Managing Endometriosis When You're Trans: Suffering In Silence, she said: 'Managing endometriosis is a feat in itself, but it can be an even more difficult and isolating experience for transgender individuals.' 'Too often, transgender and non-binary people are left out of the conversation when it comes to this disease. This can lead to a lack of understanding and feelings of helplessness, which in turn, can cause worsening symptoms. Advertisement

Trans women, who are biological males that identify as women, do not and cannot have a uterus and, therefore, can never suffer from endometriosis.

The charity, which runs support groups for women who suffer from the debilitating condition, later apologised for the 'misunderstanding'.

'This quote is from a person that our charity supports. Not from Steph herself,' the organisation wrote on X.

'Steph is a huge advocate for what people in the endo community go through. This is why they were appointed, not because they have their own endo journey.'

But they continued to face backlash, with one person writing: 'You have failed every single woman who is currently using your services.'

Kellie-Jay Keen, founder of Let Women Speak movement, was critical of the language used by the charity and said it 'ignored women'.

'Everyone has lost their collective minds,' she added. 'The losers are women who suffered from endometriosis who have to rely on a charity that won't call them 'women' but 'people' but who will call a man a women.

'This is an absolute disaster and affront to all women who suffer from endometriosis, which is about 10 per cent of women. It's really insulting.

'I think it's doubly insulting they will use female language for him but not for a sufferer the condition.'

Conservative activist Ms Towey claimed to have previously worked as a regional organiser in the south for Endometriosis UK, operating across Southampton and Portsmouth - where ECS is based.

She added: 'This is a tin pot charity. I don't know who they are... I have never heard of this lot.'

Ms Richards, who uses the pronouns she and her, has undergone 30,000 in treatment and surgery to transition

Kellie-Jay Keen, founder of Let Women Speak movement, was critical of the language used by the charity and said it 'ignored women' and added: 'Everyone has lost their collective minds'

What is endometriosis? Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows in other places, including the ovaries and fallopian tubes. The long-term condition affects women of any age, including teenagers. Common symptoms include: Pelvic pain

Period pain

Pain during or after sex

Pain peeing or pooing

Feeling sick

Difficulty getting pregnant Treatments include: Painkillers

Hormone medicines and contraceptives

Surgery to cut away the patches of endometriosis Source NHS Advertisement

Ms Richards, who uses the pronouns she and her, has repeatedly clashed with women's rights advocates, some of whom she has branded as 'terfs', and was previously involved in a protest outside the FiLiA feminist conference.

On LinkedIn, the activist, who is also a Women's Officer at Portsmouth Labour Party, lists her professions as journalist and publisher, having started the website and blog Steph's Place UK.

Steph's Place UK was one of the trans rights organisations which unsuccessfully attempted to have the Equality and Human Rights Commission stripped of its international accreditation after it warned about changes to legal gender recognition and conversion therapy.

The new chief executive described the questions over her appointment as 'transmisogyny' and said she did not apply for the role but were asked to take it on.

She said on X that she had begun 'researching issues around pregnancy and women's health well over two decades ago'.

But Caroline Ffiske, director of Conservatives for Women, said she was in 'disbelief', adding: 'It's an insulting appointment. It's an insult to women.

'It's an absolutely shocking appointment. There's just disbelief and despair among the entire community.'

Another critic on X, who claimed to have suffered from the condition for years, wrote: 'As a woman who suffered with endometriosis for decades, I simply cannot fathom why you'd think this appointment is appropriate.'

On its website, ESC said it is an 'inclusive charity set up to support people who haven't started their diagnosis journey, are going through the diagnosis stages, or have been diagnosed with endometriosis and/or adenomyosis'.

Caroline Ffiske, director of Conservatives for Women, said she was in 'disbelief', adding: 'It's an insulting appointment. It's an insult to women'

Ms Richards is pictured at an event with Portsmouth's Labour party

Feminist author Milli Hill argued that the appointment was no different to a controversial case last year where a man was appointed Scotland's first ever period dignity officer

It added it aims to create a 'safe space for all people with the condition regardless of race, gender, or religion.

'This disease does not discriminate and neither do the people who run this charity,' the organisation added on its website.

The charity's founder and chairman of trustees is Jodie Hughes, who was diagnosed with Endometriosis at the age of 29.

Ms Hughes has previously spoken as a keynote speaker at a round table event on transgender health care and had studied transgender and gender bias theories at university.

Her PhD at the University of Roehampton was looking at the disparities in the care of Endometriosis patients

In an article written by Ms Hughes, entitled 'Managing Endometriosis When You're Trans: Suffering In Silence, she said: 'Managing endometriosis is a feat in itself, but it can be an even more difficult and isolating experience for transgender individuals.'

'Too often, transgender and non-binary people are left out of the conversation when it comes to this disease. This can lead to a lack of understanding and feelings of helplessness, which in turn, can cause worsening symptoms.

On ECS's website, the charity added endometriosis in the 'gender non-conforming population is a highly stigmatised and scary area of diagnosis and treatment'.

It claimed that 'focussing research and treatment plans on gendered constructs is not progressing either research or treatment'.

The charity was eventually forced to issue an apology and clarify that the quote came from a person the charity supported rather than Ms Richards herself

Some endometriosis suffers, like a user who only went by IDD64, said they struggled to understand how the charity could consider this appropriate

Feminist author Milli Hill took issue with Ms Richards' appointment, arguing on X that it was no different to the case last year where a man was appointed Scotland's first ever period dignity officer.

While Ms Richards hasn't responded to the outrage over her appointment directly, she responded to Ms Hill's post, stating: 'I was researching issues around pregnancy and women's health well over two decades ago.

'Strangely in those days 'sex' didn't come into it.'

Ms Richards has previously argued to Ms Hill that people can change their biological sex, male or female, 'a bit'.

Now in her 70s, Ms Richards has previously detailed her journey to becoming a trans woman on her blog.

In that account, she details, how alongside her ex-wife Lin, she created a safe space where men could cross-dress in secret from their families.

'Some wanted to be schoolgirls and brides, of course, but for most, it was a case of wearing a dress, having a coffee, or for the very brave, going out for a shopping experience,' she wrote.

ECS claims to support 'people' going through endometriosis, a condition where womb tissue grows in parts of the female anatomy it shouldn't, such as ovaries and fallopian tubes.

Symptoms include pain in the pelvis and abdomen, extremely painful periods, pain during sex, trouble conceiving, with the huge impact on sufferers also potentially leading to depression.

About one in 10 women in the UK are believed to have endometriosis.

Despite being so common, many women struggle to have their pain and symptoms taken seriously and can be forced to wait decades for a diagnosis.

The issue of the terms women and those relating to female anatomy being removed from health information pages for conditions that only affect biological women has been raised before.

Health experts have criticised the trend saying it dangerously overcomplicates vital health messaging.
At least 25 Brits have died as a result of medical tourism trips to Turkey since January 2019, according to the Government's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Here, MailOnline highlights some of the victims.

Leah Cambridge

Leah Cambridge, 29, suffered a blood clot during a 6,500 Brazilian butt lift surgery in Turkey.

Leah Cambridge, 29, died after having the 'Brazilian butt lift' procedure in Turkey

The mother-of-three, from Leeds, died just one day after travelling to an Elite Aftercare clinic in Turkey in August 2018.

The trainee beautician, described as being 'paranoid about her body', paid in cash for the procedure after being inspired by pictures on Instagram.

The procedure involved having fat extracted from the waist and injected into the buttocks.

But she suffered a fatal complication when fat was accidentally injected into a vein causing her to have three heart attacks on the operating table.

Ms Cambridge's partner Scott Franks told Wakefield Coroner's Court that the surgeon who carried out the procedure told him he had 'injected the fat too far into the muscle and it entered her veins'.

Mr Franks said when he flew out to Turkey after his partner died, Dr Ali Uckan, the surgeon who treated Leah, had told him: 'It's a guessing game, you can't see where you are going into.'

Ms Cambridge father, Craig, took his own life in 2021 with an inquest held in July last year hearing how he was never able to get past the loss of his daughter.

Diarra Akua Eunice Brown

Diarra Brown, 28, died after having liposuction in Turkey

Diarra Akua Eunice Brown, died aged 28, two days after getting liposuction at a clinic in the suburb of Bahcelievler in Istanbul, in October 2021.

She reportedly underwent the operation to have fat removed from her hips.

While the procedure initially appeared to be a success, Ms Brown 'suddenly' fell ill while having her dressings changed.

She died just hours later.

Social media posts from family and friends described her as a 'beautiful soul' and a 'close friend'.

'This must be a dream,' one post said. 'Still cant come to terms with this yet.'

'I miss you angel. I'm devastated you were taken away way before your time,' said another.

Shannon Bowe

Shannon Bowe, 28 died after undergoing gastric band surgery in Turkey

Shannon Bowe, from Denny, near Falkirk, died while undergoing gastric band surgery in Turkey in April 2023.

The 28-year-old passed away during the procedure which involves placing a band around the stomach.

Where exactly Ms Bowe had the procedure in Turkey and the complication that led to her death have not been revealed.

In the aftermath of her death, Ms Bowe's boyfriend Ross Stirling wrote on social media: 'Sleep tight my angel, love you forever and always.'

Gastric band surgery involves a doctor placing a gastric band around the top of the stomach, creating a small pouch.

When the patient eats, this small pouch fills up more quickly than their stomach normally would, making them feel fuller with less food.

By encouraging them to eat less, the procedure can help patients lose weight.

Melissa Kerr

Melissa Kerr, 31, of Gorleston, Norfolk, died after having a BBL in Turkey

Melissa Kerr, 31, died while undergoing a Brazilian butt lift in Turkey in 2019, just before her wedding.

Ms Kerr traveled to Istanbul's Medicana Haznedar Hospital in November that year for gluteal augmentation, which can cost up to 3,150.

The psychological wellbeing practitioner, from Gorleston, Norfolk, died from a blocked artery in her lung as a result of undergoing the surgery.

Her twin sister Natasha who set up a justgiving.com page after her death described her a 'a pure and beautiful soul inside and out'.

She said: 'Words cannot describe the pain and heartbreak we are going through, life without her will never be the same again.

'We miss her deeply and nothing will fill the emptiness we are left with.'

Melissa's partner Skye Birch said: 'I will continue to love you with all my heart until my last breath.'

Ms Kerr also worked as a volunteer helping domestic violence victims and supporting people through bereavement.

Abimbola Ajoke Bamgbose

Abimbola Ajoke Bamgbose, 38, died after liposuction in Turkey

Abimbola Ajoke Bamgbose, a 38-year-old social worker, from Dartford, Kent, died in August 2020 after undergoing liposuction surgery in Turkey.

The mother-of-three bought an overseas package deal with Mono Cosmetic Surgery after becoming fed-up with people asking her if she was pregnant, according to her husband.

A post-mortem examination found that Mrs Bamgbose suffered perforations to her bowel during the surgery, with the cause of death given as peritonitis with multiple organ failure.

Peritonitis is an infection of the peritoneum, the inner lining of the tummy which covers vital internal organs like the kidneys, liver and bowel.

Her husband Moyosore Olowo told an inquest he was unaware his wife had traveled abroad for cosmetic surgery, instead believing she had simply gone on a holiday with her friends.

It was not until Mrs Bamgbose called her husband to say she was suffering from stomach pains following the procedure that he found out what had happened.

Mr Olowo said his wife had visited a private medical practice in the UK for surgery but added that the cost had been too high for her to have the treatment in Britain.

Carol Keenan

Carol Keenan, 54, died after having a BBL and tummy tuck in Turkey

Carol Keenan, 54, died six days after undergoing a combined Brazilian butt lift and tummy tuck in Turkey.

The grandmother, of Glenrothes, Fife, paid 7,000 for the procedures at a private hospital in Istanbul in 2022 after becoming anxious about the way her body looked.

Ms Keenan also accepted the offer of free abdominal muscle repair surgery shortly before she was taken into the operating theatre.

But she died before she was due to have a final check up and fly home.

Speaking to MailOnline in April, her family said they are still waiting for the results of her autopsy 11 months on from her death.

Her daughter Leonie Keenan, 32, said: 'My mother was a fit and healthy individual. She was a very petite size 10 and she kept in shape by walking everywhere and going swimming.

'She was a very active grandmother who loved bouncing on the trampoline with the kids-but she was not happy with her body even though everyone told her she looked great.

'She set her heart on having surgery after seeing stories about other people and celebrities having procedures. I don't know if it was like a mid-life crisis.'
A grieving family is demanding answers after a much-loved GP and heart transplant patient became what is suspected to be the first casualty of a deadly fungal cluster at a major hospital.

Dr Muhammad Hussain, 55, was given a second chance at life when he received a heart transplant at Brisbane's Prince Charles Hospital in May, however he quickly fell ill after the operation.

After months in and out of hospital he succumbed to multiple complications on September 20. He appears to be the first fatality out of five transplant patients exposed to the fungal spores.

Heart transplant patient Dr Muhammad Hussain has died of complications stemming from a fungal infection

It was reported this week that fellow heart transplant recipient Adam Retmock, 45, was also the victim of a fungal infection that lead to his death on Friday.

Dr Hussain's daughter Muskaan Hussain, 23, has demanded to know why her family and others were not told of the fungal infections until the day it appeared in the media.

'We were contacted by a doctor at the Prince Charles hospital hours before it was revealed in the media,' she told Seven News.

She said the hospital's communication 'was lacking quite a bit'.

'I felt they weren't as upfront as I would expect them to be,' she said.

'I feel like I still have a lot of questions.'

Ms Hussain said her father would be missed by hundreds of patients at his Moreton Bay practice in Mango Hill.

Mr Retmock's family also said he only learnt of the potentially fatal infection while watching the news in hospital following his transplant and that he had not been told by his doctors.

Muskaan Hussain said the hospital's communication to the family left a lot to be desired

'He should have found out from the hospital because he was a very brave person,' Ms Retmock said.

'I would like for those other families still involved to be perhaps better communicated with and to have all the information laid out more clearly to them.

'I'll miss him forever.'

Queensland's opposition zeroed in on Health Minister Shannon Fentiman in parliament asking her why those potentially exposed to fungus weren't told by the hospital.

She said the head of the transplant unit had assured her he had spoken directly with patients about the cluster, 'and if that has not happened then I want to again really apologise'.

It was reported by 7News that a high fungal reading was found in the area that stored equipment used to retrieve transplant organs, though this was not confirmed by the hospital.

Adam Retmock, 45, was one of five patients at The Prince Charles Hospital affected by the infection cluster and the second to have succumbed to the illness

A hospital spokesperson said reviews of the cases who acquired fungal infections were in their 'early stages'.

'Despite extensive testing, no link has been established between the fungal infections identified in the five heart transplant patients and the hospital,' they said.

'Transplant patients are some of our most vulnerable patients and can be susceptible to various illnesses and infections in the community, especially once they return home.'

All of the affected patients were placed on prophylactic antifungal treatment.

Early analysis has identified four different strains of fungal infection amsong the five patients, only one of which was the strain found at The Prince Charles Hospital.

One transplant patient with that strain remains in the hospital.
At least 22 toddlers in 14 US states were left sick by lead in

The Food Department Administration has recalled multiple branded pouches of applesauce after parents of nearly two dozen toddlers reported their kids getting sick.

At least 22 toddlers in 14 states became ill from lead poisoning in tainted pouches of cinnamon apple puree and applesauce.

Children between the ages of one and three were affected. At least one child showed a blood lead level eight times higher than the level that raises concern, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.

Health officials are now warning doctors and caregivers to be on the lookout for cases of lead poisoning in children.

The reported symptoms included headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, a change in activity level and anemia. Children may also experience abdominal pain and tremors.

Cases of lead exposure were found in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Washington.

Brands include WanaBana brand apple cinnamon fruit puree and Schnucks and Weis brand cinnamon applesauce pouches. The products were sold in stores and online

Products by these brands can be found on Amazon, Dollar Tree, Schnucks and Eatwell Markets grocery stores, Weis grocery stores and multiple other online stores

The recall of WanaBana, Schnucks and Weis products is not limited to the United States and includes Cuba and the United Arab Emirates

The FDA has launched an investigation and recalled WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches, Schnucks-brand cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches and variety packs and Weis-brand cinnamon applesauce pouches.

Products by these brands can be found on Amazon, Dollar Tree, Schnucks and Eatwell Markets grocery stores, Weis grocery stores and multiple other online stores.

Health officials are urging parents and teachers to stop using these products immediately and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

The recall of WanaBana, Schnucks and Weis products is not limited to the United States and includes Cuba and the United Arab Emirates.

Exposure to lead can seriously harm a childs health and cause well-documented health effects, including damage to the brain and nervous system, slowed growth and development, learning and behavior problems, and hearing and speech problems.

The CDC uses a marker of 3.5 micrograms per deciliter to identify children with higher levels of lead-infused blood than most. One of the affected children's blood lead levels ranged from 4 to 29 micrograms per deciliter.

If parents suspect their child has been exposed to high levels of lead toxicity, the FDA recommends visiting a doctor and taking a blood lead test.
Getting infected with chickenpox may once have been accepted as a child's rite of passage.

But that could soon be about to change.

Government's vaccine advisers today recommended that a jab should be offered to all babies to protect against the unpleasant illness. Experts claimed doing so would make chickenpox 'a problem of the past'.

Here, MailOnline sets out all you need to know...

Chickenpox is caused by a virus called varicella-zoster, and it is normally a mild and relatively harmless illness that causes a tell-tale rash. Each infected person is thought to pass the virus on to 10 other people, making it more contagious than the common cold and flu, which each infected person gives to two others. Meanwhile, studies suggest each measles infection leads to 16 new cases

Reign Passey (pictured in hospital), five, from Dudley, came down with chickenpox on July 4, 2022, and, while poorly, appeared fine. But three days later her mother Leanne Passey, 32, an aesthetic practitioner, noticed her daughter had a temperature and was fatigued

Why do health chiefs want to vaccinate kids against chickenpox?

It is considered a mild disease that the vast majority catch in childhood.

Some parents even deliberately expose their children to the virus to ensure they catch the bug while young, in so-called 'parties'.

However, chickenpox can cause serious complications, such as pneumonia, brain inflammation and bacterial infections.

In rare cases, these can be fatal. Hundreds of babies are hospitalised due to severe symptoms and 20 people die.

As a result, the UK is considering following in the footsteps of the US, Australia and Germany by offering kids a vaccine.

'My daughter nearly died after catching chickenpox - I back the NHS vaccine call announced today' The mother of a girl left fighting for her life after catching chickenpox today backed calls for a vaccine rollout to protect against the infection. Reign Passey, five, from Dudley, came down with chickenpox on July 4, 2022 and, while poorly, appeared fine. But three days later her mother Leanne Passey, 32, an aesthetic practitioner, noticed her daughter had a temperature and was fatigued. She also spotted a red ring around one of the sores, a sign that a wound has potentially become infected, which prompted her to take her daughter to a doctor for help. In response to the Government's vaccine advisers today recommending a vaccine to protect against chickenpox, her mother Leanne Passey (pictured with Reign) said: 'If the vaccine will prevent any child from getting what Reign got then I support it 1,000 per cent. I wouldn't want any mother to go through it' After repeated A&E visits, Reign was eventually diagnosed with bacterial infection necrotising fasciitis and rushed into a four-hour lifesaving operation. Surgeons were not only forced to cut away a large amount of tissue but also had to leave the wound open for cleaning and examination to ensure every trace of the bacteria had been eradicated. During this time Reign was put into an induced coma due to the pain and also put on breathing support. Reign then contracted sepsis, a life-threatening over-reaction by the body to an infection. Ms Passey said medics then gave Reign a 'ridiculous amounts of antibiotics' which helped her pull through. Reign is now 'fully healed' and 'doing very well', she said. In response to the Government's vaccine advisers today recommending a vaccine to protect against chickenpox, Ms Passey said: 'If the vaccine will prevent any child from getting what Reign got then I support it 1,000 per cent. 'I wouldn't want any mother to go through it. 'It's horrendous - you never expect it to happen to you until it does.' She added: 'We're not sure how things will go in the future, and she will have to have scar treatment at some point. 'We're not there yet, but she is much better. 'Reign is here and that's all that matters. 'If this vaccine would potentially save lives then I fully support it.' Advertisement

Health chiefs previously considered pressing ahead with the move before Covid but plans were shelved.

However, scientists are concerned after chickenpox cases slumped during the Covid pandemic due to lockdowns and social distancing.

As a result, there is now a larger pool of children than usual without immunity to the illness, which can prove much more serious if caught at an older age.

Who will be eligible for chickenpox jabs?

Advisers on the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) recommended that kids should routinely be offered two doses when they are 12 and 18 months.

The vaccine would be combined with measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) jab to create an MMRV injection, under its advice.

It also advised ministers embark on a 'catch-up' campaign for under-fives, which would make around 2million children eligible for a single dose.

The JCVI said further work is needed to confirm if the catch-up drive should be expanded to all under-11s. If given the go-ahead, this could see around 7million eligible.

What has to happen for the roll-out to be approved?

Department of Health bosses will now consider the JCVI recommendations and make a final decision.

A spokesperson said: 'We are considering the JCVI advice on including a chickenpox programme in the routine immunisation schedule for children.'

Is a vaccine as effective as infection?

Nine in 10 children who have a single chickenpox jab develop immunity, with the figure rising for those who have both doses, according to the NHS.

However, the health service warns that just three-quarters of vaccinated teenagers and adults will be protected against chickenpox as immunity wanes over time.

In comparison, almost all children develop and maintain immunity after getting infected, meaning most only catch it once, it suggests.

Is the chickenpox jab safe?

Experts say the jab is safe.

Common side effects include a sore arm, mild rash and high temperature. These symptoms are mild, short-lasting and in line with those caused by other vaccines.

Serious side effects, such as an allergic reaction, only occur in around one in one million people, according to the NHS.

Millions of doses of the vaccine have been given  including in the US, which has offered it since 1995, Canada, Australia and Germany  and there is no evidence of an increased risk of health problems.

MMRV jabs, made by Merck & Co, also carry a seizure risk. US health chiefs estimate that one additional seizure occurs for every 2,300 doses given.

However, the JCVI concluded that this 'very small increased risk' was not of clinical concern.

Meanwhile, countries that offer the vaccine have reported a significant drop in chickenpox cases and hospitalisations.

If it's so safe, why hasn't Britain rolled it out before?

While the chickenpox vaccine would benefit most children, it could increase the risk of complications among adults.

The NHS states that jabbing youngsters could increase cases among adults.

This is because a high vaccination uptake would suppress the virus. As a result, un-jabbed children would be unlikely to become infected and develop immunity.

However, this would leave them at risk of catching chickenpox as an adult, when the virus is more likely to trigger severe illness.

Chickenpox is caused by a virus called varicella-zoster, and it is normally a mild and relatively harmless illness that causes a tell-tale rash

Under the same logic, it may also increase cases among pregnant women, who also face a heightened risk.

Professor Helen Bedford, an expert in children's health at University College London, told MailOnline: 'The UK has gained a lot of knowledge about how the chickenpox programme works by watching the experience in other countries.

'What is clear is that chickenpox vaccination  especially with two doses  not only reduces the number of cases of the infection but also fewer children have to be admitted to hospital with complications.'

Will it have an effect on shingles?

Another concern is that chickenpox vaccination could unintentionally trigger a spike in shingles among adults.

It was this logic that saw the JCVI previously recommend against the rollout in 2009.

Adults who were infected with chickenpox as children carry the varicella-zoster virus for life, which can lay dormant for decades. Once reactivated, it can cause shingles.

Being exposed to chickenpox as an adult  such as being around an infected child  boosts immunity to shingles and reduces this risk, experts say.

This is so long as they have had chickenpox previously, with the exposure working in a similar fashion to a booster jab.

But if an adult isn't exposed to the virus  which is more likely to happen if the jab is rolled out  it could leave them more vulnerable to shingles, it is feared.

However, a 2019 study suggests that US and other countries that offer the vaccine haven't seen a spike in shingles cases.

And a 2020 study by UK researchers shows that the reduction in shingles risk from chickenpox exposure isn't as large as previously thought.

'Again, by watching the experience from other countries, we can see that this is not a major issue,' Professor Bedford said.

'The UK has a shingles vaccination programme in place for older adults.'
A mother-of-two developed complications after catching the flu that were so severe doctors had to amputate all four of her limbs to save her life.

Kristin Fox, 42 and from Poland, Ohio, went to the emergency room with a sore throat. When tests showed she had the flu, she was prescribed medication and sent home.

However, she quickly returned when she became so sick she was unable to even get off her couch.

Doctors then diagnosed the high school assistant principal with sepsis, a life-threatening condition where the immune system overreacts to an infection and damages organs.

The condition, which strikes 1.7million adults in the US every year, can quickly lead to death.

In Ms Fox's case, it led to infections so severe that she was placed in a medically induced coma and doctors were forced to amputate her arms and legs to save her life.

Kristin Fox, 42, from Ohio (pictured above), had her legs amputated below the knee and her arms amputated below the elbow after suffering complications from flu

Ms Fox is shown above holding a fork while she learns how to use her prosthetic limbs. She said she now no longer uses the arms and only uses prosthetic legs

Ms Fox is pictured above before her amputations with her children, who were aged nine and six when she was admitted to hospital with the serious infection

Ms Fox was admitted to the hospital in March 2020, just before Ohio imposed its first Covid lockdown because of the emerging pandemic.

In an attempt to give her body time to rest and avoid further deterioration, doctors placed her in a medically-induced coma.

After a week, they were able to slowly wake her up.

Despite the challenges she faced after coming out of the coma, Ms Fox said she felt 'lucky' her limbs had been amputated instead of her losing her life.

She told Fox News: 'Sometimes I catch myself complaining, but then I remind myself that my kids could have been mourning my death.

'They're 12 and 10 now, and I can't imagine them living without me.

'People send me stuff and stop me in the store and say, "I pray for you all the time". Those are the people who got us through.'

Ms Fox was discharged from the hospital a few weeks after waking up and sent to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Rehabilitation Institute.

There, she underwent three hours of physical therapy every day for six weeks in order to learn how to use her limbs again.

In October 2020, seven months after her ordeal began, she received prosthetics for her arms and legs.

She now uses the leg prosthetics regularly, but forgoes the ones for her arms  insisting life is 'easier' without them.

Ms Fox is shown above left learning to use the prosthetic limbs. A year after the infection, she has now returned to work

Ms Fox is pictured above during a session to learn how to use prosthetic limbs

One year after her hospitalization, Ms Fox was ready to return to work and resumed her position as assistant principal at Campbell High School.

She told FOX: 'I mentally had to go back to work.

'I'm a very "go, go go" type of person, and if I went out on disability, I was not going to have a good quality of life.

'I had a lot of young eyes watching me, and I knew there were so many kids who would learn so much from my reaction to this.

'It's taught them about respecting differences and treating everyone fairly, regardless of their ability. And it's taught them how they should overcome their own barriers and tough moments.

'As an educator, I didn't want my students to think I took the easy way out.'

Ms Fox also revealed although insurance covered some of her costs the medical bills have still been high. She has also had to pay for renovations to her home in order to make it more accessible.

This has led her community to rally and organize several fundraisers to help her handle expenses.

While many cases of the flu are mild, some can lead to serious side effects  as in Ms Fox's case  and even death.

And, as the flu season carries on in the US, cases of the virus are rising, with doctors recommending everyone get the flu vaccine to protect themselves.

The vaccine is offered to everyone six months and older, although health experts say it is especially important for people 75 and older.

The shot does not guarantee someone will not catch the flu, but it slashes the risk of them suffering from severe disease if they become infected.

As of the end of September, about 173million flu vaccine doses had been distributed by manufacturers and 47 percent of US adults had gotten a flu shot.

Fifty-five percent of kids had received one, as have 71 percent of people 65 years and older.

In its latest report, which covers data for the week ending October 28, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said flu-like illness is beginning to increase, with some states reporting high levels of influenza-like infections.

Influenza-like illnesses include other respiratory illnesses like Covid-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Alaska is currently reporting the most activity in the US, with its status classified as 'high.' It is closely followed by Florida, Georgia and Mississippi  all of which are deemed to have 'moderate' flu-like activity.

Additionally, for the week ending November 3, private labs in the US tested 50,459 samples for flu and found 2 percent were positive.

In public labs, of 2,213 samples tested, 8.5 percent were positive for flu.
READ MORE: I got pregnant with twins while ALREADY pregnant with another kid

Kelsey Hatcher, 32, was born with two uteruses and is pregnant in each one

An Alabama woman who was born with two uteruses is now pregnant in both of them  a one-in-a-million medical anomaly.

Kelsey Hatcher, 32, was born with the condition uterine didelphys, also known as double uterus. This allowed her to develop two uteruses and two cervixes - the canal that connects the uterus to the vagina - which experts believe occurs in just three per 1,000 women.

This spring, the mother-of-three learned she was pregnant with twin girls. She told her husband, Caleb: 'I said, "Well, there's two of them in there." And he said, "You're lying."'

However, she was shocked to learn during the first ultrasound that she was carrying one baby in each uterus.

Kelsey Hatcher, 32, was born with two uteruses and two cervixes. She is now expecting twins - one in each uterus

The twins are both girls and are developing normally. Because they are in two different uteruses, they could be born hours, days, or even weeks apart

Dr Richard Davis, a high-risk pregnancy expert at the University of Alabama-Birmingham hospital, told local news outlet WVTM double uterus is rare on its own, and having a twin in each one is about a one-in-a-million chance.

'The probability of having a twin in each one is really crazy,' he said.

Mrs Hatcher is about 34 weeks along, and her due date is Christmas Day for both babies.

When the uterus forms in a fetus during pregnancy, it starts as two ducts that join together to form the organ. However, for those with double uterus, the ducts don't join together. Each duct instead creates its own uterus. In Mrs Hatcher's case, she also has two cervixes.

It's unclear why this happens.

Mrs Hatcher and her husband, Caleb (pictured here) will have five children under eight years old once the twins are born. They said this will be their last pregnancy

Most women don't know they have the condition until it's discovered during a routine pelvic exam or while investigating effects like recurring miscarriages or severe menstrual pain.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, those with double uterus are at an increased risk of miscarriage, early labor, C-sections, low birth weight, growth restriction, and babies being born in the breech position - when the baby is feet or bottom first in the uterus, which can be dangerous and make delivery more difficult.

Both babies are developing normally, though the challenge will be welcoming them into the world.

Dr Davis said: 'So when [Mrs Hatcher] goes into labor, if she does, then we will have to monitor each uterus and see which one's contracting and if they're doing sort of almost the same or they're different.'

The uteruses may start experiencing contractions at different times, and the sisters could be born hours, days, or even weeks apart.

Dr Shweta Patel, another doctor caring for Mrs Hatcher, told Good Morning America: 'It's so unpredictable, and that's why we've had a lot of conversations with [Mrs Hatcher] kind of talking about the different scenarios that could happen, where she could have a vaginal delivery with both babies, she could have a vaginal delivery with one and a C-section with the other, or maybe end up having a C-section for both of them as well.

'There's no true expert out there who knows how to manage a patient with two uteruses and two babies, with one in each uterus.

'So we really are relying on our baseline teaching and our baseline knowledge and the normal physiology of pregnancy that we understand, and applying it in her scenario.'

By the time the twins are born, Mrs Hatcher and her husband will have five children under the age of eight.

She said: 'The third one was our last one... We're grateful for the blessings for sure, but this will definitely be the end.'
US chemical giants spent more than $100 million lobbying politicians to kill or weaken laws against their 'forever chemicals,' which can contaminate water sources and farmland for decades, a new report says.

Researchers at Food & Water Watch say Dow, DuPont, and other firms, together with their industry group, the American Chemistry Council (ACC), paid out millions to get safety legislation diluted between 2019 and 2022.

It worked, the researchers said in their 11-page study. In that period, lawmakers debated 130 bills about tackling and clearing up forever chemicals, but only four of them made it onto the books.

Amanda Starbuck, the group's research director, said 'chemical corporations lied to the public for years about the alarming health impacts' of polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are better known as 'forever chemicals.'

A harmless fast food wrapper? Think again. It contains 'forever chemicals,' which can fester in the human body for years

Politicians who received millions from chemical-giant lobbyists killed the most serious legislation against PFAS

'Now that the truth about the many harms of PFAS has been exposed, the industry is trying to dodge liability by wielding its vast lobbying arsenal,' she said.

Amanda Starbuck says 'chemical corporations lied'

The tiny man-made compounds  which got their name because they don't break down in the body  were a dream for manufacturers when they were invented almost 100 years ago because of their durability.

Neighborhoods with the highest PFAS levels in drinking water Concentrations are measured in parts per trillion (PPT) Brunswick County, N.C. at 185.9ppt Quad Cities, Iowa at 109.8ppt Miami, Fla. at 56.7ppt Bergen County, N.J. at 51.4ppt Wilmington, N.C. at 50.5ppt Philadelphia, Pa. at 46.3ppt Louisville, Ky. at 45.2ppt New Orleans, La. at 41.8ppt Charleston, S.C. at 33.3ppt Decatur, Ala. at 24.1ppt Information courtesy of a separate report by the Environmental Working Group Advertisement

Their ability to repel water, stains, grease and oil, as well as make cardboard and plastic packaging stronger, meant they were used in many everyday products, from nonstick cookware to clothes, carpets, cosmetic products, children's toys, food and bottled drinks.

But they're also dangerous. They gather in the human body, and research has linked them to a variety of cancers, blood disorders, fertility problems and birth defects.

A report this year found that manufacturers of PFAS tried to cover up the dangers they posed for more than 30 years. Internal files showed how executives were first aware of the health risks in 1961  but only alerted the world in the 1990s.

According to Starbuck, those same manufacturers are still at it. In the three years up to 2022, eight major producers of PFAS, including DuPont, spent at least $55.7 million in corporate lobbying efforts, she said.

At the same time, the ACC spent another $58.7 million on lobbying.

DuPont, and the ACC, which represents more than 190 chemical firms, did not answer DailyMail.com's requests for comment.

Between 2019 and 2021, lawmakers debated the PFAS Action Act  a comprehensive bill that would have designated two major forever chemicals as hazardous substances, with restrictions on their use.

The eight PFAS manufacturers paid 28 lobbyists to fight the 2019 version of the bill, researchers said.

The bill passed through the house, but was nixed by the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works.

Two-thirds of committee members had received some $450,000 in campaign contributions from PFAS manufacturers, Starbuck told DailyMail.com.

The victims are everyday Americans, she added.

'Communities from coast to coast are left footing the enormous bill for PFAS contamination in their drinking water, on their farmland and in their bodies,' she said

The federal government should change course and 'hold polluters accountable for cleanup,' she added.

Studies show half of America's drinking water is laced with the toxins, as many as 98 percent of Americans have detectable levels of PFAS in their blood.

As this graphic shows, no room in the average household is completely free of the chemicals.

Forever chemicals can be found in all corners of a typical American home

Chemical manufacturer Du Pont is one of the firms highlighted in the damning report

A DailyMail.com investigation earlier this year revealed far higher-than-average rates of cancer cases and deaths, as well as pregnancy complications, in the majority of counties whose drinking water contains high levels of PFAS chemicals.

PFAS are omnipresent in modern life.

Some of the estimated 12,000 PFAS chemicals are used to give nonstick cookware its trademark quality, repel water from raincoats, and comprise the fire extinguishing foam used by firefighters.

The chemicals also often line the packaging of some foods which can then absorb some of the toxins.

Washing dishes lined with PFAS and blanketing crops with PFAS-laden pesticides creates runoff that seeps into drinking water sources.

DuPont was the center of a PFAS-related controversy this year when it agreed, alongside two other chemical companies, to settle pollution complaints for about $1.2 billion.

Central California, where agriculture is a major industry, has shown high concentrations of PFAS in its water systems. This could be due to PFAS-laden insecticides used on farmlands leaching into the groundwater

Food & Water Watch say too many forever chemicals make it into the water we drink

Even while many manufacturers have phased out the use of certain PFAS, such as PFOA, the chemicals have exceedingly long half-lives, in some instances, of up to a decade.

A substance's half life is the time it takes for half of the initial amount of a chemical to degrade or disappear.

For instance, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), one of the most studied PFAS chemicals, is estimated to have a half-life ranging from several years to more than a decade in the environment before breaking down.

Earlier this year, researchers from the US Geological Survey, a federally-run investigation, tested water sources at more than 700 locations across the country for PFAS.

They found that 45 percent of drinking water sources contained at least one PFAS - with highest concentrations in the Great Plains, the Great Lakes, the Eastern Seaboard and Central/Southern California.

The team's testing was limited to 32 types of PFAS out of more than 12,000 that exist, meaning thousands of the chemicals could have gone undetected. If that's the case, it may indicate that the problem is even larger than the study conveys.
Critics labeled the appointment of a biological male to the charity as 'insulting'

A trans activist who sparked fury after being appointed as the head of a female health charity has hit back at her critics and said: 'My birth sex doesn't come into it  my CV does.'

Endometriosis South Coast (ESC) was condemned by women's rights campaigners after the organisation - which offers support to sufferers of the agonising womb condition - named Steph Richards as its new chief executive.

Furious critics branded the appointment an 'insult' to women, while one mother who has suffered from the crippling health condition for decades said she was 'sickened' and 'appalled' by the news.

But Portsmouth Labour activist Ms Richards - who spent 30,000 on an operation to transition from male to female and has previously clashed with feminist campaigners - has now broken her silence and accused her critics of 'transphobia'.

In a lengthy statement released this afternoon on X, formerly known as Twitter, a defiant Ms Richards insisted: 'My birth sex doesn't come into it - my CV does.'

She added: 'CEO's are appointed by boards/trustees because of their "skill set", not because of their sex (note I have a GRC).'

Ms Richards said her experience included founding a TransLucent, which 'became LGBT organisation of the year and I did that in 27 months'. She also won the Inspirational Women of Portsmouth Awards 2023 in the 'Inspirational Elder' category.

Critics have labelled Steph Richard's appointment as 'an insult to women' and 'an absolute disaster' (pictured is Ms Richards)

Ms Richards, who uses the pronouns she and her, has undergone 30,000 in treatment and surgery to transition

Ms Richards' issued a statement on X following the backlash against her appointment as CEO

Her appointment, announced on Sunday evening, was met with a wave of outrage on social media.

Jeannette Towey, 66, who has suffered with endometriosis since she was 15 and has had five miscarriages due to it, said she was 'sickened' by the appointment.

The mother-of-two, from Crowborough in East Sussex - whose daughter also has the condition, said: 'To appoint someone like that to a role with an endometriosis charity is an insult in the extreme. It's appalling. I never thought we would see an endometriosis charity succumb to this kind of woke ideology.'

While Kellie-Jay Keen, founder of Let Women Speak movement, lamented: 'Everyone has lost their collective minds.

'This is an absolute disaster and affront to all women who suffer from endometriosis, which is about 10 per cent of women. It's really insulting.'

Speaking earlier today on LBC, Ms Richards said 'duly obliged' to take up the the role of leading the Portsmouth-based charity after being approached by its trustees.

She said the charity's current chairman, Jodie Hughes, was 'stepping back' to focus on her PhD research on endometriosis, an incurable condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows in other places, including the ovaries and fallopian tubes, and one that Ms Hughes suffers from.

'The trustees decided that the organisation needed an activist with a proven record to drive the charity forward and advocate for womens health in our city, which is desperately needed,' Ms Richards told LBC's Nick Ferrari.

Mother of two Jeannette Towey, 66, has suffered from endometriosis since she was 15 and was outraged by the appointment

Kellie-Jay Keen, founder of Let Women Speak movement, was critical of the language used by the charity and said it 'ignored women' and added: 'Everyone has lost their collective minds'

What is endometriosis? Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows in other places, including the ovaries and fallopian tubes. The long-term condition affects women of any age, including teenagers. Common symptoms include: Pelvic pain

Period pain

Pain during or after sex

Pain peeing or pooing

Feeling sick

Difficulty getting pregnant Treatments include: Painkillers

Hormone medicines and contraceptives

Surgery to cut away the patches of endometriosis Source NHS Advertisement

Responding to the furious wave of criticism against her, Ms Richards continued: 'Simon Cooke is the CEO of MSI Reproductive Choices - a man, he has been there for 10 years. He hasnt experienced transphobia on the level that I have; Laura Kirby is CEO of Prostate Cancer UK  no one's calling for her head.'

Ms Richard insisted ESC was about being 'inclusive' and added: 'If you're a trans man, where do you go unless youve got an inclusive organisation like ours, where do they go for support?

About one in 10 women are thought to suffer from endometriosis. Ms Richards claimed that approximately '5,500 trans men' were thought to be living with the condition in the UK.

But pressing Ms Richards on her new charity role, LBC presenter Mr Ferrari said: 'You'll never fully understand what it is like to have heavy periods or to have this condition because of your birth sex. How do you respond to that?

'Laura Kirby, the CEO of Prostate Cancer [UK] isn't going to get prostate cancer, is she,' responded Ms Richards.

She continued: 'When you appoint a CEO, you do that because of a skillset. Thats why I have been appointed into this position because I am very good at creating campaigns. I've founded an organisation that became LGBT organisation of the year and I did that in 27 months.'

ECS's announcement of Ms Richards' appointment on Sunday came with a statement next to her image that said: 'Isn't it ridiculous I've got to my 40s before any medical professionals even mentioned endometriosis.'

Trans women, who are biological males that identify as women, do not and cannot have a uterus and, therefore, can never suffer from endometriosis.

Health charity Endometriosis South Coast provoked outrage on social media by announcing trans woman Steph Richards was their new chief executive with a quote implying biological men could suffer from the condition

The charity, which runs support groups for women who suffer from the debilitating condition, later apologised for the 'misunderstanding'.

'This quote is from a person that our charity supports. Not from Steph herself,' the organisation wrote on X.

'Steph is a huge advocate for what people in the endo community go through. This is why they were appointed, not because they have their own endo journey.'

But they continued to face backlash, with one person writing: 'You have failed every single woman who is currently using your services.'

Women's rights activist Ms Keen was critical of the language used by the charity and said it 'ignored women', adding: 'The losers are women who suffered from endometriosis who have to rely on a charity that won't call them "women" but "people" but who will call a man a women.

'I think it's doubly insulting they will use female language for him but not for a sufferer the condition.'

While Conservative activist Ms Towey claimed to have previously worked as a regional organiser in the south for Endometriosis UK, operating across Southampton and Portsmouth - where ECS is based.

She added: 'This is a tin pot charity. I don't know who they are... I have never heard of this lot.'

Ms Richards is pictured at an event with Portsmouth's Labour party

Ms Richards, who uses the pronouns she and her, has repeatedly clashed with women's rights advocates, some of whom she has branded as 'terfs', and was previously involved in a protest outside the FiLiA feminist conference.

On LinkedIn, the activist, who is also a Women's Officer at Portsmouth Labour Party, lists her professions as journalist and publisher, having started the website and blog Steph's Place UK.

Steph's Place UK was one of the trans rights organisations which unsuccessfully attempted to have the Equality and Human Rights Commission stripped of its international accreditation after it warned about changes to legal gender recognition and conversion therapy.

The new chief executive described the questions over her appointment as 'transmisogyny' and said she did not apply for the role but were asked to take it on.

She said on X that she had begun 'researching issues around pregnancy and women's health well over two decades ago'.

Speaking today, she added: 'Many gynaecologists are men - I don't see any headlines about them. Some midwives are men - I don't see any headlines about them either. And how about the male paramedic who may deal with miscarriage or prolapse - there are no headlines about them either. Am I wrong?'

But Caroline Ffiske, director of Conservatives for Women, said she was in 'disbelief', adding: 'It's an insulting appointment. It's an insult to women.

'It's an absolutely shocking appointment. There's just disbelief and despair among the entire community.'

Another critic on X, who claimed to have suffered from the condition for years, wrote: 'As a woman who suffered with endometriosis for decades, I simply cannot fathom why you'd think this appointment is appropriate.'

On its website, ESC said it is an 'inclusive charity set up to support people who haven't started their diagnosis journey, are going through the diagnosis stages, or have been diagnosed with endometriosis and/or adenomyosis'.

Caroline Ffiske, director of Conservatives for Women, said she was in 'disbelief', adding: 'It's an insulting appointment. It's an insult to women'

Feminist author Milli Hill argued that the appointment was no different to a controversial case last year where a man was appointed Scotland's first ever period dignity officer

The charity was eventually forced to issue an apology and clarify that the quote came from a person the charity supported rather than Ms Richards herself

Some endometriosis suffers, like a user who only went by IDD64, said they struggled to understand how the charity could consider this appropriate

It added it aims to create a 'safe space for all people with the condition regardless of race, gender, or religion.

'This disease does not discriminate and neither do the people who run this charity,' the organisation added on its website.

The charity's founder and chairman of trustees is Jodie Hughes, who was diagnosed with Endometriosis at the age of 29.

Ms Hughes has previously spoken as a keynote speaker at a round table event on transgender health care and had studied transgender and gender bias theories at university.

Her PhD at the University of Roehampton was looking at the disparities in the care of Endometriosis patients

In an article written by Ms Hughes, entitled 'Managing Endometriosis When You're Trans: Suffering In Silence, she said: 'Managing endometriosis is a feat in itself, but it can be an even more difficult and isolating experience for transgender individuals.'

'Too often, transgender and non-binary people are left out of the conversation when it comes to this disease. This can lead to a lack of understanding and feelings of helplessness, which in turn, can cause worsening symptoms.

On ECS's website, the charity added endometriosis in the 'gender non-conforming population is a highly stigmatised and scary area of diagnosis and treatment'.

It claimed that 'focussing research and treatment plans on gendered constructs is not progressing either research or treatment'.
The move follows the ban on four additives passed in California

Another US state is considering a ban on cancer-causing food additives as pressure mounts on food companies to clean up their recipes.

Pennsylvania State Representative Natalie Mihalek plans to propose a bill to outlaw four food additives in products sold in the state early next year.

Lawmakers are looking to ban brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propylparaben and red dye No. 3, which have been linked to cancer, chronic diseases and heart problems.

Rep. Mihalek told DailyMail.com the proposal could be expanded to include other food additives following meetings with stakeholders, although she did not specify which ones.

Pennsylvania's bill follows a similar one in California, which outlawed the four food additives under its 'Skittles ban' earlier this year, and New York, which is considering similar legislation.

However, manufacturers that use these ingredients in popular foods are hitting back, saying they 'undermine' consumer confidence and 'create confusion' around food safety.

Pennsylvania State Representative Natalie Mihalek is considering tabling a ban on four food additives in Pennsylvania. She said it could be extended to include other additives

Pennsylvania's ban would affect additives in most of the foods pictured above. Skittles was previously affected by the ban in California, but at the last moment legislators removed titanium dioxide used for coloring  which is included in the recipe for Skittles

While the European Union outlawed these additives decades ago after they were linked to variety of health issues, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which regulates food products, has been accused of 'dropping the ball' on the issue.

Now, however, the agency has proposed a ban on brominated vegetable oil, but is yet to address the other three additives banned in California's bill.

Researchers at Consumer Reports  a non-profit leading calls to make America's food safer  say not enough has been done and urges the FDA to follow states' leads when it comes to food safety.

Rep. Mihalek said she was inspired to table the ban by concerns for her three children

Republican Rep. Mihalek told DailyMail.com she had already circulated a memo  a written communication used to convey proposals for legislation  among colleagues in Pennsylvania.

A hearing is being planned for early next year, she said, after which she will consider proposing a bill that would call for at least four food additives to be banned in the state.

The bill faces a long process to become law, though.

It must first make it through a committee and then pass votes in both the state House and Senate and then be signed by Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro before it can become a law.

In California, it took nine months for the 'Skittles ban' bill to make it to the governor's desk for his signature and to become law.

During this period, it had titanium dioxide  added to foods for color  removed from the list of food additives it would ban.

The substance, which is used in Skittles and is behind the ban's name, was removed following lobbying from food companies that insisted the additive was essential for candied cherries.

Rep. Mihalek said she was inspired to call for the law change by her three children, aged 12, 10 and seven, because she was concerned about what they put into their bodies.

She told DailyMail.com: 'This is a very organic piece of legislation.

'I have three children and I am a working mom  so we try to be aware of what our children are putting in their bodies.

'But there is a whole body of research out there on these bad additives that we are putting into our bodies.

'There are also increasing diagnoses of hyperactivity, ADHD and problems with hormones.'

She said the opposition in Pennsylvania has already tried to fight the ban, arguing it should be considered at the federal level.

But the federal Government is often bogged down by delays and disagreements over funding and enforcement.

California Governor Gavin Newsom sent a letter confirming he had signed the bill earlier this year, making California the first US state to ban four food additives. He attached a bag of Skittles from the European Union to his letter, saying this was proof companies could alter their recipes

In the memo, Rep. Mihalek wrote: 'As a mom of three young children, I make every effort to ensure my kids are getting the nutrition they need to learn and grow.

'When we buy products geared toward children from trusted sources, we assume they are safe for our kids to consume.

'The more food labels I read, [however], the more I realize that is not the case.'

Included in the proposed ban is the food dye Red No. 3. Studies have shown this substance to be associated with cancer in laboratory animals when they were exposed to very high doses. It has also been linked to behavioral issues in children.

The US banned it from cosmetic products in the 1990s, but it remains allowed to be used in many food products sold in the US.

Another pair of studies in 2016 found the dye was in more than one in 10 candies in the US and more than 80 percent of children under two years old had consumed it in the past two weeks.

Another of the substances is brominated vegetable oil, which is made from plants and used for citrus flavoring. It has been suggested by studies that long-term exposure harms the body's nervous system.

It has also been linked to chronic headaches, memory loss and impaired balance. The additive is still used in a number of sodas, including Sun Drop and many budget sodas sold in grocery stores.

Propylparaben, often used as a preservative in baking goods, has been linked to fertility issues in mice by disrupting estrogen in females and reducing sperm counts in males.

Lastly, potassium bromate is also found in many baked goods and processed foods. The ingredient makes dough rise, but it has been linked to the development of thyroid and kidney cancers.

Industry stakeholders hit back at the Californian ban previously, saying the bill jumped the gun because the additives' safety was already being reviewed through a number of existing measures.

The National Confectioners Association (NCA), which represents manufacturers, said: 'California is once again making decisions based on soundbites rather than science.

'Governor Newsom's approval of this bill will undermine consumer confidence and create confusion around food safety.'
Young women are the demographic most likely to develop smartphone addiction, according to a landmark study into obsessive phone use - involving 50,000 people across the world.

The researchers, who issued an online survey to people aged 18-90 in nearly 200 countries, found that a third of the global population used their phones in an addictive manner.

Another surprising finding was the country where unhealthy smartphone use is most prevalent.

Researchers found that citizens of some South Asian countries, like the Philippines and Malaysia, are most likely to develop smartphone addiction, even more than the US.

Experts say the extent of the international problem is a serious concern for multiple nations' mental health.

A study of nearly 200 countries found that 29 to 31 percent of the globe is at risk of becoming addicted to their phones

Previous studies have linked above-average smartphone use to a range of mental health problems, including sleep problems, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), depression and anxiety.

In the new study, by experts at the University of Toronto and Harvard University, 50,423 participants in 195 countries filled out a questionnaire about their phone habits known as the Smartphone Addiction Scale.

The majority of the participants - 64 percent - were female, and the average age was 39.

The survey was composed of 10 statements that participants rated from 1 (strongly disagree) to 6 (strongly agree), for a total score ranging from 10 to 60.

The questionnaire featured statements such as, 'I have a hard time concentrating in class while doing assignments or while working due to smartphone use.'

Young women are more likely to have a cell phone addiction than men, the study found, due to socializing more and using phones as a coping mechanism for depression and anxiety

The most common statement participants agreed with was: 'I use my smartphone longer than I intend.'

A score between 31 and 33, the team said, would indicate a smartphone addiction. Based on this, the sample found that 29 to 31 percent of the globe is at risk.

Though the US is not named in the study, that global figure suggests millions of Americans could be addicted to their phones.

The researchers found that young women under age 40 were more likely to develop the problem, compared to men of the same age and older adults.

The team said this could be because women tend to use their phones more for social purposes, such as texting, which can make phone usage a more consistent habit.

They also said that women 'generally have higher rates of depression and anxiety,' which could lead them to doomscroll or use their phones as a distraction.

Additionally, the data looked closely at the 41 countries that had at least 100 participants and found that phone addiction was more common in Southeast Asian countries.

The Philippines had the highest score, with 34.47 points, with Malaysia following closely behind at 34.05 points.

European countries scored the lowest, however, with the Czech Republic taking the bottom spot at 27.66 points. Switzerland came in at 27.88 points, while Portugal had 28.07.

The researchers said it's largely unclear why Southeast Asian countries had the highest rates of cell phone addiction, though it's likely that young people in these countries face greater pressure to keep in contact with friends and family.

The team said that more research is needed to determine why certain countries had higher rates than others.

The study was published last week in the International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction.
Britain's five biggest banks have endorsed a landmark letter from Money Mail to the Prime Minister calling on him to force social media firms to crack down on scammers operating on their platforms.

Money Mail delivered the letter to No 10 Downing Street yesterday.

The support from the banks and the minister for our demands to Rishi Sunak is a huge step forward for this newspapers Stop The Social Media Scammers campaign.

The endorsement comes after Money Mail hosted a major fraud summit last week at The Goring Hotel in London attended by the Security Minister Tom Tugendhat, MP Anthony Browne  the Prime Ministers anti-fraud champion  senior bankers, industry group UK Finance and politicians.

In a rare show of unity, officials from eight of the UKs largest banks and building societies joined Money Mail to set out the urgent action we believe tech companies must take to protect their users from criminals.

Call to action: Reporter Jessica Beard at Downing Street with our letter for the Prime Minister

One senior banker said: Its extremely unusual but all the banks around the table agree about what action needs to be taken.

Yesterday, as Mr Sunak hosted his first Cabinet meeting after a major reshuffle, Money Mail put these demands to the Prime Minister directly. All the banks support our calls for the Government to:

Require technology companies to pay towards the cost of reimbursing victims who lose money after falling for scams originating on their platforms.

Compel social media platforms to introduce tougher identity verification measures to stop fraudsters setting up social media accounts.

Make sure sales sites such as Facebook Marketplace offer users secure payment systems to buy and sell.

Ensure the firms face fines from watchdogs if they fail to stick to new regulations.

Money Mails campaign has exposed the shocking scale of fraud that originates on social media sites since it launched in August.

Our postbag has been filled with letters from hundreds of readers who have been caught out by scams.

In one shocking case, retired ambulance driver Peter Verheul was tricked into handing 117,000 to crypto con artists after he saw a video promoting an investment on social media site TikTok.

Senior bankers from Britains biggest banks now agree with Money Mail that change is needed.

Senior officials from UK Finance and Lloyds, Barclays, Santander, NatWest, HSBC, Nationwide, TSB and Starling Bank attended the summit.

These banks, plus Metro Bank, Virgin Money, Revolut, The Co-operative Bank and Handelsbanken, threw their weight behind our letter to the Prime Minister, totalling 13 banks.

Whilst not putting his name to our letter, the Security Minister has welcomed our calls to get social media companies to crack down on fraud.

At the summit, industry leaders said social media platforms, such as Facebook and Instagram, are failing to take responsibility for fraud  and are likely to continue to do so unless the Government enforces tough new rules.

Data from Lloyds has shown more than two-thirds of purchase scams start on Facebook and other Meta-owned platforms.

NatWest, TSB, Lloyds, Nationwide, Barclays and Santander have previously criticised Meta  the empire controlled by billionaire Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg  for being the UKs largest source of fraud. Santander reports 70 per cent of purchase scams originate on Facebook and Instagram.

Money Mails investigations have previously found scams on Facebook, WhatsApp or Instagram  all owned by Meta  account for an astonishing 16 per cent of all the crimes recorded in the UK.

A total of 1.1 million people fell victim to scams that could be traced back to the companys platforms last year.

Until now, banks have shouldered the cost of reimbursing victims. Tech firms have no legal or regulatory obligation to reimburse those who lose money to scams originating on their platforms.

Facebook crooks: A total of 1.1 million people fell victim to scams that could be traced back to social media platforms owned by Meta last year

The banks believe the only way to stamp down on the practice is for social media companies to share the bill  and face fines if they fail to prevent fraud on their platforms.

One senior banker told the politicians present: Tech companies should contribute towards reimbursing victims or have some incentive to invest in preventing fraud from happening on their platforms.

There are multiple ways tech companies could share the burden of reimbursing scam victims, those present said. One banker said social media platforms could be forced to reimburse scam victims in the same way banks are obliged to.

You [the Government] could mandate them in the way that you have with banks. Or, the second way is, if the banks are telling them that scams are originating on their platforms and pointing to the exact scam, then if they dont subsequently act, they should become liable.

More than half a billion pounds has been lost to fraud this year, the latest data sent to the Government last month by industry body UK Finance revealed.

The banks present also agreed that social media firms should be compelled to share data with them and law enforcement agencies about fraudsters operating on their platforms.

One official said: The sharing of data is absolutely critical. Tech companies have extensive stores of data on their users including on fraudsters. This could be used to identify them and spot patterns that could help both the police and banks prevent victims from losing money.

Messaging service WhatsApp has repeatedly warned it would sooner pull its business out of the UK if new legislation forced it to ditch end-to-end encryption, which allows messages to be sent between users with no risk that they can be read by third parties.

There had been proposals to ban end-to-end encryption in the Online Safety Act, which was passed into law last month, but they were scrapped at the last minute.

One banker said: We continue to take small incremental steps forward but unless we make a leapfrog improvement, the criminals will move quicker than us.

Unless it is going to hit tech companies in the bottom line, they will continue to tick boxes and make incremental steps.

A Meta spokesman says: With tens of millions using our apps daily in the UK, we recognise our important role in tackling the industry-wide issue of scams.

'We dont want anyone to fall victim to these criminals which is why our platforms have systems to block scams, financial services advertisers now have to be FCA authorised and we run consumer awareness campaigns on how to spot fraudulent behaviour.
Vodafone Group's first-half profits plummeted as the telecoms group suffered currency fluctuations and the impact of its disposal of business units last year.

The telecoms giant's operating profits fell by 44.2 per cent to 1.7billion in the six months ending September, following the sale of Vantage Towers, Vodafone Hungary and Vodafone Ghana, as well as 'adverse' foreign exchange movements.

These factors also drove the firm's turnover roughly 1billion lower to 21.9billion, even though organic service revenue rose thanks to solid performances across the UK and Africa.

Difficult game: Vodafone reported first-half operating profits fell by 44.2 per cent to 1.7billion

In the former territory, organic service revenue grew by 110million to 2.8billion, thanks partly to higher mobile roaming revenue and broadband customer numbers.

At the same time, it expanded by 9 per cent in its Vodacom business on the back of bumper results in South Africa, Egypt and international markets.

In Germany, its largest market by sales, Vodafone returned to growth in the second quarter due to increasing broadband prices and revenue per average mobile user.

Following the result, Vodafone reiterated its full-year guidance for free cash flow of about 3.3billion and adjusted core earnings to be 'broadly flat' at approximately 13.3billion.

Margherita Della Valle, its chief executive, said: 'Vodafone's transformation is progressing. Our focus on customers and simplifying our business is beginning to bear fruit, although much more needs to be done.'

The Italian-born boss, who became CEO in April, is spearheading a turnaround plan to streamline the group's operations and boost growth amid pressure from investors angry with a sliding valuation and lacklustre trading performance.

Vodafone Group shares were 1.1 per cent lower at 76.5p on Tuesday morning, meaning they have slumped by around 27 per cent over the past 12 months.

Aarin Chiekrie, equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said: 'Revenue and operating profits are heading in the wrong direction for Vodafone, reflecting recent disposals and the structural challenges at hand.

'Huge sums of money have been pumped into building out fibre networks and snapping up parts of the 5G spectrum and thats weighing on cash flows.'

In late October, Vodafone announced that it intended to sell its Spanish arm for about 4.4billion to investment group Zegona Communications.

Chiekrie said the deal 'marks an end to years of frustration for investors' regarding below-target returns.

He added: 'Funds from the Zegona deal are likely going to get ploughed back into paying down the groups hefty debt pile, rather than supporting unsustainable dividend payments.

'There are also whispers that Vodafone is looking at strategic options for its Italian unit, which could include the sale of the business or finding a partner.'

Vodafone has also agreed to merge with Three's British division, which would make the enlarged company the biggest telecoms operator in the UK, with more than 27 million subscribers.

Over a decade, the pair have pledged to invest 11billion to deliver 'one of Europe's most advanced standalone 5G networks'.

The deal is currently being investigated by the Competition and Markets Authority amid concerns that it would lead to a 'substantial lessening of competition' in the telecoms industry.

Unite the union has claimed the merger could lead to mobile phone bills rising by 300 per year, although Three's general counsel, Stephen Lerner, has said that no price hikes were being planned.

Mark Crouch, an analyst at investment platform eToro, said the Vodafone-Three tie-up 'isn't an innovative approach that will reward investors, rather a defensive move at a time of market stress'.
Mitch Brisker, 74, left Scientology over a year ago after a clash with leader and his once close associate, David Miscavige

David Miscavige, leader of the Church of Scientology, is a reclusive man with a penchant for designer clothes, a hunger for gifts, fast cars, and superbikes and a fondness for thumping music.

And, according to one of his closest lieutenants, he 'exiled' his wife Shelly seemingly without a second thought because he was 'done with her.'

This is the picture of the enigmatic man painted by Mitch Brisker, 74, former Senior Director and Creative Executive of Scientology's Golden Era Studios.

For 30 years Brisker was, by his own admission, Chief Architect of Scientology's Propaganda and a trusted right-hand man to its leader, Miscavige, 63.

Once a member of the church's upper echelons, he left the church just over a year ago after clashing with Miscavige and losing faith in what it stood for.

Now, he is speaking out for the first time in an exclusive interview with DailyMail.com giving his unique insight into Miscavige, his personality, his 'missing' wife, his infamous friendship with Tom Cruise and the luxurious lifestyle of the man whom, he says, conducts himself like a 'super celebrity.'

Brisker (far left) now 74, was once a member of the church's upper echelons and for 30 years was, by his own admission, Chief Architect of Scientology's Propaganda and a trusted right-hand man to Miscavige, 63. They are pictured together in 1991

Brisker also shared new insight into Miscavige's allegedly 'missing' wife, Shelly Miscavige who has not been seen in public since 2007

According to Brisker, Miscavige's executive assistant Laurisse 'Lou' Henley-Smith 'ascended' after Shelly left. She (far right) is seen alongside the church leader, Tom Cruise and now ex-wife Katie Holmes at the Laguna Seca Moto GP in Monterey, California in 2008

When Brisker first met Miscavige in 1990 he was immediately struck by the person he describes as 'very, very intense'.

Back then, according to Brisker, Miscavige worked out and body-built obsessively and favored tight muscle T-shirts to show off the fruits of his labor.

He was, Brisker soon learned, all about control in every aspect of his life.

According to Brisker: 'There is not a greater control freak ever born in the existence of the human race.

'Everything that happens in Scientology, right down to the soap they're going to use on their luxury cruise liner is submitted to him for approval.

'I mean he spends hundreds and hundreds of hours, so much of his week, I've been there, I've seen it, getting these CSW (Completed Staff Work) forms that's basically a proposal for approval.

'When I first went up there [to the International Base] when we did a film, every aspect of it  the casting, the wardrobe, the lighting, where the actors were going to stand, where the cameras were going to be placed  all that stuff had to be submitted for approval in detail.

'He's an absolute control freak.'

That 'freakishness' extends to how he demands the multiple conference rooms at any given Scientology center are set up for him on arrival.

According to Brisker: 'There would have to be a pile of Mont Blanc pens, an unopened packet of Camel cigarettes, an ashtray, a particular brand of mineral water which I forget and an unopened packet of gum.'

He recalled: 'During any meeting he would have a drag of a cigarette, take a sip of the water, and chew a piece of the gum. Maybe if the meeting was longer, he'd have another cigarette but when he left all the rest had to be thrown away.

Miscavige, who has been head of the church since 1987, is an enigmatic figure with a penchant for designer clothes, a hunger for gifts, fast cars, and superbikes, according to Brisker

According to the former Scientologist, under Miscavige's rule, gift-giving is a huge part of Scientology's culture, with the leader being known to circulate a wish list of gifts every birthday and Christmas

Brisker also gave his unique insight into Miscavige's infamous friendship with Scientology's most famous member Tom Cruise

'I don't know if he was paranoid about being poisoned or something, but everything always had to be new and unopened.'

Indeed, Miscavige is very preoccupied with the material world and acquiring new things, according to Brisker.

Gift-giving is a huge part of Scientology's culture under Miscavige's rule. According to Brisker: 'He understands the power and pressure that can come with gift-giving.'

For his part, Brisker received gifts worth thousands of dollars when he was in favor and being 'love bombed' by Miscavige.

He recalls receiving an original Norwalk juicer worth $3,000, an audio system worth thousands, and a $10,000 television screen which church members delivered and installed.

He said: 'But there was always this element of virtue signaling and narcissistic philanthropy. He bought me the juicer because he said he was concerned for my health.'

Miscavige was also a big fan of receiving lavish gifts.

Brisker recalled: 'He circulated a wish list of gifts every birthday and Christmas and members were expected to get together and buy him items on it.

'There were things like $700 designer shirts, expensive cameras  he loved camera gear  music, he loves thumping music.

'He had a bespoke Mustang worth more than $100,000 that was gifted to him by members of Flag (Church of Scientology's Flag Services Organization in Clearwater, Florida) and a superbike that was also from Flag.'

Brisker recalls Miscavige and Cruise racing around the International Base on their motorbikes, gifted by members of the Sea Org.

He said, They really are like separated at birth. It was almost cute to see them together. I think for Tom thats a genuine friendship and almost worship.

But a fundamental difference between the men is, Brisker thinks, that Cruise has 'a real streak of goodness' in him while he could find no such redeeming feature in Miscavige.

In fact, Brisker says: 'Tom Cruise is Scientology's number one victim. I know people will disagree with me about this but it's like he's living in a distorted reality. He's fully in the matrix.'

Today Brisker suspects the same is true of Shelly Miscavige, once crowned 'the First Lady of Scientology' by Vanity Fair. She was last seen in public in 2007. Her whereabouts have been the subject of investigation and speculation ever since.

In 2012, attorneys claiming to represent Shelly stated that she was fit and well and merely living a private life devoted to Scientology.

Shelly Miscavige's whereabouts have been the subject of investigation and speculation for more than a decade and a half

Actress Leah Remini has been a vocal Scientology critic since she left the church in 2013. She reported Shelley Miscavige missing to the Los Angeles Police Department, but the case was closed within a matter of hours

In August, Remini announced that she was suing the church and Miscavige, asking for punitive and compensatory damages to be proven at trial

Questions persisted and, in 2013, amid rumors that she was being held somewhere against her will, actress and vocal Scientology critic Leah Remini filed a missing persons report with Los Angeles Police Department. It was closed within a matter of hours.

But according to Brisker, he saw Shelly in 2008  a year after she supposedly vanished.

He said: 'Shelly's not missing, and she's not being held prisoner anywhere, that's my honest belief.'

Instead, he is certain, she is living in Scientology's secretive bunker-like base in the mountain town of Crestline, California.

The base near Twin Peaks is where devotees spend their days ensuring founder L. Ron Hubbard's immortality, by memorializing his copious writings on metal plates.

Brisker explained: 'My routine when I worked out at Golden Era was, I would drive out [to the International Base in Gilman Springs, California] and I'd stop at a town called Redlands for lunch then continue another 30 minutes or so to the base.

'If you draw a straight-line on the only road out of Crestline the first place you land in is Redlands. It's really the only place out there with notable restaurants where you could go for a nice lunch.

'And that day I noticed a woman I knew, whom I now know is one of Shelly's "handlers". That's a person's auditor and friend.'

Brisker is hazy on the restaurant but thinks it may have been a Chipotle.

He continued: 'Then I realized Shelly was sitting there. It just looked like three girlfriends having lunch. It was very awkward when they saw me.

'I realize now they didn't want anybody to know where she was but there's no doubt in my mind, she's at Crestline because there's no other reason, she would have been way out there having lunch that day.'

But while Brisker doesn't believe that Shelly is imprisoned against her will and is, instead, simply living out a life of devotion, he does believe that Miscavige acted with chilling ruthlessness when he dispatched her to Crestline  effectively throwing her into 'exile' when he was 'done' with her.

Miscavige was rarely seen without Lou by his side for many years, according to the insider. The two are pictured with Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes at the same event in 2008

Brisker recalled Miscavige and Cruise racing around the International Base on their motorbikes, gifted by members of the Sea Org

Brisker said: 'I think he was just done with her. He didn't want to see her ever again.

'When they were together, she was always pleasant to me, very cordial and polite. We coordinated on birthday and Christmas gifts.

'Some have speculated she could have taken over leadership of the church, I never saw her as anything more than a glorified social director and assistant.'

Miscavige, Brisker recalled, would often fail to include Shelly in conversations in public and she would always stand slightly behind her husband when he spoke.

In Shelly's absence, Brisker said, the chairman's executive assistant Laurisse 'Lou' Henley-Smith 'ascended.'

Brisker said: 'For many years she looked after Tom Cruise but after Shelly left you never saw Miscavige without Lou by his side.

'Seriously the only place I saw him without her was the men's room. They even started dressing the same, like a couple.'

Despite being the most senior member of the Sea Org, the church's pseudo militaristic 'clergy,' Miscavige rarely wore uniform, according to Brisker, preferring designer suits and Italian leather jackets.

He said: 'He and Lou had matching ones, you know 'his and hers.'

Brisker also noted that, unlike Miscavige's wife, when the leader spoke in company Lou would often stand slightly in front of him.

Brisker, who refers to Lou as Miscavige's 'co-conspirator', said he was convinced that their relationship had become romantic during one overnight flight in Tom Cruise's private jet.

He said: 'It was 2016 or 2017 and there were only four of us on the plane. Miscavige and Lou disappeared into the master suite at the start of the flight and emerged eight hours later freshly showered.

'Whatever took place  and even if they just have some amazing platonic friendship  that made me so mad because that violates so many basic Sea Org rules about men and women.'

In her book Troublemaker, Leah Remini also said that Miscavige and Henley-Smith appeared to have a relationship that was stronger than that of two people who worked together.

She said she first noticed it at Tom Cruise's November 2006 wedding to Katie Holmes in Italy. She found it strange that Miscavige was there without his wife and noticed he was fooling around with his communicator in Shelly's absence.

Sea Org members can marry each other, but extramarital sex is strictly prohibited and unmarried men and women should not be alone in any potentially intimate manner.

Brisker does not go into detail but admits that his own love life saw him fall foul of Miscavige so any hint at double standards stings.

According to Brisker the men fell out before the pandemic, nothing he regarded as 'irreparable' but when the rhythm of life was disrupted by shutdowns, Brisker began to re-evaluate his relationship with the church.

He said: 'Miscavige who's a bit of a germaphobe fled to Clearwater, Florida, where he would have less public contact.

'There's a beautiful Spanish villa they bought behind there, El Cadiz, and they knocked two apartments into one and that's where he stays when he's there  though he may have been on base during the pandemic.

'The rest of the time he spends in Los Angeles.'

Danny Masterson was supported by wife Bijou Phillips throughout his trial. However she has now filed for divorce and he has been booted from the Church of Scientology

Remini was seen in a November 2007 photo alongside Masterson taken at fundraiser in Las Vegas

According to Brisker he always knew Miscavige was at the church's Author's Services Inc (the literary agency that represents L. Ron Hubbard's estate) on LA's Hollywood Boulevard because, 'I would see the same security that was at each end of any journey he made. He didn't travel with them but there would be one at each end.

'They looked like private military contractors. They all wore desert boots, tactical pants, and all had the same Glock handgun in a ballistic nylon holster.

'Whenever you arrived at ASI if there was a Glock-carrying private security guard at the gate you knew Miscavige was there.'

He added: 'When he wasn't there you just pull up and ring the buzzer for the receptionist to let you in. There was always unarmed Sea Org security in their rent-a-cop uniforms, but they were just greeters.'

Referring to the high security that surrounds the church's leader, Brisker said: 'To be fair there had been a random guy with a sniper rifle who went to prison for threatening to assassinate Miscavige.'

After that event which took place in 2016, Brisker noticed 'a sharp increase in security.'

He said: 'That's when the ex-special forces private contractor type of security became visible.'

Perhaps now, more than ever, the church needs to generate support and bolster the confidence and commitment of its members, Brisker said..

In recent months Scientology has suffered a series of high-profile blows  none more grievous than member and actor Danny Masterson's conviction on multiple counts of rape.

The former star of 'That 70s Show,' was sentenced to 30 years in prison last month for drugging and raping two church members 20 years ago and, while he alone stood charged with the crimes, there can be no doubt that the light of public scrutiny shone on Scientology too.

Prosecutors and victims claimed that the church shielded and protected its famous members for years to such a grotesque extent that it allowed Masterson to rape fellow Scientologists without consequences.

According to Brisker: 'The whole church is a crime scene with victims scattered all over the place.

'I think to say that the church and Miscavige is facing its biggest, most urgent crisis in living memory is an understatement. Considering all the pressure he's under right now I think there's a very uncertain outcome.'

Mitch Brisker's book, The Big Lie: How I made an Evil Cult Look Good, will be available on Amazon on November 24, 2024
President Joe Biden has been urged to meet San Francisco's homeless and see the city's squalor first-hand as advocates tear into the APEC conference clean-up in the streets.

San Francisco's facelift for the summit has involved relocating members of the city's burgeoning homeless population to shelters without providing additional beds, in what one advocate compared to rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic.

The city with world-class cuisine, glorious views, and an estimated 20,000 people in need of shelter annually, has been sprucing up in advance of a summit that will bring Asia Pacific leaders including China's Xi Jinping.

The effort has included removing graffiti from city streets and even building a new skatepark, along with contending with filthy homeless encampments spread throughout the city, with particular visibility since the COVID pandemic hit.

Homeless advocate Jennifer Friedenbach blasted elements of city's approach, which she said included directing people from inside the designated APEC 'zone' to the city's only shelter with walk-in beds.

The APEC conference in San Francisco brings world leaders and diplomats from across the globe. The city has been clearing streets from a conference zone, and some advocates want President Biden to visit homeless people

That risks harming people who have depended on it for nightly needs.

'So if you happen to be one of the people in there (in a cleared encampment), then okay, but if you're not, you know, you're s*** out of luck,' she told DailyMail.com.

'They have this big thing they're spending millions of dollars they should have opened up a temporary shelter or rented some hotel rooms for folks that were in that zone so that it didn't displace everybody else.

'It just has this ripple effect. You know, you're kind of just like rearranging chairs on the deck of the Titanic. You're not really steadying the boat,' she said.

A city nonprofit raised $20 million to host the summit, which brings world leaders from across the Indo-Pacific, and is serving as the venue for a high-stakes sit down between President Biden and Xi. A Sonoma casino, tech companies, and health firms have all contributed funds to the effort.

Friedenbach said she would 'love' for President Biden and other world leaders to visit the homeless to see for themselves some of the squalor and difficulties of those on the streets amid the city's lack of affordable housing, with a homeless population right now of about 8,000, with about 4,000 living on the street and the rest in shelters.

'I would love leaders to visit with unhoused people in their organizations and hear from them directly what the solutions are, and I think a lot of the other countries can learn from the United States' mistakes and our own United States government could really address this issue and in very tangible ways,' she said.

Homeless encampments in the Tenderloin District of San Francisco are located nearby where delegates and CEOs will gather

Asia Pacific leaders will be gathering in the Moscone Center, and top CEOs are also set to meet

There are an estimated 20,000 homeless people in San Francisco year round

President Joe Biden's meeting this week with Chinese President Xi Jinping follows a Chinese spy balloon incident and Chinese state-run media calling San Francisco a 'ruined city'

She called for a massive expansion of 'housing choice vouchers' that can be used locally.

She said of Biden, 'I'm not sure if he spends much time with members of that unhoused community, I think it would be a really positive experience for him in terms of understanding what the issue is because there's just so much misinformation and so much scapegoating of homeless people themselves, blaming them for something that's totally out of their control.'

The city has been struggling through years-long federal court battles seeking authority to clear homeless encampments amid a housing crisis.

That has included trying to clean up the city's 'most troubled corner' since June.

That corner, where Seventh St. intersects Market, includes 20 per cent of the city's drug crimes, all while the city is on track to set a record for fatal drug overdoses this year, including 54 dead in September alone.

The closing of nationwide chain stores like Nordstrom's since the pandemic have drawn national headlines.

And in the Cold War-style battle of competing systems, China's state-run media have taken to calling the metropolis by the bay a 'ruined city.'

In one sign of the likely downstream effects of the APEC cleanup, homeless tents have been popping up in new neighborhoods.

The city's Department of Health has providing updates to community partners in the run-up to the conference, as part of an effort to ensure recipients are getting care through myriad nonprofits, hospitals, and public agencies while thousands of dignitaries and visitors stream into downtown.

'The DPH Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response (PHEPR) team has been working with organizers and city agencies to minimize the impact to our community as well as ensure we are ready to respond to any public health needs,' according to a Nov. 3 email reviewed by DailyMail.com.

After September's annual Salesforce event, called Dreamforce, amid another apparent cleanup effort, the company's CEO Marc Benioff dared to dream what it would be like if the city were spiffed up all the time.

The event is held in the same Moscone Center that hosts APEC.

'It is important to ask why the city cannot be this clean and safe every single day?' he wrote on X, the former Twitter site.

'San Francisco has been incredibly clean, beautiful, and safe for the last 3 days of Dreamforce, and it is great that the city is able to put its best foot forward for this major event that brings in 40K people from around the world, and $80M to the economy,' he wrote.

San Francisco Mayor London Breed's office said dealing with homelessness is 'a priority 365 days a year.'

'We are out on the streets every day, sheltering people every night and moving people out of homelessness every day,' said Emily Cohen, deputy director for communications of the city's Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing.

'When our community hosts events, like APEC, we want to put our best foot forward. Dedicated outreach efforts will be focused on the conference vicinity and offering safe places for people experiencing homelessness will be a priority,' she said.

But Cohen also said the agency 'is not opening any special shelter capacity for APEC. We have not been budgeted to add shelter capacity during the summit.'

It does have additional capacity at an interfaith shelter running from November through early spring and a 300-bed expansion of adult shelter capacity coming online for November and December.

Cohen called for a 'comprehensive and compassionate approach' and said the APEC conference 'provides an opportunity to spotlight San Francisco's commitment to this issue and demonstrate our City's innovation, resilience and determination to find lasting and meaningful solutions.'

The city's most recent homeless count, in 2022, found approximately 7,754 people experiencing homeless on a February night in the city. Of those, 4,397 were unsheltered.

The figure was actually down 15 per cent from a 2019 pre-pandemic survey.
EXCLUSIVE

In the 30 days of September, 2,005 foreigners who had already arrived in Australia sought protection visas from the Labor government.

The bulk of these asylum seekers arrived from Vietnam and China, with dozens more from Iran, Myanmar, Pakistan and Colombia.

Dan Tehan, shadow minister for immigration and citizenship, told Daily Mail Australia the surging number of asylum seekers is 'a test for Labor' to show true leadership.

'The number of asylum seekers arriving under Labor continues to increase. Most of these people aren't genuine refugees; they are taking advantage of the system,' he said.

'Cracking down on criminals and dodgy asylum seekers is hard work.'

He's calling on the government to be transparent with the Australian public about when we can expect to see these numbers start to fall.

Protection visa applicants are most likely to enter Australia via plane into Sydney, followed by Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth

At the peak in June 2022, applicants were spending an average of 147 days in Australia prior to lodging the protection visa requests.

This average has been slowly trending down over Labor's 18 months in government. In July 2023, applicants were spending an average of 26 days in Australia prior to submitting the request.

The number of failed asylum seekers awaiting deportation has ballooned to 75,862. Just 17 left Australian shores in September - 14 of whom left voluntarily.

The bulk of asylum seekers during the September reporting period were men aged 25-34, followed by men aged 35-44.

Women aged 25-34 were the third biggest group that month, with 195 applications, tapering down in every age bracket thereafter.

One hundred and twenty-seven children aged 14 or younger sought asylum in that window - 66 boys and 61 girls.

The government granted 185 Final Protection Visas in that window - 104 of which were allocated to asylum seekers who arrived from Myanmar.

Dan Tehan, Shadow Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, told Daily Mail Australia the surging number of asylum seekers is 'a test for Labor' to show true leadership

Myanmar has been the subject of ongoing turmoil since the military launched a coup against the government in February 2021.

The ongoing conflict has displaced tens of thousands of citizens, and at least 6,337 civilians have been killed.

Six visas were granted to Pakistani citizens, five to Afghani citizens and less than five were granted to people from Ethiopia, Iran, Fiji, Uganda and those who were formally identified as being stateless.

The remainder of the 1,371 visa requests which the Home Office dealt with in that period - 1,186 - were rejected.

Overall, protection visa applicants are most likely to enter Australia via plane into Sydney, followed by Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth.

Murray Watt, Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, revealed after a question on notice that there were only 'nine points of entry' for these visa applicants.

Between June 2022 and August 2023, 6,001 protection visa applicants arrived via Sydney Airport.

In the 30 days of September alone, 2,005 foreigners who had already arrived in Australia sought protection visas from the Labor government (Pictured: Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil)

In that same window, 5,406 arrived via Melbourne, 1,189 from Brisbane, 763 via Perth, less than 612 from Darwin, less than 247 via Adelaide, less than 44 via Cairns, less than 70 via Coolangatta on the Gold Coast, and less than five via Canberra.

In Question Time on Monday, Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil slammed the 'broken migration system' she inherited - 'broken by the Leader of the Opposition', she said.

'We take a very different approach to the management of this system,' she said.

'We set rules and we make sure that people follow those rules... we are diligently working through all of the broken aspects of the system and fixing them piece by piece.'

It comes amid revelations 80 potential threats to public safety - including a paedophile and a convicted killer - have been released from indefinite detention after last week's landmark High Court ruling which found they were being held unlawfully.

The mass release comes after a refugee who raped a 10-year-old boy was let out into the community by the High Court decision.

The key ruling immediately prompted the possible release of up to 92 non-citizens held in detention who could not be deported to their home countries.

The total includes those convicted of serious offences, who had failed the good character test, or were feared to be threats to national security.

On Monday, Immigration Minister Andrew Giles said 80 of those being detained, including a Malaysian hitman, had already now been freed and given a visa.

The Australian government had opposed the court's decision, but the minister said they were prepared to deal with the consequences.
EXCLUSIVE

A colourful Sydney business identity 'Big' Jim Byrne was arrested after becoming involved in a dance floor bust up with nightclub boss Julian Tobias inside his exclusive venue.

Daily Mail Australian can reveal an argument between the sometime debt collector, 63, and the nightclub boss, 44, erupted during post-Melbourne Cup celebrations at Bedouin nightclub, which Tobais owns, in Sydney's exclusive Double Bay.

NSW Police confirmed they received reports of a fight on the dancefloor while they were conducting a routine business inspection at the venue at 8.40pm on November 7th as celebrations continued on the first Tuesday in November.

'During the inspection, police received reports of a brawl on a dancefloor at the location,' a NSW Police spokesman said.

A witness said the stoush between the pair occurred after a woman was allegedly 'touched inappropriately' by a male patron of the nightclub.

An argument between Jim Byrnes and nightclub boss Julian Tobias broke out after a female patron was inappropriately touched by a male club-goer

Colourful Sydney business identity Jim Byrnes was arrested before being released after CCTV reviewal

That prompted Byrnes to intervene by 'pushing' that man, the witness said.

'That's when Julian stepped in and went at Jim,' the source claimed.

The alleged scuffle is left Byrne with a small cut above his eye.

Byrnes, 63, was arrested and then taken to Waverley Police Station before being released after police retrieved CCTV from the nightclub, a police statement of facts revealed.

'I was not concerned,' Byrnes told Daily Mail Australia.

'I am currently being badgered by everyone who does not like Tobias to make a complaint.'

The venue introduced the new dress code in a bid to discourage any 'intimidating appearances

Sydney nightclub king Julian Tobias (pictured) called time on his relationship with 18-year-old influencer Paris Ow-Yang two months after they began dating

Tobias, 44, owns the popular eastern suburbs restaurant and nightclub.

He made headlines last year after introducing a strict dress code in a bid to discourage any 'intimidating appearances'.

The house policy is outlined on a sign out the front of the venue. It bans 'visible tattoos', 'designer labelled apparel' or 'heavy jewellery'.

The alleged fight comes two months after Tobias split from 18-year-old Only Fans influencer Paris Ow-Yang.

Ms Ow-Yang last Friday pleaded guilty to driving four times over the legal limit when she crashed her black Mercedes into a car at Point Piper last month at the Downing Centre Local Court.

A court heard last week that Ms Ow-Yang was reeling from her sudden break-up from Tobias when she 'spiralled' and crashed her car.

Tobias declined to comment when approached by Daily Mail Australia.
Joe Biden and Xi Jinping are set to strike a deal that would see Beijing crack down on the manufacture and supply of fentanyl to the US, according to a report.

The two leaders will meet Wednesday on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in San Francisco - their first meeting since November 2022 amid ratcheting global tensions.

Under the terms of the deal, China will crackdown on chemical companies making the compounds used to produce fentanyl, sources told Bloomberg.

In exchange, Biden will lift restrictions on China's forensic police institute - which the US says is responsible for human-rights abuses.

Democrat leaders have been scrambling to clean up the City by the Bay for Xi's visit - ironically in the grips of a fentanyl crisis which China has been fueling.

Steel barriers have been erected around the major thoroughfares and drug-addicted vagrants booted off the streets - a kindness the woke government has failed to show its own taxpayers.

It comes as Xi's propaganda machine has been unashamedly slamming San Francisco as a 'hell' on Earth ahead of his visit. A recent headline from Chinese-language Phoenix TV said: 'San Francisco declines into a "death loop" as this city of freedom and love falls from heaven to hell.'

But it is Chinese businesses that are supplying Mexican cartels with the chemicals to make the lethal synthetic opioids that are destroying American cities.

Biden and Xi have not spoken in a year. Their last meeting was at the Group of 20 summit in Indonesia last autumn in Bali in November 2022

On Friday morning, San Francisco resident Christine Johnson, 55, stood outside the Moscone Center holding a sign urging visitors to step outside the security bubble to see the homeless problem that's been temporarily swept away

A homeless encampment is seen in Tenderloin District is seen here over the summer, a few blocks from where summit will take place Wednesday

With just a day before the two leaders meet, city authorities have been hurriedly moving homeless people out of sight and cleaning up neighborhoods that have become blighted by drugs and vagrants - mainly as a result of the fentanyl on the surrounding streets.

In an effort to show the city's best side to the leader of the second-largest economy in the world, sidewalks have been scrubbed, walls have been washed and drug addicts have been diverted away from the area - at least until Friday when the summit ends.

Biden and Xi have not spoken in the year since their last meeting at the Group of 20 summit in Indonesia last autumn.

But since their last encounter, tensions between the two nations have grown following a series of events touched off by the shooting down of a Chinese spy balloon that had drifted across the U.S. earlier this year.

A person sleeps near a security fence setup around the Moscone convention center hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders' week in San Francisco

A worker stands near a door on a security fence erected near Moscone Center where APEC will be held

Tony Phillips, who's been homeless for eight years, rests near a security fence on Fourth Street in San Francisco

It is hoped the Biden-Xi meeting will produce some concrete results, including the possible reestablishment of military communication between the two nations and a shared effort to combat illicit fentanyl trafficking.

The powerful opioid is the deadliest drug in the U.S. today with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated drug overdose deaths have increased more than seven times between 2015 and 2021.

More than 150 people die each day from overdoses related to synthetic opioids such as fentanyl.

San Francisco's Mayor, London Breed, has blamed the effects of the drug for the ruin of her city and exacerbating the homeless crisis.

'Fentanyl has really devastated our city, like no other drug we've ever experienced within my lifetime,' Breed said to Bloomberg News.

'I would ask him [Xi] to work with the US and to ensure that the resources that are being sent out of China, that come into either the US or Mexico, are cut off to the fullest extent possible.'

The drug was initially produced in India and China and mailed to recipients across North America. Makeshift labs have since sprung up in Mexico to receive the precursor chemicals from Asia, mix them or press them into pills, and smuggle them into the US

More than 150 people die each day from overdoses related to synthetic opioids such as fentanyl

Fentanyl is the leading driver of drug overdose deaths in the United States, as well as San Francisco with almost 450 deaths alone attributed to the drug in the city

This image from Mexico's national defense forces shows a makeshift drugs lab in northwest Mexico, where officers discovered precursor chemicals, fentanyl paste, weapons and drug making gear, from November 2021

San Francisco's Mayor, Loudon Reed, has blamed the effects of the drug for ruin her city and exacerbating the homeless crisis

Mexico and China are the primary sources for fentanyl and fentanyl-related substances trafficked directly into the US, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration, which is tasked with combating illicit drug trafficking.

Fentanyl is 50 times more powerful than heroin and 100 times more powerful than morphine.

But nearly all the chemicals needed to make fentanyl come from China, with the drugs then mass-produced in Mexico and trafficked via cartels into the U.S.

'We're hoping to see some progress on that issue this coming week,' National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said on Monday.

'That could then open the door to further cooperation on other issues where we aren't just managing things but we're actually delivering tangible results.'

'China's agreements have an unstated condition: Void if you criticize Xi and the Communist Party,' said Derek Scissors, senior fellow at the conservative American Enterprise Institute to Bloomberg.

'If the Biden administration isn't pro-China in 2024, enforcement of a fentanyl deal will fade away.'

San Francisco has cleaned up several well-known homeless encampments ahead of China 's dictator Xi Jinping 's visit Wednesday - including this one on the street at 7th Street and Mission across the street from the Nancy Pelosi Federal Building in San Francisco California

Where tents were previously propped up, sidewalks are clear and spotless. Locales where homeless once congregated are now cleared, as if a yearslong crisis affecting countless never occurred

In the span of a few days, the city scrubbed seven intersections in the notorious Tenderloin and South of Market neighborhoods - a decision Newsom this past week defended ahead of the anticipated Asian summit

Other residents - as well as fed-up activists protesting the anticipated Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit at the Moscone Center - said much of the same, waking up this week to see tents that had been stationed along Ellis Street and 13th suddenly gone

A San Francisco City worker cleans Howard Street ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in San Francisco, California, US, on Saturday

Preparations for the summit are evident around San Francisco.

The city has erected tall steel barricades downtown that snake around the streets surrounding the Moscone Center and other venues where APEC events will be held this week.

The San Francisco Police Department has beefed up patrols throughout downtown.

In the area around Union Square, where many summit dignitaries have booked up the city's five-star hotels, locals have noted how the city's large homeless population seems less prevalent than usual.

California's governor Gavin Newsom even boasted about how much work had been done to 'clean up' San Francisco ahead of the APEC Summit.

Newsom said that work had been done on improving safety in the crime-ridden city, where robbery is up 13.7 percent, year on year, and businesses are fleeing the empty downtown.

'I know folks are saying, 'Oh, they're just cleaning up this place because all those fancy leaders are coming to town,' said Newsom late last week.

Volunteers clean up the city near Dolores Park in San Francisco, right near the federal building

President Joe Biden is set to meet with Xi Jinping for the first time in over a year at the Moscone Center, set in the South of Market neighborhood

Hangouts along Mission Street and Market are also no more, along with a brazen open drug market that for more than a year has been outside the Nancy Pelosi Federal Building

The area outside the building was considered the biggest of all the open-air drug markets across the city, after suddenly sprouting up earlier this year. Usually, somewhere between 50 to 100 dealers operate on the street daily, usually doing so undeterred and in broad daylight

The cleanup left multiple crime hotspots virtually unrecognizable, and left many asking why similar efforts had not been made sooner

'That's true, because it's true - but it's also true for months and months and months prior to APEC, we've been having conversations.'

He added: 'By definition, you have people over to your house, you're going to clean up the house.

'We have 21 world leaders; tens of thousands of people coming from all around the globe.

'What an opportunity to showcase the world's most extraordinary place: San Francisco.'

In the city's notoriously embattled downtown, video and photos taken over the course of the weekend and Monday show how the city suddenly went into overdrive ahead of Jiping's anticipated visit.

City workers clean the streets and remove tents and items belonging to homeless residents ahead of the APEC summit

A homeless man is seen pushing a wheelchair loaded with his belongings while walking past the St. Regis hotel in San Francisco, as city officials take drastic measures to hide the city's dark reality during the APEC trade summit

Workers with the sanitation department hose down the street, washing away human feces, urine, and crack pipes

Where tents were previously propped up, sidewalks are clear and spotless. Locales where homeless once congregated are now cleared, as if a yearslong crisis affecting countless never occurred.

Hangouts along Mission Street and Market are no more, along with a brazen open drug market that for more than a year has been outside the Nancy Pelosi Federal Building.

All now immaculate, the cleaned-up streets are seen in photos and video taken from the sites Tuesday - a reality that some suspect will be pulled away one once the Chinese president packs up and leaves.

'They started clearing the tents earlier this week and there is definitely a lot more police presence,' SoMa resident Ricci Lee Wynne told The New Post over the weekend as the city-ordered clean-up was taking place.

'They've cleared out the tents that were near the Moscone Center on Howard Street, which tells me the city had the capability to do this all along,' the citizen added.

'Instead, they just do the bare minimum.'
President Joe Biden called Obama adviser David Axelrod a 'pr***' for questioning whether he should run again in 2024 after polls showed him trailing former President Donald Trump in five of six key swing states.

Politico said Monday that Biden uttered the Axelrod diss after Obama's top campaign strategist mused on X whether it was 'wise' to seek a second term when one of his biggest liabilities - his age - isn't something that can be fixed.

Axelrod had said the 'stakes of miscalculation here are too dramatic to ignore,' characterizing Trump as a 'dangerous, unhinged demagogue whose brazen disdain for the rules, norms, laws and institutions or democracy should be disqualifying.'

The Obama White House alum also advised Biden to consider whether he's running for reelection for himself or the good of the country.

Either way, the president has said he's running, and so Democratic allies gave Politico some advice on how he can bolster his chances against Trump, who's leading the Republican primary race.

President Joe Biden (left) called former President Barack Obama's longtime adviser David Axelrod (right) a 'pr***' after he suggested that Biden might think twice about continuing on with his reelection bid

Among the things Axelrod said that annoyed the president was the suggestion that Biden might be running for a second term because it's in 'HIS best interest' and not the country's

One such way, they said, was to bring another Obama White House alum back stateside - the current ambassador to Japan, Rahm Emanuel.

'Doing so would demonstrate a willingness by Biden to broaden his inner circle, create a manic urgency in the campaign that is Emanuel's trademark and, by elevating one of the most ferocious operatives of our times, signal that when Trump goes low the Democrats will go f***ing lower,' the piece, written by Jonathan Martin, said.

Emanuel, who served as Obama's first White House chief of staff before becoming mayor of Chicago, is known for his hard-knuckled brand of politics, stuff that turned into urban legend.

He once sent a dead fish in a box to a pollster, a scene that was recreated on The West Wing, using Josh Lyman's character.

Martin's sources also suggested that Biden tap Bill and Hillary Clinton to take on roles as high-level enjoys to the Middle East, as the war between Israel and Hamas could distract from the goal of winning a second term.

The allies criticized Biden for not taking Rep. Dean Phillips' threat to primary him seriously.

Phillips, a Minnesota moderate, has argued that Biden won't win against Trump, especially without Democratic competition, and launched a White House bid last month.

Allies urged Biden not to make that mistake again.

Sen. Joe Manchin, another moderate Democrat, announced Thursday that he wouldn't be seeking reelection to the upper chamber, which opens the door for him to seek the White House on a No Labels ticket.

Politico's sources said that Biden 'smother Manchin with kindness and keep him in the Democratic tent.'

'While he's at it, the president and his top aides should also woo Manchin's Republican friend (and third-party temptress) Mitt Romney,' they said.

Biden, they said, should also reach out to former Republican Rep. Liz Cheney in a 'Republicans Against Trump' or 'Republicans for Biden' effort.

She might have the clout to bring her father, former Vice President Dick Cheney, and President George W. Bush to Biden's side.

Biden's allies also said that the campaign needed to make use of the next generation of Democratic leaders as surrogates.

'Some of these would-be candidates are coming to the GOP debates, but that's not nearly enough,' the story advised.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom, for example, was the spokesperson for the Biden campaign during the GOP debate in his state in late September.

'The governors, the senators, the cabinet secretaries and the infrastructure czar should be the faces of Biden's campaign, along with the president and vice-president,' the Democrats Politico talked to said.

'The message: with Democrats remaining in power, it's not just an 82-year-old at the helm but also this group - Team Normal when compared to Trump and his Star Wars bar term two,' the story said.
The House voted down a proposal to impeach Homeland Security Sec. Alejandro Mayorkas after a handful of Republicans sided with Democrats against the move.

In a 209 to 201 vote, eight Republicans joined Democrats in voting to refer the impeachment resolution back to the Homeland Security Committee - effectively punting it indefinitely.

The proposal, put forth by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, had support from other establishment and moderate Republicans, proving how much tides have changed for the Homeland Security secretary since the start of this Congress when many were leery of impeaching him.

Greene worked on the resolution with Rep. Tony Gonzales, a moderate Republican from border district Texas who was hesitant of the movement to fire Mayorkas earlier this year.

'Enough is enough,' he told DailyMail.com on Friday.

Only one Cabinet secretary, Secretary of War William Belknap in 1876, has ever been impeached, that time over corruption allegations.

Homeland Security Committee Chair Mark Green is conducting his own five-phase investigation of Mayorkas that could end in an impeachment vote. He's on phase five - transcribed interviews with DHS employees.

The House voted down a proposal to impeach Homeland Security Sec. Alejandro Mayorkas after a small handful of Republicans sided with Democrats against the move

'I support whatever it takes to get that guy out of office,' he told reporters when asked whether he supported Greene's resolution, but added: 'I would really like to finish my investigation.

Republicans who voted to punt Mayorkas impeachment Patrick McHenry, R-N.C. Ken Buck, R-Colo. Darrell Issa, R-Calif. Cliff Bentz, R- Ore. Tom McClintock, R-Calif. Virginia Foxx, R-N.C. John Duarte, R-Calif. Mike Turner, R-Ohio Advertisement

'Weve got some smoke, were looking for the fire,' he said.

Greene's impeachment resolution accused him of failing to uphold U.S. law to maintain operational control of the border.

'In his willful admittance of border crossers, terrorists, human traffickers, drugs and other contraband, Alejandro Nicholas Mayorkas has failed to maintain operational control of the border, thereby violating the Secure Fence Act of 2006,' the resolution claims.

Under the Biden administration, border agents have apprehended migrants some 6.6 million times, with millions more estimated to have evaded border patrol.

This is the third privileged resolution Greene has introduced in the past few weeks - bypassing House leadership to force votes on the floor.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) called Greene's resolution a 'reckless impeachment charade.'

'While the House Majority has wasted months trying to score points with baseless attacks, Secretary Mayorkas has been doing his job and working to keep Americans safe,' a DHS spokesperson said in a statement.

The proposal, put forth by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene , had support from other establishment and moderate Republicans, proving how much tides have changed for the Homeland Security secretary since the start of this Congress when many were leery of impeaching him

Last week she introduced a resolution to censure Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., that failed after Republicans took issue with her claim that Tlaib 'incited an insurrection' by speaking at a ceasefire protest on Capitol Hill where around 300 were later arrested.

This week she changed the language to inciting an 'illegal occupation' - but Rep. Rich McCormick's resolution to censure Tlaib for antisemitic language came up for a vote first and passed with 22 Democratic votes.

Greene withdrew her resolution shortly before McCormick's passed.
Do you have a story? Email kylie.stevens@dailymail.com

Viewers not happy religious festival compared to day of colonisation

A conservative commentator's response to signs commemorating Diwali at Woolworths has angered many Aussies.

News producer Carla Efstratiou spotted Happy Diwali signage at a Woolworths supermarket, commemorating India's biggest and most important holiday of the year - regarded as important to Hindus as Christmas is to Christians.'

In a rant posted to social media, she attempted to point out a double standard: 'So (Woolworths) is okay with celebrating India's biggest religious celebration, and I wholeheartedly support that,' she said.

'But God forbid we put an Australian flag up or say "Happy Australia Day" on January 26.

'So we can celebrate India's biggest holiday of the year, but we can't celebrate one of Australia's largest holidays of the year - and of course, we're in Australia.

'Tell me how that makes sense!'

The debate about Australia Day has been reignited as the January 26 public holiday looms

Australia Day celebrations have grown increasingly controversial in recent years, with many Aussies unwilling to commemorate the arrival of the First Fleet from Britain in 1788, as it also marks the beginning of Indigenous people being dispossessed of the continent.

Her take sparked hundreds of furious comments questioning why a religious tradition was being compared to a day of colonisation.

'Diwali and Australia Day should not be in shape or form compared to one another,' one viewer fumed.

Another added: 'The fact that you think it's okay to compare Diwali, a RELIGIOUS festival, to a day of genocide is disgusting.'

A third declared: 'Diwali and Australia Day have very different meanings! Australia Day is unfortunately a traumatic day for many natives!'

A fourth added: 'I dont see the comparison  Diwali is a celebration of life and Jan 26 represents the invasion of a country and genocide.'

The internet went into meltdown after the Sydney woman questioned why Woolworths was celebrating Diwali but not Australia

But some patriotic Aussies leapt to the woman's defence.

'We can celebrate Australia, and we will! Time to push back all this BS.'

A woman added: 'It's insane how un-Australian we have become, I forget what country we are in.'

Another said: 'I bet India does not put up happy Australia day in their supermarkets. Sick of this woke stuff.'

Woolworths was reluctant to comment on the footage when contacted by Daily Mail Australia and decided to let Aussies make up their own mind.

Woolworths says Aussies should make up their own mind about the controversial TikTok clip

A wide range of cultural events are promoted by the retailer throughout the year and vary across stores based on local customer demographics and background.

Multiple celebrations are commemorated from Christmas and Easter to Chinese New Year, Valentine's Day and Halloween.

Earlier this year, Woolworths joined Channel 10 and other corporations in not celebrating Australia Day by giving its 160,000 workers the choice to treat January 26 as a normal shift or take another day as a holiday in compensation.

Coles came under fire earlier this year from Indigenous shoppers for selling Australian flags ahead of Australia Day.

'I'm Indigenous and I saw this today,' the woman posted.

'FUMING I SAW THIS AT COLES, they need to be cancelled.'
A shockingly violent encounter between an accused shoplifter and a bottle shop security guard has been caught on camera, involving a smashed bottle, threats and bizarre behaviour.

The clip, which happened in the northern Adelaide suburb of Gepps Cross, starts with a security guard on the ground, holding a wine bottle in his right hand, while his left hand is around the leg of an alleged thirsty thief.

The pair then struggle, while the security man tries to get to his feet and the alleged shoplifter tries to get away.

'Look at this s***, wahayyy!' the man filming the scene is heard to say.

The bottle the guard was holding then smashed to the ground, but the other man, instead of using the confusion to make his getaway, makes as if he's going to hit the security man with his backpack, in footage shown on 7News.

Bizarrely, he then leaves, but almost immediately goes back to the store's front door and tries to pick up some pieces of the broken bottle.

A shockingly violent encounter between an accused shoplifter and a bottle shop security guard has been caught on camera (pictured)

The stunned security guard then grabbed hold of the man's red t-shirt, while the person filming is heard to say, 'Oh my God. Wow, is this really happening?'

The guard then thought better of the altercation and retreated back to the shop entrance, but it didn't end there.

The alleged thief took a bottle out of his backpack and held it up in the air to threaten the guard.

He didn't strike with it, though, and then walked away, casually flipping his backpack in his hand.

'Wow, dude walks off like it's nothing,' the amazed onlooker says, and the shop is left to pick up the broken glass and mop up the spilt liquor.

The final statement did not impress some viewers, though, with one writing '"Dude walks off like it's nothing" ... everybody standing there like it's nothing too.'

The clip (pictured) opened with a security guard on the ground, holding a wine bottle in his right hand, while his left hand is around the leg of an alleged thirsty thief

Others who have had similar experiences wrote about what such situations are like for them.

'I run a bottle shop and this happens pretty much daily,' one said.

Another wrote that 'speaking from an employer's pov (point of view), it's better to let $50 or $100 or even 10k walk out the door than risking your life!'

The incident has been reported to the South Australian police.
An elite Texas cop has been shot dead while trying to rescue hostages who were snatched by a crazed gunman.

Jorge Pastore, 38, a senior police officer in Austin, was killed on Saturday during a shootout with the suspect as he tried to save the three kidnapped people.

But by the time more officers arrived, two of the victims had been killed and a second cop was later injured and rushed to hospital in a stable condition.

The killer's rampage started at 2.49am on Saturday when a frantic woman 'screaming for help' called 911 to say she had been stabbed.

Senior Patrol Officer Jorge Pastore was killed Saturday in Austin, Texas while responding to a deadly hostage situation. Pastore is survived by his wife and two step kids

Pictured Officer Jorge Pastore and his wife Kim Balint Pastore

Descanse en paz Oficial Jorge Pastore @Austin_Police quien fue disparado y asesinado en el cumplimiento de su deber. Que dios lo tenga en su gloria. Rezo a dios que le de la paz y fuerza a su familia en este tiempo de luto.



Gracias por su servicio.

Fin de guardia 11/11/23  https://t.co/eIVSVVfcgk pic.twitter.com/vJEPRXiWwB  Bino Cadenas (@Officer_Bino) November 12, 2023

Eight minutes later, the first officers arrived at the home where two victims were believed to be alive and trapped with the crazed man. A female victim had escaped.

Interim Police Chief Robin Henderson said the officers stormed the house around 3.01am but were met with heavy gunfire.

The cops retreated and called SWAT at 4.11am.

'As SWAT officers entered, the suspect immediately fired his gun at the officers and the SWAT officers returned fire,' Austin's top cop said.

Holding back tears, Henderson added two officers were shot during the exchange of gunfire. The gunman was killed after several members of SWAT fired their weapons.

The fatal shooting was captured on the body-worn camera of several officers who responded to the deadly hostage situation.

A candlelight vigil was held at City Hall in downtown Austin to honor Officer Jorge Pastore, who was killed in an officer-involved shooting on November 11

Austin Police Department officers prepare to ride in a procession leaving Dell Seton Medical Center in Downtown Austin following the shooting death of a police officer early on Saturday

Members of the Austin Fire Department bow their heads as they prepare to drive in a procession for the fallen officer

My heart and the hearts of Austinites are broken this morning. This is a horrible moment for our city and those who protect us.



Im praying for the family of our fallen officer, for our officer who was shot and in surgery and his family.



Full statement: pic.twitter.com/be8QXJDBtx  Mayor Kirk Watson (@KirkPWatson) November 11, 2023

Pastore quickly rose through the ranks to several elite teams in the department and is the first officer to be killed in the line of duty in 10 years.

'First time I met him, it was like I already knew him....he had good energy,' Retired Austin Police Officer Association President Dennis Farris told the DailyMail.com.

'When he walks into the room, he kind of fills it up. Austin has lost an exceptional police officer.'

In the three years Pastore was with the department, he made the SWAT Gold team, which meant he was reserve if full-time SWAT members couldn't work.

He was also part of the CAST division - the team called out to take out active shooters - and the SRT or riot team.

'We should never forget the sacrifice that Jorge made,' Farris added. He is survived by his wife, two stepsons, his parents and two sisters.

The Austin Police Department investigates the crime scene after an Austin police officer died following a shooting in South Austin, Texas on Saturday

Interim Austin Police Chief Robin Henderson tearfully spoke to the media about the shooting death of an Austin Police Department officer on Saturday

Steve Adler, the mayor of Austin, Texas, apologized after he was accused of falling asleep during a memorial service for a police officer who died in a tragic motorcycle crash last month

Justin Berry, a senior officer with the Austin Police Department and a member of the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, posted the photo and claimed the mayor was sleeping

Pastore's death comes at a time when the Austin Police Department is understaffed by almost 400 officers and tensions are raw with City Hall.

The liberal current mayor and city council have refused to offer police a contract guaranteeing their benefits.

A vigil was held for Pastore Sunday with Mayor Kirk Watson noticeably absent.

The department is so short staffed, detectives are regularly pulled from investigating cases to act as patrol officers.

Most 911 calls, except those deemed life and death, are routed to the non-emergency 311 line instead.

Previous mayor Steve Adler - who left office in January - actually defunded the police department by a third.

Adler also fell asleep at a police officer funeral, and he was later forced to apologize.

'I hope that the people out there who think that there is something wrong with APD take a step back,' Farris said as the law enforcement community grieves.
The mother of a ten-year-old girl who died in a super-hospital said the decision to treat the health board as a criminal suspect in the case gave her more confidence that the family would get justice.

Milly Main, who was diagnosed with leukaemia aged five, died in 2017 after picking up a water-based infection at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) in Glasgow while receiving a bone marrow stem cell transplant.

Kimberly Darroch said she was hit by an emotional wave after hearing Scotlands largest health board had been named as a suspect by police over the weekend.

Millys case, alongside that of two other children and 73-year-old Gail Armstrong, form the basis of a Police Scotland investigation into deaths at the hospital.

Now Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has called on both the chairman and the chief executive of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) health board to be removed while investigations take place.

He said the bosses were suspects being allowed to walk the crime scene after the health board became the first public body in Scottish history to be named as a suspect for corporate homicide.

Kimberly Darroch with her daughter Milly, 10, who died at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in 2017

A separate public inquiry is ongoing to determine if problems with the construction of the 842million super-hospital led to the environmental infections.

Ms Darroch had previously labelled what happened to her daughter as murder.

Yesterday, she attended a press conference, alongside Millys father Neil Main, which was organised by Mr Sarwar.

Ms Darroch, 39, said she had never been able to celebrate Millys life as she should, adding: I would like this to come to an end sooner rather than later so that I can think of Milly and celebrate her life.

She then joined Mr Sarwars call to remove the health bosses. She said: I think the Government should step in and sack them or suspend them.

Mr Sarwar said board chairman John Brown and chief executive Jane Grant had presided over cover-up, secrecy and lies.

He added: To this day, the suspects are being allowed to walk the crime scene. In any criminal investigation there would not be the free movement of suspects to be able to work a crime scene and to influence, or try to influence, that investigation or to influence that public inquiry. He said serious leadership would demand the Government remove them.

Ms Darroch backs Anas Sarwar's call to remove the health bosses

Milly developed the infection at the 842million QEUH in Glasgow

Under the UK-wide Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act of 2007, companies can be found guilty of corporate homicide if management failures have led to a gross breach of a duty to care. If convicted, the board could face an unlimited fine and its senior executives could still face separate prosecutions.

Mr Sarwar has previously called the preventable deaths at the QEUH the biggest scandal in Scotlands health service since devolution began. He praised former health minister Jeane Freeman for backing an inquiry and putting the board on special measures, saying those who predated her had never been held to account and those that followed her, including Humza Yousaf, had taken them backwards.

Scottish Conservative health spokesman Dr Sandesh Gulhane said: The Scottish Conservatives have continuously called for NHS management to be fairly and firmly regulated, so that no family ever has to endure what Millys has.

Mr Brown, who steps down this month, said: We have been thanked by the police for our co-operation thus far with their investigation and I want to give the families and everyone else an assurance that will continue.

Health minister Michael Matheson said he did not want to compromise the police probe or public inquiry but pledged to ensure that where it makes very clear recommendations, that they will be implemented in a timely way so we can try to prevent this type of thing happening again.
A cruise company is charging passengers an eye-watering 'consultation fee' if they return a negative Covid-19 test at an onboard medical centre after falling ill on one of their ships.

The policy, which sees the charge waived if a passenger tests positive, can be revealed as Australia enters its peak season for cruising and Covid cases are suddenly soaring in every state and territory.

Sydney businessman Dennis Cohen was stunned when his 76-year-old father was told he would be slugged with a US$150 (AU$235) charge if he tested negative to Covid while cruising from Hawaii to his home city.

The pair sailed on Ovation of the Seas, operated by Royal Caribbean, last month and Mr Cohen's father suffered from a sore throat about ten days into the 19-night $3,000 trip.

Dennis Cohen's father was told he would have to pay US$150 for a Covid 'consultation' if his rapid antigen test came back negative while cruising from Hawaii to Sydney last month

Mr Cohen said his father visited the ship's medical centre and requested a Covid rapid antigen test (RAT), largely for the protection of the other 3,500 passengers on the ship.

'He didn't think he had Covid but just wanted to do the right thing,' Mr Cohen said.

Mr Cohen's father was told the test kit, which costs as little as $5 in a chemist, was 'complimentary' and Royal Caribbean would pay for his treatment if he returned a positive result.

But if the test returned negative, he would be forced to pay a US$150 (AU$235) 'consultation fee' for a procedure any competent person could complete on their own and which usually took about 15 minutes.

'He had a sore throat,' Mr Cohen said. 'He wasn't going to pay US$150.

'He just wanted to make sure 100 per cent he didn't have Covid and give it to anybody else. That's what annoys me.'

Mr Cohen's father was sailing on Ovation of the Seas (pictured), operated by Royal Caribbean, last month when he suffered a sore throat about ten days into the 19-night trip

Mr Cohen's father offered to take the RAT to his cabin and conduct the test himself, but was told it had to be done in the medical centre.

He declined to pay the fee and left without receiving any treatment.

'It just sounded ridiculous,' Mr Cohen said. 'I rang them up and they confirmed that what my dad said was correct.'

Mr Cohen said if a Covid-positive passenger was deterred by the US$150 charge and chose not to be tested, the cruise ship company faced a far greater financial liability.

'It is stupid and counterproductive money-wise,' he said. 'It just stank from every way you looked at it.

'What they're really doing is putting dollars in front of passengers' safety and it's not even dollars they're saving - it's going to cost them more money.

'If someone has got Covid and can't afford to risk the negative test they're going to infect everybody else and Royal Caribbean are going to look after all their medical expenses.'

Mr Cohen's father was told the test, which costs just $5 in a chemist, was 'complimentary' and Royal Caribbean would pay for his treatment - but only if it was positive. However, if the test returned negative, he would be forced to pay a US$150 ($235) 'consultation fee'

Mr Cohen said the cruise company had a duty of care to its passengers and should provide Covid tests - regardless of whether they return positive or negative - for a nominal fee such as $10.

When he suggested that idea to a senior crew member on the ship that person said, 'I'm with you', and explained the current policy was a 'corporate decision'.

'I think what they've done is pretty disgusting,' Mr Cohen said.

'I don't often complain about things but every way I look at this it just absolutely stinks. It annoys me and frustrates me when I think how dumb it is.

'I really would like to get it out there and let people know what they're getting themselves into before they get to the ship because to me it's such a stupid policy.'

A Royal Caribbean spokeswoman confirmed passengers onboard its ships were charged a US$150 'doctor's consultation fee'.

'If a Covid test is positive, the charge is waived and if the test is negative, the guest will be treated for the cause of illness, which includes medication,' the spokeswoman said.

'We strongly advise all guests to take out travel insurance before sailing.'

A Royal Caribbean spokesman confirmed passengers were charged a US$150 'doctor's consultation fee' for a negative Covid test

Ovation of the Seas is a Quantum-class cruise ship which sails mainly from Seattle during the northern summer and Sydney in the southern summer season.

Passengers onboard Grand Princess, operated by Princess Cruises, have battled dual cases of gastro and Covid-19 since the vessel docked in Adelaide on Monday.

Anyone with either virus was not allowed to disembark and South Australian premier Peter Malinauskas said the Covid rate on Grand Princess was relatively in line with the rest of the community.

Grand Princess was due to sail to Melbourne on Wednesday.

There were 6,550 reported Covid cases across Australia last week, with the Department of Health and Aged Care confirming an average of 936 new cases per day.

In NSW, Covid activity increased 'across all indicators' in the past fortnight, with more than one in ten PCR tests returning a positive result.

With fewer people testing and information on self-reported RAT tests no longer being tested, the latest figures are likely to be significantly underestimated.
Google planned to block Australians from using its search services three years ago after the introduction of a law that would force the company to pay media publications for news content.

The proposed shutdown was discussed in bombshell emails that have surfaced as part of a US Department of Justice's (DOJ) antitrust court case against Google.

The DOJ in January launched a civil antitrust suit against the tech giant, alleging Google had been 'monopolising multiple digital advertising technology products'.

Emails from Google's product manager Bryan Mao have revealed the company's plan to shut down in Australia in December 2020, following a deal with Samsung.

Emails from Google's product manager Bryan Mao have revealed the company's plan to shut down in Australia in December, 2020, following a recent deal with Samsung

'Don't discuss [redacted] explicitly with Samsung prior to the AU shut down,' Mr Mao wrote, as seen in documents filed in the antitrust case.

'There's a confidential, Need to Know project called [redacted] that may affect Samsung.

'In short, due to a new law in Australia, Search features may be disabled starting Dec 3 across Australia.

'This includes Discover and most/all Search and Assistant functionality. If this goes through, it would obviously have a major impact across Samsung devices in AU.

'The shut down isn't definitely going to happen, but we are planning for it all the same. This obviously isn't our ideal way to start out the new relationship with Samsung.'

Samsung would be 'immediately' informed of the shutdown once it happened but not before, the documents said.

The Department of Justice in January launched a civil antitrust suit against Google, alleging the tech giant had been 'monopolising multiple digital advertising technology products'

Google had also mocked up a '404 page not found' in the event of the shut down, with a message reading: 'Search isn't available in Australia right now. Due to a new law, Google Search isn't available, but we hope to be back soon', Mumbrella reported.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Google for comment.

The proposed shutdown came in response to the News Media Bargaining Code in Australia which was drawn up to tackle the huge power of Google and Facebook by forcing them to pay media companies for news content.

The code became law in March, 2021.

Facebook temporarily blocked all news content in February, 2021, in a move which also took down pages for charities, emergency services agencies providing Covid information, domestic violence shelters and missing persons groups.

Facebook's news ban sent shockwaves around the world and sparked campaigns to delete the app.

'Delete Facebook', 'Boycott Zuckerberg' and 'Facebook We Need To Talk' began trending on rival site Twitter.

The ban was lifted a week later after a compromise was reached between the company and the Australian government on the new code.
Three people rappelled down the side of San Francisco's most eye-catching skyscraper on Monday afternoon.

For once, the stunt wasn't part of any kind of demonstration or activist group trying to get their point across.

Instead, the captivating display was part of a performance by Bandaloop, a dance troupe based in nearby Oakland, known for its aerial performances worldwide.

Spectators gathered down below were astonished as the trio, clad in orange jumpsuits, slowly descended down the side of the Transamerica Pyramid carrying out flips and spins all while suspended from ropes as part of a high-flying act.

The concrete structure, the second tallest in the city, is one the city's most iconic buildings.

Three people rappelled down the side of San Francisco's most eye-catching skyscraper on Monday afternoon.

For once, the stunt wasn't part of any kind of demonstration or activist group trying to get their point across

Three people were spotted rappelling down the Transamerica Pyramid building in San Francisco on Monday

The trio were part of Bandaloop an aerial vertical performance troupe from Oakland

Spectators gathered down below were astonished as the trio slowly made their way down

San Francisco police confirmed that the performance was done with permission

LIVE VIDEO: Three people are rappelling down the Transamerica Pyramid in San Francisco. https://t.co/KJnAx6bCIm pic.twitter.com/wxRFgereSn  NBC Bay Area (@nbcbayarea) November 13, 2023

The 48-story building has been a recognizable part of the skyline since it was built in 1972.

It remained the tallest building in the city until 2018 when the newly-constructed 60-floor Salesforce Tower surpassed its 853ft height by a further 200 feet.

The gravity-defying dancers have more than 30 years of experience in vertical dance with the troupe having recently reopened its studios in the city.

Although the dance was a pre-planned event, it saw the San Francisco Police Department sent out a tweet confirming that the stunt was being carried out with their permission.

'Heads up! The individuals seen rappelling down the #TransamericaPyramid are part of a PERMITTED PERFORMANCE. Do not be alarmed, enjoy the show!' SFPD tweeted.

Bandaloop have scaled other iconic Bay Area structures in the past including the San Francisco library and the Oakland's Breuner Building.

Three individuals clad in orange jumpsuits slowly descended down the side carrying out flips and spins while suspended from the ropes

Helicopters captured the moment the three made their way down the side of the structure

The Transamerica Pyramid, the second tallest structure in the city, is one the city's most iconic buildings
An Australian moving to Canada for a working holiday lost $5,000 to an accommodation scam, leaving him without a home upon arrival.

An Adelaide physiotherapist travelling to Whistler, home to one of the biggest ski resorts in North America, had joined a local Facebook group to find a rental.

It was there they came into contact with an account under the name John Schroeder.

Schroeder promised a 'clean' bedroom and ensuite for a reasonable price, a lie the Adelaide man later realised was 'too good to be true'.

An Adelaide man lost $5,000 to an accommodation scam while looking for a room in Whistler, Canada (above)

The Australian said every interaction with the account seemed very normal, with legal documents appearing legitimate, so he had no problem sending through $5,000 to secure his room.

During their chats, Schroeder added that his son and friend would be staying in the house at the same time but reassured the Aussie they were 'very tidy and mindful'.

Schroeder also sent through several photos of the home and bedroom as a makeshift inspection.

However, just days before leaving for his trip, the man lost all contact with Schroeder.

'I knew I was meant to catch up with the agent a few days prior to leaving Australia but didn't have the contact details, so I messaged John and didn't hear back, then tried to call and the dial-up tone was different,' the Aussie told Yahoo News.

Once the Aussie touched down in Canada, he went to see his accommodation for himself, only to find out the residents had never advertised it.

'[I thought] "Oh, I'm not in a good place here, this is going to be pretty grim", and I already knew something was off so I booked an Airbnb,' he said.

Fortunately, authorities have been able to track his $5,000 and believe it can be recovered.

'This is the first time I've organised accommodation through a Facebook group and I got caught out for it,' the Adelaide man said.

The scammer contacted the Aussie over Facebook and requested the money to secure the room

He encouraged travellers looking for accommodation to request landlords send 'proof' they own the property, even if it's only a utility bill.

An Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) spokeswoman warned the unfortunate tale is a timely reminder for Aussies heading overseas.

To avoid rental scams, the ACCC recommended only using official booking websites with secure payment options and checking reviews.

Copy-pasting ads to see if they've been listed elsewhere with different contact information and ensuring any agent is licensed were among the other suggestions.

Australians lost a record total of $3.1billion to scams last year, up by more than 80 per cent compared to the year before.

Those who do lose money to a scam are urged to report it to their bank and Scamwatch.
An emotional Paul Pelosi has told a court in San Francisco that he tried not to think or talk about the events of October 28, 2022, when a hammer-wielding David DePape broke in and attacked him.

Pelosi, 83, described the moment he was woken up before dawn on October 28, saying that it was the first time he was telling the story.

'The door opened and a very, very large man came in with a hammer in one hand and some ties in the other hand,' Pelosi told the court, speaking calmly but with emotion in his voice.

'He said where's Nancy?

'He burst into the door and woke me up.'

Testifying for around an hour, Pelosi told the court of his efforts to alert 911 to the threat, without pushing DePape to attack him. He described negotiating with DePape to go downstairs, where Pelosi hoped he'd be rescued by police. And he told of 'waking up in a pool of blood'.

Paul Pelosi, husband of the former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, is seen leaving the courthouse in San Francisco on Monday after testifying against David DePape

Paul Pelosi is seen testifying on Monday, as David DePape (left) listens

David DePape didn't flinch while watching body camera footage of himself with Paul Pelosi at the Pelosi's San Francisco home

Police body camera footage captured the moment DePape bludgeoned Paul Pelosi (right) which fractured his skull and put him in the hospital for a week

DePape, a former nudist from Canada who became obsessed with conspiracy theories, has pleaded not guilty to breaking and entering and attempted murder charges.

Defense attorney Jodi Linker told jurors last week that she won't dispute that DePape attacked Paul Pelosi. Instead, she will argue that DePape believed 'with every ounce of his being that he was taking action to stop government corruption and the abuse of children by politicians and actors. She said that means the government's charges that DePape was trying to retaliate or interfere with Nancy Pelosi's official duties don't fit.

Pelosi told the court that his wife was in Washington DC on the night of October 27, and her security detail, which protected her around the clock, was with her.

He said the government had installed security cameras around the property, and the cameras were monitored remotely from Washington DC, by Capitol Police.

There was an alarm, with motion sensors, in the house but Pelosi said he did not turn the alarm on when he was home.

'I had been out to dinner and came home I think about 10:30pm,' he told the court.

'I tend to watch little television, maybe one of the late shows, then go to bed.'

DePape is seen on security camera footage outside the Pelosi's mansion at 5am on October 28.

Earlier on Monday, authorities shared records of DePape's purchases from Amazon in the months before the attacks, which he took with him to the crime scene.

They included a camping backpack, computer cables, body cameras, crayons and, two Spooktacular unicorn costumes.

The prosecution also played a recording of a call DePage later placed to a news reporter, stating: 'I have an important message for everyone in America. You're welcome.'

DePape's attorneys argue that he is not guilty of the charges because he was not after Nancy Pelosi to try to stop her from engaging in her official duties

Aerial footage showed broken panes and shattered glass at the backdoor of Pelosi's home

A screenshot of security footage shows DePape outside the Pelosi home during the early hours of October 28, 2022

Pelosi told the court he was horrified to find the imposing stranger in his room.

'It was a tremendous shock to recognize somebody had broken into the house,' said Pelosi.

'Looking at him and the hammer and ties, I recognized I was in serious danger. And so, I tried to stay as calm as possible.

'I said she's not here.'

Pelosi said that DePape told him they would wait for her return, and he was 'going to have to tie you up' while they waited.

Pelosi continued: 'I realized it was a very serious situation.

'I tried to stay as calm as possible. The first thing I tried to do, after some back and forth with him, was to get up and try to get to the elevator.'

He said DePape 'blocked me' as he tried to get to the elevator.

'I went back in and sat on the bed,' said Pelosi.

'We had some conversation about him saying that she was leader of the pack, he had to take her out.'

DePape was wearing a light blue shirt and a dark blue sweater during jury selection

Pelosi said he stood and went to the bathroom, where his cell phone was charging, and called 911.

'He followed me to the bathroom,' said Pelosi.

'I was standing there talking on the phone and he was right there at the doorway of the bathroom.'

Pelosi said he had to be careful of his words on the 911 call.

'There was this very large man threatening me,' he told the court.

'He told me he was going to take me out. I had to convey to the 911 person I was in trouble.

'I had a very difficult time letting them know.

'He was saying, just tell them it's a friend.

'I was on the phone trying to convey to them there was somebody in the house. He was telling me to say it's a friend. I was trying to convey the information without angering him.'

DePape took the phone from him, and told him he was tired - so Pelosi seized the moment.

'He basically said I'm tired, I'm going to get some sleep. So I'm going to tie you up and I'm going to get some sleep,' Pelosi recalled.

'I said okay, I get it, if that's what you want to do.

'I said since all your stuff is downstairs, why don't we go downstairs and you can tie me up downstairs so you can go to sleep?

'We came down and went down two flights of stairs. I was holding onto the banister and he was right behind me.

'I'm thinking I hope the police come. I knew my only shot was if we were downstairs and police came.'

Pelosi said that when they got downstairs, DePape realized the police were on their way.

'He said the police are here, it's over for me, I'm going to have to take you out,' Pelosi recalled.

Pelosi opened the door, and let the police in.

'When I opened the door I thought, thank God the police were here,' Pelosi said.

'And there was this huge guy with a hammer in his hand. I didn't know what was going to happen next.

'I turned and tried to put my hand on his hand, on the hammer, and he pushed me aside and whacked me on the head.'

Pelosi said he woke up in a pool of blood, and remembered being put in an ambulance.

Paul Pelosi was hit multiple times with the hammer leaving him unconscious as the officers rushed in and arrested DePape

He said he spent around a week in hospital, and said it was 'very painful', and still suffers from light-headedness.

Doctors were worried about permanent brain damage, and told him to avoid bright lights, noise and television.

'I'm pretty close to being back to normal,' he said.

'But I have not discussed this incident with anybody.

'I just have tried to put it out of my mind. It wasn't until my two meetings with you and your associates.

'I've made the best effort I possibly can to not revisit this.'

Federal prosecutor Laura Vartain Horn told jurors during opening statements on Thursday that DePape started planning the attack in August and that the evidence and FBI testimony will show he researched his targets online, collecting phone numbers and addresses, even paying for a public records service to find information.

If convicted, DePape faces life in prison.

He also has pleaded not guilty to charges in state court of attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, elder abuse, residential burglary and other felonies.

A state trial has not been scheduled.
Humza Yousafs government was accused of secrecy and cover-up yesterday after it finally admitted promoting bogus wind energy statistics for a decade.

Nationalists have long boasted that Scotland accounts for 25 per cent of Europes offshore energy potential.

But in a humiliating climbdown yesterday, it was revealed that the real figure is only 6.8 per cent.

In a further humiliation, SNP Energy Secretary Neil Gray was accused of trying to hide the real figure. Newly released email exchanges show Mr Gray told an official that he was not sure we need to draw further attention to the issue.

Rather than making a public statement about the accurate figure, it was only mentioned in an annex to a letter to the convener of a Holyrood committee.

Conservative MSP Liam Kerr said: The SNP have been caught out yet again playing fast and loose with Scotlands offshore energy potential.

Humza Yousaf's Government have finally admitted wind energy statistics were bogus

Ministers must be open and honest about giving accurate figures  secrecy and cover-up does the renewables sector no favours. This is yet another example of a government that thinks it can get away with anything.

It has shown time and again a contempt for transparency and accountability, and this sorry saga sums that up perfectly.

Nationalist politicians from former SNP leaders Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon to Westminster leaders Ian Blackford and Stephen Flynn have used the 25 per cent claim in recent times.

Scottish Greens co-leader Lorna Slater was also embroiled in a row over her integrity when she used the bogus figure  despite government officials warning it had never been verified.

Last year, the Scottish Government admitting knowing that the figure was poorly evidenced and one official made it clear therefore we advise against using it.

But a new Freedom of Information request by the pro-Union campaign group These Islands has uncovered the plot to keep the accurate figure from the public. In an email on September 19 this year, an unnamed official in Mr Grays department wrote: Cab Sec has commented that the narrative works well and the stats are both useful and impressive.

However, Cab Sec is not sure we need to draw further attention to the issue with a letter to committee unless we committed to publicise our update. Grateful if officials could confirm whether there was a commitment to make the update public. Another unnamed official replied: Yes, SG has committed several times to updating Parliament/publishing updated metrics in due course.

A letter was duly sent two days later to Tory MSP Edward Mountain, convener of the net zero, energy and transport committee, with the detail nestled away. The officials are shown to have said: No proactive communications are recommended.

In response to the news, these Islands chief executive Sam Taylor told the Mail: Its not exactly surprising to discover the SNP trying to bury inconvenient information.

The Scottish Government seems to find it impossible to be straight with voters about statistics and that is having a corrosive effect on political debate in Scotland.

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said: Trust is an important currency  and ministers are stony broke.

After being caught trying to sneak out the statistic, a Government spokesman said: On November 15 last year [Lorna Slater] informed parliament that although Scottish ministers understood the previous statistic to be accurate, it had come to their attention that it was not and she undertook to update parliament when new analysis was complete, which has been done.

The Energy Secretary will write to update the presiding officer and the Scottish affairs committee in due course.
A pro-Palestine school strike planned for next week has been slammed by a prominent Jewish community spokesman.

A group called Free Palestine Melbourne (FPM) has called on students across the city to leave their classes and go out on strike from 12.30pm on Thursday, November 23.

'These guerrilla-style tactics cannot become the new normal in our state,' Dr Dvir Abramovich, chair of the Anti-Defamation Commission, told Daily Mail Australia.

'This event, which seeks to poison the minds of students, demonstrates that the anti-Israel forces will use every immoral means to weaponise and exploit young people in order to spread their toxic and malicious agenda.'

Tensions have been rising in Australia since October 7, when Hamas terrorists murdered an estimated 1,400 people in Israel, and Israel's retaliatory airstrikes on Gaza which have so far killed around 11,000 Palestinians.

A pro-Palestine school strike planned for next week has been slammed by a prominent Jewish community spokesman. A pro-Palestine rally in Melbourne on November 12, 2023 is pictured

'This dangerous call to arms will only inflame an already antagonistic environment,' Dr Abramovich, whose cousin, police inspector Chen Amir, was murdered in a terrorist attack in Tel Aviv in August, said.

'Those attending the protest will not be told about the barbarities committed by Hamas, the beheading of babies, the raping and parading of dead Israeli women, and the execution of children in front of their families, which is the cause of the current conflict.'

He called on the Victorian Department of Education 'to make it loud and clear that they oppose this recruitment and to assure us that schools should not be co-opted as a device to turn students against one another, stoke the fires of divisiveness, and foment hostility against one group'.

It is understood that schools will operate their usual schedules on the day of the planned strike and that students are expected to attend as normal.

'Many in our school communities are affected by the devastating events in the Middle East,' a Victorian Department of Education spokesperson said.

'Schools are communicating with parents and carers about the current situation, including advice on ensuring that students know where to go for additional support.'

The spokesperson added that 'schools also ensure students understand that any form of racism is not tolerated, and nor is any language likely to incite any form of racism, anti-Semitism or violence.'

A Victorian Student Representative Council spokesperson said it supported the rights of students to 'participate in safe, responsible activism'.

'The power of student voice is not limited to education reform and should be listened to, and amplified in, all areas of their civic participation,' they said.

'We encourage students to do their research and be aware of their rights and responsibilities as activists and to take all possible measures to care for their own physical and mental wellbeing as well as considering the wellbeing of others.'

A group called Free Palestine Melbourne has called on students across the city to leave their classes and go out on strike

FPM staged a protest outside the burnt-down Burgertory branch in Caulfield last Friday, which led to the evacuation of a local synagogue.

There was also a counter-protest of pro-Israel supporters, leading to tense scenes as a heavy police presence attempted to keep them apart, with some protesters pepper-sprayed and others taken away in handcuffs.

On Saturday, FPM apologised for the location of its protest, saying 'Organisers were unaware that there was a Synagogue across the park, the Central Shule Chabad on Maple St, South Caulfield.

'We apologise to the local Jewish community for the protest location that led to the evacuation of the synagogue, for any fear they may have felt and for the cancellation of Shabbat.

'We should not have gathered in this location. It was never our intention to disrupt or intimidate Jewish worshippers,' the group said in a statement on Facebook.

But Dr Abramovich does not accept the apology, saying 'It's clear that Free Palestine Melbourne, the group that organised the riot in front of a synagogue ... has taken a leaf out of the Hamas playbook in using Victorian children as human shields to sacrifice in their war of disinformation and incitement'.

He said he has 'no doubt that when the students return to class after absorbing the anti-Israel venom, they will feel contempt for their Jewish classmates and violence and harassment may follow'.

Israel supporters are pictured at a rally in Coogee in Sydney's eastern suburbs

Dr Abramovich, whose family in Kibbutz Reim hid in a safe room last month while Hamas terrorists killed their neighbours, said students who take part in the strike should 'face disciplinary consequences'.

'In a climate of escalating anti-Semitism and a growing rhetoric of intolerance and radicalisation, words and images do matter.

'The ugly and destructive tensions and ideologies of a conflict in the Middle East should not be imported into Victoria and corrupt our students' hearts and minds.'

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Free Palestine Melbourne for comment.
It has chimed every hour, day and night, for 200 years.

But the clock bell on Beith Parish Church, Ayrshire, has now been silenced for eight hours each night  after a single noise complaint.

The resident, who had recently moved to the town, contacted session clerk Gordon Isbister urging the church to silence the bell as he and his wife were unable to sleep because of the hourly chimes.

Some church elders suggested the couple should put earplugs in to muffle the noise, but others felt it was not an unreasonable request.

Mr Isbister said the man also complained to environmental health officials at North Ayrshire Council and, as a result, the church agreed to stop the bell ringing between 11pm and 7am to prevent a noise nuisance.

He added: It hasnt affected me being able to get to sleep at night. But I think it is a good thing switching them [the chimes] off, even if it is just one person, if it helps him get a peaceful nights sleep. Whats the purpose of them ringing through the night? Its pointless really.

Beith High Church in Ayrshire has been forced to silence its hourly chime by the local council

Gordon Isbister, church elder, was contacted by a resident, who had recently moved to the town, urging the church to silence the bell as he and his wife were unable to sleep

But locals feel the move has spoiled a cherished tradition and they want the decision to be reversed.

Bryan McWilliams, 60, who has lived just yards from the clock bell tower for 23 years, started an online petition yesterday. By last night it had more than 500 signatures.

He said the clock bell chiming was part of the character and charm that makes our town unique, adding: We believe that one persons discomfort should not outweigh a tradition loved by many and ingrained in our community for generations.

North Ayrshire Council confirmed the church had contacted it for advice but stressed no formal action was taken by officials.

A spokesman for the Church of Scotland said: We are aware of the situation at Beith Parish Church but this is not a common problem across our parishes.
Police are on the hunt for Negrete and have considered him armed and dangerous

Officers from the Pearland Police Department in Texas have issued a warrant for a 19-year-old suspect who killed a child and injured four others in a mass shooting on Sunday afternoon.

David Negrete, 19, is wanted on a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and has been considered armed and dangerous according to police.

He was identified through surveillance footage and interviews from witnesses and victims.

Three of the five victims have been described as innocent bystanders while two of them aged 16 and 18 are still being interviewed to determine their involvement in the shooting.

A 14-year-old girl, 37-year-old man and ten-year-old child were injured from the gun fire and taken to local hospitals, but the child did not survive.

The Pearland Police Department has issued an arrest warrant for 19-year-old David Negrete (pictured) for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon connected to the mass shooting at Cole's Flea Market in Texas on Sunday

Police were dispatched to the flea market on Sunday evening where five people were injured from the gun fire. A ten-year-old boy died from his injuries at the hospital

After the police released the suspect's name, Greg Abbott, the Governor of Texas announced that Texas Crimestoppers have offered a $15,000 reward for any information leading to Negrete's arrest.

The 19-year-old has also been added to the Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitives list.

On Sunday around 5.34pm the police department was dispatched to Cole's Flea Market for a report of shots fired.

The five victims injured in the mass attack were then located and taken to local area hospitals where the ten-year-old boy was pronounced dead.

'Preliminary investigations have revealed two Hispanic male subjects were involved in the altercation,' the Pearland Police Department's news release said.

They also revealed that at least two handguns were found at the scene, but the number of rounds fired is still unknown.

'We believe there is at least one more, if not, two, other people that actually had handguns and fired those firearms during the scene.

'There are possibly three suspects,' Rogers said.

Chad Rogers (pictured), a spokesman for the police department said that the other four victims are alive, but the two teenagers still have to be interviewed to see if they were connected

Negrete (pictured) was identified as a suspect after authorities combed through surveillance footage and interviewed witnesses and victims

Rogers said that the shooting was not targeted toward the flea market and was caused by and argument between two men

Two witnesses told police that they saw two men in an altercation before the chaotic scene began.

The 14-year-old girl and 37-year-old man were both taken to the hospital in stable condition and the man has since been released.

The two teenage victims were taken into surgery and detectives are still trying to determine if they were involved in the incident.

Rogers said the shooting was not targeted toward the flea market and was caused by an argument between two men.

'This is not anything that happens in Pearland, this is extremely tragic anytime someone is a victim of gun violence, especially in our community, this does not happen here in Pearland,' he said.

Houston Police cars block access to Main Street near Sam Houston Parkway. Negrete has yet to be found and police have warned that he is considered armed and dangerous

Police have revealed that two handguns were found at the scene, but the number of rounds fired is still unknown

Authorities have urged anyone with information on Negrete's whereabouts or any information on the shooting to contact the Pearland Police Department Tip Line of the Brazoria County Crime Stoppers.

'If you saw something, heard something and you need to let us know, please call that number and help our investigators out,' Rogers pleaded.

Governor Abbot said that 'Texas mourns the loss of a precious child following the devastating tragedy in Pearland yesterday, and our hearts are with the four other victims in the hospital as they recover from their injuries.'

The Pearland Police Department have stated that this is an ongoing investigation by their Criminal Investigations Division.
The Israeli military claimed it has uncovered a Hamas base beneath a children's hospital with guns and grenades found among babies' bottles and nappies.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) released footage of what it said was a Hamas weapons cache, including explosive vests and rocket-propelled grenades, inside Al-Rantisi Children's Hospital.

Israel's chief military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari showed rooms in the hospital's basement where the IDF believe Hamas terrorists were holding some of the around 240 hostages they abducted in their initial attack on October 7.

'Hamas uses hospitals as an instrument of war,' said Hagari in a room decorated with a colourful children's drawing of a tree on the wall. On the floor lay explosive vests, bombs, rocket-propelled grenades and assault rifles.

'Underneath the hospital, in the basement, we found a Hamas command and control centre, suicide-bomb vests, grenades, AK-47 assault rifles, explosive devices, RPGs, and other weapons, computers, money, etc,' Hagari said.

'This is Hamas  firing RPGs from hospitals,' he said. 'The world has to understand who is Israel fighting against.'

Hagari, who entered the hospital with troops yesterday after the facility's last patients were evacuated, showed another area he said could have been used to hold hostages. It included what appeared to be a hastily installed toilet and air vent as well as a baby bottle.

IDF spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari outside the Al-Rantisi Children's hospital

The 'kind of gear used for a major fight' claimed to have been uncovered in the basement of Al-Rantisi hospital includes RPGS, grenades, and Kalashnikovs

'Hamas uses hospitals as an instrument of war,' said Hagari in a room decorated with a colourful children's drawing of a tree on the wall. On the floor lay explosive vests, bombs, rocket-propelled grenades and AK-47 assault rifles

'Underneath the hospital, in the basement, we found a Hamas command and control centre, suicide-bomb vests, grenades, AK-47 assault rifles, explosive devices, RPGs, and other weapons, computers, money, etc,' Hagari said

A motorcycle scarred by a bullet hole and apparently used by the terrorists to capture people during the October 7 attacks, in which 1,200 were slaughtered and 240 taken hostage, was also found in the hospital's basement.

Women's clothing draped across a chair with a rope discarded around the legs is evidence the basement was used to keep hostages tied up, Hagari claims.

A baby bottle and a pack of nappies were also found with ventilation, toilets, and a shower, and a small kitchen built in to the underground room, the military spokesman said.

In the video, the Rear Admiral walked into a windowless room that had curtains on the wall. He claims this could have been used as a backdrop in a hostage video, adding that forensic experts were examining the scenes.

He then points to a piece of paper taped to the wall with terrorists' names written in Arabic detailing their 'shifts' of when to the guard the hostages.

Hagari also showed video of what he said was the entrance to a tunnel that was next to the hospital, with an electrical panel he claims connected solar panels with wires that plunged down into the tunnel.

'Hamas took all this area under its control and conducted its war against Israelis from this hospital,' he said. 'This is a war crime... This is a crime against humanity.'

'This is not the last hospital like this in Gaza, and the world should know that,' Hagari said.

The army accuses Hamas of using hospitals as cover for its gunmen, alleging that the terrorists have set up their main command centre in and beneath Gaza's largest hospital, Shifa, without providing visual evidence.

Both Hamas and Shifa Hospital staff deny the Israeli allegations.

Women's clothing draped across a chair with a rope discarded around the legs is evidence the basement was used to keep hostages tied up, Hagari claims

Hagari also showed video of what he said was the entrance to a tunnel that was next to the hospital, with an electrical panel he claims connected solar panels with wires that plunged down into the tunnel

Hagari also showed video of what he said was the entrance to a tunnel (pictured) that was next to the hospital, with an electrical panel he claims connected solar panels with wires that plunged down into the tunnel

Israel military said it found a baby bottle on top of a World Health Organisation box in the underground floor

A pack of nappies was also alleged to have been found in the terror base

A motorcycle riddled with bullets that troops claim was used by Hamas during the October 7 massacre when 1,400 people were killed and 240 taken hostage

He then points a piece of paper taped to the wall with terrorists' names written in Arabic detailing their 'shifts' of when to the guard the hostages

Weapons are pictured on the ground, which the Israeli military says were located in the Gaza Strip, at a location given as Gaza, in this still image released on Tuesday

Weapons are pictured on the ground, which the Israeli military says were located in the Gaza Strip, at a location given as Gaza, in this still image released on Tuesday

Battles between Israel and Hamas around hospitals forced thousands of Palestinians to flee from some of the last perceived safe places in northern Gaza, stranding critically wounded patients, newborns and their caregivers with dwindling supplies and no electricity.

With Israeli forces fighting in the centre of Gaza City, both sides have seized on the plight of hospitals as a symbol of the larger war, now in its sixth week.

Fighting has so far been largely concentrated in a tightening circle around Al Shifa, Gaza's biggest hospital. Gunfire and explosions raged yesterday where hundreds remain trapped inside.

Israeli forces appear ready to enter the hospital, where they have consistently insisted that Hamas terrorists are hiding in underground tunnels beneath the building and using the patients as shields.

This would prove a key moment in the war and show once and for all whether Hamas terrorists have indeed based their secret headquarters underneath the hospital.

But any such move by the Israeli forces to enter the hospital would see civilians, patients and doctors in the middle of fierce battles.

The Al Shifa hospital, which the World Health Organisation has said is 'no longer functioning', has been a primary target for Israeli troops in their battle to seize control of the northern half of the Gaza Strip. Medics and the thousands of civilians trapped inside have told how newborn babies and patients are dying for lack of fuel.

After power for Al Shifa's incubators went out days ago, the Health Ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza on Monday released a photo it says shows about a dozen premature babies wrapped in blankets together on a bed to keep them at a proper temperature.

Otherwise, 'they immediately die,' said the Health Ministry's director general, Medhat Abbas, who added that four of the babies had been delivered by caesarean section after their mothers died.

At least 650 patients were still inside Al Shifa hospital, desperate to be evacuated to another medical facility.

The Israeli military said today that it had 'initiated a humanitarian effort to coordinate transfer of incubators' from Israel to Al Shifa but made clear none of the devices, often used to keep pre-mature newborns warm, had been received by the facility.

US President Joe Biden said on Monday that Al Shifa and other hospitals in the Gaza Strip 'must be protected' and he hoped for 'less intrusive' action by Israel as its tanks advanced to the gates of the besieged enclave's main hospital.

'My hope and expectation is that there will be less intrusive action relative to hospitals and we remain in contact with the Israelis,' Biden told reporters at the White House on Monday.

Palestinians injured in Israeli raids arrive at Nasser Medical Hospital on Tuesday in Khan Yunis, Gaza

Palestinians injured in Israeli raids arrive at Nasser Medical Hospital on Tuesday in Khan Yunis, Gaza

Israeli soldiers (pictured) completed a route during the fighting in the heart of the Gaza Strip

Israeli military vehicles drive down a road, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas, in southern Israel on Tuesday

IDF tanks move through a field on Monday in Southern Israel

Israeli soldiers drive in Humvees down a road, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas, in southern Israel, on Tuesday

An Israeli flag flys on top of destroyed building next to a mosque in northern Gaza on Monday viewed from Sderot, Israel

'Also there is an effort to get this pause to deal with the release of prisoners and that's being negotiated, as well, with the Qataris... being engaged,' he added. 'So I remain somewhat hopeful but hospitals must be protected.'

Last night, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said 'too many civilians' are dying in Gaza and that there needs to be 'unhindered humanitarian access and urgent and substantive humanitarian pauses'.

The PM told the Lord Mayor's Banquet in London: 'There are things that Israel must do as part of this response.

'We've been clear that they must act within international law, they must take all measures to protect innocent civilians, including at hospitals, stop extremist violence in the West Bank and allow more aid into Gaza... too many civilians are losing their lives.

'That's why I've doubled our aid to Gaza and why we continue to press both at the United Nations and directly with Israel for unhindered humanitarian access and urgent and substantive humanitarian pauses.

'We want aid coming in by air, land and sea, and we're ready to use our bases in Cyprus as a staging post.'

Meanwhile, the IDF released footage yesterday claiming to show Hamas fighters with RPGs outside a second hospital in the territory, al-Quds.

The IDF said some of its troops were fired at from the entrance of the hospital, where militants had 'embedded' themselves among civilians. But the force engaged with the fighters and 'subsequently eliminated' them, they say.

'RPG fire and small arms fire were directed at the soldiers from the direction of the al Quds Hospital in Gaza City,' the IDF said in a statement.

'The shooting was carried out by a terrorist squad that had embedded itself within a group of civilians at the entrance of the hospital.'

Israeli forces yesterday reached the gates of Gaza City's main hospital, under which the IDF has insisted Hamas terrorists have their headquarters in makeshift tunnels.

Scores of Israeli soldiers and tanks have now surrounded the sprawling Al Shifa hospital where thousands of patients and civilians remain trapped in what could be a pivotal moment in the bloody war.

The Hamas-run Gaza health ministry said an Israel tank was now stationed at the hospital gate. Israeli snipers and drones were firing into the hospital, making it impossible for medics and patients to move around.

'We are besieged and are inside a circle of death,' he said.

Israeli forces appear ready to enter the hospital where they have consistently insisted that Hamas terrorists are hiding in underground tunnels beneath the building and using the patients as shields. Hamas denies the Israeli claim.
Australia's least affordable suburb to rent in has been named as worrying figures reveal national rates of rental affordability have gone from bad to worse.

Seaforth in Sydney's north, about 12km southeast of the CBD, is the most expensive suburb to rent in any Australian city, new data has revealed.

Renting in the leafy suburb, which boasts water views over The Spit and Middle Harbour, will cost prospective tenants an eye-watering $1450 per week.

Six of the 10 least affordable suburbs to rent in Australia are in Sydney's north, according to National Shelter and SGS Economics' new Rental Affordability Index.

People opting to live in Northbridge, Belrose, Frenchs Forest, Warriewood and Avalon can expect to spend a large majority of their salary on rent.

Seaforth in Sydney 's north, about 12km southeast of the CBD, is the most expensive suburb to rent in any Australian city, data from the annual affordability index has revealed

Renting in the leafy suburb, which boasts water views over The Spit and Middle Harbour, will cost prospective tenants an eye-watering $1450 per week (pictured, a home in Seaforth)

It comes as data collected by the rental affordability index found renters in every capital city are worse off now than before the Covid pandemic.

Renting in suburbs previously considered affordable in cities like Melbourne and Brisbane would now put a strain on average household budgets.

A household is considered to be under rental stress when costs of housing are greater than 30 per cent of their total income.

Those renting in Seaforth, the least affordable suburb in Australia, would have to spend 65 per cent of their total household income on rent.

The annual index, which compares rents to household incomes, reported the biggest jump in Sydney where median rental prices have increased by $100 in the past year to $650 per week - a jump of 18.2 per cent.

Affordability in the Harbour City has dropped by a staggering 13 per cent - meaning the average person would spend 29 per cent of their household income on rent.

Melbourne and Perth also experienced a 10 per cent decline in affordability.

However, it is regional Queensland that is now the least affordable place in Australia when comparing income to rental prices.

Median rentals cost $553 a week, reaching the rental stress threshold of 30 per cent of an average household's pre-tax income going to housing.

Six of the 10 most unaffordable suburbs to rent in Australia are in Sydney's north, according to National Shelter and SGS Economics' new Rental Affordability Index

People opting to live in Northbridge, Belrose, Frenchs Forest, Warriewood and Avalon (pictured) can expect to spend a large majority of their salary on rent

There are now far fewer more affordable areas Australian renters can try to move into, according to Ellen Witte from SGS Economics & Planning.

'It's really starting to hurt the economy, people have to live further away from jobs and businesses are struggling to find workers,' Ms Witte said.

Data collected for the index showed people on lower incomes suffered the most.

A single person on Jobseeker has to spend at least 75 per cent of their income on a one bedroom apartment in city areas and 53 per cent in the cheapest regional area.

Single pensioners need to spend at least half their income on rent in every capital city except Adelaide and Hobart, and would need to spend at least 32 per cent of their money on regional housing.

National Shelter chief executive Emma Greenhalgh said tenants had been smashed with rental hikes well beyond income growth.

'Rental affordability in Australia is going from bad to worse,' Ms Greenhalgh said.

'We have a rental crisis that's truly national, there's no place that's affordable for very low and low income households and moderate income households suffering.

We cannot underplay the significance of this as both a social and an economic issue.'

In regional NSW, Jindabyne was the most unaffordable location with rent as a share of average household income estimated at 70 per cent.

The average rent for a home in Northbridge in Sydney's Lower North Shore (pictured) is $1,500 per week while an apartment will cost $735 per week

The median price of rent in Frenchs Forest is $1,100 - an increase of 5 per cent per year

Ms Greenhalgh said the problem needed to be attacked from several angles including building more social and affordable housing, immediate rent relief and a national standard on price increases.

She said the nation needs to have a serious discussion about tax reform, particularly negative gearing policies and capital gains discounts.

'We're currently commodifying housing as a wealth tool and not a home,' Ms Greenhalgh said.

'These tax measures disproportionately benefit high income households.'

Housing Minister Julie Collins said the government was supporting the 30 per cent of people who rent, including through the $10 billion Housing Australia Future Fund intended to provide a pipeline of social and affordable rentals.

She also highlighted an agreement for states and territories to work on practical steps to increase renter protections, tax changes affecting build-to-rent investments and increasing Commonwealth Rent Assistance by 15 per cent.

'At a federal level, our focus is on improving housing supply, because this is the best way to improve housing affordability for renters and buyers,' Ms Collins said.
An Optus customer has revealed the sneaky reason they were unable to claim extra data provided as compensation for the massive outage last week.

Aussie man Twaj shared a video where he showed the 100GB of free data he was eligible to claim following Optus' nationwide blackout last Wednesday.

Some 10million Aussies were caught up in the outage with the telecommunication giant offering up to 200GB of free data to its customers.

'Something interesting I noticed when I was going to claim my compensation for the Optus outage,' Twaj said in a TikTok video on Monday.

'As you can see, 100GB of bonus data - it will not let me add it to my cart. There's a little message up here, "Update your payment method".

One Optus customer (above) said he wasn't able to claim his compensation data bonus unless he switched to direct debit billing

Twaj revealed he then ran into a problem shortly afterwards while trying to complete the transaction.

'They're trying to make me update my payment method to direct debit in order to claim,' he said.

'I currently pay via invoice, which isn't really something they offer to customers anymore, and now they're making me sign up to direct debit to claim compensation.

'Optus, do better.'

Optus told Daily Mail Australia: 'All Choice Plus plans require an automatic payment method by debit card or credit card to be linked to the account at all times.

'If a customer on a Choice Plus plan doesnt have a card linked to their account, they cant add to their inclusions or make any changes to their account without updating their payment method.

'For customers on other postpaid mobile and data plans, which offer alternative payment options, a direct debit arrangement is not required to be associated with their account.'

READ MORE: Optus reveals true cause of massive blackout Advertisement

The nationwide outage sparked outrage from Australians who demanded CEO Kelly Bayer Rosmarin step down.

Harvey Norman owner Gerry Harvey swooped in to defend the boss claiming it was 'unfair' to call for her resignation.

'We live in a computer world and we know these problems occur from time-to-time,' he told Perth radio station 6PR on Monday.

'It could happen to any public company, the CEO doesnt run the IT department - you employ people that run that and somewhere, something goes wrong.

'It might be that person's fault in the IT department but it might not be, it might be a hack, it might just be bad luck.

'Then they [customers] call for the sacking of the chairman, the sacking of the CEO - this is ridiculous!'

Mr Harvey pointed out that all companies can suffer technical difficulties and called for Optus customers to stop attacking CEO Ms Bayer.

'This could happen to anyone, it could happen to Harvey Norman tomorrow - then they'd call for me to be sacked,' he said.

Harvey Norman owner Gerry Harvey (pictured with wife Katie Page-Harvey) called the backlash to Optus' blackout 'ridiculous'

'Why did everyone suddenly want to attack somebody, tell the CEO they've got to go?

'This is ridiculous and the politicians piled onto it, the media piled onto it and it became a frenzy to get rid of them.

'This could happen to anyone and we start going on like this, it's just way beyond stupid.'

More than 10million Australians and 400,000 businesses were impacted by Optus' service blackout last week.

For up to 12 hours, many were left without internet and phone services - crippling workers and businesses alike.

Customers have been offered up to 200GB of extra data for their 'patience and loyalty'.

However, Mr Harvey agued customers shouldn't be expecting compensation from an 'accident'.

'Everybody's going, "Oh, you've got to compensate me!" but 20, 40 years ago, we didn't go on like this,' he said.

'I just think it's amazing how many people want to take money off somebody.

'If someone does the wrong thing, it's a different thing altogether but when it's an accident - it's just over the top stuff.

'Things happen and you can't expect compensation every time an accident occurs.'

Mr Harvey added his company was affected by the outage too, but kept the inconvenience in perspective.

Mr Harvey shared his support for Optus CEO Kelly Rosmarin and called for Optus customers to have more perspective, saying the outage 'lasted 10 hours, it didn't last 10 days'

'We were inconvenienced badly too. We've got all our deliveries going out across Australia and we're tied to Optus, so you can't let people know when it's going to be delivered - sure, it's a problem,' he said.

'But it lasted 10 hours, it didn't last 10 days.

'The world's full of big problems, this is a little problem in comparison.'

Optus revealed on Monday the blackout was caused by an error during a 'routine software upgrade' that automatically disconnected its routers.

'Given the widespread impact of the outage, investigations into the issue took longer than we would have liked as we examined several different paths to restoration,' the telco said in a statement.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Optus for comment.
At his south London bedsit, the young Albanian knows he could soon be on a plane to Rwanda.

He is eking out a living as a cash-in-hand bricklayer on building sites as he, like many others, waits to hear if he will be deported from the UK.

'I know my name is on the Home Office list to fly to Rwanda,' says the 28-year-old. 'I worry all the time if I will be forced to go and live there.'

Meti, his nickname used by friends, has already come within a hair's breadth of being deported by the Home Office to the small African country.

'I was two yards from the steps of the plane in a car,' he told the Mail in a first interview with any of the seven migrants due to go in June last year before the flight was stopped at the last minute.

A young Albanian man knows he could soon be on a plane to Rwanda

Meti, who is now in London, is eking out a living as a cash-in-hand bricklayer on building sites as he waits to hear if he will be deported from the UK

'The door was open ready for me to be dragged out and put on board. My hands were tied to my side. I was being held down by two security guards. Then an immigration official came up and said, 'No flight tonight'.'

Many Britons will wonder what has happened to the Rwanda Seven since then. The clock is ticking on their future.

Tomorrow the Supreme Court will make a final ruling on if the Home Office deportation flight, rescheduled for just after Christmas, can take off.

This follows months of wrangling with refugee lawyers and charities on one side, the Home Office on the other.

'I am terrified of the future,' Meti told me. 'I have been told by my lawyers that if the plane goes, the Home Office wants me on it. I feel I am being treated as a guinea pig.'

Unusually, Meti has not claimed anything from the British state although he is officially an asylum-seeker who could get free accommodation and an allowance.

'I would rather keep my head low,' he says. 'I want to earn money to send back to my widowed mother in Albania. She survives selling the milk of our two cows.'

'I was not forced to come here. I chose it because I wanted a better life. I was not trafficked and I had never heard that term until I was asked at Dover by officials if I had come against my will.' Meti, tall and handsome, was earning a pitiful 10 a day as a bricklayer on a building site in Albania until May 2022.

'I would rather keep my head low,' he says. 'I want to earn money to send back to my widowed mother [pictured] in Albania'

He has two brothers and a sister living in Italy and Germany. 'I was the only one still at home,' he remembers of his life in a hilly village 50 miles from the capital Tirana.

'I knew I could earn ten times more in England. I decided to leave because other friends had already reached Europe or the UK. There were hardly any young men left.' So in spring last year he arrived in Calais after a three-day journey by minibus and was later put on a boat by smugglers at 4am.

Channel budget farce Taxpayers' money earmarked to combat Channel small boats has been spent on vacuum cleaners and phone chargers by French officials, figures shown. Documents reveal how France has allocated more than 40million from the UK. Some of the spending under the joint-border agreement, known as the Sandhurst Treaty, was used to police the border with Italy, 500 miles from the Channel. The records were obtained by the Politico website. The French interior ministry refused to comment on the spending. A spokesman said its focus is on tackling smuggling networks, with 47 groups dismantled last year and 28 so far this year. Advertisement

The engine broke down and the 38 migrants on board were rescued by a Border Force vessel sent from Dover.

Meti, who does not want his real name published for fear of reprisals from the smugglers, told officials his family was in a 'blood feud' back home and his life was at risk. (The police and social services in Albania have confirmed his story is true).

After being interviewed, Meti was taken to Colnbrook, a secure deportation unit next to Heathrow airport. 'I thought I would arrive in the UK and be free,' he says. 'Instead I found myself in what was like a cell in a place that was locked up.'

Later he was handed a Home Office letter with a glossy picture of a hotel attached.

The letter, he later learned, said he was going to be sent to Rwanda on June 14. 'I could not believe it. I did not know where Rwanda was, I had hardly heard of Africa.

'The picture was of the Hope Hotel where deported migrants like me would be staying.'

A week before the flight, he and a few others were separated from the other migrants.

On June 14, he was put in a car with two security officers, a driver and an interpreter. Six other cars had the same set-up, each carrying a migrant listed for deportation.

The convoy drove to Boscombe military airport, Wiltshire, where the plane was waiting. Three migrants had been put on board and Meti was next before being told the flight was not leaving.

He was detained for two weeks before being released.

'But I am not really free. It is a knife-edge existence knowing I am still on the list to fly.' Does he regret coming to Britain? 'No,' he says. 'I would make the same choice because I needed money. But I never expected to be sent to Africa.'
The boss of a popular burger chain has gone into hiding after one of his restaurants was firebombed before protests erupted outside.

Hash Tayeh, who founded Burgertory in 2018, has moved his family to a safe house after he exploded into the news when he was filmed leading a pro-Palestine march in Melbourne's CBD three weeks ago.

After the burger boss defended and doubled down on his stance his Caulfield restaurant was attacked by arsonists before 400 people protested down the street.

Mr Tayeh had previously asked people not to join the protest and had said that he feared for the safety of his workers who had already been threatened with violence.

A GoFundMe has since been launched to help rebuild the destroyed Burgertory which has inflamed the issue again and attracted horrific comments online.

Hash Tayeh (pictured) has gone into hiding after his Burgertory store in Caulfield, Melbourne, was attacked by arsonists on November 10

A GoFundMe has been lanched for Mr Tayeh to try and raise the funds needed to rebuild his store (pictured after fire)

Mr Tayeh appeared on ABC's Q&A before going into hiding where he explained to the panelists that he has become a martyr who now faces abuse daily.

'I practiced my right to protest the genocide that is happening is Gaza, the media was weaponised against me and other pro-Palestinian protestors for standing up to injustice,' he said.

READ MORE: Hash Tayeh's open letter to the Jewish community A high-profile founder of a gourmet burger chain has been forced to publish an open letter to Melbourne's Jewish community explaining why he was filmed leading anti-Israel chants at a protest - but stopped short of apologising. Advertisement

'How can we protect people standing up for injustices without the threat of being cancelled or defamed?'

Mr Tayeh, who has Palestinian heritage, claimed that his staff had been told that they work for a terrorist and that he had been called a pig in the streets.

'I was told that I would be made a shaheed dog, which in translation means "you'll be made a martyr of", so someone's threatened to kill me,' he said.

Despite the abuse he has faced, Mr Tayah has continued to persistently push his pro-Palestine stance and appeared as a speaker at a rally on Saturday in Melbourne.

Draped in a Palestinian flag he promised not to be silenced or intimidated by the media or people on the street.

'In the past weeks as I advocated for peace ... my own establishment became a target,' he told a crowd of thousands at the State Library.

'The other day, in a cruel act of arson, our store was reduced to ashes. To those who sought to silence us with hate and violence I say: you will not succeed.'

The GoFundMe which has been set up to help Mr Tayeh to recover says that the arson attack was a hate crime which left his store 'unrecognisable'.

Thus far the campaign has raised more than $53,000 of it's $300,000 goal, which will go towards rebuilding the Burgertory and providing staff support payments.

The burger boss has doubled down on his pro-Palestine messaging since the attack however, appearing at a protest again on Sunday where he vowed to not back down

Footage surfaced on Sunday showing two hooded figures setting Caulfield's Burgertory alight at 4am on November 10

Messages on the fundraiser's page left by those who chose to donate offer a mix of resilience and sorrow for Australia's current culture wars.

'I wanted to share a message about hope. But I have none left. I am sorry dear,' one woman wrote after donating $5.

'On top of having to grieve the massive loss from the genocide, it is not fair for you to also have to grieve the loss of everything you have built for yourself and for your community,' another woman who donated $10 wrote.

'The message sent by destroying this store is to scare other prominent figures in our community into being cautious about speaking out and to punish those that do,' a third added after donating $100.

Elsewhere on the internet trolls have been reveling in the destruction of Caulfield's Burgertory by posting cruel torments.

One member of the Jewish community posted a video of the wrecked restaurant to X with the caption: 'Something smells burnt, I'm not sure if it's the cooking smell or the smell of burnt children in Gaza.'

'I'm sorry I am so happy that this is an arson attack because this person is a pro-Palestine,' the young man says in the clip.

'Anyone that is pro-Palestine is a Nazi and deserves to be attacked. Maybe not killed, just ruined, ruin their life.'

The Jewish community has condemned the video and distanced themselves from the man who filmed it, stating that his comments were not an accurate reflection of their values.
Greens MPS joined hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters calling for a ceasefire during a confronting rally where white shrouds with red handprints were laid out on the front lawn of Parliament House to represent children killed in Gaza.

About 400 protesters took part in the rally on Monday including activists, academics religious leaders and members of the Free Palestine movement.

Protesters set up a visual representation of the bloodshed occurring in the Israel-Hamas conflict.

White cloths - each with a red child's handprint and the name and age of a child who has died in Gaza - were placed in bundles in between teddy bears and small shoes.

The confronting display was arranged under a sign that read: 'Stop the genocide in Gaza. Ceasefire now'.

Protesters set up a visual representation of the bloodshed occurring in the Israel-Hamas conflict (pictured)

White cloths - each with a red child's handprint and the name and age of a child who has died in Gaza - were placed in bundles in between teddy bears and small shoes (pictured)

One demonstrator also erected a Palestinian flag on one of the flag poles at Parliament House.

'Albanese you can't hide, you're committing genocide,' the protestors chanted.

Many Muslim and multicultural communities are becoming increasingly angered that the Albanese government has not formally joined calls for a ceasefire in the conflict, abstaining from a vote on a UN resolution about the issue in late October.

'Penny Wong, where are you? Where's your consciousness? Albanese, where are you?' the rally emcee said.

READ MORE: Furious backlash erupts against the ABC after it refused to let members of the public take part in controversial Q+A episode Advertisement

'You have blood on your hands, blood stained hands.'

Greens leader Adam Bandt and his party colleagues joined the protesters, many of who travelled from Sydney and Melbourne, in slamming the government's inaction.

Mr Bandt addressed the crowd and was met with loud cheers as he called for the government to immediately support a ceasefire to prevent further deaths in Gaza.

'We now have over 11,000 civilians dead, over 4,000 of them children  We are witnessing a humanitarian catastrophe unfold in front of our eyes,' Mr Bandt said.

'No food, no water, no fuel, people starving, dehydration, being bombed ... and yet still, Labor will not call for a ceasefire.

'Labor says that it is concerned about the rising number of civilian casualties - so I ask the Prime Minister, how high does the number need to grow before Labor will join France and the rest of the world in calling for a ceasefire?

'How many more children need to die? How many more civilians need to suffer?'

Mr Bandt vowed to return 'day after day' in rallying support of the pro-Palestinian cause.

'We will come back day after day after day to call for a ceasefire now and an end to the occupation because Palestinians are entitled to live in the same just peace and security as Israeli,' he said.

Greens leader Adam Bandt addressed the crowd and was met with loud cheers as he called for the government to support a ceasefire to prevent further deaths in Gaza (pictured)

Mr Bandt's rally speech comes after similar comments made by Foreign Minister Penny Wong on Sunday.

Ms Wong called on Israel to 'comply and observe international humanitarian law' in regards to the government's attack on hospitals and civilians in the Gaza strip.

'We know Hamas is a terrorist organisation. It has demonstrated it has no respect for international law, but Australia is a democracy and so too is Israel, and the standards that we seek and accept are higher,' Ms Wong told the ABC's Insiders program.

'We need steps towards a ceasefire. It cannot be one-sided. We know that Hamas is still holding hostages, and we know that a ceasefire must be agreed between the parties.'

The death toll in Gaza has risen to 11,240 - including 4,630 and 3,130 women - since the start of the war on October 7, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.
Federal Liberal MP Russell Broadbent has quit the party to sit on the crossbench after he was dumped from preselection on the weekend.

The MP for the Victorian seat of Monash, who was first elected in 1990, told Coalition colleagues in Canberra on Tuesday he would see out the rest of his term as an independent.

Mr Broadbent will be replaced as Liberal candidate for Monash by community leader Mary Aldred, following a preselection ballot on Sunday.

He is due to issue a statement on Tuesday morning.

Russell Broadbent has quit the Liberal Party after he was dumped from preselection on the weekend

Guardian Australia reported Mr Broadbent told a coalition partyroom meeting he had no criticism of Liberal leader Peter Dutton, but cited the significant margin of his preselection defeat.

Ms Aldred reportedly won the preselection by 161 votes to 16.

Mr Dutton acknowledged Mr Broadbent's contribution to the party over many decades.

Mr Broadbent, who has been a member of the Liberal Party since 1980, is understood to be taking medical leave before returning to parliament.

Since the 2022 election, there have been two by-elections for coalition seats held by former ministers Alan Tudge and Stuart Robert.

The Liberals lost Mr Tudge's seat of Aston to Labor but retained Mr Robert's seat of Fadden.

Nationals MP Andrew Gee moved to the crossbench in support of the Indigenous voice in December.
Hollywood agent's son Samuel Haskell IV appeared in court in a suicide vest Monday to face charges that he killed his wife and parents-in-law.

Judge Kimberley Baker Guillemet ordered Haskell held without bond at the five-minute hearing in Los Angeles Superior Court on Monday.

His arraignment was pushed back to December 8. He could face the death penalty if convicted.

Haskell lived with his wife Mei, 37, their three sons and her parents YanXiang Wang, 64, and Gaoshan Li, 72, in Tarzana, California, 25 miles north of LA.

In the brief hearing, no mention was made of whether the bodies of the three alleged victims have been found.

Samuel Haskell IV, appeared in Los Angeles Superior Court before Judge Kimberley Baker Guillemet on a murder charges and dumping his wife's body in a trash can on November 13, in Los Angeles Superior Court

Samuel Haskell IV, 35, (right) was arrested on Wednesday on suspicion of murder after a dismembered female torso was found near his California home. Haskell lived with his wife Mei, 37, pictured left, their three sons and her parents

Mei Haskell (left), her mother YanXiang Wang, 64, and her father Gaoshan Li, 72, are all missing, with Haskell arrested on suspicion of murdering his wife Mei

Haskell's tattooed arms were visible as he was bare-chested under a blue suicide vest

Friends of Mei Haskkell arrive for court for the arraignment of Samuel Haskell on murder charges at Los Angeles Superior Court on Monday

The judge allowed a photographer in court  but then ruled pictures could not show Haskell's face.

Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman argued that it had already been shown in news articles and social media but Judge Guillemet stuck to her decision.

'These shocking and gruesome crimes have sent shockwaves through our community. We stand with the victims' loved ones during this unimaginably difficult time and will do everything in our power to ensure justice is served,' District Attorney George Gascon said on Monday while announcing the charges.

Haskell was arrested after a woman's dismembered torso was discovered last week in a dumpster in Encino. The body has not been positively identified by the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office.

He is currently being held on $2 million bail after being arrested on suspicion of murder when a headless torso was found in a dumpster near his home.

Prosecutors allege that on the day following the murders, Haskell hired four day laborers to remove black trash bags from his LA-area home.

One worker said he was paid $500 to remove three large trash bags. Haskell claimed they were filled with rocks before later pretending the body parts were 'Halloween props'.

'When we picked up the bags, we could tell they weren't rocks,' the worker told NBC LA, noting that the bags were soft and soggy.

Upon peering inside they saw 'body parts, a belly button.'

'I was astonished. Of course, I felt bad. We had been tricked,' he said.

Friends of Mei Haskell, some in tears, gathered outside the court with banners calling for justice for the mother-of-three. A group of around 12 including many of Mei's friends were earlier inside in court to see Mei's husband, Sam Haskell IV appear in shackles

Friends of missing mom Mei Li Haskell protest outside the Clara Shortridge Foltz Courthouse in Los Angeles

The men then returned the bags and then money to Haskell's home, telling him they did not 'want to be involved.'

The workers went straight to law enforcement and informed the California Highway Patrol and the police.

Prosecutors allege that later that day, Haskell 'was allegedly observed and photographed a short distance from his home disposing [of] a large trash bag into a dumpster in the 16000 block of Ventura Boulevard.'

If convicted, Haskell faces a maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Haskell, 35, whose father Samuel Haskell III, was the executive vice-president and worldwide head of television for the talent agency William Morris Endeavor.

His clients included Dolly Parton, George Clooney, Kathie Lee Gifford, Whoopi Goldberg and King Charles' brother, Prince Edward.

Haskell is alleged to have killed his wife and parents-in-law on November 6, according to the criminal complaint.

The details of the charges were laid out in charging document on Monday

Friends of Mei Haskell, some in tears, gathered outside the court with banners calling for justice for the mother-of-three.

They tried to get a glimpse of her alleged killer but he was slumped low behind a glass partition in the courtroom. His tattooed arms were visible while barechested under the blue suicide vest.

'We are absolutely devastated. Mei was such a bright light and loved her kids so much. She wanted to create a wonderful world for them and she did,' said one friend of the family while asking to remain anonymous. 'She was an important part of our community.'

'Mei is just an incredible person. We are here to make sure our friend gets the justice she deserves.'

Los Angeles Detective Efren Gutierrez explained at a press conference how officers were sent to Haskell's home last Tuesday night after receiving reports about the bloody trash bags.

'Nothing was located' by officers and they did not find any evidence that would warranted entry into the home.

The following morning, a person looking through dumpsters about five miles from Haskell's home found a bag with a woman's torso.

It was then police went back to Haskell's home, where they found blood and other evidence, reports KABC.

Earlier on Monday, it was reported how Haskell had an unusual preoccupation with weapons and kept a large collection inside the single family home he shared with his missing wife, in-laws and three young children.

'He had an obsession with weapons,' neighbor Elle Benami told DailyMail.com. 'He had a samurai sword and a crossbow. He did martial arts. I think he was a black belt and he would go to Japan to do martial arts.'

Benami said Haskell had guns in the house and explained that she wouldn't allow her kids to go inside their home, despite her close friendship with his missing wife, Mei Li Haskell.

DailyMail.com can reveal that Haskell, the son of a Hollywood agent, had an 'obsession with weapons' and kept a collection in the family home

Haskell's fascination with weapons was further revealed when DailyMail.com discovered music videos he had directed and posted on his Instagram page under the name TragicStreetz. One video showed a man wearing a red beret swinging a sword

The videos show men attacking each other with huge axes and swords. One video showed a man pointing a long sword at another man's neck, with the hashtag #DemonHills

'He had an obsession with weapons,' neighbor Elle Benami told DailyMail.com

The Haskells moved into the quiet, family-oriented community of Tarzana, about 25 miles north of Los Angeles, in December 2020.

'The kids could play here at my house or usually in the front lawn. I was ok with the kids playing in their front lawn,' said Benami, who feared something could accidentally happen with so many weapons in the house.

Haskell's sons even bragged to other neighborhood kids that they had weapons in the house, something their doting mother Mei was not fond of and could have very well been an ongoing source of contention between the couple.

'Would I say that they seemed like a happy couple? No, but I definitely didn't expect anything like this. I never could have imagined what happened,' said Benami.

Benami revealed that she and another friend of Mei's, whose identity has been withheld, were questioned by detectives after Haskell was arrested on Wednesday morning and were told the disturbing news that body parts and blood had been discovered inside the house.

'I was interviewed by several homicide detectives. They asked me questions about Mei, what I knew about her family, when was the last time I saw her, about the boys and the husband.

'We were the first two people that they told that they did find parts of a body inside the house,' said the mother-of-four. 'When they broke that news to us, it was completely surreal.'

'Our kids are similar ages so we spent a lot of time together, especially during Covid. We took daily walks and the kids always played together.'

'You couldn't ask for a better neighbor. Mei was an amazing mom, an amazing person and an amazing daughter to her parents,' said Benami.

Haskell's fascination with weapons was further revealed when DailyMail.com discovered music videos he had directed and posted on his Instagram page under the name TragicStreetz.

The videos show men attacking each other with huge axes and swords. One video showed a man pointing a long sword at another man's neck, with the hashtag #DemonHills.

Another video showed a man holding a weapon with creepy music in the background, while a man wearing a red beret can be seen swinging his sword around.

A machine gun can be seen in yet another video glamorizing the weapon with hypnotic music playing in the background.

A bag with a headless torso was found stuffed into a duffel bag and tossed into this dumpster behind Ventura Boulevard and Rubio Avenue, near a family-style restaurant, a hair salon and two banks

Deputy District Attorney Pat Silverman leaves court after arraignment of Samuel Haskell Jr., appears in Los Angeles Superior Court before Judge Kimberley Baker Guillemet

The LA dumpster where a woman's dismembered torso was found before ex-Hollywood agent Samuel Haskell Snr's son was arrested for murder

The dumpster where the torso of a woman was found in the 4800 block of Rubio Avenue on November 10, 2023 in Tarzana, California

He was arrested last Wednesday on suspicion of murder after a dismembered female torso was found near his California home

Despite spending time together, Mei never expressed any concerns about her husband. Benami now believes Mei was trying to protect her by not getting her involved with their marital problems.

Benami said she never had a conversation with Haskell in all the years they lived right next door.

'I was not close with him. It was like a hi, waving to each other. He didn't make eye contact. He would take a lot of walks in the neighborhood, usually on his own.

While many neighbors questioned Haskell's odd behavior, Benami believes he could have Asperger's Syndrome, which could explain his off-putting antics especially at the many parties his wife so meticulously put together.

'One time she brought ponies to her front yard for her son's birthday. She went all out with parties,' said Benami. 'He was kind of off to the side. Not really talking to anyone. Definitely saying hi and not ignoring anybody. He would typically disappear for a little while. He was smiling, friendly outwardly.'

Despite spending time together, Mei never expressed any concerns about her husband. Friends say Mei may have been trying to protect her friends by not addressing marital problems with them

Mei was said to have been a doting mother of three children. 'She did everything for them. Her whole life revolved around the boys. They did all kinds of extracurriculars and were very accomplished boys. She had very high hopes for them. She was an all around good mom, good person, good daughter to her parents,' a friend said

'Mei was generally an upbeat person, very sweet. Really cute and funny,' Benami told DailyMail.com. 'She would often drop off little gifts. She dropped off two huge crates of strawberries. When my water heater gave out, she insisted that we come to her place to take a shower. I was the only one who took her up on it.'

'I know her parents, they lived here. They were often in the front yard. They actually had two chairs put out and they would sit there and wave. I could not communicate with them because they didn't speak English but they were very warm, very sweet, very good with kids.

'I don't have a good feeling. I don't think I am ever going to see those three again. She would never leave without the kids. She was an amazing mom and her three boys were very attached to her.

'She did everything for them. Her whole life revolved around the boys. They did all kinds of extracurriculars and were very accomplished boys. She had very high hopes for them. She was an all around good mom, good person, good daughter to her parents.

'I have met his parents many times. They are very friendly. They are from Mississippi. They would never miss a single birthday party. His sister Mary Elaine was very involved.'

Haskell is the son of former top Hollywood agent Samuel Haskell III and former Miss Mississippi Mary Donnelly-Haskell. They are seen with Haskell's Sr's client Dolly Parton

Haskell worked as a videographer and producer in Los Angeles, according to his IMDB page and social media accounts

Haskell lived with his wife's parents and their three children as well as his in-laws YanXiang Wang, 64, and Gaoshan Li, 72, who are currently missing.

The three children, aged 6, 8 and 12 were found safe at school and are now with family.

The murder suspect's father was also CEO of the Miss America organization from 2015-17, but resigned after he was found to have criticized some of the contestants in private emails, ridiculing one for gaining weight and describing another as promiscuous.

Haskell III is married to a former Miss Mississippi, Mary Donnelly Haskell, his college sweetheart, and the pair have a daughter, Mary Lane, as well as their son Sam IV.

In his Magnolia Hill biography, the senior Haskell, 68, says he is 'widely known as 'the nice guy in Hollywood'.

He continues: 'Haskell is revered for rising to the top of a turbulent and often conscienceless business with his character, integrity and value-system intact.

'His reputation for honesty, integrity, loyalty and fairness made him a consistent force in a sea of inconsistency and someone with whom actors, writers, directors and other industry professionals were eager to work.'

The arrest of his son has rocked their neighborhood in Tarzana after the headless torso believed to belong to Wei was found by a homeless person in a dumpster at around 6am.

The dumpster was captured in chilling surveillance footage showing a man struggling to lift a large black bag into the garbage, before speeding away.
The government's Rwanda deportation plan must go ahead - even if it means quitting the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), the immigration minister has claimed.

Robert Jenrick said the Government's plan was to 'stop the boats' completely by the next election but this can't happen without the Rwanda flights to deter Channel crossings.

He insisted the deportation scheme go ahead, 'no ifs, no buts', and suggested that the Government was even prepared to quit the ECHR if need be.

Tomorrow, the Supreme Court will rule on whether the Rwanda plan is legal, or stand by the Court of Appeal ruling that it would breach the human rights of asylum seekers.

Rwanda flights have been halted since a judge from the European Court of Human Rights blocked them last June.

Pictured: British Minister of State for Immigration Robert Jenrick outside Downing Street

Suella Braverman visits Bwiza Riverside Houses in Kigali, Rwanda on March 18, 2023

A chart showing the number of migrants crossing the English Channel on small boats

READ MORE - Suella Braverman wants to quit European Convention on Human Rights if judges reject her Rwanda deal Advertisement

Mr Jenrick said 'I've been clear that we have to do whatever it takes' when he was asked if leaving the ECHR was part of the Government's plan if it lost the case.

James Cleverly, the new Home Secretary, has publicly opposed leaving the ECHR.

But Mr Jenrick told The Telegraph: 'I'm looking forward to working with James [Cleverly] as the new Home Secretary.

'I'm sure that he shares out belief that we have to stop the boats.

'If the UK wants to turn the good progress we've made this year into stopping the boats entirely, we have to implement the Rwanda policy.'

He also said the UK Government's failure to reduce net migration was a 'betrayal' to the public as it hits a peak of 606,000 in the past year, more than double the pre-Brexit rate.

The Rwanda plan is central to Rishi Sunak's Illegal Migration Act. The Illegal Migration Act brought into law the Government's policy of sending some asylum seekers to Rwanda

Five justices at the UKs highest court are to give their ruling on the challenge on Wednesday

READ MORE - DAN HODGES: A snap Election if judges veto Rwanda plan? Surely it is better than a year of drift and decay Advertisement

The Rwanda plan is central to Rishi Sunak's Illegal Migration Act.

The Act brought into law the Government's policy of sending some asylum seekers to Rwanda.

However, the policy announced in April 2022 has been held up in the courts, with no deportation flights taking place.

Government lawyers are pessimistic about the chances of judges backing the Prime Minister's flagship scheme to deter small boat crossings.

But Mr Sunak is said to be determined to pursue a deterrent to stop migrants from making the perilous journey across the Channel even if the Government is defeated.

The Home Office is drawing up contingency plans which include tweaking the scheme or agreeing a new deal with Rwanda in the form of a treaty, which could be harder to defeat in the courts.

Declaring more countries 'safe' on the official list would also allow migrants from those places to be deported. Turkey and Egypt  which are in the top ten countries for crossings  could be added to the list.

A group of people thought to be migrants crossing the Channel travelling from France

Government lawyers are pessimistic about the chances of judges backing the Prime Minister's flagship scheme to deter small boat crossings

The Illegal Migration Act has been held up in the courts since it was announced in April 2022

READ MORE - Ministers will not give up on the Rwanda asylum deal if they lose the Supreme Court case on the scheme this week Advertisement

Another option is to seek reform of the Human Rights Act, with ministers reportedly being given legal advice on amending it so that it no longer applies to illegal migration.

Should those options be deemed unworkable, they could pursue the 'nuclear option' of leaving the European Convention on Human Rights.

While supporters of Suella Braverman are said to favour the latter route, No 10 is said to believe the crossings could be stopped without having to go that far.

If the Government is successful, flights would begin in the new year.

If it is ruled unlawful, ministers would have to pursue other options. Sources pointed to the direction of travel in other European countries that are becoming hardline on immigration.

Asked about the issue of European Convention on Human Rights membership on Monday afternoon, the Prime Minister's official spokesman said: 'Our position has not changed. We continue to believe we can stop the boats in line with our international obligations.'
A farmer has been killed in a workplace accident in rural Victoria after his idling tractor reversed over him.

The incident at the property in Lockington, in northern Victoria southwest of Echuca, is being investigated by WorkSafe.

The 65-year-old man was trying to attach an implement to the back of the tractor on Sunday at about 11am when it suddenly reversed and ran over him, WorkSafe said.

Worksafe said it is the 51st workplace fatality in Victoria this year.

The incident follows a French backpacker who was fatally bitten by a brown snake while doing farm work in Nullawil in Victoria's north-west last week.

The farmer was run over on his property in the Lockington area in Victoria's north (pictured)

The 25-year-old was found by friends at his home before he was airlifted to hospital in Melbourne where puncture wounds were found on his foot.

Access Grain owner Wade Humphreys who had employed him said he was likely bitten off shift as their workers all wear protective boots.

'He obviously hadn't realised he'd been bitten,' he said.
A small town has been rocked by three tragic deaths within 24 hours, after two toddlers died in a hot car and a 19-year-old crashed into a tree.

The family of two boys, aged two and three, were left reeling on Friday night when their lifeless bodies were pulled from an unused car in the backyard of a home in Woorabinda, southwest of Rockhampton.

Relatives found the younger child just before 8pm and called paramedics to take him to hospital. There was a rescue helicopter on standby, but he could not be revived.

Police were inspecting the car more than an hour later, at 9.15pm, when they found the three-year-old in the rear footwell. He was rushed to hospital but also declared dead.

The tragedy is still under investigation, but police believe the boys may have climbed into the vehicle, couldn't get out, and died from 'heat-related stress'.

On Sunday, family members paid tribute to the older boy by gathering all his favourite things, including stuffed toys and a blue blanket decorated with cartoon trucks.

The small Queensland town of Woorabinda has been rocked by three tragic deaths within 24 hours, after two toddlers died in a car and a 19-year-old crashed into a tree

The grieving family of the older boy who died after becoming trapped in a car paid tribute by collecting his favourite things, including a blue blanket decorated with cartoon trucks

Temperatures in Woorabinda hit 34C on Saturday, but conditions inside vehicles can be up to 30 degrees warmer than outdoors.

The boys were not brothers, but they were related.

Investigations are ongoing, but Superintendent Darrin Shadlow said during a press conference on Saturday the car was unused and its electric systems, including the windows, did not work.

'At this stage, we're still conducting investigations. They hadn't travelled in that vehicle - it was in the rear yard of the residence,' Supt Shadlow said.

'It appears that it's a tragic accident where the children have, somehow, gotten into the vehicle and had been there for some time.'

A crime scene was declared and detectives are investigating the circumstances of the deaths.

About six hours after the toddlers bodies were found, 19-year-old Miriam Grace Kemp died when her car ploughed into a tree on Crane Avenue in Kawana, about two hours north-east.

Miriam Kemp, 19, died in a car accident about 3am on Saturday. Her family lives in Woorabinda

Woorabinda is a small Indigenous community in Central Queensland, located 170km southwest of Rockhampton

She went to Rockhampton High School, but her family live in Woorabinda.

Daily Mail Australia understands the teenager was involved in an altercation with several others just before 3am on Saturday.

She jumped in a Holden Berlina with her friend, 17, and crashed into a tree.

The pair got out of the car and called an ambulance, but Miriam died from her injuries before they arrived.

Her friend was taken to Rockhampton Hospital but has since been discharged.

Locals were devastated over the triple-tragedy.

'Heart aches for the whole community Woorabinda this is too sad waking up look straight on Facebook seeing all this,' one person wrote on social media.

'Woorabinda thinking of community too much lost.'

Another said: 'Have no words just sending out some love to my people in Woorabinda feeling heartbroken.'
'Crazy plane lady' Tiffany Gomas has recreated her now-iconic in-flight meltdown as she prepared to fly again after what she has called the 'worst moment' of her life.

Gomas, 38, was flying to join her family on a vacation in July when she lost it on the flight due to an 'altercation' in what she has described as 'the worst moment' of her entire life.

She returned to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport to fly again this past week for the first time, just three months following her public meltdown.

'I was a brat,' a chastened Gomas said. 'I feel horrible for everyone who was on that plane.'

Flying to New York, she entertained the cameras by recreating the famous finger wag from the initial flight.

'Crazy plane lady' Tiffany Gomas has recreated her now-iconic in-flight meltdown as she prepared to fly again after what she has called the 'worst moment' of her entire life

However, she tried not to think about her viral outburst during the flight.

'I try to block it out completely,' she said, jokingly celebrating when the plane landed, incident free.

Gomas made it clear that she made a mistake by ranting at complete strangers back in July.

'I should be able to control my emotions but I didn't in that moment,' Gomas told Inside Edition.

In an attempt to make fun of herself, Gomas said that she 'still doesn't know' where her infamous airpods are.

Gomas has been speaking out about the incident for the first time in the past week.

The Dallas marketing executive previously told Inside Edition that when she said the other passenger was 'not real' - she meant it as a figure of speech, meaning 'he's not being real'.

Gomas revealed that she stayed at home for over four weeks after her crazed meltdown.

Gomas, 38, was flying to join her family on a vacation in July when she lost it on the flight due to an 'altercation' in what she has described as 'the worst moment' of her entire life

Tiffany Gomas - the iconic 'crazy plane lady' - revealed what she meant when she said a fellow passenger on her flight was 'not real'

Gomas, 38, was flying to join her family on a vacation in July when she lost it on the flight due to an 'altercation' in what she had now described as 'the worst moment' of her entire life

The internet sensation spoke out on the Pardon My Take podcast last week and explained the background to the incident , claiming she had become embroiled in a 'little bit of an altercation' with another passenger and that 'it spiraled out of control'

'I stayed at home for over four weeks because I was so ashamed and so embarrassed I didn't wanna go in public,' Gomas told Inside Edition.

When asked what sparked the sudden outburst - Gomas said 'I had an altercation and I felt very strongly that I needed to get off the plane'.

She explained that she believed other people on the flight were in danger 'due to the altercation' - but said she couldn't say anything more for 'legal reasons'.

Gomas has proved she has a good sense of humor since her episode. 'I got through this whole thing laughing at myself,' she said.

As she watched the viral video of her meltdown, she joked 'I can't hear that voice'.

The star of the famous video said 'I'm actually a big home-body' as she showed Inside Edition her luxurious home in Dallas - complete with a stunning home office and movie theatre.

But despite being a self-proclaimed 'home-body' she said 'I love to travel - just not on American' - because American Airlines banned her after the incident.

Gomas revealed that she stayed at home for over four weeks after her crazed meltdown

'It was not my best moment  it was actually a horrible moment. Absolutely mortifying. How horribly mortifying,' she said

The internet sensation spoke out on the Pardon My Take podcast last week and explained the background to the incident, claiming she had become embroiled in a 'little bit of an altercation' with another passenger and that 'it spiraled out of control.'

'It was not my best moment  it was actually a horrible moment. Absolutely mortifying. How horribly mortifying,' she added.

Explaining her unwillingness to talk about the issue previously she said: 'The reason I probably haven't come out yet is that it's so cringe.'

Gomas recently organized a Halloween costume contest - offering free first class flights for the best 'crazy plane lady' outfit.

Gomas uploaded a video on X (formerly known as Twitter) where she referenced a Halloween costume inspiration article by the New York Post which featured the 'not real plane woman'.

Gomas has been amused by the memes inspired by her airplane outburst. The marketing executive is pictured with a group of friends

The Dallas marketing executive is offering free flights to the people that put together the best 'crazy plane lady' costume for Halloween - in honor of her own famous tirade

The marketing executive was clutching a $1,900 Goyard bag for her on-board luggage at the time of her airplane tirade

It's unclear whether the marketing genius's costume contest was sponsored or in affiliation with a certain airline, but she tagged Delta, United and Southwest Airlines in her social media post.

She said: 'Hey guys, once again the New York Post came for me - so I'm coming for you... Let's have a little fun with it.

'I wanna see your best rendition of this fit and I will choose three of my favorite lookalikes and then we will all choose a winner.

'The winner will then receive two first class tickets either on Delta, United, or priority passes on Southwest. Happy Halloween!'

The Halloween 'costume' would be based on Gomas's stylish plane outfit that she wore at the time of her episode.

Gomas opted for tight ripped blue skinny jeans for the flight which she paired with a very tight black cropped tank top.

The marketing executive was clutching a $1,900 Goyard bag for her on-board luggage.

She had her hair tied back in an extremely tight low bun and completed her look with flashy gold bracelets.
The son of an Alabama mayor who shot and killed himself after being outed as a cross-dresser has paid tribute to his father, describing him as kind, thoughtful and 'larger than life'.

Fred 'Bubba' Copeland, 49, died after police approached him for a wellness check on November 3, shooting himself in the head as they approached him.

Days earlier, images of him dressed in women's clothing, wigs and make up were shared online, amid claims he also posted 'explicit trans porn' and used the identity of local women to create erotic fiction.

On Thursday, friends and family of Copeland gathered at the First Baptist Church in Phenix City, where Copeland was the lead pastor, in addition to being mayor of neighboring Smiths Station and running a grocery store.

Alabama mayor and pastor Fred 'Bubba' Copeland was laid to rest on Thursday at the church where he was pastor, in Phenix City

Copeland died by suicide amid ridicule over his 'hobby', dressing up in women's clothes as alter ego 'Brittini Blaire Summerlin'

The pastor had secret social media accounts where he allegedly shared erotic trans fiction he had written and memes about transitioning, which featured real people from his community. The mayor said his wife was aware of his online persona

Copeland is seen with his wife Angela, their daughters AbbyKate and Ally, and his son Carter

The father of three - a son, Carter, from his first marriage and daughters AbbyKate and Ally from his second marriage, to Angela - was remembered as warm-hearted and generous, AL.com reported.

Carter Copeland told the congregation on Thursday that the greatest lesson he learned from his father 'was something he so immensely struggled with. He encouraged me to 'make my happy.''

Carter continued: 'He told me that this was his way of "making happy" was by uplifting as many people as possible during his day.'

He then told how he witnessed this first hand, when he and his father went to McDonald's and came across a furious employee.

'My dad looked at her and he told her  the craziest woman I've ever seen in my life  that her hair looked good,' Carter recalled.

'I was mortified but she smiled from ear to ear.

'And while that may not have been true, that was my father's way of at least touching one person throughout his day.'

Carter said his father told him: 'When you are faced with obstacles or just downright awful, awful people, just be reliant on the Lord and fight with kindness and a pure heart.'

Carter added: 'This is the greatest lesson my father has ever taught me.'

Carter said that he was thankful for his upbringing.

'I know that my dad made me strong, he taught me right,' he said.

'So I promise to get through this and fight to bring love to this awfully dark world.

'I will choose happiness when others choose bitterness.

'Dad, I want you to know my world always has and will always begin with you and end with you. Regardless of the hate, I will respond with love.'

Carter Copeland and his father are seen in Washington DC

Tributes to Bubba Copeland are pictured in front of his church, the First Baptist, in Phenix City

Another speaker, Reverend Jim Wooten, pastor at First United Methodist Church in Jackson, said the moment he met Copeland was 'mythical' and etched in his memory.

'I remembered this larger than life figure emerging from a cloud of barbeque smoke with sweat pouring off his brow,' Wooten said.

He said Copeland was 'a delightful raconteur and a fresh wind of the sprit'.

He added: 'If there was anything Bubba loved nearly as much as his family it was his city.'

He tearfully told of Copeland's struggle with his mental health, saying his friend had 'that old black dog that followed us, that black dog of depression.'

He told mourners: 'Whatever struggle you may be facing, you are not alone.

'If you don't have anybody close enough to reach out to, dial 988, put it in your phone. 9-8-8. It's the suicide and crisis hotline. There is a caring individual there waiting to listen to you. You are precious, you have meaning, you are important.'

Copeland was remembered for his response to the 2019 suicide of a local teenager.

He erected signs in the town which said: 'You are worthy of love', 'Don't give up', and 'You matter'.

David White, a friend of Copeland's for 30 years, said he 'may have been the hardest-working person I've ever met.'

He added: 'The tragedy from this week will be compounded if we, his friends, do nothing.

'If the next time a friend becomes the focus of hate, may we all speak up a little sooner and a little louder to at least say, 'this is my friend.' If we can do that, then we may say we learned.

'If these changes in us make our small part of this world a little kinder, a little more understanding, a little more loving one to another, then we, too, soon enough will be able to say what Bubba said: 'Ain't God Good?'

His online life became public on November 1 when local news website 1819 posted the first of several items describing posts he made, using an alias on Instagram and Reddit as a 'transgender curvy girl' - with photos of him wearing women's clothing and makeup.

After the disclosure, the state Baptist organization said it was aware of allegations of 'unbiblical behavior' involving the pastor.

A nationally syndicated radio show also said Copeland should be ashamed because the Bible teaches that it is an 'abomination' for a man to dress in women's clothing.

The father-of-three said he had been through 'dark times' in messages to friends just days before his suicide

The 49-year-old had previously apologized to his congregation at First Baptist Church in Phenix City for any 'embarrassment' caused by his private life

Copeland was also accused of using the names and photos of local residents, including a minor, without permission in posts, including the real name of a local businesswoman in a fictional story about a man who develops a deadly obsession with taking over her identity.

Another claim included that Copeland's secret social media accounts also shared images of a local brother and sister that were used to make it appear as though the boy had transitioned.

Copeland told the news site that he donned women's clothing as a way to release stress, but was not transgender.

He stood before his congregation on November 1 to apologize and said that the photos taken in the privacy of his own home were an attempt at humor.

But just days later, the beloved pastor was dead.

'I just want to ask you people who thought it humorous to publicly ridicule him. Are you happy now? What crime did he commit?' wrote Larry DiChiara, a former school superintendent who knew Copeland from when he served on a county school board.

Chiara revealed on Facebook that Copeland had been struggling in the days leading up to his death.

DiChiara said he reached out to Copeland by text last Thursday and the mayor responded that 'it's been some very dark days.'

Copeland's private online life became public in early November when the outlet published the first of several items describing posts he made using an alias on Instagram and Reddit

The married mayor and grocery store owner shot himself in the head following ridicule over his social media persona

'When this story came out, it was already painful and hurtful just to see it and know that, that this is going to cause a lot of grief for Bubba and his family.

'But as I read what was out there, it just was getting progressively worse, and I just saw some real ugliness in people and their comments,' DiChiara said.

Jack Drescher, a clinical professor of psychiatry at Columbia University and the author of 'Psychoanalytic Therapy and the Gay Man' said outing can be an act of violence and in this case it 'precipitated a violent response.'

Drescher said people can have reasons to keep sexual or gender identities and behaviors, such as cross-dressing, secret because they don't feel like they would be accepted.

'It was probably a great source of shame and embarrassment to be outed like that,' Drescher said.
The law around marches must be toughened, a minister said yesterday, as Rishi Sunak considers giving police more powers to crack down on them.

Armed Forces minister James Heappey said 'clearly the law needs to be strengthened to avoid' protesters displaying or chanting 'hateful' messages.

It came as the Government's adviser on political violence and disruption said the balance 'does not seem to be in the right place' when it comes to protecting the Jewish community.

The Prime Minister could give police greater powers to protect the public following Armistice Day clashes and prosecute those glorifying terrorism, it emerged yesterday. Mr Sunak could introduce laws to allow the police to restrict protests after they said they were unable to prevent Saturday's march.

Tougher powers could enable officers to act on chants such as 'From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free' which is regarded as anti-Semitic by the Jewish community. Other measures could expand the definition of glorifying terrorism, or create specific offences around protesters climbing on monuments and statues. The law around fireworks, smoke bombs and flares could also be tightened.

The law around marches must be toughened, a minister said yesterday, as Rishi Sunak considers giving police more powers to crack down on them (File Photo)

Mr Heappey stressed that the police had operational independence to decide how to respond to protests, but he said the Government has to decide whether current laws are suitable.

'It is right that the Government would be looking at whether things need to be done legislatively to allow the police to manage protests better,' he told Sky News.

He added that 'if it looks like protests are happening again and again, and that people are turning up each week carrying placards and shouting chants that are hateful' then 'clearly the law needs to be strengthened to avoid that'. Mr Sunak has said far-Right 'thugs' and 'those singing anti-Semitic chants and brandishing pro-Hamas signs and clothing' must face 'the full and swift force of the law'.

Hundreds of thousands of people took part in Saturday's rally despite the Prime Minister describing it as 'disrespectful and provocative'.

More than 100 arrests were made and seven people charged following ugly scenes involving far-Right groups and pro-Palestine protesters in central London.

The Prime Minister could give police greater powers to protect the public following Armistice Day clashes and prosecute those glorifying terrorism, it emerged yesterday

Mr Sunak has said he will meet Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley in the 'coming days' after he vowed to hold him 'accountable' for the march.

Sir Mark had resisted political pressure to block the Gaza march coinciding with Remembrance events, saying the scale of potential trouble fell short of the high threshold the law demands for a ban. It came as Lord Walney, the Government's adviser on political violence and disruption, said the balance 'does not seem to be in the right place' when it comes to assessing the rights of protesters and the safety of the Jewish community.

Asked whether he wanted to see pro-Palestinian marches stopped until a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war is negotiated, he told BBC Radio 4's Today: 'The right for people to protest is important and there are clearly very strong feelings on this matter.

'However, if you look at the scale of intimidation which Jewish people in London and across the UK are feeling, we should be treating this as a national emergency.'

He added: 'For the majority of Jewish people, as represented by organisations like the Board of Deputies, they are living a life of fear at the moment in the UK, which is not something we should ever tolerate here.

'We should be prepared to look at where the balance is lying at the moment, and it does not seem to be in the right place.'
The shipping company targeted by Saturday's jetski blockade at Sydney's Port Botany has denied claims it was gun-running weapons for Israel to use in Gaza.

A flotilla of flag-waving pro-Palestinian protesters in boats and jetskis confronted the 13,000-tonne cargo ship Contship Dax as it approached the container terminal to dock and unload.

Some activists had claimed the vessel would be taking on supplies of armaments to be shipped to Middle East for the Israeli Defence Force to use against Hamas in Gaza.

But on Tuesday, Israeli-based operator Zim Integrated Shipping dismissed the claims and said it was simply on its regular run between Australia, New Zealand and Asia.

'The ships carry all types of Asian consumer products like white goods, textiles and food stuffs,' a spokesman told Daily Mail Australia.

'The ship does not carry any arms shipments.'

The shipping company targeted by Saturday's jetski blockade at Sydney 's Port Botany has denied claims it was gun-running weapons for Israel to use in Gaza

A flotilla of flag-waving pro-Palestinian protesters in boats and skidoos laid siege to 13,000-tonne cargo ship Contship Dax as it approached the container terminal to dock and unload

Some activists had claimed it would be taking on supplies of armaments to be shipped to Middle East for the Israeli Defence Force to use against Hamas in Gaza

The large-scale waterborne protest successfully turned the ship away from the port and it sailed down to Melbourne instead, where it arrived on Monday.

The gun-running rumours spread after Greens leader David Shoebridge last week told the Senate that Australia had scores of secret weapons export deals with Israel.

'There is a blockade tomorrow at Botany to prevent wmds [weapons of mass destruction] destined for Palestine,' posted one user on social media.

Drill rap star and alleged Alameddine drug gang associate Ali 'Ay Huncho' Younes posted footage of the blockade on TikTok where followers repeated the false weapons claim.

'Taxpayers' money is being used to supply weaponries,' posted one.

Another added: 'Your arms are being funded by Australia into our docks hence why they did what they did.'

Several other posts advertising the Port Botany protest insisted Zim was an 'Israeli weapons transporter'.

Another wrongly claimed after the protest: 'Australian people blocked a cargo ship owned by Israel alleged [to be] carrying weapons to Israel.'

The demonstration came after defence officials told a Senate hearing that Australia had signed off 52 secret weapons export deals to Israel this year, and 322 since 2017.

The government insists Australian weapons export deals to Israel have been for non-lethal equipment, including radios, body armour, software and vehicle parts.

The gun-running rumours spread after Greens leader David Shoebridge last week told the Senate that Australia had scores of secret weapons export deals with Israel

Incorrect posts claiming the cargo ship was running weapons

Several social media posts advertised the Port Botany jet ski protest claiming Zim was an 'Israeli weapons transporter'. It was not

The demonstration came after defence officials told a Senate hearing that Australia had signed off 52 secret weapons export deals to Israel this year, and 322 since 2017

But Senator Shoebridge insisted: 'Few people know that Australia has one of the most secretive, unaccountable weapons export systems in the world.

'The Australian government approves hundreds of military sales to Israel and we have no idea what the weapons are or how they are used.

'Our government doesnt tell us who were exporting weapons to; doesnt tell us what the weapons are; doesnt tell us who profits here in Australia from the sale of weapons.

'Even the US has more transparency on weapons sales than Australia. Time to tell the truth.'

The new details - revealed by the Greens senator in a speech to the Senate on November 7 - sparked wrongful speculation the Contship Dax would be picking up weapons for Israel when it docked on November 11.

Palestinian and Australian human rights organisations launched legal action in the Federal Court last week to try to access more details on Australia's weapons deals.

The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights, Al-Haq and the Al Mezan Center for Human Rights joined the Australian Centre for International Justice to file the legal action.

It is seeking details of all Australian weapons deals with Israel since the Hamas offensive launched on October 7, 2023.

Defence minister Richard Marles insisted however: 'Israel has not sought any weapons from Australia and we have not provided any.'

Saturday's jetski blockade came three days after more pro-Palestine activists had stopped trucks loading cargo onto another Zim ship in Melbourne.

Campaigners claim operator Zim has previously shipped armaments to Israel, but the company insisted Contship Dax - which operates under a Cypriot flag - was not playing any part.

Shipping records indicate Zim's Contship Dax was on its frequent regular shuttle runs between Sydney, Melbourne and New Zealand when the protest blocked it

Saturday's jetski blockade came three days after more pro-Palestine activists had stopped trucks loading cargo onto another Zim ship in Melbourne

Shipping records indicate it was on its frequent regular shuttle runs between Sydney, Melbourne and New Zealand when the protest blocked it.

'The ship operates on the Asia-Australia trade, serving the Australian market and Australian customers and consumers, bringing essential merchandise to the Australian markets from Asia,' said a Zim spokesman.

'In recent weeks, some Zim ships have been targeted by pro-Hamas protestors in Australia.

'These actions, intended to disrupt our commercial operations, are both illegal and misguided, affecting the local markets.

'We strongly condemn these incidents and are collaborating with local authorities to prevent further occurrences.'
A firefighter was injured and 13 others were treated for smoke inhalation

A grandmother, her son and her grandson died in a Brooklyn fire that was sparked by electric scooter batteries on Sunday night.

Albertha West, 81, Michael West, 58, and Jamiyl West, 33, were all killed in the flames that quickly engulfed the Crown Heights brownstone.

In response to the tragedy, FDNY Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh slammed the electric bike industry and food delivery companies whose drivers use these devices.

Kavanagh said that 'There is blood on the hands of this private industry' and that the devices are considered 'ticking time bombs'.

There have now been 17 deaths related to lithium-ion batteries and 238 fires ignited by them this year.

The fast-moving flames can be seen scorching through the windows as the FDNY arrived to the house fire within minutes

Charred pieces of an electric scooter (pictured) were soon recovered from the scene. There have now been 17 deaths related to lithium-ion batteries and 238 fires sparked by them this year

Jamiyl West (left), Albertha West (middle) and Michael West (right) were all killed in the intense fire on Sunday night. Michael was Albertha's son and Jamiyl was her grandson

Firefighters arrived at the scene within minutes at Albany Avenue and Park Place around 4.30am on Sunday as flames were shot out of every window and the front door.

Responders tried their best to rescue everyone inside as Albertha, her son Michael and her grandson were rushed to Kings County Hospital, but they didn't survive.

Others at the scene were treated for smoke inhalation and one fire fighter suffered serious injuries.

It is unclear if there were smoke detectors inside the home, but Kavanaugh said that these electric batteries spark up quickly and wouldn't have given the detectors enough time to react.

'They explode- and the second they explode, there may be so much fire at that moment, you can't get out,' Kavanagh said.

The fire is believed to have started in the basement of the home and firefighters were able to get it under control around 6.30am, an FDNY spokesman said.

Authorities soon uncovered a blackened electric scooter that was broken up into pieces from the fire.

Albertha was known as the matriarch of her family that raised her family in the Brooklyn home for centuries.

FDNY Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh (pictured) slammed the electric bike industry and food delivery companies whose drivers use these devices

Officials are seen placing the blacked pieces of an electric scooter, which they believe ignited the fire in a bag (pictured)

Kavanagh said that even if there were smoke detectors, the flames (pictured) from the lithium-ion battery spread too fast for them to go off

Albertha (pictured) was known as the matriarch of the family and had lived in the Brooklyn brownstone for more than 40 years. She just celebrated her birthday on Saturday with her family

They had just celebrated her birthday on Saturday and last Thursday her other son Henry died.

William West, the son of Michael posted to Facebook and said: 'Today I lost my dad, my grandmother whose birthday we just celebrated her birthday Saturday, and my closest cousin. Last week I lost my uncle.

'Please pray for my family as we need each other and strength. Right now for me is quiet time I love all of you.'

Next-door neighbor Jason Thompson said that the family lived in the house for more than 40 years.

'They were the best. They were the kindest sweetest neighbors you'll ever know. They're the type of neighbors who will give you sugar if you don't have sugar,' Thompson told Daily News.

Another neighbor, Sarah Bard said that Albertha lived with her sons and grandsons after she lost her husband in recent years. They also revealed that she lost another son to a heart attack a few years back.

'She was a sweet old lady, it's very unfortunate.  I spoke to her the other day. I can't believe this is happening,' Bard said.

Greg Bruno, a friend of Jamiyl said that he had just spoken to him the day before the fire and that the West family were 'very welcoming' as they invited him to many family events.

Aubrey West, the daughter of Michael posted a picture of the three victims and said: 'I think god knew she needed them more than we did.'

The West family had lived in the home since the 1970s after they relocated from South Carolina.

Michael West (left) was one of Albertha's son and died with her in the house fire. She recently lost another son on Thursday

Firefighters were able to control the flames by 6.30am on Sunday and fire marshals are investigating the fire

Jamiyl (pictured) was Albertha's grandson and Michael's nephew. His friend said that he had just spoken to him the day before the fire

Soaked cushions and mattresses are seen piled up outside of the three-story brownstone

The injured firefighter was treated by EMS workers along with 13 other victims at the scene.

Mayor Eric Adams said: 'We're very fortunate, if you look at the flames, the damage on both sides of the building, you did not see extensive spreading, which is really amazing that it didn't spread to the two buildings that were next to them.'

Neighbors told The New York Times that Mayor Adams arrived at the charred scene around 8am and surveyed the damage before he left.

Dozens of firefighters surrounded the front of the three-story home late Sunday morning as soaked piles of mattresses and cushions laid on the sidewalk.

The cause of the fire is still being investigated by FDNY fire marshals.
Elon Musk is allowing 'viciously antisemitic' and Islamophobic posts to remain on X following Hamas' brutal attack on Israel despite being reported, a report has found.

The Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) said 98 per cent of hate speech related to the conflict it had flagged to the social media giant still remained up on the site seven days later.

The posts, which have been viewed nearly 25 million times, include holocaust denials, claims that 'Hitler saw Jews for what they were', and calling Muslims 'smelly rats'.

Imran Ahmed, the non-profit's chief executive, accused tech billionaire Musk of creating a 'safe space for racists' on the platform.

X, formerly Twitter, has been criticised over the past month for allowing misinformation, graphic violence, and hate speech about the Israel-Gaza conflict to flood the platform.

Elon Musk (pictured) is allowing 'viciously antisemitic' and Islamophobic posts to remain on X following Hamas ' brutal attack on Israel despite being reported, a report has found

The EU's digital rights chief warned Musk he could be in breach of the bloc's strict new digital laws which have been designed to clamp down on such content.

CCDH researchers found 200 'hateful' posts from 101 separate accounts that were published after the October 7 attack on both sides of the debate.

Nearly half of the profiles - 43 in total - were 'verified' accounts, meaning they benefit from algorithmic boosts to the visibility of their posts.

Among them were posts glorifying Nazis, promoting conspiracy theories, and inciting violence against Jewish people, while others referred to Palestinanians as 'animals' and denied their existence as a people.

The posts were reported to moderators for breaching platform rules via the official reporting tools on Tuesday 31 October. However, only four of the 200 posts were taken down after a week, while just one of the accounts was suspended and a further two 'locked'.

X, formerly Twitter, has been criticised over the past month for allowing misinformation, graphic violence, and hate speech about the Israel-Gaza conflict to flood the platform

Imran Ahmed, chief executive of the CCDH, said the findings were an 'inevitable result' of Musk cutting staff in safety and moderation, allowing previously banned account back on the platform, and increasing visibility for anyone who paid to use the platform.

He said: 'After an unprecedented terrorist atrocity against Jews in Israel, and the subsequent armed conflict between Israel and Hamas, hate actors have leapt at the chance to hijack social media platforms to broadcast their bigotry and mobilise real-world violence against Jews and Muslims, heaping even more pain into the world.

'X has sought to reassure advertisers and the public that they have a handle on hate speech  but our research indicates that these are nothing but empty words.

'Our 'mystery shopper' test of X's content moderation systems  to see whether they have the capacity or will to take down 200 instances of clear, unambiguous hate speech  reveals that hate actors appear to have free rein to post viciously antisemitic and hateful rhetoric on Elon Musk's platform.

X has been contacted for comment.
EXCLUSIVE

A powerful Optus 5G phone tower was set up directly outside the CEO's $15million home about 18 months after she purchased the property, Daily Mail Australia can reveal.

The Optus Small Cell transmitter was installed on a power pole on the street where Kelly Bayer Rosmarin lives in Sydney's eastern suburbs in late 2022 in what was once a notorious mobile blackspot.

A tech expert said that it was 'not a good look' for the transmitter - which provides enhanced mobile coverage to an an area of up to 400m - to be directly outside her home while others continued to suffer from poor coverage.

One local Optus user - who contacted Daily Mail Australia about the transmitter - said despite the lavish homes lining the streets, the area has always been a signal blackspot.

That is, until Ms Bayer Rosmarin, 46, and her husband, Rodney, purchased their lavish property.

Planning documents from Woollahra Council say the phone tower was installed specifically to enhance coverage in the area: 'So residents enjoy a better network experience and faster speeds with 5G.'

An Optus Small Cell tower connecting residents to 5G has been installed just metres from the home of CEO Kelly Bayer Rosmarin

One local Optus customer, who regularly works in the area, said there had long been connectivity issues in the area.

'I was somewhat dismayed about connectivity around [the area], it had to connect to [nearby] cells and it was still bad,' the customer told Daily Mail Australia.

'That improved late last year when the 5G cell was put in that area.

'I guess Optus customers are happy she's (Ms Bayer Rosmarin) moved in.

'Not that it did her any good last Wednesday,' he quipped - when 10 million Australians were subject to a phone network blackout in the worst outage in Australian history from 4am until the early afternoon.

When Daily Mail Australia asked Optus if the CEO played any role in the tower being built outside her home, a spokesperson said the unit was part of a two-year plan to 'enhance' coverage across Sydney's eastern suburbs.

The spokesperson added the telco was committed to identifying coverage challenges across Australia.

'This effort involves optimising existing sites and establishing new ones to ensure a heightened level of network performance and coverage in the region.'

Optus Small Cells, as they're known, expand the capacity of 5G and 4G networks and improve the coverage in a small area.

The small pieces of equipment operate at a lower power than traditional mobile phone stations.

They give residents fewer call drop outs, better internet access and quicker data uploads and downloads. They're often built into existing light or power poles.

Tech expert Trevor Long said the phone transmitter's location wasn't a good look after the telco suffered a mass outage that left 10 million customers without service from 4am in the morning until 6.30pm on Wednesday, November 8.

On the day of the crisis, Daily Mail Australia revealed that Ms Bayer Rosmarin's $15million Sydney home was the scene of an elaborate photoshoot to promote the home's architect

'I don't think the CEO of Optus has won any favours with Australians,' he told Daily Mail Australia.

'The number one thing Optus need to do right now is focus on the customer and if you're building a tower near the CEO's house then you're not focusing on the customer.'

The Optus blackout prevented customers from making and receiving calls and completing transactions, with Ms Bayer Rosmarin not publicly appearing until several hours into the drama, leaving the communications minister to front cameras.

On the day of the crisis, Daily Mail Australia revealed that Ms Bayer Rosmarin's home was the scene of an elaborate photoshoot to promote the home's architect.

Her husband Rodney was seen directing the stylists, along with one of their daughters and the family's pet dog, a silver-grey Italian greyhound named 'Vespa'.

Mr Bayer Rosmarin told Daily Mail Australia that the photoshoot was 'unfortunate timing'.

'They just hadn't got round to photographing it yet and it was being done today.

The Optus Small Cell was installed on an existing power pole on a street in a suburb of Sydney's ritzy eastern suburbs, at the end of last year

He admitted the network crash had been 'hell' for his wife, and added: 'Unfortunately, that's the problem with big organisations and modern technology.'

Optus told its disgruntled customers on Monday afternoon the 4.05am outage was caused by a routine software update and they had taken steps to 'ensure it will not happen again'.

'We apologise sincerely for letting our customers down and the inconvenience it caused,' the statement said.

Optus suffered the biggest outage in Australian history last Wednesday. CEO Kelly Bayer Rosmarin didn't publicly appear until several hours into the drama, leaving the communications minister to front cameras

The statement said the action caused many routers to automatically disconnect from the Optus IP Core network to protect themselves.

More than 400,000 businesses were impacted for up to 12 hours by Wednesday's nationwide service outage.

North Sydney Barbers manager Jake Azar was forced to turn away customers and close his business by lunchtime, a decision that cost him hundreds of dollars.

During a media appearance, Ms Bayer Rosmarin was baffled to learn that the mass outage impacted on a barbershop's ability to do haircuts.

'I'm disappointed that a barber couldn't do haircuts today,' she told Nine News on Wednesday.

'That seems like one of the few things you can do without connectivity.'
A woman hunted by the police over a placard showing Rishi Sunak and Suella Braverman as coconuts has been revealed as a teacher whose friends say she doesn't have a 'malicious bone in her body'.

Marieha Mohsin Hussain was seen with a banner depicting Suella Braverman and Mr Sunak as coconuts, which is a racist term used to imply that someone has betrayed their race.

The married teacher held the sign up at the pro-Palestinian march in London when at least 300,000 protesters marched calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. Police made 126 arrests at the rally and nine officers were left injured.

The teacher, who grew up in her family's 2million detached home in Great Missenden, Bucks, attended a number of other protests, including one accusing the BBC of pro-Israeli bias, according to The Times.

But a friend of the 36-year-old said 'there is not a malicious bone in her body'.

Marieha Mohsin Hussain was seen with a banner depicting Suella Braverman and Mr Sunak as coconuts, which is a racist term used to imply that someone has betrayed their race

Officers detained and arrested scores of counter-protesters at the rally

A counter-protester is detained by police in Parliament Square in central London on Saturday

Her father is Mohsin Ali, a distinguished dermatologist who qualified in Pakistan but has worked in the UK for decades.

Her mother confirmed to The Times that Hussain was on the march but declined to comment about the placard.

A friend told The Times: 'She is not the sort of person who would ever dream of doing something bad. There is not a malicious bone in her body.

'She would never do something that was a hate crime. Marieha and her family are the most peaceful, lovely, helpful people you would ever meet. I am sure she would not know it would cause any trouble.'

Police are investigating a possible racially aggravated public order offence.

It comes after an ex-Labour activist is being questioned by the Met Police after being pictured waving a placard showing the Star of David with the Nazi swastika on the pro-Palestine Armistice Day march.

Kate Varnfield, 66, was pictured attending the rally in London last weekend with a placard showing the Star of David enmeshed with the Nazi swastika

Labour sources in the South East have said that Ms Varnfield joined the Eastbourne Constituency Labour Party around the time that Jeremy Corbyn became party leader

Kate Varnfield, 66, was pictured attending the rally in London last weekend with a placard showing the Star of David enmeshed with the Nazi swastika above the words: 'No British politician should be a 'friend of Israel'.'

It was one of several displays of antisemitism at the rally which is now being investigated by the Metropolitan Police as a possible hate crime.

Ms Varnfield's 73-year-old husband, Terry, insisted to the Mail that the signs had been 'taken out of context' and were an innocent reference to a 1970s UFO religion.

Today, the Met Police confirmed a man and woman are being questioned at a Sussex police station in connection with the picture.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has said the ugly scenes in London 'utterly disrespects' the spirit of remembrance and condemned 'wholly unacceptable' actions by both far-right groups and 'Hamas sympathisers' on the pro-Palestinian march.

He also put pressure on police by saying 'all criminality must be met with the full and swift force of the law'.

Commander Karen Findlay of the Met Police, responsible for policing in London this week, said: 'While the vast majority of people demonstrated peacefully, there were various breakaway groups whose behaviour was completely unacceptable. Our response was quick and decisive.

'Our officers have been working tirelessly to deal with the 29 individuals arrested yesterday, with six of those now charged and set to appear in court. Four of those arrested yesterday evening have been referred to their local Youth Offending Teams.

'One arrest has been made this morning for a public order offence after a man was allegedly heard making anti-Semitic comments in Parliament Square.'

The police said they are continuing to review footage and will take action if there is a hate crime.

More than 1,300 officers were on duty on Saturday but officers reported an increase in violence against them.

Protesters hold flares during the pro-Palestinian protest in London on Saturday

One placard displayed at the protest compared Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Nazi leader Adolf Hitler

Commander Findlay added: 'We will continue to be sharper in our response and take action on any placards being carried at protests which are inflammatory and incite racial hatred, or purport to be supporting a proscribed organisation.

'These are offences and any such banners or material will be assessed by the Met's Counter Terrorism Command.

'In addition, we received intelligence that a pamphlet purported to support Hamas was on sale at yesterday's protest. A copy of this is being reviewed by Counter Terrorism officers.

'As in recent weeks, we have been speaking to the organisers of the pro-Palestine march to discuss yesterday's demonstrations.

'We will continue to speak to them across this week as part of our ongoing planning for the weekend's Remembrance events and will monitor and review all information available to us.

'We fully appreciate the national significance of Armistice Day.

'Thousands of officers will be deployed in an extensive security operation and we will use all powers and tactics at our disposal to ensure that anyone intent on disrupting it will not succeed.'

The messaging marred pro-Palestine marches taking place in 40 towns and cities across the UK - as thousands marched to call for a ceasefire. At least three people were arrested in London's Piccadilly Circus and eight arrests were made elsewhere in the capital, the Met Police said.
She revealed Trump's team said he would stay in the White House despite poll

A former Trump campaign attorney has told Georgia prosecutors the former president's team vowed to keep him in the White House 'under any circumstances' despite losing the 2020 election.

Jenna Ellis, 38, previously pleaded guilty to some charges in the election interference case - and as part of her plea deal she's now given details about the conversations which followed Trump's defeat.

In a recorded interview with Fulton County investigators obtained by ABC News, Ellis recalled a conversation she had with former White House social media director Dan Scavino on December 19 2020 - the month after Joe Biden was elected.

'I told him the claims and the ability to challenge the election results was essentially over,' Ellis told investigators.

'He said to me in a kind of excited tone: "We don't care and we're not going to leave".

Former Trump campaign attorney Jenna Ellis has told Georgia prosecutors he wanted to stay in the White House 'under any circumstances' after losing the 2020 election

Ellis (pictured with Trump) previously pleaded guilty to some charges in the election interference case, and as part of her plea deal she has told investigators the former president was not going to give up power despite having lost the vote

EXCLUSIVE: ABC News has obtained video from Georgia prosecutors' interview with ex-Trump attorney Jenna Ellis, in which Ellis tells them she was personally informed by a top Trump adviser that Trump was "not going to leave" the White House  despite losing the 2020 election. pic.twitter.com/J9c4bm9cbZ  ABC News (@ABC) November 13, 2023

'I said "what do you mean", and he said "well the boss - meaning President Trump - is not going to leave under any circumstances, we are just going to stay in power".

'I said to him "it doesn't quite work that way, you realize" and he said "we don't care".'

Her testimony provides an insight into what cooperating defendants could be telling prosecutors about how Trump's inner circle dealt with defeat in 2020.

At the time, the president himself was making wild allegations about the results being fake, despite his own campaign's official court challenges being rejected.

Last month, Ellis broke down in tears and pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting false statements and writing in the Georgia case. She had been facing more serious charges of violating the state's anti-racketeering law.

The attorney avoided jail and was sentenced to five years probation, a $5,000 fine, and 100 hours of community service, and was also ordered to write an apology letter to the people of Georgia.

Ellis recalled a December 19 2020 conversation she had with former White House social media director Dan Scavino at their Christmas party, after voters elected Joe Biden the previous month

The former attorney's recollection provides an insight into what cooperating defendants could be telling prosecutors about how Trump's inner circle dealt with defeat in 2020

A tearful Jenna Ellis addresses the court in Fulton County, Georgia

She was also ordered to testify truthfully in any trials related to the case, which could include giving evidence against Trump.

It came days after two other former Trump lawyers - Sidney Powell and Kenneth Chesebro - also struck deals and pleaded guilty to lesser charges.

Ellis was indicted two months ago along with Trump, Powell, Chesebro and more than a dozen other defendants, who were accused of a sprawling criminal conspiracy to overturn Joe Biden's victory in Georgia.

Ellis had been one of the most prominent voices in Trump's attempts to challenge the 2020 election results, appearing frequently on television pushing claims of voter fraud.

Addressing the court through tears, Ellis blamed her crime on 'more experienced' lawyers she had worked with on behalf of Trump.

During that time she worked closely with Rudy Giuliani, the former New York Mayor who was Trump's personal lawyer, although she did not name Giuliani in her statement.

Ellis sobbed as she told the court: 'I'm an attorney who is also a Christian.

'I take my responsibilities as a lawyer very seriously. I relied on others, including lawyers with many more years of experience, to provide me with true and reliable information.

Jenna Ellis with Trump in the Oval Office

'Especially since my role involves speaking to the media and to legislators in various states.

'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.'

Wiping away tears, she added: '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. And if I knew then what I know now, I would have declined to represent Donald Trump in these post-election challenges.'

Ellis went on to tell the court she felt 'deep remorse' and added: 'I apologize to the people of Georgia.'
A sexual predator with a history of attacking elderly women is among a wave of refugees to be released from immigration detention after a High Court decision.

Aliyawar Yawari has been described by a judge as a 'danger to the Australian community' and has served jail time for assaulting three women including one he hit with her walking stick.

The 65-year-old, who is now staying at a Perth motel, arrived in Australia in 2010 after fleeing Afghanistan where his father and brother were killed by the Taliban.

He found work at a meatworks at Bordertown in South Australia but was jailed after attacking three women between October 2013 and December 2014.

A sexual predator with a history of attacking elderly women is among a wave of refugees to be released from immigration detention after a High Court decision. Aliyawar Yawari (above) has served jail sentences for assaulting three women

Since his release from Western Australia's Yongah Hill detention centre (pictured) Yawari has been staying at a Perth motel

Having spent years behind bars, Yawari was transferred to an immigration detention centre from where he would have expected to be deported.

But a High Court decision handed down last Wednesday has led to Yawari's release along with dozens of other foreign-born criminals whose visas had been cancelled.

The court's landmark ruling found that indefinite immigration detention was unlawful, overriding a legal precedent which had stood for 20 years.

It affected at least 93 refugees in held long-term detention.

Immigration Minister Andrew Giles has confirmed that 80 of those affected refugees have already been released into the community.

Among those freed was Sirul Azahr Umar, 51, who was sentenced to death in Malaysia for the 2006 murder of Altantuya Shaariibuu, the pregnant girlfriend of a political operative.

Iranian man Reza Hussein, who was detained after stabbing his friend, has shared videos of his mates gloating about being released (above) following the High Court decision

Umar, who had been a bodyguard for the Malaysian prime minister, was let out of Villawood detention centre in Sydney on Saturday and is understood to be staying with a relative in Canberra.

Another released refugee had been jailed for raping a 10-year-old boy after telling a judge what he did was 'culturally acceptable' in his homeland.

The paedophile, a Rohingya man from Myanmar known only as NZYQ by court order, was the subject of the High Court case which led to last Wednesday's landmark ruling.

Since his release from Western Australia's Yongah Hill detention centre, Yawari has been staying at a motel on Perth's eastern outskirts with other beneficiaries of the High Court decision.

Asked on Monday how he felt about being allowed to leave detention, Yawari said: 'Yeah good.'

A paedophile, known as NZYQ, was transferred to Villawood detention centre after serving a minimum sentence of three years and four months and being denied a visa. He has now been released

Yawari told reporters he had been jailed for 'fighting' and he hoped to find work in Australia. His wife and seven adult children are living in Pakistan and were 'very happy' he had been freed, Yawari told The Australian.

However, Yawari's crimes are far more significant than 'fighting'.

In October 2013, he punched a woman repeatedly in the face before having sex with her. He was convicted of assault but acquitted of rape.

Yawari's next crime was to enter the home of an elderly woman, smashing windows and doors, for which he received a suspended prison sentence.

Two months after that he indecently assaulted a 64-year-old woman in her home then hit her in the neck with her walking stick.

Sentencing Yawari in the District Court of South Australia in September 2016, Judge Paul Cuthbertson said the then 58-year-old was an ongoing risk to women.

Sirul Azahr Umar (pictured), who committed a horrific murder in his home country of Malaysia is now walking free in Australia after a High Court ruling against indefinite detention

'This is now the third offence involving a lone elderly woman with sexual overtones to it,' Judge Cuthbertson said.

'The offender is making himself a danger to the Australian community.'

Judge Cuthbertson revoked Yawari's suspended sentence and jailed him for three years and 11 months with a minimum term of two years and eight months.

Upon completion of his sentence, Yawari was transferred to immigration detention where he had been held until the High Court decision.

Western Australian premier Roger Cook told local talkback radio that 32 refugees were released from the Yongah Hill and Perth detention centres over the weekend.

Four of those asylum seekers now on Perth's streets had a 'history of significant family violence offending', he said.

All the freed unlawful non-citizens were taken to a motel in Thornlie, The West Australian newspaper reported.

'We understand that the majority of those people will be heading back to the eastern states from where they've come,' Mr Cook said.

'And they will be closely monitored by police during that process.'

An Iranian man who is detention after stabbing a friend has shared disturbing videos of his mates gloating about being released following the High Court decision.

Reza Husseini, 33, is among detainees being held at Yongah Hill, from where Yawari was released.

Husseini has been locked up at the centre since 2021 after completing a five-year sentence for stabbing his friend at a western Sydney cafe in 2016.

Mr Giles and Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil issued a joint statement saying the government 'has taken immediate action to ensure community safety is protected'.

'The implication of this decision is that the Commonwealth must immediately release affected individuals from immigration detention,' they said.

'To be abundantly clear, the Commonwealth argued against the release of these people. We release them only because the law requires us to do so.'

Detainees who had been released were subject to conditions including regular reporting to authorities, restrictions on employment and monitoring of their social media use.
A shopping centre has been forced to re-do their festive season display after customers were outraged by management's decision to drop the word 'Christmas' .

Santa's Village at Pacific Werribee, southwest of Melbourne, instead had a sign above Santa's chair saying: 'Merry Everything'.

The exhibit has drawn sharp criticism from locals with some declaring they would not have their Santa photos taken at the popular shopping spot this year.

Management at Pacific Werribe have since bowed to pressure to have the display changed to 'Merry Christmas'.

Shoppers have slammed Pacific Werribee shopping centre for dropping the word 'Christmas' from a Santa display

Pacific Werribee customers called the Santa display 'ridiculous' and 'insulting'

'Merry Everything' is ridiculous. It's Christmas!' one angry customer said.

'We don't change names of other festivals so why come up with a silly slogan! It's really offensive to those that celebrate it.'

'I will not take my children for their Santa photos at your centre as I have done for many years,' another said.

'It is 'Merry Christmas' not Merry Everything! How insulting! I believe inclusion for all is extremely important for our society.

'I am very happy to promote and celebrate all festivals and would never want anyone to feel they need to change the name of their festivals and celebrations. I just cannot understand why you would think it's OK to change the name of a festival!'

'Ill be buying nothing from Pacific Werribee at CHRISTMAS,' another shopper declared.

One disgruntled shopper said the display was 'very disappointing' and that she was glad to have left the area.

'Multiculturism gone mad. I am so glad I have left Wyndham. Ballarat loves Xmas and embraces all cultures. Best move we ever made,' they said.

Management at Pacific Werribe have since bowed to pressure to have the display changed to 'Merry Christmas'

Pacific Werribee general manager Ryan Ling said the campaign was designed to encourage customers to do all their Christmas shopping at the centre.

'Pacific Werribee's 'Merry Everything' Christmas campaign is intended to showcase our incredible range of gift giving and festive offerings available at the Centre, so customers can shop 'everything' this holiday season all in the one place,' he told news.com.au

'In line with the campaign, we are committed to delivering a convenient shopping experience, with a focus on providing a one-stop-shop for customers' festive needs'.

Mr Ling said the centre acknowledged that some customers had raised questions in relation to the campaign and 'we have listened to their feedback'.

'Our overriding objective is to create a vibrant and enjoyable shopping environment that meets the needs of our community, particularly in the lead-up to Christmas, which is why we made the decision to change our signage from 'Merry Everything' to 'Merry Christmas,' he said.

The 'Merry Everything' campaign was part of a wider movement from Queensland Investment Corporation, who owns Pacific Werribee.

The campaign started on November 2 and will run until Christmas Eve.
Police in Texas are on the hunt for a gunman who shot a mature student on the campus of Victoria College in Texas, southeast of San Antonio on Monday night.

The alarm was raised just after 7:05pm when the college issued an alert to all student to 'lock doors and remain inside.'

A 30-year-old man, who was a registered student at the college, was found in the parking lot of Victoria College with gunshot wounds.

He was transported to an area hospital with non-life threatening gunshot injuries.

Victoria Police said the alarm was raised just after 7:05pm on Monday evening when the college issued an alert to all student to 'lock doors and remain inside'

The community college was placed into lockdown as soon as gunshots rang out on campus

An alert by Victoria College sent to all students said there were reports of shots being fired at the Continuing Education Center Building.

The suspects behind the shooting had fled by the time Victoria Police arrived on the scene.

The campus was placed into lockdown while police carry out their hunt for the suspect but by 9pm it was lifted.

Victoria College and Victoria Police Department (VPD) officers worked to secure VC's the main campus following the incident.

VPD officers released students and employees building by building by escorting them directly to their vehicles.

Those still on campus were urged to stay indoors until authorities came to get them.

On Tuesday the college decided to cancel all classes and close campus offices 'out of respect for the stress individuals may be facing.'

Those still on campus were urged to stay indoors until authorities came to get them (file photo)
Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil has vowed to come down hard on criminals freed by a controversial High Court decision which has deemed the indefinite detention of certain non-citizens illegal.

But because the High Court is yet to publish its written reasons for the decision, the Labor Government is unable to introduce a law to lock the offenders up again.

This means 80 detainees - including a paedophile, elderly sex attacker and a hitman - will continue to remain in the community.

Labor also confirmed there's three murderers and several sex offenders among those released.

READ MORE: Afghan asylum seeker who attacked the elderly is released Aliyawar Yawari has been described by a judge as a 'danger to the Australian community' and has served jail time for assaulting three women including one he hit with her walking stick. Aliyawar Yawari (above) Advertisement

The mass release of asylum seekers followed the success of an appeal made by NZYQ - who raped a 10-year-old boy - on November 8th.

During Question Time on Tuesday, Ms O'Neil and Immigration Minister Andrew Giles vowed to take 'immediate action' to keep the community safe.

Ms O'Neil said she wanted it to be clear the Commonwealth had argued against the release of certain non-citizens.

'Some of these people have committed disgusting crimes,' she said.

'Some of them have hurt people who are still here in our country. And it is those victims that we care about.

'I can tell the parliament there is one single focus and one single priority that we are using to manage the implications of the High Court's decision and that is the community safety of the Australian citizens who elect us to this parliament.'

Shadow Immigration Minister Dan Tehan asked how the Albanese government would financially support the 80 'hard-core criminals' released into the community.

'This includes a paedophile who raped a 10-year-old boy,' he said.

'What accommodation and other financial support is the government now providing to this convicted paedophile and the other hardcore criminals to live in the community?'

Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil (pictured) has vowed to take 'immediate action' to keep the community safe after 80 asylum seekers - including a convicted killer and a paedophile - were released from indefinite detention following a High Court ruling last week

Mr Giles responded by saying he had personally opposed the application for reasons that he believed united everyone in parliament.

'I believe there are three murderers, there are several sex offenders,' he said.

'That we believe non-citizens who have committed very serious criminal offences, including sexual offences like the offences that the shadow Minister just referred to, should not continue to remain in Australia.

'Of course the circumstances here are that we have not been able to remove them.

'When I say we, I say again that these are people none of whom who arrived in Australia since the election of the Albanese government.

'Members opposite should perhaps bear that in mind.'

In a joint statement, Ms O'Neil and Mr Giles said law enforcement agencies have been working around the clock to impose tough restrictions on these criminals.

'We release them only because the law requires us to do so,' the statement said.

Ms O'Neil (pictured) said the Commonwealth had argued against the release of certain non-citizens from detention, some of whom she said had committed 'disgusting crimes'

Local and state police were briefed by senior Australian Border Force officials, and the Australian Federal Police Commissioner has since had high-level meetings with each state and territory counterpart.

Offenders released as a result of the decision will be moved into state and territory-based 'post-offending programs' and each offender 'is being case managed'.

The strict, mandatory visa conditions imposed on these offenders include: 'restricting types of employment, requiring regular reporting to authorities, and requiring released detainees to report their personal details including their social media profiles.

'Additionally, the Government has imposed daily reporting requirements for those with the most serious criminal history.'

These requirements are in addition to any state-imposed sanctions.

The government is also exploring further measures it can take, including potentially legislating to close any loopholes.

'This was a decision of the Full Bench of the High Court declaring the detention unconstitutional. It cannot be overturned by the Parliament,' the ministers said in their joint statement.

The decision reversed a 20-year precedent which had allowed the Commonwealth to detain non-citizens who had committed crimes.

The court found in favour of a Rohingya paedophile - known in proceedings as NZYQ - who has been in detention since serving a prison sentence for child sexual abuse.

The Albanese government was accused of releasing 80 'hard-core criminals' into the community during Question Time on Tuesday (pictured, Anthony Albanese in parliament)

The Rohingya are a stateless Islamic people who reside in western Myanmar near the border with Bangladesh, where they are persecuted.

Because the Rohingya are not citizens of Myanmar - who consider them Bengalis and not a distinct ethnic group - NZYQ cannot be deported there.

NZYQ arrived in Australia by boat in 2012 and had his bridging visa cancelled in 2015 when he pleaded guilty to having sexual intercourse with a 10-year-old child.

He was transferred to an immigration detention centre in May 2018 after serving a minimum sentence of three years and four months and being denied a 'safe haven enterprise' visa.

Until the High Court ruling, NZYQ faced the prospect of remaining in immigration detention for the rest of his life. He has now been released into the community and the Commonwealth will pay his legal costs.

In the wake of the decision, the government admitted a further 92 people were being held in similar circumstances, and up to 300 in total could be affected.

Among those now freed is Sirul Azahr Umar, 51, who was sentenced to death for the 2006 murder of Altantuya Shaariibuu, the pregnant girlfriend of a political operative, whom he killed and then blew up the body.

Minister for Environment Tanya Plibersek and Minister for Employment Tony Burke are pictured conversing before Question Time on Tuesday

Umar, who had been a bodyguard for the Malaysian prime minister, was freed from Villawood Detention Centre in Sydney on Saturday and is now understood to be staying with a relative in Canberra.

The woman he murdered was the partner of Razak Baginda, a close associate of former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak.

On Monday, Immigration Minister Andrew Giles said 80 of those being detained, including a Malaysian hitman, had already now been freed and given a visa.

All those released by the High Court ruling have now been given a bridging visa and are obliged to report in to police or appropriate authorities on a regular basis.

Mr Giles insisted Australian Federal Police and Border Force were involved in the release of those detained and their future supervision to protect public safety.

The Australian government had opposed the court's decision, but the minister said they had prepared to deal with the consequences.
EXCLUSIVE

Police have charged a 34-year-old man with sexual assault after a teenage girl was allegedly dragged into bushes and brutally raped at an idyllic beachside town on Friday night.

The accused man is believed to be a seasonal fruit picker who was in Australia working on a NSW mid north coast berry farm and living in beachfront accommodation with fellow workers.

The 17-year-old girl was walking home near Arrawarra Beach north of Coffs Harbour about 7.30pm when she was confronted by a man and allegedly sexually assaulted.

Police arrested a man at the Arrawarra Holiday Park camping ground about 5pm on Sunday.

Police have charged a 34-year-old man with sexual assault after a 17-year-old girl was dragged into bushes and allegedly brutally raped last Friday night

Little Arrawarra on the NSW Mid North Coast was the site of an alleged brutal rape of a teenager who was attacked on Friday night and dragged into bushes

Officers from the NSW Police Coffs Harbour-Clarence district attended a site where hundreds of seasonal workers from a nearby berry farm are currently living.

The man was taken to Coffs Harbour Police station where he was later charged, refused bail and remanded in custody to appear in court next year.

The incident follows another a week ago when a young woman allegedly hid inside a toilet cubicle after being pursued by a man she believed was affected by alcohol.

Locals told Daily Mail Australia that up to 400 pickers are accommodated at a holiday park and bussed to a nearby farm daily.

The Arrawarra village is a destination for surfers, caravanners, backpackers and visitors to its waterfront location.

Rubbish has been dumped around Arrawarra, concerning some local residents

Locals complained earlier this year that fruit pickers had turning the coastal paradise into a 'shanty town'.

Some locals have complained that there have been episodes of drunkenness and aggression by the workers and that rubbish is left strewn on the beach and in local waterways.

The beach strip is regarded as a gem hidden among the more populous townships of the area, boasting a laid-back vibe, kangaroos hopping along the beach and pristine surf.

The influx by hundreds of berry pickers over the past few years has left some residents - whose local population is only between 50 and 100 people - concerned their slice of paradise is being destroyed.

The provider of the worker accommodation earlier this year blasted the criticism as 'lies and fabrication' and accused locals of being prejudiced against Pacific Islanders, who make up the bulk of the fruit pickers.
Democrat Senator Chris Coons, who represents President Joe Biden's state of Delaware, had a testy confrontation with a far-left journalist on the Israel-Hamas war that led to the reporter being tossed off the train.

Coons, 60, is the Chair of the Senate Ethics Committee who became the permanent replacement for Biden in Washington after he became vice president.

Aaron Mate, a reporter for the left-wing outlet The Gray Zone, has ardently called for a ceasefire - which Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected - in the wake of Israel's response to Hamas' slaughter of 1,400 Israelis on October 7.

Mate posted a video to XMonday on an Amtrak train with Coons and decided to question him as to why he wouldn't call for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Coons asked 'who are you? and after Mate clarified that he was a reporter, added: 'This is a quiet car and you're not supposed to be talking to me.'

Democrat Senator Chris Coons, who represents President Joe Biden's state of Delaware, had a testy confrontation with a far-left journalist on the Israel-Hamas war that appeared to lead to the reporter being tossed off the train

Mate continues: 'Children are dying. US weapons are killing kids in Gaza.'

The senator responds: 'Who are you? Nice to meet you, Aaron. Please stop talking to me.'

The far-left reporter continues to try and get Coons to clarify his position as the senator looks to an Amtrak employee for help.

'Please stop. Please stop. Aaron, you are bothering me and everyone else around you. Sir, can I please have some help here? He's bothering me while I'm trying to work.'

Coons finally relents to Mate's questioning.

'I'm not going to call for a cease-fire,' he said. 'I strongly support humanitarian pauses. I've urged the Israeli government to target their campaign against Hamas.'

Mate doesn't back down, however, and Coons threatens to get him kicked out of the Amtrak shuttle.

'Aaron, please stop or I'm gonna have you thrown off this train. I'm a senator, this is a quiet car. You're breaking the basic rules of how we operate on Amtrak, please stop.'

Aaron Mate, a reporter for the left-wing outlet The Gray Zone, has ardently called for a ceasefire - which Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected - in the wake of Israel's response to Hamas' slaughter of 1,400 Israelis on October 7

After questioning Sen. Coons about his support for Israeli massacres in Gaza, I was asked to move to a different seat. I complied. About 30 mins later, he walked by me. We did not exchange words. At the next stop, in Philadelphia, I was removed from the train. I assume this was pic.twitter.com/Odbr36CJJx  Aaron Mate (@aaronjmate) November 13, 2023

Coons finally gets up and walks away.

In a follow-up video, Mate claims that he was eventually kicked off of the Amtrak train.

After questioning Senator Coons about his support for Israeli massacres in Gaza, I was asked to move to a different seat. I complied,' he said.

'About 30 mins later, he walked by me. We did not exchange words. At the next stop, in Philadelphia, I was removed from the train. I assume this was done at Sen. Coons behest.'

When asked for comment on the matter by the New York Post, a spokesperson for Coons didn't address Mate being ejected from the train but reiterated his position.

'As Senator Coons said this afternoon, he believes the whole world should unite in opposition to terrorism following Hamas' massacre of Israeli civilians on October 7,' the spokesperson said.

'While Senator Coons does not support a ceasefire, he has repeatedly made clear that he supports humanitarian pauses to allow for assistance deliveries to Gaza, including hospitals, and has urged the Israeli government to target their campaign against Hamas.'

'He also has repeatedly pushed for the swift release of the hostages Hamas continues to hold,' the spokesperson added.

DailyMail.com has reached out to a spokesperson for Amtrak for comment.

Mate and The Gray Zone are heavily critical of Israel, with Mate claiming the Jewish state was 'founded on ethnic cleansing in 1948 and has occupied and terrorized the West Bank and Gaza since 1967' in a post on X

Mate and The Gray Zone are heavily critical of Israel, with Mate claiming the Jewish state was 'founded on ethnic cleansing in 1948 and has occupied and terrorized the West Bank and Gaza since 1967' in a post on X.

'Israel has always chosen occupation and supremacy over peace and security,' he wrote in another post.

He also claimed he would 'never forgive, never forget' over a report on Palestinian fatalities during Israel's response to the October 7 attacks.

President Biden said late last week that there was 'no possibility' of a ceasefire to the continued fighting in Gaza.
Democrat political strategist David Axelrod has hit back at Joe Biden for calling him a 'pr***' - by telling him to 'either get out or get going' with his 2024 campaign.

It marks bubbling tensions between the political heavyweights reaching a boiling point, after Axelrod - Obama's chief strategist - sparked their feud by highlighting Biden's advancing age and declining position in the polls.

Politico said Monday that the 80-year-old president reacted by calling him 'a pr***'. Asked about the diss during an interview with CNN , Axelrod said Biden 'wouldn't be the first' to fire insults against him.

'Listen, I understand, he was irritated because I raised concerns that many many Democrats have,' the former White House official said.

'And again, my feeling is: either get out or get going. The stakes are so high - this isn't Mitt Romney or John McCain or anybody else on the other side. It's Donald Trump.'

President Joe Biden (left) called former President Barack Obama's longtime adviser David Axelrod (right) a 'pr***' after he suggested that Biden might think twice about continuing on with his reelection bid

Among the things Axelrod said that annoyed the president was the suggestion that Biden might be running for a second term because it's in 'HIS best interest' and not the country's

The poll is the latest to show Biden in trouble

Axelrod said the key issue for 2024 would be considering 'what American democracy is going to look like' in the coming years.

'He (Biden) knows that, but he needs to take a sober look at the whole landscape,' the Manhattan-born analyst said.

Their recent feud began on November 5 when Axelrod questioned whether Biden should be running for a second term in the White House and shared polls showing him trailing former President Donald Trump in five of six key swing states.

The results sparked new discussion in Democratic circles about whether Biden is the best Democratic candidate for a run against Trump.

November 5

Axelrod mused on X whether it was 'wise' for Biden to seek a second term given his advancing age.

He said the 'stakes of miscalculation here are too dramatic to ignore' - characterizing Trump as a 'dangerous, unhinged demagogue whose brazen disdain for the rules, norms, laws and institutions or democracy should be disqualifying.'

The Obama White House alum also advised Biden to consider whether he's running for re-election for himself or the good of the country.

November 6

Axelrod's tweets prompted Biden's granddaughter, Naomi Biden, to issue her own response, slamming Axelrod as a 'jerk with a microphone'.

Naomi Biden (L), the granddaughter of US President Joe Biden, took on former Barack Obama advisor David Axelrod online. 'Looking forward to proving the political pundits wrong... again,' she wrote, after he said polling should prompt President Biden to decide whether it is 'wise' for him to seek reelection

Still sore? Naomi Biden said she looked forward to proving pundits wrong, and reposted her 2020 post suggesting Axelrod was a 'jerk with a microphone'

'Looking forward to proving the political pundits wrong... again,' the daughter of Hunter Biden and his former wife Kathleen Buhle wrote Monday.

She then retweeted a post on X post dunking on Axelrod comments about Biden failing to capture any delegates in New Hampshire back in 2020.

'Disingenuous - youve been predicting his demise & doubting his resilience since beginning,' she said.

'Theres a difference between being entitled to an opinion & relishing a platform to disparage AND between journalism & being a jerk with a microphone.'

November 12

But Axelrod doubled down on his criticism of the president days later - telling CNN one of his biggest liabilities - his age - isn't something that can be fixed.

'I think that there is one issue that is hanging over him,' Axelrod said in conversation with ex-Maryland Republican Governor Larry Hogan.

'I think with Donald Trump on the other end, he could still win this election. But the age issue is difficult.'

Despite Trump being just three years younger, polls have shown that Biden is more susceptible to be seen as 'too old' to run for re-election. Axelrod said all of the other issues facing Biden are fixable.

November 13

Biden broke his silence on Monday, calling Axelrod 'a pr***' for his disparaging comments, Politico revealed - prompting Obama's strategist to hit back by telling him to 'either get out or get going' with his 2024 campaign.

New Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Tuesday shows Biden's approval drop to a new low of 39%

Only 25 percent say Biden has the stamina to be president

Voters said Trump would be a more effective world leader

Their feud comes amid dire polls for Biden showing Trump is four points clear of him one year out from the 2024 election. A major CNN poll showed Trump on 49 percent and Biden on 45 percent.

In a series of hammer blows to Biden the survey showed Trump wining among black men, independent voters, and those aged under 35.

The poll also found only 25 per cent of registered voters believe Biden, who turns 81 this month, has the necessary 'stamina and sharpness' to be in charge, while 53 percent think Trump does.

Only 36 percent thought Biden is an effective world leader while 48 percent think Trump would be.

Additionally, a separate survey from the New York Times/Siena released last week showed Biden trailing Trump in five of the six swing states key to clinching a victory in 2024.

Reacting to the CNN poll Kate Bedingfield, Biden's former White House communications director, admitted: 'This is not a good poll for Joe Biden. The best thing in this poll for Joe Biden is the date - 2023 not 2024.'

In addition the poll showed an enthusiasm gap between the two parties' voters - 71 percent of Republicans are enthusiastic about voting while only 61 percent of Democrats are.

The latest setback for Biden came after a poll on Sunday, from The New York Times and Siena College, showing him losing in the key swing states of Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada and Pennsylvania.

On Monday, David Axelrod, former chief strategist for Barack Obama, suggested Biden should consider dropping out.

He said: 'What he (Biden) needs to decide is whether that (running) is wise; whether it's in HIS best interest or the country's?'

The latest CNN poll 51 percent of voters across the country said there is no chance at all they will vote for Biden.

Only 4 per cent of those not supporting him indicated there is a chance they might.
A two-year-old boy has suffered significant injuries in a fall from an apartment balcony at around 12.45 on Tuesday afternoon.

The boy fell from a height of around 10metres from the home in Crawford Street, Berala, about 20km west of Sydney's CBD.

A NSW Ambulance spokesman told Daily Mail Australia that the child was treated at the scene by paramedics.

He was then taken to Westmead Children's Hospital, 12km away, in a 'serious but stable condition' for further treatment.

A two-year-old boy suffered significant injuries in the fall from an apartment balcony

The child was treated at the scene by paramedics (pictured) after falling from a balcony

He was then taken by ambulance to Westmead Children's Hospital for further treatment

Police officers are pictured gathering evidence at the scene in Berala

Several emergency services personnel and vehicles were pictured at the scene.

Among those were police officers gathering evidence in front of the building from where the child had fallen.

Another officer was pictured inside an apartment, with a toddler in a nappy also visible in the photo.

More to come...

A police officer is pictured at the scene of an accident where a boy fell from a balcony

The apartment building from where the boy fell from is pictured

The child was taken by ambulance to the Westmead Children's Hospital

The emergency services were called about the boy's fall at around 12.45pm on Tuesday afternoon

Several emergency vehicles (pictured) attended the scene in Berala

Police officers are pictured investigating at the scene where a boy fell from a balcony
It had been linked to silicosis in tradies

Bunnings has announced that it will take man-made stone off of its shelves after hundreds of tradies who had worked on it developed silicosis - a terminal illness.

The CMFEU took credit for leading a public pressure campaign against the hardware giant, but a Bunnings spokesperson said Safe Work Australia recently endorsing a silica ban prompted them to announce their ban on Tuesday.

Kitchen benchtops containing engineered stone will be pulled from Bunnings' product line-up on December 31.

Man-made stone had been linked to silicosis due to its high silica content which tradies had breathed in during the cutting process.

When silica dust becomes trapped in the lung it is impossible to remove and can lead to deadly cases of chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Ben Harrison, 34, spent 10 years working as a stonemason on the Gold Coast before coming down with silicosis and had been fighting for Bunnings to ban the product, claiming that it had been 'profiting from death'.

Bunnings has banned the sale of man-made stone in its stores which had been linked to silicosis, a terminal illness among tradies who worked on it

Cells taken from the lungs of a patient with silicosis - notice the speck of silica dust shining brightly

CFMEU National Secretary Zach Smith said that the Bunnings ban is a start and now the union will begin pushing harder for a national ban.

'When even a massive corporation that until now has put profits over workers' lives concedes it's lost any remaining social licence to sell this killer stone, no government can squib it on a ban,' he wrote in a statement.

'The only reason Bunnings finally sided with workers' health was grassroots pressure from CFMEU members passionate about saving lives.

'All retailers must follow suit immediately. IKEA talks a big game on social responsibility yet lines its shelves with bench tops that kill Australians.

'Today all governments and businesses are on notice that Australians will accept nothing less than a total ban on the import, manufacture and use of engineered stone.'

Bunnings Director of Merchandise, Jen Tucker, said that a recent Safe Work Australia report made the company decide to ban the stone, not the CMFEU.

It proactively removed man-made stone to give its suppliers and customers time to prepare for a transition before state governments began banning it themselves.

'The safety of our team and customers is our biggest priority which is why the aggressive behaviour shown by some CFMEU protestors towards some of our team at a Victorian store over the weekend was deeply disappointing,' Ms Tucker said.

'Our decision to stop selling engineered stone was directly in response to the reports released and the prospect of a ban on the sale in the near future.

Ben Harrison was diagnosed with silicosis the day before his 30th birthday after inhaling silica dust for 10 years while cutting into silicon-based kitchen benchtops on the Gold Coast

'The decision to adjust our range now will give our suppliers certainty about future sourcing of materials and should mean were well positioned to offer a fully-compliant range well ahead of any changes being mandated.'

The majority of benchtops sold in Bunnings are laminate and timber, and it did not sell man-made stone benchtops to DIY customers looking to cut it themselves.

Safe Work Australia released its decision regulation impact statement in August and sided with embattled tradies who called for man-made stone to be outlawed.

The organisation wrote that stonecutters face a greater risk of developing silicosis in their line of work and that their industry has a history of non-compliance in regards to enforcing a cap on the level of silica in their products.

'At present an unknown number of Australian workers will go on to develop silicosis because of their prior exposure to RCS from working with engineered stone,' it wrote.

'The only way to ensure that another generation of Australian workers do not contract silicosis from such work is to prohibit its use, regardless of its silica content.'

Silica has been referred to as the 'asbestos of our generation' and its ban has been an issue of public debate for years now.

The Australian Engineered Stone Advisory Group, which represents most of the engineered stone suppliers in Australia, recently launched its own awareness campaign for the continued sale of man-made stone.

It claimed that banning the product outright would not solve the issue but a cap on the silica content in the material would prevent more tradies becoming sick.

Caesarstone, a major maker of engineered stone, vehemently opposes a full-scale ban of man-made stone and instead has endorsed a 'complete silica safety plan'

'A complete Ban on Engineered Stone is not the answer and will not eliminate Silicosis, but by banning Engineered Stone over 40 per cent Silica combined with education and licensing we make change for the future,' it wrote.

Caesarstone, one of the signatories on the campaign, endorsed the idea of a 'complete silica safety plan'.

'Caesarstone accepts that there are risks to workers if proper WHS techniques are not followed,' a spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia.

'But that applies to all stone containing silica, not just engineered stone. Exactly the same WHS techniques must be used and enforced when cutting stone with 10 per cent silica content as when cutting stone with 95 per cent content.

'That is why a ban on engineered stone alone will not solve the issue of silicosis. It will continue to leave workers exposed to risks from all other stones containing silica, including most replacement countertop materials, such as granite.'

Mr Harrison's wife, Cristale, likened the petition to the work of asbestos industries when they also tried blocking a ban of the similarly toxic substance in the early 2000's.

Doctors told Mr Harrison that he had the incurable disease the day before his 30th birthday after workmates talked him into getting tested.

Since then the former stone cutter has been making weekly doctors visits, sometimes up to three per week when his symptoms flare, and has been forced to wear a mask when outside of his house in order to avoid infection.

Ms Harrison told Daily Mail Australia that the diagnosis has left her husband constantly fatigued and needing constant rest.

When the couple were told that Mr Harrison had silicosis they got engaged two days later and fought to make sure that they could get married before his condition made it impossible.

'We [got] married on the 14th of October so that we can make sure we get married before he passes away,' Ms Harrison said.

While planning for the wedding the pair also partnered with the Lung Foundation to pressure the government into a complete ban of the substance.

'Bunnings is just profiting off death,' Ms Harrison said in September. 'They don't care about the consequences.'

Ben Harrison, 34, married his long-time fiancee, Cristale, on October 14 after years of delays as the couple fought Mr Harrison's termianl silicosis diagnosis

About 80 guests arrived for their wedding in Devonport, Tasmania, several of which were former colleagues of Mr Harrison who had also been diagnosed with silicosis, including his best man who is also in his early 30's.

Ms Harrison said that she could barely get through her vows without choking back tears.

'I think I spent the whole day on and off crying,' she said.

'I was so happy that we were getting married but I guess I was also scared because we live in such unknown circumstances and I just don't know how our life is going forward.'

Bleach is now a staple in their house, along with wearing masks outdoors, as the couple and their three young children try to avoid the 'next big infection'.

'We have his diagnosis looming over our heads constantly,' Ms Harrison added.
This is the shocking moment a group of brazen thieves looted an Amazon delivery truck while the helpless driver looked on.

A group of approximately six thieves that looked to be young boys raided a large walk-in delivery truck after the driver left the door wide open.

They frantically grabbed boxes as the female driver watched from a nearby sidewalk and did nothing.

She appeared to be fed up with the robbers that snuck up on her while she delivered other packages in an apartment complex that is believed to be in Atlanta, Georgia.

It is unclear exactly what was stolen from the truck and who the thieves were, but Amazon told DailyMail.com that police are investigating the incident.

Some of the young thieves (pictured) emerged from the truck while the others immediately took from the back of the open van

The female Amazon delivery driver (pictured) watched from a distance the thieves took random boxes form her truck

The video begins with the parked Amazon truck in the complex's parking lot as three of thieves hop out through the front steps by the driver's seat.

Another one in a black hoodie and tan pants quickly snags a nearby box and runs off while the rest of them pick their goods.

The person recording laughs the entire time and says: 'These n***** hittin' the truck on gang.'

One of the thieves even falls to the ground as he rounds the corner of the truck but quickly gets back up and grabs a large brown Amazon box.

The video then turns to the Amazon employee in her blue vest and beanie as she stares at the group of looters raid the vehicle.

She then looks down at her device before the camera goes back on the truck as one of the robbers in a red jacket and white hoodie uses both hands and runs off with a large package.

Suddenly another thief jumps down from the back and stumbles as a large box escapes his hands and partially opens up just before he fixes it and scurries off.

The driver is still watching as they all run away and says something to them, but it is inaudible.

The video ends with a thief wearing a navy hoodie and black face mask running away on another sidewalk with the hefty box in hand.

One of the thieves even falls as he rounds the corner (pictured) of the back of the truck but quickly gets back up and grabs a large brown Amazon box

Suddenly another thief jumps down from the back and stumbles as a large box escapes his hands and partially opens up just before he fixes it and scurries off

An overwhelming number of comments were ashamed of the thieves actions and said that they felt bad for the driver

The video, posted to X (formally known at Twitter) triggered an overwhelming number of commenters that hit out on the young thieves.

One commenter said: 'I don't find this funny at all. Say good bye [sic] to getting deliveries in that area going forward!'

'Sadly the driver will be fired for leaving it unlocked but they are on a super tight schedule and leaving it open probably saves time,' said another.

According to Insider, there are around 275,000 Amazon delivery drivers in the US that typically have 170 to 350 packaged to deliver per shift, depending on the location.

Amazon drivers are independent subcontractors, which means that they don't directly work for Amazon, but instead are hired by a third-party.

The drivers also experience pressure to meet delivery rates and get their routes done within a certain time period.

Other commenters got a laugh out of the robbers raiding the truck as one said: 'I hope they enjoy my shipment of Preparation H.'

'Everyone is jumping to conclusions and not considering that this group of scholars are just helping this woman deliver all these packages,' another said.

Another commenter said that because of this deliveries would no longer occur in the area

A small number of commenters found the incident comical as one insisted that the thieves were helping the woman deliver her packages for the day

Another one joked about what might have been in the boxes that the thieves randomly snatched

It is unclear what happened to the thieves or what happened to the driver as a result of the stolen packages.

Branden Baribeau, a spokesman for the company told DailyMail.com: 'We're glad the driver is okay and that she prioritized her safety during this terrifying incident.'

This news comes after a foul-mouthed Amazon driver told a nine-year-old to 'just open the f***ing door.'

The father of the child, Peter, who declined to give his surname, said his son Oscar answered the door on October 25.

He said: 'It was in the early evening as it had just gone dark. He came back in and said the Amazon guy just swore at me.

Peter said that he had reported the foul-mouthed driver to Amazon and was told that someone would get back to him in '24 to 48 hours'.

Amazon then said that they were 'looking into this' and that they were 'in direct contact with the customer.'
Antisemitism is 'a sign that the society itself is breaking down', journalist Bari Weiss has warned, as she excoriated the 'hip, young people with pronouns in their bios' who cheered when Hamas murdered 1,200 people on October 7.

Weiss, who founded online news site The Free Press, said she had been stunned by the rush to justify the terror attack, and was shocked by the contrast in response to 9/11.

Weiss was speaking at The Federalist Society's annual conference in Washington DC, and on Friday evening delivered the Barbara K. Olson Memorial Lecture - given in honor of an influential lawyer and free speech advocate who died aboard the plane that crashed into the Pentagon on September 11.

Weiss said it was obvious to her that her speech should discuss 'the civilizational war we are in. The war that took the life of Barbara Olson and 3,000 other innocent Americans.'

She continued: 'I want to talk about the stakes of that war. About how we must wage it - fearlessly and relentlessly - if we seek to build a world fit for our children, and if we want to save America itself.'

Bari Weiss, founder of The Free Press, on November 10 addressed The Federalist Society's annual gathering, delivering a speech at The Mayflower Hotel in Washington DC

Pro-Palestine demonstrators are seen on November 9 in New York City

Weiss, who is Jewish, said she had been devastated to see how people 'poured into the streets of our capital cities to celebrate the slaughter.'

Pro-Palestine activists around the world chanted for an end to Israel, and said Israel only had itself to blame for the October 7 attack.

Weiss said the antisemitism unleashed was terrifying - noting that the New York City offices of The Free Press were vandalized with 'F*** the Jews' and 'F*** Israel.'

'The social justice crowd - the crowd who has tried to convince us that words are violence - insisted that actual violence was actually a necessity. That the rape was resistance. That it was liberation,' she said.

'University presidents - who leapt to issue morally lucid condemnations of George Floyd's killing or Putin's war on Ukraine - offered silence or mealy-mouthed pablum about how the situation is tragic and 'complex' and how we need to think of 'both sides' as if there is some kind of equivalence between innocent civilians and jihadists.

'But the most alarming of all were the young people who threw their support not behind the innocent victims of Hamas terrorism, but behind Hamas.'

Weiss condemned the academics and students who justified the terror attacks, and said she was deeply disturbed by their defense of Hamas' actions. She also condemned the university presidents who failed to speak out.

She told the rapt crowd of her sadness at seeing the kidnap posters being torn down, and struggled to understand how anyone could do such a thing.

'The easy answer is that the human beings who were slaughtered on October 7 were Jews,' she said.

'And that antisemitism is the world's oldest hatred.

'But that is not the whole answer. Because the proliferation of antisemitism, as always, is a symptom.'

Weiss said the proliferation of antisemitism was a symptom of the wider challenges facing society, with racial identity at the forefront of all debates

Protesters in London take part in a sit-in at Victoria station, holding placards calling for the erasure of Israel

Kate Varnfield, 66, was pictured attending the rally in London this weekend with a placard showing the Star of David enmeshed with the Nazi swastika above the words: 'No British politician should be a 'friend of Israel'''

She said the surge in antisemitism - the Anti Defamation League said on October 27 that reported incidents of harassment, vandalism and assault have increased by 388 percent over the same period last year - was part of the broader trend.

'It replaces basic ideas of good and evil with a new rubric: the powerless (good) and the powerful (bad),' she said.

'It replaced lots of things. Color blindness with race obsession. Ideas with identity. Debate with denunciation. Persuasion with public shaming. The rule of law with the fury of the mob.

'People were to be given authority in this new order not in recognition of their gifts, hard work, accomplishments, or contributions to society, but in inverse proportion to the disadvantages their group had suffered, as defined by radical ideologues.'

Weiss noted that Jewish people accounted for two percent of the U.S. population, but their success, under the new ideology, 'suggests not talent or hard work, but unearned privilege.'

She added: 'This conspiratorial conclusion is not that far removed from the hateful portrait of a small group of Jews divvying up the ill-gotten spoils of an exploited world.'

Weiss said: 'Their moral calculus is as crude as you can imagine: they see Israelis and Jews as powerful and successful and 'colonizers,' so they are bad; Hamas is weak and coded as people of color, so they are good. No, it doesn't matter that most Israelis are 'people of color.'

'That baby? He is a colonizer first and a baby second. That woman raped to death? Shame it had to come to that, but she is a white oppressor.'

An image projected onto the library of George Washington University reads: 'Glory to our martyrs'

A woman shouts slogans as NYU (New York University) students participate in a walkout during a national day of action called by the 'Students for Justice in Palestine' at Washington Square park

Weiss urged the audience to open their eyes, and realize that you do not need context to know that murdering civilians in their beds was wrong.

She said it was fundamental that laws were enforced, regarding bans on full-face masks at protests in some states, and said it was time to end 'double standards' on freedom of speech, particularly on campuses.

'The universities play favorites based on the speech they prefer, and the racial group hierarchies they've established,' she said.

'It's a nasty game and they need to be called to account for it.'

And finally, she urged her audience to fight to defend what they believed in.

'Time to defend our values - the values that have made this country the freest, most tolerant society in the history of the world - without hesitation or apology,' she said.

'We have let far too much go unchallenged. Too many lies have spread in the face of inaction as a result of fear or politesse.'
Kmart's Hamas blunder - that saw Christmas ham bags emblazoned with the words 'Merry Ham-mas' pulled from shelves - has officially gone global after comedian John Oliver roasted the Australian retailer.

The offending bags were removed from stores and the Kmart website after the retailer's parent company, Wesfarmers, received a complaint from the Australian Jewish Association (AJA) last Wednesday.

British-American comedian John Oliver, host of Last Week Tonight, shared a clip of Channel Nine TV host Brooke Boney announcing Kmart's decision to ditch the bags.

'Yeah, that is too similar,' Oliver quipped.

'It'd be like naming your child John Blaine-gacy, it's too close for comfort.

'But spare a thought for Australian Kmart there, how were they supposed to know that Hamas was going to launch a terrorist attack so close to the 'ham-mas' season?'

The host continued: 'It feels like Ham-mas starts a little earlier every year, doesn't it? One day it's ham-oween, the next, your neighbour's hanging up ham-mas lights'.

'Things are, understandably, very tense right now, and it seems like everyone is finding themselves making mistakes, and I do mean everyone.'

Comedian John Oliver, host of Last Week Tonight, asked his audience to 'spare a thought for Australian Kmart' after the release of controversial 'Merry Ham-mas' bags last week

Kmart pulled a $4 'Merry Ham-mas' bag from its online storefront last week after the Australian Jewish Association pointed out the obvious blunder - and now the gaffe has gone global

In a statement, Kmart confirmed the bags had been pulled from shelves.

'We got it wrong on this occasion, and we apologise unreservedly,' it said.

'When designing this product we clearly didn't think through all the implications and the product has been removed from sale.'

It comes after the AJA wrote on Twitter last week that it wished to help Kmart avoid embarrassment by pointing out the obvious mistake.

READ MORE: Bondi brawl over Israeli war Two men attempted to destroy posters of Israelis who were taken hostage by Hamas terrorists at the iconic beach. Advertisement

'Yes, it's real!! Although this is potentially funny (the AJA committee has tossed around some non-PC jokes) it's really not a good look,' it wrote.

'We suspect some product manager may cause the company some embarrassment.

'So we've politely written to Wesfarmers  suggesting the product be pulled.'

Within an hour of their initial post, the group said that it had heard back from Kmart's senior management.

By 5pm that day, Kmart had pulled the bag from its storefront, but not before it had spread across the internet, amassing waves of ridicule.

Many customers said that they assumed photos of the bag were a parody before they realised that it was real.

One person said that the short-lived Christmas ham bag was now fated to become a collectors item thanks to its short life on sale.

Another pointed out that Hamas itself would not be a fan of the item 'considering the majority a) wouldn't celebrate Christmas and b) likely don't eat pork'.

Israel declared war on Hamas after the Palestinian terror group, which controls the Gaza Strip, launched a series of terror attacks on October 7 - killing more than 1,400 people and taking about 240 more hostage.
Hamas claimed on Monday it told Qatari mediators the group was ready to release up to 70 women and children held in Gaza in return for a five-day truce with Israel.

Hamas's deadly assault on October 7 saw around 240 taken captive and at least 1,200 Israeli civilians killed. In response, Israel has begun a siege on Gaza to take out the terror group for good.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted that there will be no ceasefire in the war against Hamas until all of the hostages are returned.

Abu Ubaida, the spokesman for Hamas said in an audio recording posted on the group's Telegram channel that they've offered a deal.

'Last week there was an effort from the Qatari brothers to release the enemy captives from women and children, in return for the release of 200 Palestinian children and 75 women detained by the enemy.'

The armed wing of the Palestinian militant group Hamas said on Monday it told Qatari mediators the group was ready to release up to 70 women and children held in Gaza in return for a five-day truce with Israel

'The truce should include a complete ceasefire and allow aid and humanitarian relief everywhere in the Gaza Strip,' he said.

He accused Israel of 'procrastinating and evading' the price of the deal.

Discussing the war at a news conference in Tel Aviv on Saturday, Netanyahu said Israel 'will not stop until we complete our mission' and that its only goal is to win.

He said Hamas has 'lost its grip' on Gaza and there is now 'no place to hide'.

Netanyahu said he still has daily contact with US President Joe Biden, and also has the 'political and ethical support' of the American administration.

Several world leaders have come to visit Israel to show support but there are 'minorities that pressure the governments', he said.

He urged the government to 'not succumb to this pressure' and said 'our war is their war'.

'No international pressure, no false accusations... will deviate us from our cause,' he said.

Abu Ubaida, the spokesman for the armed wing of Hamas, al-Qassam Brigades, said in an audio recording posted on the group's Telegram channel that they've offered a deal

Discussing the war at a news conference from Tel Aviv on Saturday, Netanyahu said Israel 'will not stop until we complete our mission' and that its only goal is to win (File Photo)

This picture taken from the Israeli side of the border with the Gaza Strip on November 11, 2023, shows smoke rising over buildings during an Israeli strike on the Palestinian enclave

Rejecting calls for a ceasefire, he said: 'If you want peace, we have to eliminate Hamas.'

The Israeli leader insisted that after the war, now entering its sixth week, Gaza would be demilitarized and Israel would retain security control there.
A rare stamp known as the 'Inverted Jenny' has smashed US records after it sold for $2million.

The expensive stamp was purchased on Wednesday by stamp collector Charles Hack, 76, who told The Washington Post that it was 'the holy grail of postage.'

The item was sold during an auction that was hosted by Robert a Siegel Auction Galleries based in New York City.

The red, white and blue stamp is known both for its rarity and for the fact that it was printed in error as the plane on it came out upside down.

The rare Inverted Jenny stamp (pictured) was made in 1918 and only 100 were printed on a sheet after people realized that the Curtiss JN-4 airplane was printed upside down

Charles Hack (pictured) purchased the stamp on Wednesday at an auction in New York for $2million. He has purchased other Inverted Jenny stamps over the years

It dates back to 1918 where only 100 copies were made, and it originally costed 24 cents. The rare stamps showcased an image of the Curtiss JN-4 airplane in the center.

The print on the stamp was intended to commemorate the start of the regular airmail service and in a rush to get a batch made, the printers made the mistake of printing the plane the wrong way.

Postal offices quickly discovered the misprint and circulation of the Inverted Jenny was ceased, but a sheet of 100 managed to make its way to the public before they stopped sales.

Since then, the 100 stamps have become increasingly rare and costly for the stamp collecting community.

Hack got into stamp collection when he was just a little boy as he started his accumulation in Brooklyn and later in Long Island.

'At the time, they sold for more money than God, in my mind- $7,500 each,' Hack told The Washington Post.

The Inverted Jenny even went on to be featured in the 1993 episode of the hit animated sit com The Simpsons.

Since the stamps were misprinted, they have grown increasingly rare and expensive and stamp collectors around the world dream of obtaining one

Siegel Auctions President Scott Trepel (pictured) is seen holding up the stamp

During the episode, main character Homer Simpson was seen looking at a sheet of the limited stamps at a yard sale as he realized that the airplane on it was upside down.

Homer then threw the sheet away in a pile of other priceless American artifacts like the Declaration of Independence.

This is not the first Inverted Jenny that Hack has purchased as he has bought one in the early 2000s for approximately $300,000.

He then bought another one in 2007 for close to $1million and soon discovered that it was number 57 of the 100 stamps printed on that error sheet.

He also purchased one in 2018 that was number 49 of 100 on the sheet and was previously held in a bank vault by its owner before it was sold.

In 1995 one of the Inverted Jenny stamps was stolen at a convention in Virgina and was later returned after it ended up in Ireland in 2016.

A young man from Northern Ireland inherited the stamp and brought it to the convention after he inherited from his grandfather.

Keelin O'Neill's grandfather reportedly stashed it away in a box alongside old records and an antique clock.

Keelin O'Neill (pictured) returned a stolen Inverted Jenny stamp from 1955 after he inherited from his grandfather

The stamp was featured in a 1993 episode of The Simpsons (pictured)

O'Neil ended up receiving a check for $50,000 as his reward, just after the head of the FBI's New York field office, Diego Rodriguez, handed over the Jenny to the American Philatelic Research Library's president, Roger Brody.

Hack said that he isn't quite sure what he will do with his new stamp once he receives it from Siegel, but he does know that he will protect it.

In order to preserve the timeless piece, he plans to keep it out of the light and any other elements. He also plans to keep it locked away in his safe in New York.

He said that he will show it off to visitors that are interested in looking at 'a bit of American history.'
A town mayor faces calls to resign after she allegedly grabbed a man's beard on a drunken night out.

Tracy Reardon, 55, mayor of East Cowes on the Isle of Wight, has been accused of accosting a man in his 30s earlier this month at the local Conservative club, The Island Echo reported.

The mayor was 'swiftly banned' from the club and is said to have voluntarily revoked her membership, reportedly vowing to never enter again.

She has also been ordered to write a letter of apology and complete a diversion course.

But upset locals are still arguing that she should resign from her position in the wake of the 'embarrassing situation having now been made public'.

Residents are calling for East Cowes Mayor Tracy Reardon, 55, (pictured) to resign after she allegedly grabbed a man's beard on a drunken night out

She has been accused of accosting a man in his 30s at East Cowes Conservative Club (pictured) in the early hours of November 3 whilst intoxicated

The alleged incident occurred at East Cowes Conservative Club in the early hours of November 3 whilst Reardon was reportedly intoxicated.

She is understood to have grabbed a man's beard and used 'foul language'.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary told the newspaper that the incident was handled by the means of a community order.

But residents are still seemingly bothered by the reported behaviour. The club committee said it is 'not appropriate'  especially for 'someone who represents our town at such a high level'.

When approached by the newspaper, the mayor reportedly said: 'I have no comment at this time.'

The East Cowes Conservative Club confirmed to MailOnline that the incident had been accurately reported, but declined to comment further.

East Cowes Town Council and the police have been approached for comment.
A BBC weather presenter has slammed the 'weather girl' stereotype after her bottom was given its own online fan club.

Sam Fraser, who has worked as a stand-in presenter for BBC South Today since 2012, said she was initially flattered by the attention but it quickly became tiresome.

'I had no idea that, within a fortnight of my first appearance, my bottom would have an online fan club and I'd feature on a social media channel entitled Babes of Britain,' she told Radio Times.

'At first, I'll admit, I was flatteredbut a little dive into the discussions about me  my chubby arms, muscular calves and other anatomical observations  soon put paid to that.'

Ms Fraser said she was shocked by how 'fetishised' the idea of the 'weather girl' had become when she looked the term up online.

Sam Fraser said she was initially flattered by comments about her appearance but they quickly became tiresome

Ms Fraser has worked as a stand-in presenter for BBC South Today since 2012. She is also a stand-up comedian

'It took me to parts of the internet I hadn't known existed. It opened my eyes to a world of casual sexism and misogyny that is the continuing legacy of the term,' she said.

'The ''weather girl'' as an object of desire is a tenacious and dangerous stereotype. As long as the term is in use, it contributes to a culture of permission to demean, humiliate and objectify.'

READ MORE - Why is the BBC splashing out your licence fee on 22 weather forecasters when the segments last just two minutes? Advertisement

The BBC presenter is also a comedian and explored the phrase in 2018 Edinburgh Fringe show, Stand Up, Weather Girl!

She's now investigating it further a in new Radio 4 documentary, Scorchio! The Story of the Weather Girl.

Ms Fraser said weather presenters were much more than mere 'dolly filler', with many being qualified meteorologists who had worked with the likes of the Met Office, the RAF and Nasa.

'At its heart, the role is one about communication. The best meteorologist won't automatically be the best communicator,' she said.

'Presenting the weather is about telling a good story.

'Most viewers aren't aware that we ad-lib without Autocue, while also taking direction in our earpiece, ready to fill an extra thirty seconds. It's a job which requires high-level brain functioning.'

Her new radio documentary will explore the treatment of weather presenters in the press, including Sarah Keith-Lucas, Laura Tobin and Carol Kirkwood.
Time is running out for 36 newborn babies at Gaza's biggest hospital.

Israeli tanks have taken up positions outside Al Shifa Hospital, which Israel says sits atop tunnels housing a headquarters for Hamas who are using patients as shields.

US President Joe Biden said hospitals in the Gaza Strip must be protected and he hoped for 'less intrusive' action by Israel as tanks advanced on the main gates, while Britain's Rishi Sunak said 'too many civilians' are dying in the coastal strip.

As criticism of Israel's strikes in Gaza grew louder, the Jewish state said it is transferring incubators for the newborns. A doctor at the hospital has said that so far, three babies have died due to a lack of oxygen and electricity.

Dr Mohamed Abu Selmia, manager of the key Al-Shifa hospital, told the BBC that Israel is yet to reach out about the evacuation of the newborns.

Time is running out for 36 newborn babies (pictured) at Gaza 's biggest hospital

'No, they haven't reached out, instead we reached out to them... but until now we have received no response,' he said. 'There are negotiations regarding evacuating premature babies but until now nothing has happened.'

After days of heavy air strikes around Al-Shifa hospital, witnesses said tanks and armoured vehicles were yards from the besieged facility.

The medical centre has become a focal point of the five-week-old war as Israeli forces have continued to advance into Gaza City.

The United Nations believes that thousands, and perhaps more than 10,000 people - patients, staff and displaced civilians - may be inside and unable to escape because of fierce fighting nearby, many using it as a shelter in Gaza's besieged north.

Gaza health ministry spokesperson Ashraf Al-Qidra, who was inside Al Shifa hospital, said on Monday 32 patients had died in the previous three days, including three newborns, because of the siege of the hospital in northern Gaza and a lack of power.

The Israeli military said early on Tuesday it had 'initiated a humanitarian effort to coordinate transfer of incubators' from Israel to Al Shifa.

However, it made clear none of the devices, often used to keep pre-mature newborns warm, had been received by the facility.

There was no immediate comment from Al Shifa or from Hamas.

Meanwhile, Israeli forces appear ready to enter the hospital.

This would prove a key moment in the war and show once and for all whether Hamas terrorists have indeed based their secret headquarters underneath the hospital.

But any such move by the Israeli forces to enter the hospital would see civilians, patients and doctors caught in the middle of fierce fighting.

At least 650 patients were still inside Al Shifa hospital, desperate to be evacuated to another medical facility. Meanwhile, the director of the hospital said today that 179 people, including babies and patients who died in the intensive care unit, had been buried in a 'mass grave' at the complex.

'We were forced to bury them in a mass grave,' said Al-Shifa hospital director Mohammad Abu Salmiyah, adding that seven babies and 29 intensive care patients were among those buried after hospital fuel supplies ran out.

'There are bodies littered in the hospital complex and there is no longer electricity at the morgues,' he said, as no fuel has entered the Gaza Strip since the Israel-Hamas war began on October 7.

On Tuesday, a man and a woman died in the ICU bringing the number of people who had died in the unit to 29, Salmiyah said.

As criticism of Israel's strikes in Gaza grew louder, the Jewish state said it is transferring incubators for the babies. A doctor at the hospital has said that so far, three babies have died due to a lack of oxygen and electricity. Some of the babies are seen at the hospital on Nov. 12

The Israeli military said early on Tuesday it had 'initiated a humanitarian effort to coordinate transfer of incubators' from Israel to Al Shifa

A picture shows a view of the exterior of Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City on November 10

Amid reports of the premature babies dying for lack of electricity and patients facing gunfire, a surgeon working for Doctors Without Borders said the situation inside the hospital had become 'very bad'.

'We don't have electricity. There's no water in the hospital. There's no food,' said the doctor, who was not named by his organisation. 'It is inhuman.'

Israel accuses Hamas fighters of using tunnels under the hospital as a command 'node', effectively engaging the sick and injured as human shields.

It is a charge that Hamas denies.

Israel says it is not targeting the hospital, but has vowed to destroy Hamas in response to the attacks of October 7, which killed an estimated 1,200 people, mostly civilians and resulted in 240 hostages being taken back to Gaza.

The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza says Israel's assault has already killed 11,240 people, also mostly civilians, including thousands of children.

Israel says 46 of its troops have been killed in fighting in Gaza.

Israeli military spokesman Peter Lerner insisted Al-Shifa was 'central in Hamas's command and control capabilities', but said troops were currently 'stand-offish'.

'The idea is to try to evacuate the people, evacuate as many as possible,' he said.

Biden called on Israel to use 'less intrusive action relative to the hospital', some of his most pointed comments on Israeli operations to date.

'The hospital must be protected,' he told reporters.

He added: 'there is an effort to get this pause to deal with the release of prisoners and that's being negotiated, as well, with the Qataris ... being engaged.'

Last night, also in some of his strongest comments yet, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said 'too many civilians' are dying in Gaza.

He said there needs to be 'unhindered humanitarian access and urgent and substantive humanitarian pauses', telling the Lord Mayor's Banquet in London: 'There are things that Israel must do as part of this response.

'We've been clear that they must act within international law, they must take all measures to protect innocent civilians, including at hospitals, stop extremist violence in the West Bank and allow more aid into Gaza...too many civilians are losing their lives.

'That's why I've doubled our aid to Gaza and why we continue to press both at the United Nations and directly with Israel for unhindered humanitarian access and urgent and substantive humanitarian pauses. We want aid coming in by air, land and sea, and we're ready to use our bases in Cyprus as a staging post.'

A satellite image shows Gaza's Al-Shifa hospital on November 11

Men check the bodies of people killed in a bombardment in Gaza, November 10

Underscoring the role that global public opinion is playing in the war, both sides have repeatedly given vastly different accounts of events.

Israel's Lerner put the number of people inside the hospital at 'a few hundred', while the Hamas government's deputy health minister Youssef Abu Rish, who is present in the hospital, said about 20,000 displaced people had sought refuge there.

Roughly two-thirds of the people in the densely populated Mediterranean strip have been made homeless by Israel's military campaign, in which it has ordered the northern half of Gaza evacuated.

Hamas's brutal attacks of October 7 and Israel's massive response have sparked protests around the world, with hundreds of thousands of people taking to the streets in the Middle East, Europe and beyond.

Israel's supporters insist it must protect citizens after the worst attack in the country's 75-year history - an attack that brought painful echoes of past pogroms against the Jewish people.

But Israel's critics point to the toll of a blockade and near-relentless bombing campaign on long-suffering civilians in Gaza.

International aid agencies speak of hundreds of thousands of people displaced and a rolling humanitarian catastrophe.

Israel's top diplomat admitted Monday that his nation has 'two or three weeks until international pressure really steps up.'

Quoted by his spokesman, Foreign Minister Eli Cohen added that Israel is working to 'broaden the window of legitimacy, and the fighting will carry on for as long as necessary' as the IDF continues its mission to destroy Hamas.

In the face of mounting pressure, Israel has agreed to daily pauses in military operations around specified humanitarian 'corridors' to allow Gazans to flee fighting.

Israeli leaders have so far insisted there will be no broader ceasefire before hostages are released. But Qatar is mediating talks on a possible deal to free the hostages.

Abu Obeida, a spokesman for Hamas's Al-Qassam Brigades military wing, said Monday that a possible deal would involve the release 100 Israeli hostages in return for 200 Palestinian children and 75 women held in Israeli prisons.

Al-Qassam Brigades posted an audio recording on its Telegram channel saying the group was ready to release the hostages, an offer Israel is unlikely to embrace.

'We told the (Qatari) mediators that in a five-day truce, we can release 50 of them and the number could reach 70 due to the difficulty that the captives are held by different factions,' Obeida said. He claimed Israel had asked for 100 to be freed.

As security officials and diplomats continued negotiations, Hamas released a video of a young woman who was said to be an Israeli soldier held in Gaza.

The Israeli army later confirmed the identity of the woman.

'Our hearts go out to the Marciano family, whose daughter, Noa, was brutally kidnapped by the Hamas terrorist organisation,' the army said in a statement.

Army spokesman Daniel Hagari said troops 'found signs that indicate that Hamas held hostages' in the basement of Al-Rantisi children's hospital, showing footage of a baby bottle and a rope near a chair.

In the video he showed neatly arranged assault rifles, grenades and what Hagari said were 'vests with explosives'.

A view of damaged buildings in Gaza following artillery strikes, as seen from southern Israel, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas, November 14

IDF tanks move through a field in southern Israel on November 13

Civil defense teams and civilians conduct a search and rescue operation under the rubble of demolished buildings after Israeli bombardment at Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza City, Nov. 14

The war in Gaza has also spurred violence on other fronts.

In the northern West Bank, five Palestinians were killed in clashes around the city of Tulkarem, the director of a local hospital told AFP on Tuesday.

After repeated strikes on US forces in the Middle East, the United States launched air attacks that killed at least eight pro-Iran fighters in eastern Syria, a Britain-based monitoring group said.

On Monday, Israel used fighter jets to strike what it said were 'operational command centres' belonging to Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah inside Lebanon.
Iceland 'is on edge' as experts say earthquakes that have been rumbling beneath the surface for days and have torn through a town are a precursor to a volcanic eruption.

More than 700 quakes have been recorded in the south-western Reykjanes Peninsula since yesterday, and despite them being slightly weaker than in previous days the Fagradalsfjall volcano is still expected to erupt.

Iceland has been shaken by thousands of tremors over the past few days, with a state of emergency declared on Friday and around 4,000 people ordered to leave the fishing community of Grindavik.

Evacuated residents have reported hearing 'unholy sounds' from beneath the ground as they fled, while those allowed to return to collect belongings from their deserted homes were told: 'If you hear sirens, drop everything and get out!'

Sinkholes have opened up around the town, and now aerial footage captured by the Coast Guard shows a chasm running through the centre, with smoke pouring out of the gaping splits as magma rises.

Meanwhile, authorities are urgently preparing to build defence walls around a nearby geothermal power plant which they desperately hope will protect it from lava flows - amid concerns that a volcanic eruption could be imminent.

Smoke has been seen pouring out of fissures as volcanic activity continues under the surface

Video shows cars lining up to briefly re-enter Grindavik so residents can collect their belongings. They had to drive over huge gaps in the road which have appeared amid the seismic and volcanic activity

Roads near Grindavik have been completely torn open amid the volcanic activity, with a digger seen making repairs today

Huge sinkholes have emerged on a road due to volcanic activity, near Grindavik

The Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, which has been closed to tourists due to the volcanic activity, with the Svartsengi geothermal power station in the background (file image)

Mount Fagradalsfjall volcano spews lava after an eruption in on July 16, 2023

Iceland's Justice Minister Gudrun Hafsteinsdottir told state broadcaster RUV that a large dike has been designed to protect the Svartsengi geothermal power plant, located just over six kilometers from Grindavik.

Equipment and materials that could fill 20,000 trucks were being moved to the plant, she said, and construction is awaiting formal approval from the government.

The plant produces hot and cold water and electricity for the entire country and a spokesperson for its operator, HS Orka, said a disruption would not impact power supply to the capital Reykjavik.

Magma has been accumulating under the town and experts said yesterday that a 'corridor' around nine miles (14km) long has developed beneath it, with an eruption possible anywhere along the intrusion.

Fears have been mounting that an eruption could see a repeat of the chaos caused by the 2010 Eyjafjallajokull eruption, however volcanologists have said that Fagradalsfjall would not produce a huge ash cloud as it did if it does blow.

Matthew James Roberts, director of the service and research division at Iceland's meteorological office, said: 'We believe that this intrusion is literally hovering, sitting in equilibrium now just below the earth's surface.

'We have this tremendous uncertainty now. Will there be an eruption and if so, what sort of damage will occur?'

The head of the Department of Public Safety has said it is getting 'more and more difficult' to get into the area of Grinvadik as giant chasms continue to widen.

'That area continues to sink and new cracks are constantly forming on the surface. We define this area a bit like a sliding glacier that is heavily cracked and even covered with snow, so it is very dangerous to be inside that area.'

While people have been able to make quick trips to their homes in recent days to gather belongings and retrieve pets, anyone who has been unable to do so thus far will need extra safety precautions if returning today, he said.

Iceland's Justice Minister Gudrun Hafsteinsdottir told state broadcaster RUV that a large dike has been designed to protect the Svartsengi geothermal power plant (file image)

A car drives towards a fissure across a road in Grindavik on Monday

A resident from the town of Grindavik, Iceland, takes some of her belongings from her house after being ordered to evacuate

Residents of Grindavik were briefly allowed to return to their homes on Monday after being told to evacuate on Saturday

Authorities have warned that anyone hoping to return will need to be accompanied by emergency personnel.

Residents have shared videos making their way back into the deserted fishing town, with officials warning them to urgently retreat if they hear warning sirens.

One documented his return on TikTok, filming a long queue of cars making their way back into the town temporarily with officials stopping each to give safety advice.

An emergency worker stops the man to ask if he is a Gindavik resident, before advising him: 'If you hear any sirens, airhorns or anything similar, then get out! Drop everything and get out!'

The Civil Protection Authority stressed in a statement that the area around Grindavik is dangerous.

'The Weather Bureau continues to measure ongoing and constant ground deformation in the vertical displacement which has formed near Grindavik,' it said.

'Intrusions can form without any notice, as well as volcanic activity. A volcanic eruption is likely in the area.'

It added that 'rapid land upheaval' is being measured around Svartsengi.

Local media reports that seismic activity overnight was similar to the day before, with 'about a hundred tremors per hour'. Most were small, but the largest measured 3.1 and 2.8 in size, according to Visir.is.

Hans Vera, a Belgian-born 56-year-old who has lived in Iceland since 1999, said there had been a constant shaking of his family's house.

'You would never be steady, it was always shaking, so there was no way to get sleep,' said Vera, who is now staying at his sister-in-law's home in a Reykjavik suburb.

'It's not only the people in Grindavik who are shocked about this situation it's the whole of Iceland.'

Dramatic aerial footage captured by the Coast Guard shows a chasm running through the centre of the town

Huge cracks have appeared in the roads and around houses in Grindavik as magma accumulates below the surface

'We are really concerned about all the houses and the infrastructure in the area,' head of Iceland's Civil Protection and Emergency Management, Reynisson said earlier this week.

'The magma is now at a very shallow depth, so we're expecting an eruption within a couple of hours at the shortest, but at least within a couple of days.'

Icelanders are 'essentially just waiting', local journalist Holmfridur Gisladottir told Sky News on Monday.

A looming eruption has revived the trauma of the 2010 explosion at another of Iceland's volcanoes, Eyjafjallajokull, for many locals.

A sign of the village of Grindavik, which was ordered to evacuate due to volcanic activity

Roads were shut when large cracks emerged following tremors, amid increasing seismic and volcanic activity

Roads have been wrecked in the south-western town and 4,000 people were evacuated after tremors

It produced a huge cloud of ash which prompted the biggest shutdown of global aviation since the Second World War, with 50,000 flights cancelled and eight million passengers affected.

Discussing the differences between a potential eruption of Fagradalsfjall and Eyjafjallajokull, Mr Roberts said an eruption could see lava spew over the town, but was less likely to cause the same ash blast.

He told BBC R4's Today programme on Monday: 'First of all there isn't an ice cap on top and it's not a stratovolcano so wouldn't be an explosive blast of volcanic ash into the atmosphere.

'This would be a lava-producing volcanic eruption along a series of fissures and that would be the main hazard.'

He added that an eruption 'that persists for weeks' is possible, meaning roads and other infrastructure could be 'in harm's way'.

Cracks have been worsening amid ongoing volcanic and seismic activity around Grindavik. Picture taken on November 13

Large cracks appear on a road amid volcanic activity near Grindavik in Iceland on November 11

Located between the Eurasian and the North American tectonic plates, among the largest on the planet, Iceland is a seismic and volcanic hot spot as the two plates move in opposite directions.

In March 2021, lava fountains erupted spectacularly from a fissure in the ground measuring between 500-750 metres long in the region's Fagradalsfjall volcanic system.

Volcanic activity in the area continued for six months that year, prompting thousands of Icelanders and tourists to visit the scene.

In August 2022, a three-week eruption happened in the same area, followed by another in July of this year.

Iceland volcano: Scientists reveal just how big an eruption could be - and whether it could produce another huge ash cloud like Eyjafjallajokull in 2010

By Jonathan Chadwick

Iceland  one of the biggest volcanic hotspots in the world  has declared a state of emergency over the latest threat of eruption.

Around 4,000 people have been forced from their homes in the town of Grindavik due to its proximity to the Fagradalsfjall volcano on the Reykjanes peninsula, while the popular Blue Lagoon tourist attraction has been closed.

For many locals, the episode has revived the trauma of the disastrous explosion at another of Iceland's volcanoes, Eyjafjallajokull, back in 2010.

While the eruption didn't kill anyone, it did produce a huge cloud of ash that prompted the biggest global aviation shutdown since World War II.

Now, scientists have revealed to MailOnline just how big an eruption could be and if it could rival Eyjafjallajokull, which saw 50,000 flights cancelled and 8million passengers affected.

Iceland is a particular hotspot for seismic activity because it sits on a tectonic plate boundary called the Mid Atlantic Ridge

Around 4,000 people have been forced from their homes in the town of Grindavik due to its proximity to the Fagradalsfjall volcano on the Reykjanes peninsula. Pictured, Mount Fagradalsfjall volcano spews lava after an eruption in Reykjavik, Iceland, on July 16, 2023

Dr Dave McGarvie, a volcanologist at the University of Lancaster, said the huge ash cloud like the one we saw 13 years ago is unlikely to happen again right now.

'A potential future eruption arising from the current unrest will not lead to disruption like that of the Eyjafjallajokull 2010 eruption,' he said.

'Eruptions on the Reykjanes Peninsula are dominated by basalt lava production with only minor ash production, whereas the Eyjafjallajokull 2010 eruption was dominated by ash production.

'So it is extremely unlikely that an eruption arising from the current unrest will cause disruption to transatlantic air travel.'

Although Iceland's capital Reykjavik is well outside the danger zone, Iceland's airport of Keflavik lies around 10 miles (17 km) northwest of the area of unrest.

At the moment, flights are departing and arriving at Keflavik  Iceland's primary international airport  as usual.

However, as a precaution for domestic and international air travel, the volcanic aviation colour code for the Reykjanes Peninsula is now orange (heightened unrest).

The orange alert represents the third-highest level, although it poses limited hazards to aviation.

The next stage is red, reserved for an imminent or ongoing volcanic eruption that could seriously affect aviation, but this is unlikely.

As a precaution for domestic and international air travel, the volcanic aviation colour code for the Reykjanes Peninsula has been elevated to orange (heightened unrest)

What is the mid-Atlantic ridge? The mid-Atlantic ridge (MAR) is a ridge found along the floor of the Atlantic Ocean. This rift marks the actual boundary between adjacent tectonic plates, where magma from the mantle reaches the seafloor, erupting as lava. MAR forms part of the longest mountain range in the world and separates the Eurasian Plate and North American Plate in the North Atlantic, and the African Plate from the South American Plate in the South Atlantic. Advertisement

Iceland is a particular hotspot for seismic activity because it sits on a tectonic plate boundary called the Mid Atlantic Ridge.

The Mid Atlantic Ridge is a long chain of mountains that stretches down the Atlantic ocean, meaning most of these mountains are underground. It's gradually pushing North America and Eurasia away from each other.

There are only a few places on Earth where the Mid Atlantic Ridge is exposed on land, but Iceland  which is slap bang in the middle of the ridge  is one of them.

But Iceland is also located over a mantle plume  a column of hot, molten rock that rises from the deep mantle to the surface, becoming lava when it erupts.

In the past week, Grindavik has become lined with massive cracks in the land that are billowing out steam  the result of magma moving underground that pushes up on the Earth's crust.

Authorities are fearing eruptions of basalt lava  viscous molten rock  that comes to the surface in the region through the cracks right underneath buildings.

Dr Carmen Solana, a volcanologist at the University of Portsmouth, said magma is very close to the surface'  around 1 to 2 km (0.6 to 1.2 miles)  and an eruption could occur 'at any time'.

Map shows the tectonic plates of the lithosphere (the rocky outermost shell) on Earth. The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is highlighted in yellow

'This series of volcanic unrest is creating large earthquakes and a lot of deformation as you can see from the images of cracking roads and the smoke coming to the surface,' she told MailOnline.

Residents have been evacuated because of the concern that cracks could 'open literally underneath houses', she said, leading to 'complete destruction' of Grindavik which is a key part of the country's fishing industry.

Dr Solana agreed that an imminent eruption would not cause similar travel disruption like that of the 2010 eruption.

'Eyjafjallajokull in 2010 was actually a small eruption but it happened on a volcano underneath an ice cap,' she said.

'The interaction of magma with ice, increased the explosivity, broke the magma into very small pieces of ash that went into the atmosphere.

'This is not the scenario that we're looking at here.'

Despite the build-up of activity, Dr Solana added that an eruption might not actually happen.

'At the moment we don't even know if there's going to be an eruption,' she told MailOnline.

Tourists walk on recently cooled lava from the Fagradalsfjall Volcano in southwestern Iceland back in 2021 (file photo)

'How much magma is going to come, we don't really know.

'There might be an accumulation of magma beneath the surface but that doesn't mean that all of that is going to come to the surface.'

Professor Marc K. Reichow, a geochemistat the, University of Leicester, said it's 'difficult to say' what the potential size or scale of an eruption will be.

'Depending whether this eruption will take place the proximity to local residences could be dangerous and cause damage to buildings,' he said.

'The area has been evacuated and hazard to life is currently minimal.'

Almannavarnir, part of Iceland's Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management, has a dedicated advice page that details Grindavik's evacuation plan.

Residents should close windows, unplug electrical appliances and secure the home before putting a sign outside to show the house is vacated.

It says: 'Residents must evacuate their homes and leave town. This is not an emergency evacuation. It is our request to the residents of Grindavik to leave the town without any trouble.

'There is no immediate danger imminent, the evacuation is primarily preventive with the safety of all Grindvikin in the first place.'
A Jewish school was denied the lease of a jumping castle after the company owner boasted 'there's no way I'm taking a Zionist booking'.

The Instagram account for Western Sydney Jump, which was founded by corporate events planner Tanya Jones in 2013, shared a screenshot of a booking enquiry from Masada College, a co-educational Jewish school in St Ives on Sydney's Upper North Shore.

'There's no way I'm taking a Zionist booking. I don't want your blood money. Free Palestine,' the response to the school read, accompanied by a Palestine flag.

The Instagram account for Western Sydney Jump (pictured), which was founded by corporate events planner Tanya Jones, shared a screenshot of a booking enquiry from Masada College, a co-educational Jewish school in St Ives on Sydney's Upper North Shore (see below)

Western Sydney Jump was founded by corporate events planner Tanya Jones (pictured) in 2013

The accompanying message read: 'I have owned my business for 10 years. I have the right to decline any booking at anytime.'

It is unclear who wrote the message but the Western Sydney Jump Instagram account has since been deleted.

Daily Mail Australia approached Ms Jones and Western Sydney Jump for comment.

Masada College was also contacted.

David Ossip, President of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies and an alumnus of Masada College, branded the refusal 'sinister and disturbing'.

'These are Australian kids, not participants in a foreign conflict,' he said.

'The business, through its correspondence and social media posts, has sought to dehumanise Jews and then boasted about its despicable behaviour.

'It is deeply repugnant and inconsistent with the values we hold dear as Australians.'

Dr Dvir Abramovich, Chair of the Anti-Defamation Commission, Australia's leading civil rights organisation fighting antisemitism, said he was 'shocked by this hateful and ugly outburst of exclusion which is un-Australian and tears to shreds our shared values'.

'What's next? Being refused entry into a restaurant, a club or a medical clinic because you wear a Star of David, or you have a Jewish-sounding name?' Dr Abramovich asked.

He added: 'Who would have thought that in Sydney 2023, people would be denied a booking because of their support for Israel? We should have zero tolerance for this kind of profiling and indefensible prejudice.

Masada College is a co-educational Jewish school in St Ives on Sydney's Upper North Shore (pictured)

'No one should be singled out or denied entry because of their ethnic origin, the country they support, gender, creed, faith, or sexual orientation.'

Dr Abramovish, whose cousin, Police inspector Chen Amir, was murdered in a terrorist attack in Tel Aviv in August, and whose family in Kibbutz Reim hid in a safe room while Hamas terrorists stalked and killed their neighbours, called for Human Rights Commission to investigate the business.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said the situation was 'outrageous'.

'It's not in keeping with any part of our multicultural community. I condemn it completely. This must be investigated by federal and state authorities,' Mr Minns told The Daily Telegraph.

The Australian Jewish Association also condemned the booking refusal.

'This isn't 1930s Germany, it's Western Sydney in 2023,' it wrote.

'The government has allowed a violent and racist hatred to fester in a certain community.

'This hatred doesn't belong in Australia. The government needs to speak up.'

Western Jump Sydney claims it is a 'celebration and event hire company providing a range of equipment to help entertain guests of all ages and abilities'.

'We serve a large range of events  council, corporate, schools and private social functions,' the company claims.
This is the horrifying moment a brown bear savaged two gas workers in Siberia, leaving both with serious head and arm wounds after wrestling with the beast.

In the video, three dogs are seen near the bear as it patrols the camp. A voice calls out to the dogs to get away.

The bear then enters the compound, chasing one of the dogs around a vehicle in the heavy snow.

As one man leaves a trailer, the bear emerges from behind some bags of chemicals and attacks.

One man forced onto the snow by the raging bear. Others try to deter the animal with what appears to be a fire extinguisher.

As the bear vanishes with the workers, one onlooker calls out: 'Where is he?'

Another responds: 'He's ****** - [the bear] ate him there.'

There was panic as workers used fire extinguishers, flares and a gas spray to seek to scare the bear away

The bear managed to clamber through the fence to enter the gas-drilling compound in Siberia

It was seen walking around after lunging at a dog near the facility in Russia's Yakutia region

A foreman and a mechanic miraculously survived a vicious bear attack at a gas-drilling facility in Russia's Yakutia region

The two men were in the smoking room of their plant when they saw a pack of dogs chasing something, say reports.

One of the pair - a mechanic - opened the door to chase away the bear but it immediately attacked him.

There was panic as workers used fire extinguishers, flares and a gas spray to seek to scare the bear away.

Eventually it loosened its grip on the mechanic but immediately grabbed and savaged the plant's foreman.

Workers called in a local hunter who came and shot the bear some 20 minutes after the attacks.

The two men were given first aid at the site and rushed by helicopter to hospital.

An image shared with MailOnline appeared to show a missing chunk of ear, apparently torn off by the bear in an attack.

Voices from eyewitnesses on the video tell how the bear broke through the fence to enter the territory of the remote facility.

A man shouts to the bear - calling the predator Mishka - trying to get it away from the cabins where workers are gathered.

'Look, he's tearing the fence,' says a worried voice.

'He's climbing over, he's climbing over, isn't he?'

He shouts: 'Everybody run away. Where is he.?'

The bear was sighted near the trailer used as a smoking room by workers on the site

There was some commotion on the compound as workers tried to shoo off the bear

Workers called in a local hunter who came and shot the bear some 20 minutes after the attacks

Pictured: one worker is carried away after suffering serious injuries from the mauling

The two men were given first aid at the site and rushed by helicopter to hospital

Both survived the ordeal - but were left with serious injuries from the sudden attack

In October, a security guard at the five-star St. Regis Aspen Resort in Colorado was attacked by a black bear after it wandered into the building.

Security footage likewise captured the attack at the luxury hotel.

The staff member heard some commotion in the kitchen and went to investigate which is when he was attacked by the bear.

It leapt up on to its hind legs and swiped at the unidentified security guard, shoving him to the ground, before it quickly left the scene.

He called 911, received treatment for scratches to his back and was released from hospital on Tuesday. While the bear was later found and euthanized by officers.
A United Airlines flight from Los Angeles to Vancouver was forced to make an emergency landing after an onboard passenger made a bomb threat.

Sources at San Francisco International Airport told local media that a passenger on board flight UA1909 had made the threat on Monday night, though officials quickly realized it was not credible.

Investigators were said to have spoken to passengers who were on board the flight.

They said that, despite the threat being deemed not credible, the plane, which was carrying 156 passengers and crew members, still made an emergency landing.

Flight UA1909, an Airbus A320, was seen making an unexpected loop and heading to San Francisco just an hour after taking off from Los Angeles at around 7pm on Monday night.

The plane was carrying 156 passengers and crew from LA to Vancouver (Stock)

Flight UA1909 , was seen making an unexpected loop and heading to San Francisco just an hour after taking off from Los Angeles

The plane made the loop just over Lassen National Forest.

A United Airlines spokesperson told MailOnline: 'United flight 1909 diverted to San Francisco this evening due to a potential security issue on board.

'The flight landed safely and was met by local law enforcement. We are working to get our customers to their final destination as soon as possible.

It comes after Ryanair passengers were forced to take shelter in a barn after a bomb scare at a French airport caused travel chaos.

Families preparing to board a Ryanair flight from Bergerac to London Stansted were ushered into cold and damp agricultural buildings loaded with tractors and equipment.

It is understood the departure had already been delayed by a technical problem with the plane when the bomb scare occurred.

A Ryanair source blamed a hoax security threat and confirmed passengers were temporarily moved to a nearby facility while the airport was assessed.
It took place in a restaurant in Hornsea, East Yorkshire, on Saturday, November 11

This is the shocking CCTV footage that shows a group of pensioners carefully plotting a 'dine and dash' which left a restaurant owner heartbroken.

The party of four are seen ordering the most expensive items and then distracting staff with another drinks order to make their getaway from the Med-Mex Restaurant and Bar in Hornsea, East Yorkshire, on Saturday, November 11.

The OAP gang managed to escape without paying their 96.70 tab and the establishment's owner Racha Eid believes the group 'planned this all along'.

Ms Eid said: 'It's been over 24 hours since it happened now and I don't think they will come back and pay.

'They were not local customers and were just walk-ins and I had never seen them before.

The Med-Mex Restaurant and Bar in Hornsea, East Yorkshire, was subject to a a 'dine and dash' on Saturday, November 11

The OAP gang managed to escape without paying their 96.70 tab, including some of the most expensive items on the menu

'The people [the party of four] came across as really posh and they were quite old. They seemed to be around 65 or 70.'

The restaurant boss says the group opted to sit in the seat nearest the door and indulge in some of the more expensive products on the menu including the beef stroganoff and 'mile high tortilla pie'.

When the waitress went back to check if the group were happy with their meal, Ms Eid claims one of the customers said the beef was undercooked.

To compensate for this, staff offered the customer a free drink, but were shocked to then find the dinner finished their plate.

After their meal, Ms Eid said the group sat and enjoyed the live band for around an hour before ordering another round of drinks - this is when they fled the premises.

The owner of the Mexican-Italian restaurant now believes the walk-ins ordered the beverages to distract the server so they could dine and dash.

CCTV footage shows the diners get up from the table and put on their coats as the waitress is at the bar making their drinks order.

All four are then seen to check the till area behind them for staff members before swiftly exiting the restaurant without paying for their food.

The mum of two said she posted the CCTV on Facebook shortly after the incident in the hopes that the group would return and pay up but said no one has come forward.

Ms Eid, who owns the venue with her husband Claude, 47, said she was left 'very upset' by the incident.

She added: 'It has left me very upset because one of the customers had also complained about our meat.

Racha Eid, owner of the Mexican-Italian restaurant, believes the group planned to leave without paying the whole time

CCTV footage shows the diners get up from the table and put on their coats as the waitress is at the bar making their drinks order

All four diners check the till area behind them for staff members before swiftly exiting the restaurant without paying for their food

The restaurant boss says the group opted to sit in the seat nearest the door and indulge in some of the more expensive products on the menu

The mum of two said she posted the CCTV on Facebook shortly in the hopes that the group would return and pay-up but said no one has come forward

Ms Eid said she has not reported the incident to the police but shared the CCTV footage to expose the diners

The runners indulged in some of the more valuable products on the menu including the beef stroganoff and 'mile high tortilla pie'

Ms Eid had left the restaurant at 7pm that evening so was informed by a member of staff

'We have won an award for selling the best steak in Hornsea.

'Secondly, we are really nice people and everyone is struggling at the moment with all the prices going up. It really isn't fair.

'This has only ever happened once before and the lady came in the next day and apologised and paid up.

'This group could have easily messaged to say they had forgotten to pay but they haven't done so.'

Ms Eid had left the restaurant at 7pm that evening so was informed by a member of staff.

After watching the CCTV footage, the 37-year-old believes the diners had pre-planned the stunt.

Ms Eid continued: 'They came into the restaurant around 6:30pm and sat at table one which is closest to the door.

'They sat in the restaurant part of the building and because we had a party going on in the bar area, we were absolutely rammed.

'If you look at the CCTV footage before they leave, you can see them all looking at the till to see if any staff are there.

'One of the guys in particular could be seen to keep looking back at the till to check if anyone was around. They were planning this all along.'

Ms Eid said she has not reported the incident to the police but shared the CCTV footage on social media to expose the diners in the hopes someone would recognise them.

Since posting the clip to Facebook, the footage has been shared more than 150 times.

One person said: 'It's disgusting. I really hope with the power of Facebook you find out who they are.'

Another added: 'Let's get this shared and find out who they are!'

A third commented: 'Shame that at that age they think it's okay to do this.'
Rishi Sunak joked about it not being David Cameron's 'first time' at Cabinet today as he assembled a distinctly familiar top team.

The PM hosted his reshuffled pack in Downing Street, welcoming the now Lord Cameron to the table for the first time in seven years after his bombshell appointment as Foreign Secretary.

Many of the faces will have been familiar to the peer, with half a dozen ministers having served in his governments - and three of those present having worked for him when he was Tory leader.

Mr Sunak quipped: 'A warm welcome to those for whom it's their first Cabinet and also a welcome to those for whom it may not be their first time.'

He added: 'Our purpose is nothing less than to make the long-term decisions that are going to change our country for the better.

'I know that this strong and united team is going to deliver that change for everybody.'

Lord Cameron was seated opposite his new boss, while Chancellor Jeremy Hunt was next to him at the table.

Supporters of the premier were jubilant about how the changes had gone last night, despite mounting threats from the Tory right after Suella Braverman was brutally sacked.

They also pointed to the fact only around a dozen MPs were at a meeting in Parliament to plot a response to the axing.

However, Mr Sunak has been hit with his first no-confidence letter, as former minister Andrea Jenkyns went public to say she has written to the chair of the 1922 committee.

And Westminster wags have been swiping that the return for Lord Cameron is 'like United bringing back Ronaldo'. 'A failing team reaches desperately for a former hero to rescue them  and there's a fair chance it ends with Cameron heading to Saudi on a truckload of cash,' one told Politico.

The grim backdrop to the positive mood was underlined with a Savanta poll this morning showing Labour 18 points ahead, enough for a huge majority at an election that is expected to happen within the next year.

Rishi Sunak gathered his new-look Cabinet today as allies hailed his 'grabbing the initiative' in the reshuffle

Lord Cameron has been placed fourth in the Cabinet list issued by Downing Street

Rishi Sunak will host his overhauled top team in Downing Street , with David - now Lord - Cameron around the table for the first time in seven years. He is pictured walking into the building with Andrew Mitchell, one of his former ministers and now his Foreign Office deputy

Supporters of the PM were jubilant about how the changes had gone last night, despite mounting threats from the Tory right after Suella Braverman was brutally sacked

Lord Cameron in a Cabinet meeting in May 2015. He saw many familiar faces at Cabinet, with half a dozen ministers having served in his governments - and three of those present having worked for him when he was Tory leader

Esther McVey has made a stunning return to Cabinet with a brief to be 'minister for common sense'. She is expected to be deployed frequently on TV

An Ipsos poll released today suggested that the public supported the decision to sack Suella Braverman - but were less favourable to the decision to bring back David Cameron

Lord Cameron briefed the Cabinet on the looming state visit by the South Korean premier, in his first contribution.

A No10 readout said: 'The Prime Minister welcomed the new Foreign Secretary to Cabinet and asked him to provide an update ahead of the state visit of the president of the Republic of Korea.

'The Foreign Secretary said the UK and the Republic of Korea had shared values, and that the visit presented an opportunity to deepen ties.'

In other activity on Lord Cameron's first full day, he announced sanctions against four Hamas leaders and two of the militant group's financiers.

Yahya Sinwar, Muhammed Deif, Marwan Issa, Musa Dudin, Abdelbasit Hamza and Nabil Chouman have been made subject to travel bans, asset freezes and arms embargoes that prohibit the sale of weapons to any of the individuals.

Lord Cameron said: 'We will continue to use every tool at our disposal to disrupt the abhorrent activity of this terrorist organisation, working with the United States and our other allies, making it harder for them to operate and isolating them on the world stage.

'The Palestinian people are victims of Hamas too. We stand in solidarity with them and will continue to support humanitarian pauses to allow significantly more lifesaving aid to reach Gaza.'

Sinwar, Deif and Issa are all senior leaders of Hamas while Dudin is a West Bank-based Hamas official and Hamza and Chouman are both financiers, the Foreign Office said.

The US also sanctioned Akram al-Ajouri, a leader of Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ).

Mr Sunak and ministers looked ahead to tomorrow's crucial Supreme Court decision on the Rwanda deportations plan.

Home Secretary James Cleverly 'outlined some of the possible scenarios' of the judgment, the Prime Minister's spokesman said.

'Ahead of the Supreme Court judgment on the Rwanda migration partnership tomorrow, the Prime Minister highlighted significant progress made by the Government to stop the boats,' the readout said.

'He said that the UK was bucking the global trend by significantly reducing the flow of illegal immigrants into the country while other countries continue to see their numbers rise.

'Alongside this, he said we are on track to eliminate the asylum legacy backlog and were making good progress on curbing the use of hotels to house migrants.

'The Home Secretary updated Cabinet ahead of the court judgments and on the wider work to curb illegal migration, including through more returns agreements, most recently with Georgia and Albania.'

One ally of Mr Sunak told MailOnline: 'I feel like we've grabbed the initiative today in a way we haven't in ages.'

They acknowledged that there was a difficult year ahead, but insisted 'Rish is a fighter. He wants to do this.'

A senior Tory MP - not usually shy of criticising the leadership - was also dismissive of the prospect of an attempt to oust Mr Sunak before the general election. 'They won't switch horses now,' they said.

In a major gamble to revive his electoral fortunes, Mr Sunak gave his predecessor a peerage to bring him back from the political wilderness and promoted loyalists to the top team.

A list circulated by Downing Street notably placed the ex-PM fourth in the pecking order, below Mr Sunak, his deputy Oliver Dowden and Mr Hunt - although above Home Secretary James Cleverly.

Lord Cameron was back around the Cabinet table for the first time since he stood down as prime minister and quit as an MP after losing the Brexit referendum in 2016.

He admitted such a return is 'not usual' but said he wants to support Mr Sunak through a 'difficult job at a hard time'.

Around the table are at least six who were either members of or attended his Cabinets - Michael Gove, Jeremy Hunt, Mark Harper, Grant Shapps, Andrew Mitchell and Esther McVey.

Deputy PM Oliver Dowden was Lord Cameron's chief of staff, Chief Secretary to the Treasury Laura Trott was one of his advisers, and Tory chairman Ric Holden was deputy head of the Conservative press office when he was leader.

The reshuffle  launched after Mr Sunak sacked Mrs Braverman as home secretary  risked pouring petrol on the raging tensions in Conservative Party.

Dame Andrea submitted a furious letter of no confidence in Mr Sunak to the Tory backbench 1922 Committee as a result of the decision.

Deputy Tory chairman Lee Anderson was among hardline MPs at a Commons meeting where concerns were shared about Mrs Braverman's ousting after she accused the police of bias - although it is thought he could have been monitoring the discussions for the leadership.

Tensions could be further ramped up on Wednesday, when the Supreme Court hands down its judgment on the Rwanda asylum policy central to Mr Sunak's promise to 'stop the boats' crossing the Channel.

Mrs Braverman, who warned she will have 'more to say in due course', could add to pressure by championing leaving the European Court of Human Rights if the Government loses the appeal.

In a foreign policy speech to the Lord Mayor's Banquet in London's Guildhall, Mr Sunak vowed to stand up for tolerance and free speech as 'conflicts overseas create division at home'.

James Cleverly was appointed Home Secretary as he was moved from the Foreign Office to make way for Lord Cameron, while promotions included Victoria Atkins to Health Secretary and Laura Trott to Treasury Chief Secretary.

New Chief Secretary to the Treasury Laura Trott - who was an adviser to Lord Cameron when he was PM - arriving for Cabinet this morning

Net Zero Secretary Claire Coutinho was among the ministers at Cabinet this morning

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack pictured going into Downing Street today

Rishi Sunak's Cabinet reshuffle raised some eyebrows with the return of David Cameron to government

In what looks to be a sop to the Tory right, GB News presenter and former work and pensions secretary Ms McVey was brought back into Cabinet with the unusual brief of being 'minister for common sense'.

In another sign Mr Sunak is looking ahead to the election, Mr Holden replaced Greg Hands as Conservative Party chairman following a string of by-election losses and a mauling in council contests during his nine months in charge.

Mr Sunak continued reshuffling the junior ranks last night and is expected to make a few more alterations later.

Conservative former Cabinet minister Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg said the reshuffle would not help win the Tories the next election, suggesting it will benefit the Reform party founded by Nigel Farage.

The MP told BBC Newsnight: 'The Champagne will be flowing in the Reform party headquarters tonight after what's been done today.'
This is the terrifying moment a veteran fighter jet crashed beside a road and burst into flames, killing its two-man crew just seconds after an airshow fly-past.

The Soviet-era L-29 Delfin training jet had been performing at a display in Villa Canas, Santa Fe province, Argentina, on November 12 when it erupted into flames.

Spectator footage of the performance shows the 500mph jet making a very low-level pass over the runway as it buzzed thrilled audience members.

But seconds later, the jet banks to the right to perform a loop-the-loop stunt and apparently fails to pull up in time, unable to pull up in time to fix the mistake.

As the crowd gasps in horror, the jet hurtles down toward the ground and bursts into flames, smashing into a field yards from a busy road.

Police named the plane's co-pilot as Gaston Vanucci and his pilot as air acrobatics specialist Gaston Vanucci. Both perished before rescuers could reach the plane.

The Soviet-era L-29 Delfin training jet had just performed a fly-past at the show in Argentine

The jet turned to perform a loop-the-loop stunt but apparently failed to pull up in time

L29s became a mainstay of Soviet air forces across communist eastern Europe after they came into production in 1959.

The Czech-made two-seaters were used to train combat pilots and were often adapted for combat roles as fighter bombers.

Villa Canas Fire Chief Horacio Pereyra told local media that the plane 'crashed a few metres from where the public was witnessing the spectacle'.

Pereyra said the jet 'made a low flight and when it finished crossing the runway at one of the runways, it made a half spin and then plummeted to the ground.'

Officials at the air club hosting the display said: 'The plane made a low flight over the post and when it was leaving, while making a turn, it landed on its end.

'Two people were aboard the plane, which is a combat aircraft. It is a Russian plane with a pilot and a passenger in the back.'

Villa Canas mayor Norberto Gizzi said: 'We are all moved by the event and stunned because everyone who was at the event was surprised to see how the plane fell.'

From a distance, the plane could be seen diving towards the ground as the crowd looked on in horror

The jet hurtled down toward the ground and bursts into flames, smashing into a field

Smoke billowed after the jet crashed suddenly into the ground, killing both on board

The Aero L-29 Delfin was introduced in 1961, built as a military trainer aircraft with light attack functionality.

It was Czechoslovakia's first locally designed and built jet aircraft and used for training purposes across the Warsaw Pact nations during the Cold War.

More than 3,500 were produced between 1963 and 1974 - and some were reported to have seen combat in the Nigerian Civil War and against Israel in the Yom Kippur War.

Angola and Georgia were reported to still be using the planes as of 2022.
The fiancee of an Alabama inmate who died after he was allegedly beaten and raped for two days in prison has revealed his body was covered in cuts and bruises when she visited him in hospital hours before he passed away.

Daniel Williams, 22, was two weeks from being released from serving a 12-month sentence for second-degree theft at Staton Correctional Facility in Elmore, Alabama, when a warden found him unresponsive in his dorm on October 22.

His family claims that the prison's warden told them that he suffered a 'drug overdose', but insiders at the prison told the Alabama Political Reporter that he had been 'kidnapped, bound, assaulted and sold out' by another inmate for 'two or three days'.

The father-of-one was declared brain dead upon his arrival at Jackson Hospital and provided palliative care, his family said in a GoFundMe campaign. He was taken off life support on November 5 and died four days later.

His fiancee, Amber, says she's still in shock about the state she found him in when she visited him in hospital, and has no clue how she'll raise their infant daughter.

'How am I supposed to tell her about her daddy? Like, why isn't he here? Why didn't he ever come home,' she told WMTV 13.

The father-of-one (pictured, left) was declared brain dead upon his arrival at Jackson Hospital and provided palliative care

Daniel and Amber had a young daughter together. Amber said that Daniel was a 'good father' to their child

'I went to the hospital and the nurses told me that he was assaulted and beaten really badly,' she added.

'And when I went into the room, [he] had bruises all down his arm, like down to his fingers. He had cuts up and down and bruises on his legs. It was bad.'

Despite his criminal record, Amber said he was a 'good father.'

His father Terry Williams said Daniel was brain-dead when he saw him, and his family were forced to make the decision to turn off his life support, after he was moved into palliative care.

He said he was furious with the warden, saying: 'I called the warden, and I cussed him. I said, "Dude, you know this is not an overdose case? You know exactly what happened. How is this crap going to happen like this?"

'Well, it's under investigation right now. And that's the last time I even talked to the warden.'

Daniel Williams, 22, was serving a 12-month sentence for second-degree theft at Staton Correctional Facility in Elmore, Alabama

Daniel and Amber (pictured, right) were due to be married before Daniel died in prison

Amber says she's still in shock about the state she found him in when she visited him in hospital, and has no clue how she'll raise their infant daughter

Terry and his wife Taylor Bostic, who is- Daniel's stepmother, allege that their son's body showed signs of physical abuse, including that 'his hands were bound'.

The couple claims Williams' doctor described the alleged abuse as unlike anything he had ever seen throughout his 30-year medical career.

In addition to bruising and apparent binding, Bostic claims a nurse told her and Mr Williams that there were 'visible hand print bruises between Daniel's legs'.

The family said they asked for a rape kit to be conducted but claims their request was initially denied. They allege hospital staff finally examined him on November 1 after a lawyer got involved. The results of the kit are, as yet, unclear.

Mr Williams and Bostic say they are now committed to trying to get justice for Williams, who leaves behind a son and daughter, both aged one.

The outraged father said: 'We've got to stop this. If I can save a couple of lives, you know, I'm thankful.'

'I went to the hospital and the nurses told me that he was assaulted and beaten really badly,' Amber said.

'He had cuts up and down and bruises on his legs. It was bad' Amber added

Terry Williams, his father, also said that he wasn't able to raise enough money to bury his son. Instead, he will be cremated.

He wrote on social media: 'I will let everyone know date and time once they tell me. Thanks everyone I really appreciate everything.

'Daniel Terry Williams fly high son, keep mom and granny company justice will be served. I love you son, till we meet again.'

His mother Tammy wrote online: 'My world my everything is gone why why why I promise you son I will take everything in my power to get justice for you.

'You didn't deserve any of this, they took you away from me, they took you away from your wife, your daughter. You asked me everyday to please watch out for your daughter I promise you son I will be here for the both of them.

'Your lovely beautiful daughter, you're beautiful wife, and I'll do everything I can I'm here for you son, I'm here for your daughter, I'm here for your wife.

'Everyday I talk to you to please just keep an eye on them don't let nothing happen to them, I promise you I would and I still will. I love you Daniel you're my sunshine, my only sunshine, and they took you away but I'll see you soon baby doll.

'I love you, you'll see me real soon, I love you to the moon and back.'

His mother Tammy (pictured, left) wrote online: 'My world my everything is gone why why why I promise you son I will take everything in my power to get justice for you'

Daniel Williams (left) with his mother Tammy

The Alabama Department of Corrections previously said in a statement: 'On Thursday, November 9, 2023, an inmate death was reported at Kilby Correctional Facility.

'Inmate Daniel Terry Williams was found unresponsive in the Health Care Unit. Medical staff attempted to revive him, but they were unable to resuscitate him, and he was pronounced deceased by the attending physician.

'On Sunday, October 22, 2023, a possible inmate-on-inmate assault was reported at Staton Correctional Facility.

'Inmate Williams was discovered unresponsive in his dorm and was transported to the Health Care Unit. Medical personnel treated Williams and monitored his condition.

'The decision was made to transfer him to an area hospital for further evaluation and treatment. He remained at the hospital until the family decided to remove him from life support.

'He was transported to Kilby Correctional Facility for long-term comfort care where he subsequently died. The ADOC Law Enforcement Services Division is investigating the incident.'

MailOnline has contacted the Alabama Department of Corrections for comment.
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Each November, the residents of Medinaceli in Spain taunt, cheer and dart around a burning bull as he runs, terrified, through the streets. The historic town is steeped in tradition, home to carefully preserved Roman relics and Medieval castles. But among them, the Toro Jubilo stands out as the greatest anachronism.

The Medieval festival involves tying the animal to a post, slathering it in a sticky, black substance called 'pitch', made from coal tar or petroleum, and setting its horns on fire. The bulls smash into walls in panicked attempts to escape the flames, which can stay alight for hours, scorching their horns, eyes and body.

Footage recorded by animal protection group AnimaNaturalis and shared with MailOnline via Peta shows a group of men holding down the bull as it tries to struggle free at the event on Sunday, November 12. Pulled by his tail, the animal is wound around the post before being set loose.

Tragic scenes show the bull in quieter moments stood alone, caked in mud, visibly confused and unable to shake off the fire attached to his face. At times he slips, falls and members of the crowd rush in to poke at him or pull on his tail. Meanwhile, fireworks sound overhead as the centuries-old tradition comes to an end.

'Attaching balls of burning pitch to a live animal is barbaric and puts a stain on Spain's reputation in the international community,' said Peta vice president for UK and Europe Mimi Bekhechi. 'Peta is calling on Spanish authorities to put an end to this violent bull-burning festival and replace it with a new celebration that leaves animals in peace instead of in flames.'

Last November, the 'fire bull' involved in the spectacle collapsed from exhaustion and died of a brain haemorrhage during the 48-minute event. The festival remains mostly unchanged since the Middle Ages.

A man is knocked over by the bull tied to the post during the Toro Jubilo celebrations in Spain on November 12

The bull is tied closely to a post while its horns are doused in a tar-like substance and set alight, before being set free

From another angle, the bull is seen to have been caked in mud, with a wooden beam on its head to limit burns

The festival takes place every November, a centuries-old tradition mostly unchanged since the Middle Ages

Crowds taunt the bull, cheering and dancing around the arena in a ritual. It is one of more than 17,000 bull festivals in Spain

'Pitch' - a sticky substance made from tar, turpentine or petrol - is used to keep the blaze alight, often for hours

'Attaching balls of burning pitch to a live animal is barbaric and puts a stain on Spain's reputation in the international community,' says Peta vice president for UK and Europe Mimi Bekhechi

'PETA is calling on Spanish authorities to put an end to this violent bull-burning festival and replace it with a new celebration that leaves animals in peace instead of in flames'

The bulls often smash into walls in panicked attempts to flee the arena and shake off the fire mounted on their faces

The bull stands alone, caked in mud, as crowds watch on after the event on November 12

Last year, the bull collapsed in exhaustion after 48 minutes. Pictured: a bull after the event this November

The bull can finally close its eyes as the event comes to an end, nose bloodied, covered in mud and with scorched horns

For more information visit peta.org.uk.
A cowboy gas fitter who was locked up after being unmasked on BBCs Watchdog has escaped jail despite being caught up to the same old tricks again.

Rick Goldthorpe, 34, was exposed in 2019 for installing a string of botched gas boiler fittings on the BBC consumer safety programme.

In one case, he left a woman overcome by carbon monoxide fumes within hours of him carrying out the work.

Victims came forward after watching the programme, leading him to be jailed in 2020 for 16 months for safety offences under the Health and Safety at Work Act.

But in 2022, the HSE opened another investigation into Goldthorpe, after he promised he could install a new gas boiler for a victim in Sandbach, Cheshire.

The woman had advertised she needed work done on a local Facebook group and Goldthorpe had got in touch - promising he was a Gas Safe registered engineer.

Goldthorpe even sent her a copy of his gas training certificate, and the victim handed over 600 for him to the carry out the work.

When he arrived at her home, he identified a leak in her upstairs bedroom and the woman agreed for Goldthorpe to fix it.

But after becoming unhappy with the work carried out, the woman Googled his name and discovered he was convicted for carrying out regulated gas work when he was not registered to do so.

At Chester Magistrates' Court, Goldthorpe was handed a suspended sentence after inspections found his latest work to be 'satisfactory.'

Have you been targeted by a cowboy gas fitter? eirian.prosser@dailymail.co.uk

Rick Goldthrope, 34, was exposed on the television show Rogue Traders, becoming notorious for botching a string of gas boiler installations across the UK in 2019

Goldthorpe was locked up in 2020 for 16 months for a string of safety offences under the Health and Safety at Work Act after victims came forward following the programme

Goldthorpe, of St Helens, Merseyside, was first exposed on the Rogue Traders section of the BBC consumer show.

Viewers and expert gas fitters laughed as he showed off his builder's bum and his 'cheeky chappie' persona but it led to a number of his victims to come forward.

One homeowner was left 7,000 in debt due to the bungled work another returned from holiday to find the smell of gas billowing around his property.

This week at Chester magistrates court, Goldthorpe who admitted three more offences under the Health and Safety at Work Act was sentenced to a total of 32 weeks in prison.

The term, however, was suspended for 12 months after his latest work inspected and found to be 'satisfactory.'

In August last year he was ordered to complete a community order for drug driving but failed to comply and in September this year was told to undertake 240 hours of unpaid work instead. He has completed just two hours of the order.

The HSE began investigating him again in the spring of 2022 when Jeanette Glenroyd was renovating her property in Sandbach in Cheshire and required the installation of a new gas boiler.

In August last year he was ordered to complete a community order for drug driving but failed to comply and in September this year was told to undertake 240 hours of unpaid work instead

Years after the BBC programme first aired Goldthrope has been reported to Health and Safety investigators again, after his latest victim checked him out on Google because she was unhappy with his work

One failed installations resulted in carbon monoxide fumes polluting a woman's home within just hours of Goldthorpe - who was not registered to fit gas boilers - carrying out the work

Gemma Zakrzewski, prosecuting on behalf of the HSE said: 'She had advertised the work on a local Facebook group and was contacted by the defendant and there was an exchange of messages. She asked if he was Corgi registered and the defendant responded that he was fact registered as Gas Safe.

'He sent Miss Glenroyd a copy of his gas training certificate and she accepted that as proof and she requested that he remove the old boiler and replace it with a new one for 600. The defendant attended the address on 29 April 2022, accompanied by another male understood to be the driver.

'There was a leak apparent from an upstairs bedroom, not related to any work carried out by the defendant It was agreed that he would be contracted to undertake the additional work to fix the leak but she was unhappy with the work and did a Google search for the defendant's name.

'It soon became apparent the defendant had been convicted for various offences of carrying out regulated gas work when not registered to do so. She saw a photo of the defendant which confirmed that it was the same person who had replaced her boiler.

'At that point she stopped the defendant from completing any further work. He messaged her about payment and she referred to his lack of paperwork. He conceded that he didn't have the paperwork and stopped asking for money. He arranged for a friend to inspect the boiler and sign off the work. The defendant was keen to resolve the issue and keen to avoid going to jail.'

She added: 'The defendant has a history of breaching the regulations. In November 2014 he was given a prohibition notice barring him from carrying out gas fitting work or servicing pipework but he carried out work in breach of that notice. He also was featured on BBC's Rogue Traders which highlighted him undertaking gas related work while not registered.

Viewers and expert gas fitters laughed as he showed off his builder's bum and his 'cheeky chappie' persona

During his scam in 2019 he used a T shirt which falsely proclaimed him to be a Gas Safe registered engineer to bluff his way into victims' properties

'This latest matter was a flagrant breach of the law. With the installation of gas equipment, there is a risk of death or serious injury by carbon monoxide poisoning or explosion. Several parties were potentially put at risk by this offence, but no harm was caused and there was no evidence his work was unsafe. It was cost-cutting at the expense of safety. He had the qualifications to apply for but failed to do so.'

In mitigation Goldthorpe's lawyer Mr Patrick Heald said: 'He was under the impression that by having an associate or acquaintance who was properly registered that he would sufficiently comply with the regulations and that he was not committing the offence that he appears before the court for today.

'It's been frustrating for him that he had a certification and had completed all the relevant training. If he had applied for the registration then he would almost certainly have got it and he would not be here today.

'What is of vital importance, is that a subsequent inspection of the work showed that it had been completed to a satisfactory standard. This is the first time in a number of years that he has appeared before the courts for this sort of mischief.

'He has now ceased working as a plumber of any flavour not just a heating engineer. He is currently working in the motor trade as a fitter in a garage.. His risk of harm has significantly decreased.

Sentencing Goldthorpe District Judge Jack McGarva ordered him to pay 1,000 towards prosecution costs and a 154 victim surcharge.

The judge told him: 'It should be obvious to you that you are in Last Chance Saloon. Gas Safe exists to protect the public in an area where shoddy work can have particularly serious consequences including isk of death and substantial damage to property.

'Your work was satisfactory, so the risk was relatively low but if not, the consequences could have been really serious. I have to say that there is a realistic chance of rehabilitation - but it is on the edge. You are providing support to three children, though they do not live with you and on balance, I am just about persuaded to suspend the sentence - but that is about as close as it can go.'
This is the horrifying moment a professional dog walker grabbed a spaniel by the scruff of the neck and slams him twice against a brick wall in a fit of rage.

Luke Cobb, 38, was caught on a neighbour's doorbell camera chasing a small black dog behind his home in Brighton on Monday morning.

In the shocking footage, Mr Cobb was heard calling out the spaniel's name - Sam - and then yanked by his collar and lifted him two feet off the ground, causing him to struggle.

The dog then wriggled free before Mr Cobb scooped him up and smashed him into the side of the house twice in quick succession before walking off.

Mr Cobb claimed spaniel tried to bite him and so he reacted by pushing the dog against a wall in a 'moment of anger'. He was later arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty.

Luke Cobb, 38, was caught on a neighbour's doorbell camera chasing a small black dog behind his home in Brighton on Monday morning

The dog then wriggled free before Mr Cobb scooped him up and slammed him into the side of the house twice in quick succession before walking off

A spokesman for Sussex Police said last night: 'We are aware of a video circulating of a man harming a dog in Brighton today.

'A 38-year-old man from Brighton has been arrested on suspicion of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.

'We are taking this matter seriously and ask the public to refrain from any speculation.'

Mr Cobb runs a successful dog sitting and walking business called Harvey's Walks with his partner from their home.

Last night he messaged his customers on WhatsApp and said he was 'truly, deeply sorry' for what happened.

He said: 'I understand by now, you have seen that there is a video of me going around social media, where I lose my temper with a dog who has bolted from me down the road, and in it, you can see that I push the dog up against the wall in anger after he tried to bite me. I have no excuse for my behaviour.

'I lost my temper and made a terrible mistake. I'm trying to own up to this and do the right thing, but there really is nothing I can say to excuse myself.

'I am so sorry to you all, I have let all of you down in a moment of anger. I have talked to the owner and let them know what happened, and I am truly, deeply sorry for what I did.'

It has been claimed that Cobb recently lost a dog called Doughnut, who is still missing, while out on a walk.

Writing on Instagram, the distraught owner of Doughnut said he hoped 'justice would be served now' after this new video came to light, but it left him 'fearing the worst' over what may have happened to his own pet.

He said: 'This same guy lost my dog. Him and his partner showed no remorse and he was absolutely vile to my girlfriend.

'The only reason we used them was because my son with additional needs had an operation.

'Luke and his partner left my partner and son walking around the field in torrential rain and high winds whilst I was driving back from London to help with the search.

'I tried to go legal but the solicitors said there was nothing I could do. I feel so sorry for Sam the dog but elated Luke has now been named and shamed.

In the shocking footage, Mr Cobb was heard calling out the spaniel's name - Sam - and then yanked by his collar and lifted him two feet off the ground, causing him to struggle

Mr Cobb runs a successful dog sitting and walking business called Harvey's Walks with his partner from their home

'Luke was such a snidey p****, if I'd have gone round there he would have relished in calling the police on me.

'It's been so horrible on my family, I'm so glad he's been caught now.'

Another former client added: 'I'm devastated. He used to walk my dog and has or had a dog of his own called Harvey. It's really sad thinking about what other dog he could've harmed, including mine and his own. It's terrible.'

Faye Blackwell, 38, told today how she was now 're-thinking' what happened to her dog Doughnut.

She booked the one year-old Border terrier in with Cobb in March this year for four days of walks as she was caring for her son who was having an operation in hospital. Her husband was working in London.

However, Cobb lost Doughnut while taking him for a walk in a local park and the dog has not been seen since.

Ms Blackwell, from Brighton, told MailOnline: 'The way Luke behaved after Doughnut went missing was appalling. He was very angry, very defensive, very unhelpful and very threatening.

'All we wanted was to get our dog back but he completely distanced himself from any blame. He said that he didn't lose Doughnut rather Doughnut ran off. He blamed the dog but he was only a puppy, a very nervous one.

A police car is pictured outside Luke Cobb's home in Brighton today

Last night Cobb messaged his customers on WhatsApp and said he was 'truly, deeply sorry' for what happened. Pictured: Outside Luke Cobb's home

'Luke wouldn't help us look for Doughnut and after two weeks just completely cut off all contact.

'So, when I was sent yesterday's CCTV footage l I wasn't the least bit surprised. Especially at the lack of empathy.

'I couldn't watch all of it because I found it too upsetting. But what it's done is for me to start replaying what happened with Doughut over and over in my head.

'What caused him to bolt and never come back? He's microchipped but we've heard nothing.

'Was there something that happened to cause him to run off? If Luke behaves like that with a Spaniel, or whatever breed of dog is in the video, then he could do serious damage to a small puppy.

'I've heard him shouting at dogs so I know that he can have a very aggressive manor.

'Myself and my husband reported Luke to police last night as we instantly recognised him from the video. He shouldn't be allowed to continue as a dog walker. What he did was disgraceful.'
Esther McVey will become 'minister for squashing bad things' in Rishi Sunak's new look Cabinet, her Tory MP husband said today amid a row over her return to Government.

Philip Davies said that the former work and pensions secretary's surprise appointment as an unofficial minister for common sense' had come as a 'shock' but he said she would put her own 'stamp on it'.

Mr Sunak is facing pushback from the Tory Right over the appointment, with former business secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg branding it 'silly' and 'ridiculously tokenistic' after he fired Suella Braverman and appointed a slew of moderates.

McVey was unveiled as a Cabinet Office minister last night and will attend Cabinet with a remit to to focus on combating 'wokery' in Whitehall.

Mr Davies, with whom she presented a programme on GB News until her appointment, told the channel: 'The idea will be that she'll be able to work with government departments to try and bring forward some common sense measures.

'No doubt there'll always be a role for somebody in the Cabinet Office, to squash any ideas that are coming through that are not sensible and common sense. The Cabinet Office has that role to try and promote good things and squash bad things.'

Philip Davies said that the former work and pensions secretary's surprise appointment as an unofficial minister for common sense' had come as a 'shock' but he said she would put her own 'stamp on it'.

Former business secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg lashed out at the 'ridiculously tokenistic' return of the former work and pensions secretary to the PM's top team.

Ms McVey, who married fellow Tory MP Philip Davies in 2020, is set to give up her job as a part-time presenter on GB News to take on her new ministerial role.

Mr Rees-Mogg told Times Radio: He added: 'I think silly titles for government posts is a Blairite thing. That is not the proper business of government ... this is ridiculously tokenistic, won't impress anybody.'

The surprise return of the 56-year-old former television presenter after three-and-a-half years on the backbenches was seen as a nod to the party Right, after a slew of moderates including former PM David Cameron were appointed in Mr Sunak's reshuffle.

The surprise return of the 56-year-old former television presenter after three-and-a-half years on the backbenches was seen as a nod to the party Right, after a slew of moderates including former PM David Cameron were appointed in Mr Sunak's reshuffle.

But Mr Rees-Mogg told Times Radio: He added: 'I think silly titles for government posts is a Blairite thing. That is not the proper business of government ... this is ridiculously tokenistic, won't impress anybody.'

He added: 'I welcome Esther's return because I think she's highly capable and a good presenter of the Tory cause.

'I think having a minister for woke is silly and I think it's deeply regrettable that a minister of the calibre and quality of Jeremy Quin, who was in the Cabinet Office, has been lost to the government and they brought in somebody with a silly title.'

Ms McVey, a former work and pensions secretary under ex-PM Theresa May, will officially be known as a minister without portfolio.

But No10 suggested the 56-year-old Liverpudlian would likely be known as 'common sense minister' and would 'stand up for working people'.

The move to reappoint Ms McVey to Cabinet will be seen as Mr Sunak's olive branch to the Tory Right, after the PM angered many of his backbenchers by sacking Suella Braverman as Home Secretary.

Ms McVey, who married fellow Tory MP Philip Davies in 2020, is set to give up her job as a part-time presenter on GB News to take on her new ministerial role.

The ex-GMTV star has previously held a series of ministerial positions since becoming an MP and served under previous PMs David Cameron, Mrs May and Boris Johnson.

She ran to be Tory leader in 2019, after Mrs May announced her resignation as PM, as part of a Blue Collar Conservatives campaign.

But Ms McVey failed to make it past the first round of voting among Tory MPs.

She revived her hopes of top office in July last year, when she endorsed Jeremy Hunt in the contest to replace Mr Johnson as PM.

Ms McVey was Mr Hunt's candidate for deputy PM, but he was defeated in the first round of parliamentary voting.

Her return to Cabinet today will be viewed as part of Mr Sunak's efforts to shore up his right flank following the departure of Mrs Braverman.

In the wake of fierce rows over her comments about rough sleepers and a pro-Palestine march on Armistice Day, Mrs Braverman was ousted from the Home Office by Mr Sunak in a phone call this morning.

But the PM's move to replace her with James Cleverly, the former foreign secretary, at the start of a dramatic reshuffle sparked fury among Conservative backbenchers.

One former minister lamented how Mrs Braverman had been sacked for 'speaking the truth' on issues such as homelessness and demonstrations about Israel's conflict with Hamas.

Another suggested Mr Sunak had made the Tories' chances of winning the next general election even harder by removing a figure who 'understands what the country thinks' on migration.
Underage children are exploiting a loophole in food delivery apps to make money by 'renting' accounts from adults without any ID checks, an investigation has found.

Account holders on apps such as Uber Eats, Just Eat and Deliveroo are creating a black market by leasing out access to their profiles, exploiting 'substitution' rules that allow them to send someone else to deliver food on their behalf under employment law.

Delivery firms require 'riders' to submit proof of identity and the right to work and undergo a background check before they are allowed to accept orders, but no such checks are carried out for any substitutes.

One family says their 17-year-old son was killed riding a borrowed motorbike while delivering food on a rented Deliveroo account - despite the minimum age to deliver for the firm being 18.

They, and the government, have called on the firms - part of a market thought to be worth more than 11.2billion, according to analysts - to tighten up their rules on appointing substitutes.

Deliveroo is one of the UK's biggest food delivery platforms, but families claim lax security checks are allowing children to make deliveries

JustEat is also a market leader in food delivery - and like Deliveroo, its riders are self-employed

An Uber Eats rider making deliveries. As self-employed workers, riders can sub-contract their work to 'substitutes'

MailOnline found people openly offering accounts for rent on social media within minutes of searching

The parents of one teenager, named Leo, told BBC News that their son was driven to take advantage of the loophole because of its lucrative pay - up to 100 or 200 a night.

Leo's stepfather Patrick said: 'No one's accountable, they just take the money. It's not right.'

He added that Deliveroo had not been in touch since Leo was killed.

Food delivery firms promote substitution policies as a perk of the 'flexibility' that comes with being self-employed.

Riders who work for firms such as Just Eat, Deliveroo, Uber Eats and others such as HungryPanda - which caters to Chinese businesses - are legally recognised as self-employed rather than working for the companies themselves.

However, this place the onus for responsibility on those who lease out the accounts.

Uber Eats' policy states: 'When appointing your substitute, remember you're still fully responsible for all activities performed by your substitute while using your account and that it's your responsibility to make sure that they meet all of the requirements to deliver with Uber Eats.'

Just Eat, meanwhile, says: 'You are fully responsible for all activities performed by your substitute while using your account and it's your responsibility that they meet all of the requirements.'

Deliveroo tells riders: 'Please remember that you're responsible for your substitute and their knowledge of how to carry out deliveries safely.'

However, this has prompted the creation of a black market in food delivery accounts, with offers being made openly on social media to 'rent' vetted profiles for a small amount of money.

Offers seen by MailOnline in online communities claim to lease accounts on Just Eat and grocery delivery service GoPuff for around 60 or 70 - which can easily be recouped with a night's work.

The BBC claimed to have contacted some of those offering accounts while posing as a 16-year-old boy, using an AI-generated profile picture of a youngster.

Those who purported to offer access said someone being underage would not be a barrier to borrowing an account - with the firms carrying out no checks on any substitutes.

Studies carried out by Worker Info Exchange, a research body investigating delivery and ridesharing platforms such as Uber and Deliveroo, claims substitution policies are enabling modern slavery.

A report published by the body in April alleged that people were taking advantage of lax security checks to create huge numbers of rider accounts, likely to be leased out to substitutes with no legal or background checks.

It claimed to have found evidence of 49 Just Eat accounts being linked to a single bank account receiving all of the payments for their activity. The accounts were later deactivated after being reviewed by the firm.

Two separate accounts on social media purported to offer access to accounts on the Just Eat and GoPuff delivery platforms for 60 a week

Home Office minister Robert Jenrick met with delivery firms on Tuesday to discuss the issues around 'substitution' riders on delivery apps

Home Office minister Robert Jenrick has called on food delivery firms to vet substitutes as well as full-time riders - and met with representatives from each company to discuss the issue on Tuesday.

Mr Jenrick later said: 'When someone orders a takeaway to their home, they deserve to know that the person arriving at their door has been properly vetted and is who they're expecting.

'Unchecked account sharing places the public at risk, enables - and therefore encourages - illegal migration, and leads to the exploitation of workers. That's why I'm calling on these companies to end the use of unverified substitution.

'We're taking the action needed to safeguard the British public and prevent the scourge of illegal working. It is critical these companies work with us to achieve this.'

MailOnline contacted the major food delivery platforms, asking them to outline what they do to combat illegal use of accounts.

Deliveroo said it takes a 'zero-tolerance approach' to riders who fail to meet legal obligations when delivering on their behalf. It added that it took its responsibilities 'extremely seriously', but did not comment on whether it would vet substitutes.

A spokesperson said: 'All Deliveroo riders must have the right to work in the UK, whether that is someone who holds an account with us or an individual who is subcontracting an account.

'If a rider is found to be without the right to work in the UK, we will stop working with them with immediate effect.'

Just Eat said: 'We have high standards and robust criteria in place for couriers delivering on behalf of Just Eat. This includes ensuring couriers are over the age of 18, carrying out basic criminal checks (DBS), and making sure they have the right to work in the UK.

'Self-employed independent couriers have the legal right to use a substitute. Under the UK's employment laws, the courier account holder is responsible for ensuring their substitute meets the necessary standards to deliver on our network.

'If we find that our high expectations are not met, we will immediately take action, including removing couriers from our network.'

Uber, however, said it was keen to work with the government to find a way through the substitution issue.

An Uber Eats spokesperson said: 'We understand that there are concerns around this issue, and we are working closely with the Government and want to find a solution.

'All couriers who use the Uber Eats app must pass a criminal background check, be over the age of 18 and hold a valid right to work in the UK. Any courier that fails to meet these criteria will lose access to the app.'
This is the moment a woman who confesses she isn't a 'fan' of David Cameron learns he has returned to government, before admitting she's 'not really' happy he's back.

The woman in a mobility scooter, speaking to Channel 4 News' Paul McNamara, looked stunned to be told the former prime minister was 'back' as foreign secretary, in a brand new 'Brenda from Bristol' moment captured on the streets.

'He's back? What are you on about?' she replies. The political correspondent then tells her: 'He's back, he's back in government.'

'You're joking!' she cries, and when the reporter tells her he isn't, she turns her head to the side and grunts, 'Oh.'

'He's the foreign secretary now,' the Channel 4 newsman replies, to which she retorts: 'Oh, is he? I missed that. I saw that the other one was fired, so I'm glad on that one.'

The woman was stunned to be told former prime minister David Cameron was back in government after seven years

Other voters were equally muted in response to the news of Cameron's return, with one woman, right, claiming the ex-PM was a 'waste of space'

This man, however, said he liked Lord Cameron - as he will now be known - because he is 'not very provocative'

David Cameron walks into Downing Street on Wednesday morning ahead of his first Cabinet meeting as foreign secretary

But when Mr McNamara asks if she's 'glad' he's back, she replies: 'Not really, no.'

The exchange was captured on the High Street in Dudley in the Red Wall heartlands of the West Midlands, where reception to Cameron's return was muted among other voters.

One man's response was simply: 'Nah.' Another woman called him a 'waste of space', adding: 'They live in mansions, they haven't got a clue how the other half live.'

However, one voter said he liked Cameron, because he's 'not very provocative'.

The woman's reaction isn't dissimilar to that of 'Brenda from Bristol' - who went viral in April 2017 after Cameron's successor as PM, Theresa May, declared a snap general election.

Being told by the BBC's Jon Kay that an election was on the horizon - less than a year after the Brexit referendum, and two years after the country went to the polls in 2015 - she exclaimed: 'You're joking! Not another one! Oh for God's sake!'

She added: 'There's too much politics going on at the moment.'

Lord Cameron, as he will now be known - having been appointed to the House of Lords as a life peer in order to take up the foreign secretary role - has returned to government in a move that has sent shockwaves through British politics.

The devout Remainer quit as PM seven years ago after the UK voted to leave the EU and shortly afterwards gave up his seat as MP for Witney in Oxfordshire, seemingly stepping away from politics for good.

But his return comes after the ousting of Suella Braverman, following an article she wrote for The Times calling pro-Palestinian protesters 'hate marchers' without getting approval from Number 10.

Suella Braverman - pictured on Tuesday - was given the boot as home secretary after writing a contentious article for The Times that was not vetted by Number 10

David Cameron sits in his first Cabinet meeting as foreign secretary on Wednesday after being appointed in Rishi Sunak's reshuffle

Rishi Sunak's Cabinet reshuffle raised some eyebrows with the return of David Cameron to government

Dame Andrea Jenkyns has sent a letter of no confidence to the influential 1922 Committee, saying 'it is time for Rishi Sunak to go'

The article, which accused the Metropolitan Police of 'playing favourites' when it came to policing marches, was described as 'unhelpful' by ex-Tory minister Tim Loughton - and was blamed by some for fuelling far-right hate at the Cenotaph on Saturday.

Ms Braverman has been replaced by James Cleverly, who has been shifted from the FCDO to the Home Office.

Rishi Sunak's new-look cabinet, which met for the first time on Tuesday morning, is made up of a number of familiar faces, with half a dozen ministers having served in Lord Cameron's governments.

Six who were either members or attended his Cabinets - Michael Gove, Jeremy Hunt, Mark Harper, Grant Shapps, Andrew Mitchell and Esther McVey.

Ms McVey is officially a minister without portfolio - but is believed to have been given a brief to be a 'minister for common sense' crusading against 'woke' issues.

But the deposing of Ms Braverman - a favourite of the most right-leaning in the Conservative Party - has already led to one MP submitting a letter of no confidence in Mr Sunak to the chairman of the 1922 Committee.

Dame Andrea Jenkyns said in her letter to chair Sir Graham Brady that she had to 'stand up and fight for true Conservatism' after other contentious figures such as Therese Coffey were given the boot.
It is a luxury most employees might struggle to squeeze into their busy working weeks.

But the Scottish Government has decided to allow its own civil servants to stop working during a weekly 'wellbeing hour'.

Officials say allowing staff to take time away from their desks every week will help improve their 'mental and physical wellbeing'.

The 'health and wellbeing hour' will allow staff to take an extra 60 minutes off per week, either in one go or split up over several days.

The policy, which has been trialled since July, allows civil servants extra time free to spend on activities to improve their health.

the Scottish Government has decided to allow its own civil servants to stop working during a weekly 'wellbeing hour' (Stock image)

Officials say allowing staff to take time away from their desks every week will help improve their 'mental and physical wellbeing' (Stock image)

Critics claim the huge build-up of unworked hours is likely to cost the taxpayer millions of pounds a year.

Scottish Tory business spokesman Murdo Fraser said: 'When all government budgets and resources are being squeezed, the public will question whether it is affordable and whether it ought to be a priority.'

The trial is for permanent staff, who are not senior, and also excludes some quangos and agencies.

It has been estimated that giving Scotland's ballooning civil service an additional break could amount to approximately 400,000 hours a year  the equivalent of more than 200 full-time staff.

The cost in unworked hours may run into millions, although the figure is disputed by the Scottish Government.

John O'Connell of the TaxPayers' Alliance, said: 'Taxpayers are fed up with paying more for less.

'While ministers squeeze ever more tax out of pay packets, bureaucrats are being granted a siesta. The Scottish Government should put a stop to this.'

The cost to taxpayers of Scotland's soaring number of civil servants has risen from an estimated salary bill of 1.010billion in 2016 to 1.623billion this year.

The number employed by the central government and its quangos rose by 24 per cent over the same period, from 43,050 to 53,495.

Scottish Tory business spokesman Murdo Fraser said the public will question whether the scheme 'is affordable and whether it ought to be a priority'

SNP ministers are already facing a 1billion hole in public finances, while hundreds of thousands of Scots are on waiting lists for public services such as the NHS and court system.

The Scottish Government has claimed granting extra time off should not have an impact on how much work gets done, but has not explained how it expects this to be achieved.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: 'The Scottish Government is piloting a wellbeing hour scheme to support employees' physical and mental health and to evaluate the impact on staff productivity.

'The pilot has been designed so there is no extra cost and no reduction in productivity or service levels.'
Wildlife presenter Chris Packham claims Scotland's landscape has been 'trashed by the country set' and birds of prey are regularly being 'killed with impunity'.

The controversial conservationist said he was amazed by the lack of prosecutions over the deaths of golden eagles and hen harriers. He also insisted large predators would also be shot dead if reintroduced.

He also accused landowners and gamekeepers of having 'a vested interest in this wickedness' and called for moorlands to be rewilded.

But BBC Springwatch host's comments sparked a backlash from those working in rural areas, who slammed his 'deeply prejudiced views' about shooting estates and the communities they support.

Mr Packham told the Herald: 'I love Scotland. It's the wildlife capital of the UK with so many beautiful, sexy species.

Wildlife presenter Chris Packham claims Scotland's natural landscape has been 'trashed by the country set' and that birds of prey are regularly being 'killed with impunity'

The 62-year-old also hit out at the number of birds of prey killed in Scotland and the tiny number of prosecutions brought

'But we're killing eagles, burning moorlands and damaging that rich environment. Large parts have been trashed by the country set.

'Those grouse moors are not serving Scotland well. They do massive reputational damage.

'Glen Coe could be the Yellowstone of the UK. It has the natural structure but its current contrived landscape is not for wildlife.'

The 62-year-old also hit out at the number of birds of prey killed in Scotland and the tiny number of prosecutions brought.

He said: 'The agencies which have a vested interest in this wickedness such as the Countryside Alliance, the Moorland Association and the Scottish Gamekeepers Association all deny this is a serious issue, but it's wilful blindness on their part.

'The amount of killing that goes on is unbelievable. Golden eagles in the Angus glens and, staggeringly, these crimes are taking place in the Cairngorm National Park.'

Discussing plans to reintroduce large predators, such as lynx, he said: 'Sadly, the landowners would just shoot the wolves.

'Eagles and hen harriers are killed with seeming impunity, so wolves would have no chance.'

Springwatch host Chris Packham says the 'country set' have trashed Scotland's landscape (stock image)

The controversial conservationist said he was amazed by the lack of prosecutions over the deaths of golden eagles (pictured) and hen harriers

He also appealed for Glen Coe to be rewilded, saying: 'Much of Glen Coe was covered by trees, making it a far richer habitat for wildlife and native species. Now much of it just looks barren.'

But Ross Ewing, director of Moorland at Scottish Land & Estates, last night claimed the TV presenter was pushing a poorly informed and flawed narrative.

He said: 'Mr Packham's comments provide more evidence of agenda-driven hostility towards grouse moor management, with little knowledge of what is actually happening on the ground.

'He also erroneously conflates moorland at Glen Coe with moorland managed for shooting.'

Scottish Countryside Alliance chief Jake Swindells said: 'Nearly all species of raptor are at historic population highs. The Countryside Alliance and partners have zero tolerance of persecution.

'Chris Packham holds deeply prejudiced views about shooting and the rural community.'

The Moorland Association said it condemns 'any form of wildlife crime' and supports prosecution of anyone found to be involved.
A paramedic who died in a horror crash while responding to an emergency was treated by his fellow colleagues at the scene who have been left devastated by the tragedy.

Tinesh Tamilkodi, 38, died at an intersection in Forrestdale, 30km south-east of Perth, when he lost control of the ambulance he was driving at about 1.30am on Tuesday.

The emergency vehicle spun out of control and hit a tree, leaving him with critical injuries.

His fellow paramedics tried desperately to save him but he was unable to be revived.

Mr Tamilkodi had worked as an ambulance officer for 10 years and was a clinical support paramedic with St John Ambulance WA.

Tinesh Tamilkodi, 38, died at an intersection in Forrestdale, 30km south-east of Perth, when he lost control of the ambulance he was driving about 1.30am on Tuesday

St John WA group chief executive Kevin Brown told 7 News the first responders were devastated by their colleague's death.

'You can only imagine how harrowing that must be for them. We're providing the team every support at the moment that we can,' Mr Brown said.

'At this time, the most difficult time in anybody's family, our focus is very much on Tinesh and supporting his family, but also looking after our broader team who are heartbroken.'

Mr Tamilkodi, who was rushing to a 'priority' emergency, is the first paramedic from St John WA to die while on duty.

Mr Tamilkodi's job involved providing backup to emergency services during critical incidents.

The man's family who are overseas were notified of his death by authorities.

The family who have since released a statement said 'there are no words to express our sadness'.

'Tinesh always dreamed of being a paramedic and helping those who needed it most,' the statement read.

The emergency vehicle spun out of control and hit a tree leaving him with critical injuries

The 38-year-old (pictured) had completed 10 years of service as a paramedic which his family described as his 'dream' job

The severity of the crash was made plain by the wreck of the vehicle and the debris that was scattered across the road at the time of the incident.

The specialist vehicle that crashed was being 'escorted' by at least one other St John WA crew, 7News Perth reported.

The flags at St John WA's head office were flown at half mast on Tuesday.

Western Australia's Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson released a statement on the shocking loss of a first responder.

'This is a tragic event and my thoughts are with the family and our partners at St John WA...' she said.

'WA Health (will) work with St John WA to support the family at this time.'

Mr Tamilkodi's colleagues tried desperately to save his life but he could not be revived

Earlier, local woman Sarah Hazel said she was woken up by the crash. 'Someone just heading off to work trying to save other people's lives and unfortunately they've had an accident of their own.

'Especially at this time of year as well, so close to Christmas,' she told the West Australian.

The road, which has an 80kmph speed limit and which locals say is 'very problematic', was shut for hours after the crash, reopening at around 7.30am.

Major crash investigators commenced an examination of the scene following the crash.
Police officers were seen politely asking Just Stop Oil protesters 'could you come with me please?' as eco clowns played dead in the middle of a busy road in London this morning.

The brazen group of 23 eco-zealots, who were seen blocking traffic in Oval, went on to mock police officers arresting them with one ridiculing a cop, telling him 'I don't go anywhere with strange men' when he asked her to move.

It follows a war of words between the Metropolitan Police and the campaigners, after demonstrators, unfazed by their arrests, took to social media boasting that officers 'quite literally can't arrest us all'.

In a now-deleted post, the London force quipped back, writing 'we "quite literally" just have'.

Continuing their disruptive protests for yet another day, the group were seen today brandishing their signature orange Hi-Viz vests and waving large signs before police intervened disrupting their demonstration.

As the officers tried to place the eco warriors in handcuffs, the activists dropped to the floor forcing cops to drag them off the road or try and coax them onto the pavement.

Just Stop Oil protesters were seen playing dead in the middle of a busy road between Oval and Vauxhall as officers tried to arrest them

The group of 23 eco-zealots were seen on Kensington Park Road in Oval holding up traffic brandishing their signature orange Hi-Viz vests

As officers began to arrest individuals, the protesters played dead, having to be pulled from the road

The cheeky protesters were even filmed telling a group of officers - on their way to make arrests - to get out of the bike lane as they were blocking cyclists from getting through.

The eco zealots were seen shouting 'bikes', 'bike lane' and telling officers 'guys bikes' as they continued to block vehicles from passing down the road, causing cyclists to weave around them.

One is heard saying 'Yo police you're blocking the bikes' before another says 'can you guys do your briefing slightly further to the pavement please?'

Fighting back, a bemused officer said: 'Well if you had got off the road it wouldn't be a problem would it?'

Annoyed drivers were then seen passing the eco mob, shouting 'get a life' and pleading with the protesters that 'everyone's got to get to work'.

The Metropolitan Police said it was 'again making arrests as Just Stop Oil activists are in the road' but added it was a 'significantly smaller group than yesterday', where a demonstration over the Brent Cross flyover saw 110 activists arrested.

It prompted an angered response from the Met on X, formerly known as Twitter, where it wrote: 'All your activists who were slow marching in the road today have been arrested.

'Your activists showed no inclination to leave the road, the only way they are is in the back of a police van. More than 110 activists have been arrested. Londoners continue to face the brunt and cost of this.'

Yesterday's march which saw the group charge along Hendon Way in north London - one of the capital's busiest roads - infuriated Londoners.

One angry member of the public was caught on camera confronting the group, sarcastically telling the activists 'this is definitely going to work' before pointing out that 'all your clothes are made out of oil'.

Annoyed drivers were then seen passing the eco mob, shouting 'get a life' and pleading with the protesters that 'everyone's got to get to work'

The Metropolitan Police said it was 'again making arrests as Just Stop Oil activists are in the road'

He went on to brand the group's actions a 'joke' for 'wasting everybody's time and petrol' while frustrated motorists can be heard blaring their horns in the background.

On Friday an angry driver got out of his car to disrupt the group's march and criticise the protesters for being 'stupid'.

Marching over to the group, he yelled 'what the f**k if your problem?' adding: 'You have a problem with the Government, do you not? So why are you blocking the road?'

He accused the activists of being 'dumb' and further questioned, 'why aren't you outside House of Parliament?'

The seemingly flustered protester replied 'we tried that,' before walking away.

Last week, a chaotic demonstration on Waterloo Bridge led a paramedic to beg protesters to get out of the road so he could attend a 'life or death emergency'.

Just Stop Oil had been holding a 'die in' when they were accused of blocking the 'blue light' ambulance from coming through.

Video and pictures from the scene showed a blue-light ambulance trapped in gridlocked traffic in central London, where eco zealots slow-marched and lay down on the wet pavement.

One exasperated paramedic is reported to have begged police to be given access through the road, saying he was trying to save someone's life.

The driver of the ambulance told The Telegraph: 'I am responding to a life or death emergency - I am going to pick up a team from Guy's hospital to save someone's life at another hospital but can't get through.'

Metropolitan Police said the march was causing gridlock on the bridge, holding up traffic including an ambulance with 'blue lights on'.

But Just Stop Oil hit back, saying it was actually the police who were blocking the ambulance from getting past.

The Metropolitan Police said the march was causing gridlock on the bridge, holding up traffic including an ambulance with 'blue lights on

Video and pictures from the scene showed a blue light ambulance unable to get past the gridlocked traffic

A Just Stop Oil spokesperson told MailOnline last week: 'Earlier today, the Metropolitan Police shared a tweet suggesting that Just Stop Oil supporters were blocking an ambulance vehicle.

'We have deep sympathy for anyone suffering a medical emergency at any time. Nobody's life or health is more valuable than others.

'Just Stop Oil's policy has always been that we immediately move out of the way for emergency vehicles with blue lights on.

'In this case, Just Stop Oil supporters were on the other side of the road, and had never blocked the side of the road the ambulance was on.

'The picture shared by the Metropolitan Police indicates that it's only their officers who are blocking the road with the ambulance. Our own pictures confirm this.

'Nevertheless, we accept that our actions do cause disruption. There are a limited range of options available to normal people to resist government criminality.

'We will not stand by and watch while our government continues to license new oil and gas, which in itself is an act of violence.'
France has given a boost to British nationals who own holiday homes in the country as it looks to relax its post-Brexit 90-day visa rule.

Politicians have said British owners of French homes had been 'punished by Brexit', with the law limiting how long they could stay to 90 days out of every 180. In order to stay longer, Britons must apply for a long-stay visa of up to six months.

Now, the country's senate has voted through an amendment to the immigration law that will give British second homeowners the automatic right to a long-stay visa.

Martine Berthet, a French senator who represents the Savoie in the southern Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes region, put forward the change to the rules after receiving complaints from Britons who own holiday homes in the region.

'The Britons I have spoken to say the current system is long-winded, difficult and full of pitfalls,' she said, according to The Daily Telegraph.

France has given a boost to British nationals who own holiday homes in the country as it looks to relax its post-Brexit 90-day visa rule

She also said that the rules are keeping them from contributing to France's economy, and that the restrictions will already add to the rising number of vacant properties in the country's popular tourist regions.

'Ties are warming between France and the UK following the royal visit,' she said. 'And don't forget, King Charles reserved his only official speech for the French Senate.

'The British are privileged partners of France. History has shown this to be the case.'

The amendment to the law still needs to be debated in France's National Assembly (the country's lower house) before it can be passed.

Ms Berthet said that even if the amendment fails in the National Assembly, 'this is at the very least an important first step,' the Telegraph reported.

Emmanuel Macron's government has said it will not support the amendment, arguing that the law already makes it possible for British holiday home owners to stay longer than the 90 days out of 180.

The government does not have a majority in the French parliament.

But another issue faced by Britons who own homes in France is increasingly long visa wait times, with visa centres being described as 'overwhelmed'.

And earlier this year, France hit British homeowners with a rise of up to 60 per cent in council tax charges, adding further to their woes.

The Telegraph said that one way the exemption could work would be to require British owners of French homes to carry proof of ownership with them when they arrive in the country. They would then only need to provide these documents once for the long-term visa requirements to be waived, the publication said.

Philippe Bas, of France's les Republicains (The Republicans) party, said last week that while British second homeowners 'didn't have anything to do with Brexit,' the UK's choice to leave the EU 'has punished them'.

'They must be able to come to France and make the most of their second homes and spend their money,' he said.

Emmanuel Macron's government has said it will not support the amendment, arguing that the law already makes it possible for British holiday home owners to stay longer than the 90 days

In August, many felt the introduction of council tax increases represented a double-whammy against them, with one couple saying they may have to sell their home (pictured)

There are some 86,000 British households that own second homes in France.

Q&A: France's tax on second homes Who is affected? 86,000 British-owned households in France (and anyone in France who owns a second home). Do I pay if I still keep a home in Britain? Yes, the tax is applicable on all properties in France. How does it work? Second home owners face an annual charge even if they are not resident there but if their home is habitable. Last year this was about 664 for a house and 808 for a flat. How will this change? The tax will rise by a minimum of 7.1 per cent, but local authorities have been given the power to add a surcharge of up to 60 per cent. What other property taxes are there? An ownership tax covers things such as refuse collection, similar to council tax in the UK. New-build properties are exempt for the first two years. Which areas will be affected? All major regions, including areas that are popular with the British, such as Brittany, Dordogne and south of France. Advertisement

Pensioners - who once spent several months of their year in French holiday homes - are understood to be particularly irritated by the EU residency restriction.

In August, many felt the introduction of council tax increases represented a double-whammy against them, with one couple saying they may have to sell their home.

Creative director Simon Amster, 55, and his wife bought the five-bed 15th century hideaway in the village of Sauveterre-de-Bearn near Biarritz for just 50,000 euros (42,000) eight years ago.

The couple, who live in Lewes, East Sussex, said in August that they were paying 1,400 euros in annual property taxes. But they faced a significant tax rise thanks to Macron's reforms.

Under rules introduced by president in August, tax on second homes could be increased by up to 60 per cent.

This is despite British people being only allowed to visit for a maximum of half a year under the new post-Brexit rules on visa-free travel.

The tax used to be paid only by those whose principal home was in France, but a reform introduced by Macron's government saw it extended to second homeowners.

The minimum increase in residency tax (one of France's main two property taxes, similar to the UK's council tax) was set at 7.1 per cent, it was reported at the time.

However, with 3,399 councils being given permission to apply a surcharge, the figure could be much higher and rise by up to 60 per cent for some.

Many of the councils listed are in regions that are popular with Britons who own French holiday homes, such as Brittany, The Times reported in August.

Before the change, residence tax was paid by all of France's homeowners, and last year was an average of 772 (660) for a house and 941 (800) for a flat.

But under Macron's reform, the tax will only be imposed on those who own two houses in an attempt to dissuade people from using properties as their second homes in areas where locals struggle to rent and buy.

Taking last year's national average residence tax of 772 for houses and 941 for flats, then a 60 per cent increase would mean second home owners would be paying more than 1,200 and 1,500 on their houses and flats respectively.
McDonald's receives 'one or two' complaints of sexual harassment from staff every single week, its UK boss admitted today.

Alistair Macrow was grilled by MPs after an investigation revealed a 'toxic culture' at its restaurants, with staff as young as 17 complaining of being groped and harassed almost routinely.

The chief executive offered an 'unreserved apology' to anyone who had suffered abuse or harassment under his watch and said their testimonies had been 'truly horrific and hard to listen to'.

The fast food chain is still looking into 249 other reports relating to safety and inclusivity in the workplace. So far, it has seen 17 confirmed reports of sexual harassment and is looking into 27 further sexual harassment allegations.

Mr Macrow said 157 reports have already been fully investigated, with 75 resulting in disciplinary action, including 18 dismissals and 17 cases of sexual harassment.

Alistair Macrow offered an 'unreserved apology' to anyone who had suffered abuse or harassment under his watch

He told MPs: 'Since July, 18 people have been dismissed in regards to complaints in total and we are still investigating 249 further cases.

'We typically would see between 20 and 25 contacts per week, of which one or two are sexual harassment, across the organisation.'

Mr Macrow was speaking during a committee session about allegations of a toxic workplace culture at McDonald's restaurants from former employees.

Asked how many of these cases had been reported to the police, he said: 'For any of these cases we'd recommend to the individual who reports it that they refer it directly to the police.

'If there's an immediate offence occurring in the restaurant and someone's in danger we would speak to the police ourselves.'

Opening the session before the Commons business and trade committee, Mr Macrow apologised to his staff.

'I'm a father of an 18-year-old myself and I fully understand how someone would feel if their child was subject to the kind of behaviours that have been identified here,' he said.

'To be in charge of the business when these incidents are occurring is very hard to hear.

'I am absolutely determined to root out any of these behaviours, to identify individuals who are responsible for them and make sure they are eradicated from our business.

'When I became aware of them in the summertime, with the BBC reporting, I immediately took action to start to make a difference.'

In July, more than 100 current and recent UK staff spoke to the BBC to accuse colleagues of sexual assault, harassment, racism and bullying.

Separately, the chain was accused of allowing a culture of 'drugs, homophobia, racism and sexism' by a group of whistleblowers whose testimonies were published today by MPs.

One victim said she felt 'violated' after claiming she suffered sexual misconduct and was 'appalled' by the lack of seriousness with which bosses appeared to be taking such complaints.

A second whistleblower added: 'Drugs, homophobia, racism and sexism from management and staff members who have worked there for years is so normal that nobody actually sees that as an issue anymore.'

A third, who was 16 when they were hired, said a much older manager made them 'extremely uncomfortable with comments, which were passed off as banter'.

The victim said the boss constantly referred to gay sex positions, 'which made me feel offended, embarrassed, and degraded'.

The original BBC probe led to the UK equality watchdog launching a new email hotline for staff, the vast majority of whom work in franchised outlets, as it warned it was 'concerned' by the findings.

One teenage employee in Cheshire alleged to the BBC that a colleague 20 years her senior called her a racial slur word, asked to show her his genitals and said he wanted to make a 'black and white' baby with her.

Meanwhile, it was reported that a manager at a branch in Hampshire suggested a 16-year-old male worker perform sexual acts in exchange for vapes.

Out of the 100 allegations the BBC investigated, the broadcaster said 31 related to sexual assault and 78 related to sexual assault. It also heard 18 allegations of racism and six of homophobia.

A worker in Nottingham alleged she was seen as 'fresh meat' by male colleagues, while others claim managers forced them to wear uniforms that were too tight.

Shelby, 16, a former worker in a Berkshire franchise, told the BBC in July that she thought that McDonald's 'don't really think about their staff at all'

One former worker, Emily, 22, told the BBC: 'It's the expectation that if you work at McDonald's, you will be harassed.'

She left her branch in Brighton last year after a male colleague in his 60s continually stroked her hair in a sexual manner, making her feel uncomfortable.

Lucy, 22, who previously worked in Norwich, added: 'There is a saying at McDonald's, 'tits on tills' - boys in the kitchen, girls on the counter. The idea is to put attractive people at the front.'

McDonald's employs more than 170,000 people in the UK across 1,450 restaurants. It has one of the country's youngest workforces, with 75 per cent of its employees being between 16 and 25 years old.

Those who spoke out said that more often than not, senior managers failed to act after workers made complaints about behaviour.

One worker told the BBC: 'They don't really think about their staff at all.'

Another 16-year-old worker called Shelby, who left a Berkshire restaurant last year, claimed older male colleagues would 'grope' female staff.

She added: 'Every shift I worked, there would be at least a comment being made, or I'd be brushed, a hand brushed across me, or it would be a more severe thing, like having my bum grabbed, hips grabbed.'

On BBC Breakfast this morning, Shelby explained the affect the alleged behaviour had on her wellbeing.

She said: 'It really started to affect me especially towards the end of me working there.

'I was calling in sick for pretty much all my shifts and then I left suddenly without giving them notice and I never heard back from them. I did send an email explaining why I left but they never got back to me.'

Chinyere, 17, who worked at a branch in Cheshire, told reporters she was sexually and racially harassed by a much older male colleague. She raised the concerns with a female employee who allegedly told her to ignore it and get back to work.

But after months of harassment, her stepfather wrote to the franchise, the corporate headquarters and the police, resulting in the man being fired. The young employee believes nothing would have been done if her family did not intervene.

One worker in Oxfordshire, originally from India, claimed staff spoke in 'gibberish' to intimate her while another crew member called a colleague from Pakistan a terrorist.

At one branch in Northern Ireland, an outbreak of gonorrhoea is said to have broken out where sexual relationships between team members happened regularly.

The complaints come just months after the chain signed a legal agreement with the equality watchdog amid concerns over how it handled sexual harassment complaints made by UK staff.

McDonald's has been accused of creating a toxic work culture of sexual assault, harassment, racism and bullying, with more than 100 current and recent UK staff speaking out

One whistleblower, Ed (pictured), said a senior manager made sexual innuendos and repeatedly asked him for sex when he was 16

It made the legally binding agreement with the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) in February, meaning the restaurant group needed to commit to a number of measures to better protect workers.

At the time, the true scale of sexual harassment complaints at McDonalds was unknown but the Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union (BFAWU) claimed in 2019 that more than 1,000 UK cases have been reported.

In the wake of the investigation, more staff have come forward today. One opened up about dealing with 'aggressive' staff members who threatened them and caused lasting anxiety.

A talent acquisition manager based in Edinburgh who worked at McDonald's from September 2009 to 2011, when she was 16-18 years old, said she endured intimidating behaviour and threats including one worker who said he would slit the throats of girls working there.

The 30-year-old woman, who wished to remain anonymous, said: 'Being shouted at, intimidated or sexually harassed was common.

'There was one member of staff in particular - he wasn't a manager but was what they called a crew trainer - who was particularly aggressive and at one point threatened a group of girls working in the store, including me, with slitting our throats.

'Management were aware of the threats but because he was good at his job and "one of the lads" they let it slide and nothing was ever done about it.

'There were a couple who worked in the kitchens that were like that [too] ... you would be scared to approach them for anything in case they started shouting at you.

'Management never did anything because they were obviously scared of them too and those were always the people who got the best shifts.'

She added: 'It wasn't unusual as well to walk through the kitchen and have your bum slapped or something too.'

Despite the experience, the worker said she had 'generally enjoyed' the job and made friends while working there, but did not receive monetary recognition for her good work.

'I was a reliable member of staff, I never missed a shift, always turned up on time, and generally enjoyed the job and made a lot of friends while working there,' she said.

'I was promoted from crew member to hospitality manager around one year into my time with McDonald's as I was performing well and regularly trained new members of staff. However, when promoted, they refused to give me a pay rise in line with the new position.'

When she was 18, the then-McDonald's worker made the decision to leave her university course, she took on full-time hours at the fast food chain.

After securing a place on an undergraduate programme with a bank that was to begin in October 2011, she decided to leave her job at McDonald's.

Alistair Macrow, McDonald's boss in the UK, said 157 reports have already been fully investigated, with 75 resulting in disciplinary action

She said she was met with contempt from her store manager who then rapidly reduced her shifts on her zero hour contract.

'When I told him, he scoffed, and told me I was stupid to leave and I would regret it,' she said.

'A few days later the new schedule came out and at the time, I was working 30 to 40 hours per week - on the new schedule, I was given six hours twice per month for the remainder of my time there.

'I asked why as I was happy, and needed to work until I was earning from (the bank).

'My store manager said I wasn't committed enough so I wasn't getting any more hours but could ask my colleagues to cover their shifts if I wanted. It left me in a really difficult financial position when all I wanted to do was give them plenty of notice and do the right thing.'

A 21-year-old man from Wigan, who also did not wish to be named, said he worked for McDonald's for a couple of months between 2017 and 2018, while he was in his first year of college but quit due to mistreatment.

He said: 'I would constantly ask managers for help as I felt uncomfortable in certain areas of the restaurant and was always ignored and told I need to deal with it.

'I'd be put on new areas of the restaurant with zero help and then you would get the more popular and longer-term staff bullying you and making fun of you for not being good at something you've only been doing for an hour.

'Another thing about the managers was they were always creepily jokey with a lot of the female staff, especially the younger female staff.

'The work environment was just not nice to be in and gave me a lot of anxiety, which is still with me and carried over to me trying to get work now.'

The 21-year-old, who no longer works due to illness, added that the allocation of breaks also proved challenging to deal with.

'Some days you could be given a break one hour into an eight-hour shift and on others you'll not be given your break until two hours before you finish,' he said.

He said that leaving felt like a 'weight off my shoulders' and executives at the company should 'put themselves in the position of people like me, who aren't very popular or confident and try and enjoy a shift for them'.
Described as a 'really splendid baby', the tiny Prince Charles was born 75 years ago today in the palace he now occupies as monarch.

The future King's arrival at Buckingham Palace at 9.14pm was the first royal birth at the London residence in 62 years.

The then Princess Elizabeth had endured a difficult 30 hours of labour before she underwent a Caesarian in a makeshift maternity ward in the palace's Belgian Suite.

Soon afterwards, the thousands of Britons who were massed outside the palace gates got the news they had been waiting for.

Having just been told by royal page Stanley Childs, the police inspector on duty told the masses through cupped hands: 'It's a prince'.

Moments later, cheers went up as the news spread through the crowd.

Prince Philip, who had been engaged in an anxious game of squash while his wife was in labour, swiftly returned to the palace, where he cracked open a bottle of champagne.

The Queen told her music teacher in the following weeks that Charles had an 'interesting pair of hands for a baby' - a fact which has been commented on in more recent years.

Described as a 'really splendid baby', the tiny Prince Charles was born 75 years ago today in the palace he now occupies as monarch. The King's arrival at Buckingham Palace at 9.14pm was the first royal birth at the London residence in 62 years. Above: Charles with the then Princess Elizabeth at his christening in December 1948

The Queen told her music teacher in the following weeks that Charles had an 'interesting pair of hands for a baby' - a fact which has been commented on in more recent years. Above: Charles with his mother in 1949

The birth of the heir to the throne was the first in Buckingham Palace since that of Princess Patricia - the daughter of Queen Victoria's third son Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught.

The Belgian Suite would later be used for the arrivals of both Prince Andrew and Prince Edward.

Having played his squash game, Philip was toweling off after having a swim when a footman told informed him of Charles' arrival.

Along with the champagne, he greeted the Queen after she had woken from the dose of anaesthetic with a bouquet of red roses and carnations - her favourites.

Up until Charles's arrival, it had been traditional for the Home Secretary to be in attendance to witness the birth of the heir to the throne.

But the tradition was dispensed with, marking the first time since the 18th century that no government official had been present for an heir's birth.

The Queen told her music teacher in a letter: 'The baby is very sweet and we are enormously proud of him.

The King (pictured) has garnered a huge amount of attention since ascending the throne for his self-described 'sausage fingers'

Crowds gather in front of Buckingham Palace in November 1948 as they await news of Charles' birth

The Daily Mail's coverage of the King's birth at Buckingham Palace. Crowds massed outside to await news of the royal birth

The Daily Mail's front page after Charles's christening, which took place on December 15, 1948

'He has an interesting pair of hands for a baby.

'They are rather large, but with fine long fingers quite unlike mine and certainly unlike his father's.

'It will be interesting to see what they become.'

When Philip was asked what his baby son looked like, he said with characteristic bluntness: 'A plum pudding'.

Outside the Palace gates, the crowd was fruitlessly shouting 'we want Philip!'.

When he didn't emerge, they sang lullabies instead.

In line with tradition, the lights in the Trafalgar Square fountain were changed to blue to signal a boy.

Troops around the capital fired ceremonial salutes, as the bells at Westminster Abbey and St Paul's Cathedral rang out.

Queen Mary - Charles's great-grandmother - was taken up to the Princess's rooms to see the tiny baby.

As she was leaving the Palace afterwards to head back to Marlborough House, the delighted crowd surged forwards and almost brought her car to a standstill.

Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip posed for an official photo with Prince Charles at his christening

The future Queen holds her baby son as she poses for a photo at his christening with her grandmother Queen Mary and father King Charles

Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother holds baby Charles in her arms at his christening

A tiny Prince Charles sleeps in the arms of his great-grandmother Queen Mary at his christening

The Daily Mail reported how the police had to ask the jubilant wellwishers for a 'little quiet'.

When that didn't dampen their spirits, two Palace officials came out to say: 'Princess Elizabeth wants to have some rest. Prince Philip is with her and there will be nothing more tonight.'

Charles was christened in Buckingham Palace's Music Room on December 15 in a service overseen by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Geoffrey Fisher.

Present for the family occasion were Charles's maternal grandparents, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth.

They beamed for a family photo with Charles in his flowing white gown and Philip standing behind them.

The official images were taken by Sterling Henry Nahum - who also took the official photographs for the Queen and Prince Philip's wedding.

Charles spent the first year of his life at his parents' rented home, Windlesham Moor in Surrey

The Queen and Philip moved in shortly after their wedding in 1947 and stayed there until late 1949

Charles, then aged just nine months, is seen sitting on the lawn at Windlesham in July 1949

Prince Philip holds his eldest son in his arms at Windlesham as Princess Elizabeth looks on. The photo was taken in July 1949

An aerial view of Windlesham Moor in Surrey, the country home of then Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh

Charles spent the first year of his life at his parents' rented home, Windlesham Moor in Surrey.

Photos show him sitting in a play pen in the grounds of the property and playing with his parents on the lawn.

Windlesham was six miles from Windsor Castle, and also not far from Bagshot Park, which is now the home of Prince Edward and his wife Sophie, the Countess of Wessex.

The Queen and Philip moved in shortly after their wedding in 1947 and stayed there until late 1949.
British holidaymakers could be hit with on-the-spot fines for drinking alcohol in the street under tough new rules government chiefs in the Balearic Islands are being urged to adopt.

Last month it emerged badly-behaved tourists face being banned from the islands, which include Ibiza and Majorca, under controversial new proposals.

The islands' Head of Tourism Jaume Bauza confirmed the idea of a blacklist was being considered as part of a package of tougher measures being prepared against anti-social visitors to the popular destinations.

Today it was reported that members of a working group, set up to prepare modifications to an existing regional degree against excess tourism, want to see street drinking punished with fines.

Respected Majorca-based newspaper Diario de Mallorca said the proposal, with on-the-spot cash penalties charged through the use of card reading machines, was one of a number of new measures that has been put forward.

British holidaymakers could be hit with on-the-spot fines for drinking alcohol in the street under tough new rules government chiefs in the Balearic Islands are being urged to adopt

A document with the proposed modifications has been prepared by a law firm based in the Majorcan capital Palma with input from hoteliers, restaurateurs and bar and nightclub owners via their respective representative associations.

They include the Playa de Palma Hotel Association and the CAEB Mallorca Restaurants Association.

A drunken tourism decree was agreed at the start of 2020 for certain areas like Magaluf in Majorca and the West End of San Antonio in neighbouring Ibiza.

It included fines of up to 50,000 for holidaymakers caught leaping off their hotel balconies and limits on the amount of alcohol served with meals at all-inclusive hotels.

Elections in May led to a new Right-wing regional government taking power. It has already signalled its intention to change the name of the decree against excess tourism to that of the 'responsible tourism' decree to avoid negative connotations.

It is also planning to eliminate the current situation where only some streets in certain resorts, including Magaluf and San Antonio, are affected by the rules, meaning action against offenders could potentially be taken in any of the four islands that make up the Balearics.

The regional government has yet to respond to the reports about on-the-spot fines for drinking alcohol in the street.

Mr Bauza appeared to confirm last month a proposal to put some anti-social visitors on a plane back home and ban them for returning for a certain period was being considered.

Holidaymakers who flout the rules can already be expelled from their hotels, such as those who jump between balconies in a dangerous practice known locally as 'balconing.'

Mr Bauza said it would depend on the 'crime or infraction committed' when asked about the blacklist proposal at a meeting of the Commission for the Promotion of Civism in Tourist Zones with representatives of the four councils affected by the current excess tourism decree.

Explaining that it would be 'regulated in the decree' he was quoted by respected newspaper Diario de Ibiza as saying: 'I've expressed the master lines and nothing's being ruled out or confirmed at this stage.

'Then it will need to have a legal framework. The main thing is to target companies as well, but above all those people who behave in a way that is not tolerable, here or anywhere.'

The party resorts of Magaluf and part of Playa de Palma east of the island capital, which is also one of the areas covered by the excess tourism decree, have been rocked this summer by several alleged sex attacks involving foreign tourists including gang rapes.

A British 18-year-old was allegedly gang-raped at a hotel in Magaluf in the early hours of August 14. Five French nationals and a Swiss man were arrested and remanded in jail pending an ongoing judicial investigation and a further two suspects subsequently held in France on European Arrest Warrants.

The incidents put the spotlight on resorts popular with Britons such as Magaluf, which has been trying to improve its international image in recent years.

Prostitutes and some pickpockets have had restraining orders slapped on them by the courts banning them from setting foot in Magaluf, so the adoption of measures declaring certain individuals as 'personas non grata' is not new to the area.

Any attempts by the Balearic Islands' government to blacklist anti-social tourists is set to come up against EU free movement legislation, where the holidaymakers are from EU member states.

Although the Right-wing Popular Party won the May elections in the Balearic Islands, Spain's Left-wing acting PM Pedro Sanchez is expected to successfully form a coalition national government later this week which would exclude the Right.

In August it emerged four of five tourists handed five-figure fines over the summer for climbing between balconies at hotels in Magaluf were British.

Calvia Council, which is responsible for the party resort, said on August 21 that five foreign holidaymakers had been fined for 'balconing'. They were told to pay 36,000 euros (30,720) each and kicked out of their hotels.

The fines were levied under the regional government decree designed to stamp out drunken tourism approved just over three years ago.

Earlier the same month a firm offering British holidaymakers illegal booze cruises in Magaluf was hit with a near-140,000 fine levied under the same decree.

Council chiefs responsible for the Majorcan resort said company bosses were caught 'red-handed' as they escorted around 130 tourists who had paid nearly 40 each on to a boat where loud music was going to be played and alcohol was on offer.

The islands' Head of Tourism Jaume Bauza confirmed the idea of a blacklist was being considered as part of a package of tougher measures being prepared against anti-social visitors to the popular destinations

The pioneering excess tourism crackdown ended pub crawls, happy hours and two-for-one cheap drink offers in certain areas.

It also suspended the concession of new 'party boat' licences, with boats that were already licensed banned from embarking or disembarking tourists in the areas covered.

Calvia's new mayor Juan Antonio Amengual said last month after it emerged the 'singling-out' of certain areas, which critics of the regional government decree have complained about, would be stopped: 'What you find at the moment is that one side of the street you have the tough rules and on the other side you don't.

'We want it all to be the same.'
But the operation to clear the labyrinth of Hamas tunnels is fraught with danger

sraeli soldiers are now massed near the gates of Gaza City's main hospital

Israeli forces are now massed near the gates of Gaza City's main hospital, ready to storm the labyrinth of tunnels they say are underneath the medical centre where Hamas terrorists lie in wait.

Their aim is to enter the 300 mile network of tunnels that are below the Al-Shifa hospital and Gaza City as a whole and annihilate the terrorists who rampaged through Israel and slaughtered 1,200 Israelis.

But that is no easy task. Subterranean fighting is notoriously lethal work, especially when Israeli soldiers are fighting against heavily armed Hamas terrorists who know every hiding place and have access to a stash of rockets, grenades and guns.

The terrorists have operated within the complex network of reinforced tunnels underneath civilian buildings for years, some of which are buried up to 40ft underground and all of which could conceal an ambush, be booby-trapped - or worse - filled with explosives and primed to cave in.

This means the Israeli military will have to draw on a variety of technology and weaponry - like 'killer' drones, attack dogs and 'sponge' bombs - to help their soldiers 'destroy' the terrorists deep within the tunnels.

A Palestinian fighter from the Izz el-Deen al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of the Hamas movement, gestures inside an underground tunnel in Gaza in this August 18, 2014 file photo

Israeli soldiers take position during the ongoing ground operation of the Israeli army against Hamas in Gaza on Monday

The first task of the Israeli forces is to locate where exactly the tunnels are located. Specialist 'Diamond' combat engineers will use ground-penetrating radar and ground-based sonar to find the tunnels deep underneath the ground.

As soon as the engineers equipped with drills find the tunnel entrances, under which rocket launching sites and command centres are located, they will work quickly to disable or destroy it.

Israeli forces could make use of 'bunker-buster' bombs, which penetrate through the ground before detonating, but that would prove fatal for civilians seeking refuge in the buildings above.

Israeli troops could also be planning to disable the Hamas tunnels and trap the terrorists hiding inside them by using innovative 'sponge bombs' - though the IDF has not commented on the use of the weapons.

The sponge bombs, which contain chemicals, create a sudden explosion of dense, dark foam that rapidly expands and hardens, sealing gaps or tunnel entrances.

This would block of tunnels and potentially trap terrorists there while buying time for proper demolition with explosives later on once a safe route for commandos has been secured.

The Israeli engineers may also use sponge bombs in what is known as a 'purple hair' tactic - whereby a smoke grenade is thrown into a tunnel before a smoke bomb seals the entrance. If the trapped smoke is seen wafting out of a nearby building, the Israeli troops will know it conceals another entrance.

How Israeli sponge bombs could be used to trap Hamas terrorists in tunnels underground

A member of the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas, walks inside a tunnel used for military exercises during a weapon exhibition at a Hamas-run youth summer camp, in Gaza City

An Israeli soldier fires his weapon during the ongoing ground operation of the Israeli army against Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in the Gaza Strip on Monday

Once the tunnels are disabled, subterranean commandoes called 'Weasels' will make the nerve-racking descent into the cramped and dark tunnels armed with a TAR-21 'Tavor' assault rifle in a bit to retrieve hostages.

The soldiers, equipped with night vision goggles, will move methodically through the labyrinth of tunnels where the Hamas terrorists lie in wait, ready to launch their rockets and grenades at the troops.

But the soldiers will have secret weapons in their arsenal - in the form of attack dogs and 'killer' drones - to help them kill the terrorists and detect any booby-trapped doors and tunnel passages before rescuing any hostages.

Before the soldiers move forward through the tunnels, they will send in 'killer' drones to detect Hamas terrorists. For instance, the IRIS 'throwbot' - a drone designed by Tel Aviv company Roboteam - can move quickly through the intricate tunnel network and provide soldiers with critical imagery of where the terrorists are hiding or what lies ahead.

The drones could also be equipped with weapons, meaning they can move ahead of Israeli commandos and kill any terrorists who are waiting for the right moment to ambush the soldiers.

Israeli forces will also rely on the Micro Tactical Ground Robot, which can navigate stairs and confined spaces while also being able to disable explosive devices.

Behind the killer robots and drones will be the Israeli commandoes who are trained at dealing with claustrophobic conditions - a key skill when navigating the large network of tunnels.

Defence sources say the 'Weasel' commandos usually have introverted personalities with the ability to keep a 'psychological distance from the situation'.

Alongside them will be specially trained dogs from the Oketz unit - a four-legged fighting force which has already helped to eliminate Hamas terrorists.

The dogs each have specific jobs, with some trained to sniff out explosives and tunnel entrances while others are trained to track down and maul the terrorists.

The highly-trained Belgian Malinois have been utilised by Israel's army for years - and now their skills are being deployed on the streets of Gaza and in Hamas's subterranean tunnels.

Israel's Defence Forces have a crack canine unit called Oketz, meaning 'Sting' in Hebrew

An Israeli army soldier part of a K-9 unit takes part in a drill at an army urban warfare training facility simulating Gaza City back in January

Thought to be heavily booby-trapped, the concrete-enforced passages are narrow and complex in some areas, making them one of the most deadly terrains for soldiers to enter.

In some areas, troops are unable to stand up or see in front of themselves in the dark lairs.

This means that dogs - which are guided by their noses and agile enough to quickly navigate the complicated networks - are a useful weapon.

In a video shared by IDF spokesman Ofir Gendelman, one of the unit's canines can be seen racing through a dark tunnel network much like those under Gaza.

A bodycam attached to the animal follows it through the dimly-lit passages as it hunts down its prey.

The animal locates a man dressed as a Hamas terrorist, who it attacks and neutralises as the enemy target screams in terror, showing how useful the animals can be in supporting their human counterparts in Gaza.

But as if navigating through the tunnels while battling against Hamas terrorists wasn't already a tall order, there are fears Israeli troops may find hostages fitted with bomb vests underground.

On top of this, Israeli citizens taken captive by Hamas terrorists are likely to face the possibility of execution if their captors feel they are unable to escape.

Former UN senior advisor and one of the world's most experienced hostage negotiators Scott Walker said: 'It is understandable and reasonable for IDF to be preparing for an armed hostage rescue - but these operations are some of the riskiest.

'Hostages are likely to be dispersed and moved around and it will be highly unlikely that an Israeli force could just go in and liberate the hostages in one fell swoop without suffering significant losses, either of hostages or their own men,' he said.

Military experts have shared their concern that Israeli forces, despite all the technology, could suffer heavy losses if they do storm the terrorist tunnel network.

Leading military and defence analyst and RUSI Associate Fellow Sam Cranny-Evans said Israeli forces are in for a particularly bloody fight, likening the potential conflict to scenes from the most bitter urban fighting amid the Iraq war.

Hamas forces are likely to operate like guerrilla fighters, whose advanced knowledge of the terrain and understanding of the tunnels means they could spring surprise attacks on Israeli forces and immediately retreat, drawing IDF troops into traps in what are known as 'shoot and scoot' attacks.

'Both sides will be attempting to surprise each other and they will have surprises up their sleeve,' said Brigadier Ben Barry, an urban warfare specialist at the IISS think tank, told The National News.

'The Israelis also have advantages with the biggest urban training facility of any armed forces in the world training people to fight in tunnels but also using drones and robots to take the first hit. The Israelis have all sorts of technological gadgets.'

Cranny-Evans also warned the Hamas fighters would likely mine the tunnels and deploy improvised explosive devices IEDs to cripple IDF troops tasked with clearing out the rat run.

Paul Beaver, a top military historian, said: 'In my 40 years of experience, the Gaza operation unfolding now is the biggest challenge Israel has faced.

'It will not take days. This could take weeks and even months and cost countless lives.

'Hamas is not troubled by civilian casualties, is well dug in and holds a huge advantage over its enemy as they prepare to attack,' he told The Sun.

An Israeli artillery crew fires from a field near the border with the Gaza Strip on Tuesday

Israeli combat engineers manoeuvre their armoured vehicles at a staging point near the Israeli border on November 14, 2023 near Sderot, Israel

Smoke billows following an air strike on the northern part of the Gaza Strip, as seen from Sderot, southern Israel, on Tuesday

Cranny-Evans agreed with Beaver's assessment, adding: 'If al-Qassam has a lot of fighters who are determined to hold their ground, the Israeli forces may be faced with several Mosul-type operations requiring each urban area to be encircled and gradually cleared street-by-street.'

The IDF has long been trying - and failing - to destroy the huge network of tunnels which were established after Hamas took control of the Gaza Strip in 2007.

Not only do they run underground throughout Gaza, but several reach into Israeli territory and have long served as a launch point for many of the Hamas' attacks.

Tunnels were among Hamas' most effective tools during the 2014 war with Israel, with militants using them to move weapons, enter the Jewish state, ambush IDF soldiers, and at times even return to Gaza through the underground passages.

But it is thought Hamas has expanded the network considerably since then, perhaps in preparation for their October 7 attacks.

The first Hamas tunnels were built in 2007 between the Gaza Strip and Egypt and were designed for smuggling consumer goods to bypass the Israeli blockade.

However, some rudimentary networks existed in Gaza as early as 2002. One was used to bomb an Israeli outpost within the Strip in 2004. A second tunnel bomb attack on an Israeli outpost took place in December 2004, killing five IDF soldiers.

Israel has long struggled to wipe the system out, despite top of the range military and intelligence equipment.

This is primarily because the tunnels, which are believed to have cost between $30 million (21.3 million) and $90 million (63.9 million) to build, are extremely difficult to detect from the air.

Some of the three dozen tunnels built since the end of the 2014 Israel-Gaza conflict are estimated to have cost $3 million ($2.13 million).

The tunnels are reinforced with concrete to protect them from airstrikes and from caving in.

Footage from inside some of the tunnels shows a sweaty and cramped environment, not tall enough for fighters to stand up straight.

But others are well constructed, reinforced and large enough for troops to sprint through or move contraband.

By 2013, the network had definitively pivoted away from the Egyptian border and towards Israel and there were at least three tunnels under the Israel-Gaza border, two of which were packed with explosives.

The underground network now branches hundreds of miles through the Gaza Strip reaching the towns of Khan Younis, Jabalia, and the Shati refugee camp. They also stretch into Israel.

The tunnels are used by Hamas and other Islamist groups in Gaza, including the Islamic Jihad movement in Palestine, all of whom say tunnels are needed for defence, and to get around the difficulties imposed by Israel's strict border controls.
Donald Trump's former personal lawyer Michael Cohen says he's terrified that the ex-president will exact terrible revenge 'on anyone who had done him wrong' if he is re-elected.

Cohen, 57, told Good Morning Britain that he fears for both his safety and his life, and is currently considering leaving the US if Trump is made president again.

'You don't know Donald Trump. I do. Don't listen to my words. Listen to his words. He will exact revenge on anyone who has done him wrong.

'There's a lot of people on that list. It's not just me. It's judges, it's lawyers, it's citizens. It's prosecutors. It's Congress members.

'He will exact revenge on anyone and everyone that he's capable of.'

Donald Trump (pictured, left) and Michael Cohen previously had a good working relationship

Cohen admitted to making hush money payments to adult actress Stormy Daniels (pictured)

The former lawyer, who was disbarred from practicing law in the state of New York in 2019 after he pleaded guilty to arranging payments to adult actress Stormy Daniels and lying to Congress, said that he's not sure locking Trump in prison would make him go away.

'I want him held accountable, but I have great concerns that if in fact Donald Trump is locked up in an institution, that he would sell or give away national security secrets for a bag of tuna or a book of stamps.

'My bigger concern is the protection and safety of America.

'So let them put him under a very serious home confinement situation. But to put him into an institution, remember, for four years, he was briefed every single day on national security issues.

'I care more about America than I do seeing Donald Trump behind bars.'

Cohen, 57, (pictured) told Good Morning Britain that he he fears for both his safety and his life

A grinning Michael Cohen, 57, was seen arriving at court for the fourth week of Trump's $250million fraud trial

Michael Cohen came face to face with former client and friend Donald Trump as he took the stand in the former president's $250million fraud trial Tuesday

Michael Cohen came face to face with former client and friend Donald Trump as he took the stand in the former president's $250million fraud trial Tuesday

Cohen was sent to prison for three years for financial crimes and lying to Congress.

He admitted to the New York Times in 2018 that he paid Stormy Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, $130,000 out of his own pocket in order to silence her, after she allegedly had an affair with Donald Trump.

He also admitted purchasing the rights to a negative story about Donald Trump from US tabloid The National Inquirer involving former Playboy model Karen McDougal, who claimed she and Trump had an affair from 2006 until 2007.

Cohen pleaded guilty to lying to Congress about securing Russian government support for a planned Trump Tower in Moscow during the 2016 presidential election.

He admitted to making false statements to hinder US investigations into the matter and to help Trump.

Speaking to the court, Cohen claimed he broke the law on behalf of the former president

Cohen told the court he breached campaign finance laws with a hush money payment to former Playmate Karen McDougal (pictured) to 'ensure Mr. Trump was protected'

Cohen claimed in his memoir, Disloyal, that Trump made several racist remarks against Nelson Mandela and Barack Obama

'I made these statements to be consistent with [Trump's] political messaging and out of loyalty with [Trump,' Cohen told the federal court in 2018.

The sentences came after Cohen and Trump spent years duking it out in the press, after publicly falling out with each other.

Trump has repeatedly called Cohen a 'felon,' a 'rat' and a 'liar'. Meanwhile, Cohen once claimed that if people wanted to get under the former president's skin, 'its not by saying hes a narcissistic sociopath or that hes definitely not 6ft 3in and hes not 215 pounds, you go after the wallet.

'Once you start hitting that bank book, thats what really gets to him.'

Cohen even published a memoir in 2020 recounting his time working for Trump. In it, he claimed the former president made racist remarks towards South African President Nelson Mandela and former President Barack Obama.

He also claimed that Trump would consistently make cruel and humiliating remarks against his own family and members of his personal staff.

The public falling out has carried on, years after they ended their working relationship.

Last month, Cohen faced off against Trump when he told a New York court that he was made to boost the former president's finances by 'reverse engineering' his assets in order to 'achieve the number that Mr. Trump has tasked us with.'
This is the astonishing moment a man rammed his car repeatedly into a cash machine because it 'wouldn't give him any money'.

The driver could clearly be seen smiling as he smashed his vehicle into an ATM, reversing back a few feet before accelerating over and over again.

The surreal scene occurred around midday on Sunday at a La Caixa branch in Malaga on the Costa del Sol.

Witnesses said the motorist had beckoned people to get out of the way before smashing into the ATM in a drama said to have lasted around 10 minutes.

Initial reports, based on the claims of the driver himself to onlookers, pointed to him acting out of anger because he had been unable to withdraw money.

Video shows the family car ramming into the popular Spanish bank in Malaga, Spain

The driver appeared to be smiling as he drove his car repeatedly into the bank

Police have now confirmed they arrested the driver who smashed into the ATM in Malaga's Ciudad Jardin neighbourhood on suspicion of criminal damage and robbery.

The driver, who has not been named, is said to have claimed he acted out of desperation because he didn't have enough money to feed his children, although police have not yet commented on this.

He passed a breathalyzer test and a drugs test.

Confirming Sunday's arrest, which occurred after the man's vehicle got wedged two pillars as he accelerated towards the ATM for the fifth or sixth time, a spokesman for Malaga's local city hall-employed police force said: 'Local police officers have held a man for a crime of criminal damage and robbery using the ram-raiding method.'

The driver tested negative for alcohol and drugs after ramming repeatedly into the building

Bystanders could only watch on as the man drove into the bank, grinning

They added: 'The incident occurred on Sunday at 12.30pm in the Ciudad Jardin neighbourhood of Malaga when the individual in question tried to rob a bank.

'Police identified several witnesses, including one who was using the cash machine when the driver beckoned to him to move out of the way before smashing his vehicle into the ATM several times.

'The driver tested negative for both alcohol and drugs.

'The vehicle he was driving was towed away.'
A high-flying couple have won a millionaires' legal fight after a judge agreed that the noise of their banker neighbour's young family on the wooden floor upstairs was 'unbearable'.

Businessman Sergey Grazhdankin, 42, and his wife, Maria, claimed their lives in a gated art deco development in West Kensington, London, became 'torture' after new neighbours moved into the 1.1million apartment above them and ripped up the carpets.

Mr Grazhdankin, who runs an insurance services company, sued his neighbours, City banker Medhi Guissi and his wife Meriem El Harouchi, over the 'nuisance' caused by noise from the wooden floors.

Yesterday, Judge Tracey Bloom handed victory to Mr Grazhdankin, finding that the noise they suffered after their neighbours tore up the old carpets was 'unbearable' and kept them awake at night.

The decision leaves upstairs neighbours Mr Guissi and Mrs El Harouchi having to fork out 16,087 in compensation, as well as paying a substantial portion of the 250,000 lawyers' bills for the case.

Sergey Grazhdankin and his wife Maria (both pictured) claimed they'd been 'tortured' by the noise of Mehdi Guissi's family and their creaking floorboards above

Mehdi Guissi (pictured) claimed that his neighbours cannot complain about the normal everyday sounds of a family in their own home. But a judge ruled against him yesterday, leaving him with a hefty compensation and legal bill

Mr and Mrs Grazhdankin they have since been subjected to a constant assault of noise  including children playing and crying, creaking joists, footsteps and noisy conversations from the flat above in Kensington (pictured)

The couple said they were subjected to a constant assault of noise through the new wooden floors upstairs - including children playing and crying, creaking joists, footsteps and noisy conversations.

'During the week, we are woken up daily between 5.30am and 7.30am by the noise', Mr Grazhdankin said, adding: 'On weekends we are woken up between 7am and 8am by walking, banging, jumping sounds, children running and voices'.

They had previously enjoyed peace and quiet in their 1million-plus three-bed apartment, but the installation of the wooden floors had shattered that and left them feeling as though they were in a flatshare, they said.

The Grazhdankins had been 'clearly distressed' by the noise, which was the result of sound restricting flooring being incorrectly installed, meaning it was as much use as a 'piece of plywood' laid across the floorboards, the judge said yesterday.

Central London County Court heard Mr Grazhdankin and marketing manager Mrs Grazhdankin moved into their fourth floor flat in 2011, before their neighbours bought the apartment upstairs for 1.1million in 2018.

Previously, the Grazhdankins had an elderly lady living above them and told the court that they very rarely heard noise from upstairs, other than the occasional banging of a door.

But after Mr Guissi and his wife bought the property, they began a major refurbishment of the flat, tearing out walls, changing the layout of the rooms and replacing the floor.

In place of the carpeted floor which the former owner had, they installed a wooden floor, with a floating acoustic barrier in an attempt to alleviate any noise.

However, the Grazhdankins complained that the acoustic floor was fitted incorrectly, with screws being driven through it and into the joists, against the specific instructions of the manufacturers.

Mr Grazhdankin and his wife, who is a marketing manager, moved into their fourth floor flat in North End House (pictured) in 2011. Their neighbours bought the apartment upstairs for 1.1million in 2018

Mr Grazhdankin, who runs an insurance services company, sued in a case which has run up around 250,000 in lawyers' bills (pictured: inside the above flat)

The 'incorrect' installation of the floor resulted in creaking and the constant passage of impact and airborne sound from above, they said.

In a statement written at the time and put before the court, Mr Grazhdankin said that, after a year living in Germany, he and his family had moved back into the flat in August 2020.

Once back in the apartment, he and his wife had found the noise 'unbearable,' he said, with the change of layout above so that living areas are above bedrooms making things worse.

'During the week, we are woken up daily between 5.30am and 7.30am by the noise from above and we can hear floor making creaking sounds, walking sounds and the sound of moving furniture right above our main bedroom,' he said.

'On weekends we are woken up between 7am and 8am by walking, banging, jumping sounds, children running and voices.

'During the day, throughout the whole week, there is a lot of noise of similar nature, being creaking floor, walking, dropping things on the floor, moving objects on the floor, children crying, shouting and voices.

'This is experienced especially between 2pm and 10pm.

'Overall, living in our apartment feels like living in a shared apartment with another family. It is impossible to have our peace and live in our own rhythm.'

'Living with this every day since we moved is torture,' he added from the witness box.

His wife said the only time they are free from the noise above is after Mr Guissi and his family go to bed, which can be after 10pm at night, making the Grazhdankins dependent on their neighbours' daily schedule.

'We live with our neighbours in the most direct way of speech as we are always disturbed by the sounds of their daily life in their apartment,' she said in a statement.

'We are automatically able to tell not only if they're at home but also who exactly of the family is at home, which room they're in and sometimes what kind of activity they are engaged in.

'It feels depressing because I do not have a feeling of privacy, peace and quiet in my own home.'

Mr Guissi and Mrs El Harouchi eventually had carpets fitted in most areas of their flat, but Mr Grazhdankin pressed ahead with the 'nuisance' claim against them.

Defending them in court, their barrister Tom Morris said that what the Grazhdankins complained about is the sound made by acts of 'ordinary residential occupation' of a family home.

The acts 'are not done maliciously or with the intention of disturbing the claimant, but reasonably and with proper consideration for the interests of the claimant,' he said.

Ruling in Mr Grazhdankin's favour, Judge Bloom said the couple had been 'plainly distressed' by the noise from above, even the reduced sound which they experience now after the carpet was laid.

'Having listened to the parties and read the documents, it is clear that as time has passed the positions of the two neighbours has got more entrenched,' she said in her judgment.

'I found that both sides were seeking to tell me the truth, albeit their versions of the truth are moulded by their own situations and respective sense of injustice.

'I have no reason to doubt the experience of Mr Grazhdankin and his wife that the noise has been unbearable for them.

'I am quite satisfied and accept all of the experts' evidence that the floor was put in incorrectly.

'The effect was that the layer that should have provided an acoustic barrier was squashed and the effectiveness of the floor was in effect nullified.

'It was no better than a piece of plywood across the floor.'

He concluded: 'I conclude that there was noise nuisance from 2019 when the works completed until the carpet was laid.'

He said Mr Grazhdankin is entitled to damages for four months in 2020 and five months in 2021, the periods when their neighbours were in the UK and not stranded abroad due to Covid restrictions.

He awarded Mr Grazhdankin 16,087.50 in damages for those periods, but said the noise they experience now does not amount to 'actionable nuisance.'

He rejected nuisance and breach of covenant claims which they had additionally brought against the freeholder of the building, North End House Ltd.

The case will return to court at a later date to decide what portion of the lawyers' bills for the case the parties will have to pay.
Five workers have suffered toxic burns after a major chemical spill at a mining facility.

The incident occurred at a refinery operated by mining giant Alcoa, in Pinjarra about 90km south of Perth last Tuesday.

Emergency crews were called to the aluminium processing site at 3.30pm with two men rushed to Fiona Stanley Hospital. One of them is believed to be in his 60's while the other man is in his 30's.

Both are understood to be in a stable condition with non life-threatening injuries.

The other three workers were treated a Alcoa's onsite medical centre and were cleared to return to work at the facility the following day.

The incident occurred at a refinery operated by mining giant Alcoa, in Pinjarra about 90km south of Perth on Tuesday

Investigations into what caused the spill are yet to begin however WorkSafe WA has been notified of the incident.

A spokesman for the company told Daily Mail Australia that the incident occurred at a part of the refinery where maintenance work was being carried out.

'We are pleased that one person has been released from hospital this morning and the other is expected to be released later today,' the spokesperson said.

'Our first priority is to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all personnel.'

'Any type of injury at work is unacceptable. We are working with relevant authorities to investigate the incident, understand the causes and contributing factors, and implement any corrective actions.'

The spokesman said the chemical spill did not pose a threat to to other staff at the refinery and the surrounding environment.

Alcoa, which is headquartered in Pittsburgh in the United States, operates three aluminium refineries in Western Australia with the third facility located in Kwinara, about 40 kilometres south of Perth.

The Pinjarra refinery which was established in 1972, is one of the largest aluminium refineries in the world.

The factory produces almost five million tonnes of alumina the raw material used in the production of aluminium, each year.

About 1,160 workers are employed by the refinery.

Emergency crews were called to the factory at 3.30pm with two men rushed to Fiona Stanley Hospital. One of the men is believed to be in his 60's while the other man is in his 30's
Suella Braverman's brutal sacking yesterday came after Downing Street disowned her attack on police bias towards pro-Palestinian protests.

But the former Home Secretary's fate seems to have been sealed much earlier than that, with Rishi Sunak already having tired of her outspoken interventions.

By the time Ms Braverman penned her article for the Times last Wednesday accusing Scotland Yard of 'playing favourites', the process of appointing David Cameron as Foreign Secretary was already well under way.

The pair are believed to have made contact the previous weekend, shortly after Ms Braverman suggested that homelessness was a 'lifestyle choice' for some people.

The ex-PM was smuggled into No10 for a drink to finalise his bombshell deal with Mr Sunak last Tuesday.

And when it emerged Ms Braverman had gone ahead with the piece despite No10 refusing to approve it, Mr Sunak was merely said to have observed that she was 'not a team player'.

Rishi Sunak sacked Suella Braverman and unveiled David Cameron as his new Foreign Secretary in dramatic moves yesterday

By the time Ms Braverman penned her article for the Times last Wednesday accusing Scotland Yard of 'playing favourites', the process of appointing David Cameron as Foreign Secretary was already well under way

Mr Cameron attended Cabinet today for the first time since he quit in 2016

Rumours of a reshuffle had been circulating in Westminster for months, and ministers had become increasingly frustrated at having to tour TV studios either endorsing or distancing themselves from Ms Braverman's views.

Lord Hague, who served as Foreign Secretary under Lord Cameron and is a mentor to Mr Sunak - having previously served as MP for his Richmond, Yorks seat - has been named as the go-between.

He told Times Radio this morning that he had advised both men that the comeback was a 'great idea'.

However, the peer stressed that appointing him as Foreign Secretary 'wasn't my idea'.

'I know Rishi Sunak and David Cameron very well, but sometimes in politics, things are simpler than they look,' he said.

'Sometimes somebody just asked somebody else around for a chat and says, why don't you do this?

'And they said, well, okay, fine. And you know, it doesn't need any intermediary or they just sort it out themselves. So that's what happened in this case.'

Downing Street has insisted Mr Sunak himself was the one who originally suggested drafting in his predecessor.

Lord Hague, who served as Foreign Secretary under Lord Cameron and is a mentor to Mr Sunak - having previously served as MP for his Richmond, Yorks seat - has been named as the go-between

Restoring Lord Cameron to the fold required freeing up one of the great offices of state.

Demoting James Cleverly, one of the strongest Cabinet performers, would have been seen as harsh. Instead he was shifted to take Ms Braverman's job.

Despite right-wing threats to revolt over the sacking of Ms Braverman, Mr Sunak's allies were jubilant about how the changes had gone last night.

One Sunak ally told MailOnline: 'I feel like we've grabbed the initiative today in a way we haven't in ages.'

They acknowledged that there was a difficult year ahead, but insisted 'Rish is a fighter'. 'He wants to do this.'

They also pointed to the fact only around a dozen MPs were at a meeting in Parliament to plot a response to the axing.
Council also wants to start charging tourists to use public toilets

Fed up locals say they are forced to stay in their homes as there are no spaces

Fed up locals who live in the village made famous by The Holiday and Bridget Jones are now planning to charge tourists to park and use public toilets.

Residents of the picturesque village of Shere, Surrey, dread the festive season every year.

They claim that they are forced to stay in their homes, unable to enjoy activities on their doorstep as their high street is jam-packed with movie fans every winter.

The tension between homeowners and visitors has risen so much that parish council members are planning to introduce parking fees, according to The Sun.

Locals hope that this will be able to deter people from visiting and curb the number of cars parked in the village.

Jim Worsfold, has lived in the village for 30 years and remembers when crews were in the area to film The Holiday.

He told the outlet: 'Parking has become much harder over the years and it's always a struggle to get a spot in the centre.'

The romantic comedy sees Cameron Diaz's character arrive in Surrey and fall in love with a man named Graham, played by Jude Law

Fans of the film can enjoy a pint at The White Horse pub in Shere, where Jude Law and Cameron Diaz's characters go on a date

The cottage from the film, The Holiday. Residents living in the picturesque village of Shere, Surrey, dread the festive season every year

Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason also features shots from the iconic countryside location

Mr Worsfold added that they get visitors from 'all over the world' such as Canada and Australia.

Another resident, who has lived in the village for more than 18 years and did not want to be named, added: 'It's become so bad now that we want to move, which is such a shame as it's a beautiful village, with lots of lovely walks around it, but the invasion is just too much.'

They also said that their area has become a 'tourist trap' and claimed that a fire engine even struggled driving down a road the other day as vehicles were blocking both sides.

The quintessentially English village is a short drive from London and those wanting to get away for the day can travel to the town in under an hour-and-a-half by car.

As the scenic countryside location is just a stone's throw away from the bustling capital, housing is being bought up and turned into Airbnbs and holiday rentals.

Shere parish council also wants to start charging visitors to use public toilets in a bid to limit numbers.

The council is in an adjudication process with Shere Recreation Ground Trustees, who own the village car park and a decision is expected to be made on November 15.

Dr Lynette Nusbacker, who has lived in Shere for 12 years, previously told The Sun: 'The car parks are completely full and people who actually live here have to sit and wait in queues to get a space.

'We decided to create our own private parking area but on the weekends it is 'mysteriously' unlocked and full of other cars.'

Parts of Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason also feature shots from the iconic countryside location.

A wedding scene was filmed outside one of the churches in the village in a picturesque winter ceremony complete with snow.

The council is currently in an adjudication process with Shere Recreation Ground Trustees, who own the village car park and a decision is expected to be made on November 15

A wedding scene was filmed outside one of the churches in the village in a picturesque winter ceremony, complete with snow

Whereas Iris (Kate Winslet) falls head over heels for Miles in California, who is played by Jack Black

As the scenic countryside location is just a stone's throw away from the bustling capital, housing is being bought up and turned into Airbnbs to meet demand

The 2006 Nancy Meyers film is seen as a Christmas classic and is loved by many around the globe.

The plot of the film is that an American woman named Amanda (played by Cameron Diaz) and an English woman named Iris (Kate Winslet) swap homes so they can each experience a new place.

The romantic comedy sees Cameron Diaz's character arrive in Surrey and fall in love with a man named Graham (Jude Law).

Whereas Iris falls head over heels for Miles in California, who is played by Jack Black.

Fans of the film can enjoy a pint at The White Horse pub in Shere, where Jude Law and Cameron Diaz's characters go on a date.

The village has had many productions filmed there, including the film Bullseye which stars Michael Caine and Sir Roger Moore.

Big names such as Ringo Starr, George Clooney, Sir Cliff Richard and Daniel Craig have also visited the scenic countryside location.

Other productions that have used Shere include: Four Weddings and a Funeral, The Wedding Date, The Mummy, Silent Witness and Why didn't they ask Evans?
A financial company director has appeared in court charged with the murder of his wife at their 1.2 million home in Cambridge.

Robert Hammond, 47, was remanded in custody over the death of mortgage adviser Sian Hammond, 46, whose body was discovered last week.

Sian's death has devastated her friends and colleagues, who said she will be 'sorely missed by many.'

Her husband, who is known by his middle name James, appeared at Peterborough Magistrates' Court yesterday and spoke only to confirm his name, address and age during a brief hearing.

He was remanded in custody for four weeks to appear at Cambridge Crown Court on December 11.

Robert Hammond has appeared in court charged with the murder of his wife at their 1.2 million home in Cambridge

Sian's death has devastated her friends and colleagues, who said she will be 'sorely missed by many'

Mrs Hammond was found dead at her large detached home that she shares with her husband and daughters Katie and Lauren in in the charming village of Histon

Mrs Hammond was Principal and Director of renowned Cambridge-based Lime Tree Financial Services.

She was found dead at her large detached home, which boasts five bedrooms and four reception rooms, that she shares with her husband and daughters Katie and Lauren in in the charming village of Histon.

A statement issued by Mrs Hammond's company following her shock death said: 'Unfortunately we have to share some devastating news with you all.

'Last week we lost our beloved Sian, wife to James, mother to Katie and Lauren, friend to many and Managing Director of Lime Tree FS.

'Everyone that knew her would agree Sian was one of the friendliest people you could have the pleasure of meeting, and she will be sorely missed by many.

'Please bear with us whilst our team comes to terms with this terrible loss, we will keep everyone updated with the funeral arrangements.'

A profile about the popular boss states: 'Sian has two teenage daughters who both swim at national level for Wales and England respectively, which means that when she's not at work or walking the dogs you can normally find her at the pool.

Mrs Hammond was Principal and Director of renowned Cambridge-based Lime Tree Financial Services

Mrs Hammond is described her as having a 'wealth of experience in financial services gained from over a decade in the industry

Aerial view of the families luxury home in Histon, Cambridgeshire

'When she does get any free time she enjoys traveling with friends and exercising at the local gym.

'She is also the co-owner of two Limetree pups - Bailey and Cai.'

Mrs Hammond is described her as having a 'wealth of experience in financial services gained from over a decade in the industry.'

She had previously graduated with a BSc Honours degree in biochemistry and worked in scientific research.

Her husband runs Hammonds Mortgage Services based in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, and is described as Director and Mortgage and Protection Adviser.
Benjamin Netanyahu has warned America and the West will 'be next' if Hamas is not eradicated.

The Israeli PM told Fox News on Monday that for the sake of the 'civilized world' it is essential the IDF roots out the terrorists responsible for the October 7 massacre.

Netanyahu said: 'If we don't win now, then Europe is next and you're next. And we have to win.

'We have to win to protect Israel. We have to win to safeguard the Middle East. We have to win for the sake of the civilized world.

'That's the battle we're fighting, and it's being waged right now. There is no substitute for that victory.'

Addressing Americans again, he stressed 'our fight is your fight' before branding the war as the frontline against 'barbarism' which could 'endanger the entire world'.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that America and the West will be 'next' if Hamas is not eradicated in the war against the terrorist group

'Every American, every civilized country will be under peril. We have to win. Total victory,' he added.

Netanyahu called out the 'Axis of Terror' led by Iran - which includes Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen - and said 'they want to bring the Middle East, the world, back to the Dark Ages.'

He continued: 'And on the other side stands Israel, the modern Arab states, of course the United States, all the forces that want to see peace, prosperity for the Middle East and for the world. And that's the battle that is being waged right now.'

But the Israeli PM also mentioned that they are fighting 'for the sake of Gazans who've been held by this dark tyranny that has brutalized and brought them nothing but bloodshed and poverty and misery.'

As the Israeli armed forces sweep through Gaza, they have claimed to find a Hamas base underneath a hospital 'where hostages were held' with footage of the area released on November 13.

As the world decries the loss of innocent lives in Gaza, Netanyahu has insisted there will be no ceasefire until all Israel hostages are returned.

Hamas's deadly assault on October 7 saw around 240 taken captive and at least 1,200 Israeli civilians killed. In response, Israel has begun a siege on Gaza to take out the terror group for good.

A member of the Israeli security forces stands near burning cars following a rocket attack from the Gaza Strip in Ashkelon, southern Israel, on October 7

The Israeli side of the border with the Gaza Strip on November 11

Abu Ubaida, the spokesman for Hamas said in an audio recording posted on the group's Telegram channel that they were ready to release up to 70 women and children held in Gaza in return for a five-day truce with Israel.

'Last week there was an effort from the Qatari brothers to release the enemy captives from women and children, in return for the release of 200 Palestinian children and 75 women detained by the enemy.

'The truce should include a complete ceasefire and allow aid and humanitarian relief everywhere in the Gaza Strip,' he said.

He accused Israel of 'procrastinating and evading' the price of the deal.

Discussing the war at a news conference in Tel Aviv on Saturday, Netanyahu said Israel 'will not stop until we complete our mission' and that its only goal is to win.

He said Hamas has 'lost its grip' on Gaza and there is now 'no place to hide'.

Netanyahu said he still has daily contact with US President Joe Biden, and also has the 'political and ethical support' of the American administration.

The armed wing of the Palestinian militant group Hamas said on Monday it told Qatari mediators the group was ready to release up to 70 women and children held in Gaza in return for a five-day truce with Israel

Abu Ubaida, the spokesman for the armed wing of Hamas, al-Qassam Brigades, said in an audio recording posted on the group's Telegram channel that they've offered a deal

Several world leaders have come to visit Israel to show support but there are 'minorities that pressure the governments', he said.

He urged the government to 'not succumb to this pressure' and said 'our war is their war'.

'No international pressure, no false accusations... will deviate us from our cause,' he said.

Rejecting calls for a ceasefire, he said: 'If you want peace, we have to eliminate Hamas.'

With Israeli forces currently fighting in the center of Gaza City, the territory's main city, both sides have seized on the plight of hospitals as a symbol of the larger war, now in its sixth week.

Israel accuses Hamas of using hospitals as cover for its fighters, alleging that Hamas has set up its main command center in and beneath Gaza's largest hospital, Shifa, without providing visual evidence. Both Hamas and Shifa Hospital staff deny the Israeli allegations.

On Monday, the military released footage of a children's hospital that its forces moved into over the weekend, showing weapons it said it found inside, as well as rooms in the basement where it believes the militants were holding some of the around 240 hostages they abducted during the initial attack.

Meanwhile, gunfire and explosions raged Monday around Shifa, which has been encircled by Israeli troops for days. Tens of thousands of people have fled the hospital in the past few days and headed to the southern Gaza Strip, including large numbers of displaced people who had taken shelter there, as well as patients who could move.

People mourn as they collect the bodies of Palestinians killed in Israeli raids on November 14

U.S. President Joe Biden said Monday that Shifa 'must be protected.'

'It is my hope and expectation that there will be less intrusive action,' Biden said in the Oval Office.

Early Tuesday, the Israeli military said in a statement that it had started an effort to transfer incubators from Israel to Shifa. It wasn't clear if the incubators had been delivered or how they will be powered.

The U.S. has pushed for temporary pauses to allow wider distribution of badly needed aid. Israel has agreed only to daily windows during which civilians can flee northern Gaza on foot along two main roads. U.N. monitors said that about 200,000 people moved south along the two routes since Nov. 5. Israel has described the corridors to the south as safe, but at the same time continues to strike what it says are militant targets across the territory, often killing women and children.

Israel's stated goal of separating civilians from Hamas militants has come at a heavy cost: More than two-thirds of Gaza's 2.3 million people have fled their homes.
James Cleverly today began his first full day as Britain's new Home Secretary - a second Great Office of State to be added to his CV.

The 54-year-old, who was foreign secretary prior to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's dramatic reshuffle yesterday, faces a bulging in-tray at the Home Office.

As he gets to work at Marsham Street as Suella Braverman's replacement, Mr Cleverly will face an immediate challenge in dealing with tomorrow's Supreme Court ruling on the Government's Rwanda plan.

But, as someone who was very recently dealing with Russia's invasion of Ukraine and Israel's conflict with Hamas, Mr Cleverly is not shy of a challenge.

He was born in south London but spent much of his childhood in Essex before joining the Army and - later - pursuing a career in politics.

Mr Cleverly worked for Boris Johnson at City Hall before making the switch to Westminster, where he soon made headlines as a new MP by saying he would 'snog' Theresa May.

Home Secretary is Mr Cleverly's sixth ministerial role since 2019 - a period which has also seen him and his wife Susie, whom he met at university, battle her cancer diagnosis.

In an emotional TV interview last year, Mr Cleverly admitted he 'could not speak or sleep' when he found out about her illness.

James Cleverly today began his first full day as Britain's new Home Secretary - a second Great Office of State to be added to his CV

Mr Cleverly was foreign secretary prior to a dramatic Cabinet reshuffle. He is pictured last month with his wife Susie in Nairobi, Kenya, as they waited for the arrival of King Charles and Queen Camilla

After leaving school Mr Cleverly followed family tradition and joined the Army, but that ambition was cut short by injury. Instead, he returned to education and joined the Territorial Army, in which he still serves

Mr Cleverly was born at Lewisham Hospital in London, where his mother - who emigrated to Britain from Sierra Leone in the 1960s - worked as a midwife.

He attended the private Colfe's School in Lewisham but, according to his website, also spent much of his childhood with family in Chelmsford.

After leaving school he followed family tradition and joined the Army, but that ambition was cut short by injury.

Instead, Mr Cleverly returned to education and collected a business degree as well as joining the Territorial Army, in which he still serves.

After a career in magazine and digital publishing, Mr Cleverly ventured into politics when he was elected to the London Assembly in 2008.

He was appointed as chair of the London Fire Authority by Mr Johnson, the capital's then mayor, in 2012.

Mr Cleverly did not stand for re-election to the London Assembly in 2016 as he had already made the switch to the House of Commons after being elected MP for Braintree at the 2015 general election.

He replaced Brooks Newmark - who had been forced to resign as a minister over a 'sexting' scandal - in the Essex constituency.

Mr Cleverly made headlines soon after becoming an MP when he played a game of 'snog, marry, avoid' on a radio show.

He told BBC Radio 5 Live he would 'snog' Mrs May, who was then home secretary.

After she became PM in 2016, Mrs May used a drinks reception at the Conservative Party conference to jokingly admonish Mr Cleverly by telling him: 'I still haven't had that kiss!'

During the same radio interview, Mr Cleverly had admitted to smoking cannabis while at university and having previously watched online porn.

Asked whether he inhaled when he smoked the drug, he replied: 'Of course, that's the point, to paraphrase [Barack] Obama.

'I don't recommend it, it's a waste of money, waste of time and just not very good for your future prospects.'

Mr Cleverly supported Brexit prior to the EU referendum in 2016 and was appointed Tory deputy chairman by Mrs May during a reshuffle in January 2018.

He was later drafted into the Brexit department in April 2019 as Mrs May faced a huge Tory rebellion over her exit deal with the EU.

When she eventually resigned as PM, Mr Cleverly briefly stood to replace her in No10.

But he withdrew from the 2019 Tory leadership race after admitting that Tory MPs weren't likely to support him as a 'relatively new MP'.

Mr Cleverly, pictured with Boris Johnson while campaigning during the 2012 London mayoral campaign, served in City Hall between 2008 and 2016 before focusing on Westminster politics

Mr Cleverly made headlines soon after becoming an MP in 2015 when he played a game of 'snog, marry, avoid' on a radio show, during which he said he would 'snog' Theresa May

Home Secretary is Mr Cleverly's sixth ministerial role since 2019 - a period which has also seen him and his wife Susie, whom he met at university, battle her cancer diagnosis

Mr Cleverly soon became a strong supporter of Mr Johnson's leadership bid and, when he duly became PM, Mr Johnson rewarded his ally with a Cabinet role as Conservative Party chairman.

Shortly after the 2019 general election, Mr Cleverly was demoted and shuffled to junior ministerial role at the Foreign Office.

He served there until briefly returning to Cabinet as education secretary  making him the third person in that role in 48 hours  when Mr Johnson's premiership collapsed in July 2022.

He became an early backer of Liz Truss when she competed with Mr Sunak to replace Mr Johnson as PM.

When Ms Truss entered Downing Street in September last year, she appointed Mr Cleverly as foreign secretary.

He was then kept on as head of the Foreign Office by Mr Sunak after Ms Truss's disastrous premiership disintegrated in record time.

Mr Cleverly spoke movingly last year about how Susie, with whom he has two sons - Freddy and Rupert, was diagnosed with breast cancer in December 2021.

In a Sky News interview, Mr Cleverly described how he struggled to tell his Foreign Office staff about his wife's diagnosis when he rushed home to be with her.

He said: 'I had to ring my private secretary in the Foreign Office saying "can you cancel meetings because I need to go home", and he said "is everything okay minister?".

'I tried to say Susie might have cancer, I just couldn't get the words out, I couldn't speak - I like to talk, but I just couldn't speak.'

Mrs Cleverly has since been given the all-clear and joined Mr Sunak's wife, Akshata Murty, at a breast cancer awareness coffee morning in Downing Street earlier this year.

As he gets to work in the Home Office in his new role, Mr Cleverly's first task in his in-tray is set to be the Government's response to tomorrow's Supreme Court ruling on the Rwanda migration plan.

Judges are set to decide on whether the UK's asylum deal with the African country - which ministers have made a key part of their 'stop the boats' pledge - is lawful.

Should the Government lose, Mr Cleverly and Mr Sunak will come under pressure from the Tory Right to pull Britain out of the European Convention on Human Rights.

Such calls are likely to be led by Mr Cleverly's predecessor, Mrs Braverman.

She was sacked by the PM yesterday following fierce rows over her outspoken comments about rough sleepers and pro-Palestine demonstrations.

As Home Secretary, Mr Cleverly will also help lead the Government's efforts in trying to pass the new Criminal Justice Bill through Parliament.

The legislation aims to ensure reasonable force can be used to make offenders appear in the dock to face their victims for sentencing.

It will also make being in a grooming gang an aggravating feature for sentencing, meaning tougher punishments for ringleaders and members.

Mr Cleverly is also set to be tasked with reviewing police powers to tackle disruptive protests in the wake of pro-Palestinian demonstrations on Armistice Day.

It follows reports Mr Sunak is keen to make it easier to ban marches and prosecute those glorifying terrorism.
A mother whose bedroom was left underwater after a nearby river burst its banks found herself baffled after her insurer claimed she had not been impacted by flooding.

Joanna Balfour, 40, watched in horror as her home in Bulwell, Nottingham, slowly filled up with water from the nearby River Leen on October 20.

The river had burst its banks during Storm Babet and charged towards homes in the local area.

As Ms Balfour stepped downstairs into her ground-floor bedroom, she discovered water coming up to her shins.

The water had destroyed her furniture and the majority of her belongings, she said.

But weeks after the disaster, which had caused around 4,500 worth of damage, an agent for insurer Admiral Group claimed her rented home had not been impacted by flooding - despite pictures showing her bedroom partially submerged.

'I stepped into the room in the dark [as the electricity had tripped] and there was shin-level water, I didn't know what to do. I just walked around in circles and cried as there was nothing I could do to stop it,' she said.

Joanna Balfour, 40, watched in horror as her home in Bulwell, Nottingham , slowly filled up with water from the nearby River Leen on October 20

The river burst its banks during Storm Babet and charged towards homes in the local area (stock photo of River Leen)

'It has destroyed everything in my bedroom on the ground floor. I had very sentimental items in there and lost a lot of shoes, and I had to spend a week washing the clothes I saved.

'The furniture has had it because it is all swollen and smells - the room stinks. But despite all this damage they said there wasn't heavy rainfall on that date which was crazy, the photos showed how bad it was.'

Despite providing photo evidence, Ms Balfour was told by an Admiral Group agent that weather records did not show any flooding within eight miles of her home.

'I was told their weather website said no flooding happened nearby but on the Government website it took me two minutes to show the river levels,' she told the publication.

'They then said they were going to send someone in two weeks time to have a look, but there was nothing else to look at - it's an empty room with the floor ripped up.'

READ MORE: Storm Babet leaves entire village underwater as floods devastate swathes of Britain Advertisement

Ms Balfour, who suffers from fibromyalgia and mental disabilities, has not been able to use her bedroom since the flooding more than three weeks ago.

She said that she has been left physically and mentally exhausted and concerned for her nine-year-old daughter who also lives in the property.

Ms Balfour said she had contacted Admiral Group and had been 'fobbed off 10 times' since the flooding.

The insurer has now settled her claim and paid additional costs.

The company admitted its agent had made a mistake when questioning the validity of her claim.

A spokesperson said: 'We've thoroughly investigated Ms Balfour's home contents insurance claim and we would agree that there have been unacceptable delays and poor communication when dealing with this case, for which we are very sorry. We appreciate that this must be a stressful time for her and her daughter.

'Our supplier advised Ms Balfour that she should speak with her landlord and ask them to investigate the ingress of water. Instead, they should have given Ms Balfour advice about how we would be supporting her through her claim, and we are very sorry that this information wasn't provided to her. Feedback has been provided to the agent to ensure they are aware of our correct processes.

'Claims relating to water damage are complex and take a long time to rectify, however, we would not expect a claim for contents only to be ongoing for as long as they have in this case. We are very sorry for the inconvenience and upheaval that this has caused Ms Balfour.

'We always try to provide an excellent service to our customers and deal with any household claims quickly and efficiently. We completely agree that this hasn't been the case on this occasion and Ms Balfour has had a poor experience.'
Incident now being investigated by police

Three youths have been caught on video dividing up lines of white powder in public outside a busy beachfront kiosk.

Footage taken on Saturday shows the group using mobile phones, credit cards and ice block sticks to measure the drug as a group of pro-Israel protesters draped in flags prepared to face off with pro-Palestinian demonstrators at Coogee in Sydney.

NSW Police have confirmed it is aware of the video circulating widely on social media and are now investigating.

Police are investigating footage of three youths seen dividing up lines of a white powder in Sydney

Footage of the group which was shared on social media show the youths using mobile phones, credit cards and ice block sticks to measure the drug

'Police are aware of the footage and are conducting inquiries,' a spokesman said.

The brazen incident unfolded on the same day a group of motorbike riders with Palestinian flags held anti-Israel protests in the eastern Sydney suburb with a high Jewish population.

Another disturbing clip shows a young boy and a woman shouting 'f*** the Jews' as he passed a group of people holding Israeli and Australian flags.

'Nothing quite says 'free Palestine' like 'f*** the Jews',' the Australian Jewish Association wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

'This is what happens when Labor governments allow anti-Semitic incitement to go unchecked.'

The pro-Palestine motorbike convoy was led by a man once charged with terrorism offences.

About a dozen people from the Al Quds community centre in Regents Park drove from Lidcombe in Sydney's west to Coogee on Saturday evening.

Their bikes were seen adorned with Palestinian flags while utes followed behind them.

About a dozen riders (pictured) from Al Quds community centre in Regents Park, Sydney's west, drove from Lidcombe to Coogee on Saturday

Israel supporters were seen waiting for the pro-Palestinian group in Coogee (pictured) in Sydney's east

Leading the convoy was organiser Zaky Mallah, the first Australian to be charged with terrorism offences after threatening to blow up ASIO and DFAT offices in 2003.

Mallah was acquitted of planning a terrorist attack but served two years in Goulburn prison after pleading guilty to threatening to kill ASIO officers.

Escorted by police, the ride was largely uneventful until they reached Coogee, where nearly 100 protesters holding Israel flags were waiting on the beachfront.

There was a tense standoff between the two groups, until police managed to separate them, and the riders continued on their way.

Prominent Palestine activist Fahad Ali joined a raft of Sydney's Jewish community members condemning the ride.

'This is a deliberately provocative action. It has no strategic purpose. No one I know in the Palestinian community is on board with this,' he wrote on X.
The lawyer representing California billionaire Edwin Castro claimed he has seen footage of the Powerball winner buying the record-breaking ticket.

Castro, 31, became an overnight billionaire when he clinched the historic $2 billion Powerball jackpot in February after purchasing a ticket from a local gas station.

But since claiming the lump sum of $997.6 million in February he has been entangled in a legal battle over the ownership of the ticket with a man named Jose Rivera.

Rivera claimed the ticket had been stolen by his former landlord, Urachi F. Romero, who he said blackmailed him unless he agreed to split the winnings.

Yet Castro's lawyer David De Paoli has now said he's seen surveillance footage of Castro buying the ticket.





He told the U.S. Sun: 'I have personally viewed the CCTV footage and it is crystal clear. Edwin Castro purchased the winning Powerball ticket without question.'

Castro, pictured here, became an overnight billionaire when he clinched the historic $2 billion Powerball jackpot in February

Castro's lawyer David De Paoli, seen here, has now said he's seen surveillance footage of Castro buying the ticket.

Romero previously said he saw Rivera with the winning ticket on November 7 - the same night he claimed to have purchased it from Joe's Service Center in Altadena, California.

He also claimed he later received threats from Rivera but has insisted that he didn't steal the ticket and that he doesn't know Castro.

After Rivera noticed he 'misplaced' the winning ticket, he rampaged through the house Romero was leasing out to him at the time in search of it.

Romero says he let him look through his personal items because he had 'nothing to hide'.

The landlord went on to take a video of Rivera in his room as he frantically dug through his drawers.

Romero claimed the ticket could have been taken from a friend who was present the night before the drawing. He added that the friend had a connection to Castro and his family.

Police and California lottery investigators have been trying to find out if a supposed crime took place, but last month revealed they believe Rivera lied about his claim.

The local police department then turned over documentation to the City Prosecutor in Pasadena for potential misdemeanor charges for filing a false police report.

The U.S. Sun has since reported that Rivera has now been charged with filing a false crime report.

California Lottery officials have always insisted Castro is the real winner of the $2 billion prize money, which was the biggest lottery win in American history.

Romero, seen here, previously said that he saw Rivera with the winning ticket on November 7, the same night he claimed to purchase it from Joe's Service Center in Altadena

Joe's Service Center in Altadena, California, where the ticket was purchased in November 2022

In an earlier statement California Lottery said: 'When it comes to the vetting process for big winners, California Lottery has the utmost confidence in its process for doing so.

'California Lottery remains confident that Edwin Castro is the rightful winner of the $2.04billion prize stemming from the Powerball drawing in November of 2022.'

Since scooping the jackpot Castro, a California native, has gone on to amass a large collection of cars and property.

He currently owns a white Porsche 911 from the 1980s, a grey Ram 1500 TRX, and three Volkswagen Karmann Ghias, two black and one red.

His latest purchase saw him add a British racing green 1970s Porsche 356 and a black Porsche 1980s 911 to his growing collection.

He has also been spotted at three new homes which include a $25 million house in the Hollywood Hills, followed by an even larger property in Bel Air worth $47 million.

Castro is adding to his growing collection of cars. From left, a Ram 1500 TRX, two black Volkswagen Karmann Ghias, and his two latest purchases, a green 1970s Porsche 911 SC and black 1980s 911. A third, red Karmann Ghia can be seen in the garage

In July, Castro was seen in a 1980s Porsche G series 911 valued at $250,000

Another of his new homes is a $4million mansion, also in the Los Angeles area that is just 20 miles from his second California complex which he paid $25.5 million for.

Purchasing the lavish home less than a month after his shock Powerball winning came through, Castro's larger property is situated behind the iconic Chateau Marmont suites.

Counting Ariana Grande and Jimmy Kimmel as his neighbors, the sprawling 13,578-square-foot hillside home which comes complete with a full outdoor kitchen, gym, wine cellar and infinity pool.

It also features an infinity pool, movie theatre and sauna as well as two separate garages that can hold up to seven cars.

The pad was first listed back in July 2022 for $30 million but it appears Castro managed to shave $4.5 million off the headline price.

Other amenities include a game room and bar as well as a fitness studio with a hot and cold plunge, a dry sauna and steam shower.

Meanwhile his sprawling 13,500-square-foot hillside estate in Bel Air comes complete with a full outdoor kitchen, gym, wine cellar and infinity pool.

It also features an infinity pool, movie theatre and sauna as well as two separate garages that can hold up to seven cars.

The massive Bel Air property has 7 bedrooms and 11 bathrooms, a koi pond and an enormous infinity pool overlooking all of Los Angeles

Castro also bought this $25million home just 20 miles from his $4million property in California

The sprawling 13,578-square-foot hillside estate, which comes complete with a full outdoor kitchen, gym, wine cellar and infinity pool

At the time of the win, lottery director Alva Johnson said Castro wanted to remain private and declined an invitation from lottery officials to attend a press conference.

In a prepared statement Castro said: 'As much as I am shocked and ecstatic to have won the Powerball drawing, the real winner is the California public school system.'

Public schools in California act as a beneficiary to the state's lottery.

It means the education system received over $156 million as a result of the record-breaking win.
Rishi Sunak is facing fresh accountability questions today over his decision to make David Cameron his Foreign Secretary in the House of Lords.

Lord Cameron, the former prime minister, was appointed to the senior Cabinet role in a shock move on Monday.

He is the first Foreign Secretary to sit in the upper chamber for more than 40 years and will ne unable to face questions in the Commons from MPs.

The difficulty of the situation was laid bare today when it was revealed Lord Cameron had spoken to his US counterpart Antony Blinken about the conflict in Gaza last night.

But a statement to MPs today was left to the peer's deputy, MP and International Development Minister Andrew Mitchell. Cameron has received his peerage but is not expected to officially take his seat in the Lords until next week.

Facing Mr Mitchell today, shadow foreign secretary David Lammy said: 'I would have liked to have started by welcoming the new Foreign Secretary to his place. But I can't do that because he isn't here.

Lord Cameron, the former prime minister, was appointed to the senior Cabinet role in a shock move on Monday and joined his new colleagues this morning (above)

The difficulty of the situation was laid bare today when it was revealed Lord Cameron had spoken to his US counterpart Antony Blinken about the conflict in Gaza last night

But a statement to MPs today was left to the peer's deputy, MP and International Development Minister Andrew Mitchell (left). Cameron has received his peerage but is not expected to officially take his seat in the Lords until next week

Facing Mr Mitchell today, shadow foreign secretary David Lammy said: 'I would have liked to have started by welcoming the new Foreign Secretary to his place. But I can't do that because he isn't here'

'David Cameron is the seventh Foreign Secretary in the seven years of Tory chaos, he was forced to resign in failure over a matter of foreign policy.

'The Prime Minster has looked at each of the 350 MPs sitting opposite and decided that none of them was better at representing Britain's interests on the world stage.

'Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister, claimed he was for change, instead he's just resurrected yesterday's failure with an honour. This decision raises serious questions for this House.'

The SNP joined in the criticism, with foreign affairs spokesman Brendan O'Hara saying: 'Already we see the absurdity of having a Foreign Secretary who is unable to come to speak in this chamber to elected members at a time of grave international crisis.'

Lord Cameron believes it is essential that MPs are able to scrutinise his work as Foreign Secretary, Mr Mitchell told the Commons.

'As minister of state, I will follow the precedent followed by successive governments of different parties, from Lord Carrington and Lord Home to more recent times, when Lord Mandelson has served in Cabinet from the House of Lords,' he said.

'I will deputise for the Foreign Secretary in this House, making regular statements like today's and respecting the primacy of this House in the normal way, and of course the Foreign Secretary will appear before the House of Lords and relevant committees regularly.'

Lord Cameron attended his first Cabinet meeting in seven years today. His unexpected return has been interpreted as political positioning, to win over more centrist voters before a general election expected next year.

Mr Sunak assembled his new senior ministers for their first meeting at Downing Street on Tuesday morning, describing them as a 'strong and united team'.

'A warm welcome to those for whom it's their first Cabinet and also a welcome to those for whom it may not be their first time,' he said in a nod to Cameron, who sat opposite him at the green Cabinet table.

Mr Sunak's Tories, in power for the last 13 years, including six under Cameron, have been trailing the main opposition Labour party in opinion polls for months now.

The latest Savanta survey published just before Cabinet met put Keir Starmer's Labour 18 points ahead of the Conservatives on 46 percent, and on course to become the largest party in parliament.

Mr Sunak's time is running out to turn around his party's fortunes, which has been hammered by a cost-of-living crisis and repeated scandals.

On Wednesday, the UK Supreme Court judges rule on the legality of the government's proposed scheme to deport some asylum seekers to Rwanda.

Defeat will force ministers to think again on how to control immigration, which has been a key issue since the Brexit vote that Cameron instigated.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt meanwhile outlines government spending plans next Wednesday, resisting calls from Tories to cut taxes before the election.
Seven members of a child abuse ring who posed as 'witches and wizards' have been found guilty of abusing primary school-aged children in a grim flat dubbed the 'beastie house'.

Five men and two women were found guilty after the harrowing nine-week trial at the High Court in Glasgow, which detailed the campaign of horror made against the youngsters, including rape and attempted murder.

Two boys and two girls were 'violently and sexually' assaulted on multiple occasions between 2012 and 2019 by members of the ring, the court heard.

'Rape nights', 'dance and sex nights' and 'dog killings nights' were all said to have taken place over the years at the hell-hole flat.

One of the girls was 'put in an oven' as well as padlocked in a fridge and shut in a cupboard with 'beetles and spiders in it'. The same child described the flat as the 'dark and scary beastie house'.

The youngster told the court: 'It is not nice when people laugh at you when you are hurting.'

On other occasions the paedophile gang forced the children to consume drugs and alcohol, while taking Class A drugs in front of the kids. One child was made to wear lingerie and 'dance in sexualised manner' before they were raped.

During one horrific attack, a girl was pinned down as some of the vile group cheered, hollered and encouraged what was happening, while others filmed the abuse and exchanged money for what went on.

The horrendous ordeals only emerged after the brave victims revealed what they had suffered to a couple they got to know, documenting accounts of depraved abuse, witchcraft and slaughtering of dogs in the dirty city hovel.

Seven men and four women eventually went on trial, which is believed to be the largest number of accused individuals to appear together in the dock in recent Scottish legal history. It sparked a huge police probe into the crimes.

Seven of the 11 were found guilty of sex abuse, including rape, and four of attempted murder today. Another woman was found guilty of assault. Three people were acquitted. The sentencing will be held at the High Court on January 4.

Five men and three women were convicted today at the High Court in Glasgow of horrific crimes against four children under the age of 13. Pictured: Lesley Williams and Paul Brannan

Two boys and two girls were 'violently and sexually' assaulted on multiple occasions between 2012 and 2019 by members of the ring, the court heard. Pictured: Iain Owens (left) and John Clark (right)

The paedophile gang caused the children to consume drugs and alcohol . They also used Class A drugs in front of them. Pictured: Elaine Lannery

Eight people have been found guilty at the High Court in Glasgow today in what is believed to be Scotland's largest child sex abuse ring trial

All denied the physical and sexual abuse claiming they were 'upset' and 'shell-shocked' by the accusations, with one even saying she would have 'battered' anyone she saw harming a child.

But today the jurors handed over their verdicts of the 21 charges relating to the torments of abuse that took place between January 2010 and October 2020.

Iain Owens, 45, was convicted of 18 charges including the rape of the three children, attempted murder of one involving shutting her in a microwave and other kitchen appliances.

The jobless addict was also guilty of other sex offences and class A drug supply.

Elaine Lannery, 39, was convicted of the rape of the children among the 12 charges she was done for.

Lesley Williams, 42, was convicted of five charges including the rape of two girls.

Paul Brannan, 40, was guilty of seven charges which also featured the rape of all the three sex abuse victims.

Scott Forbes, 50, Barry Watson and John Clark, both 47, were further convicted today.

Scott Forbes, 50, (pictured) was found guilty today being found to have raped a girl

Barry Watson, 47, was also found guilty today for raping two girls. He was remanded in custody

Forbes was found to have raped one girl with Watson and Clark guilty of raping two of them.

Marianne Gallagher, 39, was cleared of sex abuse, but was convicted of being part of an assault on one girl.

Mark Carr, 50, Richard Gachagan, 46, and Leona Laing, 51, however, were acquitted of all the charges they faced.

Owens, Lannery, William, Brannan, Watson, Forbes and Clark were all remanded in custody by judge Lord Beckett pending sentencing in the New Year. Gallagher was granted bail.

Prosecutor Kath Harper revealed to jurors Owens, Lannery, wheel-chair bound Williams, Forbes, Watson and Clark all had previous convictions. But, none were for any type of sex crime.

Owens had a string of offences including drugs, breach of the peace and reset - the handling of stolen goods. Lannery was previously guilty of robbery and shoplifting. Williams had committed similar crimes as them as well as fraud.

Forbes only had a minor driving conviction while Watson had been in the dock in the past for assault, vandalism and obstructing police. Listed in Clark's crime sheet was once having an offensive weapon.

Concluding the trial this afternoon, judge Lord Beckett addressed those remaining in the dock. He said: 'None of you can now enjoy the presumption of innocence. You have all been found guilty of at least one serious charge.'

The upsetting case centred around three children - two boys and a girl. Another girl was listed in a charge but had not been physically or sexually harmed.

Throughout the case, jurors were told details of the children's lives before they were preyed upon.

One in particular suffered from chronic, severe head lice described as the 'worst' a child professional had seen in her near 40-year career.

Scott Forbes (left) was found guilty in court today of raping one girl. Barry Watson (right), 47, was also convicted today for raping two girls

Elaine Lannery (pictured), 39, was convicted of the rape of the children among the 12 charges she was done for

Describing one child, a woman told jurors: 'At first, he was a very bubbly wee boy. A cheeky, happy type of character - in a harmless way. As time went on, I could see a change. He became, perhaps, more hyper vigilant.

'He found certain things difficult to brush off. He did not have the same bubbliness. He became quite a serious boy, almost withdrawn at points.'

The behaviour of another of the older children changed from her being 'very friendly' to a 'boisterous' girl tormented by what she was being subjected to.

The youngsters suffered in silence for years until police were alerted to the case in 2020 after a man who got to know the victims reported what he had been told.

It was sparked after one of the children became hysterical having mistakenly thought she had been shut in a room.

The man told the trial he had then been 'driven by his conscience and principles' to then help the victims. Along with his wife, he painstakingly documented horrific details of what the children recalled happening at the hands of the gang.

Paul Brannan (left), 40, was guilty of seven charges which also featured the rape of all the three sex abuse victims and Iain Owens (right), 45, was convicted of 18 charges including the rape of the three children, attempted murder of one involving shutting her in a microwave and other kitchen appliances

John Clarke (pictured), 47, was convicted

One child was also made to dress in lingerie and made to 'dance in sexualised manner' on various occasions between October 1 2018 and June 19 2019, the Independent reported. The victim was then raped by a male member of the group.

Throughout the trial the group was described as a satanic 'coven' - a mixture of 'witches and wizards'. They were accused of getting the children involved in 'occult practices' casting 'spells' and turning them into animals.

The young boy was also made to courier drugs on behalf of one member of the gang. The couple were then told of depraved sexual abuse at the hand of the paedophile ring.

It was a series of emails - also shown during the trial - that sparked the huge Police Scotland inquiry.

On hearing this read back to him in court, the man said: 'That is a nightmare in real time. Listening to that, it is quite distressing.'

Miss Harper asked him if the traumatised children got upset when discussing their ordeals.

The witness said: 'The boy did a couple of times about things that happened, but, the majority of occasions, it was just very much matter of fact like replaying it in their minds, talking it over.'

The pre-recorded police interviews and evidence were played during the trial before the judge. The boy was quizzed around 14 or 15 times by the same detective.

They explained how they suffered in harrowing detail leading to the gang being arrested.

Among the crimes jurors heard about was one of the girls being restrained and abused by members of the ring in a disgusting room until she was injured and unconscious  all while it was being recorded on camera. Owens was said to have 'received payment'.

The 11 all denied being paedophiles or physically harming the children. Some confessed to openly taking drugs in front of the youngsters.

Ex-abattoir worker Owens claimed he was 'upset' at the accusations. His KC Gary Allan put to him that there had been allegations of 'organised sexual abuse' involving a 'viewing gallery' and a 'camera with a tripod'.

Mr Allan: 'Do you understand how bad that sounds? Did anything like that happen?' Owens: 'No.'

Lannery claimed she would have 'battered' anyone she saw harming a child.

In her closing speech, advocate depute Miss Harper said the children had been victims of a 'scary and confusing world'.

Referring to the account by one of the girl, she told the court: 'She was describing, as was the boy, her normal. Not a few days, weeks or months, but a significant part of her short life.'

The boy was said to have become 'desensitised' to what allegedly occurred.

Miss Harper stated any suggestion the claims of physical and sexual abuse being untrue meant there had been 'collusion' and 'fabrication' of allegations of the 'most monstrous kind'.

She added it would have been 'off the scale devious and deceitful' as well as 'highly organised'.

Prosecutors had withdrawn witchcraft allegations during the trial.

Jurors today acquitted any of the gang of being involved in dog killing.

After the verdicts were delivered, there was a delay as the court clerk was given time to document the decisions.

The hearing was adjourned for a short spell with Lord Beckett ordering all of the gang to remain seated in the dock meantime.

Despite the depravity of what they had been convicted, a number of them casually chatted between themselves.

When he returned to the bench, Lord Beckett told six of them: 'You are no longer enjoying the presumption of innocence. I am going to remand each of you in custody.'

Gallagher had been locked up during the trial, but she was given bail pending sentencing for all of them on January 4 next year.

Following the verdicts, the child protection NSPCC said it was 'one of the worst abuse cases seen in decades'.

Speaking at a press briefing, Police Scotland applauded the brave victims for coming forward.

Detective Superintendent Nicola Kilbane said: 'This has been a horrific ordeal for the young victims who were subjected to years of unimaginable abuse. Our thoughts are with them today and I hope this outcome can help them in moving forward.

'The levels of depravity shown in this case are extremely rare in Scotland and the courage of the victims was essential in securing this conviction.

'This was a long, complex and challenging investigation for a team of officers and staff who had to work through the most harrowing evidence to bring those responsible for these despicable crimes to justice.

'We remain committed to supporting victims of sexual crime and protecting children from harm and abuse. We will use all available resources to find and arrest the abusers, no matter how much time has passed.'

She added: 'I would urge anyone who is a victim of abuse to speak to police in the knowledge you will be listened to, taken seriously and fully supported.

'Since the investigation began we've worked closely with a range of partners in social work, health, education, crown office and the third-sector to protect and support the victims.'

Mary Glasgow, chief executive of Children 1st, Scotland's national children's charity said: 'The depth of trauma that the children, in this case, have suffered will be unimaginable to most of us.

'It is imperative that they now get the intensive support they need to recover from the terrible experiences that led to this trial.'
This is the heartwarming moment 200,000 pro-Israel protesters chanted 'bring them back' as the family of a hostage kidnapped by Hamas spoke in Washington DC.

Long Islander Orna Neutra said her son Omer was born a month after the September 11 terror attacks and has just had his 21st birthday in captivity in Gaza.

'As a descendent of holocaust survivors on both sides, he understood the importance of a strong Israel and joined the IDF... he was protecting people when he was taken by Hamas, and since then our lives have been turned upside down,' the mother said.

'There is power in speaking Omer's name and holding his picture and keeping his story in the public eye,' Orna added. 'We must use all the power that we have to bring Omer and the hostages home now!'

As she spoke the huge crowd on the National Mall broke out in heartwarming chants of 'bring them back, bring them back'.

Long Island resident Orna Neutra, the mother of hostage Omer, demanded his return home

Tens of thousands of Americans are expected to gather in Washington DC on Tuesday to protest a rise in anti-Semitic attacks and demand the return of hostages taken by Hamas

Brooklyn resident Alana Zeitchik, who has six relatives being held hostage in Gaza after being taken from a kibbutz, also took the stage

People from all over the nation traveled to the demonstration on Tuesday. The crowd sporadically chanted 'no cease fire' and 'bring them home'

Jewish Majority senate leader Chuck Schumer, from New York, also took the stage and pledged America's support for Israel

Brooklyn resident Alana Zeitchik, who has six relatives being held hostage in Gaza after being taken from a kibuttz, took the stage next.

'My family is being held hostage by terrorists. For too many in the west, the suffering of families like mine has become a footnote - collateral damage in service of some perceived higher universal truth,' she said.

'To demand the release of the hostages is not an act of war, it is an act of love and a cry for humanity.'

Rachel Goldberg, whose son Hersh is one of the hostages, also took the stage. She described her son as a 'wounded civilian American-Israeli kidnapped from the music festival on October 7.'

'We hostage families have lived the last 39 days in slow-motion torment. None of us have slept the real sleep of the before. we all have third degree burns on our souls,' Goldberg said.

Rachel Goldberg, whose son Hersh is one of the hostages, described him as a 'wounded civilian American-Israeli kidnapped from the music festival on October 7'

In a rare show of bipartisanship, new Speaker of the House Mike Johnson spoke after Schumer

A woman yells at members of the Neturei Karta, a Jewish group opposed to Zionism and the State of Israel, at the rally

Actress Debra Messing speaks at the March for Israel

Democratic political analyst Van Jones was one of the first to speak to the crowd, and said he is praying for the return of the Israelis hostages

'Why is the world accepting that 240 human beings have been stolen and buried alive? Why are they being left underground in the dirt?'

In a rare show of bipartisanship, new Republican Speaker of the House Mike Johnson appeared alongside Democrats senate majority leader Chuck Schumer and House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries as they all pledged their support for Israel.

'The calls for a ceasefire are outrageous,' Johnson said. 'Israel will cease its counteroffensive when Hamas ceases to be a threat to the Jewish state.'

Schumer also took the stage and said 'never ever will we forget the evil of Hamas' as he chanted 'bring them home' with the crowd.

The New York senator, the highest-ranking Jewish elected official in American history, pledged 'we will not rest until we get all the assistance you need.'

Jacob Mitrani, 11, from New Jersey, waves Israeli flags during a March for Israel rally on the National Mall

Johnson was followed by minority House leader Hakeem Jeffries, who also pledged to continue working in congress to support Israel

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA), House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, (D-NY), speak during the March For Israel

In a rare show of bipartisanship, new Speaker of the House Mike Johnson spoke after Schumer.

Meanwhile Jeffries also pledged to continue working in congress to support Israel, saying: 'Hamas wants to wipe Israel off the face of the earth , so let me be clear we will not let that happen.'

Democratic political analyst Van Jones was one of the first to speak to the crowd, and said he is praying for the return of the Israelis hostages.

'The Jews stood with the Civil Rights movement and that's why I can't stay silent today,' he said.

'I'm a peace guy, no more rockets from Gaza and no more bombs falling down on the people of Gaza,' Jones added, prompting the crowd to chant, 'no cease fire!'

Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY) speaks onstage at the March For Israel

Demonstrators cheer as they attend the March for Israel on the National Mall

Israeli president Isaac Herzog made a virtual appearance from the Western Wall in Jerusalem

Israeli president Isaac Herzog made a virtual appearance from the Western Wall in Jerusalem and thanked American allies and the Biden administration for 'their moral clarity.'

'Jews in America must be safe. Jews all over the world must be safe,' Herzog said. 'Just as you stand with us, we stand with you.'

Relatives of some of the hostages and actress Debra Messing were are also among those scheduled to speak.

The event was organized by the Jewish Federations of North America and the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations.

The Jewish Federations of North America said the event would 'bring together communities from across the country to show strong solidarity with the Israeli people, while demanding the immediate release of the remaining hostages and to condemn the rise of antisemitism.'

The Jewish Federations of North America said the event will 'bring together communities from across the country to show strong solidarity with the Israeli people'

Crowds of supporters gather on the National Mall at the March for Israel on Tuesday

Yeshiva University in New York cancelled classes on Tuesday, and 2,500 students are expected to attend the rally, university president Rabbi Ari Berman told The Washington Post.

Additionally, more than 250 New Yorkers traveled in five buses to the capital for a day trip to attend the rally.

Jewish students from Queens College in New York and the University of Maryland also traveled to DC to attend.

Moreover, a video posted to social media showed members of the Jewish Federation Of Cleveland, Ohio, hopping on a bus headed for the rally early on Tuesday.

While there have been no direct threats against the demonstration, organizers have said they expect counter-protestors to be present, and police have said they will step up their presence and the National Guard has been called in to assist.

The event was organized by the Jewish Federations of North America and the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations

The Gaza war has seen anti-Semitic incidents in the US soar by nearly 400 percent, per the Anti-Defamation League

The rally has already greatly disrupted traffic in DC, with parking restrictions and closures in placer for much of the day. While the rally is scheduled to begin at 1pm EST, gates are expected to open as early as 10am.

Fourth Street from Constitution Avenue, NW to Independence Avenue, SW, will be closed until Wednesday at 5am.

Seventh Street from Constitution Avenue, NW to Independence Avenue, SW, 3rd Street from Pennsylvania Avenue, NW to Independence Avenue, SW, Madison Drive from 4th Street to 14th Street, NW, Jefferson Drive from 4th Street to 14th Street, SW, Maryland Avenue from Independence Avenue to 3rd Street, SW, Inbound 14th Street from 14th Street to Independence Avenue, SW and the 12th Street Tunnel will be closed until Tuesday at 6pm.

The Hamas attacks of October 7 left over 1,000 Israelis dead and 240 abducted - and unleashed the most significant conflict in the region in years.

Since Israel began its counterattack in Gaza, more than 11,000 people have been killed.

People from all over the nation are traveling to the 'March for Israel' at the National Mall

People pray on Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the White House before the rally

Anti-Defamation League CEO Jonathan Greenblatt said there have been attacks on businesses that are run by Jewish people, in addition to attacks on individuals and places of worship.

'I'm not talking about stores producing IDF [Israel Defense Forces] T-shirts; I'm talking about a coffee shop on Long Island, an ice cream parlor in the Bay Area, a restaurant in Chicago,' he said.

Greenblatt also raised the issue of the spate of anti-Semitic incidents that have taken place on campuses of Ivy-league colleges including Harvard and Cornell.

The ADL Center on Extremism said preliminary data showed 312 reported U.S. anti-Semitic incidents from Oct. 7 to Oct. 23, including harassment, vandalism and assault.

About 190 of those were directly linked to the war between Israel and Hamas.

Among examples cited by ADL were alleged physical assault; violent online messages, especially on messaging platform Telegram; and rallies where 'ADL found explicit or strong implicit support for Hamas and/or violence against Jews in Israel.'

The Biden administration has warned that U.S. schools and colleges must take immediate action to stop antisemitism and Islamophobia on their campuses, citing an 'alarming rise' in threats and harassment.

The Jewish Federation Of Cleveland is heading out to Washington DC where they will participate in the march for Israel. pic.twitter.com/PPsamAd5Ko  Dan Stamness (@DStamness) November 14, 2023

More than 250 New Yorkers traveled in five buses to the capital for a day trip to attend the rally

Left a couple hours ago with @QC_News students, we are heading to the rally in DC in support of Israel and against Hamas terrorism! Bring the hostages home! Am Yisrael Chai! @ChabadOnCampus pic.twitter.com/AI4a8niD0z  Shaul Wertheimer (@RabbiShaul) November 14, 2023

The energy on our plane going to the pro-Israel rally in Washington DC is electrifying!!!  pic.twitter.com/NKSYwiuz4s  Brittney Hopper (@brittneytv) November 14, 2023

Were traveling with Jewish students from @umterps headed to todays Pro-Israel rally on the National Mall. @MarylandHillel organized the caravan which could total more than 300 UMD students. @wusa9 pic.twitter.com/n90D2EXeYw  Eric Flack (@EricFlackTV) November 14, 2023

Last week the Education Department said there's 'renewed urgency' to fight discrimination against students during the Israel-Hamas war. The letter reminded schools of their legal duty to protect students and intervene to stop harassment that disrupts their education.

'The rise of reports of hate incidents on our college campuses in the wake of the Israel-Hamas conflict is deeply traumatic for students and should be alarming to all Americans'' Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said in a statement. 'Antisemitism, Islamophobia and all other forms of hatred go against everything we stand for as a nation.'

The University of Pennsylvania is just one of the Ivy Leagues in hot water following demonstrations by student groups that have been deemed as pro-Hamas.

The school is facing a civil rights complaint as it is accused of being a 'magnet for anti-Semites' after anti-Israel slogans were projected on several of the school's buildings last week.

'From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,' read one message splashed across the John M Huntsman hall on Wednesday night. The slogan demands the land from the River Jordan to the Mediterranean Sea, meaning the end of the State of Israel.

The rally has already greatly disrupted traffic in DC, with parking restrictions and closures in placer for much of the day

While there have been no direct threats against the demonstration, organizers have said they expect counter-protestors to be present

The Jewish Federations of North America said the event will 'bring together communities from across the country to show strong solidarity with the Israeli people'

It comes after the prestigious school increased security and contacted the FBI after a string of reports of threats against Jewish students.

The Brandeis Center saying it will file a complaint against the school, stating it 'has allowed its campus to become a hostile environment for its Jewish students as well as a magnet for anti-Semites.'

The complaints 'seek immediate and specific action to address increasing discrimination against and harassment of Jews in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.'

UPenn said on Monday that several of its staff members received 'vile, disturbing anti-Semitic emails' threatening violence against Jews on campus, particularly in Penn Hillel, an on-campus Jewish organization, and Lauder College House.

University president Liz Magill wrote: 'These messages also included hateful language, targeting the personal identities of the recipients. Penn's Division of Public Safety was immediately notified and responded. Penn Police also notified the FBI of this potential hate crime and a joint investigation is underway.

The University of Pennsylvania is facing a civil rights complaint as it is accused of being a 'magnet for anti-Semites'

A clip emerged purportedly showing a UPenn student praising Hamas' 'glorious October 7' incursion into southern Israel

Magill has also acknowledged 'swastikas and hateful graffiti' and 'chants at rallies, captured on video and widely circulated, that glorify the terrorist atrocities of Hamas, that celebrate and praise the slaughter and kidnapping of innocent people, and that question Israel's very right to exist.'

Pro-Palestine demonstrations have taken place all over the western world since the star of the war in the Middle East last month.

Last Thursday, pro-Palestinian demonstrators occupied the lobby of The New York Times,, demanding an immediate cease-fire in Gaza while accusing the media of showing a bias toward Israel in its coverage of the Israel-Hamas war.

The latest in a series of near-nightly demonstrations since the start of the war saw thousands march through Midtown Manhattan to protest Israel's attacks on Gaza.

Earlier this month, tens of thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators from Washington to Paris marched as they called for a halt to Israel's bombardment of Gaza.

The marches reflected growing disquiet about the mounting civilian casualty toll and suffering from the Israel-Hamas war. Protesters, particularly in countries with large Muslim populations, including the US, UK. and France, expressed disillusionment with their governments for supporting Israel while its bombardments of hospitals and residential areas in the Gaza strip intensify.
A talented Irish film maker has left friends desperate for news after he disappeared from his New York home and his bike was found on a beach.

Emmy award winner Ross McDonnell, 44, was last spotted late on the night of Saturday, November 4 at Fort Tilden Beach near Roxbury, where his bicycle was found locked up three days later.

Friend Gene Gallerano, told The Irish Times that McDonnell appears to have been on the beach but went out into the ocean before disappearing.

He was last seen last Saturday night. The alarm was sounded on Sunday. We dont know much more than that, he added.

Its been a very, very emotionally heavy week.

Emmy award winning film maker Ross McDonnell has not been seen since leaving his home in Brooklyn, New York on the evening of Saturday, November 4

His bicycle was found three days later chained up at at Fort Tilden Beach near Roxbury

The talented photographer and film maker had worked extensively across the world including Afghanistan, Ukraine and Mexico

Originally from Dublin he won an Emmy Award in 2021 for his camera work on the Showtime series The Trade, and had been living in Taaffe Place near DeKalb Avenue in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn, where he was last seen at about 8.30pm on November 4.

He had worked extensively across the world including Afghanistan, Ukraine and Mexico and was nominated for another Emmy in 2018 as director of the CNN Films documentary Elian.

Friends have pleaded for his return and started spreading the word on social media including one who described him as a diamond who is in all our hearts.

Ross and I worked together many times, wrote Eoin Butler on X, formerly Twitter.

Hes been missing for a week. Weve been given the go ahead to share this image today. Anyone in New York area please share.

'He is an incredible human and his disappearance has caused indescribable anguish amongst his friends and family,' added Alexander Kellum.

McDonnells first feature film, Colony, debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival and won an Irish Film and Television Award Nomination.

He is also a talented photographer and was shortlisted for the worlds top photography award the Prix Pictet in 2019 for his work on the theme of hope.

He was wearing a red puffy Northface vest, black Northface backpack, black and white sneakers, and dark colored khaki pants when he disappeared.

The New York Police Department appealed for people who may have found his belongings to get in touch.

You are not in trouble if you picked up his belongings, we just want to locate ASAP for clues to his disappearance, they said.

McDonnell's work as a cameraman, director and photographer has taken him across the world from Bolivia to Ukraine and Afghanistan to Mexico

He won an Emmy Award in 2021 for his camera work on the Showtime series The Trade, and was nominated for another in 2018 as director of the CNN Films documentary Elian
An Alabama prisoner who was allegedly killed after he was raped and tortured by another inmate leaves behind his fiancee, Amber Williams, and an infant daughter.

Daniel Williams, 22, had been serving a 12-month prison sentence for second-degree theft at Staton Correctional Facility in Elmore, Alabama, when a warden found him unresponsive in his cell on October 22.

After the prison initially said that Williams suffered a 'drug overdose,' his family was informed by a nurse that Williams had been 'kidnapped, bound, assaulted and sold out' by another inmate for 'two or three days.'

Williams was declared brain dead on hospital arrival and received palliative care before doctors took him off life support on November 5.

He died of his injuries on November 9 - the day he was scheduled to be released from prison.

He also leaves be hind several family members, including his daughter. and his mother who referred to Daniel as her 'her everything.'

Daniel Williams, 22, was killed in state custody after he was 'kidnapped, bound, assaulted and sold out' by another inmate for 'two or three days'

He leaves behind several family members, including an infant daughter he shares with fiancee, Amber Williams

Who was Daniel Williams?

Daniel Williams was a 22-year-old Alabama native born to Terry and Tammy Williams on October 5, 2001.

He worked at Alabama Cullman Yutaka Technologies - a company that manufactures motor vehicle parts and accessories.

Williams was active on social media and posted regularly until June 11.

'Had a good time last night with my friend ain't seen in a while and for all of us to be sober in the same room together not doing anything was even better,' he wrote in a status update.

'If we can get sober y'all dope heads not point fingers but I know some folks.'

He made his last Facebook post on October 15, one week before a warden found him unresponsive in his cell.

'How every body doing I ain't got to much longer left pray for me I'm coming home better then I was before drug free it's been a crazy ride 3 different prisons now. It's almost over,' Williams wrote.

Williams worked at Alabama Cullman Yutaka Technologies - a company that manufactures motor vehicle parts and accessories prior to his arrest

Williams and Amber had been together for at least four years prior to his death, and she was one of the people to visit him in the hospital after his beating

Williams was also a loving fiancee to Amber, who he'd been romantically involved with for at least four years.

Amber stuck by him throughout the entire prison sentence and was shocked to see the condition her fiancee was in when she arrived at the hospital after she and other members of Williams' family received the call from the Alabama prison.

'I went to the hospital, and the nurses told me that he was assaulted and beaten really badly,' she told WMTV 13.

'And when I went into the room, [he] had bruises all down his arm, like down to his fingers. He had cuts up and down and bruises on his legs. It was bad.'

Why was Daniel Williams in prison?

Williams was serving a 12-month prison sentence for second-degree theft - a class C felony in the state of Alabama.

Any person who steals property or services between $1,500 and $2,500 is committing a second-degree theft.

However, value of products does not apply if the property being stolen are firearms, certain controlled substances, and livestock.

One who commits a class C felony in Alabama can be sentenced to one year and a day up to 10 years in prison or be fined $15,000.

In some cases, the person who committed the crime would be forced to do both.

Where was Daniel Williams being held?

Williams was being held at Staton Correctional Facility in Elmore, Alabama prior to his death.

The warden who told the family that Williams had suffered a 'drug overdose' did not say anything about the assault, which left his father, Terry, furious.

Terry said afterward: 'I called the warden, and I cussed him. I said, "Dude, you know this is not an overdose case? You know exactly what happened. How is this crap going to happen like this?" Well, it's under investigation right now. And that's the last time I even talked to the warden.'

Williams' family requested the facility at the prison to conduct a rape kit - a request the hospital staff initially denied.

The hospital conducted the exam on November 1 while Williams was at Kilby Correctional Facility for long-term comfort care.

Inside one of the rooms at ADOC's Staton Correctional Facility - where Williams was being held

Daniel had been in at least three prisons in Alabama before he passed away from injuries he received while in jail

By then, the incident got officials to begin an advanced investigation into what happened actually happened to Williams that made him die under these circumstances.

There had been previous requests to look into the Alabama prison system, and officials are now hoping that Williams' death and the lawsuit from it will force Alabama to make changes.

It has been past time for reform, and it is shameful that our state leaders are once again being forced through litigation to do the right thing for the people of Alabama, said JaTaune Bosby, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Alabama.
The family of a Princeton student who was kidnapped in Iraq eight months ago have said they're relieved she is alive - after she appeared in a new hostage video.

Elizabeth Tsurkov, 36, disappeared from Baghdad in late March - and is believed to be held by the Shiite group Kataeb Hezbollah or Hezbollah Brigades, which is an Iran-backed militia classified as a terrorist group by the United States.

On Monday, a clip emerged on Telegram, showing Tsurkov claiming to be a spy working for Mossad and the CIA to organize protests and incite clashes in Iraq.

Tsurkov also mentioned the Israel-Hamas war, which she said is 'stupidly run by Netanyahu.'

She allegedly 'confesses' to being an agent - but her family believe she was coerced into saying it. They noted that she looked 'as well as can be expected.'

Tsurkov - who is not a US citizen, but attends the New Jersey institution - traveled to the Iraqi capital to undertake doctoral research and was snatched off the streets after leaving a cafe.

Her sister, Emma Tsurkov, told DailyMail.com: 'We have seen the video of Elizabeth that ran on Al-Arabiya. It is great news to see this confirmation of her being alive.

Elizabeth Tsurkov, 36, disappeared from Baghdad in late March - and is believed to be held by the Shiite group Kataeb Hezbollah or Hezbollah Brigades , which is an Iran-backed militia classified as a terrorist group by the United States

Tsurkov (left) is seen with her sister Emma Tsurkov (right), right, in a September 2018 selfie image from Santa Clara Valley, California

'We will not comment on the substance of what she says because we assume it was coerced, but we do note that she appears as well as can be expected and the video appears to have been shot relatively recently.

'The release of this video is an important step in the effort to bring her home to her family, where she belongs.'

The video, in which the academic speaks in Hebrew and is dubbed in Arabic, could not be independently verified by DailyMail.com. The US State Department have been contacted for comment.

In the video, she makes reference to the fact the clip was filmed after the October 7 attacks on Israel by terrorist group Hamas - as Tsurkov speaks directly to the families of Israelis who are being held hostage in Gaza.

She says if they want to see their family members again, they need to stop the conflict.

Speaking in Hebrew, Tsurkov said: 'I ask the families of the hostages in Gaza to constantly make efforts to stop the war on Gaza, for the sake of your sons and daughters. This war that is being stupidly run by Netanyahu through his wife, Sara, and his son, Yair, will lead to the hostages being killed.

'If you want your sons and daughters to return alive, the war must stop.'

Tsurkov, speaking directly to her family, said: 'I am in a difficult spot.

'To my family, to my mother and father, Rina, Arkady, Emma, Avital, David, my friends, I call on them to work to secure my release as soon as possible so I can return to them.'

Netanyahu said Tsurkov is being held by the Shiite group Kataeb Hezbollah or Hezbollah Brigades, a powerful Iran-backed group that the U.S. government listed as a terrorist organization in 2009

In July, Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu said Tsurkov, a dual Israeli-Russian academic, is still alive and that they 'hold Iraq responsible for her safety and well-being.'

The group's leader and founder, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, was killed in an American airstrike near Baghdad's international airport in January 2020 along with Gen. Qassem Soleimani, the commander of Iran's elite Quds Force and the architect of its regional military alliances.

Tsurkov, whose work focuses on the Middle East, and specifically war-torn Syria, is an expert on regional affairs and has been widely quoted over the years by international media, Tsurkov last tweeted on March 21.

She is a fellow at the Washington-based think tank New Lines Institute.

Her colleague Hassan Hassan, editor in chief of New Lines Magazine, said co-workers were notified of her kidnapping in Iraq on March 29. Hassan said that some of her colleagues had been in touch with her just days before she went missing.

'We could not believe the news, knowing what Iraq is like for any scholar or researcher in recent years,' he said. 'But there is hope that she will be released through negotiations.'

He added that they 'called on the United States government to be involved in securing her release, despite her not being a U.S. national.'

Netanyahu said Tsurkov is an academic who visited Iraq on her Russian passport, 'at her own initiative pursuant to work on her doctorate and academic research on behalf of Princeton University.'

Tsurkov could not have used her Israeli passport to enter Iraq as the two countries do not have diplomatic relations.

Emma previously said: 'The current level of pressure is unsatisfactory. Its just not enough. My sister is languishing at the hands of this terror organization. And its been almost six months.'

Emma Tsurkov (pictured) Elizabeth's sister, told DailyMail.com: 'We have seen the video of Elizabeth that ran on Al-Arabiya. It is great news to see this confirmation of her being alive'

Netanyahu's office has said she is being held by the Shiite group Kataeb Hezbollah. The Hezbollah group has close ties to the Iraqi government.

Tsurkov is working to draw attention to her sister's fate, meeting in Washington this week with the State Department and Israeli and Russian government officials.

She had hoped to have a separate meeting at the Iraqi Embassy but said officials there 'blew me off.'

The sociology researcher at Stanford University said: 'I really never wanted to do any of this. But I realized that everyone is interested but no one is going to do anything to actually bring her home.

'And everyone is just hoping that someone else does, passing the buck. But at the end of the day, I dont see anything being done to bring my sister back.'

Elizabeth Tsurkov is not a U.S. citizen, limiting the tools at the American government's disposal and the direct ability of Washington officials to secure her release.

But Emma Tsurkov contends that the U.S. government still has substantial influence given that her sister has significant U.S. ties as a 'graduate student in an American institution that is approved and funded for research.'

In a statement, Princeton spokesman Michael Hotchkiss said the university was 'deeply concerned' about Elizabeth Tsurkov's well-being and called her a 'valued member of the University community.'

He said that after learning of her disappearance, the school immediately communicated with U.S. and Israeli government officials.

'Elizabeths family subsequently asked that the University not involve government officials in the interest of keeping the matter private,' he said.

'Once the situation became public, the University has and continues to communicate with relevant government officials and experts to understand how we can best support Elizabeths safe return to her family and her studies at Princeton.'

A colleague said they they have reached out to American and foreign officials, including at Princeton University where Tsurkov is pursuing her doctorate, for assistance

Tsurkov, whose work focuses on the Middle East, and specifically war-torn Syria, is an expert on regional affairs and has been widely quoted over the years by international media

Iran emerged as a major power broker in Iraq after the U.S.-led invasion in 2003, supporting Shiite groups and militias that have enjoyed wide influence in the country ever since.

Days after her disappearance, a local website reported that an Iranian citizen who was involved in her kidnapping was detained by Iraqi authorities.

It said the woman was kidnapped from Baghdad's central neighborhood of Karradah and that Iran's embassy in the Iraqi capital was pressing for the man's release and to have him deported to Iran.

Some Iraqi activists posted a copy of a passport of an Iranian man at the time, claiming that he was involved in the kidnapping.

Netanyahu's office said Tsurkov's case is being handled by the 'relevant parties in the State of Israel out of concern for Elizabeth Tsurkov's security and well-being.'
A former employee of FTX claims he is owed $275,000 of a bonus he was never paid after denying he knew anything about the massive fraud taking place at the firm.

Ross Rheingans-Yoo, a former Jane Street trader, who was recruited by Sam Bankman-Fried to join the crypto firm, says he is owed hundreds of thousands of dollars, court documents show.

In early 2022, Rheingans-Yoo was taken on by Bankman-Fried to head up FTX's charitable giving operation.

He was told he would serve as program officer of FTX Foundation and would be given a $100,000 base salary, which he acknowledges receiving. Prior to the implosion of the firm, he was reportedly paid about $375,000.

He said the terms of his employment were, at the time of his hiring, hashed-out over a Google Doc from Bankman-Fried.

Ross Rheingans-Yoo, a former FTX employee, is suing what's left of the company for hundreds of thousands of dollars in bonus payments

Rheingans-Yoo claims he was recruited to join FTX from his job at Jane Street, where Bankman-Fried formerly worked

Earlier this year, FTX's new management alleged that Rheingans-Yoo aided and abetted the firm's disgraced leader while working with FTX's charitable arm.

In a sworn statement, Rheingans-Yoo denies the accusations, saying: 'I was not part of Bankman-Frieds inner circle who knew about and facilitated the misappropriation of FTX customer funds.

'I had no knowledge of Bankman-Frieds fraud. I did not aid and abet his breach of fiduciary duty to the Debtors.'

The former employee has now become a part of the larger web of legal efforts undertaken by FTX's bankruptcy team to recover some $71.5million in funds they believe were taken by the exchange's charitable arm - FTX Foundation - and the nonprofit company that was run by Rheingans-Yoo called Latona Bioscience Group.

The firm's bankruptcy advisers alleged in July that Latona is a 'sham' non-profit that, along with FTX Foundation, made investments and donations to life science companies 'for Bankman-Fried's personal aggrandizement.'

Rheingans-Yoo denied the accusations that Latona wasn't real, claiming it was an organized nonprofit that was funded through intercompany loan agreements with Alameda Reserach - FTX's sister trading arm.

He said his role included researching charities that would have a positive impact on society. His attorneys say he took the role seriously and met with potential recipients.

In addition to the remainder of his bonus, Rheingans-Yoo is asking for $650,000 in what he's calling 'foundation direction units,' which he says he will donate to charity.

But FTX advisers said the petitioner's belief that he is entitled to $275,000 has 'no merit and should be denied.'

Rheingans-Yoo (pictured here in a video filmed several years ago), was hired to head up the charitable operation of FTX and choose bioscience companies to invest in

Bankman-Fried was convicted several weeks ago on seven federal counts of fraud related to the collapse of FTX and the loss of billions of dollars in customer funds

He denies having any knowledge of the fraud Bankman-Fried was perpetrating

FTX advisers claim Rheingans-Yoo was already paid his bonus because he opted to have the figure partially repaid via options in the crypto firm's corporate affiliated prior to the time it filed for bankruptcy - Rheingans-Yoo has denied the claim.

Whether Rheingans-Yoo is entitled to compensation from the failed company will be determined by the Delaware bankruptcy judge who is overseeing FTX's Chapter 11 case.

Earlier this month, Bankman-Fried - who also previously worked at Jane Street - was convicted on seven federal counts of fraud that culminated in the firm's collapse.
A British man has been arrested on charges of child porn and having sex with a dog in South Africa.

The 63-year-old man, who has not been named, is accused of being part of a ring of sexual predators who preyed on young children and forced them to make porn.

The Briton, who was living in South Africa illegally, allegedly groomed a child and forced another young victim to watch porn involving children and adults.

The man and two South African men, both 43, were all arrested in Springs, east of Johannesburg, after investigators uncovered the 'network of child sexual predators', reports Times Live.

The Briton, along with a string of child porn offenses, was also found to have footage of himself having sex with a dog, police said.

Investigators said they managed to rescue three South African children who were used to make child porn as well as the dog.

The 63-year-old man, who has not been named, is accused of being part of a ring of sexual predators who preyed on young children and forced them to make porn (file image of South African police in Springs)

Police said they arrested the three men following a seven month investigation involving the US department of Homeland Security.

'The trio was arrested in a simultaneous takedown operation in the past week relating to suspects who were identified as South African users involved in the possession, distribution, manufacturing, accessing and downloading of child pornography,' police spokesperson Brig Athlenda Mathe said.

The British man is accused of grooming a child and possessing, distributing, downloading and facilitating the distribution of child porn. He also allegedly exposed a child to porn involving children and adults.

Police said they found material of him allegedly having sex with a dog.

The other two men, who were also not named, are accused of viewing and distributing child porn.

'As a result of these operations, three South African children who were used during the commission of the above offences were identified and a dog was saved,' Mathe said.

'The operations will continue throughout the country to unravel a network of child sexual predators.'

MailOnline has contacted the UK Foreign Office for comment.
This is the shocking moment a 17-year-old shot a 14-year-old dead on the streets of DC while his mother stood by and did nothing - before he was caught bragging about the shooting online.

Surveillance footage shows the teen, believed to be Lorenzo Thompson, 17, in a black hoodie and balaclava raising a gun outside the Crown gas station at 14th and Euclid streets NW in Columbia Heights at about 11:30pm on November 3.

The woman with red braids and wearing a white coat, believed to be Thompson's mother, watches on but does nothing to diffuse the situation.

Two victims were shot and taken to hospital, one of whom, later named as 14-year-old Niko Estep, did not survive.

Surveillance footage captured the shocking moment a 17-year-old shot and killed a 14-year-old on the streets of DC while his mother stood by and watched

The suspect, believed to be 17-year-old Lorenzo Thompson, has been arrested and charged as an adult

Two teenagers were shot in the incident, both were rushed to hospital where one was pronounced dead

Three days later Thompson took to Instagram to brag abut the killing while wearing the same Moose Knuckle jacket and Jordan Retro sneakers seen on the gunman in the gas station video, court documents filed in DC Superior Court allege.

'The defendant shows no remorse during this broadcast and it appears that [he] is celebrating with others as he demonstrates someone turning around to run and then falling after being shot,' police wrote in the arrest warrant.

Police searched Thompson's bedroom following the live broadcast on the social media platform and found an ammunition magazine of the same caliber as the gun used to kill the victim.

Thompson was also identified by a police officer who had arrested him for a prior robbery.

After reviewing the surveillance footage the officer told detectives that the shooter looked like Thompson and the woman like his mother, court documents state.

A woman standing nearby is believed to be the shooter's mother but has not been charged in the case

On Friday, a judge ordered Thompson detained and set a hearing for November 16

The woman in the white jacket was seen wheeling the gunman's scooter back to his home address after the killing

'Officer Whitfield looked at the still shot of the female with red braids for approximately 15-20 seconds before he stated that it looked like Lorenzo [sic] Thompson's mother,' the documents read.

The woman in the white jacket was seen following the gunman as he rode a scooter onto the parking lot before the shooting and then wheeled his scooter back to the suspect's home address after the killing.

Thompson, however, is the only person currently charged in Estep's murder.

He was arrested last week and has been charged as an adult with second-degree murder while armed.

A motive for the deadly gunfire was not immediately revealed.

On Friday, a judge ordered Thompson detained and set a hearing for November 16.
Rishi Sunak has killed off Suella Braverman's proposed crackdown on homeless people sleeping in tents after sacking her as home secretary.

Downing Street confirmed it has shelved plans to fine charities who hand out tents to rough sleepers, as well as ban people from sleeping in tents in towns and cities.

Mr Sunak's decision to fire Mrs Braverman as home secretary seems to have been prompted, in part, by the controversy over her hardline approach to rough sleeping.

She provoked outrage when she claimed many people living on the streets were doing so as a 'lifestyle choice'.

But Mrs Braverman's ousting from Cabinet as part of a dramatic reshuffle - which came after another row over her stance on pro-Palestinian protests - has infuriated the Tory Right.

One group of her supporters - known as the New Conservatives - made a fierce intervention against what they view as the Prime Minister's 'centrist' shift.

Rishi Sunak has killed off Suella Braverman 's proposed crackdown on homeless people sleeping in tents after sacking her as home secretary

Mr Sunak's decision to fire Mrs Braverman from the Home Office seems to have been prompted, in part, by the controversy over her hardline approach to rough sleeping

Mrs Braverman provoked outrage when she claimed many people living on the streets were doing so as a 'lifestyle choice'

Mr Sunak's shake-up of ministerial jobs included the return of David Cameron as Foreign Secretary, along with a peerage for the ex-premier.

There were also promotions for some of the ex-PM's former aides from when he was in No10.

Lord Cameron is said to have been first approached by Mr Sunak about ending his seven-year spell in the political wilderness in a secret meeting early last week.

This preceded the row prompted by Mrs Braverman's clash with police over pro-Palestinian protests, and so suggests the PM's primary motivation for sacking her was her intervention about rough sleeping.

She had insisted the Government could not 'allow our streets to be taken over by rows of tents occupied by people, many of them from abroad, living on the streets as a lifestyle choice'.

Mrs Braverman claimed, without action, British cities were at risk of ending up like San Francisco and Los Angeles where, she said, 'weak policies have led to an explosion of crime, drug taking, and squalor'.

'What I want to stop, and what the law abiding majority wants us to stop, is those who cause nuisance and distress to other people by pitching tents in public spaces, aggressively begging, stealing, taking drugs, littering, and blighting our communities,' she added.

It was reported that Mrs Braverman had pitched the inclusion of tough new laws as part of the new Criminal Justice Bill, which was unveiled as part of the King's Speech last week.

This included a new civil penalty for charities to stop them giving out tents to homeless people for free, as well as a ban on tents in urban areas - except on people's own land.

But - amid reports over a Cabinet rift over Mrs Braverman's proposals - no details of fresh efforts to combat rough sleeping appeared as part of the Government's new legislative agenda.

And Downing Street this morning confirmed no measures on rough sleeping will be included in the new Criminal Justice Bill when it is introduced to the House of Commons today.

The PM's official spokesman said: 'It's not going to be introduced in the Criminal Justice Bill. I'm not aware of any plans for its introduction elsewhere.'

Mr Sunak's shake-up of ministerial jobs included the dramatic return of David Cameron as Foreign Secretary, along with a peerage for the ex-premier

The New Conservatives - a pressure group on the Tory Right - are led by Miriam Cates and Danny Kruger

Mr Sunak has already seen one Tory MP, former education minister Dame Andrea Jenkyns, submit a no confidence letter in his leadership in the wake of his reshuffle and sacking of Mrs Braverman.

And the PM this afternoon suffered further blowback from Conservative backbenchers on the Tory Right.

The New Conservatives accused Mr Sunak of abandoning 'Red Wall' voters who delivered Boris Johnson's 80-seat majority at the 2019 general election.

Miriam Cates and Danny Kruger, the co-chairs of the group, warned the PM he was 'walking away' from those voters who brought the Tories their victory four years ago.

'We are concerned that yesterdays reshuffle indicates a major change in the policy direction of the Government,' they said in a statement.

'The Conservative Party now looks like it is deliberately walking away from the coalition of voters who brought us into power with a large majority in 2019.

'That election, building on the victory of the Leave vote in the Brexit referendum of 2016, represented the realignment of our politics.'

The New Conservatives group had gathered in Westminster last night following the reshuffle, as they considered their response to Mr Sunak's action.

Tory Party deputy chairman Lee Anderson was among those at the meeting, while other attendees included Sir Simon Clarke, Sir John Hayes and Mr Kruger.

One member of the New Conservatives said the group was 'far from pleased'.

Between 10 to 12 MPs were believed to be in the parliamentary committee room, with others said to have logged in to the meeting via Zoom.

The New Conservatives are made up of MPs mainly elected after the Brexit vote in 2016.

The group's website states they 'stand for the realignment of British politics: a new era in which Westminster respects the views, values and interests of the British people'.

Their policy goals include the establishment of a new British framework for rights and equalities laws to replace European-inspired legislation.

They also want tax cuts, a reduction in immigration, and the banning of 'gender ideology in schools'.

As well as Ms Cates and Mr Kruger, they are also led by Sir John Hayes - who is a close ally of Mrs Braverman.
The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals have since ruled that what police did to her home was necessary to resolve the matter, causing a significant legal setback

A cancer survivor has vowed to challenge an appeals court ruling stating that she is not entitled to a $60,000 payout after a SWAT team destroyed her home with explosives, toxic gas and armored vehicles while in pursuit of an armed fugitive.

The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled last month that it was necessary for police to use the measures to resolve a standoff at Vicki Baker's home and that she should not be compensated for the damage - reversing an earlier decision in her favor by a federal judge.

The nightmare began when a man who had worked on her property, Wesley Little, stormed into her home with a teenage girl he had kidnapped in July 2020.

Baker was able to get out and call 911 to alert the police, and gave them the code to access to the property in McKinney, Texas. But her home was practically demolished when the SWAT team later stormed in using 'highly destructive tactics'.

Lawyers from the Institute for Justice, who represent Baker, have now asked for another hearing and are prepared to take their demands for compensation to the Supreme Court.

Baker (pictured) argues in her suit that the City of McKinney's refusal to pay for the damage violates that Takings clauses of both the U.S. and Texas Constitutions

Baker's daughter, Deanna Cook, was the only person at the home at the time but knew that Little was on the run with the girl after seeing information from the teen's mother on Facebook.

Allowing the pair in the house, Cook claimed that she needed to go to the store and left. It was then that she called her mother and authorities.

Baker, Cook and the police met at a local WalMart where the homeowner passed along the code for the authorities to gain access to her house.

Police arrived at the property and surrounded it, working to negotiate the release of the teenage girl.

Eventually the teen was able to exit the property, alerting authorities that Little had seven firearms inside. He later took his own life.

The original lawsuit that Baker had filed alleging a violation of her Fifth Amendment rights said: 'Eventually, the McKinney police decided to storm the house, using highly destructive tactics.

'They knocked down the backyard fence with a BearCat (essentially a tank). They fired approximately 30 tear gas canisters through the windows of the house. They knocked down the front door and the garage door.'

'The damage to the house was extensive. Every window needed to be replaced. A hazmat remediation team needed to clean the entire house because of the tear gas. Appliances were destroyed.'

Vicki Baker's McKinney, Texas, home was practically demolished on July 25, 2020, after she called 911 to tell them of the armed fugitive

Police arrived at the home and surrounded it, working to negotiate the release of the teenage girl

In the original suit, Baker said officers knocked down the backyard fence with a BearCat, seen here, and fired approximately 30 tear gas canisters through the windows of the house

The suit continued: 'The front door and garage needed to be replaced. Tear gas canisters had smashed through the drywall.

'Carpets, blinds, and ceiling fans needed to be replaced. The damage totaled at least $50,000.'

Speaking about the incident, Baker told Fox News: 'What I was told was the reason they did a lot of that was to bring about confusion to the perpetrator inside.

'They call it shock and awe, so while they were doing all this damage to my house. He apparently killed himself.

'Tear gas got my daughter's little Chihuahua, so he had to be put to sleep. Everything you have in house went.'

Her insurance policy excluded damages caused by the government, so Baker attempted to file a property damage claim with the city who refused to pay out.

Baker then proceeded to sue to the city with the help of the Institute of Justice who successfully argued that the city had a right to seize the property, but that she should be compensated.

Carpets, blinds, and ceiling fans needed to be replaced with the damage totaling at least $50,000

The city of McKinney and Baker's homeowner's insurance company told her that police had 'immunity' from having to pay for the carnage they left behind

The city then offered to pay out the full amount in damages, but Baker's lawyers refused to settle until the city had changed policy so it wouldn't happen again.

A federal judge also sided with Baker, and a jury awarded her $59,656.59 in damages.

The city then appealed this decision, and the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals reversed the previous ruling.

In a court filing last month seen by Fox, they said: ' As a matter of history and precedent, the Takings Clause does not require compensation for damaged or destroyed property when it was objectively necessary for officers to damage or destroy that property in an active emergency to prevent imminent harm to persons.'

As a result, the Institute for Justice is asking the courts to re-hear the case, and are planning an appeal to the Supreme Court, according to Fox.

According to her lawyer Jeffrey Redfern, Baker will be paid for her troubles eventually after winning her court case under the U.S. Constitution.

The appeals court's reversal only applies to her Fifth Amendment claim which says private property shall not 'be taken for public use, without just compensation'.
Google pays Apple a whopping 36 percent of revenue it earns from searches made through the Safari browser, a witness accidentally revealed during the company's antitrust trial.

Since 2002, Google has been the default search engine on Apple's Safari browser, an important deal that makes it the de facto search tool on iPhones.

Both companies had sought to keep the financial details of the deal private, but on Monday, Google's economics expert witness Kevin Murphy, a University of Chicago professor, let the figure slip during testimony in Washington DC, according to Bloomberg.

Google's main trial attorney John Schmidtlein 'visibly cringed' when Murphy revealed the confidential number, the outlet reported.

Apple and Google did not immediately respond to requests for comment from DailyMail.com on Tuesday morning.

Google's economics expert witness Kevin Murphy (above), a University of Chicago professor, accidentally revealed financial details of the company's deal to be the default on Safari

Google CEO Sundar Pichai is seen leaving the antitrust trial in DC last week, after testifying on the importance of making its search engine the default in keeping users loyal

The revelation came during testimony in the Department of Justice's antitrust lawsuit against Google's parent company, Alphabet.

The US government brought the case over whether Google acted illegally to maintain its dominance of online search and parts of search advertising, including through deals like the one with Apple to be the default search option.

If the government wins, the company may be forced to scrap some business practices that have helped it stay on top.

Last week, Google CEO Sundar Pichai testified at the trial, acknowledging the importance of making its search engine the default in keeping users loyal.

Google, which started paying for default status on devices in 2005, monitored its partners for compliance.

At one point, the company expressed concern to Apple that its Safari browser would send particular queries, especially lucrative ones, to companies like Amazon.com.

'We were obviously doing the deal for default placement,' said Pichai in court, according to Reuters.

Pichai, who was called to testify by Google, was shown instances when the company pressed Apple, wireless companies and smartphone makers to make its search engine the default on their devices in exchange for revenue-sharing agreements.

'We pay for preload exclusivity on a device-by-device basis,' Pichai said under questioning by the Justice Department.

Since 2002, Google has been the default search engine on Apple's Safari browser, an important deal that make it the de facto search tool on iPhones (file photo)

A lawyer for the Justice Department asked Pichai about a 2007 discussion among Google executives including Pichai, before he became chief executive, regarding an Apple request to let users choose their search engine on a new version of its Safari browser.

A document at the time said 75 percent of people do not change defaults and noted: 'Defaults have strong impact.'

Pichai also took a couple of swipes at rival Microsoft's browser, Internet Explorer.

'The browser market at the time had kind of stagnated,' Pichai said of the period before Google launched its Chrome browser, which competes with the Microsoft product.

'They (Microsoft) were not that incented to improve the browser,' he added, calling Chrome a 'pretty dramatic improvement' when it launched in 2008.

Google's strength in search makes it a heavy hitter in the lucrative advertising market, its biggest revenue source.

Google has argued that if people are dissatisfied with default search engines, they can and do switch to another search provider.

It has also argued the revenue-share agreements are legal and it has invested heavily to keep its search and advertising businesses competitive.

In cross-examination, the Justice Department pressed Pichai about allegations that Google executives marked sensitive documents as covered by attorney-client privilege when they were not and routinely deleted instant messages without determining if they should be saved as part of litigation.

'This is not an area I was focused on,' Pichai said.
'Today there are more Americans detained by the Taliban than at any point since the U.S. withdrawal,' McCaul states

Top Republican Michael McCaul is shining the light on the growing number of Americans held hostage in Afghanistan, which he says is being perpetuated by the Biden administration's appeasement of the Taliban.

McCaul, who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Committee, is hosting a hearing today on the administration's policies in the aftermath of the the Biden administration's deadly withdrawal from the country in August 2021.

According to his opening remarks first obtained by DailyMail.com, McCaul calls Afghanistan a 'safe haven for terrorists' since the departure of U.S. troops.

He goes on to say the terrorist group holds 'several' American hostages. 'This is unacceptable and shows the deeply flawed approach this administration has taken since the Taliban regained control,' McCaul continues.

His committee is also hearing from Anna Corbett, whose husband Ryan, 40, has been hostage in Afghanistan by terrorists for 15 months. She is testifying publicly for the first time Tuesday.

'We will do everything in our power to bring your husband home,' stated McCaul. 'I don't give up a fight easily, and I am going to fight hard for your husband.'

The Corbett family is pictured - Ryan has been held in Afghanistan for 15 months

'We've been unable to schedule health and safety visits for Ryan,' Anna Corbett stated, 'much less secure his release'

Ryan and Anna Corbett

Corbett worries about his mental health and quality of life when he is eventually brought home.

'We've been unable to schedule health and safety visits for Ryan,' she continued, 'much less secure his release.'

'It is a tragedy for our family...and for the U.S.,' Corbett continued in a tearful opening statement.

Ryan was captured last year while visiting Afghanistan, where he had lived with his family as an aid worker for nearly a decade.

'Today there are more Americans detained by the Taliban than at any point since the U.S. withdrawal,' McCaul also states according to his remarks.

He goes on to describe the worsening humanitarian crisis and how women and girls are forced to live day-to-day under 'house arrest.'

'They are barred from public places and are not allowed to travel outside their homes without a male chaperone,' he details, noting that girls are banned from receiving an education after sixth grade.

This is the 'only place in the world,' that enacts an education cap, he laments.

'What troubles me is that the Biden administration is pursuing a policy of engagement at all costs and has failed to hold the Taliban to account for their crimes.'

McCaul accuses the Biden administration of 'all but recognized' the Taliban as Afghanistan's legitimate government due to their policies.

The House Foreign Affairs Committee will also hear from the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) John Sopko during the hearing Tuesday.

Sopko said the diversion of U.S. humanitarian assistance by the Taliban is of major concern.

Now, U.S. assistance 'may now fund terrorist activities,' he said.

McCaul added that Taliban interference increased by 32 percent this year alone.

Republicans have ramped up oversight of the Biden administration's hasty exit from Afghanistan to coincide with the two-year mark of the withdrawal, during which 13 American service members and at least 170 Afghans were killed.

The family members of the 13 U.S. troops killed are still demanding answers as not a single Biden administration official has taken the blame for the horrors that unfolded during the withdrawal.

Over the summer, the committee postponed holding Secretary of State Antony Blinken in contempt of Congress after he agreed to allow committee leadership to view a classified dissenting cable that U.S. State Department employees sent prior to the Taliban's takeover of Kabul on July 13, 2021.

The cable warned about a 'deteriorating' security situation' and urged the immediate evacuation of allies, a warning that the Biden administration did not heed, say Republicans.

It would have marked the first time in U.S. history that a secretary of state would be held in contempt of Congress.

The State Department released a scathing 87-page report on Afghanistan withdrawal failures in early July, immediately before the long July Fourth holiday weekend.

The Americans killed in the blast were: (left to right, starting with top row) Cpl. Daegan W. Page - Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo - Staff Sgt. Darin T. Hoover - Lance Cpl. David L. Espinoza - Lance Cpl. Rylee J. McCollum - Lance Cpl. Kareem M. Nikoui - Cpl. Hunter Lopez - Lance Cpl. Jared M. Schmitz - Staff Sgt. Ryan C. Knauss - Cpl. Humberto A. Sanchez - Navy Corpsman Maxton W. Soviak - Lance Cpl. Dylan R. Merola - Sgt. Nicole L. Gee

The State Department released a scathing 87-page report on Afghanistan withdrawal failures in early July

'The decisions of both President Trump and President Biden to end the U.S. military mission in Afghanistan had serious consequences for the viability of the Afghan government and its security,' the report says.

'Those decisions are beyond the scope of this review, but the (review) team found that during both administrations there was insufficient senior-level consideration of worst-case scenarios and how quickly those might follow.'

It also outlined several strategic failures as the Taliban overran cities - saying there wasn't enough consideration given to 'worst-case scenarios.'

As a result, thousands of allies who helped the U.S. in the war were left behind, and there was chaos at Hamid Karzai International Airport as men, women and children tried desperately to flee.

Even though planning for the evacuation of Kabul began 'some time' beforehand, the State Department was 'hindered by the fact that it was unclear who in the Department had the lead.'
A 14-year-old girl was riding her horse along a North Dakota trail when she was hit by a train and airlifted to hospital - where she remains in a coma.

The unidentified girl was horseback riding across a railroad in Richland County, North Dakota when the Canadian Pacific train slammed into them.

The horse died on impact with the train - and the rider was left in critical condition.

After Richland County Sheriff's Office responded to reports of the incident - she was air-lifted to hospital and put into an induced coma.

The 14-year-old's mother said she had three hours of surgery after breaking her tibia, fibula and clavicle in the freak accident.

A 14-year-old girl was riding her horse along a North Dakota trail when she was hit by a train and airlifted to hospital - where she remains in a coma

The 14-year-old's mother said she had three hours of surgery after breaking her tibia, fibula and clavicle in the freak accident

Horses are notorious for getting spooked easily, and these occurrences happen so regularly that there's a term for within the riding community for when it happens - the 'spooky horse'

She was also left with a concussion, according to her mother - who said it's still unclear how serious the head injury is.

The Canadian Pacific train involved in the crash was not damaged and nobody onboard was hurt.

An injury accident report alerted the local police at around 4:20 pm on Sunday November 12 - but it's unclear what time the collision took place.

The train crashed into the horse and its rider on the rail road and path intersection just east of 88th Street and 165th Avenue.

Where the crash occurred is about three miles southeast of Mantador, North Dakota, which is a small rural city with a population of 67.

Mantador was created in 1886 by the Soo Line Railroad as a depot under the 'Long Length Law - a rule that required depots to be placed at nine-mile intervals along the track in order to provide fuel and water for trains and postal service for settlers.

There are signs for the railroad that pop up sporadically up and down the route - but it's unclear whether the 14-year-old was crossing at a location with one of the warnings.

The 14-year-old's mother said she had three hours of surgery after breaking her tibia, fibula and clavicle in the freak accident

The Canadian Pacific train involved in the crash was not damaged and nobody onboard was hurt

On social media - people speculated that the crash may have been caused by the horse getting 'spooked' by the train's whistle or another loud noise from the vehicle.

Horses are notorious for getting spooked easily, and these occurrences happen so regularly that there's a term for within the riding community for when it happens - the 'spooky horse'.

The creatures are prey animals with a natural instinct to look for danger - so they get easily startled or scared by sudden noises or movements and other indications of danger.

When this happens - the steeds can bolt, rear or even jump because their mode of defense from danger is speed, which causes them to flee from the objects that frighten them.
Two actors have been seriously injured after a balcony fall during a production of Romeo and Juliet in Hungary.

Julia Szasz, 28, playing Juliet, and Otto Lajos Horvath, 60, playing her father, Lord Capulet, are in a serious but stable condition in hospital following Friday's accident.

Paramedics treated the actor and actress after they fell behind the scenery from a height during the second act of the performance in the capital, Budapest.

Their injuries were so serious that both Szasz and Horvath required surgery. The exact details were not shared.

National Theatre director Attila Vidnyanszky submitted his resignation on Monday morning, 'acknowledging his responsibility... as a result of the accident'.

Hungarian culture minister, Janos Csak, has since dismissed the suggestion the director should step down.

In a statement shared on Tuesday, the National Theatre said Vidnyanszky and Csak visited the actors at the Traumatology Clinic of Semmelweis University today.

'According to the doctors, the condition of the two injured artists, Julia Szasz and Otto Lajos Horvath, is improving.'

Julia Szasz (left), pictured during a performance of Romeo and Juliet, was seriously injured with her on-stage father (not pictured) Otto Lajos Horvath

Image from the National Theatre in Hungary shows a production of Romeo and Juliet

In a statement on Friday, November 10, Vidnyanszky said: '... Our Romeo and Juliet performance on Friday was interrupted during the second act due to the accident of Julia Szasz and Otto Lajos Horvath.

'The paramedics who arrived in a short time gave the two artists professional care on the spot and then transported them to the hospital.

'They are in good condition. For the sake of peace of mind, we ask the staff of the press not to contact them with their questions for the time being.'

Vidnyanszky confirmed an investigation was underway to look into the 'circumstances' surrounding the accident.

He added: 'We wish our two excellent actors and colleagues a speedy recovery and look forward to their return to the theatre.'

Vidnyanszky has been in the top role for ten years, an appointment that was due to be wrapped up this year.

His posting was extended a further five years, until 2028, earlier this year.

Janos Csak, the culture minister, also shared well-wishes on Instagram on Monday.

In a post, he shared a picture of himself apparently consulting with doctors at the clinic.

He said: 'I was informed about the condition of two actors who had an accident at the National Theatre at the Traumatology Clinic of Semmelweis University, where Prof. Dr. Bela Merkely, rector and Dr. Tamas Bodzay, head of the Traumatology Clinic received us.

'The condition of Julia Szasz and Otto Lajos Horvath is constantly improving thanks to the professional and high-quality medical care.

'The Ministry provides immediate emergency assistance to both artists during this difficult time.

'I wish a speedy recovery and quick recovery to Julia Szasz and Lajos Otto Horvath!'

'I wish a speedy recovery and quick recovery to Julia Szasz and Lajos Otto Horvath!' said the culture minister, pictured third from the left

Julia Szasz is an actress with credits in a number of acclaimed Hungarian series including A besugo (2022) and Csak szinhaz es mas semmi (2016 - ).

She also appeared in the romantic comedy Neither with You (2019).

Otto Lajos Horvath has a decorated film acting career spanning more than three decades.

Horvath has played a broad ranges of roles on stage, too, performing in plays and adaptations of Shakespeare, Gogol, Dostoevsky, Euripides and Gogol among others at top Hungarian theatres.
A high street beauty retailer has agreed to sell its 250 stores in a 207million deal after struggling with profitability.

The Body Shop is being sold to a private equity group after owner Natura & Co reached a deal with Aurelius Group today.

The Brazilian cosmetics maker says the sale is set to be finalised by December 31. It is unclear if the sale will result in store closures or see staff made redundant.

Natura said the agreement includes a potential earn-out of 90million, adding that both the sale price and the earn-out would be paid within five years of the transaction closing.

The move represents the second major divestment by Natura this year as part of a broader organisational shakeup, following a deal announced in April to sell luxury brand Aesop to L'Oreal at an enterprise value of roughly 2billion.

Founded in 1976 by Anita Roddick in Brighton, the Body Shop has grown to have around 7,000 staff, and 900 stores in 20 different countries.

It also has around 1,600 franchised shops around the world.

Th e Body Shop is being sold to a private equity group after owner Natura & Co reached a deal with Aurelius Group today (file photo)

The sale is set to be finalised by December 31. It is unclear if it will result in store closures or see staff made redundant. Pictured: Interior of a London branch of The Body Shop in 2017

Natura announced in August that its board of directors had authorised it to search for 'strategic alternatives' for The Body Shop, including a potential sale six years after buying it from L'Oreal.

The company entered into exclusive talks with Aurelius last month.

Natura's Chief Executive Fabio Barbosa said the firm was 'pleased to have found a strong home for The Body Shop to write the next chapter in its remarkable story'.

He said in a statement: 'We extend our sincerest thanks to all The Body Shop's associates, who contributed immensely to broadening Natura & Co's horizons. We wish them continued success under the stewardship of Aurelius.'

The private equity buyer, Aurelius, said that it would have an opportunity to 're-energise' the retailer.

'We are delighted to be undertaking this acquisition of an iconic British brand, which pioneered the cruelty-free and natural ingredient movement in the health and beauty market,' said Aurelius partner Tristan Nagler.

Founded in 1976 by Anita Roddick in Brighton, the Body Shop has grown to have around 7,000 staff, and 900 stores in 20 different countries. Ms Roddick is pictured outside one of her shops in October 1985

The Body Shop has around 1,600 franchised shops around the world. Pictured: Anita Roddick in April 1984

'We look forward to working with CEO Ian Bickley and his team to drive operational improvements and re-energise the business, and help to deliver the next chapter of success.'

Body Shop chief executive Mr Bickley echoed: 'The Body Shop is not only a beauty brand, but also an iconic social business that has captured hearts in nearly every corner of the world.

'We are deeply grateful to Natura & Co for their unwavering support and I'm looking forward to working hand in hand with Aurelius as we adapt and flourish in new global retail environments, always with an eye on sustainable and profitable growth.'

Mr Barbosa added that the sale of The Body Shop would allow his company to refocus its business and concentrate on the Latin American markets.

The private equity buyer, Aurelius, said that it would have an opportunity to 're-energise' the retailer (file photo)

Natura rapidly grew through high-profile acquisitions, including the purchases of The Body Shop, Aesop and Avon International, but ended up struggling with profitability.

That led it to launch a quest for 'discipline' and deleveraging last year in order to return to profit.

In the third quarter, Natura & Co reported a net profit of approximately 1.15billion, swinging back from a 450million-real loss a year earlier and boosted by the sale of Aesop.

Without that divestiture, Natura said, third quarter net profit would have been around 123million.
The first openly nonbinary magistrate in Mexico was allegedly murdered by their partner, who then took his own life at the couple's home on Monday in the central state of Aguascalientes, a government official said.

Dorian Nieves, 37, allegedly used a razor to cut Jesus Baena, 39, before killing himself with the same sharp object, state prosecutor Jesus Figueroa told Mexican news outlet Milenio on Tuesday.

'The magistrate's body has 20 wounds, a fatal one in the jugular, and his partner has wounds on his fingers that are caused, according to experts, precisely by the use of the razor ... that (was) used as an instrument of aggression.'

Figueroa said investigators located blood stains on the second floor of the home and found the victims' bodies in the first floor, where the Baena was killed and Nieves took his life.

He also ruled out the participation of a third person - security cameras only show them entering the home Monday around 1:16 am before they were found dead by the housemaid hours later.

'There is no scientific information that allows us to establish that someone else entered, the only two people who were on the (property) are the two of them,' Figueroa explained. 'We see that the items of clothing they were wearing correspond to those they were wearing at the time they arrived at the (home), we see that these items of clothing are found in the bedroom where the blood prints were found. We believe that in the first moment there is a difference between them because the bodies were found on the ground floor.'

Jesus Baena (pictured), who in October 2022 became Mexico's first openly nonbinary magistrate, was found dead alongside their partner at the couple's home in the central state of Aguascalientes

Dorian Nieves (pictured) was found dead at the Aguascalientes home he shared with Jesus Baena, the first openly nonbinary person to be sworn in as a magistrate in Mexico

Baena became the first openly nonbinary person to be sworn in to a judicial position for the Aguascalientes state electoral court in October 2022.

The magistrate was celebrated throughout Latin America for their tireless efforts to advance the rights of the LGBTQ community.

In June, Baena was among a group of people who were issued Mexico's nonbinary passports.

They regularly posted photos and videos of themselves wearing skirts, heels and flashing a rainbow fan in court offices to champion for the rights of the LGBTQ community, but at times received death threats from people who opposed his views.

Jesus Baena was recognized across Latin America for their efforts in working for the rights of the LGBTQ

People hold a candlelight vigil and a protest Monday evening in Aguascalientes, Mexico after the nation's first openly nonbinary magistrate, Jesus Baena, and their partner, Dorian Nieves, were found dead in their home

Drone footage shows forensic officers near the house of Mexico's first openly non-binary magistrate, Jesus Baena, where Baena's body was found next to their partner, Dorian Nieves. Authorities said that a sharp object was found in the hand of one of the victims

Jesus Baena had received death threats on social media because of his gender identity

In June, Baena took to X, formerly Twitter, to stress that they wanted to be recognized by their gender identity.

'I am a nonbinary person, I am not interested in being seen as either a woman or a man,' they wrote. 'This is an identity. It is mine, for me, and nobody else. Accept it.'

Alejandro Brito, director of the LGBTQ rights group Letra S, said that the magistrate's constant presence on social media made them a likely target

'They were a person who received many hate messages, and even threats of violence and death, and you can't ignore that in these investigations,' Brito said. 'They, the magistrate, was breaking through the invisible barriers that closed in the nonbinary community.'

While Brito said Mexico has made significant steps in reducing levels of anti-LGBTQ violence in recent decades, his group registered a significant uptick in such violence in 2019, documenting at least 117 lesbian, gay and bisexual and transgender people killed in the country.

Many were grisly killings, including brutal stabbings and public slayings.

The former chief justice of Mexico's Supreme Court, Arturo Zaldivar, said he deeply lamented Baena's death.

'We lost a strong voice for equality and the rights of LGBTI+ people,' he said in a social media post.
Homicide investigators are piecing together the last moments of a much-loved young restaurant manager whose body was found beaten to death just feet from the Laguna Beach bar she left on Saturday night.

Tatum Goodwin, 27, was enjoying a night out with friends at the popular California resort and the party had made its way to Hennesseys Tavern on Ocean Avenue.

At 2am a local resident reportedly heard screaming and, just over six hours later, a construction worker found her body round the corner in a car park, behind an old movie theatre and the branch of Carmelitas where she had worked for four years.

Its affected not only me. Its affected so much of our team, said restaurant manager Marcos Heredia.

She definitely did not deserve this, just a beautiful person.

Tatum Goodwin, 27, was murdered yards from the Laguna Beach bar where she had ben enjoying a night out with friends just moments earlier

Her friends have spoken of their shock and grief at the sudden death of the young restaurant manager

Her body was found in a car park round the corner from the bar she had been drinking in

The Orange County Coroners Division are conducting a post-mortem on the young woman who had recently broken up with a boyfriend and appeared to be upset when she left the bar in the early hours, according to local website underlaguna.com.

She had gone to Hennessey's after leaving work and is also thought to have stopped for a drink at the Marine Bar on the opposite side of the street at some point in the evening.

She was just such a loving, honest person, said her friend Aleena Macintosh.

You just wouldnt think that anything would happen to her.

I cant even think right now. To think this happened right across the street from my work and to someone we all loved so dearly.

This world is to cruel to those who dont deserve it.

Heredia has set up a gofundme appeal to help pay for funeral costs and to create a memorial to the young woman from San Clemente whose life was ended so suddenly.

She was a very hard working young lady and always kept a smile on her face, he wrote on her page. Over the years she had expressed her pleasure to be in Laguna and have her opportunity with us.

We felt that we really had a family member here with us.

I am seeking help to make a memorial in the city of Laguna Beach for our team and family member.

We are still in disbelief, and we dont want her to go unforgotten.

'We are attempting to raise capital for her Memorial Services and also help with creating a memorial in the city, so everyone in town never forgets about our sweet friend Tatum.

'Please help us honor Tatum, she was found lifeless in Laguna Beach and we are being told at the moment, that this is an ongoing homicide investigation.

We are going to do our best to make sure we help the city in any way to help the police with their work and investigations.

Tatum's last evening began and ended within yards of her restaurant workplace on Broadway Street in the upmarket Orange County beach resort

I would give anything in the world to go back to this day' wrote her friend Madison Moyer

A gofundme appeal has been set up to help pay for funeral costs and create a memorial to the young woman from San Clemente whose life was ended so suddenly

She was just such a loving, honest person, said her friend Aleena Macintosh

The beachfront bar where Tatum was drinking with friends moments before she was attacked

Police are still looking for Tatum's cellphone which is somewhere in the vicinity of her murder

Hennessey's bar paid their own tribute to the young woman who was murdered outside

We truly need your help to give Tatum the memorial she very much deserves.

Police are still trying to find Tatums phone which is sending out pings in the area of the bar.

We are saddened by this senseless act of violence, said Laguna Police Department Police Chief Jeff Calvert.

Our detectives are working diligently to bring the suspect or suspects to justice.
Pressure is mounting on cops to bring action over the senseless attack

The teen was 'beaten to death' on November 2 by around 15 bullies

The father of a Las Vegas teen who was 'beaten to death' by a gang of bullies has heartbreakingly revealed he 'can't watch' the viral video of the brutal attack.

Jonathan Lewis Sr said his son, Jonathan Lewis Jr, died on November 2 - the day after he was beaten by a mob of bullies in broad daylight in a sickening episode caught on camera by a stunned onlooker.

While the footage has been seen by millions in the days since, Jonathan's father told the Review Journal: 'I cant watch the video of my son beaten to death, no.'

Pressure is mounting on Las Vegas police to bring action over the senseless beating, and the Metro Police Department said Monday it was still investigating the incident.

In a separate interview with NewsNation's On Balance With Leland Vittert, Lewis Sr said he was dismayed at the response from investigators, saying: 'They haven't given me a reason why they haven't made an arrest yet ... there's other videos that have not been released to the public.'

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department is yet to confirm the viral footage is of the attack on Lewis, and said in a statement to DailyMail.com: 'The LVMPD is actively investigating this incident. An update will be provided when available.'

Jonathan Lewis Sr said he is still waiting for answers over why arrests have not been made following the alleged beating death of his son, Jonathan Lewis Jr

Jonathan Lewis, 17, died on November 1, the day after he was swarmed by a gang of bullies and 'beaten to death'

Lewis Sr, who lives in Austin, Texas, said his son was targeted in the melee after rushing to help another student being picked on by the bullies.

Noting there are 'other videos that have not been released to the public' that offer a different look at the incident, he said Jonathan was initially attacked by a few students who the 17-year-old shook off 'because he was so strong.'

'But then all the other kids joined in and beat him to death after that,' he added to NewsNation.

A large percentage of the mob appear to be black, leading to some incendiary comments about the attack being racially motivated, despite no evidence to suggest that it was.

Lewis Sr condemned the racist reactions some have had to the footage, which he branded 'a disgrace to my son's memory'.

He added to the Review Journal that he is demanding justice and accountability to those involved, and claimed the mob of bullies have been involved in other similar incidents.

'This is not a one-off, no. We know that there was another incident the Tuesday before that with these exact kids,' he said.

Clark County School District Police Department spokesperson Lt. Bryan Zink did not confirm that the footage was of Lewis' attack, but said it should serve as a horrifying reminder of the dangers of school bullying.

'Parents have got to step up and talk to their kids,' he said. 'It's just really sad.'

Officials in the school district have been warning about physical bullying for months - and Clark County school police have confiscated 20 guns and 52 knives so far this year.

Jonathan Lewis Sr condemned the brutal attack, but said some racist reactions from those online is a 'disgrace to my son's memory'

Shocking footage of the attack shared to social media saw around 15 bullies attack a student, purported to be Jonathan Lewis, 17. Police have not officially verified the footage

As the violent scenes escalate, all out chaos ensues as the victim lays on the ground, beaten until he is unconscious

Footage was also shot from an additional cellphone which has since been posted to X

After Jonathan is knocked to the ground, one of his friends attempts to intervene and stop the brutal attack before making a run for it

Lewis Sr has since set up a GoFundMe page to help cover the costs of his son's untimely death, and he said the proceeds - which has topped $65,000 - will be split between Jonathan's mothers and father's families.

Amid calls for accountability over Lewis' death, the school district said in a statement to parents that it is declining to provide additional information as the investigation is ongoing, but that it 'grieves the loss of every student.'

'While we can not provide additional information, as this is an active police investigation, please know that District leadership and School Police are working with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and the District Attorneys office so those involved are held accountable for their actions,' the statement said.

'CCSD does not tolerate violence or threats to students or their safety,' the statement continued.

'We all must come together as a community to address the needs of our students so disagreements are resolved through dialogue rather than violence.'

After it emerged that Lewis Jr suffered the attack because he was standing up for another student, the father said he was proud of Jonathan's actions.

'Jonathan knew the strength of love, that's what we teach in our family,' he continued.

'Love is the greatest strength and we protect our family members, and have a deep sense of community, and I think that just inspired him to do so.'

When asked why law enforcement have not moved quickly, he said he has been in 'close contact' with Las Vegas police, but has been frustrated with how the investigation has moved.

'They haven't given me a reason that they haven't made an arrest yet,' he said, adding that detectives remain working 'diligently.'

'I can tell you that I sat down with these detectives and they're very highly effective at their work, there's a lot of other unique factors involved.

'Unfortunately the school gathered a bunch of these kids, even though they were told not to, and you know I think they were just trying to help but that ended up causing a lot of problems, so the investigation got more complex.'

The teen's father said his heroic actions helping another bullied student may have been fueled by his family's military service

According to the fundraiser set up after Lewis' death, which cites the teen's girlfriend, his decision to leap into action was because the other bullied student he helped was far smaller, and had items stolen from him by the group.

Written when Jonathan was still on life support, the page described him as 'a kind, loving, gentle young man who has the heart of a champion and the brightest loving energy that attracts people to him with love.'

'He's an aspiring artist, devoted big brother, and a fierce protector of love ones!

'We are so grateful for all the love and community support that has poured in for our son and hope that the world will focus on all that love and compassion as a beacon of hope for human relations and place recognition upon how much stronger the love and the spirit of community is than the dark moments of violence.

'Love wins our son is a champion of love and family and the resilient spirit of human perseverance and will to be good and kind and loving!'
Tory right-wingers today furiously accused Rishi Sunak of abandoning 'Red Wall' voters who delivered Boris Johnson's 80-seat majority at the 2019 general election.

The New Conservatives group claimed the Prime Minister's dramatic reshuffle - which included the sacking of Suella Braverman as home secretary - marked a 'major change' in the Government's direction.

Miriam Cates and Danny Kruger, the backbench MPs who co-chair the group, hit out at Mr Sunak after he used a ministerial shake-up to bring back ex-PM David Cameron as Foreign Secretary.

The PM's reshuffle has been viewed by the Tory Right as an attempt by Mr Sunak to shift to the political centre ahead of the next general election.

But Ms Cates and Mr Kruger warned the PM he was 'walking away' from those voters who brought the Tories their victory in 2019.

'It appears the leadership has decided to abandon the voters who switched to us last time, sacrificing the seats we won from Labour in 2019 in the hope of shoring up support elsewhere,' they said in a statement.

Yet, despite their anger, the New Conservatives shied away from a direct challenge to Mr Sunak's leadership.

Tory right-wingers have furiously accused Rishi Sunak of abandoning 'Red Wall' voters who delivered Boris Johnson's 80-seat majority at the 2019 general election

The New Conservatives group claimed the PM's reshuffle - which included the sacking of Suella Braverman and the return of David Cameron - marked a 'major change' in direction

Mr Johnson is pictured with his now wife Carrie in Downing Street while celebrating the Tories' stunning victory in December 2019

The New Conservatives - a pressure group on the Tory Right - are led by Miriam Cates and Danny Kruger

The intervention by Ms Cates and Mr Kruger followed a meeting of the New Conservatives in Westminster last night, as they considered their response to Mr Sunak's reshuffle.

The two most notable moves by Mr Sunak were his sacking of Mrs Braverman and his appointment of Lord Cameron, who had spent seven years in the political wilderness after quitting as PM.

But there were also promotions for loyalists of Mr Sunak such as Victoria Atkins - appointed Health Secretary - who comes from the Tories' 'One Nation' wing.

Laura Trott and Richard Holden, who worked for Lord Cameron while he was in No10, were also bumped up the ranks to become Chief Secretary to the Treasury and Conservative Party chairman, respectively.

The blowback from the Tory Right to the reshuffle has been fierce, with one Tory MP -- former education minister Dame Andrea Jenkyns - last night submitting a no confidence letter in Mr Sunak's leadership.

In their own response, Ms Cates and Mr Kruger said: 'We are concerned that yesterday's reshuffle indicates a major change in the policy direction of the Government.

'The Conservative Party now looks like it is deliberately walking away from the coalition of voters who brought us into power with a large majority in 2019.

'That election, building on the victory of the Leave vote in the Brexit referendum of 2016, represented the realignment of our politics.'

The New Conservatives co-chairs added: 'Until yesterday, we held onto the hope that the Government still believed in the realignment - that they would work to rebalance our economy, reorient our foreign policy, radically reduce migration, and restore common sense in our schools and universities.

'That hope - the project of the realignment - has now dwindled. In political terms, it appears the leadership has decided to abandon the voters who switched to us last time, sacrificing the seats we won from Labour in 2019 in the hope of shoring up support elsewhere.'

The New Conservatives vowed to raise funds and recruit supporters to help the group's members - whether sitting MPs or prospective parliamentary candidates - to fight their campaigns at the next general election.

But they assuaged No10 fears of a full-scale rebellion from the Tory Right by reaffirming their support for Mr Sunak.

'Like all Conservatives, we want Rishi Sunak to succeed,' Ms Cates and Mr Kruger said.

Mr Kruger followed up with a direct attack on Lord Cameron's appointment during an appearance on GB News.

'He led the Remain campaign and here he's now in charge of our relations with Europe,' he told the TV channel.

'But as long as he follows the PM's lead, as long as he genuinely honours the mandate that we have as a Government I'm not concerned about his appointment.

'Personally, I do think it sends a very confusing signal to our voters. And overall the shape of the Government now is not where we think it should be.'

Mr Kruger also claimed the Government was 'going back into the politics of decline' following the reshuffle.

The New Conservatives are made up of MPs mainly elected after the Brexit vote in 2016.

The group's website states they 'stand for the realignment of British politics: a new era in which Westminster respects the views, values and interests of the British people'.

Their policy goals include the establishment of a new British framework for rights and equalities laws to replace European-inspired legislation.

They also want tax cuts, a reduction in immigration, and the banning of 'gender ideology in schools'.

As well as Ms Cates and Mr Kruger, they are also led by Sir John Hayes - who is a close ally of Mrs Braverman.
A top sex-change surgeon says he's gearing up for a radical new procedure  swapping over the genitals of a male and female patient in a single operation, DailyMail.com can reveal.

Dr Miroslav Djordjevic, who works at New York City's Mount Sinai hospital and in his native Serbia, says he's honed his technique for 15 years and is on the cusp of a revolutionary genital-swap procedure.

Still, it remains unclear which trans patients will go under the knife, or where the operation will take place  as experts warn of 'huge risks' in a procedure that could go horribly wrong.

'Now we are in a final step,' Dr Djordjevic said in the latest episode of Doctor Podcasts.

Dr Miroslav Djordjevic says the male-female genitals swap is the 'goal of my career'

'The final approach will be to transplant the penis. This is my main goal, goal of my career. And I hope that this future started yesterday.'

Transgender surgeries, especially those on children and young people, are hugely controversial.

Poll Should 'gender-affirming care' be banned for children in your state? Yes No Not sure Should 'gender-affirming care' be banned for children in your state? Yes 26109 votes

No 1276 votes

Not sure 722 votes Now share your opinion





Advocates say they help trans people live as their 'authentic selves,' but critics say the procedures are risky, experimental, lead to recurring problems, and that many people come to regret them.

Surgeons already perform genital reconstruction operations, known as vaginoplasties and phalloplasties.

They involve creating a neo-penis or neo-vagina from flesh on patients' arms, legs, or elsewhere.

For Dr Djordjevic, however, they are wasteful, as a patient's removed sex organ is just 'put in the garbage.'

'I concluded that it may be useful to use these very healthy organs,' he said.

That's why he's honed the technique of switching over the genitals of a biological male and biological female patients in the same procedure, he says.

'This is my main research now,' he said, of work he does at the University of Belgrade, in Serbia.

'It was my vision and my dream, 10-15 years ago.'

Most of his patients are ideal candidates, as they are typically young, healthy and in their early 20s, he added.

Podcast host Dr Robert Cykiert says the groundbreaking operation carries 'very significant high risks.'

It's not clear yet whether Dr Djordjevic will attempt the experimental procedure at Mount Sinai Hospital Center for Transgender Medicine and Surgery

In recent years, he said he's successfully transplanted a uterus, ovaries, and testicles into his patients.

'From all of these three transplantations, we had a delivery. That is very good result,' he said.

He spoke in the podcast about the procedure alongside other experts in trans medicine.

They were Mount Sinai's Dr John Steever, an expert in giving puberty blockers to trans youth, and Marci Bowers, the trans male-to-female gynecologist who heads the World Professional Association for Transgender Health.

Podcast host Dr Robert Cykiert told DailyMail.com that the genital swap would mark a 'major breakthrough' in trans medicine.

'Till now, people who had this surgery would modify their genitalia and sex organs by using skin and muscle tissue transplants derived from their forearms and other body parts,' said Dr Cykiert.

But, he added, the new procedure carries 'very significant high risks for the patients who are trading their genitalia.'

'Just like kidney, heart, liver and face transplants, patients who have intersex genital transplants would be at extremely high risk of rejecting their new sexual organs,' said Dr Cykiert.

The revelations were made in the latest episode of Doctor Podcasts, hosted by Dr Robert Cykiert

To avoid this, they would need to go on 'long term immunosuppressive medications,' he added.

'These medications put patients at high risk of getting severe infections, cancers of various types, and other serious, chronic medical problems,' he said.

Mount Sinai and the University of Belgrade did not immediately answer DailyMail.com's request for comment.

But Mount Sinai's Center for Transgender Medicine and Surgery says on its website that Dr Djordjevic and his colleagues are experts in their field.

'The physicians have experience with over 2,000 genital transgender surgeries that informs their care of each new patient,' says Mount Sinai's website.

Dr Djordjevic is not the first sex-reassignment surgeon to face scrutiny for his pioneering work.

Earlier this year, Dr Blair Peters, of Oregon Health and Science University, in a video candidly revealed the downsides of the genital re-shaping surgeries he regularly performed on trans kids and adults

Dr Peters, a self-described 'queer surgeon' with 'he/they' pronouns, pink hair and a 'passion' for genital surgeries, said patients faced fertility, sexual pleasure and other lifelong post-op complications.

Trans surgeries have a worryingly bad success rate

Critics likened him to the fictional monster-builder, Dr Frankenstein, and he was lambasted in a congressional hearing.

Meanwhile, experts increasingly call transgender medicine into question.

One of the first studies into the side effects of trans surgeries this year revealed alarmingly high rates of post-op pain, aching during intercourse, and bladder problems, raising troubling questions for this new frontier of medicine.

A huge majority  81 percent  of those who had gender-affirming surgery in the past five years said they endured pain simply from moving around in the weeks and months after going under the knife.

Researchers from the University of Florida and Brooks Rehabilitation, a health non-profit, showed that more than half of trans surgery patients endured pain during sex, and nearly a third could not control their bladders.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul will add ten more state investigators to the FBI's counterterrorism task force in New York to combat the staggering 214 percent spike in anti-Semitism since the October 7 Hamas terror attacks.

Hochul announced on Monday that an additional $2.5 million will be administered to the New York State Police to increase staff to the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF).

Eight investigators will be placed in New York City JTTF office and one investigator to their Albany and Rochester offices. The governor's office said there were about 30 state law enforcement officials working with the task force before the additional investigators were added, The New York Daily News reported.

The move is the governor's latest effort to tackle the rise in anti-Semitic and Islamophobic incidents. Hochul said that an emergency meeting was held with Jewish leaders and law enforcement to discuss strategies.

'It's painful to me as the governor of this great state that has been known for its diversity and how we celebrate different cultures, different religions, different viewpoints.

'It is painful to see the cruelty with which New Yorkers are treating each other everywhere from college campuses to our streets to schools to playgrounds even as they're entering their houses of worship,' she said.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Monday the deployment of ten additional investigators to the FBI's Joint Terrorism Take Force to combat the staggering increase in anti-Semitism

A black swastika was painted on the door and picnic tables at the Naturally Good Food & Cafe in Montauk earlier this month

The anti-Semitic symbol was spray painted on the picnic table at the cafe in Montauk nd the words 'Jews Die' was spray painted in German at a nearby fence

The governor spoke about the recent incidents that have taken place including the mob of hundreds that stormed Grand Central Terminal on Friday calling for a cease-fire in Gaza that saw more than 300 arrests.

As the busiest travel day of the year, Thanksgiving, approaches, governor said law enforcement will be present to ensure commuters can go about their 'lives freely and without disruption.'

'The day that Hamas attacked Israel October 7 and the rise in hate crime began instantanously. I immediately deployed the state police to be on high alert to protect vulnerable assets,' the governor said.

These vulnerable assets also include the city's synagogues and yeshivas and mosques, and any other place that could be susceptible to hate crimes or violence.

The governer's office said they have also been in contact with the US Department of Homeland Security to share information regarding potential threats.

During her address, she announced a significant increase in funding for their efforts that includes a total of $75 million - $50 million will go towards local law enforcement and $25 million in security grants.

She expressed her gratitude to state and local law enforcement officials protecting civilians during this unprecedented time.

'State police have been out there have been embedded with local law enforcement. I have seen it with my own eyes.'

She continued: 'I visit different places of worship and whether it's here in New York City, it's happening and I am grateful for their efforts.'

The governor also spoke about efforts being made on gathering data that is being taken from surveillance and social media to help counter act some of the negativity and hate speech circulating on online platforms.

Naturally Good Food and Cafe in Montauk was vandalized with swastikas, the symbol of hatred against Jews, earlier this month. Owner Jane Freeman posted about the hate crime

As the govenor spoke about her initiatives and sharing her support, many are witnessing first-hand the anti-Semitism and hate that has hit some businesses, schools and communities on Long Island and New York City.

In August Nassau County police said swastikas were spray painted at the playground at Chatterton Elementary School in Merrick. Two teens were arrested and are now facing charges, News 12 reported.

Last month, a group of Jewish students at Cooper Union were forced to barricade themselves inside the campus library while pro-Hamas protesters tried to pound on the door as they yelled at them.

The incident took place during a pro-Israel and pro-Palestine that was happening simulatenously. Additional demonsrations were held at New York University and Columbia where many protested to boycott Israel and called for a ceasefire in Israels war against Hamas in Gaza, The Times of Israel reported.

At Cornell University, a 21-year-old Cornell student was charged with threatening to shoot up the site of his schools Center for Jewish Living.

In Montauk, at the Naturally Good Food and Cafe swastikas, the symbol of hatred against Jews, was sprayed on the door and picnic tables at the establishment.

There was also the words 'Jews die written in German that was scrawled on a fence and some of the swastikas were splayed on food trucks. At a popular surfing spot in Montauk, Ditch Plains Beach, the words Free Palestine was written next to it, the news outlet reported.

Police still continue to investigate the hate crimes.

Rabbi Josh Franklin of the Jewish Center of the Hamptons wrote on Facebook. 'I spent the morning in Montauk cleaning up the graffiti left on a Montauk store owned by Jews,' he said.

He added: 'It feels like Im living Kristallnacht in 2023.'

Owner Jane Hegelman Freeman shared her despair on Instagram.

'This is Naturally Good in Montauk. 'The End' as we say. Our home. Our dear friends' store. A small town in the USA. People live here to fish, surf and feel safe. I suppose I knew it before but it is confirmed: hate, ignorance and antisemitism are alive and well at The End. WTF America? @naturallygoodmtk.'

During the address, the governor spoke about those who are living in fear and wanted to reassure them that they have a right to feel safe and protected.

She said, in part: 'No one walking down the street or in a subway should feel they have to hide what their religious beliefs are.'

A hotline has been created where people can report hate and bias incidents as the governor warned, 'when they've crossed the line from hate speech into a hate crime that there will be prosecutions.'

She also addressed the alarming rate of anti-Semitism that is taking place on college campuses, particularly in the Jewish community, and college students that have been targeted.

'I've never seen anything like this in my life,' she said, in part, and referenced what she witnessed at Cornell. She added, the perpetrator is now behind bars.

'We'll make sure that all perpetrators of these crimes threats incitement to violence calling on others to kill other Jewish students perpetrators will be stopped and prosecuted.'

She added: 'These are young people who are vulnerable. They should not be living in fear here in New York City.

With the staggering spike in anti-Semitism up 214 percent, Hochul said 'we've not seen this level of hate crimes and fear since September 12th 2001.'

'People are concerned they're worried. I'm going to continue taking any step I can to increase the security of our individuals our members of the New York State Community today.'

She added: 'If anyone thinks that they can get away with spreading hate and harming other New Yorkers and violating the law you will be caught.'

New York City represents the largest religious Jewish community of any city in the world, more than the combined totals of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.

It home to approximately 1.6 million Jews and nearly half of the city's Jews live in Brooklyn.
Have you applied for the exemption?

Have you applied for the exemption? Tell us why . Email summer.goodkind@mailonline.co.uk

Owners of the American XL bully can now apply to register their dogs for an exemption before the breed is banned next year.

New rules due to come into force on February 1 will make it illegal to own an XL bully in England and Wales, unless the animal is on the exempt list.

Owners can apply to have their pets exempt from the crackdown - which means they would have to pay 92.40 for a certificate and the dog would need to be microchipped and neutered, among other rules.

The second option would be to have their dogs put down, with the government offering 200 in compensation to these owners.

Owners without a certificate of exemption will face a criminal record and an unlimited fine if they are found to be in possession of an XL Bully as of February 1.

It follows a spate of recent fatal and horrific attacks involving the breed.

New rules also state that it will be illegal to 'breed, sell, advertise, exchange, gift, rehome, abandon or allow XL Bully dogs to stray' in England and Wales from December 31. Owners will also have to muzzle the dogs under a law change laid out in Parliament.

Have you applied for the exemption? Tell us why. Email summer.goodkind@mailonline.co.uk

Owners of the American XL bully can now apply to register their dogs for an exemption before the breed is banned next year

Dog walker Ian Langley, 54, was mauled to death by an XL Bully in Sunderland on October 3

Ian Price, 52, was mauled to death by two XL Bullies on September 14 - the ban on XL Bullies was announced by Rishi Sunak the next day

The two dates have been staggered to allow owners to prepare for the new rules.

Dogs on the exempt list will also have to be neutered and microchipped.

Those more than a year old on 31 January must be neutered by 30 June, while those under 12 months old must be neutered by 31 December 2024.

How the government has defined an XL Bully As a 'mongrel' crossbreed not recognised by the Kennel Club, XL Bully dogs are difficult to define. But under guidelines published today by Defra, the following will be used to assess animals that could be XL Bullies: General impression Large dog with a muscular body and blocky head, suggesting great strength and power for its size. Powerfully built individual. Height Adult male from 20in (51 cm) at the withers

Adult female from 19in (48cm) at the withers Head Heavy, large and broad

Length from tip of the nose to a well-defined stop (indentation between muzzle and the head) is equal to around a third of the length from the stop to the back of the head

Muzzle blocky or slightly squared to fall away below the eyes

Topline of muzzle straight

Prominent cheek muscles with strong, well-defined jaws and lips semi-close

Often has prominent face wrinkles

Large nose with well opened nostrils Teeth Level or scissor bite Neck Heavy, muscular, slightly arched, tapering from the shoulders to the base of the skull

Medium in length Forequarters Shoulder blades are long, well-muscled and well laid back

Upper arm length is about equal to the length of the shoulder blades and joined at a 35-45 degree angle to the ground

Front legs straight, strong and very muscular with dog standing high on the area between feet and ankles

Elbows set close to the body

Distance from the withers to elbows about the same as the distance from the elbow to the bottom of the feet Body Heavily-muscled - large, blocky body giving impression of power

Broad chest with well sprung ribs

Chest may be wider than deep

Topline level and straight

Loin short and firm

Generally appears square shaped from shoulder to the buttocks compared with the withers to the ground Hindquarters Strong, muscular and broad; thighs well-developed with thick muscles

From behind, pasterns are typically straight and parallel to each other

Muscular development, angulation and width in balance with forequarters Feet Rounded, medium in size and in proportion to body

Compact and well arched Tail Medium length and low set

Tapers to a point to end at about the level of the hocks

Generally assumes a straight or pump handle shape when relaxed Coat Glossy, smooth, close, single Advertisement

Registering the dog on the Index of Exempted Dogs will cost 92.40; all registered owners must be over 16, and the animals must have a third party liability insurance policy covering injuries inflicted on other people.

Council dog wardens and police officers will be able to request to see the Certificate of Exemption - failure to do so within five days could lead to enforcement action.

Owners without a certificate of exemption will face an unlimited fine if they are found to be in possession of a bully XL after the ban comes into force and their dog could be seized.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: 'The transition period for XL bully dogs has now started. It is important that XL bully owners read the guidance and take all the necessary steps.

'This includes applying for a certificate of exemption if you want to keep your dog and ensuring they are muzzle trained by the end of the year, as your dog will need to be muzzled and on a lead in public after 31 December 2023.

'XL breeders should have also now stopped breeding their dogs and I would advise all owners to make an appointment with your vet to get your XL bully neutered as soon as possible.'

The guidance is similar to that issued for the four breeds which were banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991: pit bull terriers, Japanese Tosas, Dogo Argentinos and Fila Brasileiros.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has published details defining an American Bully XL, which is not a breed recognised by the Kennel Club in the UK.

An official definition of the breed has now been outlined, with features including a 'heavy, large and broad' head and a 'blocky or slightly squared' muzzle.

The dog is also described as being 'heavily-muscled' with a 'large, blocky body giving impression of great power for size', and a glossy, smooth and close coat.

But Defra said that even a suspected XL Bully breed type does not need to fit the physical description perfectly.

They said: 'If you think your dog meets the minimum height measurements and has a substantial amount of the physical characteristics set out in the official definition, your dog may be in scope of the ban. This includes if it was not sold as an XL Bully.'

The ban comes following a series of high profile attacks on people committed by dogs believed to be XL Bullies.

Ian Price, 52, from Stonnall in Staffordshire, died after he was savaged by two XL Bully dogs in September.

A 30-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter following the attack and released on conditional bail; Staffordshire Police says the investigation is ongoing.

Rishi Sunak announced the ban on the mongrel crossbreed a day after Mr Price's death - describing them as a 'danger to our communities' when he promised to instigate the ban.

Days before Mr Price was killed, 11-year-old Ana Paun was mauled by another dog of the same breed as she walked home with her sister after buying sweets in Birmingham.

She said the dog had come at her 'out of nowhere' before locking its powerful jaws around her arm. She recalled: 'I was screaming and screaming - I was petrified.'

In 2021, 10-year-old Jack Lis died from severe head and neck injuries after he was attacked by an XL Bully in Caerphilly; his mother, Emma Whitfield, has campaigned for the dogs to be banned.

In March 2021, 17-month-old Bella-Rae Birch was mauled to death by her family's XL Bully in St Helen's.

A number of other attacks said to involve XL Bully-type dogs have occurred since the ban was announced in mid-September.

One of the latest victims was Ian Langley, 54, a father who died after an attack while walking his puppy in Sunderland on October 3.

And a toddler was attacked by an XL Bully in south-east London the day before - almost losing his leg after the animal sunk its teeth into his leg.

Campaign group BullyWatch claims that XL Bully-type dogs are responsible for the relative majority of dog attacks in the UK - it says 43 percent of all dog attacks in 2023 have been linked with the mongrel breed.

Further, the group claims that the mongrel breed is linked to 11 confirmed fatal attacks since 2021 - and could be responsible for a further three.

Jack Lis, 10, suffered fatal head and neck injuries after he was attacked by an XL Bully in Caerphilly in 2021; his mother has since campaigned for the breed to be banned

Ana Paun, 11, was attacked by an XL Bully as she walked home from buying sweets with her sister on September 11 in Birmingham

XL Bully owners who insist their animals are not dangerous even took to the streets in protest - but left their pets at home.

Environment Secretary Therese Coffey said: 'We are taking quick and decisive action to protect the public from tragic dog attacks and today I have added the XL Bully type to the list of dogs prohibited under the Dangerous Dogs Act.

'It will soon become a criminal offence to breed, sell, advertise, rehome or abandon an XL Bully type dog, and they must also be kept on a lead and muzzled in public.

'In due course it will also be illegal to own one of these dogs without an exemption.

'We will continue to work closely with the police, canine and veterinary experts, and animal welfare groups, as we take forward these important measures.'

The new guidance does not apply to Northern Ireland or Scotland.

Both currently ban the pit bull terrier, Japanese tosa, Dogo Argentino and Fila Braziliero.

If Scottish ministers agree, then the ban will be applied in Scotland.

In Northern Ireland a ban on an American bully XL would require a separate change to legislation, either by a sitting Assembly and Executive or through an intervention by the Northern Ireland secretary.

There are already nearly 3,500 illegal dogs in England, Scotland and Wales that have been granted Certificates of Exemption under the Dangerous Dogs Act; the vast majority are pit bull terriers.

Under the existing legislation, owners must prove to the courts that their animal is not a danger to public safety and that they are a 'fit and proper person' to look after it.

After the new rules were announced in September, owners of XL Bullies rushed to ask vets to change the breed their dog is registered under.

In a panic, owners begged vets to change official records to say 'Staffies' because they're worried their dogs will be put down.

Large Breed Dog Rescue, based in Greenhithe, Kent, urged people not to panic after having to turn down 25 American XL Bullies that week alone. The charity said owners had admitted they intend to put their pets down if they can't get help.

Dogs Trust has also reported an uptick in the number of worried owners considering rehoming their dog in light of Rishi Sunak's announcement.

Vickie Phillips, a manager at shelter City Dogs Home, said every other dog brought to the shelter was an XL Bully or American bulldog and that she was expecting more flooding through the door.

Outraged owners took to the streets of London following the news that the breed was set to be banned - but left their animals at home

A mother cradles her 20-month-old that was attacked by an XL Bully in London earlier this month

Meanwhile others were refusing to accept a 200 Government handout to euthanise their soon-to-be-banned pets, branding the plan 'absolutely disgusting'.

Fuming Bully XL owner Ashley Oxley from Brighton told MailOnline: 'No money would ever tempt me into putting my girl down she's fine the way she is and that's how it's staying can't believe in this generation this kind of brutality is even allowed.'

Mother-of-three Dani Harland added: 'This breaks my heart. I own an XL Bully and I would never ever even dream of putting her down. I find this absolutely disgusting that they [the government] are even offering to pay people money to have their dogs put to sleep.'

The outcry comes as animal charities warned they face an impossible task of trying to rehome hundreds of Bully XLs stuck in rescue centres before the December 31 deadline, after which it will become illegal to rehome, breed, or sell the dogs.

Mel Kermode, operations manager of Freshfields Animal Rescue in Liverpool, said: 'It is a desperate race against time to try and save these dogs. The clock is very much ticking.'

The Merseyside rescue shelter is trying to rehome about five Bully XL-type dogs but is being inundated with calls from 'alarmed' owners seeking to dump their pets before the ban comes into force.

Ms Kermode said this has led to a crisis within the animal rescue sector, with centres across the UK now 'bursting at the seams' and unable to take any more pets in.

She now fears more healthy dogs which aren't banned - and that could have be rehomed - could now be put down due to the huge backlog, in a situation she has branded 'heartbreaking'.

'The pressure is really on,' she added. 'It's very stressful. Rescue centres are already flooded with dogs. The pandemic and cost-of-living crisis forced lots of people to surrender their pets. So kennels were already bursting but adding this ban into the mix has made it worse.'

The RSPCA warned there was a 'huge risk' shelters will 'not be able to cope with the demands put on them by this law'.
Penalties include fines, arrest and bans on future trips with certain cruise lines

Some of the most popular cruise lines like Carnival and Royal Caribbean are cracking down on marijuana possession

Cruises are anticipated to see over 30 million passengers this year

As states across the U.S. continue to ease penalties for the use of marijuana, cruise lines are reaffirming their stance on the drug as the number of guests rises to pre-pandemic levels.

In August, the Cruise Lines International Association predicted that passenger volume would surpass pre-pandemic levels, with 31.5 million passengers this year.

But with more guests comes a higher likelihood that at least a few will break the rules.

Travelers may want to think twice about bringing marijuana onboard, as discovery of the drug may lead to fines, arrest and a ban on future trips.

At Royal Caribbean International - home to the world's largest cruise ship, Wonder of the Seas - marijuana use is strictly prohibited.

Royal Caribbean International, one of the most popular cruise lines, enforces strict penalties against marijuana use

Passenger volume is anticipated to surpass pre-pandemic levels this year, and cruise lines are reaffirming their stance on marijuana possession onboard

Onboard Disney ships, 'synthetic designer drugs' and medical marijuana are prohibited

'In no event shall any Passenger bring on board the Vessel any illegal controlled substances (including medical marijuana),' the cruise line's policy reads.

It adds that marijuana possession and use is prohibited in 'many jurisdictions visited.' However, there are designated smoking areas onboard for cigars, cigarettes and vapes.

Disney Cruise Line has adopted a similar stance.

'In accordance with United States federal regulations and local laws in the destinations we visit, illegal narcoticsincluding synthetic designer drugsand marijuana (even if legal where you reside or medically prescribed)are prohibited on board the ships and on Disney Castaway Cay,' the policy reads.

There are areas throughout the ship where guests are free to use cigarettes and e-cigarettes.

Carnival Cruise Line has made its position very clear, as evidenced by a February 2023 video message from president Christine Duffy.

'In case there's any confusion, let me remind guests that while marijuana and cannabis products may be legal in some states, we are required to follow federal law, irrespective of the law in the state where you may be boarding your ship,' Duffy said.

The cruise line encourages guests to 'consult with their physician for other suitable alternatives.'

Furthermore, all suites and outside balconies are non-smoking. Those who violate the policy will be charged $500 per violation.

'Guests who are disembarked for violating our policy will be responsible for all financial charges and expenses to return home, and no refund of their unused cruise fare will be provided,' the policy reads.

They may be banned from sailing with Carnival in the future.

The president of Carnival Cruise Lines, Christine Duffy, says the cruise line is 'required to follow federal law'

Carnival's policy encourages guests to 'consult with their physician for other suitable alternatives' to medical marijuana

Passengers who violate Norwegian Cruise Lines' drug policy are subject to arrest and prosecution, and may be prevented from re-boarding the ship

At Viking Cruises, passengers found to possess marijuana will have no claim for loss or damage

On Norwegian Cruise Lines, all drugs, 'including marijuana prescribed for medical purposes,' are prohibited.

'This includes all products containing CBD, oils, candies, and gummies or any product containing THC,' the policy reads.

Violators are subject to arrest and prosecution, and may be prevented from re-boarding the ship.

At Viking Cruises, marijuana possession and use - including medical marijuana and CBD oil - is strictly prohibited.

'Passengers who violate the laws of any jurisdiction are subject to being reported to law enforcement or customs authorities, arrest and prosecution,' the policy reads.

Those who bring 'dangerous items' like weapons and marijuana are also subject to immediate disembarkation or denial of boarding.

Passengers will have no claim for loss or damage under such circumstances.

Cruises may rely on enforcement tactics like scanning all bags passengers bring on board, requiring guests to reenter security after each stop, and dispatching staff to sniff out illegal substances.

Marijuana has been fully legalized in 24 U.S. states, but it remains criminalized in four others

In 2018, a passenger on a Royal Caribbean ship was arrested in Bermuda and fined $4,000 for marijuana possession

Twenty-four states have fully legalized marijuana. The drug is fully illegal in North Carolina and Nebraska, but decriminalized.

It remains criminalized in Idaho, Wyoming, South Carolina and Kansas.

The majority of the country's most popular ports are in Florida, where the drug has mixed legal status, a case that is still developing.

Just last Wednesday, justices on Florida's Supreme Court heart arguments debating whether a proposed recreational marijuana amendment can appear on the ballot in 2024.

But for now, it is best to err on the side of caution.

It is also important to consider that locations along the cruise route may not have decriminalized the drug.

In 2018, an American woman was arrested by customs officers in Bermuda as she prepared to board a Royal Caribbean ship.

Authorities found three marijuana pipes, a grinder and an e-cigarette cartridge with cannabis oil in her cabin.

The woman, Pennsylvania native Meghan George, was fined $4,000 for possession.
Former adult actress Mia Khalifa has been eviscerated for repeating a year-old claim that military service is 'worse than OnlyFans' as it is like 'selling your body to the government.'

Khalifa, who was born in 1993, said in an interview on US chatshow Ziwe: 'Honestly, I think that selling your body, like if we are going by that definition, being in the army is worse than being on OnlyFans. You're selling your body to the government.'

While the original interview was aired last year, Khalifa, whose real name is Sarah Joe Chamoun, reposted a clip of the interview in response to a post from comedian Marcella Arguello to X on Veterans Day (November 11) that read:

'Who else remembers being against the Iraq war and people being like "oh wow so you don't SUPPORT OUR TROOPS?!?!"

'And then having the most dumb conversation about being anti-American when you were just anti-killing innocent people. Anyway this feels like that.'

Mia Khalifa (pictured) said that being in the army was worse than OnlyFans, and accused soldiers of selling their bodies to the government

She was fired from her role as a content creator for Playboy's CENTERFOLD platform

Arguello's post appears to be criticising the lack of different voices in the Israel-Hamas war, which has so far claimed the lives of 1,200 Israelis and 11,000 Palestinians.

Khalifa's response to the post has since garnered massive amounts of attention and criticism online.

One X user said: 'Says the woman who is allowed to expose herself for cash based on the freedoms provided by our service members.

'Youve never sacrificed a thing for anyone other than yourself. You are a sad excuse for a person.'

Another agreed, writing: 'You're selling your body in the army for a country you believe in. This makes ZERO sense.

'You are "sacrificing" and offering your ABILITIES to a country that you want to defend. Not sure what you are defending on Onlyfans with your body or human abilities.'

One said: Just say thank you for your service to anybody in the army thats better than this. Those soldiers signed up to defend freedom.'

And one simply said: 'No one takes you serious dawg.'

The comments come just a month after she was slammed for mocking the 1,200 civilians killed during Hamas' surprise incursion into Israel on October 7.

She said in a post to X: 'Can someone please tell the freedom fighters in Palestine to flip their phones and film horizontal.'

She made light of the horror conflict, joking about a 'Zionist apartheid regime being brought down by guerrilla fighters in fake Gucci shirts'.

Khalifa also shared an image of the terrorists riding in the back of a pick-up truck, calling it a 'Renaissance painting.'

She was fired from her role as a content creator for Playboy's CENTERFOLD platform, which she joined in February 2022, shortly after these comments.

Playboy previously said in a statement it emailed to users: 'We are writing today to let you know of our decision to terminate Playboy's relationship with Mia Khalifa, including deleting Mia's Playboy channel on our creator platform.

Former porn star Mia Khalifa sparked massive backlash online after she loudly supported the terror attack by Hamas

'Mia has made disgusting and reprehensible comments celebrating Hamas' attacks on Israel and the murder of innocent men, women, and children.

'At Playboy, we encourage free expression and constructive political debate, but we have a zero-tolerance policy for hate speech. We expect Mia to understand her words and actions have consequences.'

Centerfold - created by Playboy as a way to allow models to sell content to and interact directly with fans - highlighted Khalifa's opinions when she joined the platform.

'Mia's fearless, direct, thought-provoking and fun-loving approach to life and her career make her an important addition to our Centerfold community,' said PLBY Group CEO Ben Kohn at the time.

'Freedom of expression is the cornerstone of our Playboy legacy, and Centerfold is all about empowering creators like Mia to express themselves in a safe, accepting environment.'

Despite losing her platform, she appeared unconcerned when she was seen for the first time since Playboy fired her.

Many took issue with a scene from one of her videos showing her having sex while wearing a hijab, part of traditional female Muslim dress

Mia Khalifa was clutching a box of coloured pencils as she arrived at the coffee shop

Sporting dyed purple eyebrows, Khalifa was seen clutching a hoodie and a coffee as she returned to her car with sunglasses perched on top of her head

Khalifa's page now shows a 'Not Found' graphic on the website, as the adult magazine released a statement confirming that she is no longer creating content

She was spotted pulling into a Panther Coffee outlet in California wearing red sweatpants and a Karol G band T-shirt showing off her tattooed arms.

Sporting dyed purple eyebrows, Khalifa was seen clutching a hoodie and a coffee as she returned to her car with sunglasses perched on top of her head.

Khalifa has been no stranger to controversy. Many took issue with a scene from one of her videos showing her having sex while wearing a hijab, part of traditional female Muslim dress.

Khalifa - who comes from a Christian family - told The Washington Post in 2015 that she was surprised this scene in particular caused anger and was meant to be satirical.

'There are Hollywood movies that depict Muslims in a much worse manner than any scene Bang Bros [the company who made the video] could produce.'
Cohen was previously convicted for lying to Congress in 2018 about work he conducted on a Trump business deal in Russia

Trump's former attorney admitted last month that he lied under oath during a February 2019 deposition

Top House Republicans are referring former Trump attorney Michael Cohen to the Department of Justice for criminal prosecution after he admitted to lying to Congress in 2019.

Cohen admitted last month that he lied under oath during a February 2019 deposition regarding Trump's personal financial statements. He falsely told the committee behind closed doors that he was not instructed by Trump to inflate his net worth.

'So you lied under oath in February of 2019? Is that your testimony?' he was asked by Trump attorney Alina Habba at the end of October in the ongoing $250 million New York civil fraud trial into Trump's finances.

'Yes,' Cohen replied.

Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., who serves as GOP Conference Chairwoman, told DailyMail.com that as a result, DOJ must 'take off its partisan blinders' and investigate 'disgraced fraudster and disbarred attorney' Michael Cohen.

She called him a 'felon previously convicted for lying to Congress, who just admitted to lying again to Congress.'

Cohen was previously convicted for lying to Congress in 2018 about work he conducted on a Trump Tower business deal in Russia.

Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., who serves as GOP Conference Chairwoman, told DailyMail.com that DOJ must 'take off its partisan blinders' and investigate 'disgraced fraudster and disbarred attorney' Michael Cohen

Elise Stefanik was joined by House Permanent Select Intelligence Committee Chair Mike Turner, R-Ohio, in making the referral to Attorney General Merrick Garland Tuesday.

'Mr. Cohen's testimony at the New York trial is inconsistent with his testimony before the Committee,' the Republicans write in the letter to Garland.

'That Mr. Cohen was willing to openly and brazenly state at trial that he lied to Congress on this specific issue is startling. His willingness to make such a statement alone should necessitate an investigation.'

DOJ confirmed receipt of the letter to DailyMail.com on Tuesday, but did not comment further.

In 2018, Cohen pleaded guilty to eight criminal charges, which included five counts of tax evasion and bank fraud. He was sentenced to three years in prison and slapped with a $50,000 fine.

He was also disbarred from practicing law in New York state.

At the time, he said the lie to the House Intelligence Committee was an effort to align with Trump's 'political messaging.'

He was the first to be charged by former Special Counsel Robert Mueller for lying to Congress during his investigation into the Trump campaigns connections to Russia.

Mueller concluded after 22 months that there was not enough evidence to show collusion and while he made no determination on obstruction, he said he was unable to 'exonerate' the president.

Trump's attorneys grilled Cohen over his previous convictions during an intense cross examination last month during the civil fraud trial.

Habba attacked Cohen's credibility by referencing comments made by prosecutors during his 2018 sentencing.

The sentencing judge at the time also noted that Cohen's crimes showed a 'pattern of deception that permeated his professional life' and declared that he had 'abused his relationship to a powerful individual', referring to Trump.

Habba cited statements saying Cohen was 'motivated by personal greed' and had 'repeatedly used his power and influence for deceptive ends.'

Cohen reported to prison in May 2019, but was granted release to home confinement following a COVID-19 outbreak in federal prisons.
Labour frontbenchers have been warned they will be sacked if they defy Keir Starmer and back calls for a ceasefire in Gaza in a Commons vote tomorrow.

Up to a dozen are believed to be prepared to support an SNP amendment calling for an immediate and permanent end to fighting between Israel and Hamas on humanitarian grounds.

This would go further than the party line being trodden by Sir Keir, who has angered many of his backbenchers over his support for Israel's right to defend itself and his backing only for time-limited humanitarian pauses in the IDF onslaught that has left up to 10,000 dead.

The party leader has so far been lenient with shadow ministers outside the shadow Cabinet, who have been given leeway to tacitly back a ceasefire.

But a Labour spokeswoman today said: 'We're not going to be engaging with the party political game playing by the SNP in parliament.'

Instead Labour plans to table its own amendment criticising Israel but stopping short of calling for a full ceasefire, giving would-be rebels room to manoeuvre.

The party leader has so far been lenient with shadow ministers outside the shadow Cabinet, who have been given leeway to back a ceasefire.

Up to a dozen are believed to be prepared to back an SNP amendment calling for an immediate and permanent end to fighting between Israel and Hamas on humanitarian grounds.

The party spokeswoman said: 'Labour's amendment reaffirms the position set out in Keir Starmer's Chatham House speech and reflects our concerns about what we've seen on the ground in the last fortnight which includes the lack of hostage release, the insufficient amount of aid and utilities getting in and being distributed, the scale of civilian casualties in Gaza and the amount of violence on the West Bank.'

A backbench Labour-led amendment seeking an immediate ceasefire - supported by ex-Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and former shadow ministers John McDonnell, Richard Burgon and Diane Abbott - has also been tabled.

It will be for Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle to decide if any of the amendments are selected for consideration, which would pave the way for a vote.

Last week Bradford East MP Imran Hussain dramatically resigned as a shadow minister so he can 'strongly advocate' for a ceasefire in Gaza, saying he was 'deeply troubled' by the leader's stance. But no others have since followed him.

The SNP amendment urges the Government to 'join with the international community in urgently pressing all parties to agree to an immediate ceasefire.'

No Labour MPs have signed the motion, but it is backed by former party leader Jeremy Corbyn, who now sits as an independent and is a vocal critic of Israel.

Last night he refused to answer a question on whether Hamas is a terrorist group fifteen times during a fiery exchange with Piers Morgan last night.

Things became heated as TalkTV host Mr Morgan condemned the barbaric slaughtering of more than 1,000 Jewish people on October 7 and repeatedly asked Mr Corbyn if he would remove Hamas from power in Gaza.

Mr Corbyn shunned the question and refused to give a yes or no answer. He called the surprise attack by Hamas 'abominable' and 'appalling' but appeared to become agitated as Mr Morgan points his finger and asks: 'And you think Israel can do peace with people who did that?'

Sitting beside Len McCluskey, former general secretary at trade union group Unite, Mr Corbyn slumps back in his chair and folds his arms and says: 'If you want to have a discussion, fine. But if you want to shout at me that's your prerogative  your TV. Your show.'
President Joe Biden left for San Francisco on Tuesday to prepare for a high-profile meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping while facing a potential government shutdown back in Washington D.C.

He offered brief words about the strained US-China relationship shortly before leaving the White House.

He called for bringing them back to a 'normal course of corresponding.'

'Were not trying to decouple from China. What were trying to do is change the relationship for the better,' he said.

Biden's Wednesday meeting with Xi is the main event of his four-day visit to San Francisco, where leaders from the 21 economies that make up the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum are gathering for their annual summit.

Additionally, Biden has been urged to meet San Francisco's homeless and see the city's squalor first-hand while he's in the city by the Bay. Social rights advocates have criticized the recent cleanup spree of San Francisco streets, saying it's merely not to embarass the country when all the foreign leaders are in town.

But while Asian-Pacific issues are on the table, Biden will also work to keep the Israel-Hamas war from exploding into a broader conflict and to persuade Republican lawmakers to continue to spend billions more on the costly Ukrainian effort to repel Russia's nearly 21-month old invasion.

President Joe Biden boarded Air Force One to make his way to San Francisco for his high stakes meeting with Xi Jinping

'President Biden this coming week will be doing a lot more than just meeting with President Xi,' White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters on Monday.

He added that Biden would put forward his economic vision for the region, make the case that the U.S. is 'the very eminent driver' for sustainable economic growth in the Asia-Pacific, and hold the region out as critical to U.S. economic growth.

While in San Francisco, Biden also will attend a fundraiser Tuesday night for his re-election. He'll also hold a bilateral meeting with Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.

Meanwhile, back in Washington, Speaker Mike Johnson's plan to avert a government shutdown faces a key vote on Tuesday, as he tries to overcome hardline opposition from his own Republicans but may pick up some support from Democrats.

Johnson is trying to rally Republican support for a 'clean' two-step continuing resolution, or 'CR,' that would keep federal funding levels unchanged into early next year.

Biden holds talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping

Biden is hosting the APEC summit in San Francisco this week

The president faces polling troubles in his campaign and political troubles in Washington, with government funding set to expire Friday and House Republicans preparing to move a 'laddered' short term funding extension

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Congress' top Democrat, gave a tentative welcome to the proposal on Monday.

'For now, I am pleased that Speaker Johnson seems to be moving in our direction by advancing a CR that does not include the highly partisan cuts that Democrats have warned against,' Schumer said

But House Republican hardliners are threatening to use procedural roadblocks to stop the bill from advancing.

And, if it does pass both chambers of Congress, Biden must still sign it into law. The deadline to fund the government is midnight Friday.
More than 400 employees of President Joe Biden's administration have written to him in protest at his support of Israel and demanding that he seek an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

Health officials in the Hamas-controlled territory say more than 10,000 people have been killed in an unrelenting Israel assault after terrorists killed more than 1200 people on Oct. 7.

The anonymous authors of the letter say they represent political appointees in the administration, across 40 federal agencies with domestic and foreign responsibilities.

'We call on President Biden to urgently demand a ceasefire; and to call for de-escalation of the current conflict by securing the immediate release of the Israeli hostages and arbitrarily detained Palestinians; the restoration of water, fuel, electricity and other basic services; and the passage of adequate humanitarian aid to the Gaza strip,' they write.

It will increase pressure on Biden who has positioned himself as Israel's staunchest ally even as world opinion turns against the attack on Gaza.

Pressure is growing on President Joe Biden as more and more of his officials urge an Israel-Gaza ceasefire. He is seen here boarding Air Force One before flying to San Francisco

The Hamas-controlled health ministry in Gaza says more than 10,000 people have been killed

The enclave's largest hospital, encircled by Israeli forces, has emerged as a symbol of the humanitarian crisis.

Palestinian authorities want a Red Cross-supervised evacuation of Shifa hospital and say that is the only way to save three dozen newborn babies trapped there.

Meanwhile, several protest letters and memos have circulated throughout the Biden administration.

More than 1,000 staff at the U.S. Agency for International Development signed a letter urging an Israel-Gaza ceasefire.

Last week, Biden was emphatic in saying that was a non-starter, and officials have said publicly they fear it would allow Hamas to reorganize and rearm.

The latest letter, obtained first by the New York Times, was organized by officials who said they worked for Biden because they believed he wanted an administration that was more representative of the country.

'The overwhelming majority of Americans support a cease-fire,' the letter states, linking to a poll from October that shows that 66 percent of Americans, and 80 percent of Democrats, believe the U.S. should push Israel for a ceasefire.

It adds: 'Furthermore, Americans do not want the U.S. military to be drawn into another costly and senseless war in the Middle East.'

Its language is more moderate than an internal State Department dissent memo, which accuses Biden of delivering 'misinformation' in a speech he made three days after the Hamas attack.

Palestinians injured in Israeli raids arrive at Nasser Medical Hospital on November 14

Smoke rises above Gaza on Tuesday. Israel has kept up a heavy bombardment since Oct. 7, when Hamas terrorists fanned out from the territory killing at least 1,200 people

It also suggests an equivalence between more than 200 hostages held by Hamas and prisoners in Israeli prisons.

'We strongly recommend that the [U.S. government] advocate for the release of hostages by both Hamas and [Israel,' it says, according to Axios, citing 'thousands' of Palestinians being held in Israel.

Overall, it echos the message of progressives around the country who chafe at Washington's close support of Israel, which the authors accuse of war crimes in its attacks on Gaza.

'Yet we have failed to reassess our posture towards Israel,' the memo states. 'We doubled down on our unwavering military assistance to the (Israeli government) without clear or actionable redlines.'

The memo used an internal, confidential dissent channel. It was set up during the Vietnam war to allow officials to share their concerns without fear of punishment.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday responded to messages with an email to department staff.

'We're listening: What you share is informing our policy and our messages,' he said, according to the New York Times, adding that he understood how the conflict was taking a personal toll on employees.
Joe Biden's Treasury Department issued a series of economic sanctions targeting those affiliated with Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) who transferred money from Iran to Gaza.

The latest is another move against those who organized and carried out the deadly terrorist attack in Israel on October 7  leading to the most deadly day for Jewish people since the Holocaust.

The third round of sanctions since the attack was announced Tuesday in coordination with the United Kingdom and designates Hamas and PIJ officials provided support by Iran.

The U.S. Treasury Department, in coordination with the United Kingdom, is issuing a third round of sanctions against Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad who had avenues to receive money from Iran in the wake of the terrorist attack against Israel

A designated individual has their assets blocked and U.S. persons are prohibited from dealing with them in the future.

'The United States and United Kingdom are announcing new sanctions on Hamas leaders and financiers of terrorism,' the Treasury Department posted on X. 'These coordinated actions aim to protect the international financial system from abuse by Hamas and their enablers.'

The sanctions come the same day as a poro-Israel march is planned in Washington, D.C.  where high-profile lawmakers like House Speaker Mike Johnson will participate outside the Capitol.

Two other rounds of sanctions were already issued after the October 7 attack, including on October 18 and October 27 where Hamas operatives and financial facilitators were designated.

'The United States will continue to work with our partners, including the U.K., to deny Hamas the ability to raise and use funds to carry out its atrocities,' Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said in a statement on the latest sanctions Tuesday.

'Hamas's actions have caused immense suffering and shown that terrorism does not occur in isolation,' she added. 'Together with our partners we are decisively moving to degrade Hamas's financial infrastructure, cut them off from outside funding, and block the new funding channels they seek to finance their heinous acts.'

'Hamas's actions have caused immense suffering and shown that terrorism does not occur in isolation,' Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen wrote of the most recent round of sanctions

Experts, and specifically Republicans, claim the attacks were emboldened by a money stream from Iran to Hamas terrorists operating in the Palestinian stronghold of Gaza.

The attack last month led to the deaths of 1,400 Israeli people and the capture of a few hundred hostages. Additionally, 31 Americans were killed and at least a dozen believed to be taken hostage.

National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan revealed on Sunday that there are still nine Americans missing more than a month after the attacks.
Jacob Angeli-Chansley, better known as the QAnon Shaman who stormed the Capitol in a horned fur hat, face paint and no shirt, has filed a candidate statement of interest to run for Congress in Arizona.

A statement, signed by Chansley on November 9, has declared his interest to run for Congress in Arizona's eighth district as a member of the Libertarian party.

The current representative for that district, Republican Debbie Lesko, announced her forthcoming retirement from Congress last month.

Photos of Chansley's red, white and blue painted face, bizarre headwear and bare chest became among the most circulated images from the January 6 Capitol riot.

He was ultimately sentenced to 41 months in prison after pleading guilty to a charge of obstructing an official proceeding.

Former 'QAnon Shaman' Jacob Angeli-Chansley, 35, has filed paperwork indicating he is interested in running for Congress in Arizona

Angeli-Chansley, who served more than two years in prison for his role invading the Capitol on January 6, filed a statement of interest listing himself as a Libertarian candidate

The Phoenix native served 27 of those months before he was released in March to a halfway house in his hometown - he was released in May.

The US Constitution allows felons to run for Congress, however, Arizona law prevents them from voting in elections until they have completed their sentences and have had their voting rights restored.

Chansley's attorney, Albert Watkins, who has stuck with his client throughout his legal troubles, told Dailymail.com: 'The world of politics is one which calls for new thoughts, new input, and, perhaps, new attire.'

In a 2021 sentencing memo, Chansley was described by prosecutors as the 'public face of the Capitol riot.'

The former 'shaman' was one of the rowdiest members of the initial crowd of people who entered the Capitol on January 6. Famously, he used a bullhorn 'to rile up the crowd and demand that lawmakers be brought out,' read the sentencing memo.

He climbed the Senate chamber's dais and took pictures of himself there before leaving a note for then-Vice President Mike Pence that read: 'It's Only A Matter of Time. Justice Is Coming!'

Prosecutors also noted that Chansley, prior to the events of January 6, used social media to push QAnon conspiracy theories, in addition to 'false information and hateful rhetoric.'

At a hearing, Watkins told the court that his client no longer wished to be known as the 'QAnon Shaman,' and at his sentencing hearing, Chansley said he is remorseful for his January 6 actions.

'I was wrong for entering the Capitol. I have no excuse. No excuse whatsoever,' he said.

Earlier this year, Chansley was released early from his 41-month prison sentence and sent to a halfway house in the Phoenix area where he stayed until late May

Albert Watkins (pictured), Chansley's attorney, says it may be time for a political leader with 'new thoughts' and 'new attire'

Chansley became the face of the Capitol riot in no small part because of his attire that day, which included face paint, a horned fur hat, and no shirt

Chansley eventually pleaded guilty to one count of obstructing an official proceeding and told the court he regretted his behavior

The race Chansley is interested in entering is already crowded. So much so that he is not the only potential entrant who was at the Capitol riot.

State Senator Anthony Kern of Glendale, Arizona was also at the Capitol in January 2021.

Also joining the January 6 pair are Blake Masters, who unsuccessfully ran for Mark Kelly's US Senate seat in 2022, Ben Toma, the Arizone House speaker, Abe Hamadeh, a 2022 candidate for Arizona attorney general, and a handful of others.
Israeli police said on Tuesday they were investigating 'several cases' of alleged sexual violence against women by Hamas during the October 7 attacks, citing 'multiple witnesses' to incidents of rape.

Police have been gathering evidence about allegations of sexual violence from witnesses, surveillance footage and the interrogations of Palestinians arrested since Hamas' incursion into Israel last month.

At a news conference, police shared testimony from a survivor of the attack at the Supernova music festival, who described seeing a woman gang-raped then shot.

The witness, identified as 'S', said she witnessed a group of women being 'taken to a specific place by armed men, wearing military uniforms'.

'I understood they raped them,' she said, also describing how she saw another woman raped and mutilated by several armed men, with one shooting her in the head during the act.

David Katz, head of the Lahav 443 criminal investigation unit, said: 'We have no living victims who said "we have been raped"', but, he said, 'we have multiple witnesses for several cases'.

While he did not give a precise figure for the number of cases under investigation, Katz said the inquiry could take 'six to eight months'.

Illustrative image shows attendees fleeing the scene of the Supernova music festival near Re'im in Israel on October 7. Israeli police said Tuesday they are investigating alleged cases of sexual violence that took place said to have taken place during Hamas' incursion

Festival attendees flee the outdoor party after Hamas launched airstrikes and swept through the site with assault rifles. The identities of alleged victims in the investigation into sexual violence has not been shared by Israeli police

The Lahav 433 investigations are part of the force's effort to prosecute those captured during the attack on October 7, which left more than 1,200 Israelis dead.

Investigators say interviews with suspects have revealed that they planned to reach the centre of Israel and take control of a settlement for an extended period of time, taking residents hostage and planting mines in the area, local newspaper Haaretz reports.

However, this alleged plan was thwarted by Israeli security forces, reserve units and civilian groups who fought back against the Hamas invaders, the report says.

At the conference on Tuesday, David Katz also outlined details of other evidence collected by police, including from the ZAKA organisation, which recovers human remains in accordance with Jewish religious law to afford them a proper burial.

'We have several statements from people from ZAKA who saw the bodies of women without pants or underwear,' he said.

'We took more than 1,000 statements and some of the victims cannot speak due to being in psychological and medical treatment,' he said.

As previously reported, Lahav 433 have taken testimony from a woman who said she witnessed the gang-rape and murder of another young woman.

'As I am hiding, I see in the corner of my eye that [a terrorist] is raping her,' the witness told investigators.

'They bent her over and I realised they were raping her and simply passing her on to the next [gunman].'

The witness says the victim was 'alive' and 'on her feet and bleeding from her back. But then the situation was that he was pulling her hair. She had long, brown hair.'

The woman told officers one of the Hamas gunmen 'shot her in the head while he was raping her... didn't even lift his pants'.

Her testimony has been reported in a number of Israeli news outlets. It was one of thousands of pieces of evidence gathered by the police.

Another male witness said he didn't see the rape, but confirmed the other witness told him at the time what she had seen.

Until now, reports of sexual violence carried out by Hamas terrorists were based on testimonies from first responders, who arrived in settlements on October 7.

The Times of Israel published a detailed investigation on Thursday, looking at the challenges in forensically identifying sexual violence since the attack.

The report observed that 'physical evidence of sexual assault was not collected from corpses by Israels overtaxed morgue facilities amid their ongoing scramble to identify the people killed, many of whose bodies were mutilated and burned' and noted that the decision has 'fueled international skepticism over Hamas's sexual abuse of victims... on October 7.'

The outlet cites interrogations purporting to show confessions from members of Hamas, 'attesting to their orders to rape Jewish women'.

However, the report states, 'a month after the massacre, the window for collecting physical evidence of rape that can stand up in court is closed', referencing an anonymous forensic official.

The Times of Israel suggests the window was missed as resources were directed towards identifying bodies.

Nonetheless, misinformation continues to circulate online as fact-checkers work to verify claims in real time.

Last week, Reuters falsified claims a widely-shared video showed Hamas gunmen saying they would rape a woman in Arabic.

The onscreen subtitles in the nine-second video, which are mistranslated from Arabic to English and Hebrew, read: 'No, no, take her back, this is not a prisoner, this one is for rape. Go back to your place!'

A user shared the clip with English and Hebrew subtitles. It has been seen 8.1mn times at the time of writing.

At no time in the video is rape mentioned, according to a Reuters translation of the Arabic audio on the video, nor do any of the men say the woman is going to be raped.

In the video, one man says: 'No, no, she is a female captive, leave her, leave her, she is a female captive. Take her back, take her back, she is a female captive. Go back to your place!'

Reuters was unable to track down the original source of the video to identify the people shown in it and cannot confirm whether the men are Hamas militants.

Personal belongings left behind by Israelis in the aftermath of an attack that killed more than 260 people during a music festival on October 7, near Re'im, Israel

A bloodied woman is apparently taken hostage as other men cheer, in this still from a video

During the October 7 attacks, Hamas militants stormed across the border into southern Israel, killing 1,200 people, mostly civilians, Israeli officials say.

Israel has hit back with a massive bombardment of Gaza and a ground operation, which the health ministry in Gaza says has so far killed more than 11,200 people, two-thirds of them women and children.
A former Oregon city councilman has gone viral after claiming he saw a giant who parted a huge mountain rock formation like a 'door' and 'peeked' out.

James Goble was making his way through Quartzville Drive near the Green Peter Reservoir when he claims he saw a giant peep through a large rock on the side of the road in the Cascade foothills on October 23.

The mythical creature, however, disappeared before he could get his phone out to record the ordeal, the former Sweet Home councilmember said.

Goble, who is also a production manager for a titanium casting foundry, has made multiple videos since his initial theory went viral on TikTok- as he answers questions from followers and returns to the rocky site.

James Goble was making his way through Quartzville Drive near the Green Peter Reservoir when he claims he saw a giant peep through a large rock on the side of the road in the Cascade foothills on October 23

Peeking from behind the 'door' in the rock formation was a giant, he claims.

In the viral clip which he since deleted, Goble said: 'It looked like somebody was staring out of it. Dude, giants are freaking real. I don't care what anybody says.'

He said that now when he goes out with his wife for dinner, he's called the 'giant guy' by members of the public who recognize him.

Goble now returns to the rock to point out the 'pivot points' and said that he's going to fly a drone over parts of the rocks to check them out in more detail.

James is a former Sweet Home, Oregon, councilmember

He has also started discussing fan theories while pointing out the cracks, drag marks, and interesting formations. Goble maintains that his giant sighting was real.

Goble told KOIN 6 News: 'The power of social media is wide, and I never thought this would go so far. I've posted things in the past, but I only had 60 people following me.

'So, when I heard and 'thought' I saw something, I did a video after for my friends to see what I [was] seeing.

'It is amazing how many people are adventuring out to see this. They all need to be careful and leave no trace of garbage around. I truly hope some gets lucky as I did, and it changes their lives forever.'

Linn County spokesperson Alex Paul tried to dissuade people from going and exploring the mountainside: 'We do not support folks going in there and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers does not want folks in there due to the water level drawdown at Green Peter Reservoir.'

The theories have captured the imaginations of many people online.

One person said: 'I absolutely believe there's entrances to inner earth. That rock looks like it's placed there.' And another added: 'Wonder if you put a trail camera facing the rock door seeing if it would pick up if the door opens?'

The mythical creature, however, disappeared before he could get his phone out to record the ordeal, the former Sweet Home councilmember said

Others said they had also previously visited and had out-of-this-world encounters.

Another TikToker said: 'I was outside of that area years ago during winter and had taken a photograph that captured a giant footprint in the snow. I believe the picture now.'

And a fourth added: 'I watched your original a definitely it was a giant that closed the rock door.'

Another person wrote: 'Looked it up on Google maps and even from there you can totally see it looks like a door. Super strange.'

Other people claim to see giants' footprints and faces in the rocks behind Goble during his videos.
An American aid worker has been held hostage in Afghanistan for the past 15 months, with the Taliban unrealistically demanding a prisoner swap for a high-profile detainee at Guantanamo Bay, it has been revealed.

Ryan Corbett, 40, was captured last year while visiting Afghanistan, where he had lived with his family as an aid worker for nearly a decade, but his plight was not publicly disclosed until Tuesday.

'We recently learned that Ryan has been fainting and experiencing seizures. He is often threatened with physical harm,' Corbett's wife Anna told a congressional hearing in emotional testimony.

'He is told by his captors that he has been forgotten and that his country doesn't care about him. And why wouldn't he believe it when other Westerners have come and gone so much faster than he?' she said, struggling to hold back tears.

In September, the State Department secretly designated Corbett a wrongful detainee, giving presidential hostage envoy Roger Carstens sweeping powers to push for his release, according to the Wall Street Journal, which first revealed Corbett's detention status.

Ryan Corbett, 40, (above with wife Anna) was captured last year while visiting Afghanistan, but his plight was not publicly disclosed until Tuesday

Ryan Corbett's wife Anna testified on Tuesday, revealing her husband has been held hostage by the Taliban for 15 months in Afghanistan

The Taliban is unrealistically seeking to trade Corbett for the release of Muhammad Rahim al Afghani (above), a former aide to Osama bin Laden who is extrajudicially detained in Gitmo

Those negotiations appear to have stalled, however, because the Taliban is unrealistically seeking to trade Corbett for the release of Muhammad Rahim al Afghani, a former aide to Osama bin Laden, the Journal reported.

'I don't think we're close, given their maximalist demands,' a senior US official told the outlet.

The State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment from DailyMail.com on Tuesday morning.

Corbett and his wife lived in Afghanistan for more than a decade, after moving there in 2010 with their two daughters for Corbett's work with a Christian-affiliated nongovernmental organization.

Corbett learned Pashto, the main language of Afghanistan, and handled administrative duties for the NGO while teaching English. The couple's third child, a son, was born during their time in the country.

The family fled and returned to their home in western New York when the Taliban swept back into power in 2021, but nearly a year later, Corbett visited Afghanistan to explore the feasibility of a permanent return.

In the summer of 2022, he was visiting Sheberghan, a remote city 300 miles northwest of Kabul, with a German colleague when Taliban security forces detained both men.

The Taliban accused them of proselytizing Christianity, a claim denied by Corbett's family and the colleague, who has since been released.

Locked in a local jail as the Taliban tortured inmates in neighboring cells, Corbett frantically texted his family as the reality of his predicament set in, according to the Journal.

Corbett and his wife lived in Afghanistan for more than a decade, after moving there in 2010 with their two daughters. Their son was later born in Afghanistan

Taliban Supreme Leader Haibatullah Akhundzada is seen above. Negotiations for Corbett's release have been complicated by the fact that the US does not recognize the Taliban

Corbett was later transferred to Prison 69 in Kabul, a basement holding pen for foreigners controlled by the Taliban's General Directorate of Intelligence.

He was held in solitary for months and his health is in decline, following hunger strikes to force his captors to allow contact with US officials.

His family said that so far he has only been allowed a single six-minute call with his wife in May, in which he said he had been fainting and was taking pills provided by his jailers, although he wasn't sure what they contained.

Negotiations for Corbett's release have been complicated by the fact that the US does not recognize the Taliban as a legitimate government.

And sources say that the Taliban's demand to swap Corbett for Rahim is unrealistic.

The CIA describes Rahim as a 'tough, seasoned jihadist' who helped terror mastermind Osama bin Laden evade capture for years, serving as his top aide and translator.

Rahim has been held without criminal charges in Guantanamo Bay since 2008, and is considered a significant continuing threat to the US by intelligence services.

The Taliban has sought his release since the Trump administration, and continues to float his name as a potential prisoner swap for Corbett, according the the Journal.

However, even if the US were willing to trade Rahim, his release would require sign-off from Guantanamo's periodic review board, which has previously said it does not ever plan to authorize his release.

'It's not a real demand because real demands are things that could conceivably be had,' a US official told the Journal.

'Asking for something unavailable smacks of purporting to negotiate in good faith while really prolonging a situation that's inhumane and unacceptable.'

In September, the State Department secretly designated Corbett a wrongful detainee, giving presidential hostage envoy Roger Carstens (above) sweeping powers to push for his release

Camp 5 at the US Military's Prison in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba is seen above in a file photo

Hostage diplomacy has been a growing issue around the globe in recent years, with governments including Russia, China, and Venezuela unjustly detaining Americans to use as bargaining chips with DC.

The James W. Foley Legacy Foundation, which advocates for Americans held hostage around the world, estimates that there are at least 67 publicly disclosed wrongful detainees worldwide, although the actual number is likely much higher.

A US official told the Journal that at least 37 Americans have gained their freedom from detention abroad during the Biden administration.

Ahead of President Joe Biden's meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Wednesday, the families of three Americans wrongfully detained in China have pressed for action to secure their release.

A State Department spokesperson told DailyMail.com that the agency continually raises the cases of US nationals wrongfully detained in China during its engagements with with senior Chinese officials.

The person said that due to the sensitive nature of the conversations, they could not be discussed publicly, but insisted that talks remain ongoing.

In the past several months, the US Ambassador in Beijing, Nicholas Burns, has visited every wrongfully detained US national in China, the person said.

The spokesperson also noted that for operational security and privacy reasons, the US does not make every wrongful detention determination public.
Ousted House Speaker Kevin McCarthy denied elbowing colleague Rep. Tim Burchett, claiming the Tennessee congressman would 'know it' if he did because he'd be 'on the ground.'

Burchett is one of the eight Republicans who voted McCarthy out last month, and Burchett told DailyMail.com the hallway fight was their first interaction since McCarthy was fired from the speakership.

The Tennessee Republican called McCarthy 'pathetic' and said 'you got no guts' after the former speaker allegedly shoved him during the heated clash on Tuesday.

'If I hit somebody, they would know it. If I kidney punched someone, they would be on the ground,' McCarthy told reporters after the incident.

According to McCarthy's retelling of the story, 'I guess our shoulders hit. Because Burchett runs up to me afterwards. I didn't know what he's talking about.'

Ousted House Speaker has been accused of elbowing colleague Rep. Tim Burchett in a physical altercation in Congress

The incident unfolded when McCarthy was with his security detail in the Capitol, according to NPR reporter Claudia Grisales, who was there at the time.

Burchett later confirmed that her account of what happened was accurate.

'Burchett responded jokingly as McCarthy kept walking, "Sorry Kevin didn't mean to elbow --" then seriously yelled, "why'd you elbow me in the back Kevin?! Hey Kevin, you got any guts!?' Grisales tweeted.

'You're pathetic man, you are so pathetic,' Burchett said to McCarthy, according to Grisales.

After the incident Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., who was not present at the incident, filed a formal ethics complaint against McCarthy.

Burchett later told reporters the shove was not meant as a joke and was hard enough that he could still feel it.

'It was a clean shot to the kidney,' he said.

Rep. Bruce Westerman, R-Ark., who was walking and talking with McCarthy during the incident, said he did not see any shove.

'We walked by Burchett and next thing I know hes yelling at McCarthy,' he told DailyMail.com.

Burchett is one of the eight Republicans who voted McCarthy out, and the pair have had an extremely frosty relationship since October

Of McCarthy, Burchett said: 'He's just a bully with $17 million and a security detail.'

'He's beat and he knows it. All his tricks to throw us into bedlam didn't work,' Burchett said, referring to whispers that McCarthy was quietly working to undermine candidates looking to succeed him during the speaker's race.

Burchett scoffed when asked if he would introduce a motion to censure McCarthy for getting physical.

'Heck no man I'm from East Tennessee. If I'm gonna handle it we'll do it out in the parking lot. Look I'm not gonna be fighting or anything. It would be a very short fist fight, I can tell you that.'

The Tennessee Republican went on: 'It's like a kid who throws a rock over a fence and runs home and hides behind his mama's skirt. He's got his security detail around him so nobody's gonna be able to do anything. Why does he still have the security detail is the question.'

Asked whether he thought McCarthy would finish out his term as a rank-and-file member, Burchett told DailyMail.com: 'I don't know. I'd say he's gonna cash in, wouldn't you?'
Here is the shocking CCTV footage of serial armed robbers pulling a gun on horrified Tesco staff members, before carrying out an identical attack on a nearby Nisa Local.

Police are hoping the newly released footage will help them identify a gang of three thieves, after recent research found that almost half of shop workers surveyed felt unsafe at work due to rising numbers of violent shoplifters.

Two of the thugs robbed the Tesco store in Camden, North London, on Sunday October 1, holding a handgun.

Just 40 minutes later, the same men stole from a nearby Nisa Local and carried out an identical attack.

The gang returned with a new member to the same shop three days later and waved a handgun, knife and hammer at members of the public before stealing goods.

Police have described one suspect as Asian, 6ft, aged in his 20s, wearing black clothes, including tracksuit bottoms with grey pockets.

The other suspect was described as Asian, 5ft 7ins, around 20 to 30-years-old and wore all black, including a hoodie with a 'MYPROTEIN' logo.

There was no available description of the third suspect.

READ MORE: We live in the shoplifting capital of Britain... it's completely LAWLESS Fact-box text Advertisement

Detective Constable Will Wigzell, of the Met's Central Specialist Crime Flying Squad, said: 'This was a very frightening experience for the victims involved, thankfully none of whom were injured.

'These are very serious offences, and we are keen to identify those responsible as soon as possible.

'Officers have carried out a number of inquiries and are now appealing to the public for assistance. Do you have any information that could help us? Do you recognise the males in the images?'

Supermarket staff across the country are facing an increasing amount of abuse from shoplifters attempting to steal entire sections of shops, as bosses call on the police to take greater action.

Paul Gerrard, director of public affairs at the Co-op, claimed that thiefs were regularly entering his stores and attempting to take large quantities of meat, spirits and other high-valued items.

According to the Office for National Statistics, shoplifting had increased by 25% in the last year, as the British Retail Consortium declared that the industry was losing 1bn a year from theft.

Two of the thugs robbed the Tesco store in Camden, north London, on Sunday October 1, holding a handgun

Police have described one suspect as Asian, 6ft, aged in his 20s, wearing black clothes, including tracksuit bottoms with grey pockets

The other suspect was described as Asian, 5ft 7ins, around 20 to 30-years-old and wore all black, including a hoodie with a 'MYPROTEIN' logo

Just 40 minutes later, the same men stole from a nearby Nisa Local and carried out an identical attack

Police are hoping the newly released footage will help them identify a gang of three

Mr Gerrard criticised the police response to these cases, claiming it facilitated for the increased numbers of shoplifters seen in recent times, after findings revealed they did not respond to 76% of serious retail crimes reported.

The Co-op boss also said colleagues would be subject to abuse if they attempted to stop these criminals, with more than 100 staff members being subject to a hate crime or threatened with a syringe, knife or bottle every day.

READ MORE - The private force of ex detectives taking on the shoplifters Advertisement

Bosses at Sainsbury's, Boots, M&S and Aldi are among dozens of firms to have signed a letter to the goverment calling for assaults on staff to be better recorded.

Wholesalers Nisa has also urged the government not to forget about independent retailers in its clampdown on shoplifting.

Lidl announced on Wednesday it had spent 2m on bodycam equipment for its shopworkers and security personnel, becoming the first supermarket in England to provide its staff with the kit as standard.

In October, the likes of John Lewis, the Co-op, and Primark collectively pledged more than 840,000 to help kickstart a government initiative to reduce retail crime numbers.

The initiative, called Pegasus, hopes to improve how retailers share intelligence with police.

Despite the actions, a Freedom of Information request by the Co-op found that the police did not respond to 76 per cent of serious retail crimes reported.
A user on TikTok is spilling the tea on what it's really like to live in New York.

Dana Giles lived in New York for two years before moving back home out of state last September and brought up all the 'super cool things about living in New York.'

She said: 'The food is amazing, the people are super cool, they're not judgmental... The accessibility to everything - I could go on.'

However, despite the 'super cool things,' Giles spoke about things she misses but could not do in the city that's hell on Earth.

'I miss the peace and quiet, I miss having space, I miss not having to deal with annoying management... I miss having my car,' Giles stated.

Dana Giles lived in New York City for two years before she moved out of state last September. She loved the city, but pointed out things people should consider before relocating

The TikToker stated that the food in New York is amazing and the people are 'super cool' and 'not judgmental'

New York City is an expensive living location - Giles said that she and her roommate needed to pay almost $5,000 a month for a 600 square foot apartment in Manhattan

Giles talked about New York living expenses and said the cost of a small apartment space is more than most people are willing to spend, even with a roommate.

'Everyone knows New York is expensive,' Giles stated.

She continued: 'My roommate and I pay a lot... Almost five grand a month for a 600 square foot apartment.'

Giles said in a separate video that she lived in the Chelsea area on the West Side of Manhattan, paying more for what she considers to be a prime location in the city.

'On top of that, I think people that live in New York deal with things that people don't wanna deal with in other cities.'

@dana.giles my honest review of living in New York City. I know everyone has a different experience, but wanted to share my mine  Let me know if you guys have questions #newyorkcity#newyorkcitylife#livinginnyc  original sound - dana giles

Mice had been a constant problem for Giles and her roommate despite management and exterminators being aware of the situation. Giles' opinion of the city is that it's 'kinda dirty,' and also crowded and loud

Giles mentioned a few examples that, in her opinion, weren't great to deal with, starting with the extreme difficulty of apartment hunting.

According to Giles: 'When I tried to find this apartment, it was like hell on earth. My roommate and I had to wait in really long lines, people were doing bidding wars on the spot while we were touring.'

Other things Giles mentioned that were hard to deal with include a broker's fee, paying a lot of money for a small place, and mice problems.

'We contacted management, they brought exterminators, and even when they fill all the holes so the mice can't get in, the mice keep coming back,' she stated.

New York City is also not the quietest city and, according to Giles, it could be cleaner.

'You just don't get a lot of peace and quiet - like it's kind of dirty, it's crowded, there's sirens when you walk outside.'

She added: 'It's very loud and it kind of like, raises your cortisol.'

New York City is a popular tourist destination, and many areas are known to be crowded due to the millions of locals and those visiting New York

Giles believes the city 'really makes you grow,' but that it is 'super glamorized'

Many resort to getting their groceries delivered, so they can avoid going shopping.

Giles, on the other hand, likes to grocery shop in person, and found it challenging to do so in New York City.

'I just wanna be able to go into a grocery store, pick out the produce myself, put it in my car, and drive home,' she stated.

It is possible for New Yorkers to grocery shop in the city, but Giles said that people may have to order a taxi to do so.

People living in New York City going to a grocery store may end up carrying 'two heavy bags home' or 'having to taxi', she complained

Giles concluded: 'I think this city really makes you grow... There's so many great things about New York, but I do wanna be honest on a few things because I know it's super glamorized.'
A 68-year-old grandfather has been left with severe skull and face injuries after being brutally attacked right outside a California store.

The victim, Carlos Munguia, was allegedly attacked by Izack Ramirez, 25, outside Sun Valley Market and Liquor on Simpson Road in Winchester.

Surveillance footage shows Munguia talking to a man while taking the trash out with a dolly in the stores parking lot.

With no warning, Munguia is viciously punched in the face. He's knocked to the ground, slamming his head against the pavement and lies unconscious.

The attack resulted in severe fractures, lacerations, multiple skull fractures, brain bleeding and other complications that have required several surgeries.

Carlos Munguia, 68, was brutally attacked outside a California store, leaving him hospitalized with severe skull and face injuries

He was allegedly attacked by Izack Ramirez, 25, right outside Sun Valley Market and Liquor on Simpson Road in Winchester

Surveillance footage shows the elderly man talking to the suspect while taking the trash out with a dolly in the stores parking lot. The video then shows Munguia being punched really hard in the face, falling and slamming his head against the ground, knocking him unconscious

The suspect was arrested by the Riverside County Sheriffs Department a day after the violent assault.

Munguia's daughter, Alma Romero told KTLA: 'Right now, he barely opens his eyes. Theres times that he knows who we are and days where he doesnt know who we are.

'Its sad. We cant talk to him or bring him home.

'We dont know what the conversation was about. Maybe he was asking for money, but Carlos is a person that will give money to a person that needs it. If they need food, he would give it to them.'

Munguia was left in the street for more than 15 minutes before someone found him, his family said.

Munguia's daughter, Alma Romero, said: 'Right now, he barely opens his eyes. Theres times that he knows who we are and days where he doesnt know who we are'

The 68-year-old is still in hospital and has worked at the liquor store with his wife for four years

His grandson, Jonathan Frye, wrote on the page: 'We are seeking your support and generosity to help alleviate this burden and ensure that my grandfather receives the best possible care and assistance throughout his recovery.

'Your donations will go directly towards covering medical expenses, including surgeries, hospital stays, consultations with specialists, medications, and any necessary rehabilitation services.

'Additionally, the funds raised will enable us to provide my grandfather with emotional support, counseling, and any other resources that can aid in his healing process.'

The crowdfunding page has received $4,028 out of its goal of $20,000.

The old man is still in the hospital and has worked at the liquor store with his wife for four years.
Suella Braverman went to war with Rishi Sunak today following her sacking as home secretary as she accused the Prime Minister of having no 'credible Plan B' if the Supreme Court blocks his Rwanda migrant policy tomorrow.

In a scathing resignation letter, the ex-Cabinet minister accused the 'unelected' PM of 'betrayal' over a series of broken pledges on migration, the Rwanda asylum deal, Brexit and gender protections.

She railed against Mr Sunak's 'magical thinking' for failing to come up with a back-up plan if justices in the UK's highest court rule the Rwanda scheme unlawful, adding that he could betray his promise to 'stop the boats' even in the event of victory.

In a furious three-page diatribe, she told the PM: 'Someone needs to be honest.

'Your plan is not working, we have endured record election defeats, your resets have failed and we are running out of time. You need to change course urgently.'

She claimed that even if the policy gets the go-ahead then his 'compromises' will mean the asylum policy could be 'thwarted yet again' by the European Court of Human Rights.

Her replacement James Cleverly had outlined the possible outcomes during the first meeting of the Prime Minister's new-look Cabinet after the dramatic reshuffle that saw Mrs Braverman shown the door.

Suella Braverman, pictured at her London home this morning, was sacked as home secretary by Rishi Sunak on Monday as part of a dramatic Cabinet reshuffle

In a blistering letter, the ex-Cabinet minister has now accused the PM of breaking a series of pledges on migration, the Rwanda asylum deal, Brexit and gender protections

Mrs Braverman, in a letter she shared on social media, swiped that Mr Sunak had been 'rejected' by Tory members in summer of 2022 and had 'no personal mandate' to be PM

Senior ministers have wargamed responses to a possible defeat of what Downing Street admits is a 'crucial' policy but Mrs Braverman warned of a 'betrayal' of Mr Sunak's promise to do 'whatever it takes' to stop unauthorised Channel crossings all the same.

The sacked home secretary wrote in the letter she published online that if they lose he will have 'wasted a year' on the Illegal Migration Act 'only to arrive back at square one'.

'Worse than this, your magical thinking - believing that you can will your way through this without upsetting polite opinion - has meant you have failed to prepare any sort of credible 'Plan B',' she said.

She said she posed her own 'credible' back-up - without which she said there is 'no hope of flights this side of an election' in the event of a court defeat - but received no reply.

Even in the event of Supreme Court victory, she said the Government 'will struggle to deliver our Rwanda partnership in the way that the public expects'.

She said the Act is 'far from secure against legal challenges' and will 'leave us vulnerable to being thwarted yet again by' the European court in Strasbourg.

'I can only surmise that this is because you have no appetite for doing what is necessary, and therefore no real intention of fulfilling your pledge to the British people.'

She accused Mr Sunak of having opted for 'wishful thinking as a comfort blanket to avoid having to make hard choices' as he refused to consider leaving the European Convention on Human Rights, or even overruling elements in his legislation.

Mrs Braverman, in a letter she shared on social media, swiped that Mr Sunak had been 'rejected' by Tory members in summer of 2022 and had 'no personal mandate' to be PM.

She accused Mr Sunak of putting off 'tough decisions' and suggested he was content to be 'occupying' No10 'as an end in itself'.

Her scathing assessment of the PM's year-long spell in Downing Street also included the charge that Mr Sunak is opting for 'wishful thinking as a comfort blanket'.

This allowed him to dodge 'hard choices' on issues such as the Channel migrant crisis, Mrs Braverman claimed, as she questioned his 'appetite' to 'stop the boats'.

The former home secretary divulged the terms of a deal she struck with Mr Sunak in order to support him when he eventually became premier to take over from Liz Truss last October.

She claimed a 'document' drawn up between them offered 'firm assurances' on reducing legal migration and bypassing international human rights laws to combat the Channel migrant crisis.

'You have manifestly and repeatedly failed to deliver on every single one of these key policies,' Mrs Braverman wrote.

'Either your distinctive style of government means you are incapable of doing so. Or, as I must surely conclude now, you never had any intention of keeping your promises.'

In a withering evaluation of Mr Sunak's efforts to 'stop the boats' since coming to power, she accused the PM of having 'no appetite for doing what is necessary' and 'no real intention of fulfilling your pledge to the British people'.

Mrs Braverman accused Mr Sunak, pictured in Downing Street ahead of today's Cabinet meeting, of putting off 'tough decisions' and suggested he was content to be 'occupying' his office in No10 'as an end in itself'

Mr Sunak's dramatic reshuffle on Monday saw the return of David Cameron as Foreign Secretary following the ex-PM's seven-year absence from Westminster

Mr Sunak gathered his new top team in Downing Street this morning

Mrs Braverman was fired by Mr Sunak yesterday following a series of high-profile rows over her comments on migration, homelessness and pro-Palestinian protests.

She was succeeded in the Home Office by James Cleverly, who in turn was replaced as Foreign Secretary by ex-PM David Cameron.

In her letter to the PM, Mrs Braverman acknowledged she 'may not have always found the right words' when commenting on divisive issues.

But she stressed she had 'always striven to give a voice to the quiet majority that supported us in 2019'.

'I have endeavoured to be honest and true to the people who put us in these privileged positions,' she added.

Mrs Braverman's exit from Government followed a furious row over a newspaper article she wrote about pro-Palestinian marches on Armistice Day.

She used a piece in The Times last week to claim the police 'play favourites' towards pro-Palestinian supporters when compared to those protesting other causes.

But her combative words were not fully signed-off by Downing Street and presented a challenge to Mr Sunak's authority.

When Remembrance Weekend was marred by scenes of far-right violence towards police officers near the Cenotaph, Mrs Braverman was accused of having inflamed tensions.

In her letter to the PM, she doubled down on her description of pro-Palestinian demonstrations as 'hate marches'.

Mrs Braverman claimed Mr Sunak had failed to 'rise to the challenge posed by the increasingly vicious antisemitism and extremism displayed on our streets since Hamas's terrorist atrocities of 7 October'.

'I have become hoarse urging you to consider legislation to ban the hate marches and help stem the rising tide of racism, intimidation and terrorist glorification threatening community cohesion,' she added.

'Britain is at a turning point in our history and faces a threat of radicalisation and extremism in a way not seen for 20 years.

'I regret to say that your response has been uncertain, weak and lacking in the qualities of leadership that this country needs.'

Mrs Braverman's departure as home secretary has come in the same week as the Supreme Court is due to rule on the Government's Rwanda migration plan.

Judges at the Supreme Court are tomorrow set to decide on whether the UK's asylum deal with the African country is lawful.

Mrs Braverman claimed in her letter that Mr Sunak has failed to prepare a 'credible Plan B' should the Government lose the legal case.

She accused the PM of ignoring her 'multiple' pleas to draft alternative measures.

The ex-Cabinet minister suggested this would mean, if the Supreme Court rules against the PM, there is 'no hope' of migrants being flown to Rwanda before the general election.

'At every stage of litigation I cautioned you and your team against assuming we would win, she added.

'I repeatedly urged you to take legislative measures that would better secure us against the possibility of defeat.

'You ignored these arguments. You opted instead for wishful thinking as a comfort blanket to avoid having to make hard choices.

'This irresponsibility has wasted time and left the country in an impossible position.'

Mrs Braverman's letter threatened to stir up fresh tensions between the Government and the DUP, after she claimed the PM had last year agreed to deliver the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill.

The legislation, introduced by ex-PM Boris Johnson amid a bitter trade dispute with the EU, was drafted as a means of unilaterally tearing up post-Brexit arrangements for Northern Ireland.

It was ditched by Mr Sunak in February when he struck his Windsor Framework deal - which is opposed by the DUP - with Brussels.

Former DUP MP Nigel Dodds posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, this evening: 'Braverman reveals PM gave her 'firm assurances' that he would 'deliver the NI Protocol Bill in [its] existing form & timetable'.

'Instead he accepted an Irish Sea Border and wants unionists to do so also. No chance.'

In response to Mrs Braverman's letter, a No10 spokeswoman said: 'The PM was proud to appoint a strong, united team yesterday focused on delivering for the British people.

'The PM believes in actions not words. He is proud that this Government has brought forward the toughest legislation to tackle illegal migration this country has seen and has subsequently reduced the number of boat crossings by a third this year.

'And whatever the outcome of the Supreme Court tomorrow, he will continue that work. The PM thanks the former Home Secretary for her service.'

Downing Street earlier said Mr Cleverly had briefed the Cabinet over 'some of the possible scenarios' to Wednesday's ruling.

Leaving the European Convention on Human Rights was not discussed at the meeting, the Prime Minister's official spokesman said.

Contingency plans have been 'discussed among Cabinet ministers', the spokesman said, and 'options for possible scenarios' have been prepared.

Last month, the Home Office challenged a Court of Appeal ruling from June that overturned the High Court's finding that Rwanda could be considered a 'safe third country' for migrants.

Lawyers representing people facing deportation to the east African nation argue Rwanda is an 'authoritarian, one-party state' with a 'woefully deficient' asylum system.

But the Home Office has said the policy to remove asylum seekers to a 'country less attractive' than the UK, 'but nevertheless safe', is lawful.

Five justices at the Supreme Court will give their verdict on Wednesday morning, before Mr Sunak faces Prime Minister's Questions.

The Illegal Migration Act brought into law the Government's policy of sending some asylum seekers to Rwanda.

However, the plans announced in April 2022 have been held up in the courts, with no deportation flights having taken place despite 140 million already being handed to Kigali.

Whereas Mrs Braverman repeatedly signalled she wanted out of the 'politicised court', Mr Cleverly said while foreign secretary in April he was 'not convinced' the move is necessary.

He said that the European countries that are not signatories - Russia and Belarus - are a 'small club', adding: 'I am not convinced it is a club we want to be part of.'

In full: Suella Braverman's scathing letter to the PM Dear Prime Minister, Thank you for your phone call yesterday morning in which you asked me to leave Government. While disappointing, this is for the best. It has been my privilege to serve as Home Secretary and deliver on what the British people have sent us to Westminster to do. I want to thank all of those civil servants, police, Border Force officers and security professionals with whom I have worked and whose dedication to public safety is exemplary. I am proud of what we achieved together: delivering on our manifesto pledge to recruit 20,000 new police officers and enacting new laws such as the Public Order Act 2023 and the National Security Act 2023. I also led a programme on reform: on anti-social behaviour, police dismissals and standards, reasonable lines of enquiry, grooming gangs, knife crime, non-crime hate incidents and rape and serious sexual offences. And I am proud of the strategic changes that I was delivering to Prevent, Contest, serious organised crime and fraud. I am sure that this work will continue with the new ministerial team. As you know, I accepted your offer to serve as Home Secretary in October 2022 on certain conditions. Despite you having been rejected by a majority of Party members during the summer leadership contest and thus having no personal mandate to be Prime Minister, I agreed to support you because of the firm assurances you gave me on key policy priorities. Those were, among other things: 1. Reduce overall legal migration as set out in the 2019 manifesto through, inter alia, reforming the international students route and increasing salary thresholds on work visas; 2. Include specific 'notwithstanding clauses' into new legislation to stop the boats, i.e. exclude the operation of the European Convention on Human Rights, Human Rights Act and other international law that had thus far obstructed progress on this issue; 3. Deliver the Northern Ireland Protocol and Retained EU Law Bills in their then existing form and timetable; 4. Issue unequivocal statutory guidance to schools that protects biological sex, safeguards single sex spaces, and empowers parents to know what is being taught to their children. This was a document with clear terms to which you agreed in October 2022 during your second leadership campaign. I trusted you. It is generally agreed that my support was a pivotal factor in winning the leadership contest and thus enabling you to become Prime Minister. For a year, as Home Secretary I have sent numerous letters to you on the key subjects contained in our agreement, made requests to discuss them with you and your team, and put forward proposals on how we might deliver these goals. I worked up the legal advice, policy detail and action to take on these issues. This was often met with equivocation, disregard and a lack of interest. You have manifestly and repeatedly failed to deliver on every single one of these key policies. Either your distinctive style of government means you are incapable of doing so. Or, as I must surely conclude now, you never had any intention of keeping your promises. These are not just pet interests of mine. They are what we promised the British people in our 2019 manifesto which led to a landslide victory. They are what people voted for in the 2016 Brexit Referendum. Our deal was no mere promise over dinner, to be discarded when convenient and denied when challenged. I was clear from day one that if you did not wish to leave the ECHR, the way to securely and swiftly deliver our Rwanda partnership would be to block off the ECHR, the HRA and any other obligations which inhibit our ability to remove those with no right to be in the UK. Our deal expressly referenced 'notwithstanding clauses' to that effect. Your rejection of this path was not merely a betrayal of our agreement, but a betrayal of your promise to the nation that you would do 'whatever it takes' to stop the boats. At every stage of litigation I cautioned you and your team against assuming we would win. I repeatedly urged you to take legislative measures that would better secure us against the possibility of defeat. You ignored these arguments. You opted instead for wishful thinking as a comfort blanket to avoid having to make hard choices. This irresponsibility has wasted time and left the country in an impossible position. If we lose in the Supreme Court, an outcome that I have consistently argued we must be prepared for, you will have wasted a year and an Act of Parliament, only to arrive back at square one. Worse than this, your magical thinking - believing that you can will your way through this without upsetting polite opinion - has meant you have failed to prepare any sort of credible 'Plan B'. I wrote to you on multiple occasions setting out what a credible Plan B would entail, and making clear that unless you pursue these proposals, in the event of defeat, there is no hope of flights this side of an election. I received no reply from you. I can only surmise that this is because you have no appetite for doing what is necessary, and therefore no real intention of fulfilling your pledge to the British people. If, on the other hand, we win in the Supreme Court, because of the compromises that you insisted on in the Illegal Migration Act, the Government will struggle to deliver our Rwanda partnership in the way that the public expects. The Act is far from secure against legal challenge. People will not be removed as swiftly as I originally proposed. The average claimant will be entitled to months of process, challenge, and appeal. Your insistence that Rule 39 indications are binding in international law - against the views of leading lawyers, as set out in the House of Lords will leave us vulnerable to being thwarted yet again by the Strasbourg Court. Another cause for disappointment - and the context for my recent article in The Times - has been your failure to rise to the challenge posed by the increasingly vicious antisemitism and extremism displayed on our streets since Hamas's terrorist atrocities of 7th October. I have become hoarse urging you to consider legislation to ban the hate marches and help stem the rising tide of racism, intimidation and terrorist glorification threatening community cohesion. Britain is at a turning point in our history and faces a threat of radicalisation and extremism in a way not seen for 20 years. I regret to say that your response has been uncertain, weak, and lacking in the qualities of leadership that this country needs. Rather than fully acknowledge the severity of this threat, your team disagreed with me for weeks that the law needed changing. As on so many other issues, you sought to put off tough decisions in order to minimise political risk to yourself. In doing so, you have increased the very real risk these marches present to everyone else. In October of last year you were given an opportunity to lead our country. It is a privilege to serve and one we should not take for granted. Service requires bravery and thinking of the common good. It is not about occupying the office as an end in itself. Someone needs to be honest: your plan is not working, we have endured record election defeats, your resets have failed and we are running out of time. You need to change course urgently. I may not have always found the right words, but I have always striven to give voice to the quiet majority that supported us in 2019. I have endeavoured to be honest and true to the people who put us in these privileged positions. I will, of course, continue to support the Government in pursuit of policies which align with an authentic conservative agenda. Sincerely, Suella Braverman Rt Hon Suella Braverman KC MP Member of Parliament for Fareham Advertisement

Tory right-wingers have furiously accused Mr Sunak of abandoning 'Red Wall' voters who delivered Boris Johnson's 80-seat majority at the 2019 general election

The New Conservatives group claimed the PM's reshuffle - which included the sacking of Mrs Braverman and the return of Lord Cameron - marked a 'major change' in direction

Mr Johnson is pictured with his now wife Carrie in Downing Street while celebrating the Tories' stunning victory in December 2019

The New Conservatives - a pressure group on the Tory Right - are led by Miriam Cates and Danny Kruger

Mr Sunak has set stopping small boats of asylum seekers from arriving in Britain as one of his five pledges to the electorate.

But more than 27,300 migrants have been detected making unauthorised crossings of the English Channel so far this year, according to official figures.

The Supreme Court ruling by Lords Reed, Hodge, Lloyd-Jones, Briggs and Sales will be handed down on Wednesday after 10am.

The Liberal Democrats said Mrs Braverman's letter to the PM was 'yet more Conservative chaos'.

'Suella Braverman failed at every task at hand as home secretary and now she seems determined to drag everyone else down with her,' said Alistair Carmichael, the party's home affairs spokesperson.

'While people struggle to see their GP or pay their mortgages, this Government is too busy dealing with their own infighting.

'When will this Conservative Party soap opera end?'

Mrs Braverman publicly shared her letter to Mr Sunak after another grouping of Tory right-wingers also hit out at the PM in the wake of his reshuffle.

The New Conservatives furiously accused Mr Sunak of abandoning 'Red Wall' voters who delivered Boris Johnson's 80-seat majority at the 2019 general election.

The PM's reshuffle has been viewed by the Tory Right as an attempt by Mr Sunak to shift to the political centre ahead of the next general election.

Miriam Cates and Danny Kruger, the co-chairs of the New Conservatives, warned the PM he was 'walking away' from those voters who brought the Tories their victory in 2019.

'It appears the leadership has decided to abandon the voters who switched to us last time, sacrificing the seats we won from Labour in 2019 in the hope of shoring up support elsewhere,' they said in a statement.

But, despite their anger, the New Conservatives shied away from a direct challenge to Mr Sunak's leadership.

The intervention by Ms Cates and Mr Kruger followed a meeting of the New Conservatives in Westminster last night, as they considered their response to Mr Sunak's reshuffle.

The two most notable moves by Mr Sunak were his sacking of Mrs Braverman and his appointment of Lord Cameron, who had spent seven years in the political wilderness after quitting as PM.

But there were also promotions for loyalists of Mr Sunak such as Victoria Atkins - appointed Health Secretary - who comes from the Tories' 'One Nation' wing.

Laura Trott and Richard Holden, who worked for Lord Cameron while he was in No10, were also bumped up the ranks to become Chief Secretary to the Treasury and Conservative Party chairman, respectively.

The blowback from the Tory Right to the reshuffle has been fierce, with one Tory MP -- former education minister Dame Andrea Jenkyns - last night submitting a no confidence letter in Mr Sunak's leadership.

In their own response, Ms Cates and Mr Kruger said: 'We are concerned that yesterday's reshuffle indicates a major change in the policy direction of the Government.

'The Conservative Party now looks like it is deliberately walking away from the coalition of voters who brought us into power with a large majority in 2019.

'That election, building on the victory of the Leave vote in the Brexit referendum of 2016, represented the realignment of our politics.'

The New Conservatives co-chairs added: 'Until yesterday, we held onto the hope that the Government still believed in the realignment - that they would work to rebalance our economy, reorient our foreign policy, radically reduce migration, and restore common sense in our schools and universities.

'That hope - the project of the realignment - has now dwindled. In political terms, it appears the leadership has decided to abandon the voters who switched to us last time, sacrificing the seats we won from Labour in 2019 in the hope of shoring up support elsewhere.'

The New Conservatives vowed to raise funds and recruit supporters to help the group's members - whether sitting MPs or prospective parliamentary candidates - to fight their campaigns at the next general election.

But they assuaged No10 fears of a full-scale rebellion from the Tory Right by reaffirming their support for Mr Sunak.

'Like all Conservatives, we want Rishi Sunak to succeed,' Ms Cates and Mr Kruger said.

Mr Kruger followed up with a direct attack on Lord Cameron's appointment during an appearance on GB News.

'He led the Remain campaign and here he's now in charge of our relations with Europe,' he told the TV channel.

'But as long as he follows the PM's lead, as long as he genuinely honours the mandate that we have as a Government I'm not concerned about his appointment.

'Personally, I do think it sends a very confusing signal to our voters. And overall the shape of the Government now is not where we think it should be.'

Mr Kruger also claimed the Government was 'going back into the politics of decline' following the reshuffle.

The New Conservatives are made up of MPs mainly elected after the Brexit vote in 2016.

The group's website states they 'stand for the realignment of British politics: a new era in which Westminster respects the views, values and interests of the British people'.

Their policy goals include the establishment of a new British framework for rights and equalities laws to replace European-inspired legislation.

They also want tax cuts, a reduction in immigration, and the banning of 'gender ideology in schools'.

As well as Ms Cates and Mr Kruger, they are also led by Sir John Hayes - who is a close ally of Mrs Braverman.
This is the appalling moment a London bus passenger declared 'only Jews eat at McDonald's' in a violent rant at others onboard.

A woman wearing a black bandanna, top, coat, and ripped blue denim jeans launched into the shocking 'distressing' tirade on Armistice Day when 300,000 people marched through central London in a pro-Palestine protest.

A passenger was on board the evening London bus with her husband discussing McDonald's chips when she heard someone shout 'only Jews eat McDonald's'.

Passengers pulled out their mobile phones to film the 'anti-Semitic attack' in which the aggressive woman asks someone: 'Are you a Jew?'

She then spots she is being filmed and takes a swipe at a woman's phone before directing her anger at another passenger as he tries to stop her walking towards another man.

A woman wearing a black bandanna, top, coat, and ripped blue denim jeans launched into the shocking 'distressing' tirade on the day 300,000 people marched through central London in a pro-Palestine protest on Armistice Day

'Why are you touching me, fam?' she says, before adding: 'I'll smash your glasses into your eyes, bro.'

She continues to hurl insults at a second man saying 'what, is it because I said something about Jews? Because I said free Palestine? Because I said I support Palestine?'.

She continues to threaten to smash people's phones and becomes more irate as she tells people to stop recording her.

A woman's voice can be heard asking her to get off the bus while a man says what she has said is offensive.

The short video ends as she slumps onto a chair waving both her hands in air and saying: 'Get me off the bus, bro.'

An eyewitness who took the footage was at the centre of the 'distressing anti-Semitic attack'.

'It is not safe to be a Jew in London right now,' she said. 'We are experiencing everything that we were warned about as children. This weekend in London, Jewish homes have been graffitied, people had to be escorted by police whilst leaving Synagogue and posters have been waved that would have been proudly held up in 1930s Germany.

'Each bus or train journey becomes increasingly intimidating, making us question if this is a place we can continue to call home. As the granddaughter of two Holocaust survivors, I am appalled, but sadly, not completely surprised, that this is something I have to face in my lifetime.

Passengers pulled out their mobile phones to film the 'anti-Semitic attack' in which the aggressive woman declares asks someone: 'Are you a Jew?'

She continues to hurl insults at a second man saying 'what, is it because I said something about Jews? Because I said free Palestine ? Because I said I support Palestine?'

She continues to threaten to smash people's phones and becomes more irate as she tells people to stop recording her

'To my non-Jewish friends and colleagues - please understand that this is the reality for Jewish people right now. Please do not look away. Please do not stay silent. Please reach out to your Jewish friends, talk to them, listen to them.

'And if and when you witness incidents like this - please, please, speak up. Because despite there being lots of other people on the bus, only one other person confronted her.

'And I was scared. This is a route I take daily, and while I had my husband with me this time, I can't help but wonder who would stand up for me if I were alone?'

Pro-Palestine protesters have been targeting McDonald's in the UK by releasing mice onto the floor of restaurants.

The mice attacks are part of calls to boycott McDonald's - who have offered free meals to IDF soldiers - along with Starbucks and Disney, for allegedly favouring Israel during the ongoing conflict.

MailOnline has contacted Met Police for comment
Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin stood up and challenged a teamster boss to a fight in chaotic scenes in Congress on Tuesday.

Ex-MMA fighter Mullin told Sean O'Brien to stand up as he adjusted his wedding ring and looked ready to lunge during Tuesday's wild Committee on Education, Education, Labor and Pensions hearing.

But Senator Bernie Sanders interrupted and demanded the Oklahoma Senator sit down.

The extraordinary interaction came just hours after the House was thrown into disorder when former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy was accused of elbowing a colleague.

Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin stood up and challenged a teamster boss to a fight in chaotic scenes in Congress on Tuesday

Ex-MMA fighter Mullin told Sean O'Brien to stand up as he adjusted his wedding ring and looked ready to lunge during Tuesday's wild Committee on Education, Education, Labor and Pensions hearing

The confrontation on the Senate side was sparked by O'Brien challenging Mullin to a fight in June on Twitter, when he called him a 'clown' and a fraud.'

'You know where to find me. Anyplace, Anytime cowboy,' O'Brien warned.

Mullin used his questioning to confront O'Brien and read some of the tweets.

'Sir, this is a time, this is a place. You want to run your mouth? We can be two consenting adults  we can finish it here,' Mullin said.

'OK, that's fine. Perfect,' O'Brien responded.

'You want to do it right now,' Mullin hit back.

'I'd love to do it right now,' O'Brien said.

'Well stand your butt up then,' Mullin retorted, and told O'Brien to stand up.

Sanders then jumped in, banged the gavel and said to Mullin: 'You're a United States senator, sit down.

'This is a hearing, and God knows the American people have enough contempt for Congress let's not...'

The confrontation on the Senate side was sparked by Sean O'Brien (pictured) challenging Mullin to a fight in June on Twitter, when he called him a 'clown' and a fraud'

O'Brien added: 'You know where to find me. Anyplace, Anytime cowboy'

Senator Bernie Sanders interrupted and demanded Mullin sit down

Mullin and O'Brien then cut him off and started shouting at each other again.

Tuesday's near-brawl is not the first time the two have almost come to blows.

During a Senate Health, Education and Labor Committee hearing in March, O'Brien accused Mullin of being a 'greedy CEO.'

The senator replied: 'shut your mouth.'

Mullin is the freshman senator from Okalhoma. He was elected to the Senate in 2022 after serving as a House member since 2013.
The Red Arrows are in 'special measures' after a report found women were plied with alcohol, treated like property and harassed for sex, a Government minister said.

Defence minister Andrew Murrison told the defence committee on Tuesday that the display team had been 'put on notice'.

A report published earlier this month found the campaign of bullying, sexual harassment and predatory behaviour was 'widespread and normalised' in the squadron - with female personnel forced to form groups known as 'shark watch' to protect themselves at social events.

Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton, offered his 'unreserved apologies' following the report's release, and said he was 'appalled' its findings.

Addressing the report's conclusions, Mr Murrison told the committee: 'The Red Arrows have been put on notice - there's no question about that.

The Red Arrows are in 'special measures' after a report found women were plied with alcohol , treated like property and harassed for sex, a Government minister said

Defence minister Andrew Murrison (pictured) told the defence committee on Tuesday that the display team had been 'put on notice'

'I think they are best described as being in 'special measures' following this performance.

'Now, they are subject to the most intense scrutiny, I think, of any part of defence at the moment, and none of them can be under any misapprehension about what is expected of them.'

The minister for defence people, veterans and service families continued: 'I'm comforted in the knowledge that there has been significant churn since this happened - so we have a fresher slate of people who now populate this organisation.'

'You will also know that RAF Scampton, their home, has now closed and they've gone elsewhere.

'And you'll also be aware that there are ongoing climate assessments of this organisation to make sure that they are where we want them to be.

An investigation into the UK's best-known display squad has concluded that women regularly faced unwanted physical contact, sexual texts and invitations to engage in sexual activity

Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton, offered his 'unreserved apologies' following the report's release, and said he was 'appalled' its findings

'No part of defence, including the Red Arrows, can expect special treatment despite their high profile, if they start to tarnish the good name of defence and give entirely the wrong impression to the to the public that they serve, and in particular, those who may be tempted to join the armed forces.'

Evidence of possible criminal behaviour was passed to the service police, but they were unable to gather sufficient evidence to begin prosecutions.

The non-statutory inquiry, launched in 2021, found examples dating back to 2017 of team members flashing their genitals, several extra-marital affairs and one case of criminal battery.

The report added that it was highly likely women had to deal with being hounded for sex, unwanted physical contact and derogatory comments about their appearance.
A love triangle unfolded last week in Missouri as a wife watched her lover, 36, shoot her husband, 44, to death by blasting him in the back near a park in St. Louis.

Erik Seitz was arrested on a first-degree murder charge after allegedly firing a gunshot at Dennis Bieg near River Des Peres Park in St. Louis last Tuesday.

The tragedy occurred shortly after 4.15pm on October 7th, at the intersection of River Des Peres Boulevard and Wanda Avenue in south St. Louis.

St. Louis police rushed to the scene, only to find the victim, Bieg, shot in the torso and lifeless. He was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.

A woman who identified herself as Bieg's wife witnessed the shooting. She told officers that she had been romantically involved with Seitz, KSDK reported.

A love triangle unfolded last week in Missouri as a wife watched her lover Erik Seitz(pictured), 36, shoot her husband, 44, to death by blasting him in the back near a park in St. Louis

Seitz was arrested on a first-degree murder charge after allegedly firing a gunshot at Dennis Bieg(pictured) near River Des Peres Park in St. Louis last Tuesday

The tragedy occurred shortly after 4.15pm on October 7th, at the intersection of River Des Peres Boulevard and Wanda Avenue in south St. Louis

The St. Louis Circuit Attorney's Office issued charges of first-degree murder and armed criminal action against Seitz in connection to the fatal shooting of Bieg.

Among the witnesses was Seitz's ex-girlfriend, who arrived at the scene after she received a message from Bieg.

Bieg urged her to come to the park in the text. When she rushed to the scene, she heard the gunshots, saw Seitz with his arm out, and Bieg bleeding, according to court documents obtained by KSDK.

The third witness, who was with Seitz's ex-girlfriend, said he saw Bieg get shot in the back 'as he was walking away and posing no threat.'

Despite multiple witnesses identifying Seitz as the shooter, he denied having shot Bieg during police questioning.

'When confronted with witness accounts of what they had witnessed, (Seitz) stated those accounts were inaccurate, denied having shot the victim and claimed he did not even possess a gun,' police said.

Seitz accused Bieg of hitting him with an unknown object, which caused him to black out until he woke up while being taken into custody.

A woman who identified herself as Bieg's wife witnessed the shooting. She told officers that she had been romantically involved with Seitz

Seitz wrote on Facebook that he broke up with someone a month before the shooting

The shooting death came a month after Seitz broke up with someone, his Facebook post shows.

The suspect wrote: 'This is complicated. Did everything she ever say to me turn out to be a lie? Yes. Did she break my heart to a point I don't even know if I can come back from? Yes.'

It's not clear what exactly led up to the shooting or the relationship between Seitz, Bieg, and two witnesses they had been involved with.

Police said they focused much of their attention on a red work van labeled Bieg Plumbing Company. The van was tolled away after the shooting.

The next day, Bieg Plumbing said in a statement that Bieg had been killed in an 'unexpected incident' that was unrelated to his work with the company.

It's not clear what exactly led up to the shooting or the relationship between Seitz, Bieg (pictured), and two witnesses they had been involved with

Police said they focused much of their attention on a red work van labeled Bieg Plumbing Company. The van was tolled away after the shooting

The next day, Bieg Plumbing said in a statement that Bieg had been killed in an 'unexpected incident' that was unrelated to his work with the company

Alderman Tom Oldenburg said violent crimes have been unusual for the neighborhood where the shooting took place.

'I have received several calls from residents that live in very close proximity to the incident and they are very concerned and rightfully so,' he told KSDK.

'This is alarming, particularly at the time of day it took place and in a fairly active park,'

'Violent crimes and homicides are very unusual for this neighborhood,' Oldenburg said, adding that he's in touch with authorities.

A bicyclist who rides through the park every night told the outlet that he had to turn around after he saw crime scene tape.

'Not happy about it. Too much of that is going on these days,' he said. 'I just got to make a detour.'
A builder with a history of allergic reactions to cheese and jalapeno peppers died after eating a pizza after a night out with workmates, an inquest has heard.

Construction engineer Robin Wynne Williams, 46, was found dead in his motorhome in Bangor, North Wales, in March after suffering an anaphylactic reaction.

Mr Williams was out celebrating the completion of repairs to Anglesey's Menai suspension bridge, where he was staying 80 miles from his home of Llangollen.

The inquest heard that he had previously been told to avoid jalapenos due to suspected allergies - but Mr Williams disregarded the advice.

Mr Williams called his partner, Karen Maurice, telling her that he was having a reaction the pizza he had just eaten, and was experiencing 'tingly' lips as well as well as lumps on his legs. He confessed to her that this had also happened in the past.

Construction engineer Robin Wynne Williams, 46, was found dead in his motorhome in Bangor, North Wales, in March after suffering an anaphylactic reaction

Ms Maurice told him to drink lots of water as it had previously eased similar symptoms.

The hearing was told he suffered an anaphylactic reaction to cheese and jalapeno chillis on the topping.

He was discovered dead in his motorhome parked in pub car park while working away from home.

Sarah Riley, assistant coroner for north west Wales, said the construction engineer had been on a night out with workmates in the Menai Bridge area of North Wales in March.

He then made contact with his partner Ms Maurice at 9.50pm that evening at Llangollen, North Wales.

She said: 'He mentioned during the phone call that he was having a reaction to a pizza he had eaten, and that it had happened on numerous occasions in the past.'

The inquest heard he did not get medical help and made arrangements to be home the following day.

But his partner later became concerned about him - and rang The Antelope Inn in Bangor where he had been parked in his motorhome.

When staff told her it was still parked up, she travelled to the car park and found him in the motorhome's toilet cubicle.

The inquest heard that he had previously been told to avoid jalapenos due to suspected allergies - but Mr Williams disregarded the advice

The inquest heard he did not get medical help and made arrangements to be home the following day

The hearing was told he suffered an anaphylactic reaction to cheese and jalapeno chillis on the topping (Stock image of pizza)

Paramedics were called and he was declared dead there at 6.14pm that evening.

Mr Williams, of Llangollen, was formally identified by his partner Ms Maurice.

A post mortem examination was carried out by consultant pathologist Dr Huyam Abdalsalam at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd hospital in Bodelwyddan.

She ruled Mr Williams suffered an anaphylactic shock caused by a food allergy.

Miss Riley gave a narrative conclusion saying: 'There has been a history of a reaction to cheese and jalapenos or a combination.'

She said Mr Williams had been warned to avoid the jalapeno peppers even if allergy tests proved negative.

She added: 'On the evidence and considering the balance of probabilities it is more likely there was an anaphylactic shock as a result of an allergy to food consumed.'
The House passed a stopgap spending bill to keep the government funded through the holidays until next year handing new Speaker Mike Johnson a big win amid Republican chaos.

The so-called 'laddered' continuing resolution, or CR, did not include any spending cuts or any supplemental funding for Israel or Ukraine. It will now go to the Senate where it is likely to pass before the government runs out of funding on Friday.

Funding for four non-controversial agencies and projects including military construction and veterans' affairs will be extended through January 19 and funding for eight others would run through February 2.

More Democrats voted for the measure than Republicans: 209 to 127.

It was Johnson's first major test as speaker, and although right-wing Republicans voted against the plan, they held off on floating the idea of ousting him from office in the same manner that eight moved to expel Kevin McCarthy last month. As a result, Johnson was forced to rely on the support of Democrats to get the bill across the finish line.

The bill's passage came during a dramatic day on Capitol Hill. Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy was accused of elbowing a colleague who voted to oust him from the speakership, which he has denied.

It was Johnson's first major test as speaker, and though right-wing Republicans are upset about the plan, they have held off on floating the idea of ousting him from office

Ousted House Speaker Kevin McCarthy denied elbowing colleague Rep. Tim Burchett, claiming the Tennessee congressman would 'know it' if he did because he'd be 'on the ground'

'If I hit somebody, they would know it. If I kidney punched someone, they would be on the ground,' McCarthy told reporters after the incident with Rep. Tim Burchett.

Rep. James Comer got in a heated tiff with Democratic Rep. Jared Jared Moskowitz, calling him a 'smurf' and a 'liar' after he accused him of misleading the American people during the ongoing investigation into President Biden.

In the Senate, Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin stood up and challenged a teamster boss to a fight during a separate hearing.

'This place is like a pressure cooker,' Johnson said earlier Tuesday, after the House has been in session for 10 weeks.

'This will allow everybody to go home for a couple of days for Thanksgiving, everybody to cool off,' Johnson told reporters of the laddered CR.

Prior to the vote, House Democratic leadership put out a statement saying that they worked with Republicans to find 'common ground' on the bill and would support it.

The key reason for Democrats getting onboard was that the CR remains set at fiscal year 2023 spending levels.

The measure passed under 'suspension,' meaning there was no rule vote but two-thirds of the House had to vote for it to get through.

The bill also does not include an extension of FISA 702 authorities, which authorizes the FBI to wiretap foreign nationals without a warrant - but has been criticized for sweeping up American citizens. It does extend provisions of the Farm Bill through September 2024.

It pushes the funding deadline past Christmas after Speaker Mike Johnson insisted he did not want the House to be 'jammed' before the holidays and forced to agree to a year-long spending plan worked up by the Senate.

The nearly 50-member House Freedom Caucus came out against the bill before it was put on the floor, arguing it needs spending cuts.

'While we remain committed to working with Speaker Johnson, we need bold change,' the caucus said in a statement.

Conservative Republicans insist Congress must work through 12 single-subject appropriations bills to fund each agency of government rather than a CR or an omnibus that lumps funding for all agencies of Congress together.

The so-called 'laddered' approach is meant to force negotiations on individual appropriations bills. The House would have two months to work through the first four before their funding ran out and an extra two weeks beyond that to work through the last eight.

'This place is like a pressure cooker,' Johnson said, after the House has been in session for 10 weeks

But months into the process Republicans so far have passed five of 12 party-line appropriations bills and still have yet to conference those bills with the Democratic-led Senate.

'So I think everybody can go home. We can come back reset, we're gonna get our plan together,' Johnson said before the vote.

'We're gonna map out that plan to fight with those principles and we have some great plans and playbook already.'
A health chief has apologised to the parents of a day-old baby who died after a series of mistakes and missed opportunities at a scandal-hit NHS hospital.

Alison Williams admitted that 30-weeks pregnant Jessica Webb should have been transferred to a specialist unit to give birth to her premature baby.

An inquest heard that little Nelly Webb was born by Caesarian section at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital in South Wales.

The hearing was told that the maternity services were put into special measures after a damning review revealed at least 60 stillbirths were not properly reported or investigated.

The 2lb 9oz infant, born on New Year's Day 2019, died after one of her lungs collapsed and a drain was inserted, potentially injuring her.

Little Nelly Webb was born at just 30 weeks gestation and only weighed 2lbs 9oz but tragically died the next day

Jessica and her husband Rikki (pictured together) were told Nelly died because she was so premature. No post mortem examination was held and the cause of death was reported to the coroner as natural causes

Jessica and her husband Rikki were told Nelly died because she was so premature. No post mortem examination was held and the cause of death was reported to the coroner as natural causes.

But 18 months later the couple were shocked to receive a letter saying mistakes had been made and, the inquest heard, she would have been 'rescuable' with the right treatment.

Ms Williams, former chief executive of the Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, told the hearing: 'It is heartbreaking for the family - I am sincerely and genuinely sorry for everything they have had to go through.'

South Wales Assistant Coroner Sarah Richards told Ms Williams it would have been 'preferable' for a high-risk pregnant woman to be admitted to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff, 12 miles away.

Ms Williams replied: 'Looking at the information, I would agree with you.'

The tragedy happened at a time when staff at the Royal Glamorgan were not properly reporting baby deaths in the hospital's neo-natal unit.

Ms Williams said at the time of Nelly's death, on 2 January 2019, there was a serious shortage of midwives and a reliance on locum doctors, some of them still in training.

Ms Williams resigned in August 2019 following a damning report into maternity services at the Royal Glamorgan and its sister hospital, Prince Charles in Merthyr Tydfil.

Dr Nick Lyons, who carried out a review into Nelly's death, also apologised to her parents after they were kept in the dark about the events leading up to her death.

He said: 'I just feel for the family, I spent lengthy hours wrestling with whether we should inform them but it was the right thing to do. I would like to apologise to them for the stress that must have caused.'

Head of midwifery at the hospital, Kerri Eilertsen-Feeney told the inquest: 'My concerns were around the lack of reporting - incidents were not investigated in a thorough and meaningful manner.

'Morale was poor, staff were afraid of reporting because they would face judgement.

In a statement, Nelly's parents said outside court: 'Nelly was our first born and we were absolutely heartbroken when she died. We were told that she died from natural causes as a result of her prematurity'

'I wasn't involved in the day to day running of the unit, I was trying to resolve the governance issues and meet with the families that we had identified who had been subject of previous incidents.'

In written evidence, Jessica, 31, said she and her husband were taken to see their baby after being told her oxygen levels were low.

She said: 'She was in her cot, we did not feel at that stage there was anything serious.

'I was so happy to see my baby after a difficult pregnancy.'

But Nelly deteriorated suddenly and the couple watched as a team of doctors frantically tried to resuscitate her.

Jessica said: 'We stood by as they administered drugs - it was horrific to watch. We felt so out of control, we couldn't believe what we were seeing.

'After a few moments a doctor took us to a side room, apologised and said Nelly was not going to make it.'

On January 2, the hospital started a serious incident report on Nelly's death.

But Dr Iyad Al-Muzaffar, one of the consultants who tried to resuscitate the day-old baby and counselled her parents, said he was unaware of the report.

Dr Al-Muzaffar said Nelly had aggressive respiratory distress syndrome and a pneumothorax (a collapsed lung).

He said she died of a 'rare complication' and it was his view that the baby did not die from an injury caused by the chest drain.

More than a year after Nelly's death, parents Jessica and Ricky were contacted by health chiefs at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital in South Wales to say mistakes had been made during her care

The consultant said: 'We could have done things differently but it would not have made any difference to the outcome. Whenever I review a case there are always lessons to learn.'

The six-day inquest, in Pontypridd, is trying to discover if there were systematic failings at the Royal Glamorgan which, had one of the highest stillbirth rates in the UK.

In a statement, Nelly's parents said outside court: 'Nelly was our first born and we were absolutely heartbroken when she died. We were told that she died from natural causes as a result of her prematurity.

'We really struggled after we lost Nelly, so much so that Jessica couldn't return to her place of work.

'We were shocked and devastated again just 18 months later when we received a letter from the health board completely out of the blue telling us that mistakes had been made.

'We are still deeply traumatised by what happened, and the fact that we had been lied to for so long. The legal process has exposed what really happened to our little girl which has been even more upsetting.

'We were so terrified of history repeating itself and having lost any trust at all in the care provided at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital, that we travelled to Cardiff to have our two boys in 2020 and 2023.'
The mayor of a city in the central Mexican state of San Luis Potosi is under arrest on for reportedly abusing his public office powers.

Ivan Estrada, 40, was taken into custody at his home in Matehuala on Saturday on allegations that he diverted $345,485 from the city council payroll.

The money would have covered his salary as mayor and another payment for services rendered as a professional between the last quarter of 2021 and part of 2022.

Authorities also obtained arrest warrants for two Matehuala city officials, who are accused of receiving salaries for jobs that they never showed up to.

'The hiring of a series of civilians was detected, where it was found that they do not provide the work for which they were supposedly hired,' San Luis Potosi state prosecutor Jose Ruiz said. 'That is, they are people who work in other institutions, including public agencies, where they receive remuneration with a specific schedule, and at that same schedule, they reportedly provided services to the city council.'

The arrest comes as the state prosecutor's office announced that it had confirmed that Estrada is the person in an audio who brags about his allegiance to a criminal organization.

Estrada has been under investigation since May when the recording in question was leaked by Nicolas Rueda, a reporter.

Ivan Estrada, the mayor of the central Mexico city of Matehuala, was arrested Saturday for allegedly diverting public founds. On Monday, the San Luis Potosi state prosecutor revealed that Estrada's voice was the one heard in an audio leaked in May in which he bragged about working with a cartel

Ivan Estrada (third from left) has been mayor of the central Mexican city of Matehuala since 2021. His term ends in 2024

The mayor could be heard talking to a person, whose has not been identified, about his ties to the faction.

'Because I tell you, I am transparent and I work with the cartel transparently,' the embattled mayor said. 'And whatever the cartel tells me, here it is, and whatever the cartel deserves, here it is.'

Estrada, who was elected mayor in 2021, also complained about the state of politics in Matehuala.

'This year there's more coming, I'm going for 50 (percent), why? Because the politician comes and I have to deliver, try to recover what I didn't recover,' he said.

Estrada was apprehended on July 27 as part of the investigation and was released after he agreed to provide a voice sample.

In a video leaked in May, Matehuala Mayor Ivan Estrada could be heard saying that he worked 'with the cartel transparently'

The sample was analyzed and compared by the state prosecutor's office in Michoacan in September, but the results were not released the San Luis Potosi prosecutor's office because it was still waiting on additional evidence.

While Estrada does not mention any criminal organization specifically, in the audio the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, Gulf Cartel, Familia Michoacana and Zetas are known to have a presence in several cities across San Luis Potosi.

The mayor has vehemently denied the accusations and accused San Luis Potosi federal deputy Alejandro Segovia of working with cartels.

Estrada is also being investigated for his alleged role with a cartel that kidnapped 50 migrants and two drivers from a bus on a San Luis Potosi highway connecting it with the northeastern state of Nuevo Leon.

Estrada is due back on court on Thursday.
A suspect arrested in connection with the stabbing death of a prominent Jewish community leader was released after cops did not file the necessary paperwork, prosecutors have confirmed.

The revelation, offered this week by the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office, comes almost a month after 40-year-old Samantha Woll was found stabbed to death outside her Detroit home, spurring an investigation that led to the suspect's arrest.

On Friday, after being held for 72 hours, the suspect was released - days after the city's police chief announced to reporters they had taken in a person of interest, without specifying what led to their arrest.

A dayslong interrogation ensued, culminating with the suspect being cut loose. The decision was reportedly made after the suspect made an 'ambiguous' statement to cops - one that sources told The Detroit News was not enough to warrant charges.

A warrant was never filed, and the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office's hands were tied. A spokesperson for the office confirmed the situation in a brief statement.

Samantha Woll, 40, was found stabbed to death outside her Detroit home almost a month ago but a suspect who was arrested has since been released

The suspect was released on Friday, after being held for 72 hours - days after the city's police chief, James E. White, announced they had taken in a person of interest

'There is nothing before us,' Maria Miller told Fox News of the absence of a warrant request - something already claimed last week by the suspect's attorneys.

'This must happen before we can review the case for a charging decision,' Miller further explained, citing longstanding legal practices in place in every state.

'Until then, it is entirely a police open investigation that they are continuing to work on,' she added.

Meanwhile, not a single charge has been filed, meaning the suspect - in addition to being back on the street - can go unnamed.

When asked, cops would not provide an update on the status of their increasingly lengthy investigation, which began in Detroit's Lafayette Park neighborhood on October 21.

There, a wandering witness stumbled across Woll's bloodied body, feet away from her home on Joliet Place. The corpse, belonging to the woman who appeared in Detroit Jewish News ' '36 under 36' list in 2017, was found next to a trail of blood.

The local leader's death came two weeks after the Hamas strikes on Israel, and immediately raised questions about a suspect and prospective motive.

Drawing more scrutiny was the fact that Woll - who had been heading home from a wedding in Sterling Heights before she was killed - was president of a local synagogue, and worked as the deputy district director for a local congresswoman.

The Jewish leader's body was discovered outside her home in the downtown area of Detroit, after police followed a trail of blood to her property

Woll, 40, was found brutally stabbed to death outside her home

The male suspect - who reportedly knew the victim - was cuffed in Kalamazoo, after cops revealed Wolls had been stabbed inside her home (seen here)

Then, more than two weeks into the investigation, the same four sources who reportedly told The News the man made an 'ambiguous' statement to cops about the murder claimed the suspect was an acquaintance of Woll's.

He was cuffed Tuesday night in Kalamazoo, after cops revealed the victim had been stabbed inside her home before 'stumbl[ing]' and 'collaps[ing]' outside.

In a statement after the Jewish leader's death, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, who Woll had also worked for on her re-election campaign, said she was 'shocked, saddened and horrified' at the 'murder.'

'Sam was as kind a person as Ive ever known. 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,' Nessel said on X.

Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin - the rep who had employed the local leader - also praised Woll, saying she was one of the leaders who helped guide her office in her first full term in Washington.

'She did for our team as Deputy District Director what came so naturally to her: helping others & serving constituents,' she said on X.

'Separately, in politics & in the Jewish community, she dedicated her short life to building understanding across faiths, bringing light in the face of darkness.'

Woll's suspect was released after cops did not file the necessary paperwork according to Wayne County Prosecutor's Office

Michigan Attorney General Danal Nessel paid a heartbreaking tribute to Woll (pictured together), where she said the Jewish leader was 'as kind a person as I've ever known'

Woll, 40, was head of the Isaac Agree Downtown Detroit Synagogue since 2022, and was known for her work with Democratic politicians including Rep. Elissa Slotkin

I am shocked, saddened and horrified to learn of Sams brutal murder. Sam was as kind a person as Ive ever known. 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. pic.twitter.com/gIYRP4USaj  Dana Nessel (@dananessel) October 21, 2023

I and all of Team Slotkin is heartbroken at this news. Sam worked for me from nearly the moment I became a Congresswoman, helping us set up the office & helping to lead it for my full first term. https://t.co/BisT7N6cAa  Rep. Elissa Slotkin (@RepSlotkin) October 21, 2023

As for White - who revealed Tuesday upon making the arrest that Woll had laid in the street 'for quite a while' before she was discovered in the early hours of October 21 - he has yet to speak on the man's release, and his force has yet to issue an update.

When asked by DailyMail.com, experts said the arrest was likely a ploy to get the suspect to say something incriminating, and that the decision to release him was likely made so officers would not risk issuing a charge that would not stick.

At a press conference two days after the murder, White maintained there was 'no evidence' that Woll was the victim of an anti-Semitic hate crime.

The Detroit Free press, meanwhile, recently reported that cops executed a search warrant last week on the unnamed man's residence, based on the word of another police source.

White, meanwhile, would not confirm last week whether Woll left the wedding alone, explaining that they are being 'very, very careful' about what information they share.

He said on Wednesday: 'The details of the investigation will remain confidential at this time to ensure the integrity of the important steps that remain.'

The Detroit Police Department did not immediately respond to a DailyMail.com request for comment.
Three individuals have been arrested in connection with a deadly shooting at a Texas flea market, including one of the suspected shooters, police said Tuesday.

Three children and two adults were shot Sunday at Coles Flea Market in the Houston suburb of Pearland, with a 10-year-old boy later dying at a hospital.

The others who were shot were also hospitalized with one of them later released. The shooting happened after an argument between two people who did not know each other, according to authorities.

Pearland police said that 19-year-old David Negrete, who they had been looking for after charging him Monday with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, turned himself into authorities on Tuesday morning.

On Monday night, Pearland police announced that two individuals - Cruz Meza and Julianna Espino, both 18 years old - were each charged with tampering with evidence and making a false statement to an officer.

Meza was one of the five people shot Sunday, police said.

David Negrete. 19, (pictured) turned himself in on Tuesday for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon connected to the mass shooting at Cole's Flea Market in Texas on Sunday

Julianna Espino, 18, (pictured) was charged with tampering with evidence and making a false statement to an officer

Cruz Meza, 18, (pictured) was charged with tampering with evidence and making a false statement to an officer

Both Meza and Espino were being held at the Brazoria County Detention Center. Jail records did not list an attorney for either Meza or Espino.

Police said that three of the people shot - the 10-year-old boy, a 14-year-old girl and a 37-year-old man -were innocent bystanders caught in the incident.

Before Meza was arrested, police said they were investigating whether he had been involved in the shooting. Police were also reviewing whether a 16-year-old boy who was shot had also been involved in the shooting.

On Monday, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced that authorities were offering a $15,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in the case.

Pearland is located about 21 miles south of Houston.

The horror unfolded on Sunday afternoon around 5.34pm during a mass shooting at Coles Flea Market in the Houston suburb of Pearland.

Officers from the Pearland Police Department were dispatched to the area upon hearing shots were fired.

The five victims injured in the mass attack were then located and taken to local area hospitals where the ten-year-old boy was pronounced dead.

'Preliminary investigations have revealed two Hispanic male subjects were involved in the altercation,' the Pearland Police Department's news release said.

They also revealed that at least two handguns were found at the scene, but the number of rounds fired is still unknown.

'We believe there is at least one more, if not, two, other people that actually had handguns and fired those firearms during the scene.

'There are possibly three suspects,' Rogers said.

Two witnesses told police that they saw two men in an altercation before the chaotic scene began.

The 14-year-old girl and 37-year-old man were both taken to hospital in stable condition and the man has since been released.

The two teenage victims were taken into surgery and detectives were trying to determine if they were involved in the incident.

Rogers said the shooting was not targeted toward the flea market and was caused by an argument between two men.

'This is not anything that happens in Pearland, this is extremely tragic anytime someone is a victim of gun violence, especially in our community, this does not happen here in Pearland,' he said.

Cole's Antique Village & Flea Market in Pearland, Texas is the scene where Sunday's mass shooting took place

Houston Police cars blocked access to Main Street near Sam Houston Parkway during Sunday's mass shooting at the Texas flea market

Chad Roger, the public information officer for Pearland Police Department gives a statement to the media after a shooting took place outside Cole's Antique Village and Flea Market on Sunday in Pearland, Texas, near Houston

Officers from the Pearland Police Department in Texas had issued a warrant for a 19-year-old suspect who killed a child and injured four others in the massacre.

Police said Negrete was wanted on a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and has been considered armed and dangerous.

He was identified through surveillance footage and interviews from witnesses and victims.

The 19-year-old has also been added to the Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitives list.

Governor Abbot said that 'Texas mourns the loss of a precious child following the devastating tragedy in Pearland yesterday, and our hearts are with the four other victims in the hospital as they recover from their injuries.'

The Pearland Police Department have stated that this is an ongoing investigation by their Criminal Investigations Division.
A Miami police chief has spoken publicly for the first time since the day he was arrested at a Florida sheriff's conference, resigned from his job, and shot himself in the head.

Alfredo 'Freddy' Ramirez was director of Miami-Dade Police Department and front-runner in its sheriff's race when he pulled a gun and threatened to kill himself during an argument with his wife.

Released by Tampa Police he headed off home with his wife before pulling over on the I-75 and opening fire; losing an eye and barely escaping with his life.

'We were having a great day,' he told NBC Miami, 'And then, you know, things started to happen.

'I can't really tell you why that happened, or what the intent was. I'm just thankful that my wife was there to save me because I wouldn't be here.'

Ramirez was a 27-year Miami-Dade police veteran and leading the largest law enforcement agency in the southeastern US when he joined the race to become the city's first elected Sheriff in 60 years

But Florida police hauled him from his room at gunpoint after he threatened to kill himself during an argument with his wife as they attended the Florida Sheriff's Conference in July

'We were having a great day,' he told NBC Miami, 'And then, you know, things started to happen'

Ramirez was a 27-year Miami-Dade police veteran and leading the largest law enforcement agency in the southeastern US when the pressure became too much on July 23 this year.

Police were called when he was seen drawing a gun outside a Tampa hotel during an argument with wife Jody, putting it in his mouth and threatening to 'end it all today'.

Hauled at gunpoint from his room he told them 'You know I'm the director of the Miami-Dade police department?' as they cuffed him and spoke to his wife.

He was released after she assured them it was simply a 'heated conversation', but two hours later she was calling 911 after the father-of-four got out of the car in Hillsborough County.

She tried to grab his arm as he pointed the police issued handgun at his head and pulled the trigger.

'I don't believe my intent was for this to happen,' he told the broadcaster.

'I used to tell people jokingly, 'oh, I'll pay for it later', like all the pressures and things like that.

'Well, the bill came sooner than I expected unexpectedly.'

Ramirez's wife Jody assured Tamp cops that she did not feel threatened and said she could not recall if her husband had taken his gun out of its holster outside the hotel

Ramirez was seen handcuffed in Tampa police bodycam footage and assured officers he had no suicidal intent hours before shooting himself in the head

On a recording of the 911 call, Jody is heard screaming: 'Oh my God, help me, help me, help me, help me!'

She told the dispatcher that her husband had walked into the road and that she was trying to help him but he still would not allow her.

'You know, I didn't feel anything when it happened,' Ramirez said.

'I wasn't even really sure what happened. And once I was on the paramedic gurney, that's the last thing I remember 'til I was at the rehab facility.

'Fortunately all I lost was my eye and some significant damage to my cranium, but it could have been life changing for everyone in my family.'

The father-of-four blames the stress of the job and his refusal to take advantage of the mental health facilities he himself had introduced for staff in his police department.

'Well, I've always been a big proponent for wellness, when I became director, we created a whole section for that, you know, with clinicians, and it was built in with the training and early identification processes.

'And, you know, I always pushed that to my folks, but I immuned myself from it, you know.

'I never sat and talked to anybody, you know, I never did, you know, unfortunately, you know, talking for me was a glass of wine, you know, wine, stuff like that, to be able to, you spend all day, up up, with coffee, Red Bull, workout, do all this stuff, and then at night, crash yourself,' he said.

'So and then sleep with one eye open, one ear, because the phone rings because something is gonna go bump in the night in the county, and then you start all over again. And you don't you don't check yourself.

'You may think you're the strongest person in the world. And like I told you, the bill came early.

'I hate to use stress as a crutch. I mean, in my whole, especially the last five years of my leadership role, I've had to deal with the biggest challenges this county and this country has dealt with in law enforcement just with my fellow chiefs here in Miami-Dade County, around the country, you know,' he explained.

'Starting off from Superbowl, COVID, George Floyd, Surfside, gun violence, all the different, losing an officer, other officers being shot, you know, and you're running police, fire, emergency management, you know, and then now you're running for sheriff and I have a family at home, that, you know, I didn't tend much to because I was in the Freddie persona.'

Ramirez, 52, spent weeks in hospital undergoing multiple operations to repair his damaged skull while reflecting on what would have happened if his suicide attempt had been successful.

'I would have let my family down and my community down, it would have been devastating,' he said.

'It's devastating as it is that I put her through this, and my family and having for them to be woken up at night to tell them that their father or their son or, or my department, my mayor, find out what happened to me. That's devastating.

'But if I wouldn't have been in their lives today, you know, I wouldn't be here to see my grandchildren grow and be next to my wife to enjoy the second part of our lives we worked so hard to achieve.'

Ramirez dropped out of the campaign to become sheriff in September and credits therapy for his newfound ability to balance work and family life.

'The hour I speak to the therapist is very helpful, because it helps you unpack, not only the work pressures, that lifestyle, but at home, things of that nature that you know.

'Police officers, we put ourselves in a box, you know, I mean, but unfortunately, when you take the uniform off, you still bring the stuff from the street into the into the home, you know, or the stresses.

'You know, I ran the largest police department, southeastern United States, and, you know, it stung me. 'So, it humbled me and I consider myself a humble person. But this really did knock down the invincibility.'

As head of Miami-Dade's police department he was a well-known public figure, fronting dozens of press conferences

The father-of-four, pictured with friends and Jody, left, was frontrunner in the Sheriff contest

Hotel staff advised police they had seen Ramirez heading for his room after putting a gun in his mouth and threatening to 'end it all today'

Now he has been given a new role as a senior adviser to Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava as she oversees the transition from a police director to a sheriff.

'I was enjoying running for sheriff but, you know, I believe in my police department, in my community, and I wanted to keep its values and its prestige and its image going forward, even in its new transition,' he said.

'Fortunately, I'll still have that opportunity to do so, to have influence with that, which I'm very thankful for,' he said.

'But, you know, just maybe this happened for a reason to save me and my family, my well being, that's the way I look at it.

'The key is that I'm here and I still have a lot to give to my family and to my community.'

He claims he is 'absolutely', safe to have a gun and insists he 'learned from that moment'.

'All I could do is tell them, hey, go look at my track record,' he said.

'I know I went through, like I told the mayor, I fell down, you know, carrying a whole bunch of stuff.

'And I slipped and fell, but I learned from that moment.

Jody screamed down the line to 911 dispatchers after Ramirez pulled over on the I-75 outside Hillsborough and shot himself

'I would have let my family down and my community down,' he said. 'You may think you're the strongest person in the world. And like I told you, the bill came early'

'I don't know what my intention was at that moment. But I could tell you, I would never want to put my family or anyone through that again.

He admits he was lucky to lose nothing more than his right eye after shooting himself in the head and says his wound serves as a reminder of what he could have lost.

'What reminds me is that when I wake up in the morning, this reminds me,' he said.

'I'm extremely thankful to my wife and I know she has my back like she's had all this time and that's why I could tell you that's not gonna happen again.'
A 28-year-old Carnival Cruise passenger disappeared during a week long trip in the Gulf of Mexico.

A frantic search has begun for Tyler Barnett, 28, a Houma, Louisiana, man who went missing aboard the Carnival Glory cruise ship.

The family says Barnett was last seen by two relatives onboard the ship at 11:40 pm on Sunday night - but when they checked his cabin on Monday he wasn't there.

According to family members, Barnett's passenger card was swiped at the onboard casino at 12:15 am on Monday morning and again at 12:27 to enter his room - but his bed appeared 'untouched'.

Officials on the vessel started to look for the missing man at 7:30 am on Monday and the United States Coast Guard joined their search efforts by air and on boat at about 1 pm.

A frantic search has begun for Tyler Barnett, 28, a Houma, Louisiana , man who went missing aboard the Carnival Glory cruise ship

The family says Barnett was last seen by two relatives onboard the ship at 11:40 pm on Sunday night - but when they checked his cabin on Monday he wasn't there (pictured: Tyler Barnett and his sister)

The Carnival Cruise company insists that they don't have any surveillance footage that would suggest Barnett fell off the ship

Barnett's passenger card was swiped at the onboard casino at 12:15 am on Monday morning and again at 12:27 to enter his room - but his bed appeared 'untouched'

Crew members were unable to locate Barnett on the boat - so the New Orleans sector of the USCG launched an H144 aircraft from Mobile, Alabama, and a C130 aircraft from St. Petersburg, Florida, for evening search efforts.

The agency said: 'We are currently searching a large area that encompasses more than 200 miles of the ships voyage path due to the uncertainty of when he may have gone overboard.'

The Carnival Cruise company insists that they don't have any surveillance footage that would suggest Barnett fell off the ship.

'The Carnival Glory does not have footage or specific evidence that shows he went overboard, however, since he was not located on the vessel, we are currently searching for a potential person in the water,' USCG Heartland told Fox News Digital.

Caitlin Barnett - a relative of the missing passenger - said on Facebook: 'Every ship needs proper cameras and fall detection or not sail. This is gut wrenching.'

The ship departed from the New Orleans port on Sunday for a week-long trip with stops in Montego Bay, Jamaica, on Wednesday, Grand Cayman Island on Thursday and Cozumel, Mexico, on Friday before returning to New Orleans

Caitlin Barnett - a relative of the missing passenger - said on Facebook: 'Every ship needs proper cameras and fall detection or not sail. This is gut wrenching'

Crew members were unable to locate Barnett on the boat - so the New Orleans sector of the USCG launched their own search

The ship departed from the New Orleans port on Sunday for a week-long trip with stops in Montego Bay, Jamaica, on Wednesday, Grand Cayman Island on Thursday and Cozumel, Mexico, on Friday before returning to New Orleans.

According to Barnett's social media, he worked as a deckhand at LeBeouf Brothers Towing and attended Northshore Technical Community College.

His family are asking their friends on social media for prayers for the 28-year-old's safe return and have mentioned being suspicious of 'foul play' after he vanished into thin air.
Israel allegedly has no proof of life for the hostages seized by Hamas in the October 7 attacks, the country's foreign minister has declared.

Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen also claimed the Red Cross has been unable to meet any of the terror group's captives after meeting the organisation's head in Geneva.

'Until today, none of our hostages met the Red Cross,' Cohen said. 'We don't have any proof of life.'

Cohen and Israel's Health Minister Uriel Menachem Buso met with Mirjana Spoljaric, the president of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to discuss the war that erupted after the October 7 Hamas attacks.

'We asked for information... about the whereabouts of the hostages,' Buso said.

Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen (pictured) also claimed the Red Cross has been unable to meet any of the terror group's captives after meeting the organisation's head in Geneva

'Until today, none of our hostages met the Red Cross,' Cohen said. 'We don't have any proof of life' (pictured: Noa Argamani who was kidnapped by Hamas)

'We asked for information... about the whereabouts of the hostages,' Israel's Health Minister Uriel Menachem Buso said (pictured: a hostage

'The wounded ones, the babies, any information that they can give us regarding proof of life.'

Israel says that 1,200 people were killed and 239 people taken hostage by Hamas fighters who crossed the border to stage the deadliest attack in Israeli history.

The Hamas health ministry in Gaza says that at least 11,240 people have been killed in Israel's military onslaught since October 7.

Family members of some of the hostages held by Hamas in Gaza also attended that meeting, as well as the press conference afterwards at the United Nations.

They held up pictures of their missing loved ones, and played audio and video gathered at the time several were taken.

'We are here to shout for them and we need to bring them justice,' said Ofri Bibas Levy, holding up a picture of her nephew Kfir Bibas - the youngest of the hostages, who was nine months old when he was seized with his parents and four-year-old brother.

'We need to bring them home as soon as possible,' she said.

Before Tuesday's meeting, Spoljaric issued a statement highlighting that 'families of hostages are living through an incredibly heart-wrenching time and I want to underscore how hard we are advocating on behalf of their loved ones'.

'This is a key priority for me,' she said, stressing that the ICRC had persistently been advocating on behalf of the hostages held in Gaza, including through direct contacts with Hamas and with others holding influence over the parties.

Qatar, the United States and Egypt have been involved in attempts to free hostages. Hamas released four women following Qatari mediation, while the Israeli army freed one captured soldier.

Smoke billows during the Israeli military bombardment of the northern Gaza Strip today

Israel says that 1,200 people were killed and 239 people taken hostage by Hamas fighters who crossed the border to stage the deadliest attack in Israeli history

Family members of some of the hostages held by Hamas in Gaza also attended that meeting, as well as the press conference afterwards at the United Nations (file image of demonstration in front of the Red Cross in London this month)

Cohen vowed that Israel would 'continue this war until we eliminate Hamas and until we receive all our hostages back'

Hamas released a video of 21-year-old Mia Shem from Shoham, who was kidnapped by the terror group

'Hostage-taking is prohibited under international humanitarian law. We continue to insist on the hostages' release and are doing everything in our power to gain access to them,' Spoljaric said.

The organisation, which also helped facilitate the release of the four women, stood ready to facilitate the release of the others, she said.

She insisted though that 'we cannot do this alone; agreements must be reached that allow the ICRC to safely carry out this work.'

'ICRC cannot force its way in to where hostages are held. We can only visit them when agreements, including safe access, are in place.'

But Cohen said this was not enough, insisting that the ICRC 'should be more loud and clear with their statements and with the pressure'.

'Hostage-taking is prohibited under international humanitarian law. We continue to insist on the hostages' release and are doing everything in our power to gain access to them,' Spoljaric from the Red Cross said

Cohen also strengthened already harsh criticism of UN chief Antonio Guterres, who has called for a 'humanitarian ceasefire' in Gaza and condemned 'clear violations of international humanitarian law that we are witnessing in Gaza', without naming either side (pictured:

Smoke rising from Gaza are seen from the Sderot city after Israeli attacks hit the city on November 14

He vowed that Israel would 'continue this war until we eliminate Hamas and until we receive all our hostages back'.

He also strengthened already harsh criticism of UN chief Antonio Guterres, who has called for a 'humanitarian ceasefire' in Gaza and condemned 'clear violations of international humanitarian law that we are witnessing in Gaza', without naming either side.

'Guterres does not deserve to be the head of the United Nations,' Cohen said Tuesday.

'Guterres did not promote any peace process in the region.'

Guterres' spokesman responded, saying 'the Secretary-General continues his work with nerves of steel, calmly, focused, and based on principles.'
Chaos broke out during a House hearing Tuesday after Republican James Comer got into a heated tiff with Democrat Jared Moskowitz - calling him a 'Smurf' and a 'liar.'

Insults flew across the hearing room after Moskowitz accused Oversight Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., of hypocrisy amid his ongoing investigation into the Biden family's finances for scrutinizing a $200,000 'loan repayment' check James Biden gave to his brother Joe.

Comer, who is leading the impeachment inquiry into the president, has said this personal check - and another for $40,000 - directly shows Joe was aware of and included in his family's dealings.

Moskowitz pointed to a recent report from the Daily Beast that showed Comer may have loaned his own brother $200,000 - accusing the chairman of 'manipulating' the American people to believe Joe did something wrong when he did the exact same.

'That's completely false,' Comer fired back during the hearing Tuesday. 'It's completely false - I've never loaned my brother one penny,' explaining that he bought family land from his brother.

'Only dumb financially illiterate people picked it up,' he said referring to the Daily Beast report.

'That story you tweeted too also said I had a shell company - that's bull***' continued Comer.

Democratic Rep. Moskowitz accused the chairman of 'manipulating' the American people to believe Joe did something wrong when he did the exact same

'I didn't get wires from Romania, China...my family doesn't get wires,' he said.

'You look like a smurf here, just going around...continuing to spew disinformation,' continued Comer.

The Oversight Committee has uncovered over a dozen shell companies created by Biden family members to receive over $24 million in foreign money - including from China, Romania, Kazakhstan and Ukraine - all while Joe was serving as vice president.

The dramatic scene unfolded just hours after former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy was accused of elbowing a colleague who voted to oust him from the speakership last month.

In the Senate, Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin stood up and challenged a teamster boss to a fight during a separate hearing.

'Your word means nothing Mr. Chairman ... perhaps you should sit maybe for a deposition,' accused Moskowitz back in the House.

'You've already been proven a liar before,' Comer spewed back.

He invited the Democrat to come to his district in Kentucky and see the land for himself.

'I'll pay for your ticket,' the Republican teased.

Moskowitz also mocked Comer last week on X after he issued new subpoenas to Hunter Biden, James Biden, business partner Rob Walker and other connected family members central to his investigation.

Comer posted a video on X, formerly Twitter, of himself signing the unprecedented subpoena for the president's son.

Hours later, the Democrat posted a video signing a fake subpoena for Comer himself that was a shot-by-shot copy of the Republican's post.

'It has been reported that Comer also loaned his brother $200k. We fully expect James to comply, just like the Trumps,' Moskowitz said on X.

Comer said the check is the strongest evidence yet that the president was directly involved in his family's business dealings

BREAKING



Today, @RepMoskowitz signed subpoenas for:



 James Comer



It has been reported that Comer also loaned his brother $200k. We fully expect James to comply, just like the Trumps. https://t.co/0xkbGXC0qm pic.twitter.com/R6dF3dXu4f  Congressman Jared Moskowitz (@RepMoskowitz) November 9, 2023

According to bankruptcy court documents reviewed by DailyMail.com, James Biden took the money from his health care business Americore and sent it directly to his brother Joe Biden in 2018.

The documents show that in 2018, James Biden obtained $600,000 in loans from Americore. James was able to receive the loans based upon 'representations' that his last name, 'Biden,' could 'open doors.'

On March 1, 2018, Americore wired a $200,000 loan into the personal bank account of James and Sara Biden.

That same day, James Biden wrote a $200,000 check to 'Joseph R. Biden' from his personal account for a 'loan repayment.' At the time, Joe had already left the vice presidency position.

White House spokesperson Ian Sams confirmed last week that the check was indeed for a loan repayment.

'It's a loan repayment from when President Biden loaned his brother money. When he was out of office in 2018, no less. It's right there on the check!' he wrote on X.

However, Sams downplayed its significance, calling the information put out by the Republicans 'failure theater' and a 'shiny object to distract people from how they are incapable of doing the basics of governing.'
Volodymyr Zelensky today pleaded with his Western allies to provide a weapons boost ahead of a brutal winter of conflict amid Russia launching a new wave of attacks.

The Ukrainian President has warned the war-torn country to prepare for a winter onslaught from Vladimir Putin with Russia increasing their attacks around the cities of Donetsk, Kupyansk and Avdiivka.

It's thought Ukraine's energy infrastructure will be targeted in a repeat of 12 months ago with it already being bombarded 60 times in the last several weeks.

The country was plunged into darkness last winter when thousands of Russian drones and missiles targeted Ukraine's power sector leading to sweeping blackouts.

Zelensky has called recent strikes on the city of Kherson that killed three people and wounded a dozen - including a newborn baby - 'revenge' attacks that were 'without any military necessity'.

Andriy Yermak, Zelensky's chief of staff, met US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington yesterday as part of a trip to the United States to press Ukraine's need for Western weapons.

Volodymyr Zelensky today pleaded with his Western allies to provide a weapons boost ahead of a brutal winter of conflict amid Russia launching a new wave of attacks

A Ukrainian soldier of the artillery unit fires towards Russian targets near the city of Bakhmut - around 90km north of Donetsk

'As winter approaches, we expect the Russian missile terror to intensify,' Yermak posted on Telegram after the meeting.

READ MORE: Ukraine capital Kyiv hit by first attack in 2 months - as Zelensky marked the first anniversary of the liberation of Kherson from Russia Advertisement

'Therefore, we are in dire need of air and missile defence systems that will protect Ukrainian cities, key critical infrastructure facilities, and grain corridor routes,' he said.

Yermak later said he also met US national security adviser Jake Sullivan as well as British and European security and foreign policy advisers to discuss the 'situation on the battlefield'.

Yermak said Russia has increased the number of its forces in Ukraine and that Kyiv 'needs to maintain international support'.

The plea for a weapons boost comes amid the European Union saying it will miss its target to supply Ukraine's frontline with one million artillery shells and missiles by next March. So far, only 300,000 rounds have been delivered.

Boris Pistorius, the German defence minister, said it should be 'assumed' the one million target will not be met.

EU commissioner Thierry Breton though remains hopeful the target can be met 'but it is now upon member states to place their orders'.

He said: 'It is true that we dropped a bit, even significantly, our production capacity, but the industrial base is still there to ramp up production.'

The conflict is fast approaching its two year anniversary but there are fears within Ukraine Western fatigue and world attention on the Israel-Hamas war could weaken support for its army.

In a separate speech in Washington today, Yermak said Ukraine had 'gained a foothold on the left bank of the Dnipro', without providing further details.

The vast Dnipro river splits the frontline in the south of Ukraine, with Russian forces entrenched on the eastern, or left, bank and Ukraine on the opposite side.

Ukrainian soldiers take shelter on November 11 as the Russia-Ukraine war continues in Donetsk Oblast

A woman holds her cat outside her heavily bombed residential building in Avdiivka which has been targeted by Russian military airstrikes

Buildings have been heavily bombed in Avdiivka. Moscow's forces have been intensifying air bombardments and trying to move forward with ground forces

Officials said Russian forces had suffered heavy losses around the city. They also said Ukrainian forces had repelled Russian attacks in other areas of the 1,000 km frontline

A police officer convinces a local to evacuate his dilapidated home. The area is facing daily destruction from Russia as Putin turns his attentions to eastern Ukraine after failing to capture Kyiv

Over the last few weeks, Russian military bloggers close to the armed forces have reported Ukrainian forces had made successful amphibious landings on the Russian side.

They reported the Ukrainians established positions in the village of Krynky, around 35 kilometres (22 miles) upstream from Kherson.

Neither the Russian or Ukrainian defence ministry have commented on the reports.

Fighting has gripped the area around the shattered eastern Ukrainian town of Avdiivka, Ukraine's military said yesterday, with Moscow's forces intensifying air bombardments and trying to move forward with ground forces.

Officials said Russian forces had suffered heavy losses around the city. They also said Ukrainian forces had repelled Russian attacks in other areas of the 1,000 km frontline.

Russia has focused on eastern Ukraine since failing to advance on Kyiv in the early days of the war and in mid-October launched a push to seize Avdiivka.

'Fighting is still going on. Over the last two days, the occupiers have increased the number of air strikes using guided bombs from Su-35 aircraft,' Ukrainian military spokesman Oleksandr Shtupun told national television.

Ukraine gunners of the 79th separate amphibious assault brigade of Armed Forces of Ukraine conduct military activity in the Donetsk direction on October 11

Soldiers of the 59th Motorized Brigade of the Ukrainian army prepare to open fire on Russian positions with Grad rockets in the Donetsk Oblast

Members of Ukraine's National Guard Omega Special Purpose fire a SPG-9 anti-tank grenade launcher toward Russian troops in the front line town of Avdiivka

'The enemy is also bringing in more and more infantry. But when they tried to deploy armoured vehicles the day before yesterday two tanks and 14 other vehicles were burned out.'

Ukrainian forces, he said, had repelled eight attacks in the past 24 hours on the city, known for its vast coking plant.

Vitaliy Barabash, head of Avdiivka's military administration said Russian forces, told the state news agency Ukrinform that Russian losses in the current drive on the city stood at minimum 3,000 to 4,000 dead and a further 7,000 to 8,000 wounded.

He said 'not a single building' was intact in the city, with just over 1,500 of its pre-war population of 32,000 remaining and evacuations proceeding. The hospital was functioning under constant shelling and a single shop was open.
Kemi Badenoch, the U.K. Secretary of State, praised Ron DeSantis for 'getting things done' as the pair signed the biggest US-UK trade deal since Brexit.

The deal will mean British businesses have better access to Florida, the fourth largest state economy in the US, and the 15th biggest economy in the world.

With the Biden administration currently not doing national free trade deals London has been pursuing state-by state agreements.

This was the seventh, and by far the biggest, state deal so far and follows an initial meeting between DeSantis and Badenoch in London in April.

Badenoch, in Jacksonville, Florida to sign the deal, told Dailymail.com: 'This is the next best thing doing it state by state level, and certainly the biggest one we've ever done.

'I'm particularly proud of it because it started when I met Governor DeSantis in London when he came on his trade mission. So, we decided to do one there and we've actually gone on and done it. It's the most efficient one that we've done as well. It's trying to solve problems that are specific to the U.K. and Florida.'

Kemi Badenoch signed a trade deal with Florida

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said the U.K. felt like a 'second home' when he went there

Badenoch refrained from commenting in detail on the U.S. election, where DeSantis is currently running second in the race for the Republican nomination in 2024, but far behind Donald Trump.

But she said: 'I really like Governor DeSantis, I found him very warm and engaging, and we had a lot in common when we had our first meeting. I think that it's not for me to comment too much on US politics. Obviously, we would welcome any administration that wants to have an FTA (free trade agreement) with the UK.

'The fact that Governor DeSantis has been so proactive in helping us get this done I think it's really positive.'

Florida's $1.1 trillion economy is about the same size as that of Spain.

Top beneficiaries of the new deal will include the space, AI, financial technology and insurance industries, and it will also promote sharing of research by academic institutions.

DeSantis praised Badenoch for pursuing an anti-woke agenda in the UK.

He said: 'The Secretary and I have also done work in our own spheres on making sure that our institutions and our society are governed by sound principles and not some of the outlandish ideology that we're seeing.'

DeSantis added that the UK is a 'second home' for all Americans and he was 'proud' to sign the trade deal because of the 'special relationship'.

Over one million U.K. tourists visited Florida last year, including to Disney World

A SpaceX rocket takes off from Cape Canaveral, Florida

He said: 'If you look at how our country was birthed, all the key things that we take for granted that informed our Constitution, our view of the rule of law, that was all informed by our founding fathers being what they consider to be Englishmen.

'You see that when you're out there, there's a reason why we have a special relationship.'

Outlining the trade deal DeSantis said the U.K. is Florida's top foreign investor, and British companies account for 70,000 jobs in the state.

The U.K. is Florida's number one trade partner from Europe, growing by 190 per cent over the last five years, he added.

Florida welcomed 1.1 million tourists from the U.K. last year.

DeSantis said the deal - known as a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) - will prioritize areas including space research, aerospace manufacturing, medical technology, financial technology, transportation infrastructure, artificial intelligence and semiconductors.

'Additionally, we'll encourage U.K.-based companies to expand their footprint in the Florida marketplace,' he said.

'Florida and the U.K. will also be connecting researchers, universities and students to further support academic success and research sharing.'

Ron DeSantis is running second to Donald Trump in the race for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination

Badenoch said she would be speaking to California Governor Gavin Newsom on Wednesday as the U.K. pursues a similar deal there.

Other states being looked at include Texas.

Britain is also making progress in talks with the U.S. federal government on a broader free trade agreement, she said.

She has had 'very, very good conversations' with U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai and 'it's going well,' she said.

In June, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Biden announced the Atlantic Declaration, an action plan for deepening economic, technological and commercial ties.

However, the FTA Britain had hoped for under the previous Trump administration remains a distant prospect, with Biden having put talks on ice.
A married US Navy officer and father-of-two has died by suicide while his ship was moored in Cleveland, Ohio.

Commander Jonathan Michael Volkle was found dead on board the USS Marinette on October 27, the Navy confirmed.

The 44-year-old 'was found unresponsive and later pronounced deceased,' a statement from US Surface Force Atlantic said.

'Our thoughts go out to the Volkle's family during this incredibly difficult period, and we would ask their privacy be respected.

'Littoral Combat Ship Squadron (LCSRON) 2 is providing chaplain and mental health support to the ship's crew. Cmdr. Janet Brooms will be assigned as executive officer.'

The second in command of the Littoral Combat Ship had served in the Navy after enlisting in 2007, working as a career surface warfare officer.

Commander Jonathan Michael Volkle died by suicide last month on board his ship

The 44-year-old 'was found unresponsive on board the USS Marinette (pictured) on October 27

Volkle served aboard guided-missile frigate USS Kauffman, guided missile destroyers USS John McCain and USS Fitzgerald and commanded the Avenger-class mine countermeasure ship USS Patriot.

A memorial service was held for the serviceman on Saturday, November 11, in Peeples, Florida.

Volkle is survived by his wife Kaori Kato Volkle and two sons, Bruno and Nino, as well as his parents, Skip and Louise Volkle.

'I met John when I started working at Destroyer Squadron 15 to coordinate US-Japan relations' friend and colleague Yuma Kuwata wrote on a page dedicated to Volkle.

'The entire Japan Maritime Self Defense Force greatly respected John' Kuwata explained.

'Not only did he inspire me, but he inspired an entire organization.

Volkle had served in the Navy after enlisting in 2007, working as a career surface warfare officer

The USS Marinette was moored in Cleveland, Ohio when Volkle died

'John is without a doubt the most trusted US Naval Officer by the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force and did more for US-Japan relations than any US military officer in the last 70 years of the alliance.

'Thank you John, for showing us the way. We will carry the torch you gave us. Rest in Peace.'

Another friend, Christopher Homer, wrote: 'Jon was a great mate of mine in Japan when he was teaching in Tateyama.'

'We had such a laugh telling jokes and talking about life.

'Jon was an inspirational person who gave everyone confidence which was a pointer to his future career as a professional leader.'

Volkle's death comes as the Navy grapples with soaring suicide rates and mental health issues in its ranks.

In 2022, the service saw its highest increase in death by suicide since 2019, according to USNI News.

Last year up to ten sailors killed themselves on one ship alone, and three within one week.

At least five crewmembers aboard the USS George Washington (pictured) were confirmed to have died by suicide. There have been others who have tried but failed to kill themselves

Ten soldiers died by suicide one the USS George Washington with dozens more revealing suicidal thoughts.

More than 200 sailors were moved off the aircraft carrier following the deaths but reports of widespreasd mental health issues were later revealed to forces mental health charity the Brandon Caserta Foundation.

Sailors said they discussed killing themselves every day with each other, listed 'drugs, pills, hanging, jumping, driving into a tree, taking a bullet to the skull, slitting our wrists, toaster in the tub', confessed to feeling like their boss 'doesn't care one way or another if you live or die', said they were 'stressed' and 'isolated', and one said they wouldn't mind if a bus hit them.

There has been a 44 percent rise in suicides in the military since 2015, according to Department of Defense statistics.

Since 2015, 4,842 soldiers took their own lives, 384 military personnel died of suicide in 2020.
More than 100 members of Harvard University's faculty have signed an open letter criticizing the university president's initiative to 'Combat Antisemitism.'

The November 13th letter decried the pressure from 'donors, alumni, and even some on this campus to silence faculty, students, and staff critical of the actions of the State of Israel' in the wake of Hamas' barbaric attack on October 7.

They claimed the Ivy League school was throttling free speech by deeming some phrases - 'from the river to the sea,' for instance - unacceptable.

'The phrase "from the river to the sea, Palestine must be free" has a long and complicated history,' they wrote. 'Its interpretation deserves, and is receiving, sustained and ongoing inquiry and debate.'

The phrase, they say, should not be singled out as 'necessarily implying removalism or even eliminationism' when Palestinians have also been forced from their homes and killed during the ongoing war.

'From the river to the sea,' is near universally understood to be a call for the elimination of the State of Israel and its Jewish residents.

100 members of Harvard University's faculty signed an open letter harshly criticizing President Claudine Gay's plan to combat antisemitism on campus

Harvard students - like the MBA candidate pictured here with his hands raised - have been physically and verbally harassed by anti-Israel protestors at the university

In her letter to Harvard students and faculty last week, university president Claudine Gay wrote: 'Our community must understand that phrases such as 'from the river to the sea' bear specific historical meanings that to a great many people imply the eradication of Jews from Israel and engender both pain and existential fears within our Jewish community. I condemn this phrase and any similarly hurtful phrases.'

The letter called Gay's condemnation of the phrase 'badly misjudged as an act of moral leadership.'

The faculty conclude by listing four steps they believe the university should now take to dial back their support of Jewish students.

They ask that the university not suspend the Palestine Solidarity Committee - the group that blamed Israel for the Hamas attack less than 24 hours after it occurred.

Some colleges, including Columbia University, have begun banning Palestinian solidarity groups that have repeatedly violated college policies and intimidated, physically and otherwise, Jewish students on campus.

Several weeks ago, a Harvard MBA student was publicly harassed, physically and verbally, by a group of anti-Israel students as he attempted to cross a field behind the business school.

The school says it is investigating the incident, though no public statements about potential consequences for the students have been announced.

The faculty also ask the recently established President's Advisory Group on Anti-Semitism to explicitly define the term antisemitism before recommending any policies that could impede 'freedom of thought and expression on our campus.'

They ask that the university affirm its commitment to those values that allow for academic freedom. And finally, they ask that the school create an advisory group on Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian and anti-Arab racism.

Not one day after Hamas's brutal attack, Harvard's Palestine Solidarity Committee claimed Israel was 'entirely responsible for all unfolding violence' in the region - Harvard leadership has been struggling to mitigate the hatred for Israel that permeates the campus

Harvard President Claudine Gay has committed herself to taking action to combat antisemitism on campus. 100 faculty members are displeased by that commitment

College campuses (pictured here: Harvard) have become a focal point of hostilities as the nation grapples with the complex conflict in the Middle East

Some of the signees include Nikolas Bowie, is the Louis D. Brandeis Professor of Law at Harvard Law School. Brandeis, a graduate of the law school, was the first Jew to sit on the Supreme Court.

Other signees include Alejandra Caraballo, a transgender civil rights attorney, several members of the college's anthropology department, more than a handful of instructors at the medical school, and Duncan Kennedy, a man credited with helping to found the critical legal studies movement, understood to be the basis of Critical Race Theory.

Harvard has not yet publicly responded to the open letter.

Since the outbreak of the war, there have not been any publicly documented incidents of Islamophobia on Harvard's campus.

Recently, however, more than 1,600 Jewish alumni of the prestigious university threatened to pull their donations unless there is a radical shift on campus that will 'ensure the protection of Jewish students' and 'curb the dissemination of hate speech.'

'We want the University to adopt a definition of antisemitism that treats speech calling for the obliteration of the Jewish state as anti-Semitic and speech that treats all Jews as collectively guilty for any policy taken by the Jewish state as anti-Semitic,' said Rebecca Claire Brooks, one of the organizers of Harvard College Jewish Alumni Association.

The association was formed just last month in response to the October 7 attacks.

Some of the members, Brooks said, 'are very influential donors and some of them are sort of more normal-sized donors. But were speaking in one unified voice in response to this moment.'

In recent weeks, some of Harvard's most esteemed and successful alums have publicly ended their financial relationships with the university in response to what they view as an inadequate response to the campus fallout following the October 7 attack.

More than 1,600 Jewish alumni have threatened to withdraw donations to Harvard University in response to the pro-Palestine protests across the campus

Bill Ackman, CEO of Pershing Square Capital Management, led the charge to name the student members of Harvard organizations that put out a statement blaming Israel for the Hamas attack

Leslie Wexner (pictured), the former CEO of L Brands recently pulled the Wexner Foundation's funding for the college, which has been tens of millions of dollars over the years

Former L Brands CEO Leslie Wexner pulled his foundation's support from the school entirely, after donating at least $56million over the course of 30 years.

In a statement, the foundation said they were 'stunned and sickened' at Harvard's failure to take a 'clear and unequivocal stand against the barbaric murders of innocent Israeli civilians.'

Israeli billionaire Idan Ofer and his wife Batia also stepped down from an executive board at Harvard after previously donating $20million to the school.

'Unfortunately, our faith in the University's leadership has been broken and we cannot in good faith continue to support Harvard and its committees,' the couple said in a statement.

'We denounce those who seek to place blame on the people of Israel for the atrocities committed by the terrorist organization, Hamas.'

Harvard alum Bill Ackman, the billionaire CEO of Pershing Square Capital Management, asked Harvard to name the students who signed onto the Palestine Solidarity Committee's letter so that business leaders would know who not to hire.

The students' letter, released in the hours following the attack that left some 1,400 Israelis dead, read: 'We, the undersigned student organizations, hold the Israeli regime entirely responsible for all unfolding violence.'

Elsewhere in the letter, the students wrote that 'Palestinians will be forced to bear the full brunt of Israel's violence.'

'The apartheid regime is the only one to blame. Israeli violence has structured every aspect of Palestinian existence for 75 years... the coming days will require a firm stand against colonial retaliation.'
Advertisement

Magnificent images of wildlife and natural beauty captured by Nature Photographer of the Year competitors have been revealed.

The images, taken all over the world, encapsulate the most beautiful aspects of our planet - from animals thriving in their extreme habitats to forests creating stunning silhouettes in the sky.

The annual competition is an initiative of Nature Talks, the organisation responsible for the Nature Talks Photo Festival that takes place in the Netherlands.

This year's winner, Jacquie Matechuk, is a photographer from Canada and stole the show with her photo of the Spectacled Bear.

Chairman Marco Gaiotti explained why her photo was chosen as the winner: 'The Spanish moss hanging from this centuries-old fig tree gives an incredible sense of three-dimensionality while the soft light filtering through the colors highlights the profound connection between species and habitat in this image.

'Finally, the pose of this spectacled bear fits perfectly into the texture of the photograph.' Congratulations to Jacquie Matechuk for this outstanding photograph of the spectacled bear. '

He Looks to the Heavens by Jacquie Matechuk in Canada. This stunning photo is the winning image of the year

Runner-up - Mammals Shaking Off The Cold by Jeffrey Kauffman, USA. This stunning image was runner-up

Highly commended - Animal Portraits The Look by Henley Spiers, United Kingdom

Runner-up - Green triplets by Johan de Ridder, Belgium. This stunning photos shows three lizards on some leaves

Highly commended - Mammals Wolf and Iceberg by Christophe Vasselin, Luxembourg. This piece was highly commended by the jury

Highly commended - Follow the Leader by Torie Hilley, USA. This image was highly commended by the jury

Runner-up - Landscapes Sunset by Jens Lax, Finland. This image displays a stunning silhouette of forest

High commended -nature art Psychedelic Snowdrops by Simone Baumeister. This image was highly commended by the judges

Category Fred Hazelhoff Portfolio Award - category winner. Balam, the endangered king of the Mayan jungle by Fernando Constantino Martinez Belmar, Mexico

Highly commended - Human and Nature Threatened by the highway Geoffrey Reynaud, Canada

Category winner - Nature Art Fields of Dreams by J Fritz Rumpf, USA

Highly commended- Underwater The Marriage of Moon jellyfish by Mayumi Takeuchi-Ebbins

Highly commended - landscapes Inferno by Radomir Jakubowski from Germany

Category winner - Animal Portraits The Pen and Inkwell by Jonathan Lhoir, France
Qantas has ditched the iconic flying red kangaroo design on its first A220 aircraft, which is soon to hit the skies.

The new look QantasLink aircraft was unveiled in Canada on Wednesday, adorned with a blue and green Indigenous design.

It still features the signature kangaroo but in white.

The plane will initially fly between Melbourne and Canberra and is expected to join the fleet early next year.

The aircraft features the artwork of Pitjantjatjara artist Maringka Baker and has been named after her piece Minyma Kutjara Tjukurpa  The Two Sisters Creation Story.

The plane spent two weeks in the paint workshop where the striking Indigenous design was applied.

QantasLink A220 aircraft will ditch the iconic flying red kangaroo logo for a blue and green indigenous design

The new look aircraft, which was unveiled in Canada, will initially fly between Melbourne and Canberra and is expected to join the fleet later this year

It took about 100 painters to complete the work, with the Airbus teams using 130 stencils to replicate the intricate design.

The incredible artwork also features more than 20,000 dots, making it the most complex livery Airbus has ever completed for this type of plane.

It is also the sixth aircraft to join the national carrier's Flying Art Series, which was first launched in 1994 with the unveiling of the first plane with Indigenous livery - a Boeing 747 jumbo jet named Wunala Dreaming.

Leading Indigenous Australian design agency Balarinji, in collaboration with First Nations artists and their families, worked to create designs for all of Qantas' Flying Art Series liveries.

The A220 uses significantly less fuel, generate fewer emissions and are quieter than the older aircraft it will replace.

The iconic kangaroo design is in white instead of the traditional red

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The aircraft is the first of 29 A220s that will gradually replace QantasLink's Boeing 717s and has already been hailed a game-changer for domestic travel.

It is also the 12th new aircraft delivered to airline group in the last 12 months including eight Airbus A321LR planes for Jetstar and three Boeing 787 Dreamliners for Qantas International.

Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson said the aircraft would be a game changer for domestic and regional travel.

'These aircraft have the potential to change the way our customers travel across the country, with the ability to connect any two cities or towns in Australia,' Ms Hudson said.

'That means faster and more convenient travel for business trips and exciting new possibilities for holiday travel.

'A whole new fleet type also means a lot of opportunities for our people to operate and look after these aircraft.'

The striking design is in stark contrast to the traditional one (pictured) on Qantas aircraft

READ MORE: Qantas issues a grovelling apology to Australians after nightmare week Advertisement

During its annual general meeting earlier this month, Qantas disclosed that about $370,000 was allocated to backing the unsuccessful Yes campaign preceding the Voice to Parliament referendum.

Qantas Chair Richard Goyder said that the airline's management, under the guidance of former CEO Alan Joyce, proposed supporting the campaign, and the board subsequently endorsed the recommendation.

'The contribution we made was in kind and equal to about $370,000,' he said.

'We knew at the time that there would be a diverse set of views but we felt it was important that we continued to support what we had done for a long period of time in terms of Aboriginal reconciliation.

In August, Mr Joyce revealed three aircraft adorned with the Yes23 campaign logo at Sydney Airport, accompanied by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Has spoken out about ordeal after year-long fight

Reported it to police, who said case wouldn't proceed

Bec allegedly raped by friend after catching up at a bar

An Australian woman has relived the harrowing phone call she received from police revealing her alleged rapist would not face any charges because she had only hazy memories of the ordeal.

Tasmanian woman Bec told the ABCs 7.30 program she caught up with a male friend in a bar, where they shared a bottle of wine before he bought her a few more drinks.

Bec said that's when her memory became hazy, but she recalled the man saying 'let's get you out of here' before insisting she get into his car.

She said her next 'very small' memory was of being raped.

Bec said she sent a text message to the man the next morning to ask him what had happened, and he told her they had unprotected sex.

'Sorry you can't remember,' he allegedly texted her.

That's when she reported in incident to police.

Bec claims she met her alleged rapist in a bar where the pair shared a bottle of wine before he bought her a few more drinks (stock image)

Tasmania made history as the first Australian state to enact affirmative consent laws. These laws mandate that both parties involved in a sexual encounter must provide explicit and voluntary consent through clear verbal or non-verbal communication.

However, a complication arises when one person involved is too intoxicated to actively give consent.

Despite a friend filming Bec's distress on the night of the alleged rape and the text from her alleged attacker, police believed the case was not strong enough to proceed as she did not look drunk in CCTV footage.

Unfortunately for Bec, the entire process became prolonged and arduous. The toxicology reports, originally expected to be completed within four weeks, stretched to a frustrating six months, ultimately yielding inconclusive results.

As a result, and following a process that took almost a year, the Director of Public Prosecutions recommended against prosecuting.

Bec, who found out about the decision via phone while at work, said: 'According to the DPP's feedback, the reasoning is that since you don't recall the incident, the CCTV footage might be misconstrued as indicative of consent.'

'Even with all the tick boxes, it still wasn't good enough,' she said.

Alleged rape victim Bec (pictured) spent a year fighting for justice

'The question that really remained was, well, in what cases does rape get prosecuted?

'Is it when it's only violent? Is it when it's a total stranger? Is it when it's only that you're sober, or that there's no alcohol or drugs involved? It has to tick these very small boxes, which we know isn't the case for most rapes.'

Bec claims she learned that another woman who also had a 'troubling sexual experience' with the same man during her year-long quest for justice.

Nearly nine out of ten women who claim to have experienced sexual assault in the last decade opt not to report it to the police.

If you or someone who know needs support, call the 24-hour national sexual assault, family and domestic violence hotline on 1800 737 732.
A British air steward has been jailed for 60 days in Norway for coming to work reeking of booze before a flight to London.

Christopher Smith, 48, turned up to work on an SAS Scandinavian Airlines flight from Oslo to London smelling of alcohol and strong perfume, after which his concerned colleagues called police.

Officers at the scene breathalysed the Briton, who admitted that he had a 'couple of pints' the night before, the Sun reports.

Smith's breath test came back with 0.74 micrograms of alcohol per litre of air, with the legal limit being 0.01 micrograms.

He told a court in Lillestrom, Norway, he had no memory of September 14, the day of the flight, and the night before after suffering an epileptic fit that day.

Christopher Smith (pictured), 48, turned up to work on an SAS Scandinavian Airlines flight from Oslo to London smelling of alcohol and strong perfume, after which his concerned colleagues called police

Airline SAS told the Sun that Smith will face disciplinary actions, which could include dismissal

His lawyer added that Smith's memory has still not returned and he can't remember how he got to the airport in Oslo.

During a court appearance on November 7, Smith pleaded guilty to reporting for duty while intoxicated.

The court said that readings indicated that the air steward, who previously worked for British Airways, was more intoxicated than he said.

Airlines like SAS have a strict zero tolerance policy in place in regards to drinking for staff members and the court said there were no excuses for intoxication at work.

'There is a significant potential for danger when cabin crew members who are not sober ... in emergency situations, even if these rarely occur,' the judgement read.

Police reportedly suspected Smith used aftershave to mask the fumes of the booze, resulting in the strong perfume smell his colleagues also noticed.

Reporting to duty while intoxicated carries a 75-day jail sentence, but this was reduced to 60 days due to Smith's 'full confession' to police.

Airline SAS told the Sun that Smith will face disciplinary actions, which could include dismissal.
Israeli soldiers have stormed Gaza City's main hospital to root out the Hamas terrorists they say are hiding beneath the medical facility in an underground command centre.

Dozens of Israeli soldiers, some wearing face masks and firing guns in the air, entered the sprawling Al-Shifa hospital early Wednesday morning in a 'precise and targeted operation against Hamas in a specified area' of the facility, the IDF said, in what could be a pivotal moment in the bloody war.

'All men 16 years and above, raise your hands,' a soldier shouted in accented Arabic through a loudspeaker to the thousands sheltering inside. 'Exit the building towards the courtyard and surrender,' the soldier ordered, according to a journalist trapped inside.

About 1,000 male Palestinians, their hands above their heads, were soon led into the vast hospital courtyard, some of them stripped naked by Israeli soldiers checking them for weapons or explosives, the journalist told AFP.

Israeli soldiers and tanks had surrounded the hospital in recent days, where the IDF and US have insisted Hamas are hiding in underground tunnels beneath the building and using the patients as human shields - claims the terrorists deny.

But the storming of the hospital is a key moment in the war and will show once and for all whether Hamas terrorists have indeed based their secret headquarters underneath the hospital while using the most vulnerable civilians as human shields.

The move to enter the sprawling hospital by Israeli forces could see civilians, patients and doctors in the middle of the fierce battles, prompting the UN to say it was 'appalled' by Israel's decision to raid the medical facility.

Israeli soldiers inside a military vehicle are seen on their way to storm the Al Shifa hospital in this picture released by the IDF

Israeli soldiers with rifles storm the Al Shifa hospital and are pictured here within the complex on Wednesday

This handout picture released by the Israeli army on Thursday shows soldiers during a military operation around at Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City involving tanks

Footage released by the IDF this morning shows dozens of tanks rolling down the streets towards the hospital

Footage shows Israeli tanks parked outside hospital and scores of Israeli soldiers storming building

The IDF said Israeli troops delivered medical supplies to the Al Shifa hospital as pictured here

At Al-Shifa, doctors said patients and people taking shelter were stranded in horrific conditions in the facility

Israeli soldiers take part in an operation amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, at a location given as Al-Shati, Gaza, on Tuesday

The Al-Shifa hospital, which the World Health Organisation has said is turning into a 'cemetery', has been a primary target for Israeli troops in their battle to seize control of the northern half of the Gaza Strip. Medics and the hundreds of civilians trapped inside have told how newborn babies and patients are dying for lack of fuel.

Now, Israeli tanks have rolled into the medical compound while scores of soldiers and commandos stormed buildings including the emergency and surgery departments, which house intensive care units, as patients screamed in terror, medics trapped inside said.

Footage released by the IDF this morning shows dozens of tanks rolling down the streets towards the hospital and scores of soldiers emerging from the vehicles before they entered the building. Israel claimed other video showed soldiers delivering medical supplies to the hospital.

As Israeli forces raced through the corridors, hundreds of young men emerged from different wards, including the maternity section, which was hit in a strike a few days ago, a journalist trapped inside reported.

Soldiers were firing warning shots as they moved from room to room looking for Hamas terrorists, he said, adding that the troops were also searching women and children, some of whom were in tears.

After sharp warnings from the US and others that Al-Shifa must be protected, Israel said the raid was being executed based on 'an operational necessity'.

Their aim will be to enter the 300 mile network of tunnels the IDF and US intelligence say are underneath the hospital to annihilate the terrorists who rampaged through Israel and slaughtered 1,200 Israelis. They will also be searching for some of the 240 people who were taken hostage by Hamas on October 7.

But that is no easy task. Subterranean fighting is notoriously lethal work, especially when Israeli soldiers are fighting against heavily armed Hamas terrorists who know every hiding place and have access to a stash of rockets, grenades and guns.

The terrorists have operated within the complex network of reinforced tunnels underneath civilian buildings for years, some of which are buried up to 40ft underground and all of which could conceal an ambush, be booby-trapped - or worse - filled with explosives and primed to cave in.

This means the Israeli military will have to draw on a variety of technology and weaponry - like 'killer' drones, attack dogs and 'sponge' bombs - to help their soldiers 'destroy' the terrorists deep within the tunnels.

This is a key moment in the war after weeks of conflicting claims about what lies underneath Al Shifa hospital, where hundreds of patients, including newborns, have been stranded with dwindling supplies and no electricity.

Mohammed Zaqout, the director of hospitals in Gaza, said the patients who are trapped inside the medical facility are terrified after they saw the heavily armed soldiers storm the hospital in the early hours of this morning.

'They are screaming, it's a very terrifying situation. We can do nothing but pray,' Zaquot said.

Meanwhile, in a sign of how bleak the situation is in the hospital, the head of the WHO said it had lost touch with health personnel trapped inside after Israeli soldiers began raiding the facility.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said: 'We've lost touch again with health personnel at the hospital. We're extremely worried for their and their patients' safety.

In separate comments, U.N. aid chief Martin Griffiths said on Wednesday he was 'appalled' by reports of the raids.

'The protection of newborns, patients, medical staff and all civilians must override all other concerns,' he wrote on X. 'Hospitals are not battlegrounds.'

Griffiths stressed in a separate video statement that he understood Israel wanted to find Hamas leaders, but insisted that was no excuse for turning hospitals into a battlefield.

'Hamas must not, should not, use a place like a hospital as a shield for their presence,' he said.

As the Israeli soldiers launched their raid of the hospital, they killed several Hamas terrorists during intense battles, the IDF said.

Palestinians injured in Israeli raids arrive at Nasser Medical Hospital on Tuesday

The US statement comes as pressure ramps up on Israel over its blockade of the sprawling Al-Shifa compound, where doctors say patients and people seeking shelter are stranded in horrific conditions

An Israeli military armoured vehicle operates amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, at a location given as Al-Shati, Gaza, in this still image taken from video released on Tuesday

Israeli soldiers operate, amid the ongoing ground operation of the Israeli army against Hamas, in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday

Israeli soldiers operate, amid the ongoing ground operation of the Israeli army against Hamas, in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday

Injured Palestinian people sit in front of a destroyed building, belonging to Abu Jazar family, following the Israeli attacks in Rafah, Gaza, on Wednesday

An injured Palestinian man looks at an injured child lying on a gurney at the hospital following the Israeli bombardment of Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip on Wednesday

'Before entering the hospital our forces were confronted by explosive devices and terrorist squads, fighting ensued in which the terrorists were killed,' the Israeli military said, without specifying exactly where the firefight took place.

Israeli Army Radio said five terrorists had been killed and that weapons were found inside the Al Shifa compound.

Earlier on Wednesday, Dr. Munir al-Bursh, director-general of the health ministry for the Hamas-led administration in Gaza, told Al Jazeera television that Israeli forces had raided the western side of the medical complex and believed an explosion occurred inside the hospital.

The surgery and emergency departments were raided first, Zaqout told the broadcaster.

Youssef Abu Rish, an official from the Hamas-run health ministry who was in the hospital, said he could see tanks inside the complex and 'dozens of soldiers and commandos inside the emergency and reception buildings'.

Dr Ahmed El Mohallalati, a surgeon, told Reuters by phone that staff were in hiding as the fighting unfolded outside the hospital overnight.

'So yesterday early evening it started... shooting around the hospital and within the hospital. And the sound was really horrible. Look, you can feel that it's, you know, it's very near to the hospital,' he said.

'And then we realized that the tanks are moving around the hospital. One of the big tanks entered within the hospital from the eastern main gate, and they were, they were they just parked in the front of the hospital emergency department.'

'All kinds of weapons were used around the hospital. They targeted the hospital directly. We try to avoid being near the windows,' he said.

Another witness inside the hospital, reached by telephone, said tanks had entered the compound at 3:00 a.m. The Israeli troops dismounted and spread out in the yard, and began searching the basement and entering buildings.

'It was very dangerous looking from the glass window. The administration of the hospital told us the occupation army informed them they wanted to search us and search room by room. I am very scared,' the man said, asking that his name be withheld for fear of Israeli reprisals.

'There was no shooting because there were no gunmen inside the facility. The soldiers were acting freely as were people inside the hospital, the doctors, the wounded and the displaced,' the man said. He later told Reuters that gunfire could occasionally be heard and he was remaining in hiding.

Israel says Hamas has a massive command centre inside and beneath Al Shifa, but has not provided visual evidence, while Hamas and the hospital staff have repeatedly denied the allegations.

The United Nations has said it estimates that at least 2,300 people - patients, staff and displaced civilians - are inside and may be unable to escape because of fierce fighting.

Witnesses have described conditions inside the hospital as horrific, with medical procedures taking place without anaesthetic, families with scant food or water living in corridors and the stench of decomposing corpses filling the air.

A Palestinian woman covered in dust rushes with her child in her arms into the hospital following the Israeli bombardment of Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip on Wednesday

Smoke rises during an Israeli military bombardment of the northern Gaza Strip on Wednesday

Palestinians survey the destruction following the Israeli bombardment of Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip on Wednesday

Smoke rises from Gaza following an explosion, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas, as seen from southern Israel on Wednesday

Israeli soldiers take part in an operation amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, at a location given as Al-Shati, Gaza, in this still image taken from video released on Tuesday

A tank manoeuvres amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas, as seen from southern Israel on Wednesday

Israeli army spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Peter Lerner told CNN the hospital and compound were for Hamas 'a central hub of their operations, perhaps even the beating heart and maybe even a centre of gravity.'

Hours before the raid, the United States said it had its own intelligence suggesting Hamas used Al Shifa and other hospitals, and tunnels beneath them, to support military operations and hold hostages.

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said that Hamas and Islamic Jihad 'operate a command and control node from Al-Shifa in Gaza City'.

'They have stored weapons there and they're prepared to respond to an Israeli military operation against that facility,' he added, citing US intelligence sources.

In recent weeks, Israeli defence forces have 'publicly warned time and again that Hamas' continued military use of the Al-Shifa Hospital jeopardies its protected status under international law,' the military said.

'Yesterday, the IDF conveyed to the relevant authorities in Gaza once again that all military activities within the hospital must cease within 12 hours. Unfortunately, it did not.

'The IDF has also facilitated wide-scale evacuations of the hospital and maintained regular dialogue with hospital authorities. We call upon all Hamas terrorists present in the hospital to surrender.'

Hamas and hospital staff have denied the Israeli accusations that it uses the hospital for cover. Military officials gave no further details but said they were taking steps to avoid harm to civilians.

This comes after pressure ramped up on Israel over the blockade of the sprawling Al-Shifa compound. Doctors said patients and people seeking shelter have been stranded in horrific conditions.

Hamas-run Palestinian authorities called for a ceasefire yesterday to evacuate three dozen newborns and other patients trapped inside Gaza's biggest hospital as Israeli forces battled Hamas in the streets just outside and seized more ground across northern Gaza.

The United Nations estimates that at least 2,300 people - patients, staff and displaced civilians - are inside the hospital and may be unable to escape because of fierce fighting from the facility where supplies are nearly exhausted.

Supplies in the hospital are dwindling and there is no electricity to run incubators and other life-saving equipment. With refrigeration out for days, morgue staff dug a mass grave in the yard for more than 120 bodies yesterday, officials said.

At Al-Shifa, doctors said patients and people taking shelter were stranded in horrific conditions in the facility.

'There are bodies littered in the hospital complex and there is no longer electricity at the morgues,' said Al-Shifa hospital director Mohammad Abu Salmiya, adding that 179 bodies had been interred so far.

'We were forced to bury them in a mass grave,' he said, adding that seven babies and 29 intensive care patients were among those who had died after fuel for the hospital's generator ran out.

A witness said the stench of decomposing bodies was everywhere in the Gaza City facility as bombardment and gunfire echoed constantly in the area.

The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza says Israel's relentless assault has killed 11,320 people, also mostly civilians, including thousands of children.

Al-Shifa's fate has become a major focus of the more than five week war, which started after the deadly Hamas of October 7, which killed an estimated 1,200 Israelis, mostly civilians, and saw 240 hostages being taken to Gaza.

The United Nations estimates that at least 2,300 people - patients, staff and displaced civilians - are inside and may be unable to escape because of fierce fighting from the facility where supplies are nearly exhausted

The Israeli army has encircled Al-Shifa hospital because it believes Hamas is hiding inside and underneath the facility, using civilians as shields for their main command base

Supplies in the hospital are dwindling and there is no electricity to run incubators and other life-saving equipment. With refrigeration out for days, morgue staff dug a mass grave in the yard for more than 120 bodies today, officials said

'There are bodies littered in the hospital complex and there is no longer electricity at the morgues,' said Al-Shifa hospital director Mohammad Abu Salmiya, adding that 179 bodies had been interred so far

Newborns are placed in bed after being taken off incubators in Gaza's Al Shifa hospital after power outage on November 12

Israel insists it must protect citizens after the worst attack in the country's 75-year history. But Israel's critics point to the toll of a blockade and near-relentless bombing campaign on long-suffering civilians in Gaza.

The standoff at Shifa and other hospitals comes as Israeli forces control larger swaths of Gaza City and the surrounding northern part of the Gaza Strip, saying they are driving out and killing Hamas fighters.

Israel's defense minister, Yoav Gallant, said in a nationally televised press conference last night that Hamas has 'lost control' of northern Gaza and that Israel has made significant gains in Gaza City.

But asked about the timeframe for the war, Gallant said: 'We're talking about long months, not a day or two.'

Israel has vowed to crush Hamas rule in Gaza after the militants' October 7 attack into Israel, but even as its troops control more of a devastated north Gaza, the Israeli government has acknowledged it doesn't know what it will do with the territory after Hamas' defeat.

The onslaught - one of the most intense bombardments so far this century - has been disastrous for Gaza's 2.3 million Palestinians.

More than 11,200 people, two-thirds of them women and minors, have been killed in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run Palestinian Health Ministry in Ramallah.

The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza says Israel's relentless assault has killed 11,320 people, also mostly civilians, including thousands of children

A witness said the stench of decomposing bodies was everywhere in the Gaza City facility as bombardment and gunfire echoed constantly in the area

Premature babies under treatment in the neonatal intensive care unit of Al-Shifa hospital were removed from the incubators and transferred to another department in the hospital

Israel insists it must protect citizens after the worst attack in the country's 75-year history. But Israel's critics point to the toll of a blockade and near-relentless bombing campaign on long-suffering civilians in Gaza

Palestinians look for survivors after an Israeli strike on a building on Tuesday night in Jebaliya refugee camp

Israel's defense minister, Yoav Gallant, said in a nationally televised press conference Tuesday night that Hamas has 'lost control' of northern Gaza and that Israel has made significant gains in Gaza City

About 2,700 people have been reported missing. The ministry's count does not differentiate between civilian and militant deaths.

Almost the entire population of Gaza has squeezed into the southern two-thirds of the tiny territory, where conditions have been deteriorating even as bombardment there continues.

About 200,000 fled the north in recent days, the U.N. said Tuesday, but tens of thousands are believed to remain.

Hamas released a video late Monday showing one of the hostages, 19-year-old Noa Marciano, before and after she was killed in what Hamas said was an Israeli strike. The military later declared her a fallen soldier, without identifying a cause of death.

She is the first hostage confirmed to have died in captivity. Four were released by Hamas and a fifth was rescued by Israeli forces.

Fighting has raged for days around Shifa Hospital, a complex several city blocks across at the center of Gaza City that has now 'turned into a cemetery,' its director said in a statement.

The Health Ministry said 40 patients, including three babies, have died since Shifa's emergency generator ran out of fuel Saturday. Another 36 babies are at risk of dying because there is no power for incubators, according to the ministry.

The Israeli military previously said it had started an effort to transfer incubators to Shifa. But they would be useless without electricity, said Christian Lindmeier, a World Health Organisation spokesman.

The Palestinian Health Ministry had proposed evacuating the hospital with the supervision of the International Committee of the Red Cross and transferring the patients to hospitals in Egypt, but has not received any response, ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qidra said.

While Israel had said it is willing to allow staff and patients to evacuate, some Palestinians who have made it out say Israeli forces have fired at evacuees.

Denying the claims, the Gaza Health Ministry said it has invited international organizations to investigate the facility.

The onslaught - one of the most intense bombardments so far this century - has been disastrous for Gaza's 2.3 million Palestinians

More than 11,200 people, two-thirds of them women and minors, have been killed in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run Palestinian Health Ministry in Ramallah. About 2,700 people have been reported missing

Almost the entire population of Gaza has squeezed into the southern two-thirds of the tiny territory, where conditions have been deteriorating even as bombardment there continues

About 200,000 fled the north in recent days, the U.N. said Tuesday, but tens of thousands are believed to remain

Fighting has raged for days around Shifa Hospital, a complex several city blocks across at the center of Gaza City that has now 'turned into a cemetery,' its director said in a statement

The Health Ministry said 40 patients, including three babies, have died since Shifa's emergency generator ran out of fuel Saturday. Another 36 babies are at risk of dying because there is no power for incubators, according to the ministry

The White House's national security council spokesperson, John Kirby, said the U.S. has unspecified intelligence from a variety of sources that Hamas and another Palestinian militants use Shifa and other hospitals and tunnels underneath them to hide and support military operations and hold hostages

The White House's national security council spokesperson, John Kirby, said the U.S. has unspecified intelligence from a variety of sources that Hamas and another Palestinian militants use Shifa and other hospitals and tunnels underneath them to hide and support military operations and hold hostages.

But Kirby said the U.S. doesn't support airstrikes on hospitals and does not want to see 'a firefight in a hospital where innocent people, helpless people, sick people are simply trying to get the medical care that they deserve.'

On Monday, the military released footage of a children's hospital in Gaza City that its forces entered over the weekend, showing weapons it said it found inside, as well as basement rooms where it believes militants were holding hostages.

The video showed what appeared to be a hastily installed toilet and ventilation system in the basement.

The Health Ministry rejected the allegations, saying the area had been turned into a shelter for displaced people.

Independent accounts of the fighting in Gaza City have been nearly impossible to gather, as communications to the north have largely collapsed.

Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari said Israeli forces have completed the takeover of Shati refugee camp, a densely built district bordering Gaza City's center, and are moving about freely in the city as a whole.

Independent accounts of the fighting in Gaza City have been nearly impossible to gather, as communications to the north have largely collapsed

Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari said Israeli forces have completed the takeover of Shati refugee camp, a densely built district bordering Gaza CIty's center, and are moving about freely in the city as a whole

Israel says it has killed several thousand fighters, including important mid-level commanders, while 46 of its own soldiers have been killed in Gaza

In recent days Hamas rocket fire into Israel - constant throughout the war - has waned

Details of the Israeli account and the extent of Hamas losses could not be independently confirmed

Palestinians injured in Israeli raids arrive at Nasser Medical Hospital on November 14

Videos released by the Israeli military show troops moving through the city, firing into buildings. Bulldozers push down structures as tanks roll through streets surrounded by partially collapsed towers.

The videos portray a battle where troops are rooting out pockets of Hamas fighters and tearing down buildings they find them in, while gradually dismantling the group's tunnel network.

Israel said it has killed several thousand fighters, including important mid-level commanders, while 46 of its own soldiers have been killed in Gaza.

In recent days Hamas rocket fire into Israel - constant throughout the war - has waned. Details of the Israeli account and the extent of Hamas losses could not be independently confirmed.

One Israeli commander in Gaza, identified only as Lt. Col. Gilad, said in a video that his forces near Shifa Hospital had seized government buildings, schools and residential buildings where they found weapons and eliminated fighters.

The army said it had captured Gaza's legislature building, the Hamas police headquarters and a compound housing Hamas' military intelligence headquarters. The captured buildings carry high symbolic value, but their strategic value was unclear. Hamas fighters are believed to be positioned in underground bunkers.

Israeli news sites showed pictures of soldiers holding up the Israeli flag and military flags in celebration inside some of the buildings.

Israel has urged civilians in the north to flee south, but southern Gaza is not much safer. Israel carries out frequent airstrikes throughout Gaza, hitting what it says are militant targets but often killing women and children.

Some 1.5 million Palestinians, more than two thirds of Gaza's population, have fled their homes. U.N.-run shelters in the south are severely overcrowded.

People stand in line for hours for scarce bread and brackish water. Trash is piling up, sewage is flooding the streets and taps run dry because there is no way to power water systems. Israel has barred fuel imports since the start of the war, saying Hamas would use it for military purposes.

At a tent camp outside a hospital in the central town of Deir al-Balah, people trudged through mud as they stretched plastic tarps over flimsy tents.

'All of these tents collapsed because of the rain,' said Iqbal Abu Saud, who had fled Gaza City with 30 of her relatives. 'How many days will we have to deal with this?'

The U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, which is struggling to provide basic services to over 600,000 people sheltering in schools and other facilities in the south, said it may run out of fuel by Wednesday, forcing it to halt most aid operations, including bringing limited supplies of food and medicine in from Egypt.
A suspected serial arsonist who allegedly set fire to three Long Island homes has been arrested hours after being released without bail on Monday.

Amanda Burnside, 41, was accused of attempting to set fire to three houses on Long Island on Sunday evening and was charged with one count of second-degree arson and two counts of attempted second-degree arson, all felonies.

Despite prosecutors requesting that she be held in jail on $500,000 cash, $1 million bond, or $1.5 million partially secured bond, she was released without bail on Monday morning.

Burnside, a Southampton woman, allegedly acquired a knife less than two hours after her release and attempted to rob a Dollar Tree store.

'Clearly, the dangerousness of this defendant, who allegedly tried to ignite three homes on fire, was not adequately considered,' said Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney.

Amanda Burnside, 41, who allegedly set fire at three Long Island homes, was charged with armed robbery after she attempted to rob a Dollar Tree store

Burnside allegedly acquired a knife less than two hours after her release and attempted to rob a Dollar Tree store in Southampton (pictured)

The Southampton Town Police Department received three reports of 'someone trying to set their houses on fire' on Sunday evening, the Southampton Press reported.

Tierney told the outlet: 'In the first one, she goes up to the house, pours accelerant, but can't get her lighter to work.

'In the second one, she does the same thing, the homeowner comes out to confront her and she asks to use their lighter to start the fire.

On the third one, she does the same thing again and this time gets her lighter to work, so she starts the fire.'

Authorities said Burnside attempted to set fire to three residential houses on Oldfield Lane, West Tiana Road and Fairview Avenue on Sunday evening.

When police rushed to the scene, Burnside allegedly had set fire to a bench and the porch of the Oldfield Lane residence.

'Luckily the homeowner was able to extinguish the fire and no one was injured,' police said.

She was arrested at the scene and detained overnight until her arraignment in Southampton Town Justice Court took place on the morning of November 13.

Southampton Town Justice Gary J. Weber released Burnside on her own recognizance and ordered her to report for supervised released within 72 hours.

At around 11am Monday morning, police said Burnside 'pointed a knife at the cashier and demanded money from the register.'

She was once again arrested and brought to Southampton Town Justice Court. Her case will be processed by the same judge.

At around 11am Monday morning, police said Burnside 'pointed a knife at the cashier and demanded money from the register'

She was once again arrested and brought to Southampton Town Justice Court. Her case will be processed by the same judge

Upon the second arrest, she faced charges of first-degree attempted robbery, classified as a felony, along with criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree, a misdemeanor.

Her bail was set at $500,000 cash, $1 million bond, or $1.5 million partially secured bond this time, as recommended by the district attorney's office.

'At the first arraignment, custody status was supervised release through the Suffolk County Department of Probation, as provided by law,' said Justice Court Director Selena Berbig in a statemen to the Southampton Press.

Tierney slammed the state's bail laws following the second arrest of Burnside. The district attorney has been known as the lead prosecutor in the Gilgo Beach serial killer case.

'Clearly, the dangerousness of this defendant, who allegedly tried to ignite three homes on fire, was not adequately considered, given that within two hours of her arraignment, she allegedly committed another serious, violent felony.

'Furthermore, the danger that this defendant posed to society could never be adequately considered insofar as dangerousness is not a bail factor that judges can consider under New York State law.

My office will continue to seek that defendants that pose a threat to public safety, remain in custody, despite the obvious flaws to our law.'

'It's a crazy story,' Tierney told the Southampton Press, 'and I honestly don't know what the judge was thinking.'
The White House said Tuesday that U.S. intelligence indicates that Hamas fighters used tunnels beneath hospitals in Gaza to conceal its military operations, amid a furious debate over Israel's bombing campaign and advancing forces.

White House National Security Spokesman John Kirby spoke to reporters on Air Force One about the use of the infamous tunnel network as President Joe Biden made his way to San Francisco for the APEC summit.

'Now on the hospitals, I can confirm for you that we have information that Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad use some hospitals in the Gaza Strip, including Al Shifa, had tunnels underneath them, to conceal and to support their military operations and to hold hostages,' Kirby said.

'Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad - BIJ - members operate a command and control node from Al Shifa in Gaza City,' he said.

White House security spokesman John Kirby said Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad 'use some hospitals in the Gaza Strip, including Al Shifa' in order to 'conceal and to support their military operations and to hold hostages'

'They have stored weapons there and they're prepared to respond to an Israeli military operation against that facility.'

He said the information related specifically to Al Shifa, where Israeli forces have advanced to just outside the hospital.

The Israeli Defense Forces says it will let staff and patients leave, while hospital officials say they are desperately low on fuel to operate equipment amid large scale suffering due to Israel's war against Hamas.

'We have information that confirms that Hamas is using that particular hospital for a command and control mode,' Kirby said. He said they were probably using the network to store weapons. 'That is a war crime.'

Palestinians injured in Israeli raids arrive at Nasser Medical Hospital on November 14, 2023 on November 13, 2023 in Khan Yunis, Gaza. The White House says Hamas uses tunnels beneath hospitals for its military

Israeli forces have continued to pound Gaza for weeks

Israel has long accused Hamas of hiding its forces among civilian targets. Hamas officials have said more than 10,000 have died in Israel's campaign, although the White House says it cannot verify the figure.

An estimated 1,400 were killed in the Hamas October 7 attack on Israel.

Kirby said the Palestinian groups were prepared to respond to Israeli military operations, with IDF ground forces nearby.

Kirby was non-specific about the intelligence methods that provided the information.

He said it was based on 'a variety of intelligence methods of our own'  distinguishing it from information from the Israelis.

'I think you can understand that we're not going to be able to provide a whole lot of granular detail on that, we have to protect sources and methods. But we were able to downgrade some information to be able to provide that for you today but it comes from a variety of intelligence methods of our own, of our own,' he said.

On his trip to Israel immediately after the attacks, President Biden backed up Israeli's government after it said an errant missile launched by Palestinian Islamic Jihad was responsible for the explosion at a different hospital in Gaza.

Biden said it 'it appears as though it was done by the other team, not you,' in remarks to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Kirby laid down some markers for what the government considers acceptable as Israel seeks to dislodge fighters and free 240 hostages seized during the Hamas raid.

'To be clear, we do not support striking a hospital from the air. We do not want to see a firefight in a hospital where innocent people, helpless people, sick people are simply trying to get the medical care they deserve,' Kirby said.

'We have been clear on multiple occasions - Hamas actions do not lessen Israel's responsibilities to protect civilians in Gaza, and this is something we're going to continue to have an active conversation with our counterparts about.'

His news update came as Biden prepares to try to focus on economic issues as he meets with Asia Pacific leaders, while also planning a high stakes sit-down with China's President Xi Jinping.

The Middle East conflict is expected to be a major topic on the sidelines of the conference.

The developments came on a day President Biden spoke optimistically about an emerging deal to free hostages in Gaza.

'I believe it is going to happen but I don't want to get into details,' he said at the White House before going on his trip.

The Washington Post reported on a possible deal to free women and children held hostage in Gaza in exchange for Palestinian women and children held in Israeli prisons.

Israel wants all 100 women and children released, although Hamas indicated it only wanted to release 70, according to reports.
A major manhunt is underway in Melbourne's north after a man was brutally attacked inside a home, leaving him in a critical condition.

Police were called to the house on Maisie Court at Roxburgh Park following reports of an incident and found the injured man.

It is understood the victim, aged in his 40s, suffered serious stab wounds during the attack about 4.40am. He is being treated in hospital in a critical condition with upper body wounds.

The area has since been cordoned off as police investigate.

The attackers reportedly fled the scene in a vehicle following the attack. A detailed description of the suspects or vehicle is yet to be released.

A major manhunt is currently underway in Melbourne's north after a man was brutally attacked inside a home. Photos: 7News

The area has been cordoned off as police investigate while a manhunt is still underway

Anyone who has dashcam or CCTV footage of the area, or any information regarding the incident, is urged to contact police.

More to follow.
A Florida mother-in-law has been arrested while trying to feel the country, a week after her son was convicted of hiring a hitman to murder her son-in-law.

Donna Adelson, 73, was seized alongside her husband at Miami-Dade Airport after investigators learned she had a one-way ticket to Vietnam which has no extradition treaty with the US.

It was going to be complicated and really difficult trying to bring them back, depending on where they ended up in the world, said Leon County State Attorney Jack Campbell.

The arrest was not just based on the flight, but that played a part in the timing.

Son Charlie was convicted last week over the 2014 murder of law professor Daniel Markel who had won a court battle to stop Adelsons daughter Wendi moving nearer to Adelsons Miami home with their two children.

Donna Adelson was seized at Miami-Dade International Airport and booked into the county's Corrections and Rehabilitation facility

Dan Markel (right) was shot dead outside his home in 2014. He was married to Wendi Adelson (left) but amid their bitter divorce the pair were fighting about where their kids would live. It was during this time that Markle was shot dead

Charles Adelson (pictured) paid to have law professor Dan Markel - who was married to his sister, Wendi Adelson, killed. Adelson licked his lips as his defense attorney Daniel Rashbaum whispers to him before the verdict was delivered last week

Markel was shot dead in his garage and the Adelsons immediately became suspects after Wendi Adelson told detectives that the killing of her ex-husband could have been arranged on her behalf, saying her parents were very angry at Markel.

The court heard that Donna Adelson hated Markel and was desperate to find a way to overcome his determination to stop his two sons moving to South Florida.

Markel had asked a judge to prevent her from having unsupervised contact with her grandkids and prosecutors uncovered a July 2013 email in which she reacted to the court ruling.

Dan Markel, a dad-of-two, was shot as he sat in his car outside his home

Its time to take control of your life and not let Jibbers think hes just won anything by having you remain in Tallahassee, eight hours away from the only family you have, and lose out on what will be a job that will afford you and your children advantages that they will never otherwise be able to enjoy, she told her daughter.

Lets show this **** what will make him absolutely miserable.

You know his weak points; money, religion, control.

Authorities say the Adelsons offered Markel $1 million to let his ex-wife and sons move, but when he refused Charlie Adelson and other members of the family began plotting his death.

Prosecutors told jurors at trial that Charles Adelson paid to have the prominent professor killed and that he used his girlfriend, Katherine Magbanua, to hire the father of her two children, Sigfredo Garcia, to commit the murder.

They said Garcia enlisted the help of his childhood friend, Luis Rivera.

Magbanua and Garcia were convicted of first-degree murder and Rivera is serving a 19-year sentence after pleading guilty to second-degree murder in exchange for testifying against them.

Markel was shot in the head as he sat in his car outside his Tallahassee home, after taking his kids to daycare and going to the gym.

Investigators were able to track phone records showing numerous calls between Charlie Adelson and Magbanua, her and the killers and Charlie Adelson, and his mother and his sister in the hours before and shortly after the killing, as well as large monetary transactions between the family and Magbanua.

Garcia and Rivera were then linked to a rented Toyota Prius the killers used.

Wendi Adelson chuckled in court as she was asked about her brother Charles Adelson and the number of girlfriends he has had

Wendi wanted to move from Tallahassee to South Florida to be closer to her family. However, a judge at the time ruled that Wendi Adelson couldnt relocate without Markels consent and he refused, saying she couldnt move the children to Miami

In 2016, an FBI agent, impersonating an extortionist, approached Donna Adelson outside her home and demanded $5,000 to not turn information about the slaying over to investigators.

The ruse had been concocted in hopes that it would trigger a reaction from the Adelsons.

She contacted her son, telling him they needed to discuss "some paperwork" and that "you probably have a general idea what I'm talking about." They led to several calls and meetings between her and her son.

Charlie Adelson was arrested last year after technicians enhanced a recording made of him and Magbanua inside a Mexican restaurant in 2016 while they were under surveillance discussing the extortion attempt.

In the conversation, Adelson told Magbanua that she would need to meet with the extortionist and agree to a one-time payment.

He also told her he wasn't worried about being arrested, but if he thought police had any evidence proving the family orchestrated the slaying, we would have already gone to the airport.

During the trial, Wendi took the stand to testify that her family had nothing to do with the 2014 murder of her ex-husband. She denied having any knowledge of the murder-for-hire plot or any involvement herself.

Wendi, who works as an attorney, ended up moving to Miami days after her husband was shot. She was granted limited immunity for her testimony.

Assistant State Attorney Georgia Cappleman asked her: 'In all the years this has been pending, your brother has known who killed your child's father and you didn't know?'

'I did not know,' Wendi Adelson said.

She testified that she didn't find out about what happened until earlier that day.

Cappleman asked: 'Your family had your ex-husband killed to try to help you, right?' And Wendi responded on the stand: 'No, thats completely untrue.'

In a police interview in 2014, Wendi Adelson that her brother Charles would joke that he was looking into hiring a hit man, but bought her a TV instead because it was cheaper.

Cappleman asked in court: 'Is that what he said?'

Wendi responded: 'That was the joke that he made in poor taste, yes.'

Katherine Magbanua pictured in court in 2019

Sigfredo Garcia during his trial in 2019. Magbanua and Garcia were convicted of first-degree murder and Rivera is serving a 19-year sentence after pleading guilty to second-degree murder in exchange for testifying against them

The TV has always been Wendi's alibi. She has never been accused of any involvement in the murder of her ex-husband.

The mom-of-two was at home the morning of the homicide, waiting for a Best Buy Geek Squad member to come look at her cracked TV.

The victim's parents, Ruth and Phil Markel, and his sister, Shelly Markel, attended the trial and spoke after last weeks verdict.

'This has been a really long and terrible ordeal for all of us,' Shelly Markel said. 'Its taken a long toll on our lives. And theres a real sense of relief today.'
A man who fabricated a presidential pardon from then President Donald Trump to avoid charges in a federal fraud scheme has been sentenced to more than 17 years behind bars in connection with a related murder-for-hire plot.

The sentence was handed to Alexander Leszczynski, 25, in Florida federal court Monday, and comes on top of an identical 17.5 year sentence he was given last month, for wire fraud, bank fraud and money laundering.

Both sentences must be served consecutively, meaning Leszczynski, of Pinellas County, will spend the next 35 years behind bars.

Initially accused of using fictitious charities to secure two Payroll Protection Plan loans totaling about $196,000 during the pandemic, Leszczynski was also involved in a scheme in which he tried to deed himself properties around the country.

He eventually amassed a collection valued at more than $300 million, which included the multimillion dollar home of a married couple in Florida who became aware of the scheme through property tax information in August 2021, feds said.

The stern sentence was handed out to Alexander Leszczynski, 25, in Florida federal court Monday, and comes on top of an identical 17.5 year sentence he was handed out last month, for wire fraud, bank fraud and money laundering.

Leszczynski went on to harass and intimidate the couple, the sentencing memo filed by the government this week said - leading him to enlist an undercover agent he thought was a hitman to kill the couple for $30,000.

Needless to say, the proposition led to his arrest - his second in a matter of months after being charged with 'deed fraud' in April 2022 in relation to his efforts to steal the couple's home.

When the real owners tried to correct the fraudulent deed, Leszczynski 'responded by sending harassing and threatening letters, emails, and faxes,' a news release announcing his latest sentence states.

While he was being held in Pinellas County Jail in 2022 in relation to the fraud case, the unnamed couple received a letter from an incarcerated inmate at the facility revealing that Leszczynski offered him $45,000 to 'help him hurt' them.

Citing a mass of court documents filed along the way, The United States Attorney's Office of the Middle District of Florida said: 'In October 2020, Leszczynski, using the name of a fake charity, filed a fraudulent warranty deed for a transfer of a property in Redington Shores, Florida.

'When the owners of that residence, Victim 1 and Victim 2, sued Leszczynski to correct the deed Leszczynski sent a series of harassing letters, emails, and faxes to the victims and the lawyer representing them.'

They then wrote how in April 2022, Leszczynski was hit with the deed fraud charge related to the property, along with a series of other deceits including a scheme that saw the con try to deposit $2.7million in worthless checks into a fake business account.

That, along with multiple counts of money laundering, saw the then-suspect arraigned on May 17, 2022.

Then, in August 2022, 'the FBI became aware that while incarcerated at the Pinellas County Jail, Leszczynski sought out a hitman to kill Victim 1 and Victim 2' in conversations with his fellow inmate, who went on to become a confidential informant for the government.

Leszczynski then reported to then informant that he had $45,000 hidden at his residence, available to pay someone to kill the victims, the statement said.

The inmate then wrote to the Assistant U.S. District Attorney of Leszcynskis plan, which included him still assuming the victims property, and that his then pending fraud case would be dropped after the victims' deaths.

The confidential informant then 'agreed to put Leszczynski in contact with a purported hitman,' feds in the Sunshine State said - before revealing the supposed contract killer was actually an undercover agent.

Less than a month later, Leszczynski had a series of calls with the undercover, sharing details such as the victims' names and addresses, along with descriptions, approximate ages, and additional details that would allow the 'hitman' to find photographs of the couple online.

The jailhouse phone calls, taking place on September 8 and 9 of last year, also saw the fraudster negotiate the rate for the job down to $30,000, while repeatedly requesting that both victims end up dead.

That culminated to a fresh set of charges that Leszczynski pleaded guilty to just two months later in November 2022, leading to the 17.5 year sentence handed out on Monday.

Prosecutors revealed in a news release upon his arrest: 'When he discovered that the money had been frozen, he attempted to have it released by producing a fabricated pardon purportedly signed by former President Donald Trump'

During that court appearance, Leszczynski also pleaded guilty to the initial case, which was brought in April 2022, after which feds seized $337,000 from one of his several phony bank accounts.

Prosecutors revealed in a news release upon his arrest: 'When he discovered that the money had been frozen, he attempted to have it released by producing a fabricated pardon purportedly signed by former President Donald Trump.'

Not taking the bait, feds went through with the sprawling fraud case, charging him with wire fraud, bank fraud and money laundering for using fake charities to get two his pandemic-era loans, which were worth nearly $200,000.

Despite the extent of his crimes Leszczynski has had a 'total lack of remorse' in the case and 'demonstrates his continued dangerousness to the couple and the public', prosecutors maintained in Monday's sentencing memo.

'Since he pleaded guilty in both cases, Leszczynski has written numerous letters -intercepted by the United States - attempting to solicit and threaten others to come forward and fraudulently take responsibility for his crimes,' they revealed.

Leszczynski's attorney Dane Chase, however, had a different take about his client's crimes Tuesday, claiming the sentences were too harsh given the con's age at the time of his crimes.

'The sentences imposed upon Mr. Leszczynski reflect an utter disregard for the mitigating factors of youth,' he said of the sentences in an emailed statement to USA Today.

'Mr. Leszczynski was in his early twenties at the time of his charged offenses. Science has proven that the human brain continues to develop until approximately the age of 25,' he added.

'[The] sentences do not adequately account for this fact,' he declared, adding that he and the fraudster both 'look forward to litigating this issue and others on appeal.'
The sister of an Alabama inmate who died after allegedly being bound, raped, and beaten in prison has made a heartbreaking tribute to her brother.

Daniel Williams, 22, was serving a 12-month sentence for second-degree theft at Staton Correctional Facility in Elmore, Alabama when a warden found him unresponsive in his dorm on October 22.

While the prison said he died of a drug overdose, his family were told that dad-of-two Williams was 'kidnapped, bound, assaulted and sold out' by another inmate for 'two or three days' and was covered in wounds.

Williams was declared brain dead upon his hospital arrival and was provided palliative care. He was taken off life support on November 5 and died four days later.

His devastated sister Brittany has chronicled how she held his hand, nursed him, and watched her bruised-and-bloodied brother gasp for air as he fought for his life.

'Id take your place instantly, so you could have more time with your kids,' she said.

ADOC Law Enforcement Services Division, who are investigating the incident, have not apprehended anyone for Williams' death.

Daniel Williams, 22, with his sister Brittany Robinson. She said following his death: 'Oh Daniel, this s**t hurts so hard, Im really really sorryits not fairplease be at peace now'

Williams (pictured) was declared brain dead upon his hospital arrival and was provided palliative care. He was taken off life support on November 5 and died four days later

Daniel's heartbroken sister Brittany Robinson said in a statement: 'Id take your place instantly, so you could have more time with your kids. I so would Daniel.

'This sissy is extremely exhausted and lost without her Daniel calling hersaying look what your niece done learned how to talk about already.

'This sister held your hand for three days straight, this sister wiped your drool, wiped cold rags on you so youre body could cool off in that hospital room.

'This sister told the nurses to clean you extra because you needed it, this sister made sure you were taken care of when I could.

'This sister watched you gasp for air, shake to try and breathe, this sister looked at your bruise body and bit her tongue from cussing the guard out at the prison cause she knew theyd stop me from seeing you

'I told you I loved you, I talked to you even though I knew you couldnt responseI told you I love you, and I needed you to know we are okay.

'Oh Daniel, this s**t hurts so hard, Im really really sorryits not fairplease be at peace now.'

At least 12 prison cops at Staton Correctional Facility - along with adjoining Elmore and Draper prisons - have been arrested for assaulting inmates in the last two years.

Federal investigators have also been probing the state of Alabama and its prisons since a scathing lawsuit was lodged by the Department of Justice in 2019.

On October 15, just weeks before his death, Williams wrote on his Facebook page: 'How every body doing.

'I ain't got to much longer left, pray for me, I'm coming home better then I was before, drug free. It's been a crazy ride, 3 different prisons now. It's almost over.'

It's unclear how he was able to access the internet while in prison.

Amber Williams, Daniel's fiancee told WVTM: 'I went to the hospital and the nurses told me that he was assaulted and beaten really badly. And when I went into the room, had bruises all down his arm, like down to his fingers, he had bruises over here. He had cuts up and down and bruises on his legs. And it was bad.'

Speaking of their child together, Amber added: 'How am I supposed to tell her about her daddy? Like, why isn't he here? Why didn't he ever come home?'

Despite his criminal record, Amber said he was a 'good father.'

Brittany Robinson and her brother Daniel. who died after the alleged assault in prison

Daniel Williams and his fiancee, Amber. His family said that they weren't able to raise enough money to bury Daniel. Instead, he will be cremated.

Daniel Williams, 22, was serving a 12-month sentence for second-degree theft at Staton Correctional Facility in Elmore, Alabama when a warden found him unresponsive in his dorm on October 22. Williams was declared brain dead upon his hospital arrival and was provided palliative care. He was taken off life support on November 5 and died four days later

The prisoner's father, Terry Williams, and step-mother, Taylor Bostic, also allege that their son's body showed signs of physical abuse, including that 'his hands were bound'.

They claim Williams' doctor described the alleged abuse as unlike anything he had ever seen throughout his 30-year medical career.

Terry said that he wasn't able to raise enough money to bury his son. Instead, he will be cremated.

'I will let everyone know date and time once they tell me. Thanks everyone I really appreciate everything,' he wrote on social media.

'Daniel Terry Williams fly high son, keep mom and granny company justice will be served. I love you son, till we meet again.'

His mother Tammy wrote online: 'My world my everything is gone why why why I promise you son I will take everything in my power to get justice for you.

'You didn't deserve any of this, they took you away from me, they took you away from your wife, your daughter. You asked me everyday to please watch out for your daughter I promise you son I will be here for the both of them.

'Your lovely beautiful daughter, you're beautiful wife, and I'll do everything I can I'm here for you son, I'm here for your daughter, I'm here for your wife.

'Everyday I talk to you to please just keep an eye on them don't let nothing happen to them, I promise you I would and I still will. I love you Daniel you're my sunshine, my only sunshine, and they took you away but I'll see you soon baby doll.

'I love you, you'll see me real soon, I love you to the moon and back.'

Daniel Williams, 22, was serving a 12-month sentence for second-degree theft at Staton Correctional Facility in Elmore, Alabama

He is pictured with his fiancee, Amber Williams. She visited him in hospital while he was brain dead, and said that he was covered in bruises from being assaulted

The Alabama Department of Corrections said in a statement: 'On Thursday, November 9, 2023, an inmate death was reported at Kilby Correctional Facility.

'Inmate Daniel Terry Williams was found unresponsive in the Health Care Unit. Medical staff attempted to revive him, but they were unable to resuscitate him, and he was pronounced deceased by the attending physician.

'On Sunday, October 22, 2023, a possible inmate-on-inmate assault was reported at Staton Correctional Facility.

'Inmate Williams was discovered unresponsive in his dorm and was transported to the Health Care Unit. Medical personnel treated Williams and monitored his condition.

'The decision was made to transfer him to an area hospital for further evaluation and treatment. He remained at the hospital until the family decided to remove him from life support.

'He was transported to Kilby Correctional Facility for long-term comfort care where he subsequently died. The ADOC Law Enforcement Services Division is investigating the incident.'

Staton Correctional Facility - where Williams was being held - has a fraught history.

In August 2023, Correctional Sergeant Devlon Williams was found guilty of assaulting a defenseless prisoner at Staton Correctional Facility in 2018.

He repeatedly punched and kicked an incarcerated man in the main hallway at Staton and struck him with a collapsible baton, a lawsuit stated.

Sergeant Williams was just one of 12 officers who have been arrested, prosecuted, or convicted for assaulting inmates within the Elmore, Staton, Draper prison complex in the last 24 months.

In July 2023, Sergeant DMarcus Sanders was charged with murder after inmate Rubyn Murray was killed at Elmore Correctional Facility - which adjoins Staton.

Murray was allegedly taken to a holding cell at the back of the prison and was beaten up. Officers were allegedly told to ignore his pleas for help - and he died at Jackson Hospital later that day.

And in October 2023, correctional officer Laneitria Hasberry, 29, was arrested for bringing 170g of marijuana into the jail and selling it onto inmates for $1,000.

His family was not notified of his hospitalization until three days later, on October 25. They then visited him at the facility and observed bruises and injuries indicative of assault on his body. Williams is pictured with his child

Pictured: Staton Correctional Facility in Elmore, Alabama. The prison complex has a fraught history

At least 12 officers have been arrested, prosecuted, or convicted for assaulting inmates within the Elmore, Staton, Draper prison complex in the last 24 months

Hasberry, 29, was charged with promoting prison contraband and using her official position for personal gain.

Three days later, inmate Timothy Walden died from a suspected drug overdose at Staton Correctional Center. A video showed him hunched over and and unconscious on the toilet before he was found.

And at another Alabama prison, in the same week, Charles Harris died from a suspected drug overdose - just 11 days before his release date.

This follows ongoing federal investigations into the violence in Alabama prisons. In 2019, the Department of Justice released a report alleging prison conditions violated inmate's civil rights.

The report alleged that the state did not take enough measures to prevent inmate-on-inmate violence and sexual abuse, failure to protect them from excessive force by staff, and failure to provide safe conditions of confinement.

The DOJ sued Alabama for its 'unsafe' prison conditions in 2020.

According to the lawsuit, Alabama violated the 8th and 14th amendments by failing to prevent prisoner-on-prisoner violence and sexual abuse.
West Virginia Governor Jim Justice has filed a $1 billion lawsuit against a regional bank, accusing the lender of trapping his family businesses in a 'predatory' loan scheme.

The federal lawsuit filed on Friday names Virginia-based Carter Bank and Trust as a defendant, as well as the bank's CEO Litz Van Dyke and members of the company's board of directors.

Justice is a plaintiff in the suit alongside his wife, son, and more than a dozen businesses in the family's business empire, which includes vast holdings of coal mines and farms, and a luxury resort property.

The suit accuses Carter Bank of trapping the Justice companies in a 'predatory scheme to perpetuate the flow of interest payments' from a loan portfolio of some $740 million as of 2017.

If comes after Justice, his wife Cathy Justice and son James C. 'Jay' Justice signed confessions of judgment in April for over $300 million, which the family are seeking to have tossed out in a separate Virginia state court proceeding.

West Virginia Governor Jim Justice has filed a $1 billion lawsuit against a regional bank, accusing the lender of trapping his family businesses in a 'predatory' loan scheme

A spokesperson for Carter Bank referred DailyMail.com to the company's public statement, which dismissed Justice's allegations as 'false and misleading'.

The 36-page complaint filed by Justice is heavily redacted, citing a non-disclosure agreement with the bank that is disputed by the governor's attorneys.

The suit says that the Justice family built a relationship with Carter Bank from 2001 to 2017, and that this business relationship was largely based on ties between the Justice family and the bank's founder Worth Carter.

But the suit alleges that following the founder's death, the bank blocked the Justice family from moving their banking business elsewhere, 'effectively seizing control of the Justice businesses and making it impossible for Plaintiffs ever to fully pay off their loans'.

The Justices alleges that after the founder's death, Van Dyke and Carter president Phyllis Karavatakis took over management responsibilities and 'exhibited tremendous hostility toward the Justice companies and the Justices personally.'

'This growing hostility came notwithstanding the sterling relationship that had lasted more than 16 years between the Justices and Carter Bank, over which the Justice companies, to the banks great profit, had never missed a payment,' the suit says.

The suit accuses Carter Bank of various instances of 'bad faith and misconduct' used to keep the Justice businesses on the hook.

In one case, the bank agreed to a payment deferral, but then reneged at the last minute, triggering a technical default that the bank used to impose sweeping changes to the terms of a loan, according to the complaint.

Carter Bank accused the Justice businesses of failing to meet their loan obligations

West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice holds up his dog Babydog's rear end as a message to haters during his State of the State speech in the House chambers

In its statement, Carter Bank accused the Justice businesses of failing to meet their loan obligations.

'The Company and Carter Bank deny the allegations contained in the redacted Lawsuit and intend to defend vigorously all claims asserted in the Lawsuit,' the statement said.

The bank also said that many of the allegations in the new lawsuit were a rehashing of claims from a suit the Justices filed in May 2021, which was tossed out of court by a judge.

Justice's businesses face a number of challenges, including a DOJ lawsuit filed in May alleging his 13 mining companies 'violated their legal obligations' by failing to pay penalties and fines.

According to the 128 page filing, Justice's mining companies 'failed to pay uncontested penalties assessed for their uncontested violations,' after having been cited with more than 130 violations totaling $5 million in civil penalties by the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement at the US Interior Department.

Gov. Justice, a Republican, and his son have worked together to manage a sprawling empire.

The elder Justice has been reported to be the richest person in West Virginia.

In 2009, Justice reportedly made a fortune when he sold Bluestone Resources, a collection of mines, to a Russian firm, then had to buy it back later amid claims of mismanagement while under Russian control.

The father and son said in a prior lawsuit they had the objective of 'returning Bluestone to profitability,' Forbes reported.

The billionaire governor, owner of the storied Greenbrier resort, also 'has a hard time paying the bills,' Forbes reported in 2019, with him and his companies facing $10 million in court fines while facing millions more in tax liens and damage awards, along with funds owed for mine reclamation.

Th Justice-owned or controlled companies are incorporated in Virginia, West Virginia, and Delaware.
The killer mother of Baby P is now 'too scared' to leave her hostel since she was released from prison over the brutal murder of her toddler son, who was tortured to death.

Tracey Connelly, now 41, was taken from HM Prison Low Newton in County Durham to start a secret new life in a bail hostel in July last year.

But her return to public life has reportedly been met with confrontation from locals who have recognised the notorious killer, despite Connolly being advised to 'lose weight and dye her hair' to stay hidden, according to The Mirror.

Connelly, whose conspicuous weight is at more than 20 stone, has faced the fury of residents and neighbours for her hand in torturing 17-month-old son Peter to death in 2007, in a horrific case that shocked the nation.

The recluse, who covered up the abuse of her son, was jailed indefinitely in 2009 for a minimum of five years after admitting causing or allowing his death.

Tracey Connelly, now 41, was taken from HM Prison Low Newton in County Durham to start a secret new life in a bail hostel in July last year

Known publicly as Baby P, Peter had suffered more than 50 injuries despite being on the at-risk register

She has also reportedly been met with animosity from her two grown-up daughters, when in a vain attempt she requested to 'build bridges' with them last year.

However, the pair who were put into foster care when she was imprisoned for the murder of their toddler brother, refused her wishes to 'spend Christmas as a family', meaning she would potentially face the winter festivities alone.

According to the Daily Star, the 41-year-old sent repeated letters and tried to call her daughters who refused all of her offers,

One source said: 'Tracey was looked after in prison. She was seen as a notorious criminal and looked after, because there were so many people that wanted to do her harm for what she did to that poor baby.

'But now she is out fending for herself, and no one wants to know'.

Connelly, who covered up the abuse of her son, was jailed indefinitely in 2009 for a minimum of five years after admitting causing or allowing his death

Connelly's lover Steven Barker (left) was jailed in 2009 for a minimum of 32 years for torturing the 17-month-old to death while his brother, Jason Owen (right), received a six-year jail sentence for allowing the toddler to die

Tracey Connolly, 41, who earned the loathing of a nation after details emerged of the cruelty she inflicted on her toddler son Peter before his death in 2007, was pictured out shopping while wearing headphones

Connolly has reportedly made friends with Helen Caudwell, who smothered her three-year-old daughter Bethany in 2006

Dominic Raab (pictured) pledged in March to appeal against the board's recommendation to free Tracey Connelly, 40, from prison

Connelly's release from prison stunned the nation, with then-Justice Secretary Dominic Raab vowing to block the move within hours of the announcement, describing the notorious case as 'harrowing'.

Upon her release, Connelly was subject to 20 licence conditions, including having to wear an electronic tag and disclose all her relationships, as well as having her Internet use monitored and is forced to obey a curfew. She is also banned from going to certain places to 'avoid contact with victims and to protect children'.

Baby P: A timeline of the tragedy that shocked Britain March 1, 2006: Peter Connelly (Baby P) is born August 3, 2007: 17-month-old Baby P is found dead in cot November 11, 2008: Peter's mother, Tracey Connelly, boyfriend Steven Barker and brother Jason Owen are convicted of causing his death November 13, 2008: Ed Balls orders an inquiry into the role of the council, health authority and police December 1, 2008: An independent review declares Haringey's child protection services 'inadequate' December 8, 2008: Haringey Children's Services boss Sharon Shoesmith is sacked with immediate effect May 22, 2009: Connelly is jailed indefinitely, Barker gets a life term and Owen is given an indeterminate sentence for public protection October 7, 2009: Shoesmith launches a High Court case against Balls to seek compensation for her dismissal September 15, 2010: Shoesmith tells MPs she is sorry about what happened but refuses to accept any blame, saying she had no involvement in the care of Baby P May 27, 2011: The Court of Appeal rules in favour of Shoesmith, saying her dismissal was 'tainted by unfairness' October 8, 2013: Connelly is recommended for release by the Parole Board February 14, 2015: Connelly is back behind bars after sending nude pictures to male fans December 29, 2015: The Parole Board rejects Connelly's first bid for freedom November 28, 2017: The Parole Board rejects Connelly's second bid for freedom January 6, 2019: The Parole Board rejects Connelly's third bid for freedom March 30, 2022: Connelly is recommended for release by the Parole Board Advertisement

In March last year, the Parole Board announced she had been cleared for release due to a low risk of reoffending and that probation officers and prison officials supported the plan.

She was released in 2013 but was recalled to prison in 2015 for selling naked photos of herself, cashing in on her notoriety with male fans, and breaching her licence conditions by 'developing intimate personal relationships' online.

A source told The Sun on Sunday: 'Authorities believe she was uploading images of herself and trying to flog them  possibly to sick perverts getting a kick out of her notoriety,'

They added: 'It doesn't get any more depraved than this.'

A few months after her release in April 2023, Connolly had reportedly grown close to another killer mum, Helen Caudwell, 54, who throttled her three-year-old daughter Bethany with a pyjama case in October 2009, according to The Mirror.

The pair were reported to have been living with each other at the unnamed hostel in the north of England in April this year.

A source described the pair as 'mates' and said 'they're always talking to each other'.

They added: 'Tracey very rarely leaves the building. A couple of girls have been warned not to bully her. They're told not to judge each other's crimes.

'They hate what she did but they just have to live with it. If they say anything, they're threatened with being recalled to prison.

'There are normal girls in there along with child killers. They just have to accept it. If Tracey does go out, she wears a mask or puts her hood up. She's on a tag. But she just spends most of her time lounging around.'

Other residents in the halfway house have reportedly been told to 'be nice' to Connolly.

Known publicly as Baby P, Peter had suffered more than 50 injuries despite being on the at-risk register and receiving 60 visits from social workers, police officers and health professionals over eight months.

Connelly's lover Steven Barker was jailed in 2009 for a minimum of 32 years for torturing the 17-month-old to death while his brother, Jason Owen, received a six year jail sentence for allowing the toddler to die.

A series of reviews identified missed opportunities for officials to save the toddler's life had they reacted properly to warning signs.

Three of the children, including Peter, were on Haringey's Child Protection Register because of fears they were being neglected.

Connelly, who covered up the abuse of her son, was jailed in 2009 for a minimum of five years after admitting causing or allowing the death of her son Peter.
A LATAM airplane engine got caught on fire after it was struck by a bird moments after taking off from an airport in Brazil.

Flight LA3361 departed Sunday evening from Luis Eduardo Magalhes Airport at 7:21 pm and was headed to Guarulhos International Airport in Sao Paulo when the engine on the right side of the aircraft burst in flames.

Footage filmed by a passenger by a window seat captured the moment sparks were coming out from the engine as the pilot was preparing for an emergency landing.

According to AirNav RadarBox - the Tampa-based global flight tracking and data services company - the pilot circled the Airbus A321-231 aircraft twice before safely landing on the airport's runway 10.

A passenger on the LATAM airplane whose engine burst in flames after it was struck by a bird after taking off from an airport in Salvador, Brazil on Sunday night crawls on his knees as a form of appreciation for the pilot, co-pilot and the rest of the crew, including the flight attendant (right), after the aircraft safely landed

The LATAM airplane's right engine caught fire after it was struck by a bird moments after it took off from Luis Eduardo Magalhes Airport in Salvador, Brazil on Sunday night

Upon landing, the passengers let out their emotions by applauding the pilot, co-pilot and the rest of the crew.

One of the passengers showed his thanks to the airline staff by crawling on his knees, a promise he had made to himself once the airplane encountered the problem.

Marcelo de Oliveira, who was on the flight, told Brazilian news outlet G1 that the passengers were frightened and not sure they were going survive when they spotted the engine on fire.

However, calms were quickly restored once the pilot landed aircraft.

The pilot circled the airplane twice before returning to Luis Eduardo Magalhes Airport in Salvador, Brazil, for an emergency landing just moments after a bird had struck its engine on the right side. The aircraft landed without any issues and no injuries were reported

'It really was a moment of terror that we experienced, a very big scare but thank God everything worked out,' de Oliveira said.

'We panicked, we thought we were going to die,' he added.

LATAM said in a statement that the incident was being investigated by the airline and Airbus.

'Passengers disembarked normally after landing in Salvador, received the necessary assistance from LATAM and were accommodated on other flights to their destination,' the Chile-based airline indicated.

'The company emphasizes that it adopts all technical and operational measures to ensure a safe trip for everyone.'
An 18-month-old boy has tragically drowned in a backyard pool as other children played nearby.

The toddler was found face down in the pool in Perth's southern suburbs on Sunday.

Adults performed CPR before paramedics arrived and rushed the boy to Fiona Stanley Hospital in the Perth suburb of Murdoch.

However, doctors could not revive the toddler, Perth Now reported.

A WA Police spokesperson said the drowning was a tragic accident.

A young boy drowned in a backyard pool in Perth's southern suburbs last weekend. Stock image pictured

Adults did CPR on the child before paramedics arrived and an ambulance rushed him to Fiona Stanley Hospital (pictured)

A new pool safety campaign was launched last week, amid shocking statistics showing that 27 children aged under five drown every year in Australia.

In October, a seven-year-old boy was taken unconscious from a public swimming pool in Balga, 13km north of Perth CBD.

This sparked the local council to warn parents to keep a close watch on their children in pools and not to be looking at their phones.

Royal Life Saving Australia's national drowning report 2023 showed that 281 people had drowned in Australian waterways in the previous 12 months.

More than three-quarters of those deaths were males (77 per cent), and 57 per cent of the total number of deaths were of people aged over 45.
President Joe Biden touched down in San Francisco on Tuesday where he is set to hold a high-profile meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping while facing a potential government shutdown back in Washington D.C.

Greeting him at the airport was California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who has become a top Biden campaign surrogate after last year being mentioned as a potential presidential candidate.

Newsom, who recently returned from his own meeting with Xi in Beijing, is hosting a big bucks fundraiser for Biden's campaign along with Vice President Kamala Harris.

Joining him at San Francisco International Airport to greet Biden was his wife Jennifer, along with city mayor London Breed and Rep. Kevin Mullin (D-Calif.).

The president offered brief words about the strained US-China relationship shortly before leaving the White House.

He called for bringing them back to a 'normal course of corresponding.'

'Were not trying to decouple from China. What were trying to do is change the relationship for the better,' he said.

President Joe Biden greets California Gov. Gavin Newsom, center, and his wife Jennifer, San Francisco London Breed and Rep. Kevin Mullin, D-Calif., front, as he arrives at San Francisco International Airport for the APEC summit. Newsom has become a top campaign surrogate for Biden, 80

Newsom wasn't there on the tarmac to welcome Vice President Kamala Harris, with whom he shares a longtime political rivalry. Harris was greeted by the state's lieutenant governor, Eleni Kounalakis, a Harris friend. London Breed was on hand to greet both Biden and Harris, who arrived minutes apart.

Biden's Wednesday meeting with Xi is the main event of his four-day visit to San Francisco, where leaders from the 21 economies that make up the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum are gathering for their annual summit.

The president's motorcade was greeted by hundreds of cheering people as he drove from the San Francisco International Airport to his stay in the downtown area.

They waved Chinese and American flags, cheering as the motorcade raced by.

Gavin Newsom was joined by his wife Jennifer in meeting the president in San Francisco

California Gov. Gavin Newsom and his wife Jennifer wait to greet President Joe Biden at San Francisco International Airport. Newsom is set to hold a fundraiser for Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris Tuesday evening

President Biden was greeted by hundreds of people lining his motorcade route in downtown San Francisco - cheering him as he raced by

All smiles: Biden and the Newsoms share a joke while the president's Secret Service watch on

U.S.-China relations have been frayed for months, but the White House hopes a chugging U.S. economy and slowing unemployment can bring it new credibility in Biden's talks with other leaders.

'The president really feels weve got the wind at our back here,' said White House national security spokesman John Kirby on the flight west.

Kirby also made some news as he briefed reporters Tuesday. He said Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad used tunnels beneath hospitals in Gaza to conceal military operations and to hold hostages. It was just the first time the war in the Middle East was expected to inject itself into the economic conversation that drew world leaders here.

Additionally, Biden has been urged to meet San Francisco's homeless and see the city's squalor first-hand while he's in the city by the Bay. Social rights advocates have criticized the recent cleanup spree of San Francisco streets, saying it's merely not to embarrass the country when all the foreign leaders are in town.

But while Asian-Pacific issues are on the table, Biden will also work to keep the Israel-Hamas war from exploding into a broader conflict and to persuade Republican lawmakers to continue to spend billions more on the costly Ukrainian effort to repel Russia's nearly 21-month old invasion.

Joy: Gavin and Jennifer Newsom laugh as Biden prepares to board The Beast in San Francisco

Supporters await the arrival of China's President Xi Jinping next to Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit

President Joe Biden is in San Francisco for high-stakes talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping while hosting the APEC conference

Biden's agenda includes international diplomacy, economic cooperation - and raising campaign cash

'President Biden this coming week will be doing a lot more than just meeting with President Xi,' White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters on Monday.

He added that Biden would put forward his economic vision for the region, make the case that the U.S. is 'the very eminent driver' for sustainable economic growth in the Asia-Pacific, and hold the region out as critical to U.S. economic growth.

While in San Francisco, Biden also will attend a fundraiser Tuesday night for his re-election. He'll also hold a bilateral meeting with Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.

Meanwhile, back in Washington, Speaker Mike Johnson's plan to avert a government shutdown faces a key vote on Tuesday, as he tries to overcome hardline opposition from his own Republicans but may pick up some support from Democrats.

Johnson is trying to rally Republican support for a 'clean' two-step continuing resolution, or 'CR,' that would keep federal funding levels unchanged into early next year.

President Joe Biden boarded Air Force One to make his way to San Francisco for his high stakes meeting with Xi Jinping

Biden holds talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping

Biden is hosting the APEC summit in San Francisco this week

The president faces polling troubles in his campaign and political troubles in Washington, with government funding set to expire Friday and House Republicans preparing to move a 'laddered' short term funding extension

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Congress' top Democrat, gave a tentative welcome to the proposal on Monday.

'For now, I am pleased that Speaker Johnson seems to be moving in our direction by advancing a CR that does not include the highly partisan cuts that Democrats have warned against,' Schumer said

But House Republican hardliners are threatening to use procedural roadblocks to stop the bill from advancing.

And, if it does pass both chambers of Congress, Biden must still sign it into law. The deadline to fund the government is midnight Friday.
It seemed as if the whole of Jerusalem had turned out  or, at least, the whole of the Jewish part of this divided city.

As traffic crawled nose to tail for more than a mile below the cemetery entrance, the funeral had to be delayed.

By the time it began, thousands were gathered shoulder to shoulder under the pines and cypresses of Mount Herzl, to hear eulogies and prayers for a young woman they had never known, who for the last two years had lived here 'alone'.

A couple of hours later, when the traditional three volleys of rifle fire had finished their echo across the biblical landscape below, the throngs dispersed.

Our previous day's vignette of wartime suffering had been a much more intimate affair; taking coffee on the fifth-floor balcony of a Ukrainian refugee's flat in the southern city of Ashkelon, as the air trembled from air strikes and artillery fire into the adjacent Gaza Strip.

And before that meeting, we had found ourselves queuing in the brilliant sunshine of Jerusalem's Russian Compound district, in order to gain access to the criminal court on Jaffa Street. There, a woman we had met on the fabled Mount of Olives only the previous week was due to make her first appearance in the dock, on serious charges.

Rosie Lubin, 20, was a member of the IDF and was fatally stabbed by a 16-year-old Palestinian boy in Jerusalem

Ukrainian mother Katia pictured with her son Stanislav at their home in Ashkelon in Israel

Suraya's nephew 17-year-old nephew Adam Abu Alhawa was shot dead after he had reportedly stabbed and seriously wounded a member of the Border Police

This is the story of Rose, Katia and Suraya; three women caught up in this same cataclysmic war.

One was fatally wounded on Monday last week, the second finds she has escaped one bloody conflict only to be engulfed by another. The third languishes in jail, where she may remain for several years to come.

Since Hamas launched its murderous rampage from Gaza on the morning of October 7, thousands of Israelis and Palestinians have died, and hundreds of thousands  perhaps millions  from both sides of the conflict have been displaced from their homes.

It is hard to compute the figures  and the suffering.

One can only do one's best to report on the impact of the conflict through individual stories. And so we return to Rose, Katia and Suraya.

Girl who loved fishing and wanted children

Rose Lubin was only 20 when she died; an American Jewish girl, from suburban Atlanta, Georgia.

She was the eldest of five children, and although short in stature, apparently excelled at sports, particularly wrestling. She adhered strongly to her family's ancestral faith.

In 2021, aged 18, Rose performed Aliyah  the migration to Israel by a member of the Jewish diaspora.

Rose Lubin was only 20 when she died; an American Jewish girl, from suburban Atlanta, Georgia

Hundreds of mourners attended her funeral. Rose enrolled into the Border Police, and rose to the rank of sergeant

She was part of an ID-checking cordon at one of the gates into Israeli-occupied Jerusalem's Old City when a local 16-year-old Palestinian boy fatally stabbed her

Rose's burial was delayed to allow her family to travel from America. But her death has also clearly caught the Israeli, post-October 7 imagination

Her younger brother told the congregation that as a teenager his big sister changed the colour of her hair to a dizzying degree and recalls how 'Rose lived life free of judgment'

She went to school here to improve her Hebrew and although she was not obliged to do so  as young, native-born Jewish Israelis are  she joined the IDF. Enrolled into the Border Police, she rose to the rank of sergeant. As an IDF member who had no other family in Israel she was classified as a 'lone soldier'.

In life, this granted some small administrative privileges. In death, and at the time of what some Israelis see as an existential war, this made her very special. Jerusalem turned out for her send-off.

READ MORE: IDF confirms death of 19-year-old soldier Noa Marciano after Hamas terrorists released horrific hostage video that also showed her body Advertisement

On October 7, Rose Lubin took part in the defence of her kibbutz near the Gaza border.

On Monday last week, she was part of an ID-checking cordon at one of the gates into Israeli-occupied Jerusalem's Old City when a local 16-year-old Palestinian boy fatally stabbed her and wounded one of her colleagues before he was 'neutralised'  to use the local terminology. The boy's identity has not been released.

Rose Lubin's burial was delayed to allow her family to travel from America. But her death has also clearly caught the Israeli, post-October 7 imagination.

With such a crowd, it is hard to get anywhere near those who are delivering the eulogies. The PA system at the military cemetery on Mount Herzl is not always clear, but key phrases emerge: 'She knew she didn't have to... she wanted to... heroes... the Jewish people... take away the evil that is upon us...'

Then her younger brother speaks, more clearly. He tells the congregation that as a teenager his big sister changed the colour of her hair to a dizzying degree and recalls how 'Rose lived life free of judgment. Rose had a great ability to make you feel better... [She was] the sweetest person you ever met but also the toughest'.

She loved horses, fishing for catfish and catching fireflies and wanted seven children, he said. 'She would want us to mourn her, but not give up,' he added.

Then a sister read from a diary that Rose had written.

'No matter how difficult it is to turn the other cheek I will always strive to do the right thing... I am going to do something great for the world...'

Mum fled when son became terrified

Katia was born into a Jewish family in Sevastopol in what is now Russian-occupied Crimea. She grew up in the Ukrainian port and resort city of Odesa.

This was one of the world's great cosmopolitan metropolises. Before the Nazi Holocaust the Jewish community represented one-third of the population. Katia's family survived to live in an independent Ukraine which has a Jewish president, Volodymyr Zelensky.

Katia studied medicine and became a dermatologist and virologist. She moved to a hospital in the capital Kyiv and found a home near to the commuter settlements of Bucha and Irpin. She and her lawyer husband had a son, Stanislav.

Katia, Stanislav, and her husband Alexandr with the family cat Lancelot. They fled to Israel after Russia's invasion of Ukraine

On February 24, 2022, when Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine, these comfortable communities were possibly the worst place in the world to be.

'We had a big house with a basement and on the first day of the war we moved our everyday life down there,' she recalls, as her window trembles.

'We thought this war in Ukraine would last three, five days, not too long. But then one night we go up to our kitchen [to get food] and there was an explosion which made the floor shake and we saw the red flash of the blast.

'My son, who was only 19 months old, became too scared. He only knew five words. One of those words was 'basement'. At that moment I understood that it was time to leave Ukraine.'

They were helped by a local Jewish organisation. First, they got a bus to a synagogue in the capital Kyiv, then moved to Hungary and finally flew to Israel as refugees.

Initially they stayed in a hotel in Jerusalem. Then the state found them this small apartment in Ashkelon, seven miles from the Gaza border. She chose it because she was from Odesa  'where my soul is'  and wanted to be by the sea. Big mistake.

One morning, Hamas attacked. She and the son she calls 'Stas' went to the stairwell of their apartment block to shelter.

'We saw the [Hamas] rockets. It was a great shock. Outside it felt like Ukraine. I felt the air of the bombs, the windows shaking. I was scared again.

'Now when Stas goes to friends his first question is, 'Where is the shelter?' For me, as a mum and doctor, it's very terrible to hear about the killing of children. Whether they are Israeli, Palestinian, Ukrainian or Russian.'

They brought with them their now nine-year-old sphinx cat called Lancelot. He sleeps on the balcony throughout the noise of the Gaza bombardment.

'My [new] friends ask me, 'How can he do that?' ' says Katia.

'And I tell them, 'Because he is a Ukrainian cat. This is just a salute compared to what we heard before.' '

Grieving aunt held over TV interview

The story of the third woman, Suraya, involves another Palestinian teenager who attacked an Israeli with a knife  and was then cut down by bullets.

It happened on October 31. I was having a shave in my hotel room in east Jerusalem when a burst of gunfire cut through the sounds of children playing in the Palestinian school next door. Then another burst.

People ran into the street, sirens wailed and vehicles carrying police armed response teams screamed by, up the Nablus Road.

By the time I reached the scene, 17-year-old Adam Abu Alhawa was lying dead in the gutter outside the entrance to St George's Anglican Cathedral, where the Archbishop of Canterbury had preached only days before.

Suraya was arrested for 'incitement' on the grounds of what she said during her TV interview - an offence which can carry up to three years' imprisonment

It was reported that he had stabbed and seriously wounded a member of the Border Police. He'd been shot dead trying to escape.

Near the scene I was approached by Ahmed, a member of Adam's extended family. He said he had no idea that Adam was involved in radical politics.

Then he took me to the teenager's family home on the Mount of Olives, where Jesus is said to have ascended to Heaven.

The address on Palm Sunday Road was already cordoned off by the police. By the time we arrived, Adam's father, Nasser  a disabled seller of tourist postcards  and two of his sisters had been arrested and taken away.

Once the security forces left the street, we approached. We found that the knifeman's family home had apparently been ransacked in the raid.

I saw everything was upended, or on the floor; a new fridge had its door ripped off and the family television was smashed.

Among the chaos, the knifeman's mother  who did not yet know her son had died of his wounds  was hysterically bemoaning the damage. It was then we met her sister, Suraya.

At the time I reported: 'Outside, on Palm Sunday Road, Adam's aunt is venting to a local Palestinian television crew.

'"They are doing this because they want our land!" she shouts. "They want us to go, but we will never give up!".'

Suraya  who was wearing a hijab  said many other things that I missed. But her loud tirade went on for some while. It also had consequences.

That evening, at his nearby home, Ahmed hosted a dinner for members of the dead boy's close family. He told me this was because their own house was now uninhabitable thanks to police-inflicted damage.

Later that evening his own home was raided by the police, he said. He was made to sign a declaration that he would not host such an event again.

The spiral continued.

Aunt Suraya was arrested for 'incitement' on the grounds of what she said during her TV interview. Her family said the offence could carry up to three years' imprisonment.

A few days ago, we approached Adam's father, Nasser.

Clearly frightened, he said he would not talk to us, lest he was arrested like Suraya.

A family member said they had been told not to display any mourning pictures of young Adam or Palestinian flags outside the home, which they expect the authorities to demolish.

They told us collective punishment is common practice in cases of a resident family member making an attack against the security forces.

We went to Jaffa Street court to hear Suraya's case.

There, we were told that, under 'wartime restrictions', members of the Press were no longer allowed to enter the court precincts to report.

Families of the accused were not allowed to attend, either.

Another member of Adam's family claimed that Suraya had been told that if the policeman wounded in his attack were to die she would face a longer sentence.

The Mail has approached the authorities about the case but has not yet received any comment.

The cycle of hate continues.

The figures and suffering are hard to compute.

But I can tell you of three women and their families who have been caught in the middle.
The Tory civil war spread this evening as ex-Minister Jacob Rees-Mogg backed sacked Home Secretary Suella Braverman after she accused Rishi Sunak of having 'no Plan B' if the Supreme Court blocks his Rwanda migrant policy tomorrow.

In an 'excoriating' resignation letter, Mrs Braverman accused the 'unelected' PM of 'betrayal' over a series of broken pledges on migration, the Rwanda asylum deal, Brexit and gender protections.

She railed against Mr Sunak's 'magical thinking' for failing to come up with a back-up plan if justices in the UK's highest court rule the Rwanda scheme unlawful, adding that he could betray his promise to 'stop the boats' even in the event of victory.

On his GB News show Mr Rees-Mogg backed the outgoing Home Secretary, saying: 'Suella Braverman's letter is excoriating, I've never seen anything like, and it's part of the sulphurous mood on the Tory backbenches.

'Suella Braverman is right - the Prime Minister has repeatedly and manifestly not delivered on his promises.

'Tomorrow is a defining day for the question of the Rwanda policy... even if the Government wins tomorrow, owing to the Prime Minister's concessions, Rwanda deportations will be subject to months of appeals and legal challenges.

'Suella was willing to override the ECHR to get Rwanda done. She not only knew the public didn't want mass migration, but also that it has social and economic consequences.

'Sadly, this government no longer seems serious about solving illegal or even legal migration. If the government isn't careful this will be reflected in the next election.'

Suella Braverman, pictured at her London home this morning, was sacked as home secretary by Rishi Sunak on Monday as part of a dramatic Cabinet reshuffle

The Tory civil war spread this evening as ex-Minister Jacob Rees Mogg (pictured) backed Suella Braverman after she accused Rishi Sunak of having 'no Plan B' if the Supreme Court blocks his Rwanda migrant policy tomorrow

In a blistering letter, the ex-Cabinet minister has now accused the PM of breaking a series of pledges on migration, the Rwanda asylum deal, Brexit and gender protections

Mrs Braverman, in a letter she shared on social media, swiped that Mr Sunak had been 'rejected' by Tory members in summer of 2022 and had 'no personal mandate' to be PM

Mrs Braverman railed against Mr Sunak's 'magical thinking' for failing to come up with a back-up plan if justices in the UK's highest court rule the Rwanda scheme unlawful, adding that he could betray his promise to 'stop the boats' even in the event of victory

In her furious three-page diatribe, which The Daily Telegraph claimed was being drafted days before Mrs Braverman was sacked amid suspicions in her team she would be removed, the former Home Secretary told the PM: 'Someone needs to be honest.

'Your plan is not working, we have endured record election defeats, your resets have failed and we are running out of time. You need to change course urgently.'

She claimed that even if the policy gets the go-ahead then his 'compromises' will mean the asylum policy could be 'thwarted yet again' by the European Court of Human Rights.

Her replacement James Cleverly had outlined the possible outcomes during the first meeting of the Prime Minister's new-look Cabinet after the dramatic reshuffle that saw Mrs Braverman shown the door.

Senior ministers have wargamed responses to a possible defeat of what Downing Street admits is a 'crucial' policy but Mrs Braverman warned of a 'betrayal' of Mr Sunak's promise to do 'whatever it takes' to stop unauthorised Channel crossings all the same.

The sacked home secretary wrote in the letter she published online that if they lose he will have 'wasted a year' on the Illegal Migration Act 'only to arrive back at square one'.

'Worse than this, your magical thinking - believing that you can will your way through this without upsetting polite opinion - has meant you have failed to prepare any sort of credible 'Plan B',' she said.

She said she posed her own 'credible' back-up - without which she said there is 'no hope of flights this side of an election' in the event of a court defeat - but received no reply.

Even in the event of Supreme Court victory, she said the Government 'will struggle to deliver our Rwanda partnership in the way that the public expects'.

She said the Act is 'far from secure against legal challenges' and will 'leave us vulnerable to being thwarted yet again by' the European court in Strasbourg.

'I can only surmise that this is because you have no appetite for doing what is necessary, and therefore no real intention of fulfilling your pledge to the British people.'

Quit rights treaty, urge MPs By DAVID BARRETT and JASON GROVES The Right of the Tory party has insisted Britain must leave the European human rights treaty regardless of today's final legal ruling on the Rwanda asylum deal. UK human rights laws need a major overhaul 'whatever the outcome' of the Government's last-ditch legal appeal, the New Conservative group of backbenchers said. The Supreme Court will hand down its decision this morning on the legality of the Rwanda scheme, which has twice been blocked on human rights grounds. Co-chairmen of the New Conservatives Miriam Cates and Danny Kruger said in a statement they remained committed to seeing Britain leave the European Convention on Human Rights. 'We will continue to campaign for a new framework for asylum policy that fulfils our moral obligations to genuine refugees while restoring control of our borders,' they said. 'Whatever the outcome of tomorrow's judgment on the Rwanda policy, we remain of the view that the UK should reform our domestic human rights and equalities laws and leave the ECHR.' Ministers are said to be pessimistic about Supreme Court justices giving a green light to the removal of illegal migrants to Rwanda. However, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's reshuffle on Monday made it less likely the Government will push ahead with abandoning the ECHR. Sacked home secretary Suella Braverman wanted major changes to human rights law but her successor James Cleverly has publicly opposed leaving the Convention. Advertisement

She accused Mr Sunak of having opted for 'wishful thinking as a comfort blanket to avoid having to make hard choices' as he refused to consider leaving the European Convention on Human Rights, or even overruling elements in his legislation.

Mrs Braverman, in a letter she shared on social media, swiped that Mr Sunak had been 'rejected' by Tory members in summer of 2022 and had 'no personal mandate' to be PM.

She accused Mr Sunak of putting off 'tough decisions' and suggested he was content to be 'occupying' No10 'as an end in itself'.

Her scathing assessment of the PM's year-long spell in Downing Street also included the charge that Mr Sunak is opting for 'wishful thinking as a comfort blanket'.

This allowed him to dodge 'hard choices' on issues such as the Channel migrant crisis, Mrs Braverman claimed, as she questioned his 'appetite' to 'stop the boats'.

The former home secretary divulged the terms of a deal she struck with Mr Sunak in order to support him when he eventually became premier to take over from Liz Truss last October.

One Sunak ally said: 'She is angry and bitter because she's been sacked, and discovered she has got very little support.

'She is making all kinds of ridiculous claims but we are not going to roll around in the mud with her.'

She claimed a 'document' drawn up between them offered 'firm assurances' on reducing legal migration and bypassing international human rights laws to combat the Channel migrant crisis.

Sources on the Tory Right indicated that Mrs Braverman and her supporters plan to step up their attacks as she tries to build support for a leadership bid.

One said her allies had drawn up a 'grid' of interventions for the coming week, a play on the Government's method of planning for big announcements.

Mrs Braverman was last night weighing up whether to publish the details of the secret deal she says was struck with Mr Sunak in October last year, when he was fighting to get the nominations needed to deliver a knockout blow to Boris Johnson in the battle to succeed Liz Truss.

'You have manifestly and repeatedly failed to deliver on every single one of these key policies,' Mrs Braverman wrote.

'Either your distinctive style of government means you are incapable of doing so. Or, as I must surely conclude now, you never had any intention of keeping your promises.'

In a withering evaluation of Mr Sunak's efforts to 'stop the boats' since coming to power, she accused the PM of having 'no appetite for doing what is necessary' and 'no real intention of fulfilling your pledge to the British people'.

It is unclear just how many Tory MPs are in Mrs Braverman's corner.

Mrs Braverman accused Mr Sunak, pictured in Downing Street ahead of today's Cabinet meeting, of putting off 'tough decisions' and suggested he was content to be 'occupying' his office in No10 'as an end in itself'

Mr Sunak's dramatic reshuffle on Monday saw the return of David Cameron as Foreign Secretary following the ex-PM's seven-year absence from Westminster

Mr Sunak gathered his new top team in Downing Street this morning

Mrs Braverman was fired by Mr Sunak yesterday following a series of high-profile rows over her comments on migration, homelessness and pro-Palestinian protests.

She was succeeded in the Home Office by James Cleverly, who in turn was replaced as Foreign Secretary by ex-PM David Cameron.

In her letter to the PM, Mrs Braverman acknowledged she 'may not have always found the right words' when commenting on divisive issues.

But she stressed she had 'always striven to give a voice to the quiet majority that supported us in 2019'.

'I have endeavoured to be honest and true to the people who put us in these privileged positions,' she added.

Mrs Braverman's exit from Government followed a furious row over a newspaper article she wrote about pro-Palestinian marches on Armistice Day.

She used a piece in The Times last week to claim the police 'play favourites' towards pro-Palestinian supporters when compared to those protesting other causes.

But her combative words were not fully signed-off by Downing Street and presented a challenge to Mr Sunak's authority.

When Remembrance Weekend was marred by scenes of far-right violence towards police officers near the Cenotaph, Mrs Braverman was accused of having inflamed tensions.

In her letter to the PM, she doubled down on her description of pro-Palestinian demonstrations as 'hate marches'.

Mrs Braverman claimed Mr Sunak had failed to 'rise to the challenge posed by the increasingly vicious antisemitism and extremism displayed on our streets since Hamas's terrorist atrocities of 7 October'.

'I have become hoarse urging you to consider legislation to ban the hate marches and help stem the rising tide of racism, intimidation and terrorist glorification threatening community cohesion,' she added.

'Britain is at a turning point in our history and faces a threat of radicalisation and extremism in a way not seen for 20 years.

'I regret to say that your response has been uncertain, weak and lacking in the qualities of leadership that this country needs.'

Mrs Braverman's departure as home secretary has come in the same week as the Supreme Court is due to rule on the Government's Rwanda migration plan.

Judges at the Supreme Court are tomorrow set to decide on whether the UK's asylum deal with the African country is lawful.

Mrs Braverman claimed in her letter that Mr Sunak has failed to prepare a 'credible Plan B' should the Government lose the legal case.

She accused the PM of ignoring her 'multiple' pleas to draft alternative measures.

The ex-Cabinet minister suggested this would mean, if the Supreme Court rules against the PM, there is 'no hope' of migrants being flown to Rwanda before the general election.

'At every stage of litigation I cautioned you and your team against assuming we would win, she added.

Meet the minister who took the knee By CLAIRE ELLICOTT, WHITEHALL EDITOR FOR THE DAILY MAIL Gesture: Laura Farris, above, takes the knee in Newbury A newly-appointed Home Office minister took the knee during an 'anti-racism' event during the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020. Laura Farris, the MP for Newbury who once worked for Hillary Clinton, said she had 'enjoyed' the event in her constituency and urged others 'to take a stand'. But her actions have caused disquiet with Tories on the Right of the party. One MP said: 'We all remember when she took the knee. 'It was a shocking error of judgment and many remember it vividly. Many traditional supporters and new voters will look at it in despair.' It remains to be seen what Esther McVey, new 'minister for common sense', will make of the revelation. Advertisement

'I repeatedly urged you to take legislative measures that would better secure us against the possibility of defeat.

'You ignored these arguments. You opted instead for wishful thinking as a comfort blanket to avoid having to make hard choices.

'This irresponsibility has wasted time and left the country in an impossible position.'

Mrs Braverman's letter threatened to stir up fresh tensions between the Government and the DUP, after she claimed the PM had last year agreed to deliver the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill.

The legislation, introduced by ex-PM Boris Johnson amid a bitter trade dispute with the EU, was drafted as a means of unilaterally tearing up post-Brexit arrangements for Northern Ireland.

It was ditched by Mr Sunak in February when he struck his Windsor Framework deal - which is opposed by the DUP - with Brussels.

Former DUP MP Nigel Dodds posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, this evening: 'Braverman reveals PM gave her 'firm assurances' that he would 'deliver the NI Protocol Bill in [its] existing form & timetable'.

'Instead he accepted an Irish Sea Border and wants unionists to do so also. No chance.'

In response to Mrs Braverman's letter, a No10 spokeswoman said: 'The PM was proud to appoint a strong, united team yesterday focused on delivering for the British people.

'The PM believes in actions not words. He is proud that this Government has brought forward the toughest legislation to tackle illegal migration this country has seen and has subsequently reduced the number of boat crossings by a third this year.

'And whatever the outcome of the Supreme Court tomorrow, he will continue that work. The PM thanks the former Home Secretary for her service.'

A senior Tory source denied Mr Sunak had agreed a formal deal with Mrs Braverman, saying only that he had agreed to 'work with her' on issues she had prioritised.

Last night the row threatened to overshadow Mr Sunak's efforts to reset his team on Monday, sacking Mrs Braverman after tiring of her grabbing headlines for the wrong reasons. It also threw a grenade into today's Supreme Court ruling on Rwanda.

Government sources last night acknowledged that ministers were not expecting an 'unqualified approval' from the highest court in the land, raising the prospect that ministers may have to legislate again  and potentially pushing back the date of the first flights until after the next election.

Government sources pointed out that Mr Sunak had taken personal charge of the efforts to stop the boats  leading two key committees a week  because he was unconvinced by Mrs Braverman's efforts.

One source said she had proposed an 'unworkable' scheme to send Channel migrants to the Falkland Islands despite advice from Home Office lawyers that it would take years to come to fruition.

Labour frontbencher Lisa Nandy said the Tory civil war was letting down the country. 'This is just the latest instalment in a Tory psychodrama that has been playing out for 13 years and which has held the rest of the country to ransom,' she added.

Downing Street yesterday said a plan to ban charities from handing tents to rough sleepers has been abandoned following a backlash against Mrs Braverman's claim that homelessness was a 'lifestyle choice' for many. The plan had been cleared by the Cabinet and was intended for inclusion in a crime Bill.

Downing Street earlier said Mr Cleverly had briefed the Cabinet over 'some of the possible scenarios' to Wednesday's ruling.

Leaving the European Convention on Human Rights was not discussed at the meeting, the Prime Minister's official spokesman said.

Contingency plans have been 'discussed among Cabinet ministers', the spokesman said, and 'options for possible scenarios' have been prepared.

Last month, the Home Office challenged a Court of Appeal ruling from June that overturned the High Court's finding that Rwanda could be considered a 'safe third country' for migrants.

Lawyers representing people facing deportation to the east African nation argue Rwanda is an 'authoritarian, one-party state' with a 'woefully deficient' asylum system.

But the Home Office has said the policy to remove asylum seekers to a 'country less attractive' than the UK, 'but nevertheless safe', is lawful.

Five justices at the Supreme Court will give their verdict on Wednesday morning, before Mr Sunak faces Prime Minister's Questions.

The Illegal Migration Act brought into law the Government's policy of sending some asylum seekers to Rwanda.

However, the plans announced in April 2022 have been held up in the courts, with no deportation flights having taken place despite 140 million already being handed to Kigali.

Whereas Mrs Braverman repeatedly signalled she wanted out of the 'politicised court', Mr Cleverly said while foreign secretary in April he was 'not convinced' the move is necessary.

He said that the European countries that are not signatories - Russia and Belarus - are a 'small club', adding: 'I am not convinced it is a club we want to be part of.'

In full: Suella Braverman's scathing letter to the PM Dear Prime Minister, Thank you for your phone call yesterday morning in which you asked me to leave Government. While disappointing, this is for the best. It has been my privilege to serve as Home Secretary and deliver on what the British people have sent us to Westminster to do. I want to thank all of those civil servants, police, Border Force officers and security professionals with whom I have worked and whose dedication to public safety is exemplary. I am proud of what we achieved together: delivering on our manifesto pledge to recruit 20,000 new police officers and enacting new laws such as the Public Order Act 2023 and the National Security Act 2023. I also led a programme on reform: on anti-social behaviour, police dismissals and standards, reasonable lines of enquiry, grooming gangs, knife crime, non-crime hate incidents and rape and serious sexual offences. And I am proud of the strategic changes that I was delivering to Prevent, Contest, serious organised crime and fraud. I am sure that this work will continue with the new ministerial team. As you know, I accepted your offer to serve as Home Secretary in October 2022 on certain conditions. Despite you having been rejected by a majority of Party members during the summer leadership contest and thus having no personal mandate to be Prime Minister, I agreed to support you because of the firm assurances you gave me on key policy priorities. Those were, among other things: 1. Reduce overall legal migration as set out in the 2019 manifesto through, inter alia, reforming the international students route and increasing salary thresholds on work visas; 2. Include specific 'notwithstanding clauses' into new legislation to stop the boats, i.e. exclude the operation of the European Convention on Human Rights, Human Rights Act and other international law that had thus far obstructed progress on this issue; 3. Deliver the Northern Ireland Protocol and Retained EU Law Bills in their then existing form and timetable; 4. Issue unequivocal statutory guidance to schools that protects biological sex, safeguards single sex spaces, and empowers parents to know what is being taught to their children. This was a document with clear terms to which you agreed in October 2022 during your second leadership campaign. I trusted you. It is generally agreed that my support was a pivotal factor in winning the leadership contest and thus enabling you to become Prime Minister. For a year, as Home Secretary I have sent numerous letters to you on the key subjects contained in our agreement, made requests to discuss them with you and your team, and put forward proposals on how we might deliver these goals. I worked up the legal advice, policy detail and action to take on these issues. This was often met with equivocation, disregard and a lack of interest. You have manifestly and repeatedly failed to deliver on every single one of these key policies. Either your distinctive style of government means you are incapable of doing so. Or, as I must surely conclude now, you never had any intention of keeping your promises. These are not just pet interests of mine. They are what we promised the British people in our 2019 manifesto which led to a landslide victory. They are what people voted for in the 2016 Brexit Referendum. Our deal was no mere promise over dinner, to be discarded when convenient and denied when challenged. I was clear from day one that if you did not wish to leave the ECHR, the way to securely and swiftly deliver our Rwanda partnership would be to block off the ECHR, the HRA and any other obligations which inhibit our ability to remove those with no right to be in the UK. Our deal expressly referenced 'notwithstanding clauses' to that effect. Your rejection of this path was not merely a betrayal of our agreement, but a betrayal of your promise to the nation that you would do 'whatever it takes' to stop the boats. At every stage of litigation I cautioned you and your team against assuming we would win. I repeatedly urged you to take legislative measures that would better secure us against the possibility of defeat. You ignored these arguments. You opted instead for wishful thinking as a comfort blanket to avoid having to make hard choices. This irresponsibility has wasted time and left the country in an impossible position. If we lose in the Supreme Court, an outcome that I have consistently argued we must be prepared for, you will have wasted a year and an Act of Parliament, only to arrive back at square one. Worse than this, your magical thinking - believing that you can will your way through this without upsetting polite opinion - has meant you have failed to prepare any sort of credible 'Plan B'. I wrote to you on multiple occasions setting out what a credible Plan B would entail, and making clear that unless you pursue these proposals, in the event of defeat, there is no hope of flights this side of an election. I received no reply from you. I can only surmise that this is because you have no appetite for doing what is necessary, and therefore no real intention of fulfilling your pledge to the British people. If, on the other hand, we win in the Supreme Court, because of the compromises that you insisted on in the Illegal Migration Act, the Government will struggle to deliver our Rwanda partnership in the way that the public expects. The Act is far from secure against legal challenge. People will not be removed as swiftly as I originally proposed. The average claimant will be entitled to months of process, challenge, and appeal. Your insistence that Rule 39 indications are binding in international law - against the views of leading lawyers, as set out in the House of Lords will leave us vulnerable to being thwarted yet again by the Strasbourg Court. Another cause for disappointment - and the context for my recent article in The Times - has been your failure to rise to the challenge posed by the increasingly vicious antisemitism and extremism displayed on our streets since Hamas's terrorist atrocities of 7th October. I have become hoarse urging you to consider legislation to ban the hate marches and help stem the rising tide of racism, intimidation and terrorist glorification threatening community cohesion. Britain is at a turning point in our history and faces a threat of radicalisation and extremism in a way not seen for 20 years. I regret to say that your response has been uncertain, weak, and lacking in the qualities of leadership that this country needs. Rather than fully acknowledge the severity of this threat, your team disagreed with me for weeks that the law needed changing. As on so many other issues, you sought to put off tough decisions in order to minimise political risk to yourself. In doing so, you have increased the very real risk these marches present to everyone else. In October of last year you were given an opportunity to lead our country. It is a privilege to serve and one we should not take for granted. Service requires bravery and thinking of the common good. It is not about occupying the office as an end in itself. Someone needs to be honest: your plan is not working, we have endured record election defeats, your resets have failed and we are running out of time. You need to change course urgently. I may not have always found the right words, but I have always striven to give voice to the quiet majority that supported us in 2019. I have endeavoured to be honest and true to the people who put us in these privileged positions. I will, of course, continue to support the Government in pursuit of policies which align with an authentic conservative agenda. Sincerely, Suella Braverman Rt Hon Suella Braverman KC MP Member of Parliament for Fareham Advertisement

Tory right-wingers have furiously accused Mr Sunak of abandoning 'Red Wall' voters who delivered Boris Johnson's 80-seat majority at the 2019 general election

The New Conservatives group claimed the PM's reshuffle - which included the sacking of Mrs Braverman and the return of Lord Cameron - marked a 'major change' in direction

Mr Johnson is pictured with his now wife Carrie in Downing Street while celebrating the Tories' stunning victory in December 2019

The New Conservatives - a pressure group on the Tory Right - are led by Miriam Cates and Danny Kruger

Mr Sunak has set stopping small boats of asylum seekers from arriving in Britain as one of his five pledges to the electorate.

But more than 27,300 migrants have been detected making unauthorised crossings of the English Channel so far this year, according to official figures.

The Supreme Court ruling by Lords Reed, Hodge, Lloyd-Jones, Briggs and Sales will be handed down on Wednesday after 10am.

The Liberal Democrats said Mrs Braverman's letter to the PM was 'yet more Conservative chaos'.

'Suella Braverman failed at every task at hand as home secretary and now she seems determined to drag everyone else down with her,' said Alistair Carmichael, the party's home affairs spokesperson.

'While people struggle to see their GP or pay their mortgages, this Government is too busy dealing with their own infighting.

'When will this Conservative Party soap opera end?'

Mrs Braverman publicly shared her letter to Mr Sunak after another grouping of Tory right-wingers also hit out at the PM in the wake of his reshuffle.

The New Conservatives furiously accused Mr Sunak of abandoning 'Red Wall' voters who delivered Boris Johnson's 80-seat majority at the 2019 general election.

The PM's reshuffle has been viewed by the Tory Right as an attempt by Mr Sunak to shift to the political centre ahead of the next general election.

Miriam Cates and Danny Kruger, the co-chairs of the New Conservatives, warned the PM he was 'walking away' from those voters who brought the Tories their victory in 2019.

'It appears the leadership has decided to abandon the voters who switched to us last time, sacrificing the seats we won from Labour in 2019 in the hope of shoring up support elsewhere,' they said in a statement.

But, despite their anger, the New Conservatives shied away from a direct challenge to Mr Sunak's leadership.

The intervention by Ms Cates and Mr Kruger followed a meeting of the New Conservatives in Westminster last night, as they considered their response to Mr Sunak's reshuffle.

The two most notable moves by Mr Sunak were his sacking of Mrs Braverman and his appointment of Lord Cameron, who had spent seven years in the political wilderness after quitting as PM.

But there were also promotions for loyalists of Mr Sunak such as Victoria Atkins - appointed Health Secretary - who comes from the Tories' 'One Nation' wing.

Laura Trott and Richard Holden, who worked for Lord Cameron while he was in No10, were also bumped up the ranks to become Chief Secretary to the Treasury and Conservative Party chairman, respectively.

The blowback from the Tory Right to the reshuffle has been fierce, with one Tory MP -- former education minister Dame Andrea Jenkyns - last night submitting a no confidence letter in Mr Sunak's leadership.

In their own response, Ms Cates and Mr Kruger said: 'We are concerned that yesterday's reshuffle indicates a major change in the policy direction of the Government.

'The Conservative Party now looks like it is deliberately walking away from the coalition of voters who brought us into power with a large majority in 2019.

'That election, building on the victory of the Leave vote in the Brexit referendum of 2016, represented the realignment of our politics.'

The New Conservatives co-chairs added: 'Until yesterday, we held onto the hope that the Government still believed in the realignment - that they would work to rebalance our economy, reorient our foreign policy, radically reduce migration, and restore common sense in our schools and universities.

'That hope - the project of the realignment - has now dwindled. In political terms, it appears the leadership has decided to abandon the voters who switched to us last time, sacrificing the seats we won from Labour in 2019 in the hope of shoring up support elsewhere.'

The New Conservatives vowed to raise funds and recruit supporters to help the group's members - whether sitting MPs or prospective parliamentary candidates - to fight their campaigns at the next general election.

But they assuaged No10 fears of a full-scale rebellion from the Tory Right by reaffirming their support for Mr Sunak.

'Like all Conservatives, we want Rishi Sunak to succeed,' Ms Cates and Mr Kruger said.

Mr Kruger followed up with a direct attack on Lord Cameron's appointment during an appearance on GB News.

'He led the Remain campaign and here he's now in charge of our relations with Europe,' he told the TV channel.

'But as long as he follows the PM's lead, as long as he genuinely honours the mandate that we have as a Government I'm not concerned about his appointment.

'Personally, I do think it sends a very confusing signal to our voters. And overall the shape of the Government now is not where we think it should be.'

Mr Kruger also claimed the Government was 'going back into the politics of decline' following the reshuffle.

The New Conservatives are made up of MPs mainly elected after the Brexit vote in 2016.

The group's website states they 'stand for the realignment of British politics: a new era in which Westminster respects the views, values and interests of the British people'.

Their policy goals include the establishment of a new British framework for rights and equalities laws to replace European-inspired legislation.

They also want tax cuts, a reduction in immigration, and the banning of 'gender ideology in schools'.

As well as Ms Cates and Mr Kruger, they are also led by Sir John Hayes - who is a close ally of Mrs Braverman.
Kemi Badenoch credited Brexit for enabling her to sign a major trade deal with Florida last night.

The Business and Trade Secretary agreed the memorandum of understanding with the third most populous US state, which has an economy larger than Spain.

She also said progress was being made on a wider US trade deal, saying the aim was to 'conclude very quickly'.

Hailing the deal with the sunshine state's Republican governor  and presidential hopeful  Ron DeSantis, she told a press conference in Jacksonville: 'The UK's decision to gain independence from the EU and take back control of our trading policy is something that I know resonated with a lot of Americans.

'And it's that freedom that underpins for me the deal which we are signing today.'

Kemi Badenoch credited Brexit for enabling her to sign a major trade deal with Florida

The Business and Trade Secretary agreed the memorandum of understanding with the third most populous US state, which has an economy larger than Spain

Pictured: Kemi Badenoch and Governor of Florida, Ron Desantis, sign the trade deal

Mrs Badenoch said Florida had an economic output of more than 1.1trillion, which was more than most European countries.

The agreement is targeted at sectors including space, financial tech, AI and legal services where the UK and Florida are leaders. It is also designed to boost exports and investment.

On the potential wider US trade deal, the Business Secretary told Reuters: 'We have a target to conclude very quickly. The last bits are often the trickiest bits. But it's going well.'

She said she had had 'very, very good conversations' with US trade representative Katherine Tai at a recent G7 meeting on the broader deal, and 'quite a lot' of issues had been agreed.

In June, Rishi Sunak and US President Joe Biden announced the Atlantic Declaration  deepening economic, technological and commercial ties and expanding trade.

However, the Free Trade Agreement Britain had hoped for under previous President Donald Trump is unlikely after Mr Biden froze talks after taking office in 2021.

Mr DeSantis met Mrs Badenoch during an April visit to London shortly before he announced his presidential bid for next year.

Trade between Britain and Florida is already worth more than 5billion a year.

Mr DeSantis said UK companies account for more than 70,000 jobs there, making Britain the top foreign investor.

She worked out the deal with the state's Republican governor Ron DeSantis

Similar pacts have been signed with six other states  Indiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Oklahoma, Utah and Washington  with combined economies of 3.3trillion, just less than German GDP.

And negotiations are continuing with others including Texas, California, Colorado, and Illinois.

'Florida is a major economy in its own right, with a bigger GDP than most European countries,' Mrs Badenoch said.

'Florida's leading high-tech companies offer huge opportunities to the UK's rapidly expanding tech sector.'

The agreement is the first the UK has signed which focuses on the space sector. Florida is home to the Nasa Kennedy Space Center.

The growing space industry at home is worth more than 17.5billion and employs nearly 50,000.

Mrs Badenoch said the Florida deal would help 'unlock new possibilities for businesses in other industries of the future, whether it's transportation, AI or semi-conductors.'

She added: 'I have no doubt that this MOU is going to ignite some of the ideas and collaborations that will help shape the world to come.'

Asked about the appointment of former Remainer David Cameron as Foreign Secretary, Mrs Badenoch said: 'We're all Brexiteers now.'
The late Queen suggested David Cameron should have received 'six of the best' after he said she 'purred' when Scotland voted against independence, it was claimed last night.

Lord Cameron has repeatedly apologised for the 2014 blunder, in which he broke convention by discussing a conversation with the Queen in a hot mic conversation with ex-New York mayor Michael Bloomberg.

As recently as 2019, the Foreign Secretary called the remark a 'terrible mistake'.

He personally apologised to Her late Majesty, adding he was 'extremely sorry and very embarrassed'.

The late Queen suggested David Cameron should have received 'six of the best' after he said she 'purred' when Scotland voted against independence, it was claimed last night

Just after the gaffe, Alex Salmond said he was invited to meet the Queen at Balmoral, where she was not shy about venting her displeasure at the incident

But resurrecting the episode yesterday, former Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond recalled an anecdote which he said gave an 'insight' into how the late sovereign viewed Lord Cameron during his tenure as Prime Minister.

Just after the gaffe, the Alba Party leader said he was invited to meet the Queen at Balmoral, where she was not shy about venting her displeasure at the incident.

Mr Salmond told TalkTV: 'The next day I got a summons, an invitation to breakfast at Balmoral... I got to Balmoral for breakfast and Her Majesty the Queen said under no circumstances was she purring, she was extremely annoyed with her Prime Minister and felt he required six of the best.'

He said that the Queen's alleged unguarded remarks gave a 'little insight into the estimation of our new Foreign Secretary... and as I have said, she was right on lots of things'.
Rishi Sunak welcomed David Cameron back to Cabinet with a joke yesterday as he told his assembled top team: 'Let's get to work'.

Delivering a pep talk to his newly-minted Cabinet, the Prime Minister said it was time to 'make the long-term decisions that are going to change our country for the better'.

Joking about the return of Lord Cameron, who was prime minister between 2010 and 2016, Mr Sunak said: 'A warm welcome to those for whom it's their first Cabinet and also a welcome to those for whom it may not be their first time.'

Lord Cameron's return was kept a closely-guarded secret for a week and stunned Westminster when he was unveiled as Foreign Secretary on Monday morning.

However it can be revealed that he had lunch with his new Foreign Office colleague development minister Andrew Mitchell in an exclusive private members' club while his appointment was still under wraps.

Top Table - 1: Rishi Sunak 2: Jeremy Hunt, Chancellor 3: Claire Coutinho, Energy Security and Net Zero Secretary 4: Steve Barclay, Environment Secretary 5: Gillian Keegan, Education Secretary 6: Alister Jack, Scottish Secretary 7: Tom Tugendhat, security minister 8: Andrew Mitchell, development minister 9: John Glen, Paymaster General 10: Simon Hart, Chief Whip 11: Victoria Prentis, Attorney General 12: Chris Heaton-Harris, Northern Ireland Secretary 13: Lord True, Lords Leader 14: Penny Mordaunt, Commons Leader 15: Victoria Atkins, Health Secretary 16: Grant Shapps, Defence Secretary 17: Lord Cameron, Foreign Secretary 18: Oliver Dowden, Deputy PM. Other ministers on the left and right are obscured

The pair were spotted dining last Thursday at Oswald's in Mayfair, a favoured haunt of billionaires, A-list celebrities and royalty.

Downing Street said yesterday that Lord Cameron would bring 'great experience' to his new role, with sources predicting his status as a former PM would unlock diplomatic doors that less high-profile figures might struggle to.

But former business secretary Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg warned that the return of the former Remain campaign chief could push Brexiteer voters into the arms of the Reform Party, led by Richard Tice. And Sir Jacob warned that the former PM might 'outshine' Mr Sunak.

'When you saw David Cameron arrive at Downing Street yesterday, to everyone's surprise, he looked very prime ministerial and so people may be confused as to who is actually representing the UK at the highest level,' he told Times Radio.

There are also fears that Lord Cameron may lobby Mr Sunak to boost spending on foreign aid. In his first meeting with staff at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, he vowed to make Britain a 'development superpower again'.

And in his first public statement upon his return, Lord Cameron highlighted the UK's 'aid and development capabilities as some of the finest assets of their kind anywhere in the world'.

Delivering a pep talk to his newly-minted Cabinet, the Prime Minister said it was time to 'make the long-term decisions that are going to change our country for the better'

Former business secretary Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg warned that the return of the former Remain campaign chief could push Brexiteer voters into the arms of the Reform Party

When he was in Downing Street he enshrined in law the commitment to spend 0.7 per cent of national income on overseas aid  and after Boris Johnson scrapped it during the pandemic, his Tory rival said he 'deeply regretted' the move.

But former Cabinet minister Sir Jacob warned against any attempt to revisit the aid target, which triggered civil war among the Conservative party when it was removed in 2021.

He told the Mail: 'When the tax burden is so high, the Government must not be extravagant with public spending. Anyone who wants to see overseas aid return to that level [0.7 per cent] is completely out of touch with Conservative voters.'

Sources close to Lord Cameron stressed he had pledged to accept Cabinet collective responsibility and support Mr Sunak, despite previously criticising some of his decisions.

He also wrote in an opinion piece earlier this year that he is a 'realist' about the 0.7 per cent commitment and appreciates that 'money is tight'.

Mr Mitchell insisted that he and Lord Cameron backed current Government policy on aid, which is to spend 0.5 per cent of gross national income until the public finances improve.
Modern life may have made many things easier, but scientists say that raising a child is not one of them.

A study of modern hunter-gatherer groups suggests that our Stone Age ancestors gave their children better childcare than we do today.

Researchers from Cambridge University found that children among the Mbendjele BaYaka in the Republic of Congo received nine hours of care a day from up to 15 different caregivers.

Crying children were attended to by the mother's support network more than half of the time, giving the mums more time to rest.

The study's authors say these findings suggest modern parenting methods may be at odds with children's evolutionarily programmed needs.

Scientists suggest that children in Stone Age hunter-gatherer groups may have had better child care than modern children

The study's authors argue that mothers in the West have not faced such pressure and little support for the majority of humanity's evolutionary history (stock image)

Dr Nikhil Chaudhary, lead author of the study, says that insights into these modern hunter-gatherers can tell us more about how humans lived in the Stone Age.

'For more than 95 per cent of our evolutionary history we lived as hunter-gatherers,' said Dr Chaudhary.

'Therefore, contemporary hunter-gatherer societies can offer clues as to whether there are certain childrearing systems to which infants, and their mothers, may be psychologically adapted.'

The Mbendjele BaYaka live in the jungles in the North of the Republic of Congo where they rely on hunting, fishing, gathering, and honey collection for sustenance.

Evolutionary anthropologists stayed with the Mbendjele BaYaka between March and July 2014.

The Mbendjele BaYaka live in the northern jungles of the Republic of Congo and rely on hunting, fishing, gathering, and honey collection

Over these months researchers observed children for 12 daylight hours and recorded how often they were cared for and by whom.

The researchers found that between 10 and 20 different caregivers would be involved in looking after a child and that a mother's support system would respond to more than half of their baby's crying episodes.

Children were almost never left alone and spent long periods of time in physical contact with adults, or receiving close care.

When children cried they were attended to in under 10 seconds in half of cases and in under 25 seconds 90 per cent of the time.

Children among hunter-gatherer societies, like in the Stone Age, were rarely left alone and received constant care from a wide range of different caregivers including older children

Who are the Mbendjele BaYaka? The Mbendjele BaYaka are a nomadic group of hunter gatherers who live between the Central African Republic and the Republic of Congo. They are a traditional hunter gatherer society that practices hunting, fishing, foraging, and honey collection. Some Mbendjele communities have become settled and integrated with local economies, many remain mobile and forest dwelling. They live in multifamily camps of between 20 -80 individuals, consisting of a number of huts in which nuclear families live. Advertisement

Older infants and adolescents will also often be involved in caregiving, which the report's authors suggest gives them experience and helps reduce anxiety around parenting.

This suggests that children may be evolutionarily primed to expect high levels of attention and physical contact from several different caregivers.

However, in Western countries the provision of high-quality child support is limited and rations between children and caregivers are high.

Dr Chaudhary says: 'The nuclear family system in the West is a world away from the communal living arrangements of hunter-gatherer societies like the Mbendjele.

'Childcare is finally becoming a priority in the government's budget, but there is much more to do.

'As a society, from policy makers to employers to healthcare services, we need to work together to ensure mothers and children receive the support and care they need to thrive.'

In the study, Dr Chaudhary and his co-authors write: 'Parenting manuals that expect babies to spend extended periods of time playing alone or devoid of physical contact may be at odds with childrens psycho-biological expectations.'

This graph shows the complex relationships of care between caregivers (grey circles), children under one and a half years old (blue circles) and children under four (green circles)

The study also notes that Stone Age societies may have better prioritised giving mothers a rest.

In Western societies, the authors write, it is common for childcare to be used only to give parents time to go to work rather than time for themselves.

This means that parents have no time to rest or recover, in total contrast to the parenting practices of hunter-gatherers and our Neolithic ancestors.

They argue that throughout the whole of human history, parents have never been under such intense pressure and faced such a lack of support.

Co-author and child psychologist Dr Annie Swanepoel says that 'support for mothers also has numerous benefits for children such as reducing the risk of neglect and abuse, buffering against family adversity, and improving maternal wellbeing which in turn enhances maternal care.'

The study was published in the journal Developmental Psychology.
No human has ever been born in space, but Dutch Biotech startup Spaceborn United aims to change that.

Commercial spaceflight is already becoming a reality, and although firms such as SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic are not yet ferrying commuters to the Moon or to Mars, some visionary scientists believe it is only a matter of time before humans become a spacefaring species.

Egbert Edelbroek, CEO of Spaceborn United, is one such believer.

And if humanity is to truly take to the stars, he says, we will need to find a way to reproduce there.

Passengers kiss aboard a flight that simulates the weightlessness of space. Zero-gravity intimacy is just one of the challenges facing extraterrestrial reproduction

His company's near-term goal is to test whether laboratory rodents can be conceived and born in space, then live to give birth to healthy babies.

The eventual aim of this research is to support human conception and birth in space, a step Edelbroek says is necessary if people are ever to live beyond Earth.

'Humanity needs a backup plan,' he told MIT Technology Review. 'If you want to be a sustainable species, you want to be a multiplanetary species.'

Spaceborn's technology is central to this plan.

The company's 'space-embryo-incubator' is a disc-shaped device designed to hold male and female sex cells  sperm and eggs  and combine them in low Earth orbit. The whole contraption is about the size of a shoebox.

After 5-6 days of growth, the developing embryo will be cryogenically frozen and sent back to Earth, where it will be examined to determine whether it can be implanted into a surrogate mother and carried to term, according to the company's informational materials.

Freezing the embryos is meant to help protect them during the traumatic event of re-entering Earth's atmosphere, Edelbroek told AFP. 'It's a lot of shaking, a lot of vibration, a lot of G-forces. You don't want to expose embryos to this.'

After issues with Spaceborn's spaceflight partner delayed a first test this year, the device is set to go up into low Earth orbit in November 2024.

Following this experiment, Spaceborn has plans to test human embryos fertilized under artificial gravity and then under low gravity conditions.

Reproduction is one of the most basic functions of life on Earth, but what about life in space?

The combination of low gravity and high radiation would exert unknown effects on developing human embryos. Spaceborn is first exploring these effects in lab animals

A lack of gravity is one of the basic obstacles to human extraterrestrial reproduction. Without gravity holding two people's bodies down, the act of sex would be quite difficult.

Then after fertilization, it's unclear how a lack of gravity would affect an embryo's development.

Spaceborn United's CEO Egbert Edelbroek says humans will need to find a way to reproduce in space

Some research suggests that a low-gravity environment could alter how developing embryonic stem cells divide, how they differentiate into different cell types, and how they defend against DNA damage.

But these studies have all been conducted in dishes of lab-grown cells, and it's not clear how the results would translate to the cells of a living animal, or a person.

Radiation is another major issue. Outside of Earth's magnetosphere, galactic cosmic radiation (GCR) will bombard a spacecraft and its occupants, potentially fostering DNA mutations and cancer.

For an embryo whose cells are rapidly dividing, this kind of interference could be disastrous.

In low Earth orbit, such as aboard the International Space Station, Earth's magnetosphere extends far enough beyond the planet's surface to protect astronauts against the harmful effects of GCR.

Earth's magnetosphere protects us from galactic cosmic radiation (GCR), but on a trip to Mars, astronauts would be bombarded with these space rays. Their effects on a developing embryo are unknown

But beyond the magnetosphere's reaches, like en route to Mars, travelers would be pelted with GCR.

This radiation exposure, especially for women in their mid to late 30s, can significantly increase the risk of certain types of cancers.

The effects of space radiation on astronauts' central nervous systems seem to be tolerable, according to a study from this year that modeled exposure over 30 days. But a mission to Mars would likely last multiple years.

In promising news, mouse sperm preserved on the International Space Station were just as viable as those stored on Earth, according to a study published in 2021.

Spaceborn's plans for experiments on human embryos are years off at this point, and even their mouse experiments are yet to get off the ground.

But with space tourism proceeding apace, it may be only a matter of time before a human couple actually attempts to conceive in space.
A physics professor has ambitious plans for his DNA following his death - he wants to send them to the moon in hopes aliens will create an army of his clones.

The idea may sound like the plot of a science fiction film, but Ken Ohm, 86, has employed a Texas-based company to launch his remains to the south pole of the lunar surface.

The Kansas resident has a long-lived love for space, with dreams of once becoming an astronaut - but NASA said 'no' because he is six feet tall - but has teamed up with the Celestis that charges $12,500 for a one-way trip to the moon.

While Ohm looks forward to extraterrestrials finding his genetic blueprints, he also sees the mission has the ultimate memorial - when the moon is full, his descendants will look up and think, 'Old Ken has his DNA up there,' he said.

Ken Ohm, 86, has employed a Texas-based company to launch his remains to the south pole of the lunar surface

Celestis, founded in 1994, specializes in launching remains into space, and now that commercial flights have taken off, the company sees a new way for human burials.

However, the company has launched remains of people from more than 35 nations worldwide, including James 'Scotty' Doohan, who played Lt. Commander Montgomery Scott in the television and film series Star Trek.

Celestis offers several options for space burials that will launch ashes to space and return them to Earth, send them out to orbit, the moon and even deep space.

An Earth Rise memorial starts at $2,495, while an Earth Orbit memorial costs $5,000.

This shoots off ashes into space atop a rocket, which orbits the Earth but is destroyed upon reentry.

However, the moon and deep space burials go for $12,500 - the average Earth burial costs around $10,000.

Capsules containing the cremated remains are placed aboard a UP Aerospace SpaceLoft XL rocket.

The launches are part of missions sponsored by the NASA Spaceflight Opportunities Program, which conducts microgravity experiments and technology demonstrations, according to Celestis.

While Ohm looks forward to extraterrestrials finding his genetic blueprints, he also sees the mission has the ultimate memorial - when the moon is full, his descendants will look up and think, 'Old Ken has his DNA up there,' he said

Celestis offers several options for space burials that will launch ashes to space and return them to Earth, send them out to orbit, the moon and even deep space

And Ohm has chosen the moon as his final resting place.

Speaking with The New York Times, Ohm said he has also considered aliens recreating him for an 'intergalactic zoo.'

When Ohm launches into space, his family and friends will be invited to sit to watch the rocket take off with his DNA housed inside.

But before takeoff, Celestis holds an astronaut dinner and memorial service for those attending.

Family members will also receive a personalized video of the experience and an official Certificate of Mission Completion, specifying mission accomplishments.

In 1999, the ashes of renowned planetary geologist Eugene Shoemaker were the first to be sent to the moon.

Shoemaker had hopes of becoming an Apollo astronaut, but a medical condition diagnosed in the early 1960s prevented him from doing so

But that dream came true by sending his remains to the lunar surface following a fatal car crash in 1997.

Carolyn C. Porco, a planetary scientist at The University of Arizona in Tucson, proposed and produced the tribute.

'I felt that this was Gene's last chance to get to the moon and that it would be a fitting and beautiful tribute to a man who was a towering figure and a pioneer in the exploration of the solar system,' Porco said in 1998.
'Legends of King Arthur are woven into the landscape,' he writes

On the wide, open Somerset Levels its wonderfully sleepy. During a walk across the marshes from the village of Westonzoyland, theres absolutely no one else around.

A stone marker in a fenced-off plot is the only indication this spot might be of significance. Without this memorial, you would never know the squelchy field was the site of a bloody conflict nearly 340 years ago.

The Battle of Sedgemoor brought to an end the Monmouth Rebellion, which had sought to depose King James II in 1685.

Its not the areas only historical flashpoint. Somewhere here was the secret redoubt from which Alfred The Great battled Danish invaders before uniting the Saxon kingdoms to form England.

And across the Levels in Glastonbury, the Abbey (now ruined) was once the nations wealthiest: a fact not lost on King Henry VIII, who laid claim to all its assets.

James Litston goes on a tour of the Somerset Levels. Above, Glastonbury Tor, which rises above the flatlands

Surrounded by the higher ground of the Mendip, Quantock (pictured) and Polden Hills, these low-lying wetlands are veritably steeped in history and folklore, says James

The Levels cover nearly 700 sq km. Surrounded by the higher ground of the Mendip, Quantock and Polden Hills, these low-lying wetlands are veritably steeped in history and folklore.

Legends of King Arthur are woven into the landscape and even the countys name owes its origins to the Levels: this land of the summer people (or Sumersata) only became accessible when winter floods receded.

Settlements such as Glastonbury grew up on higher ground. Today, the small town revels in its hippy vibe and is, of course, famed for Junes Glastonbury Festival (held nearby, between the villages of Pilton and Pylle).

In bustling Bridgwater, the centre of town enjoys a fine assortment of Georgian buildings. It was from the tower of St Marys Church that the Duke of Monmouth spotted Royalist forces on Sedgemoor before marching his troops to the ill-fated battle.

Across the street from St Marys is the Old Vicarage. Parts of this building - now a hotel and restaurant - date from the 14th century. Inside, inglenook fireplaces, age-old oak panelling and exposed beams and brickwork provide stacks of personality, but its comfortable and welcoming, too, with fantastic food and a cosy lounge.

In 'bustling' Bridgwater, James says the centre of town enjoys a fine assortment of Georgian buildings

The Old Vicarage in Bridgwater (above) is 'the perfect base from which to explore the Levels', says James

Parts of the Old Vicarge date from the 14th century, reveals James

All 18 guest rooms are different, and all contain period pieces that reflect the buildings heritage.

Its the perfect base from which to explore the Levels. From Bridgwater its a short hop down to the RSPBs Greylake reserve, with wetlands harbouring species from kingfishers to otters.

This is a glimpse into what the Levels looked like before being drained by rhynes (ditches) dug from at least the Middle Ages onwards. The resulting loss of habitat combined with peat digging saw bird species such as bitterns and cranes wiped out here.

Thanks to nature reserves such as Greylake and the Avalon Marshes near Glastonbury, both species have by now returned  the cranes after an absence of 400 years.

Their respective booming and bugling calls echo across the Levels in spring, adding to the atmosphere and magic of the landscape.

James visits RSPBs Greylake reserve (pictured), which is a 'short hop' from Bridgwater

Greylake harbours species from otters to kingfishers. James reveals that the reserve is also home to metre-tall cranes

Bitterns are built for skulking in reeds. The metre-tall cranes are much easier to spot. Just shy of 100 hand-reared birds were released nearby in the 2010s  and stocks are thriving.

I spy five of them  or perhaps their descendants  at Greylake, flying overhead with outstretched necks and trailing, spindly legs while a hundreds-strong flock of lapwing flickers black and white below them.

Its quite a spectacle. I wouldnt be surprised if Glastonburys monks  or even King Alfred himself  would have been similarly impressed if such a sight had caught their eye.
Advertisement

Behold the tree that some say is the world's most beautiful.

The ginkgo tree, in the village of Bangye-ri in South Korea, is thought to be at least 800 years old and attracts visitors from far and wide. Especially when adorned with its golden autumnal plumage.

Visit Korea explains that the tree has been protected as a natural monument since January 31, 1965.

This ginkgo tree, in the village of Bangye-ri in South Korea, is thought to be at least 800 years old and attracts visitors from far and wide. Especially when adorned with its golden autumnal plumage

It reaches a total height of 33 metres (108ft), with an east-to-west crown measuring 37.5 metres (123ft).

Visit Korea continues: 'According to one legend, it was planted by a member of the Seongju Lee family, who stopped for a drink of water here and left his staff standing in the ground when he left. The staff then grew into the tree. Another legend about the tree states that there is a white snake living in it, which is why it has grown so strong and big today.

'The local farmers believe they will have a good harvest if the whole tree turns gold in autumn.'

Chae Beom-sik, the head of Bangye-ri village, told the Korea JoongAng Daily in 2021: 'An average of 4,000 people visit a day, whether it's a weekday or the weekend.

'There are no restaurants around, and the nearest convenience store is 1.5 kilometres away, but people swarm in for the beauty of this tree alone.'

Visit Korea explains that the tree has been protected as a natural monument since January 31, 1965

The tree reaches a total height of 33 metres (108ft), with an east-to-west crown measuring 37.5 metres (123ft)

The tree is an online hit, too.

Travel photographer Seo Young-gil's recent autumnal picture of the tree has received over 50,000 likes on Instagram.

Commenters have described the photograph as 'beautiful', 'breathtaking' and 'magnificent'.

Meanwhile, one YouTuber titled his video of the tree simply: 'The most beautiful tree in the world.'
Cole Hauser's Yellowstone character Rip Wheeler has become enormously popular over the five seasons of the highly rated show that just seems to get bigger as the years roll on.

And now the former Good Will Hunting star is parlaying some of his cowboy charm into bigger fame in the fashion world.

This month Cole has become the face of Lucky Brand's holiday collection.

And 48-year-old Hauser - who is married to Sweet Valley High actress Cynthia Daniel - talked to DailyMail.com exclusively about his new venture.

'Im hoping to bring back a bit of that old school denim western style,' offered the star.

'I love jeans and I like mine with a bit of stretch to them. I also loved the green suede jacket that I wore in the shoot. Its got a really, cool old school feel to it.'

And he also shed some light on his idyllic upbringing in Santa Barbara, California with his film producer mother Cass Warner.

Rip is here to dress you: Cole Hauser's Yellowstone character Rip Wheeler has become enormously popular over the five seasons of the highly rated show. And now the star is parlaying some of his cowboy charm into bigger fame in the fashion world

What Cole likes most about Lucky Brand is the products are made really well.

'I have always admired the authenticity and quality that Lucky Brand brings to their products,' Cole told DailyMail.com.

'I'm excited to be associated with a brand whose legacy span decades and continues to represent the true spirit of American craftsmanship.'

The brand was founded almost 40 years ago in California by Gene Montesano and Barry Perlman. Lucky Brand specializes in iconic American style, with a focus on vintage-inspired denim.

Then he told a story about his own childhood while growing up in Santa Barbara.

'When Lucky Brand was new I got a great pair of jeans. I used to skate and surf back then and they were the only pair of jeans that I had for the winter time, so of course I wore them out at the knee,' he said of time spent in the seaside town.

'I asked my mom if we could get patches to put on the knee. She said no, no, well make them into shorts. So she cut them and I ended up wearing them as shorts for the summer.'

They are lucky to have him: This month Cole has become the face of Lucky Brand's holiday collection. And 48-year-old Hauser - who is married to Sweet Valley High actress Cynthia Daniel - talked to DailyMail.com exclusively about his new venture

Country Christmas: 'Im hoping to bring back a bit of that old school denim western style,' offered the star. 'I love jeans and I like mine with a bit of stretch to them. I also loved the green suede jacket that I wore in the shoot. Its got a really, cool old school feel to it'

Cole has curated his favorite Lucky Brand pieces as part of Coles Picks.'

This partnership is the first step of a larger alignment between Hauser and Authentic Brands Group, who announced his future work with not only Lucky Brand, but The Frye Company.

Cole is one of the top stars of Yellowstone. The series, starring Kevin Costner, will likely wrap its final season, season five, next year.

This comes after Cole announced in August his work with the Free Rein Coffee company.

The actor shared shots of himself in a cowboy hat holding a branded Free Rein Coffee mug, along with another shot of him on a horse.

'I've grown up around cowboys my whole life. And I can tell you, there's nobody on Earth who works harder,' Hauser began in the caption on his Instagram post.

'I'm proud to announce that I've decided to start a coffee company inspired by these men and women who wake up before the dawn. Not because its easy, but because its hard,' the actor added.

Fun dude: Then he told a story about his own childhood. 'When Lucky Brand was new I got a great pair of jeans. I used to skate and surf back then and they were the only pair of jeans that I had for the winter time, so of course I wore them out at the knee'

Good mama: 'I asked my mom if we could get patches to put on the knee. She said no, no, well make them in to shorts. So she cut them and I ended up wearing them as shorts for the summer.' Seen on Yellowstone

On the show: Hauser as Rip Wheeler and Kelly Reilly as Beth Dutton on Yellowstone in 2020

'Free Rein is for anyone who gets up and works like a cowboy, gets up and chases a dream, or gets up and just feels like having a damn good cup of coffee,' he continued.

'So get up and get after it. Dreams dont work unless you do,' Hauser concluded, while adding more details in a comment.

'Hey all, The merchandise and Coffee will be available this fall! Looking forward to yall tasting it,' Hauser said.

He also directed fans to the brand's website - FreeReinCoffee.com, where fans can enter their email to sign up for more updates about the brand.

The actor made headlines back in May for his work with Special Operations Warrior Foundation, 'a charity that provides scholarships to children whose parents have died in the military.'

'I'm a big fan of second chances. You know, for kids when they lose a family member, it's a huge loss for them,' Hauser told CBS News in May.

'Maybe it's just my way of serving. You know, this country, the soldiers, their families,' the actor added.

Hauser started working with the organization 20 years ago and in that time more than 1,100 scholarships have been distributed.

Cole's coffee: Hauser started a new coffee company, inspired by the cowboys on his hit Paramount Networks series

Headlines: The actor made headlines back in May for his work with Special Operations Warrior Foundation, 'a charity that provides scholarships to children whose parents have died in the military'; seen with wife Cynthia Daniel

He made private visits to Walter Reed Medical Center as well, building personal relationships with gravely injured service members.

Hauser described forming a friendship with a triple amputee.

'I walked in and I [said], "God, you look like a rat's ass," but it got him to smile, you know?

'And then we would start talking and it was just, you know, it broke the ice,' Hauser shared.
EXCLUSIVE

Before Bianca Censori found fame and controversy by 'marrying' Kanye West, she was in a wholesome and loving relationship with a Melbourne businessman - and they still keep in contact.

Nick Forgiane, 28, who owns a cafe and a factory in the city, was Bianca Censori's first love, with the pair initially meeting in 2007 in Ivanhoe when they were just 14.

Friends say Censori, also 28, was always extremely popular with the boys, but the pair didn't connect romantically until 2014 when they were 21. They stayed together for six years.

In a previous interview with Nova FM's Fitzy & Wippa, Forgaine said while Bianca 'wasn't a fan' of Kanye, he did have 'hilarious' videos of her dancing to 'I Love It', Kanye's 2018 collaboration with Lil Pump.

The couple eventually went their separate ways the day before Melbourne's lockdown in March 2020

Nick Forgiane and Bianca Censori attended a friends wedding in Greece in 2018

Last month, Daily Mail was told Kanye had instructed his wife to 'never speak' - and had issued a set of rules for her to live by, including specific foods she can eat and what she can wear

'Bianca has always been bigger than Melbourne and we both knew this,' he said about their split. 'One time we traveled to America and she told me she would live there one day'.

However, they have remained 'supportive' of each other, Forgiane said, and it may well be him she turns to for support on her trip Down Under, with friends and loved ones telling Daily Mail they are confident she is aware of West's 'controlling ways' after being told to 'wake the f*** up'.

Daily Mail Australia revealed Censori slipped back into Australia last week to see her parents Leo and Alexandra and sister Angeline.

She was spotted enjoying a night out at Melbourne pub The Marquis of Lorne, in Fitzroy, on Friday night.

One patron said Ms Censori went largely unnoticed in the bar, and the architectural designer would most likely have enjoyed the anonymity after her well publicised antics since marrying the 46-year-old West nearly a year ago.

Forgaine previously said it wasn't Bianca's move overseas that inspired the couple's breakup.

'The girl is extremely talented and took the leap to go chase her dream of being a famous architect, which she's achieved,' he said.

Daily Mail Australia has spoken to confidantes and colleagues who remember 27-year-old Bianca Censori (above) as a stylish and smart 'social butterfly' in her home town of Melbourne

Bianca showing off her party tricks at Rainbow Serpent festival in 2019

'Of course I support them. If Bianca is happy [with Kanye], I am happy for her.

'She has always been supportive of my relationships. I wish them the best and hope it's a modern-day love story.'

Photos shared to her ex boyfriend, Forgianes Instagram page show pictures of the then loved-up couple during their six-year relationship.

The pair can be seen posing for the camera on holidays in New York City's Times Square in New York in 2015 - one year into their relationship.

Other photos show the couple dressed in monochrome for Melbourne Spring Racing carnival Oaks day in 2017 and 2018.

In 2019, the couple were photographed at celebrity hotspot Raes on Wategos, a boutique hotel in Byron Bay.

Forgiane's social media page also features photos from Rainbow Serpent festival, with Censori photographed with her feet on her face as well as posing for group shots.

In January, a series of pictures obtained by Daily Mail Australia shows the young Bianca at the Rainbow Serpent music and art festival in the state's west wearing tassel pasties on her nipples.

The former couple rubbed shoulders at Melbourne's Spring racing carnival Derby Day in 2018

The couple could hardly keep their hands off eachother during an overseas holiday in 2018

The pair visited New York City in 2015, after a year of dating

Bianca, who has worked for Yeezy since November 2020, 'wed' the rapper two months after his divorce from 42-year-old Kim was finalised in November.

The pair reportedly celebrated their union at a private ceremony and both have been seen wearing wedding rings.

The informal nuptials have apparently not been followed the filing of a marriage certificate.

The former Carey Baptist Grammar School student made headlines for her bizarre fashion choices while in Europe with West earlier this year, pictured exiting their hotel in Florence wearing a flesh-coloured bra while bizarrely clutching a lone purple cushion over her chest.

She paired her look with beige heels and a pair of flesh-coloured leggings, which made her appear completely nude from afar.
An Australian model has slammed Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's recent Vogue photo shoot.

Simone Holtznagel expressed her disgust at the shoot, reposting a photo Vogue's account had shared.

In the image, the Amazon founder is dressed in a black T-shirt, jeans, and a cowboy hat while his fiancee wears a skimpy white top.

They are shown posing in a pickup truck, with Sanchez leaning across Bezos with her arms around his shoulders as they stare at the camera.

Under the reshared image of the couple, Holtznagel added a caption: 'What the actual f**k is this garbage, respectfully.'

Australian model Simone Holtznagel has slammed Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez 's recent Vogue photo shoot

The 30-year-old expressed her disgust at the shoot, reposting a photo Vogue's account had shared

Simone joins a chorus of critics who have branded the shoot as 'cringe' and 'uncomfortable', while others have accused the magazine of photoshopping the Amazon founder's muscles in it.

Lauren, 53, and Jeff, 59, sat down for a joint interview with the publication for its upcoming December 2023 issue, which was accompanied by a very-glamorous photoshoot.

When the magazine shared one of the snaps from the shoot to its Instagram page on Monday, many people in the web made jokes about it in the comment section, comparing the couple to 'background actors in a telenovela' and stating that it looked like a 'parody generated by AI.'

'Ive never been more uncomfortable with a photo,' one person wrote. Another added, 'I would like to un-see this picture.'

'This is several degrees of f**king weird. And definitely not Vogue - in any description. And Im being very kind here,' someone else said.

'I honestly thought this photograph was a parody generated by AI,' read a fourth comment. 'Or ironically photoshopped. This is a real post for Vogue?

'No one wants this content,' a fifth said.

A different user asked, 'Why do they look like they're background actors in a telenovela?'

'This is the number most cringe post I have ever seen. Unfollowing,' scathed one commenter.

Others were quick to slam the outlet for 'glorifying billionaires' and called the interview 'tone deaf' amid 'everything going on in the world.'

'Not very fashionable to idolize people who are destroying the planet and have destroyed lively-hoods across the country,' read another comment.

'This is a remarkably unflattering and tone deaf post and the timing is uncanny. Do better Vogue,' someone else said.

Simone joins a chorus of critics who have branded the shoot as 'cringe' and 'uncomfortable', while others have accused the magazine of photoshopping the Amazon founder's muscles in it

'WTF is this? With everything going on in the world, this is who you choose to promote? I'm so confused,' wrote a different angered user.

'Much has been made of Jeff Bezoss evolution from online bookseller to Tony Stark titan of industry and the third richest man in the world,' read the caption of Vogue's post.

'Once insular and press-shy, he formed a cocoon around Amazon and his personal life.

'Now its as if hes emerged from his chrysalis, no longer Amazon CEO (a role he ceded in 2021) but an empty nester who is venturing not only into the Adriatic but into outer space.

'His fiancee, Lauren Sanchez, by all accounts is the perfect partner for it all - unbridled in her enthusiasm but also socially adept, attentive, a diplomat of a kind.'

During the interview, the couple (seen in 2021) opened up about the moment he asked her to marry him. They said he popped the question back in May after a romantic dinner on his yacht

While it's unclear when they first got together, Lauren and Jeff's romance was first exposed by the National Enquirer in January 2019, while they were both married to other people.

Soon after, the business mogul divorced his wife-of-over-25-years and the mother of his four children, Mackenzie Scott, while Lauren left her husband, co-CEO of Hollywood powerhouse agency WME, Patrick Whitesell.

The businessman - who is the third richest man in the world and has a reported net worth of $165 billion - and the TV personality then made their first public appearance together in May of that year, and have been happily in love ever since.

They got engaged back in May, and Jeff popped the question on his mega-yacht after they enjoyed a romantic dinner under the stars together.
A popular Gold Coast venue is under fire for banning patrons who have 'intimidating' or 'aggressive' tattoos.

The policy at the Burleigh Pavilion was highlighted by a young Aussie woman who went to the venue with one of her friends from overseas.

Her friend happens to be heavily tattooed, including on her neck.

The 23-year-old woman said it was 'embarrassing' bringing a mate who is new to the country to the pub, only to be told they are not welcome.

'It's so crazy to me that still in 2023 people are discriminated against over tattoos...' the woman complained on Instagram.

'It's so embarrassing bringing my cool, fun and freaky friends to Australia and being told to leave because of her tattoos, are you kidding?' she added.

A popular Gold Coast venue is under fire for banning patrons who have 'intimidating' or 'aggressive' tattoos. The policy at the Burleigh Pavilion (pictured) was highlighted by a young Aussie woman who went to the venue with one of her friends from overseas

The venue's website states that guests who have tattoos are allowed inside - except for when their body ink could be perceived as 'intimidating'.

'Burleigh Pavilion is a family and community-oriented venue,' it reads.

'Guests with tattoos are welcome at our venue; however, our policy does not permit intimidating, aggressive, or offensive tattoos, clothing or behaviour which may offend or intimidate other guest or staff.'

'Tattoos on the neck, head and face are viewed as increased intimidation in that order.'

The 23-year-old woman said it was 'embarrassing' bringing her tattooed friend (pictured), who is new to the country, to the pub - only to be told they are not welcome

'This practice is common among licensed venues and is in place to ensure the comfort and enjoyment of all our guests.'

The site also clarifies that even covering up such tattoos would not guarantee entry.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted the Burleigh Pavilion for comment.
A former Channel Nine producer for The Block has revealed some of the challenges this year's cast may now face as they adjust to life after the show.

The insider told Yahoo that returning to their real lives can be a shock to the system and said many of the cast will be working hard to now forge a career in the media.

'Making promising lifelong friendships looks great on Instagram. Getting your next TV gig shows producers you have more to flex than just one reality show,' they said.

'The Hundred with Andy Lee is Nine's best opportunity to prove you have what it takes to get a manager. So Nine's internal talent manager is currently juggling 2023 villain Kristy and comedy queen Eliza, who both are obvious choices.'

They added several of the cast will be attempting to sign with a talent agent who can help them market their 'brand'.

A former Channel Nine producer for The Block has revealed some of the challenges this year's cast may now face as they adjust to life after the show. Pictured: Host Scott Cam

'If you sign with the wrong agent who doesn't understand your brand you might just be on their books for twelve months with very little to show for it.'

Sisters Eliza and Liberty are already believed to have signed with a talent agent as well as Queensland-based Leah.

During last week's nail-biting finale of The Block, Steph and Gian were the runaway winners with their house selling for an incredible $5million.

The insider told Yahoo that returning to their real lives can be a shock to the system and said many of the cast will be working hard to now forge a career in the media. Sisters Eliza and Liberty (pictured) are already believed to have signed with a talent agent

They walked away with $1.65 million profit plus prize money of $100,000, bringing their total earnings to a record breaking $1.75 million.

Steph and Gian's House 4 was first to auction, and it was a tense time for the pair, who called their $3.35 million reserve 'hell' and feared they would not make money on the sale.

The bidding quickly reached $4million thanks to serial bidder Danny Wallace, but the action was halted after a woman fainted during the auction and was taken to hospital.

'The Hundred with Andy Lee is Nine's best opportunity to prove you have what it takes to get a manager. So Nine's internal talent manager is currently juggling 2023 villain Kristy (pictured) and comedy queen Eliza, who both are obvious choices,' the insider said

After the pause, the bidding stalled at $4million, before jumping a million dollars straight up to $5million - and the hammer fell, with House 4 sold.

Next on the block were sisters Eliza and Liberty with House 5 up for grabs with a $3.25million reserve.

The bidding reached $4.1 million during a showdown between Danny and Adrian, stalling for some time as they two men considered their options.

Adrian jumped up to $4.2 million, taking the odd move of bidding against himself - which has never happened on the show before.
Monica Galetti's squid dish left MasterChef The Professionals fans unimpressed on Monday night's episode.

The latest instalment of the BBC show saw four more chefs try to impress the judges with their skills in the kitchen.

First off the contestants had to complete a skills test set by Monica where she asked them to make some squid croquettes.

But those watching at home said they thought the dish didn't look too appealing, even when it was cooked by her as an example at the start.

Some even claimed that the other two judges Gregg Wallace and Marcus Wareing should have told her it wasn't a good dish.

Not happy: Monica Galetti's squid dish left MasterChef The Professionals fans unimpressed on Monday night's episode

Food: First off the contestants had to complete a skills test set by Monica where she asked them to make some squid croquettes

One said: 'Squid? No thanks, I don't care how it is cooked, even by Monica. Disgustingl stuff! #mastercheftheprofessionals #masterchef.'

Another wrote: 'If only Gregg had turned round and said 'Actually Monica .. it's not very good'. That would make brilliant TV'

A third penned: '#MasterChef wonder does Marcus ever want to really critique Monica. He's bound to think sometimes I can do that better @marcuswareing.'

Head chef Simon, 36, was the first to take on the challenge but things ended up going wrong.

As judge Marcus cut into the croquette, he said: 'The squid is raw.'

Monica added: 'You made the bechamel, you made the croquettes, they're lovely and crispy.

'But the mix, it's not edible. You knew the squid needed to be cooked before it went into the bechamel, but you weren't sure how to do it.'

The judges weren't the only ones who pointed out the mistake and took to X to share their views.

Oh dear: But those watching at home said they thought the dish didn't look too appealing, even when it was cooked by her as an example at the start

Awkward: Some even claimed that the other two judges Gregg Wallace and Marcus Wareing should have told her it wasn't a good dish

Disaster: Head chef Simon, 36, was the first to take on the challenge but things ended up going wrong

One said on the social media platform: 'Raw squid time #MasterChefTheProfessionals.'

Another wrote: 'No Simon. Not raw squid. #MasterChefTheProfessionals.'

A third penned: 'Whoops! #MasterChefTheProfessionals.'

It comes after judge Monica revealed the reason for her return to show as the new series kicked off last month.

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!'

Back: It comes after judge Monica revealed the reason for her return to show as the new series kicked off last month

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.'
Chris Appleton's wedding to Euphoria star Lukas Gage in Las Vegas was featured on an episode of The Kardashians last week  just days before he filed for divorce.

On Monday, it was announced that Kim Kardashian's longtime hair stylist, 40, and his actor spouse, 28, are to divorce after just six months of marriage.

The duo exchanged vows in a surprise Las Vegas wedding in April  but TMZ reports Appleton filed for divorce on Monday citing 'irreconcilable differences.' The couple's date of separation is listed as Friday and they have a prenup in place.

And in an awkward coincidence the pair's nuptials were just featured on the reality series last Thursday.

The then happy couple had quite the surprise for 43-year-old Kim  who's been divorced three times  asking her to officiate their wedding at the Little White Chapel in Las Vegas.

Awkward! Chris Appleton's wedding to Euphoria star Lukas Gage in Las Vegas was featured on an episode of the Kardashians last week  just days before Appleton filed for divorce

Split: On Monday, it was announced that Kim Kardashian's longtime hair stylist, 40, and his actor spouse, 28, are to divorce after just six months of marriage

Early on in the episode, Kim and Chris are talking about the wedding, as Kim admits in confession that they're truly in love.

'Chris Appleton has been doing my hair for a really long time. Hes like my hair husband, and he just got engaged to Lukas (Gage), his boyfriend. I have never really seen Chris this smitten and happy. Its just like a whole different situation for him,' Kim says in confession.

Kim had an even bigger surprise for the pair, arranging for Shania Twain to give them a private performance of her 1997 smash hit You're Still The One.

After the happy couple and their family members land in Vegas (flying on Kim's private jet), Chris says, We are in Vegas, and were about to get married, as Kim goes and changes.

They all pile into limousines as Chris asks Lukas if hes ready for this, and he says, Born ready, as Chris says, Im only gonna do it once.

Kim announces they are stopping somewhere, a little surprise, as they pull into Buffalo Bills in Las Vegas where theyre greeted by none other than Shania Twain.

You made it! Shania says on stage, as Chris and Lukas can hardly believe it, as Shania sings, Chris, Lukas, looks like you made it, get over here, lets do this.

Both Chris and Lukas say, We love you! as Shania breaks into her 1997 classic Youre Still The One.

Coincidence: In an awkward coincidence the pair's nuptials were just featured on the reality series last Thursday

Smitten: 'Chris Appleton has been doing my hair for a really long time. Hes like my hair husband, and he just got engaged to Lukas (Gage), his boyfriend. I have never really seen Chris this smitten and happy. Its just like a whole different situation for him,' Kim says in confession

Officiate: The then happy couple had quite the surprise for 43-year-old Kim  who's been divorced three times  asking her to officiate their wedding at the Little White Chapel in Las Vegas

Shania: However, Kim had an even bigger surprise for them, arranging for Shania Twain to give them a private performance of her 1997 smash hit You're Still The One

Shania Twains Youre Still the One is Chris and Lucas song. Theyre obsessed with this song. Im obsessed with this song, Kim admits in confession.

They walk up to the stage, as Chris, Lucas and Kim are all handed glasses of champagne, as Kim continues in confession that Shania is, randomly in Vegas the same weekend, which is, like, madness. Its meant to be.

They get closer to the stage as Shania tells Chris and Lukas to come even closer and get on stage as she breaks into the iconic chorus.

Kim admits in confession, I just, I love giving surprises, and I love making people happy, and to see them in tears and so happy and so genuinely surprised, makes me so happy.

Chris and Lukas wave Kim to come up on stage with them, as Lukas says, I love you so much for this.

Shania finishes her smash hit song as they all applaud for the private show, as Shania says, You guys are getting married today, and I feel so as shes interrupted by Chris giving her a hug and a kiss on the cheek.

I feel so privileged to be a part of your special day, Shania says, before calling for a group hug with Chris, Lukas and Kim.

Chris explains that he told Kim that Youre Still The One was his and Lukas song and he said Kim told them it was her song as well.

In Vegas: After the happy couple and their family members land in Vegas (flying on Kim's private jet), Chris says, We are in Vegas, and were about to get married, as Kim goes and changes

Born ready: They all pile into limousines as Chris asks Lukas if hes ready for this, and he says, Born ready, as Chris says, Im only gonna do it once'

Surprise: Kim announces they are stopping somewhere, a little surprise, as they pull into Buffalo Bills in Las Vegas where theyre greeted by none other than Shania Twain

Looks like you made it: You made it! Shania says on stage, as Chris and Lukas can hardly believe it, as Shania sings, Chris, Lukas, looks like you made it, get over here, lets do this'

Surprise: Kim admits in confession, I just, I love giving surprises, and I love making people happy, and to see them in tears and so happy and so genuinely surprised, makes me so happy'

Special day: I feel so privileged to be a part of your special day, Shania says, before calling for a group hug with Chris, Lukas and Kim

Forever person: Kim explains to Shania, When that song came out, I would blast it everywhere, all the time, and I said this will be my song with my forever person, as she looks into the camera and says, So when that time comes, my forever person, this will be our song, I hope you like it'

Kim explains to Shania, When that song came out, I would blast it everywhere, all the time, and I said this will be my song with my forever person, as she looks into the camera and says, So when that time comes, my forever person, this will be our song, I hope you like it.

Shania tells them to have, the best day ever and have the best life ever together, as Lukas says, This is the best moment of my life, also you are so hot, as Shania laughs.

Kim adds in confession, Shania is so generous, like she just really took the time to make this night really special, while we se Shania posing for several photos with the couple and greeting their families.

Im just so forever grateful, and one day, maybe youll sing this for me and for whoever loves this song with me, Kim says in confession.

As theyre leaving, Lukas says, Oh my God, Kim, I f***ing love you, I cannot believe you did that, as Kim screams back at Shania, Shania forever! Chris and Lukas scream, Shania! We love you!

Later in the episode, they all arrive at the Little White Chapel, as Kim notices they have a drive-thru, adding, How convenient.

They all take photos in front of the chapel as Kim wonders if they can, look up records here, referring to her first marriage 23 years ago.

All right guys, since Im the minister, Im going to welcome you all in to the Little White Chapel, she says, as they all applaud, as Kim adds they have a slot in about 20 minutes.

Chapel: Later in the episode, they all arrive at the Little White Chapel, as Kim notices they have a drive-thru, adding, How convenient'

Grateful: Im just so forever grateful, and one day, maybe youll sing this for me and for whoever loves this song with me, Kim says in confession

Minister: All right guys, since Im the minister, Im going to welcome you all in to the Little White Chapel, she says, as they all applaud, as Kim adds they have a slot in about 20 minutes

Guests: The couple's guests were pictured inside the venue

Sizzling: Kim sizzled while officiating the wedding

Kim adds in confession, I just honestly havent had time to figure this out, otherwise I would have come up with something extremely clever.

Guys, I have never done this before and I havent even rehearsed so they printed this out for me and Im gonna wing it, because that is where the magic happen, Kim says at the chapel.

Chris mother walks him down the aisle, and meets Lukas, as Kim adds, First of all, Im so honored that youre both trusting in me to do this. You both have such big hearts, and the advice that I can give you is always have each others backs.

A producer asks Kim in confession if she still believes in love, and Kim says, Of course. Id be like The Grinch if I didnt.

Kim officiates the wedding and says in confession that, falling in love is the most fun thing on the planet.

Kim pronounces them both, happily married as they all walk out of the chapel, adding in confession, This was so much fun.

'Like, I married my first couple, we put so much love in the world. Im so happy for them,' she added.

It was one of a number of marriages shown on the show that ended up in divorce.

Previously, Kim's wedding to rapper Kanye West, 46, aired on the show in 2014. The two ended up splitting, with their divorce finalized in 2022.

Her wedding to basketball player Kris Humphries, 38, aired in 2011. It was short lived, as Kim filed for divorce 72 days later.

Kardashian wedding curse: It was one of a number of marriages shown on the show that ended up in divorce. Previously, Kim's wedding to rapper Kanye West, 46, aired on the show in 2014. The two ended up splitting, with their divorce finalized in 2022

The ex: Her wedding to basketball player Kris Humphries, 38, aired in 2011. It was rather short lived, as Kim filed for divorce 72 days later

Another divorce: Her sister Khloe Kardashian's, 39, wedding to basketball player Lamar Odom, 44, was shown in a 2009 episode. The pair divorced in 2016

Vow renewal: Kim's mom Kris Jenner, 68, renewed her wedding vows with spouse Caitlyn Jenner (then known as Bruce Jenner) in a 2011 episode in Bora Bora. The pair ended their 23-year-long marriage in 2015 - the same year Caitlyn came out as a transgender woman

Her sister Khloe Kardashian's, 39, wedding to basketball player Lamar Odom, 44, was shown in a 2009 episode. The pair divorced in 2016.

Her mom Kris Jenner, 68, renewed her wedding vows with spouse Caitlyn Jenner (then known as Bruce Jenner) in a 2011 episode in Bora Bora. The pair ended their 23-year-long marriage in 2015 - the same year Caitlyn came out as a transgender woman.

Lukas and Chris wed in front of only six guests at Little White Chapel after applying for a marriage license in Clark County.

It was the same wedding venue where Kourtney Kardashian & Travis Barker, Joe Jonas & Sophie Turner, Bruce Willis & Demi Moore, and Frank Sinatra & Mia Farrow previously walked down the aisle.

Two of the other guests were Appleton's two children - 19-year-old son Billy and 17-year-old daughter Kitty-blu - whom he welcomed with Leicester salon owner Katie Katon before he came out as homosexual at age 26.

Meanwhile on Monday a source told TMZ the pair's split was 'not an easy decision for Chris to make but he tried everything he could to make the marriage work and needed to make the best decision for himself moving forward.'

DailyMail.com has contacted representatives for the pair for comment.

Gage and Appleton made their romance public in February when they shared vacation snaps from The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort in Mexico.

'I'm very happy. Very much in love. And I feel very grateful to be able to share my time with someone very special,' Appleton gushed on The Drew Barrymore Show on March 17.

'Love is a really special thing and I think meeting someone that you really connect with is really really special.'

Split: Appleton filed for divorce on Monday, as per TMZ, citing 'irreconcilable differences'. The couple's date of separation is listed as Friday and they have a prenup in place; pictured in July

Then: Gage and Appleton made their romance public in February when they shared vacation snaps from The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort in Mexico

In turn Gage said he felt 'very happy, very lucky, and very much in love' while appearing on the March 27th episode of TODAY.

'He's a good-looking man. Something about being in London, I got a taste of the Brits and couldn't help myself.'

Gage is known for his role as Dillon on season one of The White Lotus, Adam Pratt on season four of You and Tyler Clarkson on Euphoria.

Meanwhile, Chris has a client list that includes Kardashian, Daytime Emmy-nominated host Drew Barrymore, two-time Grammy nominee Jennifer Lopez, and three-time Grammy winner Dua Lipa.
Denzel Washington is teaming up with director Antoine Fuqua for the sixth time with a new action epic about the real-life ancient warrior Hannibal.

Washington, 68, who was spotted in Portofino, Italy with his wife Pauletta in late Septmber, earned his second Oscar in his first collaboration with Fuqua, 2001's Training Day.

He also worked with Fuqua on 2014's The Equalizer, 2016's The Magnificent Seven remake, 2018's The Equalizer 2 and this year's The Equalizer 3.

Now Washington and Fuqua are coming together again for Hannibal, with Washington playing the commander of Carthage forces during the Second Punic War between 183 and 181 BC, via Deadline.

Fuqua will direct from a script by John Logan (Gladiator), with this project coming together 20 years after Washington first wanted to play Hannibal, considered by many historians to be one of the greatest military minds of all time.

Denzel and Antoine: Denzel Washington is teaming up with director Antoine Fuqua for the sixth time with a new action epic about the real-life ancient warrior Hannibal

First: Washington, 68, who was spotted in Portofino, Italy with his wife Pauletta in late Septmber, earned his second Oscar in his first collaboration with Fuqua, 2001's Training Day

Director: Fuqua will direct from a script by John Logan (Gladiator), with this project coming together 20 years after Washington first wanted to play Hannibal, considered by many historians to be one of the greatest military minds of all time

Two decades earlier, Washington was eyeing this film project when it was in development at 20th Century Fox.

At the time, Washington didn't want to be away from his four kids for an extended period of time, and didn't sign on to the movie.

Now the project has found its way to Netflix, though it's currently unclear when production may begin.

Hannibal Barca lead the forces of Carthage (now known as Tunisia) against the Roman Republic during the Second Punic War, following in the footsteps of his father Hamilcar Barca, who lead the country's forces in the First Punic War.

Hannibal pledged to his father to 'never be a friend of Rome,' which he lived up to, attacking Saguntum in 218 BC, sparking the Second Punic War.

The great military leader attacked Rome while riding atop a massive elephant, with his forces posing a massive threat to the Roman empire.

Vin Diesel was once eyeing a rival Hannibal project many years earlier, as the military leader has often intrigued many in Hollywood.

The film will be produced under Fuqua's production company Hill District Media and its overall deal with Netflix.

Earlier: Two decades earlier, Washington was eyeing this film project when it was in development at 20th Century Fox

Netflix: Now the project has found its way to Netflix, though it's currently unclear when production may begin

Producing: Both Washington and Fuqua will produce the epic alongside Erik Olsen and Adam Goldworm, with Jeremy Lott and Frank Rodriguez Moll executive producing

Both Washington and Fuqua will produce the epic alongside Erik Olsen and Adam Goldworm, with Jeremy Lott and Frank Rodriguez Moll executive producing.

Washington is getting back to work on the highly-anticipated Gladiator 2, now that the SAG-AFTRA strike has concluded.

Denzel will also be producing The Piano Lesson, an adaptation of the 1987 August Wilson play, which his son Malcolm is directing.

Fuqua and writer Logan are also in pre-production on a Michael Jackson biopic simply titled Michael, though it's unclear when that will begin.
Elizabeth Debicki has taken her remarkable portrayal of Diana, Princess Of Wales to the next level by recreating her iconic Vogue cover for the Radio Times.

The late Princess featured as cover star for the December 1992 edition of the fashion bible, five years before her tragic death, aged 36.

Debicki, who plays Diana in seasons five and six of Netflix drama The Crown, has since reenacted the pose ahead of the returning show's launch on November 16.

The Australian actress, 33, wears a fitted black polo-neck sweater reminiscent of the one worn by Diana in her original shoot and models the same blonde hairstyle as she poses for the cover spread.

While the Vogue cover proved to be one of its biggest, the image - shot by French photographer Patrick Demarchelier - was originally intended for the cover of Diana's 1992 biography.

Striking: Elizabeth Debicki has taken her remarkable portrayal of Diana, Princess Of Wales to the next level by recreating her iconic Vogue cover for the Radio Times

Previously: The late Princess featured as cover star for the December 1992 edition of the fashion bible, five years before her tragic death, aged 36

Speaking to Radio Times, Andrew Morton, who wrote the unauthorised biography, admitted they eventually chose a photo by celebrated British photographer and filmmaker Terence Donovan, but only after disputing the fee.

'He wanted 70,000 . . . when the going rate was 500,' he explained. 'He told us if the price wasnt met, he would tell the world Diana was involved in the book. He had us by the crown jewels.'

Morton also claimed the upcoming final series of The Crown will 'stir up the settled slit of loss' over the royal.

The last instalment of the Peter Morgan biopic, which is released on Netflix on Thursday, will dramatise the weeks before the late Princess of Wales's death and the fall-out within the royal family.

And Morton, who penned Diana's 'unauthorised, authorised biography' five years before her death, said that the 'gamey' series is set to reopen closed wounds.

'For many of us who lived through those dramatic days, its going to stir up the settled silt of remembrance and loss. Which is why The Crown team has been at pains to emphasise how sensitively the princesss untimely death has been handled,' he wrote.

He also recalled how he found out the then Princess of Wales had died.

'Like millions around the world, I vividly remember that fateful day. I was staying with friends for the Edinburgh Festival and was woken by my host with the news. Disbelieving at first, when it gradually began to sink in, I booked the last seat on the morning flight to London.

Coming soon: Princess Diana 's biographer Andrew Morton has claimed the upcoming series of The Crown will 'stir up the settled slit of loss' over the royal. She is pictured in 1997

Dramatic: Images show Diana, played by Debicki, being hounded by paparazzi shortly before her death

RE-CREATING THE SACRED BLUE SWIMSUIT MOMENT Princess Diana pictured in St Tropez The Crown pulled out all the stops when it came to re-creating Diana and Dodis last summer in St Tropez. Gottex, the company that made all of Dianas swimwear, made all of ours for us, says costume designer Sid Roberts. We just adjusted it to whatever Elizabeth felt comfortable with. That 90s shape is very high cut on the thigh, and it goes right up and quite high on the bottom as well. So we just made those adjustments with Gottex. And the effort paid off for Elizabeth Debicki. I really love the blue swimsuit Diana wears when she walks out to the end of the diving board on the yacht and sits down, she says. There was just something about that swimsuit and re-creating that moment that felt very sacred. Advertisement

'During the journey, a Frenchman came over and handed me a note that said in effect: I would like to apologise on behalf of the French nation. At the time the French paparazzi, rather than a drunk driver, were being blamed for the crash.'

The emotional first four episodes cover the tragic car crash in Paris that killed Princess Diana in August 1997  alongside her lover Dodi Fayed and their chauffeur Henri Paul  and the Royal Family s reaction to it, as well as the summer holiday Diana and Dodi enjoyed in St Tropez prior to the tragedy.

The Paris scenes were shot in the French capital, while a yacht was hired for the St Tropez scenes, although these were actually filmed in Mallorca.

For sensitivity reasons the exact moment of Dianas death is not re-created, but there are controversial scenes in which Charles tenderly converses with an imaginary Diana in the cabin of the royal plane as he accompanies her body from Paris to London , and later when she also appears to the Queen.

Critics who have seen these scenes called them farcical for portraying Diana as a ghost, but series creator Peter Morgan has insisted that wasnt the intention.

I never imagined it as Dianas ghost in the traditional sense, he told Variety magazine. It was her continuing to live vividly in the minds of those she has left behind.

The Crown was devised by Morgan after the success of his 2006 film about the Royal Familys reaction to Dianas death, The Queen.

And the series  which has earned 21 Emmys and dozens of BAFTA nominations, not to mention some criticism for its historical inaccuracies  covers the same ground, but using fresh information gleaned in the 17 years since the Oscar-winning movie was made.

In fact, the scripts had to be updated all the time as the Royal Family were plunged into headlines throughout the filming period, not only with the Queens death but also following the release of Prince Harrys memoir Spare.

I assumed that Charles is an emotional and rather open-hearted guy in spite of the buttoned-up exterior he has to have in public, Dominic West, who plays the then Prince, told Weekend Magazine.

But when Harry wrote his book and said he never hugged him or anything, we had to change that slightly.

The Crown season six, episodes one to four, will launch on Netflix from November 16. Episodes five to ten will launch on Netflix from December 14.
Thomasin McKenzie put on a quirky display as she attended the screening of her new film Eileen in London on Monday.

The actress, 23, who plays the titular character in the psychological thriller, wore a dogtooth dress with panel detailing.

She teamed the stylish number with a pair of knee-high leather boots and accessorised with a Louis Vuitton box handbag.

Thomasin opted for a subtle makeup look with shimmery eyeshadow and a nude lipstick to complete her look.

She stars alongside Anne Hathaway, Shea Whigham, Marin Ireland and Owen Teague in the highly-anticipated film that is set for release December 1.

Stunning: Thomasin McKenzie, 23, put on a quirky display as she attended the screening of her new film Eileen in London on Monday

Pretty: The actress, who plays the titular character in the psychological thriller, wore a dogtooth dress with panel detailing

Thomasin was joined at the screening by film director William Oldroyd, who looked smart in a navy blue blazer.

The trailer for Eileen was released last month and begins with Eileen, played by actress McKenzie, patting down her prison's staff members and gazing at an attractive prisoner.

The character then tells her father that she had experienced 'one of those days you never forget' before she first sees Rebecca, played by Hathaway.

Eileen and Rebecca establish an instant connection after the psychologist is introduced to the prison's workers, and after introducing McKenzie's character to cigarettes, the latter ominously states: 'I live a little differently than most people.'

After Hathaway's character establishes a close relationship with the secretary, she places her hand on the latter's thigh before they dance with one another during a trip to a bar.

Eileen later tries to leave Rebecca's house before the latter slams the front door shut and ominously states: 'You can never tell anyone, do you understand? Promise me.'

The secretary's father, played by Wigham, then states that he could imagine his daughter with a gun, she points one at Rebecca, who calmly remarks: 'That's very good, Eileen.'

Wigham then tells his daughter that she is 'different these days. Almost interesting.'

Stars: Thomasin was joined at the screening by film director William Oldroyd, who looked smart in a navy blue blazer

Red carpet ready: Luke Goebel joined Thomasin McKenzie, Ottessa Moshfegh and William for a photo

On screen: She stars alongside Anne Hathaway (pictured), Shea Whigham, Marin Ireland and Owen Teague in the highly-anticipated film that is set for release December 1

Starting off strong: The trailer begins with Eileen, played by McKenzie, patting down her prison's staff members and gazing at an attractive prisoner

A rapid-fire montage then ensues, which concludes with Rebecca locking lips with Eileen, after which she remarks: 'The only way out's for someone to die.'

The trailer ends after Hathaway's character opens a bottle of wine by hitting its bottom against a wall, much to the secretary's surprise.

Eileen is based on the 2015 novel of the same name, which was written by Ottessa Moshfegh, who also co-wrote its script alongside her husband, Luke Goebel.

The movie received widespread critical acclaim, and it currently holds an 89% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Hailey Bieber looked fashionable as ever while running errands in Los Angeles on Monday.

The model, 26, rocked a Matrix-reminiscent long black trench coat and chunky black boots with unique gold straps and white socks for the outing.

Continuing on with the theme, Justin Bieber's wife  who stunned at the Baby2Baby Gala over the weekend  also sported a pair of slim black sunglasses.

The beauty further accessorized her stylish look with a pair of gold hoop earrings and wore her shoulder-length bob in a straight style.

Hailey had her hands full, juggling an iced coffee, a salad box, and a cellphone as she walked.

Fashionista: Hailey Bieber looked fashionable as ever while running errands in Los Angeles on Monday

Matrix vibes: The model, 26, rocked a Matrix-reminiscent long black trench coat and chunky black boots with unique gold straps and white socks for the outing

Hailey also took to her Instagram Stories on Monday, sharing her glowing glam for the day in a quick clip.

The video had a filter that added two pink bows to her cheeks.

Hailey smiled whole showing off her glossy pout and blowing a kiss for the camera.

'Hmmmm....' she wrote in a text overlay on the video, along with a lip and eye emojis.

Over the weekend Hailey attended the Baby2Baby Gala, along with Kim Kardashian, Salma Hayek, and Jessica Alba.

Every year the celebs turn out in force for Baby2Baby, a Los Angeles-based charity whose aim is to provide essential goods like diapers and clothes to underprivileged children.

Hailey wowed in a sleeveless form-fitting long maxi black gown, and matching gold bangles.

Earlier this week she and her husband were also spotted hitting up Hollywood for a fun date night on Thursday.

On theme: Continuing on with the theme, Justin Bieber's wife also sported a pair of slim black sunglasses

Glowing: Hailey also took to her Instagram Stories on Monday, sharing her glowing glam for the day in a quick clip

Cute! The video had a filter that added two pink bows to her cheeks

Stunner: Over the weekend Hailey attended the Baby2Baby Gala in Los Angeles, where she was seen mingling with Kim Kardashian

The supermodel and the pop star, 29, took their luxury Land Rover Defender out for a spin before landing at a restaurant in Los Angeles.

Showing off her statuesque figure in a tiny black leather miniskirt, Hailey led the way as she added a matching halter top to the mix.

The stunning beauty also wrapped herself in a black leather jacket for the outing, while a pair of mesh stockings and black heels set off the chic look.

The pair recently celebrated their fifth wedding anniversary.

After a brief fling in 2015, they rekindled their romance in June 2018.

The couple then became engaged in July 2018 during a picturesque getaway in the Bahamas.

They exchanged vows in a secret courthouse ceremony in September of that year.
Jerry OConnell addressed why he hasn't publicly commented on inflammatory remarks made about his wife Rebecca Romijn by her ex-husband John Stamos in his new book.

The New York City native, 49, on the CBS show The Talk Monday, said that he's refrained from getting into detail about Stamos' comments about Romijn because 'there are children involved.'

He said: 'My wife's ex-husband recently wrote a biography, and it referred to my wife in a negative manner. And a lot of people have asked me about that in press, and it would be easy for me to say, "Screw you, how dare you ask me that?"'

The actor, who has been seen in films including Jerry Maguire and Stand By Me, said that commenting on the Stamos remarks would 'be bringing the attention to a situation that I don't want to feed into.'

The Crossing Jordan star and Berkeley, California-born beauty, 51, tied the knot two years after her split from Stamos, 60, who she was wed to from 1998 to 2005.

The latest: Jerry OConnell, 49, on Monday addressed why he hasn't publicly commented on inflammatory remarks made about his wife Rebecca Romijn, 51, by her ex-husband John Stamos, 60, in his new book If You Would Have Told Me

OConnell and Romijn, 51, tied the knot in 2007, two years after her split from Stamos, 60, who she was wed to from 1998 to 2005

OConnell and Romijn are parents to 14-year-old twin daughters Charlie Tamara Tulip and Dolly Rebecca Rose.

'There's children involved, teenage children who read everything on the Internet; so you don't want to feed that fire,' OConnell said, receiving applause from the studio audience.

In an interview with People last month promoting his his new memoir If You Would Have Told Me, Stamos said he was embittered toward Romijn during the end of their marriage.

'In my mind back then, she was the Devil, and I just hated her,' Stamos told the publication. 'I couldn't believe how much I hated her, and it ruined my life.'

He later added: 'It was very much the opinion that she dumped me because her career was going great and mine wasn't, and that's humiliating.

'I don't blame her for it. It was just the perception that people took, and maybe they weren't wrong. She was doing great at that time and I wasn't.'

O'Connell last month said he and his spouse did not get warning from the Full House star before he wrote about them in his new memoir.

O'Connell made an appearance on Access Hollywood October 23, and told hosts Mario Lopez and Kit Hoover that he and his wife found out about the book after it was already released.

The actor said that he's refrained from getting into detail about Stamos' comments about Romijn because 'there are children involved,' as and he and Romijn are parents to 14-year-old twin daughters Charlie Tamara Tulip and Dolly Rebecca Rose

The actor said, 'There's children involved, teenage children who read everything on the Internet; so you don't want to feed that fire'

The actor said that commenting on the Stamos remarks would 'be bringing the attention to a situation that I don't want to feed into'

O'Connell last month said he and his spouse did not get warning from the Full House star before he wrote about them in his new memoir

'We don't get any warning,' he said. 'We find out just like anyone else.'

O'Connell then declined to comment on whether or not his wife was shocked by the comments Stamos, 60, made about their divorce in his book - which was released October 24.

'It's not really my place to say,' he said in response to the question. 'I would rather my wife talk about that. My wife and I are getting along so well today.'

In his new memoir, Stamos spoke candidly about his 'failed' first marriage with the former model.

In the People interview, Stamos also revealed that he was 'shattered' after they ended their seven-year marriage and said he 'hated her' during their divorce.

The General Hospital vet confessed: 'My first marriage was shattering to me. I was shattered for way too long, too.

'I mean, a year, okay, good,' he continued. 'But it went on [for] years and years.'

Stamos said following their split, he relied heavily on alcohol as a coping mechanism and only worked through his resentment towards her after going through the steps in AA.

O'Connell and Romijn were pictured in April at the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner in Washington, DC

In his new memoir, Stamos spoke candidly about his 'failed' first marriage with the former model. Pictured last year in LA

Before tying the knot with O'Connell, Romijn was previously married to Stamos from 1998 to 2005. Pictured in 2003 in NYC

In his new memoir, he spoke candidly about his 'failed' first marriage with the former model. Pictured in LA in 2000

During promotions for the book, Stamos also revealed that he was 'shattered' after they ended their seven-year marriage and said he 'hated her' during their divorce. Pictured in LA in 2000

Stamos' bombshell memoir, If You Would Have Told Me, hit shelves on October 24

Stamos also revealed that he has kept a special gift that his ex-wife had given him while they were together.

In Stamos' bombshell memoir, he opens up about his alcoholism and going to rehab. He also talked about finding out his late friend and Full House costar, Bob Saget, had passed away.

He also spoke about being sexually assaulted and revealed he had multiple rhinoplasties early in his career.
Popular Neighbours stars including April Rose Pengilly, Hannah Monson, Takaya Honda and Matt Wilson, are set return to the Ramsay Street reboot.

According to WHO Magazine, the foursome will come home to their old stomping ground for 'Flashback week'.

Sadly the actors aren't returning as regulars, and will instead only appear as guest stars on the Amazon series.

Neighbours is airing 'Tell-All: Flashback Week' from November 13th to 16th, which are set two years before the current episodes.

One of the secrets uncovered is why Paul Robinson (played by Stefan Dennis) left Terese (played by Rebekah Elmaloglou) at the alter.

Neighbours stars including April Rose Pengilly, Hannah Monson, Takaya Honda and Matt Wilson will all return to the Ramsay Street reboot, according to a report by WHO magazine

It has also been revealed that Chloe will face off with Nicole in the episodes.

The revamped soap confirmed it was back in production in April, after getting revived by streaming service Amazon Prime.

'Lights, camera, action, let's go! Brand new Neighbours is officially in production!' read the caption alongside an Instagram post from the show's account.

Sadly the actors aren't returning as regulars on the reboot, instead they will only appear as guest stars on the Amazon series. Pictured: April Rose Pengilly

The show was thought to be indefinitely over after Australia's Network 10 wielded the axe on July 10 2022. Channel 5, the show's UK home, also dropped the show that month.

The show was thought to be indefinitely over after Australia's Network 10 wielded the axe on July 10 2022. Channel 5, the show's UK home, also dropped the show that month.

The series now airs for free on Amazon Freevee in the UK and US and includes streaming rights to thousands of episodes from previous seasons.

The show streams on Prime Video in Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.

The continuation of the long-running soap series follows the finale in 2022, which was watched by millions of adoring fans.
Matt Preston revealed on Monday he was left blindsided after he and fellow hosts George Calombaris and Gary Mehigan were fired from MasterChef Australia in 2019.

The culinary expert, 62, told KIIS FM's Will & Woody that the decision to end his contract came out of nowhere and appeared to be a financially motivated.

'We had no idea. It's a business decision in these things. I said at the time, you make the decision, you go, "We can save some money maybe", and then boom, you go the other way,' he began.

'We had 11 years on that show and that's what happens and the post had gone out that they were going to replace us as judges.'

Preston added he learned of the shock decision at an unfortunate time, just as he had finished a radio interview with Will and Woody in 2019.

Matt Preston (centre) revealed on Monday he was left blindsided after he and fellow hosts George Calombaris (right) and Gary Mehigan (left) were fired from MasterChef Australia in 2019

'I had been on air with you and none of us were looking at our phone, so we just had a normal chat.

'And then I went out and then at that moment I was like, ding ding ding. Oh, okay. All right. The biggest Australian exclusive just walked out of the room,' he added.

He and fellow MasterChef judges, George Calombaris and Gary Mehigan, were ousted from the popular cooking show in July 2019.

The culinary expert, 62, told KIIS FM's Will & Woody that the decision to end his contract came out of nowhere and appeared to be financially motivated

The London-born star previously opened up about Channel 10's shock decision to end his contract after 11 years.

Speaking to The Daily Telegraph, the chef revealed he learnt his contract had been terminated after he couldn't agree on terms with the network.

'We were happy with what was being offered, in fact we had accepted Ten's financial offer to make the next series of MasterChef. We just failed to agree on the other terms,' he told the publication.

'We had no idea. It's a business decision in these things. I said at the time, you make the decision, you go, "We can save some money maybe", and then boom, you go the other way,' Matt began

In 2019, Channel 10 confirmed Matt, alongside his fellow veteran judges, were not returning to the show, claiming they were unable to agree on a wage increase.

The trio were replaced by celebrity chefs Andy Allen, Melissa Leong and Jock Zonfrillo, who hosted the show from 2020 - 2023.

Allen is the only one of those three still on the show, as Jock tragically died on April 30 and Melissa Leong announced in October she was leaving the show.

Next year, Allen will judge alongside series one runner-up-turned celebrity cook Poh Ling Yeow and French celebrity chef Jean-Christophe Novelli.
She's currently in Sydney to reshoot scenes from her R-rated romantic comedy, Anyone But You.

And Hollywood star Sydney Sweeney, 26, smouldered in a stunning white pin-stripe bralette and matching skirt for what appeared to be a shoot on Tuesday.

Sydney looked utterly sensational in the corset-style top by designer Alex Perry from his 2024 resortwear collection.

The actress's blonde tresses were styled in beachy waves, and she was dolled up in a matte makeup palette with a dark-hued mascara to make her blue eyes pop.

Sydney recently returned to Australia to reshoot scenes for the upcoming rom-com, alongside co-star Glen Powell.

Sydney Sweeney showed off her cleavage in a low-cut bralette by Aussie designer Alex Perry after returning to Australia to reshoots scenes for romantic comedy, Anyone But You

The pair were spotted exploring the city with their director Will Gluck this week, with the duo cuddling-up as they grabbed coffees in the CBD.

Earlier this year, Sweeney fuelled speculation of an on-set romance with Powell as they filmed their romantic comedy in Sydney.

The rumours gained traction after Powell silently split with his model girlfriend Gigi Paris in April.

Sydney looked utterly sensational in the corset-style top by designer Alex Perry from his 2024 resortwear collection

The actress's blonde tresses were styled in beachy waves, and she was dolled up in a matte makeup palette with a dark-hued mascara to make her blue eyes pop

She finally shot down the rumours during a tell-all interview with Variety, saying 'It's a rom-com. That's what people want!'

She added: 'Glen and I don't really care.'

'We have so much fun together, and we respect each other so much; he's such a hard worker, and I'm a hard worker,' she continued.

'We're excited for the press tour [the interview was conducted before the SAG-AFTRA strike], and I literally just left ADR with him. We talk all the time like, 'That's really funny,' the blonde beauty quipped.

Sydney was spotted enjoying quality time with her on-screen love interest Glen Powell, 35, (left) this week as they explored the Sydney, to reshoot scenes for their upcoming film

Despite the pair continually denying any possibility of a romance, fans of the two Hollywood heavyweights found such statements hard to believe after the rom-com co-stars were spotted spending a lot of time together in Australia... when they weren't filming scenes.

A production member on the film even relayed that many of the workers on set 'thought they were already a couple.'

They continued with 'I knew him from Top Gun. But I just assumed they were a couple in real life. That's what it looked like to most of us. And to some of the extras as well.'

Earlier this year, Sweeney fuelled speculation of an on-set romance with Powell as they filmed their romantic comedy in Sydney

The rumours gained traction after Powell silently split with his model girlfriend Gigi Paris (left) in April. The exes are pictured on January 10, 2023

Although the 6'0 heartthrob did break-up with his girlfriend while filming Anyone But You, with Gigi even unfollowing the Madame Webb star, Sweeney is still very much together with her fiance, Jonathan Davino, 38, who has also joined her in Sydney as she does her reshoots.

The pair have looked more loved up than ever recently, with Sydney and Jonathan even joining Riverdale star Lili Reinhart on a double date with her boyfriend Jack Martin while the foursome were vacationing in Venice back in September.

A source told TMZ back in April that the curvaceous beauty was 'still engaged,' to the Chicago restaurateur and that Powell and Sweeney were 'not dating.'

The same insider verified that Jonathan and his sex symbol fiancee were still living together as well, despite theories to the contrary.

Sydney finally shot down the rumours during a tell-all interview with Variety, saying 'It's a rom-com. That's what people want!'
Married At First Sight's Cyrell Paule surprised fans when she revealed that she turned down partner Eden Dally after he proposed to her.

But on Thursday, the couple looked loved up as ever as they packed on the PDA at the launch of Walsh Bay Crab House in Sydney's CBD.

The 33-year-old mother-of-one couldn't wipe the smile off her face while posing for photos alongside her hunky tattooed beau.

Cyrell showed off her ample cleavage in a form-fitting, sleeveless blue dress with a plunging neckline.

She wore her brunette tresses out and relaxed.

Married At First Sight's Cyrell Paule and her partner Eden Dally looked loved up as ever as they packed on the PDA at the launch of Walsh Bay Crab House in Sydney's CBD. Both pictured

The 33-year-old mother-of-one couldn't wipe the smile off her face while posing for photos alongside her tattooed beau

Eden, who rose to fame after appearing on the first season of Love Island, oozed confidence in a black button-up shirt he teamed up jeans.

The pair were joined by a bevy of other reality stars including The Bachelor's Juliette Herrera and Instagram sensation Sabrina Treffiletti.

Juliette looked glamorous in a coral-coloured dress with spaghetti straps, detailed with floral lace applique on the bodice and a gathered, ruched design along the skirt.

Joining the couple was Bachelor star Juliette Herrera, who looked stunning in a coral-coloured dress with spaghetti straps, detailed with floral lace applique on the bodice and a gathered, ruched design along the skirt

Juliette's makeup included dark eyeliner and a nude lip colour.

She wore her brunette tresses out and styled in loose waves with a centre part.

Elsewhere, Danijela Dacic looked absolutely stunning in a sleeveless, shimmering gold satin dress that draped elegantly on her slender frame.

Elsewhere, Danijela Dacic looked absolutely stunning in a sleeveless, shimmering gold satin dress that draped elegantly on her slender frame

Social media star Sabrina Treffiletti was also fully glammed up for the event

Harry's Singapore Chilli Crab, an eatery icon since 1982, recently opened its doors in Potts Point.

The restaurant chain's founder Mr Lau died in 2020 and his son-in-law Andy Zhan now runs the show.

Their crab is caught fresh in Queensland and hours later is served up down in Sydney

The launch was also attended by My Kitchen Rules winners Janelle Halil and Monzir Hamdin
Nicole Kidman was set to make history this year as the first Australian actor to receive the American Film Institute's Life Achievement Award.

And now the AFI has announced that the 56-year-old homegrown Hollywood superstar will have to wait until next year to receive the prestigious gong.

Originally scheduled for June, the ceremony will now take place on April 24, 2024 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.

The event was postponed due to the strike by the Writer Guild of America, which began in May and ended on September 27 reports Variety.

Previous recipients of the AFI honour include legendary heavyweights in world cinema like Jane Fonda, George Clooney , Robert de Niro, Al Pacino and Meryl Streep.

Nicole Kidman will now accept her Lifetime Achievement Award form the American Film Institute in Los Angeles next April, after the ceremony, which was to take place in June, was postponed because of the recent Writers Guild of America strike, which ended in September. Pictured: Kidman on the red carpet in New York earlier this month

Awarded by the AFI Board of Trustees, the Institute's prize, next to an Oscar, is amongst filmdom's highest honours.

Announcing the news to her stories last November, Nicole posted a glamorous picture with the caption: 'What an honour! Thank you to the American Film Institute.

'And to all who have been a part of this journey,' she continued.

'Looking forward to seeing you in June.'

The AFI's chair, film producer Kathleen Kennedy, gushed with praise for Nicole in making the official announcement.

The 56-year-old star will be the first Australian to be awarded the prize. Pictured: Kidman in Dead Calm in 1989, one of her early film roles that helped to establish her Hollywood career

Previous recipients include of the AFI prize include legendary heavyweights in world cinema like Jane Fonda, George Clooney, Robert de Niro, and Meryl Streep. Pictured: Kidman in The Hours. The role which won her an Oscar in 2003

'Nicole Kidman has enchanted for decades with her daring artistry and the glamour of a screen icon,' she said.

Nicole will be the 49th recipient of the AFI Life Achievement Award, which was first handed in 1973.

The ageless redhead has worked with some of biggest filmmakers of the era in her four-decade career including Stanley Kubrick, George Miller, Sofia Coppola, Jane Campion, Sydney Pollack and Lars von Trier.

Beginning her career in Australia, after being born in Hawaii in 1967, Nicole first rose to fame as a child actor in pictures like Bush Christmas (1983) and BMX Bandits (1983).

She later won great praise playing a rebellious 60s teen in the landmark Kennedy-Miller mini-series Vietnam (1987).

Kidman co-starred in the Tom Cruise box-office hit Day of Thunder in 1990 (pictured)

Kidman is one of the most honoured actresses of her generation including six Golden Globe awards, one BAFTA, two prime time Emmy .Pictured: Kidman in To Die For from 1995

Her international breakthrough came with another Kennedy-Miller production, the thriller Dead Calm in 1989, co-starring Sam Neill.

Nicole later made three films with Mission: Impossible star Tom Cruise between 1990 and 1999: Days of Thunder, Far and Away and Eyes Wide Shut.

The pair wed in 1990 when Kidman was 23, and divorced in 2001 after 12 years of marriage.

Among Nicole's major films are, To Die For (1995), Lion (2016) and the Baz Luhrmann's Australia (2008) and Moulin Rouge! (2001) - for which she earned a Best Actress Oscar nod.

Nicole, who has continued to win praise from fans, peers and critics for her versatility is one of the most honoured actresses of her generation.

Her accolades include six Golden Globe awards, one BAFTA, two prime time Emmys and an Academy Award for Best Actress for the Hours in 2003.
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Lara Worthington has shared the secret behind her perfect skin.

The model posted a video to Instagram showing her slathering her face with the Supernatural Blemish Serum by Emma Lewisham.

The 36-year-old showed off her pimple-free complexion in the clip, and raved about the blemish busting serum.

'For anyone with problematic skin, this is your guy! 235 million live probiotic cells per dose,' she wrote in the caption alongside the video.

The Emma Lewisham Supernatural Blemish Face Serum with Live Skin Probiotic retails for $135.

Lara Worthington (pictured) has shared the secret behind her perfect skin

The New Zealand based range of 'intelligent skincare' includes serums, cleaners and face oils that boast 100 per cent natural ingredients.

Emma Lewisham has won an impressive following of celebrity fans thanks to her skincare line.

Her admirers include Worthington, who is also a brand ambassador, and supermodel Shanina Shaik.

A-list actresses Margot Robbie and Naomi Watts are also said to be fans of the range.

The model posted a video to Instagram showing her slathering her face with the Emma Lewisham Supernatural Blemish Serum

The 36-year-old showed off her pimple-free visage in the clip, and raved about the blemish busting serum. 'For anyone with problematic skin, this is your guy! 235 million live probiotic cells per dose,' she wrote in the caption alongside the video

The Emma Lewisham Supernatural Blemish Face Serum with Live Skin Probiotic retails for $135

Phoebe Tonkin, Gemma Ward and Georgia Fowler are devotees, and Gwyneth Paltrow stocks the line on her Goop website.

Lewisham told Stellar Magazine that the inspiration for her skincare came from looking for healthier options.

'When it came to the idea around [the brand] Emma Lewisham, it started from a conversation with my doctor around lifestyle and what [products] I was using,' she told the publication.

Supermodel Shanina Shaik (picture) is a lover of the all natural brand

A-list actresses Margot Robbie (pictured) and Naomi Watts are likewise said to be fans

'It was a time in my life when I was considering the way that I lived,' she recalled.

'I didn't feel bulletproof.

'I'd lost my mum from cancer. I started to not want to take things for granted.'

Emma Lewisham has become one of Australia's best-selling brands and is refillable, which means it has 'up to 75 per cent less carbon score' compared to standard products.
Emily Ratajkowski showed off her toned frame wearing a sexy, cutout ensemble as she stepped out in New York City on Monday.

The My Body author, 32 - who recently put on a radiant display during a coffee run with a close friend - was seen strolling down a sidewalk in the Big Apple as she headed to her destination.

The supermodel flashed a glimpse of underboob in a figure-hugging minidress that contained various, thin cutouts as well as red floral details on the front.

She additionally donned a pair of sheer, black tights as well as open-toed, black heels that were secured with thin straps that wrapped around her ankles.

Her dark locks were parted in the middle, and effortlessly flowed down naturally past her shoulders, allowing her bangs to gently fall onto the sides of her face.

Stylish: Emily Ratajkowski, 32, showed off her toned frame wearing a sexy, cutout ensemble as she stepped out in New York City on Monday

The mother-of-one layered her look with a long, black coat that contained a fuzzy trim around the neckline to help her stay warm in the cooler temperatures.

Emily carried a small, black purse in her hand to hold a few items she needed during the evening excursion.

The beauty opted to not wear any pieces of flashy jewelry to allow the dress to be the main focal point.

She added a warm blush on her cheeks for a radiant glow while also wearing a nude-colored, glossy tint on her lips for a finishing touch to the look.

Later in the night, Ratajkowski was spotted attending the Expedia Group Unpack '24 event at a restaurant called Tatiana in the heart of the city.

As she arrived to the eatery, she removed her leather coat and paused for a quick photo session to better show off her outfit.

While talking to Vogue earlier this year in September, she opened up style and revealed that fashion used to 'intimidate' her in the past. 'I think that fashion really used to intimidate me. I felt like there were rules that I didn't understand.'

She added, 'The rules are meant to be broken, once you understand the rules then you can have fun. I think I also, in general, take it less seriously than I ever did before. I'm less afraid of risk.'

Head-turning: The supermodel flashed a glimpse of underboob in a figure-hugging minidress that contained various, thin cutouts as well as red floral details on the front

Staying warm: The mother-of-one layered her look with a long, black coat that contained a fuzzy trim around the neckline to help her stay warm in the cooler temperatures

Busy night: Later in the night, Ratajkowski was spotted attending the Expedia Group Unpack '24 event at the restaurant called Tatiana in the heart of the city

Before heading out for the busy night, Emily jumped to her Instagram stories to upload a video selfie that she filmed in the reflection of a mirror in what appeared to be an apartment.

Her adorable dog, Colombo, was also included in the short reel as the furry companion rested on a comfy couch.

The businesswoman then uploaded a close-up selfie as she sat next to her Husky-German Shepherd mix.

Her outing comes shortly after she enjoyed a date night with French comedian, Stephane Bak, as the pair both attended the 2023 CFDA Fashion Awards earlier this month.

The two stars dressed to impress as they made an appearance at the star-studded event that was held at the American Museum of Natural History.

Ratajkowski and Bak were first romantically linked late last month in October in Paris when they were seen sharing a passionate kiss.

However, insiders have since claimed that their very public kiss was 'nothing serious.'

Outfit check: Before heading out for the busy night, Emily jumped to her Instagram stories to upload a video selfie that she filmed in the reflection of a mirror

Adorable: Her adorable dog, Colombo, was also included in the short reel as the furry companion rested on a comfy couch

Selfie time! The businesswoman then uploaded a close-up selfie as she sat next to her Husky-German Shepherd mix

Romantically linked: Her outing comes shortly after she enjoyed a date night with French comedian, Stephane Bak, as the pair both attended the 2023 CFDA Fashion Awards earlier this month

'If you are funny, you have a chance with Emily - and Stephane is very confident, has a great sense of humor and is easy to get along with. It is just a good time,' a source recently told DailyMail.com exclusively.

'It is nothing serious right now, she is having a good time and there isn't much more to it than them hanging out. They met via mutual friends and seeing where it goes.'

The insider continued, 'He seems to be all about it, and she likes the fact that he is sort of a normal dude and fame really hasn't taken over his ego.'

'She's all about living her life and seeing who enters it and if something works out, fantastic. She's just rolling the dice and only expecting fun.'
Karen Elson announced her engagement to music executive Lee Foster in a series of sweet Instagram posts on Monday.

The British supermodel, 44, who shares two children with her rocker ex Jack White, posted a selfie of the pair writing: 'The Future Mrs Foster'.

Initially teasing the news she took to her Stories and said 'Guess what?' before later sharing 'I'm getting married' alongside a glimpse of her huge diamond ring.

Gushing about her husband-to-be, who is a partner of Electric Lady Studios, a famous recording studio founded by Jimi Hendrix, Karen said: 'This year has been one of the most important of my life,'

'In part to this incredible man's presence, he's been grounding, caring and loving'.

Congratulations: Karen Elson, 44, announced her engagement to music executive Lee Foster in a series of sweet Instagram posts on Monday.

Big news: The British supermodel who shares two children with her rocker ex Jack White , shared a selfie of the pair writing: 'The Future Mrs Foster'

Fans and famous friends rushed to share their best wishes with fellow model Helena Christensen writing: 'A huge congrats to you both'.

And Daisy Lowe said: 'Oh wow magic, huge congratulations'.

Meanwhile actress Mandy Moore typed: 'Congrats Karen!!! You deserve all the love!!!'.

With Sophia Bush commenting: 'Congratulations'.

Rosanna Arquette also added: 'So happy for you'.

While Liberty Ross said: 'Congratulations'.

This will be Lee's first marriage while Karen was married to White Stripes star Jack White from 2005 to 2013, together they share daughter Scarlett Teresa, 16, and son Henry Lee, 15.

Last year Karen revealed how she and her ex-husband attempted to do the 'Goopy conscious-uncoupling thing' during their divorce but the approach failed.

Love: Initially teasing the news she took to her Stories and said 'Guess what?' before later posting 'I'm getting married' alongside a glimpse of her huge diamond ring

Meant to be: Gushing about her husband-to-be, who is a partner of Electric Lady Studios, a famous recording studio founded by Jimi Hendrix , Karen said: 'This year has been one of the most important of my life,

So happy! ans and famous friends rushed to share their best wishes

She told Harper's Bazaar UK how Jack is now a 'dear friend' and they co-parent their two teenage children.

Karen explained how 'conscious uncoupling fell on it's head', adding: 'I look at him and think 'You're my family'. I know him as 'Dad' - I roll my eyes at his dad jokes and I offer him advice when our teenagers are giving him grief.

Conscious uncoupling came to prominence when Hollywood actress Gwyneth Paltrow, who runs the lifestyle brand Goop, and Coldplay frontman Chris Martin used the phrase in a statement announcing their divorce in March 2014.

Karen said: 'Every divorce has its challenging moments. We first tried to do the Goopy conscious-uncoupling thing.

Couple: This will be Lee's first marriage while Karen was married to White Stripes star Jack White from 2005 to 2013, together they share daughter Scarlett Teresa, 16, and son Henry Lee, 15 (Lee and Karen pictured earlier this month)

Honest: Last year Karen revealed how she and her ex-husband attempted to do the 'Goopy conscious-uncoupling thing' during their divorce but the approach failed (pictured with Jack in 2018)

'That all fell on its head, but now I can wholeheartedly say that my ex-husband is a dear friend and someone I love.'

'Our relationship is purely that of parents.'

Gwyneth famously declared her separation from Chris was a 'conscious uncoupling' from ex-husband Chris Martin, 42.

The 45-year-old star and her crooner ex used the phrase to announce their breakup in 2014 after 10 years of marriage, and although she insists she does not "regret" it, she conceded it ran the risk of being cringeworthy.

Speaking candidly on The Goop Podcast in 2018, she said: 'Do I regret consciously uncoupling? No, not at all... the term is a bit dorky.'
Harry Potter stuntman David Holmes has revealed he 'lives vicariously' through Daniel Radcliffe after he was left paralysed when performing a stunt for the star.

David, 42, was rehearsing a flying scene involving an explosion when he plummeted to the ground while working on Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 in January 2009 at the Leavesden film studios near Watford.

The accident snapped David's neck which resulted in him being paralysed from the chest down, with limited movements in his arms and hands.

A consequent cyst in his spinal cord has resulted in ongoing deterioration and he is likely to soon be fully paralysed, making independent breathing, speech and swallowing impossible.

David is telling his story in a new documentary, titled The Boy Who Lived, and spoke fondly about his ongoing friendship with Hollywood star Daniel, 34, who serves as an executive producer on the film.

Bond: Harry Potter stuntman David Holmes (right) has revealed he 'lives vicariously' through Daniel Radcliffe after he was left paralysed when performing a stunt for the star

Accident: David, 42, was rehearsing a flying scene on Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 in 2009 when he plummeted to the ground and snapped his neck, leaving him paralysed

He told The Independent: 'Every time I see his physicality in films, I can vicariously live through those successes just because I know that those early days it was me that was whipping him into shape and laying the foundation for him.'

The former gymnast added to Radio Times: 'We grew up together, and he grew to be one of my best friends. I'm so proud of him. You think of how many child stars don't make it through that pressure.'

Speaking about his feelings towards the Harry Potter films now, he added: 'I wouldn't be human if I didn't have regrets. But around my stunt career and around my contribution to the Potters, no.

'I had the best job in the world and I'm part of something really beautiful, and you can't ask for more than that as a legacy. If anyone can take something from my film, it's understanding that we're all on borrowed time and that we make the most of it.'

The bond he shares with Daniel is mutual, with the Emmy nominated actor telling The Sunday Times: 'I always wanted an older brother and Dave was one of them.

'He was someone that really looked out for me as I grew up and has continued to and I knew I could trust him. That's something that hasn't changed.'

In a trailer for the documentary, Daniel became emotional as he described the accident as 'unfair' saying his friend 'shouldn't have had to have gone through any of that'.

Recalling the incident, David said: 'I remember straight after breaking my neck I said "There's no chance coming back?"'

Daniel then said despite this 'horrible thing happening to Dave' he doesn't want to talk about his friend's life as a tragedy.

Friendship: David is telling his story in a new documentary, titled The Boy Who Lived, and spoke fondly about his ongoing friendship with Hollywood star Daniel, 34

On set: Daniel (L) who also produced the documentary entitled Film David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived, described his former colleague as a 'really cool big brother'

Emotion: Daniel broke down in tears in the first trailer for the new documentary, David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived

Remarkable footage was then shown of David learning to live with his disability, helping others and raising money for charity.

The film is being created by Sky and HBO Documentary Films to tell former actor David's coming-of-age story of the teenage gymnast who developed a friendship with Harry on the movie set.

Footage shot over the last 10 years of David's stunt work and personal life, as well as interviews with Daniel, friends, family and former crew will show how David has grown since his accident, and how he copes with adversity.

Taking to Instagram after news of the documentary's release was announced last month, David wrote: 'Finally, the day has come. I can now share with you all the secret project and four years' hard work that has gone into creating this film: THE BOY WHO LIVED

'Being a stuntman was my calling in life, and doubling Harry was the best job in the world. In January 2009, I had a stunt rehearsal accident that changed my life forever. This film tells the story of not just my achievements in front of camera, but also the challenges I face every day, and my overall attitude to life after suffering a broken neck.

'In the turbulent world we find ourselves living in right now, I would like to quote Harry, We are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided.

'I am only able to live because of the united love and support that I am fortunate enough to have had. And it is thanks to this love and support that I am able to share my journey with you all.'

In 2009, David had been rehearsing scenes for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows but things went wrong as he was practicing a flying sequence in a harness.

An explosion, which was part of the stunt, caused him to fall to the ground.

Amazing: Remarkable footage is then shown of David learning to live with his disability, helping others and raising money for charity

Injured: David had worked as Daniels body double on all the Harry Potter films before his accident on the set of the penultimate movie (pictured in 2009)

A source told MailOnline at the time: 'It is thought he may have been caught by the explosion and hit the ground very hard.

'He told crew members who went to help him he couldnt feel anything from the waist down.'

David, who had worked as Daniels body double on all the Harry Potter films before his accident, was initially taken to A&E at Watford General Hospital, but transferred to a specialist spinal injury hospital when the extent of his injuries became apparent.

David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived will be released on HBO Max in the US on November 15 and on Sky Documentaries and NOW TV in the UK on November 18.
Chloe Sims turned the comments off an Instagram post after she baffled fans by posting a heavily filtered snap with Rita Ora.

The former TOWIE star, 42, made a surprise appearance at Leonardo DiCaprio's birthday party in Beverly Hills on Saturday, partying the night away alongside best friend Vas J Morgan.

Inside the bash she posed for a snap with Rita Ora, 32, sharing the post on Instagram on Monday, captioned: 'Just love & respect at this table.'

Yet the pair looked different in the post than they had in the paparazzi snaps, with Chloe sporting an impossibly smooth visage and a very heavy tan.

For the party, Chloe put on a busty display in a plunging black skintight maxi dress.

Looking different: Chloe Sims turned the comments off an Instagram post after she baffled fans by posting a heavily filtered snap with Rita Ora

She teamed her racy look with gold bracelets and a matching choker necklace, while boosting her height in a pair of stilettos.

Chloe arrived in style as she spent the evening brushing shoulders with LA stars, after she recently jetted across the pond to start a new life in America.

Leonardo's Beverly Hills birthday bash also saw appearances from Kim Kardashian, Zoe Kravitz and fiance Channing Tatum, and Zoe Saldana.

It comes as Chloe and her sisters Demi and Frankie are set to return to screens next year with a second series of House Of Sims .

The former TOWIE stars signed a deal last year worth 1million to become the new Kardashians on OnlyFans' growing new TV venture.

And after great success, Chloe, Demi, 27, and Frankie, 28, have started filming the ins and outs of their lives for season two.

The reality series, which premiered in May on OnlyFans TV, shows the Essex family in a Kardashian-esque light.

The star of the family Chloe has hinted at wanting the show being 'bigger and better' in the upcoming season with promises to give an even closer look at the stars since they've been rubbing shoulders with LA A-listers.

Earlier in the night: The pair looked different in the post than they had in the paparazzi snaps, with Chloe sporting an impossibly smooth visage and a very heavy tan

Speaking about filming for the second season, Chloe said: 'You have been on our journey from Essex to LA, you have seen us rise and support each other as a family, but this season will expose who is cut from the same cloth!

'Stay tuned, as we unravel a huge season 2 as the Sims familys biggest challenge isnt to keep the Hollywood dream alive, but to keep the family together!'

As well as the TOWIE sisters, the show sees their brother Charlie Sims, who co-creates and produces, alongside his fiancee Georgia Shults.

Charlie said: 'We had no idea how successful and well-received House of Sims would be, but it was amazing to bring our fans on the journey with us from Essex to our new lives in LA through the show.

'I think we all thought it would be an easy transition, but weve all worked really hard and grown so much in the process.

'I cant wait for everyone to see what weve been up to during filming for season two, its going to be bigger and better than any of us ever expected.'
Big Brother's Jordan and Henry took their romance up a notch during Sunday night's episode as they passionately locked lips on more than one occasion.

The lawyer, 25, made a move on the food writer, also 25, in the steamy hot tub as well a secret bedroom smooch while their fellow housemates slept.

And now body language expert Darren Stanton has revealed the pair have a 'deep connection' after overcoming that love triangle drama with fellow housemate Matty.

Speaking on behalf of Slingo, Darren branded the 'growing chemistry' between the two 'natural' and passionate' with Jordan taking the dominant lead.

Telling MailOnline: 'Jordan and Henry are thick as thieves. They have a great rapport and a very strong connection'.

Hot stuff: Big Brother's Jordan (R) and Henry (L) took their romance up a notch during Sunday night's episode as they passionately locking lips on more than one occasion

Sexy: The lawyer, 25, made a move on the food writer, also 25, in the steamy hot tub as well a secret bedroom smooch as their fellow housemates slept

'They are on the same page emotionally and have each other's backs in every situation. They mirror each other's body language very closely, and that suggests they have a deep level of connection.'

Discussing the steamy smooch he went on: 'Jordan shows all the positive signs of when youre feeling giddy about someone, as he went in for the kiss in the hot tub'.

'Its also clear in his eye contact - its very fixed and he rarely loses focus. He also shows genuine smiles and confidence in showing affection towards Henry.'

Darren, who was speaking on behalf of online gaming site Slingo, continued: 'There is a lot of chemistry between them, which continues to grow, and it looks natural and passionate. I do get a sense that Henry is more into Jordan at this stage, but they show a lot of reciprocal liking and you can tell they care a lot for each other'.

In the bedroom Jordan told Henry he wanted to tell him a secret, before planting an enthusiastic smooch on him and swiftly tucking back into bed.

Jordan then asked: 'Can't you come over here?'

Henry went to Jordan's bed and responded: 'What are you trying to say?' before kissing him again.

Overhearing the situation, Jenkin gasped and told the room: 'I see them kissing!'.

Steamy: And now body language expert Darren Stanton has revealed the pair have a 'deep connection' after overcoming that love triangle drama with fellow housemate Matty

Getting it on: Speaking on behalf of Slingo Darren branded the 'growing chemistry' between the two as 'natural' and passionate' with Jordan taking the dominant lead

Romance: Telling MailOnline: 'Jordan and Henry are thick as thieves. They have a great rapport and a very strong connection'

Tom chimed in from his bed: 'They were, I saw.'

Jordan then said: 'I can't believe I kissed a Tory, while Henry laughed in response then both leaned in and kissed again.

The pair later got into the hot tub together the next day, where they shared another few steamy kisses.

Their fellow housemates couldn't help but tease the couple over breakfast, and then dared them to snog in front of them while they cheered.

Expert: Darren said about the steamy smooch: 'Jordan shows all the positive signs of when youre feeling giddy about someone, as he went in for the kiss in the hot tub'.

A shocked Olivia then walked in on Jordan and Henry kissing each other once again in the bedroom.

Viewers at home were delighted by their PDA after weeks of Jordan and Henry dancing around each other.

Overhearing the situation, Jenkin gasped and told the room: 'I see them kissing!'

Tom chimed in from his bed: 'They were, I saw.'

Jordan then said: 'I can't believe I kissed a Tory, while Henry laughed in response then both leaned in and kissed again.

The pair later got into the hot tub together the next day, where they shared another few steamy kisses.

Their fellow housemates couldn't help but tease the couple over breakfast, and then dared them to snog in front of them while they cheered.

Another agreed, writing: 'When Jordan and Henry get married they better get an ITVBe Show'.

A third suggested: 'Somehow I can really imagine Jordan and Henry pottering around together in 20 years and guest starring on day

A shocked Olivia then walked in on Jordan and Henry kissing each other once again in the bedroom.

Hotting up: He continues: 'Its also clear in his eye contact - its very fixed and he rarely loses focus. He also shows genuine smiles and confidence in showing affection towards Henry.'

Thrilled: Viewers at home were delighted by their PDA after weeks of Jordan and Henry dancing around each other

Viewers at home were delighted by their PDA after weeks of Jordan and Henry dancing around each other.

One fan declared: 'NAH AINT NOBODY KISSING THEIR MATE LIKE THAT JORDAN AND HENRY ARE BACK BABY'.

Another echoed: 'I've never been more happy to see two people kiss in my life then Jordan and Henry'.

A third said: 'jordan and henry really putting the hot in hot tub' while another added: 'JORDAN AND HENRY HOLDING HANDS IN BED OMGGGG'.

Someone else tweeted: 'Woww jordan and henry are really making up for the last 5 weeks' while a sixth wrote: 'JORDAN AND HENRY KISSING IN THE HOT TUB!!! OH MY GOD!!!!'

Big Brother continues on Monday at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX.
Charlotte Crosby has candidly revealed how she battled 'awful' and 'indescribable' prenatal depression before welcoming daughter Alba Jean in October 2022.

The Geordie Shore star, 33, who shares the tot with fiance Jake Ankers, admitted the condition left her unable to get out of bed and leaving her worried the feeling would 'never end'.

Speaking about her pregnancy on Giovanna Fletchers Happy Mum Happy Baby podcast she said: 'It was awful. I got a bit of prenatal depression, it was awful'.

'It felt like it was it was only two weeks. But it was two weeks of feeling like I could not get out of bed'.

Going on to say: 'There was a dark cloud hanging over my head. It wasn't that I didn't want the baby. It was just I felt so low'.

Honest: Charlotte Crosby, 33, has candidly revealed how she battled 'awful' and 'indescribable' prenatal depression before welcoming daughter Alba Jean in October 2022

Tough times: The Geordie Shore star, who shares the tot with fiance Jake Ankers, admitted the condition left her unable to get out of bed and worried the feeling would 'never end'

She went on to say that while she didn't have 'dark thoughts' she couldn't find the energy to leave the house or even speak to then boyfriend and now fiance Jake.

'I didn't want to do anything. I just like was flat, I cant even describe it. It's indescribable. When you go through something like that'.

Prenatal depression, also know as perinatal depression, can affect up to 20% of new and expecting mothers.

It is different to postnatal depression, which affects 1 in 10 new mothers, as it occurs during your pregnancy.

The NHS website claims that symptoms, indicating you could have prenatal depression, include not sleeping well, feeling sad, negative thoughts, a loss of appetite and a lack of interest or pleasure doing things.

Charlotte explained to host Giovanna how she just marked off the days on the calendar before eventually beginning to feel better.

But looking on the bright side the TV favourite said: 'So now I know now I have a rough guide if if it happens again, and or maybe I'll be better in two weeks'.

'Whereas the first time it happened, I didn't know whether it was going to end. So it was a really worrying feeling like, is this going to be it for the whole pregnancy?'.

Looking back: Speaking about her pregnancy on Giovanna Fletcher s Happy Mum Happy Baby podcast she said: ' It was awful. I got a bit of prenatal depression , it was awful'

Heartbreak: She went on to say that while she didn't have 'dark thoughts' she couldn't find the energy to leave the house or even speak to then boyfriend Jake (pictured as a family earlier this year)

Charlotte continued: 'Is this even going to run a postnatal depression for afterwards, which was my biggest worry ever, that the scary thought was not knowing if it was going to end whereas now I know that that lasted for two weeks. And actually, it might only last for two weeks next time'.

It comes after Charlotte revealed she has no plans to get married anytime soon, despite putting pressure on Jake to propose.

She is seen in the second season of her hit show Charlotte In Sunderland, asking Jake when he'll pop the question and telling him to hurry up with his plans.

Yet in an exclusive chat with MailOnline, Charlotte - who got engaged earlier this month in Dubai - revealed that she's planning a long engagement to give her time to welcome her second child.

The reality star welcomed daughter last October and revealed that by the time she films the third season her hit reality show she plans to be pregnant.

Revealing she had 'no inkling' that Jake was planning the lavish proposal, she confessed: 'Getting married was never really top of my priorities, having another baby was.'

She added: 'I don't think we'll get married for three years and I've always wanted a long engagement.'

Taking their time: It comes after Charlotte r evealed she has no plans to get married anytime soon, despite putting pressure on Jake to propose

Sweet: She is seen in the second season of her hit show Charlotte In Sunderland, asking Jake when he'll pop the question and last week she got engaged in Dubai

Charlotte also laughed off the thought of turning into a bridezilla, explaining: 'I've never met anyone more laidback than me!

'I've not given the wedding a second thought. I want to get a wedding planner, tell them "make it amazing" and then I'll just show up! Jake doesn't want to have a say init either, we're not precious about it.'

Fans will be able to see Charlotte adjusting to motherhood and the lead up to her engagement in her BBC Three show, and while she gives an open and honest look at her life and her vulnerabilities, she explained why she wasn't worried about sharing so much.

'If you look back at all my other shows, going out, getting drunk, everyone sleeping together, well this is pretty tame in comparison!' she shared.
Barbra Streisand has revealed her co-star Mandy Patinkin made her life 'miserable' during filming for her famous film Yentl.

The pair starred as students in the 1983 film who meet at a yeshiva [a traditional Jewish school] after Yentl [Barbra] disguises herself as a boy. She then realises she is falling in love with Avigdor [Mandy], who is already engaged.

Yet it seems Mandy also hoped something romantic would blossom in real life as Barbra has revealed the actor propositioned her.

Telling all in her new memoir, My Name is Barbra, she wrote: 'There was a moment, a week or so into the shoot, when Mandy and I were doing a scene in the yeshiva.

'I think he had two or three lines, but he wouldn't look me in the eye. He just stared at my forehead.'

Candid: Barbra Streisand, 81, has revealed Yentl co-star Mandy Patinkin, 70, made her life 'miserable' after he propositioned her to have an affair during filming

Throwback: The pair starred as students who meet at a yeshiva when Yentl (Barbra) disguises herself as a boy in the 1983 film. She then realises she is falling in love with Avigdor (Mandy)

Married life: Mandy has been married to fellow actor Kathryn Grody since 1980 and the pair have two sons Isaac and Gideon (pictured in 2023)

Barbra later confronted him about his behaviour on her directorial debut film, and he replied: 'I thought we were going to have a more personal relationship.'

'"What?" I had no idea what he was talking about,' she continued.

'[He said,] "I thought we were going to have an affair." I looked at him as if he were crazy . . . 1) I would never have an affair with an actor I was directing, 2) he was married, and 3) I wasn't at all attracted to him.

'But I couldn't tell him he was not exactly fascinating to me. I didn't want to hurt his feelings, so I simply said, "I don't operate that way." Tears rolled down his cheeks.'

The A Star Is Born actress then told the Homeland star she would replace him if his behaviour continued.

She said: We're only two weeks in. I can reshoot all your scenes if you can't be more professional. I've waited fifteen years to realise my dream and I will not let you destroy it.'

'By this point Mandy had been making my life miserable for months, and I just couldn't bear the thought of making love with him. I'm not that good an actress.

'So I changed it. I rewrote the scene. And now that I look back on it, I wonder if I allowed my frustration with Mandy to overrule my instincts.

'Maybe I should have let Yentl and the audience have that moment.'

MailOnline has contacted Mandy's representatives for comment.

Former flame: Barbra split from her first husband Elliott Gould in 1969 after first tying the knot in 1963 and welcoming their son Jason (pictured in 1967)

Happy: Barbra is now married to James Brolin after the couple said 'I do' back in 1998

Barbra split from her first husband Elliott Gould in 1969 after first tying the knot in 1963 and welcoming their son Jason.

She later married actor James Brolin in 1998.

Meanwhile, Mandy has been married to fellow actor Kathryn Grody since 1980 and the pair have two sons Isaac and Gideon.

Barbra also denounced the rise of anti-Semitism and fascism in the United States on Monday while on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert.

During a rare interview conducted at her home in Malibu, California, was asked by Stephen, 59, for her thoughts about hostilities against Jewish people being on the rise.

'It's so sad. It's sad about what's going on today. Meaning, people have to live together even though they are different religions or whatever. People are people. It's true. You know, we all want the same thing. We all want love in our hearts. We all want family. We all want to feel secure,' Barbra said in reference to the Israel-Hamas war.

'I hope for the best because this is heartbreaking, what's happening now with these people. The children, the mothers, doesn't matter what religion they are. You know what I mean? This is beyond religion. This is insanity for us not to learn how to live together in peace,' she added.
Channel 10 staff members have hit back at network executives after receiving a brutal email explaining Studio 10 had been axed.

Crew members on the breakfast show were left furious by the 'emotionless and cold' announcement that the last episode would air on December 22.

The email, sent just after 1pm on Tuesday, explained the program was being canned, but offered no words of support or comfort to the team, reported The Daily Telegraph.

According to the publication, a senior Channel 10 staff member said many employees were disgruntled by the lack of empathy and care in the email.

'Just two weeks ago Studio 10 was celebrating its 10th anniversary on air - now the team isn't even being thanked for its hard work or successes,' they said.

Channel 10 staff members have hit back at network executives after receiving a brutal email just after 1pm on Tuesday explaining Studio 10 had been axed. Pictured: host Angela Bishop

They added: 'For management to blame it on a "change in viewing habits" rather than poor decision making at the top is unfair.'

In the email, Network News Director Martin White said 'there will be a new morning lineup' in 2024.

He added there would be 'an increased focus on news and current affairs throughout the day', with a 3.30pm news bulletin being added to the timetable.

With it's last episode to air on December 22, crew members of the breakfast show were left furious by the 'emotionless and cold' announcement (pictured)

'We will be welcoming some members from the Studio 10 team into the news team. No news jobs will be impacted because of this change,' he wrote.

A spokesperson confirmed on Tuesday the last episode of Studio 10 will air on Friday, December 22, after more than a decade on Australian screens.

Hosts Angela Bishop, Narelda Jacobs and Tristan MacManus, as well as special roving reporter Daniel Doody, will remain with the network and be deployed in different roles.

The letter sent out explained the program was being canned, but offered no words of support or comfort to the team, reported The Daily Telegraph just hours later. Pictured: hosts Narelda Jacobs and Tristan MacManus

READ MORE: How Channel 10 went woke - and could now go BROKE Advertisement

Bishop and McManus admitted in an emotional Instagram video it had been a 'tough day' after being informed about the news at lunchtime on Tuesday.

'Its a tough day for the whole Studio 10 family because we have loved bringing you the show for the last 10 years,' Bishop said.

'We're all really proud to be part of it. To finish up, Im going to pinch a quote, "Dont cry because it's over; smile because it happened".'

Meanwhile, another network spokesperson thanked the show's hosts, past and present, staff and viewers for supporting the program.
Waleed Aly was brutally mocked live on air for being 'too white to be funny' on Tuesday's episode of The Project.

The 45-year-old Logie winner and host of the Channel 10 panel show was being teased during a segment featuring Egyptian comedian Bassem Youssef.

Aly's cringe-inducing moment came after co-host Sam Taunton asked Youssef, 49, whether it was true that Egyptians were among the world's funniest people.

'Yeah we are, maybe except Waleed, because he is just too white, I'm sorry,' joked Youssef.

'He's trying too hard to be white, I'm so sorry Waleed,' he added.

Waleed Aly was brutally mocked live on air for being 'too white' to be funny on Tuesday's episode of The Project. The 45-year-old Logie winner and host of the Channel 10 panel show was being teased during a segment featuring Egyptian comedian Bassem Youssef (pictured)

Aly's cringe-inducing moment came after co-host Sam Taunton asked Youssef whether it was true that Egyptians were among the world's funniest people. Aly (pictured), who was born in Australia of Egyptian parents, looked uncomfortable as Taunton introduced Youssef

Aly, who was born in Australia to Egyptian parents, looked uncomfortable as Taunton introduced Youssef, who is known for his satirical humour.

'Waleed here is Egyptian and he tells me that Egyptians are some the famously funny people in the world, but Waleed is not the best case study,' Taunton said.

Youssef, a doctor, catapulted to fame when his video blogs mocking politics received hundreds of thousands of hits shortly after the 2011 uprising that toppled longtime Egyptian leader Hosni Mubarak.

Youssef, a doctor, catapulted to fame when his video blogs mocking politics received hundreds of thousands of hits shortly after the 2011 uprising that toppled longtime Egyptian leader Mubarak

Pictured: Waleed Aly and wife Susan Carland in 2021

He modeled his early programs after Jon Stewart's famed mock news-panel series The Daily Show, where he has appeared as a guest.

The funnyman will play a series of shows Down Under in November.

Last month Youssef appeared on Sky's Piers Morgan Uncensored where he made cutting remarks about the Hamas-Israel conflict.

His appearances on that show to date have racked up 30million views on You Tube.
Emelia Jackson was prepared to steal viewers' hearts once more in the inaugural season of Dessert Masters this year, but it was not meant to be.

Despite agreeing to join the all-star contestant lineup, the fan favourite MasterChef star, 34, was forced to pull out at the last second due to scheduling issues.

In a very sweet twist, Emelia revealed she couldn't star in the first season of the show because she was due to have a baby, reported Yahoo Lifestyle on Tuesday.

'I was asked to be on it and I did say yes and it was all systems go until they told me that filming was starting on my due date of my second [child],' she said.

Emelia went on to reveal she barely knew anything about the new Channel 10 series when she signed up for it.

Emelia Jackson, 34, (pictured) was prepared to steal viewers' hearts once more in the inaugural season of Dessert Masters this year, but it was not meant to be

She said: 'They didn't really explain the concept, they just said, "Are you keen to do this? It's a dessert one, right up your alley," and I said, "Yep, of course, sign me up".

'And then when I saw who was on it I was like, "Thank god I didn't go on that, I would've been smashed to a pulp!"'

The dessert-themed spin-off of MasterChef Australia had an all-star cast for its premiere.

Despite agreeing to join the all-star contestant lineup, the fan favourite MasterChef star was forced to pull out at the last second due to scheduling issues

An initial cast photo back in June saw several MasterChef stars in the lineup including Reynold Poernomo, Jess Lemon and Anna Polyviou.

Also in the cast this year is Morgan Hipworth, Andrew Bowden, Kay-Lene Tan and dessert king Adriano Zumbo

The series is hosted by Melissa Leong and international chef Amaury Guichon, with a $100,00 prize on offer for the winner.

In a very sweet twist, Emelia revealed she couldn't star in the first season of the show because she was due to have a baby, reported Yahoo Lifestyle on Tuesday. Pictured with her first child

READ MORE: Viewers go wild over Melissa Leong as she starts new gig on Dessert Masters after controversial MasterChef exit Advertisement

'Our cast for Dessert Masters is a loaded-to-the-gills, top-of-the-pops, creme de la creme of Australia's pastry industry,' Melissa said of the cast.

'It doesn't get any better, more high calibre, more magical than these chefs, who all bring their own unique take on sweet creations to their own worlds.'

Co-host Amaury Guichon was equally impressed with the calibre of those competing in the new season.

'I am so happy to be in Australia to experience its unique pastry scene and be a part of Dessert Masters,' he said.
Network Ten's morning program Studio 10 was officially axed on Tuesday.

A spokesperson confirmed the last episode of Studio 10 will air on Friday, December 22, after more than a decade on Australian screens.

And many viewers posted their thoughts to social media, complaining that The Project wasn't axed in its place.

Posting to X, formerly known as Twitter, scores of viewers pointed out that the current affairs series also struggles in the ratings.

'I'm actually surprised it lasted that long. I'm still at a loss on how The Project has lasted this long and not axed first given its low ratings month after month,' wrote one person online.

Network Ten's morning program Studio 10 (pictured) was officially axed on Tuesday

And many viewers posted their thoughts to social media, complaining that The Project (pictured) wasn't axed in its place

'The Project's ratings are just as woeful but doesn't get axed? Says everything about woke 10,' another said.

'The Project should be first axed' said one more, with someone else agreeing, 'next is The Project hopefully'.

One more wrote: 'There's still time for Channel 10 to axe The Project as well' with another saying, 'You sure they didn't mean The Project?'

'I would scrap The Project before this' one more posted with someone else writing, 'The Project is next.'

Posting to X, formerly known as Twitter, scores of viewers suggested The Project go off air. Others stood up for the show

Others stood up for the show, with one posting, 'Thats pretty harsh for those that like to watch The Project.

'Some good interviews on there. But its not compulsory to watch it.'

A spokesperson confirmed on Tuesday the last episode of Studio 10 will air on Friday, December 22, after more than a decade on Australian screens.

Hosts Angela Bishop, Narelda Jacobs and Tristan MacManus, as well as special roving reporter Daniel Doody, will remain with the network and be deployed in different roles.

READ MORE: Channel 10 staff hit back at 'emotionless and cold' email sent out by network executives as they suddenly axed Studio 10 Pictured: host Angela Bishop Advertisement

Bishop and McManus admitted in an emotional Instagram video it had been a 'tough day' after being informed about the news at lunchtime on Tuesday.

'It's a tough day for the whole Studio 10 family because we have loved bringing you the show for the last 10 years,' Bishop said.

'We're all really proud to be part of it. To finish up, I'm going to pinch a quote, 'Don't cry because it's over; smile because it happened'.'

Meanwhile, another network spokesperson thanked the show's hosts, past and present, staff and viewers for supporting the program.
He is the second oldest celebrity to receive the title after Sean Connery

The actor was revealed as the new title holder during Jimmy Kimmel Live

Patrick Dempsey revealed being named People magazine's 2023 Sexiest Man Alive at the age of 57 has renewed his confidence  while also joking that his wife's skin care advice helped him to snag the title.

The former Grey's Anatomy actor, who earned the moniker McDreamy, is the second oldest star to receive the honor after Sean Connery, who won the title in 1989, aged 59.

Patrick expressed his gratitude during an appearance on the Today program, telling Savannah Guthrie that he didn't think he could enjoy such moments in his late 50s.

'At this age, I'm very happy. It boosts certainly your confidence a little bit,' he said.

'You get into your 50s and you think those moments are gone. You're changing. Your body is changing. Your priorities are changing. It's nice.'

Patrick Dempsey has revealed that being named People magazine's 2023 Sexiest Man Alive at the age of 57 has given him a 'confidence boost'

The former Grey's Anatomy actor is the second oldest star to receive the honor

Patrick then turned his attention to his wife Jillian, 57, before revealing how their children - daughter Tallula, 21, and twin sons Darby and Sullivan, 16 - reacted after he was honored.

He said: 'I credit my wife who is an amazing makeup artist and my skin care. And my kids keep me young and active.'

Patrick's accolade was revealed on Jimmy Kimmel Live last Tuesday.

'I'm just happy they made a decision and it was me this year,' he enthused, while Jimmy joked that it took the magazine a long time in honoring the actor, who has been in show business more than 35 years.

Jimmy said: 'What took them so long is the only question I have ... you get more handsome every single year ... they waited; like uncorking a bottle of fine wine, they decided to wait until just the right year - next year you'll be a mess!'

The host also noted how the Enchanted actor had been close to receiving the honors in recent years, as he was put on two past covers alongside others who had won, George Clooney and Matt Damon.

'Never give up on a dream,' Patrick replied.

During his interview, the Hollywood star said his family laughed when informed of the honor: 'They were like, 'No, seriously, who is it?' 'No, it's me.' Reality came crashing in.'

Patrick has been married to a hairstylist named Jillian, 57, for 24 years

The two (seen in 2019) then started marriage counseling, which he said was a 'very important' step to salvaging their romance, and in 2016, they announced they were no longer separating

Patrick is arguably best known for his role as neurosurgeon Derek 'McDreamy' Shepherd in Grey's Anatomy

He first appeared on the show in 2005 and went on to star in dramatic storylines across the next 10 years as his relationship with Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo) developed

As for his initial response to the title, Patrick admitted: 'I was completely shocked, and then I started laughing, like, this is a joke, right?

'I've always been the bridesmaid!'

He added: 'I'd completely forgotten about it and never even contemplated being in this position. So my ego is good.'

He joked of the souvenirs he had with the title: 'I've got the bumper stickers, T-shirts, posters.'

Patrick continued finding success with rom-coms and appeared in Bridget Jones's Baby with Renee Zellweger and Colin Firth

He appeared in Disney's 2007 musical live action rom-com film Enchanted

Asked if he believed the honor meant he had peaked, he said: 'I peaked many years ago but I'm still here.'

Jimmy previously announced the magazine's honoree in 2020 for Michael B. Jordan.

In the years since, Paul Rudd was honored in 2021, and Chris Evans was given the title in 2022.

Other past winners include John Legend (2019), Idris Elba (2018), Blake Shelton (2017), Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson (2016), David Beckham (2015), Chris Hemsworth (2014), Adam Levine (2013), Channing Tatum (2012), Bradley Cooper (2011) and Ryan Reynolds (2010).
As her long struggle to have a second baby continues, Whitney Port heartbreakingly revealed her surrogate has had two miscarriages.

The Hills star, 38, and her 46-year-old husband Tim Rosenman have a son called Sonny, six, but have walked a tortuous path in their bid to add another child to the fold.

They announced this June that they were weighing the option of surrogacy after Whitney herself miscarried multiple times.

Now on a recent episode of her podcast With Whit, the couple shared that they did indeed hire a surrogate - who has now suffered the loss of two pregnancies.

'We decided to go down the surrogacy road at the end of last year,' Whitney revealed. 'After just like a really long journey of not being able to conceive on our own and just, yeah, having so many things go on.'

Troubled time: As her long struggle to have a second baby continues, Whitney Port heartbreakingly revealed her surrogate has had two miscarriages; seen with husband Tim Rosenman in 2020

Family matters: The Hills star and Rosenman have a son called Sonny, six, but have walked a tortuous path in their bid to add another child to the fold

She explained: 'And we ended up doing two transfers with the surrogate. Both transfers ended up miscarrying. The last miscarriage was just a month ago.'

'And it's worth saying,' said Tim: 'that both were after seven and a half weeks where we were told we had a 97 percent chance of a successful baby.'

He added that 'the odds are really crazy,' for two 'back-to-back' miscarriages considering the circumstances, 'so now we're thinking that there might be something going on, either with the surrogate or with our embryos.'

Whitney outlined the present situation, which is that 'we still have three embryos left, two that are tested, one that's untested, and we're deciding: Do we try a new lab? Do we do another round of egg retrieval to get new embryos? Like are maybe all these embryos from the last batch not good?'

Another option is to 'put in one of the embryos that's already made in the surrogate right now and just like get that going while we make a plan to do another egg retrieval,' but no course of action is set in stone yet.

Whitney mused that although she Tim were 'not back to square one' inasmuch as they still have three embryos, every miscarriage 'feels' like having to start over.

Tim sighed that 'all the emailing and the scheduling' involved makes their whole arduous ordeal seem 'like another job.'

'It's so much,' said Whitney. 'And I will say, like, I'm so grateful that you're such a great partner in this with me but it makes me so sad for people that don't necess- may not have someone like you to hold their hand through it.'

Candor: Whitney mused that although she Tim were 'not back to square one' inasmuch as they still have three embryos,' every miscarriage 'feels' like having to start over

In June they said they were 'seriously' considering hiring a surrogate to carry one of their frozen embryos after suffering a chemical pregnancy and three miscarriages in 2019, 2020, and 2021.

'We're right now, going through the motions of surrogacy, like, really thinking seriously about that and we have embryos [stored],' the content creator told Us Weekly at the time.

'I'm still figuring things out and nothing is, like, 100 percent yet and so it's one of those things where you're scared to put it out into the universe until you know what's happening. But for me, like, I suffered from secondary infertility, and it has just been such a process both physically and mentally to get to that second baby.'

Whitney stressed that she and her man are 'not in the journey yet' but hopes it happens 'soon' as she wasn't able to be a 'present, happy, decent version' of herself when she was physically pregnant: 'We'll see!'

Last year, Family Match Consulting founder Stephanie Levich told TODAY that the total cost - including surrogate compensation, agency fees, legal fees, insurance, etc. - of the process is approximately '$125K to $175K.'

The Hills alum Whitney and Tim Rosenman revealed in June 'seriously' considering hiring a surrogate to carry one of their frozen embryos after suffering a chemical pregnancy and three miscarriages in 2019, 2020, and 2021 (pictured Monday)

Whitney and Tim are already proud parents of son Sonny Sanford, who celebrated his sixth birthday on July 27 with a backyard Star Wars-themed party.

The LA-born socialite told the outlet: 'I was going to get him [a] LEGO Star Wars The Razor Crest situation to keep busy with this summer!'

Port and Rosenman's only child graduated from preschool Exploring Minds Montessori on June 16, and they plan on spending the entire summer visiting family in Vermont and New York.

Whitney originally met Tim while he was working as associate producer on her MTV spin-off, The City.

Rosenman not only shoots and edit the Love, Whit designer's YouTube vlogs, he currently stars in her reaction videos to MTV reality show Siesta Key.

Tim's last real producing credit was on Fox music competition The X Factor way back in 2012.

Port keeps busy recording her Dear Media podcast With Whit and she's every bit the influencer doing paid partnership posts for brands like Perelel, Amazon Home, and ULUM Resorts.
Gwyneth Paltrow is releasing a new skincare line called good.clean.goop which is being sold at Target and on Amazon.

And the Oscar winner has told People that she is busier than ever these days thanks to her growing GOOP business.

'I believe that life, especially for women, comes in chapters,' the Shakespeare In Love actress said. 'This is really going to be a new chapter for me.'

And there is a lot going on at home.

The 51-year-old blonde cover girl told the magazine that dealing with her blended family with second husband of five years, TV producer Brad Falchuk, is not a walk in the park.

Cover girl: Gwyneth Paltrow is releasing a new skincare line called good.clean.goop which is being sold at Target and on Amazon, and talked to People to promote it

Her man: Paltrow and Brad Falchuk attend The Politician New York Premiere at DGA Theater in 2019 in New York City

The Iron Man actress has two children with ex Chris Martin of Coldplay, her husband from 2003 until 2016: Apple, 19, and Moses, 17.

Brad has two with his ex-wife, Suzanne Bukinik whom he was wed to from 1994 to 2013: Isabella, 19, and Brody, 17.

'It's hard, and it's not intuitive, and nobody tells you how to do it. You just stick with it,' she shared.

'Now it's one of the things that brings me the most happiness in my life.'

Apple is not at home as she is in her second year of college.

Moses in his senior year of high school.

Paltrow dislikes the term empty nester and prefers to call her teen kids 'free birds,' she told People.

'I'm trying to reframe it so that I can at least try to convince myself there's some kind of a silver lining,' she says. 'Empty nest sounds so sad and lonely.'

The People issue is on newsstands Friday.

Her little ones: And there is a lot going on at home. The 50-year-old blonde cover girl told the magazine that dealing with her blended family with second husband of five years, TV producer Falchuk, is not a walk in the park

Her pride: The Iron Man actress has two children with ex Chris Martin of Coldplay, her husband from 2003 until 2016: Apple, 19, and Moses, 17

Here the star and her kids are seen with the family dog. Apple is not at home as she is in her second year of college. Moses in his senior year of high school

She is bringing her GOOP beauty products to the masses.

The new line is called good.clean.goop and is being sold at Target and on Amazon.

Unlike its higher-priced sibling, which features $58 eye cream, $100 cleanser and $350 serums the new line is all priced under $40.

The Shakespeare in Love actress, 51, shared the news on Instagram by posting three photos of herself standing in front of a Target store.

'I would love to meet up with you in @targetat some point soon to introduce you to our INCREDIBLE new line of beauty and wellness,' her caption began.

'@goodcleangoop has been in the works for years and I am so proud of the quality and beauty of this line. Each product has a 'cleanical' ingredient, a botanical and a superfood.

'If you are clean curious and want to try something affordable and gorgeous, head to target. Comment on which product you want to try in the meantime and I will see if I can send some out to a few lucky winners,' she wrote.

All four: Brad has two with his ex-wife, Suzanne Bukinik whom he was wed to from 1994 to 2013: Isabella, 19, and Brody, 17. 'It's hard, and it's not intuitive, and nobody tells you how to do it. You just stick with it,' she shared. 'Now it's one of the things that brings me the most happiness in my life'

A bird: Paltrow dislikes the term empty nester and prefers to call her teen kids 'free birds,' she told People. Seen with his son

Gwyneth debuted the higher priced GOOP Beauty line seven years ago, but the idea for the lower priced line has been swirling around her head for even longer than that.

'I get so confused,' she said in an interview with Bustle. 'So this line is actually something that we ideated really early. Maybe 10 years ago, we were like, "Wouldnt it be so cool if we could do a line that would show up in Target?"'

'We liked the idea of democratizing clean skin care. Then we had a couple false starts, especially during COVID, where it was like, Weve got to get really lean and tight and just focus on what were doing. And then it came off the back burner again. I love the products. Theyre really good, and theyre really clean.'

There was a huge challenge in making clean products at a lower cost.

'What happens is that you use a lower amount of actives and botanicals and stuff like that. Its all about At what concentration will this still be efficacious but affordable? In certain cases, youre balancing, like, It would be so nice to also have this in there, but its going to make the cost of goods too high,' the Shallow Hal star explained.

But she managed to do it and the products are available at Target and Amazon now. They include The Daily Juice Cleaner for $19.99, the Fruit Facial Exfoliating Scrub and Wide Awake Eye Serum for $24.99 each, the Body Facial Exfoliating Scrub for $29.99 and the Healthy Aging Serum for $39.99.

The mom of Apple, 19, and Moses, 17, with ex-husband Chris Martin, also spoke to Bustle about what clean means to her.

New line: And the Oscar winner has told People that she is busier than ever these days thanks to her growing GOOP business. 'I believe that life, especially for women, comes in chapters,' the Shakespeare In Love actress said. 'This is really going to be a new chapter for me'

Anti-Aging: The Healthy Aging serum sells for $39.99 and is the most expensive product in the line

Non-toxic: For her GOOP brands clean means non-toxic. 'I really trust our product development department here,' she said

Clean beauty: 'We have amazing scientists. We ban thousands of ingredients from both what we make and what we sell on the site from a multi-brand perspective'

Controls: Because its not broadly regulated, weve come up with our own internal dos and donts'

For her GOOP brands clean means non-toxic.

'I really trust our product development department here,' she said. 'We have amazing scientists. We ban thousands of ingredients from both what we make and what we sell on the site from a multi-brand perspective. Because its not broadly regulated, weve come up with our own internal dos and donts.'

'Though clean has become a sort of umbrella term for a lot of this stuff,' she added.

'I think its a really nice word. My life is super messy, so the idea that you can strive for cleaning it all up feels refreshing in a way.'
The wife of Bruce Willis has gotten candid about struggling with guilt over having resources that others don't amid her legendary actor husband's battle with dementia just a month after Moonlighting creator Glenn Gordon Caron gave a heartbreaking update that 'he's not totally verbal.'

Emma Heming, 45, opened up about being the support system to the 68-year-old retired actor and revealed that even if the process has been tough, she has been able to find herself having a much more positive outlook as her husband lives with frontotemporal dementia (FTD).

The British and American model penned a powerful op-ed for Maria Shriver's Sunday Paper as she got candid while writing: 'I struggle with guilt, knowing that I have resources that others dont.

'When Im able to get out for a hike to clear my head, its not lost on me that not all care partners can do that. When what I share about our familys journey gets press attention, I know that there are many thousands of untold, unheard stories, each of them deserving of compassion and concern.'

Support system: Emma Heming, 45, candid about struggling with guilt to having resources that others don't amid her legendary actor husband Bruce Willis' battle with frontotemporal dementia (FTD); the couple are pictured in August 2010

Emma went on to explain that it is a bit of a double-edged sword as even if it weighs heavily on her conscience, she knows that being so open about the struggles can help others.

She continued: 'At the same time, I see that what I share matters to others who may be struggling, and in a small way makes them feel seen and understood. I want people to know that when I hear from another family affected by FTD, I hear our familys same story of grief, loss, and immense sadness echoed in theirs.

'It's important to me to be an advocate on behalf of those families who dont have the time, energy, or resources to advocate for themselves.'

She ended the piece on a very strong note as she revealed that throughout the trials and tribulations the one thing that helped her move forward is faith.

Emma wrote: 'I have so much more hope today than I did after Bruce was first diagnosed. I understand this disease more now, and Im now connected to an incredible community of support.

'I have hope in having found a new purposeadmittedly one I never would have gone looking forusing the spotlight to help and empower others. And I have hope in how our entire family can find joy in the small things, and in coming together to celebrate all the moments life has to offer.

'I know I still have so much to learn about FTD, this community, and how research on the disease is evolving. But Im finding my footing. As much as I grieve this experience dailyas I know so many others doI also know that it has made me stronger than I ever thought possible.'

This comes weeks after it was revealed that Bruce is losing his 'joie de vivre' and 'language skills' amid his decline from dementia, according to a heartbreaking new update from a friend.

The British and American model penned a powerful op-ed for Maria Shriver's Sunday Paper as she got candid while writing: 'I struggle with guilt, knowing that I have resources that others dont'; the couple are pictured December 2009

Last year Bruce withdrew from showbiz amid his battle with the brain condition 'aphasia,' which causes the patient's language abilities to deteriorate.

Then this March his family announced that his illness had 'progressed' and he had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD).

Glenn Gordon Caron, who created Bruce's star-making 1980s sitcom Moonlighting, has now shared his experiences of visiting the movie star amid his illness.

'My sense is the first one to three minutes he knows who I am,' said Glenn in his devastating interview with Page Six. 'Hes not totally verbal; he used to be a voracious reader - he didnt want anyone to know that - and hes not reading now.'

Glenn, who also created the show Medium, revealed: 'All those language skills are no longer available to him, and yet hes still Bruce.'

He added: 'When youre with him you know that hes Bruce and youre grateful that hes there, but the joie de vivre is gone.'

Bruce is currently being cared for by his wife Emma Heming, with whom he shares his two younger daughters Mabel, 11, and Evelyn, nine.

He also has three adult daughters - Rumer, 35, Scout, 32, and Tallulah, 29 - with his ex-wife Demi Moore, who has stayed famously friendly with both him and Emma.

Details: Bruce is losing his 'joie de vivre' and 'language skills' amid his decline from dementia, according to a heartbreaking new update from a friend; pictured 2019

Throwback: The news came from the creator of Bruce's star-making show Moonlighting, which he is pictured on with leading lady Cybill Shepherd

Since Bruce's battle with aphasia began, Glenn has apparently tried to pay monthly visits to him, not always successfully.

'Im not always quite that good,' the television writer confessed: 'but I try and I do talk to him and his wife and I have a casual relationship with his three older children. I have tried very hard to stay in his life.'

Glenn shared: 'The thing that makes [his disease] so mind-blowing is if youve ever spent time with Bruce Willis, there is no one who had any more joie de vivre than he.'

Bruce 'just adored waking up every morning and trying to live life to its fullest,' but now he lives as though 'seeing life through a screen door.'

Back in the limelight: Moonlighting (pictured) has just made its streaming debut on Hulu, and Glenn is doing the media rounds for the rollout alongside Cybill Shepherd

Sizzling: The pair of them played detectives who become romantically intertwined with one another, and their chemistry has often been credited for the show's success

Moonlighting has just made its streaming debut on Hulu, and Glenn is doing the media rounds for the rollout alongside the show's leading lady Cybill Shepherd.

Bruce, then an unknown actor, shot to fame on the 1980s comedy while playing opposite Cybill, who had already enjoyed a career as a movie star in the 1970s.

The pair of them played detectives who become romantically intertwined with one another, and their sizzling chemistry has often been credited for the show's success.

Although Bruce's dementia has since advanced, Glenn managed to impart the news to him about Moonlighting bowing on Hulu.

'I know hes really happy that the show is going to be available for people, even though he cant tell me that,' said Glenn. 'When I got to spend time with him we talked about it and I know hes excited.'
Daisy Edgar-Jones put on a stylish display as she joined industry experts to select the EE Rising Star Award shortlist for the 2024 EE BAFTA Film Awards on Tuesday.

The actress, 25, cut a chic figure as she donned a smart black pinstriped shirt with cream cuffs and collar peaking out.

Tucking the shirt in, she paired the look with a some black tailored trousers and black shiny shoes.

Daisy kept her makeup to a minimum while her blonde locks fell naturally over her shoulders.

The Normal People star was joined by fellow actors, Yesterday star Himesh Patel, 33, and Gangs of London star Sope Dirisu, 32, as they sat round the table for their discussions.

Stunning: Daisy Edgar-Jones put on a stylish display as she joined industry experts to select the Rising Star Award shortlist for the 2024 EE BAFTA Film Awards on Tuesday

BAFTA: The EE Rising Star award celebrates new and up-and-coming talent within the film industry and is the only BAFTA Film Awards category to be voted for by the public

The EE Rising Star award celebrates new and up-and-coming talent within the film industry and is the only EE BAFTA Film Awards category to be voted for by the public.

Winners in the past include James McAvoy, Eva green, Tom Hardy, Lashana Lynch and this year's winner Emma Mackey.

This year's shortlist will be announced in January 2024 at which point public voting will open.

The winner will then be revealed at the EE BAFTA Film Awards ceremony on February 18 2024.

Discussing her role as a jury member for the award, Daisy said: 'I am so excited to have been asked to be a jury member for this year's EE's Rising Star Award.

'Being given the chance to watch so many phenomenal performers shine is such a joy and the calibre of talent this year is incredible. I feel very lucky.'

Meanwhile Sope added: 'It was an honour to be nominated for the EE Rising Star Award back in 2021 and it's a full circle moment to now be helping to choose this year's nominees.

'It has been a delight to join the jury panel and watch the outstanding performances of each nominee over the past few weeks., I'm excited to follow the trajectory of each actor's career!'

Decision time: The Normal People star was joined by fellow actors, Yesterday star Himesh Patel, 33,(left) and Gangs of London star Sope Dirisu, 32, (right)

Gorgeous: The actress cut a chic figure as she donned a smart black pinstriped shirt with cream cuffs and collar peaking out

Keeping it casual: The Yesterday star opted for a yellow linen shirt, black trousers and a pair of Veja trainers

Group shot: The threesome took a snap with Anna Higgs, EE Rising Star Award jury chair and BAFTA Chair of the Film Committee

Honoured: 'Being given the chance to watch so many phenomenal performers shine is such a joy and the calibre of talent this year is incredible. I feel very lucky,' said Daisy

Focused: Himesh looked deep in concentration during the talks as the group sat around the table

Public vote: This year's shortlist will be announced in January 2024 at which point public voting will open

Exciting: Celebrating and elevating the next generation of talent is central to BAFTA's year-round work,' said Anna (pictured with other members of the jury)

Himesh Patel said: 'Being part of the EE Rising Star Award jury panel has been such a privilege, especially given my previous jury experience with the BAFTA Elevate scheme. I'm particularly passionate about supporting rising stars in the film industry, and this award does just that.'

EE Rising Star Award jury chair and BAFTA Chair of the Film Committee, Anna Higgs, said: 'Celebrating and elevating the next generation of talent is central to BAFTA's year-round work, and the EE Rising Star Award is the perfect platform to shine the spotlight on their brilliance, and give film fans across the UK the chance to decide 2024's winner.

'We're delighted to continue our longstanding partnership with EE and to support all our EE Rising Star Award nominees and winners who have been on remarkable journeys over the years.

'We have an extraordinary line up of EE Rising Star Award nominees for this year and are excited to unveil them in January.'
Shirley Ballas says she was once marked down in a dance competition because an overly critical judge took umbrage with her stretch marks.

The Strictly Come Dancing head judge, 63, is a ballroom veteran and also dubbed Queen of Latin - but times haven't always been easy.

Speaking to the Radio Times podcast, Shirley admitted she received fierce criticism when she returned to dance floor six weeks after giving birth to son Mark, her only child, in 1986.

She said: 'It wasn't like it is today where everybody's got to walk on an eggshell to tell you something.

'I went back to dancing six weeks after having my baby. I was told: 'I marked you third as I refuse to look at the stretch marks on your back. I find it revolting'.

Unfair: Shirley Ballas revealed was marked down in a dance competition because of her 'revolting' stretch marks as she received some cruel criticism (pictured in London earlier this month)

Old times: Shirley in an undated photograph from her glory days as a professional dancer

'I just accepted it, moved on and did what I needed to do - for me, it was character building,' she added.

The dance teacher also admitted receiving very 'direct' criticism had an impact on her role on the BBC hot show - revealing her son had to give her 'tips about being constructive and smiling'.

As Strictly Come Dancing head judge, Shirley has suffered her fair share of trolling and online abuse.

And the TV favourite has recently said the alleged Holly Willoughby plot has left her more cautious than ever and scared to go out alone at night.

The dancer said that while shes now better equipped to deal with nasty comments she receives from viewers, she has been affected by the awful allegations that prompted Holly to quit her role on This Morning after 14 years.

I am still cautious, particularly with what's just happened to Holly Willoughby, which is awful. I feel for her. I don't go out on my own late at night, she told Best magazine.

Holly sensationally stepped down from her long-time role last month after it was alleged that shopping centre security guard Gavin Plumb had plotted to kidnap and murder her.

He has pleaded not guilty to three criminal charges relating to the alleged plot at Chelmsford Crown Court and has been remanded in custody until a trial in June.

Family: The Strictly judge admitted she received fierce criticism when she returned to dance floor six weeks after giving birth to son Mark (pictured), her only child, in 1986

Effort: The dance teacher also admitted receiving very 'direct' criticism had an impact on her role on the BBC show - revealing her son had to give her 'tips about being constructive and smiling'

Terrifying: Shirley has said the alleged Holly Willoughby plot has left her more cautious than ever and scared to go out alone at night (pictured in June)

Awful: Holly sensationally stepped down from her long-time role last month after it was alleged that shopping centre security guard Gavin Plumb had plotted to kidnap her (pictured on the show in September)



Dance icon Shirley has been part of the BBCs flagship Saturday night dance competition since she replaced Len Goodman in 2017.

While she is a beloved part of the show, she has said she has been left afraid to leave the house at times due to the cruel trolling and death threats shes received.

Shirley's fears will especially hit home as her son Mark, 37, was targeted when he was partnered with gymnast Shawn Johnson, 31, on Dancing With The Stars - the US version of Strictly.

'Ive had people draw coffins with me in it with somebody with a spade that said, "Die you b****, she said on ITV documentary Olivia Attwood vs The Trolls.

She added: This whole experience has made me much more vigilant. I cannot say that I leave my front door unless I am on point. I never relax. It has changed my life completely I would say.'

'I am talking about being in public. You worry about those same strange people that write these kinds of messages.

'Are they lurking in dark corners? Are they hiding behind walls when you go somewhere?'

Shirley admitted she is always on high alert as a result of the messages - but also harbours a degree of sympathy for those responsible.

Earlier this month Shirley was forced to apologise this week for suggesting women should carry Tasers to protect themselves from potential attackers.

The Strictly Come Dancing judge insisted women should 'become more vigilant' and educate themselves in how best to look after themselves if a dangerous situation should arise.

Ballroom dancer Shirley said women should carry the devices which shock people with a 50,000 volt charge, not realising they are in fact illegal and are only used by trained police in the UK, leading the BBC to issue a warning.

Fears: I am still cautious, particularly with what's just happened to Holly Willoughby, which is awful. I feel for her. I don't go out on my own late at night, she told Best magazine (pictured last month)

How it was: A young Shirley iis pictured n a dance festival flyer from 1975

During an appearance on BBC Radio 4's Women's Hour, she said: 'All women in today's society should become more vigilant. It's important that people take care of themselves, maybe carry Tasers, things like that.

'My message goes out to all women, not just women in 'profile' it's taking care of yourself, it's educating yourself.

'What can you do if you were in a situation that happened to take hold of you, that you had no idea what to do.'

Host Krupa Padhy chimed in: 'We must say that stun guns or tasers are prohibited weapons and it is an offence to possess them.'

Shirley later said: 'I apologise for my comments. I did not know Tasers were illegal in the UK, and I do not encourage violence in any way shape or form.

'I wanted to get the message across that women should feel empowered to protect themselves, and incorrectly mentioned the use of Tasers.'
Henry has been forced to flirt with Matty as part of a secret task in Tuesday's upcoming episode of Big Brother, after he shared an intimate kiss with Jordan.

Big Brother has been teasing a 'love triangle' between Henry, Jordan and Matty throughout the series, and a secret task is set to make for a dramatic development.

Writer Henry and lawyer Jordan, both 25, shared a kiss in the steamy hot tub during Monday's episode, followed by a secret bedroom smooch.

But in Tuesday's episode, Henry has to flirt with Matty after being called into the Diary Room by Big Brother to be set a secret task.

Big Brother secretly tells Henry: 'Big Brother will speak to you through an earpiece and give you instructions that you must follow to pass today's task.

Secret: Henry has been forced to flirt with Matty as part of a secret task in Tuesday's upcoming episode of Big Brother, after he shared an intimate kiss with Jordan

Kiss: Big Brother has been teasing a 'love triangle' between Henry, Jordan and Matty throughout the series, and Jordan and Henry shared a steamy hot tub smooch on Monday

'Do this and avoid being undetected and you will win champagne and delicious caviar blinis for the whole house.'

Henry thinks the tasks have been set for him by Big Brother, but he is unaware that they have actually been set by Jordan, Jenkin and Tom - who are in the Spare Room watching the housemates' every moves.

After his steamy kiss with Jordan, Henry is then tasked with flirting with Matty in a dramatic development - but doesn't realise that Jordan has played a hand in the task.

Henry says to Matty: 'When did you say your boyfriend is back? He's a lucky boy.'

He also calls Matty 'very handsome' as it remains to be seen how the doctor, 24, will react to his apparent advances.

Henry is also tasked with spilling water over Yinrun and ignoring her, asking for a private dance lesson with Olivia and then critiquing it, and pouring Noky's oat milk down the sink in front of her.

Tuesday night's episode will also see two housemates evicted live from the Spare Room, while one housemate will be saved and will rejoin the house.

Jenkin, Jordan and Tom are all up for eviction, but it remains to be seen which of the trio will be able to rejoin their housemates.

It comes after Jenkin explosively hit out at Jordan on Monday night's show, as he branded the lawyer 'the biggest game player' after his kisses with Henry.

Cheeky: But in Tuesday's episode, Henry has to flirt with Matty after being called into the Diary Room by Big Brother to be set a secret task

Secret: Henry thinks the tasks have been set for him by Big Brother, but he is unaware that they have actually been set by Jordan, Jenkin and Tom - who are in the Spare Room watching

Following on from their smooches, on Monday, the house had to create the Big Brother Academy, sending the stars of the show back to school, in a new task.

In the task, Noky was appointed Deputy Head Teacher with the responsibility of disciplining the students when they misbehave while Henry and Jordan were appointed Head of Departments and the rest of the housemates were students.

During the challenge, Jenkin said: 'I think Jordan's playing the biggest game, that's a given. I think, is Henry a pawn in your game or do you have feelings because I don't know, I don't trust it and that makes me sad cause I know that Henry has feelings.'

Jenkin made his feelings clear during a lesson a lesson about law, in which Jordan said: 'Raise your hands if you are a game player in this house. Is it acceptable to be a game player?' Jenkin then hit back: 'No.'

When asked why, Jenkin shed light on the situation, saying: 'I think we're all here for the experience, if you're coming in with a preconceived notion of walking out of here with a specific amount of money...

'You're in the wrong thing and you're not building genuine connections with people and you're just gonna kiss them on the bed willy-nilly and in the hot-tub and four times while I'm asleep.'

Clearly taking his comments on board, at lunch Jordan and Henry debriefed with the former musing: 'Why does he hate us?', to which Henry responded: 'I don't know', and Jordan said: 'He's accused us of basically doing stuff for the cameras.'

Henry said: 'Do you think that's what he was trying to get at?' To which Mr. Jordan responded: 'Yeah, I think he was getting at that I was a game player.'

Drama: After his steamy kiss with Jordan, Henry is then tasked with flirting with Matty in a dramatic development - but doesn't realise that Jordan has played a hand in the task

Tensions: It comes after Jenkin explosively hit out at Jordan on Monday night's show, as he branded the lawyer 'the biggest game player' after his kisses with Henry

However, body language expert Darren Stanton has claimed Jordan and Henry have a 'deep connection' after overcoming that love triangle drama with Matty.

Speaking on behalf of Slingo, Darren branded the 'growing chemistry' between the two 'natural' and passionate' with Jordan taking the dominant lead.

Telling MailOnline: 'Jordan and Henry are thick as thieves. They have a great rapport and a very strong connection'.

'They are on the same page emotionally and have each other's backs in every situation. They mirror each other's body language very closely, and that suggests they have a deep level of connection.'

Big Brother continues tonight at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX.
Kim Kardashian has revealed her daughter North 'scams' her friends by charging $20 for a glass of lemonade.

The reality star, 43, who shares North, 10, with ex-husband Kanye West, hilariously told GQ about her eldest child's business acumen - which involves overcharging for drinks to her mom's friends.

Kim said: 'She gets a huge pitcher and fills it, puts it in her wagon and goes down to the corner. She has a table and chairs and fans to keep herself cool.

'She makes signs. She stays there hours and hours. Her friends help, so she splits the money with them. If a random person stops, she will charge them only $2.

'[But] if she knows you, she will fully scam you. I'll get calls from my friends saying she charged them $20 for a lemonade. She'll grab their $20 and say, "I don't have any change."'

Lol: Kim Kardashian has revealed her daughter North 'scams' her friends by charging $20 for a glass of lemonade

Candid: The reality star, 43, who shares North, 10, with ex-husband Kanye West, hilariously told GQ about her eldest child's business acumen - which involves overcharging for drinks to her mom's friends

Elsewhere in the interview Kim said she tries to give her four children - sons Saint, seven, and Psalm, four, and daughter Chicago, five ,'as normal' an upbringing as possible where they can 'ride their bikes to their cousins' houses saying: 'I understand that it is not a normal life.

'Were never going to have a normal family life no matter what. As a parent, I want to protect them as much as I can.'

Kim revealed how her parents' divorce helped her navigate her own split from ex-husband Kanye West.

The reality star who ended her marriage to the rapper, 46, in 2021, admitted it was ok to be 'vulnerable' without needing to say anything negative about her former partner.

She recalled how her parents made her and her siblings feel 'loved and heard' during the painful split, something she endeavoured to do with her own children.

She told the publication: 'I did think about how my parents handled it with us'.

'I just remember them being openUltimately, what matters is that kids feel loved and heard. You want to be sensitive because they're just kids, and it's hard to go through no matter what age'.

Adding: 'You have to make sure that you only go to a level that they can understand. It's okay to show a vulnerable side. You never go to a negative side.'

Comment: '[But] if she knows you, she will fully scam you. I'll get calls from my friends saying she charged them $20 for a lemonade. She'll grab their $20 and say, "I don't have any change."'

Mom: Elsewhere in the interview Kim said she tries to give her four children 'as normal' an upbringing as possible where they can 'ride their bikes to their cousins' houses saying: 'I understand that it is not a normal life

Interview: The star opened up in the GQ 2023 Men of the Year issue

Earlier this year Kim broke down in tears in an episode of The Kardashian's saying about her former husband: 'I never say anything bad, I never say anything negative, If I say I'm exhausted, I feel guilty about that. I am f***ing exhausted!'.

Kanye and Kim began dating 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 the rapper 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. West is now married to Bianca Censori.
The lawyer for Kodak Black wants his prescription drug case to be dismissed as he claims that the oxycodone pills found during his July 2022 arrest were actually Tylenol just months after being booked again.

The 26-year-old rapper - born Bill Kahan Kapri - was hit with one count of possession of a controlled substance and another for trafficking oxycodone but according to a recent motion to dismiss as testing of the pills showed they were just the grocery store pain medication.

Kodak's lawyer Bradford Cohen filed the motion - which was obtained by TMZ - and is even making a bombshell accusation against the Broward Sheriff's Office claiming a cover-up involving FBI Special Agent James Mitchell.

The attorney also alleges that prosecutors attempted to withhold bodycam footage of an officer surveilling Kodak and saying he's 'always ready' as the camera was focused on the police officer's firearm.

He also claims that the pills had been tested and destroyed during the process and that officials had never provided any report despite results proving them to be Tylenol.

Interesting: The lawyer for Kodak Black (pictured in Atlanta last month) wants his prescription drug case to be dismissed as he claims that the oxycodone pills found during his July 2022 arrest were actually Tylenol

The 26-year-old rapper - born Bill Kahan Kapri - was hit with one count of possession of a controlled substance and another for trafficking oxycodone but according to a recent motion to dismiss as testing of the pills showed they were just the grocery store pain medication

The motion obtained by TMZ claims that it was part of a 'coordinated takedown' of his client thus Cohen is pushing for the case to be dismissed entirely.

Just months ago the rapper was booked once again at a jail in Florida before being released on a $250K bond but his lawyer has insisted that it is a legal win.

The rapper has been under strict supervision during his pretrail release for his prescription drug case but his lawyer Bradford Cohen told TMZ back in August that is about to change.

Kodak was supposed to regularly check in with authorities including taking mandatory urine tests, however, he failed to check in recently and he and Cohen went to court on Monday over the issue.

Cohen claims that he was able to argue in court to get rid of the stringent pretrial supervision and the judge agreed but did increase Kodak's bond from $75K to $250K in the process.

However due to this change, the Pimpin Ain't Eazy hitmaker had to go through the booking process again at jail.

His lawyer said that Kodak posed for a new mugshot at the Broward County jail and posted the new bond before being released in under an hour.

Cohen sees the move as a win for his client as he will be able to travel and your without having to check in due to that strict supervision.

Just months ago the rapper was booked once again at a jail in Florida before being released on a $250K bond but his lawyer has insisted that it is a legal win; he is pictured in February 2018

Kodak was originally arrested in July 2022 and charged with trafficking oxycodone as it is claimed that police had found 31 oxycodone pills in his car.

This comes at an interesting time as the Super Gremlin rapper had fans concerned when he went on Instagram Live on Sunday night as he complained about his situation.

Back in February, the rapper was wanted by the police in Florida for violating the conditions of his bail and failing a drug test.

According to TMZ at the time, a judge signed off on an arrest warrant for Kodak, 25, on Thursday, and the rapper is to be taken into custody if any deputies encounter him.

The warrant was filed due to two missteps by Kodak - who was also recently sued by two shooting victims - in recent weeks.

At the beginning of February, he failed to appear at the agency he was supposed to report to for drug testing.

The agency then claimed that the following week he submitted a sample, but it came back confirming that he had drugs in his system.

It was reported that the test came back positive for traces of fentanyl, although it's unclear how much was in his system.

Warrant: Back in February, the rapper was wanted by the police in Florida for violating the conditions of his bail and failing a drug test: Kodak in 2022

Kodak was originally arrested in July of last year for possession of a controlled substance without prescription and trafficking.

Cops also revealed that they found upwards of 31 oxycodone pills in his car in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

He posted his $75K bail but was released under the condition that he would remain drug-free.

If he is caught, there are additional orders to hold him without bail until his next hearing.

Kodak was also recently involved in another legal battle, having been sued a year after a shooting outside of Justin Bieber's Super Bowl afterparty.

Both the rapper and Bieber were sued by two victims of the shooting that occurred on February 12, 2022.

Arrested: The rapper failed to report to his scheduled drug test and the proceeded to test positive for drugs in his system once he finally showed up

Sued: The 25-year-old has also been sued by two victims of a shooting that happened at Justin Bieber's Super Bowl after party in 2022; Kodak during Paris Fashion Week in 2022

Mark Schaefer and Adam Rahman claimed they were struck during the shooting that happened over Super Bowl weekend and were consequently 'severely injured.'

The incident had taken place just outside of The Nice Guy restaurant in West Hollywood, where Bieber was throwing a Super Bowl afterparty.

It was reported that four victims were shot, including Kodak.

However, the alleged victims suing the performers have claimed that Kodak played a major part in the escalation of the fight that occurred outside of the establishment.

Reportedly, an unknown assailant attacked someone from Kodak's group, prompting him to get into a scuffle to protect his friend.

Reports: The victims explained that Kodak 'escalated' the situation, and believe that caused the shots to be fired; seen in 2022

Blamed: Alongside Kodak, Bieber has also been sued by the two victims; Justin at The Met Gala in 2021

TMZ reported that in the lawsuit documents, the two victims claimed that the rapper had 'escalated' the fight, resulting in shots being fired.

Kodak's representative, Bradford Cohen, spoke out in regard to the lawsuit and informed TMZ, 'I have seen a lot of bad complaints in my day. This is the most poorly drafted complaint I have seen in 26 years.'

He added: 'I expect Kodak to be dismissed from this suit fairly quickly.'

Cohen also explained that 'there is zero specificity' and that the victims' rep, Gloria Allred, 'groups the defendants all together instead of making specific allegations against each.'

Kodak's rep concluded: 'It's law school 101. I am embarrassed for Ms. Allred that she actually signed her name to that complaint.'
Love Is Blind's Giannina Gibelli and Bachelor Nation's Blake Horstmann announced that they are expecting their first child.

The reality show power couple - who were confirmed to be dating last year - took to Instagram on Tuesday to reveal the happy news as Blake, 34, kissed 30-year-old Giannina's burgeoning belly in a cute photoshoot.

They captioned the gallery of images: 'first comes love, then comes baby H [white heart emoji]

'were so grateful that life has led us here and over the moon to be parents to our sweet baby come spring 2024!'

For the shoot Giannina sported a tan sweater unbuttoned toward the bottom to show off her growing stomach along with a white maxi skirt.

Happy news! Love Is Blind 's Giannina Gibelli and Bachelor Nation's Blake Horstmann announced that they are expecting their first child

Blake kept up with the color theme in a white button-down long-sleeved shirt and khaki pants.

The happy couple revealed that the baby news was even a surprise to them as they told E! on Tuesday: 'We are completely over the moon.

'It was the best surprise we could have asked for and we can't wait to meet our little angel in just a few more months.'

The two are expecting their new bundle of joy's arrival in the spring of 2024.

Giannina and Blake first met while filming Paramount+ series All Star Shore in 2021.

Just days into 2022, the couple made it Instagram official as they began showing up on each other's social media.

In January 2022 a source told People that the two had started dating 'after recently meeting.'

'They're taking things slow. But [they] seem really happy together,' the source continued.

Bond: The reality show power couple - who were confirmed to be dating last year - took to Instagram on Tuesday to reveal the happy news

Sweet: Blake, 34, wrapped his arms around 30-year-old Giannina's waist to put his hands on her burgeoning belly in a cute photoshoot

Rocking it: For the shoot Giannina sported a tan sweater unbuttoned toward the bottom to show off her growing stomach along with a white maxi skirt.

They captioned the gallery of images: 'first comes love, then comes baby H [white heart emoji] were so grateful that life has led us here and over the moon to be parents to our sweet baby come spring 2024!'

Details: Blake kept up with the color theme in a white button-down long-sleeved shirt and khaki pants

The happy couple revealed that the baby news was even a surprise to them as they told E! on Tuesday: 'We are completely over the moon. It was the best surprise we could have asked for and we can't wait to meet our little angel in just a few more months.'

Fans have been speculating that they've been dating after spotting a number posts with similar backgrounds on New Year's Eve.

Blake posted a photo from Mile High Spirits in Denver, Colorado, where he DJ'd a New Year's Eve party.

'Happy New Years! I need some New Years resolution help! Let me know your resolutions and we can do them together2022 is gonna be the best year in a while,' he said with hashtags #bigespressomartiniguy #hopeeveryonewassafelastnight.

The photo featured Blake enjoying a cocktail while sitting at a table with a number of barrels behind him, while Gibelli's Love Is Blind co-star Kelly Chase commented, 'happy new year.'

As for Gibelli, while she didn't tag her location, she did share a photo at the time from a New Year's Eve party, standing behind a stack of similar barrels.

'Repeat after me: I am about to walk into the best year of my life,' Gibelli said in the caption of her post.

She also teased that she was heading into a colder climate with a December 28 post that read, 'when Miami goes to the mountains,' though she didn't specify she was going to Denver.

Fans also noticed that, on New Year's Eve, both reality stars shared Instagram stories of them getting ready for the night in seemingly identical rooms.

Coming soon: Just days into 2022, the couple made it Instagram official as they began showing up on each other's social media

DJ: Blake posted a photo from Mile High Spirits in Denver, Colorado, where he DJ'd a New Year's Eve party to ring in 2022

Barrels: As for Gibelli, while she didn't tag her location, she did share a photo from a New Year's Eve party, standing behind a stack of similar barrels

Identical: Fans also noticed that, on New Year's Eve 2022, both reality stars shared Instagram stories of them getting ready for the night in seemingly identical rooms

Same bed: They both also shared separate posts the next morning, both in bed, with fans speculating that they were in the same bed

Paradise: Blake finished runner-up to Garrett Yrigoyen and then appeared in Season 6 of Bachelor in Paradise but he quit in Week 5

Love is Blind: Gibelli appeared in the first season of Netflix dating series Love Is Blind in 2020 as she was engaged to Damian Powers

Oh no: Powers famously said no to her at the altar in the shocking finale

They both also shared separate posts the next morning, both in bed, with fans speculating that they were in the same bed.

Horstmann first surfaced in Bachelor Nation in 2018 when he appeared in Season 14 of The Bachelorette, Becca Kurfin's season.

He finished runner-up to Garrett Yrigoyen and then appeared in Season 6 of Bachelor in Paradise but he quit in Week 5.

Gibelli appeared in the first season of Netflix dating series Love Is Blind in 2020 as she was engaged to Damian Powers who famously said no to her at the altar in the shocking finale.
Poised to shake up the I'm A Celebrity Jungle this year is the TikTok sensation Nella Rose  as her vast internet fame will attract millions of young viewers to the ITV reality show.

But just six years ago, the YouTube star, who boasts close to one million followers on Instagram, was evicted from her home and spent two years living out of a suitcase.

In March, she posted a video to her one million followers on TikTok with the caption: 'When you're an immigrant, have been homeless, lost both parents, family have disowned you, constantly body shamed but God continues to bless you.'

Ms Rose, 26, who started her YouTube channel in 2015 with hair tutorials and fashion tips, is of Congolese descent and arrived in the UK from Belgium at the age of seven with her mother and older brother.

Set on losing her thick French accent, the I'm A Celebrity contestant  who was born Nella Rose Hollela  would watch videos of Ant and Dec while growing up in north-west London to adopt a British accent.

Poised to shake up the I'm A Celebrity Jungle this year is the TikTok sensation Nella Rose (pictured)  as her vast internet fame will attract millions of young viewers to the ITV reality show

Ms Rose, 26, who started her YouTube channel in 2015 with hair tutorials and fashion tips, is of Congolese descent and arrived in the UK from Belgium at the age of seven with her mother and older brother

She is now worth several hundreds of thousands of pounds and she bought her first house in the capital last week  a far cry from her poverty-stricken upbringing.

After her mother died unexpectedly in 2017, the council took back the family home from the teenager and her brother, leaving Ms Rose to live at her accommodation in Leicester University or with friends.

She told fans on YouTube about her mother, explaining: 'She died in my arms. It is the worst thing that has ever happened to me in my life.

'I was planning on using my student loan and my little YouTube money to pay the rent and bills.

'But then my brother and I get a letter telling us we had 30 days to move out. So I'm in my second year of uni, I'm dealing with my mum's death and now we're homeless.

Set on losing her thick French accent, the I'm A Celebrity contestant  who was born Nella Rose Hollela  would watch videos of Ant and Dec while growing up in north-west London to adopt a British accent

'My uni room was my house or I was going on brand trips abroad in the holidays because I was running away from the fact I had nothing to call my own, nothing solid, I was escaping my problems.

'You all thought I was living my best life, but in reality, I was homeless, living out of a suitcase and hopping from bed to bed.'

At 20, she rented her first flat in an affluent area of London and admitted it cost thousands to furnish.

But Ms Rose has added: 'I didn't want this to be my life. I wanted to come home to my mum and live with my family.

'Instead, I come home to echoes and will be alone until I marry.'
Steve Carell will make his Broadway debut in an upcoming production of Uncle Vanya.

The 61-year-old performer is set to portray the eponymous character in the Anton Chekov-penned play, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The Academy Award-nominated actor, who recently wowed audiences while starring in FX on Hulu's The Patient, will also share the stage with Alfred Molina and Alison Pill.

The play is centered on a young woman and her uncle who live on their family's geographically isolated farm.

The characters' lives are upended when the woman's ailing father and his wife decide to move in with their relatives.

On stage: Steve Carell will make his Broadway debut in an upcoming production of Uncle Vanya; he is seen in May

William Jackson Harper, Jayne Houdyshell and Mia Katigbak, who will also make her Broadway debut, are set to round out the show's cast.

The production's sets and costumes will be designed by Mimi Lien and Kaye Voyce, respectively, while lighting will be handled by Lap Chi Chu and Elizabeth Harper, and the show's sound have been created by Mikhail Fiksel and Beth Lake.

The play is scheduled to begin previews at the Lincoln Center's Vivian Beaumont Theater on April 2, with a premiere date of April 24.

Molina has been a fixture on Broadway for years, and he has received two nominations for the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play, as well as one for the award for Best Actor in a Musical.

Pill has also appeared in several Broadway shows, and she was most recently featured alongside Glenda Jackson and Laurie Metcalf in a 2018 production of Three Tall Women.

Uncle Vanya was initially published in 1897, and it was first produced two years later.

Performers such as Laurence Olivier, Peter O'Toole and George C. Scott have all appeared in productions of the play over the years.

The new version of Uncle Vanya will be directed by Lila Neugebauer from an adapted script written by Heidi Schreck.

Leading man: The 61-year-old performer is set to portray the eponymous character in the Anton Chekov-penned play, according to The Hollywood Reporter; he is seen in 2022

Not alone: The Academy Award-nominated actor, who recently wowed audiences while starring in FX on Hulu's The Patient, will also share the stage with Alfred Molina and Alison Pill; Molina is seen in 2022

Storyline: The play is centered on a young woman and her uncle who live on their family's geographically isolated farm; cast member Alison Pill is seen in January

Carell is also preparing for the release of the upcoming fantasy comedy feature If, in which he will voice a character.

The film, which is directed and written by John Krasinski, is centered on a young girl who gains the ability to see and interact with abandoned imaginary friends.

The project will also feature the talents of an ensemble cast that includes the likes of Ryan Reynolds, Maya Rudolph and Matt Damon.

Although it was initially set to make its debut this month, If is currently scheduled to be released on May 17, 2024.
Coronation Street actress Joan Savage has passed away at the age of 89 after a career spanning six decades.

Blackpool-born Joan played Celeste Pickersgill in the soap for five episodes in 2000, the dance partner of long-term character Norris Cole, played by Malcolm Hebden.

The actress also appeared in an episode of Dad's Army in 1972 and made multiple appearances in The Arthur Haynes Show between 1956 and 1962.

Joan's cause of death has not been announced but her family revealed she passed away peacefully at Brinsworth House, Twickenham.

Legend: Coronation Street actress Joan Savage has sadly passed away at the age of 89 after a career spanning six decades (pictured in 1958)

Corrie: Blackpool-born Joan starred as Celeste Pickersgill in the soap, the dance partner of long-term character Norris Cole, played by Malcolm Hebden

Short stint: Joan played the ballroom dancer for just five episodes in 2000, but left a lasting impression on fans

Joan leaves behind her husband Bryan, daughter Kelly and grandsons Mark and Simon.

Kelly said in a statement: 'Mum always used to say Id like to go with my tap shoes on' so the last few years have been extremely difficult for her and us as a family.

'I hope shes reunited with her showbiz contemporaries and putting on a show up there!'

As a child, Joan follow her father Norman Savage, a comedian, around the Northern club circuit.

When Joan was 12 she joined the famous Childrens Tower Ballet and Blackpool Tower Circus.

It was there she met performer Ken Morris, whom she married in 1955, and the two formed a double act.

They became household names, going on to star in The Arthur Haynes Show together and release multiple singles.

Joan and Ken also appeared in numerous adverts and other big shows such as Hi Summer, The Black and White Minstrel Show, and The Jack Jackson Show.

Joan and Ken were together for several years.

In 1960, they welcomed daughter Kelly and later performed at the London Palladium with former boss Arthur Haynes and others.

Sadly, Ken was diagnosed with a brain tumour and died not long afterwards in 1968, leaving Joan a widow until she met Bryan.

Joan enjoyed a 60-year career across film, television, and stage.
Jessica Alves struggled to contain her surgically enhanced assets when she stepped out wearing an embellished bodystocking in London on Monday night.

The influencer, 40, put on an eye-popping display in the extremely low-cut, sparkling, sheer black number as she arrived at INCA restaurant with her friend Renato Porto.

Events organiser Renato wore a white shirt unbuttoned nearly to his naval , a khaki green velvety jacket, and tight black trousers.

The outing comes after Jessica enjoyed a VERY wild night out with Wayne Lineker at the UK Glamour Awards.

The club owner, 61, made a boozy appearance at the event where he couldn't keep his hands off the Brazilian star.

Outing: Jessica Alves struggled to contain her assets in an embellished bodystocking as she headed out with a male pal at London's Inca restaurant in London on Monday after THOSE racy Wayne Lineker photos

Stunning: The television personality, 40, looked incredible in an extremely low-cut, sparkling, sheer black catsuit, while her friend Renato Porto opted for an unbuttoned white shirt and a green jacket

Blimey! Wayne Lineker got very hands on with busty Jessica as he attended the UK Glamour Awards on Wednesday night

Jessica and Renato smiled as they headed to the South American restaurant and bar, arm in arm.

The restaurant was hosting an event by Studio V8 Club, whom Renato is associated with, called Feijoada Do Rosa.

Jessica completed her look for the night with a bottom-length straight blonde wig and a pair of black kitten heels.

Speaking exclusively to MailOnline, Jessica said: 'Renato is like a big brother to me. If I need anything, if I call for help, he's there. He's a great guy.

'He's Brazilian, like me, and he's an events promoter.'

Renato is quite private, and his Instagram account is closed to the public. However, his biography reads: 'Londoner at heart and Brazilian at body&soul (sic)'.

Jessica went on: 'I'm still single, haven't been going on dates. I've been really focusing on myself.

She added: 'I'm working really hard on some exciting new TV projects for next year.'

Wow: Jessica carried a chic black bag with gold detailing and wore a large pair of silver hoops and icy blue contact lenses

Cheeky display: Jessica wore a bodysuit under her catsuit, giving onlookers a cheeky display when she turned around

It comes after Jessica told how she has been suffering 'sleepless nights' since her Instagram was banned recently, leaving her unable to interact with her 7.3million followers or earn a living as an Influencer.

The star told MailOnline she has suffered much 'anxiety' and 'sleepless nights' since the ban of her account, which she admitted she has become 'dependent' on.

She said: 'This week, all of a sudden, and without warning my account has been suspended.

'This has led to me suffering a lot of anxiety and sleepless nights. It feels like the end of the world to me now, with the damage to my image and my professional standing in the influencer community. Most important is the damage to my emotional and mental health.

Jessica now has her account back and enjoys over seven million followers.

The Brazilian-Briton attended the UK Glamour Awards last week and wore a stunning, sparkling red dress with numerous cutouts.

She cuddled up with Wayne who cheekily grabbed a handful of the influencer's breast.

The two had a chat and shared a giggle as Jessica sat on the lap of the Ibiza club owner.

Jessica was born Rodrigo Alves in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

She moved to the UK at 18 years old and shot to fame when her multiple cosmetic surgeries became known.

Initially, she was attempting to look like Ken, of Barbie and Ken, before coming out as transgender in 2020.

Jessica has appeared in Botched, a U.S. show which fixes plastic surgery mishaps and Celebrity Big Brother where she faced controversy for saying the N word.
Jonnie Irwin has shared a health update with fans just days after revealing he had been hospitalised.

The A Place in The Sun presenter, 49, who was diagnosed with terminal cancer after a tumour in his lung spread to his brain, took to Instagram on Monday to share a sweet snap of himself with son Rex after being discharged from hospital.

He explained: 'Well the blood tests and scans today show my liver function is heading in the right direction. Theres bigger issues we will have to confront in a couple of weeks but for now Im allowed home.

'Im taking the small win for now. Rex tried to stay up to welcome me home but couldnt quite stay awake bless him, although Reggie and Ronnie were wide awake so I got to them a story.

'Big big thanks to all the doctors and nurses who looked after me Im so grateful to be home.

Home time: Jonnie Irwin has shared a health update with fans just days after revealing he had been hospitalised (pictured with son Rex)

He explained: 'Well the blood tests and scans today show my liver function is heading in the right direction. Theres bigger issues we will have to confront in a couple of weeks but for now Im allowed home.'

On Friday, Jonnie revealed he is in hospital and being observed every four hours after having jaundice, fever and pains in his right hand side.

He was trying to remain optimistic as he said it was all part of the rollercoaster of life ahead of his birthday this coming Friday.

Jonnie posted a picture from his hospital bed on his Instagram and told fans: 'Back in hospital - been in since Friday with Jaundice.

'I had a fever and acute stabbing pain in my right hand side. Turns out I probably had an infection and otter issues which I won't bore you with.'

He added: Been on drips, regular bloods taken and have observations every 4 ours through day and night.

'Didn't think I'd be watching @bbcmorninglive from a hospital bed but it's just part of the roller coaster life that this illness throws at you.'

He went on: 'I must admit I was especially touched by the birthday message from the the team for my birthday this coming Friday- thanks very much.

Health: The A Place in The Sun presenter, 49, was diagnosed with terminal cancer after a tumour in his lung spread to his brain

Concern: Jonnie Irwin revealed on Friday he was in hospital and being observed every four hours after having Jaundice, fever and pains in his right hand side

'I have another scan today followed by a meeting with my oncologist so fingers crossed for positive news.'

Jonnie is planning to celebrate his milestone 50th birthday, despite doctors believing he wouldn't make 2023.

The presenter is set to jet off to Spain to celebrate his big day on November 18 amid his terminal cancer battle.

The star revealed last November that his cancer had spread from his lung to his brain after initially being diagnosed in 2020.

Yet Jonnie's incredible strength has seen him make his twins third birthday back in June, a milestone medical professionals believed he would never see.

Speaking to The Sun , the father-of-three admitted: 'Lying in the hospice, I thought I'd had it. I was on the cusp of death.'

'I won't let cancer define me': Jonnie plans to celebrate 50th birthday as he jets off to Spain with his family amid terminal cancer battle

Two weeks prior to Rafa and Cormac's birthday Jonnie weighed just six stone and was too weak to walk.

'At my weakest point I thought, "This is it, this is the beginning of the end". I couldn't eat, I had incredible pain in my back and was just skin and bones,' he added.

But Jonnie refused to give up, and after once he returned home to his family he began forcing himself out of bed, drinking protein shakes and spending hours in an oxygen tent in a bid to curb any growth of the disease.

With the help of treatment, including chemotherapy, he has now built his strength up and weighs 8st 6lb.

'I won't let cancer define me,' he added.
Rylan Clark has shared an update about his mother Linda's health, two months on from her horror fall in Spain.

Rylan, 35, previously told how his mother, 71, suffered a terrible fall in September and had to have emergency surgery before they both flew home on a private plane.

Now, he has told Closer that his mother Linda is still recovering from the shocking fall but is doing 'really well'.

'I'm still looking after her. She's started her physio - she's doing really well,' he said.

Rylan previously revealed that she wasn't in the best health after her fall due to other conditions, which made her injury more 'complicated'.

Update: Rylan Clark, 35, shared an update on the health of his mum Linda, 71, this week, two months on from her horror fall in Spain

Much improved: He told Closer that his mother Linda is still recovering from the shocking fall but is doing 'really well'

Linda had to endure a six-week hospital stay due to her ongoing battle with Crohn's disease.

'She's not in the best health with her other conditions and this has made it more complicated,' Rylan previously said.

Last month, Rylan revealed that Linda had become well enough to visit his house for the first time in two months amid her health struggles.

The TV presenter had taken to Instagram to share a picture of Linda smiling as she visited Rylan to celebrate his birthday with him.

Marking Linda's recovery milestone, he wrote: 'For the first time in 2 months shes managed to come round. Best birthday present.'

The month before, Linda had been rushed to hospital and had to have emergency surgery after a horror fall during a holiday in Spain - her first getaway in 10 years.

Rylan has been updating his followers on her recovery as he thanks fans for the overwhelming support and messages he and Linda had received.

He also joked: 'Dont make a habit of it tho dorrrlliiinnn' and shared a snap to his story, writing 'She's back' with the hashtag '#Linda'.

Fans rushed to send their love to Linda in the comments, after she became a firm favourite with the public due to her regular appearances with Rylan on Celebrity Gogglebox.

One fan commented: 'Aw so glad shes on the mend,' while another added: 'The best present - your lovely Mum'.

On the mend: The TV presenter took to Instagram in October to share a picture of Linda smiling as she visited Rylan to celebrate his birthday with him

Sending well wishes: A host of stars also sent their love to Linda as they penned heartfelt messages

A host of stars also sent their love to Linda as they penned heartfelt messages.

Carol Vorderman wrote: 'Just absolutely wonderful Rylan. Just wonderful. My mum lived with us for 38 years....she was my every day....so the joy you two give us all is extraordinary and special.

'Sending huge love and peeled grapes x'.

Vanessa Feltz added: 'Great to see! Xx', and Steps star Claire Richards added: 'Linda we love you xxx'.

In September, Rylan shared a video of Linda using a wheelchair lift as she returned to hospital following the nightmare fall.

Linda seemed in good spirits, though her arm was in a sling as she clutched her bag.

She wore a long-sleeved white jumper, cropped black trousers, and a pair of black flip-flops, with her hair in its usual straight bob.

Rylan captioned the short Instagram clip 'Early morning hospital bants', and added Westlife's You Raise Me Up.

Look who it is! Rylan also shared a snap to his story as he wrote 'She's back' with the hashtag '#Linda'

Rylan is currently co-presenting This Morning on rotation in the wake of Holly Willoughby's departure.

He is the favourite to replace Phillip Schofield as the show's permanent presenter.

Recently, Cat Deeley has been presenting alongside Rylan as Josie Gibson is in the Jungle.

Cat lived in LA for several years following her marriage to Northern Irish presenter Patrick Kielty, and presented hit shows such as Today and So You Think You Can Dance, before moving back to the UK in 2020.
Study by LendingTree found 15% of shoppers steal from machines - with Gen Z and Millennials most likely to do so

They were promoted as a way to reduce staffing numbers, boost efficiency and speed up queues.

But is the self-checkout finally falling out of favor with retailers?

This week it emerged that the UK supermarket Booths has removed automated checkouts in all but two of its 28 stores. Managing director Nigel Murray told the BBC the machines were 'unreliable and impersonal.'

And it appears to be only a matter of time until American chains follow suit as rising theft rates make the services more and more unviable.

In September, Walmart announced it was pulling self-checkout lanes from at least three of its stores in Albuquerque, New Mexico. And last month Target began limiting self-service lanes to customers purchasing 10 items or fewer in some of its stores.

Experts say that self-checkouts contribute to higher product losses from errors and intentional shoplifting. In the industry this phenomenon is referred to as the 'shrink'

In September, Walmart announced it was pulling self-checkout lanes from at least three of its stores in Albuquerque, New Mexico

The crux of the problem, experts say, is that self-checkouts contribute to higher product losses from errors and intentional shoplifting. In the industry this phenomenon is referred to as the 'shrink' - a growing headache to businesses.

In 2022, retailers lost $112.2 billion to the 'shrink,' an increase of $20 billion on the year prior.

Self-checkouts make it easier for customers to steal as there are not enough staff in attendance to check whether they are correctly scanning their items.

Some produce - such as fruit, meat and freshly baked goods - do not have barcodes and need to be manually entered into the system. Customers can either intentionally or accidentally key in a cheaper product code creating losses for stores.

In a study by personal finance website LendingTree, published today, 15 percent of self-checkout users admit purposefully stealing from a machine.

This figure rises to 31 percent when analyzing Gen Z shoppers and 21 percent for millennials.

Across the board, over 60 percent of those who had stolen said they felt remorseful, 33 percent said they had been caught - but 44 percent said they would likely do it again.

LendingTree chief credit analyst Matt Schulz said: 'Ultimately, retailers need to decide whether the self-checkout terminals are worth the risk.

A recent report from the National Retail Federation found retailers lost approximately $78.4 billion to shoplifters last year

This week it emerged that the UK supermarket Booths has removed automated checkouts in all but two of its 28 stores

'Sure, they can help the store save money because fewer people are needed to check out customers. The question, however, is whether that saving outweighs the potential uptick in theft. Thats a question lots of retailers are likely wrestling with.'

Back in June, Costco announced it was adding more staff to its self-checkout areas after it found non-members were sneaking in to stores and using membership cards which did not belong to them.

At the time the chain said in a statement: 'We don't feel it's right that nonmembers receive the same benefits and pricing as our members.'

Besides staggering losses incurred by retailers, there are also concerns self-checkouts worsen loneliness.

A survey by gambling site PlayUSA found 54 percent of Baby Boomers - those born between 1946 and 1964 - did not favor the technology.
Under open-ended procurement, Govt buys from farmers unlimited quantities at MSP. Apart from high stocks, this adds to the food subsidy bill substantially

Addressing a poll rally in Chhattisgarh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced an extension of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) free ration scheme for another five years. Launched in April 2020 to deal with the situation triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic, PMGKAY provided 5 kg of rice or wheat per person per month for free to 820 million, as well as 1 kg of pulses per family per month to people covered under the National Food Security Act (NFSA). Run for three months initially, the scheme got six extensions till December 31, 2022.

On December 23, 2022, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Minister Piyush Goyal announced the merger of the free part of PMGKAY with the regular food security schemes under NFSA. The merger requires explanation. Under the NFSA, the Centre directs the Food Corporation of India (FCI) and other state agencies to procure food from the farmers at MSP and organize its distribution to around 820 million people through a network of fair price shops (FPS) at the subsidized price (issue price) of Rs 2/3/1 per kg for wheat, rice, and coarse cereals. There are two types of beneficiaries.

As part of the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY), the poorest of the poor households get 35 kg of food grains per family. For a family of five, it comes to 7 kg per person each month. The number of families under AAY is 24 million, and persons getting 7 kg cereals per month @ Rs 2/3/1 per kg are 120 million. The rest 700 million get five kg per person a month at the same price.

The excess of MSP paid to farmers and handling and distribution costs (HDC) over the issue price is reimbursed to the FCI et al as a subsidy from the Union Budget. Call it regular food subsidy. In addition, under PMGKAY, all 820 million beneficiaries under the NFSA got 5 kg of cereals per month for free. On December 23, 2022, Goyal announced the withdrawal of PMGKAY while making supplies under regular NFSA free for a year from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023. Modi has extended this arrangement for five years. During the election season, Modis announcement was a political masterstroke. Nothing else could have carried a greater appeal to voters than the promise of free food to 820 million or nearly 59 per cent of the population that too for five years. But, it comes at a cost.

Against Rs 2/3/1 per kg for wheat, rice, and coarse cereals paid earlier, now, the beneficiaries would get these for free. The extra spend on food subsidy would be Rs 2 per kg per person if she takes her ration as wheat (Rs 3 per kg per person if it is rice). This will translate to additional outgo in the range of Rs 10,000 - 15,000 crore per annum (Rs 50,000  75,000 crore over five years) depending on which cereal or a combination thereof, the beneficiary opts for. It may be argued that in a total annual food subsidy budget of around Rs 200,000 crore, this is a small 5 - 7.5 per cent and by some tweaking of expenditure and revenue receipts in other heads, the government could avoid any slippage from the desired fiscal trajectory. This is a myopic thought.

It distracts attention from the overarching goal of 'rationalising and pruning subsidies to which the then Finance Minister (FM), Arun Jaitely under Modi had vowed in 2015-16. Even today, the NITI Aayog  Union governments think tank - is studying the effectiveness of the food subsidy scheme and examining whether, and how, the Scheme can be rationalised or closed.

In sync with this goal, it is possible for the government to take credible steps to reduce food subsidies without compromising its commitments to the welfare of the poor. For instance, the current issue price of Rs 2/3/1 per kg was specified in the NFSA legislation. The law enacted in 2013 froze these rates for three years. Since 2016, there has been no legal bar on increasing the price. Yet, it remains where it was a decade ago despite a substantial increase in MSP as well as HDC. A hike in the issue price by Rs 1 per kg would yield an annual savings of over Rs 5,000 crore. Second, the existing number of beneficiaries under NFSA at 59 per cent of the countrys population is far in excess of the people who actually deserve a subsidy. Even as per the Shanta Kumar Committee (2015), the people eligible for subsidised food shouldnt be more than 40 per cent of the population. The excess of 19 per cent comes to 266 million. By deleting these persons from the beneficiaries list, the government can save about Rs 40,000 crore (25 (27-2)x5x12x266; where 27 is the cost of supplying wheat).

Third, other than AAY families and persons, the rest can pay more than Rs 2/3/1 per kg. Deduct 266 million (those who shouldnt be eligible for subsidy) from 700 million, this number comes to 434 million. The Shanta Kumar Committee wanted them should pay at least 50 per cent of the MSP or Rs 10.5 (current MSP is Rs 21).

This could yield savings of about Rs 22,000 crore [8.5(10.5-2)x5x12x434]. Fourth, the ridiculously low price at which food is available in the supply chain is an open invitation to dubious operators to siphon off and sell in the open market raking in a moolah. This can be prevented if only the government disbands the existing system and gives subsidies to the beneficiaries under DBT.

Under DBT, the state agencies need not buy, store and deliver food to the beneficiary; instead the latter buys from the market paying the full price, say, Rs 27 per kg of wheat. Of this, Rs 25 comes from the Centre as a subsidy and Rs 2 from her pocket as per the extant NFSA regime. Now, under Modis prescription of making it free, the entire Rs 27 would come from the Centre. When subsidized food doesnt enter the supply chain, diversion and misuse is completely ruled out. With DBT in place, it is much easier for the Govt to deny subsidies to undeserving persons. It will also save on costs currently incurred on handling of grains by the agencies. Besides, all consumers will benefit from increased supplies and competition in the market.

Currently, the Govt is using state agencies not just to meet food requirements under NFSA but also to extend price support to farmers. Under what has come to be known as open-ended procurement, it buys from farmers unlimited quantities at MSP. Apart from facing a nightmare due to high stocks and high carrying costs, this has added to the food subsidy bill. With the switchover to DBT, the government needs to get out of this price support business.

The only viable way to support farmers is to give them the freedom to sell their produce, open up the market and give them multiple choices to sell. This will require the resurrection of the three farm laws Modi was forced to junk in November 2021 following agitation by farmers from Punjab and Haryana. Sadly, all reforms are held hostage to the politics of populism. Giving food free, continuing with subsidies to the undeserving and open-ended purchases from farmers at MSP are all manifestations of populism. If Modi dares to tinker with any of these, he risks losing at the hustings. So, the status quo continues.

(The writer is a policy analyst, views are personal)
If morality and tradition are meant to guide society in the right direction, why aren't they strictly applied to men as well?

After six months of marriage, Sakshi, a resident of Ranchi, the capital city of Jharkhand, returned to her home, leaving her husband's residence where she had faced harassment. The video of her return went viral on social media and was later covered by several news channels and newspapers. Why? It was due to the ceremonious way in which her father, Prem Gupta, celebrated her return. He marked his daughter's homecoming with dance, music, and enthusiasm.

In an interview, Prem said, When I could send Sakshi off with such pride at her wedding, why should I bring her back shamefully when she is not at fault? He aimed to set an example for the many women and their families undergoing a similar situation. If I had brought my daughter back secretly, everyone would have said, My daughter was unsuccessful in her marriage; she was the one at fault, he added. Sakshi and Prem made a strong statement against domestic violence.

However, not every girl has the support of someone like Prem in their life. Located 315 km from the state capital Dehradun, Charson village in the Garur block of Bageshwar district in the mountainous state of Uttarakhand is an example where the silent screams of girls and women do not find an echo. The total population of Charson village is approximately 4000, with a literacy rate of about 75%. However, in comparison to men, the literacy rate of women is significantly lower. Due to the lack of education, women in this village are unaware of their rights, making it challenging for them to speak out against any form of abuse.

Simran, an 18-year-old, expressed, When we go out, we have to endure comments and taunts. These experiences affect our physical and mental health, making it difficult for us to focus on our day-to-day life. We are unable to concentrate on our studies as well. Most women in the village face restrictions when going out, and if they do work outside the home, they are closely monitored. Ritika, another girl from the village, added, Even the choice of our clothing, like jeans and shorter tops, is restricted, as people not only look at us with judgment but also make comments that affect us mentally. It feels like we have done something wrong, and society blames us without even thinking about the impact of their words. Sadly, instead of supporting a girl who speaks against violence, society tends to label her negatively.

According to a 2023 report conducted by BMC Womens Health, In the South Asian countries, the prevalence of lifetime and current physical and/or sexual partner violence were highest in India. The report also said, The increase in prevalence of current violence in India and the higher ratio of current to lifetime violence also suggests that violence continued, once it had started, for more women.

Moreover, gender-based violence finds support in the pay disparity between men and women. A recent survey report titled Women and Men in India 2022 by the National Statistical Office reveals that market-determined wages for women performing similar work are significantly lower than those of men. The gender wage gap has not only persisted but has widened in rural areas over the past decade, even as it has narrowed in towns, as reported by a leading newspaper. National figures indicate that the average daily rural wage for men is Rs 393, whereas a woman worker receives only Rs 265.

Sangita Devi, a 26-year-old, mentioned that this wage disparity is rationalised by the notion that a man can break stones, but a woman cannot. Despite women being capable of the same physical work as men, they receive less pay. Social worker Neelam Grundy highlights that even today, many rural women are unaware of their rights. Unlike their urban counterparts, women in villages like Charson lack awareness, leading to a higher incidence of violence against them. Neelam emphasises that women must raise their voices against violence and underscores the need for societal mindset change. She adds, Society needs to understand that everyone has equal rights according to the constitution. It's time for patriarchal societies to change their thinking. The question that arises is, if morality and tradition are meant to guide society in the right direction, why aren't they strictly applied to men as well?

(Taniya is a student in Uttarakhand and writes about gender issues, views are personal. Charkha Features)
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will visit Jakarta, Indonesia for two days starting November 16 to attend the 10th Association of South East Asian Nations(ASEAN) Defence Ministers Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus). During the meeting, which will take place on November 16, he will address the forum on regional and international security issues. Indonesia is hosting the meeting as it is the chair of ADMM-Plus.

Giving details of his schedule here on Tuesday, defence ministry officials said on the sidelines of the ADMM-Plus, Rajnath will hold bilateral meetings with the Defence Ministers of the participating countries and discuss defence cooperation matters to further strengthen mutually-beneficial engagements.

The ADMM is the highest defence consultative and cooperative mechanism in ASEAN. The ADMM-Plus is a platform for the ASEAN member states (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam) and its eight Dialogue Partners (India, US, China, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand) to strengthen security and defence cooperation.

India became the dialogue partner of the ASEAN in 1992 and the inaugural ADMM-Plus was convened in Hanoi, Vietnam on October 12, 2010. Since 2017, the ADMM-Plus Ministers have been meeting annually to bolster the cooperation amongst the ASEAN and the Plus countries.

The ADMM-Plus progresses practical cooperation amongst member countries through seven Experts Working Groups (EWGs) namely Maritime Security, Military Medicine, Cyber Security, Peacekeeping Operations, Counter Terrorism, Humanitarian Mine Action and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR).

During the 10th ADMM-Plus, the next set of co-chairs for the cycle 2024-2027 would also be announced. In the present cycle from 2021-2024, India is co-chairing EWG on HADR along with Indonesia.
The countrys top industrialist and household name in FMCG products, Dabur, has been implicated in the multi-crore online Mahadev betting case. The Mumbai Police has registered a case against 32 individuals, including Gaurav Burman, the Director of Dabur, and Mohit Burman, the company chairman, in connection with the Mahadev betting app, citing various sections related to fraud and gambling. Gaurav Burman is the controlling shareholder of Dabur India.

According to the FIR, Mohit Burman is listed at number 16, while Gaurav Burman is at number 18 as accused in the case registered at Matunga Police Station.

There is an FIR against 31 named individuals, with an unknown person mentioned at number 32. The FIR was filed on November 7 based on a complaint by social activist Prakash Bankar.

Actor Sahil Khans name appears as accused number 26 in the FIR. Sahil Khan is accused of running another betting app related to Mahadevs online betting app. The FIR states, Sahil is not only accused of promotion but also of earning substantial profits by operating the app.

Sahil Khan was seen in a video from a party of an online betting app in Dubai. This case has been registered for running a betting app named Khiladi.

Despite media reports, a spokesperson for the Burman family has dismissed the accusations as baseless, noting that they coincided with their bid to acquire Religare Enterprises.

We have not received any formal communication regarding any such FIR. However, we have seen the FIR being circulated to media houses. The FIR is patently false and baseless. Nothing could be further from the truth than what is wrongly stated in the FIR, the Dabur spokesperson stated.

The spokesperson also asserted that the FIR was a step provoked by vested interests in an attempt to block the acquisition of Religare Enterprises Limited by the Burman family.

According to the information, social worker Bankar has claimed that people have been defrauded to the tune of `15,000 crore. The police have registered a case under sections 420, 465, 467, 468, 471, and 120 (B) of the IPC.

In the FIR, the complaint also mentions that the accused, Saurabh Chandrakar, is associated with several influential personalities and senior political leaders affiliated with the Congress. The FIR mentions that one of the accused, Saurabh Chandrakar, actively participated in match-fixing to earn profits through unofficial means, and the role of the Burmans will be investigated.

The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) is investigating the Mahadev Book Online Betting APP syndicate in which the promoters of this betting syndicate are allegedly sitting abroad and remotely running thousands of panels across India with the help of their friends and associates.

According to the ED, it has already arrested four accused persons and seized proceeds of crime worth more than `450 crore. A prosecution complaint has been filed against 14 accused persons.

On November 2, the ED received intelligence input that a large amount of cash is being moved in Chhattisgarh by the promoters of the Mahadev APP in relation to the Assembly Elections scheduled for November 7 and 17.

ED conducted searches at Hotel Triton and another location in Bhilai and intercepted a cash courier, Asim Das, who was sent from the UAE specifically to deliver a large amount of cash for the electioneering expenses of the Congress.

The ED claims that from the questioning of Asim Das, and from the forensic examination of the phone recovered from him, and examination of an email sent by one of the high-ranking accused of the Mahadev network, many startling allegations have come forth. Namely, regular payments have allegedly been made in the past, and so far, around `508 crore have been paid by Mahadev App promoters to Bhupesh Baghel, Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh.

At an election rally on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi attacked the Baghel Government over the scam.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi dubbed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi as the Murkhon ke Sardar (chief of fools) during an election campaign rally in Betul in Madhya Pradesh on Tuesday. While addressing the public, Modi criticised the Gandhi scion for falsely claiming that only made in China phones are available in India.

Yesterday, I heard that an expert from the Congress party claimed that everyone in India has a made in China cell phone. The expert said that all phones in India are made in China. Murkhon ke Sardar (Lord of Fools), where do these people live in this world? Congress leaders have developed a mental illness of undermining the achievements of the country, Modi lambasted Rahul without explicitly mentioning his name.

Modi also took potshots at Rahuls frequent mysterious foreign trips, saying, I dont know about the foreign spectacles they wear that make them unable to see the development in the country. The truth is that today, India is the second-largest manufacturer of mobile phones in the world. When Congress was at the Centre, mobiles worth less than `20,000 crore were manufactured every year in India. Today, mobile phones worth `3.5 lakh crore are made in India, the PM said.

The former Congress president, in an election rally, had remarked that the mobile phones in peoples pockets were Made in China and suggested they should be Made in Madhya Pradesh. India exports mobile phones worth approximately `1 lakh crore to other countries.

The PM stated that those who only remember Make in India before the election season do not understand the importance of Swadeshi. In his election campaign speech, Modi also highlighted that people are now vocal for local and have purchased India-made products worth `4.4 lakh crores during Diwali.

Congress leaders dont know what to say to the people. The Congress has accepted that their fake promises dont stand a chance in front of Modis guarantees, he said.

The PM announced that the Centre will launch a scheme worth `24,000 crore for the welfare of tribals in the country on Wednesday, coinciding with the entire nation celebrating Bhagwan Birsa Mundas birth anniversary.

Modi noted the significant presence of people on the last day of his campaign for the Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections scheduled for November 17, stating that it is an indication that the BJPs victory is assured in these polls.
Delhi continues to grapple with toxic air as the air quality remained severe across several places in the national Capital on Tuesday.

Based on data provided by nine out of the 40 monitoring stations, the Capitals air quality index was recorded at 397 at 4 pm, worsening from 358 on Monday and 218 on Sunday. Rest of the monitoring stations failed to generate enough data for indexing, according to the Central Pollution Control Boards mobile application Sameer.

Air pollution levels hit the severe category (AQI above 400) at many places within the city, including Pusa Delhi (501), ITI Jehangirpuri 463, ITO (427), RK Puram (422), Punjabi Bagh (423), Anand Vihar (439) and Nehru Nagar (450).

Neighbouring Ghaziabad (356), Gurugram (386), Greater Noida (348), Noida (364) and Faridabad (384) too recorded very poor air quality. According to IQAir, a Swiss company that specialises in air quality monitoring, Delhi was the most polluted city in the world on Tuesday.

Mumbai and Kolkata ranked fifth and 10th among the most polluted cities in the world. Even as the people of Delhi reeled under severe air pollution conditions, the AAP and the BJP have accused each other for the current situation in the national Capital.

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai reiterated that people associated with the BJP are offering absurd justifications for supporting firecracker bursting during Diwali, which resulted in a sharp spike in pollution levels in the national capital. Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly Ramvir Singh Bidhuri has blamed rise in stubble burning in AAP ruled Punjab for pollution in the national Capital. BJP MP Gautam Gambhir said the discussion on pollution should not be done only during Diwali but all around the year.

The AAP Government has listed a slew of measuresm including sprinkling of water in all the 70 Assembly constituencies and stepped up monitoring of BS-3 Petrol and BS-4 Diesel vehicles and their entry into Delhi is prohibited.

The Delhi government has deployed 215 mobile anti-smog guns to sprinkle water on roads across Delhi. There will be 70 mobile anti-smog guns for the 70 Assembly constituencies of Delhi to sprinkle water.According to a system developed by the Pune-based Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology to identify the contribution of different pollution sources, stubble-burning accounted for 12 per cent of the air pollution in the capital on Tuesday. It is likely to be 14 per cent on Wednesday and 6 per cent on Thursday.Data from the Consortium for Research on Agroecosystem Monitoring and Modeling from Space (CREAMS) run by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) showed Punjab on Tuesday reported 1,776 stubble-burning incidents, taking the total number of farm fires to 28,117 while air quality indices in Haryana and the border state were in poor and very poor categories. The fresh figure indicated that the crop residue burning cases in the state have started rising again. The state had reported 639 such cases on November 9, six on November 10, 104 on November 11, 987 on November 12 and 1,624 on November 13. Paddy straw burning in Punjab and Haryana is considered one of the reasons behind the alarming spike in air pollution levels in Delhi in October and November. Out of a total 28,117 farm fires recorded from September 15 till November 14, Sangrur recorded the maximum stubble burning cases of 4,961, followed by 2,554 in Ferozepur, 2,063 in Mansa, 2,061 in Bathinda and 1,916 in Tarn Taran.
A consignment containing gold and other precious metals worth lakhs of rupees, seized from Old Delhi Railway Station in 2014, now has a mysterious story that could potentially implicate a top Delhi Government officer.

During the movement of files, the records pertaining to the said seizure caught the attention of the Department of Trade and Taxes. Following this, the officer has been tracked.

Initial probes have found that crucial details such as the owner, origin, and the actual quantity of gold and silver remain shrouded in mystery. What is alarming is the missing 12 kg of gold, 36 kg of silver, and `7 lakh in currency from the bundles.

Surprisingly, these were stored in a conference room at Vyapar Bhawan, instead of being documented in a vault.

A lapse ensued as a five-day delay in inventory creation raised eyebrows, leaving the nation in the dark about the magnitude of the seized treasures. Now, nearly a decade later, a DANICS officer may face heat for alleged lapses.

There was no justification for why the inventory was not made for five days after its seizure in 2014. It remains a mystery what the actual quantity of gold and silver seized on March 01, 2014, is.

Moreover, at one point, the Chief Secretary and Chief Minister recommended disciplinary action. However, things went topsy-turvy when the Deputy Chief Minister recorded that no action could be taken without knowing the status of the investigation by the Delhi Police.

The report of the Principal Secretary (Home) pointed out mistakes on the part of senior officers, ranging from Joint Commissioner to Commissioner.

One officer was chargesheeted and subsequently got exonerated. Another officer was given premature retirement under 56(j) (Om Karan, Asst. Commissioner), but he was reinstated by the Representation Committee.

Recently, the junior staff put up a file before the bosses to close the case in the absence of an actual complainant. However, a chance discovery of a file noting made the Directorate of Vigilance reexamine the file and recommend disciplinary action against the officer involved in this case.

The vigilance directorate, in an agenda document for the NCCSA meeting (date yet to be announced), has said that a proposal for action against three officers is being sent to the Ministry of Home Affairs after the approval of the Lieutenant Governor, as they are currently posted outside Delhi.

According to the Directorate of Vigilances (DoV) agenda document, a probe by then-Principal Secretary (Home) Archana Arora revealed supervisory lapses on the part of two IAS and one DANICS (Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Island Civil Services) officers who were serving at the Trade and Taxes department at the time of the theft.

Acting on a tip-off, an enforcement team from the Trade and Taxes department seized 16 kg of gold, 200 kg of silver, and currency notes worth `33 lakh from two porters at the Old Delhi Railway Station on March 1, 2014.

The valuables in 24 bundles were later moved to a temporary safe place and then transferred for safekeeping to a room on the 13th floor of the Trade and Taxes department building on March 9, 2014.

The probe report by the then-Principal Secretary (Home) identified various lapses, such as no details of the porters being taken and no efforts made to contact railway authorities to determine the owners and recipients of the parcel through which the gold and silver items were brought into Delhi.

The report also noted that from the date of seizure on March 1, 2014, to March 5, 2014, no inventory of the seized items was prepared. Later, the inventory was completed on March 11, 2014, indicating that approximately 16 ks of gold, 200 kg of silver, and currency worth `33 lakh were seized from the railway station. The total value of the seized items was roughly calculated to be more than `8 crore.

On the night of May 9, 2014, valuables, including 12 kg of gold, 36 kg of silver, besides currency notes worth `7.36 lakh, were stolen, said a senior government officer.

An FIR was registered for the theft the next day. Later, in June 2014, an inquiry was handed over to the then-Principal Secretary (Home) by the Chief Secretary.

It was alleged that the report of the Principal Secretary (Home), which assigned responsibility to the officers concerned and highlighted lapses on their part, was not shown to the Lieutenant Governor, according to officers.

It was also reported that no CCTV cameras were installed where the seized valuables were kept, and it was being watched by only two security guards.

Interestingly, a senior officer recorded on the file of the matter that the seized items could be deposited with the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence or Customs Authorities. Still, this note was subsequently double-pasted, recommending storing the same in the conference hall of the Trade and Taxes Building, the Delhi Government officer said.

While there is no clue as to where the gold and silver came from and where they were heading, the vigilance department, which was probing the charges of irregularities by the tax officials, has recommended disciplinary action against the DANICS officer currently serving in the Delhi Government.

The officer was serving as a Joint Commissioner at the Trade and Taxes department at the time of the theft.
Lack of water, low-hanging electricity wires and the problem of onlookers who get in the way of rescue operations; these are some of the challenges that firefighters faced while trying to douse a blaze in an east Delhi building on Tuesday that claimed the life of a woman.

"After getting message at around 1.05 am, we initially sent three fire vehicles to the location. As the fire was major five more fire engines were pressed into service. Later, more than 20 fire engines were rushed to the spot as the flames engulfed the entire left side of the building," Delhi Fire Service chief Atul Garg said.

The major challenges the DFS had to face was that there was no water source at the spot so fire vehicles struggled to refill.

"A large number of people thronged to the location just to see that what is happening. Our teams had to repeatedly request people to give them space so that they could rescue people and rush them to nearby hospitals," Garg said.

"Low lying electricity wires, electricity lightings due to Diwali festival and narrow streets are also major problems we faced during our rescue operation," the DFS chief said.

He added that another major problem the fire department faces is traffic. But since the Shakarpur incident happened late at night, there was no traffic on the street, Garg said.

"Beside that spectators must understand that in emergency conditions like fire they must stay away as firefighters need proper space to help others. In such conditions, LPG cylinders can also blow and the fire can engulf the entire area. These locations are densely populated and people's safety too is a concern," Garg added.
As air quality worsened in the national capital, the AAP government on Tuesday listed a slew of measures including sprinkling of water in all the 70 assembly constituencies and stepped up monitoring of BS-3 Petrol and BS-4 Diesel vehicles and their entry into Delhi is prohibited.

Delhi's Environment Minister Gopal Rai said in view of the rise in pollution in Delhi after Diwali, a special campaign to sprinkle water has been started in the entire Delhi from Tuesday. The Delhi government has deployed 215 mobile anti-smog guns to sprinkle water on roads across Delhi. There will be 70 mobile anti-smog guns for the 70 Assembly constituencies of Delhi to sprinkle water.

The Environment Minister said the government is running several campaigns in Delhi under the leadership to tighten the noose of pollution in Delhi. Be it the anti-dust campaign, anti-open burning campaign, or the spraying of bio-decomposers, we have taken strict measures to curb pollution. Today, we are initiating another step to keep the pollution levels in check. We will run mobile anti-smog guns across Delhi, which will sprinkle water on roads, he said.

Rai said We are starting a mega-campaign of sprinkling water on roads of Delhi from today. I am optimistic that there will be an immediate reduction in pollution levels through this campaign. The campaign will run across Delhi and 60 mobile anti-smog guns have deployed on hotspots to keep pollution levels in check.

He also said the Punjab Government has made significant efforts to reduce the cases of stubble burning. As a result of the efforts of the Government of Punjab, the incidence of stubble burning has come down by 60% this year as compared to the previous years.

To ensure strict compliance with GRAP-IV regulations, Labour Minister Raaj Kumar Anand, along with officials, conducted inspections at the Singhu border late Monday night.According to GRAP-IV regulations, the entry of BS-3 Petrol and BS-4 Diesel vehicles into Delhi is prohibited. The inspection revealed continuous entry of diesel vehicles from Haryana into Delhi, which is a matter of concern.

The drivers were informed that entry of diesel vehicles into Delhi is restricted due to the deteriorating air quality. Stringent monitoring and implementation instructions for GRAP-IV were provided to the officials.

Anand said sending diesel vehicles from Haryana and Uttar Pradesh to Delhi is contributing to increased pollution in the city.

The SDM Narela was directed to disseminate information through hoardings, banners, camps, and handbills to enforce a restriction on vehicle entry. Large banners with information on all directives and rules should be displayed at entry from Haryana to ensure drivers are informed in advance and refrain from entering Delhi.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday attacked his Chhattisgarh counterpart Bhupesh Baghel over the alleged 'Mahadev' betting app scam and said Lord Mahadev will not spare him and seek account of every single penny.

Addressing a rally in the Rajim constituency in Gariaband district ahead of the November 17 polling, the BJP leader accused the ruling Congress of having a nexus with Naxalites and claimed "rampant" religious conversion was going on in the tribal-dominated state.

Recently, when I was in Bilaspur (for campaigning) I came to know Bhupesh Baghel looted Rs 508 crore through the Mahadev (betting) app. I thought the ED must have written less as more money than this (Rs 508 crore) must have been looted in this scam.

Baghel's term as CM was for 2.5 years and the remaining 2.5 years was for (his cabinet colleague) TS Singh Deo.

Baghel, however, got an extension which would not have been possible without exchange of money, he alleged.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has claimed it has recorded a statement of a 'cash courier' who alleged Mahadev betting app promoters have paid Rs 508 crore to Baghel till now, and that it is a 'subject matter of investigation'.

Baghel has denied the charge. Sarma took a strong objection to naming the controversial betting app after a Hindu God and hit out at the Congress CM over the issue.

"He committed a scam by naming the app as Mahadev. He would have given the name Bhupesh or he would have used my name Himanta. But they named it Mahadev. Now, Mahadev will not spare him and will take account of every single penny. Bhupesh ji your time has come to give account and you have to give it, Sarma said.

The BJP leader warned those involved in the multi-crore betting scam will not be spared.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji said yesterday (during his rallies in Chhattsigarh on Monday) that those who have committed a fraud in the name of Mahadev will not be spared. The BJP has not spared those who committed liquor scam in Delhi (where leaders of ruling AAP have been arrested) and now accused of the Mahadev betting scam will also not be spared," Sarma asserted.

The Assam CM alleged large-scale religious conversion in Chhattisgarh under the Congress rule.

"Rampant religious conversion is taking place in Chhattisgarh. Rohingyas have been coming to Chhattisgarh. Sanatan followers are being converted in tribal areas. What kind of work and justice is this? Naxalites killed BJP workers. Bhupesh Baghel ji neither stops conversion nor takes action against Naxals. He says check boxes (luggage) of the CRPF. Now, time has come to check the boxes of Bhupesh Baghel and Rahul Gandhi due to the Mahadev app scam, he said.

Early this month, Baghel urged the Election Commission to check the vehicles and luggage of paramilitary forces being deployed in the state for election duty, alleging the BJP was bringing in cash through them so that it could be used to influence voters.

Sarma alleged inaction on part of Baghel in rooting out Naxal menace. "Naxalites would have been eliminated earlier. Why Bhupes Baghel doesn't take action against Naxals. What is the reason? It is because there is a nexus between the Congress and naxals. Amit Shah ji (Union Home Minister Amit Shah) has announced that if the BJP comes to power in Chhattisgarh, Left-Wing Extremism will be eradicated in five years," he asserted.

Rajim is among the 70 seats where polling will be held on Friday in the second and last phase of elections for the 90-member state assembly.

Voting for 20 assembly seats, most of them located in Left-Wing Extremism-affected areas, was held on November 7 in the first phase. Wednesday (November 15) is the last day of campaigning for the second phase of polls.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday asserted that a storm is blowing in favour of the BJP in Madhya Pradesh because of people's tremendous support, and it will uproot the Congress from the state.

He was addressing a public meeting at Shajapur in Madhya Pradesh ahead of the November 17 assembly polls. "I can see a large number of people attending this meeting with many of them standing out in the sun as the arrangements made for the rally fell a little short as compared to the turnout.

A storm is blowing in the state that will uproot Congress's 'tambu' (tent) in the state," he said. India is being praised for its developmental initiative across the world, he said, adding that everybody wants to invest in the country as its economy ranked fifth globally.

"In my third term (as the prime minister), I will take the country's economy among the top three in the world," Modi said. He also said that a food processing park is coming up in Shajapur district to develop it as a major industrial hub and farmers will largely benefit out of it. Targeting the Congress, the PM said that the party indulges in corruption wherever it comes to power and it works only for the welfare of one family in the country, apparently referring to the Gandhi family.

"Congress's only agenda is to loot, loot and loot and commit atrocities, atrocities and atrocities...And it focuses only on negativity," he alleged. Referring to the introduction of medical and engineering courses in Hindi, Modi said that Congress never wanted poor people to become doctors and engineers.

"That's why the BJP government started these courses in Hindi, but it (Congress) is even opposing that," the prime minister added. He also said that the country celebrated Diwali two days back and now it will celebrate the second Diwali on December 3, the day when counting of votes for assembly polls in five states, including Madhya Pradesh will be taken up.
Floods caused by torrential rainfall have killed at least 31 people in various parts of Somalia, authorities have said.

Since October, floods have displaced nearly half a million people and disrupted the lives of over 1.2 million people, Minister of Information Daud Aweis told reporters in the capital Mogadishu on Sunday.

They have also caused extensive damage to civilian infrastructure notably in the Gedo region of southern Somalia, he said.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, or OCHA, which has given USD 25 million to help mitigate the impact of flooding, warned in a statement Thursday of a flood event of a magnitude statistically likely only once in 100 years, with significant anticipated humanitarian impacts.

While all possible preparatory measures are being pursued, a flood of this magnitude can only be mitigated and not prevented, OCHA said, recommending early warning and early action to save lives as large-scale displacement, increased humanitarian needs and further destruction of property remain likely.

The lives of some 1.6 million people in Somalia could be disrupted by floods during the rainy season that lasts until December, with 1.5 million hectares of farmland potentially being destroyed, it said.

Mogadishu has been ravaged by downpours that, at times, swept away vulnerable people, including children and the elderly, and disrupted transportation.

Floods are also affecting neighboring Kenya, where the death toll stood at 15 on Monday, according to the Kenya Red Cross. The port city of Mombasa and the northeastern counties of Mandera and Wajir are the worst affected.
StockNews.com downgraded shares of Centrus Energy (NYSE:LEU  Free Report) from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report report published on Friday morning.

Other research analysts have also issued reports about the stock. Roth Mkm lifted their price target on shares of Centrus Energy from $49.00 to $57.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, November 9th. B. Riley began coverage on shares of Centrus Energy in a report on Friday, October 13th. They issued a buy rating and a $72.00 price target for the company.

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Centrus Energy Price Performance

Insider Buying and Selling at Centrus Energy

LEU opened at $51.61 on Friday. Centrus Energy has a 1-year low of $24.88 and a 1-year high of $61.35. The business has a 50-day moving average of $44.09. The company has a market cap of $801.50 million, a P/E ratio of 16.45 and a beta of 1.96.

In other Centrus Energy news, major shareholder Morris Bawabeh sold 93,158 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, October 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $55.57, for a total transaction of $5,176,790.06. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 1,223,118 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $67,968,667.26. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. 6.40% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Ameritas Investment Partners Inc. grew its position in Centrus Energy by 36.8% during the second quarter. Ameritas Investment Partners Inc. now owns 1,014 shares of the companys stock valued at $33,000 after purchasing an additional 273 shares in the last quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. grew its position in Centrus Energy by 3.2% in the 2nd quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 11,760 shares of the companys stock worth $383,000 after purchasing an additional 365 shares during the last quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. grew its position in Centrus Energy by 1.4% in the 4th quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 28,735 shares of the companys stock worth $933,000 after purchasing an additional 402 shares during the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. grew its position in Centrus Energy by 7.4% in the 4th quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 6,409 shares of the companys stock worth $208,000 after purchasing an additional 440 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Spire Wealth Management acquired a new stake in Centrus Energy in the 3rd quarter worth $29,000. 33.64% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Centrus Energy Company Profile

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Centrus Energy Corp. supplies nuclear fuel and services for the nuclear power industry in the United States, Japan, Belgium, and internationally. The company operates through two segments, Low-Enriched Uranium (LEU) and Technical Solutions. The LEU segment sells separative work units (SWU) component of LEU; SWU and natural uranium components of LEU; and natural uranium for utilities that operate nuclear power plants.

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Principal Financial Group Inc. lowered its position in First Horizon Co. (NYSE:FHN  Free Report) by 4.8% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 2,133,477 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 106,622 shares during the period. Principal Financial Group Inc. owned about 0.40% of First Horizon worth $24,044,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

A number of other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in FHN. Banque Pictet & Cie SA increased its holdings in First Horizon by 37.7% in the second quarter. Banque Pictet & Cie SA now owns 29,056 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $327,000 after buying an additional 7,954 shares in the last quarter. Gator Capital Management LLC purchased a new position in First Horizon in the second quarter valued at about $126,000. Register Financial Advisors LLC purchased a new position in First Horizon in the second quarter valued at about $51,000. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC increased its holdings in First Horizon by 122.3% in the second quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 4,796 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $54,000 after buying an additional 2,639 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Los Angeles Capital Management LLC purchased a new position in First Horizon in the second quarter valued at about $801,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 76.44% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of research analysts have issued reports on FHN shares. Wedbush raised shares of First Horizon from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and increased their target price for the company from $12.00 to $14.00 in a report on Friday, November 3rd. Jefferies Financial Group dropped their price objective on shares of First Horizon from $15.00 to $12.00 in a research note on Tuesday, October 10th. Raymond James dropped their price objective on shares of First Horizon from $14.00 to $13.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. Wells Fargo & Company reissued an equal weight rating on shares of First Horizon in a research note on Wednesday, October 4th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada dropped their price objective on shares of First Horizon from $14.00 to $12.00 in a research note on Tuesday, October 10th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have given a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $12.78.

First Horizon Stock Up 1.5 %

FHN stock opened at $11.46 on Tuesday. The stock has a market capitalization of $6.40 billion, a P/E ratio of 6.86, a PEG ratio of 3.29 and a beta of 0.97. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14, a quick ratio of 0.94 and a current ratio of 0.95. First Horizon Co. has a one year low of $8.99 and a one year high of $24.92. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $11.06 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $11.76.

First Horizon (NYSE:FHN  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, October 18th. The financial services provider reported $0.27 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.24 by $0.03. The firm had revenue of $1.25 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $801.16 million. First Horizon had a net margin of 20.40% and a return on equity of 11.74%. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $0.44 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that First Horizon Co. will post 1.41 EPS for the current year.

First Horizon Dividend Announcement

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, January 2nd. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 15th will be issued a $0.15 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 14th. This represents a $0.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 5.24%. First Horizons dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 35.93%.

About First Horizon

(Free Report)

First Horizon Corporation operates as the bank holding company for First Horizon Bank that provides various financial services. The company operates through three segments: Regional Banking, Specialty Banking, and Corporate. It offers general banking services for consumers, businesses, financial institutions, and governments.

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Want to see what other hedge funds are holding FHN? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for First Horizon Co. (NYSE:FHN  Free Report).

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IAMGOLD (NYSE:IAG  Free Report) (TSE:IMG) had its price objective trimmed by BMO Capital Markets from $3.25 to $3.00 in a research note released on Friday morning, Benzinga reports. The brokerage currently has an outperform rating on the mining companys stock.

Several other equities research analysts also recently weighed in on the company. TD Securities cut their price target on IAMGOLD from $6.00 to $5.50 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, August 14th. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of IAMGOLD in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Raymond James lowered their target price on shares of IAMGOLD from $3.25 to $3.00 and set an underperform rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, October 31st. Royal Bank of Canada upgraded shares of IAMGOLD from an underperform rating to a sector perform rating and increased their price objective for the company from $1.75 to $2.75 in a report on Tuesday, September 12th. Finally, CSFB dropped their target price on shares of IAMGOLD from $3.00 to $2.50 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Thursday, August 17th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have given a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, IAMGOLD has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $3.23.

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IAMGOLD Price Performance

Shares of IAG opened at $2.19 on Friday. The businesss 50-day moving average is $2.32 and its two-hundred day moving average is $2.57. The company has a market capitalization of $1.05 billion, a P/E ratio of 8.46, a P/E/G ratio of 3.00 and a beta of 1.46. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.36, a quick ratio of 1.17 and a current ratio of 1.60. IAMGOLD has a fifty-two week low of $1.71 and a fifty-two week high of $3.34.

IAMGOLD (NYSE:IAG  Get Free Report) (TSE:IMG) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Friday, November 10th. The mining company reported ($0.01) earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of ($0.02) by $0.01. The company had revenue of $224.50 million for the quarter. IAMGOLD had a return on equity of 0.38% and a net margin of 14.24%. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted ($0.03) earnings per share. Research analysts predict that IAMGOLD will post 0.02 earnings per share for the current year.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On IAMGOLD

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Van ECK Associates Corp increased its position in shares of IAMGOLD by 14.0% in the first quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp now owns 51,174,133 shares of the mining companys stock worth $138,678,000 after acquiring an additional 6,269,790 shares in the last quarter. Two Sigma Investments LP grew its holdings in IAMGOLD by 492.0% during the 1st quarter. Two Sigma Investments LP now owns 7,284,801 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $19,742,000 after purchasing an additional 6,054,262 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in IAMGOLD during the 4th quarter valued at $12,557,000. Two Sigma Advisers LP grew its holdings in IAMGOLD by 269.0% during the 1st quarter. Two Sigma Advisers LP now owns 5,687,600 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $15,413,000 after purchasing an additional 4,146,200 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Mackenzie Financial Corp grew its holdings in IAMGOLD by 1,754.5% during the 2nd quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 3,693,244 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $9,784,000 after purchasing an additional 3,494,096 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 49.40% of the companys stock.

About IAMGOLD

(Get Free Report)

IAMGOLD Corporation, through its subsidiaries, explores, develops, and operates gold mining properties in North America and West Africa. The company owns 100% interest in the Westwood mine, covers an area of 1,925 hectare and located in Quebec and the Cote gold project, which covers an area of 596 square kilometer located in Ontario, Canada; and 90% interests in the Essakane mine situated in Burkina Faso and Boto gold project located in Senegal, West Africa.

Further Reading

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StockNews.com cut shares of Motorola Solutions (NYSE:MSI  Free Report) from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report released on Saturday.

Several other research analysts have also issued reports on MSI. Raymond James increased their price target on Motorola Solutions from $315.00 to $320.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Friday, August 4th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their price objective on shares of Motorola Solutions from $320.00 to $311.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Monday, August 7th. Bank of America assumed coverage on shares of Motorola Solutions in a report on Monday, October 9th. They set a buy rating and a $330.00 price objective for the company. Morgan Stanley upped their target price on shares of Motorola Solutions from $290.00 to $300.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Friday, August 4th. Finally, Barclays cut their price target on Motorola Solutions from $329.00 to $322.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Friday, August 4th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $312.57.

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Motorola Solutions Trading Down 0.5 %

Shares of MSI stock opened at $309.38 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $51.36 billion, a P/E ratio of 31.28, a P/E/G ratio of 2.98 and a beta of 0.91. The company has a quick ratio of 0.77, a current ratio of 0.95 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 12.51. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $284.30 and its 200 day simple moving average is $285.51. Motorola Solutions has a twelve month low of $248.75 and a twelve month high of $312.55.

Motorola Solutions (NYSE:MSI  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 2nd. The communications equipment provider reported $3.19 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.03 by $0.16. The company had revenue of $2.56 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.53 billion. Motorola Solutions had a net margin of 17.30% and a return on equity of 668.00%. Motorola Solutionss revenue for the quarter was up 7.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $2.79 earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Motorola Solutions will post 10.54 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Motorola Solutions Announces Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, October 13th. Investors of record on Friday, September 15th were issued a dividend of $0.88 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, September 14th. This represents a $3.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.14%. Motorola Solutionss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 35.59%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other news, SVP Cynthia Yazdi sold 5,850 shares of Motorola Solutions stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $306.00, for a total transaction of $1,790,100.00. Following the sale, the senior vice president now directly owns 3,780 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,156,680. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In related news, SVP Cynthia Yazdi sold 5,850 shares of Motorola Solutions stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $306.00, for a total value of $1,790,100.00. Following the sale, the senior vice president now owns 3,780 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,156,680. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, CFO Jason J. Winkler sold 5,656 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $305.29, for a total value of $1,726,720.24. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 6,732 shares in the company, valued at $2,055,212.28. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders have sold 76,506 shares of company stock worth $23,359,370. 1.50% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Motorola Solutions

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Tucker Asset Management LLC bought a new stake in Motorola Solutions during the 1st quarter valued at $27,000. Cornerstone Planning Group LLC bought a new stake in shares of Motorola Solutions during the 2nd quarter valued at $33,000. Albion Financial Group UT raised its stake in shares of Motorola Solutions by 3,633.3% during the 2nd quarter. Albion Financial Group UT now owns 112 shares of the communications equipment providers stock valued at $33,000 after purchasing an additional 109 shares during the period. Strategic Investment Solutions Inc. IL bought a new stake in shares of Motorola Solutions during the first quarter valued at about $35,000. Finally, Tortoise Investment Management LLC increased its position in shares of Motorola Solutions by 1,140.0% during the second quarter. Tortoise Investment Management LLC now owns 124 shares of the communications equipment providers stock valued at $36,000 after buying an additional 114 shares during the period. 82.37% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Motorola Solutions Company Profile

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Motorola Solutions, Inc provides public safety and enterprise security solutions in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Products and Systems Integration, and Software and Services. The Products and Systems Integration segment offers a portfolio of infrastructure, devices, accessories, and video security devices and infrastructure, as well as the implementation and integration of systems, devices, software, and applications for government, public safety, and commercial customers who operate private communications networks and video security solutions, as well as manage a mobile workforce.

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Ouster (NYSE:OUST  Free Report) had its price objective lowered by Rosenblatt Securities from $17.50 to $12.00 in a research note released on Friday, Benzinga reports. Rosenblatt Securities currently has a buy rating on the stock.

OUST has been the topic of a number of other reports. Citigroup lifted their price objective on Ouster from $6.10 to $7.50 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, August 17th. Chardan Capital upgraded shares of Ouster from a neutral rating to a buy rating and set a $10.00 price target for the company in a report on Thursday, July 13th.

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Ouster Trading Down 4.1 %

Insiders Place Their Bets

Shares of OUST stock opened at $4.73 on Friday. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $4.54 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $5.24. The company has a market cap of $186.84 million, a PE ratio of -0.38 and a beta of 2.18. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.18, a quick ratio of 3.76 and a current ratio of 4.17. Ouster has a fifty-two week low of $3.21 and a fifty-two week high of $19.20.

In related news, insider Nathan Dickerman sold 9,018 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $6.23, for a total transaction of $56,182.14. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 104,069 shares in the company, valued at $648,349.87. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In related news, insider Nathan Dickerman sold 9,018 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $6.23, for a total value of $56,182.14. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 104,069 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $648,349.87. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, Director Virginia Boulet acquired 10,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, September 15th. The stock was purchased at an average price of $4.68 per share, for a total transaction of $46,800.00. Following the purchase, the director now owns 153,089 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $716,456.52. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. In the last three months, insiders have bought 18,600 shares of company stock valued at $98,860 and have sold 18,695 shares valued at $103,088. Insiders own 6.00% of the companys stock.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Ouster

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in OUST. Brown Advisory Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Ouster during the third quarter valued at approximately $51,000. SVB Wealth LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Ouster during the third quarter worth about $67,000. Stifel Financial Corp purchased a new stake in shares of Ouster during the third quarter worth about $75,000. Fox Run Management L.L.C. purchased a new stake in shares of Ouster during the third quarter worth about $88,000. Finally, Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. purchased a new stake in Ouster in the 1st quarter worth approximately $82,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 24.96% of the companys stock.

About Ouster

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Ouster, Inc designs and manufactures high-resolution digital lidar sensors and enabling software that offers 3D vision to machinery, vehicles, robots, and fixed infrastructure assets. Its product portfolio includes OS, a scanning sensor; and DF, a solid-state flash sensor. The company is based in San Francisco, California.

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Prospera Financial Services Inc acquired a new position in shares of Badger Meter, Inc. (NYSE:BMI  Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm acquired 2,397 shares of the scientific and technical instruments companys stock, valued at approximately $354,000.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of BMI. American Century Companies Inc. raised its stake in Badger Meter by 15.7% in the 1st quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 5,764 shares of the scientific and technical instruments companys stock worth $575,000 after purchasing an additional 780 shares in the last quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of Badger Meter by 9.1% in the first quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC now owns 5,393 shares of the scientific and technical instruments companys stock valued at $537,000 after buying an additional 449 shares in the last quarter. Citigroup Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Badger Meter by 6.1% in the first quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 29,408 shares of the scientific and technical instruments companys stock valued at $2,933,000 after buying an additional 1,685 shares during the period. Bank of Montreal Can grew its position in Badger Meter by 12.7% during the first quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 13,216 shares of the scientific and technical instruments companys stock worth $1,332,000 after buying an additional 1,493 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Acadian Asset Management LLC bought a new position in Badger Meter during the 1st quarter worth $291,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 86.81% of the companys stock.

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Badger Meter Trading Up 1.6 %

BMI opened at $144.63 on Tuesday. The company has a market cap of $4.24 billion, a P/E ratio of 49.87, a PEG ratio of 2.27 and a beta of 0.90. The companys 50 day moving average is $146.66 and its 200-day moving average is $149.20. Badger Meter, Inc. has a 1-year low of $103.93 and a 1-year high of $170.86.

Badger Meter Announces Dividend

Badger Meter ( NYSE:BMI Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, October 19th. The scientific and technical instruments company reported $0.88 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.81 by $0.07. The firm had revenue of $186.20 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $179.06 million. Badger Meter had a net margin of 12.78% and a return on equity of 18.28%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 25.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $0.61 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts forecast that Badger Meter, Inc. will post 3.07 EPS for the current year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 6th. Investors of record on Friday, November 24th will be given a dividend of $0.27 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, November 22nd. This represents a $1.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.75%. Badger Meters dividend payout ratio is currently 37.24%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several research firms have recently issued reports on BMI. StockNews.com raised Badger Meter from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, October 24th. Northcoast Research downgraded shares of Badger Meter from a neutral rating to a sell rating and set a $120.00 price objective on the stock. in a research note on Friday, September 29th. Maxim Group boosted their target price on shares of Badger Meter from $152.00 to $180.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, July 21st. Stifel Nicolaus reiterated a hold rating and set a $142.00 price target on shares of Badger Meter in a research report on Tuesday, September 12th. Finally, Robert W. Baird boosted their price objective on shares of Badger Meter from $125.00 to $145.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, July 21st. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have assigned a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Badger Meter has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $146.67.

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Badger Meter Profile

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Badger Meter, Inc manufactures and markets flow measurement, quality, control, and communication solutions in the United States, Asia, Canada, Europe, Mexico, the Middle East, and internationally. It offers mechanical or static water meters, and related radio and software technologies and services to municipal water utilities.

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RBC Bearings (NYSE:RBC  Free Report) had its price target cut by Truist Financial from $275.00 to $271.00 in a report released on Friday, Benzinga reports. They currently have a buy rating on the industrial products companys stock.

Several other brokerages have also commented on RBC. Citigroup increased their price objective on RBC Bearings from $240.00 to $245.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, September 27th. Alembic Global Advisors raised RBC Bearings from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and set a $267.00 target price on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, August 9th. Morgan Stanley upped their target price on RBC Bearings from $286.00 to $294.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 9th. Wells Fargo & Company upped their target price on RBC Bearings from $225.00 to $235.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Monday, August 7th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada raised RBC Bearings from a neutral rating to an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 9th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, RBC Bearings presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $263.40.

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RBC Bearings Trading Up 2.6 %

Shares of NYSE RBC opened at $234.63 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $6.82 billion, a P/E ratio of 41.60, a PEG ratio of 4.75 and a beta of 1.42. The businesss 50 day moving average is $231.52 and its two-hundred day moving average is $223.21. RBC Bearings has a 1-year low of $195.18 and a 1-year high of $254.50. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.50, a current ratio of 3.25 and a quick ratio of 1.12.

RBC Bearings (NYSE:RBC  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, November 9th. The industrial products company reported $2.07 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.91 by $0.16. The company had revenue of $385.57 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $390.18 million. RBC Bearings had a return on equity of 9.62% and a net margin of 12.32%. As a group, research analysts expect that RBC Bearings will post 8.2 EPS for the current year.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other RBC Bearings news, VP Richard J. Edwards sold 880 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, September 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $239.74, for a total transaction of $210,971.20. Following the sale, the vice president now directly owns 12,220 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,929,622.80. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In other news, VP Richard J. Edwards sold 880 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, September 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $239.74, for a total transaction of $210,971.20. Following the sale, the vice president now directly owns 12,220 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,929,622.80. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, Director Steven H. Kaplan sold 2,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, September 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $239.43, for a total value of $598,575.00. Following the sale, the director now owns 4,400 shares in the company, valued at $1,053,492. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last three months, insiders have sold 5,380 shares of company stock valued at $1,265,846. Company insiders own 2.90% of the companys stock.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of RBC. Zions Bancorporation N.A. increased its holdings in shares of RBC Bearings by 0.9% during the 2nd quarter. Zions Bancorporation N.A. now owns 5,217 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $1,135,000 after buying an additional 47 shares during the last quarter. Portside Wealth Group LLC lifted its position in RBC Bearings by 4.8% in the third quarter. Portside Wealth Group LLC now owns 1,104 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $258,000 after acquiring an additional 51 shares during the last quarter. Torray Investment Partners LLC lifted its position in RBC Bearings by 0.7% in the second quarter. Torray Investment Partners LLC now owns 7,189 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $1,563,000 after acquiring an additional 52 shares during the last quarter. Global Retirement Partners LLC raised its holdings in shares of RBC Bearings by 16.1% in the third quarter. Global Retirement Partners LLC now owns 383 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $90,000 after buying an additional 53 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Fifth Third Bancorp raised its holdings in shares of RBC Bearings by 14.3% in the third quarter. Fifth Third Bancorp now owns 423 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $99,000 after buying an additional 53 shares during the last quarter.

About RBC Bearings

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RBC Bearings Incorporated manufactures and markets engineered precision bearings and components in the United States and internationally. It operates through two segments, Aerospace/Defense and Industrial. The company produces plain bearings with self-lubricating or metal-to-metal designs, including rod end bearings, spherical plain bearings, and journal bearings; roller bearings, such as tapered roller bearings, needle roller bearings, and needle bearing track rollers and cam followers, which are anti-friction products that are used in industrial applications and military aircraft platforms; and ball bearings include high precision aerospace, airframe control, thin section, and industrial ball bearings that utilize high precision ball elements to reduce friction in high-speed applications.

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Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC increased its stake in shares of Sun Life Financial Inc. (NYSE:SLF  Free Report) (TSE:SLF) by 42.0% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 10,845 shares of the financial services providers stock after purchasing an additional 3,206 shares during the quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLCs holdings in Sun Life Financial were worth $565,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other large investors have also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Mitchell Mcleod Pugh & Williams Inc. bought a new position in shares of Sun Life Financial during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $201,000. Triasima Portfolio Management inc. increased its position in shares of Sun Life Financial by 15.0% during the 2nd quarter. Triasima Portfolio Management inc. now owns 267,835 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $18,496,685,000 after purchasing an additional 34,881 shares during the last quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC increased its position in shares of Sun Life Financial by 5.7% during the 2nd quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 3,612 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $188,000 after purchasing an additional 196 shares during the last quarter. Quantinno Capital Management LP increased its position in shares of Sun Life Financial by 14.7% during the 2nd quarter. Quantinno Capital Management LP now owns 11,376 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $593,000 after purchasing an additional 1,458 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A. increased its position in shares of Sun Life Financial by 67.3% during the 2nd quarter. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A. now owns 18,966 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $988,000 after purchasing an additional 7,632 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 44.96% of the companys stock.

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Sun Life Financial Stock Up 0.4 %

SLF stock opened at $47.85 on Tuesday. Sun Life Financial Inc. has a twelve month low of $43.53 and a twelve month high of $53.21. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $48.11 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $49.38. The firm has a market cap of $27.96 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.15, a PEG ratio of 1.29 and a beta of 1.01.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of research firms have weighed in on SLF. Credit Suisse Group reduced their target price on Sun Life Financial from $79.00 to $77.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, August 10th. StockNews.com began coverage on Sun Life Financial in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating on the stock.

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Sun Life Financial Profile

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Sun Life Financial Inc, a financial services company, provides savings, retirement, and pension products worldwide. It offers term and permanent life, as well as personal health, dental, critical illness, long-term care, and disability insurance products. The company provides financial advice, asset management, and investments related products.

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Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC lessened its stake in shares of Genpact Limited (NYSE:G  Free Report) by 4.3% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 17,227 shares of the business services providers stock after selling 768 shares during the period. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLCs holdings in Genpact were worth $647,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the stock. Nelson Van Denburg & Campbell Wealth Management Group LLC boosted its stake in shares of Genpact by 12.6% in the second quarter. Nelson Van Denburg & Campbell Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 9,655 shares of the business services providers stock worth $363,000 after acquiring an additional 1,082 shares during the period. Sawyer & Company Inc lifted its position in shares of Genpact by 2.1% in the second quarter. Sawyer & Company Inc now owns 34,401 shares of the business services providers stock worth $1,292,000 after buying an additional 697 shares in the last quarter. OneAscent Wealth Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Genpact by 49.4% in the second quarter. OneAscent Wealth Management LLC now owns 8,905 shares of the business services providers stock worth $335,000 after buying an additional 2,944 shares in the last quarter. Inceptionr LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Genpact in the first quarter worth about $206,000. Finally, Clearstead Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Genpact in the first quarter worth about $42,000. Institutional investors own 96.33% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of equities research analysts recently commented on the company. StockNews.com downgraded Genpact from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday. Wedbush restated a neutral rating and set a $45.00 price objective on shares of Genpact in a research report on Thursday, August 10th. Needham & Company LLC decreased their price objective on Genpact from $50.00 to $40.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, November 9th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft decreased their price objective on Genpact from $48.00 to $37.00 in a research report on Thursday, August 10th. Finally, Robert W. Baird decreased their price objective on Genpact from $48.00 to $44.00 in a research report on Thursday, August 10th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have assigned a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $40.88.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other Genpact news, CEO N. V. Tyagarajan sold 1,700 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, August 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $35.89, for a total transaction of $61,013.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 8,300 shares in the company, valued at approximately $297,887. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. 2.62% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Genpact Price Performance

Shares of G stock opened at $32.02 on Tuesday. Genpact Limited has a 52-week low of $29.41 and a 52-week high of $48.58. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61, a quick ratio of 1.91 and a current ratio of 1.91. The firm has a market capitalization of $5.81 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.80, a P/E/G ratio of 1.53 and a beta of 1.17. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $35.53 and a 200 day moving average price of $37.02.

Genpact Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 22nd. Investors of record on Friday, December 8th will be paid a dividend of $0.1375 per share. This represents a $0.55 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.72%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 7th. Genpacts dividend payout ratio is currently 23.71%.

About Genpact

(Free Report)

Genpact Limited provides business process outsourcing and information technology (IT) services in India, rest of Asia, North and Latin America, and Europe. It operates through three segments: Financial services; Consumer and Healthcare; and High Tech and Manufacturing. The company offers CFO advisory services; and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) services, such as data management, carbon accounting, human rights assessment, sustainability diligence, and ESG reporting.

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Ieq Capital LLC trimmed its position in shares of Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE:LUV  Free Report) by 40.0% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 7,231 shares of the airlines stock after selling 4,825 shares during the quarter. Ieq Capital LLCs holdings in Southwest Airlines were worth $262,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Kaizen Financial Strategies acquired a new position in Southwest Airlines during the second quarter worth about $212,000. OVERSEA CHINESE BANKING Corp Ltd acquired a new position in Southwest Airlines during the second quarter worth about $274,000. Texas Permanent School Fund Corp grew its position in Southwest Airlines by 2.9% during the second quarter. Texas Permanent School Fund Corp now owns 127,458 shares of the airlines stock worth $4,615,000 after buying an additional 3,559 shares during the period. Modera Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in Southwest Airlines during the second quarter worth about $254,000. Finally, Fortune Financial Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Southwest Airlines during the second quarter worth about $582,000. 78.22% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Southwest Airlines Stock Performance

NYSE:LUV opened at $23.09 on Tuesday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.14, a current ratio of 1.21 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.72. The company has a market cap of $13.76 billion, a P/E ratio of 30.79, a P/E/G ratio of 0.99 and a beta of 1.16. Southwest Airlines Co. has a fifty-two week low of $21.91 and a fifty-two week high of $40.38. The firms 50 day moving average is $26.13 and its two-hundred day moving average is $30.43.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Southwest Airlines ( NYSE:LUV Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 26th. The airline reported $0.38 earnings per share for the quarter, hitting analysts consensus estimates of $0.38. The company had revenue of $6.53 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $6.56 billion. Southwest Airlines had a net margin of 1.95% and a return on equity of 5.08%. Southwest Airliness revenue was up 4.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $0.50 earnings per share. Analysts expect that Southwest Airlines Co. will post 1.42 EPS for the current year.

Several research analysts have weighed in on LUV shares. Sanford C. Bernstein lowered their target price on shares of Southwest Airlines from $32.00 to $28.00 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, September 26th. Redburn Partners downgraded shares of Southwest Airlines from a neutral rating to a sell rating and set a $27.00 price target on the stock. in a report on Monday, August 7th. Raymond James reduced their price target on shares of Southwest Airlines from $40.00 to $36.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, October 5th. BNP Paribas downgraded shares of Southwest Airlines from a neutral rating to an underperform rating and set a $20.00 price target on the stock. in a report on Friday. Finally, Bank of America downgraded shares of Southwest Airlines from a buy rating to a neutral rating and reduced their price target for the company from $45.00 to $35.00 in a report on Thursday, July 27th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have given a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Southwest Airlines presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $32.06.

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Southwest Airlines Profile

(Free Report)

Southwest Airlines Co operates as a passenger airline company that provide scheduled air transportation services in the United States and near-international markets. As of December 31, 2022, the company operated a total fleet of 770 Boeing 737 aircrafts; and served 121 destinations in 42 states, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, as well as ten near-international countries, including Mexico, Jamaica, the Bahamas, Aruba, the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Belize, Cuba, the Cayman Islands, and Turks and Caicos.

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In a recent incident, three members of the Chaddi gang attempted a robbery at a car showroom on the Tirupati-Renigunta road. The break-in, captured on the showroom's CCTV cameras, occurred around 1:30 am on Friday. (File Image)

TIRUPATI: The infamous Chaddi gang, notorious for crimes and frequent targeting of houses and businesses in rural areas, has once again thrown Tirupati into a state of high alert.

The district police have issued warnings to the residents, saying the gang is on the prowl, targeting residences and commercial establishments on the outskirts. The gang consists of men from some northern states.

Last year, the Chaddi gang had kept the district police on their toes after the annual Brahmotsavams in Tirumala. This year, their activities have resurfaced three weeks after the conclusion of the annual festival.

In a recent incident, three members of the Chaddi gang attempted a robbery at a car showroom on the Tirupati-Renigunta road. The break-in, captured on the showroom's CCTV cameras, occurred around 1:30 am on Friday.

Armed with rods and weapons, they entered through the backdoor but retreated empty-handed after finding no valuable items in the showroom.

The gang struck a house in Srivari Villas on the city's outskirts late on Saturday night. It was reminiscent of a similar burglary last year under the MR Palle police station limits, where a sum of Rs 4 lakh was stolen.

These incidents underscore the gang's focus on houses and commercial buildings situated on the periphery of the city.

A senior police officer, speaking to Deccan Chronicle, disclosed that the Chaddi gang comprises six to eight members who operate without a definite plan.

"The Chaddi gang members hail from Gujarat, Rajasthan, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh. Their criminal activities reach upto Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala. The gang focuses on locked houses on the city outskirts and neighbouring suburbs," the officer stated.

In response to the escalating threat, the Tirupati police urged residents to remain vigilant and take precautionary steps. They appealed to the residents of Tiruchanoor, Renigunta, MR Palle and Alipiri to inform the police if they spot any suspicious elements/activities. House owners have been encouraged to install a Locked House Monitoring System (LHMS) device to enhance security.

SP Parameswara Reddy directed the police officers to intensify vigilance and increase patrolling at night across all police station limits. "We have information that the Chaddi gang is roaming around Tirupati. Residents are urged to remain vigilant, especially at night. If an unfamiliar person approaches your house at night, please exercise caution and take appropriate precautions," urged the Tirupati police.
India Soars: Breaks Records in U.S. Education Surge

New Delhi: The number of Indian students in the United States has hit an all-time high at 2.68 lakh in the academic year 2022-23, making India the largest source of international graduate students and surpassing China for the first time since 2009-10.

Citing the Open Doors Report Report (ODR) of the Institute of International Education (IIE), the US Embassy in New Delhi said the number of international students from India to the US increased by 35 per cent in academic year 2022-23 to an all-time high of 2,68,923. Indian students constitute more than 25 per cent of the over one million foreign students studying in the United States."

"The number of Indian graduate students rose by 63 per cent to 1,65,936 students, an increase of nearly 64,000 students, compared to last year, while Indian undergraduate students also increased by 16 per cent. ODR data also shows India leading in the number of individuals (69,062) who pursued optional practical training (OPT), a type of temporary work permission that allows eligible students to get real-world experience related to their field of study."

"The US Embassy and Consulates in India issued record high numbers of student visas during the main student visa season of June-August 2023 (and that) consular officers across India issued 95,269 visas in the F, M, and J categories, an 18 per cent increase over 2022 during the same timeframe," the statement added.

"You did it, India! Each and every Indian student in the United States and the families supporting their success deserve recognition for this achievement You are bringing our countries closer together and leading us towards a bright future. We celebrate the strength of the Indian educational system that prepares students to compete globally and look forward to seeing India continue to lead," said US ambassador to India Eric Garcetti.

The ambassador called on more women students to pursue education in the US in an attempt to balance demographics of international students. "We also look forward to balancing these record numbers. We want to see equal numbers of women pursuing studies in the United States and see more US students coming to experience all that India has to offer."

The US Embassy further said, "To assist Indian students in finding the right study opportunity, the U.S. Department of State offers free advising services to prospective students, both virtually and in-person, at six EducationUSA advising centers throughout India in New Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai, and two in Hyderabad. All six centers are staffed by EducationUSA advisors who offer accurate, comprehensive, and up-to-date information about opportunities to study in the United States, helping Indian students find the best program and fit from among more than 4,500 accredited U.S. higher-education institutions."

The statement, further, asked Indian students to seek assistance from six EducationUSA advising centres in India  one each in New Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, and Mumbai, and two in Hyderabad. "All six centres are staffed by EducationUSA advisors who offer accurate, comprehensive, and up-to-date information about opportunities to study in the United States, helping Indian students find the best programme and fit from among more than 4,500 accredited U.S. higher-education institutions," the statement said.
TPCC chief A. Revanth Reddy on Monday said that the Congress graph' has been steadily rising by the day in Telangana and that the party would storm to power with a huge majority on December 3.(Image:Twitter)

Hyderabad: TPCC chief A. Revanth Reddy on Monday said that the Congress graph has been steadily rising by the day in Telangana and that the party would storm to power with a huge majority on December 3.

Addressing street-corner meetings in Kodangal constituency, which he will contest from besides Kamareddy, Revanth promised to deliver the partys six guarantees within 100 days of forming the government.

In the meetings, held at Daulatabad, Maddur, Gundumal and Kosgi, Revanth came down heavily on Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao, accusing him of coming to power by making false promises.

"The BRS government failed to fulfil any of the major poll promises made in 2014 and 2018. They ruled for nearly 10 years, but all major poll promises of crop loan waiver, 2BHK houses and unemployment allowance, besides others, remain unfulfilled. But the Congress will implement the six guarantees within 100 days of coming to power," Revanth Reddy said.

Revanth Reddy said the Congress would develop the erstwhile undivided Mahbubnagar district on all fronts, if voted to power. "The BRS has deceived people of erstwhile Mahbubnagar district by not completing pending irrigation projects launched by previous Congress governments. It scrapped Pranahitha-Chevella project launched by the Congress to irrigate Mahbubnagar district and launched Palamur-Rangareddy project in its place. But this project failed to take off even after nine years."

He said that all developmental works in Kodangal were undertaken during his tenure as its MLA from 2009 to 2018.

"In 2018 elections, people of Kodangal defeated me and elected BRS candidate after Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao and ministers Rama Rao and Harish Rao promised to adopt Kodangal constituency to develop it on all fronts. But after five years, Kodangal remains the same and there is not a single noteworthy developmental project undertaken by BRS. They are now seeking votes again with the same false promises. I urge Kodangal voters to teach them a fitting lesson," he said.

Revanth Reddy lauded the Kodangal public, saying he became the TPCC president with their blessings, while claiming that BRS leaders "from Gajwel, Siddipet and Sircilla were coming to Kondangal with an axe" to remove the obstacle hindering them from looting the state.

He made an emotional appeal to Kodangal voters, asking them not to fall into "the trap of Chandrashekar Rao and his family", which would destroy the future of Kodangal.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi waves at supporters during a roadshow ahead of the Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections, in Bhopal (PTI Photo)

Bhopal: The Congress is hoping to reap electoral dividends in 21 Madhya Pradesh assembly seats covered by its leader Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Yatra last year as the opposition party aims to return to power in a state where it lost its government midway.

In May this year, the Congress hailed the Bharat Jodo Yatra for the party's success in the Karnataka assembly polls, having won 15 of the 20 assembly constituencies in the state the Gandhi-led foot march passed through.

Now, the Congress is expecting a similar result in Madhya Pradesh, where voting will be held in a single phase for 230 assembly seats on November 17.

Last month, when the Congress won a majority in the elections to the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Kargil, the party said it was a direct impact of Gandhi's padyatra.

During the Madhya Pradesh leg of the Bharat Jodo Yatra, the former Congress president walked 380 km through 21 assembly seats across six districts of the Malwa-Nimar region -- Burhanpur, Khandwa, Khargone, Indore, Ujjain and Agar Malwa - in nearly two weeks.

There was a feeling among party leaders that the yatra would rejuvenate cadres and infuse much-needed energy in the state Congress, making it ready for the 2023 polls.

In the outgoing assembly, the BJP has 14 of the 21 seats that fell in the yatra's route in Madhya Pradesh, while the Congress tally stands at seven.

Former state Congress president Arun Yadav, who hails from Malwa-Nimar, told PTI that Bharat Jodo Yatra will definitely make a difference and add to his party's seat tally.

"A large number of young voters are attracted to the Congress following Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Yatra, not only in Madhya Pradesh but also in other states," he asserted.

Yadav, a former Union minister, said the padyatra left a lasting impact on Madhya Pradesh and Congress candidates will benefit in all the six districts covered by the cross-country march.

However, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) sought to downplay the Kanyakumari to Kashmir padyatra's impact on the Madhya Pradesh polls.

State BJP vice-president Jitu Jirati claimed there will be no impact of the yatra on poll outcome as those who wanted to break the country and speak against Sanatan Dharma were walking with Gandhi.

"The people and youth know as to why there was no peace in Kashmir during the Congress rule. They also know why communal riots used to occur frequently under Congress governments. On the other hand, a nationalistic government under Narendra Modi solved these problems and took the country forward," he told PTI.

After entering Madhya Pradesh from Maharashtra on November 23 last year, Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Yatra passed through Burhanpur and Nepanagar assembly segments in Burhanpur district.

The Burhanpur seat in 2018 was won by independent candidate Surendra Singh Shera, who is now the Congress nominee from the constituency.

Nepanagar was won by Congress candidate Sumitra Kasdekar in 2018, but she later changed sides and was elected on a BJP ticket in a 2020 bypoll.

The contest in Burhanpur has got interesting this time as the BJP has fielded former MLA Manju Dadu, who is facing a tough time from party rebel Harshavardhan Singh Chouhan, the son of former state BJP president Nand Kumar Singh Chouhan.

Gandhi's march later entered Mandhata and Pandhana seats in Khandwa district.

Pandhana was won by BJP's Ram Dangore in the previous elections, while Narayan Patel of the Congress had emerged victorious in Mandhata.

Patel, however, changed sides and won the seat in bypoll on a BJP ticket in 2020. He is in the fray again.

From Khandwa, the yatra entered Khargone district and passed through Barwah and Bhikangaon assembly seats. Both these seats were won by the Congress in 2018.

Barwah MLA Sachin Birla, however, later joined the BJP and the saffron party has fielded him again.

The padyatra's next halt was Indore, where it covered all eight seats of the district starting from Mhow.

In 2018, the BJP won five of these eight assembly seats -- (Indore-2, Indore-3, Indore-4, Indore-5 and Mhow), while the Congress bagged the remaining three - Rau, Indore-1 and Sanwer.

Sanwer MLA Tulsiram Silawat, however, later joined the BJP and emerged victorious from the seat in a 2020 bypoll.

After covering five assembly seats of Ujjain district, the foot march passed through Agar Malwa and Susner assembly seats in Agar Malwa district before entering neighbouring Rajasthan on December 4, 2022.

Four of the five seats in Ujjain district were won by the BJP, while the Congress had to contend with just one in 2018.

The BJP bagged the Agar Malwa assembly seat in 2018, but the Congress wrested it in 2020 in a byelection necessitated by the death of sitting MLA Manohar Untwal.

Five years ago, the Susner seat was won by independent candidate Vikram Singh Rana, who later joined the BJP.

Senior journalist and political commentator Rasheed Kidwai said Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Yatra will have a major impact on electoral politics of poll-bound states, including Madhya Pradesh.

"Rahul is now taken far more seriously and his remarks on a caste-based census and Other Backward Class (OBC) reservation are proving to be a game changer," he said.

Kidwai maintained the BJP has a near total control over OBC voters in Madhya Pradesh and even a shift of 2 per cent from the bloc will bring substantial gains for the Congress.

In 2018, the Congress won 35 of the 66 seats in the Malwa-Nimar region, increasing its tally from nine in 2013 and putting the party in a position to form a government after 15 years which eventually collapsed midway in March 2020.

On the other hand, the BJP tally halved to 28 in 2018 from 57 in 2013. Three independent candidates had won from the region.

Madhya Pradesh, which has seen a Congress government followed by BJP rule in the last five years, will have single phase polling and votes will be counted on December 3.
In Vidisha, Shah launched a scathing attack on the INDIA bloc and the Congress in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh alleging that the Congress was in no position to guarantee anything. X.com

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday, in their rallies in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh trained guns at Congress, former chief minister Digvijaya Singh and Kamal Nath, accusing them of pushing the state into an era of darkness.

Shah addressed five public rallies in a day thus reflecting the aggressivenes of the Bharatiya Janata Party to retain the power in the state.

He held two public rallies in Guna, one each in Datia, Ashoknagar and Vidisha.

Shah also offered prayers at Maa Pitambara temple.

The 230-member Madhya Pradesh assembly is set to go to polls on November 17, with the vote count taking place on December 3.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also addressed rally in Barwani in the State to seek votes for the party as the campaigning enters its final phase.

Pointing out the proceeds of crime that are being unearthed in Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan through the various central probe agencies, the Prime Minister questioned that if these are hard-earned, honest money, they should not be hiding the proceeds under their mattress."Look at Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan and see how the piles of notes earned through Congress' 'kaali kamai' are being unearthed every day. Is this hard-earned, honest money? If so, why do you need to hide it under the mattress?" he questioned.

PM Modi said that the election will decide the "bright future" of Madhya Pradesh and is not just limited to the tussle between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress.

"This election is not between the BJP and the Congress. It is going to decide the bright future of Madhya Pradesh. Congress leaders are responsible for pushing MP into a dark well. On the other side, there is BJP, which has pulled MP out of the darkness. The Congress wants to capture MP only to fill its empty coffers," the Prime Minister said.

Meanwhile, the Union Minister also hit out at the Congress accusing it of hindering the construction of the Ram Temple.

In Vidisha, Shah launched a scathing attack on the INDIA bloc and the Congress in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh alleging that the Congress was in no position to guarantee anything.

"These INDI Alliance people and Congress people cannot do any good to the MP. Right now Congress has given 5 guarantees. I want to say that what guarantee will those give who do not have their own guarantee? Modi ji has done what he had said in these 9 years. I want to ask Kamal Nath that during the 10 years of UPA's government at the Centre, how much money did the Sonia Gandhi-Manmohan Singh government give to the MP? From 2004-14, they gave Rs 2 lakh crore to MP and Modi ji increased it to Rs 6 lakh 35 thousand crore in 9 years. Apart from this, Rs 5 lakh crore were given for different schemes," Shah said.

"I am a trader; I have brought all the accounts (Main to Baniya hun pura hisaab lekar aaya hun)," he added.

In the Guna rally, the Ram Mandir took centre stage with the BJP leader slamming the Congress party for "hindering" the construction of the temple in Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya.

Addressing a public rally in Guna's Raghogarh, Amit Shah promised that the BJP would bear the cost for the darshan of Lord Ram Lalla if its government is formed in Madhya Pradesh.

"...You make the government of the BJP on December 3, the BJP Madhya Pradesh government will help you seek the darshan of Lord Ram Lalla free of cost..." Amit Shah said.

The union minister further accused the Congress Party of 'halting' the construction of the temple and 'disrespecting' the Indian culture.

"Congress party always insulted our pilgrimage sites and Indian culture. Narendra Modi built the Ram temple in Ayodhya, built the Kashi Vishwanath corridor, built Baba Mahakal's Lok and Somnath temple is being built of gold. The PM revived Badrinath Dham and Kedar Dham too," he said.

Shah further said that the Ram Lalla was in a "humiliated state" for 550 years.

"The Congress party was stalling, deviating and delaying Ram Mandir for 70 years. Ram Lalla was in a humiliated state for 550 years. You made Modi ji the Prime Minister, he performed Bhoomi Pujan of Ram temple and today Ram temple is being built in Ayodhya," he added.

Adding further, Amit Shah said that the state is set to celebrate the Diwali festival thrice in the coming months-- on the day of Diwali which was on Sunday, on the day of the state poll results, and when the temple is inaugurated in Ayodhya in January 2024.

On Saturday, addressing a public event in Chhindwara district of Madhya Pradesh, Shah said: "First Diwali you will celebrate next month. The second time you will celebrate Diwali is when the BJP will form the government in Madhya Pradesh. Third time you will again celebrate Diwali when PM Modi installs the idol of Lord Ram in Ayodhya's Ram Temple."

Also, hitting out at the Congress Central and state leadership, Shah said, "This time, there are two camps in Madhya Pradesh. One camp has Digvijaya Singh and Kamal Nath, and the other camp has PM Modi, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Narendra Singh Tomar and (Jyotiraditya) Scindia. Between these two camps, you have to choose."

Targeting Congress over its stand on the reports of the Mandal Commission, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday claimed that former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was against the implementation of the recommendations laid by the backward panel.

In Ashoknagar's Chanderi, Shah targeted Congress over its stand on the reports of the Mandal Commission and claimed that former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was against the implementation of the recommendations laid by the backward panel.

"Congress kept sitting on the report of Mandal Commission and suppressed it. Rajiv Gandhi was against the implementation of its report. For 70 years Backward Commission was not a constitutional body and it was the Modi government that made it a constitutional body. We have 27 ministers at the Centre who are from the OBC community," he said.

Stating that the BJP is consistently working for the rapid development of the OBC community, Shah said," Reservations for the backward community have been put in place effectively by the Modi government at Sainik schools, Kendriya Vidyalaya, Navodya schools."

In 1978, former Prime Minister Morarji Desai of the Janata Party announced the constitution of a second Backward Classes Commission under chairman BP Mandal to identify the socially or educationally backward classes" of India. The panel submitted its report in 1980.

Later in the year 1990, former Prime Minister VP Singh announced the recommendations of the Mandal Commission would be implemented further ensuring that 27 per cent of the jobs in Central government and Public sector units would be reserved for backward classes.

Earlier Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday asked why Prime Minister Narendra Modi identifies himself as an Other Backward Class (OBC) when the PM considers 'poor' as the only caste in India.

"PM Modi says in every speech, 'I am OBC'. But when I talk about the caste census, they say there is no caste in India. There is only one caste in India: 'Garib'. Modi ji, if 'poor' is the only caste in the country, then why do you call yourself OBC?" Rahul Gandhi said.

The Kamal Nath government collapsed in March 2021 when 22 sitting Congress MLAs resigned under the leadership of Jyotiraditya Scindia and joined the BJP.

Subsequently, the BJP formed the government in the state, with Shivraj Singh Chouhan taking office as Chief Minister.
Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao addressing Praja Ashirwada Sabha in Aswaraopet. (Image By Arrangement)

KHAMMAM, WARANGAL: Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao, seeking a vote for the BRS to establish an Ujjwala Telangana, slammed the Congress "which ruled for more than 50 years" for driving Telangana into famine without supplying water and power.

Addressing Praja Ashirwada Sabhas in Aswaraopet and Pinaka Assembly segments of Khammam, and Narsampet Assembly segment of Warangal on Monday, Rao criticised Congress leaders for talking negatively about the 24-hour power supply, Rythu Bandhu and Dharani portal.

Rao, citing an admission by Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar that they were only providing five hours of power to the farming sector in their state, said: "Farmers generally use 3 or 5 HP motors, but Congress leaders advised farmers to use 10 HP motors so that they can cut power supply to three hours."

Although he did not name the Congress leaders, Uttam Kumar Reddy had previously found fault with Rythu Bandhu and Rythu Bhima schemes, while Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and Rahul Gandhi had said they would throw the Dharani portal into the Bay of Bengal.

"Even in the BJP-ruled state of Uttar Pradesh, where the Ganga River is flowing, the BJP government is not supplying drinking water to every household. In Gujarat, from where the Prime Minister Narendra Modi hails, the BJP is not supplying 24 hours of power to the farming sector," Rao said.

He said that enormous development took place under the BRS rule in Khammam district, pointing out that the completion of the Seetarama project will end water shortage woes in 10 constituencies of the erstwhile Khammam district.

Rao also promised to construct Karakattalu on both sides of the Godavari River at a cost of Rs 1,000 crore to prevent areas in Bhadrachalam from being submerged during floods, along with implementing the Dalit Bandhu as a pilot project in the Pinapaka Assembly segment.

Changing tack again, Rao said: "It is learnt that Y.S. Sharmila is determined to defeat Narsampet BRS candidate Peddi Sudharshan Reddy in the coming Assembly elections and is making a conspiracy by sending money bags to the Congress candidate."

Listing out developmental works undertaken by BRS candidate Sudharshan Reddy, Rao said: "Around 1.34 lakh acres of land were brought into cultivation in the Narsampet constituency and farmers are able to cultivate two crops under the Pakala ayukut with supply of Godavari water. Because of Sudharshan Reddy, a medical college was sanctioned for Narsampet and very soon, a ring road will be constructed around the Narsampet town."

"People should decide whether they want three hours of power supply or 24 hours, whether they want continuous supply of water for both drinking and irrigation needs or face problems with famine and acute shortage of water, whether they want Rythu Bandhu or not," Rao said, appealing to people to study about histories of the parties in regards to works undertaken.

"They should be very cautious before they cast their vote which will decide not only their future but also the future of the state and dreams of a Ujjwala Telangana," Rao said.
Shares of Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (NYSE:AEM  Get Free Report) (TSE:AEM) have received an average rating of Buy from the six research firms that are covering the firm, Marketbeat reports. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating. The average twelve-month target price among analysts that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $70.33.

AEM has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. CSFB upped their target price on Agnico Eagle Mines from $60.00 to $61.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, August 17th. BMO Capital Markets upped their target price on Agnico Eagle Mines from $64.00 to $67.00 in a research report on Thursday, July 27th. StockNews.com began coverage on Agnico Eagle Mines in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating for the company. TD Securities upped their price target on Agnico Eagle Mines from $69.00 to $81.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, October 26th. Finally, Barclays upped their price target on Agnico Eagle Mines from $61.00 to $62.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, July 27th.

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Agnico Eagle Mines Stock Down 0.8 %

Shares of NYSE AEM opened at $46.67 on Friday. Agnico Eagle Mines has a 1 year low of $43.22 and a 1 year high of $61.15. The firm has a market cap of $23.16 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.76, a PEG ratio of 22.15 and a beta of 0.88. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.10, a quick ratio of 0.71 and a current ratio of 1.99. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $47.59 and its 200-day simple moving average is $49.97.

Agnico Eagle Mines (NYSE:AEM  Get Free Report) (TSE:AEM) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, October 26th. The mining company reported $0.44 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.43 by $0.01. Agnico Eagle Mines had a return on equity of 5.26% and a net margin of 40.40%. The company had revenue of $1.64 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.64 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $0.52 earnings per share. Agnico Eagle Miness quarterly revenue was up 13.3% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Agnico Eagle Mines will post 2.13 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Agnico Eagle Mines Announces Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 15th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 1st will be issued a dividend of $0.40 per share. This represents a $1.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.43%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, November 30th. Agnico Eagle Miness dividend payout ratio is presently 30.02%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Agnico Eagle Mines

Several institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in AEM. Islay Capital Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Agnico Eagle Mines by 413.0% during the 2nd quarter. Islay Capital Management LLC now owns 513 shares of the mining companys stock worth $26,000 after acquiring an additional 413 shares during the period. Coppell Advisory Solutions Corp. bought a new position in Agnico Eagle Mines in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $26,000. Ameritas Advisory Services LLC bought a new position in Agnico Eagle Mines in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $30,000. WealthPlan Investment Management LLC bought a new position in Agnico Eagle Mines in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $31,000. Finally, Annis Gardner Whiting Capital Advisors LLC bought a new position in Agnico Eagle Mines in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $34,000. 59.37% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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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Shares of Brown & Brown, Inc. (NYSE:BRO  Get Free Report) have been given an average rating of Moderate Buy by the nine research firms that are currently covering the stock, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the company. The average 12-month target price among brokers that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $76.00.

Several equities research analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. Raymond James increased their price objective on shares of Brown & Brown from $70.00 to $76.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 26th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods cut shares of Brown & Brown from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and raised their price target for the stock from $73.00 to $76.00 in a report on Tuesday, August 1st. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Brown & Brown in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Truist Financial reissued a buy rating and set a $85.00 price target on shares of Brown & Brown in a research report on Friday, September 15th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada reissued a sector perform rating and set a $77.00 price target on shares of Brown & Brown in a research report on Friday, September 15th.

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Brown & Brown Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE:BRO opened at $73.51 on Friday. The companys 50 day moving average price is $70.98 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $68.99. Brown & Brown has a 12-month low of $52.82 and a 12-month high of $74.57. The firm has a market cap of $20.92 billion, a PE ratio of 27.95 and a beta of 0.76. The company has a quick ratio of 1.85, a current ratio of 1.85 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.60.

Brown & Brown (NYSE:BRO  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Monday, October 23rd. The financial services provider reported $0.71 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.62 by $0.09. Brown & Brown had a net margin of 18.08% and a return on equity of 15.72%. The firm had revenue of $1.07 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.04 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $0.50 EPS. The companys revenue was up 15.1% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts predict that Brown & Brown will post 2.75 earnings per share for the current year.

Brown & Brown Increases Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, November 15th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, November 1st will be given a $0.13 dividend. This is a positive change from Brown & Browns previous quarterly dividend of $0.12. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, October 31st. This represents a $0.52 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.71%. Brown & Browns payout ratio is currently 19.77%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, EVP Stephen M. Boyd sold 2,500 shares of Brown & Brown stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $70.64, for a total value of $176,600.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 64,471 shares in the company, valued at $4,554,231.44. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Insiders own 16.58% of the companys stock.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Brown & Brown

Several large investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Connor Clark & Lunn Investment Management Ltd. purchased a new position in shares of Brown & Brown in the third quarter worth about $371,000. Kayne Anderson Rudnick Investment Management LLC increased its stake in shares of Brown & Brown by 8.6% in the third quarter. Kayne Anderson Rudnick Investment Management LLC now owns 993,662 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $69,397,000 after purchasing an additional 78,504 shares in the last quarter. Northern Trust Corp increased its stake in shares of Brown & Brown by 6.1% in the third quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 2,285,511 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $159,620,000 after purchasing an additional 130,647 shares in the last quarter. Stifel Financial Corp increased its stake in shares of Brown & Brown by 1.7% in the third quarter. Stifel Financial Corp now owns 352,685 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $24,632,000 after purchasing an additional 5,936 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan Trust Fund purchased a new position in Brown & Brown during the third quarter valued at approximately $6,565,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 70.33% of the companys stock.

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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U.S. Bancorp (NYSE:USB  Get Free Report) has earned an average recommendation of Hold from the twenty-two research firms that are presently covering the company, Marketbeat reports. Twelve equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and ten have assigned a buy recommendation to the company. The average twelve-month price target among brokerages that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $45.76.

A number of equities analysts recently issued reports on the company. Credit Suisse Group restated a neutral rating and issued a $44.00 target price on shares of U.S. Bancorp in a research note on Thursday, July 20th. Citigroup dropped their target price on U.S. Bancorp from $40.00 to $37.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, September 22nd. The Goldman Sachs Group dropped their target price on U.S. Bancorp from $41.00 to $35.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, October 2nd. Oppenheimer dropped their target price on U.S. Bancorp from $62.00 to $60.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, October 19th. Finally, Piper Sandler lowered their price objective on U.S. Bancorp from $41.00 to $40.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Friday, September 15th.

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U.S. Bancorp Trading Down 0.6 %

Shares of USB stock opened at $34.00 on Friday. U.S. Bancorp has a 1 year low of $27.27 and a 1 year high of $49.95. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.92, a current ratio of 0.80 and a quick ratio of 0.80. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $33.43 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $33.97. The company has a market cap of $52.93 billion, a PE ratio of 10.12, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.59 and a beta of 1.02.

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, topping the consensus estimate of $0.96 by $0.09. U.S. Bancorp had a return on equity of 15.80% and a net margin of 14.39%. The company had revenue of $7.03 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $7.02 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $1.18 earnings per share. U.S. Bancorps revenue was up 11.2% compared to the same quarter last year. Research analysts predict that U.S. Bancorp will post 4.32 earnings per share for the current year.

U.S. Bancorp Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, October 16th. Shareholders 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 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.65%. U.S. Bancorps dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 57.14%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other news, insider James B. Kelligrew bought 500 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Sunday, August 27th. The stock was purchased at an average price of $54.40 per share, for a total transaction of $27,200.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the insider now owns 940 shares in the company, valued at approximately $51,136. The purchase was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Over the last quarter, insiders bought 654 shares of company stock worth $30,148. Corporate insiders own 0.24% of the companys stock.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On U.S. Bancorp

Several large investors have recently bought and sold shares of USB. Institute for Wealth Management LLC. raised its holdings in shares of 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 valued at $373,000 after buying an additional 368 shares during the last quarter. New Mexico Educational Retirement Board raised its holdings in U.S. Bancorp by 8.2% during 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 in the last quarter. Mission Creek Capital Partners Inc. raised its holdings in U.S. Bancorp by 86.9% during the first quarter. Mission Creek Capital Partners Inc. now owns 13,832 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $499,000 after purchasing an additional 6,430 shares in the last quarter. Pacer Advisors Inc. raised its holdings in U.S. Bancorp by 2,686.8% during the first quarter. Pacer Advisors Inc. now owns 87,032 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $3,138,000 after purchasing an additional 83,909 shares in the last quarter. Finally, WASHINGTON TRUST Co raised its holdings in U.S. Bancorp by 13.9% during the second quarter. WASHINGTON TRUST Co now owns 2,590 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $86,000 after purchasing an additional 317 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 75.40% of the companys stock.

About U.S. Bancorp

(Get 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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Truist Financial Corp cut its holdings in Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (NYSE:HMC  Free Report) by 10.2% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 8,470 shares of the companys stock after selling 965 shares during the period. Truist Financial Corps holdings in Honda Motor were worth $257,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Credit Suisse AG boosted its stake in Honda Motor by 3,638.7% during the 3rd quarter. Credit Suisse AG now owns 1,159 shares of the companys stock valued at $25,000 after purchasing an additional 1,128 shares during the period. Hexagon Capital Partners LLC raised its position in shares of Honda Motor by 46.3% during the 2nd quarter. Hexagon Capital Partners LLC now owns 1,065 shares of the companys stock worth $32,000 after buying an additional 337 shares in the last quarter. Quantbot Technologies LP bought a new stake in shares of Honda Motor during the 1st quarter worth about $39,000. Vigilant Capital Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Honda Motor during the 1st quarter worth about $45,000. Finally, Money Concepts Capital Corp raised its position in shares of Honda Motor by 401.3% during the 4th quarter. Money Concepts Capital Corp now owns 1,995 shares of the companys stock worth $46,000 after buying an additional 1,597 shares in the last quarter. 5.32% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of analysts recently commented on the stock. Macquarie upgraded shares of Honda Motor from a neutral rating to an outperform rating in a report on Friday, August 11th. Morgan Stanley raised shares of Honda Motor from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, September 7th. Finally, StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Honda Motor in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a strong-buy rating on the stock. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has issued a hold rating, three have given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy.

Honda Motor Stock Performance

Shares of HMC opened at $31.07 on Tuesday. The companys 50 day moving average price is $33.24 and its 200 day moving average price is $31.18. Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has a 52 week low of $22.35 and a 52 week high of $36.82. The company has a market capitalization of $53.14 billion, a PE ratio of 7.40, a PEG ratio of 0.37 and a beta of 0.75. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.41, a quick ratio of 1.13 and a current ratio of 1.45.

About Honda Motor

(Free Report)

Honda Motor Co, Ltd. develops, manufactures, and distributes motorcycles, automobiles, power, and other products in Japan, North America, Europe, Asia, and internationally. It operates through four segments: Motorcycle Business, Automobile Business, Financial Services Business, and Power Product and Other Businesses.

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Shares of KBR, Inc. (NYSE:KBR  Get Free Report) have received a consensus recommendation of Buy from the seven analysts that are currently covering the firm, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Seven investment analysts have rated the stock with a buy recommendation. The average 1-year price target among analysts that have covered the stock in the last year is $69.71.

A number of equities analysts have recently weighed in on the company. StockNews.com lowered KBR from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, November 3rd. TheStreet lowered KBR from a b+ rating to a c rating in a research note on Thursday, July 27th. The Goldman Sachs Group dropped their price target on KBR from $75.00 to $66.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Friday, November 3rd. Citigroup dropped their price target on KBR from $75.00 to $74.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Monday, October 23rd. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus increased their price target on KBR from $75.00 to $77.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, September 6th.

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View Our Latest Stock Report on KBR

Insider Activity

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

In other KBR news, CFO Mark W. Sopp purchased 5,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 8th. The stock was purchased at an average cost of $51.53 per share, with a total value of $257,650.00. Following the purchase, the chief financial officer now owns 147,178 shares of the companys stock, valued at $7,584,082.34. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website . Corporate insiders own 1.03% of the companys stock.

Institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. VisionPoint Advisory Group LLC purchased a new position in shares of KBR in the 2nd quarter valued at $27,000. National Bank of Canada FI grew its stake in KBR by 930.0% during the 2nd quarter. National Bank of Canada FI now owns 515 shares of the construction companys stock worth $34,000 after buying an additional 465 shares during the last quarter. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. purchased a new position in KBR during the 2nd quarter worth $37,000. Spire Wealth Management grew its stake in KBR by 110.6% during the 2nd quarter. Spire Wealth Management now owns 697 shares of the construction companys stock worth $45,000 after buying an additional 366 shares during the last quarter. Finally, CWM LLC grew its stake in KBR by 113.6% during the 3rd quarter. CWM LLC now owns 814 shares of the construction companys stock worth $48,000 after buying an additional 433 shares during the last quarter.

KBR Stock Performance

NYSE KBR opened at $52.73 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $7.12 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -33.37, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.39 and a beta of 1.11. The company has a quick ratio of 0.98, a current ratio of 0.98 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.97. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $58.32 and a 200-day moving average price of $60.52. KBR has a twelve month low of $47.70 and a twelve month high of $65.87.

KBR Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, January 16th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 15th will be paid a $0.135 dividend. This represents a $0.54 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.02%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 14th. KBRs payout ratio is -34.18%.

About KBR

(Get Free Report

KBR, Inc provides scientific, technology, and engineering solutions to governments and commercial customers worldwide. The company operates through Government Solutions and Sustainable Technology Solutions segments. The Government Solutions segment offers life-cycle support solutions to defense, intelligence, space, aviation, and other programs and missions for military and other government agencies in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia.

Further Reading

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A County Derry church is celebrating this week after winning a national award.

St Mary's in Altinure won the Nayler Awards for Excellence in Church Maintenance during last Monday's National Church Awards.

Known as the BAFTAs for Churches, the awards recognise excellence in a number of areas including tourism and maintenance.

The ceremony, which was organised by the National Church's Trust, was held in London and was attended by Fr Micheal McGavigan, parish priest of Banagher, and parishioner Catriona Doughty.

Judges commended the local church on its 'ethos and community involvement'.

They were particularly impressed by a statement made by one of the volunteers on how their work around the church in Park village has had a positive effect on others.

Volunteering in the church gives me a sense of belonging, I have developed lifelong friendships. I know my actions will have a positive effect on others and this gives me a sense of accomplishment, the volunteer said in a statement.

Geraldine Lynch, Secretary of Banagher Parish Finance Council, was responsible for putting St Mary's forward for the prestigious award.

Geraldine explained that she became aware of the awards while speaking to National Church's Trust representative for Northern Ireland, Nina McNeary, during one of her visits to the church.

Geraldine completed the extensive application form and submitted photographs.

She said she was delighted to learn the church had won the top accolade.

Fr McGavigan said: It was great to know that all the work that was done was recognised. There are a lot of volunteers here and a lot of work and help goes into the maintenance of the church.

The church, which was built in 1871, is due to undergo major renovation work in the coming months, as the priest explained.

There is some structural work to be done first to solve problems with water ingress and then when that's complete there is, and has been plans for a number of years, for some internal renovations to the church. Hopefully when we get the water ingress sorted we will get started on some of the other work next year.

The Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Patricia Logue, extended her warm congratulations to St Mary's Church in Altinure and also two other churches which were successful in other categories.

The Church of the Immaculate Conception in Strabane received the Church Tourism: Open for Visitors Award, and Christ Church, Derry, picked up the Church and Community Volunteer Award in partnership with the Marsh Charitable Trust.

Congratulating all the winners, Mayor Logue said it was a real testament to the commitment of local volunteers and communities in maintaining local churches. I am delighted to see three of our local churches singled out for recognition and that all three regional winners from the North are in our council area. I want to extend my congratulations to all three who are very worthy winners, and play a really important role in our local community.

Our churches are a wonderful asset with so many fascinating artefacts and we will continue to work with them to shine a light on the important role they have in local heritage.
Dungiven's 'Women for Peace' collective is to hold a silent vigil for peace in Gaza.

The vigil will take place in the County Derry town, on Saturday, November 18. It will begin at 9.30am in St Canice's GAA car park.

Speaking to County Derry Post, a spokesperson for 'Women for Peace' said: "At this critical time, when women and children are being held hostage, and the death toll in Gaza has surpassed more than 10,000 people - most of them women and children - the women of Dungiven, along with their families, friends and entire community, will hold a silent vigil.

"We will meet together at 9.30am in St Canice's GAA car park. We will then walk a lap of the town and finish in the Castle car park, where we will line out in the form of PEACE. Drone and aerial footage will be taken here.

"We encourage the whole community to attend wearing only white (sheets, pillow cases for the wee ones) to symbolise the need for peace in the Middle East and an immediate ceasefire.

This is a non-political protest and no political paraphernalia is permitted. This vigil is being organised in a community that has been impacted by conflict and still dealing with the trauma associated with it," said the spokesperson.

She added: "There can only be a peaceful resolution and a ceasefire must be called immediately to allow for peaceful negotiations to take place.

"We ask for massive support at this time from the entire community.

"There will also be a bucket collection from the community group 'Let's change tomorrow' on Saturday at Eurospar and Glenshane House to help the horrendous suffering in Gaza. Please, if ever support was needed it is now!!
Derry City and Strabane District Council will kick off its 2023 Christmas celebrations this weekend when the eagerly anticipated Guildhall Craft Fair returns to the city.

The 27th edition of the annual three day event will feature 45 crafters and producers who will present their wares to thousands of visitors from Friday, November 17 until Sunday, November 19.

The Craft Fair marks the start of a comprehensive programme of Christmas events across the City and District that includes festive processions to turn on the Christmas lights in Derry and Strabane on November 24 and 25 and the Mayors Countdown to Christmas event in Guildhall Square on Thursday, December 21 and Friday, December 22.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Patricia Logue, will officially open the Fair on Friday and she encouraged the public to use the opportunity to source locally made gifts this Christmas.

The Guildhall Craft Fair is renowned within the Irish craft industry for the high standard of artists and crafters it showcases each year, she said.

"I am delighted that as a Council we are able to provide such a bespoke platform for this incredible sector at a local, regional and national level showcasing the talent, craftmanship and creativity on offer for people to purchase as unique gifts for their loved ones or indeed themselves!

A unique part of any thriving economy and society is its local business sector and the Christmas season and indeed this event, offers people the opportunity for people to support their local town and buisinesses.

"Rising costs mean it can be a real challenge to start up and sustain a small business at the moment so I'd appreciate if people can make a conscious effort to support our crafters and the economy by gifting local this Christmas.

Even the smallest purchase can make a big difference to every young and modest sized initiative."

Helena Hasson, Festival and Events Coordinator at Derry City and Strabane District Council, said the Fair will feature a number of exciting new exhibitors from Derry and Strabanes thriving local craft scene.

This years event will feature an extensive range of gift ideas from bespoke jewellery and ceramics to beautiful woven textiles, knitwear, leather household and fashion accessories, glassware, eclectic lamps, mixed media, treats and eats.

Return visitors will have their favourite stands to admire but the event will also feature new and upcoming talent with no less than 16 new businesses premiering their goods, many of whom are recent start-ups.

In addition to the beautiful goods and gifts on display, people love the weekend for its festive atmosphere encouraged in no small way by a host of local choirs taking to the famous Guildhall Main Hall stage with carols and Christmas songs galore.

Opening Times for the Fair are Friday, November 17: 12noon - 8pm, Saturday, November 18: 10am - 6pm, Sunday, November 19: 11am - 6pm.

The Fair marks the start of a packed programme of events to celebrate Christmas in Derry and Strabane, visit Derrystrabane.com/Christmas for more.
The author of a new book on John Hume will be at special event at the Waterside Theatre this Sunday.

Stephen Walker, who has just written 'John Hume: The Persuader', will be in conversation with BBC NI Political Editor Enda McClafferty on Sunday, November 19 at 3pm.

The two journalists will discuss the new biography which combines over 100 interviews with many of Humes family, friends, and political rivals.

It presents a revealing portrait of the man who was an MP, MEP and Nobel Laureate and includes unpublished interviews with Hume himself.

The book took Walker three years to write and during that time he visited Derry regularly as part of his research and spoke to many of Humes friends and contemporaries.

The book has been described by the Irish Times as "the definitive biography of John Hume" and RTE presenter David McCullagh said the biography was superb and "does full justice to a towering figure". Journalist Sam McBride of the Belfast Telegraph said Walkers book was "scrupulously fair, deeply researched and insightful".

Speaking to Derry Now, Stephen Walker said: It is very exciting to be at the Waterside Theatre this weekend. I am really looking forward to seeing so many people who have memories of John Hume and stories about him and his wife Pat.

"John and Pat Hume are part of the fabric of the city and their story is truly remarkable. I am thrilled at being able to come to the city and talk about their lives and this book."

He added: The event on Sunday afternoon will be presented brilliantly by Enda McClafferty - a familiar face to many television viewers and radio listeners.

"I am really looking forward to a great afternoon of conversation and questions. So many people in the city helped me with this book and I look forward to telling new stories about John Humes life and legacy."

Walkers book which is published by GIll Books was launched last month at the Great Hall at Magee. It has received much acclaim in the press and has been featured on RTE, BBC and UTV in recent weeks. It has become a best seller and is one of the most sought after books in bookshops across Derry.

Stephen Walker is the author of four books. An award winning journalist, he covered the politics of Northern Ireland for over 30 years. He is a former BBC Northern Ireland Political Correspondent and worked as an investigative reporter for the Spotlight programme.

Enda McClafferty is the Political Editor for BBC Northern Ireland and regularly appears on BBC Newsline and Radio Ulster. He is a former reporter and presenter with BBC Radio Foyle and he worked as a journalist with the Belfast Telegraph.

Tickets from thelittleboxoffice.com or from Stephenwalker.uk.
Following the success of Sleep Out events in Sligo and Donegal in 2021 and 2022, Celtic FC Foundation are delighted to announce that they will be returning to Ireland once again, for a Celtic Sleep Out, Derry event, which forms part of the club's 2023 Christmas Appeal.

This years Sleep Out will take place on Friday, November 17 at Derrys very own Celtic Park.

Celtic Sleep Out, Derry participants will spend the night  from 9.00pm to 5.00am  battling the elements outdoors, all for a wonderful cause.

We offer special thanks to our friends at The Association of Irish Celtic Supporters' Clubs, the Derry No.1 CSC and our fantastic GAA hosts, whose unwavering generosity, advice and assistance have been instrumental in the organisation of the event, a spokesperson said.

Places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. The non-refundable registration fee is 30 per person.

Each participant is tasked with raising a minimum of 135 (after the entry fee) to support this years Christmas Appeal.

Due to anticipated severe weather conditions, this event will be exceptionally challenging, both mentally and physically. Therefore, participants must be aged 18+ and be in an appropriate physical condition to take part.

Celtic FC Foundation will provide a ground mat and foil sheet/blanket but participants are required to bring the appropriate equipment and wear relevant clothing and footwear.

Funds raised will help bring relief this festive season to those struggling at an especially challenging time of year.

To register, visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/celtic-park-sleep-out-derry-2023-tickets-722103520067?aff=oddtdtcreator
A police officer told Derry Magistrate's Court today that a man charged with defrauding HMRC said he was 'sorting half of Derry out' in relation to this.

Darren Iddon (47) whose occupation was described on a charge sheet as 'Army personnel' with an address at Millet Terrace, Bury in England appeared on a series of fraud charges.

He was charged with concealing, transferring and possessing criminal property on dates between 2018 and 2021.

He was also charged with fraud by false representation and conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation against HMRC on dates between August 8, 2019 and August 7, 2020.

A police officer connected the accused to the charges and opposed bail.

The court heard that police seized a mobile phone in relation to a drugs matter and a triage of the phone uncovered a series of alleged fraud messages involving the defendant.

She said that the defendant was at the time in Cyprus with the British Army and she believed he was aware police were seeking him.

The court heard that the defendant travelled from Cyprus to the Republic of Ireland.

The officer said that police in England arrested Iddon at the weekend and he was brought back to the North on Sunday night.

At interview he made no comment.

The court heard that in relation to the drug supply case it was believed that a payment from HMRC of 28,000 was made and Iddon was believed to receive 30% of that.

Messages on the phone refer to him helping 'half of Derry' and the officer said she believed there were others involved in the fraud.

Bail was opposed due to the fear of flight.

Defence solicitor Seamus Quigley said that the defendant was arrested on his way to work at a new job he had just started.

He said that the address was his mother's house and he currently resided there.

The solicitor said that his client had 'no relevant record' and added that the only reason he was in Cyprus was because the British Army took him there.

Mr Quigley said there was 'no evidence' Iddon was a financial genius or whizz kid.

District Judge Barney McElholm said that some people in Derry could not survive outside the 30mph zone but this man had been abroad.

The judge said that he believed this ball application was 'premature' as the police investigation is still ongoing.

He remanded Iddon in custody to appear again on December 7.
A man has been bailed at Derry Magistrate's Court today when he appeared charged with a series of domestic abuse charges.

Liam Nicell (34) of Creggan Heights in Derry was charged with a course of behaviour that constitutes domestic abuse on dates between May 12 and October 20 this year.

He was also charged with harassment over the same date with the offences aggravated by domestic abuse and making a threat to damage property on October 19.

Nicell was also charged with damage a tyre on August 29 and behaving in a threatening manner on dates between October 17 and October 20 thus year.

He was further charged with abusing the communication network by sending menacing messages.

A police officer connected the accused to the charges and opposed bail.

He told the court that police were contacted by the alleged victim who told them her former partner had been behaving in a threatening manner.

The court heard that a Restraining Order had been imposed which forbid contact.

The woman told police that after the order had been imposed she 'naively' had a brief reconciliation with the defendant because he 'manipulated' her into believing that the allegations were her fault.

The court heard that on August 29 the woman found she had a flat tyre and the defendant sent a picture of him with a screwdriver in his hand.

On August 29 the woman allegedly received several threatening messages from the defendant.

The officer told the court that on October 18 the defendant was said to have turned up at the woman's place of work shouting at her through a window.

Later when she went to move her car he approached her and made threats.

When Nicell was arrested he said he was aware of the Restraining Order but believed it had been ammended.

He said he was in 'an on-off relationship' with the woman and claimed she messaged him.

Police objected to bail as his address was too close to the woman's place of work.

Defence solicitor Jack Quigley said his client had co-operated with police.

Nicell was granted bail but District Judge Barney McElholm said he was getting a final warning any breach and he would go into custody.

He will appear again on December 7.
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The 15 million relief package for flooded businesses is nowhere near enough, an MP has said.

Sinn Fein MP for South Down Chris Hazzard, along with party colleagues, met senior civil servants on Tuesday and said repairing the flood damage will take four or five times the amount that is currently being offered.

DUP MLA Diane Forsythe also met civil servants and said that more money would be needed in the flood response.

Businesses in a number of towns across Northern Ireland were seriously affected after being left under several feet of floodwater in recent weeks.

On Tuesday it emerged that the Asda store in Downpatrick will be closed for the foreseeable future after a structural survey revealed considerable damage to the building.

An Asda spokesperson said: We are committed to Downpatrick and are aiming to open a temporary store in the next few weeks while we continue to explore all options for a permanent store.

The closure of the store will be seen as a blow to independent traders in the town who rely on footfall from the large supermarket.

There has not been a devolved government for more than a year because of the DUPs boycott of Stormont in protest against post-Brexit trading arrangements.

In the absence of an executive, Northern Ireland secretary Chris Heaton-Harris reallocated 15 million of funding to provide emergency relief.

Speaking to media at Stormont, Mr Hazzard said it was clear after their meeting that the money that had been made available to date was nowhere near enough.

It will not meet the scale of this emergency, he said.

We have pushed them fairly hard that they need to make the case for additional funds from the British Treasury and that the Secretary of State must hear that message loud and clear.

He added: We also made it very clear today that, while support for businesses is very good and we need much more, we also need to extend this to homeowners and those residential properties.

Schemes that have been announced from the 15 million of funding include a one-off grant payment to businesses of 7,500 and a rate relief scheme.

Two of the worst hit towns were Newry and Downpatrick and Mr Hazzard said that initial damage reports from local authorities were presenting a need well in excess of 15 million.

The indicative reporting that was done by the local councils to give some shape suggested that this was going to be tens of millions of pounds, he said.

At the very outset when businesses first started to open their shutters in Newry and Downpatrick alone they were thinking that anywhere between 50 to 60 million pounds, and that was two weeks ago.

That could be anywhere heading up in the tens of millions of pounds, a hundred million pounds, we simply dont know at this stage, but put it this way, it is at least four or five times more than what is currently on the table.

Mr Hazzard said the request for increased funding has to be met.

If its not met, were going to have town centres that are the heartbeat of our local communities, think small independent retailers, in the mouth of Christmas are having to take very, very tough decisions about whether they will ever open their doors again, he said.

That doesnt affect just them, or just their staff, that affects our entire local community. So if theres not additional funds made available to these businesses, some of our town centres are going to have very difficult times ahead.

As well as funding for businesses and homeowners, Mr Hazzard said the Department for Infrastructure would need resources to ensure flood-affected towns could be protected from future bouts of severe weather.

Then you have the Department of Infrastructure itself that has to do the reviewing, that has to take urgent measures straight away to ensure that this doesnt happen again, he said.

Because we have residents, we have business owners in Downpatrick and Newry and Portadown, whore looking out the window as the storms continue to come thinking is this going to happen again next week?.

And we must ensure whatever can be done now to mitigate the effects of that is done now and that needs to be resourced.

After her meeting with civil servants Ms Forsythe also said that more money would be needed in the flood response.

This isnt new money here, she said.

This is a reallocation out of the Northern Ireland bloc and we do want extra money and thats what we called for from the start.

But we are happy that there has been an acknowledgement of the need for a flood response and that some money has been found.

But we did say initially, it would likely not be enough, and it does seem to be the case, but at the same time our Civil Service representatives are doing their best in partnership with our councils to get this money out as quickly as possible, but we will continue to keep the pressure on.

In the absence of an assembly the flood relief funding will be allocated by local government.

Ms Forsythe said councils had been quick in getting grants out to those impacted, and that no more funding would be available if an executive was sitting.

Our local councils have been very proactive on the ground in getting this out, theyre the ones with the local knowledge, the knowledge of the businesses most in need, and being able to work in partnership with them has kept this very quick on the ground, she said.

She added: If the executive was here, there is no extra money here to be administered so the calls for extra money continue.

A Northern Ireland Office Spokesperson said: In the absence of the Executive, the UK Government is making up to 15m of support available through the reallocation of existing NI funding.

This will help with clean-up costs and support businesses to resume trading.

The NI Civil Service and local councils will lead on the delivery of this support to ensure that it gets to those who need it as quickly as possible.

We have worked closely with colleagues in the NICS and Treasury to ensure businesses get the support they need.

The best way to ensure that affected areas recover in the long term is for the Executive to be restored and work with the local councils to develop a plan for economic growth.
A public consultation has been launched on re-introducing car parking charges at hospitals in Northern Ireland.

Parking charges are currently due to end next May following the passing of a Bill by the Stormont Assembly before it collapsed last year.

The Hospital Parking Charges Bill proposed scrapping charges for patients, staff and visitors at public hospital sites in the region.

However, the health service in Northern Ireland is facing a funding crisis and the cost of providing and maintaining the car parks is around 10m a year.

The Department of Health has launched the eight-week consultation following a direction from the Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris.

A department statement said: Income from car parking charges is currently used to cover provision and maintenance costs.

However, this will change from May 2024 when parking charges will be removed following legislation passed by the previous NI Assembly.

Providing and maintaining car parking services will then cost the health service in the region of 10 million annually.

Costs incurred as a result of hospital parking charges being ended will inevitably mean less money for health and social care services.

The department is seeking views from the public and all interested parties on the re-introduction of hospital parking charges as a fair and appropriate measure to generate additional income for the health service.

The department said: Demand on health and social care services is outstripping capacity and the provision of free car parking from May 2024 will further reduce the departments ability to fund services.

In addition, due to increased budget pressures, car parking revenue currently used to fund free off-site staff parking, and park and ride schemes, may have to be restricted, potentially reducing the overall amount of parking spaces available.

The consultation period will run for eight weeks, closing on January 9.

Stormont civil servants were ordered earlier this year by Mr Heaton-Harris to launch public consultations on revenue-raising measures for the region.

Northern Ireland is currently without devolved powersharing institutions due to the DUPs protest against post-Brexit trading arrangements, and Mr Heaton-Harris introduced a budget in their absence.

Senior civil servants are currently running public services in the region.

They have said Stormont departments need hundreds of millions of pounds in extra funding to maintain public services at their current level this year, while hundreds of millions more are needed to settle a series of public sector pay disputes in the region.

Mr Heaton-Harris has argued that additional revenue-raising measures are required to sustain public finances.

Last week, Neil Gibson, the permanent secretary at the Department of Finance said Northern Ireland is on a trajectory to overspend by half a billion pounds in the current financial year.
Belfast City Hospital has been chosen as the location for a new mother and baby unit, the Department of Health has announced.

In line with commitments made by the former health minister, all five health trusts in Northern Ireland must now have community perinatal mental health teams in place, the Department of Health also said on Tuesday.

The teams offer support and interventions to women throughout their pregnancy and up to a year after birth, improving the health and wellbeing of mothers, their children and their wider families.

In the absence of an executive at Stormont due to the DUPs boycott of government in response to post-Brexit trading arrangements, senior civil servants have taken on some ministerial duties.

Update on the roll out of community perinatal mental services in Northern Ireland. All five health trusts now have community perinatal mental health teams in place Location confirmed for a new regional Mother and Baby unit https://t.co/LMtUJnh6Bl pic.twitter.com/zdJEvgdKGm  Department of Health (@healthdpt) November 14, 2023

Northern Ireland is also facing a budget shortfall of 450 million this year after civil servants have already made 980 million of cuts.

The Department of Healths permanent secretary Peter May said progress is positive but financial constraints will affect the new units opening date.

I am delighted with the progress that has been achieved on implementing the community perinatal mental health service across the region over the last 12 months and to see the commitment each team has given to making the service a success, he said.

The Belfast Trust will now begin to prepare a business case for the proposed regional unit on the Belfast City Hospital site.

While this is a very positive step, the reality is that we are operating in a very challenging financial situation.

For this reason, timescales for delivery of the unit are dependent on being able to identify the funding required to build and run the new facility.

Dr Judith ONeill, chairwoman of the perinatal faculty at the Royal College of Psychiatrists NI, said they welcome the announcement after years of campaigning.

We traditionally lagged behind the rest of the UK when it came to perinatal mental health services and new and expectant mothers deserved much better, she said.

While the roll-out of community perinatal mental health services and a new mother and baby unit is a good step forward, we must not be complacent.

We now need a government to be put back into place at Stormont, so the new unit and wider mental health workforce can be properly funded.
HIGHLIGHTS The first look at the renders reminds us of last years Galaxy S23 Ultra.

The renders show that the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra houses a boxy design along with squared edges.

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra could feature a quad camera setup on the camera island.

Its almost mid-November and the New Year is just around the corner. So, is the launch of the new Galaxy S24 series. We have heard that Samsung will release the upcoming smartphone in January, according to the leaks and rumours. As the release date approaches, multiple renders, leaks, etc are surfacing on the internet, giving us a slight peek into what to expect.

Tipster Ice Universe has now shared renders of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra smartphone. This hints at the design of the smartphone, lets take a look. The first look at the renders reminds us of last years Galaxy S23 Ultra. The design of the Galaxy S24 Ultra is quite similar to its predecessor except for some minor changes. The tipster claimed that these renders are the closest rendering of the Galaxy S24 Ultra smartphone.

Also read: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra may lack 10x zoom camera

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra render

The renders show that the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra houses a boxy design along with squared edges. The bezels are also slim and symmetrical. For the front-facing selfie camera, we get a punch hole cut out. Next up, the renders reflect that the volume rocker and power button are placed on the right edge.

Now coming to the cameras, the render shows that the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra will feature a quad camera setup on the camera island on the rear panel. These four sensors also include the telephoto sensors. Plus, theres an LED flash too. If other rumours are to be believed, then the camera island will consist of a 200-megapixel primary camera, a 12-megapixel Sony IMX564 ultra-wide camera, and a 10-megapixel Sony IMX754+ telephoto lens that offers 3x optical zoom.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra render

Also read: Gauss AI: Samsungs own ChatGPT alternative will power S24 Ultras Generative AI features

The render only hints at a single colour, which is grey. But were optimistic that during the launch, more colour options will be offered in addition to the grey one.
HIGHLIGHTS The Vivo X100 is powered by the Mediatek Dimensity 9300 chipset.

The Xiaomi 14 is equipped with a 6.36-inch LTPO OLED display.

Both of them have launched at a same starting price.

Vivo has finally launched the much-awaited X100 series. The smartphone lineup includes two models, which are the standard one and the Pro model. Interestingly, this is the second smartphone lineup in China which launched with the next-gen flagship processor recently. A few days ago, Xiaomi 14 landed in China with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC and now Vivo has launched the X100 series with Mediateks latest Dimensity 9300 SoC.

I am comparing the Vivo X100 with the Xiaomi 14 side by side. Lets see how they compete with each other.

Vivo X100 vs Xiaomi 14: Display

The Vivo X100 is equipped with a 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display that comes with a 2800 x 1260 pixel resolution and up to 120Hz refresh rate. Furthermore, the display is said to have 3000 nits of peak brightness.

Next to it, theres Xiaomi 14, which has a 6.36-inch LTPO OLED display that supports 68 billion colours, a 120Hz refresh rate, and Dolby Vision as well. This display also has a 1200 x 2670 pixel resolution and 3000 nits of peak brightness.

Also read: Vivo reveals X100 Pros various colours with different finishes on the back: Check out

Vivo X100 vs Xiaomi 14: Performance

The Vivo X100 is powered by the Mediatek Dimensity 9300 chipset that is paired with up to 16GB RAM and 1TB storage. It is an Octa-Core processor that has four performance cores running at up to 3.25GHz clock speed and four efficiency cores. Further, the X100 runs on OriginOS 4 based on Android 14 OS.

On the other hand, the Xiaomi 14 comes with Qualcomms latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor. This smartphone also offers up to 16GB RAM and 1TB storage. Speaking of the processor, it is also an Octa-Core processor that runs on six performance cores running at up to 3.3GHz clock speed and two efficiency cores. Talking about its software, Xiaomi rolled out the Android 14-based HyperOS for the Xiaomi 14 series.

Vivo X100 vs Xiaomi 14: Camera

For both smartphones, photography is also a major component which means there will be tough competition. The Vivo X series is known for its camera. This time, it is equipped with a 50-megapixel main camera, a 64-megapixel Periscope Telephoto sensor with up to 3x optical zoom and 100x digital zoom, and a 50-megapixel Ultrawide sensor. Like its predecessors, the Vivo X100 also features Zeiss tuning.

The Xiaomi 14 comes with Leica tuning for enhanced colours and quality. It also features a triple camera setup, holding a 50-megapixel main camera, a 50-megapixel Periscope Telephoto sensor with up to 3.2x optical zoom, and a 50-megapixel Ultrawide sensor.

For selfies, both smartphones boast a 32-megapixel front-facing camera.

Also read: Vivo X100 camera details leaked: Heres what to expect

Vivo X100 vs Xiaomi 14: Battery

The Vivo X100 is equipped with a 5000mAh battery that supports up to 120-watt fast charging support. However, the Xiaomi 14 packs a 4610mAh battery with up to 90-watt fast charging, 50-watt wireless charging, and 10-watt reverse wireless charging support.

Vivo X100 vs Xiaomi 14: Pricing

Both smartphones are only available in China for now. Both of them have launched at a starting price of CNY 3,999, which is approximately 45,500.
What drives YMTC's bold legal action against Micron?

China's Yangtze Memory Technologies (YMTC) has filed a patent infringement lawsuit with a US court against American chipmaker Micron Technology, marking the first time a Chinese chipmaker has challenged an American counterpart under the current tense relationship between the semiconductor industries of both countries. This bold move by YMTC has raised several questions, including what motivated the lawsuit, what the possible outcomes are, and what the impact could be on the future landscape of semiconductor tech competition.

YMTC is accusing Micron of infringing on eight of its patents, which were released between 2020 and 2023. The patents cover YMTC's Xtacking 3D NAND technology, which is crucial for the production of high-density flash memory chips.

YMTC's lawsuit is a bold action that suggests it has immense confidence in its tech prowess and patent rights. It is also a sign that the Chinese memory chipmaker is no longer willing to take a roundabout and low-profile approach, but will stand up and fight for its rights.

Moreover, the legal action appears strategic, coinciding with the upcoming APEC leadership summit, and potentially intended for YMTC to secure a more advantageous position in the bilateral tech war or gain more bargaining chips in future tech trade negotiations.

Micron's trade ban in China imposed in May by the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) due to cybersecurity concerns has constrained its chip sales in China. But the company made its first appearance at the Sixth China International Import Expo (CIIE) held November 5-10 in Shanghai, allowing the outside world to witness a shift in stance by the usually assertive American chipmaker, demonstrating its willingness to compromise with the reality.

Tacit government approval and support

The fact that YMTC has pursued legal action within the US jurisdiction implies a bold confidence in its technological prowess and patent rights, potentially backed by tacit approval and support from the Chinese government. The company's accumulation of patents over the years signifies a robust arsenal for defense and a show of strength in the face of adversity.

Moreover, the request for a jury trial by YMTC serves as a testament to the company's aim for a fair and impartial verdict, avoiding potential subjective judgment from a single judge.

Yet, challenges loom. YMTC's placement on the Entity List by the US Department of Commerce raises questions about the company's eligibility for patent claims and could heavily influence the lawsuit's outcome.

The lawsuit's progress and ultimate result hold weight not only for YMTC but also for the broader Chinese semiconductor industry. Chen Nanxiang's position as YMTC's chairman and head of the China Semiconductor Industry Association intensifies the significance of the lawsuit's outcome for the industry as a whole.

Chen, a seasoned figure in the semiconductor sector, has long advocated for the Chinese semiconductor industry's advancement. His bold stance and unyielding approach, exemplified in previous statements and actions, reflect the determination to reduce reliance on foreign equipment.

YMTC has been committed to promoting domestic alternatives in recent years underscoring the industry's shift away from foreign dependency. The potential outcome of the lawsuit against Micron could significantly impact the future dynamics between Chinese and American semiconductor companies.

The lawsuit is not merely a legal battle; it's a testament to the evolving power dynamics in the semiconductor industry, echoing a pivotal point where technological prowess, legal strategies, and international relations converge.
Unlocking India's market: legal expert Santosh Pai urges Taiwanese companies to embrace flexibility and ambition

In the ever-evolving landscape of global investments, India stands as the 7th top recipient of foreign direct investments (FDI) in 2022. For over two decades, Santosh Pai, a seasoned legal partner at Dentons Link Legal, has been a guiding force for international clients eyeing the Indian market. As India rolls out incentives to attract foreign companies, Pai shares compelling reasons for Taiwanese and international businesses to explore India and navigate the potential challenges.

India's allure for Taiwanese companies

In the eyes of Santosh Pai, India is not just a market; it's a gateway to global market share. He underscores India's pivotal role in any global business operation, asserting, "You can't do global market share if you don't have market share in India." Pai emphasizes India's allure lies in its vast population and high economic growth potential. He sees India as offering unparalleled opportunities, especially for Taiwanese companies aspiring to go global.

India's population will exceed 1.4 billion in 2022 with 52% under the age of 30, providing an abundant supply of workforce and engineers that information communication technology (ICT) and semiconductor supply chains need.

Pai observes that while current Taiwanese investments, like Foxconn, primarily function as contract manufacturers responding to client demands, the future holds more significant ambitions. Pai believes the real prize for Taiwanese companies lies in "tapping the domestic market," a strategic move that could position them uniquely in India's burgeoning economic landscape.

Comparing India to other Southeast Asian countries in the context of the "China+1" trend, Pai dismisses alternatives as inadequate. As the world's 5th largest economy, India is poised to become the 3rd in the next decade, presenting a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. While Vietnam and Malaysia may cater to manufacturing needs, Pai contends that they lack access to the colossal market India offers. Drawing parallels with Xiaomi's rapid ascent in India, Pai envisions a swift trajectory to global recognition for Taiwanese companies in the Indian market.

The challenges of investing in India

Pai likens India's diversity to the European Union, acknowledging that it poses challenges for foreign investors. Navigating such complexities, he argues, is however intrinsic to global businesses. Reflecting on recent pushbacks from Indian labor unions on business-friendly laws, Pai sees it as an integral part of India's democratic process. He encourages companies to engage with the government, assuring them that legal reforms are part of a slow and steady process in India's democratic evolution.

When being asked if the Indian government would cater to the needs of foreign manufacturing companies to secure orders akin to what has been witnessed in China in the past, Pai emphasized India's adherence to the rule of law, dispelling notions of the government granting special treatment to foreign companies. He clarifies that Production-linked incentives (PLI) are open to all, fostering a level playing field for foreign and domestic companies.

Lessons from past experiences

Reflecting on past experiences, Pai delves into the endeavors of Japanese and Chinese companies in India, extracting pivotal insights and lessons that he believes are instructive for both Taiwanese and international enterprises.

He commences by scrutinizing a critical aspect: managerial choices. Emphasizing a recurrent mistake made by Japanese and Chinese companies in the past and Taiwanese counterparts in the present, Pai notes the tendency to dispatch managers from their home countries who lack experience running a factory in India. He contends that managerial experiences in factories of other nations don't seamlessly translate to managing operations in India. Advocating for a more balanced approach, Pai suggests incorporating local managers into the management team. Familiarity with Indian nuances, he argues, enables quicker identification and resolution of problems.

Next, Pai addresses the widespread error of basing investment decisions solely on incentives. Observing the inclination of many Chinese companies to prioritize maximum incentives, he cautions against overlooking potential pitfalls. Incentives might be offered for less favorable locations, he notes. Pai draws a metaphor, likening incentives to appetizers  a welcoming gesture rather than a long-term determinant.

Lastly, Pai navigates the intricate terrain of land selection for investment. He outlines the complexity faced by foreign companies in deciding between government or private land, industrial parks, or alternative locations. Pai notes a common initial mistake of opting for the cheapest land without considering various influencing factors and underscores the importance of understanding diverse elements like labor, transportation, and electricity costs in dictating land costs in a free market environment like India. Additionally, Pai dispels the misconception that acquiring land from the government automatically mitigates legal risks. He stresses the necessity for thorough due diligence, clarifying that legal risks are historical and unrelated to the government's intent.

While cost-effectiveness and budgetary concerns often dominate the priorities of foreign investing companies, Pai cautions against solely focusing on financial factors. He urges companies to delve beyond financial considerations, emphasizing the importance of hiring a diverse array of advisors such as lawyers, accountants, and consultants. This comprehensive approach, he contends, is crucial for obtaining a holistic understanding before venturing into this "complicated" market.

The right mindsets for investing in India

In his closing remarks, Pai advises companies to be nimble and flexible when setting up operations in India. In the intricate Indian market, quick decision-making and adaptability are key. Pi argues that a one-size-fits-all solution won't work in India because it worked somewhere else does not mean it is applicable in India, so flexibility becomes a strategic advantage.

Additionally, Pai extends words of encouragement and a compelling call to action. He envisions Taiwanese and international businesses embracing a proactive "whatever it takes" approach upon entering the Indian market, challenging them to match India's ambition and hunger for success.

Pai's insights illuminate India's immense potential and the strategic mindset required for Taiwanese and international companies looking to enter this burgeoning market. As India continues to open its doors to foreign investments, Pai's expertise serves as a valuable compass for those venturing into this dynamic and promising landscape.

Santosh Pai is a guest speaker for DIGITIMES Supply Chain Summit 2023 hosted on November 14 in Taipei, where he will be giving even more advice for Taiwanese and international companies venturing into India.

For more information and registration to view this event online, please visit the official website:

https://www.digitimes.com.tw/seminar/scs_2023/agenda_en.html
Supply Chain Summit: It takes Taiwan and India together to make semiconductors a trillion-dollar industry by 2030

At the opening ceremony of the Supply Chain Summit co-organized by DIGITIMES and the India-Taipei Association (ITA) on November 14 in Taipei, DIGITIMES chairman and president Colley Hwang and India's IT hardware guru, HCL Group co-founder Ajay Chowdhry, emphasized how essential the collaboration of Taiwan and India is in the global semiconductor supply chain for the years to come.

Colley Hwang, a senior semiconductor industry expert who was head of Taiwan's government think tank Market Intelligence Center (MIC) under the Institute of Information Industry (III) before founding DIGITIMES 26 years ago, has been a strong advocate for Taiwan-India partnership in information technology, saying "IT" stands for India and Taiwan in many occasions.

"If we believe the year 2030 The total revenue of the semiconductor industry can reach US$1 trillion, then we need a compound annual growth rate as high as 10% for the coming years," explained Hwang. "How is it possible? It's only possible that India and Taiwan work together. Only the Indian market is big enough. And the Southeast Asian countries as well.

As a key hub of semiconductor manufacturing that supplies to customers worldwide, Taiwan produces more than 60% of all the semiconductor chips used in all electrical and electronics devices that one can imagine, and the 914 ICT companies listed on the stock exchange in Taiwan, their total revenue in 2022 was US$900 billion, more than half of which is contributed by mass production manufacturing firms.

"There are 250 Taiwanese companies investing in India already, but the investments are pretty small at this moment, not consistent with the size of your industry," said Chowdhry, urging the Taiwanese industry leaders attending the Supply Chain Summit to see the growth opportunities of India created by the supply chain shifts amid geopolitical uncertainties.

According to Indian government statistics, Taiwan's accumulated investment in India as of today totaled around US$4 billion. Foxconn's Indian operations account for $10 billion, which is less than 5% of the company's annual sales.

Making and designing chips in India

"We are giving about US$7 billion worth of incentives just in electronic manufacturing," said Manharsinh Yadav, director general of ITA. He added that Morgan Stanley is projecting that India will become the world's third-largest economy by 2027. "By 2025-26, we'll have more than 85,000 semiconductor industry-ready manpower, that's what is required for the Taiwanese semiconductor industry. And we are gearing up for it. We have changed our curriculum and 625 colleges have adopted that curriculum. We are also tying up with most good institutes across the world, including here in Taiwan," according to Yadav.

Chowdhry has been advocating for semiconductor manufacturing in India for more than 30 years. He sees the Indian government's determination to make it happen, and reiterates that since the central government of India is committed to providing incentives upfront for 50% of the capital expenditure of semiconductor companies to operate in India, and the state government is promising another 20%, "there is no better deal in the world other than India!"

Chowdhry emphasizes the potential of India not only as a market and a manufacturing hub but also as a design center for advanced technology, where 1,600 multinational companies are already investing in India to tap into the abundant and young IC design talent and capability, including MediaTek.

"Taiwan is seriously missing out on the opportunity that India presents if you are only looking at India as a market." Chowdhry went on to say that Taiwan has helped China to become a product manufacturing country and helped it to have IC design capabilities. "China has thousands of design companies. Our ambition is that with our engineering and R&D knowledge, we also want to create thousands of design companies. That is where Taiwan can participate, come and set up a large number of design centers in the country."

"India has a US$5 trillion opportunity by 2027, in which the electronics industry alone is expected to increase by US$400 billion in value," said Chowdhry. He also invited Colley Hwang, who reiterated his firm confidence that India will be successful in building its own semiconductor supply chain, to cooperate and facilitate the synergy between Taiwan and India.

"We have a dream to make India the most advanced country by 2047. My Prime Minister has already declared during our Independence Day about two years back, that by 2047, India will be a developed nation. In this dream, Taiwan can be a partner," said Yadav, with pride in his eyes.
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Rendering by Dave Christensen Design Management via Community Boating Center [enlarge] Grant funding will support construction of this building for Community Boating Center in Bellingham.





State of Washington Tourism (SWT) recently announced nine awardees of its latest round of grants for tourism sustainability. These awards support projects that foster safer, more inclusive, and sustainable visitor experiences across the state including new festivals and events, tourism infrastructure, outdoor recreation, business and creative districts, and main street associations.





. . .
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KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP)  Nepal's government decided to ban the popular social media app TikTok on Monday, saying it was disrupting social harmony in the country.

The announcement was made following a Cabinet meeting. Foreign Minister Narayan Prakash Saud said the app would be banned immediately.





. . .
Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) is recognised as one of the European leaders in the delivery of professional Youth Work Education and says it was proud to be in attendance at the recent European Conference on Methodologies, Approaches and Theories in Practice, used in youth workers education which took place in Milan in Italy.

Katherina Nugent, DkIT lecturer on the programme in the Institute presented at this conference on the topic Striving for Excellence which investigated evidence on work placement from a professional Youth Work education programme. She also presented on the understanding and learning from mistakes along with embracing opportunity.

Katherinas main goal was to utilise the environment offered by this international conference to showcase practices and experiences connected to methods, tools and/or approaches to practice.

The aim of this was to connect and enhance the European dimension in the training and education of youth workers. The conference also provided the opportunity for participants to reflect and share about the political dimension of curricula in youth work training and education and to learn from concrete methods and tools that enhance it.

Katherina Nugent said It was a fantastic experience to take part in this European conference on Youth Work education and learning.

"Youth work is often identified as a key factor in supporting young people to find themselves as active citizens of society. European values serve as the guiding principles in youth work, emphasising fundamental rights, democracy, equality, solidarity, and respect for diversity.

"Youth work actively promotes these values by creating inclusive spaces where young people from diverse backgrounds can engage, express themselves freely, and participate in decision-making processes. By fostering mutual respect, tolerance, and understanding, youth work empowers young individuals to appreciate and embrace the richness of Europe's cultural, social, and linguistic diversity.

To find out more about Youth Work courses available in DkIT go to www.dkit.ie
The father of garda murderer Aaron Brady has been given permission to attend a Special Criminal Court sentencing hearing for one of the members of the gang that carried out the Lordship Credit Union Robbery, despite the Director of Public Prosecutions making an application for him to be excluded.

Mr Justice Tony Hunt said the court would decline to impose an exclusion order on Monday, after noting that such a measure would not stop Tony Brady "propagating his nonsense".

Tony Brady had previously been excluded during the trial of James Flynn, who was convicted by the non-jury, three-judge court of conspiracy to steal a car that was later used in the robbery of Lordship Credit Union during which Aaron Brady shot and murdered Det Gda Adrian Donohoe.

Mr Justice Tony Hunt said Mr Brady had published a "tendentious and offensive" online video accusing a garda of committing perjury and contempt of court.

On Monday Mr Brady took his place in the public gallery along with members of James Flynn's family for a brief sentencing hearing.

Before proceedings began Brendan Grehan SC, for the State, reminded the court of the previous order to exclude Mr Brady and applied for that exclusion to continue.

He said he was making the application because new material had been published online "as recently as last night in respect of this court's proceedings in this trial and its judgment".

He said the most recent video "seems inconsistent with any suggestion that Mr Brady has learned anything from the previous application".

Counsel explained that Mr Brady has moved on from speaking about witnesses to "matters being said about the court".

Mr Justice Hunt said such things don't cause him to lose sleep and he doesn't "go looking for that kind of nonsense."

He said "those people will always be with us in one guise or another... if they are criticising you, you are probably doing something right."

Having consulted with his colleagues, Mr Justice Hunt allowed Mr Brady to remain in court.

"An exclusion order won't stop him propagating his nonsense, because that's what it is," the judge said.

He told Mr Grehan to send material to the court registrar if any further matter arises that should be brought to the court's attention.

In September, the Special Criminal Court acquitted James Flynn (32) from South Armagh of participation in the robbery of 7,000 at Lordship Credit Union in Bellurgan, Co Louth, on January 25, 2013.

It was during that robbery that Aaron Brady murdered Det Gda Adrian Donohoe. Brady is serving a life sentence with a minimum of 40 years for the offence and is awaiting the outcome of an appeal against his conviction.

The court found that Flynn was an active member of the gang that carried out the robbery and that he was intimately involved with Brady and another man in stealing a Volkswagen Passat that was used as a getaway car.

The court also found that Flynn drove his own BMW to a remote location in south Armagh where the Passat was set on fire and then Flynn drove the participants from the area.

Mr Justice Hunt said Flynn was therefore an accessory before and after the robbery.

However, the court was not satisfied that the State had proven its case that Flynn was a direct participant in the robbery and therefore acquitted him of that charge.

The court did convict Flynn of conspiracy to steal the Volkswagen Passat from outside a house in Clogherhead, Co Louth on January 22/23, 2013.

At Monday's sentencing hearing Lorcan Staines SC, for the State, argued that the court should take into consideration the fact that Flynn was an active member of a criminal organisation and that the stolen Volkswagen Passat was used in the Lordship robbery.

He said that if the court considers the offence in the mid-range for seriousness, it would attract a sentence of four to nine years and if in the most serious category it would attract a sentence of between nine and 14 years.

Inspector Mark Phillips told the court that Flynn has two previous convictions at District Court level from 2011 for public order offences.

Bernard Condon SC, for Flynn, said the court should not impose a heightened sentence by taking into consideration the Lordship robbery, for which his client was acquitted. In sentencing, Mr Condon submitted that the court is limited to considering the charge of conspiracy to burgle the car at Clogherhead and nothing more.

Counsel suggested that Flynn's offence falls into the lower end of the middle category. In mitigation, Mr Condon said his client has no relevant previous convictions and is now a 32-year-old man facing a sentence for something he did aged 22.

His circumstances have "changed completely," Mr Condon said, as Flynn is now a married man with two children, one of whom was born while Flynn was in custody in relation to this offence.

Mr Condon said Flynn has an "immensely impressive commitment" to his working life, having left school aged 16 to set up a business in the US. He later set up a car business in Northern Ireland that went to the wall due to covid and then went to London to start another business.

He is the "sole breadwinner" for his family and is committed to his children, counsel said.Mr Condon handed in a booklet of testimonials from Flynn's wife, mother-in-law and an SDLP councillor from Northern Ireland, among others.

Counsel said that Flynn has used his time in custody productively having enrolled in courses to help with his business when he is released. Flynn is an enhanced prisoner in Mountjoy, Mr Condon said.

The court adjourned the matter to December 21 for sentencing.
A Ryanair pilot notified police of an eerie sighting of a UFO while travelling at nearly 400 km/h, it has been revealed.

The incident was brought to light following a Freedom of Information request to Police in Essex, UK, asking for any sightings of UFO's that were reported to them over the last five years.

According to the pilot, the incident happened when the aircraft was taking off from Stansted Airport in 2022 when they observed a "black object passing within 20 metres of the plane".

The summary of the incident says:

"Ryanair was climbing out from Stansted Airport and was at a height of 4000 ft and just over the St Elizabeth Centre the pilot saw an object which he describes as 'black'.

"It passed within 20 metres of the aircraft, the plane was travelling at 230mph (370km/h) and the object was travelling from north to south.

"They have said that it was possibly a drone but the drone monitoring equipment at the airport was not picked up."

Online publication, Essex Live, reported that several additional reports of unidentified objects near planes in Essex had been reported in the same year, 2022, including one that was made after three separate aircrafts reported seeing an object near their planes at the same time.

"Incident placed on as UFO as three aircraft reported an object was in their vicinity.

"Info from tower reporting two planes have reported an object at about 500ft below them as they were coming into land on runway 22, the closest being 20km away.

"Approach (2-3 miles out) when their tcas (traffic collision avoidance system) alerted them to something at around 500ft.

"None of the pilots could see anything when they looked"

Another report from the same year gave a detailed description of the "object", stating,

"I would like to report a sighting of an unidentified flying object.

"The object appeared oval in shape and was a metallic colour with no apparent markings or lights.

"There were no conventional aircraft characteristics at all.

"The object was travelling east to west just south of my address in a straight line and the altitude was level around 100ft at all times, I guess.

"The object was moving quickly across the sky very smoothly with no deviation in height or direction or without any effects of the weather is the only way I could describe it.

"It was moving too fast for a bird and definitely was not a balloon that usually gets affected by the wind causing them to turn or tumble.

"This was unaffected by the light breeze blowing. This was a solid oval shape and was silent.

"This was not a drone or model aircraft due to the way it was flying. I viewed this from inside the rear of my home and then this object did not leave my sight until it was too far in the distance and obscured by another property.

"I have no explanation as to what this object could be."


IT IS understood a number of Irish citizens will be allowed to leave Gaza tomorrow.

A number of citizens are being notified this Tuesday evening that their names are included on the list of those allowed to leave Gaza for the first time since the conflict started.

It is understood that Irish citizens are being told to prepare to make their way to the border crossing at Arafat, the border crossing linking Egypt with the Gaza Strip.

There are no more details on numbers and names as of now.

This comes after Taoiseach Leo Varadkar spoke with Israeli ambassador to Ireland Dana Erlich, and was told that Israel was not blocking Irish citizens from leaving.

Mr Varadkar commented: I met the Israeli ambassador about this. She told me thats not the case and were continuing to seek permission for Irish citizens, Irish-Palestinian dual nationals, to leave from Gaza."

Earlier today, president Michael D Higgins met the families of a number of hostages currently being held in Gaza following the attacks carried out by Hamas in Israel.

Those in attendance at the meeting included Thomas and Natali Hand, father and sister of 8-year-old Irish-Israeli child Emily Hand; and Maya Lambroso, Tal Yeshurun and Eylon Keshet, representing a number of families of those being held as hostages. In attendance also was the Ambassador of Israel to Ireland, HE Ms Dana Erlich.

In a statement following the meeting, President Higgins said:

"What the families are going through in terms of anxiety and apprehension must be near unbearable, including in Emily Hands case that her father and sister know that she will be celebrating her ninth birthday while being held hostage. The welfare of all children and civilians in Israel and Gaza should be in the forefront of all of our minds at this time.

"In our meeting, we discussed what actions can be taken to help ensure the safe return of the hostages to their families. To this end, I once again call for the unconditional release of all hostages currently being held in Gaza. I further echo the call which the families have made that the Red Cross/Red Crescent, or another appropriate organisation, must be given such access to the hostages as will enable their present position to be affirmed. I have assured the families that I will relay the importance of this request to the Irish Government.
Delegation to meet senior government officials, clients and business community

Focus on renewables, financial resilience and private sector support

EBRD invested a record 358 million in the region in 2022

European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Vice President for Policy and Partnerships Mark Bowman will visit Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania from 20 to 24 November. Mr Bowman will be accompanied by EBRD Managing Director for Central and South-eastern Europe Charlotte Ruhe.

This will be the first time Mr Bowman visits all three Baltic states in his capacity as Vice President, signalling the EBRDs strong commitment to supporting further growth in the region.

Last year, the Bank invested a record 358 million in the three Baltic states, amid a challenging economic environment and reduced investor sentiment resulting from Russias war on neighbouring Ukraine. The Bank expects to maintain a similar level of investment in the region this year.

Mr Bowman will begin his trip in Lithuania where he will meet key members of the government, including Minister of Finance Gintare Skaiste.

Mr. Bowman and Minister Skaiste will sign a 1 million grant agreement provided by the Lithuanian government to the EBRD, through the Action for Equality and Gender Fund. The grant funding will be used to support EBRD activities in Ukraine, particularly focused on supporting inclusive and resilient workforces in key companies during the conflict.

The EBRD delegation will also meet leaders from the business community, as well as the Banks existing and potential new partners in Vilnius. The EBRD aims to continue supporting green economy transition and financing innovation in Lithuania.

The delegation will then travel to Latvia, where they will meet with Latvian authorities, the municipality of Riga and EBRD clients. Discussions on financial resilience, supporting green economy transition and infrastructure investments, and the further development of capital markets are on the agenda.

Mr Bowman will conclude his trip in Tallinn, where EBRD representatives will meet members of the government and key private companies operating in different sectors. Discussions will include future steps in the low-carbon transition and energy security, cooperation to identify potential projects for co-financing, and support for local capital market development.

The EBRD is stepping up its presence in Tallinn, aiming to increase business development of eligible financing projects and expand cooperation with local and international financial institutions in Estonia.

The EBRD is a leading institutional investor in the Baltic states. To date, the Bank has invested 1.4 billion in 123 projects in Lithuania, 1.02 billion in 107 projects in Latvia, and 935 million in 110 projects in Estonia, the majority of which has been in the private sector. Supporting the green energy transition and further deepening regional capital markets are key priorities for the EBRDs work in the Baltic states.
SINCE Evaleen Whelton discovered that she was autistic at 37 years old in 2014, her mission has been to spread understanding and respect for autistic people and to build a more inclusive society.

That is why Evaleens forthcoming AUsome parent event in Cork is so important, given that every speaker and participant will be somebody with autism.

On Saturday November 19, AUsome Training, an organisation based in Cork, are hosting a special neurodivergent session for parents and carers who are waiting on a childs autism diagnosis.

The free event taking place from 2pm to 5pm in Ballyphehane Community Centre will be facilitated by trainers from AUsome Training, who are all autistic parents, says Evaleen.

Evaleen Whelton and daughter Maddy ORegan. Picture: Darragh Kane

We shall discuss how to raise our child authentically, to let them be themselves, to let them flourish. There are no milestones to meet, just averages every day.

Autistic people develop differently, and they are emotionally intelligent. Its about empowering parents celebrating their autistic kids.

What was life like before Evaleen received her own diagnosis?

I cant even remember what life was like before, says the 46-year-old mother to Maddy, aged 10.

Ive changed so much since. For me, my diagnosis was like a relief. It gave me a massive understanding of who I am and why I did stuff. It gave me permission not to be so hard on myself and it lifted the deep shame I had for not knowing how to work the social situations.

Evaleen, who is a speech and drama teacher by trade, and an acclaimed author, founded AUsome Training, an autistic-led and neurodiversity training company, which aims to combat the outdated stereotypes autistic people face.

Evaleen Whelton. Pictures. Darragh Kane

I decided to focus on AUsome training during Covid, says Evaleen.

It became my special interest. I am really interested in studying autism outside of a medical setting.

In the last 10 years, there has been a lot more awareness around autism, but its still not enough.

The work must be done on how society treats us. People have half an idea about us, but they still dont fully understand.

"Its about how others respond to us; they need to know more and communicate more. There is a lot of judgement and miscommunication.

Working with autistic kids, I always got those kids in class, and wondered if I was a bit like them. I was always aware what it means to be autistic outside of the medical model. You mask a lot, and you try to be always smiling.

Was it like that for Evaleen growing up?

For me, it was always trying to fit in, says Evaleen.

Id be masking; a lot of autistic people do that. Its pretending. You copy other people so that youre not noticed.

That must be draining?

It takes a lot out of you, says Evaleen.

People view autism as a negative thing. Its not. I dont view autism as a problem. There is nothing to fix. There is no burden, we are not to be pitied.

But being autistic can be difficult?

Being autistic often involves a lifetime of trauma which comes from being misunderstood, socially rejected and bullied.

Usually everything about autism is framed negatively, says Evaleen.

We need to try and frame things more neutrally. This is how we are, and the stigma arises from how other people interpret us.

Was school challenging for Evaleen as a child?

Primary school was lovely, says Evaleen. I loved learning.

I had the same teacher for three years, and I was top of my class.

Secondary school proved more challenging for Evaleen.

The wheels came off the cart in secondary school! says Evaleen laughing.

I hit 12 and the social side of things became a problem.

I spent most of my energy trying to fit in with people who probably didnt want to be friends with me anyway - or who wouldnt ever have been good friends.

Evaleen Whelton founder of AUsome Training with her daughter Maddy ORegan. Picture. Darragh Kane

I was just not getting stuff. And because I was academic, I suffered being called a swot. I heard that all the time and because of that I stopped studying.

The classroom environment didnt suit Evaleen.

Id get headaches from the fluorescent lights and the sheen off the blackboard. The colour blue in a room gave me headaches. Id be quite sensitive to lights and colours. And I hated reading aloud.

At home, Evaleen was just one of the gang.

I was just who I was, says Evaleen.

Food could be an issue, so mealtimes werent always straightforward. I still dont eat vegetables. My mom just made my dinner and then she made everyone elses.

Food is not an issue for Evaleen.

Its not a problem for me, she says. Its a problem for other people that you meet. Theyre always obsessed with what youre eating!

Evaleen says autistic people can be called fussy eaters or picky eaters.

Thats not helpful. Its not a choice for us.

she is refreshingly direct.

I like things to happen fast! she says.

Some autistic people communicate very honestly, and they are very open, which can be seen be seen as naive or weak by others. We need to stop putting value judgements on the way people act or behave.

Autistic people can be deep thinkers.

We can be deep thinkers, we can be amazing with colours and be so creative, there are many amazing autistic artists out there.

Evaleen encourages neurotypical people to engage with autistic people more.

We have more in common with each other than we think. Autistic people face burnout, (because of masking), but neurotypical people also face burnout. Neurotypical people also repeat certain physical movements or vocalisations, such as flapping/clapping hands or pacing. These are all human things.

Evaleen is often frustrated by the amount of misconceptions and myths relating to autism that exist in society, and shes keen to set the record straight.

We (autistic people) actually have our own language and culture, says Evaleen.

We communicate perfectly fine together. But when autistic and non-autistic people are together the pressure is on the non-autistic people to learn and be these other people.

Everyone should be allowed to be themselves.

If youre not allowed to be yourself, it is a massive infringement on your human rights, says Evaleen.

She says autistic people are just people who are sensitive to the world.

Judgement can be intimidating, suggesting we are divergent in some way. Were not.

Take away all the anxiety and behaviour and we just have a different sensory system.

"We interact with our environment in a different way which shapes our thoughts and actions, says Evaleen.

Because of that we communicate differently to other people.

Evaleen and her team, Gillian Kearns, (Early Childhood Educator and Disability Rights Activist), and Stiof MacAmhalghaigh (Researcher and Expert on Autism and Neuro-affirming models), want to bust the myths about autism.

The aim of the free Information Session is to provide parents and carers with tips, resources, and insights on how best to understand, support and advocate for their child, says Evaleen.

We are autistic and proud, she says. But we arent so different. The medical model has made us different.

Evaleen doesnt have to perform anymore.

Im just me.

The special neurodivergent session for parents and carers who are waiting on a childs diagnosis, takes place on Saturday, November 19 from 2pm to 5pm in Ballyphehane Community Centre. The event will be interactive, and the trainers will cover a range of topics including:

Communication, Autistic Play, Sensory Profiles, Dealing with Schools, Choosing the right Therapy, Reimagining Family Life, Celebrating our autistic children, Courses and Resources.

Parents and carers will have an opportunity to take part in a Q&A and to share their experiences.

The event is free and pre-booking is essential. Booking through www.ausometraining.com
HOWTH chef Donal Skehan learned a lot about his grandmother from the handwritten recipes she left behind.

The TV presenter and cook playfully calls the 1970s in Ireland - when his grandma, Elizabeth Ryan, was cooking - the worst time for food.

But my grandmother, in her great wisdom back in the day, was very forward and confident with her cooking, he says.

She was a sculptor with a gallery and would often be entertaining - they would have guests and my grandmother would cook meals for 12, 15 people at a time.

They would be entertaining the archbishop, who might be looking for a sculpture or something - I remember the shots of my mum with a Greek Orthodox priest who wanted a sculpture for his tabernacle or something like that.

With an unusual home life, his grandmother provided the food to match - whipping up what Skehan calls these fabulous meals.

Skehan, 37, calls her recipe books an insight into another world, which he treasures since her passing in 2015.

He continues: My mum has memories of her making croissants in the 1970s in Ireland - unheard of! Im not sure you could have got them at the local bakery, thats for sure.

The food world can be quite snobby, he suggests: But what I love about my grandmothers approach is that anyone can do it, anyone can try it and anyone can succeed in it.

More than anything, it comes from a place of passion.

This love of food and experimental approach was inherited by Skehans mother.

We went to New York when I was about 12, and my mum and aunt insisted we had dinner in an Orthodox Jewish restaurant, where we were the only people who werent Orthodox Jews, he recounts.

We came and [there was] that moment where everyone turns around, and we had the most phenomenal meal - really beautiful, like matzo ball soup.

I think that bravery and that confidence and that excitement about food definitely trickles down through my family.

Home Kitchen, the latest book by Donal Skehan

With this kind of background, it was no surprise Skehan pursued food adventures outside of Ireland - living in LA for nearly five years.

Its an incredibly diverse city - its a city of nearly 12 million people, so as someone who comes from a country of nearly six or seven million, a town of a couple of thousand [Howth, near Dublin], it was absolute a shock, Skehan admits.

But when you dive deeper into the food offering, thats when it gets exciting - and thats probably what kept me in LA more than anything else. More than the weather, it was the fact that you had access to beautiful restaurants that are really diverse.

Oftentimes, it wasnt high-end restaurants I had interest in, it was the mom-and-pop strip mall-style of joints that were cheap, cheerful - and they were being operated by first-generation immigrants who had a really great sense of the Vietnamese food they grew up with.

Skehan says his time in America encouraged him to be even more adventurous.

I tried a lot more food than I possibly would have. It certainly influenced me in terms of the cuisines we were trying - like Ethiopian food and Korean food and Sichuan cuisine.

So from that perspective, it definitely changed my taste buds and definitely changed my lust for wanting to try new things, more so than I ever thought before.

Skehan and his family are now back in Howth, and he brings elements of LA food into his cooking. This is particularly seen in his latest cookbook, Home Kitchen, where a recipe for Vietnamese turmeric fish cake banh mi sits alongside mushroom al pastor tacos and poke bowls.

One thing hes certainly happy about being back in Ireland?

The fish - my God! he says with a laugh.

I grew up in a fishing village. I loved LA, but I never really trusted the seafood there, because if you grow up in Howth, you know youre getting it off the boats to the fishmonger.

Plus, he suggests Irish food has come a long way since the 1970s. Traditional Irish cuisine unfortunately gets bastardised by the Americans - if you have a quick Google search, the version of what Irish food looks like is grey and miserable, he laments.

Google is not our friend when it comes to representing Irish food! Traditional food is simplistic in its nature.

This is combined with a growing trend in Irish cuisine for more international influences.

Theres this other side now where you have Irish people and chefs who have travelled and bring back techniques and ideas that meld together quite nicely with seasonal Irish produce, Skehan notes.

Back in Howth with his wife Sofie and children Noah, five, and Oliver, three, Skehan can already see the same love of food getting passed down the generations.

I try not to make my boys obnoxious with food, but they went and ordered separately - one had a bowl of cockles and one had a bowl of mussels - literally the day before yesterday, he laughs in disbelief.

I was like, they [people] really must think were a******** now...

Home Kitchen: Everyday Cooking Made Simple And Delicious by Donal Skehan is published by Yellow Kite. Photography by Dave Brown 2023. Available now.

Donal Skehans Irish Coffee, Hazelnut and Chocolate Tiramisu - see the recipe here

Try Donals recipe for Irish Coffee, Hazelnut and Chocolate Tiramisu - a crowd-pleasing variation on a classic.

He says: This version is the latest twist and an homage to that favourite after-dinner treat: Irish coffee topped with whipped cream.

Ingredients (Serves 6)

400ml double cream

250g mascarpone

4tbsp caster sugar

75ml Baileys

300ml strong coffee

75ml whiskey

200g Savoiardi sponge fingers

100g hazelnuts, toasted and roughly crushed in a pestle and mortar

75g dark chocolate, grated

Method
A REFLECTIVE discussion entitled: It Seems History is to Blame 1913-1923 will take place in the City Library, Grand Parade, Cork city, this Saturday at 3pm.

Dr David McCullagh will be joined by Liam Ronayne, Thomas McCarthy, and Helen McGonagle, founding members of Cork City Libraries 1913 -1923 Commemorations Programme, for the discussion.

Dr McCullagh is an author, journalist, and presenter, who has written books including de Valera, Vols I & II, The Reluctant Taoiseach: A Biography of John A. Costello, and The Great Irish Book of Politics.

Liam Ronayne is a former Cork city librarian who established the commemoration programme It Seems History is to Blame, Ireland 1913-1923, within Cork City Libraries in 2013.

Thomas McCarthy is a poet, novelist, and fellow former librarian who wrote many books including Rising from the Ashes: The Burning of Corks Carnegie Library and the Rebuilding of its Collection.

Helen McGonagle is an executive librarian with Cork City Libraries and lead on the It Seems History is to Blame, Ireland 1913-1923 programme.

She is author of the library publication A Room of their Own: Cork Carnegie Free Library & its Ladies Reading Room 1905-1915 and is currently a PhD candidate in the School of Social Policy, UCC, working on research which examines gender construction in the Messenger of the Sacred Heart 1905-1915.

The years 1913 to 1923 were a time of intellectual and political turmoil  the new State was born following the conflicts of the War of Independence and the Civil War.

The event organisers say that It Seems History Is to Blame 1913-1923 is a way for the people of Cork to understand what happened, and why, and perhaps a chance to learn lessons for our own time  an opportunity to consider, discuss, and reflect on the past 10 years of commemoration.

The event is free of charge and all are welcome.
THE $127 million investment by Qualcomm Technologies to expand its research and development facility in Cork city has been welcomed as a vote of confidence in Cork, highlighting its profile as a hub for innovation.

Cork Chamber CEO Conor Healy described the investment, which will lead to 150 new highly skilled engineering jobs in Cork, as a signal of Qualcomms commitment to Cork.

Mr Healy said that by further investing in its research and development facilities and capabilities, Qualcomm is highlighting Corks profile as a hub for innovation among leading tech companies.

This announcement is another chapter in Qualcomms ongoing success story in Cork where its operations first began in 2013 with just four employees, that figure now stands at 500, he said.

This investment will further grow their workforce with the creation of 150 highly skilled engineering roles over the next four years, which is another hugely positive development for the Cork region. Mr Healy said the additional jobs created will also deepen Corks talent pool further boosting the regions reputation as a great place to live, work and invest in.

It is also a testament to the university ecosystem that exists here in Cork and Qualcomms partnerships with UCC, MTU and Tyndall, he said.

Qualcomm Technologies provides critical advanced semiconductor technology to mobile communications and other industry sectors.

Headquartered in San Diego California, Qualcomm Technologies has had a presence in Cork since 2013, where QT Technologies Ireland already employs hundreds of people.

The expansion of facilities in Cork seeks to create and develop core new knowledge for a broad range of industries, significantly advance skills capability in its subsidiary, QT Technologies Ireland, and advance the skillset of QT Technologies Irelands R&D team.

Supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland, the expansion will see hardware and software research teams co-locate in the Cork facility.

The Minister for Enterprise Trade & Employment Simon Coveney TD said: QT Technologies Irelands expansion at Penrose Dock is fantastic news for Cork. Up to 150 specialised jobs will be created over the next four years, and I understand recruitment is already underway for many of these engineering posts.

These roles will provide excellent opportunities for our talent pool to join a world-renowned tech company".

At the heart of this project is digital transformation, bringing QT Technologies Irelands R&D, hardware and software teams together in Cork, and allowing for innovative and exciting new work to be undertaken.

This announcement further highlights Irelands position as a global hub for the worlds leading tech companies, and I would like to thank Qualcomm Technologies for its continued investment in Ireland. I wish all the team every success with this new expansion. The senior vice president of Engineering at Qualcomm Technologies Inc, Ajay Bawale, said: We are excited about this investment in QT Technologies Ireland where we continue ground-breaking engineering work.

This project will introduce new highly specialised skills into Ireland and QT Technologies Ireland is currently recruiting engineers across several areas.

The vice president of Engineering at QT Technologies Ireland Limited, Paul Kelleher, said: We are very proud that this project means the highly skilled teams in Cork will be addressing market challenges by enabling industries such as manufacturing, automotive, hyperscale computing, gaming, medical and education.

The CEO of IDA Ireland, Michael Lohan, said the QT Technologies Ireland facility in Cork city has grown from strength to strength since 2013 and welcomed its development of critical leading-edge tech in a regional location.

This latest investment increases the strategic functions managed by the leadership team at the Cork facility, significantly enhancing the South West of Irelands established tech cluster, he said.

I wish QT Technologies Ireland continued success and assure them of IDA Irelands continued partnership.
AN application for up to 63m in funding to pay for the damage inflicted around the county during Storm Babet is to be sent by Cork County Council to the Government this week, the local authoritys CEO Valerie OSullivan has told councillors.

Ms OSullivan was speaking as councillors called for various measures to prevent a recurrence of the widespread flooding that caused devastation in many areas, particularly in Midleton and around east Cork.

The overall claim that will be submitted, and some of it has already been submitted, will be between 58m and 63m, said Ms OSullivan.

She said that a claim had been sent to the Department of Transport at the beginning of the month for between 50m and 55m for damages to bridges.

The rest is for damage to our roads right across the county, she said.

A motion from East Cork Municipal District seeking assistance and answers to questions was raised at the meeting by the district chairwoman, Fine Gael councillor Susan McCarthy, who said it was no surprise that a large number of motions needed to be discussed given the devastation the district had experienced.

Ms McCarthy hailed the response of the Government which, she said, had acted promptly to provide guarantees of assistance to businesses and residential property owners and a guarantee that costs incurred by Cork County Council in resolving the flood damage would be recompensed.

Its very important to highlight here where people have fallen between the cracks or where estates are in a bit of trouble as they dont know where to go with this, some of them dont know if theyve been taken in charge, she said.

One of the unexpected costs which has arisen was the inflated electricity bills which were being expected by businesses and residents who had been running humidifiers constantly since Storm Babet to dry out their premises.

In my own business we wont be open for at least four weeks and we have to run dehumidifiers every day, just to alleviate that cost for people would be great, said Cllr Ann Marie Ahern.

While the motion focused on east Cork, councillors from throughout the county made contributions relating to their own areas.

The majority of councillors supported the dredging of rivers as a tried and trusted method of reducing the risk of flooding, while a number of elected members said there was substantial research in the UK which suggested that dredging could lead rivers to run faster and exacerbate flooding.

County Mayor Cllr Frank OFlynn said that common sense had to be used as the experience was, where rivers were dredged at regular intervals, this mitigated against the risk of flooding.

I lived next to Araglen River, a place called Coolesheen Bridge, and every year that was dredged and it never flooded.
The County Mayor is encouraging people to show their support for Midleton following the recent devastating floods in the town and has announced a special series of events planned for the area in the run up to Christmas.

The towns Christmas lights are to be turned on during a day-long programme of events this Sunday welcoming the festive season in county Cork.

As part of the day, the Courtyard at Sage Restaurant will be transformed into Santass Grotto until 3.00pm with a special sensory event taking place from 10.00 am until 12.00 noon.

There will be a Christmas Fair at The Fair Green sponsored by GEDA construction and Pirate Pete Magic Shows at the Midleton Park Hotel throughout the day.

At 6.15pm, local girl Orla Hennessy will turn on the towns Christmas lights.

The day will be extra special for Orlas family who say they are extremely grateful to all the doctors, nurses and staff at Crumlin and the Mercy Hospital who played a vital role in getting Orla to where she is today.

Orla was 6-years-old when she was diagnosed with Severe Aplastic Anemia, a rare and life-threatening blood disorder.

She underwent a bone marrow transplant last October with her older sister Shannon as donor.

As a result of her illness Orla missed all of senior infants, but thanks to teachers Aisling and Niamh providing home tuition, she has since been able to return to school and rejoin her friends in first class.

Speaking ahead of the events, Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Frank OFlynn said, The Midleton Christmas Lights Committee have put huge work into making sure the turning on ceremony is bigger and brighter than ever.

"We have witnessed incredible community spirit in the town of Midleton and surrounding areas in recent weeks. Everyone came together to support the homes and businesses damaged by the worst flooding in decades. These businesses are now reopening, are about to enter what is traditionally the busiest time of the year for them and it is so important that we all continue to shop local and support them.

"Sundays event will reflect this spirit and more and I am asking people from near and far to visit Midleton and to pick up some unique Christmas gifts.

Making it easy to shop local

Midleton Christmas Lights Committee representative Rebecca Darcy said, We want to ensure that as many people as possible get to experience the magic of Christmas in Midleton this year.

"Santas Grotto is free to enter and the gifts have been kindly donated by the BWG Value Centre in Little Island. We are also working closely with the St Vincent de Paul to enable local families they support to enjoy the festivities. The annual Christmas Fair runs from midday until 8.00pm and there will be plenty of food stalls and crafts. We will also have a DJ, local groups performing and fun characters making their way around the town.

"The aim of the day is to encourage people to visit Midleton for the turning on ceremony, to get a taste of the fantastic businesses and craft makers and for them to return again and again to shop local.

Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Valerie OSullivan added, We want to make it as easy as possible for people to shop locally and to experience the magic of Christmas on their doorstep. It has been a challenging few years for all businesses which is why it is so important that we all make a concerted effort to visit towns like Midleton and to support the retailers and companies that are the lifeblood of our communities.

Among the events is a Magic Show with Pirate Pete at the Midleton Park Hotel- all funds raised will go towards the Christmas lights. Tickets for this event are available from: www.ticketsource.eu/midleton-christmas-lights

Parking in the county

Local traffic diversions will be in place for a time during the day in the town.

Christmas preparations are also well underway in other parts of the county.

Cork County Council has announced that it is also providing for special car parking arrangements across its own operated car parks throughout the month of December.

Visitors are encouraged to check the offers in their local area.
AN unprovoked attack by a 22-year-old man who used a glass to strike another mans neck in a pub on Carrigaline on Christmas Eve resulted in him being sentenced to 15 months in jail.

Judge James McCourt said it was completely unprovoked, and that even if the accused believed he was in some way acting as a good Samaritan, he went much too far.

Colin OLeary  previously of The Crescent, Curraheen, Bishopstown, Cork, and also of Belfort, Rossa Avenue, Bishopstown  was sentenced to 18 months, with the last three months suspended, at Cork Circuit Criminal Court.

Detective Garda Ian Breen said the injured party was assaulted with a glass into the neck area, causing a serious injury at around 9.30pm on December 24, 2022, at The Stables Bar, Carrigaline, Co Cork. The accused pleaded guilty to the charge of assault causing harm.

Defence barrister Elaine Audley said the accused had alopecia from the age of eight, lost all of his hair, and ended up experiencing severe bullying throughout his schooling, causing him to struggle socially.

He took drugs and was drinking at the early age of 10, she said. His parents divorced. He went to three different secondary schools, which compounded his social difficulties and bullying, and he had difficulties making friends. He was taking drugs and drinking to mask the difficulties in his personal life.

Mr OLeary was drinking all day [Christmas Eve] and taking Xanax prescribed for anxiety. He should not have been drinking and taking tablets together.

He accepts the injured party had done nothing to him and that it was an out-of-the-blue attack.

He is doing well in prison. He has a girlfriend who is of good character. He accepts he has anger issues. He has written a letter of apology. There is a letter from his employer. He hopes to work full-time and be a productive member of society.

Judge James McCourt said: The victim, very helpfully from [defendants] point of view, said he just wants to move on with his life.

The previous conviction that causes me most concern is an almost identical conviction from May 2021 for an assault causing harm committed in May 2019. You did not learn from your previous experience.

In mitigation, you apologised and you displayed a degree of remorse and insight.

The judge noted from the defence that the injured party was in a minor dispute with other parties in an incident that had nothing to do with Mr OLeary but that Mr OLeary got involved.

Judge McCourt said: It is all very well to be a good Samaritan, but you went way beyond that... Had you not got involved, your victim would have enjoyed his Christmas and you probably would have enjoyed your Christmas.

Judge McCourt acknowledged difficulties the accused had in his youth.

He imposed a sentence of 18 months, with the last three months suspended, and said that credit would be given for the seven months already served by Mr OLeary.
AN ELECTED member of Cork County Council, who has announced her intention not to run again, has said she received a death threat and online abuse during her two terms as a councillor.

During an investigation by The Echo into the harassment of local female councillors and candidates, Midleton-based Fine Gael councillor Susan McCarthy said her decision not to run again was not because of the hand-written death threat she received or the online abuse, but to regain a proper work/life balance.

Abuse would be a certain part of it, I did receive a death threat once, it wasnt on social media, it was a hand-written letter  it was frightening, said Ms McCarthy.

She referenced the murder in Britain of Westminster MP Jo Cox in 2017 when the Labour politician was attacked by a man with far-right views near her constituency office.

For all that to be going on in the UK and then to get a death threat, I did not take it lightly, I can tell you. It affected me, it affected my husband, it affected our family, it affected my extended family, my parents, everybody.

Fine Gael councillor for East Cork, Susan McCarthy, recently announced her intention to step back, and the move means her name will not be on the ballot paper for the first time since 2014.

I think public representatives become public representatives because they want to be a voice for their area, they think its going to give them more of a voice for whats right and wrong in the world, she said.

But it nearly gags you, it nearly stops you having a voice because youre almost afraid to say what you think because there will be a pile on.

While online abuse wasnt the key factor in her decision not to go forward once again, she said it definitely contributed to the decision.

She said that she had also received a handwritten death threat while a councillor, a situation which had impacted not alone herself but her family and wider circle of relatives.

Abuse targeted at women

All public representatives get abuse, but whats very very interesting is that, according to a report which came out last year, women get eight times the abuse men get, said Ms McCarthy, referring to a report published by the National Womens Council which looked at the period between September 2020 and September 2021.

Cllr Susan McCarthy said she received a handwritten death threat. Picture: David Keane.

Its quite staggering, she said. Its not double, its not treble, its eight times more abuse.

They seem to be perceived as an easier target by the type of people who are keyboard warriors who seem to be freer in what they will say to a woman online.

It doesnt matter if youre perceived to be a strong woman or quiet, it doesnt matter.

Ms McCarthy said sometimes she had received abuse in direct messages, which arent viewable by the public, because the writers know what they put in these messages are so vile they would prompt other online users to pile on themselves.

The real shocker is these people are protecting themselves against an onslaught, but theyre quite willing to be part of an onslaught, she said.

Withdrawl from social media

The councillor said she had been very prominent on social media after being first elected, but had gradually withdrawn during her second term of office.

I found it was a good thing because my time was better spent  I worked really hard and it freed up time as I didnt have to curate posts, make it look a certain way, try to think of what youre going to say and how youre going to look, she said.

If fewer female candidates go forward for election next year, it will mean the councils will finish up even more male, more pale, and more stale, and this is something which is of concern to all the parties.

Politics is one of the areas which heavily male-dominated  the environment needs to change to be more conducive to females coming up, she said, adding that the quotas were certainly helping as it means that each party must have 40% female and 40% male candidates at least.

All public representatives get abuse, but whats very very interesting is that, according to a report which came out last year, women get eight times the abuse men get, said Ms McCarthy. Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire

She acknowledged that she had noticed an improvement, that there was more acceptance to seeing female politicians than when she started out.

Even before I was ever elected as a councillor, and I had just declared that I was going to run for Fine Gael and I remember the day of my public launch, I put something up on Twitter defending a Fine Gael councillor over something, and next thing there was a group of people, affiliated to a certain party structure different to my own, and it got very nasty, and it kept on coming in and coming in, she said.

It was coming in to such an extent that I really was not used to it and it really upset me, and when I went up to give my launch speech that evening, it was with red eyes because I had literally been so upset all day, it was relentless  that was really a good example of how bad it was.

She said there was a difference now as you dont get the organised pile-on as much.

The exposure on social media contributed to my decision, 100%, but the key thing really with our job is that its time and energy, your work/life balance, you give up so much of your life to politics, you really have to give it everything, she said.

Is it worth it  is it fair to my party to go if Im not going to give it 100%?

And thats where I found myself, I have to be honest about that.

Abuse would be a certain part of it, I did receive a death threat once, it wasnt on social media, it was a handwritten letter  it was frightening, she said, referring to the murder in the UK of Westminster MP Jo Cox which happened in 2017 when the Labour Party politician was attacked near her constituency office by a man with far-right views.

For all that to be going on in the UK and then to get a death threat, I did not take it lightly I can tell you  it affected me, it affected my husband, it affected our family, it affected my extended family, my parents, everybody.

People dont realise the effect these things have, you should be very, very careful of what you commit to paper or online, what you say to people, you really do need to have a strong look at yourself  what effect are you going to have on people?

Relief

Now that she has decided that she will not run again, she feels relief and looks back on her time in local politics with mixed feelings. Theres also a tinge of regret as she had thought she might go further in politics, perhaps stand for the Dail.

You have to have a fire in your belly  someone told me that and it really is true, she said.

Its not about money, its not about thanks, its about wanting to see the betterment of your area, really.

Pressure to be always on call

Sinn Fein councillor Danielle Twomey announced her intention to step down in the wake of the recent floods and described the week and a half when the Storm Babet floods hit Cork as the worst of her professional career and personal life.

The last year Ive experienced issues relating to my position that has made me question whether this is the right career for me, from online harassment that still continues, to undermining and backhanded moves from certain members of my own party against me, she wrote in her statement announcing her decision on social media.

And, honestly, its affected me mentally and has tarnished the whole experience for me.

She outlined her thinking about how to deal with the incessant abuse and it did offer some relief.

Sinn Fein councillor Danielle Twomey announced her intention to step down in the wake of the recent floods

If youre going to go online and make derogatory nasty comments about people you dont know, thats not normal behaviour, and because I switched my thinking on it and thought: Well, were not dealing with somebody whos not acting in a normal capacity, that kind of took the sting out of it for me.

That being said, it still doesnt make it right.

The job as a councillor is quite intense and its not a 9-5 job like it was, maybe, a long time ago  now theres additional pressures on you because of social media, youre expected to be on call all the time and if you dont answer people, you could get a comment on social media  she didnt answer me on time.

The pressure is always on you to be always on call. The social media platforms have given people the capacity to give you abuse when you dont live up to their expectations  and they can do it anonymously, which is so frustrating.

For me, personally, it was definitely the start of me losing the love for the job because I kind of felt: Why am I doing this, spending all this time away from my children?. I love the job, its very rewarding, but when youre getting this toxicity about the things youre trying to do, it takes the shine off it a little bit.

Rewards

When Ms Twomey says the job is rewarding, she is not referring to the increased stipend paid to councillors.

Its rewarding because you can make a difference in your own community, you can help people and thats the only reason I ever wanted to get involved in politics, because I wanted to help people, I wanted to make our little community a better place for my children, for everybody elses children, that was something that was a huge driver for me, she said.

I found a way of navigating a way through the political system and getting things done to the best way I could  and I think I was probably good at that, but did I make myself a target.

If I was on TV, Id have comments made about the way I looked, my looks, and I just dont think that a male politician... theres definitely an element of being an easy target because youre a female.

Impact for new candidates

Online harassment is a factor for new candidates as well as sitting councillors. Laura Harmon has recently been announced as the Labour candidate in Cork City South West.

told The Echo that she felt social media harassment had gotten worse in recent years. Image Conor McCabe Photography.

She told The Echo that she felt social media harassment had gotten worse in recent years. Its less of a safe space now, the former Union of Students in Ireland president and a leading campaigner in the Repeal the Eighth and Equal Marriage Referendum campaigns.

For me, the worst abuse I got was when I was protesting against the far right in Cork city last summer when they were trying to close the library. Its usually cowards behind fake accounts but they are often co-ordinated and some of the images they send and names they called me would make you sick.

I block and mute abusive people online frequently.

She still maintains that social media can be a fantastic way to get a message across.

Its very much part of political campaigning, she said. But I believe that social media companies need to do more to protect users on their platforms, including women and minority groups of men too. If women are being pushed out of politics because of abuse online, thats a threat to democracy.

Reduced interest from candidates

Fine Gael councillor for the Macroom/Millstreet municipal area, Eileen Lynch, said her party was finding less interest among prospective candidates in putting their names forward.

Its incredibly difficult, and I was only elected in 2019, its getting even more difficult, said the councillor who has spoken previously of getting abuse, both online and in person.

I think its why youre seeing people drop off, why youre seeing a large amount of councillors not contesting the next locals.

Its good to speak out about it, but its not necessarily changing whats happening  still the narrative is out there and its probably deterring people from going into it.

Ms Lynch said she had no experience of getting face-to-face abuse, adding: Its online, its by phone, its by email  the worst thing is that sometimes people can send you really abusive messages or slate you on Facebook and you bump into them in your local town the next week and theyre like: Hi, how are you?.

Its easier to do it through those mediums, even to give out to somebody over the phone, its a lot easier than to do it to their face.

According to Ms Lynch, the challenge in finding new candidates means the political world will find it difficult to renew itself. She added that, having seen the recent Public Accounts Committee hearings about RTE, she felt that politics needed renewal and an infusion of quality.

Anybody who has a modicum of sense is, like: Nah, why would I do that, youre putting yourself up in full view, youre on call 24/7, and, from a councillors point of view as well, finance has to come into it.

Any councillor that I know that are that bit younger and have a family are working as well, at a minimum part-time.

Some are working up to four days a week on top of being a councillor, and its very difficult to do all of that.

Appeal for kindness

The Storm Babet floods had a devastating impact on Fianna Fail councillor Ann Marie Ahern whose home and business in Midleton was impacted when the river burst its banks. Such was the abuse she suffered, even though her auctioneer business was badly hit, that she issued an appeal for kindness in the wake of disaster.

Its just a bit of nastiness and hurtfulness, she said. I would ask that people would just be kind to each other at this stage when we are coming out the other end, the adrenaline is gone and people are just tired.

For people who have lost their homes and businesses, myself included, the stark reality of that is only hitting home these days.

If we could just respect each other and be kind to each other.

Corks two local authorities, the County and City Councils, have 86 elected members between them at present, and this includes a total of 26 female councillors, 21 on the county council and five on the city council.

Whether the group picture following next years elections includes as many or fewer female politicians will tell its own story.
YOUNG entrepreneurs at The Hub in University College Cork (UCC) have been celebrated at this years IGNITE awards.

The budding business leaders, who showcased their start-ups and plans, were all participants in UCCs IGNITE programme.

Six IGNITE participants pitched their businesses to the packed audience of entrepreneurs, business owners, and investors.

The founders competed in two award categories: The Investor Pathway Award and the Revenue Pathway Award.

The winners included Shannen OReilly, of TrustDush, winner of the Bank of Ireland Investor Pathway Award, and Ailis Crowley, of FASH Forward, winner of the Local Enterprise Office Revenue Pathway Award. Other awardees were Elvis Seporaitis, of Volta Robotics, winner of the Bank of Ireland Investor Pitch Award, and Marek Zbanski, of BlueDawn Agency, winner of the Local Enterprise Office Sales Pitch Award.

Guest speaker was IGNITE alumnus Mark OSullivan, who co-founded newborn brain-monitoring technology company Neurobell.

The IGNITE programme has worked with 170 start-ups over the last 12 years and these companies have created more than 370 jobs.

IGNITE director Eamon Curtin said: This has been a very busy year for past and present participants on the IGNITE programme. We are especially proud of the numerous awards that have been won by programme alumni.

We were delighted to welcome everyone to UCC this evening for what was a great showcase of the business ideas. It was wonderful to also welcome back Mark OSullivan, who talked about his own business story. Mark is a great example of what can be achieved from dedication and hard work.

The UCC IGNITE programme is open to recent graduates from any third-level institution in Ireland, who have the passion and ambition to work full-time on a scalable start-up idea.

The programme is funded by UCC, Bank of Ireland, and the three Local Enterprise Offices of Cork City  South Cork and North & West Cork, Cork City Council, and Cork County Council. Applications are open for the next IGNITE programme, which begins in January.
THE long-awaited roundabout on the busy Mallow to Millstreet N72 road, which will be officially opened on Friday, will be a game changer in terms of safety and accessibility for the people of Duhallow in north Cork, the chair of the northern committee of Cork County Council has said.

Fianna Fail councillor Bernard Moynihan has described the 5m upgrade of the Ballymacquirke Cross junction as a vital link for people from Duhallow to commute to and from work in Cork city, and said it would save lives and help business and tourism in the region.

The junction at the intersection of the Mallow to Millstreet/Killarney road and the route between Kanturk and Banteer has been the scene of numerous accidents over the years and was listed as being among the most dangerous in Cork by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII).

Work began on transforming Ballymacquirke Cross into a roundabout at the end of February and the contractors, Sorensens, has finished the project ahead of schedule - the first quarter of the New Year had been the original completion date.

It is now scheduled to be opened on Friday, and the ribbon will be cut by Cllr Moynihan himself wearing his hat as chair of the council's northern committee.

Four years ago I delivered a petition with more than 3,000 signatures to Transport Minister Eamon Ryan about Ballymacquirke, a notorious accident black spot," said Mr Moynihan.

"I'm now delighted that the work has come to fruition and the roundabout is in place to provide years of safe connectivity between Duhallow and Cork for generations to come," he added.
By Cillian Sherlock, PA

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and French prime minister Elisabeth Borne have called for a renewed political process to end the conflict in Gaza.

The leaders discussed energy co-operation and transport as well as current international issues during a bilateral meeting in Dublin.

Ms Bornes visit coincides with the 225th anniversary of the Year of the French  Lannee des Francais  when forces of the French Republic sailed from La Rochelle to help the Irish rebellion for independence in 1798.

She was joined by several other French ministers who met their Irish counterparts.

Speaking to the media at a joint press conference following the bilateral meeting in Dublin, Mr Varadkar said: We discussed the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. We urgently need a ceasefire that can allow for supplies desperately needed and allow EU passport-holders  that want to  to leave safely.

French prime minister Elisabeth Borne (Norma Burke/PA)

We also discussed the hostage situation. Hostages must be released immediately without precondition.

Ultimately, peace will only be secured for Israel and for Palestine through a renewed political process leading to a two-state solution, both secure and both viable.

Global and regional leaders need to put their full weight behind securing such an outcome and I welcome the leadership shown by (French President Emmanuel) Macron in recent weeks.

The international community has neglected this conflict since 2008, and that has been a terrible mistake.

Ms Borne said France is calling for a humanitarian pause in Gaza and working towards a ceasefire.

Speaking at joint press conference with Irish premier Mr Varadkar in Dublin, Ms Borne said: We must do everything we can to ensure foreign aid can get into the Gaza Strip.

The only path for peace is to relaunch a political process which will guarantee security for Israel and create a Palestinian state.

This is a position we (France and Ireland) share.
By Rebecca Black, PA

RTE will shed some 400 jobs and cut a number of services as part of their plan to handle financial losses.

Under the strategic reform plan handed to Government, details of which leaked on Monday, the voluntary redundancies are to be made by 2028.

The plan, reported by RTE News, will also prioritise upgraded technology, live and online content, while some services will be reduced and there will be more production in Cork and in other regions in the years ahead.

More content will be produced by the independent sector, RTE reported, and it will continue to reduce the pay of top presenters as well as retain a 2023 pay cap.

RTE said in a statement that it will publish its strategic vision document on Tuesday, after a meeting with unions and staff representative groups and a briefing of staff by director general Kevin Bakhurst.

The Trade Union Group (TUG) called on RTE to release the full document to staff immediately.

A spokesman said: It is not acceptable that staff should find out about the plan in this way and now be worried about the security of their jobs.

Last month Mr Bakhurst warned the broadcaster would become insolvent by early spring next year without additional funding from the Government,

Ministers are withholding 40 million, to plug a gap created by plummeting licence fee revenue, pending the delivery of the strategic reform plan from RTE.

The Oireachtas Public Accounts Committee was told RTE is facing a loss of between 10-12 million this year.

Speaking at a press conference in Dublin earlier, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said the government would not allow RTE to fail.

I believe RTE is an essential service, its a public service broadcaster, and were not going to allow it to fail, were not going to allow it to cease to operate, he said.
Tom Tuite

A Dublin-based garda detective has been found guilty of attacking a man in a crowded bar who told a court he was "taking selfies" and not photographing or recording the off-duty officer and his colleagues on a night out.

Garda Robert Hennessy pleaded not guilty to assaulting social care worker Michael Finnegan, 40, from Crumlin, Dublin, who was repeatedly punched in the face while socialising at Cafe en Seine on Dawson Street, Dublin, on December 11th, 2019.

Hennessy was prosecuted following a Garda Ombudsman (Gsoc) investigation leading to his non-jury trial before Judge John Hughes at Dublin District Court.

Mr Finnegan testified that Hennessy told him he was in Garda intelligence before he repeatedly punched him, leaving him bleeding, in pain, dizzy, and with a split lip. It was captured on the bar's security camera system and the footage was played during the trial.

The detective garda is in a specialist unit which does surveillance work.

The officer did not testify, but in his statement to Gsoc, he claimed he was stressed and under pressure, because he feared Mr Finnegan would "out them".

Prosecution counsel Diarmuid Collins submitted to Judge Hughes that no one else in the CCTV evidence appeared scared at being "unmasked". He argued that even if Mr Finnegan had been taking photos of the Garda group, that did not provide a case for self-defence.

He said: "It was not the law of the schoolyard or the jungle, and you cannot punch someone four or five times in the head whether you are an intelligence officer or not".

The complainant refused to hand over his phone to investigators but downloaded some selfies exhibited in court. The defence complained that bolstered his version of allegations and that other evidence from his phone was not available.

Judge Hughes noted Mr Finnegan catalogued his life through photos which he would upload to Twitter or Instagram.

Judge Hughes noted Michael Finnegan (above) catalogued his life through photos which he would upload to Twitter or Instagram. Photo: Collins Courts

The judge believed that Mr Finnegan was surreptitiously observing them and using his phone to take pictures or videos of the off-duty group of gardai.

He noted a barman's evidence that Mr Finnegan was "more than tipsy".

He also said Garda Hennessy was anxious about being photographed on the night out, which could have caused him professional embarrassment or threatened his security.

However, he said the relevant circumstances did not arise for a case of self-defence, and he could not attack someone for taking photos.

He convicted Garda Hennessy and noted Mr Finnegan told Gsoc he did not want the detective to lose his job.

He was not present when the verdict was delivered, but his victim impact statement was read into the court record.

It stated: "It has been four years since Robert Hennessy assaulted me in an unprovoked attack. I still remember that day, and parts of it still haunt me. While Robert Hennessy was unaware of the personal challenges I was having, this assault did have a significant impact on me. I do not know Robert Hennessy, and maybe he is a good guy and a good detective. I understand being a detective garda is an incredibly difficult job. I have the utmost respect for gardai.

"I cannot even begin to describe the feeling of terror and fear I felt when I was violently attacked by him as he punched me repeatedly in the face in a crowded bar. I would not be telling the truth if I did not say that since the assault; I've been very anxious when I'm in Dublin city centre."

Sentencing was adjourned until February 6th to allow the defence to prepare a mitigation plea.

Earlier in the trial, Mr Finnegan said he was happy and the day was a milestone because he had finished his first exams at Trinity College. He went for a drink in the Pavilion and later to Cafe en Seine.

He said he was taking selfie pictures on his phone, and there were two attractive women in their 30s to his left, and he "made an attempt to chat them up".

He did not know their occupation but said the accused came over and identified himself as a garda.

He alleged the accused chatted to him but was "under the influence" and very aggressive and that he was punched by him several times. It left him in pain and dizzy, with blood coming out of his mouth and a split lip.

Afterwards, an older man approached and asked if he would consider "shaking hands" or accepting an apology, but he told the man to "F-off. "

Cross-examined by defence counsel Breffni Gordon, he repeatedly denied videoing or taking pictures of the Garda group or telling them, "Here are you having a good night, youse would want to watch yourself, a group of intelligence officers on the town together you wouldn't know what would happen to you".

Questioned about his failure to hand over his phone to gardai and later Gsoc, Mr Finnegan said he feared he might be in trouble and that it was a result of mental health issues, including PTSD, which he has suffered from for years.

In court, when questioned about his demeanour in the video evidence, he said that was due to being constantly hyper-vigilant as a result of being attacked as a child.

Mr Finnegan is an abuse survivor and whistle-blower who has complained about child sexual abuse in St John Ambulance.
Vivienne Clarke

Galway businessman Michael White has told of how, when he opened the doors of his premises on Monday morning, two and a half feet of water ran under my feet.

Storm Debi caused chaos in the county early on Monday, particularly in Oranmore, where boats were washed off their moorings and shops flooded by seawater.

Mr White told RTE radios Morning Ireland that a lot of damage was done to his shop in Oranmore, but that no one was killed or injured which was a miracle.

While his premises had been flooded a few years ago, it was nothing at all like the extent of the flooding from Storm Debi. One other shop just up the road had also been flooded in Oranmore, but nearby Clarenbridge had been hit very, very badly.

Mr White said the first he had heard about the red warning for Storm Debi was at 8pm on Sunday, but it was for East Galway and Roscommon, which was 30 to 40 miles away, so he had not been expecting damage. He said he was unaware how much would be covered by his existing insurance.

The most important thing was the cleanup. The first thing I have to say about yesterday was the support from the people in Oranmore was unbelievable. I mean, it was unbelievable the amount of people that were in the shop yesterday helping to clean up. There were 20, 30 people in the shop at any one time. I'm forever grateful. It was fantastic support from the whole village yesterday.

The mayor of Galway City, Cllr Eddie Hoare, told RTE that the city had been badly hit by the storm because of the combination of high winds and high tide.

A number of businesses have been impacted in Galway City, a number of homeowners, too. Unfortunately, the area in which the flooding occurred is a regular area that is flooded. Most, if not all of the owners and businesses wouldn't have insured, which is devastating for them.

And what's even more devastating is the fear in those homeowners and businesses that this could happen again. And that's the big concern here again. Obviously, some are coming to terms with the damage yesterday.

Cllr Hoare said that a lot of stock had been damaged, which was a big concern for the businesses involved.

Following flooding in 2018, he said temporary measures had been installed in some parts of Galway by the council, and these had acted as a mitigation. However, there were concerns that further measures had not been introduced because of planning issues.

The funding was in place and he wanted to assure businesses and homeowners that more temporary and permanent measures would be put in place as it was likely that flooding was going to be a regular occurence.
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.

Attenborough's long-beaked echidna was captured in photos and video footage using remote trail cameras set up in the Cyclops Mountains of Indonesia's Papua Province. Expedition Cyclops / Oxford University

Biologist Sir David Attenborough, who is 97, has been documenting the natural world and, more recently, the effects of climate change on ecosystems and biodiversity, for most of his life.

More than 50 animal taxa have been named after the English natural historian, and one of them, the egg-laying mammal Attenboroughs long-beaked echidna, was recently rediscovered after being believed to be extinct for more than six decades.

Before the nocturnal echidna, which resembles a hedgehog with a long snout like an anteater, was rediscovered in July, the last recording of the species was by a Dutch botanist in the Cyclops Mountains of Indonesia in 1961, reported The Guardian.

The recent rediscovery was made during an expedition led by researchers from Oxford University in the only known habitat of the elusive creature. The research team spent a month searching for Attenboroughs namesake with the help of 80 field cameras, NPR reported.

Finally, on the expeditions last day, evidence of the shy, long-lost echidna waddled through the frame.

It came down to that very final moment, said biologist James Kempton of Oxford University, who led the expedition, as reported by NPR. It was the very last images, from the final camera that we collected, on the final day of the last ascent of the expedition. It was intense relief initially because we spent so much effort  and then euphoria.

Attenboroughs long-beaked echidna is part of a small group of five existing species of egg-laying mammals, which includes the platypus.

The reason it appears so unlike other mammals is because it is a member of the monotremes, an egg-laying group that separated from the rest of the mammal tree-of-life about 200m years ago, Kempton said, as The Guardian reported.

Another species of echidna is found in New Guinea and Australia.

The researchers navigated northeastern Papua New Guinea with the help of local villagers from Yongsu Sapari. During their exploration of the remote region, they endured earthquakes, leeches and malaria.

The echidna live at the highest elevations of the steep and craggy Cyclops Mountains.

Youre slipping all over the place. Youre being scratched and cut. There are venomous animals around you, deadly snakes, Kempton said, as reported by BBC News. There are leeches literally everywhere. The leeches are not only on the floor, but these leeches climb trees, they hang off the trees and then drop on you to suck your blood.

Kempton expressed hopes that rediscovering Attenboroughs long-beaked echidna, which is critically endangered but not currently a protected species, would help protect biodiversity in the Cyclops Mountains.

Given so much of that rainforest hasnt been explored, what else is out there that we havent yet discovered? The Attenborough long-beaked echidna is a symbol of what we need to protect  to ensure we can discover it, Kempton said, as BBC News reported.
Telecom customers to experience 15 minute loss of service tomorrow due to emergency maintenance

Manx Telecom will be performing emergency maintenance on its Fixed Line network overnight tomorrow (November 15).

Customers in Andreas, Ballaugh, Baldrine, Bride, Crosby, Dalby, Foxdale, Glen Maye, Greeba, Groudle, Laxey, Marown, Patrick, Peel, St. Johns , Jurby, Maughold, Ramsey, Snaefell, Sulby and the surrounding areas will experience a loss of service within the maintenance window.

The maintenance window will be between 10pm tomorrow and 7am on Thursday (November 16).

Manx Telecom apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
Disruption to Manx Breast Clinic service

The Manx Breast Clinic is currently experiencing some disruption due to staffing issues, particularly in its ability to run the regular One Stop assessment clinic for new referrals into the service, as well as recalls from the Breast Screening service.

Temporary doctor cover has been secured within the clinic, however this will mean some delays in first appointment and screening recall appointments due to lack of immediate locum availability.

All forthcoming One Stop appointments will have to be cancelled and rebooked with a short delay in being seen by the Breast Team.

Women requiring a follow-up appointment following their Breast Screening mammogram will be provided an appointment as soon as possible  please note that this appointment may be at the Nightingale Breast Centre in Manchester.

The team are currently working to rebook patients affected by this issue  currently it is anticipating no more than a seven day delay in being seen within the Breast Clinic. This delay is due to the availability of replacement consultants coming from the UK to assist.

Manx Cares ability to undertake breast cancer surgery is unaffected.
In the history of modern gaming handhelds, Sony was there in the fairly early days with the PSP and Vita. Both were well regarded, if flawed, living and dying long before the age of the Switch and the Steam Deck. So it would be reasonable to expect the new PlayStation Portal, which marks Sonys return to handhelds, would be a triumph. Yeah. About that.

Portal is a $200 handheld that can only stream from your own PlayStation 5, either at home or when youre on the go. There are no local titles, or any bells and whistles for that matter, its just a way to play on your own PS5 when the TV isnt available. Devindra Hardawar has been testing one for a while and the obvious flaws remain obvious.

If your internet connection isnt rock-solid, then the Portal isnt very useful, especially when you can pick up a mobile handheld dock for a lot less cash. It doesnt help that Sonys not the best at perfectly integrating its hardware and software, so things you might expect to be seamless are anything but. Click to read Devindras full review, but if youre a Sony diehard, it might be best to hide behind your hands while you do so.

 Dan Cooper

You can get these reports delivered daily direct to your inbox. Subscribe right here!

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Spoiler: Its a lot of money.

Its common knowledge that Google pays Apple a kings ransom to be the default search engine on Safari. What is less well known is Google also hands over a 36 percent commission on the revenue generated by those searches. The news accidentally let slip during a recent hearing, despite both companies insistence the figure remain strictly confidential. Oops.

Continue Reading.

Its a relaxing way to sit in traffic.

Image of the Volvo EM90's interior with a pair of white plush reclining chairs. (Volvo)

Volvos first fully electric minivan, the EM90, which it describes as a living room on the move, has been announced for the Chinese market. Based on the Zeekr 009, it includes plush reclining chairs, air suspension and external noise cancellation. The range is no slouch, either, with a promised 450 miles on a single charge, if you can believe those sorts of promises.

Continue Reading.

Oh grow up, people.

There are plenty of words a respectable newsletter writer cant use when describing how people behave online. Youll just have to imagine how Id like to describe the operators and members of an AI marketplace encouraging its users to create the most realistic-looking deepfakes of real people. Its not just creepy requests for celebrities, which would be bad enough, either, since reporters also found requests for fakes of private citizens.

Continue Reading.

It reflects a blockbuster year of games.

Image from Baldur's Gate 3 (Larian Studios)

2023 has been an odd year for the gaming industry, pairing the highest highs with the lowest lows. The Game Awards lineup of nominees reflects the former, since this year weve had a stellar lineup of new releases. It speaks volumes about the quality of the years run that its hard to identify a nailed-on winner for Game of the Year.

Continue Reading.

This is almost as bad as third impact.

Image comparing the promotional Z790 EVA Hero Edition with the sold version, with an amusing typo. (ASUS)

ASUS has reminded us all why its important to double check your work in case an error gets through. It launched a series of motherboards catering to fans of blockbuster anime series Neon Genesis Evangelion. But a misprint means the units instead bear the name EVANGENLION, which probably makes them even more of a collectors item than they were before.

Continue Reading.
Zelle recently made a huge change to its policy that would give victims of certain scams the chance to get their money back. The payment processor has confirmed to Engadget that it started reimbursing customers for impostor scams, such as those perpetrated by bad actors pretending to be banks, businesses and government agencies, as of June 30 this year. Its parent company Early Warning Services, LLC, said this "goes beyond legal requirements."

As Reuters noted when it reported Zelle's policy change, federal laws can only compel banks to reimburse customers if payments were made without their authorization, but not when they made the transfer themselves. The payment processor, which is run by seven US banks that include Bank of America, JP Morgan Chase and Wells Fargo, explained that it defines scams as instances wherein a customer made payment but didn't get what they were promised. It had anti-fraud policy from the time it was launched in 2017, but it only started returning money to customers who were scammed, possibly due to increasing scrutiny and pressure from authorities.

"As the operator of Zelle, we continuously review and update our operating rules and technology practices to improve the consumer experience and address the dynamic nature of fraud and scams," Early Warning Services, LLC, told Engadget. "As of June 30, 2023, our bank and credit union participants must reimburse consumers for qualifying imposter scams, like when a scammer impersonates a bank to trick a consumer into sending them money with Zelle. The change ensures consistency across our network and goes beyond legal requirements.

Zelle has driven down fraud and scam rates as a result of these prevention and mitigation efforts consistently from 2022 to 2023, with increasingly more than 99.9% of Zelle transactions are without any reported fraud or scams," it added.

A series of stories published by The New York Times in 2022 put a spotlight on the growing number of scams and fraud schemes on Zelle. The publication had interviewed customers who were tricked into sending money to scammers but were denied reimbursement, because they had authorized the transactions. Senator Elizabeth Warren also conducted an investigation last year and found that "fraud and scams [jumped] more than 250 percent from over $90 million in 2020 to a pace exceeding $255 million in 2022." In November 2022, The Times reported that the seven banks that own Zelle were gearing up for a policy change that will reimburse scam victims.

In Zelle's "Report a Scam" information page, users can submit the scammer's details, including what they were claiming to be, their name, website and their phone number. They also have to provide the payment ID for the transfer, the date it was made and a description of what the transaction was supposed to be about. Zelle said it will report the information provided to the recipients bank or credit union to help prevent others from falling victim to their schemes, but it's unclear how Zelle determines whether a scam refund claim is legitimate or not.

"Zelle's platform changes are long overdue, Senator Warren told Reuters. "The CFPB (Consumer Financial Protection Bureau) is standing with consumers, and I urge the agency to keep the pressure on Zelle to protect consumers from bad actors."
In just under two years since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, we have heard from the United States (US)-led West of the constant refrain of securing a rules-based international order that is most threatened by the likes of Russia and China. Such a call for a rules-based order with human rights as its centrepiece is welcome. It is to be supported and encouraged along with the idea of defending democracies against autocracies President Joe Biden has reiterated several times. Yet those very ideas of a rules-based international order are shredded by the West in response to Israels actions in Gaza. Juxtaposing the Western response to the Russian aggression in Ukraine with the response towards Israels actions in Gaza suggests a fundamentally unsustainable contradiction at the heart of the current world order. The ructions across the world, most pronouncedly in the form of the Ukraine crisis and the current war in Gaza, suggest the obsolescence of the existing world order. There is a pressing need for a new world order, one that waits to be born, from the womb of the present one, that in its turn stifles and seeks to kill it as that very same womb cannot bear it anymore.

American journalist Christian Caryl (2013), in his book, Strange Rebels: 1979 and the Birth of the 21st Century, suggested that the best way to understand the almost roguish nature of the 21st century is to look at its foetal form in the political events around 1979, pre-eminent among them being the rise of Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan in the US and the United Kingdom (UK), the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, the Iranian

Islamic revolution, the assumption of the papal office by Polands Pope John Paul II, and the reforms of Deng Xiaoping in China. The problems of the 21st century can only be overcome with a decisive break from the complicated carryovers of its conception in the 20th century, thereby birthing another world order.
Sevilla

Un informe de CCOO apunta que el 75% de los que acuden a la Cartuja de Sevilla van en coche por "no tener alternativas"
(Informacion remitida por la empresa firmante)

BERGEN, Norway, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- BerGenBio ASA (OSE: BGBIO), a clinical-stage bio-pharmaceutical company developing novel, selective AXL kinase inhibitors for severe unmet medical needs, today announced financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2023, and provided a business update.

"We are pleased to report continued advancement of our focused strategy to study our lead compound bemcentinib, a highly selective AXL inhibitor, in first line (1L) Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) patients harboring mutations in the STK11 gene (STK11m). The increasing recognition of STK11m as a poor prognostic factor for 1L NSCLC patients, as evidenced by real-world data presented at prestigious medical conferences, continues to substantiate high unmet medical needs and our clinical data continues to validate the potential role of bemcentinib in combination with standard of care therapies to improve the outcome for these patients. During the quarter, we activated additional clinical trial sites in the US and prepared for the addition of sites in Europe in anticipation of the expected initiation of the Ph2a portion of our study in 1L NSCLC STK11m patients in the first half of 2024. Our operating expenses in the quarter amounted to NOK 28.1 million compared to NOK 62.4 million in Q3 2022 reflecting the effects of our focused strategy and cost containment implemented in connection with the Rights Issue. At 30th September 2023 our cash position stood at NOK 169.3 million. We believe that our singular focus on advancing bemcentinib in 1L NSCLC STK11m combined with the potential funding from the exercise of outstanding warrants issued in the Rights Issue enable us to generate data that can position the significant potential of bemcentinib in NSCLC," said Martin Olin, Chief Executive Officer of BerGenBio.

Clinical Development

Bemcentinib

BerGenBio's lead compound, bemcentinib, is a potentially first-in-class, oral, highly selective inhibitor of the receptor tyrosine kinase AXL, which is expressed and activated in response to oxidative stress, inflammation, hypoxia and drug treatment, resulting in several deleterious effects in cancer and severe respiratory infections. Bemcentinib selectively inhibits AXL activation to prevent the progression of serious diseases through the modulation of resistance mechanisms and the adaptive immune system.

Bemcentinib is currently being developed in 1L STK11 mutated NSCLC and severe respiratory infections. Its novel mechanisms of action and primary accumulation in the lungs uniquely position it to address these severe lung diseases.

Oncology: NSCLC

1L STK11m NSCLC (BGBC016)

We continue to advance our focused strategy through the conduct of BGBC016, a global, open-label Phase 1b/2a trial designed to determine the safety, tolerability and efficacy of bemcentinib in combination with standard of care treatments in untreated advanced/metastatic non-squamous NSCLC patients with STK11m and no actionable mutations. Sites in the US have been activated and enrollment is ongoing while expansion into European sites is well underway, with regulatory approval to proceed received from regulatory authorities in the US and several European countries.

The Phase 1b portion of the study is evaluating the safety and feasibility of three different doses of bemcentinib in combination with pembrolizumab and doublet chemotherapy in 1L advanced/metastatic non-squamous NSCLC patients, regardless of STK11 status. To date, no significant safety concerns have arisen in the Phase 1b study. The Phase 2a expansion will assess the safety and efficacy of up to two doses of bemcentinib in the same treatment combination in 1L advanced/metastatic non-squamous NSCLC patients with STK11m.

A significant subgroup comprising of up to 20 % (> 30,000 patients in US and EU5) of 1L non-squamous NSCLC patients harbor STK11m, which are associated with immunosuppression and poor prognosis with standard 1L NSCLC treatment. Data suggests that STK11m NSCLC patients almost universally express AXL in tumors and/or on immune cells, resulting in the development of drug resistance, immune evasion, and metastases.

Post-quarter, the Company announced that the final data from the BGBC008 study (2L+ NSCLC, bemcentinib in combination with pembrolizumab) presented on October 23rd at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) 2023 Annual Meeting held in Madrid. The Company believes that these data along with study BGBIL005 (2L+ NSCLC, bemcentinib in combination with docetaxel) provide clinical evidence of the anti-tumor effects of bemcentinib and its ability to modulate the tumor microenvironment to enhance the effects of immunotherapy and chemotherapy. We believe that the reversal of the effects of AXL with bemcentinib holds the promise of providing substantial survival benefits to NSCLC patients and specifically in patients harboring STK11m and potentially other hard-to treat mutations such as KRAS and KEAP1. We expect to report additional clinical data at upcoming major medical meetings during the remainder of 2023, including the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) Annual Meeting and the American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting.

Description of the 2L+ NSCLC Trial (BGBC008)

The Ph2 BGBC008 trial enrolled 90 evaluable 2L+ NSCLC patients who had received at least one prior line of therapy: chemotherapy, immunotherapy or the combination.

An analysis of AXL biomarker status indicates that the presence of AXL expression on either tumor cells and/or immune cells is predictive of improved survival in patients treated with bemcentinib + pembrolizumab. The vast majority (88%) of patients met the criteria for AXL presence (AXL positive patients) and obtained clinically meaningful benefits: Median overall survival was highly statistically significant at p=0.001 in AXL positive vs. AXL negative patients (14.1 mos. vs 6.5 mos). Median progression free survival was 6.0 mos. in AXL positive patients vs. 5.8 AXL negative patients.

pembrolizumab. The vast majority (88%) of patients met the criteria for AXL presence (AXL positive patients) and obtained clinically meaningful benefits: Analysis of available data for patients treated in subsequent therapies (3L+) following treatment with bemcentinib + pembrolizumab identified a higher than expected response rate, potentially pointing to long-lasting immune response benefits.

+ pembrolizumab identified a higher than expected response rate, potentially pointing to long-lasting immune response benefits. Data from the BGBC008 study also indicate that patients with PD-L1 negative (TPS score <1%) benefit from the combination treatment of bemcentinib and pembrolizumab. Currently PD-L1 negative patients respond less well to immune checkpoint inhibition, potentially providing a n opportunity to expand the patient population eligible for treatment with bemcentinib.

and pembrolizumab. Currently PD-L1 negative patients respond less well to immune checkpoint inhibition, potentially providing n opportunity to expand the patient population eligible for treatment with The combination of bemcentinib and pembrolizumab appeared to benefit patients with mutations associated with poor outcome with available therapies, including STK11, KRAS, KEAP-1 and SMARCA4 mutations. These mutational patient populations may represent an incremental opportunity for bemcentinib and will be further assessed in our on-going BGBC016 study in 1L NSCLC patients.

Severe Respiratory Infections (SRIs)

The Company believes that bemcentinib blocks viral entry and replication, stimulates the innate immune system, and promotes lung tissue repair positioning it for the treatment of severe respiratory infections.

On April 25, 2023, the Company decided to pause the bemcentinib arm of the Phase 2b EUSolidAct trial evaluating bemcentinib in hospitalized COVID-19 patients due to the limited number of hospitalizations observed across all European countries. The Company and the EU-SolidAct have agreed to maintain this study on pause until and unless such time both parties agree to resume the trial arm due to increased COVID hospitalizations or should a new pandemic arise.

Bemcentinib is currently being evaluated in preclinical studies for SRIs causing Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) and initial results are expected during 2023.

Corporate Activities

Rights Offering

On June 13, 2023, the Company completed a rights issue raising gross proceeds of NOK 250m. The proceeds from this offering including any additional proceeds from the exercise of warrants will be dedicated to the conduct of BGBC016 in 1L STK11m NSCLC patients, preclinical studies in severe respiratory infections and for general corporate purposes.

Warrants

The outstanding warrants issued in the Rights Issue can be exercised in two defined windows; from 15 November 202309:00 am CET to 28 November 20234:30 pm CET, or 1 April 2024 to 14 April 2024 at an exercise price of the volume-weighted average price (VWAP) of the Company's shares on the Oslo Stock Exchange over the three last trading days prior to the exercise period less 30%, but in any event not less than NOK 0.10 and not higher than NOK 0.13. Additional information and instructions for exercise of warrants can be found on the Company's website.

Our Chief Operating Officer James Barnes, decided to pursue new opportunities and will leave the company during December 2023. In connection with the implementation of the focused strategy, the role of Chief Operating Officer will not be replaced.

Third Quarter 2023 Financial Highlights

(Figures in brackets = same period 2022 unless otherwise stated)

- Revenue was NOK 0 million (NOK 0 million) for the third quarter.

- Total operating expenses for the third quarter were NOK 28.1 million (NOK 62.4 million)

- The operating loss for the quarter came to NOK 28.1 million (NOK 62.4 million)

- Cash and cash equivalents amounted to NOK 169.3 million by the end of September 2023 (NOK 226.0 million by end of June 2023).

Presentation and Webcast Details

The Q3 2023 presentation and Financial Report are available at the Company's website.

BerGenBio's senior management team will provide a business update today at 10:00 am CET. The presentation will webcast live. To participate in the webcast please use the following link:

https://channel.royalcast.com/landingpag...

A recording of the webcast will be available at www.bergenbio.com in the Investors/Financial Reports section shortly afterwards.

Contacts

Martin Olin CEO, BerGenBio ASAir@bergenbio.com

Rune Skeie, CFO, BerGenBio ASArune.skeie@bergenbio.com

Media Relations

Jan Lillebyjl@lillebyfrisch.no

About BerGenBio ASA

BerGenBio is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing transformative drugs targeting AXL as a potential cornerstone of therapy for aggressive diseases, including cancer and severe respiratory infections. The Company is focused on its proprietary lead candidate, bemcentinib, a potentially first-in-class selective AXL inhibitor in development for STK11 mutated NSCLC and severe respiratory infections.

BerGenBio is based in Bergen, Norway with a subsidiary in Oxford, UK. The company is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange (ticker: BGBIO). For more information, visit www.bergenbio.com

About Bemcentinib

Bemcentinib is a potentially first-in-class, potent and highly selective inhibitor of the tyrosine kinase AXL. Extensive studies confirm the ability to combine bemcentinib with immune checkpoint inhibitors, chemotherapies and targeted therapies with the goal of improving a patient's immune response and delaying the development of chemoresistance. Bemcentinib is currently being investigated in combination with immune checkpoint inhibition and chemotherapy in first line NSCLC patients harboring mutations in the STK11 gene, a known prognostic factor of poor response to existing therapies.

Forward looking statements

This announcement may contain forward-looking statements, which as such are not historical facts, but are based upon various assumptions, many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions. These assumptions are inherently subject to significant known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other important factors. Such risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other important factors could cause actual events to differ materially from the expectations expressed or implied in this announcement by such forward-looking statements.

This information is considered to be inside information pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation and subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.

The following files are available for download:

View original content: https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/bergenbio-reports-third-quarter-2023-financial-results-301987030.html
Tuesday, November 14, 2023

The Society for the Advancement of Consulting (SAC), the leading global association of independent consulting professionals, today announced the winners of the Corrie Shanahan Memorial Award for Advancing Consulting. The awards were presented at the 20th annual meeting of the organization, held in San Diego this year with a virtual option to allow global participation.

The Consultant of the Year was awarded to Christian Milaster of Annapolis, Maryland. There are two recipients of this year's award for Creativity & Innovation, Mark Cioni of New Hartford, NY and Heather Lenz of Cleveland, Ohio.

"Consultants continue to play a critical role in helping clients navigate the everchanging economic environment," said Linda Popky, co-executive director of SAC. "We're excited to be able to again honor the best-of-the-best with these awards.

"This year, in addition to honoring the outstanding consultant of the year, we are also recognizing two SAC members who each displayed outstanding creativity and innovationboth in their own practice, as well as in how they work with their clients," she added.

About Christian Milaster

Christian Milaster is passionate about enabling the sustainable delivery of extraordinary care. He is driven to increase the personal satisfaction medical professionals by applying systems thinking principles and implementing systems solutions.

Rooted in German engineering and systems thinking, Christian and his team optimize care delivery by designing and implementing pragmatic improvement and optimization solutions, drawing from a wide range of disciplines, including agile, lean, Baldrige, design thinking, requirements engineering, servant project management, change management, and many more.

He is the founder and CEO of Ingenium Digital Health Advisors, a boutique consulting firm focused on accelerating the adoption of digital health innovation, and of Ingenium Healthcare Advisors, focused on guiding healthcare leaders to get the results they want. Ingenium Advisors now comprises a 16-person team and a consortium of over a dozen expert advisors.

Born, raised, and educated as an Engineer in Germany, Christian started his career at IBM Global Services in Germany before joining the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, where he worked in various roles for 12 years before launching Ingenium in 2012. His team is spread across seven countries as well as throughout the United States.

About Mark Cioni

Mark Cioni has consulted globally for over 35 years to a wide variety of clients in private industry and government. His deep expertise in domains, including information technology, cyber security, enterprise architecture & organizational change management, helps to maximize client value derived from decisions, operations & performance.

Mark has worked recently to improve the security, resiliency, and reliability of critical infrastructure and helped clients to exploit customer experience & improvement opportunities at the convergence of artificial intelligence, analytics & machine learning & enterprise automation.

About Heather Lenz

Heather Lenz is pioneering the field of social impact consulting with innovative, data-driven strategies that provide real-time insights about social change for clients. Her approach combines the fields of organizational development, design thinking, and data and evaluation with the field of social work. This has led to measurable reductions in some of the most pressing issues of our time, like structural racism, workplace psychological safety, and moreredefining the way organizations approach their missions and drive change for the betterment of people and communities.



With a vision to revolutionize the trillion-dollar social impact industry in the U.S., Heather emphasizes accountability and effectiveness by helping organizations build outcomes-oriented intelligence systems. She is at the forefront of integrating AI and open-source tools into consulting practices, working toward a future where technology seamlessly enhances the nonprofit and government consulting fields, ultimately creating a more impactful and dynamic approach to social change. Her firm, Sangfroid Strategy, has invented new ways to conduct market research on the nonprofit sector, spearheaded innovative solutions for the field of philanthropy to put the commitment to racial and gender equity into practice, and created organizational operating systems to improve the effectiveness of the nonprofit sector.

The Advancing Consulting Awards

The awards are given to independent consultants who have done the most to advance the profession in the previous year. They're named in memory of Corrie Shanahan, a SAC member who passed away in 2019. Corrie Shanahan was an expert in rapidly strengthening organizational performance, productivity, and corporate culture, and the author of Do it, Mean it, Be it: The Keys to Achieve Success, Happiness and Everything You Deserve at Work and in Life.

"We are excited to recognize consultants that symbolize the "best of the best" in the consulting profession," said Lisa Anderson co-executive director of SAC. "Just as Corrie exemplified a zest for continuous improvement and achieving outstanding client outcomes, our nominees stood out above the crowd.

"This year's pool of nominees again was highly qualified," she added. "In a year of volatility and business change, we were pleased to see so many consultants innovate and thrive. We greatly appreciate the award committee, led by chair Vanessa Khan, for all their hard work to review submissions and evaluate applicants based on a set of pre-defined criteria."

"Our commitment to create superb value for our clients is a core value for SAC's consultants. In a world where technological advances, societal evolution, and political shifts result in uncertainty and rapid change, we cannot stand stillwe must advance, we must evolve, we must innovate," stated Christian Milaster.



"To be recognized this year by my peers for having contributed to the advancement of the consulting profession is a true honorand equally a strong encouragement to continue to do so," he added. "I'm grateful for the continuous inspiration and support by my fellow SAC members and past award winners that motivated me to reach new heights. I'm thankful for the volunteers who created and coordinated this recognition in honor of an outstanding consultant, Corrie, and I'm humbled by the testimonials of my clients and references that confirm my approach to consulting demonstrates my deep commitment to creating superb value for clients."

Mark Cioni noted, "I've been able to engage more actively with SAC since 2019 and want to thank the entire membership for welcoming me into their community. I'm grateful to receive their guidance and for the opportunity to contribute. This journey was entirely unexpected and I'm humbled to know that the community recognizes my Creativity & Innovation.

"Although I never got to meet or know Corrie Shanahan, I am well aware of her legacy. I can only hope to face my own adversity with a fraction of the courage, tenacity, and joy that Corrie embodied and, if I do, I will count myself a success!" he added.

Heather Lenz adds, "Innovative thinking is at the cornerstone of reimagining the social impact sector. As consultants in this sector, we must help our clients leverage new technology and ways of thinking to transcend conventional boundaries. As a society, we have waited long enough for the ecosystem of organizations set up to improve the lives of people to work well.

"At this moment in time, we have the resources and the technology to transform our social services landscape into one that creates lasting, meaningful, and measurable impact on the lives they serveand it is our duty to do just that," she noted.
Tuesday, November 14, 2023

Between the IRA Rollover matter and the redefinition of regular services, there is no shortage of ways to chip away at the new Rule. What might be one way we can expect to see the industry attack the Rule in front of a judge?

The post Whats The Over/Under On The DOLs New Fiduciary Rule? appeared first on Fiduciary News.
British farmers will discuss how they are helping to combat climate change and improve sustainability as the Countryside COP initiative returns.

Now in its third year, the series of online events will host a variety of rural organisations showcasing what the industry is doing to help the UK's net zero goals.

Farm leaders will demonstrate what the industry has achieved so far and how agriculture can continue to play a role in achieving climate change ambitions.

The programme, which takes place as the UN's Climate Change Conferences (COP) gets underway in the UAE, will include themes such as finance, science and technology, and nature-based solutions and land use.

The Agriculture & Land Use Alliance (ALA), which includes the likes of the NFU, the Ulster Farmers' Union (UFU) and the AHDB, will host the programme.

NFU deputy president, Tom Bradshaw said: Countryside COP provides another fantastic opportunity to showcase how rural communities and Britains food supply chain can contribute to a sustainable and resilient economy.

For farmers and growers, its also a chance to explore how we can embrace the opportunities that come alongside the challenge of reaching net zero."

The Agriculture & Land Use Alliance called for farmers and other people in the industry to get involved in Countryside COP.

All of us have a part to play in the journey to net zero and we are stronger when working together," a group spokesperson said.

"Countryside COP is an opportunity for anyone with an interest in the countryside and an ambition to reach net zero to come together  whether thats to share their expertise, experience and knowledge or to learn from others."

COP Countryside will take place between 20-24 November.
Kim Kardashian went head-to-head with Lauren Sanchez at an auction for a Balenciaga dress.

Kim Kardashian once fought with Lauren Sanchez over a dress

The 43-year-old reality superstar is good friends with TV host Lauren, 53, - who recently got engaged to Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos - and recalled a time that they were together at a dinner put on by the Kering Foundation during New York Fashion Week, where the two fought to win a number by the esteemed fashion house but Kim decided they could share it.

In a joint interview with Lauren, Kim told Vogue: "I'm a big auction girl. and my strategy was to come in last minute. I called 'Well share it!' [across the room] . I thought, you wear it once, Ill wear it once, itll be so cute!"

In the end, Kering offered to make two dresses, and both women paid $200,000 and travelled to Paris together for the fitting.

Meanwhile, Kim went on to add that she and Lauren are always in touch with each other via their DMs and described the bride-to-be as a "girl's girl",

She said: "Lauren and I are always sending DMs building each other up. Every time theres a look that we like, shell say, WOW, or, OMG you look amazing. Shes such a girls girl!"

In August, the couple held a lavish engagement party with a select group of friends aboard the billionaires $500 million superyacht.

They were joined by Microsoft founder Bill Gates and his partner Paula Hurd, Wendi Murdoch - the ex-wife of media mogul Rupert Murdoch - and socialite Fabiola Beracasa Beckman for the "intimate" affair aboard the Bezos' beloved Kora in the breathtaking Positano, Italy, according to Page Six.

Jeff proposed to the former broadcaster aboard Kora off the coast of Cannes in May.

A source told the New York Post's Page Six column at the time: "They were all over each other. I mean, they're always affectionate, but they could not keep their hands off each other."
Sarah Ferguson has led tributes to King Charles on his 75th birthday (14.11.23).

King Charles turned 75 and will celebrate with friends and family later

Tributes have flooded in for the king, with his brother Prince Andrew's ex-wife among those wishing the British monarch well on his milestone birthday.

The Duchess of York, 64, wrote on X - formerly Twitter: "Wishing the happiest of birthdays to His Majesty, King Charles III. Long live the King."

The Royal Family's official X account posted a throwback video with photographs from Charles' birth on November 14, 1948, to now.

The clip is captioned: "Wishing His Majesty The King a happy 75th birthday."

The king kick-started his birthday celebrations a day early at Highgrove by cutting a cake and sharing it with a group of people also turning the milestone age, who work in the community, including members of the NHS and the Windrush generation.

On his actual birthday, today, Charles is working as normal, and later on, he and Queen Camilla, 76, will officially launch the Coronation Food Project, before they host 400 nurses and midwives at Buckingham Palace in honour of the National Health Services 75th birthday.

Ceremonial gun salutes will also be heard across the UK in celebration, including at the Tower of London.

Later In the evening, Charles loved ones - including the Prince and Princess of Wales - will gather at Clarence House for a birthday meal.

However, his youngest son, the Duke of Sussex, and his wife, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex - who reside in the US with their two children, Prince Archie, four, and two-year-old Princess Lilibet - are not expected to attend.

Amid reports that the couple had "snubbed" an invitation to the bash, a spokesperson for the couple insisted they had not received an invite.

The representative told Mail Online: There has been no contact regarding an invitation to His Majesty's upcoming birthday."
Aadar Jain-Alekha Advani: In the ever-evolving saga of Bollywood relationships, Aadar Jain, who rose to fame with his debut in Qaidi Band in 2017, has become the talk of the town for his new romantic journey with Alekha Advani.

Aadar who recently broke up with Bollywood actress Tara Sutaria has moved on from the echoes of his past romance and recently made his relationship with Alekha insta-official.

Ever since his first appearance with Alekha at Kareena Kapoor's Diwali bash, netizens are eager to know more about his newfound love interest. So, let's know more about Alekha Advani.

Who is Alekha Advani?

Alekha Advan is a creative entrepreneur by profession. She is the mastermind behind Way Well, a Mumbai-based community dedicated to curating wellness events, workshops, sessions, and retreats. She has also graced the world of fashion as a model for clothing and jewelry brands.

Educational Qualification

Alekha holds a degree from Cornell Hotel School, New York, where she graduated in 2016. In the past, she has worked as a hospitality consultant at Deloitte in Los Angeles and in an operations-focused role at Soho House in Mumbai.

Alekha's Social Media Presence

Alekha has an active and influential presence on Instagram and enjoys a following of more than 6,000. Her digital space speaks volumes about her being a passionate traveler, perfectly documenting her captivating travelogue.

Bollywood Connections

Alekha has a star-studded list of followers, including Kiara Advani, Athiya Shetty, Krishna Shroff, Prateik Babbar, and, also Tara Sutaria, who is Aadar Jain's ex-boyfriend.

It is worth mentioning that Alekha and Tara's friendship extends beyond the realm of social media, they share a close bond and amicable bond with each other off the digital space as well. The trio have often been spotted on holidaying together in the past.

Alekha's Bond With Kapoor Clan

Alekha and Aadar made their first public appearance at Kareena Kapoor Khan's Diwali bash on November 11. In a picture from the bash, Alekha was seen posing with Aadar's mother, Rima Jain, and his brother Armaan Jain, alongside Bollywood A-listers Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Kareena Kapoor, Karisma Kapoor, and others.

When Aadar Jain Made His Relationship With Alekha Insta-Official

Aadar took to social media to make his relationship with Alekha official. Sharing a photo of their intertwined hands, Aadar wrote, 'Light of my life.'
Mangalavaram Sequel Confirmed Photo Credit: Gallery

Mangalavaram is the upcoming dark horror-thriller starring Payal Rajput in the lead role. The movie is co-written, produced, and directed by Ajay Bhupathi. This is the first pan-India film for the director and the actress after their epic 'RX 100.'

Mangalavaram is going to hit the screens worldwide on November 17. Allu Arjun recently wished the team good luck by speaking at the pre-release event in Hyderabad, where he expressed confidence in the film's theatrical release.

Speaking about how he named the film, Ajay said, "There is a belief that Mangalavaram (Tuesday) is not a good day. But Tuesday is a good day and is called 'Jayavaram.' Earlier, Tuesday was our official holiday until Britishers changed it to Sunday.

When I announced the film's title, senior director Vamsy called me up and appreciated my decision to name the film Mangalavaram. He even shared that he wanted to name one of his films the same but couldn't due to producers' sentiments. I felt really happy and positive after that phone call."

Mangalavaram Sequel Confirmed

The movie's trailer intrigued the film buffs and excited the thrill seekers. The combination of Payal Rajput and Ajay Bhupathi added to the existing hype around the film and its trailer.

Speaking to the media ahead of its theatrical release, director Ajay Bhupathi confirmed a sequel to Mangalavaram, his first pan-India film.

Mangalavaram Premise

Fear engulfs a village as murders occur every Tuesday under mysterious circumstances. Shailu, a young woman is the heart of the story and the enigmatic tale unravels with suspense.

Mangalavaram Cast

The movie stars Payal Rajput, Nandita Shwetha, Divya Pillai, Ajmal Ameer, Ravindra Vijay, Chaitanya Krishna, Ajay Ghosh, Shravan Reddy, Sritej, Dayanand Reddy, Kamal Krishna, Srilekha Rajendran, Anand Ramaraji, and Laxman among others in key roles.

Mangalavaram Crew

The film's music was composed by B Ajaneesh Loknath, the much-wanted musician of the Kannada film industry. Dasaradhi Sivendra cranked the camera and Gullapalli Madhav Kumar worked as the film's Editor. The movie is co-produced by Ajay Bhupathi, Swathi Reddy Gunupati, and M Suresh Varma together under the A Creative Works banners.
BERLIN and NEW YORK, Nov. 13, 2023, Spryker (https://spryker.com/), the leading composable commerce platform for sophisticated use cases in B2B Commerce, Enterprise Marketplaces, and Thing Commerce, today announced a new partnership with Vertex Inc., a leading global provider of indirect tax technology solutions. The partnership will see Vertex's services offered through Spryker's App Composition Platform, simplifying the process of complying with local tax jurisdictions in more than 19,000 jurisdictions worldwide. Customers can now connect with and leverage Vertex O Series to streamline tax needs for third-party seller configuration and sales tax.



"Our customers expect us to provide solutions that empower their businesses and simplify their commerce needs," said Manishi Singh, SVP App Composition Platform & Technology Partnerships at Spryker. "By partnering with Vertex, Spryker customers can confidently manage complex tax requirements at scale, regardless of whether the organization focuses on B2B, B2C, D2C, marketplaces or any other form of sophisticated commerce. Vertex's solutions integrate seamlessly with Spryker through our App Composition Platform, extending the value of our composable platform and streamlining indirect tax compliance for our global customers."

A custom Vertex app for the Spryker App Composition Platform has been built to provide the following features:

Quick and easy integration of Vertex  O Series  On-Demand in Spryker project and configuration. More accurate, automated tax determination before checkout using customer delivery address. Detailed tax reports in Vertex dashboard displaying the Spryker Order Numbers as Invoice Numbers for the customer. Flexibility to integrate with other financial systems (ERP, CRM, etc.) and add more data with the use of tax metadata.



Joint customers can add Vertex's app to their existing digital commerce operations with just a few clicks, simplifying the process of integration and accelerating time to value.



This partnership provides Spryker customers with access to scalable solutions and services that automate processes, increase efficiency and accuracy, and improve customer experience, all while reducing risk. Together, Vertex and Spryker enable customers using the Spryker platform to rapidly grow their marketplace businesses while effectively managing and addressing tax compliance challenges.

"In an increasingly interconnected world, businesses face the complex challenge of navigating the intricate landscape of indirect taxes across borders," commented Bradd Wildstein, Vice President of Global Channel Sales at Vertex. "We are excited to partner with Spryker to offer robust indirect tax solutions that empower their merchants to overcome tax-related hurdles - fostering growth and expansion in the global marketplace."

As a trusted tax technology provider with over 40 years of industry experience, Vertex supports many of the world's most valuable brands, including a large percentage of those in the Fortune 500. It is this expertise that users of Spryker will be able to tap into, accessing more than 800 million tax rules from within their existing sophisticated tax compliance and commerce solutions.

About Vertex

Vertex, Inc.is a leading global provider of indirect tax software and solutions. The company's mission is to deliver the most trusted tax technology enabling global businesses to transact, comply and grow with confidence. Vertex provides solutions that can be tailored to specific industries for major lines of indirect tax, including sales and consumer use, value added and payroll. Headquartered in North America, and with offices in South America and Europe, Vertex employs over 1,400 professionals and serves companies across the globe.

For more information, visit?www.vertexinc.com?or follow Vertex on?Twitter?and?LinkedIn.?

Copyright  2023 Vertex, Inc. All rights reserved. The information contained herein is intended for information purposes only, may change at any time in the future, and is not legal or tax advice.

About Spryker

Spryker is the leading composable commerce platform for enterprises with sophisticated business models to enable growth, innovation, and differentiation. Designed specifically for sophisticated transactional businesses, Spryker's easy-to-use, headless, API-first model offers a best-of-breed approach that provides businesses the flexibility to adapt, scale, and quickly go to market while facilitating faster time-to-value throughout their digital transformation journey. As a global platform leader for B2B and B2C Enterprise Marketplaces, Thing Commerce, and Unified Commerce, Spryker has empowered 150+ global enterprise customers worldwide and is trusted by brands such as ALDI, Siemens, Hilti, and Ricoh. Spryker is a privately held technology company headquartered in Berlin and New York backed by world class investors such as TCV, One Peak Partners, ProjectA, Cherry Ventures, and Maverick Capital. Learn more at spryker.comand follow Spryker on LinkedInand X.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c1cba640-dde3-4a28-a34b-8c8fded12464
Kelowna, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 13, 2023) - F3 Uranium Corp (TSXV: FUU) (OTCQB: FUUFF) ("F3" or "the Company") is pleased to announce initial assay results for the ongoing drill program, including PLN23-079 (see NR August 14, 2023) which returned 12.0m of 10.3% U3O8, including a high grade 6.5m interval averaging 18.9% U3O8, further including an ultra-high grade core of 2.5m of 38.8% U3O8.

A 3D -DCIP survey by Dias Geophysical is currently underway, with an initial focus on the JR Zone and A1B areas. F3 anticipates those survey results to provide additional input into the geological and geophysical models of the A1 and A1B areas including the JR Zone, which will enhance drill targeting for the ongoing fall drill program and beyond.

Assay Highlight:

PLN23-079 (line 045S): mineralized intervals

12.0m @ 10.3% U 3 O 8 (231.5m to 243.5m), including:

(231.5m to 243.5m), including: 6.5m @ 18.9% U 3 O 8 (233.0m to 239.5m), further including:

(233.0m to 239.5m), further including: 2.5m @ 38.8% U3O8 (235.5 m to 238.0m)

Main JR Zone Intercepts:

PLN23-063 (line 030S): mineralized intervals

11.5m @ 0.63% U3O8 (233.0m to 244.5m), including

2.0m @ 1.97 % U 3 O 8 (236.0m to 238.0m), and

% (236.0m to 238.0m), and 1.0m @ 1.75% U3O8 (243.5m to 244.5m), and

PLN23-064 (line 105S): mineralized intervals

16.5m @ 0.53% U3O8 (233.5m to 250.0m), including

5.5m @ 1.21 U3O8 (237.5m to 243.0m)

PLN23-073 (line 060S): mineralized intervals

8.5m @ 2.14% U 3 O 8 (221.5m to 230.0m), including

(221.5m to 230.0m), including 1.0m @ 17.2% U3O8 (225.0m to 226.0m)

PLN23-074 (line 075S): mineralized intervals

15.0m @ 0.37% U3O8 (225.0m to 240.0m), including

0.5m @ 2.58% U 3 O 8 (228.0m to 228.5m), and

(228.0m to 228.5m), and 0.5m @ 1.64% U3O8 (233.0m to 233.5m)

PLN23-077 (line 090S): mineralized intervals

10.0m @ 0.37% U3O8 (226.5m to 236.5m), including

1.0m @ 2.24% U3O8 (234.0m to 235.0m)

Table 1. Drill Hole Summary and Uranium Assay Results

Collar Information Assay Results Hole ID Grid Line Easting Northing Elevation Az Dip From

(m) To

(m) Interval

(m) U3O8

weight % PLN23-063 030S 587715.7 6410720.6 545.1 55.8 -61.1 233.00 236.00 3.00 0.20 236.00 238.00 2.00 1.97 238.00 243.50 5.50 0.18 243.50 244.50 1.00 1.75 PLN23-064 105S 587746.1 6410646.0 545.2 55.4 -58.2 233.50 237.50 4.00 0.22 237.50 243.00 5.50 1.21 243.00 250.00 7.00 0.17 PLN23-065 075S 587715.1 6410659.5 545.4 55.3 -61.4 242.50 245.50 3.00 0.07 PLN23-066 105S 587737.9 6410640.3 545.0 53.7 -60.0 225.50 226.00 0.50 0.15 240.50 241.00 0.50 0.07 243.50 248.50 5.00 0.09 248.50 249.50 1.00 1.37 PLN23-067 135S 587771.9 6410629.1 544.9 53.9 -60.8 222.00 238.50 16.50 0.17 PLN23-069 135S 587780.4 6410634.0 544.9 54.8 -60.4 229.00 229.50 0.50 0.10 PLN23-070 135S 587764.9 6410620.1 544.8 54.1 -62.1 240.00 242.00 2.00 0.05 PLN23-071 165S 587780.0 6410597.1 545.2 53.3 -60.2 A1 MSZ exploration; no mineralization >0.05 PLN23-072 690S 588216.9 6410265.7 530.3 54.3 -73.7 A1 MSZ exploration; no mineralization >0.05 PLN23-073 060S 587754.6 6410708.7 545.6 54.2 -60.3 221.50 225.00 3.50 0.13 225.00 226.00 1.00 17.2 incl 225.00 225.50 0.50 32.3 226.00 230.00 4.00 0.13 PLN23-074 075S 587745.9 6410683.9 545.7 56.3 -59.9 225.00 228.00 3.00 0.27 228.00 228.50 0.50 2.58 228.50 233.00 4.50 0.31 233.00 233.50 0.50 1.64 233.50 240.00 6.50 0.19 PLN23-075 1680S 588735.8 6409419.2 543.8 55.6 -54.9 A1 MSZ exploration; no mineralization >0.05 PLN23-076 195S 587828.1 6410595.1 545.5 53.5 -57.3 A1 MSZ exploration; no mineralization >0.05 PLN23-077 090S 587760.0 6410675.1 544.7 53.7 -59.2 226.50 234.00 7.50 0.17 234.00 235.00 1.00 2.24 235.00 236.50 1.50 0.09 PLN23-078 2640S 589375.5 6408704.6 543.0 62.4 -54.9 A1B BMZ exploration; no mineralization >0.05 PLN23-079 045S 587731.1 6410710.1 545.3 54.9 -61.1 231.50 233.00 1.50 0.10 233.00 235.50 2.50 2.34 235.50 239.50 4.00 29.3 incl 235.50 238.00 2.50 38.8 239.50 243.50 4.00 0.03 PLN23-080 045N 587667.2 6410774.0 545.2 54.6 -60.3 no mineralization > 0.05 PLN23-081 060S 587765.5 6410716.9 545.8 54.1 -60.9 215.00 216.00 1.00 0.51 PLN23-082 435S 587984.7 6410423.2 531.4 54.0 -49.6 A1 MSZ exploration; no mineralization >0.05 PLN23-083 030S 587731.4 6410728.2 545.3 53.9 -59.4 232.50 235.00 2.50 0.34

Assay composite parameters:

1: Minimum Thickness of 0.5 m

2: Assay Grade Cut-Off: 0.05% U3O8 (weight %)

3. Maximum Internal Dilution: 2.0 m

Composited weight % U3O8 mineralized intervals are summarized in Table 1. Samples from the drill core are split in half sections on site. Where possible, samples are standardized at 0.5m down-hole intervals. One-half of the split sample is sent to SRC Geoanalytical Laboratories (an SCC ISO/IEC 17025: 2005 Accredited Facility) in Saskatoon, SK while the other half remains on site for reference. Analysis includes a 63 element suite including boron by ICP-OES, uranium by ICP-MS and gold analysis by ICP-OES and/or AAS.

The Company considers uranium mineralization with assay results of greater than 1.0 weight % U3O8 as "high grade" and results greater than 20.0 weight % U3O8 as "ultra-high grade."

All depth measurements reported are down-hole and true thickness are yet to be determined but the Company estimates true thickness of the reported intervals in this news release to be close to reported interval widths.

About Patterson Lake North:

The Company's 4,078-hectare 100% owned Patterson Lake North property (PLN) is located just within the south-western edge of the Athabasca Basin in proximity to Fission Uranium's Triple R and NexGen Energy's Arrow high-grade world class uranium deposits which is poised to become the next major area of development for new uranium operations in northern Saskatchewan. PLN is accessed by Provincial Highway 955, which transects the property, and the new JR Zone uranium discovery is located 23km northwest of Fission Uranium's Triple R deposit.

Qualified Person:

The technical information in this news release has been prepare in accordance with the Canadian regulatory requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101 and approved on behalf of the company by Raymond Ashley, P.Geo., President & COO of F3 Uranium Corp, a Qualified Person. Mr. Ashley has verified the data disclosed.

About F3 Uranium Corp.:

F3 Uranium is advancing the newly discovered high-grade JR Zone on the PLN Property in the Western Athabasca Basin. This area of Saskatchewan is poised to become a major uranium producing region and is home to large deposits including Triple R, Arrow and Shea Creek. F3 Uranium currently has 18 projects in the Athabasca Basin.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. 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, including statements regarding the suitability of the Properties for mining exploration, future payments, issuance of shares and work commitment funds, entry into of a definitive option agreement respecting the Properties, are "forward-looking statements." These forward-looking statements reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company based on information currently available to it. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including those detailed from time to time in filings made by the Company with securities regulatory authorities, which may cause actual outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. 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 publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws.

The TSX Venture Exchange and the Canadian Securities Exchange have not reviewed, approved or disapproved the contents of this press release, and do not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

F3 Uranium Corp.

750-1620 Dickson Avenue

Kelowna, BC V1Y9Y2

Contact Information

Investor Relations

Telephone: 778 484 8030

Email: ir@f3uranium.com

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

"Dev Randhawa"

Dev Randhawa, CEO

See plan maps and below and cross sections at PLN JR Zone| F3 Uranium Corp. under "Sections"





Patterson Lake North Summer 2023 Drill Program Update: Assay Results

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8110/187208_61c5ee36048ff9aa_003full.jpg





Patterson Lake North Summer 2023 Drill Program Update: JR Zone Assay Results

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8110/187208_61c5ee36048ff9aa_004full.jpg

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/187208
One in four firms plan to increase headcount in the next six months

SHANGHAI, Nov. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A new study has revealed that 47% of employers in Mainland China plan to increase salary offers in 2024 for certain in-demand roles. 52% of professionals are optimistic that they will receive a salary increase next year.

The research, conducted by global talent services company Morgan McKinley as part of its 2024 Salary Guide, also found that 57% of organisations are maintaining current headcount, with 26% planning to increase headcount and hire new employees in the next six months.

Employers in Mainland China outlined the three most important things that lead to successful recruitment as: Having organisational security, high salary offers and providing career development opportunities.

On the candidate side, 34% of professionals in Mainland China plan to actively look for new jobs in the next six months, whilst a further 34% are considering looking for new roles. "Higher salary" remains the most valued reason for wanting to move jobs at 35%, followed by "career growth and development opportunities" at 22%.

The top five desired benefits Chinese workers look for in a job are: Bonus, flexible working hours, employee stock options, incentive plans, and work from home. 63% of organisations are paying out on combined company performance and personal objectives bonuses for 2023.

Marlon Mai, Managing Director of Morgan McKinley Mainland China, commented: "Companies are only interested in having top tier talent; retention has been the focus due to the increased workloads and pressure for existing teams, and even when there has been scope for movement, counter offers have been more frequent.

"Despite all this, there is a positive sentiment for the longer term view of employment, and companies have plans that will require new skills."

The Morgan McKinley 2024 Salary Guide presents up-to-date and accurate salary data for a wide range of roles across Mainland China, providing hiring managers with industry benchmarks when they are working out what to pay employees and giving professionals more visibility over what they can earn.

Research from 67 businesses and 176 professionals in Mainland China was conducted to find out what companies' hiring intentions are for 2024, what the key motivators are for changing jobs, and what the expectations are for movement on salaries.

For the Morgan McKinley Mainland China 2024 Salary Guide, visit:

https://www.morganmckinley.com.cn/en/salary-guide

Morgan McKinley has also recently launched its new and improved website. It acts as a platform for professionals to find new job opportunities and allows hiring organisations to choose the best method of recruitment for their specific requirements.

Visit the website here: https://www.morganmckinley.com.cn/en.

About Morgan McKinley

Morgan McKinley is a global talent services expert, offering the full spectrum of solutions to meet employers' and jobseekers' needs. With 19 offices in 10 countries and nearly 1000 employees, it provides 3 distinct solutions for customers. Morgan McKinley Recruitment Solutions encompassing deep expertise across 10 professional disciplines offering temporary, contract and permanent recruitment; Morgan McKinley Executive Search for targeted C-Suite talent searches; and Morgan McKinley Talent Solutions including RPO, MSP, Project Recruitment and more.

Morgan McKinley is part of Org, a more human kind of professional services company that harnesses the power of talent to bring better business outcomes for clients across the world through advisory, managed services and talent services.

https://www.morganmckinley.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/higher-salary-remains-leading-reason-professionals-in-mainland-china-seek-new-job-opportunities-301984843.html
Surge in the number of surgeries, advancements in manufacturing surgical drapes, and growth in government initiatives for infection prevention & control drive the growth of the global surgical drapes market.

PORTLAND, Ore., Nov. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Surgical Drapes Market by Type (Reusable, Disposable), by Risk Type (Moderate (AAMI Level 3), High (AAMI Level 4), Others), by End User (Hospitals, Ambulatory Surgical Centers, Others): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032". According to the report, the global surgical drapes market valued for $1.5 billion in 2022 and is estimated to reach $2.1 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 3.6% from 2023 to 2032.

Request Sample of the Report on Surgical Drapes Market Forecast 2032- https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/3796

Prime determinants of growth

Growth in R&D activities, rise in prevalence of chronic conditions that require surgical interventions, and rise in awareness regarding the use of surgical drapes to minimize contamination risk are the factors that drive the growth of the global surgical drapes market. However, stringent regulatory requirements hinder market growth. On the contrary, rise in healthcare expansion is expected to offer lucrative opportunities for the surgical drapes market during the forecast period.

Report coverage & details:

Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2023-2032 Base Year 2022 Market Size in 2022 $1.5 billion Market Size in 2032 $2.1 billion CAGR 3.6 % No. of Pages in Report 236 Segments covered Type, risk type, end user, and region Drivers Surge in number of surgeries. Technological advancements in manufacturing surgical drapes. Growth in government initiatives for infection prevention & control Opportunities Growth opportunities in emerging markets Restraints Competition among the key players Product recalls

Economic Downturn Analysis: Impact of Recession in 2023 on the Surgical Drapes Market

Recession can have significant impact on the healthcare industry, including surgical drapes.

As medical supplies companies face financial constraints there can be disrupted supply chains, impacting the production of essential raw materials used in surgical drapes. However, surge in prevalence of chronic diseases and the growing need for surgical interventions for treatment is expected to drive the growth of the market.

Want to Explore More, Connect to our Analyst- https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/connect-to-analyst/3796

The disposable segment to maintain its lead position during the forecast period.

Based on type, the disposable segment accounted for the largest share in 2022, accounting for almost three-fourths of the global surgical drapes market revenue and is expected to register fastest CAGR of 3.8% during the forecast period. This is attributed to convenience and superior infection control properties offered by disposable drapes. Disposable surgical drapes eliminate the need for laundering and sterilization, simplifying workflow and reducing the risk of cross-contamination. This increased emphasis on infection control and ease of use is set to drive the rapid growth of disposable surgical drapes.?

The moderate (AAMI Level 3) segment to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period.

Based on risk type, the moderate (AAMI Level 3) segment dominated the market in 2022, accounting for more than half of the global surgical drapes market, this is attributed to its versatility and widespread usage. AAMI Level 3 drapes provide a balance between barrier performance and breathability, making them suitable for a wide range of surgical procedures, where the risk of fluid exposure is moderate. This adaptability is expected to drive the segment growth.?However, the high (AAMI Level 4) segment is expected to register highest CAGR of 3.9% during the forecast period owing to its superior barrier properties. AAMI Level 4 surgical drapes offer the highest level of protection against fluids and microorganisms, making them essential for complex & high-risk procedures. Moreover, enhanced infection control & safety standards in such surgeries is expected to drive the rapid growth of the AAMI Level 4 segment.

The hospital segment to maintain its lead position during the forecast period

Based on end user, the hospital segment accounted for the largest share in 2022, accounting for almost three-fifths of the global surgical drapes market revenue. This is primarily attributed to increase in number of surgical procedures performed in hospitals and rise in number of surgical site infection cases. The demand for surgical drapes in hospitals is expected to surge as healthcare facilities expand and surgical interventions become more prevalent.?However, the others segment is projected to register highest CAGR of 4.1% during the forecast period. The specialized healthcare facilities demand tailored surgical drape solutions to meet their unique needs, leading to an increased adoption of customized or niche surgical drapes. Growing recognition of these drapes and need for highly specialized drapes to ensure optimal patient care are expected to drive growth within this category.

For Procurement Information-https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/3796

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 more than two-fifths of the global surgical drapes market revenue owing to robust healthcare infrastructure and high healthcare spending. In addition, stringent regulatory standards & guidelines set by agencies such as the FDA emphasize the importance of infection control & safety in medical settings, further boosting the market growth. However, the Asia-Pacific segment is projected to register highest CAGR of 4.4% during the forecast period owing to rise in surgical procedures implementation of infection control measures, rise in number of hospitals acquired infections such as surgical site infections, and availability of wide range of surgical drapes, thereby driving the growth of market during the forecast period.

Leading Market Players: -

3M Company

Cardinal Health

Molnlycke Health Care AB

Paul Hartmann AG

Narang Medical Limited

Standard Textile Co., Inc.

Delta Med SpA

Medline Industries Inc.

Medica Europe BV

Priontex

The report provides a detailed analysis of these key players of the global surgical drapes market. These players have adopted different strategies such product launch to increase their market share and maintain dominant position 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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Dental Equipment Market - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2022-2032

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About Allied Market Research:

Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market 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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LOS ANGELES, Nov. 13, 2023will be recognized with Benchmark's inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award, for his visionary leadership in rapidly advancing clean, sustainable energy initiatives, while ensuring that the energy transition can also be a major economic driver.



The Award will be presented on behalf of Benchmark by Nobel Laureate Dr. Stanley Whittingham, forefather of the lithium-ion battery.

As the twice-elected leader of the State of California from 2003 to 2011, Governor Schwarzenegger spearheaded the state's world-leading commitment to green energy and environmental stewardship, signing the first-in-the-nation Global Warming Solutions Act and the Million Solar Roofs Initiative in 2006. He also issued a seminal Executive Order establishing the Low Carbon Fuel Standard. Such actions set the standard for the rest of the USA and beyond.





Governor Schwarzenegger will kick-off Benchmark Week 2023by joining Benchmark Chief Executive Officer, Simon Moores, for a Fireside Chat, to be moderated by veteran critical-materials expert, Ty Dinwoodie, Managing Director of G&W Advisory Ltd.

Governor Schwarzenegger is scheduled to commence the Keynote Fireside Chat at 9:00 amin Los Angeles, California, the home of Benchmark Week 2023 for the week.

Moores, commented, "A generation ago, Arnold Schwarzenegger shifted the entire geopolitical narrative towards the advent of batteries, electric vehicles, and low-carbon technologies long before it was in the mainstream discourse."

"It is our privilege to recognize Governor Schwarzenegger for his outstanding contributions to clean energy," Moores said. "Arnold was the first US governor to develop a comprehensive, future-focussed energy strategy, which created the example for low-carbon energy policies around the world."

Arnold Schwarzenegger, through the USC Schwarzenegger Instituteand the Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative, continues to work tirelessly to advance the numerous sustainable energy and environmental initiatives that he spearheaded during his tenure as Governor.

ABOUT BENCHMARK WEEK 2023

Benchmark Week 2023 is Benchmark's flagship annual event, taking place November 14 to 16, 2023 at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Los Angeles.

Benchmark Week 2023 is the world's leading industry forum for the critical-mineral supply chains for energy-transition technologies.

Anchored by Benchmark's focus on lithium-ion batteries, this year the event expands out to include rare earths and permanent magnets, sodium-ion batteries, and emerging technologies crucial to transitioning the world away from fossil fuels.

ABOUT BENCHMARK MINERAL INTELLIGENCE

Benchmark enables the energy transition through a world-class, independent offering of lithium- and other critical-minerals prices, battery and electric-vehicle supply chain data and forecasts in the form of subscriptions, advisory services and industry-specific events.

Its clients are major decision makers from across the critical-minerals, battery-materials, lithium-ion battery, automotive and energy-storage supply chains.

Benchmark also plays a key role in informing world government policy at the highest level.

www.benchmarkminerals.com

MEDIA INQUIRIES

Ty Dinwoodie

info@g-w.ca

+1 416 606 9332

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8b1cc338-c141-49ce-85bd-827d4b5bfb73
FRANKFURT, Germany, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Creality, a leading force in the 3D printing industry, concluded its successful participation at Formnext 2023, held from November 7 to 10. This event showcased Creality's unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence, representing a notable milestone in the company's journey.

Long-standing Commitment to Formnext

Creality has been a consistent participant in Formnext for several years. Each year, Creality introduces groundbreaking products designed to empower professionals and enthusiasts, and this year was no exception.

Dive into the Bewildering Array of Products

Creality presented an impressive lineup of 3D printing innovations at Formnext 2023, spanning personal and enterprise use, and reaffirming its commitment to revolutionizing the industry and empowering makers.

Creality Flagship: K1 Series - Now the Licensed 3D Printer of FC Bayern Munich

In collaboration with FC Bayern Munich, Creality's K1 series became the licensed 3D printer of FC Bayern in Europe. With the series featuring a rapid 600mm/s printing speed, nimble Core XY design, and lightweight printhead, the K1 Max offers a generous 300x300x300mm build volume, ideal for rapid prototyping. Equipped with an AI camera for real-time monitoring and error alerts, along with integrated AI LiDAR technology, it ensures enhanced performance and precision.

Innovating for the Extraordinary and Elevating Personal 3D Printing: Ender-3 V3 Line and HALOT-MAGE Series

Innovated from Creality's Ender family, the Ender-3 V3 features a CoreXZ structure for swift and efficient printing, a lightweight motion assembly, precise Z-axis, and dual-axis parallelism. Achieving an impressive print speed of up to 600mm/s, it boasts a robust one-piece die-cast all-metal body and integrates the smart Creality OS with a user-friendly 4.3-inch IPS touchscreen.

The Ender-3 V3 KE, another Ender newcomer, also simplifies 3D printing with Creality OS, an agile motion system, and a maximum printing speed of 500mm/s.

The HALOT-MAGE PRO, powered by Creality OS, redefines personal resin printing with a rapid 170mm/s printing speed. Its "Dynax" motion system allows swift layer changes, with HALOT BOX enhancing support structures. For smart and creative personal resin printing, the HALOT-MAGE offers an affordable alternative still with a 10.3-inch 8K LCD screen and air purification system.

Large Formats for Industrial Applications: Sermoon D3 Pro and CR-M4

Creality's Sermoon D3 Pro empowers industrial users with independent dual extrusion and high-temperature printing, with Creality Cloud integration enabling remote control and secure printing environment. The CR-M4, with a build volume of 450x450x470mm, caters to applications from life-size models to small-batch production.

Ecosystem Marvels: Powering Laser Engraving and 3D Scanning

The Creality Falcon2 40W laser engraver, the most powerful in Creality's lineup, features Dynamic Spot Size Adjustment and cuts through 20mm wood board and 0.15mm stainless steel at speed up to 25000mm/min. The CR-Scan Ferret Pro, an advanced 3D scanner with high-speed WiFi 6 and single-frame 3D imaging, excels at scanning dark or metallic surfaces without spray.

Creality's Commitment to the European Market and Global Community

Formnext 2023 witnessed a multitude of key partners, media representatives, influencers, and users visiting Creality's booth. Fred LIU, Co-founder and Executive Director of Creality, received an interview from leading media outlet All3DP to delve into Creality's future.

In closing, LIU reiterated Creality's dedication to the European market: "Europe is where innovation and excellence thrive. Our vision is to push the boundaries of what is possible in 3D printing, and our commitment to this vision is unwavering. With Formnext 2023 being an unequivocal success, we are excited to continue our journey with the global 3D printing community. As we leave the event, we express our heartfelt appreciation to all who joined us in this extraordinary adventure."

CONTACT: brand@creality.com

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Strengthening government rules and regulations for the transportation industry and strategic collaboration between industry players and private-public partnerships drive the growth of the global truck platooning market.

WILMINGTON, Del., Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report titled "Truck Platooning Market by Component (Hardware and Software), Platooning Type (Driver-Assistive Truck Platooning (DATP) and Autonomous Truck Platooning), and Technology (Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Forward Collision Avoidance, Active Brake Assist, Lane Keep Assist (LKA), and Others), and Communication Technology (Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) and Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I)): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2025-2035". According to the report, the global truck platooning industry will generate $728.9 million in 2025 and is anticipated to reach $6,092.2 million by 2035, witnessing a CAGR of 23.7% from 2025 to 2035.

Download Sample Pages - https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/5245

Prime determinants of growth

Strengthening government rules and regulations for the transportation industry, reduction in fuel consumption, increase in road safety, and strategic collaboration between industry players and private-public partnerships to drive the growth of the global Truck Platooning market. However, the high cost of new vehicles and infrastructure requirements and the rise in security and privacy concerns restrict market growth. Moreover, the production of fully autonomous trucks for platooning and the extension of the size of the truck platooning fleet presents new opportunities in the coming years.

Report Coverage & Details:

Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2025-2035 Base Year 2025 Market Size in 2025 $728.9 million Market Size in 2035 $6,092.2 million CAGR 23.7 % No. of Pages in Report 464 Segments Covered Component, Platooning Type, Technology, Communication Technology, and Region. Drivers Strengthening government rules and regulations for the transportation industry. Reduction in fuel consumption and increase in road safety. Strategic collaboration between industry players and private-public partnerships resulting in market expansion. Opportunities Production of fully autonomous trucks for platooning. Extension of the size of the truck platooning fleet. Restraints High cost and new vehicle and infrastructure requirements. Rise in security and privacy concerns.

The software segment to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period

By component, the software segment held the highest market share in 2025, accounting for four-fifths of the global Truck Platooning market revenue, and is estimated to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period. This segment is projected to manifest a CAGR of 23.1% from 2025 to 2035, owing to the increased demand for IoT-based systems in truck platooning.

Key Highlights of the Report:

The report provides an in-depth analysis of truck platooning within the transportation industry.

The analysis spans from 2025 to 2035, capturing a comprehensive view of the truck platooning market over the specified timeframe.

Latest advancements in the field are outlined in the research study.

Prominent companies in the industry are profiled, offering insights into their operations and contributions.

The research study encompasses various segments and regions, offering a thorough examination of the market across different dimensions.

Procure Complete Research Report (PDF with Qualitative and Quotative Data, Insights, Statistics, Tables, Charts, Figures) - https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/truck-platooning-market/purchase-options

The driver-assistive truck platooning (DATP) segment to maintain its dominance throughout the forecast period.

By platooning type, the driver-assistive truck platooning (DATP) segment is expected to hold the highest market share in 2025, accounting for nearly two-thirds of the global truck platooning market, however, the autonomous truck platooning segment is estimated to grow at the fastest CAGR of 25.7% during the forecast period. The increasing need for fuel reduction technologies and rising inclination towards cost saving coupled with regulatory government support is a major factor that propels the growth of the market.

The other segment is projected to maintain its lead position during the forecast period

By technology, the other segment accounted for the largest share in 2025, contributing to nearly one-third of the global truck platooning market revenue, however, adaptive cruise control (ACC) is projected to lead the market during the forecast period. The primary factors that drive the adaptive cruise control (ACC) segment growth are the rise in the demand for optimized traffic flow solutions and enhanced road safety.

The vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) segment is expected to maintain its lead position during the forecast period

By communication technology, the vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) segment accounted for the largest market share, contributing to around three-fourths of the global truck platooning market revenue, however, the vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) segment is projected to portray the largest CAGR of 27.6% from 2025 to 2035 due to factors such as real-time data sharing with vehicles related to weather forecasts, traffic conditions, and road closures. In addition, the development of logistics infrastructure has created more demand for vehicle-to-infrastructure communication technology during the forecast period.

North America to maintain its dominance by 2032

By region, North America held the highest market share in terms of revenue in 2025, accounting for half of the global truck platooning market revenue. The North American region is dominating due to the significant presence of truck platooning service providers in the region. Moreover, companies in the region are making significant investments in the sector and forming partnerships with both public and private entities in order to develop advanced technology and enhance the capabilities of their products.

However, LAMEA is expected to grow at the highest CAGR of 26.3% during the review period. LAMEA regions are witnessing foreign investment in their countries, due to which there is a rise in the development and implementation of automation. Likewise, there have been some ongoing research developments in recent years in the region in the field of autonomous driving; the ongoing R&D initiative is expected to positively drive the demand for truck platooning during the forecast period.

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Leading Market Players: -

AB Volvo

Continental AG

Mercedes-Benz Group AG (former Daimler AG)

Peloton Technology LLC

Robert Bosch GmbH

Scania AB

TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION

Bendix Corporation

DAF Trucks N.V

IVECO S.P.A.

The report provides a detailed analysis of these key players in the global Truck platooning 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.

Similar Reports We Have on Automotive Industry:

Self-Driving Truck Market Research Report 2023-2032

Connected Truck Market Research Report 2023-2032

Connected Trucks Telematics Market Research Report 2023-2032

Semi-Autonomous and Autonomous Truck Market Research Report 2023-2032

About Us

Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain.

We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Allied Market Research CEO Pawan Kumar is instrumental in inspiring and encouraging everyone associated with the company to maintain high quality of data and help clients in every way possible to achieve success. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry.

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Archer Review has been ranked 33rd on the Deloitte Technology Fast 500 list, placing it as the fastest-growing technology company in Texas.

Dallas, Texas--(Newsfile Corp. - November 14, 2023) - Archer Review has been ranked 33rd on the Deloitte Technology Fast 500 list, placing it as the fastest-growing technology company in Texas. The list is a ranking of the 500 fastest-growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences, fintech, and energy tech companies in North America, now in its 29th year. During the evaluated period, Archer Review experienced a growth rate of 5,291%.



Archer Review's Commitment to Excellence Honored with Rank 33 in 2023 Deloitte Fast 500, the Fastest Growing Technology Company in Texas

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The CEO of Archer Review, Dr. Karthik Koduru, links the company's revenue growth to its core test preparation offerings. "Being ranked in the Deloitte Fast 500 is a reflection of our team's effort to create educational resources that are aligned with the needs of our users," said Dr. Koduru. "Nurses, nurse practitioners, physicians, and medical students deserve high-quality test prep resources at a low price. Improving access to test prep services while leveraging our user analytics for greater predictive accuracy for passing helps them get the most out of our program."

The company has attracted a user base that values its targeted and effective study resources. Placement on the Deloitte list signifies the company's revenue performance and evolving presence in the educational technology market.

Dr. Koduru added, "Our focus on organic growth and measurable student outcomes has been central to our strategy. The recognition from Deloitte reinforces the efficacy of our approach."

Regarding Archer Review's future, Dr. Koduru is optimistic. "The Deloitte recognition is an affirmation of our users' trust. We look forward to sustaining our commitment to impactful educational resources."

Archer Review plans to continue supporting nursing students and professionals to achieve certification objectives. The Deloitte honor is a recognition of past achievements and an indicator of the company's potential for future contributions to educational technology. Archer Review was also recognized in 2023 and 2022 as part of the Inc 5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies in America, ranking #85 this year and placing as the fastest-growing company in the Education sector.

The Deloitte Technology Fast 500 evaluates companies based on percentage revenue growth over a three-year period. Now in its 29th iteration, the Deloitte Technology Fast 500 provides a ranking of the fastest-growing companies in relevant sectors in North America, and Archer Review's placement on this list underscores its significant growth within its industry.

About Archer Review



Archer Review provides test preparation resources for the healthcare education sector, including nurses, nursing students, nurse practitioners, and physicians. Recognized by Inc. 5000 as one of the fastest-growing companies in the USA two years in a row, Archer Review is dedicated to driving education forward through innovation and quality resources.

Contact Info:

Name: Whitney Isola

Email: whitney.isola@archerreview.com

Organization: Archer Review

Website: http://archerreview.com

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/187300
Pixium Vision announces the 48-Month Trial Results in Severe Atrophic AMD





Study confirms subretinal prothesis feasible and well-tolerated with no reduction of natural peripheral vision, confirming 36-month results

Patients suffering from central vision loss reliably recognized letters and sequences of letters, a clinically significant improvement

Full data readout of accompanying pivotal PRIMAvera trial expected early 2024

Pixium Vision reiterates that it is subject to receivership proceedings and is actively seeking buyers for its assets





Paris, France, 14, 2023 - 7:00 am (CET) - Pixium Vision SA (Euronext Growth Paris - FR001400JX97; Mnemo: ALPIX), a bioelectronics company developing innovative vision systems to enable patients who have lost their sight to live more independent lives, today announces data from a first in human trial to assess the efficacy and safety of the PRIMA photovoltaic retinal stimulation microchip for improving visual acuity (VA) 48 months post implantation in patients with severe central vision impairment due to dry age-related macular degeneration (dry AMD)

The trial data show that the implantation of PRIMA is feasible and well tolerated in all five study participants, with no reduction of natural peripheral visual function after 48 months. Using the prosthetic central vision provided by PRIMA, patients reliably recognized letters and sequences of letters with a clinically meaningful improvement in visual acuity of up to eight lines. The data currently undergoing journal peer review are available here.

In the beginning of Q2 2024 Pixium is expecting to report the full data readout from PRIMAvera, its European pivotal study, an open-label, baseline controlled, non-randomized, multi-center, prospective single-arm pivotal trial which has enrolled 38 patients (NCT04676854).

"One of the major visual disabilities for patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and geographic atrophy is the gradual decline and then a permanent loss of reading ability within the central field," commented Professor Frank Holz, Scientific Coordinator of the study, "Unlike the current and potential pharmacological treatments for geographic atrophy, which aim to slow the growth of atrophic lesions without functional improvement in visual acuity, the PRIMA study results demonstrate restoration of central vision in the former scotoma. At the 4-year time-point, the mean gain was 32 letters, which corresponds to an improvement of logMAR 0.6 (six lines) and should be considered clinically meaningful for patients with geographic atrophy with foveal involvement secondary to AMD."

"We are delighted that thanks to our PRIMAvera pivotal study, 19 leading European retinal surgery sites have been trained in the minimally invasive procedure to implant our 2x2 mm photovoltaic sub-retinal microchip in under 2 hours" stressed Ralf Hornig, PhD Director of Clinical Affairs

"Further improvements of the AR glasses will widen the visual field, while the advanced image processing and stimulation protocol promise even more functional restoration of sight for patients suffering from atrophic macular degeneration no longer treatable with Pegcetacoplan injections" predicted Daniel Palanker, the Department of Ophthalmology and Hansen Experimental Physics Laboratory at Stanford University CA USA, who is leading the engineering development of Pixium's next generation chip.

The PRIMA retinal prosthesis includes a microchip, which is self-sustaining and needs no wires for external power supply, inserted under the fovea (central part of the retina). Each pixel of the implant (of which there are 378) independently converts light projected from transparent augmented-reality (AR) glasses into electric current stimulating the inner retinal cells, restoring vision in patients' central blind spot. The retinal photovoltaic neurostimulation microchip is just 2-mm wide and 30-m thick, carrying 378 electrodes of just 100 m (1 m = one millionth of a meter) in diameter.

As a reminder, the Company is currently subject to receivership proceedings and is actively looking for buyers to acquire the Company's business. In that context, the Company draws investors' attention to the possibility that, in the event of a court-ordered plan to sell off all or part of the Company's assets, the price offered may not allow shareholders to be reimbursed in full or in part.

The deadline for submission of offers has been set to November 20, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. (noon) CET.

Pixium will continue to regularly inform the market on the progress of the procedure and, more generally, of Pixium Vision's financial situation.

About Pixium Vision

Pixium Vision is creating a world of bionic vision for those who have lost their sight, enabling them to regain visual perception and greater autonomy. Pixium Vision's bionic vision systems are associated with a surgical intervention and a rehabilitation period. Prima System sub-retinal miniature photovoltaic wireless implant is in clinical testing for patients who have lost their sight due to outer retinal degeneration, initially for atrophic dry age-related macular degeneration (dry AMD). Pixium Vision collaborates closely with academic and research partners, including some of the most prestigious vision research institutions in the world, such as Stanford University in California, Institut de la Vision in Paris, Moorfields Eye Hospital in London, Institute of Ocular Microsurgery (IMO) in Barcelona, University hospital in Bonn, and UPMC in Pittsburgh, PA. The Company is EN ISO 13485 certified and qualifies as "Entreprise Innovante" by Bpifrance.

Forward-Looking Statements. This press release contains certain forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, these forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. For a discussion of risks and uncertainties which could cause the Company's actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, please refer to the Risk Factors ("Facteurs de Risques") section of the Company's 2022 Annual Financial Report and other documents the Company files with the AMF, which is available on the AMF website (www.amf- france.org) or on the Company's website.

For more information: http://www.pixium-vision.com/fr

Follow us on @PixiumVision ; www.facebook.com/pixiumvision

www.linkedin.com/company/pixium-vision

Contacts

Investor Relations



Pixium Vision

Offer Nonhoff

Chief Financial Officer

investors@pixium-vision.com (mailto:investors@pixium-vision.com)



Media Relations



Rose Piquante Consulting

Sophie Baumont

Sophie.baumont@rosepiquante-consulting.com

+33 6 27 74 74 49

Attachment
BERLIN (dpa-AFX) - ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE (PBSFF.PK), a German broadcasting and media company, on Tuesday reported lower earnings and revenues for the third quarter. Further, the company also said that it sees earnings guidance at the lower end of view and cut the revenue outlook for fiscal 2023. Adjusted net income decreased 41 percent to 23 million euros from 39 million euros of last year, on higher interest and tax expenses. Adjusted EBITDA edged up 1.7 percent to 110 million euros from 108 million euros of the prior year, on targeted cost adjustments and profitable revenue growth in the Commerce & Ventures segment. Revenue declined 3 percent to 888 million euros from 911 million euros of the previous year. The company commented that the Organic revenue growth was almost stable. Looking ahead to the next quarter the company assumes a slight growth. For the full year, the company said that it now expects adjusted EBITDA to be at the lower end of the range of 600 million euros plus/minus 50 million euros forecast at the beginning of the year. Revenues are now expected to be slightly below the target range of 4.10 billion euros plus/minus 150 million euros. On Monday, ProSiebenSat.1 shares closed at 4.90 EUR, down 4.45% in Germany. 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.
SINGAPORE, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Business and Philanthropy Forum 2023, hosted by the Alliance For Good (AFG) in Singapore from November 9-10, successfully convened the world's most influential family business leaders and next-generation philanthropists to promote the fusion of wealth and philanthropy for a brighter future.

AFG's "Asia Vision: Wealth and Purpose" initiative, unveiled at the forum, champions family businesses and family offices as forces for good. Over 500 business leaders pledged to engage nonprofit and social enterprise leaders in the upcoming year to drive meaningful change.

Guest-of-Honour Mrs Josephine Teo, Minister for Communications and Information, Singapore, delivered a keynote speech on Artificial Intelligence for the Public Good, focusing on navigating the intersection of artificial intelligence, impact, and our future. Panel discussions explored cutting-edge topics, such as family business and family office as a force for good and building the Asian art ecosystem. The forum also encouraged private businesses to collaborate and make impactful contributions in the face of geopolitical challenges.

AI Pioneer Kai-Fu Lee delivered a speech and participated in a panel discussion on navigating Artificial Intelligence for a Better Future. Kai-Fu stated, "AI will disrupt every business in unimaginable ways, and this will become the most amazing productivity enhancer. So, this era is really up to us."

Notable attendees included prominent philanthropic figures such as Benjamin Fok, Director of the Fok Ying Tung Foundation; Stefan Messer, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Messer Group; Tirelo Molotlegi, Her Majesty the Princess of the Royal Bafokeng Nation, Africa; Basma Alzamil, Al Zamil family of Saudi Arabia; Laurence Lien, Co-founder and Founding CEO of the Asia Philanthropy Circle; and Berry Liberman, Co-founder and Creative Director of Little Giants, and Liberman Family representative of Australia. Other notable figures from the field of AI included Dacheng Tao (Professor of Computer Science at the University of Sydney and Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science and the Academia Europaea), and Miao Chun Yan (Chair, School of Computer Science and Engineering, President's Chair in Computer Science, School of Computer Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University).

Princess Tirelo Molotlegi delivered a speech titled "Royal Family Philanthropy and Impact Investment," adding a unique perspective to the forum's discussions.

Building on the legacy of previous editions, AFG raised over SGD 650,000 for the Stroke Support Station, underscoring its dedication to creating a better world for all.

AFG expressed gratitude to its partners and sponsors, including Founding Partner, Nanyang Technological University; Platinum Sponsors, Highlight, and Tinghua; Diamond Sponsors, Great Eastern and Great Eastern Financial Advisers; Silver Sponsors, Eton Solutions, Go Global Gem, and Adream Charitable Foundation Limited; Partners, Weixin Strategic Research Institute and ByteDance Foundation.

Alliance For Good (AFG) continues its dedication to harnessing wealth with purpose, shaping a world where wealth seamlessly converges with purpose and welfare. The day before the forum, on November 8, the Next Generation Philanthropy Leaders Fellowship Program gathered over 25 top family business and family office next-gen leaders for a day of masterclasses and training by expert trainers. This pre-forum program set the stage for in-depth discussions during the subsequent forum.

As Mr Benjamin Fok stated in his opening remarks, this journey towards purpose-driven prosperity "begins here in Singapore, a nation where noble dreams are made and fulfilled; this is a continuation of the Singapore miracle."

AFG aims to organize various events leading up to 2024 Forum, scheduled for November 3-4, 2024 in Singapore.

Stay engaged with AFG's efforts at https://bpforum.org/.

About Alliance For Good

Alliance For Good (AFG) is a distinguished philanthropy network founded in Singapore with a strong presence in Asia. Our core mission is to facilitate impactful change by servicing the region's families, family offices, foundations, firms, and financial institutions. AFG has established itself as a leader in the field, specialising in organising large-scale events in both Singapore and Mainland China. Our most prominent endeavour, the Business and Philanthropy Forum, has been a resounding success over the past six years. This flagship event attracts a diverse audience of global philanthropists, Ultra-High-Net-Worth Individuals (UHNWI), Family Offices, Venture Capitalists, Tech Founders and C-suite executives from across Asia and worldwide.

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Dr Patrick D. Yoshinaga of the Marshall B. Ketchum University in the United States warned against the black-box effect during AI algorithm development, referring to people's inability to understand the AI algorithm or its decision-making process.



Discussing whether AI vision test failure may pose a liability risk for optometrists, Prof Mingguang He of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University noted that some insurance companies in the United States and Australia had already included coverage for AI errors.



Dr Priya Morjaria's social enterprise, Peak Vision, designs software for remote eye examinations, collecting just the data needed.

HONG KONG, Nov 14, 2023 - (ACN Newswire) - Widespread ChatGPT use and remote medical consultations have taken artificial intelligence (AI) and telemedicine into the mainstream, including treatment for vision problems. At the 21st Hong Kong International Optometric Symposium this year, professionals from Mainland China, the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom and Hong Kong, discussed AI and tele-optometry developments. They examined how technology could "open the eyes" of the visually impaired and reduce staffing pressure on primary healthcare. They also shared thoughts on whether technological advancements would endanger employment prospects for optometrists."This is an exciting time, as many technologies suited for the visually impaired can now be accessed through apps," said Dr Patrick D. Yoshinaga of the Marshall B. Ketchum University in the United States. Several AI-powered smartphone apps could identify objects after being trained through exposure to a large set of images. Users simply needed to point their smartphone camera at any object or text and listen to an audio narration describing it. Using Microsoft's Seeing AI as an example, Dr Yoshinaga pointed out that, six years ago, users would have had to wait several seconds for the app to respond after clicking on the screen, but no longer! He recalled that a blind working mother could use the app to read documents and find meeting locations at work, and help her daughter choose matching colours at home. She could even turn off the lights in her daughter's room after learning how bright the room was.Visually impaired people can now wear AI glasses equipped with the GPT-4 language model and converse with them, reading menu contents for example. A user could even ask: "What types of vegetarian options are available?" and GPT-4 would summarise relevant dishes and respond conversationally. When the audience learnt that AI apps could serve as "eyes" for the visually impaired, some gasped in amazement and photographed presentation slides to capture the moment.PolyU employs AI for diagnosis and brings Australian experience to Hong KongGlobally, societies are contending with ageing populations and rises in diabetes cases. With healthcare providers in high demand, AI can offer relief. Professor Mingguang He of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University received a grant from the Australian government some years ago. He collaborated with universities in Hong Kong and healthcare technology companies to investigate AI use in eye disease diagnosis, as well as how this technology could be implemented in the community. His research in 2018 found that AI had a 90% or higher accuracy rate in detecting common eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration. They subsequently installed a simple AI system in local GP clinics. Following an eye examination, fundus images were automatically transferred to the AI system for analysis, and the system could produce a report in two to three minutes."Previously, Australians were required to visit a clinic multiple times for diagnosis and report collection. That can now be accomplished in a single visit." Prof He said they designed the system to work without requiring an internet connection, after considering resources available at clinics. They also created a simplified version of the device for self-administered testing which could be bought for as little as HK$10,000. Prof He planned to gradually apply his Australian experience to Hong Kong's Smart Clinic Project, which is expected to benefit more than 200,000 grassroots citizens.Eye-health software fills gaps in UK eye-care servicesAnother example of AI use came from Professor Benny Chung-ying Zee of The Chinese University of Hong Kong Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care. He explained that AI analysis of retinal images allowed prediction of a patient's risk of stroke and cognitive impairment, allowing early intervention to improve lifestyle habits. This approach could also reduce the long-term burden that vision examinations would place on the healthcare system.Dr Priya Morjaria of Peak Vision, a social enterprise in the United Kingdom that specialises in eye care, said 90% of vision-loss cases could be avoided if individuals received timely examination and assistance. Her social enterprise provided eye health screening software to help countries bridge eye-care service gaps. The system begins with a screening for eye conditions, followed by case triage, eyeglass prescriptions and even surgical intervention. All of this is documented in the system, lowering the possibility of patients in need of care not being followed up. She noted that the proportion of Pakistani men participating in her social enterprise's programmes had increased from 19% to 45%, approaching the ideal target of 50%.Many audience members were optometry students concerned about how AI would affect employment prospects and how they could prepare themselves before entering the field. Prof He believed AI would not replace optometrists but help them work more efficiently. Eye examination and reporting used to take three days to complete but with AI assistance, these tasks took just 30 minutes. Dr Morjaria added: "AI will not take away your job. Patients always need to see a person. They always want to find a clinician to make a final decision." Nevertheless, she reminded students to be aware of the evidence underlying AI decisions and advised them not to accept the finding for what it is, but to learn about and understand AI in order to interpret the evidence presented.Photo download: https://bit.ly/47ph7BiWebsitesHong Kong International Optical Fair: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkopticalfair/enIntelligence Hub: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkopticalfair/en/intelligence-hubMedia enquiriesPlease contact the HKTDC's Communication and Public Affairs Department:Frankie Leung, Tel: (852) 2584 4298, Email: frankie.cy.leung@hktdc.orgPhyllis Tsang, Tel: (852) 2584 4288, Email: phyllis.km.tsang@hktdc.orgTo view press releases in Chinese, please visit http://mediaroom.hktdc.com/tcAbout 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.
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Tarjama, the MENA region's leading smart language services provider, is proud to announce the opening of its new headquarters in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). This momentous move underscores our unwavering commitment to amplify technological solutions and cultivate a burgeoning clientele in KSA as well as globally.

As KSA undergoes a remarkable transformation from an oil-dependent economy to a diversified global business hub, Tarjama's decision to relocate top executives to KSA reflects our dedication to catalyzing growth and bolstering the local business landscape. Through our state-of-the-art AI-powered localization hub, Tarjama will offer an extensive range of language services, encompassing translation, interpretation, subtitling, content creation, and strategic advisory, tailored to the needs of regional and global businesses operating within the Kingdom.

As a prominent player in the language technology sector, Tarjama boasts a strategic stronghold in the MENA region. Our AI-driven tools, including Arabic Machine Translation (AMT), Translation Management System (CleverSo), and Linguistic Services Market (T-Portal), empower companies to expand their operations seamlessly with multilingual content.

Nour Al Hassan, the visionary founder and CEO of Tarjama, expressed her enthusiasm for this milestone, saying: "We take immense pride in our 15-year journey in the MENA region. As we witness KSA's emergence as a thriving hub for international enterprises, we are delighted to introduce our proprietary suite of innovative language solutions, meticulously crafted for the Arabic language, to the Saudi market."

Founded in 2008 by Nour Al Hassan, Tarjama has firmly established itself as the preferred language service partner for both international and regional businesses. Our technology-driven language and communication services have consistently delivered tangible business outcomes.

Looking ahead, Tarjama has ambitious plans to expand to 11 new locations by 2025 yearend, driven by our customer-centric and quality-focused approach. The launch of our KSA headquarters paves the way for significant growth in the near future as we continue to venture into new markets with our innovative offerings.

About Tarjama

Tarjama stands at the forefront as a smart language technology and services provider, facilitating rapid global scalability through multilingual content in every conceivable format and language. Founded in 2008 by Nour Al Hassan, Tarjama has rapidly ascended to the apex of the localization market in the MENA region, courtesy of our proprietary portfolio of innovative language solutions specifically tailored for the Arabic language.

Driven by a mission to unlock global growth potential for businesses, Tarjama is steadfast in delivering language solutions that adhere to international benchmarks of quality, speed, and cost-efficiency. Our comprehensive range of AI-powered language services spans translation, localization, interpretation, content creation, transcription, subtitling, and strategic advisory.

For more information about Tarjama, please visit our website at (www.tarjama.com).

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PRESS RELEASE

Ergomed strongly positioned for future growth

in new partnership with Permira

Permira completes acquisition of Ergomed for 703.1 million

Through this partnership, Permira will support Dr. Miroslav Reljanovic and the team in Ergomed's next phase by accelerating the growth of the business

Investment to focus on commercial expansion, technology and strategic M&A





Guildford, UK and London, UK - 14 November 2023: Ergomed plc ("Ergomed") and Permira Advisers LLP ("Permira"), are pleased to announce the completion of the acquisition of Ergomed by funds advised by Permira (the "Permira Funds") for 703.1 million.

Ergomed is a differentiated Pharmacovigilance ("PV") and Contract Research Organisation ("CRO") platform with a strong track record in the complex oncology and rare diseases spaces and a reputation for high-quality, bespoke, customer centric delivery across its services.

Ergomed operates in growing markets which benefit from increasing complexity, regulatory requirements and outsourcing rates. Dr. Miroslav Reljanovic, founder and Executive Chairman, and the management team have made strong progress in recent years, strengthening both CRO and PV capabilities organically and through acquisitions.

Permira has an extensive track record in the pharma and pharma services sector, deploying capital and expertise into growth-orientated businesses and partnering with founders and management teams in achieving their strategic ambitions. Permira's deep industry-specific knowledge and strong network in the healthcare space will allow it to support the next phase of growth for Ergomed by investing in the business' commercial expansion, technology transformation and geographic reach, as well as providing additional capital to undertake strategic acquisitions.

Dr. Miroslav Reljanovic, Executive Chairman of Ergomed, said: "With a strong commitment to service quality and customer service, Ergomed has grown significantly to become a global, geographically diversified player in the CRO and PV sectors. Permira is a highly experienced healthcare investor with a track record of building successful global businesses, which will support us to build on the foundations we have created. Permira brings operational expertise, a global network, capital and, equally importantly, a like-minded approach to how to accelerate our growth. We believe the acquisition will significantly increase our ability to invest in our geographical expansion, commercial infrastructure, and technology, and to execute strategic M&A in both the CRO and PV businesses."

Silvia Oteri, Partner and Global Head of Healthcare at Permira, said: "We are delighted to complete the acquisition of Ergomed, a medic-led, high quality and fast-growing pharma services platform. It is a privilege to be partnering with Miro and his team, who had the vision of creating a leading outsourcing partner in pharmacovigilance and in oncology and rare disease clinical development, helping clients safely develop and commercialise complex and often life-saving therapies for patients. Through this partnership, we will help Miro and the team to further build and accelerate on the very strong foundation they have already laid."

ENDS













Enquiries: Ergomed +44 (0) 1483 307 920 Dr. Miroslav Reljanovic (Executive Chairman)

Jonathan Curtain (Chief Financial Officer)

Keith Byrne (Senior Vice President, Capital Markets and Strategy)







ICR Consilium (PR adviser to Ergomed) +44 (0) 20 3709 5700 Chris Gardner

Matthew Neal

ergomed@consilium-comms.com







Headland Consultancy Limited (PR adviser to Permira) +44 (0) 20 3805 4822 Lucy Legh

Rob Walker

Charlie Twigg

Permira@headlandconsultancy.com (mailto:Permira@headlandconsultancy.com)









About Ergomed plc

Ergomed provides specialist services to the pharmaceutical industry spanning all phases of clinical development, post-approval pharmacovigilance and medical information. Ergomed's fast-growing services business includes an industry-leading suite of specialist pharmacovigilance.

About Permira

Permira is a global investment firm that backs successful businesses with growth ambitions. Founded in 1985, the firm advises funds with total committed capital of approximately 77bn and makes long-term majority and minority investments across two core asset classes, private equity and credit. The Permira private equity funds have made approximately 300 private equity investments in four key sectors: Technology, Consumer, Healthcare and Services.

The Permira funds have an extensive track record in healthcare investing, having deployed over 4 billion in approximately 20 companies to scale some of the most innovative healthcare businesses globally across specialty pharma, medical devices, strategic outsourcing platforms and healthcare technology. Current and previous investments from the Permira funds in the sector include Kedrion, Cambrex, Neuraxpharm, LSNE, Quotient Sciences, I-MED and Althea.

Permira employs over 500 people in 15 offices across the United States, Europe and Asia. For more information visit www.permira.com.
ApplyBoard's third annual trends report uncovers the top trends in international education for 2024 and beyond

Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, Nov. 14, 2023, leverages extensive industry data, proprietary ApplyBoard intelligence, exclusive surveys, and candid student interviews to uncover the trends most likely to impact student mobility in the coming years.

Demand for international education is at an all-time high. In each of Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, student visa applications rose by at least 23% in 2022, and numbers continued to rise through 2023. With so many students going abroad, the report argues that it is essential that governments, institutions, and businesses align programs, policies, and priorities to develop more pathways for prosperity for all stakeholders. For example, institutions can better ensure student success by working with businesses to identify workforce needs and designing programs that train students capable of filling them.

"More than ever, alignment is needed across the international education sector to ensure the success of students and institutions alike," says Meti Basiri, Co-Founder and CEO of ApplyBoard. "When governments, institutions, and businesses work collectively in pursuit of common goals, students receive a better educational experience and are better positioned to succeed during and after their studies. At ApplyBoard, we're committed to working with our partners to bring this standard to life."

Key findings from this year's report include:



Major English-speaking destination countries face increased competition from non-Anglophone destination markets entering 2024.

Aging destination markets need skilled workers in areas like health and STEM, but institutions need to better align student inflows with these job market needs in order to both fill these roles and ensure student success. Job demand in health care is expected to grow by at least 13% by 2031 in both Canada and the US. Aging populations require increased health care services, and international students will be critical for filling the gaps. Destination markets will face significant skills shortages in STEM in the coming years, but lack of knowledge and mentorship regarding these fields mean international students are not well positioned to address these shortages.

Replacing retirees will require alignment on stay-and-work messaging: 48% of students interested in studying in North America and the UK are looking for a clear path to permanent residency post-degree.

48% of students interested in studying in North America and the UK are looking for a clear path to permanent residency post-degree. Housing shortages, upcoming elections and new government policies will all shape student sentiment in the years to come.

Student diversity is needed to ensure the long-term health of the international education sector. Nigeria, the Philippines, and Colombia are three countries where strategic recruitment efforts could pay dividends for institutions.

Uncover these insights and more by reading ApplyBoard's Trends Report online here .
BRUSSELS/FRANKFURT/PARIS (dpa-AFX) - Vodafone Group Plc (VOD.L, VOD) reported that its first-half profit before tax declined to 550 million euros from 1.69 billion euros, last year. The Group posted a first half loss to owners of the parent of 346 million euros compared to profit of 945 million euros, prior year. Loss per share, in cents, was 1.28 compared to profit of 3.36. Adjusted EBITDAaL was 6.4 billion euros, down 12.0% on reported basis. Adjusted basic earnings per share, in eurocents, was 3.43 compared to 5.90, principally due to lower Adjusted EBITDAaL. Organic adjusted EBITDAaL growth was 0.3% despite a significant increase in energy costs. Adjusted free cash outflow was 1.5 billion euros, in the period. First half revenue was 21.9 billion euros compared to 22.9 billion euros, previous year. The Group said revenue decline of 4.3% was due to adverse foreign exchange rate movements and the disposal of Vantage Towers, Vodafone Hungary and Vodafone Ghana in the prior fiscal year. Group service revenue increased 4.2%, on an organic basis, to 18.6 billion euros. Looking forward, Vodafone Group reiterated fiscal 2024 guidance with adjusted EBITDAaL expected to be 'broadly flat' at around 13.3 billion euros, and adjusted free cash flow to be around 3.3 billion euros. The interim dividend per share is 4.5 eurocents. The ex-dividend date for the interim dividend is 23 November 2023 for ordinary shareholders, the record date is 24 November 2023 and the dividend is payable on 2 February 2024. 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.
TAIPEI, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Get ready for an extraordinary health adventure with dBio at Medica 2023! Decentralized Biotechnology Intelligence Co., Ltd (dBio) was awarded the 20th National Innovation Award for their latest solutions, the AIoT Wearable Stethoscope (StethoCloud) and AIoT Smart Insole Sensor (gMOT Cloud). These innovations promise to provide the most convenient and user-oriented way to monitor and manage our health, all in ultra-slim, user-friendly AIoT solutions.

Dusseldorf, Germany - The countdown to Medica 2023 has begun, and healthcare professionals and enthusiasts are buzzing with anticipation for the latest medical technology solutions from some of the most reputable and innovative companies in the field. Among these industry leaders is dBio, known for their cutting-edge technology and unwavering dedication to advancing healthcare. dBio is all set to showcase its pioneering solutions, at the prestigious international trade fair, scheduled to take place from November 13 to November 16 in Hall 15, Booth C38-4.

StethoCloud: The First-ever AIoT Wearable Stethoscope

StethoCloud is set to change the way we monitor our heart health. Designed with comfort and convenience in mind, this ultra-slim wearable stethoscope seamlessly integrates into your daily life without causing any disruption. It offers a user-friendly interface, making it accessible to individuals of all backgrounds. The device goes beyond traditional stethoscopes, offering health trend analysis, multiple metrics analysis, and the ability to detect abnormalities in real-time. In the event of an emergency, it can also send out alerts to ensure prompt medical attention.

dBio's StethoCloud takes the spotlight as the leading wearable stethoscope on the market. Weighing in at a mere 15 grams, it is capable of continuously recording heart sounds for extended periods. This innovation signifies a remarkable advancement in the field of wearable health technology, delivering an unprecedented level of uninterrupted insight into cardiovascular health, setting it apart from any other stethoscope.

gMOT Cloud: The Most Ergonomic and Accurate AIoT Smart Insole Sensor

dBio showcases its second star attraction, gMOT Cloud, the AIoT Smart Insole, at Medica 2023. This ingenious device is designed to cater to a wide range of applications, from gait analysis to various sporting activities. It features embedded sensors for accurate and hands free monitoring, ensuring comfortable wear and allowing users to perform activities naturally without disruption or interruption to their training.

The gMOT Cloud is an exercise and health monitoring marvel, equipped with a multitude of advanced sensors, offering a wide range of functional metrics, and providing real-time data on various health aspects. It is a hands-free solution for monitoring daily activities, assisting individuals in gaining a deeper understanding of their fitness levels. Key metrics offered by gMOT Cloud include GAIT Analysis, Dynamic Center of Pressure, and record comparisons, and much more. This data empowers users to make informed decisions about their health and exercise routines every step of the way.

In-House Design and Development of Pioneering Health and Exercise Technologies

dBio, the award-winning health and exercise technology company, leads the way in research and development, software and hardware design, and artificial intelligence development, all with a mission to advance health technology. Its in-house expertise enables the continuous delivery of tailored solutions that establish industry standards and seamlessly integrate into various applications.

With a strong focus on user-centric design, their AIoT x Health and Exercise Management Technologies drive innovation customized to modern needs. Their flagship products, StethoCloud and gMOT Cloud, are poised to revolutionize health monitoring, placing a strong emphasis on user-friendliness and seamless integration into daily life.

dBio invites you to experience the future of health and exercise innovation at Medica 2023, from November 13 to November 16 in Dusseldorf. The event in Hall 15, Booth C38-4, is an exciting opportunity for healthcare professionals and enthusiasts to explore cutting-edge solutions.

Dates: Monday, Nov. 13 to Thursday, Nov. 16

Location: Hall 15, Booth C38-4

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/dbio-unveils-cutting-edge-aiot-health-innovations-at-medica-2023-301983405.html
LONDON (dpa-AFX) - Land Securities Group Plc. (LAND.L) reported that its loss attributable to shareholders of the parent for the six months ended 30 September 2023 narrowed to 181 million pounds or 24.4 pence per share from 190 million pounds or 25.7 pence per share in the prior year. EPRA earnings per share were 26.7 pence compared to 26.6 pence in the previous year. Revenues for the period grew to 412 million pounds from 394 million pounds in the prior year. The company reiterated its guidance for EPRA earnings per share this year to be broadly stable vs last year's underlying level of 50.1 pence, before returning to growth next year. The company continues to expect its dividend to grow by a low single digit percentage per year over these two years. 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.
BRUCHSAL, Germany, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Volocopter, the pioneer of urban air mobility (UAM), completed its first flight test at the Downtown Manhattan Heliport (DMH) in New York City (NYC) with its crewed Volocopter 2X. Hosted by the Mayor of New York City, Eric Adams, and the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), the Volocopter 2X participated in the world's largest and first public event showcasing multiple electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in a city. Volocopter has now successfully and safely conducted flights in the heart of two of the busiest metropolitan hubs of the world, NYC and Singapore. The success of this flight is an affirmation of the company's skillfulness to bring safe, quiet, and sustainable UAM to megacities worldwide.

With the iconic Lower Manhattan skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge in the background, the Volocopter 2X electric air taxi flew in a smooth and quiet manner. Volocopter's multicopter design is particularly suited for urban missions, producing zero emissions in flight and little noise pollution in a busy metropolis like NYC.

As part of the public showcase, the City of New York outlined a new vision for the future of the Downtown Manhattan Heliport, seeking to reduce emissions, noise pollution, and improve the residents' quality of life. It aims to reshape heliports such as DMH to accommodate eVTOL aircraft to diversify the city's mobility options to reduce congestion, while still meeting the transport needs of one of the busiest cities in the world.

"The Adams Administration has been a leader in driving technology innovation and economic growth while simultaneously improving quality of life," said New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) President & CEO Andrew Kimball. "EDC's new strategy for the Downtown Manhattan Heliport reflects these priorities while making it an industry leader in the embrace of eVTOLS - a quieter and greener helicopter alternative - while at the same time facilitating maritime freight with last mile e-bike deliveries that takes trucks off the roads."

"A New York City flight has always been on Volocopter's mind when designing an eVTOL that could be safe and quiet enough to fly its busy skies," said Christian Bauer, Managing Director of Volocopter. "Our flight in NYC proves that we have everything required to make this emerging technology flourish in this city. This event was an amazing opportunity to showcase how electric air taxis can elevate the quality of life in a city that never sleeps. We are confident this will open doors to air taxi commercial operations in more cities in the U.S., and we look forward to flying again soon in the Big Apple".

In 2018, Volocopter conducted its maiden U.S. flight in Las Vegas. Since then, it has flown in Oshkosh, the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Tampa, and now in NYC. Volocopter expects to receive a final certification of its commercial eVTOL aircraft, the VoloCity, from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in 2024. The company is also in the concurrent validation process with the FAA, which was submitted in 2020, and has been working with both authorities to bring urban air mobility to life.

About Volocopter

Volocopter is building sustainable and scalable urban air mobility businesses to bring affordable air taxi services for goods and people to megacities worldwide. Volocopter leads and cooperates with partners in infrastructure, operations, and air traffic management to build the ecosystem necessary to "Bring Urban Air Mobility to Life." The company has 500 employees in offices in Bruchsal, Munich, and Singapore. It has raised around 500 million in equity from investors including the Mercedes-Benz Group, BlackRock, amongst others. www.volocopter.com

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/volocopter-dazzles-with-first-flight-in-new-york-city-301987172.html
Customer demand for the Clari Revenue Platform surges following acquisitions of Wingman and Groove

Clari, the leader in Revenue Collaboration Governance, has doubled its customer base in EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) as enterprises are increasingly consolidating on the Clari Revenue Platform to run their end-to-end revenue process. Following Clari's acquisitions of Wingman (June 2022) and Groove (August 2023), adoption of the Clari platform in EMEA has surged as customers seek a single enterprise-grade platform to manage all internal and external revenue workflows including revenue forecasting, sales engagement, conversation intelligence, deal management, mutual action plans, and more.

ARM, Elsevier, Pearson, MHR, Ardoq, and Bynder are among the new customers that have recently signed on and are using Clari's platform to gain unprecedented visibility, predictability, and control over the entire revenue process. Clari now operates in 18 countries throughout EMEA, serving a growing roster of midsize and enterprise customers across industries, and expects its rapid growth and expansion to continue.

"Revenue is the most important business process at every company, and we're thrilled that more and more enterprises across EMEA are embracing the Clari platform to help them run it that way," says Kathleen Hartigan, Group VP International Revenue at Clari. "Companies want to reduce tech spend and complexity while shrinking time to revenue and accelerating growth and we're helping them do so without compromise. We're excited to get the Clari platform into the hands of even more revenue teams to help them stop revenue leak and drive faster and more predictable revenue results."

Businesses are seeing huge revenue benefits by bringing together all revenue-critical employees across sales, revenue operations, marketing, customer success, finance, and more to collaborate on and control every component of the revenue process for execution at scale. By managing revenue as an enterprise-wide process and not as a single departmental function, companies are able to spot opportunities, mitigate risks, and win every revenue moment.

Sam Sutton-Reid is the Director of Revenue Operations at Pearson. He tells us that adopting the Clari Revenue Platform produced immediate results.

"We went from having no idea of our forecast precision to hitting 97% accuracy within one week of using Clari's Revenue Platform," he said. "Thanks to Clari, we are now able to automatically capture every revenue-critical signal to power a more intelligent revenue process. Clari does the hard work for us, eliminating manual entry, cleansing information, and matching it back to our records."

Replacing outmoded technology like CRM systems, spreadsheets, and business intelligence tools with a consolidated platform, purpose-built to run revenue, makes sense for any business, says Kathleen.

"Clari powers every revenue-critical employee and workflow, stopping revenue leak and accelerating time to revenue," she says. "As a result, customers consistently achieve substantial improvements across key metrics, including 24% increases in win rates, 10% fewer slipped deals, 12-fold increases in forecast accuracy, and 80% improvements in productivity."

Today's news follows closely on the heels of Clari opening a new R&D centre in Krakow, Poland.

To learn more about Clari's Revenue Platform, click here.

About Clari

Clari is the leader in Revenue Collaboration Governance, providing the only enterprise platform to run the most important business process: Revenue. More than 1,500 organisations run revenue on Clari to improve win rates, prevent slipped deals, forecast with accuracy, and boost the productivity of all revenue-critical employees. Visit clari.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231114654232/en/

Contacts:

Scott Behles

Clari

sbehles@clari.com

Scott Johnston

Big Valley Marketing for Clari EMEA

sjohnston@bigvalley.co
BUCHAREST, Romania, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- One United Properties (BVB: ONE), the leading green investor and developer of residential, mixed-use, and office real estate in Romania announces it has signed a memorandum of understanding with Ennismore, the fastest-growing lifestyle hospitality company in the world, to open Mondrian Hotel in Bucharest. Ennismore is a global collective of entrepreneurial and founder-built brands with creativity and purpose at their heart. The partnership will focus on delivering Mondrian Bucharest, a unique lifestyle hotel in downtown Bucharest.

Mondrian Hotel opened first in 1985 in Los Angeles as the Le Mondrian by the L'Ermitage Hotel Group, and was later purchased by Ian Schrager and his Morgans Hotel Group in 1996 and renamed Mondrian Hotel Los Angeles. As of 2021, the Mondrian brand of hotels, including its flagship in Los Angeles, has been managed by Ennismore, following a joint venture with Accor, which holds a majority shareholding.

Mondrian is present in Los Angeles, New York, South Miami Beach, Doha, Cannes, London, Bordeaux, Singapore, Mexico City, Ibiza and Seoul, and will open soon in Australia's Gold Coast and Hong Kong.

Mondrian Bucharest will be located at 8-10 Georges Clemenceau Street, near the Romanian Athenee, where One United Properties has previously bought an unfinished building with the intention to transform it into a hotel. In December 2022, the company announced the acquisition of an unfinished building in downtown Bucharest, planning to reauthorize and complete the construction, and turn it into a luxurious lifestyle hotel (formerly announced as One Plaza Athenee).

"The exclusive negotiations with Ennismore, the fastest-growing lifestyle hospitality company in the world, target the opening of Mondrian Bucharest, a stylish, modern and luxurious hotel, with chic design and vibrant social scene. This will be a significant milestone in redefining luxury and the hotel landscape in Bucharest and marks our company's debut on the hospitality market. Mondrian Bucharest will become for sure a landmark for the city and will help increase tourism to our capital and to our country. This collaboration is a statement of our commitment to growing the attractiveness of Bucharest as a European capital", said Victor Capitanu, Co-CEO One United Properties.

Starting with February 2024, Riad Abi Haidar will join the company as partner in the hotel division. A passionate hotelier, executive director, strategic thinker, and entrepreneurial leader, Riad Abi Haidar has over 20 years of experience in the international hospitality industry, developing and operating unique lifestyle hotels in the Middle East and south Asia. With an outstanding ability to create innovative guest experiences, Riad Abi Haidar brings extensive international experience and strong hospitality know-how. "I am proudly joining this project of potentially bringing the Mondrian brand with Ennismore to a market with great potential as Romania. Mondrian is not just a hotel; it's a lifestyle brand, promising a new era of sophisticated experiences and elevated living. I am excited to come here and contribute with my expertise in market development, while making Bucharest and Romania more internationally known."

The project is part of One United Properties' effort to contribute not only to urban regeneration, but also to making Bucharest an attractive destination for tourists and locals alike. On the same street, Georges Clemenceau, the company is currently restoring a historical building, the Braikoff House, which will be known as One Athenee after the complete renovation and will positively impact the whole area near the Romanian Athenee. In 2022, One United Properties expanded efforts in landmark restoration, with the acquisition of One Downtown, (including the former Hotel Muntenia), and the former Ford factory, located within One Floreasca City, which is currently undergoing restoration and will be transformed into a retail space, called One Gallery, positioning itself as one of the largest individual investments in restoring a protected building in Romania. In total, the Gross Development Value for the restoration portfolio of the company is estimated at 189 million euros.

ONE UNITED PROPERTIES (BVB: ONE) is the leading green investor and developer of residential, mixed-use, and commercial real estate in Bucharest, Romania. One United Properties is an innovative company dedicated to accelerating the adoption of construction practices for safe, energy-efficient, sustainable, and healthy buildings, and has received numerous awards and recognitions for its superior sustainability, energy efficiency, and wellness. The company is publicly traded on the Bucharest Stock Exchange, and its shares are included in multiple indices such as BET, STOXX, MSCI, FTSE, ROTX and CEEplus.

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BRUSSELS/FRANKFURT/PARIS (dpa-AFX) - German stocks edged up slightly on Tuesday as investors digested solid earnings and looked forward to U.S. CPI data, Eurozone GDP figures and Fed speeches for direction. The benchmark DAX was up 21 points, or 0.1 percent, at 15,365 after gaining 0.7 percent in the previous session. The German 10-year Bund yield declined by 1 basis point to 2.711 percent from 2.721 percent. In corporate news, Delivery Hero shares jumped 3 percent after the online takeaway food company raised its full-year outlook. Wind turbine manufacturer Nordex added about 1 percent after narrowing its loss in the first nine-months of 2023. RWE rallied 2.5 percent as the utility posted an 82 percent increase in core profit for the first nine months. 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.
MUNICH, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Nagarro, a global digital engineering leader, today presented its unaudited financial numbers for Q3 2023 and released its nine-month statement.

Nagarro's superior client experience and its strategic diversification continued to deliver resilient growth. In Q3 2023, revenue grew to 234.3?million, up 1.9% YoY from 229.8?million in Q3 2022 and up 6.6% YoY in constant currency. Organic YoY revenue growth for the quarter was 2.3% in constant currency. Gross profit declined to 56.1?million in Q3 2023 from 69.8?million in Q3 2022. Due to excess production capacity and a shift to consultative selling, gross margin dropped to 23.9% in Q3 2023 from 30.4% in Q3 2022. Adjusted EBITDA declined to 32.0?million (13.7% of revenue) in Q3 2023 from 48.4?million (21.1% of revenue) in Q3 2022. The main EBITDA adjustment was on account of the stock option expense of 1.2 million.

EBITDA declined to 30.6?million in Q3 2023 from 47.6?million in Q3 2022. EBIT declined to 22.1?million in Q3 2023 from 39.2?million in Q3 2022. Net profit decreased to 12.6?million in Q3 2023 from 25.8?million in Q3 2022.

The company's headcount was trimmed by 500 during Q3 2023 to 19,182. The Net Promoter Score from the customer satisfaction survey conducted in Q3 2023 was 67.

Nine-month results

Revenue grew to 690.6?million in 9M 2023, up 10.4% YoY from 625.4?million in 9M 2022. Constant currency revenue growth for 9M 2023 was 12.9%. Organic YoY revenue growth for 9M 2023 was 10.6% in constant currency. Gross profit decreased to 175.0?million in 9M 2023 from 180.3?million in 9M 2022. Gross margin dropped to 25.3% in 9M 2023 from 28.8% in 9M 2022. Adjusted EBITDA declined to 92.4?million (13.4% of revenue) in 9M 2023 from 117.6?million (18.8% of revenue) in 9M 2022. EBITDA decreased to 88.7?million in 9M 2023 from 114.9?million in 9M 2022. EBIT declined to 64.7?million in 9M 2023 from 90.7?million in 9M 2022. Net profit declined to 39.1?million in 9M 2023 against 62.1?million in 9M 2022. Operating cash flow adjusted for changes in factoring (including interest on factored amounts) was 61.7?million in 9M 2023 as compared to 32.0?million in 9M 2022. The cash balance decreased by 18.5?million from December 31, 2022, to 91.6?million, mainly on account of the buyback of shares.

Manas Human, co-founder of Nagarro and Custodian of Entrepreneurship, said, "Given the external circumstances, we are satisfied with the overall financial result. Meanwhile, we continue to improve our offerings, our differentiation, and our ways of working. We believe our industry will continue to evolve, and we want to be prepared to lead the next phase of evolution. We are particularly excited by our vision of the AI-enabled Fluidic Enterprise, which we are gearing up to deliver to our clients."

Nagarro will hold its analyst meeting as a video call to discuss Q3 report 2023 on November 14, 2023, at 01:00 pm CET (04:00 am PT / 06:00 am CT / 07:00 am ET / 12:00 pm GMT / 04:00 pm GST / 05:30 pm IST / 08:00 pm SGT / 09:00 pm JST).

Nagarro will hold its retail investors call to discuss Q3 report 2023 on November 14, 2023, at 03:00 pm CET (06:00 am PT / 08:00 am CT / 09:00 am ET / 2:00 pm GMT / 06:00 pm GST / 07:30 pm IST / 10:00 pm SGT / 11:00 pm JST).

To attend, please register in advance at https://www.nagarro.com/en/investor-relations/quarterly-statement-call-q3-2023 .

About Nagarro

Nagarro, a global digital engineering leader, helps clients become fluidic, innovative, digital-first companies and thus win in their markets. The company is distinguished by its entrepreneurial, agile, and global character, its CARING mindset, and its Fluidic Enterprise vision. Nagarro employs over 19,000 people and is present in 36 countries. For more information, visit www.nagarro.com.

FRA: NA9 (SDAX/TecDAX, ISIN DE000A3H2200, WKN A3H220)

For inquiries, please contact press@nagarro.com.

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CHICAGO (dpa-AFX) - The Boeing Co. (BA) said on Tuesday that it has bagged an order for seven 737-8 airplanes from SCAT Airlines, a Kazakh civil airline company, to expand its 737 MAX fleet. The latest order will nearly double SCAT's 737 fleet as the airline looks to open new routes to European destinations. With reduced fuel consumption, the 737-8 can carry up to 210 passengers depending on configuration and offers a range of up to 6,480 km or 3,500 nautical miles. Based in Shymkent, Kazakhstan, SCAT serves a network of domestic and international destinations in the Commonwealth of Independent States and Central Asia. SCAT was the first airline in Central Asia to fly the 737 MAX and currently operates three 737-8 and five 737-9 airplanes. 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.
BEDFORD, NS, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Aqualitas Inc., a Nova Scotian licensed producer, is pleased to announce they have received a European Union Good Manufacturing Practices (EU-GMP) Certification issued by Beizirksregierung Koln (District of Cologne Germany), and a Drug Establishment License (DEL) issued by Health Canada in accordance with the Food and Drugs Act. After rigorous inspections, these accreditations confirm compliance with the highest industry manufacturing standards in the world for the production of cannabis products and active pharmaceutical ingredients. Aqualitas' primary processes, with respect to flower cultivation, finished packaging and extraction are all now conducted under GMP standards.

Myrna L. Gillis, CEO of Aqualitas, states "this significant milestone reflects our commitment to excellence in manufacturing cannabis products, ensuring exacting attention to produce clean, consistent, and safe product without irradiation while utilizing organic and sustainable processes. Our commitment to pure wellness has been elevated by these important certifications and expands our existing footprint in important global markets."

"The successful attainment of EU-GMP Certification reflects the extraordinary efforts of our quality and operations teams in their persistent and patient pursuit of this important goal", noted Danielle Maitland, Director of Science and Cultivation Technology, who along with Dorothy Easy, Quality Assurance Person, and Nicholas Vorauer, Lead Extraction Scientist, spearheaded the EU-GMP and DEL compliance initiatives.

The EU-GMP Certification adds to Aqualitas' suite of production certifications which include IMC-Good Agricultural Practices (IMC-GAP), GAcP, and Clean Green Certifiied status. This further differentiates Aqualitas products from other Canadian cannabis licenced producers and will also allow the execution on existing strategic distribution partnerships in Australia and expansion into UK and Germany where they anticipate launching product later this month. It will also enable expansion of their research collaborations and support their drug master file for projects in the USA.

About Aqualitas Inc.



Aqualitas Inc. is a privately held, vertically integrated, multi-Health Canada license holder of award-winning cannabis products and in-house brands distributed in all Canadian provinces and internationally. Aqualitas is home to Canada's 2020 Grower of the Year and is Canada's first Clean Green Certified cannabis producer and processor, recognizing its commitment to international organic management practices, compliance, quality, and sustainability. Its unique and proprietary aquaponics growing process combines living water, powered by koi fish, and living soil to create product offerings with enhanced potency and terpene profiles. The Aqualitas brand promise, "Pure Wellness," encapsulates a dedication to driving innovation through research and product development that not only enhances the well-being of consumers but also reflects a commitment to purity, quality, and environmental stewardship. Its scientific incubator, Sindica Global Institute for Cannabis Research and Innovation, is uniquely positioned to collaborate on pharmaceutical and natural health product research due to Aqualitas' comprehensive licenses and certifications, including a research license, an FDA drug master file, a drug establishment license, and adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Aqualitas medical products have also been distributed across Canada and exported to Germany, Australia, Poland, Israel, and the USA.

This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION IN THE UNITED STATES OR ANY USA NEWS WIRE SERVICES AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER OF SECURITIES.

CONTACT: Adriana Magana, Media and Sales Relations Manager amagana@aqualitas.ca

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Prestigious award recognises pioneering work in the tech and AI sector

LONDON, Nov. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Builder.ai, the AI powered composable software platform that allows every business and entrepreneur to become digitally powered, announced today that its Founder & Chief Wizard, Sachin Dev Duggal, has been named as the coveted EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2023 UK overall winner. Sachin was recognised for his pioneering work in the tech sector and was described by the independent UK judging panel as the embodiment of entrepreneurial spirit, impact and purpose.



EY Entrepreneur Of The Year recognises entrepreneurial achievement among individuals and companies that demonstrate vision, leadership and success, and who work to improve the quality of life in their communities, countries and around the world. 2023 marks the 25th anniversary of EY Entrepreneur Of The Year in the UK and the programme has celebrated more than 2,000 business leaders since it was created.



"It's an honour and very humbling to be named as the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2023 for the UK, particularly in this pivotal year which marks the program's 25th anniversary. This award really recognises the hard work, dedication and talent of the entire Builder family, it's their award,' said Sachin Dev Duggal, Founder, Builder.ai. "Builder was developed to level the playing field for entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes who want to build exceptional digitally powered businesses on their own terms but don't necessarily have the tech skills, network, or budget to build their own solutions. We have always been purpose-led and believe the power of our platform allows anyone with an idea to make it a reality - which all-in-more encompasses the spirit of this award."



This year, more than 160 entrepreneurs from across the UK entered the programme, with 24 regional winners shortlisted to compete for the prestigious UK title.?Sachin will now go on to represent the UK at? EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year .



Lynn Rattigan, EY Entrepreneur Of The Year UK Partner Sponsor, said: "The calibre of entries for Entrepreneur Of The Year was exceptionally high this year and Sachin Dev Duggal is a very deserving overall UK winner. Sachin is an inspiring business leader who turned his vision into a reality and has raised over $450M in funding so far. Sachin will now go on to represent the UK at the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year in 2024 and we will be rooting for his continued success."



Sachin believes that every business and every entrepreneur should be empowered to unlock their true potential. In the world of technology where the only constant is change, Sachin is pushing the boundaries of the perception that creating software or an app is too difficult and only for a select few with coding skills, restricting creativity and preventing digital ideas from ever getting started. He created Builder with the mission to make software development as easy as ordering pizza; powering the dreams of the next 500M digital builders, growing the company almost 9x since beta.

Established in 2016, Builder.ai continues to lead the industry with its AI-powered composable software platform that allows anyone with an idea to build an app (web or mobile) - faster and more affordably. By breaking software down into reusable lego-like features, and coupling with state of the Art Artificial Intelligence and Natasha (the world's first AI product manager) and its patented software assembly line, Builder.ai has been able to demonstrate success globally in allowing customers of all sizes to become software first.

In May 2023, Builder.ai closed its series D bringing its total raise to over $450M as well as announcing a strategic collaboration with Microsoft, which includes an equity investment from Microsoft. The collaboration will see the two companies collaborate on creating AI powered solutions that empower businesses to develop applications and become digitally native without the need for any technical expertise. Builder.ai has been growing at over 100% year on year and, over the last year alone making it one of the largest producers of custom software in the world.

About Builder.ai

Builder.ai is an AI-powered composable software platform for every idea and company on the planet. The AI-powered assembly line fuses together Lego-like reusable features, using Building Blocks automation to reduce human effort, leveraging a verified network of experts to vastly extend development capabilities, and producing apps at almost zero failure rate that are multitudes cheaper and faster than traditional software development.



Led by serial entrepreneur Sachin Dev Duggal, Builder.ai is reshaping how software is built and operated with a suite of products and services, including BUILDER STUDIO, BUILDER CLOUD, BUILDER NOW, STUDIO STORE and STUDIO RAPID. In 2020, Builder.ai landed on the 2023 Fast Company list of Most Innovative Companies, was awarded "Hottest AI Startup" and 2022's "Hottest Scale-Up" at the Europas for Europe's successful tech start-ups and Best COVID-19 Innovation-Recovery at CogX and awarded 'Visionary' in the 2021 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Multi-experience Development Platforms. Builder.ai is headquartered in London, supported by employees and hubs in Delhi NCR, Singapore, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, Sophia Antipolis, and Dubai. For more information, visit Builder.ai.



BUILDER.AI and BUILDER are trademarks of Engineer.ai Corp. All other marks are trademarks of their respective owners.

About EY Entrepreneur Of The Year

Entrepreneur Of The Year is the world's most prestigious business awards program for unstoppable entrepreneurs. These visionary leaders deliver innovation, growth and prosperity that transform our world. The program engages entrepreneurs with insights and experiences that foster growth. It connects them with their peers to strengthen entrepreneurship around the world. Entrepreneur Of The Year is the first and only truly global awards program of its kind. It celebrates entrepreneurs through regional and national awards programs in more than 145 cities in over 60 countries. National Overall Award winners go on to compete for the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year title. Visit ey.com/us/eoy.

Media Contact:

stephanie.lowenthal@builder.ai
A recent market report on the Loan Origination Software Market unveils several factors propelling its growth, including the transition from paper-based to paperless digital loan origination processes. The report also offers insights into global leader snapshots, revenue and volume forecasts, company rankings, a competitive landscape overview, growth factors, trends, and pricing analysis.

Loan Origination Software Market Analysis by Cloud-based and On-premises Deployment, Growth Opportunities and Revenue Forecast, 2023 to 2033

NEWARK, Del., Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The global loan origination software market value is expected to reach US$ 4,989.4 million in 2023 andUS$ 17,505.7 million by 2033. Overall demand for loan origination software will likely soar at a 13.4% CAGR throughout the forecast period.

To get a preview of our comprehensive loan origination software market research report before you purchase, click here to request a sample report.

The increasing demand for automation and digitization in the financial sector is a significant driver for the loan origination software industry. Lenders are looking for efficient ways to streamline their loan application processes and reduce manual work, driving the adoption of these software solutions.

The growing trend for online and mobile banking, coupled with the rise of alternative lending models and fintech companies, presents a significant opportunity for the loan origination software market. These solutions would enable lenders to offer a seamless and convenient borrowing experience, attracting a broader customer base.

Data security and compliance are among the primary challenges facing the loan origination software market. Lenders must adhere to strict regulations and protect sensitive customer data, which becomes more complex with the increasing volume of online transactions. Meeting these security and compliance requirements is a constant challenge for software providers.

Artificial intelligence and machine learning are emerging as key trends in the loan origination software market. These technologies would help lenders make more informed decisions, assess creditworthiness, and detect fraudulent activities. As AI and ML continue to evolve, they are likely to play a crucial role in improving the efficiency and accuracy of the loan origination process.

Key Takeaways from the Loan Origination Software Market Study

The global market for loan origination software is set to attain a valuation of US$ 17,505.7 million by 2033.

by 2033. Based on component, integrated lending platform segment is expected to thrive at a CAGR of 14.8% through 2033

through 2033 By end-user, the peer-to-peer lending segment is anticipated to witness a higher CAGR of 16.0% through 2033.

through 2033. Based on deployment, the cloud-based segment is projected to total US$ 14,090.5 million by 2033.

by 2033. Demand in the United States is expected to rise at a CAGR of 12.0% between 2023 and 2033.

between 2023 and 2033. Germany's market value will reach US $ 679.7 million by 2033.

by 2033. The United Kingdom's industry is expected to total US$ 352.3 million by 2033.

by 2033. China's market is predicted to expand at 14.0% CAGR , reaching US$ 2,214.3 million by 2033.

, reaching by 2033. Japan is set to register a CAGR of 12.0% during the forecast period.

Loan Origination Software Market Report Scope

Attribute Details Estimated Market Value (2023) US$ 4,989.4 million Projected Market Value (2033) US$ 17,505.7 million Anticipated Growth Rate (2023 to 2033) 13.4% CAGR Forecast Period 2023 to 2033 Historical Data Available for 2018 to 2022 Market Analysis Value (US$ million) Key Regions Covered Latin America, North America, Europe, South Asia, East Asia, Oceania, and Middle East & Africa Key Countries Covered Canada, United States, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Peru, Argentina, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Belgium, Nordic, Russia, Poland, China, Japan, South Korea, India, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, GCC Countries, South Africa, Central Africa, and others Key Segments Covered Component, Deployment, Enterprise Size, End-user, and Region Key Companies Profiled Mortgage Cadence

Black Knight

Tavant Technologies

Roostify

Calyx Software

LoanScorecard

Byte Software

Mortgage Hippo

Encompass

MortgageFlex Systems Report Coverage Market Forecast, Company Share Analysis, Competition Intelligence, Market Dynamics and Challenges, and Strategic Growth Initiatives

Purchase this report now to get critical companies with their Revenue Forecast, Volume Forecast, Company Ranking, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, Trends, and Pricing Analysis.

"Rapid penetration of digitalization and automation in the lending industry is expected to boost the global loan origination software market during the forecast period. Besides this, inclination toward cloud-based loan origination software will bode well for the market," says Nikhil Kaitwade (Associate Vice President at Future Market Insights, Inc.).

Competitive Landscape

The competition in the loan origination software market is intense, with several key players vying for market share. Loan origination software is crucial for banks, credit unions, and mortgage lenders to streamline and automate the loan application and approval process, making it a highly competitive and evolving sector.

A handful of notable companies in this market include Ellie Mae (now part of ICE Mortgage Technology), Fiserv, Finastra, Black Knight, and Pegasystems. These companies offer feature-rich solutions, such as tools for application processing, underwriting, credit scoring, and compliance management, catering to multiple lending segments such as mortgage, personal, and business loans.

Open banking, digitalization, and the need for seamless customer experiences drive the competition, leading companies to invest in user-friendly interfaces and integrations with emerging technologies such as AI and blockchain to gain a competitive edge. Further, smaller, innovative start-ups are emerging with niche solutions, adding to the diversity of offerings in the market.

Recent Development:

In June 2023, Bond, a start-up that specializes in embedded finance to help digital brands offer personalized and compliant banking products, was acquired by FIS.

More Insights Available on Loan Origination Software Market Report

In its new offering, future Market Insights (FMI) presents an unbiased analysis of the loan origination software market, presenting historical data (2018 to 2022) and forecast statistics from 2023 to 2033. The study reveals growth projections based on component, deployment, enterprise size, end-user, and region.

About the Technology Division at Future Market Insights (FMI)

Future Market Insights (FMI) highly experienced technology team aids companies from all over the world with their specific business intelligence needs through professional research, actionable insights, and strategic recommendations. With a library of over a thousand research and one million+ data points, the team has spent over a decade analyzing the technology business across 50+ countries. From start to end, the company provides unrivaled research and consulting services. Please get in touch with us to see how we can help.

About the Author:

Nikhil Kaitwade (Associate Vice President at Future Market Insights, Inc.) has over a decade of experience in market research and business consulting. He has successfully delivered 1500+ client assignments, predominantly in Automotive, Chemicals, Industrial Equipment, Oil & Gas, and Service industries.

His core competency circles around developing research methodology, creating a unique analysis framework, statistical data models for pricing analysis, competition mapping, and market feasibility analysis. His expertise also extends wide and beyond analysis, advising clients on identifying growth potential in established and niche market segments, investment/divestment decisions, and market entry decision-making.

Nikhil holds an MBA degree in Marketing and IT and a Graduate in Mechanical Engineering. Nikhil has authored several publications and quoted in journals like EMS Now, EPR Magazine, and EE Times.

Explore FMI's Extensive Coverage in the Technology Domain:

The smart space ecosystem in Korea is expected to exhibit a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 16.6% through 2034. The demand for smart space in Korea is poised to witness significant opportunities, with an estimated valuation of US$217.0 million in 2024.

is expected to exhibit a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 16.6% through 2034. The demand for smart space in Korea is poised to witness significant opportunities, with an estimated valuation of US$217.0 million in 2024. The Smart Space industry in Western Europe is projected to reach US$2,781.3 million in 2024 and is expected to increase to US$12,713.9 million by 2034.

is projected to reach US$2,781.3 million in 2024 and is expected to increase to US$12,713.9 million by 2034. The adoption of smart space in Japan is projected to exhibit a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 13.4% through 2034. The smart space industry in Japan is poised to witness significant opportunities, with a projected valuation of US$707.9 million in 2024.

is projected to exhibit a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 13.4% through 2034. The smart space industry in Japan is poised to witness significant opportunities, with a projected valuation of US$707.9 million in 2024. The adoption of thermal printing in Korea is estimated to be valued at US$434.3 million in 2023, with expectations to reach US$694.9 million by 2033.

is estimated to be valued at US$434.3 million in 2023, with expectations to reach US$694.9 million by 2033. The Fiber Optic Gyroscope industry in Western Europe is expected to reach a valuation of US$697.2 million by 2033.

About Future Market Insights (FMI)

Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in Dubai and has delivery centers in the United Kingdom, the United States, and India. FMI's latest market research reports and industry analysis helps businesses navigate challenges and make critical decisions with confidence and clarity amidst breakneck competition.

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.

Contact Us

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Future Market Insights Inc.

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TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / November 14, 2023 / PJX Resources Inc. ("PJX" or "the Company") is pleased to announce that highly anomalous gold and copper occur in soil material along with zinc, lead, and silver up slope from the discovery of Sullivan deposit style and grade semi-massive to massive sulphide boulders. The new sediment-hosted discovery of Sullivan style zinc-lead-silver mineralization in boulders occurs on the Company's Dewdney Trail Property in the Sullivan Minng District in southeastern British Columbia, Canada (see PJX news release October 12, 2023).

Boulders of Sullivan style and grade mineralization were discovered in an area of about 50 metres (m) by 150 m at the base of a talus slope. The boulders are strongly magnetic and appear to have not moved far down the slope of the mountain from a possible bedrock source as some are large and angular (see Photo on subsequent page).

Soil samples taken from talus material up-slope from the boulders are highly anomalous in zinc, lead, silver, gold, and copper. The soils coincide with the strong airborne magnetic anomaly immediately up-slope from the boulders. This magnetic anomaly may be the source of the strongly magnetic boulders.

The highly anomalous zinc, lead, silver, gold, and copper content in soils are also coincident with a moderately strong magnetic anomaly for about 500 m along strike to the north of the 500 m long strong magnetic anomaly (see Figures 1 through 6).

John Keating, President of PJX commented: "Only 2 lines of soils are present up-slope from the boulders. The soils are all anomalous in zinc, lead, silver, copper, and gold. The strongly magnetic anomaly is over 500m in diameter with moderately strong magnetic anomalies on strike to the north and south. Additional mapping and prospecting have been completed and more will be announced when lab analyses are received. We've outlined an area 600 m wide and 1.6 km along strike on the attached maps that will be the main focus of exploration in 2024."

Private Placement

The Company is pleased to announce a non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") of up to sixteen million units through the issuance of Flow Through ("Flow Through Unit") and Non-flow Through Units ("Unit") at a price of $0.105 per Flow Through Unit and $0.09 per Unit.

Each Flow-through Unit will consist of one common share to be issued as a "flow-through share" within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the "Flow-through Shares") and one common share purchase warrant. Each Unit will consist of one common share and one common share purchase warrant. Each warrant, whether acquired as part of a Flow-through Unit or Unit, will entitle the holder to purchase one common share at an exercise price of $0.20 for 24 months following completion of the Offering.

The completion of the Offering may constitute a related party transaction within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 ("MI 61-101") as certain insiders of the company may participate in the Offering. The Company is relying on the exemptions from the valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 contained in sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101, as the fair market value of the participation in the offering by insiders will not exceed 25% of the market capitalization of the company, as determined in accordance with MI 61-101. The Company will also make the Offering available to subscribers who receive suitability advice from a registered investment dealer in accordance with applicable prospectus exemptions in certain Canadian jurisdictions. The Company confirms that there is no material fact or material change about the Company that has not been generally disclosed.

The Offering, and any modifications to it, is subject to compliance with applicable securities laws and to receipt of the approval and acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange. The Company reserves the right to increase the size of the Offering or to modify the type, nature and/or price of the units for any reason. The securities issuable in connection with this Offering will be subject to a hold period in Canada which will run for four months from the date of the closing of the Offering. The Company may pay finders' fees in accordance with the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering for expenditures on its properties located in Cranbrook, British Columbia, and for general working capital. The gross proceeds from the issuance of the Flow-through Shares shall be used to fund exploration expenditures on the Cranbrook Properties, with a focus on exploration on the Dewdney Trail Property, and will qualify as Canadian exploration expenses (as defined in the "Income Tax Act (Canada)").

Photo - Sean Kennedy (prospector) holding large strongly magnetic boulder of semi-massive to massive sulphide mineralization containing zinc, lead, and silver. Boulder does not appear to have been transported far because it is still very angular and amongst other rock types from the area. Boulders are down slope from a strong magnetic geophysical anomaly and soils with zinc, lead, silver, gold, and copper.

Figure 1 - Soil samples with highly anomalous zinc concentrations occur up-slope of sulphide boulders with Sullivan style and grade zinc-lead-silver mineralization.

Figure 2 - Soils with high zinc content occur with 500 m diameter strong magnetic anomaly and with a moderately srong magnetic anomaly for 500 m on strike to the north of the strong magnetic anomaly. This area could be the source of the Sullivan style and grade strongly magnetic boulders. Initial target area to explore is 0.6 km wide and 1.6 km along strike.

Figure 3 - High lead content in soil up-slope of boulders.

Figure 4 - High silver content in soil up-slope of boulders.

Figure 5 - High gold content in soil up-slope of boulders.

Figure 6 - High copper content in soil up-slope of boulders.

Qualified Persons

The geological disclosure and content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by John Keating P.Geo. (qualified persons for the purpose of National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects). Mr. Keating is the President, Chief Executive Officer and a Director of PJX.

About PJX Resources Inc.

PJX is a mineral exploration company focused on building shareholder value and community opportunity through the exploration and development of mineral resources with a focus on gold, silver and base metals (zinc, lead, copper, nickel). PJX's properties are located in the historical Sullivan Mine District and Vulcan Gold Belt near Cranbrook and Kimberley, British Columbia.

Please refer to our web site http://www.pjxresources.com for additional information.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Linda Brennan, Chief Financial Officer

(416) 799-9205

info@pjxresources.com

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

The information in this news release has been prepared as at the date noted above. Certain statements in this news release, referred to herein as "forward-looking statements", constitute "forward-looking statements" under the provisions of Canadian provincial securities laws. These statements can be identified by the use of words such as "expected", "may", "will" or similar terms.

Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of factors and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by PJX Resources Inc. as of the date of such statements, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, known and unknown, could cause actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Except as otherwise required by law, PJX Resources Inc. expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any such statements to reflect any change in PJX Resources Inc.'s expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

Cautionary Note to US Investors:

This news release may contain information about adjacent properties on which PJX Resources Inc. has no right to explore or mine. We advise U.S. investors that the SEC's mining guidelines strictly prohibit information of this type in documents filed with the SEC. U.S. investors are cautioned that mineral deposits on adjacent properties are not indicative of mineral deposits on our properties. This news release may contain forward-looking statements including but not limited to comments regarding the timing and content of upcoming work programs, geological interpretations, receipt of property titles, potential mineral recovery processes, etc. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements.

This press release uses the terms "Measured", "Indicated", and "Inferred" resources. United States investors are advised that while such terms are recognized and required by Canadian regulations, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission does not recognize them. "Inferred Mineral Resources" have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an Inferred Mineral Resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimates of Inferred Mineral Resources may not form the basis of feasibility or other economic studies. United States investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of Measured or Indicated Mineral Resources will ever be converted into Mineral Reserves. United States investors are also cautioned not to assume that all or any part of a Mineral Resource is economically or legally mineable.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: PJX Resources Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/803002/pjx-resources-announces-soil-survey-supports-potential-for-copper-and-gold-to-be-associated-with-sullivan-style-zinc-lead-silver-discovery-and-undertaking-of-non-brokered-private-placement
Company Kicks Off Program with Worldwide Partners to Drive Growth and Accelerate Customer Value

Centripetal, the global leader in intelligence powered cybersecurity, today launched its partner program to protect organizations around the world by operationalizing threat intelligence to safeguard them from every known cyberthreat.

Centripetal's innovative technology is currently deployed by MSPs, resellers and technology partners across America, EMEA and Asia-PAC. With the Centripetal Global Partner Program, organizations will have a stronger approach to cybersecurity, putting operationalized threat intelligence at the forefront, moving from a reactive to proactive defense, and helping security teams be more efficient and effective. Critical results and findings can be identified by Centripetal's CleanINTERNET solution within minutes after install is complete.

"We remain consistently amazed by Centripetal's CleanINTERNET solution and its ability to safeguard internet traffic from well-known threat actors," stated Chuck Veth, CEO at CVM. "Unlike traditional firewalls that assess traffic validity, this technology focuses solely on public endpoints, cross-referencing them with extensive threat intelligence feeds containing countless identifiers. It's truly impressive to witness their increased dedication and investment in their partner program. CleanINTERNET's distinctive patented technologies leverage global threat intelligence and technical innovation, establishing it as both the initial and ultimate line of defense."

"In an era where the digital landscape is increasingly fraught with cyber threats, Centripetal is a vital asset for Irish organizations seeking comprehensive protection," said Michael Conway, Director at Renaissance. "Centripetal's Global Partner Program extends the scope of their cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions, offering organizations a real-time view of threat analysis and access to actionable global threat intelligence, enabling them to proactively address emerging security threats."

The Centripetal Global Partner Program provides channel partners with Centripetal's innovative and patented solution, which includes:

Experience Anchored in a world-class program, when working in collaboration with organizations, their customers will notice a remarkable elevation in the way cybercrime is addressed, both at the initial and final lines of defense.

Anchored in a world-class program, when working in collaboration with organizations, their customers will notice a remarkable elevation in the way cybercrime is addressed, both at the initial and final lines of defense. Expertise Centripetal's elite team of highly trained intelligence operations analysts will help every partner monitor, tune and shield their customers' networks from malicious traffic, acting as an extension of an internal cybersecurity team.

Centripetal's elite team of highly trained intelligence operations analysts will help every partner monitor, tune and shield their customers' networks from malicious traffic, acting as an extension of an internal cybersecurity team. Exponential Growth Centripetal's innovative approach to cyber defense helps significantly diminish customers' risk exposure. Partnering with Centripetal opens doors to revenue enhancement opportunities through both resale and value-added services.

"Our global partners are pivotal in driving the proactive adoption of CleanINTERNET within the enterprise landscape," added Dave Silke, CMO at Centripetal. "Together, we fortify organizations with the knowledge and tools needed to stay ahead of emerging threats, securing a safer digital future for all."

For more information on joining the Centripetal Partner Program visit www.centripetal.ai/partners.

ABOUT CENTRIPETAL

Centripetal, a global leader in intelligence powered cybersecurity, is operationalizing the world's largest collection of threat intelligence, in real-time, to protect organizations from every known cyberthreat through its innovative patented technologies. Through its CleanINTERNET service, Centripetal delivers a highly effective solution leveraging the latest computing technology and skilled intelligence operators at a significantly lower cost. We are experts in intelligence, with a team comprised of cryptologists, and security operators from the U.S. Intelligence Defense community who have protected the most sensitive assets in the world. Centripetal is based in Reston, VA with offices in Portsmouth, NH and Galway, Ireland. For more information, visit centripetal.ai.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231114366966/en/

Contacts:

Suzanne Tuchler

Eskenzi PR for Centripetal North America

Suzanne@eskenzipr.com

408-307-6900



Conor Heslin

Eskenzi PR for Centripetal UK/Ireland

Conor@eskenzipr.com

(+44) 07795416144
Kaleido Intelligence Vendor Hub has named Eseye as the #1 market leader for eSIM Connectivity Solutions, making it three consecutive years holding the coveted Champion status.

GUILDFORD, England, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Eseye, a pioneer of leading-edge IoT connectivity solutions, is proud to announce that it has been named the #1 Champion for its eSIM Connectivity Solution by Kaleido Intelligence, a leading connectivity market intelligence and consulting firm. This is the third consecutive year that Eseye has been awarded the Champion eSIM Connectivity Solutions in Kaleido's annual Vendor Hub assessment, and this year as the #1 provider against 25 connectivity vendors assessed. Additionally, its Infinity Connectivity Management Platform (CMP) has been ranked a High Flyer in the industry, which underpins the eSIM Connectivity offering and further enhances Eseye's market leading position for providing the best IoT connectivity available.

Eseye's CEO Nick Earle comments, "We are honoured to be recognised as a Kaleido Champion for eSIM Connectivity Solutions provider in the industry for the third consecutive year, and this year as the #1 assessed vendor. This amazing achievement is an outstanding recognition of our technical capabilities in the IoT connectivity market and reinforces our leading position to deliver highly reliable global IoT connectivity that helps enterprises confidently deploy IoT at scale anywhere in the world. IoT can make a positive difference to hundreds of thousands of businesses and people across the globe, but it is only possible with near-100% connectivity reliability."

Eseye's eSIM Connectivity solution includes advanced multi-IMSI and eUICC technology, and its AnyNet Federation has extensive access to over 700 mobile networks across the globe, allowing it to intelligently provide an optimised blend of local and roaming solutions to deliver ultra reliable device connectivity. Eseye's connectivity strategy from the outset was to provide more choice and options, not only across different MNOs and regions to maximise resiliency and performance but also across more commercial options, to protect long term investments, and to provide the maximum flexibility to customers around how they integrate with operators. This is evident in the company's most recent partnership with MTN, a South African mobile network operator, that signed a multi-year agreement with Eseye to help it provide resilient IoT connectivity capabilities across Africa and beyond.

The solution was commended for its ability to work seamlessly with Eseye's on-device connectivity software (AnyNet SMARTconnect) to enhance the overall solution and deliver intelligent, optimised near-100% connectivity uptime globally. This addresses a major challenge for many companies today, as findings from the latest Eseye State of IoT Adoption report reveal that currently only 1% of companies surveyed are getting anywhere near this level of connectivity uptime.

Eseye is committed to delivering simple, secure and intelligent global connectivity that supports its powerful enterprise IoT platform and launched SMARTconnect earlier this year to support on-device connectivity. This works in partnership with the Eseye AnyNet eSIM and multi-award-winning Infinity IoT Platform to maximise connectivity. Infinity is a single connectivity platform that simplifies connectivity management for the whole IoT estate allowing enterprises to manage all of their devices through a single view.

Kaleido Champion Vendors are firms that demonstrate an outstanding industry offering in Kaleido's view while Kaleido High Flyers are recognised for their highly regarded and comprehensive industry offering.

Steffen Sorrell, Chief of Research at Kaleido Intelligence commented "The scoring achieved by Eseye for eSIM Connectivity demonstrates an outstanding product offering from the 25 vendors assessed. The roaming and localisation coverage footprint in addition to an innovative underlying technology proposal offers leading capabilities for connectivity resilience and optimisation."

Kaleido Intelligence 2023 assessment has expanded on last year's. In total, it assessed over 60 eSIM and CMP offerings, from 39 vendors. Following its assessment of 25 eSIM Connectivity vendors, using the same selection process across all offerings, to provide the most impartial and detailed industry view, Eseye was identified as the leading solution in the market. The scoring focused on various factors including industry presence, product capabilities and innovation roadmap.

About Eseye

We unlock the full potential of IoT, free from the complexities of global cellular connectivity.

We have everything you need to move from initial concept to global deployment. We do this through seamless IoT connectivity, technical device services and versatile hardware, backed by round-the-clock support. All with an intense focus on enabling our customers to drive business value, deploy differentiated experiences, and disrupt their markets - without limits.

Together, our AnyNet+ eSIM technology, Infinity IoT Connectivity Platform and partner ecosystem connect millions of devices across 190 countries. We bring together over 700 networks for 100% global coverage - and our flexible technology platform means our customers are ready for whatever else the future holds. Global brands that trust us to deliver including Costa Express, Bosch, Amazon, Siemens and Philips. Find out more at www.eseye.com .

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/eseye-named-the-1-champion-esim-connectivity-provider-301986378.html
Tina Goulbourne appointed Chief Operating & Customer Officer and Ilene Landon joins Vena as Senior Vice President of Professional Services

TORONTO, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Vena, the Complete Planning platform loved by finance and trusted by business, is pleased to announce key changes to its executive leadership team, a strategic move to prioritize the needs and preferences of customers to inform product development, support and operational excellence. Tina Goulbourne, formerly Chief Operating Officer, has assumed an expanded role as Chief Operating & Customer Officer, emphasizing the company's commitment to enhancing customers' experience. Additionally, Vena welcomes Ilene Landon as Senior Vice President of Professional Services, reinforcing its dedication to delivering exceptional service to its growing customer base.

In her new role, Goulbourne will lead the teams responsible for the customer experience, aligning customer-centric initiatives with the company's broader operational goals. Goulbourne, a seasoned technology executive, brings a wealth of experience to this role, having successfully led strategic cross-functional initiatives designed to enhance company performance and customer value in her previous roles.

"Our long-term vision is for every customer to consistently expand the value they derive from their investment in Vena, and to feel valued by the extended Vena team," said Goulbourne. "The evolution of my role allows us to orient all functions of the business around the customer journey and to elevate the voice of our customers."

Joining Vena as Senior Vice President of Professional Services, Landon will be instrumental in maintaining Vena's tradition of excellence in customer satisfaction and trust while driving operational improvements and cost efficiency. Landon has built her career scaling, transforming and optimizing SaaS delivery organizations and will play a critical role in Vena's growth story.

"I am thrilled to be part of Vena's journey in enhancing customer satisfaction and trust," said Landon. "I look forward to working closely with teams across the organization to deliver exceptional services and business value to our customers."

Hunter Madeley, CEO of Vena, expressed his confidence in the newly expanded leadership team. "At Vena, customer trust is at the core of everything we do. Tina's expanded role and Ilene's addition to the team signify our commitment to providing unparalleled customer experiences. In doing so, we are ensuring that every organization, regardless of size or industry, has the tools and insights needed to navigate the ever-changing business landscape successfully."

Vena's mission to help businesses plan for anything remains unwavering. The company continues to invest in building a robust product roadmap and to leveraging its strong relationship with Microsoft and its broader Partner ecosystem.

For more information about Vena's award-winning Complete Planning platform, please visit www.venasolutions.com.

About Vena

Vena is the only Complete Planning platform that's natively integrated with Microsoft 365, empowering teams to plan the way they think. Vena streamlines financial and operational planning, reporting and analysis processes, and provides advanced analytics and modeling capabilities to help business, finance and operations leaders make informed business decisions. With Vena, you can leverage the power of Excel and AI-powered insights in a unified, cloud-based platform that enhances collaboration, scalability and security. Over 1,600 of the world's leading companies rely on Vena to power their planning. For more information, visit venasolutions.com.

MEDIA CONTACT

Jonathan Paul

Senior Director, Content & Communications, Vena

jpaul@venacorp.com

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1337162/Vena_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/vena-announces-key-leadership-changes-to-elevate-customer-experience-and-deliver-industry-leading-customer-value-301987006.html
HONG KONG, CHINA / ACCESSWIRE / November 14, 2023 / SouthGobi Resources Ltd. (Hong Kong Stock Exchange ("HKEX"): 1878, TSX Venture Exchange ("TSX-V"): SGQ) (the "Company" or "SouthGobi") today announces its financial and operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023. All figures are in U.S. dollars ("USD") unless otherwise stated.

Significant Events and Highlights

The Company's significant events and highlights for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and the subsequent period to November 14, 2023 are as follows:

Operating Results - In late 2022, the Company resumed its major mining operations, including coal mining, and the volume of coal production has gradually increased since then. The Company also resumed coal washing operations in April 2023. In response to the market demand, the Company has been mixing some higher ash content product with its semi-soft coking coal product and selling this mixed product to the market as processed coal.

The Company experienced an increase in the average selling price of coal from $65.4 per tonne in the third quarter of 2022 to $85.6 per tonne in the third quarter of 2023 as a result of improved market conditions in China, expansion of its sales network and diversification of its customer base.

Financial Results - The Company recorded a $46.3 million profit from operations in the third quarter of 2023 compared to a $3.5 million profit from operations in the third quarter of 2022. The Company experienced increased sales volume and improvement in its average realised selling price during the first nine months of 2023.



- The Company recorded a $46.3 million profit from operations in the third quarter of 2023 compared to a $3.5 million profit from operations in the third quarter of 2022. The Company experienced increased sales volume and improvement in its average realised selling price during the first nine months of 2023. Convertible Debenture - On October 13, 2023, the Company and JD Zhixing Fund L.P. ("JDZF") entered into the 2023 November Deferral Agreement pursuant to which JDZF agreed to grant the Company a deferral of (i) payment-in-kind interest ("PIK Interest") of approximately $4.0 million (the "2023 November PIK Interest") which will be due and payable on November 19, 2023 under the Convertible Debenture; and (ii) the management fees payable to JDZF on November 15, 2023, February 15, 2024, May 16, 2024 and August 15, 2024, respectively, under the amended and restated mutual cooperation agreement signed on April 23, 2019 (the "Amended and Restated Cooperation Agreement") (together with the 2023 November PIK Interest, the "2023 November Deferred Amounts").

The principal terms of the 2023 November Deferral Agreement are as follows:

Payment of the 2023 November Deferred Amounts will be deferred until August 31, 2024 (the "Deferral Date").

As consideration for the deferral of the 2023 November Deferred Amounts which relate to the payment obligations arising from the Convertible Debenture, the Company agreed to pay JDZF a deferral fee equal to 6.4% per annum on the outstanding balance of such 2023 November Deferred Amounts, commencing on the date on which each such 2023 November Deferred Amounts would otherwise have been due and payable under the Convertible Debenture.

As consideration for the deferral of the 2023 November Deferred Amounts which relate to payment obligations arising from Amended and Restated Cooperation Agreement, the Company agreed to pay JDZF a deferral fee equal to 1.5% per annum on the outstanding balance of such 2023 November Deferred Amounts, commencing on the date on which each such 2023 November Deferred Amounts would otherwise have been due and payable under the Amended and Restated Cooperation Agreement.

The 2023 November Deferral Agreement does not contemplate a fixed repayment schedule for the 2023 November Deferred Amounts or related deferral fees. Instead, the 2023 November Deferral Agreement requires the Company to use its best efforts to pay the 2023 November Deferred Amounts and related deferral fees due and payable under the 2023 November Deferral Agreement to JDZF. During the period beginning as of the effective date of the 2023 November Deferral Agreement and ending as of the Deferral Date, the Company will provide JDZF with monthly updates of its financial status and business operations, and the Company and JDZF will on a monthly basis discuss and assess in good faith the amount (if any) of the 2023 November Deferred Amounts and related deferral fees that the Company may be able to repay to JDZF, having regard to the working capital requirements of the Company's operations and business at such time and with the view of ensuring that the Company's operations and business would not be materially prejudiced as a result of any repayment.

If at any time before the 2023 November Deferred Amounts and related deferral fees are fully repaid, the Company proposes to appoint, replace or terminate one or more of its chief executive officer, its chief financial officer or any other senior executive(s) in charge of its principal business function or its principal subsidiary, the Company will first consult with, and obtain written consent (such consent shall not be unreasonably withheld) from JDZF prior to effecting such appointment, replacement or termination.



2023 March Deferral Agreement- On August 29, 2023, the Company convened a special meeting of shareholders during which the Company obtained the requisite approvals from shareholders for the 2023 March Deferral Agreement.



On August 29, 2023, the Company convened a special meeting of shareholders during which the Company obtained the requisite approvals from shareholders for the 2023 March Deferral Agreement. Provision of Tax Penalty Imposed by Mongolian Tax Authority ("MTA")

On July 18, 2023, SouthGobi Sands LLC ("SGS"), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company received an official notice (the "Notice") issued by MTA stating that MTA has recently completed a periodic tax audit (the "Audit") on the financial information of SGS between 2017 and 2020, including transfer pricing, royalty, air-pollution fee and unpaid tax payables. As a result of the Audit, the MTA has notified SGS that they are imposing a tax penalty against SGS in the amount of approximately $75.0 million. Under Mongolian law, the Company has a period of 30-days from the date of receipt of the Notice to file an appeal in relation to the Audit. Subsequently the Company engaged an independent tax consultant in Mongolia to provide tax advice and support to the Company and filed an appeal letter in relation to the Audit with the MTA in accordance with Mongolian laws on August 17, 2023

As at September 30, 2023, the Company recorded a provision for a tax penalty in the amount of $75.0 million. If any subsequent event occurs that may impact the amount of the provision for the tax penalty, an adjustment would be recognised in profit or loss and the carrying amount of the provision shall be adjusted.

Going Concern - Several adverse conditions and material uncertainties relating to the Company cast significant doubt upon the going concern assumption which includes the deficiencies in assets and working capital.

Refer to section "Liquidity and Capital Resources" of this press release for details.

OVERVIEW OF OPERATIONAL DATA AND FINANCIAL RESULTS

Summary of Operational Data

i. A non-IFRS financial measure, refer to "Non-IFRS Financial Measures" section. Cash costs of product sold exclude idled mine asset cash costs.

ii. Per 200,000 man hours and calculated based on a rolling 12-month average.

Overview of Operational Data

For the three months ended September 30, 2023

The Company experienced an increase in the average selling price of coal from $65.4 per tonne in the third quarter of 2022 to $85.6 per tonne in the third quarter of 2023, as a result of improved market conditions in China, expansion of its sales network and diversification of its customer base. The product mix for the third quarter of 2023 consisted of approximately 56% premium semi-soft coking coal, 15% standard semi-soft coking coal/premium thermal coal and 29% of processed coal compared to approximately 31% premium semi-soft coking coal, 5% standard semi-soft coking coal/premium thermal coal and 64% processed coal in the third quarter of 2022.

The Company's unit cost of sales of product sold decreased from $58.3 per tonne in the third quarter of 2022 to $42.2 per tonne in the third quarter of 2023. The decrease was mainly driven by the economies of scale due to increased sales.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2023

The Company sold 2.6 million tonnes for the first nine months of 2023 as compared to 0.6 million tonnes for the first nine months of 2022. The average selling price increased from $65.5 per tonne for the first nine months of 2022 to $93.1 per tonne for the first nine months of 2023, due to improved market conditions in China, expansion of its sales network and diversification of its customer base.

The Company's production in the first nine months of 2023 was higher than the first nine months of 2022 due to the Company resuming its major mining operations, including coal mining in late 2022, and the volume of coal production has gradually increased since then. The Company also resumed coal washing operations in April 2023.

The Company's unit cost of sales of product sold decreased from $59.6 per tonne for the first nine months of 2022 to $46.2 per tonne in the first nine months of 2023. The decrease was mainly driven by the economies of scale due to increased sales.

Summary of Financial Results

i. Revenue and cost of sales related to the Company's Ovoot Tolgoi Mine within the Coal Division operating segment. Refer to note 3 of the condensed consolidated interim financial statements for further analysis regarding the Company's reportable operating segments.

ii. A non-IFRS financial measure, idled mine asset costs represents the depreciation expense relates to the Company's idled plant and equipment.

Overview of Financial Results

For the three months ended September 30, 2023

The Company recorded a $46.3 million profit from operations in the third quarter of 2023 compared to a $3.5 million profit from operations in the third quarter of 2022. The financial results for the third quarter of 2023 were impacted by increased sales volume and improvement in the Company's average realised selling price.

Revenue was $98.0 million in the third quarter of 2023 compared to $36.8 million in the third quarter of 2022. The increase was due to (i) coal export volumes through the Ceke Port of Entry gradually increased since the second quarter of 2023; and (ii) the Company experienced an increase in the average selling price of coal from $65.4 per tonne in the third quarter of 2022 to $85.6 per tonne in the third quarter of 2023 as a result of improved market conditions in China, expansion of its sales network and diversification of its customer base.

Cost of sales was $48.6 million in the third quarter of 2023 compared to $32.0 million in the third quarter of 2022. The increase in cost of sales was mainly due to the increased sales during the quarter. Cost of sales consists of operating expenses, share-based compensation expense, equipment depreciation, depletion of mineral properties, royalties and idled mine asset costs. Operating expenses in cost of sales reflect the total cash costs of product sold (a Non-IFRS financial measure, refer to "Non-IFRS Financial Measures" section) during the quarter.

Operating expenses in cost of sales were $38.0 million in the third quarter of 2023 compared to $23.6 million in the third quarter of 2022. Cost of sales related to idled mine assets in the third quarter of 2023 included less than $0.1 million related to depreciation expenses for idled equipment (third quarter of 2022: $0.2 million).

Other operating expenses was $0.4 million in the third quarter of 2023 (third quarter of 2022: $0.5 million of other operating income). Management fee of $1.8 million were recorded and offset by foreign exchange gain of $1.2 million in the third quarter of 2023.

Administration expenses were $1.8 million in the third quarter of 2023 which was similar to the third quarter of 2022.

The Company continued to minimise evaluation and exploration expenditures in the third quarter of 2023 in order to preserve the Company's financial resources. Evaluation and exploration activities and expenditures in the third quarter of 2023 were limited to ensuring that the Company met the Mongolian Minerals Law requirements in respect of its mining licenses.

Finance costs were $13.2 million and $10.8 million in the third quarter of 2023 and 2022 respectively, which primarily consisted of interest expense on the $250.0 million Convertible Debenture.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2023

The Company recorded a $33.8 million profit from operations in the first nine months of 2023 compared to a $5.9 million profit from operations in the first nine months of 2022. The financial results for the first nine months of 2023 was impacted by increased sales volume and improvement in the Company's average realised selling price.

Revenue was $243.0 million in the first nine months of 2023 compared to $42.6 million in the first nine months of 2022. The increase was due to (i) coal export volumes through the Ceke Port of Entry gradually increased since the second quarter of 2023; and (ii) the Company experienced an increase in the average selling price of coal from $65.5 per tonne in the first nine months of 2022 to $93.1 per tonne in the first nine months of 2023 as a result of improved market conditions in China, expansion of its sales network and diversification of its customer base.

Cost of sales were $121.6 million in the first nine months of 2023 compared to $38.1 million in the first nine months of 2022, as follows:

Operating expenses in cost of sales were $87.4 million in the first nine months of 2023 compared to $27.2 million in the first nine months of 2022. The overall increase in cost of sales was primarily due to the increased sales.

Cost of sales related to idled mine assets in the first nine months of 2023 included $0.1 million related to depreciation expenses for idled equipment (first nine months of 2022: $0.9 million).

Other operating expenses was $5.2 million in the first nine months of 2023 (first nine months of 2022: $6.4 million of other operating income). Foreign exchange loss of $1.2 million and management fee of $3.7 million were recorded in the first nine months of 2023. (first nine months of 2022: foreign exchange gain of $4.1 million and written off of other payables of $3.3 million were recorded).

Administration expenses were $6.6 million in the first nine months of 2023 compared to $4.8 million in the first nine months of 2022, the increase was mainly due to the increase in corporate administration expenses and salaries and benefits as a result of expansion of operation since the second quarter of 2023.

The Company continued to minimise evaluation and exploration expenditures in the first nine months of 2023 in order to preserve the Company's financial resources. Evaluation and exploration activities and expenditures in the first nine months of 2023 were limited to ensuring that the Company met the Mongolian Minerals Law requirements in respect of its mining licenses.

Finance costs were $36.7 million and $31.0 million in the first nine months of 2023 and 2022 respectively, which primarily consisted of interest expense on the $250.0 million Convertible Debenture.

Summary of Quarterly Operational Data

i. A non-IFRS financial measure, refer to "Non-IFRS Financial Measures" section. Cash costs of product sold exclude idled mine asset cash costs.

ii. Per 200,000 man hours and calculated based on a rolling 12-month average.

iii. Not presented as nil sales was noted for the quarter.

Summary of Quarterly Financial Results

The Company's condensed consolidated interim financial statements are reported under International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB"). The following table provides highlights, extracted from the Company's annual and interim consolidated financial statements, of quarterly results for the past eight quarters:

i. Revenue and cost of sales relate to the Company's Ovoot Tolgoi Mine within the Coal Division operating segment. Refer to note 3 of the condensed consolidated interim financial statements for further analysis regarding the Company's reportable operating segments.

ii. A non-IFRS financial measure, idled mine asset costs represents the depreciation expense relates to the Company's idled plant and equipment.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Liquidity and Capital Management

The Company has in place a planning, budgeting and forecasting process to help determine the funds required to support the Company's normal operations on an ongoing basis and its expansionary plans.

Costs reimbursable to Turquoise Hill Resources Limited ("Turquoise Hill")

Prior to the completion of a private placement with Novel Sunrise Investments Limited on April 23, 2015, Rio Tinto plc ("Rio Tinto") was the Company's ultimate parent company. In the past, Rio Tinto sought reimbursement from the Company for the salaries and benefits of certain Rio Tinto employees who were assigned by Rio Tinto to work for the Company, as well as certain legal and professional fees incurred by Rio Tinto in relation to the Company's prior internal investigation and Rio Tinto's participation in the tripartite committee. Subsequently Rio Tinto transferred and assigned to Turquoise Hill its right to seek reimbursement for these costs and fees from the Company.

As at September 30, 2023, the amount of reimbursable costs and fees claimed by Turquoise Hill amounted to $6.3 million (such amount is included in the trade and other payables). However, the Company is contesting the validity of this amount claimed by Turquoise Hill.

Provision of tax penalty imposed by MTA

On July 18, 2023, SGS received the Notice issued by MTA stating that MTA has recently completed the Audit on the financial information of SGS between 2017 and 2020, including transfer pricing, royalty, air-pollution fee and unpaid tax payables. As a result of the Audit, the MTA has notified SGS that they are imposing a tax penalty against SGS in the amount of approximately $75.0 million. Under Mongolian law, the Company has a period of 30-days from the date of receipt of the Notice to file an appeal in relation to the Audit. Subsequently the Company engaged an independent tax consultant in Mongolia to provide tax advice and support to the Company and filed an appeal letter in relation to the Audit with the MTA in accordance with Mongolian laws on August 17, 2023.

As at September 30, 2023, the Company recorded a provision of tax penalty of $75.0 million. If any subsequent event occurs that may impact the amount of the provision for the tax penalty, an adjustment would be recognised in profit or loss and the carrying amount of the provision shall be adjusted.

Going concern considerations

The Company's condensed consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis which assumes that the Company will continue to operate until at least September 30, 2024 and will be able to realise its assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course of operations as they come due. However, in order to continue as a going concern, the Company must generate sufficient operating cash flows, secure additional capital or otherwise pursue a strategic restructuring, refinancing or other transactions to provide it with sufficient liquidity.

Several adverse conditions and material uncertainties cast significant doubt upon the Company's ability to continue as a going concern and the going concern assumption used in the preparation of the Company's condensed consolidated interim financial statements. The Company incurred a loss attributable to equity holder of the Company of $23.4 million for the first nine months of 2023 (compared to a loss attributable to equity holder of the Company of $25.8 million for the first nine months of 2022), and had a deficiency in assets of $167.8 million as at September 30, 2023 as compared to a deficiency in assets of $142.5 million as at December 31, 2022 while the working capital deficiency (excess current liabilities over current assets) reached $229.8 million as at September 30, 2023 compared to a working capital deficiency of $184.7 million as at December 31, 2022.

Included in the working capital deficiency as at September 30, 2023 are significant obligations, represented by trade and other payables of $67.1 million, which includes $26.2 million in unpaid taxes that are repayable on demand to the MTA and the Company recording a provision for a tax penalty of $75.0 million.

The Company may not be able to settle all trade and other payables on a timely basis, and as a result any continuing postponement in settling of certain trade and other payables owed to suppliers and creditors may impact the ability of the Company to resume its mining operations and may result in potential lawsuits and/or bankruptcy proceedings being filed against the Company. Furthermore, there is no guarantee that the Company will be successful in its negotiations with the MTA, or any appeal, in relation the Audit. Except as disclosed elsewhere in this press release, no such lawsuits or proceedings were pending as at November 14, 2023. However, there can be no assurance that no such lawsuits or proceedings will be filed by the Company's creditors in the future and the Company's suppliers and contractors will continue to supply and provide services to the Company uninterrupted.

There are significant uncertainties as to the outcomes of the above events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the Company's ability to continue as a going concern and, therefore, the Company may be unable to realise its assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course of business. Should the use of the going concern basis in preparation of the condensed consolidated interim financial statements be determined to be not appropriate, adjustments would have to be made to write down the carrying amounts of the Company's assets to their realisable values, to provide for any further liabilities which might arise and to reclassify non-current assets and non-current liabilities as current assets and current liabilities, respectively. The effects of these adjustments have not been reflected in the condensed consolidated interim financial statements. If the Company is unable to continue as a going concern, it may be forced to seek relief under applicable bankruptcy and insolvency legislation.

For the purpose of assessing the appropriateness of the use of the going concern basis to prepare the financial statements, management of the Company has prepared a cash flow projection covering a period of 12 months from September 30, 2023. The cash flow projection has considered the anticipated cash flows to be generated from the Company's business during the period under projection including cost saving measures. In particular, the Company has taken into account the following measures for improvement of the Company's liquidity and financial position, which include: (a) entering into the 2023 March Deferral Agreement with JDZF on March 24, 2023 for a deferral of (i) semi-annual cash interest payments of $7.9 million payable to JDZF on May 19, 2023 under the Convertible Debenture; (ii) the cash interest, management fees, and related deferral fees of approximately $8.7 million which are due and payable to JDZF on or before August 31, 2023 under the deferral agreement dated May 13, 2022; (iii) the cash and PIK Interest, and related deferral fees of approximately $13.5 million which are due and payable to JDZF on or before August 31, 2023 under the deferral agreement dated July 30, 2021; and (iv) the cash and PIK Interest, management fees, and related deferral fees of approximately $110.4 million which are due and payable to JDZF on or before August 31, 2023 under the deferral agreement dated November 19, 2020, in each case until August 31, 2024; (b) communicating with vendors in agreeing repayment plans of the outstanding payable; (c) continuously assessing through communication with MTA its acceptability to a prolonged settlement schedule of the outstanding tax payable and making settlement based on that assessment and the liquidity position of the Company; and (d) obtaining an avenue of financial support from an affiliate of the Company's major shareholder for a maximum amount of $73.0 million during the period covered in the cash flow projection. Regarding these plans and measures, there is no guarantee that the suppliers and MTA would agree the settlement plan as communicated by the Company, Nevertheless, after considering the above, the directors of the Company believe that there will be sufficient financial resources to continue its operations and to meet its financial obligations as and when they fall due in the next 12 months from September 30, 2023 and therefore are satisfied that it is appropriate to prepare the condensed consolidated interim financial statements on a going concern basis.

Factors that impact the Company's liquidity are being closely monitored and include, but are not limited to, restrictions on the Company's ability to import its coal products for sale in China, Chinese economic growth, market prices of coal, production levels, operating cash costs, capital costs, exchange rates of currencies of countries where the Company operates and exploration and discretionary expenditures.

As at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company was not subject to any externally imposed capital requirements.

Convertible Debenture

In November 2009, the Company entered into a financing agreement with China Investment Corporation (together with its wholly-owned subsidiaries and affiliates, "CIC") for $500 million in the form of a secured, convertible debenture bearing interest at 8.0% (6.4% payable semi-annually in cash and 1.6% payable annually in the Company's Common Shares) with a maximum term of 30 years. The Convertible Debenture is secured by a first ranking charge over the Company's assets, including shares of its material subsidiaries. The financing was used primarily to support the accelerated investment program in Mongolia and for working capital, repayment of debts, general and administrative expenses and other general corporate purposes.

On March 29, 2010, the Company exercised its right to call for the conversion of up to $250.0 million of the Convertible Debenture into approximately 21.5 million shares at a conversion price of $11.64 (CA$11.88).

Deferral Agreements

On May 13, 2022, the Company and CIC entered into the 2022 May Deferral Agreement, pursuant to which CIC agreed to grant the Company a deferral of (i) semi-annual cash interest payments of $7.9 million payable to CIC on May 19, 2022 under the Convertible Debenture; and (ii) the management fee payable to CIC on February 14, 2022 and August 14, 2022 (the "Deferred Management Fee") under the Amended and Restated Cooperation Agreement (collectively, the "2022 Deferred Amounts").

The principal terms of the 2022 May Deferral Agreement are as follows:

Payment of the 2022 Deferred Amounts will be deferred until August 31, 2023.

As consideration for the deferral of the 2022 Deferred Amounts which relate to the payment obligations arising from the Convertible Debenture, the Company agreed to pay CIC a deferral fee equal to 6.4% per annum on the 2022 Deferred Amounts payable under the Convertible Debenture, commencing on May 19, 2022.

As consideration for the deferral of the Deferred Management Fees, the Company agreed to pay CIC a deferral fee equal to 2.5% per annum on the outstanding balance of the Deferred Management Fees payable under the Amended and Restated Cooperation Agreement, commencing on the date on which each such Deferred Management Fee would otherwise have been due and payable under the Amended and Restated Cooperation Agreement.

The Company agreed to provide CIC with monthly updates regarding its operational and financial affairs.

If at any time before the 2022 Deferred Amounts and related deferral fee are fully repaid, the Company proposes to appoint, replace or terminate one or more of its chief executive officer, its chief financial officer or any other senior executive(s) in charge of its principal business function or its principal subsidiary, the Company will first consult with, and obtain written consent (such consent shall not be unreasonably withheld) from CIC prior to effecting such appointment, replacement or termination.

The Company and CIC agreed that nothing in the 2022 May Deferral Agreement prejudices CIC's rights to pursue any of its remedies at any time pursuant to the prior deferral agreements.

Following the completion of the CIC sale transaction on August 30, 2022, the respective rights and obligations of CIC under (i) the Convertible Debenture and related security documents; (ii) the Amended and Restated Cooperation Agreement and related documents; (iii) the deferral agreements between CIC, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries in connection with the deferral of interest payments and other outstanding fees under the Convertible Debenture and the Amended and Restated Cooperation Agreement; and (iv) the security holders agreement between the Company, CIC and a former shareholder of the Company, were assigned to JDZF.

On November 11, 2022, the Company and JDZF entered into the 2022 November Deferral Agreement pursuant to which JDZF agreed to grant the Company a deferral of: (i) semi-annual cash interest payments of $7.1 million payable to JDZF on November 19, 2022 and the $1.1 million in PIK Interest shares issuable to JDZF on November 19, 2022 under the Convertible Debenture (the "2022 November Deferral Interest"); and (ii) the management fees payable to JDZF on November 15, 2022, February 15, 2023, May 16, 2023 and August 15, 2023 under the Amended and Restated Cooperation Agreement (the "2022 November Deferred Management Fees").

The principal terms of the 2022 November Deferral Agreement are as follows:

Payment of the 2022 November Deferred Interest and the 2022 November Deferred Management Fees will be deferred until November 19, 2023.

As consideration for the deferral of the 2022 November Deferred Interest, the Company agreed to pay JDZF a deferral fee equal to 6.4% per annum on the 2022 November Deferred Interest payable under the Convertible Debenture, commencing on November 19, 2022.

As consideration for the deferral of the 2022 November Deferred Management Fees, the Company agreed to pay JDZF a deferral fee equal to 1.5% per annum on the outstanding balance of the 2022 Deferred Management Fees payable under the Amended and Restated Cooperation Agreement, commencing on the date on which each such 2022 November Deferred Management Fees would otherwise have been due and payable under the Amended and Restated Cooperation Agreement.

If at any time before the 2022 November Deferred Interest and the 2022 November Deferred Management Fees and related deferral fees are fully repaid, the Company proposes to appoint, replace or terminate one or more of its chief executive officer, its chief financial officer or any other senior executive(s) in charge of its principal business function or its principal subsidiary, the Company will first consult with, and obtain written consent (such consent shall not be unreasonably withheld) from JDZF prior to effecting such appointment, replacement or termination.

The Company agreed to comply with all of its obligations under the prior deferral agreements assigned to JDZF.

The Company and JDZF agreed that nothingin the 2022 NovemberDeferral Agreementprejudices JDZF's rights to pursue any of its remedies at any time pursuant to the prior deferral agreements.

On March 24, 2023, the Company and JDZF entered into the 2023 March Deferral Agreement pursuant to which JDZF agreed to grant the Company a deferral of the 2023 March Deferred Amounts which are due and payable to JDZF on or before August 31, 2023 under the deferral agreement dated November 19, 2020.

The effectiveness of the 2023 March Deferral Agreement and the respective covenants, agreements and obligations of each party under the 2023 March Deferral Agreement are subject to the approvals from the Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX") and the disinterested shareholders of the Company in accordance with the requirements of Section 501(c) of the TSX Company Manual and the Rule Governing the Listing of Securities on the HKEX (the "Listing Rules"). The requisite shareholder approvals for the 2023 March Deferral Agreement were obtained at a special meeting of shareholders convened on August 29, 2023

The principal terms of the 2023 March Deferral Agreement are as follows:

Payment of the 2023 March Deferred Amounts will be deferred until August 31, 2024.

As consideration for the deferral of the 2023 March Deferred Amounts which relate to the payment obligations arising from the Convertible Debenture, the Company agreed to pay JDZF a deferral fee equal to 6.4% per annum on the outstanding balance of such 2023 March Deferred Amounts, commencing on the date on which each such 2023 March Deferred Amounts would otherwise have been due and payable under the Convertible Debenture.

As consideration for the deferral of the 2023 March Deferred Amounts which relate to payment obligations arising from Amended and Restated Cooperation Agreement, the Company agreed to pay JDZF a deferral fee equal to 1.5% per annum on the outstanding balance of such 2023 March Deferred Amounts commencing on the date on which each such 2023 March Deferred Amounts would otherwise have been due and payable under the Amended and Restated Cooperation Agreement.

The 2023 March Deferral Agreement does not contemplate a fixed repayment schedule for the 2023 March Deferred Amounts or related deferral fees. Instead, the 2023 March Deferral Agreement requires the Company to use its best efforts to pay the 2023 March Deferred Amounts and related deferral fees due and payable under the 2023 March Deferral Agreement to JDZF. During the period beginning as of the effective date of the 2023 March Deferral Agreement and ending as of the Deferral Date, the Company will provide JDZF with monthly updates of its financial status and business operations, and the Company and JDZF will on a monthly basis discuss and assess in good faith the amount (if any) of the 2023 March Deferred Amounts and related deferral fees that the Company may be able to repay to JDZF, having regard to the working capital requirements of the Company's operations and business at such time and with the view of ensuring that the Company's operations and business would not be materially prejudiced as a result of any repayment.

If at any time before the 2023 March Deferred Amounts and related deferral fees are fully repaid, the Company proposes to appoint, replace or terminate one or more of its chief executive officer, its chief financial officer or any other senior executive(s) in charge of its principal business function or its principal subsidiary, the Company will first consult with, and obtain written consent (such consent shall not be unreasonably withheld) from JDZF prior to effecting such appointment, replacement or termination.

On October 13, 2023, the Company and JDZF entered into the 2023 November Deferral Agreement pursuant to which JDZF agreed to grant the Company a deferral of (i) PIK interest of approximately $4.0 million which will be due and payable on November 19, 2023 under the Convertible Debenture; and (ii) the management fees payable to JDZF on November 15, 2023, February 15, 2024, May 16, 2024 and August 15, 2024, respectively, under the Amended and Restated Cooperation Agreement.

The principal terms of the 2023 November Deferral Agreement are as follows:

Payment of the 2023 November Deferred Amounts will be deferred until August 31, 2024.

As consideration for the deferral of the 2023 November Deferred Amounts which relate to the payment obligations arising from the Convertible Debenture, the Company agreed to pay JDZF a deferral fee equal to 6.4% per annum on the outstanding balance of such 2023 November Deferred Amounts, commencing on the date on which each such 2023 November Deferred Amounts would otherwise have been due and payable under the Convertible Debenture.

As consideration for the deferral of the 2023 November Deferred Amounts which relate to payment obligations arising from Amended and Restated Cooperation Agreement, the Company agreed to pay JDZF a deferral fee equal to 1.5% per annum on the outstanding balance of such 2023 November Deferred Amounts commencing on the date on which each such 2023 November Deferred Amounts would otherwise have been due and payable under the Amended and Restated Cooperation Agreement.

The 2023 November Deferral Agreement does not contemplate a fixed repayment schedule for the 2023 November Deferred Amounts or related deferral fees. Instead, the 2023 November Deferral Agreement requires the Company to use its best efforts to pay the 2023 November Deferred Amounts and related deferral fees due and payable under the 2023 November Deferral Agreement to JDZF. During the period beginning as of the effective date of the 2023 November Deferral Agreement and ending as of the Deferral Date, the Company will provide JDZF with monthly updates of its financial status and business operations, and the Company and JDZF will on a monthly basis discuss and assess in good faith the amount (if any) of the 2023 November Deferred Amounts and related deferral fees that the Company may be able to repay to JDZF, having regard to the working capital requirements of the Company's operations and business at such time and with the view of ensuring that the Company's operations and business would not be materially prejudiced as a result of any repayment.

If at any time before the 2023 November Deferred Amounts and related deferral fees are fully repaid, the Company proposes to appoint, replace or terminate one or more of its chief executive officer, its chief financial officer or any other senior executive(s) in charge of its principal business function or its principal subsidiary, the Company will first consult with, and obtain written consent (such consent shall not be unreasonably withheld) from JDZF prior to effecting such appointment, replacement or termination.

Ovoot Tolgoi Mine Impairment Analysis

The Company determined that an indicator of impairment existed for its Ovoot Tolgoi Mine cash generating unit as at September 30, 2023. The impairment indicator was the potential closure of border crossings in the future. Since the recoverable amount was higher than carrying value of the Ovoot Tolgoi Mine cash generating unit, there was no impairment of non-financial asset recognised during the nine months ended September 30, 2023.

REGULATORY ISSUES AND CONTINGENCIES

Class Action Lawsuit

In January 2014, Siskinds LLP, a Canadian law firm, filed a class action (the "Class Action") against the Company, certain of its former senior officers and directors, and its former auditors (the "Former Auditors"), in the Ontario Court in relation to the Company's restatement of certain financial statements previously disclosed in the Company's public fillings (the "Restatement").

To commence and proceed with the Class Action, the plaintiff was required to seek leave of the Court under the Ontario Securities Act ("Leave Motion") and certify the action as a class proceeding under the Ontario Class Proceedings Act. The Ontario Court rendered its decision on the Leave Motion on November 5, 2015, dismissing the action against the former senior officers and directors and allowing the action to proceed against the Company in respect of alleged misrepresentation affecting trades in the secondary market for the Company's securities arising from the Restatement. The action against the Former Auditors was settled by the plaintiff on the eve of the Leave Motion.

Both the plaintiff and the Company appealed the Leave Motion decision to the Ontario Court of Appeal. On September 18, 2017, the Ontario Court of Appeal dismissed the Company's appeal of the Leave Motion to permit the plaintiff to commence and proceed with the Class Action. Concurrently, the Ontario Court of Appeal granted leave for the plaintiff to proceed with their action against the former senior officers and directors in relation to the Restatement.

The Company filed an application for leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada in November 2017, but the leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada was dismissed in June 2018.

In December 2018, the parties agreed to a consent Certification Order, whereby the action against the former senior officers and directors was withdrawn and the Class Action would only proceed against the Company.

To date, the counsel for the plaintiff and defendant have completed: (i) all document production; (ii) oral examinations for discovery; and (iii) counsel for the plaintiff has served their expert reports on liability and damages. Counsel for the plaintiff and defendant have agreed on the case management judge, who has ordered a motion for further discovery and various other relief to commence on May 13 and 14, 2024. Following the determination of the motion and any subsequent order to re-attend examinations, counsel for the defendant will serve responding expert reports on liability and damages approximately one month following any re-examinations/further examinations are completed. Counsel for the plaintiff and defendant have requested a further case conference to set a new trial date following the undertakings motion and serving of expert reports. The Company has urged a trial as early as possible.

The Company firmly believes that it has a strong defense on the merits and will continue to vigorously defend itself against the Class Action through independent Canadian litigation counsel retained by the Company for this purpose. Due to the inherent uncertainties of litigation, it is not possible to predict the final outcome of the Class Action or determine the amount of potential losses, if any. However, the Company has determined that a provision for this matter as at September 30, 2023 was not required.

Toll Wash Plant Agreement with Ejin Jinda

In 2011, the Company entered into an agreement with Ejin Jinda, a subsidiary of China Mongolia Coal Co. Ltd., to toll-wash coal from the Ovoot Tolgoi Mine. The agreement had a duration of five years from the commencement of the contract and provided for an annual washing capacity of approximately 3.5 million tonnes of input coal. Under the agreement with Ejin Jinda, which required the commercial operation of the wet washing facility to commence on October 1, 2011, the additional fees payable by the Company under the wet washing contract would have been $18.5 million. At each reporting date, the Company assesses the agreement with Ejin Jinda and has determined it is not probable that this $18.5 million will be required to be paid.

Accordingly, the Company has determined that a provision for this matter as at September 30, 2023 was not required.

Special Needs Territory in Umnugobi

On February 13, 2015, the Soumber mining licenses (MV-016869, MV-020436 and MV-020451) (the "License Areas") were included into a special protected area (to be further referred as Special Needs Territory, the "SNT") newly set up by the Umnugobi Aimag's Civil Representatives Khural (the "CRKh") to establish a strict regime on the protection of natural environment and prohibit mining activities in the territory of the SNT.

On July 8, 2015, SGS and the chairman of the CRKh, in his capacity as the respondent's representative, reached an agreement (the "Amicable Resolution Agreement") to exclude the License Areas from the territory of the SNT in full, subject to confirmation of the Amicable Resolution Agreement by the session of the CRKh. The parties formally submitted the Amicable Resolution Agreement to the appointed judge of the Administrative Court for her approval and requested a dismissal of the case in accordance with the Law of Mongolia on Administrative Court Procedure. On July 10, 2015, the judge issued her order approving the Amicable Resolution Agreement and dismissing the case, while reaffirming the obligation of CRKh to take necessary actions at its next session to exclude the License Areas from the SNT and register the new map of the SNT with the relevant authorities. Mining activities at the Soumber property cannot proceed unless and until the Company obtains a court order restoring the Soumber mining licenses and until the License Areas are removed from the SNT.

On July 24, 2021, SGS was notified by the Implementing Agency of Mongolian Government that the license area covered by two mining licenses (MV-016869 and MV-020451) are no longer overlapping with the SNT. The Company will continue to work with the Mongolian authorities regarding the license area covered by the mining license (MV-020436).

Importing F-Grade Coal into China

As a result of import coal quality standards established by Chinese authorities, the Company has not been able to export its F-grade coal products into China since December 15, 2018 because the F-grade coal products do not meet the quality requirement.

Tax Legislation

Mongolian tax, currency and customs legislation is subject to varying interpretations, and changes, which can occur frequently. Management's interpretation of such legislation as applied to the transactions and activity of the Company may be challenged by the relevant authorities. The Mongolian tax authorities may be taking a more assertive position in their interpretation of the legislation and assessments, and it is possible that transactions and activities that have not been challenged in the past may be challenged by tax authorities. As a result, significant additional taxes, penalties and interest may be assessed. Fiscal periods remain open to review by the authorities in respect of taxes for five calendar years preceding the year of review. Under certain circumstances reviews may cover longer periods. The Mongolian tax legislation does not provide definitive guidance in certain areas, specifically in areas such as VAT, withholding tax, corporate income tax, personal income tax, transfer pricing and other areas. From time to time, the Company adopts interpretations of such uncertain areas that reduce the overall tax rate of the Company. As noted above, such tax positions may come under heightened scrutiny as a result of recent developments in administrative and court practices. The impact of any challenge by the tax authorities cannot be reliably estimated; however, it may be significant to the financial position and/or the overall operations of the entity.

Management believes that its interpretation of the relevant legislation is appropriate and the Company's positions related to tax and other legislation will be sustained. However, the Company may be impacted if such unfavourable event occurs. Management performs regular re-assessment of tax risk and its position may change in the future as a result of the change in conditions that cannot be anticipated with sufficient certainty at present.

As of September 30, 2023, the Company has recorded a provision for a tax penalty in the amount of $75.0 million, as more particularly detailed under section "Liquidity and Capital Resources" of this press release under the heading entitled "Provision of Tax Penalty Imposed by MTA". Management will continue to assess whether any subsequent event may impact the amount of the provision for the tax penalty, in which case an adjustment would be recognised in profit or loss and the carrying amount of the provision shall be adjusted.

OUTLOOK

In late 2022, the Company resumed its major mining operations, including coal mining, and the volume of coal production has gradually increased which lead to a subsequent increase of coal export volume into China, and resulted in significant improvements in the Company's cash flow for the first half of 2023. The Company also resumed coal washing operations in April 2023. The Company expects that planned investments from multiple coal mining companies in 2023 to enhance the infrastructure and technologies which support cross-border exports at the Chinese-Mongolian border, will result in export volume continuing to increase in 2023.

With assistance and support from JDZF, the Company will focus on expanding its market reach and customer base in China to improve the profit margin earned on its coal products.

In 2023, the Company expects to continue to ramp up its mining operations and capacity to capitalise on the anticipated increase in sales volume.

The Company remains cautiously optimistic regarding the Chinese coal market, as coal is still considered to be the primary energy source which China will continue to rely on in the foreseeable future. Coal supply and coal import in China are expected to be limited due to increasingly stringent requirements relating to environmental protection and safety production, which may result in volatile coal prices in China. The Company will continue to monitor and react proactively to the dynamic market.

In the medium term, the Company will continue to adopt various strategies to enhance its product mix in order to maximise revenue, expand its customer base and sales network, improve logistics, optimise its operational cost structure and, most importantly, operate in a safe and socially responsible manner.

The Company's objectives for the medium term are as follows:

Enhance product mix - The Company will focus on improving the product mix by: (i) improving mining operations; (ii) utilising the Company's wet coal processing plant; (iii) exploring the possibility of a dry coal processing operation; and (iv) trading and blending different types of coal to produce blended coal products that are economical to the Company.

- The Company will focus on improving the product mix by: (i) improving mining operations; (ii) utilising the Company's wet coal processing plant; (iii) exploring the possibility of a dry coal processing operation; and (iv) trading and blending different types of coal to produce blended coal products that are economical to the Company. Expand market reach and customer base - The Company will endeavor to increase sales volume and sales price by: (i) expanding its sales network and diversifying its customer base; (ii) increasing its coal logistics capacity to resolve the bottleneck in the distribution channel; and (iii) setting and adjusting the sales price based on a more market-oriented approach in order to maximise profit while maintaining sustainable long-term business relationships with customers.

The Company will endeavor to increase sales volume and sales price by: (i) expanding its sales network and diversifying its customer base; (ii) increasing its coal logistics capacity to resolve the bottleneck in the distribution channel; and (iii) setting and adjusting the sales price based on a more market-oriented approach in order to maximise profit while maintaining sustainable long-term business relationships with customers. Increase production and optimise cost structure - The Company will aim to increase coal production volume to take advantage of economies of scale. The Company will also focus to reduce its production costs and optimise its cost structure through engaging sizable third-party contract mining companies to enhance its operation efficiency, strengthening procurement management, ongoing training and productivity enhancement.

The Company will aim to increase coal production volume to take advantage of economies of scale. The Company will also focus to reduce its production costs and optimise its cost structure through engaging sizable third-party contract mining companies to enhance its operation efficiency, strengthening procurement management, ongoing training and productivity enhancement. Operate in a safe and socially responsible manner - The Company will continue to maintain the highest standards in health, safety and environmental performance and operate in a corporate socially responsible manner.

In the long term, the Company will continue to focus on creating and maximising shareholders value by leveraging its key competitive strengths, including:

Strategic location - The Ovoot Tolgoi Mine is located approximately 40km from China, which represents the Company's main coal market. The Company has an infrastructure advantage, being approximately 50km from a major Chinese coal distribution terminal with rail connections to key coal markets in China.

- The Ovoot Tolgoi Mine is located approximately 40km from China, which represents the Company's main coal market. The Company has an infrastructure advantage, being approximately 50km from a major Chinese coal distribution terminal with rail connections to key coal markets in China. A large reserves base - The Ovoot Tolgoi Deposit has mineral reserves of more than 90 million tonnes.

The Ovoot Tolgoi Deposit has mineral reserves of more than 90 million tonnes. Several growth options - The Company has several growth options including the Soumber Deposit and Zag Suuj Deposit, located approximately 20km east and approximately 150km east of the Ovoot Tolgoi Mine, respectively.

- The Company has several growth options including the Soumber Deposit and Zag Suuj Deposit, located approximately 20km east and approximately 150km east of the Ovoot Tolgoi Mine, respectively. Bridge between Mongolia and China - The Company is well-positioned to capture the resulting business opportunities between China and Mongolia. The Company will seek assistance and support from its two largest shareholders, which are both experienced coal mining enterprises in China, and have a strong operational record for the past decade in Mongolia.

NON-IFRS FINANCIAL MEASURES

Cash Costs

The Company uses cash costs to describe its cash production and associated cash costs incurred in bringing the inventories to their present locations and conditions. Cash costs incorporate all production costs, which include direct and indirect costs of production, with the exception of idled mine asset costs and non-cash expenses which are excluded. Non-cash expenses include share-based compensation expense, impairment of coal stockpile inventories, depreciation and depletion of property, plant and equipment and mineral properties. The Company uses this performance measure to monitor its operating cash costs internally and believes this measure provides investors and analysts with useful information about the Company's underlying cash costs of operations. The Company believes that conventional measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS do not fully illustrate the ability of its mining operations to generate cash flows. The Company reports cash costs on a sales basis. This performance measure is commonly utilised in the mining industry.

Summarised Comprehensive Income Information

(Expressed in thousands of USD, except for share and per share amounts)

Summarised Financial Position Information

(Expressed in thousands of USD)

REVIEW OF INTERIM RESULTS

The condensed consolidated interim financial statements of the Company for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, which are unaudited and have not been reviewed by the Company's independent auditor, but have been reviewed by the Audit Committee of the Company.

The Company's results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 are contained in the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements and Management Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, available on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca and the Company's website at www.southgobi.com .

ABOUT SOUTHGOBI

SouthGobi, listed on the HKEX and TSX-V, owns and operates its ?agship Ovoot Tolgoi coal mine in Mongolia. It also holds the mining licenses of its other metallurgical and thermal coal deposits in South Gobi Region of Mongolia. SouthGobi produces and sells coal to customers in China.

Contact:

Investor Relations

Email: info@southgobi.com

Mr. Ruibin Xu

Chief Executive Officer

Office: +852 2156 1438 (Hong Kong)

+1 604 762 6783 (Canada)

Website: www.southgobi.com

Except for statements of fact relating to the Company, certain information contained herein constitutes forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterised by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "could", "should", "seek", "likely", "estimate" and other similar words or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward-looking statements relate to management's future outlook and anticipated events or results and are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the time the statements are made. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding:

the Company continuing as a going concern and its ability to realise its assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course of operations as they become due;

adjustments to the amounts and classifications of assets and liabilities in the Company's condensed consolidated interim financial statements and the impact thereof;

the Company's expectations of sufficient liquidity and capital resources to meet its ongoing obligations and future contractual commitments, including the Company's ability to settle its trade payables, to secure additional funding and to meet its obligations under each of the JDZF Convertible Debenture, the deferral agreement signed on November 19, 2020 (the "2020 November Deferral Agreement"), the Amended and Restated Cooperation Agreement, the deferral agreement signed on July 30, 2021 (the "2021 July Deferral Agreement"), the 2022 May Deferral Agreement, the 2022 November Deferral Agreement, the 2023 March Deferral Agreement and the 2023 November Deferral Agreement as the same become due, and the Company's ability to settle or appeal the tax penalty of $75.0 million imposed by the MTA;

the Company's anticipated financing needs, operational and development plans and future production levels, including ramp up of the Company's mining operations and capacity in 2023;

enhancements to the infrastructure and technologies which support cross-border exports at the Ceke Port of Entry in 2023;

the results and impact of the Ontario class action (as described under section "Regulatory Issues and Contingencies" of this press release under the heading entitled "Class Action Lawsuit");

"Class Action Lawsuit"); the estimates and assumptions included in the Company's impairment analysis and the possible impact of changes thereof;

the agreement with Ejin Jinda and the payments thereunder (as described under section "Regulatory Issues and Contingencies" of this press release under the heading entitled "Toll Wash Plant Agreement with Ejin Jinda");

the ability of the Company to enhance the operational efficiency and output throughput of the washing facilities at Ovoot Tolgoi;

the ability of the Company to enhance the product value by conducting coal processing and coal washing;

the impact of the Company's activities on the environment and actions taken for the purpose of mitigation of potential environmental impacts and planned focus on health, safety and environmental performance;

the future demand for coal in China;

future trends in the Chinese coal industry;

the Company's outlook and objectives for 2023 and beyond (as more particularly described under "Outlook" of this press release); and

other statements that are not historical facts.

Forward-looking information is based on certain factors and assumptions described below and elsewhere in this press release, including, among other things: the current mine plan for the Ovoot Tolgoi mine; mining, production, construction and exploration activities at the Company's mineral properties; the costs relating to anticipated capital expenditures; the capacity and future toll rate of the paved highway; plans for the progress of mining license application processes; mining methods; the Company's anticipated business activities, planned expenditures and corporate strategies; management's business outlook, including the outlook for 2023 and beyond; currency exchange rates; operating, labour and fuel costs; the ability of the Company to raise additional financing; the anticipated royalties payable under Mongolia's royalty regime; the ability of the Company to settle or appeal the tax penalty of $75.0 million imposed by the MTA; the future coal market conditions in China and the related impact on the Company's margins and liquidity; the anticipated demand for the Company's coal products; future coal prices, and the level of worldwide coal production. While the Company considers these assumptions to be reasonable based on the information currently available to it, they may prove to be incorrect. 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 statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things: the uncertain nature of mining activities, actual capital and operating costs exceeding management's estimates; variations in mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates; failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; the possible impacts of changes in mine life, useful life or depreciation rates on depreciation expenses; risks associated with, or changes to regulatory requirements (including environmental regulations) and the ability to obtain all necessary regulatory approvals; the potential expansion of the list of licenses published by the Government of Mongolia covering areas in which exploration and mining are purportedly prohibited on certain of the Company's mining licenses; the Government of Mongolia designating any one or more of the Company's mineral projects in Mongolia as a Mineral Deposit of Strategic Importance; the risk that the Company is unable to successfully settle or appeal the tax penalty of $75.0 million imposed by the MTA (as described under the section "Significant Events and Highlights" of this press release under the heading entitled "Provision of Tax Penalty Imposed by MTA"); the risk that the import coal quality standards established by Chinese authorities will negatively impact the Company's operations; the risk that Mongolia's southern borders with China will be subject for further closure; the risk that the Company's existing coal inventories are unable to sufficiently satisfy expected sales demand; the possible impact of changes to the inputs to the valuation model used to value the embedded derivatives in the Convertible Debenture; the risk of the Company or its subsidiaries default under its existing debt obligations, including the Convertible Debenture, the 2020 November Deferral Agreement, the Amended and Restated Cooperation Agreement, the 2021 July Deferral Agreement, the 2022 May Deferral Agreement, the 2022 November Deferral Agreement, the 2023 March Deferral Agreement and the 2023 November Deferral Agreement; the impact of amendments to, or the application of, the laws of Mongolia, China and other countries in which the Company carries on business; modifications to existing practices so as to comply with any future permit conditions that may be imposed by regulators; delays in obtaining approvals and lease renewals; the risk of fluctuations in coal prices and changes in China and world economic conditions; the outcome of the Class Action (as described under section "Regulatory Issues and Contingencies" of this press release under the heading entitled "Class Action Lawsuit") and any damages payable by the Company as a result; the risk that the calculated sales price determined by the Company for the purposes of determining the amount of royalties payable to the Mongolian government is deemed as being "non-market" under Mongolian tax law; customer credit risk; cash flow and liquidity risks; risks relating to the Company's decision to suspend activities relating to the development of the Ceke Logistics Park project, including the risk that its investment partner may initiate legal action against the Company for failing to comply with the underlying agreements governing project development; risks relating to the ability of the Company to enhance the operational efficiency and the output throughput of the washing facilities at Ovoot Tolgoi; the risk that the Company is unable to successfully negotiate an extension of the agreement with the third party contractor relating to the operation of the wash plant at the Ovoot Tolgoi mine site and risks relating to the Company's ability to raise additional financing and to continue as a going concern. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Company's forward-looking statements.

Due to assumptions, risks and uncertainties, including the assumptions, risks and uncertainties identified above and elsewhere in this press release, actual events may differ materially from current expectations. The Company uses forward-looking statements because it believes such statements provide useful information with respect to the currently expected future operations and financial performance of the Company, and cautions readers that the information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release; they should not rely upon this information as of any other date.

The English text of this press release shall prevail over the Chinese text in case of inconsistencies.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: SouthGobi Resources Ltd.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/803065/southgobi-announces-third-quarter-2023-unaudited-financial-and-operating-results
Bespoke cover for media liability, cyber, property, terrorism, casualty and legal expenses

Targeted at multinational, mid-market media companies and consultants

LONDON, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Chubb today announced the launch of a new media insurance product for clients in the United Kingdom. Alongside the launch, Chubb has also rebranded its existing U.K. Technology Industry Practice as the Technology and Media Practice to reflect its new focus.

The media offering includes bespoke coverages comprising media liability, cyber, property, terrorism, casualty and legal expenses. All covers are optional and can be tailored to suit each client. It also features several value-added services, including a free legal advice helpline staffed by senior media lawyers. The product is targeted at middle market and multinational media companies and consultants operating in advertising, graphic design, public relations, brand development and publishing, including newspapers, magazines, radio and television.

The expanded team will see media sit alongside Chubb's growing book of technology business which covers a broad range of risks and is targeted at companies involved with software development, internet and communication services, emerging technology and technology manufacturing.

In line with Chubb's other U.K. industry practices - Life Science, Real Estate and Climate Tech - the Technology and Media offering is backed by an enhanced proposition that includes specialist underwriters with deep industry knowledge, risk engineering and claims specialists, all underpinned by Chubb's global presence and local knowledge - and all in one client-focused proposition.

The Technology and Media Practice will be overseen by Louise Joyce, Head of Industry Practices for EMEA, with Alex Smith, Technology and Media Industry Practice Leader heading a bespoke underwriting team.

Louise Joyce said:

"The launch of our new media product and the rebranding of our Technology and Media Practice demonstrates our commitment to this fast-growing sector. Chubb has a successful track-record of working with customers within the media industry and has developed a comprehensive understanding of their needs. As this industry continues to grow and becomes increasingly specialised we want to better enable businesses operating in this sector to withstand some of the many and varied challenges they may face."

About Chubb

Chubb is the world's largest publicly traded property and casualty insurance company. With operations in 54 countries and territories, Chubb provides commercial and personal property and casualty insurance, personal accident and supplemental health insurance, reinsurance and life insurance to a diverse group of clients. As an underwriting company, we assess, assume and manage risk with insight and discipline. We service and pay our claims fairly and promptly. The company is also defined by its extensive product and service offerings, broad distribution capabilities, exceptional financial strength and local operations globally. Parent company Chubb Limited is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: CB) and is a component of the S&P 500 index. Chubb maintains executive offices in Zurich, New York, London, Paris and other locations, and employs approximately 40,000 people worldwide. Additional information can be found at: www.chubb.com

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/324916/4403205/Chubb_Logo_v2.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/chubb-launches-new-media-product-for-uk-301987436.html
WHITE ROCK, BC / ACCESSWIRE / November 14, 2023 / TDG Gold Corp. (TSXV:TDG) (the "Company" or "TDG") is pleased to report the results of the geophysical surveys completed in summer 2023 over TDG's 100% owned, high-grade gold ("Au") Mets mining lease, located in the Toodoggone District of north-central B.C.

Ground Magnetic ("Mag") and Very Low Frequency Electromagnetic ("VLF") surveys were completed covering the entire Mets mining lease. In combination with historical diamond drilling2,3 results and geochemical surveys2, the new geophysical data identifies the known high-grade A-Zone at Mets within an anomalous trend (Figures 1a and 1b) traced over~1,300 metres ("m"). Furthermore, the surveys provide evidence that limited historical drilling2,3 within this trend appears to have been located too distal and/or too shallow to intersect the interpreted geophysical anomalies.

TDG's geophysics has also identified three new target areas1 on Mets where there has been no historical drilling. In total, TDG has now identified ~3,850 m of prospective trends within the Mets mining lease. Target1 generation will continue over the winter, with the aim of prioritising targets1 for a larger diamond drill program in 2024 focused on expanding the high-grade Au potential at Mets.

Figure 1. a) Ground Magnetics (Reduced to Pole, 1st Vertical Derivative, Upward Continued 10 m b) VLF Fraser Filtered additive 21.4, 24.0 & 24.8 kHz Frequencies.

Steven Kramar, TDG's VP Exploration, commented: "Our geophysical surveys not only successfully characterized the structure that appears to control the high-grade mineralization within the Mets A-Zone but also identified several laterally extensive new target areas1 at Mets that have never been drill tested. The survey data also supports the potential for north and south extensions of the A-Zone, coincident with historical geochemical and geological data2."



TDG's 2023 Geophysical Program

Magnetic and Very Low Frequency electromagnetic geophysical surveys are useful tools for identifying magnetic and conductive geophysical features that can correspond to faults, structures and geological contacts that may host appreciable precious and/or base metal mineralization. TDG conducted a high-resolution, property-wide Mag-VLF survey over the Mets mining lease to characterize the geophysical signatures of the known high-grade Au mineralization around the A-Zone, and to use that signature as a tool to explore across the entire Mets property. This new geophysical data is supported by limited historical surface diamond drilling2,3, trenching2, soil sampling and ~350 m of underground development.

The most prominent feature from the survey is a pronounced multi-kilometer ("km") long, open ended Total Magnetic Intensity ("TMI") low (Figure 1a) that is coincident with the A-Zone mineralized area. District-scale airborne magnetic surveys conducted in the past suggests that this feature is part of a much more extensive north-northwest magnetic feature trending through and beyond the center of the Mets prospect - one of several similar features crossing the mining lease. Additionally, linear VLF conductive features (Figure 1b) have been identified coincident with the major north-northwest magnetic feature which could be an important orientation to control on mineralized structures. The survey also identified prominent geophysical anomalies coincident with historical geological2 and/or geochemical anomalies2. This has led to a delineation of potential drill target areas1 and a road map for exploration at Mets in 2024.

Existing Target Interpretation

Mets A-Zone (~130 m long)

The high-grade Au mineralization in the A-Zone can be characterized as a prominent TMI low with a corresponding defined linear VLF conductive zone. The magnetic feature is further supported by downhole magnetic susceptibility data, collected through the 2023 drill campaign by TDG (news releases Sept 07, 2023 and Sept 11, 2023) demonstrating the highest grades of Au mineralization encountered relate with downhole magnetic intensity lows.

The results from these methodologies (ground geophysics and drill core analysis) are further supported by multi-element geochemistry in soils and illustrate the close spatial relationship between magnetic mineral destruction, alteration, and the epithermal high-grade Au mineralization present at Mets.

South A-Zone Extension (~750 m long)1

The South A-Zone Extension (Figure 1 - South Extension) is defined by coincident strong VLF conductive feature, part of a multi-km long TMI low and an extensive, linear Au and silver ("Ag") in soil anomaly2 (Figures 2a and 2b) directly along strike and to the south of the A-Zone drilling area. A total of five shallow drillholes2,3 tested a very limited (30 m along strike) portion of this zone approximately 250 m south-southeast from the main A-Zone area in 1987, several of which intersected veining, alteration and Au-Ag mineralization. Based on the results of the recent geophysical surveys, historical drilling2,3 was likely collared too far west and did not test the most prospective target1 for higher grade mineralization. This target has a potential length of over 750 m based on the interpretation of the geochemistry2, geophysical data and limited drilling2,3 and is a high priority target for further step out drilling.

N75 Zone (~500 m long)1

A ~500 m diameter ovoid TMI high with a corresponding central TMI low occurs northeast of the A-Zone area (Figure 1 - N75). This feature may represent a former volcanic vent or hydrothermal center. A linear TMI low on the northeast flank of this feature (Figure 1 - Target Area 1) is along strike of, and coincident with, a VLF conductive feature very similar to that associated with the A-Zone. Only two holes have been drilled2,3 into this area and they were not in optimum locations to test the anomalous geophysical features.

Figure 2. a) Historical Au in soil anomaly (ppb Au) b) Historical Ag in soil anomaly (ppm Ag).

Kramar Zone (375 m long)1

The Kramar Zone (news release Jan 19, 2023) is approximately 500 m by 475 m (Figure 1 - Kramar Zone) and was underexplored historically. Two historical drillholes2,3 were drilled into the very northern limits of this anomaly and both intersected broad zones ranging from 50-100 m of anomalous Au-Ag mineralization, within the anomalous zone and suggest further drilling on the main portion of the anomaly is warranted.

New Target Delineation1

Target #1 - Northeast Mets (~650 m long)1

Target 1 is located approximately 500 m northeast of the Mets A-Zone and extends beyond the limits of the survey grid in this area, having a minimum potential length on Mets of approximately 650 m (Figure 1 - Target Area 1). This target is defined by a distinctive linear TMI low, strong conductive VLF feature and corresponds to a linear historical Au and Ag in soils anomaly2 (Figures 2a and 2b). These features are very similar to the high-grade, drill-defined portion of the A-Zone and there has been no known drilling or trenching along this target.

Target #2 - North A-Zone Extension (550 m strike length)1

Located approximately 300 m west-northwest of the Mets A-Zone, this feature may represent a faulted offset of the A-Zone, displaced to the west. This feature extends at least 550 m and consists of a distinctive linear TMI low (Figure 1 - Target Area 2), strong conductive VLF response, and within a broad soil anomaly2(Figures 2a and 2b) connected to the A-Zone. This target had very limited drilling in the northern flanks, but the area with the strong geophysical response has not been drilled to date.

Target #3 - Mets Southwest (1,000 m strike length)1

This feature lies approximately 400 m southwest of, and is subparallel to, the A-Zone and (Figure 1 - Target Area 3) consists of a ~1,000 m long, linear TMI high and corresponding low, coincident strong VLF response and a large Ag-dominant Au-subordinate soil anomaly2 (Figure 2a and 2b). In addition, a 2007 BC Geologic Survey airborne radiometric survey outlines a strong potassium anomaly that could represent the airborne radiometric response associated with potassium feldspar alteration. This feature has never been drill tested.

About Mets

TDG's 100% owned Mets mining lease is located ~23 kilometres northwest of TDG's former producing Baker mine and mill. In October 2022, the Mets mining lease was extended for 30 years with support from local communities and a comprehensive table of significant historical intercepts from the A-Zone was published (news release Oct 19, 2022). In December 2022, TDG published a high-grade gold Exploration Target Range for Mets based on analysis of the 8,240 m of historical drilling and 2,600 m of historical trenching in combination with laboratory assay certificates from exploration undertaken in 1985-1991, detailed logs and reports from the underground development work completed in 1992, (news release Dec 21, 2022). In September of 2023, TDG published the first modern drill results from the A-Zone, intersecting high-grade Au mineralization over significant thicknesses (news releases Sept 07, 2023 and Sept 11, 2023).

Qualified Person

The geologically related technical content of this new release has been reviewed and approved by Steven Kramar, P.Geo., Vice President, Exploration for TDG and a Qualified Person, as defined under National Instrument 43-101.

1Mineral Exploration/Exploration Target Area(s): TDG is a mineral exploration focused company and the Company's Projects are in the mineral exploration stage only. The degree of risk increases substantially where an issuer's properties are in the mineral exploration stage as opposed to the development or operational stage. Exploration targets and/or Exploration zones and/or Exploration areas are speculative and there is no certainty that any future work or evaluation will lead to the definition of a mineral resource.

2Historical Data: This news release includes historical information that has been reviewed by TDG's qualified person (QP). TDG's review of the historical records and information reasonably substantiate the validity of the information presented in this news release; however, TDG cannot directly verify the accuracy of the historical data, including (but not limited to) the procedures used for sample collection and analysis. Therefore, any conclusions or interpretations borne from use of this data should be considered too speculative to suggest that additional exploration will result in mineral resource delineation. TDG encourages readers to exercise appropriate caution when evaluating these data and/or results.

3Historical Drill core Sampling & Assay Methodology: Historical drill core was geologically logged with lithologies identified and notable geological features recorded. Historical drill core was split in half (and in rare cases sawn in half) along sample intervals (lithology and mineralization dependant) generally less than 3 m. Chemical analysis was performed dominantly for precious metal analysis (Au and Ag), and infrequently for base metals (Pb, Zn, Cu), and rarely for major elements and trace elements. Historically, different commercial laboratories were utilized. These lab facilities may or may not have had accreditation and in all cases accreditation (if applicable) pre-dated current ISO standards. Over that period, a variety of digestion and assay methods were used, including atomic absorption, fire assay atomic absorption, aqua regia atomic absorption and aqua regia ICP with varying detection limits. Reference materials (if any) were inserted at the analytical level and thus were unblind to the facility processing the samples.

About TDG Gold Corp.

TDG is a major mineral tenure holder in the historical Toodoggone Production Corridor of north-central British Columbia, Canada, with over 23,000 hectares of brownfield and greenfield exploration opportunities under direct ownership or earn-in agreement. TDG's flagship projects are the former producing, high-grade gold-silver Shasta and Baker mines, which produced intermittently between 1981-2012, and the historical high-grade gold Mets developed prospect, all which are all road accessible, and combined have over 65,000 m of historical2,3 drilling. The projects have been advanced through compilation of historical2 data, new geological mapping, geochemical and geophysical surveys and, at Shasta, 13,250 m of modern HQ drill testing of the known mineralization occurrences and their potential extensions. In May 2023, TDG published an updated Mineral Resource Estimate for Shasta (news release May 01, 2023) which remains open at depth and along strike. In January 2023, TDG defined a larger exploration target area adjacent to Shasta (Greater Shasta-Newberry; news release Jan 25, 2023). In September 2023, TDG published the first modern drill results from the Mets mining lease (news releases Sept 07, 2023 & Sept 11, 2023).

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Fletcher Morgan

Chief Executive Officer

For further information contact:

TDG Gold Corp.,

Telephone: +1.604.536.2711

Email: info@tdggold.com

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on the Company's current expectations and estimates. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "potential", "confirm", "identify", "characterize", "evidence", "coincident", "deduce", "likely", "support", "illustrate", "demonstrate", "correspond"," indicate","associate","favour","confidence","interpret","represent"and variations of these words as well as other similar words or statements that certain events or conditions "could", "may", "would" or "will" occur. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from estimated or anticipated events or results implied or expressed in such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others: the actual results of current and planned exploration activities; results from future exploration programs including whether extensions to the A-Zone at Mets will be identified and whether the geophysical and/or geochemical anomalies and other targets represent mineralization of potential economic interest; that geological and/or geophysical anomalies remain open (in any direction); conclusions of future economic evaluations; accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry; the availability of sufficient funding on terms acceptable to the company to complete the planned work programs; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing; and fluctuations in metal prices. There may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement whether, as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein.

SOURCE: TDG Gold Corp.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/803020/tdg-gold-corp-identifies-multiple-new-targets-at-mets-toodoggone-district
JERUSALEM (dpa-AFX) - UN offices around the world lowered their flags to half-mast and staff held a minute's silence to mourn more than 100 UN aid workers killed in Israel's attacks in Gaza 102 aid workers with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees were killed and 27 others were injured in the Palestinian enclave in Israel's month-old relentless attacks targeting Hamas, according to UNRWA. The UNRWA death toll in Gaza is the highest in any single conflict in UN history, it says. They were among the 13,000 UNRWA staff working in Gaza under very dangerous conditions, and many of them were killed with their families. The victims include teachers, school principals, health workers, including a gynecologist, engineers, support staff and a psychologist. UNRWA is hosting nearly 780,000 people in more than 150 facilities across the Gaza Strip who have sought shelter from bombardments. Besides UN aid workers, 4,609 children are among 11,180 people killed in Israeli airstrikes being carried out in retaliation against the October 7 terror attacks by Hamas in Israeli cities. UN facilities, including those providing shelter, have not been spared during the war in Gaza. UNRWA says that more than 60 shelters have been impacted, including 10 directly hit. Most of them were in the middle and southern areas down from Wadi Gaza. Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden urged Israel to protect Gaza's Al-Shifa hospital from attacks. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called for an urgent humanitarian ceasefire. 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.
First Billion-Dollar Gross Sales Quarter Driven by Strong Demand

TORONTO and GATINEAU, QC, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Converge Technology Solutions Corp. ("Converge" or "the Company") (TSX: CTS) (FSE: 0ZB) (OTCQX: CTSDF) is pleased to provide its financial results for the three and nine months period ended September 30, 2023. All figures are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated.

Third Quarter 2023 Financial Highlights:

Gross sales 1 of $1.037 billion, an increase of 42% from the comparative period in the prior year;

of $1.037 billion, an increase of 42% from the comparative period in the prior year; For the first nine months of 2023, achieved gross sales organic growth of 10.8%;

Revenue of $710.1 million, an increase of 38% from the comparative period in the prior year;

Gross profit increased 25% to $174.1 million from $139.7 million in Q3 2022;

Adjusted EBITDA 1 increased 33% to $41.3 million from $31.0 million in Q3 2022;

increased 33% to $41.3 million from $31.0 million in Q3 2022; Net income of ($3.3) million compared to $18.2 million in Q3 2022

Cash flows from operating activities were $95.9 million, an increase of $80.9 million, compared to $15.0 million in Q3 2022;

Decreased net leverage to 1.8x compared to 2.24x in Q2 2023;

Reduced net debt (cash less borrowings) by $44.3 million to $307.5 million, compared to $351.9 million in Q2 2023; and

Product bookings backlog2 at the end of Q3 2023 was $479 million, an increase of $32 million from Q2 2023.

"The structural demand tailwinds of planning, implementing and monitoring complex technology projects whether AI, cloud or cyber related are driving a higher quality revenue mix," said Shaun Maine, Group CEO. "Converge continues to witness significant demand for higher end products, services and solutions which is crucial to positioning the Company as a trusted advisor to our clients."

Financial Summary

In $000s except per share amounts 3-month Q3 2023 3-month Q3 2022

9-month Q3 2023 9-month Q3 2022 Gross Sales 1,036,760 730,571

2,959,237 2,134,178 Revenue 710,106 514,485

2,054,117 1,523,721 Gross profit (GP) 174,090 139,654

521,351 381,851 Gross profit (GP) % 24.5 % 27.1 %

25.4 % 25.1 % Adjusted EBITDA 41,258 30,967

123,789 99,804 Adjusted EBITDA as a % of GP1 23.7 % 22.2 %

23.7 % 26.1 % Net (loss) income (3,316) 18,228

(11,174) 27,449 Adjusted net income1 20,622 21,266

70,187 73,676 Adjusted EPS1 0.10 0.10

0.34 0.34

_______________________________ 1 This is a Non-IFRS measure (including non-IFRS ratio) and not a recognized, defined or a standardized measure under IFRS. See the "Non-IFRS Financial Measures" section of this press release for definitions, uses and a reconciliation of historical non-IFRS financial measures to the most directly comparable IFRS financial measures. 2 Bookings backlog is calculated as purchase orders received from customers not yet delivered at the end of the fiscal period for Canada and United States.

Subsequent to Quarter-End

Board of Directors authorized a third quarter dividend of $0.01 per common share to be paid on December 28, 2023 to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 13, 2023

Financial Outlook

Converge is providing financial guidance for the three months ended December 31, 2023 as follows:

Gross Profit between $177 million and $184 million

Adjusted EBITDA between $45 million and $47 million

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/ .

About Converge

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.

Summary of Consolidated Statements of Financial Position

(expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars)





September 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 Assets





Current







Cash

$ 105,221 $ 159,890

Restricted cash

3,103 5,230

Trade and other receivables

803,673 781,683

Inventories

165,788 158,430

Prepaid expenses and other assets

22,224 23,046





1,100,009 1,128,279 Non-current







Other assets

17,460 4,646

Property, equipment, and right-of-use assets, net

73,592 88,352

Intangible assets, net

400,536 463,751

Goodwill

568,188 563,848 Total assets

$ 2,159,785 $ 2,248,876









Liabilities





Current







Trade and other payables

$ 898,423 $ 824,924

Other financial liabilities

52,625 123,932

Deferred revenue

48,633 60,210

Borrowings

109 421,728

Income taxes payable

10,971 7,112





1,010,761 1,437,906 Non-current







Other financial liabilities

47,206 77,183

Borrowings

412,644 -

Deferred tax liabilities

77,034 102,977 Total liabilities

$ 1,547,645 $ 1,618,066









Shareholders' equity







Common shares

603,716 595,019

Contributed surplus

10,016 7,919

Exchange rights

- 1,705

Accumulated other comprehensive income

3,047 13,708

Deficit

(31,674) (18,441) Total equity attributable to shareholders of

Converge

585,105 599,910 Non-controlling interest

27,035 30,900



612,140 630,810 Total liabilities and shareholders' equity

$ 2,159,785 $ 2,248,876

Summary of Consolidated Statements of Loss and Comprehensive Loss

(expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars)



Three months ended

September 30,

Nine months ended

September 30,



2023

2022

2023

2022

















Revenue















Product $ 559,646 $ 385,285 $ 1,607,932 $ 1,193,038 Service

150,460

129,200

446,185

330,683 Total revenue

710,106

514,485

2,054,117

1,523,721 Cost of sales

536,016

374,831

1,532,766

1,141,870 Gross profit

174,090

139,654

521,351

381,851

















Selling, general and administrative expenses

134,935

111,032

403,667

287,267 Income before the following

39,155

28,622

117,684

94,584

















Depreciation and amortization

29,456

23,094

82,239

54,751 Finance expense, net

10,867

5,886

30,870

10,798 Acquisition, integration, restructuring and other

2,601

8,211

10,969

19,492 Change in fair value of contingent consideration

-

-

9,209

- Share-based compensation

774

1,275

2,738

4,172 Other (income) expenses

(170)

(25,570)

(4,230)

(22,432) (Loss) income before income taxes

(4,373)

15,726

(14,111)

27,803

















Income tax (recovery) expense

(1,057)

(2,502)

(2,937)

304

















Net (loss) income $ (3,316) $ 18,228 $ (11,174) $ 27,499 Net (loss) income attributable to:















Shareholders of Converge

(1,802)

20,595

(7,309)

30,819 Non-controlling interest

(1,514)

(2,367)

(3,865)

(3,320)

$ (3,316) $ 18,228 $ (11,174) $ 27,499 Other comprehensive (loss) income















Item that may be reclassified subsequently to (loss)

income:















Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations

(2,891)

5,352

(10,661)

(859)



(2,891)

5,352

(10,661)

(859) Comprehensive (loss) income $ (425) $ 23,580 $ (21,835) $ 26,640 Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to:















Shareholders of Converge

1,089

25,947

(17,970)

29,960 Non-controlling interest

(1,514)

(2,367)

(3,865)

(3,320)



(425)

23,580

(21,835)

26,640

















Adjusted EBITDA $ 41,258 $ 30,967 $ 123,789 $ 99,804 Adjusted EBITDA as a % of Gross Profit

23.7 %

22.2 %

23.7 %

26.1 % Adjusted EBITDA as a % of Revenue1

5.8 %

6.0 %

6.0 %

6.6 %

Summary of Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars)







For the three months

ended September 30, For the nine months ended September 30,





2023

2022

2023

2022



















Cash flows (used in) from operating activities

















Net (loss) income

$ (3,316) $ 18,228 $ (11,174) $ 27,499 Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash from operating activities

















Depreciation and amortization



31,559

24,101

88,344

58,071 Unrealized foreign exchange gains



-

(24,233)

(2,818)

(20,532) Share-based compensation expense



774

1,275

2,738

4,172 Finance expense, net



10,867

5,886

30,870

10,798 Gain on sale of property and equipment



-

-

(598)

- Change in fair value of contingent consideration



-

-

9,209

- Income tax (recovery) expense



(1,057)

(2,502)

(2,937)

304





38,827

22,755

113,634

80,312 Changes in non-cash working capital items



63,102

(5,904)

18,858

(50,195)





101,929

16,851

132,492

30,117 Income taxes paid



(5,987)

(1,901)

(17,433)

(18,926) Cash from operating activities



95,942

14,950

115,059

11,191



















Cash flows (used in) from investing activities

















Purchase of property and equipment



(1,593)

(4,332)

(8,790)

(18,812) Proceeds on disposal of property and equipment



-

-

3,749

(6) Payment of contingent consideration



(10,899)

-

(20,834)

(10,135) Payment of deferred consideration



(14,095)

(121)

(43,815)

(7,069) Payment of NCI liability



(973)

-

(30,967)

- Business combinations, net of cash acquired



-

(154,212)

-

(353,683) Cash used in investing activities



(27,560)

(158,665)

(100,657)

(389,705)



















Cash flows (used in) from financing activities

















Transfers (to) from restricted cash



(519)

141

2,068

(4,372) Interest paid



(10,544)

(1,229)

(25,786)

(4,287) Dividends paid



(2,047)

-

(4,114)

(1,080) Payments of lease liabilities



(4,975)

(3,462)

(15,199)

(8,494) Repurchase of common shares



(1,064)

(30,539)

(15,294)

(30,539) Repayment of notes payable



(39)

(37)

(119)

(196) Net (repayment to) proceeds from borrowings



(21,977)

173,084

(10,593)

357,901 Cash (used in) from financing activities



(41,165)

137,958

(69,037)

308,933



















Net change in cash during the period



27,217

(5,757)

(54,635)

(69,581) Effect of foreign exchange on cash



(439)

(6,189)

(34)

(6,383) Cash, beginning of period



78,443

184,175

159,890

248,193 Cash, end of period

$ 105,221 $ 172,229 $ 105,221 $ 172,229

Non-IFRS Financial Measures

This press release refers to certain performance indicators including Adjusted EBITDA, Gross Profit, Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted EPS that do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Management believes that these measures are useful to most shareholders, creditors, and other stakeholders in analyzing the Company's operating results and can highlight trends in its core business that may not otherwise be apparent when relying solely on IFRS financial measures. The Company also believes that securities analysts, investors and other interested parties frequently use non-IFRS measures in the evaluation of issuers.

Management also uses non-IFRS measures in order to facilitate operating performance comparisons from period to period, prepare annual operating budgets and assess the ability to meet capital expenditure and working capital requirements. These non-IFRS financial measures should not be considered as an alternative to the consolidated income (loss) or any other measure of performance under IFRS. Investors are encouraged to review the Company's financial statements and disclosures in their entirety, are cautioned not to put undue reliance on non-IFRS measures and view them in conjunction with the most comparable IFRS financial measures.

Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA represents net income or loss adjusted to exclude amortization, depreciation, interest expense and net finance expense, foreign exchange gains and losses, other expenses and income, share-based compensation expense, income tax expense, change in fair value of contingent consideration, and acquisition, integration, restructuring and other expenses. Acquisition and transaction related costs primarily consists of acquisition-related compensation tied to continued employment of pre-existing shareholders of the acquiree not included in the total purchase consideration and professional fees. Integration costs primarily consist of professional fees incurred related to integration of acquisitions completed. Restructuring costs mainly represent employee exit costs as a result of synergies created from acquisitions and organizational changes. The IFRS measure most directly comparable to Adjusted EBITDA presented in the Company's financial statements is net (loss) income before taxes.

The Company's definition of Adjusted EBITDA will likely differ from that used by other companies and therefore comparability may be limited. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered a substitute for or in isolation from measures prepared in accordance with IFRS.

The Company has reconciled Adjusted EBITDA to the most comparable IFRS financial measure as follows:



For the three months ended September 30, For the nine months ended September 30,

2023 2022 2023 2022 Net (loss) income before income taxes $ (4,373) $ 15,726 $ (14,111) $ 27,803 Finance expense, net 10,867 5,886 30,870 10,798 Share-based compensation expense 774 1,275 2,738 4,172 Depreciation and amortization 29,456 23,094 82,239 54,751 Depreciation included in cost of sales 2,103 1,008 6,105 3,320 Other (income) expense (170) (24,233) (4,230) (20,532) Change in fair value of contingent consideration - - 9,209 - Acquisition, integration, restructuring

and other 2,601 8,211 10,969 19,492 Adjusted EBITDA $ 41,258 $ 30,967 $ 123,789 $ 99,804

Adjusted EBITDA as a % of Gross Profit

The Company believes that Adjusted EBITDA as a % of Gross Profit is a useful measure of the Company's operating efficiency and profitability. This is calculated by dividing Adjusted EBITDA by gross profit.

Adjusted EBITDA as a % of Revenue

The Company believes that Adjusted EBITDA as a % of Revenue is a useful measure of the Company's operating efficiency and profitability. This is calculated by dividing Adjusted EBITDA by revenue.2

Adjusted Net Income (Loss) and Adjusted Earnings per Share ("Adjusted EPS")

Adjusted Net Income represents net income adjusted to exclude acquisition, integration, restructuring and other expenses, change in fair value of contingent consideration, amortization of acquired intangible assets, unrealized foreign exchange gain/loss, and share-based compensation. The Company believes that Adjusted Net Income is a more useful measure than net income as it excludes the impact of one-time, non-cash and/or non-recurring items that are not reflective of Converge's underlying business performance. Adjusted EPS is calculated by dividing Adjusted Net Income by the total weighted average shares outstanding on a basic and diluted basis. The IFRS measure most directly comparable to Adjusted Net Income presented in the Company's financial statements is net (loss) income and net (loss) income per share.

The Company has provided a reconciliation to the most comparable IFRS financial measure as follows:



For the three months For the nine months ended September 30, ended September 30,

2023 2022 2023 2022 Net (loss) income $ (3,316) $ 18,228 $ (11,174) $ 27,499 Acquisition, integration, restructuring and other 2,601 8,211 10,969 19,492 Change in fair value of contingent

consideration - - 9,209 - Amortization on intangibles 21,056 17,785 62,793 43,045 Foreign exchange gain (493) (24,233) (4,348) (20,532) Share-based compensation 774 1,275 2,738 4,172 Adjusted Net Income: $ 20,622 $ 21,266 $ 70,187 $ 73,676 Adjusted EPS -Basic 0.10 0.10 0.34 0.34

Gross sales and gross sales for organic growth

Gross sales, which is a non-IFRS measurement, reflects the gross amount billed to customers, adjusted for amounts deferred or accrued. The Company believes gross sales is a useful alternative financial metric to net revenue, the IFRS measure, as it better reflects volume fluctuations as compared to net revenue. Under the applicable IFRS 15 'principal vs agent' guidance, the principal records revenue on a gross basis and the agent records commission on a net basis. In transactions where Converge is acting as an agent between the customer and the vendor, net revenue is calculated by reducing gross sales by the cost of sale amount.

The Company has provided a reconciliation of gross sales to net revenue, which is the most comparable IFRS financial measure, as follows:



For the three months For the nine months ended September 30, ended September 30,

2023 2022 2023 2022 Product $ 721,871 $ 474,006 $ 2,027,384 $ 1,419,216 Managed services 38,728 35,681 124,546 101,932 Third party and professional services 276,161 220,884 807,307 613,030 Gross sales $ 1,036,760 $ 730,571 $ 2,959,237 $ 2,134,178 Adjustment for sales transacted as agent (326,654) (216,086) (905,120) (610,457) Revenue $ 710,106 $ 514,485 $ 2,054,117 $ 1,523,721

Organic Growth

The Company measures organic growth at the gross sales and gross profit levels, and includes the contributions under Converge ownership in the current and comparative period(s). In calculating organic growth, the Company therefore deducts gross sales and gross profit generated from companies that were acquired in the current reporting period.

Gross sales organic growth is calculated by deducting prior period gross sales, as reported in the Company's public filings, from current period gross sales for the same portfolio of companies. Gross sales organic growth percentage is calculated by dividing organic growth by prior period reported gross sales.

The following table calculates gross sales organic growth for three and nine months ended September 30, 2023:



For the three months For the nine months ended September 30, ended September 30,

2023 2022 2023 2022 Gross sales 1,036,760 730,571 2,959,237 2,134,178 Less: gross sales from companies not

owned in comparative period 133,891 230,348 593,758 634,781 Gross sales of companies owned in

comparative period 902,869 500,223 2,365,479 1,499,397 Prior period gross sales 730,571 472,419 2,134,178 1,332,639 Organic Growth - $ 172,298 27,804 231,301 166,758 Organic Growth - % 23.6 % 5.9 % 10.8 % 12.5 %

Gross profit organic growth is calculated by deducting prior period gross profit, as reported in the Companies public filings, from current period gross profit for the same portfolio of companies. Gross profit organic growth percentage is calculated by dividing organic growth by prior period reported gross profit.



For the three months For the nine months ended September 30, ended September 30,

2023 2022 2023 2022 Gross profit 174,090 139,654 521,351 381,851 Less: gross profit from companies not

owned in comparative period 20,375 44,994 104,212 117,539 Gross profit of companies owned in comparative period 153,715 94,660 417,139 264,312 Prior period gross profit 139,654 83,771 381,851 229,811 Organic Growth - $ 14,061 10,889 35,288 34,501 Organic Growth - % 10.1 % 13.0 % 9.2 % 15.0 %

Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation regarding Converge and its business. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected" "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts". "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements.

Specifically, statements regarding Converge's forecast on Gross Profit and Adjusted EBITDA, expectations of future results, performance, prospects, the markets in which it operates, or about any future intention with regard to its business and acquisition strategies are considered forward-looking information. The foregoing demonstrates Converge's objectives, which are not forecasts or estimates of its financial position, but are based on the implementation of its strategic goals, growth prospects, and growth initiatives. The forward-looking information, including management's assessments of, and outlook for, Gross Profit and Adjusted EBITDA, are based on management's opinions, estimates and assumptions, including, but not limited to: (i) Converge's results of operations will continue as expected, (ii) the Company will continue to effectively execute against its key strategic growth priorities, (iii) the Company will continue to retain and grow its existing customer base and market share, (iv) the Company will be able to take advantage of future prospects and opportunities, and realize on synergies, including with respect of acquisitions, (v) there will be no changes in legislative or regulatory matters that negatively impact the Company's business, (vi) current tax laws will remain in effect and will not be materially changed, (vii) economic conditions will remain relatively stable throughout the period, (vii) the industries Converge operates in will continue to grow consistent with past experience, and (ix) those assumptions described under the heading "About Forward-Looking Information" in the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis for the three and nine-months ended September 30, 2023. While these opinions, estimates and assumptions are considered by the Company to be appropriate and reasonable in the circumstances as of the date of this press release, they are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information.

The forward looking information, including the achievement of target Gross Profit and Adjusted EBITDA set out above, are subject to significant risks including, without limitation: that the Company will be unable to effectively execute against its key strategic growth priorities, including in respect of acquisitions; the Company will be unable to continue to retain and grow its existing customer base and market share; risks related to the Company's business and financial position; that the Company may not be able to accurately predict its rate of growth and profitability; risks related to economic and political uncertainty; income tax related risks; and those risk factors discussed in greater detail under the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's most recent annual information form and under the heading "Risks and Uncertainties" in the Company's most recent Management's Discussion and Analysis, which are each available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Many of these risks are beyond the Company's control.

If any of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if the opinions, estimates or assumptions underlying the forward-looking information prove incorrect, actual results or future events might vary materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking information. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other risk factors not presently known to the Company or that the Company presently believes are not material that could also cause actual results or future events to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking information.

Although the Company bases these forward-looking statements on assumptions that it believes are reasonable when made, the Company cautions investors that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and that its actual results of operations, financial condition and liquidity and the development of the industry in which it operates may differ materially from those made in or suggested by the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. In addition, even if the Company's results of operations, financial condition and liquidity and the development of the industry in which it operates are consistent with the forward-looking statements contained in this press release, those results of developments may not be indicative of results or developments in subsequent periods.

There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. No forward-looking statement is a guarantee of future results. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information, which speaks only as of the date made. The forward-looking information contained in this press release represents the company's expectations as of the date specified herein, and are subject to change after such date. However, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation or undertaking to update or revise any forward-looking information or to publicly announce the results of any revisions to any of those statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable securities laws. Comparisons of results for current and any prior periods are not intended to express any future trends or indications of future performance, unless specifically expressed as such, and should only be viewed as historical data.

All of the forward-looking information contained in this press release is expressly qualified by the foregoing cautionary statements.

CONTACT: Converge Technology Solutions Corp., Email: investors@convergetp.com, Phone: 416-360-1495

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/converge-reports-third-quarter-2023-results-301987289.html
SHENZHEN, China, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On November 13, 2023, vivo officially announced the start of the 2024 vivo VISION+ Mobile PhotoAwards (hereinafter referred to as "the Awards"), with submissions being accepted from now on. This year's Awards is co-organized by vivo and its global imaging partner ZEISS and the Awards has added a new "Macro" category. In addition to the well-established "ZEISS Professional Imaging Award" and "X Series Best Photograph Award," new awards like the "S/V Series Best Photograph Award" and "Youth Photographer Award" have been introduced to further celebrate excellence in photography. The Awards encourages mobile imaging creators around the world to enjoy the fun of creative expression through the concept of "Take One More" and experience the joy of humanity.

Encouraging abundant expression with the concept of "Take One More"

Today, mobile imaging has emerged as an essential form of recording and expression in our lives, further igniting enthusiasm for mobile imaging creation and enabling people to delve deeper into expressing their emotions, attitudes, and aesthetics through convenient image creation. To continuously respond to this abundant creative passion and inspire new ideas, the 2024 vivo VISION+ Mobile PhotoAwards is once again underway. The Awards encourages participants to "Take One More" shot of the vibrant moments of everyday life, capturing the dynamic flow of life's energy in every moment, and expanding the possibilities of image creation.

The Awards continues to feature a professional jury lineup that combines authority and diversity: Bertram Hoenlinger, ZEISS Expert of Photography, Francesco Gola, ZEISS Ambassador Mobile Imaging, Xiao Quan, Portrait Photographer, and Yu Meng, Vice President of Imaging at vivo. Together, they will discover emotionally captivating works and explore the multidimensional expressiveness of mobile imaging.

In addition to the upgraded judging lineup, the Awards has also updated its competition categories, setting up six submission units: "Portrait", "Photo Series", "Landscape", "Night", "Motion", and "Macro". These allow creators to unleash their inspiration and express themselves without being limited by time or space. Among them, the newly added "Macro" category invites participants to explore the beautiful moments often overlooked in the vast world from a more delicate perspective.

This year's Awards has a total of 24 awards across different categories. The awards, including the "X Series Best Photograph Award" and "S/V Series Best Photograph Award," encourage vivo users worldwide to explore and appreciate the unique imaging capabilities offered by various vivo smartphone series. In addition, the newly created "Youth Photographer Award" is dedicated to provide a stage for yong people aged 18-24, expecting them to infuse new vitality into image creation as a new generation born alongside smartphones.

Crafting the Cultural Tapestry of Mobile Imaging with Four Years of Endeavor

The advancement of mobile imaging technology and the trend towards the popularization of image creation continuously propel vivo's exploration of imaging culture, as well as its efforts to provide users with a wider and more professional platform for creative expression.

In 2020, vivo initiated the VISION+ Mobile PhotoAwards for the first time, inviting global users to capture moments, share emotions, and express themselves with their smartphones. Over the past four years, the scale and influence of the Awards have grown annually. To date, it has drawn creators from over 40 countries and regions worldwide, showcasing nearly a million works that blend rich emotions and visual aesthetics. Each piece embodies the creator's emotionally captivating expression at a particular moment, jointly outlining a cultural landscape that reflects social characteristics and the spirit of the times.

As a leader in the mobile imaging field, vivo actively organizes a series of cultural imaging events, collaborating with professional imaging institutions to convey the charm of image creation to a broader audience. In 2021, vivo partnered with JIMEI x ARLES International Photo Festival to present a themed exhibition, making smartphone photography exhibitions visible on the international stage for the first time. This December, both parties will join hands again to present the "vivo VISION+ Exhibition," showcasing works from artists like Alex Webb and Francesco Gola, alongside exceptional selections from the 212,265 entries submitted to the 2023 vivo VISION+ Mobile PhotoAwards. This event brings together mobile imaging works around the world and connects them with audiences, awakening more people's awareness and creative passion for "Take One More" shot of precious moment.

Developing Human-Centric Professional Imaging for an Unrestricted Mobile Image Creation

As a smartphone brand with a ten-year history deeply rooted in the imaging field, vivo has consistently focused on user-oriented innovation. Relying on dual strategies of independent and collaborative innovation, vivo aims to provide users with top-notch mobile imaging capabilities and delightful, convenient user experiences, enabling mobile image creation to transcend device and operational limitations. Moreover, vivo actively pushes the boundaries of cutting-edge innovation by collaborating with like-minded individuals across various fields, challenging the limits of imagination in mobile imaging creation.

In 2020, vivo announced a global imaging partnership with ZEISS. The two parties have been investigating mobile imaging's fundamental theories and state-of-the-art technologies, with their research accomplishments successively integrated into 20 products featuring the vivo ZEISS Co-engineered Imaging System. This collaboration has enabled nearly 15 million users worldwide to savor the delightful essence of mobile image creation through an enhanced, intuitive, and seamless experience.

In the future, vivo will continue to focus on user-oriented technological innovation, explore the infinite possibilities of mobile imaging creation, and enable more people to enjoy the fun of self-expression and creation through smartphones. Along with the enthusiasm and imagination, they will jointly develop a modern mobile imaging landscape with rich in cultural significance and value.

The official registration for the 2024 vivo VISION+ Mobile PhotoAwards is now open, and the submission deadline is May 31, 2024. For more information about the 2024 vivo VISION+ Mobile PhotoAwards, please visit: visionplus.vivo.com.

About vivo

vivo is a technology company that creates great products based on a design-driven value, with smart devices and intelligent services as its core. The company aims to build a bridge between humans and the digital world. Through unique creativity, vivo provides users with an increasingly convenient mobile and digital life. Following the company's core values, which include Benfen*, user-orientation, design-driven value, continuous learning and team spirit, vivo has implemented a sustainable development strategy with the vision of developing into a healthier, more sustainable world-class corporation.

While bringing together and developing the best local talents to deliver excellence, vivo is supported by a network of R&D centers in Shenzhen, Dongguan, Nanjing, Beijing, Hangzhou, Shanghai, Xi'an and more cities, focusing on the development of state-of-the-art consumer technologies, including 5G, artificial intelligence, industrial design, imaging system and other up-and-coming technologies. vivo has also set up an intelligent manufacturing network (including those authorized by vivo), with an annual production capacity of nearly 200 million smartphones. As of now, vivo has branched out its sales network across more than 60 countries and regions, and is loved by more than 500 million users worldwide.

*"Benfen" is a term describing the attitude on doing the right things and doing things right - which is the ideal description of vivo's mission to create value for society.

Stay informed of latest vivo news at https://www.vivo.com/en/about-vivo/news

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Achieves Higher Gross Margin, Moves Closer to Profitability

TORONTO, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - MediPharm Labs Corp. (TSX: LABS) (OTCQB: MEDIF) (FSE: MLZ) ("MediPharm", "MediPharm Labs" or the "Company") a pharmaceutical company specialized in precision-based cannabinoids, today announced its financial results for the three months ended September 30, 2023 .

Third Quarter 2023 - Select Highlights

Continue Reading

Settled a long-standing customer dispute for a total consideration of $9M, including net cash of $7.3M collected in October, $1M in Tilray Brands, Inc. ("Tilray") cannabis products and a four year agreement where Tilray will purchase $0.5M of MediPharm product.

Gross profit of $2.4M or 28% was positive for the fourth consecutive quarter and was the Company's highest gross profit since Q4 2019.

Adjusted EBITDA (1) of negative $2.4M improved $2.6M or 53% versus prior year and improved from negative $3.2M in Q2 2023. Adjusted EBITDA (1) continues to improve driven by margin expansion initiatives and cost reductions.

of negative $2.4M improved $2.6M or 53% versus prior year and improved from negative $3.2M in Q2 2023. Adjusted EBITDA continues to improve driven by margin expansion initiatives and cost reductions. Following the successful integration of VIVO and the achievement of approximately $7M in annualized savings, the Company completed a further restructuring in Q3 which will result in approximately $3M of additional annualized savings starting in Q4 2023. (2)(3)(4)(5)

Strong balance sheet, relative to many peer companies, with $13M million of cash and less than $3 million of debt as of September 30, 2023 . The cash balance does not include the cash collected from the customer dispute which was received subsequent to quarter end. The current cash position is approximately $19M .(5)

Groundwork for Growth in International Medical Cannabis

MediPharm executed on it its strategic international growth plan to launch self branded products with more favourable gross margins and longer-term potential. This plan includes the September launch of the Beacon Medical branded portfolio in Australia of GMP oil and vapes; narcotic license expansion for Beacon Medical Germany with oil and high potency flower, and the signing of two new distribution agreements in the UK for Beacon branded medical cannabis products.

In July 2023, the Company entered into an additional supply agreement with a top tier generic pharmaceutical company in Brazil . Brazilian authorities treat cannabis much like a pharmaceutical product. Since signing the agreement the customer has applied to the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency for a number of cannabis product approvals. MediPharm has received similar approvals in Brazil with other customers. It is anticipated the delivery of additional products could begin in Q1 2024, and substantially increase the current Brazilian revenue.(2)

Continued Progress Solidifying Leadership in Cannabis-Based Pharmaceutical Industry

In July 2023, the Company completed its first delivery of cannabis clinical trial material to a United States ("US") research partner. The delivery of pharmaceutical cannabis product was for a National Institute of Health funded clinical trial, following import permit from the United States Drug Enforcement Agency (the "DEA") and Health Canada export permit. The Company has already received DEA permits for replenishment of clinical trial material and plans to make another US delivery in Q4 2023. (2)

The Company has provided a full response to the United States Food and Drug Administration (the "FDA") in relation to the initial foreign drug site inspection of its Barrie facility regarding a new Drug Master File being referenced in a recent Abbreviated New Drug Application. This is the first FDA Audit of a purpose-built commercial cannabis facility in Canada .

Progress Towards Profitability

Q3 2023 gross profit was $2.4M or 28%. This is the fourth consecutive quarter of positive gross profit. Gross profit continues to improve, driven by product mix, production efficiencies and cost reductions. Management continues to focus on efficiencies to drive gross profit.

Total Opex, which includes general and administrative, marketing and selling, and research and development expenses was $6.1 million in the quarter versus $7.5M in Q2 2023. Adjusting for severance and some other discrete items, normalized Opex was approximately $5.9M in Q3. Retrospectively, if VIVO were included in our Q3 2022 results, Opex in Q3 2023 is approximately 37% or $3.6M lower reflecting our combined cost reduction initiatives.(5)

Management Commentary

David Pidduck, CEO, MediPharm Labs commented, "We are proud of our focus on margins, cost reductions and profitability. Now, our strong balance sheet and improving profitability favourably positions us to make strategic investments for revenue growth. Beyond organic growth investments, there will be many M&A opportunities to consider in the coming quarters to further grow our revenue and shorten the path to profitability."

Greg Hunter, CFO, MediPharm Labs added, "In Q3, we continued to make progress by improving gross margins, reducing expenses and reducing cash burn as we drive towards profitability. Adjusted EBITDA of negative $2.4 million improved sequentially and year over year and is our best result in over 2 years. In addition, we strengthened our balance sheet with the settlement of an outstanding dispute resulting in cash collection of $7.3 million subsequent to quarter end and as of today we have approximately $19 million in cash and less than $3 million of debt."

Financial Summary

(1) Opex includes general administrative expense, marketing and selling expenses and R&D expenses. (2) Adjusted EBITDA is a non-IFRS measure. See "Non-IFRS Measures".



Q3 2023 Financial Results Conference Call

MediPharm's executive management team will also host a conference call and audio webcast on Tuesday, November14, 2023 at 8:30 a.m. eastern time to discuss the Company's financial results.

Conference Call:

Toll-free number: +1 (888) 330-2454 / International number: +1 (240) 789-2714

Conference ID: 4921762

Participants are asked to dial in approximately 15 minutes before the start of the call.

Audio Webcast:

An audio webcast will be available by visiting the following link here.

For those who are unable to participate on the live conference call or webcast, a replay will be available at https://www.medipharmlabs.com/investors approximately one day after completion of the call.

About MediPharm Labs

Founded in 2015, MediPharm Labs specializes in the development and manufacture of purified, pharmaceutical-quality cannabis concentrates, active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) and advanced derivative products utilizing a Good Manufacturing Practices certified facility with ISO standard-built clean rooms. MediPharm Labs has invested in an expert, research driven team, state-of-the-art technology, downstream purification methodologies and purpose built facilities with five primary extraction lines for delivery of pure, trusted and precision-dosed cannabis products for its customers. Through its wholesale and white label platforms, MediPharm Labs formulates, develops (including through sensory testing), processes, packages and distributes cannabis extracts and advanced cannabinoid-based products to domestic and international markets.

In 2021, MediPharm Labs received a Pharmaceutical Drug Establishment Licence from Health Canada, becoming the only company in North America to hold a domestic Good Manufacturing Licence for the extraction of natural cannabinoids. The Company carries out its operations in compliance with all applicable laws in the countries in which it operates.

In 2023, MediPharm acquired VIVO Cannabis Inc. which expanded MediPharm's reach to medical patients in Canada via Canna Farms medical ecommerce platform, and in Australia and Germany through Beacon Medical PTY and Beacon Medical GMBH. This acquisition also included Harvest Medical Clinics in Canada which provides medical cannabis patients with Physician consultations for medical cannabis education and prescriptions.

Notes:

(1) This is a non-IFRS reporting measure. See "Non-IFRS Measures" below.



(2) This is forward-looking information and based on a number of assumptions. See "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information" and "Assumptions".



(3) Based on both costs and revenue opportunities identified by MediPharm and VIVO management. Revenue opportunity assumed that both existing products may be sold into the existing sales channels of both VIVO and MediPharm. Costs savings estimated depends on the eliminating duplicated public company expenses and redundant corporate infrastructure.



(4) This target, and the related assumptions, involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially. While MediPharm and VIVO believe there is a reasonable basis for this target, such target may not be met. Actual results may vary and differ materially from the targets. See "Assumptions".



(5) Certain financial information included in this press release is neither audited nor reviewed. Where possible, the information has been constructed by management from available audited or audit reviewed financial statements. Where no audited or audit reviewed information has been available, additional management accounting information has been utilized to construct financial information. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such information.

Assumptions

In developing the financial guidance set forth above, MediPharm has made the following assumptions and relied on the following factors and considerations:

The targets are based on MediPharm and VIVO's historical results including annualized revenue from its interim financial results for the period ended September 30, 2022, as adjusted for subsequent events including completion of the transaction with VIVO.

Revenue sustainability and growth depend on a variety of factors, including among other things, location, competition, legal and regulatory requirements. Prices are projected forward at recently realized wholesale and direct to patient prices.

Cost of goods sold, before taking into account the impact of value changes in biological assets (which are non-cash in nature), and, accordingly, are excluded from calculations of EBITDA, have been projected based on estimated costs of production and capacity available from a similar supply chain.

The immediate reduction of public company professional and service fees, such as but not limited to, errors and omissions insurance, audit services, listing expenses and external legal fees.

Implied redundancy of employee roles in the Company, mainly in corporate functions. Impacted employee severance fees are calculated on current employment agreements and Employment Standards Act ( Ontario ).

( Ontario ). No changes to existing medical cannabis legislation and regulations in Canada, Germany, Australia and Brazil .

All VIVO and MediPharm regulatory licenses remain in good standing with domestic and international regulators, particular Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).

Non-IFRS Measures

This press release contains references to "EBITDA", "Adjusted EBITDA" and "Adjusted Gross Profit", which are non-IFRS financial measures. Management believes that these supplementary non-IFRS financial measures provide useful additional information related to the operating results of the Company. These non-IFRS financial measures are not recognized under IFRS and, accordingly, users are cautioned that these measures should not be construed as alternatives to net income (loss) and gross profit determined in accordance with IFRS as measures of profitability or as alternatives to the Company's IFRS-based Financial Statements. The non-IFRS measures presented may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. EBITDA refers to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization and is used as an indicator of the Company's overall profitability. Adjusted EBITDA is a measure of the Company's overall financial performance and is used as an alternative to earnings or income in some circumstances. Adjusted EBITDA is essentially net income (loss) with interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, non-cash adjustments and other unusual or non-recurring items added back. Adjusted EBITDA has limitations as an analytical tool as it does not include depreciation and amortization expense, interest income and expense, finance fees, gain in revaluation of derivative liabilities, taxes, government grants including rent and wage subsidies, one-off transactions, impairment losses on inventory and on fixed assets and intangibles, write down of deposits and share-based compensation. Because of these limitations, Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as the sole measure of the Company's performance and should not be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute for, analysis of the Company's results as reported under IFRS. Adjusted EBITDA, as used within the Company's disclosure, may not be directly comparable to Adjusted EBITDA used by other reporting issuers. Adjusted Gross Profit refers to gross profit excluding the adjustments for biological assets, accelerated depreciation, write down of non-current deposits and write down of inventory. Adjusted Gross Profit is a useful measure as it represents gross profit for management purposes based on costs to manufacture, package and ship inventory sold, exclusive of any impairments due to changes in internal or external influences. Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Gross Profit do not have any standardized meanings and the Company's method of calculating such non-IFRS measures may not be comparable to calculations used by other companies bearing the same description. See "Use of Non-IFRS Measures" in the Company's management's discussion and analysis for the period ended March 31, 2023 for additional information.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. In this news release, forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, statements regarding: the Company's progress toward profitability; potential annualized savings to be realized as a result of the Transaction and the Company's restructuring efforts; the anticipated timing and results of integration efforts of the Company following completion of the Transaction; potential cost synergies to be realized as a result of the Transaction; results of Investigational New Drug applications submitted to the FDA by US-based research partners; and revenue growth. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; the inability of MediPharm to obtain adequate financing; the delay or failure to receive regulatory approvals; and other factors discussed in MediPharm's filings, available on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca. 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 the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. Except as required by law, MediPharm assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change.

SOURCE MediPharm Labs Corp.
CHICAGO (dpa-AFX) - The Boeing Co. (BA) Tuesday said Ethiopian Airlines has agreed to order 11 787 Dreamliner and 20 737 MAX airplanes with an opportunity for additional 36 jets. This makes the the largest Boeing jet purchase by an African carrier. Boeing has also agreed to provide cabin modification services for the carriers' existing 787 Dreamliners, the company said in a statement. Boeing's Commercial Market Outlook for Africa projects the continent will need 1,025 airplanes over the next two decades. Africa's overall air-traffic growth is forecast at 7.4% through 2042. 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.
A new step to focus on strategic priorities

SAO PAULO, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Natura &Co (NYSE - NTCO; B3 - NTCO3) announces that it has reached agreement to sell The Body Shop to international private equity group Aurelius, marking a new step in the Group's strategy to simplify and refocus its operations.

Under the transaction, Aurelius has signed an agreement to acquire The Body Shop for an enterprise value of GBP 207 million, including an earn-out of GBP 90 million. The price and the earn-out will be payable in up to five years after closing. The closing of the transaction is expected to occur by December 31, 2023, and is subject to customary regulatory approvals. Morgan Stanley served as financial advisor and Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton as legal advisor to Natura &Co.

With the transaction, Natura &Co will continue its drive to refocus on its strategic priorities, notably accelerating the integration of the Natura and Avon brands in Latin America, focusing on its core relationship selling model, and further optimizing Avon International's footprint.

The Body Shop will benefit from Aurelius' strong track record in building up companies to continue its transformation journey. AURELIUS, a globally active investment firm, already has experience in the retail sector through its investments in Footasylum, an omni-channel retailer of fashion streetwear and sportswear based in the UK as well as global catering group LSG Sky Chefs. AURELIUS seeks to enhance ESG aspects in its portfolio companies and is committed to maintaining The Body Shop's long-standing, distinctive values, instilled by its founder, Dame Anita Roddick.

Under Natura &Co's ownership since 2017, The Body Shop has undergone an overhaul of its product portfolio and a rejuvenation of the brand, notably through a more contemporary redesign of its stores, with the Changemaking Workshop that enhanced stores and customer experience worldwide, and of its refill program, now in place in nearly 800 stores. The Body Shop also became a certified B Corp in 2019, broadening its sustainability commitments and regaining its advocacy voice.

Fabio Barbosa, Chief Executive Officer of Natura &Co, declared: "With the sale of The Body Shop, we are taking another important step in Natura &Co's new development cycle to unlock significant value. Refocused, deleveraged and leaner, Natura &Co will now be able to fully concentrate on its core relationship selling expertise in Latin America while also continuing the optimization of Avon International's footprint and investing in initiatives and innovations that positively impact people and the planet. We are pleased to have found a strong home for The Body Shop to write the next chapter in its remarkable story, and we extend our sincerest thanks to all The Body Shop's associates, who contributed immensely to broadening Natura &Co's horizons. We wish them continued success under the stewardship of Aurelius."

Ian Bickley, CEO of The Body Shop, said, "Today, we celebrate a truly historic moment for The Body Shop as we join forces with Aurelius to begin a new chapter, allowing us to continue building the relevancy of this global brand for future generations. With a presence in over 80 countries, The Body Shop is not only a beauty brand, but also an iconic social business that has captured hearts in nearly every corner of the world. We are deeply grateful to Natura &Co for their unwavering support and I'm looking forward to working hand in hand with Aurelius as we adapt and flourish in new global retail environments, always with an eye on sustainable and profitable growth."

"We are delighted to be undertaking this acquisition of an iconic British brand, which pioneered the cruelty-free and natural ingredient movement in the health and beauty market. We look forward to working with CEO Ian Bickley and his team to drive operational improvements and re-energise the business and help to deliver the next chapter of success," comments Tristan Nagler, Partner at Aurelius.

About Natura &Co

Natura &Co is a global purpose-driven group uniting Natura, Avon, and The Body Shop. We connect more than 200 million clients worldwide, engaging them through 7 million dedicated Consultants and Representatives, 2,000 stores and franchises, and 30,000 employees.

We believe in promoting real positive economic, social, and environmental impact. We believe that the world does not need another big company. The world needs symbols of change capable of blazing new trails and inspiring others to follow. We believe in the power of cooperation, co-creation, and collaboration for a better way of living and doing business.

About Aurelius

Aurelius is a globally active alternative investment group, distinguished and widely recognized for its operational approach. Its key investment platforms are Aurelius European Opportunities fund IV and the listed Aurelius Equity Opportunities SE & Co. KGaA.

Aurelius group has been growing significantly in recent years and now has EUR 11 bn in revenues and more than 300 professionals working out of 10 offices across Europe and North America. Aurelius focused on private equity, private debt, and real estate.

Aurelius is a renowned specialist for complex investments with operative improvement potentials such as corporate carve-outs, platform build-ups or succession solutions as well as specialised financing solutions.

With more than 250 transactions completed to date, Aurelius has built a strong track record for delivering superior returns to its investors through its flexible approach, uncompromising focus on operational excellence, ability to carry out multi-dimensional transactions, prudent risk management and long-term investment philosophy.

Contacts:

Natura &Co

Emilia Lebron

Head of External Communications

+44 (0) 7580 816371

Emilia.lebron@avon.com

Brunswick Group

Sao Paulo + 55 11 3076 7620

London + 44 020 7404 5959

natura@brunswickgroup.com

AURELIUS

Dentons Global Advisors

Humza Vanderman / Methuselah Tanyanyiwa

Tel: +44 (0)7824 472501

Aurelius@dentonsglobaladvisors.com

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Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 14, 2023) - Canadian Copper Inc. (CSE: CCI) ("Canadian Copper" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on its ongoing property-wide 2023 trenching program at the Murray Brook West Project ("MBW") in the Bathurst Camp of New Brunswick, and recent developments regarding the Caribou Mine restructuring process.

"Early-stage exploration combined with increasing our in-situ resources at the large open pit Murray Brook deposit is integral to our growth strategy. The Murray Brook West Project borders Canadian Copper's +21 million tonne resource positioned along the 18 km favourable Caribou Horizon trend between two former mines: Caribou and Restigouche. With several parties interested in restarting the Caribou Mine, we are enthusiastic about the renewed interest in the prolific Bathurst Camp," Simon Quick, CEO of Canadian Copper.

Murray Brook West Regional Program Update:

The Company exploration team and equipment mobilized in late October 2023 and commenced both active prospecting and deep trenching across key target areas (Figure A). To date, five trenches for 640 meters has been completed. Thus far, three sites exhibit disseminated pyrite, minor galena, and sphalerite at surface within the Caribou Horizon which is the primary host lithology to the Caribou Mine, Restigouche Mine, and Murray Brook deposit (Figure B). Targets were developed using a combination of surface lidar, geophysical surveys (gravity, electromagnetic, and magnetic), and following the prospective favourable Caribou Horizon lithology.

Toll Milling Murray Brook to the Caribou Mine

The Caribou Mine has utilized toll milling for many years, sourcing feed from the open pit Restigouche Mine which is located 25 km to the southwest of the Caribou plant facility. In total, approximately 850,000 tonnes of Restigouche ore has been processed at the Caribou mill under this strategy since 1997[1]. Toll milling scenarios are well received in the region as a means to leverage existing transportation and refining infrastructure. Canadian Copper's open pit Murray Brook deposit is located approximately 10 km to the southwest of the Caribou Mine, half the distance as Restigouche, and uses the same highway.

As of December 31st, 2021, the Caribou Mine had Proven and Probable reserves of 4.1Mt at 5.85% Zn, 2.17% Pb, and 66 g/t Ag[2] or approximately a 4-year reserve life. The Company believes that its Murray Brook deposit (21.1 Mt at 0.50% Cu, 2.46% Zn, 0.89% Pb, 0.54 g/t Au, and 39 g/t Ag[3]) could provide additional mine life and much needed operational flexibility to any future operator of this facility.

Caribou Mine Restart Interest

On October 18th, 2023, FTI Consulting Canada Inc[4]. ("FTI"), in its capacity as the court-appointed monitor, reported three expressions of interest from parties wishing to acquire and restart the former Caribou Mine, located 10 km from the Company's Murray Brook deposit (Figure C).

"15. e) prior to the offer deadline, the Receiver received four offers from auctioneers and three expressions of interest from parties wishing to pursue an acquisition of the Caribou mine with the goal of restarting operations.



16. Given the interest from parties seeking to restart the Caribou mine , the Receiver delayed advancing an offer with an auctioneer to allow parties interested in restarting the Caribou Mine an opportunity to engage with DNRED regarding issues related to the continued operation of the Caribou mine."





Figure A: Key Target Areas at Murray Brook West

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9218/187199_abfdc58a84aa2a67_001full.jpg

Figure A is a chargeability map over local topography. The Caribou Horizon area is a key target for prospecting.





Figure B: Active Trenching Program at Murray Brook West

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9218/187199_abfdc58a84aa2a67_002full.jpg





Figure C: Location Map for Murray Brook Deposit, Caribou and Restigouche Mines

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9218/187199_abfdc58a84aa2a67_003full.jpg

Qualified Person

Dominique Gagne, PGeo, is a qualified person as defined by Canadian National Instrument 43-101 standards who is working for Geominex Inc., an independent contractor of the Company. Mr. Gagne has reviewed and approved the geological information reported in this news release.



About Canadian Copper Inc.

Canadian Copper is a Canadian-based mineral exploration company with a copper and base metals portfolio of historical resources and grassroots projects. The Company is focused on the prolific Bathurst Mining Camp (BMC) of New Brunswick, Canada. There are currently 85,322,540 shares issued and outstanding in the Company.

For more information, please contact:

Simon Quick, Director and CEO

email simon@canadiancopper.com / ir@canadiancopper.com

phone (905)-220-6661

web www.canadiancopper.com

Neither the CSE nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news 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 trenching program, anticipated results, and possible synergies of the Company with the potential Caribou Mine operator 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. Such risks and other factors include, among others, factors discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's prospectus dated May 24th, 2022 and other filings of the Company with the Canadian Securities Authorities, copies of which can be found under the Company's profile on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements in this presentation or incorporated by reference herein, except as otherwise required by law.

[1] Press Release titled: "Trevali Mining Acquires Mining Lease for Former Restigouche Zinc-Lead-Silver Mine in New Brunswick" dated July 27, 2017.https://www.juniorminingnetwork.com/junior-miner-news/press-releases/352-tsx/tv/34743-trevali-mining-acquires-mining-lease-for-former-restigouche-zinc-lead-silver-mine-in-new-brunswick.html.

[2] 2P Reserves as at December 31, 2021 per Trevali Mining Corp. 2021 Annual Information Form filed on SEDAR+ March 31, 2022.

[3] Press Release titled: "Canadian Copper Announces New Mineral Resource Estimate At Murray Brook: +21 Million Tonnes Containing +670 Million In-Situ Pounds Copper Equivalent" dated October 3, 3034 and filed on SEDAR+.

[4] http://cfcanada.fticonsulting.com/trevali/docs/2023-10-18%20_%20Second%20Report%20of%20the%20Receiver.pdf.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/187199
LONDON, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Diginius, a company operating in the SaaS and Ecommerce sector, has been recognised as the fastest-growing business in the technology and digital sector in London. Ranking 6th overall, this is part of the Fast Growth 50 index for 2023, which identifies the fifty fastest-growing companies across six nations and regions, including London. This achievement underlines Diginius' significant impact on London's economy and its capacity for growth and innovation.



About the Fast Growth 50

The Fast Growth 50 is an annual index that identifies the top 50 fastest-growing companies in six nations and regions, including London. This year's index for London has highlighted businesses from multiple sectors that together generated a turnover of 2.23 billion, at an average growth rate of 188 percent, with the creation of nearly 11,000 jobs last year.



Role in London's Business Scene

Being part of the Fast Growth 50, Diginius has shown strong performance and made a positive contribution to London's business community.



Professor Dylan Jones-Evans OBE, Founder Fast Growth 50 said:

This year's Fast Growth 50 London list is in partnership with UBS, the world's leading and truly global wealth manager.says Founder and CEO, Nate Burke, of Diginius.The Fast Growth 50 features companies from various sectors, adding to the diversity of London's economy. Diginius, with its focus in the SaaS and Ecommerce sector, is part of this varied business landscape.

For More Information

For media enquiries, please contact:

Olivia Poppy O'Neill

PR, Events and Marketing Executive

olivia.oneill@diginius.com

www.diginius.com



Editor's Notes

About Diginius:

Diginius is a London-based SaaS technology company with a digital performance platform, Diginius Insight, for both companies and digital marketing agencies. Diginius Insight monitors, measures and reports results across digital growth, delivering visibility and transparency for all. Diginius are committed to providing robust solutions as a digital performance platform to its 650+ partners across 50+ countries.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/diginius-a-saas-and-ecommerce-business-from-london-ranks-1st-in-the-technology-and-digital-sector-and-the-6th-fastest-growing-company-on-londons-2023-fast-growth-50-index-301987485.html
Built on over a decade of research and intelligence about online frauds and scammers, the newly launched nonprofit will ensure that criminals receive the attention from our justice system that their crimes demand

In direct response to the global rise of internet-enabled crimes1 responsible for billions of dollars in losses and severe emotional impacts to people around the world, a new nonprofit has been formed to pursue justice for victims of these crimes: Intelligence for Good.

Founded by Gary Warner, Robin Pugh and Ronnie Tokazowski, Intelligence for Good aims to make the internet a safer place for everyone, and to ensure that criminals are not only brought to justice but fear the consequences of scamming innocent people. To achieve this, Intelligence for Good leverages data collected from victims, industry and open sources to conduct analysis and investigation that will expose the individuals and networks behind these crimes and empower legal teams with needed information to pursue cases against them.

"Most victims of internet-enabled crimes suffer without hope of recovery or justice, and face devastating financial and emotional loss. The Intelligence for Good team is dedicated to rewriting the endings of these stories, and preventing others from falling victim to these scams," said Pugh, Executive Director of Intelligence for Good and CEO of DarkTower. "We are building a sustainable ecosystem of justice that listens to the voices of victims, investigates how these crimes work, trains cybercrime intelligence analysts and legal professionals with an investigative mindset, and works toward disruption in concert with law enforcement."

Intelligence for Good is focused on the following initiatives:

Identifying criminal typologies and emerging techniques used to commit scams, everything from romance and cryptocurrency scams to identity theft and call center scams.

Providing legal teams with the resources needed to identify the appropriate path for either civil or criminal prosecution, prepare for and expedite the prosecution of criminals to ensure that all options for disruption and recovery are pursued.

Supplementing the efforts of law enforcement and agents of justice who are outnumbered in addressing the volume of crimes committed against individual citizens with additional investigation resources.

Connecting victims to respected resources for support and recovery so they know they are not alone, and can provide valuable information that will contribute to the process of justice.

There are many factors that make it difficult to resolve online scams, including siloed reporting of individual crimes where one agency does not share with another, and law enforcement jurisdiction challenges with many of these crimes crossing state and international borders. Intelligence for Good serves as a resource to connect the dots between individual victims and the groups behind these targeted attacks, revealing the full scope and interconnected impact of these crime networks.

Warner, who serves as Director of Intelligence at both Intelligence for Good and DarkTower, adds, "Most of these crimes have no 'natural predator', meaning they can be conducted with practically no risk to the perpetrator. The social media platforms and dating apps being used to facilitate these crimes have no incentive to take down fraudulent profiles, especially when the total number of user accounts contributes to a site's revenue performance and is tied to their shareholder value. At Intelligence for Good, we do not think it is acceptable for criminals to have no fear of being caught, and as such are stepping in to stop these scammers."

Intelligence for Good expands on the work of proprietary social media analysis tools created by Warner, and the data collection of a 500+ member Business Email Compromise (BEC) Working Group started by Tokazowski over a decade ago. Today, this includes terabytes of data on terrorist/extremist groups, cyber and financial criminals, traffickers, transnational organized criminal groups, BEC attacks and the mule accounts leveraged to cash out their funds, as well as data contributed by victims, nonprofits, banks and other corporations on a variety of internet-enabled crimes.

With a framework in place to effectively collect, preserve and analyze this data for the purposes of identifying criminals and their networks, Intelligence for Good can identify fresh websites, emerging methodologies, and techniques being used to commit scams. Through social network analysis, many of these scammers can have true identities revealed and networks of fake or bot accounts exposed. Further validating their work, Intelligence for Good was named the winner of an October 2023 Gula Tech Foundation grant competition for supporting the National Cybersecurity Strategy pillar of disrupting threat actors.

Intelligence for Good is also actively vetting and partnering with trusted victim support advocate organizations that are highly trained and capable of providing direct support to victims. Crime victims will be referred to those partners for support, and those partners will provide critical data back to Intelligence for Good for further analysis and investigation. If you or someone you know was the victim of an internet-enabled crime, please contact us here.

1https://www.ic3.gov/Home/AnnualReports

About Intelligence for Good

Intelligence for Good, a nonprofit, pursues justice for victims of internet-enabled crimes such as romance scams, cryptocurrency scams, and call center scams. Through data collection, analysis and investigations, Intelligence for Good identifies criminal typology and emerging techniques being used to commit scams; provides legal teams with the resources needed to prepare for and speed up the prosecution of criminals; supplements the efforts of law enforcement and agents of justice who are outnumbered in addressing the volume of crimes committed against individual citizens; and connects victims to respected resources for support and recovery.

Intelligence for Good is dedicated to equipping the next generation of cybercrime fighters, intelligence analysts and investigative attorneys with the skills necessary to address today's digital landscape of cybercrime. Built on over a decade of research and intelligence on specific scams and scammers, and utilizing proprietary analysis tools, Intelligence for Good is fighting no-natural-predator crimes and producing results for victims. For more information, or to report an unresolved crime, please visit intelligenceforgood.org/.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231114869909/en/

Contacts:

CyberRisk Alliance for Intelligence for Good

intelforgood@cyberriskalliance.com
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 14, 2023) - Aurania Resources Ltd. (TSXV: ARU) (OTCQB: AUIAF) (FSE: 20Q) ("Aurania" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the Company is participating in the upcoming 121 Mining Investment Conference in London on November 20-21.

121 Mining Investment London will be hosting over 175 mining companies and more than 500 sophisticated investors for two days of pre-arranged, targeted 1-2-1 meetings. Alongside the curated schedule of pre-booked meetings matching investors with appropriate projects, the conference programme will provide expert commentary and the latest market intelligence on key industry developments.

Any investors who would like to attend 121 Mining Investment London can register for a free pass here: https://hubs.la/Q026gbp80. Please visit Aurania at Booth B13.

About 121 Mining Investment

The 121 Mining Investment global event series connects portfolio managers and analysts from institutional funds, private equity groups and family offices with mining company management teams for 1-2-1, private in-person meetings.

121 Mining Investment has an ever-expanding global portfolio, currently covering London, New York, Cape Town, Las Vegas, Frankfurt, Sydney, Singapore and Hong Kong, as well as online editions throughout the year.

About Aurania

Aurania is a mineral exploration company engaged in the identification, evaluation, acquisition, and exploration of mineral property interests, with a focus on precious metals and copper in South America. Its flagship asset, The Lost Cities - Cutucu Project, is located in the Jurassic Metallogenic Belt in the eastern foothills of the Andes mountain range of southeastern Ecuador.

Information on Aurania and technical reports are available at www.aurania.com and www.sedarplus.ca, as well as on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/auranialtd/, Twitter at https://twitter.com/auranialtd, and LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/aurania-resources-ltd-.

For further information, please contact:

Carolyn Muir

VP Corporate Development & Investor Relations

Aurania Resources Ltd.

(416) 367-3200

carolyn.muir@aurania.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.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/187270
DUBLIN, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Carraun, the parent company of Eir, confirms that it holds an approximately 6% interest in Proximus ("Proximus" or the "Company").

Carraun is making the investment in Proximus to get exposure to the Belgian leader in connectivity. As the undisputed domestic leader in fixed and mobile, Proximus has a strong track record among the European incumbents. Proximus has also managed to develop a successful international business via its affiliates BICS and Telesign, a unique position among EU incumbents.

As the Irish incumbent - with more than 2 million subscribers and the number one domestic FTTH network - Carraun via Eir has a deep understanding of Proximus business. Eir is currently pursuing a strategy similar to Proximus with a relentless focus on (i) offering best value for money to its customers, (ii) hiring and retaining top quality management and employees, and (iii) investing billions in 5G and FTTH networks.

Carraun is controlled by Mr Xavier Niel. Mr Niel has built over the years a European champion in Telecoms with presence in 9 European countries, nearly 50 million subscribers and combined Revenues of over 10 billion. Mr Niel's Telecoms group is well known for its speed of execution, strong innovation focus and entrepreneurial culture. Mr Niel's group has also acquired a unique expertise in FTTH networks with more than 40 million FTTH homes passed across its various geographies (owned and through dedicated wholesale agreements). Mr Niel is constantly looking to strengthen its European base and sees Proximus as a very attractive and long-term investment.

Carraun is supportive of the current strategy of Proximus top management, and in particular its ambitious FTTH roll-out plan. Carraun is willing to cooperate with Proximus management and is looking forward to building a mutually beneficial partnership, with the ambition to favor value creation for both companies and economic development for both Belgium and Ireland.

Mr. Niel said: "We have built a pan-European telecom group over the past decade always focussing on providing our customers with best value for money and relying on high quality mobile and fixed network infrastructure. I have been attracted by the Belgian market for a long time with its strong economy and where a sound regulatory approach has led to a vibrant telecom sector, as demonstrated in the recently discussed FTTH co-investment plan. I am very pleased that we now have the opportunity to invest in Proximus and hopefully create ties for the long-term. Proximus is an iconic operator whose history is closely associated with Belgium. Over the years, Proximus has managed to adapt to a rapidly changing telecom environment and remain the national leader. It would be an honour if we could contribute as a long-term partner to the future evolution of Proximus."

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/carraun-confirms-it-has-acquired-a-6-interest-in-proximus-301987525.html
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 14, 2023) - Millennial Potash Corp. (TSXV: MLP) (OTCQB: MLPNF) (FSE: X0D) ("MLP", "Millennial" or the "Company") is pleased to report analytical results from the extension of historic drillhole BA-002 (Fig. 1). Millennial Potash has extended Hole BA-002 to a depth of 552.50m and has intersected additional intervals of potash mineralization beyond the previous drilling depth. Potash Cycle IV returned 17.1% KCl over 4.16m and potash Cycle III returned 18.7% KCl over 4.76 m extending the number of potash cycles intersected in BA-002 to 6 and increasing the cumulative thickness of potash mineralization that may be amenable to solution mining to approximately 80m (Table 1, Figs. 2, 3).





Fig. 1 Location of BA-002 Extension drill hole

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4674/186849_d7102cd63487a815_001full.jpg

Farhad Abasov, Millennial's Chair, commented "Millennial Potash is excited to announce that the extension to drillhole BA-002 has successfully intersected two new high-grade seams, one attributed to Cycle IV and the other to Cycle III with potash mineralization, each thicker than 4m, and with potash contents from 17.1% KCl to 18.7% KCl. The cumulative potash seam thicknesses from drillhole BA-002 from Cycle III to Cycle VIII are almost 80m and have the potential to be amenable to solution mining. These promising results will be incorporated into the project database and will provide additional zones of potash mineralization for a Mineral Resource Estimate that will be based only on the northern part of the project which is currently in progress. We expect the maiden Mineral Resource Estimate to be released in coming weeks. This drill hole extension completed by Millennial Potash correlates very well with the historical drill core and other geological data. It also exceeds our expectations regarding the potash horizon thicknesses in the north."

Drillhole BA-002 was extended from 516.25m to 552.5m for a total of 36.25m of both PQ and HQ sized core. The two new potash seams are interpreted as part of Cycle IV and Cycle III in the evaporite basin and are comprised of pervasive bright red nodular carnallite with minor laminated interbeds and interstices of halite in the carnallite masses (Fig.2,3). Table 1 summarizes the composited sample results for the carnallitite seams in the extension of BA-002 and given the near horizonal nature of the basin geology and bedding intersected true widths are interpreted as being drilled widths. The zones between the two cycles are characterized by continuous near horizontal, laminated bedded halite (Fig. 2) and halite rich in insoluble material at the base of Cycle IV. The addition of potash Cycles IV and III in hole BA-002 increases the cumulative thickness of potash zones that are potentially amenable to solution mining to 79.6m. In addition, the presence of Cycles IV and III enhances the tonnage potential for the project and given the strong correlation of geology and potash cycles between the upper parts of holes BA-002 and BA-003, the potential for the presence of Cycles IV and III throughout the basin in this area is considered very high. Data from extended hole BA-002 and hole BA-003, including re-sampling data, form the basis for a potential initial Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) for the North Target which is currently in preparation by ERCOSPLAN Ingenieurgesellschaft Geotechnik und Bergbau mbH ("ERCOSPLAN").





Fig. 2 Potash mineralization in drill core from BA-002 Extension showing nodular red carnallite and laminated halite attributed to Cycle IV (Hole Dip=90).

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4674/186849_d7102cd63487a815_002full.jpg

Table 1. Summary of Resampling of BA-002 and the extension of BA-002 in 2023.



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4674/186849_img.jpg









Fig. 3 Potash mineralization in drill core from BA-002 Extension showing nodular red carnallite with banded bedded halite attributed to Cycle III.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4674/186849_d7102cd63487a815_004full.jpg

The Phase 1 drill program at Banio remains in progress with additional drilling planned at the North Target including the extension of BA-001 and the drilling of new hole BA-004. The drill rig experienced mechanical difficulties during the retrieval of PQ rods in BA-002 and is currently undergoing minor repairs. Drilling is expected to resume later in Q4, 2023.

QA/QC

Millennial Potash employees follow standard operating and quality assurance procedures intended to ensure that all sampling techniques and sample results meet international reporting standards. Procedures for handling core samples begin with securing the potash-bearing PQ-HQ-sized core at the drill site in plastic poly-tubing which is then thermally sealed. Core is placed in plastic core boxes and transported to Millennial's camp for geological logging, detailed geotechnical logging, and photographing. Significant intervals are dry cut in half for HQ core or quartered for PQ core, using a specially modified tungsten carbide bladed core saw. Half (HQ size) and quarter core (PQ size) samples are then double bagged and thermally sealed prior to transporting to Libreville by Millennial personnel. The remaining core is re-sealed in plastic poly-tubing and the core boxes secured at Millennial's exploration camp in air-conditioned containers to prevent deterioration of the potash minerals. Upon arrival in Libreville core samples are stored at Millennial's storage facility and then taken to the Gabon Ministry of Mines & Energy where permission is obtained to export the samples. The bagged samples are then carefully packed into wooden crates and shipped via DHL to the Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) in Saskatoon. This sampling procedure was initiated by ERCOSPLAN Ingenieurgesellschaft Geotechnik und Bergbau mbH, Millennial's potash consulting firm, supervised by Millennial's Chief Executive Officer Jason Wilkinson, M.Sc., Sebastiaan van der Klauw, EurGeol from ERCOSPLAN, and periodically reviewed by Millennial Director, Peter J. MacLean, Ph.D., P. Geo.

Millennial is utilizing SRC's Potash ICP Analysis package designed for multi-element analysis of potash samples. Upon arrival at SRC Geoanalytical Laboratories, core samples are dried, and jaw crushed to 95 % @ -2mm and 100 g sub sample is split out using a riffler and transferred to vials. The subsample is pulverized to 95 % @ -106 microns using a puck and ring grinding mill to create a pulp. The grinding mills are cleaned between groups using Quintus quartz. The pulp is then transferred to a labelled plastic snap top vial. An aliquot of pulp is placed in a test-tube with 15 ml of 30C DI water. The sample is shaken. The soluble solution is then analyzed by ICP-OES. The method is suitable for the soluble analysis of commercial potash (Sylvite and Carnallite). The samples are analysed for FeO (wt%), K2O, Na2O, MgO, and CaO and a suite of trace elements. Br and Cl are determined using ICP-Ms and a gravimetric determination of the insoluble content for each sample is made. Millennial/ERCOSPLAN did not insert blanks due to the limited number of samples, but this will be part of the Company's sampling protocol in future drill programs. SRC's internal protocol includes the insertion of internal standards and repeats, and review of this data shows no significant deviation from the accepted values. SRC Geoanalytical Laboratories has been certified by the Standards Council of Canada (SCC) to conform to the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025:2005 (CAN-P-4E).

This news release has been reviewed by Sebastiaan van der Klauw, EurGeol, of ERCOSPLAN and Peter J. MacLean, Ph.D., P. Geo, Director of the Company, and both are Qualified Persons as that term is defined in National Instrument 43-101.

To find out more about Millennial Potash Corp. please contact Investor Relations at (604) 662-8184 or email at info@millennialpotashcorp.com.

MILLENNIAL POTASH CORP.

"Farhad Abasov"

Chair of the Board of Directors

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This document may contain certain "Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. When used in this news release, the words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target, "plan" or "planned", "forecast", "intend", "may", "schedule" and similar words or expressions identify forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements or information may relate to future prices of commodities, accuracy of mineral or resource exploration activity, reserves or resources, regulatory or government requirements or approvals including approvals of title and mining rights or licenses and environmental (including land or water use), local community or indigenous community approvals, the reliability of third party information, continued access to mineral properties or infrastructure, changes in laws, rules and regulations in Gabon or any other jurisdiction which may impact upon the Company or its properties or the commercial exploitation of those properties, currency risks including the exchange rate of USD$ for Cdn$ or CFA or other currencies, fluctuations in the market for potash or potash related products, changes in exploration costs and government royalties, export policies or taxes in Gabon or any other jurisdiction and other factors or information. The Company's current plans, expectations and intentions with respect to development of its business and of the Banio Potash Project may be impacted by economic uncertainties arising out of any pandemic or by the impact of current financial and other market conditions on its ability to secure further financing or funding of the Banio Potash Project. Such statements represent the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political, environmental and social risks, contingencies and uncertainties. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements and information other than as required by applicable laws, rules and regulations.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/186849
WNS (Holdings) Limited (NYSE: WNS) ('the Company' or 'WNS'), a leading provider of global Business Process Management (BPM) solutions, today announced the appointment of Judy Marlinski to the Company's Board of Directors effective December 1, 2023. She will also become a member of the Company's Audit Committee.

Judy has more than 35 years of experience in financial services and international markets, having held executive-level positions in the investment management and wealth management industries. She is currently the Chair of the Board of Independent Directors in both North America and the UK for Newton Investment Management, a subsidiary of BNY Mellon Investment Management. Most recently, Judy was the Head of Fidelity Investments Institutional Product and Advisory Solutions Group from 2020-2021. Previously, she served as President of Fidelity Institutional Asset Management (FIAM) from 2017-2020, Head of Fidelity Investments Product Solutions and Innovation from 2016-2017, and President and CEO of Fidelity International (FIL), Japan from 2011-2016. Ms. Marlinski holds a Master of Business Administration from Boston University and a Bachelor of Science Degree from Cornell University.

"Judy brings a demonstrated track record of senior leadership in financial services, product management, and international markets to WNS," said Tim Main, WNS' Chairman of the Board. "We are pleased to welcome her to the WNS Board and believe that her strong experience and unique business perspectives will be an asset to the Company."

About WNS

WNS (Holdings) Limited (NYSE: WNS) is a leading Business Process Management (BPM) company. WNS combines deep industry knowledge with technology, analytics, and process expertise to co-create innovative, digitally led transformational solutions with over 600 clients across various industries. WNS delivers an entire spectrum of BPM solutions including industry-specific offerings, customer experience services, finance and accounting, human resources, procurement, and research and analytics to re-imagine the digital future of businesses. As of September 30, 2023, WNS had 59,873 professionals across 67 delivery centers worldwide including facilities in Canada, China, Costa Rica, India, Malaysia, the Philippines, Poland, Romania, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

For more information, visit www.wns.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram

Safe Harbor Provision

This document includes information which may constitute forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, the accuracy of which are necessarily subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions as to future events. These statements include expressed or implied forward-looking statements relating to our new organizational structure and the expected resulting benefits. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied are discussed in our most recent Form 20-F and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. WNS undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231110793650/en/

Contacts:

Investors

David Mackey

EVP Finance Head of Investor Relations

WNS (Holdings) Limited

+1 (646) 908-2615

david.mackey@wns.com

Media

Archana Raghuram

EVP Global Head Marketing Communications

WNS (Holdings) Limited

+91 (22) 4095 2397

archana.raghuram@wns.com; pr@wns.com
Robust Balance Sheet Enables Investment Portfolio Scaling

SCOTTSDALE, AZ / ACCESSWIRE / November 14, 2023 / Zoned Properties, Inc. ("Zoned Properties" or the "Company") (OTCQB:ZDPY), a leading real estate development firm for emerging and highly regulated industries, including legalized cannabis, today announced its third quarter financial results and operational highlights. The following results pertain to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023.

Financial Highlights:

Revenues were $720,450 for the quarter ended September 30, 2023, compared to revenues of $614,988 for the quarter ended September 30, 2022, representing an increase of 17.2%.

Revenues were $2,181,091 for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to revenues of $2,052,341 for the nine months ended September 30, 2022, representing an increase of 6.3%.

The Company reported net income of $114,523 for the quarter ended September 30, 2023, as compared to a net loss of $77,328 for the quarter ended September 30, 2022.

The Company reported a net loss of $152,966 for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to a net loss of $142,087 for the nine months ended September 30, 2022.

Operating expenses were $671,338 for the quarter ended September 30, 2023, compared to $660,251 for the quarter ended September 30, 2022, representing an increase of 1.7%.

The Company had cash on hand of $3.01 million as of September 30, 2023, compared to cash on hand of $3.28 million as of June 30, 2023.

Management Commentary:

"We are delighted to report outstanding operating and financial performance for the third quarter whilst contending with challenging market conditions. As we move through the remainder of the year into 2024, we see our underlying business trends as extremely positive with our market strategy producing steady revenue growth, positive cash flow, and net profitability. With a focus on direct-to-consumer real estate that is leased to the best-in-class cannabis retailers in the industry, we have the balance sheet to support our near-term expansion objectives and plan to remain active. Maintaining a strong balance sheet in this market environment positions us extremely well to deploy capital on more favorable terms. We continue using our nationwide services network and property technology to provide the Company with a competitive edge when identifying excellent investment prospects. We have a full pipeline of acquisitions, and we continue to utilize our extremely disciplined capital allocation approach. Since we have a clear view of the properties we are pursuing, we anticipate further capital deployment over the near term," said Bryan McLaren, Chief Executive Officer of Zoned Properties.

"Moreover, the team acknowledges the disconnect between the Company fundamentals and our valuation, and in the near future, we will provide shareholders with an update on our strategy to maximize shareholder value."

Operational Highlights:

Zoned Properties is consistently securing contractual rights for new real estate acquisition targets that have been positioned for long-term lease opportunities to best-in-class cannabis dispensary retailers in new and exciting state markets. The Company has secured a controlling interest or is in the process of negotiating controlling interest related to properties located in Arizona, Illinois, and Missouri.

The Company's Property Investment Portfolio of owned properties remains strong with 100% occupied assets net-leased to consumer-focused and brand-centric cannabis tenants with a weighted average lease term of 15 years.

Zoned Properties continues to build out its proprietary cannabis technology platform, REZONE, in preparation for commercial launch. REZONE is a zoning and mapping software solution focusing on democratizing real estate information for the regulated cannabis industry in partnership with Zoneomics. The platform is built on the foundations of Artificial Intelligence ("AI") and Machine Learning algorithms that can intelligently collect, rationalize and categorize vast streams of real estate data layers, with a focus on cannabis-related data. This data is then provided to users in a business-ready format. The platform allows users to search for parcels or survey entire markets and visualize the available green zone parcels, identify potential setback issues and gain other valuable insights according to local zoning codes. The primary objective is to help users capture cannabis real estate insights with ease.

About Zoned Properties, Inc. (OTCQB: ZDPY):

Zoned Properties is a leading real estate development firm for emerging and highly regulated industries, including legalized cannabis. The Company is redefining the approach to commercial real estate investment through its integrated growth services. Headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, Zoned Properties has developed a full spectrum of integrated growth services to support its real estate development model; the Company's Property Technology, Advisory Services, Commercial Brokerage, and Investment Portfolio divisions collectively cross-pollinate within the model to drive project value associated with complex real estate projects. With national experience and a team of experts devoted to the emerging cannabis industry, Zoned Properties is addressing the specific needs of a modern market in highly regulated industries. Zoned Properties does not grow, harvest, sell or distribute cannabis or any substances regulated under United States law such as the Controlled Substance Act of 1970, as amended (the "CSA"). Zoned Properties corporate headquarters are located at 8360 E. Raintree Dr., Suite 230, Scottsdale, Arizona. For more information, call 877-360-8839 or visit www.ZonedProperties.com.

Twitter: @ZonedProperties

LinkedIn: @ZonedProperties

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release are forward-looking statements. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "plan," "potential," "continue" or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements include risks and uncertainties, and there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors, risks and uncertainties are discussed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Investors should not place any undue reliance on forward-looking statements since they involve known and unknown, uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond the Company's control which could, and likely will, materially affect actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Any forward-looking statement reflects the Company's current views with respect to future events and is subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to operations, results of operations, growth strategy and liquidity. The Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future.

Investor Relations

Zoned Properties, Inc.

Bryan McLaren

Tel (877) 360-8839

Investors@zonedproperties.com

www.zonedproperties.com

SOURCE: Zoned Properties, Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/802829/zoned-properties-reports-strong-third-quarter-2023-financial-results-posting-positive-net-income-and-revenue-growth-of-17
Digital Freight Startup Freightera Steadily Grows With Its Profitable, Sustainable Model, Low-Emission Shipping Options and Focus on Capital Efficiency While Industry Giants See Revenues and Profit Decline Sharply in 2023

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / November 14, 2023 / Freightera's core digital division just posted a YOY Q3 profit growth of 140%, following news that rival startup Convoy failed after raising over $1 billion in VC funds.

"We have a similar mission of digitizing freight, but a very different approach than Convoy," said Freightera co-founder and CEO Eric Beckwitt. "We have a win-win model where trucking companies set their own rates, and small to mid-sized businesses use our large inventory of fixed-cost rates to find the best price, and lowest emission option, for each unique shipping destination."

Each trucking and rail carrier serve limited locations and contract with other companies to move freight to places they do not service. Freightera allows them to get more freight on the ideal lanes they prefer to run, especially where they have extra capacity returning and can offer superb rates. Business shippers use Freightera to check prices from hundreds of carriers at once. In more than 800 5-star reviews, shippers mention excellent service and prices much better than they can find elsewhere.

"We also have a unique approach to improving air quality and reducing CO2 emissions," Beckwitt noted. "We believe in giving people options, not telling them what to do. We label each carrier with its net emissions reduction versus fleet averages and let each shipper decide what is important to them. Mostly it is price and timing of delivery, but because fuel cost is a major component of freight rates, and lower fuel consumption is associated with lower emissions, over 80% of the time, the lowest cost carrier is also a lower-emission option. Selecting mostly based on price, over 130 firms reduced net CO2e emissions 50%+ in the most recent year tracked just by using Freightera."

2023 has been very difficult in the freight industry, with North America's largest brokerage C.H. Robinson experiencing a 62% decline in earnings per share, 94-year-old Yellow Freight ceasing operations, and Convoy shutting down. Against this backdrop, Freightera's approach continues to attract attention from shippers and carriers alike.

About Freightera

Starting in North America, Freightera is automating freight transportation, making shipping easy, accessible, and green. The Freightera platform allows businesses to search billions of fixed-cost, all-inclusive freight rates, find the best prices and lowest-emission transportation options, and instantly book freight online 24/7. Over 22,500 manufacturers, exporters, distributors, importers, wholesalers, and retailers in Canada and the USA use Freightera. Based in Vancouver, Freightera was British Columbia's third fastest-growing company in 2019, according to BIV.com. In 2020, Freightera won the Deloitte Technology Fast50 Award, placing #28 in Canada, and was ranked #80 (2020), #102 (2021), and #174 (2022) among Canada's Top Growing Companies in The Globe and Mail's Report on Business. See freightera.com.

Contact Information

Eric Beckwitt

CEO

eric.beckwitt@freightera.com

+1 604 899 4081

SOURCE: Freightera

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/801997/freightera-posts-140-profit-growth-after-rival-1b-venture-funded-convoy-ceases-operations
Participating in Anime NYC and holding a live drawing event in Atlanta ahead of the release.

TOKYO, JAPAN / ACCESSWIRE / November 14, 2023 / EYE :YONEYAMA MAI, the first solo collection of art works by the popular Japanese animator and illustrator Mai Yoneyama, will be released in the United States on January 2, 2024, by PIE International.

From working on visual development for the anime film Promare, to production of the end credits for Cyberpunk: Edgerunners and more, Mai Yoneyama is active in the world of anime and illustration. This edition features a complete archive of the illustrations that make you feel the flow of emotions and movement that Mai Yoneyama is known for.

Says Yoneyama: "As this is my first collection of commercial works, I have compiled works that I drew as a hobby while working in the animation industry, as well as illustrations, solo exhibition works, and animated works that I have published since then. The collection is designed to show my own challenges and struggles, trial and error, and changes in my way of thinking about favorite expressions and techniques I have learned based on anime and art that I have known since childhood. It's a great book that a lot of people have been involved with, and I hope you enjoy it!"

Hiromoto Miyoshi, the president of PIE International, the collection's publisher, added: "PIE International is a publisher that supports outstanding creators from Japan and around the world. Following Katsuya Terada, Grasshopper's Goichi Suda, and Sushio, we are very honored to be able to introduce Mai Yoneyama to the United States."

Prior to the official release, Mai Yoneyama will hold pre-sales events in November in New York and Atlanta.

Event Schedule

NYC

11/17 (Fri) 6:30 PM- Signing Session at Anime NYC venue

11/18 (Sat) 8:00 - 10:00 PM Signing Event at Kinokuniya NYC

11/19 (Sun) 1:00 - 3:00 PM Signing Session at Anime NYC Kinokuniya Booth

Kinokuniya Atlanta

11/21 (Tues) 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM Live Drawing

11/22 (Wed) 11:00 AM - Live Drawing / 4:00 PM - Signing Session

Bibliographic Information

EYE YONEYAMA MAI

Publisher:PIE International

ISBN:978-4-7562-5782-6

Price: US$55

Click here for more information

About Mai Yoneyama

Mai Yoneyama is an animator and illustrator from Japan. She has participated in various anime works including Kiznaiver, Kill la Kill, and Promare as an animation director and character designer. She is currently expanding her work as an illustrator.

Contact Information

Ayako Suzuki

International Division, PIE International

a.suzuki@pie.co.jp

Related Files

Event Key Visual.jpg

SOURCE: PIE International Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/803100/mai-yoneyama-japanese-animator-and-illustrator-releases-her-first-solo-collection-of-art-works-in-the-usa
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / November 14, 2023 / Crown Holdings, Inc.

Originally published in Crown Holding's 2022 Corporate Responsibility Report

Bridging the gap between the global nature of our organization and the local areas in which we operate is also critical. Whether contributing to local fundraisers, social events or supporting worthy organizations, it is through this work that we communicate our respect for the areas we operate in and the people who call those places home.

Our teams around the globe continue to showcase their passion for not only protecting our own workforce and the well-being of colleagues, but also contributing to the care of their surrounding communities. Some recent examples of their thoughtfulness include:

Precious Resource Protection in India

Our Silvassa, India team donated six hand pumps to a nearby drinking water facility, allowing more than 300 local tribal villagers to have greater access to purified drinking water.

Holiday Spirit in the Midwest

In Kankakee, Illinois (U.S.), our team gathered 25 staff and hourly volunteers to participate in a local lighted Christmas parade where they could spread some holiday cheer to local children and families. The group worked with our Batesville, Mississippi (U.S.) plant as well as a local brewer to produce and donate 3,000 decorated bank cans to parade attendees, providing a fun surprise for the community during the festive season.

In Warrensburg, Illinois (U.S.) our team organized a successful Toys for Tots drive that helped connect local children with monster trucks, coloring books and other gifts for playtime and enrichment. Additionally, our Toledo, Ohio (U.S.) team donated hundreds of winter hats, gloves, scarves and mittens, along with several thousand dollars' worth of toys to local foster children through an area foster organization.

Food Drives from Closures

The team in Weirton, West Virginia (U.S.) facilitated a closure customer's donation of nearly 2,000 jars of spaghetti sauce, along with its own sizable donation of pasta, to a food drive at the local Salvation Army branch.

Raising Cancer Awareness in Valencia

The team in Valencia, Spain participated in a 5.6K charity race to drive funding for the Spanish Association Against Cancer. The event focused on breast cancer and the need to increase public education on the disease and its impact as the second most common cancer in the world. Our employees joined thousands of race participants to help spread awareness and show support for those affected by breast cancer.

Healthy Activities in Uberaba

Our team in Uberaba, Brazil sponsored a local running competition to support healthy physical activity for the community and employees. Canned water and tea were offered during the event so race participants could hydrate with sustainable options that could be recycled back into local production.

To learn more about Crown Holding's commitment to corporate responsibility, visit our sustainability webpage.

For full details about Crown Holding's 2022 Sustainability Report, visit here.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Crown Holdings, Inc. on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Crown Holdings, Inc.

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/crown-holdings-inc

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Crown Holdings, Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/803107/crown-holdings-2022-sustainability-report-showing-community-support
Thunder Bay, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 14, 2023) - Benton Resources Inc. (TSXV: BEX) ("Benton" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it is continuing to hit significant semi-massive and massive sulphides in drilling at the Great Burnt Copper Gold Project in Newfoundland. The Company released assays from the first two drill holes on November 1, 2023, with copper grades of 4.13% Cu over 3.25m and 8.01% Cu over 4.30m (GB-23-01) and 8.31% Cu over 13.0m (GB-23-02).

Benton has now completed 4,213m of drilling in 15 holes, which have all intersected semi-massive and massive sulphides containing significant chalcopyrite (copper) mineralization. The current program continues to be very effective in expanding the Great Burnt high-grade core in the Main Deposit and expansion of the deposit down plunge and along strike to the south (see Generalized Long Section below). The Company's news release dated November 1, 2023 described drill holes GB-23-01 through GB-23-11. Holes GB-23-12 (see photo below) to GB-23-15 (see photo below) are additionally summarized in the table below:

DDH # Location From (m) To (m) Length (m) Cu (%) Intersected Massive Sulphide GH-23-01 Main Deposit 82.80 87.10 4.30 8.01 Yes incl. 82.80 83.80 1.00 10.10 GB-23-02 Main Deposit 161.89 174.89 13.00 8.31 Yes incl. 169.89 172.89 3.00 12.80 incl. 171.89 172.89 1.00 17.20 GB-23-03 Main Deposit 154.80 155.50 0.70 Assays Pending Yes and 158.00 158.60 0.60 Assays Pending GB-23-04 Main Deposit 186.60 193.20 6.60 Assays Pending Yes and 200.00 210.00 10.00 Assays Pending GB-23-05 Main Deposit 186.73 189.28 2.55 Assays Pending Yes GB-23-06 Main Deposit 196.72 203.46 6.74 Assays Pending Yes GB-23-07 Main Deposit 202.07 206.35 4.28 Assays Pending Yes and 220.39 231.54 11.15 Assays Pending GB-23-08 Main Deposit 228.68 251.30 22.62 Assays Pending Yes GB-23-09 Main Deposit 196.80 201.16 4.36 Assays Pending Yes GB-23-10 Main Deposit 276.50 296.00 19.50 Assays Pending Yes GB-23-11 Main Deposit 275.10 287.10 12.00 Assays Pending Yes GB-23-12 Main Deposit 303.08 312.86 9.78 Assays Pending Yes and 314.04 328.50 14.46 Assays Pending and 338.27 340.00 1.73 Assays Pending GB-23-13 Main Deposit 312.50 316.13 3.63 Assays Pending Yes GB-23-14 Main Deposit 360.90 363.28 2.38 Assays Pending Yes and 363.28 363.72 0.44 Assays Pending and 372.57 374.02 1.45 Assays Pending GB-23-15 Main Deposit 133.45 137.10 3.65 Assays Pending Yes and 143.00 150.60 7.60 Assays Pending

Note: Intervals reported for the 2023 drilling are core lengths, estimated to be approximately 95% of true width for holes GB-23-11, 12, 13, 14 and approximately 70% of true width for the remaining holes.

In addition to drilling, compilation of the extensive historical data is ongoing and prospecting and soil geochemical sampling continue to the North of the main Great Burnt Deposit.





Figure 1

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3657/187265_be85ef482486399d_003full.jpg





GB-23-12

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3657/187265_be85ef482486399d_004full.jpg





GB-23-15

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3657/187265_be85ef482486399d_005full.jpg

Drilling from 2016 to 2020 at Great Burnt Copper-Gold Project

The Great Burnt Main Zone has an NI 43-101 compliant resource prepared in 2022 for Spruce Ridge Resources Ltd. by P&E Mining Consultants Inc. of 667,000 Tonnes (47.2 Mlb) Cu at 3.21% (indicated) and 482,000 Tonnes (25.0 Mlb) Cu at 2.35% (inferred), contained within mining lease 211(10210M). The Copper resource remains open to the south and at depth. Highlights of the previous drill programs include:

GB20-05: 27.20m of 8.06% Cu, including 7.75m of 16.88% Cu

GB20-20: 22.75m of 6.89% Cu, including 12.55m of 10.59% Cu

GB18-05: 20.94m of 6.21% Cu, including 6.98m of 10.71% Cu

GB18-06: 9.97m of 7.45% Cu, including 5.03m of 11.42% Cu

GB16-08: 7.50m of 9.45% Cu, including 3.00m of 19.30% Cu

GB16-09: 5.75m of 6.68% Cu, including 1.50m of 11.70% Cu

Exploration at the South Pond Zone has identified potential for both copper and gold along several kilometers of strike. Highlights of the 2021 drill program include:

SP21-01: 1.69g/t Au over 51.00m, including 3.19g/t Au over 11.00m, within 10m of surface

SP21-03: 2.36g/t Au over 15.00m, including 11.33g/t Au over 1.00m

SP21-08: 1.75g/t Au over 21.20m, including 2.82g/t Au over 10.20m

SP21-11: 1.34g/t Au over 17.60m, including 2.48g/t Au over 4.20m

SP21-14: 2.06g/t Au over 21.00m

SP21-16: 1.72g/t Au over 10.00m

Note: Widths quoted are true core length, true widths are estimated at approximately 70% of core lengths

QP

Stephen House (P.Geo.), Vice President of Exploration for Benton Resources Inc., the 'Qualified Person' under National Instrument 43-101, has approved the scientific and technical disclosure in this news release and prepared or supervised its preparation.

About Benton Resources Inc.

Benton Resources is a well-financed mineral exploration company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol BEX. Following a project generation business model, Benton has a diversified, highly prospective property portfolio of gold, silver, nickel, copper, platinum group elements and, most recently, lithium and cesium assets. In addition, it currently holds large equity positions in other mining companies that are advancing high-quality assets. Whenever possible, BEX retains net smelter return (NSR) royalties with potential long-term cash flow.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Benton Resources Inc.,

"Stephen Stares"

Stephen Stares, President

Parties interested in seeking more information about properties available for option can contact Mr. Stares at the number below.

For further information, please contact:

Stephen Stares, President & CEO

Phone: 807-474-9020

Email: sstares@bentonresources.ca

Website: www.bentonresources.ca

Twitter: @BentonResources

Facebook: @BentonResourcesBEX

THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE HAS NOT REVIEWED AND DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

The information contained herein contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements relate to information that is based on assumptions of management, forecasts of future results, and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. Any statements that express predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are not statements of historical fact and may be "forward-looking statements."

Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: risks related to failure to obtain adequate financing on a timely basis and on acceptable terms; risks related to the outcome of legal proceedings; political and regulatory risks associated with mining and exploration; risks related to the maintenance of stock exchange listings; risks related to environmental regulation and liability; the potential for delays in exploration or development activities or the completion of feasibility studies; the uncertainty of profitability; risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of drill results, the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; risks related to the inherent uncertainty of production and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses; results of prefeasibility and feasibility studies, and the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations; risks related to gold price and other commodity price fluctuations; and other risks and uncertainties related to the Company's prospects, properties and business detailed elsewhere in the Company's disclosure record. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. Actual events or results could differ materially from the Company's expectations or projections.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/187265
Dr. W. Randolph Ford, Ph.D., will be joining BioMark's Advisory team to support Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning capabilities.

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 14, 2023) - BioMark Diagnostics Inc. (CSE: BUX) (FSE: 20B) (OTC Pink: BMKDF) ("BioMark") an advanced stage liquid biopsy company with a focus on hard to detect and treat cancers is pleased to announce today the appointment of Dr. Randolph Ford to its Strategic Advisory team to enhance its data analytics and AI capabilities during the commercial acceleration of its early cancer detection technology.

Mr. Rashid Ahmed Bux, CEO and President of BioMark Diagnostics, says: "As we position the business for continued growth, we are witnessing and experiencing the rapid integration of advanced analytics and AI in multiple aspects of medicine from drug discovery, clinical diagnosis, precision medicine, patient engagement and healthcare system management just to name a few. The pace will quicken in the coming years as we leverage this powerful tool to jolt and reform overall science and healthcare at a macrolevel. Over the past 12 months, BioMark has realized a boost in its diagnostic assay performance by incorporating AI and sophisticated data analytic techniques that Dr. Ford and his team have kindly provided to our group. The exciting early breast detection data analysis that will be presented at the upcoming San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS from December 5 - 9, 2023 in Texas) was conducted in collaboration with his talented group at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology. Dr. Ford brings critical analytical insight, excellent resources, and bandwidth to this rapidly evolving space. His experience and connections will be invaluable as BioMark evolves into a commercial entity with strong AI and ML embedded capabilities."

BioMark's board and shareholders welcome Dr. Ford and look forward to his professional contribution to building BioMark into a stronger international entity with strong data analytics capability across its robust cancer diagnostic technology platform.

About Rand Ford

W. Randolph (Rand) Ford earned his Ph.D. in Artificial Intelligence, along with a master's and bachelor's, from Johns Hopkins University. He is currently a Professor and Director of the Data Science Ph.D. Program at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology. Before that, he was Director of the Analytics M.S. Program at Harrisburg, Director of Analytics at the University of Maryland Global Campus, and Chair of the Computer Science Department at Hood College, where he also served as President of their Faculty. In addition, throughout his career, he has held C-level positions at six different companies. He has been awarded five patents and is active in academic and applied research. His areas of interest are the analysis of unstructured data, natural language processing, and other areas of artificial intelligence. He has developed the leading technology in natural language processing four times in his career.

About BioMark Diagnostics Inc.

BioMark is a liquid biopsy company developing a molecular diagnostic technology platform that leverages the power of metabolomics and machine learning algorithms to bring new cancer diagnostics to market and improving cancer prognosis by allowing physicians to detect carcinomas in the pre-symptomatic stages. The technology can also be used for measuring response to treatment and potentially for serial monitoring of cancer survivors. While the Company current focus is on the commercialization of its liquid biopsy test for early detection of lung, it has plans to expand into other hard to detect and treat cancers such as brain, ovarian and pancreatic.

Further information about BioMark is available under its profile on the SEDAR+ website www.sedarplus.ca and on the CSE website https://thecse.com/.

For further information on BioMark, please Contact:

Rashid Ahmed Bux, President & CEO

BioMark Diagnostics Inc.

Tel. 604-370-0779, Email: info@biomarkdiagnostics.com

Forward-Looking Information:

This press release may include forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation, concerning the business of BioMark. Forward-looking information is based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the management of BioMark. Although BioMark believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking information is based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking information because BioMark can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release. BioMark disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events, or results or otherwise, other than as required by applicable securities laws.

The CSE has not reviewed, approved, or disapproved the content of this press release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/187267
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 14, 2023) - Tower Resources Ltd. (TSXV: TWR) ("Tower" or the "Company") is pleased to report that it has completed the first follow-up diamond drill holes on the newly discovered Rainbow porphyry Cu-Au-Mo and younger, shear-hosted Thunder Au zones on its Rabbit North property in the heart of the Kamloops mining district (see Fig. 1).

Drilling Summary and Objectives

Four holes, Nos. RN23-046 to 049 totaling 1052.2 m, were drilled (see Table 1). Holes 046 and 047 targeted the Thunder Zone and Holes 048 and 049 targeted the Rainbow Zone (see Fig. 2).

Both mineralized zones are completely covered by >15 m of glacial till and partly covered by up to 40 m of pre-glacial Chilcotin basalt flows. A lateritic weathering profile up to 60 m thick is preserved beneath the basalt, indicating significant potential for supergene enrichment of the primary sulphide mineralization.

The Rainbow Zone is hosted by a magmatic hydrothermal (MH) breccia that was generated at depth by de-gassing of an overpressurized dioritic magma chamber. The fine-grained intrusive matrix of this breccia contains 5-10% magnetite, allowing the probable extent of the breccia, and thus also the potential extent of the Rainbow Zone, to be ascertained from the ground magnetic data (see Fig. 3).

Discovery Holes 041 and 042 were drilled on the northern edge of a magnetic low that forms a saddle in a large, ~300 m wide x 1200 m long, north-northwest trending magnetic high adjacent to the Durand Creek Fault, dividing the anomaly into two lobes (see Fig. 4). The magnetic intensity of these lobes is compatible with the presence of MH breccia. The saddle in the magnetic anomaly is coincident with the southernmost of two bands of Chilcotin basalt flows that partially cover the basement rocks (see Fig. 2). The basalt is as magnetic as the HM breccia but is reverse polarized and thus has the potential to produce a false magnetic low over the breccia.

The principal objectives of follow-up Holes 048 and 049 on the Rainbow Zone were to confirm indications from the initial intersections in Holes 041 and 042 (see Fig. 4) and from the above magnetic patterns that the Cu-Au-Mo mineralization west of discovery holes may be of a sufficient thickness and extent to be of economic interest at the 0.57% Cu-equivalent grade (0.27% Cu, 0.40 g/t Au, 0.01% Mo) of the 72.4 m intersection in Hole 42 and also to evaluate the potential for higher grade mineralization in this area.

Holes 046 and 047 on the Thunder Zone were designed primarily to determine whether the discovery intersections of Holes 039 and 041 represent a single, south-southeast trending gold zone or two separate, east-northeast trending zones.

Holes 048 and 049, Rainbow Porphyry Cu-Au-Mo Target

Hole 048 was designed to test the apparent rapid westward thickening of the Rainbow Zone indicated by the doubling in length from 36.0 m to 72.4 m of the intersections between discovery Holes 041 and 042 on the eastern edge of the zone, with the thicker, more westerly intersection bottoming at a vertical depth of ~100 metres. Hole 048 was collared 50 m west of these holes (see Figs. 2, 3) and drilled vertically to a final depth of 363.0 metres.

Hole 049 was designed to determine whether the MH breccia, and thus the Cu-Au-Mo mineralization that it hosts, is continuous across the saddle between the northern and southern magnetic highs. The hole was collared on the same pad as Holes 041 and 042 but drilled in the opposite direction at 200 rather than 030 and at a dip of -50 (see Figs 2, 4). The hole was continued to 297.0 m, completely crossing the magnetic low and reaching more than halfway to the Durand Creek Fault.

Holes 046 and 047, Thunder Au Target

The original, south-southeast trending, single-zone model proposed for the Holes 039 and 041 discovery intersections of the Thunder Zone (see press release of May 10, 2023) was supported by the very similar widths (~25 m), Au grades (~2 g/t) and vertical positions (~100 m below surface) of these intersections (see Fig. 2). However, the Hole 041 intersection appears to lie directly on the main corridor of shearing and quartz-feldspar porphyry (QFP) injection in the area - the Lightning Trend (see Fig. 3) - suggesting that Hole 039 (and possibly also Hole 040 to the east; see Fig. 2) may have intersected a separate, parallel splay shear.

Follow-up Holes 046 and 047 would ideally have been sited midway between Holes 039 and 041 but this corridor is a protected riparian zone along a small creek. Instead, the holes were collared further north, where the till cover is thinnest, and focused solely on investigating the Hole 039 Au intersection.

Hole 046 was drilled south-southwest for 275.2 m at a flat, -45 dip on the assumption that it would cross the Thunder Zone near the Hole 039 intersection whether the Au zone strikes south-southeast or east-northeast (see Fig. 2). Hole 047 was oriented west-southwest at a -60 dip to either verify or reject the single zone model. It was collared very close to the projected south-southeast trend for this model and therefore was drilled only to 117.0 metres.

Next Steps

Tower plans to release the analytical results from the drilling program after all of the assays have been received and evaluated.

Qualified Person

The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Stuart Averill, P.Geo., a director of the Company, and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

About Tower Resources

Tower is a Canadian based mineral exploration company focused on the discovery and advancement of economic mineral projects in the Americas. The Company's key exploration assets, all in B.C., are the Rabbit North copper-gold porphyry project located between the New Afton copper-gold and Highland Valley copper mines in the Kamloops mining district, the Nechako porphyry-associated gold-silver project near Artemis' Blackwater project and the More Creek epithermal gold project on the critical "red line" structural zone connecting the mineral deposits of the Golden Triangle.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

Tower Resources Ltd.

Joe Dhami, President and CEO

(778) 996-4730

www.towerresources.ca

Reader Advisory

This news release may contain statements which constitute "forward-looking information", including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of the Company, its directors, or its officers with respect to the future business activities of the Company. The words "may", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company, or its management, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future business activities and involve risks and uncertainties, and that the Company's future business activities may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, fluctuations in market prices, successes of the operations of the Company, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. There can be no assurances that such information will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. The Company does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking information except as required under the applicable securities laws.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.



Figure 1 - Location of Tower's Rabbit North property relative to the active mines of the Kamloops district.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5023/187293_edc61b15146068b5_002full.jpg



Figure 2 - Locations of the four follow-up drill holes relative to the February discovery holes and the geology of the bedrock surface beneath the glacial till cover.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5023/187293_edc61b15146068b5_003full.jpg



Figure 3 - Potential extent of the Rainbow Zone based on the positive magnetic signature of the magmatic-hydrothermal breccia host rock with local suppression of this signature by reverse-polarized Chilcotin basalt cover rocks.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5023/187293_edc61b15146068b5_004full.jpg



Figure 4 - Section through February Holes 041 and 042. Note the steep southwest dip of the Rainbow Zone.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5023/187293_edc61b15146068b5_005full.jpg

Hole No. Aximuth

() Dip

() Length

(m) Target

(Zone) Objective RN23-046 210 -45 275.2 Thunder Cross zone near Hole 039 intersection RN23-047 240 -60 117.0 Thunder Determine whether zone strikes SSE or ENE RN23-048 0 -90 363.0 Rainbow Confirm zone thickens rapidly to west RN23-049 200 -50 297.0 Rainbow Confirm zone continuity across saddle in associated magnetic anomaly 1052.2

Table 1 - Drill hole summary for Holes 046 to 049.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/187293
HAMILTON, BERMUDA / ACCESSWIRE / November 14, 2023 / Bacardi Limited / Bacardi, the world's largest privately held international spirits company, is celebrating its recognition by Forbes on the list of World's Top Companies for Women 2023. Women in Leadership is among the key pillars of the company's Belonging program, which strives to create a space where everyone is treated fairly and provided equal opportunities. Belonging at Bacardi is a global movement focused on creating programming, development opportunities and more in support of underrepresented groups, including women, in the spirits world.

Many great women make up the Bacardi story, beginning with Dona Lucia 'Amalia' Victoria Bacardi Moreau - the wife of the rum founder, Don Facundo Bacardi Masso. It was her financial and creative support that kept their growing rum business alive during the turbulent early years, in Santiago de Cuba. At the same time, she was also raising a family of independent, free-thinking entrepreneurs who went on to devote their careers to the company and their local community. It was Dona Amalia's idea to put the bat on the bottle and hence the "rum of the bat" was born.

"We are incredibly proud for Bacardi to be recognized by Forbes as a great workplace and to continue the legacy of supporting women within the company and our industry," Leila Stansfield, Global Belonging Lead and Head of Global Travel Retail for Bacardi. "The people at Bacardi inspire me every day and together, we continually push the needle to create a more inclusive workplace for everyone."

Family-owned Bacardi has focused on driving balanced recruitment, attrition and development through trainings, resources and a focus by both leaders and more than 500 individuals across the globe who champion Belonging efforts. The company offers several programs to support personal and professional development for women, including a global mentorship program that links women to leaders and allies across markets and functions. Another program available across several countries supports future female leaders by providing them the framework, tools and community to better understand themselves and their goals. Content includes sessions on self-awareness and confidence, defining your personal brand and authentic leadership style, and building a personal roadmap for your career.

The impact of the work is reflected in how people feel about working at Bacardi. In the latest global annual engagement survey, women and men rated dimensions of workplace satisfaction, wellness, DEI, and other core topics, similarly, demonstrating best-in-class engagement levels across both genders.

The World's Top Companies for Women 2023 have been chosen among multi-national corporations that were evaluated in multiple globally administered independent surveys of approximately 70,000 women in 37 countries. Over 650,000 data points were collected. The final analysis is based on three scores:

Employer Brand Score: Women were asked to rate how their employer performs across a series of gender-related topics. In addition, they were asked to rate their overall willingness to recommend their employer and assess them across other, more general, workplace satisfaction questions. Women were also prompted to evaluate other employers in their respective industries that stand out either positively or negatively.

Public Opinion Score: A women-only public opinion survey measured how women perceive companies in terms of gender equality.

Leadership Score: Objective criteria (i.e., the presence of a female CEO and the share of board/executive committee positions filled by women) were gathered via extensive desk research.

"This award is the recognition of the efforts by many people across our business who help create a greater sense of Belonging," adds Scott Northcutt, SVP Global Human Resources and Executive Sponsor for Belonging for Bacardi.

Last year, Bacardi made the Forbes World's Top Female Friendly Companies and has been certified Great Place to Work in more than 50 sites.

This prestigious award is presented by Forbes and Statista Inc., the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider. Statista publishes hundreds of worldwide industry rankings and company listings with high profile media partners. This research and analysis service is based on the success of statista.com, the leading data and business intelligence portal that provides statistics, business relevant data, and various market and consumer studies and surveys.

About Bacardi Limited

Bacardi Limited, the world's largest privately held international spirits company, produces, markets, and distributes spirits and wines. The Bacardi Limited portfolio comprises more than 200 brands and labels, including BACARDI rum, PATRON tequila, GREY GOOSE vodka, DEWAR'S Blended Scotch whisky, BOMBAY SAPPHIRE gin, MARTINI vermouth and sparkling wines, CAZADORES 100% blue agave tequila, and other leading and emerging brands including WILLIAM LAWSON'S Scotch whisky, D'USSE Cognac, ANGEL'S ENVY American straight whiskey, and ST-GERMAIN elderflower liqueur. Founded more than 161 years ago in Santiago de Cuba, family-owned Bacardi Limited currently employs approximately 9,000, operates production facilities in 11 countries and territories, and sells its brands in more than 160 markets. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited. Visit http://www.bacardilimited.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram or X.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Bacardi Limited on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Bacardi Limited

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/bacardi-limited

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Bacardi Limited

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/803112/forbes-names-bacardi-among-worlds-top-companies-for-women-2023
Israel Railways Chooses SeeTrue for AI-Powered Security Advancements

PARIS, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- SeeTrue, a global AI software solution leader for security screening, disclosed its recent entry into the realm of urban security through a strategic partnership with Israel Railways. This collaborative effort has resulted in the seamless integration of SeeTrue's cutting-edge AI solution into security screening checkpoints at railway stations throughout Israel, including the country's largest stations, where more than 1,000 bags require screening every hour.

The integration of SeeTrue into train station security processes has proven to be transformative, maintaining a consistently high level of security and operating continuously around the clock. Passengers now benefit from a faster, smoother security process minimizing stress and ensuring that critical security checks do not lead to bottlenecks that can negatively impact the journey.

In a recent incident at one of the busiest and most central train stations, SeeTrue's AI security screening solution identified a bag containing a concealed 30-centimeter knife, alerting security personnel in real-time. As a result, the potential threat was swiftly and effectively neutralized, leading to the arrest of the individual carrying the concealed knife. This incident offers concrete proof of SeeTrue's invaluable contribution to ensuring public safety in high-traffic transportation hubs.





Assaf Frenkel, Co-Founder and CEO of SeeTrue: "We take immense pride in deepening our expertise in AI technology to include urban security, an endeavor that complements our pioneering work in aviation, customs, and other urban security checkpoints. Partnering with a high-quality, innovative mass-transit organization like Israel Railways is a testament to our commitment to revolutionizing safety and security across multiple domains, making our cities and transportation systems safer and more efficient."

Hagay Rozenfeld, Head of Innovation, Israel Railways: "Innovation at Israel Railways is a key part of our strategy, and AI plays a pivotal role in strengthening our pledge to passenger safety, seamlessly infusing intelligence into our security strategies and enabling us to provide optimal security for our passengers and our employees."

Shaked Bar, Head of Security, Israel Railways: "Acknowledging our responsibility to top-tier security at Israel Railways, we harness the power of AI to provide the highest security standards, ensuring the best passenger experience and safety."

About SeeTrue:

SeeTrue is a global leader in Security Screening Solutions, leveraging its state-of-the-art AI technology for secure, fast, and efficient threat detection. SeeTrue's AI-based automatic threat detection software is implemented around the world on top of X-ray and CT systems at airports, seaports, urban security checkpoints, customs and shipment facilities, making security and travel as fast and secure as possible while improving operational efficiency.

SeeTrue operates from Tel Aviv, London, New York and Amsterdam. For more information, visit the company's website at www.seetrue.ai

About Israel Railways:

Israel Railways, the operator of the national heavy rail system, is a Government company, serving as the execution and operation arm of the Ministry of Transport. Israel Railways has 69 stations throughout the country and it operates about 600 trains daily, connecting the major metropolitan areas in Israel as well as cities, towns and rural villages, throughout the State of Israel. As part of the strategic plan for 2040, Israel Railways is expected to make about 300 million trips a year. Many projects are currently being promoted to expand the rail network and to add new passenger stations. https://www.rail.co.il/

Contact Details:

Sharon Salzman

Director of Marketing, SeeTrue

sharons@seetrue.ai

Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGAcuqPZo_4

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/seetrues-ai-automatic-detection-sets-a-new-standard-in-urban-security-screening-301987565.html
LANL adopts SambaNova Suite and expands existing SambaNova DataScale deployment to run AI workloads for performing national security, science, technology, and engineering projects

SC23-SambaNova Systems, makers of the only purpose-built, full stack AI platform, the Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration (DOE/NNSA), and Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) announce a strategic partnership to facilitate the laboratory's simulation needs.

Los Alamos National Laboratory is a multi-program, federally funded research, and development center for the NNSA. The organization is expanding its partnership with SambaNova in two ways:

Scaling up SambaNova DataScale to accelerate AI workloads that advance the laboratory's generative AI and LLM capabilities.

Deploying SambaNova Suite to advance its Generative AI and large language model (LLM) technologies.

"Los Alamos is investing in Generative AI to advance a broad spectrum of national security missions," said Jason Pruet, director of the National Security AI Office for Los Alamos National Laboratory.

"At the dawn of the exascale supercomputing era, we are increasingly relying on AI to be part of the ASC computing ecosystem to support our mission objectives now and in the coming years," said NNSA ASC program director Thuc Hoang. "We are pleased to be scaling up our existing deployments of SambaNova Systems to advance generative AI and large language model technologies to contribute to the ASC program."

"The multi-year deal being announced today is an expansion of our current partnership with LANL," said Marshall Choy, SVP of Product at SambaNova Systems. "The partnership showcases SambaNova's performance advantage over GPU based systems on the most challenging foundation model and deep learning workloads. This means more experiments and more discoveries that accelerate and impact national initiatives."

"Generative AI and LLMs are showing great potential to transform enterprises, government institutions, and society," said Peter Rutten, Research Vice-President, Performance-Intensive Computing, at International Data Corporation. "Seeing deep tech innovators such as LANL and SambaNova collaborating is a clear sign that we have moved to impactful implementations."

"LANL is focused on scaling up generative AI and LLMs and because of that, they've deployed SambaNova's technology across the lab," said Rodrigo Liang, CEO of SambaNova Systems. "SambaNova Suite offers the quickest and safest way to deploy generative AI on-premises, solving organizations' biggest innovation challenges."

For more information about SambaNova Suite or DataScale please visit the company at SC23 in Booth #681.

About the SambaNova Suite

SambaNova Suite is the first full stack, generative AI platform, from chip to model, optimized for enterprise and government organizations. Powered by the intelligent SN40L chip, the SambaNova Suite is a fully integrated platform, delivered on-premises or in the cloud, combined with state-of-the-art open-source models, which can be easily and securely fine-tuned using customer data for greater accuracy. Once adapted with customer data, customers retain model ownership in perpetuity, so they can turn generative AI into one of their most valuable assets.

About Los Alamos National Laboratory

Los Alamos National Laboratory, a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security, is managed by Triad, a public service oriented, national security science organization equally owned by its three founding members: Battelle Memorial Institute (Battelle), the Texas A&M University System (TAMUS), and the Regents of the University of California (UC) for the Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration.

Los Alamos enhances national security by ensuring the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile, developing technologies to reduce threats from weapons of mass destruction, and solving problems related to energy, environment, infrastructure, health, and global security concerns.

About SambaNova Systems

Customers turn to SambaNova to quickly deploy state-of-the-art generative AI capabilities within the enterprise. Our purpose-built enterprise-scale AI platform is the technology backbone for the next generation of AI computing.

Headquartered in Palo Alto, California, SambaNova Systems was founded in 2017 by industry luminaries, and hardware and software design experts from Sun/Oracle and Stanford University. Investors include SoftBank Vision Fund 2, funds and accounts managed by BlackRock, Intel Capital, GV, Walden International, Temasek, GIC, Redline Capital, Atlantic Bridge Ventures, Celesta, and several others. Visit us at sambanova.ai or contact us at info@sambanova.ai. Follow SambaNova Systems on LinkedIn.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231114158716/en/

Contacts:

Virginia Jamieson

Head of External Communications, SambaNova Systems

virginia.jamieson@sambanova.ai

650-279-8619
Company increases cloud annual recurring revenue (ARR) by 59% YoY and cloud direct gross margins to 76%, while reducing operating losses by 71% QoQ

Glassbox (TASE: GLBX), a leading provider of digital experience intelligence for web and mobile applications, today announced its financial results for the third quarter of 2023. The company's revenues grew 5% to $12.2 million and cloud subscription revenues jumped by 34% YoY.

Meanwhile, ARR increased by 20% YoY to $56 million, while cloud ARR surged by 59% YoY to $48 million. Cloud growth was bolstered by the signing of a $42.3 million, 3-year agreement with a large bank, which immediately added $8.3 million ARR in the quarter.

The company's upward trend in non-GAAP gross margins continued, reaching 70.5%compared to 66.1% in the same quarter last year.Cloud direct gross margins also increased to a record 76.1% in the quarter compared to 64.8% in the same quarter last year.

Glassbox also reduced its non-GAAP operating loss by 71% due to consistent improvement in operational efficiencies and cutting expenses. With a $37 million cash balance, including a credit facility, Glassbox has the financial flexibility to continue its expansion and to implement its strategic initiatives.

This was also the company's third successive quarter with an increasing customer retention rate. Glassbox added new customers, such asUS HealthConnect Inc. and Brisbane City Council, and expanded contracts with existing enterprise customers, including Ace Hardware, one of the three largest banks in the US, top Asian airlines, and a large insurance company.

"Glassbox realized strong results in Q3 primarily due to cloud subscription revenue growth from our strategic focus on the financial and insurance sectors. We also continue to improve our profit metrics, including operating margins, by streamlining operations," said Glassbox CEO Yaron Morgenstern. "Our operating cash burn in 2023 will be significantly lower than the previous year, which together with a strong balance sheet, provides the financial flexibility to fuel our growth trend."

Built from the ground up to securely capture and analyze 100% of digital experience data automatically, Glassbox has embraced AI as a means to bring valuable digital insights to business users more quickly and easily through proven features such as struggle analysis and anomaly detection. This year, the company increased its investment in AI and was recognized in the MarTech Breakthrough Awards with the Customer Experience Innovation Award for its unique ability to use AI to turn qualitative voice of the customer (VoC) feedback into scalable, actionable insights. Glassbox also announced in September its intention to pioneer Autonomous CX, a set of capabilities that will result in self-optimizing digital experiences.

Morgenstern added, "Through the current war in Israel, we will provide unwavering support for our employees and customers in Israel. Our global business activity continues normally thanks to a strong commitment by our employees to our continued business operations. We are grateful to our business partners and customers for the strong solidarity they have shown us during this very complex and painful time."

About Glassbox

Glassbox (TASE:GLBX) reveals the insights that empower organizations to deliver better digital customer experiences. Our Digital Experience Intelligence platform automatically captures, visualizes and analyzes every digital journey in real time across websites and mobile apps. It serves as the unifying platform for product, UX, marketing, IT, analytics teams (and more) to assess performance, prioritize projects and optimize experiences. With unparalleled data privacy and security built in, hundreds of global customers across industries have chosen Glassbox to grow and optimize their digital businesses.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231114507326/en/

Contacts:

Osi Sessler

osi.sessler@glassbox.com

Kate Adams

PAN Communications

glassbox@pancomm.com
KeyBank Foundation donations totaling $385,000 given to 20 nonprofit organizations

TARRYTOWN, NY / ACCESSWIRE / November 14, 2023 / KeyBank announces (20) twenty charitable donations made by KeyBank Foundation, the bank's charitable foundation to nonprofit organizations throughout its Hudson Valley/Metro New York market. The gifts focus support to address homelessness, financial literacy, education, workforce development, minority small business development, and more. The charitable donations total $385,000 and are part of KeyBank's community philanthropic efforts targeted toward education, workforce development, and safe, vital neighborhoods.

"KeyBank's commitment to the communities we serve is at the heart what we stand for," said KeyBank Market President John Manginelli. "We value the partnerships we have with local nonprofit organizations and are proud to support their important community work."

The charitable donations range from $10,000 to $50,000 and have been made to the following community organizations:

Education

El Centro Hispano , White Plains, NY to support its scholarship fund for Hispanic high school students.

, White Plains, NY to support its scholarship fund for Hispanic high school students. Girls Inc., White Plains, NY for its College and Career Readiness and SAT/ACT Prep for girls in underserved and under-resourced areas within Westchester County.

White Plains, NY for its College and Career Readiness and SAT/ACT Prep for girls in underserved and under-resourced areas within Westchester County. Housatonic Community College , Bridgeport, CT to support the Family Economic Security Program (FESP) that aims to increase college success rate for low-income, female students of color who are parents (majority single mothers) and working part-time or full-time while in college.

, Bridgeport, CT to support the Family Economic Security Program (FESP) that aims to increase college success rate for low-income, female students of color who are parents (majority single mothers) and working part-time or full-time while in college. Sister to Sister International Inc., Yonkers, NY for the STEAM Academy that exposes Black and girls of color in grades 6 - 12 to STEM/STEAM fields while enhancing their academic proficiency in math and science, along with leadership development and college readiness skills.

Workforce Development

Community Outreach Center, Monsey, NY to support its Workforce Capacity-building Initiative for unemployed and low-income earners in Rockland County.

Monsey, NY to support its Workforce Capacity-building Initiative for unemployed and low-income earners in Rockland County. Greenwich House , New York, NY to offer OSHA and Site Safety Training to New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) tenants, helping them secure advanced training, pre-apprenticeships, and jobs in construction and maintenance.

, New York, NY to offer OSHA and Site Safety Training to New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) tenants, helping them secure advanced training, pre-apprenticeships, and jobs in construction and maintenance. New York Urban League Inc.'s Career Preparation Institute to address the employment disparities that Black and Latinx New Yorkers face by providing vital services and resources that?connect employers to job seekers for jobs that provide a living wage and good benefits.

Career Preparation Institute to address the employment disparities that Black and Latinx New Yorkers face by providing vital services and resources that?connect employers to job seekers for jobs that provide a living wage and good benefits. WE ACT for Environmental Justice , New York, NY, for its Worker Training program to help remove barriers and create job opportunities in the Green Energy Industry for unemployed and underemployed residents in Northern Manhattan.

, New York, NY, for its Worker Training program to help remove barriers and create job opportunities in the Green Energy Industry for unemployed and underemployed residents in Northern Manhattan. Seasoned Gives, Lake Katrine NY to support its Bank Tank program that provides resources and mentoring to minority small business owners and entrepreneurs.

Safe, Vital Neighborhoods (includes affordable housing, minority-owned small businesses, financial literacy, health and wellness, basic needs, and social equity)

American Red Cross of Eastern New York to support relief efforts due to excessive flooding experienced earlier this year.

to support relief efforts due to excessive flooding experienced earlier this year. Bowery Mission, New York, NY to support its Continuum of Care Services for New Yorkers experiencing homelessness, food insecurity and other crises.

New York, NY to support its Continuum of Care Services for New Yorkers experiencing homelessness, food insecurity and other crises. Center for Safety & Change , New City, NY for its Transitional and Housing Support Program to help individuals and families transition from emergency shelter into affordable permanent housing.

, New City, NY for its Transitional and Housing Support Program to help individuals and families transition from emergency shelter into affordable permanent housing. Cents Ability , New York, NY to expand its financial literacy program for underserved teens.

, New York, NY to expand its financial literacy program for underserved teens. Family Services Inc ., Poughkeepsie, NY to support its Teen Resource Activity Center for low- and moderate-income teens.

., Poughkeepsie, NY to support its Teen Resource Activity Center for low- and moderate-income teens. Leviticus 25-23 Alternative Fund Inc., Tarrytown, NY to support its Affordable and Supportive Housing Lending Program to alleviate poverty and improve the economic and social conditions of low-income individuals and families.

Tarrytown, NY to support its Affordable and Supportive Housing Lending Program to alleviate poverty and improve the economic and social conditions of low-income individuals and families. Sullivan Country Federation for the Homeless , Monticello, NY to assist low-income individuals and families in Sullivan County with short-term rent, mortgage and utility assistance.

, Monticello, NY to assist low-income individuals and families in Sullivan County with short-term rent, mortgage and utility assistance. Youth Mission Outreach Needle in a Haystack , Poughkeepsie NY to support its food bank operations.

, Poughkeepsie NY to support its food bank operations. RETHINK Food , New York, NY to support its restaurant program, which partners local restaurants with community-based organizations, using the restaurants' existing infrastructures to prepare meals for food insecure populations distributed through community organizations.

, New York, NY to support its restaurant program, which partners local restaurants with community-based organizations, using the restaurants' existing infrastructures to prepare meals for food insecure populations distributed through community organizations. Sheltering the Homeless is Our Responsibility (SHORE ), White Plains, NY to support subsidized housing, case management and supportive resources to those who are homeless, formerly homeless, or are at risk of being homeless.

), White Plains, NY to support subsidized housing, case management and supportive resources to those who are homeless, formerly homeless, or are at risk of being homeless. Green City Force, Brooklyn, NY to engage approximately 100 young BIPOC adults a year in six to ten-month full-time AmeriCorps service terms.

This list does not include KeyBank Foundation multi-year community impact commitments made to YWCA White Plains & Central Westchester, Lifting Up Westchester, and Food Bank of the Hudson Valley announced previously, as well as Foundation-matched donations to United Way agencies throughout the market through the bank's annual employee giving campaign.

About KeyCorp/KeyBank

KeyCorp's roots trace back nearly 200 years to Albany, New York. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation's largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $187.8 billion at September?30, 2023. Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 1,000 branches and approximately 1,300 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit?https://www.key.com/. KeyBank is Member FDIC.

About KeyBank Foundation :

KeyBank Foundation serves to fulfill KeyBank's purpose to help clients and communities thrive, and its mission is to support organizations and programs that prepare people for thriving futures. The Foundation's mission is advanced through three funding priorities - neighbors, education, and workforce - and through community service. To provide meaningful philanthropy that transforms lives, KeyBank Foundation listens carefully to understand the unique characteristics and needs of its communities and then backs solutions with targeted philanthropic investments. KeyBank Foundation is a nonprofit charitable foundation, funded by KeyCorp.





View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from KeyBank on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: KeyBank

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/keybank

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: KeyBank

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/803124/keybank-announces-foundation-grants-in-hudson-valley-and-metro-new-york
Otis businesses in 10 countries honored in international listings

FARMINGTON, CT / ACCESSWIRE / November 14, 2023 / Oti s Worldwide Corporation ?(NYSE:OTIS) has been recognized on two prestigious Seramount award lists for its efforts to create diverse and inclusive work environments - in the U.S. and nine international Otis markets.

The Seramount 2023 Global Inclusion Index honored Otis in Australia, Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, France, Mexico and Singapore, where Otis was among two to five companies named in each country. Otis UK was one of nine companies honored there.

A separate 2023 Seramount Inclusion Index , focused on the U.S., recognized Otis among 42 companies based on data submitted though an extensive application process.

"At Otis, we strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities where we live and work," said Executive VP and Chief People Officer Abbe Luersman. "This international recognition from Seramount validates our work to foster an inclusive culture with the diversity required to innovate and continue to lead our industry. We believe that we can only be at our best when our colleagues are at their best - and when all voices feel safe, welcomed and heard."

The Global Inclusion Index assessed corporate efforts in 24 countries focused on creating inclusive cultures, hiring and promoting women, measuring other underrepresented groups on a country-specific basis, and holding country leaders and managers accountable for results.

The U.S.-based Seramount Inclusion Index factored data from Otis and 154 other organizations, which were scored in three areas:?

Best practices in recruitment, retention, and advancement of people from underrepresented groups

Creating an inclusive culture through leadership accountability, clear communications, and employee engagement

Improving demographic diversity for women and racial/ethnic minorities, especially at more senior levels and in promotions

In this index, Otis saw its U.S. score rise by 6 percentage points over 2022. Its highest-ranking category this year, at 82 percent, was company culture.

Seramount is a strategic professional services and research firm dedicated to supporting high-performing, inclusive workplaces. It partners with more than 450 of the world's most influential companies and offers DEI, workplace and employee research and solutions.

To learn more about DE&I efforts at Otis, visit https://www.otis.com/en/us/our-company/diversity-and-inclusion

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.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Otis Worldwide Corporation on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Otis Worldwide Corporation

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/otis-worldwide-corporation

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Otis Worldwide Corporation

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/803125/otis-recognized-with-two-seramount-inclusive-workplace-awards
Collaboration empowers organizations to create sustainable change through data-driven decision-making

CHICAGO, IL / ACCESSWIRE / November 14, 2023 / Baker Tilly / Organizations worldwide face mounting pressure from regulators, investors, employees, customers and communities to effectively track, manage and report on environmental, social and governance (ESG) and sustainability goals. Leading advisory CPA firm Baker Tilly US, LLP (Baker Tilly) announces strategic collaborations with Sustain.Life and Sumday, two pioneering organizations transforming emissions-reporting solutions for businesses of all sizes.

"With the regulatory landscape rapidly changing, the need for effective controls over non-financial reporting is more important than ever," said Srinand Yalamanchili, Baker Tilly ESG and Sustainability Director. "Combining Baker Tilly's industry-focused ESG and sustainability advisory and assurance expertise with the platforms of Sustain.Life and Sumday creates a comprehensive and adaptable suite of emissions-reporting solutions that empower organizations to measure, manage and report their environmental impact."

Sustain.Life is a leading carbon management SaaS platform that empowers companies of all sizes to measure and report their carbon emissions while providing guided actions to meet their reduction goals. The platform equips organizations with intuitive tools to efficiently navigate and manage intricate emissions profiles and complex supply chains while also providing a host of features to support comprehensive decarbonization efforts across scopes 1, 2 and 3.

Annalee Bloomfield, CEO of Sustain.Life, said, "Sustain.Life is focused on helping companies meet near-term compliance and disclosure requirements while also building the foundation of longer-term sustainable operations. Our audit-ready reporting platform grows with clients to enable data-driven decision-making, target setting, and meaningful progress toward decarbonization. We are thrilled to join forces with a premier firm like Baker Tilly and are confident that merging our innovative software with Baker Tilly's impressive services will deliver meaningful value."

Sumday, a transparent and robust greenhouse gas accounting platform, holds ISO certification and is SOC2 complaint. Sumday is used by organizations of all sizes, from public to small and medium-sized companies, to affordably track and report on their emissions to an audit ready standard.

"Organizations want to understand their emissions and importantly, they want to support their suppliers to start greenhouse gas accounting as well, improving the quality of their scope 3 accounting over time," said Jessica Richmond, CEO of Sumday. "Sumday delivers an education first approach, providing online training, accounting software and technical support to clients and every single company in their supply chain. Auditable carbon accounting and reporting is becoming both a commercial and compliance requirement for many clients, and we're delighted to collaborate with Baker Tilly to help more companies embed carbon as an extension of their financial accounting and reporting."

Baker Tilly's collaboration with Sustain.Life and Sumday enhances organizations' capability to effectively meet emissions-reporting requirements, regardless of their size or industry. Discover Baker Tilly's comprehensive and industry focused ESG and sustainability advisory and assurance services: bakertilly.com/esg.

# # #

About Baker Tilly US, LLP (bakertilly.com)

Baker Tilly US, LLP (Baker Tilly) is a leading advisory CPA firm, providing clients with a genuine coast-to-coast and global advantage in major regions of the U.S. and in many of the world's leading financial centers - New York, London, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Chicago. Baker Tilly is an independent member of Baker Tilly International, a worldwide network of independent accounting and business advisory firms in 145 territories, with 41,000 professionals and a combined worldwide revenue of $4.7 billion. Visit bakertilly.com or join the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

About Sustain.Life (sustain.life)

Sustain.Life is a SaaS platform - and Certified B Corporation - that helps future-proof companies by decarbonizing and taking climate action. Launched in 2021, Sustain.Life provides ESG and carbon accounting tools that empower organizations to embrace sustainability, manage and mitigate carbon emissions, reduce costs, and stand out to customers, investors, and other stakeholders. Sustain.Life is also proud to be a UN Global Compact signatory.

About Sumday (sumday.io)

Sumday is an accounting platform designed for transparent and robust GHG accounting. With an accessible subscription model that can be scaled according to business size, Sumday supports companies to upskill their teams with market leading training while making carbon accounting part of business as usual.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Baker Tilly on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Baker Tilly

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/baker-tilly

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Baker Tilly

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/803126/baker-tilly-teams-up-with-sustainlife-and-sumday-to-transform-emissions-reporting
EQS-News: 4finance S.A. / Key word(s): Quarterly / Interim Statement/9 Month figures

4finance Holding S.A. reports results for the nine months ending 30 September 2023



14.11.2023 / 15:28 CET/CEST

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.



4FINANCE HOLDING S.A. REPORTS RESULTS

FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDING 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

Solid 9M 2023 performance with net profit of 26.4 million and Adjusted EBITDA of 91.9 million

Strong balance sheet with net loan portfolio now over one billion euros

Successful bondholder vote to extend EUR 2025 bond maturity to May 2028

14 November 2023. 4finance Holding S.A. (the 'Group' or '4finance'), one of Europe's largest digital consumer lending groups, today announces unaudited consolidated results for the nine months ending 30 September 2023 (the 'Period').

Operational Highlights Online loan issuance volume of 423.4 million in the Period compared with 357.6 million in 9M 2022, up 18% year-on-year. Demand for credit remains strong in most markets, with yearly issuance growth driven by Czech Republic, Spain and Philippines. Near-prime portfolio development aligned with ability to sell those loans to TBI Bank. Over 23 million of Lithuanian near-prime loan principal was sold to TBI Bank from January to October 2023. TBI Bank loan issuance volume during the Period grew by 29% year-on-year to 652.3 million from 507.4 million in the prior year period, with increased issuance in all products. Financial Highlights Interest income from continuing operations up 27% year-on-year to 288.8 million in the Period compared with 227.3 million in the prior year period. For the prior period figures, the Polish business is reflected separately in the income statement as a 'discontinued operation'. Cost to income ratio for 9M 2023 was 44.2%, a significant improvement from 49.0% in 9M 2022 (excluding Poland), despite the increase in total operating costs year-on-year. Adjusted EBITDA was 91.9 million for the Period, up 10% year-on-year (compared to the proforma EBITDA excluding Poland and including Philippines) delivering a 32% adjusted EBITDA margin. The interest coverage ratio as of the date of this report is 2.1x, impacted by the increased interest expense at TBI Bank in recent quarters. Post-provision operating profit from continuing operations for the Period was 45.2 million, benefiting from the 27% year-on-year increase in operating income (revenue), with profit after tax of 26.4 million. Fundamental asset quality indicators at product level remain broadly stable. Net impairment charges of 110.4 million reflect the larger portfolio, different product mix in online and reduced debt sales activity. Cost of risk at 14.1%, relatively unchanged from the H1 2023 level. Net receivables up 21% to 1,022.2 million as of 30 September 2023 compared with 846.4 million as of 31 December 2022. Overall gross NPL ratio at 9.9% as of 30 September 2023 (12.8% for online), compared with 8.8% as of 31 December 2022 (9.0% for online). TBI NPL ratio at 9.4% as of 30 September 2023, compared with 8.7% as of 31 December 2022. Liquidity and funding Strong liquidity position, with 49.1 million of cash in the online business at the end of the Period. Solid capital position at TBI Bank (21.1% capital adequacy ratio) despite continued growth in risk weighted assets. The bank made a further MREL eligible debt issue of 1.5 million in Q3 and is considering increasing its bond funding. In October 2023, successful bondholder vote to extend the maturity of the EUR 2025 bonds to May 2028, with 74% participation and 94% approval rate. The T&Cs of the bonds will be formally amended in early December 2023. Further deleveraging in October and November 2023 with 3.0 million of net bond buybacks ahead of planned cancellation of 15.0 million of EUR 2025 bonds in December 2023.

Kieran Donnelly, CEO of 4finance, commented:



"We have managed to deliver EBITDA growth of 10% over this period, while also having significant growth in issuance and assets. This growth positions us well for the future as we continue to manage costs and remain focused on efficiency. The successful vote to extend our 2025 bonds until May 2028 allows us to take full advantage of these opportunities. This was only possible with the strong support of our investors for which we are grateful. Our strong and liquid balance sheet allows us to continue our growth and supports our measured expansion plans."



Contacts Contact: James Etherington, Group Chief Financial Officer Email: james.etherington@4finance.com / investor_relations@4finance.com Website: www.4finance.com



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SINGAPORE, Nov 14, 2023 - (ACN Newswire) - Samurai 2K Aerosol Limited (the "Company" and together with its subsidiaries, the "Group") (SGX: Y8E), a manufacturer of automotive aerosol paints and aerosol solution specialist, announced its financial results for the six months ended 30 September 2023 ("1H2024"). Despite a challenging business environment dominated by international trade tensions, global geopolitics and general slowdown in global economies, the Group recorded all-round improvement in its financials for 1H2024 as compared with same period last year ("1H2023").Revenue slightly decreased by approximately 5.01 % from RM41.83 million in 1H2023 to RM39.74 million in 1H2024. The decrease in revenue was mainly due to lower demand from the Malaysia market. However, for the same period, net income attributable to equity holders increased significantly from RM0.47 million to RM2.78 million. Consequently, EPS increased from 0.14 RM Sen to 0.83 RM Sen.Indonesia remains Samurai's largest market with 45% of total revenue or RM17.87 million for 1H2024 and Malaysia is the second largest market with 26% of total revenue or RM10.40 million for 1H2024.Cost of sales decreased by RM5.51 million or 20.05% from RM27.47 million in 1H2023 to RM21.96 million in 1H2024. The decrease was mainly due to the decrease in raw material and packing material costs. As a result, Gross Profit Margin was higher at 44.7% in 1H2024 compared to 34.3% in 1H2023.Overall expenses increased marginally by 0.7% from RM 15.22 million in 1H2023 to RM15.33 million for 1H2024. Administrative expenses in 1H2024 increased by RM0.98 million or 12.97%, mainly due to additional headcount which is in line with business expansion generally in new business development O2O (offline to online). This is offset by marketing and distribution expenses decreasing approximately by RM1.15 million or 15.86%, from RM7.24 million in 1H2023 to RM6.09 million in 1H2024 as well as a decrease in offline marketing activities. Finance expenses increased approximately by RM0.28 million or 61.42% from RM0.45 million in 1H2023 to RM0.73 million in 1H2024 mainly due to increase in drawdown of term loan for upgrading the new office building.Financial PositionThe Group's financial position remains robust with net assets of RM77.44 million as at 30 September 2023, compared to RM75.15 million as at 31 March 2023. As at 30 September 2023, net asset value per ordinary share is 23.15 RM Sen vs 22.46 RM Sen as at 31 March 2023. The Group has a total debt of RM 34.65 million and a cash balance of RM29.22 million as at 30 September 2023.Going ForwardThe Group expects the operating environment to be challenging over the next 12 months in the light of current international trade tensions, global geopolitics, and a slowdown in global economic growth. The Group will continue to intensify its marketing and business development efforts, and exercise prudent financial policies and cost control.The main thrust of its business strategy is the development of new products using innovative proprietary technologies as a differentiating factor for the enhancing of the Samurai brand name. This will go hand in hand with offline to online digital marketing taking advantage of its global reach, scalability, and the reaping of economies of scale.Meanwhile, the Group will continue to expand sales to emerging markets in Asia where demographics and income growth should provide some resilience in demand for aerosol paints and coating products.One of the new products the Group is focusing on will be Tintatek-an innovative color mixing, creation and matching product which is expected to be launched by the beginning of calendar year 2024.The Group continues to see growing demand for its products in the emerging markets of Asia amidst favorable its macroeconomic factors of demographics, urbanization, and higher consumer disposable income. It will therefore continue to expand its business footprint in these markets.This media release is to be read in conjunction with the Company's results announcement for 1H2024 posted on the SGX website on 14 November 2023.Reference:https://links.sgx.com/1.0.0/corporate-announcements/HBF3C8Y905OT1IKC/795efad7fc45d816baca2c94eda8c162de701e2b6f7d5167a40d8f626a67a8a4Issued by Samurai 2K Aerosol LimitedThis press release has been reviewed by UOB Kay Hian Private Limited (the "Sponsor").This press release has not been examined or approved by the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited ("SGX-ST") and the SGX-ST assumes no responsibility for the contents of this press release, including the correctness of any of the statements or opinions made or reports contained in this press release.The contact person for the Sponsor is Mr Lance Tan, Senior Vice President, who can be contacted at 8 Anthony Road #01-01, Singapore 229957, telephone (65) 6590 6881About Samurai 2K Aerosol Limited(SGX: Y8E)Samurai 2K Aerosol Ltd ("SAMURAI(R)") has been listed on the Catalist of the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited (the "SGX-ST") since January 2017. SAMURAI(R) is a fully integrated aerosol specialist that focuses on the repainting business as well as aftermarket for the automotive refinishing and refurbishing industry.SAMURAI(R) aims to be the world's most respected innovative aerosol system provider and offer the most innovative aerosol systems with the best user enjoyment and to create more job opportunities for all the sprayers in the world.SAMURAI(R) specializes in manufacturing 2-part aerosol paint which is a mix of resin and hardener within the same spray can. In 2000, Mr. Peter Kwasny, the German inventor of aerosol spray paint, invented the first 2K technology in aerosol spray paint, which allows two(2) separate components, namely paint and hardener into a single aerosol spray paint. In 2015, Mr. Ong Yoke En, Samurai's inventor and CEO, established a similar 2K technology and patented the first improved version of 2K technology. In 2016, SAMURAI(R) further developed from the earlier dual-head system to a single-head system aerosol spray paint, which penetrates the combination of the two (2) components thoroughly before application. This provides better performance in spraying experience and high level of durability.SAMURAI(R) regional office is situated in Singapore while research, product development, branding and manufacturing are conducted in Malaysia. Samurai's products are distributed worldwide to throughout Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, UK, USA, Singapore and India. Its range of products include Truck Bed Liner, Epoxy Marine Surface Primer, Marine Coating, Boat Deck Granular Textured Epoxy Primer, Automobile Body Epoxy Primer etc. For more information, please visit our official website at www.samurai2kaerosol.com.Media and Analysts Contact:Samurai 2K Aerosol LimitedMs. Saveena PrabakaranLegal Cum Relation ExecutiveEmail: saveena@samuraipaint.jpWaterbrooks Consultants Pte LtdMr. Wayne KooTel: +65 9338 8166Email: wayne.koo@waterbrooks.com.sgEmail: query@waterbrooks.com.sgSource: Samurai 2K Aerosol LimitedCopyright 2023 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved.
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / November 14, 2023 / Southwire

ENERGY & EMISSIONS

For decades, Southwire has been leading innovations that move the electrical industry forward. With each generation comes new challenges and opportunities that shape the future of our company, our industry and the world. In this era of our growth, climate change is a defining issue that we must actively address. That's how we'll ensure Southwire can continue to fulfill its mission for the next 100 years.

Our ambitious Carbon Zero objective drives our efforts to eliminate and offset our Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions. The road to progress includes increasing the use of renewable energy and reducing our overall energy consumption. Building on this momentum, in 2022, our Board Sustainability Committee approved Southwire's first Scope 3 emissions reduction goal. The objective: Implement six activities to reduce our Scope 3 carbon emissions by 2028. With the need for climate action more urgent than ever before, we're energized to tackle our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across all three Scopes.

OUR APPROACH TO RESPONSIBLE ENERGY MANAGEMENT

Southwire's environmental, health and safety (EHS) Management System, Policy and Principles outline our approach to protecting the environment and sustainably managing our energy usage through operational efficiency. We use internal and external benchmarking and audits to drive accountability while sharing best practices through our external partnerships and across Southwire's management teams.

"Southwire has demonstrated great leadership by setting a 100% Carbon Zero goal for its operations by 2025. We're proud to acknowledge the company's commitment to sustainability, which serves as an inspiration to others. It will be the collective efforts of the PSC and businesses like Southwire that move Georgia forward." - Tim Echols, Vice Chairman of the Georgia PSC

Standing Out for Our Sustainability Strides

In July 2022, the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) presented Southwire with its inaugural Energy Matters Award for Best Sustainability by a Large Company. Some of our recent successes that contributed to the award include:

Committing to being a founding member of the Drawdown Georgia Business Compact.

Participating in Georgia Power's Customer Renewal Supply Program.

Opening a new Copper Rod Plant that will utilize 100% renewable electricity.

Installing a solar canopy, solar-powered picnic tables and EV charging stations at our corporate headquarters.

Incorporating sustainability-linked pricing into our $1 billion asset-based loan facility.

Demonstrating leadership through our Carbon Zero objective.

CLIMATE RISK & OPPORTUNITIES

Addressing complex challenges begins by identifying potential risks and seeking opportunities for innovation. In the case of climate change, these factors will evolve over time, but we can start with what we know today. Extreme weather events are projected to become more frequent and intense, increasing risks such as flooding and severe storms, and straining power systems and grids. However, with demand for sustainable, clean energy and renewable solutions forecasted to rise, our company and customers have an opportunity to build worth.

In 2022, Southwire initiated a third-party climate assessment, which we plan to finalize and begin integrating into our enterprise risk management process in 2023. This will empower us to identify, prepare for and respond to potential climate-related risks, while harnessing opportunities to align climate action with long-term business resilience and success.

These efforts build on our previous initiatives to create a flood emergency response plan and establish winterization procedures. We have also implemented climate-minded infrastructure improvements to harden our operations.

ACCELERATING CARBON ZERO

Our Scope 1 and 2 emissions are generated through our operational activities and the energy we purchase to power our sites. We must stay vigilant in our efforts to address both areas of emissions to keep Southwire on track to achieve our Carbon Zero goal.

In 2022, we invested in widespread efforts to modernize our operations. In the short term, these activities and other factors caused our Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions to slightly increase. However, once completed, these modernization projects will enable us to operate more sustainably for years to come.

One example is our new investment with Sinclair Digital Services, which specializes in the design and implementation of advanced connected buildings. To boost energy efficiency, we partnered with Sinclair to design and implement PoE lighting at our Battery Atlanta office space in Georgia.

Meanwhile, in Carrollton, Ga., we completed construction of our new Southwire Continuous Rod (SCR) plant - a 100,000-square-foot facility with capacity to produce more copper rod than any other SCR rod system in the world. Once the site is fully functional, it will replace an older plant, thereby reducing Southwire's carbon footprint. Southwire has contracted with the Carroll EMC utility to provide the facility with 100% renewable electricity, the benefits of which will be fully revealed in 2023.

We will also begin to see the full benefits of a multi-phase initiative to address our carbon footprint through renewable energy credits (RECs). In 2021, Southwire contracted with Georgia Power and Constellation Energy to provide the environmental attributes (in the form of RECs) associated with new solar installations, which came online in two phases in the summer and fall of 2022.

With an eye toward reducing transportation-based emissions, we added new EV charging stations at our plants in Heflin, Ala., and Bremen, Ind. This brings us to a total of seven EV charging locations - including our Carrollton headquarters - with another location in Florence, Ala., currently underway. As we expand this infrastructure, we are exploring the potential to invest in a corporate EV fleet. In 2022, we partnered with master's students at Georgia Tech's Scheller College of Business for a semester-long project to assess the potential to move this initiative forward.

Driving Targeted Energy Reductions

Low cost. Easy implementation. Big payoff. It's a savvy strategy to move the needle on our operational emissions and accelerate energy reductions on a large scale.

In 2022, we took this approach to implement simple but effective energy-reduction practices at 13 high-priority sites. Collectively, these sites accounted for about 90% of our total energy consumption, making them prime candidates for energy efficiency improvements.

The projects ranged from switching to LED lighting to improving the sites' compressed air systems through leak detection and repairs. Of about 100 improvements we identified through the initiative, we completed approximately 95 throughout the year. We expect to see the benefits of these efforts begin to add up in 2023.

LAUNCHING OUR SCOPE 3 GOAL

Our Scope 3 emissions occur through activities in our wider value chain, such as material sourcing and product use. While Southwire doesn't directly contribute to these emissions, we can work with our suppliers, shipping partners and customers to actively promote and support reduction practices.

Throughout 2022, we worked closely with our Board Sustainability Committee to develop and solidify a goal to implement six activities to reduce our Scope 3 carbon emissions by 2028. Now that we have received the Board's approval, we are engaging our Global Sustainability team and leaders and subject matter experts throughout our organization to identify high-potential projects.

Seven Ways We're Reducing Our GHG Emissions

REDUCE ENERGY CONSUMPTION through energy efficiency projects and modernization efforts to update our facilities and equipment.

through energy efficiency projects and modernization efforts to update our facilities and equipment. INVEST IN CLEAN, RENEWABLE ENERGY such as solar panels, EV charging stations and alternative fuels, and support our electricity providers to shift to lower-carbon energy sources.

such as solar panels, EV charging stations and alternative fuels, and support our electricity providers to shift to lower-carbon energy sources. ESTABLISH POWER PURCHASE AGREEMENTS and virtual power purchase agreements for renewable applications on- and off-site.

and virtual power purchase agreements for renewable applications on- and off-site. PURCHASE RENEWABLE ENERGY CERTIFICATES AND CARBON OFFSETS to offset Southwire's carbon footprint and support carbon-reduction projects.

to offset Southwire's carbon footprint and support carbon-reduction projects. ENGAGE OUR SUPPLIERS to develop lower-carbon raw material and packaging solutions and encourage them to set their own carbon-reduction goals.

to develop lower-carbon raw material and packaging solutions and encourage them to set their own carbon-reduction goals. TEAM WITH SHIPPING PARTNERS to identify lower-emission transportation alternatives.

to identify lower-emission transportation alternatives. INNOVATE PRODUCTS AND SERVICES with sustainable attributes that support energy transition, electric transportation, improved efficiency and extended product life.

COLLABORATING TOWARD PROGRESS

When we work together, we can power transformation on a larger scale. At Southwire, we're inspired by the bold sustainability initiatives being led by industry associations, academic institutions, and nongovernmental organizations worldwide and in our own backyard. We seek out opportunities to engage these groups and accelerate progress toward our respective sustainability goals.

Our partnership with The Ray is a great example of how we can collaborate with organizations that align with our values and strengths. As one of their areas of focus, the Atlanta-based nonprofit promotes the deployment of roadside solar, EV charging and underground high-voltage transmission along interstate rights of way. Southwire team members serve on two of The Ray's councils, and our company provides the organization with funding and technical support. In September, we welcomed The Ray's Executive Director, Allie Kelly, as the keynote speaker of our annual Innovation Experience.

We also signed on as a partner with The Copper Mark, an assurance framework set up to promote the responsible production of copper along the value chain.

In addition, we continue to engage with:

100 Miles

Electric Utility Industry Sustainability Supply Chain Alliance

Georgia Tech

The Drawdown Georgia Business Compact

Overseeing & Integrating Our Energy & Emissions Strategy

Our corporate sustainability department manages our Energy and Emissions strategy, with support from our business group leaders, operations sustainability and environmental staff, energy procurement team and others. The sustainability and energy procurement staff evaluate opportunities to increase our use of renewable energy, while the operations teams seek opportunities to implement energy-saving measures at our sites.

Our executive vice president, general counsel, and chief sustainability officer is responsible for overseeing energy- and emissions-related data collection, goal progress and reporting. He provides updates to the Board Sustainability Committee, which guides our Energy and Emissions strategy and provides additional oversight of our performance. Learn more about corporate and sustainability governance at Southwire.

View the full 2022 Sustainability Report.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Southwire on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Southwire

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/southwire

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Southwire

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/803139/southwire-2022-sustainability-report-energy-emissions
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 14, 2023) - Fremont Gold Ltd. (TSXV: FSE) (OTCQB: FRERF) (FSE: FR20) ("Fremont" or the "Company is pleased to announce that the initial drill program at Vardenis has been completed for this field season.

Initial Vardenis Drill Campaign and Magnetometer Survey

The Company drilled a total of 770 meters in two holes at the Vardenis property during October and early November. The program was halted due to significant snow fall and frigid temperatures at the 2,700m elevation drill sites. Diamond drill hole VARD-01 was cored at the Razmik NW anomaly to 393.5m at an azimuth of 215 and inclination of -60, centered on high molybdenum geochemistry and porphyry-style veining and alteration. Diamond drill hole VARD-02, located approximately 1,600m SE of VARD-01, within the Razmik SE anomaly, was completed to 376.9m total depth at an azimuth of 230 and inclination of -65. It was also positioned over porphyry style veining and anomalous surface geochemistry (see news release dated October 30, 2023). Both holes encountered strongly altered, veined and brecciated volcanic host rock containing between 1% and 5% total sulfide mineralization over nearly their entire lengths. Observed sulfide mineralization comprises pyrite, enargite, chalcopyrite and molybdenite, more or less in that order, and is indicative of a fertile porphyry system. The core is currently being cut, logged and prepared for transport. The samples will be prepared (dried, crushed and split) in a local laboratory in Yerevan with a portion of the sample sent for geochemical analysis at the ALS laboratory in Romania. Results are expected in January and early February 2024.

A preliminary ground magnetometer survey was carried out at Vardenis from early September until late October, concentrating on the Razmik copper anomaly. The purpose of the survey is to better understand the subsurface geology and guide further drilling at Vardenis. The data is being processed by a geophysical consultant based in Scotland U.K. Results are expected within the next four weeks.





Veined and mineralized drill core from 258-262m depth, drill hole VARD-01

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3169/187319_3d22e408d425daf3_002full.jpg





Vardenis drill hole locations

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3169/187319_3d22e408d425daf3_003full.jpg

Urasar Work Commences

Fremont is also pleased to announce the commencement of a geochemical soil sample survey at the Company's other Armenian property, the Urasar Mineral District in northern Armenia, which is at a lower elevation than Vardenis. Urasar was worked by Soviet government teams in the 1950s and 1960s, resulting in the identification of three mineralized zones and four geochemically anomalous zones for follow-up work (see news release dated October 10, 2023).

The spacing of the soil sample grid will be denser over the areas of interest identified by Soviet geologists as shown in the figures below.





Urasar license: geochemical sample grid above and anomalous zones defined by Soviets geologists

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3169/187319_fremonturasar_full.jpg





A ground mag survey is also planned at Urasar, but due to the approaching snows, it will be conducted next spring.

Dennis Moore, Fremont's President and CEO, states, "We are encouraged by the veining, alteration and mineralization encountered in the first two drill holes at Vardenis and eagerly await the laboratory results. The second phase of the diamond drill program at Vardenis is planned for spring 2024.

The Company expects that the ongoing geochemical survey at Urasar will be completed before significant snowfall occurs. Based on both the Company's previous reconnaissance sampling and historical exploration work carried out by Soviet geologists in the 1960s, we are optimistic that this survey will demonstrate large, robust geochemical anomalies for both copper and gold.

Griffon

The Company's Griffon project in White Pine County, Nevada will be returned to Pilot Gold (USA) Inc. ("Pilot"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Liberty Gold Corp., in November. The termination of the option agreement with Pilot follows from the Company's decision to shift focus from its Nevada projects to its copper-gold projects in the central Tethyan belt of Armenia (see news release dated August 28, 2023). Fremont is seeking strategic alternatives for its two other Nevada gold projects, Cobb Creek and Hurricane.

About Fremont Gold

Fremont's mine-finding management team has assembled a portfolio of potential world-class copper-gold mineral opportunities within the central Tethyan belt of Armenia, while using existing company infrastructure in Nevada to stake lithium brine and lithium clay prospects which are currently in the process of being vended.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Dennis Moore

President and CEO, interim Chairman

For further information, contact:

Telephone: +351 9250 62196

www.fremontgold.net

https://twitter.com/GoldFremont

https://www.linkedin.com/company/fremont-gold/

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward looking statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this news release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements including, without limitation, statements regarding future exploration programs at each of Vardenis and Urasar, completion of the sale of lithium brine and lithium clay prospects in Nevada, completion of the sale of the Cobb Creek and Hurricane gold properties in Nevada and capital requirements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations including the risks detailed from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulations. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company will update or revise publicly any of the included forward-looking statements only as expressly required by Canadian securities law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/187319
Poultry industry leaders unite over industry principles to reduce the need to use antimicrobials in an effort to combat antimicrobial resistance

Antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections can contribute to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) that spreads amongst human, animal, and plant populations, weakening our ability to prevent and treat future infections. To effectively tackle AMR and reduce its impact on global health security, the USAID-funded Transformational Farm Output Risk Mitigation (TRANSFORM) project is leveraging multi-sectoral interventions using the One Health approach that recognizes the interdependencies between the health of humans, animals, and the environment. As part of TRANSFORM, the International Poultry Council (IPC) is driving global change within animal agriculture by uniting poultry industry associations and private sector organizations to support antimicrobial use stewardship principles that guide actions to avoid the need to use, but when needed, ensure proper use of antimicrobials.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231114375683/en/

USAID-funded TRANSFORM unites global poultry industry in an effort to combat antimicrobial resistance (Photo: Business Wire)

Today, 11 organizations announce their commitment to antimicrobial use stewardship principles that reduce the need to use antimicrobials at the farm level. These organizations are commended for recognizing the importance of antimicrobial use stewardship:

Animal Husbandry Association of Vietnam (AHAV)

Asociacion Latinoamericana de Avicultura (ALA)

British Poultry Council (BPC)

Canadian Poultry Egg Processors (CPEP)

Cargill, Inc., a global agribusiness

Chicken Farmers of Canada (CFC)

Hoa Phat, a Vietnam-based company

McDonald's, a global foodservice provider

Srinivasa Farms, an India-based company

Turkey Farmers of Canada (TFC)

Tyson Foods, a United States-based company

These organizations join eight others that have already adopted or endorsed the principles, including Brazilian Association of Animal Protein (ABPA), Federacion Nacional de Avicultores de Colombia (FENAVI), Poultry Federation of India (PFI), Unione Nazionale Filiere Agroalimentari Carni e Uova (UNAITALIA), Thai Broiler Processing Exporters Association (TBA), Vietnam Poultry Association (VIPA), DABACO Group and Kenchic Limited.

"Each of the 19 organizations that have endorsed or adopted the antimicrobial use stewardship principles brings us closer to our goal of an industry-wide commitment," said Robin Horel, IPC President. "We're inspired by the private sector leadership that has been demonstrated thus far, and hope others are motivated to take action to proactively reduce risks to their flocks and beyond."

Collectively, these organizations reach over 100 countries and represent over 30% of global poultry meat production spanning all sectors of poultry production from fully integrated systems to small farms. Each organization demonstrates industry leadership in their commitment to these principles, recognizing that action starts at the farm.

By adopting or endorsing the principles, organizations commit to encouraging or taking action that centers around four key points. First, organizations agree to take a risk-based approach around each instance of antimicrobial use and consider why, when, which and how much to administer. Second, organizations agree to adopt farm management practices that improve animal health and would reduce the need for antimicrobial use. Third, organizations commit to using antimicrobials only in compliance with national authorizations and, fourth, that antimicrobials critically important for human medicine should only be used under a supervising veterinarian's diagnosis and oversight.

"Through the One Health approach, we know that human health is linked with the health of animals," said Annie Kneedler, Chief of Party for TRANSFORM. "By advancing science-based antimicrobial use stewardship principles, we are able to create an ecosystem where animal health improves, the need for antibiotic use decreases, and animal production increases. These collective efforts contribute to the Global Health Security Agenda goals of reducing the risk of antimicrobial resistance and zoonotic diseases, lessening their impacts on the health of humans around the world."

Led by a private-sector consortium that includes Cargill, Heifer International and IPC, TRANSFORM is working in Kenya, India and Vietnam to advance market-driven animal health solutions that increase global health security by combatting zoonotic disease and AMR. By working throughout the value chain, TRANSFORM aims to drive lasting, systemic change through on-farm practices, holistic animal nutrition research, antimicrobial use stewardship, and access to finance to support animal health and economic sustainability.

For more information about TRANSFORM, visit www.cargill.com/sustainability/transform.

About Cargill

Cargill helps the world's food system work for you. We connect farmers with markets, customers with ingredients and families with daily essentials-from the foods they eat to the floors they walk on. Our 160,000-plus team members around the world innovate with purpose, empowering our partners and communities as we work to nourish the world in a safe, responsible, sustainable way.

From feed that reduces methane emissions to waste-based renewable fuels, the possibilities are boundless. But our values remain the same. We put people first. We reach higher. We do the right thing. It's how we've met the needs of the people we call neighbors and the planet we call home for 158 years-and how we'll do so for generations to come. For more information, visit Cargill.com and our News Center.

About International Poultry Council

The International Poultry Council is the unified voice of the global poultry sector that represents 86% of poultry meat exports and 73% of the volume of poultry meat production. IPC works to strengthen communication between the industries of different countries, promotes a common global understanding of and confidence in poultry products, represents the global poultry sector with international organizations and agencies, shares science-based solutions and information across the whole poultry supply chain, promotes a balanced regulatory framework to support a fair global playing field and promotes, supports and encourages the sustainable development of animal production for global food security.

About USAID

USAID is the world's premier international development agency and a catalytic actor driving development results. USAID's work advances U.S. national security and economic prosperity, demonstrates American generosity, and promotes a path to recipient self-reliance and resilience. The purpose of foreign aid should be ending the need for its existence, and we provide development assistance to help partner countries on their own development journey to self-reliance looking at ways to help lift lives, build communities, and establish self-sufficiency.

About Animal Husbandry Association of Vietnam

Vietnam Animal Husbandry Association (AHAV) is the largest and earliest established professional social organization of the livestock and veterinary industry, operating nationwide for the past 32 years. AHAV includes 152 organizations, 32 of which are branches at provinces and cities and 120 are companies, universities, and research institutes; with 18,000 members, including 23 professors and associate professors; 78 PhDs; over 300 masters specializing in animal husbandry and veterinary medicine.

About Asociacion Latinoamericana de Avicultura

Asociacion Latinoamericana de Avicultura (ALA) is a non-profit institution that applies principles of equity and transparency in its coalition of the Latin American poultry industry and its member countries. The organization aims to exchange and disseminate technical and scientific knowledge, good practices and experiences while respecting the environment and promoting healthy competition.

About British Poultry Council

The British Poultry Council (BPC) is the leading UK trade association for poultry meat producers and their supply chains through breeding, farming, and processing. The BPC is there to ensure its members have a fair regulatory system and addresses business critical issues as varied as avian influenza, global trade, bird welfare, antibiotic use, and the social benefits of poultry meat.?

About Canadian Poultry and Egg Processors

Canadian Poultry and Egg Processors (CPEP) is the national trade organization representing the interests of more than 170 Canadian poultry processing, egg grading and processing and hatchery establishments. ?Representing some of the largest agri-food corporations in Canada, our member companies process over 90% of Canada's chicken, turkey, eggs and hatching eggs. This economic activity generates over $7 billion in retail sales. To accomplish this, our members have invested over $2.5 billion in plant and equipment, and directly employ more than 28,000 Canadian workers.

About Chicken Farmers of Canada

Chicken Farmers of Canada (CFC) is a national, farmer-run organization, funded completely by farmers. CFC's main responsibility is to ensure that our 2,800 farmers produce the right amount of fresh, safe, high-quality chicken to meet consumer needs. The evolving risk-management system that we operate under is commonly known as "supply management". Through on-farm programs such as the food safety program, the animal care program, and biosecurity initiatives, CFC works closely with government partners and industry stakeholders to keep the industry innovative and responsive.?

About Hoa Phat

Hoa Phat Group, Hoa Phat Poultry Co., Ltd., has been raising breeding chickens and producing clean eggs since 2016. Hoa Phat has invested in building one of Vietnam's leading, high-tech, large-scale chicken farms in Phu Tho with a capacity of 22,000 parent stock chickens and 1.2 million layers each year. Hoa Phat Poultry is also the biggest producer and supplier of clean chicken eggs in the North of Vietnam with the capacity of nearly 900,000 clean eggs every day.

About McDonald's

McDonald's is the world's leading global foodservice retailer with nearly 40,000 locations in over 100 countries. Approximately 95% of McDonald's restaurants worldwide are owned and operated by independent local business owners.

About Srinivasa Farms

At Srinivasa Farms, we are passionate about food. We believe food is more than just an experience, it's a vehicle for good health and nourishment. We have been a brand leader in the Indian Poultry Industry since 1965, and our areas of operations include Poultry Production, Poultry Breeding (Layer Broiler), Animal Feed Production, Soya Extraction, Chicken Processing, Chicken Retail Chain Mega Food Park. With diverse portfolio of products and services, we currently have operations in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Assam and further expanding rapidly across pan India.?

About Turkey Farmers of Canada

Turkey Farmers of Canada (TFC) is the national organization representing Canada's 510+ turkey farmers, specifically, and the Canadian turkey sector generally in partnership with downstream stakeholders. TFC was established in 1974. ?TFC encourages cooperation throughout the Canadian turkey industry, promotes the consumption of turkey meat, and oversees the national supply management system for marketing turkeys.

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ATLANTA, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Cyble announced the successful completion of its Series B funding round, securing an additional $6.2 million. In July, Cyble had secured $24 million in the initial tranche of its Series B funding. With this latest investment, the company has officially closed the entire funding round at $30.2 million.

Summit Peak Ventures (US) and King River Capital (US) spearheaded this funding initiative, featuring contributions from Care Super (Australia) and BlackBird Ventures (Australasia), along with other key investors. This recent funding milestone underscores the surging appetite for cutting-edge AI threat intelligence solutions in the industry.

"Our mission at Cyble is to democratize Cyber Threat Intelligence, to confront cyber threats head-on, and this funding catapults us further toward that goal," noted Beenu Arora, Co-founder and CEO of Cyble.

"We're thrilled to have the unwavering support of an expanded investor base that shares our goals and values. The world's digital frontier demands innovation, and our investors' trust fuels our relentless pursuit of cutting-edge AI-powered cybersecurity" he added.

Manish Chachada, Co-founder, and COO of Cyble, commented, "This capital infusion is a resounding vote of confidence in Cyble's vision to reshape the cybersecurity landscape through the precise application of AI and ML technology."

Cyble has pioneered the rapid evolution of AI and ML-driven solutions that enhance accuracy and reporting. The firm is entering its next growth phase with a renewed focus on accelerating R&D initiatives to advance its threat intelligence portfolio further with Cyble Vision (AI-Powered Cyber Threat Intelligence) and Cyble Hawk (AI-Powered Cyber Threat Investigation for Federal Bodies). It is also aiming for further global expansion and establishing strong partnerships with Cyble Odin (Search Engine for Internet Scanned Assets) and AmIBreached (Dark Web Exposure Monitoring) to enhance its cybersecurity posture and offerings.

About Cyble

Cyble is the world's fastest growing cybersecurity company which provides the most comprehensive coverage across adversaries, infrastructure, exposure, weaknesses, and targets.

Cyble leverages AI and ML to empower governments and enterprises to safeguard their citizens and infrastructure by providing timely critical intelligence.

Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, and with offices in Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, and India, Cyble has a global presence. To learn more about Cyble, visit http://www.cyble.com/request-demo

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CHICAGO, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A move to cloud-based solutions, deeper integration with security and Zero Trust frameworks, and an emphasis on mobile and remote workforce assistance characterise the Identity as a Service (IDaaS) market's future. The development of IDaaS will also be significantly influenced by compliance adherence, AI-driven improvements, and advanced authentication techniques.

The global IDaaS Market size is projected to grow from USD 7.0 billion in 2023 to USD 21.4 billion by 2028 at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 25.0% during the forecast period, according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets.The rise in identity and authentication frauds and the adoption of advanced authentication techniques across verticals drive the growth of the IDaaS Market. Moreover, ownership and privacy challenges may hinder market growth.

Browse in-depth TOC on "IDaaS Market"

281 - Tables

44 - Figures

367 - Pages

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Scope of the Report

Report Metrics Details Market size available for years 2017-2028 Base year considered 2022 Forecast period 2023-2028 Forecast units Value (USD Million/USD Billion) Segments Covered Component, deployment type, verticals and regions Geographies covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America Companies covered Major vendors in the global IDaaS Market include Okta (US), Microsoft (US), Thales (France), Ping Identity (US), IBM (US), Atos (France), Oracle (US), Salesforce (US), Google (US), CyberArk (US), OpenText (Canada), SailPoint (US), VMware (US), HCL Tech (India), Entrust (US), SecureAuth (US), Simeio (US), Ilantus Technology (India), LoginRadius (US), JumpCloud (US), IDNow (Germany), One Identity (US), 1Kosmos (US), Idenfy (Lithuania), ShareID (France)

Based on component, the single sign-on is expected to grow at a highest CAGR during the forecasted period.

Single Sign-on (SSO) is a form of authentication by which users can access multiple computer platforms or applications present on-premises of an organization or through the cloud by logging in only once. The process saves a lot of time for users by authenticating users for all the applications they have been entitled to. SSO enables them to focus on a required task without remembering multiple usernames and password combinations. - SSO lowers IT costs by saving time on password resets. When apps require a different username and password for every employee, there is a high chance that employees will forget passwords-which means help tickets for password reset pile up. Technologies like AI enable SSO systems to track user activity constantly during a session, guaranteeing that only authorized users can access secured resources.

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By deployment type, private cloud segment is expected to grow at a highest CAGR during the forecast period.

Private cloud refers to computing wherein the computing resource is accessed by a single organization and restricted to external entities. Organizations that invest in their on-premises data centers can also use it as a private deployment type. Private Cloud enables a company to have better control over its data and reduce risks, such as data loss and issues related to regulatory compliance. The flexibility allows businesses to adapt identity management services to their unique workflows and compliance requirements, ensuring that the solution aligns precisely with their operational goals. Private cloud IDaaS solutions provide organizations with a greater degree of control and data sovereignty. It is particularly appealing to businesses operating in highly regulated industries or regions with strict data privacy requirements.

By region, Asia Pacific is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

Asia Pacific region consists of some of the fastest growing economies like India and China. Asia Pacific has seen cutting-edge technology's advanced and rapid adoption as a profitable security product and service market. Even though the area implements the most recent security solutions, it is frequently the target of attacks. Developing countries such as India are moving towards the rapid digitalization of processes through different initiatives taken by governments to increase the use of mobile applications and web-based applications across sectors such as BFSI, retail, and IT. The growing digitization in the Asia Pacific is driving IDaaS demand.

Top Key Companies in IDaaS Market

Okta (US), Microsoft (US), Thales (France), Ping Identity (US), IBM (US), Atos (France), Oracle (US), Salesforce (US), Google (US), CyberArk (US), OpenText (Canada), SailPoint (US), VMware (US), HCL Tech (India), Entrust (US), SecureAuth (US), Simeio (US), Ilantus Technology (India), LoginRadius (US), JumpCloud (US), IDNow (Germany), One Identity (US), 1Kosmos (US), Idenfy (Lithuania), ShareID (France) are the key players and other players in the IDaaS Market.

Recent Developments

 In September 2023, Eviden, a security industry leader inside the Atos Group, announced a partnership with HID Global. Through the agreement, businesses employing HID technology for logical and physical access control aims to use Eviden's Identity and Access Management suite to access their digital assets.

 In May 2023, Ping Identity launched PingOne Protect, a new fraud detection and risk management service. By integrating Identity and Access Management (IAM) with comprehensive, intelligence-based fraud detection across the entire user experience, PingOne Protect adopts a distinctive strategy for threat protection.

 In December 2022, Thales Group partnered with Zimbra. In the partnership, Zimbra will utilize Thales Group's SafeNet Trusted Access (STA) to provide SSO, policy configuration, and MFA.

 In November 2022, Okta launched Okta Customer Identity Cloud, an easy-to-implement and customizable customer identity solution. The Okta Customer Identity Cloud for Consumer Apps helps any organization with advanced security features like Adaptive MFA.

 In September 2022, Microsoft partnered with Silverfort to bring unified identity protection to on-premises and cloud. Silverfort developed a unified identity protection system with the aid of Microsoft's MFA.

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IDaaS Market Advantages:

 IDaaS solutions offer flexibility for remote and mobile workforce requirements and may be quickly scaled to meet changing user demands and organisational expansion.

 To increase security and compliance, IDaaS provides strong identity and access management, including multifactor authentication and adaptive access controls.

 Organisations can save infrastructure and maintenance expenses associated with on-premises systems by moving identity management to the cloud.

 Single sign-on (SSO) and user-friendly self-service capabilities are common IDaaS solutions that improve user experience and lower friction.

 By centralising user identity and access management, IDaaS makes it easier to administer and enforce policies across a range of services and apps.

 Access to a variety of services can be more easily managed because to the pre-built connectors that many IDaaS providers offer with a broad range of third-party applications.

Report Objectives:

 To describe and forecast the global IDaaS Market by component, deployment type, vertical, and region.

 To forecast the market size of five main regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America

 To analyze the subsegments of the market concerning individual growth trends, prospects, and contributions to the overall market

 To provide detailed information on significant factors (drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges) influencing the market's growth

 To analyze the opportunities in the market for stakeholders and provide the competitive landscape details of major players

 To profile the key players of the IDaaS Market and comprehensively analyze their market shares and core competencies

 Track and analyze competitive developments, such as mergers and acquisitions (M&A), new product developments, and partnerships and collaborations in the market.

Browse Adjacent Market: Information Security Market Research Reports & Consulting

Browse Other Reports:

Zero Trust Security Market - Global Forecast to 2028

Security Service Edge Market - Global Forecast to 2028

Privileged Access Management Market - Global Forecast to 2028

Mobile Threat Defense Market - Global Forecast to 2028

Digital Forensics Market - Global Forecast to 2028

About MarketsandMarkets

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MarketsandMarkets is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. We have the widest lens on emerging technologies, making us proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients.

Earlier this year, we made a formal transformation into one of America's best management consulting firms as per a survey conducted by Forbes.

The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion of new revenue streams that are substituting existing revenue streams in this decade alone. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines - TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing.

Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we work with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies - helping them stay relevant in a disruptive ecosystem. Our insights and strategies are molded by our industry experts, cutting-edge AI-powered Market Intelligence Cloud, and years of research. The KnowledgeStore (our Market Intelligence Cloud) integrates our research, facilitates an analysis of interconnections through a set of applications, helping clients look at the entire ecosystem and understand the revenue shifts happening in their industry.

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Demand for occupational medicines will increase in the coming years due to rising regulatory compliance and a rise in education.

WILMINGTON, Del., Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Occupational medicine generated US$ 15.7 billion in 2022. Based on TMR's estimations, the occupational medicine market is expected to reach US$ 22.5 billion by 2031. The market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 3.8% through 2031.

Companies are increasingly implementing wellness programs to enhance employee well-being and productivity. These programs aim to meet employees' healthcare needs on a proactive and reactive basis through occupational medicine. Employees and employers benefit from occupational medicine by reducing absences, improving productivity, and reducing long-term healthcare costs through early detection and prevention.

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A regular occupational health assessment may be required or encouraged by insurance companies. Investment in occupational medicine services may help employers reduce insurance costs and claims risk. Demand for occupational medicine services can increase as companies, employees, and the public become more aware of occupational health's importance.

Occupational medicine has been highlighted as important during global health crises due to events such as the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, occupational health has gained a greater awareness of its role in preparing and responding to pandemics. Mental health is becoming increasingly important in the workplace. Employees who suffer from stress, anxiety, and burnout are increasingly utilizing mental health services offered by occupational medicine practitioners.

Occupational health is increasingly using data analytics. Identifying trends, assessing risks, and developing strategies for improving employee safety and health have become common methods of improving employee safety and health.

Occupational Medicines Market Report Scope:

Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2023-2031 Base Year 2017-2021 Size in 2022 US$ 15.7 Bn Forecast (Value) in 2031 US$ 22.5 Bn Growth Rate (CAGR) 3.8 % No. of Pages 210 Pages Segments covered Type, Delivery Model, Industry, Application



Key Findings of Market Report

A growing concern about employee safety and well-being fuels market growth.

Worldwide occupational medicine sales are expected to come from the urgent care segment.

Based on the delivery model, occupational medicines are dominated by onsite healthcare centers.

A rapid growth rate is projected for the construction and real estate segment during the forecast period.

A significant share of occupational medicines worldwide are consumed by those suffering from chronic respiratory diseases.

Global Occupational Medicines Market: Growth Drivers

The health and safety of employees is becoming increasingly important to companies. A workplace health assessment plays an important role in determining the suitability of employees for a specific job and identifying any potential health hazards.

Governments and regulatory bodies continually update and enforce occupational health and safety regulations. Implementing occupational health programs is often required to meet these regulations, which drives demand for occupational medicine services.

In recent years, work-related illnesses and conditions like musculoskeletal disorders, respiratory disorders, and stress-related disorders have become increasingly common. As a result, occupational medicine should emphasize prevention methods and early intervention.

Workers are increasingly moving across borders due to globalization. Medical fitness for international assignments and compliance with various health standards are made possible by occupational health services.

Health monitoring tools and telemedicine are among the advances in medical technology that have enhanced the abilities of occupational health professionals. Data management, surveillance, and health assessments can be simplified with these technologies.

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Global Occupational Medicines Market: Regional Landscape

The occupational medicines market in North America is expected to hold a substantial share during the forecast period. A rising number of research and development activities and increased investment will drive demand in the coming years. A more extensive awareness campaign is being conducted by government agencies and launching new products to increase occupational medicine demand in the market.

A 2010 survey by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics found that 296,530 sprains, tears, and strains at work resulted in 1,380 cases. Injuries arising from workplaces are expected to drive growth in the studied market during the forecast period.

Global Occupational Medicines Market: Key Players

Globally, there are many players operating in a fragmented market. Collaboration with established players in the occupational medicine market is becoming increasingly important to companies.

Concentra, Inc.

WorkCare, Inc.

Occucare International

Workwell Occupational Medicine, LLC.

HealthWorks Medical, LLC

WebPT

Nova Medical Center

MED-1 Occupational Health Services

Key Developments

In November 2023, the Occupational Health Clinic Network of the New York State Department of Health Awarded Mount Sinai Selikoff Centers for Occupational Health two new five-year contracts worth more than $12 million. New York City will receive 1,341,000 annually, and the Mid-Hudson Valley will receive $1,085,000 annually for injured and sick workers.

In November 2023, Cority launched its Enhanced Occupational Medicine Solution, a leading global enterprise EHS software provider for hospitals, healthcare systems, and organizations that provide healthcare services to employers within their communities. With this digital solution, occupational medicine clinics can deliver high-quality services, optimize clinical workflows, increase patient satisfaction, and increase revenue.

Global Occupational Medicines Market: Segmentation

By Type Vaccination Urgent Care Travel Medicine Training Telemedicine Others

By Delivery Model Onsite Healthcare Centers Offsite Healthcare Centers Mobile Healthcare Centers Telehealth Field/Home Visits Medical Camps

By Industry Agriculture & Forestry Construction & Real Estate Manufacturing Petroleum & Mining Transportation Other

By Application Occupational Cancer Chemical Poisoning Chronic Respiratory Diseases Musculoskeletal Disorders Non-induced Hearing Loss & Vibration Psychological Disorders Skin Disorders Others

By Region North America Europe Asia Pacific Middle East & Africa Latin America



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More Trending Report by Transparency Market Research:

Gout Therapeutics Market : Gout therapeutics market is anticipated to reach more than US$ 4.9 Bn by the end of 2031 and to grow at a CAGR of 8.4% from 2022 to 2031

Epilepsy Therapeutics Market : Epilepsy therapeutics market is anticipated to reach more than US$ 14.9 Bn by the end of 2031 and to grow at a CAGR of 3.5% from 2022 to 2031

Dental Anesthetics Market: Dental anesthetics market is expected to exceed US$ 904.1 Mn by the end of 2031, growing at a CAGR of 2.6% from 2022 to 2031.

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JERSEY CITY, N.J., Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- InsightAce Analytic Pvt. Ltd. announces the release of a market assessment report on the "Global Pulsed Field Ablation Market- By Therapeutic Area (Cardiovascular Disorders, Oncological Disorders, Respiratory Disorders, Dermatological Disorders), By Product Components (Catheter, Generator, By Application Area (Ablation, Ablation and Mapping), By Source of Ablation (Pulsed Field Energy, Pulsed Field and Radiofrequency Energy, Pulsed Field and Cryoablation Energy)), Trends, Industry Competition Analysis, Revenue and Forecast To 2031."

According to the latest research by InsightAce Analytic, the Global Pulsed Field Ablation Market is expected to represent a CAGR of 38.51% during a forecast period of 2023-2031.

Pulsed Field Ablation Market Report Scope

Report Attribute Specifications Growth Rate CAGR CAGR of 38.51 % from 2023 to 2031 Quantitative Units Representation of revenue in US$ Million and CAGR from 2023 to 2031 Historic Year 2019 to 2022 Forecast Year 2023-2031 Report Coverage The forecast of revenue, the position of the company, the competitive market structure, growth prospects, and trends Segments Covered By Therapeutic Area, Product Components, Application Areas, Source of Ablation Regional Scope North America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Latin America; Middle East & Africa Country Scope U.S.; Canada; Germany; China; India; Japan; Brazil; Mexico; The UK; France; Italy; Spain; China; Japan; India; South Korea; Southeast Asia Competitive Landscape AccuPulse Medical, Acutus Medical Adagio Medical , AngioDynamics , Arga Medtech , AtriAN Medical , Biosense Webster , Boston Scientific , CardioFocus, CathRx, CRC EP , Galvanize Therapeutics , Gradient Medical , Hangzhou Dinova EP Technology , Kardium, Medtronic, Abbott, Mirai Medical, Pulse Biosciences and Tianjin Intelligent Health Medica, ElectroPhysiology Frontiers, EnChannel Medical.

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Recent Developments

In May 2023, Abbott declared that its TactiFlex Ablation Catheter, Sensor Enabled, has been approved by the FDA. This, according to the manufacturer, is the first ablation catheter in the world to feature a flexible tip and contact force technology. Additionally, the TactiFlex catheter was integrated with Abbott's EnSite X EP System, which enabled more precise visualization of cardiac anatomy by physicians.

Abbott declared that its TactiFlex Ablation Catheter, Sensor Enabled, has been approved by the FDA. This, according to the manufacturer, is the first ablation catheter in the world to feature a flexible tip and contact force technology. Additionally, the TactiFlex catheter was integrated with Abbott's EnSite X EP System, which enabled more precise visualization of cardiac anatomy by physicians. In March 2023, The Medtronic PulseSelect PFA System demonstrated exceptional results in the pioneering PULSED AF global IDE trial. The primary objective of PULSED AF was to assess the reliability and efficacy of the PulseSelect System in adult patients with a documented medical history of symptomatic paroxysmal or persistent AF that was resistant to medication treatment.

Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) is a medical technology used to treat cardiac arrhythmias, particularly atrial fibrillation (AF). Market is a minimally invasive procedure that uses high-energy electrical fields to create localized lesions in the heart tissue, disrupting the abnormal electrical pathways causing arrhythmia. Furthermore, PFA technology was evolving, with efforts to make the procedure safer, more precise, and more accessible to a broader range of patients. Research and development efforts were focused on enhancing catheter designs, energy delivery mechanisms, and mapping technologies to improve patient outcomes. PFA devices and procedures were subject to regulatory approvals by health authorities in different countries.

Additionally, regulatory clearance and reimbursement status varied by region, impacting market adoption rates and faced challenges related to its complexity and the need for specialized training. Furthermore, the cost of PFA procedures and competition from other atrial fibrillation treatment methods, such as radiofrequency ablation and medication, posed challenges for market penetration.

List of Prominent Players in the Pulsed Field Ablation Market:

AccuPulse Medical

Acutus Medical

Adagio Medical

AngioDynamics

Arga Medtech

AtriAN Medical

Biosense Webster

Boston Scientific

CardioFocus

CathRx

CRC EP

Galvanize Therapeutics

Gradient Medical

Hangzhou Dinova EP Technology

Kardium

Medtronic

Abbott

Mirai Medical

Pulse Biosciences

Tianjin Intelligent Health Medica

ElectroPhysiology Frontiers

EnChannel Medical

Others

Market Dynamics:

Drivers-

The PFA market was expected to continue growing as the technology matured and gained wider acceptance among electrophysiologists and patients. However, the pace of growth and market dynamics may have shifted in the years following my last update. Ongoing research and development efforts have led to technological advancements in PFA systems. Improved catheter designs, enhanced energy delivery mechanisms, and more advanced mapping technologies are making PFA procedures safer and more effective, attracting healthcare providers and patients. Educational efforts by medical professionals and healthcare organizations are increasing awareness about AF and its treatment options, including PFA. As more patients and physicians become informed about PFA, demand for the procedure is likely to rise.

Challenges:

PFA was relatively new, and there might have been limited long-term clinical data available to demonstrate its safety and efficacy compared to established techniques like radiofrequency ablation. This could impact adoption by healthcare providers and payers. Obtaining regulatory approval from agencies in the United States or the CE Mark in Europe can be a lengthy and expensive. Ensuring that PFA systems meet regulatory requirements was a significant hurdle for companies in this market. The PFA market might have been limited by the size of the patient population with specific arrhythmias. Smaller patient populations could limit the market's overall growth potential.

Regional Trends:

The North America Pulsed Field Ablation market is expected to register a major market share. Increasing awareness among patients about the availability of PFA as a treatment option was important. This required educational efforts by healthcare providers and device manufacturers. The PFA market in North America was poised for growth due to the increasing incidences of atrial fibrillation and the demand for more effective and less invasive treatment options. Besides, Europe had a substantial share of the market. European healthcare institutions and electrophysiology centres were adopting PFA technology for the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias, including AFib. Adoption rates varied across different European countries and healthcare facilities. Companies developing PFA devices were seeking regulatory approvals, including the CE Mark, necessary for commercializing medical devices in Europe. Compliance with European regulations was a key factor in market entry.

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Segmentation of Pulsed Field Ablation Market-

By Therapeutic Area

Cardiovascular Disorders

Oncological Disorders

Respiratory Disorders

Dermatological Disorders

By Product Components

Catheter

Generator

By Application Area

Ablation

Ablation and Mapping

By Source of Ablation

Pulsed Field Energy

Pulsed Field and Radiofrequency Energy

Pulsed Field and Cryoablation Energy

By Region-

North America- The US Canada Mexico

Europe- Germany The UK France Italy Spain Rest of Europe

Asia-Pacific- China Japan India South Korea Southeast Asia Rest of Asia Pacific

Latin America- Brazil Argentina Rest of Latin America

Middle East & Africa- GCC Countries South Africa Rest of Middle East and Africa



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Why should buy this report:

To receive a comprehensive analysis of the prospects for the global pulsed field ablation market

To receive an industry overview and future trends in the global pulsed field ablation market

To analyze the pulsed field ablation market drivers and challenges

To get information on the pulsed field ablation market size value (US$ Mn) forecast till 2031

Major Investments, Mergers & Acquisitions in the global pulsed field ablation industry

Other Related Reports Published by InsightAce Analytic:

Sensor-based Smart Catheters Market

Catheter Introducer Sheaths Market

Cardiac Autonomic Control Market

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The "Global Customer Experience (CX) Outsourced Market (2023 Edition) Analysis By Service Channel, End-User, By Region, By Country: Drivers, Trends and Forecast to 2029" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The Global Customer Experience (CX) outsourcing Market is expected to generate USD 173.68 Billion by the end of 2029, up from USD 90.87 Billion in 2022. During the forecast period, 2024-2029, the Global Customer Experience (CX) Outsourced Market is expected to expand at a CAGR of ~10%.

The Global Customer Experience (CX) outsourced Market has been analyzed for the historical period of 2019-2022, the estimated year 2023 and the forecast period of 2024-2029. The report analyses the market by Americas (United States, Canada, Brazil, Rest of Americas), Europe (UK, Germany, France, Spain, Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India), Middle East and Africa.

The CX outsourcing industry is experiencing significant growth, thanks in part to major companies adapting to changing requirements. In today's consumer-centric market, the demand for outsourced CX services is steadily rising, with customer experience (CX) gaining prominence in corporate strategies.

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of a comprehensive CX and resilient contact center operation. Companies have recognized that prioritizing CX is essential to meeting customer expectations and ensuring business resilience.

Technological advancements are driving a transformation in the Customer Experience (CX) Outsourcing Market. From artificial intelligence (AI) and automation to cloud-based solutions, CX outsourcing providers are leveraging technology to redefine customer support services.

Notably, the integration of AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants stands out as a significant development. These intelligent tools enable instant responses to customer queries, leading to improved response times and customer satisfaction. Chatbots handle routine inquiries, allowing human agents to focus on more complex interactions, enhancing efficiency and cost savings.

Technological innovations, including AI, automation, big data analytics, and cloud solutions, are reshaping how businesses approach customer support services. As CX outsourcing providers embrace these advancements, they are poised to deliver exceptional, personalized customer experiences, solidifying their role as a vital component of modern business strategies.

Scope of the Report:

The report analyses the Global Customer experience (CX) outsourcing Market by Value (USD Billion).

The report presents the analysis of Global Customer experience (CX) outsourcing Market for the historical period of 2019-2022, the estimated year 2023 and the forecast period of 2024-2029.

The report analyses the Global Customer experience (CX) outsourcing Market by service channel (Voice/Call Center Outsourced, social media/Chat/Web Outsourced, E-mail Outsourced, Other (Face-to-face, SMS/Mobile, etc.)).

The report analyses the Global Customer experience (CX) outsourcing Market by End-user (BFSI, Retail E-commerce, Travel/Hospitality Cargo, Healthcare, Other (Automotive, Energy Utilities, Media, Government, Technology, Insurance, Telecom, Video games, etc.)).

The key insights of the report have been presented through the frameworks of SWOT and Porter's Five Forces Analysis. Also, the attractiveness of the market has been presented by region, by service channel, and by end-user.

Also, the major opportunities, trends, drivers and challenges of the industry has been analyzed in the report.

The report tracks competitive developments, strategies, mergers and acquisitions and new product development.

Key Attributes:

Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 230 Forecast Period 2023 2029 Estimated Market Value in 2023 90.87 Billion Forecasted Market Value by 2029 173.68 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 9.8% Regions Covered Global

Strategic Recommendations

Handling the workforce in a B2B CX environment

Opting for an appropriate outsourcing model for B2B

Competitive Positioning

Companies' Product Positioning

Market Position Matrix

Client Concentration by Major Key Players: Customer Experience (CX) Outsourced Market

Global Customer Experience (CX) Outsourced Market: Top 10 market players Teleperformance's AI implementation experience

Market Share Analysis of Customer Experience (CX) Outsourced Screening Market

Company Profiles

Atento

Teleperformance SE

TTEC Holdings, Inc.

Startek, Inc.

Concentrix Corporation

Webhelp

Majorel

Transcom WorldWide AB

Serco

Syskes Enterprises

Industry Ecosystem Analysis

Macro-Economic Factor Assessment

Value Chain Analysis

Porter's Five Forces Model

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/lkh3fg

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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.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231114762183/en/

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Sustainability Hub Sponsored by Sofidel will provide resources and discussions centered on environmental consciousness, social responsibility and governance.

LAS VEGAS, NV / ACCESSWIRE / November 14, 2023 / ISSA Show North America, the premier event dedicated to the cleaning and facility management industry, announces Italian tissue paper manufacturer Sofidel as the official Sustainability Hub Sponsor at this year's event, taking place November 13-16 at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

Sofidel is among the leading global companies in tissue paper production for hygienic and domestic use. The global organization is committed to limiting environmental impact to create a healthier, better future. As part of the commitment, Sofidel applies policies for the procurement of forestry raw materials, certified by third party sustainability organizations Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), developing solutions on responsible sourcing, conservation and enhancement of forest value and restoration.

As members of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Climate Savers Program, Sofidel and other industry-leading corporations collaborate with the WWF to measure carbon reduction. The Climate Savers Program measures energy efficiency of products, processes and facilities, energy-saving products and transport efficiency.

Sofidel continues to receive recognition for sustainability efforts and were featured in the Leadership Band of the 2021 CDP Supplier Engagement Rating Report. The CDP is an international non-profit organization that helps companies, cities, states, regions and public authorities disclose their environmental impact. This report recognized Sofidel with an A- rating, an above-average ranking for Paper and Packaging.

ISSA Show North America's Sustainability Hub will host more than 15 sessions with crucial conversations surrounding environmental consciousness, social responsibility and governance.?Topics will include sourcing solutions, utilization of air purification and LEED v5, the newest version of the green building certification program used worldwide.

Continuing with Informa's FasterForward commitment to carbon neutrality by 2025 and aligning with the United Nation's 17 sustainable development goals, ISSA Show North America addresses environmental impact through opportunities to lessen carbon output and material waste. Initiatives include the Sustainability Committee, created in 2022, convening volunteer leaders from all facets of the industry to develop resources for members seeking improvements in sustainability.

For more information on the Sustainability Hub Schedule, visit the full schedule at issashow.com .

To learn more about sustainability at the upcoming event, please visit www.issashow.com .

About ISSA Show North America:

In partnership with ISSA trade association, ISSA Show North America?offers an unmatched conference program featuring over 100+ education sessions, workshops, panels, training and certification courses over four days. The event and the association are committed to changing the way the world views cleaning by providing its members with the business tools they need to promote cleaning as an investment in human health, the environment, and an improved bottom line.

For more information about ISSA Show North America, visit ?www.issashow.com . Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

About Informa Markets:

Informa Markets, a subsidiary of Informa plc (LON:INF), creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate and grow. Our portfolio comprises more than 550 international B2B events and brands in markets including Engineering, Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals, Infrastructure, Construction & Real Estate, Fashion & Apparel, Hospitality, Food & Beverage, and Health & Nutrition, among others. We provide customers and partners around the globe with opportunities to engage, experience and do business through face-to-face exhibitions, specialist digital content and actionable data solutions. As the world's leading exhibitions organizer, we bring a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping them to thrive 365 days of the year. For more information, visit www.informamarkets.com.

Media Contact:

Abby Portwood

Informa Markets

Infrastructure and Construction PR

IC.PR@Informa.com

SOURCE: INFORMA MARKETS

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/802949/issa-show-north-america-to-address-cleaning-and-facilities-industry-environmental-education
Panel on Genderless Beauty Brought Together Top LA-Based Creators, Industry Pros and Media

LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / November 14, 2023 / Agency Guacamole, a Los Angeles-based communications firm supporting leading beauty and lifestyle brands, hosted its seventh Beauty, Lifestyle and Nurturing Diversity (B.L.N.D.) event on Oct. 25, 2023, in Los Angeles. This year's B.L.N.D. conversation was around gender diversity with the theme "Genderless Beauty - The Future is Now.

Agency Guacamole's B.L.N.D. 2023

"What a special evening!" said Bilal Kaiser, founder and principal at Agency Guacamole. "This year's topic around Genderless Beauty gave each of our panelists the opportunity to share their perspectives and passion for the industry and bring new insights to those of us working in the beauty/lifestyle categories.

"Our seventh B.L.N.D. event was our biggest event to date, and I couldn't be more proud," he added.

This year's B.L.N.D. panel was moderated by Kaiser and featured three panelists:

Frederic Chen, beauty and lifestyle content creator

Gloria Noto, professional makeup artist and founder of beauty brand NOTO Botanics

Maebe A. Girl, drag queen and Treasurer and At-Large Representative for the Silver Lake Neighborhood Council

Each panelist brought a unique perspective on the genderless beauty movement and covered a multitude of topics under the genderless beauty umbrella, including authenticity, inclusive marketing and the future of gender in the beauty industry.

Numerous brand partners were involved in the event, including Urban Decay Cosmetics, Baxter of California and Suntory, and guests were invited to a make-their-own-gift-bag station featuring covetable beauty products from the event's gifting sponsors.

B.L.N.D. started in 2018 and has taken place in New York City, Los Angeles, Atlanta and virtually since then. The goal of this annual initiative is to bring together key opinion leaders, industry executives, content creators and editors to talk about different themes around inclusivity.

"Our coast-to-coast experiences have brought together a community of amazing people who want to do and learn more," added Kaiser. "After this year's event, the feedback from our audience is even clearer that more conversations around DE&I are needed in the beauty and lifestyle categories - and we are up to the challenge. Just wait until you hear what we're cooking up for B.L.N.D. in 2024."

ABOUT AGENCY GUACAMOLE:

Agency Guacamole is an award-winning influencer marketing, PR and events firm, dedicated to exceptional service and developing innovative, cross-platform experiences for leading beauty and lifestyle brands. From product launch campaigns, content initiatives. influencer partnerships and experiential activations, Team AG thrives on bringing each client's vision to life in ways that are unique yet fun.

Just as a delicious guacamole recipe brings together various ingredients to produce a wonderful final product, so does Agency Guacamole's approach to experiential, social and PR: connecting the dots, sharing meaningful stories and inspiring all involved to deliver impactful, impressive and - of course - delicious results.

Join us as we change the world one chip at a time.

Find out more at www.agencyguacamole.com or follow us @AgencyGuacamole.

Contact Information

Alexa Lewis

PR & Influencer Manager

alexa@agencyguacamole.com

(310) 943-9640, ext. 509

SOURCE: Agency Guacamole

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/802969/agency-guacamole-hosts-seventh-blnd-event-in-los-angeles-to-support-dei-in-professional-beautylifestyle
Jason Sutherland receives prestigious industry award

LONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / November 14, 2023 / Alpha Growth Plc (LSE:ALGW) and (OTCQB:ALPGF), a leading financial services specialist in the growing longevity asset class and insurance linked asset management business, congratulates Jason Sutherland (Executive Director of the Company) on receiving the Alexander Hamilton Award from the National Association of Settlement Purchasers (NASP).

The industry's highest award is presented to an individual that has contributed to furthering and preserving the ideals of the industry at its highest standards consistently. Past recipients have included industry pioneers and senior political leaders who champion consumer rights.

NASP is dedicated to ensuring the secondary market for structured settlement transfers remains fair, competitive, and transparent. It strives to improve awareness and understanding of how this vital market works. Since 1996, NASP and its members have worked diligently to educate the public, regulators and others about the benefits of settlement transfers, how they work and how they are regulated.

Gobind Sahney, Chairman and CEO of Alpha commented: " On behalf of everyone within the Alpha group we congratulate Jason. His contribution in guiding the regulatory framework in structured settlements is remarkable and lasting to the benefit of all involved. We are honoured to have him as part of the Alpha leadership team."

For more information, please visit www.algwplc.com or contact the following:

Alpha Growth plc

+44 (0) 20 3959 8600

Gobind Sahney, Executive Chairman

info@algwplc.com

Allenby Capital Limited

+44 (0) 20 3328 5656

Amrit Nahal (Sales and Corporate Broking)

Nick Athanas / Piers Shimwell (Corporate Finance)

UK Investor Relations - Mark Treharne

ir@algwplc.com

About Alpha Growth plc

Specialist in Longevity Assets

Alpha Growth plc is a financial advisory business providing specialist consultancy, advisory, and supplementary services to institutional and qualified investors globally in the multi-billion dollar market of longevity assets and insurance linked asset and wealth managment. Building on its well-established network, the Alpha Growth group has a unique position in the insurance and asset services and investment business, as a listed entity with global reach. The group's strategy is to expand its advisory and business services via acquisitions and joint ventures in the UK and the US to attain commercial scale and provide holistic solutions to alternative institutional investors who are in need of specialised skills and unique access to deploy their financial resource in longevity assets.

Longevity Assets and Non-correlation

As a longevity asset, it is non-correlated to the real estate, equity capital and commodity markets. Its value is a function of time because as time passes the value gets closer to the face value of the policy. Hence creating a steady increase in the net asset value of the investment. This makes it highly attractive to investors wishing to counteract volatility within an investment portfolio and add yield.

Note: The Company only advises on and manages Longevity Assets that originate in the USA where the structured and life settlement market is highly regulated.

This information is provided by Reach, the non-regulatory press release distribution service of RNS, part of the London Stock Exchange. 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: Alpha Growth plc

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/803273/alpha-growth-plc-announces-jason-sutherland-receives-industry-recognition
Revenues Increased 14% in the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 ;

Operating Loss Improved 43% in the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 ; and

Gross Profit Increased 19% Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 .

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- International Isotopes Inc. (OTCQB: INIS) (the "Company" or "INIS") announces its financial results for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2023 .

Revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, was $9,120,256 compared to $8,031,522 for the same period in 2022. This was an overall increase of approximately 14% and was primarily the result of a significant increase in the aggregate of sales of radiochemical and cobalt products. Revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2023, was $2,918,556 compared to $2,789,273 for the same period in 2022, an overall increase of approximately 5%. The increase in revenue for the three-month period was largely the result of continued sales growth for our radiochemical division.

The Company reported a net loss for the three months ended September 30, 2023, of $348,605, a 39% improvement compared to a net loss of $568,669 for the same period in 2022. The net loss was largely attributable to continued global shortage of raw material for the nuclear medicine segment, temporarily increased executive salary expenses which ended on September 1, 2023, and continued investment and research & development activity. The Company also reported a net loss for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2023, of $759,961 compared to a net income of $414,328 for the same period in 2022. The decrease in net income for this period was primarily attributable to a one-time $1.8 million gain on the sale of assets during the first quarter of 2022.

As of September 30, 2023, cash and cash equivalents improved to $2,897,208 compared to $2,375,817 as of December 31, 2022 . Total cash from operating activities for the for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2023, was $697,645 compared to a decrease of cash of $957,163 for the same period in 2022.

The following provides a summary of our current business segment performance for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2023 :

Radiochemical Products

Revenue from the Radiochemical Products segment increased approximately 18% for the three-month period and 17% for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2023, compared to the same periods in 2022. The increase in both periods was primarily the result of continued growth in demand for our radiopharmaceutical product (generic sodium iodide I-131) as well as supply of radiochemical product for the use in clinical trials for 3rd party theranostic products. Our sodium iodide radiopharmaceutical drug is used to treat thyroid cancer and diseases and we are currently the only domestic manufacturer of this important theranostic radiopharmaceutical drug product. We expect continued growth for our Radiochemical segment due to continued demand and the addition of synergistic new devices and accessories to support our radiopharmaceutical product sales.

Nuclear Medicine Segment

Revenue from Nuclear Medicine Products, operating as RadQual LLC, for the three months ended September 30, 2023, decreased 1% compared to the same period in 2022. Revenue from nuclear medicine products for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, increased approximately 4% compared to the same period in 2022. The decrease in revenue over the three-month period was largely due to a continued global supply constraints of a key isotope raw material. Overall, we are pleased with the nine-month period results despite the shortages, and we anticipate continued growth of the nuclear medicine products segment as we continue to add new products, customers, and territories.

Cobalt Products

Revenue from the sale of cobalt products for the three months ended September 30, 2023, decreased approximately 23% and revenue for the nine-month period increased approximately 34% compared to the same period in 2022. The variability for both periods were primarily due to the timing of sales. Large volume cobalt sales typically occur on a somewhat random basis and can have a significant impact on period-to-period comparisons. The Company remains the only domestic manufacturer and supplier of high activity cobalt-60 sealed-source products.

Shahe Bagerdjian, President & CEO of the Company, said, "We are pleased with the overall results in the third quarter. Our Radiochemical segment remains very strong and, despite raw material shortages in August, we posted 17% growth over the prior year's nine-month period. We remain focused on resolving our raw material shortages and the development of new products. Demand for our core products remains strong and we believe the Company will continue to see growth through the end of the fiscal year and into 2024."

International Isotopes, Inc.





Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, 2023 September 30, 2023



2023

2022 2023

2022























Sale of product

$ 2,918,556

$ 2,789,273 $ 9,120,256

$ 8,031,522 Gross profit

$ 1,792,668

$ 1,483,543 $ 5,415,317

$ 4,560,816 Operating Income (Loss)

$ (309,460)

$ (473,553) $ (685,492)

$ (1,201,705) Total Other Income (Expense)

$ (39,145)

$ (95,116) $ (74,469)

$ 1,616,033 Net Income (Loss)

$ (348,605)

$ (568,669) $ (759,961)

$ 414,328 Net income per common share - basic & diluted

$ -

$ - $ -

$ - Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic



518,301,657



514,789,680

517,265,031



509,587,202 Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted



518,301,657



514,789,680

517,265,031



511,057,330





























About International Isotopes Inc.

International Isotopes Inc. (INIS), established in 1995, with its headquarters in Idaho Falls, ID, USA, manufactures a wide range of radioisotope-focused products. INIS manufactures and supplies generic sodium iodide I-131 radiopharmaceutical drug product for hyperthyroidism and thyroid cancer. INIS manufactures and distributes a complete line of calibration and reference standards for nuclear pharmacies and SPECT/PET imaging systems as well as industrial calibration standards. The Company also manufactures Cobalt-60 sealed source products and provides contract manufacturing of various drug products as well as radioisotope API supply for 3rd party theranostics clients.

International Isotopes Inc. Safe Harbor Statement

Certain statements in this press release are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including statements with respect to the Company's future growth expectations. Information contained in such forward-looking statements is based on current expectations and is subject to change. These statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results, performance, or achievements of International Isotopes Inc. to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements of the Company expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Other factors, which could materially affect such forward-looking statements, can be found in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 . Investors, potential investors, and other readers are urged to consider these factors carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements made herein are only made as of the date of this press release and International Isotopes, Inc. and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

David Drewitz

Creative Options Communications

Investor and Public Relations

[email protected]

www.creativeoptionsmarketing.com

Phone: 972-814-5723

SOURCE International Isotopes Inc.
FNB Gas has unveiled plans for a hydrogen core network in Germany, while Tree Energy Solutions has started working on an electrolyzer and 1 GW of renewable energy assets in Canada.FNB Gas says Germany's hydrogen core network, spanning 9,700 km, will cost around 20 billion ($21.6 billion) by 2032. The transmission system operator said that repurposing existing natural gas pipelines for the hydrogen network will be a cost-effective and rapid approach. The privately financed project has support from the German government through various programs, including subsidies to expedite planning procedures. ...

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.
Rightmove Plc - Transaction in Own Shares

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, November 14

14 November 2023

Rightmove plc

Share buy-back programme

Rightmove plc - transactions in own shares

Rightmove plc ('Rightmove'), announces that today it purchased 362,783 of its 0.1p ordinary shares at a volume weighted average price paid per share of 493.975p. The highest price paid per share was 500.000p and the lowest price paid per share was 482.200p. Rightmove purchased these shares through Numis Securities Limited.

The number of shares purchased represented 0.0451% of the voting rights attributable to the total ordinary shares in issue prior to such purchase. The purchased shares will be cancelled.

Since announcing a share buy-back programme on 28 December 2007, Rightmove has purchased in aggregate 502,382,083 ordinary shares.

The total number of ordinary shares in issue (excluding treasury shares) following this announcement is 804,877,708. Rightmove holds 11,794,289 shares in treasury.

In accordance with Article 5(1)(b) of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 (the Market Abuse Regulation) as amended by The Market Abuse (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (the 'UK MAR'), the schedule below contains detailed information about the purchases made by Numis Securities Limited on behalf of the Company as part of the buyback programme.

Contact: Michelle Palmer, Assistant Company Secretary

CompanySecretary@rightmove.co.uk

Schedule of Purchases - Individual Transactions
Redde Northgate Plc - Transaction in Own Shares

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, November 14

NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR INTO OR FROM ANY JURISDICTION WHERE TO DO SO WOULD CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF THE RELEVANT LAWS OR REGULATIONS OF SUCH JURISDICTION

14 November 2023

REDDE NORTHGATE PLC

("Redde Northgate" or the "Group" or the "Company")

Transaction in Own Shares

Redde Northgate plc (LSE:REDD) announces that on 14 November 2023 it purchased the following number of its own shares to be held in treasury:

Class of shares : Ordinary shares of 50p ("shares") Number of shares purchased : 25,000 Weighted average purchase price paid : 358 pence per share Highest purchase price paid : 358 pence per share Lowest purchase price paid : 358 pence per share

Following the above transaction, the Company's issued share capital consists of 246,091,423 ordinary shares of 50p each, of which 16,615,071 ordinary shares are held in treasury, and 1,000,000 preference shares of 50p each which do not carry any rights to vote. Therefore the total number of voting rights in the Company is 229,476,352 which may be used by shareholders as the denominator for the calculations by which they will determine if they are required to notify their interest in, or a change to their interest in the Company under the FCA's Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules.

In accordance with Article 5(1)(b) of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 (the Market Abuse Regulation) as incorporated into UK domestic law by the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, the schedule below contains detailed information about the purchases made by Numis Securities Limited on behalf of the Company as part of the Company's buyback programme.

Schedule of Purchase - Individual Transaction (as at 14 November 2023)

Number of shares

purchased Transaction price

(GB pence per share) Time of transaction Transaction reference number Venue 25000 358.00 10:57:11 00067731269TRLO0 LSE

Notes

This announcement is made in accordance with the requirements of Listing Rule 12.4.6.

For further information contact:

Buchanan

David Rydell/Jamie Hooper/Hannah Ratcliff +44 (0) 207 466 5000

Notes to Editors:

Redde Northgate is the leading integrated mobility solutions platform providing services across the vehicle lifecycle. The Company offers integrated mobility solutions to businesses, fleet operators, insurers, OEMs and other customers across seven key areas: vehicle rental, vehicle data, accident management, vehicle repairs, fleet management, service and maintenance, vehicle ancillary services and vehicle sales.

The Company's core purpose is to keep its customers mobile, whether through meeting their regular mobility needs or by servicing and supporting them when unforeseen events occur. With its considerable scale and reach, Redde Northgate's mission is to offer a market-leading customer proposition and drive enhanced returns for shareholders by creating value through sustainable compounding growth. The Group aims to achieve this through the delivery of its strategic framework of Focus, Drive and Broaden.

Redde Northgate services its customers through a network and diversified fleet of over 120,000 owned and leased vehicles, supporting over 600,000 managed vehicles, with more than 170 workshop, body shop and rental locations across the UK, Ireland and Spain and a specialist team of over 6,000 automotive services professionals.

Further information please visit the Company's website:
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Standard Lithium Ltd. ("Standard Lithium" or the "Company") (TSXV:SLI) (NYSE American:SLI) (FRA:S5L), a leading near-commercial lithium company, today highlighted its strategic position in the Smackover Formation of Arkansas, an area emerging as a significant U.S. lithium region. The recent announcement by Exxon focusing on lithium exploration in the Smackover reinforces the importance of Standard Lithium's progress in harnessing the region's high-grade lithium brine resources, the highest grade in North America. The Company's pioneering efforts in this resource-rich region, informed by a century of energy development and over sixty years of specialized brine industry knowledge, strategically positions Standard Lithium to address the critical mineral needs of the United States.



"In a region that has captured the attention of major industry players like Exxon, a company with roots extending back to Standard Oil, Standard Lithium's partnerships with Koch Industries and LANXESS are catalyzing a new wave of energy innovation. Alongside the notable presence of Albemarle, Arkansas's key role in the sustainable development of a U.S. critical minerals supply is underscored. Standard Lithium stands ready to help meet domestic demand via it's Phase 1A and South West Arkansas Projects, beginning in 2026 and 2027, respectively" commented Robert Mintak, CEO of Standard Lithium.

Mr. Mintak added: "Our recent expansion into the East Texas Smackover Formation resulted in three new wells with high-quality brine, showing lithium concentrations as high as 806 mg/L, and an average of 644 mg/L, marking a strategic extension towards a global scale resource. Building on the region's century of energy resource development, Standard Lithium is pioneering efforts to develop the Smackover Formation, a crucial U.S. lithium resource, with a commitment to a responsible approach that honors the region's rich energy heritage."

About Standard Lithium Ltd.

Standard Lithium is a leading near-commercial lithium development company focused on the sustainable development of a portfolio of lithium-brine bearing properties in the United States. The Company prioritizes brine projects characterized by high-grade resources, robust infrastructure, skilled labor, and streamlined permitting. The Company aims to achieve sustainable, commercial-scale lithium production via the application of a scalable and fully-integrated Direct Lithium Extraction ("DLE") and purification process. The Company's signature projects, the Phase 1A Project and the South West Arkansas Project, are located on the Smackover Formation in southern Arkansas near the Louisiana state line, a region with a long-standing and established brine processing industry. The Company has also identified a number of highly prospective lithium brine project areas in the Smackover Formation in East Texas and began an extensive brine leasing program in the key project areas. In addition, the Company has an interest in certain mineral leases located in the Mojave Desert in San Bernardino County, California.

Standard Lithium trades on both the TSX Venture Exchange and the NYSE American under the symbol "SLI"; and on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol "S5L". Please visit the Company's website at www.standardlithium.com.

Qualified Person

Steve Ross, P.Geol., a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, and Vice President Resource Development for the Company, has reviewed and approved the relevant scientific and technical information in this news release.

Twitter: @standardlithium

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/standard-lithium/

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may contain certain "Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. When used in this news release, the words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target, "plan", "forecast", "may", "schedule" and other similar words or expressions identify forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements or information may relate to intended development timelines, future prices of commodities, accuracy of mineral or resource exploration activity, reserves or resources, regulatory or government requirements or approvals, the reliability of third party information, continued access to mineral properties or infrastructure, fluctuations in the market for lithium and its derivatives, changes in exploration costs and government regulation in Canada and the United States, and other factors or information. Such statements represent the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social risks, contingencies and uncertainties. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements and information other than as required by applicable laws, rules and regulations.
Finsbury Growth & Income Trust Plc - Transaction in Own Shares

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, November 14

For immediate release

14 November 2023

FINSBURY GROWTH & INCOME TRUST PLC

(the "Company")

MARKET PURCHASE OF COMPANY'S OWN SHARES

The Company announces that it has today purchased 150,000 of its own shares ("Ordinary Shares") at a price of 809.93 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 23,515,852; 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 201,475,451.

The figure of 201,475,451 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
Company to supply its Genius Tracker to 125 MW of development projects in New South Wales and Victoria

NORWALK, Conn., Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On October 26th GameChange Solar, a leading global supplier of solar tracker and fixed tilt racking technology, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Bison Energy at the All Energy Australia Exhibition & Conference held in Melbourne. The MOU signals a partnership between the two companies to work collaboratively to bring five solar projects totalling over 125 MW to the Australian market. Under this agreement, GameChange Solar will supply its Genius Tracker to Bison Energy's development projects located in New South Wales and Victoria.

"We are proud to partner with Bison Energy on this agreement," said Derick Botha, Chief Commercial Officer at GameChange Solar. "This announcement is the culmination of two companies who share an aligned strategic vision to repower the planet through the production of renewable generation solar farms. We hope this will lay the foundation of a global alliance with Bison Energy."

Bison Energy is a private global developer, investor, EPC, and asset owner for environmentally friendly renewable energy projects and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan with offices in Europe, Southeast Asia, America, and Australia/New Zealand. Bison Energy Australia has been developing in Australia since 2017 with the 350 MW Walla Walla solar farm being its biggest accolade. They have since developed a vast pipeline of various-sized solar farms, and hybrid solar farms which include energy storage as well as stand-alone energy storage projects.

Bison Energy's Australia and New Zealand Country Director Brendan Murphy said, "We are thrilled to partner with GameChange Solar. Mark Legge and his very experienced technical team have been instrumental in supporting Bison to date through one of our current Victorian projects which is under construction. The racking industry is a tough one, but GameChange Solar has managed to find a niche in the market with its efficient pre-assembling and speed clamping designs which the Bison Energy engineering team is very impressed with. In commercial terms, these types of designs save us on install costs, which in the current environment means everything."

"We're looking forward to seeing the final GameChange product completed and commissioned so we can continue to deliver our promise of supporting communities through clean power generation, and job creation and contribute to a cleaner environment for the future, which must be underpinned by our core value of being Powered by Nature," added Murphy.

About GameChange Solar

GameChange is a leading global provider of solar tracker solutions used in utility-scale and ground-mounted distributed generation solar projects around the world. We have delivered over 29 GW of solar tracker and fixed tilt systems that combine fast installation, bankable quality, and unbeatable value through superior engineering, innovative design, and high-volume manufacturing. Our products enable solar panels at power plants to follow the sun's movement across the sky and optimize plant performance while also protecting the array from damaging weather conditions. Additionally, GameChange Solar through its GeniusBOS subsidiary is growing a portfolio of products for the broader renewable energy system. For more information, please visit GameChange Solar.

Contact:

Lisa Andrews

Director, Marketing

GameChange Solar

lisa.andrews@gamechangesolar.com

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BANGALORE, India, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Semiconductor IP Market is Segmented by Type ( Processor IP , Interface IP , Memory IP ), by Application ( Consumer Electronics , Telecom, Automotive, Aerospace, Healthcare, Agriculture): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2029. It is Published in Valuates Reports Under the Category of Computers & Electronics .

Semiconductor IP Market is projected to reach USD 5340.5 Million in 2029, increasing from USD 3980.8 Million in 2022, with a CAGR of 3.8% during the period of 2023 to 2029.

Get Free Sample: https://reports.valuates.com/request/sample/QYRE-Auto-19V1793/Global_Semiconductor_IP

Major Factors Driving the Growth of the Semiconductor IP Market:

A number of factors, such as the growing complexity of semiconductor designs, the need for specialized and high-performance components in a wide range of electronic devices, and the growing cost and time constraints associated with in-house chip development, are driving the growth of the Semiconductor IP (Intellectual Property) market.

Semiconductor IP is in high demand as a result of semiconductor companies' growing reliance on pre-designed, licensable IP blocks for features like memory, connectivity, and processors in an effort to improve product innovation and time-to-market. By enabling faster and more affordable development cycles, this strategy boosts the semiconductor industry's overall productivity and competitiveness.

The Semiconductor IP market continues to grow steadily due in part to the growing applications of semiconductor technology in cutting-edge industries like AI , automotive, and the Internet of Things.

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TRENDS INFLUENCING THE GROWTH OF THE SEMICONDUCTOR IP MARKET

Advances in technology, including the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI), 5G connectivity, and the Internet of Things (IoT) , are driving an increase in design complexity in the semiconductor business. The need for specialized and effective semiconductor intellectual property (IP) components, such as processors, memory, and interfaces, has increased as electronic systems become more complex. This factor is expected to drive the growth of the Semiconductor IP market.

The need to shorten the time it takes for electrical items to reach the market has increased due to global rivalry and the quick speed of technical advancement. By offering pre-designed and certified components, semiconductor intellectual property (IP) enables manufacturers to speed up the design process and enable speedier development cycles and product releases. This factor is expected to drive the growth of the Semiconductor IP market.

Creating semiconductor components from the ground up requires a lot of resources and may be prohibitively expensive. A more affordable option is semiconductor intellectual property, which enables businesses to make use of already-existing, licensable designs. This optimizes resources and lowers development costs, allowing businesses to concentrate on product differentiation.

There is an increasing need for specialized semiconductor solutions that are energy-efficient due to the rapid growth of the Internet of Things (IoT) and the proliferation of mobile devices. Semiconductor IP is essential for satisfying the various demands of these devices since it offers programmable parts that fulfill certain application requirements. Specialized processors with the ability to handle complicated computational processes are becoming more and more necessary due to the spike in applications connected to machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI). The use of semiconductor intellectual property (IP) intended for neural network processors and AI accelerators is growing as businesses look to incorporate intelligence into their goods.

Players in the semiconductor and semiconductor IP businesses have enormous development potential in the consumer electronics sector. Due to the growing usage of ICs and SoCs in the production of consumer electronics like smartphones, tablets, memory, and processor devices, the success of the semiconductor industry is largely reliant on these sales. Because of the development of octa-core processors for smartphones and the progress made in personal computing for consumer devices, the market for multicore processors is expanding quickly. In the future, the market for multicore processors is anticipated to witness profitable prospects due to its rise. These days, multicore (dual- or quad-core) processors power the majority of portable consumer electronics. This factor is expected to drive the growth of the Semiconductor IP market.

View Full Report: https://reports.valuates.com/market-reports/QYRE-Auto-19V1793/global-semiconductor-ip

SEMICONDUCTOR IP MARKET SHARE ANALYSIS:

The top semiconductor intellectual property market is in Asia Pacific. Over the course of the forecast period, the APAC market will expand at the fastest rate. Due to factors like the rising use of smart devices (such as smartphones and smart bands) in APAC, which opens the door for the growing penetration of various design intellectual property in these smart devices, APAC is predicted to maintain its position as the market with the largest size and to grow at the fastest rate. The APAC region's rising need for laptops, smart wearables, and other electronics is expected to fuel the market's expansion.

Get Regional Report: https://reports.valuates.com/request/regional/QYRE-Auto-19V1793/Global_Semiconductor_IP

Key Companies:

ARM

Synopsys

Imagination Technologies

Cadence

Ceva

Verisillicon

eMemory Technology

Rambus

Lattice (Silicon Image)

Sonics

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SIMILAR REPORTS

- Semiconductor IP License market is projected to reach USD 1149.5 million in 2029, increasing from USD 765 million in 2022, with the CAGR of 6.7% during the period of 2023 to 2029.

- Semiconductor Chip Ecosystem market was valued at USD 708700 million in 2022 and is anticipated to reach USD 1378740 million by 2029, witnessing a CAGR of 11.7% during the forecast period 2023-2029.

- Semiconductor IP Cores Market

- Logic NVM IP Market

- NVM IP Market

- Semiconductor Memory IP market was valued at USD 5145.1 million in 2022 and is anticipated to reach USD 9015.8 million by 2029, witnessing a CAGR of 9.8% during the forecast period 2023-2029.

- Analog Foundry Service Market

- Embedded NVM (eNVM) IP Market

- Logic-Based Non-Volatile Memory IP Market

- RISC-V Processor IP Market

- Semiconductor Device Dismantling Service Market

- FPGA IP Core Market

- GDDR Controller IP Market

- Embedded Processor IP market is projected to reach USD 1262.7 million in 2029, increasing from USD 941.5 million in 2022, with the CAGR of 4.8% during the period of 2023 to 2029.

- DDR IP Core Market

- CPU IP Core Market

- SERDES IP Cores Market

- Semiconductor Manufacturing Equipment market size is projected to reach USD 53200 million by 2027, from USD 39510 million in 2020, at a CAGR of 3.9% during 2021-2027.

- Automotive Semiconductor market size is projected to reach USD 42140 million by 2028, from USD 31430 million in 2021, at a CAGR of 3.8% during 2022-2028.

- Power Semiconductor market was valued at USD 46070 million in 2022 and is anticipated to reach USD 66420 million by 2029, witnessing a CAGR of 5.3% during the forecast period 2023-2029.

- Semiconductor Pellicle market is projected to reach USD 1998.1 million in 2029, increasing from USD 1209 million in 2022, with the CAGR of 7.1% during the period of 2023 to 2029.

- Semiconductor Test Handler market is projected to grow from USD 2069 million in 2023 to USD 4172.1 million by 2029, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 12.4% during the forecast period.

- AMC Filters for Semiconductor market is projected to reach USD 559.6 million by 2028 from an estimated USD 399.2 million in 2022, at a CAGR of 5.8% during 2023 and 2028.

- Semiconductor Track System market is projected to reach USD 5749.5 million in 2029, increasing from USD 3756 million in 2022, with the CAGR of 6.3% during the period of 2023 to 2029.

- Semiconductor Third-party Laboratory Testing Services Market

- Semiconductor Chip Test Handler Market

- RF Power Semiconductor market size is estimated to be worth USD 21010 million in 2022 and is forecast to a readjusted size of USD 34660 million by 2028 with a CAGR of 8.7% during the review period.

- Semiconductor Equipment Frames market is projected to reach USD 55 million in 2029, increasing from USD 38 million in 2022, with the CAGR of 4.8% during the period of 2023 to 2029.

- Semiconductor Grade Neon (Ne) Market

- Semiconductor Gas Panel Market

- Molecular Pump for Semiconductor Equipment market is projected to grow from USD 642.2 million in 2023 to USD 1113.1 million by 2029, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 9.6% during the forecast period.

- Spares Parts Manufacturing for Semiconductors market is projected to reach USD 67290 million in 2029, increasing from USD 45650 million in 2022, with the CAGR of 5.6% during the period of 2023 to 2029.

- Semiconductor Liquid Filters market size is estimated to be worth USD 444.89 Million in 2022 and is forecast to a readjusted size of USD 876.32 Million by 2029 with a CAGR of 11.8% during the review period.

- Semiconductor OHT (Overhead Hoist Transport) Market

Click here to see related reports on Semiconductor IP Market

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Regulatory News:

X-FAB Silicon Foundries SE (Euronext Paris: XFAB)

Regulated Information

Intermediate declaration by the Board of Directors

Publication of inside information pursuant to Article 17 of the Market Abuse Regulation

X-FAB Silicon Foundries SE (Euronext Paris: XFAB) (X-FAB or the Company) announces that the families De Winter-Chombar and Duchatelet have made changes to their shareholding structure regarding X-FAB Silicon Foundries SE.

X-FAB was informed today by Xtrion NV (0878.389.438), Elex NV (0421.226.161) and Sensinnovat BV (0884.338.607) that Xtrion sold all the shares it held in X-FAB to Elex and Sensinnovat, its indirect shareholders. Xtrion sold 31,666,782 shares to Elex and 31,666,781 shares to Sensinnovat. Elex is the investment vehicle and holding company of the Duchatelet family. Sensinnovat is the investment vehicle and holding company of the De Winter-Chombar family. The X-FAB shares were sold at a price per share of EUR 8.9581, which corresponds to the average closing price of X-FAB shares on Euronext Paris over the last 30 days prior to November 14, 2023. Xtrion and Sarawak Technology Holdings Sdn. Bhd. further informed the Company that they have terminated their shareholder agreement in common understanding.

With this transaction, both families and their respective affiliated legal entities intend to rearrange their group/investment structure which will allow them, with a view to the next generation, to pursue individual and independent investment strategies, each through their own holding company (i.e. Elex and Sensinnovat).

As a result of this restructuring, the joint control over the Company by Mr. Roland Duchatelet, Mr. Rudi De Winter, Ms. Francoise Chombar and Sarawak Technology Holdings Sdn. Bhd. has transitioned into an absence of control and absence of acting in concert.

The De Winter-Chombar and Duchatelet families confirmed that this does not mean that, at present, they would differ on X-FAB's strategy and priorities. Their commitment to the Company remains unchanged. Furthermore, they indicated that they have no plans to sell or reduce their shareholdings. Mr. Roland Duchatelet and Mr. Rudi De Winter also confirmed their willingness to stay on as (permanent representative of a) director of X-FAB.

X-FAB confirms that the change of control does not have any significant legal impact on it nor on its existing contractual relations.

About X-FAB

X-FAB is the leading analog/mixed-signal and MEMS foundry group manufacturing silicon wafers for automotive, industrial, consumer, medical and other applications. Its customers worldwide benefit from the highest quality standards, manufacturing excellence and innovative solutions by using X-FAB's modular CMOS processes in geometries ranging from 1.0 to 0.13 m, and its special silicon carbide and MEMS long-lifetime processes. X-FAB's analog-digital integrated circuits (mixed-signal ICs), sensors and micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) are manufactured at six production facilities in Germany, France, Malaysia and the U.S. X-FAB employs approx. 4,200 people worldwide. For more information, please visit www.xfab.com.

Forward-looking information

This press release may include forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements regarding or based upon our management's current intentions, beliefs or expectations relating to, among other things, X-FAB's future results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, prospects, growth, strategies or developments in the industry in which we operate. By their nature, forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results or future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied thereby. These risks, uncertainties and assumptions could adversely affect the outcome and financial effects of the plans and events described herein.

Forward-looking statements contained in this press release regarding trends or current activities should not be taken as a report that such trends or activities will continue in the future. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless legally required. You should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release.

The information contained in this press release is subject to change without notice. No re-report or warranty, express or implied, is made as to the fairness, accuracy, reasonableness, or completeness of the information contained herein and no reliance should be placed on it.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231114944502/en/

Contacts:

X-FAB Press Contact

Uta Steinbrecher

Investor Relations

X-FAB Silicon Foundries

+49-361-427-6489

uta.steinbrecher@xfab.com
LYSAKER, Norway, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Aker Solutions has been awarded a sizeable1 contract from Vattenfall for the Norfolk Vanguard East Offshore Wind Farm off the coast of Norfolk, UK. The contract has a balanced risk-reward profile based on principles for long-term collaboration.

The announcement follows the recent award for the Norfolk Vanguard West project, part of the Norfolk Offshore Wind Zone development in the United Kingdom.

The scope of work for Aker Solutions includes the engineering, procurement, construction and installation (EPCI) of the high-voltage, direct-current (HVDC) offshore platform. The fabrication of the topside will be executed in a joint venture with Drydocks World Dubai, and the substructure will be fabricated at Aker Solutions' yard in Verdal, Norway.

The project is subject to regulatory approvals and the customer's final investment decision. Aker Solutions will at this stage book an order intake reflecting the compensated work that is to be performed until the end of the second quarter of 2024. Further to this, Aker Solutions estimates a total contract value for the company following Vattenfall's final investment decision to be in the range of NOK 6.0 to 7.0 billion. The contract has a balanced risk-reward profile and aligned incentives for efficient and safe delivery.

"We are pleased to announce the second award for the Norfolk Offshore Wind Zone development for Vattenfall. We look forward to supporting Vattenfall to deliver one of the largest offshore wind zones in the world," said Sturla Magnus, Executive Vice President of New Build at Aker Solutions.

1Aker Solutions defines a sizeable contract as being between NOK 0.5 billion and NOK 1.5 billion

CONTACT:

Preben rbeck

investor relations

preben.orbeck@akersolutions.com

+47 470 10 611

Odd Naustdal

media contact

odd.naustdal@akersolutions.com

+47 905 76 079

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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.
To help catalyze and spur leadership in health and well-being across the residential sector, Assembly OSM is participating in a first-of-its-kind program aimed at establishing IWBI's new global standard for healthier and more resilient homes

NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / November 14, 2023 / The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), the global authority for driving market transformation through healthy buildings, organizations and communities, and Assembly OSM announced today that the offsite modular design and build company became an early adopter of IWBI's WELL for residential program, which is now open for enrollments. The first-of-its-kind, WELL for residential is an evidence-based, third-party verified certification program designed to transform the way homes are designed, built and maintained to support human health and well-being. This collaboration will allow Assembly OSM to build two of its New York City modular projects, Saint Felix in Brooklyn and 117 Harlem in East Harlem, using WELL strategies designed to positively impact resident health.

Grounded in the science-backed principles of the WELL Building Standard (WELL) and its 10 WELL concepts, the WELL for residential program consists of more than 100 health strategies that support new and existing residences and are applicable to both single-family homes and multifamily buildings. During the launch phase of the program, IWBI is partnering with leading architects, builders, developers, operators and owners - such as Assembly OSM - to transform the global residential market to make healthier and more resilient homes more accessible to more people in more places.

"We are proud to be an early adopter of the innovative WELL for residential program for our first two projects because it reaffirms our commitment to building high quality, sustainable and healthy housing at scale," said Andrew Staniforth, CEO of Assembly OSM.

The WELL for residential program complements the other sustainability initiatives for Assembly's first two projects. Both projects will also be all-electric, are targeting Passive House (PHIUS) certifications, and utilize building systems and constructions that reduce embodied carbon by up to 38%, reflecting Assembly's philosophy that truly sustainable buildings should support both people and the planet. Delivered through Assembly's unique modular offsite process, these projects represent a groundbreaking approach to building construction that unlocks unprecedented environmental benefits.

Assembly's pilot project (Saint Felix) features multiple innovations that both support well-being and cut carbon emissions. The bulk of the project was constructed offsite in a controlled facility and assembled on site in nine hours, drastically reducing Assembly's impact on the surrounding community. The building includes sustainability features such as argon-filled triple-pane windows, induction cooktops, heat-pump dryers, and electric vehicle charging stations. Following on the heels of Saint Felix, 117 Harlem, a 15-story building with cutting-edge technologies like next generation air source heat pump HVAC systems, will be Assembly's first high-rise project pursuing the WELL for residential standard.

"Congratulations to Assembly OSM for becoming an early adopter of the WELL for residential program and integrating healthy home strategies into its innovative homebuilding technologies," said Liz Miles, vice president of stakeholder relations at IWBI. "The new WELL for residential program is designed to spur such collaborations that push the industry status quo and help transform the way we create homes."

The development of the WELL for residential program drew upon two years of industry input, market insight and expert recommendations from IWBI's WELL for residential advisory, a working group of over 100 globally renowned subject matter experts including leading builders and developers, architects and engineers, public health and building scientists, government officials and academics, as well as other real estate professionals. Companies can earn the WELL Residence seal for residences upon completion of third-party review and verification of selected strategies. To be certified as a WELL Residence, a home must achieve at least 40 points. Projects also have an opportunity to earn precertified WELL Residence status for participating units upon preliminary design review, a milestone step forward that allows participants to communicate achievement before construction is completed.

Today, in the U.S. alone, the residential sector spans more than 120 million homes totaling roughly 224 billion square feet of real estate. The importance of creating healthier environments in the residential sector has become a top priority among homeowners.

The WELL for residential program adds to the WELL ecosystem and provides a new pathway for creating people-first residences. This program builds upon the work IWBI has already done within the multifamily sector through its WELL Certification and WELL ratings. IWBI applauds the leadership demonstrated by the multifamily residential developers and owners who have pursued WELL Certification. Their experiences have helped inform and inspire the development of the new WELL for residential program.

While numerous studies show healthy homes are increasingly in demand, regulations and standards focused on resident health in homes are largely lacking. The WELL for residential program seeks to provide a solution that helps transform the global residential market and ensure that everyone, no matter their backgrounds, has access to a home that enhances their health and enables them to make healthier decisions.

The WELL ecosystem comprises WELL Certification under the WELL Building Standard, a library of building and organizational strategies focused on health, the WELL Health-Safety Rating, WELL Performance Rating, WELL Equity Rating and certification under the WELL Community Standard. WELL's holistic, evidence-based approach has provided a roadmap for organizations to promote human and social capital performance and enhance their ESG strategy. As a result, thousands of organizations including nearly 30% of Fortune 500 companies across nearly 130 countries have adopted WELL strategies in more than 40,000 locations totalling almost five billion square feet of space.

About Assembly OSM:

Assembly OSM is an offsite modular start-up based in New York City that aims to make urban development more scalable and sustainable. Backed by advanced technology and manufacturing processes, Assembly delivers customizable turn-key high-rise buildings faster and with significantly reduced carbon emissions.

About the International WELL Building Institute

The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) is a public benefit corporation and the world's leading organization focused on deploying people first places to advance a global culture of health. IWBI mobilizes its community through the administration of the WELL Building Standard (WELL) and its WELL ratings, management of the WELL AP credential, the pursuit of applicable research, the development of educational resources, and advocacy for policies that promote health and wellbeing everywhere. More information on WELL can be found here.

International WELL Building Institute, IWBI, the WELL Building Standard, WELL v2, WELL Certified, WELL AP, WELL EP, WELL Score, The WELL Conference, We Are WELL, the WELL Community Standard, WELL Health-Safety Rated, WELL Performance Rated, WELL Equity Rated, WELL Equity, , Works with WELL, WELL and others, and their related logos are trademarks or certification marks of International WELL Building Institute pbc in the United States and other countries.

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SOURCE: International WELL Building Institute

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/803391/assembly-osm-joins-iwbis-well-for-residential-program
Liso Consulting, a new Dubai-based consultancy firm, announces its expansion into the Asian financial markets with the introduction of innovative financial services. This strategic initiative aims to leverage the significant growth potential in Asia's evolving financial sector, aligning with the region's rapid digital transformation and burgeoning consumer market. With a focus on digital ecosystem integration and navigating key economic trends, Liso Consulting is set to offer unparalleled expertise and solutions, aiming to capitalize on a $10 trillion consumer market opportunity and the expected 60% annual growth in embedded finance.

DUBAI, UAE / ACCESSWIRE / November 14, 2023 / Liso Consulting, a Dubai-based consultancy firm, today announced the introduction of a new range of sophisticated financial services, tailored to the burgeoning financial markets of Asia. This strategic initiative positions Liso Consulting at the vanguard of the region's digital financial transformation.

Addressing Market Expansion

Recent industry analyses indicate a significant expansion within the Asian financial sector, with the global market growing from $25,848.74 billion in 2022 to $28,115.02 billion in 2023, marking a compound annual growth rate of 8.8%??. These figures underscore the market potential that Liso Consulting aims to harness.

Servicing the Asian Consumer Base

Forecasts suggest that Asian consumers will contribute to half of the worldwide consumption growth over the next decade, representing a $10 trillion growth opportunity. The financial services sector in the region is expected to witness an annual growth rate of 7 to 8 percent, propelled by rising affluence and evolving financial requirements??.

Integration with Digital Ecosystems

Reflecting global technological trends, Asia is experiencing a proliferation of digital ecosystems and comprehensive applications, encompassing services from payments to insurance and lending. The sector of embedded finance is anticipated to expand by approximately 60 percent annually from 2020 to 2025??. Liso Consulting's offerings are strategically designed to align with this digital evolution.

Economic Trends and Investment Preferences

The economic resurgence of China is a pivotal element within the region, with its growth projected to increase from 3% in 2022 to approximately 5% in 2023??. Additionally, a shift in investment preferences among Asian investors towards euro bonds and a heightened focus on ESG investments are key market dynamics Liso Consulting is prepared to navigate????.

Future Outlook

Yuliya Pogasiy, Partner and Investor at Liso Consulting, states, "Our objective is to enable Asian enterprises to excel in the digital age by capitalizing on these emerging market trends. We are poised to redefine the standards of financial services within the Asian market through our innovative solutions."

About Liso Consulting

Headquartered in Dubai, Liso Consulting specializes in the integration of technology-driven solutions across Asia's developing markets. The firm offers comprehensive services ranging from strategic consulting to advanced technology integration, aiding its clientele in achieving substantial growth and maintaining a competitive advantage.

Media Contact

Organization: LISO CONSULTING

Contact Person: Yuliya Pogasiy

Website: http://lisoconsulting.com/

Email: support@lisoconsulting.com

City: Dubai

Country: United Arab Emirates

SOURCE: LISO CONSULTING

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/803375/liso-consulting-announces-launch-of-advanced-financial-services-in-response-to-asias-growing-market-dynamics
CLEVELAND, OH / ACCESSWIRE / November 14, 2023 / Oxford Harriman & Company is excited to announce their recent merger with Meltzer & Hill Wealth Advisory in Kingston, NY. The merger brings the combined experience and knowledge of Philip Meltzer and Edward Hill as Partners & Managing Directors and Lizette Pagan as Vice President & Managing Principal.

Prior to joining Oxford Harriman & Company in September of 2023, Edward, Philip, and Lizette were co-founders and Partners, along with Evan Meltzer, of Meltzer & Hill Wealth Advisory, which they started in 2013. They serve as financial advisors to entrepreneurs, high-net-worth families, and institutions. They're experienced in delivering value-added advice around investment management, brokerage, risk mitigation, banking services, and wealth planning.

Edward Hill Photo

Oxford Harriman & Company is a boutique wealth management firm with twenty locations in seven states. The addition of Meltzer & Hill Wealth Advisory adds offices in Kingston and Rhinebeck, NY.

"I had the pleasure of getting to know this team when they originally joined Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network (FiNet) a decade ago and loved working with them," said Kent Whitaker, President of Oxford Harriman & Company. "They are a super talented group of professionals, and we are thrilled this merger came together."

"We are thrilled to have created this merger with Melter & Hill Wealth Advisory, " said Dennis Barba, CEO of Oxford Harriman. "They bring a wealth of experience and expertise to our team, and we are confident that they will provide exceptional service and advice to help our clients achieve their financial goals."

Both Philip and Ed have earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER certification, which identifies those individuals who have met the rigorous experience and ethical requirements of the CFP Board of Standards. They have also successfully completed coursework on financial topics in the following areas: general principles of financial strategies, insurance planning, risk management, employee benefits planning, and retirement and estate planning strategies. CFP practitioners are held to a higher fiduciary standard and agree to meet ongoing continuing education requirements.

"We are excited to complete this merger and are looking forward to working alongside such a talented team of professionals," said Philip Meltzer." We are passionate about helping our clients achieve their financial goals and look forward to continuing to grow through this partnership with Oxford Harriman & Company."

Philip Meltzer Photo

About Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network

For more than 20 years, Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network (FiNet), the independent brokerage arm of Wells Fargo & Company, has simplified independence by partnering with successful financial advisors and fostering a mutual passion for doing what's right for clients. Investment products and services are offered through Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. www.wfafinet.com

About Oxford Harriman & Company:

Oxford Harriman & Company is a strategic partnership designed to help investors accumulate, preserve and transfer wealth through a collaborative and strategic approach. Serving the financial and wealth management needs of a select group of clients, the firm provides a comprehensive approach to private wealth management that helps to chart a course based on focus, strategy, and discipline. Oxford Harriman & Company is part of the Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network (WFAFN), with offices in Cleveland OH, Chagrin Falls OH, Detroit MI, Manhattan NY, Newark NJ, Newport New VA, Astoria NY, Albany NY, Mentor OH, and Sarasota FL, Kinston NY, Rhinebeck NY, Buffalo NY, and Syracuse NY. oxfordharriman.com

Oxford Harriman & Co. is a separate entity from Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network.

2023 Oxford Harriman & Company. All rights reserved. PM-05032025-6075070.1.1

Media Contact

Organization: Oxford Harriman & Company

Contact Person: Dennis P. Barba, Jr

Website: https://oxfordharriman.com/

Email: dennis@oxfordharriman.com

Contact Number: 216-755-7150

City: Cleveland

State: OH

Country: United States

SOURCE: Oxford Harriman & Company

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/803392/oxford-harriman-and-company-merges-with-meltzer-and-hill-wealth-advisory-in-kingston-new-york
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 14, 2023) - Southern Silver Exploration Corp. (TSXV: SSV) ("Southern Silver" and the "Company") reports that it has verified enriched Rare Earth Elements (REEs) in reconnaissance hole OR22-012, which was part of the Company's 2022 drilling program at its wholly owned Oro property, located in the Laramide-age, porphyry copper belt of southwestern New Mexico, USA. The Company has staked 62 new claims during 2023 to cover the western extension of the buried porphyry/CRD/Skarn system associated with hole OR22-012. The new claims increase the total Oro land package to 334 company-owned and seven leased Federal lode mining claims; two leased New Mexico State parcels; and company-owned private surface and mineral titles covering an area of about 36 square kilometres.

Rare-Earth Element Results

The Company reports that a review of select light Rare Earth Elements (LREEs) from the earlier MS-ICP analyses from hole OR22-012 identified strong LREE enrichment. Thirty-nine pulps were selected from three enriched LREE zones for re-analyses by the more robust analytical method of fusion/ICPMS to confirm the initial test results and returned:

0.104% TREO (1,045 ppm) over 10.9m starting at 613.9m,





0.091% TREO (913 ppm) over 33.8m starting at 647.4m, and





0.128% TREO (1,285 ppm) over 24.4m starting at 794.0m.

All three zones occur within a 427.2m interval of strongly enriched copper mineralization, which was previously reported in NR-02-23, dated April 03,2023, and described below. The three zones (see Table below) average greater than 0.05% Total Rare Earth Oxides (TREOs).

Light REO ppm Heavy REO ppm From m To m Interval m TLREO % La2O3 CeO2 Pr2O3 Nd2O3 Sm2O3 Eu2O3 Gd2O3 Tb2O3 Dy2O3 Ho2O3 Er2O3 Tm2O3 Yb2O3 Lu2O3 Y2O3 THREO % TREO % 613.9 615.7 1.7 0.050 195 226 16.4 46.8 7.2 2.1 5.4 0.78 4.6 0.81 2.4 0.32 1.9 0.28 25 0.004 0.053 615.7 618.7 3.0 0.056 233 256 17 44.8 6.4 2.4 5.1 0.66 3.8 0.69 1.8 0.26 1.7 0.24 20 0.003 0.059 618.7 621.8 3.0 0.049 203 219 14 37.3 5.9 2.1 4.6 0.66 3.8 0.79 2.1 0.27 1.8 0.2 22 0.003 0.052 621.8 624.8 3.0 0.227 1005 1045 63 137 10.6 2.8 7.4 1.01 5.6 0.97 2.9 0.34 2.3 0.32 30 0.004 0.231 Interval (m) 10.9 Average 0.104 647.4 648.9 1.5 0.039 148 177 13.5 39.9 6.4 1.7 6 0.84 4.5 0.87 2.4 0.29 2.2 0.27 27 0.004 0.043 648.9 650.4 1.5 0.086 359 396 26.1 63 8.8 1.9 5.6 0.78 4.5 0.85 3 0.31 2 0.3 25 0.004 0.090 650.4 651.5 1.1 0.074 317 334 21.7 54.8 7.1 1.9 6.1 0.96 5.6 1.15 3.5 0.55 3.3 0.45 37 0.005 0.080 651.5 654.4 2.9 0.069 289 316 20.9 53.9 6.7 2 5.2 0.75 4 0.86 2.2 0.3 1.8 0.22 24 0.003 0.073 654.4 657.4 3.0 0.009 23 37 3.7 14 4.2 1.2 4.1 0.61 3.7 0.73 1.9 0.32 1.8 0.3 22 0.003 0.012 657.4 658.9 1.5 0.005 12 23 2.3 8.7 2.6 0.8 3.1 0.49 2.9 0.65 1.6 0.26 1.7 0.27 19 0.003 0.008 658.9 660.5 1.5 0.016 61 69 4.8 15.3 3.8 1 4.5 0.7 4.4 0.85 2.4 0.34 2.4 0.33 28 0.004 0.020 660.5 662.6 2.1 0.106 461 485 29.8 68.4 8.1 2.1 6.7 0.94 5.4 0.96 2.7 0.38 2.3 0.28 29 0.004 0.110 662.6 664.4 1.8 0.147 645 678 41.5 91.4 9.9 2.1 6.6 0.86 4.7 0.92 2.7 0.33 2.3 0.24 29 0.004 0.152 664.4 665.5 1.1 0.067 287 307 19 45.4 5.5 1.4 4.7 0.7 4.1 0.8 1.9 0.29 1.7 0.19 22 0.003 0.070 665.5 666.0 0.5 0.007 22 29 2.7 9.7 2.3 0.7 2.7 0.38 2.3 0.5 1.6 0.23 1.3 0.16 15 0.002 0.009 666.0 666.6 0.7 0.087 399 397 21.8 42.7 4.1 1.2 3.7 0.53 3.1 0.58 1.7 0.22 1.6 0.16 20 0.003 0.090 666.6 669.0 2.4 0.378 1770 1725 92.8 171.5 11 2.4 6.7 0.96 4.9 0.95 2.6 0.34 2 0.3 29 0.004 0.382 669.0 670.5 1.5 0.135 609 611 34.9 76.4 7.7 2 6.2 0.79 4.9 0.93 2.4 0.29 2 0.31 28 0.004 0.139 670.5 672.1 1.5 0.031 129 140 9.1 24.6 4.4 1.2 3.8 0.58 3.2 0.69 1.7 0.22 1.5 0.18 20 0.003 0.034 672.1 673.6 1.5 0.011 35 42 3.7 16.4 4.9 1.4 4.8 0.78 4.7 0.9 2.5 0.32 2.2 0.28 28 0.004 0.015 673.6 675.1 1.5 0.033 115 154 12.5 38.7 5.8 1.6 4.4 0.64 3.8 0.73 1.9 0.26 1.7 0.24 22 0.003 0.036 675.1 678.1 3.0 0.105 446 490 30.7 69.6 7.1 2.1 4.8 0.7 3.9 0.72 2.3 0.27 1.6 0.2 23 0.003 0.108 678.1 681.2 3.0 0.091 409 419 23.3 48.5 4.1 0.9 2.7 0.36 2.1 0.37 0.9 0.14 0.8 0.08 11 0.002 0.092 Interval (m) 33.8 Average 0.091 794.0 797.0 3.0 0.265 1170 1240 72.3 151 11.4 1.9 6 0.78 4 0.72 1.9 0.24 1.6 0.23 23 0.003 0.269 797.0 800.1 3.0 0.069 294 322 19.9 46.3 5.7 1.4 4.7 0.62 3.4 0.7 1.6 0.21 1.5 0.25 20 0.003 0.072 800.1 803.1 3.0 0.092 388 424 26 62.2 7.9 2 6.3 0.83 4.5 0.79 2.3 0.31 1.8 0.24 25 0.004 0.095 803.1 806.2 3.0 0.177 793 825 44.7 87.1 8.1 1.7 5.5 0.73 4 0.78 1.8 0.27 1.8 0.28 23 0.003 0.180 806.2 809.2 3.0 0.202 927 935 50.4 94.6 8.2 1.7 5.6 0.74 4 0.71 1.9 0.29 1.7 0.23 22 0.003 0.205 809.2 812.3 3.0 0.087 373 404 24.6 56.7 7.4 1.6 5.8 0.9 4.8 0.88 2.5 0.35 2.3 0.3 27 0.004 0.091 812.3 815.3 3.0 0.048 161 226 18.7 58.8 9.6 1.7 7.7 0.98 6.3 1.24 3.5 0.46 2.8 0.44 34 0.005 0.053 815.3 816.6 1.3 0.067 247 316 23.4 67.2 10.7 1.9 8.1 0.93 6.1 1.16 3.3 0.48 2.8 0.44 34 0.005 0.072 816.6 818.3 1.7 0.052 220 242 14.7 34.5 5.1 1.2 3.7 0.4 3.1 0.65 1.9 0.27 1.7 0.26 20 0.003 0.055 Interval (m) 24.4 Average 0.128





Table of REO values from three REE-enriched zones in core hole OR22-012. Fusion/ICPMS.

Consultant Joe Kizis commented, "The mineralization in hole OR22-012 was initially very encouraging to us because it demonstrates the importance of favorable carbonate host rocks in developing strong copper mineralization. Perhaps importantly, REEs are not enriched in other portions of the Oro property, even within well zoned, but weak, copper porphyry -style mineralization and may thus indicate the porphyry system we believe lies to the west of OR22-012 is unique compared to other porphyries on the property.

More study will be required before we know if there is potential for byproduct REE's at Oro. There are 16 separate rare earth elements contained within at least 245 separate minerals, so metallurgy is very important to understanding the economic possibilities of these potential byproducts. One easily leached REE deposit in the US reports an average grade of 0.06% TREO and is being considered for economic development. However, these lowest grade deposits have a higher percentage of HREEs than we have seen at Oro to date, as well as other coproducts. REEs have many uses, ranging from additives to batteries, magnets, automobile windshields, and ceramics to processing petroleum. With about 90% of REEs being sourced from China, it's not surprising that the US, Canada, and other parts of the world consider REEs as Critical Minerals. With the newly acquired ground, we now have the room to develop these exciting targets."

Drill Hole OR22-012

Drill hole OR22-012 tested a strong ZTEM geophysical anomaly in an area believed to be relatively high in the metal system where mapping, geochemistry and geophysical data suggests a porphyry system lies at depth to the west on the newly stake ground.

The REE-enrich intervals occur within a broad 427.7m* Cu-enriched mineralized zone averaging 0.15% CuEq* (0.08% Cu, 0.01% Mo, and 1.4g/t Ag) and starting at 578.6m downhole (see NR-02-23, dated April 03, 2023). Within the broader mineralized zone, OR22-012 intersected veins with strongly anomalous gold (12.4 g/t over 0.8 metres* at 495.7 metres depth) in a banded anhydrite + pyrite + calcite breccia vein and, deeper in the hole, intersected anomalous silver and lead (908 g/t Ag and 10.4% Pb over 0.2 metres* at 594.6 metres depth) in a barite + galena vein, consistent with expected metal zoning. Favourable carbonate host rocks were intersected with abundant sulphide minerals below a 6-metre-thick massive anhydrite vein at roughly 590-metres depth. The strongest mineralization is 9.1 metres* of 0.59% Cu, 0.01% Mo, 0.3 g/t Au, and 2.3g/t Ag (0.92% CuEq*) from 834.5 to 843.7 metres in a carbonate replacement zone with abundant magnetite, specular hematite, and epidote with minor pyrite, calcite, and anhydrite. Dikes ranging from unaltered to strongly altered are common throughout the hole.

*Note- Estimated true thickness is unknown at this time. Equivalent values are calculated based on prices of $1700/oz Au, $20/oz Ag, $3.25/oz Cu, $1/lb Pb, $1.2/lb Zn and $18/lb Mo assuming 100% metal recoveries.

QA/QC Procedures

Core was logged and marked for cutting and sampling at Southern Silver's Hachita secure core shed, then picked up by Skyline Assayers & Laboratories and delivered to their Tucson, Arizona facility where the core was cut and analyzed. Gold was analyzed by Fire Assay-AAS or gravimetric if overlimit (FA-01 or FA-02) with 47-element ICP/MS multi-acid digestion (TE-5). A QA/QC standard or blank was inserted at least every 20 samples and 10% of the samples were assayed in duplicate. No issues were identified in quality control.

Pulps from three intervals averaging +0.05% La + Ce + Y and shoulder samples were submitted to ALS Chemex in Reno, Nevada and Vancouver, BC where they were homogenized (HOM-01m) and then assayed for High-grade REE by fusion/ICPMS (ME-MS8h). Comparison of Fusion/ICPMS values to MS/ICP values of La + Ce + Y only in the three zones are 0%, +22% and +27%, with individual sample pairs showing more variation. The higher values in the High-grade REE by fusion method reflects the effect of complete digestion of samples and the addition of Pr and Nd contributions, which were not analyzed by the non-fusion method.





Land map showing new claims staked at Oro Project, New Mexico

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5344/187352_9515484fa4270b31_003full.jpg

Corporate Update

The Company also reports that it is pleased to announce the appointment of Jay Oness as Vice President, Corporate Development. Mr. Oness has over 25 years of corporate communications, strategic marketing and corporate development experience and has been a director and officer of numerous publicly traded North American resource companies. Mr. Oness will be responsible for general corporate development, and supporting management to evaluate and execute new investment opportunities.

He is currently serving as the VP of Corporate Development at Malaspina-Manex Group where he is responsible for overseeing, implementing, and managing various corporate functions and shareholder programs for public and private companies.

About Oro

The Oro property consists of patented land, New Mexico State leases, and Federal/BLM mineral claims acquired by purchase, staking and lease over the past several years. Several historic mines produced copper, lead, zinc, silver, and gold from discrete portions of the amalgamated property. The property covers a large, well-zoned Laramide-age mineral system consisting of a ring of Carbonate Replacement Deposits (CRDs) around a core of intense sericite-pyrite alteration, which clay mineralogy indicates is the lithocap overlying unexposed porphyry centres. Targeting for copper mineralization is based upon 3D modelling of data generated by geologic mapping, historic drill holes, geochemical zoning studies, alteration clay zoning studies, and geophysical surveys.

Surrounding the CRD zone are distal-disseminated, sediment-hosted, gold showings, such as at the Stockpond target, where the Company has conducted limited exploratory drilling. The drilling encountered strongly oxidized, disseminated gold mineralization beneath shallow gravel cover that was limited by a post-mineral fault which buried potential extensions beneath a thick cover of gravel, and which remains open for further exploration.

About Southern Silver Exploration Corp.

Southern Silver Exploration Corp. is an exploration and development company with a focus on the discovery of world-class mineral deposits either directly or through joint-venture relationships in mineral properties in major jurisdictions. Our specific emphasis is the 100% owned Cerro Las Minitas silver-lead-zinc project located in the heart of Mexico's Faja de Plata, which hosts multiple world-class mineral deposits such as Penasquito, Los Gatos, San Martin, Naica and Pitarrilla. We have assembled a team of highly experienced technical, operational, and transactional professionals to support our exploration efforts in developing the Cerro Las Minitas project into a premier, high-grade, silver-lead-zinc mine. Our property portfolio also includes two projects in southern New Mexico: the Oro porphyry/CRD copper-gold project; and the Hermanas gold-silver vein project, where an application has been submitted for a drilling program.

Robert Macdonald, MSc. P.Geo, is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical disclosure in this news release. Joe Kizis, also a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, supervised directly the collection of the data from the Oro project that is reported in this disclosure and is responsible for the presentation of the technical information in this disclosure.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

"Lawrence Page"

Lawrence Page, K.C.

President & Director, Southern Silver Exploration Corp.

For further information, please visit Southern Silver's website at; https://www.southernsilverexploration.com or contact us at 604.641.2759 or by email at corpdev@mnxltd.com.

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 contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward looking statements include the timing and receipt of government and regulatory approvals, and continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. Southern Silver Exploration Corp. does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by applicable law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/187352
Despite geopolitical risks and macro economic factors, 85% of investors and companies surveyed plan to boost ESG investment over the next five years

84% of executives say ESG helps deliver a more robust corporate strategy and 85% of investors reported that ESG leads to better returns, resilient portfolios and enhanced fundamental analysis

Nine out of 10 executives and investors stated that AI is a 'friend not foe' for ESG

LONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / November 14, 2023 / Bloomberg

Originally published on bloomberg.com

At a time when the concept of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) has come under pressure, Bloomberg Intelligence's inaugural ESG Market Navigator survey [1] has found that ESG remains a backbone of financial markets and corporate strategy, driven by global regulation, consumer demands and competitive ambitions. The survey, conducted in collaboration with Bloomberg New Economy, canvassed the views of 250 C-suite executives and 250 investors globally.



Although geopolitical risks and macro concerns may shift priorities in the short term, and currently only 55% of C-suite executives see ESG as one of their top two priorities, the survey indicates strong long term support for ESG from both senior executives and major investors in all regions of the world; in fact 85% of investors and companies surveyed plan to boost ESG investment over the next five years.



While costs of transition and regulatory compliance are seen as major hurdles, executives view ESG as benefiting reputation, access to capital and competitiveness, and a vast majority (84%) say it helps deliver a more robust corporate strategy. The same number said it is a material factor in terms of M&A and 81% said they were worried about losing market share if they fall behind peers. Seven in 10 executives view energy-transition efforts as a competitive advantage, and 75% say that failing to plan may expose them to revenue loss and activism. Though the majority said "greenwashing" makes ESG goals increasingly difficult to articulate, 73% believe the benefits are worth the commitment and associated scrutiny.



Likewise, a majority of investors (85%) reported that ESG leads to better returns, resilient portfolios and enhanced fundamental analysis. Despite data consistency and funds regulation challenges, 90% of all respondents said that ESG could drive better returns over the next 12 months than the rest of the market, 92% said ESG helps deliver a more resilient investment portfolio strategy, and 86% said it is key to attracting and/ or retaining clients.

Adeline Diab, Global ESG Research and Strategy Director at Bloomberg Intelligence, said: "ESG has moved from a fringe concern, to mainstream and finally, to a mandated necessity. We expect 2024 to be about ESG accountability and an era where investor-corporate dialogue will be vital, 60% of investors hold companies answerable on ESG, while 40% of executives face ESG questions on over half their investor calls. I firmly believe that scrutiny will help shape a more credible ESG market overtime."

Other key findings of Bloomberg Intelligence's inaugural survey were; huge support for Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the context of ESG. Nine out of 10 executives and investors stated that AI is a 'friend not foe' for ESG, helping to improve traceability, generate better data and uncover controversies across languages, among other strengths. Interoperability of regulations (15%) and climate risk assessments (12%) for investors, measuring impact and litigation risks for corporations are top of mind for 2024. In addition, water, circular economy, as well as biodiversity emerged as new themes besides clean energy.

Notes to Editors

[1] The ESG Market Navigator, a survey of 250 C-suite executives and 250 senior investors from around the world, was developed by Bloomberg Intelligence for release in collaboration with the Bloomberg New Economy. Questions covered five topics: Context, Practice, Communication, Climate and 2024 Outlook.

The online questionnaire was carried out by GLG in October. The distribution of respondents was 35% in each of the US and EMEA, and 30% from APAC, across industries.

Contact

Oktavia Catsaros

Bloomberg Intelligence

ocatsaros@bloomberg.net



Kate Burns / Saffron Wainwright / Seb Zickus

Citigate Dewe Rogerson

BloombergIntelligence@citigatedewerogerson.com

About Bloomberg Intelligence

Bloomberg Intelligence (BI) research delivers an independent perspective providing interactive data and investment research on over 2,000 companies, 135 industries and all global markets. Our team of over 400 research professionals help our clients make decisions with confidence in the rapidly moving investment landscape. BI analysis is backed by live, transparent data from Bloomberg and more than 600 third-party data contributors that clients can use to refine and support their ideas. Bloomberg Intelligence is available exclusively on the Bloomberg Terminal and the Bloomberg Professional App. Visit us at https://www.bloomberg.com/professional/product/bloomberg-intelligence/ or request a demo.

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View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/803419/bioomberg-intelligence-survey-finds-investors-and-c-suite-embrace-esg-despite-concerns
Ottawa, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 14, 2023) - C-COM Satellite Systems Inc., (TSXV: CMI) (OTCQB: CYSNF) a leading global provider of commercial grade mobile auto-deploying satellite antenna systems, announced today that, pursuant to the requirements of the TSX Venture Exchange, it has granted options to purchase 300,000 common shares of C-COM to an officer of C-COM. The stock options were granted pursuant to the terms of C-COM's stock option plan and are exercisable at $0.95 per share. These grants form part of the overall annual remuneration package. Stock option grants are subject to necessary regulatory approvals.

About C-COM Satellite Systems Inc.





To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5445/187374_938e6805a4e218fb_005full.jpg

C-COM Satellite Systems Inc. is a pioneer and world leader in the design, development, and manufacture of transportable and mobile satellite-based antenna systems. The Company has developed proprietary, auto-acquisition controller technology for rapid antenna pointing to a satellite with just the press of a button, enabling Broadband Internet via Satellite across a wide range of market applications worldwide, including regions unserved or underserved by terrestrial access technologies.

C-COM has sold more than 10,000 antenna systems, in over 100 countries, through a dedicated dealer network that provides service to a wide range of vertical markets such as Oil & Gas Exploration, Military Communications, Disaster Management, SNG, Emergency Communications, Cellular Backhaul, Telemedicine, Mobile Education, Government Services, Mobile Banking, and others. The Company's iNetVu brand is synonymous with high quality, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.

C-COM is in late-stage development of a potentially revolutionary Ka-band, electronically steerable, modular, conformal, flat panel phased array antenna. C-COM is engaged in the design of this unique antenna with the intent of providing low-cost, high-throughput mobility applications over satellite for land, airborne and maritime verticals over LEO, MEO and GEO satellite constellations. For additional information please visit www.c-comsat.com.

iNetVu is a registered trademark of C-COM Satellite Systems Inc.

The Company is publicly traded on the Canadian Venture Exchange (TSXV: CMI) and on the US OTC Exchange (OTCQB: CYSNF).

INVESTOR RELATIONS

C-COM Satellite Systems Inc.

Tel: (613) 745-4110 ext. 4950

Fax: (613) 745-7144

lklein@c-comsat.com

# # #

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/187374
Q3 Revenue of $46.7 Million; Income from Operations of $8.9 Million; Adjusted EBITDA of $14.1 Million or 30% of Revenue

Generated $6.9 Million of Operating Cash Flow

DENVER, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Medicine Man Technologies, Inc., operating as Schwazze, (OTCQX: SHWZ) (NEO: SHWZ) ("Schwazze" or the "Company"), today announced financial and operational results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2023.

Third Quarter 2023 Summary



For the Three Months Ended $ in Thousands USD September 30,

2023 June 30,

2023 September 30,

2022 Total Revenue $46,747 $42,375 $43,191 Gross Profit $21,438 $24,519 $22,476 Operating Expenses $12,514 $19,562 $11,361 Income from Operations $8,924 $4,957 $11,115 Adjusted EBITDA[1] $14,119 $13,814 $15,860 Operating Cash Flow $6,946 $2,683 $10,298

Management Commentary

"We continued to increase our retail footprint during the quarter to a total of 63 stores in Colorado and New Mexico, while further integrating our recently-acquired assets in both states," said Nirup Krishnamurthy, CEO of Schwazze. "We also generated a 41% increase in our wholesale business year-over-year as we are gaining momentum in New Mexico and improved penetration in Colorado. When looking at wholesale penetration, Schwazze now sells into 7 of the 10 largest operators in Colorado and New Mexico with its expanding product portfolio.

_____________________________ 1 Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure as defined by the SEC, and represents earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, adjusted for other income, non-cash share-based compensation, one-time transaction related expenses, or other non-operating costs. The Company uses Adjusted EBITDA as it believes it better explains the results of its core business. See "ADJUSTED EBITDA RECONCILIATION (NON-GAAP)" section herein for an explanation and reconciliations of non-GAAP measure used throughout this release.

"In Colorado, we have increased efforts to expand our reach to medical patients through the Standing Akimbo banner with new presence in Colorado Springs and Fort Collins. We also opened a new Starbuds store in Lakewood in August and are seeing promising early results. Alongside new store openings, we are currently remodeling and/or relocating certain stores to further enhance the customer experience.

"In New Mexico, cannabis operators are navigating increased competition as a result of new licenses. While legal cannabis sales in the state were up 19% year-over-year in Q3, total store count was up 76%, leading to lower revenue on a per store basis. In response to these market dynamics, we are strategically investing in the retail experience and remain committed to attracting and retaining our customers and patients there. Our strategy is to first, further integrate the Everest assets while refining assortment, in-stock position and standard costs from a combined integrated supply chain. Second, invest in our leading retail position by bringing new products to our shelves while sharpening pricing and promotional efforts. Third, support the state as it implements cannabis regulation and enforcement to heighten testing and safety standards. And finally, continue to expand our wholesale business in the state.

"As we look to 2024, our strategy remains unchanged: leverage our operating playbook and further integrate our acquired assets to drive customer acquisition and sales across our expanded footprint. We will continue to evaluate opportunities that can enhance our geographic footprint and brand portfolio."

Recent Highlights

Launched Colorado's first "store-within-a-store" concept, combining a Star Buds recreational dispensary with the Standing Akimbo medical banner.

Announced the grand opening of a medical and recreational dispensary under the R. Greenleaf banner in Hobbs, NM, increasing the Company's New Mexico retail footprint to 33 stores.

Third quarter ecommerce transactions in New Mexico and Colorado increased a collective 28% compared to the second quarter of 2023.

Third quarter customer loyalty members increased 16% compared to the second quarter of 2023 with New Mexico loyalty member penetration growing to 78% of total customers.

Lowell Farms premium pre-roll brand, licensed by the Company, is now in over 130 doors and the #2 pre-roll in Colorado.

Third Quarter 2023 Financial Results

Total revenue in the third quarter of 2023 increased 8% to $46.7 million compared to $43.2 million for the same quarter last year. The increase was primarily due to growth from new stores compared to the prior year period and increased wholesale revenue, partially offset by pricing pressure from the proliferation of new licenses in New Mexico.

Gross profit for the third quarter of 2023 was $21.4 million or 45.9% of total revenue, compared to $22.5 million or 52.0% of total revenue for the same quarter last year. The decrease in gross margin was primarily driven by a year-to-date true-up expense reclassification from SG&A into cost of goods sold, as well as increased lower margin medical sales mix in Colorado and lower initial gross margin from the Company's acquisition of Everest Apothecary's inventory. This was partially offset by improvements to product mix across the Company's retail footprint.

Operating expenses for the third quarter of 2023 were $12.5 million compared to $11.4 million for the same quarter last year. The increase was primarily due to four-wall SG&A increases associated with 28 additional stores in Colorado and New Mexico that are still ramping.

Income from operations for the third quarter of 2023 was $8.9 million compared to $11.1 million in the same quarter last year. Net loss was $0.3 million compared to net income of $1.8 million for the third quarter of 2022.

Adjusted EBITDA for the third quarter of 2023 was $14.1 million or 30.2% of revenue, compared to $15.9 million or 36.7% of revenue for the same quarter last year. The decrease in Adjusted EBITDA margin was primarily driven by lower gross margin and the higher four-wall SG&A associated with new stores that are still ramping.

As of September 30, 2023, cash and cash equivalents were $19.6 million compared to $38.9 million on December 31, 2022, while operating working capital decreased by $3.5 million to $0.6 million during this period. Total debt as of September 30, 2023, was $155.1 million compared to $127.8 million on December 31, 2022.

Schwazze CFO Forrest Hoffmaster added, "As we focus on revenue growth, customer acquisition and generating positive cash flow, we are also making steady progress on integrating our recent acquisitions to drive operational efficiencies and cost synergies at scale. In addition, we are in the process of optimizing our inventory through an ERP implementation across our cultivation and manufacturing facilities, which we expect will lead to one-time inventory valuation adjustments as we close out the year. These initiatives will enable us to recognize further improvements across our business as we continue to deepen our presence in the markets we serve."

Conference Call

The Company will conduct a conference call today, November 14, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern time to discuss its results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2023.

Schwazze management will host the conference call, followed by a question-and-answer period. Interested parties may submit questions to the Company prior to the call by emailing ir@schwazze.com.

Date: Tuesday, November 14, 2023

Time: 5:00 p.m. Eastern time

Toll-free dial-in: (888) 664-6383

International dial-in: (416) 764-8650

Conference ID: 64450430

Webcast: SHWZ Q3 2023 Earnings Call

The conference call will also be broadcast live and available for replay on the investor relations section of the Company's website at https://ir.schwazze.com.

Toll-free replay number: (888) 390-0541

International replay number: (416) 764-8677

Replay ID: 450430

If you have any difficulty registering or connecting with the conference call, please contact Elevate IR at (720) 330-2829.

About Schwazze

Schwazze (OTCQX: SHWZ) (NEO: SHWZ) is building a premier vertically integrated regional cannabis company with assets in Colorado and New Mexico and will continue to take its operating system to other states where it can develop a differentiated regional leadership position. Schwazze is the parent company of a portfolio of leading cannabis businesses and brands spanning seed to sale.

Schwazze is anchored by a high-performance culture that combines customer-centric thinking and data science to test, measure, and drive decisions and outcomes. The Company's leadership team has deep expertise in retailing, wholesaling, and building consumer brands at Fortune 500 companies as well as in the cannabis sector.

Medicine Man Technologies, Inc. was Schwazze's former operating trade name. The corporate entity continues to be named Medicine Man Technologies, Inc. Schwazze derives its name from the pruning technique of a cannabis plant to enhance plant structure and promote healthy growth. To learn more about Schwazze, visit https://schwazze.com/.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements." Such statements may be preceded by the words "may," "will," "could," "would," "should," "expect," "intends," "plans," "strategy," "prospects," "anticipate," "believe," "approximately," "estimate," "predict," "project," "potential," "continue," "ongoing," or the negative of these terms or other words of similar meaning in connection with a discussion of future events or future operating or financial performance, although the absence of these words does not necessarily mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future events or performance, are based on certain assumptions, and are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control and cannot be predicted or quantified. Consequently, actual events and results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, risks and uncertainties associated with (i) regulatory limitations on our products and services and the uncertainty in the application of federal, state, and local laws to our business, and any changes in such laws; (ii) our ability to manufacture our products and product candidates on a commercial scale on our own or in collaboration with third parties; (iii) our ability to identify, consummate, and integrate anticipated acquisitions; (iv) general industry and economic conditions; (v) our ability to access adequate capital upon terms and conditions that are acceptable to us; (vi) our ability to pay interest and principal on outstanding debt when due; (vii) volatility in credit and market conditions; (viii) the loss of one or more key executives or other key employees; and (ix) other risks and uncertainties related to the cannabis market and our business strategy. More detailed information about the Company and the risk factors that may affect the realization of forward-looking statements is set forth in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Investors and security holders are urged to read these documents free of charge on the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov. The Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise its forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise except as required by law.

MEDICINE MAN TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

For the Periods Ended September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 Expressed in U.S. Dollars













September 30,

December 31,

2023

2022

(Unaudited)

(Audited) ASSETS









Current Assets









Cash & Cash Equivalents $ 19,624,615

$ 38,949,253 Accounts Receivable, net of Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

5,049,869



4,471,978 Inventory

32,767,841



22,554,182 Notes Receivable - Current, net

-



11,944 Marketable Securities, net of Unrealized Loss of $1,816 and Loss of $39,270, respectively

456,099



454,283 Prepaid Expenses & Other Current Assets

6,485,896



5,293,393 Total Current Assets

64,384,320



71,735,033 Non-Current Assets









Fixed Assets, net Accumulated Depreciation of $8,065,794 and $4,899,977, respectively

32,139,192



27,089,026 Investments

2,000,000



2,000,000 Goodwill

76,578,654



94,605,301 Intangible Assets, net Accumulated Amortization of $28,828,713 and $16,290,862, respectively

168,822,669



107,726,718 Note Receivable - Non-Current, net

1,313



- Deferred Tax Assets, net

50,467



- Other Non-Current Assets

1,298,950



1,527,256 Operating Lease Right of Use Assets

25,315,122



18,199,399 Total Non-Current Assets

306,206,367



251,147,700 Total Assets $ 370,590,687

$ 322,882,733











LIABILITIES & STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY









Current Liabilities









Accounts Payable $ 11,665,499

$ 10,701,281 Accounts Payable - Related Party

22,073



22,380 Accrued Expenses

9,430,875



7,462,290 Derivative Liabilities

2,022,248



16,508,253 Lease Liabilities - Current

4,721,713



3,139,289 Current Portion of Long Term Debt

4,250,000



2,250,000 Income Taxes Payable

18,283,784



7,297,815 Total Current Liabilities

50,396,192



47,381,308 Non-Current Liabilities









Long Term Debt, net of Debt Discount & Issuance Costs

150,878,200



125,521,520 Lease Liabilities - Non-Current

23,525,633



17,314,464 Deferred Income Taxes, net

-



502,070 Total Non-Current Liabilities

174,403,833



143,338,054 Total Liabilities $ 224,800,025

$ 190,719,362











Stockholders' Equity









Preferred Stock, $0.001 Par Value. 10,000,000 Shares Authorized; 86,494 Shares Issued and









86,994 Shares Outstanding as of September 30, 2023 and 86,994 Shares Issued and 86,994 Shares







Outstanding as of December 31, 2022.

87



87 Common Stock, $0.001 Par Value. 250,000,000 Shares Authorized; 72,607,621 Shares Issued









and 72,591,605 Shares Outstanding as of September 30, 2023 and 56,352,545 Shares Issued









and 55,212,547 Shares Outstanding as of December 31, 2022.

72,607



56,353 Additional Paid-In Capital

199,177,342



180,381,641 Accumulated Deficit

(51,426,247)



(46,241,583) Common Stock Held in Treasury, at Cost, 920,150 Shares Held as of September 30, 2023 and









920,150 Shares Held as of December 31, 2022.

(2,033,127)



(2,033,127) Total Stockholders' Equity

145,790,662



132,163,371 Total Liabilities & Stockholders' Equity $ 370,590,687

$ 322,882,733

MEDICINE MAN TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME AND (LOSS)

For the Periods Ended September 30, 2023 and 2022

Expressed in U.S. Dollars

























For the Three Months Ended

For the Nine Months Ended

September 30,

September 30,

2023

2022

2023

2022

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited) Operating Revenues





















Retail $ 41,951,969

$ 39,759,734

$ 115,871,037

$ 104,386,464 Wholesale

4,701,268



3,335,252



13,034,676



14,661,268 Other

93,698



96,000



217,258



184,200 Total Revenue

46,746,935



43,190,986



129,122,971



119,231,932 Total Cost of Goods & Services

25,308,972



20,715,192



60,133,091



60,661,933 Gross Profit

21,437,963



22,475,794



68,989,880



58,569,999 Operating Expenses





















Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

9,639,268



6,594,311



28,693,517



20,114,335 Professional Services

767,822



1,507,149



2,443,046



5,609,579 Salaries

4,545,439



3,159,578



17,700,403



15,697,294 Stock Based Compensation

(2,438,073)



99,898



622,162



1,788,823 Total Operating Expenses

12,514,456



11,360,936



49,459,128



43,210,031 Income from Operations

8,923,507



11,114,858



19,530,752



15,359,968 Other Income (Expense)





















Interest Expense, net

(8,320,397)



(8,500,235)



(23,956,691)



(23,312,088) Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Liabilities

4,516,237



4,816,668



14,486,005



28,104,960 Other Loss

-



-



-



20,400 Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments

-



(28,541)



1,816



(42,353) Total Other Income (Expense)

(3,804,160)



(3,712,108)



(9,468,870)



4,770,919 Pre-Tax Net Income (Loss)

5,119,347



7,402,750



10,061,882



20,130,887 Provision for Income Taxes

5,441,809



5,593,513



15,246,546



11,259,369 Net Income (Loss) $ (322,462)

$ 1,809,237

$ (5,184,664)

$ 8,871,518























Less: Accumulated Preferred Stock Dividends for the Period

(1,547,369)



(1,784,113)



(5,930,646)



(5,294,132) Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Common Stockholders $ (1,869,831)

$ 25,124

$ (11,115,310)

$ 3,577,386























Earnings (Loss) per Share Attributable to Common Stockholders





















Basic Earnings (Loss) per Share $ (0.02)

$ -

$ (0.14)

$ 0.07 Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Share $ (0.03)

$ -

$ (0.14)

$ 0.03























Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding - Basic

87,202,537



51,232,943



78,635,841



50,615,437 Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding - Diluted

87,202,537



137,954,532



78,635,841



137,337,027 Comprehensive Income (Loss) $ (322,462)

$ 1,809,237

$ (5,184,664)

$ 8,871,518

MEDICINE MAN TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

For the Periods Ended September 30, 2023 and 2022

Expressed in U.S. Dollars













For the Nine Months Ended

September 30,

2023

2022

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited) Cash Flows from Operating Activities:









Net Income (Loss) for the Period $ (5,184,664)

$ 8,871,518 Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash for Operating Activities









Depreciation & Amortization

15,703,668



8,329,767 Non-Cash Interest Expense

3,003,386



3,137,021 Non-Cash Lease Expense

5,756,492



3,910,679 Deferred Taxes

(552,537)



- Change in Derivative Liabilities

(14,486,005)



(28,104,960) Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs

1,264,537



1,264,538 Amortization of Debt Discount

6,269,584



5,505,420 (Gain) Loss on Investments, net

(1,816)



42,353 Stock Based Compensation

835,347



811,897 Changes in Operating Assets & Liabilities (net of Acquired Amounts):









Accounts Receivable

206,179



(1,100,055) Inventory

(4,883,659)



2,898,959 Prepaid Expenses & Other Current Assets

(1,192,503)



(3,377,844) Other Assets

228,306



(179,072) Change in Operating Lease Liabilities

(5,078,622)



(11,938,634) Accounts Payable & Other Liabilities

(4,124,458)



8,802,231 Income Taxes Payable

10,985,969



1,560,630 Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities

8,749,202



434,448











Cash Flows from Investing Activities:









Collection of Notes Receivable

10,631



- Cash Consideration for Acquisition of Business, net of Cash Acquired

(15,813,028)



(56,875,923) Purchase of Fixed Assets

(6,766,759)



(12,511,389) Purchase of Intangible Assets

(2,700,000)



(2,825) Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities

(25,269,156)



(69,390,137)











Cash Flows from Financing Activities:









Payment on Notes Payable

(3,488,302)



- Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock, net of Issuance Costs

683,618



1,280,660 Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities

(2,804,684)



1,280,660











Net (Decrease) in Cash & Cash Equivalents

(19,324,638)



(67,675,029) Cash & Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period

38,949,253



106,400,216 Cash & Cash Equivalents at End of Period $ 19,624,615

$ 38,725,187











Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:









Cash Paid for Interest $ 13,271,618

$ 13,239,685 Cash Paid for Income Taxes

5,000,000



9,840,000

MEDICINE MAN TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

ADJUSTED EBITDA RECONCILIATION (NON-GAAP)

For the Periods Ended September 30, 2023 and 2022

Expressed in U.S. Dollars

























For the Three Months Ended

For the Nine Months Ended

September 30,

September 30,

2023

2022

2023

2022 Net Income (Loss) $ (322,462)

$ 1,809,237

$ (5,184,664)

$ 8,871,518 Interest Expense, net

8,320,397



8,500,235



23,956,691



23,312,088 Provision for Income Taxes

5,441,809



5,593,513



15,246,546



11,259,369 Other (Income) Expense, net of Interest Expense

(4,516,237)



(4,788,127)



(14,487,821)



(28,083,007) Depreciation & Amortization

5,330,529



3,322,150



15,808,535



8,823,549 Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and





















Amortization (EBITDA) (non-GAAP) $ 14,254,036

$ 14,437,008

$ 35,339,287

$ 24,183,517 Non-Cash Stock Compensation

(2,438,073)



99,898



622,162



1,788,823 Deal Related Expenses

1,401,795



993,828



3,331,315



4,907,291 Capital Raise Related Expenses

1,712



185,597



36,780



791,229 Inventory Adjustment to Fair Market Value for





















Purchase Accounting

-



34,604



-



6,541,651 Severance

121,715



22,434



425,832



71,536 Retention Program Expenses

110,023



-



505,655



- Employee Relocation Expenses

12,867



-



65,042



19,110 Other Non-Recurring Items

655,244



87,097



2,132,272



422,532 Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) $ 14,119,319

$ 15,860,466

$ 42,458,345

$ 38,725,689 Revenue

46,746,935



43,190,986



129,122,971



119,231,932 Adjusted EBITDA Percent

30.2 %



36.7 %



32.9 %



32.5 %

MEDICINE MAN TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

OPERATING WORKING CAPITAL RECONCILIATION (NON-GAAP)

For the Periods Ended September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022

Expressed in U.S. Dollars













September 30,

December 31,

2023

2022 Current Assets $ 64,384,320

$ 71,735,033 Less: Cash & Cash Equivalents

(19,624,615)



(38,949,253) Adjusted Current Assets (non-GAAP)

44,759,705



32,785,780











Current Liabilities $ 50,396,192

$ 47,381,308 Less: Derivative Liabilities

(2,022,248)



(16,508,253) Less: Current Portion of Long Term Debt

(4,250,000)



(2,250,000) Adjusted Current Liabilities (non-GAAP)

44,123,944



28,623,055











Operating Working Capital (non-GAAP) $ 635,761

$ 4,162,725

Investor Relations Contact, Sean Mansouri, CFA or Aaron D'Souza, Elevate IR, (720) 330-2829, ir@schwazze.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/schwazze-announces-third-quarter-2023-financial-results-301988067.html
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 14, 2023) - Trojan Gold Inc. (CSE: TGII) (the "Company" or "Trojan") wishes to announce that it has entered into an agreement with Jon Li, the Chief Financial Officer of the Company, to issue 100,000 common shares in the capital of the Issuer (the "Shares") to Mr. Li in exchange for outstanding accounts payable totaling $5,000.00. It is anticipated that the Shares will be issued at a price per Share of $0.05, in accordance with the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange.

The Shares will be subject to a four-month and one-day hold period.

The issuance of the Shares to Mr. Li constitutes a "related party transaction" as such term is defined by Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company expects to rely on the exemptions from the valuation and minority approval requirements for related party transactions in connection with the issuance of the Shares that are set out in sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 as neither the fair market value (as determined under MI 61-101) of the subject matter of, nor the fair market value of the consideration for, the issuance of the Shares, exceeds 25% of the Company's market capitalization (as determined under MI 61-101).

About Trojan Gold Inc.

Trojan is an active Ontario-based prospect generator junior exploration company, led by a team of professionals having exploration, engineering, project financing and permitting experience. Trojan has accumulated land positions in the Hemlo Gold Camp and Shebandowan Greenstone Belt which in management's view represent mineral exploration potential. For further information on the Company, please visit www.trojangold.com. Trojan is listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol (CSE: TGII), on the OTC Pink Market under the ticker symbol TRJGF and on the Frankfurt Exchange under the symbol KC1.

For further information, please contact:

Charles J. Elbourne, President & CEO

Trojan Gold Inc.

82 Richmond St. East, Suite 401

Toronto, Ontario M5C 1P1

Telephone: 416-315-6490

Email: elbourne007@gmail.com

Website: www.trojangold.com

Further Information

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities, in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements contained herein that are not clearly historical in nature may constitute forward-looking information. In some cases, forward-looking information can be identified by words or phrases such as "may", "will", "expect", "likely", "should", "would", "plan", "anticipate", "intend", "potential", "proposed", "estimate", "believe" or the negative of these terms, or other similar words, expressions, and grammatical variations thereof, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" happen, or by discussions of strategy. Forward-looking information contained in this press release includes, but is not limited to, statements relating to the number and pricing of common shares that the Company expects to issue.

Where the Company expresses or implies an expectation or belief as to future events or results, such expectation or belief is based on assumptions made in good faith and believed to have a reasonable basis. Such assumptions include, without limitation, that the Company will receive all necessary approvals required in order to complete the issuance of common shares described in in this press release.

However, forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors, which could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed, projected, or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks include, but are not limited to, the risk that the Company will not be able to proceed with the issuance of common shares on the terms described in this press release or at all due to not having received all necessary approvals or for other reasons beyond the Company's control.

Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements and the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained herein are made as at the date hereof and are based on the beliefs, estimates, expectations, and opinions of management on such date. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or revise any such forward-looking statements or any forward-looking statements contained in any other documents whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and such forward-looking information, except as required under applicable securities law. Readers are cautioned to consider these and other factors, uncertainties, and potential events carefully and not to put undue reliance on forward-looking information.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/187391
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 14, 2023) - Austin Gold Corp. (NYSE American: AUST) ("Austin Gold" or the "Company") announces, on behalf of certain shareholders, updates to their equity interests in the Company.

Updated Shareholder Equity Interests

Each of Dennis Higgs, a director and the President of the Company, and Joseph Ovsenek, Kenneth McNaughton, each of whom are directors of the Company, and Darcy Higgs, Vice-President, Business Development of the Company announce updates to their respective equity interests in the Company. Pursuant to certain share purchase agreements dated November 9, 2023, Dennis Higgs and Darcy Higgs, through Santorini Investment Corp. (a company he has control or direction over), acquired, through private sale, beneficial ownership of, or control or direction over, additional common shares of the Company ("Shares") from each of Mr. Ovsenek and Mr. McNaughton (collectively, the "Vendors"), as further detailed below (each, an "Acquisition"). As part of the transaction, each of Mr. Ovsenek and Mr. McNaughton sold 400,000 Shares, some to other purchasers who are not insiders of the Company and who do not have an obligation to report such purchases.

Date of Acquisition Acquiror Vendor Shares Acquired Consideration Per Share Aggregate Consideration November 9, 2023 Dennis(1) Higgs Joseph Ovsenek(2) 250,000 C$1.00 C$250,000 November 9, 2023 Dennis(1) Higgs Kenneth McNaughton(3) 230,000 C$1.00 C$230,000 Total 480,000 C$1.00 C$480,000

(1) Mr. Higgs's address is 1021 West Hastings Street, 9th Floor, Vancouver, BC, V6E 0C3.

(2) Mr. Ovsenek's address is 1100, 355 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2G8.

(3) Mr. McNaughton's address is 1100, 355 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2G8.

Date of Acquisition Acquiror Vendor Shares Acquired Consideration Per Share Aggregate Consideration November 9, 2023 Santorini Investment Corp. (Darcy Higgs) (1) Kenneth McNaughton(2) 50,000 C$1.00 C$50,000 Total 50,000 C$1.00 C$50,000

(1) Mr. Higgs's address is 1021 West Hastings Street, 9th Floor, Vancouver, BC, V6E 0C3.

(2) Mr. McNaughton's address is 1100, 355 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2G8.

Prior to the Acquisitions:

Dennis Higgs had beneficial ownership or control over 2,314,001 Shares, and 325,000 stock options, representing 17.44 % of the Company's issued and outstanding Shares on a non-diluted basis and 19.41% on a partially diluted basis.

Darcy Higgs had beneficial ownership or control over 1,706,667 Shares and 200,000 options representing 12.86% of the Company's issued and outstanding Shares on a non-diluted basis and 14.15% on a partially diluted basis.

Each of Joseph Ovsenek and Kenneth McNaughton had beneficial ownership or control over 1,400,000 Shares and 200,000 options representing 10.55% of the Company's issued and outstanding Shares on a non-diluted basis and 11.88% on a partially diluted basis.

On the same date as the Acquisitions, the Company granted Dennis Higgs an additional 500,000 stock options and Darcy Higgs an additional 210,000 stock options.

After the Acquisitions and as of the date hereof:

Dennis Higgs has beneficial ownership or control over 2,794,001 Shares and 825,000 stock options, representing 21.05% of the Company's issued and outstanding Shares on a non-diluted basis and 25.67% on a partially diluted basis;

Darcy Higgs has beneficial ownership or control over 1,756,667 Shares and 410,000 stock options representing 13.24% of the Company's issued and outstanding Shares on a non-diluted basis and 15.84% on a partially diluted basis.

Joseph Ovsenek has beneficial ownership or control over 1,000,000 Shares and 200,000 stock options, representing 7.53% of the Company's issued and outstanding Shares on a non-diluted basis and 8.91% on a partially diluted basis.; and

Kenneth McNaughton has beneficial ownership or control over 1,000,000 Shares and 200,000 stock options, representing 7.53% of the Company's issued and outstanding Shares on a non-diluted basis and 8.91% on a partially diluted basis.

Each party completed the Acquisitions for investment purposes; and depending upon the circumstances, any one of them may, from time to time as they may deem appropriate, acquire additional securities of the Company, or dispose of all or a portion of their respective securities of the Company.

This press release is being issued pursuant to National Instrument 62-103 - The Early Warning System and Related Take-Over Bid and Insider Reporting Issues which requires the issuance of this news release and the filing of early warning reports under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) containing additional information respecting the forgoing matters. A copy of the early warning reports of the acquirors and each of the Vendors may be obtained by contacting Donna Moroney, the Company's Corporate Secretary, at (604) 831-9304 or from SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca under the Company's profile. The Company's head office is located at 9th Floor, 1021 West Hastings Street Vancouver, British Columbia V6E 0C3.

About Austin Gold Corp.

Austin Gold is a gold exploration company focused on gold targets and making district-scale gold discoveries in the southwestern United States.

Austin Gold has three projects in Nevada. The Kelly Creek Project is located on the Battle Mountain-Eureka (Cortez) gold trend in Humboldt County, the Lone Mountain Project is on the Independence-Jerritt Canyon gold trend in Elko County, and the Miller Project is on the Carlin gold trend in Elko County. Collectively, these Nevada properties comprise approximately 76.2 km2 of unpatented and patented mining claims and mineral tenure. In Oregon, the Stockade Mountain Project consists of approximately 21.5 km2 of unpatented mining claims situated in a geological environment that appears the same as the nearby Grassy Mountain Deposit that is being permitted for underground mining.

For further information, please contact:

Donna Moroney, Corporate Secretary

(604) 831-9304

Website: www.austin.gold

Safe Harbor / Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws that is intended to be covered by the safe harbors created by those laws. "Forward-looking information" includes statements that use forward-looking terminology such as "may", "will", "expect", "anticipate", "believe", "continue", "potential" or the negative thereof or other variations thereof or comparable terminology.

Forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and is based upon a number of estimates and assumptions of management at the date the statements are made. Furthermore, such forward-looking information involves a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual plans, intentions, activities, results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future plans, intentions, activities, results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information.

The Company cautions that there can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

Except as required by law, the Company does not assume any obligation to release publicly any revisions to forward-looking information contained in this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/187349
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 14, 2023) - Hypercharge Networks Corp. (NEO: HC) (OTCQB: HCNWF) (FSE: PB7) (the "Company" or "Hypercharge"), a leading, smart electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions provider, is announcing the release of its unaudited financial results for the three months and six months ended September 30, 2023. All dollar figures are in Canadian Dollars, unless otherwise stated.

Financial Highlights (for the three months ended September 30, 2023):

For the three months ended September 30, 2023, the Company's revenue was $921,783, an increase of 148% compared to $371,081 in the three months ended August 31, 2022. Operating expenses increased from $1,262,329 in the comparable period to $2,122,982 (an increase of 68%) for the three months ended September 30, 2023. Operating expenses are comprised of general and administrative expenses, sales and marketing expenses and research and development. The increased operating expenses of $860,653 during the three months ended September 30, 2023 are attributable to $294,334 in non-recurring expenses, $192,661 in non-cash expenses and $373,658 in increased direct and variable costs.

Financial Highlights (for the six months ended September 30, 2023):

For the six months ended September 30, 2023, the Company's revenue was $1,422,807, an increase of 223% compared to $439,916 in the six months ended August 31, 2022. Operating expenses increased from $2,560,626 in the comparable period to $4,548,878 (an increase of 78%) for the six months ended September 30, 2023. The increase in operating expenses of $1,988,252 during the six months ended September 30, 2023, are attributable to $385,842 in non-recurring expenses, $383,679 in non-cash expenses and $1,218,631 in increased direct and variable costs.

Total assets as at September 30, 2023 were $9,148,612, (a 43% increase from $6,404,576 for the year ended March 31, 2023). As at September 30, 2023, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $5,222,730.

"We are pleased to report the unaudited financial results for the three months and six months ended September 30, 2023," said David Bibby, President and CEO of Hypercharge. "With triple digit revenue growth percentages and a growing sales backlog in both comparable periods, we thank our growing customer base for their support as we continue on our growth journey."

Business and Pipeline Highlights (for the three months ended September 30, 2023):

Processed sales orders for 413 charging ports in the three months ended September 30, 2023 and over 2,600 charging ports since commencing business operations in June 2021.

Sold and delivered 280 charging ports in the three months ended September 30, 2023 and over 1,300 charging ports since commencing business operations in June 2021.

Increased sales backlog by 265 charging ports. The Company expects phased delivery of these chargers beginning in 2024.

Activated ten (10) new strategic partnerships assisting with installation of chargers, that facilitate entry into new markets. This increases the Company's total number of strategic partnerships to 54.

Reduced general and administration expenditures by $400,420 (22%) and $325,478 (18%) compared to the three months ended June 30, 2023, and March 31, 2023, respectively. As such, the Company strategically reallocated these resources and doubled its investment in sales and marketing initiatives and research and development efforts over the same period.

Selected by Natural Resources Canada's Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program ("ZEVIP") to support the growth of EV charging infrastructure and further the adoption of electric vehicles in Ontario. The ZEVIP funding of $229,356 will subsidize the cost of 48 Level 2 EV chargers across 11 parking lots.

Summary of Key Financial Measures:

A summary of selected financial information for the three months ended September 30, 2023, and the three months ended August 31, 2022, is as follows:

Three months ended Three months ended September 30, 2023 August 31, 20221 Revenue $ 921,783 $ 371,081 Gross Margin 32% 39% Comprehensive loss $ (1,798,692 ) $ (3,361,491 ) Basic and diluted loss per share $ (0.03 ) $ (0.07 )

1As a result of the Company's change in year-end, the comparative period reflects the three months ended August 31, 2022.

For more information, please refer to the Company's management's discussion & analysis and the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the three- and six-months ended September 30, 2023 and August 31, 2022. These documents are available on the Company's website at https://hypercharge.com/investors/, and under the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

-##-

About Hypercharge

Hypercharge Networks Corp. (NEO: HC) (OTCQB: HCNWF) (FSE: PB7) is a leading provider of smart electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions that offers turnkey technology to multi-unit residential and commercial buildings, fleet operations, and other rapidly growing sectors. Driven by its mission to accelerate EV adoption and enable the shift towards a carbon neutral economy, Hypercharge is committed to providing seamless, simple charging solutions by offering industry-leading equipment and a robust network of public and private charging stations. Learn more: https://hypercharge.com/.

On behalf of the Company,

Hypercharge Networks Corp.

David Bibby, President & CEO

Investor Relations:

invest@hypercharge.com

Media Contact:

Kyle Kingsnorth | Senior Marketing Manager

kyle.kingsnorth@hypercharge.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Any statements that are contained in this news release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "may", "could", "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 Company's growth, commercial developments, delivery timeliness and revenue recognition. Forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, and the actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, assumptions and expectations, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Readers are cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking statements may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Readers are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, as such information, although considered reasonable by management of the Company at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated.

The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release, and are expressly qualified by the foregoing cautionary statement. Except as expressly required by securities law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Neither the NEO Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in policies of the NEO Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/187366
NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITES STATES

ALL AMOUNTS EXPRESSED ARE IN CANADIAN DOLLARS

Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 14, 2023) - Puranium Energy Ltd. (CSE: UX) (FSE: 2DK) (the "Company" or "Puranium") is pleased to announce that the Company is offering a non-brokered private placement of up to 11,000,000 Units (the "Units") at a price of $0.10 per Unit for gross proceeds of $1,100,000 (the "Offering").

Each Unit will be comprised of one (1) common share and one half (1/2) common share purchase warrant (the "Warrant"), with each full Warrant entitling the holder to purchase one additional common share at a price of $0.14 for a period of twenty-four (24) months from the closing of the Offering. All securities issued pursuant to Offering will be subject to a four-month-and-one-day statutory hold period and legended accordingly.

Proceeds of the Offering will be used toward general working capital expenditures of the Company, with approximately $500,000 in connection with the settlement of amounts the Company owes various creditors.

Jason Bagg,

President & CEO, Director

About Puranium Energy Ltd.

Puranium Energy is focused on uranium exploration of its 85% interest in seven Exclusive Prospecting Licences (the "Uranium Properties") totaling 93,514 hectares in the Erongo Province of Namibia know as the "Uranium Province". Namibia is one of the top uranium producing regions in the world, producing approximately 5,613 metric tons of U3O8 in 2022.

For more information, please contact investor relations at investors@puraniumenergy.com.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its regulation services provider has reviewed or accepted responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

This press release may include forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation, concerning the business of the Company. Forward-looking information is based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the management of the Company. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking information is based on are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking information because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release. The Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, other than as required by applicable securities laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/187383
The increase in the neurofibromatosis type 2 market size is a direct consequence of the increasing number of surgical procedures, the rise in the patient population of neurofibromatosis type 2, and upcoming therapies in the 7MM.

LAS VEGAS, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- DelveInsight's Neurofibromatosis Type 2 Market Insights report includes a comprehensive understanding of current treatment practices, neurofibromatosis type 2 emerging drugs, market share of individual therapies, and current and forecasted market size from 2019 to 2032, segmented into 7MM [the United States, the EU-4 (Italy, Spain, France, and Germany), the United Kingdom, and Japan].

Key Takeaways from the Neurofibromatosis Type 2 Market Report

As per DelveInsight analysis, the neurofibromatosis type 2 market is expected to grow positively at a significant CAGR during the study period (2019-2032).

As per DelveInsight's estimates, the total diagnosed and prevalent cases of neurofibromatosis type 2 was approximately 17K cases in the 7MM with 10K cases in the US alone in 2022. These cases are expected to rise at during the study period (2019-2032).

cases in the 7MM with cases in the US alone in 2022. These cases are expected to rise at during the study period (2019-2032). Leading neurofibromatosis type 2 companies such as Novartis Pharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca, Recursion Pharmaceuticals Inc., Vivace Therapeutics, Inc, GlaxoSmithKline, Ikena Oncology, SpringWorks Therapeutics, Inc., and others are developing novel neurofibromatosis type 2 drugs that can be available in the neurofibromatosis type 2 market in the coming years.

and others are developing novel neurofibromatosis type 2 drugs that can be available in the neurofibromatosis type 2 market in the coming years. Some key therapies for neurofibromatosis type 2 treatment include RAD001, Selumetinib, REC-2282, VT3989, GSK2256098, IK-930, IAG933, Mirdametinib (PD-0325901), and others.

Discover which therapies are expected to grab the major neurofibromatosis type 2 market share @ Neurofibromatosis Type 2 Market Report

Neurofibromatosis Type 2 Overview

Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) is a rare genetic disorder that affects the nervous system, primarily causing tumors to develop on the nerves. Unlike Neurofibromatosis Type 1, NF2 is less common and tends to cause tumors on the nerves controlling balance and hearing. It is caused by a mutation in the NF2 gene, which provides instructions for producing a protein that helps regulate cell growth. When this gene mutates, it leads to uncontrolled cell growth and tumor formation.

Symptoms of NF2 typically manifest in early adulthood, although they can appear at any age. The most common signs include hearing loss, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), problems with balance, and frequent headaches. Other symptoms might involve vision problems, facial weakness or numbness, and sometimes skin changes. The tumors associated with NF2 usually grow on the nerves leading to the ears and the spinal cord.

Diagnosing NF2 involves a comprehensive evaluation of medical history, a physical examination, and various tests. Imaging studies like MRI or CT scans are crucial for identifying tumors on the nerves. Genetic testing can also confirm the presence of mutations in the NF2 gene. Early diagnosis is essential for managing NF2 and minimizing its impact on a person's life.

Neurofibromatosis Type 2 Epidemiology Segmentation

The neurofibromatosis type 2 epidemiology section provides insights into the historical and current neurofibromatosis type 2 patient pool and forecasted trends for individual seven major countries. It helps to recognize the causes of current and forecasted trends by exploring numerous studies and views of key opinion leaders.

The neurofibromatosis type 2 market report proffers epidemiological analysis for the study period 2019-2032 in the 7MM segmented into:

Total Neurofibromatosis Type 2 Prevalent Cases

Neurofibromatosis Type 2 Diagnosed Prevalent Cases

Neurofibromatosis Type 2 Type-specific Prevalent Cases

Neurofibromatosis Type 2 Treatable Cases

Neurofibromatosis Type 2 Treatment Market

The management of neurofibromatosis type 2 typically involves a multidisciplinary approach. Treatment strategies aim to address the symptoms and complications caused by the growth of these tumors. Surgical intervention is often considered to remove tumors that cause significant symptoms or impair vital functions. Radiosurgery, like stereotactic radiosurgery or conventional radiation therapy, may also be employed to manage smaller tumors or those in delicate locations. Additionally, drug therapies are being explored to manage the symptoms associated with neurofibromatosis type 2. Regular monitoring and symptom management play a crucial role in the overall treatment plan, aiming to enhance the quality of life for individuals affected by neurofibromatosis type 2. Genetic counseling and close medical follow-up are essential for those with this condition. As research and medical advancements progress, new treatments and approaches may emerge to better address the complexities of neurofibromatosis type 2.

in addition to the primary approaches mentioned, other specific treatments for Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2) may be considered based on the individual's symptoms and tumor locations. As hearing loss is a common symptom, hearing aids or cochlear implants might be recommended to manage and improve auditory function. Physical therapy can aid in maintaining mobility and muscle strength, particularly for individuals experiencing balance issues or weakness due to nerve involvement. Experimental treatments, such as targeted drug therapies and clinical trials, are ongoing to develop medications that could potentially halt tumor growth or improve symptoms related to NF2. Some of these treatments focus on inhibiting specific pathways involved in tumor formation and growth.

To know more about neurofibromatosis type 2 treatment, visit @ Neurofibromatosis Type 2 Treatment Drugs

Key Neurofibromatosis Type 2 Therapies and Companies

RAD001: Novartis Pharmaceuticals

Selumetinib: AstraZeneca

REC-2282: Recursion Pharmaceuticals Inc.

VT3989: Vivace Therapeutics, Inc

GSK2256098: GlaxoSmithKline

IK-930: Ikena Oncology

IAG933: Novartis

Mirdametinib (PD-0325901): SpringWorks Therapeutics, Inc.

Learn more about the FDA-approved drugs for neurofibromatosis type 2 @ Drugs for Neurofibromatosis Type 2 Treatment

Neurofibromatosis Type 2 Market Dynamics

The market dynamics surrounding neurofibromatosis type 2 have been marked by a significant shift in recent years. The landscape has seen advancements in research and development, leading to the emergence of novel therapeutic approaches and a growing focus on precision medicine. Companies and researchers are increasingly exploring targeted treatments, such as gene therapies and personalized medicines, aiming to address the underlying genetic mutations responsible for neurofibromatosis type 2. These developments have sparked a wave of optimism among stakeholders, leading to increased investment in clinical trials and the pursuit of innovative therapies.

Additionally, the neurofibromatosis type 2 market dynamics are also influenced by the rising awareness of NF2, prompting collaborations between advocacy groups, healthcare professionals, and pharmaceutical companies to better understand the disease, improve diagnostic capabilities, and ultimately enhance patient outcomes. The NF2 market is experiencing a transformative phase, characterized by a convergence of scientific progress, increased investment, and a drive toward more tailored and effective treatment options for individuals affected by this challenging condition.

However, several factors are impeding the growth of the neurofibromatosis type 2 market. One significant challenge lies in the complexity of the condition itself, as NF2 manifests differently among individuals, making it difficult to establish standardized treatment approaches. Additionally, the rarity of NF2 poses a hurdle in conducting large-scale clinical trials and developing therapies, limiting the available data and impeding the regulatory approval process. Another obstacle is the high cost associated with research and development in rare diseases, making it less appealing for some pharmaceutical companies to invest in NF2-specific treatments.

Moreover, the limited understanding of the underlying mechanisms and the heterogeneity of the disease further complicates the development of targeted therapies. These barriers collectively contribute to the slow progress in bringing forth effective, widely accessible treatments for NF2. Efforts to overcome these challenges involve collaborative initiatives, increased funding for research, and improved communication between stakeholders to advance the understanding and development of therapies for this rare genetic disorder.

Report Metrics Details Study Period 2019-2032 Coverage 7MM [The United States, the EU-4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain), the United Kingdom, and Japan] Key Neurofibromatosis Type 2 Companies Novartis Pharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca, Recursion Pharmaceuticals Inc., Vivace Therapeutics, Inc, GlaxoSmithKline, Ikena Oncology, SpringWorks Therapeutics, Inc., and others Key Neurofibromatosis Type 2 Therapies RAD001, Selumetinib, REC-2282, VT3989, GSK2256098, IK-930, IAG933, Mirdametinib (PD-0325901), and others

Scope of the Neurofibromatosis Type 2 Market Report

Therapeutic Assessment: Neurofibromatosis Type 2 current marketed and emerging therapies

Neurofibromatosis Type 2 current marketed and emerging therapies Neurofibromatosis Type 2 Market Dynamics: Conjoint Analysis of Emerging Neurofibromatosis Type 2 Drugs

Conjoint Analysis of Emerging Neurofibromatosis Type 2 Drugs Competitive Intelligence Analysis: SWOT analysis and Market entry strategies

SWOT analysis and Market entry strategies Unmet Needs, KOL's views, Analyst's views, Neurofibromatosis Type 2 Market Access and Reimbursement

Discover more about neurofibromatosis type 2 drugs in development @ Neurofibromatosis Type 2 Clinical Trials

Table of Contents

1. Neurofibromatosis Type 2 Market Key Insights 2. Neurofibromatosis Type 2 Market Report Introduction 3. Neurofibromatosis Type 2 Market Overview at a Glance 4. Neurofibromatosis Type 2 Market Executive Summary 5. Disease Background and Overview 6. Neurofibromatosis Type 2 Treatment and Management 7. Neurofibromatosis Type 2 Epidemiology and Patient Population 8. Patient Journey 9. Neurofibromatosis Type 2 Marketed Drugs 10. Neurofibromatosis Type 2 Emerging Drugs 11. Seven Major Neurofibromatosis Type 2 Market Analysis 12. Neurofibromatosis Type 2 Market Outlook 13. Potential of Current and Emerging Therapies 14. KOL Views 15. Unmet Needs 16. SWOT Analysis 17. Appendix 18. DelveInsight Capabilities 19. Disclaimer 20. About DelveInsight

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About DelveInsight

DelveInsight is a leading Business Consultant and Market Research firm focused exclusively on life sciences. It supports pharma companies by providing comprehensive end-to-end solutions to improve their performance. Get hassle-free access to all the healthcare and pharma market research reports through our subscription-based platform PharmDelve.

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CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - Japan will on Wednesday release preliminary Q3 numbers for gross domestic product, highlighting a modest day for Asia-Pacific economic activity. GDP is expected to slip 0.1 percent on quarter and 0.6 percent on year after rising 1.2 percent on quarter and 4.8 percent on year in the previous three months. Capital expenditure is seen higher by 0.3 percent on quarter after sinking 1.0 percent in Q2. Australia will provide Q3 data for its wage price index, with forecasts suggesting an increase of 1.3 percent on quarter and 3.9 percent on year - accelerating from 0.8 percent on quarter and 3.6 percent on year in Q2. China will see October figures for industrial production, retail sales, fixed asset investment and unemployment. Production is tipped to add 4.3 percent on year, easing from 4.5 percent in September. Sales are expected to rise an annual 7.0 percent, up from 5.5 percent in the previous month. FAI is called steady at 3.1 percent, and the jobless rate is also seen unchanged, at 5.0 percent. Indonesia will release October numbers for imports, exports and trade balance. Imports are expected to fall 8.7 percent on year after sinking 12.45 percent in September. Exports are called lower by an annual 15.6 percent after tumbling 16.17 percent in the previous month. The trade surplus is pegged at $3.30 billion, down from $3.42 billion a month earlier. 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. - November 14, 2023) - US Copper Corp. (TSXV: USCU) (OTCQB: USCUF) (FSE: C730) ("US Copper" or the "Company") has decided to extend the expiry date of 26,400,000 share purchase warrants ("Warrants") which allow holders to purchase up to 26,400,000 common shares in the authorized share capital of the Company at an exercise price of $0.10 per share, from November 19, 2023 to May 20, 2024. All other terms of the Warrants will remain unchanged. The extension of the expiry date of the aforementioned Warrants by nine months is subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval.

About US Copper Corp

US Copper controls approximately 13 square miles of patented and unpatented federal mining claims in the Light's Creek Copper District in Plumas County, NE California; essentially, the entire District. The District contains substantial copper (silver) sulfide and copper oxide resources in three deposits - Moonlight, Superior and Engels, as well as several partially tested and untested exploration targets.

The Superior and Engels Mines operated from about 1915-1930 producing over 161 million pounds of copper from over 4 million tons of rock containing 2.2% copper with silver and gold credits.

The Moonlight Deposit was discovered and drilled by Placer Amex during the 1960's. Details of the resources on US Copper's property and the parameters used to calculate them can be found in the "Technical Report and Preliminary Economic Assessment for the Moonlight Deposit, Moonlight-Superior Copper Project, California, USA" dated April 12, 2018, on both the company's website at www.uscoppercorp.com or on www.sedar.com under the US Copper Corp profile.

For Further Information Contact:

Mr. Stephen Dunn, President, CEO and Director, US Copper Corp (416) 361-2827 or email info@uscoppercorp.com.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws and regulations, including statements regarding the future activities of the Company. Forward-looking statements reflect the current beliefs and expectations of management and are identified by the use of words including "will", "hopes", "anticipates", "expected to", "plans", "planned", "intends" and other similar words. Actual results may differ significantly. The achievement of the results expressed in forward-looking statements is subject to a number of risks, including those described in the Company's management discussion and analysis as filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities which are available at www.sedar.com. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon forward-looking statements.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/187411
etaily, a Manilla, Philippines-based provider of a commerce enablement platform for brands, raised $17.8M series A funding.

The round was led by SKS Capital and Singapores Pavilion Capital. Other investors included SBI ICCP Fund, Kaya Founders, Magsaysay Family, Chan family, Foxmont Capital and JGDEV.

The company intends to use the funds to expand its presence in SEA, and the brand portfolio including own brands and licenses of international lifestyle brands, and enhance its distribution platform for brands. In addition, further investments will be made into its proprietary technology stack including its operating system, data analytics and AI platform etaily clarity.

Founded in 2020 by CEO Alexander Friedhoff, etaily provides a commerce enablement platform powering global brands in Southeast Asia. In addition to building its own brands, the company provides an end-to-end direct-to-consumer e-commerce solution for global consumer brands. This ecosystem spans the entire customer journey, from development of lifestyle products through inhouse branding capabilities to delivery to a local and regional customer base from etailys asset light warehouse network.

Today, etaily has served more than 50 global consumer brands and processed over 10M orders on platforms such Lazada, Shopee and direct-to-consumer brand.com online stores. Gross sales at etaily in 2023 have tripled and are on track to reach $100M over the coming years. Its portfolio of exclusive brands currently comprises Levis, Crocs, Skechers and Reckitt, bringing its total brand count to more than 50, managed on +200 storefronts. Its own brands range from categories such as pets supplements, health, personal care and food and beverage.

FinSMEs

14/11/2023
embargo: On Tuesday, November 14 at 9 a.m. E.T.,

Radiant Security, a San Francisco, CA-based provider of AI-enhanced security operations solutions, raised $15M in Series A funding.

The round was lead by Next47, with participation from all previous investors, including Lightspeed Venture Partners, Acrew Capital, Uncorrelated Ventures, and Jibe Ventures. In addition, the companys Series A announced General Advance as a new investor.

The company intends to use the funds to further develop its technologies.

Led by CEO Shahar Ben-Hador, Radiant Security provides an AI-powered security co-pilot for Security Operations Centers (SOCs). The assistants role is to amplify analyst productivity by automating laborious tasks like alert triage and incident investigation, delivering decision-ready results. It enables SOCs to leverage AI to boost analyst productivity, detect more real attacks, and slash incident response times from days or weeks to minutes. It is deployed quickly via an API.

Clients include Kyowa Kirin, and RFA.io, among others.

FinSMEs

14/11/2023
As Childrens Day is right here, what can be more perfect than watching films and series that are not just filled with fun elements for little kids but also have underlying lessons to take away? Children-centric films might have taken a backseat, but they still remain a fan favourite as they include the right mixture of fun and life lessons and are just perfect for growing kids.

Animated tales, superhero adventures, classic musicals, and many otherscinema never fails to enthral, whether that be from Bollywood or Hollywood. This Childrens Day, lets take a look at some of the must-watch childrens films and explore the world of innocence.

Bollywood movies to watch on Childrens Day

Taare Zameen Par: Revolving around the story of nine-year-old Ishaan Awasthi, who struggles with his studies due to learning disabilities, is a must-watch on Childrens Day. From Ishaan going through a transformational journey to new learnings to developing a new relationship with his mentor, Ram Shankar Nikumbh (played by Aamir Khan), the film has all the right elements for kids to learn from.

Stanley Ka Dabba: Capturing the essence of the most important phase of kids lives, i.e., their school days, Stanley Ka Dabba is one such wholesome film that reflects the true life of a kid who stands out in the classroom. His vibrant thoughts have been portrayed through his own gaze.

Chillar Party: The film clearly reflects the true meaning of friendship as witnessed between the kids of a society and a cleaner boy. Funny and heartwarming at the same time, the film, which comes with a big heart, shows more maturity than adults.

Bhoothnath: The film shows a unique friendship between the innocent yet mischievous Banku and Bhoothnath. A horror-comedy, the film will freshen up the mind and definitely leave an impression.

Koi Mil Gaya: A heartwarming journey of Rohit and Jadoo, the magical story is perfect for watching this Childrens Day. A young boy with special needs befriends an alien named Jadoo, which leads to a heartwarming tale of friendship.

Hollywood movies to watch on Childrens Day

Home Alone: Largely regarded as a family-friendly film, Home Alone shows how an eight-year-old troublemaker, Kevin, goes on to defend his home single-handedly against a pair of burglars. The entire event turns out to be a hilarious sequence of events.

Kung Fu Panda: A perfect film for kids to enjoy on this special day, the animated film Kung Fu Panda has humour, action, excitement, and an interesting storyline to catch on to.

Toy Story: The film might have come years back. The characters of Toy Story including Buzz Light-year still remain a hero for many kids. This Childrens Day, take your kids to the world of Toy Story and introduce them to Woody, Buzz, Hamm, Rex, Slinky, and Potato Head.

Harry Potter: One of the most popular films among kids as well as adults, Harry Potter films are perfect for Childrens Day. Introduce your kids to the magical world of Harry Potter and his adventures.

Jungle Book: Based on Rudyard Kiplings popular story, the Jungle Book movie tells the tale of Mowgli, the man-cub found by the panther Bagheera who raised him as his son among all kinds of animals including elephants, apes, monkeys, and others. The film is an ideal choice to watch on Childrens Day.

All these movies will definitely give children a look at other worlds and introduce them to some new friends. This Childrens Day, gather the kids around, take popcorn and snacks, and watch these top kids movies.

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Priyanka Chopra recently came to India to attend the JIO MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2023 and even had a master class session with actress Bhumi Pednekar. During the course of the conversation, the actress spoke about how her male co-star was once dominating the scene and the film and how she doesnt believe in taking up such bullying behaviour.

She revealed,  This has happened to me.. the shoot was stalled..it was a monologue.. I wont name the person, guess if you canit was a monologue of the actor on how he feels about me, but he decided not to even look at me. He was doing it and doing it and I had to get my line in. But I couldnt. So, I finally went to the filmmaker and told him, I admire the actor I am working with, but it is really tough for me. I need my co-actor to listen to how I am saying my line.

The actress added, I have had a couple of co-actors of mine who did solo performances. They came in, and they decided this is the scene that they want to do, and everyone else have to cater to that and vo solo performance kar rahe hain. They dont wait for you to finish your lines in your time, and they dont wait for you to take a pause or breathe because they have decided how to do the scene.

Chopra mentioned what happened next,  We stopped the shoot, went back to the hotel and had a reading of the scene. We created a collaborative environment during the reading and the scene was shot the next day and it was amazing. The movie did very very well.

On bullying behaviour

I am not someone who takes bullying while sitting down. But I am also not someone who fights in an aggressive manner. I am a solution-oriented person and I am a talking person. I know my job and at least I can say that now, when I was young, I couldnt. After reaching a point, when you know you have given successful performances, dont allow anybody else or your co-actor to tell you that they are better than you, whoever they might be.

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

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Writer-Producer Kanika Dhillon shared a heartfelt message on her social media platforms, expressing love for her son on this special day. Showing the emotional bond between her and her son, she said, To my little munchkin, my cutie patooti, my sonshine  you make the world sooo beautiful. Thank you for all the smiles and giggles that light up our days. Happy Childrens Day! 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kanika Dhillon (@kanika.d)

Soo happy! Sooo emotional! Cant keep calm! Heart is full of gratitude. For this beautiful film and all the beautiful people I had the honour of working with!  see u at the movies #Dunki @iamsrk @RajkumarHirani @taapsee #abhijaatjoshi https://t.co/FXWPxUUhsd  Kanika Dhillon (@KanikaDhillon) November 2, 2023

On work front, Kanikas production house Kathha Pictures is currently producing Do Patti starring Kajol and Kriti Sanon. Additionally, Kanika has co-written one of the most anticipated films of the year, Dunki, starring Shah Rukh Khan.

Expressing my gratitude 2 the Chief Minister of #Uttarakhand @pushkardhami &his wife Geeta Ji for The governments outstanding support in transforming ths state into a top-notch filming location. Uttrkhands natural beauty n cooperative environment make it a filmmakers paradise pic.twitter.com/E78KQsxy4J  Kanika Dhillon (@KanikaDhillon) September 23, 2023

In an exclusive conversation with Firstpost, Kanika had opened up about the SRK starrer and had said, Dunki is a very special film. Im getting to work with very special people. I worked with Anurag Kashyap and Aanand Rai and now Rajkumar Hirani sir was definitely somebody I wanted to work with and finally got a chance to do that. Shah Rukh sir (Khan) is someone whom I started my career with. Abhijat (Joshi) is somebody that I always admired and always followed this book and wanted to collaborate with him. So for me these are stalwarts, Im working with and they are super seniors and I am really, I think very blessed that Im a part of this beautiful beautiful story and I wish, hope, fingers crossed. I hope the audience gives it a lot of love. We made it with a lot of love.
Ranveer Singh made a sensational debut with Anushka Sharma in Maneesh Sharmas Band Baaja Baaraat. And Anushkas interview during the promotions of her film with Ranveer has gone viral where she spoke about the reason why she cannot date the actor.

She once said, Ranveer cant be a boyfriend. He should be, its his first film, his entry in the industry, he has to.I understand that but thats why I say I can never date him.

She added, I would want a boyfriend who will, at the end of the day, not just tell me about what happened in his day, and probably ask me, So, how did your day go? But you (Ranveer) will never do, so I cant take you.

On her relationship with Ranveer Singh

Anushka once told Simi Garewal, We have a very volatile relationship. We can kill each other. Im serious, I can take his head off, he can take mine off If we ever had to be in a relationship, we would want two different things. We see life in a very different way. Hes a very practical person, Im completely impractical.

Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma are indeed a power couple in its truest sense. From sharing couple pictures to supporting each other in every occasion, this celebrity duo have always set the bar high. Be it their social media displays of affection or journey to parenthood, our very-own Virushka never failed to melt hearts of their millions of followers. Now, in a recent interaction, the former India captain expressed his admiration for his beloved wife Anushka for how she has managed to balance her career and motherhood.

In an interview with Wrogn, Virat Kohli opened up about his relationship with Anushka Sharma and said that he learned many the valuable lessons from her. The India great went on to add that how their relationship journey was all organic and spontaneous. Speaking on their continuous effort into self-improvement, he said, The personalities and the identities are subsiding very quickly and that is an amazing process.

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
TW: The following content may contain graphic or violent imagery

The situation in Gaza is grim. As Israel continues its relentless attack on the Hamas-controlled enclave a healthcare crisis is unfolding. Gazas largest medical facility, Al-Shifa Hospital, has stopped functioning. All essential units have collapsed, according to its director Mohammad Abu Salmiya.

The area around the hospital in Gaza City, in the north of the Gaza Strip, has been witnessing intense fighting between the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and Hamas operatives over the past few days. Reports say that tanks and armoured vehicles are within metres of the gate of the medical complex.

The Al-Shifa Hospital has been a refuge for thousands of those displaced because of Israeli bombardment since the war with Hamas began more than a month ago. Now they are all trapped inside.

Several patients, including babies, are dying. Doctors are racing against time desperate to save them as the hospital has reportedly run out of fuel and medicines.

We take a look at whats unfolding at the hospital, how newborns are at grave risk and why Israel is targeting it.

How bad is the situation at Al-Shifa Hospital?

The Al-Shifa Hospital, the largest in Gaza, is a complex with several medical facilities, 600 to 900 beds, and thousands of staff. It is said to be the mainstay of healthcare provision in the region with services that few other hospitals in Gaza could offer, according to a report in The Guardian.

The medical complex is now in the crosshairs in Gaza with thousands trapped inside because of nearby fighting. It is tackling power cuts and a lack of fuel.

According to Adnan Abu Alhaijaa, Palestines ambassador to India, Israeli tanks are almost at the gate of the hospital. He told The Indian Express that the hospital was without electricity and there is no oxygen. They are performing operations in a normal room, and on the floor, not in the operation theatre because there is no electricity and the forces from three sides are besieging the hospital, he was quoted as saying by the publication.

At least 32 patients died in the past three days, including three newborn babies, as a result of the siege of the hospital and lack of power, Gaza health ministry spokesperson Ashraf Al-Qidra, who was inside Al-Shifa Hospital, told the news agency Reuters.

Alhaijaa told The Indian Express that 12 children have died, six who were in incubators and six others who were in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

The lives of many, especially babies, are at risk as there is little chance of the situation improving.

Also read: International law protects hospitals during war. Then why is Israel attacking them?

What is the hospital doing to save babies?

At Al Shifa, incubators were shut off because of the lack of electricity, endangering the lives of babies requiring intensive care.

Premature babies at the hospital are wrapped in foil and kept next to hot water as doctors struggle to keep them alive. Aluminum foil is kept around the babies to protect them from the cold weather, Mehdat Abbas, director general of the health ministry, told CBS News.

Its becoming winter and the weather is becoming colder now. For that reason, without having proper temperature for them, they immediately die. I hope  I hope  that they will remain alive despite the disaster this hospital is passing through, he added.

Many babies are covered in green fabric roughly taped around them for warmth, reports Reuters. But with the lack of electricity, food, water and equipment saving the lives of newborns is challenging.

Yesterday I had 39 babies and today they have become 36, Dr Mohamed Tabasha, head of the paediatric department at Al Shifa, told Reuters in a telephone interview on Monday. I cannot say how long they can last. I can lose another two babies today, or in an hour, he added.

The premature babies weigh less than 1.5 kg each and some are about 700 to 800 grammes. They need to be in incubators, where temperature and humidity can be controlled as per their needs. However, the shortage of electricity has forced doctors to move them to regular beds. Placed side by side, they were surrounded by packets of nappies, cardboard boxes of sterile gauze and plastic bags, all attempts to keep them warm.

I never expected in my life that I would put 39 babies side by side on a bed, each with a different disease, and in this acute shortage of medical staff, of milk, said Tabasha.

The infants are too cold, and the temperature is not stable because of power cuts, he said. In the absence of infection control measures, they are transmitting viruses to each other and they have no immunity, according to the Reuters report.

The doctor said that there was no longer any way of sterilising their milk and bottle teats to the required standard. As a result, some had contracted gastritis and were suffering from diarrhoea and vomiting, which meant an acute risk of dehydration.

Another doctor, also involved in paediatric care, described the situation as deadly. Dr Ahmed El Mokhallalati told Reuters over the phone, They are in a very bad situation where you slowly kill them unless someone interferes to adjust or to improve their situation

These are very critical kinds of cases, where you have to be very sensitive in dealing with them. You have to take care of each of them in a very special way. Currently, they are all in open space, they are all with each other, he added.

To keep the babies safe the hospital needed electricity to run incubators, a proper steriliser for the milk and bottle teats, medicines and support machines in case any of the babies went into respiratory failure, said Tabasha.

He said the situation was harrowing for the doctors and the four nurses in charge of the babies. We are exhausted emotionally and physically, he said.

What about other patients?

There are around 7,000 people currently sheltering at the hospital, which include 1,500 patients and medical staff, according to the Al-Shifa director Abu Salmiya.

Officials have warned that bodies are piling up and dogs have started eating corpses, according to a report on BBC.

Doctors at Al-Shifa have refused the mandatory evacuation order from IDF because they fear the patients will die if left behind.

Al-Shifa Hospital is nearly a cemetery, the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned. Christian Lindmeier, a spokesman for the WHO, said, Around the hospital there are dead bodies which cannot be taken care of or not even be buried or taken away to any sort of morgue The hospital is not working at all any more as it should.

US president Joe Biden said he hoped to see less intrusive action at the hospital, which he said must be protected.

However, the Israeli onslaught continues.

Why is Israel not sparing the hospital?

Israel has accused Hamas of operating a command-and-control centre in tunnels underneath the hospitals.

At a recent press conference, an IDF spokesperson displayed a satellite photograph of the hospital site with military command elements marked on it, which it described as an illustration based on the true material that we have in our hands, reports The Guardian.

An Israeli military spokesperson told CNN on Saturday denied firing at the medical centre and rejected suggestions the hospital is under siege.

A US official in the know-how of American intelligence told the publication that Hamas had a command node under the hospital, used fuel intended for it, and Hamas fighters regularly cluster in and around the hospital.

However, Hamas and officials of the Gaza health ministry have denied the claims, saying that such propaganda was used to justify attacks on health facilities.

With inputs from agencies
US president Joe Bidens upcoming meeting with Chinese president Xi Jinping is expected to be the most important and consequential bilateral encounter this year. The South China Sea and Taiwan threats, meanwhile, continue to hover over the summit.

The course of events in the year since the two leaders previous meeting gives cautious hope that they will have greater luck this time. But it also shows how easily any agreement they reach could once again veer off course.

The US and Chinese presidents will meet in San Francisco on Wednesday as part of the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.

They arrive at the summit after five months of government-to-government negotiations, which have recently quickened and expanded to cultural and economic exchanges. In contrast, the November 2022 conference in Bali, Indonesia, occurred after China suspended discussions in protest over then-US House Speaker Nancy Pelosis visit to Taiwan.

This rests on a stronger foundation than the Bali meeting did, said Jude Blanchette, a China expert at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies. Substantively and contextually this meeting is taking place in a moderately better environment.

But tensions over Taiwan and flare-ups between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea are a sobering reminder that an unexpected incident could set back efforts to improve ties, just as an apparently errant Chinese balloon did early this year.

Talk also only goes so far with the two governments fundamentally at odds over technology, defence, trade and Taiwan. Last month, the Biden administration expanded restrictions on technology exports to China.

Recent experience has shown that more frequent communication does not exclude the continued expansion and escalation of Americas preparations for war and high-tech deterrence against China, nor does it exclude Chinas corresponding countermeasures, protests and preparations, said Shi Yinhong, an international relations professor at Renmin University of China,

Rather than achieving major breakthroughs, the hope is that the leaders will set the tone for meaningful dialogue on a range of issues in the coming months, Blanchette said. The more probable reality is its going to be a little bit of that but we have a lot of speed bumps that can trip up the two at any point.

One year in US-China relations.

November 2022

14 November: Biden meets Xi for three hours during the Group of 20 meeting in Bali, Indonesia, in his first in-person meeting with the Chinese leader since becoming president.

December

6 December: The Biden administration approves the sale of more than $425 million (Rs 3,537 crore) of spare aircraft parts for Taiwans F-16 fighters, C-130 transport planes and other US-supplied weapons systems.

January 2023

18 January: US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen meets Vice Premier Liu He in Zurich. It is the highest-ranking contact between the two countries since the Biden-Xi meeting in Bali.

February

2 February: US-China ties are upended by reports that a Chinese surveillance balloon is flying over the United States. Secretary of State Antony Blinken calls off a planned trip to China.

18 February: Blinken tells Wang Yi, Chinas top foreign policy official, at a meeting in Munich that China must never send a surveillance balloon over the US again. Wang criticises the US for shooting it down.

21 February: A US congressional delegation affirms Americas commitment to democracy and freedom in a meeting in Taiwan with President Tsai Ing-wen.

March

1 March: The US approves the sale of $619 million (Rs 5,152 crore) of missiles, launchers and other munitions for Taiwans F-16 fighter jets.

May

10-11 May: Jake Sullivan, the US national security adviser, tells Wang at talks in Vienna that the US wants to move beyond the balloon incident.

26 May: A Chinese fighter jet flies in front of a US reconnaissance plane over the South China Sea in what the US military calls an unnecessarily aggressive manoeuvre.

June

2-4 June: Chinas defence minister Li Shangfu turns down a meeting with US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin at the Shangri-La defence dialogue in Singapore. On 3 June, a Chinese navy ship cuts across the path of an American destroyer in the Taiwan Strait.

18-19 June: Blinken meets Xi and Wang in Beijing in what will become the first of four US Cabinet-level officials to visit over two months.

July

8 July: Yellen travels to Beijing to meet officials including Vice Premier He Lifeng, who has taken over the economic portfolio from now former Vice Premier Liu He.

19 July: Chinese vice president Han Zheng tells visiting US climate envoy John Kerry that China is willing to work with the US on reducing global warming as long as its political demands are met.

August

23 August: The Biden administration approves the sale to Taiwan of $500 million (Rs 4,162 crore) in infrared search tracking systems and related equipment for F-16 fighters.

28-29 August: Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, meeting senior officials in Beijing, rebuffs their appeals to reduce US controls on technology exports to China.

September

9 September: Biden has a brief exchange with Chinese premier Li Qiang while both are at the Group of 20 summit in India.

11 September: A Chinese naval formation led by the aircraft carrier Shandong sails about 70 miles (110 kilometres) southeast of Taiwan to conduct drills simulating air, submarine, sea and land attacks.

16-17 September: Sullivan and Wang hold 12 hours of talks in Malta.

17 September: Chinas military sends 103 aircraft toward Taiwan in a 24-hour period, an unusually high number. Chinese warplanes fly toward the island and back on almost a daily basis.

18 September: Chinese vice president Han Zheng hold talks with Blinken during the UN General Assembly in New York.

22 September: The US Treasury Department and Chinas Ministry of Finance launch working groups to discuss economic and financial issues.

October

9 October: Xi meets US Senate delegation led by Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. Its the first congressional delegation to visit China in four years.

17 October: The US broadens its export controls to stop China from acquiring advanced computer chips and the equipment to manufacture them.

18 October: Russian president Vladimir Putin meets Xi in Beijing on a rare trip abroad to attend Chinas Belt and Road Forum. China and the US are divided over the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

22 October: Chinese ships collide with two Philippine ships delivering supplies to troops in the South China Sea, prompting a warning from the US that it would defend the Philippines in case of an armed attack

24 October: A Chinese fighter jet flies within 10 feet (3 metres) of an American B-52 bomber flying over the South China Sea in a nighttime intercept. Separately, China announces the dismissal of Defence Minister Li Shangfu with no explanation why.

25 October: Xi has a surprise meeting with California governor Gavin Newsom, who is on a weeklong visit to China to deepen cooperation on climate.

27 October: Wang meets Biden in Washington, DC, as well as Sullivan and Blinken as two sides hammer out details for a Biden-Xi summit. Wang meets Biden, Sullivan and Blinken in Washington, DC.

30 October: The US sends the Pentagons top China official to Chinas annual Xiangshan forum on security. Chinas vice president Han Zheng meets two American veterans who were part of the Flying Tigers command that helped defend China against Japan in World War II.

November

2 November: US farm industry groups hold forum in Beijing to strengthen agricultural trade. American Ballet Theatre opens its first tour to China in a decade.

4-7 November: Climate envoys John Kerry and Xie Zhenhua meet in California ahead of a UN climate change conference that starts on 30 November in Dubai.

6 November: The US and China hold arms control talks in Washington. The US has expressed concern about Chinas growing nuclear arsenal.

9 November: The Chinese and US militaries discuss via video link the search for the remains of American prisoners of war and missing personnel.

9-10 November: Vice Premier He Lifeng travels to San Francisco to meet Yellen, who says the talks helped lay the groundwork for a productive Biden-Xi summit.

10 November: Members of the Philadelphia Orchestra perform in Beijing to mark 50th anniversary of its historic 1973 visit.

15 November: Xi and Biden holding summit during Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting in San Francisco.

With inputs from AP
India continues its celebrations; after Diwali, today (14 November) is Childrens Day, also known as Bal Diwas. The day commemorates the birth anniversary of Indias first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru, who advocated for childrens education and rights.

This year, students in the national capital, Delhi, will be devoid of any celebrations in school as the government has shut schools until 18 November in view of rising pollution levels across the city.

As we mark this joyous day, heres also a look at other events which are likely to make headlines across the country and the world.

PM Modis mega roadshow in Madhya Pradesh

The state of Madhya Pradesh will go to the polls on 17 November and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is leaving no stone unturned to ensure its victory in the Assembly elections. In an attempt to woo voters, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a mega roadshow in the state covering the length and breadth of it.

According to the party, PM Modi will cover 11 km, passing through five-six constituencies of the state. The roadshow will be held in two phases  starting from Indore 1 Assembly constituency and conclude in the Indore-3 Assembly segment.

The second part of the rally will begin from Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Bhavan in Rau Assembly constituency and end at Vishranti Square.

Mohabbat Ki Dukaan begins today

To celebrate the birth anniversary of Jawaharlal Nehru, the Congress will launch the Mohabbat Ki Dukaan programme today. Under this programme, street children across the country will be provided with food starting. The initiative is being taken by the Congress Jawahar Bal Manch and will be initiated as a pilot project in Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru.

Jawahar Bal Manch president, GV Hari announced recently that the Mohabbat Ki Dukaan project will focus on distributing food packets among street children every week to ensure they get access to balanced nutrition.

US president Joe Biden in San Francisco

US president Joe Biden will make his way from Washington, DC to San Francisco today as he will host the APEC summit. APEC is a forum of 21 Asia-Pacific economies. APECs member economies are home to more than 2.9 billion people and make up over 60 per cent of the global GDP.

On the sidelines of this meet, scheduled from 14 to 17, Biden will also have a face-to-face talk with Chinas Xi Jinping. The two leaders, who havent met since the G20 Summit in Bali in November last year, will discuss global issues from the Israel-Hamas war to Russias invasion of Ukraine, North Koreas ties with Russia, Taiwan, the Indo-Pacific, human rights, fentanyl, artificial intelligence, as well as fair trade and economic relations.

The meet assumes even more significance as relations between the two countries grew frosty after Biden ordered the shooting down in February of a suspected Chinese spy balloon that flew over the United States.

Sundar Pichai to take the stand

Google CEO Sundar Pichai is likely to testify today in Epics lawsuit against Google in a US court. Epic plans to call Pichai as a witness as it makes its case alleging that Google Play is an unlawful monopoly.

Pichais appearance isnt a total surprise, as the CEO appeared as one of 53 witnesses Epic said it may or may not call before the trial kicked off.

The lawsuit was filed after Google pulled Fortnite from the Play store. Epic is arguing that Googles monopolistic control on its Google Play Store for Android smartphones violates both state and federal antitrust laws.

Meanwhile, Google offered a $147 million deal to game developer Epic Games to launch its popular game Fortnite on Google Play store, the tech giant told the court.

A royal birthday

The day, 14 November, also marks the birthday of Britains King Charles. According to reports, the King will be holding a celebration with his friends and family at Clarence House in London for his 75th birthday. However, his younger son, Prince Harry and wife Meghan, will not be attending.

King Charles birthday will also see the launch of the Coronation Food Project which aims to eliminate food waste. The new legacy project, which will span five years, is one of the Kings ideas to combat the cost of living crisis and reduce waste.

On this day: BBC broadcast its first radio programme

Today, 101 years ago, the BBC ran its first-ever radio broadcast from 2LO, a famous London studio. The first words uttered on air by a BBC announcer at 5.33 pm on 14 November 1922  the man who had that honour was Arthur Burrows  as the video above reveals, were: 2LO, Marconi House, London, calling.

Sweet news: Its World Diabetes Day

Today mark World Diabetes Day. It is marked each year to raise global awareness of diabetes, its prevention, management, and the complications associated with it. It was created by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) in response to the increasing prevalence of diabetes worldwide.

According to the WHO, about 422 million people worldwide have diabetes with studies estimating that more than 1.31 billion people could be living with diabetes by 2050 worldwide.
India has made great strides in providing equal rights to people from the LGBTQ+ community (although, the Supreme Court recently refused to legalise same-sex marriages). And it seems that the country is taking it one step ahead.

According to an Indian Express report, the Indian Armed Forces is looking at the possible recruitment of transgenders in the services and has also formed a study group to deliberate the implications of such a move and the way forward for its implementation in the defence forces.

If India does permit the recruitment of transgenders in the Services, it will be a huge step towards equality. However, India wont be the first to do so.

Lets take a closer look at the representation of transgenders in militaries around the world.

India, transgenders and its military

As of date, the Indian Armed Forces does not permit transgenders into service. However, after permitting women into the military, the three branches seek to induct transgenders.

And for this reason, they have formed a study group to mull this move over. As per the Indian Express report, while a range of suggestions have been received on the same, most insist that if transgenders had to be inducted, they would not be given any special concessions in terms of training, selection standards or posting in difficult locations.

Some others have also listed out the possible problems such as housing, and administrative issues in inducting transgenders into the service.

An officer, speaking to the daily, said, The military cannot be looked at as just an employment opportunity. There are administrative challenges such as lack of housing and toilets, particularly in field locations where there is paucity of resources and space.

Restricting their postings to only peace stations would cut opportunities for others after a field tenure, the officer said.

Notably, the Indian Navy in 2017 had dismissed Sabi Giri, earlier known as Manish Kumar Giri. At the time of her dismissal, the Navy had said in a statement, The serving sailor who underwent sex reassignment surgery at a private facility whilst on leave was administratively discharged from the service. The individual chose to undergo irreversible gender re-assignment on his own accord, whilst on leave wilfully altering his gender status from the one he was recruited for at the time of his induction.

However, she had challenged the Navys decision before the Delhi High Court. It was then that the Navy allowed her to take the exam for the tradesman mate position, but later went back on their promise.

Earlier, in 2020, the officials of the Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) told the Union government that they would recruit transgender persons to the officer cadre post of assistant commandants.

Notably, Tamil Nadu appointed Indias first transgender police officer in 2015, while Chhattisgarh was the first to actively recruit members of the transgender community in its police force.

Militaries around the world and transgenders

If India okays the induction of transgenders in the military, it would join a small club of countries permitting the same.

In fact, in 1974, The Netherlands became the first country to grant transgender people the right to serve in the armed forces, setting the trend for other nations to follow. The Royal Netherlands Army embraces a Do Tell policy, routinely organises floats in pride events and remains among the most inclusive militaries for transgender soldiers, according to The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies.

Sweden (1976), Denmark (1978) and Norway (1979) followed suit and embraced transgender soldiers.

It was later in the early 1990s that Canada permitted transgenders into the armed forces. In 2015, research revealed that despite ongoing prejudice and incomplete policy formulation and implementation, allowing transgender personnel to serve openly has not harmed the Canadian Forces effectiveness.

Israel too has been permitting transgenders into the Israel Defence Forces since 1993. In fact, the IDF has become known one as of the most LGBT-friendly armies around. It ranked ninth for LGBT-friendliness in the 2014 LGBT Military Index, a report created by the independent Hague Centre for Strategic Studies, earning extra points for its sensitivity and efforts toward education of its military personnel.

Later in the 2000s, other countries also joined in making their military trans-friendly. These included the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Estonia, Finland, Belgium, Austria and Spain.

The UK is today recognised as one of the most trans-friendly forces; Stonewall, a UK gay rights advocacy group, named it one of the top 100 employers in 2014.

In 2005, Thailand became the first Asian nation to accept transgender soldiers, but only in administrative roles. In 2010, Bolivia became the first South American country to welcome transgender soldiers.

In New Zealand, discrimination based on sexual orientation has been outlawed in the countrys Bill of Rights since 1993, enabling transgender soldiers to serve. In 2014, the New Zealand Defence Force was lauded as the most inclusive in the world.

Also read: Indias ban on gay, transgender people from donating blood: What are the rules across the world?

US military and transgenders

The United States has a long, winding history when it comes to transgender soldiers. The US repealed its ban on openly gay and lesbian service personnel in 2011. However, transgender service members risked discharge if they did not pass as their assigned sex.

Then in June 2016, the US Department of Defense repealed rules that barred transgenders from openly serving in the military.

However, a year later, then US president Donald Trump stated that transgenders would no longer be allowed to serve in the American military. At the time, an estimated 10,700 transgenders were enlisted in the services.

At that time, Trumps decision had prompted reactions from around the world, especially its allies. The official Canadian Forces had tweeted, We welcome Cdns of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Join us!

Alex Burton, commander of the UK Maritime Forces, had tweeted, As an @RoyalNavy_LGBT champion and senior warfighter I am so glad we are not going this way.

In 2019, the US Supreme Court allowed President Trumps transgender military ban to go into effect.

But when Joe Biden won the 2020 US presidential election, one of the first things he did in office was announced the reversal of the transgender military ban, which came into effect a year later.

With inputs from agencies
As the Israel-Hamas war rages on, hospitals and medical facilities in Gaza are dragged into the conflict. The largest hospitals in the Hamas-controlled enclave, Al-Shifa Hospital and Al-Quds Hospital, are no longer functioning because of the lack of fuel and electricity. If Israel is to be believed, they are used by Hamas operatives to carry out terror activities.

There is intense fighting going on around Al-Shifa, where thousands including patients and medics are trapped, despite criticism from the United Nations. Even United States president Joe Biden has urged Israel to protect the hospital. But the Israeli military is not backing down.

Israel said that Hamas is using Al-Shifa Hospital for military purposes. And it is not the only one. The Israeli military has claimed to have discovered a Hamas-operated tunnel leading to another medical facility  the Al-Rantisi Hospital  and that terrorists also operated from Al-Quds Hospital.

According to a report in The Washington Post from last week, at least five Gaza hospitals were targeted by Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). The army confirmed that they had surrounded several hospitals and demanded health officials to evacuate.

But are Hamas operatives using Gaza hospitals as cover? We take a look at what the Israeli military claims.

Which hospitals has Israel accused of harbouring Hamas?

Al-Shifa Hospital

Al-Shifa is the largest and the most well-equipped hospital in Gaza. Thousands have taken refuge inside it as the Israeli onslaught in Gaza City continues. There are also patients, newborns, and hospital staff trapped inside the sprawling medical complex.

Israeli forces have moved in on the hospital. It is reportedly encircled by tanks and since Sunday, Israeli bombing has been targeting the facilitys external surroundings and anyone walking inside the courtyard or between its various buildings, according to media reports.

Israel claims that the Al Shifa hospital is used by Hamas for military purposes. It says Hamas has built a vast underground command complex centre below the facility, connected by tunnels, something Gaza health officials and Hamas deny. However, the Israeli military has not provided any visual evidence so far.

Also read: Babies dying, bodies rotting: Inside Gazas largest hospital which has stopped functioning

An Israeli military spokesperson had claimed last month that the Israeli authorities had concrete evidence that hundreds of Hamas fighters who took part in the 7 October terrorist attack afterwards flooded into Al-Shifa hospital. Rear Admiral Hagari then showed what he said was a reconstruction of a network of underground tunnels that ran under the hospital.

These accusations have been backed by Israels biggest ally, the US recently, even though Biden has urged that the hospital be protected.

A US official with knowledge of American intelligence was quoted as saying by CNN that Hamas has a command node under the Al-Shifa Hospital. They said that the militant group uses fuel intended for its purpose and its fighters regularly cluster in and around Gazas largest hospital.

The remark came after the US national security adviser Jake Sullivan said that Hamas uses hospitals and civilian facilities. You can see even from open-source reporting that Hamas does use hospitals, along with a lot of other civilian facilities, for command-and-control, for storing weapons, for housing its fighters, Sullivan said on CNNs State of the Union. Without getting into this specific hospital or that specific claim, this is Hamas track record, both historically and in this conflict.

However, Al-Shifa is not the only hospital that is on Israels radar.

Al-Rantisi Hospital

On Tuesday, the Israeli military officials claimed that the Al-Rantisi Hospital, the only childrens hospital in Gaza, was used as a command centre by Hamas.

Israeli forces claimed to have discovered a tunnel operated by the Palestinian militant group leading to the hospital. The tunnel is reportedly next to the house of a Hamas operative who heads the naval operations of the group, said a military spokesperson.

The Israeli military officials gave several journalists a tour of the hospital. The IDF also posted a video on X, which shows, spokesperson Daniel Hagari, walking through one of the tunnels, which has an exit in Gazas Al-Rantisi.

Inside these tunnels, Hamas terrorists hide, operate and hold Israeli hostages against their will, IDF said in a post on X.

EXCLUSIVE RAW FOOTAGE: Watch IDF Spokesperson RAdm. Daniel Hagari walk through one of Hamas subterranean terrorist tunnelsonly to exit in Gazas Rantisi hospital on the other side. Inside these tunnels, Hamas terrorists hide, operate and hold Israeli hostages against their pic.twitter.com/Nx4lVrvSXH  Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) November 13, 2023

Officials claim that they found abandoned AK-47s, grenades and what Hagari said were suicide vests inside the basement of the hospital, which has now been evacuated. Hamas is using hospitals... people shooting RPGs from hospitals. This is Hamas. The world has to understand who is Israel fighting against, he said.

According to the spokesperson, the Israeli military will detonate the grenades and vests, which they claim were found inside. A forensic team is going to probe the hospital for more evidence, reports ABC News.

In another room of the basement, was a chair, on which a hostage was kept, claimed Hagari. He said that hostages were brought from the Gaza border and held in the basement, as he pointed to a bike with bullet marks. There were womens clothes, ropes tied to chairs, diapers and a feeding bottle in the basement.

Inside the tunnel, a makeshift washroom was seen. We see infrastructure like toilets, showers and a small kitchen provided the terrorists their needs, said Hagari.

The tunnel is electrified with the help of solar panels and leads to a bulletproof and explosives-proof door about 20 metres down the ground level, he claimed. It looks like a hard and clear evidence that the hospital is connected," he concluded.

The tunnel remains covered so that no one can find it and the hospital is next to a school and a UN building, the Israeli forces claimed.

Not only does a terrorist tunnel appear to lead from a Hamas terrorist's house to the Rantisi hospital, they are also right next to a school and a @UN building. Hamas exploits the people of Gaza. https://t.co/KwmWZok54G pic.twitter.com/90CUiVr9Pi  Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) November 14, 2023

The Al-Rantisi Childrens Hospital was surrounded by tanks from Thursday into Friday, its director had said. The operations at the facility ceased then, according to UNICEF. By Friday, Al-Rantisi Hospital had only a small generator powering the intensive care and neonatal intensive care units, UNICEF said.

The tour came after the hospitals resources deteriorated due to nearby attacks according to UNICEF.

Also read: International law protects hospitals during war. Then why is Israel attacking them?

Al-Quds Hospital

On Monday, the IDF released footage that it claims shows Hamas terrorists firing from two rocket-propelled grenades (RPG) launchers at the entrance of the Al-Quds Hospital in Gaza City. An IDF tank is said to have been damaged in the attack.

According to the Israeli militarys statement, The soldiers identified a terrorist squad with two RPG launchers amongst the civilians. During the exchange of fire, civilians were seen leaving the hospital building, and other terrorists who came out of adjacent buildings hid among them and joined the attempted attack.

What could these Hamas terrorists possibly be doing with an RPG at the Quds Hospital? pic.twitter.com/Ajpnz0Hf4Q  Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) November 13, 2023

The terrorists returned to the hospital after the clash, the IDF claimed. It said that it killed 21 terrorists during the incident.

What have been the reactions to Israels claims?

Hamas and officials of the Hamas-run health authorities in Gaza have denied Israels claims about hospitals, saying they are propaganda used to justify attacks on health facilities.

Dr Ghassan Abu-Sittah, a British doctor working at Al-Shifa told Sky News that the Israeli claim was an outlandish excuse to target hospitals.

International non-profit organisation Human Rights Watch (HRW) also said that it could not corroborate the allegation that Hamas had its headquarters underneath the Al-Shifa Hospital.

The Israeli military claims that Hamas has its headquarters underneath al-Shifa hospital, and that Hamas military officials are inside the hospital. HRW cannot corroborate this allegation. (8/16) https://t.co/75iiSRRBp2  Human Rights Watch (@hrw) November 9, 2023

On Tuesday, HRW said that Israels repeated attacks on medical facilities, health personnel and ambulances in Gaza should be investigated as war crimes. Despite the Israeli militarys claims on November 5, 2023, of Hamass cynical use of hospitals, no evidence put forward would justify depriving hospitals and ambulances of their protected status under international humanitarian law, HRW said.

With inputs from agencies
India should be wary; quite wary. The navies of Pakistan and China are conducting a weeklong joint exercise in the northern Arabian Sea.

According to the navies of the two countries, the exercise  the third edition of Sea Guardian-3  is the largest-ever joint exercise between the two countries and kicked off with an opening ceremony at the Karachi Naval Dockyard on Saturday morning. The exercise will continue until Friday, said Chinese officials.

Notably, the exercise comes just after India and the United States held its 2+2 ministerial dialogue during which maritime security in the Indo-Pacific was extensively discussed. The exercise also comes days after Russia and Myanmar held their first naval exercise in the Andaman Sea.

The exercise will also see China and Pakistan conduct joint maritime patrols for the first time. As Liang Yang, commander at a PLA Navy base and the general director of the exercise told Chinese media: The exercise aims to enhance the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and boosting defence cooperation with Pakistan.

But what are the implications of such activity for India? We find out.

The Sea Guardian-3 exercise

This isnt the first time that China and Pakistan are carrying out such a naval exercise. The Sea Guardians first edition was held in 2020 in the northern Arabian Sea waters, and the second edition was held in 2022 in waters off Shanghai.

The exercise will see the two navies participate in training courses including formation manoeuvring, VBSS (visit, board, search and seizure), helicopter cross-deck landing, joint search and rescue, joint anti-submarine and main gun shooting, plus professional exchanges and mutual visits.

According to Wei Dongxu, a Chinese military expert, Beijing and Islamabad have common interests in jointly safeguarding strategic sea lanes in regions like the Indian Ocean, where piracy, terrorism and other dangerous activities pose threats to the maritime transport of energy and goods.

Exercises like these also safeguard the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and contributes to the peace and stability in the Indian Ocean region, said another expert to The Global Times.

Commenting on the exercise, Commodore Asim Sohail Malik said that Pakistan and China have always enjoyed strategically unique and strong relationships. He further stated that this exercise will strengthen decades-old and time tested friendship of both countries and will also open new avenues for future maritime cooperation between two friendly navies against common threats in the region.

The assets in the naval exercise

For the Sea-Guardian-3 exercise, the Chinese navy has deployed a destroyer, two modern frigates, a conventional attack submarine and a submarine support ship to Karachi.

The guided-missile destroyer Zibo, commissioned in 2020, is an upgraded version of the Type 052D general purpose destroyer. Considered among the biggest and most capable destroyers, the Zibo has the capability of striking enemy ships as well as planes and even objects under the water.

China has also deployed its two frigates  Jingzhou and Linyi  which are fitted with advanced weapons and sensors. Chinas comprehensive supply ship Qiandaohu is also docked at Karachi for the exercise. Theres also a Type 039 diesel-electric submarine that has been docked at Karachi as part of the Sea Guardian-3 exercise.

From the Pakistani side, nine vessels, including the PNS Shahjahan and Saif, three shipborne helicopters, four fighter jets, one fixed-wing anti-submarine patrol aircraft, and dozens of Marines are involved in the exercise, reported the Global Times.

A concern for India

Chinas docking of ships, including the submarine, will be a concern for New Delhi. The neighbouring country has, over a period of time, increased its activity in the Indian Ocean. Earlier this month, Chinas research ship Shi Yan 6 was docked in Colombo. However, before that it sailed into the Bay Bengal between the Tamil Nadu coastline and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

According to an NDTV report, this is the eighth time that the Peoples Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has deployed a submarine in the Indian Ocean since 2013.

Moreover, Chinas decision to dock its submarine in Karachi displays Beijings ability to project naval power in distant waters. According to experts, China is actively mapping the waters of the Indian Ocean, including the Bay of Bengal, to facilitate extensive submarine operations across the region.

In addition to this, China has established a string of pearls in the Indian Ocean regiona network of ports financed by China for potential use by the PLA Navy. For instance, it established its first overseas military base in Djibouti.

Earlier, Vice Admiral Dinesh Tripathi had said that the Navy is fully aware of Chinese activities in the Indian Ocean Region. In the Indian Ocean, we are keeping a sharp watch as to where their research ship, spy ship, satellite tracking ship, warships (are) wherever they are by the hour, Vice Admiral Tripathi said.

Also, India remains wary about China and Pakistans growing closeness. Beijing has been increasingly helping modernise Islamabads navy. In 2016, Pakistan signed a $5 billion deal to acquire Yuan class Type 039/041 diesel submarines by 2028. Apart from this, Pakistan has also expanded its surface fleet. It has commissioned Zulfiqar-class frigates, based on Chinas Type 053H3 vessels, which serve multiple roles, including anti-submarine warfare. Pakistan has also commissioned the guided missile frigate Tughril, which is being built in Shanghai.

Experts note that the modernisation of the Pakistan navy by China is not only a part of China-Pakistan cooperation to safeguard Belt and Road Initiative sea routes, but also support the Chinese navys presence in the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea. They further note that China is trying to change the status quo in the region. They believe that a stronger Pakistan navy would be able to stand up to Indias naval strength.

With inputs from agencies
Britains former prime minister David Cameron has made a political comeback no one saw coming. Remembered by most for his Brexit legacy, the 57-year-old is the United Kingdoms new foreign secretary. British PM Rishi Sunaks surprising move to bring back Cameron to the front-line of the countrys politics is seen as a risky gamble by observers.

In a wider Cabinet reshuffle, Sunak also sacked the controversial UK home secretary, Suella Braverman, replacing her with (now-former foreign secretary) James Cleverly. Both the firing of Braverman and the return of Cameron are big developments for the UK which goes to polls in just a year.

We will try to explain here what David Camerons political comeback means for the UK.

Desperate move

Rishi Sunak is facing an uphill battle as his ruling Conservative Party trails behind the Opposition Labour Party in the opinion polls. Camerons return is being viewed as a desperate step by the UK PM amid what seems like an abject defeat for the Tories in the 2025 UK general elections.

According to BBC, by including a familiar and experienced face in his Cabinet, Sunak can argue he is bringing the Conservative family back together. However, The Guardian said in its analysis that Camerons appointment might appease the moderates in the Tory Party but ruffle the feathers of the far-right.

(Sunak) is trying to look to others who might represent a smoother form of government than hes been able to deliver, Toby Helm, political editor of The Observer, told BBC. But it may look like he cant find enough sensible people in his own party, he added.

Cameron will come across as a competent, appealing foreign secretary to some, Helm stated. But I think the imagery that surrounds him, the impression that appointment gives, is somewhat desperate.

Scotlands political party the Scottish Greens has dubbed Camerons return to the UK government bizarre and desperate. This is a monumental misjudgement that exposes the utter weakness of a tired and broken government that cant even find enough talent on its own benches to fill a cabinet. This isnt leadership, it is desperation, party co-leader Patrick Harvie was quoted as saying by Yahoo News.

Life raft

Just five weeks ago, Sunak positioned himself as the change candidate, distancing from what he called a failed 30-year political status quo. The remarks made by the 43-year-old British PM at his first conference speech as Tory leader were seen as his attempt to distance himself from his predecessors, reported Politico.

Sunaks speech came to the forefront again with Camerons return. The shadow chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden said Sunak was bringing back the former PM as a life raft. A few weeks ago Rishi Sunak said David Cameron was part of a failed status quo, now hes bringing him back as his life raft.

This puts to bed the Prime Ministers laughable claim to offer change from 13 years of Tory failure, Yahoo News quoted him as saying.

According to The Herald, Tory sources said Cabinet reshuffle was done as Sunak wants to surround himself with competent ministers, who can deliver competent government. As an article in The Wire mentioned that Sunak has turned to an experienced colleague (Cameron) who he can be confident is not conspiring to take his job.

Looming Brexit legacy

It was Cameron who decided to hold the nationwide referendum on Brexit in 2016. While he opposed the UK leaving the European Union and unsuccessfully campaigned for Britain to vote to remain, the leave side won with 52 per cent votes.

The referendums result led to his downfall as Cameron resigned immediately and remained out of politics until now.

The UK left the EU in 2020 and its ramifications continue to loom large in the country. According to Barrons magazine, a July 2023 report by Jonathan Portes, professor of economics and public policy at Kings College London, found that Brexit has cost the UK a loss of 2 per cent to 3 per cent of economic output so far.

Notably, Camerons current boss Sunak had himself voted for Brexit.

Challenges in the new role

Cameron was the UK PM for six years between 2010 to 2016. One of the youngest premiers in British history, he was only 43 when he entered No 10 Downing Street.

According to a New York Times (NYT) report, Camerons previous role will make him an exceedingly well-connected foreign secretary. Sunaks office said on Camerons appointment that he is an established figure on the world stage who can bring a huge amount of experience to the role.

Critics are now analysing Britains foreign policy decisions when Cameron was the PM. He hosted Chinese president Xi Jinping for a state visit in 2015, heralding a golden era of relations between the two countries. Cameron also pursued a closer economic and trade ties between the UK and China.

However, his stance is now criticised in Britain as tensions with China grow, as per Associated Press (AP). As the golden era is over with Sunak calling Camerons China stance as naive, the new foreign minister will be expected to toe the line on Beijing.

Camerons appointment also comes at a time when geopolitical tensions are high amid Russias war in Ukraine and Israels conflict with Hamas.

According to The Guardian analysis, Cameron will be thinking how to rekindle the publics enthusiasm for the Ukrainian cause, and Ukraines aspiration to join the EU.

On the war in West Asia, he will be a friend of Israel but also capable of telling the Benjamin Netanyahu-led country that Gaza as an open-air prison is in no ones interest, the British dailys analysis added.

With inputs from agencies
Iceland has declared a state of emergency as the Nordic island country braces itself for a volcanic eruption in the coming days.

After noticing changes on Sunday that might suggest magma is moving closer to the surface, scientists, including those at Icelands Met Office, came to the conclusion on Monday that the greatest area of magma upwelling is in an area 3.5 kilometres (two miles) northeast of small coastal town Grindavik.

Over the weekend, authorities in Grindavik evacuated about 4,000 residents as it prepares for the imminent eruption on the towns southwest peninsula, as per The Times of India.

Although theres a chance of major damage to nearby infrastructure and the emission of hazardous gases in the case of an eruption, initial worries about much more significant disruption are starting to recede.

Earthquakes and volcanic eruption fear

In the past few weeks, some 900 earthquakes struck southern Iceland adding to tens of thousands of tremors that rattled the region, according to Hindustan Times.

The seismic activity has already had some visible consequences. The Icelandic road authority has shared images on social media of crumbling tarmac, broken sidewalks and large fractures in the road caused by the areas earthquakes.

This is caused by an underground river of magma, which is hot, liquid, or semi-liquid rock that is moving upward beneath the surface of the earth and is around 15 kilometres (10 miles) long, as per BBC.

The exact location of the magmas surface breach will determine the effects of an eruption on Iceland and other countries in relation to aviation. This runs beneath Iceland and a portion of the Atlantic Ocean.

The possibility of an eruption of the Fagradalsfjall volcano is high and might occur in the next few days, the Icelandic Meteorological Office predicted, which also stated that the magma is presently 800 metres from breaking ground.

Because of the possibility of fire fountains and toxic gases, Grindavik, which is situated right above the magma, has already been evacuated.

BBC quoted Dr Bill McGuire, professor emeritus of Geophysical & Climate Hazards, UCL, as saying, Grindavik is very close to the position of the new fracture, and its survival is far from assured. Everything depends upon where magma eventually reaches the surface but the situation doesnt look good for the residents of the town.

What happens if volcano erupts

The Civil Protection Agency of Iceland stated on Friday that the countrys 360,000 citizens are experiencing events that they have not experienced before, at least not since the eruption in Vestmannaeyjar, which was a 1973 eruption that started suddenly and destroyed 400 homes.

Experts predict that a submerged magma eruption will be more powerful than one on land, but an onshore eruption would pose a bigger risk to Grindavik.

According to CNN, Michele Paulatto, a research fellow at Imperial College London, said in a statement, It could become explosive if the magma interacts with sea water. If it erupts undersea, it could cause a Surtseyan eruption similar to the one that happened in 1963, also in Iceland, and created the island of Surtsey. That particular eruption lasted several years, so this is a possibility.

Its still possible that the magma wont erupt at all.

Dave McGarvie, a volcanologist at the University of Lancaster in the UK, pointed out in a statement, as per CNN, Not all dikes breach the surface to form eruptions perhaps only one in every three or four. The best-case scenario is that this happens to the 15-km-long dike that has just formed, and that it simply cools and solidifies  and does not erupt.

The capital city of Iceland, Reykjavik, is located roughly 70 kilometres (43 miles) southwest of Grindavik. Reykjavik has not received an order to evacuate, indicating that authorities do not think an eruption would impact the city.

Travel wont be affected

Volcanic eruptions are common in Iceland, however they usually take place far from towns and cities in the wilderness.

A massive ash cloud from the 2010 Eyjafjallajokull volcanic eruption resulted in the largest closure of European airspace since World War II. The estimated costs ranged from 1.5 billion to 2.5 billion euros.

The 2010 eruptions ash cloud threatened to slow aircraft engines and cause electrical failure, resulting in almost 100,000 flights being cancelled and affecting two million passengers, as per CNN.

Since this volcanic activity is taking place in a totally different environment, such a large impact is not anticipated.

The Eyjafjallajokull eruption of 2010 was quite different as it was associated with a shield volcano topped by a glacier. It was the interaction of the magma with ice and melt water that made that eruption so explosive and dangerous for aviation. This is not the case for Fagradalsfjall, said Dr Michele Paulatto, volcanologist at Imperial College London, as per BBC.

The reason there are so many volcanoes in Iceland

Iceland is situated on a tectonic plate border where tectonic plates are constantly breaking apart, pushing Eurasia and North America apart along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Beneath it lies a strong mantle plume, an area hotter than the surrounding magma that melts and thins the crust of the Earth. Iceland has 32 active volcanoes as a result of these factors.

In 1783, Iceland experienced one of its largest eruptions, an eight-month lava flood that produced massive sulphur clouds that hung over Northern Europe for over five months and are estimated to have caused a 1.3 degrees Celsius cooling for the two years that followed.

In 2021, the Fagradalsfjall volcanic system erupted for the first time in over 6,000 years. In addition, it posed no threat to populated regions, and in fact, when tourists rushed to see the volcanic explosion, it turned into a tourist attraction, according to The Times of India.

With inputs from agencies
The return of former British prime minister David Cameron as Foreign Secretary is more dramatic and surprising than most political comebacks.

Cameron resigned immediately after unsuccessfully advocating for Britain to vote to remain in the European Union during the 2016 Brexit referendum.

He is not even a politician, and while his return to top government leadership as an unelected member of Parliaments House of Lords is not unprecedented, it is unusual and has raised questions about accountability.

I know its not usual for a prime minister to come back in this way, but I believe in public service, Cameron told reporters Monday.

Mondays major Cabinet reshuffle announced by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak sees Cameron joining a small club of former British premiers who have returned to government in a lesser role. Only about a dozen other former British leaders have done so since the 1700s.

The former prime minister will bring unquestionable skills to the top team and to the UKs international partnerships. However, there must be some concern that these benefits may be offset by the contentious legacy he leaves behind. And none of this implies that he can re-energise his partys base at home.

A look at Camerons career and reactions to his comeback:

Political legacy

An Oxford-educated former public relations executive, Cameron led the Conservatives back to power in 2010 after 13 years in Opposition. He led Britain for six years, and in the first of his two terms in office his party shared power with the smaller Liberal Democrats in an uneasy coalition.

Cameron was 43 when he entered No 10 Downing Street as one of the youngest prime ministers in British history, and many observers at the time compared his youthful charisma to that of former Labour premier Tony Blair.

Also Read: UK PM fires Suella Braverman: The many controversies of the ex-home secretary

Like Blair he worked to steer his party toward the middle ground, championing what he called compassionate Conservatism in a bid to boost the Tories popularity.

But for many, his harsh austerity economics and his fateful decision to hold the Brexit vote remain the landmarks of his time in power, with the impact of both still reverberating in the UK.

Also Read: How Britains ex-PM David Cameron has returned from political wilderness

Under Cameron, Britains government made deep cuts to social welfare and other public spending in healthcare and education in the aftermath of the 2008 global economic crash.

His promise to hold a referendum on EU membership, a bid to placate rebellious Conservatives and to ward off the right-wing UK Independence Party, spelled his downfall. Camerons remain side was defeated, gaining 48 per cent of the vote compared to 52 per cent for the leave camp backed by Eurosceptics including former Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

The UK left the EU in 2020 after a messy divorce, and thorny post-Brexit trade disputes continue to loom over politics in Northern Ireland.

China and other foreign policies

During his tenure, Cameron led closer economic and trade ties between Britain and China, presiding over a so-called golden era of Sino-British relations as he drank beer with Chinese president Xi Jinping at an English pub during a state visit.

His stance is now criticised by many in Britain as having been misguided given that Beijings influence is increasingly seen as a threat to international security. Last year Sunak explicitly distanced himself from Camerons China stance, describing it as naive amid growing tensions with Beijing over Russias war in Ukraine.

In a statement, Cameron acknowledged he disagreed with Sunak over some decisions but stressed that he will now back Sunak as the UK heads to a general election next year.

In 2013, Cameron suffered a foreign policy blow when his own Conservatives joined the Opposition in rejecting his plans for UK military intervention against Syrian president Bashar al-Assad.

Lobbying scandal

More recently Cameron was embroiled in a scandal after revelations that he privately lobbied government officials in a bid to secure access to emergency coronavirus loans for a now-bankrupt financial services firm.

Questions about Cameron, who worked as a part-time adviser to Greensill Capital starting 2018, prompted accusations of unscrupulousness in the Conservative Party and calls for lobbying rules to be tightened.

A gamble with uncertain pay-off

Sunaks office maintains that Cameron is an established figure on the world stage who can bring a huge amount of experience to the role.

But many observers see Sunaks move to bring back Cameron as a gamble with uncertain pay-off.

(Sunak) is trying to look to others who might represent a smoother form of government than hes been able to deliver, Toby Helm, political editor of The Observer, told the BBC. But it may look like he cant find enough sensible people in his own party, he said.

Cameron will come across as a competent, appealing foreign secretary to some, he added. But I think the imagery that surrounds him, the impression that appointment gives, is somewhat desperate.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper, who worked under Cameron when he was leader, was among others who praised the move.

Given the challenges facing us with the war in Ukraine (and) whats going on in the Middle East, having a really experienced person coming in as foreign secretary, I think, is an excellent move, Harper said.

Questions of accountability

Some also say Camerons accountability is in question because he is serving a top government job not as an elected lawmaker but as an appointed Lord in Parliaments upper house. It is unusual, though not unheard of, for secretaries of state to be in the House of Lords.

Also Read: Why did Rishi Sunak sack Suella Braverman as UK home secretary?

In his new position, Cameron will not face regular questioning in the House of Commons as he would if he were serving in that chamber.

Amid (an) international crisis, Sunak has chosen an unelected failure from the past who MPs cannot even hold to account, said the opposition Labour Partys David Lammy.

Lindsay Hoyle, the Speaker of the Commons, said that given the gravity of the current international situation, he is looking into options on ensuring lawmakers can scrutinise Cameron.

With inputs from AP
Air pollution spiked in several cities in India after Diwali, including Delhi and Mumbai. Two days after the festival of lights, both places continue to be among the 10 most polluted cities across the world, according to Swiss group IQAirs rankings. Smog engulfed the National Capital and its nearby cities as air quality plunged further today (14 November). In Mumbai, air quality is in the moderate category or worsened to even poor in some areas.

When the air quality index (AQI) touches hazardous levels, it is an alarming situation for all. Various studies have shown how air pollutants can lead to a rise in respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. However, were you aware that air pollution has also been linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes?

On World Diabetes Day, lets take a look at how breathing toxic air could trigger a rise in cases of type 2 diabetes.

The Diabetes crisis

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 400 million (40 crore) people around the world have diabetes. Of this, the majority of people live in low-and middle-income countries. The cases of diabetes have steadily soared over the past few decades, the United Nations health agency noted.

In India alone, around 11.4 per cent of the population  over 10 crore  have diabetes, while more than 13 crore people are pre-diabetic, The Guardian reported citing a study published in the Lancet in June.

Siddhartha Mandal, a researcher at Centre for Chronic Disease Control, Delhi, told the British daily that due to Indians having a low BMI (body mass index) with a high proportion of fat, they are more susceptible to living with diabetes than the Western population.

What is type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes occurs when blood glucose or blood sugar is too high. It is the most common type of diabetes where our body does not make enough insulin or does not use it as it should, as per the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).

Although people over the age of 45 are more vulnerable to type 2 diabetes, more and more children, teens, and young adults are also developing it.

Air pollution and type 2 diabetes

A key study in India has found that inhaling polluted air enhances the risk of type 2 diabetes. Part of the ongoing research into chronic diseases in India, this is the first study to examine the association between ambient PM2.5 and type 2 diabetes in India, according to The Guardian report.

Fine particulate matter (PM) are particles less than 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter. They are more dangerous as they can reach deep parts of our lungs or even enter the bloodstream.

The study published in the BMJ Open Diabetes Research and Care journal last month analysed data from over 12,000 adults in Delhi and Chennai from 2010 to 2017.

The blood sugar levels of these participants were recorded periodically, noted The Guardian.

The paper revealed that a surge in PM2.5 particles led to high blood sugar levels and increased risk of type 2 diabetes. As per the study, being exposed to PM2.5 for a month could result in elevated levels of blood sugar, while one year or more exposure to the pollutant enhances the risk of diabetes, the British daily reported.

ALSO READ: World Diabetes Day 2023: Does too much salt really enhance the risk of type 2 diabetes?

Why does this happen?

Experts say air pollution heightens diabetes risk through increased oxidative stress.

Dr Sandeep Nayar, Principal Director & HOD, Pulmonology, BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, told Hindustan Times (HT) that pollution can damage beta cells in pancreas which could decrease insulin production, leading to diabetes.

Once PM 2.5 gets into our respiratory system, it can affect our glucose metabolism.

Speaking to Indian Express, Dr Rajiv Kovil, Diabetologist, Secretary at United Diabetes Forum, explained, One of the key players in this drama is insulin, the hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar levels. Air pollution has been linked to insulin resistance, a condition where our cells become less responsive to insulin signals. Picture insulin as a key trying to unlock a cell door to let glucose in. PM2.5 and pollutants seem to be changing the locks, making it harder for insulin to do its job effectively.

PM 2.5 also adversely impacts our heart. According to Dr Dorairaj Prabhakaran, cardiologist and executive director of the Centre for Chronic Disease Control, PM2.5 contains sulfates, nitrates, heavy metals and black carbon that can damage the lining of blood vessels and increase blood pressure by stiffening the arteries. The particles can get deposited in the fat cells and cause inflammation and can also attack the heart muscle directly, The Guardian reported.

There is also an indirect link between air pollution and diabetes. As pollution level rises, people are advised not to venture outside or limit their outdoor activities. This may lead to a sedentary lifestyle which can further pave the way for diabetes, noted HT.

With inputs from agencies
As the campaigning for polls in Madhya Pradesh draws to a close tomorrow, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that the Congress leaders dont know what to say to people and therefore have accepted their fake promises wont stand a chance in front of Modis guarantees.

#WATCH | Betul, MP: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, Some of the Congress leaders are sitting at home, they dont even feel like going out, Congress leaders dont know what will they say to people. Congress has accepted that their fake promises dont stand a chance in front pic.twitter.com/MnhOwupxtE  ANI (@ANI) November 14, 2023

Addressing a rally in MPs Betul, PM Modi said, Some of the Congress leaders are sitting at home, they dont even feel like going out, Congress leaders dont know what will they say to people. Congress has accepted that their fake promises dont stand a chance in front of Modi guarantees

PM Modi said this election is to stop the palm of Congresss corruption and loot from touching Madhya Pradeshs locker.

You (people) should remember, Congresss palm knows how to steal and loot. You know that wherever Congress comes, they bring destruction, said the Prime Minister.

He said that the Congresss claims are getting exposed and now they just relying on luck.

#WATCH | Betul, Madhya Pradesh: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says,  As 17th November is nearing, Congresss claims are getting exposed. Today, we got a report from the entire Madhya Pradesh that Congress has accepted the defeat and now theyre relying on luck pic.twitter.com/W9nTlx0miP  ANI (@ANI) November 14, 2023

As 17th November is nearing, Congresss claims are getting exposed. Today, we got a report from the entire Madhya Pradesh that Congress has accepted the defeat and now theyre relying on luck, added the PM.

Hitting out at the Congress for depriving the tribals of development, he said that the grand old party kept collecting votes for years by telling lies.

 For years, Congress kept collecting votes of tribals, they got votes by telling lies. Congress kept tribals deprived of facilities like roads, electricity, water, schools, and hospitalsCongress never fulfils their promisesthey promised to waive off loans before coming to power but for one-and-a-half years after forming the government, they couldnt do it. They were busy in looting, he said.

#WATCH | Betul, MP: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says,  For years, Congress kept collecting votes of tribals, they got votes by telling lies. Congress kept tribals deprived of facilities like roads, electricity, water, schools, and hospitalsCongress never fulfils their pic.twitter.com/jTdQIXgbWy  ANI (@ANI) November 14, 2023

BJP gives importance to the interest of tribals and thats why a tribal daughter Droupadi Murmu is in the position of President and is leading the country, added the Prime Minister.

Polls to the 230-member Madhya Pradesh Assembly are scheduled on 17 November.

Elections in Rajasthan, Telangana and the second phase of polls in Chhattisgarh are also scheduled later this month. Elections in the north eastern state of Mizoram were held last week.

With inputs from agencies
Without using his name, Prime Minister Narendra Modi attacked Congressman Rahul Gandhi harshly on Tuesday, calling the Wayanad MP Murkhon Ke Sardar in response to the latters assertion that Made in China cell phones predominate in India.

The prime minister made a jab at the Congress, claiming that its leaders suffer from a mental illness that prevents them from acknowledging the accomplishments of their own people, while speaking at a rally in the Betul district of Madhya Pradesh, which is headed for elections.

One wise leader of the Congress said yesterday that everyone in India has Made in China mobile phones. Arre Murkhon ke Sardar, (the leader of stupid people) in which world do you live! The leaders of the Congress have this mental disease of not recognising the achievements of their own countrymen, the PM said.

PM Modi further said that he wondered which foreign lens the Congress leaders use as they are absolutely clueless about what is happening in the country.

The leaders of the Congress are flying so high that they cant see the poor on the ground and are also clueless about the ground realities, the Prime Minister said.

He went on to say that India is currently the worlds second-largest producer of mobile phones.

India used to produce mobile phones valued at less than Rs 20,000 crore when the Congress party controlled the federal government. India currently produces mobile phones valued at more than Rs 3.5 lakh crore. We export cell phones to other nations for almost Rs 1 lakh crore, Prime Minister Modi stated.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has criticised the BJP administration and claimed that Chinese goods were controlling the Indian market.

Today, we see Made in China on shirts, cameras, mobile phones. Have you ever seen Made in Madhya Pradesh written on any product? The Congress wants to start factories in Madhya Pradesh so that the youth of the state get job opportunities. We hope a day comes when a youth takes out his mobile phone in China and that phone has been manufactured in Madhya Pradesh, Rahul had said at a rally in Madhya Pradesh.

Voters in the state will cast ballots on November 17 and the results will be tallied on December 3. Legislators from 230 Assembly constituencies will be chosen by voters.

Notably, the Congress emerged victorious from the 2018 state assembly elections, and seasoned leader Kamal Nath was sworn in as chief minister. However, in 2020, the state experienced a political earthquake when 22 loyalist MLAs and then-Congressman Jyotiraditya Scindia joined the saffron camp.

After being reduced to a minority, the Congress government collapsed, and the BJP took power with Shivraj Singh Chouhan serving as chief minister once more.

In an attempt to bring his party back to power, Rahul Gandhi declared on Tuesday that the people of Madhya Pradesh would give the Congress party a toofan (storm) and 145150 seats in the upcoming assembly elections in the state.

Ive been to Madhya Pradesh on multiple occasions. I can assure you 100% that the Congress party will have a toofan here. The people of Madhya Pradesh will give the Congress party between 145 and 150 seats, you can write that down, the Congress leader declared.

(With agency inputs)
Over 2,000 Myanmar nationals entered India through the international border in Mizoram over the last 24 hours after airstrikes following an intense gunfight in the neighbouring countrys Chin state, an official said on Monday.

James Lalrinchhana, the deputy commissioner (DC) of Champhai district which shares a border with Myanmars Chin state, told PTI that an intense gunfight broke out between Myanmars ruling junta-backed forces and militia group Peoples Defence Force (PDF) on Sunday evening.

The fighting started after the PDF attacked two military bases at Khawmawi and Rihkhawdar in Chin state near the Indian border, he said, adding that the fighting continued till Monday.

Over 2,000 people from Khawmawi, Rihkhawdar and the neighbouring villages in Chin crossed over to India and took shelter in Zokhawthar in Champhai district due to the gunfight, Lalrinchhana said.

The Myanmar military base at Rihkhawdar was taken over by the militia in the early hours of Monday, and the base at Khawmawi was also taken over by them in the afternoon, he said.

In retaliation, the Myanmar army launched airstrikes on Khawimawi and Rihkhawdar villages on Monday, he said.

At least 17 people injured in the gunfight were brought to Champhai for treatment, Lalrinchhana said.

A 51-year-old civilian from Myanmar who was already living in Zokhawthar died when the gunfight was happening on the other side of the border, the DC said.

Local sources said he was allegedly hit by a stray bullet from across the border.

Zokhawthar Village Council president Lalmuanpuia told PTI that five personnel of the Chin National Army (CNA), which was a part of the PDF, were killed in the gunfight.

Lalmuanpuia said that more than 6,000 people from Myanmar were already living in Zokhawthar before the gunfight started.

Six districts of the state  Champhai, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Serchhip, Hnahthial and Saitual  share a 510-km-long border with Myanmars Chin state.

The first influx from the neighbouring country happened in February 2021 when the junta seized power. Since then, thousands of people from Myanmar have taken shelter in the northeastern state.

According to the state Home Department, 31,364 Myanmar nationals are currently living in different parts of the state. The majority of them live in relief camps, while others are accommodated by their local relatives and some live in rented houses.

The Myanmar nationals taking shelter in Mizoram are from the Chin community, who share ethnic ties with the Mizos.
In my growing up years in Jamshedpur, one would often across the mention of Birsa Munda and his revolution. The few Birsa Munda statues across the state would evoke curiosity. In fact, as a student, I remember there were numerous occasions when I tried to find out about the legendary freedom fighters story. However, there was dearth of credible literature and authentic reading material on Birsa Mundas life.

A lot of it changed post 2014, when as prime minister, Narendra Modi started talking about Birsa Mundas revolution. A concerted effort was made to decolonize our history. So instead of celebrating just those freedom fighters who the British and Marxist historians wanted us to know about, for the first time an attempt was made to celebrate those warriors whose contribution to our freedom movement was no less consequential but who had never been given their due.

Political relevance of Birsa Mundas movement

Bhagwan Birsa Munda, with his traditional bow and arrow, shook the British empire, armed with guns and cannons. He fought not only for political freedom, but also for the social and economic rights of tribals, said Prime Minister Modi in Mann Ki Baat.

Having authored the book, The Legend Of Birsa Munda, I was amazed by the sheer trajectory of Birsa Mundas life and the vast number of evolutions visible in his short life of 25 years. Birsa Munda may aptly be called a social reformer turned violent revolutionary. In this trajectory, lies the brilliance of his legacy.

There are some key points about Birsa Mundas revolution that hold political relevance even in contemporary context :

One, Birsa Mundas primary battle was against predatory proselytization of tribals by German missionary Father Hoffman who was given this responsibility for the region by the British administration. Cultural subjugation, along with financial oppression were the two weapons of destruction employed by the Britishers upon the Adivasis. Sadly, today, 124 years after Birsa Mundas revolution, forced and enticed conversion of Advisais remains a scourge. I have witnessed this during my visit to Birsa Mundas birth village, Ulihatu, where most villagers have now converted to Christianity. What adds to the problem is the complicity of politicians like Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren, who has tried his best to create a divide between the tribal and non-tribal population of Jharkhand with his mischievous claims like- Adivasis are not Hindus. I have over the years tried to factually combat this political ploy of vested groups to alienate the Adivasis from the Sanatana Dharma. A concerted attempt at educating people about Birsa Mundas ideals will help dispel the misconceptions created by vested groups.

Two, Birsa Mundas story is a classic story of the victory of human spirit and determination, amidst the toughest odds. With his limited means and resources, he mobilised the community and launched a private army that shook the might of the British administration in the region. Forty years after Birsa Mundas revolution, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose launched a much larger private army the Indian National Army with a global imprint. What Subhash Chandra Bose achieved on a larger geographical spread globally, Birsa Munda had achieved on a smaller stage within the tribal regions of the Bengal province. This best elucidates the power and cult following of Birsa Munda.

Most importantly, with his repeated invocation of the contribution of Birsa Munda and other unsung tribal freedom fighters, Prime Minister Modi has sent an unequivocal message: that our freedom movement was the not the fiefdom of any one ideology of party. In fact, the first important tribal rebellion by Tilka Manjhi predates the formation of the Congress party by over 100 years. This invocation of the unsung legacy of our tribal warriors is particularly important for the descendants of these warriors, many of whom are living in extreme penury, often unaware of their ancestrys contribution to the nation. Celebrating these unsung achievers bestows a sense of belongingness in their descendants, makes them aspirational and gives them an opportunity and purpose towards serving the nation.

Relevance of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas

In 2021, Prime Minister Modi declared Birsa Mundas birth anniversary as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas. On this day, he dedicated the Birsa Munda Memorial Udyan and Musuem in Ranchi to the nation. Speaking on the occasion, he recalled the genius of Birsa Munda thus : Bhagwan Birsa knew that attacking diversity in the name of modernity, tampering with ancient identity and nature was not the way for the welfare of the society. He was in favour of modern education, he advocated for change, he showed courage to speak against the shortcomings of his own society.

This 15th November, Prime Minister Modi will become Indias first prime minister to visit Ulihatu, Birsa Mundas birth village. From nearby Khunti, Prime Minister Modi will launch Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra and Pradhan Mantri PVTG (Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups) Mission.

The PM PVTG is a first of its kind focussed mission to help the poorest sections of society combat their inadequacies. There are 75 PVTGs in 18 States & UTs living in 22,544 villages (220 districts) having a population of around 28 lakhs.

These tribes stay in scattered, remote and inaccessible habitations, often in forest areas and hence a mission with budget of about Rs 24,000 crore, is planned to saturate PVTG families and habitations with basic facilities such as road and telecom connectivity, electricity, safe housing, Clean drinking water and sanitation, improved access to education, health and nutrition and sustainable livelihood opportunities. In addition, separately, saturation will be ensured for PMJAY, Sickle Cell Disease Elimination, TB Elimination, 100% immunisation, PM Surakshit Matritva Yojana, PM Matru Vandana Yojana, PM Poshan and PM Jan Dhan Yojana.

Having travelled across tribal areas particularly in Jharkhand, I know that malnutrition leading to sickle cell anaemia and stunted growth are a cause of concern in backward areas. The PVTG will address these issues in a focussed and clinical manner, leading to better conditions in the years to come.

There couldnt have been a better place than Birsa Mundas birth district for PM Modi to launch this ambitious programme. Birsa Munda was a beacon of hope for the entire Adivasi community. The PVTG mission is another beacon of hope for the community and it will expedite the communitys progress significantly.

Birsa Mundas legacy: The way ahead

The nation remains indebted to Prime Minister Modi for giving Birsa Mundas legacy his due. Over the years, the awe-inspiring story of Birsa Munda has found new admirers and followers across the country. As the nation prepares to celebrate Birsa Mundas 150th birth anniversary in 2025, Birsa Munda today is not just a hero for tribals but for every Indian.

In the years to come, Birsa Munda needs to represent Brand Jharkhand globally. Jharkhand, a state with a unique population diversity and immense natural and industrial resources, needs to be at the forefront of Indias growth story. Three big developments could play a crucial catalyst in this transformation: Birsa Munda being given the Bharat Ratna; creation of a Birsa Tourism Corridor that leverages Adivasi arts, crafts and eco-tourism for a global audience and the creation of a mammoth war memorial at Dombari Buru for all Janjatiya warriors of India. Dombari Buru is the hill where Birsa Mundas army fought the wily Britishers on 9 January 1900 before they were overpowered. These hills symbolize the valour and sacrifice of the entire community.

Prime Minister Modi, with his persistent invocation of the legacy of Birsa Munda, has clearly laid the foundation for Jharkhand Asmita. The state, held back so far, due to corrupt politicians of the JMM, is now all set to usher in a better future.

The writer is a bestselling author and the national spokesperson of BJP. 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 timing of the India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue on 10 November has sent its own political message. That both the US Secretary of State and the US Defence Secretary did not postpone the meeting despite their preoccupation with the dangerous situation developing in West Asia shows the importance the US attaches to maintaining the momentum of growing ties with India.

The US has moved two aircraft carrier groups and a Marine unit into the eastern Mediterranean both to deter Hezbollah opening a northern front against Israel in connivance with Iran, and to take military action if required. The US is already involved in a conflict over Ukraine with Russia in Europe. A potential conflict in the western Pacific with China is brewing. On top of these two, the US is now facing a serious possibility of getting embroiled militarily in a third area of conflict, in West Asia.

India has stakes in all these conflicts. Its ties with Russia remain very important for bilateral and geopolitical reasons. These have come under pressure from the West because of the Ukraine conflict. In West Asia, India has critical energy, financial, manpower and geopolitical interests with the Arab countries, while also developing very substantial ties with Israel, to the point of opening up real possibilities of India-Arab-Israel cooperation in the region. Indias relations with China have become adversarial, just as US-China relations, creating a strong basis of a close partnership to counter Chinas expansionist rise and its hegemonic ambitions.

In this background, other than the consolidation of India-US bilateral ties, the 2+2 Dialogue assumed timely importance.

The US has been reaching out to China in recent months with the declared intention to manage the increasingly adversarial relationship by putting guard rails in place to avoid the eruption of an actual military conflict. It has now been announced that a Biden-Xi meeting will take place in San Francisco at the time of the APEC summit there. There has been intensive planning for this meeting, with a spate of high level US visits to China in advance. This too makes the timing of the 2+2 Dialogue significant.

If, on the one hand, the US sends signals of constructively engaging China within a defined strategic matrix, a signal is also being sent to China through the 2+2 Dialogue in advance of the Biden-Xi meeting that the Indo-Pacific strategy, the Quad and the strengthening ties with India in the context of Chinas assertiveness remain a cornerstone of US strategy in Asia.

The joint statement issued on the occasion of the 2+2 Dialogue emphasis the important role of the Quad as a force for global good for the peoples of the Indo-Pacific. It looks forward to India hosting the next in-person Quad Leaders Summit in 2024, but this will hinge on President Biden attending the R-Day celebrations as chief guest.

It is noteworthy that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated during his bilateral meeting with his US counterpart that India and the US are increasingly in agreement on key issues, such as countering Chinas aggression. The US defence secretary, in his media briefing, stated that both sides talked about the rising security challenges that are posed by China.

For the US it would have been important that Ukraine figured in the joint statement, as its omission would have been interpreted as declining US focus on Ukraine in view of the conflict emerging in West Asia (referred to as the Middle East in the joint statement). For India, it was a question of remaining within the bounds of its established position, especially as doubts have arisen in the US, Europe and Ukraine itself about external support for sustaining the conflict. The joint statement limits itself to the humanitarian consequences of the Ukraine conflict, its impact on the global economic system, predominantly on the Global South. Rather prematurely, the joint statement speaks of post-conflict reconstruction in Ukraine. That would require ending the conflict first.

On Israel, both sides reiterated that they stood with Israel against terrorism, but also called for adherence to international humanitarian law, including with regard to the protection of civilians (a call obviously directed at Israel as a State and not Hamas as a terrorist outfit). While calling for an immediate release of all remaining hostages, the need for providing humanitarian assistance to meet the urgent needs of Palestinian civilians in Gaza has been stressed. The US, which opposes a ceasefire in Gaza and is only willing to support humanitarian pauses, has obtained Indias support for its position which is actually increasingly at odds with that of the Global South. At the Peace Conference organised by France on 9 November in Paris, President Emmanuel Macrons position in support of humanitarian pauses while working for a ceasefire is one with which India could associate, because with the mounting civilian casualties in Gaza, especially of children, opposing a ceasefire is becoming politically untenable.

India has to take note of the hardening position of the Arab world on the conflict and find some common ground with it, without going as far as the declaration of Arab/OIC summit in Riyadh which, besides calling for a ceasefire, urges the International Criminal Court to investigate war crimes and crimes against humanity that Israel is committing in Palestinian territories. The UN Secretary general has also urged an immediate ceasefire.

Despite the uncertainties that have developed in West Asia with the Israel-Gaza conflict and its highly negative fall-out in the Arab/Islamic world, the joint statement nonetheless has rather optimistically appreciated the ongoing efforts of the I2U2 countries to enhance food and energy security and improve the movement of people and goods across hemispheres, besides also noting that the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor will enhance connectivity between Asia and Europe and will unlock new potential for economic growth in the two continents.

On the defence side, the joint statement reaffirms the commitment to further deepen the multifaceted defence partnership through military exercises of increasing complexity and sophistication, accelerated joint projects initiated under the June 2023 Roadmap for India-US Defence Industrial Cooperation and expanded collaboration in emerging domains, such as space and artificial intelligence. The progress in cooperation in Maritime Domain Awareness is noted, with a decision to explore technology sharing to meet various maritime challenges, including in the undersea domain. The last is an area of special interest to India in view of the increasing movement of Chinese naval presence in the Indian Ocean.

The joint statement notes that negotiations for a commercial agreement between General Electric (GE) Aerospace and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to manufacture GE F-414 jet engines in India have begun. India is interested to co-develop and co-produce ground mobility systems (the Stryker infantry combat vehicle with radar capability carrying javelin missiles for which the US has made an initial offer). India is interested in further developing its maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) sector, encompassing aircraft maintenance and mid-voyage repair of US naval vessels.

The finalisation of a Security of Supply Arrangement (SOSA) to facilitate the integration of the defence industrial ecosystems of both countries while strengthening supply chain resilience is viewed as important.

The India-US Defence Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X), launched in June 2023, had its first Investors Strategy Session in New Delhi just before the 2+2 Dialogue. This initiative is aimed at mobilising capital for funding innovation in cutting-edge technology.

The rapid progress made under the India-US Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) to build science and technology and critical technology value chain collaborations in both the commercial and defence sectors has been noted in the joint statement, with the second iteration of iCET in New Delhi planned in early 2024.

All these plans to expand cooperation in the defence sector hinge, however, on US easing its export controls and technology transfers, the dialogue on which is conducted within the Strategic Trade Dialogue and its affiliated working groups.

The US sees interoperability as essential for credibly deepening its defence ties with India. This is predicated on supporting each other militarily in crisis situations. Interoperability is increasing in the naval and air force domains but not as much as in the land domain. Further discussions to maximise the shared benefits of the Logistics and Exchange Memorandum Agreement (LEMOA) are taking place. On land, India prefers to deal with the China challenge essentially on its own and has the confidence to be able to do so.

Space collaborations are being strengthened by establishing a fifth sub-working group, under the India-US Civil Space Joint Working Group, to focus on Space Commerce. The recently held Mineral Security Partnership Principals Meeting in London aimed at catalysing public and private sector investment to build diverse, secure and responsible global critical mineral supply chains has been noted positively in the joint statement.

On bilateral trade, the ministers noted that it has the potential to cross $200 billion in 2023. The next ministerial Trade Policy Forum and Commercial Dialogue meeting is planned for early next year.

With India opening a consulate in Seattle, the US plans to open consulates in Bengaluru and Ahmedabad.

By all accounts the Dialogue went off very well, with good understanding on virtually all the issues on the table. It would appear that the US was forthcoming on issues of interest to India and was willing to open doors to the extent that India was prepared to walk through with its own ambitions and limitations.

The author is a former Indian Foreign Secretary. He was Indias Ambassador to Turkey, Egypt, France and Russia. 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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Nearly six weeks of continuous bombardment over Gaza killing nearly 11,000 Palestinians and the determined chase of the Hamas terrorists by the resolute Israel Defence Forces (IDF) and continued detention of over 240 hostages by the Hamas, despite negotiations by Qatar, Turkey and Egypt, has remained bloody and uncertain with the world being divided on what to do next. Two UNGA resolutions floated by the Arab countries supported by China and Russia against the US-backed Israel are a testament to that vertical division. Even though Israel has agreed to some pauses for enabling passage of beleaguered Palestinians from North to South of Gaza to save their lives and for allowing the entry of humanitarian aid and relief supplies, which are being reported inadequate.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has refused to budge on the issue of ceasefire despite international pressure as he feels that doing so will be rewarding Hamas, which he has embarked on to destroy for good. He has outlawed the ceasefire until all Israeli and foreign hostages are unconditionally released. Slowly and surely the IDF, in its ground offensive, is tunnelling its way through and has taken hits itself as this kind of street-to-street and house-to-house battle is possibly the most difficult when the professional forces fight in guerilla warfare. It can be safely presumed that Hamas knew quite well the intensity of the Israeli response going by the previous wars even though this is turning out to be worse for both sides. Collateral damage is crossing all proportions even as the fake news and grey zone warfare are in full swing.

Question is what happens to Gaza and then what about the Palestinian issue that is at the root of it all? Prime Minister Netanyahu has been changing his objectives for the day after and there is no sync between him and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, who did not want to hold on to Gaza. Prime Minister Netanyahu wanted to control Gaza and to ensure the IDF security framework and overall security responsibility there, which President Joe Biden and his administration have been opposing from the very beginning despite their unstinted support to him to carry out the war to weed out Hamas. Gaza should be governed by those who dont want to continue the way of Hamas, Netanyahu claimed, further adding, I think Israel will, for an indefinite period, will have the overall security responsibility because weve seen what happens when we dont have it. He tried to rectify that position in the following days as the opposition to the presaged occupation yet again will not be palatable to his western backers as well as several Arab leaders who were internally pleased with the removal of Hamas from the political landscape as they also fear that increasing popularity of Hamas and its methods are a cause of concern for the regional security as well.

President Biden has his domestic and regional compulsions in an election run but is coming under increasing pressure to force a ceasefire, especially from his western allies as well as the Arab constituency and the Global South in general who hold the US singularly responsible for the ongoing atrocities on innocent Palestinians. The way the ever-increasing protests in the western capitals are going on shows Biden and others will have to factor not only the Jewish lobbies but the Arab lobbies as well in which his ratings have fallen significantly.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken during his shuttle diplomacy and meetings with President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian National Authority and other leaders in the region is working on the day after the war about the shape of things to come. As such credibility of Abbas is pretty low and for that Prime Minister Netanyahu is no less responsible as he is to have enhanced the heft of Hamas over the years to counter the Fatah according to Israeli experts. Whether Abbas will be able to control and govern Gaza as well, without being validated by fresh elections, is a moot point. Most would doubt that.

After the France-led conference on the ongoing conflict and humanitarian issues for Gaza, the Joint Arab Islamic Extraordinary Summit, which concluded in Riyadh on 11 November condemned the Israeli aggression and maintained that a just, lasting and comprehensive peace, which is a strategic option, is the only way to establish security and stability for all peoples of the region and protect them from cycles of violence and wars. This, we stress, will not be achieved without ending the Israeli occupation and resolving the Palestinian cause on the basis of the two-state solution. They further added We hold Israel, the occupying force, responsible for the continuation and aggravation of the conflict, which is the result of its violation of the rights of the Palestinian people, and of the Islamic and Christian sanctities. This is also the result of its systematic aggressive policies and practices, its illegal unilateral steps that perpetuate the occupation, violate international law, and prevent the realization of a just and comprehensive peace. They demanded an immediate ceasefire rejecting the retaliatory strikes and war by Israel for self-defence. They also criticised and called out the double standards of the international actors and multilateral organisations in the implementation of international law in this case.

Even though many Arab countries including Saudi Arabia and UAE did not support the provision on completely rupturing ties, especially those of the Abraham Accords group, with Israel as demanded by some countries like Iran, they have come under tremendous stress of their own streets and may not be able to push too far unless the ceasefire and access to humanitarian supplies ensues at the earliest. At the joint OIC and Arab League Summit they demanded resumption of the peace process while reiterating that The precondition for peace with Israel and the establishment of normal relations rests on ending its occupation of all Palestinian and Arab territories. It also includes establishing an independent, fully sovereign Palestinian state based on the 4 June, 1967, borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, restoring the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including the right to self-determination, return and compensation for Palestinian refugees, resolving their issue justly per UN General Assembly Resolution 194 of 1948.

Much water has flown down the Jordan River to the Mediterranean and how all this will be achieved is an uphill if not an impossible task and what will be the eventual contours of the Two-state Solution, is anybodys guess even if a peace-loving leader replaced Prime Minister Netanyahu. For the time being priority of the international community remains the ceasefire and unimpeded assistance to the Palestinians in Gaza. Meanwhile, pressure is being exerted even at the UNGA since the UNSC is blocked and paralysed by its own veto mechanism. The recent second UNGA resolution condemned Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory, Al Aqsa East Jerusalem and Syrian Golan Heights. India and Japan also voted in favour which was approved by 145 countries as against seven opposing it. On an earlier resolution India, taking a principled stand, had abstained since it did not mention the perpetration of terror acts by Hamas.

UNGA resolutions may not have the enforceability but they surely indicate the writing on the wall. Perhaps the only good thing apart from the decimating of Hamas, that may come out of it could be the resumption of the process for a negotiated solution to the Palestinian issue even after 75 years.

The author is the former Indian Ambassador to Jordan, Libya and Malta and is currently a Distinguished Fellow with Vivekananda International Foundation. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.

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Women and senior citizens will be able to visit the Ram Temple in Ayodhya for free if BJP retains power in Madhya Pradesh, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Tuesday.

Speaking at a rally in the Jaora constituency in Ratlam district ahead of Fridays assembly elections, Singh said that in 1980, the BJP had vowed to build the Ram Temple in Ayodhya after it got a majority in both houses of the Parliament.

I have come to invite you to the consecration ceremony of the temple on January 22, 2024, he said.

The BJP has decided that if it retains power in Madhya Pradesh, the elderly people and women will be taken to Ayodhya for offering prayers at the Ram temple, the Union minister added.

The BJP government does not discriminate against any person on the grounds of religion, he said.

#WATCH | Narmadapuram, MP: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addresses a public meeting; says, We dont do politics just to make our government, we do it to make the countryElections didnt even start and during ticket distribution only Kamal Nath and Digvijaya Singh were pic.twitter.com/d36fFTgCn4  ANI (@ANI) November 14, 2023

We saw that the husbands of sisters belonging to one religion used to break off their marital relations by pronouncing `talaq thrice. We did not care about votes and enacted a law to end this practice of instant triple talaq, the defence minister continued

Under the Narendra Modi government, India has emerged as a powerful nation in the world, Singh said, adding, we will not spare anyone if they mess with India.

The Modi government also reduced corruption by bringing in major changes in the system, the Union minister said.
In a surprising revelation during the Justice Departments antitrust trial against Google in Washington, Kevin Murphy, the main economics expert for Alphabet Inc.s Google, disclosed on Monday that the company pays Apple Inc. a substantial 36 per cent of the revenue generated from search advertising through the Safari browser.

John Schmidtlein, Googles chief litigator, visibly reacted with discomfort when Murphy disclosed the previously confidential percentage. Both Google and Apple had expressed objections to publicly revealing the specifics of their agreement.

In a recent court filing, Google argued that disclosing additional details about the deal would unreasonably compromise the companys competitive position with respect to both competitors and other business partners.

The partnership between Google and Apple dates back to 2002, establishing Google as the default search engine in Apples Safari browser. Google has been Apples default choice not just for the iPhone, but for iPads, MacBooks and older Mac systems as well.

Presently, this agreement holds significant importance among Googles default deals, as it dictates the default search engine on the iPhone, the most widely used smartphone in the United States.

The Justice Department is specifically targeting this long-standing agreement as evidence that Google is unlawfully preserving its dominance in both the search engine and search advertising markets.

As of now, neither Apple nor Google has provided immediate comments in response to these revelations. The trial continues to unfold, shedding light on the intricacies of the tech giants agreements and their implications for competition in the industry.

(With input from agencies)
Indias Commerce and Industry Minister, Piyush Goyal, recently visited the manufacturing facility of Tesla, the leading US-based electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, in Fremont, California.

Although he missed meeting Tesla CEO Musk, during the visit, Goyal announced that Tesla plans to double its imports of auto components from India. The minister expressed his delight in seeing talented Indian professionals, including engineers and finance experts, in senior positions contributing to Teslas innovative efforts in transforming mobility. Musk meanwhile, apologised for not being able to meet the minister.



Goyal also highlighted the increasing significance of Indian auto component suppliers in Teslas EV supply chain, mentioning the companys intention to double its components imports from India. He noted the absence of Teslas CEO, Elon Musk, during the visit and wished him a speedy recovery.

This visit gains significance amid reports suggesting that India is considering customs duty concessions for Tesla as it explores the possibility of establishing a manufacturing plant in the country. In September, Goyal mentioned that Tesla aims to source components worth around USD 1.9 billion from India in the current year, compared to USD 1 billion in 2022.

Anticipation is growing in India, as the government is reportedly expediting approvals for Teslas entry into the Indian market. The government has rolled out production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes for advanced chemistry cell (ACC) battery storage and the auto, auto-components, and drone industries, with substantial financial allocations.

Regarding incentives for Tesla, Goyal emphasized that the government is not planning a separate policy but rather encourages the company to avail support measures under existing schemes like PLI for auto and advanced chemistry cells.

As per recent report, the PMO has also asked all concerned ministries to fast-track the clearance of all required licenses and documents for Tesla, and deal with them on a priority basis.

Additionally, discussions are ongoing about potential reductions in import duties for completely built-up electric vehicles (EVs) to facilitate Teslas entry into the Indian market.

While import duties for CBUs below $40,000 currently face a 70 per cent import duty, and those above $40,000 face a 100 per cent import duty, the government is reportedly contemplating a significant reduction, possibly bringing it down to 15 per cent for electric vehicles across all price ranges. However, official confirmation of this potential policy change is yet to be announced.
In an effort to strengthen collaboration with Beijing to stop the flow of the synthetic opioid fentanyl into the United States, the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden plans to lift restrictions on Chinas Institute of Forensic Science.

The U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that the rate of fentanyl overdose deaths more than tripled between 2016 and 2021, making blocking fentanyl precursor chemicals a top priority for Washington.

On the fringes of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting in San Francisco on Wednesday, Biden will speak with Chinas President Xi Jinping about the issue of fentanyl.

On Tuesday, U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan stated that Washington hoped the summit would lead to measures to help fight the trafficking of fentanyl. The United States was prepared to lift restrictions on the Institute of Forensic Science, which is a division of Chinas Ministry of Public Security, according to a source familiar with the plans.

Due to allegations of mistreatment of Uyghurs and other minority groups, Washington placed the institute on the Commerce Departments entity list in 2020, thereby preventing it from obtaining exports from the United States. China has long questioned why the United States targets the institute while expecting cooperation on fentanyl.

Fentanyl is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and is increasingly mixed with other illicit drugs, often with lethal results. The number of drug-related overdose deaths in the United States exceeded 100,000 in 2021, based on official estimates.

(With agency inputs)
In a sign of warming relations, the US has allowed a significant number of Chinese journalists to enter the country to cover the first meeting between President Xi Jinping and President Joe Biden in a year.

According to a Bloomberg report, citing an anonymous source involved in the summit preparations this week, the US has granted hundreds of visas to Chinese journalists so they can cover the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting in San Francisco, where the talks are scheduled to take place.

Since 2020, the issue of journalist visas has been a source of tension in China-US ties when both nations expelled reporters and those that remained were often placed on rolling, short-term permits.

In 2021, the nations eased the restrictions for reporters they permanently host, handing out one-year multiple entry visas.

Still, China and the US limit the number of visas they give to reporters from the other country.

Xi is trying to present himself as a global leader on par with the president of the US, Bloomberg quoted Oriana Skylar Mastro, who researches Chinas military as a center fellow at Stanford Universitys Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, as saying.

The Xi-Biden meeting will be the first time the two leaders have spoken since the Group of 20 summit in Bali, Indonesia, in November last year.

The US has made resuming high-level military links between the nations a priority of the Xi-Biden sitdown. Beijing cut that communication after then Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan in 2022. A string of tense military encounters in the South China Sea has raised the risk of an accident leading to a wider conflict.

Washington and Beijing are also set to reach an agreement for China to crack down on the manufacture and export of fentanyl, according to people familiar with the matter, in return for lifting restrictions on Chinas forensic police institute.

With inputs from agencies
A modest eatery on a Beijing street that used to be the scene of an unusual China-US reconciliation served up a hefty feast of pig liver, lungs, and guts.

Then-US vice president Joe Biden visited Yaoji Chaogan for lunch in 2011, which set off a social media frenzy around his noodle diplomacy.

Chinese locals voiced optimism this week outside the restaurant in one of the capitals traditional hutong areas that a meeting between President Biden and leader Xi Jinping may enable the two men to create their own diplomatic success.

This week, Biden and Xi will meet in San Francisco for their first formal conversations in slightly more than a year. The agenda items include trade and geopolitical problems.

Near Beijings 700-year-old Drum Tower, passersby told AFP the two leaders needed to learn to get along for the sake of the world.

The China-US relationship is tense, you can see that, said economics student Yuan, who only offered her family name.

But theyre also very closely linked, she added.

These are two very large countries with huge global economic systems, so this is very important. Their relationship has a great impact on the entire worlds economy.

Outside the packed bistro  where steaming bowls of soup and buns offered a welcome respite from freezing weather outside  retired driver Yu said he welcomed the meeting between the rival powers leaders and expressed a little admiration for the US president.

Its definitely good, he told AFP. People certainly look forward to it.

Most of us older people in China have retired by now, he said. But (Biden) is still fighting for the American people.

He must have endurance, as well as support from the American people.

Great power politics

China-US relations have plummeted since Biden dined in the Chinese capital with Beijing and Washington clashing over a host of issues from trade to Taiwan.

Opinion in China is hard to gauge  media is heavily censored and toes the party line, while members of the public are typically reluctant to share thoughts on controversial topics with foreign outlets.

Driver Yu said he wasnt concerned with upper-level matters like the current state of relations.

But given their differences, as well as contrasting strengths, he said it was crucial that they learn to get along.

The United States is definitely stronger than China in some aspects, and China is definitely stronger than the United States in other aspects, he said.

Major countries complement each other.

But some pointed to the yawning gap between Beijing and Washington as making any compromise tricky  and echoed the Chinese governments position that economic sanctions on its companies are part of an effort to stunt the countrys rise.

Biden, student Yuan said, definitely focuses on defending his own countrys interests.

He may make some decisions that are beyond our comprehension, she said.

And others were hostile to the US president, suggesting he should spend more time on fixing problems at home rather than solving global issues.

Ever since Biden took office the whole global economy has been going downhill, one man who declined to be named told AFP.

He should focus on the economy, not on these wars in Ukraine and Israel.

Asked if he thought Bidens age was an important factor in making his opinion, he said: Its not a matter of age. Chinas leaders are old too.
During his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping this week, U.S. President Joe Biden stated on Tuesday that he hopes to restore regular military-to-military communication between the two superpowers.

After making remarks on climate change at the White House, Biden told reporters that he is working to improve relations between the United States and China following a period of tense relations. On Wednesday, the two leaders will meet in the San Francisco region.

(With agency inputs)
The president of Brazil charged on Monday that Israel was killing innocent people without any criteria in the Gaza Strip, calling its activities there as grave as the Palestinian militant group Hamass strikes on October 7.

After the act of terrorism provoked by Hamas, the consequences, the solution of the state of Israel, is as grave as that of Hamas. They are killing innocent people without any criteria, said Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva at an official ceremony in Brasilia.

In addition, the head of the biggest nation in Latin America charged that Israel was dropping bombs where there are children, hospitals, on the pretext that a terrorist is there.

This is inexplicable. First you have to save the women and children, then you fight with whomever you want, Lula said.

Jewish community representatives in Brazil criticised these statements, calling them erroneous, unfair, and dangerous, and saying that they put Israel and Hamas on the same level.

They upheld the Israeli governments visible and proven efforts to save Palestinian civilians.

Our community expects balance from our authorities, added the Israeli Confederation of Brazil, which claims to represent some 120,000 Brazilian Jews, the second largest community in the region, in a statement.

On October 7, Hamas fighters attacked Israel, killing around 1,200 people, most of them civilians, according to the authorities.

The Israeli army estimates that some 240 people have also been taken hostage by the group.

Since then, Israel has pounded Gaza relentlessly, killing some 11,240 people, mostly civilians, including 4,630 children, according to the Hamas-run health ministry there.

Israel denies deliberately targeting hospitals. It accuses Hamas of using these facilities, or the tunnels beneath them, as hideouts, which the Islamist militant group denies.

Lulas comments came as he welcomed to Brasilia 22 Brazilians and 10 members of their families who had been evacuated from Gaza on Sunday via the land border with Egypt, after more than a month of waiting in the conflict zone.
According to a recent research, Chinas carbon emissions are expected to decline in 2024 since historic development in renewable energy generation is now adequate to meet rising demand.

China, the biggest producer of greenhouse gases in the world, has rejected requests for a more aggressive carbon neutrality aim than its present 2060 plan.

According to the International Energy Agency, between 2023 and 2050, the nation is expected to contribute 45% of the worlds emissions from fossil fuel assets.

However, China has also been adding renewable energy capacity at a dizzying rate; according to an analysis published on Monday by the UK-based climate website Carbon Brief, new solar added in 2023 alone would equal all of the installed capacity in the US.

Newly installed solar, wind, hydro and nuclear capacity added in 2023 alone will generate an estimated 423 terawatt hours (TWh) per year, equal to the total electricity consumption of France, the report by Lauri Myllyvirta of the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air added.

The massive ramp-up in installation and a projected rebound in hydropower generation as drought recedes and reservoirs refill are all but guaranteed to push fossil-fuel electricity generation and CO2 emissions into decline in 2024, the report said.

That decline could be sustained because the rate of low-carbon energy expansion is now sufficient to not only meet but exceed the average annual increase in Chinas demand for electricity overall, the analysis argues.

The report is based on official figures and commercial data.

However, China continues to expand its coal power capacity, and the report warns that is setting the scene for a showdown between the countrys traditional and newly emerging interest groups.

Renewable energy growth threatens the interests of the coal industry and local governments with a high exposure to the coal sector, Carbon Brief said.

These stakeholders could be expected to resist the transition, raising concerns about potential roadblocks.

Chinese and American climate officials met earlier this week for talks ahead of this months COP28 discussions, with both sides praising constructive talks, without offering details.
A Pakistan high court on Tuesday issued a stay order against the jail trial of former prime minister Imran Khan in the cipher case, as a special court was hearing the case in a high-security Rawalpindi prison.

The 71-year-old Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman is currently detained in Adiala jail in Rawalpindi on judicial remand. Khans close aide and former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, 67, who was also arrested in the cipher case is imprisoned in the same jail. Khan and Qureshi have pleaded not guilty to the charges.

A two-member bench of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) comprising Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb and Justice Saman Rafat Imtiaz pronounced the judgment during the hearing of Khans intra-court appeal against his trial in Adiala jail.

The appeal was filed against a single-member bench of the same court which last month upheld the trial of Khan in Adiala Jail.

The IHC refused to grant a plea by attorney general Mansoor Awan that instead of staying the trial, the court should fix the next hearing for tomorrow when he would present the entire record of the case. After rejecting the request, the court fixed the next hearing for Thursday and ordered to stop the proceeding.

The development comes a day after the caretaker government on Monday approved the jail trial of Khan and Qureshi in the case based on an alleged violation of the Official Secrets Act while dealing with a secret diplomatic cable by the Pakistan embassy in Washington in March 2022. The duo were booked by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA)in the case in August.

The Cabinet gave its nod to the summary moved by the law ministry for the jail trial of Khan and Qureshi in Adiala jail due to security concerns.

The single bench, led by IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq, on 16 October had observed no apparent malice behind conducting Khans jail trial in the cipher case and directed him to approach the trial court if his reservations persist. Subsequently, Khan filed an intra-court appeal against the single benchs decision.

As the IHC issued orders to stay the hearing, Special Court Judge Abual Hasnat Zulqarnain presided over the trial of Khan and Qureshi in the jail, where witnesses were summoned to record their statements.

Limited family members of both the accused were allowed to attend the hearing today as they were permitted to do so during the previous hearing. Both Khan and Qureshi were present during the trial.

Separately, an Islamabad-based accountability court sought details from the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) if a notification had been issued for a jail hearing of the Al-Qadir Trust case against Khan.

Khan was formally arrested on Monday in the Al-Qadir Trust and Toshakhana cases after the same court accepted NABs plea to arrest him for probe in the two cases.

The former premier was first arrested in the Al-Qadir Trust case on 9 May, which led to violent protests countrywide, and later on released on the orders of the Supreme Court.
A plan to outlaw the burning of the Quran will be discussed by the Danish parliament on Tuesday, following many instances of desecration of the Islamic holy book that infuriated Muslim nations.

In response to a request by fiery preacher Moqtada Sadr, almost a thousand protestors attempted to march to the Danish embassy in Baghdads guarded Green Zone in late July.

According to the Danish administration, the national security was at risk due to the tensions.

According to a synopsis on the parliaments website, the measure intends to make it illegal to publicly or with the intention of dissemination in a wider circle to treat a text with strong religious significance for a religious community inappropriately.

The maximum sentence for offenders is two years in jail.

According to national police records, 483 book burnings or flag burnings were reported in Denmark between July 21 and October 24 of this year.

The measure, which was initially unveiled at the end of August, was changed in response to complaints that its original version restricted free speech and would be challenging to implement.

The bill has been narrowed to specifically target improper treatment of scriptures of significant religious importance, the justice ministry said in a statement at the end of October.

The bill was originally planned to cover objects of significant religious importance.

 Criticism 

The first draft of the bill was criticised by some  including politicians, artists, media and freedom of speech experts  who saw it as a return to a blasphemy law that Denmark abolished in 2017.

Police and judicial officials also feared it would be difficult to enforce.

With the changes we are now proposing, the law will be easier to navigate  including for the police and the courts, Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard said in the statement in October, noting that the terrorist threat against Denmark had intensified.

The new legislation would be included in chapter 12 of Denmarks penal code, which covers national security.

In 2006, a wave of anti-Danish anger and violence erupted in the Muslim world following the publication of caricatures of the Prophet Mohammed.

After the first reading Tuesday, the proposed bill must be studied by a committee and then submitted for two further readings before a vote.
According to the government, Terry Gou, the billionaire founder of Foxconn (2317.TW), a significant Apple supplier, has gathered three times as many signatures as required to be eligible to run for president of Taiwan, as of Tuesday.

Gou pledged to work hard to achieve peace across the Taiwan Strait and thanked his supporters in a statement for their enthusiastic support.

When Gou declared his candidature in August, he blamed the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for pushing Taiwan towards conflict by inciting China, which claims the island as its own. Gou said he wanted to bring the opposition together and prevent the island from becoming the next Ukraine.

Election laws required Gou, who resigned as Foxconn CEO in 2019, to obtain approximately 300,000 voter signatures by November 2 in order to be eligible to run as an independent.

According to the election commission, he received over 900,000 legitimate signatures. He now has until Friday of next week to formally file for the election with the electoral commission.

Gou, 73, is one of four contenders running in the January election. According to opinion polls, he is the least favourite candidate, far behind the DPPs Lai Ching-te, the vice president at the moment.

Since a Chinese newspaper suggested last month that Beijing was unhappy with Gous campaign and wanted to launch a tax investigation into Foxconns activities in China, Gou has remained relatively quiet.

Lai is hated and considered a separatist by the Chinese government. He has repeatedly offered to hold talks with China, but Beijing has rejected him, claiming that only the people of Taiwan can determine their own destiny.

Beijing has come under fire from Lai for going after Foxconn, even though the Chinese government has not acknowledged the probe. Gou has remained silent about the situation.

Wellington Koo, the head of Taiwans National Security Council, told reporters on Monday that China definitely did not want Gou to run because of his ability to split the opposition vote.

Arent we all waiting to see if Terry Gou will run until the end? he responded.

Instead of expressing a desire to collaborate with Gou, the other two opposition candidates are conversing with one another about working together to oppose Lai.

Foxconn claims that although Gou is still the companys largest shareholder, he is no longer involved in day-to-day operations.

(With agency inputs)
The Al Shifa hospital staff in Gaza received praise on Tuesday from the World Health Organisation (WHO) for doing everything they can to care for patients in spite of being surrounded by Israeli forces who were attempting to eradicate Hamas.

Since Israel started its offensive in Gaza on October 7, in response to the deadly Hamas attack on southern Israel, the hospital has not been able to operate normally and is currently lacking basic supplies such as electricity and water.

According to Israel, the hospital is built atop a hidden base of operations used by Hamas terrorists. This has been denied by the terrorist group.

We know theres not enough food, that the staff are struggling to get any clean water because their water tanks were destroyed, but they are still doing everything they can to keep providing medical care for the desperately ill patients they have, WHO spokesperson Margaret Harris said in Geneva.

We actually still describe Al Shifa as a functioning hospital because of the heroic efforts the staff are making.

Israel claimed that during the Oct. 7 rampage, Hamas gunmen killed over 1,200 people and kidnapped roughly 240 more in Gaza. Since then, over 11,000 people have been killed by Israeli strikes, according to medical officials in Gaza, which is ruled by Hamas.

Israel disputes that Al Shifa is under siege and asserts that its forces provide routes for those inside to escape. It also rules out a ceasefire, which it claims could allow Hamas to regroup.

This is untrue, according to hospital officials and medics, and people attempting to leave have faced resistance. Reuters was unable to independently confirm the situation.

(With agency inputs)
As the EU struggles to obtain weaponry supplies for Kyiv, Germanys defence minister indicated on Tuesday that the group would not meet its one-year aim of supplying a million artillery shells to Ukraine.

The European Union promised last year to provide Ukraine with the weaponry it so sorely needs by March 2024 to aid Kyiv in its fight against Russias occupying forces.

Using their current inventories, EU countries have only been able to supply 300,000 rounds thus far.

Countries are now putting coordinated orders for 155-millimeter rounds, but its unclear if defence contractors will be able to produce enough of them in time.

Unfortunately, the cautionary voices are now right, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said at a meeting with his EU counterparts in Brussels.

The one million will not be reached. We have to assume that.

EU officials insist it is still too early to say the target wont be hit, despite growing scepticism it can be attained.

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said a major issue was that European defence firms were exporting about 40 percent of production to other countries.

Maybe what we have to do is to try to shift his production to the priority one, which is Ukrainian. That would be quite a change, he said.

EU internal market commissioner Thierry Breton said efforts to ramp up production were having an impact and the EU should be able to churn out a million shells a year.

EU must deliver

Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur said his country had placed a 280-million-euro order for ammunition  the biggest procurement in Europe at this very moment.

We will try to do the maximum to deliver the shells to Ukraine because they need it, he said.

Look at Russia. They are producing today more than ever. They are getting shells from North Korea. Europe cannot say that Russia and North Korea can deliver and we cannot.

The EUs struggles to make good on promised deliveries comes as opposition in the United States Congress has thrown doubt on key ally Washingtons ability to sustain supplies.

On the ground, fighting appears to have ground to a stalemate as a much-anticipated Ukrainian counter-offensive has failed to win back much territory.

Brussels says that together with EU member states it has funnelled military support worth 27 billion euros ($29 billion) to Ukraine since Moscow invaded in February 2022.

Borrell in July proposed a new 20-billion-euro fund over the next four years to help cover arms deliveries to Ukraine.

The plan was part of a broader G7 vow to provide Kyiv long-term security commitments to help it ward off Russian aggression.

But discussions over the EU initiative have stalled amid doubts from key member states.

Germany  which last week said it would double its own funding for Ukraine to eight billion euros next year  is reluctant to commit more money to the EU pot.

Borrell said the EU would present a revised plan to Ukraine by the end of the month ahead of a debate by EU leaders in December on approving it.
Hamas and Hezbollah terrorists on Tuesday launched a rocket attack on the Israeli city of Ashkelon.

Apart from Ashkelon, other parts of southern Israel were also hit. According to Israel War Room, three rockets were fired in Ashkelon, hitting a residential building.

Meanwhile, as the exchange of fire continued on the northern border, Hezbollah terrorists fired several anti-missile tanks at Israel inviting counterattacks from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

Videos of the attack were widely shared on social media.

Destruction in Ashkelon caused by resistance rockets pic.twitter.com/buPzwfEqna  AoR News  (@AoR3138) November 14, 2023

Damage caused in Ashkelon from the latest barrage, according to the municipality. No reports of injuries. pic.twitter.com/OhzRD1YOiU  Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) November 14, 2023

Meanwhile, the IDF has announced that humanitarian pauses will continue in the northern Gaza Strip today to enable Palestinians to move south.

IDFs Arabic language spokesperson Lt. Col. Avichay Adraee in a message to Gazans on X, formerly known as Twitter, said The safe passage remains open today between nine in the morning (09:00) and four in the afternoon (16:00) for humanitarian purposes through the Salah al-Din axis towards the area south of Wadi Gaza.

Please, for your safety, join the hundreds of thousands of residents who have moved south in recent days, Adraee added.
The free trade agreement (FTA) is a major area of attention for the India-UK relationship right now, said External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, adding that India is hoping to achieve a landing point in the negotiations that benefits both countries.

Addressing a special Diwali Reception organised by the High Commission of India at Westminster Central Hall near the Houses of Parliament on Monday evening, Jaishankar said, Today to realise the Agenda 2030, we are focusing on what is officially called an Enhanced Trade Partnership, in common terms its called an FTA or free trade agreement. And that is today very much the focus of what the Indian and British systems are negotiating, and we hope that we will find a landing point that works for both of us.

India and the UK have a long history, and a very complex history. What we are trying to do is to make history a positive force with our commonalities, shared practices and institutions to make history work for us, he added.

Taking to X later, he said, Addressed the Indian Community at the Diwali reception in London. Spoke about the new momentum in India-UK relations. The living bridge makes a powerful contribution in this regard. Also shared the transformation underway in our country. Explained how a New India is coming into being.

He also shared insights into the fast pace of technological advances and socio-economic development underway in India, calling on the UK-based Indian diaspora one of the largest in the world to spread the story of the new India.

India and the UK have been negotiating a free trade agreement (FTA) since January last year with a target to significantly enhance the estimated GBP 36-billion bilateral trading partnership.

The talks have undergone 13 rounds of negotiations, with officials hopeful of clinching a deal ahead of general elections in both countries scheduled for 2024.

Jaishankar, who arrived in the UK over the weekend for a five-day visit, began his address by thanking British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak for taking the time to host him at 10 Downing Street on a busy Diwali day on Sunday.

Referencing the UK government upheaval on Monday, he spoke of how he really valued that the newly appointed Foreign Secretary David Cameron elevated to the Cabinet in a surprise reshuffle by Sunak just hours before made time to meet him on day one of his new job even before he addressed his own ministry.

It was extremely satisfying to hear from him about the commitment and support for the relationship. We spent a lot of time talking about cultivating both, he said.

Jaishankar shared that he also met Camerons predecessor and outgoing Foreign Secretary, new UK Home Secretary James Cleverly, whom he described as a pillar of strength for the bilateral relationship.

Jaishankar noted: There is a global significance for a stronger India-UK relationship. Today, one of the biggest problems the world faces is somehow the manner in which globalisation has unfolded across borders in the last 30-odd years. It has led to a concentration of production in certain limited geographies.

The India-UK relationship can actually contribute to making India and UK stronger factors in contemporary technology, in greater manufacturing, in science and innovation, and much more relevant ways of modernising it can also promote pluralism, democracy, respect for diversity in the world because these are values and practices that we hold very dear.

The External Affairs Minister also flagged the wonderful diaspora, which he said acts as a motivator to enhance bilateral ties and meet the enormous promise of the relationship.

On the domestic front, he highlighted a series of schemes unfolded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government and pointed to the brand enhancement of India with the Chandrayaan space mission as a sign of a country that is dreaming big and executing big.

So, I want you to understand that its not just change, it is the enormity of the change taking place today by the end of this decade, India will be a very different society than what it started off as in 2014.

And, if there is one particular aspect of this that should really give us all cause for optimism, it is the enthusiasm with which India has embraced technology, he said, to applause as he explained how street vendors in the country now use QR codes to conduct their day to day sales.

The minister hoped that his current visit would help to set our relationship not just on a firmer footing and also open up new pathways for collaboration.

Jaishankar, accompanied by wife Kyoko Jaishankar, was joined on stage at the event by UK Foreign Office Minister for South Asia Lord Tariq Ahmad and Indian High Commissioner to the UK Vikram Doraiswami.

The minister is expected at a repatriation ceremony for two ancient temple sculptures from Uttar Pradesh and will join a discussion on the theme of How a billion people see the world before he concludes his UK visit on Wednesday.

With inputs from agencies
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has said that it has captured multiple Hamas governmental buildings in the neighbourhoods of Gaza City.

Troops of the 7th Armored Brigade and Golani Infantry Brigade have seized Hamas parliament, its government complex and the police headquarters.

The IDF added that it had also captured the so-called governors house in Gaza that housed Hamas offices for its military wing and police. Apart from this, soldiers also took control of Hamas intelligence offices and sites that were used to prepare for the October 7 onslaught.

The troops also captured the Gazan Universitys engineering faculty building that served as an institute for the production and development of weapons.

Earlier today, pictures shared on social media showed Israeli soldiers inside the Gaza parliament building and military police headquarters with the national flag.

Meanwhile, Hamas and Hezbollah terrorists on Tuesday launched a rocket attack on the Israeli city of Ashkelon.

Apart from Ashkelon, other parts of southern Israel were also hit. According to Israel War Room, three rockets were fired in Ashkelon, hitting a residential building.

Meanwhile, as the exchange of fire continued on the northern border, Hezbollah terrorists fired several anti-missile tanks at Israel inviting counterattacks from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
Israel is coordinating with Gazas largest hospitals for the delivery of incubators to treat patients.

Gazas Al-Shifa Hospital has been at the center of intense fighting over the past few days with Israel claiming that Hamas is operating its command centre underneath the hospital, a claim that has been rejected by the terrorist organisation.

A conversation between the Israeli military and the director of Al-Shifa Hospital suggests that Israel is planning to transfer 37 incubators along with four breathing machines and other critical medical equipment.

The spokesperson of the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), a unit of the Israeli Ministry of Defence said, The pediatric ward at Shifa Hospital in Gaza City needs assistance. Israel is ready to assist. We made a formal offer to health officials in Gaza to transfer incubators into the Gaza Strip. Our war is not with the people of Gaza.

We are doing everything we can to minimize harm to civilians, assist in evacuation, and facilitate the transfer of medical supplies and food. Our war is not with the people of Gaza. pic.twitter.com/YQZVcUmwx4  Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) November 14, 2023

Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has said that Gazas largest hospital is turning into a cemetery as healthcare workers are unable to bury the dead.

WHO spokesman Christian Lindmeier said, Around the hospital, there are dead bodies which cannot be taken care of or not even be buried or taken away to any sort of morgue. The hospital is not working at all any more as it should. Its nearly a cemetery.
The head of a local fishing community reported that nearly 200 Rohingya, the majority of whom were women and children, arrived by boat in Indonesias Aceh province on Tuesday.

For years, many members of the ethnic Rohingya Muslim minority, who are persecuted in Myanmar, have boarded flimsy wooden boats in an attempt to flee to Bangladesh, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand, all of which have a majority Muslim population.

A significant number of Rohingya have perished at sea from illness, starvation, and exhaustion since several hundred of them arrived in Aceh earlier this year. According to the UNHCR, last year was among the deadliest for these refugees in a ten-year period.

Following a military-led crackdown in Buddhist-majority Myanmar in 2017, nearly a million Rohingya Muslims fled and are currently living in the biggest humanitarian refugee camp in the worldBangladesh, according to U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi.

The Rohingya were brought to a makeshift shelter close by, where locals gave them food and water, according to Miftah.

After consulting with the local government, the refugees were being relocated to Bina Raya, an evacuation site that already existed, according to UNHCR official Faizal Rahman.

Images that Miftah posted showed the Rohingya lying on the beachs sand with the locals surrounding them.

(With agency inputs)
The court reported that the death penalty of a man found guilty of murdering a Revolutionary Guards commander during countrywide protests in 2017 has been upheld by Irans Supreme Court.

According to the judiciarys Mizan Online website, Officer Ali Nazari was slain in October 2022 as widespread protests erupted throughout Iran in response to the death of Mahsa Amini, 22, while in police custody the month before.

In June, a Tehran court imposed the death penalty, declaring that it was in accordance with the retribution law that was then in effect in Iran.

According to Mizan, the Supreme Court upheld the punishment late on Monday without disclosing the name of the guilty party.

Amini, an Iranian Kurd, was arrested for allegedly violating the severe clothing code for women in the Islamic republic; she later passed away.

Last years protests saw hundreds of people killed, including dozens of security personnel, and thousands more arrested over what officials labelled as foreign-instigated riots.

Seven men have been executed after being convicted of murder or other violence against security force personnel during the protests.
The families of Israelis being held hostage by Hamas in the Gaza Strip kicked off a five-day march on Tuesday from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem to demand the government does much more to secure their release.

Hamas fighters took around 240 people hostage during their Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel. The captives ranged in age from nine months to 85 and are believed to be being held in tunnels deep under the Gaza Strip.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is coming under fierce criticism from some relatives for not doing more to secure their release as the Israeli military pushes deep into Gaza with an order to destroy Hamas.

In exchange for a five-day ceasefire and the release of 275 Palestinian women and children detained in Israeli jails, the armed wing of the Palestinian militant organisation Hamas announced on Monday that it was prepared to release up to 70 women and children from hostage.

Israel was allegedly procrastinating and evading paying the deals price.

Netanyahu told NBC News on Sunday that Israel will only be willing to pause the fighting if all the hostages were freed, rejecting any talk of a ceasefire thus far.

He went on to say that keeping military pressure on Hamas was the best way to achieve a deal. Thats the one item that could lead to a deal, and if one is possible, well discuss it when its there, he said.

Israel claims that Hamas is no longer in charge of the coastal enclave. According to medical officials, Israeli strikes have resulted in the deaths of over 11,100 Palestinians, approximately 40% of whom were children.

Four hostages have been freed so far by Gaza militants; the last was released on October 23. Tuesday saw the Israeli military certify the passing of a soldier under captivity, whom Hamas claimed had been killed in an Israeli strike.

On Saturday, the demonstrators from Tel Aviv will come to an end in front of Benjamin Netanyahus Jerusalem home, which is about 65 kilometres (40 miles) away.

(With agency inputs)
Israels assault against the Islamist Hamas organisation has reached a standstill that has centred around Gazas Shifa Hospital for many days.

The biggest and best-equipped hospital in Gaza is called Shifa. However, Israel asserts that Hamas also uses the facility for military objectives. It claims that beneath the hospital, connected by tunnels, Hamas has constructed a huge subterranean command centre.

Israels army have advanced on Shifa since it declared war on Hamas on October 7, following the Islamic groups deadly cross-border incursion. Palestinians claim Israeli soldiers have shot at evacuees and that moving the most fragile patients is too hazardous, despite Israels declaration that it is prepared to permit staff and patients to escape. Meanwhile, doctors claim that the institution has ran out of fuel and that people are dying.

Here is a closer look at the Shifa standoff.

A hospital and a shelter

Shifa is the leading hospital in a health care system that has largely collapsed after years of conflict, chronic underfunding and an Israeli-Egyptian blockade aimed at weakening Hamas.

Shifa boasts over 500 beds and services like MRI scans, dialysis and an intensive care unit. It conducts roughly half of all the medical operations that take place in Gaza, according to the Health Ministry in the Hamas-run territory.

After the war erupted, tens of thousands crammed into the hospital grounds to seek shelter. As the war has moved closer to the hospital, most of those huddling there have fled south  joining some two-thirds of the territorys 2.3 million residents who have left their homes.

But hundreds of people, including medical workers, premature babies and other vulnerable patients, remain, staffers say.

On Saturday, the hospital announced that it had run out of fuel. Health officials say at least 32 patients, including three babies, have died. They say 36 other babies are at risk of dying because life-saving equipment cant function.

The Health Ministry released a photo Monday showing about a dozen premature babies wrapped in blankets on a bed to keep them warm. I hope that they will remain alive despite the disaster in which this hospital is passing through, said ministry spokesman Medhat Abbas.

International law gives hospitals special protections during war. But hospitals can lose those protections if combatants use them to hide fighters or store weapons, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Still, there must be plenty of warning to allow evacuation of staff and patients. If harm to civilians from an attack is disproportionate to the military objective, it is illegal under international law.

Israels case against Hamas

Israel has long accused Hamas of using civilians as human shields. The group often fires rockets toward Israel from crowded residential areas, and its fighters have battled Israeli troops inside densely populated neighborhoods.

Throughout the war, Israel has released photos and video footage showing what it says are weapons and other military installations inside or next to mosques, schools and hospitals.

Late Monday, Israels chief military spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, showed footage of what he said was a Hamas weapons cache found in the basement of Gazas Rantisi Hospital for Children.

Hagari said he entered the hospital with Israeli troops on Monday, a day after the facilitys last patients were evacuated. The hospital ran out of fuel last week, and Israel had ordered people to leave as it conducts its ground offensive.

Hagari entered a room decorated with a colorful childrens drawing of a tree, with weapons lying across the floor. He said they included explosive vests, automatic rifles, bombs and rocket-propelled grenades.

Hamas uses hospitals as an instrument of war, he said.

He showed another area that he said appears to have been used to hold hostages.

It included what appeared to be a hastily installed toilet and air vent, a baby bottle and a motorcycle  scarred by a bullet hole and apparently used to carry hostages. One windowless room had curtains on the wall that he said could be used as a backdrop in a video. Hagari said forensic experts were examining the scenes.

This is not the last hospital like this in Gaza, and the world should know that, Hagari said.

The army has claimed that Hamas is operating inside Shifa and underneath it in bunkers, some of which it says are accessible from the hospital itself. It also claims hundreds of Hamas fighters sought shelter at Shifa after the Oct. 7 massacre, in which at least 1,200 people in Israel were killed.

Israel says these claims are based on intelligence. However, it has released little evidence to support the claims. Hagari last month unveiled maps showing where Israel believes Hamas underground command centers are located, including one next to hospitals reception area and another next to the dialysis department.

He also showed off simulated illustrations of what these centers allegedly look like, but acknowledged: This is only an illustration.

Other Israeli evidence has been equally difficult to verify.

Israel released a video of what it said was a captured militant answering questions during an interrogation. The militant, speaking quietly but clearly under duress, says that most tunnels are hidden in hospitals.

At Shifa, for example, there are underground levels, the militant says. Shifa is not small. Its a big place that can hide things.

The army also released a voice recording of what it says are two anonymous Palestinians in Gaza discussing the presence of a tunnel under Shifa. The recording could not be verified.

Ghazi Hamad, a senior Hamas official, rejected the Israeli claims about Shifa as false and misleading propaganda.

The occupying forces have no evidence to prove it, Hamad said. We have never used civilians as human shields because it goes against our religion, morality and principles.

How will the standoff end?

Israel on Sunday said it had tried to deliver some 300 liters (about 80 gallons) of fuel to the hospital in plastic containers several hundred meters (yards) from the facility. But as of Monday, the fuel had apparently not been taken.

Israel accused Hamas of preventing medical workers from retrieving the containers. Hospital officials said the fuel should be delivered by the Palestinian Red Crescent and that the quantity of fuel was insufficient in any case.

Israel offered safe passage for people to leave. But those who tried to go described a terrifying experience.

Goudhat Samy al-Madhoun, a health care worker, said some 50 people left the facility on Monday, including a woman who had been receiving kidney dialysis. He said Israeli forces fired on the group several times, wounding one man who had to be left behind.

U.S. President Joe Biden on Monday said the hospital must be protected and called for less intrusive action by Israeli forces.

It is my hope and expectation that there will be less intrusive action, Biden said in the Oval Office.

The Israeli army has said it is aware of the complexities, but says Hamas should not expect immunity.

Were not looking to take control of hospitals. Were looking to dismantle their infrastructure, said Lt. Col. Richard Hecht, another Israeli army spokesman.

Well go in, well do what we have to do and leave, he said. What its going to look like, its hard to say.
The foreign minister of Israel declared on Tuesday that Antonio Guterres, the secretary-general of the United Nations, was unfit to lead the organisation because he had not gone far enough in denouncing the terrorist organisation Hamas and was too close to Iran.

During a press conference held within the U.N. building in Geneva, he made remarks that reflected a sharpening of Israels disapproval of the organisation during the week in which the latter was lamenting the deaths of over a hundred of its employees in Gaza.

Eli Cohen, the foreign minister of Israel, stated that Guterres was unfit to lead the UN.

Guterres does not deserve to be the head of the United Nations, Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen said.

I think that Guterres like all the free nations should say clearly and loudly: free Gaza from Hamas. Everyone said Hamas is worse than ISIS. Why can he not say it? he added.

Cohen was in Geneva for a meeting with the families of Israeli hostages as well as representatives from the World Health Organisation and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

In the past, Guterres has claimed that there was something wrong with Israels military operation, which has killed over 11,000 people so far in retaliation for 1,200 people who were killed by Hamas on October 7. Another 240 individuals, including children, the wounded, and the elderly, were taken into custody from Israel.

After meeting with ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric earlier on Tuesday, Cohen expressed his expectation that the neutral organisation would take further action to free the hostages.

I think that the minimum is the Red Cross will meet the hostages; the minimum is they receive a proof of life; and the minimum (is) that they will transfer the medicine to the hostages who are needing it, he stated.

(With agency inputs)
When questioned on Tuesday about an American investigation into possible violations of Western oil sanctions against Moscow, the Kremlin stated that Russia was operating in its own best interests.

During a daily conference call with reporters, Dmitry Peskov, the spokesperson for the Kremlin, also announced that President Vladimir Putin would meet later on Tuesday to discuss the fuel and energy complex.

Reuters quoted an official who has access to the documents as saying that the U.S. Treasury Department has sent notices to ship management companies asking for information about 100 vessels it believes are breaking Western sanctions on Russian oil.

We acknowledge that the American authorities continue to pursue sanctions in one way or another, but we adjust to these circumstances and take action that best fits our interests, Peskov said.

Due to the crisis in Ukraine, the Group of Seven, the European Union, and Australia placed a $60 per barrel ceiling on seaborne exports of Russian crude last December.

It prohibits Western businesses from offering financing, insurance, and transportation for oil sales above the cap.

Due to this years surge in oil prices worldwide, a large portion of Russian oil has traded above the cap.

Some of the vessels currently under investigation were involved in the lifting of Russian oil from the Pacific port of Kozmino, while others had loaded at the port of Primorsk on the Gulf of Finland, according to the source who was made aware of the new notices.

(With agency inputs)
Despite Israels announcement that it would send portable incubators, Palestinians imprisoned inside Gazas largest hospital said they had no plan in place to evacuate babies and were digging a mass grave on Tuesday to bury patients who died while under Israeli encirclement.

Israeli forces have surrounded Gaza Citys Al Shifa Hospital, claiming it is the top of a hidden Hamas militant headquarters.

The Islamist organisation that rules Gaza, Hamas, claims that 650 patients and 5,0007,000 other displaced civilians are trapped inside the hospital grounds and are constantly being fired upon by drones and snipers. Hamas also disputes the presence of fighters. Forty patients are reported to have passed away in the last few days, including three premature babies whose incubators were turned off due to a power outage.

Israels closest ally, the United States, has expressed concern about the fate of the encircled hospital, just five weeks after Israel threatened to destroy Hamas in retaliation for a terrorist attack across the border.

Thirty-six infants remain in the neonatal ward following the deaths of three. The infants were arranged eight to a bed and kept as warm as possible since there was not enough fuel for generators to run the incubators.

On Tuesday, Israel declared that it was providing battery-operated, transportable incubators to enable the babies to be relocated.

Israel asserts that its forces are allowing people inside the hospital to escape while denying that it is under siege. This is untrue, according to hospital officials and medics, and people attempting to leave have faced resistance.

After the militant groups fighters broke through the fence surrounding the enclave on October 7 and went on a killing spree through Israeli towns, Israel vowed to destroy Hamas. Israeli officials claim that on the deadliest day in the countrys 75-year history, 1,200 people died and about 240 were taken as hostages and returned to Gaza.

However, the way it respondedlaying siege to the small, densely populated enclave and continuously bombarding it, killing thousands of civilianshas alarmed nations all over the world.

(With agency inputs)
North Korea blasted the G7 foreign ministers joint statement on Tuesday, saying the wealthy democracies should be dismantled immediately and criticising the nations nuclear programmes.

The top diplomats from the United States, the European Union, Japan, Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and the United States restated their long-standing call for the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula in a statement released last week.

Along with demanding that Pyongyang give up its nuclear weapons, the foreign ministers of the G7 sharply denounced recent arms deliveries from North Korea to Russia and urged both nations to immediately cease all such activities.

North Korea last year declared itself an irreversible nuclear power and has repeatedly said it will never give up its nuclear programme, which the regime views as essential for its survival.

Jo Chol Su, a high-ranking official at Pyongyangs foreign ministry, said he resolutely rejects and most strongly condemns the recent G7 statement, calling it groundless.

He said members of the G7, especially the United States, have disgraceful records by doing considerable harm to international peace and security, and that the group has lost the justification for its existence.

The G7, the remnant of the Cold War, should be dismantled immediately, Jo said, according to Pyongyangs state-run Korean Central News Agency.

He accused the group of being a peace strangler, confrontation maniac and nuclear war merchant.

Historic allies Russia and North Korea are both under international sanctions  the former for its invasion of Ukraine and the latter for its nuclear weapons and missile programmes.

Their growing military cooperation has been a source of concern for Ukraine and its allies, especially following North Korean leader Kim Jong Uns summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in September.

Using the Norths official name, Pyongyang said Saturday that no matter what others may say, the friendly and cooperative relations between the DPRK and Russia aspiring after independence, peace and friendship will steadily grow stronger.

On Monday, US and South Korean defence chiefs updated for the first time in a decade a key military agreement to counter Pyongyang, part of the allies effort to ramp up defence cooperation in the face of the Norths growing nuclear threats.
According to its official media, KCNA, North Korea criticised the Group of Seven on Tuesday, calling it a remnant of the Cold War that incites conflicts for its own interests and infringes upon the sovereignty of other nations.

Following a meeting last week in Tokyo, the G7 foreign ministers were accused by Jo Chol Su, director general of Pyongyangs foreign ministrys Department of International Organisations, of slandering the nations exercise of self-defensive and legitimate sovereignty in a joint statement.

In a joint statement, the G7 denounced North Koreas missile tests and arms sales to Russia, called for humanitarian pauses in the Israel-Hamas conflict, and reiterated support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.

G7, which has caused and fomented the recent international crisis, says this or that to find fault with independent sovereign states, Jo told KCNA.

G7 is just the main dangerous source of destroying global peace and security and the main stumbling block to the establishment of a just international order. It has lost the justification for its existence, Jo added.

G7, the remnant of the Cold War, should be dismantled immediately, and this will be the first step toward defusing the present international crisis and restoring global peace.

Jo said that the G& group cannot speak for the whole world but rather defends the interests of a select few, pointing out that the US is one of the countries providing lethal weapons to Ukraine in an effort to deliberately destroy peace and stability in Europe.

Jo further charged that the US was conniving at and fomenting the military assaults against Gaza while shielding Israels hideous massacre of civilians.

At the same time as North Koreas declaration, South Korea is hosting delegates from 17 U.N. Command (UNC) member states who are in charge of upholding the armistice ending the Korean War. It was anticipated that the discussions on Tuesday would reaffirm the commitment to counter any aggression by North Korea.

(With agency inputs)
An Afghan embassy statement on Tuesday stated that the acting commerce minister of the Taliban met with Pakistans foreign minister this week in Islamabad. They talked about trade and how the thousands of Afghan citizens that Pakistan is expelling may be able to return with money and other assets to their country.

Less than a week has passed since Pakistan announced that it was expelling hundreds of thousands of undocumented Afghans because the Taliban-led government was refusing to take action against terrorists who were using Afghanistan as a base of operations for attacks inside Pakistan.

Taliban leaders have urged Islamabad to stop deporting Afghan nationals, claiming that militancy is an internal matter for Pakistan.

Bilateral trade, especially the stranded goods of (Afghan) traders in Karachi port, smooth transfer of (Afghan) refugees properties to (Afghanistan) and related issues were discussed, Afghanistans embassy in Islamabad said in a statement, on acting commerce minister Haji Nooruddin Azizis meeting with Pakistans caretaker foreign minister Jalil Abbas Jilani.

Returned Afghan citizens have reported that money and property transfers from Pakistan, where many had established homes and businesses for decades, are restricted.

The message Jilani delivered, according to Pakistans foreign office, was that full potential for regional trade and connectivity can be harnessed with collective action against terrorism.

Pakistan announced last month that all undocumented immigrants, including hundreds of thousands of Afghans, would be expelled starting on November 1. It dismissed requests to rethink from Western embassies, human rights organisations, and the UN, citing security concerns.

Humanitarian organisations are alarmed by the harsh circumstances that many recently returned Afghans are facing with limited resources as the chilly winter season approaches. They claim that many of them are lodging in packed shelters close to the border that are run by NGOs and Taliban officials.

According to Pakistans foreign office, on Tuesday the acting minister of commerce for the Taliban will also hold a trilateral meeting with representatives from Uzbekistan and Pakistan.

Although the three nations have been working on plans for trade transit and railway connections between South and Central Asia that would cross through Afghanistan, the agenda for the trilateral meeting was unclear.

(With agency inputs)
Following public outcry, Thailand withdrew its plans on Tuesday to conduct joint patrols with Chinese police in well-known tourist locations.

In an effort to foster confidence among visitorsincluding Chinese nationalstourism officials on Sunday proposed the idea of having Chinese and Thai police patrol popular locations.

However, the plan caused a stir on the internet, prompting criticism that it violated national sovereignty and a rebuke from the head of the nations police force.

We will not have joint patrols, but there are many other ways to build confidence for tourists in Thailand, Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, the minister of tourism, said to reporters on Tuesday.

The Thai police force is already adequate and are working hard to restore confidence, Sudawan stated.

Following a shooting spree at a posh mall in Bangkok last month that claimed the lives of two people, including a Chinese national, Thai authorities moved quickly to increase security.

Thailands tourism sector needs to regain trust, particularly from Chinese tourists.

They made up 11 million of the 39.9 million foreign tourists who arrived in Thailand in 2019a record numberbut their return following the COVID-19 pandemic has been sluggish, leading the government to waive the requirement for Chinese nationals to have a visa in September.

Thailand has received 23.2 million foreign visitors so far this year.

(With agency inputs)
An update to the UK government website on Tuesday revealed that Britain has added six new designations to its list of counterterrorism sanctions, including four people connected to the Palestinian militant organisation Hamas.

The update was released soon after the US levied a third round of sanctions against Hamas, which targeted the organizations financiers and leaders in the wake of the groups attack on Israel last month.

In a statement, the US Treasury Department stated that Britain was consulted while taking this action.

(With agency inputs)
The UN member nations enforcing the Korean War armistice are worried that China and Russia are assisting North Korea in enhancing its military capabilities by allowing it to circumvent UN sanctions, said US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin on Tuesday.

Addressing a meeting in South Korea with defence minister and representatives from the 17 countries that make up the UN Command that oversees the armistice, he said, We are deeply concerned that the PRC and Russia are helping the DPRK expand its capabilities by enabling it to evade sanctions from the UN Security council, Austin said.

PRC refers to the Peoples Republic of China and DPRK is short for North Koreas official name, the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea.

Were also troubled by the recent growth in military cooperation between Russia and the DPRK, he said.

Washington has accused North Korea of supplying military equipment to Russia for use in its war with Ukraine, and Moscow of providing technical military support to help the North.

North Korea and Russia have denied any arms deals, though their leaders pledged closer military cooperation when they met in September in Russias far east.

China, North Koreas closest ally, has said it was complying with international obligations.

The UNC was expected on Tuesday to renew a pledge to respond to any North Korean aggression and to adopt a joint statement on a united response in the event of a contingency on the Korean peninsula, South Koreas defence ministry said.

Defence Minister Shin Won-sik said Pyongyang had been warned not to attempt any aggressive acts, noting that unlike in 1950, when the Korean War broke out, North Korea is now a member state of the United Nations.

If North Korea ever invades the South again, it will be self-contradictory, where a UN member state would be attacking the UN Command, Shin told the meeting.

If the countries that backed North Korea during the Korean War ever try to help again, then those countries will also receive grave punishment from the international community along with North Korea, Shin added.

With inputs from agencies
President Joe Biden is welcoming Pacific Rim friends to San Francisco this week. As part of his efforts to present a unified front against Beijings increasing influence, the US leader will also host a crucial summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping there.

In the largest diplomatic gathering in San Francisco since 1945, Biden leads the 21-member Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) conference, which is striving to maintain its reputation as a leader in technology while sprucing up its widespread homelessness issue.

A new US-led trade agreement for Asia is anticipated to be unveiled by Biden; it is significantly less ambitious than past attempts, but some in his Democratic Party have already expressed resistance.

The United States conceived APEC three decades ago with the idea of bringing the Pacific Rim together through trade. That rosy view is over when it comes to China, with the Biden administration in recent months ramping up sanctions against Beijing, which it considers the top global challenger to US primacy.

But both the United States and China have voiced hope for greater stability. With a visit to Washington politically unfeasible and US elections one year away, APEC marks a unique chance for Xi to see Biden on US soil.

The Biden-Xi meeting on Wednesday  their first since a year ago at a G20 summit in Bali  is expected to take up a broad gamut of disagreements including Taiwan, whose elections in two months could trigger fresh tensions with Beijing, which claims sovereignty over the self-ruling democracy and has not ruled out seizing it by force.

For other leaders in San Francisco, APEC risks feeling like a sideshow to the Biden-Xi meeting, said Jude Blanchette, a China specialist at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

But he added: Even countries in the region who are extraordinarily worried about Chinas increasing aggression still have deep economic inter-linkages with China and at the margin would vastly prefer a stable US-China relationship to an unstable one.

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on Monday led talks among APEC finance ministers at which she called for a refocus on longer-term fiscal priorities following the disruption of the Covid-19 pandemic as part of our shared vision of an open, dynamic, resilient and peaceful Asia-Pacific community.

Emphasizing alliances

Biden, drawing an implicit contrast to his isolationist predecessor and 2024 rival Donald Trump, has focused on highlighting the power of US alliances.

US allies attending APEC will include Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese  who over the past month has visited both Washington and Beijing  as well as Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol.

Before flying to San Francisco, Biden offered a White House welcome to outgoing Indonesian President Joko Widodo, as the United States seeks to compete with China for the archipelagos vast nickel reserves, vital for electric cars.

Biden had no respite from the Middle East, which has dominated his time for the past month, with the leader of the worlds largest Muslim-majority country urging the United States to do more to stop the atrocities in Gaza, referring to Israels military campaign in response to a major Hamas attack that killed mostly civilians.

In contrast to its diplomacy aimed at avoiding conflict with China, the United States has shunned Russia  also an APEC member  over President Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine.

Russia will be represented by Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk, who is not under US sanctions.

The United States will be good hosts and let Overchuk participate fully in the weeks events, Matt Murray, the US State Department official in charge of APEC, told AFP.

Controversy on trade

Free-trade deals, once seen as staples for US diplomacy, have fallen sharply out of favor in Washington.

Trump on taking office pulled out of the nascent Trans-Pacific Partnership pitched to Asian allies by his predecessor Barack Obama as a way to exert US leadership.

Biden has instead coined the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF), which seeks to streamline business standards but, unlike traditional trade deals, does not open up market access.

Biden is expected to outline progress on IPEF which will bring together three of the worlds largest five economies  the United States, Japan and India  as well as Australia, South Korea and much of Southeast Asia, but not China.

Senator Sherrod Brown, a member of Bidens Democratic Party who faces reelection next year in battleground Ohio, on the eve of the summit called for the entire removal of trade from the IPEF, amid fears Trump again will seize on the issue.

Any trade deal that does not include enforceable labor standards is unacceptable, Brown said.
US State Department Antony Blinken has acknowledged the growing dissent in his office over the Biden administrations approach toward the Israel-Hamas war.

In an email to State Department personnel, Blinken said, I know that for many of you, the suffering caused by this crisis is taking a profound personal toll.

His email to staffers comes amid widespread backlash from not only the State Department but also from the US President Joe Bidens office. According to a report by CNN, scores of staffers from the US Agency for International Development wrote an open letter calling for a ceasefire.

However, some of the fiercest backlash has come from the State Department with reports of an official who publicly resigned from the office last month.

Weve organized forums in Washington to hear from you, and urged managers and teams to have candid discussions at posts around the world precisely so we can hear your feedback and ideas. Ive asked our senior leadership to keep doing that, Blinken wrote in the email.

Were listening: what you share is informing our policy and our messages, he added.

In his email, the State Department secretary also provided an overview of his recent trips to Israel, adding that Americas overarching objective remains the same: to bring this terrible conflict to a close as quickly as possible, while standing by Israels right and obligation, in full accordance with international humanitarian law, to ensure a terrorist attack like October 7th never happens again.

As I said in private and in public, we believe Palestinian peoples voices must be at the center of post-crisis governance in Gaza. We believe in Palestinian-led governance of Gaza, with Gaza unified with the West Bank. Gazas reconstruction must be supported with a sustained mechanism, he added.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has said that Gazas largest hospital is turning into a cemetery as healthcare workers are unable to bury the dead.

Gazas Al-Shifa Hospital has been at the center of intense fighting over the past few days with Israel claiming that Hamas is operating its command centre underneath the hospital, a claim that has been rejected by the terrorist organisation.

WHO spokesman Christian Lindmeier said, Around the hospital, there are dead bodies which cannot be taken care of or not even be buried or taken away to any sort of morgue. The hospital is not working at all any more as it should. Its nearly a cemetery.

Meanwhile, there are also growing concerns over the fate of dozens of premature babies that remain under the care of the hospital amid power cuts and fuel shortages.

Yesterday I had 39 babies and today they have become 36, said Dr. Mohamed Tabasha, head of the paediatric department at Al Shifa, in a telephone interview with Reuters.

I cannot say how long they can last. I can lose another two babies today, or in an hour, he said.

The premature babies, who weigh less than 1.5 kg (3.3 pounds) each and in some cases only 700 or 800 grammes, should be in incubators where the temperature and humidity can be regulated according to their individual needs.

Instead, they had to be moved to ordinary beds over the weekend because of a shortage of electricity, said Tabasha. They were placed side by side, surrounded by packets of nappies, cardboard boxes of sterile gauze and plastic bags.

Amid this, a senior adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Mark Regev, has said that Israel has offered practical solutions to evacuate the babies adding that Hamas has rejected their proposals.

With inputs from agencies
Googles Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro have gained Adobe RAW support, enhancing the photography experience for users seeking advanced editing options. This update follows the recent addition of HDR output support for Adobe Lightroom on Android.

Capturing images in RAW format provides more data, allowing greater flexibility in fine-tuning. While the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro can shoot in RAW, it is generally necessary only for significant image editing.

Adobe Camera RAW Support for Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro

Adobes inclusion of RAW support for the Pixel 8 series expands editing possibilities beyond the capabilities of the Google Photos app. This development makes high-quality photography on the Pixel 8 more accessible to users.

With RAW compatibility, Lightroom and Photoshop now recognize Pixel 8 RAW files, delivered in DNG format. This support extends to the front-facing camera, wide-angle lens, and main sensor on the Pixel 8.

Additionally, the Pixel 8 Pro avails RAW support for images captured with the telephoto lens, each with its distinct RAW profile.

Availability and Requirements

To leverage Adobe RAW support for Pixel 8, users need a minimum plug-in version of 16.0.1. Ensure that your Adobe apps (Lightroom and Photoshop) are updated to the latest version for seamless compatibility.

Source | Via
Quote:

Overall, about 52 percent of Local 862 workers rejected the deal, according to numbers posted by theon Monday. About 55 percent of workers at Fords Kentucky Truck Plant, which had been on strike for two weeks, rejected the proposed deal.Workers at Louisville Assembly, however, narrowly approved the deal, with nearly 53 percent voting in favor. Under the terms of the deal, Louisville would get a new electric vehicle as part of a $1.2 billion investment.
PalmadexChannel at 14-11-2023 02:31 PM (2 weeks ago) (m) Praise GOD



Olori Janet Afolabi, CNN award winning journalist and Queen of Apomu Kingdom has emerged Most Outstanding Innovative Humanitarian Personality of the Year, at the 7th Prestige Excellence Award and Lecture.



The award was given to Olori Afolabi for the innovative nature of the financial aid she gives to indigent and vulnerable market women in Apomu,headquarters of Isokan local government area of Osun state.



Olori Afolabi is the first Royal Queen in Nigeria to come up with " No Interest Loan For Rural Women"



Since 2020, Olori Afolabi has been assisting many women with no interest loan in order for them to expand their businesses or start new ones.

The financial aid began after Covid 19 lockdown when many businesses were devastated.



Olori Afolabi said she started the program as a simple act of kindness. " But today it has become my flag ship project"



She dedicated the award to God for using her as a vessel to drive financial development in her community.



The award took place on November 12, at the Civic Centre, Ozumba Mbadiwe Road, Victoria Island, Lagos.



The award is the brain child of Prestige News Online and Prestige International Magazine.It is dedicated to extol the virtue of hard work and uncommon achievements.



Wale Abiodun, Executive Director, Prestige Excellence Award and Lecture said the award is also aimed at celebrating and honouring deserving individuals,corporate bodies professional institutions that have made remarkable impact in the society.

.

Post Reply Distinguished member of the United Nations' World Trade Organisation, the ICC and has its export destinations to US, UK, Vietnam, Nicaragua, UAE, Isreal etc. Palmadex Group currently has International Operational base in Vietnam and Dubai. Posted: at 14-11-2023 02:31 PM (2 weeks ago) | Newbie
Map created by Conservation Science Partners

This map, created by Conservation Science Partners, shows what it says are the five-largest, unprotected, public-lands biodiversity hotspots in the state. One is centered in the area between Naturita and Gateway, in the Dolores River canyon country, and another is in the De Beque area. The numbers show each areas ranking compared to the other four areas in terms of biodiversity.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
As Fr. Henry Wertin recites a prayer at the groundbreaking of Grand Valley Catholic Outreachs new Mother Teresa Place, faith leaders from the Grand Valley, including, from right, Michael Bench, Abraham Eigbea and Luke Konantz participate. The site for the Mother Teresa Place is at Fourth Street and Ute Avenue across from Whitman Park on Monday.
Wed Wednesday

51 /29

More sun than clouds. Highs in the low 50s and lows in the upper 20s.
The Center for Children invites the community to help support abused children
China to boost security intelligence cooperation with Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand

Global Times

By Zhang Changyue Published: Nov 13, 2023 03:21 PM

China has exchanged views and reached broad consensus with Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand on deepening security intelligence cooperation after China's Minister of State Security Chen Yixin made visits at the invitation of the three countries and held talks with senior officials from November 2 to Saturday.

In addition to separately meeting with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong and Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, Chen also held talks with high-level officials from Cambodia's National Information Technology Center, Vietnam's Public Security Ministry and Thailand's National Intelligence Agency, according to information released by the Chinese Ministry of State Security on Monday.

During the respective meetings in Cambodia, the two sides emphasized the need to deepen pragmatic cooperation in security intelligence to better preserve social stability in China and Cambodia, and promote public well-being.

China and Vietnam also vowed to further strengthen pragmatic security intelligence cooperation to make a greater contribution to the two countries' national security and help upgrade and enhance bilateral relations. Both China and Thailand see cooperation in security intelligence as an important aspect of deepening bilateral relations, and both want to jointly ensure the safety of overseas projects, institutions, and personnel of both countries.

Chen also visited Chinese enterprises and projects under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in the three countries.

Cooperation in various aspects has been deepened among China and ASEAN members. From mid-November to late November, China will hold a joint military exercise with five Southeast Asian countries, namely Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam, in Zhanjiang, South China's Guangdong Province for the Aman Youyi-2023 (Peace and Friendship-2023) multilateral drills, China's Ministry of National Defense said on Sunday.

Chinese Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Sun Weidong and Vietnamese Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu held the meeting between heads of the government-level negotiation delegation on border issues in Hanoi on Thursday. The two countries held in-depth exchanges of views on China-Vietnam relations, territorial border and maritime issues in a candid and friendly atmosphere. The two sides have ensured that the border and maritime situation remains stable and under control, and speak highly of the progress made in port gate opening and upgrading and infrastructure connectivity.

The security intelligence cooperation and the joint military exercise reflected the further deepened political mutual trust and closer integration of interests between China and Southeast Asian countries, Xu Liping, director of the Center for Southeast Asian Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Monday.

Xu said Chen's visit is related to cross-border crime, especially telecom fraud, a closely watched issue that not only affects people in China but also harms the tourism industry in Southeast Asian countries.

Security and development have continued to enhance relations between China and Southeast Asian countries, as Southeast Asia is where Chinese enterprises first headed to and flagship projects under BRI were implemented, Xu said.

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Prime Minister Acad. Nikolai Denkov: Bulgaria stands ready to take its place on NATO's Eastern Flank with honor

Council of Ministers of the Republic of Bulgaria

10.11.2023

Bulgaria stands ready to take its place on NATO's Eastern Flank with honor so that we all feel assured and well protected against any possible aggression. This was stated by Prime Minister Acad. Nikolai Denkov after the demonstrations that he watched within the framework of the exercise "Iron Strike 2023" of the Multinational Battlegroup led by Italy and with host country Bulgaria.

"Today we see the result of the efforts of the Bulgarian authorities, of the neighbor countries that are members of NATO and of the NATO command to reinforce the South-Eastern Flank. The geopolitical situation is changing very quickly and we must be prepared to meet any challenges," the Prime Minister said. To that end, the country must have well trained armed forces and work in close cooperation with the neighbor countries.

The NATO Multinational Battlegroup deployed in Bulgaria comprises troops from the United States, Albania, Greece, Montenegro, the Republic of North Macedonia and Turkey.

As a host country, Bulgaria plans to generate the conditions required for the reinforcement of the Multinational Battlegroup as it increases its personnel strength. "We have the political support and the will to grow to the brigade level," Acad. Nikolai Denkov said.

The Deputy Secretary General of NATO Mircea Geoana emphasized that as a successful host nation of one of the NATO battlegroups deployed in the region between the Baltic and the Black Sea, Bulgaria helps deter aggression on the Eastern Flank of the Alliance. He recognized the contribution of the Bulgarian troops to the NATO missions in Kosovo and Iraq. The Deputy Secretary General welcomed Bulgaria's commitment to make an allocation that amounts to minimum 2% of the GDP for defense spending in the coming years. As he said, the combat materiel to be purchased will strengthen Bulgaria's security and make the Alliance even stronger.

Defense Minister Todor Tagarev was among the spectators of the exercise. "The servicemen have successfully completed their tasks and proved that we are about to achieve full military viability of the national battlegroup. Eight allies work together in Bulgaria and are prepared to deter any potential aggressor, to defend our country and to contribute to our security and the security of the NATO's Eastern Flank," he said.

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Army sets aside convictions of 110 Black Soldiers convicted in 1917 Houston Riots

By U.S. Army Public Affairs November 13, 2023

WASHINGTON -- Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth has approved the recommendation of the Army Board for Correction of Military Records to set aside the courts-martial convictions of the 110 Black Soldiers of the 3rd Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment (also known as the Buffalo Soldiers), who were convicted following the World War I-era Houston Riots. The records of these Soldiers will be corrected, to the extent possible, to characterize their military service as honorable.

"After a thorough review, the Board has found that these Soldiers were wrongly treated because of their race and were not given fair trials," said Wormuth. "By setting aside their convictions and granting honorable discharges, the Army is acknowledging past mistakes and setting the record straight."

The Houston Riots took place on Aug. 23, 1917 following months of racial provocations against members of the 24th  including the violent arrest and assault of two Black Soldiers. Following the assaults, and amid rumors of additional threats to Soldiers, a group of more than 100 Black Soldiers seized weapons and marched into the city where clashes erupted. The violence left 19 people dead.

In the months that followed, the Army convicted 110 Soldiers in a process that was, according to historians, characterized by numerous irregularities. Ultimately, nineteen men were executed in the largest mass execution of American Soldiers by the U.S. Army. The first set of executions occurred in secrecy and within a day of sentencing, leading the Army to implement an immediate regulatory change which prohibited future executions without review by the War Department and the President.

In October 2020 and December 2021, the South Texas College of Law petitioned the Army requesting a review of the courts-martial. Shortly after, the Army received petitions from retired general officers requesting clemency for all 110 Soldiers.

"As a Texas native, I was grateful to participate in this process early in my tenure at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, and I am proud that the Army has now formally restored honor to Soldiers of the 3-24 and their families," Under Secretary of the Army Gabe Camarillo said. "We cannot change the past; however, this decision provides the Army and the American people an opportunity to learn from this difficult moment in our history."

The Secretary of the Army asked the Army Board for Correction of Military Records to review records pertaining to these court-martial cases and to provide recommendations about the appropriateness of each individual conviction. After careful review, board members adjudicated each case and found that significant deficiencies permeated the cases. These deficiencies led the Army Board for Correction of Military Records to acknowledge that the proceedings were fundamentally unfair. The board members unanimously recommended all convictions be set aside and that, to the extent possible, the Soldiers' military service be characterized as "honorable."

"With the support of our experts, our dedicated Board members looked at each record carefully and came up with our best advice to Army leaders to correct a miscarriage of justice," said Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Review Boards Michael Mahoney, who oversaw the review. "We're proud of the hard work we did to make things right in this case."

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has been deeply involved as this case has unfolded and is prepared to assist any family members upon receipt of the corrected records.

Relatives of the Soldiers may be entitled to benefits. Instructions for applying to the Army Board for Correction of Military Records can be found at https://arba.army.pentagon.mil/abcmr-app.html. Family members may apply online at https://arba.army.pentagon.mil/online-application.html or submit a DD Form 149, Application for Correction of Military Record by mail to: Army Review Boards Agency (ARBA), 251 18th Street South, Suite 385, Arlington, VA 22202-3531. Applications should include documentation to prove a relationship to one of the 110 formerly convicted Soldiers.

Family members or other interested parties may request a copy of the corrected records from the National Archives and Records Administration, in accordance with NARA Archival Records Request procedures found at: https://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records.

For more information about these corrections, please contact the Army Review Board Agency at: army.arbainquiry@army.mil.

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US Army's Task Force Marne braces for winter in Europe

By Staff Sgt. Moses Howard II November 13, 2023

BOLESAWIEC, Poland -- U.S. Army Soldiers with 3rd Infantry Division based out of Fort Stewart, Georgia, are leaning into readiness during their current deployment to Europe as the winter season approaches. To ensure readiness, Task Force Marne Soldiers stationed throughout Poland and the Baltic States, where average winter temperatures drop below freezing, in stark contrast to Georgia's 50-60 degree days, are preparing for the imminent cold-weather conditions by embracing winterization practices.

Winterization processes include equipping Soldiers with cold-weather clothing and fitting vehicles and equipment to operate safely and efficiently, taking into account the type of terrain in the area and weather pattern frequency.

Cold-weather preparations are drawn from hard lessons-learned across various battlefields from the Revolutionary War to the War in Afghanistan. For 3rd Infantry Division, winterization practices are essential to continuing training safely and effectively alongside other U.S. and multinational troops throughout the area of operations, despite mother nature's extreme challenges.

Maj. Samuel Pearce, division engineer with Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division, spoke to the deliberative planning needed to ensure that tasks are completed thoroughly.

"Winterization is the practice of mitigating environmental effects in order to enable safe and healthy work environments for our Soldiers to complete their missions and daily operations," Pearce said. "You have to start multiple months prior to the temperature dropping and the environmental effects coming in because a lot of times, you need to make coordination for either snow removal, or you need to purchase chains for tires."

Those unfamiliar with winterization can find themselves susceptible to injuries which removes them from the mission and causes mission delays, Pearce added.

Sgt. Rolky Paul, a medic with HHB, 3rd Division Artillery (DIVARTY), instructed a class how to properly layer winter clothing to stay warm against the elements. Issued gear includes the Extended Cold Weather Clothing System (ECWCS), which can prevent injuries like frostbite and trench foot while maintaining stable core temperatures.

"We learned how to properly dress so we can make that gear as beneficial as possible to keep you warm," said SSG Craig Woody with 3rd Infantry Division Headquarters Support Company. "There's ways to put on the gear to keep you warm more efficiently."



7th Infantry Regiment MEDEVAC Rehearsal

BOLESAWIEC, Poland - U.S. Army Soldiers with 3rd Infantry Division based out of Fort Stewart, Georgia, are leaning into readiness during their current deployment to Europe as the winter season approaches. To ensure readiness, Task Force Marne Soldiers stationed throughout Poland and the Baltic States, where average winter temperatures drop below freezing, in stark contrast to Georgia's 50-60 degree days, are preparing for the imminent cold-weather conditions by embracing winterization practices.

Winterization processes include equipping Soldiers with cold-weather clothing and fitting vehicles and equipment to operate safely and efficiently, taking into account the type of terrain in the area and weather pattern frequency.

Cold-weather preparations are drawn from hard lessons-learned across various battlefields from the Revolutionary War to the War in Afghanistan. For 3rd Infantry Division, winterization practices are essential to continuing training safely and effectively alongside other U.S. and multinational troops throughout the area of operations, despite mother nature's extreme challenges.

Maj. Samuel Pearce, division engineer with Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division, spoke to the deliberative planning needed to ensure that tasks are completed thoroughly.

"Winterization is the practice of mitigating environmental effects in order to enable safe and healthy work environments for our Soldiers to complete their missions and daily operations," Pearce said. "You have to start multiple months prior to the temperature dropping and the environmental effects coming in because a lot of times, you need to make coordination for either snow removal, or you need to purchase chains for tires."

Those unfamiliar with winterization can find themselves susceptible to injuries which removes them from the mission and causes mission delays, Pearce added.

Sgt. Rolky Paul, a medic with HHB, 3rd Division Artillery (DIVARTY), instructed a class how to properly layer winter clothing to stay warm against the elements. Issued gear includes the Extended Cold Weather Clothing System (ECWCS), which can prevent injuries like frostbite and trench foot while maintaining stable core temperatures.

"We learned how to properly dress so we can make that gear as beneficial as possible to keep you warm," said SSG Craig Woody with 3rd Infantry Division Headquarters Support Company. "There's ways to put on the gear to keep you warm more efficiently."

69th Armor Regiment Mortar Range

"Soldiers need to acclimate to a new operational environment significantly different from the generally warm and humid weather experienced during garrison and field training at home station," Cpt. Sean Ballesteros-Perez, the 3rd Infantry Division HHB Battery Commander, said. "We expect to continue and improve our equipment readiness as 3ID DIVARTY operates in a winter operational environment."

Winterization training for 3rd DIVARTY, currently in Latvia, will focus on equipment maintenance, as well as individual readiness, as Soldiers face harsh weather during the coming winter months.

Cold-weather maintenance training focuses on how to properly service various vehicles and generators. Equipment features such as fuel, petroleum, oil and lubricants are given attention since these are affected due to cold weather. These measures ensure that the equipment is working appropriately and any serious issues can be detected in a timely manner.

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Vice President: North Macedonia's Hate Speech against Bulgaria Is European Issue

President of the Republic of Bulgaria

13 November 2023

Iliana Iotova was a guest at the celebration of the centenary of the Macedonian Scientific Institute

Politicians in Skopje show neither willingness nor consensus for creation and cooperation. North Macedonia gives no sign to stop the hate speech against Bulgaria. It is unacceptable, it is unworthy, the malice towards everything Bulgarian that is growing and stands unpunished, has ceased to be a bilateral issue. The hate speech of the Republic of North Macedonia against Bulgaria is now a European issue. This is what Vice President Iliana Iotova said at St Kliment Ohridski Sofia University during the celebration of the centenary of the establishment of the Macedonian Scientific Institute. She recalled a number of cases of hatred and resentment towards the Macedonian Bulgarians. It is unacceptable for Bulgaria, as a European country of the 21st century, to tolerate systematic criminal acts and violence against the Bulgarians in North Macedonia, Iotova stressed.

Under the same dome of the Sofia University, a century ago, eminent scholars and public figures gathered to found the Macedonian Scientific Institute to study the history, geography, ethnography and economic life of Macedonia, to collect historical materials on the liberation struggles of the Macedonian Bulgarians, preparing a systematic and detailed history of these struggles, the Vice President said in her address, pointing out that in its hundred years of experience the institute has repeatedly concluded that it is wrong to build a Macedonian identity on an anti-Bulgarian basis. Let us encourage the leadership and the collaborators of the institute to continue to seek their supporters in North Macedonia, because only together can we eradicate the language of hatred, only in this way can we help our neighbours on their path towards European membership. As a modern state, Bulgaria welcomes the break with the reputation of the Balkans as a place of homophobic and fratricidal enmities, Iotova said.

The Vice President recalled that Head of State Rumen Radev imposed in the dialogue with North Macedonia the thesis of an imperative change in the constitution of our western neighbour to guarantee the rights of Bulgarians. However, there is no political will in North Macedonia for the changes to move forward. I am pessimistic that there will be developments by the end of the year, Iotova said.

The Vice President also highlighted the recent recommendations of the European Commission on the European integration of the Republic of North Macedonia. "Brussels does not accept the behind-the-scenes attempts of the government in Skopje to circumvent the commitment to include the Bulgarians as a state-building people in the North Macedonian Constitution," Iliana Iotova said.

In her speech, the Vice President also recalled North Macedonia's attempt to have the so-called Macedonian nation recognised by a proclamation on Macedonian-American cultural heritage in the US State of Michigan. The Diasporas of Bulgarians, Greeks and Albanians reacted to the claim that over half a million Americans of Macedonian origin lived in the United States. The proclamation was stopped, Iotova said.

Property and matter are divided, albeit with difficulty, but history is not a rug, it cannot be cut into 'your' and 'our' pieces and periods. Tragicomic are the attempts to divide historical personalities. Or, as Gotse Delchev himself used to say, "What can we do when we are Bulgarians!", the Vice President said. She was adamant that those called to govern Bulgaria are expected to know history in depth, to know what is good, to lend a hand to their neighbours, but to be firm and uncompromising when it comes to defending identity.

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November 13, 2023

By C. Todd Lopez , DOD News

Defense Security Cooperation University Marks 4 Years of Growth, Change

Since it opened just four years ago under the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, the Defense Security Cooperation University has made strides in achieving the initial goals it set for itself and has also expanded and improved on its ability to train the nation's security cooperation workforce. It is now in the process of evolving further, in order to respond to a rapidly changing strategic environment.

Security cooperation is the effort to advance U.S. national security and foreign policy interests by building the capacity of foreign security forces to respond to shared challenges. That effort involves, among other things, building and maintaining military-to-military relationships, combined training efforts and the Foreign Military Sales program.

In creating the university, officials with DSCA aimed to help train and certify security cooperation personnel across the defense enterprise and codify security cooperation work as a profession.

Initially, DSCU was tasked with getting some 20,000 security cooperation personnel across DOD certified, at least at the most basic level, in one of five areas of concentration.

The current security environment necessitated a re-look at the initial approach to certification, particularly as the enterprise learns valuable lessons from the conflict in Ukraine and other global hotspots. Security cooperation education, training and certification underwent a year-long reevaluation, which allowed for refinement of the DSCU curriculum and DOD certification requirements. This assessment resulted in a completely revamped program named certification 2.0.

The new certification requirements are tailored to the security cooperation workforce's competency needs, the current strategic reality, and tasks set forth by Congress and the National Defense Strategy. Under the security cooperation certification 2.0, the five areas of concentration have been replaced with nine functional areas, said Celeste Gventer, President of DSCU.

"Certification 2.0 allows us to get much more specific in the training and education that we provide," Gventer said. "There were parts of the enterprise for which we really needed to build focused curriculum. We wanted to make sure that we were identifying those people properly so we could develop the curriculum to really target what they need. The nine functional areas allow us to get much more specific."

Those nine functional areas include policy and resourcing; FMS; security cooperation organization; support enablers; acquisition; building partner capacity/DOD training and equipping; advise, train and educate; the state partnership program; and assessment, monitoring and evaluation.

Under a phased update starting Sept. 30, 2023, security cooperation professionals across DOD will become certified in one of those areas and attain one of three proficiency levels  foundational, practitioner and expert  primarily determined by rank/grade. Gventer said there's also an "executive level" for senior executive service, general officer and nominative E-9 personnel who serve as organizational leaders but don't need in-depth expertise.

University Growth

At the start of the program in 2019, DSCU had only one component, the School of Security Cooperation Studies in Dayton, Ohio, which is the former Defense Institute of Security Assistance Management. Since then, Gventer said, DSCU has grown in size and in the number of campuses.

In 2021, for instance, DSCU added institutional capacity building implementers and international schoolhouses: the Institute for Security Governance, located in Monterey, Calif., and the Defense Institute for International Legal Studies in Newport, R.I. There's also the newly established College of Strategic Security Cooperation, in Arlington, Va.

Most recently, DSCU grew again by absorbing the Defense Resources Management Institute, also in Monterey, and by beginning program offices for both the Security Cooperation Workforce Development Program and the Research, Analysis and Lessons Learned Institute.

"We have now multiple institutes, multiple schoolhouses and a program office," Gventer said. "DSCU has grown by a lot. We're at more than 470 personnel now, government and contractors."

Gventer also said DSCU is building a new course catalog, expanding the number of offerings available to help security cooperation personnel develop in their profession.

"We have vastly expanded our course catalog, though not all of the courses are yet built," she said. "We've recruited faculty with more of an academic background, so they are in the process of building a whole new suite of engaging, competency-focused courses."

In fiscal year 2022, she said, about 20,000 individuals took courses at DSCU to advance their own knowledge of security cooperation.

Security Cooperation as a Profession

"Title 10 U.S. Code Section 384 and the NDS direct DOD to ensure that those who represent the department to our allies and partners are a professionalized force with the training and support necessary to advance our national security objectives. To accomplish what lawmakers asked of DOD, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III approved a suite of initiatives aimed at improving the security cooperation workforce as part of NDS implementation," Gventer said.

"Title 10, paragraph instructs DOD to ensure there are security cooperation career paths, make sure there are career fields, make sure you have the right people in the right numbers with the right backgrounds in the right organizations," she said. "This legislation was critical in initiating a suite of needed reforms, though we still have a ways to go."

The first initiative, she said, involved establishment of the Security Cooperation Workforce Development Program Office, which is now working to ensure DOD personnel assigned to statutorily defined security cooperation workforce positions have the competency-based training and experience necessary to carry out assigned security cooperation responsibilities.

The second recommendation was to establish a Defense Security Cooperation Service. "The DSCS will consolidate the support infrastructure of DOD's critical SCO personnel at U.S. embassies into a single organization to ensure appropriate allocation of limited personnel resources across a global demand. The DSCS will provide DOD with comprehensive oversight, management and analysis of global SCO staffing levels, personnel requirements and assignments while combatant commanders retain operation control and benefit from highly trained Security Cooperation specialists throughout their AOR," Gventer said.

The Defense Security Cooperation Service, she noted, will have initial operating capability by fiscal year 2025, at which time DSCS will transition to a separate directorate reporting to the director of DSCA.

The third NDS initiative was the creation of DSCU's Security Cooperation Research and Lessons Learned Institute at the DSCU headquarters.

"The only way we can make sure we are a continuous learning enterprise is to make sure we have dedicated research, lessons learned, and analysis professionals. Their work provides the fodder for DSCU's curriculum," Gventer said. "You don't refresh curriculum if you don't have anybody actually looking out into the system .... You have to have somebody who's responsible for creating that intellectual capital that you can then use as part of curriculum and in improving the security cooperation enterprise more generally."

Learning Lessons Now

In February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine. On Oct. 7, Hamas attacked Israel. Both events have an impact on the U.S. security cooperation community, and DSCU officials are working to capture lessons from each for later -- or even immediate -- incorporation into the curriculum, Gventer said.

Right now, she said, a team is documenting security cooperation lessons related to Ukraine, and those lessons learned will be reviewed by members of the security cooperation community and incorporated into a final report.

"The DSCU lessons learned team has been working on this for approximately a year," Gventer said. " As an academic institution, it is essential we research, analyze, and adapt our curriculum to the current strategic realities."

In the future, Gventer said she wants to expand the academic faculty at DSCU generally, and to expand expertise and curriculum at DSCU's Dayton, Ohio, schoolhouse, which will focus on training and education of FMS. "We want to expand our offerings on FMS across the board and establish a kind of center of excellence for FMS that will ensure continuous learning and improvement of the process," she said.

"We need to continue to attract the kind of faculty that can really help us innovate," she said. "It can be challenging to find the unicorns out there that have the academic credentials and understand ... the work of an academic faculty, but also understand security cooperation."

Looking forward, she said she wants DSCU to be the center of academic and intellectual life for the security cooperation community. That means security cooperation professionals might want to come to DSCU to take coursework that isn't required for their certifications but will enhance their careers. That also includes DSCU becoming a source of important reading material that the security cooperation community could rely on as a way to stay informed and help them make better decisions, she said.

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Foreign Affairs Council: Press remarks by High Representative Josep Borrell upon arrival

European External Action Service (EEAS)

13.11.2023

EEAS Press Team

Check against delivery!

Good morning,

Today, we are going to have a meeting concentrated on three issues: the situation in Gaza, Ukraine and Armenia/Azerbaijan.

But after, we will have a specific meeting together with the Western Balkans [Foreign Affairs] Ministers. And, at the end of the [Foreign Affairs] Council, we will have a short meeting with Sultan [Ahmed] Al-Jaber, the President [designate] of COP28, in order to follow up [on] how the work for this climate issue is going.

So, Gaza, Ukraine, Armenia/Azerbaijan, COP28, and Western Balkans.

Yesterday, we worked the whole day in order to be able to issue a statement at 27 [EU Member States]. I am happy to say that we managed to put together the 27 Member States in a joint statement.

You know how difficult it has been the last times, after the vote at the United Nations where [our] countries were voting in different ways, to present a completely united approach. That is what I have been working on during the whole weekend in order to get a [EU] 27 Statement.

In this [EU] 27 Statement, we ask for immediate pauses. I am saying that in plural. Not a single one but several ones, pauses. But it is an adjective, it is "immediate" pauses and humanitarian corridors to be established in order to face the dire situation of the people in Gaza.

We asked Israel to show maximum restraint in order to save civilian lives.

We condemn the use by Hamas of people and hospitals as [human] shields. But also, we expressed our concern for the dire situation of the hospitals that are being heavily affected by the bombing.

I think this is the summary of an important common statement - I repeat once again - by the 27 [Member States] and asking for immediate humanitarian pauses in order to facilitate that aid could come into Gaza. Because Gaza needs more aid from any point of view - water, fuel, food. This aid is available, it is at the border, waiting to come in. This is about Gaza.

Then, about Ukraine. Do not forget about Ukraine, the fight continues. Kyiv has already been bombed [again]. Russia attacked a civilian ship in the Black Sea corridor that was transporting grain.

Our support is increasing. I can tell you that it has reached the level of 27 billion of military support. It is the highest figure ever reached. We continue training Ukrainian soldiers. We continue being behind Ukraine.

Then, we will talk with Sultan Al-Jaber about climate. We will have a separate meeting with the Western Balkans [Foreign Affairs] Ministers in order to show how important is this region, to discuss about the recent proposals of the [European] Commission for enlargement, to insist on the need of following closer our foreign policy. Some countries have not a bright record on alignment with our foreign policy and sanctions.

This will be the whole programme for today.

Q&A

Q. Are you afraid that the Middle East conflict is going to 'erase' the Ukraine conflict for Europe?

Both conflicts are completely different in their nature. In any case, can you compare what is happening in Ukraine and what is happening in Gaza? But it is clear that the perception of the world has to be taken very much into consideration to avoid the accusation of double standards.

Q. Everyone says that Israel has the right to defend itself in line with humanitarian law. What do you make of Hamas using hospitals as their shield, as their commando centres?

That is what we said in our statement. Our statement touches all these issues. We condemned the use of Hamas hospitals and people as human shields. On the other hand, we ask Israel for maximum restraint and targeting in order to avoid human casualties.

Q. Mr High Representative, the European Commission recommended the European Council candidate status for Georgia and opening negotiations for Moldova and Ukraine. How would you comment on this important step for our countries?

It speaks for itself. It speaks for itself - how important it is that the European Commission has proposed to open negotiations with Ukraine [and Moldova]. This will create movement and will push the whole queue of countries queuing on becoming members [of the European Union]. There is the obstacle of the Serbia/Kosovo negotiations, but the dynamics created by Ukraine's path to membership will affect the whole process of the whole candidates [that] were in a kind of stalemate.

Let me tell you that, today, in the meeting, we are not only going to talk only about the dire situation in Gaza. We should start thinking about the solution for the post-war. This is something the Ministers should, from my understanding, concentrate on [in] the discussion: what is going to happen after, what and how we can deal with Gaza, not only to reconstruct but to offer an integrated solution to the Palestinian issue. This is the real political problem that we have to face, which is the definitive solution to the conflict between Israel and Palestine that has reached this high level of horror. We have to look for peace among them. The solution for Gaza cannot be an isolated solution. I will explain to the ministers what I think about it, what I think could happen, what we should support and what we should reject. I am going to present several "yes's" and several "no's". I will tell you after the meeting.

Q. About Georgia.

I think I told you everything I should talk [about now].

Q. Will you call for a cease-fire?

Yesterday, the Ministers asked for immediate pauses in a joint communication which explains the common position of the 27 [Member Sates]. This is the common position of the 27.

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Chinese FM urges immediate cease-fire amid dire Gaza situation

Global Times

By Yang Sheng Published: Nov 13, 2023 08:58 PM

China on Monday praised the contribution to calls for a ceasefire and humanitarian assistance for the ongoing Palestine-Israel conflict made by the Saudi-African summit and Arab-Islamic summit, held in Saudi Arabia, saying that China will continue to work with the relevant parties to protect civilians, ease tensions, restart negotiations, and strive tirelessly for peace.

Chinese analysts said the international community has already sent enough messages on "the call for ceasefire", but in order to realize an immediate ceasefire when Israel ignores all calls and warnings to halt its military operations in Gaza, the world, or at least countries in the region that care about the humanitarian situation of Palestinians, also needs measures to impose concrete constraints on Israel..

However, it seems that Arab and Islamic countries do not have a consensus in transforming their call for peace into real actions to force Israel to stop the brutal war, so unfortunately the conflict will continue and the death toll will keep rising, while China will not give up and keep making efforts to promote peace, analysts said.

Stand together

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said at a routine press conference on Monday, "The current situation in the Gaza Strip is quite dire, and China supports all efforts aimed at de-escalating the conflict and restoring peace."

More than 11,000 Palestinians, two-thirds of them women and children, have been killed since the war began, according to the Health Ministry in Gaza. About 2,700 people have been reported missing and are thought to be trapped or dead under the rubble, Al Jazeera reported on Monday.

The Saudi-African Summit and the Joint Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit, which were recently held in Riyadh, "have sent a clear message of promoting a ceasefire, protecting civilians, increasing humanitarian assistance, and implementing the 'two-state solution,' and we welcome these efforts," Mao said.

The Arab-Islamic summit called for an end to the war in Gaza and rejected the justification of Israel's actions against Palestinians as self-defense. The summit on Saturday condemned "Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip, war crimes and barbaric and inhumane massacres by the occupation government," a final communique of the summit said. The leaders demanded that the UN Security Council adopt "a decisive and binding resolution" to halt Israel's "aggression" in Gaza.

Originally, only the 22 members of the Arab League were expected to participate, but the meeting was later expanded to include the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), a wider association of 57 mostly Muslim-majority states to which the Arab League countries belong, according to Al Jazeera.

Mao noted that since the Palestinian-Israeli conflict broke out, China has been in close communication with relevant parties to call for ceasefire and restoration of peace. On halting the current conflict, China's position is very much similar to that of the vast Arab, Islamic and African developing countries. "China will work with relevant parties to continue to work relentlessly to protect civilians, deescalate the situation, resume talks for peace and realize peace," said the spokesperson.

Liu Zhongmin, a professor at the Middle East Studies Institute of Shanghai International Studies University, told the Global Times on Monday that "the most feasible way for the international community to force Israel to stop is to pass resolutions in the UN Security Council and to impose constraints on Israel, so that the pressure will be meaningful, otherwise condemnation and words are definitely not enough."

However, with the US' absolute support, Israel doesn't care about the UN Security Council, and the latest summit in Riyadh shows that Arab and Islamic countries failed to reach agreement on taking concrete actions, all of which sent a clear message to Israel: international pressure is limited, said Ma Xiaolin, dean of the Institute for Studies on the Mediterranean Rim at Zhejiang International Studies University.

Washington wants to avoid being criticized by the international community and is also afraid of offending Israel, so it is now calling on it not to target facilities like hospitals and avoid collateral damage on civilians, but has staunchly refused to call for a ceasefire, Ma told the Global Times. "However, this cannot be done, because as long as Israel continues its operation, the civilian death toll will definitely rise."

More tragedies

Mao said at the press conference that "The humanitarian situation in the region has been extremely dire for over a month. The struggling Dar Al-Shifa Hospital is an epitome of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza."

Israeli forces reached the gates of Gaza City's main hospital on Monday, the primary target in their battle to seize control of the northern half of the Gaza Strip, where medics said patients including newborn babies were dying for lack of fuel, Reuters reported on Monday.

China urges all parties involved to immediately cease fire, protect civilians, increase humanitarian assistance, and alleviate the humanitarian crisis, Mao said, noting that the international community should take concrete measures and make greater efforts to address this issue, she noted.

Israeli ground forces entered Gaza in late October and have quickly encircled Gaza City, the main settlement in the north. Fighting has since been concentrated in a tightening circle around the Al Shifa hospital, the biggest in Gaza, where thousands of civilians sought shelter, Reuters reported.

Israel says Hamas fighters have an underground headquarters in tunnels beneath the hospital and are deliberately using its patients as a shield, which Hamas denies. Gaza health ministry spokesperson Ashraf Al-Qidra, who was inside the Al Shifa hospital in Gaza city, said an Israeli tank was now stationed at the hospital gate, according to media reports.

There was also fresh concern that the war could spread beyond Gaza, with an upsurge of clashes on Israel's northern border with Lebanon, and the US launching air strikes on Iran-linked militia targets in neighboring Syria.

Chinese analysts said the conflict will continue, and if Hamas receives no meaningful support from outside or no new conflict breaks out in other areas that could effectively trouble Israel, it will be just a matter of time before it realizes its military occupation of Gaza and Hamas will lose control in the region. But after about 11,000 people having been killed, maybe more in the future, how Israel will be able to handle a Gaza Strip full of hatred and tears will raise a new question.

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US, Japan, S.Korea defense chiefs agree to upgrade ties

Global Times

Bloc 'serves great power confrontation, hegemony'

By Wang Qi Published: Nov 13, 2023 08:56 PM

Provocations by the US, Japan and South Korea against North Korea will further exacerbate tensions on the Korean Peninsula, making the situation more volatile and requiring more crisis management measures, Chinese experts warned on Monday, after defense chiefs from US, Japan and South Korea affirmed they would finalize a trilateral multi-year exercise plan by the end of 2023 and agreed to speed up the sharing of real-time data on North Korean missile launches, during a three-way security meeting.

Although the three parties focused mainly on the Korean Peninsula, experts said the official release of the security meeting, which mentioned the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the Taiwan Straits, also reflected the US' real purpose of strengthening the alliance structure by intensifying the crisis, thus serving the strategic competition of great powers against China and Russia under the US' so-called Indo-Pacific Strategy.

The session also came on the occasion of US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin's visit to Seoul for security talks with his South Korean counterpart Shin Won-sik. The two officials, according to the Yonhap News Agency, updated their joint deterrence strategies on North Korea, with Austin reaffirming the US' "extended deterrence" commitment to use the full range of its military capabilities, including nuclear, to defend South Korea.

During the meeting on Sunday between the US and South Korean defense chiefs, with Japanese Defense Minister Minoru Kihara joining via video link, US, South Korea and Japan agreed to launch a real-time missile warning data sharing system in December to better detect and assess North Korea's ballistic missile launches, according to Yonhap.

The defense chiefs also called for the accelerated development of a multi-year trilateral exercise plan, which is scheduled to be finalized by the end of 2023. They also agreed to expand trilateral training into various areas.

During his meeting with Austin on Monday, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol called for a vigilant South Korea-US combined defense posture capable of promptly and decisively retaliating against any provocations from North Korea, according to a Yonhap report.

The defense chiefs meeting was viewed as a follow-up to the trio's Camp David summit in August. It also came less than a week after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to Tokyo and Seoul, during which he stressed the US commitment to allies and slammed the "provocations" from North Korea.

Lu Chao, director of the Institute of US and East Asian Studies under Liaoning University, told the Global Times on Monday that after the Camp David summit, the US, Japan and South Korea formed a quasi-alliance military relationship, and increased military exercises conducted near the Korean Peninsula to further deter North Korea.



In October, the US, Japan and South Korea jointly conducted their first aerial drills and a maritime interdiction exercise near the Korean Peninsula, the first such drill in seven years.

"In the past, it was the US, Japan or the US and South Korea that conducted military exercises, but now the three are colluding together, which indicates that the provocations against North Korea are upgrading," said Lu, "The nuclear deterrence against Pyongyang will worsen the tension on the Korean Peninsula."

The upgraded US-Japan-South Korea military ties will only make the peninsula situation more volatile and divided, with risks escalating, which means that managing crises on the Korean Peninsula in the coming year will be a litmus test of the wisdom of the leaders of all parties, Li Haidong, a professor at the China Foreign Affairs University, told the Global Times on Sunday.

Besides the Korean Peninsula issue, according to the US Department of Defense release, the three defense chiefs also "reaffirmed their commitment to stand with Ukraine against Russia's unprovoked and brutal war of aggression," and emphasized the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits.

The alliance's function and scope go beyond the Korean Peninsula, which reflects Washington's real strategic intention, Li said.

The change from keeping bilateral ties to forging a trilateral bloc is a substantial step in reshaping US hegemony in the Asia-Pacific region, with alliances designed to serve great power confrontation and to establish hegemony, Li said, "and the great powers in terms of the Asia-Pacific region are undoubtedly China and Russia."

The consolidation of the US-led alliance cannot be achieved without creating crises, and the bloc's latest move against North Korea is aimed at reinforcing the alliance structure and the US dominance therein by intensifying the existing crisis and creating more trouble, Li said.

Although the White House talks about "controlling competition and avoiding conflict," the US' "Indo-Pacific Strategy" is moving in the direction of a fiercer great power confrontation, Li said.

It does reflect the problem of being "unable to make plans without an enemy" in US strategic thinking, Li noted.

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Statement on the developments in Sudan

Government of Norway

News story | Date: 13/11/2023

'I am deeply concerned by the developments in Sudan, especially what we are now seeing in Darfur, with alarming reports of serious human rights violations and abuse committed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied militias, including killings, ethnically targeted attacks, massive displacement and arbitrary detention of civilians. Developments in West Darfur in recent days form a disturbing parallel to the conflict in Darfur in 2003. Norway is adamant that the hostilities must be stopped immediately', said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide

'On 11 October, the UN Human Rights Council made an important decision to establish a "Fact Finding Mission" and an investigative mechanism for human rights violations and abuses and violations of international humanitarian law in Sudan since the outbreak of war on 15 April. This mechanism is central to holding those responsible accountable and to ending impunity.'

'The war has hit Sudan's civilian population severely. The intensification of fighting in Darfur in recent weeks has led to the displacement of thousands of civilians. The flow of displaced persons across the borders to neighbouring states and countries complicates an already difficult humanitarian response. Norway is very concerned about further deterioration of the situation, especially if the RSF offensive in Darfur continues.'

'We will continue to remind the warring parties of their obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law, as well as of their commitments in the Jeddah Declaration of 11 May to protect civilians, including by allowing and facilitating unimpeded humanitarian access. Sudan's civilian population and their protection must come first.'

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Sweden provides additional humanitarian support to civilian population in Gaza

Government Offices of Sweden

13 November 2023

Through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), Sweden is providing an additional SEK 60 million in humanitarian assistance to the vulnerable civilian population in Gaza, where the majority of those affected are women and children.

The increased assistance to Gaza will address the most urgent needs, such as food, water, health and medical care, and protection.

"The needs of the civilian population in Gaza for immediate humanitarian assistance are immense. The Government therefore welcomes the additional support that is now being enabled," says Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Johan Forssell.

Sida's new support package supplements the Government's SEK 150 million in humanitarian assistance that was presented on 2 November. Sweden has now provided a total of over SEK 200 million since 7 October. Sweden's humanitarian support to Palestine through Sida in 2023 totals more than SEK 195 million.

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Al-Qassam Brigades fires missiles at Israeli positions

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Nov 13, 2023

Tehran, IRNA -- Palestinian resistance forces have launched massive missile attacks on Israeli positions including Tel Aviv.

The Ezzedeen al-Qassam Brigades, which is the military wing of Hamas Resistance Movement, said on Monday that it had fired missiles at Tel Aviv and many other regions including Ashkelon that day.

Sirens sounded in those areas as a result.

The al-Qassam Brigades says the attacks are in response to the Israeli regime's brutalities in Gaza where 11,240 people have been killed since the outbreak of the war on October 7, according to an announcement by the Government's Media Office in Gaza on Monday.

According to the announcement, 7,760 of those killed are women and children.

4194

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38 days of war, Gaza death toll climbs to 11,240

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Nov 13, 2023

Tehran, IRNA -- The death toll from the Israeli regime's war in Gaza has risen to 11,240, with women and children making up most of the fatalities, according to the latest announcement by the Government's Media Office in the besieged territory.

The office made the announcement on Monday afternoon. It said that 4,630 children and 3,130 women are among those killed since the regime began its onslaught on Gaza on October 7.

The office put the total number of the injured at 29,000, saying that 70% of them are children.

It added that 21 firefighters and 51 journalists have lost their lives as well, while 25 hospitals have been forced to stop working due to the regime's attacks.

The Zionist regime has committed 1,153 massacres in Gaza since the outbreak of the war, destroying 94 public buildings, 253 schools, 71 mosques and 3 churches, the office further said, adding that 41,120 housing units have been destroyed as well.

The announcement called for the opening of the Rafah border crossing with Gaza and transfer of fuel to hospitals in the besieged territory where the Israeli regime has imposed a total blockade and banned entry of basic supplies since the early days of the war.

4194

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Iran FM official explains Iran's reservations over Riyadh Declaration

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Nov 13, 2023

Tehran, IRNA -- Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Reza Najafi has said that the Riyadh Declaration had no footnotes while providing some explanations on Iran's reservations over the declaration.

Najafi made the remarks speaking to IRNA correspondent on Monday when asked why Iran's name is not in the footnote of the declaration while Iran had expressed some reservations over the declaration.

The so-called image of the declaration published by certain media belongs to the Arab League and is in the formats of the Arab League, the official said, adding that the OIC Declaration was published on the website on the Organization today and it had no footnotes.

Najafi said that Iran has always expressed reservations over issues such as two-state resolution which were also expressed in the recent declaration and were enshrined in the final report.

Defending the professional performance of the Iranian delegation to Riyadh, he called on the media to pay attention to the strong content of the resolution which includes many proposals of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

He also urged the need for persuading the international community and the countries to immediately implement the resolutions of Riyadh Summit.

9341**2050

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Lithuanian and German Presidents discussed issues of regional security and the deployment of the German brigade

President of the Republic of Lithuania

November 13, 2023

President Gitanas Nauseda met with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Berlin on Monday to discuss bilateral cooperation between Lithuania and Germany, regional security and defense issues, further response to Russia's aggression in Ukraine, and the situation in the Middle East.

The President congratulated Germany on its decision to start stationing the military brigade in Lithuania as early as in 2024.

"The relocation of the German heavy-armored brigade to Lithuania is a milestone in strengthening the security of NATO's eastern flank and ensuring forward defense capabilities. Providing all the necessary infrastructure for the deployment of the brigade is a priority objective of the Government of Lithuania, and we all share the ambition to make this a success story and an example for other countries in the region," President Gitanas Nauseda said at the meeting.

The Head of State stressed that Lithuania is rapidly increasing its defense investment, which will stand at 2.71% of GDP in 2024, and is aiming to be fully prepared for the deployment of the German brigade as early as in 2026.

The Presidents of Lithuania and Germany discussed further response to Russia's aggression in Ukraine.

Gitanas Nauseda underlined that Western countries have to ensure and accelerate the delivery of military assistance to Ukraine, to hold the aggressor Russia accountable for its aggression and war crimes, and to expand sanctions against Russia to include companies operating in the fields of nuclear energy, information technology, laser industry, as well as financial institutions.

The Lithuanian leader invited the President of Germany to attend the Three Seas Initiative Summit to be held in Vilnius in spring 2024.

"The Three Seas Initiative not only strengthens economic cooperation between the countries of the region, but also promotes the development of infrastructure projects, thus ensuring greater security and helping to redirect the flow of goods and services from East and West to North and South," the President pointed out.

Later this evening in Berlin, President Gitanas Nauseda will also participate in an informal discussion on the EU's strategic agenda at the invitation of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

The President's Communication Group

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Hamas sources deny suspending hostage release talks with Israel

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 13:25, November 13, 2023

GAZA, Nov. 12 (Xinhua) -- Two Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) officials denied on Sunday the suspension of negotiations with Israel regarding the release of hostages and prisoners.

A Hamas source speaking to Xinhua on condition of anonymity said, "I have not heard of the matter," referring to media reports that the faction is suspending negotiations due to the Israeli targeting of Gaza hospitals.

Separately, Zaher Jabarin, a Hamas official overseeing prisoners affairs told Xinhua that the movement is "open to concluding an agreement regarding the hostages in Gaza if appropriate security and field conditions are available for that."

Media reports earlier in the day said that Hamas was suspending hostage negotiations due to Israel's handling of the Al Shifa Hospital in the Gaza Strip.

Over the past two days, Israeli troops closed in on the hospital under the cover of intense bombing despite there were still hospitalized patients and newborns. Israel said Hamas was using the hospital as a cover for its military operation, an accusation Hamas has denied.

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Israeli airstrike hits main building of Gaza's Al Shifa hospital: Palestinian health official

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 13:21, November 13, 2023

GAZA, Nov. 12 (Xinhua) -- An Israeli airstrike has destroyed a building at Gaza's Al Shifa Medical Complex, said a Palestinian health official on Sunday.

Munir al-Bursh, the director-general of the pharmaceutical department at the Gaza-based Health Ministry, told reporters that the Al Shifa Complex was subjected to Israeli shelling, with its cardiology department destroyed.

Al-Bursh said the Israeli army forces earlier in the day targeted the first floor of the main specialized building at the medical complex, which houses the intensive care units.

He noted that the Israeli forces targeted approximately 40 displaced individuals attempting to leave the hospital, resulting in deaths and injuries, without giving the exact number of casualties.

Meanwhile, the government media office in Gaza held Israel and the international community, especially the United States, "fully responsible for the ongoing crime of targeting medical staff, wounded, patients, and displaced individuals inside the medical complex."

The media office called on all international institutions in Gaza, without exception, to immediately intervene "to protect the hospital, its medical staff, and everyone inside."

Established in 1946, the medical complex is the largest health institution in the Gaza Strip, including three specialized hospitals.

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3 booby-trapped drones hit 2 U.S. military bases in Syria, Iraq

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 11:22, November 13, 2023

BAGHDAD, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- Three booby-trapped drones on Saturday hit two U.S. military bases, one in Syria and the other in Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan region.

An armed group calling itself the "Islamic Resistance in Iraq," which is an umbrella body for Iranian-backed Iraqi militias, claimed launching two of the drones in an online statement.

The statement said that the drones hit their targets in the U.S. military base in the Rumailan area in northeastern Syria, without providing further details.

Meanwhile, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor, confirmed that a U.S. base in the Rumailan area was attacked by two drones from the Iraqi territories and that no casualties were reported.

Separately, a Kurdish security source anonymously told Xinhua that a booby-trapped drone attacked Harir Airbase outside the city of Erbil, the capital of the Kurdish region, at noon.

The attack caused minor damage to the airbase, the source said, adding that no armed group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack on the air base.

The recent attacks by armed groups in Iraq and Syria are believed to be part of a series of retaliatory measures against the U.S. forces amid the ongoing conflict between U.S.-backed Israel and Hamas, a Palestinian faction, in the Gaza Strip, according to the observatory.

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Iran condemns US, EU over double-standard approach to Israel's crimes in Gaza

Iran Press TV

Monday, 13 November 2023 9:38 PM

Iran's ambassador to Belgium has condemned the United States and the European Union over their double-standard approach to the Israeli regime's ongoing war of genocide against the besieged Gaza Strip.

Gholamhossein Dehqani made the remarks on Monday while addressing a press conference, along with ambassadors of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)'s member states, in the Belgian capital Brussels, which is also seat of the EU.

"In the past 30 days, we have witnessed the application of double standards by the European Union, the United States, and many European countries towards the criminal acts committed by Israel in Gaza," he said.

"Despite the global outcry and demands for a ceasefire from people in the streets, from the US to Europe to Australia, Western decision-makers unfortunately do not heed the people's wishes," the Iranian envoy added.

Israel has killed over 11,200 Palestinians, including more than 8,000 women and children, in Gaza since October 7, when it launched its war of aggression in response to an operation carried out inside the occupied territories by the Gaza-based resistance groups.

Since then, hundreds of thousands have joined rallies across the US and Europe, trying to have their respective governments press the Israeli regime into ceasing its aggression against the besieged Palestinian territory.

Western governments, led by the United States, have, however, stopped short of drawing any red lines for the regime, which has vowed to wage a "long" war against Gaza. Tel Aviv's allies have also refused to throw their weight behind the United Nations Security Council resolutions that called for a ceasefire.

While strongly criticizing the US' positions on Israel's crimes in Gaza, the Iranian envoy said, "The United States has displayed bias to such an extent that even some of its regional allies do not view it as qualified for mediation."

Dehqani emphasized that the European Union consistently portrays itself as a defender of human rights, yet it has remained silent on the Palestinian casualties in Gaza and, by refusing to condemn Israel's crimes, has effectively supported the regime's atrocities against Palestinians.

The envoy urged the European Union to change its position and take practical measures to halt Israel's attacks, stressing that Tel Aviv would not cease its genocide against Palestinian people in Gaza until it faces genuine international pressure and is held accountable for its crimes.

The Iranian ambassador also touched on the recent statement by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, which condemned Israel's attacks, stressing that "despite the clear stance of the OIC, practical measures are needed in the current crisis to compel the criminal regime to halt the bloodshed."

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US secretly pushing Israel to speed up Gaza war: Russian intelligence

Iran Press TV

Monday, 13 November 2023 6:42 PM

Russian intelligence authorities say the United States is pressing the Israeli regime behind closed doors to "speed up the operations" in Gaza in order to avoid the impacts of a prolongation of the conflict on President Joe Biden's 2024 re-election bid.

Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) said in a Monday statement that US government officials have been encouraging the Israeli regime to speed up its military operation in Gaza as they fear a delay may negatively affect Biden's position in the run-up to the US presidential election in November next year.

The SVR statement, carried by state-run Sputnik news agency, said that US efforts to convince the Israeli regime to end the war in Gaza are in contrast to Washington's open declaration of support for Israel's more than month-long military action that has left over 11,000 Palestinians dead.

"The Israelis are being encouraged to speed up the operation in order to prevent it from being delayed, as this would negatively affect Biden's election positions," said the statement.

Anti-Israel sentiments are on rise across the US as many keep calling on Biden to stop supporting the Israeli regime in its one-sided war against Gaza.

More than 10,000 people rallied in downtown Austin, in the US state of Texas, on Monday to demand an end to the Israeli aggression.

Meanwhile, Israeli foreign minister Eli Cohen said on Monday that the regime has a window of two to three weeks to finish its operations in Gaza as he warned that rising international pressure may outweigh the support provided by the US and allies for the regime's military action in recent weeks.

"Politically, we are noticing pressure building on Israel. The pressure is not very high yet, but it is increasing," Cohen told a press briefing, adding that the diplomatic clock was ticking for Israel to end its war in Gaza.

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Lebanon's Hezbollah launches retaliatory strikes against Israel infantry 'in support of Palestinians in Gaza'

Iran Press TV

Monday, 13 November 2023 6:00 PM

Lebanon's Hezbollah resistance movement has launched several retaliatory strikes against the Israeli occupied territories with confirmed casualties as tensions in the border areas fuel concerns that the war in Gaza might expand to other fronts.

Hezbollah announced in a statement on Monday that the resistance movement had targeted with guided missiles a military position for Israel's infantry force in al-Dhahirah site in the north of the occupied territories.

"In support of our steadfast Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip, and in support of the valiant and honorable resistance, the forces targeted Zionist infantry force at the al-Dhahirah site with missiles, inflicting heavy losses among the enemy's ranks," the statement said.

Israel's Army Radio confirmed the attack and reported two injuries as a result of anti-tank missiles fired from Lebanon.

Hezbollah said in another statement that its fighters targeted a Zionist infantry force near the Branit barracks with missiles from southern Lebanon. In a third statement, the Lebanese resistance movement added that its forces targeted al-Raheb site as well as al-Ramtha site in the Shebaa Farms and left several casualties.

Hezbollah slams Israeli attack on media reporters

In another development on Monday, the public relations office of Lebanon's Hezbollah resistance movement condemned an earlier attack by the Israeli regime against a media convoy in the border town of Yaroun in southern Lebanon.

The Israeli assault left a journalist wounded with minor injuries and damaged one of the broadcast vehicles.

"The Zionist occupation forces' targeting of the media working in the south while on an announced tour in the town of Yaroun to cover the effects of the Zionist attacks is described as a crime and a blatant attack aimed at preventing the media from exposing their terrorist practices and ongoing crimes," Hezbollah said.

"This new crime is added to the enemy's record of crimes against journalists and media outlets in Palestine and Lebanon," the resistance movement added.

"We are confident that this will not prevent free journalists from continuing to perform their honorable mission in conveying images of steadfastness, heroism and resistance, as well as exposing crimes of aggression."

Since the start of Israeli war in Gaza last month, the occupying regime has conducted sporadic attacks on southern Lebanon, which have triggered fire exchanges between Tel Aviv and Hezbollah.

In a televised address on Saturday, Hezbollah Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah said the resistance movement would continue to exert pressure on Israel to force the regime to end its brutal military campaign against the Gaza Strip.

Israel waged the war on Gaza on October 7 after Palestinian resistance groups, including Hamas and Islamic Jihad, launched Operation al-Aqsa Storm into the occupied territories in response to the Israeli regime's intensified crimes against Palestinians.

Since then, the occupying regime has embarked on an incessant bombardment of the Gaza Strip, with official reports saying the Palestinian death toll from Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip has climbed to 11, 240, including 4,630 children and 3,130 women. More than 28,000 others injured in the regime's military onslaught so far.

The Tel Aviv regime has also blocked access to water, food, and electricity in Gaza, plunging the coastal area into a humanitarian crisis.

Israel has so far defied calls by the international community to implement a ceasefire in Gaza.

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China urges swift ceasefire in Gaza, says ready to help de-escalation of 'dire' situation

Iran Press TV

Monday, 13 November 2023 3:54 PM

China urges an immediate ceasefire in Gaza amid the continuation of Israel's brutal attacks on the besieged Strip, expressing its readiness to work with relevant parties to help de-escalate the "extremely dire" situation in the blockaded area.

"China calls for an immediate ceasefire between parties to the conflict, all efforts possible to protect civilians and scaled-up humanitarian aid effort to ease the humanitarian crisis," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a regular press conference on Monday.

She added that in more than one month since the beginning of Israel's genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, the current humanitarian situation has become "extremely dire."

She described Al-Shifa Hospital, the largest medical complex in the besieged territory, as an "epitome" of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The Chinese spokeswoman urged members of the international community to take "substantive measures and make a great effort" to end Israel's assault on the hospital.

Al-Shifa Hospital, situated in northern Gaza, is currently surrounded by Israeli tanks and faces a blackout as its last generator ran out of fuel.

Deputy Health Minister in the Gaza Strip Youssef Abu Rish said an Israeli aerial assault on Sunday destroyed the cardiac department of the hospital, adding that the facility was flattened as fighting raged around it.

Asked about Saudi Arabia's hosting of the joint emergency meeting of the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Saudi-African Summit held last week, Mao said that Beijing welcomes a clear message sent by the summit in Riyadh on the importance of bringing about a ceasefire in Gaza, protecting civilians, scaling up humanitarian assistance and implementing the two-state solution.

Pointing to the need to halt the Israeli atrocities, Mao noted that her country has a "very much similar" position to that of the Arab, Muslim and African countries.

Since the beginning of Israel's war on Gaza, she added, China has been in close communication with relevant parties to call for ceasefire and restoration of peace.

"China supports all efforts aimed to de-escalate the situation and bring back peace," the diplomat emphasized.

"China will work with relevant parties to continue to work relentlessly to protect civilians, deescalate the situation, resume talks for peace and realize peace," the spokeswoman said.

Israel waged the bloody war on Gaza on October 7 after the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas launched Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the occupying entity.

The Palestinian death toll from Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip has climbed to 11, 240, including 4,630 children and 3,130 women. More than 28,000 others injured in the regime's military onslaught so far.

At least 22 hospitals and 49 health centers have ceased operations in Gaza due to Israeli attacks and a shortage of fuel needed to operate power generators.

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Israel bars Iranian humanitarian aid for Gaza through Egypt's Rafah crossing

Iran Press TV

Monday, 13 November 2023 10:53 AM

Israeli authorities have reportedly called upon Egyptian officials to turn away the 60 tons of humanitarian aid that Iran had sent to the Northeast African country to be transferred to the besieged Gaza Strip through the Rafah border crossing.

Lebanon's Arabic-language al-Mayadeen television news network, citing political sources speaking on condition of anonymity, reported that Egyptian officials have extended apologies to Iranians that they cannot receive any Iranian aid destined for the strip due to the Israeli regime's refusal to allow it to pass through the crossing.

The aid consignment included food, medical supplies and medicines, according to a report by the Iranian state-run television on October 20.

The aid was sent from the Imam Khomeini Airport (IKA), situated 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) southwest of the Iranian capital city of Tehran, to Egypt in coordination with the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS).

Last week, the head of the IRCS, Pir-Hossein Kolivand, expressed Iran's readiness to send humanitarian aid and relief shipments to Egypt to help the residents of the Gaza Strip.

Kolivand contacted his Egyptian counterpart Rami al-Nazer and underlined the need for "continuing support for the oppressed people of Gaza," stressing Iran's readiness to dispatch humanitarian aid to the Palestinian enclave via Egypt.

Pointing to the scarcity of fuel to operate generators at Gaza's hospitals, Kolivand noted that the Iranian Red Crescent Society was prepared to send the necessary fuel, emphasizing that the move would solve energy problems at the medical facilities and help the wounded.

The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS), in a statement on Sunday, said the al-Quds Hospital, the second largest in Gaza, had ceased operations due to a fuel shortage as Israeli forces continue to bomb the besieged enclave.

"The hospital has been left to fend for itself under ongoing Israeli bombardment, posing severe risks to the medical staff, patients and displaced civilians," the PRCS said.

"This cessation of services is due to the depletion of available fuel and power outage. Medical staff are making every effort to provide care to patients and the wounded, even resorting to unconventional medical methods amid dire humanitarian conditions and a shortage of medical supplies, food, and water," the organization noted.

The PRCS also held the international community and signatories of the Fourth Geneva Convention accountable for the complete breakdown of Gaza's healthcare system and the resulting dire humanitarian crisis.

Tommaso Della Longa, spokesperson for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, said al-Quds Hospital has been cut off from the world in the last six to seven days.

According to the Gaza Health Ministry's spokesman Ashraf al-Qudra, Israeli fire is "terrorizing medical officials and civilians alike".

Israel has launched relentless air and ground attacks on the coastal enclave, including hospitals, residences, and houses of worship, since Palestinian resistance movements carried out a surprise attack, dubbed Operation al-Aqsa Storm, against the regime on October 7.

At least 11,180 Palestinians have been killed, including 4,609 children and 3,100 women. More than 28,000 individuals have sustained injuries as well.

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US warns Israel about military actions in Lebanon as Hezbollah gives jitters to both

Iran Press TV

Monday, 13 November 2023 10:25 AM

Pentagon Chief Lloyd Austin has warned Israel against escalating tensions with Lebanon's Hezbollah resistance movement amid the regime's onslaught in the Gaza Strip, a report says.

Axios reported that Austin's warning, which was made on Saturday, came amid fears that escalating tensions on the border separating Lebanon from Occupied Palestine could lead to a regional war that would draw the US further into the conflict.

According to the report, a US source said the White House asked Austin to express concern to Israel's minister of military affairs Yoav Gallant about escalating provocations in Lebanon.

In the public readout of the Austin-Gallant call, the Pentagon said the Austin "emphasized the need to contain the conflict to Gaza and avoid regional escalation" without specifically mentioning Lebanon.

However, two informed US and Israeli sources said Austin specifically mentioned concerns about Israeli military action in Lebanon.

An Israeli source even said Austin asked Gallant for clarification about Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon and urged Israel to refrain from taking actions that could lead to an all-out war between the Israeli regime and Hezbollah fighters.

For his part, Gallant assured Austin that Tel Aviv does not seek to open a second front in Lebanon and ruled out such a scenario, according to the Israeli source.

Since the beginning of the Israeli aggression in Gaza on October 7, daily clashes have taken place between Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters.

A Hezbollah officer has recently said his comrades with the resistance movement are fully prepared for any Israeli assault and have been mobilized in two regions on the border between Lebanon and the 1948 Israeli-occupied territories, as well as the occupied Golan Heights and the Galilee region.

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Three US-run bases in eastern Syria targeted in drone, rocket attacks

Iran Press TV

Monday, 13 November 2023 7:31 AM

Three military bases in Syria's northeastern province of Hasakah and the neighboring province of Dayr al-Zawr, where US occupation troops and their allied militants are stationed, have come under separate attacks by armed drones and rockets.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of anti-terror fighters, in a statement claimed responsibility for the early Monday morning strikes.

It noted that the facility in al-Shaddadi town, located about 50 kilometers (31 miles) south of Hasakah, was targeted by three drones, and the designated targets were precisely struck and destroyed.

There were no immediate reports about possible casualties or the extent of damage caused.

An explosives-laden drone also hit targets inside the US military installation near al-Khadra village in the same Syrian province.

Earlier, Lebanon's Arabic-language al-Mayadeen television news network, citing informed sources speaking on condition of anonymity, reported that at least 15 rockets had struck the US military base at the Conoco gas field in Syria's eastern province of Dayr al-Zawr.

It added that the facility was targeted by BM-21 Grad rockets, asserting that four US soldiers lost their lives as a result of the strike.

Informed sources said that the missile attack came in response to the US military's acts of aggression against al-Mayadin town, located about 44 kilometers (27 miles) southeast of Dayr al-Zawr, and Abu Kamal city near the border with Iraq.

The sources noted that the US raid on a house in al-Mayadin resulted in the death of a citizen and the injury of another.

The strikes come amid smoldering anti-US sentiments in the region over Washington's unconditional support for Israel's atrocious onslaught against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

Israel has launched relentless air and ground attacks on the coastal enclave, targeting hospitals, residences, and houses of worship, since Palestinian resistance movements launched a surprise attack, dubbed Operation al-Aqsa Storm, against the regime on October 7.

At least 11,180 Palestinians have been killed, including 4,609 children and 3,100 women. More than 28,000 individuals have sustained injuries as well.

The United States, Israel's biggest ally, has provided the regime with thousands of arms consignments since the initiation of the war.

The US House of Representatives on November 2 passed a standalone $14.3-billion military assistance package for Israel. The legislation, however, is yet to clear the Senate.

Washington has also vetoed United Nations Security Council resolutions that called on the occupying regime to cease its aggression.

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WHO warns of 'dire situation' in Gaza hospitals, says more patients 'tragically' dying

Iran Press TV

Monday, 13 November 2023 6:50 AM

The World Health Organization has warned of a "dire" situation in hospitals in the Gaza Strip amid Israel's all-out invasion.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the situation at al-Shifa Hospital, the largest medical complex in Gaza, was "dire and perilous" amid "constant" Israeli bombings and gunfire.

He noted that al-Shifa was "not functioning as a hospital anymore" with no electricity and water.

The WHO chief also slammed the failure of the international community to put an end to the Palestinians' plight, and called for an immediate ceasefire as deaths among patients are rising "tragically."

"The world cannot stand silent while hospitals, which should be safe havens, are transformed into scenes of death, devastation, and despair," he said in a post on X.

Meanwhile, reports said the situation in Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis in the south of Gaza is "catastrophic", amid a "lack of all services" that put the lives of hundreds of wounded people "at risk".

That comes as Israel has intensified its strikes on the southern city of Khan Yunis despite the regime's own warnings that called on people in the north of Gaza to evacuate and move to the south.

On Sunday, al-Shifa and Al-Quds, which is Gaza's second-biggest hospital, said that they had suspended operations amid Israeli strikes and siege.

Nidal Abu Hadrous, a neurosurgeon working at al-Shifa Hospital, said patients and staff were facing a "disastrous" situation.

"This can't last long. Urgent intervention to save the staff and the patients is required," Abu Hadrous told Al Jazeera.

Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza also suspended operations after its main generator ran out of fuel.

Al-Shifa Hospital director Muhammad Abu Salmiya also said Israeli claims that it offered fuel is "propaganda."

"Israel wants to show the world that it is not killing babies. It wants to whitewash its image with 300 liters of fuel, which barely lasts 30 minutes," Abu Salmiya told Al Jazeera.

Israeli airstrikes on Gaza have repeatedly targeted hospitals, residential buildings, mosques, and churches. Under the Geneva Convention, attacks on hospitals are strictly prohibited.

On October 17, hundreds of civilians were killed and injured by Israeli airstrikes on al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City. The attack has been condemned as an act of genocide by many governments around the world.

Israeli forces have also surrounded medical facilities in the north of Gaza, including al-Shifa Hospital.

Several hospitals in Gaza City have become refuges for Palestinians hoping to be spared Israeli bombardments, which began early in October.

The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has urged the United Nations secretary-general to form an international committee to visit hospitals in the besieged strip to counter Israel's "false" claims that they are used as launch pad for anti-Israel operations.

Hamas has noted that the claims are aimed to "justify" Israel's attacks on hospitals in Gaza.

The Israeli aggression has so far killed at least 11,078 Palestinians, most of them women and children.

The death toll hasn't been updated since Friday because of the collapse of services and communications at hospitals in the strip.

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Iran: US launches all-out war on Gaza; Israel collapsed, on life support, after October 7

Iran Press TV

Monday, 13 November 2023 5:45 AM

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian says Israel collapsed on October 7, when the Palestinian resistance launched a surprise attack against the regime on October 7, and is now alive on "US's life support."

"The world is witnessing the full-scale American war against Gaza," Amir-Abdollahian said in a post on his X account late on Sunday.

"The Israeli regime collapsed on Oct. 7 and is now alive on American artificial respiration," he wrote.

Referring to a recent phone conversation with Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, the top Iranian diplomat added that he has told his Egyptian counterpart that "today is our test day."

Cairo is expected to open Rafah, on Gaza's southern border with Egypt, with the purpose of delivering humanitarian aid, including water and medicine, to the war-stricken people in the Strip, he said.

Israel waged the bloody war on Gaza on October 7 after the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas launched Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the occupying entity.

The Palestinian death toll from Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip has climbed to 11,180, including 4,609 children and 3,100 women. More than 28,000 others injured in the regime's military onslaught so far.

The Tel Aviv regime has also blocked access to water, food, and electricity in Gaza, plunging the territory into a humanitarian crisis.

At least 22 hospitals and 49 health centers have ceased operations in Gaza due to Israeli attacks and a shortage of fuel needed to operate power generators.



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Turkey Steps Up Deportation Of Afghans Amid Similar Moves By Pakistan And Iran

By RFE/RL's Radio Azadi November 13, 2023

Turkey has become the latest country to begin deporting a large number of Afghans back to their country with almost 4,000 leaving in recent weeks.

The expulsions from Turkey come amid large-scale deportations of Afghans from neighboring Pakistan and Iran. Over the past month, an estimated 400,000 Afghans have been repatriated from those two countries.

Ankara said over the weekend about 3,900 Afghans have been deported to Kabul through special flights.

"I was arrested in Istanbul; they beat me a lot," said a former Afghan Army soldier who was arrested in the largest city in Turkey two months ago. He had escaped to Turkey 18 months earlier fearing that the ruling hard-line Taliban would persecute him for his past work.

"We were then detained in a camp for two months in the city of Bursa," he added. "Many young Afghans who were soldiers were also forcefully expelled alongside me."

Milad, another young Afghan man, said he arrived in back in Afghanistan this week after an arduous land journey through Iran following his expulsion from Turkey earlier this month.

"On our way back, we were beaten a lot," he said. "We didn't have proper food to eat."

With living conditions deteriorating under the Taliban regime, Afghan migrants fled their country in pursuit of a better life wherever they could find it -- especially to neighboring countries.

Like hundreds of thousands of Afghans, Milad ended up in Turkey three years ago in a desperate attempt to escape poverty in his homeland. Some Afghans have sought shelter and work in Turkey, while others used it as part of an escape route into neighboring Greece and then on to other European Union countries.

According to the UN refugee agency UNHCR, Turkey hosts one of the largest refugee communities worldwide with some 3.6 million Syrians and more than 300,000 people from other nationalities, the majority of whom are Afghan.

Last year, Turkey deported some 50,000 Afghans back to their country.

In a 2022 report, global rights watchdog Human Rights Watch criticized Ankara for routinely pushing tens of thousands of Afghans -- many of whom are undocumented -- back to its land border with Iran or deporting them directly to Afghanistan "with little or no examination of their claims for international protection."

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/turkey-deports-afghans-pakistan- iran/32683114.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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'I'm Very Worried': Former Afghan Soldiers Fear Forced Return To Taliban-Ruled Homeland

By Jawid Hasanzada November 13, 2023

As Afghans living illegally in Iran and Pakistan come under increased risk of deportation, soldiers who fought against the now-ruling Taliban fear a return to their homeland will mean certain death.

Tens of thousands of former members of the Afghan National Security Forces -- which included the former government's army, special forces, national police, and intelligence service -- fled to neighboring countries as the Taliban seized power in August 2021.

There they joined the millions of Afghans who have settled in Pakistan and Iran over the past four decades of war, poverty, and political upheaval in Afghanistan.

In recent weeks, however, Pakistan has made good on its order for 1.7 million Afghans in the country without proper documentation to leave by November 1. The measure has spurred over 300,000 people to return to Afghanistan and has been followed up by police roundups and forced deportations.

Iran, meanwhile, has been taking its own hard line against Afghans living illegally in the country. In recent weeks, Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi has twice stated that those who lack legal status will be sent back to Afghanistan. The threat affects around 4.5 million Afghans who live in Iran, most of them seeking refuge and temporary work.

Fahim, a former Afghan soldier living in Pakistan, told RFE/RL's Radio Azadi that he feared deportation and a return to Afghanistan.

"The Pakistani government has taken its measures seriously and our visas have expired," he said. "We are deportees. There is no guarantee [of safety] from the Islamic Emirate [the Taliban government] for members of the military, and I'm very worried."

While the Taliban offered a general amnesty to members of the Afghan military, police, and bureaucrats shortly after its return to power, international rights watchdogs and the United Nations have documented widespread cases of retribution -- including extrajudicial killings and torture -- against those who worked with the former Afghan government.

In a report issued in August, the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan said the Taliban was responsible for at least 218 extrajudicial killings, 14 enforced disappearances, over 144 instances of torture and ill-treatment, and 424 arbitrary arrests and detentions of former government officials and members of the armed forces from August 15, 2021, to June 30.

By some accounts, some 30,000 Afghan soldiers fled to Iran to escape the risk of being hunted down by the Taliban.

Fawad, a former Afghan soldier who now lives in Iran, left his homeland due to security concerns. Now he fears the prospect of facing that threat again. "There were threats in Afghanistan," he said, describing efforts by the Taliban to capture ex-military members. "They came to specific addresses several times to find us."

Fawad says he and other Afghan soldiers are worried about being deported, saying that "we face a serious threat in Afghanistan."

Many former Afghan soldiers who remain in Afghanistan live in hiding, regularly moving from place to place, to avoid Taliban detection.

Military officials from the ousted Afghan government have stressed the seriousness of the situation and have called on former allies and the UN to take steps to protect members of the former Afghan security forces.

"One hundred percent, their lives and their families are in danger," General Farid Ahmadi, a former special-forces commander, told Radio Azadi. "Currently, thousands of their former comrades are in Taliban prisons. There is no news of their fate."

Many ex-Afghan security personnel accuse Western countries of abandoning them after the Taliban takeover.

Ahmadi said that the "United Nations and the United States and the United Kingdom, who worked with them in the fight against terrorism, should not be indifferent to the fate of [security force members'] families."

The Taliban did not respond to Radio Azadi's requests for comment.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/afghanistan-former- soldiers-fear-return/32682775.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: What The EU's Enlargement Report Means For Bosnia, Georgia, Moldova, And Ukraine

By Rikard Jozwiak November 13, 2023

Brief #1: Good News For Georgia, Moldova, And Ukraine?

What You Need To Know: At first glance, the release of the European Commission's annual enlargement report on November 8 was truly historic for the continent's eastern neighborhood. Recommendations included Ukraine and Moldova starting EU accession talks and Georgia becoming an official EU candidate country. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen started off the press conference summarizing the report by noting that it had been almost exactly a decade since the first Euromaidan protests in Kyiv kicked off on November 21, 2013, after then-Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych refused to sign an Association Agreement with the EU that would have brought Ukraine closer to Brussels. In many ways, those protests were the start of Ukraine's journey toward the EU, and now, 10 years later, the country has taken another important step.

Yet, going forward, much remains unclear. For starters, these are just recommendations. The real decisions are made by the 27 EU member states, via unanimous voting, in mid-December. Those decisions can be significantly tempered -- or even ignored -- with a country's accession status often the object of horse trading or "collateral damage" from other decisions in unrelated fields. There are also genuine questions about the European Commission's claim that its recommendations are merit-based and what the exact timelines will be moving forward. It's all a bit vague, leaving lots of room for interpretation -- and that's probably exactly how Brussels wants it.

Deep Background: When the European Commission in June 2022 recommended candidate status for Moldova and Ukraine, it set out nine conditions for Chisinau and seven for Kyiv. Those conditions were largely but not exclusively related to rule-of-law reforms, and, in order to move to the next step -- opening accession talks -- both countries were expected to make significant progress.

The commission says that both countries have accomplished 90 percent of what was asked of them. But if you look at the reports, Ukraine has completed only four out of seven conditions and Moldova six out of nine. This is still respectable compared to Georgia, which, according to the commission, has only completed three out of the 12 conditions set out last summer for Tbilisi to get candidate status.

However, despite these evident shortcomings, the commission has decided that all three countries have done enough to proceed on their respective EU paths. For some time, EU diplomats have been telling me that more than anything the reports reflect the political enlargement momentum that exists in the EU right now. Next year will be one of uncertainty, with European Parliament elections in June and an entirely new European Commission. So, Brussels is keen to get things done -- and that means green lights before the end of the year.

Drilling Down:

The outstanding conditions for Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia have not disappeared but have rather been woven into their accession processes. This raises the key question of whether the commission's recommendations that Ukraine and Moldova should start accession talks are unconditional. From what I understand, this is what many Moldovan and Ukrainian officials were asking in their conversations with EU officials -- and von der Leyen insisted on the dais at the Brussels press conference that they are.

But are the recommendations to start the accession process really without conditions? The European Commission report states that the "commission recommends that the [European] Council opens accession negotiations with Moldova/Ukraine." But then it states: "Furthermore, the commission recommends that the [European] Council adopts the negotiating framework once Moldova/Ukraine has...." The report then outlines three conditions for Chisinau and four for Kyiv -- the ones remaining from their "homework" from a year ago.

For Moldova this means committing more resources to the anti-corruption prosecutor's office in the country; continue working toward "de-oligarchization," for example by increasing controls of financial flows and cash payments; and finally, appointing vetted Supreme Court justices and a new prosecutor-general.

To meet the conditions, Kyiv must boost staffing at the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine and bolster its powers; enact a law regulating lobbying, which is in line with European standards; and address the Venice Commission recommendations on the country's laws on national minorities, state languages, media, and education.

Interestingly, the European Commission then notes that it will report back to member states on "the progress and compliance in all areas related to the opening of negotiations" by March 2024. Several commission officials I have spoken to are confident that both countries will manage to fulfill all the conditions by that time.

But it does give EU member states one more chance to potentially stop the process if they want to. Hungary has already voiced the opinion that Kyiv isn't doing enough to ensure the rights of the ethnic Hungarian minority in the country, notably regarding the use of the Hungarian language.

This also means that de facto accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova won't really start until spring 2024. There could be a "symbolic" opening of talks as soon as December, when EU member states will decide on the recommendations -- provided all 27 of them agree, that is.

For Georgia, which remains one step behind Moldova and Ukraine, the recommendation is to award the country candidate status provided certain steps are taken. The report then outlines nine conditions. Most of them are repackaged conditions from 2022, such as fighting "political polarization" and judicial reform. However, there are three new ones: fighting disinformation; greater alignment with EU foreign policy decisions; and ensuring "a free, fair, and competitive electoral process" for parliamentary elections in the fall of 2024.

What that probably means is that Tbilisi will get its candidate status in December (again, if all EU member states agree) regardless of how much progress is made on reforms. Fulfilling the conditions will be more about moving to the next stage: starting accession talks. And it's not clear when that might be. Normally, there would be a new enlargement report in the fall of 2024, offering assessments and policy recommendations; but given that there might not be a European Commission in place by then, the report might have to wait.

Brief #2: And Then There's The Western Balkans...

What You Need To Know: If the enlargement report was a joyous affair for the three eastern hopefuls, it was predictably disappointing for the six Western Balkan countries -- Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia. For at least two decades, they have all expressed hope of joining the bloc one day but have been left frustrated for years -- by both by the EU's unwillingness to move forward and their own inability to carry out necessary reforms. It's a stark reminder for countries like Ukraine and Moldova that EU accession is rarely straightforward once negotiations with Brussels start.

In fairness, there perhaps wasn't much the EU could announce. Montenegro and Serbia opened accession talks in 2012 and 2014, respectively, and Albania and North Macedonia last year. Yet things are going at a snail's pace. The political turmoil in Montenegro over the last two years has meant little progress on reforms. While all 33 negotiation chapters with Brussels are open, only three have been completed, the last one back in 2017. Serbia remains stuck due to scant progress on the normalization process with Kosovo and its failure to align with EU sanctions on Russia.

North Macedonia's and Albania's paths currently remain blocked after bilateral spats with EU members Bulgaria and Greece, respectively. And then there's Kosovo, whose independence still isn't recognized by five EU member states, and which only applied to join the bloc in December 2022. Kosovo's application is still languishing in the European Council, where the member states sit, and won't be sent over to the European Commission for an official opinion unless there is consensus to do so. With Spain -- an ardent nonrecognizer of Kosovo -- currently holding the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU, there seems to be little chance of any progress for Pristina, at least this year.

Deep Background: That leaves us with Bosnia-Herzegovina, which was perhaps the toughest nut to crack for European Commission officials drafting the enlargement report. According to sources familiar with the process that I spoke to on condition of anonymity, most of the discussions in the run-up to the publication of the enlargement report -- among the heads of the personal offices of the 27 European commissioners and the commissioners themselves -- were focused on what to offer Sarajevo.

Bosnia received official EU candidate status in 2022 -- a decision that raised a few eyebrows, given that the country had failed to make many meaningful reforms and, as one EU official told me, just "didn't deserve it at all." Yet the decision was made last year, largely as a knock-on effect of the war in Ukraine and the enhanced EU perspectives of Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine.

Bosnia's case is being pushed hard by Austria, Croatia, Slovenia, and Hungary, with the argument that if the bloc gives green lights in the east, the Western Balkans -- notably Bosnia -- should be given a nudge in the right direction as well. Especially since these countries have been waiting in the EU antechamber for two decades already, compared to the trio of eastern newcomers. The same arguments are at play again. If the European Commission recommends the opening of accession talks with Kyiv and Chisinau, there should be something on the table for Sarajevo as well. The question is what that something should be.

Drilling Down:

The European Commission report notes that "the commission recommends the opening of EU accession negotiations with Bosnia-Herzegovina, once the necessary degree of compliance with the membership criteria is achieved." Then, just as with Ukraine and Moldova, it will report back to member states on the progress by March 2024 at the latest.

Now, with Ukraine and Moldova, there were very concrete and tangible conditions. But for Bosnia, it will be much harder for both the European Commission and the member states to determine if this "necessary degree of compliance with the membership criteria" has in fact been met.

In 2019, the European Commission set out 14 key priorities for Bosnia. They include improving the functioning of state institutions across the country -- easier said than done when the country is divided into two entities -- reforming the Constitutional Court, fighting corruption, and promoting reconciliation after the war in the 1990s. Sarajevo has hardly delivered on any of this since 2019, largely due to the country's persistent political paralysis. Not much is expected to happen in the next few months before the commission reports back in March.

Whether to open EU accession negotiations with Bosnia will probably be a political decision, not one based on merit. The question now is how hard Bosnia's supporters among the EU member states will push for the country to actually open accession talks.

And will the countries pushing for Bosnia's accession try to leverage their green light for Ukraine and Moldova to get a green light for Sarajevo as well? With decisions made by unanimity, this is a real possibility -- in December, when they meet to make decisions on the commission's recommendations, or in March when the commission reports back on all three again.

Looking Ahead

EU foreign ministers meet in Brussels on November 13. While the war in the Middle East is likely to take up most of their attention, they will also discuss two things that I wrote about a month ago: how to improve relations between Brussels and Armenia, including upgraded political ties and more Brussels cash going to Yerevan; and a new Russia sanctions package, which the European Commission will present to member states this week.

Two days later, on November 15, the Europe ministers of the 27 member states will gather in the EU capital. They will already start preparing for the key EU summit on December 14-15, at which leaders are expected to make the final decisions on the abovementioned European Commission recommendations on Bosnia, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine. The meeting could get heated later that day, when discussions turn to the rule-of-law situations in Hungary and Poland. No decisions will be made, but both Budapest and Warsaw will push back vigorously on any form of criticism.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/eu-enlargement-report-ukraine- moldova-georgia/32682472.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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EU Foreign Ministers Approve Expansion Of Border Monitoring Mission In Armenia

By Heghine Buniatian November 13, 2023

The European Union's foreign ministers approved a proposal to expand the border-monitoring mission deployed in Armenia and activate discussions on visa liberalization with the South Caucasus country, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell said in Brussels on November 13.

The decisions were made during a session of the Foreign Affairs Council, which also had the issue of Armenia-Azerbaijan relations on its agenda.

"We decided to beef up our mission in Armenia...with more patrols in the sensitive areas of the border," Borrell said after the meeting.

"And we will explore possible support to Armenia under the European Peace Facility and an option for visa liberalization for Armenia," he said.

The European Peace Facility is an instrument by which Brussels provides the means to increase the defense capacity of countries that are not members of the bloc, prevent conflicts, and strengthen peace. It is through this facility that Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova have received aid from the European Union.

Borrell also said the EU has to be "very much vigilant for any attempt of destabilizing Armenia internally and externally."

"Our message to Azerbaijan has been clear: Any violation of Armenian territorial integrity would be unacceptable and would have severe consequences for the quality of our relations," the EU foreign policy chief stressed.

Borrell called for the resumption of negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan based on the work done by the president of the EU Council.

"We need a peace treaty to be concluded, and we are committed to continue our mediation role," Borrel said, adding that the EU foreign ministers had decided to invite Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan to join them on the margins of one of the upcoming Foreign Affairs Council meetings.

The decisions of the EU foreign ministers are to be put on the table of the European Commission in due time. The commission should then present proposals to implement them. The proposals should make clear to what extent and how the European Union mission (EUMA) deployed in Armenia can be expanded, and what kind of aid Yerevan can expect from Brussels. The decisions of the European Commission, in turn, must be ratified by the 27 EU member states.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/eu-foreign-ministers-expansion- border-monitoring-armenia/32683199.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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EU Foreign Ministers To Meet With Western Balkan Counterparts In Brussels

By RFE/RL's Balkan Service November 13, 2023

EU foreign ministers are meeting on November 13 in Brussels with their Western Balkan counterparts to discuss topics of common interest including some of the countries' progress toward EU membership following last week's release of the annual report by the bloc's executive body.

Top EU diplomat Josep Borrell, who will chair the meeting, said that one of the main sticking points to be tackled during the meeting will be some of the Western Balkan candidates' failure to properly align themselves with the bloc's policy on sanctions following Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.

"We will insist on the need to closely monitor our foreign policy," Borrell said, adding, "some countries [in the region] have not aligned with our foreign policy and sanctions."

Speaking ahead of the meeting, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said the perspective of EU membership also represents a guarantee of security for potential members.

"That is why it is so crucial that in these times that we understand that enlargement is a geopolitical issue, that there must be no gray areas for peace and security in Europe," Baerbock said.

Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia have all been granted EU candidate status.

Kosovo applied for membership in December and is a potential candidate for membership in the 27-member bloc.

The European Commission's report found that Western Balkan states such as Albania, Montenegro, and North Macedonia largely cooperate and coordinate their foreign policy and sanctions regime with Brussels, with the exception of Serbia and to a certain degree, Bosnia.

Although Kosovo has no formal obligation yet to adhere to the bloc's policies, it has voluntarily backed the EU's foreign policy, including sanctions against Russia, the report assessed.

Ahead of the November 13 meeting, seven EU member states -- Austria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Italy, Greece, Slovenia, and Slovakia -- circulated a nonpaper -- a discussion paper that is not part of formal negotiations -- proposing that Western Balkans representatives be more often invited to meetings with their EU counterparts, including informal sessions twice a year.

The nonpaper also urged that contentious issues between Western Balkan countries, especially the normalization of relations between Serbia and Kosovo, be negotiated and solved through more dialogue and cooperation.

Serbia has not recognized the independence of its former province of Kosovo and tensions between the two neighbors have been high in recent months, with Belgrade alleging that Kosovo's ethnic Serb minority has been discriminated against.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/eu-western- balkans-borrell/32682819.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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US House Panel Claims Guam Vulnerable to Chinese Missiles, Urges Pentagon to Boost Defenses

Sputnik News

20231113

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - US House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party chair Mike Gallagher sent a letter on Monday requesting information from the US Defense Department on its efforts to bolster defenses on the island territory of Guam, citing its vulnerability to Chinese missile strikes.

"With over 20,000 US troops stationed on the island, Guam will play an essential role in the defense of American allies and interests in the region. But despite its strategic importance, Guam remains highly vulnerable to an increasingly sophisticated network of missiles from the People's Republic of China, especially its cruise missiles," the letter, addressed to Army Secretary Christine Wormuth, said.

Guam lacks sufficient missile defense capabilities, endangering its use as a submarine port and support base in the event of a conflict with China, the letter stressed. Delays in the development of the Army's new missile defense system, the Indirect Fire Protection Capability Increment 2 (IFPC Inc 2), could push its implementation back from the expected Fiscal Year 2026 fielding timeline, the letter stated.

The committee believes in the need to explore alternative options to fill the defense gap, given the delays in the system, the letter said. The letter points toward National Advanced Surface to Air Missile Systems (NASAMS) as a potential alternative, but called Patriot Advanced Capability-3 systems an "unaffordable" option.

The letter requests that Wormuth provide lawmakers with an update on the development of the IFPC Inc 2 system, for which prototype launchers are set to be delivered by December. The letter also requests information on potential plans to procure NASAMS or other missile defense systems for Guam.

The committee requests that Wormuth respond to the letter by December 1.

 Sputnik

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US Calling on Israel to Speed Up Gaza Operation Behind Closed Doors - Russia's Intel Service

Sputnik News

20231113

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The United States is calling on Israel to accelerate its operation in the Gaza Strip behind closed doors as it may negatively affect President Joe Biden's reelection bid in case of prolongation, Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) said on Monday.

"The truth, however, is that Americans are having very different conversations behind closed doors with Israeli leadership. The Israelis are being encouraged to speed up the operation in order to prevent it from being delayed, as this would negatively affect Biden's election positions," the SVR said in a statement.

The US has managed to secure the support of the United Kingdom and Germany in promoting the operation to destroy the Palestinian Hamas movement despite the rising death toll among Gaza Strip residents, the SVR added.

 Sputnik

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Iraqi Militia Launch Drone Attacks at 2 Other US Military Bases in Syria

Sputnik News

20231113

CAIRO (Sputnik) - Iraqi Shia militia on Monday carried out drone attacks against two US military bases in Syria, targeting the facility near the Syrian village of Al Khadra and the Green Village base in the country's southeast.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed the responsibility for the attack targeting the Green Village base.

"The Islamic Resistance in Iraq fighters have launched a drone strike on US occupational base in Green Village in the depths of Syria," its said in a statement.

The US base in Al Khadra was also hit by the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, Syrian broadcaster Sham FM reported, citing a source in the Shia armed group.

Earlier on Monday, Al Mayadeen broadcaster reported that the Conoco base in eastern Syria had been targeted in a rocket attack. Additionally, a US base in al-Shadadi, located in the country's northeast, was attacked with three drones, the report said. The attack is reportedly a response to the US's strikes on two Iranian facilities in eastern Syria carried out on Sunday.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin confirmed on Sunday that US troops had conducted strikes on facilities of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Iran-affiliated groups in eastern Syria in response to continued attacks on US troops in the Middle East. Later in the day, Fox News reported, citing a source in the US Defense Department that at least six people had been killed as a result of US strikes on IRGC targets in Syria.

The number of attacks on US airbases claimed by the Shia armed groups, which operate in Iraq, has significantly grown over the past weeks. Between October 17 and November 6, militia attacked US bases in Syria and Iraq 38 times, resulting in a total of 46 troops injured, according to the Pentagon.

The US military currently controls parts of the provinces of Raqqa, Deir ez-Zor and Al-Hasakah, where Syria's largest oil and gas fields are located. The Syrian government considers the presence of the US military on its territory as occupation and state piracy.

 Sputnik

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US Bases in Eastern Syria Come Under Rocket Fire, Media Reports

Sputnik News

20231113

US bases in Syria have repeatedly come under attack in recent weeks amid escalation in the Gaza Strip.

A US base at the Conoco gas field in Deir ez-Zor province in eastern Syria has come under rocket fire, Al Mayadeen TV channel reported. Other media previously reported that Conoco site had been under attack before.

"A US base at the Koniko [Conoco] oil field northeast of Deir ez-Zor in eastern Syria was subjected to rocket fire," the TV channel said, citing a local source.

According to the TV channel, 15 missiles were fired, causing heavy explosions at the US base. As the TV channel's sources note, the attack was a response to US strikes on two facilities in eastern Syria.

The broadcaster also reported, citing a source, that several US soldiers were killed as a result of this rocket attack.

In addition, the US base in al-Shadadi, located in the northeastern Syrian province of Al Hasakah, was attacked with three drones, the report said.

The US military has 24 military bases in four locations in Syria. US bases in Syria have been repeatedly attacked with drones and missiles. The US blames the attacks on groups linked to Iran and attributes their intensification to the conflict in the Gaza Strip.

 Sputnik

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On the Release of Philippine Former Senator De Lima

US Department of State

Press Statement

Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson

November 13, 2023

The United States welcomes former Philippine Senator Leila de Lima's release on bail after nearly seven years of detention on politically motivated drug charges. Senator De Lima's release follows her acquittal in two out of three cases. The United States urges the Philippines to resolve the remaining case against her in a manner that is consistent with its international human rights obligations and commitments.

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Senior Official for APEC Ambassador Matt Murray On the Secretary's Upcoming Travel to San Francisco, California for theAsia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministerial Meeting and the APEC Economic Leaders' Week Meetings

US Department of State

Special Briefing

Office of the Spokesperson

Matt Murray, U.S. Senior Official for Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)

Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

Via Teleconference

November 13, 2023

MR PATEL: Hey, everybody. Thanks so much for joining us this morning for this preview call to preview both Secretary Blinken and President Biden's visit to APEC. This call will be on the record but embargoed until the call's conclusion. And joining us today we have the senior official for APEC, Ambassador Matt Murray. We'll have some questions at the end, but before we turn to that, let me turn it over to Ambassador Murray to make some opening remarks.

AMBASSADOR MURRAY: Well, thanks, Vedant, and it's good to be with all of you to preview what's coming up in APEC Economic Leaders' Week here in San Francisco. The Leaders' Week program is the culmination of our year as the host of APEC before we hand over the responsibility to Peru, the APEC host economy in 2024. At the outset, I would like to note that we truly appreciate the strong collaboration and support from San Francisco Mayor London Breed, California Governor Gavin Newsom, and other state and local leaders and stakeholders as they prepare to welcome delegates from the 21 APEC economies next - this week. It's going to be a great event due in large part to their outstanding efforts.

Our host year APEC theme, "Creating a Resilient and Sustainable Future for All," and our key policy priorities - interconnected, innovative, and inclusive - have guided our agenda this year and underscore U.S. dedication to the Asia-Pacific region. Despite challenges from conflict and natural disasters, APEC remains committed to economic cooperation in this dynamic region that represents 40 percent of the world's population, nearly half of global trade, and over 60 percent of the global economy. APEC economies unequivocally play an important role in ensuring global prosperity.

And the economic impact of our engagement in APEC translates into real opportunities and job growth here at home. As of 2022, APEC members are the source of $1.7 trillion of investment into the United States, investment that provides jobs to 2.3 million American workers. Likewise, U.S. exports to APEC economies in 2022 surpassed 1.3 trillion, with agricultural exports alone reaching $136 billion. Over one-half - 55 percent - of all of our total exports were destined for APEC economies, and these exports support almost 7 million U.S. jobs, underlining the impact of our interconnected economies to communities all across the United States.

Throughout the year, we focused on key areas like the just energy transition, food security, disaster risk reduction, and the digital economy. We've also worked to empower micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, women, indigenous peoples, and underrepresented communities in every region of the United States. Our commitment to economic resilience is reflected in promoting good regulatory practices in APEC, implementing structural reforms, and combating corruption.

This week in San Francisco, we will hold our final two ministerial meetings. The finance ministers meeting will be chaired by Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen, while Secretary of State Antony Blinken and U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Katherine Tai will jointly convene their foreign and trade counterparts for the APEC ministerial meeting. To conclude the week, President Biden will lead the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, establishing a strategic vision for regional collaboration in the coming year.

Leaders' Week will also feature the APEC Business Advisory Council dialogue with leaders, the APEC CEO Summit, the inaugural APEC Multistakeholder Forum, the inaugural Sustainable Future Forum, and other events organized by the private sector, civil society, academia, and nonprofit organizations. We're proud of the progress that we've made this year through APEC and we remain committed to enhancing partnerships and engaging with stakeholders across the region as we continue working toward a resilient and sustainable future for all our people.

Importantly, APEC Economic Leaders' Week is just the most recent example of our engagement with the region. Even in the face of unprecedented challenges around the globe, our commitment to this agenda and our partners in the Asia Pacific region has never been clearer. In the past few weeks alone, Secretary Blinken has traveled to Tokyo for meetings with our G7 partners to tackle some of today's greatest challenges and to Seoul to strengthen coordination on a range of key issues. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield is leading the U.S. delegation to the Pacific Islands Forum in the Cook Islands to reiterate U.S. commitment to addressing key Pacific priorities. Secretary Austin is also visiting the ROK followed by meetings in Indonesia with his ASEAN counterparts, and this comes right after his 2+2 ministerial meeting in India with the Secretary last week.

President Biden and Vice President Harris have also been deeply involved in these efforts. In October, President Biden hosted Australian Prime Minister Albanese for a successful visit. In September, he hosted the Pacific Islands Forum Summit at the White House and upgraded our relationship with Vietnam to a comprehensive strategic partnership. Vice President Harris traveled to Indonesia for the U.S.-ASEAN and East Asia summits the same month. And we all have seen how the President is instrumentalizing our regional alliances when he hosted his Korean and Japanese counterparts at Camp David in August. Both the President and Vice President look forward to welcoming APEC economic leaders to San Francisco this week to further highlight our longstanding economic ties with the Asia Pacific region.

In closing, we look forward to welcoming representatives of the other 20 APEC economies to San Francisco, and certainly all - certainly invite all of you as members of the media to actively participate, whether in person or virtually, in the press conferences and briefings during APEC Economic Leaders' Week. Your reporting and perspectives are invaluable in amplifying the impact of APEC's efforts across the country and across the Asia Pacific region. Thank you, and I look forward to taking your questions.

MR PATEL: Great, thanks so much. Operator, could you please repeat instructions on how to enter the question queue?

OPERATOR: Certainly. Ladies and gentlemen, if you have a question, please press 1 then 0 on your telephone keypad. You can withdraw that question any time by repeating the 1-0 command. If you are using a speaker phone, please pick up the handset before pressing the numbers. Once again, if you have a question, 1 then 0 at this time.

MR PATEL: Let's first go to the line of Josh Rogin with The Washington Post.

QUESTION: Hi, guys. Thank you so much for doing the call. I'm wondering if you could talk more about the IPEF economic forum interactions - what bilaterals might you have planned with members of that grouping, and can you preview any of the deliverables that might come out of it, and at the end of this what will you have to point back at to say that you made progress on the economic and trade and investment portion of this summit? Thanks so much.

AMBASSADOR MURRAY: Sorry, the beginning of that was garbled. Was it about IPEF, or what was the first part of the question?

MR PATEL: Yes, it was on IPEF, Matt.

AMBASSADOR MURRAY: Okay. All right, sure. So I think importantly APEC Leaders' Week is also a great opportunity to be a platform for a lot of these other regional economic discussions. The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, of course, is one, where the negotiations are being led by the Department of Commerce and the U.S. Trade Representative's office. And we have 12 partners in common between IPEF and APEC, so certainly this week is a good opportunity to take advantage of counterparts from all of those APEC and IPEF members being in town at the same time, and being able to continue to hammer out in the negotiations some specific outcomes that they can be announced this week.

We'll also have an IPEF ministerial that will be ongoing, and I think that as we've seen with APEC and IPEF throughout the year, there's a lot of complementarity between the topics that are being discussed in IPEF and the pillars on trade and on supply chains and on decarbonization and on anti-corruption and tax. A lot of these issues are issues we also work on and focus on in APEC. And so we certainly have been collaborating closely with our interagency counterparts who are leading the IPEF negotiations and look forward to what they're going to be able to announce later in the week. Thanks.

MR PATEL: Thanks so much. Let's next go to the line of Gavin Bade with Politico.

QUESTION: Hi there. Thanks for doing this. I just wanted to follow up on the IPEF - specifically, we've seen some reports over the weekend and this morning that the trade negotiations, the trade pillar of IPEF, may not be finalized at the APEC summit here. What are you all telling your trading partners right now on that? I know there had been some concern in Congress about that specifically from Sherrod Brown. Are we going to see a finalized trade pillar this week or not?

AMBASSADOR MURRAY: So on that I would defer - refer you to U.S. Trade Representative's office as they're leading on that discussion. I think, again, the focus of myself and our team out here this week has been really on the APEC meetings that are - we're going to be hosting this week, the ministerial and the leaders' meeting, and all of the other things associated with that, including the CEO summit, a lot of private sector engagement, the outreach to stakeholders, and all of that.

So on any specifics on where the negotiations are on the trade pillar for IPEF, I'd refer you to USTR.

MR PATEL: Let's next go to David Brunnstrom with Reuters.

QUESTION: Yeah, hi. Can you hear me okay?

AMBASSADOR MURRAY: Yes.

MR PATEL: Go ahead.

QUESTION: Okay, thank you. I just wondered whether we can expect a final strong statement coming from the APEC countries. I mean, given the divisions on issues such as the Middle East and Ukraine, is it really possible to have a joint statement that addresses those issues? Thank you.

AMBASSADOR MURRAY: Thanks for the question. We're certainly working towards having a strong consensus statement in APEC for the leaders to be able to release at the end of the week. As you pointed out, there's been a lot of friction over the last couple of years with statements primarily due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Russia, of course, is a member of APEC, and many of the APEC economies have felt the detrimental economic impact of the war in Ukraine on the economies in the region, in terms of food security, energy security, macroeconomic instability, et cetera.

So that has been certainly an issue that's been difficult to manage in APEC. But last year, Thailand hosted APEC and was able to announce a consensus Leaders' Declaration, and we certainly want to try to do the same thing this year. And we're working very hard with all of our likeminded partners and economies, economic partners throughout APEC, to try to deliver that kind of result.

MR PATEL: Let's next go to George Kelly with The San Francisco Standard.

QUESTION: Good morning. I wanted to ask if there's anything that San Francisco, as a setting for the conference, has made either easier and more fruitful or difficult and more challenging in terms of convening dignitaries, diplomats, and executives.

AMBASSADOR MURRAY: Thanks for the question. San Francisco has done an incredible job. I first came here for an advance visit in January and met with many of the city officials. And of course, at that point in time, planning for APEC Economic Leaders' Week was still in just its earliest stages. To - I came back in June for some meetings and for - to do some outreach events, and then coming back in November and to see the progress the city has made in getting ready for this major event, which, as Mayor London Breed and has said, is going to be the largest gathering of international leaders here in San Francisco since 1945. It's truly been remarkable.

I think also, for us on the APEC team, our focus has been on the policy side of what we're trying to deliver in APEC. We talked about the theme being creating a resilient and sustainable future for all. A lot of our focal points from a policy perspective are on sustainability and inclusivity, on the digital economy, and on resiliency. And so when you look for a city to host a meeting like this, you want to find the best possible backdrop where you can highlight all of those policy priorities. And I can't think of a better place right now than San Francisco to be able to serve as that backdrop this week.

So we're very excited about the partnership we've been able to develop with the city in the planning for this, and we're really looking forward to a terrific week here in San Francisco.

MR PATEL: Let's next go to David Akin with Global News.

OPERATOR: Mr. Akin, your line is open, sir.

QUESTION: Sorry. I'm the guy who forgot to hit unmute on this particular call. Thank you for taking our questions. Very much appreciated. Ambassador, I just wonder if you could sketch out what, if any, presence Russia has at this particular series of meetings. Obviously, their leader's not going to be attending, but is there any presence at any of the ministerial levels? Just curious if you could sketch out that.

And also, India, of course, is not an APEC member, but I'm wondering as well: Has India - have any sort of standing at any of these - for the ministerials, just to sort of exchange some views?

And then finally, I just wondered: As you were on your travels talking to other APEC member economies, I'm wondering what you got in terms of some of the priorities you saw. Were some countries interested in climate? Was it mostly trade? What about security, the rise of China, gender issues, getting women in the workforce - I mean, there's a whole host of things. Maybe you could give us your sense, as you prepare the agenda, what was on the - what was on the priority list for some of the members that would be arriving.

So three questions there. Sorry to give you so many.

AMBASSADOR MURRAY: No, thanks for the questions. I'm going to hit the last one first, if that's okay. I think one of the things we've seen over the last year and a half, in coming out of the COVID pandemic, both Thailand's APEC host year last year and in our APEC host year this year, is that there's a - I think, in my view, a remarkable convergence across the APEC region in identifying the challenges that we all face and shared concerns that we all have.

I mentioned a moment ago looking at issues around sustainability and digital economy and resiliency, and I think those issues come up in every single engagement, every single visit that I've certainly had around the region. And that's whether - I was in New Zealand at the beginning of the year in the middle of a cyclone, where there's a lot of discussion about the sustainability issue at that time. I was in Singapore within the last year talking about supply chain resiliency and some of those issues. I was in Peru a couple months ago in preparation for their host year, and certainly we were talking a lot about issues around economic inclusion.

And so as you travel around the region, all of these things come up a lot. And a big one, too, is how small- and medium-size enterprises can be successful. That's a real key point across the region right now as well and how they can be connected to supply chains. And you mentioned women's economic participation and women's economic empowerment as well. I think there's a really strong convergence across the region on the importance of these issues.

I think the challenge in APEC - or any international fora - is while the concerns are all shared and the identification of the problem set may be shared, the view on what to do about it differs from economy to economy. I think that's true whether you're talking about sustainability or digital resiliency or whatever.

So for me, that, I think, is why APEC is a really important forum, because it does allow us to convene leaders, ministers, senior officials, experts in various fields together across a whole year. We've had meetings already in Honolulu, in Palm Springs, in Detroit, in Seattle, and now San Francisco to try to come up with consensus-based, non-binding ways to really share best practices and be able to collaborate on these issues. So I think that's how I would kind of describe the current state of play there.

On Russia's participation, they'll be represented by their deputy prime minister in the leaders' meeting. We have been pretty consistent all year long in saying that, while we were very excited to be hosting APEC, we would do so within the laws and regulations of the United States, including with respect to sanctions. And so Russia will have officials here but they will be non-sanctioned officials. I did - was in meetings earlier this week with my senior official counterpart from Russia, and we - there will be Russians in various meetings, but not at the same level because of the sanctions issue.

And then with respect to India, we've invited India to be one of the guest economies this year, and so we're expecting Indian participation at the ministerial level on Thursday. And we should be confirming the name of India's participant in that very soon. Thanks.

MR PATEL: Let's now go to Morgan Chalfant with Semafor.

QUESTION: Thanks so much for doing this. I just wanted to ask you about AI. There are some reports about a potential agreement on AI between the U.S. and China coming out of the Biden-Xi meeting. I'm wondering if you can confirm that this is the case. Can you talk a little bit about what that might look like and what the thinking behind it is?

AMBASSADOR MURRAY: Sure, thanks for the question. I don't have any information on an AI agreement between the U.S. and China coming out of the bilat. I will say that, just generally speaking across, again, the APEC arc of meetings throughout the year, AI has come up in a number of different ways. And certainly, there's obviously a growing interest around the region in how we can collaborate in this area.

We've talked about AI in APEC meetings, at the Human Resources Development Working Group in terms of how AI factors into the future of work. We've talked about AI and responsible use of AI through some of the digital meetings, particularly in Seattle in August. And there are certainly going to be events happening this week in which AI is going to be discussed. But I don't think we're at a point, at least in APEC, where we're ready to announce some broader agreement or broader understanding on an outcome related specifically to AI. I do think, though, that this year has been a very good opportunity for us to advance discussions in that area, and we want to continue to do so as we move forward in APEC and also in other fora, and certainly bilaterally.

MR PATEL: Great, thanks so much. And let's go to Demetri Sevastopulo from the Financial Times.

QUESTION: Thank you. Can you hear me okay?

AMBASSADOR MURRAY: Yes.

QUESTION: Great, thanks. Matt, I'm curious - of all the announcements coming this week, what do you think is going to resonate most with the average layperson who's not steeped in these issues to the point that they'll go, oh, that's very interesting, that's significant?

AMBASSADOR MURRAY: Thanks for the question. I think that as we look at a big summit like APEC, and we're hearing about this a lot this week in San Francisco in - particularly with how does it relate to average people. I think one of the things we're very pleased about with the direction of APEC over the last couple of years that - it's become a much more comprehensive discussion where, for example, sustainability and inclusion are really key topics of conversation.

One of the things that we did in collaboration with the city of San Francisco earlier this week is myself and my senior official counterparts from Australia and Thailand, we did a press conference for high school students from the Bay Area, from public schools here. And I was really struck by their questions really being all about the topics around sustainability and inclusion. So I think from the APEC perspective specifically, the degree to which we're able to announce some progress on the sustainability and inclusion front I'm very hopeful will be - will resonate with regular people, with students, with other stakeholders.

We also this week held a multistakeholder forum for the first time, which was hosted by Commonwealth Club and World Affairs Council here in San Francisco. They put together the program. They invited members of civil society and students and journalists and others from around the APEC region to come here for a three-and-a-half-day program on the just energy transition. And I was pleased to be able to participate in the opening of that, and really, again, that issue really resonates right now in so many ways for people, whether they are focused on the clean energy piece or climate change or labor issues or whatever it might be. So I think that our discussions in that area, our outcomes in that area are also very important.

I think secondly, I would just say, again, APEC is a great platform for a lot of things to happen, and a lot of the bilateral engagements that are going happen here, a lot of the other activities that are going to happen here - I remember first hearing about APEC as a student and being very interested in its just convening power. And so to have this situation in 2023 where we're able to convene all these leaders and ministers and get to some specific outcomes in those meetings, we certainly hope that that will also resonate with the public as well.

MR PATEL: Great, thank you so much. That's all the time we have for questions today. Again, I want to thank everyone for joining. As a reminder, this call was on the record and embargoed until the call's conclusion, which will be momentarily. Thanks for joining.

AMBASSADOR MURRAY: Thank you, everyone.

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Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General

Department of Public Information . News and Media Division . New York

13 November 2023

The following is a near-verbatim transcript of today's noon briefing by Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General.

** Gaza Tribute

Alright, good afternoon. Just to go back a little bit, you saw that this morning, the UN flag was lowered at half-mast to mourn and honour our 101 colleagues who were killed in Gaza in the past month.

The Secretary-General observed a minute of silence  accompanied by the Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed; the Chef de Cabinet, Courtenay Rattray, the President of the General Assembly was also present, and they were joined by the Resident Coordinators from around the world who are visiting New York this week.

The Secretary-General in a tweet reminded that this is the highest number of UN aid workers killed in a conflict in such a short time. They will never be forgotten, he said.

UN offices around the world also joined in a minute of silence, and in the lowering of the flag.

** Resident Coordinators Global Meeting

As mentioned, the UN Resident Coordinators are in New York this week for the global meeting that is taking place.

Our colleagues will address the progress and challenges in rolling out the UN development system reform in an increasingly complex global setting.

This morning, Amina Mohammed, our Deputy Secretary-General, spoke to the Resident Coordinators about the multitude of global, regional and local challenges, including urgent need to boost financing and political will for people and the planet, as well as ways to fast-track the Sustainable Development Goals at the halfway mark.

Resident Coordinators will also discuss our work in areas such as food systems; energy access and affordability; digital connectivity; education; jobs and social protection; as well of course as climate-related issues.

This week, they will engage with the UN Sustainable Development Group Principals, as well as other senior leaders, including the Secretary-General, and will also be discussing different issues ranging from the challenges of staying and delivering in increasingly complex situations, as you've just heard, to implementing the vision in the Secretary-General's Our Common Agenda.

** Lebanon/UNIFIL

A couple of other updates from the Middle East. Just to flag that a UNIFIL [UN Interim Force in Lebanon] peacekeeper was injured on 12 November yesterday after being shot in the stomach during an exchange of fire near one of our positions in the vicinity of Al Qawzah, along the Blue Line. Fortunately, the peacekeeper is in stable condition.

We, of course, condemn this incident, and again stress the need for all concerned to ensure the safety and security of our peacekeepers and to respect the inviolability of UN premises.

We also reiterate the need for de-escalation, noting that any incident carries the risk of leading to a larger conflagration.

** Syria

And some good news, in fact, from Syria.

The Government of Syria has extended its permission for the UN to use Bab al-Salam and Al Ra'ee crossings to deliver humanitarian assistance across the border from southern Turkiye to northwest Syria, and that extension has been granted for three months, until 13 February 2024. The cross-border operations remain a lifeline, as we've been saying, to the people in northwest Syria. Each month, we and our partners average to reach about 2.5 million people with critical assistance and protection services.

So far this year, more than 4,200 trucks carrying UN aid have crossed from Turkiye into northwest Syria using the Bab al-Hawa, Bab al-Salam and Al Ra'ee crossings. As of today, more than 260 cross-border missions by UN personnel have also been completed.

** Mali

And our peacekeeping mission in Mali  MINUSMA [United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali]  reports that all the troops from Chad who withdrew from MINUSMA's base in Kidal have now departed the country using routes by road and by air.

Guinean peacekeepers who were serving at the same location are also in the process of being repatriated.

Between 10 and 12 November, 23 military officers and 880 personnel from troop-contributing countries, including Chad, Guinea and Niger, left the Mission as part of the drawdown process.

To date, 7,485 MINUSMA personnel out of a total of 13,871 have departed Mali.

The Mission continues to make all efforts to meet the 31 December deadline for the withdrawal, as mandated by the Security Council of these United Nations.

** Sudan

Moving across to Sudan, Martin Griffiths, the head of our humanitarian department, today urged concrete steps to protect civilians from fighting and underscored that humanitarians need safe and unhindered access to everyone in need.

This came as the Sudan Humanitarian Forum met for the first time today, convened by Mr. Griffiths and the Humanitarian Coordinator for Sudan, Clementine Nkweta-Salami. They stressed that the Forum is a critical opportunity to make progress towards relieving the suffering of the people of Sudan.

Representatives from the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces participated in the virtual meeting, in line with their Statement of Commitments signed in Jeddah last week.

The co-facilitators of the second round of Jeddah talks were also represented  and that's the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United States and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, otherwise known as IGAD, which also represented the African Union.

** Children and Water Scarcity

New report released by our friends across the street, UNICEF [United Nations Children's Fund], revealed that 1 in 3 children  or 739 million of them worldwide  already live in areas exposed to high or very high water scarcity, with climate change threatening to make that even worse.

"The climate-changed child" report released ahead of the COP28 [twenty-eighth Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change] summit  which is coming up in the UAE [United Arab Emirates] next month, shows that the greatest share of children are exposed in the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia regions  meaning they live in places with limited water resources and high levels of seasonal and interannual variability, ground water table decline or drought risk.

At COP28, UNICEF is calling on world leaders and the international community to take critical steps with and for children to secure a viable planet, including elevating children within the final COP28 outcome document and convening an expert dialogue on children and climate change.

** Nigeria

I also wanted to flag that we are urging the Nigerian Government, donors and stakeholders to commit resources and implement measures to avert a potential food and nutrition disaster in the country.

The call comes amid the latest projection that Nigeria is expected to see about 26.5 million people grappling with high levels of food insecurity for the next year, which is a sharp rise from the 18.6 million currently vulnerable to food insecurity from October to December, and I think you heard quite a bit on Nigeria from our colleague Matthias Schmale [The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator] last week.

** Police Week

And speaking of the week, this week is the eighteenth UN Police Week. And you may have seen a number of police officers wearing blue berets around the building, so say hello to them.

Leaders of our police components in field missions, including peace operations, special political missions and regional offices, are gathering for their annual meeting to engage with senior UN officials to discuss the current challenges, as well as priorities for the coming year, and to provide briefings to the Security Council, the Special Committee on peace operations and the General Assembly.

A particular focus will include interactive discussions about the contributions of UN police to Action for Peacekeeping Plus priorities, including data-driven and tech-enabled policing, gender-responsive policing and strategic communications, as well as enhanced UN police support to special political missions.

On Thursday, as you may have seen, the UN Woman Police Officer of the Year Award will be presented to Police First Sergeant Renita Rismayanti of Indonesia. She serves as a Crime Database Officer with our UN Mission in the Central African Republic  MINUSCA [United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic]. The award ceremony will take place at 1 pm here and will on UN Web TV and we congratulate her.

** Briefing Tomorrow

And tomorrow, at 11:00 a.m., in this very room, there will be a briefing by Ashwini K.P., the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerances, upon conclusion of her mission to the United States of America.

** Questions and Answers

Spokesman : Kristen, and then Edie.

Question : Thank you, Steph. Can you tell us about the Secretary-General's meeting with Senator Bernie Sanders this afternoon? Did the SG [Secretary-General] request the meeting, or did the senator; and what do you expect them to talk about?

Spokesman : No, the senator requested the meeting. I will provide a readout as soon as it's... I'll give you some guidance after it's over. Edie?

Question : Steph, with the situation in Gaza becoming more dire as we just heard, with UNRWA [United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East] not being able to unload trucks starting tomorrow when the most of the hospitals in the north closing down. Can you tell us what the Secretary-General, Martin Griffiths and Tor Wennesland [Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process] are doing to try and alleviate this situation?

Spokesman : Well, the Secretary-General really has been, I think, on the phone with his colleagues all weekend, trying to see how we can move the situation forward. Mr. Wennesland as well as Martin [Griffiths] have also been in touch with relevant parties. I mean, I think the facts are not secret, right? The situation is not secret. I mean, you heard it very clearly from our colleague, Andrea. The situation is really, really dire. We're extremely concerned about what may happen over the next few days. This is not happening... This is not happening behind closed doors. This is happening in plain sight, this humanitarian disaster, and we need all the help that we can get.

Benno, then Pam, and then I don't know if Amelie is... no. If this was an auction, you'd have to be careful not to move, because I may move the highest bid to you. Benno?

Question : Yeah. It's just a follow-up, and Edie was asking about this in the briefing before, but maybe you have different insights. The fuel that allegedly was offered by Israel to the hospital and was allegedly denied by Hamas. Do you have any information about that? Was there an attempt to deliver 300 litres...?

Spokesman : No, I mean we were not involved in that. What we need is access to our fuel. We need to get our fuel going, to get the UNRWA facilities, the UNRWA pumps, the desalination plants, the health clinics, all of that working. We shouldn't have to negotiate for fuel.

Question : I do understand that, and I understand that this is your first priority, but also like this hospital needs fuel from anywhere right now.

Spokesman : I'm not disagreeing with you. I'm just saying we were not involved in those discussions between people at Al-Shifa Hospital and the IDF [Israel Defense Forces]. I mean I saw it... I saw the media as well. Pam? Yeah, why not? Intercepted Pam in the middle.

Question : We had... and from the Red Crescent Society, I believe, said the amount of fuel that was being offered by Israel to the hospital only would have lasted for a half hour or would have supplied... do you know anything? Is that something you can confirm or not? [Cross talk]

Spokesman : I don't'. I don't. I'm sorry.

Question : Okay. [Cross talk]

Spokesman : Pam... Hold, hold on. I'd like to keep a minimum of discipline. Pam then Nabil.

Question : Alright. Not on that subject. The Secretary-General had an interesting interview with Fareed Zakaria in the last few days, in which I guess, it was Zakaria's description, said... the SG [Secretary-General] said the best case scenario for post-war Gaza would be a reinvigorated Palestinian Authority, assuming control while Israel, Palestinians and the international community worked toward a two-state solution.

Spokesman : The Secretary-General said that.

Question : Yes.

Spokesman : Yeah.

Question : So could you explain? I mean, does this mean without Hamas? It sounded like that.

Spokesman : Well, this means having a reinvigorated Palestinian Authority after some sort of interim or transitional period.

Question : But it says assuming authority, meaning in Gaza?

Spokesman : That's correct.

Question : Okay.

Spokesman : Yeah. Okay.

Question : That's his position.

Spokesman : That is his position. Yeah.

Question : Thank you.

Spokesman : Nabil.

Question : Thank you. So I also have follow-up on previous questions. The director of Al-Shifa Hospital said in an interview with Al Araby today, my TV channel, that he was contacted by Israel to receive 300 litres of diesel and he refused to receive them because it's dangerous for him to go out and receive them. And he was... he asked that the UN or the Red Cross would be a better middle entity...

Spokesman : Yeah, I understand. Yeah.

Question : So why don't you take the initiative? Why don't the UN take such initiatives? To save lives, to provide fuel; although this fuel would be enough only for half an hour; so why don't you take such an initiative?

Spokesman : I mean, I think we have been taking initiative. We have remained side by side with the people of Gaza at great risk, as you all know. Though, obviously, the greatest risk and the suffering is being borne by all the civilians in Gaza. We're continuing to deliver whatever humanitarian aid we can; as safely as possible. This is one of the reasons we have and we'll continue to push for a humanitarian ceasefire. So as not to have to negotiate every drop of fuel, every movement of one ambulance. We need to be able to deal with the humanitarian situation in much more straightforward way. Dulcie?

Question : Yeah. I have a couple of technical questions. When the UN says that UNRWA employs 13,000 staffers, is that just in Gaza or...?

Spokesman : No. There's another 10,000 or so, if not more, in the West Bank; and then, obviously, in Lebanon and in Syria. UNRWA, I mean unlike... it's slightly different than a lot of other UN agencies, they recruit most, the vast majority of their staff are local staff.

Question : And of the 101 UNRWA people who have died, are they all Palestinians?

Spokesman : Yes, ma'am.

Question : Okay. And then the Ministry of Health for Gaza, which is run by Hamas, is it your understanding that they don't differentiate between who are Gaza's civilians and Hamas militants in their death toll count?

Spokesman : In that, I don't think we've... I mean, I have not seen them issue that disaggregation.

Question : Okay. And Guterres' meeting with CNN yesterday, what did he mean by there would be no UN protectorate in occupied Palestine?

Spokesman : Well, I mean, I think he was responding to a question about somebody handing the management... I mean, from what I recall in the interview, is handing the management of Gaza to the UN.

Question : Gaza and the West Bank or just Gaza?

Spokesman : I mean... I think both of us need to relook at the... re-listen to what the actual question was, but that's my recollection. Linda, then Stefano, then we'll go to round two.

Question : Thank you, Steph. Going back to the Secretary-General, excuse me, last week he said that Hamas and other militants use civilians as human shields. I was just wondering again if there's any further insight the UN has in terms of how prevalent these human shields are in the fighting?

Spokesman : I mean I think what we're talking about is the firing of rockets from within civilian areas. Near or nearby civilian structures. Stefano then Benno.

Question : Thank you Stephane. In the briefing before, I asked if there is any coordination between the UN and a country like Italy, they're sending, they said, a hospital ship, and they said, [Inaudible] said that no, there is not any communication. There is any communication with some UN...?

Spokesman : Well, I mean, you're... our Italian colleague, Andrea, I think, answered the question. I have nothing further to add to it.

Question : So there's no...?

Spokesman : Not that I'm aware of. Benno, then Edie, and then I think we'll go to Monica. Because I don't see anything on the screen.

Question : Thank you. Sorry, again about fuel. Another follow-up. Israel so far, didn't really answer to your calls for it, to the pressure you applied. For me, it seems the US [United States] has the key role there. Is the SG in touch with the US?

Spokesman : Yeah, we've been in touch with US officials continuously, both from here and on the ground.

Question : With whom recently?

Spokesman : Well, I mean, David Satterfield is our main point of contact given he's the US coordinator for humanitarian aid. Edie?

Question : Thanks, Steph. Could you... I think I got confused in the numbers on UNRWA staff. How many UNRWA staff were there actually in Gaza before?

Spokesman : There were about 13,000 UNRWA staff members.

Question : That's just in Gaza.

Spokesman : Yes, ma'am.

Question : Okay. That's what I wanted to clarify because you reeled off some other numbers. And secondly, on the Bab al-Hawa crossing into Syria. How long was that extended for? And will it expire at the same time as this...?

Spokesman : No. The Bab al-Hawa, if I'm not mistaken, is until January of this year... of next year. Sorry, of 2024. So the other two were extended till...

Question : February 2024.

Spokesman : February 2024. Bab al-Hawa expires January 2024.

Question : Fifth of January.

Spokesman : Yes, ma'am. Okay. Monica, all yours. Thank you.

Question : Hey, Steph. You forgot your online fans. Yes, I have a question too.

Spokesman : Yes. Sorry. Okay. Go ahead.

Question : Can I just ask this...? Can I just ask you a quick one?

Spokesman : Yeah.

Question : The Secretary-General, in addition to meeting Senator Sanders, he also had a meeting this morning, I believe, with the GCC [Gulf Cooperation Council] ambassadors.

Question : Yeah. Did they have a specific request for him?

Spokesman : You would have to ask them, but it was obviously to discuss the situation in the Middle East. Okay. Abdelhamid?

Question : You hear my voice...? I'm not sure.

Spokesman : Go ahead.

Question : But if you do, the Secretary-General now took it upon himself to decide what the Palestinians should do in Gaza. Isn't that interference in their internal affairs?

Spokesman : It is not, it is not. He did not take that upon himself. First of all, he was asked for his opinion. Second of all, as far as we are concerned, the Palestinian Authority remains a representative of the Palestinian people, you know, as a Permanent Observer here. Dawn?

Question : Thanks, Steph. I have a question about the safe zones and also hospital situation. Yesterday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was saying that he's created humanitarian safe zone in south-west Gaza, below the fighting and that he's pushed in humanitarian aid to help those civilians. I know Martin Griffiths said that this decision was unilateral, that it doesn't sound as if the UN's involved with this, but I wanted to see, is this accurate? Is this true? Do you have any knowledge of this?

Spokesman : I mean, our position on safe zones, I think, as elaborated by Martin, remains the same and is the same as I think I elaborated last week. We are, of course, looking for solutions. We want to find a solution working with all the parties, including Israel, to find a way to deliver humanitarian aid safely to civilians as well as... so it's also safe for humanitarian workers. Okay.

Question : So just one more really quick. He also said that the UAE... he was talking about field hospitals, and one of the field hospitals he mentioned was the UAE. And then he said he wants the UAE to send a field hospital to Gaza and that he expects the UN to build it. Are you aware of this? Is the UN building hospitals?

Spokesman : No. I'm not aware that we are.

Question : Okay. Thanks.

Spokesman : Thank you. Monica, all yours.

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Mr. Martin Griffiths, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator - Opening Statement for the Sudan Humanitarian Forum, 13 November 2023

UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

As prepared for delivery

Welcome, everyone, to this very first meeting of the Sudan Humanitarian Forum.

I would like to start with a particular welcome to the representatives of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Your attendance here today reflects a shared recognition of the severity of the humanitarian crisis in Sudan. It is also a measure of your readiness to implement commitments to stemming the crisis and alleviate the horrendous impacts on millions of people.

I also want to welcome the presence of representatives of the co-facilitators of the second round of the Jeddah talks - the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United States and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, also representing the African Union. We recognize your determined efforts since the start of the conflict in support of the people of Sudan.

I am joined by our Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Ms. Clementine Nkweta-Salami. She will chair our discussion today, and I will hand over to her in a moment to set out in greater detail the terrible humanitarian impact of the past 7 months on the people of Sudan.

The conflict that broke out on 15 April, and that continues to this day, unleashed an avalanche of human suffering on people already staggering under the burden of a humanitarian crisis.

Across the country, communities have had to grapple with horrific levels of violence, hunger and sickness. More than 10,000 Sudanese have reportedly so far lost their lives. Many people have lost everything: their families, their homes, their belongings, their livelihoods. Children cannot go to school or see a doctor, and most basic services have come to an almost complete standstill. Women and girls have shouldered a particularly heavy burden, facing terrifying risks to their safety, including rape and kidnap.

Almost 25 million people in Sudan are now in need of humanitarian assistance.

The humanitarian community remains unwavering in our determination to get life-saving assistance to those who need it. Our teams on the ground are ready to deliver assistance to people wherever they may be.

But access is a serious problem.

Since mid-April, we have been able to reach only 4.1 million people with lifesaving aid - less than a quarter of the people who need our help.

What we desperately need is safe and unhindered access so we can reach all people in need.

Of particular importance is access in order to contain the ongoing cholera outbreak - including in conflict hotspots in Khartoum and South Kordofan - before it spirals out of control.

A key outcome of this Forum would be decisive progress in our ability to deliver assistance to the most vulnerable populations in Darfur, Khartoum, Kordofan and elsewhere.

In addition to access, concrete steps must be taken to implement obligations and commitments to protect civilians from the continuing fighting.

I am appalled by the horrific reports of extreme violence against civilians, including ethnic-based attacks and sexual violence. This must stop immediately. All actors must ensure protection of civilians in areas under their control, in line with their obligations.

Your discussions over the next hour - and in the weeks and months to come - could not be more important. This Forum is a critical opportunity to make progress towards relieving the suffering of the people of Sudan.

It will not be easy, but we know from experience that it is possible. Following the first round of Jeddah talks and the Jeddah Declaration of Commitments, we saw a significant improvement in our ability to move lifesaving supplies to hard-hit locations, including Khartoum and Darfur.

The success of this Forum - and our collective ability to turn this tide of human suffering - relies on you, the parties, and your willingness to engage in pragmatic dialogue, to reach compromise, and to commit to concrete steps. As you engage in these discussions, I urge you not to focus on your differences, but to keep the suffering of the Sudanese people at the very front of your minds.

We are here to support these efforts, under the very capable leadership of our Humanitarian Coordinator.

I urge you to seize this opportunity - for the benefit of the people of Sudan. I thank you.

I will now hand over the floor to Clementine.

13 November 2023

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UNRWA

13 Nov 2023

1. Key points

The Gaza Strip

Obtaining updated figures and information is becoming increasingly challenging, especially in the Middle area, due to serious communication breakdowns. In some areas, the telecommunications companies have stopped operating. It is expected that communications will start to fail as of Thursday 16 November, when telecommunications companies run out of fuel to operate their data centres and major connection sites .

Nearly 627,000 IDPs are sheltering in 97 facilities in the Middle, Khan Younis and Rafah areas . Nearly 160,000 IDPs were sheltering in 57 UNRWA schools in the North and Gaza areas as of 12 October 2023, before the evacuation order was issued by the Israeli Authorities. UNRWA is not able to access these shelters to assist or protect the IDPs and does not have information on their needs and conditions.

Nearly 787,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) are now sheltering in 154 UNRWA installations across all fve governorates of the Gaza Strip, including in the north.

The fight of tens of thousands of people who were forced to move on foot from north to south continued on 12 November. The UN and NGOs are supporting through presence and providing very basic assistance such as water and some food just south of Wadi Gaza. People were forced to walk several kilometres. Many were exhausted and dehydrated amid unusually high temperatures.

UNRWA received extremely concerning reports that Israeli Security Forces (ISF) entered one UNRWA school and two UNRWA health centres in the Gaza Strip with tanks and used the installations for military operations. UNRWA is further verifying these reports.

One UNRWA school in the north and one UNRWA building designated as a residence for UN international staff in Rafah area were directly hit by strikes . UN international staff present in Rafah had left the building 90 minutes before the strike. No casualties were reported among the staff although the guesthouse was severely damaged. This strike is yet another indication that nowhere is safe in Gaza. The coordinates of the UN international staff guesthouse were shared twice, including on 10 November. UNRWA shares coordinates of all its facilities across the Gaza Strip with parties to the conflict.

In the last 24 hours, one UNRWA staff member was killed with her family in the north of the Gaza Strip due to strikes. In total, 102 UNRWA colleagues have been killed and at least 27 injured since the beginning of the hostilities. This is the highest number of United Nations aid workers killed in a conflict in the history of the United Nations.

The West Bank, including East Jerusalem

ISF operations in cities and villages in the northern West Bank, as well as Qalandia and Shu'fat refugee camps, took place in the overnight/early morning between 11 and 12 November. Another ISF operation in Arroub refugee camp was reported late 12 November.

Last night, an exchange of fre took place between Palestinians and ISF during a search operation in Jenin city, and one Palestinian was killed.

Due to the security situation in the camp, and widespread damage to infrastructure hampering movement and access in and around the camp, UNRWA schools have turned to blended learning, i.e. using print and online materials.

Further to the ISF operation in Jenin refugee camp, on 9 November, UNRWA has reported damages to the streets around the Agency school compound, including two boys' and one girls' school, preventing access to the premises . The wall of the girls' school was reportedly partially demolished.

2. Overall situation

The Gaza Strip

Overall, around 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed in Israel, according to Israeli Authorities, the vast majority on 7 October (OCHA).

Over 27,490 people have been injured. Around 2,700 others, including 1,500 children, have been reported missing and may be dead or trapped under the rubble, awaiting rescue or recovery.

According to the Ministry of Health (MoH) in Gaza, as of 10 November over 11,078 people have been killed in the Gaza Strip since 7 October; two third of them are believed to be children and women . Due to the collapse in MoH services and communications in the north, casualty data has not been updated for the last two days.

The West Bank, including East Jerusalem

3. Humanitarian access & protection of civilians

The Gaza Strip

One UNRWA colleague was killed with her family in the North area due to strikes. 102 staff members have been killed since the beginning of the war.

Nearly one third of the UNRWA colleagues who were killed were below the Wadi Gaza line, in the southern and middle areas of the Gaza Strip.

One UNRWA school in the north was directly impacted by a strike that hit the middle of the schoolyard. No injuries were reported but the strike caused damage to the school building and created a large hole in the middle of the schoolyard. According to the latest available reports, over 8,300 internally displaced people (IDPs) were sheltering in the school as of 12 October.

An UNRWA building used as a residence by international UN staff in Rafah was directly hit by artillery fire. The upper floor of the building, the internal compound and the perimeter wall were severely damaged. No injuries were reported as the international UN staff had left the location shortly before the strikes.

Due to strikes close to one UNRWA school in Deir Al-Balah, in the Middle areas, three IDPs were injured by shrapnel that fell inside the school. 4,000 IDPs are sheltering in the school.

UNRWA received extremely concerning reports that Israeli Security Forces (ISF) entered one school and two health centres in Gaza city with tanks and used the installations for military operations. The reports received by UNRWA state that ISF conducted interrogations and arrests of IDPs in the installations. In one health centre, five people were reportedly killed. According to the reports, IDPs were subsequently forced to leave the UNRWA installations and move south towards Wadi Gaza. Witnesses reported that Israeli Forces then struck the two health centres with artillery fire. UNRWA is further verifying these reports. If confirmed, the military use of UNRWA facilities raises serious concerns, as such use puts civilians at serious risk of harm. Directing attacks against civilian objects is a serious violation of international law. Health centres, in particular, are also afforded special protection against attack.

At least 561 IDPs sheltering in UNRWA premises have been injured and 66 killed since 7 October. The number of killed and injured IDPs is likely to be higher as UNRWA is still trying to verify casualties of incidents impacting her installations in the North and in Gaza areas.

At least 63 UNRWA installations have been impacted since the beginning of the war. Most of these are south of Wadi Gaza, in the middle and southern areas.

On 12 November, a total of 48 trucks carrying humanitarian supplies, including medical supplies, food and drinking water, entered the Gaza Strip through Rafah, bringing the total number of trucks to 963 since 21 October when the first convoy was allowed to enter. Of those, 22 of the trucks which entered on 12 November were UNRWA trucks. UNRWA teams received all trucks in the convoys inside Gaza and helped with storage and distribution, in cooperation with other UN agencies.
UN: Aid Trucks Could Stop Rolling to Gaza Tuesday Without Fuel

By Margaret Besheer November 13, 2023

The United Nations warned Monday that the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip is growing more dire, as aid trucks will stop moving by Tuesday without more fuel, water wells have stopped pumping, and a telecommunications blackout looms.

"Humanitarian cease-fire, fuel, supplies  all of these should be happening now," Andrea De Domenico, head of the U.N.'s humanitarian office in East Jerusalem told reporters via a video briefing. "We are running out of time before really facing a major disaster."

He said 76 trucks with food, medicines, health supplies, bottled water, blankets and other urgent supplies crossed from Egypt into Gaza on Sunday, but that by Tuesday they could come to a halt without urgently needed fuel.

"The trucks that will arrive starting from tomorrow, we will not simply be able to unload them because we don't have the fuel for the forklift and we do not have the fuel for the trucks that distribute that assistance out to the people in need," De Domenico said.

Israel has banned fuel deliveries saying Hamas will divert it for their war machine.

The Israel Defense Forces have been battling the U.S.-designated terrorist group for more than a month now, since its fighters breached Israeli towns and cities on October 7, massacring 1,200 people and abducting 240 others.

The entire Gaza Strip, which is controlled by Hamas, has been under an electricity blackout for more than one month, crippling the work of hospitals and shutting down desalination plants, municipal water wells and bakeries.

Palestinian telecommunications provider Paltel said it faces a total blackout starting this Thursday if fuel is not received.

"The situation is really, really dire," U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told reporters. "We are extremely concerned about what might happen over the next few days."

Exodus from the north

In the north, thousands of Gazans are taking advantage of Israel's recent unilateral brief daily pauses in the hostilities to move south to safer areas, most on foot. But the hundreds of thousands left behind are facing an increasingly grave situation as fighting intensifies and supplies run out.

De Domenico said no aid trucks have been able to cross to the north in at least five days, since the Israeli military began closing in on the heart of Gaza City, making it too dangerous for humanitarians to move.

No bakeries have been operational since November 7, and the area has been under an electricity blackout and without running water for more than one month. The World Food Program has expressed concern about malnutrition and starvation.

Hospitals have been caught in increasing bombardments and clashes, putting staff, patients and displaced civilians sheltering in their compounds in growing danger. The sickest patients in intensive care units and newborns in neonatal units face death if the machines that keep them alive shut down because of a lack fuel.

The U.N. says its facilities in south and central Gaza are sheltering 780,000 of the 1.6 million displaced Gazans, but they warn that nowhere in the Strip is safe.

On Sunday, an UNRWA guesthouse in the southern city of Rafah housing international staff received three direct hits from Israeli naval fire. The agency, which assists Palestinians, said no staff were hurt, as they had left to do fieldwork just 90 minutes before the strike, but the building was significantly damaged. UNRWA said the parties to the conflict are aware of the coordinates of all its premises.

On Monday, the U.N. flag flew at half-staff at the organization's headquarters in New York and at duty stations around the world to honor the 101 Palestinian UNRWA staffers killed since October 7.

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EU Condemns Hamas for Using Civilians at Gaza Hospitals as Human Shields

By VOA News November 13, 2023

The European Union has jointly condemned Hamas for using hospitals and civilians as "human shields" in the Israel-Hamas war while EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell urged Israel "for maximum restraint in targeting in order to avoid human casualties."

In a show of unity, all 27 members of the bloc issued a statement that "the EU condemns the use of hospitals and civilians as human shields by Hamas."

At a meeting of the bloc's foreign affairs ministers, Borrell presented the statement he issued after weeks of often contrasting statements on how the group should address the Israel-Hamas war.

"You know how difficult it has been the last times, after the vote in the United Nations, where countries were voted in different ways, to present a completely united approach," Borrell said.

Only hours after EU leaders professed unity over the Israel-Hamas war on October 28, the member states were split in a vote on a General Assembly resolution calling for humanitarian truces in Gaza leading to a cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hamas.

Now, the EU nations joined in "calls for immediate pauses in hostilities and the establishment of humanitarian corridors, including through increased capacity at border crossings and through a dedicated maritime route, so that humanitarian aid can safely reach the population of Gaza."

The EU group reiterated its "call on Hamas for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. It is crucial that the International Committee of the Red Cross is granted access to the hostages," it said.

Latvian Foreign Minister Krisjanis Karins said that "Hamas is unfortunately using civilian infrastructure and civilians as shields against the Israel Defense Forces. So, the situation (is) absolutely not black and white."

The EU considers Hamas a terrorist organization. In response to the statement, Hamas called on Borrell to reverse his "outrageous and inhuman comments" and accused him of distorting facts. Hamas says Borrell's comments are a "cover-up" for Israel to "commit more crimes against children and defenseless civilians."

Israel says that Hamas militants use Gaza civilians as human shields by establishing command centers under hospitals as is the case, it claims, at Gaza City's largest Shifa Hospital.

The EU nations stopped short of calling for a cease-fire.

Commenting on the issue, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said she understands "the impetus for a cease-fire," but those who are seeking one must answer some questions such as, "how can the demand for a cease-fire, acutely, and now in this terrible situation guarantee that Israel's security is assured? What happens with the 200 hostages, and who negotiates it in a situation where negotiations barely seem possible?"

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Top Indonesian Islamic Clerics Call for Israel Boycott

By Fathiyah Wardah November 13, 2023

The top organization of Islamic scholars in Indonesia has issued a religious ruling mandating that Muslims in Indonesia must support the Palestinian people's fight for independence, and that supporting Israeli "aggression" is haram, or forbidden.

Asrorun Niam Sholeh, the chairman of Fatwa Division of the Indonesian Ulema Council, abbreviated as MUI, issued guidance on Friday that said supporting Israel or assisting those "who support Israeli aggression" against Palestinians is forbidden.

"MUI recommends to the Muslim community to avoid, as much as possible, transactions such as buying and selling with businesses that openly support aggression and the Zionist activities of Israel," said Niam.

MUI recommends Muslims in Indonesia avoid buying Israeli products or any products affiliated with Israel. However, the organization does not list any products or companies.

The group has also recommended that the government take decisive steps to assist the people in Gaza by engaging in diplomacy at the United Nations and among member countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation by urging them to collectively pressure Israel to stop the war.

Not everyone on board

Fadillah, a mother of two in the Bekasi area of West Java, was shopping at a supermarket in the area. The 50-year-old woman was checking the products on her list against a list of boycotted products, which she obtained from social media.

She says that she is determined not to buy Israeli products or products that support Israel.

"I don't want to contribute money that will be used to fight the people of Gaza," she said.

Indri Wulandari, a 35-year-old who lives in East Jakarta, feels the same way.

But, another resident, Vickry Hakim, who also resides in Bekasi, believes that boycotting Israeli products is not a solution to stop the violence in Gaza.

"Most products in Indonesia are from abroad," he said. "Especially if we boycott American products, I don't think it's possible because we use a lot of products from their country."

Effectiveness questioned

Mohammad Faisal, an economist with the Center of Reform on Economics, noted that an average citizen's knowledge of products affiliated with Israel is limited.

"In reality, there are many products, and many people do not know and consider them everyday products," said Faisal, who thinks it's still too early to measure the impact of the MUI fatwa, or edict.

Although the fatwa has yet to spread quickly on local social media networks, the intensity of the conflict means it could take hold.

Faisal also cautioned that if Israeli companies or those associated with Israeli interests employ Indonesian citizens, a decline in sales could lead to job cuts and layoffs.

The list circulating on social media among Indonesians includes international corporations including McDonald's, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Burger King, Pizza Hut, Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Nestle, Starbucks, Puma, Hewlett-Packard, Unilever, AXA, Siemens, and others.

So far, only Turkey has openly removed Coca-Cola and Nestle products from restaurant menus.

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Remarks by President Biden and President Joko Widodo of Indonesia Before Bilateral Meeting

November 13, 2023

4:22 P.M. EST

PRESIDENT BIDEN: Mr. President, welcome. Welcome to the White House.

We've spent a lot of time together over the last several years, and it's really wonderful that you're here. I'm grateful for the hospitality you showed me in Bali, and we're delighted to have you here.

Today, we're talking about taking our relationship to launching the highest possible level of cooperation: a Comprehensive Strate-  Strategic Partnership.

This will mark a new era between our  in the relationships between the United States and  and Indonesia across the board, affecting everything. It includes enhancing security cooperation, particularly maritime security. And it includes expanding our work together to build a secure and resilient supply chain. It includes deepening our collaboration to combat the climate crisis.

You know, I've told you this before, but Indonesia is a critical player  critical in the clean energy transition world.

And we're also going to continue to work with ASEAN to advance a free, open, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific. And I want to thank you  and I mean this sincerely  I want to thank you for your leadership on ASEAN this year. I really do.

As we mark nearly 75 years of cooperation between our nations, I'm of the view our partnership is stronger than it's ever been and is going to continue to get stronger.

I'm looking forward to our conversation today and  and to our cooperation with APEC Summit in San Francisco later this week.

As we say  used to say in the place that I worked a long time, the United States Senate, I yield the floor to my friend.

PRESIDENT WIDODO: It is an honor for me to fulfill the invitation from President Biden to visit Washington, D.C.

The U.S. is one of the most important partners for Indonesia. And we agreed to elevate our partnership into Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. But most importantly, we have to give a real meaning to it.

For Indonesia, economic cooperation is priority, including on supply chains issues.

Indonesia also wishes our partnership contribute to regional and global peace and prosperity. So, Indonesia appeals to the U.S. to do more to stop the atrocities in Gaza. Ceasefire is a must for the sake of humanity.

Once again, thank you for your invitation, President Biden.

Thank you.

PRESIDENT BIDEN: Thank you.

And as we met outside as you got out of your automobile, we had a very important discussion on climate. The President said, "I'm cold." (Laughter.) I told him I could take care of that immediately. (Laughter.)

Welcome.

PRESIDENT WIDODO: Thank you, President Biden.

PRESIDENT BIDEN: Thank you all so much.

PRESIDENT WIDODO: Thank you. Thank you.

4:28 P.M. EST

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Russo-Ukraine War - 13 November 2023 - Day 628

Su M Tu W Th F Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

"To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal]

The UK Ministry of Defence reported that in September 2023, independent Russian media outlet Vertska reported that up to 15% of Russian soldiers in Ukraine were using drugs, including amphetamines and cannabis, and that they were easy to obtain even on the frontline.

These reports are credible and follow numerous reports since the invasion of a high rate of disciplinary incidents, crimes and deaths related to alcohol abuse amongst the Russian force.

Russian commanders likely frequently punish drug and alcohol abusers by posting them to Storm-Z assault detachments, which have effectively become penal units. One of the core drivers of poor Russian discipline and substance abuse likely remains the continued lack of opportunity for combat troops to rotate away from the front line.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that during the day of November 13, there were 50x combat engagements. Russian forces launched a total of 2x missile and 32x air strikes, 23x MLRS attacks at the positions of Ukrainian troops and various settlements. Unfortunately, russian terrorist attacks have resulted in civilian casualties and injuries. Private residential buildings and other civilian infrastructure were destroyed and damaged.

The operational situation in east and south of Ukraine remains difficult.

Volyn and Polissya axes: no significant changes. No signs of formation of an offensive group. Certain units of the armed forces of Belarus continue their missions in the areas bordering Ukraine.

Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna axes: Russia maintains its military presence in the areas of russia bordering Ukraine. Russia continues its sabotage and reconnaissance activities, shelling Ukrainian settlements from the territory of Russia and increases the density of minefields along the state border of Ukraine. Around 15x settlements came under Russian artillery and mortar fire, including Tymonovychi, Leonivka (Chernihiv oblast), Seredyna-Buda, Bunyakyne, Mohrytsya, Hrabovs'ke, Popivka (Sumy oblast), Kozacha Lopan', Starytsya, Vovchans'k (Kharkiv oblast).

Kup'yans'k axis: Russian forces conducted assault operations in the vicinities of Syn'kivka, Petropavlivka, Ivanivka (Kharkiv oblast). The Ukrainian defenders repelled 6x attacks in the area. The Russian adversary launched air strikes in the vicinities of Pershotravneve and Kopanky (Kharkiv oblast). Russian forces fired artillery and mortars at the settlements of Dvorichna, Syn'kivka, Petropavlivka, Ivanivka, Berestove (Kharkiv oblast).

Lyman axis: the Russian adversary made failed assaults near Novojehorivka (Luhansk oblast). The Russian invaders launched air strikes in the area of Serebryans'ke forestry (Luhansk oblast), and Spirne, Vyimka (Donetsk oblast). The Russian occupiers fired artillery and mortars at around 10x settlements, including Nevs'ke, Bilohorivka (Luhansk oblast), Tors'ke, Serebryanka, Spirne, Rozdolivka (Donetsk oblast).

Bakhmut axis: Russian forces conducted assault operations in the vicinities of Ivanivske, Klishchiivka, Andriivka (Donetsk oblast), where Ukrainian defenders repelled 11x attacks. The Russian occupiers launched an air strike near Klishchiivka. The settlements of Chasiv Yar, Ivanivske, Klishchiivka, Kurdyumivka (Donetsk oblast) came under artillery and mortar fire.

Avdiivka axis: Russian forces conducted failed assault operations south of Novokalynove, Avdiivka, Sjeverne and east of Pervomais'ke (Donetsk oblast), where the Ukrainian Defense Forces repelled 8x attacks. The Russian occupiers launched air strikes near Novobakhmutivka and Avdiivka. Russian forces fired artillery and mortars at more than 10x settlements, including Sukha Balka, Keramik, Berdychi, Avdiivka, Opytne, Pervomais'ke (Donetsk oblast).

Mar'inka axis: Russian forces made unsuccessful assaults with air support in the vicinities of Mar'inka and Novomykhailivka (Donetsk oblast), where Ukrainian defenders repelled 15x attacks. The settlements of Oleksandropil', Krasnohorivka, Mar'inka, Pobjeda, Novomykhailivka, (Donetsk oblast) were under Russian artillery and mortar fire.

Shakhtars'ke axis: Russian forces conducted assaults south of Zolota Nyva (Donetsk oblast), to no success. Also, Russian forces launched air strikes near Vuhledar and Urozhaine (Donetsk oblast). Around 10x settlements, including Vodyane, Vuhledar, Prechystivka, Zolota Nyva, Blahodatne, Rivnopil' (Donetsk oblast), came under artillery and mortar fire.

Zaporizhzhia axis: The Russian occupiers made unsuccessful assaults near Robotyne (Zaporizhzhia oblast), where Ukrainian defenders repelled 4x Russian attacks. More than 10x settlements, including Poltavka, Huliaipole, Huliaipilske, Novodanylivka, Shcherbaky, Kam'yans'ke (Zaporizhzhia oblast), came under artillery and mortar fire.

Kherson axis: Russian forces launched air strikes near the settlements of Beryslav, Ivanivka (Kherson oblast). The settlement of Beryslav, Antonivka, Zelenivka, Veletens'ke (Kherson oblast) and the city of Kherson suffered from Russian artillery shelling.

At the same time, the Ukrainian Defense Forces continue their offensive operation on Melitopol' axis and offensive (assault) operations on Bakhmut axis, inflicting losses in manpower and equipment on the Russian occupation forces, exhausting Russian forces all along the front line.

During the day of November 13, Ukrainian Air Force launched 8x air strikes on concentrations of troops, weapons and military equipment, 1x strike on an air defense system of the Russian occupiers.

The Ukrainian missile troops hit 6x concentrations of troops, weapons and military equipment, 2x command posts, 4x artillery systems, 1x air defense system, and 1x vital target of the Russian invaders.

The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that in Kupyansk direction, the active actions of the Zapad Group of Forces supported by air strikes, artillery fire, and heavy flamethrower systems repelled four attacks launched by the assault groups of the 30th, 54th, and 57th mechanised brigades of the enemy close to Zagoruykovka and Timkovka (Kharkov region). The losses of the Armed Forces of Ukraine amounted to 160 troops killed and wounded, as well as two motor vehicles.

In Krasny Liman direction, the coordinated actions of the Tsentr Group of Forces, strikes of helicopters, artillery fire repelled four attacks launched by the assault groups of the 24th and 63rd mechanised brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, 12th Azov Special Forces Brigade, and 15th National Guard Regiment close to Chervonaya Dibrova and Kremennaya (Lugansk People's Republic). The enemy's losses amounted to 150 troops and one motor vehicle.

In Donetsk direction, the Yug Group of Forces jointly with aviation and artillery repelled two enemy attacks close to Belogorovka (Lugansk People's Republic) and Kleshcheyevka (Donetsk People's Republic).

In addition, the Russian troops inflicted fire damage on the 28th mechanised and 77th airmobile brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as well as the 241st territorial defence brigade close to Kurdyumovka, Razdolovka, and Bogdanovka (Donetsk People's Republic). The total enemy losses over the past day amounted to 205 troops, two armoured fighting vehicles, as well as two UAV control points.

In South Donetsk direction, the Vostok Group of Forces supported by aviation and artillery caused fire damage to the clusters of manpower of the 72nd mechanised and 79th air assault brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine near Nikolskoye and Novomikhailovka (Donetsk People's Republic). The enemy's losses amounted to 100 troops, three pick-up trucks, as well as one U.S.-made AN/TPQ-50 counter-battery radar station.

In Zaporozhye direction, one attack launched by an assault detachment of the AFU 65th Mechanised Brigade near Rabotino (Zaporozhye region) was repelled by the Russian Group of Forces, air strikes, and artillery fire.

Also, a cluster of manpower and hardware of the 117th Mechanised Brigade of the AFU north of Novopokrovka (Zaporozhye region) was hit by fire. The enemy's losses included up to 40 servicemen and two motor vehicles.

In Kherson direction, the enemy suffered losses of up to 60 Ukrainian servicemen killed and wounded, two pick-up trucks, and two Msta-B howitzers as a result of complex fire damage.

Operational-Tactical and Army aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles, and Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces have engaged AFU manpower and hardware in 118 areas during the day.

Ten Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles were shot down by anti-aircraft defence forces near Raigorodka, Sergeyevka (Lugansk People's Republic), Spornoye, Maryinka (Donetsk People's Republic), Novoye (Zaporozhye region), Novye Lageri(Kherson region).

In total, 534 airplanes and 254 helicopters, 8,881 unmanned aerial vehicles, 441 air defence missile systems, 13,383 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,183 combat vehicles equipped with MLRS, 7,073 field artillery guns and mortars, as well as 15,237 units of special military equipment have been destroyed during the special military operation.





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Russo-Ukraine War - 14 November 2023 - Day 629

Su M Tu W Th F Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

"To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal]

The UK Ministry of Defence reported that Russia has announced it will increase production of its 152mm Krasnopol-M2 laser-guided artillery munitions and improve the round's poor weather performance. Russian artillery has already achieved success with Krasnopol, often using it to accurately target individual Ukrainian vehicles. Russia's defence industry has been failing to make enough conventional munitions. The planned increase in Krasnopol manufacturing is likely an attempt to use production capacity more efficiently.

Russia utilises uncrewed aerial vehicles to designate targets for Krasnopol, by shining a laser beam at the target. However, low cloud has been the key limiting factor in the round's performance because its laser detector does not have time to spot the laser energy and manoeuvre for striking.

Russian industry will likely attempt to improve Krasnopol's flight performance and reduce the round's laser detection time. As winter weather closes in, it is likely that Russia's access to improved precision munitions will be one of the key factors in its operational performance in Ukraine.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that during the day of November 14, there were 57x combat engagements. Russian forces launched a total of 4x missile and 42x air strikes, 26x MLRS attacks at the positions of Ukrainian troops and various settlements. Unfortunately, Russian attacks have resulted in civilian casualties and injuries. Private residential buildings and other civilian infrastructure were destroyed and damaged.

The operational situation in east and south of Ukraine remains difficult.

Volyn and Polissya axes: no significant changes. No signs of formation of an offensive group. Certain units of the armed forces of Belarus continue their missions in the areas bordering Ukraine.

Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna axes: Russia maintains its military presence in the areas of russia bordering Ukraine. Russia continues its sabotage and reconnaissance activities, shelling Ukrainian settlements from the territory of Russia and increases the density of minefields along the state border of Ukraine. Around 15x settlements came under Russian artillery and mortar fire, including Klyusy, Sen'kivka, Hrem'yach (Chernihiv oblast), Volfyne, Veselivka, Tur'ya (Sumy oblast), Veterynarne, Starytsya, Budarky (Kharkiv oblast).

Kup'yans'k axis: Russian forces conducted assault operations in the vicinities of Syn'kivka, Petropavlivka (Kharkiv oblast). The Ukrainian defenders repelled 7x attacks in the area. The Russian adversary launched air strikes in the vicinities of Vil'shana and Cherneshchyna (Kharkiv oblast). The Russian invaders fired artillery and mortars at the settlements of Dvorichna, Syn'kivka, Petropavlivka, Ivanivka, Berestove (Kharkiv oblast).

Lyman axis: Russian forces made failed assaults near Nadiya and Serebryans'ke forestry (Luhansk oblast). The invaders launched air strikes near Pishchane (Luhansk oblast), and Serebryanka, Sivers'k, Spirne (Donetsk oblast). The Russian occupiers fired artillery and mortars at around 10x settlements, including Nevs'ke, Bilohorivka (Luhansk oblast), Yampolivka, Tors'ke, Spirne, Rozdolivka (Donetsk oblast).

Bakhmut axis: the Russian invaders conducted assault operations in the vicinities of Bohdanivka, Ivanivske, Klishchiivka, Andriivka (Donetsk oblast), where Ukrainian defenders repelled 10x attacks. Russian forces launched an air strike near Klishchiivka. The settlements of Khromove, Chasiv Yar, Ivanivske, Klishchiivka, Andriivka (Donetsk oblast) came under artillery and mortar fire.

Avdiivka axis: Russian forces conducted failed assault operations in the vicinities of Avdiivka, Sjeverne, Tonen'ke, Vodyane and east of Pervomais'ke (Donetsk oblast), where the Ukrainian Defense Forces repelled 15x attacks. The Russian occupiers launched air strikes near Novokalynove, Lastochkyne and Avdiivka. Russian forces fired artillery and mortars at more than 10x settlements, including Keramik, Novokalynove, Stepove, Avdiivka, Sjeverne, Pervomais'ke (Donetsk oblast).

Mar'inka axis: Russian forces made unsuccessful assaults with air support in the vicinities of Mar'inka and Novomykhailivka (Donetsk oblast), where Ukrainian defenders repelled 18x attacks. The settlements of Krasnohorivka, Mar'inka, Heorhiivka, Pobjeda, Novomykhailivka, Antonivka (Donetsk oblast) were under Russian artillery and mortar fire.

Shakhtars'ke axis: Russian forces conducted assault operations near Staromaiors'ke (Donetsk oblast), to no success. Also, the adversary launched an air strike near Urozhaine (Donetsk oblast). Around 10x settlements, including Vuhledar, Prechystivka, Zolota Nyva, Blahodatne, Urozhaine (Donetsk oblast), came under artillery and mortar fire.

Zaporizhzhia axis: Russian forces launched an air strike near Novodarivka (Zaporizhzhia oblast). More than 25x settlements, including Robotyne, Orikhiv, Novoandriivka, P'yatykhatky, Lobkove, Plavni (Zaporizhzhia oblast), came under artillery and mortar fire.

Kherson axis: the Russian invaders launched air strikes near the settlements of Novoberyslav and Beryslav (Kherson oblast). The settlement of Osokorivka, Shlyakhove, Beryslav, Ol'hivka (Kherson oblast) and the city of Kherson suffered from Russian artillery shelling.

At the same time, the Ukrainian Defense Forces continue their offensive operation on Melitopol' axis and offensive (assault) operations on Bakhmut axis, inflicting losses in manpower and equipment on the Russian occupation forces, exhausting Russian forces all along the front line.

During the day of November 14, Ukrainian Air Force launched 10x air strikes on concentrations of troops, weapons and military equipment of the Russian occupiers. Ukrainian air defense also destroyed 2x Shahed-136/131 attack UAVs and 1x Kh-59 air-launched cruise missile.

The Ukrainian missile troops hit 6x concentrations of troops, weapons and military equipment, 1x command post, 17x artillery systems, 3x air defense systems, and 1x fuel depot of the Russian invaders.

The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that in Kupyansk direction, units of the Zapad Group of Forces supported by aviation and artillery repelled eight attacks of the AFU 32nd, 57th, and 67th mechanised brigades near Sinkovka and Zagoruykovka (Kharkov region).

The enemy lost up to 155 Ukrainian troops and two pickup trucks.

In Krasny Liman direction, units of the Tsentr Group of Forces, helicopters, and artillery repelled six attacks of assault detachments of the AFU 12th Special Operations Brigade near Kuzmino (Lugansk People's Republic).

The enemy losses amounted to up to 210 Ukrainian troops killed and wounded, one Bradley infantry fighting vehicle, three motor vehicles, as well as one U.S.-made M119 Paladin self-propelled artillery system during the day.

In Donetsk direction, units of the Yug Group of Forces supported by aviation and artillery repelled five attacks of the AFU 22nd and 24th mechanised brigades near Maloilyinovka and Kleshcheyevka (Donetsk People's Republic).

In addition, strikes were delivered at manpower and hardware of the AFU 30th Mechanised Brigade close to Vasyukovka and Kurdyumovka (Donetsk People's Republic).

The enemy losses in this direction amounted to 300 Ukrainian troops killed and wounded, two armoured fighting vehicles, three pickup trucks, and one Msta-B howitzer.

In South Donetsk direction, units of the Vostok Group of Forces, helicopters, and artillery inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the AFU 79th Airborne Brigade near Novomikhailovka (Donetsk People's Republic).

In addition, strikes were delivered at manpower and hardware clusters of the AFU 128th Territorial Defence Brigade near Staromayorskoye and 58th Motorised Brigade close to Urozhaynoye (Donetsk People's Republic).

The enemy losses amounted to up to 60 Ukrainian troops, two armoured personnel carriers, two motor vehicles, as well as one Akatsiya self-propelled artillery system.

In Zaporozhye direction, units of the Russian Group of Forces supported by aviation and artillery inflicted losses on manpower and hardware clusters of the 33rd Mechanised Brigade near Rabotino (Zaporozhye region).

The enemy losses amounted to up to 75 Ukrainian troops, two armoured fighting vehicles, and two motor vehicles.

In the course of counterbattery warfare, one U.S.-made M777 artillery system, one M-46 towed gun, and one D-30 howitzer were wiped out.

In Kherson direction, as a result of artillery and aviation strikes near Antonovka and Shlyakhovoye (Kherson region), the AFU losses amounted to up to 95 Ukrainian troops and four motor vehicles.

In the course of the counter-battery warfare, three Polish-made Krab self-propelled artillery systems, two Gvozdika self-propelled artillery systems, and one Grad MLRS were neutralised.

Operational-tactical and Army Aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles, missile troops and artillery of the Group of Forces of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation destroyed one command and observation post of the AFU 79th Airborne Brigade near Antonovka (Donetsk People's Republic), as well as manpower and military hardware in 82 areas.

Air defence units intercepted two HIMARS MLRS projectiles and one U.S.-made JDAM aerial guided bomb.

Moreover, 23 unmanned aerial vehicles of the Armed Forces of Ukraine were shot down near Raigorovka, Lisichansk (Lugansk People's Republic), Lipovoye, Pervomayskoye (Donetsk People's Republic), Novaya Zburyevka, (Kherson region) and Mirnoye (Zaporozhye region).

In total, 534 airplanes and 254 helicopters, 8,904 unmanned aerial vehicles, 441 air defence missile systems, 13,392 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,184 combat vehicles equipped with MLRS, 7,084 field artillery guns and mortars, as well as 15,253 units of special military equipment have been destroyed during the special military operation.





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Cargo Standstill as Cyberattacks Close Australian Ports

By Phil Mercer November 13, 2023

Several major Australian ports are resuming operations after shutting down due to a cyberattack. The ports are run by DP World Australia, one of the country's biggest logistics companies. Authorities have not said who might be to blame.

The shutdown of several terminals followed a cyberattack on Australia's second largest port operator. DP World Australia said it was aware of malicious activity inside its computer network last Friday and shut down its systems in response.

The logistics company handles about 40% of all freight into and out of Australia. Terminals in Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney and Fremantle in Western Australia have been affected, leaving cargo and containers stranded on the docks.

The specific nature of the intrusion has not been made public, but experts have suggested that hackers would have demanded a ransom. Authorities say that finding out who is responsible will take time.

Australia's National Cyber Security coordinator says the flow of goods into and out of the country is likely to be disrupted for days. Authorities have said a national crisis management response used during the COVID-19 pandemic, has been activated in response to the breach.

The home affairs and cyber security minister, Clare O'Neil, told local media Monday that efforts are being made to ensure the company's computer network can safely be reactivated.

"DP World have been working with government to try to resolve this and in ways that will make sure that this does not impact as much as possible on Australians. It does show how vulnerable we have been in this country to cyber incidents," said O'Neil.

Last year, major health care and telecommunications companies were the victims of two of the most significant data breaches in Australian history.

Research published in November 2022 found that a third of Australian adults had been victims of data breaches in the previous year. A study by the Australian National University showed that cyberattacks were one of the fastest growing types of crime in the country.

The Australian Taxation Office has previously reported that it receives 3 million attempted hacks on its system every month.

The Australian Banking Association said cybercrime was "potentially a significant threat to ... national security."

In April 2023, the government in Canberra enlisted major banks and financial services to take part in 'wargaming' exercises to test how they would respond to cyberattacks.

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Adding fuel to the friendship

By Flight Lieutenant Steffi Blavius

13 November 2023

Returning to the Republic of Korea's skies, 33 Squadron delivered essential refuelling support for Exercise Vigilant Defense.

The exercise ran from October 30 to November 3, with a 33 Squadron KC-30A multi-role tanker transport (MRTT) flying its missions from Gimhae Air Base, Korea.

In the air, the KC-30A refuelled aircraft from the US Pacific Air Forces and US Marine Corps, including F-16Cs, F-35B Lightning IIs, and F/A-18C and D Hornets.

On the ground, RAAF personnel worked alongside Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) counterparts who operate the KC-330 Cygnus MRTT - a very similar tanker to the RAAF's own KC-30A.

It's the second year running that RAAF KC-30A crews have participated in the exercise, and builds on past cooperation with the ROKAF's tanker community.

Exercise Vigilant Defense is a large-force employment exercise providing essential readiness training for the Republic of Korea and the US alike.

The force-enabling capability that 33 Squadron provides with the KC-30A is crucial, and working with foreign forces enhances the RAAF's own air mobility capability and operational readiness.

Flight Lieutenant Dan Ellick, a KC-30A captain at the exercise, said the exercise strengthened the relationship that RAAF shared with participating air forces.

"Engaging in exercises like Vigilant Defense allows air mobility aviators to interact with each other, understand each other's practices, and further build on their own capability," Flight Lieutenant Ellick said.

Squadron Leader Anna Lovatt led the 33 Squadron detachment for the exercise.

"Participating in exercises like Vigilant Defense ensures RAAF aviators are prepared to support high-tempo flying operations required to secure a stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific," Squadron Leader Lovatt said.

"Continued engagement with other air forces is an important part of ensuring 33 Squadron and the KC-30A maintains operational preparedness."

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November 13, 2023

Release

New Uncrewed Undersea Capabilities Strengthen AUKUS Partnership

The UK, US and Australia have strengthened their maritime forces, introducing new uncrewed undersea vessels to extend the range and lethality of their warfare capabilities.

As part of the AUKUS partnership, the nations have taken part in a joint exercise off the east coast of Australia to test new equipment that will increase the protection of critical underwater infrastructure. During the exercise, Australia's new Undersea Support Vessel, Australian Defence Vessel (ADV) Guidance, hosted a range of undersea capabilities while they were tested at sea.

A recent addition to the Australian fleet, the ADV Guidance's primary role is to support undersea and surveillance systems trials and includes the ability to host a small team of sailors as well as on-board and off-board systems, with both crewed and uncrewed capability. Earlier this month, Lieutenant General Rob Magowan, the UK's Deputy Chief of Defence Staff for Military Capability, joined international representatives to witness the showcase of a range of advanced undersea capabilities deployed from ADV Guidance.

The UK's Offshore Patrol Vessel HMS Tamar, which is on a 5-year deployment to the Indo-Pacific, also played a key role in the exercise. HMS Tamar used a combination of divers and autonomous underwater vehicles to conduct mine countermeasure operations, and monitor critical infrastructure, including pipelines and communication cables.

Last week, First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Ben Key visited Australia to address the Australian Sea Power Conference, discussing the UK's commitment to the collective security of the region.

Key said:

"The recent AUKUS trials and exercise demonstrate the advances being made possible by our tri-lateral collaboration under the partnership. It is hugely exciting to see the strength of our three nations, coming together through the AUKUS partnership to successfully develop and demonstrate a range of underwater capabilities that are crucial to ensuring safety and security in the region and more broadly.

AUKUS is a landmark security and defence partnership between Australia, the UK, and the US to support a free and open Indo-Pacific by strengthening regional global security. This exercise is a significant step forward for delivery of the undersea warfare capabilities work stream under the second pillar of AUKUS.

AUKUS Pillar 2 seeks to strengthen trilateral capabilities in cutting-edge military technologies, increase interoperability, and drive knowledge-sharing and innovation. AUKUS partners are developing a suite of advanced capabilities including autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, and other key technologies for the three AUKUS nations. Pillar 2 complements trilateral efforts under AUKUS Pillar 1 to deliver a conventionally-armed nuclear-powered submarine capability to Australia."

Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond AO, Royal Australian Navy, said:

"Submarines are critical to the defence of Australia. Our submarines, and other military assets, will increasingly work with autonomous systems below and on the surface of the ocean to extend range and lethality.

AUKUS Pillar Two is about delivering advanced capabilities, including through technologies that extend reach and range.

As we have seen in the Ukraine conflict, scalable autonomous and semi-autonomous systems have the capacity to transform warfighting. The Defence Strategic Review (DSR) identified asymmetric capabilities like these as critical in the defence and protection of the nation.

These technologies originate from a range of industries, like the off-shore oil and gas and communications industries. They have been modified to carry a military payload to become force multipliers, working in concert with our ships, submarines and aircraft, and to serve as a key deterrent.

What we get by working with industry in this way is speed, what we get by doing it together under the AUKUS partnership is scale, where the sum of the whole is greater than its parts."

Admiral Samuel Paparo, U.S. Navy, the Commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet, said:

"These exercises accelerate our combined development of advanced military capabilities. In a dynamic strategic environment and the escalation of competitors' coercive activities, AUKUS is not just about the exchange of submarines and capabilities, it is an expansion of our continued trust in and commitment to our allies.

We are prioritizing capabilities that improve our warfighter's ability to see, understand, decide and act - then work together to bolster integrated deterrence.

Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States are developing and fielding joint advanced military capabilities to promote security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. The strategic alignment of our national defense strategies anchored by shared values is driving unprecedented collaboration in advanced technologies.

Our trilateral exercises develop and deliver interoperable, threat-informed capabilities key to the warfighter, and contribute to sustained defense industrial-based collaboration. Meanwhile, the AUKUS partners are investing in trilateral projects that are enhancing our scientific and technological capacity to build enduring advantages for the future."

Earlier this month, the Australian Deputy Prime Minister joined the UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps on a visit to Rolls Royce in Derby - the location where the nuclear reactors will be built for the SSN-AUKUS submarines under the AUKUS collaboration.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3586592/

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Tsahkna at the conference on Belarus: We stand jointly for the people of Belarus to be able to live freely

Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

13.11.2023

On Friday 10 November, a conference on the future of Belarus was held at the Tallinn Creative Hub, with many representatives of the Belarusian opposition attending, including Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya. Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna also took part in the conference.

The day was opened by Foreign Minister Tsahkna with a speech that highlighted the common efforts of Estonia and Belarus towards democracy and support for Ukraine in the war against Russia. Tsahkna underlined that we must fight together to prevent the forces of evil from prevailing over freedom. "The people of Estonia know how difficult it is to stand up for your country while living far away from your homeland. The democratic forces of Estonia and Belarus are standing jointly for the Belarusian people to live freely and for them to have the correct information," he said

In the opening panel, Tsahkna spoke to the deputy head of the transitional government of Belarus Pavel Latushka about the future of Belarus and the situation caused by the war in Ukraine. "Ukraine is fighting for the freedom of us all. Lukashenko is also responsible for the aggression and war crimes committed by Russia, and he needs to be held accountable alongside Russia's leadership," Tsahkna said.

The second panel focused on the role of the civil society and free media in Belarus. Exiled journalists, heads of media houses and communication experts took part in the panel. The discussion focused on the role of social activism and free media and the strategy for ingraining democratic values in Belarus. Participants saw reaching Belarusians with their messages as one of the main problems.

"We have been blocked in Russia and Belarus, and more than a hundred of our domains have been closed but we are finding new ways," Media Manager Aleksandra Pushkina said. "Our goal is to keep the number of readers from falling because every number represents a person and it is important for us to reach them," she said. Head of TBD Media Anton Penkovski said the opposition media must always have several backup plans for reaching people.

"When visiting Estonia, we can see how informed Estonians are about what is happening in Belarus, and they understand the seriousness and true meaning of the situation. Unfortunately, this is not the case across all of Europe, and it is our job to make the people living in democratic Europe understand that what is happening in Belarus is not merely a protest, it is a grave abuse of society and the rights of people," Olena Malinovska, Media Manager at EU Neighbours East, said.

The panel was closed by Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who thanked Estonia for organising the conference and emphasised that the future of Belarus was in Europe. "Our people, volunteers, activists and human rights defenders will not tire of fighting for Belarus," she said.

The third panel was moderated by US Ambassador to Estonia George P. Kent and it looked at human rights violations and holding the Belarusian regime accountable. The safety of people is one of the greatest issues in working against the regime. It was a common and major problem mentioned by almost all panellists throughout the day. "We must all contribute to the release of political prisoners in Belarus. They are heroes who have sacrificed their freedom for democracy. In our view, the sanctions against Belarus must be ramped up because the ones in force now are not enough for Lukashenko to leave power. The cost of the war must be raised further," Andrei Sharnedo, who has been an opposition activist for nearly 30 years, said.

"Lukashenko has been declared a criminal. Why do we allow him to continue to travel by plane, move around quite freely, and why have we not held him accountable for his crimes yet?" Deputy Head Latushka, whose brother is a political prisoner in Belarus, said in a powerful statement.

The last panel explored the future visions for Belarus, with several panellists highlighting that Belarus belonged in Europe and the future of a democratic Belarus would be in the European Union. "We must begin work right now in order to ensure that the citizens who have left due to the current regime return once democracy is restored," Deputy Speaker of the Belarusian Coordination Council and Head of the NGO Honest People Lena Zhivoglod said. "It is crucial that there is no new pro-Russian ruler. Our society must stand against this and to this end, we must speak more about the future and opportunities, and involve people in discussions," she said.

Alina Kaushik, the spokesperson for Belarusian culture and language and a representative of the transitional government, underlined that perpetuating one official language was characteristic of a European country and said it was something Belarus could learn from Estonia. Participants thanked the organisers for holding the conference in Belarusian.

The conference was organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in cooperation with the Estonian Institute of Human Rights.

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Leaders of China, US set to discuss strategic issues in bilateral relations: FM

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Nov 13, 2023 08:50 PM

The leaders of China and the US will have an in-depth talk on the strategic, overall, and directional issues concerning China-US relations, as well as major issues related to world peace and development, said the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Monday over the closely watched upcoming interaction, emphasizing that China will always handle the bilateral relations based on mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation.

Great power competition is not the solution to the challenges faced by the US and the world and China opposes defining China-US relations as competition, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning.

Mao respectively responded to the so-called concerns which an anonymous White House official said would be raised over the Taiwan question, the South China Sea and the Palestine-Israel conflict during the top leaders' meeting.

"Each US government has made clear commitments on the Taiwan question throughout its history. During the Bali Summit, the US stated that it does not support Taiwan independence. The US should faithfully adhere to the One-China Principle and take concrete actions against Taiwan independence," said Mao as the official said the US doesn't support "Taiwan independence" and wants no change in the status quo.

It is the Democratic Progressive Party and the external forces supporting its pursuit of "Taiwan independence" who are changing the status quo, said Mao.

Mao urged the US to stop making excuses and not to interfere in territorial and maritime disputes between China and other countries, and to stop using these issues to contain or suppress China. The remarks were made in response to announcement that the US will emphasize its security commitment to the Philippines over the South China Sea issue during the meeting.

Over the Palestine-Israel conflict, Mao said the Chinese side always stands on the side of fairness and justice, maintains close communication with relevant parties, and is committed to de-escalating the situation and protecting civilians.

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Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on November 13, 2023

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

2023-11-13 18:57

At the invitation of Maldivian President-elect Mohamed Muizzu, President Xi Jinping's Special Envoy and State Councilor Shen Yiqin will visit the Maldives from November 15 to 18 and attend the inauguration ceremony of the new President to be held on November 17 in MalA. At the invitation of the Sri Lankan government, State Councilor Shen Yiqin will visit Sri Lanka from November 18 to 21.

People's Daily: China and the US have both announced an upcoming meeting between the two Presidents. Senior officials of the White House National Security Council said on the condition of anonymity on November 10 that through the meeting the US is looking toward "managing the competition, preventing the downside risk of conflict and ensuring channels of communication are open." They also said that, "We know efforts to shape or reform China over several decades have failed." The US will raise concerns to China over bilateral and hotspot issues. The US is not supportive of Taiwan independence, wishes to maintain the status quo, and opposes China's increasingly frequent military actions in the Taiwan Strait. The US will also underscore its commitment to the security of the Philippines in the South China Sea. On the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the US will underscore its desire for China to make clear that Iran should not seek to escalate or spread violence in the region. What's China's response?

Mao Ning: China has announced President Xi Jinping's trip to the US for a summit meeting at the US invitation. The two Presidents will have in-depth communication on issues of strategic, overarching and fundamental importance in shaping China-U.S. relations and major issues concerning world peace and development.

China views and handles its relations with the US in accordance with the three principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation proposed by President Xi Jinping. Major-country competition runs counter to the trend of our times and provides no answer to the problems in the US or the challenges in our world. China does not fear competition, but we do not agree that China-US relations should be defined by competition. Speaking of concerns, the US needs to respect China's concerns and legitimate right to development, rather than emphasizing its own concerns at the expense of China's interests. To seek to remodel other countries in one's own image is wishful thinking in the first place and typical hegemonism which is going nowhere. China doesn't seek to change the US, nor should the US seek to shape or change China. We hope the US will act on its commitment of not seeking a new Cold War with China and having no intention to seek a conflict with China, and work with China to bring bilateral relations back to the track of sound and stable development.

The status quo in the Taiwan Strait is that both sides of the Strait belong to one and the same China. It is the DPP authorities and the external forces supporting and conniving at their separatist agenda that are changing the status quo. The Taiwan question is China's internal affair and resolving it is a matter for the Chinese that brook no foreign interference. Successive US administrations have made clear commitments on the Taiwan question. During the summit meeting in Bali, the US said explicitly that the US government doesn't support "Taiwan independence". The US needs to honor its commitment to one China and oppose "Taiwan independence" with concrete actions.

China has made clear on multiple occasions the nature of the South China Sea issue and what our principled position is. China will neither take any inch of territory that is not ours, nor give up any inch of territory that belongs to us. China is committed to settling relevant disputes through negotiation and consultation with relevant countries and will not waver in our determination to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity. The US needs to stop creating pretexts and interfering in the disputes between China and relevant countries over territorial and maritime rights and interests, still less contain and encircle China by exploiting those issues.

The ongoing Palestinian-Israeli conflict continues to grip the world's attention. China stands on the side of equity and justice. We have been in close contact with relevant parties and committed to deescalation and protection of civilians. We hope that the US will follow an objective and just stance and play a constructive role in halting the conflict.

China Review News: It's reported that the Lizi port at the China-Nepal border is officially open today. Can you confirm that and give us more details?

Mao Ning: As a result of the friendly negotiation and joint efforts between China and Nepal, the Lizi-Nechung port is officially opened and a ceremony was held earlier today. This is part of the important efforts to deliver on the common understandings between leaders of our two countries. The Lizi-Nechung trading post is the fourth pair of ports for passenger and cargo transfer between China and Nepal. We welcome the successful opening of the Lizi-Nechung port and believe that it will further ease trade and travel between our two countries, contribute to economic and social development in border areas and benefit the two peoples.

Bloomberg: According to reports, China is considering resuming purchases of Boeing's 737 Max aircraft when the US and Chinese Presidents meet in San Francisco, signaling a thaw in China-US relations. This will be a long-awaited deal for the Boeing company. Do you have any comment on this?

Mao Ning: I'd refer you to competent Chinese authorities on that.

AFP: According to Japanese media reports, a Japanese man was sentenced by Hunan High People's Court on November 3. The man was detained in 2019 in Changsha on suspicion of violating China's counter-espionage law. Can the Foreign Ministry confirm this sentence?

Mao Ning: I'd refer you to the competent authorities about the specifics of the case. China is a country under the rule of law and handles relevant case and protects the lawful rights and interests of the person concerned in accordance with the law.a

China News Service: Last Friday, the Philadelphia Orchestra held a concert in Beijing to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the orchestra's first visit to China in 1973. President Xi Jinping replied to a letter from the president and CEO of the orchestra, in which President Xi encouraged the orchestra to continue the efforts to strengthen people-to-people ties between China and the US and enhance friendship between peoples of the world. US President Biden also sent a congratulatory letter to the orchestra. Would you like to comment on the event's significance in the context of China-US relations?

Mao Ning: We congratulate the Philadelphia Orchestra on the success of its commemorative concert marking the 50th anniversary of its first visit to China. We noted that the programme of the concert includes the Chinese traditional masterpiece The Moon over A Fountain, well-known to American as well as Chinese audience, and the more recent Echoes of Ancient Tang Poems which creatively blends Chinese and Western symphony music. The performance encapsulates the course of China-US friendship over the past half a century and drew warm accolades from the audience.

Cultural and people-to-people exchanges have always been a vital component of China-US relations and a source of driving force for the growth of the relations. As President Xi Jinping noted in the letter, music knows no borders and culture can serves as a bridge. Half a century ago, the orchestra's China tour marked a thaw in China-US cultural exchange, which carried special significance in the normalization of the two countries' diplomatic relations. Last Friday's special concert presented by the orchestra and the China National Symphony Orchestra alongside vocalists from various countries will go down in history as cherished memory. The reply letter by President Xi and the congratulatory letter by President Biden speak to the importance the leaders of the two countries attach to China-US cultural exchange and their hope for it to flourish.

We look forward to more China-US cultural exchanges that will bolster the mutual understanding and goodwill between our two peoples.

Bloomberg: Bloomberg also reported today that Thailand is considering having Chinese police personnel stationed at some popular tourist destinations to increase their appeal for Chinese tourists. Some say this might have some ramifications on Thailand's sovereignty. What's your comment?

Mao Ning: I am not aware of what you asked about. I'd refer you to China's competent authorities.

Anadolu Agency: Director-General of the World Health Organization Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said yesterday that Dar Al-Shifa Hospital, the largest health facility in Gaza Strip, cannot serve basic functions as a medical facility anymore because of lack of electricity, water and communications. He said the number of patient deaths is significantly increasing. There are also reports about military strikes targeting the ICU, surgical units and maternity ward of the hospital. What's the Foreign Ministry's comment on the situation in Dar Al-Shifa and other medical facilities in Gaza?

Mao Ning: It's been over a month since the Gaza conflict broke out. The humanitarian situation on the ground has become extremely dire. The struggling Dar Al-Shifa Hospital is an epitome of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. China calls for an immediate ceasefire between parties to the conflict, all efforts possible to protect civilians and scaled-up humanitarian aid effort to ease the humanitarian crisis. Relevant members of the international community need to take substantive measures and make a great effort to this end.

CCTV: Saudi Arabia hosted the Saudi-African Summit and the Joint Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit last week. Both summits called for an immediate ceasefire, protection of civilians, humanitarian access, greater humanitarian assistance for Gaza and the establishment of an independent state of Palestine based on the two-state solution in the context of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. What's China's comment?

Mao Ning: The situation in Gaza is quite dire. China supports all efforts aimed to deescalate the situation and bring back peace. The Saudi-African Summit and the Joint Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit sent a clear message of bringing about a ceasefire, protecting civilians, scaling up humanitarian assistance and implementing the two-state solution. This is welcomed by China.

Since the Palestinian-Israeli conflict broke out, China has been in close communication with relevant parties to call for ceasefire and restoration of peace. On halting the current conflict, China's position is very much similar to that of the vast Arab, Islamic and African developing countries. China will work with relevant parties to continue to work relentlessly to protect civilians, deescalate the situation, resume talks for peace and realize peace.

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China hosts joint drills amid tensions in South China Sea

The Philippines is not taking part in the Aman Youyi military drills between China and 5 ASEAN nations.

By RFA Staff 2023.11.13 -- A joint military exercise between China and five Southeast Asian nations opened Monday in Zhanjiang in southern Guangdong province, Chinese state broadcaster CCTV reported.

The militaries from Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam have sent personnel and warships to the Aman Youyi-2023 (Peace and Friendship-2023) drills, which focus on joint anti-terrorism and maritime security, according to a statement from China's Ministry of National Defense.

"The aim is to help participants enhance their urban anti-terrorism, maritime anti-terrorism and anti-piracy capabilities, and deepen military mutual trust and cooperation to safeguard regional peace and stability," the ministry said.

It did not specify how long the drills off the coast of Zhanjiang will last but the Cambodian and Vietnamese defense ministries said Aman Youyi-2023 is expected to conclude on Nov. 22.

This is the first time Vietnam, Cambodia and land-locked Laos are taking part in the exercise, initiated by China and Malaysia in 2014.

On Friday law enforcement vessels from China and the Philippines confronted each other over the latter's resupply mission to its troops stationed at the disputed Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea.

Manila accused Beijing of blocking Philippine ships as well as firing water cannons at one of them. China said the ships trespassed into Chinese waters.

'The right approach'

The Philippines in the past joined the drills as an observer but is not participating this time.

Vietnam and Malaysia, which also hold contesting claims over parts of the South China Sea, have sent teams to Zhanjiang.

"Some countries participating in the Aman Youyi-2023 exercise also have maritime disputes in the South China Sea, but they chose the right approach, which is not to let disputes affect friendship and cooperation and jointly safeguard regional peace and stability," Chinese military expert Zhang Junshe was quoted as saying in the pro-Beijing Global Times.

Manila, however, took part in some large-scale U.S.-led regional military exercises such as Cobra Gold in March and Balikatan in April.

This year marks the fifth Aman Youyi exercise and the first hosted by China. The previous four editions were held in Malaysia.

Cambodia's Ministry of Defense said it dispatched 92 soldiers to take part while Vietnam sent one of its Gepard-class frigates, the Quang Trung (016).

China has been seeking closer military-to-military cooperation with Southeast Asian countries to respond to what it calls "interference" from the United States and its allies.

China and Laos held a joint military exercise called Friendship Shield 2023 in Laos in May. In March, Cambodia and China carried out exercise Golden Dragon 2023 in Cambodia's Kampong Chhnang province.

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 November 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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READOUT: Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen's Meeting with Minister of Finance Lan Fo'an of the People's Republic of China

U.S. Department of the Treasury

November 13, 2023

SAN FRANCISCO - Today, Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen held an introductory meeting with Minister of Finance Lan Fo'an of the People's Republic of China (PRC). Secretary Yellen spoke about her meeting with PRC Vice Premier He Lifeng earlier this week and conveyed the continued importance of maintaining resilient communication channels with China, including through the Economic and Financial Working Groups.

###

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In Meeting With Xi, Biden Will Seek Restoration of Military Communication

By Patsy Widakuswara November 13, 2023

Reestablishing communication between militaries of the two superpowers will be high on President Joe Biden's agenda Wednesday during a highly anticipated meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, in the San Francisco Bay area, a senior administration official says.

The leaders will be meeting on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit that the U.S. is hosting.

The Biden-Xi summit will be the first face-to-face meeting between the two presidents since they met last year in Bali, Indonesia.

It's a positive sign for the rocky U.S.-China relationship and follows a wave of increased engagement between American and Chinese officials. The administration already has sent several high-ranking officials to Beijing this year, including Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, Treasury Secretary Janet L. Yellen and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo.

Biden is "determined to take the necessary steps" to reestablish military communication channels with Beijing, said the senior administration official, who spoke to reporters Thursday evening on the condition of anonymity. The administration believes the step will inject more stability into the relationship and lower the risk of a military miscalculation.

China suspended military communication last year to protest then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's August visit to Taiwan. Included in the suspension were the Defense Policy Coordination Talks, intended to maintain effective communication channels and reduce risks, and the Maritime Military Communications Agreement, which enables ship and aircraft operators to communicate regularly.

Blinken was unable to reestablish communication channels during his visit to Beijing in June. "The Chinese have been reluctant. And so, the president is going to press assertively next week," the senior administration official said.

Joint Chiefs Chairman General Charles Q. Brown Jr. told reporters Friday that he had sent a letter to his Chinese counterpart, General Liu Zhenli, underscoring the U.S. request. Brown said he was "hopeful."

"It's reasonable to expect that there's going to be some movement toward the resumption of some level of important dialogue," Michael D. Swaine, a senior research fellow at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, a Washington think tank. "But exactly to what extent and how enduring it's going to be, I think remains to be seen," he told VOA.

Restarting the talks does not imply there will be any substantive breakthroughs, warned Zack Cooper, a senior fellow focusing on U.S. strategy in Asia at the American Enterprise Institute, a policy research group in Washington.

"Beijing continues to believe that crisis management mechanisms generally favor the United States, by allowing Washington to operate near China's coast with less risk of escalation," he told VOA. "So, although I expect some of these dialogues to restart, I would not assume that they will be particularly productive."

Election interference

The Biden-Xi meeting comes just months before Taiwan's presidential election in January, and Washington wants Beijing not to meddle in the campaign. China considers the self-governing island its wayward province.

"Any actions or interference in the election would raise extremely strong concerns from our side," said a second senior administration official in the same briefing.

Such calls are likely to go unheeded. "I doubt that Beijing will have any comments regarding a purported U.S. request not to interfere in Taiwan elections," Bonnie Glaser told VOA. Glaser is the managing director of the Indo-Pacific Program at the German Marshall Fund of the United States, a public policy research group.

Beijing's preferred candidate is former New Taipei City Mayor Hou Yu-ih, candidate of the Kuomintang opposition party. Hou has been campaigning on the message "Vote for the Kuomintang, and there will be no war on both sides of the Taiwan Strait."

But polls show that Vice President William Lai, who represents the incumbent Democratic Progressive Party and favors a tougher approach to Beijing, is in the lead. Experts predict a Lai win would lead to a much more confrontational China.

In video remarks to a forum in Hong Kong on Thursday, China's ambassador to the United States, Xie Feng, said China wanted reassurances that "the U.S. does not seek to change China's system, does not seek a new Cold War, does not support Taiwan independence and has no intention to seek decoupling from China."

Understanding between the U.S. and China on Taiwan is key, said Yun Sun, director of the China Program at the Stimson Center, a Washington think tank.

"The biggest issue is the stabilization of bilateral relations," she told VOA. "Given the upcoming Taiwan elections, it is particularly important for them to have some consensus to prepare for the upcoming turmoil."

Washington does not take a position on Taiwan's sovereignty but opposes unilateral changes to the status quo from either side a something that Biden will reaffirm to Xi. The president will "ensure that we're clear we are not supportive of Taiwan independence," the second official said.

Regional conflicts

The conversation is expected to cover a broad range of irritants in the bilateral relationship, as well as global problems such as climate change, artificial intelligence and the scourge of fentanyl.

The leaders will also share views on regional conflicts, including North Korea's weapons program, the war in Ukraine and the conflict in Gaza, the officials said.

The president will convey to Xi that it is essential for Iran not to widen the war in Gaza and spread violence in the Middle East. "If Iran undertakes provocative actions anywhere," the senior administration official said, "the United States is prepared to respond and respond promptly."

Beijing has growing clout in the region after it brokered a deal to normalize relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran in March. So far, China has carefully navigated the conflict between Israel and Hamas, stopping short of explicitly taking sides, while calling for a cease-fire and a two-state solution.

VOA's Paris Huang contributed to this report.

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China Holds Naval Drills With Pakistan in Arabian Sea

By Ayaz Gul November 13, 2023

Pakistan is hosting a weeklong naval exercise with China in the Arabian Sea that officials said Monday would further enhance their "joint operational capabilities in dealing with maritime security threats and safeguarding peace."

The two neighboring countries began the drills Saturday at a naval base in Karachi in the waters and airspace of the northern Arabian Sea and will conclude them on November 17.

China's defense ministry said Monday the two navies would also conduct joint anti-submarine warfare, noting that "China and Pakistan will conduct their first joint maritime patrol."

The ministry said several warships and submarines, including the guided-missile destroyer Zibo, guided-missile frigates Jingzhou and Linyi, and a People's Liberation Army (PLA) Marine Corps unit, are participating in the Sea Guardian-3 exercise.

The Pakistan Navy said after the opening ceremony that participants would jointly conduct "advanced level drills and naval maneuvers" during the exercise.

"The aim... is to share professional experiences on contemporary traditional and non-traditional threats in (the) Indian Ocean region as well as to enhance bilateral cooperation and interoperability between the two navies," the statement said.

Chinese state media quoted Liang Yang, commander at a PLA Navy base and the general director of the exercise, telling Saturday's opening ceremony that it aims to enhance "the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and boosting defense cooperation" with Pakistan.

China recently delivered four 'Type 054A/' guided missile frigates to Pakistan, with Hangor-class attack submarines jointly under construction in both countries.

Their latest drills follow what Moscow describes as "the first Russian-Myanmar naval exercise in modern history," held from Nov. 7-9 in the Andaman Sea on the northeastern fringe of the Indian Ocean, considered a milestone for Russia's naval presence in a sea that the United States counts as one of its global security interests.

Amid the push for deeper security ties between China and Pakistan, and Russia and Myanmar, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin held defense talks in New Delhi last week with their Indian counterparts.

In a joint statement issued after the "2+2 Dialogue" on November 10, the United States and India reaffirmed their commitment to a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region. However, the statement did not mention China. The two sides, without naming Russia, also "expressed mutual deep concern over the war in Ukraine and its tragic humanitarian consequences."

While New Delhi's relations with Washington have steadily strengthened, it has carefully preserved longstanding relations with Moscow, including defense cooperation.

Beijing has long maintained close defense ties with Islamabad, but the two allies have also deepened economic cooperation under China's global infrastructure project, the Belt and Road Initiative, or BRI, in recent years.

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, an extension of the BRI, has brought more than $25 billion in Chinese investments in building roads, ports, and power plants in the South Asian nation over the past decade. The massive program has completed and operationalized Pakistan's strategically located Arabian Sea port of Gwadar.

Some information in this report came from Reuters.

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China calls on the intl community to support the establishment of a Middle East zone free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Nov 14, 2023 12:05 PM Updated: Nov 14, 2023 11:55 AM

China supports the establishment of a Middle East zone free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction and believes that this move will help curb the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, safeguard the authority and effectiveness of international non-proliferation regimes, and reduce the risk of an arms race and conflict, thereby providing an important mechanism for the maintenance of long-term regional peace and security, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations Geng Shuang said in remarks at the Fourth Session of the Conference on the Establishment of a Middle East Zone Free of Nuclear Weapons and other Weapons of Mass Destruction on Monday.

According to Geng, there have been three successful sessions of this conference which is taking place at a time when the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is intensifying.

Given the current context, the international community should make greater efforts to support the establishment of a Middle East zone free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction, which is of great urgency and relevance in facilitating reconciliation and cooperation among regional countries in the Middle East and advancing the Middle East peace process, Geng said.

Geng noted that peace and security in the Middle East impacts not only the interests of regional states, but also global stability. In response to the current global and regional security dilemma, China maintains that the international community should adhere to the concept of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, insist on building a balanced, effective, and sustainable international security architecture, and adhere to a new path to security that features dialogue over confrontation, partnership over alliances, and win-win over zero-sum. This is one of China's main areas of focus in eliminating the root causes of international conflicts and achieving durable stability and security in the region.

According to Geng, the Middle East question, with its intertwined historical and practical contradictions, cannot be resolved overnight. It requires all parties to uphold the concept of common security, adhere to the principle of indivisibility of security, and gradually shape a favorable political and diplomatic atmosphere. Countries in the region should strengthen their solidarity and coordination and forge mutual trust and consensus.

Certain country outside the region should abandon their narrow geopolitical interests and political manipulation, stop deliberately provoking confrontation in the region, and make practical contributions to the maintenance of regional security, Geng said.

Maintaining the authority and effectiveness of the international nuclear non-proliferation regime is crucial to the establishment of a nuclear weapon free zone in the Middle East. The countries of the region concerned should accede to international conventions such as the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), and the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) as soon as possible and should strictly abide by their treaty obligations, Geng said.

Recently, comments by Israeli officials on the use of nuclear weapons in the Gaza Strip caused an uproar. China was shocked by statements and expressed concern. The Israeli statements were universally condemned. It is extremely irresponsible and disturbing. Such statements run counter to the international consensus that a nuclear war cannot be won and must not be fought, on contrary to the international spirit of establishing a Middle East zone free of nuclear weapons, and go against the overwhelming international call to deescalate, cease hostilities, and protect civilians, Geng noted.

China urges Israeli officials to retract these statements, and we urge Israel to accede to the treaty on the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons as a non-nuclear weapon state as soon as possible and to place all its nuclear facilities under IAEA safeguards, Geng said.

According to Geng, China firmly commits to a nuclear strategy of self-defense. Since it first acquired nuclear weapons, China pledged not to use nuclear weapons first at any time or under any circumstances, and not to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear weapon states and nuclear weapon free zones unconditionally. It is the only nuclear weapon state to have made the above commitments.

China advocates that pending the complete prohibition and thorough destruction of nuclear weapons, all nuclear weapons states should undertake not to be the first to use nuclear weapons and not to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear weapon states and nuclear weapon free zones, Geng said.

Meanwhile, special Envoy of the Chinese Government on the Middle East Issue Zhai Jun met with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and exchanged opinions on the Israel-Palestine conflicts during a visit in TArkiye on Monday.

According to Zhai, the international community should take prompt action and seek an immediate ceasefire to prevent the situation from further deterioration or risk the situation getting out of control, urge the conflicting parties to strictly adhere to international humanitarian law, exert every effort to protect civilians and prevent a larger-scale humanitarian disaster, and intensify diplomatic efforts to bring the crisis back to the track of political resolution.

TArkiye serves an influential power as a Middle Eastern and Islamic country. China is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with TArkiye, working together with TArkiye to contribute efforts toward a comprehensive, just and long-lasting solution to the Palestinian issue, Zhai said.

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G7's Hostile Remarks Censured by Department Director General of DPRK Foreign Ministry

Korean Central News Agency of DPRK

Pyongyang, November 14 (KCNA) -- Jo Chol Su, director general of the Department of International Organizations of the DPRK Foreign Ministry, answered the question put by KCNA on Monday as regards the fact that G7 foreign ministers pulled up the DPRK in their recent "joint statement".

Reporter: The G7 foreign ministers reportedly slandered the DPRK's exercise of self-defensive and legitimate sovereignty again in a "joint statement" released after their talks recently held in Tokyo, Japan. Would you please comment on this?

Director general: I resolutely reject and most strongly condemn the "joint statement" of the G7 foreign ministers' meeting, which is peppered with groundless and unreasonable accusations seriously encroaching upon the dignity and sovereignty of the DPRK.

G7, which is no more than a group for only a few countries' interests, can not represent the international community.

G7, which has caused and fomented the recent international crisis, says this or that to find fault with independent sovereign states. This is just a mockery of and insult to the international community aspiring after fairness and equity.

I think G7 had better look at its image reflected in the eyes of the international community first before accusing others.

Even at this moment the U.S. is shipping cluster bombs and depleted uranium bombs, the usage of which are completely banned by international law, and other deadly weapons and huge lethal war hardware to Ukrainian battlefields to deliberately destroy peace and stability in the European region.

In the Middle East, it is conniving at and fomenting indiscriminate military strikes at Gaza Strip while zealously shielding Israel's hideous massacre of civilians as the "right to defence".

Meanwhile, it is keen on muscle-flexing in the Taiwan Strait and other parts of the South China Sea, talking about "freedom of navigation", "international order based on rules" and "opposition to power-based change of status quo". It has staged a series of bilateral and multi-party joint naval military exercises with their allies to escalate the regional military tensions to the maximum.

In the Korean peninsula, it is pushing the situation to the brink of a nuclear war by establishing different nuclear confrontation policies, including the "Washington Declaration," and accelerating the efforts for routine deployment of its strategic nuclear submarines, strategic bombers and other nuclear strategic assets called "three nuclear axes."

Furthermore, Japan which holds the G7 chairmanship this year has no qualification to talk about international peace.

Japan, at the instigation of the U.S., is desperately pursuing its wild ambition for turning itself into a military giant, setting it as its state policy to realize militarization. It is just a trouble-maker which has caused international uproar by discharging nuclear-polluted water containing a lot of poisonous substances into the Pacific, a sea common to mankind, recently in defiance of the repeated protests of the regional community.

Reporter: What about other G7 member states?

Director general: Britain, France, Germany and Canada, too, have disgraceful records by doing considerable harm to international peace and security.

Like the U.S., Britain is pursuing the protraction of the Ukrainian crisis, offering depleted uranium bombs to the Kiev authorities and providing it with Storm Shadow and other cruise missiles with a range of more than 250 km and a huge amount of latest anti-tank weapons.

It also dispatched an aircraft carrier and other forces to the Asia-Pacific region and unhesitatingly transferred the nuclear submarine technology to its ally as a member of the confrontational security alliance AUKUS to seriously disturb regional and global peace and stability.

Other countries are also actively joining the U.S. in its moves to build the "Asian-version NATO" by dispatching various warships, including frigates, and patrol planes and fighters squadrons to regularly stage joint drills with Japan and the south Korean puppet forces in the Korean peninsula, its vicinity and other parts of the Asia-Pacific region.

All facts go to clearly prove that G7 is a confrontational group of destroyers and violators of peace and stability who stir up and aggravate distrust, conflict, confrontation and armed clash across the world.

Reporter: I think such G7 has neither qualification nor justification to fault others. Then, can you tell me the reason why G7 persistently pulls up the DPRK and other independent sovereign states over their exercise of the legitimate right to self-defence?

Director general: It is crystal-clear. It is the sinister intention of G7 to divert international criticism away from itself by employing such a trite method as hyping up the "threat" from independent sovereign states.

Now the international community is strongly reacting to the irresponsible and exclusive peace-breaking moves of G7 in different parts of the world.

It is well illustrated by the fact that even European countries are increasingly vocal opposing the military support for Ukraine.

The G7 member states have faced worst-ever internal and external crisis for having pursued reactionary domestic and foreign policies.

The more recklessly G7 pulls up independent sovereign states over their exercise of the right to self-defence, the more clearly it will betray its criminal entity as a peace strangler, confrontation maniac and nuclear war merchant.

G7 is just the main dangerous source of destroying global peace and security and the main stumbling block to the establishment of a just international order.

It has lost the justification for its existence.

G7, the remnant of the Cold War, should be dismantled immediately, and this will be the first step toward defusing the present international crisis and restoring global peace. -0-

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Raksha Mantri holds telephonic conversation with UK Secretary of State for Defence

India - Press Information Bureau

Ministry of Defence

Discusses defence & security issues with particular emphasis on Indo-Pacific

Posted On: 13 NOV 2023 6:17PM by PIB Delhi

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh held a telephonic conversation with UK Secretary of State for Defence Mr Grant Shapps on November 13, 2023. Both Ministers discussed a range of defence and security issues with particular emphasis on the Indo-Pacific. They briefly reviewed the ongoing engagements and discussed possible cooperation in new domains.

Both Ministers explored ways and means to develop closer defence relations. Mr Grant Shapps invited the Raksha Mantri to visit the UK in the near future. The Raksha Mantri congratulated Mr Shapps on his appointment as the Secretary of State for Defence.

****

ABB/Savvy



(Release ID: 1976713)

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INS SUMEDHA MISSION DEPLOYED AT WALVIS BAY, NAMIBIA

India - Press Information Bureau

Ministry of Defence

Posted On: 13 NOV 2023 6:07PM by PIB Delhi

INS Sumedha in continuation with Indian Navy's mission-based deployment to West Africa and Atlantic made a port call at Walvis Bay, Namibia from 10-13 November 23. This port call is a manifestation of India's warm ties with Namibia, its commitment to enhance maritime security and demonstrate solidarity with friendly nations.

During the visit, the Commanding Officer paid courtesy calls on Namibian dignitaries and senior defence officers, including Navy Commander, Namibia Navy. Professional interactions aimed at exchanging best practices, cross deck visits and social engagements were also conducted with Namibia Navy during the ship's stay in harbour.

India and Namibia have enjoyed warm and friendly bilateral relations sharing common values of democracy, development and secularism. A number of bilateral arrangements for co-operation and military exchange exist between the two countries. As part of its defence cooperation, India, over the years, has extended training to a large number of Namibian military officers at various military institutions in India.

Indian Navy ships are regularly deployed as part of Indian Navy's mission of building 'Bridges of Friendship' and strengthening international cooperation with friendly countries as well as to address maritime concerns across the globe. The current visit seeks to accentuate India's solidarity with friendly countries and, in particular, strengthen existing bonds of friendship with Namibia.

INS Sumedha is the third of the indigenously developed Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel (NOPV) of Saryu class deployed for multiple roles independently and in support of Fleet Operations. The ship is equipped with several weapon systems, sensors, state-of-art-the-navigation and communication systems and Electronic Warfare system. Sumedha has undertaken various Fleet support operations, coastal and offshore patrolling, ocean surveillance and HADR missions in the past including the recently conducted Op Kaveri for evacuation of Indian diaspora from war hit Sudan in April 23.

*********

VM/PS



(Release ID: 1976709)

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Arms smuggling network dismantled in southern Iran

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Nov 13, 2023

Kerman, IRNA -- The security forces of Iran's Intelligence Ministry has disbanded an armed smuggling network in Kerman, southern Iran, a provincial official announced.

Omid Rezaei, the prosecutor of Kahnuj city in Kerman, said on Monday that the trafficking network had been engaging in extensive smuggling activities in eastern and southeastern Iran.

The Iranian security forces could identify the smuggling network and discover various war-grade weapons including 36 hand guns, the prosecutor announced according to the information office of the justice department in Kerman.

Three main agents of the arms smuggling network were arrested after an unprecedented operation carried out under a judicial order, it said.

Based on the prosecutor's remarks, the traffickers had imported their cargo to Iran through eastern borders, and they were planning to distribute the arms to the cities in central parts of Iran.

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Iran says had success in mobilizing Muslim world against Israel

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Nov 13, 2023

Tehran, IRNA -- Iran says its diplomatic efforts to mobilize Arab and Islamic countries and draw public attention to the crimes of the Zionist regime have proven to be successful.

Speaking at a press conference in Tehran on Monday, Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani said that since the onset of the Israeli war on Gaza, Iran has focused on stopping the war, lifting the blockade, immediately opening a way to send humanitarian aid to the coastal enclave, and countering the policy of forced displacement of the people of Gaza.

Iran's foreign minister has had three phone calls with his Egyptian counterpart, and a good meeting was also held on the sidelines of the recent summit Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Riyadh between the presidents of the two countries, Kanaani said.

He further explained that the opening of the Rafah crossing was among the key agendas of Iran's talks with Egypt.

He also said the holding of the OIC summit was a success, adding that the meeting was held as a result of the diplomatic efforts of the Islamic Republic of Iran as well as Saudi Arabia's constructive cooperation.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran presented its points in the expert meetings for drafting the final resolution, and at the end of the meeting, Iran's reservations were officially sent to the secretariat of this organization," the spokesman noted.

He hastened to add, however, that although the meeting was necessary, it was not enough.

"The Palestinian nation expects that the Islamic governments, in addition to holding meetings and issuing firm statements, take practical measures as well," he noted, adding that severing political and economic relations with the Zionist regime and expelling the regime's ambassadors should be on the agenda of the Islamic governments.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson has expressed concern over the lack of a deterrent global response to the actions of the Zionist regime, pointing out that hospitals in Gaza are being targeted, and essential services like water, power, and fuel are being cut off, leading to the loss of innocent lives.

The spokesperson emphasized that the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)aZ's statements are directed at the governments of the United States, England, France, and Germany, stressing that the world must act against the savage regime that is supported by the US and that Washington is complicit in committing unspeakable crimes.

Kanaani also expressed Iran's hope that the world will intervene to prevent these crimes and assist the people of Gaza. He also expressed hope that the governments that have so far hindered a ceasefire will allow the United Nations Security Council to fulfill its peacekeeping duties.

Despite the substantial aid sent by Iran and other countries to Gaza, the aid has not reached the people due to the Zionist regime's interference. Most of the aid is stored in Egypt, according to the spokesperson.

The spokesperson further added that the amount of aid is like a drop in the ocean, which indicated a violation of all international humanitarian laws and principles by the Zionist regime. He expressed Iran's expectation for Egypt to make more significant efforts to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, a topic that has been a point of discussion in talks with the Egyptian side.

Relations between Iran and Egypt

On the latest developments concerning the Iran-Egypt relationship, the spokesman stated that a recent meeting between the presidents of the two countries in Riyadh is of great importance and that it is considered a significant event in strengthening mutual political ties.

Kanaani noted that the Iranian side has a positive assessment of the meeting on the sidelines of the extraordinary summit of leaders of the OIC in Riyadh.

The foreign ministers of both countries are tasked to take practical steps and hold meetings in order to strengthen bilateral relations, he said, arguing that the Iranian authorities consider the enhancement of ties beneficial for both countries and even for other states in the West Asia region.

According to the diplomat, the two presidents had good discussions regarding the Palestinian issue and the significance of opening the Rafah border crossing.

As to the appointment of Iran's ambassador to Yemen, he said that the Islamic Republic plans to dispatch an envoy to the Arab country, but the improvement of circumstances in the war-stricken nation would obviously pave the way for appointing and sending an ambassador.

Taliban delegation visit to Iran

In respect to a visit by a Taliban delegation to Iran, he noted that this was a promising trip and they signed five memoranda of understanding, mainly focusing on trade exchanges, and that the visit provided the two countries with a new opportunity to strengthen their cooperation in line with their mutual interests.

The FM spokesman also said that the Iranian and Afghan officials discussed the issue of water rights from the Helmand River in Afghanistan.

Iran's support for Palestinian resistance no secret

Elsewhere in his presser, Kanaani said Iran's support for the Palestinian resistance against the illegitimate Zionist regime "is not a secret and we do not hide it."

"We have stated many times that the resistance groups in the region do not take orders from Iran, nor do we give any orders," he stated, urging the US to correct its own "unacceptable" actions in support of the Zionist regime instead of making unfounded accusations against the Islamic Republic.

He said Iran has expressed its concern about the spread of the war from the very beginning and has warned that the continuation of the US support for the crimes of the Zionist regime and opposition to the establishment of a ceasefire can lead to the opening of new fronts.

"The US has to understand that only by immediately stopping the killings, removing the total blockade, and withdrawing the military from the region can it prevent the possibility of the war spreading to other regions," the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman said.

He added, "This completely depends on the behavior of the Zionist regime and the US government as its sponsor."

Kanaani then reiterated Iran's position on the issue of Palestine, saying the Islamic Republic believes in the formation of a single Palestinian state from the river to the sea.

"Ayatollah Raisi also emphasized this in Riyadh. Iran's diplomatic solution, which has been submitted to the United Nations, is to hold a comprehensive referendum that would include all Palestinian citizens. Iran's position regarding the Palestinian issue is clear and has not changed."

Kanaani mentioned that despite the US officials' messages indicating they were not seeking to expand the war and urging Iran to prevent the escalation, the actions on the ground contradict these messages. He emphasized that the US must answer for its support of the Zionist regime and its failure to adopt a resolution to end the regime's attacks.

He pointed out the contradiction in the stance of US government officials and some supporters of the Zionist regime, who claim it is not the time for a ceasefire despite the challenging situation. Kanaani stressed that ending the Zionist regime's war against Gaza is a global demand.

He highlighted that over 50 countries announced in Riyadh their desire for a ceasefire in Gaza, and more than 120 countries expressed at the United Nations their wish to end the war. The global community continues to voice this demand, yet the US government and certain European countries are not complying. This, Kanaani said, underscores the global demand for an end to the war.

Iran and Iraq security ties

Regarding the security ties between Iran and Iraq, Kanaani stated that the Iraqi authorities have provided Iran with updates on the implementation of the security agreement. They have recently highlighted the strengthening of security facilities at the border areas with northwestern Iran. All issues raised by the joint security committee of both countries will be pursued.

Condition of Hamid Nouri

On the subject of Hamid Nouri's condition, the diplomat clarified that the Islamic Republic has a clear stance. Tehran demands Nouri's unconditional release from jail and an appropriate trial. Iran hopes for a fair verdict following the lengthy court process for the Iranian citizen. Iranian officials have consistently brought up this issue in their discussions with Swedish authorities.

Russian president's message to Iranian counterpart

The spokesperson also mentioned a message from Russian President Vladimir Putin to his Iranian counterpart, Ebrahim Raisi. He noted that the exchange of diplomatic messages between Iran and Russia is not unusual, as the heads of the two countries have various issues to discuss. Therefore, the delivery of President Putin's message to his Iranian counterpart is part of their routine diplomatic relationship.

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Improving Iran-Egypt ties in interest of 2 countries, Islamic world: Kanaani

ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency

Mon / 13 November 2023 / 12:45

Tehran (ISNA) - Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman, Nasser Kanaani condemned the continued crimes of the Zionist regime against the people of Gaza with the support of the United States, stating that the regime is attacking hospitals with missiles and other weapons.

Speaking at a weekly press conference on Monday, Kanaani said, "Naser Kanaani stated that the Zionist regime has besieged and bombed hospitals in Gaza and is committing these crimes with the cooperation of the United States and some other Western countries, including the UK, Germany, France, etc., and these countries should be held accountable for these crimes,"

Demonstrating images of attacks by the Zionist regime on hospitals in Gaza at the meeting, Kanaani noted, "We hope that the countries that have prevented the cessation of war and crimes by the Zionist regime in Gaza will allow the United Nations Security Council to fulfill its duty to establish peace".

Regarding the delivery humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza, the spokesman said, "We have had multiple negotiations with Islamic countries, including Egypt. In this regard, foreign ministers of Iran and Egypt have already held three rounds of phone conversations".

Pointing to the recent meeting between the presidents of Iran and Egypt held in Riyadh, Kanaani said, "One of the main axes of this meeting was providing humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza and reopening the Rafah border crossing".

Elaborating on Iran's diplomatic efforts regarding the developments in the occupied territories and crimes against the people of Gaza and Palestine, he noted, "Good activities have also been carried out in the field of public diplomacy".

Kanaani emphasized, "The Islamic Republic of Iran believes that the only solution to the Palestinian crisis is the formation of a unified Palestinian government from the river to the sea".

"In this regard, a political solution has also been presented by Iran and has been registered with the United Nations, which is to hold a comprehensive referendum of all real Palestinian citizens inside and outside, including Muslims, Christians, and Jews," he went on to say.

Stating that Iran's political and moral support for the Palestinian resistance movement is not a secret, Kanaani said, "We consider resistance against the Zionist regime and occupation legitimate".

"The resistance movement in Palestine has enough military power to resist the Zionist regime and has demonstrated this capability at various times," he added.

Regarding the recent meeting between the presidents of Iran and Egypt in Riyadh, Kanaani said , "The meeting was an important event in the political relations between the two countries that received global attention".

"In this meeting, great discussions were held on the issue of Palestine, the development of bilateral relations between the two countries, and some other regional issues," he added.

"The improvement of relations between Iran and Egypt is in the interest of both countries and the Islamic world," the spokesman stressed.

End Item

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Iran gaining access to ground-breaking military technologies as exports booming: Defense Ministry

Iran Press TV

Monday, 13 November 2023 11:27 AM

Iran's Defense Ministry is moving toward manufacturing ground-breaking military equipment as it has envisaged wars based on such technologies in the future, a senior Iranian military official says.

Iranian Deputy Defense Minister Brigadier General Mehdi Farahi made the remarks on Monday while addressing the first international confab to commemorate the 12th martyrdom anniversary of Hassan Tehrani Moqaddam, a general known for his relentless efforts to develop Iran's missile program.

He said the Iranian experts at the Defense Ministry do not seek to merely manufacture military parts but are now taking steps toward the production of state-of-the-art military equipment.

He expressed hope that such outstanding military achievements would further increase Iran's deterrent power.

As announced by Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, Iran had sought to import barbed wire from abroad as the country was not able to produce it due to the extensive scale of the sanctions while the Soviet Union has also prevented the cargo to be delivered by way of their land, Farahi said.

"However, Iran exported military equipment worth some one billion dollars last year," the official emphasized.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Farahi hailed Tehrani Moqaddam's great and unique efforts to develop Iran's missile program, saying the martyred scientist conducted several projects at the state-owned Defense Industries Organization despite a lack of the required know-how over a period of 17 years.

Finally, Iran succeeded in developing its missile industry and manufacturing precision missiles, he said.

Tehrani Moqaddam, a commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), was a key figure in the country's ballistic missile program. He helped develop the medium and long-range ballistic missiles. An engineer by profession, he designed the Shahab, Ghadr and Sejjil missiles with a range of over 1,000 kilometers.

Tehrani Moqaddam began establishing Iran's missile program at a time when the country was under attack during the eight-year Iraqi imposed war on Iran.

He continued his efforts to boost the program in subsequent years amid the difficulties and shortages.

Tehrani Moqaddam died in an explosion in November 2011 west of Tehran. The blast came during a missile test at a base in Bid Ganeh. At least 16 others were killed in the blast.

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Iranian Education Minister Proposes Transformation Of System With Introduction Of Gender-Specific Textbooks

By RFE/RL's Radio Farda November 13, 2023

Iran's education minister has announced plans for a fundamental transformation of the country's educational system with the introduction of gender-specific textbooks for male and female students, suggesting a deeper ideological shift in the Islamic leadership's governance.

Rezamorad Sahraei, speaking at the Behindokht festival's closing ceremony on November 12, said the initiative signifies a significant change in Iran's approach to education and aligns with what he referred to as a "culture of modesty" being sought by authorities.

He did not provide specific details or a timetable for the implementation of gender-segregated textbooks.

The announcement comes amid a sweeping educational change in Iran, with Sahraei saying more than 120,000 schools across the nation face a "major" overhaul.

On the eve of the new academic year two months ago, Sahraei announced that nearly 20,000 school principals were changed to "create transformation in schools."

Meanwhile, Jalal Mahmoudzadeh, a Sunni representative from Mahabad in the Iranian parliament, criticized the "purification" in the government program presented last month, stating that in less than five months 15,000 to 20 thousand school principals in Iran have been sidelined for "political and ideological reasons."

Iran's schools, particularly girls' schools, became focal points for unrest over the past year after the September 2022 death of Mahsa Amini while in police custody for a hijab violation.

The government has responded by cracking down violently on student campuses, while firing and imprisoning many educators for their support of the demonstrators.

Restrictions have been tightened already at many educational institutions, with teachers under increased pressure and many students facing severe disciplinary actions for voicing any dissent.

The activist HRANA news agency says that more than 500 people have been killed during the unrest, including 71 minors, as security forces try to stifle widespread discontent with the government.

Thousands have been arrested in the clampdown, with the judiciary handing down harsh sentences -- including the death penalty -- to protesters.

Written by Ardeshir Tayebi based on an original story in Persian by RFE/RL's Radio Farda

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-education-system- gender-specific-textbooks/32683182.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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War with Hamas costs Israeli regime $260m per day: Report

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Nov 12, 2023

Tehran, IRNA - With Israel's war against Hamas costing the economy around $260 million every day, payouts to ultra-orthodox schools and other causes championed by right-wingers in the ruling coalition have set off a reckoning for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The Bloomberg has reported that the ongoing war with Hamas has cost the Israeli regime too much and left a heavy financial burden on that regime's governmen budget.

This comes as Netanyahu has vowed to continue the war at any cost.

Bloomberg pointed out that Israel's budget deficit has increased by seven times in October as compared to last year's corresponding period.

Built into Israel's expenditure program are so-called "coalition funds", or discretionary spending earmarked to the five parties comprising Netanyahu's government, the most religious in Israel's history. A record 14 billion shekels ($3.6 billion) in transfers approved last May will partly go toward religious schools a some exempt from teaching subjects like English and math. Other favored projects include the development of Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank.

While the special allotments are a fraction of the total budget for 2023-2024, they have become a marker of competing priorities at a time when Israel confronts its worst armed conflict in half a century.

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Jordan parliament calls for reviewing Amman's agreements with Tel Aviv

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Nov 13, 2023

Tehran, IRNA -- The Jordanian House of Representatives has unanimously agreed that the country's agreements with Israel are reviewed as the regime continues its relentless airstrikes against Palestinians in Gaza where civilians remain the main victims of the aerial attacks.

During the House's Monday session, Jordanian Parliament Speaker Ahmed Safadi urged the Legal Committee to review Amman's agreements with Tel Aviv. His call was unanimously approved by parliament, Beirut-based Al Mayadeen news network reported.

According to Al Mayadeen, Safadi also suggested filing a complaint with the International Criminal Court regarding the Israeli regime's war crimes in Gaza, calling on Arab and Islamic parliaments to follow suit.

The speaker also announced plans to coordinate with the Jordanian government and armed forces to raise the number of field hospitals in the besieged Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank.

Safadi meanwhile criticized those questioning resistance groups' decisions, saying that the groups have the right to make choices without foreign interference.

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80% of all projects under construction in Israel have been stalled: Report

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Nov 13, 2023

Tehran, IRNA -- Since the Al-Aqsa Storm Operation on October 7, 80 percent of all projects under construction in Israel have been stalled, according to the French newspaper Le Monde.

Since October 7, all sectors in Israel, including construction, tech, agriculture, and textiles, have been affected by labor shortages, Le Monde reported.

It noted that a third of restaurants in major cities have not reopened, due to a lack of employees and sometimes even customers.

Thousands of volunteers are now arriving from towns in the countryside to make up for the lack of workers to pick up the fruit that is now in season.

Above all, the high-tech companies of which the country has seen their workforce of "geeks" and skilled executives melt by 10-15 percent, with nearly 360,000 reservists being mobilized by the army, equivalent to 10 percent of the working population.

The newspaper quoted a French investor living in Tel Aviv as saying investment had halted completely in the city.

The Gaza-based Palestinian resistance groups, led by Hamas, launched Operation al-Aqsa Storm into the occupied territories on October 7 in retaliation for Israel's incessant crimes against Palestinians in the West Bank.

3266**2050

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PM Netanyahu visited the soldiers of the Caraca Battalion

Israel - Prime Minister's Office

The 37th Government

13.11.2023

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, today, visited the men and women soldiers of the Caracal Battalion, at one of the assembly points near the Gaza Strip fence.

The Prime Minister was briefed on the activity of the battalion on Saturday October 7th and how the soldiers - led by their battalion commander and the commander of the Paran Brigade - fought in the communities of the area adjacent to the southern Gaza Strip. The Prime Minister heard how the battalion fought against dozens of terrorists and killed many, and said that, "This was an extraordinary achievement."

Prime Minister Netanyahu to the soldiers:

"An extraordinary achievement, truly amazing; there are no words. I think that what you have done here - you simply decided the battle here, men and women soldiers, with daring and extraordinary resourcefulness. Well done. This says a lot, to turn the tide from the worst situation imaginable, this says a lot.

This is also what we are doing now with the forces that are inside. This is neither an 'operation' nor a 'round' but a war to the end. It is important to me that you know this. This is not lip service, but from the heart and mind. If we do not finish them, it will come back.

What you did here was exemplary, simply exemplary. I am very impressed by the speed, the resourcefulness, the mobilization, the heroism and the decisiveness. You simply decided the battle here. This says it all. Well done."

Prime Minister Netanyahu added:

"I have just come from the Bedouin Desert Patrol Battalion. You see there Jews and Bedouin fighting shoulder-to-shoulder, like you are fighting here, men and women soldiers shoulder-to-shoulder. This is amazing. This is how we win and proceed onward.

I am simply full of admiration for what you have done. This will be written about and noted for many years. You are young enough so that your children and grandchildren will also know this."

The Prime Minister was accompanied by his Military Secretary, Maj.-Gen. Avi Gil, 80th Division Commander Brig.-Gen. Itamar Ben-Chaim, Paran Brigade Commander Col. Shemer Raviv, Caracal Battalion Commander Lt.-Col. Or Ben-Yehudah, and several soldiers from the Battalion, including its tanks, were also present.

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War on Gaza costing Netanyahu regime $260 million per day: Report

Iran Press TV

Monday, 13 November 2023 9:13 AM

Israel's aggression against the Gaza Strip is reportedly costing the Tel Aviv regime led by prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu around $260 million every day.

Israel's war on Gaza has become "more expensive ... than first predicted," putting a strain on Tel Aviv's public finances, Bloomberg reported on Sunday.

The Israeli finance ministry announced plans to borrow 75 percent more in November than last month as it has already seen the war inflict an economic toll of almost $8 billion, the report said.

The Netanyahu regime, it added, is increasingly turning to bonds to pay for the Gaza onslaught.

Israel's offensive against Gaza has sent shockwaves through its $488 billion economy and disrupted thousands of businesses in the occupied territories.

However, Netanyahu says Israel will be paying "whatever economic price this war exacts on us."

Israel's budget deficit ballooned more than sevenfold from 3.1 billion shekels in October 2022 to 22.9 billion shekels this October.

The Israeli finance ministry cautioned that the "abnormal" deficit is due to a "significant" increase in expenses since October 7, when Israel waged the bloody war on Gaza after Hamas carried out a surprise operation against the occupying entity.

In the coming months, Israel is expected to spend billions of shekels in the payment of military reservists, and the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of settlers from the areas near the Gaza border and their relocation.

Last month, the shekel fell for its longest sustained period in 40 years to an 11-year low.

Since the start of the aggression, the Tel Aviv regime has killed at least 11,180 Palestinians in Gaza, mostly women and children, and injured about 28,200 others.

It has also imposed a "complete siege" on the coastal sliver, cutting off fuel, electricity, food and water to the more than two million Palestinians living there.

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Japan's early deployment of upgraded missiles accelerates crisis, to plunge region into vicious arms race

Global Times

By GT staff reporters Published: Nov 13, 2023 08:34 PM

Japan's Defense Ministry has decided to fast-track the deployment of an upgraded version of its Ground Self-Defense Force's anti-ship missile, Japanese media outlets have recently revealed. Chinese military observers warned Monday that the early deployment reflects the expansion of Japan's military ambitions and will inevitably undermine peace and stability in the region, plunging it into a major crisis and a vicious arms race.

According to the NHK on Sunday, the Type-12 surface-to-ship missile is a domestically produced guided missile. The Japanese ministry originally planned to deploy upgraded Type-12 missiles in fiscal year 2026.

Military experts speculated that this batch of upgraded Type-12 missiles is expected to extend the range to over 500 kilometers, and may also be used in the direction of the Taiwan Straits.

As the system is equipped with an inertial navigation system and strengthened satellite guidance ability, it can be predicted that the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force will be equipped with a stronger strike capability, Wei Dongxu, a Beijing-based military expert, told the Global Times on Monday.

According to NHK, the Japanese defense ministry has yet to decide how much sooner it will deploy them. But in the draft supplementary budget for the current fiscal year, it earmarked 152.3 billion yen ($1 billion) for the procurement of upgraded Type-12 missiles and high-speed glide bombs.

Chinese experts warned that the early deployment reflects the expansion of Japan's military ambitions. The reason for the early deployment is that the current Japanese Self-Defense Force (SDF) is eager to obtain a long-range strike capability under a preemptive strategy. Once it perceives that the ballistic missile bases of neighboring countries pose a threat, it will start to carry out long-range fire strikes in advance.

Japan wants to use sensitive regional issues to flex its muscles, which will inevitably undermine peace and stability in the region and plunge it into a major crisis and a vicious arms race, Wei warned.

Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio told members of the Self-Defense Forces on Saturday that he will steadily build up Japan's defense capabilities at a review ceremony at the SDF's Iruma Air Base in Saitama Prefecture.

Kishida pledged to secure the necessary budget and drastically boost Japan's defense capabilities. The country is experiencing the most severe and complicated security environment since the end of World War II, NHK cited Kishida as saying, referring to the recent "joint Chinese and Russian bomber flights."

Mentioning China and Russia in his speech, Kishida is trying to spread the "military threat theory" among neighboring countries, label China and Russia as "threats," and make excuses for the deployment of long-range firepower, experts noted.

There are already some signs of a return to militarism within Japan's senior leadership, Wei warned.

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Younger Brother Of Kazakh Ex-President Dead At 70

By RFE/RL's Kazakh Service November 13, 2023

ALMATY, Kazakhstan -- Once an extremely powerful man in Kazakhstan, Bolat Nazarbaev, the younger brother of Kazakhstan's first president, Nursultan Nazarbaev, died on November 13 at the age of 70, after reportedly suffering a lengthy illness.

The spokeswoman of the Central Clinic in Almaty, Polina Shimanskaya, told RFE/RL that Bolat Nazarbaev was pronounced dead "at 9:51 this morning after a long illness."

She did not elaborate but media reports have said Nazarbaev was hospitalized earlier in November in Almaty after suffering a heart attack.

In June 2022, local media said Bolat Nazarbaev was fighting a longtime illness and a video showing him in a wheelchair appeared on YouTube at the time.

The reports coincided with a statement from Kazakhstan's Financial Monitoring Agency saying Bolat Nazarbaev and his former wife, Maira Qurmanghalieva, were targeted by a lawsuit filed by the owners of the financial services company Karuan, who accused them of illegally taking over the firm.

In March, a court in Kazakhstan ordered Bolat Nazarbaev, who sold 31.9 percent of the industrial facility's shares to a private company in 2009 but continued to control the factory's operations, to regain the shares and return them to the state.

AZTM used to be state property but was privatized in 1998 with 31.9 percent of its shares obtained by the private company Temir Kon. In 2007, Temir Kon sold the shares to Bolat Nazarbaev.

In 1986, Bolat Nazarbaev's brother, Nursultan, who ruled the oil-rich Central Asian country for nearly 30 years before he stepped down more than four years ago, said in an interview to a Moscow-based Soviet magazine, Druzhba narodov (Peoples' Friendship), that his younger brother worked as a plumber.

In 1989, after Nursultan Nazarbaev took over the then-Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic, Bolat Nazarbaev was already working as a deputy director of a state bakery in the town of Qaskelen. During the decades of his brother's presidency, Bolat Nazarbaev became one of the richest men in the country and controlled several major businesses and marketplaces in Kazakhstan's largest city, Almaty, and the surrounding region.

Nursultan Nazarbaev, 83, and his clan lost power and influence after January 2022 protests that left at least 238 people, including 19 law enforcement officers, dead and thousands injured.

As he stepped down, Nazarbaev hand-picked longtime ally Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev as his successor.

But he retained sweeping powers as the head of the Security Council, enjoying the powers as "elbasy" -- the leader of the nation. Many of his relatives continued to hold important posts in the government, security agencies, and profitable energy groups.

In January 2022, protests that started over a fuel price hike spread across Kazakhstan because of discontent over the cronyism that had long plagued the country. Toqaev subsequently stripped Nazarbaev of the Security Council role, taking it over himself.

Toqaev also annulled the Law on the First President -- the Leader of the Nation (Elbasy), depriving Nursultan Nazarbaev of the elbasy title and his immediate family members of legal immunity.

Since January 2022, several of Nazarbaev's relatives and others close to the family have been pushed out of their positions or resigned.

In September 2022, the former president's nephew Qairat Satybaldy was sentenced to six years in prison on fraud and embezzlement charges.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/kazakhstan-nazarbaev-bolat- dead/32682593.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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Interview: 'The sun is setting on the fascist military regime'

Myanmar democracy activist Min Ko Naing discusses how the armed resistance's recent success is turning the tide of the country's civil war.

By Khin Maung Soe for RFA Burmese 2023.11.13 -- On Oct. 27, the Northern or "Three Brotherhood" Alliance, consisting of the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, the Arakan Army and the Ta'ang National Liberation Army, launched "Operation 1027" - named for the date of the offensive. Two weeks since the operation began, the alliance has made notable gains against the military in several key cities in Shan state in the country's northeast.

On Nov. 6, after four days of clashes with the military, the anti-junta People's Defense Force, or PDF, which are paramilitaries under the shadow National Unity Government, or NUG, and ethnic Kachin Independence Army soldiers occupied the district-level city of Kawlin in Sagaing region. The region has seen some of the fiercest fighting between junta troops and the armed resistance in Myanmar since the military seized power from the elected government in a Feb. 1, 2021 coup d'etat.

Min Ko Naing, a former leader of the pro-democracy 88 Generation Students Group, is a member of the NUG's advisory council on the PDF. He has been a vocal critic of the military regime, calling it "bloodthirsty" for its killing of thousands of peaceful protesters and other civilians. In an exclusive interview with RFA Burmese reporter Khin Maung Soe, Min Ko Naing discusses the recent success of the armed resistance in Shan and Sagaing, and how it might be replicated in other parts of the country.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

RFA: To what extent has the capture of Kawlin city by the NUG's forces and its allies bolstered Myanmar's Spring Revolution?

Min Ko Naing: The story has reached its climax. We all talked about how we would struggle harmoniously and collaboratively. We have done what we have promised. The revolution has enjoyed support both internally and externally, from the people. The present fruitful results are what came from these collaborative efforts. Our forces have conquered a district level city ... If we continue with this momentum, we could capture other towns and cities like a tidal wave.

RFA: What is your view on 'Operation 1027' in northern Shan state?

Min Ko Naing: The operation was launched at the right time, when the fascist military had let down its guard ... The junta has suffered great losses they never experienced in our lifetime. They lost more than a hundred of their outposts in different towns within a matter of days. The resistance forces are now defeating the military's forces one after another. It is the worst situation for the military in its history.

The people have been through hell. But their victory in northern Shan state will spread to the whole country. The military has begun to disintegrate due to low morale because they realize that they can be defeated. Even senior officials have started to ignore orders. The military has suffered losses in battle and their spirit is being broken like the spread of disease.

RFA: What are the reasons behind these significant successes? Are they the result of unity amongst the revolutionary forces, the decline of the junta, or anything else?

Min Ko Naing: All these things are factors that led to these significant successes ... Moreover, we have consistently hurt the junta for many days ... without a break ... Even a giant tree will eventually collapse under its own weight when more than half of its trunk has been cut.

The military has instilled fear in the minds of its subordinated forces. They have always brutally cracked down on people taking part in protests and the revolution. However, the people have responded through engaging in armed struggle against the military ... The military has violated codes of conduct, rules and principles with impunity, misused its power and become mired in corruption. This organization will surely collapse. The people are determined to remove it.

'We must not lose sight of our goals'

RFA: How will the military respond to the ongoing situation? What type of political role will the military play in the future?

Min Ko Naing: The military brutally cracked down on the people. They arrested innocent people and prominent persons. They were held as captives and endured brutal treatment. As the military is in a difficult situation, they will use these detainees as leverage in negotiation. The military will try to build bridges with the international community. At the same time, they will try to undermine the unity of the resistance forces. We must not lose sight of our revolutionary goals and need to respond to the military as one.

RFA: Could you talk briefly about the status of the Spring Revolution? Is it closer to the "federal democratic union" the people hope for?

MKN: The [junta] soldiers have lost their fighting spirit. That means they will defect to the way of truth and righteousness. It will be the right decision for them ... The military will attempt to prevent [armed resistance] offensives from the north of the country. They will try to disintegrate our forces ... But they can't do anything to stop it.

This is the time to end the darkness for our people. We have seen the dawn. The sun is setting on the fascist military regime. Until then, the people must continue fighting to the best of their ability.

Translated by Aung Naing. Edited by Joshua Lipes and Malcolm Foster.

Copyright 1998-2023, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content November 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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Myanmar's Arakan Army launches offensive breaking year-long ceasefire

The attack comes nearly a year after the group's last battle with the junta.

By RFA Burmese 2023.11.13 -- The Arakan Army attacked two police outposts in Myanmar's western Rakhine state early on Monday morning, locals told Radio Free Asia.

Arakan Army soldiers fired at two border police outposts in Done Paik and Chein Khar Li in Rathedaung township, one resident from Chein Khar Li said on the condition of anonymity. Residents from the surrounding villages are fleeing, they added.

"It started at half past five in the morning. The Arakan Army is still attacking Done Paik and Chein Khar Li [military] camps," he said. "All the villagers are running to Mayu Mountain."

The sound of shelling started around 5:30 am, said a woman from Done Paik village.

"People in the village are fleeing. We are still in the village, crouched under the house," she told RFA, asking to remain anonymous for fear of reprisals. "I can hear the sound of heavy and light weapons and it hasn't stopped yet."

Shelling stopped after 6 am, residents said. Villagers are worried because groups of junta soldiers in Rathedaung town are still firing in the direction of Chein Khar Li and Done Paik villages where the conflict continues.

Junta forces are still enforcing a blockade on the city of Sittwe by stationing soldiers at the city gates on Sittwe-Yangon road. Passage in and out of the city is still tightly restricted after fighting broke out this morning, said a Sittwe resident, asking to remain anonymous.

"The entrance and exit of Sittwe city has been forcibly blocked by barbed wire. Cars, motorbikes and pedestrians are blocked, and military vehicles are also placed there," he said. "There are a large number of [junta] police and soldiers. I think they blocked the gates following the fighting."

Neither the Arakan Army nor the military junta have released any information regarding Monday morning's battle. The fighting comes nearly a year after the Arakan Army and junta's clashes in November 2022, breaking a ceasefire between the two sides, called for humanitarian reasons.

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 November 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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November 13, 2023

Release

55th Security Consultative Meeting Joint Communique

1. The 55th United States (U.S.)-Republic of Korea (ROK) Security Consultative Meeting (SCM) was held in Seoul, ROK, on November 13, 2023. U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and ROK Minister of National Defense Shin Won-sik led their respective delegations, which included senior defense and foreign affairs officials. On November 12, 2023, the U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Charles Q. Brown Jr., and ROK Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Kim Seung-Kyum, presided over the 48th ROK-U.S. Military Committee Meeting (MCM).

2. The Secretary and the Minister reaffirmed that the U.S.-ROK Alliance is the linchpin of peace, stability, and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula and beyond based on our shared values including freedom, human rights, and the rule of law. Both sides assessed that these shared values have underpinned the Alliance for the past 70 years and contributed to its position as one of the most dynamic and premier alliances in the world. In particular, the two leaders reaffirmed the shared vision of "developing into a global comprehensive strategic Alliance" as stated in the historic April 2023 "Joint Statement in Commemoration of the 70th Anniversary of the Alliance between the United States of America and the Republic of Korea," which was adopted by the presidents of the two countries. They emphasized that the Alliance will jointly respond to threats and challenges by promoting wide-ranging cooperation, deepening regional engagement, and expanding our strong bilateral relations. They highlighted the various exercises and events planned and organized by the two defense ministries on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the Alliance, including the Combined Joint Live-Fire Exercise, Combined Amphibious Operation, and Incheon Amphibious Landing Operations Commemoration Ceremony. Both sides assessed that these exercises demonstrate the progress in our combined defense posture and Alliance coordination on the Korean Peninsula.

In commemoration of the 55th SCM during the 70th Anniversary of the Alliance, the two leaders endorsed the "Defense Vision of the U.S.-ROK Alliance" as a blueprint for the future in preparation for the Alliance's 100th anniversary. Through the announcement of the Defense Vision, the two sides presented three key pillars of Alliance cooperation for the next 30 years: enhancing extended deterrence efforts against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), modernizing Alliance capabilities by evolving into a science and technology alliance, and strengthening solidarity and regional security cooperation with like-minded partners.

The Secretary and the Minister assessed that the current U.S.-ROK Alliance is stronger than ever and reaffirmed the two nations' unwavering mutual commitment to a combined defense posture as stated in the U.S-ROK Mutual Defense Treaty to defend the ROK, and as reflected in the Washington Declaration. The two leaders also resolved to continue to strengthen the Alliances' deterrence and response posture against DPRK aggression and promote stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the region.

The Secretary and the Minister noted that the SCM plays a pivotal role in the continued development of the U.S.-ROK Alliance as the main venue to discuss and affirm Alliance commitments and issues, as well as provide strategic guidance to the combined force. Both sides pledged to continue to develop the Alliance into a deeper and globally comprehensive strategic relationship based on the SCM.

3. The Secretary and the Minister reviewed the current security environment in and around the Korean Peninsula and discussed cooperative measures between the two nations. The Minister expressed grave concern that the DPRK has recently diversified its nuclear delivery systems and publicly reiterated its refusal to abandon nuclear weapons and to advance nuclear capabilities by adding its nuclear force policy to its constitution last September. The two sides condemned the DPRK's multiple missile launches, including ballistic missiles, its attempted launch of a DPRK-claimed "Space Launch Vehicle," and Russian-DPRK arms trade as clear violations of existing UN Security Council Resolutions. They noted that these actions present profound security challenges to the international community and pose an increasingly serious threat to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula as well as around the world. Both leaders called on the international community to hold DPRK accountable for its actions. Secretary Austin reiterated the firm U.S. commitment to provide extended deterrence to the ROK, utilizing the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, missile defense, and advanced non-nuclear capabilities. He noted that any nuclear attack by the DPRK against the United States or its Allies and partners is unacceptable and will result in the end of the Kim regime in line with the 2022 Nuclear Posture Review declaratory policy. They applauded the growing cooperation in our extended deterrence activities, including information sharing, enhancing our consultation mechanisms, joint planning and execution, as well as regularizing strategic asset deployments based on the Washington Declaration. The two sides also pledged to strengthen the combined defense architecture and accelerate expanding the ROK-side role in preparation against DPRK's nuclear and other WMD use and conventional threats.

The two leaders assessed bilateral mechanisms such as the U.S.-Korea Integrated Defense Dialogue (KIDD), the Extended Deterrence Strategy and Consultation Group (EDSCG), and the Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG) serve to strengthen the Alliance combined deterrence posture. They pledged to continue close consultation through these mechanisms to identify means to further strengthen extended deterrence. The two leaders also agreed to continue to assess ways to synchronize and align U.S.-ROK bilateral defense mechanisms and engagements in support of Alliance objectives more effectively and efficiently.

The Secretary and the Minister endorsed the 2023 Tailored Deterrence Strategy (TDS), which was revised for the first time in ten years. They recognized that the 2023 TDS revisions render it into a flexible and robust document that serves as a strategic framework to effectively deter and respond to advancing DPRK nuclear and other WMD and non-nuclear capabilities with strategic impacts. Also, both leaders noted that the 2023 TDS reflects guidance on ways to leverage the full range of U.S. military capabilities, including U.S. nuclear capabilities and ROK conventional capabilities, in preparation against DPRK nuclear and other WMD attacks across armistice, crisis, and wartime. The two leaders agreed that the 2023 TDS will further strengthen Alliance posture and capabilities in preparation for any possible DPRK nuclear employment scenarios, as a document to inform our respective planners. The Secretary and the Minister applauded the successful DSC Table-top-exercise (TTX) held last February in Washington, D.C., which focused on a DPRK nuclear use scenario for the first time and pledged to hold simulations and TTXs regularly involving U.S. and ROK policy, government, and military personnel to continue the joint planning and coordination process. The two leaders assessed the work of the newly inaugurated NCG following the Washington Declaration and agreed that the NCG will serve a key role in developing combined defense posture as a bilateral consultative body to strengthen extended deterrence, discuss nuclear and strategic planning, and manage DPRK threats to the Alliance and to the nonproliferation regime posed by the DPRK. In particular, the Secretary and Minister recognized that the ROK and United States have been formulating the Alliance's effective response measures in preparation of the DPRK's nuclear use through the NCG of which work streams include joint execution and planning for ROK conventional support to U.S. nuclear operations in a contingency. In addition, both leaders noted they look forward to continued close coordination in the NCG and receiving regular updates on NCG progress activities at future SCMs.



4. The Secretary and the Minister agreed to pursue expanded cooperation of the U.S. Shared Early Warning System (SEWS) to enhance the Alliance's detection capabilities against advanced DPRK missile threats. They also commended the work of the Counter-Missile Working Group (CMWG) and agreed to initiate a "Joint Study" to further develop the Alliance's comprehensive counter-missile strategy. Further, they assessed the work of the Program Analysis Working Group for the U.S.-ROK Missile Defense (PAWG), which addresses evolving DPRK missile threats, and pledged to continue relevant cooperation.

5. To achieve the complete denuclearization of the DPRK, the two sides pledged to continue coordinating on efforts to deter DPRK's nuclear threat with the Alliance's overwhelming strength, while continuing to pursue efforts through sanctions and pressure to dissuade DPRK's nuclear development, and pursue dialogue and diplomacy. In this regard, Secretary Austin expressed support for the ROK's Audacious Initiative as well as the vision for a unified Korean Peninsula. The two sides pledged to continue coordinating on efforts to encourage the DPRK regime to move toward denuclearization.

Both leaders stressed the importance of the international community's role in driving the complete denuclearization of the DPRK and emphasized full implementation of United Nations Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs) by the entire international community, including the People's Republic of China (PRC) and Russia, both permanent members of the UNSC. The two sides emphasized the need for the international community to actively impede and counter the DPRK's reckless activities so that DPRK will choose to abandon its unlawful nuclear and ballistic missile development. To this end, the two leaders agreed to work closely with each other and the international community to combat the DPRK's malicious cyber activities, cryptocurrency theft, overseas laborer dispatches, and ship-to-ship transfers. The Secretary and the Minister concurred that the Armistice Agreement remains in effect as an international norm guaranteeing the stable security order on the Korean Peninsula, and that all parties of the Korean War should abide by it while it remains in force. Minister Shin further conveyed the ROK's position that the Northern Limit Line (NLL) has been an effective means of separating ROK and DPRK military forces and preventing military tension. The two leaders reaffirmed that they would continue to closely cooperate in pursuit of these objectives, recognized diplomatic efforts as the most preferred path to secure peace on the Korean Peninsula, and concurred that such diplomatic efforts must be backed by a robust and credible combined defense posture by the two countries' defense authorities.

6. The Secretary and the Minister also reflected on the critical role that U.S. forces in the ROK have played for more than 70 years and reaffirmed that U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) continues to play a decisive role in preventing armed conflict on the Korean Peninsula, and in promoting peace and stability in Northeast Asia.

Secretary Austin also noted that the Indo-Pacific region is the Department of Defense's priority theater and reiterated the U.S. commitment to maintain current USFK force levels to defend the ROK. He highlighted the increased frequency and routinization of U.S. strategic asset deployments this year, including a U.S. SSBN's visit to the ROK for the first time in more than 40 years, and two iterations of Carrier Strike Group deployments. The Secretary also reaffirmed that these strategic asset deployments are consistent with President Biden's commitment to enhance rotational deployments of U.S. strategic assets in and around the Korean Peninsula, as tangible evidence of the U.S. commitment to defend the ROK. In addition, the two leaders reaffirmed the two defense authorities will work closely together to implement the commitment from the Washington Declaration that the United States will further enhance the regular visibility of strategic assets to the Korean Peninsula as well as expand and deepen coordination between their militaries.

Secretary Austin and Minister Shin reaffirmed the role of the United Nations Command (UNC) in implementing, managing, and enforcing the 1953 Armistice Agreement, deterring DPRK aggression, and coordinating multinational contributions to security on the Korean Peninsula. Both leaders shared a common understanding that UNC remains a model for international solidarity to enable peace, security, and stability on the Korean Peninsula. They reaffirmed that the UNC has successfully contributed those aims for over 70 years and will continue to carry out its mission and tasks with the utmost respect for ROK sovereignty. Both sides applauded the first "ROK-UNC Member States Defense Ministerial Meeting" to be held in Seoul this year on the 70th anniversary year of the Armistice Agreement. The Secretary and the Minister also expressed their expectation that this meeting will serve as an opportunity to strengthen cooperation and solidarity between the ROK, as the host nation of the UNC, and UNC Member States moving forward. In this regard, the two leaders agreed to explore ways to expand combined exercises and enhance interoperability between the ROK and UNC Member States to increase UNC's contributions to security on the Korean Peninsula, while seeking ways to support UNC in implementing the Armistice Agreement. To these ends, the two leaders agreed to seek to broaden UNC membership through the participation of like-minded countries that share the same values with the ROK and the United States, anchored in the principles and mandates of the UN Charter.

7. The Secretary and the Minister received and endorsed the MCM Report to the SCM presented by the U.S.-ROK Combined Forces Command (CFC) Commander, General Paul J. LaCamera. Based on the report, they committed to enhance combined defense capabilities against DPRK threats, strengthen nuclear and WMD deterrence and response posture, conduct the systematic and stable transition of operational control (OPCON), develop relevant operation plans (OPLANs), and expand U.S.-ROK-Japan security cooperation. The two leaders also assessed that there was significant progress in effectively responding to a variety of security challenges following changes to the strategic environment.

8. The Secretary and Minister assessed that the Freedom Shield 23 (FS 23) and Ulchi Freedom Shield 23 (UFS 23) exercises contributed to bolstering combined readiness. In particular, the Alliance conducted UFS 23 under a realistic operational environment that reflected the DPRK's advancing nuclear and missile threats as well as the possibility of a rapid transition to wartime conditions, significantly enhanced the Alliance's crisis management and all-out war execution capabilities. The two sides also assessed that the combined field exercises performed in conjunction with FS and UFS exercises enhanced combined operation execution capabilities. Further, considering DPRK's advancing nuclear and missile capabilities and institutionalization of its nuclear force policy, they pledged to further discuss the inclusion of a DPRK nuclear use during a future U.S.-ROK combined exercise. Both leaders pledged to work closely to expand the scale and types of field exercises in line with combined exercises in 2024, noting that training for defensive and deterrent purposes is a critical component of maintaining Alliance readiness. The two sides assessed that the U.S.-ROK Alliance must continue to focus on combat readiness and on the combined defense posture to address dynamic changes on the Korean Peninsula.

9. The Secretary and the Minister emphasized that ensuring stable training opportunities for USFK is critical to maintaining a strong combined defense posture. Secretary Austin noted the efforts of ROK MND to improve the training conditions for U.S. and South Korean troops and concurred on the importance of maintaining ongoing communication and close cooperation between USFK and MND to coordinate the joint use of ROK facilities and airspace for U.S. and ROK training.

10. After reviewing the progress on directed tasks from the Conditions-based Wartime OPCON Transition Plan (COTP), the two leaders discussed the way forward for wartime OPCON transition to the Future Combined Forces Command (F-CFC). The Secretary and the Minister also reaffirmed that the conditions stated in the bilaterally approved COTP must be met before the wartime OPCON is transitioned in a stable and systematic manner.

The two leaders applauded the progress made in completing the annual U.S.-ROK bilateral evaluation on the capabilities and systems for conditions #1 and #2 based on the assessment criteria and standards bilaterally agreed through the joint study and confirmed the progress had been made in many areas. Regarding condition #3, the Secretary and the Minister concurred that meaningful progress had been made in conducting the first assessment of the regional security environment, based on the bilaterally agreed assessment methods and criteria. The two leaders agreed to further advance the assessment process of the regional security environment through close coordination.

They also confirmed that notable progress had been made on conducting the Full Mission Capability (FMC) assessment of the Combined Ground Component Command (CGCC) and the Full Operational Capability (FOC) assessment of the Combined Special Operations Component Command (CSOCC) during Freedom Shield (FS) and Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) exercises in 2023. The two leaders pledged to redouble collective efforts to pursue CGCC, CSOCC and Combined Military Intelligence Support Operations Component Command (CMISOCC)'s transition to standing component commands under close consultation.

The Secretary and the Minister reaffirmed that F-CFC FOC certification would be pursued when the results of the bilateral evaluation on the capabilities and systems of conditions #1 and #2 meet the bilaterally agreed-upon levels. In addition, they concurred on the need to closely cooperate to advance the comprehensive and interoperable capabilities of the Alliance. Both sides pledged to engage in regular evaluation and review of the progress in wartime OPCON transition implementation through annual MCM's and SCM's to strengthen the Alliance and combined defense capabilities via the Alliance's collective efforts to meet the conditions.

11. The Secretary and the Minister decided to continue strengthening cooperation in space and cyber, to ensure an effective combined response against growing threats and to bolster comprehensive Alliance response capabilities. The Secretary and the Minister acknowledged the efforts of the respective defense authorities working to promote the security of critical infrastructure, including information and space systems. The two leaders applauded the work of the Space Cooperation Working Group and pledged to further strengthen the Alliance's space cooperation including expanding space situational awareness information sharing. The two sides also acknowledged that the Space Cooperation TTX, held this September for first time in six years, contributed to deepening discussions on the direction of bilateral space cooperation while enhancing common understanding of deterrence and threats in the space domain. As the leaders of the two countries committed to expand the Alliance's cooperation into cyberspace with the signing of the Cybersecurity Cooperation Framework in April this year, the Secretary and the Minister pledged to expand defense cyber cooperation to strengthen the joint response posture against cybersecurity threats. They highlighted the work of the May 2023 Cyber Cooperation Working Group and committed to further deepen coordination in the defense cyber domain including the establishment of the first bilateral cyber exercise and participation of the ROK in the annual U.S.-led Cyber Flag exercise.

12. The Minister and the Secretary concurred on the need to strengthen the national defense capabilities of the Alliance, and to establish more efficient and effective collaboration in the development, acquisition, and employment of these capabilities. While recognizing the increasingly significant linkages between advanced technology and national security, the two sides agreed to strengthen the Alliance's interoperability and interchangeability and continue to strengthen readiness through expanding cooperation in the areas of defense research and development, industrial cooperation, and capability acquisition. The two leaders noted the previous efforts to strengthen the connection between the two countries' defense industrial bases, including the Security of Supply Arrangement (SOSA), which will soon be concluded, and called for efforts to conclude a U.S.-ROK Reciprocal Defense Procurement Agreement to strengthen cooperation in the defense industry. They also concurred on the need to expand additional cooperation on weapon systems including ships to enhance security capacity in the Indo-Pacific region. The two leaders reaffirmed that U.S.-ROK defense science and technology cooperation has expanded in various domains such as space, quantum, cyber defense, artificial intelligence, autonomy, and directed energy. They also pledged to continue the dialogue between the MND and the DoD to use future-generation wireless communication technologies for combined operations. The Secretary and the Minister pledged to continue exchange activities between U.S-ROK consultative bodies that address defense research and development, as well as industrial cooperation, capability acquisition, lifecycle logistics, and technology security. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to evaluate and evolve bilateral consultative bodies to strengthen efficacy and timeliness of cooperation in the aforementioned areas. In particular, they noted the beginning of discussions on the establishment of a senior-level consultative body to enhance policy and strategic cooperation in science and technology between the DoD and MND and pledged to continue to work together to advance the common interests of the two countries.

13. The Secretary and the Minister shared a common understanding that U.S.-ROK security cooperation plays a critical role in maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific that is connected, prosperous, secure, and resilient. To this end, the Secretary and the Minister pledged to continue promoting security cooperation to better respond to the increasingly complex regional and global security situation. In this context, the two leaders committed to share the two countries' policy direction and cooperation status and seek specific cooperation in implementing the ROK's Strategy for a Free, Peaceful, and Prosperous Indo-Pacific Region and the U.S. Indo-Pacific Strategy.

The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, lawful unimpeded commerce, and respect for international law including freedom of navigation and overflight and other lawful use of the seas, including the South China Sea and beyond. The Secretary and the Minister also acknowledged the importance of preserving peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait as reflected in the April 2023 "Joint Statement in Commemoration of the 70th Anniversary of the Alliance between the United States of America and the Republic of Korea." They pledged to continue promoting regional defense and security cooperation. They also reaffirmed support for Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) centrality and the ASEAN-led regional architecture. In particular, the two leaders noted the importance of creating cooperative synergies as part of implementing both the ROK and U.S. respective strategies for the Indo-Pacific. They agreed to leverage the newly established Korea - United States Regional Cooperation Working Group (RCWG) to strengthen defense cooperation with ASEAN members and work together with the Pacific Island Countries to contribute to maritime security.

The two leaders concurred on the need to promote democracy, safeguard human rights, and the rule of law. They assessed that various efforts, including counter-piracy operations, stabilization and reconstruction efforts, peacekeeping operations, regional security cooperation initiatives, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, contribute to peace, stability, and prosperity to the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.

14. The Secretary and the Minister concurred that the Camp David Summit marked a new chapter in U.S.-ROK-Japan security cooperation and reviewed the progress of the defense-related deliverables agreed upon by the three leaders. The two sides applauded the finalization of the trilateral arrangement to share DPRK missile warning data in real time. They also reviewed the status of institutionalizing a multi-year trilateral military exercise plan and pledged to conduct trilateral exercises in a systematic manner from next year based on the exercise plan after finalizing the exercise plan by the end of 2023. The Secretary and the Minister also reaffirmed their commitment to continuing to promote and expand trilateral security cooperation including senior-level policy consultations, trilateral exercises, information sharing, and defense exchange cooperation.

15. Amidst the DPRK's continued development of nuclear and missile programs, the Secretary and the Minister recognized the need for sanctions enforcement in the region and welcomed continued multinational contributions to counter-proliferation activities in the region. The Secretary expressed appreciation for the ROK's contribution to global security efforts, including hosting the Proliferation Security Initiative's 20th Anniversary High-level Political Meeting and Multinational Maritime Interdiction Exercises. Both leaders concurred on the importance of upholding and fully implementing all relevant UNSCRs. The Secretary and the Minister applauded the work done over the last year in the U.S.-ROK Counter WMD Committee (CWMDC) to enhance the Alliance's combined response capabilities by expanding information sharing to practically respond to DPRK's WMD threats and pursuing cooperation in the area of consequence management. They reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation to address existing DPRK sanctions evasion tactics and illicit cyber activities, and committed to seek additional opportunities for responding to WMD threats from the DPRK. Additionally, the two leaders resolved to continue strengthening cooperation to enhance CWMD capabilities through measures including CWMDC and U.S. DOD Cooperative Threat Reduction (CTR) programs, which have enhanced Alliance CWMD capabilities

16. The Secretary and the Minister reaffirmed that expediting the relocation and return of U.S. military bases in the ROK is in the interests of both countries to ensure the balanced development of the ROK and the conditions for the stationing of U.S. forces in the ROK, and agreed to work closely on relevant matters to ensure the timely return of the bases in accordance with the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) and related agreements. The two leaders reaffirmed their joint commitment to expedite the return of Yongsan Garrison for the complete construction of Yongsan National Park, and to discuss the return of other U.S. military bases through regular consultations through SOFA channels to reach mutually acceptable outcomes in the future.

17. Secretary Austin expressed his gratitude that the ROK is contributing toward ensuring a stable environment for U.S. Forces Korea. The Secretary and Minister also assessed that the Special Measures Agreement (SMA) has greatly contributed to the strengthening of the U.S.-ROK combined defense posture.

18. Secretary Austin and Minister Shin expressed appreciation for the courtesy, hospitality, and work by both sides that contributed to the success of this year's SCM. Both leaders affirmed that the discussions during the 55th SCM and the 48th MCM contributed to substantively strengthening the U.S.-ROK Alliance and further developing the bilateral defense relationship. Both sides expect to hold the 56th SCM and 49th MCM in Washington, D.C., at a mutually convenient time in 2024.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3586522/

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November 13, 2023

By Joseph Clark , DOD News

Austin Affirms 'Ironclad' U.S. Commitment to Deterrence on Korean Peninsula

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III underscored the United States' unwavering commitment to maintaining peace and security on the Korean Peninsula during talks today with South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-sik in Seoul, South Korea.

The two leaders met alongside their respective delegations at the South Korean Ministry of National Defense headquarters as part of the 55th Security Consultative Meeting, an annual capstone event marking the long-standing U.S.-South Korean defense relationship.

"We have been tested time and again, and we have met every challenge," Austin said. "Together, we've built one of the most robust, capable and interoperable alliances on earth. We have deterred greater conflict on the Korean Peninsula for seven decades. If necessary, we remain ready to fight tonight."

"Our extended deterrence commitment to [South Korea] remains ironclad," he said.

This year's meeting comes on the heels of a commitment by President Joe Biden and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol to further bolstering the U.S.-South Korean alliance amid growing nuclear threats posed by North Korea.

The Washington Declaration, unveiled during Yoon's official visit to Washington in April, outlines the two countries' commitment to engage in deeper dialogue and information sharing to strengthen nuclear deterrence efforts on the peninsula.

The document announced the establishment of a nuclear consultative group and further underscores the United States' commitment to extended deterrence backed by the full range of U.S. capabilities, including nuclear capabilities.

The U.S. also pledged, as part of the declaration, to enhance regular visibility of strategic assets on the Korean Peninsula.

Austin noted during today's talks that, in the months following the declaration, a U.S. ballistic missile submarine conducted a port visit in South Korea for the first time in 40 years. The USS Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike also recently completed a port visit, and, last month, the U.S. landed a B-52 Stratofortress bomber on the Korean Peninsula for the first time this century.

"We will continue to do the things we promised to do," Austin said in a news conference following the daylong talks. "In the past 12 months, we've transformed our posture in the region. We are more forward deployed and more capable to respond to anything that could happen."

The defense ministers built upon the priorities outlined in the Washington Declaration during their meeting, as they endorsed an update to the 2013 Tailored Defense Strategy.

The updated document reflects the current security environment, North Korea's advancing capabilities, and guidance from the most recent U.S. and South Korean national defense strategies.

During today's session, the leaders also codified their vision for the future of the alliance. In a joint vision statement, they recognized the alliance as a "staple for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the Indo-Pacific region and a stalwart protector of international norms."

"In recognition of the changing security environment, the alliance must adopt a forward-looking posture that is responsive to its foundational and most pressing threata [North Korea]awhile also contributing to the security of the region and the world," according to the statement.

Austin and Shin outlined three key priorities driving the future of the alliance. Those include: deterring strategic attacks from hostile actors in the region, modernizing each nation's capabilities to strengthen the combined defense architecture of the alliance, and strengthening solidarity and defense cooperation with like-minded partners in the region.

"Our vision is that of a peaceful Korean Peninsula and a free and open Indo-Pacific region in which the United States and [South Korea] stand together at the forefront of tackling the most significant and consequential security challenges," the document reads.

The defense leaders lauded the strength of the longstanding U.S.-South Korea alliance following the talks and committed to further strengthening the two countries' defense ties.

"For the past 70 years, the [South Korea]-U.S. alliance has developed into the linchpin of peace, stability and prosperity of not only the Korean Peninsula, but the worldaand one of the strongest alliances in history," Shin said.

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US, S Korea elevate ties to global alliance amid security challenges

Both sides vow to 'expand activities' regionally and globally in protecting democratic values.

By Lee Jeong-Ho for RFA 2023.11.13 -- The United States and South Korea have agreed to further progress their military alliance into a global partnership - an expansion aimed to address not only threats from North Korea but also broader challenges that impact regional and global peace.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-sik emphasized during a press conference in Seoul on Monday that their alliance is fundamentally global in nature, dedicated to upholding democratic values worldwide.

"Going forward, the Republic of Korea and the United States will overcome the pressures of extensive geopolitical dynamics, safeguard democratic values, and maintain a rules-based order," the ministers said in a 'Defense Vision' statement Monday, referring to South Korea's formal name, after the annual Security Consultative Meeting in South Korea's capital.

"The ROK-U.S. alliance will actively seek a cooperative agenda to lead discussions and expand activities in the region and around the world, aligned with our common values and goals," the statement said. It highlighted that the bilateral alliance was essential in protecting the values of freedom, peace and prosperity.

The alliance also aims to take a more proactive role in contributing to regional security, including strengthening defense cooperation with Southeast Asian countries and Pacific island nations, added the statement, which also stressed on the security cooperation with Japan to protect democratic values and deal with regional challenges.

The evolution of the bilateral alliance into a global coalition is a strategic and timely response to the increasing complexities of global challenges. With China's growing clout, coupled with Russia's aggressive actions in Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas war, a strengthened and more globally-oriented alliance becomes crucial in realizing America's global strategy.

South Korea, a U.S. ally, has been indirectly supplying ammunition to Ukraine through intermediary nations, including the U.S., and has stood with Washington to criticize the Hamas attack on Israel.

The primary role of the alliance, however, is expected to remain concentrated on addressing the growing threat posed by North Korea to global peace, underscoring Pyongyang's increasingly concerning actions and capabilities.

North Korea was the "most fundamental and urgent threat" to both the U.S. and South Korea, the statement said.

The statement came as South Korea's National Intelligence Service told its lawmakers in the National Assembly earlier this month that Russia has acquired over 1 million artillery shells from the North since August.

The development demonstrates the strengthening relationship between Pyongyang and Moscow, accentuated by the summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Russia September.

The allies reaffirmed the "importance of deterring strategic attacks and aggression by North Korea and other hostile actors in the region through ongoing efforts to strengthen extended deterrence," where the alliance, according to the statement, will expand the scale and scope of combined exercises and training, including combined joint live-fire drills.

Meanwhile, Pyongyang is preparing for what is anticipated to be its third "satellite" launch. Previous attempts by North Korea to send satellites into orbit in May and August were unsuccessful, and seen constituting as a significant setback for Kim.

Such a launch would contravene United Nations Security Council resolutions prohibiting North Korea from using ballistic missile technology for any launches. North Korea's past satellite launches have contributed to advancements in its long-range missile capabilities.

Recent tests of North Korean long-range missiles have shown the theoretical capacity to reach the U.S. mainland.

Edited by Elaine Chan 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 November 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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US, South Korea Revise Security Agreement to Deter North Korea Threats

By Carla Babb November 13, 2023

The United States and South Korea updated their deterrence agreement against North Korean military threats on Monday for the first time in a decade.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin met with his South Korean counterpart,

Shin Won-sik, in Seoul for the signing amid annual security talks.

"Our deterrence commitment to the ROK (Republic of Korea) remains ironclad. That includes the full range of our nuclear, conventional and missile defense capabilities," Austin told reporters at a press conference on Monday.

As examples of that commitment, Austin highlighted recent visits by a nuclear ballistic missile submarine and last month's landing of a B-52 bomber on the peninsula for the first time in the 21st century.

Shin told reporters North Korea had greatly advanced its nuclear capability since the first signing of the agreement 10 years ago.

In addition to "destabilizing actions" by North Korea, Austin said the two also discussed Chinese and Russian military activities "that undermine a rules-based international order."

On Sunday, the two defense leaders held a trilateral teleconference with Japan's new defense minister to ensure the three democracies can work together toward defense and stabilization of the Indo-Pacific region.

About 80,000 U.S. forces are deployed in either Japan or South Korea.

The two leaders said they agreed to boost joint drills, as well as security cooperation with Japan, to be better prepared for a potential North Korean attack.

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Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's answer to a question from the Moscow. Kremlin. Putin TV programme, November 12, 2023

12 November 2023 11:52

2285-12-11-2023

Question: A heated discussion broke out in Kazakhstan following the publication of an article in Western media covering the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron where Kazakhstan was referred to as "Putin's backyard." Obviously, this caused a strong reaction. What does such wording in a reputable media tell us about the Western world's attitude towards Kazakhstan?

Sergey Lavrov: This isn't just about the media. The leaders of the Western world, who were elected by the people (presidents, prime ministers, chancellors) for the given historical period, also feel it is all right to make such disrespectful statements. During his visit to Kazakhstan, French President Emmanuel Macron publicly said that he was glad this country would never be anyone's vassal. This is also quite arrogant from the diplomatic point of view.

The European Union does not conceal its intentions to contain Russia in every possible way, to push us out of Central Asia and the South Caucasus. They will not succeed. We have had a presence in those regions historically and we will not go anywhere. Our partners and allies know this very well.

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Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's answers to questions from the Moscow. Kremlin. Putin programme, November 12, 2023

12 November 2023 14:22

2286-12-11-2023

Question: Regarding the acceleration [of Ukraine's progress towards EU membership], our source has told us that Kiev will be required to eliminate discrimination of minorities, but that the EU did not care about the Russian language.

Sergey Lavrov: When Ukraine adopted its "anti-minorities" legislation, it caused an uproar in the European Union. Ukraine amended it and said this would not affect EU languages. Judge for yourself.

At that time, we talked with Hungary and other EU members who had compatriots living in Ukraine and said we hoped they would not just fight for exemptions for their own cultures, but will defend all the principles of international law concerning national minorities. So far, we have not seen that happening. We will see.

Question: European leaders have stepped up their rhetoric insisting Ukraine should be admitted to the European Union as a matter of urgency. What does this indicate?

Sergey Lavrov: I have no clue. Most of these statements have been made by Head of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. They are preparing some recommendations, but they also admit that Ukraine has not fulfilled a significant part of the criteria. On the other hand, Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba says the EU should forget all about those criteria and admit Ukraine without conditions.

I have difficulty wrapping my head around this. It looks like some game, or an extension of the EU's old policy. When the Soviet Union collapsed, they suddenly dropped all criteria and took the decisions to admit the Baltic States into the European Union for purely political reasons. They never fully met the conditions, but political expediency prevailed. I doubt there is anything that can still surprise me.

And then there is Moldova, which has proven itself a democracy by removing an entire party from local elections and shutting down a dozen media outlets that tried to be objective but were accused of working for the opposition.

For me, the European Union has long been an entity I cannot understand. Countries that have been on the waiting list for decades (Serbia, Turkiye) are also asking questions why their accession is stalling or why others have begun accession talks (if the member states agree with the European Commission's recommendations regarding Ukraine and Moldova). Ankara seems to have decided that it no longer wants to waste effort on a hopeless and useless business, and but Belgrade reaffirmed its intention. They asked a few days ago to remember them when Europe starts negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova and admits them. They were told they had to join the anti-Russia sanctions first.

So much for the economic union, which was the EU's initial format. That was how it was advertised and why it had an appeal for potential new members. Now it is a purely geopolitical business. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic was told to give up Kosovo and support the anti-Russia sanctions, and then his bid might be considered.

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Tsahkna in Brussels: Let's not submit to Russia's blackmail in the OSCE

Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

13.11.2023

Today 13 November, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna attended the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels, where he called for speeding up defence assistance to Ukraine, continuing to isolate Russia internationally and ensuring that humanitarian aid reaches civilians in Gaza.

At the meeting, Tsahkna welcomed the historic decision of the European Commission to recommend launching accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova. "It was a clear message from the EU that we will continue to support Ukraine and respect their decision to become a part of the EU, despite the ongoing brutal aggression of Russia," Tsahkna said. "Winter is here soon. Last year, we witnessed how Russian missiles were indiscriminately targeting the critical infrastructure of civilians. Ukraine needs help from us all to continue its selfless fight for its security and the security of us all."

Tsahkna said that in addition to supporting Ukraine, we must continue raising the cost of the war for Russia, including making quick progress with additional sanctions on Russia, which would reduce Russia's ability to fund its cruel war in Ukraine. He said he hoped the additional, 12th package of sanctions would be approved in the immediate future.

"We cannot normalise relations with the aggressor, we must continue isolating Russia internationally, and we must not submit to provocations and blackmail," Tsahkna said, referring to Russia's decision to block Estonia's Chairmanship in the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). "I am glad that the EU unanimously supports Estonia," Tsahkna said.

Discussing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Tsahkna said he was following developments in Israel and Gaza with a heavy heart. "Civilians in Gaza must be ensured continued, quick, safe and stable humanitarian aid," he said, adding that he welcomed the EU's statement from yesterday regarding the humanitarian situation in Gaza. At the same time, Tsahkna emphasised that Israel was fully entitled to defend itself within international law against attacks by the Hamas terrorist organisation. "I would also like to repeat that Hamas must immediately release all the hostages that have been held by them for more than a month."

The ministers also spoke about the situation in Armenia and in Azerbaijan and ways in which the EU could contribute to the peaceful resolution of the conflict.

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Telephone conversation with President of Senegal Macky Sall

At the initiative of the Senegalese party, Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the Republic of Senegal Macky Sall.

November 13, 2023

15:00

As a follow-up to contacts that took place during the second Russia-Africa Summit in St Petersburg, the two leaders discussed current issues of Russian-Senegalese cooperation, including prospects for the further development of trade, economic and investment ties. Vladimir Putin and Macky Sall expressed their mutual commitment to boosting joint work in this area.

Opinions were also exchanged in relation to the sharp aggravation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.

The two leaders agreed that the discussion of all these issues would continue through various bilateral channels.

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U.S., Chinese warships did not enter Taiping Island waters: CGA

ROC Central News Agency

11/13/2023 03:54 PM

Taipei, Nov. 13 (CNA) A Coast Guard Administration (CGA) official reiterated Monday that no United States or Chinese vessels entered Taiwan's territorial waters around Taiping Island in the disputed South China Sea on Nov. 3, amid counter claims made by an opposition lawmaker.

Jia Chih-kuo (ea), deputy head of the CGA's Patrol Division under the Ocean Affairs Council, made the statement during a press conference held by Kuomintang (KMT) Legislator Chen I-hsin (eaa) when the latter accused the CGA of lying about intrusions by American and Chinese warships earlier this month.

Chen presented photographs he received from an anonymous source allegedly taken at the Taiwan-controlled island on Nov. 3, which he said provided proof that vessels from both countries were detected around 3 nautical miles from Taiping.

However, there were no indications exactly when and where the photographs were taken or how far the foreign vessels were from Taiping Island.

The KMT lawmaker further accused the ruling Democratic Progressive Party government of doing nothing to expel foreign vessels even though they were detected within 12 nautical miles or inside the territorial waters of the island.

In response, Jia confirmed that coast guards posted on Taiping Island did detect a Chinese warship and an American warship near the island on Nov. 3 and closely monitored their movements.

The two foreign vessels were detected around 21 nautical miles northeast of Taiping Island. Neither the Chinese nor U.S. vessel came within 12 nautical miles or into the territorial waters of the island on Nov. 3, according to the CGA official.

"The closest the Chinese vessel came was 13.4 nautical miles from Taiping Island," Jia said.

According to a U.S. 7th Fleet press statement, the USS Dewey (DDG-105), an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, completed a freedom of navigation operation near the Spratly Islands on Nov. 3.

"This freedom of navigation operation upheld the rights, freedoms, and lawful uses of the sea recognized in international law by challenging restrictions on innocent passage imposed by the People's Republic of China (PRC), Taiwan, and Vietnam," reads the 7th Fleet statement.

Meanwhile, the Chinese-language United Daily News reported that an unidentified Chinese warship sailed near Taiping Island on Nov. 3.

Previously Taiwan's top intelligence chief, National Security Bureau Director-General Tsai Ming-yen (eZa), did not give a direct answer when asked by Chen whether American and/or Chinese warships were detected within Taiping's territorial waters on Nov. 3, during a legislative session on Nov. 6.

Tsai said only that if a foreign vessel sailed within 12 nautical miles of Taiping, the CGA would report the incident to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) which would take appropriate measures.

Tsai did not explain what measures MOFA would take in response to such an intrusion but it is believed an official protest would be lodged with the governments of the foreign vessels found entering the nation's territorial water.

Later that night, Ocean Affairs Council head Kuan Bi-ling (cccZ) said in a Facebook post that no foreign vessels trespassed into Taiping's territorial waters on Nov. 3, in a direct response to the accusation made by the KMT lawmaker.

Meanwhile, asked to comment on how the CGA would beef up its patrols around Taiping Island, amid rising tensions in the region, Jia told Chen at Monday's press event that the administration sends 3,000 tonne vessels on routine patrols around Taiping four times a month.

The CGA will soon deploy CGA patrol vessels of about 100 tonnes to Taiping Island once a wharf expansion project is completed, Jia said, though he did not say when the project is expected to be completed.

Currently, only vessels of about 20 tonnes are able to dock on the island.

Taiping Island, also known as Itu Aba, the largest of the naturally occurring Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, lies 1,600 kilometers southwest of Kaohsiung and is administered as part of the southern Taiwan city's Cijin District.

It is currently occupied by around 200 Taiwanese Coast Guard personnel trained by the Marine Corps and drills are held regularly. The island is also claimed by Vietnam, China and the Philippines.

Taiping is one of the two territories controlled by the government of Taiwan in the South China Sea, the other being Dongsha, or Pratas Island, which lies 450 kilometers southwest of Kaohsiung.

(By Wang Cheng-chung and Joseph Yeh)

Enditem/AW

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KMT, TPP agree to use polls to determine joint presidential ticket

ROC Central News Agency

11/13/2023 08:42 PM

Taipei, Nov. 13 (CNA) The Kuomintang (KMT) and the Taiwan People's Party (TPP) have agreed to partly determine the order of a joint ticket for the 2024 presidential election through public polls, after months of deadlock, according to a KMT official, though there is still no agreement on the relative weighting.

The two main opposition parties in Taiwan have agreed to conduct a nationwide poll to decide whether KMT presidential nominee Hou Yu-ih () or the TPP's Ko Wen-je () should lead a joint KMT-TPP or TPP-KMT ticket, KMT Chairman Eric Chu () told press in Taipei on Sunday.

What remains to be determined is the content and rules of the polling, he added, months after suggesting an open primary to determine who would get top spot on the ticket.

Chu's comments came in the wake of endorsements from both former KMT President Ma Ying-jeou () and Han Kuo-yu (), the KMT's unsuccessful 2020 presidential candidate, who expressed their support for using a public poll to determine the lead candidate on the ticket.

When questioned about the exact timeline for KMT-TPP collaboration, Chu said discussions are ongoing.

He added that the KMT will not insist on the other party fully aligning with KMT's policy preferences, and similarly the TPP should not rigidly adhere to its own opinions.

In a related development on Monday, Ko noted the urgency of determining the order of the presidential ticket.

He told reporters in Nantou County, central Taiwan, that the two parties have to agree on a joint ticket soon as "there is not much time left."

Aspiring candidates for Taiwan's 2024 presidential election must officially register their candidacies from Nov. 20 to 24 and are prohibited from campaigning on behalf of other candidates once officially on the ballot.

According to Ko, the two parties have reached consensus on most issues and policy platforms.

Regarding a central aim of the two parties collaborating, namely to maximize the number of legislative seats they win in the legislative election, which is being held on the same day as the presidential election, the former Taipei mayor said that there are still some minor disagreements that need to be resolved.

Ko also mentioned that the next time he meets with Chu, he hopes to make the decision public.

Ko said he plans to invite former President Ma to be a "witness," adding credibility to the meeting, rather than giving the public the impression the discussions are being held behind closed doors and secret, after Ma came out in public in favor of public polling.

On Jan. 13, 2024, Taiwanese voters will cast their ballots to elect the president and vice president, along with 113 members of the Legislative Yuan.

(By Wang Chen-chung, Hsiao Po-yang and Chung Yu-chen)

Enditem/AW

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Taiwan delegation welcomed to APEC Summit: AIT chairperson

U.S.-Taiwan economic ties created a resilient high-tech ecosystem, supply chain, says Laura Rosenberger.

By Kitty Wang for RFA Mandarin 2023.11.13 -- In a rare move by a high-ranking member of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), which serves as the de facto U.S. Embassy in the island, the United States has expressed its support for Taiwan's delegation to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in San Francisco.

Speaking at the annual Thanksgiving Dinner of the Taiwanese Association of America Greater Washington Chapter in Washington on Nov. 11, AIT Chairperson Laura Rosenberger said the U.S. encourages and supports Taiwan's "meaningful" participation in international organizations.

Rosenberger also said her focus is on opportunities for continued cooperation between the U.S. and Taiwan, while stressing that the U.S.-Taiwan partnership has expanded and deepened significantly in recent years under the Taiwan Relations Act, particularly in economic security and civil relations, as well as in expanding Taiwan's role in the international arena.

She mentioned the tremendous growth in economic ties, particularly the two-way U.S.-Taiwan investment that has created a resilient high-tech ecosystem between both sides, and in turn, a resilient global supply chain.

Rosenberger added that the U.S. continues to support Taiwan's efforts to enhance its self-defense capabilities, increase resilience, and strengthen deterrence, which helps maintain cross-Strait peace and stability.

The Biden administration is using the full range of congressionally mandated tools, such as presidential appropriations authority and foreign military financing, in an effort to ensure that Taiwan has adequate self-defense capabilities, said Rosenberger.

Commenting on Taiwan's upcoming presidential election, Rosenberger noted that the U.S. has full confidence in the island's democratic processes and free and fair elections.

She stressed that Washington opposes any outside interference in Taiwan's elections and looks forward to working with any elected leaders in Taiwan.

Rosenberger's remarks came before the APEC summit, which runs from Nov. 11 - 17 in San Francisco, and will be the stage for a key encounter between U.S. President Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, who have a face-to-face meeting on Wednesday.

Although this meeting is not the central agenda of the summit, taking place on the sidelines, it has sparked speculation about the topics of discussion between the two leaders.

China's ambassador to Washington, Xie Feng, said on Nov. 9, that the U.S. "should avoid playing with fire or crossing the line" on "sensitive" issues like Taiwan, and warned U.S. leaders that "a good host needs to avoid creating any new trouble or obstacle."

Translated by RFA Staff. Edited by Elaine Chan and 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 November 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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Biden to call for cross-strait peace, stability in meeting with Xi

ROC Central News Agency

11/14/2023 11:57 AM

Washington, Nov. 13 (CNA) U.S. President Joe Biden will stress peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait when he meets with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping (cea) on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit on Wednesday.

"The president, broadly speaking, is going to set out a vision for peace and stability and the maintenance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait," White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said Monday when asked what message Biden will deliver to Xi ahead of Taiwan's presidential election on Jan. 13, 2024.

Biden and Xi will meet for the first time since November 2022, when they met on the sidelines of the G20 meeting held in Indonesia, and their encounter has drawn considerable attention given the existing tensions between Washington and Beijing.

"President Biden has had the opportunity to engage, and so have the rest of us, on how we effectively manage peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait so that we can sustain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait," Sullivan said.

In terms of U.S.-China ties, Sullivan described them as a "complex" and "competitive" relationship, which could easily lead to conflict or confrontation if it's not well managed.

Managing this complex relationship with China in an effective way was the most important single responsibility for Biden and his administration, and the president believed there was no substitute for leader-to-leader, face-to-face diplomacy in managing it, Sullivan said.

Sullivan said Biden thought the Wednesday meeting will not be only a one-off event but an important moment to help establish a basis on which the U.S. and China can proceed into the future.

"You avoid escalation, you manage competition, so it doesn't veer into conflict," Sullivan said. "That to us is an absolutely straightforward factor, and no matter what else is happening in the relationship, those military-to-military links should remain intact.

"The way we achieve that is through intense diplomacy. That's how we clear up misperceptions and avoid surprises," Sullivan said.

Beijing cut off military conversations with Washington last year after a visit to Taipei by then U.S. House speaker Nancy Pelosi in August 2022. The visit angered China, which launched military drills around Taiwan soon after Pelosi left.

In addition to the Taiwan issue, Sullivan said the U.S. and China will also have to be able to speak directly to each other on other critical issues faced by the two countries, including the Russia-Ukraine crisis and efforts to combat the trade in fentanyl.

(By Chiang Chin-yeh and Frances Huang)

Enditem/ls

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Secretary Blinken's Call with U.K. Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

November 13, 2023

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with UK Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron today. The Secretary congratulated Lord Cameron on his new appointments to the UK Cabinet and Peerage. Secretary Blinken and Lord Cameron underscored continuity in the U.S.-UK Special Relationship and its importance to regional and global security. They discussed the Israel-Hamas conflict, including efforts to increase the delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza. They also discussed relations with the PRC and cooperation to help Ukraine prevail against Russia's war of aggression.

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PM speech at Lord Mayor's Banquet: 13 November 2023

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak made a speech on foreign policy at the Lord Mayor's Banquet at the Guildhall, London.

13 November 2023

My Lord Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,

These are deeply challenging times for our world.

Events far beyond our shores echo here at home with implications for our security, our economy, and our very social fabric.

It falls to us to do everything we can to shape these events.

And so, we've delivered one of the most significant years for British foreign policy in recent times.

That's due in no small part to James Cleverly.

I know he'll bring the same vigour to the equally vital job of Home Secretary.

And I'm pleased to have appointed a new Foreign Secretary who will build on everything we've achieved in the last year...

A year in which we've gone further than ever to support Ukraine as the first G7 nation to move on sending tanks first to send long-range weapons and first to step up on training pilots.

In the last few weeks, I've travelled to Cyprus, Jerusalem, Riyadh and Cairo, to respond to the crisis in the Middle East and I'm in constant contact with leaders across the region.

Since we last gathered here a year ago, we've secured the Windsor Framework with the EU launched AUKUS with the US and Australia, building one of the most advanced submarines the world has ever known...

...signed the Hiroshima Accord with Japan, and the Atlantic Declaration with the US...

...secured membership of the CPTPP, which will drive global growth...

...delivered returns agreements to tackle illegal migration - an approach now being followed by many others...

...and brokered the first international statement on the risks of Artificial Intelligence - including the US and China, something many thought impossible.

But these treaties and alliances speak to something deeper:

Our willingness to act...

to shape the world, not be shaped by it...

...wherever there's a challenge, wherever there's a threat, wherever we can promote peace and security.

That's why we've deployed troops to Kosovo, supporting stability in the Balkans.

20,000 servicemen and women are on their way to protect NATO's eastern flank and the high north.

Royal Navy vessels are in the Middle East to deter further escalation.

And vital humanitarian aid is reaching civilians in Gaza, and across the Horn of Africa - funded by the British people.

This is who we are.

The difference we make, every single day, across the world, should make each and every one of us here tonight enormously proud.

We're hard-headed about our interests and our security.

But Britain's realism has always had values, and this is a moment for moral clarity.

My Lord Mayor,

The past is trying to stop the future being born.

What motivated Hamas to launch their horrific attack on Israel?

It wasn't just hatred - it was also their fear that a new Middle East was being born...

...one that would see Israel normalising relations with its neighbours, and which gave hope for a better, more secure, more prosperous way forward.

Why did Russia invade Ukraine?

Because Putin feared the emergence of a modern, reforming, thriving democracy on his doorstep - and wanted to pull it back into some imperialist fantasy of the past.

So, we must keep alive the promise of a better future, bolster those striving for it and stand up for the innocents who Russia see as targets and Hamas see as human shields.

I recall those lines from Yeats:

"The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere, the ceremony of innocence is drowned... the best lack all conviction, while the worst, are full of passionate intensity."

That's what our adversaries believe.

So, we will outmatch them with our conviction and intensity.

We must and we will prove them wrong.

Let me set out what that means - in Ukraine, in how we help the most vulnerable around the world and in the Middle East - a region whose tragedy and heartbreak hang heavy on us all.

In Israel, I met the families of British victims.

I sat with them, held their hands, and saw the profound pain in their eyes.

I heard the existential fear that Israelis are feeling.

Their country was founded to ensure that what happened in the Holocaust could never happen again.

Hamas poses a fundamental challenge to that idea.

Hamas have stated clearly: "We will repeat the October 7 attack time and time again until Israel is annihilated."

Last week was the 85th anniversary of Kristallnacht.

And as we see hatred rising, we all have a responsibility to meet the promise of the words that in recent days have lit up the Brandenburg Gate:

"Never again is now."

So, Israel must be able to defend itself against terror, restore its security and bring the hostages home.

But there are things that Israel must do as part of its response.

We've been clear they must act within international law.

They must take all possible measures to protect innocent civilians, including at hospitals, stop extremist violence in the West Bank and allow more aid into Gaza.

Mahmoud Abbas, the President of the Palestinian Authority, described to me the terrible suffering of the Palestinian people.

Too many civilians are losing their lives.

That's why I've doubled our aid to Gaza and why we continue to press - both at the UN and directly with Israel - for unhindered humanitarian access and urgent and substantive humanitarian pauses.

We want aid coming in by land, air and sea - and we're ready to use our bases in Cyprus as a staging post.

Alleviating the suffering is our foremost priority.

But we need to do more - to create a new political horizon.

We must unite around the only answer that can come close to creating peace in those troubled lands.

The only answer that can acknowledge the history and hurt of both peoples.

The only answer that can allow a new future to be born and that is a two-state solution.

The UK wrote the original UN resolutions setting this out.

We've argued the case for decades.

But now we must help make it a reality.

So, to the UK's friends across the region, like Jordan, Egypt, UAE, and Saudi Arabia, who support normalisation and peaceful co-existence and to our communities at home...

...I pledge to redouble efforts to this end.

That means providing the serious, practical and enduring support needed to bolster the Palestinian Authority because they are the best route to sweep away the terrible scourge of Hamas and all it has wrought.

As hard as it may be, no matter the obstacles, we must put the region on the path to a genuine peace.

We're also supporting a better future for Ukraine.

And let me tell you this: the last year has shown that Russia cannot win.

They tried to blockade Ukrainian shipping routes - and they failed.

Ukraine has pushed back the Black Sea Fleet and made Crimea a vulnerability for Putin rather than a strength.

Russia is mounting its third wave of attacks on Avdiivka - and again they continue to fail, at horrendous cost.

Since their invasion, Russia has suffered over a quarter of a million casualties...

Half of the territory they seized has been taken back...

And Putin has faced a more united response than he ever imagined.

He's ensured defence spending is rising across Europe, led by the UK...

He's fast-tracked Finland into NATO, with Sweden close behind...

And he's seen an armed rebellion marching on Moscow.

It's a self-inflicted strategic calamity.

Putin's vain hope is that we lose patience but, friends, we never will.

Instead, we're providing more air defence to protect Ukraine's cities and infrastructure, more help for the long, hard winter and we're going further.

In February at the Munich Security Conference, I argued Ukraine needs long-term security assurances.

And in July, allies delivered.

Following the NATO summit, over 30 other leaders joined us in agreeing to put assurances in place.

Together we'll strengthen Ukraine's defence and boost their economy so they can thrive even while they fight to regain their territory.

And, to do so, Ukraine needs the City of London.

It needs all of you, it needs expertise and capital - and war risk insurance to support trade and investment and keep the ships moving.

I know you'll deliver.

And so will the government - building Ukraine's navy, training their pilots, and training their soldiers.

We've now trained over 50,000 Ukrainian troops.

President Zelenskyy and I went to meet some of them earlier this year.

I recall sitting together on a Chinook flying to the south coast.

Over the din of the rotors, we chatted and shared family photos.

It was a moment of normality in an abnormal setting - and a reminder of what unites us.

In the face of aggression, we will always protect our values and all we hold dear.

We will stand with Ukraine until they prevail.

Finally, to deliver a better future, we must lead not just with strength, but with compassion, helping the poorest and tackling global problems.

So, while Russia seeks to starve the world by choking off food supplies - we're helping Ukraine get their food to those who need it most.

And next week we're hosting an international conference on alleviating global hunger.

While some load the poorest nations with unsustainable debt, the UK is driving fundamental reforms of development finance, including a capital increase for the World Bank.

While some talk down our record on climate, we're actually a world leader, cutting emissions faster than any other G7 country...

...and with $2 billion recently announced for the Green Climate Fund, I've delivered the biggest single international climate pledge the UK has ever made.

We're also a leading donor to global health initiatives, helping vaccinate over a billion children, saving millions of lives.

But we bring more to the table than funding - we also bring our expertise.

Right now, the world's first ever malaria vaccine is being rolled out across Africa - with the second one following soon.

It has dramatically cut early child mortality.

And where were both of those vaccines developed?

Right here in the UK.

We don't talk about it enough, but every day Britain is out there helping the poorest and most vulnerable, saving and transforming lives.

So, I say it again - this is who we are, and it should make us proud.

My Lord Mayor,

When conflicts overseas create division at home, it's more important than ever that we preserve the values we hold dear - tolerance, free speech, the rule of law, respect for our history.

We'll protect all communities from violence and intimidation.

And prevent people being drawn into radicalisation.

In these dangerous times, we're not just defending a better vision of the future against those who would destroy it, we're marshalling our expertise, our people, and our alliances to bring that future into being.

We'll continue to stand up for what is right.

We'll stand with our allies and with the most vulnerable, wherever they may be.

We'll show that the best is full of conviction and that our values will prevail.

Thank you.

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New undersea capability to strengthen AUKUS partnership

As part of the AUKUS partnership, a joint exercise took place testing new capability, ADV Guidance, that will increase protection of underwater infrastructure.

13 November 2023

New technology successfully trialled by Australian, UK and US maritime forces.

New Australian Undersea Support Vessel in service.

Trial marks a positive step forward for AUKUS delivery, and a promising development in UK's autonomous maritime capabilities

The UK, US and Australia have strengthened their maritime forces, introducing new uncrewed undersea vessels to extend the range and lethality of their warfare capabilities.

As part of the AUKUS partnership, the nations have taken part in a joint exercise off the east coast of Australia to test new equipment that will increase the protection of critical underwater infrastructure. During the exercise, Australia's new Undersea Support Vessel, ADV Guidance, hosted a range of undersea capabilities while they were tested and trialled at sea.

A recent addition to the Australian fleet, the ADV Guidance's primary role is to support undersea and surveillance systems trials and includes the ability to host a small team of sailors as well as on-board and off-board systems, with both crewed and uncrewed capability. Earlier this month, Lieutenant General Rob Magowan, the UK's Deputy Chief of Defence Staff for Military Capability, joined international representatives to witness the showcase of a range of advanced undersea capabilities deployed from ADV Guidance.

The UK's Offshore Patrol Vessel HMS Tamar, which is on a 5-year deployment to the Indo-Pacific, also played a key role in the exercise. HMS TAMAR used a combination of divers and autonomous underwater vehicles to conduct mine countermeasure operations, and monitor critical infrastructure, including pipelines and communication cables.

Last week, First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Ben Key visited Australia to address the Australian Sea Power Conference, discussing the UK's commitment to the collective security of the region.

First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Ben Key said:

The recent AUKUS trials and exercise demonstrate the advances being made possible by our tri-lateral collaboration under the partnership. It is hugely exciting to see the strength of our three nations, coming together through the AUKUS partnership to successfully develop and demonstrate a range of underwater capabilities that are crucial to ensuring safety and security in the region and more broadly.

AUKUS is a landmark security and defence partnership between Australia, the UK, and the US to support a free and open Indo-Pacific by strengthening regional global security. This exercise is a significant step forward for delivery of the undersea warfare capabilities work stream under the second pillar of AUKUS.

AUKUS Pillar 2 seeks to strengthen trilateral capabilities in cutting-edge military technologies, increase interoperability, and drive knowledge-sharing and innovation. AUKUS partners are developing a suite of advanced capabilities including autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, and other key technologies for the three AUKUS nations. Pillar 2 complements trilateral efforts under AUKUS Pillar 1 to deliver a conventionally-armed nuclear-powered submarine capability to Australia.

Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond AO, Royal Australian Navy, said:

Submarines are critical to the defence of Australia. Our submarines, and other military assets, will increasingly work with autonomous systems below and on the surface of the ocean to extend range and lethality. AUKUS Pillar Two is about delivering advanced capabilities, including through technologies that extend reach and range. As we have seen in the Ukraine conflict, scalable autonomous and semi-autonomous systems have the capacity to transform warfighting. The Defence Strategic Review (DSR) identified asymmetric capabilities like these as critical in the defence and protection of the nation. These technologies originate from a range of industries, like the off-shore oil and gas and communications industries. They have been modified to carry a military payload to become force multipliers, working in concert with our ships, submarines and aircraft, and to serve as a key deterrent. What we get by working with industry in this way is speed, what we get by doing it together under the AUKUS partnership is scale, where the sum of the whole is greater than its parts.

Admiral Samuel Paparo, U.S. Navy said:

These exercises accelerate our combined development of advanced military capabilities. In a dynamic strategic environment and the escalation of competitors' coercive activities, AUKUS is not just about the exchange of submarines and capabilities, it is an expansion of our continued trust in and commitment to our allies. We are prioritizing capabilities that improve our warfighter's ability to see, understand, decide and act - then work together to bolster integrated deterrence. Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States are developing and fielding joint advanced military capabilities to promote security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. The strategic alignment of our national defense strategies anchored by shared values is driving unprecedented collaboration in advanced technologies. Our trilateral exercises develop and deliver interoperable, threat-informed capabilities key to the warfighter, and contribute to sustained defense industrial-based collaboration. Meanwhile, the AUKUS partners are investing in trilateral projects that are enhancing our scientific and technological capacity to build enduring advantages for the future.

Earlier this month, the Australian Deputy Prime Minister joined the UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps on a visit to Rolls Royce in Derby - the location where the nuclear reactors will be built for the SSN-AUKUS submarines under the AUKUS collaboration.

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Cameron Returns to UK Government as Gaza Protests Prompt Political Upheaval

By Henry Ridgwell November 13, 2023

Former British Prime Minister David Cameron has made a surprise return to government as the United Kingdom's foreign secretary, following a Cabinet reshuffle and a weekend of violent protests and political chaos in London.

He succeeds James Cleverly, who now becomes Britain's new home secretary after the incumbent Suella Braverman was fired Monday by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

The 57-year-old Cameron is no longer an elected lawmaker. Instead, Sunak nominated him as a peer who will sit in the House of Lords, Britain's unelected upper chamber.

Cameron resigned as prime minister in June 2016 after Britain voted to leave the European Union in a referendum called Brexit for which he legislated. He campaigned to stay in the EU, but voters chose to leave by a margin of 52% to 48%.

A recent poll taken in July found that 45% of Britons believed Cameron had changed Britain for the worse, versus 29% who thought he had changed it for the better.

Cameron said in an interview after his appointment as foreign secretary that he felt a dedication to public office.

'Daunting challenges'

"The prime minister asked me to do this job, and it's a time where we have some daunting challenges as a country: the conflict in the Middle East, the war in Ukraine," Cameron said.

"And of course, I hope that six years as prime minister a 11 years leading the Conservative Party a gives me some useful experience and contacts and relationships and knowledge that I can help the prime minister to make sure we build our alliances, we build partnerships with our friends, we deter our enemies, and we keep our country strong," he said.

Israel-Hamas

The Israel-Hamas war rages on, after an October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel that killed more than 1,200 people and saw 240 hostages taken from Israel into Gaza by Hamas militants.

Palestinian health authorities said that more than 11,000 civilians, more than half of them women and children, have been killed by Israel's bombardment and ground assault on the Gaza Strip, home to 2.3 million people.

As prime minister in 2010, Cameron called the Gaza Strip "a prison camp" and criticized Israel's illegal settlements in the West Bank, although he maintained Britain's close alliance with Tel Aviv.

"It's going to be very hard for David Cameron to jump back in as foreign secretary," said Bronwen Maddox, director of the British policy institute Chatham House.

"In the Middle East, some of the conflicts have not changed. David Cameron is remembered for intervention in Libya, which was not the greatest success. And in Europe, while he was a 'remainer,' he triggered the [Brexit] referendum a some think too casually a which led to Britain leaving the EU and changed all its relations not only with Europe but with many other countries as a consequence," Maddox told Reuters.

Domestic signaling

Cameron's appointment is unlikely to change Britain's foreign policy, said Anand Menon, a professor of European politics at King's College London and director of the UK in a Changing Europe initiative.

"British foreign policy has been relatively consistent over the last few years and benefits from broad cross-party consensus. So, I don't think there's a question of changing foreign policy," Menon told VOA. "I think this is largely signaling to a domestic audience, and I think the shape of the rest of the reshuffle, as well, indicates a desire to appeal to the more liberal parts of the conservative electoral base than had been the case up till now."

China relations

In 2015, Cameron signaled a "golden era" in relations between Britain and China when he hosted Chinese President Xi Jinping at a lavish state visit.

But relations have soured dramatically amid rising security and geopolitical tensions between Beijing and the West.

"The golden era is well and truly over, is it not? And I think the mood, particularly inside the Conservative Party in parliament, has hardened considerably on China. And I think David Cameron is just going to have to get used to following a new approach when it comes to Beijing," Menon said. '

Braverman sacked

Cleverly, who had been foreign secretary since September 2022, now replaces Braverman, who was sacked as home secretary a week after the publication of an article she wrote in The Times newspaper accusing Britain's police of showing "left-wing bias" toward pro-Palestinian demonstrations, which she described as "hate marches."

Sunak reportedly requested changes to the article prior to publication, but these were seemingly ignored.

Braverman, a favorite figure of the right-wing of the Conservative Party for her hard-line approach to immigration, was asked to step down in a telephone call with Sunak Monday morning.

London protests

At least 300,000 people joined a pro-Palestinian protest in London on Saturday calling for a cease-fire. Police had appealed to the demonstrators to postpone the march, as it coincided with Armistice Day commemorations, when the country marks the end of World War I and remembers those killed in past wars.

There were violent far-right counterdemonstrations, and police made over 120 arrests. Opposition Labour Party lawmakers, including London Mayor Sadiq Khan, accused Braverman of stoking community tensions and causing the violence, which she denied.

Community tensions

Reports of antisemitic and Islamophobic attacks have risen sharply since the Israel-Hamas conflict broke out.

"Amongst those who have strong views on the issue, the pro-Israel people tend to break Conservative, and the more pro-Palestine people tend to break Labour. So, it reinforces existing party divisions, which I think makes it more likely that this kind of thing will explode along party political lines," Menon said.

"With Israel-Gaza, you see it in a particularly acute form, particularly as well, of course, given the high levels of violence from both sides that we've seen during this awful war," he added.

Political observers say the Cabinet reshuffle and the surprise restoration of Cameron to front-line politics is an effort by Sunak to broaden his Conservative Party's appeal, as it lags far behind Labour in the polls.

Britain is due to hold an election before the end of 2024.

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Russian State News Agencies Publish, Then Immediately Retract Story On Troops 'Regrouping' East Of Dnieper

By RFE/RL's Russian Service November 13, 2023

Russian state-news agencies published, then abruptly retracted a news item suggesting Russian forces had ordered a tactical withdrawal in a location of intense fighting in southern Ukraine.

The incident, which occurred on November 13, comes amid growing reports of a significant Ukrainian military operation, with forces crossing the Dnieper River east of the city of Kherson, establishing at least two bridgeheads, and for several weeks now, holding out against Russian pushback.

"The story with the headline 'The Dnieper Group Of Troops Will Be Transferred To More Advantageous Positions' has been canceled," RIA wrote at 11 a.m. Moscow time on its website, just 10 minutes after the report was issued.

The text of the canceled story read, "Having assessed the current situation, the command of the Dnieper group decided to transfer troops to more advantageous positions east of the Dnieper. After regrouping, the group will liberate part of the forces to be used in offensives in other directions."

TASS also announced the cancelation of a similar story.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov refused to comment on the withdrawal of the reports by the the two news agencies.

But Russian news site RBK quoted the Defense Ministry as saying the report of a withdrawal was "false" and amounted to a "provocation."

The language used in the canceled stories was similar to that used in announcing previous Russian troop retreats last year from the Moscow-occupied Kharkiv and Kherson regions in the face of surprise Ukrainian attacks.

Since the middle of October, Ukrainian forces have been engaged in a bold effort to pull off a major crossing of the Dnieper River.

Ukrainian troops last year managed to force a Russian withdrawal from territories west of the Dnieper River, but Russian troops have dug in and continue to pound the city of Kherson and other Ukrainian positions from across the river.

The story retractions suggest confusion among the Russian authorities and media about how to deal with the frontline developments in southern Ukraine.

The American Institute for the Study of War on November 13 reported that Ukrainian forces achieved over the past days "minor success" in operations launched on the left bank of the River Dnieper in parts of the southern region of Kherson that are still under Russian control.

In November last year, Ukrainian forces liberated parts of Kherson, including Kherson city, which lies on the western bank of the Dnieper.

Elsewhere, fighting has picked up in Ukraine's eastern regions of Kharkiv and Donetsk, with more than 70 close-quarter battles fought by Ukrainian forces in the Kupyansk, Bakhmut, and Avdiyivka directions, the General Staff of Ukraine's military said early on November 13.

Russian troops have been attempting for several weeks to encircle the industrial city of Avdiyivka, but have met fierce Ukrainian resistance. Meanwhile, the Institute or the Study of War reported that Ukrainian forces achieved over the past days "minor success" in operations launched on the left bank of the River Dnieper in Russian-occupied parts of the Kherson region.

With reporting by Reuters

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-confusion-dnieper- withdrawal/32682503.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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Training Center Where Ukrainian Pilots Will Learn To Fly F-16s Opens In Romania

By RFE/RL's Romanian Service November 13, 2023

The Romanian and Dutch defense ministers on November 13 opened a training center for F-16 pilots some 150 kilometers east of Bucharest where Ukrainian pilots will learn how to fly the U.S.-made fighter jets.

Ukraine has been long requesting F-16 planes from its allies to bolster its dwindling fleet of Soviet-era MiG jets as it carries on with a counteroffensive in the face of significant Russian airpower superiority.

"We're looking into the most efficient ways to integrate and start the training of Ukrainian pilots as soon as possible," Romania's Angel Talvar said after he and his Dutch counterpart, Kajsa Ollongren, inaugurated the European F-16 Training Center at the Borcea air base.

The United States and Denmark have reportedly already begun training Ukrainian pilots on the F-16s.

A "small number" of Ukrainians started training at Morris Air National Guard Base in Tucson, Arizona, last month, the U.S. Air Force announced on October 26.

In August, Denmark said nine Ukrainians had begun training at a military base in Skrydstrup, some 270 kilometers west of Copenhagen, along with maintenance and servicing personnel.

Netherlands has pledged up to 18 fighter jets for the program that will also train pilots from Romania and other NATO countries. Lockheed Martin, the U.S. company that produced the F-16, is providing instructors and maintenance personnel.

The first five Dutch F-16 aircraft arrived in Romania a week ago. Denmark and Norway have also pledged to provide F-16s to Ukraine.

Romanian media reported that the Ukrainian pilots' training will last for six months.

The F-16 fighter jet boasts a powerful 20mm cannon and can be equipped to carry bombs, rockets, and missiles.

During his visit to Bucharest in October, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said he and his Romanian counterpart, Klaus Iohannis, discussed ways to speed up the training process for Ukrainian pilots to allow them to be "among the first on the front line."

With reporting by Reuters

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/romania-training-ukrainian- pilots-f-16s/32682939.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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France Halting Free Arm Transfers to Ukraine is Sign of Europe's Exhaustion

Sputnik News

20231113

Ekaterina Blinova

France will stop providing Ukraine with arms from its arsenals, so Kiev has started buying new weapons from French companies using money from a special fund, as per French Minister of the Armed Forces Sebastien Lecornu.

Paris has allocated a200 million to a fund designed to finance Ukraine's direct purchases from French arms manufacturers. French Minister of Armed Forces Lecornu announced on Sunday, that France would no longer transfer weapons from its arsenals, encouraging Kiev to buy them. To date, France's military aid to Kiev has totaled a3.2 billion, according to a parliamentary report for the French Assemblee Nationale's Defense and Armed Forces Committee.

Lecornu's statement has not come like a bolt from the blue: in late September he visited Kiev accompanied by around 20 defense manufacturers. "[Free] transfers cannot be made indefinitely," the French minister told journalists at the time.

In an exclusive interview with Franceinfo on September 29 Lecornu explained that Paris managed to get rid of plenty of old weapons by transferring them to Ukraine and now Kiev would have to maintain direct business ties with French arm-makers. What's behind the move?

"In France, like several of the other NATO countries, and the US, the stockpiles are depleted," Earl Rasmussen, a retired lieutenant colonel with over 20 years in the US Army and International Consultant, told Sputnik. "They're dangerously low. They really cannot defend themselves. And the funds are continuing to flow. It's like a black hole into Ukraine. So you're penalizing your own public as well if they're to their security to provide limitless funding and arms to Ukraine. And I would agree with the French defense minister that these free handouts cannot continue indefinitely. And he's on record for saying that."

Per Rasmussen, Ukrainians obviously benefitted from French arms supplies especially given the fact that some of those weapons apparently went to black markets. "If you get it for free, why purchase it," he noted.

According to the French parliamentary report, the Kiev regime has particularly got 30 Caesar cannons; several dozen of AMX-10 RC armored reconnaissance vehicles and armored personnel carriers (VAB); 15 TRF1 howitzers; nearly a hundred Mistral surface-to-air missiles; two Crotale anti-aircraft missile batteries; around 50 SCALP/Storm Shadow air-surface missiles; Milan anti-tank guided missiles; Zodiac Futura boats, among other weapons.

"The Ukrainians say they want investments in their country, obviously they want armament manufacturers to put up the money entirely to build factories in their country," the expert said. "Of course, how do they buy the arms? Because they don't have any real revenue or any real economy. And once you start building a factory in Ukraine, that's a fair game target for Russia. I think there needs to be a realization. I mean, Ukraine... The problem is that they probably don't want to do it because the arms seem to be disappearing into the black market and the money seems to be disappearing as well. Who knows what?"

West Has Dug Itself Into a Hole

Against this backdrop, Germany's Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock's statement that the West would not only sustain the same level of support to Ukraine in the future but would increase it does not hold water, according to Rasmussen.

"They cannot. The bottom line is they cannot," the expert stressed. "My own view is they're delusional. They're living in an alternative reality. They just cannot deliver. I've been reading an article the other day on something was supposed to be delivered in 2024 from the US to Ukraine. But we don't have the chemicals or the supplies or the capability to... even if our factories could produce it, we don't have the supplies necessary to produce the ammunition and the weapons that are needed."

Per Rasmussen, the supply chain issue is a problem too: most of Europe does not get their minerals and other raw materials internally, but get them from external supplies.

"And so who's the major supplier? Russia," the expert emphasized. "So they have to turn to alternate sources."

One of these sources is China, and one needs to bear in mind that the US and its allies currently have tense relations with the People's Republic as well, Rasmussen remarked.

To complicate matters further, Western countries have got other contracts as well, he continued. "Now you've got the conflict in the Middle East heating up. And so where do their priorities go? The US seems to be clear that their priority is Israel."

"So the West has dug themselves into a really, really bad hole and it's not good for the West," Rasmussen pointed out.

The retired lieutenant colonel believes that the only step in the right direction is a profound political change in the West.

"My view is the only way out of this is political leadership change across many of the Western countries or their leaders come to reality and actually realistically come to a settlement to stop the conflict and stop the killing. I mean, that's just the only way out. Otherwise, we're going to see further escalation. And who knows where that could go. And then at the same time, we've got a potentially multi-faceted conflict going on between Europe, the Middle East and perhaps Asia as well. So it's not a good situation," Rasmussen concluded.

A Sputnik

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It is a matter of principle for Ukraine to implement all seven recommendations of the European Commission and fulfill everything that is required at this point of our path to the EU - address by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy

President of Ukraine

13 November 2023 - 20:34

I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians!

The key takeaways from this day.

I met with the leader of the Crimean Tatar people Mustafa Dzhemilev - today is his birthday, he turned 80.

A decent man, a brave man. A defender of his people and the whole of Ukraine.

I awarded Mustafa Dzhemilev the title of Hero of Ukraine. I believe that it is absolutely well deserved. I also thanked him for what he has done for our people, for our freedom. He is truly a moral authority. I also thanked him for the fact that Mr. Mustafa-aga is now with us in the fight against Russian aggression.

Of course, we talked about Crimea and the protection of our people on the peninsula. We are mindful of all parts of our country and must restore freedom for the entire Ukraine without exception.

I thank everyone in the world who remembers that Russia's attack on the rules-based international order began with Crimea. It was with the seizure of Crimea that Russia began this aggression and destabilization. And it is difficult to imagine a restored peace in the world unless we return to Ukraine what Russia has stolen. Restoring our territorial integrity is a global need.

Today, I held a long meeting with diplomats, government officials, and representatives of the Verkhovna Rada to discuss our country's preparations for the European Council's political decision to start negotiations on Ukraine's membership in the European Union. Our steps and our decisions. We are working to get an unconditioned decision to open negotiations. For Ukraine, it is a matter of principle to implement all the recommendations of the European Commission, all seven recommendations, and fulfill everything that is required at this point of our path to the European Union. The success of our country and people - economic, social, and success in building Ukraine's relations with the world - can only be achieved as a common success of the whole of Europe. To this end, we are gradually strengthening our institutions and legislation, even during a full-scale war. And I am grateful to everyone who contributes to this, who endorses the relevant decisions, who puts them into action.

Today, I also held several meetings on our next international steps planned for the coming weeks. Negotiations with the leaders of partner countries, new support packages for our warriors, and international communication of Ukraine.

We can and must ensure an absolutely clear result: no matter what the information agenda of the world is, our partners must understand us and hear Ukrainians. And they will.

There is important news from Romania: an F-16 pilot training center has started operations, our guys will undergo training there. I thank President Iohannis of Romania and Prime Minister Rutte of the Netherlands for ensuring the implementation of all our agreements.

There were also intelligence reports today - by Chief of the Main Intelligence Directorate Budanov and Chief of the Foreign Intelligence Service Lytvynenko. I am grateful to both of these agencies - to every single person serving there - above all, for the fact that Ukraine knows and will know the enemy's plans and how to respond to them - properly and powerfully. Both on the ground and in the Black Sea.

And, of course, the frontline.

Avdiivka, Maryinka, Bakhmut direction, Lyman direction, Kupyansk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson region...

It is challenging in each of these areas. But I thank everyone who is steadfast. I thank everyone who does not lose strength and positions. I thank all the commanders who care about the troops. I thank all the combat medics who save lives. I thank all our people who remember that Ukraine lives because there is someone to hold off the enemy.

Glory to our warriors! Glory to all our heroes!

Glory to Ukraine!

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Andriy Yermak met with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington, DC

President of Ukraine

13 November 2023 - 19:59

During a working visit to the United States as part of the Ukrainian delegation headed by First Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Economy Yuliia Svyrydenko, Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak met with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

The meeting was also attended by Acting Deputy Secretary of State and Under Secretary for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland, Deputy Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs Christopher Smith and other representatives of the U.S. Department of State.

The Ukrainian side was represented by First Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Economy Yuliia Svyrydenko, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the United States Oksana Markarova, Deputy Minister of Justice Iryna Mudra, and Advisors to the Head of the Presidential Office Dariia Zarivna and Vladyslav Vlasiuk.

"Each of our meetings is a new proof of a true strategic partnership between our countries. We are witnessing a truly unprecedented level of coordination with the United States. This year alone, our presidents have held four meetings," the Head of the Presidential Office noted.

On behalf of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Andriy Yermak expressed his profound gratitude to the administration of President Joseph Biden, both houses of the U.S. Congress and the entire American people for the unprecedented assistance provided to our country in the fight against Russian aggression.

"The support and assistance of the United States is critical to guaranteeing stability in our country and bringing victory closer," he said.

Andriy Yermak thanked the White House for sending a request for funding to help Ukraine and expressed hope that it would be approved by U.S. lawmakers.

The Head of the Presidential Office informed Antony Blinken on the situation at the front. He stated that American weapons had proved their effectiveness on the battlefield and helped deter the Russian aggressor.

Andriy Yermak also informed the Secretary of State about the priority needs of the Ukrainian defense forces. The importance of providing our country with air defense equipment was emphasized.

"As winter approaches, we expect the intensification of Russian missile terror. Therefore, we are in great need of air defense systems that will protect Ukrainian cities, key critical infrastructure facilities, as well as the "grain corridor" routes," the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine emphasized.

Andriy Yermak emphasized the importance of concluding a bilateral agreement between Ukraine and the United States on security guarantees as soon as possible to implement the G7 Joint Declaration of Support for our country signed in Vilnius on July 12 this year.

During the meeting, the parties had a wide ranging exchange of views on other issues on the bilateral agenda, including stepping up sanctions pressure on the aggressor country and elaborating a mechanism for channeling frozen Russian assets to rebuild Ukraine. The parties also paid attention to the situation in the Middle East.

"We are extremely grateful that the United States is standing side by side with Ukraine at this crucial historical moment. Future generations depend on our ability to defend freedom today. That is why I am confident that during this meeting we will focus on the steps that will help us prevail," said Andriy Yermak.

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Helping Ukraine today is not only about saving the Ukrainian nation, it is about protecting the entire free world - Andriy Yermak at a meeting with Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar communities in Washington

President of Ukraine

13 November 2023 - 09:11

Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak arrived on a working visit to the United States and met with representatives of the Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar communities at the Ukrainian House in Washington.

In the course of the meeting, the Head of the President's Office spoke about the situation on the battlefield and Ukraine's needs for defense and financial assistance.

"Much has already been achieved, but we still have several critical battles ahead. The outcome of the war will determine the fate of not only Ukrainians. The future of the peoples of the United States, Europe, and the entire humanity for decades to come depends on it," Andriy Yermak said in his speech.

He emphasized that the aggressor threatens democracies from the outside and is trying to destroy them from within through massive propaganda, influence on elections, cyberattacks etc. This can only be countered by the unity of the democratic world.

"We must resist any attempts to split us. For its part, Ukraine is making every effort not only to overcome Russian military power but also to ensure unity," Andriy Yermak said.

In particular, he noted that despite the war, our country has accelerated its progress towards the EU and NATO, as evidenced by the Vilnius Joint Declaration of Support for Ukraine and the European Commission's recommendation to start negotiations on EU membership.

The Head of the President's Office thanked for the comprehensive support for our country provided by the Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar communities of the United States in this difficult time for Ukraine.

"Helping Ukraine today is not just about saving the Ukrainian nation. It is the defense of all Europeans and Americans, the defense of the entire free world. And I would like to once again thank the American people, President Biden and the Congress, who understand this very well and support Ukraine," he noted.

Andriy Yermak expressed gratitude to all those who were engaged in volunteer activities, provided expert and advocacy support, negotiated with American medical institutions for the treatment of wounded Ukrainian soldiers and civilians, organized charity concerts, and spoke in the American media urging not to leave Ukraine alone in the fight against the Russian occupier.

He also noted the many years of efforts by Ukrainian Americans to inform U.S. society about the Holodomor of 1932-1933 in Ukraine, the 90th anniversary of which is being commemorated this year, and contributed to the official recognition of the Holodomor as genocide of the Ukrainian people in many states.

"Please continue to support Ukraine in its will for full NATO membership. Continue your advocacy in Congress and help us get additional funding for Ukraine approved. Continue to spread the truth about the Holodomor. All of this will benefit the entire democratic world," Andriy Yermak added.

The Head of the President's Office emphasized that the contribution of the Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar communities in the United States would have a significant role in Ukraine's victory.

"Your expertise and experience are very important to us. Therefore, we are open to suggestions and ready for comprehensive cooperation," he said.

Andriy Yermak thanked the Ukrainian World Congress for its support and congratulated Paul Grod on his re-election as President of the organization.

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Brutal attacks on Ukrainian civilians and health care are utterly unacceptable and must cease immediately

UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

STATEMENT BY THE HUMANITARIAN COORDINATOR FOR UKRAINE, DENISE BROWN, ON ATTACKS IN KHERSON

I am utterly outraged and profoundly disturbed by the brutal attacks this afternoon in the centre of Kherson, in the South of Ukraine, killing and injuring civilians, including health-care workers. An innocent two-month-old baby girl has been hospitalized with a blast injury.

My deepest sympathies are with the families who have endured the unbearable loss of their loved ones due to ruthless attacks in Kherson and across Ukraine.

The consequences of this attack extend beyond the loss of human life: multiple houses, a hospital and an ambulance were struck in the central part of the city.

Over the last day, civilians in the front-line city of Kherson continued to pay the highest price due to incessant brutal attacks. In some parts of eastern and southern Ukraine, including Kherson, services have been decimated with not even half of hospitals or clinics remaining functional.

Since the escalation of the war in February 2022, the World Health Organization verified over 1,300 attacks on health care in Ukraine, accounting for more than 60 per cent of all attacks against health care in the world over this period.

These relentless attacks from the Russian Federation must come to an end. Each innocent life claimed by the invasion of Ukraine stands as a harrowing testament to the sheer brutality of this war.

Health facilities, health workers and civilians have special protection under international humanitarian law and attacking them is a grave violation.

13 November 2023

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Russian Shelling in Kherson Kills 2, Injures 12, Including Infant

By VOA News November 13, 2023

Russian shelling hit the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson Monday, killing three people and injuring at least 12, including a 2-month-old infant, according to local governor Oleksandr Prokudin.

Since their liberation last year, Kherson and the western bank of the Dnipro River have been regularly bombarded by Russians from Dnipro's eastern bank. There are usually rounds of air alerts during the day.

Two people were killed and 10 more injured in an afternoon combined attack in the central part of the city, Prokudin said.

"Eight vehicles, including one ambulance, an administrative building, a hospital, and at least fifteen houses were destroyed or damaged," he added.

In a separate message, the governor said on the Telegram messaging app, a car was shot at in a suburb of Kherson, killing one person and wounding a 2-month-old infant and his mother.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian lawmaker Oleksandr Dubinsky has been formally notified that he is suspected of treason for allegedly spreading misinformation about Ukraine's political leadership and cooperation with Russia's military intelligence, officials said on Monday.

In his own post on Telegram, Dubinsky called the notice of suspicion fabricated and "based on the absolute lies of top state officials."

The Security Service of Ukraine, known as the SBU, said the suspect was a member of a criminal organization, created in 2016 and financed by Russia's military intelligence.

"It is established that on the instructions of the Russian special services, it organized events to discredit the image of Ukraine in the international arena in order to worsen diplomatic relations with the United States and hamper Ukraine's accession to the European Union and NATO," the State Investigative Bureau said in a separate statement published on its website.

In January 2021, the United States imposed sanctions on several Ukrainian individuals and entities, including Dubinsky, accusing them of U.S. election interference and associating with a pro-Russian Ukrainian lawmaker linked to efforts by then-president Donald Trump's allies to dig up dirt on President Joe Biden and his son.

Ukraine has launched a criminal investigation into the case.

Separately, a Ukrainian military officer is accused of allegedly coordinating last year's attack on the Nord Stream natural gas pipeline, according to The Washington Post, citing anonymous sources in Ukraine and Europe.

No one has taken responsibility for the September 2022 explosions, off the Danish island of Bornholm, that damaged three out of four offshore natural gas pipelines running under the Baltic Sea and delivering Russian gas to Europe.

The United States and NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, called it an act of sabotage, while Moscow said it was an act of international terrorism.

Roman Chervinsky, a decorated 48-year-old colonel who served in Ukraine's special operations forces, was the "coordinator" of the Nord Stream operation, according to people familiar with his role, The Post reported Saturday.

Chervinsky, sources say, managed logistics and support for a six-person team that rented a sailboat under false identities and used deep-sea diving equipment to place explosive charges on the gas pipelines, The Post reported.

A spokesperson for Ukraine's military told the Reuters news agency he had "no information" about the claim. The Ukrainian foreign ministry and Kyiv's domestic security service, the SBU, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The newspaper also reported that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who has denied Kyiv's role in the blasts, had been unaware of the operation. Zelenskyy last week replaced the head of Ukraine's special operations forces.

The Kremlin called the report alarming.

"It says that President Zelenskyy may not have been aware of such actions by his subordinates from the security agencies. This is a very alarming signal not only for us, but also for the countries of the collective West," Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov told reporters, Monday.

In a statement to The Washington Post and Germany's Der Spiegel, Chervinsky denied any involvement in the pipeline explosions. An outspoken critic of Zelenskyy's administration, he claims the case against him is politically motivated.

Chervinsky is currently under arrest for attempting to convince a Russian pilot in 2022 to defect to Ukraine which investigators say led to a deadly Russian attack on a Ukrainian air base. Although he is accused of acting alone in this, his commanding officer at the time, Maj. Gen. Viktor Hanushchak, told Ukrainian media earlier this year that senior military leadership had signed off on the plot to lure the Russian pilot.

The Post and Der Spiegel collaborated on reporting and wrote separate stories that they agreed to publish at the same time.

Some information for this report came from The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse.

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TULSA, OK , Nov. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vital Energy, Inc. (NYSE: VTLE) ("Vital Energy" or the "Company") today announced the promotion of Katie Hill to Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, effective November 13, 2023. Ms. Hill has been with Vital Energy since September 2022 and previously served as Vice President -Operations.



Ms. Hill has more than 15 years of operational experience in the energy exploration and production sector, developing engineering and operational teams, successfully integrating and optimizing acquired assets, and leading multi-basin development programs. Prior to joining Vital Energy, she served as Senior Vice President - Operations at Javelin Energy Partners, LLC for two years. Previously, she served for eight years at Chesapeake Energy in positions of increasing responsibility in operations. Ms. Hill began her career as an engineer with BP in 2008.

Ms. Hill holds both a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan - College of Engineering.

"Katie is a proven leader and has made an impact at Vital Energy," stated Jason Pigott, President and Chief Executive Officer. "Since she joined the Company, we have continually exceeded production forecasts as our teams have deployed proprietary technologies across our operations and optimized production methods on our high-return Permian Basin inventory. Her track record of driving innovation will be invaluable as we continue to build scale and value in the Permian."

About Vital Energy

Vital Energy, Inc. is an independent energy company with headquarters in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Vital Energy's business strategy is focused on the acquisition, exploration and development of oil and natural gas properties in the Permian Basin of West Texas.



Additional information about Vital Energy may be found on its website at www.vitalenergy.com .
NEW YORK, Nov. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of MasTec, Inc. (MasTec or the Company) (NYSE: MTZ). Such investors are advised to contact Robert S. Willoughby at newaction@pomlaw.com or 888-476-6529, ext. 7980.



The investigation concerns whether MasTec and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.

[Click here for information about joining the class action]

On August 3, 2023, MasTec announced that it had missed its financial performance estimates for the second quarter of 2023. The Company also revised downwards its 2023 guidance, blaming slowdowns in its communications margins for the revision.

On this news, MasTecs stock price fell $24.82 per share, or 20.52%, over the following two trading sessions, to close at $96.14 per share on August 7, 2023.

Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered billions of dollars in damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com .

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
HOUSTON, Nov. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Targa Resources Corp. (NYSE: TRGP) ("Targa" or the "Company") announced today that representatives from the Company will participate in investor meetings at the BofA Securities Global Energy Conference on Wednesday, November 15, 2023 in Houston, TX.



A copy of the slides used for the conference meetings will be available in the Investors section of the Company's website at www.targaresources.com, or by going to https://www.targaresources.com/investors/events.

About Targa Resources Corp.

Targa Resources Corp. is a leading provider of midstream services and is one of the largest independent midstream infrastructure companies in North America. The Company owns, operates, acquires and develops a diversified portfolio of complementary domestic midstream infrastructure assets and its operations are critical to the efficient, safe and reliable delivery of energy across the United States and increasingly to the world. The Companys assets connect natural gas and NGLs to domestic and international markets with growing demand for cleaner fuels and feedstocks. The Company is primarily engaged in the business of: gathering, compressing, treating, processing, transporting, and purchasing and selling natural gas; transporting, storing, fractionating, treating, and purchasing and selling NGLs and NGL products, including services to LPG exporters; and gathering, storing, terminaling, and purchasing and selling crude oil.

Targa is a FORTUNE 500 company and is included in the S&P 500.

For more information, please visit the Companys website at www.targaresources.com.

Regulation FD Disclosures

We use any of the following to comply with our disclosure obligations under Regulation FD: press releases, SEC filings, public conference calls, or our website. We routinely post important information on our website at www.targaresources.com, including information that may be deemed to be material. We encourage investors and others interested in the company to monitor these distribution channels for material disclosures.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this release that address activities, events or developments that the Company expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future, are forward-looking statements, including statements regarding our projected financial performance and capital spending. These forward-looking statements rely on a number of assumptions concerning future events and are subject to a number of uncertainties, factors and risks, many of which are outside the Companys control, which could cause results to differ materially from those expected by management of the Company. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, weather, political, economic and market conditions, including a decline in the price and market demand for natural gas, natural gas liquids and crude oil, the impact of pandemics or any other public health crises, commodity price volatility due to ongoing or new global conflicts, actions by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and non-OPEC oil producing countries, the impact of disruptions in the bank and capital markets, including those resulting from lack of access to liquidity for banking and financial services firms, the timing and success of business development efforts and other uncertainties. These and other applicable uncertainties, factors and risks are described more fully in the Companys filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, and any subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. The Company does not undertake an obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Contact the Company's investor relations department by email at InvestorRelations@targaresources.com or by phone at (713) 584-1133.

Sanjay Lad

Vice President, Finance & Investor Relations

Jennifer Kneale

Chief Financial Officer
LOS ANGELES, Nov. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Benchmark Mineral Intelligence Limited (Benchmark) is delighted to announce that Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger will be recognized with Benchmarks inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award, for his visionary leadership in rapidly advancing clean, sustainable energy initiatives, while ensuring that the energy transition can also be a major economic driver.



The Award will be presented on behalf of Benchmark by Nobel Laureate Dr. Stanley Whittingham, forefather of the lithium-ion battery.

As the twice-elected leader of the State of California from 2003 to 2011, Governor Schwarzenegger spearheaded the states world-leading commitment to green energy and environmental stewardship, signing the first-in-the-nation Global Warming Solutions Act and the Million Solar Roofs Initiative in 2006. He also issued a seminal Executive Order establishing the Low Carbon Fuel Standard. Such actions set the standard for the rest of the USA and beyond.





Governor Schwarzenegger will kick-off Benchmark Week 2023 by joining Benchmark Chief Executive Officer, Simon Moores, for a Fireside Chat, to be moderated by veteran critical-materials expert, Ty Dinwoodie, Managing Director of G&W Advisory Ltd.

Governor Schwarzenegger is scheduled to commence the Keynote Fireside Chat at 9:00 am (PST) on Tuesday, November 14, 2023 at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Los Angeles, California, the home of Benchmark Week 2023 for the week.

Moores, commented, A generation ago, Arnold Schwarzenegger shifted the entire geopolitical narrative towards the advent of batteries, electric vehicles, and low-carbon technologies long before it was in the mainstream discourse.

It is our privilege to recognize Governor Schwarzenegger for his outstanding contributions to clean energy, Moores said. Arnold was the first US governor to develop a comprehensive, future-focussed energy strategy, which created the example for low-carbon energy policies around the world.

Arnold Schwarzenegger, through the USC Schwarzenegger Institute and the Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative, continues to work tirelessly to advance the numerous sustainable energy and environmental initiatives that he spearheaded during his tenure as Governor.

ABOUT BENCHMARK WEEK 2023

Benchmark Week 2023 is Benchmarks flagship annual event, taking place November 14 to 16, 2023 at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Los Angeles.

Benchmark Week 2023 is the worlds leading industry forum for the critical-mineral supply chains for energy-transition technologies.

Anchored by Benchmarks focus on lithium-ion batteries, this year the event expands out to include rare earths and permanent magnets, sodium-ion batteries, and emerging technologies crucial to transitioning the world away from fossil fuels.

ABOUT BENCHMARK MINERAL INTELLIGENCE

Benchmark enables the energy transition through a world-class, independent offering of lithium- and other critical-minerals prices, battery and electric-vehicle supply chain data and forecasts in the form of subscriptions, advisory services and industry-specific events.

Its clients are major decision makers from across the critical-minerals, battery-materials, lithium-ion battery, automotive and energy-storage supply chains.

Benchmark also plays a key role in informing world government policy at the highest level.

www.benchmarkminerals.com

MEDIA INQUIRIES

Ty Dinwoodie

info@g-w.ca

+1 416 606 9332

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8b1cc338-c141-49ce-85bd-827d4b5bfb73
New specialist European and US life sciences investors join existing investors to enable Nouscom to continue advancing the clinical development of its portfolio of neoantigen cancer vaccines to key clinical proof of concept endpoints



BASEL, Switzerland  14th November 2023 - Nouscom, a clinical stage immuno-oncology company developing off-the-shelf and personalized viral vector-based cancer vaccines targeting neoantigens, today announced the completion of its oversubscribed Series C equity financing raising 67.5 million ($72 million) from a syndicate of renowned international healthcare investors.

The Series C round was co-led by Andera Partners, Bpifrance (through its InnoBio 2 fund) and M Ventures, with participation from Revelation Partners, Indaco Venture Partners, Panakes Partners, XGen Ventures, and other undisclosed investors together with continued support from existing investors 5AM Ventures, EQT Life Sciences and Versant Ventures. Concurrent with the financing, representatives from Andera Partners, Bpifrance and M Ventures have joined the Nouscom Board of Directors.

The proceeds will be used to continue advancing and expanding Nouscoms wholly owned clinical pipeline to achieve multiple clinical value catalysts, including:

Readout from Nouscoms ongoing randomized Phase 2 clinical trial for NOUS-209, an off-the-shelf vaccine targeting 209 shared neoantigens, in combination with pembrolizumab for the treatment of Mismatch Repair/Microsatellite Instable (dMMR/MSI) Metastatic Colorectal Cancer (mCRC).

Final readout from the ongoing Phase 1b study and advancement of NOUS-209 monotherapy in Lynch Syndrome (LS) carriers investigating the potential to intercept, prevent or delay cancer before it occurs. LS carriers have a genetic predisposition to and consequently higher risk of developing certain cancers. Promising initial results from this study were reported in a Late-breaking Abstract at the recent Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) 2023 Annual Meeting  see press release here

Completion of a Phase 1b study evaluating NOUS-PEV, a personalized cancer immunotherapy, in combination with a checkpoint inhibitor in patients with advanced melanoma and entry into randomized Phase 2 trials in indications with high unmet medical needs.





Dr. Marina Udier, Chief Executive Officer of Nouscom, said: This oversubscribed financing, in what is a challenging environment for all biotech companies, is testament to the faith that new and existing investors place in Nouscom and our best-in-class technology. I am constantly inspired by the relentless drive our team exhibits on a daily basis to advancing our innovative medicines for the benefit of cancer patients. This financing will allow us to further accelerate development across our wholly owned clinical portfolio reporting multiple clinical trial readouts including from our ongoing randomized Phase 2 clinical trial with NOUS-209. These Phase 2 data, if positive, have the potential to position Nouscoms neoantigen based cancer vaccines amongst the most thrilling developments in the field.

Dr. Goran Ando, Independent Chairman of Nouscom, said: In conjunction with the financing, I am delighted to welcome all our new investors to the company and Sofia, Thibaut and Hakan from Andera, Bpifrance and M Ventures, respectively, to our Board of Directors. Together, with the experience of our existing Board Members, I look forward to their contributions as Nouscom navigates the next exciting steps in its journey.

Dr. Sofia Ioannidou, Partner of Andera Partners, said: We at Andera are delighted to support Marina and her team in their mission to advance the development of their innovative cancer treatments for patients. We believe that the robustness of the clinical results generated so far positions Nouscom as one of the leading biotech companies in the vibrant neoantigen cancer vaccine space. We look forward to supporting the company towards the further clinical validation of its platform.

Dr. Thibaut Roulon, Senior Investment Director at Bpifrance, said: We consider Nouscoms neoantigen cancer vaccine platform to be one of the most promising. It is backed by excellent science and increasingly promising clinical data. The next couple of years will be exciting as ongoing clinical trials complete and further validate its potential.

Dr. Hakan Goker, Managing Director and Head of Biotechnology Investments at M Ventures, said: A key criteria for our investment in Nouscom was the quality of the data that have been presented over the past few years, the breadth of its pipeline, and the expertise built in the team. The emerging data positions Nouscoms pipeline among the most exciting in the field of neoantigen based cancer vaccines creating significant value for the company. We are excited to support the company to continue bringing these innovative candidates closer to patients.

Ends

About Andera Partners

Created over 20 years ago, Andera Partners is a major player in private company investments in France and internationally. Its teams manage over 4 billion in investments in life sciences (Andera Life Sciences), growth and buyout capital (Andera MidCap, Andera Expansion/Croissance, Andera Co-Invest), sponsorless transactions (Andera Acto) and ecological transition (Andera Infra).

Andera Partners mission is to work alongside companies and their managers to support them in achieving strong and sustainable growth. The quality of performance offered to our investors relies on a strong partnership between the entrepreneurs in our portfolio companies and our teams, based on shared values. Performance through collective engagement, the Power of And, constitutes Andera Partners DNA. Based in Paris, with offices in Antwerp, Milan and Munich, Andera Partners is wholly owned by its teams, which count nearly 110 professionals, of which 67 investment professionals. It is structured as a partnership and managed by a board of 12 partners.

Anderas 15-person life sciences team brings together extensive experience in the life sciences industry, private equity and venture capital. Active since 2000, the team has raised over 1.1 billion through its BioDiscovery family of funds and is currently investing from its new BioDiscovery 6 fund. Since inception, the BioDiscovery funds have invested in more than 75 European and U.S. biotech and medtech companies. For further information please visit: www.anderapartners.com

About Bpifrance and InnoBio 2

Bpifrance is the French national investment bank: it finances businesses  at every stage of their development  through loans, guarantees, equity investments and export insurances. Bpifrance also provides extra financial services (training, consultancy) to help entrepreneurs meet their challenges (innovation, export).

InnoBio 2 is an investment fund dedicated to life sciences, managed by Bpifrance, which is also one of the LPs alongside Sanofi, Boehringer Ingelheim, Takeda, Ipsen, Servier, BMS, European Fund of Investment and Pasteur Mutualite. InnoBio 2, with 203 million, aims to invest in companies developing innovative products and services, close to or in early clinical development, with the objective of bringing them to clinical proof of concept. InnoBio 2 takes minority equity stake in companies and can lead or co-lead the investment rounds. For more information, please visit: www.bpifrance.com

About M Ventures

M Ventures is the strategic, corporate venture capital fund of Merck, investing in Biotechnology and Technology. We cover the areas of Healthcare drug development, Life Science tools, Electronics and Frontier Technology & Sustainability.

We invest - with dual strategic and financial foci - into visionary companies that find new ways to: treat the most challenging diseases, empower scientists with cutting-edge research and development tools, develop new solutions that change the way in which information is accessed, stored, processed, and displayed and address some of the most complex challenges in sustainability and technology convergence.

We take an active role in our portfolio companies and team up with entrepreneurs and co-investors to translate innovation towards commercial success.

About Nouscom

Nouscom is a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company developing next-generation, off-the-shelf and personalized cancer immunotherapies. Nouscoms proprietary viral vector platform has the capacity to encode for large payloads of neoantigens or other immunomodulators and clinically demonstrated to safely and potently harness the power of the immune system.

Nouscom is currently advancing the clinical development of its wholly owned programs:

NOUS-209, an off-the-shelf cancer immunotherapy for the treatment of MSI solid tumors in combination with pembrolizumab in randomized Phase 2 trials. In January 2023, Nouscom announced a clinical trial collaboration and pembrolizumab supply agreement with MSD (Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA).





NOUS-209, an off-the-shelf monotherapy in Lynch Syndrome carriers with the potential to intercept cancer before it occurs. A Phase 1b is being conducted under a clinical trial collaboration and supply agreement signed in 2022 with the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and a randomized Phase 2 trial is expected to be initiated in 2024.





NOUS-PEV, a personalized cancer immunotherapy, is expected to enter randomized Phase 2 trials in indications with high unmet medical need in 2024.





Nouscom has also exclusively out-licensed VAC-85135, an off-the-shelf immunotherapy developed under a multi-project agreement, which is currently under evaluation in a Phase 1 trial for the treatment of Myeloproliferative Neoplasms sponsored by Janssen Research & Development and Bristol Myers Squibb.

For more information on Nouscom, please visit the companys website at www.nouscom.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

Contacts
RIYADH, November 14th, 2023  Elevatus, the premier AI-driven recruitment platform, partners with Barns, a pioneering specialty coffee brand in Saudi Arabia established by Al Amjaad Establishment. With a strategic vision to establish a global presence, Barns strategically utilizes Elevatus' innovative solutions to secure top-tier talent and meet the manpower needs required for the expansion of 1000 smaller stores and drive-through outlets by the year 2030.



Elevatus and Barns have joined forces in a synergistic partnership aimed at enhancing Barn's recruitment process, an enterprise with an extensive presence of over 600 stores, including drive-thru locations. This partnership will help Barns streamline the process of hiring, assessing, and onboarding top talent through Elevatus turn-key recruiting solutions.



With Saudi Arabia's diverse workforce, encompassing both locals and expatriates, cultural and language barriers can present substantial challenges in recruitment. Barns addresses this effectively by leveraging Elevatus' recruiting solutions, which provide multilingual support for a more localized user experience. Barns can now create a career portal powered by Elevatus that supports fourteen languages, thereby attracting diverse talent for their open vacancies and optimizing its use as the primary portal during career fairs.



Badr Alosaimi, Human Capital Manager at Barns, emphasizes, Elevatus' technology has become the cornerstone of our recruitment process and strategic workforce planning at Barns. With Elevatus, we can now harness the power of cutting-edge AI to build a robust candidate database, source talent faster, shortlist through the power of AI, and significantly reduce our candidate screening time. This translates to substantial time and cost savings, enabling us to attract the best talent in the industry faster.



Barns will unlock substantial value by harnessing Elevatus, which includes the establishment of a comprehensive candidate database and streamlining the sourcing process. Additionally, they will channel all applications through the Elevatus career portal, eliminating the need for website submissions, email applications, or LinkedIn submissions. They will also leverage Elevatus' cutting-edge AI to swiftly screen hundreds of resumes, resulting in a significant reduction in candidate screening time from six hours to mere minutes. This will enable them to fill positions in days rather than seven weeks and utilize the support of AI to generate job descriptions for open vacancies in a matter of seconds.



Rami Alkiswani, Chief Commercial Officer at Elevatus, adds, Elevatus is at the forefront of transforming talent management and recruitment through pioneering AI tech. At the heart of our partnership with Barns, the leading coffee brand in Saudi Arabia, is our unwavering commitment to accelerating the process of hiring and onboarding the best talent for our clients. By leveraging Elevatus, Barns is now able to nurture top-tier teams that will help solidify their position as a leader in the coffee shop business.



Elevatus all-inclusive technology platform streamlines every facet of talent management and paves the way for fair, transparent and unbiased recruiting. By harnessing Elevatus comprehensive technology, Barns is now positioned to revolutionize their recruitment efforts by assembling top-tier teams. This strategic transformation is set to fortify Barns standing as the largest and one of the most well-established coffee shop businesses in Saudi Arabia.

Attachment
Dublin, Nov. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Bag-in-Box Container Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Application (Food & Beverage, Industrial Liquids, Household Products), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The global bag-in-box container market size is expected to reach USD 6.7 billion by 2030., expanding at a CAGR of 6.8% from 2023 to 2030

This is attributed to the growing popularity of boxed wine in the food & beverages industry and the increasing demand for sustainable packaging solutions. The increasing consumption of alcoholic beverages in emerging as well as developed economies, along with the ease of use and increasing consumption of packaged alcoholic beverages, is expected to drive market growth over the forecast period.







Wine production is expected to register steady growth, with the producers adopting advanced and innovative packaging solutions such as bag-in-box containers as an alternative packaging solution. The air-tight seal between the bag and the tap enables the storage of the wine in a box for weeks after being opened without any impact on the taste, whereas wine in a bottle should ideally be consumed within a few days or hours after being opened.



The availability of the product in various designs, coupled with ease of use, is expected to drive market growth in the alcoholic beverage segment. Growth in the urban population, and easy access to alcoholic beverages by the younger population are likely to raise the demand for bag-in-box containers in this segment. In addition, manufacturers are launching new products which are expected to drive the growth of the bag-in-box container in this segment.



The growing food & beverage market in the Asia Pacific is expected to have a positive impact on the bag-in-box container industry growth during the forecast period. Increasing industrialization in countries such as India and China, coupled with the growing adoption of packed food and beverage products in the region, is anticipated to fuel the market demand over the forecast period.

The household products segment emerged as the fastest-growing segment owing to the introduction of eco-cleaning household products. In addition, advancements in technology such as automatic dishwashing products, are projected to drive the market growth of bag-in-box containers.



The industry players are adopting several strategies including collaborations, expansions, mergers & acquisitions, joint ventures, and partnership agreements to increase the customer base and individual market share.

For instance, in December 2022, Amcor plc announced an expansion in its production capacity by launching a new manufacturing plant in China. This production capacity expansion will help the company to strengthen its position in Asia Pacific and to meet the growing consumer demand in the region.



Bag-in-Box Container Market Report Highlights

Food and beverages dominated the application segment in 2022 with the largest market share. An increase in the purchase of alcoholic beverages attributed to the growing individual disposable income and medical usage of alcohol in countries such as Canada and the U. S. is driving the demand for this market

The household products application is anticipated to expand at a fast CAGR during the forecast period 2023-2030. Increasing concerns among consumers regarding personal hygiene, coupled with the rising use of household cleaning products, are expected to contribute to market growth

Europe accounted for the highest market share in 2022 owing to increased demand for sauces and cooking oils in the region. Moreover, alcoholic beverage consumption is expected to grow attributed to consumer lifestyles. The growth in the beverage industry coupled with easy availability and abundant production is expected to increase the demand for the bag-in-box container in the region over the forecasted period

Asia Pacific is anticipated to grow at a fast CAGR during the forecast period owing to the shifting consumer preferences for convenient liquid packaging solutions due to demographics and lifestyle dynamics in the region which is expected to drive the demand for this market. Moreover, high flexibility to accommodate a variety of products, low weight, high barrier properties, and ease of portability is the key properties boosting product penetration in Asia Pacific

The market for bag-in-box container is mainly hampered by the rising use of glass bottles for packaging alcoholic beverages

Company Profiles: Overview, Financial Performance, Product Benchmarking, Strategic Initiatives

Amcor Ltd.

Smurfit Kappa

DS Smith

Liquibox

Scholle IPN

CDF Corporation

Arlington Packaging (Rental) Limited

CENTRAL PACKAGE & DISPLAY

Accurate Box Company, Inc.

TPS Rental Systems Ltd.

Optopack Ltd.

Zarcos America

Aran Group

BiBP SP. z O.O.

Hangzhou Hansin New Packing Material Co., Ltd.

Key Attributes:

Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 162 Forecast Period 2022 - 2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2022 $4 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $6.7 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 6.8% Regions Covered Global

Key Topics Covered:



Chapter 1 Methodology and Scope



Chapter 2 Executive Summary

2.1 Market Insights

2.2 Market Outlook

2.3 Segmental Outlook

2.4 Competitive Outlook



Chapter 3 Market Variables, Trends, and Scope

3.1 Market Lineage Outlook

3.1.1 Parent Market Outlook: Flexible Packaging Market

3.1.2 Related Market Outlook: Flexible Intermediate Bulk Container Market

3.2 Penetration and Growth Prospect Mapping

3.3 Industry Value Chain Analysis

3.3.1 Raw Material Trends

3.3.1.1 Raw Material Analysis

3.3.1.1.1 Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)

3.3.1.1.2 Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (Eva)

3.3.1.1.3 Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol

3.3.1.2 Procurement Best Practices

3.3.2 Manufacturing Trends

3.3.2.1 Technology Trends

3.3.2.2 Outsourcing and Contract Manufacturing Trends

3.3.3 Cost Structure and Profit Margin Analysis

3.3.3.1 Profit Margin and Cost Analysis

3.3.3.2 Average Selling Price Analysis

3.3.4 Sales Channel Analysis

3.3.5 Vendor Selection Criteria Analysis

3.4 Technology Overview

3.4.1 Technology Timeline

3.4.1.1 Blown Film

3.4.1.2 Cast Film

3.4.1.3 Co-Extrusion

3.4.1.4 Bioplastic Manufacturing

3.5 Regulatory Framework

3.5.1 Food and Drugs Act

3.5.2 Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act

3.6 Market Dynamics

3.6.1 Market Driver Analysis

3.6.1.1 Growth of the Food & Beverage Industry

3.6.1.2 Growing Demand for Household Products

3.6.2 Market Restraint Analysis

3.6.2.1 High Demand for Substitute Products

3.6.3 Industry Challenges

3.6.3.1 Volatile Raw Material Prices

3.7 Business Environment Analysis: Bag-In Box Containers Market

3.7.1 Industry Analysis - Porter's Five Force Analysis

3.7.2 PESTEL Analysis

3.7.3 Major Deals & Strategic Alliances

3.8 Market Strategies

3.8.1 Impact of Covid-19



Chapter 4 Bag-In-Box Container Market: Application Estimates & Trend Analysis

4.1 Definition & Scope

4.2 Application Movement & Market Share Analysis, 2022 & 2030

4.2.1 Food & Beverages

4.2.2 Household Products

4.2.3 Industrial Liquid



Chapter 5 Bag-In-Box Container Market: Regional Estimates & Trend Analysis

5.1 Regional Movement & Market Share Analysis, 2022 & 2030



Chapter 6 Competitive Analysis

6.1 Key Global Players & Recent Developments & Their Impact on the Industry

6.2 Key Innovators, Market Leaders, and Emerging Players

6.3 Vendor Landscape

6.3.1 List of Key Distributors & Channel Partners

6.3.2 Key Customers

6.4 Public Companies

6.4.1 Company Market Position Analysis

6.4.2 Company Market Share/Ranking

6.4.3 Heat Map Analysis

6.4.4 Competitive Dashboard Analysis

6.4.4.1 Market Differentiators

6.4.4.2 Synergy Analysis: Major Deals & Strategic Alliances of Public Companies

6.5 Private Companies

6.5.1 Key Emerging Companies/Technology Disruptors/Innovators

6.5.2 Geographical Presence

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/fxnr3l

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

Attachment
Dublin, Nov. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Global Pharmaceutical Contract Manufacturing Market - Forecast to 2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

Pharmaceutical contract manufacturing (PCM) global market is expected to grow at a mid single digit CAGR from 2023 to 2030 to reach $100,102.8 million by 2030.

The global pharmaceutical market is experiencing rapid growth, with key areas such as research and development, manufacturing, and formulation evolving significantly. Several factors contribute to this growth, including a rising global population, an increase in chronic diseases like infectious diseases, oncology, and cardiovascular disorders, and a substantial rise in healthcare spending. Moreover, the pharmaceutical industry is witnessing a surge in collaborations, mergers, and acquisitions, further fueling its expansion.

To meet the escalating demand and address various challenges, many pharmaceutical companies are turning to contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs). These companies rely on CMOs for manufacturing, leveraging their advanced facilities, technologies, and high containment capabilities. Even when pharmaceutical companies have their own facilities, they often outsource production to CMOs to save time and have a backup manufacturing option.

This growing trend of outsourcing manufacturing to CMOs benefits both pharmaceutical companies and service providers. It allows pharmaceutical firms to concentrate on their core strengths while entrusting manufacturing to specialized CMOs. Consequently, this trend is expected to boost the pharmaceutical manufacturing market share. Contract pharmaceutical manufacturing services primarily focus on manufacturing Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) and Finished Dosage Formulations (FDF).

Factors such as increased outsourcing, high adoption of small molecule drugs across diverse therapeutic areas, patent expiration, and the increasing use of the 505(b)(2) pathway for small molecule drugs are driving the pharmaceutical contract manufacturing global market. Advanced technologies in API and FDF manufacturing, rising R&D expenditures, capacity and capability expansion in advanced Highly Potent APIs and Complex Molecules platforms are providing significant opportunities for market growth.

However, challenges such as pharmaceutical product contamination (API and FDF), pricing pressure, the need for highly skilled technicians, the increasing adoption of biologics in disease management, stringent regulatory policies, and environmental concerns are hindering the growth of the pharmaceutical contract manufacturing global market.

North America is the largest revenue contributor in 2023 and is expected to grow at a mid-single-digit CAGR from 2023 to 2030. Factors driving this growth include increasing pharma R&D expenditure, the development of new drugs, approvals of generics, a significant number of API manufacturing facilities, and government support for expanding domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities. The rise in patients with various chronic disorders, strategic partnerships between pharma companies and contract manufacturers, and the launch of advanced CDMO services also contribute to the region's growth.

The Asia-Pacific region is anticipated to grow at a high single-digit CAGR from 2023 to 2030. Key drivers include the increasing production of generic pharmaceuticals, a network of pharma companies with extensive manufacturing facilities, expanding outsourcing to CMOs, new drug development, government investments in the pharmaceutical industry, and more.

For example, India, with over 3,000 pharmaceutical companies and a robust network of more than 10,500 manufacturing facilities, plays a significant role in this growth. Additionally, Europe's outsourcing of production to India and China to reduce labor costs and energy expenditure contributes to the region's expansion.

For instance, in June 2021, Government announced an additional outlay of $26,578.3 million for the pharmaceutical PLI scheme in 13 key sectors such as active pharmaceutical ingredients, drug intermediaries and key starting materials, increasing disease population, raising investment by the companies to expand their capabilities are driving the pharmaceutical contract manufacturing market in the region.

Major Companies: Overview, Financials, Product Portfolio, Key Developments, Business Strategy, SWOT Analysis

Abbvie Inc.

Asymchem Laboratories (Tianjin) Co. Ltd

Cambrex Corporation

Curia

Delpharm - Delriv

Lonza Group Ltd

Porton Pharma Solutions Ltd

Recipharm Ab

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc

Wuxi Apptec Co. Ltd.

Key Topics Covered:

1 Executive Summary

2 Introduction

2.1 Key Takeaways

2.2 Scope of the Report

2.3 Report Description

2.4 Markets Covered

2.5 Stakeholders

2.6 Research Methodology

3 Market Analysis

3.1 Introduction

3.2 Market Segmentation

3.3 Factors Influencing Market

3.3.1 Drivers and Opportunities

3.3.1.1 Increased Trend of Outsourcing

3.3.1.2 High Uptake of Small Molecules Across Diverse Therapeutics

3.3.1.3 Patent Expiration and Increasing Adoption of 505(B)(2) Pathway of Small Molecules Drugs

3.3.1.4 Increasing R&D Expenditures

3.3.1.5 Capacity and Capability Expansion in Advanced Highly Potent Apis and Complex Molecules Platforms

3.3.1.6 Advanced Technologies in API and Fdf Manufacturing

3.3.2 Restraints and Threats

3.3.2.1 Contamination in the Manufacturing Process

3.3.2.2 Requirement of Highly Skilled Technicians

3.3.2.3 Adoption of Biologics in Disease Management and Increasing Regulatory Approvals

3.3.2.4 Stringent Regulatory Requirements

3.4 Regulatory Affairs

3.5 Porter's Five Force Analysis

3.6 Supply Chain Analysis

3.7 Market Share Analysis

3.7.1 Pharma Contract Manufacturing Global Market Share Analysis

3.7.2 Market Share Analysis of API Manufacturing by Major Players

3.7.3 Market Share Analysis of Fdf Manufacturing by Major Players

3.8 Technological Advancements

3.8.1 Introduction

3.8.2 Advanced Technologies for API Manufacturing

3.8.3 Advanced Technologies for Fdf Manufacturing

3.9 Differentiated Capabilities

3.9.1 Hpapi

3.9.2 Continuous Flow Manufacturing

3.9.3 Cryogenic Manufacturing Process

3.1 Controlled Substance API Contract Manufacturing Market

3.11 Patent Expiry and Anda Approvals

3.12 Drug Master Filing (Dmf)

3.13 API Pricing

3.14 Cost of Manufacturing Facility

3.15 Fda Approved API Manufacturing Units

3.16 Fda Approval Drugs With Type of Dosage Form

3.17 Deals in Pharmaceutical Companies and Contract Manufacturers

3.18 Acquisition

3.19 Expansion

3.2 Collaboration and Investment

3.21 Global Pharmaceutical API Cmo Production Volume

3.22 China V/S India: Pharmaceutical Contract Manufacturing Market

3.22.1 India

3.22.2 China

3.23 Pharmaceutical Contract Manufacturers Revenue and Capabilities

4 Pharmaceutical Contract Manufacturing Global Market, Based on Product

4.1 Introduction

4.2 API Manufacturing

4.2.1 Branded API Manufacturing

4.2.2 Generic API Manufacturing

4.3 Finished Dosage Form (Fdf) Manufacturing

4.3.1 Solid Dosage Forms

4.3.1.1 Tablets

4.3.1.2 Capsules

4.3.1.3 Other Solid Dosage Forms (Granules and Powders)

4.3.2 Injectables Dosage Forms

4.3.3 Semisolid, Liquid and Gaseous Dosage Forms

4.3.3.1 Semisolids

4.3.3.2 Liquids

4.3.3.3 Gaseous

5 Pharmaceutical Contract Manufacturing Global Market, Based on Phase

5.1 Introduction

5.2 Clinical Manufacturing

5.3 Commercial Manufacturing

6 Pharmaceutical Contract Manufacturing Global Market, Based on Application

6.1 Introduction

6.2 Oncology

6.3 Central Nervous System

6.4 Cardiovascular Diseases

6.5 Infectious Diseases

6.6 Pulmonary Diseases

6.7 Metabolic Disorders

6.8 Gastrointestinal Diseases

6.9 Musculoskeletal Diseases

6.1 Genitourinary Diseases

6.11 Endocrine Diseases

6.12 Other Applications (Anesthesia, Autoimmune Diseases, Opthalmology, Dental, Pain Management, Gynaecology, Dermatology, and Ent)

7 Regional Analysis

7.1 Introduction

7.2 North America

7.2.1 U.S.

7.2.2 Rest of North America

7.3 Europe

7.3.1 Germany

7.3.2 France

7.3.3 Italy

7.3.4 Rest of Europe

7.4 Apac

7.4.1 China

7.4.2 India

7.4.3 Japan

7.4.4 Rest of Apac

7.5 Row

7.5.1 Brazil

7.5.2 Rest of Latam

7.5.3 Middle East & Others

8 Competitive Landscape

8.1 Introduction

8.2 Expansion

8.3 Agreements & Collaboration

8.4 Acquisition

Companies Mentioned

AbbVie Inc.(AbbVie Contract Manufacturing)

ACIC Pharmaceuticals

Adare Pharmaceuticals

Adragos Pharma GmbH

Aenova Group GmbH

AGC Inc. (AGC Pharma Chemicals)

Agno Pharma

Alcami Corporation, Inc

Almac Group

ANI Pharmaceuticals

Aphena Pharma Solutions

Ardena Holding NV

Artesan Pharma GmbH

Asymchem Laboratories (Tianjin) Co., Ltd

Avara pharmaceutical services Inc.

Axplora

Bachem holding AG

BioDuro-Sundia

BioVectra Inc

Bluepharma

C.O.C. Farmaceutici Srl

Cerbios Pharma S.A.

ChemCon GmbH

Chemineau

CordenPharma International(Germany)

Curia

Custom pharma services

Delpharm

Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Ltd (Aurigene Pharmaceutical Services Limited)

Elaiapharm SAS

EUROAPI

Eurofins Scientific

Evonik Industries AG

Fabbrica Italiana Sintetici S.p.A.

Fuji Chemical Industry CO.,LTD(Japan)

GAP Pharmaceuticals

GP Pharm SA

Grand River Aseptic Manufacturing

Groupe Parima Inc.

Heraeus Holding GmbH

Hiray Pharma Solutions

Hovione

Icrom SpA

JSC Grindeks (HBM pharma s.r.o)

Jubilant Pharma

Kwizda Pharma GmbH.

LGM Pharma, LLC

Lonza Group

Merck KGAa

Mikart, LLC

Mint lifesciences Pvt Ltd.

Neolpharma Inc.

Neolpharma Pharmaceutical Group

Nextar Chempharma Solutions Ltd.

NextPharma Technologies Holding Limited

Nipro Corporation

Olon S.p.A.

PCI Pharma Services

Pfizer Inc. (Pfizer CentreOne)

PharmaBlock Sciences Nanjing Inc

Pharmaron Beijing Co., Limited

Phyton biotech LLC

PI Industries

Pierre Fabre

Pillar5 Pharma Inc

Piramal Pharma Limited

Polpharma Group B.V. (Polpharma API CDMO)

Polypeptide

Polypeptide group

Porton Pharma Solutions Ltd

PSM GmbH

PYRAMID Laboratories, Inc.(U.S.)

Quotient Sciences

Recipharm AB

Regis Technologies

Rottendorf Pharma

R-Pharm Germany GmbH

Sai life science Ltd.

Saurav Chemicals Ltd

ScinoPharm Taiwan Ltd.

Selkirk Pharma

Seqens SAS

SGS S.A. ( Quay Pharma)

Siegfried Holdings AG

SK pharmteco (AMPAC Fine Chemicals)

Societal CDMO

Solvias AG

Stason Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(Western PharmSci)

Sterling Pharma Solutions

Surepharma Services Ltd

Synokem Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Thermofisher Scientific (Patheon N.V.)

UBI Pharma Inc.

UPM Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Upperton Pharma Solutions

Valpharma S.p.A

Veranova

Wuxi Apptec

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/yb86l0

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.


Chris Caldwell CEO of United Renewables in conversation with Professor Rupert Merson on the strategies and mindsets needed for sustainable business innovation

DOUGLAS, Isle of Man, Nov. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As part of the Conversations on Climate podcast series United Renewables CEO Chris Caldwell recently hosted an enlightening session with Professor Rupert Merson from the London Business School. This episode delves deep into sustainable business practices and their evolving role in today's economy. Professor Merson, a renowned authority in business strategy and entrepreneurship, shed light on how environmental responsibility is increasingly becoming a cornerstone of long-term business success, moving beyond the traditional view of being at odds with profitability.

During the discussion, Professor Merson explored the critical role of technology in achieving sustainability, addressing the challenges and opportunities it presents for businesses. He emphasised the importance of a long-term strategic approach that involves all stakeholders, from employees to customers, in cultivating a culture that prioritises sustainability.

A notable aspect of the conversation was Professor Merson's insights on the entrepreneurial mindset towards sustainability. He observed, "These are the guys who are wired the other way around. They are more worried about the future than they are the past. They don't care about last year's failure nearly so much; they are more worried about next year's success and the risks that are associated with that." This forward-looking approach, he noted, is crucial in embracing risks for future success.

Professor Merson also highlighted the pivotal role of family businesses in environmental stewardship. He pointed out their unique generational perspective and the importance of considering the long-term impacts on future generations.

Drawing an interesting parallel, Professor Merson likened the challenges in corporate turnarounds to the current climate crisis, emphasising the need for urgent action and long-term strategic thinking in both contexts. He concluded with a compelling thought on the value of planning, stating, "Just because your plan is wrong doesn't mean it's been a waste of time doing the planning... planning is an act of lifting your head up and thinking about the future."

This session with Professor Merson, available on United Renewables' website, is a treasure trove of insights for business leaders and entrepreneurs at the crossroads of business and sustainability, offering practical guidance for navigating these critical areas.

About United Renewables:

United Renewables, at the forefront in the renewable energy sector, is dedicated to providing a diverse array of green energy solutions including solar, wind, hydro, and bioenergy. Our commitment lies in fostering sustainable futures, reducing global carbon footprints, and empowering communities through innovation and environmental stewardship. As a leading provider, we actively engage in climate dialogue, partnering with industry pioneers and academic experts to shape a resilient and cleaner world for all.

About Professor Rupert Merson:

Rupert Merson, an Adjunct Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship, is a renowned expert in the field of owner-managed, entrepreneurial, and family businesses, focusing on their growth challenges. His expertise spans a wide range of areas, including business formation, governance, strategy, ownership issues, remuneration, succession planning, turnaround strategies, and organisational development.

For more information and access to this exceptional episode, visit the Conversations on Climate Podcast on Youtube or Podbean.

About the Conversations on Climate Podcast:

United Renewables' "Conversations on Climate" podcast, now heralding its second season, is a beacon for those seeking enlightenment and actionable insights on climate change. By amalgamating the intellect of academia with the pragmatism of industry, the podcast crafts a narrative both compelling and instructive. From the strategic intricacies of game theory to the pioneering strides in algae-powered innovations, the show is a testament to the multifaceted approach required to address global challenges.

Season 2, a symphony of thought leadership, offers professionals a roadmap to navigate the climate conundrum. The series, a brainchild of United Renewables CEO Chris Caldwell, finds its collaborative spirit with the dynamic Alumni Energy Club of the London Business School.

For anyone who's interested in navigating their way through the climate conundrum, this podcast awaits your ears. Stay abreast of the latest episodes by activating your notifications on the Conversations on Climate Channel.

For more information and access to this exceptional episode, visit the Conversations on Climate Podcast on Youtube or Podbean platforms.

For all related articles.

Conversations on Climate is a joint production of United Renewables and the London Business School Alumni Energy Club.

Conversations on Climate brings world-leading thinkers from business and academia together to share their expertise on the subject of climate change. Guests include Sir Andrew Likierman, Julio Dal Poz, Professor Jean-Pierre Beno it , Professor Ioannou, Tara Schmidt, Professor Dan Cable, Professor Zoe Chance, Professor Lynda Gratton, Tom Gosling, Eduardo Famini Silva, Dr. Linda Yueh, Yariv Cohen, Francois Ortalo-Magn e , Professor Randall Peterson, Matt Winning, Abel Martins Alexandre, Dr. Marcel Olbert and Professor Jane Stout.

All previous episodes can be found here. Related articles can be found here.

CONTACT Isabella Hawke  Sales and Marketing Consultant

COMPANY United Renewables

PHONE +447624457139

EMAIL IIhawke@unitedrenewables.co.uk

WEB unitedrenewables.co.uk/resources

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4eeb3125-cb84-4ba3-b2ee-4977bac90eae
Dublin, Nov. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Food Coating Ingredients Market: Global Industry Trends, Share, Size, Growth, Opportunity and Forecast 2023-2028" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The global food coating ingredients market size reached US$ 3.8 Billion in 2022. Looking forward, the market is set to reach US$ 5.1 Billion by 2028, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2% during 2023-2028.



Food coating ingredients comprise nanoparticles and antioxidants, due to which they are extensively incorporated in nutritional bars, seafood, and confectioneries. At present, they are mainly available in solid and liquid forms.





With the significant expansion in the food and beverage (F&B) sector, there has been an increasing demand for healthy, ready-to-eat (RTE) and ready-to-drink (RTD) products. This, in turn, has facilitated the adoption of food coating ingredients to improve the organoleptic properties of processed, bakery, fried, and consumer goods, which represents a prime factor currently driving the market growth.

In line with this, significant technological advancements, such as the implementation of electrostatic coatings for enhancing the aroma, appearance, taste, and shelf-life of several food products by eliminating chemical reactions, are acting as other growth-inducing factors. Moreover, the introduction of antimicrobial coatings to protect packaged items from spoilage and mitigate the growth of pathogens is contributing to the market growth.

Moreover, the rising health concerns and awareness amongst consumers regarding the detrimental effects of chemical additives have prompted manufacturers to uptake natural food coating ingredients, which is contributing to the market growth.

Other factors, such as continuous investments in research and development (R&D) activities and strategic collaborations amongst key players to engineer flavored-infused food coating ingredients, are creating a positive outlook for the market.

Key Questions Answered in This Report

How big is the global food coating ingredients market?

What is the expected growth rate of the global food coating ingredients market during 2023-2028?

What are the key factors driving the global food coating ingredients market?

What has been the impact of COVID-19 on the global food coating ingredients market?

What is the breakup of the global food coating ingredients market based on the type?

What is the breakup of the global food coating ingredients market based on the form?

What is the breakup of the global food coating ingredients market based on the application?

What are the key regions in the global food coating ingredients market?

Who are the key players/companies in the global food coating ingredients market?

Key Attributes:

Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 142 Forecast Period 2022 - 2028 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2022 $3.8 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2028 $5.1 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 5.0% Regions Covered Global

Competitive Landscape



The competitive landscape of the industry has also been examined along with the profiles of the key players being

AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG

Associated British Foods plc

Bowman Ingredients

Buhler Holding AG

Cargill Incorporated

Dohler

GEA Group Aktiengesellschaft

Ingredion Incorporated

Kerry Group plc

Marel

Newly Weds Foods Inc.

Roquette Freres

Tate & Lyle PLC.

Key Market Segmentation



Breakup by Type:

Sugars and Syrups

Cocoa and Chocolates

Fats and Oils

Spices and Seasonings

Flours

Batter and Crumbs

Others

Breakup by Form:

Dry

Liquid

Breakup by Application:

Bakery

Confectionery

Breakfast Cereals

Snacks and Nutritional Bars

Dairy Products

Meat and Poultry Products

Fruits and Vegetables

Others

Breakup by Region:

North America

United States

Canada

Asia-Pacific

China

Japan

India

South Korea

Australia

Indonesia

Others

Europe

Germany

France

United Kingdom

Italy

Spain

Russia

Others

Latin America

Brazil

Mexico

Others

Middle East and Africa

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/9h3bjl

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

Attachment
Wilmington, Delaware, United States, Nov. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Transparency Market Research Inc. -The global bowel management systems market was estimated at a value of US$ 2.03 billion in 2021. It is anticipated to register a 4% CAGR from 2021 to 2031 and by 2031, the market is likely to attain US$ 3 billion by 2031.

The market for bowel management systems is primarily driven by the increased prevalence of bowel illnesses such persistent constipation, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The need for effective and efficient bowel management treatments to improve patients' quality of life and reduce symptoms related to gastrointestinal disorders is increasing as these conditions become more commonplace globally.

The market is expanding as a result of ongoing developments in healthcare technology, such as the creation of cutting-edge bowel management systems. Advances in technology have given rise to advanced tools and treatment choices that provide better results for patients, more comfort, and ease of use while dealing with intestinal problems. The ongoing advancements in this industry draw both patients and healthcare professionals, which propels the market for bowel management systems to grow.

Request Sample of the Report: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=49794

The following companies are well-known participants in the global Bowel Management Systems Market:

Axonics Inc.

Becton, Dickinson and Company

B. Braun Melsungen AG

Coloplast Group

ConvaTec Group, plc

Consure Medical

Hollister Incorporated

Laborie Medical Technologies, Corp.

ProSys International Ltd.

Renew Medical, Inc.

Welland Medical Limited

Qufora A/S

Medtronic

Wellspect HealthCare

TG Eakin

Key Findings of Market Report

Over the course of the forecast period, the bowel management systems market is expected to grow at a modest rate of about 4% CAGR.

This is clear from the fact that problems with stool management systems include bleeding rectal ulcers.

Businesses that provide bowel management systems must to raise awareness of the need to use caution when using the devices for extended periods of time.

This is required because a lower risk of problems helps shorten hospital stays, which lowers costs for patients and hospitals alike.

Market Trends For Bowel Management Systems

Bowel management devices that reduce tissue damage from leaks, pressure, and friction are becoming more and more popular. Due to its ability to shield patients from odor, tissue damage, and exposure, the DIGNISHIELD stool management system is becoming more and more popular. Innovative products like instructional materials and resources are making it easier to follow the rules of the quality system. Natural rubber latex is not being used by manufacturers of bowel management systems in any of their many system components.

Businesses in the market for bowel management systems are creating cutting-edge goods that lessen skin deterioration and stop pressure ulcers from forming.

Have Any Query? Ask to Analyst: - https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=ASK&rep_id=49794



Global Market for Bowel Management Systems: Regional Outlook

Various reasons are propelling the growth of the bowel management systems market throughout the region. These are:

The global market for bowel management systems has been divided into the following regions: Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and Rest of Latin America), Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, Australia & New Zealand, and Rest of Asia Pacific), North America (the United States and Canada), Europe (the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, Italy, France, and Rest of Europe), and Middle East & Africa (South Africa, GCC Countries, and Rest of Middle East & Africa). Every market region has been segmented into individual countries or sub-regions.

The market size and forecast for bowel management systems are included in the report for each nation, region, and sub-region from 2017 to 2031. For the prediction period from 2021 to 2031, the CAGR has also been given for each of these nations and areas.

The competition landscape in these areas is also included in the market report on bowel management systems.

Global Bowel Management Systems Market: Key Players

In order to expand their market position, major firms concentrate on tactics such as product launches, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and divestitures.

Few of key developments by the players in this market are:

Company name Key Developments Microbiotica The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation awarded Microbiotica project funding in April 2022 as part of their inflammatory bowel disease ventures initiative for the development of therapeutics to treat inflammatory bowel disease. Coloplast Coloplast launches the SenSura Mio in Singapore in February 2022. SenSura Mio aims to improve the quality of life for ostomates, or people who have had an ostomy that are currently managing a stoma.

Global Bowel Management Systems Market Segmentation

Product Systems

Colostomy Bags

Irrigation Systems

Sacral Neuromodulation Systems

Others

Accessories

Plugs

Catheters

Implants

Anal Sphincters

Stool Bags

Others

Patient Type

Adult

Pediatric

End User

Hospitals

Ambulatory Surgical Centers

Home Care Settings

Region

North America

Europe

Asia Pacific

Latin America

Middle East & Africa

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More Trending Reports by Transparency Market Research -

Refurbished Dental Lab Equipment Market - The global industry was valued at US$ 4.5 Bn in 2021 and It is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.4% from 2022 to 2031 and reach more than US$ 6.8 Bn by the end of 2031

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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.

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VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SHARC International Systems Inc. (CSE: SHRC) (FSE: IWIA) (OTCQB: INTWF) ("SHARC Energy" or the Company) is pleased to announce that the PIRANHA Wastewater Energy Transfer (WET) system has successfully completed testing in compliance with CSA/UL Standards 60335-2-40, and NSF 5. The PIRANHA series will now bear the Electrical Testing Laboratories (ETL) listed mark indicating to distributors and customers that the product is compliant to North American standards and provides a pathway for the PIRANHA series to gain compliance in key North American markets requiring state approval.



The award of the ETL listed mark to the PIRANHA series is more than a symbol of compliance; it is a testament to SHARC Energy's commitment to delivering quality and safety in its innovative products. This mark is widely recognized across the United States and Canada, not only by authorities and code officials as evidence of adherence to industry standards, but also by customers and consumers as an assurance of safety and reliability. The attainment of this certification opens doors for SHARC Energy, facilitating market penetration in North America and serving as a valuable credential in expanding to other global markets with stringent product compliance requirements.

Furthermore, the ETL listed mark equips SHARC Energy with a trusted mark, enhancing the marketability of the PIRANHA series. This certification is expected to boost customer confidence, leading to increased demand. It also positions SHARC Energy as a leader in the WET industry, reflecting the company's dedication to innovation, safety, and environmental stewardship.

With the receipt of this mark, the Company is now eligible to file for approval in other key markets with their own product compliance regulations such as Massachusetts and California. The Company is shifting its focus to receiving these approvals.

About SHARC Energy

SHARC International Systems Inc. is a world leader in energy transfer from the wastewater we send down the drain every day. SHARC Energy's systems recycle thermal energy from wastewater, generating one of the most energy-efficient and economical systems for heating, cooling & hot water production for commercial, residential and industrial buildings.

SHARC Energy is publicly traded in Canada (CSE: SHRC), the United States (OTCQB: INTWF) and Germany (Frankfurt: IWIA) and you can find out more on our SEDAR profile.

Learn more about SHARC Energy: Website | Investor Page | LinkedIn | YouTube | PIRANHA | SHARC

Learn more about the CAGBC & LEED Certification: CAGBC | 4Thoughts

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Lynn Mueller

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

For investor inquiries, please contact:

Hanspaul Pannu

Chief Financial Officer

SHARC Energy

Telephone: (604) 475-7710 ext. 4

Email: hanspaul.pannu@sharcenergy.com For media inquiries, please contact:

Mike Tanyi

Director of Marketing & IT

SHARC Energy

Telephone: 604.475.7710 Ext.109

Email: mike.tanyi@sharcenergy.com





The Canadian Securities Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this news release may constitute forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified using words such as anticipate, plan, estimate, expect, may, will, intend, should, and similar expressions. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. SHARC Energys actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in this forward-looking information as a result of regulatory decisions, competitive factors in the industries in which the Company operates, prevailing economic conditions, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. SHARC Energy believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking information should not be unduly relied upon. Any forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the Companys expectations as of the date hereof and is subject to change after such date. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities legislation.

In a significant stride towards market expansion and product reliability, SHARC Energy's recent certification of the PIRANHA Wastewater Energy Transfer (WET) System marks a pivotal achievement in the company's growth trajectory. The certification, announced on November 9, 2023, highlights the system's compliance with the CSA/UL Standards 60335-2-40 and NSF 5, underscoring its alignment with North American safety and performance benchmarks.

The award of the Electrical Testing Laboratories (ETL) listed mark to the PIRANHA series is more than a symbol of compliance; it is a testament to SHARC Energy's commitment to delivering quality and safety in its innovative products. This mark is widely recognized across the United States and Canada, not only by authorities and code officials as evidence of adherence to industry standards but also by customers and consumers as an assurance of safety and reliability. The attainment of this certification opens doors for SHARC Energy, facilitating market penetration in North America and serving as a valuable credential in expanding to other global markets with stringent product compliance requirements.

Moreover, the ETL listed mark equips SHARC Energy with a competitive edge, enhancing the marketability of the PIRANHA series. This certification is expected to boost customer confidence, leading to increased demand and potentially greater market share. It also positions SHARC Energy as a leader in the sustainable energy sector, reflecting the company's dedication to innovation, safety, and environmental stewardship.

In conclusion, SHARC Energy's achievement in receiving the ETL listed mark for its PIRANHA WET System is a significant milestone, not only for the company but for the sustainable energy industry as a whole. It represents a convergence of compliance, market readiness, and a commitment to excellence, setting a new benchmark for energy solutions in North America and beyond.

A video accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8bb4c595-d3eb-482d-95d4-dd70475f75d5
LONDON, Nov. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kaleido Intelligence , a leading connectivity market research and consulting firm, has announced its latest Connectivity Vendor Hub research, providing the most up-to-date product assessment and scores for connectivity service providers across Connectivity Management Platforms (CMP), eSIM Connectivity and eSIM Subscription Management.



The Connectivity Vendor Hub: Competitive Analysis 2023 research analysed 39 established service providers. It includes an in-depth evaluation of the service offerings and updated Kaleido Scores for all companies. Kaleidos method entails categorising vendors based on their product excellence, recognising each companys distinct market positioning, problem-solving skills, innovative prowess, and their ability to align with current market needs and future demands.

The study is the culmination of more than 4-months worth of primary and secondary research, including product demos, questionnaires, and detailed interviews and briefings to collect relevant information.

12 Vendors Receive Champion Kaleido Scores, 22 Vendors Recognised As High-Flyers

Eseye, and Vodafone were scored as number one Champion vendors in eSIM Connectivity and CMP, respectively. The increasingly competitive and innovative ecosystem was underlined this year, with G+D and Thales achieving joint top spot for eSIM Subscription Management. A further 8 vendors were identified as Champions across the categories analysed.

This years benchmarking study is Kaleidos most detailed yet, with leading vendors products closely aligning with current and near-term market needs identified by Kaleido through multiple surveys completed throughout the year, in addition to ongoing dialogue with ecosystem service providers.

Erik Brenneis, CEO of Vodafone Business IoT, stated: As more and more customers adopt and rely on IoT, platform performance and capability become paramount. I am therefore delighted that Kaleido have recognised our connectivity management platform GDSP, as the number 1 Champion in their eSIM & CMP Vendor Hub assessment 2023. By developing and owning our platform we can respond rapidly to changing customer and market demands to ensure that our customers are always at the forefront of IoT.

Nick Earle, CEO of Eseye, remarked: We are delighted that for the third straight year weve been recognised as a Kaleido Champion, and this year as the No 1 assessed firm, confirming our position as the undeniable market leader in eSIM connectivity solutions. Our advanced multi-IMSI and eUICC capabilities, multi-award-winning IoT connectivity management platform, and AnyNet Federation, set us apart from the other 25 vendors, allowing us to deliver best-in-class, near 100% global connectivity so that enterprises can confidently deploy IoT at scale.



Champion vendors received Kaleido Scores of 12 and above, out of a total of 15; meanwhile, High-Flyers received scores between 10 and 12.

The Number 1, Champion and High Flyer vendors across key product segments as scored by Kaleido Intelligence are detailed in the infographic.

Connectivity Leaders Lowering Commercial and Technical Roadblocks

Kaleidos research throughout the year has underlined the need for service providers to offer solutions that enable increasingly sophisticated enterprise clients to reduce risk for connected device programmes, as well as navigate their way through a complex web of challenges that have historically created issues in scaling operations up.

Steffen Sorrell, Chief of Research at Kaleido Intelligence, commented: Connectivity is the bedrock of IoT but it remains fragmented with a series of roadblocks in place that often lead to project failure. Leaders in the market are lowering those roadblocks, be it through their underlying infrastructure and software, connectivity agreements or seamless management across different realms of connectivity enablement.

The leadership scoring analysis for 39 different connectivity vendors is summarised in the Connectivity Vendor Hub report, along with an assessment of company strengths and opportunities.

About Kaleido Intelligence

Kaleido Intelligence is a specialist consulting and market research firm with a proven track record delivering telecom research at the highest level. Kaleido Intelligence is the leading research company addressing mobile roaming and connectivity services in its entirety, covering industry-leading market insights, data forecasts, historical viewpoints, competitive intelligence and operator market surveys.

Research is led by expert industry analysts, each with significant experience delivering market research and insights that matter.

Contact Details:

Phone: +44 20 3983 9843

Email: info@kaleidointelligence.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/48125b98-ed8c-4134-a797-4bf00ad1fee1
Dublin, Nov. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Digital Logistics Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2023 - 2028)" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The Digital Logistics Market size is expected to grow from USD 25.51 billion in 2023 to USD 54.58 billion by 2028, at a CAGR of 16.43% during the forecast period (2023-2028). Growth is driven owing to the increasing adoption of advanced technologies in the logistics sector. Moreover, these digital solutions are helping logistic companies in reducing incurred costs.











Key Highlights

Convergence of logistics and technology, along with cloud-based collaborative solutions that extend through the entire supply chain, tight integration of warehouse, transport, and end consumer information, and transparency through the supply chain are driving the growth of the market studied.





The technological advancement in the digital market and rising cloud adoption are expected to fuel the demand for digital logistic solutions. For instance, in April last year, Locus and LocoNav announced a strategic cooperation. This partnership between LocoNav and Locus will promote digital transformation in the logistics sector by automating supply chain processes.

With the outbreak of COVID-19, many industries have faced significant supply chain and logistic disruption owing to the lockdown imposed by various governments. Companies are transforming their supply chain capabilities with digital logistics platforms to meet those essential deliveries. According to Logistics News, digital supply chains using artificial intelligence and enabling digital payments are the solution to emergencies such as the Covid-19 pandemic.





Over the past ten years, the e-commerce company has experienced tremendous growth due to the development of online shopping and Internet users. More rapid and efficient transportation providers are required due to the growth of e-commerce. When shopping online, customers expect accurate orders, prompt shipment, and return procedures. Businesses are looking for ways to reduce order shipping costs and timeframes. E-commerce is the driving force behind visibility, cost, ease of use, delivery speed, and hassle-free returns. New models and technologies must be created to accommodate this need by automating distribution routes, digitalizing logistics planning, and material movement. As a result, fulfillment services have become quicker and more varied, especially for last-mile delivery and refunds.

A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes





IBM Corporation

Advantech Corporation

Oracle Corporation

Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd

DigiLogistics Technology Ltd

Hexaware Technologies Limited

Tech Mahindra Limited

JDA Software Pvt Ltd

UTI Worldwide Inc.(DSV Group)

SAP SE

Manhattan Associates Inc.

HighJump Software Inc.

Vinculum Group



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/t5edke

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
Richmond, Nov. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to a research report " 3D Printing in Medical Applications Market , by Application (Surgical Guides, Implants, Surgical Instruments, Bioengineering), Technology (Electron Beam Melting, Photopolymerization, Laser Beam Melting, Droplet Deposition Manufacturing), Raw Material (Metals, Polymers, Ceramics, Biological Cells) and Region.

Global 3D Printing in Medical Applications Market Report Scope:

Report Details Market size value in 2023 USD 2.7 Billion Market size value in 2030 USD 8.7 Billion CAGR (2023-2030) 15.7% Forecast Period 20232030 Historic Data 2019 Forecast Units Value (USD Million/USD Billion) Segments Covered Technology, Raw Material, Application and Region Geographies Covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and RoW Nanoscribe GmbH 3D Systems Corporation Sample of Companies Covered EnvisionTEC GmbH Voxeljet Technology GmbH Stratasys Ltd.

Download the Sample - https://www.marketdigits.com/request/sample/3598

TOC Covers in Depth & Breath on 3D Printing in Medical Applications Market

170 - Market Data Tables

65 - List of Figures

225  Pages

The report includes Vendor Assessment (Company Profiles, Market Positioning, Strategies, Recent Developments, Capabilities & Product Offerings / Mapping), Technology Assessment (Developments & Economic Impact), Partner & Customer Ecosystem (Product Services, Proposition & Key Features) Competitive Index & Regional FootPrint by MarketDigits.

Market Overview

3D printing has revolutionized the field of medicine by offering innovative solutions across various applications. One of the most significant contributions lies in the realm of personalized medicine, where 3D printing enables the creation of patient-specific implants and prosthetics. This technology has been instrumental in producing customized orthopedic implants, dental implants, and even patient-specific anatomical models for pre-surgical planning. The ability to tailor medical devices to individual patient anatomy not only enhances treatment outcomes but also reduces the risk of complications. Moreover, 3D printing has found applications in the fabrication of complex and intricate structures, such as scaffolds for tissue engineering. This enables the development of bioresorbable implants that can support tissue regeneration and eventually degrade as the patient heals. The technology is also employed in the creation of drug delivery systems with precise dosages, enhancing therapeutic efficacy.

Major vendors in the global 3D Printing in Medical Applications Market - Nanoscribe GmbH, 3D Systems Corporation, EnvisionTEC GmbH, Voxeljet Technology GmbH, Stratasys Ltd., Materialise NV, EOS GmbH, Formlabs Inc., Organovo Holdings, Inc., Oxferd Performance Materials, Inc., SLM Solutions Group AG, Exone Company and Others.

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Increasing Prevalence of Chronic Diseases and Injuries

The escalating prevalence of chronic diseases and injuries serves as a compelling driver propelling the growth of the 3D printing in medical applications market. Chronic conditions, such as osteoarthritis and cardiovascular diseases, often necessitate personalized and intricate medical interventions. 3D printing technology emerges as a transformative solution to address the unique challenges posed by these conditions.

In orthopedics, where chronic conditions like osteoarthritis demand tailored interventions, 3D printing facilitates the creation of patient-specific implants. This personalized approach ensures a more accurate fit, reduces the risk of complications, and enhances overall treatment outcomes. Moreover, the aging global population contributes significantly to the rise in chronic illnesses, further emphasizing the need for customized medical solutions. Traumatic injuries, whether due to accidents or sports-related incidents, also fuel the demand for 3D printing in medical applications. The technology allows for the rapid production of patient-specific implants and prosthetics, catering to the unique anatomical requirements of each individual. This is particularly crucial in cases of facial reconstruction or limb prosthetics, where precision and customization are paramount for functional and aesthetic restoration.

Market Dynamics

Drivers:

Increase in Demand for Customized 3D Printing

Increasing Prevalence of Chronic Diseases and Injuries

Opportunities:

Advancements In 3D Printing Technology

Growing Demand For Organ Transplants

Advancements in 3D printing technology



Advancements in 3D printing technology represent a significant opportunity for the flourishing 3D Printing in Medical Applications market. Continuous innovation in 3D printing techniques, materials, and processes has opened new frontiers in the medical field, fostering enhanced capabilities and expanding the scope of applications. One key opportunity lies in the refinement of materials used in medical 3D printing. Innovations in biocompatible and bioresorbable materials enable the creation of implants and devices that seamlessly integrate with the body, promoting better healing outcomes and reducing the risk of adverse reactions. This evolution in materials contributes to the development of next-generation implants with improved durability and compatibility.

Moreover, advancements in 3D printing technology have facilitated the fabrication of more intricate and detailed structures. This level of precision is crucial in medical applications where complex anatomical features require tailored solutions, such as in the production of patient-specific implants and prosthetics. The ability to create highly detailed and accurate anatomical models also enhances surgical planning, allowing for more effective and efficient procedures.

The market for 3D printing in Medical Applications is dominated by North America.

The predominant position of North America in the 3D printing in medical applications market can be attributed to various factors, with a primary driver being the substantial investment in the research and development of 3D printing technology within the region. North America boasts a robust ecosystem of key players in the 3D printing sector, including industry leaders such as Stratasys, 3D Systems, and Materialise. This concentration of prominent 3D printing companies has played a pivotal role in propelling innovation and advancing the overall development of the industry. Furthermore, the healthcare sector in North America stands out for its advanced and well-financed nature, emphasizing the adoption of cutting-edge technologies to enhance patient outcomes. This has resulted in an increasing need for 3D printing in medical applications, driven by the medical community's pursuit of heightened precision and accuracy in both medical devices and surgical interventions. North America boasts a substantial and well-established healthcare infrastructure, providing a conducive environment for the seamless adoption and integration of 3D printing technology into patient care practices.

The Technology Segment is Anticipated to Hold the Largest Market Share During the Forecast Period

The Technology segment includes, Electron Beam Melting, Photopolymerization, Laser Beam Melting, Droplet Deposition Manufacturing. As the 3D Printing in Medical Applications market continues to evolve, Electron Beam Melting (EBM) has emerged as a dominant and transformative technology, offering unique advantages that cater to the intricate demands of the medical sector. EBM technology utilizes a high-energy electron beam to selectively melt and fuse metal powder layer by layer, allowing for the precise fabrication of complex and customized metal components. In the medical realm, EBM has gained prominence for its ability to produce durable and high-quality implants with intricate geometries, a critical factor in applications such as orthopedics and dental prosthetics.

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VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reflex Advanced Materials Corp. (CSE: RFLX), (OTCQB:RFLXF), (FSE:HF2) (Reflex or the Company), announced the completion of the Company's 2023 Phase One drill program (the "Program") at its Ruby Graphite Project (the "Project") near Dillon, Montana in a recent news release dated October 24, 2023. The Property is road accessible and is situated 22km southeast of Dillon. The programs impressive efficiencies allowed the Company to complete 24 holes from 8 drill pads, with a total length of 3391m giving an average depth of 141 meters. The Company would like to provide supplemental information and correct certain inaccuracies announced in the previous news release.

Drill Program Highlights:

A total of 24 diamond drill holes were completed, totaling 3391m for the inaugural HQ-size drill program on the Property;

Average drilling depth was only 141m due to presence of graphitic carbon (Cg) mineralization at surface and in shallow historical workings in the drill target area;

First-pass drilling tested an extended conductivity anomaly along an east-northeast striking marble, with plans to follow up on the areas that return the best Cg grades;

Graphite mineralization was found in every completed hole, ranging from 10s of meters of disseminated graphite flake to multiple veins of graphite, with individual veins typically 1 to 5-cm in zones up to 30-cm thick (assays pending); and

Drilling and surface mapping also confirmed the extension of the marble and calc silicate units that may represent a source of carbon to the west of where they had been previously recognized and into the area above the historical workings.

The geologic team provided by Childs Geoscience Inc. (CGI) has completed detailed descriptive logging and photography of the core, and is proceeding with an analysis program that includes the following:

The entire lengths of mineralized intervals will be split and sampled;

Samples will be analyzed by ALS Laboratory with complete results expected in Q1 2024;

As part of the assaying protocol, multi-element analysis will also be initiated to test the geochemical association of the Cg mineralization; and

Carbon isotope and related studies are being pursued to better understand the origin and exploration footprint of the mineralization.

The holes were generally drilled in a vertical-fan arrangement with inclinations of 45, 60, 75 or 90 from horizontal. All holes were surveyed to determine azimuth and inclination. The acquired data allows the team to better understand the structural trends for targeting in future drill programs. Figure 1 shows the orientation of holes drilled across the target area, typically with 2 to 3 holes per pad and up to 5 holes near the existing mine workings.





Figure 1: Map of Ruby Graphite Project with Drill Hole placements

The drilling proceeded from the existing Ground Hog mine workings along a northeast trend toward the Birds Nest graphite mines. The S21, B04 and B03 drill pads showed the best and most consistent visual mineralization. The host rock is a sequence of marble, calc silicate, gneiss and schist, with lesser pegmatite and amphibolite.

The drilling program was designed to test one of the several conductivity anomalies identified during the Companys GEM-2 and IP geophysical surveys conducted during 2022 (see March 2, 2023 news release), plus a heliborne TDEM survey flown earlier in the 2023 exploration season (see June 20th, 2023 news release) and a more recent MaxMin survey conducted by Big Sky Geophysics.





Figure 2 presents a photograph of one of the visibly richest graphite-bearing intervals from drill hole RG23010. Note the centimeters-thick vein graphite as well as a mottled-appearing zone which is thought to be clotty graphite likely resulting from biotite or possible garnet replacement. There is also abundant disseminated flake graphite observed throughout this core. This is an example of the three most common types of mineralization within a 3m interval.

Note that the general descriptions presented here are based on geologists visual observations and all assays are still pending. Figure 2 shows some of the best observed mineralization; other holes or drill pads show less visible mineralization.

All mineralized sections of core are currently being sawed in half, and one half will be sent to ALS analytical laboratory for determination of graphite content, specific gravity, and multi-element analysis of selected intervals. Due to the late start of the 2023 drilling program, it is unlikely that analytical results will be returned before Q1 2024. Concurrently, the drill data, surface geologic mapping, geophysical surveys and limited information available from the historical Ground Hog workings are being used to create a 3D model, and ultimately a preliminary assessment of the quantity of graphite. However, an NI 43101 compliant resource estimate is not expected from this maiden drilling phase of the project.

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 Dr. John Childs, R.Geo., President and Senior Geologist at Childs Geoscience Inc., who is independent of the issuer. Both individuals are Qualified Persons as defined in National Instrument 43101  Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

For more information on Reflex Advanced Materials Corp and its mineral projects, please visit the Companys website at www.reflexmaterials.com .

Corporate Presentation

Visit the Reflex Advanced Materials homepage or click on the following URL to view the Companys 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 Companys 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 Companys 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 Companys 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 Companys 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.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/10cc4b7e-47ff-41fd-a198-2ac8a90b67c2

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f2c72148-599a-44e2-a2bf-be251711ee93
TORONTO, Nov. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- White Gold Corp. (TSX.V: WGO, OTCQX: WHGOF, FRA: 29W) (the "Company") is pleased to announce results for 2023 exploration diamond drilling at the Betty Ford target on the Betty property (Figure 1). Assay results for hole BETFD23D015 include 5.04 g/t Au over 20.85 m within the near-surface oxide domain from 18.65 m depth, including two higher-grade subintervals grading 13.34 g/t Au over 2.30 m and 11.47 g/t Au over 2.05 m. A zone of gold mineralization was also encountered deeper within the sulphide domain of the host breccia unit, grading 0.44 g/t Au over 28.55 m from 107.85 m depth, and including a subinterval of 1.38 g/t Au over 6.15 m. The 2023 diamond drilling also encountered a second breccia unit approximately 30 to 50 m north of the main gold bearing breccia, with the potential for near-surface gold mineralization in the oxide portion of this breccia remaining untested.



The Betty property lies along strike and approximately 40 km east-southeast (Figure 2) of Newmont Corporations (NYSE: NEM, TSX: NGT) Coffee gold deposit with Indicated Resources of 2.14 Moz gold and Inferred Resources of 0.23 Moz gold(2). The Betty property is also contiguous to and 15 km northeast of Western Copper and Gold Corporations (TSX: WRN, NYSE: WRN) Casino porphyry copper-gold project with Measured & Indicated Resources of 14.8 Moz gold & 7.6 Blbs copper and Inferred Resources of 6.3 Moz gold and 3.1 Blb copper(3).

Betty Ford is located approximately 65 km southeast of the Companys flagship White Gold Project in west-central Yukon, Canada, which comprises 16 million tonnes averaging 2.23 g/t Au for 1,152,900 ounces of gold in the Indicated Resource category and 19 million tonnes averaging 1.54 g/t Au for 942,400 ounces of gold in the Inferred Resource category(1).

This drill program forms part of the Companys 2023 fully funded exploration program on its extensive and underexplored 350,000 hectare land package in the emerging White Gold District, Yukon, supported by strategic partners Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (TSX: AEM, NYSE: AEM) and Kinross Gold Corporation (TSX: K, NYSE: KGC).

We are very encouraged by the structural and geological setting of Betty Ford, along with the consistency of wide high-grade gold intersections. Results from the 2023 drilling, coupled with previously reported drilling since 2021, has progressively developed a better understanding of the geology and mineralization at the Betty Ford target. When interpreted alongside the broader regional geology of the property, the Betty Ford target and Betty property represent a high priority target for generating future mineral resources within the evolving White Gold District, stated Cameron Norton, Exploration Manager.

Maps and images accompanying this news release can be found at http://whitegoldcorp.ca/investors/exploration-highlights/. Complete assay results and drill collar details for the 2023 Betty Ford diamond drill program are summarized below in Tables 1 and 2 respectively.

Highlights:

Hole BETFD23D015 intersected 5.04 g/t Au over 20.85 m from 18.65 m depth, including high-grade subintervals of 13.34 g/t Au over 2.3 m and 11.47 g/t Au over 2.05 m.

BETFD23D015 also intersected a zone of gold mineralization deeper within the sulphide domain of the host breccia unit, grading 0.44 g/t Au over 28.55 m from 107.85 m depth, and including a subinterval of 1.38 g/t Au over 6.15 m.

BETFD23D015 was drilled primarily to help determine the character and controls on high-grade gold mineralization encountered in 2022 reverse circulation hole BETFD22RC004, which graded 8.94 g/t Au over 18.29 m. The gold zone in hole 015 is most concentrated within a moderately oxidized and notably matrix- rich portion of the breccia; it appears that the increased concentration of matrix within the transitional weathering domain may be playing a role in controlling increased gold grades.

2023 drilling has increased the surface expression of the polylithic breccia host unit by 90% in width in the western extension, with the gold bearing portion of the breccia now appearing to be at least 95 m wide and the southern contact open for expansion at surface.

Recent gold intersections in BETFD23D015, BETFD23D012, and BETFD22RC004 within the sulphide domain suggest the presence of gold bearing structures at greater depths. BETFD23D015 encountered the broadest intersection of gold mineralization to date within the sulphide domain and highlights the additional largely untested deeper gold potential which was newly encountered in 2023.

A second breccia unit was encountered in previously drilled holes 002, and 014, approximately 30 to 50 m north of the main gold bearing breccia and measures approximately 150 m in strike length, with the potential for near-surface gold mineralization in the oxide domain remaining untested.

2023 diamond drilling consisted of four holes totalling 1,165 m (Figure 2) to further evaluate the zone of near-surface high-grade gold mineralization encountered in 2021 (BETFD21D003: 3.46 g/t Au over 50 m), and 2022 (BETFD22RC004: 8.94 g/t Au over 18.29 m), and also test for the presence of a mineralized buried porphyry at depth, as well as a possible feeder contact/structure for the gold mineralization.

The Betty property hosts several additional prospective targets in close proximity to Betty Ford which remain largely untested.

Additional results from the Companys 2023 exploration program will be announced in due course.

The Company will be attending and presenting at the Yukon Geoscience Forum 2023, see details below.

Betty Ford Target

The Betty property comprises 860 quartz claims which cover an area of 17,127 hectares and hosts several prospective exploration targets including Betty Ford, Mascot (BETMAS22RC005: 1.14 g/t Au over 27.43 m; BETMAS22RC004: 1.24 g/t Au over 3.05 m, 1.48 g/t Au over 9.14 m & 4.13 g/t Au over 7.62 m), Betty White, Betty Grable and Betty Black. The property is transected by the Coffee Creek Fault which exerts important structural controls on Newmonts Coffee gold deposit 40 km along strike to the west-northwest.

Gold mineralization at the Betty Ford target is hosted in a polylithic breccia unit along an east-west striking splay structure located approximately 1.5 km south of and parallel to the Coffee Creek Fault. The target, which forms an approximately 1 km long east-west trending gold-in-soil anomaly with gold values ranging from trace up to 1,961 ppb Au, was initially RAB drill tested by the Company in 2018 with hole BETFRDRAB18-002 intersecting near surface gold mineralization averaging 1.08 g/t Au over 50.29 m from 4.57 m depth. During 2021 and 2022, the Company completed 11 diamond drill holes totalling 2,297 m and 2 RC holes totalling 201 m to further test the target along an approximately 250 m strike length. This drilling has continued to intersect a broad zone of near-surface gold mineralization within the polylithic breccia host unit that has returned 1.17 g/t Au over 48.00 m in hole BETFD21D001, 3.46 g/t Au over 50.0 m in BETFD21D003, 1.50 g/t Au over 55.15 m in BETFD22D007, and 8.94 g/t Au over 18.29 m in BETFD22RC004 including 21.73 g/t Au over 6.10 m. Thus far, mineralization has been traced for approximately 175 m along strike and to a vertical depth of 75 m. The zone remains open primarily to the east for a minimum of 100 m and further evaluation of the target is recommended. In the eastern region of Betty Ford, an approximately 95m wide clast-supported breccia has been identified, which is interpreted to be more distal to the main gold bearing portion of the breccia. Future drilling will be focused in this area to test for additional near-surface gold mineralization along the main breccia, with an interpreted strike length of 500 m which remains open for expansion. Finally, a second, 5-10m wide breccia unit measuring at least 150 m in strike also appears to be present approximately 30-50 m north of the main gold bearing breccia, remaining open. To date, this second breccia has only been intersected in the sulphide domain, with the potential for near-surface gold mineralization in the oxide domain remaining untested.

The 2023 diamond drilling program at the Betty Ford target comprised 4 holes totaling 1,165 m that was designed to test: 1) the presence of a mineralized buried porphyry at depth beneath the polylithic breccia unit; 2) a possible feeder contact/structure identified from VLF-EM surveying; 3) a strong gold-in-soil anomaly in the area of an eastern gully and interpreted fault structure; and 4) controls on higher grade gold mineralization such as that intersected in hole BETFD22RC004.

Betty Ford - 2023 Diamond Drilling Results & Interpretation

Assay highlights for the 2023 Betty Ford diamond drilling program are summarized below in Table 1. Results for holes BETFD23D012 and hole D013 were announced previously on September 7, 2023, and results for hole 014 were announced on November 8, 2023. The lower portion of hole 013 (364 m to 503 m), which was testing for a potential mineralized buried porphyry at depth, did not return significant gold values.

Hole BETFD23D015 was drilled to test the character and controls of the high-grade gold mineralization (8.94 g/t Au over 18.29 m) previously intersected in reverse circulation hole BETFD22RC004, which was the highest-grade mineralization previously intersected at the target, and which also finished in mineralization with the last sample of the hole returning 1.00 g/t Au over 1.54 m at a depth of 100.58 m. Hole BETFD23D015 was drilled 20 m northwest of BETFD22RC004 and was designed to closely undercut the high-grade intersection to characterize the mineralization and extend the breccia to the southwest. The hole collared in metasediments and then entered a moderately oxidized polylithic breccia, which passed downwards into a transition zone to 53.34 m depth. Within this oxide and transitional polylithic breccia domain, the hole intersected 5.04 g/t Au over 20.85 m from 18.65 m depth. The hole then entered a thick region of sulphide domain polylithic breccia, intersecting 0.44 g/t Au over 28.55 m, with a subinterval of 1.38 g/t Au over 6.15 m. This intersection in the sulphide domain represents the broadest intersection of gold mineralization encountered to date in this lower sulphide domain and highlights the additional largely untested deeper potential of the breccia. A fault truncated the breccia at a depth of 143.3 m, after which metasediments were intersected to the end of the hole at 248.75 m. The primary intersection within the oxide and transitional domain of the polylithic breccia appears to be associated with an increase in matrix concentration. This is supported by thin section analysis, where gold at least in part appears to be hosted directly within the matrix of the breccia.

Correlating the deeper sulphide domain gold intersections in hole BETFD23D015, BETFD23D012 and BETFD22RC004 suggest the presence of a NW-SE oriented gold bearing structure, which is largely untested. The true width of this structure remains unknown.

Current Understanding and Next Steps

Gold mineralization at the Betty Ford target is hosted in a polylithic breccia unit along an east-west striking splay structure located approximately 1.5 km south of and parallel to the Coffee Creek Fault. The breccia is bounded by metasedimentary rocks to the north and south, and drilling to date indicates significant gold mineralization is confined to the breccia. Detailed petrographic studies and structural analysis suggest two separate controls on gold mineralization. Within the oxide and transitional domains, gold is hosted primarily within the matrix of the breccia and typically occurs along the grain boundaries of pyrite and lesser sphalerite. Within the sulphide domain, at depths greater than approximately 75 m, gold mineralization may be hosted in discrete microfractures, suggesting a more significant structural component to gold mineralization within the breccia at depth. Various types of porphyry clasts are abundant within the breccia matrix, along with the presence of at least two distinct in situ porphyry dykes which cross cut the breccia unit. Age dating of these dykes is currently underway to determine potential associations with the nearby Casino deposit. The current interpretation of Betty Ford suggests the breccia is part of a magmatic-hydrothermal breccia pipe or a diatreme-related pipe. Geochemical and hyperspectral studies on the core samples further suggest gold mineralization may have been deposited within a low sulphidation epithermal environment. Both interpretations indicate the presence of an underlying porphyry.

Drilling to date has been carried out over an approximately 500 m strike length, and significant near-surface gold has been traced for 175 m along strike and vertically to 75 m, with several occurrences of gold also encountered at greater depths in the sulphide domain, which remains open. Future diamond drilling will consist of a series of holes drilled systematically along and across the breccia body which will be designed to test the extent and grade of the main gold zone. The gold bearing sulphide domain also remains largely untested. The Betty property also hosts several additional untested prospective targets which have seen minimal previous exploration and no diamond drilling.

Table 1. Highlights of 2023 Diamond Drilling Gold Assay Results for the Betty Ford Target.

Hole No. From (m) To (m) Length (m)* Au (g/t)** BETFD23D012*** 166.70 175.00 8.30 1.20 Including 174.00 175.00 1.00 5.51 BETFD23D013*** 7.30 60.30 53.00 3.38 Including 18.00 24.30 6.30 7.19 And 38.80 43.15 4.35 8.00 BETFD23D014**** 11.50 58.00 46.50 2.96 Including 30.00 55.00 25.00 5.03 BETFD23D015 18.65 39.5 20.85 5.04 Including 31.50 33.80 2.30 13.34 And 36.15 38.20 2.05 11.47 86.25 89.15 2.90 0.80 107.85 136.40 28.55 0.44 Including 107.85 114.00 6.15 1.38

* All drill hole intercepts reported herein are core lengths. Currently there is insufficient data to estimate true thicknesses.

** Gold assays are uncapped.

*** See Company news release dated September 7, 2023.

**** See Company news release dated November 8, 2023.

Table 2. Collar details for 2023 Diamond Drill Holes at the Betty Ford Target.

Hole Number



Collar Location (UTM NAD83 Zone 7) Azimuth Dip Length Easting (m) Northing (m) Elevation (m) () () (m) BETFD23D012 624,600 6,963,430 855 0 -70 201 BETFD23D013 624,701 6,963,607 856 175 -75 503 BETFD23D014 624,724 6,963,561 870 20 -60 250 BETFD23D015 624,577 6,963,583 816 195 -50 211 TOTAL 4 holes 1,165

Yukon Geoscience Forum 2023

The Company will be presenting a corporate update and Betty Ford technical overview at the upcoming Yukon Geoscience Forum 2023. Management will also participate in a Q&A session for each presentation. Interested parties are encouraged to register and attend.

Website: https://yukonminers.org/geoscience/

Event Dates: November 19th to 22nd, 2023

Location: Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre

Corporate Presentation

Date & Time: November 19, 2023 at 11:20am PST

Presenter: Terry Brace, VP of Exploration

Betty Ford Technical Presentation:

Date & Time: November 22, 2023 at 11:30am PST

Presenter: Cameron Norton, Exploration Manager

QA/QC

Analytical work for the 2023 diamond drilling program was performed by Bureau Veritas, an internationally recognized analytical services provider, at its South Vancouver, British Columbia laboratory. Sample preparation was carried out at its Whitehorse, Yukon facility. All diamond drill core samples were prepared using the PRP70-250 package, where samples were weighed, dried, and crushed to greater than 70% passing a 2mm sieve, then pulverized to greater than 85% passing 75 microns. Samples were then analyzed in accordance with BVs FA430 and MA250 packages, for both gold analysis by fire assay (30g fire assay with AAS finish) and ultra-trace multi-element ICP analysis (0.25 g, 4 acid digestion and ICP-MS analysis).

The reported diamond drilling sampling program work was completed using industry standard procedures, including a quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) program consisting of the insertion of standard, blank, and duplicate samples into the sample stream. BV also runs a comprehensive QA/QC program of standards, duplicates, and blanks within each sample stream.

About White Gold Corp.

The Company owns a portfolio of 17,584 quartz claims across 30 properties covering approximately 350,000 hectares representing over 40% of the Yukons emerging White Gold District. The Companys flagship White Gold project hosts four near-surface gold deposits which collectively contain an estimated 1,152,900 ounces of gold in Indicated Resources and 942,400 ounces of gold in Inferred Resources(1). Regional exploration work has also produced several other new discoveries and prospective targets on the Companys claim packages which border sizable gold discoveries including the Coffee project owned by Newmont Corporation with Indicated Resources of 2.14 Moz at 1.23 g/t Au, and Inferred Resources of 0.23 Moz at 1.01 g/t Au(2), and Western Copper and Gold Corporations Casino project which has Measured and Indicated Resources of 7.6 Blb Cu and 14.5 Moz Au and Inferred Resources of 3.3 Blb Cu and 6.6 Moz Au(3). For more information visit www.whitegoldcorp.ca.

(1) See White Gold Corp. technical report titled 2023 Technical Report for the White Gold Project, Dawson Range, Yukon, Canada , Effective Date April 15, 2023, Report Date May 30, 2023, NI 43-101 Compliant Technical Report prepared by Dr. Gilles Arseneau, P.Geo., available on SEDAR+.

(2) See Newmont Corporation 10-K: Annual report for the year ending December 31, 2022, in the Measured, Indicated, and Inferred Resources section, dated February 23, 2023, available on EDGAR. Reserves and resources disclosed in this Form 10-K have been prepared in accordance with the Regulation S-K 1300, and do not indicate NI43-101 compliance.

(3) See Western Copper and Gold Corporation technical report titled Casino project, Form 43-101F1 Technical Report Feasibility Study, Yukon Canada, Effective Date June 13, 2022, Issue Date August 8, 2022, NI 43-101 Compliant Technical Report prepared by Daniel Roth, PE, P.Eng., Mike Hester, F Aus IMM, John M. Marek, P.E., Laurie M. Tahija, MMSA-QP, Carl Schulze, P.Geo., Daniel Friedman, P.Eng., Scott Weston, P.Geo., available on SEDAR+.

Qualified Person

Terry Brace, P.Geo. and Vice President of Exploration for the Company is a qualified person as defined under National Instrument 43-101  Standards of Disclosure of Mineral Projects and has reviewed and approved the content of this news release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Information

This news release contains forward-looking information and forward-looking statements (collectively, forward-looking statements) within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as expects, or does not expect, is expected, anticipates or does not anticipate, plans, proposed, budget, scheduled, forecasts, estimates, believes or intends or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results may or could, would, might or will be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. In this news release, forward-looking statements relate, among other things, the Companys objectives, goals and exploration activities conducted and proposed to be conducted at the Companys properties; future growth potential of the Company, including whether any proposed exploration programs at any of the Companys properties will be successful; exploration results; and future exploration plans and costs and financing availability.

These forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions and estimates of management of the Company 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:

The expected benefits to the Company relating to the exploration conducted and proposed to be conducted at the White Gold properties; the receipt of all applicable regulatory approvals for the Offering; failure to identify any additional mineral resources or significant mineralization; the preliminary nature of metallurgical test results; uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future, including to fund any exploration programs on the Companys properties; business integration risks; fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions; fluctuations in securities markets; fluctuations in spot and forward prices of gold, silver, base metals or certain other commodities; fluctuations in currency markets (such as the Canadian dollar to United States dollar exchange rate); change in national and local government, legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments; risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining (including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formations pressures, cave-ins and flooding); inability to obtain adequate insurance to cover risks and hazards; the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining and mineral exploration; employee relations; relationships with and claims by local communities and indigenous populations; availability of increasing costs associated with mining inputs and labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development (including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities); the unlikelihood that properties that are explored are ultimately developed into producing mines; geological factors; actual results of current and future exploration; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be evaluated; soil sampling results being preliminary in nature and are not conclusive evidence of the likelihood of a mineral deposit; title to properties; ongoing uncertainties relating to the COVID-19 pandemic; and those factors described under the heading Risks Factors in the Companys annual information form dated July 29, 2020 available on SEDAR+. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of the Company believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, the Company 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. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and information. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information, or the material factors or assumptions used to develop such forward-looking information, will prove to be accurate. The Company does not undertake to release publicly any revisions for updating any voluntary forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable securities law.

Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

For Further Information, Please Contact:

Contact Information:

David DOnofrio

Chief Executive Officer

White Gold Corp.

(647) 930-1880

ir@whitegoldcorp.ca

Request Meeting: https://calendly.com/meet-with-wgo/15min





















Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e35b7e56-4319-4131-bcc1-9fac5ff29a72

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Albany, NY and Montreal, QC, Nov. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bell Canada announced today, in partnership with FirstLight Fiber, new unique wavelength data routes with speeds up to 400G that will enable triversity  otherwise known as triple redundancy  between Secaucus, NJ, Toronto and Montreal, to be available in Q1 of 2024.

Launched by Bell in April 2021, 400G wavelength technology delivers significantly increased speeds and the capacity required by large cloud and data center providers, offering reliable, secure fiber-optic networks for the transport of voice, data, and video. By adding triversity to its network capabilities, Bell can reliably offer resilient business continuity.

As Secaucus, NJ is a major data center hub with explosive growth and customer demand, this move supports Bells plan to increase network resilience, fulfilling needs of customers requiring connectivity between Canada and the US. The new routes will terminate in Equinixs data center campus in Secaucus and will allow traffic flow into the US, fortifying the networks for Bell customers.

These routes will provide triversity into Secaucus, bypassing New York City for two routes:

Toronto  Secaucus

Montreal  Secaucus, via Albany

Montreal  Secaucus, via the Maritimes, going through Manhattan

In addition to existing routes to New York City, these new routes will also enable triversity into New York City:

Toronto  Secaucus - NYC

Montreal  NYC, via Albany

Montreal  NYC, via the Maritimes

With continued growth in data demand,  particularly because of cloud technology and AI delivered by leading telecom networks like Bell Canada  we are excited to fortify Bells extensive footprint further with these new routes, which will enable faster and more reliable data transport between the major hubs in Secaucus, Toronto, and Montreal, stated Ivan Mihaljevic, SVP, Bell Wholesale.

Given the vast amount of bandwidth we expect AI will require, coupled with the criticality of network resilience, we are delighted to work with Bell Canada to offer these unique routes that provide bandwidth up to 400G, diversely routed between Canada and the United States, added Patrick Coughlin, Chief Development Officer at FirstLight.



About Bell

Bell is Canada's largest communications company,1 providing advanced broadband wireless, TV, Internet, media, and business communication services throughout the country. Founded in Montreal in 1880, Bell is wholly owned by BCE Inc. To learn more, please visit Bell.ca or BCE.ca.

Through Bell for Better, we are investing to create a better today and a better tomorrow by supporting the social and economic prosperity of our communities. This includes the Bell Let's Talk initiative, which promotes Canadian mental health with national awareness and anti-stigma campaigns like Bell Let's Talk Day and significant Bell funding of community care and access, research, and workplace leadership initiatives throughout the country. To learn more, please visit Bell.ca/LetsTalk.

1 Based on total revenue and total combined customer connections.

About FirstLight Fiber

FirstLight, headquartered in Albany, New York, provides fiber-optic data, Internet, data center, cloud, unified communications, and managed services to enterprise and carrier customers throughout the Northeast and mid-Atlantic connecting more than 15,000 locations in service with more than 125,000 locations serviceable by our more than 25,000-route mile network. FirstLight offers a robust suite of advanced telecommunications products featuring a comprehensive portfolio of high bandwidth connectivity solutions including Ethernet, wavelength and dark fiber services as well as dedicated Internet access solutions, data center, cloud and voice services. FirstLights clientele includes national cellular providers and wireline carriers and many leading enterprises, spanning high tech manufacturing and research, hospitals and healthcare, banking and financial, secondary education, colleges and universities, and local and state governments FirstLight was named a Top Workplace USA in 2022 and 2023.

To learn more about FirstLight, visit https://www.firstlight.net/, or follow the company on X, LinkedIn and Instagram.

Media inquiries

Audrey Hood

audrey.hood@bell.ca

Maura Mahoney

mmahoney@firstlight.net

Investor relations

Richard Bengian

richard.bengian@bell.ca

Attachment
MONTVILLE, N.J., Nov. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Marotta Controls, a rapidly growing aerospace and defense supplier with a 65-year-plus heritage in spaceflight, has been selected by NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) to supply two types of valves on the Sample Retrieval Lander (SRL), a key element of NASAs Mars Sample Return program. The SRL will carry the Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV), a rocket charged with launching samples off the surface of Mars for return to Earth for study.



The Mars Perseverance rover is currently collecting and caching samples on Mars. NASA plans to land a Sample Retrieval Lander near or in Jezero Crater no earlier than 2028, bringing a small rocket (MAV) on which the samples collected by Perseverance would be loaded. Once the samples are launched off the Red Planet, another spacecraft would capture them in Mars orbit, and then ferry them to Earth safely and securely in the early to mid 2030s.

The NASA SRL will utilize two different components from Marotta. The first is a customized valve based on the MV130HLT, a heritage design from Marottas CoRe Flow Control series. This valve will pressurize the liquid propellant tanks, starting the SRLs engines. The second Marotta valve, the SPV795, is brand new and designed specifically to shut off the SRLs descent engines to facilitate a safe landing; this is to accommodate the very thin atmosphere on Mars (which is less than 1 percent as dense as that of Earth). Both valves have been optimized to reduce the risk of sample contamination and safeguard the integrity of each vials contents.

Space flight is in our DNA, and the fact that our valves have been vetted and chosen for such a significant and history-making undertaking speaks to that expertise, said Max Wolfinger, VP Space Systems, Marotta Controls. Valves are crucial to the safe and effective launch and landing of the SRL. Weve been working very closely with the team at JPL to design, enhance, and further adapt our components to meet the mission-critical needs of the Mars Sample Return campaign, developed to help humankind better understand this nearby planet.

Marotta CoRe valves are currently baselined on more than a dozen launch vehicle platforms and are being launched more than 100 times per year. The CoRe series adds to the long list of Marotta valves that support the space industry and continue to be used in ground control and deep space applications.

For more information about the Marotta Controls flow control products, visit https://marotta.com/products/flow-controls/.

Media: Access accompanying images here.

About Marotta Controls

Founded in 1943, Marotta Controls is a fully integrated solutions provider that designs, develops, qualifies, and manufactures innovative systems and sub-systems for the aerospace and defense sectors. Our portfolio includes pressure, power, motion, fluid, and electronic controls for tactical systems, shipboard and sub-sea applications, satellites, launch vehicles, and aircraft systems. With over 200 patents, Marotta Controls continues to build on its legacy as a highly respected, family-owned small business based in the state of New Jersey. X/Twitter: @marottacontrols LinkedIn: Marotta Controls, Inc.

Contacts:

Katee Glass

Marotta Controls, Inc.

kglass@marotta.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bda5a19a-c568-4273-be28-79b7c1f1ca35
London, Nov. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Flexjet, one of the largest and most innovative fractional jet providers, has launched a global training academy at Farnborough Airport in the UK for its more than 130 Cabin Servers. The Red Label Academys finishing school style program will set a new 5-star hospitality standard for private aviation.

Red Label by Flexjet has long been known for its industry differentiators: flight crews dedicated to a single, specific aircraft, the industrys most modern fleet and its LXi Custom Cabin Interiors. The Red Label Academy will add to the programs popularity by ensuring every person who graduates from the program will have the tools to create extraordinary in-flight experiences for Flexjets aircraft owners across the globe.

"While other private aviation providers use third parties to train their cabin servers, Flexjet is creating a new standard, said Flexjet Chief Experience Officer Megan Wolf. By opening new infrastructure specifically dedicated to excellence training and curating professionals in the hospitality industry to teach alongside our in-house team, we have set a new standard in cabin experience. No one else in the industry is doing this."

Leading the program is Flexjets Vice President of Customer Experience, Francesco Vanerio, who brings to the private aviation sector his extensive five-star hotel experience, including from the award-winning Villa dEste in Lake Como, Italy. He and other aviation professionals at Flexjet will mold the training alongside top sommeliers, cocktail mixologists, chefs, floral design professionals and the Dorchester Collection Academy, whose excellence in hospitality training is renowned throughout the world.

All U.S. and European Flexjet Cabin Servers, who join the company with a high level of experience in luxury hospitality and private aviation, will receive additional detailed training in a multitude of areas including mixology, wine serving, floristry and sushi presentation. The scenario-based service training will enable them to prepare and style the cabin to meet Flexjets exacting standards. The two-week training program also includes a five-star service experience for themselves, enjoying an afternoon tea and a nights stay at The Dorchester in London.

The emotional impact of great service is stressed at the Red Label Academy, with a focus on how to make passengers feel special and cared for via highly personalized attention-to-detail, assessing their needs on any given occasion using body language and behavior and noting cultural differences. Cabin Servers will also be trained in specific skills to cater to children and pets onboard flights.

The Academy incorporates individual workspaces as well as cabin and galley mock-ups, meaning Cabin Servers can be trained to work in Flexjets different aircraft types, all from the state-of-the-art facilities at the Farnborough base.

Added Flexjet co-CEO Mike Silvestro, Our aircraft Owners have the highest standards in their own businesses, and we are dedicated to providing that same high level of service on every aircraft, during every flight  no matter where in the world they are traveling.



About Flexjet

Flexjet, Inc., a global leader in subscription-based private aviation, first entered the fractional jet ownership market in 1995. Flexjet offers fractional jet ownership and leasing and is the first in the world to be recognized as achieving the Air Charter Safety Foundations Industry Audit Standard, is the first and only company to be honored with 24 FAA Diamond Awards for Excellence, upholds an ARG/US Platinum Safety Rating, a 4AIR Bronze Sustainable Rating and is IS-BAO compliant at Level 2. Red Label by Flexjet, a market differentiator, which features the most modern fleet in the industry, flight crews dedicated to a single aircraft and the LXi Cabin Collection of interiors. To date there are more than 40 different interior designs across its fleet, which includes the Embraer Phenom 300 and Praetor 500, Bombardier Challenger 350, the Gulfstream G450 and G650. Flexjets European fleet includes the Embraer Praetor 600 and the Gulfstream G650. Flexjets helicopter division sells fractional, lease, and on-demand charter access to its fleet of owned, operated and maintained Sikorsky S-76 helicopters which boast 55,000 hours of safe flying certified by Wyvern and ARG/US and serving locations throughout the northeastern United States, United Kingdom and southern Florida. Flexjet is a member of the Directional Aviation family of companies. For more details on innovative programs and flexible offerings, visit www.flexjet.com or follow us on Instagram @FlexjetInc.

Attachments
Dublin, Nov. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Maternal Mental Health Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Disease Indication (Postpartum Depression, Dysthymia), By Therapy (Interpersonal Psychotherapy, Antidepressants), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The global maternal mental health market size is expected to reach USD 45.72 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 28.43%.

The market is driven by the increasing incidence of post-partum depression, increasing awareness programs, and efforts in improving practices around maternal mental healthcare among other factors.







Efforts are being undertaken to increase awareness of maternal mental health issues and improve access to treatment and support. These efforts include screening for issues during pregnancy and after childbirth, training healthcare providers to recognize and treat these conditions, and government funding & providing resources to women and their families. For instance, in May 2023, in Canada, the Associate Minister of Health and the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions announced funding for three organizations totaling over USD 857,000 for their initiatives promoting the treatment of maternal mental health conditions. The Women's College Hospital will receive USD 372,000 from Health Canada to help create national physician guidelines for perinatal mood disorders.



In addition, the Public Health Agency of Canada will provide USD 279,000 to the Canadian Mothercraft Society to encourage secure attachment of mothers with their kids and USD 206,000 to the Families Matter Society of Calgary to lead projects aimed at promoting positive mental health conditions by enhancing their access to support services for black parents who are dealing with perinatal mood disorders.



Patients who gave birth to a child during the COVID-19 pandemic reported experiencing more stress during labor. In addition, depression symptoms were present in 29.6% of pregnant patients evaluated during the pandemic. COVID-19 has consequently significantly impacted peripartum mental well-being outcomes. However, the lack of access to diagnosis and pharmacological or psychological treatment during the pandemic has impacted the market.



On the other hand, the workforce shortage is expected to hinder the growth of this market. For example, one-third of Americans-about 37%-live in locations with a shortage of mental health professionals. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), there will be a shortage of 31,000 full-time equivalent mental health professionals in the U.S. by 2025. This shortage is attributed to a lack of resources, comparatively poor salaries, an aging workforce, a low number of people joining the field, and a concentration of providers in wealthy urban and suburban areas.



Market Report Highlights

The pregnancy and postpartum general anxiety segment accounted for the largest share in 2022. Increasing awareness and recognition of perinatal mental health issues, including anxiety disorders is the major factor driving the segment growth

The postpartum depression segment is expected to witness a lucrative CAGR through 2023-2030 owing to the favorable reimbursement scenario, increasing awareness for screening, and approval of novel therapies

Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) dominated the market in 2022 as it is considered an effective therapy for treating a variety of these conditions

The North American market encompasses the U.S. and Canada. The factors contributing to the market growth in the region include robust government funding, increasing research, and the presence of prominent players in this region

Key Attributes:





Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 150 Forecast Period 2022 - 2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2022 $6.22 billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $45.72 billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 28.4% Regions Covered Global



Key Topics Covered:



Chapter 1. Methodology and Scope



Chapter 2. Executive Summary



Chapter 3. Maternal Mental Health Market Variables and Trends

3.1. Market Lineage Outlook

3.1.1. Parent Market Outlook

3.2. Market Dynamics

3.2.1. Market Driver Impact Analysis

3.2.1.1. Rise In Government Funding To Reduce The Maternal Mortality

3.2.1.2. Increasing Incidence Of Post-Partum Depression

3.2.1.3. Rise In Awareness Programs And Efforts To Improve Practices Around Maternal Mental Healthcare

3.2.2. Market Restraint Impact Analysis

3.2.2.1. Mental Health Workforce Shortage

3.2.2.2. Social Stigma Surrounding Postpartum Depression

3.3. Impact Of The Covid-19 Pandemic

3.4. Industry Analysis Tools





Chapter 4. Maternal Mental Health Market: Disease Indication Estimates & Trend Analysis

4.1. Disease Indication Movement Analysis & Market Share, 2022 & 2030

4.2. Maternal Mental Health Market Estimates & Forecast, By Disease Indication (USD Million)

4.3. Postpartum Depression

4.4. Dysthymia

4.5. Pregnancy And Postpartum General Anxiety

4.6. Pregnancy And Postpartum OCD

4.7. Birth-Related PTSD



Chapter 5. Maternal Mental Health Market: Therapy Estimates & Trend Analysis

5.1. Therapy Movement Analysis & Market Share, 2022 & 2030

5.2. Maternal Mental Health Market Estimates & Forecast, By Therapy (USD Million)

5.3. Antidepressants

5.3.1. Global Antidepressants Market Estimates And Forecasts, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million)

5.3.2. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors

5.3.3. Tricyclic Antidepressants

5.4. Interpersonal Psychotherapy

5.5. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy



Chapter 6. Maternal Mental Health Market: Regional Estimates And Trend Analysis



Chapter 7. Maternal Mental Health Market: Competitive Landscape

Therapy Mama

Canopie

Pfizer Inc

Viatris Inc.

GlaxoSmithKline Inc.

Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited

Mallinckrodt Inc.

Sage Therapeutics, Inc.

Bausch Health Companies Inc.

Magellan Health, Inc.

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/me86nl

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
MAPLE GROVE, Minn., Nov. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TopLine Financial Credit Union , a Twin Cities-based member-owned financial services cooperative , employees have successfully completed Credit Union National Associations (CUNA) Financial Counseling Certification Program (FiCEP) which provides employees with skills and knowledge to help guide members to sound financial decisions. TopLine employees who complete the course receive the Certified Credit Union Financial Counselors (CCUFC) designation.



The program enhances employees financial knowledge and skills to provide an elevated level of financial wellness, guidance and counseling to assist credit union members. Through the year-long certified program, credit union employees learn how to better council members on developing healthy financial habits, such as establishing a financial services relationship, developing a budget, importance of emergency savings, saving for retirement/401k contributions, tracking expenses, using credit wisely, paying down debt, understanding credit reports and scores, and the importance to planning for their futures.

Currently more than 57% of all member facing TopLine employees are Certified Credit Union Financial Counselors (CCUFC) with 22 employees successfully completing the FiCEP course in 2022 and 18 in 2023 and additional employees enrolled to complete the course in 2024. TopLine emphasizes the importance of providing an enhanced level of service to members and communities based on the cooperative philosophy of people helping people.

We remain committed to providing financial expertise, guidance and resources that meet our members individual needs to improve their financial wellness, says Mick Olson, TopLine President and CEO. We are extremely proud to have so many employees participate in the financial counseling program to better help members proactively with their finances, as well as those who are experiencing financial difficulties.

Credit Union National Association (CUNA) advocates on behalf of Americas credit union. They work to protect credit unions best interest in Washington and all 50 states while fueling professional growth at every level, standing committed to the financial well-being of every member, and championing the credit union story. The CUNA Financial Counseling Certification Program (FiCEP) provides credit union employees with the skills and knowledge required to guide their members to sound financial decisions.

TopLine Financial Credit Union , a Twin Cities-based credit union, is Minnesotas 11th largest credit union, with assets of more than $794 million and serves over 50,000 members. Established in 1935, the not-for-profit financial cooperative offers a complete line of financial services from its five branch locations  in Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Maple Grove, Plymouth and in St. Pauls Como Park  as well as by phone, mobile app and online at www.TopLinecu.com . Membership is available to anyone who lives, works, worships, attends school or volunteers in Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Hennepin, Isanti, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, Washington and Wright counties in Minnesota and their immediate family members. TopLine has been recognized as a National Standard Top Workplace for the 6 out of 7 years and has been named Twin Cities Business 2023 Best of Business Readers Choice Poll finalist in two categories: Credit Union and Mortgage Lender. Visit us on our Facebook or Instagram. To learn more about the credit unions foundation, visit www.TopLinecu.com/Foundation.

CONTACT:

Vicki Roscoe Erickson

Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer

TopLine Financial Credit Union

verickson@toplinecu.com | 763.391.0872

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c1a344bf-4174-4295-a34a-e4188b818985




HIGHLIGHTS

Novo to commence a ~2,300 m program of diamond drilling at the Belltopper gold project in Victoria.

Drill program designed to test several newly identified, high priority structural and geophysical targets, including high-grade, epizonal, Fosterville-style, mineralisation within key regional anticlines.

Targets include a developing high-grade zone on the Leven Star reef, where previous drilling in 2022 returned 14 m @ 6.1 g/t Au from 120 m, 10 m @ 4.9 g/t Au from 173 m and 4 m @ 8.6 g/t Au from 188 m (MD16) 1

Two high-tenor (IP) chargeability anomalies within priority mineralised corridor to be tested as part of the upcoming program.

The drilling component of the program is anticipated to take three months, with assays to be reported through H1, 2024.

Novo Executive Co-Chairman and Acting CEO Mike Spreadborough said Novo is excited to commence its diamond drill program at Belltopper in the coming weeks.

The program consists of approximately 2,300 m with six primary planned drill collars designed to test the highest priority targets at Belltopper. Drilling is expected to take around three months to complete, with assays to be reported throughout H1, 2024.

Significant work has already gone into drilling, mapping and surface sampling, ground and airborne geophysics and other key techniques to develop an evolving 3D prospectivity model, which provides a solid framework for drill targeting.

Belltopper is located only ~50 km south of Agnico Eagles Fosterville Gold Mine in the Bendigo Tectonic Zone, in which over 60 Moz Au have been produced historically





Previous diamond drilling with Belltopper Hill in the background.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Novo Resources Corp. (Novo or the Company) (ASX: NVO) (TSX: NVO & NVO.WT.A) (OTCQX: NSRPF) is pleased to announce that the Company will commence diamond drilling at the Belltopper gold project in Victoria, following on from a highly successful drill campaign completed during 2021  2022.





Figure 1: The Belltopper Gold Project location map with focus area for upcoming drilling program.

A series of high-priority diamond drill targets have been generated at Belltopper. This follows an in-depth review of recent and previous exploration activities combined with a large volume of key historic mining and exploration data extracted from historic records and digitised into the current 3D target model.

Pivotal to target development has been on-the-ground exploration including diamond drilling (Q4 2021  Q3 2022), detailed 1:500 scale mapping, targeted rock chip sampling and grid soil sampling. Grid soil sampling highlighted key prospective target corridors on the project, including a robust Au + As soil anomaly that sits to the east and in the footwall of the regional Taradale Fault; representing a very high priority corridor that will be tested in the upcoming program (Figure 2).





Figure 2: Diamond drilling focus at Belltopper. Figure depicts key reefs (red lines), arsenic in soil assays (points, red = >200 ppm As) and the regional Taradale Fault.



Surface mapping and rock chip sampling, in combination with 3-D modelling of historic reef data has allowed a detailed understanding of target reef geometries and zones of high structural complexity, including structural intersections (e.g. potential shoot zones) and favourable features such as anticlinal hinge zones (Figures 2 and 3). These are fundamental characteristics seen in other structurally controlled high-grade deposits within the region (including at the Fosterville mine) and represent a key component of the current drill targets.





Figure 3: Collar plan map for upcoming diamond drilling (six primary collars planned). Figure shows key reefs (red lines) and anticline traces over latest LiDAR imagery (2022).

The FY22 diamond drilling campaign at Belltopper returned several highly significant intersections2 from numerous high-priority targets that warrant follow up drilling, including the Missing Link Reef and Missing Link Granite, the OConnors and Queens Birthday Reefs and the Leven Star Reef.

Two holes in the current program will test the Leven Star Reef and a potential extension of mineralisation to the NE. One planned hole is designed to target ~ 80 m down-dip of previously reported high-grade mineralisation that included: 14 m @ 6.1 g/t Au from 120 m, 10 m @ 4.9 g/t Au from 173 m and 4 m @ 8.6 g/t Au from 188 m (MD16)1 from a developing, significant, high-grade zone (Figure 4).





Figure 4: Planned drill collar testing the down dip extension of high-grade mineralisation returned from MD161 (drilled in 2022) within a developing high-grade shoot zone on the Leven Star Reef.

Recent geophysics completed at Belltopper include ground magnetics, ground gravity and an Induced Polarisation (IP) survey collected during Q4 2022, in addition to an airborne FALCON gravity and magnetic survey completed in 2021. Reprocessed historic geophysics including regional gravity and airborne magnetics, and a historic ground gravity survey was completed by Haines in 2008. Remote sensing data (LiDAR) collected in 2020 and 2022 provided valuable source data for detailed mapping and to identify historic workings.

Gravity and magnetic datasets were fundamental in delineating key structural trends, potential alteration and interpreted sub-surface lithological domain boundaries. The LiDAR provides high-resolution characterisation of old historic surface workings and mining infrastructure (including dumps and stockpiles) and therefore accurately delineates mineralised structural trends (Figure 3).

Several high-tenor chargeability anomalies were identified during the 2022 dipole  dipole ground IP survey at Belltopper. Chargeability anomalies commonly represent zones of increased sulphide mineralisation which can, in turn, be associated with, or a vector toward gold mineralisation. The most significant chargeability anomaly at Belltopper occurs within a key regional anticline corridor with known gold mineralisation and no modern drilling. This represents one of two high-order IP anomalies that will be tested as part of the upcoming drilling campaign (Figure 5).





Figure 5: Belltopper IP chargeability sections with key gold reefs (red lines) and historic mining infrastructure depicted.

ABOUT NOVO

Novo explores and develops its prospective land package covering approximately 9,000 square kilometres in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, along with the 22 square kilometre Belltopper project in the Bendigo Tectonic Zone of Victoria, Australia. In addition to the Companys primary focus, Novo seeks to leverage its internal geological expertise to deliver value-accretive opportunities to its shareholders.

Authorised for release by the Board of Directors.

CONTACT

Investors:

Mike Spreadborough

+61 419 329 687

mike.spreadborough@novoresources.com Media:

Cameron Gilenko

+61 466 984 953

cgilenko@citadelmagnus.com

QP STATEMENT

Dr. Christopher Doyle (MAIG), is the qualified person, as defined under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, responsible for, and having reviewed and approved, the technical information contained in this news release. Dr. Doyle is Novos Exploration Manager  Victoria.

JORC COMPLIANCE STATEMENT

The information in this news release in relation to exploration results at Leven Star (Belltopper) is extracted from Novo's Prospectus dated 2 August 2023 (which includes an Independent Geologist's Report at Annexure 1) that was released to ASX on 7 September 2023 and which is available to view on www.asx.com.au. The Company confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included in the original market announcement and confirms that the form and context in which the Competent Person's findings are presented have not been materially modified from the original market announcement.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Some statements in this news release contain forward-looking statements (or forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation) and represent the Companys intentions, projections, expectations or beliefs concerning, among other things, future exploration results or the Companys future performance. These forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and, as such, involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the statements. Such factors include, without limitation, customary risks of the resource industry and the risk factors identified in Novos annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2022, which is available under Novos profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date those statements are made. Except as required by applicable law, Novo assumes no obligation to update or to publicly announce the results of any change to any forward-looking statement contained or incorporated by reference herein to reflect actual results, future events or developments, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting the forward-looking statements. If Novo updates any forward-looking statement(s), no inference should be drawn that the Company will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements

1 Refer to Companys news release dated 10 May 2022.

2 Refer to the Companys news releases dated May 10, 2022, June 21, 2022, September 6, 2022, and November 18, 2022.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at



https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f4e51ac0-586f-4fed-8cf7-cf7224d695e8



https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/65efd67b-a7a2-4b58-8dc8-b67bd3ed10ea



https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/dd70cca0-1aa8-4282-962b-0381781919b2



https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3e43be8e-e0b7-4218-89ca-0ae60341401d



https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e13e875a-09ed-4656-84e9-0305412ad901



https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6d5e2e3d-91fe-4fa0-8632-df2bdae62e66






Dublin, Nov. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "The Office Furniture Market in North America - The United States, Canada, and Mexico" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The report offers an overview of the office furniture sector in North America, with market evolution 2017-2022, market forecasts to 2024, figures by country, historical trends on production and consumption of office furniture, imports and exports data, market share of major office furniture companies operating in North America and distribution system analysis.

This study provides a comprehensive and detailed analysis of the office furniture markets in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, offering valuable insights for businesses operating in or planning to enter these markets.

Over 100 addresses of key operators are included. The study has been carried out involving direct interviews with more than 100 sector firms, distributors and sector experts operating in North America.

This study offers a comprehensive country analysis for the USA, Canada, and Mexico, providing valuable insights into the office furniture market. Here is a breakdown of the information available for each country:

For each considered country (USA, Canada, Mexico), the study includes:

Market Value:

Market value data for 2022

Market forecasts for 2023 and 2024

Competitive Analysis:

Examination of the competitive landscape, including concentration levels, company sizes, and manufacturing locations.

Leading Manufacturers:

Sales figures and estimates for market shares of the top office furniture manufacturers

Short profiles of the key players in the market

Distribution System:

Description of the distribution system for office furniture in each country

International Trade:

Analysis of international trade for office furniture, including imports and exports, by country and geographical area of origin/destination (excluding seating).

Demand Determinants:

Exploration of factors influencing demand, along with relevant economic indicators.

Focus on the United States:

In addition to the above information, the study provides specific details for the United States, including:

Market Segmentation:

Breakdown of the office furniture market by segment, including office seating, operative desking, executive furniture, filing storage, furniture for communal areas, and other products such as walls and partitions.

Seating and Desking Details:

Breakdown of seating by kind and covering material

Breakdown of desking by material, including information on sit-stand/HAT (height-adjustable tables)

Company Market Shares:

Market share data at the product level

Sales by State:

Geographic distribution of sales within the United States

Distribution Channels:

Overview of the main distribution channels

A directory of major dealerships in key metropolitan areas

Market Potential:

Analysis of market potential, with a focus on the non-residential construction sector, including office, lodging, healthcare, educational, and other segments.

Key Topics Covered:

METHODOLOGY AND RESEARCH TOOLS

1 Scenario

1.1 Market scenario and figures by country: Trends, production, exports, imports and consumption

1.2 Leading companies in North America and their market shares

1.3 Foreign companies active in North America

1.4 Current trends and forecasts: Office furniture consumption, GDP and non-residential investments forecasts for 2023 and 2024

2 CANADA

2.1 The office furniture sector: production, exports, imports and consumption

2.2 Manufacturing presence

2.3 Competition

Canada. Office furniture. Market shares estimate of the top 10 companies, 2022. Percentage shares

Canada. Office furniture. Total sales in a sample of companies, 2022

2.4 Distribution channels

2.5 International trade. Exports, imports and trade balance, 2017-2022.

Exports. Total office, office furniture, office seating by country and by geographical area

Imports. Total office, office furniture, office seating by country and by geographical area

2.6 Demand determinants

Economic indicators

Construction

Office space occupancy

3 MEXICO

3.1 The office furniture sector: production, exports, imports and consumption

3.2 Manufacturing presence

3.3 Competition

Mexico. Office furniture. Market shares estimate of the top 10 companies, 2022. Percentage shares

Mexico. Office furniture. Total sales in a sample of companies, 2022

3.4 Distribution channels

3.5 International trade

Exports. Total office, office furniture, office seating by country and by geographical area

Imports. Total office, office furniture, office seating by country and by geographical area

3.6 Demand determinants

Economic indicators

Construction

Office space occupancy

4 THE UNITED STATES

4.1 The office furniture sector: production, exports, imports and consumption

4.2 Manufacturing presence

4.3 Product segments

Office seating

Office desking

Height- Adjustable Tables (HAT)

4.4 Home Office

4.5 Competition

The United States. Office furniture. Market shares estimate of the top 10 companies, 2022. Percentage shares

United States. Office furniture. Total sales in a sample of companies, 2022

Estimated sales in a sample of companies for the following products:

Seating

Office desking

Executive furniture

Office filing and storage

Furniture for communal areas

Partitions, acoustic and other products

4.6 Sales of office furniture by state

4.7 Distribution channels

4.8 International trade

Exports. Total office, office furniture, office seating by country and by geographical area

Imports. Total office, office furniture, office seating by country and by geographical area

4.9 Demand determinants

Economic indicators

Construction

Office space occupancy

Appendix 1: TRADE FAIRS, MAGAZINES AND ASSOCIATIONS

Appendix 2: List of Mentioned Companies

9 to 5 Seating

Allseating Corporation

Arcadia+Encore

Artopex

Bestar Inc

Creaciones Industriales

Gebesa

Groupe Lacasse

Hat Collective

Haworth

HNI Corporation

Humanscale

Indiana Furniture

Inscape

Jasper Group JSI

Keilhauer

Kimball International

KI

MillerKnoll

Office Master

Productos Metalicos Steele

SitOnIt Seating

Steelcase

Teknion Group

Watson

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/ezooh3

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
Santa Fe, New Mexico, Nov. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FreshPure Waters (FreshPure) is reaffirming its position as a leading national brand with the strategic acquisition of Pure Water Technologies, operating as Arctic Mountain, a prominent water vending solutions provider based in Salt Lake City, Utah. This milestone marks a significant step in FreshPures journey towards sustained growth and establishes a strong presence in 42 states, with a growing network of dispensing systems in grocery stores.

Chris Donnelly, President of FreshPure, commented on the acquisition, saying, The union with Arctic Mountain was a natural fit. Both companies share a deep-rooted commitment to family-oriented values, close-knit teamwork, and unwavering dedication to our employees, customers, and partners. This collaboration enables us to expand our national reach, adopt strategic innovations, and elevate our service quality for our valued customers.

Robert Zitting of Arctic Mountain, who will continue with the company as part of the integration, echoed Donnellys sentiment, Having worked side by side in this industry for over two decades, we are confident that FreshPure aligns with our values of sustainability, health, and environmental responsibility. Together, we will leverage our strengths to enhance technology, production capabilities, service excellence, and extend our presence nationwide.

Both FreshPure and Arctic Mountain are at the forefront of providing the cleanest drinking water solutions while reducing environmental waste. By offering superior refillable bulk water options for natural grocers and cooperatives, these companies are eliminating the need for single-use plastic bottles.

About FreshPure Waters

FreshPure Waters was established in 1991 and is headquartered in New Mexico. It distinguishes itself by offering a comprehensive range of water types, including Reverse Osmosis, Deionized, and Alkaline options. Learn more at www.freshpure.com and follow on social media at LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.

About Pure Water Technologies

Pure Water Technologies (Arctic Mountain) was founded in 1992 in Salt Lake City, UT. The company is known for pioneering remote monitoring of its water dispensing equipment. For more information, please visit www.arcticmountain.com.

Attachment
BOSTON, Nov. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LiquidStack , a global leader in liquid cooling for data centers, today announced its new range of universal coolant distribution units (CDUs), which can be configured to support most commercially available direct-to-chip (DTC) solutions. Suitable for AI, HPC and advanced cloud computing applications, LiquidStacks universal CDU range delivers 800kW to 1.5MW of heat rejection* and is designed specifically for DTC. Along with the companys recent unveiling of its new single-phase liquid cooling offering , LiquidStacks entrance into the DTC market marks a significant step forward in the companys mission to become a fully diversified provider of liquid cooling technology.



Direct-to-chip is currently the largest segment of the liquid cooling market. Demand is increasing for DTC-optimized, standardized CDUs to meet the requirements of data centers. LiquidStack is addressing this market need by offering a range of universally configurable CDUs that are fine-tuned to be as powerful, efficient, and intelligent as possible for DTC use, enabling customers to rapidly and seamlessly deploy liquid cooling. This speeds up DTC deployment and reduces costs.

There is no one liquid cooling solution that will fit every need or application, as data centers must factor in their location, workloads, sustainability goals, budget, and other considerations, said Nick Schweissguth, Director of Product Management, LiquidStack. Many data centers will be taking a hybrid air and liquid cooling approach for the foreseeable future. As a full service liquid cooling company, we are incorporating universal coolant distribution units (CDUs) for direct-to-chip technology into our portfolio of products and services, thus addressing all forms of liquid cooling.

Powerful, efficient and equipped with intelligent logic controls, LiquidStacks CDUs offer advanced management and monitoring capabilities that favor AI, HPC, and demanding cloud computing applications. LiquidStacks CDUs are ideal for hyperscalers and colocation companies seeking to deploy large scale DTC solutions as they transition into hybrid cooling operations.

The LiquidStack universal CDU key features and benefits include:

Various capacity ranges: available in 800kW, 1.2MW as well as 1.5MW variations suitable for typical data halls.

available in 800kW, 1.2MW as well as 1.5MW variations suitable for typical data halls. High efficiency: rated for DTC applications and for operation at elevated water conditions, both on the technology and facility side.

rated for DTC applications and for operation at elevated water conditions, both on the technology and facility side. Intelligent and serviceable operation: equipped with smart logic controls, concurrently serviceable variable speed pumps, bypass and isolation valves, flow metering, and fluid temperature and pressure sensors. This ensures problem-free operation and always-on availability.

equipped with smart logic controls, concurrently serviceable variable speed pumps, bypass and isolation valves, flow metering, and fluid temperature and pressure sensors. This ensures problem-free operation and always-on availability. Universal compatibility: designed to support virtually any DTC (water-based) installation or type.

designed to support virtually any DTC (water-based) installation or type. Expandable resiliency: configurable for N or N+1 redundancy, ensuring data centers possess high resiliency and reliable operations.

configurable for N or N+1 redundancy, ensuring data centers possess high resiliency and reliable operations. Clever design: compact, noise-insulated enclosure is accessible from all sides, and includes features that simplify installation and serviceability.

LiquidStacks universal CDU will be available for pre-order starting December 1, 2023 for Q2 2024 delivery. To learn more, data centers and other organizations can visit https://liquidstack.com/contact-us .

About LiquidStack

LiquidStack  is the respected leader in liquid cooling for information technology hardware, telecommunications, and blockchain systems. Having pioneered the worlds highest density, most efficient, and sustainable liquid cooling solution in 2012, our advanced liquid cooling solutions continue to serve as the backbone for highly scalable and environmentally safe hyperscale, colocation, enterprise, edge and blockchain data centers. LiquidStacks DataTank, EdgeTank, and CryptoTank systems and services are enabling real-time advancement of computing and communications while supporting a sustainable planet. Learn more at liquidstack.com .

Media Contact:

Dana Zemack

dana@scratchmm.com

* at 90 degF (32 degC) entering water temperature
Dublin, Nov. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Global Copper Market (by Mined Copper Production, Refined Copper Production, Consumption, First-Use, End-Use, & Region): Insights and Forecast with Potential Impact of COVID-19 (2022-2027)" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global mined copper market by production is expected to reach 24.48 megatons in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 4.5% over the projected period.

Similarly, refined copper market by production is expected to reach 28.04 megatons by the year 2023 progressing at a CAGR of 4.0% during the forecasted period. On the other hand, the global copper consumption is estimated to reach 27.60 megatons in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 2.3% during the forecasted period.

Copper is crucial to a sustainable future because it enables e-mobility and renewable energy sources, accelerates green buildings, electrifies cutting-edge power networks, and reduces hazards in hospitals through antimicrobial surfaces. As a result, an increase in copper demand in the future years is projected to fuel the expansion of worldwide mined and refined copper output.

Driver: Rising Copper Annual Capacity in Renewable Energy

The renewable energy sector, particularly solar and wind farms, is experiencing rapid growth. These green energy sources rely heavily on copper due to its superior conductivity, making it essential for efficient electricity generation and distribution.

Unlike less effective conductive materials, copper offers exceptional performance in this regard. As copper usage in solar and wind applications continues to increase, the annual capacity of copper in renewable energy is on the rise. This expansion is expected to drive growth in the global copper market.

Challenge: Decline in Copper Ore Grades

The demand for copper has surged in recent decades, leading to concerns about future availability. Currently, the global average copper ore grade for mining is approximately 0.62% Cu content. However, this figure is expected to decline as mines with higher ore grades are depleted. This decline poses challenges for the industry.

Lower ore grades result in more complex copper concentrates with higher levels of impurities and gangue materials. This complexity impacts smelters, which must increase throughput to maintain copper metal production. As a result, operating costs rise due to processing larger quantities of secondary products like slag and acid, as well as managing waste streams. These challenges can hinder overall copper mine production and potentially affect the copper market.

Trend: Upsurge in Copper Consumption in Passenger Vehicles

Copper consumption in passenger vehicles is on the rise globally, with both electric vehicles (EVs) and internal combustion engine (ICE) cars contributing to this trend. Copper plays a crucial role in various components of both EVs and ICE cars, including motors, inverters, and electrical wiring.

However, the consumption of copper is expected to increase at a faster rate in EVs compared to ICE cars due to the growing market share of electric vehicles. With no viable alternatives to copper for these applications, its consumption is projected to expand significantly in the EV sector between 2020 and 2025.

This upsurge in copper usage in passenger vehicles, especially in the EV segment, is poised to drive growth in the global copper market.

Segment Covered

Chile is the world's largest producer of copper and has the largest copper reserves. Chile's production is expected to grow in the coming years owing to the increasing investment in new technologies.

In Asia, companies are spending funds on expansion exploration activities to increase copper mine production. Also, significant investment in capacity in Indonesia is expected to boost copper production growth over the outlook period. High global copper prices and rising demand are reigniting investment in exploration in Africa's copper hotspots, with the DRC and Zambia both attracting significant capital funding. These factors are expected to further increase copper production in Africa.

Asia held the largest share of around three-fifth of the market, followed by Europe and Latin America. Latin America has been further analyzed based on the following regions: Chile and the rest of Latin America. Chile holds the largest market share for refined copper while, the rest of Latin America is expected to experience the fastest growth, with a significant CAGR in the forthcoming years.

In Asia, refined copper production has been examined based on the following regions: China, Japan, India, and Rest of the Asia. India is expected to experience the fastest growth, with highest CAGR in the coming years. Moreover, African government is taking several initiatives which are supporting domestic smelting capacity and mining output, which are likely to help in the growth of African copper production during the forecasted period.

Many companies are shifting to copper by replacing aluminum in producing robots' internal parts, high-speed computers, home appliances, and telecommunication applications, which is contributing to copper consumption.

China held the maximum share in the market, while the rest of Asia is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the coming years. China's switch to renewable energy systems is likely to be a key driver of the copper demand. In the US, the demand for EVs is on an increasing trend. Since, electric vehicles (EVs) contain more copper than conventional vehicles due to additional wiring, the electric motor, and the battery, the consumption of copper is expected to be increasing in the coming years.

The wire rods held the major share of the global copper market consumption. Copper rod is intended for the production of electrical products. The rolled wire is produced according to modern technology by continuous casting and rolling. Owing to the increasing manufacturing of electrical products, the consumption of wire rods is expected to increase in the coming years.

Construction held the highest share of the global copper market consumption owing to the increasing construction activities around the world. Copper and its alloys, such as architectural bronze, are used in a variety of settings to build facades, canopies, doors, and window frames.

Key Attributes:

Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 177 Forecast Period 2021 - 2025 Estimated Market Value (Tonnes) in 2021 Tonnes24.59 Million Forecasted Market Value (Tonnes) by 2025 Tonnes27.61 Million Compound Annual Growth Rate 2.9% Regions Covered Global

The global copper market is fragmented with many players holding an insignificant share of the market.

Competitive Landscape



Global Copper Mine Production Players by Market Share

Global Copper Mine Market Players By Production Capacity

Global Refined Copper Production Players by Market Share

Global Refined Copper Market Players By Production Capacity

Company Profiles: Business Overview, Revenues by Product, Business Strategy

Anglo American Plc

Antofagasta Plc

Aurubis AG

BHP Group Limited

Codelco

First Quantum Minerals Ltd.

Freeport-McMoRan Inc

Glencore

Grupo Mexico (Southern Copper Corporation)

Jiangxi Copper Company Limited

KGHM Polska Miedz S.A

Norilsk Nickel

Rio Tinto Group

Market Dynamics

Growth Drivers

Rising Copper Annual Capacity in Renewable Energy

Growing Use of Copper in Smart Home Applications

Expansion of Construction Industry

Growing Demand From Power Electronics

Growth in Scrap Copper Supply

Increasing Manufacturing of Electrical Equipment

Challenges

Decline in Copper Ore Grades

Challenges of More Mineral Waste from the Copper Industry

Market Trends

Upsurge in the Copper Consumption in Passenger Vehicles

New Copper Mine Projects in Pipeline

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/17rmpt

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
BRADFORD, Pa., Nov. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ZEFIRO METHANE CORP. (the Company, Zefiro, or ZEFI) today announced that it will be co-hosting an exclusive energy sector webinar on Thursday, November 16 at 11 AM Eastern Standard Time (open to the public). The webinar will be led by Luke Plants, who is Chief Executive Officer of Plants & Goodwin (a leading Pennsylvania-based orphaned oil and gas well plugging operation that the Company acquired this past May ), speaking alongside Zefiros Head of Operations, Matthew Brooks.



Titled Mastering Methane Emissions Reduction Through Synchronized Measurement and Abandonment Efforts, the one-hour online event will feature an interactive question and answer session with the co-hosts. The webinar is also intended to serve as a forum for attendees, including professionals throughout the energy industry and regulators from various U.S. federal and state agencies, to discuss how Zefiro and P&G work with public and private sector partners to better monitor and measure methane emissions, plug wells with significant methane leaks, and ensure compliance within an evolving regulatory landscape.

More information on the event, including how to access the attendee registration form and the recorded version of the webinar, can be found here .

Pictured at right during a well site visit with Zefiro Founder & Executive Chairman Talal Debs (Left), Luke Plants is the CEO of Plants & Goodwin (Established 1970) and will be co-hosting a webinar on Thursday with Zefiro Head of Operations Matthew Brooks.

Readers using news aggregation services may be unable to view the media above. Please access the Investors section of the Companys website for a version of this press release containing all published media.

With unprecedented levels of federal and state government funding being allocated toward plugging more of our countrys orphan wells, it has never been more important that key stakeholders have the opportunities to share best practices and form critical partnerships, said Matthew Brooks, Head of Operations, Zefiro Methane Corp. This unique alignment among relevant public and private sector entities presents a once-in-a-generation chance to better protect our communities, and my co-host and I are looking forward to speaking with our industry colleagues and government partners on the solutions needed to help address this legacy problem.

Sources

1 - Biden-Harris Administration Releases Final Guidance on New Orphaned Well Program (U.S. Department of the Interior, April 12 2022)

On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Company,

ZEFIRO METHANE CORP.

Talal Debs

Talal Debs, Founder & Executive Chairman

For further information, please contact:

Zefiro Investor Relations

1 (800) 274-ZEFI (274-9334)

investor@zefiromethane.com

For media inquiries, please contact:

Rich Myers - Profile Advisors (New York)

media@zefiromethane.com

(347) 774-1125

About Zefiro Methane Corp.

Zefiro develops methodologies to reduce methane emissions by plugging orphaned and abandoned oil/gas wells, while originating carbon offsets. Under executive leadership to include the former carbon market team at J.P. Morgan, Zefiro actively deploys crews to decommission wells throughout the United States. With unprecedented global demand for carbon offsets as corporations and institutions work towards net-zero targets, Zefiro is strategically aligning with industry leaders for a greener future.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as seeks, believes, plans, expects, intends, estimates, anticipates and statements that an event or result may, will, should, could or might occur or be achieved and other similar expressions. Forward-looking information in this press release includes statements regarding the Company, the Companys business, the industry in which the Company operates, the Companys opportunities, strategies, competition, expected activities and expenditures as the Company pursues its business plan, the adequacy of the Companys available cash resources and other statements about future events or results. The forward-looking information reflects managements current expectations based on information currently available and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking information. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed timeframes or at all. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include: (i) adverse general market and economic conditions; (ii) changes to and price and volume volatility in the carbon market; (iii) changes to the regulatory landscape and global policies applicable to the Company's business; and (iv) other factors beyond the control of the Company. The Company operates in a rapidly evolving environment where technologies are in the early stage of adoption. New risk factors emerge from time to time, and it is impossible for the Companys management to predict all risk factors, nor can the Company assess the impact of all factors on Companys business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ from those contained in any forward-looking information. The forward-looking information is based on a number of assumptions, including assumptions regarding general market conditions, the availability of financing for proposed transactions and programs on reasonable terms, and the ability of outside service providers to deliver services in a satisfactory and timely manner. The forward-looking information included in this press release are made as of the date of this press release and 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 required by applicable law.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/79d9f81c-9b6f-4322-8602-cb122b764d2c
DENVER, Nov. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Forge Nano, Inc., a leading materials science company that enables peak performance products through atomic-level surface engineering, today announced plans to launch a lithium-ion battery manufacturing business called Forge Battery. The newly formed company intends to produce best-in-class high-energy and high-power lithium-ion battery cells for defense, aerospace and specialty electric vehicle markets at a newly constructed Gigafactory in Raleigh, North Carolina. Forge Battery plans to utilize a U.S-focused battery material supply chain to further bolster the domestic battery ecosystem and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers.



The company and outside investors plan for an initial investment of more than $165M in Morrisville, North Carolina to build the gigawatt hour-scale battery manufacturing facility. The Forge Battery facility expects to produce both 21700 and 18650 lithium-ion cells utilizing materials coated with Forge Nanos Atomic Armor surface technology.

Forge Nanos Atomic Armor will allow Forge Battery to produce first generation high-energy cells with an expected energy density of 300 Wh/kg with improved safety and extended lifetime that meet or beat performance of incumbent lithium-ion technologies. Because Atomic Armor can enhance the performance of existing and next-generation battery technologies, Forge Battery expects its cell technology to outperform current and future cell chemistries. Atomic Armor is also being used to improve production efficiency and drive down cell costs by removing electrolyte additives and reducing electrolyte consumption. The facility expects to begin production in 2026.

Lithium-ion cells utilizing Forge Nanos Atomic Armor technology have exceeded our customers expectations, and in turn, increased demand for the technology that outstrips the current manufacturing capabilities, says Paul Lichty, CEO of Forge Nano. We are extremely excited to launch Forge Battery in the Battery Belt, where we intend to produce batteries for the worlds most demanding applications, while showcasing the power of Forge Nanos Atomic Armor coating equipment in a large-scale manufacturing environment.

Forge Batterys North Carolina facility will be facilitated, in part, by a Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) approved by the states Economic Investment Committee. The JDIG agreement authorizes the potential reimbursement of up to $1,525,500, spread over 12 years. Forge Battery also expects to receive an additional $6,500,000 from the state of North Carolina based on its current investment projections, which include sales tax exemptions on planned capital investment.

North Carolinas growing leadership in clean energy can be seen everywhere you look, and Forge Batterys decision continues our momentum, said North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper. New jobs, new investment, and new opportunities for our people are coming fast as we embrace this vital new sector of the global economy.

Forge Batterys facility is expected to create hundreds of high-paying jobs for Wake County residents. Although wages will vary depending on the position, the payroll impact for the project is expected to be more than $16 million each year. Through the JDIG agreement, new tax revenue generated through Forge Batterys operation will go toward helping economically challenged communities throughout the state.

Forge Battery and local North Carolina officials are planning a groundbreaking event in the first half of 2024. To learn more about Forge Battery and its plans in North Carolina, please sign up to the companys newsletter via the Forge Battery website at https://www.forgebattery.com

About Forge Nano

Forge Nano is changing the way products perform. With our proprietary Atomic Armor technology, we enable product developers to engineer any material down to the individual atom. The superior surface coatings produced by our Atomic Armor process allow our partners to unlock peak performance of any material, optimizing products to last longer, cost less and increase safety. Our team of scientists have worked with an expansive portfolio of commercial partners to develop custom solutions to meet any need at any scale, from small-scale R&D and laboratory work to large-scale, high-volume production. Learn more at https://www.forgenano.com

Contact

Will McKenna

Brand Communications Director for Forge Nano

wmckenna@forgenano.com

(720) 432-6669
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA, Nov. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kymanox Corporation (Kymanox), a professional services company exclusively serving the Life Science industry, announced today that the company has been named the #4 2023 Triangle Business Journal Fast 50 Award Winner.

Triangle Business Journal (TBJ) held a dinner reception on Wednesday, November 8, to celebrate the 50 fastest growing private companies in the Triangle region. Based on TBJs metrics, Kymanox was named as the 4th fastest growing private company in the region, and is at the top of the Life Sciences organizations recognized.

Its amazing for Kymanox to be alongside so many other successful and impactful companies in the Triangle. We are so thankful to be recognized for this award, said Matt Neighoff, Chief Revenue Officer of Kymanox. Because patients deserve better, our team is committed to being the premier Life Science solutions provider supporting commercialization of vital medicines and treatments. This award is a testament to the importance of the work we do and our companys growth, and we are proud to have made the list for two consecutive years in a row now!

This years top ten winners represent a full cross-section of industries:

Fleet Feet Synchrogistics Pendo Kymanox Bobbit CapTrust Industrial Automation Acuro Catalyst Clinical Research Velocity Clinical Research



Triangle Business Journal, one of the premier news outlets covering one of the fastest growing areas of the United States, is profiling this years Fast 50 Award winners in a special section that was published in the November 11th subscriber edition.

About Kymanox:

Kymanox has proven, collaborative, end-to-end solutions that help bring Life Science products to the market  and keep them there. We are a global, professional services organization that offers engineering, scientific, project management, quality, regulatory, human factors, testing/QC, and CQV support to companies exclusively in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, medical device, and combination product industries. With our diverse team of experts, Kymanox helps clients navigate commercialization challenges that arise throughout a products life cycle  from early development to post-market  with optimized safety, quality, efficacy, and accessibility. We strive to advance Life Science innovation through insightful solutions & collaboration. Kymanox was founded in 2004 and is headquartered in Morrisville, North Carolina USA with offices throughout the US and the EU. Kymanox is backed by WestView Capital Partners, a Boston-based growth equity firm. For more information, visit https://www.kymanox.com/.
Vancouver, November 13, 2023 - Majestic Gold Corp. ("Majestic" or the "Company") (TSX.V:MJS) (FSE:A0BK1D) is pleased to announce that the management nominees listed in the Information Circular for the 2023 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (the "AGM") held on November 9, 2023, were elected as Directors of the Company. The shareholders re-elected Stephen Kenwood, Chengliang Jiang, and John Campbell for the upcoming year.

Other resolutions submitted by management to shareholders for consideration were approved as presented, including the approval of the Company's Stock Option Plan as summarized in the Information Circular (99.73% For; 0.27% Against). Approval of the re-appointment of Dale Matheson Carr-Hilton Labonte LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants, as auditors for the ensuing year, and authorized the Directors to fix their remuneration (99.75% For; 0.25% Abstain).

Following the AGM, the Board of Directors re-appointed Stephen Kenwood as President & Chief Executive Office, and James Mackie as Chief Financial Officer & Corporate Secretary.

About Majestic Gold Corp.

Majestic Gold Corp. is a British Columbia based company engaged in mineral resource exploration, development and extraction. Additional information on the Company and its projects is available under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com and on the Company's website at www.majesticgold.com.

For further information, please contact:

James Mackie, Chief Financial Officer & Corporate Secretary

Telephone: (604) 560-9060

Email: info@majesticgold.com

www.majesticgold.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.

Copyright (c) 2023 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.
0.57%Ni, 0.81% Cu, 0.03% Co along with 0.81 ppm Pd and 0.33 ppm Pt Over 19.5M

TORONTO, Nov. 14, 2023 - Power Nickel Inc. (the "Company" or "Power Nickel") (TSXV: PNPN) (OTCBB: PNPNF) (Frankfurt: IVV) is pleased to announce it has closed the previously announced private placement of non-flow-through units ("Units") at a price of $0.25 per Unit (the "Offering"). In connection with closing the Offering, the Company issued an aggregate of 2,820,000 Units for gross proceeds of $705,000. Each Unit is comprised of one common share of the Company and one-half of one share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant is exercisable to acquire one common share of the Company at a price of $0.50 per share for a period of three years from the date of issuance (subject to acceleration, as described below).

At any time starting four months and one day from the date of issuance of the Warrants, the expiry date of the Warrants can be accelerated at the election of the Company if the closing price of the common shares of the Company on the TSX Venture Exchange is equal or greater than $1.00 for ten consecutive trading days. If the Company elects to accelerate the expiry date of the Warrants, the Company will provide notice to the holders of the Warrants, following which the Warrants will expire if not exercised within 30 days from the date of the notice.

All securities issued in connection with the Offering are subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day.

Assay Results

Power Nickel is pleased to release the assay results for the step out hole testing the Nisk Main Deposit 300 metres to the south and east of previous drilling. The overall 19.5m interval, starting at a downhole distance of 463.5m, includes:

1.75m of 1.10% Ni, 4.54% Cu, 0.06% Co along with 0.87 ppm Pd and 0.19 ppm Pt

6.00m of 0.86% Ni, 0.54% Cu, 0.04% Co along with 1.57 ppm Pd and 0.45 ppm Pt

The hole, also referred to as PN-23-036, is testing at depth an area to the east of two of the best holes, PN-22-009 and PN-23-035 as noted in Figure 1 above.

"A great start to the fall campaign. This was a big step out hole almost 300 metres below the nearest successful hole on that side of the fault. So will ring up some solid resource with this, we are with all the tools we have employed getting a much better understanding of the ore bodyIt appears now to us that the west side of Nisk Main contains the higher grade material and we have seen that again in our two holes with pending results, it looks like Nisk Main West is open at depth and the remaining holes up to Christmas will focus on large step outs in this area. The hole we announced today is very productive addition to Nisk Main east which has slightly less but still excellent grade, - Commented Power Nickel CEO Terry Lynch.

The picture below presents a mosaic of the 6 core boxes containing the massive and semi-massive sulphides intercepted over 19.5m in this first hole of the fall drilling program. The table 1 below summarizes results received so far.

"This hole was the first that used the Ambient Noise Tomography (ANT) data we collected this summer. We drilled into a area previously considered to be low grade and had a quite positive result. As noted below it has given us some important new targets on Nisk Main but also in completely unexplored areas called ANT 1 and 2 to the East of Nisk Main as outlined in Figure 4 below - commented VP Exploration Kenneth Williamson.

The cross-section above presents the position of PN-23-036 relative to previous holes that have intercepted mineralization higher up along the main ultramafic unit (purple). This new hole, located some 50 m below PN-21-006, continues to demonstrate high grade mineralization at depth.

The hole was drilled in the eastern portion of the Nisk Main mineralized zone, in vicinity of an interpreted fault corridor, which is believed to have displaced the eastern portion of the deposit some 500 m to the ESE, and at greater depths; an area that is now called ANT2. Figure 4 below shows the location of hole PN-23-036 with respect to the interpreted geology of Nisk Main area.

Qualified Person

Kenneth Williamson, Geo, M.Sc., VP Exploration at Power Nickel, is the qualified person who has reviewed and approved the technical disclosure contained in this news release.

About Power Nickel Inc.

Power Nickel is a Canadian junior exploration company focusing on developing the High-Grade Nisk project into Canada's first Carbon Neutral Nickel mine.

On February 1, 2021, Power Nickel (then called Chilean Metals) completed the acquisition of its option to acquire up to 80% of the Nisk project from Critical Elements Lithium Corp. (CRE: TSXV). Subsequently, Power Nickel has exercised its option to acquire 50% of the Nisk Project and delivered notice to Critical Elements that it intends to exercise its second option to bring its ownership to 80%. The last remaining commitment to activate this exercise of the option is the delivery of a NI-43-101 Technical report which is anticipated to occur at the latest in Q4 2023.

The NISK property comprises a significant land position (20 kilometers of strike length) with numerous high-grade intercepts. Power Nickel is focused on expanding the historical high-grade nickel-copper PGE mineralization with a series of drill programs designed to test the initial Nisk discovery zone and to explore the land package for adjacent potential Nickel deposits.

In addition to the Nisk project, Power Nickel owns significant land packages in British Colombia and Chile. Power Nickel is expected to reorganize these assets in a related public vehicle through a plan of arrangement.

Power Nickel announced on June 8, 2021, that an agreement had been made to complete the 100% acquisition of its Golden Ivan project in the heart of the Golden Triangle. The Golden Triangle has reported mineral resources (past production and current resources) in 130 million ounces of gold, 800 million ounces of silver, and 40 billion pounds of copper (Resource World). This property hosts two known mineral showings (gold ore and Magee) and a portion of the past-producing Silverado mine, reportedly exploited between 1921 and 1939. These mineral showings are Polymetallic veins containing quantities of silver, lead, zinc, plus/minus gold, and plus/minus copper.

Power Nickel is also 100 percent owner of five properties comprising over 50,000 acres strategically located in the prolific iron-oxide-copper-gold belt of northern Chile. It also owns a 3-per-cent NSR royalty interest on any future production from the Copaquire copper-molybdenum deposit sold to a subsidiary of Teck Resources Inc. Under the terms of the sale agreement, Teck has the right to acquire one-third of the 3-per-cent NSR for $3 million at any time. The Copaquire property borders Teck's producing Quebrada Blanca copper mine in Chile's first region.

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 close the private placement or the second Nisk option or risk that such transactions do not close at all; raise sufficient capital to fund its obligations under its property agreements going forward; to maintain its mineral tenures and concessions in good standing; to explore and develop its projects; changes in economic conditions or financial markets; the inherent hazards associates with mineral exploration and mining operations; future prices of nickel and other metals; changes in general economic conditions; accuracy of mineral resource and reserve estimates; the potential for 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.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/power-nickel-closes-final-tranche-of-financing-and-releases-results-of-the-first-hole-of-the-current-campaign-301987066.html

SOURCE Power Nickel Inc.
Vancouver, November 14, 2023 - European Energy Metals (TSXV: FIN) (FSE: W28) ("European Energy" or the "Company") is pleased to announce it has submitted applications for two Exploration Licenses ("EL's") covering an area of 4,550 hectares within the 11,690 hectare (ha) Nabba Reservation. The Nabba EL (2,812 ha) and Nabba 2 EL (1,738 ha) are located on the northern half of the Nabba Reservation and adjacent to the Keliber Projects of Sibanye-Stillwater. Under an Exploration License or EL, the Company would be permitted to undertake more advanced exploration such as detailed base-of-till (BoT) sampling, trenching and diamond drilling.

An estimated 600 million investment by Keliber's parent company Sibanye-Stillwater Limited in partnership with the Finnish Minerals Group (www.mineralsgroup.fi) is underway and will see the development of open-pit and underground mining from several deposits, construction of a central Spodumene Concentrator Plant and a Lithium Hydroxide Chemical Plant at tidewater in Kokkola. When completed, this complex will comprise a complete hard-rock spodumene pegmatite lithium supply chain (Source: Sibanye-Stillwater website).

The Nabba ELs lie <8 km west of Keliber's Spodumene Concentrator Plant and several previously known Li-spodumene pegmatite prospects/deposits occur within 1 km of the Nabba licences, including the Emmes Deposit which hosts NNW-SSE trending Li-bearing, spodumene pegmatites, and a resource of 1.08 Mt grading 1.22% Li 2 O (Geological Survey of Finland). The Nabba EL's also cover historical Base of Till ("BoT") lithium anomalies which are interpreted by the Company to be relatively close to source (see Company News Release May 30, 2023) .

"The advancement of our reservations to exploration licenses represents a significant milestone for the company as our understanding of the potential of lithium-bearing mineralization on our projects evolves," commented Jeremy Poirier, CEO of European Energy Metals. "With our Phase 1 exploration program nearing conclusion, we are eagerly awaiting the results from the field and assays at the lab to finalize our 2024 exploration program."

Figure 1: Exploration License Application Areas



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9006/187238_c4a5665ce4706960_001full.jpg

Mike Basha, P.Eng., P.Geo. (NL), VP Exploration of European Energy Metals Corp., a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has prepared this press release.

Pursuant to an earn-in agreement with Capella Minerals Ltd (TSXV: CMIL), European Energy has the right to earn an 80% interest in the Finnish Pegmatite Project by issuing 1,750,000 shares, paying Cdn$500,000 and incurring Cdn$2,500,000 dollars in exploration expenditures staged over a 4 year earn in period. A detailed assessment of the historic and government exploration data compiled by the Finnish Geological Survey ("GTK") identified a series of permissive tracts for LCT pegmatites. The concessions comprising the Finnish Pegmatite Project were identified as a result of this pegmatite research.

About European Energy Metals Corp.

European Energy Metals Corp. is a junior mining company currently focussed on the Lithium-Cesium-Tantalum Finnish Pegmatite Project in central Finland. Governing bodies in Europe and Finland are legislating environmentally friendly and energy independent laws and policies. One of the key components is access to REE and, specifically, lithium. The Company's concessions are located within 15 kms of the Keliber mine, and production complex currently under construction which is expected to begin production in H2 2025.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Jeremy Poirier, CEO

Telephone: 604-722-9842

Email: info@europeanenergymetals.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.

Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking information is typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, postulate and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. Such statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the future results of operations, performance and achievements of the Company, including the presence of lithium mineralization at, and the exploration and development potential of, the Finland Pegmatite Project. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurances that such expectations will prove to be correct. All such forward-looking information is based on certain assumptions and analyses made by the Company in light of their experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors management believes are appropriate in the circumstances. This information, however, is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from this forward-looking information include the costs of any anticipated work programs and the ability to fund such costs, required approvals in connection with any work programs and the ability to obtain such approvals, risks inherent in exploration as well as those described under the heading "Risks and Uncertainties" in the Company's most recently filed MD&A. The Company does not intend, and expressly disclaims any obligation to, update or revise the forward-looking information contained in this news release, except as required by law. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/187238
Vancouver, November 14, 2023 - Recharge Resources Ltd. ("Recharge" or the "Company") (RR:CSE) (RECHF:OTC) (SL5:Frankfurt) is pleased to provide the following update on the company's Pocitos One Lithium Brine Project ("Pocitos 1" or "the project") in Salta, Argentina.

Detailed logging of the core of the two wells drilled in 2018 - PCT 2018-1 to 360m and PCT 2018-02 to 407m have been relogged by Company Geologist and data of the 10 packer tests and 7 assays received from the drillers logs in 2018 have been provided to WSP Australia Pty Ltd ("WSP") who are completing the resource estimate. WSP commenced the resource estimate in July 2023 and had been awaiting additional analysis needed from the 2018 data which has now been provided. Additional core data on the porosity and permeability of the core was obtained from specialists in Australia which was also provided to WSP. This work has been very detailed but is now complete.

WSP is a leading global consultancy with more than 67,000 professionals and consultants with expertise in hydrology and brine resource estimates. WSP will utilize information gathered from the NI 43-101 technical report dated 30 June 2023 completed by Panopus Pte Ltd and the May 2023 MT Survey, 2018 TEM survey, drilling programs, core logs and core porosity data to prepare the Resource Estimate.

David Greenway, President, and CEO commented, "I am delighted the WSP Global project engineers are building a resource model for the NI 43-101 update resource estimate. The Company is pushing forward on all fronts with our inaugural NI 43-101, MT geophysics survey, and porosity studies completed and a pending drill program, and a planned upcoming NI 43-101 resource estimate. These developments should make for an exciting next period for Recharge and its stakeholders at the Pocitos Project."

2018 and 2022 Drilling Success

Recharge completed drilling the third hole at the Pocitos 1 lithium brine project achieving 169ppm lithium assay and is currently awaiting permits for its upcoming 3 well 2023 drill program.



Click Image To View Full Size

As reported on January 31st, 2023 Five litres of brine were collected to be sent to University of Melbourne for testing to ascertain the recovery that has been as high as 96% using the EkoSolve processing system and 99.89% purity of the lithium carbonate. These brines were specially prepared for transit to Australia.

The full Report dated June 30, 2023, and entitled "Technical Report For The Pocitos Salar Lithium Concession, Salta Province, Argentina", can be found on the Company's website and on SEDAR under the Company's issuer profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

Ekosolve Lithium Carbonate Production Developments

Ekosolve and the University of Melbourne continue to improve the recovery of lithium from the Company's brines. The recent mass transfer performance experiments using simulated brine (with the same composition as the Pocitos brines) in the 2-meter-high pulsed Ekosolve process column delivered improved results, (the previous results were 94.92% extraction of lithium) including:

a great improvement in lithium extraction efficiency by increasing the operating O/A ratio;

very fast lithium extraction kinetics of simulated brine and loaded organic solvent;

limited co-extraction of impurities from the simulated brine and potential in further improving the lithium extraction efficiency by constructing a column array with a longer active section or multiple columns connected in series.

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.



Click Image To View Full Size

Figure 2. 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.

Marketing Awareness Agreement

The Company is also please to announce that it has entered into a consulting services agreement with Tim Collins (tim@streetlightequity.com) of Streetlight Equity, address 16801 Poppy Mallow Drive, Austin, Texas 78738.

Ph. 512-576-3038. Under the terms of agreement, Mr. Collins will assist the Company with market awareness, marketing, on-line content and design, and related investor awareness services for a period of twelve months. Under the terms of the agreement Mr. Collins will receive compensation consisting of U$25,000 and 700,000 RSUs, granted pursuant to the Company's Restricted Share Unit Plan, for the provision of the services.

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, November 14, 2023 - Millennial Potash Corp. (TSXV: MLP) (OTCQB: MLPNF) (FSE: X0D) ("MLP", "Millennial" or the "Company") is pleased to report analytical results from the extension of historic drillhole BA-002 (Fig. 1). Millennial Potash has extended Hole BA-002 to a depth of 552.50m and has intersected additional intervals of potash mineralization beyond the previous drilling depth. Potash Cycle IV returned 17.1% KCl over 4.16m and potash Cycle III returned 18.7% KCl over 4.76 m extending the number of potash cycles intersected in BA-002 to 6 and increasing the cumulative thickness of potash mineralization that may be amenable to solution mining to approximately 80m (Table 1, Figs. 2, 3).





Fig. 1 Location of BA-002 Extension drill hole

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4674/186849_d7102cd63487a815_001full.jpg

Farhad Abasov, Millennial's Chair, commented "Millennial Potash is excited to announce that the extension to drillhole BA-002 has successfully intersected two new high-grade seams, one attributed to Cycle IV and the other to Cycle III with potash mineralization, each thicker than 4m, and with potash contents from 17.1% KCl to 18.7% KCl. The cumulative potash seam thicknesses from drillhole BA-002 from Cycle III to Cycle VIII are almost 80m and have the potential to be amenable to solution mining. These promising results will be incorporated into the project database and will provide additional zones of potash mineralization for a Mineral Resource Estimate that will be based only on the northern part of the project which is currently in progress. We expect the maiden Mineral Resource Estimate to be released in coming weeks. This drill hole extension completed by Millennial Potash correlates very well with the historical drill core and other geological data. It also exceeds our expectations regarding the potash horizon thicknesses in the north."

Drillhole BA-002 was extended from 516.25m to 552.5m for a total of 36.25m of both PQ and HQ sized core. The two new potash seams are interpreted as part of Cycle IV and Cycle III in the evaporite basin and are comprised of pervasive bright red nodular carnallite with minor laminated interbeds and interstices of halite in the carnallite masses (Fig.2,3). Table 1 summarizes the composited sample results for the carnallitite seams in the extension of BA-002 and given the near horizonal nature of the basin geology and bedding intersected true widths are interpreted as being drilled widths. The zones between the two cycles are characterized by continuous near horizontal, laminated bedded halite (Fig. 2) and halite rich in insoluble material at the base of Cycle IV. The addition of potash Cycles IV and III in hole BA-002 increases the cumulative thickness of potash zones that are potentially amenable to solution mining to 79.6m. In addition, the presence of Cycles IV and III enhances the tonnage potential for the project and given the strong correlation of geology and potash cycles between the upper parts of holes BA-002 and BA-003, the potential for the presence of Cycles IV and III throughout the basin in this area is considered very high. Data from extended hole BA-002 and hole BA-003, including re-sampling data, form the basis for a potential initial Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) for the North Target which is currently in preparation by ERCOSPLAN Ingenieurgesellschaft Geotechnik und Bergbau mbH ("ERCOSPLAN").





Fig. 2 Potash mineralization in drill core from BA-002 Extension showing nodular red carnallite and laminated halite attributed to Cycle IV (Hole Dip=90).

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4674/186849_d7102cd63487a815_002full.jpg

Table 1. Summary of Resampling of BA-002 and the extension of BA-002 in 2023.



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4674/186849_img.jpg









Fig. 3 Potash mineralization in drill core from BA-002 Extension showing nodular red carnallite with banded bedded halite attributed to Cycle III.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4674/186849_d7102cd63487a815_004full.jpg

The Phase 1 drill program at Banio remains in progress with additional drilling planned at the North Target including the extension of BA-001 and the drilling of new hole BA-004. The drill rig experienced mechanical difficulties during the retrieval of PQ rods in BA-002 and is currently undergoing minor repairs. Drilling is expected to resume later in Q4, 2023.

QA/QC

Millennial Potash employees follow standard operating and quality assurance procedures intended to ensure that all sampling techniques and sample results meet international reporting standards. Procedures for handling core samples begin with securing the potash-bearing PQ-HQ-sized core at the drill site in plastic poly-tubing which is then thermally sealed. Core is placed in plastic core boxes and transported to Millennial's camp for geological logging, detailed geotechnical logging, and photographing. Significant intervals are dry cut in half for HQ core or quartered for PQ core, using a specially modified tungsten carbide bladed core saw. Half (HQ size) and quarter core (PQ size) samples are then double bagged and thermally sealed prior to transporting to Libreville by Millennial personnel. The remaining core is re-sealed in plastic poly-tubing and the core boxes secured at Millennial's exploration camp in air-conditioned containers to prevent deterioration of the potash minerals. Upon arrival in Libreville core samples are stored at Millennial's storage facility and then taken to the Gabon Ministry of Mines & Energy where permission is obtained to export the samples. The bagged samples are then carefully packed into wooden crates and shipped via DHL to the Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) in Saskatoon. This sampling procedure was initiated by ERCOSPLAN Ingenieurgesellschaft Geotechnik und Bergbau mbH, Millennial's potash consulting firm, supervised by Millennial's Chief Executive Officer Jason Wilkinson, M.Sc., Sebastiaan van der Klauw, EurGeol from ERCOSPLAN, and periodically reviewed by Millennial Director, Peter J. MacLean, Ph.D., P. Geo.

Millennial is utilizing SRC's Potash ICP Analysis package designed for multi-element analysis of potash samples. Upon arrival at SRC Geoanalytical Laboratories, core samples are dried, and jaw crushed to 95 % @ -2mm and 100 g sub sample is split out using a riffler and transferred to vials. The subsample is pulverized to 95 % @ -106 microns using a puck and ring grinding mill to create a pulp. The grinding mills are cleaned between groups using Quintus quartz. The pulp is then transferred to a labelled plastic snap top vial. An aliquot of pulp is placed in a test-tube with 15 ml of 30C DI water. The sample is shaken. The soluble solution is then analyzed by ICP-OES. The method is suitable for the soluble analysis of commercial potash (Sylvite and Carnallite). The samples are analysed for FeO (wt%), K 2 O, Na 2 O, MgO, and CaO and a suite of trace elements. Br and Cl are determined using ICP-Ms and a gravimetric determination of the insoluble content for each sample is made. Millennial/ERCOSPLAN did not insert blanks due to the limited number of samples, but this will be part of the Company's sampling protocol in future drill programs. SRC's internal protocol includes the insertion of internal standards and repeats, and review of this data shows no significant deviation from the accepted values. SRC Geoanalytical Laboratories has been certified by the Standards Council of Canada (SCC) to conform to the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025:2005 (CAN-P-4E).

This news release has been reviewed by Sebastiaan van der Klauw, EurGeol, of ERCOSPLAN and Peter J. MacLean, Ph.D., P. Geo, Director of the Company, and both are Qualified Persons as that term is defined in National Instrument 43-101.

To find out more about Millennial Potash Corp. please contact Investor Relations at (604) 662-8184 or email at info@millennialpotashcorp.com.

Millennial Potash Corp.

"Farhad Abasov"

Chair of the Board of Directors

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This document may contain certain "Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. When used in this news release, the words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target, "plan" or "planned", "forecast", "intend", "may", "schedule" and similar words or expressions identify forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements or information may relate to future prices of commodities, accuracy of mineral or resource exploration activity, reserves or resources, regulatory or government requirements or approvals including approvals of title and mining rights or licenses and environmental (including land or water use), local community or indigenous community approvals, the reliability of third party information, continued access to mineral properties or infrastructure, changes in laws, rules and regulations in Gabon or any other jurisdiction which may impact upon the Company or its properties or the commercial exploitation of those properties, currency risks including the exchange rate of USD$ for Cdn$ or CFA or other currencies, fluctuations in the market for potash or potash related products, changes in exploration costs and government royalties, export policies or taxes in Gabon or any other jurisdiction and other factors or information. The Company's current plans, expectations and intentions with respect to development of its business and of the Banio Potash Project may be impacted by economic uncertainties arising out of any pandemic or by the impact of current financial and other market conditions on its ability to secure further financing or funding of the Banio Potash Project. Such statements represent the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political, environmental and social risks, contingencies and uncertainties. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements and information other than as required by applicable laws, rules and regulations.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/186849
TORONTO, Nov. 14, 2023 - Montero Mining and Exploration Ltd. (TSXV: MON) ("Montero" or the "Company") provides an update on the arbitration proceedings against the United Republic of Tanzania ("Tanzania") over the expropriation of the Wigu Hill rare earth element project ("Wigu Hill") before the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes ("ICSID").



On November 3rd, 2023, the arbitral Tribunal issued Procedural Order No 3 accepting Montero's request to open the forthcoming in-person hearing to the public. The decision was taken in accordance with articles 28, 30 and 31 of the Agreement between Canada and Tanzania for the Promotion and Reciprocal Protection of Investments (the "BIT").

On the same day, the Tribunal held a pre-hearing meeting with the parties by video conference, on which the parties discussed and agreed on procedural matters related to the hearing on the merits which is scheduled to be held at the ICSID premises in Washington DC., USA, from 4 - 8 December 2023. An audio-video recording will be made of the hearing and uploaded onto the ICSID website. Two similar arbitration cases involving foreign mining investors in Tanzania have been heard at ICSID tribunal in February this year.

On July 14th, 2023, ASX-listed Indiana Resources Ltd (ASX:IDA) ("Indiana") ICSID case against Tanzania has been awarded US$ 109.5 million and Tanzania was ordered to repay US$ 3,859,161 in legal costs and expenses. On July 28, 2023, Tanzania applied for the annulment of the award. The ICSID Annulment Committee was constituted on August 24th, 2023 (https://icsid.worldbank.org/cases/case-database/case-detail?CaseNo=ARB/20/38). On October 31st, 2023, the Annulment Committee issued a decision subjecting the continuation of the stay of enforcement of the award, to an undertaking from Tanzania that, if the award is not annulled, it will recognise its final and binding character and will pay the full amount of the award within 45 days of the notification of the Committee's decision on annulment. Tanzania must provide this undertaking by December 15th, 2023.

(https://indianaresources.com.au/category/recent-announcements/).

On November 10th, 2023, Indiana announced the total amount payable by Tanzania under the Award now stands at US$ 113.1 million to date plus costs of US$ 4.28 million. Interest continues to accrue at the rate of approximately US$ 1 million per month until the Award amount is paid to the Claimants.

(https://indianaresources.com.au/category/recent-announcements/).

TSXV-listed Winshear Gold Corp. ("Winshear") (TSXV:WINS) ICSID case was settled by payment of US$ 30 million by Tanzania to Winshear as announced on October 16th, 2023 (https://winshear.com/news/).

Dr Tony Harwood, President and CEO of Montero, commented: "Indiana's substantial damages award and Winshear's settlement are providing shareholders with recognition that the cancellation of the Retention Licenses by Tanzania was economically catastrophic to each company. Montero is seeking compensation for the loss of its investment in its former flagship Wigu Hill Rare Earth Project due to Tanzania's unlawful expropriation of Montero's Retention Licenses. Montero is fully funded to complete its arbitration hearings with the same lead attorney that represented both Indiana and Winshear earlier this year. Montero's arbitration hearing at ICSID will be held 4 - 8 December 2023."

Montero is represented by Timothy Foden of Boies Schiller Flexner (UK) LLP and Martin Tavaut of Jeantet AARPI. Timothy Foden is leading the ICSID arbitration for Montero and acted as lead attorney for Indiana and Winshear in their arbitration proceedings. Montero has retained Dr. Neal Rigby of SRK Consulting (USA) Inc. as quantum expert with full dispute funding secured from Omni Bridgeway, a leading global dispute funder.

Montero's dispute with Tanzania is also subject to ICSID arbitration. Montero is seeking compensation in excess of CAD$ 90,000,000 for damages and interest for the unlawful expropriation of its Wigu Hill rare earth element project in Tanzania. Montero is also seeking reimbursement of its arbitration costs and fees by Tanzania. The damages claimed are for Tanzania's breaches of the BIT between Canada and Tanzania.

For further information, please see Montero's press releases dated September 21st, 2023, July 19th, 2023, April 25th, 2023, July 28th, 2022, April 12th, 2022, November 29th, 2021, and January 8th, 2021 and the ICSID website. (https://icsid.worldbank.org/services/arbitration/convention/process/overview).

The ICSID Convention has been ratified by 158 States, including Tanzania. An award issued by an ICSID tribunal is enforceable in any one of those 158 member States as if it were a judgment of one of their own courts. Partly because of this, States often comply voluntarily with the payment terms of such awards.

Qualified Person's Statement

This press release was reviewed and approved by Mr. Mike Evans, M.Sc. Pr.Sci.Nat., a qualified person for the purpose of National Instrument 43-101. It has also been reviewed by Mr. Martin Tavaut, avocat a la cour (Paris, France) and Mr. Timothy Foden of Boies Schiller Flexner (UK) LLP.

Disclaimer

While the facts and the grounds of the Indiana case are similar to those of Montero's, the cases are heard by different tribunals, which does not guarantee the same outcome for Montero's case.

About Montero

Montero is a junior exploration company focused on finding, exploring, and advancing globally significant gold, silver, and base metal deposits in Chile. Montero's board of directors and management have an impressive track record of successfully discovering and advancing precious metal and copper projects. Montero trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol MON and has 38,647,485 shares outstanding.

For more information, contact:

Montero Mining and Exploration Ltd.

Dr. Tony Harwood, President, and Chief Executive Officer

E-mail: ir@monteromining.com

Tel: +1 416 840 9197 | Fax: +1 866 688 4671

www.monteromining.com

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION: This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements, projections and estimates with respect to the Share Consolidation. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Such information is based on information currently available to Montero and Montero provides no assurance that actual results will meet management's expectations. Forward-looking information by its very nature involves inherent risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance, or achievements of Montero to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Actual results relating to, among other things, completion of the agreement, results of exploration, project development, reclamation and capital costs of Montero's mineral properties, and financial condition and prospects, could differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements for many reasons such as: an inability to complete the agreement on the terms as announced or at all; changes in general economic conditions and conditions in the financial markets; changes in demand and prices for minerals; litigation, legislative, environmental and other judicial, regulatory, political and competitive developments; technological and operational difficulties encountered in connection with Montero's activities; and other matters discussed in this news release and in filings made with securities regulators. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of Montero's forward-looking statements. These and other factors should be considered carefully and accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Montero does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
Vancouver, November 14, 2023 - Sego Resources Inc. (TSXV: SGZ) ("Sego" or "the Company") - Sego is proposing to raise up to a total of $500,000 by way of a non-brokered private placement of critical minerals flow-through units at $0.04 per unit and non-flow-through units at $0.02 per unit.

The offering will consist of up to 10,000,000 critical minerals flow-through units ("FTU") at $0.04 per unit for gross proceeds of up to $400,000 and up to 5,000,000 non-flow-through units ("NFTU") at $0.02 per unit for gross proceeds of up to $100,000. The flow-through units and non-flow-through units may vary in totals depending on demand. The total of the financing is expected to be $500,000.

Each FTU will consist of one flow-through common share and one common share purchase warrant. Each warrant will entitle the holder to purchase an additional common share at $0.08 for two years from closing of the private placement. Each NFTU will consist of one common share and one common share purchase warrant. Each warrant will entitle the holder to purchase an additional common share at $0.05 for two years from the closing of the private placement.

The placement may close in several tranches and insiders may participate in the private placement. The flow-through proceeds will be expended on continued exploration on the Company's Miner Mountain Copper-Gold Alkalic Porphyry project, near Princeton, BC. The non-flow-through proceeds will be used for working capital and general corporate purposes.

Finder's fees may be payable on all or a portion of the offering and will consist of a cash fee of 7% and a broker's warrant where applicable, which will entitle the holder to subscribe for one common share for two years from the closing date of the offering at $0.08 per share.

This offering will be subject to the completion of formal documentation, receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, including the TSX Venture Exchange and other customary conditions. All of the securities sold pursuant to the offering will be subject to a four-month hold period from the date of closing.

The Company also plans to utilize British Columbia Instrument 45-536 which opens private placements to non-accredited investors provided the purchaser has obtained advice regarding the suitability of the investment and that advice has been obtained from a person that is registered as an investment dealer in the jurisdiction. Completion of the private placement is subject to the TSX Venture Exchange approval.

There is no minimum offering size for the private placement and the maximum number of units proposed to be issued is 15,000,000 units for gross proceeds of $500,000. The Company fully expects to spend the funds as stated; there may be circumstances, for sound business reasons, where a reallocation of funds may be necessary.

The gross proceeds from the FT offering will be used for Canadian exploration expenses as such term is defined in Paragraph (f) of the definition of Canadian exploration expense in Subsection 66.1(6) of the tax act, flow-through mining expenditures as defined in Subsection 127(9) of the tax act that will qualify as flow-through mining expenditures, and B.C. flow-through mining expenditures as defined in Subsection 4.721(1) of the Income Tax Act (British Columbia), which will be incurred on or before Dec. 31, 2024, and renounced with an effective date no later than Dec. 31, 2023. British Columbia super flow -- the British Columbia mining flow-through share (B.C. MFTS) tax credit allows B.C. residents who invest in flow-through shares to claim a provincial non-refundable tax credit of 20 per cent of their B.C. flow-through mining expenditures. B.C. flow-through mining expenditures are specific exploration expenses incurred by a PBC (public business corporation) and renounced by a corporation issuing the flow-through shares.

There is no material change about the issuer that has not been generally disclosed.

For further information please contact:

J. Paul Stevenson, CEO (604) 682-2933

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. No regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained in this news release.

This release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements." All statements in this release, other than statement of historical facts that address future production, reserve potential, exploration drilling, exploitation activities and events or developments that the Company expects re forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploitation and exploration successes, continued availability of capital and financing, general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and those actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/187337
2 partner to address online safety

Business Desk Report Business News Nov - 06 - 2023 , 13:45

Impact Amplifier, in partnership with Google.org, is taking a significant step toward addressing online safety on the continent  with development of the first Africa-focused online safety research, education and support platform.

This initiative forms part of the ongoing efforts to combat the growing challenges of online safety in the region.

The platform will serve as a centralised hub for key tools and resources needed to support online safety initiatives.

It will aggregate research about online safety in Africa, making this crucial knowledge accessible to policymakers, civil society, academics, businesses and the general public.

This move aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the online safety landscape in Africa, and empower stakeholders with the necessary information to address the issue effectively.

Africa Online Safety Fund announcement

This was made known in a release to announce the winners of this years grants for Africa Online Safety Fund by Impact Amplifier.

The Africa Online Safety Fund (AOSF) has announced the winners of this years grants, with four Ghanaian organisations being part. These organisations include: Internet Safety Foundation, iWatch Africa, My Power App and Penplusbytes.

Aside from Ghana, some organisations within other African countries like Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, Cameroon, Somalia and Zimbabwe also had organisations being part of the 22 winners.

Over 350 applications were received in the 2023 cohort, from which a shortlist of 40 entries made it to the final selection process. Each of the eventual winners will receive grants ranging from US$10,000 to US$50,000  made possible with the support of Google.org.

Making the announcement, Impact Amplifier Director, Tanner Methvin said: With over 500 million people having access to the Internet in Africa  reflecting just under 40 percent of the continents population  online safety issues are of critical concern.

He noted that the AOSF supports innovative approaches to addressing the complex safety issues presented by the Internet.

The winning innovative solutions range from unique ways of combatting misinformation and disinformation; establishing investigative teams to track cyber-criminals; supporting journalists targeted with hate speech and bullying; integrating online safety training into school curriculums, and much more, he added.

The AOSF offers grants to organisations throughout Africa which address one or more safety issues the internet facilitates. It is however focused on four primary countries: Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria and South Africa in this funding round.

There are three categories of funding: Transformative, Maturing and Catalytic. Transformative projects are a maximum grant of US$50,000; Maturing projects up to US$25,000; and Catalytic projects US$10,000.
Businesses must consider ESG principles to sustain growth - Prof.Douglas Boateng

Graphic.com.gh Business News Nov - 14 - 2023 , 14:43

An expert widely recognised as a leading authority in the fields of sustainability, Professor Douglas Boateng, has urged businesses to prioritise environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) principles to sustain growth.

This, he emphasised, was crucial for the significant development of the business space while ensuring responsible practices.

He said this as he accepted the role of chairman for three prestigious award schemes: the Sustainability and Social Investment Awards (SSIA); the Women in Mining & Energy Awards (WiMEA) and the Health, Environment Safety & Security Awards (HESS).

As a leading authority in the fields of sustainability, responsible business practices and social investment, Prof. Boateng's decision to take on this leadership role is a significant boost not only for the integrity of these awards, which aim to recognise and celebrate outstanding achievements in these areas but the wider national push toward improved sustainability.

Official

In an official letter of invitation from Ianmatsun Global Services Ltd, the organisers of the awards, Prof. Boateng, an acknowledged social entrepreneur, was praised for his extensive career in sustainability and social investment.

His impressive track record includes the prestigious position of Professor Extraordinaire at the University of South Africa and key roles at globally renowned organisations such as the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply and the Commonwealth Business Council.

Upon accepting the role, Prof. Boateng expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity to contribute to these awards.

"I am honoured to accept the position of Chairman for the SSIA, WiMEA and HESS Awards.

These awards align perfectly with my lifelong commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices for the long-term benefit of the ordinary citizen.

I look forward to working with the dedicated team at the Ianmatsun Global Services Ltd. to recognise and promote excellence in these critical areas, he stated.

With a master's degree in industrial and manufacturing logistics systems and a Doctor of Engineering, Professor Boateng, an International Chartered Director, has a deep understanding of the intricate relationship between supply chain management and long-term economic development.

He has successfully held several global and multi-sectoral C-Suite and chairmanship positions in various industries and government sectors, demonstrating his ability to drive positive change in diverse settings.

Prof. Boateng's contributions to the fields of logistics and supply chain governance and management have been widely recognised.

He has been inducted into various global institutional and organisational Walls of Fame, including the Institute of Directors Southern Africa's recognition in 2008 for his worldwide contribution to logistics and supply chain governance and management.

Moreover, Professor Boateng's unwavering commitment and dedication to raising awareness, leadership, mentorship and thought-provoking publications in supply chain management have earned him over six independent lifetime achiever's awards from various global organisations including Hewlett Packard. His commitment to sustainable practices and long-term economic development aligns perfectly with the missions of the SSIA, WiMEA, and HESS Awards.

Accolade

The Events Director at Ianmatsun Global Services Ltd, Isaac Nana Adu-Gyamfi, expressed his excitement about having Prof. Boateng on board, stating, "We are delighted to welcome Professor Douglas Boateng as our chairman.

His extensive knowledge and experience in sustainability and social investment will undoubtedly elevate the SSIA, WiMEA, and HESS Awards to new heights.

The appointment of Prof. Boateng as chairman marks a significant milestone for these awards, signifying a commitment to recognising and promoting sustainable practices, gender diversity, equality, and inclusion, as well as health, environment, safety and security in various industries.

His leadership is expected to inspire and guide the awards to even greater success in the future.

We look forward to working closely with him to further our mission of promoting excellence in these crucial fields, he added.
Equities market records GH1.159bn trades: Pension funds contribution sees huge jump

GSE Business News Nov - 14 - 2023 , 04:24

Foreign investors contribution to trades on the equity market is beginning to see a drop, with available data from January 2023 to September showing that their contribution has dropped to 54 per cent, from the 64 per cent recorded in the same period last year.

Out of the GHc1.159 billion trades recorded on the market in the first nine months of the year, foreign investors contributed GH621.97 million, while local investors contributed GH537.56 million.

In a remarkable turn of events, the market is also seeing an active participation of pension funds on the equities market, as contributions increased from six per cent in October last year to 17 per cent in October this year.

Benso Oil Palm Plantation made the highest gain of GH12.28 within the period, followed by Total Energies Marketing Ghana PLC with GH4.99.

Unilever Ghana Limited, Guinness Ghana Brewery Limited and Scancom Plc completed the list of top five gainers with GH4.22, GH1.35, and GH0.49 respectively.
Exploit medicinal plant trade for domestic, foreign income  WHO Country Rep

Elizabeth Nyaadu Adu Business News Nov - 14 - 2023 , 03:21

The World Health Organisation (WHO) Representative to Ghana, Prof Francis Kasolo, has said Ghana must harness the full potential of its medicinal plant trade to boost both domestic and foreign income.

Studies have shown that the herbal medicine industry is one of the fastest growing industries in the world with a projected market value of $177.65 billion by 2029.

Prof Kasolo said due to the significantly large number of people that are involved in the value chain of the herbal medicine industry, it is deemed a major source of employment in Ghana.



National symposium

Prof Kasolo who made the call at a national Symposium in Accra explained that medicinal plants trade has great potential for both domestic and foreign income and thus must be harnessed for all the benefits it potentially presents to the country.

He added that besides this widespread cultivation of plants it contributes to the fight against deforestation and climate change.

The event organised by the Center for Plant Medicine Research (CPMR) Mampong-Akuapem was on the theme: Sustainable and Safe Integrative Healthcare towards Universal Health Coverage and Economic Transformation.

It brought together stakeholders in the herbal medicine industry to brainstorm on the prospects and challenges regarding integrative healthcare in Ghana.

It was also to identify the critical gaps and how to address the needs in order to achieve a sustainable and safe integrative healthcare system in Ghana.



Potential

The potential benefits of trade in medicinal plants are enormous and include lowering government spending on health care, accompanied with the economic benefits of job creation and poverty reduction.

I urge the government to continue creating an enabling environment that will attract more people into the traditional medicine practice, herbal manufacture, raw plant materials aggregation and supply, and farming, he said.



Good manufacturing policies

The WHO Country representative commended the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) for the work being done to ensure that the herbal products being consumed in Ghana are of good quality and safe.

However, he said despite these achievements, more needs to be done to streamline the operations of the herbal medicine industry for improved quality of locally manufactured herbal products in the Ghanaian market.

There is the need to align the herbal industry to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and the licensing of these manufacturing facilities, he added.

Challenges

The Executive Director at CPMR, Prof. Alex Asase said the vision of the centre is to make plant medicine a preferred natural choice for all.

He said since the formal integration of traditional medicine into the mainstream healthcare system of Ghana in 2012, substantial achievements have been made.

He said currently there are 56 governments hospitals in Ghana that operate herbal medicine units. However, there are also challenges including standards and quality control issues, shortage of raw plant materials for production, a lack of clinical trials for herbal products, regulatory issues, capacity needs as well as insufficient scientific research to confirm some traditional medicinal use claims.

According to him, the centre will strive to gain the highest recognition for its research and development of herbal products that meet the exact needs of patients and industry while promoting innovative, scientific research and productive partnerships.



Increasing awareness

For his part, the President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSG), Dr Samuel Kow Donkor, advised players in the pharmaceutical industry to position herbal products well in their various pharmacies to help increase awareness of herbal medicines and contribute to the safe and effective use of herbal medicines in the country.

We need to have a clearly demarcated area and not just herbal medicines but scientifically proven and endorsed herbal medicines in our pharmacies.

With that, we know the integration of traditional and modern healthcare will be better; currently when you walk into a pharmacy, 90 to 95 per cent of the medicines there are non-traditional medicines, we can do better with the herbal section with the help of a regulatory framework to support us, he said.


Tullow reaffirms commitment to labour rights in energy sector

Business Desk Report Business News Nov - 13 - 2023 , 13:25

Tullow Ghana's has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting human and labor rights in the oil and gas industry.

In line with its strategy to develop local human resources and capacity for long term sustainability in the sector, the company has signed off its Supplier Market Day events for 2023 to deepen engagements with many local suppliers and vendors.



The event which brought together over 140 was on the theme: Human and Labour Rights in the Oil and Gas Sector.



In a release issued by the company, it said with a lot of transformation in the sector, stakeholders have begun demanding more of the sectors attitude to labour rights - in line with the Labour Act of 2003, (Act 651).



Additionally, a global shift towards more stringent legislation, such as the UK Modern Slavery Act of 2015, had also added weight to these expectations.



The Deputy Managing Director of Tullow Ghana, Cynthia Lumor, said the benefits of good labour practices are many  compliance with laws and regulations, doing the right thing, employee good health and productivity.



It's a shared responsibility that we must take seriously so that together, we can ensure a future where human and labour rights are not just a goal but a reality in our industry.



Participants were given first-hand insights on Tullows expectations of suppliers, the due diligence measures the organisation has put in place and steps the participant suppliers could adopt in their own organisations.



Sessions like this have brought a lot of transparency and clarity in how things are done among operators and suppliers in the energy sector, and we appreciate the steps taken by Tullow to make this possible, a representative from the Local Content Team at the Petroleum Commission said.



Participants at the event were united in their assessment of the value and quality of information the platform provided.



As expectations continue to evolve, Tullow hopes to remain at the forefront of leading change, transparency, and ethical standards, across the wider industry, the release added.




Bovi: I declined marriage proposals from three actresses

Vanguardngr.com Showbiz News Nov - 13 - 2023 , 17:45

Popular Nigerian comedian, Bovi Ugboma otherwise known as Bovi, has disclosed that three actresses offered to marry him despite his marital status.

The renowned comedian and actor, however, said he turned down the offers from them, adding that they came with responsibility.

Bovi said he was approached with the shocking marriage proposals, while at the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF), on Saturday.

He disclosed this on his Instagram page on Sunday which he posted alongside photos and videos of himself from the AFRIFF event.

Last night @afriff 3 actresses offered me marriage for a year. I turned them down because the offers came with responsibility, he wrote.

Reacting to it, actress Sharon Ooja told the comedian to inform his admirers that she is the new bodyguard for his wife, promising to teach them a lesson in the streets. (Read also: Stacy: You will not be my friend if you can't keep secrets)

Look at my guy. My own friend !!! Tell those actresses Im Kris body guard I go meet them for streets stay blessed, Ooja wrote.

Bovi and his wife, Kris Asimonye, who got married in 2009, stirred reactions some weeks back following their wedding renewal.

He shared an amorous video of him and his wife on the beach, as he revealed that they had renewed their vows on water, with mariners as officiating ministers.
Keke Palmer granted temporary sole custody of her son

CNN Showbiz News Nov - 13 - 2023 , 19:50

Keke Palmer is now the sole guardian of her 8-month-old son Leodis, after she filed and was granted a request for a domestic violence restraining order against the childs father, Darius Jackson.

The Nope star was granted temporary sole custody of her son after filing legal documents on Thursday in Los Angeles.According to those documents, which were obtained by CNN, Palmer requested full physical and legal custody of Leodis from the court, citing allegations of physical abuse including many instances of physical violence, including striking and grabbing me around the neck.

The temporary restraining order granted by a Los Angeles County judge stipulates that Jackson must stay at least 100 yards away from both Palmer and their son. (Related article: Keke Palmer and Darius Jackson hang out together on her 30th birthday as he calls her his partner in crime)

Jackson was ordered to have no visitation with Leodis until further order of the court, the documents also stated.

CNN has reached out to representatives for Palmer and Jackson for comment.

Jackson and Palmer began dating in 2021.

A court hearing is scheduled for December 5.
Tidal Rave: Calm down & project the positives more

Arnold Asamoah-Baidoo Showbiz News Nov - 14 - 2023 , 11:57

ECHO House has been organising one of the biggest, if not the biggest beach gatherings in Ghana for the last 10 years with Tidal Rave, but the recently held edition on Saturday, November 4, at the La Palme royal Beach Hotel, Accra, arguably garnered the loudest publicity but it was mostly negative press.

The organisers may not mind, especially if they are firm believers of American showman and Circus owner, Phineas T. Barnum  famous for the quotation, Theres no such thing as bad publicity. Regardless of their conviction, every event planner would also love to hear and read the positives of their project more than anything else and it is critical that we highlight the positives of the 10th edition of the festival.

Shouts To Echo House

Its been 10 years of hosting one of the biggest beach festivals in Ghana and across Africa but Echo House as a Creative Agency has birthed quite a number of innovative projects that have contributed immensely to the creative economy for quite a while.

Starting as a periodic publication in the university as Echo Magazine in 2008, these enterprising chaps parlayed that dream into Echo Events in 2010 and engineered a myriad of culture-altering events such as, FreshaFair, Epilogo, Around the World Festival and Tidal Rave Festival.

Not to get caught lagging behind the fast-pace worldwide digital surge, they created the portal, Kuulpeeps and in the last decade and more, Echo House has built such an impressive clientele list that includes KFC, Coca-Cola, Samsung, Unilever, Guinness, Nestle, Orijin, as well as Vodafone, Mastercard Foundation and more.

Theres more!

The group is also responsible for other initiatives like Story Board Studios, an agency of photographers and videographers set up to cover small and large-scale events as well as Influencer Africa, an influencer management arm, with the biggest collection of influencers for variety of brands across Africa.

Big Leaps With Tidal Rave

Theres no denying the fact that, the 10-year-old festival commanded the numbers but it was bedeviled with related issues; concerns about the venue, security, audience comfort and timing.

At the usual Kokrobite Beach, ravers as revelers were popularly called, had concerns with that spot, the bad roads that lead to the venue and the discomfort they need to get to the venue and the weariness they had to endure getting back to their respective homes considering the late closing time of the event.

Security was a nightmare with incessant complaints of theft, fighting and reports of sporadic shooting and many other issues.

This years edition was befitting of a 10-year anniversary and Echo House ought to be celebrated. That stage set-up was everything: arguably the best seen when it comes to musical events, something that had international standards written all over it. In fact, if one was not told that, it was a concert held in Ghana by a Ghanaian-owned events firm with producers being Ghanaians  one would have easily thought it was Wireless Festival in the US.

There was such an improvement with regard to security with less or no complaints about any form of mugging, no major grousing about ticketing arrangement, no widespread condemnation of the venue change, no grumbling to every other service that was provided throughout the festival and most importantly, there were no inhibitions to the fun revelers anticipated to have. (Read also: Christian Council should ban Diana Asamoah and Cecilia Marfo, they are just confusing people, A Plus claims)

Amalgamation of Stars

There are not many music events that assemble almost every role player in the music sphere in Ghana. Tidal Rave does provide a platform for DJs, dancers, and of course, the artistes.

The event puts together the best crop of musicians every edition and the ability of Echo House to have an assemblage of the most relevant and dominant acts on stage is not spoken about enough.

The platform has also over the years served as grounds for budding acts to strut their stuff and showcase their talents.

Stage & Backstage Rift Overblown

Most often than not, the negative narrative of any event is what drives its review and Tidal Rave was no different and thats understandable  but the fact is; the so-called fracas that ensued at the event was exaggerated.

Unverified and unsolicited social media commentaries plus unwarranted reports from established portals almost took us back to 2020, to re-ignite another Sarkodie-Stonebwoy rift.

It took over a year to mend that relationship between the two stars and in reality, even after making up; their association has not been as affectionate as it used to be and it would have been disastrous to have the industry plunged into yet another unnecessary rift.

After all the clarifications from everybody that mattered in the misunderstanding, it is clear that there was some confusion over timing of artiste participation etc. but that was not anything critical to drive the narrative in the review of the event.

Theres been lots of misunderstandings that have ensued at the backstage and on-stage for major events across the world and what transpired at Tidal Rave Festival was the least of the major incidents that have happened on both the local and international stage.

Protect the Narrative

Echo House proved their mettle with that stellar showing last weekend but just like many other event planners, they go to bed after counting their losses or gains without paying attention to the direction of the reviews of their respective events.

With the plethora of definitive incidents and elements that were exhibited at the Festival, it was important for Echo House to have a say in the positive chronicling of the event. Tell your story!

Inasmuch as the organisers need to control the narrative, as stakeholders of the media and of the industry, it is also our core responsibility to also project the positives more  especially when such events need all the succour to offer opportunities to vendors, musicians, and every other player in the food chain. Let protectionism be the ultimate goal.
Old Volta Barracks Boys and Girls donates to alma mater

Alberto Mario Noretti Education Nov - 14 - 2023 , 08:20

The 1970-1990s year-group of the Old Volta Barracks Boys and Girls has built a water system at a cost of GH30,000 to serve the washroom of the 7 Garrison Primary and Junior High School at the Volta Barracks in Ho.

The facility was handed over to the school authorities at a brief ceremony at the barracks last week.

The President of the group, Andrews A. Tagoe, said the gesture was to promote a high standard of cleanliness in the alma mater of the group.

He said the group had a membership of more than 100 in Ghana and the diaspora, ready to assist in raising the flag of the school to greater heights.

The water system

This school has moulded us into men and women of substance, and it is only proper we also support the school now with some of its basic needs, Mr Tagoe said.

He said the group would continue to be in constant touch with the school to identify its needs and respond accordingly.

Mr Tagoe announced plans by the group to fix ceiling fans in all 25 classrooms of the school.

So, there are many more good tidings in the pipeline for the school, he added.

The Garrison Education Warrant Officer, W.O. 1, Raymond Anetan, for his part, expressed appreciation for the gesture, which he described as touching and timely.
Techiman SHS cries for more facilities at 60th anniversary

Emmanuel Bonney Education Nov - 14 - 2023 , 08:08

Education produces the requisite human resource for the development of any country.

It is as a result of this that all the necessary facilities and infrastructure will have to be made available for the realisation of the objective of producing quality human resources to drive national development efforts.

Over the years, a number of institutions have offered education to Ghanaian children throughout the country.

One of the institutions that has distinguished itself in doing that is the Techiman Senior High School (SHS) in the Bono East Region.

It is an institution that has set as its target, not only to deliver education to Ghanaian children, but to shape their lives, build their confidence and prepare them adequately for tertiary education and for life in general.

This is to ensure that as and when they come out of school, they would be well-baked and grounded to excel in the fields they would find themselves.

The school indeed believes in the holistic development for youngsters that pass through it to enable them to fit well into society and contribute to the development of the country.

This is to ensure that they bring pride not only to themselves but their families and school.

Double track

The Techiman SHS is one of the schools in the country that runs the double track system that was introduced to cater for the large number of students that select the school.

The mixed second cycle school, with a boarding facility for males and female, currently has a total population of 3,279 students.

The total staff, both teaching and non-teaching, stands at 234.

With the motto of NIHIL NISI OPTIMUM (in Latin, meaning NOTHING BUT THE BEST), it is also christened SUPER TESS.

History

The Techiman SHS was officially established on November 1, 1963 as one of the schools that was built through Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumahs Ghana Education Trust Schools policy with the support from the then Omanhene of Techiman, Nana Kwakye Ameyaw II.

The first headmaster of the school was A.V Acquah, with a students enrolment of 71, comprising 53 boys and 18 girls.

Throughout the years, the school has produced prominent personalities who have played various roles in the country, including the fields of politics, sports, media, chieftaincy, law, academia, business, health and the security services, among others.

Notable among them are Prof. Augustine Kwasi Fosu (Senior Research Fellow, Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research, University of Ghana) and Justina Owusu Banahene (Bono Regional Minister), Nana Afari Minta (Chief of Chiraa).

Others are the Member of Parliament for Tano South, Dr Benjamin Yeboah Sekyyere, Benjamin Yaw Gyarko (Municipal Chief Executive Techiman Municipal Assembly), Prof. Joe Mensah (York University, Canada), Kwame Ntow Fianko, Major General (rtd) Opoku Adusei (Former Chief of Army Staff); Dr Clement Oppong (Korle Bu Teaching Hospital), Rose Gyimah Brempong (Immediate Past Senior Vice-President, Bank of America, USA), ACP Annor Arhin (Ashanti-North Regional Commander), Emmanuel Kwasi Anyimadu (Former Clerk of Parliament of Ghana), among others.

The headmaster of the school, Gabriel Ofosu-Mensah, told the Daily Graphic that 60 years in the life of a school like the Techiman SHS was quite monumental as a lot had been done over the years.

However, he said the school was bedevilled with a lot of challenges, and that top of the agenda was the road network in the school, which were not in good shape.

Apart from that the existing facilities need serious renovation.

Aside from that we lack a lot of infrastructure such as dormitories for boys and girls, classrooms, and on a more serious note pieces of furniture, he said.

Input

Making an input to the issue, the Assistant Head in charge of Administration of the school, Eunice Owusuaa Ababio, said the construction of at least two storey dormitory facilities for both male and female students would be ideal to deal with the congestion in the school.

She said the large number of students was having a lot of stress on the limited facilities in the school and cited the place of convenience as an example.

A host of activities were lined up to climax the 60th anniversary celebrations.

The celebrations began from April 28, 2023 and is expected to end with a grand durbar and thanksgiving ceremony on November 11 and 12, 2023 respectively.

The Speaker for the occasion would be Prof. Augustine Kwasi Fosu while the Guest Speaker will be the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

Other guests include the Minister of Education, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum; the Omanhene of Techiman Traditional Council and also a Council of State Member, Oseadey Nana Akumfi Ameyaw IV; the MP for Techiman South, Martin Adjei Mensah Korsah, and the MCE of the Techiman Municipality, Benjamin Gyarko.

The celebration is on the theme: TESS @ 60; Delivering quality education for life in our challenging society.

The role of stakeholders.
Record number of Ghanaian students studying in the US in 2023

Graphic.com.gh Education Nov - 14 - 2023 , 09:35

A record-breaking 6,468 Ghanaians studied in the United States in 2022-2023. That is a massive 31.6 percent increase compared the previous year the United States (US) Embassy in Ghana has stated.

Also, Ghanaian students earned nearly US$9 million in scholarships to more than 700 higher educational institutions in all 50 states, the Embassy added.

This number, that travelled to study graduate programmes at American universities for the 2022-2023 academic year, according to the Embassy, was unprecedented.

In the 2021-2022 academic year (4,140) Ghanaians travelled to the US for study.

The embassy, in a tweet on Monday, November 13, 2023, also stated that 4,916 Ghanaians travelled to the US to take university undergraduate programmes.

It indicated that Ghana is now the 14th largest contributor to the number of graduate foreign students in the US, rising from its previous 18th position.

In terms of the overall number of foreign students in America, Ghana ranked 23rd in terms of countries with the largest number of students.

"A record-breaking 6,468 Ghanaians studied in the United States in 2022-2023! That's a massive 31.6% increase!" the Embassy stated in a press release.

A record-breaking 6,468 Ghanaians studied in the United States in 2022-2023! That's a massive 31.6% increase! Also, Ghanaian students earned nearly $9 million in scholarships to more than 700 higher educational institutions in all 50 states.

https://t.co/fGAOrxaeW9 pic.twitter.com/Q6DbsnzhhH  U.S. Embassy Ghana (@USEmbassyGhana) November 13, 2023

Increasingly large numbers of Ghanaian students are choosing the United States as their undergraduate and graduate study destination of choice, according to the 2023 Open Doors Report published today. More than 6,400 Ghanaian students studied in the United States in the 2022-2023 academic year, representing a 31 percent jump over the last academic year. The Open Doors Report is published annually by the Institute of International Education (IIE), analyzing the number of international students in the United States.

U.S. colleges and universities offer world-class educational opportunities and Ghanaian students in the United States are deepening the ties of friendship, family, and business between our countries. We are so happy to see Ghanaians seeking to learn, develop their skills, and return to Ghana to benefit their communities, said U.S. Ambassador to Ghana Virginia Palmer.

Ghana is now in the top 25 countries worldwide for sending students to the United States. According to the 2023 Open Doors Report, a total of 6,468 Ghanaians studied in the United States in 2022-2023  an increase of 31.6 percent and an all-time record. Ghanaians in graduate degree programs totaled 4,140, a 38 percent increase over last year, making Ghana the 14th largest sender of graduate students to the United States. Last year, Ghanaian students earned nearly $9 million in scholarships to more than 700 higher educational institutions in all 50 states. To help meet the growing demand, the U.S. Embassy processed a record number of student visa cases in the last fiscal year.

The United States remains the top destination for international students with over one million (1,057,188) international students in academic year 2022-2023, which is a 12 percent increase over the previous year. The majority of international students in the United States study in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields; math and computer science continued to grow as the leading field of study for international students in 2022/23.

This year, U.S. Embassy Ghana hosted the two largest EducationUSA college fairs ever held in Ghana in Accra and Kumasi, which attracted more than 13,000 students, parents, and academic professionals.

The U.S. Embassy guides qualified individuals to be successful applicants to U.S. colleges and universities through EducationUSA, the U.S. Department of States network of education advisers. Ghana currently has two EducationUSA Advising Centers at the U.S. Embassy in Accra and at ACE Consult in Asokwa, Kumasi. EducationUSA Advisors work with students in-person and virtually to enhance understanding of the college or university application process to be successful applicants. Over the last year, EducationUSA advisers from the Accra and Kumasi- based centers helped thousands of Ghanaian students apply for admissions to hundreds of accredited U.S. institutions of higher learning.
CSOs urge government to scrap taxes on sanitary pads

Vincent Amenuveve Nov - 14 - 2023 , 07:59

The government must take immediate steps to scrap taxes on sanitary pads in the 2024 Budget and Economic Policy statement to be presented to Parliament tomorrow, the Civil Society Platform on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has advocated.

The organisation argued that the taxes, made up of 20 per cent import tax and 15 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT), had translated to a higher cost for the necessity from an average of GH7 to the current average cost of GH30 which was beyond the reach of many young girls and women.

It was also affecting their learning hours, health and personal hygiene, the platform maintained.

So, a Ghanaian woman or girl may require more than one sanitary pad depending on her flow per period cycle.

The minimum cost of one pack of the pad, GH20, is higher than the current National Minimum wage of GH14.88 the civil society organisations (CSOs) emphasised.

A youth advocate, Angel Cudjoe, articulated the demands of the CSOs at a press conference in Accra yesterday.

The event was to drum home the need for government to bring finality to the issue of scrapping taxes on sanitary pads as the Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, prepares to lay the 2024 Budget Statement and Economic Policy of the government before Parliament tomorrow.

The platform of 115 CSOs started the campaign in May this year, with the expectation that the 2024 Budget Statement would scrap the taxes.

Harmonised system

It said under the harmonised system code 9619001000, sanitary pads were classified as miscellaneous manufactured articles which subjected them to a myriad of taxes including import and statutory levies.

The platform further indicated that it meant that under the current tax regime, taxes were imposed on a biological necessity that women had no control over, thereby, making sanitary pads unaffordable and inaccessible, especially to low-income households.

The cascading effect of this situation on girls lives are dire influencing their ability to participate in formal economy to improve their livelihoods and thus widen the gender and income inequalities, it stated.

Subsidise prices

It said additionally, government should develop an initiative, in collaboration with development partners and private entities, to subsidise the cost of sanitary pads whether locally manufactured or imported just as it was being done for condoms.

Funding should be increased for functional Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) services in schools throughout the country, the platform added.

It urged the government to ensure a 10 per cent increase in budgetary allocation to all metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies (MMDAs) to enable them to provide separate WASH facilities for boys and girls that met the WASH standards for all schools in the country.

The platform further called for the introduction of tax reliefs for local manufacturers to produce at minimum costs to ensure affordability of the product on the local market.

It further stressed the need for the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to re-classify raw materials used in producing sanitary pads as medical devices and not under miscellaneous to avoid attracting taxes.

The platform called on the ministries of Finance, Health, Gender, Children and Social Protection to ensure that the demands were implemented because other African countries, such as South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria and Rwanda, had put in place various measures to make the product affordable for women and girls.

Action

A member of the platform, Archibald Adams, said if their demands were not met after the budget was read, a team had been put in place to review and analyse the budget again and advise the organisation accordingly.

He said the organisation would go back to the drawing board and further engage Parliament and other stakeholders on the matter to ensure that the right thing was done.
Capping on IGF undermines operations  Births and Deaths Registry

Nana Konadu Agyeman Nov - 14 - 2023 , 07:31

The Births and Deaths Registry (BDR) has described the retention of 33 per cent of its internally generated funds (IGF) as a major financial constraint undermining its operations across the country.

The registry said per the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 2020 (Act 1027), there was an allocation of 50 per cent of IGF for its operations.

But because of the Ministry of Finance, there is a capping of whatever we generate, and we are able to retain only 33 per cent of what we generate from late registration, verification and other activities, it said.

Lesser revenue

In a presentation at a meeting with the members of the Committee on Local Government and Rural Development of Parliament at its head office in Accra last Thursday, the acting Registrar of Births and Deaths, Henrietta Lamptey, said Unfortunately, the registration of births from zero to 12 months is free of charge.

Now, the focus is to get every child born in Ghana registered and so, the more we focus on this registration, the lesser revenue we can generate, she said.

The committee, led by its chairman, Emmanuel Akwasi Gyamfi, paid a working visit to the office to allow its members to ascertain the challenges facing the registry and the progress it had made since its relocation to the National Association of Local Authorities of Ghana House at Shiashie and the Institute of Local Governance Service at Madina in Accra.

Digitalisation

UNICEF Ghana supported BDR to digitise its early child registration process in 2009, thus every records of zero to 12 months captured since 2009 have been digitised.

Mrs Lamptey said over 24 million hardcopy records of the registry were yet to be digitised into the system.

With such support, the registry had targeted three regions  Eastern, Bono East and Ahafo  to implement an exercise to capture more data on births and deaths.

Relocation

She told the committee that until June 2022, the registry was confined in wooden structures by the sea in Accra, where its operations were hampered by many factors.

However, through the efforts of the local government minister, the registry was allocated the third floor of the National Association of Local Authorities of Ghana and the Institute of Local Government at Madina, where it had its administrative and information and communication (ICT) infrastructure offices (records keeping and searching books) respectively.

In a bid to enhance its operations, the registrar said her outfit had entered into strategic partnerships over the years to support and implement some key activities.

For instance, she said the World Bank was supporting the implementation of the public sector reforms for resource projects, harmonising and improving statistics for West Africa.

Under this, we have made progress with some of the targets that were given to the registry and one of them is the development of a website because we want to go digital to allow people to access our online platform, she said.

Mrs Lamptey indicated that the registry had been operating with different silo ICT systems over the years, but with support from the public sector reforms for resource project, those systems would be harmonised to become one.

We hope that we will have a robust interface because we are now trying to integrate with key agencies such as the National Identification Authority and the Ghana Health Service just as we are having the manual backup to promote interoperable operations, she said.



Community engagements

With low recording of deaths in most communities, she said the registry had been engaging heads of religious bodies, mortuaries and funerals facility agencies and others to bolster birth and death registrations.

We are saying that before you officiate over the burial of any individual, you demand the certification on death, he said.
Catholic Bishops Conference calls for review of Constitution

Albert K. Salia Nov - 14 - 2023 , 06:09

The President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference (GCBC), Most Rev. Matthew K. Gyamfi, has called for a review of the 1992 Constitution in a manner that will make the government work for the good of citizens.

He said the political changes around the African continent was also a wakeup call for amendment of the Constitution and legal system in a peaceful democratic manner.

Delivering the keynote address at the opening ceremony of the plenary of the GCBC in Sunyani yesterday, Most Rev. Gyamfi said it was important that the Constitution reflected the growth and development of the country, especially as the nation prepared for political elections in 2024.

The theme for the plenary, which will be climaxed on Sunday, November 19, 2023, is: Fostering the growth of the Catholic Church in Ghana through collaborative ministry.

The president said after many years of military rule, most citizens longed for constitutional democracy which they expressed the hope would offer them both political and economic development.

Concerns

However, after almost 32 years of what is supposed to be a democratic governance, we all know where we are as a country, he said.

Most Rev. Gyamfi, who is also the Catholic Bishop of Sunyani, said it was common knowledge that neither of the two major political parties, the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) or the National Democratic Congress (NDC), had fared better than the other.

The president also claimed that beneficiaries of the political system were not the people, but politicians and political actors and others in high positions.

The people are witnesses to the accumulated wealth which those in power make in record time as soon as they entered politics.

The people look on helplessly because those in authority are protected by the constitution to do what they do and they are never prosecuted because politicians protect their kind, he added.

Most Rev. Gyamfi further said there had not been significant changes in the economy since the nation discovered oil in commercial quantity.

What happened to the gold and other mineral resources?

Why are most of our roads in such deplorable state?

Why do we keep going to the International Monetary Fund (IMF)?

Why do we keep borrowing so much when we are a rich nation.

Both governments keep borrowing and we are now in deep financial crisis.

Why are we in this economic and financial quagmire? He asked.

Corruption

The president also expressed concern over what he described as massive uncontrolled corruption suffocating the nation.

It appears corruption is legalised.

What should citizens do since the existing form of democracy help only a few and leaves the majority behind.

What about the impunity and arrogance of some politicians and their defence of corruption?

Should the constitution not be changed or bettered for it to work for all citizens instead of for a few?

What about our Parliament, where the interest of the people is sacrificed for personal and party interests?

Why have we not implemented the findings of the Constitutional Review Committee?

Can the governments explain to us why we are in this economic mess?

What explanations can the two political parties give to Ghanaians for the unfavourable agreements we sign on our oil, minerals and power generation, among others?, he further queried.

Investment in media

Most Rev. Gyamfi urged the GCBC to, as a matter of urgency, invest heavily in the traditional and social media to go out into the public space,which is a more effective way of evangelisation in our modern world.

He said it was necessary for the church to re-orient itself to the urgency of the task for its voice to be heard and message proclaimed to all.

To this end, we call on all catholics to donate generously to support the Lumen Christ TV Project currently underway, the president added.

Most Rev. Gyamfi also urged catholics to come up with a more dynamic pastoral approach that addressed the spiritual and other needs of members domiciled in urban areas.
Lets harness nuclear energy for sustainable development - President Akufo-Addo to fellow leaders

Daily Graphic Nov - 14 - 2023 , 05:58

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has urged fellow African leaders and actors to harness nuclear energy to help address Africa's developmental challenges.

Together, let us work and harness the power of nuclear energy to address our energy challenges, promote sustainable development, and ensure a brighter future for generations to come, he added.

The President was speaking at a Gala Dinner at the end of the first-ever US-Africa Nuclear Energy summit and International Framework for Nuclear Energy Co-operation (IFNEC) Ministerial conference in Accra on the theme: "Unlocking Africa's potential through nuclear energy.

The dinner, organised by the Nuclear Power Institute of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy, was attended by ministers of energy, policymakers, technical experts and influencers on nuclear matters from Africa and across the globe.

Energy transition plan

The President said the countrys electricity generation mix, as contained in its energy transition plan, envisaged 30 per cent of electricity production from nuclear energy by 2070.

This strong commitment and position is geared towards clean and affordable electricity to drive our industrialisation agenda.

It is also to position Ghana as a net power exporter in the ECOWAS region through the West African Power Pool, he added.

The President also said the country was critically analysing innovations in small modular reactors (SMRs) and their potential for rapid deployment for clean and affordable energy.

We are currently working with domestic and international experts to study the feasibility of deploying this new technology in Ghana, he said.

Partnership

The President expressed gratitude to the US Government for the partnership in organising the two ministerial events which focussed on the future of nuclear power in Africa.

He said the outcome of the summit must propel the deployment of nuclear technology for power production in Africa since the application of the technology had the potential to expand African economies and also improve lives.

We know nuclear power, with its low carbon footprint, can play a significant role in combating climate change.

As African countries strive to meet their commitments under the Paris Agreement, nuclear power offers a viable solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, while meeting the growing energy demands of our populations, the President said.

He said the outcome of the summit should be effectively disseminated for people to understand the enormous benefits of adopting nuclear technology in transitioning to net zero.

President Akufo-Addo also said it would lay to rest unfounded, popular fears about the safety of nuclear technology.

Significance

The US Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia E. Palmer, reiterated the significance of nuclear power for sustainable development, saying it could drive a clean energy revolution, strengthen energy access and diversity of supply and also fuel industrial development in energy-intensive sectors.

Nuclear energy development demands committed partners, and the US is your 100-year nuclear energy partner, she said.
Speaker advocates regulatory framework to protect religious rights

Nana Konadu Agyeman Nov - 14 - 2023 , 06:36

The Speaker of Parliament has called for the firming up of a regulatory framework that protects religious rights and freedom of individuals, and defines the responsibilities of publicly-financed institutions, particularly in the context of elementary and secondary education.

Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin said the recent tension between religious groups and school regulations was a testament to the urgency of such regulatory framework.

For instance, he said, reports of schools interfering with the religious freedoms of students, such as some schools barring Muslim students from fasting, had highlighted the need for a comprehensive framework that guaranteed the rights of all students, irrespective of their religious beliefs.

Launch of caucus

Launching the Ghana Parliamentary Caucus on Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) in Accra yesterday, Mr Bagbin referenced the two Rastafarian students who were asked to cut their dreadlocks before being admitted to the Achimota School.

Although this is a sensitive topic, we cannot shy away from these difficult and controversial discussions, if we want to move forward and create a society that respects everyone's right to practise his or her religion.

The proposed framework, which has been under development since 2021, is a crucial step towards ensuring that every student has access to education without compromising their religious convictions, he said.

Why caucus?

The caucus will bring together interested Members of Parliament to work with faith leaders, civil society organisations and other bodies to promote a peaceful and tolerant society.

The event, which was organised by the African Centre for Parliamentary Affairs and its partners, brought together some parliamentarians and religious leaders from

The Gambia, Sierra Leone and Malawi, where similar bodies have been set up.

The project, which saw the Speaker of Parliament and other participants sign the Accra Charter on FoRB, was organised with support from the Norwegian Government.

The Speaker said it was time stakeholders worked together to address the gaps or loose ends in religious matters to build a brighter future for the country.

Mr Bagbin said it was imperative that the 1992 Constitution, which unequivocally denounced religious discrimination and guaranteed the right to religious freedom for all individuals, was upheld.

A just and egalitarian society that values diversity and mutual respect is the foundation of progress.

That is why our national education curriculum includes a mandatory religious and moral education course for every child in Ghana, he said.

Mr Bagbin expressed happiness that the coexistence between Christians and Muslims in Ghana remained remarkable, reflecting how the mutual respect and synergy had become a true testament to the unity of their beliefs.

Witnessing an imam attending a church event and gospel ministers donating food items to the Chief Imam during the Muslim fast is heartwarming.

This example of religious tolerance and coexistence should be emulated worldwide.

It is a lesson for all of us and something to be proud of, he said.

He further urged Ghanaians to embrace their differences and refrain from imposing their beliefs on others.

We must bear in mind that having the freedom to practise one's religion does not automatically grant us the right and liberty to ridicule the beliefs of others.

We must respect the diversity of faiths and acknowledge that each one has its value and significance.

We should strive to create an environment where everyone can freely choose their path, he advised.

Working together

The Executive Director of the African Centre for Parliamentary Affairs, Dr Rasheed Draman, said over the years, religious tolerance had been slipping through the hands of a number of countries.

He cited, for instance, how some people in Nigeria had turned religious intolerance into a force for destruction, with grave consequences.

So, we thought of our honourable MPs taking the lead in these efforts.

Accompanied by faith leaders and other civil society actors, our society will be one of tolerance, he said.
Stool Lands inaugurates 10th regional office in Bolgatanga

Gilbert Mawuli Agbey Nov - 14 - 2023 , 07:11

The 10th regional Office of the Administrator of Stool Lands (OASL) has officially been opened in Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region to oversee land administration and other related issues.

Although the office started operations in the region in 2008, it was upgraded in 2012 to a full district office.

It has now been elevated to a regional office with a staff strength of 12.

Speaking at the inauguration of the office, the Administrator of Stool Lands, Maame Ama Edumadze Acquah, said in 2019, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo challenged most institutions, including OASL, to establish new regional offices to bring their services to the doorsteps of the people.

She noted that the elevation of the regional office, with district offices in Bolgatanga, Bawku, Paga, Sandema and Fumbisi, would help deepen OASLs operations in the region, to reach out to diverse stakeholders and clients.

She stated that over the years, the OASL had lived up to its mandate by mobilising skin land revenues from the area and disbursing the same to its beneficiaries for their intended purposes.

Crucial role

Mrs Acquah noted that the crucial role of proper land administration could be over-emphasised, as it was the reason the government was determined to ensure that the land administration system, especially land registration and rental payments was streamlined to make it attractive to prospective investors and lessees.

She mentioned that the OASL was currently collaborating with GIZ to digitalise its operations throughout the country, stressing that this entails spatial identification of property owners or lessees to facilitate the payment of rent.

This is aimed at addressing the fundamental challenges in revenue mobilisation to help achieve the Ghana Beyond Aid Agenda, adding the Upper East office had received its share of development from the skin land revenues over the years.

Haphazard development

Mrs Acquah mentioned that the results of non-adherence to the laid down rules and regulations on customary land management in the region were evidenced in the haphazard nature of settlements.

He said the lack of collaboration, cooperation and greediness, among others, had empowered infiltrators into the allocation of parcels of land to develop without recourse to planning, demarcation, documentation and registration rules.

These challenges can only be dealt with if traditional authorities could resolve their petty differences, stop litigations and close their ranks to work closely with the statutory land institutions and the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC), she pointed out.

Land administration

The Upper East Regional Minister, Stephen Yakubu, said the establishment of the new office would promote and enhance better customary land administration and improve revenue mobilisation, for not only traditional authorities but district assemblies as well, for local development.

He told the office that they were mandated by law to ensure that stool and customary lands were effectively and efficiently managed, which required it to collaborate with relevant stakeholders in all matters relating to lands for the benefit of all.

Further, he called for the creation of land banks for the future execution of development projects by the government, as well as the protection of state lands from encroachment by private individuals.

The Paramount Chief of the Bongo Traditional Area, Naba Baba Salifu Atamale Lemyaarum, who chaired the ceremony, advised chiefs and Tindanas to always work together to end unnecessary tussles between them over land.
Workshop for stakeholders in maritime sector underway in Accra

Della Russel Ocloo Nov - 14 - 2023 , 06:14

A capacity building workshop on how to access and use maritime and financial networks to address developmental needs in countries is underway in Accra.

The five-day regional programme, which forms part of the International Maritime Organisation's (IMO) long-term resource mobilisation strategy, also aims at helping participating countries to create a more interconnected and supportive maritime community to access available resources to address their developmental needs.

It would also enable donor agencies to understand and identify specific needs and demands of recipient countries to build capacity and also support the development of the maritime sector in participating countries in West and Central Africa.

Organised by the IMO in partnership with the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), the workshop is being attended by delegates from Ghana, Cabo Verde, Sao Tome and Principe, Guinea-Bissau, Equatorial Guinea, Liberia, The Gambia, and Nigeria which would share knowledge and seek possible cooperation opportunities in the maritime field, with focus on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Representatives from the national development planning commissions of the participating countries are also in attendance.

Trade and devt

The Director of Partnership and Projects at the IMO, Youngso Kim, said the incorporation of the maritime sector into the overall national development planning policies of countries could significantly boost trade and development.

He said developing countries often lacked the technical expertise and resources to come up with high-quality project proposals and feasibility studies, thus, preventing them from accessing available funds, coupled with the fact that many developing countries were unaware of IMO's funding opportunities.

Maritime projects, Mr Kim said, could help countries achieve their national development goals by improving infrastructure, connectivity, and human capacity, as well as attracting investment that would impact on job creation and also address the overall imbalances in the system.

The director further said the workshop was a platform to increase the chances of funding for members states, as well as support them to develop maritime plans which national development planning agencies would be bound to support.

To address these challenges, the IMO is providing capacity building assistance to developing countries to help them develop the skills and expertise necessary to prepare and submit high-quality project proposals and feasibility studies, he added.

Outcome

A Deputy Director-General of the Ghana Maritime Authority, Yaw Akosa Antwi, said the outcome of the programme would provide practical steps towards a more interconnected and supportive maritime community.

He said it would also create opportunity for regional partners to build bridges and strengthen their networks to enhance a communication regime among partners.

Mr Antwi further said rapid technological advancements, evolving regulatory landscapes, and global challenges required that regional partners pooled their knowledge, expertise and resources so we can address the complex challenges facing the maritime industry more effectively.

He also urged the participants to actively contribute, share experiences and explore potential avenues for collaboration.
Massive uncontrolled corruption suffocating Ghana  Catholic Bishops President

Graphic.com.gh Nov - 14 - 2023 , 10:09

The President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference, Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi says massive uncontrolled corruption is suffocating Ghana.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2023 plenary assembly in the Sunyani Diocese on Monday [November 13, 2023], Rev. Gyamfi expressed concern over the countrys persistent impoverishment despite its status as an oil producer.

He emphasized the debilitating impact of uncontrolled corruption, stating that it seems to be pervasive and almost legalized.

Rev. Gyamfi raised critical questions about the efficacy of the current democratic system, which appears to benefit only a privileged few while leaving the majority of the population behind.

Read also: Catholic Bishops Conference calls for review of Constitution

Additionally, he pointed out the audacious impunity and arrogance displayed by some politicians in defending corrupt practices.

He took a dig at successive governments for the level of deterioration in the country as well as the surge in corruption.

Both governments keep borrowing, and we are now in a deep financial crisis. Why are we in this economic and financial quagmire? The massive uncontrolled corruption is suffocating the nation. It appears corruption is legalized. What should Ghanaians do since the existing form of democracy help only a few and leaves the majority behind? What about the impunity and arrogance of some politicians and their defence of corruption?

Should the constitution not be changed or bettered for it to work for all Ghanaians instead of for a few? Should the legal system not be re-equipped to uproot corruption? What about our Parliament where the interest of the people is sacrificed for personal and party interests? Why have we not implemented the findings of the Constitutional Review Committee?

Can the governments explain to us why we are in this economic mess? What explanations can the two political parties give to Ghanaians for the unfavourable agreements we sign on our oil, minerals, power generation etc.? Countries that have these resources in abundance are rich. Why do we remain poor? Ghanaians no longer accept the old explanations that the Governments of Ghana have been giving.

credit: Citinewsroom.com
Tamale Teaching Hospital launches 50th anniversary

Mohammed Fugu Health Nov - 14 - 2023 , 06:56

The Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH), the first premier tertiary healthcare facility in the Northern part of the country, has hit a landmark of fifty years of existence and operations.

Established in 1974 by the then Head of State, Lt. Col. General Kutu Acheampong, the TTH, which was formerly known as the Tamale General Hospital, was to serve the healthcare needs of the people of Tamale and Northern Ghana at large.

However, the hospital, after its establishment, faced numerous challenges, including the lack of doctors, due to the unwillingness of trained doctors from medical schools to accept postings to the north.

To find a permanent solution to the situation in the Tamale General Hospital, the School of Medicine and Health Sciences of the University for Development Studies (UDS-SMHS) was established.

Fast forward to 2005, the hospital was upgraded to the status of a teaching hospital, making it the third teaching hospital in the country.

Aside from rendering tertiary health care services, the upgrade was also to help with the training of health professionals from UDS-SMHS.

Currently, the once 400-bed capacity hospital has now grown into a status of 812-bed capacity, with a staff workforce of 3,073, offering a comprehensive wide range of specialised services.

Anniversary celebration

To celebrate its successes and take stock of the challenges confronting the facility, the TTH has launched its 50th-anniversary celebration.

The event was attended by a cross-section of current staff, board members, former chief executives, retirees and various stakeholders.

On the theme "TTH@50.

Changing the Narrative: Repositioning for Excellence", the event was used to outline a series of activities that have been planned to mark the year-long celebrations.

Among the activities are a health walk, medical outreach, public forum, fundraising, awards night, fun games and blood donation.

Major transformation

Speaking at the launch of the 50th-anniversary celebration of the facility in Tamale, the Chief Executive Officer of the TTH, Dr Adam Atiku, said since the hospitals upgrade into a tertiary health facility, it had seen major significant transformations, especially in the areas of infrastructure and human resource development, through the continued support of successive governments and partners.

Conspicuous among these have been the completion of Phases I and II of the hospitals expansion and upgrading project works, which saw the renovation of the old hospital structure and the construction of new state-of-the-art service areas such as the Accident & Emergency, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Internal Medicine and Pathology Blocks, among others, he noted.

It is important to put on record that the Tamale Teaching Hospital can attend to about 120,000 out-patients and 20,000 in-patients annually.

The facility also conducts nearly 8,000 deliveries every year," he noted.

Highlighting the successes of the facility, Dr Atiku said the hospital provides specialised services such as endoscopy and dialysis, neurology and neurosurgical, cardiology, endocrinology and oncology and paediatric oncology services.

Other services included dental care, drugs and pharmaceuticals, oxygen supply, trauma and orthopaedics, infectious disease care and diagnostics, including blood services, CT-scan, ultrasound scan, echocardiography and speech therapy.

Challenges

Touching on the challenges, he said the frequent breakdown of essential equipment such as the CT scan, inadequate recovery of costs for services provided, leading to the perennial shortages of consumables as well as the erratic supply of water and electricity to the hospital, were hampering health care delivery.

The critical lack of space for key service areas such as Paediatrics & Child Health and Mental Health services, as well as the unavailability of services and equipment such as an MRI machine, mammograms, fluoroscopy machines, a CathLab and radio-oncology services, have left yawning gaps in the services the hospital is expected to provide as a tertiary facility, he said.

For his part, the Deputy Minister for Health and Member of Parliament for Daboya, Mahama Asei Seini, said that the TTH's contribution towards healthcare delivery in the country was remarkable.

As we commemorate this historic achievement, it is crucial to recognise the dedication and hard work of the physicians, nurses and entire staff who have given their best to offer patients compassionate care.

Your altruism and steadfast dedication to the community's wellbeing are genuinely admirable, he noted.

Collaboration

The Northern Regional Minister, Shani Alhassan Shaibu, called on development partners and stakeholders, including corporate bodies and benevolent and patriotic individuals, to collaborate to support the healthcare needs of the people.

The Overlord of Dagbon, Ya-Na in a speech read on his behalf by the Chief of Zangbalun, Naa Dr Jacob Mahama, commended the staff of the hospital for all the sacrifices and toils they have made over the years in keeping the hospital going.
Lawyer declares intention to contest NPP Bekwai Parliamentary primary

Emmanuel Ebo Hawkson Politics Nov - 14 - 2023 , 07:03

A private legal practitioner, Ralph Poku-Adusei, has declared his intention to contest in the governing New Patriotic Partys (NPP) parliamentary primary in Bekwai in the Ashanti Region.

Mr PokuAdusei, a lawyer with over 13 years experience, is hoping to clinch the ticket of the NPP during the primaries slated for January 20, 2024, and win the parliamentary seat for the Bekwai Constituency in the 2024 general election.

The Bekwai Constituency, a stronghold of the NPP, is currently being held by the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Joseph Osei Owusu, who has declared his decision not to contest again after 16 years in Parliament.

Vision

A UK trained lawyer, Mr Poku-Adusei is also a businessman with interest in real estate and financial services, as well as a philanthropist who uses his Poku-Adusei Foundation as a vehicle to support the poor and disadvantaged in society.

In an interview with the media, Mr Poku-Adusei said as an indigene of Bekwai who lived there during his formative years and constantly went back home, he understood the challenges facing the constituency, and as such was in the best position to help tackle those challenges.

According to him, when given the honour of serving the people of Bekwai, he would use his position as a legislator to lobby and work with other stakeholders to improve the livelihoods of the people of the constituency.

For instance, he said he would prioritise the improvement of education in the constituency as a foundation to break the cycle of poverty by increasing access and quality.

My vision is to lobby the government and also use my own contacts and links in the private sector to get scholarships and sponsorships to enhance education in the Bekwai constituency, he said.

Apart from education, he said he would also promote sustainable livelihoods by using his influence to attract businesses to Bekwai to increase employment, while also supporting entrepreneurship, skill development for job creation and sustainable development.

Another area, he said, was to lobby and get support for farmers to help improve healthcare and other infrastructural development in the constituency.

Mr Poku-Adusei said he had also observed that many people in the constituency became destitute in their old age due to the lack of pension or any social net to support them.

When given the honour to serve, I intend to intensify pension education and encourage my constituents to contribute either formally or informally to SSNIT.

Further, I intend to set up a cooperative society for the benefit of the people, he said.

Support for NPP

On why NPP delegates should elect him as the parliamentary candidate, Mr Poku-Adusei said he was a strong believer in the ideals of the NPP, and had consistently supported the party, especially in the Bekwai Constituency.

For instance, he said during last years Christmas celebrations, he donated more than GH200,000 and 1,000 bags of rice to members of the party in the constituency, including financial support for the aged members, and repeated a similar feat during this years Easter celebration by donating GH100,000.

With regard to support for the Bekwai Municipality, Mr Poku-Adusei said he had embarked on numerous interventions to support the development of the municipality, including the presentation of motorbikes to the Bekwai District Police, the renovation of an abandoned structure as offices for the National Ambulance Service, schools and the creation of jobs for about 300 youth through the Amansie Youth Project.
Parliament gets busy this week ...As Finance Minister presents budget tomorrow

Daniel Kenu Politics Nov - 14 - 2023 , 06:43

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, is scheduled to present the Budget Statement and Economic Policy of the government for the 2024 financial year tomorrow, Wednesday, November 15, 2023.

The presentation is in accordance with Article 179 of the 1992 Constitution.

The budget presentation would be the highlight of this week's activities in Parliament which will be followed by a post-budget workshop on Saturday at the Parliament House in Accra.

Schedule

The Deputy Majority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who presented the Business Statement to the House last Friday, said the Minister of Energy, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, was expected back in Parliament together with officials of the Volta River Authority (VRA) to a make a comprehensive presentation on the Akosombo and Kpong Dams spillage and its effects on the lives of the indigenes today.

Dr Opoku Prempeh was in Parliament last Wednesday to apprise the House but it appeared his answers were not detailed.

Other ministers

Mr Afenyo-Markin said the Business Committee had also invited the Ministers of Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong, Health, Kwaku Agyeman-Manu, Sanitation and Water Resources, Dr Freda Prempeh, to also appear on the same date on to put across measures being taken by their respective ministries to alleviate the plight of the communities affected by the spillage.

The National Security Minister, Albert Kan-Dapaah, who was expected in the House last week but failed to appear, is rescheduled to report today on military brutalities meted out to some residents of Garu and Tempane in the Upper East Region.

Also, on the bill to brief the House on other national issues are the Ministers of Attorney-General and Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, Education, Dr Osei Yaw Adutwum, Interior, Ambrose Dery, and Roads and Highways, Kwasi Amoako-Attah.

Altogether, the invited ministers are to answer 49 questions, including 11 urgent ones.

Questions

The questions include one by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament (MP) for Lower Manya Krobo, Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi, on the status of the prosecution of the Chief Executive of defunct Menzgold Company, Nana Appiah Mensah (Nam 1).

It also includes one by the NDC MP for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, on government's legal position on the plight of the people of Santrokofi, Akpafu, Likpe and Lolobi (SALL) as they do not have representation in the current Parliament.

Mr Afenyo-Markin said the Business Committee also recommended to the House to have an extended sitting to ensure that businesses scheduled for the week under consideration were completed.
I'm starting an ethanol plant in Volta, Central regions in 2024 as reward for support - Ken Agyapong

Enoch Darfah Frimpong Politics Nov - 14 - 2023 , 08:28

"My first ethanol plant of 200,000 litres a day capacity, will be built in the Volta Region, and construction is starting next year [2024], the Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong has said.

He said the Central Region will also not be left out and that another 200,000 litres capacity a day, will also be constructed concurrently with the one in the Volta Region.

Ethanol plant in Ghana

Ethanol is a domestically produced alternative fuel most commonly made from corn. It is also made from cellulosic feedstocks, such as crop residues and wood - though this is not very common.

The production method of ethanol depends on the type of feedstock used. The process is shorter for starch or sugar-based feedstocks than with cellulosic feedstocks.

Ethanol is an important industrial chemical used as a solvent, in the synthesis of other organic chemicals.

It is used in the manufacture of alcoholic beverages, used as a solvent in paints, varnishes, gums, resins and as a substitute for petrol (power alcohol).

'Showdown' thanksgiving party

Mr Agyapong explained the decision to construct the plants in Volta and Central regions was to show appreciation for the massive support the two regions offered him during the recent New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential primary, where he got more votes in those two regions than the winner and Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.

Mr Agyapong was speaking at a "Showdown" thanksgiving party for his coordinators and supports in Accra on Saturday [Nov 11, 2023].

Related: No major decision can be taken without consulting us, we now control one-third of NPP - Ken Agyapong

"Let me the thank the delegates in Volta Region for their wonderful performance, and my own Central Region, these two regions have really supported me... I want to tell the people of Volta region that I'm going to reward them back with an ethanol plant," Mr Agyapong said.

"I called you here [to this party] to thank the delegates in the Volta Region for the wonderful performance. Again, I also take this opportunity to thank my own region, Central Region."

He said the two regions honoured him with the massive support and that for the Volta Region in particular, the support shown him was "going to be rewarded back."

"By next year [as I was telling you] when we were going round [campaign], I was telling delegates and Ghanaians my vision, and I will start this vision from the Volta Region. My first ethanol plant, 200,000 litres a day capacity will be built in Volta Region. And yesterday, I had a good news, and I am talk and do, and so when I say I'm gonna do it, I'll do it."

"Yesterday I talked to friends and surprisingly they are all NDC [members], but they appreciate my vision and they've already gotten about 10,000 acres [of] land for me and I am asking for more because each plant, that will give you 200,000 litres a day ethanol will need 12,500 acres and I know the way they have embraced me, we are going to do it together."

"And Central Region, you know I have big dreams, I want all of you to be cheerful because the Bible says man shall not live by bread alone, so without politics I assure you, we will succeed. And this time I'm going to do it together with you.

"Another project is going to Central Region. And I'm going to do both factories concurrently. I will make sure I do it. So you should have hope that when one door closes, the other is opened, so let's keep hope alive, lets keep faith alive that in the next three, four years, we will give them another showdown, God bless you."

The Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia was on November 4, 2023 elected to lead the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for Election 2024 as flagbearer.
The Port Authority of Guam on Tuesday announced the successful repair and return to service of all three gantry cranes.

In a news release, the port said the cranes are back online after Gantry 4 was out of service for three days to replace a faulty aftercooler, Gantry 5 was offline for eight days due to mechanical issues that has been addressed with a genset replacement, and Gantry 6 was offline for four hours on Nov. 8 after an electrical cable shorted and blew a fuse.

These incidents highlight the Ports important role in supporting not only the islands commercial and economic activities, but also its critical role in military readiness in the face of geopolitical threats.

For the past five years, the Leon Guerrero-Tenorio administration has been working to explore possibilities for replacing the Ports 3 aging STS gantry cranes and various yard equipment, which no plan was set in place prior to Jan. 8, 2019.

The Ports gantry cranes are more than 40 years old and were manufactured in 1983/1984 and belonged to the Port of Los Angeles. The Port of Guam acquired the used cranes from the Port of LA, which were refurbished, and brought to Guam in 2009.

Based on consultant reports, the cranes will reach the end of their expected service life and will need to be replaced next year. The acquisition of new STS gantry cranes would be the first new cranes the Port would procure in its 48 years of autonomy as past and current cranes have been second-hand equipment owned by other American ports.

Our efforts have included an aggressive approach by Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero, Lt. Gov. Josh Tenorio, and even in all of our participation in national forums and face-to-face meetings with federal partners in past years, Port General Manager Rory J. Respicio said in a statement.

He said the port has been proactively communicating with the Department of Defense, Department of Transportation (MARAD), FEMA, INDOPACOM, key House and Senate members, and the Joint Region Marianas, emphasizing the crucial need for robust infrastructure support as a matter of commerce, economic growth and now more than ever national security with growing geopolitical tensions.

He said the downtime experienced by all three of the ports gantry cranes serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in throughput capacity that will impact military readiness programs.

As a strategic asset in the national supply chain, the Port Authority of Guam, which is also a designated strategic port, plays an essential role in ensuring the effectiveness and readiness of military operations, he said. The recent disruption of all three downed STS gantry cranes has highlighted the urgent need for the Department of Defense to consider these gaps in infrastructure elements as critical components in their operational budget and to allocate sufficient funds as mitigation efforts to safeguard against such vulnerabilities.

He said the successful repair of the gantry cranes was achieved through the dedicated efforts of the ports maintenance team, whose expertise and commitment ensured minimal disruption to our vessel operations.

This incident reinforces the need for a broader strategic approach to infrastructure resilience, one that integrates the requirements of national defense logistics, he said.

The port, he said, remains committed to working closely with the Department of Defense and other stakeholders to ensure that our infrastructure is not only capable of supporting commercial activities but is also resilient enough to meet the demands of national security imperatives.
Anita Borja Enriquez remembers her poverty-stricken childhood well, when water seeped through holes in her hand-me-down shoes after it rained, to cleaning restroom toilets in exchange for hot lunches and Blue Seal milk that her mother could not afford.

Her family didnt have the means to buy many books so she borrowed a lot from the Hagat Public Library.

She educated herself. In school, she studied hard.

Fast forward to today. Enriquez is now the president of the University of Guam, which has so far produced some 20,000 graduates and where some 3,000 students are currently pursuing their higher education.

On Tuesday afternoon, hundreds of dignitaries, former and current colleagues, friends and students traveled near and far to witness Enriquezs investiture as the 12th president of UOG.

As a first generation college student, I know the importance of having access to an affordable education, as a means to transform my path and improve upon my livelihood, Enriquez told the crowd gathered at the UOG Calvo Field House.

What she shared about herself wasnt what one can find in her official biography or her resume.

Its about my earliest memories of what shaped my commitment to education, to our precious community on Guam and in the region, she said.

At an early age, she learned the importance of hard work and that if one wanted positive change in life, education, particularly higher education, was critical.

And so its important to me that you have the means to succeed because so often, the odds are stacked high. I am you and you are me, Enriquez said.

Enriquez also honed in on the importance of dynamic partnerships that allow the university to grow and achieve even more.

Whether it be helping to mitigate harmful effects of climate change in marine science, protecting our natural resources from invasive species, optimizing the value of drone technology and artificial intelligence, building upon data science and cybersecurity capacities, building capacities to support construction and development through civil engineering, supporting all professions and industries through our business, cultural, health, social and STEM pathways , or leveraging the expertise of our faculty, our researches, our scientists working in concert with our students to engage in research, innovations and solutions  dynamic, respectful and balanced partnerships are critical, Enriquez said.

The UOG president outlined some of the new programs and facilities that will be opened in the years to come.

In her remarks, she tackled the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and Typhoon Mawar on education and the economy, and how the university has navigated and will navigate all these challenges.

She also called upon the resiliency of Guam residents.

Speaker Therese Terlaje, in a video message at Enriquezs investiture, said this is a very proud day for all of us, especially us, CHamoru women, and I very much look forward to President Anitas continued bold leadership and resourcefulness in supporting women in higher education.

Terlaje said she was a young lawyer when she and Enriquez first crossed paths. Enriquez was a young entrepreneur at the time.

Enriquez is an entrepreneur, former corporate planning and development manager, and management consultant, and a staunch advocate for developing economies and building social mobility and local capacity among students and residents in small island communities.

In three decades, Enriquez has done a lot for the community and UOG, including launching the professional MBA program to raising the universitys graduation rates.

Prior to the presidency, she was senior vice president and provost for UOG.

Enriquez is married to Noel Enriquez and has three children and two granddaughters.

The UOG Board of Regents selected Enriquez in June. There were 31 local, national, and international applicants for the job. They were narrowed down to three.

Enriquez started work on Aug. 5. Her predecessor, Thomas W. Krise, retired from his post effective that date.

On Tuesday, Krise introduced Enriquez to the crowd.

Chief Justice Robert J. Torres, who officiated the actual investiture, expressed confidence in Enriquezs leadership as he described UOGs role as a beacon of knowledge, island wisdom and academic excellence in the Western Pacific region.

As we celebrate her investiture, we also celebrate the invaluable role that educational institutions like the University of Guam play in shaping not only young minds but the very foundation of our justice system, Torres said in a recorded message. The effective administration of justice relies on an educated and informed community.

The investiture program in itself was full of symbolism  from the healing chants to the presentation of the presidential collar and university mace.

Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero, in a video message, said Enriquezs leadership, tenacity, compassion and determination will move UOGs stature to greater heights.

With her passion for commerce, trade and women equality, she certainly will be seen more as a pillar of the University of Guam in moving UOG toward prosperity, resilience and economic growth, the governor said. Anita...we will support you in any way we can to meet the mission of the University of Guam.

Del. James Moylan also pledged support to Enriquez and UOG.
Del. Jim Moylan is in talks with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency about stepping in to handle regulations of the $11 billion worth of military buildup construction and other projects over the next several years.

The delegate is also seeking larger Guam presence for other federal agencies such as the Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Getting the US EPA on board to do behind-the-fence inspections will hopefully relieve some pressure on the Guam Environmental Protection Agency, said Moylans chief of staff, Bobby Shringi.

Shringi said Moylans office is hoping to get US EPA involved through an amendment to the 2025 national defense budget.

Guam EPA will be responsible for stopping erosion, water contamination, and hazardous waste dumping on- and off- base through the buildup, he said.

Theyre not just inspecting anything inside the fence, theyre also doing it outside the fence. If youre trying to build a home, trying to build on the commercial side, youre trying to build a school, for example, you need (Guam) EPA inspections, but right now theyre overwhelmed because the responsibilities have grown, Shringi told the Pacific Daily News.

Acting Guam EPA Administrator Nic Rupley Lee on Monday said the local agency had yet to have any discussions with the delegate about getting aid from their federal counterpart, but the discussion was welcome.

Guam EPA, in comments submitted to the Missile Defense Agency this year, stated they were completely overwhelmed with trying to keep up with the permitting and inspections created by the military buildup. Better paid on-base construction work was sucking up the engineering and inspection staff that Guam EPA needed, the agency noted.

Department of Defense contractors have been cited for environmental violations in the past, like last year, when a company installing sewer infrastructure near Polaris Point failed to put in proper erosion controls and was fined $98,000 by Guam EPA.

But the local agency has also caught flak from senators for failure to enforce regulations outside the fence.

Notably in 2021, Guam EPA did not identify erosion control violations at the Mangilao solar project before it caused damage to the historic Marbo Cave and other surrounding properties.

Heres the reality: GovGuam doesnt have the ample resources, Shringi told the PDN. So when we are talking to federal EPA about it, and we had a really good meeting with the regional administrator a couple of months ago, and this is a conversation thats just starting, and its growing.

Moylan said he has had the same conversation with Joint Region Marianas Commander Rear Adm. Gregory Huffman, as well as his predecessor, about pushing for US EPA to have an increased presence on Guam.

They want to work together, that I feel confident with. Now, its just a matter of keeping that in front of them. And thats our job to get that done, Moylan said.

According to Shringi, a larger federal presence is being sought with other agencies as well, and the delegates office has also been communicating with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement, among others.

Having more federal entities permanently on island to help GovGuam would be positive, Shringi said.

I think we just need to hear more from GovGuam, in terms of what they need, he added.
Over 60% of surveyed employers indicated they would take to laying off employees, delaying hiring, or delaying promotions if the federal government mandates that salaried, white-collar employees making under $55,068 annually get overtime.

Thats according to the Guam Chapter of the Society of Human Resources, or SHRM, in a letter asking the U.S. Department of Labor for more time to comment on a proposed federal rule.

Guam employers will be forced to make equally drastic staffing changes in order to stay in business, according to organization president Yolanda Padrones, and president-elect attorney Vincent Camacho, who signed off on the correspondence.

Federal overtime protections require that certain salaried employees, usually office and administrative workers, dont have to get paid time-and-a-half for working over 40 hours a week if they get paid at least a certain amount.

Stateside, the cutoff is $35,568 annually. On Guam, it is just $23,660 annually.

US DOL wants to raise the threshold to $55,068.

Almost half of all the salaried, overtime-exempt workers at businesses surveyed by SHRM make less than that amount.

SHRM, which claims over 200 members, is one of three local employer organizations asking for a phase in to the drastic increase, which would essentially double the overtime cutoff.

SHRM Guam is not opposed to an increase in Guams minimum salary level. But abruptly increasing it to more than double the current level in Guam will have distinctly negative consequences to employees who live and work here, the organization wrote.

Survey data shows that the rule wont actually secure more protections for white collar workers, SHRM stated.

About 84% of employers surveyed indicated they would move workers from being salaried to hourly positions, if the change went through.

Many formerly exempt salaried employees will lose their jobs and those who are reclassified as non-exempt will have less flexibility in their work schedules and added pressure to maintain the same level of productivity even with reduced hours. Employees who for years have been exempt managers with flexible hours and schedules will now have to punch a time clock. Many of these employees will consider this a demotion, SHRM stated.

Small businesses will feel the worst of the effects, the organization wrote.

Surveyed companies with less than 100 employees have on average 36% of their workforce salaried and overtime exempt, a higher percentage than companies of any other size.

Companies with 501-1,000 employees have the next highest percentage of salaried, exempt workers, at 29%.

Heres how much money companies said the increased overtime threshold would cost them:

70% responded that it will cost their company more than $100,000 in additional labor costs annually.

23% expect up to $250,000 in additional labor costs annually.

25% expect up to $500,000.

16% expect of to $750,000.

7% expect up to $1 million or more.

SHRM asked for an additional 60 days to provide the labor department with more data about the impact of the change.

The society noted that federal courts blocked US DOL when the agency attempted to basically double the salary exemption cutoff for stateside employers back in 2016.

The Guam Hotel and Restaurant Association, which claims about 300 members, also wrote US DOL. They argued the new rule would force employers to make sweeping changes, regardless of company size.

It is our sincere hope that USDOL will consider the extension on the comment period and a tiered, incremental increase for U.S. territories to the current standard salary level of $35,568 annually and not the level of $55,068 annually under the proposed rule change, GHRA President Mary Rhodes stated.

Rhodes said while unemployment numbers on Guam are slightly above 4%, about a third of the population was not factored in an alarming statistic.

Local employment surveys indicated about 50,390 people did not want a job, the PDN reported.

The Employers Council for Guam said the proposal from the federal labor department showed a gaping lack of research.

There was not any solicitation of input from a single stakeholder, public or private, in Guam. The Employers Council confirmed with the Guam Department of Labor, the Governors Office, and the Congressmans Office, as well as numerous private organizations, such as the Guam Chamber of Commerce and the Guam Hotel and Restaurant Association, and not one was aware of the proposal nor were they contacted for any information or data, wrote Council Executive Director Catherine Denight Gayle.

GHRA said all three letters were also sent to Guam Del. Jim Moylan and the Guam Department of Labor.
Todu Guam Foundation received $200,000 funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the largest American philanthropic organization focused on health equity, so that the local entity can sustain its post-Typhoon Mawar disaster medical outreach response.

We are very thankful and honored to have received this assistance from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Their contribution was an unexpected blessing and a morale booster for our staff and volunteer corps, Lena Calvo Rodriguez, president and CEO of Todu Guam Foundation, said.

Rodriguez said RWJFs assistance will allow Todu Guam to continue its work to address the health disparities many on Guam are experiencing, and that have been exacerbated by Typhoon Mawar.

Todu Guam Foundation is registered locally and nationally as a 501(3) non-profit organization, created to bridge the gaps in accessing basic healthcare, education, and support to thousands of underserved Guam residents.

It provides community support services to underserved Guam residents through the following programs: Mobile Care Clinic, CARES Program, Patient Navigation and Financial Assistance Program, Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Initiatives, the Hinemlo Para I Famalaoan (Healing for Women) Program and the Mobile Food Pantry Pilot Program.

Following the destruction caused by Typhoon Mawar in May, Todu Guam mobilized its medical professional team and members of its volunteer corps to provide non-emergent medical and disaster-related services.

They were deployed to the Government of Guam emergency disaster shelters in Dededo, which housed residents from the northern villages of Dededo and Yigo.

A dedicated team was also dispatched to Swamp Road, Gill-Baza/Cyfred, the Gill-Breeze subdivisions, and other multi-generational housing areas in Dededo and Yigo, respectively.

Its been over two decades since weve seen this type of destruction from a typhoon, and we quickly realized that many of our people, especially those living in substandard structures would be badly affected, Rodriguez said.

Volunteers were asked to come in and mobilize to provide disaster related assistance.

There were no questions asked. No hesitations from my team. Despite their own homes having no power and water, they were all ready to help our community, she said.

As national and international news networks reported on the devastation Mawar brought upon Guam, RWJF quickly set eyes on how to provide assistance to Guam, Todu Guam said in a news release.

After reviewing the mission of the Todu Guam Foundation and the work it was providing in response to Typhoon Mawars disaster, the RWJF supported TGFs efforts through a $200,000 funding to sustain TGFs post disaster medical outreach response, Todu Guam said.

Established as the Johnson New Brunswick Foundation in 1936 by Robert Wood Johnson II, the Foundation was dedicated to helping local people in need. Since 1972, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation expanded its mission to improving the health and wellbeing of everyone in America by supporting the development and promotion of health and healthcare innovations rooted in equity, compassion, and respect.
Red Cup Day is right around the corner at your local Starbucks!

In addition to the holiday menu and seasonal disposable cups that have been available in stores since the beginning of November, the coffee chain has announced the official date for when customers can receive festive reusable cups for free.

Here are all the details on how you can score a red cup of your own for the 2023 holiday season.

When is Starbucks Red Cup Day 2023?

Starbucks has announced that Red Cup Day will take place this year on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023.

The promotion usually falls on the third Thursday of the month, and stores are sure to be busy as customers visit to secure their own cups, which feature colors and designs in line with this years Share the Joy theme used on the disposable holiday cups.

What is Starbucks Red Cup Day?

For one day only, customers who order a fall or holiday beverage at a participating Starbucks store will receive a free, 16-ounce reusable 2023 limited-edition red cup, while supplies last.

The cups, which are the same size as the companys grande, feature a special look that complements the designs used on the disposable holiday cups that were released earlier in the month.

Customers can receive their free cup by placing an order at their local Starbucks, using the Starbucks app or ordering via delivery apps.

There are some other perks to securing a red cup. Customers will receive a 10-cent discount on future beverage purchases with the reusable cup. Plus, those who participate in Starbucks Rewards also will receive 25 bonus stars, if the red cup order is placed using the Starbucks app.

Here are the drinks that are eligible for a free red cup, according to Starbucks:

Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato

Caramel Brulee Latte

Chestnut Praline Latte

Gingerbread Latte

Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai

Hot Chocolate

Iced Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso

Oleato Gingerbread Oatmilk Latte

Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Peppermint Mocha

Peppermint White Hot Chocolate

Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte

Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew

Pumpkin Spice Latte

Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte

White Hot Chocolate

Starbucks first began the holiday cup promotion 26 years ago in 1997, but did not officially embrace the red cup design until 1999.

Controversy around Starbucks Red Cup Day

Red Cup Day is one of the busiest days of the year at Starbucks 16,000 stores. Last year, unionized workers went on strike and walked out on Red Cup Day. Workers United says another strike is planned this year.

The union represents more than 9,000 workers at 360-plus Starbucks stores nationwide.

In Texas, unionized Starbucks workers and their supporters went on strike outside two Denton stores on Thursday morning.

The union says Red Cup Days are one of the most infamously hard, understaffed days for the baristas that work them.

In addition to encouraging baristas and shift supervisors to join the Red Cup Rebellion, Workers United is also asking customers and allies this year to hold solidarity actions outside of nonunion Starbucks stores.

The strike is being held to demand Starbucks respect union rights.

This article has been updated to reflect the official Red Cup Day announcement from Starbucks and what drinks qualify for the promotion.




Haiti - Education : Donation of $33 million to provide meals to students





The United States Embassy in Port-au-Prince, through the United States Department of Agriculture, has granted $33 million to the World Food Program (WFP) to provide daily hot meals to approximately 75,000 Haitian preschool and preschool students. primary education in the North and North-East departments between 2024 and 2028.



This new donation comes from the international food for education and child nutrition program "McGovern-Dole" (MGD) and aims to increase school enrollment and retention, promote good nutrition, water sanitation and hygiene practices, and to improve the learning of school-aged children through improving the quality of classroom teaching. This donation will be implemented in close collaboration with the Ministry of National Education.



Lezt's remember that the current 'McGovern-Dole' project, which ends in 2024, has made it possible to provide school meals to around 100,000 students in the departments of Nord, Nord-Est and Grand'Anse.



In line with the Government of Haiti's strategy, the MGD fund will be used to finance the traditional school curriculum and also source local products. A total of 5,600 metric tons of donated goods from the American people, including vegetable oil, rice, beans, lentils and bulgur and 2,000 metric tons of Haiti-grown produce will be distributed for the meals.



In collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) through the WFP will work with Agricultural Producer Organizations (OPAs), local partners to ensure the availability of infrastructure for the consolidation, packaging and marketing of fresh and dry produce. WFP and its partners will provide training to smallholder farmers and equip them to supply high quality products in the school canteen program while improving their knowledge of business and conservation techniques.



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - FLASH : Short term forecasts on insecurity in Haiti





Crisis24 with its 55 years of expertise and infrastructures in 45 countries, has made its mark in risk management. Drawing on its Global Operations Centers and the constant work of its teams of intelligence analysts, Crisis24 helps establish forecasts to ensure the security of personnel, businesses and their assets abroad.



Forecast for Haiti :

High levels of gang violence and insecurity are likely to persist in Haiti through at least mid-December, prompting the continuation of local self-defense efforts. Vigilante movements remain active in several locations, ranging from main cities, such as Port-au-Prince, to remote rural areas that lack sufficient policing. Retaliatory gang attacks are possible in areas with vigilante movements where residents regularly lynch suspected gang members and local criminals.



Tensions will likely remain high in some border areas, such as Ounaminthe, amid continuing border restrictions imposed by the Dominican Republic. Violent clashes near key border crossings, as well as protests in response to the economic impacts of the border restrictions, remain likely in the coming weeks.



Plans to deploy a Kenya-led international peacekeeping force to Haiti are facing resistance from Nairobi. On Nov. 9, Kenya's Interior Ministry stated that the government would not permit the deployment of the country's security forces to Haiti until they have appropriate funding and training. It was not immediately clear when these conditions would be met. Kenya's Parliament also has yet to approve the deployment, and several aspects of the multinational peacekeeping force remain undefined. As a result, the deployment still seems unlikely to materialize in the short term.



Violent crimes and kidnappings :

Gang activity and violent attacks will likely continue targeting security forces and civilians nationwide. Overall, the security situation will likely continue to deteriorate in the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince, where gangs act as de facto authorities in many neighborhoods and can directly threaten organizations. The incidence of violent crime is trending upward: between July 1 and Sept. 30, more than 1,230 homicides were reported in Haiti, greatly exceeding the 577 homicides recorded during the same period in 2022.



Kidnapping also poses an increasingly high threat in the country. More than 700 kidnappings were reported July 1-Sept. 30, marking an increase of more than 200 percent by comparison with the same period in 2022. In recent years, criminal groups have also more frequently kidnapped foreign nationals, especially those in the capital's downtown area and on highways. The risk of kidnappings of foreign nationals is also high in the Croix-des-Bouquets area, where the 400 Mawozo gang operates.



Extortion remains a concern as criminal groups often demand payments from those using roads and highways under their control. Fuel shortages remain possible as gangs continue to control key areas around essential infrastructure, such as the Varreux Terminal, and have the ability to block access to the terminal. Electricity outages due to fuel shortages have occurred and remain likely.



Areas in and around the capital most severely affected by violent crime include Carrefour, Drouillard, Champs-de-Mars, Croix-des-Bouquets, Laboule 12, Cite Soleil, Martissant, Bel Air, Toussaint Brave, Bas-Delmas, Santo, Torcelle, and Fontamara. Shooting incidents along the Airport Road are common and can affect travelers going to and from Toussaint Louverture International Airport (PAP). Greater levels of violence have also been recorded in the Tabarre area in recent months, near the US Embassy.



Gender-based violence, including rape, remains severely underreported nationwide. However, several international organizations, including the UN, have warned that these crimes pose a significant threat, especially in low-income areas dominated by gangs.



Civil unrest :

Protests denouncing rising levels of insecurity, limited access to fuel, and socioeconomic issues are likely to continue posing challenges for businesses operating in Haiti. Significant unrest demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry also remains possible. Additionally, any significant announcements regarding plans for foreign involvement in Haiti's security operations can trigger unrest. Such protests may also increase the risk for foreign businesses, as demonstrators could mistake private foreign companies for foreign government initiatives.



Authorities will likely deploy heavy security to monitor any large demonstrations that materialize, especially near government buildings as well as key highways and roads. There is an elevated threat of clashes between police and demonstrators at all anti-government protests. Protesters commonly block roads, and even small demonstrations can cause significant disruptions. Demonstrators could attempt to block the route to PAP, burn vehicles, and vandalize private businesses. If police officers join the protests, decreased security around key areas of the capital is possible. Protests in the capital are common in Delmas, Tabarre, Petionville, and Canape-Vert; moreover, central areas of Cap-Haitian, Gonaives, Les Cayes, and Jacmel are likely to be affected by calls for nationwide protests. Violent and disruptive demonstrations may significantly limit the availability of public and private transportation options in Haiti.



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - News : Zapping...





Cap-Haitien : Discovery of a zombie

Saturday November 11, 2023, the discovery of an alleged zombie made news in the north of the country. The zombie named Stephanie Garcon (36 years old) who died and was buried in August was found alive on rue 14 L in Cap-Haitien this Saturday, November 11 and identified by her ex-husband according to the local press. Taken to the area police station, Stephanie, now a zombie, identified her partner. The family is now looking for a Catholic priest for the usual prayers.



33rd police officer killed

Sunday evening, police officer Charles Donald from the 25th Promotion was killed, at Carrefour Gerald Bataille (commune of Tabarre), he was assigned to the Motorized Intervention Brigade confirmed the National Union of Haitian Police Officers (SYNAPOHA) which did not specify the circumstances of this assassination.



Gang Leader Isca Andrice is dead

On the night of November 12 to 13, 2023, the former mathematics and physics teacher Iska Andris who became the powerful gang leader of the "Belekou" neighborhood in the commune of Cite Soleil, died around 9:00 p.m. The exact circumstances of his death remain confused due to numerous contradictory versions circulating. The news was confirmed by Esaie Beauchard, the former mayor of the town. Andrice, an important member of the "G9" gang coalition, was actively sought by the police and judicial authorities. Following the announcement of his death, clashes between rival armed gangs broke out on Monday in Cite Soleil and in certain neighborhoods of the Plaine du Cul-de-sac.



Kenya : the high court delivers its verdict on November 16

Thursday, November 16, 2023, the High Court of Kenya must rule on the appeal filed by the political opposition against the deployment of Kenyan police officers as part of the multinational security support mission in Haiti.



The CARICOM delegation continues its negotiations

The CARICOM delegation continued its negotiations on Monday with Haitian stakeholders with the aim of obtaining an agreement to move towards a solution to the serious political crisis that Haiti is going through. They met political and civil society leaders as well as the President of the High Transitional Council, Myrlande Hyppolite Manigat.



Diabetes Screening Week

The Haitian Foundation for Diabetes and Cardiovascular Diseases (FHADIMAC) is launching a week of free diabetes screening starting Monday, November 13 at its premises in Lalue. Violence and the deterioration of the population's living conditions contribute to increasing cases of diabetes in Haiti according to the Foundation.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















Published on 2023/11/13 | Source

Actor Ji Chang-wook and EXO member and actor Do Kyung-soo are discussing appearing in "Sculptured City".

Advertisement

An official from Ji Chang-wook's agency Spring Company said on Joy News 24 on the 13th, "We are positively considering appearing in the drama "Sculptured City"". Do Kyung-soo's agency, Company Susu, also said, "We are considering positively".

"Sculptured City" is a blood-red revenge drama in which a man who was living normally returns from hell when his life suddenly falls into abyss one day, and "HARD HIT" director Kim Chang-joo will direct it. It will also be written by Oh Sang-ho of the drama "Taxi Driver" series and the movie "The Roundup: Punishment".

Ji Chang-wook was offered the role of a man whose life was manipulated to fall to hell and take revenge on the people who made him do so, while Do Kyung-soo was offered the role of a villain designer who sculptured people's lives to create real hell.

Ji Chang-wook has a relationship with writer Oh Sang-ho in the movie "Fabricated City" and also made a special appearance in director Kim Chang-joo's "HARD HIT". Attention focuses on whether Ji Chang-wook and Do Kyung-soo can work together in "Sculptured City".

"Sculptured City" is being prepared for filming in the second half of next year.
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Two weeks ago, Ecuador said "yes" to life.

On August 20, 2023, a majority of Ecuadorians voted to halt oil-drilling at the edge of Yasuni National Park, a protected area of the Amazon, home to isolated Indigenous tribes and a cradle of unique ecology. With this landmark decision, voters have made clear their will to protect our natural landscape, defend biodiversity and embrace a different economic model: one that works with nature, instead of against it.

In Ecuador, conserving our natural resources is not just an option, but an obligation. We are one of the 17 megadiverse countries on the planet, home to the tropical forests of the Amazon and the species-rich Galapagos Islands, a natural heritage of humanity. In 2008, we became the first nation in the world to enshrine the rights of nature in our constitution  granting them the highest form of legal protection.

When Ecuador votes to keep oil in the ground, when Ecuador grants rights to nature, a real possibility presents itself: to imagine a post-extractive country. To embrace the possibility that it is biodiversity and nature, when sustainably managed, that feeds and sustains the country's economy.

Maria Hermelinda Quishpe Pachacama, left, and Manuel Zapata, right, proudly display their cocoa pods in Sucumbio Province, Ecuador. Photo by Joe Tobiason/Heifer International (2019).

This notion has always been central to Heifer Ecuador's work. Our programs strengthen rural agribusinesses using sustainable practices that protect and replenish biodiversity. Rural communities, which include Indigenous peoples, farming families and value chain actors, are uniquely positioned to steward natural resources. Responsibly managing water, soil and diverse natural ecosystems are all core to our goal of generating income for smallholder farming families, while protecting the earth they occupy.

What are the stakes? In 2021, 5.7 million people  or 32% of the population lived in poverty, with higher instances in rural regions. Further exploitation of natural resources in these areas has only spelled hardship for the most vulnerable among us. More mining or oil projects lead to greater biodiversity loss, illegal hunting and logging, species trafficking and deforestation.

Sustainable agribusinesses are a real avenue to increasing incomes in the rural sector, while conserving our natural environment.

How Heifer Ecuador Supports Environmentally Friendly Business

All of Heifer Ecuador's projects promote agroecology, climate-smart agriculture and participation in a sustainable food system. This helps farmers protect and restore their environment and ecosystems. Photo by Phillip Davis/Heifer International (2017).

Heifer Ecuador's Future of Food Signature Program works with 30,000 farming families to improve economic, social and environmental outcomes. In partnership with local communities, we work to strengthen value chains that provide rural farmers  often women and Indigenous populations  with sustainable living incomes.

One example of this work occurs across the guarango value chain, a native tree species found in the Andean dry forest. Demand for the tree in tanning and food industries has threatened its existence. Our project, which reaches 1,400 families across six provinces, supports rural farmers to plant and conserve the tree, offering the double benefit of reforesting a threatened species and harvesting the sought-after fruit the trees produce for income. With technical support connecting farmer associations to trusted buyers, guarango producers are receiving at least 40 cents more for each kilogram of fruit collected than when the project began.

Ecuador's mangrove ecosystems serve as vital breeding and nursery grounds for marine species and bolster coastal biodiversity. Photo by Phillip Davis/Heifer International (2017).

Another example of ecologically friendly livelihood development occurs in Ecuador's mangrove ecosystems. Over the years, the logging industry, commercial shrimp farming and pollution have threatened these coastal forests  ecosystems home to an abundance of marine life. The local communities who steward these fragile ecosystems also make a living from collecting and selling clams and crabs from the mangrove pools.

Heifer Ecuador connects native collectors to trusted markets, providing technical assistance and guidance, and has supported them to develop community nurseries for reforestation. To date, these collectors have reforested over 50 hectares of mangroves. Last month the Ecuadorian government granted custodial rights to four Heifer-supported farmer associations to continue this work.

Yolanda Olmeda holds shellfish she collected from a mangrove forest in Esmeraldas, Ecuador. Photo by Phillip Davis/Heifer International (2017).

These efforts support the possibility that the conservation and responsible use of natural resources can generate income for the most vulnerable without decimating natural areas. The result of this recent referendum, led largely by the yearslong determination of young advocates, is a triumph for Ecuador's natural spaces and a call to embrace a rural economy that respects and protects nature. Heifer Ecuador is committed to realizing this new model.
At Heifer International, our programmatic model is focused on implementing solutions led by smallholder farmers and local partners. Its a way of working were advancing in Ethiopia with the recent signing of two new Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with the national government.

The MOUs, signed in June 2023 with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Irrigation and Lowlands, build on an existing strategic relationship and reflect shared objectives to strengthen agricultural and pastoral livelihoods, transform the agriculture sector and improve food security.

Surita Sandosham, president and CEO of Heifer International, shakes hands with Engineer Aisha Mohammed Musa, minister, Ministry of Irrigation and Lowlands, at a Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony in Ethiopia. Photo by Toyosi Lana/Heifer International.

Agriculture is ripe with opportunity in Ethiopia  the sector is responsible for 64% of the countrys employment and nearly 40% of its gross domestic product. But compounding crises  ongoing ethnic conflict, hunger and displacement emergencies, 24% poverty rate, accelerating climate disasters  regularly shift resources away from development efforts.

Despite the challenges, the government is heavily invested in improving the lives of smallholder farmers, with agricultural development named a key priority area in its 10-year economic development plan launched in 2021.

Achieving synergy through partnerships and leveraging local expertise are essential to delivering effective solutions in this context  and to catalyzing the vision of those with the greatest stake in it.

The government believes agriculture is an economic driver, said Surita Sandosham, president and CEO of Heifer International, who was in Ethiopia for the MOU signing ceremonies. Therefore, the way forward for Heifer is not to create parallel projects, but to build partnerships.

A program should never come out of someplace else into the country. It needs to grow from within.  Surita Sandosham

Heifer International started working in Ethiopia in 2004 and has been providing technical assistance for the governments flagship livelihoods initiative, the Lowlands Livelihoods Resilience Project, for more than two years. The project aims to bolster pastoral and agropastoral livelihoods according to the governments Livestock Master Plan, Growth and Transformation Plan II and Climate Resilience and Green Economy Strategy.

As part of the project agreement, Heifer conducted comprehensive market system research, including a livestock production system assessment, value chain analysis and feed and animal health systems analysis. Heifer is now providing capacity building for government and project staff, developing co-managed markets, and identifying public, private and producer partnership opportunities to strengthen and commercialize the livestock production system.

The main goal [of working alongside the government] is to establish a long-term partnership that ensures sustainable income gain for smallholders and pastoralists, and to introduce innovations and impacts at scale, said Getachew Eshete, program coordinator for Heifer Ethiopia. Co-creating and co-implementing projects and collaborating on common interests increases efficiencies and value for money.

Heifer CEO Surita Sandosham with Dr Fikru Regatta, state minister of the Ministry of Agriculture. Photo by Toyosi Lana/Heifer International.

When we work with the government, we are, in fact, partnering with them to work with smallholder farmers, said Surita. This government is very focused on taking care of its people. Theyre very clear about their direction.

The expansion of our partnership, formalized with the new MOUs, recognizes Heifers expertise in agriculture and highlights our commitment to be relevant to local needs, establish trust over time and be strategic about how we add value in specific operating environments.

A program should never come out of someplace else into the country, Surita stated. It needs to grow from within.

Through the agreements, Heifer Ethiopia will develop the National Lowland and Pastoral Program  a development plan for lowland and pastoral Ethiopia  and support commercialization of the livestock production system in pastoral areas through improved market systems, forage production and animal health service delivery.

Heifer will also work with both ministries to identify and implement innovations to engage women and youth in agriculture, and improve production, income, access to finance and utilization of technology in alignment with the countrys economic reform agenda. A third MOU to advance youth agri-entrepreneurship and improve the quality of the skills development system is under discussion with the Ministry of Labor and Skills.
FINLAND plans to deliver four million euros in additional humanitarian aid to Gaza through the International Committee of the Red Cross, Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen (NCP) confirmed to reporters in Brussels on Monday, according to STT .

Valtonen on Monday refrained from commenting what sort of actions could compel the government to re-think its position on Israel. The government has on the one hand recognised the countrys right to self-defence in the wake of the attack by Hamas on 7 October, on the other stressed that the response must be within the boundaries of international and humanitarian law, and drawn attention to the need for urgent aid to Gaza.

Israel has been repeatedly urged to act specifically within the boundaries of not only international law, but especially international humanitarian law, she was quoted saying by the news agency.

With Hamas using civilians as human shields and hiding in civilian infrastructure such as hospitals, the situation is challenging, reminded Valtonen.

This is completely in violation of humanitarian law. And in fact, in a situation where you can demonstrate that such a civilian object has been harnessed for a defensive fight or adopted for military use, its no longer a civilian object under law, she stated.

Analysts such as Gideon Rachman, the chief foreign affairs commentator at the Financial Times, have observed growing unease among western states with the way Israel is executing its offensive in Gaza, in part due to humanitarian concerns and part due to concerns about a broader regional conflict.

Although the Finnish foreign policy administration has repeatedly declared its position on the issue, it remains unclear how and when it would respond to international law violations by Israel.

The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry has reported that a fuel shortage has caused the deaths of 30 people in the al-Shifa hospital. Israel, though, has denied reports of a power outage in what is the largest hospital in Gaza, according to the BBC.

Valtonen on Monday declined to provide any indications about what sort of actions could prompt the foreign policy administration to re-consider its stance on Israel.

Finland has continued to engage in weapons trade with Israel, which confirmed last weekend that it is delivering a missile defence system known as Davids Sling to Finland. Also Finlands peers have acquired defence materiel from Israel, reminded Valtonen.

Finland and the Finnish Defence Forces are procuring defence materiel that best meets our needs through thorough tendering and naturally from partners that are viable for our reference groups, she said.

Aleksi Teivainen  HT
#AgendaPresidencial | La presidenta Dina Ercilia Boluarte Zegarra viaja a la ciudad de San Francisco en EE.UU. para participar de la Semana de Lideres Economicos de APEC. #APEC2023 ?????????? pic.twitter.com/BRMSnoqkb6
Gracias a gestiones de la @CancilleriaPeru, a traves de las Embajadas del Peru en Egipto e Israel, nuestra connacional de 6 anos y su madre, fueron evacuadas desde la Franja de Gaza hacia Egipto, a traves del paso fronterizo de Rafah. pic.twitter.com/DK4EtmlFjT
National Climate Assessment 5s Chapter on Health highlights climate change harms to human health

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), as part of the U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP), is pleased to announce the release of the Fifth National Climate Assessment (NCA5). Led by USGCRP and its 14 member agencies, NCA5 draws on the expertise of nearly 500 authors and 250 contributors from every state, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. NCA5 is the most comprehensive analysis of the state of climate change in the United States, providing authoritative, decision-relevant information on how people across the country are experiencing climate change, the risks we face now and will face in the future, and actions underway to reduce carbon pollution and build resilience.

Climate change has profound negative effects on human health. NCA5 documents climate changes severe health impacts on many populations and highlights the especially strong risk of climate-related harms to people with few material resources. This analysis is contained in the chapter devoted exclusively to health, in each regional chapter, and in many topical chapters.

Risks to health include higher rates of heat-related morbidity and mortality; increases in the geographic range of some infectious diseases; greater exposure to poor air quality; increases in some adverse pregnancy outcomes; higher rates of pulmonary, neurological, and cardiovascular diseases; and worsening mental health. While these risks have the potential to affect all those living in the U.S., they are already having disproportionate impacts on under-resourced and overburdened communities and individuals.

The NCA5 assesses the heightened vulnerability of Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color (BIPOC) communities and the increased risks faced by sexual and gender minorities and people with disabilities. NCA5 discusses adaptation options and other solutions through a social equity lens. In addition to expanding and deepening our understanding of the linkages between social inequity and climate change risks, the NCA5 summarizes the growing evidence of the mental health and emotional impacts of climate change and offers new insights on health system risks and preparedness.

Climate-related hazards routinely disrupt health care delivery systems and threaten access to health care for many. The Missouri River and North Central flood in 2019 caused more than $10 billion in damage, blocked access to hospitals, and increased exposure to pollutants and infectious diseases across several states in the central U.S. Across the country, hospitals (9.3%), nursing homes (10.2%), and pharmacies (12.1%) are at risk of flooding. The NCA5 provides strong support for strategies now being implemented by the Department as a whole, especially those around enhancing health system resilience, especially for community health centers and safety net hospitals that serve low-income and disadvantaged communities.

As NCA5 notes, each metric ton of CO2 reduced is estimated to bring about health benefits in the US that are valued between $8 to $430 (in 2022 dollars), mainly from avoided premature death. These health benefits outweigh costs for many Greenhouse Gas (GHG) mitigation measures. Implementing timely, effective, and culturally appropriate adaptation measures, creating climate-resilient health systems, and preventing the release of carbon pollution protects human health and improves health equity. HHS is committed to supporting community-led preparedness and adaptation efforts and incorporating climate resilience into health equity activities.

The whole-of-HHS approach to addressing this issue includes work by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Environmental Health Sciences (a part of the National Institutes of Health), Health Resources and Services Administration, the Administration for Children and Families, the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, and the Office on Climate Change and Health Equity in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health. Below are some of the efforts underway from HHS offices and Operating Divisions who contributed to the NCA5 as they work to tackle this public health challenge.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

CDC helps communities prepare for and respond to the health impacts of climate change, with a focus on disproportionately impacted populations. This is reflected in the CDC Climate and Health Strategic Framework (Climate and Health Strategic Framework | Climate and Health | CDC), funding and technical assistance provided to communities by the CDC Climate and Health Program (Climate and Health Program | CDC), and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Healths (NIOSH) work on heat stress and occupational health (Heat Stress | NIOSH | CDC).

The CDC has several staff members who supported the development of the Fifth National Climate Assessment, including Paul Schramm, who is the federal coordinating lead author for the Health Chapter; Dr. Charles Beard, Dr. Aaron Bernstein, Dr. Shubhayu Saha, and Dr. Ambarish Vaidyanathan, who are authors of the Health Chapter; and Claudia Brown, who is an author of the Southeast Chapter. Additionally, Dr. Ambarish Vaidyanathan is a technical contributor to the Focus on Western Wildfires, and Dr. Evan Mallen and Megan McLaughlin, ORISE fellows at the CDC, are technical contributors to the Southeast Chapter.

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

To address these mounting challenges, the NIH formed the NIH Climate Change and Health Initiative. The Initiative, which is led by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences of NIH, with great support throughout the NIH, brings forward the power of the research community in helping to address these urgent issues.

The NIH will work in partnership with other federal agencies, partners, and communities to address some of the research gaps identified in the fifth National Climate Assessment. This will include continuing to build transdisciplinary teams that will work to find improved ways to address environmental justice and health equity issues in climate change and health and to improve health for all.

Office of Climate Change and Health Equity (OCCHE)

OCCHE coordinates activity across HHS, supporting the Departments Operating Divisions in understanding climate-related health risks to populations they serve and identifying effective strategies for advancing the resilience and sustainability of healthcare, public health and human services. It also offers resources and support to communities and care providers with forecasting tools like its Climate and Health Outlook, and tools like the Health Sector Resource Hub (which documents relevant funding supports and care resources). OCCHE coordinates HHS participation in initiatives like the White House-HHS Health Sector Climate pledge which has engaged more than 115 health care organizations across the country in aligning with the Biden Administrations goals for preparedness and emissions reduction. OCCHEs Director John Balbus is a part of the USGCRP group and has supported the development of NCA5.

Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)

HRSA works to establish partnerships to provide training and technical assistance related to climate and emergency preparedness to raise awareness and facilitate knowledge transfer among clinicians, support staff, and the public health workforce for grantees and partners. HRSAs work helps to support primary care providers to ensure climate resilience and resilient infrastructure, share best practices, and assist providers in leveraging resources for coordination for their patients (including referrals to other Federal programs such as low-income housing energy assistance/water programs or the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) or the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)).

These activities, which include webinars and focus groups, assist with building organizational awareness and capacity to mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from public health emergencies, natural disasters, and other emergencies, and/or potential health effects associated with changing climate.

Administration for Children and Families (ACF)

Climate change has a disproportionate impact on low-income communities. ACFs Office of Community Services (OCS) administers multiple anti-poverty programs that also work to mitigate the effects of climate change and promote environmental justice, including the Community Economic Development (CED) program, the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG), LIHEAP, and the Rural Community Development (RCD) program. OCS provides regular guidance to grant recipients on how these programs can also help before, during, and after extreme weather and other disasters. That guidance can be found on the OCS Disaster Flexibilities Hub.

Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR)

The Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) assists the country in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from public health emergencies and disasters. Climate change continues to be critical to ASPRs work as more frequent and severe weather and climate-related disasters and public health emergencies occur, creating new risks and increasing existing vulnerabilities in our society. ASPR has adapted its preparedness, response, and recovery capabilities to meet the rapidly evolving environment. We have changed the structure of our response and recovery teams to make them nimbler and better equipped to respond to the more frequent missions caused or exacerbated by climate change.

ASPR maintains a focus on underserved communities and vulnerable populations during response and recovery efforts. We recognize that we cannot mitigate climate change risks by ourselves, so ASPR makes it a priority to share its data and the best available resources with healthcare and public health partners so that they can navigate the challenges posed by climate change.
My entire journey to becoming a psychologist has been linked to my struggles with depression from a very early age. I grew up at a time where the amount of information and the openness wasnt the same. Owing to my circumstances, I did not have a lot of external stability either. I struggled a lot with trying to understand what I was dealing with because I started experiencing signs of depression as a child. The structure of the system that I went through in India was very proscriptive  I could tell from my experience that it wasnt a simple binary of illness and wellness. I struggled with these thoughts all through my growing years, and I think thats where it comes from  the ability to distil what was happening, to experience it, to express it. Because there was no other empathetic witness, writing was the way for me. Im very comfortable writing about my life. It has been my longstanding guardian to tackle what Im dealing with, and thats how the book came to be.

You struggled with your mental health from a young age, dealing with your parents separation and more. What led you down the career path of psychology?

On one hand, I experienced a lot of isolation on this journey, but on the other I also found people who were empathetic in this framework of mental health. When I was living by myself in Mumbai at 17, I knew I needed to get some kind of help, so I found someone who was holding a support group in the city. I called this lady at 10pm and said I dont know if youre a therapist or if you can help me  but she heard me out. She shared that shed dealt with paranoid schizophrenia and she was also a mental health activist. It felt like I was talking to someone who was on the same path  the fact that she was doing okay gave me some kind of light. Such experiences helped me pick this career. I dont believe that therapy is a safe space  no human relationship is 100 per cent a safe space. What therapy helps you gain is a sense of aliveness, a sense of joy, curiosity, and vitality. I found that, and felt that if I am in the position to be a wounded healer, its not a bad idea. Then, of course, as subjects too the human mind and human behaviour are fascinating.

What was the biggest challenge you faced while writing this book?

Writing about mental health and therapy needs a level of authenticity. The biggest challenge was remaining authentic throughout. Do not position your experience or someone elses experience in such a way that you truncate it or tie it in a neat bow and say This was the struggle and thats it. That was the challenge  to not lose that sense of balance. I didnt want to romanticise anything, but I wanted to present it. When talking about my experience with intimate partner violence, I wanted to present the facts, but didnt want to give lurid details, because that ties into the believability politics around mental health  is it believable that you suffer from this? The challenge was to present the story but not make it into trauma porn or dry scientific analysis. Its a delicate blend of science, storytelling and sentiment. In existential psychology, we learn that were so caught up in seeking heroes that we forget about the importance of surviving. I think thats the challenge  of course, there are heroes in every story, but we must not forget to speak about the survival.

214 pp, 499; HarperCollins

Now, more people are open to taking therapy. At the same time, a lot of older generations are still averse to even talking about mental health troubles  why is that so and how can one help that?

Its ironic that were a collectivistic country  almost everything happens in community-oriented ways, and yet when it comes to mental health it becomes individualised. Theres a level of fear and shame attached to accepting someone elses situation. If Im a parent, and I have to accept that my child deals with clinical depression or anxiety as a disordered state, I have to accept or at least be open to introspecting if my parenting style contributed to that. Thats what parents dont want to do, because it immediately makes them uncomfortable about their world view. In psychology, we call these schemas or mental models. Human beings dont understand the world as singular or individual entities; we understand things as a pattern. I have a pattern of what I think is parenting, what I am as a person and a parent. Schemas are formed over time, and they get hard-wired. To disrupt this, you need openness to new information.

In terms of mental health conversations, we need to look at a community-oriented approach in India, at least, because of our population. It will take eternities to train enough people so as to have centralised access to mental health systems. We need to provide better resources and information options. Mental health literacy is important  thats what will be a game-changer. If it surrounds you, you have to engage with it; you cant escape it. And then subconsciously it changes your schemas. We need to target that as much as possible.

What do you hope readers will take away from your book?

I think That Beautiful Elsewhere is linked to several things. Its linked to my life, where I always looked to that beautiful elsewhere. It is both with hope and dejection, because you reach that elsewhere and then realise thats not what I want  the goalpost has shifted. I would like for people to realise the fact that there is no hard and fast rule for recovery. There is no perfect way to exist in this world. Your life is handmade  you have to find the pieces. Its not your job to love yourself, but you at least have to befriend yourself. Its okay to not have some of the answers. If things are difficult now, just try to make it through the hour or the day. That Beautiful Elsewhere should be both an overarching leap from point A to point B, but I hope its also a shift in how you perceive yourself and your life.

Huzan Tata is an independent journalist. She lives in Mumbai.
From the ancient time Diwali has always been the festival of Lights, Laughter and Happiness. During the festive season people get together with their loved ones and indulge themselves with various activities like feasting on delicious food, bursting fire-crackers, doing rangoli, lighting diyas and so on..

An Indian-American Investor & Philanthropist Jay Patel who believes in solving problems through innovation and entrepreneurship, remembers one such Diwali he spent with his close buddies like Versatile actor Randeep Hooda, renowned advocate Abhishek Mehta and celebrated Hollywood Director Sam Hargrave and their favorite horses.

I would like to thank Russo Brothers and NETFLIX for bringing The Extraction starrer Randeep Hooda, Chris Hamsworth, Directed by Sam Hargrave and the entire team to India.

While they were shooting in Ahmedabad Gujarat, they were having a break in between their shoot and it also happened to be a Diwali Day, Sam who have never witnessed a Diwali expressed his interest to know more about the festival. spontaneously Randeep and I made a plan. SAM who is a Celebrated Actor-Director-Stunt Director and a Writer and has his association with some of the Biggest Hollywood Movies like Avengers-End Game, Avengers-Infinity War, Deadpool-2, THOR-Ragnarock, Suiside Squad, Captain America and so on

Who doesnt know Randeep Hooda, a Versatile and Hard working Actor who is known for his dedication towards every role that he has portrayed on the silver screen like Sarbjeet, Highway, Main aur Charles, Rangrasiya and many more. He is also known for his association and his love for Equestrian and has won many medals in National Show-Jumping tournaments, and is one of the finest Wild-life Photographers and social worker. Just recently the Millennium Star Amitabh Bachchan expressed on KBC on national television that he himself is a big fan of Randeep Hooda.

Neha Sheth who is a dear friend and fellow equestrian of ours and has a beautiful farm located on the banks of Sabarmati.

We started our Diwali Day with early morning riding on indigenous Marwari horses, galloping through natural canyons and sand belts of Sabarmati river, witnessing the finest sunrise.

Just like the kids in a candy store, I, Randeep, Abhishek and Sam rode tirelessly over 40 kms that day and enjoyed every second of it.

After a warmup when we gradually started galloping, the feeling of cold breeze on our faces, winds flowing through iconic Marwari horse ears and the sound of the hooves put us all in a thrilling state. We also enjoyed our road side tea break in the local tiny village where we stopped for Indian masala chai. At the end of the ride Sam, who also happened to have close association with horses during his early days in North Carolina, described his experience as one of the finest ever.

Randeep also shared his deep knowledge of Horses specifically on Marwari breed and how it survived through thousands of years and the special bond and connection it developed with humans over the years.

It was one of the mesmerizing adventurous and phenomenal experience filled with endless fun-laughter and happiness for all of us. Towards the end of the day we celebrated the festival the traditional way by lighting up diyas, wearing traditional Indian clothes, feasting on Local Gujarati foods and sweets.

Although its been almost 5 years, but it still feels like yesterday.

Disclaimer: This article is a paid publication and does not have journalistic/editorial involvement of Hindustan Times. Hindustan Times does not endorse/subscribe to the content(s) of the article/advertisement and/or view(s) expressed herein. Hindustan Times shall not in any manner, be responsible and/or liable in any manner whatsoever for all that is stated in the article and/or also with regard to the view(s), opinion(s), announcement(s), declaration(s), affirmation(s) etc., stated/featured in the same.
The Burman family, owners of Dabur Group, dismissed the first information report (FIR) against business conglomerate's chairperson Mohit Burman and director Gaurav Burman as false and baseless. Dabur Group chairperson Mohit Burman is said to be among 32 people booked in connection with the Mahadev betting app case

According to media reports, the Mumbai Police has registered a case against 32 people including the two members of the Burman family in connection with the Mahadev betting app under various sections of fraud and gambling.



In a statement released to the media on Tuesday, the Burman family said they have not received any formal communication on any FIR but saw the one being circulated in media.



The FIR is patently false and baseless. Nothing could be further from the truth than as wrongly stated in the FIR. From a copy of the FIR that is being circulated in the media, we note that allegations are being made that Mr. Mohit Burman and Mr. Gaurav Burman are directly related to some of the accused. There is an unseen  Exhibit F which seems to lay out some so-called relationships, the statement added.



Mohit and Gaurav Burman don't even know or have ever met the accused mentioned in the FIR, the statement added.



The Burman family cried foul over the reports of the FIR, claiming it has come at a time when the family is seeking to increase its existing shareholding of 21.24 % in Religare Enterprises and launched a legitimate open offer under the SEBI Takeover Code.



As part of this the Burman Family brought to the notice of the Board and the regulators certain governance issues being perpetrated by Dr. Rashmi Saluja, the current Chairman, the Burman family's statement added.



This FIR is nothing but a step provoked by vested interests in an attempt to block the acquisition of Religare Enterprises Limited by Burman Family. The Burman Family remains shocked at these arm twisting moves, which are grossly illegal. Nevertheless, we remain resolute that we will proceed with our acquisition of Religare Enterprises as contemplated, the statement added.

Burman family seeks probe into sale of Religare shares

On November 10, the Burman family had filed a complaint with Securities Exchange Board of India (SEBI) seeking probe into sale of shares by Religare Enterprises Ltd chairperson Rashmi Saluja.

As per the complaint, Saluja allegedly sold her share in Religare Enterprises Ltd (REL) immediately after the Burman family disclosed to her that they intend to make an open offer for the financial services firm, PTI reported.
NEW DELHI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has asked Qatar Airways for documents related to its foreign transactions being investigated by the agency, people familiar with the matter said ED has sought information under the provisions of Foreign Exchange Management Act (AFP FILE)

ED has sought information from the airline under the provisions of Foreign Exchange Management Act, they added. A senior ED official confirmed the request on condition of anonymity but added the probe was at a very initial stage.

Qatar Airways didnt respond to HTs request for comment but airline officials who asked not to be named confirmed ED has asked it for information. It wasnt immediately clear whether the issue is linked to alleged tax evasion by Qatar Airways, in which the director general of GST intelligence (DGGI) last month conducted searches at the offices of foreign carriers including Qatar Airways.

The searches were in connection with alleged tax evasion by airlines in the import of services from their head offices to Indian branches. The GST regulations state that a foreign airlines head office and its Indian branch are treated as separate entities.

A statement issued by the finance ministry on October 18 stated that DGGI has detected GST evasion of 57,000 crore from April 2020 to September 2023 involving over 6,000 fake instances of input tax credit claims leading to the arrest of 500 people.

The development comes weeks after a Qatari court sentenced to death eight former Indian Navy personnel, who were detained on undeclared charges in August 2022.
PRS Oberoi, chairman emeritus of the Oberoi Group, passed away on Tuesday morning, a spokeswoman of the Oberoi Group said. PRS Oberoi was known for changing the face of the hotel business in India. He was 94. PRS Oberoi

It is with profound grief and sorrow that we wish to inform you of the peaceful passing of our beloved leader, Mr. P.R.S. Oberoi, Chairman Emeritus earlier today. His passing is a significant loss for The Oberoi Group and the hospitality industry in India and overseas, the veteran hotelier's sons Vikram and Arjun Oberoi said in a statement.

PRS Oberois cremation will take place at the Bhagwanti Oberoi Charitable Trust, Oberoi Farm, Kapashera, at 4 pm on Tuesday.

Mr. P.R.S. Oberoi was a visionary leader whose unwavering dedication and passion for excellence shaped The Oberoi Group and our hotels, to be recognised amongst the best globally. His legacy extends far beyond our organisation, influencing the hospitality landscape in India and across the globe, it added.

Who was PRS Oberoi?

Born in New Delhi in 1929, Prithvi Raj Singh Oberoi or PRS Oberoi was the executive chairman of EIH Limited, the flagship company of The Oberoi Group. He was also the chairman of Oberoi Hotels Private Limited, the major shareholder of EIH Limited. Popularly known as Biki, PRS Oberoi was the son of late Rai Bahadur MS Oberoi, the founder of The Oberoi Group.

PRS Oberoi studied in India, the United Kingdom and Switzerland. In addition to providing leadership for the management of luxury hotels in several countries, PRS Oberoi was instrumental in pioneering the development of Oberoi hotels and resorts, according to EIH Limited website.

The Oberoi brand has come to represent fine luxury hotels.

PRS Oberoi was credited with placing Oberoi hotels on the international luxury travellers map with the opening of several luxury hotels in important cities.

In January 2008, the doyen in the hospitality sector was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian honour, in recognition of his exceptional service to the country.

He was also conferred the lifetime achievement award at ILTM (International Luxury Travel Market) held in Cannes in December 2012.

PRS Oberoi stepped down as chairman and director of EIH Limited on May 3, 2022.
India is considering tax cuts on the imports of completely-built units of electric vehicles, for a period of up to five years, as it tries to entice the likes of Tesla Inc. to sell and eventually make its cars in the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi shakes hands with Tesla chief executive Elon Musk during a meeting in New York City, New York, U.S., June 20, 2023.(via REUTERS)

The Indian government is working on an electric vehicle policy that would allow international car manufacturers to import battery-powered vehicles on concessional duty rates if they commit to eventually building them in India, people familiar with the matter said.

A final decision is yet to be taken on the policys contours, the people said, asking not to be identified as the discussions are private. Spokespeople from Indias heavy industries and commerce ministries did not immediately respond to emails seeking comment.

In 2021, the Austin-based EV manufacturer had sought duty cuts on import of electric vehicles. It was hoping to have the rates reduced to 40% from the current range of 70%-100% for its vehicles, depending on their import value.

Teslas Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk is likely to meet Indian Trade Minister Piyush Goyal later this week to discuss the companys plans to set up a factory in the South Asian nation. Goyal is in San Francisco to attend the ministerial engagements of Indo-Pacific Economic Framework and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation.

Tesla is seeking to break into one of the worlds most promising auto markets where the demand for electric vehicles is rising among the countrys burgeoning middle class. For India, Teslas investment would aid the governments push to increase the share of manufacturing in the nations GDP while also creating jobs.

Indias electric car market is currently at a nascent stage with EVs accounting for just 1.3% of the total passenger vehicles sold last year, according to BloombergNEF. The adoption of EVs in the country has been held back by the high cost of cars, a dearth of options and lack of charging stations.

Opening up the EV segment could speed up the adoption of cleaner transport in a country that currently has the worlds most toxic air. The government launched a $3.1 billion incentive program in 2021 to boost local EV production.
Union commerce minister Piyush Goyal visited Teslas California manufacturing factory on Tuesday. However, the much anticipated meet between Goyal and electric vehicle makers chief Elon Musk didnt happen. Piyush Goyal at US Tesla factory.(X/Piyush Goyal)

Extremely delighted to see talented Indian engineers & finance professionals working at Senior positions and contributing to Teslas remarkable journey to transform mobility, Goyal wrote on X after visiting the Teslas manufacturing facility at Fremont, California.

The minister lauded growing importance of Auto component suppliers from India in the Tesla EV supply chain.

It is on its way to double its components imports from India, he wrote.

Piyush Goyal is in San Francisco to attend the ministerial engagements of Indo-Pacific Economic Framework and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation.

Teslas Chief Executive Officer Musk was likely to meet Goyal to discuss the companys plans to set up a factory in India. .

Missed Elon Musks magnetic presence and I wish him a speedy recovery, Goyal wrote.

It was an honor to have you visit Tesla! My apologies for not being able to travel to California today, but I look forward to meeting at a future date, Billionaire Musk replied to the post.

The government is planning to offer tax cuts on the imports of completely-built units of EVs, for a period of up to five years. It is seen as an attempt to woo likes of Tesla Inc. to sell and eventually make its cars in the country, where EV market is still in nascent stage.

Also read: Govt weighs five-year tax cuts on EV imports to woo Elon Musks Tesla

Of the total passenger vehicles sales done last year, EVs accounted for less than 1.5 per cent, according to BloombergNEF. The high cost of cars, a lack of options and need for development of charging stations pose as hindrances for worlds most populated countrys shift to cleaner energy.
Newly appointed BJP Karnataka president B Y Vijayendra on Monday said JD(S) patriarch H D Deve Gowda has asked him that the BJP and JD(S) should fight the Lok Sabha elections together without giving room for confusion. Vijayendra called on Deve Gowda, and former Chief Ministers S M Krishna and Basavaraj Bommai at their residence as part of his courtesy meetings. The 47-year-old younger son of veteran BJP leader B S Yediyurappa was appointed to the post on November 10, and he would formally take over on November 15. Janata Dal (Secular) chief HD Deve Gowda felicitates the newly appointed Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Vijayendra Yediyurappa during a meeting in Bengaluru. (ANI Photo)(Arunkumar Rao)

Vijayendra, who met Gowda at his Padmanabha Nagar residence, touched his feet and sought blessings, and offered a shawl, garland and a bouquet of flowers. JD (S) joined the BJP-led NDA in September and the two parties said they would soon finalise the seat-sharing arrangement for the Lok Sabha elections in Karnataka. Later speaking to mediapersons, Vijayendra said Gowda was happy that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given him a major responsibility and he should tour across the state just as his father and former Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa.

READ | Karnataka LoP to be decided after BY Vijayendra's Delhi visit

"He (Deve Gowda) told me the BJP and the JD(S) should fight the upcoming Lok Sabha elections together without giving room for any confusion, solve the problems amicably and march forward," the BJP state chief said. Noting that BJP and its ally have set a target to win maximum number of seats in the Lok Sabha election, Vijayendra said Gowda told him that next year's poll is crucial as it is "related to the future of the country". Gowda (90) also stressed on drawing more youths into politics. Speaking to reporters after meeting Bommai at his residence, Vijayendra said Bommai has assured him that he would travel across Karnataka to campaign for the party under his leadership for the Lok Sabha polls.

"I met former CM and our senior Basavaraj Bommai on the occasion of Deepavali and took his blessings and sought his continued guidance," Vijayendra said. According to the first-time Shikarpura MLA, Bommai was happy that the BJP national leaders have taken a good decision which will give a big boost to the state BJP unit.

READ | Can BJP win back Karnataka by turning to Yediyurappa, Deve Gowda?

"He (Bommai) said he will be with us always. He also said that the upcoming Lok Sabha election is crucial as it will shape the future of the country. We have to face together with unity. He also said he will travel across the state to strengthen the party of my leadership," Vijayendra said.

Vijayendra said he has requested Bommai to attend the ceremony when he formally takes charge on Wednesday. On his appointment, he said the decision was taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP National President J P Nadda and BJP General Secretary (Organisation) B L Santhosh.

"They have taken the decision in the interest of the party. I am in touch with all the senior party leaders and everybody is happy. It is unfair to draw any wrong conclusion," he added. Vijayendra also met the 91-year-old Krishna, who joined the BJP in 2017 after a 45-year association with the Congress. Krishna served as Chief Minister of Karnataka from 1999 to 2004, as Maharashtra Governor from 2004 to 2008 and held the position of External Affairs Minister from 2009 to 2012. In January this year, Krishna announced his retirement from active politics.
The Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) has banned any kind of head cover during upcoming recruitment exams of various boards and corporations in the state. The authority also banned any kind of electronic gadgets like phones and Bluetooth earphones inside the examination hall, news agency ANI reported. Karnataka Examination Authority banned all kinds of head cover during recruitment exams of various boards and corporations. (Getty Images/iStockphoto/ Representational image)

Earlier on November 6, a woman appearing for the Karnataka Public Service Commission examination was asked to remove her 'mangalsutra' before entering the exam hall. After protests by Hindutva groups, the KEA has now allowed women to wear mangalasutra and toe rings in the examination hall while restricting other jewellery.

The recruitment exams of various boards and corporations are to be held on November 18 and 19 across the state.

Earlier in October, the Karnataka government had allowed students to wear the Hijab, during competitive exams. Higher education minister MC Sudhakar had allowed aspirants to come to examination centres wearing the Hijab sparking off protests by right-wing groups. Examinations were conducted on October 28 and 29 to fill vacancies in five corporations.

However, after complaints of the usage of Bluetooth devices by certain students the state government this time decided to enforce the ban.

The state government had on November 11 ordered a probe by the state CID into an incident where candidates at Kalaburagi and Yadgir examination centres.

Though the dress code does not explicitly ban hijab, it is implied by the new guidelines.

Karnataka hijab row

The Karnataka hijab row erupted in January 2022 when the Government PU College in Udupi allegedly barred six girls wearing the hijab from entering. Following this, the girls protested outside the college over being denied entry.

After that, boys from several colleges in Udupi started attending classes wearing saffron scarves. The protest spread to other parts of the state as well, leading to protests and agitations in several places in Karnataka.

Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah, after taking oath, had said that the education sector will not be allowed to be "adulterated" in the name of the New Education Policy (NEP).

There was no question of compromise on the issue of protecting the harmony and secular heritage of Karnataka, chief minister Siddaramaiah said as he asserted that hate politics will not be tolerated and the environment of fear would be eradicated.
The Bangalore Electricity Supply Company on Tuesday registered a case against former Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy after Congress accused him of drawing power illegally to his residence on Diwali, PTI reported. Former Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy.(ANI)

The case against Kumaraswamy was registered by the Vigilance Wing of BESCOM at its Vigilance Police Station. He has been booked under Section 135 of the Indian Electricity Act (theft of electricity).

The development comes after the ruling Congress posted a video of Kumaraswamy's residence along with a statement on social media platform X, criticising the JD(S) leader and son of former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda.

The lone honest person in the world HD Kumaraswamy's JP Nagar residence was illuminated with decorative lights with illegal power connection directly from the electric pole. It is a tragedy that such poverty has struck a former CM to steal electricity! the Congress wrote.

It further added: Didn't you hold a press conference and say "Karnataka is in the dark" and now you have lit up your house with stolen electricity? it added.

In response, Kumaraswamy said it was not his fault but of a private decorator who gave the connection directly from a nearby electricity pole. He added that he immediately got the connection removed and took the electricity connection from the meter board of the house.

I am sorry for this indiscretion. Let BESCOM (Bangalore Electricity Supply Company) officials come and inspect and issue a notice. I will pay the fine, Kumaraswamy responded on X.

He also criticised the Congress for making a big deal out of a "petty issue".

To this, the Congress said that Kumaraswamy should be ashamed for dismissing electricity theft as a petty issue. "How much more looting of the state can be justified as a "trivial matter"?" it asked.
A special court for trial of cases against legislators has dismissed a private complaint against JD(S) leader and former Karnataka chief minister H D Kumaraswamy. Former Karnataka chief minister H D Kumaraswamy.(PTI)

In the complaint, it was alleged that in the affidavit filed along with the nomination papers during the Assembly elections in 2018, Kumaraswamy had furnished false information regarding his second wife Radhika Kumaraswamy, son Nikhil Kumaraswamy and daughter Shamika Kumaraswamy.

This was alleged to be offences under Section 181 (false statement under oath) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Section 125A (failing to furnish information or false information) of The Representation of People Act.

While the complaint alleged that HDK had failed to provide details of these three persons, the allegation under Section 181 was about furnishing false information.

READ | Karnataka is not Republic of D K Shivakumar, says JD(S) leader Kumaraswamy

The Special Court judge Preeth J, therefore, held in her recent judgement that "From the very complaint averments, it goes to show that the accused has not given any false statement in his affidavit. According to the complainant itself, the accused has not disclosed their particulars. Giving false statements and not disclosing the information stand on different footings. As such, no offence under Section 181 of IPC is said to have been committed by the accused."

The court also noted that to proceed with the case under Section 181, the complaint in writing should be given by a public servant concerned or a public servant to whom he is administratively subordinate.

As for Section 125A of the RP Act, the Court noted that there is no proof about Radhika Kumaraswamy being the wife of Kumaraswamy.

READ | Deve Gowda asks BJP Karnataka chief Vijayendra to fight LS poll together without any confusion

There is no document or evidence to show that Radhika Kumaraswamy is also the wife of the accused or the second wife of the accused as alleged by the complainant, the court noted.

Just because, the complainant is saying that she is the second wife that too without any single piece of document, this court even at this stage cannot register any criminal case against the accused for not having shown the name of Radhika Kumaraswamy as his second wife, the judgement said.

The court also said that "Furthermore during the lifetime of the first wife, there cannot be any concept of a second wife under the prevailing law."

As for the allegation about information regarding Kumaraswamy's children, the court said that it was not required under the rules.

"Next, coming to concealing information about his children. Once again, the affidavit submitted by the accused under Form No.26 is perused. Admittedly, there is no column shown to mention about the information of the children of the candidate, except the spouse and her properties and such other information. The candidate is required to give particulars which are sought for by the candidate in Form No.26 which is a format," the Court noted.

Dismissing the private complaint, the Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate ordered that the complaint filed under Section 200 of Cr.P.C., for the alleged offence under Section 181 of IPC and Section 125A of RP Act, is dismissed.
A Vistara flight from Bengaluru returned without landing at its destination at the Dabolim airport in Goa after a stray dog was spotted on the runway, a senior airport official told PTI on Tuesday. The incident took place on Monday afternoon. Vistara Airlines(HT Photo)

After the stray dog was spotted, the pilot was asked to hold the flight for some time but he preferred to return to Bengaluru, Goa airport's director SVT Dhanamjaya Rao told the news agency. The flight UK 881 left from the Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru at 12.55 pm on Monday and returned at 3.05 pm.

Giving updates about the flight, Vistara wrote on its X handle, #DiversionUpdate: Flight UK881 from Bengaluru to Goa (BLR-GOI) has been diverted to Bengaluru (BLR) due to runway restriction at Goa (GOI) airport and is expected to arrive in Bengaluru at 1505hrs.

Later, after the runway was cleared the flight landed at Goa airport safely.

Announcing the news, the airline wrote on X, #DiversionUpdate2: Flight UK881 which was diverted to Bengaluru has departed from Bengaluru at 1655 hours and is expected to arrive in Goa at 1815 hours.

Speaking about the incident, Goa airport director SVT Dhanamjaya Rao said, This is the first such incident in my tenure of last one-and-a-half years."

Flight diversions occur when an aircraft is redirected from its original destination to an alternative airport. There are various reasons for flight diversions, and they can occur before takeoff, during the flight, or even during the landing approach. Some of the common reasons for flight diversions include adverse weather conditions, air traffic control restrictions, medical emergencies, or other technical issues.
A 26-year-old motorcyclist died after he rear-ended a pick-up truck that suddenly overtook him and applied brakes near ITI Chowk, Lalru, on the Ambala-Chandigarh Highway on Saturday night. Lalru police on Monday registered a case under Sections 279 (rash driving) and 304-A (causing death by negligence) of the Indian Penal Code. (iStock)

The victim was identified as Ram Ji, a native of Saadabad in Unnao district, Uttar Pradesh. He was staying in a rented accommodation near Kali Mata Mandir, Peer Muchhalla, Zirakpur.

According to a complaint filed by the victims friend Dev Kumar, they were returning home on a motorcycle from Kurukshetra on Saturday night. When they reached ITI Chowk in Lalru, a speeding Mahindra Bolero pick-up truck suddenly overtook them, positioning itself ahead of them, and before Ram Ji could react, the truck applied brakes, causing a collision.

The pick-up truck immediately fled the scene.

Ram Ji suffered grievous injuries in the mishap, while Kumar escaped unhurt. Ram Ji was rushed to Government Medical College and Hospital, Sector 32, in Chandigarh. However, doctors declared him brought dead.

Police on Monday registered a case under Sections 279 (rash driving) and 304-A (causing death by negligence) of the Indian Penal Code.

After the post-mortem examination, the body was handed over to the victims family. An investigation into the incident is underway to trace and arrest the absconding pick-up truck driver.
Over 15 months after finalising the layout plan for construction of 5,000 flats for the economically weaker section (EWS), the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) has yet to roll out the housing scheme. GMADA plans to construct the flats using the latest brickless technology and will offer financing through banks at affordable monthly instalment rates (HT File)

According to officials, the project has been delayed as the Punjab governments EWS housing policy, which was revised and finalised in February 2021 after being first framed in 2016, is being redrafted, again.

Seven years ago, the development authority had got back 230 acres from 46 builders in the district as part of the EWS housing policy, but has failed to build any dwelling unit for the needy.

Last year in July, GMADA had finalised the layout plan for the construction of 5,000 flats under the housing policy. A senior GMADA officer said the policy was being revised and once it was approved, the scheme will be launched.

The then housing minister Aman Arora had directed the housing department to expedite the project, but nothing has happened even after more than one year.

As per the 2021 policy, eligible applicants will have to furnish proof of birth in Punjab or of a 10-year stay in the state. The familys income should not exceed 3 lakh per annum from all sources, as revised by the central or Punjab government from time to time.

The applicant, their spouse or minor child must not already own a freehold/leasehold residential plot/dwelling unit in Punjab or Chandigarh. Applicants will be required to self-certify that they meet all eligibility terms.

To be offered for 10 lakh each

As per the proposal made last year, priced around 10 lakh each, apartments will be constructed on an area of 30 square metres, comprising a living room, a bedroom, a kitchen and a toilet.

GMADA plans to construct them using the latest brickless technology and will offer financing through banks at affordable monthly instalment rates.

As per the plan, the flats will come up in four-storey buildings that will be constructed on around 54 acres at GMADAs four townships  Aerocity (13.49 acres), IT City (17.48 acres), Eco City-1 (3.6 acres) and Eco City-2 (20.17 acres).

The apartment buildings were to be constructed in reasonably sized pockets with social infrastructure, such as schools, community centres and dispensaries at convenient locations to ensure comfortable living.

Policy revised thrice already

In a 2008 cabinet meeting, the Punjab Housing and Habitat Policy was approved, under which EWS houses were to be built. But most builders had shirked responsibility.

Thereupon, GMADA took possession of the land earmarked for EWS houses from private builders. Then, in its 2013 notification, the housing and urban development department told Punjab Urban Development Authority (PUDA) and other development authorities that if approved builders fail to make houses for the EWS category, they should transfer the land to the government.

Again in 2016, it was approved that the land transferred to GMADA by builders may be utilised for other purposes, and the money earned should be used for constructing houses for the poor. It was once again amended in February 2021 and now is undergoing another alteration.
The air quality in several places in Delhi once again turned 'severe' on Tuesday morning amid a political blame game between the ruling Aam Aadmi Party and the Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party over the late-night bursting of crackers during Diwali celebrations on Sunday. A train moving in a dense smog amid rising air pollution levels in Ghaziabad on November 13. (Sakib Ali /Hindustan Times)

Squandering the relief due to rain, Delhi recorded a spike in pollution levels and a smoky haze returned on Monday morning after residents flouted the ban on firecrackers on Diwali night.

The average Air Quality Index (AQI) on Monday was recorded at 358 (very poor). Interestingly, the national capital had recorded its best air quality on Diwali day in eight years on Sunday, with its 24-hour average AQI clocking at 218 at 4pm.

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According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, the average AQI in Delhi's RK Puram was recorded at 422 (severe) at 5am on Tuesday. Lung-damaging particulate matter PM2.5 remained the prominent pollutant.

Dwarka's air quality also turned severe on Tuesday morning with an AQI of 406, the CPCB data showed.

Similarly, ITO saw an AQI of 432 (severe) at 5am, and it is likely to hover around the same levels throughout the day.

A combination of relentless bursting of firecrackers in the vicinity, coupled with police inaction in enforcing a ban on the sale and use of fireworks, pushed the hourly PM 2.5 concentration at Anand Vihar to 1,985 micrograms per cubic metre (g/m3) at Sunday midnight  a whopping 33 times the national safe standard of 60 g/m3, and 132 times the safe-limit of 15 g/m3 given by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The AQI reading in Delhi's neighbouring city of Noida was similar. At 5am, the CPCB data showed, air quality index was 406 (severe) in Noida Sector-125.

In Noida Sector-62, the AQI clocked at 377 (very poor) and is likely to turn 'severe' later in the day.

Residents of Haryana's Gurugram also woke up a toxic air as the AQI logged at 430 in Sector-51 on Tuesday morning.

Classes from nursery to five, which were suspended due to high air pollution levels in the district, are set to resume, authorities said on Monday. The Gurugram administration had on November 6 ordered the closure of primary schools till further orders to protect schoolchildren from rising pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR).

In order to avoid disruption, orders were given to school managements to continue studies in online mode only, but now the orders have been withdrawn with immediate effect, the latest order read. The AQI of the city was recorded at 349 on Monday, which was up to seven times higher than normal.

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', 401 and 450 'severe' and above 450 'severe plus'.

Delhi environment minister Gopal Rai alleged that people associated with the BJP instigated residents to burn firecrackers on Diwali, leading to an overnight increase of more than 100 points in the national capital's air quality index. At a press conference, Rai said the firecrackers burnt in Delhi were sourced from Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, and that some individuals, including police personnel from these states, permitted the transportation of those firecrackers to the city.

Delhi BJP vice president Kapil Mishra called Rai's statement on air pollution shameful. "It's foolish to hold crackers responsible for air pollution. A week ago, Delhi's air quality index was around 400-500. Post Diwali, it's 296. If crackers caused pollution, then Gaza would have the highest level of pollution. There should be a fight against pollution," he said. On Sunday, Mishra hailed people for defying the cracker ban.

BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla in a post on X accused the AAP and the opposition alliance INDIA of targeting Hindus and Diwali. "AAP & I.N.D.I alliance now targets Hindus & Diwali," he said. "Are we surprised?" He said that there were 900 cases of stubble burning on Diwali in Punjab despite Supreme Court warnings. Over all there have been above 23,000 incidents of parali burning in Punjab.

According to IQAir, a Swiss company which specialises in air quality monitoring, Delhi was the most polluted city in the world on Monday, followed by Lahore and Karachi in Pakistan. Mumbai and Kolkata ranked fifth and sixth among the most polluted cities in the world.

(With inputs from agencies)
A bumper liquor sale of 53.89 crore was recorded on the eve of Diwali in Delhi, PTI reported, citing officials. The total sales in the 17 days before Diwali was over three crore bottles.(File)

According to official data, the total sales in the 17 days before Diwali was over three crore bottles, bringing in a revenue of 525.84 crore to the capital.

Of these, a sale of over one crore of liquor bottles fetching 234.15 crore to the government was recorded in the week before Diwali alone.

About 64 lakh bottles worth 121 crore were bought by people in Delhi in just three days running up to Diwali on Sunday. The shops were closed on Diwali.

Last year, the sale of liquor on the three days before Diwali was 13.46 lakh, 15 lakh and 19.39 lakh bottles, according to PTI.

As compared to 2022 when 2.11 crore liquor bottles were sold in Delhi during 17 days before Diwali, this year the number jumped to over three crore, recording a 42 per cent growth, officials said.

There are over 650 liquor stores in the national capital that are run by four Delhi government corporations.

In neighbouring Uttar Pradesh, liquor worth 1,400 crore was consumed between November 1 and November 10.

In the past 10 days since November 1, liquor worth nearly 1400 crore has been consumed in the state, an increase of nearly 15% over the same period last year, the states excise minister Nitin Agarwal told HT.

Agarwal added that the period from November to March is immensely beneficial from the point of view of meeting stiff excise revenue targets, set at 58,000 crore for the current fiscal.

We have noticed that sales have gone up across categories, Agarwal said, adding that nearly 600 brands, including global ones, are registered in Uttar Pradesh.
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 14, ARMENPRESS. The government of Poland supports Armenias territorial integrity and sovereignty and wants Armenians to live in peace in their internationally recognized territory, Ambassador of Poland to Armenia Piotr Skwiecinski has said.

Ambassador Skwiecinski told reporters on November 14 that Poland was one of the first countries to provide financial and material support to Armenia to help meet the needs of the forcibly displaced persons from Nagorno-Karabakh after the tragic events in September, when Azerbaijan launched a military attack in NK, causing the exodus of over 100,000 Armenians.

Commenting on the EU Foreign Affairs Councils decision to start negotiations around visa liberalization with Armenia, the Ambassador of Poland expressed support to the initiative. As you know, the negotiations around visa liberalization with Armenia are already in process, and I hope that we will eventually reach this goal and the visa liberalization will become reality, he said.
A 40-year-old woman was killed and 10 others injured after a fire broke out in the Laxmi Nagar area in East Delhi's Shakarpur on Tuesday. Delhi Fire Services (DFS) director Atul Garg said DFS personnel rescued 26 people, while five others jumped from a balcony. A total of 26 people and two pets were rescued. (File)

At least 31 people were trapped in the building. Out of them, ten people were rushed to Guru Teg Bahadur (GTB) Hospital, Lal Bahadur Shastri (LBS) Hospital and Hedgewar Hospital where the woman was declared dead.

One DFS personnel, identified as Samay Singh, having a breathing problem was also injured and rushed to LBS Hospital.

Garg said the fire started in the parking area of the building. The department received a call around 1am that the fire broke out in a four-storey residential building with car parking. A total of 26 people and two pets were rescued, he said.

Garg said initially three fire tenders were rushed to the site. But later, five more tenders reached the spot when the fire services received the call that more people were trapped in the building. A total of eight fire tenders were present at the site.
Monkeys killed a 10-year-old boy in Gujarat's Gandhinagar. The forest officials and the police said the incident took place near a temple in Dehgam Taluka's Salki village on Tuesday. The victim has been identified as Dipak Thakor. Forest officials are trying to nab the monkeys.(PTI representational photo)

Dipak Thakor was playing with friends when the incident took place.

An official told PTI that the boy's intestine was ripped out by the monkeys.

He was rushed to a local hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

"His intestine was ripped out in the attack. He rushed to his house and was taken to a hospital where doctors declared him dead on arrival. This is the third attack by monkeys in the village within a week," an official said.

This was the third attack by monkeys in a week.

Forest official Vishal Chaudhary said the department had been trying to catch the monkeys in the village.

"There is a large troop of monkeys in the village, including four adults who have been involved in attacks in the past one week. Two of them have been rescued. Efforts are on to cage another," he said, per PTI.
At least six people died on Tuesday in a major accident in Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar where a car collied with a truck. Police used crane to extract the car pressed under the truck.(PTI)

The collision took place on National Highway-58 at around 4 am. The police pulled the bodies out of the vehicle with a lot of effort, and sent them for autopsy.

According to NDTV, all six were headed towards Haridwar from Delhi when the car rammed the 22-wheeler truck from behind. All of them were residents of Delhi. The driver lost control of the car's steering after it reached high speed before the incident took place.

In a different incident, a 32-year-old man was killed in Sahranpur on Saturday after his two-wheeler was hit by a tractor from behind. According to police, Sagar Jain was returning after shopping for Diwali when the accident took place.
Jamghat was celebrated for two days (Monday and Tuesday) this time, and this brought life back to the sleepy kite market. Kites dot the sky in the Old City area of the city, in Lucknow, on Tuesday. (HT Photo)

Tanglers start preparing for Jamghat a month before Diwali, collecting the best Manjha, Saddi (threads), kites and the best of the tapes required for mending kites. Around 228 registered kite clubs of Lucknow start preparing for competitions.

Patron of the District Kite Clubs Association and eight-time National Kite Tangling Champion, Amarnath Kaul said, Jamghat is the union of two words Jam and Ghat. Its when people collect over the ghats to fly kites. Jamghat is a unique festival celebrated on the next day of Diwali in Lucknow in which people of different communities participate. It started during the period of Nawabs, who used to collect on the banks of the Gomti with their cabinets. Here people from different faiths used to collect to fly kites and greet each other on the occasion of Diwali.

For the last three years the pandemic cast its shadow over Patangbazi on Jamghat as no major competitions were organised. But this year several competitions were organised along Kudia ghat, Gulalaghat and Chowk Stadium.

Om Prakash Agarwal, 65, of Channa Kite Centre said, This time, sales have gained momentum, around 20% increase in sales has been seen this year. This time, customers who used to purchase 100 kites are giving orders of 130 to 140 kites.

GuruDutt, 46, of Guddu Kite Centre in Chaupatian said, Kite-making is a highly skilled job, but kite-makers hardly get anything in return. They earn less than an unskilled labourer. The government must come out with a package to help the kite-making business.

Head of history department, Navyug PG College, Shobha Mishra, said, Jamghat is a unique festival celebrated across the city by both Hindu and Muslim communities. The tradition of kite-flying on Jamghat was started by Nawab Asafuddaula for maintaining close relations between Hindus and Muslims during his tenure. The Nawabs knew that they had to establish a connection with the majority Hindu population of Avadh so they started a tradition of Jamghat in which Hindus and Muslims participated with equal enthusiasm. This bonhomie between the two communities has continued since.

Amarnath Kaul said, This time kite-tangling is back and around 30 competitions were organised by different kite clubs of Lucknow at Gulalaghat, Kudia Ghat and Chowk Stadium. This year, Bon Tava kites, used by professional kite-tanglers, costs between 100 to 150 while other kites are between 10 to 70. The rate of Manjha Charkhi is between 2,000 to 3,000, while Saddi costs 300 to 400.
MUMBAI: Mumbai zonal unit of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has busted a drug syndicate by arresting two foreign nationals  one from the city and the other, a woman from Delhi, and allegedly seized two kilograms of cocaine. HT Image

Given the festival season, NCB had alerted its network in multiple cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Goa, which are major hubs for drug suppliers and consumers. Acting on a tip-off, the agency first arrested suspected drug supplier LA Gilmore, a Zambian national, and found two kilograms of cocaine in his possession and was arrested from a city hotel. Based on his revelation, MR Augustino, a Tanzanian woman was arrested from Delhi, said Amit Ghawate, NCB zonal director.

According to the details received by NCB, the carrier was to stay in a city hotel, and the NCB officials raided the hotel and apprehended the Zambian national. On searching his hotel room, the officials found certain suspicious items in his belongings and abnormalities in his baggage, said the NCB official. The official then cut open his bag and recovered two packets from hidden compartments. The contents of the packets tested positive for cocaine on field testing kits. The contraband material weighed around 2 kilograms, added the official.

Gilmore had arrived in Mumbai on November 9 by flight, and during interrogation, he confessed that he had visited Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from Lusaka, Zambia, to collect the drug consignment. He also revealed information about some intermediaries in the region linked with drug trafficking.

During further questioning, it was learnt that he asked his handler to deliver the contraband to Delhi. The NCB Mumbai team then rushed to Delhi and laid a trap to catch the Tanzanian woman - Augustino, who was to receive the consignment from Gilmore.

The two foreign nationals have been booked under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act 1985.
Mumbai: Gautam Hari Singhania, chairman and managing director of Raymond Group, announced on Monday that he had separated from his wife and partner of 32 years, Nawaz Modi Singhania, bringing the curtain down on a bitter marital spat that has consumed the attention of Mumbais swish set for the last two months. Singhanias announcement through a post on Instagram came a day after a series of videos posted by Nawaz Modi-Singhania sitting on a dharna outside the gates of JK Gram in Thane gained wide circulation (HT Archives)

Singhanias announcement through a post on Instagram came a day after a series of videos posted by Nawaz Modi-Singhania sitting on a dharna outside the gates of JK Gram in Thane gained wide circulation. She claimed in the videos that the security at the Singhania headquarter had refused her entry into a Diwali party hosted by her husband, and to which she had been invited. Modi-Singhania who arrived for the party in a wheel chair can be heard speaking on camera saying the refusal by the security staff was the last straw with everything that I have been through and kept quiet about all this time.

Modi-Singhania has alleged that Gautam Singhania physically assaulted her on his 58th birthday in September which landed her in the ICU of the Sir HN Reliance Hospital with broken bones in her lower back. The couple have since been estranged with the fight now heading to mediators for division of assets. The Raymond Group is a 5700 crore company and Nawaz Modi-Singhania is a director in at least 10 of the private and publicly-listed companies of the Singhania family.

In her complaint to the Vartak Nagar police in Thane, Nawaz told the police that Singhania had not just misbehaved with his parents and siblings in the past but that he had physically assaulted her at their house two months ago leading to her hospitalisation. In her complaint she also told the police that she was now worried about the future of her two minor daughters. The Vartak police later told HT that they had taken her complaint as routine procedure and any action would be pursuant to an investigation.

The day after the incident at JK Gram, Singhania who has been focusing on expanding his realty business, announced the news of their separation. This Diwali is not going to be the same as many in the past. 32 years of being together as a couple, growing as parents and always being source of strength for each other... We traversed with commitment, resolve, faith, as along came the two most beautiful additions of our life. It is my belief that Nawaz and I will pursue different paths from here. I am parting ways with her while we continue to do what is the best for our two precious diamonds, Niharika and Nisa, he said referring to their daughters.

While Gautam Singhania remained unavailable for further comment, Nawaz Modi-Singhania said her first priority was her two daughters and that she was seeking all possible legal help.
A police sub-inspector was allegedly mowed down by a tractor illegally transporting sand in Bihar's Jamui district, police said on Tuesday. The incident occurred during an operation aimed at curbing illegal sand mining under the jurisdiction of Garhi Police Station. Police and mining officials often become targets for the mafia involved in illegal mining and transportation of sand. (Representative Photo)

Police sub-inspector Prabhat Ranjan, a resident of Siwan district, was rushed to a nearby hospital where he was declared brought dead, according to police.

A home guard, identified as Rajesh Kumar Sao, also sustained severe injuries in the incident and is currently receiving medical attention at a local hospital.

Jamui Superintendent of Police said in a statement that the tractor involved in the incident has been confiscated and the suspect driver has been identified.

Jamui DSP Abhishek Kumar Singh said, "A special raid team has been constituted to arrest the driver; he has been identified, he is a resident of Nawada district. He will be nabbed soon. All those who were involved in the incident will be nabbed soon."

Raids are being conducted by the special team formed to arrest the driver, the official said. Further action is being taken at the incident site under the direction of the senior police officer.

Bihar home department last month announced cash awards for providing information on illegal sand mining, bootlegging, and hate messages on social media and cyber frauds leading to the arrests of culprits.

"Police will reward those who help catch criminals involved in illegal sand-mining, bootleggers, cyber criminals and individuals/organizations who use social media platforms to spread hate and intolerance", says the circular.

According to the order, Director General of Police (DGP) can announce a reward of up to 3 lakh. "But if the reward is more than 3 lakh, then the final decision will be taken by the home department based on recommendations of the DGP," the order added.

"Similarly, the additional director general (ADG) can announce a reward of up to 1 lakh and IG-rank officers can announce a reward of up to 50,000. The SPs can announce a reward of up to 25,000," the order said.

Cases of violent attacks by sand mafia injuring policemen and senior officers have been rising in Patna, Bhojpur, Rohtas, Aurangabad, Saran and Vaishali districts, a senior police officer was quoted as saying by PTI.

(With inputs from agencies)
Former Bihar chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi continued his attack on incumbent CM Nitish Kumar on Tuesday on the occasion of Jawaharlal Nehrus birth anniversary. Former Bihar CM Jitan Ram Manjhi during a protest in Patna against chief minister Nitish Kumar's recent remarks against him. (Santosh Kumar/HT)

Manjhi, who had started his political career with the Congress in the 1980s, and changed parties several times before floating Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) eight years ago, came out with a message on X (formerly Twitter), tagging Rahul Gandhi.

Hundreds of salutations to Indias first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on his birth anniversary. Rahul Gandhi is requested never to meet, on this date, Nitish Kumar who may end up celebrating his, rather than Nehrus, birth anniversary, Manjhi wrote in Hindi.

He concluded his jibe with a reminder of the kaand (scandal) around late Mahavir Choudhary.

Choudhary, who had been a minister in many Congress governments in the state, was the father of Ashok Choudhary, a former state unit chief who joined CM Kumars JD(U) in 2018 and has been a member of his cabinet.

Manjhis allusion was to the late Congress leaders birth anniversary function held recently of which a video footage has gone viral on social media. In the footage, Nitish Kumar can be seen picking up a handful of flower petals and sprinkling these on the head of his minister, unlike other dignitaries who paid floral tributes to the late leaders portrait.

Manjhi, who has been alleging that Kumar, a few years his junior, has lost mental balance, repeated the allegation when he reached the Patna High Court premises to stage a dharna in front of a statue of Baba Saheb Bhim Rao Ambedkar.

The HAM chief, who realigned with NDA a few months ago, was accompanied by senior BJP leaders like state president Samrat Choudhary and leader of the opposition Vijay Kumar Sinha.

The septuagenarian complained that gates were not opened to enable us to offer our tributes to Ambedkar. Nonetheless, we did so from the outside. I am senior to Nitish Kumar in terms of age and political experience. Yet, he addressed me with the disrespectful pronoun tum inside the assembly last week.

Manjhi also said, He mocked me, saying I was senseless. He also turned towards the media gallery admonishing you journalists for giving coverage to me. I have opened a front against Nitish Kumar and after the Chhath festivities I will stage a similar dharna in Delhi.

My next dharna will be at the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi in Raj Ghat. Bihar needs to be rid of a chief minister who is not mentally sound. If needed, we will explore legal steps, said Manjhi, without elaborating.

Meanwhile, journalists were flustered by Kumars response when they asked him why he had been refusing to interact with the media of late.

There was a function organised on the occasion of Nehrus anniversary where, in response to media personnels queries, the CM bent at his hips and folded his hands before rushing to his car.
A controversy has erupted after a minister in Bihar government dismissed the incident of a police sub-inspector being mowed down by a tractor carrying illegally mined sand in Jamui district. The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party slammed the minister, calling him shameless.



Is this a new incident? Is this the first time this has happened? Doesn't this happen in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh? This incident is a crime... Such incidents occur from time to time and criminals are given befitting replies... The government will do an investigation against this strictly, Bihar minister Chandra Shekhar was quoted by reporters as saying in Vaishali.



Bihar police sub-inspector Prabhat Ranjan had led a team that set up a barricade near the Chanwar bridge to intercept a tractor carrying illegally mined sand. The police personnel had flagged down the tractor, but the driver floored the pedal and ran over the cops who did not step aside to force the tractor to stop. Bihar had witnessed incidents of violent attacks by sand mafia on police personnel and senior officials of the state government(Representative image)

Ranjan, who had joined the police force in 2018, was rushed to the hospital but died on its way.



The Bihar BJP took to social media platform X to slam the minister. This minister of Nitish-Tejashwi government has no sensitivity left in him. Just look at his shamelessness. A policeman was brutally mowed down by a tractor owned by sand mafia. The minister says it is not a new incident. Had he lost a dear one, he would have felt the pain of death, the BJP posted.

Bihar had witnessed incidents of violent attacks by sand mafia on police personnel and senior officials of the state government. Patna, Saran, Bhojpur, Rohtas, Aurangabad and Vaishali had reported such incidents.



In April this year, three officers, including two women inspectors, of the Mines and Geology department of the Bihar government were attacked by the mafia during a drive against illegal mining in Bihta near Patna.

After the incident, the department decided to provide training on handling arms and how to command force to its 90 inspectors, including around 30 women officers, to counter such attacks in future.
Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad on Tuesday hit out at Union minister Nityanand Rai, who had accused the former of installing his wife Rabri Devi as the chief minister while ignoring several capable leaders in his party. Union minister Nityanand Rai and Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad

"The Union Minister of State in Hajipur used to approach us to join our party. BJP had talked about making him the Chief Minister of Yadavs....He says that Lalu Yadav made Rabri Devi the Chief Minister. If Rabri Devi had not been made the Chief Minister, would I have made your wife the CM? (Agar Rabri Devi ko CM nahi banate to kya tumhari bibi ko banate)", the former Bihar chief minister was quoted by ANI.



If Rabri Devi had not been there, RJD and our government would not have existed today. Nitish-Tejashwi government would not have been formed in Bihar if she had not held the CM position, Lalu Prasad added.



Questioning the RJD chief's decision to make his wife the CM in 1997, Rai had said,"When Lalu Yadav went to jail, PV Narasimha was the PM. Even when CBI filed the charge sheet, Narasimha's government was there. When you were sentenced in 2013, there was Manmohan Singh i.e. Congress government. When you went to jail, why didn't you make other Yaduvanshi leaders the CM? You made Rabri Devi the CM".

"There were many capable leaders in RJD, including Jangdanand Singh, but he was not made the CM. He said that he always kept the Yadavs in the dark. It is because of Lalu Yadav that the Yadavas have the least number of jobs today Lalu Yadav only cares about his family and not about anyone else," the Union minister added.

Earlier in the day, Lalu Prasad had attacked the the BJP, accusing it of 'breaking' the Yadav community for its political gains.

Wherever there is a BJP Government, Yaduvanshis are being broken. We will not let this happen. Like Lord Krishna protected the weak, our Government, and our organisation provided 75 per cent reservation - this was never thought of earlier, he said.



Besides reservation, lakhs of people were made teachers. Lakhs of more of such recruitments are going to take place, advertisements have been placed...People have been empowered. Before our government, were you allowed to cast a vote?...Forceful booth capturing used to take place, Lalu Prasad added.



(With ANI inputs)
Air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR) peaked in the days ahead of Diwali on account of stubble burning in Punjab, forcing the state government to declare an early winter break for schools and implement a series of measures to contain the situation. Rain close to the festival of lights gave Delhis citizens a clear sky and clean air on Diwali day. However, pollution levels started to spike at night because of the bursting of firecrackers, an act banned by the Supreme Court. Delhis 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) on Sunday was recorded at 218 at 4pm by the Central Pollution Control Board and started to rise after 8pm. It reached 301 by 10am on Monday. It was 358 in the 4pm bulletin, and was set to climb further from 8pm onwards once the 24-hour rolling average adequately captured the illegal firecracker revelry of the previous night. PM 2.5 remained the prominent pollutant, showcasing the impact of combustion sources  in this case, firecrackers.

The correlation between firecrackers, air pollution and serious respiratory ailments has been established by science. Public policy has to be guided by science. The ban on firecrackers is state policy; the government must punish those encouraging its violation. Encouraging the use of firecrackers is an abetment to murder. Sure, firecrackers only make Delhis bad air worse, but to argue that its alright to do so because not enough is being done (by primarily the Delhi government, but also governments of other NCR states and the Centre) is specious. Nor is this, as some politicians have suggested, a matter of faith.

Public advocacies in the past reached out to children and parents via schools to highlight the involvement of children in the manufacture of firecrackers, and also the harm they do to the air, and thereby to our lungs. The science of pollution has to be made a vital part of school curricula and a central aspect of civic campaigns so that politicians who facilitate polluting the air in our cities are held accountable by the citizens.
Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Lucknow has released official mock tests of the Common Eligibility Test (CAT) 2023. Candidates who will appear in the B-school entrance test can visit iimcat.ac.in and take it. CAT 2023 mock test official released (iimcat.ac.in, screenshot)

This mock exam will test candidates in an actual test-like environment which can be beneficial in understanding the nature of papers and help in checking speed and accuracy.

While this test has been designed to simulate the actual exam, it does not necessarily mean that same questions will be asked in CAT 2023, IIM Lucknow has clarified in the notice.

The Mock Test contains selected questions from previous years' Common Admission Test (CAT) papers with an aim to familiarize the candidates with different types of questions generally asked in CAT (MCQs/ Non-MCQs) and the exam consoleThe objective of this Mock Test is not to disclose the exam pattern for CAT 2023 and the actual exam may or may not contain similar type or number of questions, it said.

The duration of the mock test is 120 minutes, divided into three slots of 40 minutes for each section.

The actual exam will also have 120 minutes divided in the same nature with 40 additional minutes to PwD candidates.

Separate CAT mock test links have been provided to PwD and non-PwD candidates. Check it here.

For the mock test navigation guide, click here.

CAT 2023, the eligibility test for IIM admissions, is scheduled for November 26, 2023.
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the admit card release date for the Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination, 2023. The Commission will upload the IFS (Main) exam 2023 admit card on November 17. Candidates will be able to download the admit card from the official website at upsc.gov.in. UPSC to conduct IFS Main 2023 exam from Nov 26

Union Public Service Commission will conduct the Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination, 2023 from November 26. The examination will be conducted in two sessions, the forenoon Session will be held from 09:00 AM to 12:00 PM and the afternoon Session will be held from 02:30 PM to 05:30 PM.

The UPSC IFS Main 2022 will be held in two shifts from November 20 to 27: from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

In case of any discrepancy in the e-Admit Card, the same may be communicated to the Commission immediately by email (at email ID soexam9-upsc@gov.in ) for taking the decision in the matter, reads the official notification.

In order to fill out the Attendance List, it is also recommended that candidates bring a black ballpoint pen.

UPSC IFS Main Admit Card 2023: How to download the Admit card

Visit the official website at upsconline.nic.in

Look for the UPSC IFS Main exam admit card link

Login using Registration ID/Roll Number and Date Of Birth

UPSC IFS admit card will appear on the screen

Download and take a print for future reference.

For more details check the notice here
The Central Selection Board of Constables (CSBC) is expected to announce revised dates of the Bihar Police Constable recruitment examination soon. New dates of the exam will be announced through a notification on csbc.biha.nic.in. CSBC Bihar Police Constable revised exam dates: Where & how to check (Santosh Kumar/ HT)

Previously, CSBC issued admit cards and announced that these exams will be held on October 1, 7 and 15.

After the October 1 exam, the board announced that in both shifts of the first day of exam, a large number of students used unfair means due to which exams have been cancelled.

Further, the board postponed October 7 and 15 exams until further notice.

New dates for all these exams will be announced on the board's website and through newspapers, CSBC said.

The board may also release revised admit cards for the new exam dates. More information in this regard is awaited.

CSBC is conducting this recruitment drive to fill a total of 21,391 Constable vacancies in Bihar Police.

CSBC Bihar Police constable new dates 2023: How to check it

Go to the official website of the board, csbc.bih.nic.in.

Open the Bihar Police tab.

Go to the notification regarding revised exam dates.

Download the PDF and check new exam dates.
Preschool training significantly contributes to a child's academic readiness and school preparation. Here are four approaches that can nurture social skills and cognitive development of children.(freepik)

On Children's Day, I particularly want to remind parents to carefully select the first educational experience of their children as this will lay the foundation for the academic journey that will follow, says Rajesh Bhatia, Educator and Founder of the TreeHouse chain of schools.

Here are four approaches that can nurture social skills and cognitive development of children as suggested by Bhatia:

The Play Way Method

As Fred Donaldson, the creator of an innovative program called Original Play, states, "Children learn as they play; most importantly, in play, children learn how to learn." Similarly, the Play Way method positions children at the core of their learning journey, resembling hands-on learning, where kids explore their surroundings and interact with objects to acquire knowledge.

This approach recognises the innate curiosity of children, encouraging them to discover through fun, creativity, and problem-solving. Moreover, it provides a valuable platform for social development as children learn to share, cooperate, and communicate with their friends.

The Waldorf Method

The Waldorf Method stands as one of the widely embraced approaches to learning, with over 1100 schools in more than 75 countries and more than 2000 early childhood programs spanning six continents adopting this method.

Rooted in the childhood development theory formulated by Rudolf Steiner, the Waldorf Method advocates for learning through artistic and creative means, incorporating elements such as storytelling, music, painting, art, and movement.

A key highlight of this method is its emphasis on allowing children to progress at their own pace, mitigating the stress associated with rigid educational benchmarks. Consequently, individuals who undergo the Waldorf Method are poised to develop into independent thinkers and lifelong learners.

The Montessori Method

Italian physician, educator, and innovator Maria Montessori developed this approach with the core idea of "letting children learn naturally." The Montessori Method empowers children to take control of their education through hands-on, self-directed learning.

Providing them with tools and resources enables the exploration of their passions and overcoming challenges. This individualized learning method cultivates essential skills, propelling children toward a future of continuous discovery and learning. Moreover, this approach fosters self-discipline, independence, and positive self-esteem in children.

Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) in the Finnish Education System

Finland's education system is globally acclaimed as one of the best. Preschool education in Finland is rooted in the belief that childhood is a precious period of life, and they regard children as individuals and whole persons.

The Finnish Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) program is renowned for emphasising play, social interaction, and individualised learning. Moreover, the Finnish system customises learning for each child, focusing on their unique interests and strengths. This approach establishes a positive learning environment that encourages children to explore, discover, and learn at their own pace.
The internationally acclaimed anime film Suzume, directed by Makoto Shinkai will finally be available on Crunchyroll. Raking in $300 million, the 2022 Japanese fantasy adventure film became one of the highest-grossing anime movies of all time. Suzume will be available for audiences in every International territory except France and Asia to stream online on Crunchyroll from Thursday, November 16 at 5:00 p.m. PST. Suzume will finally release on Crunchyroll(Crunchyroll)

ALSO READ: Jujutsu Kaisen drops special trailer for its manga version

Filmmaker Shinkai is a renowned name in the anime industry with hits like Your Name and Weathering With You. After its premiere at the Berlin Film Festival in January, Suzume gained a reputation as one of the must-watch films of all time. Its story revolves around the 17-year-old titular character Suzume Iwato and a young boy Souta Munakata. Suzume embarks on a journey of self-discovery and world-saving as she meets with the mysterious boy. The duo team up to prevent a series of disasters across Japan by sealing doors from a supernatural worm- Colossal, which causes earthquakes after being released.

ALSO READ: Attack on Titan Season 4: Finale recap and tragic ending explained

In an interview with the Hollywood Reporter, Shinkai discussed the inspiration behind Suzume. Its really hard to pinpoint any single concept or idea where the inspiration came from, he said. Fundamentally, it was the 2011 earthquake that hit the east side of Japan that inspired me to make this film, he continued, adding, It was that incident that made me want to take these themes of disaster into my work and translate them into animation, beginning with Your Name and also with Weathering With You. But when thinking about Suzume, I wasnt really looking at the earthquake as the core concept.
Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas were spotted holding hands as they attended a Diwali bash with their friends and family in Los Angeles on Sunday. Pictures from the party arrived online a day late but show the couple exiting the party. (Also read: Priyanka Chopra's mother Madhu says she compromised on her brother's upbringing: Was busy with building her career) Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas at a Diwali bash in US.

Desi girl, and boy

Priyanka was spotted in a red micro velvet blouse and dupatta and a golden lehenga. She tied her hair in a bun and added red roses to it. She also wore a Bulgari serpent necklace. However, it was her dramatic makeup that took all the attention. Nick looked handsome in a white kurta, white pajama and pink brocade jacket. Nick's brother Joe Jonas was also seen in a blue kurta pajama.

What do fans think?

Fans of the actor were not the happiest with her look for the night. What is wrong with her makeup, wrote one. What is wrong with her makeup artist!! Omg, commented another. Others were more supportive. Pri looks stunning. I am so happy Nick's crew is here celebrating with them. These photos are so special. Thank you Patti for finding them, read a comment. All the men are looking so good in Indian attire...and PC, wrote another fan.

This year, Priyanka did not share pictures from her Diwali celebrations on social media. She simply shared a picture of a half-finished rangoli made by her daughter Malti Marie Chopra Jonas.

When Priyanka was in India

Priyanka was recently in India for the Mami Film Festival 2023. She made two appearances at the event, one in an halter white gown, and another in a white floral saree paired with a sleeveless blouse, for a Masterclass with Bhumi Pednekar.

This year has been quite eventful for Priyanka Chopra. She had earlier visited India with Malti and Nick Jonas for the inauguration of Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre in Mumbai. During the trip, she had taken Malti to the Siddhivinayak Temple for the first time where the mother-daughter duo sought blessings of Lord Ganesha.
Brad Pitt has been dating jewellery designer Ines de Ramon, 33, for a year now, and they are in a good place, a source told People. This is Brads first proper relationship since the divorce, the insider said. Brad Pitt has separated from his ex-wife Angelina Jolie. Brad Pitt has been dating jewellery designer Ines de Ramon, 33, for a year now, and they are in a good place, a source told People (Ines-Olivia de Ramon/LinkedIn, bradpittofflcial/Instagram)

"He introduces [Ramon] as his girlfriend," the insider said, adding that Pitt "is doing great with Ines." Its great to see him in a good place. Ines makes him very happy," said the source.

Pitt and de Ramon made a public appearance together earlier this month. They were seen stepping out at LACMAs Art+Film Gala in Los Angeles. There, the 59-year-old actor introduced a tribute to filmmaker David Fincher.

While the pair did not pose together, they were seen enjoying their time at the event. They were super loving, a source told People about the outing, adding that they were laughing and joking with everyone around them at the gala, and appeared to be having a good time.

In fact, this couple spent a lot of time together this summer in Europe. De Ramon reportedly went to visit Pitt several times while he was filming a Formula One racing movie.

A source claimed in July that de Ramon and Pitt were doing great and that their relationship was still going very strong. The two have been spending a lot of time together this summer as they truly enjoy each other's company and are very into each other, the insider said, adding that it is apparent to anyone who sees them together.

The pair have reportedly been to multiple trips together, including a trip to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, in 2023. They were seen staying there for New Year's Eve and the days to follow. A source told People that on Valentine's Day, Pitt gifted de Ramon a huge bouquet of flowers. She was later seen carrying it.
Power couple Tom Holland and Zendaya often keep their relationship low-key and rarely make public appearances. However, the 27-year-old Marvel stars recently gave fans a glimpse at a sweet moment they shared together. Over the weekend, Holland and the Euphoria star were spotted signing Spider-Man posters for a charity organisation The Brothers' Trust. While giving out autographs, Zendaya affectionately held onto Holland's arm. The adorable moment was captured in a video, which went viral soon after it was shared on social media. Fans were left amazed at their public display of affection, calling them couple goals. Zendaya and Tom Holland were spotted signing posters for charity work(X, formerly Twitter)

In the video shared on X, formerly Twitter, the duo can be seen joking and smiling while signing several posters side-by-side. Social media users flooded the platform with comments on their gesture and the strong bond they have developed over the years. One user wrote, It's heartwarming to see Tom Holland and Zendaya using their Spider-Man magic for a good cause. Acts like this are what make them real-life superheroes!

Another X user commented, It's great to see Tom Holland and Zendaya using their platform to support charitable causes, such as signing 'Spider-Man' posters for The Brothers Trust. One more user said, The way she holds him & just behaves like a child around him- whyre they so adorable. Yet another user commented, The Brothers Trust, founded by Tom Holland and his brothers, aims to raise funds and awareness for various charitable causes around the world.

Zendaya holding a puppy(Instagram/Zendaya)

For their charity work, Zendaya kept her look casual, wearing a grey sweater with minimal to no make-up while Holland donned a black pullover with glasses over his head. The fan-favourite couple is no stranger to charity work as this comes after their visit to British charity Battersea Cats and Dogs Home in London. Zendaya shared a picture of herself holding a little puppy in her hands on her Instagram story, leaving fans gushing. She wrote puppy heaven on the picture, in which she can be seen beaming with joy.
British model Arabella Chi has opened up on the terrifying robbery attack she fell victim to on Thursday night. The Love Island star addressed the horrible ordeal, which has now left her unable to fall asleep at night out of fear. Chi said, Reliving it all I feel physically sick, adding, It was so scary and Ive been having nightmares about being dragged out of bed, just like I was from the car. Two men attacked the 32-year-old model while she was travelling back from Ibiza with her father Paul in Spain. Arabella Chi was a victim of 'organised crime group'(Instagram)

I was petrified when it happened, but now I know theyd been watching us and waiting to attack us, it is even more horrible to think about, Chi continued as per The Sun. She was a target of an organised crime group and prior to the attack, Chi started facing car issues. At the time, her father realised that the tyres were slashed and suggested that she stay in the car. Mopeds are all around you at traffic lights and both our back wheels were slashed, she explained.

Although her car windows were tinted, Chi explained that the attackers noticed the luggage inside. As she and her father tried to escape, the tyres deflated once again and a man seated on a moped shouted at them.He was very intimidating and threatening so my dad told me to get back in the car. He realised then the tyres had been slashed, Chi said. Later, they were both left stranded in the middle of the road. Chi then tried to call for an Uber while seated inside her car upon her father's suggestion. Her father left in the Uber to get help from a petrol station. It felt like the safest thing to do at the time. Locked inside my car, I thought I would be all right.

However, while Chi was alone, she heard her car doors unlock. Explaining what happened next, she said, I remember the lights flashing. This man was grabbing my arm and pulling me out. He was shouting at me and saying he was going to take me to a garage to help me. I started screaming, Get off me, get off me. When her father returned, he realised that all their luggage was gone. We were the perfect targets. A dad and his daughter with a car full of luggage. They must have thought theyd hit the jackpot. The way they did it is sophisticated, she concluded.
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 14, ARMENPRESS. UK Minister for Europe Leo Docherty will visit Armenia next week, the UK Embassy said in a press release on Tuesday.

The UK will expand its trade and security ties with Armenia, building closer cooperation and diversifying Armenias economic relationships, the UK Minister for Europe said at an event in London yesterday (13 November).

Leo Docherty made the commitment to the Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan at the first UK-Armenian Strategic Dialogue  based around discussions on shared interests.

He welcomed ongoing collaboration on governance and rule of law, which is helping to strengthen the stability of Armenia and build its political and economic resilience.

Following the dialogue, Minister for Europe Leo Docherty said:

It has been a really positive discussion during this inaugural UK-Armenia Strategic Dialogue. There is a significant amount of positive energy and opportunity to strengthen and deepen our bilateral relationship. We recognise the responsible and positive approach of the Armenian government  it is an attitude of peace building and a desire to develop commercial links not just with the UK but also across the Caucasus. As a responsible regional player, we really value the relations we have with Armenia.

Following recent events in the region, the Minister emphasised the urgent need for Armenia and Azerbaijan to engage meaningfully in internationally-mediated negotiations to reach an historic peace agreement.

In September, the UK contributed 1million to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to support the humanitarian response to the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh and the wider region.

UK Minister for Europe, Leo Docherty, reinforced the UKs commitment to supporting Armenias democratic and governance reforms.

This financial year, the UK is spending 1.8 million in Armenia through the Good Governance Fund (GGF) on projects that promote inclusivity, boost innovation and drive economic growth.

The dialogue coincides with the opening of new Armenian embassy on Londons Pall Mall, expanding its services amid growing UK-Armenia diplomatic ties.

Docherty will build on the momentum of yesterdays dialogue when he visits Yerevan next week.
Real Housewives of Atlanta alum Kim Zolciak has added "Biermann" to her Instagram bio after she went on a dinner date with Kroy Biermann on their 12th wedding anniversary on Saturday. Kim also altered her social media handle name from @kimzolciak to @kimzbiermann. Kroy Biermann and Kim Zolciak(File Photo)

Meanwhile, Kim's actions have left fans puzzled about what's going on her equation with Kroy. Notably, the couple filed for divorce from each other twice this year.

In their first divorce filing in May, the couple had listed April 30 as the date of their separation. At that time, reports said that the couple's monetary difficulties, including the foreclosure of their Georgia home as a result of loan defaults, and claims of them owing the IRS more than $1 million in overdue taxes, significantly contributed to their split.

In June, Kim had dropped Biermann from her Instagram account.

ALSO READ| Anne Hathaway reveals she was told my career would fall off a cliff at the age of 35

Then in July, Kim called off the divorce. As per reports then, The Superior Court of Fulton County where the legal process of divorce was on, granted Kim a "dismissal without prejudice of answer and counterclaim".

In August, reports emerged that Kroy filed for divorce for a second time. As per the court documents, he had stated their marriage to be irretrievably broken.

During their divorce saga, Kroy had accused Kim of having a gambling addiction which led to financial troubles in the family. Meanwhile, Kim had claimed that Kroy was involved in substance abuse.

Kim and Kroy's children

The pair had met at a charity event in May 2010. They got married and had 4 kids together namely, 9-year-old twins Kaia Rose and Kane Ren, plus sons Kash Kade and Kroy Jagger. In 2013, Kroy adopted Kim's two daughters namely Brielle and Ariana from her previous marriage.
MEERUT: Six men from east Delhis Shahdara, died on Tuesday morning after their car crashed into a truck on the Delhi-Dehradun highway in Chapaar area of Muzaffarnagar district, the Uttar Pradesh police said. Their families have been informed and the bodies sent for autopsy. (Videograb/PTI)

The six, said to be in their early twenties, were on their way to Mussoorie when the accident took place a little over 150km from Delhi. The deceased were on residents of Shahdara in Delhi, said Chapaar station house officer Om Pal.

Their families have been informed and the bodies sent for autopsy.

Om Pal said the accident took place at 4am on Tuesday when the Maruti Ciaz car crashed into the 22-wheeler truck. Police said the mangled remains of the car - the front portion of the car was completely smashed - were pulled out from under the truck with the help of a crane.

Police said the six men died on the spot.

Five of the six men have been identified as Shivam Tyagi, Parsh Sharma, Kunal Sharma, Dheeraj and Vishal
Five people, including a woman, have been arrested in connection with the alleged gangrape of a woman working at a homestay in Agra, the Uttar Pradesh police said on Monday, adding a purported video of the survivor begging for help has been widely circulated on social media. Representational image.

According to the police, the incident took place at a homestay under the Tajganj police station limits on Saturday. Police said they received a call from the survivor, believed to be in her early 30s, late on Saturday night, following which a team was rushed to the homestay and took action against the accused.

Four men and a woman have been arrested after the incident. The medical examination of the victim will be done and legal action is being taken in the case, Archana Singh, assistant commissioner of police (ACP), Sadar Circle, said. The accused include those involved in running the homestay.

In her complaint, the survivor, who has been working at the homestay for the past 18 months, has alleged that the accused lured her to the homestay to celebrate Diwali. When she reached there, they forcibly made her consume alcohol and struck her with a glass bottle on her head when she protested, the officer said.

The woman, in her complaint, also told the police that the accused had made an objectionable video of her earlier based on which they were blackmailing her.

Police have sealed the homestay, which was being operated in a rented property, and also slapped attempt to murder charges against the accused besides gangrape charges, the officer said.

Based on the victims complaint, a case has been registered under sections 376D (gangrape), 323 (voluntarily caused hurt), 307 (attempt to murder) and 406 (criminal breach of trust) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and sections 7 and 8 of Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act at Tajganj police station, ACP Singh said.

The accused have been identified as Jeetendra Rathore, alias Jitu, Ravi Rathore, Manish Kumar, Dev Kishore, and another woman employee at the homestay whose name has been withheld, police said, adding that all accused are residents of Agra.

The incident sparked widespread outrage after a purported video of the survivor begging for help was widely circulated on social media. In the video, the woman could be seen huddled against the railing on the ground floor of a house crying for help, before she is dragged inside a room by a man, who also tries to cover her mouth to stop her from screaming.

HT could not independently verify the authenticity of the video.

An officer at Tajganj police station, requesting anonymity, said all five accused were sent to judicial custody after they were produced before the court on Sunday.
The armed forces tribunal has suspended the life sentence of an Army captain who was found guilty of killing three men in a staged encounter in south Kashmirs Shopian district in July 2020. HT Image

The tribunal also granted conditional bail to Captain Bhoopendra Singh and directed him to appear before its principal registrar on the first Monday of every month, starting from January.

Captain Singhs counsel Maj (Retd) Sudhanshu S Pandey said: Such conviction of a young officer in this manner would have a very demoralising effect on other officers who are sacrificing their lives for the nation.

In a 25-page order on November 9, the two-member tribunal headed by chairperson justice Rajendra Menon said, ...in our considered view, the evidence relied upon by the prosecution and accepted by the SGCM in the present case is not convincing enough to hold the applicant guilty of the charges levelled against him... prima facie, evidence available on record suggests that bail can be granted to the applicant by suspending the sentence.

On July 18, 2020, the three men of Rajouri district  Mohammad Abrar, Mohammad Imtiyaz and Mohammad Ibrar  were killed in a staged encounter at Amshipora village and branded as terrorists by Captain Singh. However, after the Army initiated a probe, it said it has found prima facie evidence that its troops exceeded powers under Afspa and initiated disciplinary proceedings. The government later exhumed the bodies and handed them over to families.

I am unable to understand how a person who has killed three innocent youngsters has been granted bail. This shows how powerful people are managing cases, Mohammad Yusuf, father of Mohammad Ibrar, said.
In the midst of a severe drought affecting the entire state of Karnataka, various farmers associations have urged the legislators to reside at the homes of farmers in the Belagavi district during the upcoming 10-day winter session, scheduled to begin from December 4, people familiar with the matter said on Monday. HT Image

The initiative aims to provide legislators with a first-hand understanding of the challenges faced by the farming community and also reduce the cost to be spent on their stay.

Farmers organisations, united under the banners of Karnataka Rajya Rait Sangh and North Karnataka Sugarcane Growers Association in Belagavi, jointly urged both assembly and council members to consider staying at residences of farmers during the session, Siddagouda Modagi, the convenor of the North Karnataka Sugarcane Growers Association, told HT.

However, some legislators view this proposal as an affront, arguing that they are already familiar with the challenges faced by farmers and do not need to stay at their houses to understand them. We already know the problems being faced by the farmers and there is no need to stay us at their houses to know the same, opined a legislator from Dharwad, seeking anonymity.

The president of Belagavi Taluk Karnataka Rajya Raita Sangh and Hasiru Sene, Appasaheb Desai, has also criticised the village stay concept proposed by the fellow organisations saying, the village stay of elected representatives would be of no use as hundreds of grievances of the farming community tabled before them were not considered.

While some legislators from both Congress and Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) welcomed the suggestion from farmer associations, others disagreed, considering it as their insult. Three legislators from Bagalkot and Vijayapur expressed their willingness to cover the cost of their stay in government-booked rooms to meet the farmer associations advice and reduce the expenditure during the session.

In response to the call from farmer associations, Congress legislators like Viswas Vaidya and Mahantesh Koujalagi expressed readiness to stay at farmers houses instead of lodges or their own residences. After attending the session, myself, my party members Babasaheb Patil, Mahantesh Koujalagi and Ashok Pattan are ready to stay at farmers houses instead of staying at hotels or at our houses, said Savadatti legislator Viswas Vaidya, who is representing Savadatti for first time. We will appeal our BJP counterparts to respond positively to the farmers call, he added.

Mahantesh Koujalagi representing Bailhongal constituency for the third term said, during the session he used to go to his home after completion of days business and return the next day. Not only me, out of 18 MLAs and 4-MLCs most preferred to stay at their homes instead of rooms reserved for them, Koujalagi added.

Meanwhile, Balachandra Jarkiholi from Arabhavi and Lakshmi Hebbalkar from Belagavi (Rural) emphasised that they are already actively engaged with farming communities.

RTI activist Bhimappa Gadad highlighted the significant expenditure associated with lodging for legislators during sessions. He revealed that, on average, the government spent 10 lakh on stay of legislators during the last session, with them staying in lodges, ministers in luxury hotels, and department heads in resorts.

Gadad, who has been tracking the expenses since the first assembly session in 2006, pointed out that elected representatives receive 5,000 per day as a travel allowance in addition to other benefits.
Tension broke out at a village in West Bengals South 24 Parganas district in the early hours of Monday after a local Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader was allegedly shot dead by four unidentified assailants, resulting in a retaliatory attack by residents who thrashed one of the purported accused to death, police said. Police refused to disclose the identity of the deceased and injured accused, saying an investigation is underway. (HT photo)(HT_PRINT)

A second accused, who was allegedly involved in the killing of the TMC leader, was also thrashed by local residents. He was rushed to a hospital for treatment by police and was arrested later in the day, police said.

The TMC leaders murder also led to an angry mob ransacking and setting ablaze at least 15 houses in a neighbouring village, prompting police to deploy a large contingent of force in the area.

The murder and retaliatory killing are reminiscent of the Bogtui massacre in Birbhum district in March last year, wherein 10 people were burnt alive in retaliation to the murder of a local TMC leader Bhadu Sheikh. The Central Bureau of Investigation is probing the two killings.

According to police officials, Saifuddin Laskar (47), TMC area president of Bamangachi area in Joynagar  55 km south of Kolkata  was shot dead by four bike-borne men from close range near his house, when he went out to offer prayers around 5am on Monday. While Laskar is a panchayat member, his wife is the village chief.

The sound of the gunshots, police said, alerted local residents who chased the assailants. While two managed to flee, the remaining were caught and severely thrashed by the residents. A police team rushed to the spot and rescued the two men before rushing them to a hospital, where one succumbed to injuries, police said.

There has been an incident in which two people were killed. We have started a probe. One person has been arrested, said an IPS officer from Baruipur police district, wishing not to be named.

The assailants were on two bikes. After the mob chased them, they lost control of the bikes and fell in a roadside ditch. Two were caught by the villagers while the remaining managed to escape, added the officer.

Police refused to disclose the identity of the deceased and injured accused, saying an investigation is underway.

The TMC leaders kin alleged the CPI(M) was behind the killing. The CPI(M) is behind this. He was a prominent person in the village, his wife Sarifa Bibi Lashkar said.

While police did not rule out the possibility of a political motive, they are also probing the personal enmity as a reason behind the murder. We are exploring all angles. It could be a personal enmity. A political angle cannot be ruled out though. We have got some names during the course of the probe. Searches to nab the accused are underway, a second officer said, not wishing to be named.

Police said that hours after the incident in Bamangachi, an angry mob ransacked and set on fire at least 15 houses in neighbouring Daluakhaki village  which residents (of Daluakhaki) claim is a CPI(M) stronghold.

At least 15 huts were ransacked and set on fire in the neighbouring Daluakhaki village, the IPS officer quoted above said.

It was not immediately clear why the mob attacked the village. The family members alleged before the media that it was a political murder. It may be because of that. A few people have been injured. We will register a case and initiate charges of arson, a third officer said, also seeking anonymity.

Daluakhaki villagers alleged police did nothing to stop the mob.

We were all sleeping when our houses were attacked by a mob armed with lathis and iron rods. There were at least 300-400 of them. They looted our houses, took away our cattle and even set the houses on fire. This happened only because we are CPI(M) workers. The police watched like mute spectators, Amina Bibi, a local resident, told reporters.

Senior police officials, however, said the police were initially outnumbered by the mob. Later, a large contingent of force was deployed at Daluakhaki village to keep a check on the situation. While the fire brigade was initially prevented from entering the village, they later managed with assistance from police.

Security has also been stepped up at Bamangachi, police said.

Both the TMC and CPI(M) blamed each other for the two deaths.

Laskar was like a local mafia. Any death is unfortunate. The TMC has a strong presence there Despite that, how is it that a TMC leader was murdered? Does the TMC and the police not know why he was murdered and who was behind this? CPI(M) leader Sujan Chakraborty told reporters.

Hitting back, TMC MP Santanu Sen told reporters: The administration is keeping a close watch on the situation. Those who cant fight us politically will resort to such violence. We have to remain alert.
PATNA: A Bihar police sub-inspector who led a team that set up a barricade to intercept a tractor carrying illegally mined sand was allegedly mowed down by the vehicle on Tuesday in Ropawel village of Jamui district, police said. Illegal sand and stone mining is a growing menace in Bihars Lakhisarai-Nawada border, of which Jamui is a part. (Representative Image) (FILE PHOTO)

Sub inspector Prabhat Ranjan died before he could reach the hospital. Constable Ramesh Kumar Shah who was also hit by the tractor is being treated at a private hospital, a senior police officer said.

Jamui superintendent of police (SP) Shaurya Suman said the incident took place at 7am when the police control room received a tip about illegally-mined sand being transported from an area under the Garhi police station near Nawada district border.

A checkpoint was quickly set up near the Chanwar bridge to stop the tractor coming from Ropawel village. Prabhat Ranjan, who joined the state police service in 2018, led the police team.

The policemen flagged down the tractor. But the driver appeared to floor the pedal and ran over the police personnel who didnt step aside to force the tractor to stop.

Shaurya Suman said Prabhat Ranjan was rushed to the hospital by his colleagues but died on the way.

We are investigating the involvement of others and will ensure that the perpetrator of the crime faces appropriate punishment, the SP said.

He later announced that the tractor has been seized and one person, Mithilesh Thakur, has been arrested.

Illegal sand and stone mining is a growing menace in Bihars Lakhisarai-Nawada border, of which Jamui is a part.

The Munger range DIG and Jamui SP have been ordered by police headquarters to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter. DGP R S Bhatti conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family of the sub-inspector who laid down his life.
New Delhi: Delhi minister Gopal Rai on Tuesday blamed the Bharatiya Janata Party for the national capital's 'severe' air quality index, claiming its leaders were promoting the bursting of crackers despite the Supreme Court's ban. He said Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh's police forces were in the party's control but they failed to stop the sale and bursting of crackers in the national capital region. A thick layer of smog engulfed various parts of Delhi amid rise in pollution levels on Tuesday morning. (Raj K Raj/ HT Photo)

A day after Diwali, the city's air quality entered the severe zone yet again, posing a health hazard to the people of Delhi and its adjoining areas.

"The BJP is trying to hide its mistakes. I have heard the statements of many BJP leaders recently and all of them are trying to hush up their statements in different ways. There was no festival yesterday, so why were the firecrackers bursting yesterday? Where did they come from? A BJP leader said that the AAP government failed to stop firecrackers. You have Delhi Police. SC had imposed the ban. Uttar Pradesh, Haryana Police are in your hands, then who has failed? This means you wanted crackers to burst," Gopal Rai said.

An anti-smog machine deploys at Sarai Kale Khan to control air pollution in the national capital, a day after the Diwali festival celebrations, in New Delhi on Monday.(ANI)

He added that the Delhi government has implemented the anti-pollution GRAP-4 measures.

"We had decided yesterday that the rules of Grap-4 will still be applicable. The campaign of water sprinkling will start at 12 noon today. The dust particles must be suppressed. The ban on vehicles will continue for now," he added.

BJP attacks Arvind Kejriwal

Meanwhile, BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla attacked chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and blamed Punjab for the pollution.

Also read: SC raps Delhi govt on odd-even; says phase out Punjab paddy, 'don't want desert'

"Once again, Delhi has become a gas chamber today... Arvind Kejriwal used to blame stubble burning in Punjab as the main reason in 2018... Nearly 2600 cases of stubble burning have occurred in Punjab in the last two days. What did the AAP government do in Punjab to stop this?... The main reasons for pollution in Delhi are internal... What was done for vehicular pollution and to control dust?" he said.

Congress slams AAP, BJP

The Congress blamed both BJP and AAP for pollution.

"BJP and AAP are busy playing the blame game while people of Delhi are suffocating. Both of them are responsible for this. Crackers that release a lot of smoke were burst (during Diwali). Maintaining law and order (in Delhi) is the responsibility of the central government. What was it doing?" said Pramod Tiwari.

With inputs from PTI, ANI
Chennai The Air Quality Index (AQI) observed in Chennai city from 6 am on Sunday -- the Diwali day -- for 24 hours ranges between 207 and 365, which denotes that the quality status was poor to very poor, the Tamil Nadu pollution control board said. (ANI)

The air quality in Chennai was poor to very poor due to bursting of firecrackers on the occasion of Diwali, Tamil Nadu Pollution Control board said on Monday.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) observed in Chennai city from 6 am on Sunday -- the Diwali day -- for 24 hours ranges between 207 and 365, which denotes that the quality status was poor to very poor, the pollution board said .

The board has set up manual monitoring stations in seven locations in Chennai  Besant Nagar, T Nagar, Nungambakkam, Triplicane, Sowcarpet, Valasaravakkam and Tiruvottiyur.

The lowest AQI value was observed at Besant Nagar at 207 and the highest at Valasaravakkam at 365.

This year 2023 during Deepavali a reduction of 40% of AQI was observed when compared to the previous year of Deepavali 2022, the pollution board said in a statement.

This year the AQI values for Besant Nagar, T Nagar, Nungambakkam, Triplicane, Sowcarpet, Valasaravakkam and Tiruvottiyur are 207, 306, 364, 253, 336, 365 and 227. Pre-Diwali AQI values at these places on November 5 were 38, 68, 43, 53, 58, 55 and 38.

The pollution board attributed the poor quality air to bursting of firecrackers mainly at night and high relative humidity and low wind speed in Chennai. The weather condition is not conducive for the effective dispersion of the smoke emanated from the bursting of crackers, the board said.

In comparison the AQI in these seven places during 2022 Diwali were 345, 372, 563, 503, 786, 545, 436.

This year, the lowest noise level value observed on the pre Diwali day on November 6 was 52.3 dB(A) [A-weighted decibel] at Tiruvottiyur and the highest noise level value was 64.7 dB(A) at Nungambakkam.

On the Diwali day on November 12, the lowest noise level value observed was 60.5 dB(A) at T Nagar and the highest noise level value was 83.6 dB(A) at Valasaravakkam, according to the pollution board data.

The noise level values observed on Diwali day are higher than National Ambient Noise Standards -- 65.0 dB(A) during day time and 55.0 dB(A) during night time, the pollution board said.

The board said that monitoring is being conducted as per Central Pollution Control Board guidelines for a period of 15 days starting from November 5 at 6am up to November 19 closing at 6am. It accounts for the week before and after Diwali day.

Meanwhile, the Chennai police have registered 554 cases against those who burst crackers beyond the 2-hour period stipulated by the Supreme Court. Another 19 cases were registered against people for bursting crackers with excessive noise. Eight cases were booked against businesses who ran their firecracker shops in violation of the rules in Tamil Nadu, a police release said.
Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel on Tuesday trained his guns on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his reiterating remarks on issues ranging from reservation to the OBCs and corruption charges over the Mahadev betting app. Baghel said PM Modi is holding a responsible position and he will have to face questions. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister and Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel(PTI)

PM Modi is coming to Chhattisgarh and abusing me, making false allegations. I am from OBC too. When he was the CM of Gujarat, he made amendments and came to OBC. You are sitting on a throne of responsibility and will have to answer questions. Why dont you do a caste census? What are you afraid of? When there is criticism, it is to the PM post, not on any specific person, the Chhattisgarh CM told news agency ANI.

Baghel's response came after PM Modi accused the Congress for not implementing reservation to the OBC community despite the party being in power for many years after the Independence. He also targetted Baghel on corruption charges against his son, relatives and officers under his administration.

I want to ask some questions to Congress. The 'Mahadev betting app scam' is worth 508 crore and the probe agencies have recovered loads of cash in this case. A close aide of the Chhattisgarh CM is also in jail. Congress should reveal how much money did the CM receive in this, the Prime Minister demanded.

Polling in 20 out of the total 90 assembly seats in Chhattisgarh was held on November 7. Voting in the remaining 70 seats will be held on November 17.

PM Modi also claimed that the first phase of voting has busted the balloon of lies of Congress and people in the state will teach a lesson to the party.

Baghel responded by saying if one searches for the biggest liar, PM Modis face comes up'. "All this will continue till November 17th. It should be enjoyed. When you cant fight, you place ED in front. What else can the conspirators do besides this? PM says that I buy rice from Chhattisgarh, and people know that you are lying. This is only jumlebaazi, he said, alleging BJP's involvement in dealings related to the Mahadev online betting app.
Armenias Deputy Foreign Minister Paruyr Hovhannisyan commented on the European Union (EU) Foreign Affairs Councils decision to expand the EU civil monitoring mission in Armenia (EUMA).

November 14, 2023, 12:59 Armenia deputy FM: Increasing EU monitors number will further strengthen stability at borders

STEPANAKERT, NOVEMBER 14 , ARTSAKHPRESS-ARMENPRESS: Hovhannisyan said at a press briefing that the expansion of EUMA was being discussed for a long time.

Theres a decision to expand the number of monitors, strengthen their capacity, which will enable to carry out more active work regarding the monitoring, submit the relevant reports to Brussels and member states; something that will definitely further strengthen stability on our borders, Hovhannisyan said.

The decision on expanding EUMA means that the number of monitors will be increased and their capacity will be strengthened, the deputy FM explained.

He added that it is not yet clear by how much the number of EU monitors in Armenia will increase, but he expressed the opinion that an appropriate number should be provided so that the work can be carried out more efficiently.

Hovhannisyan added that the respective work will start quickly and there will be no delay.
New Delhi: The Congresss efforts to stitch a seat pact against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is likely to face resistance from its state units in Delhi, Punjab and West Bengal, where local leaders remain opposed to the dominant Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) partners in the regions, the Aam Aadmi Party and Trinamool Congress respectively. The INDIA groups seat-sharing talks are expected to start in December after elections in five states get over. (Hindustan Times)

The three state units have conveyed to the central leadership the dangers of such alliances, senior leaders said, seeking anonymity. The common concern among the three state units is that such alliances can lead to transfer of the Congress votes to the BJP, said a Congress leader involved in issues related to the opposition INDIA grouping.

Two meetings have been held with Delhi leaders in the past few months before the festive season started. In both meetings, leaders expressed strong reservations about joining hands with the AAP, said another leader who was present in the meetings. They argued that if the ruling party and the Opposition joined hand, then the Congress vote would shift to the BJP.

The voices from the state units assume importance as party chief Mallikarjun Kharge told state leaders during the Congress working committee meeting in Hyderabad on September 16 and 17 that no decision on poll alliances will be imposed upon them, and they will be consulted before taking any decision on poll pacts.

The situation is similar in Punjab, where the Congress faced a humiliating defeat and won only 18 seats in the 2022 assembly elections. The AAP won 92 of the 117 seats and replaced the Congress government. We are fighting against the AAP in Punjab. We are the principal opposition party in the state. If we enter into any pact with the AAP, our voters will shift to the Akali Dal and the BJP, said a Punjab leader, requesting anonymity.

During the working committee meeting, similar concerns were raised by Partap Singh Bajwa, Congress legislative party chief in Punjab. Kharge cut him short and said the meeting was not the right forum to discuss state alliances, said people aware of developments.

West Bengal Congress chief Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury has also communicated to the central leadership that the Congress and the Left have emerged as the third front in the state, two leaders said. The state unit objected to any pact with the TMC for its allegedly vindictive attitude towards Congress workers, said the leaders quoted above.

The INDIA groups seat-sharing talks are expected to start in December after elections in five states get over. The Congress, contesting the elections in all five provinces, is preoccupied with poll campaigns and has delayed seat talks for the 2024 parliamentary elections.
The Election Commission of India has reminded all political parties to submit details of donations received by them through electoral bonds by 5pm on November 15. The reminder, issued on Tuesday, reiterates its November 3 order which was issued pursuant to the Supreme Court order dated November 2. The political parties are required to send the information to Binod Kumar, secretary, election expenditure division, ECI. (Representative file image)

The apex court had directed the ECI to submit details of all electoral bonds issued since the inception of the scheme by November 19 in a sealed packet.

In line with an April 2019 interim order, which was reiterated by the Supreme Court in the November 2023 order, the ECI has directed all political parties to give details of the donors against each bond, the amount of each such bond and the full particulars of the credit received against each bond, namely, the particulars of the bank account to which the amount has been credited and the date of each such credit.

The political parties are required to send this information to Binod Kumar, secretary, election expenditure division, ECI, in a double sealed cover and mark it as Confidential-Electoral Bond.

The five-judge constitutional bench, headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, had directed the ECI to hand over all this data in a sealed packet to the registrar (judicial) in the November 2 order.

All data related to the sale and purchase of the electoral bonds since the notification of the scheme in January 2018 has to be handed over.

Also Read:Electoral bonds to be issued, encashed at 29 SBI branches from Nov 9 to 15: Govt

In its November 2 order, the top court directed the ECI to produce updated data until September 30, 2023. It noted that the April 2019 order was not restricted to the date on which it was pronounced. If there was any ambiguity, it was necessary for the Election Commission to seek a clarification from this Court, read the order.

The Supreme Court has reserved its judgement in the case.

According to information received through RTI requests by Commodore Lokesh Batra (Retd), electoral bonds worth 14,940 crore have been sold between March 2018 and October 2023, The Week reported.

Between October 4 and October 13, right before assembly elections commenced in five states, bonds worth 1,148 crore were sold of which 95.352% were sold in denomination of 1 crore each, according to the report.
The Election Commission on Tuesday issued a show-cause notice to Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra for allegedly making unverified and false statements regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.(X/Congress)

The action has been taken on a complaint filed by a Bharatiya Janata Party leaders Hardeep Singh Puri, Anil Baluni and Om Pathak.

They had accused Priyanka Gandhi of making a "baseless and false" claim that the Narendra Modi government had privatised public sector undertakings (PSUs).

During a public rally at Madhya Pradesh's Sanwer Assembly Constituency, Vadra had purportedly alleged that Prime Minister Modi had given away PSU Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) to his industrialist friends.

It has been alleged that while addressing a public rally at Sanwer Assembly Constituency in Madhya Pradesh, you have made unverified and false statements in respect of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi that have the potential to mislead the public and tarnish the image of the Prime Minister, the poll body said.

The poll panel has asked the Congress leader to explain her statement by 8 pm on Thursday.

The development comes hours after the poll panel issued a notice to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) over alleged disparaging, insulting and defamatory remark against Prime Minister Narendra Modi on social media.

The poll panel said it received a complaint on November 10 from the BJP regarding X (formerly Twitter) posts by the AAP. The saffron party has alleged that the posts allegedly portrayed PM Modi in a disparaging, insulting and defamatory manner with scurrilous and malicious intent.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Tuesday issued show-cause notices to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal and Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi for allegedly making false statements against Prime Minister Narendra Modi while campaigning for the assembly elections in five states. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra addresses a public meeting in poll-bound Chhattisgarhs Bilaspur on Monday. (PTI)

On the basis of separate complaints by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the poll panel sought a response from the two leaders on why action should not be initiated against them by November 16.

There was no immediate reaction from the two parties.

In its notice to Kejriwal, Narendra N. Butolia, senior principal secretary at EC, sought an explanation over two posts against the Prime Minister on X, formerly Twitter, made from the AAPs official account.

This came after the BJP, on November 10, approached the poll panel over a video  posted from AAPs X account on November 8  featuring Modi and industrialist Gautam Adani. The next day, the party posted a picture of Adani and Modi, and alleged that the Prime Minister works for the industrialist and not the people.

In its complaint against AAP, the BJP also cited Section 66A of the Information Technology Act which criminalises sending offensive messages through communication service. However, Section 66A was struck down by the Supreme Court in the Shreya Singhal judgment in 2015 and thus, cannot be used.

In its notice, the EC said: The national convener of the Aam Aadmi Party is hereby called upon to explain the statements/allegations/averments, made in the alleged social media posts under reference, against a star campaigner of another national party and against the political party and to show cause why appropriate action for violation of model code of conduct should not be taken against you.

The poll panels notice to Vadra was also issued on a BJP complaint that the Congress leader made unverified and false statements about Modi during a rally in Sanwer, Madhya Pradesh. She had purportedly alleged that Modi had given away PSU BHEL to his industrialist friends.

You must have verified the facts as stated in para 5 above so as to not leave any possibility of misleading the voters, the notice, issued by EC secretary Amit Kumar, said.

This is the second such notice to Vadra in less than a month. Earlier, she was issued a notice for her statement that Modi donated only 21 at a temple.
NEW DELHI: A rapid spike in fighting between Myanmars military and anti-junta forces over the past week could have ramifications for security in Indias strategic northeast region, especially Manipur and Mizoram states. Here is a closer look at Operation 1027 launched by resistance groups, developments in different parts of Myanmar and the implications for India. Members of the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army pose for a photograph in front of the seized army's infantry battalion in Kunlong township in Shan state, Myanmar on Nov. 12. (AP)

What has happened so far?

The Three Brotherhood Alliance, which includes the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), Arakan Army and Taang National Liberation Army (TNLA), launched Operation 1027 (named after the date the offensive began) in northeastern Shan State bordering China.

The alliance, with the support of other small groups, has reportedly overrun more than 135 military positions, seized large caches of weapons and ammunition, and taken control of trade routes with China, including Kunlong town near Chinshwehaw, the site for a proposed rail link with China.

Members of the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army pose for a photograph with the weapons allegedly seized from the Myanmars army outpost on a hill in Chinshwehaw town, Myanmar, on Oct. 28, 2023 (The Kokang online media via AP)

This was followed by similar offensives by the Chin National Front (CNF) in Chin State, the Kachin Region Peoples Defense Force (Mogaung) in Kachin State, various Peoples Defence Force (PDF) groups in Sagaing Region, the Arakan Army in Rakhine State, and the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF), Karenni Army and Karenni National Peoples Liberation Front (KNPLF) in Karenni State. Chin and Kachin States and Sagaing Region border India, and CNF fighters were involved in capturing Rihkhawdar, home to one of two official border crossing points with India, over the weekend.

There have been reports of casualties on both sides, with rebel groups claiming to have killed nearly 90 military personnel. The junta has declared martial law in many towns in Shan, Chin and Karenni States and Sagaing Region. The fighting has forced thousands of Myanmarese nationals, including security personnel, to flee to Mizoram.

Which are the main resistance groups?

The Three Brotherhood Alliance, which first emerged in 2016, has taken the lead in the ongoing offensives. In a statement announcing Operation 1027, the alliance said the campaign was driven by a desire to safeguard the lives of civilians, assert our right of self-defence, maintain control of our territory, and respond resolutely to ongoing artillery attacks and airstrikes by Myanmars military. It said it is also dedicated to eradicating the oppressive military dictatorship, a shared aspiration of the entire Myanmar populace.

The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) is perceived as the strongest group in the Three Brotherhood Alliance and has spearheaded Operation 1027. The group, which was formed in 1989 and is believed to have some 6,000 fighters, has said it has taken control of the key border crossing with China at Chinshwehaw.

The Arakan Army, created in 2009 and based in Rakhine State, is the military wing of the United League of Arakan (ULA). The group is led by Twan Mrat Naing and is believed to have more than 35,000 fighters spread across Kachin, Rakhine and Shan States.

The Taang National Liberation Army (TNLA) is the armed wing of the Palaung State Liberation Front (PSLF) and disarmed in 2005 after signing a ceasefire pact with the government. It was reconstituted in 2011 and is currently believed to have some 8,000 troops.

How has Myanmars State Administration Council responded?

The State Administration Council (SAC) has responded to rebel offensives by trying to mobilise ground forces for counter-attacks and carrying out air strikes at several places. Myint Swe, appointed as Myanmars President after the 2021 coup, was quoted by the state-run media last week as saying that the country will be split into various parts if the government doesnt effectively manage incidents happening in the border region.

Military leaders have claimed they have regained control of the situation and inflicted a large number of casualties on the MNDAA.

What does it mean for India?

Apart from a recent influx of thousands of refugees from Myanmar into Mizoram, concerns are growing about a spillover of tensions into border areas in Indias northeast. Myanmars Chin ethnic group has strong links with the Kukis in Manipur, and several Meitei militant groups from Manipur have a presence in Myanmars Sagaing Region and are believed to be patronised by the junta. Experts believe this could have implications for the situation in Manipur.

When Indias deputy national security adviser Vikram Misri visited Naypyitaw to attend an event on October 15 that marked the eighth anniversary of the signing of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement with Myanmars rebel groups, he had said the pact needs to be strengthened to resolve ethnic conflicts. However, we must acknowledge that the journey towards peace has been fraught with challenges. There have been setbacks along the way, and the path forward remains challenging in view of the evolving political landscape in Myanmar, he said.
Fair trial in a criminal case does not mean that it must only be fair to the accused, the Supreme Court has said, adding that the object of the criminal law is to ensure no guilty should go scot-free and no innocent should be punished. Arguing for the Karnataka government, additional advocate general Aman Panwar had earlier pointed out that what was sought to be produced by the prosecution was just a certificate of evidence already on record. (ANI)

The observations of a bench, comprising justices Vikram Nath and Rajesh Bindal, came in a judgment last week, as the court allowed the prosecutions endevaour to prove certain electronic evidence in connection with the trial of 2008 serial bomb blasts in Bengaluru. One woman died and around 30 were injured after seven bombs went off across the city on July 25, 2008. One of the improvised explosive devices (IEDs) that exploded at a bus stop in south Bengalurus Madivala caused the death of the 32-year-old woman.

Setting aside the orders of the high court and the trial court that declined to take on record the authenticity certificate vis-a-vis the electronic evidence gathered during the investigation in the case, the bench held that permitting the prosecution to produce the certificate under section 65B of the evidence act was not resulting in any irreversible prejudice to the accused.

A certificate under section 65-B of the Act, which is sought to be produced by the prosecution, is not evidence which has been created now. It meets the requirement of the law to prove a report on record. The accused will have full opportunity to rebut the evidence led by the prosecution, said the bench, allowing the prosecution to prove a report concerning the electronic evidence.

The investigators seized laptops, pen drives, hard drives, memory cards and digital cameras, among others, that the prosecution had sought to prove during the trial by placing on record an authenticity certificate under the act.

Fair trial in a criminal case does not mean that it should be fair to one of the parties. Rather, the object is that no guilty should go scot-free and no innocent should be punished...The object of the (criminal procedure) code is to arrive at truth, underlined the bench, referring to section 311 of the CrPC that empowers courts to summon material witnesses at any stage of the proceedings to reach the just decision in the case.

Lamenting that the 2008 Bengaluru blasts shocked not only the city or the state but also the entire country, the court added that in such terror attacks it is only the innocents who suffer and that the investigation had to be scientific to bring guilty to book.

In the case in hand, this exercise of power (under 311 of CrPC) is required to uphold the truth, as no prejudice as such is going to be caused to the accused, said the bench, asking the trial court to let the prosecution recall a witness in its endeavour to prove the electronic evidence on record.

Arguing for the Karnataka government, additional advocate general Aman Panwar had earlier pointed out that what was sought to be produced by the prosecution was just a certificate of evidence already on record. The primary evidence in the form of electronic devices was already on record along with a forensic report, he had added.

Advocate Balaji Srinivasan, appearing for some of the accused in the case, however submitted that there was no error in the orders passed by the courts below and that the prosecution cannot be allowed to fill up the lacuna in the evidence by filing an application to recall a witness belatedly. He added that the accused will be deprived of their right to a fair trial if the prosecutions plea is allowed.

The first lead behind the bombings came through in October 2008 when four young men from Kerala were shot dead by security forces in Kashmir as they were allegedly attempting to cross over to Pakistan to join a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) training camp. The investigations revealed that the four slain youths were among a group of men from Kerala funded by the LeT to carry out blasts in Bengaluru.

As many as 32 persons were subsequently arrested by police and agencies, including prime accused T Naseer and his associate Shafas Shamsuddin, who had escaped to Bangladesh. After their arrest, Bengaluru Police in December 2009 said in a statement: The Bangalore city serial blasts were carried out with the financial assistance and guidance of the LeT. Naseer and Shafas were assisted financially by the LeT during their stay in Bangladesh.

One of the high-profile personalities arrested for the conspiracy to execute the Bengaluru bombings is firebrand Kerala political leader Abdul Nasser Madani.
Kochi: A gunbattle broke out between commandos of the Kerala Polices Thunderbolt squad and Maoists in a forest area in Kannur district on Monday, a police officer said. The encounter between commandos of Kerala police and Maoists in Kannur district comes just a week after two Maoists were apprehended by security forces following a gunfight in a forest area near Periya in Wayanad district. (HT Archives)

The gunbattle took place deep inside the forest near Uruppumkutty within the Karikkottakkari police station limits. No one has been taken into custody yet. More details of the encounter are not known yet, the officer said.

An FIR has been registered in connection with the incident under sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, he added.

From 9:30 am till 11:30 am, sounds of gunfire from the forest were heard frequently. The spot where the gunfight has taken place is around seven kilometres inside the forest from the nearest inhabited place, Jose Evan, a local ward member, told reporters.

While there are local media reports of injuries to Maoists and arms being seized, top officials of the police were unavailable for comment. Many police personnel have been deployed in the area as part of ensuring a security blanket.

The incident comes just a week after two Maoists were apprehended by security forces following a gunfight in a forest area near Periya in Wayanad district. Another suspected Maoist sympathiser was arrested in Koyilandy in Kozhikode district earlier. The arrested Maoists were identified as Chandu and Unnimaya, members of the Kabani Dalam, a Maoist unit that operates in Kannur and Wayanad districts of the state.
Heavy rainfall lashed many parts of Tamil Nadu forcing the authorities to close schools in the Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, and Villupuram districts of the state. Puducherry also declared a holiday for schools and colleges on Tuesday. Vaigai Dam at full capacity following steady inflow following widespread rain in the catchment areas, in Theni district of Tamil Nadu. (PTI)

The announcement comes after the meteorological department's forecast of heavy to very heavy rainfall in several districts, including Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Villupuram, Cuddalore, and Puducherry on November 14.

India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday issued an orange alert, stating the possibility of heavy to very heavy rainfall in coastal regions of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal.

The IMD said in a post on X, formerly Twitter, Orange Alert! The coastal regions of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal are expected to experience isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall (115.6 to 204.4 mm) on November 13th and 14th. Stay safe, stay informed!

The weather department said due to an upper air cyclonic circulation, a low-pressure area is likely to occur in the south-east Bay of Bengal. It warned of stormy weather and wind speeds reaching up to 55 kmph.

Till last week, Tamil Nadu received 17 per cent less than normal.

For November 14, light to moderate rain is expected at many places, with thunderstorms and lightning likely at one or two places. Heavy to very heavy rain is likely at isolated places over Cuddalore, Villupuram, Chengalpattu, and Kancheepuram districts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Heavy rain is also expected at isolated places over Tirupattur, Vellore, Ranipet, Tiruvallur, Chennai, Tiruvannamalai, Kallakurichi, Perambalur, Ariyalur, Tiruchirappalli, Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai districts of Tamil Nadu, and Karaikal area, news agency ANI quoted MET official Kannan.

Since the start of November, widespread rainfall has been observed in Tamil Nadu. Last week, most areas in the state experienced moderate to heavy rain, leading to severe waterlogging and the closure of schools.

State Minister of Housing and Urban Development, S Muthusamy, conducted an inspection of low-lying areas along with district administration officials. He pledged to take action to construct strong banks on the ponds.

Waterlogging due to persistent heavy rainfall was recorded in Erode, causing rainwater and drainage water to flood houses in low-lying regions.
Days before the second phase of the Chhattisgarh elections, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is not just the leader of India but the "most popular leader" of the world. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma welcomes PM Modi in Assam.(X/ Himanta Biswa Sarma )

"Elections are about to be held in Chhattisgarh. PM Narendra Modi was in Chhattisgarh yesterday. Now he is not just the leader of India but people consider him as the most popular leader of the world," the Assam Chief Minister said while campaigning at Chhattisgarh's Gariaband ahead of the November 17 polls.

Himanta said that even when the Prime Minister goes to the United States of America he is honoured there.

"Even when he goes to America, he is honoured. Wherever he goes across the country, he is honoured," he said.

The Assam Chief Minister said that this is because PM Modi does what he announces and so people are confident in him.

"The reason is that he (Modi) does what he says. That is why we say, 'Modi hai toh mumkin hai' (It is possible if Modi is there). This slogan is now heard in every corner of India," he said.

Chhattisgarh is voting in two phases, with the first phase of 20 seats having concluded on November 7. The remaining 70 seats will go for polling on Friday.
A year ago, 40-year-old Kurakula Chandraiah returned to his native village Muthyampet in Telanganas Kamareddy district from Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, where he had worked as a driver for 30,000 a month. Telangana chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao (PTI)

I went to Riyadh four years ago by spending 1.5 lakh. I had no option but to return to India, as my visa expired. Back home, I have no job. I am forced to depend on my wife, who is working as a biology lecturer in a private college, said Chandraiah, who studied only up to Class X due to poverty.

His argument is that he would not have gone all the way to the Gulf country to earn such a paltry sum had he got an employment opportunity in Telangana. Even after nine years of Telangana formation, there are no jobs for the people, Chandraiah lamented.

Like Chandraiah, there are at least half a million people from northern Telangana alone who have been to different parts of the Gulf, including Riyadh, Dubai, Sharjah, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Muscat and Oman, for the past two decades.

Dubai-Mumbai Boggu Bayi (coal mine) was the slogan raised by Bharat Rashtra Samithi (then Telangana Rashtra Samithi) to highlight the plight of migrant workers from Telangana during the peak of the movement for a separate state before 2014.

At every public meeting, KCR (K Chandrashekar Rao) used to raise this issue, stating that thousands of people from Telangana were migrating to either Mumbai or Dubai in search of work, as successive Andhra rulers had failed to provide employment opportunities, or working as manual labour in coal mines. He promised to ensure that all of them would return to Telangana once a separate state was formed, said Patukuri Basanth Reddy, president of Gulf-Telangana Welfare Association who hails from Jakranpalli village of Nizamabad district. But there has been no change in the fate of these people in the last nine-and-half years after KCR came to power.

During the 2018 assembly elections, the BRS (then TRS) made a promise to set up a Pravasi Bharat Welfare Board with a budgetary allocation of 500 crore to provide financial assistance to families of Telangana youth who had migrated Gulf countries in search of a livelihood and got stuck there for various reasons. The BRS also promised to provide financial assistance to Gulf returnees towards self-employment.

But the chief minister has not kept up the promise. There is neither special fund, nor is there any financial assistance to the Gulf returnees, Basanth Reddy said.

In July, as elections to the state assembly was approaching, the government announced it would conduct a survey of migrant workers in the Gulf. A pilot project was launched in Balkonda assembly constituency of Nizamabad district to ascertain the exact number of youth who had migrated to the Gulf countries.

There is no exact number of people from Telangana who migrated to the Gulf countries and those who returned, as they do not get registered with the state government. If at all there is any data, it is available with the Centre. As per unofficial estimates, the number could be anywhere around 1.2 million over the last two decades. The survey is intended to identify the exact number of migrants at present, an official in the NRI wing operating from the state secretariat said on condition of anonymity.

Migrants families hold key to polls

Families of these migrant workers are going to play a key role in deciding the fate of the major political parties in the upcoming assembly elections in the state scheduled to be held on November 30.

In each assembly constituency of Nizamabad, there are at least 25,000-30,000 voters whose family members are away in the Gulf countries. They have the potential to change the fortunes of the candidates. The migrants, who are in touch with their families, would influence their voting preferences, Basanth Reddy said.

According to Abdul Rafiq, who is working as a construction worker in Abha in Saudi Arabia, migrant workers from Telangana have formed a WhatsApp group and are sharing their thoughts over the upcoming polls. They communicate the same with their families and discuss whom to vote for in the elections, he said.

Even after the formation of Telangana, the migration of unemployed youth to the Gulf countries hasnt stopped, Rafiq said. No doubt, there have been a lot of developmental and infrastructure projects taken up in Telangana in the last nine years. But nearly 80% of the workforce is from north Indian states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, etc. There are no jobs for locals, who have the same skills. When they can do the same jobs in the Gulf countries, why cant they be given preference in Telangana? he asked.

Kotapati Narasimham Naidu, who is heading the Gulf migrants rights and welfare forum, admitted that the families of gulf migrants are upset with the government for not doing much for them. But they are not completely against the BRS, as the KCR government has taken care of the welfare of their families back home in the form of pensions, Rythu Bandhu, etc, Naidu said. Rythu Bandhu is a support scheme for farmers in Telangana.

The Bharat Jagruthi headed by Kalvakuntla Kavitha, daughter of KCR, is also doing extensive groundwork to the turn the tide in favour of the BRS. Since every vote counts if the battle is tough, all the parties are trying to woo these families, Naidu said.

Narasimha Goud, who has done his postgraduate in business administration, and returned from Dubai a couple of years ago after doing some petty jobs, set up a tea stall near Kyathapalli village on the outskirts of Kamareddy.

I have realised that there is no point in running after easy money in the Gulf and face sufferings. I set up this tea stall and sell snacks as well, instead of depending on the government for jobs, he said, adding that it hardly matters for him whether it is the BRS or the Congress that comes to power.
On November 13, the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia in the United Kingdom organized an official reception in honor of the visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan, to mark the opening of the new building of the Embassy of Armenia in the UK and the launch of the Armenia-UK Strategic Dialogue.

November 14, 2023, 16:37 Armenia reaffirms commitment to working closely with UK in addressing global challenges, advancing common interests

STEPANAKERT, NOVEMBER 14 , ARTSAKHPRESS: MPs of the UK Parliament, representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Development, the Armenian community in the UK, public and political figures attended the event.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan and Chris Allan, the Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia Division (EECAD) at Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Ambassador of Armenia to the United Kingdom Varuzhan Nersisyan delivered welcome and congratulatory remarks, the foreign ministry said in a press release.

FM Ararat Mirzoyan said in his remarks:

We are gathered here for two important reasons:

First, to celebrate Armenias new Embassy premises in the heart of London. For us, this edifice marks the significant milestone in Armenias relationship with the UK and demonstrates the importance we place on deepening our relations built upon shared values, mutual respect, and a commitment to peace, democracy and economic development.

This year Armenia and the UK are celebrating 32 years of diplomatic relations, however our ties date back centuries. On this profound basis Armenia and the UK have made significant progress in enhancing political ties and economic cooperation, fostering stronger trading links and promoting closer people-to-people exchange through tourism, education, and culture. Opening of the new embassy building is a testimony to our enduring relations and readiness to deepen the cooperation.

Secondly, we are also here to mark the establishment of a Strategic Dialogue between Armenia and the UK. This is indeed a new chapter in our bilateral relations, which provides us with an elevated framework to strengthen cooperation in critical areas like regional security, sustainable development and human rights. Through the Strategic Dialogue, we are reaffirming our commitment to working closely with the UK in addressing global challenges and advancing our common interests.

We have a long road to cover and an important turn on that road starts here and today. We aspire for an even more ambitious bilateral cooperation agenda through the signing of the Armenia-UK Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement. This agreement will give us a solid legal foundation to further elevate our relations for the benefit of both peoples.

Dear guests,

Armenia is proud of the significant progress we have made in building a modern, democratic, market-oriented, open and vibrant society. We gratefully acknowledge the UKs ongoing contribution to these efforts and today, Armenia and the UK stand together as proud democracies.

Despite the humanitarian and security challenges that Armenia is currently facing, I want to assure you that we remain firmly committed to our democratic aspirations. We continue to focus on the opportunities to establish peace, stability and cooperation in our region. It is in this context that the Prime Minister of Armenia has recently introduced the Crossroads of Peace project, the key essence of which is the development of communications by means of renovating, building, and operating roads, railways, pipelines, cables and electricity lines. This can play an instrumental role in connecting North to South and West to East.

Dear guests,

Im confident that together, we can contribute to a global community that values peace, justice, and is hinged on solidarity to jointly meet the ever-increasing challenges.

Thank you all again for being here today.
Panna/Sagar/Vidisha Surrounded by farmers in his agriculture goods shop in Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh, Biren Singh Gaur talks of change even as two young farmers talk about benefits provided by the chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan-led Bharatiya Janata Party government such as Ladli Behna scheme in which every woman beneficiary gets 1,250 per month. Shivraj Singh Chouhan, four-term chief minister and the longest serving BJP CM in the country , is not the partys CM face for the November 17 state elections (PTI)

Badlav (change) is a talking point among voters across MP elections, which, Guar says, reflects very high corruption in government offices, arrogance of local leaders and anger against the ruling BJP for buying MLAs to upset peoples mandate for change in 2018. Mama ka control nahin raha (the chief minister is not in charge), he said, referring to corruption in the government, even as the two young farmers, Subhash Sharma and Rahul Sharma, who claim to be BJP workers, listen to him silently. The BJP has not declared a chief ministerial candidate, a departure for a party that usually projects the incumbent in states where it is in power.

At Vidisha, a BJP bastion, Vijay Shah, a trader and old-time RSS-BJP worker, blames the influence of outsiders for BJP workers getting disillusioned and gives an example of the party electing an industrialist, who came from another party, as chair of a local municipality . The BJP remembers workers only before elections to make them Panna Pramukhs (booth in-charges). Otherwise, they are forgotten, he said at his hardware shop in Vidisha town, from where the BJP lost for first time in assembly polls since 1977 in 2018. Things are not good for the party here this time too, he said, uttering the B word, Badlav several times to vent his anger against the state BJP leadership. The Congress defeated the BJP in 2018, but the latter came to power in early 2020 after several Congress legislators resigned and joined it.

The Vidisha Lok Sabha seat, which includes Raisen district, is considered one of the safest seats for the BJP in the country ; former prime minister Atal Behari Vajpayee (1991), Shivraj Singh Chouhan (1991 after Vajpayee resigned to keep Lucknow Lok Sabha seat, 1996,1998, and 1999) and former external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj (2009) were all elected from there. Chouhan held a roadshow highlighting the Jan Sanghs (the BJPs predecessor) connection with Vidisha since Independence and how the voters have always backed the BJP there. The party has fielded Chouhans close confidante Manoj Tandon from Vidisha after his loss to Congresss Shashank Bhargava in 2018. Bhargava, the sitting MLA, remains the Congresss candidate.

THE CHOUHAN FACTOR

Chouhan, four-term chief minister and the longest serving BJP CM in the country, is not the partys CM face for the November 17 state elections. He is among the dozen leaders on the BJPs election posters in the state. But his supporters believe he will prevail -- within and without.

If the BJP wins, Shivraj will be the CM again. There is no one else, asserted Nanha Bhai Thakur, a farmer at Simariya village in Sagar district, admitting that Chouhan failed to check rise in local corruption after he took over from Kamal Nath of Congress in 2020 following the resignation of 22 Congress MLAs. In Indore, a dairy shop owner who asks not to be named is confident that Chouhan will be the CM again saying he has developed MP like no other leader and is still popular among people.

But elsewhere and with others, Chouhan also seems to have emerged as the face of 18 years of anti-incumbency, and the target of resentment against the government on charges of local corruption and turncoats becoming more powerful than lifetime BJP leaders. It is a fact not lost on the BJPs central leadership, which has fielded three Union ministers and four other MPs in the state elections. Even though the CM is taking part in seven to eight election events every day, a senior BJP leader in Bhopal said says he is no more the most sought-after leader by candidates. They are worried that they may face consequence of peoples anger against him, he said. It is clear to us that the party has sidelined him, admitted a BJP worker in Panna. In public meetings in October, Chouhan asserted that he was in the race for the CMs post but has been silent on the issue since then.

A former Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, once considered close to Shivraj, who retired as additional chief secretary in the government a few months before the elections, attributed the shrinking popularity to fatigue with the CM. He also lost his popular support among bureaucracy, said this person who asked not to be named, mentioning resentment among district officials over being asked to mobilise people for political rallies. This has never happened before, he said, sentiments echoed to this reporter by two district collectors.

Bhopal-based journalist Dinesh Gupta says the anger against Chouhan appears significant compared to 2018 but adds that Prime Minister Narendra Modi continues to be most popular national leader. We never saw such an anger against Shivraj before, not even in 2018, when there was a strong anti-incumbency against him. He appears to be bearing the brunt of all that has gone wrong with the BJP in the state.

SHIVRAJ VS KAMAL NATH

Among several narratives on the electoral ground, voters are comparing 15 months of Kamal Nath government versus 45 months of Shivraj government. Some find fault with the Nath government saying it was ineffective and corrupt, but others claim that nothing changed once Shivraj took over in March 2020.

Kamal Nath gave 100 units of electricity free, doubled old age pension to 600, waived farm loans of up to 50,000, said Sachin Singh Thakur, a farmer in Sagars Badtuma village, who claimed to be a BJP loyalist. Sitting next to him in the village chaupal, Rampal Prajapati, a Dalit, is quick to add that petty corruption was high in the Kamal Nath government, claiming he had to pay for the transfer of his daughter, a government schoolteacher.

At Manki village in Panna district, dominated by tribals, Ram Kali, 70, credits Nath for doubling old age pension , and rues that she does not get benefits under Ladli Behna scheme. Younger and healthier women are getting 1,250 and I get only 600. Is this fair? she asked. However, others in the village chaupal laud Chouhan for building a road to the village, at the foothills of Panna Tiger Reserve and providing electricity. We also have taps under the Jal Jeevan Mission though water supply is not regular, said 50-year-old Dhir Adivasi.

BJP leaders on the campaign trail are reminding voters that Nath did not keep his promises after winning in 2018 and will not do the same in 2023. Kamal Nath did not keep even his single promise and his government was den of corruption. Farm loan of not even a single farmer was waived, Chouhan said, during a roadshow in Sagar on November 7. The CM also said that his government has already implemented the 5Gs (five guarantees) of the Congress (manifesto), which includes monthly allowance of 1,500 to every woman of the state and cooking gas cylinder for 500.

The Congress is telling voters about Kamal Nath Ka Bhorosa saying he kept most of the promises made in 2018 and will do the same in 2023. Kamal Nath showed that the Congress implements what is promises. Our poll promises are game-changer in this poll, said Congress spokesperson Sandeep Sablok. But a senior Congress leader in Bhopal added that the party is banking on the anti-incumbency vote admitting that the partys campaign on ground is very weak in absence of adequate financial resources.

REGIONAL NARRATIVESApart from overall state electoral narratives , from corruption to farm distress, there are other undertones in the six regions of the state.

In Gwalior-Chambal (30 seats) caste fault lines are dominant; Bundelkhand (26 seats) has a distinct narrative around police action against political opponents; communal tension and Hindutva politics is playing out in Malwa-Nimar (66) region; lack of development and poor health infrastructure are key electoral issues in backward Vindhya (30 seats) and Mahakoshal (38 seats) regions; and in Madhya Bharat (36), the most productive farm region of the state, the prices of agricultural inputs keeps coming up in the conversation.

This election is a mix of hyperlocal issues and state-level issues related to corruption and welfare, Gupta said, predicting that the common thread across the state would be anti-incumbency.

(With inputs from Ranjan and Shruti Tomar)
New Delhi: India and the UK discussed ways to take forward their negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA) and global challenges such as the Israel-Hamas conflict and the Ukraine war during a meeting between external affairs minister S Jaishankar and his British counterpart David Cameron. External affairs minister S Jaishankar with UKs newly appointed foreign secretary David Cameron. (X/S Jaishankar)

This was Camerons first meeting as foreign secretary after the former premiers surprise appointment to the post by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in a cabinet reshuffle on Monday. The reshuffle was necessitated by Sunaks sacking of home secretary Suella Braverman.

A pleasure to meet UK Foreign Secretary @David_Cameron this afternoon on his first day in office. Congratulated him on his appointment, Jaishankar posted on X after the meeting. Look forward to working with him closely, he added.

Jaishankar said they held discussions on realising the full potential of our strategic partnership and exchanged views on the situation in West Asia, the Ukraine conflict and the Indo-Pacific but didnt give details.

A spokesperson for the UK foreign ministry said Cameron had welcomed Jaishankar for his first bilateral meeting as foreign secretary and discussed progressing a free trade agreement and partnerships on defence, science and technology.

The two ministers also discussed shared global challenges, including the concerning situation in Israel and Gaza and Russias illegal war in Ukraine, the spokesperson said.

The meeting also covered the importance of the Indo-Pacific region to global growth and prosperity and the ministers reflected on the strength of the UK-India relationship  including meeting the ambition of the UK-India 2030 Roadmap.

India and the UK have been engaged in protracted negotiations on an FTA since last year and people familiar with the matter said the intervention of the political leadership of both countries is needed to bridge differences on key issues such as rules of origin, tariffs on alcohol, automobiles and textiles, and market access.

Also Read: Gaps narrow in mobility, auto as India-UK FTA talks advance

Prior to the UK cabinet reshuffle, Jaishankar also met former foreign secretary James Cleverly at a reception hosted by the Indian high commissioner. He met him again on Monday evening in his new role as home secretary and discussed the importance of mobility, skills and talent in the development of our bilateral cooperation, Jaishankar posted on X.

Jaishankar and Cleverly also exchanged views on addressing shared concerns on extremism, economic offences, trafficking and security.

In a separate interaction with UK defence secretary Grant Shapps on Monday, Jaishankar discussed enhancing defence and security cooperation. He said the Make in India programme offers new opportunities for British partners. They also discussed global security challenges.

Jaishankar also met former UK premier Tony Blair and discussed bilateral ties, the West Asia situation and Africa. On November 12, Jaishankar and his wife had called on Prime Minister Sunak on Diwali and conveyed the best wishes of his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi. India and UK are actively engaged in reframing the relationship for contemporary times. Thank Mr and Mrs Sunak for their warm reception and gracious hospitality, he posted on X after that meeting.
Newly appointed president of Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP) Karnataka unit BY Vijayendra held discussions with Janata Dal (Secular) patriarch HD Deve Gowda and former chief minister Basavaraj Bommai on Monday. The 47-year-old son of BJP veteran BS Yediyurappa is set to formally take over the post on Wednesday days after being appointed as the party president on Friday. Janata Dal (Secular) chief HD Deve Gowda felicitates the newly appointed Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Vijayendra Yediyurappa during a meeting, in Bengaluru on Monday. (ANI)

During their meeting, Vijayendra disclosed that Deve Gowda advocated for joint efforts between the BJP and JD(S) during the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, to avoid confusion. This recommendation comes in light of JD(S) joining the BJP-led NDA in September, with both parties working on finalising seat-sharing arrangements for the Karnataka Lok Sabha polls.

Vijayendra conveyed Deve Gowdas contentment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi entrusting him with a significant responsibility. Deve Gowda emphasised the importance of touring the state, drawing parallels with Vijayendras father and former chief minister B S Yediyurappa.

He [Deve Gowda] told me the BJP and the JD(S) should fight the upcoming Lok Sabha elections together without leaving room for any confusion, solve the problems amicably and march forward, the BJP state chief said.

Noting that BJP and its ally have set a target to win a maximum number of seats in the Lok Sabha election, Vijayendra said Deve Gowda told him that next years polls are crucial as they are related to the future of the country.

Following his meeting with Bommai, Vijayendra held a meeting with the former chief minister Basavraj Bommai, who was a contender for the post of party chief and had not issued any statements after Vijayendras appointment.

Vijayendra said that Bommai has given his commitment to campaign across Karnataka under his leadership for the Lok Sabha polls. Bommai, expressed satisfaction with the BJP national leaders decision, extended his continuous support and highlighted the critical nature of the upcoming elections in shaping the countrys future.

He [Bommai] said he will be with us always. He also said that the upcoming Lok Sabha elections are crucial as they will shape the future of the country. We have to face together with unity. He also said he will travel across the state to strengthen the party of my leadership, he said.

Vijayendra also extended an invitation to Bommai to attend his formal takeover ceremony on Wednesday.

He also met the 91-year-old S M Krishna, who had joined the BJP in 2017 after a 45-year association with the Congress. Krishna served as chief minister of Karnataka from 1999 to 2004, as Maharashtra governor from 2004 to 2008 and also held the position of External Affairs minister from 2009 to 2012.

BS Yediyurappa has worked at the grassroots level. PM Modi, Amit Shah and JP Nadda have identified Vijayendra to lead the party in the state. Generational change is the law of nature. Vijayendra has to lead the party in Lok Sabha as well as the local body polls. Senior leaders must join hands to build the party, SM Krishna said.

Internal dissent in BJP

According to party leaders familiar with the matter, several leaders, including former national general secretary CT Ravi, legislators Basangouda Patil Yatnal and Arvind Bellad, and former ministers K S Eshwarappa and V Somanna, are purportedly upset with Vijayendras elevation.

Yediyurappa has been calling on the leaders to resolve discontent and consolidate support ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, party leaders added.

Similarly, senior BJP leaders, Byrathi Basavaraj and ST Somashekar, who left the Congress and joined the BJP in 2019 held a meeting with Yediyurappa at his house.

CT Ravi, a front-runner for the position of Karnataka BJP chief, expressed discontentment about the decision, highlighting concerns about dynastic politics within the party. Responding to reporters questions at a news conference on Saturday on whether Vijayendras appointment would promote dynastic politics, Ravi said everyone was of this view in the party.

We will discuss this after six or 12 months. If I question the decision, it will be construed as opposing someone, he said.

On Monday, however, he said that there are no differences within the party.

On his appointment, Vijayendra said the decision was taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union minister Amit Shah, BJP national president JP Nadda and BJP general secretary (Organisation) BL Santhosh. They have taken the decision in the interest of the party. I am in touch with all the senior party leaders and everybody is happy. It is unfair to draw any wrong conclusion, he added.

Notably, the Karnataka government has provided the newly appointed BJP chief with an escort vehicle and police security.
NEW DELHI: A 29-year-old man convicted for the rape and murder of a five-year-old girl in July this year was on Tuesday sentenced to death by a special court in Ernakulam. The accused was identified and tracked down within hours of the crime (AFP/Getty Images FILE)

Additional district and sessions judge K Soman, the designated judge for cases registered under the Protection Of Children from Sexual Offences Act, convicted Asfaq Alam on November 4 for abducting, raping and strangling to death a minor girl, the daughter of a migrant couple, in Aluva on July 28.

The incident had sent shockwaves through Kerala for the brutal manner in which Alam assaulted and killed the girl, before bundling her tiny body in a plastic bag and burying it under a mound of garbage in a yard in Aluva, a town on the outskirts of Kochi.

The accused had abducted the girl from her rented home while her mother was busy with household chores.

The police moved fast as soon as the girl was reported missing and identified the accused with the help of CCTV footage. When a police team tracked him down within hours of the crime on July 28, he was drunk.

Police filed the chargesheet within 30 days. The trial started in Ernakulam on October 4 and was completed in 26 days.
Political tension in Madhya Pradesh is at its peak in the run up to the assembly election as the incumbent and former chief ministers of the state find themselves at loggerheads in a number of issues. At an election rally in Dimani, senior Congress leader Kamal Nath alleged chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan of not being able to hear the voice of farmers, to which, Chouhan rebutted by launching attack at the Congress over the amount of work done for farmers. Congress leader Kamal Nath (L). Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan (R)

They (Shivraj Singh Chouhan-led BJP government) cannot hear the voice of our farmers. They only know how to talk. However, they won't be able to befool the people of the state by talking, the Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee president said. He also took a dig at the BJP and said the party is reluctant in placing Chouhan as its CM face because they are aware that it is going to be a losing battle for them in the upcoming election.

Meanwhile, the chief minister at a different election rally in Mandsaur asked the farmers if the Congress ever worked for them like the way the BJP did in its tenure. Taking a swipe at Kamal Nath and other Congress leaders, Chouhan brought up the water sharing dispute of the Chambal river.

"Kamal Nath, Digvijay Singh and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra should reveal why the water from Gandhisagar Dam failed to reach the farms of Mandsaur. It is my 'sanklap' that no farm would be left without water in Mandsaur," he said.

Chouhan's attack at Kamal Nath follows his earlier remark where he called the senior Congress leader an outsider for the state while cautioning people not to make mistakes and be wary of the opposition's false promises which could create confusion.
A court in Kerala on Tuesday sentenced to death a 29-year-old man for the brutal rape and murder of a five-year-old girl in Aluva, bringing the curtain down on a grisly murder that shook the southern state and sparked sweeping outrage. The verdict came 109 days after the crime and the trial was wrapped up in 26 days. (Representational Image)

Asafaq Alam, a migrant worker from Bihar who was out on bail in connection with a Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act for molesting a minor girl in Delhi when he committed the crime in Aluva, was convicted by the court on November 4. He was found guilty on all 16 counts against him, including rape, carnal intercourse against the order of nature, murder, abduction, indignity to human corpse, destruction of evidence and sections 5(m), 5(i), 5(l) of Pocso and section 77 of Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act.

On Tuesday, Ernakulam additional district and sessions judge K Soman termed the crime a diabolical act of utmost sexual violence which was pre-planned, calculated and ended in cold-blooded murder.

The cruel tendency of the accused and his total disregard to human life is writ large from the manner of attack and the nature of injuries caused to the dead body revealed from the post mortem report. This incident has created tremble feeling in the society and upset the collective conscience of the community, the court said.

... If the accused is permitted to be a part of the society, it would be a threat to girl children, including those who are yet to be born, the court added.

Special public prosecutor G Mohanraj said the death sentence will be carried out after a confirmation from the high court.

It has also awarded five life sentence terms for offences including raping a person who cannot give consent, intercourse against the order of nature, and raping a person multiple times. The imprisonment will continue until the end of his natural life. The court has awarded the maximum punishment for each of the offences. All sentences shall run concurrently, he added.

The court also imposed a fine of 7.3 lakh on the convict and also rejected the defence argument for a reduced sentence.

The verdict came 109 days after the crime and the trial was wrapped up in 26 days.

Asafaq Alam should be executed as soon as possible if we need some peace of mind. He should not be allowed to be in prison for long, the girls parents said.

Prosecution lawyer Mohanraj said that he was satisfied with the verdict.

Alam, who had arrived in Kochi in 2021 in search of employment, was arrested by the police on the evening of July 28 in an inebriated state after a five-year-old girl, the daughter of migrant workers from Bihar, was reported missing from her rented home near Aluva.

Witnesses and CCTV visuals had pointed to Alam loitering around the Aluva market and crossing the national highway holding the girls hand. At noon on July 29, the mutilated body of the minor girl was found dumped in a sack under heaps of waste and sludge in an abandoned spot near the Aluva market.

The police investigation said that the accused lured the child with sweets from her home and took her to an abandoned spot where he raped her before strangling her.

At the time, he was out on bail after being charged in a Pocso case in Delhis Ghazipur, where he was arrested in 2018 for molesting and sexually assaulting a 10-year-old girl.

The court said the incident not only upset the collective conscience of the community, it also created a trembling feeling in the society. The manner in which a five-year-old girl was abducted, intoxicated with liquor, raped repeatedly, done carnal intercourse against the order of the nature, murdered the child and the method adopted by the accused for defacing and concealing the dead body revealed the traits of outrageous criminality in the behaviour of the accused and his premeditated action, the court said.

MR Ajith Kumar, additional director general of police (law and order), told reporters that Alam was arrested within six hours of the victim being reported missing. If he had not been found and arrested at that time, we may not have been able to prove the charges against him. Locals were incredibly helpful at that time and all the prosecution witnesses participated in the trial with enthusiasm, he added.

Kerala politicians welcomed the verdict.

Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the judgment  which was delivered on Childrens Day  will serve as a warning to all those who commit atrocities on children.

The little child was a victim of utmost cruelty that shocked the public conscience. All parts of the system worked efficiently to catch the culprit and bring him to justice. Police began the investigation as soon as the missing complaint of the child arrived and arrested the accused within a few hours. The charge sheet was submitted before the court in 35 days and the accused was found guilty within 100 days of the incident, said the chief minister in a statement.

Leader of the Opposition, VD Satheesan, said the verdict was historic and confirmed peoples faith in the rule of law and the dignity of the legal system. Even though there is no substitute for a five-year-old childs life, Kerala along with the justice system needs to hold that family together. No child or family should suffer such a fate, he said.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday launched his most strongly worded attack at the Congress in the ongoing election season, as he called Rahul Gandhi 'moorkhon ke sardar' (the leader of stupid people) over the latter's remark that mobile phones in India were mostly made in China. Saying that India now exports mobile phones worth over 1 lakh crore, he said Congress leaders were afflicted with the mental disease of ignoring India's achievement. Narendra Modi and Rahul Gandhi in Madhya Pradesh. (PTI file photos)

"Yesterday, a Congress's wise man was saying that the people of the country only have made in China mobile. Arre 'moorkhon ke sardar', which world do you live in? Congress leaders are afflicted with the mental disease of ignoring India's achievements. I wonder what foreign glasses they have worn that they are not able to see in India," he said without directly naming Gandhi.

He claimed India was the second biggest manufacturer of mobile phones in the world.

Also read: Rahul Gandhi says Narendra Modi, Amit Shah stole government, purchased Congress MLAs

"When the Congress was in power, India's manufacturing of mobile phones was under 20000 crore. Today, India's industry has grown to over 3.5 lakh crore. India is also exporting mobile phones worth 1 lakh crore," he added.

What Rahul Gandhi said on Monday

Gandhi, one of the foremost critics of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government's policies, said in an election rally on Monday that his party wants to make India a manufacturing hub.

"You see behind your mobile phone's back, your shirt, your shoes -- you will find 'Made in China' written there. Have you seen behind the camera and shirts made in Madhya Pradesh tags? This is what we want to do," he said.

PM Modi says Congress will be uprooted in Madhya Pradesh

On Tuesday, PM Modi, in another rally in the state, said the storm of people will uproot the Congress from Madhya Pradesh.

"I can see a large number of people attending this meeting with many of them standing out in the sun as the arrangements made for the rally fell a little short as compared to the turnout. A storm is blowing in the state that will uproot Congress's 'tambu' (tent) in the state," he said.

He also accused the Congress of looting the state during its tenure in Madhya Pradesh.

Rahul Gandhi slams PM Modi, Amit Shah

Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi accused PM Modi, home minister Amit Shah and Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan of "stealing" the government after having purchased Congress MLAs. He was referring to the Congress rebellion of 2020 that toppled the 15-month-old Kamal Nath government.

"Five years back, all of you elected the Congress party to the government. You did not elect BJP but the Congress party. After that, BJP leaders -- Narendra Modi, Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Amit Shah -- purchased MLAs and stole the elected government of Madhya Pradesh," he said in a poll rally in Madhya Pradesh's Vidisha.

Madhya Pradesh will go to polls on November 17. The counting of votes will take place on December 3.

With inputs from agencies
Thirty-nine Myanmar army personnel were among the nearly 5,000 citizens of the neighbouring country who entered India since Sunday night following gunfight between rebel outfits and the military and subsequent bombing at two villages across the border close to the Indian side. Among the people who entered India, 21 had sustained injuries. (Representative file image)

According to Mizoram Police officials, cadres from rebel outfits like Peoples Defence Force, Chinland Defence Force and Chin National Army attacked Myanmar army posts at Rihkhawdar and Khawmawi, villages close to Zokhawthar in Champhai district of Mizoram on Sunday night.

This resulted in retaliatory gunfire that continued throughout the night which led to residents fleeing to the Indian side by crossing the Tiau river that demarcates the border between both countries.

Also Read: Mizoram: High alert around border after gunfight between Myanmar army, rebel outfits

Reports say the rebel outfits have taken charge of the military posts, forcing the army personnel to flee.

On Monday morning, Myanmar army bombed the border areas, which forced remaining residents of the two villages, around 5,000 of them, to enter India via Zokhawthar seeking safety and shelter.

Along with the 5,000 Myanmar nationals, 39 army personnel from the neighbouring country also entered India on Monday evening and surrendered before the Mizoram police at Zokhawthar, said Lalbiakthanga Khiangte, inspector general of police (headquarters) of Mizoram Police.

He added that as per directions of the union home ministry, they were handed over to Assam Rifles personnel posted at the border.

There are reports that all 39 Myanmar army personnel were flown back to the neighbouring country by an Indian Air Force (IAF) plane on Tuesday.

However, Mizoram Police officials were not able to confirm this development, and Assam Rifles didnt respond to calls.

Among the 5,000 people who entered India, 21 had sustained injuries. Eight of them who were seriously injured were shifted to Aizawl for treatment while the rest are admitted at the district hospital in Champhai, said Lalbiakthanga.

He added that one elderly person, a Myanmar national who had entered India last year and was residing in Zokhawthar, was injured by a stray bullet from the Myanmar side. He later died at a Champhai hospital on Monday.

Theres no more fighting on the Myanmar side since Monday and the situation is calm now. But we have alerted all villages close to the border on the Indian side to be careful as fresh bombings or more gunfights could take place, said Lalbiakthanga.
Baramulla: National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah has criticised the Congress government in Karnataka for the state's exam authority's decision to ban any kind of head cover inside the exam hall for the upcoming recruitment exams, claiming the order was specifically released to target Muslims. He said it was a matter of disappointment that it was the Congress which had taken such a decision, not the BJP. Baramulla: Former J & K Chief Minister and National Conference vice-President Omar Abdullah addresses a party workers rally, at Kunzar area of Gulmarg constituency in Baramulla district. (PTI)

"It is a matter of disappointment. Why would the government intervene in wearing what and what not? Specific orders are released that target Muslims. When it used to happen in Karnataka earlier, it didn't surprise us since it was the BJP government in rule at that time. It's disappointing that such orders are being released in the Congress rule...I would appeal to senior leaders Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi to rethink the order released in Karnataka," he told ANI.

The Karnataka Examination Authority on Tuesday banned any kind of head cover inside the examination halls during the upcoming recruitment exams of various boards and corporations in the state. It also banned any kind of electronic gadgets.

Omar Abdullah's party is a part of the INDIA alliance -- a bloc of 28 parties against the BJP.

On November 6, a woman appearing for the Karnataka Public Service Commission examination was asked to remove her mangalsutra before entering the exam hall. After the incident triggered an uproar, with Hindutva activists launching a protest, the authority allowed women to wear the sacred marriage threat and toe rings inside the examination hall.

The recruitment exams will be held across the state on November 18 and 19.

The state government has reportedly banned all head covers amid complaints of usage of Bluetooth devices by students.

Wearing Hijab inside educational institutions has become a huge political issue in Karnataka since January 2022, when the administration of the Government PU College in Udupi barred six girls with hijab from entering the premises.
Hyderabad It could be a key electoral battle at Kamareddy in the upcoming elections to the Telangana assembly with Bharat Rashtra Samithi president and Telangana chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao facing a tough contest from Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee president A Revanth Reddy. It took nearly two and a half months for the Congress to decide on selecting A Revanth Reddy who can take on Telangana chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao in Kamareddy assembly constituency. (PTI)

An otherwise low-profile constituency located on Kanyakumari-Srinagar national highway (NH-44) about 120 km away from Hyderabad, Kamareddy suddenly gained the attention of the country when KCR announced the first list of candidates on August 21, pitching himself as the candidate from this constituency apart from his original seat Gajwel.

The announcement caught the Congress off guard, as Kamareddy was one of the seats it was damn sure of winning. In December 2018 assembly elections, BRS MLA Gampa Goverdhan just scraped through by winning the seat with a slender margin of around 5,000 votes against former Congress minister Mohammad Ali Shabbir.

This time, the BRS realised well in advance that Goverdhan is bound to lose the seat. That is why, KCR himself has decided to take a plunge into the battle from Kamareddy. In the last three months, the campaign managers of KCR, led by his son K T Rama Rao, have extensively covered the constituency with a promise that if given a chance, KCR will develop Kamareddy on par with Gajwel and Siddipet, Md Javeed Ali, correspondent of a local Urdu daily, said.

It took nearly two and a half months for the Congress to decide on selecting the candidate who can take on KCR in Kamareddy. Several surveys were done by the team of Mindshare Analytics headed by political strategist Sunil Kanugolu to find out the right choice. No doubt, Shabbir is a good candidate and has a lot of clout locally. But he is not strong enough to put up a fight against KCR, a senior Congress leader familiar with the development said.

Finally, the party zeroed in on Revanth Reddy to fight the battle royale in Kamareddy. He is not only a man of guts to take on KCR, but can also attract the attention of voters across the state as a fighter, the party leader quoted above said.

Both KCR and Revanth Reddy are non-local candidates in Kamareddy  while KCR hails from Chintamadaka in Siddipet district, Revanth Reddy hails from Kodangal in Mahabubnagar district.

That way, KCR has an advantage over Revanth Reddy in that Siddipet is closer to Kamareddy. Secondly, KCRs maternal grandparents hail from Konapur village of Kamareddy and that way, the constituency is his birthplace. Thirdly, being the chief minister, KCR has the natural advantage, Javeed Ali said.

However, it is not going to be a straight fight between KCR and Revanth Reddy at Kamareddy. There is another candidate, who is all set to play spoiler for both of them. He is K Venkata Ramana Reddy, former chairman of Nizamabad zilla parishad, who is contesting on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ticket.

Even before KCR announced his candidature and Revanth Reddy entered the fray, Venkata Ramana Reddy has been nurturing this constituency for the last two years. He has been going door to door attending to the needs of the people, spending his own money on various developmental works in the villages and taking part in agitations, including the recent struggle against revised Kamareddy masterplan, said V Praveen, a private college lecturer from Mothe village.

Though Venkata Ramana Reddy might not be strong enough to defeat KCR, he could definitely play a spoilsport, furthering the chances of Revanth Reddy. The Congress party is banking on the Reddy community, which is traditionally against the BRS. There are around 30,000 Reddy votes in this constituency, but it is unlikely that they would polarise in favour of Revanth Reddy, M Jaipal Reddy, an academician from Kamareddy town, said.

Since Venkata Ramana Reddy is also a serious contender, he would split a good number of Reddy votes and that might help KCR to some extent, he added.

However, there is also a possibility of Revanth Reddy polling a large number of Reddy votes, if they feel that if he can defeat KCR, he will emerge as the chief ministerial choice of the party. If the party leaders can take this narrative strongly into the community, it would help the Congress, Jaipal Reddy said.

Same is the case with the minority votes. There are around 29,000 Muslim votes in Kamareddy constituency. Had the Congress fielded Mohd Ali Shabbir, a majority of them would have voted for him. Now that Revanth Reddy is in fray, they are hesitant to vote for him. If he can step up his fight in the next two weeks, there is a possibility of around 50 per cent of Muslim votes going to the Congress, Javeed Ali said.

Kamareddy masterplan

The major issue that is posing a threat to the prospects of KCR is the recent proposal of his government to change the masterplan of Kamareddy which evoked strong resistance from the locals in the town and farmers of adjacent villages.

According to the plan, the government proposed to acquire around 1200 acres of land in five villages in and around Kamareddy abutting the NH-44 to develop an industrial zone, which it said would provide employment to hundreds of local youth.

This is nothing but a plan to benefit real estate mafia and local BRS leaders, who are eyeing precious lands adjacent to the national highway. Since it is hardly 120 km away from Hyderabad, the land value has shot up considerably. The farmers are not willing to part with their lands, K Srinivas, a research scholar of Kamareddy town, said.

Several farmers, whose lands were notified for acquisition filed nominations as independents on behalf of Kamareddy Farmers Joint Action Committee (JAC) in protest against the development master plan of the Kamareddy municipality.

KCRs son K T Rama Rao, who is also the municipal administration minister, held a meeting with the JAC representatives in August and assured that the masterplan would be scrapped. The local municipality announced that the masterplan would not be implemented. But there is no official order to that effect till date. Where is the guarantee that the masterplan proposal will not be revived after BRS wins the elections? Srinivas asked.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished people all over the world who are celebrating the Gujarati New Year, or Bestu Varas, today, while urging everyone for the committment towards Vocal for Local with same enthusiasm in the coming years. Prime Minister Narendra Modi(PTI)

Happy New Year to all my family members who are celebrating New Year all over the world. This year has been a special year as you all made the Vocal for Local campaign a resounding success. By buying local products, the new year has spread its new light. Let us all commit ourselves to vocal for local with the same enthusiasm in the coming years to build a developed India, he wrote on X (formerly Twitter) in Gujarati.

Union home minister Amit Shah also extended his wishes to the people. Whereas, chief minister Bhupendra Patel offered aarti at iconic temples in the state.

Happy new year to all my brothers and sisters. May this New Year bring joy and happiness to all of your lives, the Union home minister wrote on X.

Shah will also meet supporters and well-wishers at his residence in Ahmedabad today for an hour-and-half.

As per schedule, CM Patel offered prayers in Panchdev Temple in Gandhinagar and Trimandir Temple in Adalaj, following which he exchanged new year greetings at a community centre in the cabinet residence complex in Gandhinagar. He also visited Raj Bhavan to greet Governor Acharya Devvrat.

The CM also met people on the occasion at the circuit house in Ahmedabad after offering prayers at Bhadrakali Mata temple, and visit the police officers mess here to greet them and their kin.

Several states celebrate their New Year around March and April but Gujarat's New Year falls after Diwali, which reflects the diversity of India and its cultures.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will begin his two-day visit to Jharkhand on Tuesday, during which he will undertake a roadshow and launch several projects. Mungeli: Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a 'Vijay Sankalp Maharally' ahead of the Chhattisgarh Assembly elections, in Mungeli district, Monday, Nov. 13, 2023. (PTI Photo) (PTI11_13_2023_000262A)(PTI)

The PM will arrive at Birsa Munda Airport in the evening, where Governor C P Radhakrishnan and Chief Minister Hemant Soren will welcome him. From there, Modi will undertake a 10-km-long roadshow till Raj Bhavan, officials said.

On Wednesday, he will launch a 24,000 crore project aimed at the development of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) on the occasion of 'Janjatiya Gaurav Divas', they said.

Modi will also launch the 'Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra', release the 15th instalment of 18,000 crore under the PM-KISAN scheme, and inaugurate and lay the foundation of projects worth 7,200 crore in the state.

During the roadshow, BJP workers and leaders will greet him at 10 locations along the route, including Birsa Chowk, Harmu Chowk and Ratu Road roundabout, party office-bearers said.

Security has been beefed up in view of the PM's visit.

On Wednesday morning, the PM will visit Bhagwan Birsa Munda Memorial Park-cum-Freedom Fighter Museum in Ranchi, and then take a chopper to Birsa Munda's birthplace Ulihatu village in Khunti district, where Modi will pay floral tributes to the freedom fighter.

Modi will be the first PM to visit Ulihatu, an official statement said.

The PM will participate in a programme marking the third 'Janjatiya Gaurav Divas' in Khunti. During the function, he will launch 'Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra' and 'Pradhan Mantri Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups Mission'.

The focus of the yatra will be on reaching out to people and creating awareness and providing benefits of welfare schemes such as sanitation facilities, essential financial services, electricity connections, access to LPG cylinders, housing for the poor, food security, proper nutrition, reliable healthcare and clean drinking water, it said.

Enrolment of potential beneficiaries will be done through details ascertained during the yatra, the statement said.

The prime minister will flag off IEC (Information, Education and Communication) vans in Khunti, marking the launch of 'Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra'.

The yatra will start from districts with significant tribal population and by January 25 next year, it will cover all districts of the country.

During the function, Modi will also launch the 24,000 crore 'Pradhan Mantri Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PM PVTG) Mission', under which basic facilities such as road and telecom connectivity, electricity, safe housing, clean drinking water and sanitation, improved access to education, health and nutrition and sustainable livelihood opportunities will be provided to PVTG habitations, which are mostly remote, scattered and inaccessible, it said.

There are around 28 lakh PVTGs belonging to 75 tribes living in 22,544 villages in 220 districts in 18 states and Union territories.

He will also release the 15th instalment of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) through direct benefit transfer to more than eight crore beneficiaries. Under the scheme, till now, more than 2.62 lakh crore has been transferred to farmers' accounts in 14 instalments.

The prime minister will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of projects worth around 7,200 crore in sectors such as rail, road, education, coal, petroleum and natural gas, the statement said.

The projects that will be inaugurated include the new campus of IIM Ranchi, new hostel of IIT-ISM Dhanbad, Petroleum Oil and Lubricants (POL) depot in Bokaro, doubling of railway tracks in the Hatia-Pakra, Talgaria-Bokaro and Jarangdih-Patratu sections.

The projects of which foundation will be laid include the four-laning of 52-km stretch of Mahagama-Hansdiha section of NH-133, four-laning of 45-km stretch of Basukinath-Deoghar section of NH-114 A, KDH-Purnadih Coal Handling Plant and a new academic and administrative building of IIIT Ranchi.

After the function, he will fly back to Ranchi, from where he will leave for Delhi on Wednesday afternoon.

In view of the PM's roadshow, traffic restrictions have been imposed along the stretch from the airport to Raj Bhavan from 8 pm to 10.30 pm.

Meanwhile, the Ranchi district administration has imposed Section 144 of CrPC from 6 pm on November 14 to 11 am in Ranchi Municipal Corporation area on November 15, prohibiting any rally or demonstration without prior permission in view of the proposed stir of State Level Panchayat Swayam Sevak Sangh (SLPSSS), which planned to gherao the CM's residence on Wednesday.

The SLPSSS had earlier staged protests to press for their demands, including fixation of remuneration and regularisation of the services of panchayat volunteers.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Wednesday release the 15th installment of PM-KISAN, a cash-transfer scheme for farmers, at Jharkhands Khumti, an official statement said on Tuesday. PM-KISAN is a central sector scheme with 100 per cent funding from the central government. (Facebook | Narendra Modi)

At the event, the PM will disburse nearly 18,000 crore to 80 million eligible farmers through the direct benefit transfer mode.

In the 14th installment, nearly 80.5 million farmers had received a total of 17,000 crore in their bank accounts through electronic transfer made by Modi in July.

Under PM-KISAN, the government provides income support of 6,000 a year to farmers with a valid enrolment, paid in three equal cash transfers of 2,000one every four months. It was launched on 24 February 2019, when the first installment was paid.

Modi had disbursed 16,800 crore to nearly 80 million farmers under the 13th installment in February this year at Karnatakas Belagavi.

Also Read: Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman launches key initiatives for farmers

The 11th and 12th installments under the PM-KISAN scheme were released in May and October 2022. The scheme has also benefited over 30 million women farmers who collectively received over 53,600 crores, the government said.

Since its launch, the government has disbursed more than 2.42 lakh crore to eligible farmers through various installments. PM-KISAN is a central sector scheme with 100 per cent funding from the central government.

Identification of beneficiaries is the responsibility of State governments as per scheme guidelines. Any land-owning farming household can enroll itself subject to exclusions, such as income ceilings, tax payments and total asset value.
Vidisha, MP: Senior Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and home minister Amit Shah of "purchasing" his party's MLAs and stealing government in Madhya Pradesh. Referring to the rebellion of 22 MLAs that led to the collapse of the Kamal Nath government in 2020, Gandhi claimed the voice of the masses was "crushed" by the BJP. Congress leader and MP Rahul Gandhi addresses a public meeting ahead of the Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections, in Vidisha,(PTI)

In the 2018 Madhya Pradesh assembly elections, the Congress emerged as the single largest party with the seat tally of 114. The Congress cobbled together a government after taking support from the independents. However, 15 months after Kamal Nath became the chief minister, the government collapsed due to the resignations of the MLAs. Later, the BJP (109 seats) formed a government under Shivraj Singh Chouhan's leadership.

"Five years back, all of you elected the Congress party to the government. You did not elect BJP but the Congress party. After that, BJP leaders -- Narendra Modi, Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Amit Shah -- purchased MLAs and stole the elected government of Madhya Pradesh," he said in a poll rally in Madhya Pradesh's Vidisha.

"By giving crores of rupees and purchasing MLAs of the Congress party, your decision, the voice of your heart was crushed by the BJP leaders, by the prime minister. You were cheated," he added, per ANI.

Gandhi vowed that the Congress will "chase away" the BJP in Madhya Pradesh.

"We fight the BJP. In Karnataka, we chased them away. In Himachal Pradesh, we chased them away - but not with hatred. We opened 'Mohabbat ki Dukan' in Nafrat ka Bazaar. We are soldiers of non-violence, we don't hit. But we chased them out with love. We told them that they don't have a place here; you looted Karnataka, run a '40% government' so go away. Congress party's government will come here," he added.

Gandhi said the Congress will win between 145-150 seats in Madhya Pradesh.

Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan participates in BJP's 'voter's slip' programme.(PTI)

Rahul Gandhi comes to MP for entertainment: Shivraj Singh Chouhan

Meanwhile, Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the Congress party's government was the "government of entertainment".

"We (referring to the BJP government) will do the development, Congress has no strength. Our government is a double-engine government. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a wonderful leader of the world. So there is a double engine government of PM Modi and Mama (referring to himself). The Congress government is a government of entertainment," he added.

Attacking Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, he said the brother-sister duo comes to the state only for entertainment.

"Both brothers and sisters come only for entertainment here. They lie so much. Priyanka Gandhi had said that only 21 people were given employment in three years. Rahul Gandhi also says anything. This brother and sister lie every day. We are double engine and they are entertainment," he added.

With inputs from ANI
In relief for Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, a three-member bench of the Lokayukta on Monday dismissed a petition in which allegations of nepotism and anomalies in releasing funds under the Chief Ministers Disaster Relief Fund (CMDRF) were made against him and 18 others. The Lokayukta bench found no evidence in the charges of corruption and nepotism levelled against Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan and others in the case. (ANI)

The Lokayukta bench found no evidence in the charges of corruption and nepotism levelled against the CM and others in the case.

The decision of the Lokayukta came more than a year after the case was reserved for orders. The case had been referred to a full bench of the Lokayukta in March this year following differences of opinion between two judges of the constitutional body.

The bench of Lokayukta Justice Cyriac Joseph and upa lokayuktas Justice Harun Al Rashid and Justice Babu Mathew P Joseph held on Monday that the chief minister is vested with the authority to release funds from the CMDRF.

The petition against the chief minister and 18 others including members of the previous LDF cabinet was filed by RS Sasikumar, a former Syndicate member of Kerala University, in 2018 alleging corruption and nepotism in the way funds were released from CMDRF. The petitioner mainly challenged some of the decisions of the cabinet in 2017 where financial assistance was given to family of late NCP state president Uzhavoor Vijayan for his treatment and educational expenses of his children, funds given to family of late CPM MLA KK Ramachandran and a government job for his son and financial assistance given to kin of a civil police officer who had died in a motor accident while doing escort duty for then state home minister.

After his plea was dismissed on Monday, Sasikumar said he would appeal against the verdict in the High Court.

Its clear that all three judges of the Lokayukta have been (politically) influenced. There has been grave dishonesty on the part of the judges. It is not a truthful verdict. I will soon appeal to the division bench of the High Court and if I dont get justice there, I will go to the Supreme Court as well, Sasikumar said.

Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition VD Satheesan said that the verdict of the Lokayukta was not surprising at all.

The verdict of the Lokayukta that there is no evidence of corruption and nepotism in this case is biased. The ruling sends the message that funds from the CMDRF can be spent as per the wishes of the administration. There will be a dangerous situation where anyone close to the government can get funds from the CMDRF, he said in a statement.

The CPI(M) state secretariat on the other hand welcomed the Lokayuktas order.

The person who filed a petition before the Lokayukta was a leader of a Congress outfit in the (Kerala) University. Such petitions are devoid of truth and politically motivated. The petitions filed by him in connection with universities earlier were also similar in nature and had been dismissed, the CPI(M) statement said.
Subrata Roy, the founder of the Sahara Group, died in Mumbai after a prolonged illness. He was 75. He was admitted to Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital & Medical Research Institute (KDAH) on Sunday following a decline in health. Sahara India group chief Subrata Roy (Reuters)

Sahara India Pariwar said in a statement, It is with profound sadness that Sahara India Pariwar informs the demise of our Honble Saharasri Subrata Roy Sahara. Saharasri ji an inspirational leader and visionary, passed away on 14th November 2023 at 10.30 pm due to cardiorespiratory arrest following an extended battle with complications arising from metastatic malignancy, hypertension, and diabetes.

Born on June 10, 1948, in Bihar's Araria, Subrata Roy established a vast empire that spanned various sectors including finance, real estate, media, and hospitality.

Subrata Roy completed his degree in mechanical engineering from the Government Technical Institute in Gorakhpur. He then ventured into business in Gorakhpur before taking over Sahara Finance in 1976. By 1978, he transformed it into Sahara India Pariwar, which became one of India's largest conglomerates. The Sahara group launched Rashtriya Sahara- a Hindi language newspaper- in 1992 and later entered the television space with Sahara TV which was renamed Sahara One.

His loss will be deeply felt by the entire Sahara India Pariwar. Saharasri ji was a guiding force, a mentor, and a source of inspiration for all who had the privilege to work alongside him, the group said.

In 2014, the Supreme Court of India ordered Subrata Roy's detention for failing to appear in court in connection with a dispute with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). This led to a prolonged legal battle, which resulted in him spending time in Tihar Jail. He was eventually released on parole.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said in a post on X (formerly Twitter), "The demise of Subrata Roy ji is an emotional loss for Uttar Pradesh and the country because along with being a very successful businessman, he was also a very sensitive person with a big heart who helped countless people and became their support."

Subrata Roy is survived by his wife, son and brother.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Tuesday called upon the Election Commission to take action against BJP leaders, including Union home minister Amit Shah, over what he described as an attempt to use religious sentiments for political gain. Raut's comments come in response to statements made by Amit Shah during election campaigning in the Guna district of Madhya Pradesh where he promised that the BJP would bear the cost for the darshan of Lord Ram in Ayodhya if it retains power in the state. Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) MP Sanjay Raut.(ANI)

Shah also slammed the Congress party for allegedly hindering the construction of the temple in Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya.

You make the government of the BJP on December 3, the BJP Madhya Pradesh government will help you seek the darshan of Lord Ram Lalla free of cost... Shah said.

Reacting to Shah's remarks, Raut emphasized that Lord Ram is not limited to any specific region but is revered by the entire country and the world. He questioned whether it implies that if the BJP loses in Madhya Pradesh, the party would stop the residents of the state from seeking darshan or impose charges as they did not vote for the BJP.

Lord Ram Lalla is of the whole country and world... Does this mean that if you lose in Madhya Pradesh, then you will stop the people of Madhya Pradesh from seeking darshan as they have not voted for them or charge them? the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader told reporters.

He added, "What kind of politics is going on in our country? The Election Commission should take action on this."

The 230-member Madhya Pradesh assembly is set to go to polls on November 17, with the vote count taking place on December 3. The Bharatiya Janata Party is looking to retain power in the state.
NEW DELHI: Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi shifted to Jaipur for the next few days to avoid the severe pollution in Delhi on the advice of her doctor and family members, people familiar with the matter said. Congress leader Sonia Gandhi at Shanti Van memorial to pay tributes to India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on his birth anniversary on November 14. (HT Photo/Raj K Raj)

Gandhi, who was accompanied by her son Rahul Gandhi, reached Jaipur late on Tuesday evening. A Congress spokesperson said Sonia Gandhi was expected to stay in Rajasthan for four to five days.

Rahul Gandhi will leave for Delhi on Wednesday morning before heading for poll-bound Chhattisgarh on Wednesday. He will return on November 16 for election rallies in Rajasthan, the spokesperson said.

AICC general secretary, organisation, KC Venugopal, who travelled with the Gandhis on Tuesday, said: She has come to Jaipur due to air pollution in Delhi.

A senior party leader said the former Congress presidents Jaipur visit will strictly be a personal one.

This is not the first time she left Delhi to avoid pollution. She has asthma-related issues and tries to avoid pollution. In 2020, Gandhi went to Goa for weeks when there was severe pollution in Delhi, said a leader.

She decided to shift to Rajasthan against the backdrop of a drop in the air quality in the national Capital. The 24-hour average air quality index on Tuesday stood at 397 as compared to 358 on Monday and 218 on Sunday. The comparative AQI figure for Jaipur on Tuesday was 264.

Party leaders said it was unlikely that the veteran leader would actively participate in the Rajasthan election campaign, said the first leader. Over the past few years, she has drastically cut down on poll campaigns but has remained a key figure in strategising for the party.

Gandhi, who has represented Rae Bareli in the Lok Sabha since 2004, is the only Congress MP from Uttar Pradesh.
Union minister Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday expressed confidence that stubble would cease to be a problem over a period of time. He emphasised the government's commitment to finding solutions and resolving the pollution menace due to stubble burning.



"Bitumen, bio CNG, LNG is being made from stubble. 185 projects have started in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh to make CNG, LNG. In Panipat ethanol, bio bitumen and aviation fuel are being made from stubble and the government is working to speed it up," the road transport minister told ANI in Nagpur.



ALSO READ: Air quality still very poor in Noida, Greater Noida and Ghaziabad Union road and surface transport minister Nitin Gadkari.

"The government is making efforts. In time, stubble will cease to be a problem as the price of stubble will increase. There will be a good market for stubble. The problem of pollution as a result of burning stubble will be solved," he added.

Gadkari said that when he was in Punjab he had suggested the Punjab government to formulate a stubble policy to enable farmers to derive value from their stubble. "When I was in Punjab, I suggested them (Punjab government) to make a stubble policy and engage the farmers so that they can generate value from their stubble. It would definitely be beneficial," Gadkari said.

Adopt carrot and stick policy to curb farm fires: Supreme Court tells states

Gadkari's remarks come on the day Punjab reported 1,776 stubble-burning incidents, taking the total number of farm fires to 28,117. The state had reported 639 such cases on November 9, six on November 10, 104 on November 11, 987 on November 12 and 1,624 on November 13, PTI report stated.

Paddy straw burning in Punjab and Haryana is considered one of the reasons behind the alarming spike in air pollution levels in Delhi in October and November.

Last week, the Supreme Court had asked the Centre and governments of states neighbouring Delhi to stop farm fires, calling for a carrot and stick policy to halt the annual practice that turns air for most part of north India into a toxic smog.

The apex court had first issued the direction on November 7 and during a hearing on Friday to monitor compliance, it directed the cabinet secretary to meet the chief secretaries of Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh and consider steps to bring down high levels of pollution gripping Delhi.



(With PTI, ANI inputs)
External affairs minister S Jaishankar on Monday reflected on the profound changes in India over the past decade, attributing them to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Addressing a Diwali reception in London, the minister emphasized the pivotal role played by PM Modi in shaping the nation's trajectory. External affairs minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar at 10 Downing Street.(AP)

"I began by saying the world has changed, our relationship has changed, the UK has changed, and India has changed. So you may ask me what has changed in India. You know the answer. The answer is Modi," declared Jaishankar.

The minister elaborated on the multitude of initiatives that have shaped India's progress over the past decade. He highlighted key campaigns such as Beti Padhao, Beti Bachao (Educate the Daughter, Save the Daughter), the construction of toilets for girls, the Jandhan Yojana for financial inclusion, the Awas Yojana for housing, and flagship projects like Digital India, Startup India, and Skill India.

"The long answer actually lies in this range of initiatives that all of you have heard about for the last ten years. Initiatives like Beti Padhao, Beti Bachao; initiatives about building toilets for girls, about the Jandhan Yojana, the financial inclusion, about building houses, the Awas Yojana...And these other campaigns...Digital India campaign...the Startup India campaign, the Skill India campaign...it is when you connect these dots, it's really when you see the cumulative impact of all of this on the lives of people, that is the change which is underway in India," Jaishankar explained.

Reflecting on the monumental changes over the past decade, he noted, "These ten years have actually been a socioeconomic revolution in India...we have actually created almost as many new universities and colleges in the last ten years as the country had in the previous 65 years."

Turning his attention to the diplomatic front, Jaishankar highlighted the need to reframe the relationship between India and the UK. Acknowledging the profound transformations both countries have undergone, he expressed the importance of preparing a partnership suited for the contemporary era.

"We are today trying to reframe the relationship between India and the UK. We are trying to do so because, in the last many decades, our two countries have each changed profoundly. We have changed in ourselves, our relationships, our linkages and approaches to the world; therefore, it is important that we prepare a partnership for a contemporary era in which we look to explore new convergences to see if there is unrealistic potential out there," said Jaishankar.

Jaishankar is on a five-day visit to Britain which will conclude on November 15. During his visit, he met British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at 10 Downing Street and newly appointed UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron.
The skies rumbled deafeningly, a noxious shroud wrapped itself around the city, and a putrid smell laced the air  Delhis residents on Diwali tore to shreds a ban on the use of firecrackers, aided ably by the complete lack of intervention by enforcement authorities, ruining a day that began with unusually blue skies and hurling the city into yet another pollution crisis. Morning walkers during early morning heavy smog as air pollution rises after Diwali in Dwarka in New Delhi. (Vipin Kumar/Hindustan Times)

This time, the city sounded the death knell for itself. Not farm fires, not adverse weather conditions, not vehicular emissions. This time, Delhi had nobody, and nothing, to blame but itself.

The citys unfettered use of fireworks also wiped out a major advantage it has never had in the run-up to Diwali: the city breathed its best Diwali day air in eight years, with an air quality index (AQI) of 218 (poor).

Instead, the smoke from firecrackers on Sunday pushed up PM2.5 (an ultrafine pollutant) levels manyfold, handing the city its biggest-ever pollution spike on Diwali day.

By 4pm on Monday, the AQI (a 24-hour average reading) worsened to 358 (very poor), worsening into the severe zone at 10pm, with a reading of 403.

Sample this: Delhis PM2.5 concentration at 4pm on Sunday was 45.6g/m, below Indias safe standard of 60g/m. However, smoke from firecrackers propelled this value to 550.8g/m at midnight, nearly 10 times above the safe limit.

Delhi has seen its AQI worsen after Diwali every year (except 2022) since the index was introduced in 2016.

Last year, the AQI actually improved from 312 on Diwali day (October 24) to 303 the day after that due to a fortunate spell of rain. In 2021, the AQI spiked from 382 on Diwali day (November 4) to 462 (severe) the day after that. In 2020, it went from 414 on Diwali to 435.

At play this year was a combination of impunity and lax enforcement  residents turned a blind eye to the Delhi governments ban on crackers (enforced in line with a Supreme Court order), while the Delhi Police turned a blind eye to those violations.

In fact, Delhi Police did not register any cases of violations in seven districts  Rohini, Northwest, Outer, Dwarka, Outer North and New Delhi, even as residents swarmed the streets, bursting firecrackers of all varieties and dragging a pall of smog over the Capital.

Delhi Police spokespersons declined to comment on the matter. Calls and text messages to Delhi Police commissioner Sanjay Arora received no response.

Residents had an assortment of firecrackers at their disposal  phuljhadi (sparklers), chakhri (ground spinners), anaar (flowerpots), rockets, ladi (bomb garlands), skyshots, and so on.

Indeed, every sizzle, crackle or burst on Sunday was the sound of a violation. And these sounds continued well past midnight.

This also reflected in the average decibel levels recorded at Delhis 31 noise monitoring stations, with an analysis finding there was an increase in the average decibel levels at 26 of these stations this Diwali compared to last year.

This, despite the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) in October imposing its annual ban on the sale and use of all firecrackers till January 1, 2024. The Supreme Court, too, stepped in on Tuesday, ordering states to comply with its curbs on the use of firecrackers and saying that a celebration by polluting the environment is selfish.

Resident welfare bodies themselves complained of blatant violations across neighbourhoods.

Atul Goyal, who heads URJA  the United RWAs Joint Action, a collective body of resident welfare associations in Delhi, said they received complaints from most neighbourhoods over rampant bursting of firecrackers.

The two most impacted areas  Anand Vihar and Patparganj  are quite close to Noida and Ghaziabad (in Uttar Pradesh), where firecrackers were readily available. Until we ban firecrackers across the NCR, or even beyond, we cannot expect a massive change in the end result, he said.

DPCC data showed that Anand Vihar in east Delhi experienced the highest hourly PM2.5 spike across the city. Concentrations of this pollutant touched 1,985g/m3 at midnight  nearly 33 times the Indian safe standard and 132 times the WHO threshold  in an indicator of the sheer quantum of firecracker use.

Patparganj, also in east Delhi, was second with an hourly peak of 1,856g/m3 at 1am on Monday. This was closely followed by Jahangirpuri in north Delhi, which had a high of 1,792g/m3.

The national capital went into Diwali breathing unusually clean air, beneath rare blue skies, after showers and strong winds last Thursday and Friday washed the citys pollutants away.

Till Thursday, Delhis air was roiled by relentless smoke from farm fires in Punjab (also governed by the AAP) and Haryana, coupled with still winds and dipping temperatures. But this turned around, with the showers washing away pollutants.

Delhis AQI remained on a welcome downward trend for three days till Diwali. It improved from 437 (severe) on Thursday to 279 on Friday, then 220 on Saturday and 218 on Sunday.

Mukesh Khare, professor at IIT Delhi and former expert member in both the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) said bursting of firecrackers negated the citys air quality gains.

Vehicles or stubble were no longer sources of PM2.5. The spike was largely all down to firecrackers and the absence of strong winds. These pollutants will now remain present in the lower levels of the atmosphere for a few days, he said.

And in a predictable re-run, yet another political back-and-forth came in the way of any constructive discourse, with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) blaming each other for the toxic air.

It is unfortunate that despite the Supreme Court order, the BJP is not shouldering its responsibility This was possible because the police were under the control of the BJP and did not act against violators, not only in Delhi but also in Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana, said Delhi environment minister Gopal Rai.

Delhi BJP spokesperson Harish Khurana, however, denied the claims and hit back at the AAP government. The AAP has done nothing to improve the public bus transport system, it has done nothing to check dust pollution, or acted against open biomass burning which together are responsible for the air pollution, Khurana said.

To be sure, the BJPs North East Delhi Manoj Tiwari MP appeared to accept the charges that the BJP did not back the firecracker ban.

The cause of pollution in Delhi is not Diwali firecrackers, but other sources of pollution. But people against sanatana (dharma) blame Diwali firecrackers for pollution. The Arvind Kejriwal government should focus on major sources of pollution such as stubble burning in Punjab, dust pollution, should improve the public bus fleet to reduce pollution, he said.

Delhi BJP parliamentarian and former Delhi BJP president Manoj Tiwari said: During Diwali, very few firecrackers, and mostly green crackers were used in Delhi...but the Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) have a problem when people of Sanatana (Dharma) celebrate Diwali with crackers.

Weather conditions are unlikely to change for the next few days, warned the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

Winds remained calm throughout Monday at Safdarjung, said Kuldeep Srivastava, scientist at IMD. Similar conditions are expected over the next two days too, with calm winds overnight and in the early hours, followed by an average wind speed of 5-6 km/hr in the afternoon, he added.

The minimum temperature on Monday, meanwhile, dipped to 11.8C, the lowest yet this year.This is expected to remain around 11-12C over the next three days, with calm winds at night.
Tributes poured in for India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on his birth anniversary, with his great-grandson and senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi saying the country today needs the values of her Jawahar of Hind in every heart. Senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi pays floral tribute to India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru on his birth anniversary, at Shanti Van in New Delhi, Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023.(PTI)

In a social media post on X, Gandhi said, "Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru is a thought  of freedom, progress, justice. Mother India today needs these values of her 'Jawahar of Hind', like an ideology, in every heart."

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi paid floral tribute to Nehru at Shantivan in the national capital.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge highlighted Nehru's pivotal role as an architect of modern India.

In his understanding, only a Democratic structure which gave space to various cultural, political, and socio-economic trends to express themselves could hold India together, Kharge wrote on X.

Today, as we gather in Shanti Van, to pay our revered tributes to him, we must preserve, protect and defend India's Constitution and our long-cherished Democratic institutions and principles  his enduring legacy," he added.

BJP MP and Nehru's other great-grandson, Varun Gandhi, paid his respects to the late leader, acknowledging his contributions to the social and economic foundations of modern India.

"Nehru ji, who carried forward the traditions of the national movement and gave the message of an all-inclusive society through the confluence of democracy, socialism and secularism, is a true national hero," he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid tributes to Nehru on his birth anniversary.

Modi said on X, "Tributes to our first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru Ji on his birth anniversary."

Nehru was born in Prayagraj in 1889 and was one of the leading faces of the country's freedom struggle. He was fondly called 'Chacha Nehru' and was known for emphasising the importance of giving love and affection to children. After the death of Nehru, it was unanimously decided to celebrate his birthday as 'Bal Diwas' or Children's Day in India. On this day, a number of activities are organised for students in schools nationwide, such as games and competitions.
It was a Diwali of anxious wait for the families of 40 workers who were trapped inside an under-construction tunnel in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand after a portion of it collapsed on Sunday. Rescue operations underway after a tunnel collapsed in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, on Monday. (ANI)

I dont know what would happen to us if anything untoward happens to my son, said the mother of Dhiren Nayak, a resident of Mayurbhanj district in Odisha who is among the five workers from the eastern state trapped inside the tunnel. There is no work for him here [in Odisha]. So, he had gone out to earn a livelihood so that our house can be repaired.

Maheswar Nayak, whose son Bisweswar Nayak had accompanied their relatives Dhiren and Raju Nayak to Uttarakhand six months back looking for work, spent his Diwali night glued to the television screen, anxiously waiting for any news about their well-being. We breathed a sigh of relief today [Monday] morning when news flashed that all the workers were fine, Maheswar said.

He last spoke to Bisweswar, a father of six-year-old twin daughters, on Sunday morning. I did not know about him being trapped till I watched the news on TV. I tried calling him up on his mobile, but it was switched off, Maheswar said.

Tapan Mandal and Bhagaban Batra of Nabarangpur are the other two workers from Odisha who trapped inside the tunnel, which is part of the Char Dham all-weather road project.

Deeply concerned to know that several workers including workers from Odisha have been trapped following collapse of an under-construction tunnel in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand. Praying for the safe and speedy rescue of all the workers, chief minister Naveen Patnaik said.

Manas Kumar Dandapat, the BDO from Bangiriposi in Mayurbhanj, said he was in constant touch with the state labour department on the safety of the labourers from the district. I am keeping the families informed on hourly basis on the pace of the rescue operation, he added.

Of the 40 workers trapped inside the 4.5-km-long tunnel being built between Silkyara and Dandalgaon on the Brahmakhal-Yamunotri national highway, 15 are from Jharkhand, five from Odisha and four from Bihar. The remaining 16 workers include eight from Uttar Pradesh, three from West Bengal, two each from Uttarakhand and Assam, and one from Himachal Pradesh.

Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren said a three-member team was being sent to the hill state to coordinate in the ongoing rescue operation.

Around 40 people, including few from Jharkhand, are said to have been stuck in tunnel collapse in Uttarkashi district in Uttarakhand. A three-member team is being sent to Uttarakhand to help the workers from state, Soren said in a post in Hindi on X, formerly twitter.

While the Jharkhand labour department refused to share the details of workers from the state trapped inside the tunnel, officials in the migrants control room said they have been able to verify identify of 13 workers. They, too, refused to divulge the details of the workers. We are counselling the family members to prevent them from panic, an official said, requesting anonymity.

The four workers from Bihar who are trapped inside the tunnel have been identified as Mohammad Sabah Ahmad from Peur village in Bhojpur district, Birendra Kishku from Tetaria village in Banka district, Sonu Shah and Sushil Kumar Vishwakarma, according to a list of the trapped workers shared by the state authorities.

We will not leave hope till we see something. Miracles do happen, Sushma Hembram, the mother of Birendra Kishku, who worked as a Poclain operator at the tunnel project site, said. I am holding prayers regularly.

State authorities said chief minister Nitish Kumar has expressed his concern over the Uttarakhand incident. We are trying to identify those trapped in Uttarakhand and police will reach the concern family members to assist [in] needful help, Jitendra Singh Gangwar, Bihar additional director general (ADG), police headquarters, said.
The 40 labourers trapped inside an under-construction tunnel on the Brahmakhal-Yamunotri National Highway that collapsed on Sunday, have told the commandant of Uttarakhand's SDRF, Manikant Mishra, that they were "doing well". Uttarkashi: Rescue and relief operations underway after a portion of a tunnel under construction between Silkyara and Dandalgaon on the Brahmakhal-Yamunotri national highway collapsed. (PTI)

Mishra, who is leading the rescue operation, said that the workers will be rescued soon, news agency ANI reported. He added that food items and medicines were supplied to the workers on Tuesday.

A portion of the under-construction tunnel from Silkyara to Dandalgaon on the Yamunotri National Highway (NH) collapsed on Sunday, leaving workers trapped inside.

Evacuators began drilling with heavy machinery to fit a large-diameter steel pipe inside the Silkyara Tunnel to rescue the workers. The operation is likely to begin shortly.

Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Tuesday held a meeting in Dehradun to review the ongoing operation.

Speaking to ANI, Dhami said, I am closely monitoring the situation. I had visited the spot, and I also spoke to the family members of the people who're trapped inside. The technical team has begun the work to assemble the pipe. As soon as everything works, we hope they will be rescued. Everyone is happy. Food, water and oxygen are being supplied to the people who are trapped inside regularly. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also closely monitoring the situation and is being updated. Because the work is frequent in Uttarakhand, we will review the works of all the under-construction tunnels so we can avoid such situations.

As per the police, the incident took place around 4am when a 150-metre-long portion of the four-and-a-half-kilometer-long tunnel collapsed.

Of the 40 workers trapped inside the tunnel, 15 are from Jharkhand, five from Odisha and four from Bihar. The remaining 16 workers include eight from Uttar Pradesh, three from West Bengal, two each from Uttarakhand and Assam, and one from Himachal Pradesh.

Rescuers have managed to establish contact with the 40 workers via walkie-talkie sets and pumped in oxygen and food through pipes laid down to supply water for construction. While they are not in any immediate danger since air is expected to last the next 5-6 days, officials fear rain could hamper rescue by creating more debris.
Gujarati New Year, also known as Varsha Pratipada or Bestu Varas, is an auspicious day for the Gujarati community across the world. On Shukla Paksha, the Pratipada Tithi of Kartik, Gujaratis celebrate the beginning of a new year. It usually coincides with the festival of Govardhan Puja. This year, on Tuesday, November 14, the momentous occasion is marked with much enthusiasm and ceremony. With delicious treats, culinary creations, gatherings and greetings to loved ones, the day is celebrated to the fullest. Happy Gujarati New Year 2023: Best wishes, messages and images to share(Pexels)

The Gujarati New Year is celebrated with festivities and the closing of old books and the opening of new ones. These books, called 'chopda pooja' by traditional Gujaratis, are worshipped to bring in a prosperous new year for business. During this pooja, Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped in the hope of bringing good fortune. Gujaratis also refer to their New Year's Day as Nutan Varsh. (Also read: Happy Bhai Dooj 2023: Best wishes, images, messages, quotes, SMS, WhatsApp and Facebook status to share on Bhaiya Dooj )

Happy Gujarati New Year 2023 best wishes and images

If you and your family are celebrating Gujarati New Year, here is our special collection of best wishes, messages, pictures, greetings and status updates that you can share with your loved ones on WhatsApp, Facebook and other social media platforms.

Wishing you and your family a year filled with laughter, love, and all the success you deserve. Happy Gujarati New Year.

The festival signifies the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.(HT photo)

As the sun sets on the old year, may the dawn of the New Year bring fresh opportunities and abundant joy into your life. Saal Mubarak!

On the auspicious occasion of Bestu Varas, here's sending my warm greetings to you and your family. Nutan Varshabhinandan.

Families come together to celebrate with prayers, rituals, and festive meals.(HT Photo)

May the sound of laughter and the spirit of togetherness accompany you throughout the Gujarati New Year. Warm wishes for joy and prosperity!

On the joyous occasion of Gujarati New Year, here's praying that Shri Krishna blesses you with good health, wealth, peace and prosperity. Nutan Varshabhinandan. Jai Shri Krishna.

Gujarati New Year, also known as Bestu Varas, marks the beginning of the Hindu Vikram Samvat calendar(HT Photo)

Here's extending my warm wishes to you and your family on the first and joyous day of Varsha Pratipada. Nutan Varshabhinandan

Saal Mubarak! May the Gujarati New Year usher in a year of happiness, peace, and success. May each day be brighter than the last.

It typically falls in October or November, depending on the lunar calendar.(HT Photo)

Happy Gujarati New Year! May the celebrations be as grand as the garba beats and the moments as sweet as jalebi.

As the Gujarati New Year begins, may it bring you new opportunities, new aspirations, and new reasons to celebrate the beauty of life. Saal Mubarak!

People exchange greetings and good wishes, saying "Saal Mubarak."(HT Photo)

Wishing you and your family a Happy New Year filled with love, laughter, and the vibrant spirit that defines the essence of Gujarat. Saal Mubarak!

Saal Mubarak ho! May the Gujarati New Year mark the beginning of new accomplishments, new experiences, and new memories.

The day is dedicated to seeking blessings for prosperity and success in the coming year.(HT Photo)

On this Gujarati New Year, may the divine light guide you towards a path of happiness, peace, and success. Saal Mubarak!
Nina Metayer, the first woman to win one of the world's top pastry chef awards, doesn't believe in cutting back on the butter. Metayer's cakes have just won her the coveted "World Confectioner" award from the International Union of Bakers and Pastry Chefs. This is the first time the award has gone to a woman in its 92-year history. But you won't find the 35-year-old following any modern trends or low-fat options. "I like cakes with butter, gluten, eggs," she told AFP. I work from the principle that you shouldn't lie to people. When we eat a cake, it's for pleasure. And good quality, tasty ingredients inevitably cut down on the amount of sugar required, she added. French World pastry champion Nina Metayer posing at her workshop in Issy-Les-Moulineaux, outside Paris. (Photo by JOEL SAGET/AFP)

Other aspects of Metayer's success are less traditional. She has earned her new accolade without being part of a renowned restaurant or even a shop. Instead, Metayer runs a delivery service out of an industrial space in a business district just outside Paris. Busy preparing her new mango tart, she told AFP that the key lay in precision and little twists, not wild originality. "I'm not thinking up unbelievable recipes that no one has done before," she said. "It's about having an instinct but also being precise down to the millimetre -- everything is weighed, calculated... we have micro-scales so that we can reproduce them down to the last piece of zest."

'No glass ceiling'

Trained as a baker, Metayer found it tough to break into the male-dominated world of French boulangeries when she started out 15 years ago. Switching to cakes "was not much easier," she said, but with perseverance Metayer landed gigs in the Michelin-starred kitchens of top chefs like Yannick Alleno and Amandine Chaignot, eventually earning her top awards from French guides.

"Nina represents all that is best in modern confectionary. She is really moving the profession forward," said Marc Esquerre of the Gault et Millau food guide. Metayer moved into the large industrial space three years ago to build her own business. It's a system that allows her to avoid waste and cater directly to customers' desires, she says.

Often posting videos online of her making cakes with her two young daughters, Metayer says she wants to show it is possible to be "a female chef, entrepreneur, and have a happy family". Around her, the sous-chefs are adding touches to mango and passion fruit pavlovas and tarte tatins. "This atmosphere, with a close team under a female chef, is reassuring for young women starting in pastry work, because it's not like this everywhere," said 30-year-old Lucie Martin-Pierrat.

"It's inspiring. We see there is no glass ceiling." added her colleague, 27-year-old Mathilde Jeannes. The team has grown rapidly from three to 30. But while orders are pouring in after last month's award, Metayer's husband, Mathieu Salome, who helps run the business, said they do not want to turn into a production line. "We are artisans, not factory workers," he said.
Ties between Washington and Beijing have been on a downward trajectory in recent years. A growing consensus about China as the most serious challenger has become the hallmark of American foreign policy thinking. Biden continued with the Trump administrations approach vis-a-vis China and, in fact, has doubled down in challenging Beijing across a whole range of issues. It is precisely this downward spiral that the two leaders will be hoping to contain as they sit down for face-to-face talks.

The Biden Administrations diplomatic mettle is being tested by multiple global crises from the Ukraine war to the Israel-Hamas conflict in West Asia. There is neither any bandwidth nor any appetite for the opening of another front though the volatility in the Indo-Pacific is pointing to a potential crisis brewing there. Amidst this growing global disorder, an overstretched Washington is seemingly keen to bring some stability to its ties with China, which has been challenging the US in every theatre  be it siding with Russia in its war against Ukraine or lending its full weight to the Palestinian cause. From the climate crisis to trade talks, there are multiple issues where the US has struggled to get China on board with its global objectives.

Beijing, meanwhile, has been upping the ante on the Taiwan issue and the South China Sea, challenging the US and its close allies. The restrictions imposed by the Biden Administration on the export of advanced technology to China are viewed by Beijing as explicit measures being taken to contain Chinas rise, especially when the Chinese economy is under stress. So, Beijing too seems to have an incentive to seek some stabilisation in its ties with the US. As Chinese vice president Han Zheng recently underlined as a message to American interlocutors: We (China) are ready to strengthen the communication and dialogue with the United States at all levels, promote mutually beneficial cooperation, properly manage differences, and jointly address global challenges.

The concrete deliverables from the meeting are likely to be fairly limited. It might lead to a resumption of high-level military-to-military dialogue, which was cut off by China after the then House Speaker, Nancy Pelosi, visited Taiwan in August 2022. Biden would also seek Xis help in restricting the flow of Chinese-made fentanyl to the US as well as to exert influence on Iran to prevent the conflict in West Asia from escalating. For Xi, Taiwan will be at the top of the agenda as it would be seeking reassurances from Biden that American policy toward Taiwan would remain unchanged.

The distrust between the two nations is a function of the underlying structural change in the global balance of power and there is a reason, therefore, why the US has been viewing the relationship through the lens of competition. Americas partners and allies will also be watching this meeting closely and some have already been trying to stabilise their ties with Beijing. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited China earlier this month, the first Australian leader to visit China in seven years, arguing that it is in the interest of both Australia and China to have a relationship where there is dialogue. Japan and South Korea have also agreed to revive three-way talks with China after a four-year hiatus. Clearly, these nations are trying to find a new balance in their ties with China as the regional and global order undergoes a systemic transformation.

For New Delhi too, the stakes are high in this re-ordering of the regional matrix. The India-US 2+2 dialogue last week has underlined the organic strength of this engagement, which aims towards building a forward-looking partnership while we (India and the US) construct a shared global agenda. Given the criticality of this partnership for ensuring a free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific region, India will be keenly watching the Biden-Xi meeting.

Harsh V Pant is vice president, Studies and Foreign Policy, Observer Research Foundation. The views expressed are personal
The Indian space agency and its counterpart in the United States are nearing the launch next year of their joint mission, utilising the world's most expensive Earth imaging satellite to study climate change. Laurie Leshin, director of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory(NASA)

Set for liftoff in the first quarter of 2024, the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) not only addresses climate concerns but also aids in forecasting earthquakes and tsunamis.

Laurie Leshin, Director of National Aeronautics and Space Administration or NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, lauded the collaboration, calling it the most significant technological partnership between the US and India in space exploration history.

"It has been so exciting to have our colleagues from JPL here in Bengaluru, working shoulder-to-shoulder with their colleagues at ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation), Lehsin told ANI in Bengaluru.

Speaking to NDTV, Lehsin said, "We are so impressed with Chandrayaan-3 and the future plans for Indian space exploration, and we look forward to having many more partnerships between NASA and ISRO. The respect for India's space programme - it was already very high because India has accomplished so much in space - but now it's off the charts."

Know about NISAR mission

 NISAR is a joint effort between NASA and ISRO, marking their first collaboration on hardware development for an Earth-observing mission.

 The JPL, managed by Caltech in Pasadena, spearheads the US segment, contributing the L-band SAR, radar reflector antenna, deployable boom, communication subsystem, GPS receivers, solid-state recorder, and payload data subsystem.

 The U R Rao Satellite Centre in Bengaluru takes the lead for the ISRO component, providing the spacecraft bus, S-band SAR electronics, launch vehicle, launch services, and satellite mission operations.

 NISAR's comprehensive monitoring, occurring approximately every 12 days, extends beyond climate change, encompassing the dynamics of forests, wetlands, and agricultural lands, enhancing scientific understanding across various observables.

We are so excited to be working between NASA and ISRO on NISAR, which is a radar machine to looks at the surface of the earth and how it is changing. In India, they are interested in understanding how the mangrove environment at the coasts is changing. We will understand how ice sheets are changing and how earthquakes and volcanoes are happening all over the world...There are many different aspects to understand our earth better," Leshin added.

( Inputs from ANI)
American actor Angelina Jolie expressed deep concern and sadness over the mass expulsion of Afghan refugees from Pakistan. In an Instagram post, Angelina Jolie slammed Pakistan for the unexpected decision to send back Afghan families. Emphasizing on Pakistan's long history of supporting Afghan refugee families, the actor lamented the sudden expulsion owing to which women are being denied basic rights. Angelina Jolie during an address.(AP)

"Pakistan has been a supporter of many Afghan refugee families for decades. I am saddened they would so abruptly push back refugees who face the impossible realities of trying to survive in today's Afghanistan, where women have again been deprived of all rights and the possibility of education, many are being imprisoned, and there is a deep humanitarian crisis," she wrote.

"It is yet another example of the backsliding in human rights globally, and is a new tragedy in the long history of the suffering of Afghan people - who have experienced nothing but war and conflict and displacement for over forty years, and are being abandoned by the world after all the promises that were made of a better future for the Afghan people," she continued, adding, "Please, if you can, try to stay aware and informed. See the link in my bio for Afghan reporting. #Afghanistan #Pakistan."

This comes as Pakistan announced that it would expel over 1.73 million undocumented Afghan refugees after November 1 while the spokesman for the Taliban-led Kabul security department said that they have made preparations to help the Afghans being deported from Pakistan. Pakistan's decision to deport undocumented Afghan refugees has faced strong reactions from the international community.
Britain's cybersecurity agency said Tuesday that artificial intelligence poses a threat to the country's next national election, and cyberattacks by hostile countries and their proxies are proliferating and getting harder to track. The centre said deepfake videos and hyper-realistic bots would make the spread of disinformation during a campaign easier.(Freepik)

The National Cyber Security Centre said this year has seen the emergence of state-aligned actors as a new cyber threat to critical national infrastructure such as power, water and internet networks.

The centre  part of Britain's cyberespionage agency, GCHQ  said in its annual review that the past year also has seen the emergence of a new class of cyber adversary in the form of state-aligned actors, who are often sympathetic to Russia's further invasion of Ukraine and are ideologically, rather than financially, motivated.

It said states and state-aligned groups pose an enduring and significant threat, from Russian-language criminals targeting British firms with ransomware attacks, to China state-affiliated cyber actors using their skills to pursue strategic objectives which threaten the security and stability of U.K. interests.

Echoing warnings by Britain's MI5 and MI6 intelligence agencies, the centre called the rise of China as a tech superpower an epoch-defining challenge for UK security.

We risk China becoming the predominant power in cyberspace if our efforts to raise resilience and develop our capabilities do not keep pace, it said.

The report also highlighted the threat posed by fast-evolving AI technology to elections, including a UK national election due to be held by January 2025.

While Britain's old-fashioned method of voting, with pencil and paper, makes it hard for hackers to disrupt the vote itself, the centre said deepfake videos and hyper-realistic bots would make the spread of disinformation during a campaign easier.
An Aussie fishing expert and media personality has been identified as the missing man who vanished in crocodile country in Queensland at the weekend, with police suggesting he may have been taken by one of the large reptiles.

Roman Butchaski, an avid fisherman and 2GB radio host, was travelling to the Oliver River from a remote cattle station in Shelburne  at Cape York in the state's far north  when he disappeared on Sunday. The vehicle Butchaski was driving was later located, but so far no other trace of the Sydney man has been found.

Butchaski an 'avid, experienced fisherman'

It's understood Butchaski, aged in his 70s, was travelling via buggy to reach his destination. He's believed to have been fishing by the riverbanks during his trip, in an area well-known for its crocodiles, and was not in a boat, 7 News reported.

Sydney fisherman Roman Butchaski disappeared without a trace in Queensland's Far North. Source: Facebook.

When the radio host failed to return back to the station by sunset, concerned friends and loved ones sounded the alarm. A helicopter was immediately deployed to search the area for Butchaski, to no avail.

The search resumed yesterday, and although his buggy was located, no other trace of Butchaski was found.

Queensland Police Senior Sergeant Duane Amos said a specific area of the Olive River was being searched for the avid fisherman. Hed gone to that location fishing. Hed previously gone to that location, he said.

The preliminary search last night located the vehicle that the gentleman had gone to the location with. When he failed to return at last light last night, thats when the initial search has been commenced by family and friends.

Search returns no trace

Explaining that the region was home to significantly dense bushland, which is difficult to navigate, Amos said that the prospect Butchaski had been taken by a crocodile was a reasonable expectation.

Story continues

Thats something that the search and rescue co-ordinators would be taking into consideration, he said.

Certainly its a risk for any of our searchers and our emergency services.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.

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More than 1,500 anti-Semitic acts and comments have been recorded in France since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war, Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said on Tuesday. Israel-Hamas War: People hold and wave Israeli flags as they gather gather during a demonstration in a show of support for Israel in Lyon, central France.(AP)

There have been growing tensions in France, home to large Jewish and Muslim communities, as war rages in the Gaza Strip.

"There have been 1,518 anti-Semitic acts or remarks", Darmanin told broadcaster Europe 1 in an interview.

This was a more than three-fold increase compared to the whole of 2022, when 436 anti-Semitic acts or remarks were recorded.

"These are mainly tags and insults, but there are also assaults and injuries", Darmanin added.

Those acts resulted in 571 arrests, the ministry told AFP.

In late October, Paris prosecutors opened an investigation into an incident when dozens of Stars of David were daubed on buildings around the city and its suburbs.

France has accused Russia of interfering in its affairs by sharing photos online of the anti-Semitic graffiti.

Darmanin said there had also been anti-Muslim incidents "but they are not on the scale of what we are seeing in terms of anti-Semitism".

He said that some mosques had received threats of violence.

A total of 330 investigations have been opened into anti-Semitic acts and justifications of terrorism since October 7, the justice ministry told AFP on Monday.

On Sunday, more than 180,000 people turned out to march against anti-Semitism in France.

The march took place a day after several thousand people demonstrated in Paris under the rallying cry "Stop the massacre in Gaza".

On October 7, Palestinian militant group Hamas launched an attack into Israel, killing about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking around 240 others hostage, according to Israeli officials

Israel has retaliated with a relentless bombardment of the Gaza Strip and a ground invasion, killing more than 11,100 people, many of them children, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
Gazas Shifa Hospital has become the focus of a dayslong stalemate in Israels war against the Hamas militant group. Damage arround the Shifa Hospital in Gaza City's al-Rimal district. More than 10,000 people have been killed in relentless Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip. (AFP)

Shifa is Gazas largest and best-equipped hospital. Israel, without providing visual evidence, claims the facility also is used by Hamas for military purposes. It says Hamas has built a vast underground command complex center below the hospital, connected by tunnels, something Gaza health officials and Hamas deny.

Since Israel declared war against Hamas in response to a deadly cross-border attack by Hamas on Oct. 7, its forces have moved in on Shifa. While Israel says it is willing to allow staff and patients to evacuate, Palestinians say Israeli forces have fired at evacuees and that it is too dangerous to move the most vulnerable patients. Meanwhile, doctors say the facility has run out of fuel and that patients are beginning to die.

Here is a closer look at the Shifa standoff.

A HOSPITAL AND A SHELTER

Shifa is the leading hospital in a health care system that has largely collapsed after years of conflict, chronic underfunding and an Israeli-Egyptian blockade aimed at weakening Hamas.

Shifa has over 500 beds and services like MRI scans, dialysis and an intensive care unit. It conducts roughly half of all the medical operations that take place in Gaza, according to the Health Ministry in the Hamas-run territory.

After the war erupted, tens of thousands crammed into the hospital grounds to seek shelter. As the war has moved closer to the hospital, most of those huddling there have fled south  joining some two-thirds of the territorys 2.3 million residents who have left their homes.

Read Here: Israeli history teacher arrested for allegedly justifying barbaric acts carried out by Hamas

But hundreds of people, including medical workers, premature babies and other vulnerable patients, remain, staffers say.

On Saturday, the hospital announced that its last generator had run out of fuel. Health officials say at least 32 patients, including three babies, have died. They say 36 other babies are at risk of dying because life-saving equipment cant function.

The Health Ministry released a photo Monday showing about a dozen premature babies wrapped in blankets on a bed to keep them warm. I hope that they will remain alive despite the disaster in which this hospital is passing through, said ministry spokesman Medhat Abbas.

International law gives hospitals special protections during war. Hospitals can lose those protections if combatants use them to hide fighters or store weapons, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Still, there must be plenty of warning to allow evacuation of staff and patients. If harm to civilians from an attack is disproportionate to the military objective, it is illegal under international law.

ISRAEL'S CASE AGAINST HAMAS

Israel has long accused Hamas of using civilians as human shields. The group often fires rockets toward Israel from crowded residential areas, and its fighters have battled Israeli troops inside densely populated neighborhoods.

Throughout the war, Israel has released photos and video footage showing what it says are weapons and other military installations inside or next to mosques, schools and hospitals.

Late Monday, Israel's chief military spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, showed footage of what he said was a Hamas weapons cache found in the basement of Gaza's Rantisi Hospital for Children.

Hagari said he entered the hospital with Israeli troops on Monday, a day after the facilitys last patients were evacuated. The hospital ran out of fuel last week, and Israel had ordered people to leave as it conducts its ground offensive.

Hagari entered a room decorated with a colorful childrens drawing of a tree, with weapons lying across the floor. He said they included explosive vests, automatic rifles, bombs and rocket-propelled grenades.

Hamas uses hospitals as an instrument of war, he said.

He showed another area that he said appears to have been used to hold hostages.

It included what appeared to be a hastily installed toilet and air vent, a baby bottle and a motorcycle  scarred by a bullet hole and apparently used to carry hostages. One windowless room had curtains on the wall that he said could be used as a backdrop in a video. Hagari said forensic experts were examining the scenes.

This is not the last hospital like this in Gaza, and the world should know that, Hagari said.

The army has claimed that Hamas is operating inside Shifa and underneath it in bunkers, some of which it says are accessible from the hospital itself. It also claims hundreds of Hamas fighters sought shelter at Shifa after the Oct. 7 massacre, in which at least 1,200 people in Israel were killed.

Israel says these claims are based on intelligence. However, it has released no visual evidence to support the claims. Hagari last month unveiled maps showing where Israel believes Hamas' underground command centers are located, including one next to hospitals reception area and another next to the dialysis department.

He also showed off simulated illustrations of what these centers allegedly look like, but acknowledged: This is only an illustration."

Israel also released a video of what it said was a captured militant answering questions during an interrogation. The militant, speaking quietly but clearly under duress, says that most tunnels are hidden in hospitals.

At Shifa, for example, there are underground levels, the militant says. Shifa is not small. Its a big place that can hide things.

The army also released a voice recording of what it says are two anonymous Palestinians in Gaza discussing the presence of a tunnel under Shifa. The recording could not be verified.

Ghazi Hamad, a senior Hamas official, rejected the Israeli claims about Shifa as false and misleading propaganda.

Read Here: Major Gaza hospitals suspend operations as Israel hunts Hamas

The occupying forces have no evidence to prove it, Hamad said. We have never used civilians as human shields because it goes against our religion, morality and principles.

HOW WILL THE STANDOFF END?

Israel on Sunday said it had tried to deliver some 300 liters (about 80 gallons) of fuel to the hospital in plastic containers several hundred meters (yards) from the facility. But as of Monday, the fuel had apparently not been taken.

Israel accused Hamas of preventing medical workers from retrieving the containers. Hospital officials said the fuel should be delivered by the Palestinian Red Crescent and that the quantity of fuel was insufficient in any case.

Israel offered safe passage for people to leave. But those who tried to go described a terrifying experience.

Goudhat Samy al-Madhoun, a health care worker, said some 50 people left the facility on Monday, including a woman who had been receiving kidney dialysis. He said Israeli forces fired on the group several times, wounding one man who had to be left behind.

U.S. President Joe Biden on Monday said the hospital must be protected and called for less intrusive action by Israeli forces.

It is my hope and expectation that there will be less intrusive action, Biden said in the Oval Office.

The Israeli army has said it is aware of the complexities but says Hamas should not expect immunity.

Were not looking to take control of hospitals. Were looking to dismantle their infrastructure, said Lt. Col. Richard Hecht, another Israeli army spokesman.

Well go in, well do what we have to do and leave, he said. What its going to look like, its hard to say.
Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen on Tuesday on his visit to the UN office in Geneva, called on UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to resign in response to his criticism of Israel last month, The Times of Israel reported. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres(AFP)

Cohen is on a visit to the UN office in Geneva and has been attending meetings with the International Committee of the Red Cross and the World Health Organization.

"(UN Secretary-General Antonio) Guterres does not deserve to lead the United Nations. Guterres did not promote any peace process in the region...Guterres, like all the free nations, should say clearly and loudly: 'Free Gaza from Hamas," Cohen said at a press conference at the UN in Geneva.

His reaction came after Guterres strongly criticised Israel last month, stating while nothing justifies the crimes committed by Hamas, they did not occur in a vacuum, according to The Times of Israel.

Earlier this month, Guterres voiced his anguish over the suspected air strike on a convoy of ambulances outside Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza.

Following the attack on the al-Ahli hospital, the UN chief posted on his social media handle, "I am horrified by the killing of hundreds of Palestinian civilians in a strike on a hospital in Gaza today, which I strongly condemn."

Underlining the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with reports of food, water, medicine, and fuel for hospitals and water plants in short supply, Guterres added, "Not nearly enough food, water and medicine are coming in to meet people's needs. Fuel to power hospitals and water plants is running out."

Responding to Guterres's statement, Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations, Gilad Erdan, took a swipe at the UN Secretary-General for rushing to condemn Israel without seeking a full understanding of the situation.

Invoking the UN chief's remarks in light of a previous suspected air strike at Gaza's al-Ahli hospital, he accused Guterres of making false claims about aid not entering Gaza and ignoring the alleged misuse of ambulances by Hamas to further its nefarious actions.

Moreover, Foreign Minister Cohen today during a meeting with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) president Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, also demanded that the International Committee of the Red Cross "work through all channels" to secure visits to the hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, The Times of Israel reported.

"We expect the Red Cross to put the issue at the top of the organization's priority list, to use all levers of pressure, and not rest until it visits all the hostages, assesses their condition, and makes sure they are receiving the medical care they need," Cohen said.
Heavy rain in Gaza on Tuesday brought new concerns and challenges for Palestinians, many of whom are homeless and living in makeshift tents after weeks of Israeli bombardment. Israel-Hamas War: A Palestinian man wearing a United Nations blue vest walks past the debris following the Israeli bombardment of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip.(AFP)

The start of the rainy season and the possibility of flooding increased fears that the densely populated enclave's sewage system will be overwhelmed and disease will spread.

At a U.N. shelter in Khan Younis in southern Gaza, the rain brought dismay for displaced people who woke to find the clothes they put out to dry the night had been drenched by rain.

"We were in a house built of concrete and now we are in a tent," said Fayeza Srour, who sought safety in the south after Israel began its military offensive in response to the Oct. 7 rampage by Hamas fighters who entered southern Israel from Gaza.

"The nylon tarps, the tent and the wood will not resist any flooding... People sleeping on the floor, what will they do? Where will they go?"

Winters can be wet and cold in Gaza, and the enclave is sometimes hit by flooding.

Another displaced Gazan, Karim Mreish, said people at the shelter were praying for the rain to stop. "Those children, those women, those elderly pray God that it doesn't rain," he said. "If it does it will be very difficult and words will fail to describe our suffering."

The World Health Organization (WHO) said last week that Gaza faced an increased risk of disease spreading because Israeli air bombardments had disrupted the health system, limited access to clean water and caused people to crowd in shelters.

It voiced concern on Tuesday about the prospect of rain causing flooding and overwhelming already meagre and damaged sewage facilities.

"We've already got outbreaks of diarrhoeal diseases," WHO spokesperson Margaret Harris said in Geneva.

She said there were more than 30,000 cases of diarrhoea in a period when WHO would normally expect 2,000 cases.

"We've got so much infrastructural damage. We've got a lack of clean water. We've got people very, very crowded together. This is another reason why we are begging for a ceasefire to happen now," she said.

Ahmed Bayram, a spokesperson for the Norwegian Refugee Council, said the start of the rainy season could mark "the most difficult week in Gaza since the (military) escalation began."

"Heavy rains will mean more impeded movement for people and rescue teams," he said. "It will make it harder to save people stuck under the rubble, or to bury the dead, all of this amidst ceaseless bombardment and a fuel shortage catastrophe."

THE 'HERE AND NOW'

Israel vowed to wipe out Hamas after the Oct.7 attack, in which Israel said over 1,200 people were killed and about 240 were taken hostage. Medical officials in Hamas-run Gaza say over 11,000 people have been killed in Israeli strikes since then.

Facing the daunting scale of the humanitarian needs of Gaza's 2.3 million people, aid organisations have been unable to plan for the challenges posed by rain and flooding.

Juliette Touma, Director of Communications at the U.N. Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA), said the organisation was focused on meeting the population's needs "here and now."

"We're barely able to make it from one hour to the next ourselves, because the situation on the ground is so, so, so desperate," she said.

Touma said just a small amount of rain could cause the streets of Gaza to flood, given the sewage system's inability to absorb water.

"This is on a normal day. This is not when half of Gaza, if not more, is in rubble," she said.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said it had also been unable to plan far beyond Gazans' daily needs.

"The situation is so volatile and complicated as a result of the hostilities that we have focused really squarely on the humanitarian consequences as they shift from one day to the next," said William Schomburg, head of the ICRC delegation in Gaza.
Icelandic authorities were on Tuesday preparing to build defence walls around a geothermal power plant in the southwestern part of the country that they hope will protect it from lava flows amid concerns about an imminent volcanic eruption. Iceland Volcano: Vehicles leaving the town of Grindavik, southwestern Iceland, during evacuation following earthquakes.(AFP)

Seismic activity and underground lava flows intensified on the Reykjanes peninsula near the capital Reykjavik over the weekend, prompting authorities to evacuate nearly 4,000 people from the fishing town of Grindavik on Saturday.

The probability of an eruption remained high despite a decrease in seismic activity, the Icelandic Meteorological Institute said in a statement on Tuesday.

Nearly 800 earthquakes were recorded in the area between midnight and noon on Tuesday, fewer than the two previous days, it said.

"Less seismic activity typically precedes an eruption, because you have come so close to the surface that you cannot build up a lot of tension to trigger large earthquakes," said Rikke Pedersen, who heads the Nordic Volcanological Centre based in Reykjavik.

"It should never be taken as a sign that an outbreak is not on the way," she said.

Authorities said they were preparing to construct a large dyke designed to divert lava flows around the Svartsengi geothermal power plant, located just over 6 kilometres (4 miles) from Grindavik.

Justice Minister Gudrun Hafsteinsdottir told state broadcaster RUV that equipment and materials that could fill 20,000 trucks were being moved to the plant.

Construction of the protective dyke around the power station was awaiting formal approval from the government.

A spokesperson for HS Orka, operator of the power plant, said it supplies power to the entire country, although a disruption would not affect power supply to Reykjavik.

Almost all of Grindavik's 3,800 inhabitants were briefly allowed back to their homes on Monday and Tuesday to collect their belongings, Iceland's department of civil protection and emergency management said.

In Grindavik, long cracks ran through the town centre, leaving its main street impassable, while steam could be seen rising from the ground.

Some of the houses still had their lights on, but the town was deserted beyond the odd car and a handful of locals there to collect their most important belongings before Grindavik was once again declared out of bounds.

Local resident Kristin Maria Birgisdottir, who works for the town municipality, told Reuters on Tuesday she only had the clothes she had worn for work on the day the town was evacuated.

"I'm getting prepared in case I get a chance to visit my house and get some of my belongings," said Birgisdottir, who has moved to a summer house with her family.

Some residents had to be driven into Grindavik in emergency responders' vehicles, while most inhabitants were allowed to drive into Grindavik in their private cars accompanied by emergency personnel.

Most pets and farm animals had been rescued from Grindavik by Monday night, according to charity Dyrfinna.
An Indian woman from Kashmir who had sought immediate evacuation from the war-torn Hamas-ruled Gaza has safely reached Egypt with the help of Indian missions in the region, according to her husband. People wait on the Palestinian side of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt in the southern Gaza Strip on November 13, 2023, before crossing to the Egyptian side(AFP)

Lubna Nazir Shaboo and her daughter Karima, crossed the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza on Monday evening.

"They are in al-Arish (a city in Egypt). Tomorrow morning (Tuesday) they will move to Cairo," Lubna's husband Nedal Toman said in a text message sent to PTI from Gaza.

The only exit route from Gaza, the Rafah crossing with Egypt, has been infrequently opened the past few weeks to let humanitarian supplies enter Gaza and also let some foreign nationals and wounded people cross over to the other side.

In a telephone call to PTI on Sunday, Lubna confirmed that her name was among the people who could leave Gaza and thanked profusely the Indian missions in the region -- in Ramallah, Tel Aviv and Cairo -- for making this possible.

On October 10, Lubna had reached out to PTI over the phone seeking help for evacuation.

"We are facing a brutal war here and everything is being destroyed and bombarded in a matter of seconds," she had told PTI.

Following the unprecedented attacks by Hamas militants on October 7 in the southern areas of the Jewish state, Israel declared war launching a counter-offensive with the twin objectives of ousting Hamas, which has ruled the coastal Strip since 2007, and freeing around 240 people who were taken hostage by the Islamic faction.

The sounds of bombardment are too scary and the whole house shakes. It is a very, very scary situation, Lubna had told PTI before moving with her family to the southern part of Gaza where she spent several days with acquaintances before being evacuated.

She had mentioned that their "water supply was officially cut off" in the middle of the night of October 9 and they were without electricity, which made them decide to move to the south and seek help in evacuation.

Lubna had also said that she hadn't seen anything like this before and had two families living with them who had to run away after bombardment in the bordering areas of Gaza.

We are not able to go anywhere because there is no safe place for us anywhere and the Gaza Strip is too small and it is closed from every side. There are no exit points over here, she said.

I have already asked for help from the Representative office of India in Ramallah to help me get to a safer place along with my husband and my daughter, she had said in a video message sent to PTI.
Iranian guards detained and deported 21,407 Afghan migrants to Afghanistan who had crossed into Iran illegally, the Taliban-appointed commander of the border guards in Khorasan Razavi province said, reported Afghanistan-based Khaama Press. An Iranian flag flutters.(Reuters)

Majid Shuja, the Taliban-appointed commander of the border guards in Khorasan Razavi, said that these migrants had been identified during the past nine days when they entered Iran "illegally."

Shuja said that the migrants were handed over to the Taliban's representative in the Dogharun district, Khaama Press reported.

More than 328,000 Afghan migrants have been deported from Iran in the first six months of 2023, according to Khaama Press report. The deportation of Afghan migrants follows reports from Afghan returnees to Iran indicating that some of them, even with official residency permits, were detained and deported.

Last week, Afghan refugees in Iran raised concerns regarding the increase in deportations, arrests, and harassment by the police, TOLO News reported. The Taliban has called on neighbouring countries to not deport Afghan refugees.

"Do not deport refugees by force and do not treat them illegally. Our message to Iran and Pakistan is to be tolerant of the migrants, not to be oppressive and stop the persecution," Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said, TOLO News reported.

Deportation of Afghan refugees from Pakistan has intensified, and now Iran has also initiated forced deportations. One refugee expressed anxiety about returning to Afghanistan.

A member of the defenders of Afghan refugees in Iran, Enayatullah Alokozay, said: "There is forced deportation of Afghan refugees from Iran. It has been going on and these days the process is progressing more quickly."

Afghan refugee representatives in Iran have criticized the Iranian government and the international community for their perceived lack of support and have called on them to address the challenges faced by Afghan refugees.

"Afghan refugees are being deported from Iran. The Iranian people and government are very oppressive towards refugees. Iran pushes out refugees ahead of winter when it is not right," said Spogmai Jabbarkhil, an Afghan refugees' representative in Iran, as per TOLO News.

"Afghan refugees in Iran face various challenges in the employment market, with housing and the lack of identity documents," said Asefa Stanikzai, a refugee affairs analyst.

At the same time, Pakistan's interim government has decided to deport Afghan migrants forcefully from its country on November 1. Since then, Pakistan has deported more than 220,000 Afghan migrants.
Israel's army showed a discarded baby bottle, makeshift toilet and bullet-scarred motorbike as evidence that Hamas held hostages in a Gaza hospital. Israeli army spokesman Daniel Hagari said troops "found signs that indicate that Hamas held hostages" in the basement of Al-Rantisi children's hospital in Gaza City while Hamas denied using hospitals as hideouts. Some 240 people were taken hostage by Hamas who surged through the Gaza border on October 7 and killed 1,200 people- mostly civilians- according to Israel. Israel-Hamas War: Some 240 people were taken hostage by Hamas.

Daniel Hagari did not say how many hostages the army believes were held at the hospital in the north of the besieged Gaza Strip. In the video recorded on site, he walked through various scenes alleging they indicate that Hamas held hostages here and said a bullet-marked motorbike used to transport hostages was in the basement with a chair and rope near the legs. Discarded women's clothing were also shown in an improvised toilet.

"You don't need to build something improvisedly in a hospital, in the basement, unless you want to hold someone in the basement and you don't want anyone to see him," Daniel Hagari said, adding, I also want you to look at this room. People are putting curtains with nothing behind, just wall. No reason to put here a curtain unless you want to film hostages.

Showing a list posted on the wall, the Israeli army chief said that it was a rota for Hamas terrorists guarding the hostages. However when the camera zooms in, it shows a tally of dates since October 7 with no names written, news agency AFP reported.

A weapons cache was also found at the hospital, according to the Israeli army as Tel Aviv confirmed the death of woman soldier Noa Marciano who had been "abducted by a terror organisation". Hamas earlier said she had been killed in an Israeli bombardment but the army did not say how she died.
A senior far-right member of Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government said that Gaza could not survive as an independent entity after war. It would be better for Palestinians to leave for other countries, Israel's finance minister Bezalel Smotrich, who heads one of the religious nationalist parties in Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition, said. Israel-Hamas War: A Palestinian woman bakes bread in her home destroyed during the Israeli bombardment of Gaza, in Bureij.(AFP)

The minister supported a call by two members of the Israeli parliament who wrote in a Wall Street Journal editorial that Western countries should accept Gazan families who expressed a desire to relocate. The comments underscore fears in much of the Arab world that Israel wants to drive Palestinians out of Gaza Strip.

"I welcome the initiative of the voluntary emigration of Gaza Arabs to countries around the world," Bezalel Smotrich said in a statement, adding, This is the right humanitarian solution for the residents of Gaza and the entire region after 75 years of refugees, poverty and danger.

An area as small as the Gaza Strip without natural resources could not survive alone, he said as "the State of Israel will no longer be able to accept the existence of an independent entity in Gaza".

This comes as Gaza Strip, home to some 2.3 million people, most of them refugees after earlier wars, has been bombarded by Israel in retaliation for the October 7 attack by Hamas. The terrorist group killed some 1,200 people and took around 240 as hostages back into Gaza, according to Israeli official figures.

More than 11,000 Palestinians have been killed during the weeks-long Israeli bombardment of Gaza, according to Palestinian health authorities. The Israeli military has also told residents of northern Gaza to leave their homes and head to the southern end of the Strip, where it said they would be safer.
Qatar on Tuesday urged Israel and Hamas to reach an agreement on releasing hostages seized in the October 7 attack, cautioning the situation in Gaza was worsening on a daily basis. Israel-Hamas War: Israeli army soldiers return after searching for human remains following the October 7 attack carried out by Palestinian militants from the Gaza Strip.(AFP)

Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Majed bin Mohammed Al-Ansari told a news conference in Doha that the "deteriorating" situation in Gaza was hampering mediation efforts.

"We believe that there is no other chance for both sides other than for this mediation to take place and to reach a situation where we can see a glimmer of hope in this terrible crisis", he added.

The Gulf state has been leading negotiations for the release of hostages and to secure a temporary ceasefire, following the Hamas attack on southern Israel over one month ago which killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians.

About 240 hostages were also seized and taken back to Gaza.

In response Israel launched a relentless bombardment and subsequent ground invasion of Gaza, killing 11,240 people, also mostly civilians and including thousands of children, according to the territory's Hamas-run government.

Hamas said on Monday Israel had requested the release of 100 women and children hostages in return for 200 Palestinian children and 75 women held in Israeli prisons.

Abu Obeida, a spokesman for Hamas's military wing, said the group informed mediators as many as 70 could be released "if we obtained five days of truce... and passage of aid to all of our people throughout the Gaza Strip."

He noted a higher number of Israeli hostages could not be secured for release "because some are in the hands of different groups and factions" and accused Israel of dragging its feet.

Israeli leaders have insisted there will be no broader ceasefire until hostages are released.

Al-Ansari declined to comment on the specifics of hostage negotiations but said the Gulf state remained "hopeful" for further releases as it mediates with Hamas and Israel.

The wealthy Gulf emirate, which hosts the largest US military base in the Middle East, also hosts Hamas's political office and is the main residence of the Islamists' self-exiled leader Ismail Haniyeh.

It has used its channels with Hamas, established with US blessing, to play a lead role in the release of four of the hostages so far.
Seeing a 60kg marsupial bounding down a busy suburban street would be strange enough, but the animal filmed on Monday morning weirdly had a collar around its neck and a green tag on its ear.

Bleary-eyed morning commuter Keye Regan started filming the moment he saw what he thought was a kangaroo, but it wasnt until the animal was close that he spotted the device attached to it. It looked like it was some sort of tracking system. Or maybe somehow someone was illegally keeping it as a pet, he told Yahoo of the incident in southwest Sydney.

Unsure how to help the animal, the 21-year-old warehouse worker Keye posted a short video of the animal to Facebook. I didnt report it because I didnt want to miss my bus, but if anyones missing a roo, its hopping around Campbelltown Mall, he wrote.

The kangaroo was filmed in Campbelltown wearing a collar and green ear tag. Source: Keye Regan

On social media, the video quickly attracted intrigue and dozens of comments from locals fascinated by the collar. "That looks like a domestic animal," one person wrote. "Wait, this roo has a collar?" another added. "Poor soul. Hope he's okay," someone else said.

Discover more of our environment coverage. (Discover more of our environment coverage.)

Rescuers solve mystery of 'kangaroo' collar

Luckily, Keyes post also caught the attention of local wildlife rescuers who offered to help. First on the scene was expert animal wrangler Slade Macklin. He quickly determined the animal was in fact a wallaroo, a largely solitary and nocturnal macropod species that looks like a cross between an eastern grey kangaroo and a fluffy wallaby.

Slade tracked the large male past a number of shops and into the car park near the suburbs old Bunnings hardware store.

He believes the collar was attached during a tracking program about five years ago. While the devices were supposed to fall off its believed this one likely malfunctioned, leaving the animal with an annoying attachment around its neck.

Because the collar was relatively soft, there was little irritation around the wallaroos neck, and Slade was able to release him back into bushland after a health check.

Story continues

More weird finds this week

Campbelltown's wildlife increasingly displaced by development

Sadly, animal rescues across the Campbelltown region are on the increase, and according to Slade theres a very clear reason why.

Its the same thing constantly, theres a lot of movement of wildlife. It seems to be because of all the development in the area, theres a lot more animal activity, he said.

Along the side of the Hume Highway, you can see properties around Gilead and the Douglas Park area that were once scrub land or vegetation are being developed for housing.

With wildlife frequently needing to be rescued around the Campbelltown area, there are several groups you can call for help.

Slades Total Fauna Solutions can be reached on 02 9188 8833. Ricardos Help Save the Wildlife and Bushlands in Campbelltown offers a koala rescue service on 0434 026 799.

WIRES rescues wildlife across NSW, and they have a 24-hour hotline 1300 094 737. Another number to save in your phone in Sydney is Sydney Wildlife Rescue, (02) 9413 4300.

More on Campbelltown's wildlife

Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? Get our new weekly newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories.
The Israeli army said that it had captured parliament and other government institutions run by Hamas in Gaza City. Military units "took over the Hamas parliament, the government building, the Hamas police headquarters and an engineering faculty that served as an institute for the production and development of weapons," the army said in a statement. Israel-Hamas War: Palestinians remove debris from a damaged building, in the aftermath of an Israeli strike on a house.(Reuters)

Israeli police said that they were investigating "several cases" of sexual violence that Hamas allegedly committed against women during the October 7 attacks, with "multiple witnesses" to incidents of rape.

Here are top updates on Israel-Hamas war:
The Israel police are investigating multiple cases of sexual violence against women perpetrated by Hamas terrorists on October 7. They said on Tuesday they have no surviving victim of rape but are in touch with multiple people who have witnessed sexual violence by Hamas terrorists. A Palestinian man rides his bicycle past destroyed buildings in Bureij, in the central of Gaza Strip, on November 14, 2023. (AFP)

The police are gathering evidence of sexual violence by Hamas from witnesses and surveillance footage. They are also interrogating Palestinian terrorists arrested since October 7.

David Katz, head of the Lahav 443 criminal investigation unit, said the police have multiple witnesses of sexual crimes. "However, we have no living victims who said we have been raped," he said.

He said the probe could take several months.

At the press conference, AFP reported, the police showed footage of witness testimony. A witness who identified as S, a survivor at the Supernova music festival, said she saw a woman being gang-raped before being shot.

The witness said the women were being "taken to a specific place by men in military uniform".

"I understood they raped them," she added.

She also said that she saw a woman being gang raped by several armed men. One of the men shot her in the head during the act, reported AFP.

The police said the ZAKA organisation -- that recovers human remains in accordance with Jewish religious law to afford them a proper burial -- reported that they saw several bodies of women without pants or underwear.

Hamas killed 1200 people, mostly civilians, on October 7, when they stormed Israeli cities.

Israel's retaliatory aerial and ground strikes have so far killed 11,200 people, according to Palestinian health authorities.
The Israeli military on Monday shared video and photographs claiming that it has recovered weapons stored by Hamas in the basement of a children's hospital in Gaza where it also said hostages appear to have been held. Israel military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said troops had found an armoury of weapons stored by Hamas militants in the basement of Rantissi Hospital, Gaza.

The Israeli military also confirmed on Tuesday the identity of a soldier being held hostage by Hamas, after the armed wing of the Palestinian group published a video showing the young woman in captivity.

Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden said hospitals in the Gaza Strip must be protected and he hoped for "less intrusive" action by Israel as Israeli tanks advanced to the gates of the besieged enclave's main hospital.

Israel-Hamas war latest updates:

1. Israel military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said troops had found a command centre with an armoury of weapons including grenades, suicide vests and other explosives stored by Hamas militants in the basement of Rantissi Hospital, a paediatric hospital with a specialty in treating cancer patients. "And we also found signs that indicate that Hamas held hostages here," Hagari told a televised briefing. This is currently under our investigation. But we also have intelligence that verifies it.

2. Hagari showed footage of what appeared to be rudimentary living quarters, including a small kitchen, as well as a nearby tunnel shaft which he said led to the house of a senior Hamas naval commander. In addition, troops found a motorcycle with gunshot marks which he said appeared to have been used to bring hostages to Gaza after the surprise attack on October 7 when Hamas gunmen stormed into southern Israel, killing some 1,200 people and seizing around 240 captives, according to Israeli authorities.

3. The Israel Army wrote in a statement that "our hearts go out to the Marciano family, whose daughter, Noa, was brutally kidnapped by the Hamas terrorist organisation", officially confirming a hostage's identity for the first time, after Hamas gunmen abducted about 240 people when they stormed across the border from Gaza on October 7.

4. On Monday night, Hamas' Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades published a video of the soldier apparently reading a message in Hebrew in which she identified herself by name and identity card number and said she had been detained in Gaza for four days. "An IDF (Israel Defense Forces) representative came to the family's home and informed them of the video's publication," the army statement said.

5. Israeli tanks have taken up positions outside Al Shifa Hospital, Gaza City's main medical centre, which Israel claims sits atop tunnels housing a headquarters for Hamas fighters who are using patients as shields. Hamas denies the Israeli claim.

6. The armed wing of Hamas said it was ready to free up to 70 women and children held in Gaza in exchange for a five-day truce in the war, in which Gaza medical authorities say more than 11,000 people have been confirmed killed, about 40% children.

7. Gaza health ministry spokesperson Ashraf Al-Qidra, who was inside Al Shifa hospital, on Monday said 32 patients had died in the previous three days, including three newborns, because of the siege of the hospital in northern Gaza and a lack of power.

8. Shifa is Gazas largest and best-equipped hospital. But Israel claims the facility also is used by Hamas for military purposes. It says Hamas has built a vast underground command complex centre below the hospital, connected by tunnels.

9. Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant on Monday said Hamas has "lost control" of the Gaza Strip it has ruled for 16 years. "Hamas has lost control of Gaza. Terrorists are fleeing southward. Civilians are looting Hamas bases," he said without providing evidence. "They don't have faith in the government anymore," Gallant said in a video broadcast on Israel's main TV stations.

10. Nir Barkat, Israels economy and industry minister, said the country's 2024 budget will be structured to focus on the war and then economic growth thereafter, with concessions necessary to expand the countrys unity government.

(With inputs from agencies)
When Hamas gunmen stormed southern Israel on Oct. 7 and rocket sirens pierced the early morning quiet across the country, Israel's premier museums went into war mode, rushing to protect their most precious artwork and artefacts. Israel-Hamas War: The artwork "Sketch For Ceiling" by Alexander Archipenko is covered in the Tel Aviv Museum of Art.(Reuters)

The Dead Sea Scrolls. Ancient dedication plaques on loan from the Louvre. A 1916 masterpiece by Austrian painter Gustav Klimt. These and other treasures were quickly taken off display and brought to special bunkers to ensure they are not damaged during the war.

"To take off an exhibition is something that usually is not done because we trust the building, we trust the safety of the showcases. But this is a different situation so we have to act accordingly," said Hagit Maoz, curator of the Shrine of the Book at Jerusalem's Israel Museum.

The iconic building, shaped like the lids of the jars in which the Dead Sea Scrolls were found, is usually packed with visitors eager to glimpse the collection of ancient religious texts. Today the eight display cases lining the walls have paper notes saying "temporarily removed".

Read more: Israel army confirms death of woman soldier held in Gaza

The last time the museum removed the display, Maoz said, was during the 1991 Gulf War when Iraq fired missiles at Israel.

The Hamas attack over a month ago sparked the war in Gaza, where Israel has since carried out a devastating bombardment and ground offensive. Thousands of rockets have been fired at Israel.

Nurith Goshen, curator of Chalcolithic and Bronze Age archaeology, was cleaning up broken glass from a rocket strike near her home outside Jerusalem on Oct. 7 when the museum called announcing the war protocol and asking to confirm her list.

"You really have to choose the finest or the most fragile artefacts," she said.

Her list included items on loan from the Louvre and the British Museum, and she said they got permission from those museums before taking them down.

"You really understand the meaning of what we are holding here, and what we have under our custodianship for Israel, but also for the world," said Goshen.

The Tel Aviv Museum of Art took similar precautions.

Gustav Kimt's Portrait of Friedericke Maria Beer, painted two years before his death, is now stored on a rack in a fortified underground bunker with other works. The paintings left behind blank spaces on the gallery's wall.

"These works of art have experienced war, some of them survived World War Two," said museum director Tania Coen-Uzzielli. "We are custodians for a short time, and we needed to protect them. To protect them for posterity and for history."
Israel-Hamas war highlights: As the fighting in Gaza Strip intensifies, US President Joe Biden called for less intrusive action around Gaza's hospitals. The Israeli military has encircled the complex of al-Shifa, the largest hospital in the enclave, claiming that Hamas has a key command centre underneath the complex and using patients as shield. Hamas has denied the Israeli claim. A smoke plume erupts during Israeli bombardment in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip.(AFP)

The World Health Organisation (WHO) said al-Shifa is not functioning as a hospital anymore after it ran out of essential items including fuel, medicine and water. The Gazan health officials said they are desperately trying to keep premature babies warm after removing them from incubators as they cannot function without the electricity.

Meanwhile, Israel's defence minister Yoav Gallant said Hamas has lost control of Gaza adding that its terrorists are fleeing south.
Gaza's biggest hospital said that 179 people, including babies and patients who died in the intensive care unit, had been buried in a "mass grave" at the complex. Al-Shifa hospital director Mohammad Abu Salmiyah said that seven babies and 29 intensive care patients were among those buried after hospital fuel supplies ran out. Israel-Hamas War: Patients and internally displaced people at Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City.(AFP)

"We were forced to bury them in a mass grave," he said, adding, There are bodies littered in the hospital complex and there is no longer electricity at the morgues. No fuel has entered the Gaza Strip since the Israel-Hamas war began on October 7. Abu Salmiyah also informed that a man and a woman died in the ICU bringing the number of people who had died in the unit to 29.

The stench of decomposing bodies was everywhere in the facility, news agency AFP reported as the hospital director said that the nighttime fighting and air strikes from Monday into Tuesday had been less intense than previous nights.

Israeli tanks have massed at the gates of Al-Shifa hospital as Tel Aviv says that the facility conceals an underground command "node" used by Hamas. The terrorist group denies the claim. Meanwhile, a spokesman for the Gaza health ministry said that there was no objection to having babies evacuated from Al Shifa Hospital but there was no mechanism for an evacuation to take place.

"We have no objection to have the babies moved to any hospital, in Egypt, the West Bank or even to the occupation hospitals. What we care most is about the wellbeing and the lives of those babies," Ashraf Al-Qidra said as per Reuters.

Dr. Ahmed Al Mokhallalati, a surgeon, said, "We are planning to bury them today in a mass grave inside the Al Shifa medical complex. It is going to be very dangerous as we don't have any cover or protection from the ICRC (International Committee of the Red Cross), but we have no other options, the corpses of the martyrs began to decompose. The men are digging right now as we speak."
Israeli forces bombarded southern Gaza on Tuesday after tanks advanced to the gates of the enclave's biggest hospital in the north where health officials say dozens of patients, including babies, have died due a lack of power and the heavy fighting. Smoke rises as displaced Palestinians take shelter at Al Shifa hospital, amid the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel, in Gaza City on November 8.(Reuters)

At least 13 people were killed when Israeli forces targeted their homes in the southern city of Khan Younis, Gaza health ministry officials said. The military has also positioned tanks outside Al Shifa Hospital, Gaza City's main medical centre, which Israel says sits atop tunnels housing a headquarters for Hamas fighters who are using patients as shields.

Hamas denies the Israeli claim.

The Israeli military said it was coordinating the transfer of incubators into Gaza, in a possible measure to enable the evacuation of newborn babies from the hospital.

Gaza health ministry spokesperson Ashraf Al-Qidra, who was inside Al Shifa hospital, said on Monday 32 patients had died in the previous three days, including three newborns. At least 650 patients remain inside, he added.

In his first comments since the patient deaths reported at Al Shifa, US President Joe Biden said hospitals must be protected.

"My hope and expectation is that there will be less intrusive action relative to hospitals and we remain in contact with the Israelis," Biden told reporters on Monday.

"Also there is an effort to get this pause to deal with the release of prisoners and that's being negotiated, as well, with the Qataris ... being engaged," he added. "So I remain somewhat hopeful but hospitals must be protected."

On Monday, Israel's military released video and photos of what it said were weapons the group stored in the basement of Rantissi hospital, a paediatric hospital specializing in cancer treatment.

In a statement on its Telegram channel, Hamas said the video showed "fabricated scenes that misled public opinion", adding that it was a "failed attempt" by Israel to justify the targeting of hospitals.

Hostages for ceasefire?

Israel launched its war against Hamas after the Islamist Palestinian group's Oct. 7 rampage into southern Israel. Around 1,200 people died in that attack and 240 were dragged to Gaza as hostages according to Israel's tally.

The armed wing of Hamas said it was ready to free up to 70 women and children held in Gaza in exchange for a five-day truce in the war. Gaza medical authorities say more than 11,000 people have been confirmed killed in Israeli bombardment, about 40% of them children.

Israeli soldiers operate amid what the Israeli army says is the ongoing ground operation against the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in a location given as Gaza, in this screen grab from a handout video released on November 14, 2023. (Reuters)

Roughly two-thirds of the people in the densely populated Mediterranean strip have been made homeless by Israel's military campaign, in which it has ordered the northern half of Gaza evacuated.

Al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, posted an audio recording on Telegram saying the group was ready to release as many as 70 women and children hostages in return for a five-day ceasefire, an offer Israel is unlikely to embrace.

"We told the (Qatari) mediators that in a five-day truce, we can release 50 of them and the number could reach 70 due to the difficulty that the captives are held by different factions," said al-Qassam Brigades spokesman Abu Ubaida said, saying Israel had asked for 100 to be freed.

Israel, which effectively blockades Gaza, has rejected a ceasefire, arguing that Hamas would simply use it to regroup, but has permitted brief humanitarian "pauses" to allow food and other supplies to flow in and foreigners to flee.

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters Washington would "like to see considerably longer pauses - days, not hours - in the context of a hostage release."

A Washington Post opinion writer on Tuesday quoted an unnamed high-ranking Israeli official as saying Israel and Hamas are close to a deal to free most of the kidnapped Israeli women and children with Israel simultaneously releasing Palestinian women and youths held in its prisons. An agreement could be announced within days if the details are worked out.

West Bank violence

In the occupied West Bank, at least six Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces, the Palestinian health ministry and Palestinian media said.

At least three of those were killed in an Israeli drone strike, the Palestinians' official news agency WAFA reported, citing a hospital in the western city of Tulkarm.

The Israeli army and police said their forces, sent into Tulkarm to detain suspected militants, came under fire and killed several Palestinian gunmen in the ensuing skirmish.

Israeli troops also shot dead at least two Palestinians during earlier clashes in a refugee camp in the city, WAFA reported.

The worsening violence in the West Bank comes after more than 18 months of bloodshed that has fuelled fears the West Bank could erupt into a bigger conflict and become a new front.
The families of Israelis being held hostage by Hamas in the Gaza Strip kicked off a five-day march on Tuesday from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem to demand the government does much more to secure their release. Israel-Hamas War: A woman chants slogans while holding signs identifying 17-year-old hostage Ofir Engel and another, both taken captive by Hamas. (AFP)

Hamas fighters took around 240 people hostage during their Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel. The captives ranged in age from nine months to 85 and are believed to be being held in tunnels deep under the Gaza Strip.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is coming under fierce criticism from some relatives for not doing more to secure their release as the Israeli military pushes deep into Gaza with an order to destroy Hamas.

"I demand from Benjamin Netanyahu and the cabinet to give us answers and actions," said Shelly Shem Tov, whose 21-year-old son Omer was dragged into Gaza five weeks ago.

"Where are you? Where are you?" she said, addressing the government in an impassioned plea at the start of the march.

The armed wing of the Palestinian militant group Hamas said on Monday it was ready to release up to 70 women and children hostages in return for a five-day truce and the release of 275 Palestinian women and children held in Israeli prisons.

It said Israel was "procrastinating and evading" the price of the deal.

Netanyahu has so far rejected any talk of a ceasefire, telling NBC News on Sunday that he would only be willing to pause the fighting if all the hostages were freed.

He added that the best way to secure a deal was to maintain military pressure on Hamas. "That's the one thing that might create a deal and if a deal is available, well, we will talk about it when it's there," he said.

Israel says Hamas has lost control of the coastal enclave. Medical officials say more than 11,100 Palestinians, around 40 % of them children, have died as a result of Israeli strikes.

The Gaza militants have so far released four hostages, the last on Oct. 23. The Israeli military on Tuesday confirmed the death of a captive soldier, who Hamas said was killed in an Israeli strike.

The Tel Aviv marchers will end their protest on Saturday in front of Netanyahu's residence in Jerusalem, some 65 km (40 miles) away.

"I don't feel like we are in good hands. We don't feel like we get enough information. We fell into the darkness. We want answers," said Amit Zach, the nephew of 72-year-old hostage Adina Moshe.

"I don't have a solution, but it's not my job to get a solution. It's my job to demand my family back," he added.

Holding up pictures of the captives, the crowd chanted "Bring them home now!" One man shouted: Everyone!
US president Joe Biden reportedly called one of Barack Obamas closest advisers a p---k for suggesting that he is too old to run for re-election. Joe Biden, 80, is facing low polling numbers as critics say that he is too old to govern for another four years. A new poll of 15,000 Americans found that Joe Biden would lose in a head-to-head race with Donald Trump. US president Joe Biden(Reuters)

The MRP poll, by Stack Data Strategy, found that the incumbent would win the popular vote by 49 per cent to 48 per cent, but lose to Donald Trump in the electoral college. Joe Biden's age is one of his key weaknesses, polling showed, as more than three quarters of US voters believe that he should withdraw from the race to make way for a younger candidate.

David Axelrod, Barack Obamas chief election strategist when he was president, suggested that Joe Biden should reconsider his re-election campaign.

Only Joe Biden can make this decision. If he continues to run, he will be the nominee of the Democratic Party. What he needs to decide is whether that is wise; whether its in HIS best interest or the countrys?," he said. In response, Joe Biden called him a p---k, according to a report published on the Politico.

Meanwhile, Joe Bidens campaign team has repeatedly played down the seriousness of his position in the polls. This comes after a series of embarrassing gaffes, including his reference to the nine wonders of the world and his confusion of the so-called black and tans.

Nate Silver, the US polling analyst, said as per Telegraph, If Bidens mental/physical capacity is a real issue, enough to significantly curtail his campaigning activity, its incredibly foolhardy to think you can bluff your way through that for a year. He might win, because Trump is also unpopular, but a different Democrat would be a better bet.
Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, are set to announce an agreement that would see Beijing crack down on the manufacture and export of fentanyl, according to people familiar with the matter, potentially delivering the US president a major victory. US President Joe Biden (R) and China's President Xi Jinping (L)(AFP)

Under the deal  which is still being finalized  China would go after chemical companies to stem the flow of both fentanyl and the source material used to make the deadly synthetic opioid, according to the people, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the agreement.

In return, the Biden administration would lift restrictions on Chinas forensic police institute, the people said, an entity the US alleges is responsible for human-rights abuses.

The agreement, set to be announced Wednesday when Biden and Xi meet in San Francisco on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, would mark a win for the White House on an issue voters say is a priority for the 2024 election.

Republicans have assailed the administration over its handling of fentanyl trafficking, turning it into a liability for Bidens chances of winning a second term.

A White House National Security Council spokeswoman declined to comment. Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Were hoping to see some progress on that issue this coming week, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan told reporters Monday. That could then open the door to further cooperation on other issues where we arent just managing things but were actually delivering tangible results.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said Xi seemed receptive to our concerns in October when lawmakers raised the issue with the leader during a visit to China.

US officials consider the deal a potential breakthrough but caution stringent enforcement is necessary to produce results. Officials said it will take time to assess whether Beijing follows through.

Any deal could be vulnerable to collapse if fragile ties between Beijing and Washington deteriorate over critical comments from the Biden administration, some China experts warned.

Chinas agreements have an unstated condition: Void if you criticize Xi and the Communist Party, said Derek Scissors, senior fellow at the conservative American Enterprise Institute. If the Biden administration isnt pro-China in 2024, enforcement of a fentanyl deal will fade away.

Health Crisis

Mexican cartels are largely responsible for the export of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid 50 times more powerful than heroin and 100 times more powerful than morphine. The cartels often use Chinese components to make the drug.

The problem has dogged multiple US presidents, as overdose deaths have spiked across the country. Former President Donald Trump in 2018 announced an agreement with Xi, under which Beijing vowed to designate fentanyl as a controlled substance.

The public-health crisis fueled by the drug has only intensified since then.

More than 150 people in the US die each day from overdoses related to synthetic opioids like fentanyl, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Such overdoses increased more than seven-fold between 2015 and 2021, according to the National Center for Health Statistics.

San Francisco, the host for this weeks APEC summit, is one of many municipalities grappling with the fallout from a surge in addiction and overdose deaths.

Fentanyl has really devastated our city, like no other drug weve ever experienced within my lifetime, San Francisco Mayor London Breed said Monday in a Bloomberg News roundtable.

Breed urged Xi to cooperate to stop the flow of fentanyl, saying it had strained US-China ties.

I would ask him to work with the US and to ensure that the resources that are being sent out of China, that come into either the US or Mexico, are cut off to the fullest extent possible, she said during a separate interview with Bloomberg TV.

Lifting Sanctions

China has for months pressured the US to take the Institution of Forensic Science of the Ministry of Public Security off its blacklist. The Commerce Department in 2020 restricted those agencies from accessing US technology over allegations they are involved in repression of ethnic Uyghurs in Chinas Xinjiang region.

The US sanctions against Chinese companies and citizens will add more obstacles to China-US counter-narcotics cooperation, a Chinese embassy spokesperson in Washington said in May.

The Biden administration this year took steps to stem the crisis but is limited in what it can achieve without Beijings help.

The Justice Department has investigated and prosecuted companies in China that ship precursor chemicals to Mexico. The Treasury Department has designated more than two dozen people and entities allegedly involved in the fentanyl trade. The White House has asked Congress for roughly $1.2 billion to target drug traffickers.

Republican presidential hopefuls have vowed to take even more drastic measures.

Trump, the 2024 GOP frontrunner, has threatened a full naval embargo on drug cartels and said he would deploy the US military to fight them. He has also called for drug dealers to get the death penalty.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has also said he would use the US military against Mexican drug operations. Former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley said the US should end normal trade relations with China until they stop murdering Americans.
An Australian wildlife expert has called on the federal government to "immediately investigate" how a mob of wallabies ended up wandering the streets of northern Vietnam  some 5000 kilometres from their natural habitat.

Images first emerged on social media earlier this week appearing to show three wallabies scavenging around bushes on the outskirts of Cao Bang, a province in the country's north. Vietnamese authorities claimed they'd likely "been brought from Australia by smugglers" who apparently "dropped them along the Vietnam-China border" after they were discovered with the animals.

But, exactly how they were exported out of the country alive remains a mystery.

Three wallabies, likely from Australia, were found in northern Vietnam earlier this week. Source: Facebook.

Wallabies likely Australian, but 'impossible to tell'

Ben Pearson, Country Director at World Animal Protection, said there's no way to be certain of how the animals came to be so far from home, but "given that the export of live native species is illegal for commercial purposes", it "seems highly likely" they were victims of Australia's rife "illegal wildlife trade".

"Obviously what you're looking at here is Wallabies in Vietnam where they certainly shouldn't be," Pearson told Yahoo News Australia. "It's hard not to be suspicious that they were somehow smuggled there, and we have no way of knowing [how], but it's certainly a concern."

Pearson said that while it's possible the animals may have originated from Papua New Guinea, where there are at least 190 species of mammals that are "closely related" to those found here, it's most likely the case they were trafficked from Australia. Wallabies are not naturally found in Vietnam.

"What we'd like to see is the Australian government launch an investigation to see whether or not those wallabies did come from Australia," he said. Pearson wants the government to release any information they have obtained and to work with Vietnamese authorities to not only discover where they came from, but to ensure the animals are looked after.

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Vietnamese authorities claimed they'd been trafficked from Australia, though those claims are unable to verified. Source: Facebook.

Illegal wildlife trade worth billions per year

Globally, the illegal wildlife trade is estimated to be worth US$10 to $23 billion per year, according to the World Wildlife Foundation (WWF) and data conducted at the University of New South Wales (UNSW). Though, it's "almost impossible to tell" how many animals exactly are smuggled annually.

Aussie reptiles and birds are in particular high demand overseas, Pearson explained, but animals of all different species are illegally exported in distressingly high volumes.

"Illegal trafficking is huge," he said. "Unfortunately in Australia, mostly, it's about reptiles and birds. That's really what you see  but you also see hundreds of others [species] too. Authorities are constantly catching people trying to smuggle.

"And Australia is a popular source country, because so many of our animals are unique to our ecosystems."

While there have been cases where Australian animals were sourced for use in medicine and for scientific studies, by and large, they're trafficked to be sold as pets.

"Wildlife trading itself is one of the major global illegal commodity trades," Pearson said. "I think it's the fourth largest in the world, and you're talking all the big ones, drugs and everything, but wildlife trade is right up there.

"A lot of people who get these animals, they actually want them for pets. Now, in the case of these wallabies, god knows if they did in fact originate from Australia  they may have come from a private zoo  but it's the pet trade really that seems to go on there."

Experts have called on the Australian government to immediately launch an investigation into the animals' origins. Source: The Vietnamese Express.

It's not just our animals being trafficked out of the country, smugglers also bring thousands of exotic animals in as well.

Between 1999 and 2016 over 2,795 "alien vertebrates" were detected in Australia, and many of these were from illegal holding, breeding and importing, according to the Centre for Invasion Species Solutions.

Pearson said while it may seem like there's little the everyday Aussie can do to prevent our wildlife from the cruel trafficking trade, people can still make a difference by reporting sightings of our native animals overseas to Aussie authorities.

Huge danger in 'mixing species'

He added that there are many, serious biological dangers that can occur when two species from different continents meet.

"We've all just basically spent two to three years working out of our bedrooms because of things like the mixing constantly of wild animals," he warned.

"One of the major sources of new diseases comes from when we trade animals. We move them, we come into contact with some we've never had before, and in doing that, we also then come into contact with new diseases... we've seen that in the past with Covid.

"It just increases the risk. If you do this kind of thing, you're going to mix diseases and the consequences would be catastrophic."

According to the Vietnamese Express, the three wallabies found earlier this week are now being transported to a local wildlife centre, where they will be further evaluated and their future assessed.

It's believed they are not "sick or a threat to the environment, and so do not need to be rescued or destroyed."

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US President Joe Biden said Tuesday he believes that a deal with Hamas to free the hostages the militants are holding in the Gaza Strip will happen, but did not offer specifics. US president Joe Biden speaks during an event.(Bloomberg)

"I've been talking with people involved every single day. I believe it's going to happen but I don't want to get into detail," Biden told reporters at the White House when asked about an eventual agreement.

When asked if he had a message for the families of those being held by the Palestinian militant group, he replied: "Hang in there. We're coming."

Nine Americans and a person with permanent US residency are among an estimated 240 people taken hostage by Hamas fighters last month when they crossed the border to stage the deadliest attack in Israeli history.

"I cannot look you in the eye and tell you how many of those hostages are still alive," US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan told a news conference on Monday.

The October 7 Hamas attack left around 1,200 dead on the Israeli side, mostly civilians, according to the latest official Israeli figures.

The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza says Israel's relentless assault in retaliation has killed 11,240 people, also mostly civilians, including thousands of children.

On Tuesday, Qatar urged Israel and Hamas to take up its offer to mediate to reach a deal.

The United States has repeatedly asked for a pause in the fighting to facilitate the liberation of those held in Gaza.

The White House said Tuesday that Biden's main advisor on the Middle East, Brett McGurk, would head to the region, notably to Qatar, where Hamas has its political office, to discuss the hostages issue.
Four hundred government officials from 40 departments and agencies within US president Joe Biden's administration signed a letter opposing his handling of the Israel-Hamas war and demanding a cease-fire. US president Joe Biden(Reuters)

The letter was first reported by the New York Times. It includes officials from the US State Department, White House, National Security Council, and the Justice Department.

"We call on President Biden to urgently demand a cease-fire; and to call for de-escalation of the current conflict by securing the immediate release of the Israeli hostages and arbitrarily detained Palestinians; the restoration of water, fuel, electricity and other basic services; and the passage of adequate humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip," the letter reads.

Joe Biden and other world leaders have pushed back on calls for a cease-fire in Gaza saying that it would only serve to benefit Hamas terrorists. Joe Biden's administration has instead pushed for humanitarian pauses in the fighting, which Israel has agreed to.

This comes as the US announced a third round of sanctions on Hamas since last month's attack on Israel. The new sanctions target the group's Iranian backers, key Hamas officials and the mechanisms by which Iran provides support to Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, a statement from the US Treasury Department said.

On the new sanctions, US secretary of state Antony Blinken said, Iran's support, primarily through its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, enables Hamas and PIJ's terrorist activities, including through the transfer of funds and the provision of both weapons and operational training.

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said in a statement, The United States will continue to work with our partners, including the UK, to deny Hamas the ability to raise and use funds to carry out its atrocities.
India, in a significant diplomatic move, has spearheaded recommendations for Canada to fortify measures preventing attacks on worship places and effectively address hate speech. The proposals were presented during the UN Human Rights Council Review meeting, where diplomats from India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka shared their insights and recommendations. Indian diplomat Mohammed Hussain noted legislative enactments such as the National Housing Strategy Act and the Accessible Canada Act while addressing the issue at the Council meeting. (ANI/Twitter)

Indian diplomat Mohammed Hussain noted legislative enactments such as the National Housing Strategy Act and the Accessible Canada Act while addressing the issue at the Council meeting.

At the meeting, Bangladesh diplomat Abdullah Al Forhad urged Canada to intensify its efforts to combat racism, hate speech, hate crimes and discrimination against migrants and Muslim minorities.

Al Forhad, however, commended Canada's progress in the protection of human rights and strategy to combat human trafficking.

Bangladesh called for measures to be taken to reduce carbon emissions and address the negative impacts of climate change.

We commend the valuable progress made by Canada in the promotion of the protection of human rights. We acknowledge the ongoing implementation of its nationalist strategy to combat human trafficking 2019-2024. In spite of cooperation, Bangladesh offers recommendations to Canada  intensify its efforts to combat racism, hate speech, hate crimes and discrimination against migrants and Muslim minorities, take necessary measures to reduce carbon emissions and strengthen international cooperation in addressing the negative impacts of climate change and, consider ratifying international convention on the protection of the rights of all migrants, workers and members of their families, Al Forhad said.

"We note the enactment of the National Housing Strategy Act, Accessible Canada Act, and National strategy to combat human trafficking, Indian diplomat Mohammed Hussain said on the occasion.

Hussain added, India recommends the following to Canada - further, strengthen the domestic framework to prevent misuse of freedom of expression, for inciting violence and disallow activities of groups that are promoting extremism; effectively prevent attacks on places of worship of religious and racial minorities, strengthen legislative and other measures to address hate crimes and hate speech.

Meanwhile, Sri Lankan diplomat Thilini Jayasekara also urged Canada to agree to the Convention on the Protection of Rights of All Migrant Workers, take appropriate steps to combat racial discrimination against immigrants' rights, oppose misinformation against minorities, and strengthen its national mechanism for comprehensive reporting and follow-up on global human rights recommendations.

Sri Lanka welcomes the cooperation extended by the Government of Canada during the visit of UN Special Rapporters on contemporary forms of slavery and on the rights of Indigenous people. Sri Lanka recommends Canada to one, accede to the Convention on the Protection of Rights of All Migrant workers and members of their families. Two, continue to take measures against racial discrimination, in particular to avoid discriminatory policies and regulations affecting the rights of immigrants, including in the area of health.

Three, continue to take measures to counter misinformation against minority communities. Four, strengthen its national mechanism for comprehensive reporting and follow up in relation to recommendations received from international human rights mechanisms and treaty obligations. We wish Canada success in its UPR engagement, Jayasekara added.

Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of violating the Vienna Convention as over 40 Canadian diplomats moved out of India at the request of New Delhi amid the ongoing diplomatic crisis on Saturday. Trudeau spoke on the crisis and said if bigger countries can violate international law without consequences, then the whole world gets more dangerous for everyone.

"From the very beginning when we learnt of credible allegations that agents of the Indian government were involved in the killing of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil, we reached out to India and asked them to get to the bottom of this matter. We also reached out to our friends and allies like the United States and others to work on this really serious violation of international law and sovereignty," Trudeau said on Hardeep Singh Nijjar's killing.

India has rejected Canada's accusation that it played a role in Nijjar's killing and made it clear that this is not India's way of functioning. Canada provides safe haven to terrorists despite India's several prods, New Delhi claimed.

India suspended visa services in Canada which has now been partially restored. Over 40 diplomats who were previously posted in India had to shift out as India accused them of interfering in India's internal affairs.
Britain's King Charles celebrated his 75th birthday on Tuesday and used the occasion to kickstart a new scheme to tackle food poverty and help cut the millions of tonnes of discarded food at the same time. Britain's King Charles and Queen Camilla (not pictured) visit FareShare Didcot to launch the Coronation Food Project on his birthday, in Didcot, Britain, November 14, 2023. The King bought a copy of the Big Issue from seller Kelvin along with Lord John Bird the founder of the Big Issue. Ian Vogler/Pool via REUTERS(via REUTERS)

The king, who has spent more than five decades as an outspoken campaigner on environmental issues and supporter of a sustainable economy, officially launched the 'Coronation Food Project', his mission to try to stop people going hungry.

"Food need is as real and urgent a problem as food waste - and if a way could be found to bridge the gap between them, then it would address two problems in one," Charles wrote in an article for the "Big Issue", a magazine which is usually sold by homeless people.

The project says 14 million people in Britain face food insecurity, and the monarch, who has never been shy of commenting on social issues, said "too many families and individuals are missing out on nutritious meals due to the cost of living pressures that have caused hardship for so many".

"To mark my 75th birthday in this Coronation year, I could ask for no greater gift than that the Coronation Food Project creates a lasting legacy to help others  and help the planet," he wrote.

With his wife, Queen Camilla, Charles visited a surplus food distribution centre in central England where staff and volunteers sang a rousing version of "Happy Birthday" to him.

There were also traditional gun salutes in London and across the country, while Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Charles' eldest son and heir Prince William posted messages on social media, wishing the king a happy birthday.

The BBC reported that his younger son, Prince Harry, who has become estranged from his father and the rest of the royals, would also speak to him by phone.

Later on Tuesday, Charles will also host a reception on Tuesday to herald the work of nurses and midwives, part of the events marking 75 years of the National Health Service.
Pakistan reportedly earned USD 364 million in an arms deal with two private US companies last year to supply ammunition to Ukraine amid Russia war as per a report. The arms were supplied using a British military cargo plane from Pakistan Air Force Base Nur Khan in Rawalpindi to the British military base in Cyprus, Akrotiri. They were then taken to Romania a total of five times to supply arms to Ukraine, the BBC Urdu reported. Islamabad has, however, denied that it has provided any ammunition to Ukraine. Members of a Ukrainian drone unit make their way to the front line at night in the Luhansk Region, Ukraine.(AP)

The report cited details of the contract from the American Federal Procurement Data System as per which Pakistan signed two contracts with American companies named Global Military and Northrop Grumman for the sale of 155mm shells. These agreements to provide weapons to Ukraine were signed on August 17, 2022 and were linked to the purchase of 155mm shells.

These agreements took place during the rule of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), the report added. Then Pakistan army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa had pledged to take Pakistan-UK relations to a "new height".

The report claimed that a USD 232 million contract was awarded to Global Military while another USD 131 million contract was signed with Northrop Grumman.

"These agreements expired last month i.e. October 2023. Each time, the plane flew from Nur Khan Airbase to the British military base in Cyprus and then to Romania, that too at a time when Russia was waging war in Romanias neighbouring country Ukraine, the report claimed.

"Pakistan exported arms worth USD 13 million in 2021-22, while these exports reached USD 415 million in 2022-23, it added.

Islamabad said that Pakistan has maintained a policy of strict neutrality amid the war and did not provide Ukraine with any arms or ammunition in that context.

During a visit to Pakistan this July, Ukrainian foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba also rejected reports that Pakistan was supplying arms to Ukraine to support its military.
Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari took a swipe at Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif over his recent visit to Balochistan as he advised him to concentrate on addressing issues in Lahore. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari(AFP/File)

"Mian sahab has been suggested to visit other provinces. I would suggest that he should stay in Lahore and focus on its problems," Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said while addressing a press conference in Sindh. This comes after Nawaz Sharif's party announced an alliance in elections with Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) in Sindh. Nawaz Sharif recently visited Quetta.

Bilawal Bhutto further urged former PM Sharif to engage in independent politics instead of relying on alliances.

"PML-N should do politics on its own instead of relying on others. They ran away from the local body election. I don't know what the fear was," he said criticising alliances made by Nawaz Sharif's party.

"If BAP was bad yesterday, they will be bad today as well. The same result will come out in Mian Sahib's visit," he said, stressing the need for constructive politics.

"Pakistan cannot prosper amid the politics of backbiting, accusations, and revenge. Those who sit in Islamabad know less about ground realities. We don't look left and right, we look towards the people," he said.

When will elections be held in Pakistan?

General elections in Pakistan will be held on February 11, the country's poll body informed the Supreme Court. The Election Commission of Pakistan said the process of drawing constituencies would be completed by January 29.
UK PM Rishi Sunak is "quick to anger" and a man whose smile is "not always genuine", former cabinet minister Nadine Dorries said. A stalwart ally of former UK premier Boris Johnson, Nadine Dorries has continuously criticised Rishi Sunak since he took over as leader of the party and government last year. Britain's prime minister Rishi Sunak attends a cabinet meeting at 10 Downing Street in central London.(AFP)

When asked why she had described Rishi Sunak as "sickly nice" in her new book, The Plot, Nadine Dorries said, "If you saw him in his interview with Elon Musk I think you know what I mean. There's a smile [that] is not always genuine - and I'm sure you've read many times yourself and heard many times yourself - but he was, he's quick to anger, and because that mask often slips.

I have seen this happening, she said saying that it was just an irritability- adding that it was "very hard to put on an image, isn't it, all day".

It's very hard to keep that fixed grin and that, you know, that cheerful chappy demeanour all day long when you're prime minister. It's like 24 hours a day, so I'm not surprised the mask slips because it's quite hard to keep up that effort. I think that's part of the problem, she said.

On the recent reshuffle, Nadine Dorries said that she did not think it was right to sack Suella Braverman as she accused Downing Street of lying about not signing off a controversial article authored by her in which she accused the police of "playing favourites" with pro-Palestine protesters. On David Cameron's appointment as foreign secretary, she claimed the job was "created" so David Cameron could be put in the House of Lords as it would not have happened otherwise due to the Greensill lobbying scandal.

Rishi Sunak brought back former UK PM David Cameron as foreign minister in a reshuffle triggered by his firing of Suella Braverman.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau extended his heartfelt greetings to the Hindu and Sikh communities across Canada and around the world on the occasion of Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets seniors from the Indian International Seniors Club in Brampton, Ontario, Canada, November 13, 2023.(Reuters)

"Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas are all about coming together. To everyone weve celebrated with in Ottawa, Brampton, and Etobicoke over the past few days, and to everyone celebrating in communities across the country: Happy Diwali! Happy Bandi Chhor Divas!" Trudeau said in a social media post on X.

Bandi Chhor Divas is a significant Sikh festival celebrated to mark the release of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, the sixth Guru of Sikhism, from imprisonment in Gwalior Fort. The term "Bandi Chhor Divas" translates to "Prisoner Release Day." This celebration usually coincides with the Hindu festival of Diwali, but the Sikh observance has its unique historical and cultural significance.

The release of Guru Hargobind Ji and the other princes on Diwali symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and the victory of righteousness. Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas with great joy, engaging in prayers, kirtan (devotional singing), and the lighting of lamps and candles. The Golden Temple in Amritsar and many other Sikh gurdwaras around the world are decorated with lights and candles during this festival.

Canada is home to a substantial Sikh population, with a significant presence in provinces such as British Columbia, Ontario, and Alberta. Sikhs have been immigrating to Canada for over a century, contributing to the country's cultural, economic, and social fabric.

Sikhs have actively engaged in Canadian politics, both at the federal and provincial levels. Many Sikhs have been elected to public office, serving as Members of Parliament (MPs), Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs), and municipal representatives.
A Ukrainian lawmaker who was formally notified this week that he was suspected of treason for allegedly cooperating with Russia's military intelligence said on Wednesday a Kyiv court had ordered him detained for 60 days. Ukrainian politician Oleksandr Dubinsky (Reuters/File)

Oleksandr Dubinsky, who is on a US sanctions list, was told on Monday he was also suspected of spreading misinformation about Ukraine's political leadership, officials said.

"The court supported the prosecution's request to impose a remand on me in the form of detention for 60 days until January 12, 2024," Dubinsky said in a video posted on his Telegram channel. Dubinsky did not detail the reason for his detention.

Reuters could not independently verify the video, which showed Dubinsky in a building with a man in a Ukraine security service uniform behind him.

Ukraine's security service, the SBU, on Monday said on Telegram that a politician was under suspicion of treason, but did not name the suspect.

Lawmaker Yaroslav Yurchyshyn, first deputy head of the parliamentary committee on anti-corruption policy and lawmaker Oleksiy Honcharenko both named Dubinsky as the subject of the action.

"Dubinsky received a (notice of) suspicion of state treason. He was searched today," Honcharenko said on Telegram.

Dubinsky called the notice of suspicion fabricated and "based on the absolute lies of top state officials".

The lawmaker was expelled from the ruling Servant of the People party in 2021 after he was put on a U.S. sanctions list over alleged election meddling. He denied those accusations and continued to work in parliament.

The SBU said the suspect was a member of a criminal organisation, financed by Russia's military intelligence.

The criminal organisation was created in 2016 and included as well an ex-lawmaker, their aide, and an ex-prosecutor, it said.

"It is established that on the instructions of the Russian special services, it organized events to discredit the image of Ukraine in the international arena in order to worsen diplomatic relations with the United States and complicate Ukraine's accession to the European Union and NATO," the State Investigative Bureau said in a separate statement published on its website.

In January 2021, The United States imposed sanctions on several Ukrainian individuals and entities, including Dubinsky, accusing them of U.S. election interference and associating with a pro-Russian Ukrainian lawmaker linked to efforts by then-President Trump's allies to dig up dirt on now-President Joe Biden and his son.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Tuesday Russia was increasing its attacks across the front line, as Kyiv called for the West to boost its weapons supplies ahead of winter. Russia-Ukraine War: Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addresses a media conference.(AP)

Neither side has made any significant territorial gain for months, but both Zelensky and the Kremlin have denied the conflict has ground to a stalemate.

"The military reported an increase in the number of enemy assaults," Zelensky said in a post on social media, saying Russians were attacking around the cities of Donetsk, Kupyansk and Avdiivka.

Zelensky has warned Russia is likely to increase air strikes against Ukraine's energy infrastructure ahead of the winter, as it did this time last year.

Andriy Yermak, Zelensky's chief of staff, met US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington on Monday to press Ukraine's need to keep the flow of Western weapons coming.

"As winter approaches, we expect the Russian missile terror to intensify," Yermak said in a post on Telegram after the meeting.

"Therefore, we are in dire need of air and missile defence systems that will protect Ukrainian cities, key critical infrastructure facilities, and grain corridor routes," he said.

Zelensky on Tuesday called Russian rocket and artillery strikes on the city of Kherson "revenge" and said they were "without any military necessity".

Russian hits on Kherson, which Ukraine retook from Russian forces one year ago, killed three people and wounded at least 12 on Monday, Ukrainian officials said.

bur-jc/cad/gil
Koalas on a remote tourist island have fallen ill to a highly contagious bacterial disease thats believed to have spread from dogs.

Concerns began in early September when two males presented with what initially looked like pneumonia and later died. They are now thought to have been suffering from advanced stages of the disease which resulted in their lungs being badly affected by mucous.

Locals around Victorias Raymond Island then reported hearing strange loud hacking sounds high in the canopy. Rescuers linked the sounds to two more male koalas and they were brought into care and later diagnosed with bordetella bronchiseptica infection, a disease commonly referred to as kennel cough.

Rescuers have treated koalas with kennel cough on Raymond Island. Source: Koalas of Raymond Island

While there have been isolated outbreaks of kennel cough in koalas in Australias northern states, its a disease thats been largely unknown in Victorias populations. Healesville Sanctuary, which is providing specialised care for the surviving two animals on the mainland, told Yahoo they have not treated the infection in the species before.

What does kennel cough in koalas sound like?

Video filmed of the Raymond Island koalas before their transfer highlights the devastating behavioural symptoms caused by the bacteria, with the animals seen struggling to suppress their coughing fits. All of the ill koalas identified on the island are males, and it's believed this could be because their large mating bellows trigger bouts of deep hacking as they expel air.

In two of the videos below, the frequent coughing sounds are similar to a human cold, while in another the noise is more high-pitched.

Koala victims well-known to Raymond Island carers

While there have been no cases of the disease since September, visitors to Raymond Island are asked to be on the lookout and to report any concerns.

Shelley Robinson heads up Koalas of Raymond Island, a group of volunteers who dedicate their time to caring for local wildlife. Many of the islands koalas are known to them, including the two koalas who are battling kennel cough, Harlow and Parker.

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Harlow was a joey that we raised and released two and a half years ago, she told Yahoo. Hes been a perfect patient because he was hand raised and used to people.

Shelley is hopeful that with enough time the koalas will be able to return to the island. But treating the koalas has been slow-going as the species is sensitive to antibiotics which can disrupt their fragile gut biome that processes nutrient-poor eucalyptus leaves.

After initially being treated on Raymond Island (pictured), the koalas were sent to the mainland for specialised treatment. Source: Koalas of Raymond Island

Discover more of our environment coverage. (Discover more of our environment coverage.)

Tests ongoing as koalas remain in quarantine

Healesville Sanctuary said it could not speculate on whether it expected to see more cases of kennel cough in Victoria, but it agreed to issue a statement about Harlow and Parkers progress.

Both koalas are in quarantine, receiving antibiotics and eating well. Both presented with coughing and nasal discharge and bacterial culture confirmed infection with Bordetella bronchiseptica, Healesville Sanctuarys Gerry Ross told Yahoo.

This is not a condition we have seen frequently in Victoria, however, it is reported in Queensland and northern New South Wales and we have been collaborating with our veterinary colleagues there for treatment of these cases.

The Raymond Island koalas will need to return negative test results to Bordetella before release plans can be determined. They could remain in care for weeks or months depending on their health condition.

Koalas of Raymond Island is a volunteer-run service that cares for the wildlife in the township. If you would like to find out more about their work, click here.

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US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Tuesday UN member states enforcing the Korean War armistice are concerned that China and Russia are helping North Korea expand its military capabilities by enabling Pyongyang to evade UN sanctions. US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and South Korean Defence Minister Shin Won-sik attend a welcome ceremony before their defence ministerial meeting of the South Korea-United Nations Command (UNC) member nation. (AFP)

Austin was speaking at a meeting in South Korea with defence ministers and representatives from the 17 countries that make up the UN Command (UNC) - the body that oversees the armistice.

"We are deeply concerned that the PRC and Russia are helping the DPRK expand its capabilities by enabling it to evade sanctions from the UN Security council," Austin said, referring to the People's Republic of China and North Korea's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

"We're also troubled by the recent growth in military cooperation between Russia and the DPRK," he said.

Washington has accused North Korea of supplying military equipment to Russia for use in its war with Ukraine, and Moscow of providing technical military support to help the North.

North Korea and Russia have denied any arms deals, though their leaders pledged closer military cooperation when they met in September in Russia's far east.

China, North Korea's closest ally, has said it was complying with international obligations.

The UNC is expected on Tuesday to renew a pledge to respond to any North Korean aggression and to adopt a joint statement on a united response in the event of a "contingency" on the Korean peninsula, South Korea's defence ministry has said.

Defence Minister Shin Won-sik said Pyongyang had been warned not to attempt any aggressive acts, noting that unlike in 1950, when the Korean War broke out, North Korea is now a member state of the United Nations.

"If North Korea ever invades the South again, it will be self-contradictory, where a UN member state would be attacking the UN Command," Shin told the meeting. "If the countries that backed North Korea during the Korean War ever try to help again, then those countries will also receive grave punishment from the international community along with North Korea."

China and the Soviet Union backed the North in combat against UN member states led by the United States. China and North Korea are parties to the armistice with the UNC.

The 17 member countries of the UNC, which include the United States, Britain, Australia and Turkey, sent troops or contributed medical support during the 1950-53 Korean War.

Established in 1950, the UNC was mandated to restore peace and enforce the armistice while acting as a channel of communication with North Korea.

It is led by the commander of the US military stationed in South Korea.

North Korea on Monday called the UNC "a US tool for confrontation" that has nothing to do with the United Nations and an "illegal war organisation" that must be dissolved if the outbreak of a new war on the Korean peninsula is to be prevented.

On Monday, Austin and Shin agreed to revise a bilateral security agreement aimed at deterring North Korea's growing nuclear and missile threats.

The defence chiefs also agreed to step up joint drills and cooperate with Japan to deter and better prepare for any North Korean attack.

(Reporting by Jack Kim and Ju-min ParkEditing by Ed Davies and Gerry Doyle)
An Alabama inmate died just two weeks before he was set to be released from prison, after being beaten, tortured and sexually assaulted for days. Daniel Williams, 22, a father of two infants, was serving a one-year prison term for second-degree theft. Authorities found him unresponsive on October 22 at Staton Correctional Facility, prison officials told New York Post. Daniel Williams, 22, a father of two infants, was serving a one-year prison term for second-degree theft (GoFundMe)

The Alabama Department of Corrections confirmed that it was reported as a possible inmate-on-inmate assault. Williams family, however, claimed that they were told only on October 25 that he was brain-dead. They also alleged that warden Joseph Headley said it was because of drugs.

You can tell its obviously not a drug overdose

I spoke to the warden myself, he said its obviously a drug overdose, Williams stepmother, Taylor Bostic, told the Alabama Political Reporter. She added that Williams father Terry just assumed he got a hold of some bad drugs or something.

And when we went to see him, hes beaten and bruised up and you can tell where his hands were bound. I mean, you can tell its obviously not a drug overdose, she said.

And thats when [dad Terry Williams] called the warden and asked him why the hell he told us that his son is dying from a drug overdose when its obviously assault, Bostic added. And all he could say after that was its under investigation.

The family reportedly eventually learned that Williams had been kidnapped and raped or tied up, beaten, and rented out for two to three days by another prisoner, according to prison sources.

The decision was made to transfer him to an area hospital for further evaluation and treatment. He remained at the hospital until the family decided to remove him from life support, Alabamas DOC Public Information Manager Kelly Windham Betts said in a statement.

The ADOC Law Enforcement Services Division is investigating the incident, the department said. It is unclear if charges have been pressed.

A GoFundMe launched for Williams says, This baby was beaten , tortured and sexually assaulted at Staton Prison by a gang of people with only 14 days until his release. He was pronounced brain dead on arrival to the hospital. We are helping Terry and his family with funeral expenses. They have taken him off life support and will keep him comfortable until he passes. On Thursday, November 9th, Daniel gained his angel wings. They were not prepared for this sudden tragedy. Any donations and prayers will be greatly appreciated. Keep the family in your prayers.
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has weighed in on the advancement of artificial intelligence in coming years. According to a report in Fortune, Gates believes that every netizen will have a virtual assistant to help them to do various works. Bill Gates ((Raj K Raj/HT Photo))

"In the near future, anyone whos online will be able to have a personal assistant powered by artificial intelligence thats far beyond todays technology. Agents are smarter. Theyre proactive  capable of making suggestions before you ask for them," said Gates.

The 68-year-old predicted that personal assistants powered by AI, would help people plan trips like a travel agent does.

"When asked, it will recommend things to do based on your interests and propensity for adventure, and it will book reservations at the types of restaurants you would enjoy. If you want this kind of deeply personalized planning today, you need to pay a travel agent and spend time telling them what you want," said Gates.

ALSO READ| American woman shares how a flu complication resulted in the loss of her four limbs

He predicted how technology will aid people in forming and strengthening relationships. He hinted that the virtual assistants would be smart enough to help people in taking compassionate and sympathetic decisions.

"If your friend just had surgery, your agent will offer to send flowers and be able to order them for you. If you tell it youd like to catch up with your old college roommate, it will work with their agent to find a time to get together, and just before you arrive, it will remind you that their oldest child just started college at the local university," predicted Gates.

Notably, in recent times, AI technology has been the talk of the town. OpenAI's ChatGPT has been making waves and gained huge popularity since its launch. Some experts have sparked fears about AI eating into jobs and leading to unemployment of thousands of skilled people. Some experts have also warned about the threats from AI technology much on the lines of fears of robots taking over the world as depicted in sci-fi movies.
Despite efforts to combat anti-Asian racism following the pandemic, over one-third of Asian Americans, including Indian Americans, report experiencing abuse based on their race or ethnicity over the past year. This includes verbal harassment, slurs, physical threats, and cyberbullying. A poll by AAPI Data and The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research reveals that 15% of Asian Americans believe they have been victims of a hate crime. JERSEY CITY, NEW JERSEY - NOVEMBER 12: People hold sparklers as they celebrate Diwali on November 12, 2023 in Jersey City, New Jersey. Diwali (Getty Images via AFP)

Despite a 7% overall increase in hate crimes, anti-Asian incidents decreased by 33% from 2021 to 2022, according to the FBI. Stephanie Chan from Stop AAPI Hate suggests that Asian Americans, including those of Indian descent, are less likely to report crimes, indicating that actual incidents may be higher than reported.

Who do Asian Americans prefer: Joe Biden or Donald Trump?

President Joe Biden's favorability among Asian Americans stands at 52%, slightly higher than the national average. However, there are reservations about his effectiveness as a leader, especially among younger Asian Americans. Former President Donald Trump fares even worse, with 7 in 10 saying they have an unfavorable opinion of him. and Indian American potential candidates Vivek Ramaswamy and Nikki Haley remain largely unknown to the community.

Asian Americans prefer & political ideology

The survey highlights a political divide in perceptions of discrimination among Asian Americans, with Democrats more likely to acknowledge it than Republicans. About half of the respondents identify as Democrats, and a quarter lean Republican. Many in the community are pessimistic about the future of anti-Asian racism, with about half expecting to face discrimination in the next five years, and 40% fearing they might be hate crime targets.

This poll underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Asian Americans, including Indian Americans, in terms of discrimination and the need for broader awareness and action against such bias in the United States.
A small propeller plane crashed into a car after overshooting the Runway 17 while making an emergency landing at Aero Country Airport. The accident occurred in the Dallas suburb of McKinney, Texas, on Saturday, November 11, leaving one person injured and others unharmed. A bystander Jack Schneider recorded the footage of the crash. Recalling the incident, Schneider said, I saw the airplane coming down the runway quickly I knew that he wasnt gonna have time to stop. He added, It was clearly going too fast, the tires were smoking, as per WFAA-TV. This photo provided by the McKinney Fire Department shows officials at the site of a crash involving a small plane and a vehicle near Aero Country Airport, Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, in McKinney, Texas. Authorities say a small plane overshot the runway while trying to land at a Texas airport and struck a car that was driving along a nearby road, injuring one person. (McKinney Fire Department via AP)(AP)

ALSO READ: 5 US soldiers killed in military helicopter crash over the Mediterranean

In the video, the plane can be seen smashing through a fence during an emergency landing. It skidded onto the road ahead and collided with a silver sedan. Soon after the crash, medics arrived at the scene and took the car driver who suffered minor injuries to the hospital while the other passengers were unharmed. The flight originated in Midland, a Texas oilpatch city 330 miles west of Dallas, according to the McKinney Fire Department.

According to an X user who also shared the video, the flight was an Experimental Lancair IV-P Propjet (N751HP). The cause behind the crash is being investigated by the Federal Aviation Administration as per BBC. Soon after the video went viral on social media, netizens expressed their shock in the comment section. One wrote, I hope everyone is ok.

ALSO READ: US House votes against impeachment of DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas

Another X user said, Prayers for the persons injured. One more said, Don't drive and text. Yet another user revealed more details, saying, Two onboard the aircraft and one person inside a car received non fatal injuries. Sources say that the aircraft experienced pressurization problems shortly after reaching 25000ft.
President Joe Biden has shared a video of himself and Jill Biden lighting diyas to mark the occasion of Diwali. Taking to X, he wrote, alongside the video, Today, Jill and I lit the Diya to symbolize Diwalis message of seeking the light of wisdom, love, and unity over the darkness of hate and division. May we embrace the enduring spirit of this holiday and of our nation  and reflect on the strength of our shared light. President Joe Biden has shared a video of himself and Jill Biden lighting diyas to mark the occasion of Diwali (@POTUS/X)

Halloween celebrations in the United States are closely followed by Diwali festivities. The scale of Diwali celebrations in America has increased over the years, with the festival of lights being celebrated in popular spots like California's Disneyland and New Yorks Times Square. Even the White House has been celebrating Diwali.

May we reflect on the strength of our shared light

Biden extended Diwali wishes in another X post on November 12, saying, Over the course of generations, South Asian Americans have woven Diwali traditions into the fabric of our nation  symbolizing the message of seeking the light of wisdom, love, and unity over the darkness of ignorance, hate, and division.

Its a message that has helped our nation emerge stronger from the past few difficult years, and matters now more than ever. On this Diwali, may we reflect on the strength of our shared light and embrace the enduring spirit of this holiday and of our nation, he added. To the more than one billion Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists celebrating in America and around the world, we wish you a happy Diwali.

We give thanks for the optimism, courage, and empathy

Biden has notably always extended his wishes to the various communities during Diwali. Even last year, he shared a heartfelt note, wishinga happy Diwali to the more than one billion Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists celebrating this Festival of Lights in the United States, India, and around the world. On this day, we give thanks for the optimism, courage, and empathy demonstrated by the incredible South Asian community all across America. Together, South Asian Americans reflect the soul of who we are as a nation, whether helping us emerge stronger from this pandemic, building an economy that works for everyone, or serving and protecting our communities and our country, he wrote.

But, even as we celebrate this gathering of light, we knowas this community has experienced too oftenthat there is always darkness lurking. American history has been a constant struggle between the American ideal that we are all created equal and the harsh reality that that we have never fully lived up to it. By marking the victory of light over darkness, Diwali is a reminder that each of us has the power to bring light to the world, whether here in America or around the world, he added.
US lawmakers were to vote Tuesday on a stop-gap funding bill as the government teeters on the brink of another shutdown crisis at a time of deep divisions over funding for Ukraine and Israel. US President Joe Biden (Bloomberg)

With a deadline to reach a deal on funding the government coming in just three days, the newly installed -- and inexperienced -- Republican speaker, Mike Johnson, has his work cut out to overcome chaos provoked by the party's hard-right.

Neither the Democratic-led Senate nor the Republican House of Representatives have passed 2024 budgets for the various federal departments that are needed to keep the government open past midnight Friday into Saturday.

Without more time being carved out for negotiation in Congress, the world's largest economy will instantly begin pumping the brakes -- with up to 1.5 million public workers sent home without pay.

Most federal facilities, including national parks, would close and the air traffic control system could be severely impacted, leaving Americans' Thanksgiving travel plans in chaos.

Johnson has unveiled an untested, complex two-tiered stop-gap funding measure, dubbed a "laddered continuing resolution (CR)," with timelines that essentially put off the problem until January of 2024 -- a presidential election year.

"I've been in the job less than three weeks. I can't turn (around) an aircraft carrier overnight," Johnson told reporters as he defended the plan, which sets up separate funding deadlines next year for different parts of the government.

"But this was a very important first step to get us to the next stage, so that we can change how Washington works."

Strategists in both parties are expecting the temporary measure to pass in a vote due in the late afternoon, with sizable objections from the right likely to be canceled out by support from Democrats.

Johnson sold his speakership on his conservative credentials but his plan includes none of the policy priorities or drastic spending cuts his right flank is pushing for, sparking rebukes from a few dozen hardliners.

The right-wing House Freedom Caucus, which accounts for about one-fifth of the House Republican conference, released a statement Tuesday opposing the measure, which it said lacked "a single meaningful win for the American people."

The White House initially panned the proposal as "unserious" because of its complex structure, but Democratic President Joe Biden remains open to signing it into law.

- Disarray -

Democrats had pressed for their own add-ons -- including aid for Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan -- but each now looks set to be dealt with separately, with a $61 billion request from the White House for Kyiv looking particularly precarious amid conservative opposition.

Johnson is banking on impatience with the chaos of recent months -- plus the looming holiday -- to work in his favor.

Washington is now well-acquainted with these last-minute battles over funding, and often finds a compromise just before the deadline, or shortly after.

But it was plunged into disarray over its last deadline, at the end of September.

Republican allies of former president Donald Trump, furious that their leadership reached a deal with Biden to extend funding, successfully moved to oust Johnson's predecessor, Kevin McCarthy.

The historic rebellion left the lower chamber paralyzed for three weeks as Republicans struggled to find a replacement leader, even as the deadly Hamas attack on Israel and war in Ukraine spurred calls for quick congressional action.

If the latest stop-gap passes the House, it still needs approval from the upper chamber of Congress, where senators on both sides of the aisle have voiced tentative support.

"So far, I am heartened -- cautiously so -- that Speaker Johnson is moving forward with a CR that omits precisely the sort of hard-right cuts that would have been nonstarters for Democrats," said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.
A teenage boy succumbed to his injuries days after being beaten by a group of bullies near a high school in Las Vegas. His father has now paid a heartbreaking tribute to him on a GoFundMe page titled Heart of a Champion Our Son. Jonathan Lewis was living with his mother in Las Vegas when he died, and was planning to move to Austin, Texas (Team Jonathan website)

Around 15 youths brutally beat 17-year-old Jonathan Lewis near Rancho High School on November 1 when he tried to stand up for a younger friend who had been robbed by the gang.

He's a courageous young man

Jonathans father, also named Jonathan Lewis, wrote on the GoFundMe page before Jonathans death, I'm sure many of you have seen the news in Las Vegas of our son who is in critical condition and on life support after what the news is describing as 15 people attacking him. We can't release any other information yet except to say that we denounce violence as a means to resolve sociological conflict, we believe community members can coexist peacefully, and we love our son and all children with all our hearts! Our son is a kind, loving, gentle young man who has the heart of a champion and the brightest loving energy that attracts people to him with love!

He continued, He's an aspiring artist, devoted big brother, and a fierce protector of love ones! We are so grateful for all the love and community support that has poured in for our son and hope that the world will focus on all that love and compassion as a beacon of hope for human relations and place recognition upon how much stronger the love and the spirit of community is than the dark moments of violence. Love wins our son is a champion of love and family and the resilient spirit of human perseverance and will to be good and kind and loving!

We have been given a statement from our son's girlfriend that what occurred was that one of his smaller friends had something stolen by this group of 15 and they threw the small boy in the trash can and our son confronted them and he was attacked by them. He's a courageous young man, he added.

After the incident, the video showing the moment the fight broke out surfaced. In a conversation with 8NewsNow, Lewis said his son kept to himself. The young boy was living with his mother in Las Vegas when he died, and was planning to move to Austin, Texas.
The United States in conjunction with the United Kingdom on Tuesday announced a third round of sanctions on Hamas since last month's attack on Israel, again targeting the group's Iranian backers. Israel-Hamas War: Israeli military vehicle manoeuvres during the ongoing ground operation of the Israeli army against Hamas, in the Gaza Strip.(Reuters)

The sanctions target "key Hamas officials and the mechanisms by which Iran provides support to Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad," another militant group operating in the Gaza Strip, a statement from the US Treasury Department said.

Tuesday's actions mark another increase of US sanctions since the October 7 attacks that saw Hamas fighters surge through the heavily militarized Gaza border and kill 1,200 people -- mostly civilians, according to Israel's tally.

"Iran's support, primarily through its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, enables Hamas and PIJ's terrorist activities, including through the transfer of funds and the provision of both weapons and operational training," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement.

Those targeted by the sanctions include Palestinian Islamic Jihad's representative to Iran, Nasser Abu Sharif, as well as a Lebanon-based money exchange, Nabil Chouman & Co, that allegedly handles transfers between Hamas and Tehran.

According to the Treasury, Hamas's global asset holdings are estimated to be worth hundreds of millions of dollars.

"The United States will continue to work with our partners, including the UK, to deny Hamas the ability to raise and use funds to carry out its atrocities," US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said in a statement.

Since Hamas' attack, in which it took some 240 hostages, some 11,200 people, mostly civilians, have been killed in Israel's reprisal offensive, Gaza health officials have said.
Russian president Vladimir Putin approved changes to the law that governs presidential elections in the country putting new restrictions on media coverage, Associated Press reported quoting local agencies. The changes come ahead of the elections that are to be held in March. Vladimir Putin, who has ruled Russia for the last 24 years, is expected to seek a new six-year term in the polls. Russian president Vladimir Putin attends a wreath laying ceremony in central Moscow, Russia.(Reuters)

The 71-year-old president has not declared whether he will run, saying that he will announce that only after the parliament formally sets the election date.

What amendments have been approved by Vladimir Putin?

Under the amendments, only journalists contractually employed by registered media outlets will be allowed to cover election commission meetings. This will potentially bar freelancers and independent journalists. Any coverage of the election commission's actions on military bases or in areas under martial law without prior permission of regional and military authorities will not be allowed.

The changes also prohibit campaign activity on blocked resources" as Russia continues crackdown on opposition and information flow. Earlier, Russia banned an array of websites and services including Facebook and Instagram. Although many people use VPNs to circumvent the blockage, Associated Press reported.
As rents increase and housing prices soar, most Aussies believe theres an urgent need to erect more homes, but experts are warning about a threat to a key building material.

Severe bushfires are on the rise, and theyve been destroying timber reserves critical to the nations housing needs, an alarming new international report has revealed.

Using todays prices, researchers estimate between US $45-77 billion ($70-120 billion) worth of industrial timber was lost globally between 2001 to 2021. Australia was singled out alongside the United States, Canada, Siberian Russia and Brazil as the worst affected countries during this period.

Bushfires pose a threat to Australia's timber supply, which is essential to the building of new homes. Source: Getty

While this news may appear bleak, report co-author Professor David Lindenmayer from Australian National University believes there are several solutions. Its true bushfires are going to be a threat. Now one of the key issues here is we need to be smart about where we grow our timber, he told Yahoo News Australia.

Lindenmayer believes the frequency of severe blazes is now so high, that waiting 80 to 100 years for timber to grow in native forests no longer makes sense. We have to get our timber from places where we can grow it quickly, and thats plantations, he said.

Key fact: From 2001 to 2021, 18.5-24.7 million hectares of timber-producing forest was destroyed around the globe.

How Aussie plantations could be redesigned to reduce fire risk

All forests are highly flammable, particularly for the first 70 years. However, plantations have an advantage because their structure and harvesting methods can be designed in a way that reduces risk to the timber.

Professor Lindenmayer thinks plantation managers have been asleep at the wheel for some time and they need to modernise to reduce the threat of fire. Five key aspects to consider are:

Not harvesting during high fire danger to reduce the risk of sparks from machinery

Design plantations with semi-cleared areas, or grazing paddocks between them to stop the spread of fire

Place them far away from human settlements because of the risk to property and life

Embrace new technologies to detect ignitions, for example from lightning strikes

Use drone fleets to extinguish fires quickly.

Story continues

Discover more of our environment coverage. (Discover more of our environment coverage.)

Australia continues to harvest native forests

Australia is the only developed nation to be listed by the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) as a deforestation hotspot.

While governments in Victoria and Western Australia have recently joined South Australia in signalling an end to native forest logging, in NSW, Tasmanian and Queensland, taxpayers continue to subsidise the industry.

In 2021, NSW Forestry Corp reported a $20 million loss. And despite receiving millions of dollars in state funds, the native forest timber industry employs few people.

Native forests have a higher value in sequestering carbon, holding water and attracting tourism than they do as a logging resource, Lindermayer believes. He suggests the money invested in harvesting native forests should instead be directed to improving the country's plantations and future-proofing them against bushfires.

If you would like to read the full study, you can find it in the journal Nature Geosciences.

Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? Get our new weekly newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories.
The Israeli Army on Tuesday confirmed the identity of a soldier, Noa Marciano, being held hostage by Palestine-based Hamas militants, after the armed wing of the Palestinian group published a video showing the 19-year-old woman in captivity. Noa Marciano, who reportedly turned 19 while in Hamas captivity on October 12, is from Modiin.

The video says Marciano, 19, later died in an air strike.

"Our hearts go out to the Marciano family, whose daughter, Noa, was brutally kidnapped by the Hamas terrorist organisation," the Israeli Army said in a statement released shortly after midnight.

"We are using all means, both intelligence and operational, to bring the hostages home," it added.

Who is Noa Marciano?

It was the first time the Israeli Army has officially confirmed a hostage's identity since Hamas gunmen abducted about 240 people when they stormed across the militarised border from Gaza on October 7.

On Monday night, Hamas' Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades published a video of the soldier apparently reading a message in Hebrew in which she identified herself by name and identity card number and said she had been detained in Gaza for four days.

The al-Qassam Brigades said Marciano was killed in an Israeli airstrike on November 9.

Chief spokesman Daniel Hagari said the IDF was supporting the Marciano family following the release of the video.

"An IDF (Israel Defense Forces) representative came to the family's home and informed them of the video's publication," the army statement said.

The Hamas terrorist organisation continues to exploit psychological terrorism and act inhumanely, through videos and photos of the hostages, as done in the past.

Noa Marciano, who reportedly turned 19 while in Hamas captivity on October 12, 2023, is from Modiin. She has served in the Combat Intelligence Collection Corps of the 414th Regiment in the IDF and is an army spotter at Kibbutz Nahal Oz.

Noa Marciano is one of 240 people taken hostage by Hamas. According to the 19-year-old's mother, Adi Marciano, who travelled to the United States to raise awareness of the hostages, her daughter was hiding inside a bomb shelter in the Nahal Oz kibbutz in southern Israel when she was taken by Hamas.

On October 7, Noa reportedly called her mother from the bomb shelter where she was seeking refuge from the gunfire after Hamas attacked the Kibbutz.

In a statement to the Daily News, Adi Marciano said her daughter and her friends fled in pyjamas after they heard shots being fired outside their home.

Israel is facing intense international calls to minimise civilian suffering during its massive air and ground operations, which the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza says have killed 11,240 people, including 4,630 children.

(With inputs from agencies)
A McDonald's worker's tirade against offensive customer behaviour has sparked a war of words. The fed-up employee called out diners for their behaviour at the fast food chain's restaurants.

"One thing that annoys me as a Macca's worker is how RUDE people can be," the cashier posted online. "If you're ordering through the drive-thru, how hard is it to have basic manners?"

"Also, stop leaving all your rubbish and trays and food at tables. Have some basic human decency. The bins are a few steps away, come on."

The McDonald's employee has had enough of diners not cleaning up after themselves. Source: Getty/TikTok

The post was met with a wave of backlash, as Facebook users argued about how diners should act. Some agreed with the employee, saying they always clean up after themselves out of respect, while others said removing rubbish is the staff's responsibility.

"It's literally YOUR job to clean the store, not mine," one customer responded, while another wrote, "Employees can't even get an order right and it's on the screen in front of them, now you want us to do your job and clean up something YOU get paid for, not me."

Worker doesn't stop there

After copping plenty of flak for her comments, the disgruntled employee, who resides in New Zealand, returned serve. "I got a LOT of hate on my last post asking people to have human decency and throw away their rubbish after eating, so I am back to make another hot post," she wrote on Saturday.

"Is it THAT hard to not yell at Macca's drive-thru people or front counter workers over a mistake with how your food is made? WE AIN'T KITCHEN. Also, y'all realise this is a Macca's, aye? Ain't exactly fine dining."

"If you treat the workers with respect, you'll get respect in return," the teen continued. "So instead of getting all agro, ask for another and explain your problem. We'll apologise and get you a new item. I ain't in the mood to have nuggets thrown at me again because someone forgot a sauce packet."

Story continues

McDonald's customers split over criticism

Once again, the worker's post drew an intense reaction. "How about fixing your s**t customer service attitudes and stop rolling your eyes when a customer asks you a question or needs assistance?" one customer questioned. Another wrote, "If the order was right there would be no need to shout."

But some McDonald's fans defended the young employee. "People have to remember most Macca's are practically run by teenagers and it's their first job. Also it's often a stressful and toxic work environment," a supporter commented.

Macca's offers support to young Aussie workers

Unruly customer behaviour isn't isolated to New Zealand, with a string of recent incidents prompting Australian McDonald's employees to speak out. In September, a group of teenagers launched an attack on Macca's workers in a Melbourne restaurant, while in the same month, footage emerged of late-night revellers trashing another Macca's in the city.

In August, an Aussie Macca's worker claimed staff are expected to hit strict performance targets while dealing with customers who don't appreciate the pressure they're under. "We get yelled at and pushed so hard... we sadly can't have a conversation with any customers," she said.

Earlier this year, a group of girls aged between 12 and 17 were filmed terrorising workers at a McDonald's outlet in Melbourne. Source: TikTok (TikTok)

Following the outcry, McDonald's partnered with wellbeing platform Sonder to launch an app offering tailor-made to support its Australian employees. More than 10,000 workers have already signed up to the platform, which gives them access to registered professionals such as nurses, psychologists and emergency responders plus a range of wellbeing resources and safety support.

The vast majority of the fast-food chain's 115,000 employees in Australia are young people, with approximately 75 per cent of team members in secondary school, TAFE or uni. Meanwhile, research has shown people aged 18-24 are more likely to report higher levels of stress, exhaustion and acute mental health then the wider population.

Chief people officer Emma Napoli-Hala said at the time the company had a "big responsibility" to support workers as one of the largest employers of young people in Australia.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
From a winery in Sterling to a brewery in Aurora, craft beverage producers in Cayuga County are benefiting from a new state grant program that aims to boost the industry in New York.

Seven grants totaling $283,979 have been awarded to seven Cayuga County craft beverage producers. The funding was provided through the Empire State Development's Craft Beverage Micro Grant Program.

The program, which is part of the state's regional economic development council initiative, awards up to $50,000 for new equipment purchases, expansion projects or facility upgrades.

Three Cayuga County businesses  Colloca Estate Winery in Sterling, Heirloom Cider Co. in Sterling and Prison City Brewing in Auburn  will receive the maximum amount. Colloca will invest in a canning line for hard ciders, sparkling wines and wines. Heirloom will buy equipment to increase cider production, including more fermentation and aging vessels, a high-efficiency label applicator and storage racks. Prison City plans to upgrade equipment to increase production by sixfold at its State Street location.

Olfactory Farm in Victory will get $44,000 for a new production facility and tasting room. Combgrown Mead in Auburn has been awarded $33,474 for equipment purchases and furnishings for an expanded tasting room.

Aurora Brewing in Ledyard will receive $31,505 to buy two 10-barrel fermenters, water quality equipment, kitchen and bar equipment, and furniture. Sheps Brewing Co. in Auburn will use $25,000 in state funding to support the purchase of canning and labeling equipment.

Statewide, Empire State Development will provide nearly $4.8 million to craft beverage producers for 108 projects.
Local Partnerships and Design Draw on the Spirit of Hell's Kitchen's

with 295 Generously Sized Guest Rooms.

Imagine a new kind of hotel where a local bar owner trains the concierge team on where guests can find the best late-night eats. A hotel that stands for its neighborhood so they've appointed a "Mayor of the Block" to be a friend to all. A hotel invested in supporting nearby businesses so they work with a vintage shop down the street to style and accessorize associate uniforms. That is the DNA behind Romer Hell's Kitchen, a 295-guest room hotel in one of Manhattan's most storied neighborhoods. Romer Hell's Kitchen is rooted in the belief that travel should be anchored in local culture. It is a place where guests become locals and locals become regulars.

THE GOOD NEIGHBOR EXPERIENCE

At Romer Hell's Kitchen, the essence of the neighborhood is deeply ingrained in the guest experience -reflecting an unwavering commitment to the local community.

Romer Hell's Kitchen isn't taking a traditional approach to building its team. The "Mayor of the Block" - a key part of the hotel team - fosters personal connections and collaborations with the neighborhood because small businesses deserve to be celebrated more than just one Saturday a year.

Enter the Corner Store, a dedicated manifestation of the Romer Hell's Kitchen brand. It acts as a platform for local small business owners, artisans and entrepreneurs without brick-and-mortar stores, for installations and full-day pop-ups. It serves as a gateway to Hell's Kitchen and an interactive concierge for guests to get a feel for the neighborhood and leave tips for the next guest.

For example, Hell's Kitchen-based stores Fine and Dandy and PDL Vintage are launching a seasonal, vintage residency in The Corner Store. Guests will also have the opportunity to visit their stores, located just steps away from the hotel, to receive complimentary fashion styling consultations. Ongoing activations embrace seasonality, and Romer Hell's Kitchen is committed to partnering with local artists and musicians throughout the hotel, from Berklee School of Music alumni to musicians currently playing the pit in Broadway's top performances.

Did we say locals are training the team? Yes. Under the stewardship of local magazine W42ST's founder and publisher, Phil O'Brien, Romer team members are trained to ensure that guests get the real inside scoop on what there is to see and do, like the best early-morning bakeries, side street galleries, live music and more. Even more, instead of elite photographers staging and shooting the hotel's content, Romer Hell's Kitchen gives cameras to its neighbors and local celebrities, like a former Rockette turned bar owner, to capture and share stories about the Hell's Kitchen they know and love.

WHAT'S INSIDE ALSO COUNTS

Romer Hell's Kitchen offers larger-than-usual Manhattan guest rooms at up to 600 square feet. Designed by Islyn Studio, each guest room is inspired by the historically artistic spirit of Hell's Kitchen, reminiscent of a bohemian dream apartment - which intricately weaves the hotel into the cultural tapestry of one of midtown Manhattan's dynamic neighborhoods. The impression is one that mirrors an old-school quintessential NYC abode - adorned with precious art and objects collected over a lifetime with vintage-inspired furniture and classic black-and-white tiled bathrooms.

Preserving the historic charm of architect Morris Lapidus' 1960s building, the design incorporates custom cantilevered chandeliers, an architectural-scale custom ceiling light and modernist silhouettes complemented by locally-sourced art.

COMFORTABLE AND APPROACHABLE

Romer Hell's Kitchen acts as much as a social club as a hotel. Designed by local design firm, Goodrich, public spaces are intended for both local residents and guests in a series of inviting rooms that transition seamlessly from daytime to evening vibes, including a living room, library, communal tables and a fireplace. A comfortable and approachable vibe welcomes the entire neighborhood to spend the day working, meeting, and socializing, moving effortlessly from one to the other without ever having to leave.

The Neighborhood Cafe promises an authentic taste of the neighborhood with every sip and bite. Breakfast and lunch are served daily through a series of rotating residences with local bakers and regional coffee roasters.

In early 2024, Romer Hell's Kitchen will be home to a speakeasy-inspired piano bar with live performances, carrying the neighborhood tradition with subdued lighting, elegance, sophistication and hand-crafted classic cocktails.

Romer Hell's Kitchen is managed by Highgate, an industry-leading hotel management, investment and development firm. Highgate's in-house Design & Construction studio, LUCID, led project management for all design partners. The hotel team is excited to benefit from Highgate's track record as a brand innovator and collaborative partner.

Hotel website
With an impressive track record of five years in global media campaign management for brands spanning North America, Asia, and Europe, Masych will spearhead the property's online paid advertising campaigns. Her responsibilities will encompass strategizing, designing, implementing, and optimizing these campaigns, including search engine optimization efforts.
The Sustainable Hospitality Alliance has welcomed the British Columbia Hotel Association (BCHA) as part of its global network of hospitality associations.

Collaborating with the BCHA, the Alliance aims to identify opportunities where they can support each others missions and programmes, including promoting sustainability tools and resources to the region.

The Alliance looks forward to working with the BCHA to support Indigenous training and upskilling with their partners Indigenous Tourism BC.

The Alliance has a wide reach in the hospitality sector, representing over 50,000 properties and 7 million rooms globally. This partnership combines the Alliances expertise and global network with BCHAs ambitions to strengthen British Columbia as regional hub for sustainable hospitality.

We are delighted to be working with the British Columbia Hotel Association to support and champion best practice in the region. We look forward to sharing knowledge and resources with the BCHA as we implement our new five-year strategy. Our work with hotel associations around the world is becoming even more important as we strive to make Net Positive Hospitality a reality  where the industry gives back more than it takes. Sustainable Hospitality Alliance CEO, Glenn Mandziuk

The BCHA is honoured to partner with the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, a globally recognised organisation that shares our unwavering commitment to sustainability and the establishment of a net-positive hospitality sector. We aim to foster a dynamic ecosystem of knowledge-sharing and cooperation, propelling the accommodation sector towards a more environmentally conscious future. BC Hotel Association President & CEO, Ingrid Jarret

About British Columbia Hotel Association

The British Columbia Hotel Association (BCHA) is a non-profit organization that has advocated for the best interests of the provinces accommodation sector since 1917. Working closely with over 750 members, partner organizations, and all levels of government, the BCHA champions solutions to issues that affect the successful operations of accommodation businesses including the workforce shortage, labour mobility, the impact of short-term vacation rentals, and more. Through advocacy, education, and communication the BCHA promotes responsible and safe hospitality practices and drives economic, social, and environmental sustainability. For more information, please visit: www.bcha.com.

About the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance

The Sustainable Hospitality Alliance brings together engaged hospitality companies and the wider hospitality value chain, along with strategic partners, to address key challenges affecting the planet, people and places around the world.

Through their strategic initiatives and global networks, they develop practical programmes and resources to create a prosperous and responsible hospitality sector that gives back to the destination more than it takes.

Their members represent over 50,000 hotels spanning 270 brands  totalling over 7 million rooms  and include world-leading companies including Accor, Choice Hotels International, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Marriott International, and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, as well as regional brands. Their network also includes other parts of the hospitality value chain, including owners, investors, suppliers, and other partners to further drive joined up action on sustainability, and accelerate the industry on the path to Net Positive Hospitality.

Becca Smith

Sustainable Hospitality Alliance

Sustainable Hospitality Alliance
City

 Marvin G. Reveal, 41, 290 Grant Ave., Auburn, was charged Nov. 7 with petit larceny.

 Cleveland E. Boswell, 54, transient, Auburn, was charged Nov. 8 with second-degree criminal trespass.

 Brett M. Tracy, 27, 5 Lawton Ave., Auburn, was charged Nov. 9 with reckless endangerment of property.

 Michael J. Albino, 47, Doris Park Drive, Central Square, was charged Nov. 10 with third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, third-degree assault and second-degree menacing.

 Amonti J. Fletcher, 101 Quill Ave, Oak Creek Townhomes, Auburn, was charged Nov. 10 with second-degree obstructing governmental administration.

 Nikkisha V. Works, 29, 400 W. Onondaga St., Syracuse, was charged Nov. 11 with third-degree burglary and petit larceny.

 Michael D. Freeman, 50, 296 Seymour St., Auburn, was charged Nov. 11 with petit larceny.

County

 Michael F. Delpha, 37, 8322 Jericho Road, Brutus, was charged Nov. 7 with criminal obstruction of breathing, fourth-degree criminal mischief and third-degree criminal tampering.

 Alissa L. Reynolds, 37, 101 Quill Ave., Oak Creek Townhomes, Auburn, was charged Nov. 9 with second-degree promoting prison contraband.

 James A. DiMatteo, 38, 7086 Beech Tree Road, Throop, was charged Nov. 12 with fugitive from justice out of state.

State

 Chase A. Towers, 19, Cato, was charged Nov. 7 with petit larceny.

 Brandy L. Bennett, 40, Auburn, was charged Nov. 10 with first-degree operating a motor vehicle impaired by drugs.

 James S. Gilmore, 35, Jackson, Mississippi, was charged Nov. 10 with operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .08 of 1% first offense and driving while intoxicated first offense.

 Brian W. Gates, 41, Mentz, was charged Nov. 11 with driving while intoxicated first offense.

 Kyra M. Campbell-Royea, 21, Auburn, was charged Nov. 12 with first-degree criminal contempt, second-degree criminal impersonation and resisting arrest.

 Thomas F. Okeefe, 60, Weedsport, was charged Nov. 13 with possessing a sexual performance by a child.

The records page: Police blotter, restaurant inspections and more Visit the records page of auburnpub.com to see The Citizen's latest police blotter, restaurant inspections, property transfers and building permits.
CEO Michael J. Deitemeyer to step down at end of year; Executive Committee formed to lead search for a permanent replacement

Stephen Joyce and Bernardo Hees appointed Board Members, bring additional global hospitality and growth experience to Company

CFO Thomas Song to depart Aimbridge for an external opportunity on Nov. 30

Aimbridge Hospitality, a leading, global hospitality management company and the world's largest third-party hotel operator, today announced the transition plan for Michael J. Deitemeyer, who is stepping down as Chief Executive Officer, effective December 31, 2023. An Executive Committee of the Board, helmed by Aimbridge Chairman Glenn Murphy has been formed and will lead a comprehensive search for a world class CEO replacement.

Deitemeyer assumed the role of President and CEO of Aimbridge Hospitality in January of 2021 after serving as Global President following the company's merger with Interstate in October 2019. Deitemeyer was president and CEO of Interstate Hotels & Resorts from 2017 until the merger and has been in the hotel industry for nearly four decades.

We want to thank Mike for his contributions to building the Aimbridge legacy. Under his leadership, the company ramped up its commitment to appointing and developing top talent, led several strategic acquisitions that allowed the company to gain a foothold in new markets, and strengthened our relationship with world's top brands. Mike's contributions further reinforced Aimbridge's reputation as a dominant force in the industry and positioned the company for its next phase of growth. Glenn Murphy, Chairman of the Board.

The company also announced the appointment of two impressive leaders, Stephen Joyce and Bernardo Hees to its Board of Managers.

Joyce is a global hospitality veteran with more than four decades of multi-brand and franchisee experience, including nearly a decade serving as President and CEO of Choice Hotels International. His time at Choice followed a successful 25-year career with Marriott International, where he rose to the level of Executive Vice President, Global Development. Most recently, Joyce stepped in from his Board seat to lead RE/MAX Holdings following a successful run as CEO of Dine Brands Global.

Hees is known for executing winning strategies and unlocking efficiencies to invest in growth. He most recently served as Executive Chairman of Avis Budget Group and has been CEO at some of the world's most recognizable, publicly traded companies including Burger King Worldwide Holdings, Inc., The Kraft Heinz Company, and America Latina Logistica.

The addition of Steve Joyce and Bernardo Hees to the Aimbridge Board of Managers brings unparalleled hospitality experience and corporate transformation know-how to our team. Both have proven experience in driving outsized results for companies and owners, as well as building high-performance cultures," Murphy said.

Joyce and Hees will join Murphy and Jeff Case, Managing Director at Advent International, on the Executive Committee and work closely with Aimbridge's senior leadership team to drive performance.

The third-party management space is the future of the industry, and Aimbridge is poised to lead the way. The company plans to supercharge growth by expanding our current capabilities and zeroing in on areas that pose the greatest opportunities to gain market share, all while delivering superior results for our owners," Murphy said.

Additionally, CFO Thomas Song will depart Aimbridge for a new opportunity outside of the hotel industry on November 30, 2023. A new CFO will be named at a later date.

To learn more about Aimbridge Hospitality, visit aimbridgehospitality.com.

Aimbridge Hospitality

Aimbridge Hospitality is a leading global hospitality company with a growing hotel portfolio representing more than 1,500 properties in 50 states and over 20 countries, inclusive of pipeline. As a top hotel management company and trusted operator of over 80 lodging brands and distinctive luxury and lifestyle assets, Aimbridge Hospitality leverages its scale and operational excellence to consistently deliver results for hotel owners and offer unparalleled opportunities for associates around the globe. Aimbridge Hospitality adds value through focused, expertise-driven operating divisions in Full Service, Evolution Lifestyle, Enhanced Select Service, and Select Service, optimizing owners' investment returns and driving hotel market success. The Aimbridge Hospitality EMEA Division has supporting offices across Europe in Amsterdam, Birmingham, and Glasgow. The Aimbridge Hospitality LatAm Division has offices in Monterrey and Mexico City. Aimbridge Hospitality's global headquarters is based in Plano, Texas. To learn more, visit www.aimbridgehospitality.com. Connect with Aimbridge Hospitality on LinkedIn.
Demand for trips has remained strong this year as indicated by Amadeus Demand360 business intelligence data, which shows global hotel occupancies trending largely on par with pre-pandemic levels.

Its welcome news for travel sellers looking to maximize business as travel returns, but they should also consider just how much traveler expectations have evolved. In our latest research paper Catalysts for Change: Building the Hospitality Ecosystem of the Future, Amadeus spoke to experts across the travel industry to determine what is topping traveler wish lists. It revealed some important implications for travel sellers who are looking to keep travelers at the center of everything they do.

The paper found that personalization, more sustainable journeys, flexibility, and customizable offers are major priorities for consumers when they are booking travel. In addition, many travelers desire modern, digital tools to help them remove friction and stress from their trips.

Since travel sellers serve as the vital link between travelers and travel providers, how can they best respond? By establishing personal connections with travelers to understand their needs and leveraging a strong technology partner, travel sellers are uniquely placed to conquer a changing hospitality landscape, stay ahead of the curve, and improve traveler satisfaction.

Here are five ways travel sellers can stay ahead of changing traveler expectations.

1. Access high-quality content in one place

Trip planning can quickly become cumbersome when travelers and travel sellers alike are forced to contact several different providers in different places to find the best options. Travel sellers can stand out by having access to the widest range of content possible  from flights to airport transfers, local activities and tours, car rentals, hotels and more  to help both corporate and leisure customers find the most value and build their dream trip.

Quantity of content is important, but even more so is the quality. Having access to the description, photos, pricing, and attributes of rooms, cars, and other services can help travelers make more confident decisions, which in turn, can drive revenue and upsell opportunities for travel sellers.

2. Adopt an ecosystem approach

Helping discerning travelers find experiences to match their tastes is no easy task. Travel sellers can benefit from leveraging a technology partner with a sophisticated network such as Amadeus. Increasing interconnection between travel sellers and travel providers can create more value for all parties  whether its working with hotel partners, car rental and insurance companies, in-destination tour providers and more to boost their retail capabilities. To introduce greater collaboration into the industry, Amadeus is linking the hotel, mobility, and travel protection sectors into one single ecosystem  to meet the overlapping needs of travelers, travel sellers, and travel providers.

3. Help businesses streamline group bookings

With hybrid and remote work now the norm, small and medium sized companies are interested in bringing their teams together in person more often. As a result, hotels have seen an increase in group bookings since the pandemic. Travel sellers and meeting planners need help in this area to find available conference space and secure related hotel bookings in one place. Amadeus has responded by introducing instant online booking capabilities to help facilitate meetings and events. Backed by its larger accommodations network, travel sellers can play a key role in helping travel managers and business clients get together more frequently and book with ease.

4. Make promotional offers work for you

Whenever possible, data should guide decision making and business strategies. Travel sellers can use it to pinpoint emerging markets or destinations, vendors, and booking trends to find creative new ways to boost their business. Some travel providers are using highly targeted advertising to communicate new products, services, and discounts to travel sellers through global distribution systems (GDSs). This ensures travel sellers have the right information at the right time to pass on to their clients to improve revenue opportunities.

5. Lead with efficiency

If 2023 has proved anything, its that travelers are continuously motivated to leave home and see the world. Now is the time for travel sellers to make the most of the technology available to them to improve their processes, depth of content, and client and vendor relationships to produce the best journey for each and every customer. Maximizing efficiency is key to accessing content from a variety of travel providers in one place and making more data-driven decisions. With established partnerships throughout the hospitality ecosystem and a collaborative approach, travel sellers can serve more travelers better and faster than ever before.

For more on our latest research into how travel sellers are responding to the evolution of the hospitality industry, download the full paper here.

About Amadeus

Amadeus powers more personalized and authentic travel experiences. Our solutions are designed to enrich every stage of the traveller journey and help hospitality providers acquire, service, and retain guests by profitably driving demand and converting them into loyal fans.

Backed by over 30 years of experience, we design open, cutting-edge software to provide the most efficient, trusted, and reliable systems for our customers. With experts in 175+ countries, we have a deep understanding of the hospitality industry and a desire to enable our hotel partners to create memorable guest experiences.

To find out more about Amadeus, visit www.amadeus-hospitality.com.

Follow us on: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
Long-standing member of downtown community to move to Associated Bank River Center in 2024

The Marcus Corporation (NYSE: MCS) announced yesterday that it will be relocating and expanding its corporate and divisional headquarters to the Associated Bank River Center located at 111 East Kilbourn Avenue in Milwaukee. The company will move to its new location in late spring or early summer 2024.

For more than 70 years, The Marcus Corporation has called downtown Milwaukee home, said Gregory S. Marcus, chief executive officer of The Marcus Corporation. Through our businesses, our philanthropy, our community service, and our workplace, we remain deeply committed to contributing to the vibrancy of our hometown. We like to say we are in the people getting together business. Im thrilled our new offices will do just that for our associates as we work to build great careers and make a difference for those we serve.

Working with Milwaukee-based Eppstein Uhen Architects, the new 52,000 square foot office space will be built to meet the companys functional, design and aesthetic specifications. The Associated Bank River Center is nearby many city attractions, including being adjacent to Marcus Hotels & Resorts award-winning Saint Kate  The Arts Hotel. The newly renovated office tower also features a 100+ person state-of-the-art conference facility, a tech lounge, health club and a dedicated Associated Bank branch.

After six years of thoughtful renovation and investment, the Associated Bank River Center today brings together leading Milwaukee arts, finance, business, cuisine and tourism communities under one roof, said Andy Harmening, president and CEO of Associated Bank. Like The Marcus Corporation, we have been doing business in Milwaukee for decades, and we are continuing to deepen our investment in this city more and more. With the River Center, we wanted to provide a gathering space that intersects work, play and stay for locals and visitors alike in the heart of downtown. As a result, were delighted to welcome The Marcus Corporation and its employees to our world-class facility.

Approximately 200 Marcus Corporation, Marcus Hotels & Resorts, and Marcus Theatres corporate associates will be based at 111 East Kilbourn Avenue. The company employs more than 3,400 associates in Wisconsin and more than 7,800 across the country. The Milwaukee office of CBRE served as an advisor to The Marcus Corporation on its search for a new corporate headquarters, while Colliers represented Associated Bancorp. The Marcus Corporations corporate office relocation follows the prior owners sale of the 100 East building, and the buyers planned conversion of the building from office to residential.
Spain Hospitality Statistics: Key Insights and Trends [2022-2023]

In this article, we will delve into key guest feedback indicators and third-party data to offer a comprehensive overview of the Spanish hospitality sector.

Known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes, Spain has always been a popular tourist destination. The hospitality industry plays a crucial role in the country's tourism sector, so understanding the latest statistics and trends is essential for stakeholders.

In this blog, we will delve into key guest feedback indicators and third-party data to offer a comprehensive overview of the sector's performance. By analyzing this data, we aim to shed light on the current state of the hospitality industry in Spain and provide valuable insights into emerging trends that will shape the sector in the coming years.

Spain Tourism Performance 2022-2023

Its no secret that Spain is a top tourism performer worldwide. The stunning beaches, incredible architecture, and exquisite food make it a travelers paradise. This mixture allowed Spain to quickly recover from the pandemic and experience high demand.

In 2022, Spain registered a notable influx of tourists: 247.3 million. Of these, 171.7 million were domestic travelers, while 75.6 million were foreigners. The number of foreign tourists showed a remarkable increase of 89%. Domestic tourism also grew by 12%, almost reaching pre-pandemic levels.

The leading destinations based on the number of visitors were Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Valencia, and Palma de Mallorca. The capital of Spain recorded an impressive increase - 43%, reaching 14.7 million visitors. Barcelona is next with 9.2 million visitors, and the other three destinations recording around 3 million visitors each.

The available data for 2023 shows that international tourism continues to be on the rise. 37.5 million international tourists visited Spain in the first half of 2023, just 1.6% less than in 2019.

Adding to this positive trend, tourists contributed substantially to Spain's economy, spending over 46 billion euros on their trips, a notable rise of 14.3% compared to 2019.

March emerged as the most popular month for tourism within the first quarter, with Spain receiving approximately 5.3 million international tourists - 30% more compared to March 2022. Remarkably, March alone accounted for half of the total spending in the quarter, generating nearly 6.7 billion euros. This was a 30% increase compared to the previous year.

The United Kingdom was the primary source market for foreign visitors, with almost 1.1 million tourists representing 20.3% of the total. This marked a substantial increase of 29.4% compared to March 2022. Following closely behind were Germany and France, with 673k and 613k visitors, respectively. Germany experienced a growth rate of 10.7%, while France showed an impressive increase of 34.1% in annual rate visitor numbers.

Review Volume Rebounding

To get more insights into hospitality performance, we analyzed more than 16.4 million guest reviews from 2022 and the first half of 2023 from our database.

We see a notable increase in review volume for July-December 2022 - 30.6%. In the first half of 2023, the review volume registered a similar performance as in the same period the previous year, with a slight growth of 4%, but significantly lower when compared to July-December 2022.

Spain Review Volume Evolution, January 2022 - June 2023

A trend we noticed at a wider geographical scale is that review volume growth is slower than other indicators, such as the number of international arrivals or hotel bookings. Not all guests choose to leave reviews after their stays. Since many other tourist providers are looking for travelers feedback, consumers have become more selective in leaving reviews, choosing to share only the best or worst experiences they had. Thats why its crucial to send live or post-stay surveys to capture more of your guests opinions.

35.1% of travelers reading guest feedback are not leaving reviews because they are unaware of a survey or dont know where to leave a review.

Europes Preferred Destination for Conferences & Events

Spain is one of the best locations for MICE organizers, according to a recent study by Turespana. Various factors, including weather, cuisine, architecture, and nature, make Spain stand out for national and international events.

Organizers prefer Madrid and Barcelona - almost 50% of the MICE activity happens in these Spanish cities. The capital of Catalonia is the fourth city worldwide in terms of number of congresses.

Performance Score Improving for the First Half of 2023

Performance Score is a great starting point to understand the overall evolution of your ratings. It takes all the reviews you received and calculates an average score over a defined period on a 0 to 100 scale.

Spain registers an overall good performance in 2022 and 2023. We see the scores slightly down in the second half of 2022, which recorded more guests based on the review volume. In Q1-Q2 2023, the average performance score for the entire country registers the highest level since the beginning of 2022.

The Performance Score is an indicator that usually doesnt register dramatic increases or decreases, so its essential to closely monitor its evolution every month and pay attention to slight changes, even if they represent a less than 1 point increase or decrease.

Spain's Average Performance Score evolution between 2022-2023, based on more than 16.4 million guest reviews.

Due to the dynamic nature of the database with reviews and hotels being updated, the numbers may vary if data were requested at an earlier or later stage. The report includes rounded numbers for a clearer data representation.

Catalina Brinza

Catalina is a social media and data enthusiast. At TrustYou, she's on the mission to bring the most out of travel and hospitality data. One day, she hopes to experience Japan's culture to its fullest.

About TrustYou

TrustYou is on a mission to make guest communication and feedback simpler and more productive. All communication channels, together in one place, is the new way of doing business. Today, customers expect instant responses on their preferred communication channels. As a subset of communication, feedback is the foundation to build better products, services and companies.

TrustYou helps companies win through the power of listening and provides a Guest Experience (GX) Platform that makes listening to customers easy, powerful, and actionable. The platform unlocks the potential of guest feedback and helps to:

Create unlimited opportunities to listen and respond to guests needs.

Understand all reviews across the web and make better business decisions.

Publish hotel reviews on the website and on Google and allow positive feedback to influence bookings.

TrustYou empowers companies to earn trust, make better decisions, and ultimately, win.

Find more information on TrustYou and our GX platform on www.trustyou.com.
Ricardo Losada - Senior Vice President and General Manager, International - Choice Hotels

Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) has named Ricardo Losada Revol as Senior Vice President and General Manager, International. A veteran finance and international business development executive, Mr. Losada Revol joins Choice as the company continues to expand its global footprint.

In the newly created role, Mr. Losada Revol is charged with driving the growth and performance of Choice's international segment, which now oversees and supports more than 1,200 franchised hotels and counting in over 40 countries and territories outside the U.S.

"This is an exciting time for Choice's growing International Division, and Ricardo is the perfect person to help lead its performance to the next level," said Chief Segment and International Operations Officer Raul Ramirez. "His professional experience across the globe and his proven track record of success in international development will be invaluable as we work to further enhance our global portfolio."

Mr. Losada Revol joins Choice from Amazon, where he was Director of Corporate Development Finance, covering the company's global operations and international consumer verticals. In that role, he led the valuation and financial workstreams of numerous multibillion-dollar transactions and minority investments. Prior to Amazon, Mr. Losada Revol was Vice President of Corporate Finance at World Kinect Corporation (formerly known as World Fuel Services), a leading global energy management company, and he held various positions in corporate strategy and finance at Ryder System, Inc., a leading logistics and transportation company.

"Choice has a well-earned reputation for offering every kind of guest the right stay at the right price  across the U.S. and in an increasing number of international locations," said Mr. Losada Revol. "I'm honored to join Choice's worldclass team and help grow its great family of brands across the globe."

Mr. Losada Revol holds a Master of Business Administration in Marketing from Hawaii Pacific University and a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from the University of Buenos Aires.
Radisson Hotel Group and Crown Regency Hotels & Resorts has today announced the signing of the Crown Regency Grand Paradise Resort Bohol, a member of Radisson Individuals, a brand-new five-star resort under Radisson Hotel Group's affiliation brand.

Radisson Individuals is a brand that allows hotel properties to maintain and promote their unique characteristics and personalities by focusing on one-of-a kind locations and experiences, whilst meeting the high standards of quality and service that guests have come to expect from Radisson Hotel Group.

Spanning across 2.9 hectares, the new resort will command a serene lakeside setting, close to several stunning sandy beaches on the exotic island of Panglao, Bohol province. With a large inventory of accommodation and extensive facilities, including a state-of-the-art convention center, this landmark resort is set to open new frontiers in the country's tourism sector to support future growth in corporate events and international group segments.

Mr. Ramzy Fenianos, Chief Development Officer, Asia Pacific, Radisson Hotel Group, said: "We are excited to sign this exceptional resort, which marks another important milestone in our expansion strategy in the Philippines. Panglao is a market with rich potential and holds an abundance of beach island destinations. Partnering with a renowned local developer like Crown Regency Hotels & Resorts is certainly a strong vote of confidence in our brands and this landmark project will contribute to the development of the island's tourism sector as we continue to introduce market-relevant brands to support owners and developers."

Susan Bernado, Chief Operating Officer, Crown Regency Hotels & Resorts, commented: "We are delighted to work with Radisson Hotel Group  a leading hospitality company with a strong track record in the Philippines. Radisson Hotel Group's white-label opportunity allows us to retain the resort's distinct local personality while also tapping into its strong global network and distribution to elevate our international presence. The new Crown Regency Grand Paradise Resort Bohol, a member of Radisson Individuals will soon become a landmark property for the Philippines and we look forward to a successful relationship with Radisson Hotel Group."
Chicago, IL (60637)

Today

Rain likely. High 46F. Winds ESE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a half an inch..

Tonight

Cloudy. Periods of light rain early. Low 39F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
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If you have an existing print subscription, please make sure your email address on file matches your HudsonValley360 account email.
Two days after his election night win, Auburn Mayor-elect Jimmy Giannettino began the transition process with a meeting at City Hall.

Giannettino, who will complete his second term as a city councilor before ascending to mayor, met with outgoing Auburn Mayor Michael Quill, city manager Jeff Dygert, city clerk Chuck Mason and two incoming councilors, Christina Calarco and Rhoda Overstreet-Wilson.

The goal of that meeting, according to Giannettino, was to develop a transition plan. While he is familiar with city government from his time on council, Calarco and Overstreet-Wilson will be newcomers when they are sworn into office in January. They will begin having meetings with Dygert and department heads to "get them ready," Giannettino said, and they will have opportunities to tour city facilities.

"We'll have a smooth transition and that's important because there's serious issues," he added.

One of those issues was a top priority for Giannettino during the mayoral campaign  water quality. He has criticized the state's response to proposed Owasco Lake watershed rules and regulations and urged Gov. Kathy Hochul to visit the area.

As mayor, Giannettino will continue to advocate for the adoption of the Owasco Lake watershed rules and regulations. He is also asking the state to implement a total maximum daily load, what he's called a "pollution budget" for Owasco Lake.

"We're not only asking them to follow the law," Giannettino said. "We're asking them to follow the will of the people. We have right on our side. Government is here to serve the people and act in the best interests of the people."

He is excited to continue serving with councilors Terry Cuddy and Ginny Kent and be part of a history-making council in January. With Calarco, Kent and Overstreet-Wilson, Auburn will have its first majority-women council. Overstreet-Wilson will also be the city's first Black councilor.

"What it does is it shows the people of Auburn that we have a city council that truly represents them  more of the city than it has in the past," Giannettino said. "Government is most effective when people participate and I think that when you open up government to a more diverse group of people, hopefully you get better participation. I think this is a great thing for our city."

Giannettino also plans to develop relationships with leaders from outside Cayuga County, notably Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon, to work on issues of shared interest. He wants to meet with McMahon and other Onondaga County leaders to discuss how Micron can benefit surrounding communities, such as Auburn.

One statewide issue Giannettino is focused on is the state Aid and Incentives for Municipalities program. Auburn and other local governments receive state aid in the budget, but the funding hasn't increased in well over a decade.

In February, Giannettino and the Auburn City Council passed a resolution urging state leaders to include more state aid for local governments in the 2023-24 budget. However, the spending plan was adopted without increased local government aid.

Giannettino wants to build a coalition of upstate leaders to advocate for more state aid. He told The Citizen he has already had conversations with state Sen. Rachel May, who represents Auburn, about the need for more state funding to support municipalities.

"It would help us with day-to-day operations and help us keep property taxes in check," he said.

When Giannettino is sworn in, he will be Auburn's 45th mayor. He will succeed Quill, who is finishing his fourth term as mayor.
Hudson, NY (12534)

Today

A mix of clouds and sun this morning then becoming cloudy with periods of light rain this afternoon. High 49F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

Showers early, then cloudy overnight. Low 37F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.
BArT Theatre Presents 'Tracks'

ADAMS, Mass.  Berkshire Arts and Technology (BArT) Charter Public School Theatre announced its production of "Tracks."

The show will run on Friday, Nov. 17 at 7:30 pm, with additional performances on Saturday, Nov. 18 at 2:30 pm and 7:30 pm.

"Tracks" was written by Peter Tarsi. This production is directed by BArT Senior Jace Ziarnik and stage-managed by BART Senior M Schrade.

According to a press release:

A group of strangers meet in a dirty subway station. They have arrived with limited personal belongings. Their watches have stopped. They all claim to be in different cities. But they soon learn there is no way out of the station. And now they learn the unfortunate truth ...They are all dead.

Run time is approximately 45 minutes. All tickets are $5.
Adams, Cheshire Officials Set Meeting on Ambulance

ADAMS, Mass.  Officials in Adams and Cheshire are hosting a public meeting to discuss actions being taken in light of the reported closing of Adams Ambulance Service.

In post on social media, the town administrators for the two communities, Jay Green and Jennifer Morse, said the meeting will be held Monday, Nov. 20, at 6 p.m. at the Cheshire Cheshire Community House (the former school).

Officials said they have received no official notice from the Adams Ambulance Service Board of Directors about the service's pending closure on Dec. 31. They were informed, like many others, by reading posts by employees over the past weekend.

"We have reached out to Adams Ambulance Service requesting an official statement regarding the closure and to date have not received a response," they wrote in their message, which was posted at about 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday. "As a result, we have been in contact with the Department of Public Health (DPH) and Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) to support our communities as we work through a transition plan to ensure continuity of emergency medical services."

The situation was discussed by town and public safety officials earlier on Tuesday and they said they were coordinating with Northern Berkshire EMS to assume operations. Northern Berkshire's President Paul Ethier on Sunday night said the ambulance service was willing to work with Adams, Cheshire and Savoy but pointed out the need to hire more staff to accommodate the towns.

According to Green and Morse, the Adams Ambulance had indicated to DPH that it may close even earlier than Dec. 31.

"As part of our conversations, a couple of locations for Northern Berkshire EMS have been identified to house an ambulance and crew," they wrote. "These viable locations will go through the regulatory processes in order to finalize a location that works best; and the necessary State agencies have ensured our communities an expedited process to maintain continuity of service."

Northern Berkshire EMS is reportedly working with Berkshire County Dispatch on a radio and communication services plan that will not cause a delay in response time.

Adams Ambulance reported a more than $200,000 deficit in its budget that it could not overcome; there are attempts being made by employees and residents to keep the service going, including setting up a GoFundMe with a $100,000 goal and ideas for fundraisers. There have also been calls for the town of Adams to take over the nonprofit.

Both Adams Ambulance and Northern Berkshire EMS are private nonprofits that are not governed by the towns. Northern Berkshire  created by a merger between North Adams and Williamstown  covers 10 communities in Northern Berkshire and Southern Vermont.

Several other county ambulance services operate under their town and/or fire departments while Southern Berkshire Volunteer Ambulance Squad covers the southernmost part of the county and two private companies, Action and County ambulances, cover the Pittsfield area.

Town officials said they are in contact with other mutual aid agencies and that "residents in Adams and Cheshire can be assured that when 911 is called, an ambulance will respond."

Representatives from both Adams and North Adams ambulance services have been invited to Monday's meeting. The public is encouraged to attend to hear any further updates about emergency services in the towns of Adams and Cheshire.
Beijing (Gasgoo)- On November 11, Dongfeng Motor Co., Ltd. (DFL) held a new strategy release event in Wuhan, Hubei Province, marking a transformative moment in its 20-year journey.



Photo credit: DFL

Facing the ongoing changes in the automotive industry, DFL, with the full support of its shareholders Dongfeng Motor Corporation (DFMC) and Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. (Nissan), launched the "Qi DNA+" (translating to initiate) strategy. With the confidence of collaborative innovation, progressive ambition, and a determined spirit of evolution, DFL embarks on a new era for automobile joint ventures in China.

The new strategy, "Qi DNA+," signifies Dongfeng's English initial D, Nissan's N, and A for Advancing, emphasizing forward-thinking leadership. The "+" symbol represents rejuvenation, iteration, and comprehensive upgrades, dedicated to creating a new global automotive landscape with Chinese assets, speed, and standards.

Entering the "Qi DNA+" era, leveraging 20 years of joint venture incubation in vehicle R&D, DFL plans to introduce 10 new locally developed new energy vehicles to the Chinese market by the end of 2026. This lineup will include offerings from both Nissan, Venucia and Dongfeng's proprietary brands. Notably, four new energy vehicle models will be introduced under the Nissan brand. The debut of the first independently developed Nissan-branded new energy vehicle is scheduled to hit the market in the latter half of 2024.

Moreover, DFL aims to commence export operations from 2025 onward, with an initial target of 100,000 vehicles annually. This ambitious endeavor encompasses a range of vehicles, including four new energy models under the Nissan brand. The export volume is poised to escalate based on market demand and reception.

With two decades of joint efforts, DFL has established six major passenger vehicle production bases and a comprehensive enterprise scale covering the entire value chain, accumulating sales of nearly 21.5 million vehicles and generating revenue of 2.615 trillion yuan.
In a glorious sweep of history that has taken us from the 1947 wedding of the baby-faced Princess Elizabeth and Philip Mountbatten to the halcyon days of Cool Britannia in the 1990s, Netflixs The Crown has been a lavish, panoptic companion through the 20th century. Depicting the House of Windsor through its highs and lows, its stiff upper lips and blubbering bluebloods, it has gained a reputation as the jewel in the Netflix crown. But now, with its final season released this week, the end is near  and, in a twist of fate, the monarchy, The Crown and Netflix itself are all in a more precarious state than when things began in 2016.

At a reported cost of 100m, the first instalment of Netflixs biopic of Elizabeth II, covering an era of her life unfamiliar to most viewers, was a gamble. Would its audience be receptive to this portrait of a fragile young princess on the cusp of becoming both ruler and legend? The critical consensus was, almost, unanimous. The Guardian called it addictive, The Wall Street Journal said it was outstanding, and The Washington Post labelled it scrumptious (although it should be noted that The Independent poured cold water on this critical love-in).

Netflix, which had already demonstrated itself to be an ambitious insurgent broadcaster following the 2013 release of the heralded House of Cards, was vindicated. I was saying to Netflix, Peter Morgan, the shows creator, said in an interview with Variety back in 2016, lets do [more series] only if the show has a significant enough footprint, if it resonates enough with people.
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Hong Kong residents have started panic-buying bedbug insecticides over fears of an outbreak, local media reported.

Last week, Hong Kong authorities started distributing bedbug warning leaflets to passengers at the airport amid rising reports of infestations in South Korea, France, and the UK.

This came after the South Korean government said bedbug infestation cases were rising across the country. There was a high alert nationwide at bathhouses, university dormitories, and train stations.

Inquiries over pest control in Hong Kong have also shot up over bedbug fears.

A widely circulated photo showing a brown, oval-shaped insect on a seat of an Airport Express train last week has caused apprehension and paranoia among residents regarding a potential influx of bedbugs in Hong Kong.

As a precautionary measure prompted by online photos of the suspected bugs, Hong Kongs rail operator MTR subway system disinfected trains. No infestation has been detected so far. Local reports say that authorities are proactively cleaning public transit.

Cathay Pacific and Korean Air, among major air carriers, said they have contingency plans prepared and have not identified any bedbugs on their aircraft as of now, according to reports.

The Airport Authority also recently said that it is assessing bedbug prevention measures, focusing especially on airlines from high-risk areas like South Korea.

Francisco Pazos, owner of a pest control company Nobedbugs-HK told the South China Morning Post: Hong Kong is like Disneyland for bedbugs  because it is so dense, there are lots of places for them to lay eggs but also move from person to person.

He said that the company would usually handle about 400 requests to deal with in a months time. However, this time we have done a months work in the last three days. The amount of work we have right now is unbelievable.

The bedbug infestations in France and the UK  and now several cases of infestations in the US as well  have alarmed authorities in many countries. Social media is also flooded with pictures and stories of people encountering bedbugs.

During the recent Singles Day festival, the Hong Kong-based e-commerce platform Shopline experienced a 172-fold surge in pest control item sales compared to regular volumes, reported the media.

Meanwhile, Yuen Ming-chi, former head of the Pest Control Advisory Section, has suggested that maintaining good hygiene and inspecting items from infected areas should suffice to keep bedbugs at bay. He insisted that the bedbug issue has persisted for decades in Hong Kong. However, more media reports and viral content online have increased public awareness of the problem.

Insecticide powder and liquid available over the counter are effective in killing bedbugs if used correctly. Nevertheless, the application should be carried out by professional pest control operators who have experience in searching infested sites, he said.

Bedbugs have seen a global resurgence recently. It started in Paris in September and last month a French politician Mathilde Panot told Parliament that these little insects are spreading despair in our country.

In Hong Kong, authorities have asked the public to stay vigilant and check if there are bedbugs in hotel rooms or public places while travelling abroad.

It has also urged those returning to Hong Kong to check their personal luggage for bedbugs and wash clothes in hot water  60 degrees Celsius  when necessary.
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As many as 40 Indian workers are expected to spend a third night trapped inside a collapsed Himalayan highway tunnel after officials said it could take another 24 hours to reach them.

Rescue teams are racing to cut through around 40 metres of fallen rocks and debris with heavy machinery, but have given up trying to create an access route through which the workers can walk out.

With around 19 metres to go, they are now drilling a narrower hole through which they can pass a steel pipe measuring 2ft 6in (0.76m) in diameter. If they are successful, the workers will be able to crawl out through the pipe.

The workers are stranded about 200 metres into a large under-construction section of the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi, and have a vast cavern almost 2km long in which to walk around. No one was harmed when a large section of the tunnel caved in at around 5am local time on Sunday.

A team of about 200 rescuers have been able to supply oxygen to the workers using compression pipelines, after earlier establishing lines of communication. Food and water are now also being supplied through pipelines laid earlier to assist with the construction work.

The Uttarakhand state governments disaster management secretary, Ranjit Sinha, said they had expected to complete the evacuation of the workers by late on Tuesday night but falling debris had complicated the rescue operation.

He said all the workers were alive and that they had sufficient supplies of water and dry food.

There is enough water while oxygen and food for instant energy like dry fruits are being supplied to them, said Devendra Singh Patwal, a disaster management official.

Pictures from the site on Tuesday morning showed trucks loading the steel pipe into the tunnel and a platform being prepared for an auger machine  used for horizontal drilling  to create the rescue passage.

Videos also showed huge piles of concrete blocking the tunnel with twisted metal bars from its caved roof buried under the rubble, making it dangerous both for rescue teams and the trapped workers.

The Silkyara tunnel, which is 13 metres wide (43ft) and 15 metres (50ft) in height, was being built on a national highway and is part of prime minister Narendra Modis ambitious highway project to improve connectivity for a key Hindu pilgrimage route in Uttarakhand, a mountainous state dotted with some of the holiest sites in Hinduism.

The relief forces are removing the debris and soon we will have all the labourers out, state police chief Ashok Kumar earlier said.

First contact with the trapped workers was made through a note on a piece of paper but later a connection was secured using radio handsets.

Mr Kumar said the exact cause of the cave-in was not yet known.

Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who inspected the site on Tuesday, said he was closely monitoring the situation.

I had visited the spot, and I also spoke to the family members of the people who are trapped inside ... food, water and oxygen being supplied to the people whore trapped inside. PM Modi is also closely monitoring the situation, he said.

The anxious families of the trapped workers have been following the rescue closely.

The son of Gabbar Singh Negi, one of the labourers trapped inside the tunnel, spoke to his father through the pipe through which food is being supplied.

I was allowed to speak to my father for a few seconds using the pipe through which oxygen is being supplied to the stranded workers, Akash Singh Negi told PTI.

He said they were safe. He asked us not to worry as the company is with them, he said about the short conversation.

Rajeev Das, a migrant worker from West Bengal, told the Indian Express that he had ended his night shift and left the tunnel just minutes before he heard screams, and rushed towards the tunnel entrance to see what happened.

Initially, we thought it might be a minor collapse, and began removing the debris however we could. But soon, we realised it was a challenging search and rescue [mission], Mr Das said.

The thought that it could have been me does not leave my mind, he added.

Mr Das said that some workers were apprehensive about the strength of the structure and they had a feeling that the structure was not very strong.

Just a day before, when we were removing a lattice girder, we saw some debris falling. On Saturday night, a piece of concrete fell from the roof. We informed our seniors. But before they could do anything, the incident happened, he added.

The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) is the agency engaged in building the tunnel.

The situation is better now. The workers are safe. We are providing food and water. There are nearly 40 people inside. We are trying our best, Anshu Manish Khalkho, the director of NHIDCL was quoted by Mint.

The Uttarakhand government has constituted a six-member expert committee to investigate the tunnel collapse.

Describing the state of workers, Shashi Chauhan, a mechanical foreman at the site said they were in panic soon after the collapse but felt more relaxed after communication was established.

The work on the tunnel, which is part of the Char Dham pilgrimage route, began in 2018 but was running late, as it was intended to be completed by July 2022.

Some of the work of the project was briefly halted by local authorities after hundreds of houses were damaged by subsidence along the pilgrimage route, including in Uttarakhand.
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Thousands of citizens from Myanmars Chin State fled to India over the weekend after the rebels brought their fight against the military to the country's western front.

The refugees have been crossing over to India's northeastern state of Mizoram since Sunday when the fighting between the Myanmar military and the guerrillas of the Chin Defence Force intensified near the border.

About 5,000 people from Myanmar crossed into Mizoram to seek shelter from the conflict. One refugee was killed while 20 Myanmar nationals were hospitalised in Mizoram, said Manipur director general of police Anil Shukla on Monday.

These are people who have been injured in Myanmar and have crossed over the border to receive medical treatment here, he told The Indian Express.

The Myanmar military  led by General Min Aung Hlaing  is facing its biggest challenge from an alliance of armed ethnic groups since wresting power from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in a 2021 coup.

Since the February coup, the country has been embroiled in a bloody civil war that saw the junta crushing the rebels with both arbitrary detention and brute violence.

Members of the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army pose for a photograph with the weapons allegedly seized from the Myanmars army outpost on a hill in Chinshwehaw town, Myanmar (AP)

However, an alliance of ethnic rebel forces joined hands to collectively launch an offensive named "Operation 1027" in the junta-controlled areas on the border with China in Shan State last month.

The rebels have since seized the district capital of Kawlin in the Sagaing region and over 100 military outposts.

Myint Swe, the president of the junta, last week warned the country will be split into various parts if the government failed to contain the situation. The generals say they are fighting terrorists.

The statement reflects the juntas anxiety about a possible collapse of the military rule for the first time in nearly three years, which has so far effectively throttled dissent despite sanctions from the West and mounting pressure from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) bloc.

Members of the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army hold the groups flag as they pose for a photograph on a captured army armored vehicle in Myanmar (AP)

Clashes between the "Three Brotherhood Alliance"  which is made of the Arakan Army, the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, and the Taang National Liberation Army  and the junta have invoked fears of mass displacements.

The fighting reported from the Shan state townships of Kunlong, Hseni, Kyaukme, Kutkai, Lashio, Laukkaing, Muse, Namhkan, Chinshwehaw and Nawnghkio, as well as some areas in northern Kachin state and the northern part of the Sagaing region. "We are continuing our attacks in northern Shan State," said Kyaw Naing, a spokesperson for the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army.

The United Nations said nearly 50,000 civilians have been displaced in northern Myanmar in the two weeks since the offensive began between the two fronts.

Essential roads are obstructed by checkpoints operated by both sides, while phone and Internet services are disrupted. The main airport in Lashio, the areas largest town, has been closed since the fighting escalated," it said in a statement.

The fighting spread to the western Chin and Rakhine states over the weekend.

Some 80 rebels mounted attacks on Rihkhawdar and Khawmawi military camps in Chin at around 4am on Monday, taking control of both outputs.

At least 43 Myanmar soldiers reportedly surrendered to the Indian police and were currently sheltering in Mizoram, local police official Lalmalsawma Hnamte told Reuters. "Whether they will be pushed back or not, we are waiting for further instructions from the central government."

The rebels will now move to consolidate their control along the India border, according to Chin National Front (CNF) vice chairman Sui Khar.

"We'll move forward," he said, adding: "Our tactic is from the village to the town to the capital."

The rebels on Sunday claimed responsibility for downing a military jet over Kayah State in eastern Myanmar, near the border with Thailand.

The armed resistance forces have blocked two strategically vital roads to the country's biggest trading partner, China, hindering cross-border trade, which could potentially be a massive headache for the junta.

In response, the junta brought out tanks on the streets after imposing a curfew in Sittwe, the local residents said.

The locals have been ordered not to leave their homes after 9pm and businesses must close by 8.30pm or face legal action, according to a government document.

"We saw tanks going around the town. Many shops are closed today," a resident told Reuters, declining to be named for security reasons. "The schools are open but families did not send their kids to school today."

Residents in Rathedaung in Rakhine State said the area came under artillery fire overnight and that military soldiers had entered the town on Tuesday.

"Artillery fell on a street in Rathedaung town last night. No immediate report of injured or casualties yet," said a resident, who asked not to be identified.

"People have started fleeing the town. Soldiers are in the town now.
With Gasgoo Daily, we will offer daily important automotive news in China. For those we have reported, the title of the piece will include a hyperlink, which will provide detailed information.

DiDi sees Q3 2023 revenue jump 25% YoY

In the third quarter of this year, Chinese ride hailing giant Didi Chuxing reported a total revenue of 51.4 billion yuan, marking a 25% year-over-year (YoY) increase, according to its public announcement. Notably, its China mobility business contributed 46.6 billion yuan, demonstrating a 27% YoY growth, while international operations generated 2 billion yuan, representing a 28% YoY increase.

Photo credit: DiDi

Great Wall Motor announces successful deployment of self-developed IGBT power modules

Great Wall Motor announced on November 14 via its Weibo account the successful deployment of its in-house developed IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor) power modules, a breakthrough achievement realized in the assembly of the Haval Xiaolong MAX model.

XPeng initiates acquisition of DiDi's intelligent automotive development assets

In a recent announcement on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, XPeng disclosed that the initial transaction for its acquisition of DiDi's intelligent automotive development assets took place on November 13, 2023.

CVA Chip bags over 200 million yuan in B+ financing round

Shenzhen-based chip supplier CVA Chip recently concluded a B+ funding round, securing over 200 million yuan.

Tesla lifts prices of Model 3/ Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive versions in China

Tesla issued an immediate price adjustment starting November 14 for the Model 3/Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive versions in the Chinese market via its official Weibo account.

Hesai Technology becomes nominated LiDAR supplier for multiple GWM models

On November 14, Chinese LiDAR solution developer Hesai Technology announced a strategic partnership with Great Wall Motor (GWM) for the integration of Hesai's long-range LiDAR, the AT128, into various models under GWM.

Hesai Technology boasts 33.5% YoY surge in Q3 revenue

On November 14, Chinese LiDAR maker Hesai Technology disclosed its unaudited financial results for the third quarter (Q3) of 2023, showcasing outstanding performance across revenue, delivery volumes, and gross margins.

GWM, Douyin Group ally on big data, digital marketing, large model applications

Great Wall Motor ("GWM") and Douyin Group, a subsidiary of ByteDance, inked a strategic cooperation agreement in Beijing on November 13. This strategic alliance encompasses nine major areas, ranging from big data and enterprise-used large model applications to cloud infrastructure, digital marketing, and the intelligent integration of features such as smart cabins and intelligent driving.

Lynk & Co hits production milestone of 1 million vehicles

On November 14, as a Lynk & Co 08 EM-P smoothly descended from the production line at the Yuyao factory, it marked a significant milestone for the Lynk & Co brand  the production of its one millionth vehicle.

Geely Holding Group scores 19% YoY jump in Oct. 2023 sales

Zhejiang Geely Holding Group ("Geely Holding") announced on Monday that its monthly auto sales reached roughly 277,800 units in October 2023, marking a 19% year-on-year jump. The group also reported a sales volume of 106,700 new energy vehicles (NEVs, including battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles) for the same month, representing a 65% year-on-year spike and a monthly penetration rate of 38%.

Dongfeng Motor, Nissan Motor to jointly develop new energy vehicles under new cooperation strategy

On November 11, Dongfeng Motor Co., Ltd. (DFL) held a new strategy release event in Wuhan, Hubei Province, marking a transformative moment in its 20-year journey.

Advanced SPAD dToF sensors supplier DaoSensing closes Pre-A++ funding

Shanghai-based semiconductor design firm DaoSensing recently closed its Pre-A++ funding round, which raised for the company tens of millions of yuan.
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Nepal has become the latest country to ban the Chinese social media app TikTok, citing its impact on social harmony in the South Asian country.

Nepals foreign minister Narayan Prakash Saud announced that the app has been banned with immediate effect following a cabinet meeting.

The government has decided to ban TikTok as it was necessary to regulate the use of the social media platform that was disrupting social harmony, goodwill, and flow of indecent materials, Mr Saud said.

Chinas ByteDance-owned TikTok has been banned by several countries, including India and Afghanistan, with the UK, Australia, and the European Union restricting its use.

Several Western countries have raised concerns about members of parliament and government using the app, amid allegations that Beijing could use it to harvest data or advance its interests.

TikTok has repeatedly denied the allegations and said it has never shared data with the Chinese government and would not do so if asked.

The decision comes days after Nepal introduced new rules to regulate social media in the country, including the setting up of liaison offices.

Mr Saud said that the new rules have been brought to make social media platforms more accountable. The government has asked the company to register and open a liaison office in Nepal, pay taxes, and follow the rule of the land.

However, it was not clear what triggered the ban or if TikTok had refused to comply with Nepals requests.

Nepal Congress general secretary Gagan Thapa has questioned the governments decision to ban the app and said instead restrictions should have been imposed.

The governments decision should be rectified as it violates freedom of expression and individual freedom, Mr Thapa posted on social media platform X.

The ban was criticised by several people on social media who said the decision would impact millions of TikTok users in Nepal who were using it as a means of income.

Nepals gerontocrats dont understand the value of TikTok for younger Nepalis. A lot of people, housewives and younger women, have found public lives & generated income through content creation. That of course means nothing to these fuddy duddy politicos who refuse to retire, doctorate student Ajapa Sharma said.

Bhawana Shreshta, a professor at the Kings College, London, said the ban was concerning and stemmed from a probabilistic generalization that TikTok users disrupt social values.

According to local media reports, more than 1,600 TikTok-linked cyber crime cases have been recorded in the country over the last four years.
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The German chapter of Greta Thunbergs Fridays for Future movement distanced itself from the climate activist after she expressed support for Palestine.

The German chapter said Ms Thunberg did not represent their views on the ongoing conflict.

The decision comes two days after Ms Thunberg chanted no climate justice on occupied land in Amsterdam.

At a climate protest in Amsterdam, Netherlands on Sunday, Ms Thunberg called for a ceasefire in Gaza where continued bombing by Israel has killed over 10,000 people, half of whom are children.

As a climate justice movement, we have to listen to the voices of those who are being oppressed and those who are fighting for freedom and for justice, Ms Thunberg, wearing the Palestinian black and white scarf, said.

Otherwise, there can be no climate justice without international solidarity.

She also called a Palestinian and an Afghan national on stage as the crowd chanted for a ceasefire.

However, she immediately faced opposition at the rally as a man got on stage and interrupted her, trying to snatch the microphone, saying he had come for a climate protest, not for her other views.

Before she took the stage, she was also briefly interrupted as a small group of activists at the front of the crowd waved Palestinian flags and chanted pro-Palestinian slogans.

Her statements in Amsterdam marked the end of Greta Thunberg as a climate activist, said Volker Becker, the president of the German-Israel Society DIG, according to AFP.

The protest in Amsterdam, held 10 days before the countrys general elections, saw around 70,000 people join the march, including former EU climate chief Frans Timmermans, who will lead the combined Labour and Green parties at the upcoming election.

Organisers said the turnout was the largest ever at a climate protest in the Netherlands.
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Queen Camilla and the Princess of Wales shared a sweet moment during Remembrance Sunday service and fans noticed.

The royals were seen standing together on the balcony of the Foreign Office - which overlooks the Cenotaph in Westminster.

In the photo that has grabbed the hearts of many royal fans, the Queen and Kate are seen side by side, smiling at one another.

Fans took to X/Twitter to share this touching moment between the monarch and princess.

A nice moment shared between the Queen and Princess Catherine on the balcony today, one user wrote.

The Royal Family depart from the Cenotaph following the Remembrance Service. I love the Queens smile for Catherine here, they said in another post.

Another fan wrote: The Queen aka Camilla looks great and the Princess of Wales aka Kate looks fantastic as usual. Any occasions - joyful or solemn - Kate looks superb.

The Princess of Wales was pictured in a bespoke Cathrine Walker coat she wore back in 2019 and a Philip Treacy hat.

The Princess of Wales seen looking sombre during Remembrance Sunday (PA)

For her jewellery, the princess accessorised with Queen Elizabeths diamond and pearl leaf earrings and her three poppy brooch.

The Queen wore an all-black ensemble, re-wearing a wool and satin dress designed by one of her designers, Fiona Clare.

On Sunday 12 November, the nation fell silent to honour those who died in war as the King led a moving Remembrance Day service.

Wreaths were also laid by members of the royal family, senior politicians and dignitaries at the Cenotaph in London.

During the service, King Charles led the country at the Whitehall memorial in commemorating the end of the First World War and other conflicts involving British and Commonwealth forces.

King Charles led the country at the Whitehall memorial (PA)

Wearing the uniform of the Marshal of the Royal Air Force with greatcoat, poppy and sword, the King laid a wreath similar to the one produced for King George VI.

Also in attendance were the Duke of Edinburgh, the Princess Royal, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and other senior politicians.
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Kim Kardashian is opening up about what shes learned from her parents and how shes incorporated these lessons into her own life.

Kims father, Robert Kardashian, passed away 20 years ago in September. Speaking with GQ for its 28th Man of the Year issue, the 43-year-old explained how her father influenced her divorce from Kanye West, with who she shares four children.

Los Angeles Superior Court documents showed in November 2022 that there would be $200,000 (167,000) per month of child support payments from West to Kim. The two were said to have equal access to their children: North, nine, Saint, six, Chicago, four, and Psalm, three, according to the documents filed in Los Angeles Superior Court.

At the time of Robert and Kris divorce, Kim was only nine years old and said she never saw it coming until it happened. I remember thinking, Please, Lord, dont let them be getting a divorce. I never had an inkling that it would happen, but I knew that was what they were going to tell us. I felt it, she told GQ.

When it came time for her own divorce, she looked back on the one she witnessed herself. I did think about how my parents handled it with us. I just remember them being open, Kim said.

She explained that she tried to be as open as possible when dealing with any questions her own children may have had at the time. Ultimately, what matters is that kids feel loved and heard, she told the outlet. You want to be sensitive because theyre just kids, and its hard to go through no matter what age. You have to make sure that you only go to a level that they can understand. Its okay to show a vulnerable side. You never go to a negative side.

Kim went on to admit that she tried attending therapy before her marriage ended, and to get help with parenting advice she will occasionally speak with a child psychologist.

I do have a therapist that only deals in child psychology that I talk to to get parenting tips and advice, The Kardashians star said. Sometimes I feel challenged by parenting. But I have the best group of friends and we talk about everything together, so that to me is therapy. I hit the lottery, the f***ing Mega Ball of friends.

One of these friends is Allison Statter, who told GQ that she knew Kim when she was pre-Kim and understood how difficult it was for the Skims founder to go through with the divorce from the rapper.

I know how scared she was to do it, Statter told the outlet. Cause deep down inside she wanted her family to stay together. And because she was like: I dont know what life is going to be like on the other side of this. I was just so proud of her.

Both Statter and Kims sister Khloe Kardashian pointed out a difference in Kardashians demeanor after making the decision to divorce West, specifically that she had an increased sense of confidence.

Not that she wasnt confident before, Khloe told GQ. But its a different assurance that she has in herself. She knows she can do it on her own. She knows the power that she has within herself, as opposed to thinking the power was in someone elses hands.
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The Royal family have paid a heartfelt tribute to King Charles, marking his 75th birthday.

A 39-second clip was posted on the official Royal Family X/Twitter account, which takes a look back at the monarchs life.

Wishing His Majesty The King a happy 75th birthday, the post said. The video photobook looks back to the Kings childhood and some of his accomplishments over the years.

The first image that appears in the book is that of the late Queen from 1948. She was pictured for the first time in public with her firstborn, Charles. In the photo, he is seen fast asleep wearing a royal christening gown in his mothers arms.

The late queen pictures with King Charles when he was just a baby (Royal Family/Twitter )

Here are some of the photos featured in the video...

1949 (Royal Family/ Twitter screengrab )

1959 (Royal Family/ Twitter screengrab )

1969 (Royal Family/ Twitter screengrab )

1979 (Royal Family/ Twitter screengrab )

1982 - Charles and Princess Diana (Royal Family/ Twitter screengrab )

1988 (Royal Family/ Twitter screengrab )

1991 (Royal Family/ Twitter screengrab )

1998 (Royal Family/ Twitter screengrab )

2004 (Royal Family/ Twitter screengrab )

2014 (Royal Family/ Twitter screengrab )

The Kings coronation 2023 (Royal Family/ Twitter screengrab )

Royal fans also shared their touching birthday messages to The King under the social media post.

What a lovely video! So many memories that are certainly so special for His Majesty... Happy Birthday King Charles, one user wrote.

Another said: God bless the King, his majesty with long life.

To mark 75 years, the King will officially launch the Coronation Food Project with the Queen which aims to bridge the gap between food waste and food need.

The King and Queen will visit a surplus food distribution centre outside London and meet staff and volunteers to hear about the ways in which food waste can be used for social good.

Charles celebrated his birthday a day early this year after he was presented with a three-tiered cake at a party staged in his honour.

On Monday (13 November) he joined a host of people, from community stalwarts nominated by friends and family who are also turning 75 this year, to representatives from organisations marking the same milestone, from the NHS to members of the Windrush generation.

During the gathering, happy birthday was sung by a local choir to mark the occasion and the King was cheered on after cutting a slice from the cake.
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The King celebrated his 75th birthday by busily highlighting causes close to his heart.

With Queen Camilla at his side, Charles officially launched the Coronation Food Project, which aims to bridge the gap between food waste and food need.

Charles and Camilla visited a surplus food distribution centre outside London and met staff and volunteers to hear about how food waste can be used for social good. He then hosted a party for 400 nurses and midwives, saluting the NHSs 75th birthday.

For good measure, the King also appeared on the cover of this months Big Issue, which gives marginalised people the opportunity to earn money.

Its the sort of day thats been typical of the Kings first 14 months on the throne.

After the seven-decade reign of his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, Charles has rushed to show that the monarchy remains relevant in modern British society.

Hes made three overseas visits, pledged to open the royal archives to researchers investigating the crowns links to slavery and expressed sorrow and regret for abhorrent and unjustifiable acts of violence committed against Kenyans during their struggle for independence.

Its the sort of day thats been typical of the Kings first 14 months on the throne (Getty)

Celebrating his milestone birthday, the royal family paid a heartfelt tribute to the King with a 39-second clip posted on the official royal family Twitter/X account, which looks at Charless evolution from young prince to elder statesman and later King.

Wishing His Majesty the King a happy 75th birthday, the post said. The video photobook looks back on the Kings childhood and some of his accomplishments over the years.

Meanwhile, gun salutes across the UK marked Charless birthday, including a 62-gun salute at Tower Wharf, in the Tower of London.

Buckingham Palace marked the birthday with the firing of a 41-gun salute by the Kings Troop Royal Horse Artillery in Londons Green Park.

Charless reign has gotten off to a steady start, but he still needs to set out a clear vision for the future, said Ed Owens, an historian and author of After Elizabeth: Can the Monarchy Save Itself?

Its a difficult moment for the monarchy because its going through this period of transition, from being adulated as a default position to now being questioned and challenged in new ways, Mr Owens said.

And I just wish that the King and his heir would set out more clearly what they want to do, rather than take for granted what they think the British public want from the monarchy.

Charless long apprenticeship meant he was a grey-haired septuagenarian when he finally took the throne, fueling concerns he would have a hard time connecting with a country that no longer takes deference to the monarchy for granted.

But all those decades also gave him more training and experience to draw upon than his mother, who was just 25 when she became queen.

In another royal first, Charles earned a degree in history from the University of Cambridge. He later spent six years in the Royal Navy before leaving to focus on his duties as heir to the throne.

As Prince of Wales, the future King founded a charity that helps young people get jobs and training. He started an organic food company and dabbled in urban planning. He was also an early advocate for conservation and environmental protection  something that helped him appeal to his younger subjects.

But it is his heir, Prince William, who is now focused on the younger generation, seeking a leading role in the environmental movement with his Earthshot Prize, a global competition to find ways to combat climate change. He is also working on initiatives to fight homelessness and raise awareness of the importance of mental health.

While William may be easing the strain on his father, his younger brother has offered public challenges.

Over the past year, Prince Harry released a Netflix series and a memoir that exposed rivalries within the royal family, criticised the palaces relations with the media and said that his wife, Meghan, was subjected to racism as a working member of the royal family.

The duke will reportedly wish his father a happy birthday over the phone after he and his wife Meghan said they were not invited to the monarchs celebrations in London.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex issued a formal response to media reports suggesting Harry, 39, had turned down an invite to the gathering at Clarence House on Tuesday (14 November). A spokesperson for the couple said there had been no contact from Buckingham Palace.

Now, according to a BBC report, Charless youngest son will call him from Montecito, California, where Harry and Meghan currently reside with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

The Independent has contacted a representative for the Sussexes for comment.

What Harry and Meghan have also done is they provided us with another view onto this institution, Mr Owens said. Theyve pulled back the curtain in terms of its inner workings and have revealed what is often a quite poisonous, toxic culture with these competing households.

As he weathers these storms, Charles has his queen for support.

The biggest controversy of Charless life was the breakdown of his first marriage to the late Princess Diana amid stories about his longtime relationship with the woman who would become his second wife, Camilla Parker Bowles.

Although Dianas fans initially bridled at the idea of Camilla ever becoming queen, by the time the invitations for the coronation went out, Charles had made his wishes clear: The Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
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Fellow self-proclaimed tardy moms are praising one of their own after her candid admission about being late to school.

Katlyn Whittenburg hasnt just accumulated tardies for her one child, but all four. And the Tennessee resident isnt apologising for her inability to be punctual every day. In her recent TikTok video, the 35-year-old opened up about how the expectation to be on time all the time was impossible to live up to.

I was seven minutes late dropping my five-year-old off at school today, she said in her post, which has now been viewed over 1.1 million times. Seven minutes late? What do you want me to say? What do you want me to say? Because I couldnt? Because I simply cannot?

Because my daughter painted a mural using toothpaste this morning, and I apparently I support the arts, Whittenburg continued. Because my other daughter had a bloody nose and sneezed and now I gotta get a crime scene cleanup crew to come.

While most parents are inclined to list traffic as their reason for being tardy, Whittenburgs definition of traffic changes most mornings. This mornings traffic  her daughter refusing to put on a proper jacket before leaving the house.

Whittenburg joked: I mean, yeah, in that I wanted to walk out in front of traffic this morning because my five-year-old didnt want to wear a coat, she wanted to wear an unsanctioned bee costume for warmth.

With over 5,000 comments from other parents reveling in Whittenburgs funny yet relatable reality, a community of unapologetically authentic mothers was born.

The amount of times Ive simply written socks, one confessed, while another added: More than once I have written, she didnt want to come here.

I made my daughter a shirt that says Sorry Im late the floor was lava, another parent admitted.

One viewer commented: My mom used to say car problems because we werent in the car on time and that was a problem.

Our school has the option to select Parent Meltdown! Also, Student Meltdown, another parent revealed.

Um no so many of us drop our kids off late and I just sign my initials and my son gets a tardy note, heads back to class, a straight-forward viewer admitted.

Another viewer proclaimed: One time I didnt give a reason and they called me for the reason, thats when they get the longest story they never wanted to hear.

Ive written Im trash three times this year, someone else added.

Speaking to Today, Whittenburg went into more detail on how she somehow always drops her children off late to school. One of our daughters always has to poop right before we leave. I would say 80 per cent of the time, the reason were late is because she needs to have a bathroom moment, but not sure the school wants to hear that, she said.

Although her 12-year-old makes things easy on her with a set uniform to wear every day, her five-year-old always runs back into the house to apply lip gloss before heading out.

Whittenburg told the outlet she was pleased by the outpour of love and support from the community of parents online.

I think so many of us feel a lot of pressure to be perfect, and theres a lot of shame associated with being late to school, she remarked. Its like: You couldnt even start your day off right? And so, I think it was a relief for moms to see that theyre not alone. And theyre not a failure.

In conversation with The Independent, reflected on what it was like to hear that other moms were experiencing the same chaos in the morning as well.

Its actually a relief to know that so many other moms out there are stumbling around chaotically in the morning too. Even when I feel Im completely prepared and ready for the day, a kid can make a mess of it all, Whittenburg confessed.
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El Salvador's government has begun slapping a $1,130 fee on travelers from dozens of countries connecting through the nation's main airport, amid U.S. pressure to help control migration flows to its southern border.

Since the end of October, citizens of 57 largely African countries and India have had to pay the fee, according to El Salvadors aviation authority.

Aviation officials did not say whether the measure was aimed at reducing migration and have described the tariff as an airport improvement fee, but El Salvadors government acknowledged an uptick in travelers from those countries this year. Also, the U.S. has been pressuring Central American countries to curb migration flows to its border with Mexico. U.S. authorities say they stopped migrants there more than 2 million times during the fiscal year that ended Sept. 30.

El Salvadors aviation authority said most passengers who have to pay the fee are headed to Nicaragua on the commercial airline Avianca. Because of its lax visa requirements, Nicaragua is a transit point for migrants from Haiti and Cuba, as well as from Africa, who are trying to reach the U.S.

Earlier this year, for example, U.S. officials were surprised by an increase in Mauritanian migrants arriving at the southern border. No natural disaster, coup or sudden economic collapse could explain it. Rather, travel agencies and social media influencers were promoting a multileg trip that took migrants from the west African nation to Nicaragua.

A flight itinerary of one Senegalese migrant seen by The Associated Press showed the migrant passing through Morocco, Spain and El Salvador before landing in Managua. The last two legs were aboard Avianca flights.

El Salvador's aviation authority and immigration agency both said they did not have data on how many migrants from the listed countries had transited the country this year.

A U.S. embassy spokesperson declined to say whether the U.S. had requested the fee. But the ability to help the U.S. control migration could be a political boon for El Salvador President Nayib Bukele as he seeks reelection despite a constitutional prohibition and faces scrutiny for his human rights record.

During President Donald Trump's administration, U.S. policy toward El Salvador prioritized reining in migration above all else and Bukele heard no public criticism from the U.S. as he began to consolidate power. Under President Joe Biden, the U.S. has been openly critical of Bukele's record on democracy and human rights.

The U.S. State Department alleged that Bukeles war against powerful street gangs has resulted in torture and other cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment or punishment, and other related abuses to tens of thousands of people detained. His government has also gone after journalists, activists and critics.

But migration now appears to be back at the top of the bilateral agenda for the two countries as Biden also seeks reelection.

While the Biden administration has said Central American nations  need to step up and do more to control migration, not all of them have received the request with open arms.

Most governments have recognized that what is of clear interest to the United States is migration and so therefore it becomes a bargaining chip," said Pamela Ruiz, Central America analyst for International Crisis Group. They will either become partners or adversaries on this issue."

Guatemala, Costa Rica, Colombia and Ecuador have worked with the U.S. to open centers for migrants looking to request asylum, apply for family reunification or temporary work permits.

On the other hand, Nicaragua has opened its doors to hundreds of charter flights carrying tens of thousands of U.S.-bound Cuban and Haitian migrants in recent months.

The flights  which one analyst described as Nicaragua weaponizing migration as a foreign policy  were met by a fierce warning from the Biden administration.

We are exploring the full range of possible consequences for those who facilitate this form of irregular migration, wrote U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Brian A. Nichols in a post on X, formerly Twitter, this month. Haiti's government announced the charter flights were being temporarily suspended.

As Bukele again came under criticism in recent weeks as he registered to seek reelection in 2024, the Biden administration was cautious in its remarks.

There has to be a broad debate about the legality and legitimacy of the election, but it is a debate for Salvadorans," Nichols said during a recent visit to El Salvador and ahead of a meeting with Bukele.

The comments were a sharp contrast to condemnations of anti-democratic behavior  in neighboring Guatemalas elections months earlier.

Bukele is willing to cooperate on immigration by banning certain nationalities by charging them a ridiculous fee in order to not get critiqued on the international level, said Ruiz, of Crisis Group. Part of me wonders ... we will not critique the Bukele administration as much because its supposedly reducing the levels of migrants?

___

Associated Press writer Marcos Aleman in San Salvador, El Salvador, contributed to this report.

___

Follow AP's migration coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/migration
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Exxon Mobil on Monday announced it's drilling for lithium in southern Arkansas, with the oil giant expected to begin production of the critical material for electric vehicles by 2027.

Exxon in early 2023 acquired the rights to 120000 gross acres (48562 gross hectares) of the Smackover formation in southern Arkansas, considered one of the most prolific lithium resources of its type in North America. Exxon said that by 2030 it aims to produce enough lithium to supply the manufacturing needs more than 1 million electric vehicles.

Lithium is essential to the energy transition, and ExxonMobil has a leading role to play in paving the way for electrification, Dan Ammann, president of ExxonMobil Low Carbon Solutions, said in a news release.

Exxon didn't disclose how much it's spending on the project, which is expected to be a boost for a part of Arkansas that has a history as an oil and gas producer.

Im not being dramatic when I say this has the potential to transform our state, Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders said at a news conference with Exxon and local officials about the project.

Columbia County Judge Doug Fields said the county has already been working with Exxon to ensure roads to the well are prepared.

Just seeing some of this come in like it is, it's going to be a big pick me up for the area, Fields said.

The announcement comes as the U.S. faces a greater need for lithium to meet its clean energy goals, with production of electric vehicles rising.

Exxon said it will use conventional oil and gas drilling methods to access lithium-rich saltwater from reservoirs about 10000 feet (3.05 kilometers) underground. It will then use direct lithium extraction technology to separate lithium from the saltwater, and convert saltwater onsite to battery-grade material.

The remaining saltwater will be re-injected into the underground reservoirs. Exxon Mobil said its extraction process produces fewer carbon emissions than hard rock mining and requires significantly less land.
Beijing (Gasgoo)- Shenzhen-based chip supplier CVA Chip recently concluded a B+ funding round, securing over 200 million yuan.



Photo credit: CVA Chip

Investors of the round include Greenwood Invest, Hongtai Aplus, and Luxin Venture Capital, with continued support from existing investor Hony Capital. CVA Chip has garnered considerable attention from the capital markets, having completed two funding rounds in 2023. The raised funds from the fresh round will be directed towards bolstering CVA Chip's core technological advancements in automotive chip design, accelerating the development and mass production of multiple automotive-grade new products.

Established in 2018, CVA Chip is a Chinese IC design company specializing in the intelligent perception and computational control domain. With over 400 patents and involvement in drafting national standards for functional automotive safety, the company operates R&D centers and sales offices across Shenzhen, Shanghai, Beijing, Hefei, and Chengdu cities. Its ambition spans from providing perception, computation, and control chips for global clients in smart terminals to expanding into smart electric vehicle applications.

In the automotive sector, CVA Chip's CVM011x series (M01 series) of multiple 32-bit car-grade MCUs have entered mass production stage and are being steadily supplied to various OEMs. Widely utilized in automotive body control, thermal management, PEPS, engine anti-theft modules, taillights, energy storage, and electronic shifters, the product has been successfully integrated into numerous vehicular projects. Additionally, the upcoming M02 series aims at domain controllers and multi-core MCUs and has already secured partnerships with leading domestic OEM clients, targeting powertrain, chassis, and ADAS domains.
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South Korean automaker Hyundai has joined Honda and Toyota in raising factory worker wages after the United Auto Workers union reached new contract agreements with Detroit automakers.

Hyundai said Monday it will raise factory worker pay 25% by 2028, matching the general wage increase won by the UAW during that period. Toyota raised factory pay 9% to 10% starting in January, while Honda said it will increase wages 11% during the same period.

Experts say the increases at least in part are aimed at thwarting UAW President Shawn Fain's strategy of trying to organize U.S. auto plants run by foreign automakers and Tesla in order to increase the union's bargaining power. Fain said terrified auto executives at nonunion plants are raising wages, and he called Toyota's pay increase the UAW bump.

UAW, that stands for You Are Welcome, he said.

About 146,000 UAW members are voting on new contracts with General Motors, Ford and Jeep maker Stellantis that give them 25% general wage increases over the next four years and eight months. When cost of living wages are factored in, workers will get about 33% raises, with the top assembly line employee making about $42 per hour.
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An elderly woman was forced to stay in a hospital ward rife with coronavirus, her daughter has told the Scottish Covid-19 Inquiry.

Margaret Kilpatrick told the inquiry that her mother, who was 89 at the time, was taken from her care home to a hospital in Scotland for emergency surgery under the promise she would be taken to a green pathway ward  meaning there was a guarantee of no Covid on the ward.

Her mother underwent crucial surgery after doctors found a tumour on her bowel which caused her severe abdominal pain.

However, after undergoing surgery, she was taken from a high priority bed and placed in a red pathway ward  a term given to wards where patients with Covid were cared for, the inquiry heard.

During the first lockdown my mum said to me it was worse than during the war because you were deprived of your family and community contact Margaret Kilpatrick

Her mother was in hospital from June 8 until June 24 2020.

Mrs Kilpatrick said she was unaware her mother had been taken to a Covid ward and only found out after she asked.

I subsequently found out, having asked the question, that no, it was the red pathway Covid ward, she said.

She added: Apparently they needed the bed from high dependency for someone else, and that was the only place they could find a bed for my mum.

Mrs Kilpatrick said she was shocked when staff asked whether her mother was shielding as she had previously referred them to an NHS letter telling how her mother, who had a number of health conditions, was very vulnerable and was thus shielding.

Asked by the panel if this was a cause of concern to her, she added: Well, weve been living from March until June with fear of Covid and then my very vulnerable mother, post very major surgery, is put into what Im told is the red pathway Covid ward, and she doesnt have Covid.

She also told the inquiry of the impact not seeing her family had on her mother.

During the first lockdown my mum said to me it was worse than during the war because you were deprived of your family and community contact, she said.

She did say that. It was, at least during the war you can see family and go about your business.

Her mother has since died, the inquiry was told.

The inquiry also heard from Shona Wallace, whose 32-year-old daughter, who has a learning disability, lived in a care home throughout the lockdown.

Mrs Wallace told the inquiry that her daughter, Claire, was left distressed due to not being able to have proper contact with her family.

Despite this, her daughter had regular contact with an aromatherapist who was drafted into the care home to give treatment to residents.

Mrs Wallace said she was distraught that her daughter was able to have regular contact with the aromatherapist but could not have contact with her family.

The inquiry, taking place before Lord Brailsford in Edinburgh, continues.
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The shooting of a council worker in her home was an act of reckless madness but not a targeted attack, the lawyer defending the gunman has told his trial.

James Witham, 41, admits the manslaughter of Ashley Dale, 28, who he fatally shot after forcing his way into her home in Old Swan, Liverpool, in the early hours of 21 August last year and firing a Skorpion machine gun.

But he denies murder, claiming he did not know anyone was in the house when he fired the shots.

In his closing speech at Liverpool Crown Court on Tuesday, Richard Pratt KC, defending Witham, told the jury: We say a full examination of the evidence tells you, in reality, this was not a deliberate, targeted shooting.

It was, we readily accept, an act of reckless madness on the part of James Witham which had the most dreadful consequences. The same consequences, in fact, as if Ashley had been shot deliberately.

James Witham, who is accused of the murder of Ashley Dale (PA Media)

Mr Pratt asked why Witham would be chosen to carry out the killing if, as the prosecution allege, there was a conspiracy to murder Miss Dales partner Lee Harrison.

He said: An assassin who cant shoot straight, does that sound even remotely likely?

The court has heard Witham fired shots in the dining room and into the kitchen downstairs in the property and fired five shots into the wall of an upstairs spare bedroom.

Mr Pratt said: He wanted to damage the property in a deranged thought process to send out a message and tragically, very tragically, in so doing one of those shots, discharged as we will see in less than a second, entered the body of Ashley Dale with the most awful consequence.

James Witham with co-defendant Joseph Peers on the evening before the shooting of Ashley Dale (PA Media)

He added: He has admitted, even on his own account, dreadful conduct which brought about the death of a young, aspirational woman in her own home, causing very great bereavement to those who knew her and who loved her.

Hes told you he did what he did against a background of his and others dealing in class A drugs.

Even though he may be portrayed by the prosecution as the fall guy, you will have no sympathy for him at all and we recognise that.

Im not here to ask you for sympathy, Im asking you to do your duty as jurors.

Bodycam footage of James Withams co-defendant Joseph Peers being arrested (PA Media)

Witham and his co-defendants Niall Barry, 26, Sean Zeisz, 28, Ian Fitzgibbon, 28, and Joseph Peers, 29, deny murdering Miss Dale, conspiracy to murder Mr Harrison and conspiracy to possess a prohibited weapon  the Skorpion sub-machine gun  and ammunition.

Kallum Radford, 26, denies assisting an offender.
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Walking around a Glasgow housing estate on a rare sunny day  where children play happily on their scooters in the green space nearby  you would never guess the horrors that took place here.

A group of five men and two women, addled by drugs, formed a sick child abuse ring that oversaw some of the most depraved crimes against children ever uttered in a courtroom.

There is nothing remarkable about the suburb, which we cannot name for legal reasons. But inside a run-of-the-mill family home there, which became known as the beasty house by victims, a group were plying children with alcohol and drugs while subjecting them to a seven-year campaign of sexual depravity.

On Tuesday, seven members of the ring were found guilty of abusing three children after Glasgow High Court heard how they held child rape nights inside the property, which became a drugs den where heroin and crack cocaine was used.

Iain Owens, 45, Elaine Lannery, 39, Lesley Williams, 41, Paul Brannan, 41, Scott Forbes, 50, Barry Watson, 47, and John Clark, 46, were all found guilty of rape and sexual assault.

Over a two-month trial, jurors heard horrifying details of their crimes, including the attempted murder of a girl who was put in a microwave, forced to eat dog food, and hung by her clothes from a nail, as well as being chased by people wearing a devil mask. Owens, Lannery, Williams and Brannan were also found guilty of attempted murder, however Clark was acquitted of the charge.

A further three people  Mark Carr, 49, Richard Gachagan, 45, and Leona Laing, 50  were acquitted of all counts, while an eleventh accused, Marianne Gallagher, 38, was convicted of assault but cleared of all other charges and bailed.

Former asbestos removal worker and labourer Iain Owens, 45, at the High Court in Glasgow (James Chapelard )

Paul Brannan, 41, will sentenced on 4 January at the High Court in Glasgow (Police Scotland)

Jurors heard how five of the group made one child dress in lingerie and dance in a sexualised manner on various occasions between 1 October 2018 and 19 June 2019, before she was raped by male members of the group.

Instead of intervening to protect the youngsters, the women clapped, cheered and encouraged the abuse, with some filming the attack, the court heard.

In another horrifying charge, a young child was restrained in her cot as men raped her, while others cheered and took video recordings, the court heard. Children were also forced to repeatedly sexually abuse each other with household items.

Owens, Williams and Brannan were also found guilty of drugs offences for supplying diamorphine and cocaine.

Locals in the Glaswegian suburb where much of the abuse took place reacted with horror, confusion and anger.

When the horrific nature of the allegations first surfaced, angry locals staged a protest outside one of accuseds block, chasing him from his home. He died before the case went to trial.

Three others including Maureen Goudie, Steven McHendrie and Robert Brown were named on the original indictment as being involved in a number of the charges, but court papers said they are now deceased.

Elaine Lannery, 39, at the High Court in Glasgow (James Chapelard )

John Clark, 46, will sentenced on 4 January at the High Court in Glasgow (Police Scotland)

One resident told The Independent: Everyone has reacted with shock and disgust. We cant believe that its happened on our doorstep. It makes me feel sick to my stomach that I used to know one of them.

In court, a neighbour who stepped foot inside the property where most of abuse was carried out described it as dirty, with black bin bags piled on the sofa and nicotine stains on the blinds.

The 34-year-old said: It was dirty. Just a horrible stench. The only word I can think of is foosty. You could smell urine and stuff like that.

Another neighbour told the court she suspected drugs were changing hands after seeing three or four people go to the back door each day. I obviously knew there was drug dealing going on of some kind, but I didnt know what it was, she added.

An allegation that the group used an Ouija board to call on spirits and demons causing the child victims to believe that they could see, hear and communicate with spirits and demons and making them take part in witchcraft was dropped part way through the trial.

In evidence played to the court, one of the children described the abuse: Two witches holded my legs down, it felt uncomfortable, all the witches and wizards were watching.

Barry Watson, 47, will sentenced at the High Court in Glasgow (Police Scotland)

All 11 accused denied the charges, insisting the children had made them up. But the Crown said it would have been off the scale devious for the minors to concoct the allegations, adding that DNA evidence of some of the accused was found in the house.

Advocate depute Kath Harper said: There is a lack of communication which makes it highly unlikely they concocted the allegations, adding it would be off the scale devious, deceitful and highly organised.

One victim told a police officer that he was left just crying after he was raped. In an interview in December 2021, he told Detective Constable Brian Hamilton he was made to perform sex acts on another two children in the presence of Owens and Lannery, who he said would laugh while it took place.

The child also told Det Con Hamilton he felt embarrassed about the incidents that had taken place. He added: But now I realise what they did and what they made me do was wrong.

The group will be sentenced by Judge Lord Beckett at the High Court in Glasgow on 4 January.

Thanking the jury for their service, Lord Beckett added: It has been a very difficult trial to listen to. It has been pretty unpleasant and shocking. It plunges to the depths of human depravity.

Lesley Williams, 41, at the High Court in Glasgow (James Chapelard )

Scott Forbes, 50, will be sentenced at the High Court in Glasgow (Police Scotland)

Detective Superintendent Nicola Kilbane, of Police Scotland, paid tribute to the bravery of the victims.

She said: This has been a horrific ordeal for the young victims who were subjected to years of unimaginable abuse. Our thoughts are with them today and I hope this outcome can help them in moving forward.

The levels of depravity shown in this case are extremely rare in Scotland and the courage of the victims was essential in securing this conviction.

The NSPCC described the case as deeply disturbing. A spokesman told The Independent: It is heart-breaking that these children were exposed to and suffered such horrendous physical, sexual and emotional abuse over many years.

It is vital that the victims in this shocking case receive the specialist support and treatment they need to address the impact of this sustained abuse so they can move forwards with their lives.

It is so important that anyone who is worried about a childs welfare or safety speaks out about their concerns. People can contact the local authority, the police or the NSPCC Helpline.

Anyone who is concerned that a child has experienced sexual or physical abuse or neglect can contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or send an email to help@nspcc.org.uk
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Jon Venables, one of two primary school pupils convicted over the abduction and murder of toddler James Bulger 30 years ago, is taking part in a parole hearing that could grant him his freedom.

Venables was jailed alongside accomplice Robert Thompson on 24 November 1993, in one of the most notorious crimes in British history. Both boys, aged 11 at the time, were released under new identities in June 2001.

While Thompson has rarely been heard from since, Venables was arrested for affray and cocaine possession in late 2008. He was recalled to prison in March 2010 when images of child abuse were discovered on his personal computer. He was released in July 2013 only to be recalled again in November 2017 for the same offence. He was most recently given a parole review in September 2020 that ended in rejection.

Bulgers family will not be allowed to attend this weeks closed-door hearings but their victim impact statements will be read aloud and taken into consideration during the two-day session on Tuesday and Wednesday.

In an interview with The Mirror on Sunday, James mother Denise Bulger was asked whether she hoped Venables would be kept behind bars.

I have to have hope, she replied. I believe parole bosses will see what this man is capable of, what he could inflict on society. If his parole is rejected, we will rejoice. Its been such a long journey. James deserves that justice.

The infamous CCTV still of Jon Venables and Robert Thompson leading James Bulger away (PA)

On the last day of his young life, two-year-old James been out with his mother at the Strand shopping centre, in Bootle, Merseyside.

As she placed an order at a butchers shop, she believed James was by her side when she was being served  but when she looked down, he was gone, as the subsequent murder trial at Preston Crown Court heard.

Two minutes later, school truants Venables and Thompson were captured on CCTV leading her son away, hand in hand.

We see James being led away by the two killers, David Wilson, emeritus professor of criminology at Birmingham City University, told The Independent in 2017 as he reviewed the footage. For all the world it looked like an innocent setting. The fact that there is a visual image about what was going to happen to that little boy, I think, was the beginning of allowing that crime to seep into our consciousness in a way that other crimes did not.

Meandering across Liverpool, the boys were seen by 38 people, subsequently dubbed the Liverpool 38 by the tabloids. Most assumed James was Venables and Thompsons younger brother. A couple of people challenged them but the boys assured their inquisitors they were taking James to a nearby police station.

There is a community or public witnessing of what was happening and being disquieted about it, but for various reasons not being able to prevent what was about to happen, Professor Wilson recalled.

Police mugshots of Jon Venables and Robert Thompson (AFP/Getty)

Venables and Thompson betrayed only one moment of hesitation, when they faced the Walton Lane police station, but quickly continued on their way, leading the toddler up a steep bank towards a railway line.

There, the boys threw blue modelling paint, which they had earlier stolen, into Jamess left eye. They kicked and stamped on him, threw bricks and stones at him and placed batteries in his mouth. Finally, they dropped a 22lb iron bar onto the toddlers head, causing 10 skull fractures. Then they laid him across the railway tracks, weighing his head down with rubble in the hope that his death would appear to be an accident.

Home Office pathologist Dr Alan Williams would later testify that he counted 22 bruises, splits and grazes on Jamess face and head and 20 more wounds on his body. He was unable to determine which had been the fatal blow.

In the immediate aftermath of his disappearance, police scoured the area and examined the CCTV footage. When they pinpointed the moment James was taken, they released the still images from it, which would become forever associated with the crime.

Denise and her husband Ralph made an emotional appeal for their sons return but, two days after his disappearance, the toddlers body was found, just 200 yards from the police station.

The biggest thing, Detective Superintendent Albert Kirkby, who led the investigation, later told The Liverpool Echo, was having to accept the possibility that the people who had murdered James were going to be very young.

We thought, from what happened with the body, that it had to be the work of an adult. It was very difficult to get our minds around that potential situation that we could be dealing with two young boys.

Denise Fergus, the mother of murdered toddler James Bulger, outside the Old Bailey in London (Jonathan Brady/PA)

A combination of the footage and various sightings led them to Venables and Thompson.

His colleague Detective Sergeant Phil Roberts told The Powys County Times that Thompsons brother said they had just been to lay flowers at a memorial for James just before Thompson was arrested.

When I heard that, the first thing I thought was it cant be him, DS Roberts said. He totally denied everything. He never showed any remorse during any stage of the interview. I understand Venables did.

He acted whiter-than-white in interview and in many ways he was very clever in a conniving, streetwise sort of way, but in the end he shot himself in the foot by giving me a detailed account of what James Bulger was wearing.

This is where we thought weve got him because no 10-year-old would remember what he was wearing in such detail unless they had reason to.

Officers charged the boys with murder six days after James disappeared.

As The Independents Bryan Appleyard reported from South Sefton Magistrates Court in Bootle on 22 February that year, violent scenes erupted as huge crowds gathered outside.

'I Let Him Go' Denise Ferguss book about her son (Blink Publishing)

Kill the bastards, they cried. A life for a life. Photographs the next day showed distorted faces, arms flung wide in anguish and fury. Theyve got to take out their frustration on someone, a policeman told Appleyard at the scene. You can understand it.

The crowds fury had been whipped up by tabloid newspapers and politicians. Then-prime minister John Major, for one, had responded to the crime by saying that society needed to condemn a little more, and understand a little less.

There would be similar violent scenes outside Preston Crown Court that November, with abuse screamed at the police, press and any passing vans that might contain the defendants.

Everybody tended to think Thompson was the ringleader, just by looking at him in court, said the author Blake Morrison, who covered the trial and eventually wrote a book about it called As If. He seemed much tougher. He stared out journalists, whereas Venables was very emotional and cried. He seemed the weaker. But that was just the perception in an adult court.

We know that Venables had a temper and had been known to lose control and had done some pretty weird things, so in reality I think it is just as likely that he was the instigator.

Following the 17-day trial, presiding judge Sir Michael Morland bowed to public pressure and named the boys, who until then had only been known as Boy A and Boy B. He said they were guilty of unparalleled evil and barbarity, before ordering their incarceration, with a minimum tariff of eight years.

The Devil Himself Couldnt Have Made A Better Job of Two Fiends, The Suns headline read the next day.

How Do You Feel Now, You Little Bastards? The Daily Star asked.

James Bulger's father weeps as he begs to keep killer Jon Venables in prison in a TV interview (TalkTV)

A Daily Mirror headline called Venables and Thompson Freaks of Nature.

I think the fact that they were given names made a big difference If they hadnt been there just couldnt be as much to write and speculate on, said Morrison.

It is very unusual to have children murdering children so the rarity factor was one thing, he continued, attempting to explain the public fascination with the case, which endures 30 years on.

When you have got two people who are involved in a crime, especially two so young, inevitably there is psychological speculation. There is with any murderer, but there is an increased amount of it because you are thinking: Was one of them the ringleader or the other one? You wonder how the chemistry between them worked.

The fact that Thompson and Venables were held back for a year in school because they had August birthdays and they werent performing well meant they formed a team together, Morrison said. There was resentment of younger siblings in both cases, which made them not people to trust with a small child.

The case would take a personal toll on Ralph and Denise, who separated the year after the murder, in 1994. Denise would go on to marry electrician Stuart Fergus in 1998. The pair have three children together and she set up the James Bulger Memorial Trust in her murdered sons name.

Venables has had subsequent run ins with the law

Ralph eventually settled with partner Natalie McDermott. They had a baby daughter in 2013.

Blake Morrison has since likened the place held by James Bulgers killers in the British publics imagination to that occupied by such ghouls as Peter Sutcliffe, the Moors Murderers and Fred and Rosemary West.

I dont think we have learnt a lot, he said in 2017. The fact is that at 10, the age of criminal responsibility remains shockingly low, which puts us way out of line with other countries in the world, certainly those in Europe.

If there was a similar crime today, Im not sure weve learnt enough to deal with the kind of vilification and demonisation, and whether weve learnt that children in a courtroom with an international media presence isnt the right way to go about looking at that crime, drawing the consequences and deciding on treatment.

There isnt much reason to feel things have changed or weve learnt our lessons or weve become better. There are few measures that have been put in place to protect children like appearing on screen, but we havent learnt enough.
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A murder victim dubbed the woman with the flower tattoo has been identified after 31 years following an international appeal for information.

The body of a woman was found against a grate in a river in Antwerp, Belgium on June 3, 1992, with evidence showing she had been murdered.

She remained unidentified for more than three decades, despite having a tattoo on her left forearm of a black flower with green leaves and with RNick written underneath.

Belgian, Dutch and German police launched a joint appeal with Interpol in May, Operation Identify Me, attempting to identify 22 women who are believed to have been murdered.

The appeal led to the identification of Rita Roberts, after a family member saw details of her distinctive tattoo and contacted police.

Ms Roberts, who moved to Antwerp from Cardiff in February 1992 when she was 31, last had contact with her relatives via a postcard sent in May that year.

Her family said in a statement: The news was shocking and heartbreaking. Our passionate, loving and free-spirited sister was cruelly taken away.

There are no words to truly express the grief we felt at that time, and still feel today.

Whilst the news has been difficult to process, we are incredibly grateful to have uncovered what happened to Rita.

We miss her deeply but are thankful for the excellent support and care of Belgium Missing Persons, Antwerp Police, Interpol and Durham Police in the UK.

This cross-border collaboration has given a missing girl back her identity, and enabled the family to know she is at rest.

The woman found in the river was wearing a t-shirt and dark blue Adidas training trousers ( )

Belgian police are appealing for anyone with information about the circumstances surrounding her death to get in touch via the Interpol website.

The statement from her family continued: Rita was a beautiful person who adored travelling. She loved her family, especially her nephews and nieces, and always wanted to have a family of her own.

She had the ability to light up a room, and wherever she went, she was the life and soul of the party. We hope that wherever she is now, she is at peace.

Interpol secretary general Jurgen Stock said: After 31 years an unidentified murdered woman has been given her name back and some closure has been brought to her family. Such cases underline the vital need to connect police worldwide, especially when missing persons are involved.
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Rishi Sunak will assemble his new-look Cabinet featuring Lord David Cameron for their first meeting after the sacking of Suella Braverman in a dramatic reshuffle that triggered anger on the Tory right.

In a major gamble to revive his electoral fortunes, the Prime Minister gave the former leader a peerage to bring him back from the political wilderness and promoted loyalists to the top team.

Lord Cameron will be back around the Cabinet table on Tuesday for the first time since he stood down as prime minister and quit as an MP after losing the Brexit referendum in 2016.

He admitted such a return is not usual but said he wants to support Mr Sunak through a difficult job at a hard time.

The reshuffle  launched after Mr Sunak sacked Mrs Braverman as home secretary  risked inflaming the rift in the Conservative Party.

Former minister Dame Andrea Jenkyns submitted a furious letter of no confidence in Mr Sunak to the Tory backbench 1922 Committee as a result of the decision.

Deputy Tory chairman Lee Anderson was among hardline MPs at a Commons meeting where concerns were shared about Mrs Bravermans ousting after she accused the police of bias.

Tensions could be further ramped up on Wednesday, when the Supreme Court hands down its judgment on the Rwanda asylum policy central to Mr Sunaks promise to stop the boats crossing the Channel.

Mrs Braverman, who warned she will have more to say in due course, could add to pressure by championing leaving the European Court of Human Rights if the Government loses the appeal.

In a foreign policy speech to the Lord Mayors Banquet in Londons Guildhall, Mr Sunak vowed to stand up for tolerance and free speech as conflicts overseas create division at home.

James Cleverly was appointed Home Secretary as he was moved from the Foreign Office to make way for Lord Cameron, while promotions included Victoria Atkins to Health Secretary and Laura Trott to Treasury Chief Secretary.

In a conciliatory move to the Tory right, GB News presenter and former work and pensions secretary Esther McVey was brought back into Government as a minister without portfolio.

In another sign Mr Sunak is looking ahead to the election, Richard Holden replaced Greg Hands as Conservative Party chairman following a string of by-election losses and a mauling in council contests during his nine months in charge.

Mr Sunak continued reshuffling the junior ranks on Monday evening and is expected to make a few more alterations on Tuesday.

Conservative former Cabinet minister Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg said the reshuffle would not help win the Tories the next election, suggesting it will benefit the Reform party founded by Nigel Farage.

The MP told BBC Newsnight: The Champagne will be flowing in the Reform party headquarters tonight after whats been done today.

Lord Camerons appointment was a massive shock in Westminster not just because of the rare return of a former prime minister to Government but because of his past closeness with China.

He has also been critical of Mr Sunaks scrapping of the northern leg of HS2 in a conference speech in which the Prime Minister distanced himself from the legacy of his predecessors.

Lord Cameron also faces questions over the Greensill affair, in which he privately lobbied ministers in an attempt to win Greensill Capital access to an emergency coronavirus loan scheme.

The Commons Treasury Committee said the former MP displayed a significant lack of judgment, but cleared him of breaching lobbying rules.

In his first interview since returning to frontline politics, Lord Cameron said he believes that is all dealt with and in the past as he said he has quit all his roles.

I now have one job, as Britains Foreign Secretary, he told broadcasters.

No 10 stressed that the Cabinet should always speak with one voice in highlighting the importance of collective responsibility binding ministers and explaining Mrs Bravermans sacking.

She had made inflammatory comments suggesting homelessness is sometimes a lifestyle choice and wrote an unauthorised newspaper article criticising the way police have handled pro-Palestinian mobs.

Mr Sunaks press secretary rejected tick-box diversity after the reshuffle left the four great offices of state being held by privately-educated men for the first time since the Tories 2010 election win.
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Veteran Tory MP Esther McVey has been given the unofficial title of minister for common sense after Rishi Sunaks reshuffle on Monday.

Officially a minister at the Cabinet Office, the MP for Tatton, in Cheshire, was the most prominent appointment from the right wing of the Conservative Party in a reshuffle that saw that factions standard bearer, Suella Braverman, sacked from the Home Office.

Her exact responsibilities have not yet been set out, with new party chairman Richard Holden telling Times Radio she was there to represent a part of that broad panoply of opinion that the Conservative Party represent.

Described as a plain-speaking northerner, she appears to have been brought in with a brief to tackle woke issues in Whitehall.

One of her priorities could be cutting the number of diversity officers in the Civil Service.

In December 2022, Ms McVey was one of 40 Tory MPs to sign a letter endorsing a Conservative Way Forward report that argued cutting diversity and inclusion officers could save the taxpayer more than 500 million and get back one million working days lost to diversity training.

The report also claimed the Government was supporting politically motivated and anti-British campaigns to the tune of 7 billion a year, and called for a review of spending on woke causes.

More broadly, Ms McVeys record suggests she will provide a right-wing voice at the cabinet table on a number of issues.

In 2019, she launched the Blue Collar Conservatives group with backing from former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith. Although the group has been less active since 2020, its principles include commitments to free speech and tax cuts that will resonate with backers of Suella Braverman.

She has subsequently lent her name to other causes, including signing a letter from 43 MPs in July that called for the phasing out of internal combustion engine vehicles to be pushed back to 2035.

Ms McVey was also an outspoken critic of Covid lockdowns, describing them as imposing Communist-style control over the public, and she chairs the all-party group on pandemic response and recovery which has been backed by lockdown-sceptic organisation Collateral Global.

Away from Parliament, Ms McVey has been a regular presenter on GB News alongside her husband, fellow MP Philip Davies, and has frequently hosted anti-lockdown figures on her show. Earlier this year, the pair were found to have broken Ofcom rules on impartiality during an interview with Chancellor Jeremy Hunt.

She has had to give up her paid TV presenting role as it is not compatible with being a minister.

But she is likely to remain a regular on the airwaves, giving the Governments view on issues as a minister.

Asked about her role as minister for common sense, the Prime Ministers official spokesman told reporters that was not her public title.

Pressed on whether her title was the minister for the war on woke, the spokesman said: Again, happy to repeat she is the minister without portfolio in the Cabinet Office.
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Some Irish citizens may be able to leave Gaza on Wednesday amid a complex situation, it has been indicated.

It comes as Irelands deputy premier Micheal Martin travels to Egypt where the Rafah crossing is located.

Up to 40 Irish citizens are understood to be in the territory amid Israeli attacks following a Hamas incursion into Israel in October, which resulted in killings and kidnappings.

The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs said it understands that some Irish citizens may be listed for a departure from Gaza tomorrow.

It added: We continue to remain in contact with our citizens in Gaza as this complex situation evolves.

Irish president Michael D Higgins met on Tuesday with the families of a number of hostages currently being held in Gaza.

Those in attendance at the meeting included Thomas and Natali Hand, father and sister of eight-year-old Irish-Israeli child Emily Hand; and Maya Lambroso, Tal Yeshurun and Eylon Keshet, representing a number of families of those being held as hostages, as well as the Ambassador of Israel to Ireland Dana Erlich.

Mr Higgins said the welfare of all children and civilians in Israel and Gaza should be in the forefront of all of minds at this time.

What the families are going through in terms of anxiety and apprehension must be near unbearable, including in Emily Hands case that her father and sister know that she will be celebrating her ninth birthday while being held hostage, he said.

In our meeting, we discussed what actions can be taken to help ensure the safe return of the hostages to their families.

To this end, I once again call for the unconditional release of all hostages currently being held in Gaza. I further echo the call which the families have made that the Red Cross/Red Crescent, or another appropriate organisation, must be given such access to the hostages as will enable their present position to be affirmed. I have assured the families that I will relay the importance of this request to the Irish Government.

Earlier Tanaiste Micheal Martin pledged the government will leave no stone unturned in their efforts to return an Irish-Israeli girl to her family.

Mr Martin met Emilys father Tom in Dublin on Tuesday afternoon.

Everyone in Ireland feels the deepest sympathy for Thomas and all the Hand family, given the horrific and traumatic ordeal they are currently experiencing, he said.

Emily will turn nine on Friday This brilliant and talented young girl needs to be returned to her family immediately.

My department will leave no stone unturned in pursuing that outcome.

He added: We have been engaging intensively internationally through political, official and security channels in a bid to secure Emilys safe return.

Later this week, I will be raising Emilys case in all appropriate meetings during my visit to Israel, Egypt and the occupied Palestinian territory.

All our thoughts are with Emily and her family at this profoundly difficult time. All hostages in Gaza should be released immediately and unconditionally.

Speaking on RTE Radio, Irish premier Leo Varadkar said it was important not to forget Emilys case.

The Taoiseach said he met Ms Erlich about Irish citizens who wished to leave Gaza and was told that it is not the case that Israel is refusing to let Irish citizens leave.

Im very conscious that we have citizens in Gaza, Im very conscious that theres a young Irish girl, nine years old this week, Emily Hand, who is being held by Hamas as a hostage in Gaza, lets not forget her, he told RTE Radio.

Very conscious that we have 400 Irish troops on the Israeli border in Golan, in southern Lebanon. Their safety is paramount to me and in everything we do and say, were bearing all of those things very much in mind.

He said that the situation in Gaza is deteriorating rapidly, and a ceasefire should be put in place and adhered to by all sides.

He said that Hamas cannot be blamed for violence in the West Bank, which he said was significant that it had been raised as an issue by British PM Rishi Sunak, an ally of Israel.

He said Ireland would not change its position in calling for a humanitarian ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
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The UK has announced sanctions against four Hamas leaders and two of the militant groups financiers in one of David Camerons first moves as Foreign Secretary.

Yahya Sinwar, Muhammed Deif, Marwan Issa, Musa Dudin, Abdelbasit Hamza and Nabil Chouman have been made subject to travel bans, asset freezes and arms embargoes that prohibit the sale of weapons to any of the individuals, the Foreign Office said.

The action is co-ordinated with the US and aimed at disrupting operations even if the leaders are pulling the strings from outside of Gaza, the department said.

The Palestinian people are victims of Hamas too Lord Cameron

Former prime minister Lord Cameron said: We will continue to use every tool at our disposal to disrupt the abhorrent activity of this terrorist organisation, working with the United States and our other allies, making it harder for them to operate and isolating them on the world stage.

The Palestinian people are victims of Hamas too. We stand in solidarity with them and will continue to support humanitarian pauses to allow significantly more lifesaving aid to reach Gaza.

Sinwar, Deif and Issa are all senior leaders of Hamas while Dudin is a West Bank-based Hamas official and Hamza and Chouman are both financiers, the Foreign Office said.

The US also sanctioned Akram al-Ajouri, a leader of Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ).

US secretary of state Antony Blinken said: Irans support, primarily through its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, enables Hamas and PIJs terrorist activities, including through the transfer of funds and the provision of both weapons and operational training. Iran has trained PIJ fighters to produce and develop missiles in Gaza while also funding groups that provide financial support to PIJ-affiliated fighters.

We are taking these actions in co-ordination with the United Kingdom to protect the international financial system from abuse by Hamas and its enablers. We will continue to work with our partners and allies to disrupt Hamass terrorist financing channels.
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On November 14, as a Lynk & Co 08 EM-P smoothly descended from the production line at the Yuyao factory, it marked a significant milestone for the Lynk & Co brand  the production of its one millionth vehicle.

Photo credit: Lynk & Co

Notably, from the launch of the first Lynk & Co 01's limited edition in 2017 to the recent production of the Lynk & Co 08 EM-P, this remarkable accomplishment has been achieved in less than six years.

Going on sale on Sept. 8, the Lynk & Co 08 comes with five trim levels, which are priced between 208,800 yuan and 288,000 yuan.





Lynk & Co 08; Photo credit: Lynk & Co

When it comes to exterior aesthetics, the Lynk & Co 08 seamlessly adopts the latest design language of the Lynk & Co family. Its front fascia maintains the iconic split-style headlight design, with a sleeker profile for the upper daytime running lights. The integration of the headlamps with the black trim strip creates a harmonious visual appeal. The grille, aptly named the "Urban Skyline Tech Band," along with the upper and lower fog lamp areas and the trapezoidal lower grille, contributes to an overall minimalist and stylish design.

The side profile of the vehicle showcases frameless side mirrors, exuding a premium feel. Below the mirrors, interactive light strips have been added to indicate the charging status with a subtle breathing light effect. The combination of concealed door handles, two-tone body paint, and low-drag wheels collectively presents a trendy and futuristic visual impression.

With dimensions measuring 4,820mm in length, 1,915mm in width, and 1,685mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,848mm, the Lynk & Co 08 solidifies its position as a midsize SUV.

Lynk & Co 08; Photo credit: Lynk & Co

Inside the cabin, the Lynk & Co 08 boasts an array of tech features, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 15.6-inch floating center display, and a 92-inch borderless AR-HUD (Augmented Reality Head-Up Display), all contributing to a high-tech ambience. Notably, the Lynk & Co 08 proudly debuts as the first vehicle equipped with the LYNK Flyme Auto infotainment system.

In terms of powertrain options, the Lynk & Co 08 offers both two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive setups. It is equipped with a newly developed four-cylinder engine based on the Lynk E-Motive intelligent hybrid system, delivering a maximum power output of 115 kW on the engine. The vehicle also offers three different lithium-ion battery capacities: 21.2 kWh, 39.6 kWh, and 39.8 kWh, corresponding to pure electric ranges of 120 km, 220 km, and 245 km under CLTC conditions.
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The rise of artificial intelligence (AI), as well aggressive state-aligned groups pose a significant threat to critical infrastructure, the UKs cyber security agency has said.

In its annual review, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) warned ongoing geopolitical challenges and AI also posed a threat to UK elections.

Published on Tuesday, the NCSCs Annual Review said the Centre, which is part of GCHQ, had seen the emergence of a new type of cyber adversary in the last year  state-aligned actors who are ideologically, rather than financially, motivated.

The NCSC highlighted China and Russia as enduring and significant threats to UK cyber security, noting that many of the new state-aligned groups it had seen appear were sympathetic to Russias invasion of Ukraine.

On artificial intelligence, the NCSC warned that the next general election in the UK, expected next year, will be the first to take place against the backdrop of significant advances in AI, which it said would enable and enhance existing challenges.

The cyber security agency said that large language models (LLMs)  the technology apps such as ChatGPT are built on  would almost certainly be used to generate fake content as part of disinformation campaigns to disrupt the democratic process.

Beyond the present challenges, we are very aware of the threats on the horizon, including rapid advancements in tech and the growing market for cyber capabilities Lindy Cameron, NCSC

At the first AI Safety Summit, held in the UK earlier this month, industry figures and world leaders warned of the potential for AI to help cybercriminals carry out more sophisticated cyber attacks.

The last year has seen a significant evolution in the cyber threat to the UK  not least because of Russias ongoing invasion of Ukraine but also from the availability and capability of emerging tech, NCSC chief executive Lindy Cameron said.

As our annual review shows, the NCSC and our partners have supported government, the public and private sector, citizens, and organisations of all sizes across the UK to raise awareness of the cyber threats and improve our collective resilience.

Beyond the present challenges, we are very aware of the threats on the horizon, including rapid advancements in tech and the growing market for cyber capabilities.

We are committed to facing those head on and keeping the UK at the forefront of cyber security.

The annual review said work needed to be done to ensure the UK kept pace with the changing threats, particularly in relation to enhancing cyber resilience in the nations infrastructure.
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A council that denied dumping homeless peoples tents in bin lorries, has now backtracked and admitted they were in fact responsible.

Camden Council told LBC News that they did arrange a bin lorry to clear tents from outside a hospital building on Friday but admitted it was wrong and they were determined to make improvements to how rough sleepers are supported in the borough.

A viral social media video sparked public outcry after it showed bin men collecting the tents and belongings of homeless people who were camping outside a hospital, and disposing of them in lorries.

Some of the employees, who were supported by police, were seen to be smirking as ten homeless people were affected with one person arrested.

Camden Councils admission comes hours after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak backtracked on Suella Bravermans plans to ban tents for homeless people as part of the Criminal Justice Bill.

Streets Kitchen, an initiative that supports people sleeping on the streets, accused Camden Council of being responsible, citing video evidence of council employees present at the scene.

Camden Council initially denied the claims saying: Camden has had no role in enforcing this eviction and do not own the land.

Nothing is more important to us than the welfare & rights of everyone who is experiencing homelessness. Our outreach teams have been working hard to offer support to every person sleeping rough here.

Streets Kitchen said on X, formerly known as Twitter: EVERYONE who was involved in that days heinous actions were at fault! @MPSCamden, @CamdenCouncil & @uclh ALL were equally complicit Theres much more we would like to say but all is now in the hands of our excellent legal support teams. This must NEVER happen again ANYWHERE!

Suella Braverman was sacked on Monday with Rishi Sunak dumping her plans to ban homeless tents on Tuesday (Getty )

In a statement on Friday, Streets Kitchen told The Independent: They are punishing people for simply trying to survive in atrocious cold-rainy conditions, which will be getting worse this weekend and now they have nothing. People who are already suffering are now tragically being punished further. Who benefits from this?

We will have to replace these tents again and many more. This wasnt a unique action today, this has been taking place regularly across London.

Councillor Pat Callaghan had promised to personally look into what happened. Im also concerned that our contracted waste operator has been engaged in this operation, she said in a statement on Friday.

Camden Council have been approached for comment.
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David Cameron began his new stint as the UKs foreign secretary by meeting his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar.

Indias foreign minister, Mr Jaishankar, shared a quip on Rishi Sunaks dramatic cabinet reshuffle that had him meet both James Cleverly and David Cameron on the first day of his visit to the UK.

Mr Sunaks sudden cabinet reshuffle meant Mr Jaishankar started his five-day visit to Britain on Sunday by meeting Mr Cleverly. A day later, he met Mr Cleverlys successor, the former British prime minister Mr Cameron.

Mr Jaishankar weighed in on the reshuffle on X/Twitter.

Met UK foreign secretary James Cleverly at high commissioners reception last evening. Met UK home secretary James Cleverly this evening, he said in a post on Monday.

Appreciate @JamesCleverlys continued support for our strategic partnership.

Mr Cameron took over from Mr Cleverly, who is now the UKs home secretary, following the sacking of Suella Braverman.

Mr Cameron and Mr Jaishankar spoke about the concerning situation in Israel and Gaza and Russias illegal war in Ukraine, according to a statement from the UK government on Monday.

The Indian foreign minister said he discussed with Mr Cameron the full potential of our (India and UKs) strategic partnership.

In the meeting, they also covered the importance of the Indo-Pacific region to global growth and prosperity, said the UK government statement.

They also reflected on the strength of the UK-India relationship  including meeting the ambition of the UK-India 2030 Roadmap, it said.

The foreign secretary and Dr Jaishankar also discussed progressing a free trade agreement and partnerships on defence, science and technology.

Mr Jaishankar, along with his wife Kyoko Jaishankar, had tea at No 10 with Mr Sunak and his wife Akshata Murthy. The minister addressed the Indian community in London at a Diwali reception.

Speaking about his latest appointment with the BBC, Mr Cameron said he decided to join this team because I believe Rishi Sunak is a good prime minister doing a difficult job at a hard time. I want to support him.

I have one job  to be foreign secretary and work with the prime minister for the UK to be as secure and prosperous as possible in a difficult and dangerous world, he said.

I am pleased to have appointed a new foreign secretary who will build on everything we have achieved in the last year, said Mr Sunak after the cabinet reshuffle and appointment of Mr Cameron.

Mr Cameron, an advocate for remaining in the EU, has maintained a low profile since exiting the political arena.

In his 2019 memoir, however, he regretted the fact that his political career is ending so fast.
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A prestigious mental health hospital has been fined 140,000 after a young woman killed herself on one of its wards, days after it was described as an utter shambles.

Francesca Whyatt, 21, had been an inpatient at The Priory in Roehampton when she was found unconscious behind a sofa in a communal lounge in September 2013.

She was rushed to Kingston Hospital but her life support machine was turned off three days later.

Francesca (far left) had been one of quadruplet sisters, who have been left devastated by her death (Family handout )

Over the course of her six months at The Priory, she had made at least 27 attempts at self-harm, yet her observation level was reduced just two days before her death.

This meant that rather than a healthcare assistant maintaining constant watch over her movements, she was assessed six times an hour during the daytime.

In a letter sent on 13 September, consultant psychologist and clinical lead Dr Adrian Lord wrote to the hospital director to say that there had been a litany of basic errors on the ward and that he had no confidence in staff to maintain safety under the observation policies. He described it as an utter shambles.

Priory Health Limited, which has a reputation for treating celebrities such as Kate Moss and Pete Doherty, pleaded guilty to failing to discharge a duty under Section 3(1) Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, after being prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive.

Ms Whyatts brother Daniel said that the family had felt helpless while she was at The Priory (Family handout )

Describing the fine as disappointing, Whyatts brother Daniel said: We believe with all our hearts that the Priory Roehampton was an environment not at all conducive to Francescas recovery, quite the contrary, in fact.

Francesca was there primarily because we were convinced by all the experts that it was the only place for her, and that it would be a missed opportunity. The Priory have the best specialists in their field, allegedly.

The court heard that Whyatt, one of quadruplet sisters, had suffered with her mental health since she was 13, and had previously been an inpatient at a hospital near her family home in Knutsford, Cheshire.

She was transferred to The Priory in March 2013, where she was placed on the Emerald Ward, a four-storey, female-only secure unit which specialised in personality disorders and psychosis.

Francesca was pronounced dead in hospital three days after being found unconscious at The Priory (Family handout )

Her brother said that Whyatt had told him repeatedly of staffing issues and the havoc wreaked on a daily basis, with agency staff frequently being replaced.

Francesca wanted desperately to leave and begged me personally to get her out of there multiple times, you cannot imagine just how helpless we all felt, he said.

In his letter to The Priory, Dr Lord listed 12 issues that had occurred in the days leading up to Whyatts death, which included the front door being left open on more than one occasion, a patient picking up a hacksaw, staff refusing to follow orders and a failure to uphold observation policies.

On 25 September, there were only two nurses with limited experience on shift, with five healthcare assistants also present to care for nine patients. Of the two nurses, the manager had only started the previous week, while the other was only on their second shift.

The Priory Group has been fined 140,000 after admitting a failure to discharge its duty (Murray Sanders/Daily Mail/Shutterstock)

Over the course of that day, staff had to deal with two women who had tried to self-harm, with the police called to assist.

As a result, other patients were taken into the clinic. One patient absconded while Whyatt was able to re-enter the building unnoticed.

She was found less than a quarter of an hour later with fatal injuries, just a week after her 21st birthday. Her sister Jessica described her as a ray of sunshine, and added: She put everyone before herself, even if she was having a bad day, she made sure everyone else came first. She was the baby of the family but also the protector.

The family said that learning of other patients deaths in similar situations to Whyatts had only served as a heartbreaking reminder of the failures she had faced.

Francesca had begun suffering with her mental health at the age of 13 (Family handout )

In 2019, the Priory Group was fined 300,000 over the death of 14-year-old Amy El-Keria, who was being treated at the Ticehurst House psychiatric hospital in East Sussex when she died in November 2012.

In her case, the court heard that untrained staff had failed to dial 999 quickly enough, staffing levels were inadequate and a ligature audit of her room which identified medium risks was not followed up.

The healthcare group was bought by the private equity group Waterland for 1.1bn in January 2021 and currently operates 290 facilities across the country.

Fining it 140,000 plus prosecution costs for Whyatts death, His Honour Judge Baumgartner said: Her death was tragic and untimely. It came about because of a freak combination of events at the hospital caring for her.

Her family described her as a ray of sunshine who had been let down by hospital staff (Twitter)

He added that Priory Hospital Roehampton had made tangible changes, with the Emerald Ward closing and reopening as a unit for eating disorders.

No fine that I impose can ever reflect the truly awful loss suffered by Francescas family, he said. No family should ever go through a loss like that.

A Priory spokesperson said: We are deeply sorry that this tragic incident occurred at our hospital 10 years ago and we would like to express our heartfelt condolences to Francescas family for their loss.

We take our responsibilities extremely seriously and, as recognised by the judge, have cooperated fully with the HSEs investigation, entering a guilty plea at the earliest possible stage.

The ward where Francesca was an inpatient closed in 2014, and we have made improvements to our observations and engagement policy. Since 2013, we have invested 15m into improving the environment, services and staffing at Roehampton Hospital.
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One in 10 mothers are forced to go back to work within four months of having a child due to being unable to afford to stop working for longer, a new study has found.

The report, by Pregnant then Screwed, discovered the majority of mothers who are reducing their maternity leave are doing so due to struggling with money.

Researchers, who polled over 5,100 mothers who were at least 20 weeks pregnant or who have a child under the age of one, found only a quarter of mothers are taking their full maternity leave period.

Hannah Reynolds, who is from Lincolnshire, told The Independent: I went back to work about three months after giving birth. It was awful. I was exclusively breastfeeding but then I had to go onto bottle-feeding her as I had to go back to work.

I didnt want to. I had to express my milk during my breaks at work. I went into working for a car dealership as a receptionist. I was missing her like mad.

The 30-year-old explained she was diagnosed with severe postnatal depression in the aftermath of the birth  attributing this to an accumulation of different stresses in her life which returning to work exacerbated.

I ended up with postnatal alopecia, Ms Reynolds added. I had bald patches in my hair. Going back to work was the most stressful thing. I havent experienced something quite so daunting  having to leave my child with people I didnt know at that stage was super difficult.

She said there was no way on earth she would have been able to survive on statutory maternity pay as she recounted how she struggled to sleep during this period and was put on antidepressants.

I felt anxious leaving her when going back to work. Im still paying off the debt I got into for simply trying to survive back then, Ms Reynolds said.

Another self-employed mother said: I returned to work after just two weeks of maternity leave as maternity allowance for the self-employed is so poor.

I took my four-week-old baby to a new pitch meeting with all men, they asked me if shed stop crying. I had another meeting where they told me not to tell the client Id just had a baby and I had to pump my milk in the loo.

In the UK, statutory maternity leave is paid for up to 39 weeks  with mothers getting 90 per cent of average weekly earnings before tax for the first six weeks. After that, mothers get 172.48 or 90 per cent of their average weekly earnings, whatever sum is lower, for the next 33 weeks.

Joeli Brearley, Pregnant Then Screweds founder and chief executive, said: We have some of the lowest rates of parental leave pay in the world. National minimum wage is the legal minimum a person should be paid, yet new mothers are meant to survive on less than half of this amount for 33 weeks, whilst their outgoings remain the same. And, of course, the cost of living crisis is exacerbating this issue.

Ms Brearley explained the perinatal period is critically important to both the mother and the childs health and welfare as she warned everyone should be deeply concerned about the degeneration and a degradation of this important time.

Simultaneously, and I would argue not unrelated, NHS data from August 2022-March 2023 showed an 8 per cent increase in new mothers accessing support for mental health services on the NHS, she added.

We have also seen an increase in infant mortality in the UK. Poverty has a significant impact on the risk of stillbirth and death during infancy. Ultimately, It is a false economy to not pay parental leave at a rate at which families can survive and thrive.

It comes as new research by Maternity Action found around half of mothers were purchasing unhealthier food and one quarter had gone without food to be able to feed their children.

The study, which polled 1,394 mothers, discovered six in 10 had used a credit card or borrowed money to get by  a rise from around half in 2022.

Researchers also found around six in 10 went back to work before they completely recovered from the birth due to financial reasons.

A spokesperson for the Department for Work and Pensions said: We want every child to have the best start in life, which is why have increased statutory maternity pay and maternity allowance by over 10 per cent this year.

Parents who are ready to return to work will benefit from the single biggest investment in childcare in England ever and were supporting those who are struggling with record financial support worth around 3,300 per household as we drive down inflation to make everyones money go further.
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The Irish Government has been accused of double standards for not referring Israel to the International Criminal Court.

Sinn Fein brought a private members bill to the Irish Parliament on Tuesday evening as the conflict in the Middle East continues.

Sinn Fein TD Matt Carthy opened the debate by quoting from two recent accounts given by doctors based in Gaza, and described a rise in the number of children being classified as WCNSF  wounded child, no surviving family.

He urged government to refer Israel to the International Criminal Court in response to cries from Gaza.

Mr Carthy said his partys motion sets out simply that Ireland should use our voice by referring these heinous acts to the International Criminal Court.

He blasted a counter motion from government, saying it doesnt set out a single argument as to why it cant make this referral, only the excuses as to why it wont.

The counter motion, in the name of Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheal Martin, condemns the attack by Hamas on the people of Israel on October 7.

It also deplored the escalation of violence in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory since then, particularly the killing of innocent men, women and children, the taking of hostages, the destruction of civilian infrastructure and the mass displacement of civilians.

It notes that the ICC announced the opening of an investigation into the situation in Palestine, including Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem in March 2021, which will cover recent events.

Mr Carthy told the Dail on Tuesday evening: A referral to the ICC can be made by Ireland and it should be made. There should be no excuses.

The Sinn Fein motion should be adopted unanimously as a response from Ireland to the obscenity that is WCNSF  wounded child, no surviving family.

Speaking for government, Sean Fleming, a Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, said ministers had earlier that day decided to make a voluntary contribution of three million euro to the ICC.

He said that contribution is in response to the urgent need of the court.

Ireland is a consistent and strong supporter of the court, and of its independence and impartiality, he told the Dail.

The International Criminal Court has confirmed unambiguously that the ICC has jurisdiction over the current situation that we see unfolding.

He said said a current investigation into the situation in Palestine  including Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem  covers war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Mr Fleming also told the Dail he was surprised at the text of the motion proposed, saying for Ireland to refer the situation to the ICC would simply repeat an action that is already has been taken.

It would not progress the ongoing investigation any further. It is not clear to me therefore what the intention of this motion, he said.

He added that to make the referral would serve no legal purpose, and could also be viewed by some as attempting to politicise the court.

As such the government is instead tabling a counter motion  (which) clearly expresses Irelands unwavering support for the vital work of the International Criminal Court.

Sinn Fein TD Chris Andrews accused the government of double standards, pointing to Irelands action in 2022, joining with 37 other countries to refer a case against Russia to the court.

The hypocrisy is absolutely clear, he said.

Voting of the motion and government counter motion is set to take place on Wednesday.

Earlier, speaking during Leaders Questions in the Dail, Minister for Higher Education, Simon Harris described the situation as the most serious and important of issues of our time and in our world today

He said he is proud of the stance of the Irish Government and that Mr Martin travelled on Tuesday evening to Egypt, Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory.

He said Mr Martin will continue that diplomatic work, that call for peace, that quest for a ceasefire and crucially the protection for Irish citizens trapped in Gaza.

Theres absolutely no doubt that what Hamas did was despicable, weve all condemned it, it deserves absolute condemnation, it was an act of terror on the people of Israel  of course Israel had a right to defend itself but that original right to defend itself has now become in my view a war on children  and you cannot build peace on the mass graves of children, he said.

It is unfortunate that a country has become blinded by rage.

The Irish Parliament will debate a motion by the Social Democrats on Wednesday evening calling for sanctions to be taken against Israel.
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Israel has become a country blinded by rage waging a war on children, an Irish government minister has said.

Minister for Higher Education Simon Harris slammed the attack by Hamas on Israel in October as despicable.

However he said while Israel had the right to defend itself, it was not waging a war on children.

Mr Harris was speaking in the Irish Parliament on Tuesday, following a question from Labour leader Ivana Bacik.

She referred to the appalling loss of civilian life on the streets of Gaza, and urged the Irish government to reflect on removing diplomatic status from the Israeli ambassador and ensuring the actions of both Hamas and Israel are investigated by the International Criminal Court.

Mr Harris described the situation as the most serious and important of issues of our time and in our world today

He said he is proud of the stance of the Irish Government in being one of the first to call for a humanitarian ceasefire, and that Tanaiste Micheal Martin is travelling to Egypt, Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory.

He said Mr Martin will continue that diplomatic work, that call for peace, that quest for a ceasefire and crucially the protection for Irish citizens trapped in Gaza.

Mr Harris went on: Theres absolutely no doubt that what Hamas did was despicable, weve all condemned it, it deserves absolute condemnation, it was an act of terror on the people of Israel  of course Israel had a right to defend itself but that original right to defend itself has now become in my view a war on children  and you cannot build peace on the mass graves of children.

It is unfortunate that a country has become blinded by rage

We differ in relation to our views on the ambassador  diplomacy is not the equivalent of endorsement and I know you know that you dont just talk to those that you agree with. In fact, all too often its more important to talk to those whom you are in disagreement with.

We have to be very conscious when we talk about Israel and the Israeli ambassador that theres around 400 Irish troops on peacekeeping missions in the region, we have to be conscious of the fact that theres around 40 Irish citizens trapped in Gaza and we have to be conscious of the fact that theres an Irish Israeli girl currently held hostage so we need to keep we need to keep talking.

We know that if we expelled an ambassador here, theyd expel our ambassador there. It would make it a lot less productive in terms of the work that we have to do.
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Labour is to put forward its own amendment to the Kings Speech to reaffirm the partys position on the Israel-Hamas conflict.

A party spokesman said the wording of the amendment would address concerns on both sides of the Middle East conflict, including the lack of action by the Palestinian militant group Hamas to release about 240 hostages and the scale of civilian casualties in Gaza.

The Opposition outfit has also confirmed it is not going to be engaging with the SNPs amendment to the Kings Speech which demands a ceasefire.

It comes after reports suggested Sir Keir could sack shadow ministers who vote in favour of any Commons motion calling for a ceasefire in the war.

Were not going to be engaging with the party political game-playing by the SNP in Parliament Labour spokesman

The Middle East conflict has caused splits in the Labour Party, with the leadership backing the UK Governments position of pushing for humanitarian pauses in the fighting to allow aid to reach Palestinians trapped in the bombarded territory but stopping short of calling for a total cessation of hostilities.

However, several shadow ministers have openly called for a ceasefire.

A number of amendments demanding a ceasefire have been laid ahead of a Commons debate on the Kings Speech on Wednesday.

Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle will decide ahead of the debate what motions will be put to a vote.

A ceasefire amendment has been put forward by the SNP and another by a band of left-wing MPs, including former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, Green MP Caroline Lucas and Plaid Cymrus Westminster leader Liz Saville-Roberts.

According to the Daily Telegraph, Sir Keir is preparing to sack those who vote in favour of the SNPs motion, should Sir Lindsay put it to a division.

A Labour spokesman would not confirm the reports, but said: Were not going to be engaging with the party political game-playing by the SNP in Parliament.

By tradition, those occupying frontbench positions are bound by a collective responsibility that they support the partys position but, so far, Sir Keir has allowed some to deviate with their support for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Announcing the decision to put forward a motion on the crisis, a party spokesman said: Labours amendment reaffirms the position set out in Keir Starmers Chatham House speech and reflects our concerns about what weve seen on the ground in the last fortnight, which includes the lack of hostage release, the insufficient amount of aid and utilities getting in and being distributed, the scale of civilian casualties in Gaza and the amount of violence on the West Bank.

Hamas raids on October 7 killed 1,200 people in Israel and saw more than 200 taken hostage.

Retaliatory strikes, including a ground offensive into northern Gaza, by Tel Avivs forces have killed more than 11,000 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry.

During a debate in the Commons on Tuesday, Labour shadow minister Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi appeared to suggest that humanitarian pauses alone would not address a grave humanitarian crisis now unfolding in Gaza, describing them as only a first step.

Mr Dhesi, who serves as a shadow Treasury minister, was speaking from the backbenches when he said: The damage to water pipelines, sewage pipes, hospitals, schools and other infrastructure needs to be urgently rebuilt.

That, I think, will require a much longer negotiated ceasefire from both sides and a release of all hostages.

At least 16 shadow ministers have either called for a ceasefire or shared others calls on social media, including Yasmin Qureshi and Jess Phillips.

Last week, Imran Hussain, MP for Bradford East, quit as shadow minister for the new deal for working people to be able to strongly advocate for a ceasefire.

Tens of councillors have also resigned from the party over its refusal to back international pressure for a permanent halt to the violence.

Labour MP Tahir Ali (Birmingham, Hall Green), speaking during the Kings Speech debate on Tuesday, later said: A ceasefire is crucial to stop the violence and to allow vital humanitarian assistance to find its way into Gaza.

It is also essential to restarting a peace process, which would secure Israel coexisting with a legitimate Palestinian state.
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Tributes have been paid to a family killed in a west London house fire.

Five people believed to be from the same family, including three children, died in the blaze in Channel Close, Hounslow, on Sunday evening.

The adults who lived at the home have been named locally as Aroen Kishen and his wife Seema, while the children have been named in a tribute from their school as Riyan, Shanaya and Arohi.

Tributes left to Riyan by fellow year six pupils said they were all crying today and missing you.

One man, believed to be Mr Kishen, left the home before emergency crews arrived and was later taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

One person remains unaccounted for.

Individual bunches of flowers for the three children were placed at the scene on Tuesday on behalf of Springwell School, Hounslow. Tributes attached to the flowers read: Rest in peace sweet child.

A tribute left on behalf of a Mrs Sheldon said: Words cannot even begin to express our sorrow at hearing the loss of three beautiful souls.

Forever in our hearts! Good night and God bless.

Another tribute left on behalf of year 6 read: Dear Riyan. I am so sorry that this has happened to you.

All crying today and missing you today. You are still part of our family.

I didn't know the family but they always had a beautiful garden with lots of flowers and a nice bench outside. It was lovely to walk past Neighbour Rafiah Dhillon

We will never forget you, and you will always be in our hearts. May God grant you eternal life in heaven.

Rafiah Dhillon, 56, who lives less than 50 metres from the burnt house, said the family always kept a beautiful garden.

The nurse said: My son is partially sighted so we walk him around the block every day and we used to go past their house.

I didnt know the family but they always had a beautiful garden with lots of flowers and a nice bench outside. It was lovely to walk past.

I came home at around midnight on Sunday. When the police escorted me into my home, the house was still ablaze and there was lots of smoke.

It was very scary. I couldnt sleep and I didnt want to look away.

I am not ruling anything out. I dont think we are in a position to do that Ch Supt Sean Wilson

A reduced police cordon remained in place around the house on Tuesday. The Metropolitan Police said the fires cause is under investigation. No arrests have been made.

Locals described seeing smoke on Sunday evening but were unsure if it was related to Diwali fireworks.

Speaking at a press conference at the scene on Monday, Chief Superintendent Sean Wilson, asked if he could rule out fireworks as a possible cause of the fire, said: At this stage, this is being investigated both by ourselves and specialist fire officers.

I am not ruling anything out. I dont think we are in a position to do that.

We keep an open mind. It is such an early stage and there is an awful lot of work to be done.

I think the police are right to keep a very open mind on this. Until theyve carried out their investigations it will be very difficult to say whether it was fireworks or other factors Councillor Shantanu Rajawat

The leader of Hounslow Council said residents immediately affected by the fire had been moved into hotels.

Councillor Shantanu Rajawat told BBC Radio London on Tuesday: We need to make sure the neighbouring properties are safe before we allow people in.

Mr Rajawat, who visited the scene on Monday, said he had been talking to faith groups in the local community.

(I saw the) incredible work the fire brigade did to bring the fire under control. It was a terrible scene. It will take some time to get into the property and make sure its safe, he added.

It was the evening of Diwali. I think the police are right to keep a very open mind on this. Until theyve carried out their investigations it will be very difficult to say whether it was fireworks or other factors.

(People in Hounslow) are grieving but we are a really strong community, there is support there.

Inquiries into the fires circumstances are ongoing, police said on Tuesday.
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David Camerons return to the heart of government as foreign secretary has sparked a furious backlash among Tory Brexiteers.

Rishi Sunaks radical decision to appoint the former Tory PM has triggered a new row with the right of the party  especially Brexit backers.

Despite advocating for Remain at the referendum he called in 2016, Mr Cameron now believes in Brexit and wants to make it a success for Britain, according to No 10.

But Boris Johnsons former Brexit minister Lord David Frost said the reshuffle meant Mr Sunak was taking the country back to the past.

Its back to the past: a world in which Brexit may have happened legally but not in the mindset of those who rule us.

Brexit-backer and former Tory donor Peter Cruddas  another key ally of Mr Johnson  said it was a disaster: The coup is complete, Remain has won and democracy has lost.

One Tory MP on the European Research Group (ERG) of staunch Brexiteers told the i they were too depressed to think about it.

Another leading Brexit backer, Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg, said Mr Cameron got the Brexit issue wrong and said his return could potentially push some Tory voters towards Reform, formerly known as the Brexit Party.

Explaining the appointment on Monday, Mr Sunaks press secretary said: We have a PM that voted Brexit, believed in it, has championed it, so thats what were focused on. Asked if the foreign secretary believes in Brexit, she said: Yes, of course. We are making Brexit a success.

Former PM David Cameron about to embark on a remarkable return (PA Archive)

Mr Sunak appointed a couple of leading Brexiteers in a bid to placate those on the right angry at Mr Camerons return and Suella Bravermans sacking as home secretary.

GB News host Esther McVey comes in as minister for common sense with a mission to tackle any woke politics found in Whitehall.

And former business secretary Andrea Leadsom  who played a prominent role in the Leave campaign and quite Theresa Mays government over the failure to deliver Brexit  was handed a role as a junior health minister.

Lord Camerons appointment was welcomed by EU leaders. Welcome back David Cameron, Dutch PM Mark Rutte said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.

The French, German, Irish and Dutch foreign ministers also sent online congratulations, while Swedens top diplomat said he looked forward to working with Mr Cameron.

One EU diplomat said it was a sign of a continued normalising of EU-UK relations. Lets hope this is a consolidation of pragmatism over ideology in our relations. Regardless of past mistakes, this might be a good thing, the diplomat told Reuters.

Meanwhile, China hawks criticised Mr Camerons return to the frontline and said he should explain and business links to Beijing.

Lord Cameron became vice chairman of the China-UK investment fund after leaving No 10, but the fund struggled to get started. He has said he has given up all other jobs to accept the role of foreign secretary.

Downing Street has said he will set out his ministerial interests in the usual way, after discussing the matter with No 10s independent adviser.

Former Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith has questioned how Mr Camerons conflict of interest with his business links to China will be resolved.

Im a little bit puzzled about this because until recently it appears hes being paid by the Chinese government to promote certain things to do with the government, Sir Iain told GB News. He added: Thats a conflict  how is that to be settled?

Luke de Pulford, the executive director of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, said Mr Camerons appointment was an incomprehensible, retrograde appointment.

Look forward to [Lord Cameron] declaring exactly how much he has been paid to represent Beijings interests since leaving No 10, he added.
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Rishi Sunaks government has announced sanctions against four senior Hamas leaders and two of the groups financiers, in David Camerons first move as the new foreign secretary.

Lord Cameron  who has been handed a life peerage so he can join the Tory government  said he wanted to help Israel disrupt the abhorrent terrorist organisation.

The sanctions were coordinated with similar measures introduced by the Joe Biden administration in the US, also targeting leaders and financiers.

We will continue to use every tool at our disposal to disrupt the abhorrent activity of this terrorist organisation, working with the United States and our other allies, making it harder for them to operate and isolating them on the world stage, said the former Tory PM.

The new foreign secretary added: The Palestinian people are victims of Hamas too. We stand in solidarity with them and will continue to support humanitarian pauses to allow significantly more lifesaving aid to reach Gaza.

The Foreign Office said Hamas political leader Yahya Sinwar was among the key individuals from the groups political and military wings targeted by the new sanctions.

Sinwar, Muhammed Deif, Marwan Issa, Musa Dudin, Abdelbasit Hamza and Nabil Chouman have been made subject to travel bans, asset freezes and arms embargoes that prohibit the sale of weapons to any of the individuals, the Foreign Office said.

The action is co-ordinated with the US and aimed at disrupting operations even if the leaders are pulling the strings from outside of Gaza, Mr Camerons department said.

Sinwar, Deif and Issa are all senior leaders of Hamas while Dudin is a West Bank-based Hamas official and Hamza and Chouman are both financiers, according to the government.

David Cameron attended cabinet for the first time as foreign secretary (Getty Images)

US Treasury secretary Janet Yellen said the Biden government would continue to work with its partners, including Britain, to deny Hamas the ability to raise and use funds to carry out its atrocities.

Mahmoud Khaled Zahhar, a senior member and co-founder of Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ)s representative to Iran and the Damascus-based deputy secretary general of PIJ and leader of its militant wing were among those sanctioned by Washington.

Lebanon-based money exchange company Nabil Chouman & Co was also targeted, along with its owner and founder. The US Treasury accused the company of having served as a conduit for transferring funds to Hamas.

It come as junior Foreign Office minister Andrew Mitchell has said the Sunak government is considering using air and maritime options to get more aid into Gaza  including through its bases in Cyprus.

The junior minister told the Commons the government was considering its options for transporting aid into the war-torn Palestinian territory.

Mr Mitchell also insisted that Mr Cameron believes it is essential that MPs are able to scrutinise his work  even though they will not be able to question him directly in the Commons.

The return of Mr Cameron  who advocated for Remain in the Brexit referendum he called in 2016  has sparked a furious backlash from Tory Brexiteers.

Its back to the past: a world in which Brexit may have happened legally but not in the mindset of those who rule us, said Boris Johnsons former Brexit minister Lord Frost.

Meanwhile, China hawks criticised Mr Camerons return to the frontline and said he should explain and business links to Beijing. Lord Cameron became vice chairman of the China-UK investment fund after leaving No 10.

Former Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith has questioned how Mr Camerons conflict of interest with his business links to China will be resolved.

Im a little bit puzzled about this because until recently it appears hes being paid by the Chinese government to promote certain things to do with the government, Sir Iain told GB News.
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Former Conservative prime minister David Cameron has made a shock return to government after being appointed foreign secretary in a bombshell Cabinet reshuffle.

Mr Cameron, who is not an elected MP but was made a peer on Monday, is replacing James Cleverly in the role as he moves to the Home Office to replace Suella Braverman.

The controversial home secretary was sacked in the emergency reshuffle after a month that began with her suggesting homelessness was a lifestyle choice and ended with her being blamed for far-right protesters disrupting a pro-Palestine rally she had branded a hate march, a tense situation that lead to violent clashes and 100 arrests.

Mr Cameron had appeared alongside Mr Sunak and other former prime ministers at the Cenotaph in Whitehall on Remembrance Sunday to pay respects to Britains war dead, just hours before accepting his successors invitation to serve as foreign secretary.

Elected Conservative Party leader on 6 December 2005, Mr Cameron led a coalition government with the Liberal Democrats from May 2010 and then a Tory majority administration from May 2015.

Follow all the latest on the Cabinet reshuffle on our live blog.

Rishi Sunak has appointed former prime minister David Cameron as foreign secretary (REUTERS)

His tenure in Downing Street ended on 13 July 2016 after the referendum on Britains future within the European Union (EU), which he had called, ended with a narrow win for the Leave campaign, prompting the pro-Remain PM to step aside.

Mr Cameron duly stood down as MP for Witney in Oxfordshire in September 2016 and has since spent his time residing in leafy Chipping Norton, writing his memoirs, helping out at the local food bank and otherwise pursuing opportunities as a lobbyist, occasionally to controversial effect.

But how can the former PM become foreign minister without being elected? We take a look below:

How can David Cameron return to government without being an MP?

The reason Mr Cameron can return to Cabinet despite no longer serving as an elected MP is that King Charles III has just handed him the dignity of a Barony of the United Kingdom for life, a hastily-awarded life peerage that entitles him to enter the House of Lords and therefore take up the role.

This is permitted because, under Britains unwritten constitution, it does not expressly say that a person must be an MP to become a minister. However, the ministerial code does stipulate that a secretary of state must be a member of the House of Commons or the Lords in order to qualify for the position.

Making Mr Cameron a peer, therefore, clears the path for him to serve as foreign secretary, although the process of formalising his title could take several weeks as it will require a number of legal documents, including letters patent and a writ of summons, to be drafted, submitted and approved.

Former prime ministers David Cameron, Gordon Brown, Tony Blair and John Major attend the Remembrance Sunday ceremony at the Cenotaph (Getty Images)

However, even then the appointment is not without complications. As the SNPs leader in Westminster, Stephen Flynn, was quick to point out on Monday, Mr Cameron will only be accountable to parliaments select committees, rather than to the members directly, because he is not a member of the Commons.

Tory MP Sir Michael Fabricant was also among those complaining that Mr Cameron wont be accountable to MPs other than before a select committee  noting that he will not be allowed to make statements, answer urgent questions, or take part in foreign office questions in the Commons.

In taking the role, Mr Cameron becomes the 15th former prime minister to serve in a later government led by someone else, following in the footsteps of former Tory PMs Sir Alec Douglas-Home, Neville Chamberlain and Arthur Balfour.

Another notable example of an unelected minister from recent history serving the British government is Lord David Frost, who was Brexit minister in the aftermath of the referendum and Boris Johnsons chief negotiator to the EU before resigning from government in 2021.

What has Cameron said  and what has been the reaction?

Anticipating hostility given his recent criticism of Mr Sunaks decision to scrap the northern leg of the HS2 high-speed rail project, Mr Cameron acknowledged on Monday that he may have disagreed with some individual decisions by the current administration but hailed his new boss as a strong and capable prime minister.

Writing on X, formerly Twitter, he said: We are facing a daunting set of international challenges, including the war in Ukraine and the crisis in the Middle East.

At this time of profound global change, it has rarely been more important for this country to stand by our allies, strengthen our partnerships and make sure our voice is heard.

Among those immediately critical of Mr Camerons appointment was the aforementioned Mr Flynn, who posted on X: Truly remarkable that during a time of huge international unrest, not least in Ukraine and Gaza, the House of Commons will not be able to directly scrutinise the work of the actual foreign secretary. The UK is not a serious country.

Liberal Democrat foreign affairs spokesman Layla Moran meanwhile cited the 2021 Greensill lobbying scandal as grounds for revoking his qualifying peerage.

Bringing back a scandal-hit, unelected former prime minister who has been criticising Sunaks government at every turn has the stench of desperation, she said.

There is not even the bottom of the barrel left for Sunak to scrape in the Conservative Party. David Cameron was at the heart of the biggest lobbying scandal of recent times. Handing him a peerage makes a mockery of our honours system. Camerons peerage should be blocked given his shady past.

Pat McFadden, the Labour Partys national campaign coordinator, observed: A few weeks ago, Rishi Sunak said David Cameron was part of a failed status quo  now hes bringing him back as his life raft.

This puts to bed the prime ministers laughable claim to offer change from 13 years of Tory failure.
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Senior Labour figure Rachel Reeves has urged Israel to show greater restraint in Gaza, as the party prepares for an awkward vote on a ceasefire in parliament.

Sir Keir Starmer continues to come under pressure from Labour MPs, councillor and activists to end his refusal to back a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict.

In the strongest remarks yet by a frontbencher, the shadow chancellor criticised Israel for failing to show enough restraint in its bombardment of Gaza.

Ms Reeves told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: Im incredibly concerned about the scenes were seeing in Gaza, particularly at the hospitals. I understand and respect the need for Israel to bring its hostages home and to defeat Hamas.

But what is happening to innocent civilians and particularly babies in that hospital is heartbreaking and I would urge Israel to show restraint  to show restraint, allow water, medicine, fuel into Gaza and into those hospitals.

She called on Rishi Sunaks government and international allies to put more pressure on [Benjamin] Netanyahus government to show the restraint that were not seeing at the moment.

US president Joe Biden has said hospitals in the Gaza Strip must be protected and he hoped for less intrusive action by Israel, as Israeli tanks advanced to the gates of the Al Shifa Hospital.

Following Mr Bidens rhetoric, Ms Reeves also defended Mr Starmers refusal to back a ceasefire  despite growing pressure from the Labour grassroots and a rebellion by his own MPs.

The shadow chancellor suggested Israel could not negotiate with Hamas. A ceasefire is not something you can dictate, a ceasefire it has to be negotiated, Ms Reeves told the Today programme.

You have Hamas saying that they want to perpetrate the attacks, that they perpetrated on 7 October, again and again and again. These are not the people who are going to agree to a ceasefire.

Starmer has been grappling to maintain discipline over the Gaza conflict (PA Wire)

More than 65 Labour MPs  including 18 Labour frontbenchers  have defied Sir Keirs position. Almost 50 councillors have quit the party and more than 330 local leaders have urged him to back down.

It comes as some rebel Labour MP prepare to vote with the SNP  as the Scottish nationalists try to push an amendment to the Kings Speech calling for a ceasefire to a vote in the Commons on Wednesday.

Ms Reeves batted away questions on the ceasefire vote, saying it was not yet clear whether Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle would allow a vote on the amendment.

Some Labour MPs hoping to engineer a vote believe it could be a cathartic moment that would flush out more opposition, and force Sir Keir to recognise how unpopular his views are with supporters.

Sir Keir has been warned that the resignation of frontbencher Imran Hussain over the partys refusal to back a ceasefire wont be the last.

Ms Reeves remarks criticising Israel follow a call for foreign secretary David Lammy for a full and immediate humanitarian pause  as the party continues to stop short of backing a ceasefire.

Last week Mr Lammy accused Israeli ministers of unacceptable and offensive rhetoric about Palestinians and condemned acts of violence and extremism by Israeli settlers in the West Bank.

In a letter to then-foreign secretary James Cleverly, the Labour frontbencher said that as the occupying power, Israel has obligations under international law that it must uphold.

Meanwhile former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn clashed with Piers Morgan on the conflict, when the Talk TV host repeatedly questioned whether the left-winger agreed that Hamas is a terrorist group.

Mr Corbyn, the independent Islington North MP, responded by repeatedly calling for a ceasefire. He later told Times Radio: Of course it [7 October] was a terror attack and it was an awful attack.

It comes as Israeli tanks have taken up positions outside Al Shifa hospital, Gaza Citys main medical centre, which Israel says sits atop tunnels housing a headquarters for Hamas fighters who are using patients as shields. Hamas denies the Israeli claim.
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Watch from Downing Street as Rishi Sunak's cabinet meets on Tuesday 14 November for the first time since yesterdays reshuffle.

The prime minister's new top team - featuring David Cameron - have been called for their first meeting after the sacking of Suella Braverman in a dramatic reshuffle that triggered anger on the Tory right.

In a major gamble to revive his electoral fortunes, Mr Sunak gave the former leader a peerage to bring him back from the political wilderness and promoted loyalists to the cabinet.

Lord Cameron will be back around the table on Tuesday for the first time since he stood down as prime minister and quit as an MP after losing the Brexit referendum in 2016.

He admitted such a return is not usual but said he wants to support Mr Sunak through a difficult job at a hard time.

The reshuffle  launched after Mr Sunak sacked Mrs Braverman as home secretary  risked inflaming the rift in the Conservative Party.

Former minister Dame Andrea Jenkyns submitted a furious letter of no confidence in Mr Sunak to the Tory backbench 1922 Committee as a result of the decision.
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Rishi Sunak believes in action not words and will continue tackling small boat crossings, No 10 has said in response to a scathing attack letter by Suella Braverman in which she accused the prime minister of betrayal and failing to deliver on key policy areas.

Downing Street said the prime minister was proud to appoint a strong, united team after Ms Braverman, sacked as home secretary in a cabinet reshuffle on Monday, accused him of being weak and claimed to have a document outlining her conditions for entering government.

He is proud that this government has brought forward the toughest legislation to tackle illegal migration this country has seen and has subsequently reduced the number of boat crossings by a third this year, a No 10 spokeswoman added. And whatever the outcome of the Supreme Court tomorrow, he will continue that work. The PM thanks the former home secretary for her service.

Ms Braverman, who was sacked after a series of controversial comments about homeless people and the police, published her explosive letter on Tuesday evening, some 24 hours after promising she would have more to say in a brief statement following her exit from the government.

Braverman accused PM of being weak in scathing letter (AP)

The incendiary letter, designed to cause maximum damage to Mr Sunak, accused him him of leaving the country in an impossible position with no credible Plan B just hours before a crunch court ruling on his flagship Rwanda plan.

Ms Braverman, one of the leading figures on the right of the Tory party, also urged Mr Sunak to change course urgently, telling him he has led the Conservatives to record election defeats and that his resets have failed and we are running out of time.

The sacked home secretary claimed she had posed her own "credible" back-up - without which she said there is "no hope of flights this side of an election" in the event of a court defeat - but received no reply.

"Worse than this, your magical thinking - believing that you can will your way through this without upsetting polite opinion - has meant you have failed to prepare any sort of credible Plan B," she said.

She also alluded to a deal she struck with Mr Sunak in the leadership contest. At the time her backing was seen as crucial to his campaign. She said she had agreed to return as home secretary  after she was sacked by Liz Truss  on certain conditions including taking action on the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR)s effect on small boats legislation.

That agreement was a document with clear terms, she said, adding: I trusted you. But she accused Mr Sunak of equivocation, disregard and a lack of interest.

Opposition parties jumped on the latest bust-up at the top of government, with the Liberal Democrats accusing the Conservatives of yet more chaos.

Suella Braverman failed at every task at hand as home secretary and now she seems determined to drag everyone else down with her, the partys home affairs spokesman Alistair Carmichael said in a statement. While people struggle to see their GP or pay their mortgages, this government is too busy dealing with their own infighting.

When will this Conservative Party soap opera end?
Judges at the Supreme Court ruled that the governments Rwanda plan is unlawful. The policy has been under legal review for about 18 months, and has made its way to the highest court in the land because of its political and legal significance. In the meantime, no removals to Rwanda have been carried out.

The first deportation of asylum seekers, planned for June 2022, was halted at the last minute by lawyers acting for the refugees and on behalf of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, who cited a breach of human rights. The deportation was then referred to the High Court where it was ruled to be in order. The case then went to the Court of Appeal, which in June 2023 overturned that decision by a majority vote. The case was further appealed to the Supreme Court.

What happens now that the government has lost?
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Sir Keir Starmer will stage a showdown vote in parliament on Wednesday calling for a humanitarian pause in Gaza in a bid to force Labour rebels who want a ceasefire to back his stance.

The Labour leaders Commons motion will criticise Israels conduct and mourn the insufficient aid getting into the strip, but it will not support a ceasefire.

Sir Keir is attempting to head off an embarrassing rebellion by Labour MPs, with the SNP likely to secure its own vote calling for a ceasefire as an amendment to the Kings Speech.

More than 65 Labour MPs  including 18 Labour frontbenchers  have defied Sir Keirs position. Almost 50 councillors have quit the party and more than 330 local leaders have urged him to change position.

The Labour leadership will put forward its own amendment to the Kings Speech to give his MPs a say and attempt to force unity, a party spokesperson said.

Labour insiders have indicated that if frontbenchers defy the leaders position and vote with the SNP, they would have to quit or face the sack.

The spokesperson said: Labours amendment reaffirms the position set out in Keir Starmers Chatham House speech and reflects our concerns about what weve seen on the ground in the last fortnight.

He said the concerns include the lack of hostage release, the insufficient amount of aid and utilities getting in and being distributed, the scale of civilian casualties in Gaza and the amount of violence on the West Bank.

Labour MPs will be expected not to take part in a vote on the SNPs amendment calling for a ceasefire in Gaza if it is selected on Wednesday, the spokesman confirmed. Were not going to be engaging with the party political game-playing by the SNP in parliament, he said.

Starmer has seen major splits in his party over the Israel-Hamas war (PA)

Sir Keir has been warned that the resignation of frontbencher Imran Hussain over the partys refusal to back a ceasefire wont be the last. Figures close to Sir Keir believe more than 10 Labour frontbenchers could back the SNP motion and quit on Wednesday.

However, left-wing Labour MPs who have pushed the leadership to back a ceasefire say such claims are part of expectation management by Sir Keirs team, and they dont expect as many as 10 to resign.

One Labour MP told The Independent that as many as five frontbenchers could defy Sir Keir, but it would depend on the wording of Labours own humanitarian pause motion.

We need a ceasefire, not a pause, they said, encouraging those who want to see a ceasefire to vote for one when the chance comes on Wednesday.

It comes as shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves urged Israel to show greater restraint in Gaza. In the strongest remarks yet by a frontbencher, she criticised Benjamin Netanyahus government.

I would urge Israel to show restraint  to show restraint, allow water, medicine, fuel into Gaza and into those hospitals, she told BBC Radio 4s Today programme.

Sir Keir and his team have been warned of fresh resignations on Wednesday (PA Wire)

She called on Rishi Sunaks government and international allies to put more pressure on Netanyahus government to show the restraint that were not seeing at the moment.

Ms Reeves also defended Sir Keirs refusal to back a ceasefire  suggesting that Israel could not negotiate with Hamas. A ceasefire is not something you can dictate, a ceasefire has to be negotiated, Ms Reeves told the Today programme. These are not the people who are going to agree to a ceasefire.

In the Commons, Labours shadow foreign secretary David Lammy called for a full comprehensive and immediate humanitarian pause  saying short pauses are not enough to alleviate suffering in Gaza.

Speaking during a ministerial statement on Israel, Mr Lammy said: Gaza is in a humanitarian catastrophe, more than 1.5 million people have been displaced, there are desperate shortages of basic essentials, does the minister agree that the short pauses in the north are clearly not enough?

Gazans need aid now, they need medicines now, they need water now, they need food now, they need fuel now, a full comprehensive and immediate humanitarian pause in fighting across the whole of Gaza now to alleviate Palestinian suffering and for Hamas terrorists to release the hostages.
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Robert Jenrick has said Rishi Sunaks Rwanda deportation plan will go through with no ifs, no buts  suggesting the government could quit the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).

The immigration minister hinted that the government was open to pulling out of the landmark international convention if the Supreme Court rules against ministers on Wednesday.

The UKs highest court is to give its decision on whether the Sunak plan to send asylum seekers arriving on small boats on one-way flights to Rwanda is legal.

Asked whether leaving the ECHR was part of the plans if the case was lost, Mr Jenrick told The Telegraph: Ive been clear that we have to do whatever it takes.

Speaking in the wake of Suella Bravermans sacking as home secretary, the immigration minister said: Be assured that as a prudent government, we have been thinking through what further steps we could take.

I worked closely with the former home secretary on a range of options. But at the heart of this is the deep conviction that you have to inject deterrence into the system.

Mr Jenrick added: We have to ensure the Rwanda policy succeeds before the next general election. No ifs, no buts, we will do whatever it takes to ensure that happens.

James Cleverly was appointed as Ms Bravermans replacement as home secretary on Monday, a tumultuous day which saw former PM David Cameron take up his role as foreign secretary.

Mr Cleverly has publicly opposed leaving the ECHR. Asked if his appointment of Mr Cleverly might mean quitting the convention is no longer an option, Mr Jenrick said: Im looking forward to working with James  Im sure that he shares our belief that we have to stop the boats.

Robert Jenrick says government will do whatever it takes to see Rwanda flights take off (PA Wire)

Mr Jenrick also claimed that the Sunak government aims to stop the boats in their entirety by next years general election  and admitted that it could not be done with the Rwanda plan.

If the UK wants to turn the good progress weve made this year into stopping the boats entirely, we have to implement the Rwanda policy, he said.

Asked if that meant no crossings in the English Channel, he said: Thats what it means ... the crucial point here is that thats why half measures arent enough. Thats where you have to inject a major deterrent into the system and you have to get the flights off.

Grilled on whether the boats could be stopped, as Mr Sunak has promised, without the Rwanda flights, Mr Jenrick replied: No.

The Supreme Court is to give its decision on whether the governments plan to send asylum seekers arriving on small boats to Rwanda are lawful on Wednesday.

Last month, the Home Office challenged a Court of Appeal ruling from June that the multimillion-pound deal was unlawful.

The Illegal Migration Act brought into law the Sunak governments policy of sending some asylum seekers to Rwanda. However, the policy announced in April 2022 has been held up in the courts, with no deportation flights having taken place.

The first planned flight to Rwanda in June 2022 was grounded minutes before take-off following a ruling by a judge at the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg.

Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg was downbeat on the chances of Mr Sunak overriding the European Court of Human Rights if the government loses the Rwanda case because of Mr Cleverlys appointment.

I think it almost doesnt matter what the Supreme Court rules now because the power to override the section 39 injunction for want of a better word has to be exercised by the home secretary. The law provides for that, the right-wing former cabinet minister told the BBC.

Mr Rees-Mogg added: So the injunction will remain in place regardless of what our own courts rule. Now, Id be delighted to be proved wrong, but I think it is made the Rwanda solution much, much, less likely to occur.
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Rishi Sunak has dumped Suella Bravermans plan to restrict tents being handed out to homeless people on the streets.

No 10 confirmed that the controversial proposal by the former home secretary  sacked on Monday in a radical reshuffle  wont be taken forward.

Mr Sunaks official spokesman said on Tuesday that the crackdown on tents policy would not be included in the Criminal Justice Bill.

The Downing Street spokesman said: "Its not going to be introduced in the Criminal Justice Bill. Im not aware of any plans for its introduction elsewhere."

Ms Braverman was fired as home secretary following a series of comments which sparked outrage  including describing sleeping rough as a lifestyle choice.

Before her sacking by Mr Sunak, the right-wing cabinet minister had proposed establishing a civil offence to deter charities from providing tents to homeless people in need.

Organisations could be fined for doing so if then tent is deemed to have caused a nuisance under the plans initially believed to have been pitched for inclusion in the Kings Speech.

The now-ditched plan  which was thought to be undergoing scrutiny by No 10 after it was proposed by Ms Braverman  would have also cracked down on the obstruction of shop doorways by rough sleepers using tents.

Housing charity Shelter was among the many charities who condemned the remarks. In a statement, it said: Living on the streets is not a lifestyle choice  it is a sign of failed government policy.

Suella Braverman leaving her home in London amid Mondays reshuffle (Reuters)

Mr Sunak and various ministers declined to repeat Ms Bravermans much-criticised remarks about rough-sleeping being a lifestyle choice, and the PM was said to have been uncomfortable with her language on homelessness.

The PM sacked her over the phone early on Monday morning. The PMs press secretary said Mr Sunak believes collective responsibility is a very important principle when asked about her comments alleging Metropolitan Police bias towards pro-Palestine activists.

But he is believed to have made the decision to reshuffle his cabinet and bring David Cameron back into government on Tuesday last week, with Ms Bravermans op-ed alleging the police were playing favourites speeding up the process.

Mr Sunak hailed his strong and united team at his first Cabinet meeting following the dramatic reshuffle, which has angered some on the Tory right.

Jacob Rees-Mogg said sacking Ms Braverman was not wise, while fellow right-winger Andrea Jenkyns sent a letter of no-confidence in Mr Sunak to the Tories 1922 committee.

The ousted Ms Braverman, a vocal champion for the Rwanda scheme, could add to pressure by pushing to leave the European Court of Human Rights if the government loses the Supreme Court case on Wednesday.

Responding to her sacking in a brief statement, Ms Braverman said: It has been the greatest privilege of my life to serve as home secretary. Ominously for Mr Sunak, she added: I will have more to say in due course.

Comedian Joe raised 50,000 fundraising target for homelessness charity Crisis UK following the controversial remarks from Ms Braverman about rough sleeping.
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The Cabinet reshuffle which saw the return of former prime minister Lord David Cameron and the dismissal of Suella Braverman as home secretary has been labelled a risk and a gamble by the nations newspapers.

The balancing act Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has attempted between the different wings of the Conservative Party is assessed in various titles.

The Daily Telegraph says Mr Sunak is gambling with the Conservative Partys very survival with Sherelle Jacobs asking if he has made the gamble of his career.

Has Sunak destroyed the careful balance of power upon which his position is based? she asked.

Well find out very soon whether Sunak has gambled with a full comprehension of the stakes. For now we can only gape slightly dumbfounded at British politics latest shock turn.

Writing for the Telegraph, former Cabinet member Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg argues the former home secretary was sacked for being right and for following Conservative policy and principles too loudly for the refined tastes and sensitivities of the Prime Minister.

He said: The sacking of Suella Braverman removes a champion of orthodox conservative policy that is popular in the country.

Many Tories will view this reshuffle and feel that the Prime Minister does not want to deal with their concerns.

The Times argues that the appointment of Lord Cameron risks playing into Labours hands by confirming the Oppositions assertion that Mr Sunaks administration is just the latest incarnation of 13 years of Tory government.

It says Mrs Braverman expected to be sacked and felt she would be better off outside the cabinet than within given the carnage that the Tories face over the next year.

The risk of a confrontation with the right of the party, the paper said, could balance on the Supreme Court judgment on the Rwanda asylum policy.

Sunaks calculation as he reshapes his government is that he has the political strength to quash any rebellion from the right, it said. If the Rwanda decision goes against the government on Wednesday his mettle is likely to be tested.

The paper adds the appointment of Esther McVey to an anti-woke role in the Cabinet was designed to keep hardliners on side.

The Daily Mail describes the reshuffle as Rishis big throw of the dice with Richard Littlejohn arguing that Mr Sunak has underscored his own inherent weakness.

Out of ideas, out of touch with Tory voters and rapidly running out of road, its difficult to see what this bizarre last throw of the dice is supposed to achieve, he said.

The Daily Express says Mrs Braverman has been liberated to become the peoples champion while Sam Lister said the return of Mr Cameron has dragged them back 10 years.

Sacking Suella Braverman and reviving the career of David Cameron has sent a message to the right of the party, and in particular those representing the Red Wall, that he has given up on them, he said.

Kevin Maguire labels the reshuffle pantomime politics in the Daily Mirror, declaring that Christmas is coming early for Keir Starmer and Labour as Mr Sunak has punctured his entire Downing Street change plan to present himself as a new, fresh leader.

The Guardian calls it a high-stakes reshuffle with Pippa Crerar saying it has fanned the flames of rebellion.

Camerons appointment indicates a determined strategic tilt from Sunak towards shoring up the blue wall, with polls showing that many voters in the Tory heartlands backed the prime minister because they thought he would be a Cameron mark two, she wrote.

In The Sun, Harry Cole said Mr Camerons return on the same day as Mrs Braverman is sacked is a big signal from the centre on the direction of travel No 10 now wants to go.

Further afield, the New York Times echoes the view that Mr Sunak has taken a gamble with another reset and a swerve to centre.

It said he had tried various gambits to address his partys unpopularity with voters but none seem to have worked.

While bringing back Mr Cameron is a political gamble, Mr Sunak may have judged the risk worthwhile, it said. He has limited time to win back voters, or possibly even to limit the scale of a defeat in the looming election.

Le Monde asked if the appointment of the former prime minister was an attempt to limit the discontent of Bravermans many right-wing supporters, by making her firing less personal.

It said while Mr Cameron passes for a moderate Conservative and is known on the international scene, his legacy is controversial  to say the least.

The Sydney Morning Herald describes his return as a gamble with uncertain pay-off, while The Australian says Mr Sunaks call to one of his predecessors was seen as desperate rather than inspired.
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Southern England has been battered with stormy weather on Tuesday as flooding causes travel disruption.

A thunderstorm warning was in place for southern England from 5am until noon, with downpours across parts of the UK.

Overrunning overnight engineering works delayed commuters between Bracknell and Wokingham in Berkshire, with slippery rails also causing delays between Nottingham and Mansfield.

Further north, heavy flooding has caused the railway station at Carnforth, Lancaster, to close until midday, while ScotRail implemented blanket speed reductions across its services on Tuesday morning.

There were also reports of trees being downed, including one in Tower Hamlets, London.

On Tuesday afternoon, the Environment Agency had 14 flood warnings in place, meaning flooding is expected, with 101 lesser flood alerts also active.

Areas of concern include the River Ouse in York and the River Vyrnwy near the border between Wales and Shropshire.

Met Office meteorologist Marco Petagna said Storm Debi is expected to clear away from the UK to the east in the early hours of Tuesday, but wet and windy weather should linger.

He said that heavy and potentially thundery showers will move eastwards across the south of England.

We could see 15-20mm, almost an inch, of rain across some southern counties of England combined with fairly gusty winds as well, he said.

A weeks worth of rain could fall in an hour or two in that warning area and you could see wind speeds of 40-50mph.

If you are in that warning area, it is going to be quite tricky (to travel).

Allow extra time to travel and keep tuned to the forecast overnight.

If you are out and about, take extra care and be prepared to see thundery showers.

A very active jet stream has been the cause of much of the wet weather, Mr Petagna said, as he warned it shows no sign of stopping in the next week.

He warned that much of the UK is in the firing line, with pretty unsettled weather expected over the next week.

Despite the wet weather, fairly normal temperatures for this time of year of 9-12C are expected.
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A lawyer representing the mother of Stephen Lawrence has demanded answers from the Metropolitan Police following allegations a senior officer involved in her sons murder case was corrupt.

Mr Lawrence was murdered in a racist attack by a group in south-east London in 1993.

The BBC has reported that a secret Met Police report from 2000 concluded Ray Adams, a former Scotland Yard commander in the section of the force responsible for the murder investigation, was corrupt.

Among the allegations are that Mr Adams was cleared by a police corruption probe in the 1980s following false evidence given by a man linked to the family of one of Mr Lawrences killers.

Mr Adams was questioned about corruption during the 1998 Macpherson inquiry into Mr Lawrences death, but the report and its findings were not released.

The inquiry said it had not seen evidence that Mr Adams was involved in trying to hold back the murder investigation.

Imran Khan KC, who represents Mr Lawrences mother Baroness Doreen Lawrence, told the PA news agency he has written to Scotland Yard to ask when it knew about the information, why it has not been mentioned, and what steps are being taken.

Mr Khan told the BBC the report about Mr Adams, 81, who denies any wrongdoing, was dramatic, disturbing and shocking.

The lawyer said he wants the Met to apologise for not telling Baroness Lawrence and her family about what they knew, and I want them to apologise to Sir William Macphersons inquiry and to admit that they misled that inquiry.

Mr Lawrence was murdered by a gang of racists in Eltham, south-east London, in April 1993, as he ran to catch a bus with his friend Duwayne Brooks.

Only two of his killers  Gary Dobson and David Norris  have ever been brought to justice.

The original investigation into his death was hampered by institutional racism in the Metropolitan Police, and claims that corrupt officers had sought to protect Norris, whose father Clifford Norris was a notorious drug dealer.

The Metropolitan Police said: A number of the allegations made by the BBC are relevant to Operation Probitas  a six-year IOPC (Independent Office for Police Conduct) investigation into whether corruption played a part in the investigation into the murder of Stephen Lawrence and the attack on Duwayne Brooks.

In 2021, the IOPC referred a file to the CPS (Crown Prosecution Service), who considered criminal charges against four officers involved in the early stages of the investigation of Stephens murder. Former Commander Ray Adams was not one of these officers.

Earlier this year the CPS announced their decision that none of the officers should face further action. This is now subject to a victims right to review and, as such, the full Operation Probitas report has not been published by the IOPC. It would therefore be inappropriate for us to discuss the content of that report at this time.

The IOPC has also carried out a separate inquiry into whether in 1998, senior officers in the MPS did not disclose all relevant information about allegations of corruption to the Macpherson Inquiry. This inquiry may also have relevance to the allegations referenced in the BBCs report.

The IOPC found no indication that any officer may have committed a criminal offence.

The Mets Directorate of Professional Standards will be writing to the BBC to request access to any material in their possession that supports allegations of police corruption. We will review such material, alongside the outcomes of the above IOPC investigations and any previous relevant anti-corruption investigations conducted by the Met, to determine whether any further action is required.
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Suella Braverman accused Rishi Sunak of being uncertain, weak and lacking in the qualities of leadership that this country needs as she said the Tories are running out of time and urgently need to change course.

The former home secretary, who was sacked by the Prime Minister on Monday, issued a rallying cry to the partys right with a call for an authentic conservative agenda as she aimed a broadside at the Tory leader.

Mrs Braverman, who claimed her support was pivotal for a Prime Minister with no personal mandate, accused Mr Sunak of betraying the country over key policy promises.

In an incendiary resignation letter, Mrs Braverman:

 Said Mr Sunak has manifestly and repeatedly failed to deliver on key pledges;

 Claimed he has relied on magical thinking rather than being prepared to do whatever it takes to stop small boat crossings of the English Channel; and

 Told Mr Sunak we have endured record election defeats and your resets have failed and we are running out of time.

Mr Sunak sacked Mrs Braverman over the phone on Monday morning, clearing the way for a reshuffle which saw former prime minister David Cameron brought back into government as Foreign Secretary.

Mrs Braverman said being fired was disappointing but for the best as she aimed a series of blows at Mr Sunak.

The nail in her ministerial coffin may have been an unauthorised article for The Times in which she accused police of double standards because of the way pro-Palestinian mobs have been handled.

She said she pushed Mr Sunak to legislate to ban the hate marches as Britain is at a turning point in our history and faces a threat of radicalisation and extremism in a way not seen for 20 years.

But she told him: I regret to say that your response has been uncertain, weak and lacking in the qualities of leadership that this country needs.

Mr Sunak became Tory leader in the aftermath of Liz Trusss disastrous and short-lived tenure without facing a vote of party members.

Mrs Braverman indicated she did a deal with him to secure her support in October 2022  which she claimed he reneged on.

Someone needs to be honest: your plan is not working, we have endured record election defeats, your resets have failed and we are running out of time. You need to change course urgently Suella Braverman's letter to Rishi Sunak

She said Mr Sunak was rejected by a majority of party members in the contest with Ms Truss but during his second campaign it is generally agreed that my support was a pivotal factor in him being installed as Tory leader and Prime Minister.

She agreed to back him because of firm assurances on cutting legal migration, inserting measures to override the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and the Human Rights Act on legislation to stop the boats, support for key pieces of Brexit legislation and the promise of unequivocal guidance to schools on protecting biological sex and safeguarding single-sex spaces.

You have manifestly and repeatedly failed to deliver on every single one of these key policies, she said, adding: I must surely conclude now, you never had any intention of keeping your promises.

Mrs Braverman, who backs leaving the ECHR, said that given his opposition to quitting the convention, Mr Sunak should have been prepared to block off the risk of human rights challenges to measures to curb migrant crossings.

Your rejection of this path was not merely a betrayal of our agreement, but a betrayal of your promise to the nation that you would do whatever it takes to stop the boats, she said.

Ahead of Wednesdays Supreme Court ruling on the Rwanda migration plan, Mrs Braverman accused Mr Sunak of magical thinking  believing that you can will your way through this without upsetting polite opinion and of failing to prepare a plan B should the justices rule against the Government.

But even if the Government succeeds and the Rwanda plan is backed, Mrs Braverman said the compromises made by Mr Sunak over the small boats measures will mean a struggle to deliver it in the way the public expects.

With a general election expected next year, Mrs Braverman told Mr Sunak: Someone needs to be honest: your plan is not working, we have endured record election defeats, your resets have failed and we are running out of time. You need to change course urgently.

In a sign she will champion causes cherished by the partys right  and with a possible view to her own leadership ambitions  she said: I will, of course, continue to support the Government in pursuit of policies which align with an authentic conservative agenda.

A No 10 spokeswoman said: The Prime Minister believes in actions not words.

He is proud that this government has brought forward the toughest legislation to tackle illegal migration this country has seen and has subsequently reduced the number of boat crossings by a third this year. And whatever the outcome of the Supreme Court tomorrow, he will continue that work.

The PM thanks the former home secretary for her service.

Mr Sunak was already facing anger from the right of the Tory party.

Miriam Cates and Danny Kruger, who co-chair the New Conservatives grouping of MPs, stressed their support for Mr Sunak but expressed deep disappointment that Downing Street has decided to give up on the voters Boris Johnson won over in the 2019 general election.

They said: Until yesterday, we held on to the hope that the Government still believed in the realignment  that they would work to rebalance our economy, reorient our foreign policy, radically reduce migration and restore common sense in our schools and universities. That hope  the project of the realignment  has now dwindled.

In political terms, it appears the leadership has decided to abandon the voters who switched to us last time, sacrificing the seats we won from Labour in 2019 in the hope of shoring up support elsewhere.

Mr Sunak held his first post-reshuffle Cabinet meeting on Tuesday morning, hailing his strong and united team.

The ministerial shake-up continued in the junior ranks into the evening, with several peers appointed or promoted to new Government posts, including Lord Gascoigne  a former political adviser to Boris Johnson  as a Lords whip.
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Six people are reported dead and at least 18 others were left injured after a charter bus carrying high school band students collided with a semi-truck in Ohio on Tuesday morning.

Authorities said students from Tusky Valley Middle-High School were on their way to the Ohio School Boards Association conference in Columbus when the collission happened. The pupils had been scheduled to perform at the event.

During a vigil Tuesday evening at the schools stadium, Dr Derek Varansky, superintendent of Tuscarawas Valley Local Schools, confirmed three students, one teacher and two parents died in the incident.

He identified the students as 15-year-old Katelyn Owens, John W. Mosely, 18, and Jeffrey D. Worrell, 18. High school teacher Dave Kennat, 56, and parents Kristy Gaynor, 39, and Shannon Wigfield, were following in a car behind the bus. The three also died in the incident, which involved five cars in total.

At least 15 students and the bus driver were taken to area hospitals, officials said, though the number of students hurt remains unclear. Out of two drivers operating commercial vehicles, one was treated at the scene and the other was taken to a hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

The driver of a second passenger vehicle was also taken to an area hospital.

The conference was cancelled after news of the accident broke, a spokesperson for the association said. Ohio Republican Gov Mike DeWine spoke at the event on Monday.

Dr Varansky called the news devastating and heartbreaking.

Right now, our focus is on getting in touch with our Tusky Valley families who had loved ones on the bus and providing support to our entire school community, Dr Varansky said. Our Trojan family is strong, and it will take that strength and love to get throughout these coming challenging days.

Approximately 55 people, including 54 students and a driver, were on board when the truck rear-ended the bus around 8.30am on Interstate 70 West close to the Smoke Road underpass in Licking County, about 40 miles northeast of Columbus. All of the individuals killed were pronounced deceased at the scene.

The charter bus the students were on belonged to Pioneer Trails, a bus company operating out of Millersburg. In a statement posted to Facebook, the business said it was cooperating with authorities to determine the cause of the crash.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of those impacted by this accident, the statement concluded.

The entity has a satisfactory safety rating, according to US Department of Transportation data. It has been involved in one other crash in the last 24 months that resulted in one injured person.

During the vigil, Dr Varansky said 20 students were transported to five area hospitals with reported injuries. Eighteen of those children have been discharged and released to parents, he said, while two others remain hospitalised with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

Some of the individuals harmed were taken to Licking Memorial Hospital, Nationwide Childrens Hospital, OhioHealth Grant Medical Center, OhioHealth Pickerington Methodist Hospital and Mount Carmel East Hospital, according to The Dispatch.

A representative of The OhioHealth system said it received five patients across their campuses with minor injuries. A spokesperson for Nationwide Childrens Hospital said the facility received three victims following the incident. One has been discharged while two remain at the hospital.

The incident was been classified as a mass casualty event, The Columbus Dispatch reported, meaning that 10 or more people had been injured and needed emergency services to transfer them to local facilities for treatment.

At least 34 students were taken to the Etna United Methodist Church after the incident, where officials set up a reunification center for those not injured.

Don Hawkins, regional communications manager for the Red Cross, said a steady stream of parents had been arriving at the site since about 12pm ET.

The nonprofit fufilled a request for 30 units of blood from the Mount Carmel Health System, according to local reports.

Officials closed the highway in both directions for most of the day while crews cleaned up the site. Around 4.30pm it had been reopened on the Eastbound side, the Ohio Department of Transportation (DOT) said. The road is frequently used by semi-trucks.

A media release sent out by the DOT said that all the vehicles involved in the crash were traveling westbound when the accident occurred. At least three of them caught in the collission.

Cameras nearby show smoke rising from the crash site. Several agencies, including the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Licking County Sheriffs Department, Ohio State Highway Patrol and state DOT responded to the scene.

A hazmat team was also on site to stabilize any potential chemicals from the crash, John Wieber, deputy director of Licking County Emergency Management, said.

The Ohio governor reacted to the news on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Tuesday afternoon.

Fran and I are praying for everyone involved in the bus crash east of Columbus today, he said. It is our worst nightmare to have a bus full of children involved in such a terrible crash, and it is certainly the worst nightmare that families and schools can endure.

A representative for Mr DeWine confirmed that the governor ordered all flags at the Ohio State Capitol and in Tuscarawas County be lowered to half-mast to honour the victims of the days tragedy.

A GoFundMe has been set up to support the families of the victims. It has so far reached nearly $4,000 out of a $10,000 goal.

Dr Varansky, the superintendent, said that the middle-high school would be open on Wednesday, though it would not be a usual day. Counselors will be on site to provide support. Still, he emphasised that he would respect parents who decide to keep their kids home instead.

Today began as an exciting day, he said, standing in front of a black table where six candles had been placed. And then it quickly turned into one of the darkest days in our districts history.

The crash remains under investigation by the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
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Since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war, schools across America have been grappling with two great, related challenges: how to keep students safe and prevent identity-based intimidation and violence, and how to maintain the tradition of open scholarship and activism on campus.

Each of these issues is complicated in its own right, and they have become fiendishly difficult when balanced against each other. Tempers are rising and schools seem overwhelmed, as US campuses are consumed with protest melees, death threats, doxxing, officials banning protest groups, and calls to remove professors for their writings.

Incidents have taken place across the country.

Late last month, a short clip went viral on social media, showing a group of Jewish students in yarmulkes and tzitzit appearing to be locked inside the library of Cooper Union college in New York, as demonstrators chanted, Free Palestine! and banged on the doors.

Are we locked in? one of the students asks in the video. Some reportedly began to cry in fear.

I felt hated for my Jewish identity, student Taylor Roslyn Lent said of the experience. Theres definitely a big difference between a pro-Palestine-anti-Israel rally, and an anti-Jewish rally. And the more the day went on, the more it felt like an anti-Jewish rally.

The encounter began earlier that day as pro-Israel students joined a counter-protest against the planned pro-Palestine demonstration, then broke off and headed for the library. Some of the pro-Palestine demonstrators continued chanting and eventually headed in the same direction. School officials decided to close the library doors. Cooper Union told The Independent the doors were not locked, and that security footage shows people entering and exiting the library during the 20 minutes that the doors were closed.

Police officers were on campus for the demonstration at the request of school officials, and were present in the library with students. The NYPD said it did not see any direct safety threat, but the encounter left some students deeply shaken nonetheless.

Cooper Union students locked in library during rally

I felt not safe, deep down, Ms Roslyn Lent told The WashingtonPost.

Terrified for their lives

On 31 October, a 21-year-old junior at New Yorks Cornell University named Patrick Dai was arrested for allegedly making a series of extreme violent threats towards the schools Jewish population.

On Greekrank, an online message board devoted to campus sorority and fraternity life, Mr Dai allegedly used pseudonyms like hamas and jew jenocide and called for the murder and rape of Jewish students at the university, whom he called pigs and animals, and threatened to shoot up a dining hall that serves Kosher food.

The 21-year-old, whose mother told the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle he struggles with his mental health and later apologised for the posts, appeared in court earlier this month and did not enter a plea.

Students with a variety of different perspectives on the Israel-Palestine crisis say campus debate has gone off the rails

Jewish students on campus right now are unbelievably terrified for their lives, Molly Goldstein, co-president of the Cornell Center for Jewish Living, told CNN. I never would have expected this to happen on my university campus.

Cornell isnt the only place place on edge.

In October, a 19-year-old was charged with hate crimes for allegedly assaulting an Israeli student at Columbia University for hanging posters about Israeli civilian deaths and hostages.

Free speech, open debate and heterodox views lie at the core of academic life. They are fundamental to educating future leaders to think and act morally. The reality on some college campuses today is the opposite: open intimidation of Jewish students, a group of pro-Israel student activists from Yale, Brown, and Cornell wrote in a recent New York Times op-ed. Mob harassment must not be confused with free speech.

Earlier this month, at Stanford University in California, an Arab Muslim student was struck in a hit-and-run, with the driver allegedly yelling, F*** you and your people, in what the California Highway Patrol and Santa Clara County Sheriffs Office are investigating as a hate crime.

The Anti-Defamation League, a civil rights group that tracks antisemitism and other forms of extremism, says it has seen a 400-per cent increase in antisemitic incidents across the US since the war started, from vandalism and assault to anti-Israel rallies and events with implicit support for Hamas.

This is a threat that is reaching, in some way, sort of historic levels, FBI director Christopher Wray testified before Congress in October. In fact, our statistics would indicate that for a group that represents only about 2.4 per cent of the American public, they account for something like 60 per cent of all religious-based hate crimes.

The FBI official also described a hate-crime investigation into the death of Wadea Al-Fayoume, a six-year-old Palestinian-American boy who was stabbed by his familys landlord in Illinois. Federal officials and community groups have warned of a rise in anti-Muslim attacks amid the ongoing war.

The threat is so severe the White House has become involved, partnering with the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security, as well as campus law enforcement, to track hate-related campus threats, including online.

White House officials say theyre concerned with an alarming rise in antisemitism on campus and have launched new measures to monitor threats (AP)

The US remains in a heightened threat environment and recent events reinforce that, a DHS spokesperson told The Independent. As the Israel-Hamas conflict continues, we have seen an increase in reports of threats against Jewish, Muslim, and Arab communities and institutions. Lone offenders, motivated by a range of violent ideologies, pose the most likely threat.

Speaking to the urgency of the threat, nearly 100 officials from top universities like Harvard, Yale, Columbia and the University of Pennsylvania are expected to attend Brandeis Universitys Presidential Initiative to Counter Antisemitism in Higher Education.

News of the US campus crisis has even circled back to Israel, where the countrys equivalent of Saturday Night Live has mocked American college activists.

Protesters on all sides said they were facing major pressure to limit their activities and silence their voices on campus. While the US has a long tradition of activism on school grounds, campuses have also been home to civil rights abuses against students, from the Kent State massacre to the FBIs infiltration of student and civil rights groups under J Edgar Hoover.

Student protest has a long history in the US, from the civil rights movement to demonstrations on campus against the Vietnam War (Getty Images)

In late October, a group of students, many of them Muslim, organised a protest at the public Bloomfield Hills High School, in Bloomfield Township, a wealthy town outside Detroit home to both a large Jewish population and sizeable Muslim minority, including Palestinian-Americans.

The school had been notified about the demonstration, which was meant to raise awareness of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and administrators tried to dissuade students from carrying it out, according to the Michigan chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). Nonetheless, the school gave its permission and offered security assistance, CAIR said.

But when students, including some who were Jewish, did carry out the demonstration, parents showed up at the school and began filming the protest, and a police officer reportedly questioned one student about why she was engaged in the demonstration, CAIR told The Independent.

The incident left both students and their parents alarmed.

Participants in the event were allegedly called into the principals office and asked questions about the protest and their role in it, ranging from who made signs to what students intentions were. Those who refused to answer were removed from school and threatened with another interview with a district safety official.

To Amy V Doukoure, an attorney at CAIR, the whole affair marked a major overstep from school officials. She said students had the right to protest on school grounds. The Supreme Court is clear that students, even public high school students, do not check their constitutional protections at the door, she told The Independent.

The school has previously been home to student protests about Black Lives Matter, LGBT+ rights, and school shootings, none of which provoked interrogation.

In fact, she said, even after the Israel-Hamas war began, the school has navigated such issues, such as allowing a student to wear an Israeli Defense Forces sweatshirt on campus and allowing other students to express their disagreement with it. Hauling in students and interrogating them about a campus protest crosses a line, according to the attorney.

Many campus debates about the war center on what counts as fair commentary and whats hateful incitement when it comes to Israel and Palestine

It seems like retaliation frankly and it seems like hyperbole, she added. The school doesnt have the right to determine someones intent behind their political beliefs. They have the requirement to determine whether an actual threat was made.

The group behind the rally, Students Organized for Palestine, said in a statement that the event had partly been to call for expanded humanities courses that would accurately present an impartial, unbiased portrayal of the history of the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories based on input from Israeli and Palestinian experts.

School officials have said the event wasnt school-sanctioned.

Parents have demanded that the students involved be expelled for breaking school rules on threatening people, because of the protesters using the chant, From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free. Some parents saw the slogan, which dates back to the 1960s, as a direct threat to harm Jews through the destruction of the Israeli state. Others say they use it to signify a call for political equality, rather than violence.

The Independent has contacted Bloomfield Hills High School for comment.

The slogan was also projected last week onto buildings at the University of Pennsylvania, alongside messages like, Zionism is racism.

Projecting hateful messages on our campus is not debate, it is cowardice, and it has no place at Penn, university president Liz Magill wrote in a statement.

The climate is incredibly tense

The tense atmosphere has made it hard to have nuanced discussions, according to one campus activist at the University of Florida chapter of Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP), the leftist advocacy group behind mass demonstrations across the US calling for a ceasefire.

The student, who asked to remain anonymous for his safety, is Jewish and has family in Israel, and is also critical of Zionism and of the thousands of civilian deaths in both Israel and Gaza in recent weeks.

He said he has seen pressure to stay quiet from above and from his fellow students. At one campus event, he was sitting near a table where a Muslim student organisation had a Palestinian flag. A stranger walked up and began shouting that the nearby organisations were actively supporting the genocide of all Jews.

The campus climate is incredibly tense, he said. There are people here who are scared. Theres rising racism, Islamophobia, and antisemitism all across American right now.

Politicians and advocates have also painted pro-Palestinian groups as material supporters of terrorism. In late October, the Anti-Defamation League and the Brandeis Center sent letters to nearly 200 colleges and universities, warning that members of the Students for Justice in Palestine group may be materially supporting Hamas, because the group frames itself as part of the same overall Palestinian resistance movement as the militant group.

Ron DeSantis has urged Florida education officials to crack down on pro-Palestine student activists, suggesting they may be materially supporting Hamas (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

In recent weeks, their rhetoric and activity has escalated significantly, the letter warned.

Florida has followed through on these warnings. In a 24 October letter, the chancellor of Floridas State University System said he had ordered the shutdown of its SJP chapters in consultation with Governor [Ron] DeSantis.

Columbia University on Friday announced it was suspending its chapters of SJP and JVP, accusing the groups of repeatedly violating university event policies and holding an unauthorised event that proceeded despite warnings and included threatening rhetoric and intimidation.

When contacted for comment, the national organisation of SJP pointed to a statement from Palestine Legal, a legal aid group that supports the Palestine solidarity movement, which called shuttering university chapters a blatant attack on students First Amendment rights, and it will be challenged in court.

Civil rights advocates have also condemned the Florida campaign in particular, calling it an undue threat against students for protected activities.

We urge you to reject calls to investigate, disband, or penalise student groups on the basis of their exercise of free speech rights, the ACLU said of the efforts, adding that it in no way approves or endorses the brutal mass murder of civilians, but also strongly oppose efforts to stifle free speech, free association, and academic freedom here at home.

Its just so arbitrary, the JVP activist told The Independent. It feels just authoritarian to some degree. We grew up learning about hating the USSR, but look at these things, the censorship in the US media and the amount of state-backed repression that is happening in the US is staggeringly similar.

Nonetheless, the Florida student also said hes seen quiet moments of coming together on campus since the war began.

A friend came up, in garb, in her hijab, and said, I really appreciate you showing solidarity because I had attended an event wearing my kippah. I thought that was an important show of solidarity.

Interactions like that show me there is a lot of positive to be found right now, he added.

Crossed the line

Students and academics who support Palestine or criticise Israel say they have been swiftly condemned in the national spotlight in a way that doesnt apply for others with different views.

When Harvard students, echoing the sentiments of the editorial board at Israels paper of record, Haaretz, signed onto a letter holding Israels larger policies towards Palestinians as responsible for the outbreak of war, they were immediately doxxed, harassed with trucks on campus bearing their name and personal information, and subject to an online campaign from prominent business executives and Wall Street leaders to blacklist them.

Ryna Workman, an NYU law student who blamed Israel for the 7 October attacks in a statement, saw their job offer at Winston & Strawn, a prominent law firm, rescinded and was removed as president of the student bar association.

Academics and activists at US universities who are critical of Israel say they frequently face unfair public demonisation (Getty Images)

The University of Pennsylvania hosted a Palestinian literature festival in September, prior to the outbreak of the war, featuring over 100 speakers, including a few guests who critics considered to be antisemitic. Since 7 October, alumni including private equity billionaire Marc Rowan, Law & Order creator Dick Wolf, and former US ambassador John Huntsman have halted donations to the Ivy League giant and called for its president to resign, accusing the school of harbouring hate.

Harvard University students who blamed Israel for creating the context for the war were doxxed and blacklisted by coporate executives (Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

I have a difficult time imagining an improved dialogue in the current conditions, if only because the levels of institutional power between supporters of Israel and Palestine are so discordant, said Steven Salaita, a Palestinian-American writer and scholar of indigenous studies.

He was fired from a tenured position at the University of Illinois in 2014 before he even began teaching classes for making what school administrators called uncivil tweets about Israel amid the 2014 siege of Gaza, angering donors to the public university. He sued the school, saying it had violated his constitutional right to express my opinion on pressing human rights concerns, including Israeli government actions, and the university later settled the case.

All of these forces  students under threat, academics feeling silenced, administrators struggling with a response  have come to a head at Columbia University, a school with an Ivy League pedigree, a population of nearly one-quarter Jewish students, and a long history of post-colonial Palestinian scholarship as the home of famed academic Edward Said.

On 13 October, a petition appeared on Change.org from Columbia student Maya Platek, calling for the removal of Joseph Massad, a longtime tenured professor of modern Arab politics. It now has over 75,000 signatures.

Ms Platek, who is Jewish and Israeli, accused the professor, who is Palestinian, of condoning and supporting terrorism, encouraging violence and misinformation, and putting many Jewish and Israeli students on campus at risk for an 8 October article on the website The Electronic Intifada,

The article, Just another battle or the Palestinian war of liberation?, analyses the early moments of the conflict after what he calls the innovative and stunning 7 October Hamas surprise attack on Israel, an operation that killed numerous civilians. The professor calls Hamas, which is designated a terrorist group by the US government, a legally justified armed anti-colonial resistance movement with a right to resist occupation under international law.

A petition is calling for the firing of a Columbia professor who praised aspects of Hamass 7 October on Israel (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Ms Platek, a junior and former student body president, said she first encountered Prof Massads work the day she started the petition and had never been his student. But she was horrified to read what she saw as the glorification of violence against civilians, and worried such rhetoric would make students at Columbia unsafe, given the already unstable campus atmosphere.

I think its valid to have different perspectives and there should be vigorous debates, she told The Independent. This specifically is talking about something that horrifically and barbarically happened to civilians. Thats what crossed the line.

That specifically feels unsafe, she added. I dont think that this is about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The Biden administration has directed the departments of Justice and Homeland Security to crack down on campus antisemitism (Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

The economics-math-political science major, who also filed a formal complaint with the university, thought going public was the only way her effort would get real traction. For now, shes uninterested in meeting with the professor directly.

I think that the moment you dehumanise an entire population of children, women, and the elderly theres very little I can say, she said. I and many people feel unsafe with somebody who is capable of saying rhetoric like that.

Since launching the petition, she said shes received numerous messages from students sharing similar fears about being on campus.

New York University historian Zachary Lockman, who chairs the Middle East Studies Associations (MESA) Committee on Academic Freedom, and who studies Israel and Palestine, worries that calls to fire professors for their views on the war are eroding the academic freedom to have vital discussions at a time of great geopolitical change.

The whole point of academic freedom is to protect people from being threatened with dismissal because of their opinions, whether or not I agree with Joseph Massad or the specific way he expresses his opinions, Prof Lockman told The Independent. He did so as an individual. He is entitled to do so. I think its wrong to demand of the university that they terminate himThis kind of stuff is dangerous.

MESA wrote a letter to Columbias president warning of a severe abdication of professional and academic responsibility and urging the school to do more to defend the professor, who was previously subject of a high-profile removal campaign in the 2000s championed by then-Columbia student Bari Weiss, who has since become a prominent commentator.

The Independent has contacted Prof Massad and the Columbia University presidents office for comment.

Finding a way to have a better conversation somehow is vital to the wider picture of US politics, according to NYUs Professor Lockman, because of Americas position as Israels key security ally.

He said: Its only the Biden administration which stands between whats going on now and a ceasefire. The rest of the world would come around tomorrow. This brings it home in a certain way. We are complicit, for better or worse, whatever one thinks, in whats going on.

This article was amended on 15 November 2023. It previously inaccurately stated library doors were locked during an October protest at Cooper Union. The doors were closed but not locked.
 Close Trump zips his lips to camera after leaving New York court during civil fraud trial

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A state appeals court in New York has reinstated a gag order in Donald Trumps fraud trial after a wave of death threats and abuse targeting members of the court staff.

Justice Arthur Engoron put the gag order in place to protect his chief clerk and others from the former presidents posts and subsequent menacing messages that have flooded his office. Mr Trump has now posted about the judges wife.

Meanwhile, Mr Trump has lashed out at globalist foes in the traditional conservative establishment for their support of his Republican primary rival, former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley.

In the firing line were Americans for Prosperity Action, a Charles Koch-controlled donor network; the Wall Street Journal, and proprietor Rupert Murdoch; and JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon, who implored even liberal Democrats to help Ms Haleys campaign to give the GOP a choice other than Mr Trump.

Meanwhile, Newsweek published an op-ed by the former president in which he appeals for the votes of young people by playing on their financial concerns saying many have had to put their lives on hold. A Gen Z voter group has vigorously pushed back on the former presidents assertions.
 Close Senate passes short-term funding bill to avert government shutdown

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The Senate has overwhelmingly passed a deal to avoid a government shutdown after Democrats helped the deal pass the House of Representatives. Now, the bill will go to President Joe Bidens desk for his signature.

Earlier, the House closed down until after Thanksgiving with no votes until 28 November after Speaker Mike Johnson failed to pass another spending bill following his enlisting of the Democrats to get through the funding package.

Texas Rep Chip Roy told CNN that going ahead with the spending bill without cuts and passing it under suspension of the rules with the help of members from across the aisle was strike one and strike two for Mr Johnson.

The Swamp won and the speaker needs to know that, Mr Roy said. Well go figure out whats next but I can tell you Republican voters are tired of promises to fight. We want to actually see change. And so you know, well see what happens but, but our approach shouldnt be assumed when theyre needed and then get rolled on a suspension.

In total, 209 House Democrats joined in to help fund the government, with the package passing 336 to 95, with 93 Republicans voting against.
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A hunter has died after he was shot in the face by a friend, an official with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources said on Saturday.

Seth Egelhoff, 26, of Illinois, was shot by someone in his hunting party while seeking waterfowl in the Bays Branch Wildlife Area in Iowa, officials said.

Authorities arrived on the scene at around 1pm on Saturday and rushed Egelhoff to a spot to be picked up by a medical helicopter.

But the 26-year-old did not survive the journey and died en route. The law enforcement arm of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources is now investigating his death.

The Guthrie County Sheriffs Office and the Iowa State Patrol are assisting in the investigation.

Conservation Officer Jeremy King said the shooting appeared to be accidental.

The wildlife area is about 40 miles northwest of Des Moines.

Egelhoff is the second hunter to be shot in Iowa since last month.

Last month, an Iowa man died after being shot while hunting coyotes with friends. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources said that 53-year-old Mark Arends was struck by a single rifle shot.

Meanwhile, last week, a man was accidentally shot while hunting in neighboring Minnesota. The man survived but officials said his hunting partner was checking to see if his firearm was unloaded, but accidentally fired a round into the victims leg.

Jamie Cook, a hunting education coordinator for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, urged hunters to take safety measures and remember the Ten Commandments of Firearm Safety.

Some of the big ones are always treating every firearm as if it were loaded and then keeping your muzzle pointed in a safe direction would be the second one. And then making sure of what is in front of and beyond your target, he told KCRG.
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A massive fire that has left the Interstate 10 highway in Los Angeles closed indefinitely was set intentionally, the Governor of California has said.

Gavin Newsom told a press conference on Monday that a preliminary investigation into the incident, which has caused traffic chaos in the city, had found malice and intent.

The fire marshall made the determination that there was malice intent... This fire occurred within the fenceline of the facility you see behind me, that it was arson, and that it was done and set intentionally, he told reporters.

An investigation is still ongoing and the governor did not say whether there were any suspects or leads on who may have set the blaze.

Arson appears to be the likely ignition for this fire. That ignition was determined with precision by the fire marshall and their teams, Mr Newsom said, adding that structural analysis on the bridge was also still ongoing.

A mile-long section of the freeway near downtown LA, which sees 300,000 vehicles use it every day, remains closed indefinitely (AP)

A mile-long section of the freeway near downtown LA, which sees 300,000 vehicles use it every day, remains closed indefinitely after more than 160 firefighters battled the fire.

Surveyors have determined that nearly 100 columns of the freeway were damaged in the fire, at least nine of which were severely impacted. Crews are working to brace the freeway deck as they repair the damaged portions of the structure.

Photos of the aftermath showed blackened pillars and and concrete patches missing from columns as a result of the blaze. Large pieces of metal and the inner portions of the support columns were left exposed.

Firefighters assess the damage from a intense fire under Interstate 10 that severely damaged the overpass in an industrial zone near downtown Los Angeles (AP)

Subsequent sample testing is underway to determine "whether or not we're tearing this down and replacing it or we're continuing the retrofit, and the repairs and the bracing," Mr Newsom said.

LA Mayor Karen Bass described the closure of the interstate as a crisis for a city already notorious for its traffic woes.

At the press conference she urged travellers to prepare for delays and plan alternative routes while the interstate remains shut down in both directions near Alameda Street in the citys downtown area.

Authorities say that the fire was reported at 12.20am on Saturday, with flames burning through cars and wooden pallets in an eight-acre area under the elevated freeway.

At least 16 homeless people living underneath the highway were taken to shelters, Ms Bass said previously. It is not known if the homeless encampments played any role in the fire.

Ahead of the Monday morning commute, a citywide alert was sent to residents phones warning the freeway will be closed indefinitely and to expect significant traffic.

Its of significant consequence to the economy, to the health and safety of Angelenos, Mr Newsom said on Monday. The impact to our schools, to vulnerable communities  all of that we take very seriously, and were sober and mindful of the urgency to get this open.
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The 17-year-old girl at the centre of the Netflix documentaryTake Care of Maya has accused the hospital that wrongfully kept her from her family of sex abuse just days after she won millions of dollars of damages in a lawsuit.

Maya Kowalski and her family sued the Johns Hopkins All Childrens Hospital and the Department of Children and Families for more than $200m when her mother took her own life after doctors at the hospital accused her of Munchausen-by-proxy.

The hospital was found liable on all counts on Thursday, including those of false imprisonment, battery and intentionally inflicting emotional distress on both Maya and her mother, Beata Kowalski.

But the legal case has now taken a new turn after the 17-year-old filed a criminal complaint with the Pinellas County Sheriffs office against the hospital on Friday, her attorney told the Daily Mail.

The complaint cites assault and battery at the hospital between 8 and 13 October in 2016.

Attorney Greg Anderson said that while she was in imprisonment at the hospital, a man who appeared to be a doctor came into her room and pulled down her pajamas and underwear and stared at and touched her private parts.

Maya suppressed this until about four weeks ago, [but] she did put in some notes to both the psychiatrist there at the time Dr. Katzenstein and later to Dr. Henschke, the two female psychiatrists that she saw along the way, Mr Anderson said.

These allegations originally arose during trial and were not admitted into the case. As soon as the hospital became aware of the allegations, and in accordance with their policies, they immediately initiated an internal investigation and contacted law enforcement last month. Federal privacy laws restrict Johns Hopkins All Childrens Hospital from sharing more, but the hospital takes allegations of this nature very seriously and always puts the safety of their patients above all else, attorneys for the hospital said in a statement.

It comes after the Kowalski family were awarded damages of over $250m by the court, which found that the hospital wrongfully separated Maya from her mother  who later took her own life.

Teen at centre of Take Care of Maya documentary has accused the hospital of of sex abuse (Netflix)

During the two-month-long civil trial, the court heard how the familys nightmare began after Maya, then nine years old, was brought to an emergency room at Johns Hopkins All Childrens Hospital in October 2016 to seek help for complex regional pain syndrome, a rare and debilitating disease.

Maya had been undergoing ketamine infusion therapy for a year to treat the symptoms, her family said.

Despite this, the teenager testified that hospital personnel dismissed her condition as largely imaginary.

She said when her mother Beata, a nurse, arrived at the hospital and insisted her daughter be given more ketamine, doctors became suspicious and contacted a child abuse hotline.

A state judge and Floridas Department of Children and Families later sided with doctors who suspected Beata was suffering from Munchausen-by-proxy syndrome, a psychological disorder where parents fabricate their childs illness.

Maya was ordered to be held in the hospital by the judge and was prevented from seeing her mother. After 87 days, Beata took her own life at the age of 43.

During the trial, the Kowalskis lawyer Mr Anderson argued that Maya was falsely imprisoned and battered, she was denied communication with her family, according to Fox13.

The jury also found that Maya was wrongfully placed under video surveillance for 48 consecutive hours, as well as being made to strip down to shorts and a training bra for a photograph.

Meanwhile, the Johns Hopkins All Childrens Hospital repeatedly denied the allegations and insisted that they meant no harm to Ms Kowalski.

Beata Kowalski was just 43 when she took her own life in January 2017 after being separated from her daughter for months by the courts following false accusations of Munchausen by proxy (Netflix)

The hospital said they intended to pursue an appeal based on clear and prejudicial errors throughout the trial and deliberate conduct by plaintiffs counsel that misled the jury.

The evidence clearly showed that Johns Hopkins All Childrens Hospital followed Floridas mandatory reporting law in reporting suspected child abuse and, when those suspicions were confirmed by the district court, fully complied with Department of Children and Families (DCF) and court orders, defence counsel Howard Hunter said in a statement.

We are determined to defend the vitally important obligation of mandatory reporters to report suspected child abuse and protect the smallest and most vulnerable among us.

The facts and the law remain on our side, and we will continue to defend the lifesaving and compassionate care provided to Maya Kowalski by the physicians, nurses and staff of Johns Hopkins All Childrens Hospital and the responsibility of all mandatory reporters in Florida to speak up if they suspect child abuse.

Maya clutched Beatas rosary beads and cried uncontrollably as the jurys decision was announced in court last week.

If you are experiencing feelings of distress and isolation, or are struggling to cope, The Samaritans offers support; you can speak to someone for free over the phone, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.
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The footage is desperate, heartbreaking and the stuff of every parents worst nightmares. Beata Kowalski sits in a doctors office  the latest in a long line of medical rooms  alongside her daughter, not yet 10 years old, whose formerly vivacious energy has been slipping away before her familys eyes. Beata and her husband, retired firefighter Jack, have watched as Maya began suffering headaches, pain and lesions, her feet turning inwards as the use of her legs deteriorated.

The doctor mentions anxiety as a possible cause, and both Beata and Maya, turning to each other when he briefly steps outside, seem sad and exasperated.

Its not anxiety, says Maya, her voice small as she sits in her tiny wheelchair.

I know, baby, I know, her mother replies. Hes just trying to figure it out. You just stay as calm as you can.

The encounter was recorded by Beata, a trained and exacting nurse, as she and Jack fought to get a diagnosis and treatment for Maya after she began experiencing mysterious symptoms in 2015. The uncertainty, coupled with Mayas worsening pain, seemed bad enough.

New documentary Take Care of Maya debuts on Netflix on 19 June

But the Kowalskis medical journey would plunge the family into heretofore unimagined depths of hell. Doctors would accuse Beata of deliberately making her daughter sick. Maya would be taken from the familys custody. And her mother, shockingly and tragically, would take her own life.

The horrifying story would later play out in court, after the Kowalski family filed a $200m lawsuit against the Department of Children and Families and Johns Hopkins All Childrens Hospital. The trial began on 21 September with jurors returning a verdict just over a month later on November 9.

The hospital was found liable on multiple counts of abuse, including false imprisonment, battery and intentionally inflicting emotional distress on both Maya and her mother.

The trial came months after Netflix released its documentary Take Care of Maya, featuring interviews with Maya, now a teenager, as well as Jack and the familys younger child, Kyle. Through tears and anger, they chronicle how their family fell apart after entering the medical, legal and child welfare vortex.

They say theyre sharing their painful story for Beata  and for the countless other families touched by medical abuse allegations, many of whom also come forward in the jaw-dropping film.

I want people to see that I wasnt lying, and that other families who are going through similar situations, theyre not lying either, Maya, now more than halfway through her teens, says in the documentary. I have CRPS. My mom was not making me sick. I just wish people would believe me.

Not even a decade ago, the family had been living the true American dream in Florida. Beata had emigrated from Poland as a teenager and thrown herself into her studies and American life, excelling at nursing school and in her career; her bond with Jack is evident as he reminisces about their meeting and romance, wistfully describing his wife as magic.

Maya was born in 2005 and her brother shortly thereafter. Beata doted on the children, working as an infusion nurse and reveling in the comfortable family life she and Jack had built in their sparkling Venice suburb.

Beata, a nurse, doted upon Maya, her first born and longed-for daughter with her firefighter husband, Jack (Netflix)

When Maya began suffering an array of worrying symptoms in the spring of 2015, Beata applied her nursing knowledge and meticulous nature to the familys search for answers. Eventually, she sought out Dr Anthony Kirkpatrick, an anesthesiologist and expert in complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS.)

According to the Mayo Clinic, CRPS is a form of chronic pain that usually affects an arm or a leg and typically develops after an injury, a surgery, a stroke or a heart attack.

The pain is out of proportion to the severity of the initial injury, the Mayo Clinic site continues. CRPS is uncommon, and its cause isnt clearly understood. Treatment is most effective when started early. In such cases, improvement and even remission are possible.

To explain the rare condition, Dr Kirkpatrick says in Take Care of Maya, the best way to think about it is the way it evolves.

Lets say you have an injury; you know that, probably in a week or two, the pain is going to go down, the swelling is going to go down, the redness and all that is going to go down, he says. But what happens in these patients with CRPS is that it actually intensifies over that period of time ... The patients describe it primarily as a burning sensation, that their skin becomes exquisitely sensitive to light touch.

Following his initial evaluation for Maya  and portions of his intake video are included in the film  it was clear to me that, because of the magnitude of her symptoms (the lesions, this burning sensation in her legs, in the pain throughout her entire body, that Maya had advanced CRPS that we had to right away get aggressive with it, get under control, he says.

Beata, a nurse, doted upon Maya, her first born and longed-for daughter with her firefighter husband, Jack (Netflix)

Weve treated over 3000 patients with complex regional pain syndrome, Dr Kirkpatrick says. And we know what the best therapy is for. Its called ketamine.

Treatments were extreme and required tough choices. Given the severity of Mayas symptoms, the Kowalskis decided to take her to Mexico for an induced ketamine coma that, while unapproved by the FDA, offered some possibility of relief. It seemed to have a positive effect, and, when the family returned from Mexico, they couldnt afford to keep up with Dr Kirkpatricks treatments, so he recommended his colleague, Dr [Ashraf] Hanna, who took our insurance and prescribed low dosages of ketamine for Maya, Jack says in the documentary.

She was getting stronger, he says. The dystonia [bent legs] was straightened out. She was unable to use her legs, but she was using her arms, and she was doing very very well ... She went back to school, to laughing and playing. We were just blessed that we were finally seeing something working. And for a year, it did.

Then  as Hurricane Matthew barreled through Florida in October 2016  Mayas symptoms came roaring back with a vengeance. Jack took her to the emergency room at Johns Hopkins All Childrens Hospital.

Maya relapsed; it came back, and it was very severe, he says in the documentary. She started complaining of pain in her tummy, and it got to the point where she was screaming and crying and begging for help.

Jack contacted Beata, who was at work, and she arrived at All Childrens about an hour after hed entered triage with their daughter. The medical care team had already been asking questions about Mayas rare syndrome and even rarer ketamine treatment. When Beata turned up, the situation deteriorated.

Hugely concerned for her daughter, intimately acquainted with her treatment and authoritatively explaining it, Beata never could have guessed that her demands for her daughters health would quickly spiral into a maelstrom that would dismantle her family, her health and drive her to take her own life.

Maya, now 17, shares her memories, feelings, pain and tears in the new documentary (Netflix)

Beata insisted that Maya needed far higher doses of ketamine to manage her pain  with one healthcare worker calling Beata belligerent in a deposition  and the demanding mother raised more eyebrows in the process.

We were told, if we plan on trying to leave, that security would be called, Jack Kowalski says in the documentary, and it wasnt long before child welfare services were contacted by medical staff. When child abuse investigator Sally Smith  a doctor with the Suncoast Center, a company contracted by Pinellas County for its privatised child welfare system  walked into Mayas room, her father had no idea who the woman was.

She came in and she acted like a regular doctor that worked for the hospital, and she started to ask questions, Jack says in the film. She asked whats wrong with Maya, where is she being treated, about medications, how could I let somebody give such high dosages, and I told her, Thats what the doctors prescribed.

She did a ten-minute interview at most  and, shortly after she walks out, the nurse walks back in that was helping me. She told me I had to leave  that my daughter is under state custody, he says, choking up. I remember looking at my daughters eyes, and shes looking at me. Im wondering if I would ever see her again.

They accused her of over-medicating Maya, he says of Beata. And they thought Maya was faking this syndrome. At that time, I said we need to get a hold of a lawyer.

They hired attorney Debra Salisbury, who also becomes emotional during interviews for the documentary. Describing Beata as perhaps a little too direct sometimes, Ms Salisbury says she believes maybe some of the doctors took that offensively. I believe somebody at all Childrens Hospital was offended  and a conflict started.

Whatever the root cause, the consequences of the conflict escalated quickly, exponentially and, upon review years later, almost inexplicably.

Beata Kowalski was just 43 when she took her own life in January 2017 after being separated from her daughter for months by the courts following accusations of Munchausen by proxy (Netflix)

As soon as I was made aware that Sally Smith was investigating, I called her immediately, Dr Kirkpatrick says in the film. And I explained to her, This is what the diagnosis is. If you want to see the objective evidence, Ive got it for you. I told her that on the phone.

She writes a report two days later, the doctor says. Does she include that in the report? No ... I told her that if she goes forward with this, it would not only be a catastrophic outcome for the child, it would be a permanent injury to the whole family.

Dr Smiths report, and the testimony of other healthcare workers, led to the courts refusal to return Maya to her parents custody or even see Beata  who continued to try to manage her daughters care and check on her from afar, causing tensions with her husband and the system. In recordings featured in the film, he pleads with her to stop any antagonisation, guessing  correctly  that it will only make things worse. Beata cant seem to understand why her rights as a mother dont trump everything else.

Maya, in pain and confused, remained at the hospital as child welfare advocates insisted she was being abused, her mother making her sick through Munchausen by proxy. It is described by the American Psychological Association as a psychological disorder in which caregivers fabricate or intentionally cause symptoms in those they are caring for in order to seek and obtain medical investigation or treatment (i.e., to assume the sick role by proxy).

Typically, the caregiver is the mother, who behaves as if distressed about her childs illness and denies knowing what caused it, APA continues in its definition. She is believed to be motivated by the hope that she will be seen as an exceptionally attentive parent, and her behavior may be an attempt to arouse sympathy.

While advocates were suggesting Beata could be facilitating  or Maya could be faking  CRPS, the hospital was billing the insurance company for treatment of the exact same disease being questioned, the Kowalskis lawyers claim in Take Care of Maya.

The hospital declined comment to The Independent about this specific allegation, citing strict patient privacy laws precluding further information sharing without the Kowalskis release of Mayas medical records.

A hearing was held in December 2016, shortly before Christmas; Maya had written a letter to the judge, begging to see her family for the holiday and outlining how she felt worse and worse. During proceedings, a lawyer for the child asked the judge whether there was any way ... she could just see her mom, just to like hug her mother?

The Kowalskis continue to live in Florida, where 17-year-old Mayas CRPS symptoms have become less severe (Netflix`)

The judge said no  and, the following month, Beata took her own life in the garage of the familys home.

I know its because he turned her down, Jack sobbed on the phone after the family discovered her body; the audio is included in the documentary. That killed her. All the way home, thats all she talked about. I dont know how Im gonna tell Maya later, because I cant go there and tell her and then leave.

Hed been on the phone to Ms Salisbury, who says in the film: It never made any sense to me why she was denied giving her child that hug  and I can tell you, as we left the courthouse that day, that Beata was devastated. Devastated.

And the one thing that I know, to this day, is: None of us can get that hug back now. That hug is gone.

Jack, Maya, Kyle and their wider family were left equally devastated.

Its very difficult to understand what went through Beatas mind, thinking that was the only way to get her daughter out, Jack says in Take Care of Maya. I miss her dearly. But I have anger here and there. It is so difficult to try to play both roles. In as much as you try, you cannot replace their mother.

Something good has to come from all this pain.

What has come from the pain is the familys realisation that they are not alone in their anger  and that their story of what they say are false abuse allegations is anything but an anomaly. Families from Pinellas County and all over the country began coming forward, some appearing on film in Take Care of Maya to detail how their own children were ripped from them.

What has also come from the tragedy is a court case  an ongoing legal battle by the Kowalski family against Johns Hopkins All Childrens Hospital.

We want Beatas voice to be heard, Jack says in the documentary. We want Mayas voice to be heard.

Maya, Jack and Kyle Kowalski are pursuing a legal battle against Johns Hopkins All Childrens Hospital in Florida; a trial date is scheduled for September 2023 (Netflix)

And it was Beatas voice  her recordings, her studious notes  along with her vigilance that enabled legal action in the first place, according to one of the familys lawyers.

If she hadnt taken such an aggressive approach, we couldnt have sued, attorney Gregory Anderson says int he film. So were going after the hospital, Dr. Sally Smith and Suncoast based on whats known as infliction of emotional distress, meaning that they knew what they were doing, pushing her towards some form of harm. So they should pay punitive damages, which are designed to punish them for their wrongdoing.

Dr Smith and the Suncoast Center settled their portion of the lawsuit with the Kowalskis in December 2021, according to the documentary. Dr Smith declined to be interviewed by filmmakers, and the Suncoast Center did not respond to request for comment from The Independent.

The trial for the Kowalskis to pursue punitive damages began on 21 September  2,530 days after Maya first entered the hospital.

During the month-long civil trial, the Kowalskis lawyer Greg Anderson argued that Maya was falsely imprisoned and battered, she was denied communication with her family. Johns Hopkins All Childrens Hospital repeatedly denied the allegations and insisted that they meant no harm to Ms Kowalski.

The hospitals lawyer Howard Hunter told the court that hospital staff acted reasonably and prudently in order to treat a difficult and challenging case.

He said Ms Kowalski had challenged doctors to give Maya a large dose of ketamine, which was not approved for children, and that doctors were also suspicious that the girls symptoms were being fostered and encouraged by the mother.

Maya, now 17-years-old, gave emotional testimony during the trial, in which she described the time she was kept apart from her family. She and members of her family wept loudly as jurors returned verdicts in their favour on November 9.

The family were awarded millions of dollars in damages.

Following the verdict, Howard Hunter, counsel for the hospital, maintained that the hospital had acted appropriately. In a statment to The Independent Mr Hunter said the institution intended to appeal based on clear and prejudicial errors throughout the trial and deliberate conduct by plaintiffs counsel that misled the jury.

While referring to the constraints of patient privacy laws, a lawyer for Johns Hopkins All Childrens, in a statement to The Independent, pointed to allegations of medical child abuse within the family that had predated their time at the hospital.

If DCF, two circuit judges, and a Sheriffs Deputy found probable cause to suspect abuse, the conclusion is inescapable that JHACH providers had reasonable cause to suspect and report it, reads the hospitals motion to obtain statutory immunity for the phone call made to child services.

There are hundreds of additional publicly available court documents that completely contradict the Netflix narrative; a narrative that has been unfortunately echoed by media outlets with scrutiny, attorney Ethen Shapiro told The Independent, pointing, among other documents, to a police interview in which Jack Kowalski admitted he would support Beatas move from the house if Maya were returned home.

A police investigator confirmed under oath that the police investigation  separate and apart from the input at my clients hospital  was heading towards criminal charges of Beata Kowalski prior to her suicide, he continued.

But other families who felt victimised by the system are looking to the Kowalskis and their case as a beacon of vindication.

This young girl, Maya, represents hope for all of us, one mother tells the filmmakers in Take Care of Maya.

And Maya herself outlines the familys determination in a heart wrenching letter to her mother read aloud near the end of the compelling film.

As soon as we step foot into our home, we brought back to reality, she tells Beata. We miss you. I miss you. For five years, we have been promised a trial. Yet it seems that the closer we get to a set date, the further it gets pushed. Even though we are discouraged, we will not settle.

We will fight for you, and we will fight for the thousands of other families who find themselves in the same unfortunate circumstances, the teenager says. The day will come.

This story was originally published in June 2023 and has been updated.
 Close Smoke rises from wreckage of Ohio bus crash that killed four, injured 15

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Investigators have said that they have gathered conflicting information about the cause of a deadly crash involving a school bus travelling along a highway in Ohio on Tuesday.

Three Tuscarawas Valley High School students  Katelyn Owens, 15, Jeffery Worrell, 18, and John Mosely, 18  died along with a high school teacher and two parent chaperones  Dave Kennat, 56, Kristy Gaynor, 39, and Shannon Wigfield, 45  when five vehicles were involved in a pile-up on the I-70.

Another 20 students were transported to the hospital following the incident.

The National Transportation Safety Board has launched an investigation to determine how the crash unfolded.

NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy said in a press conference on Wednesday that conflicting information had come to light about the cause.

She also warned that we have a public health crisis on our roads. We need all hands on deck, she said.

The bus was carrying 57 band students from Tuscarawas Valley Schools, located approximately 120 miles northeast of Columbus and around 43 miles south of Akron, when tragedy struck.
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Nearly two dozen headstones at an Ohio Jewish cemetery were defaced with sickening antisemitic graffiti over the weekend.

Officers discovered 23 headstones with graffiti scrawled on them in red spray paint after they were notified of the damage by a passerby at around 10:20am on Sunday, Brooklyn Police Department said.

The vandalism is believed to have taken place at the Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery in Brooklyn, Ohio, sometime between Saturday night and Sunday morning, according to police.

No arrests have been made.

It comes amid a rise in hate crimes and incidents across the country targeting Jewish and Arab-Muslim communities since Hamas terrorists killed 1,400 people and took hundreds hostage across the Gaza border in an attack on Israel on 7 October.

Retaliatory air strikes by Israel launched since the attack have left over 11,000 Palestinians dead, and have prompted a humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian territory.

The vandalism at the cemetery came as the war entered its fifth week.

The Jewish Federation of Cleveland, a nonprofit organization focused on the health and vitality of the Jewish community, condemned the vandalism, calling it absolutely sickening.

It is absolutely sickening that anyone could have so much hate for the Jewish people that they would desecrate Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery, the group said in a statement posted to X. This cowardly act to violate the memory of our elders only confirms what we already know: the hatred of the Jewish community here and around the world now is at a level not seen in generations.

The Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery in Brooklyn, Ohio, where 23 headstones were vandalised with antisemitic graffiti (Google Maps)

Volunteers from the local Jewish community gathered at the cemetery on Sunday and cleaned the graffiti from the headstones by hand.

The Anti-Defamation League said last month it had recorded a significant spike in antisemitic incidents since the 7 October attacks.

The organisation said 312 incidents of harassment, vandalism and assault were recorded between 7 October and 23 October, compared to the same period last year when there was 64 reports.

The ADL added that more than half of the recent incidents were directly linked to the Israel-Hamas war.

Meanwhile, the Council on American-Islamic Relations, the nations largest Muslim civil rights organization, said on Thursday it had received 1,283 requests for help since the attack as of 4 November, compared to 406 the previous year.

The US Justice Department raised the alarm bell regarding a spike in anti-Muslim hate crime last month after a six-year-old Palestinian-American boy was stabbed to death by his landlord in an apparent targeted attack that was sparked by on-going Middle Eastern conflict involving Hamas and the Israelis.

The US Department of Homeland Security also warned last month of an increase in antisemitic and Islamophobic hate attacks occurring in the US amid the Israel-Hamas war.

Targeted violence attacks may increase as the conflict progresses, the department said.
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A United Airlines flight destined for Vancouver was forced to divert to San Francisco on Monday evening after an alleged bomb threat interrupted the flight.

Flight UA1909 took off from Los Angeles around 7.15pm local time but made an unexpected landing just three hours later after a passenger allegedly announced a bomb threat, according to ABC7 News.

The plane, which was near Oregon at the time according to FlightRadar24, turned around and landed at San Fransisco International Airport (SFO).

Pilots were able to make the U-turn to SFO after it was determined that the security threat was low, an SFO duty manager told ABC7 News.

The airline reported there were approximately 148 passengers and eight crew members on the flight.

United flight 1909 diverted to San Francisco last night due to a potential security issue on board, a spokesperson for United Airlines told The Independent. The flight landed safely and was met by local law enforcement, they added.

A United Airlines flight headed toward Vancouver made a U-turn to San Francisco after a security threat (FlightRadar24)

It is unclear what exactly caused the security issue but a person who claimed to be aboard the flight wrote on X that the threat was administered via AirDrop.

FBI interviewed me because I was one of the people who got the threat on AirDrop, the person wrote.

The claim has yet to be verified by United Airlines.

Another person who said they were aboard the flight, wrote on X that after landing, the flight was delayed and cancelled. Passengers were allegedly forced to sleep in the airport overnight.

The flight has been rescheduled for 7am local time today, a spokesperson for United Airlines confirmed.
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An Australian woman accused of poisoning her former in-laws with deadly mushrooms at a family lunch has put her Melbourne house up for sale.

Erin Pattersons townhouse, located in the eastern Melbourne suburb of Mount Waverley, is valued at $1m and now reportedly on the market.

It is different from the home where the alleged mushroom poisoning incident occurred in July, which is located in Victoria states Leongatha town, about 118km away.

Ms Patterson, 49, had acquired the townhouse in 2019, according to local media. It is a three-bedroom and three-bathroom property. The property was transferred from joint ownership by Ms Patterson and her former partner Simon Patterson into her name alone in 2021, according to The Age.

The townhouse, situated at 2/2 Lyons Street and spanning 249 square metres, is scheduled for auction at 11am on Saturday, reported news.com.au.

It is expected to fetch anywhere between $960,000 and $1,050,000.

The house is desired for its defined dimensions and is a convenient placement in the Mount Waverley Secondary Catchment (STSA), real estate agency Ray White said.

This easy-care townhouse is equally suited to those starting out or downsizing as it is for families and investors.

Ms Patterson was charged with three counts of murder and five counts of attempted murder earlier this month.

She had served up a Beef Wellington dish that included mushrooms for a family gathering in Leongatha earlier this year.

The lunch hosted by Ms Patterson was supposed to have been a reconciliation with her former husband Simon Pattersons family for the sake of their children.

The gathering included Simons parents Gail and Don Patterson, both aged 70, Gails sister Heather Wilkinson, 66, and Heathers husband Ian Wilkinson, 68.

Gail, her sister Heather, and Don soon became unwell after consuming the meal and had to be hospitalised. They later died.

Mr Wilkinson, a well-respected Baptist pastor, was left fighting for his life after being rushed to hospital in a critical state. He was later discharged and is said to be recovering.

Ms Patterson had earlier denied all wrongdoing.
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A massive search is underway to find a former Australian radio host and angler who went missing near crocodile-infested waters in far north of Queensland over the weekend.

Roman Butchaski, who previously worked for 2GB, went missing on Sunday while on a solo fishing adventure at Oliver River in the remote Cape York peninsula. The river is located about 600km north of Cairns and 150km from Bamaga on the tip of Cape York.

The air and water search operations began after Mr Butchaski, also known as Butch, failed to return to the camping ground of Bramwell Station, where he had been staying.

Some of his belongings, including his fishing gear, were discovered ahead of the third day of the search, said Harry Clarke from the Country Caller.

"The latest is that the search finished yesterday afternoon and there are air and land searches scheduled to continue again this morning, Mr Clark said on Tuesday.

Mr Butchaski borrowed a buggy from a friend and travelled about an hour to go fishing along the banks of the Olive River, he said, adding that authorities had discovered his vehicle along with a few other personal items.

"The Olive River is a tidal saltwater river and like all waterways in that area they are known crocodile habitats so that's certainly one of things search crews are taking into consideration as they look for Butch," Mr Clarke added.

Mr Butchaski's former co-host, Gavin Pitchford, told 2GB that his friend regularly visited the spot on the Olive River for fishing.

"I'm devastated. Butchy walks the banks up there regularly. He's been fishing there forever," a statement read out on air said.

Mr Pitchford fears that his friend could have suffered a medical episode due to his diabetes.

Senior sergeant Duane Amos said the car that Mr Butchaski was driving was found at the river. "He's gone to that area to go fishing  he's an avid fisherman ... and there is a familiarity with that area," he told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

"He was well-prepared for a normal expedition that he has undertaken before," he added.

Queensland police on Monday added that additional officers were travelling from Bamaga to assist in the search operation.

The Department of Environment and Science (DES) has deployed at least eight wildlife officers to support the police in an effort to ensure the safety of the officers in the crocodile-infested waters.

A spokesperson for the DES said so far there has been no evidence of a crocodile being involved in the incident.

"No crocodiles have been removed," the spokesperson said, adding: "Olive River is known croc country and people in the area are reminded to be crocwise in every choice."

Sky News Australia described Mr Butchaski last year as someone who knew Sydneys waters like the back of his hands.
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One of five men convicted of killing a Russian journalist critical of the Kremlin has been pardoned halfway through his 20-year sentence after a stint fighting in the special military operation in Ukraine.

Sergei Khadzhikurbanov was sentenced in 2014 for his role as an accomplice in the killing of Anna Politkovskaya, 48, in 2006.

The journalist worked for the independent newspaper Novaya Gazeta and wrote stories critical of Kremlin policies during the early years of president Vladimir Putins term, the war in Chechnya and human rights.

She was shot and killed in the elevator of her Moscow apartment block, triggering outrage at home and in the West.

Her death on 7 October, which is Putins birthday, led to suggestions the shooting was done to please the president.

Anna Politkovskaya was murdered after investigating rights abuses in Chechnya

It emphasised the dangers faced by independent journalists in Russia, though the Kremlin has always denied any involvement in the killing.

Khadzhikurbanov, a former police detective, was released last year to fight in Ukraine and then signed a contract with the Russian defence ministry to continue serving after his pardon, according to his lawyer Alexei Mikhalchik.

It is the most high profile case of Russias defence ministry hiring prisoners to fight in Ukraine on the promise of a presidential pardon.

The tactic was widely employed by Wagner Group financier Yevgeny Prigozhin last year. Footage from several prisons showed the warlord encouraging prisoners convicted of murder and sexual assault to join his mercenary group to atone for their crimes.

They would be offered six-month contracts to fight in Ukraine, after which they would be pardoned. One of the first instances of pardoned mercenaries was published in January this year.

Wagner warlord Yevgeny Prighozin pardoned dozens of Russian prisoners in January (Grey Zone / Telegram )

Reports later emerged suggesting Russian civilians were anxious to be living among ex-convicts , many of whom were culpable of the most serious crimes and had also spent six months in frontline combat.

Following the removal of Wagner from Ukraine and the subsequent death of Prigozhin on August 24, which was itself widely regarded as suspicious, the Russian defence ministry began more substantially recruiting from penal colonies.

The prisoners are often said to be used as cannon fodder in what has become known as human wave attacks popularised by the Wagner Group; it involves using dozens of the convicts in a first line charge on Ukrainian positions ostensibly to soak up enemy fire, allowing soldiers behind to advance under less heavy resistance.

But Khadzhikurbanov was offered a command position in the military, according to his lawyer Mikhalchik, because he was in the special forces in the late 1990s and was in almost all the hot spots, including in Chechnya.

Following the pardon, Ms Politkovskaya children, Ilya and Vera Politkovsky, issued a joint statement with their mothers former paper Novaya Gazeta in which they claimed they had not been informed about the killers pardon.

Dmitry Muratov, editor-in-chief of Novaya Gazeta, said the pardon was not evidence of atonement and repentance of the killer but a monstrous fact of injustice.

It is an outrage to the memory of a person killed for her beliefs and professional duty, he said.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said ealier this month that convicts that fought in Ukraine had redeemed themselves by shedding blood (REUTERS)

Russian human rights advocate Alena Popova, who has been critical of previous pardons, including that of a man who murdered his girlfriend before fighting in Ukraine, also issued a statement decrying Khadzhikurbanovs release.

How many more murderers and rapists will the war free? she asked.

Bill Browder, formerly one of the largest foreign investors in Russia before being removed by Vladimir Putin, described the pardon as a cynical slap in the face of justice. He added that the presidential pardon was doubly sinister given it was Putin who ordered her killing.

The pardoning of Anna Politkovskayas killer is a cynical slap in the face of justice and her family, he told The Independent. But we should not forget that the person who ordered her killing has remained free since her murder and sits as the head of state in Russia ordering many more murders and misery inside of Russia, in Ukraine and all over the world.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said earlier this month that convicts recruited to fight in Ukraine are worthy of pardons.

Those sentenced, even on grave charges, shed their blood on the battlefield to atone for their crimes, he said. They redeem themselves by shedding blood in assault brigades, under bullet fire and shelling.
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War-time president Volodymyr Zelensky has revealed the areas where Ukraines forces are facing a challenging time repelling Russian troops as air bombardments intensified over a strategic city in the east.

Ukrainian forces repelled a total of eight attacks on the battered, strategic city of Avdiivka by Vladimir Putins troops in the past 24 hours, said Ukraines military spokesperson Oleksandr Shtupun.

It was earlier reported that Mr Putin was going to make a third attempt at capturing the city known for its large coking plant after failing twice before.

Fighting is still going on. Over the last two days, the occupiers have increased the number of air strikes using guided bombs from Su-35 aircraft, said Mr Shtupun.

The enemy is also bringing in more and more infantry. But when they tried to deploy armoured vehicles the day before yesterday two tanks and 14 other vehicles were burned out, he said.

Vitaliy Barabash, head of Avdiivkas military administration, also revealed Russias losses in its current drive for Avdiivka.

A minimum 3,000-4,000 Russian troops were killed and a further 7,000-8,000 were wounded, he told state news agency Ukrinform. Russia has not commented on the claims of the casualties made by Kyiv.

Quite simply, Avdiivka and its strategic position is geographically located on heights and you can see Donetsk... from here, he said, referring to the Ukrainian area occupied by Russia.

He said Mr Putins troops need Avdiivka.

Not a single building was intact in the city that now has just over 1,500 people remaining from its pre-war population of 32,000, Mr Barabash said.

Some of the remaining civilians in Avdiivka include doctors and nurses. The town still has a shop and functioning hospital operating under every day shelling.

In an evening update on the frontline on Monday, the Ukrainian General Staff of the Armed Forces said its troops repelled 15 Russian attacks near the long-contested town of Maryinka, east of Avdiivka.

Kyiv said its troops also repelled another 11 strikes near Bakhmut to the northeast and six near Kupiansk in the northeast.

Mr Zelensky, in a speech on Monday, said fighting along the frontline has been challenging.

He named Avdiivka, Maryinka, Bakhmut front, Lyman front, Kupyansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson as the areas where fighting has been the fiercest.

He said he was grateful for the fact that Ukraine knows and will know the enemys plans and how to respond to them  properly and powerfully.

Both on the ground and in the Black Sea, he said, referring to the area where Russia has concentrated its naval fleet.

This was further corroborated by Ukrainian commander-in-chief, General Valery Zaluzhnyi, who said Avdiivka, Kupiansk, and Maryinka fronts remain the most intense.

The situation is complicated, but remains under control, he said.

The top commander spoke with his American counterpart, Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff General Charles Brown, on Monday. He discussed Ukraines plans for the winter and urgent needs of the Ukrainian troops, such as ammunition, air defence and drones.

In an interview earlier this month, Mr Zaluzhnyi said the war was entering a phase of attrition, leading to Mr Zelensky dismissing any notion that the conflict was headed towards a stalemate.

Russian accounts said Moscows forces had repulsed five Ukrainian attempts to advance on villages outside Bakhmut that was captured by Moscows troops in May after months of fighting.
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The sleepy seaside town of Ladispoli had an unexpected shock on Saturday night as a circus lion prowled its streets sparking panic.

Kimba, the main event at the Rony Roller circus in Italy, mysteriously left his metal enclosure before authorities captured him.

The eight-year-old adult lion was on the loose for seven hours before he was shot with an anesthetic dart and sedated. Residents were ordered not to leave their homes as a special operation was carried out.

Kimba wandered the residential streets and appeared to look back as he was videoed (@michelegalvani)

Local authorities are investigating how the lion managed to get out of its metal enclosure - and the circus suspects foul play.

What happened is very strange - all we can say is that a lion does not have the ability to open a latch and break a lock, Rony Vassallo, the animal supervisor and trainer at the circus told Reuters.

Kimba is reported to have taken many well-deserved naps to recover from the excitement of his adventures into the town which is just miles from Rome.

The eight year old lion is safe and well and back with his circus family (REUTERS)

Footage and pictures, some taken by locals, went viral and showed the circus performer roaming around the town streets, skirting houses and fences, and standing in front of a carabinieri police car.

In a Facebook post on Monday, local mayor Alessandro Grando wrote that he would ask council experts to check if there were legal grounds to revoke the permits for the Rony Roller circus. The travelling circus was scheduled to stay in Ladipsoli between the 9th to 19th November and is set to continue.

The lion looked around, appearing to consider his next move (@escorcitocrucian)

Some locals expressed solidarity with Kimba.

I am sorry, because it is in prison. It should be in its environment, the savannah, said Ladispoli resident Giuseppe Altavilla.

Others said: He just chilling minding his business on an evening stroll let him live.

In an post on their Instagram page, Rony Roller said: Thanks to the whole city of Ladispoli for the patience and support given in these last hours.

Above all, a big thank you goes to Mayor Alessandro Grando as well as to all the authorities and law enforcment who did everything to bring Kimba home health.
 Close Huge cracks appear on roads in Icelandic town at risk of volcanic eruption

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Around 120 earthquakes have rocked the areas surrounding the town of Grindavik as they await a likely eruption, report the Icelandic Met Office.

It comes as the exact location for an eruption has been revealed by the Icelandic Met Office, which says it is still considered likely.

Experts at the Icelandic Met Office have issued a key update after a study of data from GPS stations and satellite images showed an uplift continues in the area of Svartsengi, north of Grindavik.

The Met Office stated that the eruption is still considered likely as the magma inflow continues, adding that the highest likelihood for an eruption is in the middle part of the dike between Hagafell and Sylingarfell.

Earthquake activity has also led to the deepening of the port at Grindavik, according to RUV.

The change in depth is because of the earthquakes impact, said the port manager Sigurur Arnar Kristmundsson.

He told RUV: The docks seem to have sunk by 20-30 centimeters when we measured about 10 days ago and then there is a chance that, yes, the bottom has sunk accordingly.

A fortnight ago, Grindavik was evacuated after magma-induced seismic activity tore vast chasms through the streets.
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The fog of misinformation around the war in Ukraine thickened on Monday after Russias state news agencies claimed Vladimir Putin was withdrawing troops from the Dnipro river frontline  and then immediately retracted the update.

The potentially significant bulletins were available for about 10 minutes, after which two state news outlets withdrew them without any follow-up.

The agencies  TASS and RIA Novosti  said that the Russian Ministry of Defence had announced relocations of troops to an unspecified more advantageous positions east of the Dnipro river.

It added that the elements from the concerned Dnepr (or Dnieper  as the Dnipro is known in the upper reaches belonging to Russia) grouping of forces will be transferred by the Russian military command to other directions for offensive operations after the regrouping.

TASS apologised for the update shortly after, and said it had erroneously reported the military update.

Moscow-affiliated outlet RBK reported the Russian defence ministry as saying the reports of regrouping of its troops were false and a provocation, despite the reputation of the agencies to reliably report from the Kremlin and ministries.

The two agencies frequently cite sources within the bureaucracies to announce developments prior to the release of official statements, and even carry the Kremlins language.

"Having assessed the current situation, the command of the Dnieper group decided to move troops to more advantageous positions east" of the river, RIA-Novostis bulletin had claimed in its preliminary update.

It is not immediately clear if the initial update of regrouping was not to be made public, even though it carried little impact on the fighting. The regrouping, however, does confirm Ukraines success in having a territorial stronghold around the Dnipro river where Ukrainian soldiers launched a major operation in August this year, and unconfirmed reports in October stated success for Kyiv.

Shortly after the U-turn in Moscow, a flurry of claims ensued from Russia and Ukraine alleging that the other side had faked the reports.

Mr Putins close ally and Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov declined to comment on the reports, and referred the questions to the defence ministry.

In Kyiv, the Centre for National Resistance, which is an arm of Ukraines military, said the reports are a Russian propaganda operation aimed at distracting the Defence Forces of Ukraine.

"No relevant movements of enemy troops have been recorded," it said, and added that withdrawal from the region is only "a matter of time, and therefore in fact we only have a premature release".

The Institute for the Study of War said the retraction suggested that the Russian command and its state media apparatus has failed to establish a coordinated information line for the Russian response to ongoing Ukrainian ground operations on the east bank.

The now-retracted reports of a Russian regrouping on the east bank of Kherson oblast may be indicative of actual discussions taking place in the high echelons of Russian military command that may have prematurely entered the information space before being officially released by the Russian military, the ISW said in its latest update on Monday.

However, this could be Russias deliberate ploy to stir misinformation and confusion among Ukrainian forces.

Alternatively, the Russian military command may have instructed state media to release and then retract these reports as part of an information operation that aims to have Ukrainian forces underestimate available Russian manpower on the east bank of Kherson oblast, the ISW said.
 Close Kyiv suffers largest ever drone attack by Russia leaving five wounded

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Russian troops have failed to move forward in six areas along the frontline, Ukraine military has said amid heavy missile attacks and ground clashes between the opposing forces.

A total of 73 combat skirmishes took place across the wars frontline in the past 24 hours, an update from Ukraines General Staff of the Armed Forces on Thursday read, a day after Russia launched more than 100 attacks to recapture its lost positions in eastern Ukraine s Robotyne.

Meanwhile in Pokrovsk, emergency crews helped rescue a man with a six-month-old baby, covered in blood, in his hands, officials said. The strikes destroyed a multi-storey building, nine houses, a police office and cars.

Emergency workers pulled the body of a 62-year-old man from the wreckage of a destroyed multi-storey building in Novohrodivka.

Four more people may be under the rubble, including a child, authorities said.

It comes as statistics by a longtime Russo-Ukraine War military data researcher suggested Russian forces have faces record losses this month.

Data published by Ragnar Gudmundsson said more than 25,000 Russian service personnel died or were severely wounded in combat in Ukraine in November.
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The lives of dozens of babies inside Gaza's largest hospital are hanging in the balance with no fuel to power incubators  as fierce fighting rages between Israeli forces and Hamas outside.

Health officials in the Hamas-run territory said 40 patients, including three babies, have died since the emergency generator in al-Shifa ran out of fuel on Saturday. They say 36 babies are still at risk as there is no power to run incubators. The beds used for the babies have been lined with aluminium foil to try and keep the them warm.

The babies, who weigh less than 1.5 kg (3.3 pounds), with some as small as 700 to 800 grammes, were now lying side-by-side on ordinary beds, exposing them to infection and without any individual adjustments to humidity levels and temperatures, staff said.

"Luckily they are still 36, we didn't lose any of them overnight," Dr Ahmed El Mokhatallali, a surgeon, told Reuters from al-Shifa. "But still the risks are really high... We have still the risk of losing them."

Dr Medhat Abbas, a director of al-Shifa and a top official in the health ministry in Gaza, previously told The Independent: "Now, because of the shortage of electricity, our doctors have gathered them in these ordinary beds and put aluminium foil around to keep them warm. Its becoming colder here in Gaza; for that reason, without proper temperature control, some of them could die."

Babies are being laid side-by-side for warmth at Al-Shifa hospital after incubators ran out of power (Supplied)

Israeli forces have surrounded al-Shifa, which they say sits atop an underground headquarters of Hamas, but the military denies that it is under siege. The military said it started an effort to transfer incubators to the hospital but it was not clear if they had been delivered. Israel said that it was offering portable, battery-powered incubators so the babies could be moved. The military also posted a video showing Shani Sasson, a spokesperson from an Israeli Defence Ministry liaison office that deals with Palestinian civilian affairs, standing in front of incubators and saying a formal offer of help had been made.

"Extensive efforts are underway to ensure that these incubators right here behind me can reach the babies in Gaza without delay," she said in the video. But officials from the Gaza health ministry said that no mechanism had been suggested to achieve an evacuation safely.

"We have no objection to have the babies being moved to any hospital, in Egypt, the West Bank or even to [Israeli] hospitals. What we care most about is the wellbeing and the lives of those babies," Ashraf Al-Qidra, spokesman for the health ministry in the Hamas-run Strip, said. "So far there is no clear mechanism."

Dr Mokhatallali told Reuters that he was aware of efforts to rescue the babies, but that he do not know details. "Someone asked us to get the names of the babies and how many there are. But no actual steps on the ground. So we don't know how serious these efforts are to evacuate these babies," he said.

Christian Lindmeier, a spokesman for the World Health Organisation (WHO), said that the babies need to moved outside the Strip as "nowhere is safe in Gaza right now." He said an evacuation would require specialised equipment and a ceasefire along the route.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said on Tuesday that only one hospital in the northern half of the blockaded Gaza Strip  al-Awda  still had electricity and was able to receive patients

Isaeli forces inside Gaza in footage released by the military (Israeli Defense Forces via Reuters)

In a separate briefing, the WHO praised staff at Gaza's al-Shifa hospital for doing "everything they can" to care for patients.

"We know there's not enough food, that the staff are struggling to get any clean water because their water tanks were destroyed, but they are still doing everything they can to keep providing medical care for the desperately ill patients they have," WHO spokesperson Margaret Harris said in Geneva. "We actually still describe al-Shifa as a functioning hospital because of the heroic efforts the staff are making."

Ms Harris said al-Shifa now had 700 patients, more than 400 health staff and around 3,000 internally displaced people. She said 20 inpatient deaths had been reported in the last 48 hours although the situation could be much worse.

"Everyone in that hospital is in a really, really dire situation," she said. "We, as the world, have to find a way to help them. The best way would be to stop the hostilities right now. Focus on saving lives, not taking lives."

Ashraf Al-Qidra, spokesman for the health ministry in the Hamas-run Strip, said that with no means of keeping dozens of corpses from decomposing, a mass grave was being dug on the hospital grounds.

Hebrew-language media reported on Tuesday that both Israeli and Palestinian officials were trying to make arrangements for unconscious patients and those requiring dialysis and cancer treatment to be evacuated from al-Shifa to appropriate facilities in the southern half of the Strip, but it is unclear exactly how this would take place. Civilians have said that heavy gunfire can still be heard around the hospital compound. Israel says its forces allow routes for those inside to exit.

The Israeli military also posted an audio recording of what it said was a conversation between a senior officer from Israel's Coordination and Liaison Administration and the director-general of al-Shifa Hospital, speaking in Arabic, subtitled in English.

Flares rise over the Gaza Strip, as seen from southern Israel (AP)

In it, the official talks about depositing an incubator at the hospital gate, without giving details of how or when that would happen. The director-general says that would help, adding that four respirators for children are also needed. The official says he will see what he can do to help. The director-general responds that all the wards and staff inside the hospital need help.

Israel has vowed to wipe out Hamas after it launched an attack inside Israel on 7 October during which 1,200 people were killed and around 240 were dragged back to Gaza as hostages. The territory has faced near-constant aerial bombardment and a blockade, leaving a severe shortage of fuel, water, food and medical supplies. The UN and aid agencies have said that the amount of help reaching Gaza is insufficient and international calls have been growing for "humanitarian pauses" to let aid in.

"My hope and expectation is that there will be less intrusive action relative to hospitals and we remain in contact with the Israelis... but hospitals must be protected" US President Joe Biden said late on Monday.

Another 200,000 people have fled northern Gaza in the past 10 days, the UN has said, with area the centre of Israel's military campaign against Hamas. They join the estimated 1.5 million people  three-quarters of the blockaded territorys population  who have already fled their homes, with israel calling on people to move southwards. The UN said: Hundreds of thousands of people, who are either unwilling or unable to move to the south remain in the north, amid intensified hostilities. They are struggling to secure the minimum amount of water and food for survival.

A senior far-right member of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government claimed on that Tuesday Gaza could not survive as an independent entity and it would be better for Palestinians there to leave for other countries. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who heads one of the religious nationalist parties in Mr Netanyahu's coalition, said he supported a call by two members of the Israeli parliament who wrote in a piece for the Wall Street Journal that Western countries should accept Gazan families who expressed a desire to relocate.

The comments underscore fears in much of the Arab world that Palestinians will be driven out of land where they want to build a future state, repeating the mass dispossession of Palestinians when Israel was created in 1948. "I welcome the initiative of the voluntary emigration of Gaza Arabs to countries around the world," Mr Smotrich said in a statement. "This is the right humanitarian solution for the residents of Gaza and the entire region after 75 years of refugees, poverty and danger."

Israel's military has also released video and photos of what it said were weapons Hamas had stored in the basement of another hospital, Rantissi, that specialises in cancer treatment for children. Hamas rejected the allegation. The military also confirmed confirmed the death of Noa Marciano, a soldier seen in a hostage video posted by Hamas on Monday. The military said: Our hearts go out to the Marciano family, whose daughter, Noa, was brutally kidnapped by the Hamas terrorist organisation. We are using all means, both intelligence and operational, to bring the hostages home.
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Palestinians trapped inside Gazas largest hospital have been forced into digging a mass grave to bury corpses, according to health officials in the Hamas-run territory, as intense fighting rages outside.

Up to 700 patients are said to be trapped inside al-Shifa according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). as well as more than 400 health staff. There are many other people who are sheltering in the wider hospital complex and courtyards. The lives of dozens of babies are also said to be hanging in the balance as fuel has run out, leaving incubators unusable.

The violence has been so intense around al-Shifa, Dr Ashraf al-Qudra, a spokesperson for the health ministry in Gaza said, that medics were reduced to digging a mass grave within the medical complex amid great risk as it was impossible to take dozens of bodies outside. He said that no ambulance had been able to enter al-Shifa since Friday night.

Dr Yousef Abureesh  deputy minister of health in Gaza  said that they also made the decision to dig the grave after dogs mauled part of the bodies. In total, 170 bodies were placed in the makeshift grave.

The health ministry in Ramallah, in the occupied West Bank, said that it was impossible to evacuate al-Shifa as people including patients, displaced civilians taking shelter and technical workers had faced Israeli sniper fire around the hospital as they tried to leave over the last few days.

Babies inside al-Shifa Hospital (Dr Marawan Abu Saada via AP)

Israel has repeatedly accused Hamas of using al-Shifa as a cover for a major military base, and published a detailed three-dimensional map of what it says is a complex network of tunnels under the hospital. For days, the Israeli army has encircled the hospital and has accused Hamas of using civilians as shields. Military spokespeople have said that Israeli forces are not firing directly on the hospital but that clashes are happening in the area. The army claimed on Tuesday that in central Gaza City  the location of al-Shifa  it had captured Gazas legislature building, the Hamas police headquarters and a compound housing Hamass military intelligence headquarters.

Israel has vowed to crush Hamas after an attack on Israel which killed some 1,200 people and saw roughly 240 taken hostage. It responded with a near-continuous aerial bombardment of Gaza, which continues, and a blockade which has seen crucial supplies of fuel, water, food and medical supplies running short  or out. Ground operations have focused on northern Gaza, and particularly Gaza City, forcing hundreds of thousands to flee southwards, even though airstrikes have also been used on areas of southern Gaza. Officials from the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza have said more than 11,000 people have been killed since Israels operations began.

Inside al-Shifa, Gaza health ministry officials said 40 patients, including three babies, have died since the hospitals emergency generator ran out of fuel on Saturday. Another 36 babies are at risk.

Luckily they are still 36, we didnt lose any of them overnight," Dr Ahmed El Mokhatallali, a surgeon, told Reuters from al-Shifa. "But still the risks are really high ... We have still the risk of losing them."

People walk past buildings destroyed following the Israeli bombardment of Bureij in the centre of Gaza Strip (AFP/Getty)

The Independent was shown photos of the premature babies who had been moved to ordinary beds covered with aluminium to keep them warm as there was no electricity to run the incubators. Among them are four who were born via emergency C-sections because their mothers were dying when they were brought into Shifa. In videos shared online, the babies appear skeletal and are crying as medics move around them in the dark.

The Israeli military said that it was working to coordinate the transfer of incubators from an Israeli hospital to al-Shifa, after offering humanitarian assistance to the director general of the hospital, a conversation they shared with the media.

The IDF remains committed to upholding its moral and professional responsibilities to distinguish between civilians and Hamas terrorists ... The IDF is willing to work with any reliable mediating party to ensure the transfer of the incubators.

Palestinian media later reported that in coordination with the Red Cross, there was a potential deal agreed to transfer a small number of premature infants outside the hospital, but there was no further information given. The Israeli military did not comment any further about whether the babies were evacuated when asked by The Independent.

Dr Medhat Abbas, a senior official in the health ministry who is not in al-Shifa, later said that his teams had lost all contact with medics in the hospital because the generator fuel had run out and they had no electricity.

It is very difficult to get through to anyone inside that hell, he said.

Medics at al-Ahli Hospital, the only functioning medical facility in northern Gaza, meanwhile said that it was now policy to perform surgical procedures without anaesthesia for all injuries up to the moderate level to preserve the few supplies they have left.

The pain experienced by the patients during the surgical interventions without anaesthesia is beyond what humanity on this earth can endure, wrote Dr Fadel Naim.

Israeli military operations inside Gaza (AFP/Getty)

A spokesperson for the UN secretary general Antonio Guterres said he was deeply disturbed by the dramatic loss of life in Gaza hospitals. In the name of humanity, the secretary general calls for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.

The US president, Joe Biden, said on Monday that he hoped the Israeli military would proceed with a less intrusive operation around al-Shifa, adding that Palestinian civilians must be protected.

In the UK, Foreign Office minister Andrew Mitchell said Britain is considering using air and maritime options to get more aid into Gaza.

Mr Mitchell said: At this point, we assess that land presently offers the most viable and safe way to get humanitarian aid into Gaza in the quantities needed, but we are also considering air and maritime options, including through our bases in Cyprus.

The Foreign Office has also announced sanctions against four Hamas leaders and two of the militant groups financiers in one of David Camerons first moves as foreign secretary.

In Israel, police have opened an investigation into several cases of sexual assault and rape from the Hamas attack. The probe was complex and would likely take months, Chief Superintendent David Katz of the national unit for serious and organised crime said at police headquarters in Beit Shemesh.

He also showed footage of a young woman describing watching another woman get gang raped and then shot. I couldnt understand what I saw, she said, adding she had survived the Hamas attack by pretending to be dead. The police wouldnt give details about how many cases they had, beyond saying they have several witnesses as well as testimonies.
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A Canadian-Israeli peace activist who advocated for Palestinian rights has been confirmed dead a month after she was reported missing during Hamass 7 October attacks, her family said.

Vivian Silver, who was the founder of Women Wage Peace and the Arab-Jewish Center for Equality, had been missing from her home in Kibbutz Beeri near the Gaza border.

Women Wage Peace said in a post on X: Our beloved friend, Vivian Silver, was murdered in her home at kibbutz Beeri on October 7.

Her son Yonatan Zeigen told CBC News that her mothers remains were found earlier but forensic examiners only identified them now.

After Hamass deadly attack in Israel, Women Wage Peace said the militants entered her house during the early morning hours as she hid behind a cupboard door.

They feared that she had been most likely abducted by the Palestinian militants among 240 other Israeli civilians as there was "no evidence there of a struggle or bullets at her home.

Revealing what was his last exchange with his mother, Mr Zeigen told BBC that she made light of the moment to not worry him as militants moved through the area. She told him its time to stop joking and say goodbye.

"And I wrote back that I love you, Mum. I have no words, Im with you, he said remembering their conversation over messages.

"Then she writes, I feel you. And then that was it, thats the last message."

Canadian foreign minister Melanie Joly described Silver as a proud Israeli-Canadian and lifelong advocate for peace in a post on X.

I met her son in Tel Aviv, and he described her as kind, generous, and selfless, she said. Canada mourns her loss with him and her loved ones.

The Jewish Federation of Winnipeg also mourned her loss and said they were devastated to find it.

Vivian was a civilian brutally taken from her home, and now we know, from all of us, forever, the group said on Facebook.

She was a renowned pacifist who tirelessly advocated for peace and the improvement of the quality of life for Palestinians. We are with heavy hearts as we learn of the impact of Hamas terrorist attack and as time passes, to learn of the identity of those massacred in Israel.

The Hamas attacks killed 1,200 people and led to a war between Israeli forces and the Palestinian militants. More than 11,000 people have been killed in Gaza in Israeli bombardment.

Silver relocated from Winnipeg to Israel in 1974. She devoted herself to speaking out against the way Israel treated Palestinians and actively opposed the Gaza blockade that had been in effect since 2007.

It comes as prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there could be a potential deal to release some of the Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

Qassam Brigades, Hamass military wing also said that they were preparing to release up to 70 women and children held in Gaza in return for a five-day truce. But said it is being delayed as Israel was procrastinating and evading the terms of the deal.
After dark in the South Hebron Hills, parents lie awake, listening for the settlers. A crunch of wheels on the dusty road means its time to scoop their children closer, to tell them they are loved, that they will be safe. By the time the engine cuts, car doors slam and the footsteps get louder, another night of terror is in motion.

In the Palestinian village of Umm al-Khair, residents described masked men in army uniforms overrunning their community last week. The men smashed residents mobile phones so no one could document the beatings that followed.

In nearby Susya, five men in similar dress beat Ahmad Nawaja, 38, underneath his olive tree. His daughters cried, he said, as the attackers slammed their rifle butts down on his body.
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AI-generated faces of white people now seem more real than actual ones, according to a new study which raises concerns that the technology may be used to fool people.

More people thought AI-generated white faces were human than the faces of real people, while the same wasnt true for the images of people of colour, according to research published recently in the journal Psychological Science.

If white AI faces are consistently perceived as more realistic, this technology could have serious implications for people of colour by ultimately reinforcing racial biases online, study co-author Amy Dawel from the Australian National University, said.

One of the reasons for this discrepancy, according to researchers, is that AI algorithms are being trained disproportionately on white faces.

This problem is already apparent in current AI technologies that are being used to create professional-looking headshots. When used for people of colour, the AI is altering their skin and eye colour to those of white people, Dr Dawel explained.

The study also found that the people who identified AI faces as real were most often confident that their judgements were correct, indicating people may not know they are tricked using such images.

This kind of AI hyper-realism when misused may lead to people not realising theyre being fooled, scientists warn.

While there are still physical differences between AI and human faces, researchers say people tend to misinterpret them.

Only one face in this picture is real  the rest are AI images. Can you spot the one? (Royal Holloway, University of London)

For instance, the study found that white AI faces tend to be more in proportion which people mistake as a sign of humanness.

However, we cant rely on these kinds of physical cues for long, researchers say.

With AI technology advancing rapidly, they say the differences between AI and human faces could disappear soon.

Which of these people are fake? Answer: All of them (www.thispersondoesnotexist.com/University at Buffalo.)

When that happens, scientists warn that it could have serious implications for the proliferation of misinformation and identity theft, urging for action to be taken seriously.

AI technology cant become sectioned off so only tech companies know whats going on behind the scenes. There needs to be greater transparency around AI so researchers and civil society can identify issues before they become a major problem, Dr Dawel said.

Educating people about the perceived realism of AI faces could help make the public appropriately sceptical about the images theyre seeing online, she added.
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The rise of artificial intelligence (AI), as well aggressive state-aligned groups pose a significant threat to critical infrastructure, the UKs cyber security agency has said.

In its annual review, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) warned ongoing geopolitical challenges and AI also posed a threat to UK elections.

Published on Tuesday, the NCSCs Annual Review said the Centre, which is part of GCHQ, had seen the emergence of a new type of cyber adversary in the last year  state-aligned actors who are ideologically, rather than financially, motivated.

Beyond the present challenges, we are very aware of the threats on the horizon, including rapid advancements in tech and the growing market for cyber capabilities Lindy Cameron, NCSC

The NCSC highlighted China and Russia as enduring and significant threats to UK cyber security, noting that many of the new state-aligned groups it had seen appear were sympathetic to Russias invasion of Ukraine.

On artificial intelligence, the NCSC warned that the next general election in the UK, expected next year, will be the first to take place against the backdrop of significant advances in AI, which it said would enable and enhance existing challenges.

The cyber security agency said that large language models (LLMs)  the technology apps such as ChatGPT are built on  would almost certainly be used to generate fake content as part of disinformation campaigns to disrupt the democratic process.

At the first AI Safety Summit, held in the UK earlier this month, industry figures and world leaders warned of the potential for AI to help cybercriminals carry out more sophisticated cyber attacks.

The last year has seen a significant evolution in the cyber threat to the UK  not least because of Russias ongoing invasion of Ukraine but also from the availability and capability of emerging tech, NCSC chief executive Lindy Cameron said.

As our annual review shows, the NCSC and our partners have supported Government, the public and private sector, citizens, and organisations of all sizes across the UK to raise awareness of the cyber threats and improve our collective resilience.

Beyond the present challenges, we are very aware of the threats on the horizon, including rapid advancements in tech and the growing market for cyber capabilities.

We are committed to facing those head on and keeping the UK at the forefront of cyber security.

The annual review said work needed to be done to ensure the UK kept pace with the changing threats, particularly in relation to enhancing cyber resilience in the nations infrastructure.
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Googles decision to delete millions of inactive Gmail accounts could erase millions of photos and other irretrievable memories, users have warned.

The purge, which comes into effect next month and will hit any account that has not been used for more than two years, could impact parents who have set up email addresses for young children in order to share and mark milestones with them.

It could also inadvertently affect people who continue to manage the online accounts of deceased relatives.

Googleannounced the policy in a blog post earlier this year, claiming that the move aims to protect active users from security threats like phishing scams and account hijacking. The mass closure will also free up significant amounts of server space, which will also save the US tech giant money and resources.

Google warned that the new policy applied to personal Google accounts, which includes content within Google Photos and Google Workspace tools like Docs, Drive, Gmail, Meet and Calendar.

Recommended Google is about to ditch passwords forever

Nicholas Worley, founder and chief executive of digital archiving platform Inalife, urged people to take action immediately in order to risk losing access to the accounts.

If you have a Google account set up for your kids and have been emailing them, or if you manage the account of a deceased loved one... Login, save or backup any important memories and stories, he wrote on LinkedIn.

Mr Worley told The Independent that he began recording memories when he learnt he was having his first child in 2019.

I have friends and now Inalife users who had set up emails for their kids and hadnt known about the deletion issue before being told, he said.

The Independent has reached out to Google for further information about whether any impacted accounts will be retrievable once the purge has taken place, and the exact number of accounts potentially impacted.

In its May blog post, Googles vice president of product management Ruth Kricheli said that users would be able to keep their account active by reading or sending an email, using Google Drive, watching a YouTube video while logged in, downloading an app on the Google Play Store, or using Google Search.

[The] update helps us continue our advancements in account security, and helps reinforce our commitment to keep your private information private, she wrote.

This update aligns our policy with industry standards around retention and account deletion and also limits the amount of time Google retains your unused personal information.

Google has already begun sending notifications to both the main email addresses and recovery emails of any accounts at risk of deletion.
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Meta said it will start allowing users to delete or deactivate their Threads accounts without also closing down their Instagram accounts.

Instagram boss Adam Mosseri said in a Threads post that the change is rolling out on the platform.

Threads was launched in the summer as a rival to Twitter, with Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg hoping to scoop up Twitter users unhappy with Elon Musks changes to and management of the app, which is now known as X.

Despite early success, with millions of people signing up, many voiced their frustration due to Threads requiring an Instagram account to complete registration, which also meant anyone wishing to delete their Threads account also had to shut down their Instagram account.

We heard feedback that you want more control over the experience, so were rolling out a way to opt out of being featured outside Threads Instagram boss Adam Mosseri

Mr Mosseri said in the weeks after launch that Meta was looking to changing the requirement, and in a post to Threads, the Instagram boss confirmed a new option in the apps settings will enable users to close their Threads profile only.

He said the update is based on feedback from our Threads community.

He said a second update is also rolling out to users, which will allow them to switch off a recent feature that sees Threads post also appear on the feeds of other Meta apps  Facebook and Instagram.

We heard feedback that you want more control over the experience, so were rolling out a way to opt out of being featured outside Threads, Mr Mosseri said.
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Researchers have made a breakthrough with a so-called miracle material to break the efficiency record for solar panel electricity generation.

A team from the Chinese solar technology firm Longi set a new world record of 33.9 per cent for a silicon-perovskite tandem solar cell, breaking the previous record set in May this year by King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia.

The new efficiency record also broke the theoretical limit of 33.7 per cent for the first time of standard single junction cells, which are found in commercial solar panels.

This provides meaningful empirical data to demonstrate the advantage of crystalline silicon-perovskite tandem solar cells over crystalline silicon single junction solar cells in terms of efficiency, the company noted in a statement.

The emergence of crystalline silicon-perovskite tandem technology has opened up a new track for the development of next-generation high-efficiency solar cell technology. This means that the same area, absorbing the same light, can emit more electricity.

View more

The theoretical efficiency limit of silicon-perovskite tandem solar cells is 43 per cent, however this level is unlikely to ever be realised on a commercial scale.

The first production of ultra-efficient perovskite solar panels could begin in China, with researchers from Nanjing University saying earlier this year that a design breakthrough has made mass production possible.

According to the researchers, the next-generation panels will be 50 per cent cheaper and 50 per cent more efficient than traditional silicon cells, however the efficiency rates will still be a long way off the levels achieved in the lab.

UK startup Oxford PV, which is a spin-out from the University of Oxford, is already in the process of commercialising the technology, with hopes of beginning full-scale production at a German facility later this year.

A perovskite-silicon tandem cell developed by Oxford PV (Oxford PV)

Current silicon solar panels have reached their physical limits. Weve got a way to transform the efficiency of these solar cells with perovskite, Chris Case, Oxford PVs chief technology officer, told The Independent in August.

The biggest challenge by far is durability and reliability. We already have great efficiency  much greater than current silicon cells  so most of our research and development is spent enhancing reliability, not efficiency.

Perovskite has been hailed as a miracle material for its potential to revolutionise everything from high-speed telecommunications to renewable energy technologies.

Perovskite is the most abundant mineral on the planet, making up 38 per cent of the mass of the Earth (Creative commons)

Its potential for solar panels is not limited to the efficiency gains compared to traditional silicon cells, but also new ways of using them.

Recent breakthroughs include self-healing solar panels that can maintain their efficiency for tens to hundreds of years, as well as double-sided solar panels capable of generating electricity from the Suns energy on both sides.

The material could also be used in applications ranging from building-integrated solar panels to space-based electricity generation.
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Truth Socials parent company lost almost $23m (18.7m) in the first half of this year alone, according to a new securities filing that raises concerns about its ability to continue.

The filing released on Monday marks the first time any financial details about Donald Trumps social media platform have been shared publicly, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Truth Social was launched in February last year after Mr Trump was banned from most social networks in the aftermath of the 6 January 2021 Capitol riots.

The former US president  who announced his candidacy for the 2024 elections in November last year  has since returned to X (formerly known as Twitter), but says Truth Social is still his primary social media platform and that he wont post anywhere else until six hours after he sends a Truth.

Having Mr Trump on board has not translated into revenue for the platforms parent company Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG), however.

Over the first half of 2023 it has lost $23m while bringing in only $2.3m in net sales, the filing showed.

This has raised doubts about the viability of the company and its social media startup, according to the filing.

TMTGs independent registered public accounting firm has indicated that TMTGs financial condition raises substantial doubt as to its ability to continue as a going concern, the company noted in the filing.

The company said the management has substantial doubt that TMTG will have sufficient funds to meet its liabilities as they fall due, including liabilities related to promissory notes previously issued by TMTG.

The remarks were made in its assessment of business till the end of December last year and as of 30 June 2023.

Concerns have also been raised over Digital World Acquisition Corporation (DWAC), a Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC), that had some years ago announced plans to merge with TMTG.

An SPAC is a shell corporation which raises money by listing itself on a stock exchange with the aim of using the funds for a merger with a different and usually more well-known entity.

The filing said DWAC has until 8 September 2024 to consummate a business combination.

It raised concerns that both TMTG and DWAC may not survive unless this merger is completed.

It is uncertain that Digital World will be able to consummate a business combination by this time. If a business combination is not consummated by this date, there will be a mandatory liquidation and subsequent dissolution of Digital World, the filing said.

TMTG believes that it may be difficult to raise additional funds through traditional financing sources in the absence of material progress toward completing its merger with Digital World, the filing further said.

A number of companies that had licence agreements with President Trump have failed. There can be no assurances that TMTG will not also fail, the filing said.

TMTG also cited a number of risks to its business in the new filing, including a dedicated section titled Risks related to our chairman, president Donald J Trump.

The section lists his ongoing legal hurdles.

TMTGs success depends in part on the popularity of its brand and the reputation and popularity of its chairman, president Donald J Trump, the filing said.

The value of TMTGs brand may diminish if the popularity of President Trump were to suffer. Adverse reactions to publicity relating to President Trump, or the loss of his services, could adversely affect TMTGs revenues, results of operations and its ability to maintain or generate a consumer base.
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A flight had to divert back to its origin airport after a horse became loose in the cargo hold.

The incident, which happened shortly after take off from New Yorks JKF airport, forced the Boeing 747 to turn back from Boston.

The flight, operated by specialist charter airline Air Atlanta Icelandic, had been bound for Liege in Belgium.

A reconstruction of the incident, uploaded to YouTube on a channel named You can see ATC  the information in which cannot be independently verified  claims the incident, on flight number CC4592, happened shortly after 4.06pm local time (9.06pm GMT) on 9 November.

It adds that the pilot reported the incident of the horse getting loose at around 31,000ft, requesting that they be allowed to return to New York as the crew were unable to get the horse secured.

The pilots landed back at JFK after dumping 20 tonnes of fuel. They also requested the help of a veterinarian, as the horse was described as being in difficulty, though it is not clear what had happened to the animal.

Flightradar24 shows the flight taking off again at 6.35pm local time (11.35pm GMT) and landing successfully in Liege after roughly six hours at 6.49am local time (5.49am GMT) on the morning of 10 November.

The Independent has contacted Air Atlanta Icelandic for comment.

It may be one of the stranger reasons for a flight diversion, though unscheduled landings are fairly common.

In July, a mid-air brawl between passengers caused one flight to make a landing 700 miles away from its intended destination.

In October, a flight bound for Tampa in Florida had to return to Panama after an adult nappy was mistaken for a bomb, while earlier in November, an Air New Zealand flight was forced to turn back after four hours due to a technical issue.
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The earth is at its most restless in Iceland right now. The Reykjanes peninsula, southwest of Reykjavik, is seething with seismic activity sparking hundreds of small earthquakes.

The town of Grindavik, just 10 miles south of Keflavik International Airport, has been evacuated as a precaution.

Yet flights are continuing to arrive and depart as normal. These are the key questions and answers on consumer rights.

I am in Iceland. Will I be able to leave?

Yes, assuming the international airport remains open. So far operations have been normal. You may be keen to leave earlier than booked, in order to guarantee your getaway, but at present you will not be able to switch flights without paying a penalty.

A spokesperson for British Airways told The Independent: Our flights are operating as planned and we continue to monitor the situation closely.

The earthquakes have struck just 10 miles south of Icelands main airport, Keflavik International Airport, but the UK foreign office have said travel can go ahead (Vafri.is)

We will be in touch with customers directly should the situation change.

The easyJet statement is very similar: Our flying schedule is currently operating as normal however we are monitoring the situation closely and should this change we will contact customers directly to advise on their flights.

But didnt an Icelandic volcano shut down European aviation for a week?

Yes. Travellers may remember where they were in April 2010, when the Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajokull erupted. The skies of northern Europe completely closed to passenger aviation for almost a week because of fears that volcanic ash spreading southeast from Iceland could damage aircraft engines and endanger travellers.

More than 50,000 flights, with eight million passengers booked to travel, were cancelled.

So far in 2023, though, ash has not been an issue in the current geological outburst.

Icelands Blue Lagoon has been closed as a precuation (Copyright 2003 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

What if I am booked on a package holiday?

Foreign Office advice stops well short of advising against travel to Iceland, meaning holiday companies can continue to operate as normal  with no automatic right to cancel.

The Foreign Office advice to British travellers is that it is increasingly possible that a volcanic eruption could occur. The official warning on volcanic eruption and earthquakes reads: Earthquakes and indications of volcanic activity have increased above normal levels on the Reykjanes peninsula, southwest of Reykjavik.

The Icelandic authorities continue to monitor the area closely, particularly the area northwest of Mt Thorbjorn near the Svartsengi power plant and the Blue Lagoon. On 10 November, a Civil Protection Alert was declared after an intense swarm of earthquakes.

The town of Grindavik was evacuated as a precaution. Some roads have been closed and visitors are advised to stay away from the area.

Keflavik International Airport is operating as normal. While there is no current eruption, it is increasingly possible that one could occur.

(Icelandic Met Office)

Until and unless the Foreign Office warns against travel, the assumption is that everything will go ahead as normal.

The FCDO advises traveller to check the following resources for updates:

The one exception is for holidaymakers who had planned to stay at the Blue Lagoon  an increasingly popular wellness destination, with an upmarket hotel on the site. The Blue Lagoon is currently closed.

Only those booked for a stay have the chance to cancel; if you were hoping to pop in as a day visitor for a steamy stop in the volcanic rock pools, you will need to return at some time in the future.

Can I claim on insurance?

No, unless it is one of the vanishingly rare cancel for any reason policies. On standard travel insurance, disinclination to travel is not an acceptable reason for a claim.

Would you go to Iceland at the moment?

Yes, I would relish the opportunity. Late November is an excellent time to visit Iceland for good value. Conditions right now are also excellent for the prospect of a good show from the Northern Lights, which are at a peak of the usual 11-year cosmic cycle.

I also know that the Icelandic authorities are expert at handling seismic events, with extremely good monitoring and emergency systems in place.

I would book a package holiday, though, knowing that if the earth gets too restless for comfort in the vicinity, I would be able to cancel for a full refund.
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Iceland has declared a state of emergency after hundreds of earthquakes struck the southwestern Reykjanes peninsula in the past 48 hours.

Despite fears of an impending volcanic eruption, flights from the UK to Keflavik international airport 10 miles north of the eruption site are going ahead as usual.

On Sunday 12 November, all scheduled flights from Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, Stansted and Manchester landed without incident.

On 13 November, the 6.20am easyJet departure from Manchester was the first to land in Iceland. Shortly after, the 7.15am Wizz Air flight from London Luton landed at 10.12am local time.

The 7.35am easyJet service from Luton landed at 10.18am, while the British Airways flight from Heathrow landed at 10.49am. At the time of writing, other flights to have departed without incident include the 7.40am Jet departure from Glasgow, the 8.35am Jet2 from Manchester and the 10.55am Play service from Stansted.

Travellers are advised to monitor local media for updates (Ragnar Th. Sigurdsson , arcticimages.com)

There are an additional 11 services scheduled for Monday 13 November. Icelandair will run two services from Heathrow at 12.15pm and 8.40pm respectively, as well as one from Gatwick at 12.00pm, one from Manchester at 11.55am and another from Glasgow at 12.45pm. Additionally, there will be one service departing Gatwick at 2.25pm and another from Manchester at 4.10pm  both operated by easyJet.

There are another four flights departing Luton. The first is scheduled at 1.45pm, with others at 2.10pm, 2.25pm, and 8.30pm. The 2.10pm is run by Wizz Air, with the rest operated by easyJet.

A spokesperson for easyJet said: Our flying schedule is currently operating as normal, however we are monitoring the situation closely and should this change we will contact customers directly to advise on their flights.

All UK flights are set to go ahead (Alamy/PA)

Foreign Office advice is regarded by the UK travel industry as the arbiter of whether or not a destination is safe.

Were it to warn against travel to parts of Iceland, holidaymakers already there would be moved and no further departures would operate to those areas.

The Foreign Office ramped up its travel advice on 11 November, saying the threat of a volcanic eruption is increasingly possible.

The official advice reads: Earthquakes and indications of volcanic activity have increased above normal levels on the Reykjanes peninsula, southwest of Reykjavik. The Icelandic authorities continue to monitor the area closely, particularly the area northwest of Mt Thorbjorn near the Svartsengi power plant and the Blue Lagoon. On 10 November, a Civil Protection Alert was declared after an intense swarm of earthquakes.

The town of Grindavik was evacuated as a precaution. Some roads have been closed and visitors are advised to stay away from the area.

Keflavik International Airport is operating as normal. While there is no current eruption, it is increasingly possible that one could occur. You should monitor local media for updates and follow the authorities advice on travel to the area.

The Blue Lagoon in Iceland (AP)

The advice stops well short of advising against travel to Iceland, meaning airlines and holiday companies are operating as normal  with no automatic right to cancel.

The much-loved Blue Lagoon geothermal spa will remain closed until 7am on 16 November after it experienced tremors during one of the quakes.

The town of Grindavik was evacuated and some roads have been closed and visitors are advised to stay away from the area.
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An emotional retirement speech from an American Airlines pilot to passengers and crew after 32 years of flying has gone viral.

In the tearjerking video posted to TikTok by @realjharrison with the caption privileged to have been there for this, pilot Jeff Fell announced to the cabin that flight 2561 from Charlotte, North Carolina to Chicago would be his last, after three decades in the sky.

The in-flight message sees Captain Fell, in uniform at the front of the plane, tearfully saying If I get a little emotional, please forgive me for that.

Fell extended thanks to his very important family, who were on board for his retirement flight, for coming along with me tonight and celebrating this very memorable time in my life.

To his wife Julie, the pilot added: She has been the solid rock in our foundation in our lives and our marriage. Her faith in the Lord, wisdom, strength, and love has guided our marriage and family throughout these years.

I love you and look forward to the next chapter in our lives.

Welcome aboard everybody, he added, while holding back tears.

Captain Fells speech was met with cheers and applause from passengers and cabin crew.

The video has been viewed 3.3 million times since being uploaded on 10 November and TikTok users were quick to share their admiration for the retired pilot in the comments.

To think of the amount of families, people, and cultures he has single handedly connected throughout the world. Thank you! one user replied.

Another commented: Thirty-two years of safe landings also. God bless him and all pilots.

Others echoed that the video had brought [them] to tears and made [them] cry while watching.

In a follow-up video, @realjharrison confirmed the long-serving captain received an honorable water canon salute  a mark of respect in aviation for senior pilots when a plane travels under plumes of water from fire fighting vehicles  as the aircraft taxied to the runway.

The Independent has contacted American Airlines for comment.
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Presidential candidate Robert F Kennedy JR has been accused of disgusting  behaviour by walking into a planes bathroom while barefoot.

Mr Kennedy, the nephew of the 35th President of the US, John F Kennedy, is running as an independent candidate in the 2024 US presidential elections, after first declaring as a Democrat.

He is currently polling higher than any independent or third-party candidate in a generation, according to CNN, but his flight etiquette has been making waves on social media.

The In The Tank podcast by The Heartland Institue, a conservative and libertarian think tank famous for promoting climate change scepticism, aired an episode claiming that Mr Kennedys mid-air shoeless stroll was spotted by one of their hosts.

Justin Haskins, an executive editor at The Heartland Institute and editor-in-chief of StoppingSocialism.com, boasted about his recent first-class trip on a flight when a man he thought to be Mr Kennedy sat in front of him.

After admitting he tried to take a few surreptitious photos of the presidential candidate, he claimed he saw Mr Kennedy Jr get up to walk to the planes bathroom.

Lol!! #RFKJr What you doing with no shoes and socks in the airplane bathroom?!?https://t.co/XoFlD9ppeZ  In The Tank Podcast (@InTheTankPod) November 12, 2023

As hes walking to the bathroom, I realise the guy has no shoes on and no socks and the floor is covered with food, like disgusting food, he recalled.

He goes into the restroom sockless and shoeless. Something Ive literally never seen in my entire life. Absolutely disgusting, right? Mr Haskins continued to monologue, showing the picture he took of Mr Kennedy walking barefoot.

This guys a presidential candidate, you know hes he doesnt wear shoes and socks in a plane in first class like what is this?

The three other hosts, all of whom also work for the climate-denying think tank, start to laugh and point out stains and what appear to be food crumbs on the floor.

RFK Jr. is running for president in the 2024 elections (Getty Images)

Mr Haskins said that before Mr Kennedy Jr allegedly walked down the plane barefooted, a woman had spilt her food all over the aisle.

So now were gonna ruin his entire presidential campaign based on this entire scenario, Mr Haskins declared to the rest of his colleagues. This man needs to be removed from the race immediately.

Jim Lakely, the vice president of The Heartland Insitute, chimed in on Mr Haskinss alleged sighting and said, If we start letting people who walk around barefoot on airplanes in positions of power in this country, then were through as a country.

One of the hosts asked if this picture was definitely not AI-generated but was shut down as others argued it was a real picture.

The Independent has contacted Mr Kennedys campaign team for comment.
Sir Iain Duncan Smith questioned Lord David Cameron's appointment by Rishi Sunak as foreign secretary as "it appears he's being paid by the Chinese government to promote certain things."

Speaking to GB News on Monday (13 November), the Conservative party leader said he had "concerns" about Lord Cameron, before recalling how he was sanctioned by China in 2021 for what it said were lies and disinformation about alleged human rights abuses in Xinjiang.

Under Lord Cameron's leadership there was a golden era of UK-China cooperation, something Mr Sunak described as naive last year following growing tensions with Beijing.
The moment an armed robber pulls a gun out and points it at a Tesco worker in front of shocked shoppers has been captured on CCTV.

Police have released footage in a bid to identify those responsible following the robbery at the Tesco shop in Camden on 1 October

Detective Constable Will Wigzell, from the Met Police: said: This was a very frightening experience for the victims involved, thankfully none of whom were injured.

These are very serious offences, and we are keen to identify those responsible as soon as possible.

One suspect was described as Asian, 6ft, aged in his 20s, wearing black clothes, including tracksuit bottoms with grey pockets.

The other suspect was described as Asian, 5ft 7ins, around 20 to 30-years-old and wore all black, including a hoodie with a MYPROTEIN logo.

There was no available description of the third suspect.
Press Release

November 14, 2023 CHIZ TO DMW: PURSUE TREATIES TO ALLOW CONVICTED OFWS TO SERVE SENTENCE IN PH Senator Chiz Escudero on Monday (Nov. 13) asked the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to pursue treaties that would allow convicted Filipinos abroad to serve their prison term in the Philippines. In his interpellation during the 2024 proposed budget of the DMW, Escudero stressed the need to prioritize this undertaking in the DMW agenda "in the spirit of giving second chances" for our convicted countrymen or even those classified as "detention prisoners." To date, the DMW said there are some 1,254 overseas Filipino workers (OFWS) in prison broken down as follows: 293 in Asia-Pacific,; 7 in Europe; and 954 in the Middle East. "I remember when there was a Spanish national in the Philippines who was imprisoned for allegedly killing someone in Cebu, and the very first thing Spain did was to negotiate and try to enter into a treaty with the Philippines with respect to prisoner exchange," Escudero told his colleagues at the Senate floor. The senator was referring to case of Francisco "Paco" Larranaga in Cebu involving the abduction of sisters Marijoy and Jacqueline Chiong on July 16, 1997 outside Ayala Center. The sensational case became known as the "trial of the decade" in the Visayas due to the prominence of the suspects, including Larranaga, whose mother was a cousin of the late Cebu governor Emilio Osmena. The case, Escudero noted, prompted the Spanish government to have the Treaty of Sentenced Persons Agreement (TSPA) signed between the Philippines and Spain on May 18, 2007 that was also ratified on the same year by the Senate. "Given that we have so many OFWs, whose victims maybe a fellow Filipino working abroad or a foreign national, wouldn't it be an opportune time for the Philippines to have been doing this similar thing?" Escudero asked. The TSPA with Spain paved the way to the Philippines having similar agreements with the United Kingdom (UK), Thailand and Hong Kong. The treaty allows individuals sentenced in another country to opt to serve their sentences in their native country. This means that Filipinos convicted in the UK can now choose to serve their remaining sentences in the Philippines. "It would be a different matter for us to succeed or get that treaty, your Honor. But at the very least, we should pursue it lalo na sa Middle East and Southeast Asia where we have a huge number of Filipinos. Ang pagkakaiba po kasi, if we have this treaty, may pagkakataong dito niya pagsisilbihan sa Pilipinas iyong kanyang sentensya para mas malapit-lapit naman na mabisita siya ng kanyang mga kamag-anak kada Pasko man, kada birthday, o kung gaano nila kadalas na kakayaning gawin," Escudero said. "If an OFW is convicted, let us say to suffer the penalty of 30-year incarceration in Saudi Arabia for example, and the family is poor, the next time they see each other will be 30 years after already because I doubt if the family can visit him every year and spend that much to travel. And they are not even sure if they can see the convicted relative whenever they do visit that place," he added. Escudero recalled that during last year's budget deliberation, he had brought the subject matter to then Migrant Workers Secretary Susan Ople, who committed to work on it. "I think in the spirit of giving second chances and enabling our Filipino compatriots who have been convicted in a foreign land justly or unjustly, for this to be pursued through the DMW and the DFA. I asked this during the previous deliberation with the late Secretary Ople who committed to do this," he said.
The upcoming meeting between Chinese and US leaders is their first in-person engagement in a year. The two will have much to talk about, as there are a range of issues concerning the overall development of China-US relations that they need to address as well as global challenges that the world expects them to show leadership on.

The importance of their face-to-face talks are evident. How relations fare between the world's largest and second-largest economies has a bearing not only on the economies of both countries but also on the development of the global economy and world peace. It is therefore not surprising that the people of both countries and the entire world are hoping that the discussions will be able to put the relationship on an even keel after months of tempestuous buffeting.

Getting bilateral relations between the two countries back onto a stable course of healthy development would be a welcome outcome when the world is convulsed by conflicts and plagued by growing uncertainties. The common interests between the two countries have increased rather than reduced, as the Chinese leader pointed out in the talks he had with the US president in Bali last year.

Indeed, the increasing interdependence between the economies of both countries means peaceful coexistence between the two countries should be the sine qua non for their relations.

Global warming has become an increasingly imminent threat to the existence of humanity and regional conflicts possess the potential to explode on a larger scale. Cooperation between China and the US has never been so important as it is today.

It is natural that China and the US should have their differences. But it is not in the interest of either country for these differences to prevail over their common concerns. It is crucial that the two sides manage their differences and never amplify or exaggerate them with a view to gaining an edge in their competition. That will only be counterproductive and aggravate the existing challenges.

The trade volumes between both countries reached a new high last year despite the rhetoric on the US side about"decoupling", which speaks volumes about how important the two economies are to each other.

The latest statistics show that more than 70,000 US enterprises have businesses in China, and 90 percent of them are profiting from their business in China. That the top executives of leading US sci-tech companies have visited China this year suggests how important China is for their development.

That the US sent the largest delegation to participate in the recently concluded sixth China International Import Expo sent a strong message that China-US relations were experiencing an upturn. If that can be given greater momentum this week, it will be a blessing for both countries and the world.




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Congress is poised to finally avert a government shutdown before the holidays and buy itself some time for negotiations. But it will literally do so kicking and screaming.

On Tuesday, both chambers of Congress saw tensions run high, with members nearly coming to blows.

The tension began when, as Claudia Grisales of NPR reported, former House speaker Kevin McCarthy walked past Rep Tim Burchett (R-TN) and shoved him. That led to Mr Burchett, a normally mild-mannered Republican whose drawl resembles Huckleberry Hound, chasing the disgraced former speaker and then lunging at him before getting into an apparent scuffle.

That apparently led to Mr McCarthy denying that he elbowed Mr Burchett, and Mr Burchett saying, You got no guts, you did so.

For those who may have forgotten, Mr Burchett and Mr McCarthy have a tumultuous relationship. At the beginning of this year, Mr Burchett backed Mr McCarthy for speaker. And in the wee hours of 7 January, as a fight nearly broke out on the House floor, he told Rep Matt Gaetz (R-FL) to call off the dogs to allow Mr McCarthy to become speaker.

But to borrow from Taylor Swift, that mad love turned to bad blood in October after the House passed a clean stopgap spending bill without spending cuts. When Mr Burchett told reporters he would have to pray about whether to join Mr Gaetz in ejecting Mr McCarthy, the then-speaker reportedly mocked Mr Burchett, which pushed the gentleman from Tennessee over the limit and led to Mr Burchett voting to oust the speaker.

Judging by Tuesdays exchange, the two will not reconcile anytime soon. And just to twist the knife a little bit more, Mr Gaetz announced he would file an ethics complaint against his former nemesis Mr McCarthy. Reminder, Mr Gaetz is still the subject of an ongoing Ethics Committee investigation himself.

Senate Republicans apparently got the memo that it was fight club day on the Hill.

Back in July, during a Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee hearing, Sen Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), a former MMA fighter, had a testy exchange with Sean OBrien, the head of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. During a HELP hearing on Tuesday, Mr Mullin read a tweet from Mr OBrien challenging him to a fight Anyplace. Anytime, cowboy.

In turn, both men proceeded to stand up before Sen Bernie Sanders, the chairman of the committee, admonished both of them. When I asked Mr Sanders about the incident, he said simply, Well, I know that you're very interested in the important issues facing America.

As if that werent enough, during a hearing of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee, Chairman James Comer and Rep Jared Moskowitz (D-FL), who frequently mocks the GOPs attempts to impeach President Joe Biden with acerbic wit, had a testy exchange. At one point the chairman mocked Rep Dan Goldman (D-NY), as Mr Trust Fund for being the heir to the Levis fortune and said of Mr Moskowitz, you look like a Smurf.

All this tension is the result of Congress being forced to deal with each other for weeks on end. Doug Andres, the press secretary for Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (and one of the better accounts on X, formerly known as Twitter), said: Today is another example of why Congress shouldn't be in session for 5 weeks straight. Weird things happen.

But thats just the Senate. The House, which is generally more squirrelly than the staid club of 100 that is the US Senate, has been in session for 10 weeks. In that time, it went 22 days without a speaker, wherein Republicans cycled through three candidates before agreeing to make Mike Johnson speaker of the House. Democrats, for their part, have been fighting about Israel, with 22 of them joining a Republican censure of Rep Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), for using the phrase from the River to the Sea to talk about Palestine.

Meanwhile, Rep Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) has taken to calling Rep Chip Roy (R-TX) Colonel Sanders, which is an Original Recipe for disaster.

Most of the time, Congress works in staggered cycles and the House members can go home, talk to constituents, rest, cool their tempers, have a drink and then come back refreshed. But the inability of Congress to even pick a speaker meant they were stuck with each other.

With the Thanksgiving holiday approaching and a potential deal on a continuing resolution seeming inevitable, the best thing might be to allow Congress to go home for a nap and a bottle as if they were infants in a daycare centre.
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The average age in Gaza is just 18. Make no mistake, this is tragically a childrens war. According to Save the Children, more children have died in Gaza in four weeks following the terror attacks by Hamas on Israel on than in all the worlds conflicts for each of the last three years.

It is horrifying that premature, swaddled babies are fighting to survive in the most desperate of circumstances. Nobody could fail to be moved by this.

In the Middle East, where the shadow foreign secretary David Lammy and I visited recently, much of the talk is how to prevent more innocent civilian deaths and in particular the protection of the children of Gaza. There are a million children caught up in the devastation who are orphaned and displaced, sleeping outside as the weather grows colder, short of food and forced to drink dirty war.

In most conflicts, we would expect children to be evacuated to a safer place to receive care and shelter. Sadly, given the extraordinary complexity of Gaza, this is not a possibility. Thats why we have repeatedly said that we must get food, water, electricity, medicine and fuel into Gaza, with many more aid trucks across the Rafah crossing. And it is why we are calling for pauses in the fighting for clear and specific humanitarian purposes, and which must start immediately.

In recent days we have seen the launch of daily, four-hour pauses in the fighting in Gaza. This is a first step. But on its own, this wont make the impact needed to relieve the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The damage to water pipelines and other infrastructure supporting hospitals urgently needs to be rebuilt, and that requires a longer pause. The aid getting into Gaza is still completely insufficient. It is unacceptable that Israel still has not lifted the siege conditions.

We need a full and immediate humanitarian pause in the fighting across the whole of Gaza to alleviate the suffering of Palestinian civilians and for Hamas terrorists to release the hostages. The full pause must start now to address the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe.

The international community must do more. We are now calling on the British government to work with international partners to agree an emergency plan to support the children of Gaza. Humanitarian pauses must prioritise getting aid to children and ensure safe, protected shelters for the UN to provide food, clean water and medical care for children in Gaza as winter sets in.

The release of hostages, urgent humanitarian support and an end to innocent civilians dying is something we, government ministers, aid agencies and UN officials all want to see as soon as possible. But in reality, with Hamas leaders doubling down on the determination to fire rockets into Israel, humanitarian pauses are, as UN humanitarian coordinator Martin Griffiths wrote last week, the only viable prospect.

Its clear that the amount of aid and essential utilities getting into Gaza is completely insufficient to meet the humanitarian emergency on the ground. Without fuel, water cannot be pumped to the north, hospitals cannot power their incubators and food cannot be cooked. The sewage system runs on fuel. Its breakdown is now threatening a public health crisis.

A full and immediate humanitarian pause, and a breakthrough in the tense negotiations on fuel, to deal with Israeli fears that the fuel and parts that can fix damage to water and electricity systems could be seized by Hamas and used to launch rockets, are the urgent and achievable priorities.

But many aid agencies also implored us to recognise that what happens now will have lasting implications for the children who survive this conflict. The crisis in Gaza didnt begin with the appalling terrorist attack on 7 October. Even then it was estimated two-thirds of children in Gaza were suffering from trauma. One aid agency that operates in North Sinai and Gaza told us when we met in Cairo that this now stands at 100 per cent.

Education has typically provided some respite from trauma, but only a handful of education kits have made it into the trucks that enter and the lack of protection for aid workers means it is becoming impossible for those who remain to provide support. The UN says more of its aid workers have been killed in Gaza than in any other conflict in such a short space of time. Those who remain need respite, funding and supplies.

That is why Labour is now urging the British government to work with its partners to coordinate a plan for the children of Gaza. To ensure that among the many priorities, we can deliver school kits, deconflict shelters for education and trauma support and protect aid workers so they can teach and alleviate childrens mental distress, deliver MMR vaccines and prioritise water and nutrition for children.

We have done this before, in conflict zones around the world through UN initiatives like Education Cannot Wait, UNICEF and Save the Children. Even in the darkest moments of war, more than eight million children have had the solace and the hope that comes with education as a result.

Far too many Palestinian civilians and children have been killed and there has been far too much civilian suffering over the past month. Hamas must release the hostages and stop using civilians as human shields and Israel must take urgent, concrete steps to protect civilians.

We are rightly focusing on ending the violence and preventing more death but someday that day will come  and when it comes, our chances of breaking this cycle will depend on those children.

Lisa Nandy is the Labour shadow cabinet minister for international development
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Just as the nation was celebrating Suella Braverman finally being sacked as home secretary, up pops David Cameron as our new foreign secretary. Talk about giving with one hand and taking away with the other.

Bringing back Cameron  one of the very few people in British political life who remains more disliked than the former home secretary  is certainly a wild move.

If youre not convinced, ask yourself the following questions.

Did Cameron call a referendum on our relationship with the EU? Did he define the terms of that referendum as effectively EU membership or any other EU-UK relationship? Did the UK then have to spend several years arguing with itself, and with the EU, as to what that new relationship should be? Seven years later, has that question been settled  or has there been no government in Northern Ireland for nearly two years because the pro-Brexit DUP rejected the new relationship?

Did Cameron resign, handing people like Boris Johnson a blank cheque to decide our new UK-EU relationship and, by extension, our place in the world? Did Johnson introduce a much more populist, Trump-like style of politics to the UK? Did Braverman play a key part in that?

By now, youll know if youre a fan of Braverman or not. For the handful of undecideds out there, I have a couple more questions.

Did the former home secretary recently announce plans to punish charities that give tents to homeless people, because for many, living on the streets is a lifestyle choice?

Did she refuse to apologise to a Holocaust survivor who criticised her for referring to asylum-seekers as an invasion?

So, does Bravermans firing, and Camerons return, feel like the Tories are solving the problem  or does it feel like theyre simply replacing the problem with the thing that created the problem in the first place Suffice to say, according to a YouGov poll, Brits wanted Rishi Sunak to sack Braverman by a ratio of 2-1.

It all says a lot about how the Conservatives think. This is the second time in two years that the Tories have been in a state of chaos, and have asked an arch-Remainer from the 2015 administration to help steady their ship.

In 2016, Jeremy Hunt warned in a tweet that the NHS was funded through tax revenues that would disappear following Brexit, and that the price would be paid by [the] poorest and most vulnerable. It was he they turned to last year, making him chancellor of the Exchequer, after Liz Truss and her Brexiteer chancellor crashed the pound.

Be in no doubt, Hunt hasnt changed his views on Brexit: he still says the economy would grow faster in the EU single market.

Now, after Braverman incited hundreds of far-right thugs over the Remembrance weekend, like some kind of January 6th tribute act, theyve brought back the head cheerleader for the Remain campaign to run the Foreign Office. It is a further admission that the Get Brexit Done administrations weve endured for years know that their agenda has been bad for the UK, and that they need Remainers to help put things right.

Brexit was the turning point for the Conservative Party. In 2018, government experts said that no matter which version of Brexit they negotiated, it would make people poorer. So by pursuing Brexit  any Brexit  the Tory party abandoned its image of being sensible with the economy. Instead, theyre knowingly damaging it. So perhaps the return of Cameron, and keeping Hunt in place at the Treasury, signals a gradual return to traditional conservatism, although Ill struggle to believe it until the party turns its back on Brexit.

Whatever the motivation, Cameron is not an MP. He has not been elected. He has no accountability to the public. He also has a track record of recklessly unleashing Brexit and Johnson on the UK. Yet he is being put in charge of the UKs foreign affairs while we are actively involved in two major international conflicts. By elevating Cameron into the Lords  purely so that he can legally sit in cabinet  Sunak is bypassing the publics expectation that ministers be elected.

All this is being done by a party with a minority of the vote, on the order of a prime minister that nobody voted for, and who was initially rejected even by his own partys members.

So heres my final question. Do you still think the UKs democracy is alive and well?

Femi Oluwole is a passionate campaigner against Brexit and a co-founder of pro-European Union advocacy group Our Future Our Choice
AIB has extended the deadline for investors in a property fund to appeal against the banks decision not to compensate them.

These Belfry investors now have until the end of January to appeal the banks decision.

The speculative investments were marketed to AIB clients between 2002 and 2006, with the money invested in commercial property in the UK.

Early versions of the fund returned profits but the property collapse meant later investors lost out.

AIB set aside around 100m to compensate many of those investors.

Many of those who lost money from investing in the Belfry Funds were compensated after later versions of the investments went belly up.

However, around 300 investors did not get any payments, apart from 1,000 as payment towards the cost of independent advice.

Financial adviser Padraic Kissane, who has had huge success getting people compensated after banks unfairly took tracker mortgages off them, has taken up the case of a number of these investors who have not been compensated.

He claims many of those who have not been compensated are due money back from AIB.

Mr Kissane said some Belfry investors got a full refund, others got a 50pc refund, and that there was a number who received nothing.

He said: I have spoken to a number of what I now call the zero percenters and I am concerned with what I have seen in the documents sent to me.

Mr Kissane said the people who were not compensated had not sought out a Belfry investment but where approached by the bank.

He said there was concern at the age profile of the investors, who had to pay at least 50,000 into the fund.

I am today putting a call out to any of the AIB Belfry investors who received no refund of their investment in their redress process to ask them to contact my office as a matter of urgency to enable me to properly investigate their case on their behalf, Mr Kissane said.

Asked about the funds, AIB said: Between 2002 to 2006 the group sold a series of speculative investments in UK commercial properties, known as the Belfry funds.

Belfry Investment Fund 1 realised a significant return of about 250pc whilst the other five funds suffered losses due to the global financial crisis and the downturn in the property market.

The spokesperson said that in 2021, AIB announced a case-by-case review to determine if a refund may be due to some investors. The review assessed the suitability of the Belfry fund for investors.

This involved checking that the investors investment objectives, experience and financial position were appropriately aligned to investing in the Belfry funds and that the documentation provided to investors was clear.

Where the review concluded the investment may have been unsuitable, impacted investors received a full repayment of their investment plus additional compensation payments.

Where the review concluded that an error may have been made in the process, impacted investors received 50pc of their investment plus additional compensation payments.

No payments were made in those cases where the review found the investment was suitable for the investor to whom it was sold.

AIB said all investors have the right to take part in an independent appeal process put in place by the bank, and have been offered a payment towards the cost of obtaining independent professional advice.

Investors already in receipt of payments will retain those payments irrespective of the outcome of any appeal.

For the majority of customers the deadline for the appeals process is November 30.

But for a small number of investors who received an updated outcome letter in July 2023 (which includes some investors who did not get any compensation), the deadline has been extended to January 31 next year.
Stoicism taught me how to stop worrying, it made me calmer. It has changed my life

As part of her work as a writer, Brigid Delaney volunteered to live like a Stoic for a week back in 2018  and she hasnt looked back since. This is how the ancient philosophys principles changed her life

Brigid Delaney. Photo: Carly Earl

Julia Molony Tue 14 Nov 2023 at 03:30

If you spend a lot of your time feeling hopeless in the face of the break-neck pace news cycle, anxious about the growing existential threats to the human race, and shattered by the increasingly fragmented structure of contemporary society, then Brigid Delaney might have something for you.
No one at RTE to earn more than the director generalSmaller Dublin campus  but Montrose wont be soldExpansion of production in Cork, Limerick and GalwayCost-cutting aiming to reduce number of staff earning over 100kInvestment to be made in RTE player and new audio app

No RTE stars will make more than 250,000 under the broadcaster's cost-cutting plan.

A new salary cap will mean nobody can earn more than RTE director general Kevin Bakhurst.

The new cap will mean pay reductions for big names like Joe Duffy, Claire Byrne and Miriam O'Callaghan.

Latest figures revealed by the top earners themselves show Duffy on 351,000, Byrne on 280,000 and OCallaghan on 263,500

While immediate pay cuts are unlikely due to statutory rights in current contracts, anyone at RTE earning over 250,000 will have their pay reduced below the cap once their contract is up for renewal.

The RTE strategic review says: The setting of a maximum pay cap (no salary will exceed that of the Director-General), and a review of and reduction of allowances, as well as an evaluation of options for the future use of the Donnybrook campus, including reducing the size of the footprint needed for RTEs production and broadcast facilities.

In relation to pay, the document says: We will progressively reduce costs and overheads, reallocating some of that spending to deliver on our stated ambitions.

We will significantly reduce staff costs through an up to 20pc reduction in head count by 2028, by delivering on the maximum pay cap set in 2023 (as contracts expire and as we hire new people), and by reviewing and reducing allowances.

We will continue to reduce the pay of RTEs highest-paid presenters.

Mr Bakhurst confirmed on Virgin Media News this evening that presenters paid more than 250,000 currently wont be asked to take an immediate pay cut but that when their contracts come up for renewal they will not be able to exceed the salary of the director general.

Speaking on the Six One News, Mr Bakhurst said that RTE must demonstrate that they can help themselves by reducing costs next year.

Asked whether RTE would go for compulsory redundancies if not enough people volunteer for redundancy. Mr Bakhurst said: well deal with that when we come to it.

"In the last round of voluntary exits, there were 200 applications and RTE let 30 people go, so I think there is an appetite to go, but we will deal with that as it comes along.

"I have said all along, I will never go beyond voluntary redundancies and the government has also said it doesnt want RTE to do that, Mr Bakhurst said.

On value for money, RTE will look to trim its overall wage bill, which will aim to particularly reduce the number of staff paid over 100,000. RTE will also change the expenses and allowances system for staff next year, after a review.

"This change will be made possible by the full implementation of the strategy, including significant changes to where and how the organisation works.

RTE said a valuation of its Montrose site is under way and will take some time to complete. Photo: Collins

RTE is to expand its operations outside of Dublin and reduce them in the capital, according to the report, while investing in its digital products and reducing the number of staff at the public broadcaster by 20pc, or close to 400 people.

From 2025 we will start to rebalance our production from Dublin to an expanded production centre in Cork. We then aim to increase production in Limerick and Galway, said the document.

The rebalancing nationwide will reduce the volume of production in Dublin, however most of our production and broadcast facilities for radio and television will remain located on a smaller Donnybrook campus.

The document rules out selling off the Donnybrook campus because at this stage it does not appear to be economically viable.

Mr Bakhurst's plan says the sale of the Donnybrook campus would only generate 100m  well below the price when the station last sold land.

Six years ago, RTE sold under nine acres of land at Montrose to Cairn Homes for 107.5m.

The plan rules out relocation, but will look at some land sale.

"Relocating RTE off the current Donnybrook site: we have considered this option and at this stage it does not appear to be economically viable, said RTE.

Savills have commenced a high-level assessment of the site, which will take some time to conclude. They note the commercial real estate market faces several challenges at this time, and that the Donnybrook site is complex with a number of protected buildings. Their preliminary estimate is that the site has a value of approximately 100m, which is well below value achieved per acre in 2017.

Mr Bakhurst said the broadcaster will have to make hard choices next year.

As we await a decision on how public media in Ireland will be funded, we recognise the urgent need to restore trust, he said.

Chair of the RTE board Siun Ni Raghallaigh

While RTE will become smaller in size across the life of this strategy, the scale of RTEs public service ambition, and our ambition for the role that RTE will play in Irish life, will not be diminished.

The destination of this new direction plan is, ultimately, a better RTE. RTE will deliver high-quality programmes and content and will be more agile so that we can meet evolving audience needs.

We will provide better value for money. We will work harder with the independent production sector and diversify outside of Dublin. Over its almost 100-year history, RTE has served the public through the talent, integrity and commitment of its staff.

While acknowledging that we need to reduce our workforce, we remain committed to supporting and developing the extraordinary people that we have both in RTE and across the industry.

He said that next year will be a challenging one and they will have to manage our cost base carefully.

Hard choices will be made. My hope, however, is that we will enter 2025 armed with a robust strategy that makes the best use of the monies available to fund our national media service, monies we will invest as wisely and strategically as possible to improve the invaluable contribution of public service media to life in Ireland.

The entirety of the New Direction plan is contingent upon a new government funding model for public service broadcasting into the future, Mr Bakhurst said.

This whole strategic plan is based on the Future of Media Commission proposals for the level of funding for RTE and public service media. And we will deliver it if we are given the funding and we will serve several audiences spectacularly well, if we can do that, Mr Bakhurst said.

The chair of the RTE board, Siun Ni Raghallaigh, said in a statement: On behalf of the Board of RTE, I welcome the publication by the Director General today of A New Direction for RTE.

One in five jobs to go at RTE in wake of payments scandal

We also welcome the confirmation that interim funding of 56m has now been approved by Government, subject to conditions.

Wide-ranging reforms are embedded in the outline strategic vision, and I believe it will chart the way for a stable and secure future for RTE, and for public service media as a whole.

It is an important first step in establishing an organisation that is equipped to deliver on the transformation set out, and that is transparent, accountable and governed with the highest standards  all of which is key to rebuilding public trust.

However, the future of public service media can only be safeguarded and maintained with support from Government. We look forward to detailed engagement with Government in the days and weeks ahead.

We are very conscious of the concerns of RTE staff as we embark upon this important process of change and reform. The Board of RTE fully supports the work and commitment of the Director General and his leadership team and we will continue to work closely with them as we navigate the significant challenges ahead.
Take That fans can now apply for a chance to be in the Late Late Show audience when they appear on the show next month.

The band will perform at RTE on December 1 and applications to book a seat in the audience are now open.

Host Patrick Kielty said tickets to the Late Late Toy Show are not the only hot ticket up for grabs, telling viewers that they dont need people who just like them a bit or people who kind of can hum a song.

"They want the real fans, they want the super fans, they want the people who love them more than I do. Thats a lot. Could it be magic? Yes it could be.

In a video shared to social media, the comedian then walks over to wall full of Take That posters, kisses a photo of each band member and blesses himself.

Could It Be Magic? We think so!



We want @takethat super fans to come join us for a live in studio performance 



Head to https://t.co/kBXPcPpH1b to find out how to apply for tickets  pic.twitter.com/NO6vsM2EEZ  The Late Late Show (@RTELateLateShow) November 14, 2023

Fans must fill out an online form to be in with a chance to win, first providing producers with details such as their name, home address, their gender and their contact details before they can then share optional information such as their occupation and their social media profile.

They must then select whether they require 2, 3 or 4 tickets before confirming their availability.

The band will perform live in studio on December 1 but as it is a pre-record for the Late Late Show, their mini-gig at RTE will take place at 2.30pm.

To be in with a chance to win, hopeful fans must also share the name, age and phone number of those who will be joining them in studio.

They are then required to tell producers why they want to see Take That live and, if they have a good story about their love for the band, if they are willing to share it on-air.

A number of other questions appear on the application form, including:

When did you start listening to them?

Whats your favourite Tale That song?

Do you have an funny/interesting/extraordinary stories about your love for Take That?

Have you seen Take That live before?

Is there a special event that you would like to celebrate at The Late Late Show Take That pre-record?

Take That will play five dates in Cork, Dublin and Belfast next summer as part of their upcoming tour.

The trio of Gary Barlow, Mark Owen and Howard Donald will perform at Musgrave Park in Cork on June 20, followed by Malahide Castle in Dublin on June 21 and Belsonic Belfast on June 22.

They will follow two more dates in the 3Arena on April 22 and 23 next year.

Olly Murs will join the band as a very special guest on all three Irish dates.
According to which camp youre in, Brit Marling and Zal Batmanglijs 2016-19 series The OA  it stands for original angel  was either a bold work of staggering originality or a steaming great pile of pretentious old cobblers.

A lot hinges on how far to the right the needle on your crap-o-metre was pushed by the tasteless scene in which the five misfit acolytes recruited by the OA (Marling) use the mystical dance moves shes taught them to stop a school shooter in his tracks.

Mine swung all the way into the red before snapping in two.

Arguments for and against The OA were rendered irrelevant when Netflix suddenly brought the axe down on the series after two seasons (Marling and Batmanglij wanted to make five), prompting one fan to go on hunger strike in front of the companys LA headquarters in a doomed attempt to have the decision reversed.

Marling and Batmanglij brought her food and drink. They should probably have given her the number of a good psychiatrist while they were at it.

Anyway, all this is a roundabout way of getting to the pairs latest creative endeavour, A Murder At The End Of The World (premieres on Disney+. from Tuesday 14 November).

The good news is its a miniseries, over and done with in seven episodes (the first two are available now, the rest weekly), so no one will feel the need to starve themselves to death after it ends.

The better news is that there are no angels, no hopping between different dimensions and absolutely no silly dancing.

If anything, A Murder At The End Of The World has more in common with vintage crime fiction. The basic story is a variation on Agatha Christies 1939 novel And Then There Were None.

What it recalls even more strongly, however, is Rian Johnsons wonderful riff on Christie, last years Knives Out sequel Glass Onion, in that the person who organises the gathering is a billionaire tech entrepreneur called Andy Ronson. Equal parts Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk, hes played by Clive Owen.

Sadly, on the basis of the opening episodes, it lacks the playfulness of either Christies novel or Johnsons film.

The tone of A Murder At The End Of The World is as chilly as the setting  a futuristic hotel that sits like a circular spaceship in a remote part of Iceland.

Ronson has summoned some of the worlds finest minds for a retreat, the topic of which is impending global disasters that could wipe out civilisation.

Theres a robotics genius, an astrophysicist, activists of various stripes and, to her own surprise as much as anyone elses, a true-crime author called Darby Hart (Emma Corrin, who played Princess Diana in The Crown before Elizabeth Debicki took over).

A coroners daughter, expert hacker and amateur sleuth, Darbys first book, about unsolved Jane Doe cold cases, has become a bestseller. She cant understand what shes doing in this elite company, but her investigative skills come in useful when one of the guests is killed.

Darby is also excited by the prospect of meeting her hero: a brilliant former hacker called Lee (Marling), who went to ground after being doxed on social media and just happens to be married to Ronson.

A lengthy flashback scene to several years earlier shows Darby and her then boyfriend, a fellow amateur detective called Bill (Harrison Dickinson, sporting the worlds worst mullet) breaking into the house of a serial killer and uncovering human remains buried in the basement (the series looks like it will toggle between these two timelines).

A confrontation with the killer broke Bill emotionally, leading him to walk out on Darby.

So shes understandably surprised and shaken when Bill turns out to be another of the invitees. The horrible mullet is still there, but hes since reinvented himself as an acclaimed guerrilla artist, who goes by the name Fang.

Toggling between past and present, A Murder At The End Of The World is at least coherent and comprehensible, although the emotional coldness of many of he characters and the overall air of gloominess may leave you feeling a little detached from it all.

A Murder At The End Of The World is available on Disney+ from Tuesday 14 November
TLT collapse 10 years on  have fundamental flaws in the live export trade been addressed?

The Garavelli family firm went under with many marts owed hundreds of thousands of euro  but ICOS insists practices have been reviewed and a repeat on that scale could not happen

The home farm of TLT International at Knockdrin, Mullingar, Co Westmeath 10 years ago. Photo: Jeff Harvey

Ciaran Moran Tue 14 Nov 2023 at 03:30

Ten years on from the costly receivership of live export firm TLT international, ICOS has stressed mart practices have been reviewed to avoid any potential such exposures in the future.
City officials accepted the chief of polices resignation this week.

John Hickman has resigned as Chief of the Beatrice Police Department to pursue other opportunities.

Mayor Bob Morgan accepted Hickman's resignation Tuesday morning.

"On behalf of the Qty of Beatrice, we thank Mr. Hickman for his service to our community," Morgan said. "We wish him the best in his future endeavors."

The Mayor and City Council selected Lt. Jay Murphy as the Police Department Director.

Murphy has served with the Beatrice Police Department for 33 years. He was hired as a Police Officer in 1990, was promoted to Sergeant in 1994, and to Lieutenant in 2018. In his role as Lieutenant, Murphy supervised the Investigations Division, School Resource Officers, and Crime Scene Team. As the Police Department Director, he will have command of all aspects of the Police Department.

Hickman was hired in June of 2022 as a result of a nationwide search after the retirement of long-time Chief of Police, Bruce Lang.

Prior to coming to Beatrice he was the Chief of Police in Glendive, Mont., a town of 5,000 near the North Dakota border.
The movement of ruminants and their germinal products (semen, embryos) from Great Britain to Ireland (including Northern Ireland) will be temporarily suspended after a confirmed case of Bluetongue in the UK last week.

The Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine also confirmed to the Farming Independent it is undertaking tracing of all cattle and sheep movements from Great Britain into Ireland since October 1.

Relevant Regional Veterinary Offices will be in contact with livestock owners who have imported cattle or sheep from Great Britain since October 1 in order to arrange surveillance testing.

In a statement, it said it is critical that all livestock farmers maintain vigilance for any suspicions of this disease, and report any such suspicions to their local Regional Veterinary Office (RVO) without delay.

A case of the virus was detected last week in Kent with the cow culled to reduce the risk of onward transmission. According to the Department of Agriculture here, it is the first time a case of Bluetongue serotype 3 has been confirmed in England.

A 10km temporary control zone around the affected farm was put in place, restricting movements of susceptible animals except under license.

The Bluetongue virus infects ruminant animals such as sheep, cattle, goats and deer. It is caused by a virus that is spread by biting midges which are most active between April and November. There is currently no vaccine to combat the virus.

A number of different types (serotypes) of bluetongue are currently circulating in Europe, with Netherlands confirming in September cases of BTV-3 in Northern regions. There has been a rapid spread since affecting most of the country. The Netherlands report that clinical signs in sheep are currently more severe than in cattle and goats. On some farms mortality rates are over 50pc. Several cases have also been confirmed in alpacas.

In October, Belgium confirmed an outbreak of BTV3 in sheep in Antwerp, close to the border with The Netherlands.

Also in October, Germany confirmed two outbreaks of BTV3 in sheep, while earlier this month, Spain confirmed 41 outbreaks of BTV4 in cattle and sheep in the north and centre of the country.

While every country in mainland Europe has had Bluetongue in the past, Ireland has not had a declared case to date.

An outbreak of the virus would result in huge restrictions with the possible loss of Irelands ability to trade outside the EU, the Department warned farmers here in June.

The bluetongue virus does not affect humans or pose a risk to food safety.

Last year, 2,304 animals were imported from mainland Europe and to date, 1,091 have been imported this year.

Importing infected pregnant animals (who can pass the virus to their offspring in the womb) is one of the biggest risks for introducing the virus into the country, as is importing asymptomatic infected animals, according to the Department.

The Department advised farmers to ensure they are importing from a reputable source and to obtain proof of vaccination and request pre-export test results for any relevant diseases before importing.

According to the Department's guidance, following importation, all animals should be isolated indoors immediately, away from the rest of the herd or flock. Farmers should check that the animals satisfy identification and certification requirements and that they appear healthy.

They should also contact their Registered Veterinary Office (RVO) immediately to arrange post-import checks for diseases.

The main symptoms farmers should look out for include swelling of the head, respiratory distress, drooling, reddening of tissue surrounding the eyes and sores and crusts on the face, mouth and teats.

Discharge from the eyes and nose, loss of appetite, drop in milk yield and abortion are also common symptoms of the virus.
The changes stem from several years of collaborative research between Teagasc and ICBF, on the back of industry feedback and international best practice, according to ICBF. Photo: Charles McQuillan/Getty

The rollout of the new Beef Eurostar evaluations, which has caused consternation among many beef farmers, has been delayed a week by ICBF

ICBF has said it will engage in further communications with farmers on the upcoming changes and delay the implementation date from Tuesday, November 21 to Tuesday, November 28.

The implementation of improvements to both the Terminal and Replecement beef indexes is the result of an independent technical review and consultation with a focus group, ICBF said in a statement issued today.

These changes stem from several years of collaborative research between Teagasc and ICBF, on the back of industry feedback and international best practice, it said.

The last review of beef breeding indexes in Ireland occurred in 2015 with the relative emphasis on the individual traits derived by Teagasc.

According to ICBF, as a result of the on-going Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP), the indexes were not updated despite changes in output prices and costs of production.

From a Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme (SCEP) perspective, all existing genotyped 4 and 5 star animals will remain eligible for the programme in their current herds, it said.

ICBF also clarified that 84pc of animals that are 4 and 5-star on the current evaluation will remain 4 and 5 star on the new evaluation.

The fact that some animals will rise from 3 star to 4 and 5 star means even more animals will become eligible which will see more herds meeting the 2023 SCEP Female Replacement requirement.

ICBF also claims that the updates to the economic values for all traits in both the Terminal and Replacement indexes better represent the longer-term outlook on the industry as a whole.

For example; carcass weight economic value has increased from 3.89/kg to 4.68/kg.

ICBF told the Farming Independent it is reluctant to release examples of the significant changes to the beef indexes before the scheduled introduction, to avoid unfair trading.

ICBF CEO Sean Coughlan said: Providing the details of individual bulls before official publication is challenging because in any transaction both parties need to have access to the same level of information.

One side might feel aggrieved that one party had access to what they might deem privileged information.

A meeting was held on Friday between the various breed societies and ICBF in Portlaoise on Friday to discuss the looming changes.

Breed Secretary at the Irish Charolais Cattle Society, Nevan McKiernan, said: Wed like to see a run of the top 100 AI bulls with their current figures versus their new figures.

We think the changes should be postponed for a short period of time until farmers get to grips with the changes coming and explain them to them.

Irish Limousin Cattle Society president William Smith has said that the farmers he represents are demanding answers around the financial impact of the change.

If this is about carbon and if this is about rearing calves for the dairy industry, then theres an issue, he said.

Three of the four people who put this together are coming from Moorepark, the accepted dairy hub of Teagasc. Can you imagine if we put a dairy index together, and three of the four were from Grange.

They [ICBF] put up a slide as well that this is going to affect 5pc [2,500] of farmers with SCEP payments.

ICBF has moved the goalposts. The bulls, when farmers selected them, had the potential to meet the targets, because of the changes their calves may not meet the SCEP requirement when they are cows in two years time. Ultimately the farmer is going to have to repay all of the SCEP money.

Chairman of the Irish Belgian Blue Cattle Society Sean Sherman told the Farming Independent that the new evaluations would be "challenging" for the breed.

However, he said there are still bulls in the breed that will be suitable for breeders and farmers to continue with.

"I do not think any farmer would be advised to make draconian changes to their breeding practices. There are still genetics in each breed that are key to each breed, but you have to be broad minded enough that the industry is going in a certain direction."

Breed Secretary at the Irish Aberdeen-Angus Association, Shane Murphy, told the Farming Independent that many of the traits which have made the Angus breed famous have been given increased emphasis.

From the Angus point of view its all very positive. The main change in the evaluation is coming from economic values, which havent been changed in seven years," he explained.

When the economic values were revised it highlighted that the cost of things like difficult calvings and feed had increased so obviously the weightings for the index have to be heavier towards those traits in order for animals to be more profitable.

Mr Murphy said his Association has seen a massive increase in popularity since the end of the milk quotas in 2015.

Weve gone from 200,000 commercial calves to possibly half a million by the end of this year, he said.

The agricultural sector is facing challenges, consumer perception is one of the biggest ones. The general public is further away from a farming background now more than ever. We need to make sure the consumer is looking at agriculture in the right light and any index that focuses on sustainability and survivability, can only be of benefit in portraying the industry in the correct light.
An aerial view of Sidi Salem dam in Tunisia, in an area which is facing water shortages and drought. Photo: Getty

Ireland's fair share of the bill for causing climate-related damage to developing countries is heading for 1.5bn a year, experts have said.

The calculation comes ahead of the COP28 climate summit later this month, at which discussions on loss and damage will form a key part.

Loss and damage refers to the costs of the effects of the climate crisis that are now unavoidable and irreversible even if greenhouse gas emissions reductions are achieved.

Loss of land to sea level rise, irreparable damage to productive land due to constant drought or repeat flooding and loss of connection with home and culture due to climate-related migration are all having devastating effects on poorer countries.

Global studies have calculated that the bill for easing the impact of such harms could reach up to 530bn annually by 2030.

Aid and development charities Christian Aid Ireland and Trocaire say Irelands share of that would be at least 1.5bn annually.

They worked out the figure based on Irelands current and historic contribution to global emissions, which is one of the highest per capita in the world.

Conor ONeill, of Christian Aid Ireland, said it was time this country faced up to its debt.

The poorest half of the world, nearly four billion people, are responsible for just 12pc of all greenhouse gas emissions, he said.

The decision at COP27 to set up a new, dedicated loss and damage fund is recognition of this stark inequality.

We now need to see detailed, timebound plans from Ireland and other wealthy, high-emitting countries on how they will raise the revenue needed.

Ireland was a main driver of the decision to set up a dedicated fund at last years climate summit and has a seat on the international committee established to tease out the details.

That committee has met several times since, but has struggled to reach agreement on how the fund should be resourced.

Ireland has called for levies on aviation, international shipping and other heavy fossil fuel industries to raise revenues for it.

Siobhan Curran, of Trocaire, said Irelands delegation must continue to push for progress on the issue.

We are looking to Ireland to be a leader in committing money to this fund, she said.

Ireland should make an initial pledge of finance to demonstrate its commitment to the fund as part of a pathway to 1.5bn by 2030.
Council tenants will be permitted to earn 14,000 tax-free per year for renting out a room in their house to students from next month.

There will be no caps on the amount of rent charged and any rental income will not affect social welfare payments.

The Irish Independent previously revealed the Governments plan to include social housing tenants in the Rent-a-Room scheme.

However, after some public backlash to the proposals, student renters will now instead be prioritised for the initiative, which will kick in on December 1.

The Government will review the initiative in a years time and it may be expanded to all renters and not just students, under the proposals from Housing Minister Darragh OBrien.

Today's News in 90 Seconds - November 14th

Council tenants would not have their social welfare payments affected if they took in a student, Government sources said. Senior ministers are to sign off shortly on a ministerial order that will give effect to the new rules from December 1 on an administrative basis only.

Local authority tenants will have to advertise the rooms they have available for rent in their house.

The prospective student tenant will have to apply to the local council, as will the council tenant. Students will have to show proof of enrolment in a third-level institution.

Once checks take place, tenancies will be approved and a licence agreement will be signed.

Refused applications can be appealed and students will have to move out at the end of the academic year. If they want to move back in the following semester, they will have to get permission from a local council.

Rent-a-Room had been expanded previously to social welfare recipients who do not live in a council house.

The Government believes there are 28,000 council houses across the country that are under-occupied and can be freed up for students and possibly other tenants next year.

Senior ministers will also approve extending the Local Authority Home Loan to people seeking to finance the purchase and renovation of derelict or unhabitable properties.

The home loan is aimed at people who cannot get enough money from banks to buy a home.

It can be used both for new and second-hand properties, or to self-build. It is currently available only for properties that are already habitable.

Mr OBrien will seek Cabinet permission to extend the loan to cover purchase and renovation of uninhabitable homes that may be eligible for the Vacant and Derelict Property Grant.

The expanded home loan scheme is set to kick in from spring of next year.

There have been 5,100 applications to councils, with more than 2,400 approvals for the grant, Cabinet will be told.
Ex-accountant jailed for disgusting sex assault on teen out celebrating her Leaving Cert results

Judge told the court the teens Leaving Cert night will stay with her forever, for all the wrong reasons

Mullingar Circuit Criminal Court

Tom Tuite Tue 14 Nov 2023 at 17:17







A former accountant has been jailed for a disgusting sexual assault on a vulnerable teenage girl he approached while she was out celebrating her Leaving Certificate results.
Modern Morals: My best friend says she cant afford to go to my foreign wedding next year. Is it insensitive to ask her to get a loan?
Report highlights women's concerns of victim blaming by authorities

A human rights watchdog has called for an urgent improvement on tackling violence against women in Ireland, labelling it impossible to examine conviction rates and identify gaps in the criminal justice response due to insufficient data collection.

A Council of Europe report produced by The Group of Experts on Action against Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (GREVIO) is the first evaluation of Irelands implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence, known as the Istanbul Convention.

The report noted that regrettably, the insufficient collection of statistical data on the number of reports received by the police, the investigations opened, indictments made, final convictions handed down by courts and the sanctions imposed for all forms of violence against women, currently renders an assessment of attrition rates and the identification of gaps in the criminal justice response to violence against women, impossible."

The GREVIO report stated with concern that reports point to victims of violence against women, who testify/participate in criminal justice proceedings experiencing secondary victimisation. More specifically, victims have reported feeling that the severity of the violence was being dismissed and/or being questioned by those in the criminal justice system, including judges.

The Council of Europes group of experts on violence against women in Strasbourg singled out Ireland as needing to implement tougher policies to protect women.

The body signalled Ireland is lagging behind on data collection  something womens rights groups have been lobbying for for many years.

The last study on Sexual Abuse and Violence in Ireland (SAVI) took place two decades ago and Dublin Rape Crisis Centre is just one group which has repeated calls for new research.

The report said there were indications that data collected on violence against women by the relevant stakeholders is insufficient, disjointed and does not provide an overall picture of the incidence of domestic violence and other forms of violence against women, the support and protection provided to victims or the response of the relevant institutions.

Womens rights organisations notified GREVIO that data from helplines managed by local Rape Crisis Centres (RCCs) are not captured and used by the State, thus detracting from a complete and representative view of prevention and protection efforts.

It found data protection was actually hampering the sharing of important information across agencies and specialist support services.

The PULSE reporting system used by gardai was also found to not meet standards for recording crimes against women, EU officials found.

Within the report, its authors note: Despite having included commitments and/or recommendations to strengthen and harmonise data collection on violence against women in various national strategies, action plans and reports, Ireland is currently lagging behind significantly in the area of data collection.

It welcomed the Department of Justice audit recommending the establishment of a single data system to capture data from all services dealing with victims and perpetrators of violence against women and the third DSGBV (Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence) Strategy and plan to establish co-ordinated systems for collecting, analysing and sharing data on access to, and use of, support services and services providing protection to victims.

But it added: The implementation of this goal, however, is currently on standby, pending the setting up of the new DSGBV agency, whose mandate will encompass data collection, analysis and sharing of data.

GREVIO considers that delaying plans and actions until the new DSGBV agency is up and running is not optimal.

GREVIO observes that the data that are publicly available do not cover all forms of violence covered by the Istanbul Convention, including, for example, forced genital mutilation, forced marriage, sexual harassment, forced abortion and forced sterilisation.

And while some data was available on the number of women who have been murdered as a result of domestic violence, this data is not complete, the report noted.

The Central Statistics Office (CSO) categorises data provided by the police as under reservation as they do not meet the required standards. In particular, a report issued in 2020 by the CSO refers to a failure to record reported crimes, misclassifications of crime and inaccuracies in reporting dates as among the deficiencies observed in the polices case-management system.

The Department of Justice has included the development of a Criminal Justice Operational Hub as a strategic action to address shortcomings.

This would enable the integration of data across the criminal justice system and its implementation was foreseen for 2022, the report stated, although it has not yet come to fruition.

The authorities notified GREVIO that the sharing of data across different parts of the criminal justice system has been hampered by considerations on data protection and difficulties in applying a unique identifier.

The training of gardai had primarily focused on domestic violence and rape and much less on all forms of violence, such as stalking, female genital mutilation (FGM) or forced marriage, the report found.

Officers who did not specialise in the area of domestic violence were found to have a gendered understanding of violence against women, with victim-blaming attitudes and the trivialisation of violence being reported.
The dreaded winter virus that preys on small children and the elderly is on the rise again.

Cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) doubled in the space of a week, with parents urged to cocoon infants and keep them away from large crowds.

RSV normally causes mild, cold-like symptoms, but it can be serious and leave children and older people hospitalised.

Now, after decades of research, the first RSV vaccines are available and they have been recommended for use by immunisation experts in Ireland.

So what do we know about the vaccines and how soon will they be available?

Cost-effectiveness

The vaccines have been recommended by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (Niac) after examining efficacy and safety. But the rollout is subject to cost-effectiveness and other issues such as how it would be integrated into the childhood immunisation programmes.

The Health Information Quality Authority (Hiqa) is assessing if the vaccines would reduce the burden on health services from RSV. This is likely to take time and the worst of this RSV season might be over before decisions are made.

It is important to monitor symptoms in infants. Photo: PA

Vaccine breakthroughs

In all, there are three vaccines. One is a long-acting monoclonal antibody called nirsevimab made by Sanfoi. It can be administered to an infant directly for the prevention of RSV lower respiratory tract disease.

The child should be given a single dose at the beginning of the RSV season, with protection lasting around five months. Niac deemed it a safe alternative to the injection Palivizumab currently used here to prevent severe cases.

Niac said historically, achieving good uptake of antenatal vaccines in Ireland and internationally has been challenging

The second is the Abrysvo vaccine made by Pfizer. It is aimed at providing passive protection against lower respiratory-tract disease in infants from birth through six months of age. It must be taken by their mother during pregnancy. It has a reported efficacy of 82pc against severe medically attended RSV for infants in the first 90 days of life, and 69pc through to six months.

Niac said historically, achieving good uptake of antenatal vaccines in Ireland and internationally has been challenging. So far, the United States is the only country to have made a formal recommendation regarding maternal RSV vaccination.

To mitigate against any potential risk of preterm delivery, they have recommended maternal RSV vaccination to pregnant people between 32 and 36 weeks gestation.

Abrysvo is also licensed for the over-60s, as well as another vaccine Arexvy made by GSK, which is available to get privately here already.

RSV led to over 800 hospitalisations in those aged 60 and older last winter. Arexvy showed 82.6pc overall efficacy against RSV-related lower respiratory tract infections, with 94.6pc efficacy observed in those with other health conditions.

Dr Abigail Collins of the HSE

Medical advice

For now, the advice is very much around prevention, recognising symptoms and seeking medical help if a child deteriorates.

Dr Abigail Collins, national clinical lead for the HSEs Child Health Public Health Programme, said the key is to reduce the chance of infection and spread.

RSV is highly contagious, with cases peaking in December. It is the main cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in very young children. Bronchiolitis may lead to breathing and feeding difficulties and can result in hospitalisation.

Dont forget to make sure your childs vaccines or immunisations are up to date, including the annual free nasal flu vaccine from your local GP or pharmacy

Reducing risk means staying away from others if you feel unwell, washing your hands regularly, covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, binning used tissues and washing your hands after.

And dont forget to make sure your childs vaccines or immunisations are up to date, including the annual free nasal flu vaccine from your local GP or pharmacy, Dr Collins said.

Most cases can be cared for at home and can clear between two to three weeks without treatment. However, symptoms can worsen quickly, so it is important to monitor them.

Symptoms

Dr Collins said if a child has a runny nose or slight cough, they should not be prevented from attending childcare if they are feeling well with one mild symptom. However, if a child is feeling unwell with more significant symptoms, or combination of symptoms  cough, runny nose and mild fever  they should stay at home.

Good ventilation of shared spaces, good hand hygiene and cleaning of surfaces, and good cough etiquette also helps to prevent spread.

Initial symptoms can include runny nose, blocked nose, mild fever and a slight cough. Further symptoms usually develop over the next few days, such as a dry and persistent cough, rapid breathing, feeding less, fewer wet nappies, vomiting and being irritable.
The man who once headed up a Government spin unit  which had to be disbanded after political uproar and a series of media revelations  is to be Irelands next Ambassador to Canada.

John Concannon, who is widely admired for his ideas and ability across Government, will also act as our envoy to Antigua and Barbuda, Jamaica and Barbados.

He is currently Director General of the Global Irish Division at the Department of Foreign Affairs, which provides outreach to our diaspora. He has also been involved in a host of high profile Government initiatives across several Departments and is not seen as an Iveagh House lifer.

Diplomatic personnel may be unsure whether the appointment of talented troubleshooters is to become a feature of progression to the highest ranks of Irish representation following the earlier appointment of former Government Secretary General Martin Fraser as Ambassador to the United Kingdom.

Mr Concannon headed up the Strategic Communications Unit when Fine Gael and Independents were supported in a confidence and supply agreement by Fianna Fail.

But current Tanaiste Micheal Martin became outspoken about adverts and promotions that may have appeared to be claiming political credit for Government spending.

There were a number of media revelations about newspaper advertorials that could be mistaken for impartial reportage by the outlets with whom such articles were placed.

The unit was finally broken up by Fine Gael leader Leo Varadkar in the wake of continuing controversy.

Mr Concannon was previously the brains behind much of the imaginative planning and daring initiatives involved in The Gathering  a drive to bring the clans back to Ireland for a series of countrywide reunions in the wake of the financial crash.

A Government spokesman, asked if the appointment as Ambassador represented a policy change, stressed that Mr Concannon had occupied a range of a range of positions within the public sector and had a broad range of experience.

He said everyone in Government was entitled to apply for appointment and it was the same process for everyone. There's a constant circulation of all these postings.

There's a list of postings that comes up and people can apply for it, or they can sometimes be asked. There's a variety of ways people can be in a posting. The spokesman for the Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs was unable to say if Mr Concannon, who was offered comment last night, had been invited to apply.

The Government previously ran into controversy over the proposed appointment of former minister Katherine Zappone as an Irish special envoy to the UN on the rights of minorities. Former Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney subsequently apologised to then-Taoiseach Mr Martin over a communications failure as Ms Zappone chose to withdraw.

Mr Martins spokesman said the procedure for Ambassadorial appointment has gone on for decades, adding: In all parts of the civil service people come from the private sector. The criterion in all such appointments was for the post to go to the best person for the job.

He added: It's a fairly common practice and procedure. It's been happening for decades and it's how people bring their experience abroad and then bring that experience abroad back to Ireland.
France and Ireland have a very similar assessment of the crisis in Israel and Gaza and seek the same potential solutions, French prime minister, Elisabeth Borne, has said during a visit to Dublin.

Asked by a French journalist if she endorsed the Taoiseachs controversial description 10 days ago of Israeli retaliation in Gaza being more approaching revenge than self defence, Ms Borne confined herself to explaining the Paris governments stance on the Middle East crisis. She totally avoided giving any reaction to the Taoiseachs strong comments of condemnation.

The French leader, accompanied by four of her ministerial team was in Dublin for talks with the Irish Government reviewing a cooperation agreement signed by French President Emmanuel Macron, in Dublin in August 2021. This was focused on energy cooperation, deeper business links, and closer cultural collaboration.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar (Niall Carson/PA)

Ms Borne, who is herself from a Jewish background, said she had discussed the Gaza and Israel crisis during talks with the Taoiseach at Government Buildings. She reiterated the French view outlined by President Macron that Israel had the right of self defence, utterly condemned the Hamas attacks of October 7, but believed Israel must avoid attacking civilian targets in Gaza and both.

The French prime minister also called for a humanitarian ceasefire, an unconditional release of Hamas hostages, the revival of the peace process, seeking a solution based on the two-state solution giving Palestinians and Israelis self rule.

Also speaking at the press conference, Mr Varadkar did not accept that Ireland was now among the last EU countries whose citizens did not get any permission to leave besieged Gaza. He cited the example of France 17 of whose citizens were granted permission to leave Gaza but he said all of these were aid workers.

Mr Varadkar said the case of nine-year-old Emily Hand, whose father he was due to meet tonight in Dublin, was in his heart. He said every effort will be made by the Irish Government, at every level, to find out more about Emilys whereabouts and wellbeing with the ultimate aim of getting her set free.

The Taoiseach condemned the Opposition for on the one hand seeking Irish Government action in the crisis, while also seeking to expel the Israeli ambassador, a move which would lead to the Irish ambassadors expulsion. He said Ireland needed to keep all contacts open.

Mr Varadkar said he opposed the Opposition motions on the issue but Government had yet to decide how it will approach these.

Ms Borne was asked about the 180,000 French people who demonstrated against anti-semitism on Sunday. She said it was evidence of a popular mobilisation against this and other forms of racism and she pledged that the police, the parliament, and the public prosecutors would be active in putting a stop to this problem.

The French prime minister said Irish and French links within the EU must be strengthened as 30,000 citizens of France live, work, and study here.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives determined the Fourth of July Alcova Lakeside Marina fire was an arson and are offering up to $5,000 for information, officials announced Monday.

It was classified as an "incendiary," the Natrona County Sheriff's Office said in a statement.

"The ATF definition of Incendiary is a willful ignition of a fire, in an area, or under circumstances where or when there should not be a fire," the statement said.

A reward of up to $5,000 is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of "those responsible for the arson," the statement said.

Over the last several months, Natrona County Sheriffs Office investigators have worked in tandem with ATF fire investigators, Natrona County Fire Protection District, Casper Fire-EMS Department and Evansville Fire-EMS Department to determine the origin and cause of the blaze, the statement said.

The Natrona County Sheriffs Office has already received many tips and is continuing the joint investigation into this incident.

"We extend our gratitude to the members and visitors of our community who have submitted photos, videos, and information related to the fire," the statement said.

This fire, which happened at about 5:08 a.m. on the Fourth of July, required mutual aid assistance due to the "extensive fire damage to the structure," the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives announced in a statement Monday.

"With those additional resources and the use of 10,000 gallons of water from the nearby Alcova Lake, the fire was under control after about three hours," the statement said.

Last month, a Banner Wyoming Medical Center EMT and paramedic were accused of stealing property from the scene in an incident unrelated to the arson. Natashua Natay, 40, and Tyler Henion, 31, both of Casper, allegedly stole copper cups during the aftermath of the fire.

Anyone with information about the fire is asked to contact ATF at 888-ATF-TIPS or the Natrona County Sheriffs Office at 307-235-9282. Information can also be sent to ATFTips@atf.gov or through ATFs website at www.atf.gov/contact/atftips.

Tips can be submitted anonymously using the Reportit app, available from both Google Play and the Apple App store, or by visiting www.reportit.com.

Your news on your smartphone Your story lives in Wyoming, and our new mobile app is designed to make sure you dont miss breaking news, the latest scores, the weather forecast and more. From easy navigation with the swipe of a finger to personalized content based on your preferences to customized text sizes, the Star-Tribune app is built for you and your life. Dont have the app? Download it today from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Meanwhile, the Government has agreed to provide RTE with interim funding of 56m for this year and 2024, subject to certain conditions being met, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said.

Mr Varadkar said the Government will provide the funding, which includes 16m in interim funding along with 40m next year, but added that it will be subject to certain conditions, on achieving certain milestones and implementing certain reforms.

In a statement, Media Minister Catherine Martin said RTEs new strategic vision demonstrates a renewed commitment to public service broadcasting, and addresses key areas such as governance reforms and cost efficiencies.

This is vital as RTE seeks to rebuild the trust and confidence of the Irish public. I am acutely aware, however, of how difficult and challenging this is for the organisation, and particularly for its staff. That is why the DGs consultation with staff is of paramount importance.

Ms Martin said that while the funding decision is necessary to ensure the continued operations of RTE in the short-term, a long-term reform of the public funding model is critical to ensure the national broadcaster is on a sustainable footing.

She urged viewers to continue to pay their TV licence fee until that long-term funding model is in place.

Asked about proposed voluntary redundancies of up to 400 staff at Montrose, Mr Varadkar said: I know the news that staff will be receiving from the director general today and tomorrow will be a shock to a lot of them.

He said the actual number of redundancies is being proposed by RTE itself and said it is up to RTE as to how thats done. He said he understood this would be done over a number of years and that it would avoid compulsory redundancies.

Mr Varadkar added that the broadcaster is autonomous in those decisions.

NUJ official Seamus Dooley and RTE's Emma O'Kelly respond to broadcaster's new cost-cutting plan

It comes as Seamus Dooley, Irish secretary for the National Union of Journalists, said there was "distress" among RTE staff at how the news of proposed cuts for the broadcaster emerged.

Reports indicate there could be a cut to RTE's workforce up to 20pc, equal to around 400 staff, across a four-year period.

The Taoiseach said he hoped that compulsory redundancies could be avoided at RTE.

Asked whether some production being outsourced by RTE amounted to privatisation, Mr Varadkar said RTE is autonomous in its activities.

I would hope that compulsory redundancies can be avoided. I dont like seeing compulsory redundancies happen in State entities. I know a lot of this is going to come as a shock to a lot of good, hardworking people who work in RTE, Mr Varadkar told RTEs News At One.

But I think what really has to happen is for management to engage with the staff. Thats the right approach.

Mr Varadkar highlighted the importance of public service broadcasting and said RTE cant be allowed to fail.

Above all I think RTE is an asset. I think public service broadcasting and impartial, balanced news is more important than it ever was, said the Taoiseach.

Particularly with the level of misinformation, disinformation and democracy under threat all over the democratic world, we need public service broadcasters, we need the content and the work that you do.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said he hopes compulsory redundancies at RTE can be avoided. Photo: Gareth Chaney / Collins Photos

Its not just about RTE: public broadcast is provided by others as well and thats why RTE cant be allowed to fail in my view.

The voluntary redundancy scheme, which would cost around 40m, would reduce staff numbers at RTE by around 20pc.

The strategic reform plan, leaked details of which have been reported by the Irish Independent, will also see a number of services reduced at the broadcaster, with some digital radio channels set to be axed.

The plan is due to be published later today after director general Kevin Bakhurst briefs staff on the proposals.

It is set to prioritise upgraded technology, live and online content, and move more production outside of Dublin to Cork and other regions in the years ahead. There will also be more reliance on the independent sector to produce output.

The manner of the announcement is something that we cannot do anything about. That bell has now been rung, Mr Dooley said ahead of the meeting with Mr Bakhurst and RTE management.

We're now going in to hear the full proposals by management and we will be available later.

Obviously it's an unusual situation  we're receiving a confidential briefing which we've already read in the media.

It's not acceptable, but it's the latest in a series of mis-steps by RTE. Our concern now is not indignation at that, but to hear the full detail of what we believe, and what we've seen so far is not a realistic programme."

RTE education correspondent Emma O'Kelly, who is also chair of NUJ's Dublin broadcasting branch, compared the proposed cuts to the shark in Jaws.

Before this, we had kind of an eerie silence around RTE, but it was kind of like the silence in Jaws, where you know the shark is under the boat, she said.

Today, we have had a glimpse of the shark, or we're getting a glimpse, and that's kind of the feeling. There's a lot of fear, a lot of anxiety.

What were hearing is one in five jobs (to go). That's devastating. That's huge. Also, privatisation  theyre talking about 50pc of programmes to be made out of house.

RTE correspondent Emma OKelly, who is also chair of NUJ's Dublin broadcasting branch, said staff are fearful for their jobs

That's the gig economy. That's casualisation. That's people who will leave this organisation and secure jobs, with holiday pay, with maternity leave, who will be replaced by casual contracts  three months here, three months there, where they can't get mortgage approval.

And this is the kind of future according to what we're hearing for young, creative talents across Ireland and we obviously are going to oppose that.

I spoke last week to people in one department who were really concerned and were saying: Is our department going to be privatised? Is this the end of us?. And so there's this huge concern that people don't know what the future holds for them.

Earlier, unions warned how RTE staff are set to pick up the tab for management and governance failures at the broadcaster.

Secretary of the RTE The Trade Union Group (TUG), Cearbhall O Siochain, which represents RTE workers, said the 20pc reduction in headcount by way of a voluntary redundancy scheme seemed like a tall order.

The implications here is that staff are picking up the tab for poor governance and bad management by those who've walked away on big money, he told RTE Radio 1. It's not really acceptable that staff have to pick up this tab.

RTE is facing a loss of between 10-12m this year and, with a shortfall in TV licence revenue projected at 61m across this year and next, Mr Bakhurst has warned that the organisation will run out of cash if further state funding is not made available.

RTE was plunged into crisis in June when the broadcaster revealed it had not correctly declared fees to its then highest-paid earner, Ryan Tubridy.

The scandal widened as a series of other financial and governance issues emerged.

Earlier this year, prior to the emergence of controversies, RTE submitted a request for 34.5m in additional interim funding. The Government has already allocated 16m in extra funding for this year in line with recommendations from the state's financial advice body, New Era.

However, since the initial request for additional funding, RTE's revenues have taken a further major hit, with the broadcaster experiencing multimillion-euro losses due to a fall in TV licence payments in the wake of the controversies.

New Era has recommended an additional 40m in relation to the shortfall of TV licences, which was being withheld by the Government pending delivery of RTE's strategic plan.

The Government had asked RTE to make 21m of efficiencies to make up the gap created by the 61m shortfall in licence-fee revenue.

Mr O Siochain said: Government have a role to play in this. Government have a responsibility to fund a national public service broadcaster, all the signalling from politicians is that it is very important.

Gerry McCormack, Siptu deputy general secretary, blamed RTE managers incompetence for the current crisis.

He said workers are paying the price for trumped up payments to other people.

Its an absolute disgrace, he said.

He urged RTE to reverse the decision to seek redundancies and sit down with the unions representatives to deal with the issue.
The introduction of assisted dying laws in Ireland would mean every person would have to confront it as a potential option or not for end-of-life care, psychiatrists warned today.

Psychiatrists said they are opposed to assisted dying laws being brought in here but acknowledged many people at end-of-life are not getting the level of supports they need.

The College of Psychiatrists were before the Oireachtas committee on assisted dying which is due to make recommendations next year.

Prof Siobhan MacHale, consultant liaison psychiatrist, said: One of the reasons that the potential introduction of assisted dying in Ireland is so concerning is that we are already operating in an environment of sub-standard end-of-life care.

"It stands to reason that this status quo cannot continue and that we must at the very least offer patients optimal levels of care at this critically important stage of their lives before this legislation is even considered.

Dr Eric Kelleher, consultant liaison psychiatrist and a member of the Colleges Human Rights and Ethics Committee, added: With regard to the question of whether one persons choice of assisted dying will have an impact on another who does not so choose, we would say: the introduction of assisted dying legislation means that every person has to then choose it as a potential option or not for their end-of-life care.

"No person is an island.

They highlighted the "unequal distribution of palliative care services, a dearth of psychological and psychiatric supports available to people with challenging health journeys, and insufficient research in end-of-life care in Ireland which cannot continue."

The answer to this is not to end our patients lives, but rather is to interrogate each and every incident of concern, to clarify relevant contributing factors, and to provide the appropriate evidence-based interventions ranging from improved pain control to family support.

They added that the current status quo, where we know that an important minority of patients are not receiving the optimal level of specialist palliative care and psychosocial support to allow them to die with dignity, cannot continue.

"As psychiatrists, we believe it is not possible to clearly differentiate between suicidal patients and patients who request assisted dying. There is potential for assisted dying to undermine the fundamental principles that suicide is preventable, and interventions that are proven effective in suicide prevention should take precedence across our health system.

"We emphasise the impossibility of separating physical and mental disorders. Our longstanding splitting of illness into real, medically and socially validated physical conditions such as cancer or diabetes, and poor moral fibre, pull your socks up mental health disorders has persisted despite our advancing neuroscientific knowledge.

"Autonomy and decisional capacity, and the cornerstone of any decision being 'voluntary and well considered' are highly complex for people who, for example, are autistic or have intellectual disability and can be difficult to assess," said the delegation.

Eve Griffin of the National Suicide Research Foundation said that is likely that the prevalence of mental health conditions such as depression are under-reported and undiagnosed in people who request assisted dying.

"The profile of individuals who die via assisted dying seems to be distinct from those who die by suicide.

"Those who die by assisted dying are generally older in age and are more likely to be female. However, some potential risk factors are shared by both groups, including living alone, having no children, and not identifying as being religious. Furthermore, the prevalence of psychiatric co-morbidities in individuals who die by assisted dying is difficult to establish, with reported proportions ranging from 3-39pc."

There is also a "lack of evidence regarding the effectiveness and standardisation of safeguards in the process of assisted dying. It is difficult to identify what safeguards would be deemed sufficient based on the international experience and where responsibility lies in determining adherence to safeguards, Ms Griffin said.

Dr Leopold V Annbellingen, a research fellow in the European Institute of Bioethics said in the past 20 years, the European Institute of Bioethics has developed expertise on the impact of assisted death laws on the protection of vulnerable people in society, particularly in the Belgian and Dutch contexts.

He said: "Our major observation is that despite their alleged safeguards, each of these national laws rapidly tend to pose a threat to the lives of vulnerable people.

For anyone affected by this article support is available at Samaritans at 116 123.
Irish citizen Ibrahim Alagha has until tomorrow to get his family out of Gaza or face being stuck in the besieged city

Up to 30 Irish citizens could be allowed to leave war-torn Gaza today as Tanaiste Micheal Martin begins a two-day State visit to the Middle East.

Around 40 Irish citizens are currently seeking to leave Gaza as Israel continues to bombard the region in its pursuit of Hamas.

It is understood the names of between 20 and 30 Irish citizens are expected to be listed for release today through the Rafa Crossing in Egypt where they will receive humanitarian aid and assistance.

Mr Martin flew into Egypt last night and is due to meet his counterpart Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and Secretary General of the Arab League Aboul Gheit during a day of diplomatic talks.

Speaking after he landed in Egypt, the Tanaiste said he is very pleased to hear some Irish citizens could begin to leave Gaza on Wednesday.

He said the Government will work hard to ensure all Irish citizens who want to leave Gaza will be given a safe passage.

However, he was reluctant to discuss the exact number of citizens he expected to be freed.

I cant give you precise numbers, but it is good news and quite a number of Irish citizens are on that list and there will be other groups of Irish citizens that we are also working on and that will be part of my engagements this week to make sure we can get Irish citizens out as quick as we can, Mr Martin said.

The Fianna Fail leader said one of the other key objectives of his visit is to assist in seeking the release of Irish-Israeli citizen Emily Hand who it is believed was abducted by Hamas during their brutal attack on Israel in October.

As an eight-year-old Irish citizen I think it is imperative that she is released and indeed all the hostages but particularly the children who have been abducted, he told reporters.

Mr Martin, who met with Emilys father in Dublin before he left for Egypt, said he hoped his Egyptian counterpart will be able to help in seeking the childs release.

On Thursday, the Tanaiste flies to Israel where he will meet Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen and he hopes to visit the communities devastated by the October 7 attacks by Hamas.

He also hopes to meet Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki Mahmoud Abbas.

He said he will pursue the Governments position that violence needs to stop and a ceasefire put in place in Gaza.

Last night Virgin Media News reported that the Irish family Ibrahim Alagha, Hamida Alagha and their three young children Sami, Eileen and Omar are on the list to leave Gaza via the Rafah Crossing.

Mr Alagha thanked the people of Ireland for their support and said the family are looking forward to returning to Dublin.

It comes as Simon Harris went further than any Irish minister in criticising Israel  saying it is conducting a war on children.

You cannot build peace on the mass graves of children, he said.

Last week, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar suggested Israels actions were in danger of appearing as revenge.

But Higher Education Minister Mr Harris has now suggested that Israel has become blinded by rage in its actions against Gaza.

Minister for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris (Brian Lawless/PA)

He was standing in for Mr Varadkar on Leaders Questions as the Dail resumed.

Mr Harris said Israel had a right to defend itself against Hamas following the October 7 assault. But that original right had now become a war on children, he said.

It was an act of terror on the people of Israel, it should be condemned and of course, Israel had a right to defend itself, Mr Harris said.

But that original right to defend itself has now become, in my view, a war on children  and you cannot build peace on the mass graves of children.

It is unfortunate that a country has become blinded by rage.

He was answering Labour leader Ivana Bacik, who said the Red Cross had warned that hospitals in Gaza were at the risk of morphing into morgues.

Weve seen an appalling loss of civilian life on the streets of Gaza, over 11,000 civilians, including 4,000 children, Ms Bacik said.

Mr Harris said the Government has decided to make an additional financial allocation to the International Criminal Court specifically in relation to its ongoing investigation into the situation in Palestine and Gaza.

Ms Bacik said there was absolutely no doubt that what Hamas perpetrated was despicable and it had been condemned, but were seeing unforgivable attacks on hospitals.

The loss of life included newborn infants in incubators and older people on ventilators and oxygen, she said.

It also comprised those on dialysis and women in labour.

Our thoughts are with all of those so unforgivably and appallingly affected, Ms Bacik said.

Other countries were severing diplomatic relations with Israel over its heinous breaches of international law, she said.

It was time for the Government to reflect on whether the position of the Israeli ambassador, Dana Erlich, remained tenable, she added.

Mr Harris said the retention of diplomatic links was not the equivalent of endorsement. The Government had to be conscious there were around 400 Irish troops on peacekeeping missions in the region and about 40 Irish citizens trapped in Gaza.

There was also an Irish citizen currently held hostage by Hamas, he said, referring to Emily Hand, who turns nine years old this week.

The minister said if the Government chose to expel the Israeli ambassador, it is likely there would be reciprocal action through the expulsion of the Irish ambassador to Israel.

He added the Government had decided to make an additional financial allocation to the International Criminal Court specifically in the context of the ongoing investigation into the situation in Palestine and in Gaza, on the recommendation of the Tanaiste, Micheal Martin.

Aontu leader Peadar Toibin said the Tanaiste had said one reason not to expel the ambassador was that Ireland might offer to become a mediator between the warring parties. He asked if Mr Martin would offer Irelands "interlocutor services on his trip to the Middle East this week.

Mr Harris said there needed to be a ceasefire first and the release of Emily Hand. But there would come a time when peace negotiations would have to take place, and Ireland would want to play a role.

President Michael D Higgins

Meanwhile, President Michael D Higgins has met with the families of hostages held in Gaza following the attacks carried out by Hamas on October 7.

Mr Higgins met with Thomas and Natali Hand, father and sister of eight year old Irish-Israeli child Emily Hand.

He also met with Maya Lambroso, Tal Yeshurun and Eylon Keshet, representing a number of families of those being held as hostages.

In attendance also was the Ambassador of Israel to Ireland Dana Erlich.

Mr Higgins said: I was pleased to have the opportunity to meet with Thomas, Natali, Maya, Tal and Eylon today and to hear first-hand of the terrible impact which the events of 7th October have had on the families of those being held hostage.

What the families are going through in terms of anxiety and apprehension must be near unbearable, including in Emily Hands case that her father and sister know that she will be celebrating her ninth birthday while being held hostage.

The welfare of all children and civilians in Israel and Gaza should be in the forefront of all of our minds at this time.

In our meeting, we discussed what actions can be taken to help ensure the safe return of the hostages to their families.

To this end, I once again call for the unconditional release of all hostages currently being held in Gaza.

"I further echo the call which the families have made that the Red Cross/Red Crescent, or another appropriate organisation, must be given such access to the hostages as will enable their present position to be affirmed.

"I have assured the families that I will relay the importance of this request to the Irish Government.
PUBLIC Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe has absolutely ruled out being the Fine Gael candidate in Dublin for next years European elections.

Mr Donohoe was responding to speculation linking him with being the partys candidate in the capital in the wake of incumbent Fine Gael MEP Frances Fitzgeralds decision to step down at the next election.

At the weekend, Mr Donohoes former ministerial colleague Lucinda Creighton wrote in the Business Post that Mr Donohoe, who succeeded her as EU Affairs Minister when she resigned from government a decade ago, would be an A-List solution both for Fine Gael and for Ireland Inc. if he were to put his name forward.

But speaking at the Department of Finance on Tuesday, Mr Donohoe said: I can absolutely rule that out, I can. I will not be a candidate in the European Parliament elections next year.

It's not out of any disrespect for the Parliament of the European Union. It's an even more important element of the European Union and who goes to the European Parliament really, really matters.

They play a huge role now in relation to decisions that really matter to Ireland. We want to send our best people there. But I am going to keep at this work here in Ireland and as Minister for the rest of this government and I will not be a candidate.

Mr Donohoe again confirmed he will be running in Dublin Central in the next general election despite continuing speculation linking him with a move outside of Irish electoral politics including a possible EU role.

A number of names have emerged as potential candidates for Fine Gael in Dublin, including former Dublin North-West TD Noel Rock, former cabinet minister Richard Bruton, who is standing down from the Dail at the next election, as well as Senator Barry Ward and backbench TD Colm Brophy.

Former Dublin Bay South TD Kate OConnell has also been linked with a run for the party with suggestions on Tuesday that she could run on the southside of the city and Mr Rock on the northside.

There's a lot of speculation underway regarding who the candidates will be, Mr Donohoe said. I think Ill wait to see all the declared potential candidates will be, before I decide who I think the best options could be or who I would support.
Sinn Feins foreign affairs spokesperson Matt Carthy said it is 'telling' that Israel is not a member of the ICC. Photo: Gareth Chaney

Sinn Fein will today call for Israel to be referred to the International Criminal Court by Ireland  despite Israel not being a member, or recognising the court.

The Dail will vote tomorrow on a Social Democrats motion on whether Israels Ambassador to Ireland, Dana Erlich, should be expelled.

Israel, which is not a member of the International Criminal Court (ICC), has previously rejected the courts jurisdiction and does not formally engage with the court.

Tanaiste and Foreign Affairs Minister Micheal Martin has said the court is investigating crimes in Palestine already, where it has jurisdiction.

In a Dail motion this evening, Sinn Fein will call for the ICC to investigate Israel and for Ireland to make this call.

Government leaders last night were discussing what position to take on the motion.

However, it is unlikely that it will be backed by Government.

Sinn Feins foreign affairs spokesperson, Matt Carthy, said it is telling that Israel is not a member of the ICC.

That does not mean that Israel cannot be held to account, he said.

"In fact, it reinforces the need for countries like Ireland to make a stand against the horrendous atrocities that Israel has committed in Gaza.

He said referrals have been made to the ICC on Ukraine, which is not a member, but accepted jurisdiction.

Government know the significance of Ireland referring Israeli actions of the last month to International Criminal Court, Mr Carthy said.

Multiple referrals to the ICC were made in relation to Ukraine, including one which Ireland was among 43 signatories.

ICC having a previous investigation underway is not a block to Irish referral re atrocities of recent weeks.

He said it would be shameful if Government TDs do not support the motion and said there should be no excuses in defending international law.

Sinn Feins foreign affairs spokesperson Matt Carthy said it is 'telling' that Israel is not a member of the ICC. Photo: Gareth Chaney

Meanwhile, Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon is lobbying Fine Gael and Fianna Fail politicians to back the partys motion calling on Ambassador Erlich to be expelled.

He wrote letters to TDs who called for the Russian Ambassador to be expelled last year, saying he hopes they will show the same commendable support to the people of Gaza, as you have shown to the people of Ukraine.

In the letters, Mr Gannon references Minister of State Neale Richmonds comments last year saying the Russian Ambassador has no right to be in Ireland.
One in 10 international students said it took them more than 100 days to find somewhere to live. Photo: Stock image

One in 10 international students in Ireland have been a victim of an accommodation scam, while 5pc have come across sex-for-rent arrangements while trying to live and study here.

The Irish Council for International Students (ICOS), which has today published a report on the experiences of students, has warned that the countrys housing crisis is jeopardising Irelands excellent reputation as a study destination and risks undermining the hard work of colleges across Ireland.

Today's News in 90 Seconds - November 14th

ICOS said it surveyed 819 international students from 73 countries, who participated in an online survey researching their experiences of trying to find accommodation. Of those questioned, 46pc were international students in higher education and 54pc were English-language students.

More than one in 10  13pc  of those asked said they had been a victim of an accommodation scam while they were in Ireland. Of those who encountered a rental scam, just 11pc said they had reported the scam to gardai.

The ICOS said 5pc of international students had encountered proposed sex-for-rent arrangements when trying to find accommodation  either being personally offered a room in exchange for sexual acts, or having seen an ad offering accommodation in exchange for sex.

A student from the US told the survey they had seen an ad on social media for an open-minded woman to share a room in an owner-occupied house  it looked like the owner placed the ad.

The research also found that many international students may be staying in crowded rooms, or sharing with strangers.

The vast majority of English-language students  81pc  and almost a third of international higher-education students said that they were sharing a room with at least one other person.

One Brazilian English-language student told the survey they were sharing a double bed with a person I dont know while a Bolivian student said they were paying high rent for a house where there are just two bathrooms for 13 people.

The ICOS found that the process of trying to find accommodation could be protracted, with one in 10 international students saying that it took them more than 100 days to find somewhere to live.

Accommodation arrangements were also precarious, with more than half of English-language students having no lease agreement.

One Argentinian student reported that their landlord has been threatening to sell the house, we have zero protection from RTB [Residential Tenancies Board] because we are licensees, [and the] eviction ban is lifted. Ive been trying to find a new place for two months now and its impossible.

Nearly half of students said that they were not happy with their accommodation, and more than half said that it was affecting their mental health.

Laura Harmon, the executive director of ICOS, said her organisation was calling for more affordable, purpose-built student accommodation, as well as an increase in inspections of private rental properties and a new dedicated government strategy for student accommodation.

It is important that we listen to first-hand accounts and experiences of students, understand them, and take action to address them, Ms Harmon said.

Among a range of other serious issues, we are particularly concerned about the evidence of predators seeking sex in lieu of rent and are calling for urgent legislation to clamp down on this.
Upfront with Katie Hannon sees the presenter joined by guests and members of the public to discuss current affairs issues.

Last nights episode featured a discussion on violence against women in the wake of Jozef Puska being found guilty of the murder of schoolteacher Ashling Murphy.

The live broadcast of the discussion was interrupted by two protesters, with a man being heard saying wed also like to talk about the women in Gaza.

The man was quickly taken away by security, although, with seemingly just one member of security present, a woman was able to stand in front of the live audience holding a banner for around 20 seconds before she was taken away.

Cameras cut away from the woman and sound was cut during the interruption. Both protesters also held Palestinian flags, but the banners they held couldnt be read because of the camera angle change.

I think we can all agree that every woman in the world needs to be protected, that is for sure, said Hannon as sound was restored to the broadcast.

The discussion featured a panel which included Sinn Fein TD and abuse survivor Pauline Tully, solicitor Sarah Grace, journalist Alexandra Ryan and Fine Gael Minister of State Neale Richmond.

The show also heard from Outreach worker Hayley Murphy and Jason Poole, the brother of Jennifer Poole, who was murdered by her ex-partner Gavin Murphy.

A spokesperson for RTE said: In the closing minutes of Upfront with Katie Hannon last night, the programme was interrupted by a political protest.

Two members of the audience left their seats disrupting the broadcast. The panel discussion was paused for approximately 30 seconds, while RTE security intervened to enable the programme to continue.
A scenario long feared, chronic wasting disease has been detected in a mule deer buck that died in Yellowstone National Park.

This is the first confirmed positive detection of the disease in Yellowstone National Park, but the sickness has spread across neighboring Wyoming and Montana in recent years.

The mule deer buck was originally captured by Wyoming Game and Fish Department staff near Cody, Wyoming, in March as part of a population dynamics study and fitted with a GPS collar, the Park Service announced in a press release. The collar signaled the animal died mid-October.

In coordination with Yellowstone staff, WGFD located the carcass on the Promontory, a landmass that separates the South and Southeast arms of Yellowstone Lake, and collected samples for testing. The samples tested positive for CWD based on multiple diagnostic tests performed at WGFDs Wildlife Health Laboratory.

In response to the incident, Yellowstone's staff will increase its collaboration with WGFD and other state agencies to identify areas within Yellowstone with increased risk for CWD. The park staff will also increase monitoring for the presence of CWD in deer, elk and moose in the park and also investigate carcasses for sampling and testing.

Chronic wasting disease is an always fatal infection caused by malformed proteins, called prions, that infect the brain of ungulates. To date, it is not known to infect humans who consume an infected animal. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warn against eating animals that test positive for CWD. Montana and Wyoming game agencies regularly test hunter-killed animals for the infection.

Signs of CWD in an infected animal include listlessness, weight loss, increased drinking and urinating, excessive drooling and head lowering.

It is transmitted by direct animal-to-animal contact or indirectly through contact with infectious particles persisting in the environment such as feces, soil or vegetation.

Since the mid-1980s, CWD has spread across Wyoming and is now found in most of the state. About 10-15% of the mule deer near Cody, Wyoming, that migrate into the southeast portion of Yellowstone during summer months are estimated to have CWD.

The long-term effect of CWD on deer, elk and moose in the Yellowstone area is uncertain.

The Park Service is asking that any visitors who see any sick or dead wildlife notify a park employee as soon as possible and avoid contact with the animal.

In the wake of the discovery, Yellowstone is revising its 2021 Chronic Wasting Disease Surveillance Plan which should be completed in 2024.
Independent Senator and civil rights activist David Norris will retire from the Seanad in January, triggering a by-election.

The Senator told Trinity College Dublin student newspaper Trinity News he will move to Cyprus in his retirement.

Senator Michael McDowell thanked the veteran politician for his 36-year service to the State in the Seanad today.

Senator Norris was the States first gay elected official and has previously run for president.

He sued the Attorney General over the criminalisation of homosexual acts and when the High Court ruled against Norris, he appealed to the Supreme Court.

Then, he took the case to the European Court of Human Rights and was finally vindicated, after the court ruled the criminalisation of homosexuality was at odds with the European Convention of Human Rights.

The law in Ireland was consequently overturned in 1993.

The Seanad Independent group awarded him a portrait of himself at a special ceremony, held by Ceann Comhairle Sean O Fearghail in 2021.

Seanad chair and Fine Gael Senator Jerry Buttimer said he was a champion of equality and diversity

I owe Senator Norris a huge debt of gratitude, he said.

Hes a person Ive admired from afar and working with him in this House. Hes been a huge help to me in my political life and in my personal life and many of us in the LGBT community owe Senator Norris a debt of gratitude that words could not adequately cover.
Chris Andrews is suing The Irish Times and journalist over coverage of his remarksMary Lou McDonald is taking case related to Provisional IRA rape victim Mairia CahillReferences to coverage of the TDs comments remain on the RTE website

The Press Ombudsman has criticised Sinn Fein TD Chris Andrews for taking the course of action

Sinn Fein TD Chris Andrews has complained to RTE about coverage of his response to the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7.

The move comes at a sensitive time as the national broadcaster seeks support for a funding bailout.

RTE is now watching if Mr Andrews complaint will escalate to legal action.

The Sinn Fein TD is suing The Irish Times and its political correspondent Harry McGee over reporting of a comment he made the day after the attack.

The Press Ombudsman has criticised Mr Andrews for taking the course of action. The case is seen as another example of a chilling effect, intended to put off the media from covering a topic.

Today's News in 90 Seconds - November 14th

Mr Andrews is the latest in a string of Sinn Fein figures to take legal actions against media organisations, including RTE.

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald was nominated for a bully of the year award by an organisation that campaigns against powerful individuals using defamation laws to silence critics, known as SLAPPS  Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation.

Ms McDonalds defamation case against RTE, related to Provisional IRA rape victim Mairia Cahill, has been flagged with the Council of Europe as a potential threat to media freedom by the Index on Censorship.

Mr Andrews is also believed to have objected to reporting by RTE of his comments on the start of the current war in Palestine.

RTE was asked about Mr Andrews correspondence: RTE does not have any comment.

Mr Andrews solicitors were also contacted by the Irish Independent but declined to comment.

Sinn Fein and Mr Andrews did not reply to requests for comment.

Mr Andrews comments arose after Hamas gunmen launched an assault on Israel from the Gaza Strip on, killing around 1,200 people and taking more than 200 hostages. Since then, Israel has declared war and has been carrying out strikes on Gaza in response, killing more than 10,000 people, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

After the initial Hamas attack of October 7, Mr Andrews tweeted in response to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen: It seems that according to the #EU and #Ireland only Palestine has no right to defend itself against murder, torture and Apartheid.

Sources in RTE have pointed out references to Mr Andrews comments remain on the RTE website. Where a media organisation is concerned about action being taken, articles are often removed as a precautionary measure.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said Mr Andrews legal action against The Irish Times was designed to make journalists afraid. It is designed to make them think twice about what they write and that is wrong. Press Ombudsman Susan McKay also weighed in saying she deplores the practice of powerful public figures suing individual journalists in response to public interest news reporting.

But Ms McDonald has defended the actions of her TD, yet says a free press is essential in any democratic system and that journalists in the media have a perfect democratic right to hold people like me to account.

But I would also say this. People like me, who happen to be in public life, also have the right to our character and to our good name, she told This Week on RTE Radio 1 this Sunday morning.

Where the difficulty arises is when those two rights come into conflict, she added.

Ms MacDonald was asked whether she deems the suing of Mr McGee personally as appropriate.

I think the objective of this should never be and can never be to personalise it to an individual, she said, claiming that the party were neither consulted nor informed of the case beforehand.

This article was updated on November 16, 2023. It originally stated that 1,400 were killed by Hamas on October 7. This number has since been revised down by the Israeli government to around 1,200.
Darragh McManus visits the northern Norwegian town and finds history, wondrous sights, great food and drink and even a fierce natural whirlpool

Were walking along the street in central Bodo, which is the second-largest town in northern Norway and the capital of Nordland, a colossal county which would cover about half the size of Ireland. Though situated about two-thirds of the way up the coast, its inside the Arctic Circle just about (80km or so). Naturally, then, all we can think about on our first night is the famous Northern Lights.
Visitors to the Netherlands from Britain have dropped this year, months after a campaign to discourage disruptive tourists from travelling to Amsterdam went live.

The number of arrivals from the UK is down 22pc compared to 2019, the last year of unrestricted travel before the coronavirus pandemic.

Since March 2023, travellers attracted to the Dutch capitals permissive culture, which includes its red-light district and cannabis cafes, have been encouraged to go elsewhere.

The online campaign is triggered when people in Britain enter keywords into search engines, such as stag party Amsterdam, pub crawl Amsterdam and cheap hotel Amsterdam.

Warning videos pop up, featuring young men staggering in the street, being handcuffed and fingerprinted and having their mugshots taken, and describing the risks and consequences of excessive drug and alcohol consumption: fines, hospitalisation, a criminal record and permanent health damage.

Amsterdam remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, with around 20 million visitors each year. In 2019, 2.4 million of these were British.

Beverley Boden, head of the department for aviation, tourism, finance and marketing at Teesside University International Business School, told The Independent: The Dutch government has taken a unique approach to managing the swarms of people big European cities experience, and may seem contradictory, especially at a time when tourist bodies are battling to raise the number of visitors coming in.

The Dutch approach shows it is possible to prevent rowdy tourists from coming over, and may serve as an effective blueprint for other countries looking to do the same.

"However, tourism is often a fundamental industry to a countrys economy, such as Spain, and any dip in visitor numbers can have a traumatic effect on an intricate and interdependent network of operators, hotels, vendors, attractions, and restaurants.

Obviously, people are still free to fly to Amsterdam to enjoy the city as they please. This might invite a calmer kind of tourist as opposed to the so-called louts that cause inner-city mayhem. The Dutch way certainly shows others that it is possible to shift the demographic of who arrives into the country which may, in the end, be better for other kinds of tourists.

New data, studied by travel industry trends analysts ForwardKeys, shows global arrivals into the Netherlands have fallen, reports The Times. As well as the campaign to discourage certain tourists, experts have blamed a cap on the number of flights introduced at Schiphol airport, located just outside Amsterdam and one of Europes busiest aviation hubs.

The Netherlands has put a cap on air connectivity, said Olivier Ponti, vice-president of insights at ForwardKeys.

That is obviously a hurdle and they have launched demarketing campaigns telling people to stay at home.

Then theres the flight cap, which is designed to help the wellbeing of residents and the environment. If your idea is to reduce inbound traffic, the most effective way is to limit the number of flights.

In an effort to reduce noise pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, flights into Schiphol will be capped at 452,500 per year  which is 9.5 per cent lower than 2019 levels. The Dutch flag carrier KLM has condemned the cap as incomprehensible.

Announcing the new rules in September, the Netherlands transport minister Mark Harbers said that aviation can bring the Netherlands a lot thats good, as long as we pay attention to the negative effects for people that live near the airport.

The restriction is scheduled to go into effect in 2024, pending approval from the European Commission.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar lays a wreath during the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph in Enniskillen on Sunday. Photo: PA

Over the weekend Taoiseach Leo Varadkar left a wreath of poppies, at the, by now, regular Dublin government visit to Enniskillen, to remember those killed in the 1987 Remembrance Day bombing. Thats his choice. Whats not his choice is the selectivity of it. So I wonder will Mr Varadkar now visit Derry in January to lay a wreath on the Bloody Sunday site where 26 unarmed people were murdered by British troops?

Will he visit Greysteel to lay flowers for those murdered by the Trick or Treat killers? Will he lay a wreath on Talbot Street for those citizens killed in the Dublin bombings of 1974?

I would hate to think that the recent photo of the Taoiseach holding up a blue Linfield shirt with his name emblazoned across it has blinded him to the atrocities which were visited upon so many innocents during that dark time in Irish history.

John Cuffe

Co Meath

Senseless tit-for-tat killing in the Middle East is a continuous source of pain

The horrific, senseless tit-for-tat mass murder in the Middle East has got to stop. It continuously pains us all.

The descendants of the Holocaust must realise the ironic futility of their disproportionate retaliation. The whole world is watching aghast at the sickening atrocities carried out by both sides.

Let calmer heads prevail and hammer out a lasting, just and permanent settlement of this terrible conflict.

Michael Doyle

Carlingford, Co Louth

Palestine was a province of two empires, it was not an independent state

Palestine has never been an independent state, as claimed by Robert OSullivan (Israel is as safe as it can be, Irish Independent, Letters, November 13).

The land now claimed for Israel and Palestine has been occupied for various periods over the last three millennia by the Assyrian, Babylonian, Persian and Greek empires.

Palestine was a province of the Ottoman Empire and a mandatory territory of the British Empire.

The only independent states that have ever existed in the land, prior to the creation of modern Israel, were indigenous Jewish kingdoms, the last of which was defeated by the Romans.

Teresa Trainor

Dublin 16

Heartening to see France support its Jewish citizens during this time of crisis

I was heartened to see the large crowds that gathered throughout France over the weekend to show their solidarity with the Jewish people who are currently being harassed and intimidated in large numbers worldwide due to the Israel-Hamas war.

It was reported on BBC News last Friday that 1,200 incidents antisemitic in nature have been reported in the UK alone since the start of the current hostilities.

People have different views on the rights and wrongs of the current war, but we should all condemn these attacks on innocent Jewish people, and be mindful of the language we use when discussing the war in order to not incite hatred towards Israel and its citizens.

Eamonn OHara

Manorcunningham, Co Donegal

Israel must stop  and the US must cease supplying weapons to the state

Israel has bombed hospitals, ambulance convoys of refugees, churches as well as men, women and children.

How many more must die in this carnage before this madness is stopped? The US should stop supplying these deadly weapons of mass destruction to Israel.

The state of Israel is ignoring all United Nations directives and its actions amounts to war crimes  and the same goes for Hamas.

Noel Harrington

Kinsale, Co Cork

Old doctrine of nuclear deterrence is dead  we are facing annihilation

The bar has not just been lowered, but has been removed altogether, when it comes to the use of biological, chemical and conventional weapons.

The notion that, by virtue of the fact, a country possessing a nuclear weapon can deter the use of a similar one by another is no longer a viable doctrine.

There has already been a first strike. Two atomic bombs were used against the civilian population of Japan during the last world war. The lesson from their horrible aftermath has become obscure now, and militarists advance daily towards another final solution.

We have seen the bar constantly lowered in the use of conventional weapons, to the point that it is now discarded, and we kill thousands of civilians daily with the full range available.

There are no others remaining.

As a number of countries, west and east, prepare for the nuclear scenario of first strike, it is past the time for ordinary humans to take note.

We must change the worlds political and commercial agenda, or prepare for the worst.

Roy Stokes

Manor Estate, Dublin 12

Three storms in a single month  climate change is not all hot air after all

Listening to the weather forecast, I learned that we have had three storms in the last month and one in the previous one.

Im no climate change expert but theres definitely something in the air.

E Hughes

Cork city

Patrick Kielty shows hes a Red Devil, but where are the celebrity LoI supporters?

Watching Patrick Kielty recently wearing a Manchester United scarf left me wondering if the day will ever come when one of our high-profile celebrity presenters will sport the colours of one of our League of Ireland clubs?

The words hold and  breath spring to mind.

Tom Gilsenan

Beaumont, Dublin 9

Can Enda Kenny and Bertie Ahern now do a Cameron and return to the political fold?

With former UK prime minister David Cameron back from the crypt, I cant help wondering about other potential comebacks.

For instance, could Enda Kenny and Bertie Ahern be polishing their shoes for a second coming with the Coalition?

Surely there must be room at the top table for such a dynamic duo.

Ed Toal

Galway city
400 jobs to go as one in five roles targeted for voluntary redundancy in broadcasterBut questions will arise about the ability to reduce staff without compulsory redundancies

One in five jobs to go at RTE in wake of payments scandal

Ryan Tubridy is gone. Dee Forbes is gone. The flip-flops are gone. The barter account is gone. Toy Show: The Musical is gone. Marty Morrisseys car is gone. But the decimation of Donnybrook is only beginning.

The RTE payments scandal burst on to the scene in June and kept the country captivated throughout the summer months. The Dail committees became box-office events full of drama and creating political heroes and managerial villains. But now the fallout gets serious. Theres a bill for 61m in lost licence-fee revenue to be paid from a scandal that started out with RTEs biggest star and rippled outwards from there.

One in five jobs will go in RTE as part of a wide-ranging plan to cut costs. A total of 400 redundancies are being targeted in the plan in the wake of the scandal. The plan will be announced today by RTE director general Kevin Bakhurst. The strategic plan aims at reductions in headcount and overheads but also through how we do our work.

A target of 20pc of jobs is outlined. The redundancies will cost 40m. The plan says RTE will commission significantly more content from independent production. This puts big programmes such as The Sunday Game and Fair City in the line of fire for outsourcing to external companies, according to Government sources.

The plan also says RTE will be a streamlined, more modern and simplified organisation.

Among the services to be closed include RTE Plus One, RTE Radio 1 Extra, RTE 2 XM, RTE Pulse and RTE Junior.

A new corporate governance structure will uphold the highest standards of transparency and accountability.

The board of the crisis-hit broadcaster signed off on the plan for cutbacks.

The plan will also look at the sell-off of some of the land at the Donnybrook headquarters, but not the whole campus.

In return, RTE will want the Government to provide funding to avoid running out of money. The Coalition is thought to be promising to frontload some of the 40m promised as a bailout for the organisation once it delivered its cutbacks plan. Coincidentally, this is the same figure as the cost of the redundancy plans. The longer-term issue of reform of the licence fee wont come until next year when the reports on the organisation are completed.

Asked about the prospect of the Government granting more cash to RTE, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said the emergency plan was not likely to go before the Government for decision this week and that he was among those who wanted to give it further consideration.

Mr Varadkar said RTE was seeking 40m in emergency taxpayer funding to keep functioning and the issue of long-term funding at the station would then be looked at. He said the Government was conscious that the station was a public service and did not want it to fail  but the issue of precisely how much interim funding to be given has yet to be decided.

RTE staff and their Trade Union Group (TUG) were angry to find out the contents of the plan through media leaks.

Following todays media leaking of RTEs strategic plan on the future of the organisation, the TUG calls on RTE to release the full document to staff immediately. It is not acceptable that staff should find out about the plan in this way and now be worried about the security of their jobs, it said.

Seamus Dooley, general secretary of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ), said: We are gravely concerned at the scale of the proposed redundancies and will require detailed information on how it is proposed to maintain core services and the impact on staff of such drastic proposals..

Trade union representatives are scheduled to meet the director general at noon today ahead of a staff briefing. However, Mr Dooley said both events were in danger of being an empty charade after they were declined early sight of the strategy document, for reasons of confidentiality.

Ordinary staff will bear the brunt of the cutbacks through jobs losses and changes to the way the station operates. However, there will be question marks over the ability of management to reduce staff numbers by 400 when previous plans have failed to deliver.

The Government has already ruled out compulsory redundancies because it would cause too much rancour with unions since RTE is a semi-state body.

The figures just arent adding up. RTE had already said it will fall 34.5m short in revenue next year, even before the scandal hit, but the Government has provided only 16m extra. The Government doesnt want a menu of options from Mr Bakhurst, but instead his vision to be presented. The existing financial woes in the organisation have been exacerbated by the payments scandal. RTE is now in danger of running out of money next year so something has to give.

Mr Bakhurst will brief staff on the contents of the plan at a town hall meeting this afternoon.

The strategic vision is also viewed as an opportunity for RTE to show its commitment to public service broadcasting and reform its structures, but this will be lost in the malaise of the cutbacks.
David Humphreys will have a big say on the future of Irish rugby.

David Humphreys' to-do list as the new IRFU Performance Director was a big topic of discussion on the latest episode of The Left Wing podcast.

With the Ulster legend set to replace David Nucifora next summer, Luke Fitzgerald, Cian Tracey and Will Slattery discussed the big challenge in ensuring young Irish talent get sufficient game time in the coming seasons.

The weekend's provincial action was also on the agenda, with Graham Rowntree unhappy with Munster's showing against Ulster while Connacht suffered heartbreak against Edinburgh.

Listen & follow on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Mayor urges public to support flood hit town in run up to Christmas

The Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Frank O'Flynn, is encouraging people to show their support for the town of Midleton following the recent devastating floods with a series of events planned in the build up to Christmas.

On Sunday, November 19, a full day event will take place, welcoming the festive season in County Cork including the much anticipated turning on of the Christmas lights.

There will be a Christmas Fair at The Fair Green, and Pirate Pete Magic Shows at the Midleton Park Hotel throughout the day. There will be plenty of food stalls, a DJ, local groups performing and fun characters making their way around the town

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The Courtyard at Sage Restaurant will be transformed into Santass Grotto until 3.00pm with a special sensory event taking place from 10am until 12 noon. Entry is free and gifts have been donated by the BWG Value Centre in Little Island.

Local girl Orla Hennessy will turn on the Christmas tree lights at 6.15pm. Orla was diagnosed with Severe Aplastic Anemia, a rare and life-threatening blood disorder, and the only cure was a bone marrow transplant which took place last October with older sister Shannon as donor.

Due to her illness, Orla missed Senior Infants, but was able to return to school and rejoin her friends in first class. Orlas family are extremely grateful to all the doctors, nurses and staff at Crumlin and the Mercy Hospital who were vital in getting Orla to where she is today.

The Midleton Christmas Lights Committee have put huge work into making sure the turning on ceremony is bigger and brighter than ever. Everyone came together to support the homes and businesses damaged by the worst flooding in decades. These businesses are now reopening, are about to enter what is traditionally the busiest time of the year for them and it is so important that we all continue to shop local and support them, said Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Frank OFlynn.

Cork County Council is providing special car parking arrangements across its own operated car parks throughout the month of December, in the hopes people can support local business, jobs and communities with a sense of ease at this busy time.
David Slevin, Deputy Group CEO, Simon Coveney TD, Minister Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment. Sandra Daly, CEO, Mater Private Cork and John Hurley, Group Chief Executive and Cardiothoracic Surgeon.

Mater Private Network, Cork celebrated its ten year anniversary at the Citygate, Mahon location with a lavish gala banquet at the Maryborough Hotel.

The private hospital specialises in caring for patients with cardiac, vascular, eye, orthopaedic and spinal conditions.

The Centre for Womens Health is the first of its kind in a hospital setting in Ireland, and provides access to specialised care encompassing gynaecology, urology, pre-obstetric and post-obstetric care, and pelvic health.

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The night also marked celebrations for the new second cath lab, that recently opened. The hospital received a 5m investment for cardiac intervention and treatment.

It is the only private hospital in the region with two cardiac catherisation laboratories, and this will double patient access to cardiac interventional procedures at the hospital.

The Mater Private Network, Cork employs 400 people, with over 70 consultants.
Service users from St. Joseph's Foundation Charleville who graduated at the ETB Centre pictured with Brendan Glynn, Mallow at the ceremony.

Service users from St Joseph's Foundation who graduated in various disciplines at the graduation ceremony at the ETB Centre Charleville last week.

Service users at St. Joseph's Foundation Charleville who graduated at the ETB Centre pictured with course co-ordinator Bernadette Moloney and Neil Murphy of the ETB.

Service users at St. Joseph's Foundation Charleville who graduated at the ETB Centre, Charleville are pictured with Bernadette Moloney and Mary Hayes at the graduation ceremony.

Service users who graduated from the various courses at St. Joseph's Foundation Charleville with their tutors --- and Mike Foley

Service users at St. Joseph's Foundation Charleville who graduated at the ETB Centre are pictured with Neil Murphy of the ETB, Carol Power Walsh, and Mary O'Connell.

Service users who graduated from various courses at St. Joseph's Foundation pictured with tutors Mary Hayes and Mike Foley.

The last week of October was graduation time for the service users if St. Josephs Foundation Charleville, as they gathered at the towns ETB Centre (the former Mannix College) on the Tuesday, and at their assembly hall at their Bakers Road campus, on the last Wednesday, for the separate adult education graduation ceremonies

Over 100 Certificates were presented to Service Users for their achievements in various QQI level courses as well as foundation courses. The courses completed ranged from Money management Employability skills, Emotional Health, Living in a Community, Daily Personal Care practices, to health -related training.

Congratulating the recipients, Mike Foley, Adult Education Programme Administrator said: It is a fantastic achievement for the service users here in St. Josephs, their hard work and that of the amazing tutors we have here really paid off today with an amazing turn out for the awards.

This years courses are already on-going with new ones Being added this year such as cooking for independence. These would not be possible without the wonderful support we receive from Cork Education and training board and the Cork College of Further Education and Training, here in Charleville, he said.

Service Users were also presented with a certificate of Participation for participating in the St. Josephs Foundation, Supported Employment Job Shadow initiative that was organised from April to June this year.

The St. Josephs Foundation Job Shadow Initiative has been a yearly initiative for the past 15 years and each year has helped open up Employment opportunities for Service Users promoting inclusion, Equality and opportunity for all who avail of the Supported Employment Programme, said Mary Hayes, the Supported Employment Co-ordinator, who added her congratulations to all involved.

On the previous day, Tuesday 24th October, Tuesday graduations took place at the ETB Centre in Charleville when On Tuesday 24 October at the Cork College of FET Charleville Centre, there was a graduation for the following courses for service users of St. Josephs Foundation: Art QQI Level 2, Horticulture, Word Processing QQI Level 3, Computers QQI Level 2, Beginner Computers and Introduction to Smartphones

Everyone involved was delighted to have Mr. Brendan Glynn, BTEI co-ordinator North Cork, Neil Murphy, Further Education and Training Area Co-ordinator at Cork ETB, Carol Power Walsh, Resource Worker, Mary Hayes, Supported Employment Co-ordinator at St. Josephs Foundation and Instructors Mary OConnell, Paul OFlynn and Bernadette Moloney in attendance.

A great day was had by all, and the graduates were congratulated on their achievements and wihed well for the future. Cork College of FET Charleville Centre plays a vital role in Education and provides a great service to the local community, commented organiser, Bernadette Moloney.
Bismarck city officials on Monday said Assistant City Administrator Jason Tomanek will oversee the Bismarck Event Center while Charlie Jeske is on paid administrative leave.

Jeske was placed on leave as director Sept. 22. City Administrator Keith Hunke fired him in late October following an internal investigation by the city that concluded Jeske's interactions with some vendors were unethical and potentially criminal.

Jeskes attorney, Jesse Walstad, in a statement Friday said: "On Wednesday, November 8, 2023, Mayor Mike Schmitz and Councilmen Greg Zenker revoked Mr. Charlie Jeskes unlawful termination and reinstated him as director of the Bismarck Event Center. Mr. Jeske has been returned to administrative leave, pending the citys retention and consultation with independent third-party legal counsel."

Zenker, who holds the Event Center portfolio, on Friday confirmed that Jeske's termination had been revoked and that he had been placed back on administrative leave, but did not provide further details. Schmitz declined comment.

The city issued a statement on Monday that took issue with the characterization of Jeske being "reinstated" and said Tomanek "is the acting Event Center director until the matter is resolved."

The statement said that at an administrative employee grievance meeting on Nov. 2, "questions arose regarding who has the authority to terminate city directors per Bismarck ordinances. This has historically been the responsibility of the city administrator and is defined in the job description for the position. However, the practice may conflict with the way the ordinance was written."

Schmitz requested an outside review of the procedure to ensure protocol was followed, according to the statement.

City Attorney Jannelle Combs told the Tribune in late October that Jeske was under investigation by the state Bureau of Criminal Investigation. The status of that probe is unclear.
The man was heard before the Special Criminal Court

A 23-year-old Cork man has pleaded guilty at the Special Criminal Court to possession of 263 rounds of ammunition in suspicious circumstances.

Daniel Sheehan of Churchfield Avenue, Churchfield, Cork appeared before the three-judge, non-jury court on Monday, November 13.

At the court he was arraigned on the single charge that on June 3 2022 he had in his possession 263 rounds of ammunition in circumstances that give rise to a reasonable inference that he did not have them for a lawful purpose at Churchfield Avenue in Cork City.

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Sheehan is also charged with membership of an illegal organisation, namely the Irish Republican Army, at a location within the State on the same date.

Maddie Grant BL, for the State, told the court that the plea in relation to the ammunition charge will "meet the case".

Mr Justice Tony Hunt adjourned the matter until January 22 for sentencing.
Schools in Mallow and Midleton received quality awards for their innovation on Saturday

Teachers and students from two Cork secondary schools were awarded for their outstanding teaching practice and innovation in learning through the use of European exchange programmes.

Mallows Davis College and Midleton CBS were amongst 10 schools to receive the National Quality Label (NQL) at this years Leargas eTwinning Conference at the Gibson Hotel on Saturday, November 11.

Leargas, the national agency that manages exchange programmes and projects in education, youth and community work, claims to connect millions of teachers through its free online eTwinning platform that helps schools to find partners across Europe to work on joint projects across their curriculum.

Both Cork schools that received the NQL, which recognises teachers and students who have shown innovation in teaching, learning and digital transformation, used the eTwinning platform to work on their projects.

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Davis College was awarded the NQL for its Students for PIE (Peace in Europe) project which focused on the Ukraine conflict. Students focused on how a conflict can arise and carried out activities for peace in Europe and talked about European citizenship and what it may look like.

Midleton CBS was awarded for its project Whispers of the Oak Tree, which used the example of the tree as a metaphor for society in miniature, where the same idea can take many turns.

Close to 100 teachers from across the country gathered at the Gibson Hotel and online on Saturday for the hybrid eTwinning conference, which this year explored the theme of Enhancing learning through digital innovation.

Attendees could participate in discussions with other teachers, listen to speakers and take part in workshops, such as one which looked at the use of artificial intelligence in the classroom.

Along with the 10 schools honoured with the NQL, three schools received the Erasmus+ European Innovative Teaching Award (EITA).

Leargas says that over 200 eTwinning projects have taken place in the past two years and executive director of the organisation, Lorraine Gilligan said that it is all about giving people the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and appreciation of Europe through EU programmes.

We are delighted to see so many teachers embracing this opportunity by incorporating eTwinning into their classrooms. eTwinning is all about inventiveness in areas of innovation and digital transformation and that is why we chose to shine a light on AI at our conference this year, Director Gilligan said.

At the conference, we heard that, harnessed properly, AI has the potential to be a useful support for both teachers and students, she said.

I would also like to congratulate those who received NQL and EITA awards this year. These programmes offer students and teachers the chance to work with their counterparts in other European countries, sharing their knowledge and experiences for the benefit of all involved.
Casey Connors (11) is the first with EB to use childrens ambulance service

Caseys hospital journeys are now a lot more enjoyable thanks to the Bumbleance. Pic: Rachel Connors

Rachel Connors with her daughter Casey, the first person living with EB in Ireland to use the Bumbleance service. Pic: Richard Sheehy

A Dublin girl has overcome her fear of hospitals by becoming the first child with epidermolysis bullosa, EB, to use the childrens ambulance service, Bumbleance.

Casey Connors (11) lives with the most severe form of the condition  recessive dystrophic EB. She has to visit an outpatient clinic regularly to receive treatment for her painful and incurable condition, which causes skin to break out in blisters at the slightest touch.

The schoolgirl, who lives next to the Liffey Valley shopping centre in Dublin 22, hated going to Our Ladys Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin because she had to fast before her treatment for EB.

Casey dreaded hospital visits, but now cant wait for her next journey aboard the Bumbleance, the worlds first dedicated ambulance service for children.

Casey also receives support from national charity, Debra, which helps the estimated 300 people in Ireland living with EB.

Her mum, Rachel, said: Normally, going to hospital can be very stressful for Casey. But the Bumbleance experience makes the trip calm and relaxed. It was great being dropped off and then collected after a long day in the outpatients department.

Caseys hospital journeys are now a lot more enjoyable thanks to the Bumbleance. Pic: Rachel Connors

The Bumbleance staff were really nice and helpful, and they took time to show Casey all the stuff on board for her to do before we drove off.

Casey was enjoying herself so much, she wasnt thinking about her hospital appointment at all or annoyed by having to fast beforehand. We will definitely use Bumbleance again, she added.

Also known as Butterfly Skin, EB is caused by the absence of essential proteins that bind the skin together. Caseys hospital journeys are now a lot more enjoyable once the brightly coloured Bumbleance arrives at her door.

Making 2,000 trips every year, each of the 15 distinctive yellow and black Bumbleances are kitted out with flat-screen TVs with access to Netflix, PlayStations, and iPad Airs to help keep worried youngsters distracted.

Children can also listen to music or read a book from the Bumbleance library as they travel to hospital.

Our team is delighted that Casey and Rachel had such a lovely first experience with Bumbleance, said General Manager Ian Fallon.

We are committed to meeting the needs of children and communities nationwide. By working with Debra, Bumbleance has been able to ensure that children with EB receive the necessary care and attention while en route to their medical appointments.
Damien Dempsey, Lisa ONeill and more artists included in the line-up for the show

Damien Dempsey will be among those performing at the Gig for Gaza on November 28 at the 3Arena

The upcoming Gig for Gaza, a fundraising concert featuring Irish artists, has been moved from Vicar Street to the 3Arena due to high demand.

The charity event, originally planned for the smaller venue on Thomas Street on November 28, sold out rapidly and will now take place at the larger venue on the same date.

All proceeds from the gig will go to the charity Medical Aid for Palestinians and tickets are still available on Ticketmaster priced 56 each. Any tickets purchased for the original Vicar Street show will remain valid for the 3Arena.

Acts including Lankum, The Mary Wollopers, Damien Dempsey, Lisa ONeill and Knopfler, are all part of the line-up on the night.

In a statement to 3Arena, Damien Dempsey said: The people of the open-air prison known as the Gaza Strip really need our help. They urgently require the international community to push for a Palestinian state, benefiting both Palestinian and Israeli children. The children of the region deserve a better future.

Lisa ONeill added: Its hard to fathom the immense and horrific reality on the ground for civilians and those fighting in this conflict. If we can shed light on the suffering, even for a few hours through the historical and powerful medium of song, then of course we will.

A song that is speaking to me profoundly at present is Brothers in Arms written by Mark.

A second fundraising concert in aid of Gaza will also take place at the Olympia Theatre on November 28, featuring The Saw Doctors, Mary Black, Frances Black, Mary Coughlan, and Mundy. This second gig has already sold out.

Both concerts are organised by Irish Artists for Palestine, a coalition of artists planning an all-island program of solidarity events in response to the current genocidal attack and siege on Gaza, and the ongoing occupation of Palestine.

The program will begin in November 2023 with a series of independent events focused on active solidarity and fundraising.

The coalition invites participation and engagement from across the arts community to reflect the sentiment of communities and extend a powerful message of solidarity to Palestine.

In response to Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, which left 1,200 dead and over 200 kidnapped, Israel has sent tanks and troops into Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the aim is to dismantle Hamas and bring the hostages home.

According to the Health Ministry in Gaza, more than 11,000 Palestinians, two-thirds of them women and children, have been killed since the war began.
The cast of 'The Kings of Kilburn High Road' pictured rehearsing ahead of opening night on November 22. Photo by John Kelliher.

Front: The cast of The Kings of Kilburn High Road Conor Foley, Barry Francis, Gearoid O Connor, Johnny Corkery, John Looney and back, Director Bernie Daly pictured in the lead up to the plays opening night on November 22 in St Johns Theatre. Photo by John Kelliher.

The countdown is officially on to opening night for The Kings of the Kilburn High Road play that is set to be staged at St Johns Theatre in Listowel from November 22 to November 27.

The play - written by Jimmy Murphy - is being staged by The St Johns Players and it tells the story of six young Irish men in the mid 1970s who decide to emigrate to London in the hope of making their fortunes.

Like so many of their generation, they spend their lives in manual labour and construction work. They intended to stay only a little while, make some money and return home as successful men.

Now, twenty-something years later the characters are still in London. One is successful while the others are broken from lives of hard work and even harder drinking.

The cast of 'The Kings of Kilburn High Road' pictured rehearsing ahead of opening night on November 22. Photo by John Kelliher.

In the play, five of the characters gather in a side room of a London pub to drink to their friend who has died in tragic circumstances.

The play is directed by Bernie Daly - in what is her first time in the directors chair - and stars Conor Foley, Gearoid OConnor, Johnny Corkery, Barry Francis and John Looney.

Speaking to The Kerryman this week, Bernie spoke of the excitement in the lead up to the opening night and her own small nerves at ahead of her inaugural production.

Theres a bit of a buzz around the town. Ive met a few people and they were telling me how much they were looking forward to seeing the play so yes, theres great excitement to be felt, she said.

Bernie said that the group has been preparing for the play since last August with the extra long run in giving the cast the chance to really get to grips with the nuances of the play.

Its a super play. Its a really good, strong production but theres an awful lot in it. Theres a lot of emotions in it as you can imagine in a play about six men leaving Ireland thinking that they are going to make their fortune. Unfortunately, as people will see in the play, things dont work out like that, she continued.

Theres layers upon layers in this play and theres so many emotions running through it so weve been rehearsing it two nights a week since last August to really get to grips with it, she added.

Praising the cast of the play, Bernie said that she has five very strong actors playing the parts.

They have really researched the play and the characters themselves and delved into it. I think they have the characters down to a tee, she said.

As for her own nerves being in the directors chair for the first time, she admitted that there is some anxiety but that shes lucky to have great support around her.

One highlight for the group, even before the first curtain has been raised, was a visit by the playwright himself to rehearsals.

He sat in on two nights of our rehearsals which was a real honour for us. We loved it and he said that he was blown away by what he us do on stage so that was brilliant to hear, Bernie said.

Tickets are available to book in advance from St Johns Theatre website or people can try on the night.
Government release close to 1 million towards flood relief works which councillors say need to start immediately.

Councillors from the Listowel Municipal District are demanding that Kerry County Council (KCC) use direct labour to complete essential flood-relief works at Clieveragh in Listowel.

The request follows the announcement of an allocation of 955,000 for the construction of a 3.7-acre pond to hold storm water during periods of heavy rainfall that will be released slowly into a newly opened channel connecting to the Clieveragh watercourse, where a culvert will be constructed under the R552.

Councillors warned that any tardiness regarding completing flood-defence works to protect over 50 properties at risk in the immediate locality would not be tolerated.

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Speaking at Listowel MD meeting on Monday, the councillors welcomed the announcement from Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works and Gaeltacht, Patrick ODonovan.

The Minister recently met with concerned community and business representatives in Listowel, who told him of their devastating flooding experience.

Several local businesses and domestic dwellings were impacted on two occasions this summer, resulting in thousands of Euro in damage to properties.

Catastrophic flooding at Cliveragh also happened in 2009, 2012, 2014, and 2015.

The frustration of residents and business owners led to further calls for the scheme to be completed after a Part 8 planning application was successful in 2019.

But theres no date for when the latest works will commence, which led to councillors requesting, at Mondays meeting, that KCC prioritise the project.

Cathaoirleach of Listowel MD and Fine Gael Cllr Aoife Thornton said the funding was critically needed in the aftermath of extreme rainfall this summer.

We all need to engage with KCC and the OPW to question whether these works can commence by direct labour as soon as possible. Its very significant, and these are works that need to be done as soon as possible. Its important to welcome it, and I thank Minister ODonovan, Cllr Thornton said

The residents and business owners prepared hair-raising visuals for the Minister regarding the damage caused by floods this summer in Listowel, she added.

Fianna Fail Cllr Jimmy Moloney welcomed the funding, saying flooding has been a persistent issue for many years. He said flood works at Clieveragh are part of the wider issues around flooding in the locality, and he asked that greater responsibility be taken by all departments.

These works need to get going now. We cant be waiting for this as it has to be priority number one come January 1 with everyone committed. We need to go for it, Cllr Moloney said.

People are living in fear. The flooding we got in June is going to become more of an issue. Its a huge concern for residents and businesses affected. I would urge the agencies involved to complete these works as soon as possible, Cllr Moloney added.

Fine Gael Cllr Mike Kennelly referenced how floods in the past were passed off as being once-in-250-year-events. He referenced how the project cost was initially half a million but has since risen close to 1 million to finance.

Its a pity this [funding] wasnt initiated a lot sooner. Unfortunately, the frequency of flooding has got worse. A culvert was added, but this was not enough, which is why this funding was needed for more works. The families [homes] and businesses that were destroyed in flooding want this problem alleviated, Cllr Kennelly said.

Fine Gael Cllr Michael Foley thanked Minister ODonovan for listening to the people of Listowel and delivering on his promise.

Its good news, but its just the start. If you go around and see the devastation that flooding does to a persons house or business, there are no words that can console them. Hopefully, this will rectify the issue, Cllr Foley said.

Sinn Fein Cllr Tom Barry warmly welcomed the news but again echoed the need to get moving on the project.

Finally, the financial support is there and promises have been kept. We need to make it clear to the families affected that these works will solve this issue. I think the same financial package that was made available to the residents of the Midleton floods should also be available to those affected in Listowel, Cllr Barry said.

Sinn Fein Cllr Robert Beasley also praised the funding, saying the residents had suffered enough due to flooding.

KCC said it would liaise with the OPW to try and establish a date in 2024 for the commencement of the works at Clieveragh.

The recent tranche of funding brings to 1.1million the total amount allocated to alleviate flooding at Clieveragh after previous sums of 176,000 in 2016-17 were allocated to KCC to explore solutions in the area.
St Marys Church in Listowel is among several venues nationwide that will mark World Day of Remembrance for victims of road-traffic incidents, especially poignant given the many dreadful and fatal incidents in North Kerry in 2023 and, particularly, recent weeks.

In the autumn, there were four road deaths in a matter of just three weeks in North Kerry.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has joined forces this week with Gardai, local authorities, emergency services, and victim-support groups throughout Ireland to mark World Day of Remembrance. There will be services throughout Ireland this week  the Remembrance Day itself falls on Sunday, November 19  and St Marys will hold a special memorial Mass from 9am.

Now is an important time to reflect on what has been a very difficult year, said RSA Chairperson Liz ODonnell. Too many families have been devastated by road trauma and the loss or serious injury to a loved one.

As we look to 2024, we in the RSA are determined to reverse the upward trend in road crashes.

We have made great progress in road safety in the past and we can do it again if we all commit to it by being aware and vigilant and taking responsibility for the safety of other road users.
Kathleen O'Sullivan who is the Kerry Carer of the Year with her daughter Hannah who she looks after and her husband John.

21-year Hannah OSullivan from Portmagee is grateful for the love and care her mother provides her.

For her entire life her mother Kathleen has fought for services for Hannah who was born with cerebral palsy and is wheelchair bound. So, to say thanks for all that support, Hannah nominated her for the Carer of the Year award and was more than thrilled when she heard the news that her mom had won the Netwatch Kerry Family Carer of the Year.

"I nominated her because she does a lot for me. She brings me places out of her way, like trips to Cork. I dont need to go but I enjoy it and Mom goes out of her way to bring me, she told The Kerryman.

The news that she won was the perfect end to a college day, said Hannah, adding: In fact, it made my year.

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Hannah was joined by her sisters, Lisa, Shauna and Teresa and other family members in nominating Kathleen for the award who they said goes above and beyond in caring for her family.

But, while Kathleen is thrilled with the honour and a bit shocked, she said the award is for the carers who spend their lives looking after loved ones some 300 in Kerry who, she says, are constantly fighting for services they need.

It has been a long hard road for Kathleen and Hannah and without much support. Hannah now goes to the National Learning Network in Tralee three days a week. She has a personal assistant to help her there and also at home but it took a long time to get this much support.

For the past 21 years Kathleen has had to fight for everything, as does every single carer.

"There is a lack of services and carers have to fight for everything. They are always fighting, carers dont get anything without fighting.

Kathleen says it is a 24/7 job and a job that is often overlooked.

"Life is tough enough without having to fight for everything. The Government doesnt realise what we do carers are forgotten about, she said.

Kathleen is particularly critical that the Carers Allowance is means-tested given the vital role carers play putting those looked after loved ones under further pressure.

Netwatch Family Carer of the Year Kathleen with daughter Hannah in Portmagee.

Because of this, Kathleen works part-time when Hannah is at college at the Skellig Experience in Valentia.

"If you have to mind someone it should not be mean-tested, she said. And she wants this award to raise awareness of the work carers do under such strain.

"I am accepting this award for all the carers. It is honour to have been selected, she said.

The award was announced by Family Carers Ireland, the national charity supporting Irelands family carers.

This prestigious accolade recognises the exceptional dedication and commitment of family carers across the nation who provide vital care at home for loved ones with additional needs, they said.

Now in their 16th year, the Netwatch Family Carer of the Year Awards continue to pay tribute to the remarkable work of over 500,000 family carers in Ireland who care for children or adults with additional needs, physical or intellectual disabilities, frail older people, those with palliative care needs or those living with chronic illnesses, mental health challenges or addiction.

Marie Fitzgerald, local Community Supports Manager with Family Carers Ireland, expressed the significance of this award. "The Netwatch Family Carer of the Year Awards not only recognise the dedication and sacrifices made by every single-family carer, but also serve as a powerful reminder of the crucial role they play in our society. Their resilience, love and support are immeasurable. Their contributions are a testament to the strength of our community. Kathleens story reflects the commitment, love and hard work exhibited by family carers throughout the country.
The exhibition at Siamsa Tire is free and runs until November 29.

A Ukrainian soldier stands in a beam of light at Azovstal steelworks in May 2022.

Images capturing the horror of war in Ukraine are currently on display at Siamsa Tire as part of an exhibition entitled Light of Azovstal by Dmytro Kozatsky and his Azov Battaloin.

The exhibition features a selection of award-winning photographs from the conflict in Ukraine that highlight the endurance and bravery of the Ukrainian people.

Dmytro Kozatsky - a Ukrainian fighter of the Azov Battalion of the National Guard of Ukraine - took the photos on his mobile phone on May 22, 1922.

They show the devastation at the Azovstal steelworks plant in Mariupol where Kozatsky and his comrades fought to defend the plant for months under an intense Russian onslaught.

A destroyed bridge at Azovstal.

Kozatsky posted the photos online with a message: Well, thats all. Thank you for shelter Azovstal  the place of my death and my life. By the way, while I am in captivity, I will leave you photos in the best quality, send them to all journalistic awards and photo contests, if I win something, it will be very nice after the release. Thank you all for your support. See you.

Kozatsky was later captured by Russian forces and was unaware that his message and photos had reached the outside world. While a prisoner of war, Kozatskys photographs were shared by the Ukrainian parliament to all the governments of Europe. Kozatskys images were later described as The eyes of Azovstal

One image that captured widespread acclaim is - The Light Will Win  that shows a Ukrainian soldier standing in a ray of sunlight amid the destruction of the Azovstal steelworks.

A Ukrainian soldier stands in a beam of light at Azovstal steelworks in May 2022.

On his release, Kozatsky discovered he had been awarded a special honour at Grand Press Foundation Gala 2022, the gold prize for press and war at the Prix de la Photographie, Paris, and the Medal For Military Service to Ukraine.

In early 2023, Alona Strelnikova, a Ukrainian in Tralee shared Kozatskys photographs, along with those of another photographer, Alexander Kharvat, with Siamsa Tire. The exhibition is a reminder to all of the war and its ongoing devastation.

On December 6, 1922, Kozatsky returned to the armed forces.

Light of Azovstal is free and runs until November 29. It is curated by Alona Strelnikova and Olivia Howe.
Limerick City and County Council has approved planning permission to change the use of a former Dunnes store from retail use to educational use.

The 5,618m2 Dunnes store is located in Sarsfield Street, in Limerick city, it closed back in 2008 and the building was then purchased by University of Limerick in 2019.

The project was lodged by the university, who explained the councils decision will allow the University of Limerick use the existing building in the interim while the masterplan for the site is developed and future proposals will be part of a new planning application.

The councils green light also means that University of Limerick can welcome hundreds of new students.

However, University of Limerick said that none of the college departments will permanently move to the city centre site, but the facility will be for everyone and will have flexible usage.

The planning permission reads: In summary, the proposed change of use will facilitate and support the establishment of the UL Limerick City Campus. It is the first step in the UL City Campus development.

The 'change of use' will facilitate the immediate occupation of the existing former Dunnes Stores building for 'flexible learning'. The spaces will be adaptable to the changing academic programmes and future proofed for new ways of learning. Reconfigurable, flexible, and adaptable education spaces.

In particular, University of Limerick explained there will be a constant footfall in the space, meaning that there could be some students/staff who will be permanently located there or located there in blocks.

Permission was granted with five conditions attached.
A North Dakota judge has ruled that he won't immediately block the state's ban on gender-affirming health care for minors, delivering an early setback to families who want the new law found unconstitutional.

South Central District Judge Jackson Lofgren on Monday denied a temporary restraining order the plaintiffs had requested. They've also asked for a preliminary injunction that would temporarily block enforcement of the law as their case proceeds. A hearing is set for January for that request.

Were disappointed in this ruling, but we are confident that when all the evidence has been presented, the court will ultimately find that ending the health care ban permanently is the only just, equitable, and constitutional resolution, said Brittany Stewart of Gender Justice, the lead attorney for the three families and pediatrician who are suing.

Lofgren cited the plaintiffs' nearly five-month delay in filing their complaint, and their argument hinging upon inclusion in a protected class not previously recognized by the North Dakota Supreme Court or a new application of state constitutional principles."

Under the law, it is a felony for a health care provider to perform gender-affirmation surgery on a minor, and a misdemeanor to prescribe or give hormone treatments or puberty blockers to a child.

Supporters of the ban argue that it protects children from what they say are irreversible effects of treatments and surgeries. Opponents contend that the ban will harm transgender youth, who are at a greater risk of depression, self-harm and suicide, and that no one had been performing such surgeries in North Dakota.

Lawmakers included a grandfather clause for children who were receiving treatments before Republican Gov. Doug Burgum signed the bill into law in April. But providers view that clause as vague and aren't risking it, according to Stewart. The families have been traveling out of state to get gender-affirming care for their children.

North Dakota is among roughly two dozen states with Republican-led legislatures that have passed similar bans on gender-affirming care for children in recent years, sparking numerous lawsuits that continue to play out.

Enforcement of all or part of similar care bans have been put on hold by judges while cases play out in Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana and Montana. In Florida, a court has allowed enforcement generally -- but not for those who challenged the ban. Judges initially paused enforcement in Alabama, Kentucky and Tennessee, but federal appeals courts have allowed it to move ahead.

AP writer Geoff Mulvihill contributed to this report from Cherry Hill, New Jersey.

For more AP coverage of LGBTQ+ issues: https://apnews.com/hub/lgbtq-legislation
To coincide with World Diabetes Day, Alison Comyn speaks to local people about what its like to live with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.

Tool could prove useful for 240 million adults currently living with type 2 diabetes without realising it. Photo: Stock image

According to the HSE, in Ireland it is estimated that 190,000 (5.6%) of the Irish population are living with diabetes. Approximately 30,000 (15%) of these people do not have Type 2 diabetes, but either have Type 1 diabetes, or genetic or secondary causes of diabetes.

The remaining 160,000 (85%) patients have Type 2 diabetes. A significant proportion of these patients (20-30%) remain undiagnosed. It is expected that the number of people with Type 2 diabetes will increase by 60% over the next 10-15 years.

Diabetes type 1 and type 2 come from different causes: In diabetes type 1, the pancreas does not make insulin, because the bodys immune system attacks the islet cells in the pancreas that make insulin. In Diabetes type 2, the pancreas makes less insulin than it used to, and your body becomes resistant to insulin.

People with diabetes run a greater risk of developing one or more severe health complications, which can greatly impact on their independence, quality of life and economic contribution to society.

Drogheda man Tony Fulham is 77 and was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes almost 30 years ago.

I just felt a little bit dizzy, so went to my GP who organised some blood tests and thats how I found out, says Tony, who is now retired. I was doing shift work at the cement factory and I think this is what caused it for me, eating at bad times. I was eating when I should be sleeping, I was sleeping when I should be eating.

Tony says he wasnt eating what would be classed as bad foods, but it still had an effect on his system.

Im not a breakfast person  two slices of toast would be a lot  Id have a proper meat, potatoes and two veg at dinnertime and tea-time I might have scrambled eggs because if I had a Chinese in the evening, it would go sky high, he explains. I have to manage it carefully as I was out for a walk today and when I came back, I had to sit down for 20 minutes as my sugar levels dropped to three points, which is very dangerous for me, because if I go below six I go into shaky mode and could collapse.

Tony is on a medication called Novomix, which is an insulin medicine used to treat patients who have diabetes and need insulin to keep their blood glucose (sugar) level controlled.

I took a stroke three and a half years and it was probably caused by diabetes, and I find half the people I talk to these days have one or the other type, says Tony. If not managed, you can lose limbs and I try to do as much exercise as I can now to prevent that, and mind my sugars.

Local couple Ashling and Duncan Low are both Type 2 Diabetes, and were diagnosed at very different times in their lives.

I had gestational diabetes, which is diabetes during pregnancy, which can just develop when you are expecting. says Ashling. They do say that the chances of that coming back as Type 2 diabetes years later is much greater, and I was getting bloods done for something else years later and it was discovered I had developed it.

For Ashling (46), the most important thing at the time of being diagnosed, was to try and manage it herself.

I was doing everything I possibly could to avoid going on medication, and at one point, the doctor said to me youre like a model patient, you do everything I tell you to do, she says with a laugh. I was diagnosed in my later 30s, so in 2015, I eventually ended up going on medication, and Im very controlled in my diabetes.

Like Tony, Ashling says the consequences of not managing it are not something she wants to face.

If youre not on medication, your blood would be all over the place, youd be dropping and rising and it affects all your nerve endings, she says.

Your feet and your eyes can be affected, and it can lead to other complications, cholesterol, high blood pressure and even amputation if its not monitored.

Ashlings husband Duncan is also Type 2 and was diagnosed during some other health issues.

He was put on medication straight away, and he was also on Ozempic since 2019, (which has been used by some purely as a weight-loss drug), which is being abused by people who really dont need it, she says. He has had to have his medication changed as the pharmacy just cant get it, but we both manage it really well, and it is possible to live a normal, healthy life with it.

To mark the international awareness day, Diabetes Ireland has launched a new campaign encouraging people with diabetes to be more proactive in taking steps to prevent or delay the onset of heart failure.

Diabetes is one of the primary causes of heart failure and for people living with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, the prevalence of heart failure is two to four times higher than in the general population.

The reason we are launching this campaign is because the HSE is making a simple blood test, the B-type Natriuretic Peptide (NTproBNP) test, more widely available for those considered at high risk of heart failure including people living with diabetes, says Diabetes Ireland CEO, Kieran OLeary. We believe that every adult living with diabetes should be aware of how to reduce their risk of heart failure.

The campaign is to make people with diabetes aware of the availability of the test and to encourage them to request the test from their GP or Diabetes team if they have any concerns about their risk of heart failure. It also aims to raise more awareness of the symptoms of heart failure among the diabetes community and to encourage them to reduce their risk of heart failure by moving to a healthier lifestyle.

Diabetes Ireland has developed a microsite at www.diabetes.ie which provides information on the symptoms and risk factors of heart failure and on ways to reduce your risk of heart failure.

Its not just the heart that is at risk, as mentioned, if left untreated, type 2 diabetes can damage the kidneys, feet and eyes  and in some cases even lead to diabetic retinopathy which can cause sight loss.

To prevent this, Specsavers is using World Diabetes Day as an opportunity to highlight the importance of regular eye tests and the warning signs in our eyes which could indicate a risk.

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes which can occur when high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the back of the eye over a long period of time. If left untreated it can cause sight loss. In its early stages, diabetic retinopathy usually doesnt pose any noticeable symptoms, so an eye test can pick it up before you do, says Kerril Hickey, Specsavers Ireland Chairman and optician. As the condition affects small blood vessels in the eye, damaging the retina, your optometrist can look for early characteristic changes, such as tiny leaks from these damaged vessels.

As diabetic retinopathy is a serious condition, it is also important to monitor any changes in your vision and get them checked out by your optometrist. The warning signs include persistent floaters and blurred vision.

Specsavers offers digital retinal photography free of charge as part of a standard eye test for customers aged over 40. This takes a detailed picture of the back of your eye allowing the blood vessels to be monitored more closely  helping to detect any signs of diabetes.
The Irish Farmers Association (IFA) has highlighted serious farmer concerns over the proposed route of the Sligo, Leitrim, Northern Counties, Railway (SLNCR) Greenway. Photo: slncr-greenway

The IFA has highlighted the very serious objections and concerns of farmers over the proposed Sligo, Leitrim and northern counties greenway.

The proposed greenway would link Sligo town to Enniskillen, passing through Collooney, Ballintogher, Dromahair, Manorhamilton, Glenfarne, Blackloin, Belcoo and Letterbreen.

The project is being developed by Leitrim County Council, in partnership with Sligo County Council, Cavan County Council, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and it is currently at stage two option selection.

In a joint statement, the Chair of Sligo IFA Michael O Dowd, IFA Leitrim County Chair Liam Gilligan and Cavan IFA Environment representative Seamus Dolan highlighted their serious concerns about the project.

The statement said the IFA- has made it very clear that Greenway projects must maximise the use of public lands and minimise the impact of private lands, in line with the Government Strategy for the Future Development of Greenways and the Greenways Code of Best Practice.

They believe this is not the case with the proposed Sligo/Leitrim Greenway as the vast majority of the lands on the proposed routes are in private farmer ownership.

The IFA said, This is unacceptable and extremely challenging for the landowners.

"The IFA is requesting a re-assessment of the proposals with the objective of using State owned or State-controlled lands for the Greenway project.

The IFA Sligo and Leitrim County Chairs made it very clear to the project promoters that IFA is opposed to any severance of farms or compulsory purchase orders (CPOs) for amenity projects like Greenways.

Leitrim IFA Chair Liam Gilligan said one of the key proposals on the Greenway from the Councils is to follow the old railway route.

"However, in practice farmers now farm and use most of the land where the abandoned railway line was.

"This is now part of their farm and may include houses and farmyards.

"Many farmers actually own the land where the railway line was.

The old abandoned railway line is long gone and this land is now active farmland, with some in private ownership, making it totally unsuitable for a Greenway, said Mr Gilligan.

Sligo IFA Chair Michael ODowd added, The IFA pointed out to Leitrim County Council that the proposed routes for the Sligo/Leitrim Greenway will predominantly take private lands and have the potential to sever and divide a large number of the farms and this is totally unacceptable.

"Severance and division of farms will not work and must be reviewed by the Councils, said Mr ODowd.

The IFA farm leaders also raised a number of additional serious farmer concerns including privacy, safety and security, anti-social behaviour, litter, animal disease and wildlife, and environmental and other issues at the meeting with the Councils.

Representatives from Leitrim County Council updated the IFA on the project and explained that the second public consultation is currently open until next Friday.

Farmers and landowners are encouraged to outline their views, objections and concerns about the Greenway in a submission with details on the web site https://slncr-greenway.com/

Michael O Dowd and Liam Gilligan said the meeting provided a good opportunity for the IFA to outline the serious concerns of farmers and also provided the project team with an in-depth understanding of the fears and concerns of farmers regarding the proposed Greenway and how it could impact very significantly on farmers and their property and businesses.

The IFA team said it was agreed that the Councils would continue to engage with the IFA on the project.

Liam Gilligan said full and proper consultation with farmers is critical and an invitation was extended to Sligo and Leitrim County Councils to attend future IFA public meetings on the project.
Vigil in solidarity with Gaza and Palestine outside Sligo GPO on Saturday last. Participants included the Mayor of Sligo, Cllr Declan Bree, Cllr Arthur Gibbons and Cllr Gino OBoyle.

A public meeting to express solidarity with the people of Gaza and Palestine will be held in the Glasshouse Hotel, Sligo, on Thursday night the 16th of November commencing at 8pm.

Speakers at the meeting, which is being held under the auspices of the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign, will include representatives of the Palestinian community living in Sligo, in addition to local trade union and political representatives.

On Saturday afternoon last local supporters of the Solidarity Campaign again gathered outside Sligo G.P.O. to participate in a vigil to express support for the Palestinian people.

Public representatives including the Mayor of Sligo, Cllr Declan Bree, Cllr Gino OBoyle and Cllr Arthur Gibbons were in attendance.

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Speaking to The Sligo Champion solidarity campaign spokesperson Aine Daly said; To date more than 11,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israels assault on Gaza, 5,000 of them children. One and a half million people have been displaced.

Civilian infrastructure has been utterly decimated; homes, hospitals, schools and universities have all been targeted, as have medics and journalists.

The health system is on the brink of collapse, with hospitals unable to operate; and an Israeli minister has even called for nuclear weapons to be used on the population.

We are calling for an immediate ceasefire, including an end to all Israeli bombing and the illegal displacement of civilians; and we are seeking a full and swift investigation by the International Criminal Court (ICC) into Israeli war crimes and crimes against humanity, including the crimes of genocide and apartheid. she said
In the aftermath of Storm Babbet, Campile Hall was the location for the second in the four part Healthy Home Environments information series hosted by Campile Area Development Group and supported by Healthy Wexford, through the Healthy Ireland fund.

Session two focused on The Air We Breathe with information on the importance of ventilation in your home for health and a presentation from EPA Ireland on radon and its long term health impacts.

New Ross Library attended offering participants the opportunity to borrow a digital radon monitor to test the radon levels in their own homes. But what happens if high levels are recorded? The EPA Ireland team reassured attendees of the means to remediate if a high level is discovered and advised of the EPA Ireland online supports and phone number for information.

If you missed the opportunity to borrow a monitor on the night, the New Ross Library team will be in Campile again on Wednesday, November 8, where they will loan out monitors again. Just bring your library card or if you are not currently a member bring proto id and proof of address to join on the night.

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Session three of the Healthy Home Environments information series is at 7.30pm. on the same night and the focus of the session is on Cleaning & Greening your Home. On the night learn about why you should consider changing your cleaning products for health, and how to do this with demonstrations and the opportunity to make your own green cleaner on the night.

For more information see Campile Area Development Group Facebook page, see posters locally or chat to any member of the committee.
The Second Cardiac Cath lab was handed over to University Hospital Waterford in December last year. Picture by Tom OBrien Construction

Waterford University Hospitals Cath Lab should have its service extended to a seven-day service by this Christmas, maintained a Waterford TD in the Dail.

Independent TD for Waterford, Deputy Matt Shanahan TD, raised the matter of University Hospital Waterfords (UHW) Cath Lab with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar.

Taoiseach, I wrote to the Secretary General three times this year requesting a meeting to discuss the issues of University Hospital Waterford, said Deputy Shanahan.

He proved himself good value for his 292,000 annual salary. He declined to meet me but he did respond, saying he was aware of the issues I wanted to raise, so I assume government is too.

I dont wish today to discuss the exclusion of UHW from 650m of capital funding, nor the failure to approve two hospital consultant posts to the ED as per a HIQA report, nor the continuing failure to reimburse UHW for the Wexford Hospital activity.

But I do wish to point out that in three and a half years of government, we have only improved cardiac access to 60 hours from 40 hours in the south east.

Deputy Shanahan asked Taoiseach Leo Varadkar to reassert his governments commitment to fund the opening of the seven-day service at the Cath Lab in University Hospital Waterford by Christmas this year.

The Taoiseach responded: We finally built the second Cath Lab, delivered, built, commissioned under this Government. Im very keen to have it extended to seven days, and that is government policy.

We will have to engage with the HSE in the context of a service plan to work out how soon that can be done. But its good that the hours have been extended and I think extending it to the weekend will make a big difference too.
Phase one of the extension plan will see the construction of a new multi-storey car park on hospital grounds

The management of Wexford General Hospital has confirmed its intention to lodge a planning application for the long-awaited 97 bed ward block extension in the coming weeks. Should the application be successful, phase one of the project is slated to begin by the middle of next year.

In a circular, hospital staff were told that phase one enabling works are to include the development of a new multi-storey carpark to the left hand side of the main hospital entrance. This will facilitate the construction of the ward block in the approximate area of the current on-call car park and part of the adjacent main car park.

"A large number of spaces will be lost to the new build, staff were told. Hence the need for new car parking.

"This is an incredibly exciting project for the hospital, Manager Linda OLeary said. The new development will future-proof the hospital and the future provision of healthcare to the people of Co Wexford.

Minister James Browne welcomed the development, stating that he is in regular contact with Health Minister Stephen Donnelly and that Wexford General is a priority project".

HSE officials recently attended a pre-planning meeting with Wexford County Council, he said. To ensure that the Wexford General Hospital site is future proofed for future development, additional environmental screening and traffic impact assessment surveys will be carried out in advance of the submission of this planning permission application. I will continue to press for the progress of this important hospital extension as it progresses through the stages of funding, prioritisation and statutory approvals.

Minister Browne added that Planning permission has been granted for a modular building extension to accommodate access from the existing hospital building to the three storey extension, which will accommodate the permanent MRI scanner. Im glad to see another positive step towards the delivery of this important project. I want to commend the hard work of Wexford General Hospital manager Linda OLeary and hospital staff for their work on this project. Construction is expected to start in the first quarter of 2024 before an estimated 12-month programme of building works followed by equipping and commissioning.

In relation to restoration works following the devastating fire which ripped through the hospital back in March, Ms OLeary confirmed that all paediatric beds have now been re-opened and that the final phase of reinstatement works will focus on Level 4 including Doctors Res, on-call accommodation, library, education centre, the oratory, various offices and the endoscopy unit.

"Works will also be required to medical gases, trunking and some floor covering on some wards, she added. I have been advised that all reinstatement works should be completed by the middle of 2024."

Ms OLeary once again took the opportunity to express her gratitude to each member of staff at Wexford General Hospital following difficult years going from the pandemic to the fire.

"2023 will live long in the memory, she said. But we are moving into 2024 on a really positive note.
From November 30, Santa, Mrs. Claus and their hardest working elves will be at Santas North Pole Experience on Wexford Quay.

The countdown is well and truly on to Christmas  with news that Wexford Winterland Festival is once again set to bring the magic of Christmas to Wexford town this festive season sure to bring joy and magic by the sleigh load!

The quayfront will once again be a hive of festive activity throughout the Christmas and New Year period, with the return of the spectacular Winterland Parade, Santas North Pole Experience and Wexford on Ice.

Christmas will kick off in Wexford in a dazzle of music, magic and excitement when the hugely popular Winterland Parade comes to town on Saturday, November 25. The parade will start at 4pm, travelling from Selskar Square along the Main Street, past the Bullring and North Main Street. It will turn down Anne Street, cross over onto the Quay and finish at Santas North Pole Experience.

At the end of the parade, Santa Claus will be on hand to help the Mayor of Wexford, Cllr John Hegarty, to officially switch on the towns Christmas lights.

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Santa, Mrs Claus and the merry helpers will joyfully parade and dance their way through the streets of Wexford. This year, Jack Frost has an evil plan to ruin Christmas, a plan which he will not get away with if Snow White, Rapunzel and Cinderella have their way! With the help of all the boys and girls, the princesses will make sure the evil Jack Frost does not succeed.

The Winterland Parade is free for all to attend and is brought to you by the Wexford Retail Group, supported by Wexford County Council and Lantern.

The good news is that Santa is not returning to the North Pole but staying in Wexford. From November 30, Santa, Mrs. Claus and their hardest working elves will be at Santas North Pole Experience on Wexford Quay.

Santas helpers will show visitors to Santas Magic Sleigh. Mrs. Claus will be busy in her picturesque pantry where she will get all the children involved in some arts and crafts. Santa will be waiting in his Majestic Library to meet all the boys and girls. There will be plenty of time with Santa to relax, chat, and laugh at Santas collection of Christmas jokes. Children can ask Santa all the Christmas secrets they ever wanted to know and talk about their Christmas wish list. Santa will give each child a small gift to take home and a Good List Certificate.

Santa will also give visitors a Golden Ticket to the final stop in the North Pole Experience  The North Star Cinema. Cosy up and enjoy a family festive short movie experience for ultimate feel good vibes.

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.

Santas North Pole Experience will run from November 30 to December 23. Tickets are now on sale from wexfordwinterland.com.

Wexford on Ice also makes a welcome return for the Christmas 2023 season. Once again, you can get your skates on and pirouette away on one of Irelands biggest, real ice rinks.

Sensory and wheelchair family skate sessions will take place on Saturday mornings. These sessions give those who wouldnt normally get the chance to go skating to have their very own special session with family or friends, where the music and lighting is turned down.

Wexford on Ice is open from December 1 to January 7 2024.
Local writer Frances Browner launches her new book, A Bronx Summer on Thursday, November 16 at 6.45 pm, in Greystones Library.

Frances, originally from County Dublin and now a resident of Greystones, is a well-respected creative writing tutor with Dun Laoghaire/Dublin ETB and Greystones Cancer Support Centre. She is actively engaged in local arts and was awarded Greystones culture Person of the Year 2022.

Bridge clubs

Cuala Bridge Club, Dargle Bridge Club and East Coast Bridge Club all play in The Open Door Daycare Centre on Vevay Road. Bray.

Bridge is played every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday night at 7.30 p.m. The centre is wheelchair-friendly with plenty of parking available.

Please ring or send a message to the following numbers if you are interested: Wednesday  Dargle BC, Michael at 087 9480151, Thursday  East Coast BC, Phil at 087 2718505 or Friday Cuala BC, Susan at 087 9485138.

Classical concert

Join Tatiana Konina, Christ Church Musical Director, and Zhamila Pak for a Concert on Organ and Violin featuring the music of JS Bach, Vivaldi, Hans Zimmer, John Williams and other Classical Movie Soundtracks, at Christ Church, Bray, 7pm on Saturday, November 18. Tickets 10 via the parish website.

Digital literacy workshop

It Takes A Village is delighted to present a workshop on Digital Literacy featuring guest speaker Jane McGarrigle, Project Officer with Webwise, the Irish Internet Safety Awareness Centre.

The event will take place at St Patricks NS in Greystones on November 23 at 7.30 p.m.

Jane McGarrigle has been instrumental in the development and delivery of key online safety and digital literacy education programmes for primary and post-primary schools.

It Takes A Village is a community led initiative borne out of concerns expressed by principals, teachers and parents of worrying levels of anxiety amongst children attending primary schools in Greystones and Delgany.

Tickets for the event are free. To book your spot log onto Eventbrite. Alternatively, email Itav.greystonesdelgany@gmail.com.

Mens Sheds

Bray Mens Shed is now full and can no longer accept new members. Greystones Mens Shed meets on Mondays, at 77 Rathdown Park, from 7.30pm-10pm. Contact Jim Rice at 089 254 0586.

Lakers volunteers

Lakers supports adults and children with intellectual disabilities and runs over 60 activities a week for its 400 members. Its centre is open six days a week and is supported by over 160 volunteers. If you would like to volunteer, call Andrew at 01 2022694 or email info@lakers.ie.

Lakers Christmas Raffle is back and they ill be selling tickets in SuperValu Castle Street again and are looking for volunteers to help out. They will be selling them from 10am to 5pm on Saturday December 9 and are looking for volunteers in two-hour shifts (or more if you feel so inclined ). If you are free to help, email Grainne at fundraising@lakers.ie or call the office on (01) 2022694.

Irish Trefoil Guild

Calling all former leaders of the Irish Girl Guides in Bray and the surrounding area. There is now a Trefoil Guild in Bray. Contact Anne at braytrefoilguild@gmail.com.

Toastmasters

Greystones Toastmasters is a thriving club with over 20 members and is a great place to develop your public speaking skills. Meeting at the Greystones Sailing Club, at 8pm, every second and fourth Thursday of the month. The next meeting of Bray Toastmasters takes place on Tuesday, November 21, at 8pm, at the Open Door Centre, Vevay Road.

Open Mic

El Troubadours Open Mic Night takes place at the function room in Butler & Barry, Strand Road, Bray, 8-10 p.m. every Wednesday. All artists, guests welcome. Your host is Tom Dalton. Contact Tom on 087 2783342 or email tom@tomdalton.ie.

Bray Cloud 9

Unity in the community is the motto of the Bray Cloud 9 team, who run the furniture and bric-a-brac store on Quinnsborough Road, to support local causes.

Music Circle

Greystones Music Circle meets on the first Wednesday of every month at Greystones Library. So, if you want to listen to your favourite musical classics, pop down from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Admission is free.

Garda clinic

The community policing clinic is held every Monday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Kilcoole Community Centre. The clinic is there for members of the public to drop in and for crime prevention advice, to get help with forms, such as passports stamped and driving licences, as well as other Garda services that can be attended to. Feel free to drop in and no appointment is needed.

St Patricks Luncheon

The very popular monthly St. Patricks Soup and Sandwiches Luncheon is held at St Patricks Church, Church Road, Greystones at 12.30 p.m. to 2 p.m. on the third Tuesday of the month.

Suggested donation of 5 per person will go to charity. Come along for fresh, homemade food and chat.

Purple House

Purple House Cancer Support provides a range of professional support services to people of all ages. It has a wide range of classes and programmes available both in person and remotely through its Purple House at Home Service.

Programmes include Reflexology, Mens Cancer Support Group, Knitting and Crochet, Breast Cancer Support Group, Acupuncture and Yoga. Purple House also runs support services for children and young adults affected by cancer.

For details, contact info@purplehouse.ie

WH Five Loaves

Wicklow Homeless Five Loaves drop-in day centre on Main Street, Bray welcomes volunteers from all walks of life. Volunteers and their contributions are key to its success and without them it would not achieve its objectives.

W.H. Five Loaves promotes the participation of student volunteers and although it is only short term it can be a meaningful experience and provide them with the opportunity to make a positive contribution to the less well-off in our community. The Bray centre recently opened a new book and vinyl store, which sells collectible books and records.

Railway Society

Readers interested in joining the Irish Railway Record Society can obtain a membership application form by post (SAE appreciated) from the Dublin Area Representative, The Irish Railway Record Society, Heuston Station, Dublin 8, or by emailing: memberhip@irrs.ie.

Refugee Council

Information for Ukrainians who have come to Ireland is available in English and Ukrainian on iamukrainian.ie

Santa in Greystones

The Holyhead Santa, with his team and with his elves, is coming to Greystones on Saturday, November 18. He will be in town for the turning on of the Greystones Christmas Lights and the Santa Parade.

Santa will depart Eden Gate at 4.30pm, visiting Charlesland, then past the Rugby Club to Delgany Wood, down the Eastmount estate, past Seagreen and Waverley, and through Blacklion, past St Kevins School, Marina Square along the seafront, up La Touche Road, and over the bridge to Church Road, arriving in Burnaby Park for 6.15pm. This is also the first day of The Plaza Christmas Market.

Greystones Yarn Festival

The Yarn Storytelling Festival will come to Greystones Library on Tuesday, November 21 at 6.30pm. Simone Schuemmelfeder will lead Family Storytime.

Anam Cara November

The Wicklow November meeting for bereaved parents takes place on Monday, November 20, in the Parkview Hotel Newtownmountkennedy at 7:30. The evening is free and open to all bereaved parents and Anam Cara is the only organisation of its kind in Ireland.

Full details from 085 2888 888, info@AnamCara.ie.

Bray Active Retirement

Bray Active Retirement holds monthly meetings on the first Friday of the month in the Little Flower Hall at 10.30 a.m.

Membership is open to retired men and women aged 50 years and over. The association offers a range of activities, including holidays, creative activities and learning programmes. See www.activeirl.ie or email: helenmangan22@gmail.com or call 086 404 4232.
Host Patrick Kielty pictured on the 61st series return of The Late Late Show, 15th September 2023. Picture Andres Poveda

Together for Homeless is putting together Late Late Toy Show treat bags for that big night on Friday, November 24, when the annual kids highlight hits our screens.

The bags are available to order for collection from the charitys stall at The Plaza Market, in Greystones on Saturday, November 18, with all monies raised going directly to the homeless charity. Collection will also be available in Bray, from Sunday, November 19.

Each treat bag costs 10, with subsequent orders costing 7.50. Each bag will contain: Small Manhattan Popcorn bag, two mini bags of Haribo Jellies, an Animal Bar, a Kinder Bar, hot chocolate, a rainbow lollipop, chocolate Santa coins, Christmas-themed stickers and that crucial stay up late pass for the Toy Show.

Toddler bags are also available with snax/chickatees instead of popcorn, and fruit shoot option instead of jellies, and hot chocolate if required.

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The cost is 10 for one bag and 7.50 for any additional bags. To pre-order you need to send a message to Colette Talbot of Together for Homeless on Facebook.com/colette.talbotstewart.

Payments can be made by Paypal, Square or cash on collection.

A treat box for people in need is also being put together for Christmas, and Colette is appealing for donations. Examples of items the charity is looking for to put in a box include chocolate, jellies, crisps, protein bars/granola bars, quick snack foods (like pot noodles, cuppa soups, fluffy socks.

Colette Talbot

If you would like to help by making up a treat box for someone in need, you can drop them into Sin e Hair, in Charlesland, Greystones; Bochelli's Restaurant, Greystones; Bakelicious in Shankill; Bray Cloud9; Chadwicks and Bray Fire Station in Bray.

The final date for dropping off boxes is December 11.

Meanwhile, the charity is also in the process of organising a 2024 Greystones calendar and are putting a call out any businesses that would like to sponsor a space.
Councillor Gerry ONeill was left incandescent at this months Wicklow County Council meeting when his motion seeking to expel Israeli Ambassador Dana Erlich was quashed by elected members, who voted overwhelmingly to deny the discussion.

Cllr ONeills proposed suspension of standing orders, seconded by Councillor John Snell, sought that Wicklow County Council would call on the Irish Government to Expel the Israeli Ambassador until there is a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.

The contentious suspension of standing orders was tabled just days before the Social Democrats submitted a similar motion, calling on the government to withdraw the diplomatic status of the Ambassador, which will go to a vote in the Dail this week.

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Put to a vote in the Wicklow chamber, elected councillors denied Cllr ONeills motion to suspend standing orders, with 24 against, three for (councillors ONeill, Snell and Dermot OBrien), and councillor Erika Doyle abstaining.

With the two-thirds majority required to discuss the suspension of standing order not reached, Human Resources Officer at Wicklow County Council Helen Purcell declared the agenda item closed.

Dissatisfied with the outcome, Cllr ONeill labelled the decision a pure disgrace altogether, adding that we havent got the guts to discuss it, before proceeding to discuss the matter and challenge the decision despite his microphone being muted by Council staff.

After Cathaoirleach Aoife Flynn Kennedy had implored Cllr ONeill to refrain from the discussion over a dozen times, she declared that:

A democratic decision has been taken in this chamber, and we are all obliged to respect it, before proceeding to the next item of business  much to Cllr ONeills frustration.
North Dakota legislators are out of sync with their voters on the states strict abortion law and decidedly independent on topics such as property taxes and ballot measures expected to be a focal point during elections a year from now, according to results from the first North Dakota Poll.

With abortion access becoming protected in an increasing number of states, the poll indicates legislators may get stronger pushback during upcoming elections against restrictions placed on abortion earlier this year, according to results of the poll conducted by the North Dakota News Cooperative.

The poll found that 48% of North Dakotans are opposed to the recent changes in the law, which creates a near total ban on abortions with limited exceptions. Exceptions include rape and incest up to six weeks' gestation, and abortions to treat some medical emergencies such as ectopic pregnancies at any stage of pregnancy. The law makes it a felony to perform abortions after six weeks unless the health or life of the mother is at risk. Forty-four percent support the law.

The poll shows legislators are out of step with the people of North Dakota, said Amy Jacobson, executive director of progressive group Prairie Action.

She said an important takeaway from the polling data is the opposition from women to a restriction that mainly impacts their choices.

The majority of women want to make sure they are able to secure their freedom to control their own bodies and safely make decisions for their future, she said.

The poll also showed that 65% of women between the ages of 18 and 54 oppose the ban, with 56% of all female voters opposing it.

At 61%, opposition was strongest among self-identified independents, voters who make up a third of the electorate.

The biggest support for the strong restrictions came from men over the age of 55, a demographic likely not fathering and raising many children.

The law was passed last winter by 84% of state House members and 89% of senators, and it was signed into law by Gov. Doug Burgum.

State Sen. Janne Myrdal, R-Edinburg, a strong pro-life Republican and a primary architect/sponsor of the bill that led to the stronger restrictions, said she and her colleagues have seen whats happening around the country with states moving to protect abortion.

My frustration is that were not good at communicating love them both, she said, referring to being both anti-abortion and supportive of women who find themselves in an unplanned pregnancy.

We have work to do, and even though Dobbs was overturned, and thats wonderful, that creates more work, she said, referring to the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that overturned the constitutional right to an abortion. The crisis of a woman finding herself in an unwanted pregnancy isnt over just because the law was overturned.

Myrdal said shell continue working on increasing expenditures for alternatives to abortion, more tax breaks for those providing such services, and other policies to make North Dakota a welcome life state.

While 71% of Republican voters strongly support the new abortion law, according to poll results, opposition from Democrats and independents should make the issue extremely concerning to Republican candidates and officeholders, said Trevor Smith of WPA Intelligence, the firm that conducted the NDNC survey.

Republicans have a problem on the abortion issue, said Smith.

Property tax

The North Dakota Poll also surveyed attitudes on whether voters want to eliminate property taxes or retain local control over property tax decisions. The issue may appear on the ballot in November 2024 as an initiated constitutional amendment under the North Dakota Prohibit Property Taxes Initiative.

A plurality of voters, 49%, want property tax decisions to remain under local control, the survey found, while 38% want property taxes eliminated in favor of requiring the state Legislature to replace lost revenue with other state funds.

A sizeable portion, 13%, chose not to answer, possibly signaling a need for further education on the potential impacts of a change.

The figures also show Republican voters are not looking at the issue in partisan terms, with an even split of 45% in favor of eliminating property taxes to 45% who want them to remain under local control.

A majority of Democratic voters support retaining local control, with 70% in favor, while independents also favored local control by a slightly smaller margin with 47% compared to 39% of independents who want to do away with property taxes.

The deadline for signatures in support of the North Dakota Prohibit Property Taxes Initiative, which needs a total number of signatories equal to 4% of the population of the state, is July 8, 2024.

'Pass it twice'

The North Dakota Legislature in April placed a constitutional measure on the ballot in next years election that will require future measures initiated by citizens to pass twice to become law -- first in the primary election and again in the general election.

A large percentage of voters polled -- 46% -- are opposed to the pass it twice measure, according to North Dakota Poll data. The biggest takeaway perhaps is that 33% strongly oppose the measure, compared to only 14% who strongly support the rules change.

Smith of WPA noted that the intensity of opposition is a real problem for this measure and should serve as a warning sign to those who want to pass this into law.

Republican support for the measure also appears soft, with 46% in favor and 37% opposed. Independents oppose the measure by a 55% to 30% margin, and Democrats opposed it by a 55% to 25%margin. A large segment of voters -- 18% -- declined to respond to the question.

State legislators were much more supportive when voting to put the measure on the ballot earlier this year, with 80% of those in the House and 96% of those in the Senate in favor of the measure.

Poll info

The poll surveyed 517 North Dakotans between Nov. 5-7, 71% of whom plan to vote in the 2024 elections and 59% of whom have voted in the past four general elections. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.3 percentage points.

Overall, 45% of the respondents consider themselves Republicans, 17% Democrats, and 34% independents.

The first North Dakota Poll, which plans to be a quarterly venture, was sponsored by Forum Communications Co., the North Dakota Broadcasters Association and the North Dakota Petroleum Council.

WPA Intelligence, which conducted the polling, is a leading national provider of survey research, predictive analytics, and data management technology to assist in survey design, representative sampling, programming, fielding and data analysis.
Newest member of Wicklow and District Lions Club Anna Zinchenko with Lions president Maurice Corr and Sean Olohan at the induction ceremony in Wicklow.

Lilly O'Donoghue, Sorcha O'Neill and Karla McEvoy, committee members of the Leo Lions Club, at the tree planting ceremony in DCW.

Wicklow And District Lions have a hectic festive period planned, starting with the return of the annual quiz nights this Thursday night in Ashford.

The quiz nights have been running for over 25 years and the action kicks off on Thursday, November 16, at Chester Beattys Inn and Restaurant.

Ashford ICA and Nuns Cross National School are the chosen charities on the night, which starts at 8.30 p.m. sharp. It is advisable to be seated well before 8 p.m.

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The Ukrainian ladies choir Voices of Ukraine will perform on Sunday next at the first weekend of the Wicklow Christmas Market. This will be very exciting for the choir as huge crowds are expected. They have already performed for Culture Night and at Knockrobin nursing home as well as the Independence Day celebrations at Wicklow Library.

The recently formed Leo Young Lions Club in Dominican College Wicklow will also be part of Culture Day in the school on November 21. There are 36 different cultures in the school and everyone will experience traditional food and music from numerous countries.

On Tuesday last week a plaque was placed at the Hawthorn tree planted to mark the formation of the only Leo Lions Club in all of Ireland in the grounds of Dominican College. The Leo committee is also involved in raising childhood cancer awareness at the school and a special Christmas cook book is planned.

The usual Lions Christmas food and cash appeal is planned to commence on November 24 and 25 at Centra in Ashford. This appeal will continue right up to Christmas in conjunction with Sant Vincent de Paul and members are depending on the generosity of the shoppers at all venues.

Newest member of Wicklow and District Lions Club Anna Zinchenko with Lions president Maurice Corr and Sean Olohan at the induction ceremony in Wicklow.

The Lions are also continuing their work in supporting displaced families from Ukraine who live locally in the area. Members of the Ukrainian community currently residing in Wicklow will hold a special Christmas fundraiser on December 10 in the Ecology Centre at An Tairseach.

The Ukrainian ladies behind this event will also have their own stall at the Christmas Market selling traditional Ukrainian gifts and crafts which will be available for purchase along with special gingerbread baking and a beautiful calendar featuring scenic locations from around Wicklow.

The newest volunteer to join the local Lions Club is Anna Zinchenko from Kyiv in Ukraine. Anna was inducted last week as a new member and she is looking forward to getting involved in the various Lions projects especially the quiz nights and the food appeal, having received a warm welcome from all members.
Matthew Perrys death certificate has been released by the Los Angeles Police Department, weeks after the Friends stars sudden death at age 54.

The actor, best known for his role as sarcastic wise-crack Chandler Bing on the hit NBC sitcom, was found dead in a hot tub at his Los Angeles home on 28 October.

He was laid to rest the following week, on 3 November, in a service attended by relatives and castmates from the Nineties sitcom.

Authorities have now released the official documents finalising Perrys death. According to the certificate seen by E! News, the actor was buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in LA.

The paperwork also states that his cause of death remains deferred. Perrys cause of death was deemed inconclusive after an initial post-mortem showed no signs of meth or fentanyl in his system.

A conclusive update is not expected for four to six months with further tests currently underway, TMZ reported on 1 November, citing law enforcement sources.

Watch: 'Friends' fans remember much loved Matthew Perry

Perry had battled drug and alcohol addiction for years, writing openly and honestly about his struggles and journey towards sobriety in his 2022 memoir, Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing.

Hi, my name is Matthew, although you may know me by another name. My friends call me Matty. And I should be dead, reads the opening line.

If you like, you can consider what youre about to read to be a message from the beyond, my beyond.

In it, he further recalled how these addictions became worse under the white-hot flame of fame and that Friends fans would have been able to tell whether he was drinking or taking drugs from the way he looked.

Following 15 stints in rehab and therapy sessions, he described himself as pretty healthy by June 2022 and said he was motivated to help others struggling with addiction.

At the time of his death, Friends creator Marta Kauffman confirmed that he was sober.

He seemed better than I had seen in a while. I was so thrilled to see that. He was emotionally in a good place, he looked good, he quit smoking, she told TODAY shows Hoda Kotb in an interview after Perrys death.

He was happy and chipper. He didnt seem weighed down by anything. He was in a really good place, which is why this seems so unfair, Kauffman added.
Courteney Cox said she is "so grateful for every moment" with late actor Matthew Perry, sharing a favourite clip from their time together on Friends.

Cox played Monica Geller in the hit US sitcom starring opposite Perry in his role as witty Chandler Bing, with the characters first becoming romantically involved during a trip to London before getting married and adopting children later in the series.

In her first solo statement since the death of Perry on October 28, Cox shared a video of the pair filming the London scene in which the studio audience's unmistakable reaction could be heard.

She said: "When you work with someone as closely as I did with Matthew, there are thousands of moments I wish I could share. For now here's one of my favourites.

"To give a little backstory, Chandler and Monica were supposed to have a one night fling in London. But because of the audience's reaction, it became the beginning of their love story.

"In this scene, before we started rolling, he whispered a funny line for me to say. He often did things like that. He was funny and he was kind."

Cox added: "I am so grateful for every moment I had with you Matty and I miss you every day."

It comes after fellow Friends co-star Matt LeBlanc, who played Perry's on-screen best friend Joey Tribbiani, also paid tribute.

LeBlanc shared a selection of pictures, which showed the pair in their roles, writing: "Matthew. It is with a heavy heart I say goodbye.

"The times we had together are honestly among the favourite times of my life.

"It was an honour to share the stage with you and to call you my friend.

"I will always smile when I think of you and I'll never forget you. Never.

"Spread your wings and fly brother you're finally free.

"Much love. And I guess you're keeping the 20 bucks you owe me."

LeBlanc and Cox gathered alongside castmates David Schwimmer, Lisa Kudrow and Jennifer Aniston for Perry's funeral service at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park on November 3, according to US reports.

In a joint statement to US publication People, Perry's fellow co-stars said they were "utterly devastated" and described their relationship as "more than just cast mates. We are a family".

Other more minor cast members paid tribute following Perry's death.

Maggie Wheeler, who played Chandler's on-and-off girlfriend Janice Hosenstein, said in an Instagram statement that she felt "blessed" to have spent creative moments with Perry.

Simpsons voice actor Hank Azaria, who played Phoebe's love interest David in several episodes of the show, said in a video posted to his social media that his "genius" friend Perry had helped to get him sober.

In 2022, Perry had released his memoir Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing where he spoke candidly on dealing with an addiction to drugs and alcohol.

Following his death, the Matthew Perry Foundation was set up in the star's memory, promising to continue his commitment to "helping others struggling with the disease of addiction".

Los Angeles police had responded to a radio call just after 4pm on October 28 for a death investigation of a male in his 50s, the PA news agency understands.

A statement from Captain Erik Scott of the Los Angeles Fire Department to PA said they found a "male unconscious in a stand-alone Jacuzzi".
A total of 12,000 people are still without power this morning following the damage caused by Storm Debi yesterday.

At the peak of the storm, ESB reported that 100,000 homes, farms and businesses were without power, this figure then fell to 18,000 by Monday night.

A spokesperson this morning said crews made good progress yesterday and continue to work to restore power this morning.

"Our teams are mobilising once again this morning and have been recommencing restoration from first light, they said.

The worst affected areas are Roscommon, Longford and North Westmeath.

Local authorities and emergency services were hard at work yesterday in the aftermath of the storm.

Storm Debi caused major damage in Galway city with a number of homes and businesses impacted by severe flooding in places like Salthill and Oranmore.

The Mayor of Galway city Councillor Eddie Hoare said Sunday night was a "difficult night and that a number of the businesses and homes that suffered damage are without insurance.

Speaking on RTEs Morning Ireland, he said there is a fear that this could happen again with the coming of future storms.

Some are coming to terms with the damage, us in the Council are still coming to terms in terms of playgrounds, public dwellings, footpaths, the Palas cinema, the fire station was even flooded yesterday in Galway.

The homeowners and businesses, its a busy business period, lots of stock that was destroyed and again thats a big, big concern, he said.

Galway business owners' clean-up efforts following Storm Debi

Mr Hoare said temporary flood defences have been put in place in Galway since 2018.

This is not going to be a one-off, its going to be a regular occurrence, Mr Hoare said.

Also speaking on the same programme was Oranmore trader Mike White, who described the damage caused to his shop by Storm Debi.

Yesterday morning, opened the doors at about eight oclock, and two foot of water ran out under my feet.

There was a lot of damage done, but look the most important thing and Ive said this before, is that there was no one hurt or injured or killed in any shape or form yesterday with the storms that hit Galway in particular.

Its a miracle that no one was hurt or injured really, he said.

He said his shop had been flooded before but not to the extent of the damage caused by Storm Debi yesterday.

Meanwhile, today will be blustery with a mixture of a sunny spells and scattered showers, Met Eireann has said.

Some showers will be heavy and thundery, especially in Atlantic coastal counties.

Highest temperatures today will range from 10 to 13 degrees, with winds strong at times in the southwest.

Tonight will be clear with some showers. Showers will be heavier in Ulster, turning to longer spells of rain, but it will be mostly dry further south as showers become isolated.

Lowest temperatures tonight of 3 to 7 degrees, coldest in the southwest.

On Wednesday morning, showers will clear from Ulster and it will be mostly dry in the rest of the country with just the odd shower.

However, outbreaks of rain will push into the west later in the day.

Highest temperatures on Wednesday between 9 and 12 degrees, with winds easing in the afternoon and backing southerly in the evening.

Met Eireann predicts generally unsettled conditions later into the week, with showers spreading eastwards on Wednesday night and turning heavy, bringing the possibility of some spot flooding.

Thursday will start off wet and cloudy with outbreaks of rain turning heavy in some places.

It will clear later in the day however, with sunny spells and showers moving into the west in the morning, spreading across the rest of the country by evening

Later in the week, showers and wet spells are set to continue into the weekend, with some heavy showers and gusty winds expected into the weekend.
Environmental health worker Ashley Dale, 28, was shot with a Skorpion machine gun in Old Swan, Liverpool, in the early hours of August 21 last year after an alleged feud between the men accused of her murder and her partner Lee Harrison (Family handout/PA)
Shock return to UK cabinet for David Cameron after Rishi Sunak sacks Suella Braverman

Former PM given role as UK foreign secretary despite not being an MP

David Cameron makes dramatic return to Government after Suella Braverman sacked

Adam Forrest UK Independent Tue 14 Nov 2023 at 03:30







British prime minister Rishi Sunak has risked reigniting the Conservative civil war by sacking his right-wing home secretary Suella Braverman and bringing former Tory PM David Cameron back into government as foreign secretary.
LATEST | Lives of 36 babies in Gaza hospital at risk despite Israeli incubator offer

Hamas offers to release 70 of 240 Israeli hostages in exchange for five-day ceasefire

A photo released by Dr. Marawan Abu Saada shows premature Palestinian babies in Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City on Sunday. (Dr. Marawan Abu Saada via AP)

Nidal Al-Mughrabi and Dan Williams Tue 14 Nov 2023 at 08:20







The lives of 36 babies at Gaza's Al Shifa Hospital were hanging in the balance on Tuesday, according to medical staff there who said there was no clear mechanism to move them despite an Israeli effort to supply incubators for an evacuation.
The US Government has argued Harrys visa application should be kept secret (James Manning/PA)

Answers on the visa application of Britains Duke of Sussex regarding past drug use should not be disclosed because it is private personal information, lawyers on behalf of the US Department of Homeland Security have said.
The state retirement board voted Tuesday to oust Executive Director Scott Miller, putting an end to the five years hes spent running North Dakotas retirement and benefits programs for state employees.

Miller was voted out less than a month after the state Legislature reconvened to address the state Supreme Courts decision to void a wide-spanning budget bill that also altered the composition of the Public Employees Retirement System Board of Trustees. Its the latest move after months of tension involving the Legislature and PERS leaders and board members.

Chief among the reasons for the tension is the change in board composition, which would have seen legislative membership increase from two to four. It spurred a lawsuit from the board that claimed an expanded legislative presence was a violation of the state constitutions separation of powers requirements. Rather than ruling on that argument, the Supreme Court struck down the entire budget bill because it didnt meet the states single-subject mandate.

The agency's legislative relationships were also strained after the Legislature passed sweeping pension reforms, moving the states program from a defined-benefit pension to a defined-contribution model similar to a 401(k). Former board Chair Mona Tedford Rindy and Miller both opposed the decision. Miller told the Tribune earlier this year that the change would be "the most expensive mistake in the history of the state of North Dakota."

Board member Jeffrey Volk, who also serves on the states Board of Higher Education and was appointed to both roles by Gov. Doug Burgum, called for Millers removal, citing irreparable damage to the relationship between the agency and the Legislature.

I get we do have a lot of things ahead of us. I get it. Weve got a lot of transition in this plan, Volk said. My fear is that the damage is behind us already. And if it's irreparable, we've got to get through it. And I think we're better off doing it with a new start at leadership.

When legislators reapproved the change in board composition last month, they also added a provision that would give state leaders the explicit power to recall their appointees. The law also required a new slate of board members be appointed as soon as it took effect, essentially ousting Tedford Rindy, who was replaced by current chair and former Commerce Commissioner Michelle Kommer. Burgum decided not to reappoint Tedford Rindy; he had called for her resignation earlier this year, though she declined to step down.

Miller on Tuesday told the Tribune he was disappointed by the board's decision, and said he's being removed because of his work with an iteration of the PERS board that "no longer exists."

"My actions and testimony during the 2023 legislative assembly, which seem to be the issue, were directed by the NDPERS Board," Miller said in a statement to the Tribune. "That board -- before the addition of two more legislators and three more governor appointees -- was supportive and appreciative of my efforts during the session, and showed that appreciation in my most recent performance review. I am satisfied that I did the job the board directed, and that I did it well."

Miller said his primary concern lies with PERS members and beneficiaries -- and he hopes the new board "keeps its responsibility to the members forefront in its mind, and forgets the political forces that placed the individuals on the board."

With the removal of Tedford Rindy and Miller, the Legislature has seen some of its most vocal voices of opposition removed from the retirement systems leadership. Clashes involving the governor, the Legislature and PERS leaders have caught attention as the state has looked to chart a path forward with pension reform.

But it also means a shift in institutional knowledge among leaders ahead of a time of transition as pension programs change -- and some board members pushed back on the idea of dismissing Miller as a result of that transition.

I don't see how the agency could function with his absence today, given the fact that he does attend multiple employment benefits committees on our behalf, board member Tyler Erickson said. I don't know who would attend those committees in his absence, so really just a lot of questions that I have in my mind, about how the transition would happen during such a significant point in time.

The board ultimately voted 6-5 to release Miller from his employment with the state, effective immediately, with severance that reflects his years of service. PERS Chief Benefits Officer Rebecca Fricke, a 28-year veteran of the agency, will lead the department in the interim as the state conducts a search for the retirement systems next executive director.

I am dedicated to ensuring a smooth transition in leadership and continuity of services to our many valued members, Fricke said in a statement Tuesday.
Meet the firm behind our content. Visit their website to see how their services can help your business succeed.
Photo courtesy: twitter.com/PiyushGoyal

San Francisco: Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal visited the Tesla Factory Unit in Fremont, United States and interacted with the senior executives of the Tesla group, a government statement said.

Visited @Teslas state of the art manufacturing facility at Fremont, California.



Extremely delighted to see talented Indian engineers & finance professionals working at Senior positions and contributing to Teslas remarkable journey to transform mobility.



Also proud to see pic.twitter.com/FQx1dKiDlf  Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) November 14, 2023

Goyal arrived in San Francisco on November 13 on a three-day tour to take part in the ministerial meeting of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF).

Later in the day, he held bilateral meetings with United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai, South Koreas Minister of Trade Republic Dukgeun Ahn, and Singapores Minister of Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong.

Wonderful meeting my friend @AmbassadorTai, the US Trade Representative.



We discussed ways to further deepen our trade & investment ties along with convergence on key WTO issues for a favourable outcome at MC13.  pic.twitter.com/Qjo1eCsJaS  Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) November 14, 2023

The meetings involved discussions encompassing potential collaboration under the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), ways and means of further enhancing bilateral trade and commerce linkages, matters related to WTO, and other issues of mutual interest.

During the interaction with his Singaporean and South Korean counterparts, the Commerce and Industry Minister suggested an expedited conclusion of the review of AITIGA and CEPA respectively.

Met my Korean counterpart H.E. Dukgeun Ahn.



Explored ways to enhance cooperation across diverse sectors along with reviewing the upgradation progress of India-Korea CEPA.  pic.twitter.com/Q5fYZCzNmT  Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) November 14, 2023

Met H.E. Gan Kim Yong, Minister of Trade & Industry, Singapore, and discussed ways to accelerate cooperation across sectors to further deepen our economic partnership.  



San Francisco, USA pic.twitter.com/FFnYBiUHhU  Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) November 14, 2023

Goyal participated in the Investors Round Table organized in collaboration with USISPF & Indiaspora.

India is an attractive investment destination for the world 



At the Investors Round Table hosted by @CGISFO & @USISPForum, highlighted how the country offers promising opportunities for investors, thanks to the unique combination of our demographic dividend, manufacturing pic.twitter.com/0781RfxyoC  Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) November 14, 2023

The event was attended by venture capitalists and entrepreneurs from a wide spectrum of Industries in the US, including from the domains of energy, manufacturing, logistics, technology, and so on.

In an interactive session, the Minister held wide-ranging discussions with the participants and highlighted the various steps taken by the Indian government to improve the ease of doing business in India.

During the visit, the Commerce and Industry Minister will participate in the third in-person IPEF Ministerial meeting and the engagements of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).

He will also interact with eminent business persons, US officials and industry leaders during the visit to fortify the partnership between the two nations and strengthen trade and economic ties.
Photo Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons

Mumbai/IBNS: Sahara Group founder Subrata Roy died on Tuesday after a prolonged illness at the Kokilaben Hospital in Mumbai. He was 75.

Roy was suffering from serious health issues for the last five months and died due to cardiorespiratory arrest following an extended battle with complications arising from metastatic malignancy, hypertension, and diabetes, the company said in an official statement.

It is with profound sadness that Sahara India Pariwar informs the demise of our Honble Saharasri Subrata Roy Sahara. Saharasri ji an inspirational leader and visionary, passed away on 14th November 2023 at 10.30 pm due to cardiorespiratory arrest following an extended battle with complications arising from metastatic malignancy, hypertension, and diabetes, Sahara India Pariwar said in a statement.

His loss will be deeply felt by the entire Sahara India Pariwar. Saharasri ji was a guiding force, a mentor, and a source of inspiration for all who had the privilege to work alongside him, the group said.

The Sahara Group Chairman is survived by his wife Swapna Roy and two sons Sushanto and Seemanto Roy.

Born to a Bengali Hindu family in Bihar's Araria, Roy founded Sahara India Pariwar in 1978. Sahara India Pariwar has operated a vast number of businesses such as Aamby Valley City, Sahara Movie Studios, Air Sahara, Uttar Pradesh Wizards, and Filmy, among others.

Roy was named among the 10 Most Powerful People of India in 2012 by India Today. In 2004, Sahara group was termed by Time magazine as 'the second largest employer in India after Indian Railways'.

The group operates through more than 5,000 establishments spread across India and has a workforce of around 1.2 million (both field and office) under the Sahara India umbrella.

On 26 February 2014, the Supreme Court of India ordered the detention of Roy for failing to appear before it in connection with a legal dispute with Market Regulator - SEBI. Roy was held in custody in the Tihar Jail and was later out on parole in May 2016. Sahara was allowed to sell a part of its assets in India to raise part of the money in question.

Roy had rejected allegations of misconduct and accused the Indian National Congress of witch hunt due to his opposition to Sonia Gandhi over becoming the country's prime minister.
Photo courtesy: UNI

Bhopal/UNI: Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi will address two election rallies in Madhya Pradesh on Tuesday in support of party candidates.

According to the information given by the party, Rahul will address a public meeting in Vidisha at 12 noon in support of Congress candidate Shashank Bhargava.

After this, he will address a public meeting in support of party candidate Chandarani Gaur at Khargapur in Tikamgarh at 2 pm.

Earlier, Rahul held a nearly two-kilometer-long road show in Bhopal yesterday in support of the party candidates.

The last day of campaigning in the state will take place on Wednesday.

The state goes to the polls on November 17.

The results will be out on December 3.
Representative Image: Unsplash

Thirty-nine Myanmar army personnel, who have taken shelter at the Zokhawthar Police Station in Mizorams Champhai district close to the international border, are likely to be sent back after talks with the military government there, a senior police officer said on Tuesday.

The Myanmar Army men were forced to flee their country following a combined assault from three Myanmarese militant outfits close to the border with India.

A senior state Police official here said that the matter was intimated to the Ministry of Home Affairs and the MHA instructed that the Tatmadaw personnel should be handed over to the Assam Rifles guarding the 404-km-long Mizoram-Myanmar international border.

It is most likely that the Ministry of External Affairs will make arrangements to hand over the Myanmar army personnel to the Myanmar military government through the Assam Rifles, the official said.

The Tatmadaw (as Myanmars military is called) personnel, who were deployed in two villages adjoining Mizoram, crossed the border and went to the Zokhawthar Police Station in Champhai district on Monday evening after the militants overran the Khawimawi Tatmadaw camp.

They surrendered at the police station along with all their arms and ammunition, sources said.

The clashes between the Myanmar army and the militants had started on Sunday night, the sources said.

They said that the combined forces of civil militia groups Kachin Independent Army (KIA), Chin National Army (CNA) and the Chin Defence Force (CDF), have also seized the Rihkhawdar camp close to the border and captured seven Myanmar soldiers.

The rest might have been killed in the attacks on the camp and we cannot have any information on how many Myanmar soldiers died in the camp, they said.

As reported earlier, eight people including a 51-year-old refugee taking shelter in Myanmar border Zokhawthar village, were killed in the clashes between the Tatmadaw and the ultras.

(With UNI inputs)
Image credit: UNI

Srinagar,/IBNS/UNI: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Tuesday attached eight properties of two alleged key Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operatives in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir in a case related to the 2018 attack that led to the escape of top Pakistani militants from a Srinagar hospital.

The NIA said a total of eight properties, five belonging to Mohammad Shafi Wani and three belonging to Mohammad Tikka Khan were attached under Section 33 (1) of Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), 1967, in pursuance of the recent orders of the NIA Special Court in Jammu.

On February 6, 2018, Naveed Jatt, a Pakistani militant commander, escaped from police custody after an attack on an escorting police party at Srinagars Sri Maharaja Hari Singh Hospital. Two policemen were killed in the hospital, where Jatt had been taken for a medical examination.

The NIA said the attack was carried out by the two accused, along with others, on orders from their Pakistan-based LeT Commanders.

Jatt was killed in an encounter in Budgam district with the security forces later in 2018.

The NIA said the attached immovable properties of Wani and Khan, both identified as overground workers of LeT, include various plots of land. The residential house of Shafi was also attached.

The two accused were arrested from their Pulwama homes on February 8, 2018 and were found to have weapons, the NIA said.

The NIA said the attachment was meant to go full throttle against terrorist organisations and operatives operating in Kashmir.
Image of new Parliament building captured by Sujoy Dhar/IBNS

New Delhi/IBNS: Adultery should be made a crime again to "protect the institution of marriage" which is "sacred", a parliamentary panel Tuesday recommended to the government in its report on the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, a bill tabled by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in September.

The report has suggested that the revised adultery law must treat the same as a "gender-neutral" crime and has called for both parties - the man and the woman - to be held equally liable.

If the government accepts this recommendation, it would contradict a landmark 2018 ruling by a five-member bench of the Supreme Court that said: "adultery cannot and should not be a crime".

The Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita is part of a set of three that is supposed to replace the Indian Penal Code, the Code of Criminal Procedure, and the Indian Evidence Act. It had been sent in August to the Standing Committee on Home Affairs, which is headed by BJP MP Brij Lal, for further scrutiny.

Congress MP P Chidambaram, who was among those to not support the recommendation, said: "... the State has no business to enter into the lives of a couple".

He said as he raised three "fundamental objections" that included claims that all three bills are "largely a copy and paste of the existing laws".

In 2018, a Supreme Court bench led by Chief Justice Dipak Misra said adultery "can be a ground for a civil offence... for divorce..." but could not be a criminal offence.

The court reasoned that the 163-year-old, colonial-era law followed the invalidated concept of "husband is master of the wife".

In scathing comments, the court called the law "archaic", "arbitrary" and "paternalistic", and said it infringed on a woman's autonomy and dignity.


Image courtesy: INC X page

New Delhi/IBNS: Two months after being discharged from a hospital, former Congress president Sonia Gandhi has been asked by the doctors to shift to Jaipur temporarily till the air quality improves in Delhi.

Gandhi suffers from respiratory problems and doctors have advised her to temporarily move to a place where the air quality is better.

The Air Quality Index for Delhi on Tuesday was 375, which is still in the 'severe' category, while the figure for Jaipur was 72, which is in the 'moderate' category, according to private air quality monitoring website aqi.in.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who is addressing rallies in various states where the assembly elections will be held later this year, will visit his mother in Jaipur on Tuesday night before heading to Chhattisgarh on Wednesday.

He will go back to Jaipur and continue with his scheduled rallies in the state on Thursday.

Sonia Gandhi had been admitted to Delhi's Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in September after showing symptoms of fever and had been discharged a day later.

She had also been admitted to a hospital in January owing to her respiratory issues.

This is not the first time that the former Congress president has had to move to another city to avoid the pollution in Delhi. In the winter of 2020, she shifted to Goa on the advice of her doctors.
Aid convoys enter the Gaza Strip through the Rafah crossing border. Photo Courtesy: UNICEF/Eyad El Baba

Trucks transporting desperately needed aid into Gaza could stop rolling on Tuesday due to a lack of fuel, a senior official with the UN humanitarian affairs office, OCHA, has warned.

The situation is unfolding as lives are hanging by a thread, including those of babies in incubators at hospitals that depend on fuel for electricity, Andrea De Domenico, Head of OCHAs office in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, told journalists in New York on Monday.

Humanitarian ceasefire, fuel supplies  all of these should be happening now. We are running out of time before really facing major disaster, he said, speaking from Jerusalem.

Death, displacement and devastation

The UN continues to address the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza since Hamas militants launched deadly attacks against Israel six weeks ago and seized some 240 hostages, including babies and older persons.

Israels response to the incursion and massacre of 1,200 citizens has included continued bombardment, electricity and communications blackouts, and restrictions in accessing the enclave, which is home to 2.2 million people, some 1.5 million of whom have displaced mostly to the south.

Thousands have been killed, including 101 staff from the UN agency that assists Palestine refugees, UNRWA. They were remembered during a minute of silence observed by personnel across the UN system worldwide on Monday.

Snipers, shooting and staying put

This past weekend saw intensified fighting around Al-Shifa Hospital, the largest in the Gaza Strip, said De Domenico. Critical infrastructure was damaged, such as water tanks, oxygen stations, the cardiovascular facility, and the maternity ward. Three nurses reportedly were killed.

The Palestinian Red Crescent Society also reported on Sunday that Al Quds Hospital in Gaza City  the second largest in the enclave - was no longer operational due to damage to the main generator line, which could not be fixed.

In any case, PRCS told us that they have fuel only for 24 hours, and any possibility of looking (for) or finding fuel was almost impossible and very dangerous given that there were snipers shooting in and around the hospital, he continued.

Efforts were underway to evacuate seven intensive care patients and four babies in incubators, he said. While some staff and patients have managed to flee the hospital, others remain trapped inside either because they fear leaving or are unable to do so for medical reasons.

Fleeing northern Gaza

De Domenico underscored the critical need for fuel and medical supplies in Gaza, noting that some patients have already died, while access to water and food has become increasingly difficult.

OCHA teams have observed the movement of some 10,000 people from north Gaza who have headed south following evacuation orders issued by Israel. People are arriving mainly by foot. They are thirsty, exhausted, and often have no concrete idea on where they will be staying, with shelters already overstretched.

On Sunday, 76 trucks delivered aid into Gaza through the Rafah crossing with Egypt, an arrangement that has been in place since 21 October. On board were health supplies, bottled water, blankets, tents and hygiene products. To date some 980 trucks have made the journey butis still far below the level needed.

No fuel, no comms, no aid

Actually, instead of a much-needed increase of this assistance, we have been informed by the colleagues of UNRWA that due to the lack of fuel, as of tomorrow the operations of receiving trucks will no longer be possible, he said.

Operational conditions in general are deteriorating by the hour, he added. We have no fuel, no comms, and no guarantee of respecting UN premises or in any case notify(ing) premises, which is of course reducing progressively our ability to operate.

Humanitarian ceasefire critical

UN agencies continue to amplify the Secretary-Generals call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, the unconditional release of all hostages, and sustained and continued aid access to people in need, wherever they are located.Earlier on Monday, humanitarians from across the region highlighted their appeal for $1.2 billion to meet the needs of 2.2 million people in Gaza and another 500,000 in the West Bank through the end of the year.

A grim toll

Lynn Hastings, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, said the situation in Gaza is beyond any they have ever seen almost anywhere in the world.

She said at least 10,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to authorities  together with around 1,200 Israelis  a death toll that is the same as in 18 months in Ukraine and as in Sudan in six months.

Furthermore, an estimated 55 per cent of the water supply infrastructure requires repair or rehabilitation. People have resorted to using unhealthy water sources and we're expecting this to lead to more of a public health crisis.

She also drew attention to the devastation sustained by the humanitarian community in Gaza, which is heavily localized and reliant on national staff.

Hastings also urged humanitarians to be mindful of rising fatalities in the West Bank, where 100 Palestinians and three Israelis have been killed since the start of the Gaza conflict on 7 October.
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Photo Courtesy/The White House

Jerusalem: Israel has approved US President Joe Biden's inclusion of humanitarian aid for the Gaza Strip in the $106 billion security package for Israel and Ukraine.

However, the aid package must fulfil "specific" requirements, The Times of Israel newspaper reported, citing sources.

A senior Israeli official has told the newspaper that the Jewish country expects the Gaza aid to be differentiated between short-term and emergency assistance that should be coordinated with Israel.

The package will possibly include funding for rebuilding the Gaza Strip after the conflict, the report said.

The aid may also involve funds for the reinforcement of Egypt's border with the Gaza Strip to ensure that the enclave is not re-militarised in a "post-Hamas Gaza," the report also said.

This is reportedly the first time Israel has voiced its stance towards the possibility of including Gaza in Washington's assistance package.

In late October, the Biden administration submitted to Congress a $106 billion request to provide assistance to Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, and some other countries.

The amount includes, in particular, around $61.4 billion for Ukraine and another $14.3 billion for Israel.

The US House of Representatives is expected to consider a standalone emergency aid package for Israel valued at $14.3 billion, following House Republicans' decision to split the assistance from a larger supplemental funding request by the Biden administration.

The White House said Biden would veto the standalone aid package. The proposal turns Israel into a "pawn" of US domestic politics, the White House said, adding that the legislation would send a "terrible message" to Russia by excluding Ukrainian aid.

(with UNI/Sputnik)
Photo Courtesy/UNI

Islamabad/UNI: Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan's prison trial in the cypher case was put on hold by the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday.

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief's intra-court appeal against his trial in Adiala jail was heard by a two-member panel comprising Justices Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb and Saman Rafat Imtiaz.

This comes after Shah Mahmood Qureshi, the vice chairman of the PTI and former prime minister, had his prison trial cleared by the interim federal cabinet on Monday, according to Geo News.

A summary of the former prime minister and foreign minister's trial at the Adiala prison was approved by the government based on security concerns.

"The federal cabinet approved the jail trial of Imran Khan," said the attorney general. He added that the notification will also be presented before the court.

Justice Aurangzeb said that they would check the notification. All trials will be held in open court, so this trial will be an extraordinary one," he remarked.

"If this will be a jail trial, then it would be an extraordinary one," said the judge.

The attorney general said that this was not an extraordinary trial but just a jail trial, adding that he would seek records from all relevant agencies and place them before the court.

In hindsight, all three notifications are not in accordance with the relevant rules of the high court, the judge said.

When, under what circumstances, and on what basis was it decided that there would be a jail trial? he asked Awan.

Khans counsel, Raja, told the court that five witnesses are still present in the jail to record their statements.

The judge remarked that many questions needed to be answered, adding that the federal cabinet approved the jail trial two days ago.

The IHC then adjourned the hearing on the intra-court appeal against jail trial until November 16, according to local media.

The deposed prime minister, who was ousted from office following a no-confidence motion in April last year, had moved the IHC against the jail trial, which was rejected by the court's single bench on October 16.

IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq's single-member bench announced no apparent malice behind conducting Khan's jail trial in the cypher case. The court also directed him to approach the trial court if reservations persist.

Later, Khan filed an intra-court appeal against the single bench's decision.
Hiker stranded on a cliff after following fake trail on Google map. Photo Courtesy: North Shore Rescue Facebook page

A hiker was rescued by a helicopter from Canada's British Columbia after he was reportedly lost following a fake trail on Google map.

North Shore Rescue, a mountain search and rescue team based in Vancouver, wrote on Facebook: " Late Saturday afternoon, NSR helicopter and rope rescue teams responded for a hiker stranded on a cliff on the backside of Fromme. This is the third rescue NSR has conducted in this area - the last being just over a month ago."

"This individual had attempted to climb Fromme from the Kennedy Falls area. As with the previous rescue noted above, this current individual may have sought to follow a trail on Google Maps that does not exist. NSR has attempted to contact Google to have this non existent trail (north of Fromme, going towards the vicinity of Kennedy Falls) removed, however we have not received any response," read the post.

The rescue team confirmed the area in question has no trails and is very steep with many cliff bands throughout.

"The area is clearly dangerous, as it was the sight of a previous fatality," read the Facebook post.

"The team was able to locate the subject, get him in a harness, and bring him safely down to a location where he and the team could be extracted by helicopter - just before the clouds closed in and would have otherwise prevented helicopter access," the post said.

Advising hikers, the rescue team said it is simply not appropriate to navigate in the wilderness using urban street map programs like Google Maps.

"If you are using a phone-based navigation app, consider using something specifically designed for the outdoors such as CalTopo or Gaia, pre-loaded with an appropriate wilderness topo map for the area," the team said.

"Of course, if you do use your phone for navigation (we always recommend the good old fashioned paper map and compass), be sure to carry a spare charged external battery, as mapping programs can quickly drain your phones battery, especially in the cold," the team mentioned.
Photo Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons

Montreal/IBNS: Montreal Police are investigating a string of vandalism incidents overnight at more than a dozen Metro stations across the city.

Doors, walls and some bus stops at least 16 different stations were plastered with pro-Palestinian posters and some graffiti, Montreal's transit authority (STM) confirmed.

With continual rise of destruction and death toll in Gaza, many posters read, "Genocide in Palestine, Canada complicit", while some of the graffiti called for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war.

There were posters in support of people in Gaza this Sunday.

The police started receiving calls from commuters and residents around 5 a.m. on Tuesday, a half hour before trains started running.

No arrests have been made so far and the case has been transferred to the SPVM's Metro division.

Denouncing the vandalism, STM said in a statement that its maintenance teams have been deployed to remove the posters and the graffiti.

"Metro stations are the gateway to the daily lives of Montrealers and we will not tolerate them being vandalized," Montreal Mayor Valerie Plante wrote on Twitter.

(Reporting by Asha Bajaj)
Two days after Diwali, the air quality in Delhi NCR worsened in Delhi due to bursting of firecrackers and unfavourable meteorological conditions on Tuesday morning.

The 24-average AQI of Delhi was 273 at 9 am, which falls under the very poor category. But the real-time air quality at many locations in the national capital was above severe and severe plus on Tuesday morning.

BCCL

How Delhi's AQI worsened

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, 401 and 450 severe and above 450 severe plus.

The air quality in Delhi, which had improved significantly last week due to the rains and increased windspeed, slipped back to toxic levels after Diwali as people flouted the ban on firecrackers during the festival.

Delhi recorded its best air quality on Diwali day in eight years on Sunday, with its 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) settling at 218 at 4 pm. However, bursting firecrackers till late Sunday night led to a spike in pollution levels amid low temperatures.

BCCL

What are the main reasons?

The AQI stood at 275 at 7 am on Monday and gradually rose to 358 by 4 pm.

According to IQAir, a Swiss company that specialises in air quality monitoring, Delhi was the most polluted city in the world on Monday.

"It's evident that the spike in pollution levels post Diwali is due to two factors -- firecracker bursting and farm fires -- with fireworks being the predominant reason in this case," an official of the Commission for Air Quality Management told PTI.

How PM 2.5 levels shot up

An analysis by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has revealed a substantial rise in fine particulate matter on Diwali, with a 45 per cent increase in PM2.5 and a 33 per cent increase in PM10, compared to the previous year.

BCCL

On Diwali, Delhi's 24-hour average PM10 concentration surged to 430 micrograms per cubic metre, up from 322 micrograms per cubic metre the prior year. It was 748 micrograms per cubic metre in 2021.

The 24-hour average PM2.5 concentration reached 314 micrograms per cubic metre, compared to 217 micrograms per cubic metre last year. It was 607 micrograms per cubic metre in 2021.

What is the health impact?

The worsening air quality has also taken a toll on the health of Delhi residents, especially children, the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions.

AFP

As the number of patients seeking treatment for pollution-related illnesses has increased, the Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in Delhi has established a special Out-Patient Department (OPD) for them.

"We have decided that a special OPD will run for pollution-related illnesses where comprehensive care can be given to the patients and will include a multi-departmental clinic because pollution affects multiple organs," said Dr Ajay Shukla, Director of RML Hospital.

AFP

"Five departments, including ENT, skin, respiratory tract, eye, and psychiatric departments, will be there. The OPD will run on Monday afternoons from 2 pm to 4 pm...Special OPD has been made as there is almost a 30% rise in the number of patients because of pollution," he added.

For more on the news, sports, and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.
Subrata Roy, the visionary founder and chairman of the Sahara Group, breathed his last today at a Mumbai hospital, concluding a courageous battle against a prolonged illness.

At 75, Roy leaves a legacy that extends far beyond the corporate realm, shaping not only the landscape of entrepreneurship but also the narrative of resilience and tenacity.

Survived by his wife, Swapna Roy, and two sons, Sushanto Roy, and Seemanto Roy, both residing abroad, the patriarch's familial ties mirror the global footprint of his entrepreneurial endeavors.

Born in the modest setting of Araria, Bihar, in 1948, Subrata Roy's ascent to prominence is nothing short of extraordinary. The genesis of Sahara India Pariwar in 1978, initiated with a mere capital of 2,000, unfurls a remarkable tale of determination and strategic acumen.

Agencies

The company's journey, chronicled on its website, attests to the transformation of Sahara from humble beginnings to a prominent frontrunner in the entrepreneurial landscape.

After relocating from Bihar to Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh, Subrata Roy later moved to Lucknow in the 1990s, establishing the city as the headquarters of his business empire.

Despite these geographic shifts, Sahara encountered a series of fund-related challenges, culminating in what is now recognized as the "Sahara chit fund scam."



screenshot

In the statement released today, Sahara revealed that Subrata Roy passed away due to a cardiorespiratory arrest, concluding a prolonged struggle with complications stemming from metastatic malignancy, hypertension, and diabetes.

Screengrab

His health went downhill on Sunday, leading to his admission to Mumbai's Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital and Medical Research Institute.

"His loss will be deeply felt by the entire Sahara India Pariwar," the company said. "Sahara India Pariwar is committed to upholding Saharasri's legacy and will continue to honor his vision in driving our organization," the company said.

"The death of Shri Subrata Roy ji is an emotional loss for Uttar Pradesh and the country because along with being a very successful businessman, he was also a very sensitive person with a big heart who helped countless people and became their support," Samajwadi Party chief and former UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav said in a post on X.

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Greeces economic outlook has improved notably with real GDP expanding beyond its pre-pandemic trend level, the International Monetary Fund said in its staff concluding statement of the 2023 Article IV consultation mission in Athens
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis will have a meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz today at 11:00 a.m. in Berlin.

At the top of the agenda of the talks between the two leaders will be the economy, immigration, energy and the situation in the Middle East.

Extended talks by the delegations of the two countries and statements to the press

will follow.

Government sources note that the Prime Ministers visit to the German capital is taking place at a time when the Greek economy has passed into another phase after the recovery of the investment grade, at the time, which has recorded the largest debt reduction in the world in 2022. in terms of debt-to-GDP ratio and is now on track to reduce debt below 2012 levels by the end of the year, outperforming developed eurozone economies.

The dinner of the leaders

Last night, Kyriakos Mitsotakis sat at the leaders dinner hosted by the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, in the chancellery, as part of the informal group discussions with EU leaders on the adoption of the European Unions Strategic Agenda in the first semester of 2024.

The German chancellor and the leaders of Greece, Cyprus, Austria, Belgium, Lithuania and Hungary sat at the dinner of the president of the European Council.

Earlier, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis participated with the head of the CDU, Friedrich Merz, in an event of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation entitled: Greece and Europe: a new chapter with Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Friedrich Merz.

There, he once again stood in favor of the Commissions proposal for ownership of the fiscal path of each member state, but also for fiscal flexibility in exchange for the consistent implementation of reforms in view of the reform of the European Stability Pact.

We must avoid the mistakes of the past, where we had too much austerity and draconian fiscal measures resulting in a new cycle of recession and the inability to achieve our fiscal goals, said Mr. Mitsotakis.

Regarding immigration, he emphasized that more aid and a more effective return policy is needed, while regarding the Greek-Turkish issue, he said that there is a positive agenda and added that he obviously disagrees with Erdogans opinion on Hamas, but that is no reason not to welcome him to Greece.
Some affiliates of Organised Labour have indicated their intention to join the nationwide strike starting on Tuesday, November 14.

In a circular to its zonal coordinators and chairpersons, signed by its President, Emmanuel Osodeke, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) directed its members to join the nationwide strike declared by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria.

ASUU stated that it decided to join the strike to protect the interest of Nigerian workers and the unions leadership.

The circular reads: As an affiliate of NLC, all members of our union are hereby directed to join this action of NLC to protect the interest of Nigerian workers and the leadership of the union.

Zonal coordinators and branch chairpersons should immediately mobilise our members to participate in the action.

Also, the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has reiterated its plan to shut down the nations port at midnight in line with a directive from the NLC and TUC joint National Executive Council (NEC).

Speaking with the Journalists on Monday, the Secretary General of the MWUN, Comrade Oniha Odigwe, said an affiliate of the NLC, the MWUN has no choice but to join in the strike action.

READ MORE: Ajaero: Despite Court Order, TUC, NLC Insist On Nationwide Strike From Tuesday

He said: The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria will commence a nationwide strike by midnight on Tuesday, November 14, 2023.

The nationwide strike is coming on the backdrop of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) joint National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, directing its affiliate unions to embark on immediate withdrawal of services and to shut down Imo State by all public and private sector workers indefinitely by midnight of November 7, 2023.

This decision by the NLC and TUC is prompted by a series of infractions and encroachments on the rights of workers in Imo State and the distressing and appalling acts of violence and bloodshed inflicted upon the NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, and other unions officials by the Imo State government in collaboration with the Nigerian Police and Imo State Command.

The joint communique signed by Comrade (Prince) Dr Adewale Adeyanju, President-General, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), who doubles as Deputy President of NLC with Comrade Festus Osifo, President of TUC, further directs that in the event that Labours demands are unmet, workers all over the federation shall join in withdrawing their services by midnight on Tuesday, November 14, 2023.

The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, as an affiliate of the Nigeria Labour Congress, has directed that all members of the union comply with the jointly signed communique to commence immediate and total mobilisation to ensure MWUN participation in the nationwide strike on Tuesday, November 14th, 2023 is complied with indefinitely.
The driver of the Honda car with the licence plate EPE 984 DV, which hit the sweepers from the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) on Monday on the Gbagada expressway, has turned himself to the police.

This was confirmed by Benjamin Hundeyin, the State Public Relations on Tuesday by SP the public relations officer for the state police.

According to Hundeyin, the driver will face manslaughter charges in court.

The owner of the Honda Saloon car turned himself in yesterday (Monday) night and he will be taken to court today for manslaughter.

It was not murder, it was an accident and was not deliberate, so he will be charged with manslaughter, Hundeyin said.

READ ALSO: Youve Revoked All Your Promises, Caused Us So Much Pain  Fish Seller Knocks Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu (Video)

Recall that the driver rammed into the sweepers while allegedly trying to escape from officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA).

However, the Ministry of Transportation in a statement on Monday night denied the involvement of LASTMA officials in the accident, stating that anyone found culpable after investigation will be punished accordingly.

The statement partly read, Immediate investigation revealed that no LASTMA officer was involved in the unfortunate incident.

The Ministry of Transportation wants to assure members of the public that the outcome of the police investigation will be made public and anyone found culpable would be made to face the consequences of the law.
In this blog we discuss how the transformer architecture naturally extends over external memories, and share empirical results which leverage this capability. These methods are innate (dont require fine tuning) and outperform popular retrieval augmented generation methods.
Gunmen suspected to be herdsmen have kidnapped the suspended Chairman of Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue State, Amina Audu.

They also kidnapped her driver in the early hours of Monday.

Audu, according to an eyewitness, was passing through Naka/Makurdi Road when gunmen ambushed them at Tyolaha Ahume along Naka/Makurdi Road.

An anonymous local told Punch that the armed men shot at the moving car which forced the car to a halt, making the whisk them away.

READ ALSO: Kwara: Kidnappers Abduct ECWA Cleric, Two Others, Demand N53m As Ransom

The incident happened this morning close to Tyolaha Ahume village along Naka/Makurdi Road when gunmen ambushed a moving car and shot at it until it stopped.

Immediately, the gunmen swooped on a woman and the driver and ran into the bush, the eyewitness said.

Spokesperson for the State police command, Catherine Anene, as well as, the Security Adviser to the State Governor, Joseph Har, didnt have details as of press time.
The Nigerian Union of Railway Workers (NUR) are set to stop train operations nationwide from today, in solidarity with a directive from the Organised Labour.

In a statement signed yesterday, by the NUR Secretary General, Comrade Segun Esan, the workers said that the decision to embark on a nationwide strike was taken after exhaustive consideration of the nations subsisting labour atmosphere and the uncomplimentary body language of the Federal Government on the unfortunate Owerri incident of 1st November 2023.

The union said that it had sent copies of the statement to the Managing Director of NUR, Commissioner of Police and the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

The statement reads: Against the subsisting backdrop of the 1st November 2023 violent physical assaults, illicit arrest and detention of the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comr. Joe Ajaero and many other workers at the Imo State NLC Secretariat, Owerri, by the Imo State Police Command, the Nigeria Labour Congress has convened a virtual National Executive Council (NEC) Meeting today Monday, 13th November 2023 and after exhaustive consideration of the nations subsisting labour atmosphere and the uncomplimentary body language of the federal government on the unfortunate Owerri incident of 1st November, the Congress NEC-in-session has finally decided that the nationwide strike action as threatened by the Congress must commence.

In effect, therefore, all the workers of Nigerian Railway are duty-bound to join the nationwide strike action from the zero-zero hour of Tuesday, 14th November, 2023 by staying back at home and away from their offices while the NRC management and its security apparatus are enjoined to resume the spotlight to lock, secure and protect all the fixed and movable assets of the Corporation while the strike action lasts.

All the offices, stations, workshops, and entire premises of the Corporation remain locked and inaccessible from the zero-zero hour of Tuesday, 14th November 2023 till otherwise directed by the Congress.

This is a critical moment that we all must rise in strong and indivisible unison to salvage the credibility and integrity of the Nigerian workers who have for long been seized in the jugular by the state and its coercive instrument.

Dare to challenge the oppressors, dare to win!
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, has expressed regrets over the attack on the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero.

Recall that Ajaero was brutalized and picked up from the NLC State Council Secretariat by heavily armed policemen in Owerri, on November 1, and taken to an unknown destination.

However, it was alleged by the organised labour that Ajaero was harassed by the police authorities in the state.

READ MORE: NLC President Joe Ajaero Arrested In Imo

Reacting to the incident, the Imo State Police Command, said that the labour leader was taken into protective custody.

Speaking on Tuesday at a meeting with the Imo State Council of Elders at the Government House, Uzodinma revealed that the State Government regrets the situation the NLC leader went through.

Uzodinma accused Ajaero of taking the leadership of Imo State for granted and engaging in a politically sponsored antagonism against the Government.

He said: The sponsored antagonism between Imo State and the national leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress, politically sponsored antagonism, we are already handling.

The government of Imo State regrets any assault meted on the President of the Nigerian Labour Congress, but at the same time condemns in its entirety the attempt by the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, to take the leadership of Imo State for granted.
The Labour Party and the Peoples Democratic Party have called for the cancellation of the governorship election in Imo State over alleged irregularities.

At a press conference in Owerri, the states capital, Athan Achonu of LP, and his PDP counterpart, Samuel Anyanwu, said that the poll was below standard and a dent in the integrity of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

They urged the electoral body to take swift action within the specified timeframe to address these concerns.

Senator Achonu said: Where there was accreditation, results were already uploaded before 10 am, that is even when voting was ongoing.

READ MORE: Imo poll: Uzodimmas Re-Election Well Deserved  Sanwo-Olu

From the information available to us, even the Electoral officers were sharing the money with other INEC officials and, at the same time, gave them already written results to upload.

We have written to the INEC Chairman calling for a total review of the election or outright cancellation of the election.

That was why the LP chairman called on the INEC to check their IREV for authentic results. They did not listen to him because they had planned it.

Also speaking, Senator Anyanwu said: I feel so ashamed about what the INEC has done. INEC promised a free, fair and credible election. But empty vehicles were moved to Owerri for voters from Orsu LGA.

They used armoured vehicles and security operatives to carry out these irregularities. How come Orsu gave about 18,000 votes? This election is a charade. There must be a review of these results. How come a police officer was caught on video carrying ballot boxes?

It was not an election. It was a war. Over 70 per cent, there was no collation of results. This a PDP state, where the governorship election took two days to conduct. The INEC has seven days to review these elections or cancel outrightly.
A former Bayelsa Senator, Ben Murray Bruce, has faulted the decision of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to shut down the nation over the unions rift with the Imo State government.

Recall that the NLC on Monday, vowed to embark on national industrial action from 12:00 a.m. on Tuesday.

Addressing journalists yesterday, November 13, President of Trade Union Congress, Festus Osifo, said that the strike would remain until government at all levels wake up to their responsibility.

READ MORE: Ajaero: Despite Court Order, TUC, NLC Insist On Nationwide Strike From Tuesday

Faulting the unions move in a tweet on Monday night, Bruce called on the Nigerian labour union to be rational and consider the national interest.

He said: A nationwide strike now because of an isolated incident in just one state that is already being addressed is not in Nigerias interest. It may further a personal interest, but it will harm the national interest.

Power must not be used to settle scores. Instead, it must be used to promote the shores of our economic and democratic progress. I call on the Nigerian Labour Congress to be rational and put the national interest and let peace reign.
The Presidency has described the insistence by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigerias (TUC) to carry out its planned nationwide strike as irresponsible and an abuse of privilege.

The labour unions had announced the planned nationwide strike to protest the alleged brutality of Joe Ajaero, NLCs President in Imo state.

The strike is scheduled to commence at midnight on November 14.

Meanwhile, on November 5, the National Industrial Court in Owerri, capital of Imo, issued a restraining order to labour unions from embarking on strike in the state.

The Federal Government also secured an order stopping the unions and their affiliates from embarking on the strike.

But on Monday, Festus Osifo, TUCs Presidents, said the labour unions would continue with the planned industrial action despite the court order.

He added that the strike would remain until government at all levels wake up to their responsibilities.

Reacting to the labour unions unyielding position, Bayo Onanuga, presidential aide, described the decision as an ego-tripping move and clearly unwarranted.

He accused the unions of trying to blackmail the government and punish a whole country of over 200 million people over a personal matter.

Onanuga added that the planned strike is a flagrant disobedience to court order and lack of respect for the judiciary.

READ ALSO: Ajaero: Despite Court Order, TUC, NLC Insist On Nationwide Strike From Tuesday

We notice with dismay the decision by the Nigerian Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress to call out workers to commence a strike from midnight, despite a restraining order issued last week by Justice Benedict Backwash Kanyip of the National Industrial Court.

This decision by the NLC and TUC, other than being an ego-tripping move, is clearly unwarranted. It is an attempt to blackmail the government by the leadership of the NLC.

We are still at a loss as to why the NLC and TUC decided to punish a whole country of over 200million people over a personal matter involving the NLC President, Mr. Joe Ajaero, whose error of judgment led to assault on him in Owerri while he was planning to incite the workers in Imo State into a needless strike.

Calling out workers on a national strike over a personal issue of a labour leader despite a clear court order against any industrial action amounts to an abuse of privilege.

Power at any level should never be used to settle personal scores. Rather, it should be used to promote collective progress and advance national interest.

This flagrant disobedience to court order and lack of respect for the judiciary should not be what the organised Labour would champion.

The labour movement has always been a champion of rule of law and respect for the judiciary. It is a sad irony that the current labour leaders have shown disdain and utter disregard for court order.

We reiterate that this strike action is illegal, immoral, unjustifiable and irresponsible. What the strike notice issued Monday night after official hours suggests is its designed for a sinister and hidden agenda to cause undue hardship and cause civil disturbance in our country. This is unacceptable, the statement read.
Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser (NSA), has disclosed that former President Muhammadu Buharis administration made Nigeria bankrupt.

Speaking during the Chief of Defence Intelligence Annual Conference themed, Leveraging Defence Diplomacy and Regional Collaboration for Enhanced National Security, Ribadu made the disclosure.

This, according to him, made the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led government inherit a bankrupt country.

He added that the Federal Government is paying back what was taken.

We are facing very serious budgetary constraints. It is okay for me to tell you. It is fine for you to know. We have a very serious situation.

READ ALSO: Youve Revoked All Your Promises, Caused Us So Much Pain  Fish Seller Knocks Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu (Video)

We have inherited a very difficult country, a bankrupt country to the extent that we are paying back what was taken. It is serious.

But this administration is doing its best to meet our requirements including that of the armed forces, he said.

Ribadu further praised the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) for their exemplary performance that has kept the peace of the nation.

You have done well and you are doing well. You are the reason why we are a nation today. This country is grateful. You are the reason why we have peace. We have a very solid security team, the service chiefs, he said.

He said despite the constraints, the security situation in the country had improved significantly.
Harvey and Maddy Rovinsky at one of their former Bernie Robbins Jewelers stores in Marlton, N.J., in 2018. Read more

After more than 60 years, the owners of Bernie Robbins Jewelers are stepping back from the family business  handing ownership over to a group of employees for free.

We didnt want the business to go away if something happened to us, so we needed to find succession, said Harvey Rovinsky, who owns Bernie Robbins Jewelers with his wife, Maddy. Who could better succeed us than the people that are running the company with us?

The business, which Maddys parents opened in 1962 as an appliance store, was first at 12 S. Mole St. in Philadelphia.

Over the years, the company transitioned away from selling Maytag and GE appliances to selling high-end jewelry from brands including Cartier, David Yurman, and Roberto Coin. The company employs 40 people across its three locations in Somers Point, Villanova, and Newtown.

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There have been offers to buy the business, but it was more important to have the right people own it than to sell it, said Harvey.

We have run this company exactly the way that Bernie did it when he started it, and thats why we were not going to just sell it to anybody who would take it over and change it, he said.

A third generation taking over the business

After the ownership is transferred, the couple will stay involved in the jewelry stores operations for some time. Harvey has been asked to fill the position of CEO going forward, he said.

Although Harvey couldnt disclose how many employees will get ownership and who they will be, the handoff of the business is expected to occur in the first quarter of 2024. The Philadelphia Business Journal reported that the new ownership group will likely consist of about six longtime employees.

Some of the companys employees have been with the business for decades, Harvey said.

This is actually ... the third generation even though theyre not our children, Harvey said. Its a third generation thats going to be running Bernie Robbins Jewelers.

To defray the companys existing debt before the ownership change, beginning Thursday, $25 million worth of inventory at the Somers Point and Villanova stores will be marked down as much as 60%.

From delivering refrigerators to selling jewelry

Throughout the years, Harvey said, hes loved his job. Beyond working with the most beautiful things in the world, he said, the company has also built relationships with customers.

Im selling engagement rings to the grandchildren of people that I first sold engagement rings to, he said.

He got his start in the business at age 19, delivering refrigerators up three flights of stairs and installing air conditioners late at night. Then in 1976, the company began to shift its focus from appliances to giftware and jewelry. The family made a decision to transition the business to a luxury jeweler in 1992.

In 92, nobody was doing branding, he said. Most of the [luxury] brands were either just emerging  nobody had heard of them. So we were very early on into that.

The company struggled amid the economic downturn in the early 2000s. In 2008, the company closed a store in Short Hills, N.J., two years after it opened and went through salary cuts and reductions in staff.

Our business has been recession-proof, but 2008 almost killed us. That was devastating, he said.

Looking ahead to the future, Harvey said, we hope to continue with what were doing and expand upon it.
James LaForte (left) with his brother Joseph at Holt's Cigar Lounge in Philadelphia on Feb. 28, 2023, the day that a Philadelphia lawyer who was preparing to sell Joseph LaForte's Main Line home was assaulted. James LaForte is accused in that crime. In November 2023, federal prosecutors in Brooklyn accused James LaForte and 9 other members of the Gambino crime organization of racketeering conspiracy, adding that James LaForte "kicked up" money from Par Funding to Gambino-controlled companies Read more

Federal prosecutors in Brooklyn say James LaForte, a former collector for Philadelphia-based Par Funding, kicked up more than $1.5 million in profits from the loan company to firms controlled by a captain in the New York-based Gambino crime family, in which LaForte served as a soldier.

According to a grand jury indictment released last week, the Par funds  referred to as proceeds of LaFortes criminal activity  were paid to companies controlled by Gambino captain Joseph Lanni in an effort to conceal the underlying source of the funds, which was Par Funding.

In May, federal prosecutors in Philadelphia charged James LaForte with conspiring with his brother Joseph LaForte and other owners of Par Funding to defraud hundreds of investors who raised more than $500 million to finance the companys merchant cash advance business in hopes of collecting double-digit annual profits.

Par Funding was seized by a court-appointed receiver in 2020. Since then, lawyers have been tracing and taking control of the companys assets, including cash, homes, cars, a jet, and other property collected by company owners.

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They are trying to return at least $250 million to investors the government believes were defrauded by the company, also known as Complete Business Financial Solutions (CBFS), and related companies controlled by Joseph LaForte, who faces Par-related criminal charges in Philadelphia but is not a subject of the New York indictment.

Lanni and James LaForte were among 10 alleged Gambinos  a captain, three soldiers, and six associates  accused of racketeering conspiracy in the indictment, which targets members of the organization once headed by the late convicted racketeer and murderer John Gotti.

LaForte was made  or formally inducted  into the Gambino crime family in a ceremony on Oct. 17, 2019, alongside a second new member, who was a subject of federal wiretaps and surveillance that helped build the case, according to the indictment.

Besides racketeering, the Brooklyn indictment accuses James LaForte of extortion and beating an unnamed victim who owed an associate money by wrongful and threatened use of actual and threatened force, violence and fear. He was also charged with retaliating against a witness  allegedly beating a man he and a mob colleague suspected of informing on fellow mobsters  at a Manhattan restaurant in 2021; and possession of a Smith & Wesson .38 Special revolver, despite his earlier convictions on financial felonies.

Other defendants were charged with extorting New York area demolition and trash-hauling businesses and ripping off employee benefit plans.

Most of the accused were arrested and arraigned in New York last week. LaForte was already in federal custody in Philadelphia.

Three lawyers representing James LaForte didnt return calls seeking comment on the Brooklyn charges.

Prior charges

James LaForte was charged in March with assaulting Philadelphia attorney Gaetan Alfano from behind outside his Center City law office, hitting Alfano in the head with a flashlight. LaFortes flight was caught on video cameras along his path, leading to his arrest.

Alfano had been hired by the court-appointed receiver to prepare the sale of properties belonging to James LaForte and his wife to raise cash for investors they defrauded. Alfano recovered, and resumed work on the property sales.

Par stopped payments to investors in March 2020 and was taken over by a court-appointed receiver that July, after the Securities and Exchange Commission filed civil fraud charges against Joseph LaForte and other Par officials and investment salespeople. FBI agents, who had been investigating the company, assisted the SEC in seizing properties.

Joseph LaForte and Lisa McElhone, his wife and codefendant, controlled Par. James LaForte helped lead debt collection efforts for the company, according to the government.

The SEC and federal prosecutors in Philadelphia said the Par principals sold fraudulent, unregistered securities, without warning investors that both LaForte brothers were felons. They also say the owners failed to warn investors that Pars business consisted of making risky, uninsured loans to borrowers who were often unable to pay the company back, and lying about the risk. Last year Joseph LaForte and McElhone agreed to pay or give up assets worth (a revised) $197 million and to stop fighting the SEC allegations.

Prosecutors also alleged that the LaForte brothers extorted Pars small-business borrowers, threatening violence when businesses fell behind on their payments. Another Par collector, Renato Gino Gioe, a reputed Gambino associate, pleaded guilty last year to federal extortion charges after the government accused him of threatening to hurt borrowers. Last winter Perry Abbonizio, a former securities salesman, pleaded guilty to criminal fraud charges in relation to his sales of unregistered Par securities to investors.

In their Philadelphia indictments, the LaForte brothers were charged with obstruction of justice, witness tampering, and retaliation, in connection with the attack on lawyer Alfano and other threats. They have denied wrongdoing and are fighting the charges.

James LaForte is charged with making threatening calls to others in connection with the SEC case, including relatives of Abbonizio, the salesman.

The LaForte brothers are in prison while preparing to fight the allegations in court.

Other defendants

Among the other defendants in the Brooklyn case is Vincent J. Minsquero, who the government says is a Gambino associate. Minsquero is one of several LaForte family friends who helped Joseph LaForte pay lawyers who defended him from the SEC case, pledging a family home as collateral for a loan, according to documents filed in that case.

According to New York State records, Minsquero owned two bars in Brooklyn as of last fall but has since been taken off their licenses. One of the bars had been managed by James LaForte.

Staff writer Jeremy Roebuck contributed to this article.
Devon Beale practiced on a forklift at the Carpenters Joint Apprenticeship Training Center of Philadelphia and Vicinity in March. Read more

If youre a small-business owner, its worth your time to consider hiring an apprentice.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor  which is celebrating National Apprenticeship Week this week  apprentices are instrumental in re-building our economy, advancing racial and gender equity, building a pipeline to good quality jobs, and supporting underserved communities.

But its not just that. Hiring an apprentice can be a great source for talent during a tight labor market. If you do it the right way and with the right organization, you can also get help paying for these workers.

An apprentice is generally someone who is learning a trade or other skill and will likely work for a period of time at lower wages while they gather experience. In Pennsylvania, there are a number of ways for both prospective apprentices and employers to share opportunities. Its usually best to work directly with an organization thats already working through Pennsylvanias dedicated Apprenticeship and Training Office. This office helps nonprofit and training organizations develop registered apprenticeship programs with the goal of creating a more skilled workforce and helping workers find jobs and employers find workers.

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Dan Kuba, Pennsylvanias deputy secretary for workforce development, says apprenticeship programs have been growing fast since the state took over their administration from the federal government in 2016.

Our office now provides the resources, the guidance, the support, and then we walk through the employers and the schools who are interested in a specific occupation about whats needed to make the apprenticeship model, he said.

Learning beyond the trades

When most people think of apprentices, they think of tradespeople, like welders, plumbers, and pipe fitters and thats certainly true. But todays apprentices go well beyond these occupations.

For example, Carlos Aponte  the founder and executive director of We Love Philly  a nonprofit that targets underserved youth and provides them with education and professional skills, says that his organization recently received certification to provide digital marketing apprenticeship programs, where he currently has more than 20 students enrolled.

Some of our students come to us to fulfill their high school graduation requirements, he said. We have employer-partners who then hire our graduates and then benefit by getting a certified worker thats been fully trained in skills like Google ads, e-commerce websites, social media platforms, and other forms of online marketing. Aponte says that his digital marketing apprenticeship program has 16 core competencies that also include training in popular sales and marketing applications like Salesforce and HubSpot.

One of Drexel Universitys Business Development and Workforce Initiatives offers a state-approved apprenticeship program for cybersecurity support technicians, a fast-growing industry. Robert Grimmie, the programs assistant director, says he felt it was important to register their program with the state for credibility.

The state has an apprenticeship review board, and they asked a lot of rigorous and valuable questions about our program, he said. We wanted to take advantage of all the resources the state offers so that we can provide the highest quality program, as well as getting connected to potential funding opportunities.

Benefits of apprenticeship programs

For workers, the benefits are many. An approved apprenticeship program has gone through rigorous standards established by the state to ensure high levels of training in multiple industries as well as providing a safe and equal opportunity environment in which to learn skills and gain employment through participating companies.

But there are plenty of benefits for employers, too.

For companies  big and small  working with an approved apprentice provider not only ensures access to skilled workers but also the ability to participate in certain funding programs that can significantly lower compensation costs. Companies like We Love Philly and organizations like Drexels can help their employer-partners gain access to state funding through programs under Pennsylvanias Workforce Innovation Act, which can underwrite the cost of tuition, books, and other fees for apprentices.

Some of our apprentices get $16 an hour for the first 500 hours they work and our employer-partners only pay $8 because the state covers the rest, Aponte said. So theyre getting a skilled, full-time employee for only $8 per hour.

Other state funding resources include the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program; the Work Opportunity Tax Credit, where employers can receive a tax credit of up to $9,600 for hiring certain eligible workers; and the PAsmart Industry Partnership grant program which provide funds to eligible companies to help expand their workforce. The state also provides workforce development grants to train all employees.

To find apprenticeship programs registered with the state, search the PA CareerLink.

These apprenticeship programs can not only help employers find the right person to fill a position but also to make it attractive for individuals wanting to get into those companies, Kuba said. And that provides opportunities for everyone.

Gene Marks is the founder and president of the Marks Group, a small-business consulting firm based in Bala Cynwyd.
The Chairman of the Parliament of Georgia, Shalva Papuashvili, was asked about President Salome Zourabichvili's interview with the TV channel LCI.According to Papuashvili, President Zourabichvili considers the Georgian constitution to be merely a piece of paper. He remarked that it is not surprising that her behavior and actions are "against the interests of the Georgian people.""We remember when she was in Latvia; the main result she brought out after the meeting with the president of Latvia was a call to impose sanctions on Russia, to put our people in trouble. Now we have seen that the main result of the interview is that the Chinese ambassador is disturbed because such statements are completely disconnected from any reality and miss the interests of the Georgian people. Mrs. Salome acts directly against the interests of the Georgian people. This is not surprising; she betrayed her voters, trampled the Georgian constitution, and we should not expect anything good from her," Papuashvili said.The Defense Minister of Georgia, Juansher Burchuladze, met with the newly appointed ambassador of the Czech Republic to Georgia, Petr Kubernat. During the introductory meeting, the Minister of Defense congratulated Ambassador Kubernat on his recent appointment and wished him success in his diplomatic mission.The parties discussed the European Commission's recommendation to grant EU candidate status to Georgia. The support of the Czech Republic for Georgia's Western integration path was emphasized, particularly highlighting the political and practical cooperation between the two countries in the areas of defense and security.Juansher Burchuladze emphasized the fruitful bilateral cooperation in the field of defense between Georgia and the Czech Republic. He discussed the measures outlined in the bilateral cooperation plan between the agencies, highlighting the joint participation of Czech and Georgian military forces in international military exercises.
A hiker trying to summit a 13,000-foot ridge in the Colorado Rockies last Wednesday was wearing just a cotton hoodie when a severe snowstorm came out of nowhere. With no food, water, phone reception, or extra clothing, the stranded hiker, whose name was not disclosed, was rescued seven hours later "in a fetal position covered in snow," according to the Chaffee County Search and Rescue North's Facebook page.

After discovering the near-frozen hiker at 2am, it took another three hours to warm the hiker up before attempting to help them down. By using ropes along with human assistance, the hiker finally made the two-hour descent and was greeted at the bottom by an ambulance.

From NBC News:

The "unprepared" hiker had no way to warm themselves, according to the statement. "With darkness approaching and hypothermia setting in the individual decided, rather than take the same way down, the best plan was to bail down an avalanche chute to try to get to a road," officials said. The hiker had a phone, but authorities could not obtain GPS information from it after learning of the situation about 7 p.m., according to the statement. A 25-person team was sent out, knowing only that the hiker was in an avalanche chute east of Cottonwood Lake. The team spotted what appeared to be footprints in around 6 to 8 inches of snow and followed them until they came upon what they thought was "an unusual looking rock" at 2 a.m., according to the statement. "Upon further investigation it was determined it was not a rock but the subject sitting upright in a fetal position covered in snow," officials said.

The Chaffee County Search and Rescue North reminds hikers to always pack the "10 Essentials" before a serious hike no matter what the weather is: navigation (map and gps), sun protection, insulation (as in gloves, hat, jacket, etc.), flashlight, first aid kit, matches or lighter, repair kit/tools, food, and water.




Worlds collided  along with a massive vehicle and a 67 human torso  when a hit-and-run driver in Center City plowed into new Sixers forward and instant fan favorite Kelly Oubre Jr. Saturday night. Nothing about an incident that shocked and scared Philly can be called good news, but a) Oubres broken-rib prognosis is optimistic and b) maybe NOW the city will take seriously a crisis of pedestrian safety. But why does it take something like this?

Weve made a format change! Scroll down in the newsletter for the answers to last weeks question about President Joe Biden running again in 2024, and a new question youll definitely want to weigh in on.

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Trump isnt just blatantly copying Hitlers fascist language, but stealing his ideas, too

Fascism doesnt occur naturally in human nature. Somebody had to invent it, and no one played a greater role than Benito Mussolini, an Italian World War I veteran who saw that a new kind of politics could arise from the charred ashes and bitter resentments of men traumatized by a conflict that had just killed 20 million. A vain and violent man, Il Duce taught Donald Trump how to strut on stage, posed shirtless generations before Vladimir Putin, and clung to power after 1922s March on Rome by whipping up hate against leftists he described as vermin.

Adolf Hitler picked up the ball from his 1920s hero Mussolini and ran with it  taking antisemitism to new lows by comparing Jews to filthy animals and parasites, years before his Nazi regime killed 6 million of them. After seizing power in 1933, the German Fuhrer told a Czech minister that vermin must be destroyed. The Jews are our sworn enemies, and at the end of this year, there will not be a Jew left in Germany. His gutter language was adopted by the Third Reichs writers and editorial cartoonists who often depicted Jews as rodents, targets for elimination.

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Maybe Trump was paying his own warped tribute to Hitler  the ultimate disgruntled war vet  when he chose Veterans Day to visit Claremont, N.H., and deliver an address that sounded just like a page ripped from a book of the German dictators speeches that his first wife Ivana famously claimed the future 45th president of the United States kept by his bedside.

We pledge to you that we will root out the communists, Marxists, fascists, and the radical left thugs that live like vermin within the confines of our country that lie and steal and cheat on elections, said Trump, only days after a flurry of one-year-before-the-2024-election polls showed his campaign for another term moving ahead of President Joe Biden. He told voters in the key primary state that the threat from outside forces is far less sinister, dangerous, and grave than the threat from within. He repeated the vermin bit on his Truth Social website, lest anyone missed it.

Trumps vermin rant  and its seemingly deliberate echo of the 20th centurys worst tyrants  will be remembered as something of a turning point. Although the embarrassingly timid New York Times nearly whiffed (Trump Takes Veterans Day Speech In a Very Different Direction was the initial headline from editors terrified of calling fascism by its name), by Monday multiple media outlets were expressing an appropriate level of horror over remarks by the GOPs all-but-certain nominee, and what they mean for American democracy.

Still, I think the media is missing something about Trump and his campaign as it grinds inexorably toward Milwaukee and maybe 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. What may be forever known as the vermin speech was not the only time that Trump, aided by his past and future propaganda ministers like Stephen Miller, have plagiarized Hitler in ways that cannot be accidental.

As Trump did on Saturday, Hitler famously rallied his Nazi Party supporters to take on the enemy within. In a recent campaign stop, the ex-president repeated a line hailing One people, one family, one glorious nation  a fairly blatant lift from the German autocrats invocation of One people, one realm, one leader. The GOP frontrunner, in an escalation of his anti-immigrant rhetoric, also said not long ago that migrants to the southern border are poisoning the blood of our country, a deafening echo of Hitlers riffs on blood poisoning in Mein Kampf. (A Trump spokesman called it a normal phrase thats used in everyday life.)

I study the breakdown of democracy, and I dont know how to say this more clearly: We are sleepwalking towards authoritarianism, Brian Klaas, political scientist at University College London and writer, said Monday on MSNBCs Morning Joe, noting the rise in fascist rhetoric cant be considered a coincidence.

Its not. To the contrary, the intentionality here is stunning. Most of us in It Cant Happen Here America not only believe that our exceptionalism will magically and forever protect us from dictatorship, but also that anyone who tries to implement fascism will take a stealth approach, hoping to sneak his diabolical plan past a wise, democracy-loving electorate. But Trump is being deliberate. He desires not just to make himself a dictator, but to brag and mock us while hes doing it.

How else to explain that not only is Trump talking like Hitler and Mussolini, but he has overt plans to act like them after Jan. 20, 2025. The latest example was reported in the same edition of the Times as the Veterans Day speech: a scheme to round up thousands if not millions of undocumented immigrants from coast to coast and place them in concentration camps, awaiting mass deportation. While Trumps worst ideas in his first term were often thwarted by more responsible public servants, the 2.0 model has a plan to install thousands of loyalists throughout the government  including a Justice Department where Trump seeks prosecution of anyone who wronged him.

Is this plot to nuke the American Experiment really leading in the polls? It might be. The Washington Posts Philip Bump recently pointed to data that 38% of Americans think that things in the U.S. had gone so far off track that we need a leader who would break rules in order to fix the countrys direction. Millions more  from CEOs wondering if dictatorship is better for the bottom line to Times editors afraid they might melt at the word fascism  cant or wont speak up. There are also millions of us determined to stop Trumps tyranny, or die trying  but we have a lot of work to do.

For now, Team Trump is rubbing it in our face. Campaign spokesman Steven Cheung said Monday that people comparing his bosss rhetoric to Hitler and Mussolini are clearly snowflakes grasping for anything because they are suffering from Trump Derangement Syndrome and their entire existence will be crushed when President Trump returns to the White House. (He later clarified he meant to say their sad, miserable existence instead of their entire existence  as if thats better.)

From somewhere intolerably warm, a bare-chested Il Duce surely crossed his arms, looked up, and smiled.

Yo, do this

Rob Reiner  then the precocious son of comedian Carl Reiner, later famous as the Meathead on All in the Family and a top Hollywood director  was 16 years old when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated, and he watched the alleged lone gunman, Lee Harvey Oswald, gunned down on live TV. Like for many boomers, the official story of what went down in Dallas never made sense to Reiner. Now, ahead of next weeks 60th anniversary of the Kennedy assassination, hes teamed up with journalist Soledad OBrien for an IHeartRadio podcast with the plaintive title, Who Killed JFK? Its a much needed antidote to growing conventional wisdom that Oswald must have acted alone. The first episode is out and  while some of the banter between the hosts feels a bit forced  it does an excellent job explaining how Kennedy changed over his 34 months in the White House, and why the military-industrial complex turned against him. A must listen. In the Finally Getting Around To It Department, Trumps full-blown embrace of Hitlerian fascism motivated my long overdue audiobook download of NYU professor Ruth Ben-Ghiats essential Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present. In tracing a century-long story from Europes original fascists to the military coups of the latter 20th century (such as Pinochet or Gaddafi) to todays Putin-flavored authoritarians, Ben-Ghiat shows how these narcissistic misogynists have used tactics from propaganda to violence to shape our world for the worse.

Ask me anything

Question: How is it that Gen-Z and Millennials, after berating Boomers for this, are so bad at social media and have allowed TikTok to make them this stupid?  Via Democracy Rules (@WasserL) on X/Twitter

Answer: LOL, its hard to answer the gist of your question when Im not sure which of the many assorted stupidities were blaming on our young people today. I do think its time we acknowledge that social media can inform and on rare occasions even uplift people  but that users from age 13 to age 93 can also too easily be moved by disinformation. Heres what alarms me: Calls to censor or even ban platforms like TikTok. I believe the ultimate answer for disinformation is not to limit what people can see, but to bolster education and make them smarter  both in news literacy but also just about the world in general.

What youre saying

Last weeks question about President Joe Bidens poor poll numbers and whether he should still run in 2024 prompted a predictably large response that  much like the Democratic Party itself  was all over the map. A lot of you agree that the Democrats have little choice but to play out the Biden hand. Wrote Jan Marvin: I worry about him not making it through the next term but I have confidence in [Vice President Kamala] Harris. But some of you think voter concern about the presidents age calls for a drastic change  if its not too late. Polly Schaller wrote: Ultimately, we do need younger blood in the Oval Office, but its hard to see how that can happen in 2024.

 This weeks question: Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman has adopted a strong pro-Israel stance in the current conflict, delighting some but angering many of his younger and more progressive voters who want a ceasefire. Has war in the Middle East changed your opinion of Fetterman? For a chance to be featured in my newsletter, email me your answer.

Backstory: Condemning Israels war crimes against journalists

If truth is the first casualty of war, journalists are on the front line. A team of American NPR journalists reporting from the Middle East learned that the hard way recently when it tried to interview a Palestinian olive farmer in the occupied West Bank, where a spillover from the war in Gaza has sparked violent attacks by Israeli settlers and stepped-up activity by Israeli Defense Forces. The interview was only halfway done when a drone appeared overhead, followed by Israeli soldiers brandishing assault weapons. The troops hustled the Palestinian away, and when the NPR team raised questions, the Israelis pointed their firepower at the journalists heads. Move on, they said.

And yet the American reporters were lucky  they lived to tell about it.

A violent assault on a free press began with the Oct. 7 terror attack by Hamas on southern Israel, when four Israeli journalists were murdered. That was a despicable act, but the death toll that day has paled in comparison to the number killed  solely by Israel, mostly by air strikes  in its retaliatory war. Since the latest conflict began, an additional 38 journalists  just over one a day, 37 Palestinians and one Lebanese  have been killed, making this the deadliest war for journalists in modern memory. Several, such as Mohammed Abu Hatab, a journalist for Palestine TV, funded by the Palestinian Authority, killed with 11 members of his family, died when Israeli air strikes destroyed their homes, which has only heightened suspicion that Israel is targeting members of the press.

Israel denies this, but the hostility that the current right-wing government of Americas longtime ally in the region feels toward a free press is palpable. When a website run by a former Israeli journalist with the ironic name of HonestReporting made an allegation  unfounded, it later admitted  that some journalists who risked their lives to film the Oct. 7 attack must be in cahoots with Hamas, some allies close to the Israeli government pounced. The nations former UN envoy posted on X/Twitter: We will hunt them down together with the terrorists.

Killing journalists is a straight-up war crime. Yet I and other rank-and-file journalists have been dismayed at the timidity of leading U.S. newsrooms in speaking out against Israels ongoing assaults  the cutting edge of a culture of cowardice when it comes to describing the politically and emotionally fraught war. This is not a time for silence. In the strongest possible terms, I condemn the violence against a free press  initially by Hamas, but now on a daily basis by Israeli forces who are making a mockery of an allys professed democratic values. The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said our lives begin to end the day we remain silent about the things that truly matter. I urge newsroom colleagues to join me in demanding an immediate end to these crimes against our profession, and our basic humanity.

What I wrote on this date on 2016

Seven years ago today, America  at least my sliver of blue America, anyway  was in a state of shock. Donald Trumps unexpected election victory just six days earlier sent protesters out in the streets of Philadelphia and elsewhere, chanting, We! Reject! The president-elect! Others whod voted for Hillary Clinton were in a deep funk. On Nov. 14, 2016, I wrote about how cities like Philadelphia and other progressive jurisdictions could fight Trumpism by becoming oases for good policy. I wrote that the current crisis is also an opportunity  to morally secede from the kind of hate that we heard in the 2016 campaign, and work on a better world in the place where we can. Check out the rest: How Philly can morally secede from Trumps America.

Recommended Inquirer reading

This past week Ive had elections  recent and future  on my mind. In my Sunday column, I looked at Philadelphia Mayor-elect Cherelle Parkers signature plan to bring what she calls constitutional stop-and-frisk back to the city, and how a similar approach under New York Citys controversial mayor Eric Adams has done more to increase complaints about racial profiling than to curb crime. Over the weekend, I put on my history cap to look at the last incumbent Democrat who polled as badly as President Joe Biden  Harry Truman in 1948  and what his upset victory can teach us today. The end of the 2023 off-year election can mean only one thing: the start of the 2024 election. The Inquirers ace political team of Julia Terruso, Ryan W. Briggs, and Aseem Shukla took a deep dive into Phillys turnout numbers, and made some fascinating discoveries. While overall voter turnout did increase slightly in the city  slow clap, please  the results varied wildly on the individual precinct level. Turnout soared in more affluent, mostly white wards, but shrank in predominantly Black and Latino neighborhoods. At the risk of sounding like New York Times Pitchbot, this is bad news for Joe Biden. In 2024, yet again, the fate of American democracy may hinge on the state where it started: Pennsylvania. You can stare at a paywall, or you can follow every twist and turn by subscribing to The Inquirer. Seems like a no-brainer.

Note: By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirers Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

Also: Last weeks newsletter misidentified the name of the New York Times polling partner. It is Siena College.
Founder Vashti DuBois in front of the Colored Girls Museum, which is also her home. Read more

This time last year, Vashti DuBois, founder of the Colored Girls Museum, was named a Philadelphia Culture Treasure for centering the work of Black artists and amplifying the voices of Black women and girls.

On Wednesday, the museums future will be in the hands of Philadelphias Zoning Board of Adjustment. Last spring, following a complaint, a city investigation found the museum in violation of two codes. The museum doubles as DuBois home and under the law, a dwelling in a residential neighborhood can just have one use. Secondly, cultural institutions in residential neighborhoods must be detached. The Colored Girls Museum is housed in a twin.

The zoning board will hear testimony and decide whether to grant the two variances DuBois needs for the museum to remain in the 139-year-old, three-story Victorian home at 4613 Newhall St.

Im optimistic the zoning board will find the museum has a positive impact on my neighborhood and the city, DuBois said. If we are forced to close, it will be devastating.

It certainly would be.

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I met DuBois seven years ago when I wrote my first article about the Colored Girls Museum, with its wind chimes and tobacco-scented incense. It was a warm drink of apple cider  with whiskey  for my soul. Donald Trump had just been elected president and I, like many Black women, was wondering how much longer America would be a safe place. The museum , DuBois told me, was born out of grief. Her husband died in 2014 and shortly after his death, she almost lost the house, where she raised her three children, to foreclosure.

The Colored Girls Museum cant exist in another place because she was born here, DuBois said. What nurtured and activated her is what happened in this community. If you evict us from 4613, its no longer the Colored Girls Museum.

Over the years, vibrant portraits, collages, sculptures, and fiber arts by Philadelphia artists like Monna Morton, Denys Davis, Barbara Bullock, Toni Kersey, and Nile Livingston spoke to the protection, praise, and grace of Black women, and not just superstars like Michelle Obama or Beyonce, but ordinary sisters like the school teacher, the domestic worker, the church lady, the mama, the Big Mama, and the auntie.

With exhibits like A Goodnights Sleep, The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, and Sit a Spell, DuBois invitesd us into her home, sat us down, and told us to take a load off. Over the years, the museum expanded to showrooms in West Philly, the African American Museum, and a terminal at the Philadelphia airport. DuBois also curated an installation for Legacy Reclaimed: A 7th Ward Tribute Honoring the Past, Illuminating the Future walking tour, now on display in the gift shop of Mother Bethel Church.

The bond between the museum and the community grew stronger during COVID-19 when DuBois put its exhibitions on Instagram and kept in touch with artists and visitors through Zoom. I live in the neighborhood, and when it was safe, we gathered on DuBois porch and wondered. When would we be safe from COVID? When would we be able to mourn together again? When will our people, like George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, stop being murdered by police? Why are we so tired? Will this pain ever end? Neighbors joined us, too.

Leonard and Diane Thompson, who live in the twin next door, wrote a letter to the zoning board in support of the Colored Girls Museum, saying, In the eight years weve been attached to the museum, weve never expressed any remorse for being on the other side of its walls.

Since the Colored Girls Museum opened, it has been featured in Essence and received a nod from the Smithsonian National Archive. DuBois has received grants from the Knight Foundation, the William Penn Foundation, and the Independence Media Foundation. In 2022, DuBois was inducted into the Germantown Hall of Fame and received a Clark Fellowship, one of the most prestigious arts residencies in the country.

The Colored Girls Museum received more than 60 letters of support, letters that DuBois presented to the zoning board. The community has spoken, DuBois said. They want us here. We are a part of the fabric of Germantown.

Every Saturday and Sunday, DuBois lights incense, arranges flowers, and sweeps the front steps preparing for visitors. Each time she opens the Colored Girls Museums doors, she tells the world  especially Black women and girls  they can achieve their dreams and their ordinary lives matter.

All of this shouldnt come to an end because of technicalities.
Anthony Gamble was sentenced to 25-to-55 years in state prison after a hearing Monday at the Bucks County Courthouse. Read more

A New Jersey man was sentenced Monday to 25 to 55 years in state prison for killing a man and hiding his body in Upper Bucks County.

Anthony Gamble, 22, pleaded guilty in October to third-degree murder and conspiracy to commit robbery in the 2021 death of Kevin Rosero, 26, whom he stabbed after robbing him of $400 during a botched marijuana sale, according to prosecutors.

Gamble, of Somerset, agreed to the plea in a deal negotiated with prosecutors that spared him from charges of first-degree murder and other related offenses. Gamble reached the deal after his younger brother, Joshua, agreed to testify against him about the killing and detail how the two had worked together to hide the body.

Pennsylvania state troopers encountered the Gambles just after midnight on June 17, 2021 after noticing two cars parked on the side of East Pumping Station Road in Richland Township, according to prosecutors.

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One of the cars had its hazard lights on, and the troopers approached, believing a driver needed help. Instead, they discovered Joshua Gamble, 19, lying in the grass, his shoe covered in blood.

Anthony Gamble was in a wooded area nearby and tried to flee, authorities said, but was taken into custody a short time later. He, too, had blood on his shoes.

A few hundred yards away, they found Rosero, who had been stabbed 28 times in his head, neck, and arms. One of the cars on the side of the road, an Audi A5, had its interior covered in blood. A large, bloody knife had been stashed on the floor of the cars passenger side.

Prosecutors said the brothers drove both vehicles, one of which belonged to Rosero, from Somerset County, N.J., stopping at a nearby 7-Eleven to buy work gloves and disinfectant wipes. An analysis of Gambles phone showed he had searched for 7 eleven, junk yards near me, and can soap wash off fingerprints.

Joshua Gambles phone showed that Rosero had transferred him $400 through CashApp about an hour before the state trooper discovered the scene on the side of the road.

Anthony Gambles attorney, Louis Busico, said after the proceeding Monday that he had presented a series of character witnesses on his clients behalf, including his relatives, longtime neighbors, and members of Gambles religious community.

Busico noted that Gamble had never been charged with a crime before, and said Rosero and Gamble had known each other for some time. The killing, he said, followed a marijuana deal that ended tragically.

Still, he said he was satisfied with the verdict handed down by Bucks County Court Judge Benjamin Finley.

My goal from the very beginning was to prevent this young man from spending the rest of life in prison, Busico said. I accomplished that goal today, because had he been convicted of first- or second-degree murder, there would be no options here.

Joshua Gamble pleaded guilty last November to robbery, conspiracy, and related offenses. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 27.
Tariq Black Thought Trotters new book is called The Upcycled Self: A Memoir on the Art of Becoming Who We Are. Its a story about growing up in Philadelphia in the 1970s and 1980s, and how The Roots rapper found a path through visual art and music to thrive despite the cycles of violence that took its toll on family members and friends.

These days, Trotter lives in North Jersey, which is a better commute to his job at 30 Rockefeller Center in midtown Manhattan, where The Roots are the house band on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.

The distance from his hometown helped give him a clarity and a different perspective as he sat down to write The Upcycled Self, Trotter says.

Once a Philadelphia mindset, always a Philadelphia mindset . I have that perfect distance to figuratively take a step back, but close enough to be anywhere in Philadelphia in an hour and a half.

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Some of the places he gets back to are his favorite restaurants in Philly, starting with a pair of celebrated eateries.

Trotters favorite Philly restaurants

One of my favorite places to eat is Suraya in Fishtown, he says. I like Suraya a lot. I love the Thai spot where the owner used to have a place in South Philly, Kalaya (It moved to Fishtown last year and expanded).

 READ MORE: Tariq Black Thought Trotters memoir has two main characters. Himself and Philadelphia.

That whole restaurant group is one of the best teams in Philly, Trotter says, referring to Defined Hospitality whose operations include Kalaya, Suraya, Pizzeria Beddia, and R&D in Fishtown, as well as El Techo and Condesa in Center City. And then theres the Israeli restaurant down on Dock Street, Zahav. Suraya, Kalaya, and Zahav: Those are my three favorite restaurants in Philly.

For a less-upscale lunchtime experience, Trotter heads back to the neighborhood where he came of age.

Im from South Philly. If Im going for a sandwich or a pizza, no cheesesteak is beating Angelos on Ninth Street. Why they have the one-up is the bakery. They make those rolls in house.

That sets their sandwiches apart. They do them lightly sesame seeded. In a city that has been all Amoroso rolls, which has sort of been THE LAW  people who go against the grain that way and win are few and far between. I think theyve figured it out.

At different points in his life, Trotter has been a vegetarian and a vegan. Ive done it all, he says. Currently, though, hes a meat eater. If you put an Angelos cheesesteak in front of me right now, would I eat it? Absolutely.
76ers guard Kelly Oubre Jr., shown in action Nov. 4 against the Phoenix Suns, will miss weeks recovering from rib fracture that he sustained Saturday in a hit-and-run. Read more

Kelly Oubre Jr.s rib fracture likely will keep him from playing for the 76ers for at least a month, trauma specialists say.

Oubre, 27, was struck by a motorist Saturday night while walking near his home in Center City, according to an initial police report. A Philadelphia Fire Department ambulance crew took him to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, where he was treated and released later that night.

The team has said little about the injury, other than that Oubre is expected to miss significant playing time, and that his fracture will be reevaluated within a week. In addition to the broken rib, Oubre suffered unspecified injuries to his hip and right leg.

Physicians not involved with his care say that the management of rib fractures has evolved in several ways over the past few decades. For example, wrapping the torso, once a common treatment, is no longer recommended.

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While Oubres youth and superb conditioning will help in his recovery, a rib fracture is a serious injury that requires careful management. The pain can be excruciating.

A 6-foot-7, 203-pound forward, Oubre joined the Sixers this year and was named a starter after the early-season departure of James Harden and P.J. Tucker in a multiplayer trade with the Los Angeles Clippers.

For more about how broken ribs are treated and how long Oubre is likely to be on the sidelines, The Inquirer spoke to Virtua Health thoracic surgeon Matthew M. Puc and Main Line Health orthopedic trauma surgeon Mitesh P. Shah. Both spoke generally about whats involved in recovering from rib fractures, as neither is involved in Oubres care.

Will Oubre need surgery?

In severe cases, surgeons may opt to stabilize fractured ribs by screwing titanium plates into the bone.

Thats major surgery, typically recommended only if the patient has broken four ribs or more and has extreme difficulty breathing, said Shah, who practices primarily at Lankenau Medical Center.

For a single rib, even a couple of ribs, were almost never thinking of surgery, he said.

Oubre broke just one rib, the Sixers said.

The fact that he was released from the hospital the same night of his injury suggests that he wont be going under the knife, Shah and Puc agreed.

How are broken ribs treated without surgery?

Decades ago, physicians commonly recommended wrapping the torso to minimize movement and aid in recovery.

But that approach fell out of favor for two reasons, Puc said. Not only are wraps ineffective in helping the bone to heal, they raise the risk of pneumonia, as they restrict movement of the lungs.

Physicians want patients with rib fractures to breathe as normally as possible  even though it hurts  because that helps clear secretions that can otherwise lead to infection. Doctors typically prescribe breathing exercises and ask patients to measure their breathing ability with a device called a spirometer.

Pain can be managed with medication, either an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen or, in more severe cases, a prescription narcotic. Some patients wear lidocaine patches to numb the area.

Puc also tells patients to place a pillow between their arm and torso during the first few weeks to minimize the pain from a cough or other unintended movement.

You try to cushion the blow, he said. It supports your chest wall. That kind of stabilizes it.

Other than that, there is not much to do except wait.

How long will Oubre be out?

The amount of time needed to recover from a rib fracture depends on the type of break, Puc and Shah said. If the fracture is displaced, meaning the two ends of bone are out of alignment, healing takes longer.

The more shifted the fracture is, the longer its going to take to heal, Shah said. The bone has to bridge across that gap.

A non-displaced, hairline fracture heals faster.

The Sixers have not specified the type of break Oubre has.

A young athlete with a non-displaced rib fracture might be able to start practicing as soon as three weeks after the injury, returning to regular games in as little as four weeks, Shah said. But the bone is not 100% healed at that point, so physicians would recommend wearing a light flak jacket or other protective gear in case of impact, Shah said.

Complete healing can take at least eight weeks.

During Oubres recovery, his trainers will prescribe carefully chosen exercises to maintain his fitness level as much as possible without exacerbating the injury, Shah said.

How do you know if your rib is broken?

For most people, the pain from a rib fracture is intense.

When you have a rib fracture, you know it, for the most part, Puc said. Its a memorable event.

The pain gets worse when taking deep breaths.

People with rib fractures who have to sneeze, oh my God. Theyre going to be jumping out of their skin, he said.

Still, if the fracture is minor or the person has a high pain threshold, they may not realize it.

Some people may just shrug it off, he said. Ive seen folks like that. Theyll come back later for other scans and imaging, and youll see an old rib fracture thats healed.

The only surefire way to tell if a rib is broken is by getting an X-ray.
Democrats won big in Delaware County last week  and theyve already turned their attention to 2024.

All five members of Delaware County Council are Democrats, but they must select a Republican to serve with them on the countys Board of Elections.

The Republican selected to fill an upcoming vacancy will help oversee next years presidential election. And contention over the seat has been stirring for months, since the county council voted to change the nomination process.

State law requires a minority party representative on the three-member elections board, which is responsible for setting locations of polling places and drop boxes, determining which mail ballots to accept or reject, and certifying the vote count. Even though the two Democrats on the board could outvote the Republican when making decisions, they say theyre worried about an election denier joining the board after receiving a slew of legal challenges to the 2020 election results.

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Minority parties have always submitted a list of three nominees, and any disagreements over the candidates were handled behind the scenes between the parties. But under an ordinance approved in January, council can reject the minority partys nominations and request a new list of names.

If a new slate is not provided within a month of a seats vacancy  or within 10 days of a lists rejection  the new law says council can appoint a minority party member of their choosing.

Christine Reuther, a Democratic council member who won reelection last week and helped pass the change, said members were concerned that future GOP leadership could nominate election deniers  or refuse to submit more candidates after a rejection in an effort to upend the process.

Our concern, quite honestly, was that we could get three people who were filing lawsuits against the county nonstop, who seemed to have no interest in figuring out how elections actually work, Reuther said

But GOP chair Frank Agovino called the law a partisan power grab, one that could make the nomination process unfair to whichever party holds power in the future.

The way it reads, it looks like they can basically just keep requesting new lists, Agovino said. So the power of the minority chairman really doesnt exist any longer.

Agovino and the county GOP filed a lawsuit against Delaware County this summer over the ordinance.

The complaint alleges that the new process violates Pennsylvania state election code, which offers specific rules for how counties with home-rule charters  including Delaware County  nominate election officials. The GOP went as far as seeking an injunction against council in September.

The county, responding to the complaint in a court filing, said that Agovino has no standing, and that the chairman can only speculate as to who, in fact, will nominate a minority member to the Board of Elections when a vacancy opens.

While Delaware County leaders did not make election integrity central to their campaigns this year  unlike in Bucks County  they said theyve received a host of unsubstantiated legal challenges over their handling of the last presidential election.

In all, the county fended off 15 lawsuits alleging fraud in its vote counting methods, spending hundreds of thousands in taxpayer dollars to contest the filings.

Many of those challenges were brought by people who echoed former President Donald Trumps false claims that the election was unfairly stolen from him and that Pennsylvanias mail voting laws enabled voter fraud

A potential compromise

A judge has yet to deliver a ruling on the Delaware County Republicans lawsuit over the appointment process.

But both Reuther and Agovino said separately that they would support John McBlain, the current Republican election board member for another two-year term.

Council appointed McBlain, a former Delaware County council member and solicitor, in 2021. McBlain said he would be happy to continue should Republicans nominate him.

Im watching out for the minority party, but to me, the most important part is assuring the public that we are conducting free and fair elections in Delaware County, McBlain said. I wont hesitate if I see a problem to call it out, but at the same time, Im not there as some kind of denier.

Citing his record as a Republican watchdog, McBlain said he pushed for the county not to count 400 mail ballots that postal workers delivered to the election office late, after polls closed on election night in 2021.

Democratic election officials eventually sided with him, he said.

John McBlain is someone who Im gonna disagree with on a great many policy issues, but we both have the same factual understanding of how elections are conducted, Reuther said. He doesnt see conspiracy theories every time you turn around.

Agovino said he would support McBlain for another term, and that several other people are also interested.

Council will convene in early January to appoint the board members.
A man was fatally struck by a River Line light-rail train Monday night in Pennsauken, NJ Transit said.

Around 8:20 p.m., the train was heading to Camden from Trenton when it struck the man, who was not identified, south of Cove Road in Pennsauken, the transit agency said.

None of the 15 passengers on board the train were hurt.

River Line service was suspended in both directions between the Pennsauken Transit Center and 36th Street Station with riders being directed to substitute bus service.

New Jersey Transit Police were leading the investigation into what happened.
Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele said Monday that an investigation has determined that a police officer lawfully used deadly force when he shot and killed a 69-year-old woman who allegedly threatened paramedics and police with a gun last month.

On Oct. 8 shortly after 5 p.m., emergency personnel responded to the 100 block of Evans Avenue in Upper Moreland Township for a 911 call about a suicidal woman possibly armed with a gun, Steele said.

When paramedics arrived, they saw Mary M. Meister standing at the front door of a residence and pointing a gun at them, Steele said. The paramedics continued driving up the street and told arriving police what they saw.

Upper Moreland police officers saw Meister on the front porch holding a silver handgun, later identified as a Smith & Wesson .38-caliber revolver that she purchased in August.

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An officer tried for more than 12 minutes to persuade Meister to put down the gun and talk with him, but she refused, Steele said.

A Hatboro police officer arrived with a less-than-lethal weapon and fired four rubber rounds at Meister, striking her once in the leg. She checked her leg, then raised her gun and pointed it at the officers, Steele said.

An Upper Moreland officer, who was not identified, then shot Meister. She was taken by ambulance to Jefferson Abington Hospital, where she was pronounced dead at 5:48 p.m.

Steele said a handwritten note found inside Meisters home indicated her intention to die by suicide.

Officers arrived on scene, and an experienced negotiator talked with Meister, attempting to convince her to put down her firearm. But she repeatedly refused and instead, pointed the firearm directly at officers, Steele said in a statement.

Our investigation determined the facts of this case supported the use of deadly force, and therefore, did not warrant any criminal charge against the officer involved, Steele said.

A day after the fatal confrontation, a neighbor recalled that officers had pleaded with Meister to put her gun down before she was shot.

Meister, who was born in Philadelphia, is survived by a daughter and three siblings, according to her obituary. Her husband died in 2022.

Meister was once on the board of directors of the Twilight Wish Foundation. According to a brief biography on the foundations website, Meister was retired from a public utility job and was a lifelong political activist who advocated for the Family and Medical Leave Act.

She also was a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity and served as a local director of the Miss America organization, according to the foundation.

Cass Forkin, founder of the Twilight Wish Foundation, wrote about Meisters death a few days after it occurred.

When she lost her husband, a Vietnam Veteran who suffered with Agent Orange issues and died in 2022, she also lost her biggest cheerleader of 37 years. Then a few months later, she lost her son, Forkin wrote on Facebook.

She suffered broken-heart syndrome. [Twenty-five percent] of heart issues lead to major depression and she never recovered. Her pain was unbearable, Forkin wrote. Mary is reunited with her husband now. She will always be in my heart.
Hakeem Hintzen, who was taken from his mother on Saturday in Vineland, is held by an unnamed detective from the Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office outside of the headquarters of the Philadelphia Police Department. Read more

A 1-year-old boy was safely reunited with his mother Monday night in Philadelphia after being kidnapped by a 16-year-old girl on Saturday in South Jersey, authorities said.

Akera Johns, the teen girl, remains at large and faces a kidnapping charge, authorities said.

On Saturday, Johns took Hakeem Hintzen from his mother  initially with the mothers permission  in Vineland, Cumberland County, and then notified the mother she wasnt going to return the child, said Robert Clark, supervisory deputy U.S. Marshal for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

The teen girl and the boy were seen Monday morning in Philadelphia in the area of 32nd Street and Susquehanna Avenue, and then later in Center City.

Johns, evidently aware that she had become the focus of a law-enforcement search, contacted a third party to hand over the child, Clark said. The third party, who asked to remain anonymous, contacted the boys family, who then contacted law enforcement, Clark said. Arrangements were made to have the boys mother pick up her son, who apparently was not harmed, from the headquarters of the Philadelphia Police Department at 400 N. Broad St.

Clark said the teen girl is believed to still be in Philadelphia.
Workers from Philadelphia's 911 call center - civilians who work at police headquarters - described a unit that is understaffed and underpaid, resulting in long hours and low morale. Read more

The Philadelphia Police Department has directed 911 call-takers to ask additional questions of callers about the location of their emergencies after authorities botched a response to a call that preceded a mass shooting in Kingsessing.

That change is a direct response to the flap in July, when police received a 911 call about a shooting on the 1600 block of 56th Street. Officers were sent to North 56th Street, three miles away from the crime scene on South 56th Street. Joseph Wamah had been killed, but his body was not discovered until two days later  after the same gunman allegedly returned to the street and shot six more people, killing four of them.

Interim Police Commissioner John M. Stanford, who testified during a City Council committee hearing Tuesday, said call-takers now ask callers whether there is a directional indicator for the street they are calling about. Other improvements are underway, he said, including new software systems.

But according to 911 dispatchers, police brass, and frustrated residents who testified Tuesday, the problems in Philadelphias radio room run far deeper than unclear addresses. Employees described a unit that is understaffed, underpaid, under-appreciated  and one that has lost workers at an astonishing clip.

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And the impact has been devastating, residents said. Maria Rodriguez told Council that her 63-year-old father called 911 more than two dozen times while he was having a stroke earlier this year. No one called back or came to check on him, she said, adding that he is alive by the graces of God, but is severely brain damaged.

Another resident, Walter Weber, said he called 911 in September when a large group was burglarizing stores along 52nd Street. He said it took two hours for police to quell the chaos.

One [call-taker] said to my wife that this is a very dangerous situation, what do you want the police to do about it? as if it was a crazy idea for the police to respond, he said.

The hearing Tuesday, during a session of Councils Committee on Public Safety, was called by Councilmember Jamie Gauthier, who represents West Philadelphias Third District. It was the second Council hearing in three years about problems with 911 dispatch. During a December 2020 session, dispatchers complained of plummeting morale due to understaffing and mandatory overtime.

 READ MORE: Phillys overworked 911 dispatchers are on the brink of a collapse. City Council promises fixes.

Since then, the staffing issue has slightly improved, but it has not abated. The Police Department went on a recruiting spree and has hired 355 radio room employees over the last three years. But during that same time, it lost 304  two-thirds of whom quit.

Thats left the unit that is budgeted to have about 350 employees with fewer than 290, according to Gordon Zimmitt, president of the union that represents 911 dispatchers. Councilmember Jim Harrity described that as crisis level.

The swift attrition means employees who remain have had to spend much of their time training new workers, only to see them leave months later. Workers also blamed morale problems on low pay that doesnt correspond with the stress of the job, the amount of trauma theyre exposed to, or the hours they are expected to work.

Michelle Jordan, who has been a dispatcher for 15 years, described directing police for five hours straight when two officers were shot, one fatally, last month at Philadelphia International Airport. She said it was one example of a traumatic experience that was relayed to her and that she internalized.

Our job is one of the worst cases of whisper down the lane that you can imagine, she said, adding that no supervisor thanked her for her work or told her she did a good job.

 READ MORE: Philadelphia police response times have gotten 4 minutes longer, about 20% worse

Tomasz Rog, a senior dispatcher, said the radio room needs an overhaul, starting with higher salaries.

The reason the lack of retention, the inability to have good personnel, is because were getting paid $47,000 a year to sit and spend Thanksgiving at 400 North Broad Street, he said. I havent had Thanksgiving with my children in eight years.

Stanford said Philadelphia Police dispatchers make a minimum of $42,000 a year, which is 10% less than the average minimum pay among dispatchers at other agencies in Philadelphia and the collar counties. Their pay can max out at about $53,000, or 17% below the average. Police estimated it would cost about $1.5 million a year to match dispatcher pay with the average compensation in the area.

Council members seemed amenable to a pay increase, and noted that call volumes and stress levels in the city are likely much higher than in the suburbs.

Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson, who is in line to become the next Council president, said raises would go a long way. Gauthier said Council is negotiating a way to appropriate more dollars to dispatcher pay as part of its mid-year budget adjustment process.

We will never be able to retain and recruit top talent, she said, if we keep paying our 911 dispatchers a below-average salary to handle an above-average call volume.
Hospitals are required by law to send an itemized bill on request within 30 days. When Mike Masnick received an $8,455 bill for getting a minor cut stitched in the emergency room, though, Dignity Health/CommonSpirit refused to do so. Masnick reports that it repeatedly ignored verbal requests after promising to fulfill them, sent inappropriate forms with no instructions on how to file them, gave him fake addresses to send it to when he asked, and refused to speak on the record when it learned he was a journalist. Getting an Itemized Hospital Bill Is Basically Impossible, he reports for The Daily Beast.

The next week, I finally spoke to someone, who didn't seem at all concerned that their form didn't have an address to send it to, and said she'd need to look up where to send it, as if I were the first person to actually want to return such a document. Eventually, she said to send it to: "72997, San Francisco, CA 94160." Yes, 72997. I pointed out that this was not an actual address. There was no street name.

More than 60 percent of hospital companies refuse to itemize bills. Worse, they can just make it up anywaywhat you really want is insurance paperwork they can't fake. You're always on square one of a new phase of a legal battle more expensive than just paying the bill. Masnick finally got his real bill through an insurance company API accessed in person by someone at a billing startup that he interviewed, and learned that his ER trip was falsely and inaccurately labeled as a level 4 emergency rather than what it was, a level 2 visit to treat a minor laceration. This form of fraud is called upcoding.
Mr. Hall was celebrated for his use of color and shape. Read more

Eric J. Hall, 93, of Bala Cynwyd, lifelong artist, longtime illustrator, award-winning art director, celebrated painter, and mentor, died Friday, Oct. 27, of complications after heart surgery at Lankenau Medical Center in Wynnewood.

For more than seven decades, Mr. Hall created notable advertising designs, beguiling illustrations, and colorful paintings in Liverpool, England; Washington; and Philadelphia. Before that, he drew cartoons and pictures for grade school classmates in Liverpool and painted plaster ducks his mother sold to local gift shops.

He painted most often in oils but also produced pieces in acrylic, pastels, watercolor, and sketches. He depicted abstracts, geometrics, portraits, landscapes, and still life, and remains a featured artist at the Pennsylvania Convention Centers West Wing Art Collection.

His works have also been sold and exhibited at Gallery Siano, Pennswood Art Gallery, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Philadelphia Sketch Club, Woodmere Art Museum, and elsewhere. His 10-foot by 6-foot painting Expressway resides permanently at the Convention Center.

Mr. Hall retired from his advertising work in 1996, but he never stopped creating, and an unfinished painting remains on his easel. I paint abstracts, and I paint realistic art as the mood strikes me, he said on his website erichallpaintings. At 93 years old, I see no reason to confine myself. I paint. I write. I love.

He became a full-time painter after he retired. His work ranged from miniature to large in scale and size, and often featured saturated colors and arresting shapes. Former Inquirer art critic Edward J. Sozanski said in 2004 that Mr. Halls abstract paintings generate an uncommon amount of visual sizzle and lights up the gallery like a beacon.

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He often doodled concepts as they came to him on napkins and Post-it notes, and he expanded many of them into more complex expressions. His Facebook page shows the variety of his conceptions. When I retired from the ad world, I wanted to do something completely different as a painter, so I let my imagination loose on a much larger canvas, he said.

Eric John Hall was born March 2, 1930, in the West Derby section of Liverpool. He left school at 15 to help support his family during World War II, and his father suggested he work as a carpenter. But his creative instincts led him to apply for a job at the Lee & Nightingale advertising firm, and he was hired on the same day as an illustrator.

He came to the United States when he was 22, worked briefly for the Washington Post, and then spent decades as an illustrator and art director with advertising firms. He relocated to Philadelphia in 1970, was art director at Lewis & Gilman advertising, and ran his own art direction and illustration firm from 1981 to 1995.

He studied at the Corcoran Art School in Washington in the 1960s and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in 1999 and 2000. His work appeared in National Geographic and countless other publications, and he mentored young artists wherever he worked.

I had no formal art education to speak of. Yet I was always making art. Eric J. Hall

Mr. Hall married Jean Dingwall in 1952, and they had daughters Erica and Jennifer. After a divorce, he met Maureen Maguire in Rittenhouse Square, and they married in 1973, and lived in Yardley and Philadelphia before moving to Bala Cynwyd about six years ago. His former wife died earlier.

Mr. Hall studied history and traveled with his wife to Europe, Mexico, and elsewhere. He told his family stories about growing up in Liverpool and surviving the German bombing blitz in 1941. He loved the Beatles, attended the Philadelphia Orchestra often, and routinely listened to Beethoven and other favorite composers as he painted.

He helped his daughter Erica develop her own artistic skills, and their time together in his studio when she was young remains an inspiration to her. It was like magic, she said. Even their last conversation included words about favorite works. Art bookended our entire relationship, she said.

He would chat with practically anyone and liked to leave his wife romantic notes around the house. In a tribute, his family said he was a kind, generous, witty, eloquent, and endlessly creative soul who was forever young at heart.

His wife said: He had a very strong sense of fairness and righteousness, and he wasnt afraid to stand up for wrongs that should be righted. He was hopelessly romantic, a great storyteller, and a loyal and kind friend.

In addition to his wife and daughters, Mr. Hall is survived by a grandson and other relatives. Two brothers died earlier.

A private service was held earlier.
Community media centers and public access television are vital points of entry into the local media ecology, writes Ramses Montes. Read more

Im proud to be part of a tight-knit artistic community in Kensington, where I create documentaries, short videos, and music. Im surrounded by artists of all kinds, including muralists such as J.C. Zerbe and multimedia artists who are part of La Guagua 47.

I am fortunate that my talents and capacities were nurtured from an early age. I started attending classes at PhillyCAM (Philadelphia Community Access Media) when I was 16 years old. Seven years later, I am still at the Center City facility at least once a month, learning best practices for being on set, technical aspects of cinematography, and honing both my editing and teaching skills.

This work is supported by franchise agreements between the cable companies and the city of Philadelphia. Verizon, which uses our citys telephone poles and sidewalks to build out its infrastructure, is now renegotiating its franchise deal. Much of this negotiation surrounds how Verizon, a $136.8 billion company, will give back to the community in exchange for access to our infrastructure. Those negotiations must include funding community media in Philadelphia.

Community media includes public, educational, and governmental access media organizations, like PhillyCAM, PHLgovTV, and PSTV, the School District of Philadelphias education channel, which each receive important funding for their current efforts from the citys agreements with cable companies. For example, in 2015 the city inked a deal with Comcast that provided $21.3 million over 15 years to support public, educational, and governmental access channels in Philadelphia.

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These agreements create economic impact by seeding opportunities for community media to hire artists as media instructors and content creators. Verizons first agreement was negotiated 15 years ago; an opportunity like this to generate more support for community media in Philadelphia doesnt come up very often.

The Verizon deal will have a direct impact on the community I come from and the youth I work with in Kensington. As a teenager, PhillyCAMs youth programs gave me indispensable professional training, taught me how to talk to people, book interviews, and, most importantly, gave me a community I could return to.

I often struggled to find the words to express my frustration with the neglect that my neighborhood, Kensington, constantly experienced. Still, I knew the folks at PhillyCAM would see those words within me while giving me the space to breathe and be treated as a whole human being.

Without this foundation of confidence, learning, and community that many young Philadelphians need, I would not have moved on to my fruitful professional career. When I dropped out of college, when my high school and parents did not support me, PhillyCAM helped me get back on my feet and contribute to society.

Artistic communities arent created by accident; they must be nurtured and cultivated. And to truly flourish, artists must have access to the tools and resources they deserve.

Today, I teach media and videography classes to teenagers and middle school kids in Kensington recreation centers such as McVeigh and McPherson Square Library. I also teach a cohort of Hear Us Out students from all over the city.

Funding from the Verizon deal can go a long way toward building Philadelphias capacity to provide transformative opportunities for people and communities to express themselves, to learn from each other, and to produce and share media that reflect their experiences.

Community media centers and public access television are vital points of entry into the local media ecology by creating space for Philadelphians  through the collaborative act of creating, telling, and sharing authentic stories  to build power and combat hurtful stereotypes.

Verizon and the city of Philadelphia must continue to support community media so that more people can have these same life-changing, horizon-expanding experiences.

Contact your local City Council member  either in person, over the phone, or via email  about the Verizon franchise deal. By emphasizing the need for accessible, people-centered media, you can help make an indelible difference.

Ramses Montes is a multimedia maker based in Kensington who makes art about people, places, stories, and memories. Their work can be found at sunborn.space.
York County District Attorney Dave Sunday speaking to his local newspaper in July. Read more

A national Republican organization on Monday backed York County District Attorney Dave Sunday for state attorney general after a nasty fight recently with a would-be contender, State Rep. Craig Williams.

The Republican Attorneys General Association, while endorsing Sunday, called Pennsylvania an excellent opportunity to flip the post next year.

Democrats have controlled the office since 2013.

RAGA has demonstrated, through strategic and early investments of the last few election cycles, its ability to flip seats from blue to red, Peter Bisbee, the groups executive director, wrote in the endorsement.

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Bisbee was incensed in late September when Williams, who represents parts of Delaware and Chester Counties, emailed Republican State Committee members ahead of the partys fall meeting to describe his meeting with RAGA and confidence that the group would endorse him.

Bisbee wrote his own email to committee members, knocking Williams as very moderate, unprincipled and opportunistic while suggesting he had closed off a shot at an endorsement.

Williams chalked that up at the time to Harrisburg and Washington, D.C. insiders  those who continue to lose elections.

He told Clout on Monday he still plans to enter the race but had not heard about the RAGA endorsement.

Sunday, in a statement about the endorsement, said he and RAGA share the common goal of protecting the Constitution, freedom, and ensuring opportunity for future generations.

Four Democrats  State Rep. Jared Solomon of Philadelphia, former Bucks County Solicitor Joe Khan, former Auditor General Eugene DePasquale, and former Philadelphia top public defender Keir Bradford-Grey  are also seeking the office.

Staff Writer Gillian McGoldrick contributed to this report.

Clout provides often irreverent news and analysis about people, power, and politics.
Election workers stand outside the Tenth Presbyterian Church at 17th and Spruce Streets in Philadelphia on Election Day last week. Read more

To Philly Democratic leaders, Tuesday nights general election was a triumph.

It marked their best performance in an off-year general election in about 20 years and reversed a pattern of declining turnout in the partys largest repository of registered voters.

There was a real concerted effort to get people involved, said State Sen. Sharif Street, who chairs the Pennsylvania Democratic Party. I think the grassroots organizing paid off.

Progressive groups, who organized to elect two City Council candidates under a third party banner  against the wishes of local Democratic Party leadership  also took credit for some of the uptick after delivering more votes for their candidates than four years ago. An expensive state Supreme Court race, for which Democrats emphasized abortion rights, likely got voters to the polls as well.

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But while turnout increased in Philadelphia this year  rising 10 percentage points from 2021, and 2 percentage points from 2019  it didnt grow as much as it did elsewhere in the state. And in Philadelphia the bounce back in turnout was largely concentrated in wealthier, predominantly white wards, according to an Inquirer analysis of unofficial results.

Zooming out, the citys share of the statewide Democratic vote once again continued to slide downward, driven primarily by substantial gains in wealthier suburban areas across the state. Together, those figures point to potential areas of concern in 2024, particularly in majority Black and Latino communities, which polls show are slipping for Democrats as they look to Philadelphia for help winning the presidential and Senate races in a critical swing state.

Although Philadelphia Democrats outnumber Republicans 7-1 and constitute 20% of all the partys registered voters statewide, the city accounted for under 15% of total Democratic ballots cast last week. Thats down from 20% as recently as 2016.

Philadelphia also continued to have the lowest overall turnout of any county in Pennsylvania, and the third-lowest Democratic turnout statewide.

Were not satisfied, said Robert Saleem Holbrook, a member of the Working Families Party state committee, which elected two progressives to Philadelphia City Council. If the state party wants to high five each other for this level of turnout they can do that. We look at this and say we gotta do more. Were focused on those wards in Philadelphia where 26% turnout is the norm.

Philadelphia turnout was up, but mostly in white and higher-income areas

Overall statewide turnout across all political parties increased by 4 percentage points from 2021, and about 7 percentage points from 2019.

That was likely fueled in part by a $20 million state Supreme Court race at the top of the ballot and the outsized publicity it generated about abortion rights.

In Philadelphia, about 31% of voters turned out to vote, up from nearly 23% in 2021 and 29% in 2019.

Having a mayoral election on the ballot  even in a city where the outcome is historically determined by the Democratic primary  along with competitive City Council races also contributed.

The Working Families Party and the large coalition of grassroots organizations behind it focused specifically on voters in Black and low-income communities  a strategy they say proved effective, as the party saw the most growth in those wards compared to 2019.

But winning more raw votes for Working Families candidates may have been the result of convincing already motivated voters to vote for a third party, not necessarily engaging voters who sat out in 2019.

Turnout in majority Black and Hispanic precincts, many of which are lower-income, was 11% lower than four years ago.

It was in the citys largely whiter, wealthier wards that turnout increased, despite those efforts to draw in more low-income voters of color.

Black voters and those who are less engaged in off-year elections are one of the key populations Democrats are losing in key states like Pennsylvania, according to polling on the 2024 presidential election.

A similar pattern was apparent in Allegheny County, which includes Pittsburgh and surrounding suburbs.

Voting surged in whiter, more suburban precincts outside of Pittsburgh, which are 90% white. Across Allegheny County, precincts that are 60% Black or more saw the number of ballots cast decline by more than a quarter compared to two years ago.

Lara Putnam, a history professor at the University of Pittsburgh, said a variety of factors could be at play, such as campaigns increased reliance on text messages over traditional door knocking.

She also said that, anecdotally, some voters were simply fatigued.

And Ive had folks say to me, Im just not voting anymore, Im done with this country.  And if you want to live in a country where everyone has a voice, thats devastating, Putnam said.

Street agreed that demographic differences matter: Philadelphia remains the poorest big city in America, for one.

Across the commonwealth, voter participation amongst people with more money and more education tends to be higher, Street said. The suburbs tend to have people who have more money and education. And when people in the city start doing better and getting more money and education, they tend to move to the suburbs.

Some of this stuff is beyond political apparatus, Street said. It just has to do with societal realities.

Turnout grew most in areas other than Philadelphia

Phillys turnout gains lagged increases in other parts of the state. Take Allegheny County, again.

Although that county has fewer registered voters than Philadelphia and saw declines in Black voting, it still saw more voters turn out than in Philadelphia (41% of registered voters cast ballots, up from 33.3% in 2021). And while Philadelphia is home to 250,000 more registered Democrats than Allegheny County, it only brought in about 17,000 more votes for Supreme Court candidate Dan McCaffery, who was at the top of the partys ticket statewide.

Although that performance was likely fueled in part by highly competitive county executive and district attorney races in Allegheny County, other key swing areas across the state also saw substantial increases in turnout:

The Philadelphia suburbs saw big jumps. Chester, Bucks, and Montgomery Counties were all among the five highest-turnout counties for Democrats. (The analysis measured votes for Democratic Supreme Court candidates in 2019 and this year as a share of registered Democrats, so its possible some of that Democratic strength was actually Republicans voting for McCaffery.) In Lancaster County, nearly 38% percent of total voters turned out, compared to just 26% in 2019. Cumberland County saw an 18.4% increase from four years ago, while Dauphin County hit 33.9%, up by 11.9% from 2019, according to a PennLive analysis, flipping county commissioners from Republican control for the first time in more than a decade.

Sarah Niebler, an associate professor of political science at Dickinson College, tied Democrats widening margins in Central Pennsylvania to increased suburban development around cities like Harrisburg or Lancaster.

Increasing numbers of Democrats are living in both cities and suburbs ringing those cities, she said. Cumberland County is the fastest growing county in the commonwealth.

The nationalization of politics also motivated people in once sleepy local races, turning out voters for school board and county offices. Democrats picked up wins on both counts across Philadelphias collar counties.

Putnam pointed to yearslong battles for control of suburban school boards as one example. Conservative groups like Moms for Liberty, which gained traction by capitalizing on parents anger over pandemic-era restrictions, may have fueled a Democratic response as the group advocated for book bans and anti-transgender policies.

In places where folks got elected and prioritized culture war issues, you saw a backlash, Putnam said. People said, I wanted sensible mask policies, not all this other stuff.

Philadelphias share of the overall vote has plummeted since 2020. Traditionally the Democratic Party has relied on a big vote haul in heavily Democratic Philadelphia to put the party over the edge in statewide races. More recently, though, Philadelphias contribution has been flat or shrinking, and the suburbs have been the big difference maker, increasing margins year after year.

As Democrats look ahead to 2024, theyll aim to build on increases in suburban areas  but theyll also have critical work cut out for them in urban areas where they have the most growth opportunity ahead of the presidential election cycle.

Holding together that coalition and those dual missions will be key.

The votes are there in Philly, Holbrook said. We have to bring them out and that is our challenge now. And thats our challenge in 2024.
Cherelle Parker hugs Marian Tasco, her mentor and a former City Councilmember, at her election night party at the Sheet Metal Workers Local 19 on Nov. 7. Parker was officially elected Philadelphias 100th mayor on Tuesday. Read more

A very wise man once said: Every new beginning comes from some other beginnings end.

Here we are, at what can only be described as closing time for the 2023 Philadelphia mayors race. In todays newsletter, well talk about whos stock is up, tell you who was behind Cherelle Parkers winning campaign, and dive into turnout numbers.

Theres something else you should know. Since the race to become Phillys 100th mayor is now officially over, todays newsletter will be our last  Weve really enjoyed bringing news and analysis (and bad jokes) to you, from the chaotic primary season to the history-making results. We hope you liked it, too.

Keep in touch! We want to hear your feedback, ideas, and tips as we shift to covering the Parker administration. You can reach Anna at aorso@inquirer.com and Sean at swalsh@inquirer.com.

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Thank you so much for reading and subscribing. Lets get into it one last time.

 Anna Orso and Sean Collins Walsh

Who gained clout this election (and who lost it)

Yes, Cherelle Parker was a winner, but that was expected. Heres a look at at who else had a good night  and who had a not-so-great one.

Stock up

 Democrats, in general: Democrats across the state have reason to celebrate. They won the marquee state Supreme Court race, and swept school board and county commissioner contests that were hotly contested. The results showed how the GOP has yet to find a way to rebut attacks against them on abortion rights, which took center stage in several key races. While not a great comparison for the 2024 presidential race, the outcome is still a promising sign for the party, which needs Pennsylvania to reelect President Joe Biden next year.

 The Working Families Party: The progressive third party cemented its status as a real political force in Philadelphia by showing that Councilmember Kendra Brooks historic 2019 victory was no fluke. She won reelection and will be joined by Nicolas ORourke, so the Working Families Party will hold both seats on Council that are effectively reserved for non-Democrats. It turns out that in Philadelphia, running on a message of kicking the GOP out of City Hall resonates.

 Ryan Boyer: The 2023 mayoral and Council races were the first major city elections since Boyer replaced Johnny Doc as head of the politically powerful building trades unions. He went all in on Parkers campaign, investing millions in campaign cash as well as a considerable amount of political capital. A defeat for Parker could have been disastrous for Boyer so early in his tenure. Instead, hes the chair of the next mayors transition committee. Not bad.

 Charter school operators: During the Kenney era, charter school growth ground to a halt and the teachers union wielded significant clout in City Hall. But things are looking up for fans of school choice. The likely next Council president, Kenyatta Johnson, is seen as pro-charter. And Parker has been using talking points that imply shell have a more friendly posture toward charters, including during her victory speech.

Stock down

 The Philly GOP: David Oh did better than any other Republican mayoral candidate in 20 years, but he still only won 25% of the vote. That was just the beginning of the Philly GOPs woes. The party is reeling after the unprecedented loss to the Working Families Party, with the losing candidates saying things like: This could be the end and I think the Republican Party may be in big trouble. Now, only one Republican remains in Council: Brian ONeill, who won reelection (his 12th term!) over a Democratic challenger. Well be watching to see how the citys Republicans move on from here.

 Bob Brady and the establishment: The Working Families Partys victory in the Council race didnt look good for the Democratic City Committee chair, who had threatened consequences for party members who didnt support the full Democratic ticket, i.e. helped the Working Families candidates. But its not all bad for Bob: Parkers ascension to the mayors office is good news for his brand of politics. And he made it clear in the waning days of the primary that he supported her.

Ever wonder about the people who make a mayor? Just as political candidates cant win races alone, the mayor cant govern the city herself. Two of the officials likely to lead her administration were also her right-hand aides through the campaign.

Meet Sincere Harris and Aren Platt, the architects of her campaign. Here are a couple tidbits about them:

Both are Mount Airy natives and share Parkers centrist political leanings. They also both have an issue with people who move out of the city. I will never live in the suburbs, Harris said. I feel like were the best city, hands down. Platt, who we describe as the hipster dad of political consultants, has worked on state and congressional campaigns with a specialty in fundraising. Hes known Parker for about a decade, and helped her navigate the aftermath of her 2011 DUI arrest. Harris, a history buff who calls herself old school, has worked on campaigns for the likes of former Mayor Michael Nutter, ex-Gov. Tom Wolf, and former President Barack Obama. She was the head of the state Democratic Party, and worked in Bidens White House before coming home to run Parkers campaign. Parker hasnt yet decided what titles Platt or Harris will have in her administration, but they will be at the top, potentially as chief of staff and deputy mayor.

 The key takeaway: Parker has kept a tight inner circle, and Harris and Platt are part of almost every major decision. Theyre going to play a big role in implementing her agenda next year. Youre gonna want to get to know them.

Typically this space is reserved for a look back in Philadelphia history. This time, were just going to acknowledge the moment were in right now.

Parker broke Philadelphias mayoral glass ceiling and will always be remembered as the first woman who helmed the city. Being the first will also come with untold challenges that Parkers predecessors never faced. We talked to female mayors, CEOs, and leadership experts about what those obstacles could look like. Here are four key quotes:

Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, the former mayor of Baltimore, on biases women in leadership face: Women are judged differently. Black women are judged even harsher. If youre serious, people think that youre unhappy. If youre focusing on the work, youre not relatable. Della Clark, head of The Enterprise Center and cochair of Parkers transition committee, on how Parker will handle it: She doesnt look like the other 99 men, and so she is going to have unfair presumptions about her. But I know she has the personality to overcome it. Leslie Richards, the SEPTA general manager who was the first woman to run PennDOT, on the pressure women feel when theyre the first: I even promised Gov. Wolf that I was going to give the job everything so that he wouldnt be looked at as the governor who gave a female a shot at that position and it didnt work out. I felt that pressure with everything that I did. Madeline Bell, the CEO of CHOP, on being the first woman in the job: I felt like I had to do everything faster, smarter, better than my predecessors who were all men. I had to be very, very thoughtful about everything that I did.

For thoughts from sitting mayors, plus more insight into how bias played out during the campaign, check out our take-out piece.

Philly Democrats took a victory lap after Tuesdays election, touting that turnout increased. Indeed, 31% of registered voters cast ballots, up 10 percentage points over 2021 and 2 percentage points above 2019.

But heres the caveat: Turnout didnt grow as much as it did elsewhere in the state, and the citys share of the statewide Democratic vote continued on a downward slide. Our colleagues Julia Terruso, Ryan Briggs, and Aseem Shukla dove into the data. Heres what they learned:

Most of the growth was in wealthier, predominantly white wards. Turnout in majority Black and Hispanic precincts, many of which are lower-income, was 11% lower than four years ago. Although Democrats outnumber Republicans seven-to-one in Philadelphia and comprise 20% of all the partys registered voters statewide, the city accounted for under 15% of total Democratic ballots cast in 2023. Thats down from 20% as recently as 2016. Allegheny County (where Pittsburgh is) has fewer registered voters than Philadelphia, but saw more voters turn out (41% of registered voters cast ballots, up from 33.3% in 2021).

For more on what it all means, dive into the charts with us.

What else were reading

Parker delivered a long and passionate victory speech Tuesday, filled with a few Easter eggs you might have missed. We decoded it. It was Election Day last week, which means we asked a bunch of elected officials and politicos three uncomfortable questions. This time, they were about Mayor Jim Kenney, the presidential race, and prison. See the answers here. Our colleagues are keeping tabs on the fascinating federal embezzlement trial involving erstwhile labor leader Johnny Doc. You can follow along here for a day-by-day recap of the proceedings.

Scenes from the campaign trail

Heres a photo of Parker and labor leader Sam Staten Jr. (left) on Election Day when they sat down with journalist Ernest Owens on WURD.

Its been such a pleasure writing this newsletter, and were so grateful to you all for reading and interacting. Thank you for being a part of our story, and heres to Philadelphia.

 Anna and Sean

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirers Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.
A former Fox News reporter who now works for U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R., Pa.) has filed a lawsuit against the network, alleging that it wrongfully terminated his job over his opposition to the companys coverage of the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.

Filed in Washington Superior Court in September, the lawsuit accuses Fox News Network of wrongful termination, discrimination, retaliation, and violation of the District of Columbias Human Rights Act in connection with Jason Donners firing in fall 2022. Donner spent more than a decade at the network, including as a Capitol Hill reporter and producer. He is now a senior adviser for Fitzpatrick, the congressman who represents parts of Bucks and Montgomery Counties

Donner held views that ran counter to those of more prominent Fox News on-air personalities, but they did not impact his work at the network for much of his career, according to the lawsuit. But those views became an issue after the 2020 election, when then-President Donald Trump began falsely claiming that the presidential election was stolen amid nationwide voter fraud, leading to the Jan. 6 insurrection, and Donner spoke out in opposition.

A Fox News spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Donners lawyers declined further comment.

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Donner, the lawsuit says, was working in the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, and overhead Fox News reporting calling the situation peaceful. He then called the Fox News control room, and told them that he didnt want to hear any of this  on our air ever again because youre gonna get us all killed.

Donner said in the suit that he would go on to make complaints to his superiors about the networks coverage of the 2020 election and Capitol insurrection. For example, in a May 2022 written complaint filed with the networks human resources department, as well as his direct supervisor, NuNu Japaridze, Donner wrote that the networks coverage had created a hostile work environment.

Fox News has not supported its journalists since the January 6th attack on the Capitol, Donner wrote in his complaint. I barely watch our programming or read our website anymore because its hard to stomach these untruths being aired and written.

Sometime that spring, the lawsuit alleges, Japaridze accused Donner of creating a toxic environment, and told him that he needed more self-awareness when talking during Zoom meetings.

It became evident to Donner he was now being targeted for speaking out against the false reporting on the election and the January 6th insurrection, and for his political affiliation, the lawsuit says. Fox News management was pushing a far-right-wing agenda in the news division, and Donner would not comply with their demands to inaccurately report on the election and former President Trump.

The lawsuit describes Donner, who began working for Fitzpatricks office in January, according to his LinkedIn page, as traditionally a Republican. But he affiliated with the Democratic party in the 2017 and 2020 elections.

Donner was specifically concerned with Patriot Purge, a Tucker Carlson documentary aired by the network that made inaccurate claims about Jan. 6. The lawsuit states that Donner met with Fox News HR department in August 2022, during which he complained about the false reporting by Tucker Carlson on the network.

About a month later, Donner became sick after getting a COVID-19 vaccination, and called out of work. His supervisor later called him and challenged Donners work ethic, the lawsuit alleges.

A day after that call, Donner met with Bryan Boughton, the D.C. bureau chief, who fired him on the grounds that he was late for work and did not show up for work (presumably referring to  when Donner called in sick), the lawsuit alleges.

According to the filing, Donner asked for examples, and Boughton said, we dont need any.

The reason Donner received for his firing was a pretext, the lawsuit alleges. The suit contends his job was actually terminated over his political views and affiliation, his refusal to report false information regarding the 2020 election and January 6th, and for his engaging in protected activity.

With Donners job being terminated, as well as firings of other employees, Fox News sought to purge the news division of staff members who would not report information that [would] appease the Trump supporters and former President Trump, the lawsuit says.

The Daily Beast first reported on the lawsuit Monday, as lawyers for Fox News filed to move the case to federal court. Donner is seeking an unspecified amount in compensatory and punitive damages, as well as injunctions against the network.
Former speaker Kevin McCarthy has so much bottled-up rage after his ousting, he's now lashing out  literally  at his own party members, according to Rep. Tim Burchett. As in sneaking up behind the Tennessee lawmaker  one of the "crazy 8" Republicans who voted to remove McCarthy  in a hallway on Capitol Hill this morning to "elbow him in the back," causing Burchett "a lot of pain."

Burchett's accusation is backed by NPR's Claudia Grisales, who was interviewing Burchett when the incident occurred. "Have NEVER seen this on Capitol Hill," she wrote on X, going on to describe what happened. "McCarthy shoved Burchett. Burchett lunged towards me. I thought it was a joke, it was not." (See her full post at bottom.)

"I got elbowed in the back, and it kinda caught me off guard, because it was a clean shot to the kidneys," Burchett said to CNN's Manu Raju (see video below, posted by The Recount). "And I turned back, and there was Kevin. For a minute I was like, 'What the heck just happened?'"

"He's a bully with 17 million dollars and a security detail," Burchett continued. "He's the type of guy that, when you're a kid, would throw a rock over the fence and then run home and hide behind his mama's skirt."

Burchett explained that after McCarthy jabbed him, he chased after him to ask what the hell just happened. "But of course, as he always does, he just denies it, or blames somebody else. It was a little heated, but I just backed off," Burchett said. "Everybody saw it."

"You just don't expect a guy who was three steps away from the White House to hit you with a sucker punch in the hallway," he comically added, seeming to forget how he himself refused to hold the biggest bully of them all accountable for inciting the deadly Jan. 6 insurrection.

Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN) recounts Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) "elbowing him in the back":



"It kind of caught me off guard, because it was a clean shot to the kidneys, and I turned back and there was Kevin and  I just ran after him. I was like, 'What the heck?'" pic.twitter.com/c0DhelsWOc  The Recount (@therecount) November 14, 2023
Current cyber issues

While Albanese was packing his bags for Washington, Robinson, a cyber specialist, was attending the Australian Cyber Conference in Melbourne. The conference focused on cyber issues including the debate over the payment of ransoms, the security risks of unchecked generative artificial intelligence (AI) and why premiums have stabilised after spikes as high as 80% last year, according to Honan.
Therefore, the planet's sustainability and actions to transition to renewable energy sources remain a critical priority, Delaney said. This analysis hopefully represents a constructive input into achieving an appropriate and resilient energy transition. More broadly, it also serves to highlight the quantum of data and quality of insights that are now available to understand the prevailing risk environment so we can shape and prepare our collective response.
A two-phase review

The ICA and insurers look forward to working with the review panel to ensure that our industry Code remains relevant and effective in supporting and protecting customers, said Andrew Hall, the ICAs CEO. I know the panel will conduct a comprehensive and robust review of the Code, and that their findings and recommendations will help make the Code even more effective in supporting and protecting consumers.
Californias insurance exodus

Over the past year, California has seen several insurance companies limiting their presence in the state. Industry giants State Farm and Allstate were among those who declared their decision to cease accepting insurance applications for all business and personal property, with both citing increased business costs and the heightened risk of natural disasters, particularly wildfires.
Travelers has also signed the Statement of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve at both state and national levels, the company said. It participates in the Department of Defense Military Spouse Employment Partnership. The company has also been named an Employer for Outstanding Support by the Navy Reserve and a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon company by the Minnesota National Guard.
In such a fast-changing cyber risk landscape, experts say preparation is key, and one element that can help with that is cyber insurance.

Cyber insurance is such a critical tool when you think about having a policy and having an approach to handling incidents and incident response, said Xing Xin, co-founder and CEO of InsurTech Upfort, on this episode of The Insuring Cyber Podcast. One of the best partners and tools you can have in managing that risk is a cyber insurance policy.

This is because cyber insurance isnt just about covering a financial loss by itself, he added. Its also a tool providing access to the right experts and data to help companies manage their exposure.

David Derigiotis, chief insurance officer at Embroker, agreed, adding that cyber insurance can provide a value added service even before an attack occurs by helping clients strengthen their security posture.

Its not just financial risk transfer when it comes to cyber insurance, like you see in other lines of business. Its bringing together cybersecurity services, bringing together risk management services, alongside the policy. Thats where theres huge benefit that can be offered, he said. Its marrying together risk management technology alongside the insurance component. Thats where theres huge value, and thats what were seeing more of.

Both Xin and Derigiotis were speaking at The Insuretech Connect conference held this year in Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

In the end, everybody wins from that, Derigiotis said. The insureds going to win because theyll be a more secure business. Theyll be able to offer greater value to the customers and clients and vendors that they work with. And of course, the insurers win as well because theyre insuring and providing coverage for a better risk  somebody thats going to have a stronger security posture and thats going to be more elevated in terms of their ability to respond and be prepared compared to somebody whos not.

He outlined additional steps insureds can take to prepare ahead of a cyber attack, such as having a plan for identifying the issue, communicating with clients and employees, and restoring data.

Really, its all in the prep before something happens, he said. Its having an incident response plan in place. Its knowing exactly what roles people are going to take on, what their work is going to be, what theyre going to do within the company, whether its working with HR or its going to be dealing with employees  you have to have that action plan in place to know exactly what to do so you can snap into action immediately.

He added that a lot of this comes down to training as well to ensure that employees know exactly what they need to do in the event of a threat.

You do as much preparation as possible so that when the incident does happen, the company will respond effectively, efficiently, and theyll be able to continue having trust with clients.

Xin said a lot of this prep is about getting back to the basics.

Its really about taking action on what some people might call the basics around managing their attack surface, he said. Cyber criminals are very financially motivated, so what happens is that theres actually only a small handful of ways that they can, in a cost effective way, get into your organization.

He said this means a lot of cyber attacks are carried out through the human attack service, whether its phishing emails sent to employees or compromised links for downloads.

Thats a key driver of claims, he said. And then theres a digital attack surface. So when you think about the digital attack surface, its around what are the internet facing assets and systems that your company uses that are external facing? And its really around do you patch your vulnerabilities and keep your systems up to date? Are you configuring remote access and different ways to access your systems in a way that helps to provide the right level of security settings?

He said taking simple steps such as backing up data and testing incident response plans can take companies far when preparing for a cyber attack, especially as criminals are becoming more sophisticated with their use of AI to carry out attacks.

We are already starting to see cyber criminals incorporating AI to develop malicious software better and faster. Thats one element, he said. We actually have seen another big trend, which is really scary. One of the key attacks that we see constantly evading systems today and typical filters and actually getting companies into trouble is just text-based emails around social engineering and phishing. And the way to do a very sophisticated attack is, well, you have to be able to research at scale and make it feel really tailored.

This is where AI comes in, he said.

Thats one thing that generative AI is really good at today, right? Processing large amounts of information, distilling that information, and then automating a lot of the steps it takes to actually drive that, he said. So were already starting to see it, and I expect to see even more very tailored, sophisticated attacks on even the smallest companies because the cost to do that today for a cyber criminal has just come down so much more.

On the other hand, AI is also serving as a benefit to companies in boosting their cybersecurity posture.

One way we think about it is from a defense perspective, there are ways to improve the detection of some of the really sophisticated attacks when you leverage it the right way using the data, but also just incorporating that as part of the prevention and identification elements, he said.

In the end, Derigiotis said that even with the use of AI and an evolving attack landscape, its all about preparation.

You have to absolutely, before a security incident takes place, think through what are the steps that we need to take when something does occur, he said. I think the biggest takeaway is you have to prepare, and you can never be complacent. Threats are always changing. We have artificial intelligence  good use cases and bad use cases in terms of security. So I think all of the things that a company can do beforehand to properly prepare themselves and get ready for an event, thats the big takeaway. Make sure that youre prepared so that when something does happen, it wont be a surprise. Youll know exactly what to do.

Check out the rest of the episode to see what else Xing and David had to say, and be sure to check back for new episodes of The Insuring Cyber Podcast publishing every other Wednesday along with the Insuring Cyber newsletter. Thanks for listening.

Topics Cyber Talent
The state of Maine has begun notifying people whose personal information was included in a data breach impacting as many as 1.3 million individuals, state officials announced Thursday.

The notifications began after the state completed an assessment once they discovered that hackers exploited a vulnerability in a widely used file-transfer software. Other government agencies, major pension funds and private businesses also have been affected by a Russian ransomware gangs so-called supply chain hack of the software MOVEit.

The specific type of data depended on the individual but could include their date of birth, drivers license number, social security number and health and medical information.

The state said it began taking steps to patch the vulnerability, engaged with experts and legal counsel, and carried out evaluations after being alerted on May 31 of the widespread breach.

The state created a website devoted to the breach. People are encouraged to call a toll-free number to check whether their critical information was accessed. If it was then the state will provide free credit monitoring.

Copyright 2023 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Cyber Maine
The mother of a University of New Hampshire student who died in an icy swamp two years ago filed a wrongful death lawsuit Thursday against the Durham bar and fraternity her son visited that night.

Vincenzo Lirosi, 22, was found dead Dec. 5, 2021, partially submerged in a small body of water in the woods. An autopsy concluded the sophomores cause of death was drowning and acute intoxication.

Robin Lirosi, of Whitman, Massachusetts, filed the lawsuit against Scorpions Bar & Grill, the UNH chapter of Sigma Chi and its national organization, and several individual members of the fraternity.

Scorpions, the frat, and the frat brothers have gone on with life as if nothing has changed, but Vinnys family have been robbed of that luxury, attorney Leah Cole Durst said in a statement.

The lawsuit alleges the bar served Vincenzo Lirosi in a matter that was so continuous and excessive that it created a risk of death, and that the fraternity violated numerous safety policies and its duty to prevent further harm.

The executive director of Sigma Chis national office did not respond to a phone message Thursday. No one answered the phone at Scorpions Bar & Grill, and there was no response to a message sent to the bars Facebook account.

At the time of Lirosi`s death, police said he had been out drinking with friends before he went to a Sigma Chi fraternity party and got into a fight.

Citing a New Hampshire Liquor Commission investigation, the lawsuit states that Lirosi purchased 17 alcoholic drinks at the bar and grill in less than four hours and that he consumed at least nine of them. According to the lawsuit, a friend then invited him to the fraternity, though the fraternity said at the time that he did not have permission to be there.

Lirosi resisted efforts by fraternity members to remove him, according to the lawsuit. A full-out brawl ensued, and Lirosi was punched in the head, pushed to the ground and kicked in the ribs, the lawsuit states.

Lirosi was forced to stumble into the woods, visibly intoxicated, battered, and dazed from repeated blows to his head and body without a phone, the lawsuit states, and no person from Sigma Chi took any steps to ensure his safety.

Copyright 2023 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Lawsuits Education Universities
A federal district court judge in Massachusetts has upheld a $24 million jury award for a woman who sued her employer for retaliation and discrimination because of her social anxiety disorder.

The employer, PPD Development, has criticized the outcome handed down by a jury in March and in June asked the court to set aside the verdict or reduce the award, which it maintains is excessive and unsupported by the evidence at trial.

But U.S. District Judge Leo T. Sorokin on November 1 rejected PPDs requests and defended the jury verdict and the multi-million dollar award for former PPD employee Lisa Menninger.

Nothing that occurred, in the Courts view, warrants a new trial, Sorokin wrote. The judge called the findings and conclusions of the jury unassailable in dismissing the call for a new trial.

The award in total is large, but so is the harm PPD inflicted on Menninger, Sorokin added in affirming the $24 million award that included compensatory and punitive damages.

Hiring, Firing

Menninger was hired by clinical testing firm PPD in 2015 as executive director of the firms central labs in Kentucky. Menninger began working remotely from Massachusetts starting in 2017 until February 2019, when she was terminated, she believes because of her disability, a social anxiety disorder. PPD was acquired by Massachusetts-based Thermo Fisher Scientific in 2021.

Menninger sued in 2019, claiming that after she disclosed to her supervisor that she suffered from an anxiety disorder, PPD unlawfully discriminated against her, failed to reasonably accommodate her disability, tried to force her out, and eventually fired her.

PPD sought summary judgment, denying all allegations and citing the history of what it had done to try to accommodate Menninger due to her disability.

In March 2022, Sorokin denied PPDs motions to dismiss the case. He let the case go to trial because he said there were questions of fact that a jury needed to decide, including what activities for the job might qualify as essential.

After a 10-day trial this past March, a federal jury in Massachusetts found PPD violated federal and state disability laws. The jury found that PPD had failed to provide reasonable accommodation and unlawfully discriminated and retaliated against Menninger.

Anxiety Disorder

Eleven months before she was terminated, Menningers supervisor told her the company was looking to improve its sales performance over the previous year and that her role and those of others in senior leadership would become more visible involving increased client visits, social interactions, and presentations.

The prospect of needing to be more visible prompted Menninger to disclose for the first time to anyone at PPD that she suffers from generalized anxiety disorder that includes social anxiety disorder and panic attacks in an email to her supervisor. The thought of increased client visits and social interactions caused her great distress, resulting in increased anxiety with somatic symptoms, including diarrhea, heart racing, sweatiness, and increased great respiratory rate.

Menninger submitted a form from her psychiatrist who noted that changes to her role would increase her anxiety and make it substantially more difficult, if not impossible, for her to perform her job. She thus requested that any such interactions, if required, be planned in consultation with her medical provider.

Menninger maintains that after she made the disclosure, the company treated her differently.

Accommodations

The company, however, claims it began questioning her performance and proposed more visibility before it knew about her disorder and then it tried its best to accommodate Menninger as required under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts disability law. PPD agreed to provide accommodations in two of five job categories by reducing travel expectations and by allowing Menninger to have a reader present for internal company meetings

However, PPD said that it could not grant other proposed accommodations because they involved responsibilities of the job that were essential for her to fulfill.

Menninger argued that these responsibilities were not previously considered essential and she had succeeded in her job up until then by having limited involvement with client visits, social interactions, and presentations. She had received a performance rating for 2017 of Fully Effective which was one rating lower than her 2016 rating.

In June 2018, Menninger informed PPD that her doctor advised her to take medical leave immediately. Menninger remained on leave for the next eight months. Eventually on February 1, 2019, PPD terminated Menningers employment.

In her suit, Menninger asserted that PPD discriminated against her on the basis of her disability and her request for workplace accommodations, and that the company retaliated against her after she made an internal complaint that she felt she was being targeted.

PPD maintained that it accommodated Menningers very specific and unreasonably limiting requests to the best of its ability, took no adverse action against her whatsoever, and allowed her to take eight months of leave. There is no evidence that PPD acted unlawfully, the company insisted.

Jury Verdict

At the end of a 10-day trial with testimony by 13 witnesses, the jury found that PPD had failed to provide reasonable accommodation and unlawfully discriminated and retaliated against Menninger.

Per the jury verdict, Sorokin entered final judgment in favor of Menninger and against PPD on counts of disability discrimination and retaliation under federal law and disability discrimination and retaliation under Massachusetts law in the amounts of: $1,565,000 for back pay; $5,465,000 for front pay; $5,000,000 for past emotional distress; $2,000,000 for future emotional distress, and $10,000,000 in punitive damages. The court also added prejudgment interest. attorneys fees and legal costs.

Sorokin indicated that momentum grew in favor of Menninger as the trial progressed with witnesses and evidence. He said Menninger herself was an articulate, credible, and extremely effective witness and two main witnesses called by PPD actually boosted Menningers arguments.

He criticized PPDs bid to erase the verdict for flawed legal arguments and a selective recitation of the record which ignores evidence presented to the jury that plainly supports the verdict.

Thermo Fisher told the Boston Globe it plans to appeal the ruling to the First Circuit Court of Appeals.

Final Words

Sorokin concluded his 24-page ruling with these words:

The jury in this case did not merely conclude that PPD intentionally discriminated and retaliated against Menninger. It found that the foregoing was an organized, considered effort by a number of executive-level employees who were well aware that their conduct violated the law and that the course of action they were undertaking was inflicting real and substantial harm. The jury agreed that PPD broke Lisa Menninger. It concluded that PPDs employeesduring the course of the relevant events and again on the witness stand at trial disingenuously claimed otherwise, demonstrating a flagrant disregard for the requirements of the law and the effects of their conduct.

To be sure, the sum total of the verdict is quite large. The evidence presented and the jurys findings therefrom, however, reasonably and fairly support each component of the award. As is often true, the evidence adduced at this trial could have permitted a jury to make different findings and reach different conclusions than this jury did. But the Court finds that this jurys determinations and conclusions are amply supported under the facts and law. Nothing that occurred, in the Courts view, warrants a new trial. Nor, again in the Courts considered view, is there a basis for suspecting a so-called runaway jury, blinded by emotion. This jury diligently attended to the evidence presented to it, then rendered a considered and thoughtful verdict grounded in that evidence. Each category of damages is fairly and reasonably supported. The award in total is large, but so is the harm PPD inflicted on Menninger.

Topics Lawsuits Legislation Massachusetts
Why strap on a muzzle if it doesn't work? Donald Trump is at it again, reposting a "fantasy" on Truth Social that calls for Judge Arthur Engoron and New York AG Letitia James to be placed under citizen's arrest.

"My Fantasy," the post by VonRitter@Truth4U begins. "I would like to see Letitia James and Judge Engoron placed under citizens [sic] arrest for blatant election interference and harrassment." (See post below, reposted by Adam Klasfeld.)

Of course a MAGA-style "citizens arrest" that the unhinged Trump is attempting to incite could include anything from kidnapping to hanging to home invasions to deadly attacks. So much for gag orders.

From Meidas Touch:

The account Trump "reTruthed," which is what Truth Social calls reposting, has previously amplified other posts calling for using lynching and tar and feathering against political opponents. VonRitter@Truth4U posted a meme with a noose implying that lynching should be used against so-called "evil people," a term MAGA frequently associates with their political opponents. In another post, the same Trump-boosted account "reTruthed" a reply that "tar and feathers" would be better than filing charges against Letitia James and by implication, Judge Engoron, implying that it would take too long to bring them to justice using the court system. This isn't the first time we've seen Trump urge citizens to confront officials deciding his fate. On January 6th, Trump told his MAGA followers to go to the Capitol building as part of his attempt to overturn the 2020 election results to his favor.
New York Citys Columbia University and Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC) announced a plan that includes a $100 million fund for survivors to address the abuse and trauma inflicted by former gynecologist Robert Hadden.

The $100 million survivors settlement fund will open in January 2024 and stay open for at least one year  allowing survivors to receive resources without needing to retain a lawyer.

The school said it will notify nearly 6,500 former patients about the crimes for which Hadden has been convicted and sentenced and inform them of their rights under the New York State Adult Survivors Act. It also will provide information about the survivors settlement fund and how to make a claim, and will encourage any patient with any information about Haddens conduct to reach out to an external investigator.

The university committed to an external investigation to thoroughly examine the circumstances and failures that allowed Haddens abuse to continue. Joan Loughnane, a partner at Sidley Austin LLP who previously served in the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of New York, will lead the investigation.

The New York State Adult Survivors Act, signed a year ago, extended the statute of limitations for civil suits until Nov. 24, 2023 for allegations that would have been time-barred.

Hadden left CUIMC in 2012 and has not worked as a doctor since then. He was convicted of federal sexual assault charges in January 2023 and sentenced to 20 years in prison in July.

The university has previously settled more than 220 survivor claims through settlement funds.

In 2021, the medical center and university reached an agreement with 79 patients who reported instances of sexual abuse or misconduct by Hadden. That agreement established a compensation fund of $71.5 million.

Last October, the Columbia medical center and New York-Presbyterian hospital agreed to pay more than $165 million to 147 former Hadden patients.

We owe it to the courageous survivors and the entire Columbia community to fully reckon with Haddens abuses, Minouche Shafik, president of Columbia University and Dr. Katrina Armstrong, chief executive officer of the CUIMC, said in a statement. Columbia failed these survivors, and for that we are deeply sorry. This announcement aims to ensure we are on a path that repairs harm and prevents further trauma  moving us forward and rebuilding the trust of our entire community.

To help promote its efforts, Columbia has set up a website  cuimc.columbia.edu/rebuildingtrust  that will centralize access to resources and support for survivors.

Topics New York Education Universities
Executive Summary: The potential for satellite technology to revolutionize claims management has long been recognized but has only recently been realized with technological advancements. Satellite-based data can give the insurer a head start on the event, according to Stephen Lathrope and Andy Read at the ICEYE, the microsatellite manufacturer and catastrophe monitoring company.

The integration of new technologies into the claims ecosystem is gathering pace as insurance and reinsurance organizations seek to enhance both the speed and accuracy of payments. One example is the advancement in satellite capabilities.

Radar satellite technology is helping carriers gain near real-time hazard insights on flood and wildfire perils anywhere on the planet at data resolution levels previously not possible. Such information supports enhanced claims triage, promptsometimes instantclaims settlements, efficient resource distribution and sharper post-event capital allocation.

So, how has this technological leap up come about?

New Level of Remote Sensing

Traditional optical and radar satellites have been around for decades, but such technology is limited in its ability to image with the frequency, clarity and accuracy needed to support the critical claims-related operational decisions insurers must make during a loss event.

Over the last five to 10 years, however, the emergence of new space technologies and the growth of the private space industry has radically expanded the potential of satellite technology. Two developments in particular stand out.

First, new manufacturing techniques and design changes have significantly reduced the weight, manufacturing times and cost of satellite production. This has facilitated the development of larger satellite constellations which now orbit the Earth much more frequently, imaging relevant areas of the planet much more quickly, with much higher revisit rates.

The other groundbreaking advancement is in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology. Unlike optical systems, SAR sensors emit their own energy to illuminate and record objects or areas on the ground. This provides the unique advantage of being able to acquire images day and night, since no sunlight is needed.

Also, SAR sensors can pierce clouds, rain, fog and smokea game-changer when trying to assess damage concealed by slow-moving weather systems or smoke from wildfires.

In the past, the key limiting factor with SAR was the cost and scale of the equipment making satellites cumbersome and inflexible and limiting revisit rates. SAR miniaturization means this technology can be integrated into smaller and more agile satellites, which can revisit locations multiple times per day and provide a level of image resolution not possible before.

Combining these two advancements means actionable data can now be delivered directly to insurers sometimes within hoursas a natural catastrophe event, such as a flood or wildfire, is developing. This provides a completely new level of situational awareness and understanding of the impact on policyholders in almost real time.

Elevated Loss Perspective: Capturing Idalia

SAR imagery and satellite constellations in and of themselves, however, do not provide the hazard insights necessary to enhance the claims process. That is where advances in AI and machine learning and the breadth of specialist expertise from the fields of meteorology and advanced geospatial analytics come into play.

Lets use the recent example of Hurricane Idalia to demonstrate the stages from image capture to producing the actionable information that delivers the heightened situational awareness so important to the claims process.

On Aug. 26, Tropical Storm Idalia formed in the Gulf of Mexico. At that point, ICEYEs meteorological team had already been monitoring the development of the weather system for 24 hours. (ICEYE is a Finland-based microsatellite manufacturer and catastrophe monitoring company. The authors are executives of the company.) On Aug. 29, the day before the storm made landfall in Floridas Big Bend region as a Category 3 hurricane, the data capture and analysis processes were well underway.

This involves the capture of SAR imagery along the track of the storm plus auxiliary data sources all filtered through a custom algorithm. For flood, sources include elevation models, water sensors and river gauges, plus other open-source evidence of flood-related developments.

Applying these multiple lenses to the flood means an accurate depiction of the event can be generated that is granular enough to show not only the extent of the water but also the water depth in feet at the individual building level within hours of the flood reaching its peak.

In the case of Idalia, ICEYE analyzed over 7,000 properties that had been inundated by floodwater across Steinhatchee and Suwanee, Fla., and Charleston, S.C., where 535 properties had experienced flood waters exceeding five feet, 623 properties between two and five feet, and 5,844 up to five feet.

Apply this technology to the wildfire context, and a similar level of rapid situational awareness is possible. SAR sensors can pierce the smoke as the event is developing and register whether a particular property has remained intact or been destroyed simply by analyzing the outline of the building.

Supercharging Claims Process

This new level of situational awareness is creating opportunities to ramp up key stages in the claims process, from preemptive actions through to post-event analysis.

Satellite-based data can give the insurer a head start on the event. By monitoring weather activity or small-scale wildfires near built-up areas, carriers can put staff on alert for a potential loss. Should the conditions develop, and the data show the emergence of an event likely to impact people or assets, this information can be used to trigger preemptive communications to at-risk policyholders encouraging them to take safety measures to protect lives and locations.

As the loss event evolves and high-resolution impact data becomes available, which in the case of a flood will include extent and inundation information at the property level, or for wildfire the number of buildings destroyed, the carrier can gain a rapid understanding of the scale of the loss. By mapping their property-specific portfolio data to the hazard information for the affected area, they can quickly establish the portfolio impact of the event.

If the data shows a single-story property is inundated to a level of eight feet during a flood, the carrier may wish to expedite the claims process and pay the loss quicklywithout the expense of bringing in a loss adjuster.

This data feed facilitates a much more rapid decision-making process. Operating with verifiable, live information, insurers can allocate resources to those areas or regions most badly affected by the catastrophe. Further, they can be much more precise in their capital allocation as they are able to gain a much more accurate sense of the financial impact much earlier in the process.

Proactive Claims Communications

Communications can be sent proactively to policyholders in the flooded or burned areas, with details of how to make a claim should they have experienced a loss. Based on the number of residential policyholders that have experienced damage to property, insurers can also start to allocate funds and resources for securing temporary accommodation located in non-impacted locations. For businesses, this enables carriers to start calculating the potential business interruption-related costs.

Perhaps most significantly, the data can also support much faster and more effective claims triage processes. If the data shows a single-story property is inundated to a level of eight feet during a flood, the carrier may wish to expedite the claims process and pay the loss quicklywithout the expense of bringing in a loss adjuster.

Instances of instant claims payments due to confirmation of loss based on satellite and auxiliary data are on the increase. For example, auto payments in flooded areas are being made where the satellite data is recording a high level of water in an area in which the particular vehicle is shown to be, based on its unique location data.

In tandem, the technology can also be used to spot instances of fraudulent claims. If, for example, a claim for property damage related to flood is made, by using the hazard data mapped to the building characteristics of the specific building, it will be possible to decide whether the submission needs to be red-flagged.

Further, as this hazard insight pool continues to grow, it also becomes a source of claims trend data that is vital to adapting the insurers overall strategy to meet the demands of an evolving and more volatile risk environment.

Data-Driven Claims Innovation

Another area in which the application of satellite-based hazard data is having a potentially game-changing effect is in the development of innovative insurance solutions to provide financial support to vulnerable communities in highly exposed regions.

The recent pioneering New York City flood insurance program, involving Swiss Re, Guy Carpenter, the NYC Mayors Office, the Center for NYC Neighborhoods, (CNYCN) and the Environmental Defense Fund, provides a clear example of how satellite technology can be used to power parametric solutions to fund speedy payments to vulnerable communities in exposed regions.

The initiative is part of a multi-agency effort to enhance the financial resilience of low- and moderate-income (LMI) households exposed to flood risk in the New York City region. The parametric solution is designed to facilitate rapid cash payments by the CNYCN following a flood event.

As part of the program, ICEYE monitors several NYC neighborhoods for potential flood events. In addition to using imagery from the earth observation constellation, the team also has access to data from New York Citys extensive water sensor network, Flood Net, as well as the ability to monitor precipitation forecasts, river gauges and other open-source evidence of developments likely to cause flooding.

By combining high-resolution SAR satellite imagerywhich can see through clouds and at nightwith very localized data from multiple street-level sources, the impact of a flood across these neighborhoods can be quickly gauged.

When a flood occurs, the hazard data is used to determine the overall flood extent as well as flood depth at the individual building level. This information is provided soon after the peak flooding data is captured and is used to establish whether the payment threshold of the insurance structure has been met or exceeded. If triggered, CNYCN will receive an instant payment to fund cash grants to those affected by the flood. (Editors Note: According to a Swiss Re statement, the program leverages Swiss Re Corporate Solutions models for precipitation and storm surge-induced flooding. Qualifying flood events are based on a mix of ICEYEs near real-time satellite data from a dedicated fleet of 24 satellites, as well as on-the-ground real-time sensors and social media.)

Looking Forward, Looking Up

The potential for satellite technology to revolutionize claims management has long been recognized but is only now being realized with recent advancements in vehicles, sensors and AI. Granular hazard data in near real-time is now available in a format that can be easily integrated into existing infrastructure to support more effective claims decision-making at every stage in the claims life cycle. The industry simply needs to look up.

Top photograph: An artists depiction of ICEYE SAR microsatellite in orbit over a hurricane

This article first was published in Insurance Journals sister publication, Carrier Management.

Topics Catastrophe New York
Banks, asset managers and other financial firms have won a reprieve from Europes most consequential ESG regulation to date, as a wave of intense industry lobbying pays off.

Spain, which holds the European Unions rotating presidency, has proposed that financial firms be excluded from the initial roll-out of the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, according to a Nov. 9 draft proposal seen by Bloomberg. The proposal still requires the approval of member states and lawmakers.

CSDDD, which the EU plans to use as a tool to force all industries to pay more attention to the value chains connected to their operations, has the potential to expose firms to unprecedented legal risk. If a single link in a firms value chain is tied to human rights abuses, environmental destruction or similar acts, Brussels wants to hold the EU-based business accountable.

The finance industry has lobbied hard against being included in the scope of the directive, arguing that such a wide-reaching rule is reasonable to consider for manufacturers, but not for banks, asset managers and insurers. The negative fallout would be huge, Philippe Angelis, senior policy adviser for corporate reporting and sustainable finance at Insurance Europe, said earlier this year.

The international scope of the directive has also raised concerns outside the EU. In June, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen warned of the potential negative, unintended consequences facing US firms because of CSDDD.

Jose Manuel Campa, chairman of the European Banking Authority, says its logical to include banks in the directive because giving individual sectors too much leeway ultimately allows them to say they dont care what happens in their value chain.

I like the philosophy of the directive, which is what we apply in our prudential requirement, Campa said.

The European Council and Parliament will hold negotiations later this month on moving forward with CSDDD. Until now, whether to include the finance industry had remained a key sticking point in reaching an agreement before the end of the year. Spains proposal is intended to allow the broader talks to continue, with a view to returning to the issue of whether to include banks at a later date, according to the draft.

CSDDD is the key plank within the EUs package of legislation designed to make its economy sustainable by holding businesses accountable for their social and environmental impact. Under the directive, companies would face civil liability and potentially large administrative fines if they fail to comply.

In June, the EU Parliament agreed to include the finance industry in CSDDD. But already then, the lawmaker who spearheaded the initiative, Lara Wolters, said she was bracing for pushback during talks with the EU Council.

Within the EU Council, however, member states cant agree on how to proceed, according to the draft proposal seen by Bloomberg.

There was a complete split in early discussions over including the financial industry, with some countries being flexible to an ambitious approach while others pointed to the lack of an impact analysis and practical difficulties, according to the document.

Excluding banks from CSDDD would undermine its clout, nonprofits have warned.

Spains proposal is a very big mistake, said Isabella Ritter, EU policy officer at London-based ShareAction. It will also make reaching a compromise quite challenging because the European parliament firmly stands behind the financial sector inclusion.

Top photograph: Visitors view the city skyline from the outdoor viewing area at the Circulo de Bellas Artes de Madrid (CBA) building in Madrid, Spain, on Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2016. Photo credit: Angel Navarrete/Bloomberg

Copyright 2023 Bloomberg.

Topics Carriers Legislation Europe
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. announced the acquisition of Cobram, Victoria-based Edgar Insurance Brokers.

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Edgar Insurance Brokers provides commercial insurance products and services in Australia with a client focus of rural and farm, hospitality, transport and trades. Shannon Edgar and his team will remain in their current location under the direction of Sarah Lyons, head of retail property/casualty brokerage operations for Gallagher in Australia and Asia.

Edgar Insurance Brokers is a third-generation family business with a strong culture whose client relationships and expertise will enhance our capabilities in Australia, said J. Patrick Gallagher Jr., chairman, president and CEO. I am delighted to welcome Shannon and his associates to Gallagher.

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., the Rolling Meadows, Ill.-based insurance brokerage, operates in approximately 130 countries around the world through its owned operations and a network of correspondent brokers and consultants.

Source: Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.

Topics Mergers & Acquisitions Agencies A.J. Gallagher Australia
This edition of International People Moves details appointments at Canopius Group and Sedgwick.

A summary of these new hires follows here.

Canopius Promotes Newman to UK CEO

Canopius Group, the London-based specialty re/insurer, announced the appointment of Mark Newman as chief executive officer for the UK. Newman takes up his new role from Jan. 1, 2024, transitioning from his current role as CEO for the Asia Pacific region.

Newman will also join the Board of Directors of Canopius Managing Agents (CMA), subsequent to approval by the UKs Prudential Regulation Authority. Interim UK CEO Kate Roy will step down from the position on Dec. 31, 2023 and retains her role as group chief operating officer.

Canopius is now actively shortlisting both internal and external candidates to succeed Newman in the role of APAC CEO. Newman will continue to support the region in the interim and beyond, to ensure a smooth continuation of leadership.

Newman takes up the UK CEO position after seven years with the business, having joined Canopius as APAC CEO in 2016 and joining the global leadership team in 2021. He has been a Canopius Asia Pte. Ltd (CAPL) board member and Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) approved principal officer since 2016.

During his time as head of Canopius APAC, the unit has increased revenue five-fold, and the business has exceeded all key performance indicators in its strategic plan, cementing its position as the largest Lloyds managing agent in the region.

Prior to Canopius, Newman held a series of leadership positions over his three-decade career, with 20 of those years at chief executive level. He took on the role of CEO Guy Carpenter Fac Asia Pacific in 2000, before moving to the formerly known Catlin as CEO APAC in 2008. He later became head of Asia and Deputy CEO Asia at XL Catlin between 2015 and 2016, based in Singapore.

Newman has been an elected member and group chair of the Asia Pacific Market Group (APMG) since 2019. He was re-elected to serve the interests of Lloyds managing agents in the region in 2022, for his second three-year term.

We are thrilled that Mark will be taking over the leadership of our UK business. He has led the successful evolution of our APAC operations, exceeding the five-year growth plan for our Singapore and Australia businesses, commented Neil Robertson, Canopius Group CEO.

He has proven himself to be the right candidate to take on the role of UK CEO, and Im confident that he will build on his strong track record and assist our UK teams execute their growth plans.

***

Sedgwick Appoints Gibson as UK CEO

Sedgwick, the Memphis, Tenn.-based loss adjuster, has named Neil Gibson its CEO in the UK.

Gibson most recently served as COO of Sedgwicks operations in the UK, New Zealand, Middle East, Africa and Asia. He brings to his new role more than 18 years of insurance industry leadership experience and decades of operational claims management and colleague development expertise. Gibson also serves on Sedgwicks global environmental, social and governance (ESG) committee.

With Gibsons appointment, Paul White  who has been serving as Sedgwick CEO for the UK, New Zealand, Middle East, Africa and Asia  will retain oversight of Sedgwicks business in the UK and other international territories as regional CEO.

Given Neils successful four-year tenure as COO, he is the natural choice to lead and drive our UK business to the next level, White said. His industry experience and outstanding knowledge of our local business will serve him well in delivering the best possible service to our clients, and his involvement in Sedgwicks activities will pave the way for his continued success. Neil brings significant value to his new position as Sedgwick continues to invest in the UK market.
ORLANDO, Fla.  Cameras. One showing the driver and another facing forward.

Those can be the keys to avoiding nuclear verdicts after auto and truck crashes, especially for companies with fleets of vehicles and relatively inexperienced drivers, two Crum & Forster risk executives said Monday at the International Risk Management Institutes Annual Construction Risk Conference.

Fleet liability has not been profitable for insurers for a long time, said Paul Anderson, vice president of field underwriting for the national group of property/casualty insurance companies.

That means that premiums continue to rise, forcing insurers and insured companies to take steps to reduce losses, prevent accidents, prove fault  and to minimize the cost of jury trials that can end up in multi-million awards for motorists injured or killed by a company vehicle.

The number of so-called nuclear verdicts, of $1 million or more, has increased 967% in the United States in the last 13 years against firms with truck fleets, according to data from the American Transportation Research Institute. The average verdict has climbed from $5 million to more than $20 million, Louise Vallee, Crum & Forsters vice president for risk engineering, said at a session at the IRMI conference.

The size of jury verdicts has grown so much, in fact, that the industry has come up with a new term: Thermonuclear verdicts, for awards of $10 million or more, Anderson noted.

The reasons for the larger verdicts are many, but Anderson and Vallee said that plaintiffs attorneys have developed new litigation strategies that delve deeply into companies driver safety and training programs, their drug-screening policies and background checks of employees, along with their monitoring of drivers behaviors behind the wheel.

Litigation funding is one reason for some plaintiffs lawyers more-aggressive tactics, but most juries are not told that the investors often get their share of an award first, even before attorney fees are carved out.

There needs to be more transparency on that, Vallee noted.

The good news, she said, is that risk improvement is possible, even in the accident and injury-prone commercial construction world. After years in risk management, Vallee and Anderson have devised a best-practices checklist for firms that operate vehicles:

Place cameras in all company vehicles, one on the dashboard showing the drivers face and one aiming forward. Then connect the cams to software that sends an alert to the company office when a driver appears distracted, sleepy or is texting on his or her cell phone. Distracted driving continues to be a major factor behind crashes, nationwide.

At the least, the camera video will let the business and its insurer see if the company driver is actually at fault, which can lead to early settlement efforts before a case goes to trial. At the most, the cameras may show what really happened and that the employee was not at fault. Cameras can also prosecute fraud and expose staged accidents done by other drivers.

Many corporations with fleets already utilize non-camera telematics systems that track drivers actions. But these tend to send too many alerts, so that the home office is overwhelmed and doesnt pay attention; or, the data is not checked until days later, Anderson explained. One actuarial study found no difference in loss ratios for companies that utilized telematics without vehicle cameras, Anderson said.

Perform drug tests and extensive background checks on employees that may operate vehicles, even those whose main job is not driving. Plaintiffs attorneys will hone in a companys policies and procedures in this area, Vallee said.

Dont try to save a few bucks by avoiding drug screenings, she said.

Beef up training of drivers. Many workers who drive trucks have other duties and may not be focused on the subleties of handling heavy vehicles. But massive rigs such as dump trucks and concrete-mixing trucks require special handling and extra braking distances. On a noisy, congested job site, drivers should also find spotters to help avoid accidents when backing up or loading and unloading. Make sure employees are well-trained and that all training is documented.

Develop scorecards for workers. Data from cameras and tracking systems can produce scores for drivers. Paired with incentives, scorecards can produce friendly competition among employees.

Know thy public records. Vehicle inspection records are publicly available in many states. Ensure that fleet vehicles are well-maintained and inspected properly  and know what the public records indicate.

Avoid website banners proclaiming Safety is our No. 1 priority, Vallee said. Thats fresh meat for plaintiffs attorneys who may attempt to show that a construction firm did not live up to its own hype.

If insureds feel they cannot afford to implement such extensive policy changes, they should check with their insurance company, Vallee said. Assistance may be available. Crum & Forster, for example offers a program that analyzes company practices and can result in significant premium discounts.

There is hope, she said, noting that more and more businesses with vehicles fleets are installing cameras and taking other steps that make a difference.

Topics Risk Management
ATLANTA (AP)  Two people have been arrested in connection with a fire that damaged an Atlanta apartment complex and led to more than a hundred evacuations.

Atlanta news outlets reported that the fire happened Friday night. Firefighters were still on the scene Saturday putting out hotspots.

Investigators believe the fire may have been caused by fireworks being ignited on the roof, police said.

Seventeen people were treated for smoke inhalation as a result of the blaze at the Reserve at LaVista Walk apartments.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that the Red Cross is assisting 28 displaced residents. The two suspects face charges of first-degree criminal damage to property and reckless conduct.

An Atlanta police officer was among the apartment building`s residents. He lost all of his belongings, police chief Darin Schierbaum told WSB-TV.

Copyright 2023 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Washington Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler issued fines in October totaling $607,613.35 against insurance companies and insurance producers that reportedly violated state insurance laws and regulations.

Following are the alleged violators and a breakdown of their reported fines:

Insurance companies

AIG Property Casualty Company; fined $2,000

AIG used an incorrect rating factor in 49 instances.

Geico Advantage Insurance Company; fined $5,000

Geico failed to conduct insurance business under the companys legal name.

UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company; fined $500,000

UnitedHealth failed to demonstrate its compliance with mental health parity laws. The company was fined $500,000 with $250,000 suspended, pending its adherence to a compliance plan.

Unauthorized insurers

Active Network LLC; fined $25,000

Active Network acted as an unauthorized insurer by selling its refund program to 3,922 people in Washington for a total of $152,455.18. The company was fined $25,000 with $12,500 suspended.

Thongin, DMD, PS, et al.; fined $15,000

Thongin, DMD, PS, a professional service corporation, and three professional limited liability companies acted as unauthorized insurers and unlicensed discount plan organizations by selling dental membership plans through its practices.

Producers, agents & brokers

Jessica Fukuchi and PCRG Insurance LLC; fined $1,000

Fukuchi failed to establish adequate accounting records and adequately handle premium funds and failed to implement the required corrective actions after an initial examination.

Long-term care insurance

RiverSource Life Insurance Company; fined $59,613.35

RiverSource failed to verify that 10 of its insurance producers completed the required long-term care training before they sold long-term care insurance products. The 10 producers sold 17 policies to Washington consumers on behalf of the company and earned $59,613.35 in commissions.

Since 2001, Kreidler has assessed more than $39 million in fines, which are directed to the states general fund to pay for state services.

Topics Washington
The owners of a Colorado funeral home were arrested Wednesday in Oklahoma on charges linked to the discovery of 190 sets of decaying remains at one of their facilities, including some that apparently had been languishing there for four years.

Investigators entered the Return to Nature Funeral Home building in the Rocky Mountain town of Penrose in early October to find abhorrent conditions with dozens of stacked bodies, according to a federal affidavit thats under seal in Colorado but available in Oklahoma.

Some bodies had 2019 death dates, according to the document.

Law enforcement now knows the cremains each family was given could not have been their loved one, reads the documents alleging funeral home owners Jon and Carie Hallford had fled Colorado to avoid prosecution.

The Hallfords were jailed on $2 million bond on a Colorado arrest warrant alleging approximately 190 counts of abuse of a corpse, five counts of theft, four counts of money laundering and over 50 counts of forgery, after their arrest in Wagoner, east of Tulsa. They`re set for an initial appearance on a federal fleeing charge on Nov. 9 in Muskogee.

They couldnt be reached for comment and didnt have attorneys listed in jail records. Neither has a listed personal phone number, and the funeral homes number no longer works.

During a news conference in Colorado Springs announcing the charges Wednesday, District Attorney Michael Allen said authorities wouldn`t be releasing many details in order to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation. He said the charging documents contain information that is absolutely shocking.

Several families have told The Associated Press that the FBI told them privately that their loved ones were among the decaying bodies, meaning the ashes they were given weren`t their family members`. Those families were asked to give samples of the ashes they received to investigators to analyze.

Crystina Page is among the aggrieved relatives of the dead. She went to the news conference clutching a red urn with what Return to Nature told her were the ashes of her 20-year-old son, David, who was shot and killed by law enforcement in 2019. For four years, she carried the urn from the marble halls of the Colorado Capitol to Washington, D.C., as she advocated for police reform.

Her sons actual body was set to be cremated later Wednesday.

For four years, Ive marched all over this country with this urn believing it to be my son, Page said My son has been laying there rotting for four years.  Its the most horrendous feeling Ive ever had in my life.

Allen and others described an ongoing process of identifying the remains using fingerprints, dental records, medical hardware and, if necessary, DNA. They have identified 110 of the 190 sets of remains and have returned 25 to those people`s families.

The remains of Linda Martinez, 66, who died in 2020, were recently returned to relatives who originally thought they had interred her ashes in a cemetery.

How do you store almost 200 people? wondered her grandson, Michael Martinez, of Colorado Springs. And how do you even stomach that?

Investigators are in contact with 137 families, and Allen asked for anyone who might have worked for or with the Hallfords or done business with the funeral home going back to September 2019 to come forward. He also asked relatives of the yet-unidentified dead to contact their late loved ones` dentists for records that might help the investigation.

The Hallfords` funeral home business is based in Colorado Springs and has a facility in Penrose, a small town about 100 miles (160 kilometers) south of Denver. Authorities found the remains Oct. 4 while responding to a report of an abhorrent smell near the Penrose building.

Officials initially estimated there were about 115 bodies inside, but the number increased to 189 after they finished removing all the remains in mid-October. The total rose to 190 on Wednesday, though authorities didn`t explain the increase.

A day after the odor was reported, the director of the state office of Funeral Home and Crematory registration spoke by phone with Jon Hallford. He tried to conceal the improper storage of corpses at his business, acknowledged having a problem at the site and claimed he practiced taxidermy there, according to an order from state officials dated Oct. 5.

Relatives of people whose remains were handled by the funeral home have feared that their loved ones weren`t cremated and were instead among the remains that authorities found. They said death certificates indicated that the remains were cremated at one of two crematories, but both crematories told the AP that they weren`t performing cremations for Return to Nature at the time of the dates on the certificates.

This was intentional, said Page, who started a private Facebook group for affected families. And not only did they think about doing this, but they followed through with it, they concealed it and they did this to almost 200 families.

As for the arrests, Page said, it makes it feel like theres an end in sight.

Retired Army officer Tanya Wilson said her mothers body was identified in the neglected remains found last month and believes the ashes Return to Nature had given her were fake. The bracelet left on the body of her mother, who sometimes three jobs to keep the family afloat, was returned to Wilsons family with a substance left on it.

I dont think any amount of jail/prison time will justify my brother having to clean my mothers rotting flesh off her bracelet that they gave back to us. Nothing, Wilson said in a text to the AP.

The company, which was started in 2017 and offered cremations and green burials without embalming fluids, kept doing business even as its financial and legal problems mounted in recent years. The owners had missed tax payments in recent months, were evicted from one of their properties and were sued for unpaid bills by a crematory that quit doing business with them almost a year ago, according to public records and interviews with people who worked with them.

Colorado has some of the weakest oversight of funeral homes in the nation with no routine inspections or qualification requirements for funeral home operators.

One family has filed a lawsuit accusing Return to Nature and the Hallfords of negligence, fraud, intentionally inflicting emotional distress and violating several Colorado laws, among other allegations.

Gruver reported from Cheyenne, Wyoming. Associated Press writer Ken Miller in Oklahoma City and Amy Beth Hanson in Helena, Montana, contributed to this report.

Copyright 2023 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Oklahoma Colorado
Source: Ben Pirie

November 14, 2023 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Omai Gold Mines announced additional positive drill results from its Omai gold project in Guyana, noted Atrium Research analyst Ben Pirie and Nicholas Cortellucci in a November 13 report.

Omai Gold Mines (TSXV:OMG) announced additional positive drill results from its Omai gold project in Guyana, noted Atrium Research analyst Ben Pirie and Nicholas Cortellucci in a November 13 report.

The analysts maintained a Buy rating and CA$0.30 price target on Omai.

West Wenot Mineralization Extended

According to the analysts, the latest drilling intercepts will be important for expanding the resource at the West Wenot zone, which currently sits at 1.9 million ounces gold.

Highlights included 5.89 grams per tonne (g/t) gold over 12 meters at hole 67 and 8.7 g/t gold over 4.6 meters at hole 66. Pirie and Cortellucci expect these results to drive significant resource growth when Omai releases an updated mineral resource estimate (MRE) this quarter.

The analysts believe West Wenot could provide "starter pit" material to generate early cash flow while existing pits are de-watered to access the bulk of the resource.

Major Development Studies Upcoming

With the updated MRE imminent, Omai plans to launch a preliminary economic assessment (PEA) in 2023.

The analysts view the Omai project as de-risked, given its past production history and sizable existing infrastructure. They see a clear path to restarting operations.

Significant Upside for Undervalued Stock

Atrium maintains a Buy rating and CA$0.30 price target on Omai, implying over 750% upside potential.

The firm's valuation is based on Omai's 3.7 million ounce resource and assumes a value of CA$27 per ounce in the ground. With the stock trading at just CA$3 per ounce currently, the analysts see substantial upside.

In summary, the additional drilling success at West Wenot provides further evidence of resource growth potential at the past producing Omai gold project. With the updated MRE and PEA approaching, Atrium believes Omai offers attractive value relative to peers.

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The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and Music Director JoAnn Falletta announced Tuesday that they have been nominated for a Grammy Award in the category of Best Orchestral Performance.

The nomination is for the orchestras 2023 album of works by 19th century Russian composer Alexander Scriabin, The Poem of Ecstasy and Symphony No. 2, released in February on the classical music label, Naxos.

I am very proud of the achievement of our fantastic BPO musicians in winning this GRAMMY nomination, Falletta said in a prepared statement. Their technical excellence, musical artistry, and exuberant personality are on full display in this dramatic repertoire. We wish to express our thanks to our superb engineer and producer, Bernd Gottinger.

She describes Scriabin as a poet, a visionary, a mystic, a painter of dreams, whose extravagant music is perfectly suited to the deep-throated romantic sound of the Buffalo Philharmonic.

The album has been met with positive reviews.

'Maestro' to the world, 'JoAnn' to Buffalo: BPO's Falletta reflects on 25 years For 25 years, JoAnn Falletta has served as musical director of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. She spoke with The Buffalo News about her time with the BPO.

To promote civic pride, I think Buffalos city government should give a copy of this CD to every household within its borders, wrote reviewer Raymond Tuttle of Fanfare.

And Malcolm Hayes of BBC Music Magazine had this to say: JoAnn Fallettas interpretation brilliantly showcases the musics strengths ...The Buffalo Philharmonic players respond with a virtuoso panache that avoids any trace of brashness.

The Best Orchestra Performance Grammy is awarded to both the orchestra and conductor. Also nominated in the category are Gustavo Dudamel and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Karina Canellakis and the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra, Yannick Nezet-Seguin and the Philadelphia Orchestra, and Esa-Pekka Salonen and the San Francisco Symphony. The 2024 Grammy Awards will be broadcast Feb. 4 on CBS.

The BPO and Falletta have received multiple Grammy nominations and awards in the past including a 2008 award for Best Contemporary Composition for John Coriglianos Mr. Tambourine Man: Seven Poems of Bob Dylan and a 2021 Grammy for the orchestra and Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus for Best Choral Performance for their recording of Richard Danielpours The Passion Of Yeshua.

Falletta won a Grammy in 2019 for Best Classical Compendium for Fuchs: Piano Concerto Spiritualist; Poems Of Life; Glacier; Rush, which she recorded with the London Symphony.
Source: Streetwise Reports

November 14, 2023 (Investorideas.com Newswire) MAG Silver Corp. releases its third-quarter earnings figures as its new Juanicipio processing plant in Mexico hits production and nameplate capacity, helping the company make the full transition to being a producer.

MAG Silver Corp. (MAG:TSX; MAG:NYSE American) has released its third-quarter earnings figures as its new Juanicipio processing plant in Mexico is hitting production and nameplate capacity, helping the company make the full transition to being a producer.

MAG reported a net income of US$8.9 million or 9 cents per share in the three months ending Sept. 30, compared to US$8.2 million or 8 cents per share in the same quarter of 2022.

The silver company also recorded US$13.7 million from its 44% share of income from the plant, income from operations, and loan interest. Fresnillo Plc is joint operator and receives 56%.

A total of 322,249 and 921,990 tonnes of mineralized material were processed in the Juanicipio and Fresnillo's Saucito plant during the quarter, respectively, the company said. No feed was supplied to Saucito or Fresnillo's other nearby plant in August or September.

"As Juanicipio ramped up its operations and transitioned to full capacity, there was a progressive reduction of Juanicipios reliance on the nearby Fresnillo and Saucito plants," noted Raymond James analyst Brian MacArthur in an updated research note. He rated the stock Outperform and set a target price of CA$21 per share.

"This transition had a direct impact on total milling and, consequently, overall production for the quarter, but this was offset by higher grade feed and continued efforts to optimize the Juanicipio plant as it ramped up to full capacity," MacArthur wrote.

The average head grade for the three and nine months ending September 30 was 523 and 474 grams per

Tonne (g/t), yielding silver production of 4.78 million ounces (Moz) and 12.29 Moz, respectively.

"Following a successful commissioning and ramp-up period, the Juanicipio processing facility achieved nameplate capacity during September 2023, with silver recovery consistently above 88%, marking a step change in performance relative to the comparative quarter and a successful transition to a fully independent producer," the company noted in a release.

Juanicipio delivered a cash cost of $4.68 per silver ounce sold and an all-in-sustaining cost of US$9.19 per silver ounce sold in Q3.

"The ramp-up so far at Juanicipio has gone very well, and we expect strong positive FCF (free cash flow) generation now that the mine is in commercial production, with development capex winding down," wrote Cormark Securities analyst Nicolas Dion in a recent research note.

"Despite this, MAG is trading at the low end of its range," wrote Dion, who rated the stock a Buy with a US$24 per share target price. "MAG is our pick for a quality silver name."

MacArthur had similar thoughts. "We believe that MAG is one of the better options for investors looking for exposure to silver," he wrote.

The Catalyst: Production Results Ahead of Expectations

The company noted that sales increased by more than US$75 million during Q3, mainly because of 76%-higher metal volumes and 28%-higher realized metal prices.

The plant generated strong cash flow of US$57.3 million and free cash flow of US$40.6 million during the quarter. Juanicipio held cash balances of US$23.4 million by Sept. 30. That was an increase of US$14.9 million over the Q2, mostly because the mine is reaching intended production levels.

Analysts Kieron Hodgson and Edward Gooden from Panmure Gordon noted that MAG's "financial position continues to improve."

"MAG announced production results on 25 October that were ahead of our previous expectations, due to some of the highest silver grades of any major operation," wrote the analysts, who rate the stock a Buy with a CA$22 per share target price. "Grades continue to improve with Q3 FY2023 grades of 1.32g/t exceeding that of both the previous quarter and the previous year."

Analysts Ovais Habib and Eric Winmill of Scotiabank Global Equity Research wrote that the EPS of US$0.09 was in line with their estimate of US$0.08.

"We view the results as a mild positive for MAG shares as the JV generated strong FCF (free cash flow) that aligned with expectations as the Juanicipio mill continues to ramp up," the analysts wrote. "We look forward to visiting the Juanicipio mine site on November 21, along with more future cash distributions from the Juanicipio JV."

H.C. Wainwright & Co. analyst Heiko F. Ihle placed a Buy rating on the stock with a US$20.50 per share target price.

"Following the successful commissioning period of Juanicipio's processing facility, the operation continues to perform in line with expectations," Ihle wrote.

Supply Deficits Likely to Continue

MAG is mining the Bonanza zone of the Valdecanas vein system in the Zacatecas state of Mexico. A preliminary economic assessment (PEA) in 2017 estimated a 19-year mine life.

The most conductive element in nature, silver is used to coat electrical contacts in computers, phones, cars, and appliances. It's also an important element in solar technology.

The World Silver Survey 2023, published by the Silver Institute, said there was a 237.7 Moz deficit between supply and demand for the precious metal in 2022. This deficit is likely to be repeated in 2023, the institute said.

"Mined output over the longer term, four to five years out, is forecast to begin to decline," the report said. "This will be due to losses from grade decline and reserve depletion at existing operations exceeding the new production that is expected to come online from the current project pipeline."

Ownership and Share Structure

Institutions own 70% of MAG, and 30% is retail, according to the company.

Top institutional shareholders include Juanicipio project operator Fresnillo Plc. with 9.1%, BlackRock Asset Management at 9.9%, ETF Managers Group LLC at 5.3%, Sprott Asset Management at 5.1%, and First Eagle Investment Management at 5.6%, the company said.

MAG Silver has a market cap of CA$ 1.39 billion. It has 102.9 million shares outstanding, according to TSX Infosuite. It trades in a 52-week range of US$22.96 and US$13.26.

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Cork business consulting and software firm 8 West has sold a 50% stake to US-based health organisation, Washington Dental Service (WDS) for an undisclosed amount.

Founded in 1998, 8 West was owned by Eamon Franklin and John Murphy and specialises in technology solutions across healthcare and retail sectors.

Headquartered on Curaheen Road in Cork, 8 West Consulting employs more than 100 staff members, according to its latest financial statement filed to the Company Registration Office.

The firm - formerly known as DeCare systems before rebranding as part of a management buyout in 2017 - also reported an annual turnover of 24.6m in 2021, with operating profit for the year exceeding 3.66m. Average salaries at the firm totalled more than 74,400 per employee.

Its acquirer, US-based WDS, specialises in offering dental care plans, with its subsidiaries including Delta Dental of Washington and the Institute for Oral Health.

Purchasing a 50% stake hold in the 8 West - which celebrated 25 years in business this year - the Washington firm said the acquisition marked a "significant milestone" for the company, and would accelerate its approach to leveraging technology to further innovate oral healthcare.

As part of the transaction, WDS is expected to expand its digital programs with aims to improve benefits, provide self-service access to benefits information and claims payment.

Advised by DLA Piper's Dublin office, Micheal Mulvey - who led the the legal team on behalf of WDS -said the collaboration "will enable WDS and 8 West Consulting to transform the oral healthcare industry through innovative technological collaboration and development of new products.

We are proud to have worked on this important strategic transaction which will have far-reaching implications."
Up to 95% of Irish firms are struggling to find specialist talent to upskill their teams, according to Cork-headquartered hiring platform, Castille.

The global firm, which has offices in Malta, Poland and Mauritius has recently relocated its global headquarters to Lapp's Quay in Cork city and has warned that Irish firms are struggling due to longer vacancy fill periods, ongoing skill shortages, and significant disruption to Irish businesses.

"The Irish specialist skills gap is very real and will only get worse unless Ireland takes a more innovative approach to sourcing talent," said company founder and chief executive, Matthew Camilleri.

"Irish companies are struggling to recruit specialist talent, and definitely in software and accountancy."

The firm - which was founded in 2006 and specialises in tech and finance sectors - said its new headquarters will be utilised as a hub to help Irish firms source the skills they need to support indigenous growth and multinational activity, with the company adding that it has already partnered with a number of global brands in Ireland.

"There is clearly a lack of qualified candidates, resulting in business disruption at a time when international competition is fierce and Ireland, more than ever, needs to be positioning itself as a suitable place for ongoing foreign direct investment," Mr Camilleri continued.

The company founder said that better investment in workforce planning and utilising a more diverse international talent pool was now required for Irish firms to thrive, adding that the pandemic has opened up opportunities but has also made the landscape more competitive.

"By investing in workforce development and partnering for specialist skills, companies can build a robust pipeline of harder to find talent to drive growth and innovation, Mr Camilleri concluded.
One lesson I learned from my vet school reunion in Nottingham last week was that despite what we think we are certainly not 22 anymore and my body let me know of this rude truth all too well on Sunday morning.

It was fascinating to hear peoples life synopsis of the last decade, I have some very ambitious friends who have done amazing things in the veterinary world. It was also lovely to meet all the new honorary newborn members of the year group - it's amazing how life moves so fast.

Travel has made up a huge part of some of my years lives, their degree bringing them to places worldwide. It got me thinking about how infectious disease differs due to climate and biodiversity all over the world, the diseases that I treat here in Cork are only the tip of the iceberg of what could potentially be endemic here.

I had a particularly interesting conversation with a vet who had worked in cattle practice in France and the emerging diseases they have had to deal with in recent years.

Bluetongue

It was a coincidence that we spoke about Bluetongue virus, which has become very topical this week with the news of the latest case discovered in the UK.

Irish vets received the first Bluetongue news alert in September from the department that the virus was found on four sheep farms in the Netherlands, and another alert in October with news of spread to Belgium and Germany.

The UK case is currently restricted to one individual cow in Kent with a 10km temporary control zone in place around the farm in question.

The last time Bluetongue was present in the Netherlands was also over 15 years ago, so this was a worrying discovery. The sheep presented with a high fever, and skin lesions above their claws, udder and around their mouths and noses. The name "Blue"-tongue originates from the classic clinical sign of a swollen blue-tinged tongue, which causes subsequent breathing difficulties in the animal.

Sheep are known to exhibit more severe clinical signs than cattle and camelids. Bluetongue can sadly be fatal, with the Netherlands reporting mortality rates of 50% in some cases.

Bluetongue, luckily, does not pose a risk to humans and does not affect food safety, yet it can cause severe welfare implications for animals affected.

Bluetongue can infect all ruminants and camelid species, which includes alpacas. It is spread by biting midges (Culicoides), and having these vector insects already in Ireland increases our risk for the potential for the spread of bluetongue if a live infected animal is imported and subsequently bitten.

Bluetongue is not a contagious disease due to the midge to animal spread, however, if the midges become infected in a country, it is then classed as a disease outbreak. Currently, the UK is screening the midge population to assess for infection.

A possible spread of the disease from Europe to us here in Ireland would be via windblown midges; however, at this time of year the midge population is lower and this will hopefully, help with the containment of the case in Kent. Live exports are the biggest threat currently to Ireland and the introduction of the virus to the country.

Importing of asymptomatic pregnant animals is an added risk due to the ability to transfer the virus to the fetus in the uterus, which is then born as a source of infection for the midge to discover.

The main concern with this outbreak in the Netherlands and the case in the UK is due to the new serotype of the virus (BTV3). There is a lack of knowledge of the cross-protection available from the original Bluetongue vaccine licensed in other European countries, not currently in Ireland.

Just like Covid-19, the virus has mutated to a different strain to try to evade the host's immunity and increase it's activity. To limit the risk of spread of Irish herds and flocks, all animals imported from at-risk areas must be vaccinated for BTV before export, quarantined on arrival and then PCR tested for the virus by a Department official.

Live export is now currently restricted from the UK to the island of Ireland to limit the risk of spread, and surveillance of animals imported since October 1 is ongoing.

Epizootic Haemorrhagic Disease (EHD)

Another disease on our doorstep is Epizootic Haemorrhagic Disease (EHD), which I must admit I didnt know a lot about until I received an update from Veterinary Ireland about it at the end of September.

EHD is a viral disease that affects ruminants. Biting Midges (Culicoides) is the main transmitter of the virus.

It was first found in Europe in 2022 in Sardinia; later that year, it spread to Spain and Portugal. France is now the latest country to have a confirmed case this September, this was in cattle on three farms near the Spanish border.

It is a perfect example of how a disease can cross borders, as the midges are never asked for their passport. The origin of the European spread of this strain of EHD has been linked to Northern Africa, highlighting perhaps the midge's ability to cross water mass also. There is no vaccine currently in Europe, and Ireland is presently EHD-free.

EHD presents with clinical signs such as fever, loss of appetite, respiratory distress and difficulty swallowing. Haemorrhages in multiple tissues such as the skin and heart lend to the Haemorrhagic aspect of the disease's name.

Unfortunately, the clinical signs are quite similar to other diseases, like any notifiable disease; when suspected, the local regional veterinary office (RVO) must be informed.

As an island, we are lucky that perhaps we are more naturally protected against the spread of this emerging disease, however, the threat of importing the disease and midge migration are serious risks to our biosecurity.

Farmers and vets need to stay vigilant to the ever-changing climate and subsequent risk of new diseases in Ireland.

After all the excitement of reunions and the cell check award, I am looking forward to a peaceful few weeks on the farm before my next chapter as Veterinary Ireland President for 2023/2024 begins at the end of November.
Thousands of acres of silage and hay have been destroyed on farms as a result of flooding on the Shannon Callows.

While a scheme to assist farmers who have lost fodder has recently been announced, there are farmers who will have lost "considerably more" than what the support will provide for.

The Save Our Shannon Organisation represents farmers in counties Galway, Offaly, Roscommon, Westmeath, and further afield who are impacted by major winter and summer flooding of the River Shannon.

Residents have been "hit very hard this year", according to the organisation.

The Shannon Callows are the areas of flat land along the river.

Winter flooding

Winter flooding occurs every year. The rain of late autumn and winter causes the water in the River Shannon "to rise above the banks and spill over thousands of acres of land and stay there" for up to four months of the year, the Save Our Shannon Organisation explained.

"It may fall back after that time but flooding will render the land useless for grazing from October to March each year.

"In the summer, when the flood waters recede and the land dries, the fields can be grazed and the grass cut for hay, silage/haylage."

Summer flooding

The organisation said that summer flooding used to occur every now and then prior to the mid-1990s.

However, these floods are more prevalent now.

"These summer floods are causing harm to the livelihood of farmers, business people, boat hire companies, fishermen, and people in the tourist industry," the organisation said.

Inestimable harm has been done to the biodiversity of the callows. The corncrake is now gone. The curlew and all wader birds, swans, and wildlife are under enormous threat.

"Their habitats have been destroyed by water flooding the grass, the hedgerows, the drains and the woodland  their homes."

Constant summer flooding has prevented farmers from grazing land and saving hay this year; the summer flood came in early July and has remained since.

"No fodder has been saved this year in the longest summer flood ever," according to the organisation.

'Disaster area'

Chairman of the organisation Michael Silke has estimated that there are 7,000 acres of meadow gone and 7,000 acres of grazing gone in the area as a result of the flooding this year.

"It is a disaster area," Mr Silke told the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

"The flooding started with us when we had a major flood on St Patrick's Day. That was carried on. We could not get the cattle into our callows until the first week of June," Mr Silke said.

Then we were seriously flooded again from June 10 to 15. We got about a month to five weeks out of the callows in the grazing area.

"The meadow areas were a total washout. We got absolutely nothing whatsoever out of those, so our land has been destroyed the whole year."

Mr Silke said that farmers "have no fodder". Those who normally graze the callows have "had to put their cattle out on their silage ground at home to try and keep their cattle going, and they have no fodder".

"There is a very serious situation evolving down there," he said.

John Ryan has a dairy and beef farm in Shannonbridge, west Offaly.

Since July, he said he has roughly 40 hectares under water.

"Our losses accumulate to hundreds of bales of silage or hay. We have numerous acres lost for grazing as well," Mr Ryan said.

Support scheme

Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue recently announced funding of over 800,000 to the farmers who have been affected by fodder loss due to the flooding in the region.

Payment will be at a rate of 325 per hectare for farmers affected by fodder loss and will be paid on a minimum of one hectare and a maximum of 15 hectares.

Mr Ryan said this support is "badly needed", but "unfortunately, it just falls well short for a good few people".

"Personally, I have already spent four times the allocated money I would be hoping to get on trying to recoup what has already been lost, and we still do not have enough. We are still trying to source," Mr Ryan said.

Michael Silke also said that the 15 hectares "is a major issue because a lot of farmers have lost very heavily".

"As well as that, there is no talk about grazing. The farmers in the grazing areas have been equally at a loss. They got a month on the callows this year, and they are under serious pressure, as well as being in with the meadow at the minute," he added.

Irish Farmers' Association president Tim Cullinan said that it's important that the funding is "released as soon as possible, and that the conditions to apply are not too onerous".

Mr Cullinan said the "lack of action" taken to prevent flooding on the Shannon Callows must be addressed by authorities, and in the longer term, an agency must be established "which would include local farmers to manage the River Shannon to rectify the problems".
To vape or not to vape?

Its an understandable question for the almost 70% of smokers who, according to ASH Ireland, wish to quit the habit.

Vaping exposes you to about 2,000 chemicals, which seems a lot  but its way below the toxicant count of 7,000 chemicals in tobacco smoke.

Vaping poses a small fraction of the health risks of smoking, says a spokesperson for the Nicotine Research Group, Kings College London.

The New Nicotine Alliance Ireland aims to promote mature discussion on the potential of safer nicotine products to reduce harms from smoking.

Damian Sweeney of NNA Ireland says: Vaping [unlike conventional smoking] doesnt involve combustion, and any potentially harmful products are vastly reduced compared to smoking.

NNA Irelands website says: it accepts funding donated by private individuals and organisations. We do not accept donations from the tobacco industry, the electronic cigarette industry or manufacturers/distributors of other nicotine products.

Ireland has the third highest per capita spend on e-cigarettes in the world, according to a 2018 Euromonitor report. This was pointed out in the Irish Vape Vendors Association (IVVA) 2021 pre-Budget submission. Based on these figures, it said spending on e-cigarettes was almost 70m in 2018.

I talk to ex-smokers all the time who never thought they could give up til vaping came along, says Joe Dunne of Respect Vapers, which claims to represent vapers in Ireland and is funded by the Edmund Burke Institute. Ninety-five per cent of the people Respect Vapers represents are aged over 35, he says.

Some switch to vaping and then continue smoking until they get used to vaping, and then they transition fully to vaping. A lot start with a higher strength of nicotine. About 65-70% would lower the strength over time with a view to then going down to a very low level, Dunne explains.

According to the Healthy Ireland 2022 study, 3% of the population currently use e-cigarettes, with a further 3% reporting theyve tried them in the past but no longer use them. Use of e-cigarettes is highest among under-25s, with 6% in this age group currently using them.

Meanwhile, 2019 figures show that 38% of those who tried to quit smoking used e-cigarettes during the attempt, according to the IVVA.

Its always great news when someone chooses to quit smoking, says Mark Murphy, advocacy manager (environmental health and tobacco) with Irish Heart Foundation. Its the best thing you can do for your health.

Mark Murphy

Murphy says the Irish Heart Foundation recognises that long-term adult smokers have quit, using e-cigarettes. But he cautions that many who use vaping to quit conventional smoking, continue to use e-cigarettes long after theyve kicked their smoking habit. A 2019 study published in New England Journal of Medicine found that 19% of participants who used e-cigarettes to quit smoking were no longer smoking a year later, but 80% of them were still vaping.

And while vaping bypasses the harmful combustion involved in conventional smoking, it is not harm-free, warns Murphy, pointing to a 2019 study in the European Heart Journal. It showed e-cigarette smoking can damage the heart, the brain, the lungs, and blood vessels. We just dont know what the long-term health consequences of vaping are.

Smoking is an addiction

Dr Paul Kavanagh, HSE public health medicine lead with the Tobacco Free Ireland Programme, says make no mistake about it  smoking is an addiction.

Its not a choice. Its not a bad habit. Its a physical and psychological addiction to nicotine. And as with any addiction, we need to get the right supports to break it  help with the physical and psychological components.

This, he says, is where the safe, effective, clinically-sound supports offered by the HSE Quit Programme come in. The approach is a combination of speaking with a stop smoking advisor, as well as a safe, effective, licensed stop smoking medication, like nicotine replacement therapy. Using these services increases chances of stopping smoking four-fold.

In early 2022, Irelands first national stop-smoking guidelines were published. Developed under the governance of the Department of Healths National Clinical Effectiveness Committee, Kavanagh says they used a robust, comprehensive, evidence-based process. So we can stand over these guidelines as being the most clinically-sound approach to stop smoking.

Key questions were asked when trying to decide whether e-cigarettes could be recommended as a way to stop smoking. First: are they an effective way?

We found mixed results. Some studies had positive findings, some negative, many had methodological weaknesses. There was quite low confidence in the evidence to say e-cigarettes were effective in helping people stop smoking.

Dr Paul Kavanagh

The second question was whether e-cigarettes are a safe tool to stop people smoking.

We found theyre associated with a number of harms across different body systems, and they contain carcinogens that cause lung, mouth, oesphagus, and bladder cancers. The carcinogens relate to the heating and inhalation of the chemicals in e-cigarettes, says Kavanagh, adding that long-term follow-up is needed to establish definitively their harm profile.

Pointing out that e-cigarettes are a consumer product, not a licensed medicine, he says: As a doctor, when I recommend the HSE stop smoking medicine, I know it has been through a rigorous system of [medical] checks and balances. A consumer product doesnt benefit from those checks and balances.

In November, the Government approved proposals to ban the sale of e-cigarettes to under-18s. The proposals will be incorporated into the Public Health (Tobacco and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Bill, which its hoped will move through all legislative changes this spring.

But currently, theres no legal protection to safeguard young people and adolescents from the sale of e-cigarettes.

Ireland is a real outlier in this. If a teenager were to walk into a shop anywhere they could be sold an e-cigarette, and the liquid, without any accountability for the retailer, says Kavanagh.

For this reason, he believes any recommendation around e-cigarettes potential role in helping people quit smoking has to be balanced against the very insufficient protection from harm current Irish law offers children/young people when it comes to e-cigarettes.

Kavanagh also points to certain medical situations  for example, patients with cancer  where risky treatments are offered in the absence of any safer alternative. But when it comes to e-cigarettes and their stop-smoking role, he says we have a whole range of safe, clinically-sound alternatives. So why would we consider taking all the risk and uncertainty of e-cigarettes when there are so many free clinically-tested alternatives?

Anyone, regardless of medical card status, once they come to the free face-to-face consultation with a stop-smoking adviser, can avail of free nicotine replacement therapy  patches, sprays, lozenges or gum.

Kavanagh says many HSE Quit stop smoking advisers, working countrywide, have told him theyve been approached by parents/teachers increasingly worried about e-cigarette use in children. An email he received one evening last year told of a parent with a child in their early teens. Hed become addicted to the nicotine in vaping and was so addicted he found it difficult to sit still in class because he was suffering withdrawal from nicotine.

The 2019 ESPAD study, which looks at the prevalence of substance abuse among European teens, has reported an increase in e-cigarette use among young people in Ireland.

Among 15/16-year-olds, the number who had ever used e-cigarettes went from 23% in 2015 to 37.2% in 2019. And figures for current use rose from 10.1% in 2015 to 18.1% in 2019.

Its quite a concern that in five years e-cigarette use among mid-teens almost doubled, says Kavanagh, adding that  four years on again  he strongly suspects the situation is even more worrying than in 2019.

While vaping is considered by many ex-smokers as having been their gateway out of smoking, the worry is that for many vaping children/under-18s it may well be a gateway into smoking conventional cigarettes.

Kavanagh points to a Health Research Board study that found an association between a childs e-cigarette use and their then starting to use combustible cigarettes.

Children who hadnt smoked but who started vaping were three to five times more likely to smoke conventionally combustible cigarettes than children who never vaped.

If a child starts smoking early, its incredibly harmful to their health. If they start in adolescence, theyre likely to become very firmly addicted and being a lifetime smoker, he warns.

The Governments Tobacco Free Ireland 2025 strategy aims to reduce prevalence of smoking to five percent or less by 2025. However, the decline in smoking rates among the general population and teens has stalled and reversed in the past few years.

For the first time in 25 years smoking among 1516-year-olds has increased. The rate was 41% in 1995, fell to 13.1% in 2015 and has now increased to 14.4%.

The Tobacco 21 Alliance is calling for the legal age of sale of all forms of tobacco, and e-cigarettes, to be increased from 18 to 21, as evidence shows it reduces youth smoking and deters initiation.

Worrying level of youth vape use

At the Irish Heart Foundation, Murphy points to the normalising of the hand-to-mouth action, common to vaping and to conventional smoking. He too has heard anecdotal reports of teachers and students worried about youth vape use. And he believes the Government should be doing much more to protect young people from e-cigarettes.

E-cigarettes are very cheap. They can be easier to hide because they dont have the [tobacco] smell. We [at Irish Heart Foundation] believe there should be a complete ban on flavoured vapes and on bright packaging.

With the WHO counting 16,000 different flavours of vapes  bubblegum, gummy bears and banoffi pie to name a few  Murphy says these attract young people, initiate them into vaping and suggest theyre not harmful. Theyre so easily available to young people and they come in bright packaging. They look like a box of starbursts.

Dr Garrett McGovern

Dr Garrett McGovern, medical director and GP specialising in addiction medicine at Priority Medical Clinic, Dundrum, says an age restriction on e-cigarettes should be implemented without delay, but he cautions against throwing the baby out with the bathwater.

Probably about 70% of people using e-cigarettes choose flavours. If youre going to ban flavours without any evidence that young people wouldnt then go for tobacco, you might be taking them from the smokers wanting to quit and who they can help.

According to the IVVA, 99% of vapers in Ireland are either smokers or ex-smokers  and never smokers make up less than 1% of users. So in working to protect a small group of vapers and take away flavours, McGovern says we dont want to do so to the detriment of people who need them.

So how do we balance the needs of two sectors? The smokers who use them to quit and for many it is an effective gateway out  though there are safe, clinically-sound alternatives  versus the children and teenagers whose use of e-cigarettes is growing and where vaping may well be a gateway into tobacco smoking.

This debate is set against the backdrop of a very hazy picture when it comes to vapings long-term potential adverse effects. And these we simply dont know yet.

HSE Quit Programme is easy to access, with no waiting list, and is free. Phone 1800 201 203

This article was first published on February 17, 2023.
THE call to action in this years Anti-Bullying Week (November 13-17) is, Lets make some noise. Such initiatives are welcome, but bullying figures remain high. According to Dublin City Universitys Anti-Bullying Centre, 25% of children are being bullied at any one time.

80% of the young people I see present for therapy because of bullying.

The impact of being bullied or excluded on a childs self-worth is long-lasting. If we are serious about protecting children, then we need to eradicate bullying.

Bullying is difficult to tackle, firstly because the victim may be reluctant to ask for help; they feel embarrassed and ashamed.

When they confide in someone, they may not want that person to respond on their behalf, for fear it might worsen the situation.

This is a rational concern: Adult interventions often exacerbate the problem.

Secondly, there is a need for tangible proof before a complaint can be made about bullying, and exclusion is difficult to prove. And, thirdly, the parents of the child accused of bullying often vehemently deny any wrongdoing.

Perhaps these parents are the group we have yet to address in our attempts to 'make some noise about bullying, instead of asking children to fill out wellbeing and friendship worksheets in school.

As soon as bullying behaviour is raised with the perpetrator, parents will often make a beeline to the school with a Not my Johnny or Not my defence. While I always advocate for having your childs back, parents should hold their children accountable for any wrongdoing.

Parents blind to bullying

Teachers repeatedly tell me how parents often believe their child can do no wrong and react aggressively to anyone who suggests otherwise.

This blind support is deeply problematic and works against any effort to eliminate bullying.

If teachers raise the issue that a child has been acting cruelly towards a peer, it is crucial this intervention is not scoffed at or the behaviour immediately defended by the parents.

If the childs parents adopt a position that the school is being hysterical and their childs behaviour is only a bit of fun or they infer that the victim is lying or exaggerating, the child will believe that their behaviour is acceptable and that its everyone elses problem, and nothing will change.

I understand how it might be difficult to accept that the child you love and admire could act cruelly towards another child or children. However, excusing their behaviour or blaming others will do little to promote their self-awareness.

If the bullying is to stop, the perpetrator needs to hear from home and school that its unacceptable, and sanctions be initiated in both environments if it continues.

Parents are not always part of the problem, but they are part of the solution.

When schools take a collaborative approach, the children and parents on both sides, must be involved in any discussions. Research by Professor Coby van Niejenhuis and colleagues, published in the Scandinavian Journal of Psychology, found that where teachers and parents were involved and aligned, the likelihood of a resolution was greatly improved.

Parents have a duty to ensure their child is not the perpetrator.

While it might never cross our mind that they could be, perhaps it might be helpful, during Anti-Bullying Week, to take a moment to ask yourself if this could be possible.

It might also be an opportune time to remind our children that if there is any evidence of them taking part in bullying or exclusionary behaviour, the sanctions will be significant.

If young people are made aware that all forms of bullying are unacceptable and that there will be home-based sanctions, in addition to those handed out by the school, it is likely to be far more effective than a leaflet designed by a board of management and stuck on a wall in a school.

If we want to stop bullying, we need to identify the children and young people who engage in this type of behaviour and, in conjunction with their parents, eliminate it.

If we dont have parental buy-in, the actions of the school and concerned others will be futile.

So lets take a moment to consider whether your child could be the perpetrator or a member of the gallery, watching and encouraging the bullying and exclusion. If you attend an autumn parent-teacher meeting over the coming weeks, ask the school whether they have any concerns about this aspect of your childs behaviour and invite the staff to be honest with you. If there are any red flags, then act upon them.

Bullying and exclusionary behaviour dont crop up overnight; they are usually a result of a process of escalation.

It is best to intervene before it develops into more severe bullying. While many might suggest that schools should make us aware of these dynamics as soon as possible, most teachers likely hope this behaviour will blow over and not materialise into anything more sinister.

How to prevent bullying

According to the American Psychological Association, there are steps parents can take if they are concerned their child is a bully.

Stop bullying before it starts by educating your children. Perhaps your child has trouble reading social signs and does not know what they are doing is hurtful.

Make your home bully-free. Children learn behaviour through what they see, so exposure to aggressive behaviour or an overly strict environment at home can make children more prone to bullying at school. We need to be mindful to model positive examples for our children in our relationships with other people and with them.

Look out for self-esteem issues. Children with low self-esteem often bully to feel better about themselves. Even children who seem popular and well-liked can have mean tendencies. Bullying behaviour should be addressed by parents and be disciplined.

Use this week not only to promote the value of inclusion but also to be clear that there will be serious ramifications and consequences if you ever hear that your child plays any role in excluding others. While having our childs back is important, unconditional support of cruel or unfair behaviour communicates the wrong message and makes us complicit in children becoming victims of bullying and exclusion.

Dr Colman Noctor is a child psychotherapist
More than one tenth of overseas students say they have been a victim of an accommodation scam in Ireland, with one reporting of being asked for viewing fees of 100 to see a property.

A total of 819 international students from 73 countries took part in the survey by the Irish Council for International Students.

While 13% of respondents said that they have been a victim of an accommodation scam during their time in Ireland, only 11% reported the scam to gardai.

The survey also found that one in 20 students had either been offered a sex for rent proposal, or had seen an advertisement for such an arrangement.

The survey found that:

 81% of English language students and almost a third (31%) of students studying in higher education share a room with at least one other person.

 55% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that their mental health has suffered due to the housing crisis in Ireland.

 One in 10 respondents said that it took them more than 100 days to find accommodation in Ireland.

 Just 54% of respondents in higher education and 44% of English language students said they have a lease agreement.

 10% of respondents live more than 15km away from their college or school.

 10% said they pay more than 1,000 in rent per month.

A Brazilian student called Bruna, who did not want to publish her full name, showed the Irish Examiner messages she had received after she expressed an interest in viewing a property in Dublin.

The message asked for a fee of 100 for confirmation of appointment  this is because we will not show property to others.

She found the situation very scary.

The message promised that the fee would be refundable  or deducted from the first months rent, if she was interested in living in the property.

Bruna said she opted not to go to the see the property as she felt the charge was a scam.

She described looking for a rental property in Ireland as horrible, adding that one of the properties she came across had 18 residents.

A male Brazilian student is quoted in the report from ICOS about finding accommodation through an acquaintance, before he got to Ireland. When he arrived here, he was shown the property by the landlord, who told him that the vacancy was for sleeping on the bed with him and asked if we could have sex.

Another Brazilian respondent said: A group of people said that I could only move in if I was willing to have fun with those who lived there and some other people who live there.

Executive director of ICOS, Laura Harmon, said: The housing crisis is jeopardising Irelands excellent reputation as a study destination and risks undermining the fantastic work being done in colleges across the country, which go above and beyond to create a quality student experience in Ireland.

It is important that we listen to first-hand accounts and experiences of students, understand them, and take action to address them. Among a range of other serious issues, we are particularly concerned about the evidence of predators seeking sex in lieu of rent.

Among the recommendations in the report is the construction of more affordable, purpose-built student accommodation. It seeks an increase in inspections of private rental properties and follow-up to ensure minimum standards are met. ICOS also seeks a new student accommodation strategy.
The State is to acquire a new emergency gas storage ship, as part of the Government's overall plan to ensure energy security, Eamon Ryan has said.

The Energy Minister admitted the cost of the project would not be cheap but insisted it was needed to deal with potential disruption to gas supplies in the future  citing the bombing of the Nord Stream Pipeline last September.

The plan is to be examined in detail by Gas Networks Ireland (GNI) and it is expected a final decision will be made next year.

Mr Ryan said as part of plans to pay for the gas storage ship, the Government would be looking at a small charge on metered energy use. This means individual households will not have to pay as much as larger energy consumers, like businesses and large industrial operations.

He said the charge could take a similar form to the National Oil Reserves Agency levy, which is charged on petrol and diesel products.

Mr Ryan said the final detail will need to be worked out on whether or not this levy is paid by either gas or electricity customers, adding he aims to keep the costs down.

Asked where the ship could be located, Mr Ryan said this would be determined by GNI but it would need to be kept within deep water due to its size.

'It will not be cheap'

It will not be cheap, it is expensive. Its very large infrastructure, but I think we can get it at good value, at relatively low cost, Mr Ryan said, adding the Government would be careful with the public's money on this project.

Asked if he had received any concerns or pushback from within the Green Party over the plan, Mr Ryan said there had been an acceptance of the need for a State-led strategic storage facility.

I think all the conversations Ive had with environmental NGOs, our own party and with the opposition is broadly a recognition that that makes sense, Mr Ryan said.

Mr Ryan made the comments as he launched the Governments new energy security strategy, entitled 'Energy Security in Ireland to 2030'.

Among the key conclusions set out in the report is a call for Ireland to move towards becoming a net exporter of energy rather than a net importer.

Mr Ryan said this would be achieved by focusing more on renewable energy, including the development of offshore wind facilities.

When asked if the new plan would mean all future oil and gas exploration would be terminated, Mr Ryan said: The idea that we go out into the Atlantic, and its about 100m a well drilling, where the odds of finding something are 30, 40, 50 to one, is just not a sane investment or sane decision for any government.

We will go out and we will tap into what we know is a certainty, the development of offshore winds in the same waters.

Mr Ryan said Ireland is expected to reach 22 gigawatts of renewable power by the end of the decade, of which eight will be solar, nine would be onshore wind, and the remaining five offshore wind.
An interim examiner has been appointed by the High Court to several related companies that operate a number of well-known restaurants in Limerick and Cork that employ more than 200 people.

The application for the protection of the courts was made in relation to firms behind the award-winning Cornstore Restaurants in Cork and Limerick.

They also operate the casual-dining Coqbull restaurants, which are based in Limerick, Castletroy, and Cork.

The application to appoint an examiner was made after the group's main creditors the Swedish-based Proventus Capital Partners III KB fund appointed receivers over certain assets of businesses after its demand for payment of approximately 26.74m of the related companies debts was not made.

The companies seeking the appointment of an Examiner are Keep it Real Holdings DAC, Rosewalk Ltd, Coal Quay Restaurants Ltd, Winstore Restaurants Ltd, Burgerchick Cork Limited, Burgerchick Limerick Ltd, and Burgerchick Casteltroy Ltd.

The court heard that companies had been controlled by husband and wife Patrick and Linda Frawley, who are well known in the hospitality sector.

On Tuesday evening, Ms Justice Eileen Roberts said she was satisfied to appoint insolvency practitioner Mr Joesph Walsh of JW Accountants as interim examiner to the companies.

The judge said that it was accepted that the companies are currently insolvent and unable to pay their debts.

Marylebone Taverns Limited, which is a company owned by Mr Frawley petitioned the court seeking to have an examiner appointed to the seven companies.

Ross Gorman, for Marylebone, said that despite the firms' difficulties an Independent Expert's report, compiled by Cormac Mohan of FM Accountants, had stated that the businesses have a reasonable prospect of survival as a going concern if certain steps are taken.

In his report Mr Mohan said that the appointment of an examiner who would put together a scheme of arrangement with the creditors could see the businesses, which have been running for a long number of years and have been largely profitable and are well-run, survive as going concerns.

Counsel said that Mr Mohan had also stated in his report that the companies will also need additional investment.

Counsel said that there has already been one expression of interest from a potential investor, who has a long track record in the Irish hospitality sector.

Mr Gorman told the court that the source of the companies difficulties was the performance of other related companies in the group based in Britain.

Counsel said the group had entered into an arrangement with the Swedish-based fund to re-finance loans it had taken out for purposes including acquiring businesses in Britain.

The group's restaurants had also been badly hit by covid-19.

The British companies, which are not seeking the protection of the courts, fared worst of all during the pandemic, counsel said.

This was due to the fact the government supports in Ireland for businesses were far better than those on offer in Britain, counsel said.

The group's Irish businesses have been generally profitable and had been trying to service the debt of the related British restaurants.

Counsel said unfortunately the group has not been able to service the debt owed to the fund since December of 2022, and it was accepted that the entities were in default of the repayment obligations.

The parties had been working with each other to try and resolve the issues between them.

However, earlier this month, the fund sought repayments of 19m and 4.9m.

When this was not paid the fund appointed joint receivers over the shares of some of the companies seeking protection.

The joint receivers, who were put in place last Friday, also appointed new directors and secretaries to those companies, counsel said.

While the restaurants continue to trade, counsel said that the change of operators of the companies was of concern to his clients.

As a result counsel said that his side was seeking Mr Walsh's appointment, on an ex-parte basis, as well as orders requiring the joint receivers to cease acting and to hand back and books, records relating to the firms.

Ms Justice Roberts said that she was prepared to appoint Mr Walsh on an interim basis.

However, the court was not prepared to make an orders against the receivers at this stage of the proceedings.

The matter was adjourned to a date later this month, but the judge said the applicant could return to court before then should the need arise.
The Buffalo Common Council unanimously approved Tuesday an amendment to the City Charter that sets an earlier deadline by which the mayor's administration must submit the citys annual snow plan to the Council.

The deadline for the Department of Public Works to present the plan was moved from Nov. 1 to April 1.

The amendment goes to Mayor Byron Brown to sign it into law. Brown has 10 days after receipt to sign or veto the measure. If he does nothing, the item then would be enacted automatically, officials said.

Brown has said he believes April 1 is too early and unrealistic.

Some Council members had raised concerns about the Nov. 1 deadline, contending it was too late for a thorough review of the snow plan before winter weather arrives and for the allocation of funds.

University Council Member Rasheed Wyatt and North Council Member Joseph Golombek Jr. co-sponsored the measure to change the due date.

- Deidre Williams
Double standards as usual Its a cop out.

Those were the words of Sinn Fein TD John Brady as he heckled across the Dail chamber to Fianna Fail junior minister Sean Fleming, who explained why the Government would not support the referral of the Israeli government to the International Criminal Court (ICC).

While the chamber stayed silent as Mr Fleming began his speech, as he questioned why Sinn Fein was calling for an investigation, voices picked up on the opposition benches.

Mr Fleming said that it is unclear why Sinn Fein was calling for the ICC to investigate, citing that the court is already investigating the matter, adding that there would be no legal purpose.

Indeed it could also be viewed by some as attempting to politicise the issue, Mr Fleming said, leading to roars from the Sinn Fein benches.

The TDs were heckling the sparse Government benches, accusing them of being soft on Israel despite the Governments move to refer Russia to the ICC after their invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

However, the junior foreign affairs minister defended the Governments move, saying that any referral from Ireland would only seek to undermine the independence of the international court.

Making a referral to the ICC prosecutor that we do not believe is anything in legal and practical terms and which will be seen as undermining the court's independence and impartiality would, I believe, potentially damage Irelands credibility and undermine the principles that underpin our powers, Mr Fleming said.

Contributions were striking, with Sinn Feins Sean Crowe telling the Dail that by the time the two-hour debate concluded, 12 more children in Gaza would be killed in the ongoing barrage.

Darren ORourke, who took to wearing the Palestinian keffiyah in the chamber, said that the world is now bearing witness to genocide and war crimes, saying that it harked back to the Nakba  where Palestinians were expelled from their lands after the 1947 war with Israel.

Another Sinn Fein backbencher, Ruairi O Murchu, described the pulverisation of Palestinian civilians in Gaza.

This is a nuclear power that is pulverising a civilian Palestinian and pretending that Hamas is an existential threat to modern day Israel, Mr O Murchu said, before describing the actions of the Netanyahu government as chancerism meets absolute racism.

Earlier in the day, Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon told reporters that Ireland needed to go further on Israel, calling for sanctions to be levied against the State.

We will not stand by and be complicit. I dont think its appropriate for the State to stand back and be content by having the least bloody hands in the room. I think our position can be stronger than that, Mr Gannon said.

While there is disagreement within the Dail over whether or not to introduce sanctions or refer Israel to the ICC for war crimes, one thing that has echoed throughout the chamber from deputies is a call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.
A decent lad who made the mistake of seeing drug-dealing as a get-rich-quick scheme would be easy to detect if he got into this kind of trouble in the Banteer area again as it is not downtown Manhattan.

Detective Sergeant Micheal ORegan said the drugs were detected by Detective Garda Aidan Long and his colleagues at the home of Danny Kelleher at Lacklaun, Lyre, Banteer, County Cork, after 8 pm on July 27, 2021.

The man was present during the search of his home and a number of items were found, including cannabis wrapped in cling film behind the television, more in the bedroom and some hidden in the attic.

He made admissions. The packages were cannabis (herb) and cannabis resin.

On November 26, 2022, by arrangement, Mr Kelleher was interviewed on one occasion and he said he thought that selling drugs was a get-rich-quick scheme.

He would sell one-ounce bags of cannabis for 400. He was selling for a couple of months. The total value of the drugs was 10,871, Det Sgt ORegan said.

The detective said: He is a decent lad. He takes care of his father. He has absolutely nothing of this nature before or since. He was very easy to deal with. There was no hassle from the gentleman. He has a steady partner.

Defence barrister Emmet Boyle said the man was using a lot of cocaine at the time. The barrister said that if the man was misbehaving in any way the gardai in his area would know very quickly.

In the beautiful location where he is living he would easy enough to detect  it is not downtown Manhattan, Mr Boyle said.

I would ask you to let him work out his sentence in the community with his partner and look after his father, the barrister asked Judge James McCourt.

The judge said: I notice the very fair evidence from Det Sgt ORegan. You saw this as an easy way to make money. You now see the error of your ways. You took ownership of the criminality. I have to give you full credit for your cooperation, insight, and remorse, and your early plea of guilty.

The judge imposed a sentence of two years suspended on Mr Kelleher, who is in his early 20s, on condition that he keep the peace for two years.
A Limerick farmer has launched a High Court case in a bid to challenge permission for the expansion of facilities at a nearby factory over concerns about alleged stormwater discharge by it and others operating at the same industrial estate.

Former Limerick hurling manager Tom Ryan says his farm at Ballynoe, Mungret, has always frequently flooded due to water levels in the nearby Barnakyle River which, he claims, has increased outflow due to stormwater discharged into a feeder canal from Raheen Industrial Estate.

Following prompting by him, he alleges, Limerick City and County Council, the Environmental Protection Agency and IDA (Investment Development Agency) Ireland, which manages the industrial estate, began to investigate the water quality.

They have established there are pollutants discharging into Loughmore Canal but have not yet established who is responsible for this, he claims.

Mr Ryans High Court judicial review has been brought over An Bord Pleanalas grant of permission in September to major US chipmaker Analog Devices International for the construction of a liquid hydrogen storage tank, alterations to equipment and associated works at Ballynoe Road in the industrial park.

He is also challenging the boards approval last August for significant extensions by Analog at the same site.

Analog announced last May it would invest 630m in its research and development manufacturing plant in Limerick, creating 600 local jobs.

Cattle put down

A few years ago, Mr Ryan says, he became concerned about the quality of water discharging onto his lands during flooding periods, as he noticed a whitish residue and his cattle getting sick. Some of his herd developed growths on their faces, could not eat, and had to be put down, he says.

The vet was unable to identify the cause, but Mr Ryan says he believes it was due to alleged discharges from the industrial estate.

Both permissions to Analog are invalid, he claims, because the board misdirected itself in law as to whether an environmental impact assessment was required in considering part of the developments effects or the cumulative effects of these works, together with other developments in the area.

There is a further invalidation to the expansion approval due to the boards belief that monitoring of stormwater discharge under an integrated pollution control licence worked as a mitigation measure that would avoid adverse effects on the integrity of the Shannon Estuary special protection area.

He alleges the board failed to have proper regard to the local development plan when making its decision on the expansion.

Mr Ryans case was entered into the High Courts commercial planning and environmental list this week.

On the application of his senior counsel, James Devlin, instructed by FP Logue solicitor Eoin Brady, Mr Ryan also secured permission from Mr Justice Richard Humphreys to pursue his claim against An Bord Pleanala and various State parties, who were not opposed to the case entering the fast-track list.

The Environmental Protection Agency, a notice party in the case, was also neutral on entry to the list, its solicitor, Rory Ferguson of Fieldfisher, told the court. There was no answer in court from Analog, IDA Ireland or the local council, which are also notice parties.

Flooding of lands

In a sworn statement, Mr Ryan says flooding of his lands has always occurred, and the Office of Public Works carries out an arterial drainage scheme in the area. However, alleged discharge from the industrial estate entering a nearby canal, which eventually feeds into the Barnakyle River, has led to an increase in outflow and renewed flooding, he alleges.

He now believes the alleged discharges from the industrial estate are damaging his cattle, lands and livelihood and should be properly assessed before planning permission for new developments at the estate is granted.

He says he has spent many years trying to get the issue of water pollution addressed by the appropriate authorities to no avail. He is not against development at the industrial estate, having seen the benefits employment there has brought.

The case will return to court in two weeks.
A once-fraught trip to the shops just got a little easier for Noreen OCallaghan and her devoted carer, Helen Kehoe, with the launch of Ireland's first dementia-inclusive shopping centre.

Noreen, 79, who was diagnosed with dementia over a decade ago, burst into song with the Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Kieran McCarthy, at Mahon Point shopping centre in Cork on Tuesday as the Alzheimers Society of Ireland (ASI) began its first day of specialised dementia-inclusive training sessions for its retail staff to help them provide a welcoming and positive shopping environment to people living with dementia, and their families.

Helen said it will make a big difference to their lives.

Noreen's condition has evolved slowly over the last 10 years or so but she is more profoundly affected now," she said.

Twice she has wandered off  once when I left the key in the door at home, and another time when I was going to a garage and asked her to just walk behind, and when I turned around she was gone.

Thank God it worked out okay on both occasions, but now I dont take any chance with her. She has no personal freedom left anymore really.

I find when we come into shops, I am continuously explaining to staff that she has dementia, especially when she may behave inappropriately, or tell them long wandering stories.

But this initiative will take a huge weight off my shoulders, it will provide a real sense of security and comfort, knowing that staff have training to make them more conscious of dementia, more tuned in.

Noreen OCallaghan and Helen Kehoe. Picture: Chani Anderson

People like Noreen still need to be active as much as they can, and we need to encourage that activity, and give them as good a quality of life as possible and this will certainly help.

Cllr McCarthy told guests that the citys coat of arms on the mayoral chain, which dates from 1787, bears the Latin inscription, Statio Bene Fide Carinis, which translates as safe harbour for ships.

But some people have re-interpreted it as safe harbour for people, and what we are launching here this morning is about creating a safe place for people, he said.

Mahon Point shopping centre has over 60 shops, an Omniplex cinema, several restaurants and coffee shops. It also offers a weekly farmers market.

Its staff will undergo training and workshops to understand dementia and how to spot the signs and symptoms of dementia. They will also learn communication skills to communicate better with people with dementia, and skills on how to create a dementia-inclusive community.

The ASI will also deliver refresher training twice a year to maintain the skills of existing staff, and upskill new hires.

Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Kieran McCarthy and Mahon Point general manager Justin Young at the launch. Picture: Chani Anderson

ASIs head of operations, Siobhan OConnor, said it will help create a safe, comfortable and welcoming environment for people with dementia, and their families, and crucially, remove the stigma of dementia.

It takes a society to move forward, its a community response to make this happen and once we get out there, and start doing it in more places, then people with dementia, and their families, will be able to get out more with confidence, she said.

Mahon Points Adam Isherwood praised the buy-in to this initiative from all the individual retailers, especially in the run-up to their busy Christmas shopping period.
David Norris, the longest-serving senator in Irish history, will retire from politics in January.

Mr Norris told Trinity News that he would move to Cyprus after his retirement from the upper house and "pass the baton" on to younger generations.

Mr Norris is the Seanads longest-serving Senator and also holds the record for the longest continuous period of service in the Seanad.

He first started campaigning for equality in the 1970s and played an enormous role in the betterment of gay lives in Ireland since then.

He had changed the law when he challenged the ban on homosexuality in Irish courts and then in Europe, where the European Court of Human Rights found it violated the European Convention on Human Rights.

He was first elected to Seanad in 1987 and ran for President in 2011, where he finished fifth.

Fianna Fail senator and spokesperson on higher education Malcolm Byrne, paid tribute to Mr Norris.

Mr Byrne said: David Norris has made an outstanding contribution to Irish public life in so many ways. We must acknowledge his work as a Senator in his contribution to legislation and debates, in his tireless campaigning for East Timor and his wonderful advocacy for the works of James Joyce.

"He will be most associated, however, with the campaign for LGBT rights. In a way that personally benefitted me, Davids campaigning for the decriminalisation of homosexuality and for the greater participation of LGBT persons in Irish society, including through marriage equality, truly made a difference in the lives of so many.

I wish him well on his next Chapter in life and we are all grateful for his service.
On Friday morning, ActionAid Ireland heard from Buthaina Subeh, the director of one of its partner organisations in Gaza, the Wefaq Association for Women and Childcare (Wefaq).

Buthaina is currently in the south of Gaza, and she sent an audio message which she thought might not arrive because the internet was so weak. But it did.

The message painted a painful picture of life for Buthaina, her team and the people of Gaza due to the ongoing bombardments. She says basic essentials are no longer available. There is no drinking water, no electricity, no bread and families are surviving on one tin of tuna or tinned beef a day. Medical supplies are nearly non existent.

She says children will die of hunger and added: I tell you after the war is over you will hear of horrors way more than what you see now on TV.

ActionAid Ireland chief executive Karol Balfe, said Wefaq was playing an important role supporting families during the war, providing urgent counselling through hotlines, as well as distributing food parcels and non-food items.

But it is clear now that things are desperate, with no aid getting through for the team to distribute. There is also concern for their safety and wellbeing. Our thoughts are with the WEFAQ team and all of those on the frontline in Gaza trying to help those in huge need. And we thank the people of Ireland for their continuing support which is need more than ever now.

Palestinians wounded in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip are brought to a hospital in Khan Younis on Sunday. Picture: AP/Fatima Shbair

Here is Buthaina in her own words (edited): In Gaza, the basic [essentials] of life are not available. No drinking water, no electricity. No solar energy to operate generators and bakeries and desalination plants, and generators in hospitals.

"There is also no safety in Gaza after the occupying forces bombed schools, hospitals and churches. Even UNRWA [United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees] headquarters and the safe houses.

"[The] health situation, very tragically, has become very, very bad. Diseases spread in the rooms of the shelter centre, which contains thousands [of people].

"Most of the residents of Gaza and the north have been displaced to the southern region, especially Rafah and Khan Yunis  mostly Rafah. They believe it is the safest.

"We are talking to you while we are in our dark rooms, and I do not know whether my message will reach or not.

People in Gaza, in the shelters are missing a loaf of bread and drinking water. Even water for bathing, and water for managing life in homes.

"Whoever has money can barely [afford to] buy 2000-3000 litres [of water to fill their water tanks which is now] worth 200 shekels [48].

"We do not know if families can afford the high amounts of money to buy even the basic [items like] water and bread which are essentially non-existent as a result of the closure of most bakeries.

Unfortunately, salaries are [not being paid by authorities]. This greatly multiplies the problems. Now the malls and shops are empty of supplies. This means that even if there is the possibility of money [being] transferred [from outside Gaza] to buy food supplies, we will be unable to find basic foodstuffs.

"[There is] barely two or three [different foods] in [any] shop in Rafah. This applies to all the areas that are said to be 'safe'. We in Gaza are not safe.

"At night we can hardly sleep, as we wait [by the window]. It is possible that a missile [will] fall on us. And the house contains 30 to 40 people  [like] every house here.

"Now you hear the sound of drones very close by while I am recording this [message]. Of course, [there is bombing] day and night. You cannot imagine how terrifying [this is] for children.

"It is true that that we [Palestinians] are a steadfast people. We are a people who defy all difficulties. But what we are experiencing now in this war is exceptional.

"We live a life without life. We wait for death, moment by moment. There are many hungry people.

"There are people who cannot find medication. Cancer patients [who can't access treatment because bombs struck the only hospital where cancer patients are treated] suffer a lot.

Palestinians flee to the southern Gaza Strip on Salah al-Din Street in Bureij, Gaza Strip, on Saturday. Picture: AP/Fatima Shbair

"Today, I visited The agency's (Wefaqs) operations room. I heard a lot from the protection officer, about female cancer patients and what they are suffering from. And no one can do anything. There is no treatment, no medicine, and no safe place for them.

"And [its the] same for patients with kidney and chronic diseases. We can hardly find in the clinics treatment for blood pressure, aspirin and treatment for headaches and insulin treatment for diabetics.

"At the beginning of the war, through our work with the support of ActionAid, we helped [provide] food and sanitary and hygiene products, before the majority of the people were displaced from the north from Beit Hanoun and Beit Lahia, along with Central Gaza, to Rafah.

"We [have gone] 50 years back in time as we barely have flour, and can hardly provide small amounts of it. If we cannot [access] flour, how will we make bread?

"People are back to using clay ovens that were used in the past to using firewood and baking bread in the streets, even in shelter centres. Rooms are used for cooking and baking, to be able to provide food for the children in shelters.

"Can you imagine that throughout the whole day one child would get a very small [piece] of bread while an adult would get two, for the whole day. Nonetheless, people have been patient and accepted the cruel circumstances.

Palestinians look for survivors following an Israeli airstrike in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, on Sunday. Picture: AP /Fatima Shbair

"But the fuel and diesel shortage stopped all bakeries. The only food available is tinned tuna. A single tuna can or one can of tinned beef is given to a family per day.

"Our volunteers are putting [in] so much effort to make food in vast amounts. Our volunteers are our pride and joy, but how much longer can they work for? How much more of their own money can they give to provide [enough] food [so that other] people [can] survive?

I tell you after the war is over, you will hear of horrors way more than what you see now on TV. You will find hundreds of thousands of sick people, people with chronic diseases  people who suffer from cancer and kidney disease will soon be dead. All will perish.

"Children will die of hunger. Not to mention, [there are] various issues in shelters, homes, and [on the] streets.

"Let this occupation be over, for all this suffering to end. Today we were supposed to receive supplies and aid from the Red Crescent through Rafah crossing. We prepared for it [and] despite our fears we all went to help people with whatever we could.

"But after we were told to prepare ourselves to receive the aid, Israeli authorities denied those trucks access through the crossing."

You can support the work of ActionAid Ireland at actionaid.ie
In 2007, I found myself in a car with Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas and then-Israeli president Shimon Peres en route to Turkeys Grand National Assembly.

During their historic visit to Ankara, which I had the privilege of hosting, both leaders addressed the Turkish parliament, advocating peace and a two-state solution. This was just two years after Turkey launched its Industry for Peace project, which sought to rehabilitate the Erez industrial park in Gaza.

When my Palestinian and Israeli counterparts and I endorsed this initiative, we were all optimistic that developing the Palestinian economy would pave a path toward sustainable peace in the region.

Regrettably, this dream was extinguished by Israels decision that year to impose a land, sea, and air blockade on Gaza.

Sixteen years later, having witnessed the events of October 7 and its aftermath, I am once again overcome by disappointment and sorrow over this lost opportunity for lasting peace.

October 7 a turning point

October 7 marks a major turning point in Israeli-Palestinian relations, with far-reaching domestic, regional, and global implications. At this critical juncture, we must ask ourselves: Are we truly committed to maintaining a rules-based international order rooted in shared values, or are we prepared for a fragmented and polarised world where these values are obsolete?

Make no mistake: I unequivocally condemn the loss of civilian lives on both sides. Hamass killing and abduction of Israeli civilians must not be endorsed under any circumstances.

At the same time, the disproportionate response of Israeli prime minister Binyamin Netanyahus government will not only lead to more violence and suffering across the region but also fuel the spread of hatred and division around the world. Ultimately, it is civilians who suffer the consequences.

The tragic events unfolding in Gaza should not come as a surprise. Neglecting the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has never been sustainable, especially as the plight of Palestinians worsens by the day.

Israels ongoing occupation of Palestinian territories, aggravated by its illegal and pernicious expansion of settlements in the West Bank, contravenes United Nations Security Council resolutions, undermines the foundational principles of international law, and violates established human-rights norms.

Moreover, the ongoing blockade of Gaza has segregated and traumatised the enclaves 2.3 million inhabitants, depriving them of basic necessities.

Palestinians flee to the southern Gaza Strip on Salah al-Din Street in Bureij, Gaza Strip, on Saturday. Picture: AP/Fatima Shbair

Making matters worse, the West and even the Arab world have grown accustomed to this grim status quo. This historic miscalculation has stoked Palestinians anger, setting the stage for the current conflict.

In 1999, as a member of parliament on a fact-finding mission to the Gaza Strip established by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, I saw the helplessness in the eyes of Palestinian children and women. Our report highlighted the untenable living conditions and mounting frustration among the Palestinian populace.

Rifts more entrenched

In my subsequent visits as Turkeys foreign minister and president, it was evident that the situation had worsened, as the political rifts driving this enduring conflict became even more entrenched.

Over the past five decades, the international community has failed to champion the only viable solution: the establishment of two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace.

As opportunities slipped by, conditions on the ground deteriorated rapidly.

Today, Palestinian children are reportedly writing farewell letters to their families as they prepare for the possibility of losing their lives in an Israeli bombardment. This state of affairs is bound to breed even more despair and animosity.

Israels tactics in Gaza obviously violate the laws of war. Depriving Gazans of electricity, water, and food, as well as targeting residential areas, hospitals, mosques, churches, schools, and refugee camps, is incompatible with the Geneva Conventions and their additional protocols. These attacks are nothing short of a war crime, and history will undoubtedly hold those responsible to account.

An Israeli artillery crew fires from a field near the border with the Gaza Strip on Tuesday. Picture: Gil Cohen-Magen/AFP via Getty Images

Given its conduct, it is baffling that Israel has managed to retain the steadfast support of Western countries, particularly the United States.

Those who blindly support Israels actions should ask themselves: If we do not uphold the territorial integrity of Palestine, how can we convincingly defend Ukraines?

If you do not respect international law, how will you remain credible? This double standard undermines the rules-based global order and plays into the hands of authoritarian leaders and extremist movements that thrive on exploiting such inconsistencies.

Viable path forward

Avoiding this scenario will require adherence to international law and the relevant UN Security Council resolutions. The 2002 Arab Peace Initiative, which has been endorsed by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and notably also embraced by Iran, represents a viable path forward and offers a realistic framework for upholding Palestinians rights and dignity.

But first, we must stop the bloodshed and demand an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. UN secretary-general Antonio Guterress efforts to draw attention to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, even amid the veto wars at the Security Council, are commendable.

Additionally, the contribution of Turkish foreign minister Hakan Fidan, known for his deep understanding of Middle East dynamics, will be crucial to achieving a peaceful resolution.

To prevent further violence and suffering, an honest and constructive approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is imperative. Effective diplomacy, underpinned by a strong sense of regional responsibility, represents the best way forward.

The current war in Gaza is a test of our commitment to a rules-based international order. Now more than ever, we must rely on the moral compass of international law to guide our actions.
The leaking of RTEs strategic plan for its own survival is emblematic of the ineptitude, self-absorption and hubris which have been the hallmarks of this entirely self-inflicted scandal.

True, RTE has been in need of a cash injection for years. Its now departed director general Dee Forbes regularly told the Oireachtas so, in the relatively golden times before the Ryan Tubridy payments scandal brought the broadcaster to its knees.

However, the fact that RTEs cash struggles have been exacerbated by that farrago, which erupted last June, is undeniable, specifically over the licence revenue collapse, ironically a system which Ms Forbes repeatedly claimed was already unusable.

The broadcaster is set to seek nearly 400 redundancies, losing fully a fifth of its staff, over the next four years, at a cost of 40m. Details of that redundancy plan leaked on Monday evening. It is no joke for an employee to learn of something as seismic as a redundancy drive from the media, rather than from their own employer. As usual the rank-and-file staff at RTE were an afterthought, playthings on a political chessboard.

In return for this economy drive, RTE will get its 56m in bailout funding from the Government (finally approved on yesterday morning) in order to remain solvent throughout 2024.

Can RTE afford to lose that many staff? In truth, it probably can. Late last summer, one former senior staffer at the station told me that hundreds of job losses are coming in the next five years, theyll be forced upon them, and that the optimum employee headcount at RTE would be 1,200. Those statements have proven to be remarkably prescient, Regardless, the broadcaster has its bailout. Will it be enough?

Only time will tell, though questions certainly remain over the ability of its management division to make sound financial decisions to ensure its future.

The figures are eye-watering, but also do not seem to tally: a bailout of 56m, redundancy costs of 40m, a 61m loss in licence fee revenue by the end of 2024. You suspect that Mondays bombshell news may not be the last difficult announcement RTEs employees have to deal with in the next year, particularly if the voluntary redundancy scheme is undersubscribed.

It may seem unfair to rake over the coals of the Tubridy payments saga, but the release last Friday of a summary of the infamous May 7 memo bears mention. It consists of a handwritten summary of a Microsoft teams meeting between Ms Forbes and Mr Tubridys agent Noel Kelly on May 7 2020 at which the infamous tripartite deal to pay Mr Tubridy 225,000 over three years via hidden payments was rubberstamped.

Kevin Bakhurst, surely a shoo-in for this years sold a pup grand prize, fought long and hard for that memo to be suppressed for legal and confidentiality reasons. He argued that all salient facts regarding that meeting were already in the public domain. When the summary of the memo, compiled by solicitors Arthur Cox, was finally released, it immediately became clear that Mr Bakhursts take on the memo was at best charitable.

Reading through the summary, the wording is striking. RTEs representatives at the meeting state that to officially underwrite the tripartite deal with Renault would compromise what we are trying to achieve.

Likewise, they say the deal (which ended up being underwritten by RTE anyway) could only be confirmed orally, as to do so in writing would negate what were trying to do.

RTE was well aware that were the Tubridy deal to become public it would be a public relations disaster. Ms Forbes went on to commit to personally ensuring that a portion of the Late Late Shows sponsorship would always be apportioned to Mr Tubridy.

Why on earth were these assurances given? While its clear that Mr Tubridy had a large fanbase and was good at his job, the early JNLR figures for his radio show, for example, suggest the old adage applies: nobody is irreplaceable. Why could RTE not countenance a situation where the man wasnt being paid over 500,000 a year?

Ms Forbes has been suffering from ill health since the scandal broke and since her own resignation, precluding an explanation of how this call was made being given to the Oireachtas. That explanation, should it ever emerge, will be of great interest.

Then there is Mr Tubridy. He is blameless regarding the 120,000 by which RTE initially said his salary had been understated between 2017 and 2019, only for it to later emerge that the anomaly was a direct result of RTEs own questionable accounting decisions.

However, he stood over the tripartite deal, and most importantly he kept quiet when his salary was understated by RTE publicly in the subsequent years. Now public confidence in the broadcaster has evaporated, and hundreds of Mr Tubridys former colleagues are set to lose their jobs.

While he may have believed he was worth the extra money, its unlikely he or anybody else believes 400 people should pay for that with their jobs.

It was arrogance and unchecked daft decisions which laid RTE low.

The broadcaster may never fully recover and, whatever form it takes when rising from the ashes, it could be a pale shadow of what went before.
The Cabinet reshuffle which saw the return of former British prime minister David Cameron and the dismissal of Suella Braverman as home secretary has been labelled a risk and a gamble by the nations newspapers.

The balancing act British prime minister Rishi Sunak has attempted between the different wings of the Conservative Party is assessed in various titles.

The Daily Telegraph says Mr Sunak is gambling with the Conservative Partys very survival with Sherelle Jacobs asking if he has made the gamble of his career.

Has Sunak destroyed the careful balance of power upon which his position is based? she asked.

Well find out very soon whether Sunak has gambled with a full comprehension of the stakes. For now we can only gape slightly dumbfounded at British politics latest shock turn.

Writing for the Telegraph, former Cabinet member Jacob Rees-Mogg argues the former home secretary was sacked for being right and for following Conservative policy and principles too loudly for the refined tastes and sensitivities of the Prime Minister.

He said: The sacking of Suella Braverman removes a champion of orthodox conservative policy that is popular in the country.

Many Tories will view this reshuffle and feel that the Prime Minister does not want to deal with their concerns.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and former home secretary Suella Braverman (PA)

The Times argues that the appointment of Mr Cameron risks playing into Labours hands by confirming the Oppositions assertion that Mr Sunaks administration is just the latest incarnation of 13 years of Tory government.

It says Ms Braverman expected to be sacked and felt she would be better off outside the cabinet than within given the carnage that the Tories face over the next year.

The risk of a confrontation with the right of the party, the paper said, could balance on the Supreme Court judgment on the Rwanda asylum policy.

Sunaks calculation as he reshapes his government is that he has the political strength to quash any rebellion from the right, it said. If the Rwanda decision goes against the government on Wednesday his mettle is likely to be tested.

The paper adds the appointment of Esther McVey to an anti-woke role in the Cabinet was designed to keep hardliners on side.

The Daily Mail describes the reshuffle as Rishis big throw of the dice with Richard Littlejohn arguing that Mr Sunak has underscored his own inherent weakness.

Out of ideas, out of touch with Tory voters and rapidly running out of road, its difficult to see what this bizarre last throw of the dice is supposed to achieve, he said.

Cabinet reshuffle

The Daily Express says Ms Braverman has been liberated to become the peoples champion while Sam Lister said the return of Mr Cameron has dragged them back 10 years.

Sacking Suella Braverman and reviving the career of David Cameron has sent a message to the right of the party, and in particular those representing the Red Wall, that he has given up on them, he said.

Kevin Maguire labels the reshuffle pantomime politics in the Daily Mirror, declaring that Christmas is coming early for Keir Starmer and Labour as Mr Sunak has punctured his entire Downing Street change plan to present himself as a new, fresh leader.

The Guardian calls it a high-stakes reshuffle with Pippa Crerar saying it has fanned the flames of rebellion.

Camerons appointment indicates a determined strategic tilt from Sunak towards shoring up the blue wall, with polls showing that many voters in the Tory heartlands backed the prime minister because they thought he would be a Cameron mark two, she wrote.

In The Sun, Harry Cole said Mr Camerons return on the same day as Ms Braverman is sacked is a big signal from the centre on the direction of travel No 10 now wants to go.

Further afield, the New York Times echoes the view that Mr Sunak has taken a gamble with another reset and a swerve to centre.

It said he had tried various gambits to address his partys unpopularity with voters but none seem to have worked.

While bringing back Mr Cameron is a political gamble, Mr Sunak may have judged the risk worthwhile, it said. He has limited time to win back voters, or possibly even to limit the scale of a defeat in the looming election.

Le Monde asked if the appointment of the former prime minister was an attempt to limit the discontent of Bravermans many right-wing supporters, by making her firing less personal.

It said while Mr Cameron passes for a moderate Conservative and is known on the international scene, his legacy is controversial  to say the least.

The Sydney Morning Herald describes his return as a gamble with uncertain pay-off, while The Australian says Mr Sunaks call to one of his predecessors was seen as desperate rather than inspired.
A murder victim dubbed the woman with the flower tattoo has been identified after 31 years following an international appeal for information.

The body of a woman was found against a grate in a river in Antwerp, Belgium on June 3, 1992, with evidence showing she had been murdered.

She remained unidentified for more than three decades, despite having a tattoo on her left forearm of a black flower with green leaves and with RNick written underneath.

Belgian, Dutch and German police launched a joint appeal with Interpol in May, Operation Identify Me, attempting to identify 22 women who are believed to have been murdered.

On her left forearm, the woman had a tattoo of a black flower with green leaves and R'NICK written underneath. She wore a t-shirt (dark blue, purple and light green) with the inscription SPLINTER and 1990, dark blue Adidas training trousers with three green stripes and dark walking shoes, size 40, brand DAG.

The appeal led to the identification of Rita Roberts, after a family member saw details of her distinctive tattoo and contacted police.

Ms Roberts, who moved to Antwerp from Cardiff in February 1992 when she was 31, last had contact with her relatives via a postcard sent in May that year.

Her family said in a statement: The news was shocking and heartbreaking. Our passionate, loving and free-spirited sister was cruelly taken away.

There are no words to truly express the grief we felt at that time, and still feel today.

Whilst the news has been difficult to process, we are incredibly grateful to have uncovered what happened to Rita.

We miss her deeply but are thankful for the excellent support and care of Belgium Missing Persons, Antwerp Police, Interpol and Durham Police in the UK.

This cross-border collaboration has given a missing girl back her identity, and enabled the family to know she is at rest.

Belgian police are appealing for anyone with information about the circumstances surrounding her death to get in touch via the Interpol website.

The statement from her family continued: Rita was a beautiful person who adored travelling. She loved her family, especially her nephews and nieces, and always wanted to have a family of her own.

She had the ability to light up a room, and wherever she went, she was the life and soul of the party. We hope that wherever she is now, she is at peace.

Interpol secretary general Jurgen Stock said: After 31 years an unidentified murdered woman has been given her name back and some closure has been brought to her family. Such cases underline the vital need to connect police worldwide, especially when missing persons are involved.
Erie County may be financially healthy at the moment, but Comptroller Kevin Hardwick is waiving the yellow caution flag and warning of the potential for expenses to outstrip revenue in two years unless changes are made.

His 14-page letter about County Executive Mark Poloncarzs proposed 2024 budget offered a gloomy forecast, citing the 56 new jobs added; new contractual raises, promotions, overtime costs and cost-of-living expenses for employees; skyrocketing expenses related to Erie County Medical Center; and sharp growth in unfunded state mandates and discretionary spending not offset by new revenue.

Due to substantial increases in County spending over the past four years, as well as New York State actions to shift mandated spending onto county governments, the County faces budget gaps starting in 2025 that I believe must be addressed now, Hardwick wrote in a letter to the County Legislature.

The spending plan, which crossed the $2 billion mark for this year and is slated to exceed $2 billion next year, would grow the general fund budget by 9%. Due to a compromise reached with County Legislature Republicans, the amount of money the county collects in property taxes would fall slightly.

But rising and recurring expenses are undeniably putting a greater strain on the budget, according to the comptrollers analysis. High sales tax revenue has prevented county taxpayers from feeling any fallout, but Hardwick said a recession could change that dynamic.

Sales tax is running good right now, but you never know, he said. Were very much dependent on our sales tax in Erie County. We get about twice as much from our sales tax as we do from our property tax, so a recession is going to put us in tough times.

County Deputy Budget Director Mark Cornell also expressed concerns Tuesday about rising, anticipated costs and falling revenue down the road, though there are no plans to dip into county reserves for next year.

While we dont necessarily project major storms ahead, we certainly see clouds forming on the horizon, Cornell said Tuesday during the Legislatures budget hearings.

He noted that while sales tax revenue was earlier estimated to be growing by 4.6%, that growth has now fallen to 3%, leaving less of a revenue cushion for unanticipated expenses. Real estate taxes are also falling.

The Comptrollers Office analysis highlighted a number of major, rising costs.

Personnel costs and OT

The 2024 county budget would add 64 new positions and 27 promotions, according to the Comptrollers Office. The county administration states that with the elimination of some jobs, the net gain is 46 positions, half of which are in the offices of independent county leaders: the sheriff, clerk, comptroller and district attorney. The Sheriffs Office alone accounts for 19 new positions.

Due to recently negotiated union contracts, the administration anticipates a $47 million increase to personnel expenses. In addition, county administrators have increasingly been asking for County Legislature approval to pay incoming candidates more money than what the job or civil service title would normally allow because of difficulty recruiting and retaining county employees.

The comptrollers letter notes the proposed budget includes resolutions to increase pay for certain types of jobs, including full-time and seasonal positions, to assist with recruitment efforts.

Overtime costs also continue to outpace budget projections. The greatest overtime concerns remain with the Erie County Sheriffs Office. Though more jobs were added to the Sheriffs Office to address overtime issues, Sheriff John Garcia said the new positions were difficult to fill. Overtime is once again going to substantially exceed what has been budgeted despite the substantial addition of new positions.

State mandates

The state has placed millions of dollars worth of additional financial burdens on Erie County, some of which have already taken effect.

Those include increased county costs to Social Services for foster care and child care expenses, special needs services and Medicaid payments, according to the comptrollers analysis. While some of these costs are being offset by state reimbursements, those reimbursements fall short of rising costs by millions of dollars. The state has also increased the pay rates for lawyers appointed to represent poor clients. Those costs will increase the countys burden this year by $10 million.

State-mandated costs are expected to continue to place a greater burden on county finances in future years.

New programs

The county has voluntarily embarked on new programs and benefits to serve county needs, which will also grow county expenses, the comptrollers letter noted.

That includes the new county ambulance service, designed to assist rural communities, particularly in the Southtowns, at a cost of $3.6 million next year. The county also negotiated a better pension plan for Sheriffs Office deputies and corrections officers that will cost $2 million a year going forward to help recruit and retain employees, particularly for the two county jails.

The budget proposes decreases to cultural agencies over last years adopted budget, but that does not count the many nonprofits and cultural agencies that legislators push back into the budget as part of the budget negotiations and approval process.

ECMC payments

Both the comptroller and the administrations budget office express deep concern about rising payments made to the Erie County Medical Center for the care of uninsured and underinsured patients. The subsidy each year is estimated in the tens of millions of dollars and must be paid when the bill is sent. But the timing for when those bills arrive is unpredictable and often delayed, making it hard to plan for. The administration is projecting ECMC payments of more than $70 million a year in the countys four-year financial plan.

So far this year, the county has paid $56.4 million, some of which had been set aside last year, according to the administration. Nevertheless, the trendline of rising ECMC payments continues to be troubling.

Community college charges

The issue with community college expenses is not a major cost to the county budget, but it is a noteworthy mention in the comptrollers letter because it affects property taxes.

When Poloncarz reached a deal with Republican county legislators to hold the line on property taxes, what was apparently not known was that the administration would offset some of the property tax cut by shifting $4.4 million in community college fees to cities and towns.

This is a complicated concept involving local residents who attend out-of-county community colleges. For instance, when Erie County residents attend Niagara County Community College, Niagara County wont pay the county portion of their tuition. In the past, that meant town governments in Amherst, Tonawanda and Grand Island  which border Niagara County  often had to pay more to subsidize local students who chose to attend Niagara County Community College.

To even out the community college chargeback burden on certain communities, Poloncarz agreed years ago to spread more of that tax burden across the entire county tax base so that certain municipalities werent disproportionately affected. For 2024, however, the county doesnt plan to absorb those fees.
A Russian court has fined Google for failing to store personal data on its Russian users, the latest in a series of penalties issued against the technology giant amid tensions between Russia and the West over the war in Ukraine.

A magistrate at Moscows Tagansky district court fined Google 15 million rubles (133,000) on Tuesday after the company repeatedly refused to store personal data on Russian citizens in Russia.

Google was previously fined over the same charges in August 2021 and June 2022 under a Russian law that obliges foreign entities to localise the personal data of their Russian users.

The US tech giant was also ordered to pay a 3 million ruble (26,600) fine in August for failing to delete allegedly false information about the conflict in Ukraine.

However, Russia can do little to collect the fine, because Googles Russia business was effectively shut down last year after Moscow sent troops into Ukraine.

The company has said it filed for bankruptcy in Russia after its bank account was seized by the authorities, leaving it unable to pay staff and suppliers.

Russian courts have also fined Apple and the Wikimedia Foundation, which hosts Wikipedia.

Since sending troops into Ukraine in February 2022, Russian authorities have taken a slew of measures to stifle any criticism of the military campaign.

Some critics have received severe punishments.

Opposition figure Vladimir Kara-Murza was sentenced this year to 25 years in prison for treason stemming from speeches he made against Russias actions in Ukraine.
A man convicted over the 2006 killing of Russian investigative journalist Anna Politkovskaya received a presidential pardon after he did a stint fighting in Ukraine, his lawyer has said.

Sergei Khadzhikurbanov was sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2014 for his role as an accomplice in the killing of Ms Politkovskaya, 48.

She worked for the independent newspaper Novaya Gazeta and wrote stories critical of Kremlin policies during the early years of President Vladimir Putins term, the war in Chechnya and human rights abuses.

Ms Politkovskaya was shot and killed in the lift of her Moscow apartment block, triggering outrage at home and in the West, and emphasising the dangers faced by independent journalists in Russia.

For us, this pardon is not evidence of atonement and repentance of the killer. This is a monstrous fact of injustice. ... It is an outrage to the memory of a person killed for her beliefs and professional duty

Her death on October 7, Mr Putins birthday, led to suggestions the shooting  in which the Kremlin denied any role  was done to curry favour with the president.

Four others were also convicted over the killing: gunman Rustam Makhmudov and his uncle, Lom-Ali Gaitukayev, who received life in prison, and two of Makhmudovs brothers, who received 12 and 14 years.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, private military contractors and the Defence Ministry have offered prisoners their freedom in exchange for fighting in the war.

Khadzhikurbanov, a former police detective, was released last year to fight in Ukraine and then signed a Defence Ministry contract to continue serving after his pardon, his lawyer Alexei Mikhalchik told The Associated Press (AP).

He was offered a command position in the military because he was in the special forces in the late 1990s and was in almost all the hot spots, Mr Mikhalchik said.

Dmitry Muratov, editor-in-chief of Novaya Gazeta, and Ms Politkovskayas children, Vera and Ilya, condemned Khadzhikurbanovs release.

For us, this pardon is not evidence of atonement and repentance of the killer. This is a monstrous fact of injustice.  It is an outrage to the memory of a person killed for her beliefs and professional duty, they said.

Mr Muratov said the victims in this case  the children of Anna Politkovskaya and the editors  were not told in advance about the pardon.

Those sentenced, even on grave charges, shed their blood on the battlefield to atone for their crimes. They redeem themselves by shedding blood in assault brigades, under bullet fire and shelling

They also condemned Russian authorities for using the law according to its own perverted understanding, by giving long prison sentences to political opponents while setting murderers free.

Mr Muratov won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2021 but this year was declared by Russian authorities to be a foreign agent, continuing the countrys moves to suppress critics and independent reporting.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said earlier this month that convicts recruited to fight in Ukraine are worthy of pardons.

He said: Those sentenced, even on grave charges, shed their blood on the battlefield to atone for their crimes.

They redeem themselves by shedding blood in assault brigades, under bullet fire and shelling.

Mr Mikhalchik said he was happy his client was freed because he never believed he was involved in killing Ms Politkovskaya.

Mr Muratov told the AP that while Khadzhikurbanov was not the direct perpetrator of the murder of Anna Politkovskaya, no investigation has taken place to establish who was behind it.

There is no justice. There is no law. There are no human rights. Nothing. Just total violence

The person who ordered it is free, and the accomplice to the crime has been pardoned. This is all that can be said about the protection of freedom of speech in Russia, he said.

Mr Muratov noted it was the second recent example of a prisoner convicted over a killing winning his freedom after serving in Ukraine.

Vera Pekhteleva, 23, was killed in January 2020 by her boyfriend after ending their relationship.

The man convicted over her death, Vladislav Kanyus, was pardoned in April, according to lawyer and human rights advocate Alena Popova.

Ms Pekhtelevas family discovered Kanyus was free when her mother saw online photos of him wearing camouflage and holding a weapon, Ms Popova said on her Telegram channel.

There is no justice. There is no law. There are no human rights. Nothing. Just total violence, Ms Popova told AP in response to the news about the release of Khadzhikurbanov.
The US has said it has unspecified intelligence that Hamas and another Palestinian militant group use some hospitals in the Gaza Strip  including Shifa Hospital  and tunnels underneath them to hide and support their military operations and to hold hostages.

The White Houses national security council spokesperson John Kirby said the US does not support strikes against hospitals.
Courteney Cox said she is so grateful for every moment with late actor Matthew Perry, sharing a favourite clip from their time together on Friends.

Cox played Monica Geller in the hit US sitcom starring opposite Perry in his role as witty Chandler Bing, with the characters first becoming romantically involved during a trip to London before getting married and adopting children later in the series.

In her first solo statement since the death of Perry on October 28, Cox shared a video of the pair filming the London scene in which the studio audiences unmistakable reaction could be heard.

She said: When you work with someone as closely as I did with Matthew, there are thousands of moments I wish I could share. For now heres one of my favourites.

To give a little backstory, Chandler and Monica were supposed to have a one night fling in London. But because of the audiences reaction, it became the beginning of their love story.

In this scene, before we started rolling, he whispered a funny line for me to say. He often did things like that. He was funny and he was kind.

Cox added: I am so grateful for every moment I had with you Matty and I miss you every day.

It comes after fellow Friends co-star Matt LeBlanc, who played Perrys on-screen best friend Joey Tribbiani, also paid tribute.

LeBlanc shared a selection of pictures, which showed the pair in their roles, writing: Matthew. It is with a heavy heart I say goodbye.

The times we had together are honestly among the favourite times of my life.

It was an honour to share the stage with you and to call you my friend.

I will always smile when I think of you and Ill never forget you. Never.

Spread your wings and fly brother youre finally free.

Much love. And I guess youre keeping the 20 bucks you owe me.

LeBlanc and Cox gathered alongside castmates David Schwimmer, Lisa Kudrow and Jennifer Aniston for Perrys funeral service at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park on November 3, according to US reports.

In a joint statement to US publication People, Perrys fellow co-stars said they were utterly devastated and described their relationship as more than just cast mates. We are a family.

Other more minor cast members paid tribute following Perrys death.

Maggie Wheeler, who played Chandlers on-and-off girlfriend Janice Hosenstein, said in an Instagram statement that she felt blessed to have spent creative moments with Perry.

Simpsons voice actor Hank Azaria, who played Phoebes love interest David in several episodes of the show, said in a video posted to his social media that his genius friend Perry had helped to get him sober.

Matthew Perry died at the age of 54 (Ian West/PA)

In 2022, Perry had released his memoir Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing where he spoke candidly on dealing with an addiction to drugs and alcohol.

Following his death, the Matthew Perry Foundation was set up in the stars memory, promising to continue his commitment to helping others struggling with the disease of addiction.

Los Angeles police had responded to a radio call just after 4pm on October 28 for a death investigation of a male in his 50s, the PA news agency understands.

A statement from Captain Erik Scott of the Los Angeles Fire Department to PA said they found a male unconscious in a stand-alone Jacuzzi.
Myanmars junta troops and police in Rakhine State abandoned nearly 40 positions on Monday under Arakan Army (AA) attacks as part of Operation 1027.

The AA breached an informal ceasefire agreed with the junta last November with attacks in five locations across three Rakhine townships on Monday.

The AA said it had seized the Done Pike border outpost and the Chain Khar Li camp in Rathedaung Township.

Two more clashes with regime forces broke out in Minbya Township on Monday and 10 Light Infantry Battalion 344 troops, including Major Thant Zin Tun, the deputy commander, were captured by the AA.

Another 10 junta troops were reportedly killed in the clashes.

The AA said it clashed with Light Infantry Battalion 232 in Maungdaw Township on Monday, killing 14 junta troops, including the commander, and capturing a soldier along with weapons and ammunition.

Six resistance fighters were purportedly killed in the clashes.

The Irrawaddy could not independently verify the reports.

The AA said 22 junta police officers at A Pauk Wa village police station in Kyauktaw Township surrendered with their weapons. Six more junta police from another two junta bases also surrendered, the armed group said.

Junta Battalion 539 later shelled A Pauk Wa, killing three villagers and injuring many others, according to Western News.

Khaing Thu Kha, the AAs spokesman, told the Narinjara media group that all regime personnel who want to see their families should surrender.

We will take care of them and help them to reunite with their families, he said.

On Tuesday, AA troops attempted to seize two large junta bases in Paletwa Township but faced regime shelling and airstrikes.

Junta bases shelled civilian areas in Rathedaung, Minbya, Kyauktaw, Ponnagyun, Mrauk U and Sittwe townships on Monday night, according to media reports.
SYDNEYDays after Myanmars military ousted Daw Aung San Suu Kyis government in February 2021, an Australian economist working with her received an anonymous email telling him the police were watching his room and that he should flee.

Sean Turnell, an economics professor at Macquarie University, was detained soon after, as the military launched a sweeping and bloody crackdown on democracy protests and those who had worked with Daw Aung San Suu Kyis government.

Accused of being a spy and convicted by a junta-run court in a case slammed by rights groups, Turnell served 650 days in prison in Myanmar before being pardoned and released last year.

In an interview with AFP marking the publication of his new book about the ordeal, he recounted feeling he might not make it out alive, being a co-defendant with Nobel laureate Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the most memorable birthday cake ever.

The warning email he received from A Secret Friend came too late and he was arrested at his hotel shortly afterwardswhile giving an interview to the BBC.

Held first in a police station in Yangon, he could still hear the banging of pots and pans that marked the early protests against the coup, he wrote in An Unlikely Prisoner.

Of the weeks-long investigation into him by the police and military: I can only use that overused label of Kafkaesque, he told AFP in Sydney.

Once, he was presented with a document marked confidential and asked how it had come into his possession.

It was a document he had written as part of his work for the government, he explained.

I said, Look, I had it because it was mine. I wrote it. And they said, Well, it doesnt matter. You shouldnt have had it.

And so at that moment, you know, I realized not for the first, not for the last time that I was way beyond the looking glass.

Away from the interrogations, life in prison was hard and lonely, Turnell told AFP, adding he received minimal health attention.

During the steamy monsoon season, he described being damp and hot and, all at the same time, your food goes moldy, insects and rats and other rodents come.

The health risk factors were to the max, he said. I was worried about that. I thought I just might die there.

Amid the darkness, there were lighter moments too.

On his 58th birthday, his fellow inmates did the impossible and made him a birthday cake in a makeshift oven.

They somehow managed to get some flour and water and various other things, which you werent even sure what they were, some raisins and other things, and made this cake, he said.

It was the most wonderful cake imaginable.

On trial with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi

Turnell was later moved to a prison in the military-built capital Naypyitaw, where Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was his co-defendant in his trial for allegedly breaching the countrys official secrets act.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991 for her opposition to a previous junta, was detained on the morning of the coup and hit with a raft of other charges.

She has been largely hidden from view since the coup, appearing only in grainy state media photos, with Turnell one of the handful of people to interact with her.

She was incredibly strong throughout their trial, he said.

She was, I think more concerned to keep the spirits up of the people, like me, charged alongside her, than she was about her own situation.

The compound she was being kept in was marginally better than the cell of an average political prisoner, he said, but added he still worried about the health of the 78-year-old.

During the days they were together, they talked about literature, movies and what little they could glean about world affairs, he said.

They were each jailed for three years on official secrets charges and Turnell was preparing for another Christmas away from his family.

Then a pardon came out of the blue, and he was released alongside three other high-profile foreign prisonersformer British ambassador Vicky Bowman, Japanese journalist Toru Kubota and Myanmar-US citizen Kyaw Htay Oo.

Back in Australia, he spoke to the media about the conditions he was kept in and about the juntas ongoing bloody crackdown.

He said he later learned this had upset the junta, which rescinded his pardon, making him technically a wanted man in Myanmar again, which was a real shock.

I hasten to add it hasnt dampened my enthusiasm nor sense of duty about speaking out on Myanmar, he said.
Tens of thousands of people remain trapped in the Kayah State capital of Loikaw as junta troops block roads to prevent civilians fleeing amid a resistance offensive to take the town, Loikaw residents and volunteers said.

Loikaw is the center of junta administration in Kayah State and has around 50,000 residents, including those displaced by fighting since the 2021 military coup. Volunteer groups said at least 35,000 people now need to evacuate the town.

Junta warplanes conducted at least six airstrikes on Monday morning, according to volunteers and residents.

Allied resistance forces made up of the Karenni Army (KA), Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF), Karenni National Peoples Liberation Front (KNPLF) and Peoples Defense Forces launched an offensive dubbed Operation 11.11 in Kayah on Nov. 11.

The offensive has so far seized seven junta outposts in Kayahs Loikaw and Demoso and neighboring southern Shan States Pekon Township.

Meanwhile, allied resistance forces are attacking junta bases in Loikaw in a bid to seize the town.

In response to the resistance attacks, junta troops are conducting indiscriminate shelling and airstrikes that have killed around two dozen residents, said a local human rights group.

Rescue and evacuation efforts in Loikaw are being hindered by the junta barring volunteer groups from evacuating trapped civilians or transporting injured people to hospital during the clashes, Loikaw volunteers said.

Junta troops have blocked all roads near their outposts and bases. Many people need urgent evacuation but they banned us from evacuating civilians. They also seized two ambulances from a volunteer group on Sunday, a Loikaw volunteer said.

Fuel shortages are another major challenge for evacuation of civilians, he added.

We are running out of fuel and cannot find fresh supplies anywhere. But we are still receiving numerous phone calls from trapped residents seeking assistance for evacuation.

KNDF leader Khun Be Du urged Loikaw residents to temporarily evacuate to safe areas as resistance forces attempt to seize the capital.

A fierce clash broke out at a long-held junta base in Loikaw University on Tuesday morning, residents said.

Fighting has been ongoing for four days in every part of the town. They [junta troops] have bombed and shelled residential areas countless times, a Loikaw resident said.

Indiscriminate junta shelling since Saturday has killed at least 20 civilians, including four women in Loikaw and neighboring southern Shan States Moebye town, the Karenni Human Rights Group (KHRG) said.

A 17-year-old volunteer also died of shrapnel injuries from a junta shell while assisting in evacuation of trapped residents.

Another 15 people including a child sustained injuries in the shelling.

The death toll is expected to rise as heavy shelling and airstrikes continue to ravage the town.

The Irrawaddy was unable to verify the precise number of civilians killed so far.

The rights group also claimed that at least 15 people including a monk were detained by junta troops in Loikaw.

The junta has turned to shelling civilian targets including camps for internally displaced people (IDPs) as its ground troops suffer heavier and heavier losses in clashes.

On November 9, junta shells targeting residential areas of Loikaw killed at least two people, including a 10-year-old child.
Kyaw Swar Lin, the man tipped to become Myanmars next military chief, has led a charmed life, earning the trust of junta boss Min Aung Hlaing despite his unremarkable career, military analysts say.

He evaded combat duty to become the countrys youngest lieutenant general at 45, prompting his peers to nickname him Nay Toe and Pyi Ti Oo after two of Myanmars most well-known actors.

Lt-Gen Kyaw Swar Lin currently serves as both acting Army Chief of Staff and Quartermaster General, responsible for managing a military budget worth more than 5.6 trillion kyats (around US$2.7 billion) for the 2023-24 fiscal year.

Part of the Defense Services Academy 35th intake, Kyaw Swar Lin replaced former Lt-Gen Moe Myint Tun as Chief of Staff after the latter was jailed for corruption earlier this year.

Kyaw Swar Lin first rose to prominence after succeeding Moe Myint Tun as personal staff officer for Maung Aye, deputy supremo of the previous military regime led by Than Shwe.

Moe Myint Tun was then a captain, and when he needed to go into the field to earn his promotion to major, he handed over his post as Maung Ayes assistant to Kyaw Swar Lin, said a military analyst.

Kyaw Swar Lin served as captain in the war office, before being appointed commander of the Light Infantry Battalion based at Pyinmana near Naypyitaw. The battalion has no combat duties and is responsible merely for security in the administrative capital.

He then became a colonel and tactical commander in Shan States Tachilek, under Triangle Region Command. The command was then headed by Than Tun Oo, who now chairs the Naypyitaw Council.

There was no fighting while he served as tactical commander in Triangle Region Command. There were tensions with the Restoration Council of Shan State, and troops were deployed in some locations, but there was no fighting, said a former captain who defected to the civil disobedience movement (CDM) after the coup.

The Tachilek tactical commander is known to be a lucrative post that attracts large bribes from drug traffickers, smugglers and casinos.

He was then promoted to chief of Bureau of Special Operations 6 near Pyinmana. The bureau is tasked with security in Naypyitaw. Next came a move to Naypyitaw itself, after he was promoted as a commanding officer in war office headquarters.

Up until this point, Kyaw Swar Lin had never been involved in fighting or commanding combat forces. Instead, he was assigned simple tasks while enjoying enviable sources of extra income, according to analysts.

Kyaw Swar Lin was one of the commanders responsible for so-called clearance operations against the Rohingya in northern Rakhine State in 2017. As a chief of staff, he served as coordinator between the military chief, deputy military chief and commanders in the field.

In response to the Rohingya clearance operations, the military punished the Bureau of Special Operations 3 chief and Major-General Maung Maung Soe of Western Command, which oversees Rakhine State. But Kyaw Swar Lin escaped punishment for his role in what the UN termed a textbook case of genocide.

Kyaw Swar Lin was among those who issued orders [to persecute Rohingya]. Perhaps he is from the inner circle of Min Aung Hlaing. He even got promoted after the incident, said a researcher who has compiled a report on the Rohingya issue in Rakhine.

In 2018, Kyaw Swar Lin was appointed to head Central Command based in Mandalay. On his watch, the Taang National Liberation Army attacked the Defense Services Academy in Mandalay Regions Pyin Oo Lwin.

After two years as regional commander, he rose further up the ladder to lieutenant general and was also appointed Quartermaster General. A regional commander usually has to serve three years to earn promotion to lieutenant general, but Kyaw Swar Lin needed only two, becoming Myanmars youngest-ever man in the post.

Min Aung Hlaing planned to take the presidency if the Union Solidarity and Development Party won the 2020 election. He had earmarked Moe Myint as his next military chief when he stepped down, and Kyaw Swar Lin as deputy military chief. So, he promoted Kyaw Swar Lin despite the fact that he had only served two years as a commander, said a military analyst.

The previous record-holder as Myanmars youngest lieutenant general was none other than Min Aung Hlaing, who earned the distinction under the previous military regime.

Observers say Kyaw Swar Lin has no special individual qualities, but his blind obedience to Min Aung Hlaing has won the junta leaders trust and fondness.

The post of Quartermaster General is the most lucrative in the military, being the main gatekeeper for businesspeople seeking deals with the Myanmar army. Successive junta leaders have reserved this position for their most trusted subordinates.

Sources told The Irrawaddy that Min Aung Hlaing has lost trust in his inner circle after being forced to purge his right-hand man, Moe Myint Tun, and is having difficulty choosing a successor as military chief.

The Army General Staff post left vacant by Moe Myint Tun still cant be filled, which is why Kyaw Swar Lin has been appointed in a caretaker role.

If his appointment as chief of General Staff  No. 4 in the army  is made permanent, Kyaw Swar Lin is very likely to succeed Min Aung Hlaing as chief of the armed forces, say military analysts.
Resistance Forces in Chin State control the Indian border town of Reh Khaw Da in Falam Township after seizing two junta bases on Monday, according to the Chin National Front (CNF).

The CNFs armed wing, the Chin National Army (CNA), and Chin Defense Force and its Thantlang drone team reportedly attacked the Reh base on Sunday night and seized it on Monday morning.

Another camp fell on Monday evening, despite frequent junta airstrikes, said Salai Htet Ni, the CNFs spokesman.

We control the entire town. It is the first town our forces control in Chin State, Salai Htet Ni told The Irrawaddy.

Six Chin fighters were killed and more than 15 wounded on Monday, he added.

Seven junta soldiers, including a major from the Reh base, surrendered. Five dead soldiers were found in that camp and many weapons were seized, Salai Htet Ni said.

More than 30 soldiers from the second base fled to Mizoram in India during the battle, he added.

Around 20 town residents were injured by regime shelling on Monday. A refugee from the Chin State was killed and another injured when a junta shell hit a refugee camp in India, a resident told The Irrawaddy.

Reh Khaw Dah is on the main trade route to India in northern Chin State and is famous for the heart-shaped Reh Lake.

Regime fighter jet bombed the CNAs base in Thantlang on Monday night but there were no casualties, the group said.

The junta has carried out frequent airstrikes on Chin State since fighting broke out in May 2021.
A group of 23 Myanmar junta soldiers surrendered with their weapons to a joint resistance force on Monday after admitting defeat in a clash in Kyaikmayaw Township, Mon State that left many of their fellow soldiers dead, according to the Defense Ministry of the civilian National Unity Government (NUG).

Peoples Defense Force groups, armed units under the control of the NUG, along with the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), the armed wing of the countrys oldest ethnic rebel group the Karen National Union (KNU), had been attempting to seize the military outpost at the Attran Bridge in Chaung Hna Khwa Village since Nov. 10.

After occupying the villages junta-controlled police station, the resistance groups managed to occupy the military outpost at the bridge on Monday.

A total of 23 junta troops from a 50-strong reinforcement unit of the militarys 22nd Division surrendered to the resistance groups after losing 14 comrades, including their battalion commander, in the resistance attack, the NUG Defense Ministry said. Another five soldiers were captured in the clash.

Eight others including an army officer are missing.

During the resistance attack, the junta forces responded with indiscriminate air strikes that killed two children, according to the Karen Information Center, a local Karen media outlet.

Military bases nearby continued to shell the area after resistance forces took control of the bridge, which links Kyaikmayaw Township and Karen States Kyainseikgyi Township.

Residents of several villages near the clash site fled their homes, local media outlets reported, citing residents.
Just after kickoff Monday night at the Bills-Broncos game, Orchard Park police and Erie County sheriffs deputies on the stadium detail were dispatched to a call about a vehicle hitting a pedestrian on Southwestern Boulevard in front of Highmark Stadium.

They found a 65-year-old man lying in the middle of the roadway, by Stadium Drive, mortally injured.

Witnesses told authorities that they saw a vehicle leave the scene heading east on Southwestern. One witness managed to get the license plate number and a description of the vehicle, said Orchard Park Police Chief Patrick M. Fitzgerald in a statement early Tuesday.

An ambulance with a police escort rushed the man to Erie County Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. Police have not released the victims name.

About three hours after the crash, Orchard Park police, working with state police and Buffalo police, found the suspected vehicle on Mills Street in the Broadway-Fillmore neighborhood of Buffalo and arrested Khairullah L. Hasein, 32.

Investigators believe Hasein, a part-time driver for Amazon, was making deliveries when he struck the man and then continued to make more deliveries, Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn said during a news conference. Hasein was driving his personal car and had his 9-year-old son in the vehicle with him, Flynn said.

Tuesday morning, Hasein stood before Orchard Park Town Justice Jorge deRosas as he was arraigned on a felony count of fleeing from a fatal motor vehicle accident.

The court proceedings were translated for Hasein through a Burmese interpreter. Hasein is from Burma but came to the United States in 2007 and is a U.S. citizen, attorneys said.

Assistant Erie County District Attorney Bethany Solek asked the judge to suspend Haseins license and remand him, based on the nature of the crime.

Delrease Neal, who represented Hasein at the hearing, argued her client should be released on his own recognizance because he was not a flight risk. She said that he has ties to the community  that he has lived in Erie County on and off for years and that he had been in Indiana recently to care for an ailing relative but returned to Buffalo in June.

She said Hasein teaches five days a week at an Islamic school on Best Street and is a part-time Amazon delivery driver. He is married with four children, she told the judge.

She also said Hasein has a clean criminal record.

But deRosas ruled to remand Hasein to jail and he was taken to the Erie County Holding Center. His next court appearance is scheduled for Friday.

Flynn said later in a news conference that Haseins car was found with significant front-end damage.

He also noted there was no indication the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, was speeding, driving recklessly or was distracted.

Southwestern Boulevard was closed for 2 hours after the crash between Abbott Road and California Road as detectives collected evidence and reconstructed the scene.

In a separate incident, another pedestrian who was struck by a car remained at ECMC with serious injuries, Orchard Park police said. A 36-year-old man from Buffalo was hit at about 10:01 p.m. at the intersection of Abbott Road and Milestrip Road, police said.

The driver in the second incident remained at the scene, police said, and cooperated with the investigation, which determined the man had crossed against the crosswalk sign and into the path of the car that had the right of way, police said.

Milestrip was closed for about an hour during that investigation.
Tuesday, Nov 14th, 2023 (7:29 am) - Score 2,640

Mobile operator and UK ISP Vodafone has today released their Q2 FY24 financial results, which saw their fixed line broadband base grow more slowly to total 1.292 million customers (up by 27k in the Q2 vs 42k in Q1 FY24), while their mobile base increased to 18.242 million (up by 218k vs 104k in the previous quarter).

In terms of their UK fixed broadband base, the operator has continued to report good but slowing growth with a quarterly addition of 27,000 customers  thanks in part to being widely available across both Openreachs and CityFibres national networks (i.e. their full fibre FTTP network coverage now reaches a combined 13.2 million UK households).

As for their mobile base, Vodafone reported a quarterly jump of 17,000 Pay Monthly customers (up sharply from the fall of -66,000 last quarter) and a sharp rise of 380,000 in Prepaid / PAYG customers (up from 170k last quarter). In addition, quarterly mobile broadband (data) usage across their UK network increased slightly to 457,580 TeraBytes (up from 428,072 TB last quarter).

Vodafones digital prepaid sub-brand VOXI also continued to grow as part of this, with 72,000 customers added during the H1 period.

NOTE: The Data usage figure above represents the sum of downlink and uplink traffic, all APNs (e.g. web, wap, corporate APNs, MMS), femto traffic (if applicable), inbound roamers and MVNOs  excluding data resulting from voice over LTE traffic.

Margherita Della Valle, Vodafone Group CEO, said: During the first half of the year, we have delivered improved revenue growth in nearly all of our markets and have returned to growth in Germany in the second quarter. Vodafones transformation is progressing. Our focus on customers and simplifying our business is beginning to bear fruit, although much more needs to be done. We have also announced transactions to strengthen our position in the UK and exit the challenging Spanish market in order to right-size our portfolio for growth.

Finally, the operator saw their quarterly UK service revenue decrease/increase to 1,421m (up/down from 1,401m in the previous quarter). The full report is here (PDF).
A former administrator at the Gow School has been arrested and charged with possession of child sexual abuse images in federal court, the U.S. Attorneys Office announced Tuesday.

Matthew Fisher, 50, of South Wales, who was employed as the Gow Schools associate director of admission, appeared Tuesday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and was being held pending a detention hearing Friday. If convicted, he faces a maximum of 20 years in prison.

John R. Munro, head of the Gow School, said in a news release Tuesday afternoon that the staff member arrested Sunday is no longer employed by Gow and is not permitted on campus.

The U.S. Attorney's Office said the images appear to include those taken by a covert camera in a bedroom believed to be on the Gow School campus. In a statement Tuesday evening, Munro said, "We understand that those images were of fully clothed individuals and did not depict any Gow student.

The Gow School is a private, coed college-prep school in South Wales that specializes in teaching students in grades six through 12 who have dyslexia and other language-based learning disabilities. About 90% of the schools students are boarding students, according to the schools website.

Munro said in his statement that Gow officials are fully cooperating with an FBI investigation that the Gow School initiated after discovering an issue involving a staff member. ... We have communicated about this to Gow students parents, as well as faculty and staff. Law enforcements investigation is ongoing. All other comment and information should come from the Buffalo FBI office.

Federal prosecutors said that the investigation began Oct. 15 when Fisher turned in his school-issued laptop to the IT department because he said the keyboard wasnt working properly.

On Oct. 24, an IT employee received a low severity alert on the laptop and, while searching it, the worker recovered files with links to Neverland and lost boys.

One of the web pages showed naked boys under the age of 10 conducting sexual acts on each other, according to Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan P. Cantil, who is handling the case.

The IT worker copied the files to a thumb drive and turned that over to Munro, who in turn turned it over to the FBI and Western New York Regional Computer Forensic Laboratory.

Investigators found what appeared to be images from a covert camera and depict clothed, male children in a bedroom believed to be on campus of The Gow School, prosecutors said in a statement. The images include timestamps ranging from January of 2019 through September of 2023.

The Federal Bureau of Investigations Child Exploitation Task Force conducted the investigation.

In 2019, the school launched an investigation after a former student contacted the school, alleging improper sexual conduct by a faculty member more than 25 years ago.

The Gow School called actions of five former faculty and staff members inexcusable and inappropriate, but found no patterns of conduct or systemic failures, according to a report on the investigation that Gow released.

Three Child Victims Act lawsuits were filed against Gow, which was an all-boys school until 2013.
1371138342::cfb49c8e-2422-11e5-99a3-d7f5c6e8b241

A weekly review of the best and most popular stories published in the Imperial Valley Press. Also, featured upcoming events, new movies at local theaters, the week in photos and much more.
A Philippine court has freed on bail of a former senator jailed more than six years ago on drug charges she said were fabricated to silence her investigation of then-President Rodrigo Dutertes brutal crackdown on illegal drugs
A man who has spent more than 30 years behind bars whose murder conviction was overturned in August will remain locked up for now.

State Supreme Court Justice Paul B. Wojtaszek on Tuesday denied Brian Scott Lorenzs bail motion, deeming him a flight risk if he were to be released.

Erie County prosecutors plan to file an appeal of Wojtaszeks decision vacating the convictions of Lorenz and another man for the 1993 murder of Deborah Meindl, a City of Tonawanda mother.

Wojtaszek ordered Lorenz to remain remanded, rejecting arguments from Lorenzs attorneys that the decades their client has spent behind bars without having received a fair trial was unconstitutional.

It was the second time Wojtaszek denied Lorenzs request to be released. Wojtaszek rejected a bail motion at an Aug. 30 hearing.

Again, Lorenz said in court after the judge announced the decision and before he was led out of the courtroom.

In August, Wojtaszek wiped out the 1994 convictions of Lorenz and James Pugh. Lorenz was released from state prison but has remained in the custody of the Erie County Sheriffs Office.

Wojtaszek ordered new trials for Lorenz and Pugh based on new DNA evidence that excluded both defendants from the crime scene and a finding that prosecutors failed to disclose a key piece of information to the defense.

Meindl was found stabbed 11 times and strangled with a necktie in her home on Feb. 17, 1993. Lorenz and Pugh were arrested in Iowa.

Pugh was paroled after 28 years and since his conviction was vacated has had his parole obligations lifted.

Lorenzs attorneys asked that he be released with an ankle monitor and on a $50,000 secured bail bond.

Defense attorney Ilann M. Maazel said Lorenz, 54, has never received a fair trial, and the three decades behind bars without one resulted in an unconscionable deprivation of Mr. Lorenzs liberty.

Maazel argued the amount of time Lorenz has been behind bars amounted to pretrial detention that violates the state and federal constitutions.

There is no state where it is constitutionally acceptable to deny someone a fair trial for over 30 years and keep them in prison, he told the judge.

He cited federal court cases in which judges ruled that periods of pretrial detention of 14 months, 30 months and 50 months were too long to be allowed under the constitutional requirements of due process.

If the judge granted release, Lorenz would live in his mothers home, the deed for which would be used to secure the bail bond, Maazel said.

His client was not a flight risk, Maazel argued, saying Lorenz would put his mothers home at risk if he did. Maazel, whose firm has offices in New York City, appeared at the hearing over video meeting software.

Special Assistant District Attorney Colleen Curtin Gable argued the time Lorenz has been in prison is not equivalent to pretrial detention, and the federal cases cited by Lorenzs attorney had different circumstances than Lorenzs.

Gable said prosecutors believe Lorenz is a flight risk, saying they have found existing warrants out of Florida and California where Lorenz has failed to appear in court. Those cases involve an alias, and Gable said neither state plans to seek extradition.

Lorenz also made statements in several recorded jailhouse phone calls that indicate an intent to flee, the prosecutor said.

In one call, Lorenz said if bail was set, Were out of here, Gable said.

In another, Lorenz was recorded saying, If they let me out, were not staying here, Gable said.

After making those statements, Gable said Lorenz caught himself, and followed them up with self-serving statements aimed at downplaying his initial statements.

Emily Wanger, another of Lorenzs defense attorneys, said the recordings do not show what prosecutors allege.

I think its obvious they dont mean what the people are arguing they mean, Wanger said.

She said the statements were taken out of context.

The District Attorneys Office filed a notice of appeal on Sept. 15 and has six months from that date to finalize its request to the appellate court.

We are working diligently on the appeal, Gable told the judge.
Reuters: Nepalese anti-corruption officials have launched an investigation into the role of China International Engineering Corporation in the construction of Pokhara airport, alleging that the company inflated the cost of the project and undermined Nepals efforts at quality control. China has described the airport as a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative. So my question is, how should the financial difficulties raised by Nepalese officials be understood within the BRI?

Mao Ning: I am not aware of the reported internal review in Nepal. What you mentioned is inconsistent with facts. The Chinese government always asks our companies to strictly abide by laws and regulations in doing business overseas. Pokhara International Airport is an important infrastructure project in China-Nepal cooperation and hailed in Nepal as a project of national honor.

According to my knowledge, Chinese companies took into full consideration the local situation, followed the quality standards strictly during the design and construction, and kept complete records. Since the airports inauguration, all facilities have been running smoothly. The project is playing an active role in improving Nepals domestic and international air connectivity.

Sky News: Leaders of China and the US will meet in San Francisco tomorrow. But it comes off the back of the year with still a lot of tensions between your countries. Will this meeting meaningfully move the dial between your countries?

Mao Ning: Thank you for your interest in China-US relations. The Chinese side has announced President Xi Jinpings trip to the US for a China-US summit meeting at the invitation of US President Joe Biden. The two Presidents will have in-depth communication on issues of strategic, overarching and fundamental importance in shaping China-US relations and major issues concerning world peace and development. It will be a meeting of great importance. Further information on the meeting will be released in due course. Please check back for updates.

Reuters: There are reports that Chinese police officers could undertake patrols in several Thai cities to boost confidence among Chinese tourists. Please can you confirm whether Thai officials approached China over this plan or did China proposed it? And would any such deployment of Chinese police happen under a similar framework with which China has in place with the Solomon Islands?

Mao Ning: Im not aware of that and would refer you to the competent Chinese authorities.

Bloomberg: Britains former Prime Minister David Cameron has been appointed as Foreign Secretary. During his term as the Prime Minister, China-UK relations entered a golden era. Would you share your expectation for China-UK relations going forward?

Mao Ning: China and the UK are both permanent members of the UN Security Council and major economies in the world. Growing stable and mutually-beneficial bilateral ties serves the fundamental interests of both peoples, helps both countries to better respond to global challenges together, and contributes to world peace and development. It is important that the two countries work together for the sound and steady growth of bilateral relations under the principle of mutual respect and win-win cooperation.

CCTV: According to reports, the UNRWA Commissioner-General said on November 13 that Israeli forces struck a guesthouse for UN staff in the southern part of the Gaza Strip. On the same day, the UN flag flew at half-mast at its New York headquarters in memory of the 101 UN staff members killed in Gaza since the start of this round of Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Does China have any comment?

Mao Ning: We are shocked by and strongly condemn the strike on the guesthouse for UN staff in southern Gaza. We mourn the UN staff members killed in this round of conflict. Violence does not bring true security. The use of force will not create lasting peace. The safety of UN staff members must be effectively protected.

China calls on relevant parties to be cool-headed and exercise maximum self-restraint, comply with international law, earnestly implement the UNGA resolution adopted on October 27, immediately stop the fighting, and prevent a larger-scale humanitarian disaster.

Reuters: I have two questions on the fighting between rebel groups on the Myanmar-China border. The first question is, please could you provide information about Chinese casualties resulting from the fighting? And what is Chinas position on refugees coming across the border from Myanmar?

Mao Ning: China is closely following the conflict in northern Myanmar. We urge parties to immediately stop the fighting, settle differences peacefully through dialogue and consultation, avoid escalation of the situation and take effective measures to ensure security and stability at the China-Myanmar border.

Sky News: It was known that former British Prime Minister David Cameron had multiple meetings with the Chinese leadership. Would you describe David Cameron as a friend of China?

Mao Ning: Maintaining and growing stable and mutually-beneficial bilateral ties serves the interests of both China and the UK and is conducive to world peace and development. We hope that the UK will work together with China for the sound and steady growth of bilateral ties.

Reuters: Yesterday the Foreign Ministry announced that State Councilor Shen Yiqin will travel to the Maldives and Sri Lanka. Are these visits concerning debt negotiations?

Mao Ning: China has announced that State Councilor Shen Yiqin will visit the Maldives and Sri Lanka. Please check back for updates about the visits.

As for Sri Lankas debt issue, we support Chinese financial institutions in having consultations with Sri Lanka. China stands ready to work with relevant countries and international financial institutions and continue to play a positive role in helping Sri Lanka navigate the situation, easing its debt burden and helping it achieve sustainable development.

CCTV: Earlier we learned about some Chinese nationals stranded in the Gaza Strip. I wonder if the Foreign Ministry could tell us if they have evacuated the area? What measures has China taken to ensure their safety?

Mao Ning: Amid the escalating Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the CPC Central Committee attaches high importance to the safety of Chinese nationals in the conflict area. Chinas diplomatic missions overseas, under directions from home, maintained contact with Chinese nationals in the Gaza Strip all along. With the concerted efforts on various fronts, all the Chinese nationals have left Gaza safely in recent days.

Reuters: Are you able to confirm who is in the Chinese delegation traveling to the APEC summit in San Francisco? Will there be representatives of Chinese firms?

Mao Ning: As for the specific arrangements of President Xi Jinpings trip to the US for a China-US summit meeting and the APEC Economic Leaders Meeting upon invitation, please check up for updates.

Bloomberg: Following up on the question of Sri Lankan debt, to achieve a sustainable and long-lasting solution to the question of Sri Lankan debt, its important for all creditors to provide open access to the details of their debt restructuring plans. Why will China not make the details of the EXIM Bank deal open?

Mao Ning: I would refer you to competent Chinese authorities for the specific questions. Broadly, I have shared Chinas principled position on Sri Lankas debt issue. We are ready to continue to play a positive role in helping ease Sri Lankas debt burden.

Phoenix TV: According to reports, the US, the ROK and other countries held the first ROK-UN Command Member States Defense Ministerial Meeting on November 14 in Seoul. This meeting reiterated the role of the United Nations Command (UNC) in curbing the threat of armed attack and upholding peace and stability in the Peninsula. The UNC Member States also declared in the Joint Statement that they will be united upon any renewal of armed attack or hostilities on the Peninsula. Whats your comment?

Mao Ning: As is widely known, the so-called UN Command is the product of the Cold War, has no legal grounds, and has long been outdated. Relevant countries held this meeting in the name of the UN Command, which stokes confrontation and creates tensions. The move only aggravates the situation on the Peninsula. We urge relevant countries to stop seeking selfish gains by falsely using the name of the UN, and safeguard peace and stability on the Peninsula through concrete actions.
A judge Tuesday decided to keep in pretrial custody a Batavia man arrested in the Pharaohs strip club investigation.

U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder Jr. found Joseph Barsuk, a former chiropractor, to be a danger to the community that no terms and conditions of release that he could impose on Barsuk would reasonably assure the communitys safety.

Barsuk, described by a prosecutor as a regular customer at Pharaohs Gentlemens Club in Cheektowaga, faces a sex-trafficking conspiracy count, as well as sex trafficking by coercion.

Barsuk used pressure and coercion to take advantage of a drug-addicted dancer at the club to turn her into his de facto sex slave, Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Tripi said at Tuesdays court hearing.

The dancer engaged in sex acts to maintain her supply of cocaine and heroin.

The fear of withdrawal would make her do anything to avoid that sickness, Tripi said, adding Barsuk controlled the victim for his own sexual gratification.

Tripi said Barsuk rented an apartment for her and provided her transportation.

Defense lawyer James Quinn Auricchio told the judge he opted against seeking a mental competency exam for Barsuk, which he considered in October, saying his visits with his client convinced him one wasnt necessary. But Auricchio said Barsuk does have mental health issues.

Prosecutors have said customers were able to pay money for Pharaohs employees to to turn a blind eye to illicit activity in the VIP room, where dancers were kissed, had their hair pulled or engaged in sex acts.

Auricchio told the judge the governments allegation about what happened inside the club does not mean my client was part of that.

Auricchio said Barsuk has been a customer at Pharaohs but denies he was ever part of any kind of sex-trafficking conspiracy.

Auricchio said Barsuk had no ability to control the dancer. If the government wants to convict Barsuk over his interactions with a dancer at the club, Auricchio said, then every single person who went into the VIP room is a human trafficker.

Barsuk was convicted of two misdemeanor sexual abuse charges and was sentenced to 60 days in prison in 2001 after police accused him of molesting two teenage girls who came for treatment at his office.

Lawyer asks for competency hearing for Pharaoh's defendant Joseph Barsuk, a former Batavia chiropractor, was indicted on a sex-trafficking conspiracy count, as well as sex trafficking by coercion, and he remains detained.

Tripi also listed for the judge numerous complaints over the years about Barsuk in Batavia, including following around young store clerks in retail stores and even standing in their check-out lanes several times on the same day.

The judge said he did not find Barsuks criminal record extensive but found the nature of the charges disconcerting.

I look at the criminal history of the defendant, it establishes to my satisfaction by clear and convincing evidence that this defendant does have a propensity for engaging in criminal activities, Schroeder said in his ruling.

The main defendant in the Pharaohs case is the strip clubs owner, Peter Gerace Jr., who faces felony charges of drug trafficking, sex trafficking and paying bribes to a former federal drug agent, Joseph Bongiovanni. Both Gerace and Bongiovanni, who is charged with accepting bribes, have pleaded not guilty.
Tim Kennedy followed Rep. Brian Higgins from the humble streets of South Buffalo into the halls of local government.

He followed Higgins to Albany, becoming a force in the State Senate who is known for bringing home the bacon to Western New York.

So its natural, in Kennedys eyes, that he intends to fill the shoes of his political mentor and succeed Higgins as Buffalos representative in Congress.

We have to continue the renaissance thats begun and Im looking forward to continuing the progress that Congressman Higgins led the charge on for the last 19 years, Kennedy said in an exclusive interview with The Buffalo News in which he announced his candidacy, shortly after Higgins announced he was leaving Congress. I believe the track record that I have is reflective on a local and state level of his track record in Washington because of how I emulate the way he operates.

The state senator becomes the first to declare that he is seeking to become the Democratic Partys nominee for a special election that Gov. Kathy Hochul is expected to set next year to fill Higgins seat.

Weary of congressional bickering, Brian Higgins announces plans to resign In an exclusive interview, Higgins refused to confirm what other sources told The News and other media outlets last week: that he's leaving to become president of Shea's. But he said he plans to resign from Congress in early February  and sounded glad to be leaving.

Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown and Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz  as well as more left-leaning Democrats like Patrick Burke, India Walton and Nate McMurray  have also emerged as potential contenders, though none has entered the race.

Higgins, a 64-year-old Buffalo Democrat, refused to confirm on Sunday what other sources told The News and other media outlets: that hes leaving to become president of Sheas Performing Arts Center. But he said he plans to resign from Congress in early February.

Congress is not the institution that I came to 19 years ago, Higgins said in an interview with The News. And, you know, its in a very, very bad place right now. I am hopeful, as I always am, that it gets better. But unfortunately, I think were at the beginning phases of a deterioration of the prestige of the institution.

Winning political fights

If the gridlock in Washington seems to have worn Higgins out, Kennedy says hes more than ready to bring his high-energy personality to the nations capital in the hopes of finding solutions to Americas problems.

He says he is not discouraged about the gridlock and partisan fighting in Washington because hes an eternal optimist.

I think you have to be, especially in government, he said. Because theres so many pitfalls and naysayers and pessimism, and theres so many reasons why things falter. You need somebody who believes that theres a better way, believes in the hope of the moment and that someone can go and make a positive change at any level. Ive done it in New York State, Ive done it in Albany, and Im going to do it in Washington, D.C.

In the 1990s, when a young Kennedy would drive from his parents home in South Buffalo to DYouville College on the citys West Side for classes in occupational therapy, decline and dysfunction were evident in the vacant buildings littering the downtown core.

Who will succeed Higgins in Congress? Here are a few early favorites to watch The various camps have been jostling behind the scenes for position and speculation has already begun about who might fill the congressional seat based in Buffalo.

And it was because of failed policies of Albany and Washington that were leading to a depressed community, he said.

So Kennedy  seeing politics as the vehicle to create change  volunteered for Higgins, who was then running for Assembly. The two forged a bond and it was Higgins who laid the groundwork for Kennedys rise from a blue-collar kid with few connections to a county legislator and later, one of the most powerful men in the State Senate.

It was Higgins who first taught Kennedy how to pick  and win  a political fight, when Higgins secured a $279 million settlement with the New York Power Authority that funded Buffalos waterfront revival. Higgins pushed the deal into reality over vehement opposition during his first term in Congress.

I saw him drive the ball forward and over the goal line every opportunity he had by a fierce will to make a positive impact on our community, Kennedy said of Higgins.

Change Albany

Kennedy listed a number of initiatives passed in Albany during his time in the state capital: marriage equality, codifying abortion rights, record levels of funding for education, gun control and fighting racial injustices.

Waterfront is Brian Higgins' lasting legacy: 'He was the visionary' Rep. Brian Higgins went to Washington, D.C., in January 2005 and plans to step down in February 2024. He'll be remembered for his vision  and the delivery of dollars to go with it  to open the waterfront to Buffalo's citizens.

When I ran for Senate in 2010, my mantra was change Albany,  Kennedy said. And Im proud of the fact that we have done that in so many ways. We have a state government now, today, that is much more reflective of the people it serves.

His influence in Albany has grown substantially since Democrats won control of the Senate in 2018. He has proven to be a top fundraiser, especially since he became chairman of the senates Transportation Committee. During a six-month period earlier this year, he raised $662,000 in campaign funds  vastly more than any member of the State Legislature.

Because of campaign finance laws, Kennedy couldnt directly use any of his $2.1 million state war chest for a federal race, but could easily throw around funds to the party or to influence the support of other politicians.

Kennedy pushed back on the suggestion  made by McMurray and others  that Higgins might have coordinated his resignation announcement with Kennedy to benefit his fellow South Buffalonian.

There are no guarantees that have been made, Kennedy said. There are several candidates that are in the running for this. I am working closely with the leadership of the Democratic Party to seek the nomination for a special election. There were no guarantees of anything. There were certainly rumors and scuttlebutt, but thats all.

Kennedy sees similarities between Republicans in Albany, who for years blocked Democrats priorities, and GOP officeholders in Washington.

When we have an extreme, far-right Republican running Congress, it is a great worry and concern for the fabric of our nation, for who we are as Americans and where were going as a country, he said.

Kennedy raises $662K in 6 months as State Legislature's top fundraiser Over the past six months, State Sen. Tim Kennedy of Buffalo raised vastly more campaign funds than any member of the State Legislature.

The top priority, he said, is Democrats taking back control of the House and electing Rep. Hakeem Jeffries as speaker. He said he would also fight for things like universal health care.

Kennedy said he wants to use federal funds to boost infrastructure improvements in Western New York and to spur investments that would better connect the region to wealth and population in Toronto. He said he wants his three kids  ranging in age from 12 to 18  to be able to stay in Buffalo when they graduate from college.

He wants to secure funds to help Buffalos transit system extend into the suburbs to connect people to employment opportunities.

I think one of the things that Brian Higgins has done over the years is hes changed the way we think about ourselves, Kennedy said. And its no longer this defeatist attitude, but its one of positivity and potential. What weve got to do is take that to the next level.

If Kennedy succeeds, he may need to ask his wife, Katie, for directions in Congress. In high school, she served as a congressional page.

I was there first, she joked.
Its becoming predictable, and depressingly so. Members of Congress oppose restrictions on semiautomatic rifles  or they say the oppose them, anyway  then change their minds after a lunatic with a weapon goes on a killing spree in their districts. It happened in Buffalo last year and now its happened in Maine. Why is this lesson so hard to learn?

Mayors seem much more likely to understand the crucial issue and, in that regard, it was heartening last week that Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown stood with peers from three other cities to call for a renewed ban on assault weapons. In two of those cities  Highland Park, Ill., and Monterey Park, Calif.  assault weapons were used in mass murders, as they were last year in Buffalo.

The third city was New York, whose mayor, Eric Adams, has led a coalition of more than 50 mayors who have signed a letter urging House Speaker Mike Johnson to pass a federal assault weapons ban. Thats about as likely as Donald Trump admitting that Joe Biden won in 2020, but its essential to keep up the fight.

The only way we can truly honor the lives lost in our community is gun reform, said Monterey Park Mayor Jose Sanchez. We cannot continue to be a nation with hodgepodge gun laws that vary by state.

Eleven people were massacred at the Star Ballroom Dance Studio in Sanchezs city in a shooting on Jan. 21. Nine people were wounded.

In Highland Park, a man on a roof opened fire with a semi-automatic rifle during a Fourth of July parade last year. Seven people were killed and dozens more injured.

One young man shot 83 rounds in one minute from a legally purchased weapon, Mayor Nancy Rotering said. Assault weapons need to be taken off of our streets.

And, of course, 10 people were slain and three others wounded on May 14, 2022, when a racist gunman opened fire at the Tops supermarket on Jefferson Avenue. That terrible event produced an epiphany by then-Rep. Chris Jacobs, R-Orchard Park. After that bloodbath, he announced that he would support a ban on assault weapons and other measures. He paid for it with his congressional career.

Similarly, only days after last months massacre in Lewiston, Maine, the scales fell from the eyes of a longtime opponent of banning assault weapons. Centrist Democratic Rep. Jared Golden called for a ban of those weapons. All it took was mass murder in his district.

His previous position, he said, reflected in part a false confidence that our community was above this, and that we could be in full control, among many other misjudgments.

The time has now come for me to take responsibility for this failure, he said. He asked for forgiveness and support from the people of Lewiston and the loved ones of the victims and survivors as he pledged to work toward reviving a ban that once did exist, from 1994 to 2004.

Brown was already a believer. I am proud to sign onto this request to Congress to sign an assault weapons ban, Buffalos mayor said at last weeks news conference. I implore Americans from all across the country to have their voices heard on this issue.

Thats what it will take: voices speaking clearly, to their representatives and, more importantly, in the voting booths. It will require the efforts of Americans who understand that the Second Amendment is not the Second Commandment. Its not absolute.

As it stands, though, virtually all Republicans and some Democrats are willing to look the other way, no matter how many people are murdered, or what their age: kindergarteners or seniors, it doesnt matter. What matters is a sickening devotion to weapons designed for mass murder.

Someday, this will change. It has to. The question is: How many more massacres must occur before it does?Whats your opinion? Send it to us at lettertoeditor@buffnews.com. Letters should be a maximum of 300 words and must convey an opinion. The column does not print poetry, announcements of community events or thank you letters. A writer or household may appear only once every 30 days. All letters are subject to fact-checking and editing.
OtherWords OtherWords is published by the Institute for Policy Studies, a progressive think tank. All told, their freely syndicated op-eds reach millions of readers each year in the heartland communities often overlooked by traditional national media. They cover politics, policy, and social issues from a progressive but non-partisan perspective.
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Oakland, Ca. (Special to Informed Comment; Feature)  I grieve for the people of Israel and Palestine, both of whom are being abused and terrorized by their own governments and leadership. Hamas is not a legitimate government, and is not Islam. Zionism is not Judaism. Hamas and the Israeli government have used their own peoples lives as pawns in a gross political game. By razing Gaza as badly as Dresden in WWII, the Israeli government quickly burned through any diplomatic and global sympathy it had gained from the Hamas murders of 1,200 innocent Israelis and kidnapping 240 more. As a result of the war crimes of an explicitly Zionist state, Jews all over the world face unprecedented moral quandaries.

Seeing videos of hundreds of innocent, peaceful Israelis brutally murdered, kidnapped and worse at a music festival was horrifying. Knowing that Hamas committed similar crimes against humanity at 21 other sites that day is beyond infuriating and heartbreaking. It makes anybody want to fight back hard. But political capital can be gained by some measure of restraint, and Bibi knows no such thing. Its no less maddening and infuriating to see Bibis government retaliate with ten times the force, committing mass murders from 20,000 feet of ten times the number of women, children and noncombatant men killed by armed thugs on October 7. Seeing hundreds of thousands of destitute people trudging through the streets of Gaza with no place to go makes me weep. Knowing that their suffering is caused by a gross and sanctimonious perversion of Jewish ideals makes it all the more maddening.

Its also maddening to realize the gross hubris and arrogance of the Israeli intelligence and Army, which dispensed with sentry border guards in favor of an electronic system, which was so easily destroyed by Hamas while they were sleeping. I was shocked to learn there were no actual eyes, ears and guns at those entry points, after my experiences traveling throughout a heavily militarized Middle East and Israel many years ago. Though Im an American Jew, I had to establish my bona fides not only before entering Israel at the notorious Rafah gate, but also before entering some places I expected a more cordial welcome. My two days at a conference in 1980 (right after Camp David) in Nazareth elicited noticeable security monitoring to make me feel watched. The security officials seem to have monitored tourists more efficiently forty years ago than the Netanyahu government monitored Gazas main gates last October. It appears that it had sent some forces to help squatters on the West Bank, over-confident that Hamas in Gaza was content to play Israels policeman on the Strip.

Embed from Getty Images

WASHINGTON, DC  NOVEMBER 13: U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) speaks at a news conference calling for a ceasefire in Gaza outside the U.S. Capitol building on November 13, 2023 in Washington, DC. House Democrats held the news conference alongside rabbis with the activist group Jewish Voices for Peace. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images).

The UN and much of the global public square have not always been a friendly place for Israel, but not because most of the world hates Jews. After all, we earned a lot of global affection and support for surviving the Holocaust. Critics of this rain of death from the skies dont hate Jews. They hate what Israel has been doing to innocent Palestinian civilians since 1948, and more recently the juggernaut of bombardments in Gaza. Is there a more profane definition of overkill than ensuring that ten or twenty Palestinians die for every Israel Jew who is killed?

Zionism is not Judaism and any assertion to the contrary by Israeli propagandists only tars Jews with the brush of the Likud-led governments war crimes. Most American Jews of the younger generation are uncomfortable with what Zionism has become. Whatever the original virtues of Zionism as a way for persecuted Jews of the Pale to assert their self-worth, it has now mutated into a quest to humiliate and dominate another people. Zionism became increasingly cruel under the Likud Prime Minister Menachem Begin, more so under Ariel Sharon, and more even destructively radical under Benjamin Netanyahu (Bibi). Yes, Zionism was always exclusionary to encourage Jewish immigration (aliyah), but extremists have transformed it into a sick, cruel ideology that impelled the arrogant, imperial atrocities committed by Israeli governments led by those three. Its as though Bibi and Donald Trump both fulfill their parties ultimate fantasies for a cruel, dystopian, Fascist agenda. The devolution quickly escalated under Bibi, just as the Republican Party has quickly devolved under Trump.

They hate the predations of the far-far right wing Israeli settlers who embrace Biblical myth as a valid historical record, as if it carries the weight of modern diplomacy and valid treaties. Modern Middle Eastern diplomacy began after WWI at the 1920 Sam Remo Conference in Italy, and the law of occupation is enshrined in the Geneva Conventions, not in ancient texts. Thats how most of the world sees it. Recent Israeli governments have empowered the illegal squatters to commit even more atrocities against Palestinian people, property, schools, farms, and water and food supplies.

I consider myself to be a good, UN-Orthodox Jew, and see no need to change. I accept my lifelong unpopularity with Republican Jews where Ive lived, who tend to dominate the synagogues and social agencies of many American cities. They were the class seduced by Reaganomics, and they see no need to change either. (Familiarity breeds contempt at times.) Still, a great majority of Jewish Americans are fiercely progressive, forcefully calling out the sins of the Israeli military and Republican Party. We oppose the self-annihilating tendencies of Jewish Republicans who abandoned the progressive agenda and moved increasingly to the far-far right under the Bush boys, and Donald Trump, who realizes all the dystopian elements of the Republican fantasy model after the Bushs and Reagan just werent mean enough.

PIX 11 News from 2 weeks ago: Jewish peace activists hold sit-in protest at Grand Central to demand ceasefire in Israel-Hamas conf

No one cannibalizes their own like Republicans and especially Jewish Republicans. Before and during the founding of Israel, many deeply observant Orthodox Jews fiercely opposed the creation of Israel, and some still do. They view the creation of a political entity in the Biblical homeland as a disruption to the arrival of the Messiah. They too are anti-Zionist, but out of different motivation. We are not a monolith.

Despite what I am about to say, I dont argue for abandoning the medical and humanitarian needs of people living in Israel in a time of war. The majority of them hate their government, as most Americans hate Trump. These atrocities are not in their name either. I argue for a more thoughtful Israeli government, invested in a solution that will solve Palestinian statelessness and thereby provide security for Jews. That outcome is unlikely to be achieved by the lawless and authoritarian Netanyahu government, which is wedded to destroying the courts to remain in power.

Through more than 40 years of my commitment to academic study of Israel and Palestine, I avoided calling myself an anti-Zionist. Given the discrimination, pogroms and ultimately the Holocaust that Jews faced at the hands of European white nationalism of the Fascist era, it was hard not to thrill at the realization of a long-held dream of Jews to return to the Promised Land. This began as a formal political movement with the 1st Zionist Congress in Basle in 1896. It became a quadrennial conference, and Jewish immigration to Palestine began in increasingly larger waves. Many Jews like me styled themselves Zionists, who nevertheless objected to the notorious Israeli military excesses. (A euphemism for cold-blooded, systemic murder and piracy.) But as a Jew, Ive never been more opposed to what Zionism has become. The massive overkill and atrocities in Gaza led by Bibi since October 7 and the relentless attacks on Palestinian people and properties in Occupied Palestine of the West Bank by right-wing settlers have driven me firmly to the anti-Zionist camp.
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Review of Philip J. Stern, Empire, Incorporated: The Corporations That Built British Colonialism. Cambridge (MA): Harvard University Press, 2023.

Munich (Special to Informed Comment)  After the death of British monarch Elizabeth II in September 2022, then president of Kenya Uhuru Kenyatta ordered 4 days of national mourning. The presidents decision was not well-received among many sectors of the Kenyan population. Elizabeth II was already queen during the Mau Mau Uprising, a rebellion against British colonial rule in Kenya in the 1950s that was suffocated at the cost of 11,503 official deaths but up to three hundred thousand dead and missing according to historian Caroline Elkins in her book Britains Gulag: The Brutal End of Empire in Kenya.

Last October, Elizabeths son and current monarch Charles III visited Kenya. While in the Eastern African country, King Charles offered no direct apology or reparations. The closest he came to condemning British colonialism in Kenya was saying that there were abhorrent and unjustifiable acts of violence committed against Kenyans during their fight for independence.

The territory we now know as Kenya moved to British hands after the creation of the Imperial British East Africa Company in 1888. By the point the Imperial British East Africa Company was created, the company represented nothing but a short chapter in Britains centuries-long history of combining private capital and royal prerogatives to expand its imperial designs around the world. This is a history whose origins and development are covered in depth by Philip J. Stern in his recently published book Empire, Incorporated: The Corporations that Built British Colonialism.

Stern, an Associate Professor of History at Duke University, explains that British corporations, whose origins lay between the end of the 16th century and the beginning of the 17th century, represented the foundations of British colonialism. The corporation emerged as a particular legal entity funded by the joint stock of its members who, upon being granted the power by a royal charter, were allowed to engage in overseas trade, exploration, predation, and settlement, writes Stern.[1]

The men behind these corporations were a mixture of entrepreneurs, explorers, and dispossessors of natives, although not necessarily in this order. Whereas many of those who pushed the corporations further never left Britain and their contributions were merely financial, others came to settle and live in lands stolen from the native populations. The corporations first set their sights not far away from home, in Ireland, but they were soon securing royal charters to depart for Russia, Western Africa, or Northern America.



Philip J. Stern, Empire, Incorporated: The Corporations That Built British Colonialism. Harvard University Press, 2023. Click here.

Some of these charters still help understand the political geography of the United States. In 1632, for instance, King Charles I granted a charter to Cecil Calvert, 2nd Baron Baltimore. The new colony established by Cecil Calvert was named Maryland after the wife of Charles I, Henrietta Maria of France. In the US State of Maryland, Baltimore is the most populous city.

British corporations expanded their reach around the world through a process that was neither linear nor free of complications. Instead, it was a complex dynamic dominated by competition against the companies and imperial projects of other European countries and between British corporations themselves. The royal court became an arena for different corporations to challenge each others rights over certain economic activities and geographical areas. As Stern explains, this was somehow inevitable because overseas charters given to corporations were not terribly well-written ones. They were remarkably ambiguous, aspirational, and open to interpretation.[2]

New corporations were constantly founded while others disappeared, sometimes to re-emerge under a different name and supported by a new royal charter. The political uncertainty of 17th-century England, with its Civil War and the Glorious Revolution in 1688, led to unease among those invested in the corporations. Nevertheless, the process of further intermeshing between British corporations and imperialism continued unabated.

There is probably no greater exponent of this sometimes-uneasy alliance than the East India Company (EIC), to which Stern dedicated a book in 2011 aptly titled The Company State. Because the EIC became indeed the perfect hybrid between the commercial and the political. The Anglo-Irish politician and philosopher Edmund Burke famously described the EIC as a state in the disguise of a merchant.

When the British first arrived in India in the early 17th century, the Mughal emperor Jahangir presided over one of the largest empires in human history. By 1815, the EIC had assembled an army of a quarter of a million men and claimed hegemony in the Indian subcontinent. The companys trajectory was not without its setbacks, however. In 1772, the EIC had incurred enormous debts, and the directors of the company asked the British government for a 1.4 million loan, an extraordinary sum at the time. The government obliged as the EIC was so closely intertwined with the British domestic economy that it had become too big to fail, explains Stern.[3]

In Empire, Incorporated, Stern always remains in the realm of history. However, the enormous economic power of the EIC at that time, together with the companys practice of bribing British parliamentarians to secure a favorable political environment, can only bring to mind the 2007-2008 Global Financial Crisis and its strong connection to the governmental deregulation of financial markets. The EIC survived its biggest crisis thanks to the governments bailout but, in exchange, the British parliament enforced a new principle of government oversight on the EIC.[4] The company would finally be nationalized after the Indian Rebellion of 1857 against the EIC.

Around the time India was put under the direct rule of the Crown, corporate imperialism, which had previously already shown its adaptive capabilities, underwent a process of formalization. With the passing of new legislation by the British parliament, incorporation had now become a bureaucratic process not a political one.[5] It was this new/old corporate imperialism that would fuel the expansion of the British Empire in Africa and Australasia and put Britain, at the end of the First World War, in control of around a quarter of the worlds population and territory.

It would take another world war for the formal dismantlement of the empire to begin. Stern describes how there was no single corporate reaction to the impending end of empire.[6] Many corporations lobbied against de-colonization. Others waited until the emergence of politically independent countries to engage in the recolonization of the newly nationalized companies seeking capital and commercial partners. And, in a good number of cases, formerly colonial corporations still endured in some shape or form.[7]

Unilever, the modern British multinational behind many household brands, built its Western Africa business after the acquisition of the United Africa Company, which in turn was founded in 1929 as a result of the merger between different companies, among them the Royal Niger Company, which played a fundamental role in imposing Britains rule over what is today Nigeria.

Empire, Incorporated is the result of painstaking research by a historian who impressively explores how Britains empire and its corporations became almost undistinguishable. And yet, as Stern himself explains in the introduction, there are no clear historical turning points in the book. The history of the British Empire, for all the suffering it caused, was not the result of any grand design, and there is more messiness than order in it. This is obviously not Sterns fault, but it helps explain why the book is not an easy read and might be more appealing to historians than to the general reader.

The book could also have benefited from a more comparative perspective, for instance in regard to the Dutch East India Company, founded in 1602. We are left to wonder how unique the British alliance of corporation and empire was as compared to other European imperial projects. If we are to focus on one key insight of the book that advances our general understanding of the British Empire, this is that the British Empire as we know it was an incorporated empire, built in no small part by absorbing and assimilating those corporations and other forms of non-state enterprise that often laid the foundations of the colonial enterprise.[8]

[1] Philip J. Stern, Empire, Incorporated: The Corporations That Built British Colonialism (Cambridge (MA): Harvard University Press, 2023), p. 7.

[2] Ibid.

[3] Ibid, p. 177.

[4] Ibid, p. 183.

[5] Ibid, p. 256.

[6] Ibid, p. 315.

[7] Ibid.

[8] Ibid, p. 10.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / November 14, 2023 / Mako Mining Corp. (TSXV:MKO) (OTCQX:MAKOF) ("Mako" or the "Company") is pleased to provide financial results for the three months ended September 30th, 2023 ("Q3 2023"), which is the ninth full quarter of financial results since declaring commercial production on July 1st, 2021 at its San Albino gold mine ("San Albino") in northern Nicaragua. All dollar amounts referred to herein are expressed in United States dollars unless otherwise stated.

The financial results for the quarter reflect a temporary delay in a third-party refining contract which led to 2,234 ounces of gold being delivered but not sold until the third week of October. Therefore, Revenues, Adjusted EBITDA, Mine Operating Cash Flow and Net Income were commensurately lower, and Cash Costs, Total Cash Costs and AISC were commensurately higher. This effect will reverse in its entirety during Q4.

Q3 2023 Highlights

Financial

$10.7 million in Revenue

$3.0 million in Adjusted EBITDA (1)

$4.0 million in Mine Operating Cash Flow ( "Mine OCF ") (1) (3)

") $1.5 million Net Loss after $2.4 million of depreciation, depletion and amortization and $1.2 million in exploration expenses

$979 Cash Costs ($/oz sold) (1) (2)

$1,063 Total Cash Costs ($/oz sold) (1) (2)

$1,370 All-In Sustaining Costs (" AISC ") ($/oz sold) (1) (2)

") ($/oz sold) Drawdown of $2.0 million from Wexford Loan

Three monthly repayment installments totaling $1.0 million were made on the Sailfish Loan during Q3 2023. On September 8, 2023, the Sailfish Loan was fully repaid

Delivered 13,500 oz of silver ($0.4 million) on the Sailfish Silver Loan in Q3 2023

Refers to a Non-GAAP financial measure within the meaning of National Instrument 52-112 - Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures Disclosure ("NI 52-112"). Refer to information under the heading "Non-GAAP Measures" as well as the reconciliations later in this press release. Refers to a Non-GAAP ratio within the meaning of NI-52-112. Refer to information under the heading "Non-GAAP Measures" later in this press release. Refer to "Chart 1 - Q3 2023 - Mine OCF Calculation and Cash Reconciliation (in $ millions)" for a reconciliation of the beginning and ending cash position of the Company, including OCF.

Growth

$1.2 million in exploration and evaluation expenses ($0.5 million in areas surrounding San Albino and approximately $0.7 million at Las Conchitas).

Subsequent to September 30th, 2023

Delivered 4 payments, including 2 which were deferred in Q3, of 13,500 oz of silver on the Sailfish Silver Loan ($1.2 million)

Sold 5,587 ounces of gold ($10.4 million) in October 2023

On October 16, 2023, the Company granted 975,000 restricted share units ("RSU") and 275,000 deferred share units ("DSU"). The RSUs vest annually over three years commencing on October 13, 2024

On November 2, 2023, the Company commenced a normal course issuer bid ("NCIB") whereby the Company intends to purchase up to a maximum of 3,290,929 common shares in the capital of the Company. All common shares acquired by the Company under the NCIB will be subsequently cancelled. Purchases under the NCIB will end no later than November 6, 2024

Akiba Leisman, Chief Executive Officer, states that "since August 14th, the mine and plant have been operating at or above designed levels. October marked the second month in a row of record gold ounces recovered, and 5,587 ounces of gold sold, which included the sales of finished gold held in inventory at quarter end due to a third-party refinery issue. This issue led to higher reported costs and lower reported Adjusted EBITDA and Mine OCF, but this effect will completely reverse in Q4. Q4 is shaping up to be a record for gold ounces recovered, gold ounces sold, Adjusted EBITDA, Mine OCF and Net Income, with record low Cash Costs, Total Cash Costs and AISC. The cash flow coming from the mine is enabling us to invest in exploration and rapidly repay debt, while we aggressively repurchase shares through our newly instituted NCIB."

Table 1 - Revenue

Realized price before deductions from Sailfish streaming agreement.

Table 2 - Operating and Financial Data

Refers to a Non-GAAP financial measure within the meaning of NI 52-112). Refer to information under the heading "Non-GAAP Measures" as well as the reconciliations later in this press release. Refers to a Non-GAAP ratio within the meaning of NI-52-112. Refer to information under the heading "Non-GAAP Measures" later in this press release. Realized price before deductions from Sailfish gold streaming agreement.

Table 3 - EBITDA Reconciliation

Refers to a Non-GAAP financial measure within the meaning of NI 52-112. Refer to information under the heading "Non-GAAP Measures" later in this press release.

Chart 1

Q3 2023 - Mine OCF Calculation and Cash Reconciliation (in $ millions)

Refers to Non-GAAP financial measure within the meaning of NI 52-112. Refer to information under the heading "Non-GAAP Measures" later in this press release. Includes all expenses incurred to sustain operations. Excludes Nicaraguan Taxes and Royalties, changes in Non-cash Working Capital, and Exploration expenses.

For complete details, please refer to the financial statements and the associated management discussion and analysis for the twelve months ended September 30th, 2023, available on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) or on the Company's website (www.makominingcorp.com).

Non-GAAP Measures

The Company has included certain non-GAAP financial measures and non-GAAP ratios in this press release such as EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Mine Operating Cash Flow cash cost per ounce sold, total cash cost per ounce sold, AISC per ounce sold. These non-GAAP measures are intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. In the gold mining industry, these are commonly used performance measures and ratios, but do not have any standardized meaning prescribed under IFRS and therefore may not be comparable to other issuers. The Company believes that, in addition to conventional measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, certain investors use this information to evaluate the Company's underlying performance of its core operations and its ability to generate cash flow.

"EBITDA" represents earnings before interest (including non-cash accretion of financial obligation and lease obligations), income taxes and depreciation, depletion and amortization.

"Adjusted EBITDA" represents EBITDA, adjusted to exclude exploration activities, share-based compensation and change in provision for reclamation and rehabilitation.

"Cash costs per ounce sold" is calculated by deducting revenues from silver sales and dividing the sum of mining, milling and mine site administration cost.

"Total cash costs per ounce sold" is calculated by deducting revenues from silver sales from production cash costs and production taxes and royalties and dividing the sum by the number of gold ounces sold. Production cash costs include mining, milling, mine site security and mine site administration costs.

"AISC per ounce sold" includes total cash costs (as defined above) and adds the sum of G&A, sustaining capital and certain exploration and evaluation ("E&E") costs, sustaining lease payments, provision for environmental fees, if applicable, and rehabilitation costs paid, all divided by the number of ounces sold. As this measure seeks to reflect the full cost of gold production from current operations, capital and E&E costs related to expansion or growth projects are not included in the calculation of AISC per ounce. Additionally, certain other cash expenditures, including income and other tax payments, financing costs and debt repayments, are not included in AISC per ounce.

"Mine OCF" represents operating cash flow, excluding Nicaraguan taxes and royalties, changes in non-cash working capital and exploration expenses.

On behalf of the Board,

Akiba Leisman

Chief Executive Officer

About Mako

Mako Mining Corp. is a publicly listed gold mining, development and exploration company. The Company operates the high-grade San Albino gold mine in Nueva Segovia, Nicaragua, which ranks as one of the highest-grade open pit gold mines globally. Mako's primary objective is to operate San Albino profitably and fund exploration of prospective targets on its district-scale land package.

For further information: Mako Mining Corp., Akiba Leisman, Chief Executive Officer, Telephone: 203-862-7059, E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit our website at www.makominingcorp.com and SEDAR www.sedar.com.

Forward-Looking Information

Some of the statements contained herein may be considered "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information can be identified by words such as, without limitation, "estimate", "project", "believe", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "plan", "predict", "may" or "should" or variations thereon or comparable terminology. The forward-looking information contained herein reflects the Company's current beliefs and expectations, based on management's reasonable assumptions, and includes, without limitation, that the Company expects record gold ounces recovered, gold ounces sold, Adjusted EBITDA, Mine OCF and Net Income, with record low Cash Costs, Total Cash Costs and AISC in Q4; rapidly repaying debt while the Company aggressively repurchases shares through its newly instituted NCIB; Mako's primary objective to operate San Albino profitably and fund exploration of prospective targets on its district-scale land package. Such forward-looking information is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking information, including, without limitation, changes in the Company's exploration and development plans and growth parameters and its ability to fund its growth to reach its expected new record production numbers; unanticipated costs; the October 24 measures having impacts on business operations not current expected, or new sanctions being imposed by the U.S. Treasury Department or other government entity in Nicaragua in the future; and other risks and uncertainties as disclosed in the Company's public disclosure filings on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Such information contained herein represents management's best judgment as of the date hereof, based on information currently available and is included for the purposes of providing investors with information regarding the Company's Q3 2023 financial results and may not be appropriate for other purposes. Mako does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Highlights

Eureka (Phase 2) step-out drill program consisting of seven holes for 1400m nearing completion, focussed on the first of five geophysical and surface targets in the area.

Latest results received include: ORD011: 61m @ 2.4g/t Au incl. 13m @ 6.2g/t and 13m @ 3.39g/t (from 66m) ORD012: 20m @ 5.60g/t Au (from 75 to 95m)

Detailed mapping on surface, combined with structural logging of the oriented diamond core, has enabled the team to build a preliminary lithological and structural model.

Helicopter-borne magnetic and radiometric survey to be completed before end of 2023 designed to better define the remaining four primary geophysical targets for drill testing early in 2024.

Results from the previous round of Eureka drilling include: ORD005: 47m @ 5.92g/t Au (144  191m) incl. 27m @ 8.69g/t Au and 3m @ 13g/t Au ORD006: 18m @ 4.94g/t Au (194 - 212m) and 5m @ 3.5g/t Au ORD004: 17m @ 4.13g/t Au (81  98m) and 13m @ 5.77g/t Au ORD001: 38m@ 1.67g/t Au (43  81m) incl. 3m @ 9.43g/t Au and 3m @ 6.90g/t Au



VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Osino Resources Corp. (TSXV:OSI) (NSX:OSN) (FSE:RSR1) (OTCQX:OSIIF) ("Osino or the Company) is pleased to provide an update on the Phase 2 drill program at the Eureka Project (Eureka or the Project). This current drill program is aimed at further definitng and expanding the Eureka godl discovery announced in the news release dated 9th August 2023.

Dave Underwood, Osinos VP Exploration commented: We have now spent considerable time and effort on site doing fine-scale mapping and relogging core to interpret the results at this first Eureka target. The mineralization at Eureka is quite different to the companys other deposits at Twin Hills and Ondundu, with its much higher gold grades associated with sulphide breccias and skarn alteration. The excitement is building within the team as we come to grips with what Eureka has to offer in terms of grade, scale and the potential for multiple deposits.

The mineralization at Eureka is hosted within a calcareous sedimentary package which has seen at least two and possibly three episodes of complex folding and faulting. We are using oriented diamond core for all holes to try and unravel the geological puzzle and build a coherent lithological and structural model. The first hole in the second phase of drilling appears to have clipped the edge of the mineralization but the second hole (ORD011) went through a wide zone and returned 61m @ 2.40g/t Au from 66m down. The third hole intercepted a very high grade (20m @ 5.60g/t) interval to the north of ORD011, confirming the robustness of the mineralization.

The next two holes drilled to the south and southeast of previous work also show visual indicators of good mineralization including sulphide breccias and visible gold. We expect to receive these results before the end of November. The Eureka deposit is wide open to the east, west and south at this stage and there are strong indications in the magnetic data that there may be a second parallel shoot just 1km to the west.

Eureka - Phase Two Drill Program

A total of seven holes for 1400m were planned for the Phase 2 Drill Program which commenced in late September 2023. Five holes have been completed to date for a total of 1,133m and it is possible that the drill budget will be extended due to the continuing positive results from step out holes.

Holes ORD010 to ORD014 were drilled on an azimuth of 090, perpendicular to the strike of the parasitic fold mapped on surface (refer to Figure 1 below for hole locations). Holes ORD015 and 016 are planned on an azimuth of 135 degrees perpendicular to the strike of lithologies to the east of the parasitic fold.

These holes will test the continuity of mineralization to the east of the parasitic fold within the gossan and garnet alteration, as well as the marble contact where a recent rock chip sample returned an assay value of 12.1 g/t Au. See Table 1 for full assay results for all drill holes to date.

Figure 1: Drill collars and intercepts to date  see Table 1 for full assay results

Geological and Structural Setting

The mineralization is contained within the Okonguarri Formation of the Damara Supergroup. The Okonguarri Formation is the same host rock to B2Gold Corps Otjikoto gold project, which is located approximately 140kms to the north-east along strike.

The lithology consists of interbedded sands, shales, mudstones, calcareous sands and marble, which have all been metamorphosed to greenschist facies  see Figure 1. The rocks have been subjected to multiple episodes of folding, resulting in complex interference folding and faulting  see Figure 3.

The mineralization currently being drilled appears to be in a south-westerly plunging shoot which has been intersected over an area (projected to surface) of 350 x 150m to date, with an apparent thickness of approximately 20  60m and open to the west, south and east.

This shoot is focussed along a fault (or a series of faults) on the axial plane of the overturned F1 recumbent fold  see Figures 2 and 3. The F1 fold has been re-folded along a later F2 fold generation, adding to the deposit complexity while further maturing the fracture system.

Figure 2: West  East Section through Eureka Mineralization  Section line shown on Figure 1

Figure 3: Interference Folding Interpretation at Eureka

Mineralization

The gold mineralization appears to have occurred in two phases, initially a low-grade pulse associated with bedding parallel, quartz-carbonate veins and subsequently a higher-grade pulse in massive sulphide breccias along axial planar faults  see Figure 2.

The sulphides consist of pyrrhotite and pyrite with minor chalcopyrite. The highest grade intervals are dominated by massive pyrrhotite and intense brecciation. See Photos 1  4. Garnet alteration in finely interbedded sands and shales is often associated with high-grade zones, and this is used as an indicator for gold exploration in the area.

Photo 1: ORD014 - Pyrrhotite and Qz flooding Photo 2: Visible gold with pyrrhotite

Photo 3: ORD014  Pyrrhotite and Qz-Carb Veining Photo 4: Visible gold and pyrrhotite within a crack in mud Planned Near-term Work Program

The planned work program for the next few months for the Eureka discovery and surrounding area includes the following:

Complete Phase 2 drilling and assaying, then update the geological and structural model

Complete a detailed heli-borne magnetic survey (50m line spacing) across the licence, planned for late November 2023. This will better define the five magnetic targets outlined from the regional magnetics to date and hopefully identify further targets. See Figure 4 for location of current magnetic targets.

Alteration mapping using satellite and airphoto data

Step out and infill surface geochemistry sampling programs, including recently generated targets in the far north of the license, located within the highly prospective Kuiseb Formation Sediments (host rocks to the Twin Hills, Kokoseb and Ondundu Gold Project).

Further delineation and step-out drilling  Q1 2024

Follow-up mapping and rock chip sampling from licence-wide soil program

Scout drilling of magnetic targets (pyrrhotite dominated mineralization has strong magnetic signature)

Figure 4: District Scale Map of Eureka Property with Magnetic Targets



TABLE 1: Summary of Assay Results for Holes Drilled

Hole From To Width Grade X Y GM DIAMOND DRILL HOLES ORD001 43 81 39 1.67 570058 7737088 65.13 incl. 4 4.41 incl. 3 9.43 and 150 152 2 39.80 ORD002 100 103 3 5.69 569950 7737079 17.07 ORD003 No significant intercept 570013 7737241 0.00 ORD004 81 98 17 4.13 570161 7736991 incl. 11 4.38 incl. 2 11.01 and 144 157 13 5.77 75.01 ORD005 97 100 3 1.60 570081 7736982 and 144 191 47 5.92 278.24 incl. 27 8.69 incl. 3 13.00 ORD006 194 212 18 4.94 569964 7736981 88.92 incl. 3 10.29 incl. 10 5.79 and 229 234 5 3.50 ORD007 144 149 5 1.51 569877 7737084 7.55 ORD008 No significant intercept 570020 7737582 0.00 ORD009* 133 134 1 3.28 569957 7736883 3.28 and 202 207 5 0.58 ORD010 17 19 2 2.56 570122 7737039 and 54 63 9 0.74 6.66 and 75 78 3 1.87 ORD011 66 127 61 2.40 570234 7736994 146.40 incl. 13 6.20 incl. 13 3.39 ORD012 75 95 20 5.60 570221 7737039 112.05 ORD013 570106 7736934 ORD014 570217 7736924 RC DRILL HOLES ORR001 3 32 29 2.69 570156 7737092 78.01 incl. 19 3.06 and 54 64 10 1.46 and 104 112 8 0.84 ORR002 0 25 25 1.54 570309 7737121 38.50 incl. 12 2.34 ORR003 5 6 1 5.07 570120 7737242 5.07 ORR004 No significant intercept 570000 7737356 0.00

Notes on Drill Assay Reporting:

Total intercepts reported are unconstrained - all combined intercepts above 0.4g/t reported. GM values based on unconstrained intercepts. All reported intercepts are apparent widths rounded to the nearest meter. Included (incl.) intercepts are constrained at 0.4g/t cut-off, minimum 2m wide and no more that 2m internal dilution. True widths are unknown at this stage. Collar positions are in UTM WGS84 surveyed by digital GPS.



The GM number indicated by colour coding in Figure 1 and 2 is a commonly used short-hand method of representing gold grade (g/t) and unconstrained intercept width (m) as a single metric by multiplying the average intercept grade with the intercept width.

Qualified Persons Statement

David Underwood, BSc. (Hons) is Vice President Exploration of Osino Resources Corp. and has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this news release and is a registered Professional Natural Scientist with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (Pr. Sci. Nat. No.400323/11) and a Qualified Person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101.

About Osino Resources

Osino is a Canadian gold exploration and development company focused on the fast-tracked development of our wholly owned, Twin Hills Gold Project in central Namibia. Since its grassroots discovery by Osino in August 2019 the Company has completed more than 240,000m of drilling and has completed a suite of specialist technical studies culminating in the recently published Twin Hills Definitive Feasibility Study ("DFS") dated effective June 12, 2023. The DFS describes a technically simple and economically robust open-pit gold operation with a 13-year mine life and average annual gold production of over 169,000oz per annum.

Osino has a commanding ground position of over 8,000km2 located within Namibia's prospective Damara sedimentary mineral belt, and mostly in proximity to and along strike of the producing Navachab and Otjikoto Gold Mines. The Company is actively exploring a range of gold prospects and targets along the belt by utilizing a portfolio approach geared towards discovery, targeting gold mineralization that fits the broad orogenic gold model.

Our core projects are favourably located north and north-west of Namibia's capital city Windhoek. By virtue of their location, the projects benefit significantly from Namibia's well-established infrastructure with paved highways, railway, power and water in close proximity. Namibia is mining-friendly and lauded as one of the continent's most politically and socially stable jurisdictions. Osino continues to evaluate new ground with a view to expanding our Namibian portfolio.

Further details are available on the Company's website at https://osinoresources.com and under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

On Behalf of The Board of Directors

Heye Daun, President & CEO

CONTACT INFORMATION

Osino Resources Corp.

Yaron Conforti

Corporate Development

+1-604-687-2038

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, without limitation, statements regarding the use of proceeds from the Company's future plans or prospects of the Company, including prospects for economic recoverability of mineral resources. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking statements 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. 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. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Other factors which could materially affect such forward-looking information are described in the risk factors in the Company's most recent annual management's discussion and analysis which is available on the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The Company does not undertake to update any forward- looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - November 14, 2023) - Alpha Exploration Ltd. (TSXV: ALEX) ("Alpha" or the "Company") announces results from its recent drilling program completed over the district scale Aburna Gold Prospect ("Aburna") on the Company's 100% owned, 771km Kerkasha Project located in southern Eritrea.

Aburna is an orogenic-style gold prospect stretching approximately 7km northeast and 2km wide based on elevated gold in soils, geological mapping, trenching and geophysical surveys as well as localized drilling. To date, Alpha's exploration has established 6 different priority targets at Aburna. These latest results are from 33 holes (5,565 meters) drilled in 4 of these priority targets, mostly from the Northeast Area (17 holes), 8 holes from the Central Area, 7 from the Celebration Hill Area and 1 one from the Hill 52 Area (see Figure 1 below).

The purpose of this latest drilling program was to gain a greater understanding of the controls of mineralization in the 4 areas drilled and to try and establish strike continuity by drilling a number of "scout holes" with a large step-out from known gold mineralization. In the Northeast Area prospect this drilling has been successful in supporting the potential for a 1.2km long mineralized target as identified from recent GAIP (Gradient Array Induced Polarization) and ground magnetics surveys (see news release from October 2nd:https://alpha-exploration.com/alpha-ground-geophysics-update-02-october-2023/). Within this 1.2km long target, drillhole ABR078 (9m @ 5.99 g/t Au) has extended a significant "shoot" of gold mineralization to over 200m in length and as defined previously in drillholes ABR037 (16m @ 14.0 g/t Au) ABR043 (11m @ 3.99 g.t Au) and ABR044 (13m @ 4.24 g/t Au) (see Figure 2, 3 below). In addition, drillhole ABR092 (9m @ 10 g/t Au) along with a prior reported hole from this program ABR069 (6m @ 5 g/t Au) have now indicated a separate, mineralized structure over 200m in strike length (also see Figure 2, 3). Separately, drillhole ANR079 (30m @ 0.48 g/t Au) has extended mineralization by 400m along the main 1.2km trend in Northeast Area (Figure 2, 3). Follow up trenching has now been completed on these targets with results expected in due course.

HIGHLIGHTS:

9 meters averaging 5.99 g/t gold from drillhole ABR078 (Northeast Area)

9 meters averaging 10.00 g/t gold from drillhole ABR092 (Northeast Area)

3 metres averaging 53.39 g/t gold (*) from drillhole ABD008 (Northeast Area)

2 significant mineralized structures defined at Northeast Area >400m in combined strike length

Drilling supports the potential of 1.2km mineralized target in Northeast Area

(* includes 1m @ 158 g/t Au)

Michael Hopley, Alpha President & CEO said, "The Aburna Gold Prospect is so large that it is important that Alpha is able to narrow its focus on the most promising targets. The results of this recent drilling program including 9m at 10 g/t gold from drillhole ABR092, have established the Northeast Area as one of the most encouraging targets. Follow-up trenching has already been completed and an aggressive drilling program is planned - subject to financing - to start later this year. The next drilling program will focus on three principal targets, covering a combined strike length of 5km and have been generated from all work to date on the prospect.

The objective will be to further define mineralized lenses at Aburna prior to resource drilling which is expected to begin, subject to financing, later in 2024. We look forward to updating shareholders with further results in due course."

Figure 1. Aburna overview map with all newly announced drillholes shown with all existing drillholes, geology and gold in soil assays

Figure 2: Recent drilling confirms potential over Northeast Area target (ground geophysics background)

Figure 3: Recent drilling confirms potential over Northeast Area target (mapped geology background)

An updated version of the Company's presentation is available here: https://alpha-exploration.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Alpha-Exploration-Presentation-November-2023.pdf

Drill Program

33 holes were drilled at Aburna between February and July 2023 and involved the completion of 28 reverse circulation (RC) and 5 diamond drilling (DD) drill holes.

RC Drilling

In total, 16 RC holes for 2,634 metres were drilled at Northeast Area, 6 holes for 1,218m at Central Area and 6 holes at Celebration Hill for 904 metres. Holes were orientated at -50 degrees down to a maximum depth reached of 264m. The RC program was designed to step out from prior drilling across the Northeast Area, Central and Celebration Hill prospects. Four scout holes (ABR079 - 082) were drilled 400m north east of current drilling at the Northeast Area within a soil anomaly where mineralized structure continuity has been mapped and channels samples, including ABCHAN 061 + 063, indicated strong gold mineralization at surface.

Diamond drilling

In total, 5 DD holes for 809 metres have been completed at Aburna with one each at Hill 52, Northeast Area and Celebration Hill and a further 2 DD holes at Central prospect. The drilling was designed to characterise mineralogy and structure at key areas of high grade mineralization that had been drilled previously by the Company. Holes were orientated at -50 degrees down to a maximum depth reached of 209.5m

Trenching Program

20 trenches totalling 967 metres have been completed across the three primary targets interpreted from the GAIP survey. The trenches were typically 40m to 50m long and spaced approximately 200 metres from each other, orientated NW-SE, perpendicular to the interpreted strike of mineralization. The trenches were excavated using a backhoe down to an average depth of 2m and then systematically sampled at 1m intervals, and subsequently logged by the Company's exploration team. The program was designed to follow up on three major structural features interpreted from the GAIP survey including part of "Target 3", a 1.2km and separate 500m long chargeability high in the Northeast Area, "Target 2", a 1.25km long chargeability and resistivity high and "Target 1" a >2km long chargeability high with moderate intensity. Significant oxidised pyrite has been observed in the trenches within Target 2. Assay results are expected in late 2023.

Table 1: Significant Mineralized intervals from Alpha's recent drilling at Aburna

Hole_ID Sub prospect Hole

Depth

(m) Hole

Type Intersection Depth From (m) Intersection Depth To

(m) Interval

(m) Au g/t ABR049 Celebration Hill 112 RC No Significant Intervals ABR070 Central 174 RC 57 58 1 20.3 64 69 5 1.52 131 134 3 1 143 148 5 0.62 155 161 6 0.27 ABR071 Celebration Hill 192 RC No Significant Intervals ABR072 Celebration Hill 168 RC No Significant Intervals ABR073 Celebration Hill 180 RC No Significant Intervals ABR074 Celebration Hill 102 RC No Significant Intervals ABR075 Celebration Hill 150 RC No Significant Intervals ABR076 Northeast 180 RC 113 114 1 1.09 ABR077 Northeast 144 RC 1 8 7 0.89 33 36 3 0.34 94 95 1 2.31 ABR078 Northeast 210 RC 156 165 9 5.99 including 156 161 5 10.55 ABR079 Northeast 216 RC 27 29 2 1.32 38 43 5 0.21 53 56 3 1.98 108 138 30 0.48 143 144 1 3.08 161 172 11 0.42 178 183 5 0.45 ABR080 Northeast 150 RC 71 72 1 1.28 99 105 6 1.16 140 143 3 0.34 ABR081 Northeast 216 RC 44 53 9 0.47 58 65 7 0.33 97 109 12 0.34 ABR082 Northeast 198 RC 9 16 7 0.31 39 48 9 0.41 83 84 1 1.33 156 160 4 0.56 ABR083 Northeast 150 RC 12 17 5 0.75 56 61 5 0.55 ABR084 Northeast 102 RC 10 17 7 0.98 35 46 11 0.23 ABR085 Northeast 102 RC 4 11 7 0.51 19 23 4 0.48 26 27 1 1.04 34 35 1 3.29 53 54 1 2.68 61 64 3 3.71 ABR086 Northeast 102 RC 7 13 6 1.54 ABR087 Northeast 150 RC 51 54 3 0.54 73 78 5 0.28 109 110 1 1.43 126 128 2 1.77 139 140 1 1.53 ABR088 Northeast 216 RC 54 55 1 6.24 55 56 1 1.41 64 70 6 0.41 94 95 1 2.29 168 174 6 0.32 187 188 1 2.39 ABR089 Northeast 174 RC 73 74 1 1.85 139 144 5 1.14 150 154 4 0.35 ABR090 Central 150 RC No Significant Intervals ABR091 Central 258 RC 157 161 4 0.17 226 230 4 0.3



ABR092 Northeast 216 RC 55 64 9 10 106 111 5 0.27 164 165 1 3.28 173 174 1 3.81 181 192 11 0.61 ABR093 Northeast 108 RC 104 107 3 0.41 ABR094 Central 168 RC No Significant Intervals ABR095 Central 204 RC No Significant Intervals ABR096 Central 264 RC 198 201 3 0.42 213 222 9 0.65 235 240 5 0.39 250 258 8 0.65 ABD006 Central 136.6 DD 67 71 4 0.47 82 86 4 0.39 113 124 11 0.5 ABD007 Central 209.5 DD 83 87 4 1.13 93 94 1 1.77 103 107 4 0.86 114 121 7 0.81 186 190 4 0.43 ABD008 Hill 52 191.5 DD 1 2 1 1.13 9 16 7 0.35 20 26 6 1.41 32 36 4 0.97 77 80 3 0.34 125 134 9 17.9 including 129 132 3 53.39 including 129 130 1 158 144 148 4 0.83 171 174 3 0.35 ABD009 Celebration Hill 128.3 DD 18 25 7 0.31 31 36 5 0.21 ABD010 Northeast 136.6 DD 24 32 8 0.88 38 46 8 0.69 56 58 2 10.06

Note: At this early stage of exploration, the true width of the mineralisation is uncertain, but it is estimated to be 80% of reported intervals. Significant Intervals were calculated with a start and finish value of > 0.2 g/t gold, a minimum width of 3m and maximum internal dilution of 2m at <0.2g/t gold. Any lone assay value of >1.00 g/t gold in also considered significant. For more details, see Alpha news releases dated June 27, 2022, September 14, 2022, November 24, 2022, and May 24, 2023.

Sampling, Sub-sampling and Analysis

Geological consultants from RSC were responsible for the design of a strict QA/QC program consistent with industry best practice. Drilling of the reported intervals was by both reverse-circulation (RC) and diamond drilling. RC samples were split at the rig using a Metzke splitter and then logged on site. Diamond drill core was logged and then cut in half longitudinally at site using a diamond saw and half of the core (in 1-meter intervals) was transported to a secure location for logging.

All samples were submitted to Nabro Laboratories Limited (Nabro), Asmara, Eritrea, for sample preparation. Samples were crushed (to 90% passing 2.0 mm) and pulverised (to 85% passing 75 m). Two scoop samples were taken from the pulveriser bowl: approximately 130 g for laboratory analysis and approximately 150 g for portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) analysis. The coarse and pulp rejects are stored at a warehouse in Asmara. The Company inserted certified reference material from OREAS (www.ore.com.au) into the sample stream, while Nabro inserted barren granodiorite material into the sample stream as a blank. Drill samples were shipped to ALS Geochemistry (ALS), Loughrea, Ireland, for analysis. ALS analysed all drill samples for gold by method Au-AA26 (50 g charge fire assay, AAS finish). ALS is independent of the Company and its quality management systems framework is accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2005 or certified to ISO 9001:2015 standards.

About Alpha

Alpha (TSXV: ALEX) is an exploration company that is rapidly advancing a number of important gold and base metal discoveries across its 100% owned, large (771 km2) Kerkasha Project in Eritrea.

The Aburna Gold Prospect is an exciting new gold discovery where recent drilling has established a high-grade discovery with grades including 16m @ 14.07g/t Au, 9m @10 g/t Au and 23m @ 6.74 g/t Au. The Anagulu Gold-Copper Prospect includes recent drilling intersections of 108m @ 1.24 g/t Au & 0.60% Cu & and 49m @ 2.42 g/t Au & 1.10% Cu within a major porphyry unit mapped over at least 2km. The Company has also advanced the Tolegimja VMS Copper-Zinc-Gold Prospect and over 17 other gold prospects since listing in 2021.

The Company is managed by a group of highly experienced and successful professionals with long track records of establishing, building and successfully exiting a number of world class gold and base metals discoveries in Eritrea and across the wider Arabian Nubian Shield.

For further information go to the Alpha webpage at www.alpha-exploration.com or contact:

Michael Hopley

President and Chief Executive Officer

Alpha Exploration Ltd.

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Tel: +44 207129 1148

Qualified Person

All scientific and technical information in this press release, including the results of the Aburna drill program and how these results relate to the ongoing exploration at the Kerkasha Project has been reviewed, verified, and approved by Michael Hopley, President, Chief Executive Officer of Alpha and a "qualified person" for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

ForwardLooking Statements

Certain statements and information herein, including all statements that are not historical facts, contain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such forward-looking statements or information include but are not limited to statements or information with respect to future dataset interpretations, sampling, plans for its projects (including the Anagulu prospect), surveys related to Alpha's assets, and the Company's drilling program. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements or information can be identified by the use of words such as "estimate", "project", "belief", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "plan", "predict", "may" or "should" and the negative of these words or such variations thereon or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information. With respect to forward-looking statements and information contained herein, Alpha has made numerous assumptions including among other things, assumptions about general business and economic conditions and the price of gold and other minerals. The foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive.

Although management of Alpha believes that the assumptions made and the expectations represented by such statements or information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that forward-looking statements or information herein will prove to be accurate. Forward-Looking statements and information by their nature are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. These factors include, but are not limited to: risks relating to Alpha's financing efforts; risks associated with the business of Alpha given its limited operating history; business and economic conditions in the mining industry generally; the supply and demand for labour and other project inputs; changes in commodity prices; changes in interest and currency exchange rates; risks relating to inaccurate geological and engineering assumptions (including with respect to the tonnage, grade and recoverability of reserves and resources); risks relating to unanticipated operational difficulties (including failure of equipment or processes to operate in accordance with specifications or expectations, cost escalation, unavailability of materials and equipment, government action or delays in the receipt of government approvals, industrial disturbances or other job action, and unanticipated events related to health, safety and environmental matters); risks relating to adverse weather conditions; political risk and social unrest; changes in general economic conditions or conditions in the financial markets; changes in laws (including regulations respecting mining concessions); risks related to the direct and indirect impact of COVID-19 including, but not limited to, its impact on general economic conditions, the ability to obtain financing as required, and causing potential delays to exploration activities; those factors discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Final Prospectus; and other risk factors as detailed from time to time. Alpha does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 14, 2023) - Pacific Ridge Exploration Ltd. (TSXV: PEX) (OTCQB: PEXZF) (FSE: PQWN) ("Pacific Ridge" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has almost doubled the size of the Kliyul copper-gold project ("Kliyul" or the "Project") from approximately 52 km2 to approximately 92 km2. The new mineral claims ("Claims") are contiguous and adjoin the western and southern side of Kliyul (see Figure 1). The Project is located in the prolific Quesnel Terrane in northcentral British Columbia close to existing infrastructure (see Figure 2).

Highlights

Size: Kliyul has almost doubled in size from approximately 52 km 2 to approximately 92 km 2 and now comprises 83 contiguous mineral claims.

Targets: The Claims cover a gossanous target area with a coincident 750 x 500 m aeromagnetic high anomaly located 2.5 km south of the Kliyul Main Zone ("KMZ") as well as other targets farther west.

Logistics: The southeasternmost mineral claim connects to the Omineca Road via forest service roads.

Exploration: Pacific Ridge plans to undertake a ZTEM airborne geophysical survey over Kliyul in 2024 to better assess the Claims and to further enhance drill targeting at KMZ.

"Acquiring these Claims was important for several reasons," said Blaine Monaghan, President & CEO of Pacific Ridge. "Yes, we have almost doubled the size of Kliyul but, more importantly, the Claims contain a number of underexplored porphyry targets, and the southeasternmost mineral claim connects to the Omineca Road via forest service roads. This provides us with additional or alternative logistical options for the Project."

Discussion of Claims

In June 2023, a sale-and-purchase agreement was completed for a single 160.63-hectare mineral claim located on the west side of Kliyul, south of Goldway Peak. Several polymetallic base and precious metal vein and gold quartz vein showings have been recorded in the British Columbia Mineral Inventory (MINFILE) near this mineral claim.

Subsequently, in August 2023, an additional sale-and-purchase agreement was completed for five Claims totaling 4,074.77 hectares on the west and south sides of the Project. The Claims include a gossanous target zone and a 750 x 500 m aeromagnetic anomaly located 2.5 km south of KMZ. This new target area lies within an 8-km-long east-west to west-southwest linear cross trend of interest and is subparallel to the Valley Fault Trend. Furthermore, there is a pronounced 6-km-long geophysical linear, trending northwest-southeast to north-south in the Dortatelle Fault area, with spatially related aeromagnetic anomalies of interest, coincident Late Triassic quartz diorite plutons (similar type intrusions as associated with KMZ) mapped by the BC Geological Survey and Development Branch in 2003-2004, and a 2 x 1 km area of anomalous gold-in soils (> 100 ppb) that was delineated by Hemlo Gold Mines Inc in 1995 (BC Assessment Report 24073). The southeasternmost mineral claim connects to the Omineca Road via forest service roads and could provide additional or alternative logistical options for Kliyul.

Pacific Ridge plans to undertake a ZTEM airborne geophysical survey over Kliyul in 2024 to better assess the Claims and to further enhance drill targeting at KMZ.

Figure 1 Kliyul Property Boundary

Figure 2 Location of Kliyul

About Kliyul

Owned 100% by Pacific Ridge, the Kliyul copper-gold project ("Kliyul" or the "Project") is over 90 km2 in size and is located in the prolific Quesnel Terrane close to existing infrastructure. Kliyul hosts a number of compelling exploration targets, including the Kliyul Main Zone ("KMZ") which has been the Company's focus since acquiring the Project in 2020. Since then, Pacific Ridge has completed more than 17,500 m of diamond drilling and has expanded the known extents of KMZ mineralization to 630 m east-west, up to 600 m north-south, and up to 600 m vertical depth. KMZ remains open in every direction.

About Pacific Ridge

Our goal is to become British Columbia's leading copper-gold exploration company. Pacific Ridge's flagship asset is its 100% owned Kliyul copper-gold project, located in the Quesnel Terrane close to existing infrastructure. In addition to Kliyul, the Company's project portfolio includes the RDP copper-gold project (optioned to Antofagasta Minerals S.A.), the Chuchi copper-gold project, the Onjo copper-gold project, and the Redton copper-gold project, all located in British Columbia. Pacific Ridge would like to acknowledge that its B.C. projects are located in the traditional, ancestral and unceded territories of the Gitxsan Nation, McLeod Lake Indian Band, Nak'azdli Whut'en, Takla Nation, and Tsay Keh Dene Nation.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

"Blaine Monaghan"

Blaine Monaghan

President & CEO

Pacific Ridge Exploration Ltd.

Corporate Contact:

Blaine Monaghan

President & CEO

Tel: (604) 687-4951

www.pacificridgeexploration.com

https://www.linkedin.com/company/pacific-ridge-exploration-ltd-pex-

https://twitter.com/PacRidge_PEX

Investor Contact:

G2 Consultants Corp.

Telephone: +1 778-678-9050

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

The technical information contained within this News Release has been reviewed and approved by Gerald G. Carlson, Ph.D., P.Eng., Executive Chairman of Pacific Ridge and Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 policy.

Forward-Looking Information: This release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, which address exploration drilling and other activities and events or developments that Pacific Ridge Exploration Ltd. ("Pacific Ridge") expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements in this release include plans to undertake a ZTEM airborne geophysical survey over Kliyul in 2024. Although Pacific Ridge believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploration successes, and continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. These statements are based on a number of assumptions including, among other things, assumptions regarding general business and economic conditions, that one of the options will be exercised, the ability of Pacific Ridge and other parties to satisfy stock exchange and other regulatory requirements in a timely manner, the availability of financing for Pacific Ridge's proposed programs on reasonable terms, and the ability of third party service providers to deliver services in a timely manner. 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. Pacific Ridge does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.
MONTREAL, Nov. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Midland Exploration Inc. (Midland) (TSX-V: MD) is pleased to report that following the approval of permits, drilling has resumed along the extensions of the new Santos nickel-copper (Ni-Cu) discovery located on the Tete Nord property. This property is currently wholly owned by Midland but is subject to an option agreement with Rio Tinto Exploration Canada Inc. (RTEC) since December 2021 and is located near the town of La Tuque, Quebec (see press release by Midland dated December 2, 2021).

This new drilling program targeting the Santos zone consists of four (4) drill holes totalling 1,150 metres and is mainly designed to test new conductors identified at depth on the Santos zone following downhole and ground-based electromagnetic surveys.

The Santos Ni-Cu zone was discovered in early 2023 following the drill testing of an electromagnetic VTEM anomaly. The discovery hole (MDLD0015) intersected, from 14 metres to 80 metres downhole depth, several layers with Ni-Cu mineralization within altered gabbro horizons. From 20.11 to 22.79 metres, the drill hole intersected 1.10% Ni and 0.71% Cu over 2.68 metres. Further down, from 33.02 to 43.39 metres, a mineralized interval graded 0.45% Ni and 0.18% Cu over 10.37 metres (see press release by Midland dated April 27, 2023).

A second shallow hole was drilled in July 2023 on the Santos zone, approximately 50 metres west of the discovery hole. After going through 11.66 metres of overburden, drill hole MDLD0018 intersected a mineralized zone grading 0.33% Ni and 0.12% Cu over 39.73 metres, from 11.66 to 51.39 metres downhole depth (see press release by Midland dated October 12, 2023). The interval exhibits impressive magmatic breccias with decimetre-scale semi-massive sulphide zones, indicative of a dynamic magmatic system at Santos. The two drill holes, MDLD0015 and MDLD0018, began directly in the mineralized zone; the total thickness of this zone has yet to be determined and the zone remains open in all directions.

A very similar target as Santos, occurs 770m to the south. The Santos South target consists of a subtle airborne EM located in a very similar fold structure as the Santos occurrence. One drill hole totaling 300m will be drilled to test this target.

Additional targets were also selected for another phase of drill testing (5-7 drill holes) in early 2024, in the Bonhomme and Cutaway-East areas.

Regionally, the new Santos Ni-Cu zone is favourably located along a N-S-trending structure, approximately 8 kilometres north of the former Lac Edouard Ni-Cu mine.

About the Tete Nord Ni-Cu property

The Tete Nord property covers mafic and ultramafic rocks of the La Bostonnais Complex north of La Tuque, which hosts the former Lac Edouard mine that historically produced 50,000 tonnes of ore grading 1.50% Ni and 0.50% Cu (source: SIGEOM NTS sheet 31P09).

This property hosts a few mineral occurrences, including the Savane showing located approximately 25 kilometres south of the former Lac Edouard mine. This Ni-Cu showing was discovered by prospecting in 1995 when grab samples collected in a pyroxenite yielded historical values of 1.80% Ni and 0.20% Cu. Another grab sample from a subcropping boulder also yielded grades of 1.98% Ni and 0.46% Cu about 250 metres north of the Savane showing (Source: SIGEOM NTS sheet 31P07; GM55352).

Cautionary statements

Note that grab sample grades may not be representative of mineralized zones.

The true thickness of reported intervals cannot be determined with the information currently available; intervals are thus reported in core length.

Mineralization occurring at the former Lac Edouard mine is not necessarily indicative of mineralization that may be found on the Tete Nord property held by Midland in partnership with RTEC.

Quality Control

Drill core samples were sent to ALS Thunder Bay for preparation and ALS Vancouver for analysis. Samples were prepared by the RIORCK package where the entire sample is crushed to 70% less than 2mm using a Boyd crusher-splitter combination, then 1kg of material is pulverized to better than 85% passing 75 microns. This method includes between-sample washes on both the crushers and pulverizers. The samples were analyzed for a full element suite using lithium borate fusions (ME-ICP06 and ME-MS81), four acid digestions (ME-4ACD81), S and C by induction furnace (ME-IR08) and Au-Pt-Pd by an ultralow detection 30g fire assay (PGM-MS23L). The MDLD0018 batch of 59 samples included 3 CRMs, 2 blanks, and 2 core duplicates for a QC insertion rate of 13%. The certified reference materials were in-house standards TAM26 and TAM28, all independently manufactured and independently certified, and a commercial standard OREAS 86. ALS included laboratory QC of a range of blank and CRM materials, and 7 RTX samples were analyzed twice as pulp duplicates.

About Midland

Midland targets the excellent mineral potential of Quebec to make the discovery of new world-class deposits of gold and critical metals. Midland is proud to count on reputable partners such as RTEC, BHP Canada Inc., Barrick Gold Corp., Wallbridge Mining Company Ltd, Probe Gold Inc., Agnico Eagle Mines Limited, Osisko Development Corp., SOQUEM Inc., Brunswick Exploration Inc., Nunavik Mineral Exploration Fund, Cosmos Exploration Limited and Abcourt Mines Inc. Midland prefers to work in partnership and intends to quickly conclude additional agreements in regard to newly acquired properties. Management is currently reviewing other opportunities and projects to build up Midlands portfolio and generate shareholder value.

Qualified Person and VP Exploration Mario Masson prepared this press release and verified the Tete Nord project data as Midlands qualified person (QP) within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101.

For further information, please consult Midlands website or contact:

Gino Roger, President and Chief Executive Officer

Tel.: 450 420-5977

Fax: 450 420-5978

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Website: https://www.midlandexploration.com/

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 press release may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to vary materially from targeted results. Such risks and uncertainties include those described in Midlands periodic reports including the annual report or in the filings made by Midland from time to time with securities regulatory authorities.
Moscow faced stinging criticism at the UN on Monday over a deteriorating rights situation inside Russia as it pushes ahead with its war in Ukraine, but far from all countries chimed in.

During a regular review of Russia's rights record at the United Nations in Geneva, Western countries again slammed its full-scale invasion of Ukraine and decried its crackdown on civil society and jailing of journalists and political opponents at home.

But few other countries even mentioned Ukraine, urging only small improvements to its domestic situation, while a number congratulated Russia for progress on rights issues.

"We condemn the Russian government's brutal war of aggression against Ukraine and its almost complete domestic crackdown on dissent," US ambassador Michele Taylor told the gathering.

"Impunity for the Kremlin's human rights violations and abuses at home has directly enabled its aggression and atrocities abroad," she added.

Britain's ambassador Simon Manley urged Russia to "cease the forcible transfer and deportation of Ukrainian children," release jailed political opponents and repeal legislation enabling its "vicious crackdown" on dissent.

- 'Not safe' -

The top UN expert on the human rights situation inside Russia, Mariana Katzarova, recently warned of a significant deterioration since its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

She pointed to soaring numbers of people prosecuted on "politically motivated charges", and decried how allegations of espionage and treason were increasingly being used to silence journalists.

A group of independent Russian journalists who travelled to Geneva for the review voiced hope that the event would help keep an international spotlight on Moscow's abuses.

"I can't go back," said Regina Gimalova, a journalist with Verstka Media who lives in exile.

"A lot of my colleagues are prosecuted in Russia. For me it is not safe."

But during Monday's Universal Periodic Review (UPR) -- which all 193 UN countries must undergo every four years -- Russia's delegation rejected the criticism, reiterating that Moscow did not recognise Katzarova's mandate and insisting the war raging in Ukraine was irrelevant to its domestic rights situation.

Russian Deputy Justice Minister Andrey Loginov, who headed the delegation, called on countries to "not use human rights issues as a pretext for interference in the domestic affairs of other states".

He maintained that Russia had strived to improve its rights situation, but said it had faced numerous obstacles, including "unprecedented sanctions pressure" and restrictions on participation in international meetings.

Moscow received the usual support from countries like Cuba, Venezuela, Eritrea and North Korea, as well as China, who hailed its commitment "to improving the living standards of its citizens".

But it also received praise from the likes of Lebanon, who commended Moscow's "call for ceasefire and protecting civilians in Gaza".

Ukraine's ambassador Yevheniia Filipenko meanwhile insisted that it was vital that Russia "be held accountable" for its numerous "war crimes and crimes against humanity".
It draws up a provisional inventory of 1,002 victims of sexual abuse committed by Catholic priests and members of the Swiss Church since 1950. Released on September 12 in Zurich, the pilot project report on sexual abuse in the Roman Catholic Church in Switzerland since the mid-20th century has triggered a series of reactions with as yet unknown consequences.

"Switzerland has done things in a different order from France: reparations commissions for victims already existed, explains Astrid Kaptijn, professor of canon law at the University of Fribourg. Various ecclesiastical bodies finally agreed to fund this study. The study was entrusted to the University of Zurich. It was commissioned on April 4, 2022 by the Swiss Bishops' Conference, the Conference of Unions of Religious Orders and Consecrated Life Communities in Switzerland, the Roman Catholic Central Conference (which groups together the cantonal organisations), and was overseen by a board of six scientists appointed by the Swiss Historical Society "to guarantee the independent nature of the project and advise researchers who may have questions about access to archives, for example, or about Church procedures", explains Kaptijn, who was a member of the board.

For a year, the academics studied the archives of the Catholic Church. The study identified 1,002 cases of sexual abuse involving 921 victims between 1950 and 2022 - 56% boys, 39% girls (in 5% of cases the sex was not specified) - perpetrated by 510 perpetrators, the vast majority of whom were priests. 74% of the abuse was committed against minors and 14% against adults. The study should resume in January 2024, and further reports are expected in the next three years.

Witnesses forced to remain silent

This figure of one thousand could well open a Pandora's box. Historians point out that church sources could not be properly studied due to lack of certain documents, which had been destroyed, and that a request for access to archives was refused by the Holy See embassy and by the Vatican itself, concerning the opening of diplomatic files. "It became clear that Church officials ignored, concealed or minimised most of the cases of sexual abuse analysed up until the 2000s, says the report. In many cases, sexual abuse was put on a back burner, the accused were transferred, those involved and witnesses were forced to remain silent. In this way, Church leaders accepted that other situations of sexual abuse could occur."

It was high time for such a study," says Jacques Nuoffer, President of Groupe Sapec, a Swiss association that supports people abused in a relationship of religious authority. It confirms what we have been observing and even experiencing for decades. The Church authorities covered up their crimes, supported the abusers and protected the reputation of their institution, to the detriment of the victims, who were reduced to silence," continues Nuoffer, who has been fighting since 2009 to ensure that victims, of whom he is one, are heard. He estimates their number to be at least 10,000 in Switzerland. In France, the number of victims has been estimated at over 330,000.

"Admittedly it's a small number, but it gives an idea of the scale of the abuse in Switzerland," says Kaptijn.

In my opinion, the psychological impact of this study on the victims will be very important, even fundamental," agrees criminal lawyer Joelle de Rham-Rudloff. Media coverage of this report will send a message to victims that they are not alone, which may give them the courage to report abuse and make the authorities more attentive to their reporting, even though it is already possible in Switzerland to contact the Centre d'aide aux victimes d'infractions on this issue.

Unlike France, where it was the recommendations of a commission called Ciase that led to the creation of compensation bodies (the INIRR and the CRR), Switzerland saw the creation in 2016 of a Commission for Listening, Conciliation, Arbitration and Reparation, Cecar, on the initiative of the Sapec Group, Swiss Catholic institutions and members of parliament. A year earlier, a compensation commission had been set up by the Swiss Bishops' Conference. According to the report, "up to the beginning of 2023, compensation had been paid in 168 cases, totalling 2.5 million Swiss francs from the compensation fund set up for this purpose". This fund is financed by various bodies within the Swiss Church. The president of Cecar, Liliane Gross, says 14 people received compensation in 2022 for an average amount of CHF15,000 (around 15,650 Euros).

Immediate reaction from the Church

When the report was published, Swiss Catholic institutions announced a number of measures, including the creation of a national body to receive and listen to victims of sexual abuse in the Church. "There is no need to set up yet another special commission, says de Rham-Rudloff. Victims can really get confused, and it seems unrealistic for an abused person to want to turn to a commission set up by an institution that has covered up the abuse they suffered."

This lawyer wants to make existing recourse better known to victims. Since 1997, she says, "the 26 Swiss cantons have been obliged to open 'Lavi centres', where specially trained psychologists, paid by the State, receive victims of any physical, psychological or sexual abuse, offer to pay for a certain number of hours of legal representation, and accompany victims to court hearings so that they can assert their rights and seek legal redress. Everything is free of charge. As soon as a victim lodges a complaint, the police and criminal authorities are obliged to inform them of the existence of these centres. In addition, she adds, there is a Lavi Compensation Authority, which allows victims to obtain partial financial compensation for the abuse they have suffered (moral harm and certain other damages) in the case of insolvent abusers.

The criminal lawyer thinks this system can help victims rebuild their lives: "Victim status is recognised so that victims can assert their rights and receive compensation, even if this is only partial. It also happens that an abuser who is arrested and questioned in the proceedings finally admits the facts and apologises, which can also greatly help victims in their healing process.

Sanctioning those who knew?

De Rham-Rudloff believes the report invites Swiss law to evolve in terms of the judicial response. "How can we punish those that are responsible not for direct abuse, which is already punishable under Swiss law, but who knew and said nothing, or those who moved the abusers to other places? We're going to need a uniform, large-scale response from the courts on this issue. This is all the more important given that Swiss law does not lay down any obligation to denounce the criminal actions of private individuals. "Can we sue the Church? But which entity?" she asks, pointing to the complexity of the religious landscape, which is highly fragmented, combining four languages and a multiplicity of institutions, sometimes within the same canton.

The State has also delegated certain teaching tasks to religious institutions, which raises the question of its responsibility for violations committed within them. The criminal lawyer says the publication of this study sets a precedent. "This is the end of impunity within the Church. Potential abusers will have to curb their inclinations, and the Church will have to put in place protocols for reporting and dealing with cases. It no longer has a choice if it wants to restore trust in the institution.

According to the report, the Swiss Church has not applied canon law consistently and has conducted few investigations and trials. Following publication of the report, the Bishops' Conference announced its intention to create an ecclesiastical criminal and disciplinary tribunal for the Church in Switzerland. This is an important decision, according to Kaptijn, but "there is no question of removing priests and clerics from the jurisdiction of the State. Canonical justice does other things: it can de-frock a guilty priest, for example". She points out that such a tribunal would need authorisation from Rome.

Towards a French-style commission?

"The conclusions of the Swiss report are broadly in line with those of the Ciase report," says Kaptijn, who was also a member of the French commission headed by a senior civil servant, Jean-Marc Sauve. "The mechanisms it denounces are the same: sending priests abroad, not believing the accusations, stressing the importance of the Church for families, and so on. But the way of working was different. The [Swiss] historians did not have much contact with the victims. It was mainly a question of probing the archives to get an idea of the scale of the abuse."

Indeed, a French-style commission was "not what the bishops chose" to start with, explains Nuoffer from Groupe Sapec. They wanted a pilot study conducted by academics. We, the victims' associations, made it clear that we wanted a quantitative survey." And the reports authors also emphasise that this study is a pilot, intended "to serve as a basis for future research into sexual abuse committed by members of the Catholic clergy and Church employees". They recommend "commissioning a large-scale quantitative and sociological survey of sexual abuse in the context of the Swiss Catholic Church, along the lines of the Ciase study conducted in France".

"The fact that the University of Zurich is in charge is interesting because these investigations are evidence that abuses are taking place, says Jean-Pierre Massias, professor of public law at the University of Pau and president of the Institut francophone pour la justice et la democratie. But obviously the Sauve model [French commission] is ideal because it includes hearing the victims. It's a model that shocks, because no one can turn a blind eye these days to the scale of abuse.
I once had high expectations that Nick Langworthy would be the moderate voice in Congress that voters in Orchard Park were counting on him to be. But no, when challenged to do the right thing, he instead voted for two extreme right-wing candidates for Speaker of the House.

First he supported Jim Jordan, who has been called, by his own supporters, a legislative terrorist, and who, evidence clearly shows, was intimately involved in the planning of the January 6 insurrection.

Then, Langworthy voted for Mike Johnson, a self-avowed Christian Nationalist (whatever the heck that is), who has stated he does not believe in the separation of church and state as it is outlined in the Constitution.

Both Jordan and Johnson back a Federal ban on abortion, even in cases of rape, incest, or serious risk to the mothers life, and both are vehemently anti-LBGQ, despite the fact that the Supreme Court has confirmed the right to same sex marriages.

Now that Langworthy has publicly demonstrated his support for a multitude of extreme, right wing policies, I trust that voters in his district will remember that when November 2024 comes around.

J. Patrick Henry

Orchard Park
Human Rights Watch on Tuesday said an Israeli strike that killed a Lebanese reporter's sister and her three young granddaughters should be investigated as an "apparent war crime".

The border area between the two countries has seen daily exchanges of fire, in particular between Iran-backed group Hezbollah and Israel, since the start of the Israel-Hamas war last month.

On November 5, an Israeli strike on a car in south Lebanon killed the sister of radio correspondent Samir Ayoub and her three granddaughters, aged 10, 12 and 14, Lebanese state media said.

"This attack by Israeli military forces that struck a car carrying a family fleeing violence shows a reckless disregard for civilian life," said Ramzi Kaiss, Lebanon researcher at Human Rights Watch, in a statement.

"Their killing is a violation of the laws of war, and Israel's allies, like the United States, should respond to this apparent war crime by demanding accountability for this unlawful strike," Kaiss said.

Human Rights Watch said it found no evidence of a military target in the vicinity of the strike.

"But if there were one, targeting a car carrying civilians... makes the strike unlawful," Kaiss said.

Prime Minister Najib Mikati had denounced the attack at the time as an "abhorrent crime committed by the Israeli enemy", and saying the cars had been targeted by drones.

Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari has said "Hezbollah targets were attacked in the north in response to an anti-tank missile attack that killed an Israeli civilian".

Hagari added that among the targets hit by Israel were "vehicles" and that aircraft destroyed the launch site for a long-range missile.

At least 88 people have been killed in Lebanon since hostilities began: more than 60 Hezbollah fighters, 12 other combatants including from Palestinian groups, and 11 civilians, according to an AFP tally.

Cross-border violence since October 7 has killed nine people in northern Israel including six soldiers, according to official figures.

Another seven Hezbollah fighters have been killed in Syria in strikes attributed to Israel.
Aloys Ndimbati, one of the last remaining fugitives wanted over the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, has been confirmed dead, international prosecutors said Tuesday, almost three decades after his demise.

A survivors' group said news of his death was welcome but voiced disappointment that he would never face justice and said there should be greater efforts to hunt down fugitives.

Ndimbati was indicted by the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) on seven counts relating to the genocide, which saw around 800,000 people, most of them Tutsis, slaughtered over 100 days.

These charges were genocide, complicity in genocide, direct and public incitement to commit genocide and the crimes against humanity of extermination, murder, rape and persecution.

The Office of the Prosecutor at the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals -- the successor to the UN tribunal -- said it concluded "following a comprehensive and challenging investigation" that Ndimbati died around the end of June 1997.

"No reliable and corroborated evidence of him being alive after that time has been identified," the prosecutor's office said in a statement.

It said the exact circumstances of his death in Gatore in southeastern Rwanda had not been determined "owing to the confusion and absence of order at the time".

"While the survivors and victims of Ndimbati's crimes will not see him prosecuted and punished, this result may help bring some closure in the knowledge that Ndimbati is not at large and he is unable to cause further harm to the Rwandan people."

There are now only two outstanding ICTR fugitives -- Charles Sikubwabo and Ryandikayo, the prosecutor's office said.

Ndimbati was first indicted by the tribunal in November 1995 and was alleged to have personally organised and directed massacres and killings of thousands of Tutsis, it said.

At the time, he was a local leader in the Kibuye prefecture on the shores of Lake Kivu, and a member of the then-ruling National Revolutionary Movement for Development.

"The news is welcome but survivors are not happy that fugitives like him died without facing justice for the crimes they committed," Naphtali Ahishakiye, executive secretary of genocide survivors' umbrella group Ibuka, told AFP.

"We need to put more effort in finding where they are hiding and courts should also expedite their trials so that they face justice before they die."
Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Tuesday that Recep Tayyip Erdogan's accusation of fascism against Israel was "absurd", days before the German leader is to host the Turkish president for talks in Berlin.

Israel "is a democracy" and "a country that is bound to human rights and international law and acts accordingly. Therefore, the accusations against Israel are absurd," Scholz told a press conference.

He was responding to a question about Erdogan's comment on Friday that Israel's legitimacy was "being questioned due to its own fascism".

Erdogan is due to hold talks with Scholz and President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Berlin.

But the visit, Erdogan's first since 2020, is proving controversial over the Turkish leader's accusations against Israel and his characterisation of Hamas as "liberators" fighting for their land.

Erdogan is a vocal critic of Israel's war against Gaza-rulers Hamas, triggered after the Islamist gunmen's deadly attack on October 7 that Israel said killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians.

The Turkish leader has accused Israel of committing war crimes with its heavy bombardments of Gaza, where the death toll has past 11,240, according to the Hamas-run health authorities.

Defending the planned visit, Scholz's spokesman Steffen Hebestreit acknowledged on Monday that Germany "always had difficult partners whom we have to deal with".

But he underlined that it was important to keep talking to make progress on various issues.

Following his visit to Berlin, Erdogan also plans to travel to Egypt and host Iran's president in the coming weeks.

Speaking at the press conference with Scholz on Tuesday, Greece's Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis confirmed that Erdogan was due to visit his country on December 7, building on a rare meeting between the two on the margins of the NATO summit in Vilnius in July.

"We will try to take a step of progress in Greek-Turkish rapprochement, which had began in the last months and which has brought some positive results," said Mitsotakis.

"That's exactly the progress that we'll try to capitalise on during the visit of President Erdogan to Athens on December 7."
This essay acknowledges a special health care worker: retired nurse practitioner Wendy Bissell.

Wendy Bissell, Turtle Clan of the Tuscarora Nation, was inspired to become a nurse after a monthlong hospital stay for a ruptured abdominal hernia when she was 4 years old. Missionaries dropped her off at a hospital located off the reservation.

Wendys family did not have transportation to visit, so at her young age, she endured the hospitalization alone. The nurturing and care the nurses provided for her set the impetus for her career.

Early on, Wendy was determined that she would not let alcohol play any kind of role in her family and would never allow it in her home. She was married by now and had her first child at a young age. This did not deter her from following her dreams and she went on to earn her GED so that she could continue to pursue her career. Wendy was the first person in her family to go to college.

Wendy was raised mainly by her grandmother Mina, who taught her she could do anything she put her mind to. Wendys grandmother grew up in a Native American boarding school where they farmed out the children to work for white families. She raised Wendy and her sister similarly: they lived in over 20 homes on the reservation by the time Wendy was 12. She felt her grandmother thought she was doing a good thing by farming them out to different homes.

Wendy, an ICU nurse, graduated with her RN from Niagara County Community College and went on to complete her nurse practitioner degree at the University at Buffalo in 1995.

Wendy was a reservist in the Army Nurse Corps from 1984 to 1993, serving nine years. Native Americans make up one of the smallest populations in the United States but serve at a higher rate than any other race.

She served while raising her three children with her husband, Jim, and took her grandmother Mina into her home after she suffered a stroke. Wendy was thrilled to take her to her commencement ceremony when she graduated from NCCC.

During the 1980s, Wendy was instrumental in facilitating health fairs that addressed important health topics on the reservation. She partnered with local nursing school students to administer flu shots, monitor blood pressures and perform blood sugar checks. Access to health education, disease prevention, screenings and assessments can detect problems earlier and help Native Americans receive care sooner.

Wendys daughter Susan carries on Wendys work for the Tuscarora Health Center, helping to organize the health fairs, which continue to be an important element of prevention and screening on the Tuscarora Nation today.

In retirement, Wendy continues to be an active member in her community, participating in the Tuscarora Historical Society and Tuscarora Longhouse. Wendy and Jim can be found at any Tuscarora Nation event, helping out and enjoying their community.

In Wendys own words from her Tuscarora Elder Story, I have had a very blessed life. Every door opened for me to allow me to go to college. I took in my sisters children and then took in my grandmother after she had a stroke. I was working, going to school and taking care of grandma.

She continues to take care of everyone.
Fans are growing more and more excited for Ji Chang Wook and Shin Hye Sun's new romance drama "Welcome To Samdalri" as a new poster was dropped ahead of its premiere. Read to know more about what to expect from the new JTBC work, and what Ji Chang Wook and Shin Hye Sun think about it.

'Welcome To Samdalri' Unveils New Poster of Ji Chang Wook & Shin Hye Sun

A brand new poster for "Welcome To Samdalri" was released ahead of its premiere.

Starring Ji Chang Wook and Shin Hye Sun, the drama follows the story of two childhood friends who reconnect as adults after the other moves back to their hometown from Seoul.

A beautiful, tranquil day against the beautiful breezy beach is depicted in the brand new "Welcome To Samdalri" poster.

The poster exudes a different kind of warmth and serenity as Ji Chang Wook and Shin Hye Sun sit side-by-side, enjoying each other's presence as they reunite after a long time.

"Welcome to Samdalri. The moment we begin to catch our breath," is written on the poster, hinting at the healing elements that the drama is about to bring.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Ji Chang Wook & Shin Hye Sun Exude Time-Transcending Chemistry In 'Welcome To Samdalri' Teaser

Catch the new drama this December 2 on JTBC, following the conclusion of "Strong Woman Namsoon."

Ji Chang Wook & Shin Hye Sun Share Affection For New Drama

In the upcoming drama, Ji Chang Wook and Shin Hye Sun play childhood besties who reconnect as adults in their beloved hometown called Samdal.

Ji Chang Wook gives life to Jo Yong Pil, a charming man who becomes a weather forecaster in Jeju after losing a loved one to a calamity due a wrong weather report.

Meanwhile, Shin Hye Sun plays Jo Sam Dal, a fashion photographer who returns to Jeju after enjoying the spotlight in the big city of Seoul.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE THIS: 'Castaway Diva' Slammed For Causing Inconvenience To Jeju Residents- Here's What Happened

The two actors who are household stars in Hallyu have nothing but affection for their new work. Ji Chang Wook said, "I'm honored to work with a great team. I'm excited for "Welcome To Samdalri" to finally greet the fans."

Meanwhile, Shin Hye Sun, who recently decorated prime time with "See You In My 19th Life," returns as a professional through the new JTBC work.

"I hope "Welcome To Samdalri" brings comfort to the viewers who are struggling in their lives at the moment," the actress stated.

ALSO READ: Cha Eun Woo & Kim Nam Joo's Age Gap Sparks Curiosity- Will They Deliver Chemistry?

Are you excited for "Welcome To Samdalri"? Tell us your thoughts about the drama in the comments below!

KDramaStars owns this article.

Written by Elijah Mully.
News / Local

by Staff reporter

Journalist Hopewell Chin'ono has called on the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) to reveal members suspected of collaborating with Sengezo Tshabangu, the self-proclaimed interim secretary-general responsible for recalling CCC Parliamentarians and councillors.Chin'ono's appeal follows statements by CCC Deputy Spokesperson, Gift Ostallos Siziba, acknowledging the party's knowledge of members associated with Tshabangu but refusing to disclose their identities. Siziba asserted that these individuals, identified through intelligence, were allegedly colluding with Zanu-PF to undermine the CCC for personal gain. Chin'ono emphasized that exposing these individuals would alleviate half of the party's challenges and likened the failure to do so to allowing an infection to worsen.In response, Chin'ono urged CCC to take a transparent approach, stating that revealing the truth would benefit the party and thwart Zanu-PF's agenda. He stressed the importance of naming and providing evidence against those undermining the people's will, emphasizing the impact on public confidence in electoral politics.Rumors in the media implicated former Finance Minister Tendai Biti, former Industry and Commerce Minister Professor Welshman Ncube, and Kuwadzana East Member of Parliament Chalton Hwende as party officials collaborating with Tshabangu. Biti vehemently denied the allegations, expressing his commitment to the struggle for a better Zimbabwe and criticizing the party's strategic ambiguity.Chin'ono highlighted the potential consequences of not revealing the truth, suggesting it benefits Zanu-PF and undermines the democratic struggle. He emphasized that the involvement of voters in the electoral process necessitates transparency. As of now, other accused individuals have not responded to the allegations made against them.
The recent coverage of ECMO by the Wall Street Journal has shone a spotlight on a therapy that, despite its decades-long existence, remains relatively obscure and underutilized. While the article thoughtfully delved into the ethical considerations surrounding the extended use of this life-saving therapy, its important to recognize that many hospitals have yet to offer ECMO as an available treatment option. The priority focus should be on expanding access to this critical therapy, affording patients and their families the opportunity for life, not just contemplating the long-term ethical considerations that may or may not arise.

When introducing any new therapeutic approach, it takes time for research and clinical knowledge to accumulate in order to optimize its application. ECMO was no exception to this rule. But, as highlighted in The Wall Street Journal article, this continued commitment has yielded positive results, with survival rates reaching as high as 70 percent in recent years. This improvement has granted a renewed lease on life to patients who, in the absence of ECMO, may have otherwise died.

The increasing awareness of ECMO, combined with the rising survival rates, is a testament to the collective efforts of the medical community, as well as advancements in technology and patient care. Several factors have contributed to these improved outcomes. Firstly, with the prolonged use of ECMO machines, a rethinking of patient care has occurred, and early mobility and rehabilitation have become crucial. The benefits of these initiatives are profound, enabling patients to regain strength and functional independence. In many cases, they become active participants in their recovery journey.

Another driving force behind these improved outcomes is the continuous expansion of our knowledge about ECMO. In the 50 years since ECMO was first introduced, the field has seen thousands of hours dedicated to research and clinical trials, substantially broadening our understanding of this therapy and its clinical applications. This has helped to expand and improve the educational resources available for health care professionals, better identify the patients most likely to benefit from ECMO, and develop robust policies and protocols.

Innovative research and development initiatives have also spurred the continuous improvement of ECMO technology. One of the best and most recent examples enables patients to venture beyond the confines of the ICU while still benefiting from essential ECMO support. An ECMO machine that supports mobility and independence is paramount to successful outcomes and will help further the integration of this life-saving therapy into mainstream medical practice.

With continuing news coverage and growing awareness of ECMO, hospitals have a responsibility more than ever to offer access to this therapy. While ethics undoubtedly guide our decisions, our primary aim remains to provide hope, healing, and a chance at a brighter tomorrow. As with any ethical dilemmas that arise from advancements in medical technology, these decisions should be handled thoughtfully and compassionately, hand-in-hand with the people whose lives are affected.

John R. Mehall is a cardiothoracic surgeon and physician executive.
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In a recent essay, I marveled at the qualities that will set apart tomorrows physicians from previous generations. And while everything I wrote I believed to be true, I suppose I neglected a major concern, a big blind spot as it were. In order to become clinicians, medical students must first enter practice. That seems obvious, but a recent report gives reason to pause and reflect on medical students experiences and career trajectories.

The report, Clinician of the Future: 2023 Edition, was released by the health science and journal publisher Elsevier in October 2023. In all, 2,212 medical and nursing students from 91 countries were surveyed between April and May 2023. Findings also included two roundtable sessions with stakeholders and faculty in the U.S. and the U.K.

A quarter of aspiring physicians in the U.S.  double the percentage in the rest of the world  said they were considering quitting their studies, with many expressing concerns about their mental health and how they can find a satisfying balance between the demands of school and life.

Among the U.S. surveyed medical students, 54% said they were concerned about their mental health, 57% expressed concerns about experiencing burnout, and 65% were worried about how clinician shortages would affect them. An unrelated 2023 survey showed that medical students have higher rates of burnout than physicians and residents.

The most striking statistic, however, was that 54% of medical students globally  61% in the U.S.  said they viewed their current studies as a stepping stone to broader careers in health care that dont involve treating patients. The main career paths students were interested in were public health management, research, and business consulting. The high percentage of students considering their studies as stepping stones to administrative and support roles was surprising, as those sorts of decisions are typically seen later in medical careers.

The question in my mind is whether the pressures of medical school are pushing students to rethink their careers, or whether there is something about these students or their education that makes nonclinical careers attractive to them? Of course, both a push and a pull could simultaneously exist, but the study did not specifically address this question. It seems to me that students who are genuinely interested in alternatives to practicing medicine will find greater fulfillment compared with those who simply want to escape the stress of future practice.

Sylvie Stacey, MD, MPH, author of 50 Nonclinical Careers for Physicians, writes, I realized early in medical school that a conventional career in medicine wasnt right for me. I eliminated medical specialties as career options as fast as I rotated through them  Nonclinical work has continued to be satisfying and challenging since I completed medical training.

Sanjana Vig, a dual-degreed (MD/MBA) anesthesiologist, writes: I made the decision to get an MD/MBA when I was still in high school. I had an interest in medicine but hated the idea of being yet another Indian doctor. How unoriginal. So, when my dad introduced me to someone who had done this dual degree, it was my aha! moment.

MD/MBA programs have become very popular; approximately 70 medical schools in the U.S. offer the combined degree. MD/MPH programs have also become gateways to alternative careers. Timing is important. Although an extra degree can be earned in medical school, a more common pathway is to return to graduate school sometime after residency  for example, through an executive MBA program. Completion of residency and board certification are viewed as critical credentials for physicians even if they choose not to practice, so many doctors prefer to not interrupt their medical training until after they pass their professional boards.

According to Stacey, the primary career sectors available to physicians outside of practice are:

Health care services delivery

Health care finance and management

Pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and biotechnology

Technology and innovation

Professional and financial services

Writing and communications

Public health and government

Education and research

Nonprofit sector (e.g., advocacy groups, professional organizations, certification and accreditation)

Consumer health

Consulting and entrepreneurship

Staceys website is a treasure trove of information for medical professionals interested in exploring nonclinical opportunities. She has a vibrant blog and online community named Look for Zebras. Its an inside joke. In medical school, students are told not to look for zebras when they hear hoofbeats, meaning common conditions occur commonly, and those are the ones that should be considered first. Looking for Zebras is the equivalent of diagnosing a rare disorder instead of a heart attack when a patient presents acutely with crushing chest pain.

Stacey remarks on her website: As a physician or other medical professional, there are tons of jobs out there that will leave you burned out and unfulfilled. These are horses. Zebras in your career are the rare opportunities that are truly a great fit for your interests, your personality, and your career objectives. Zebras seldom fall into your lap. You need to look for zebras.

Another expression that has a connotation similar to zebras is red herring, as in: its a red herring, meaning the medical clue or information you are acting on is, or is intended to be, misleading or distracting. Dont go down that rabbit hole!

I must admit I was one of those medical students who looked for zebras early in my career. No field of medicine other than psychiatry held my interest. One day, in my senior year of medical school, while on an internal medicine rotation, I snuck off to the hospital library. The most recent edition of The New England Journal of Medicine lay before me. I picked it up and scanned the articles. My attention was drawn to the clinicopathological conference, a discussion about a patient with eosinophilic fasciitis (talk about zebras!). Fascinating, but not relevant to psychiatry. I read it anyway.

The next day, students and residents gathered in a conference room to hear a lecture by a senior attending. He began to pimp us. Sure enough, he was describing the symptoms of the patient I had just read about in the journal. What is this patients diagnosis, the attending demanded, peering over his half-rimmed glasses, staring down the students and residents. I waited a few seconds. No one responded, so I blurted out, eosinophilic fasciitis.

You could literally hear my classmates and residents jaws drop. The correct answer had come from a future psychiatrist of all people, someone who was already beginning to be ignored by his peers and deemed non-mainstream, not having the right stuff. The attending was likewise astonished, chiding the residents rather than complimenting me for having the answer.

Despite Elseviers survey, Im not convinced that a high percentage of medical students will actually forsake practice. The pressures facing current students have not gone unnoticed by medical school educators, who are attempting to remedy the many problems students must overcome in medical school.

In addition, students enthusiasm about technology and the use of artificial intelligence in education, plus their genuine passion to heal  89% of medical and nursing students worldwide reported they were still devoted to improving patients lives  will propel most of them into practice. The survey findings give all of us working in health care much to consider as we strive to give todays medical students the best chance to succeed in their medical careers.

Arthur Lazarus is a former Doximity Fellow, a member of the editorial board of the American Association for Physician Leadership, and an adjunct professor of psychiatry at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. He is the author of Every Story Counts: Exploring Contemporary Practice Through Narrative Medicine.
News / Local

by Staff reporter

Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei now wants the government to ban South African opposition leader Julius Malema from entering Kenya over the controversial remarks he made during his recent visit to the country.Speaking on Sunday, Cherargei said Malema disrespected President William Ruto and Kenyans and should therefore be compelled to apologise."He should tender an unreserved apology not only to President Ruto but to the great people of Kenya because when you insult William Ruto as the president you are insulting all Kenyans."Malema, the leader of South Africa's Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party criticized President William Ruto for failing to fulfil the promises he made to Kenyans in the run-up to the 2022 General Election."I don't know if President William Ruto means it because he said so many things, and I can't locate him these days, because the things he said during election and the things he's doing now are two different things," he said in his address.Malema's remarks have also been criticized by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua who accused him of meddling in Kenya's affairs.Speaking on Saturday during a church service at St. Thomas Girls Secondary School in Kilifi, DP Gachagua told off the outspoken Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party boss for meddling in Kenya's political affairs.
News / National

by Desmond Nleya

Two men from Paste village, in Plumtree, were gruesomely murdered by a rapist and his friends last week.Million Moyo and Bhekinkosi Ncube were stabbed by a shoe needle to death by Modiri Dube (27) of Mpoengs in Plumtree in the company of two still at large accomplices.The state led by Mr Selestine Madziwa heard that on 31 October 2023, the accused, two unidentified men and the now deceased were coming from a beer drink when a misunderstanding arose.It is alleged that Dube accused the now-deceased of spreading falsehoods that he was a rapist.With the help of other two men who are still at large, they started beating the now deceased before force marching to his homestead where he killled all of them using shoe needle.After the gruesome murder, Dube and his friends threw the bodies in a deep well.The crime came to light on 01 November 2023 when one of the villagers saw Dube peeping on the well and became suspicious.The villager became suspicious and went to check the well where he discovered the bodies floating.A report was made to police leading to the arrest of the accused.Mr Joshua Nembaware remanded Dube in custody to 20 November 2023 and advised him to apply for bail at the High court.
The traditionally large Kilkenny contingent will be expected to travel to the Limerick Radisson on Friday, November 17, for the AGM of the specialist dairy farmer organisation, ICMSA.

The association has a large and engaged membership all over the county, but this year with Kilkenny farmer, Denis Drennan, announced as a candidate to succeed the incumbent in an election just prior to Christmas local members will be expected to turnout for a line-up of speakers that includes Minister McConalogue, ICMSA President, Pat McCormack, An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar and Minister for Transport, Environmental, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan.

In what has been an extremely challenging year for Irelands critical dairy sector and one that was, according to ICMSA, most certainly not helped by Government policy, its probable that the problems in and around milk production will dominate and while the ICMSA will absolutely insist on decorum and proper procedure being observed, it seems that there will be a deal of straight-talking to the politicians attending and in the best traditions of the association, as many questions as possible will be taken from the floor so no-one will be left in any doubt as to the depth of feeling and frustration being experienced by members.

There is an upper limit on the number who can attend and those Kilkenny members intending to travel for the AGM and stay for the dinner that traditionally ends the day must contact ICMSA at 061-314677 or info@icmsa.ie and confirm if they are not to miss out.
Betty McCormack has been named Netwatchs Kilkenny family carer of the year.



This prestigious accolade recognises the exceptional dedication and commitment of family carers across the nation who provide vital care at home for loved ones with additional needs.



Betty has been caring for her son Noel following multiple health issues. Noel previously received treatment for a brain tumour but unfortunately has had two strokes in the last nine years which has resulted in him requiring full-time care.



He has suffered a loss of speech, reduced mobility and is PEG-fed. Betty has been providing 24-hour care to her son ever since without complaint. She was nominated by her son Tom who spoke about the impact the Covid-19 pandemic has had on Betty who put her house on lockdown due to Noels condition and is still mindful of being out and about due to the possible implications contracting the virus would have for her son.



Betty was joined by Tom and her two grandchildren at a ceremony in City Hall on Thursday (November 9) where Mayor Joe Malone congratulated her on her nomination.



Fair play to you, he said, adding that providing constant care for a family member is not an easy thing to do and that family carers such as herself are unsung heroes.



Also in attendance was Danielle Dunne, local Community Supports Manager with Family Carers Ireland and Sean Butler, customer care manager at Netwatch.



"The Netwatch Family Carer of the Year Awards not only recognise the dedication and sacrifices made by every single family carer, but also serve as a powerful reminder of the crucial role they play in our society. Their resilience, love and support are immeasurable. Their contributions are a testament to the strength of our community, said Danielle



Bettys story reflects the commitment, love and hard work exhibited by family carers throughout the country.



Sean Butler said that Netwatch is delighted to sponsor an event like this.



He said that looking after people is what they do and there is a strong link between carers and security.



The work done by carers behind the scenes is 24/7, he added.



Bettys son, Tom said that he was delighted that his mother was getting the recognition for the work she does caring for Noel.



Its a very proud day, he said,



She has been looking after him since day one.



Betty said she was delighted to receive carer of the year and that she is thrilled to receive it on behalf of all carers.



She said she would like to see more support being made available to carers as the work they do is 24/7.



Family Carers Ireland says that while the awards provide an opportunity to shine a light on the often-hidden work of Irelands family carers, they also seek to underscore the importance of ensuring all family carers can access the essential supports and services they need care safely at home such as access to appropriate financial compensation, respite and therapies for their loved ones.

When you hear the stories of family carers, you can't help but be moved by their commitment to going above and beyond for their loved ones every day. Sadly, this work is largely unseen and too often undervalued, said Mick Galwey, Netwatch Brand Ambassador.



Family carers truly deserve our support and recognition and to play some small part in helping to do that is very special to all of us at Netwatch.
Author and documentary-maker Tom Hurley has written a book entitled Last Voices of the Irish Revolution that was released nationally last week.

The book includes numerous references to locations, landmarks and personalities from Kilkenny.

The Irish Civil War ended in 1923. Eighty years on, Tom Hurley wondered if there were many civilians and combatants left from across Ireland who had experienced the years 1919 to 1923, their prelude and their aftermath.



What memories had they, what were their stories and how did they reflect on those turbulent times?



In early 2003, he recorded the experiences of 18 people, conducting two further interviews abroad in 2004.



Tom spoke to a cross-section (Catholic, Protestant, Unionist and Nationalist) who were in their teens or early twenties during the civil war.



The chronological approach he has taken to his book spans fifty years, beginning with the oldest interviewee's birth in 1899 and ending when the Free State became a republic in 1949.

Patsy Holmes, born in 1902, discusses being interned in Cork Gaol followed by Ballykinlar Interment Camp in 1921. In Cork Gaol, he tells of befriending a warder who was employed there from Kilkenny named John Comerford. Patsy then goes on to recall the men he met in Ballykinlar, among them were Jim Lalor, Tom Nolan and Tom Treacy.



Other interviewees include Jack Duff, born in 1903, and William Geary, born in 1899. Jack was based in Kilkenny for a period in 1922 during the civil war as a member of the Free State Army. At the time the riding school was being used as a barracks.



William was a member of the Civic Guard (Garda Siochana) when Garda Henry Phelan (who had been stationed at Callan) was killed in 1922.



100 years after the Civil War ended, these 20 interviews recorded by Tom Hurley come together to create a unique oral account of the revolutionary period and the tensions that were brewing in the run-up and aftermath.



Together, theirs are the Last Voices of the Irish Revolution.

Tom said that the Kilkenny People archives were an important resource that he consulted when conducting research for the book.

'Last Voices of the Irish Revolution' by Tom Hurley is available in bookshops throughout the country and can also be ordered online via their websites. It is published by Gill Books.
Tributes are rolling in today for courageous Kilkenny campaigner Vicky Phelan on the first anniversary of her passing.

The Mooncoin native came to national attention in 2018 when she refused to sign 'a gagging order' after settling her High Court case against a US lab and brought the CervicalCheck scandal into the light.

This Kilkenny woman has since inspired the hearts and minds of a nation with her dogged determination to pursue the truth and demand justice for those who have been harmed and hurt by the failures of the HSE.

CervicalCheck Patient Support Group 221+ have issued a statement stating that a year ago today 'we woke up to the news that Vicky Phelan, a mother, a wife, a daughter, a sister, a friend and a fighter had finally been overtaken by the scourge of cervical cancer'.

The statement continues: "Although she had always told us that a day would come when the body would give no more, for many of us with whom she had a shared history, it was a day we couldnt believe would ever happen.

"Our first thoughts this week are for Ameila and Darragh, her pride and joy, her husband Jim, her mother and father  Gaby and John, her siblings, extended family and friends of whom there are many. For them her absence from their lives every day cant be replaced.

"But her spirit lives on and it inspires all of us. The first we heard of Vicky Phelan was the day she stood outside a court room to say that she would not be silenced over the mistakes and shortcomings of others. She stood up for herself. More significantly she stood up for others.

"Politicians on all sides earlier this year were quick to acknowledge her role in prompting the creation of the Patient Safety Bill  something that she had chased for years, a law that makes open disclosure a mandatory obligation of those charged with the care of a patient in the Irish Health system. Vicky would certainly have enjoyed the moment but only as a stepping stone.

"Likewise, she would have celebrated the recommencement late last month of the processing in Ireland of CervicalCheck samples in the National Cervical Screening Laboratory at the Coombe Hospital, again, something she had campaigned on for a long time.

"These, and the reforms of CervicalCheck guided by the recommendations of the Scally Report  which was commissioned in response to her revelations  are real changes that will benefit tens of thousands of Irish women for years to come."

National Women's Council Director Orla OConnor described Vicky as 'a trailblazer, a woman of incredible courage, who stood up for what she knew to be right'.

"Because of her, the CervicalCheck system was overhauled completely," she said.

"Nonetheless, womens healthcare in this country continues to be neglected."

The Marie Keating Foundation, who co-founded 221+ at Vicky's request, said that their 'first thoughts this week are for her children Ameila and Darragh her pride and joy, her husband Jim, her mother, and father  Gaby and John, her siblings, extended family, and friends'.

"Vicky impacted the lives of so many and as we all remember her today, may our thoughts turn to her family," they added.

"Vicky was one of a kind, a woman of enormous heart and courage who is remembered by us all as someone who strived for better and was unrelenting in her pursuit of justice.

"Vicky was told she only had a few months to live but defied the odds turning those few months into 5 years dedicating so much of the time she had to her pursuit of justice.

"Vicky has left an indelible mark on Irish society and her efforts on behalf of women to improve open disclosure and our screening system will live on her name."

When she passed last year, thousands of people descended on the village of Mooncoin, and gathered outside the Church of the Assumption to honour the life of the trailblazing mother-of-two.

At Vickys own request, it was an upbeat occasion, as music featured prominently.

Vicky's legacy continues to inspire people to look for answers, and her kind-hearted spirit reminds everyone that in the face of all adversity, moments of happiness can still be found.
LHM Properties Holdings Limited have been granted planning permission to convert the inside of the ex-Argos unit on High Street in Kilkenny City into a convenience retailer with ancillary alcohol sales.

This unit is set to become a Tesco Express Store according to Mayor of Kilkenny, Cllr Joe Malone, who has been engaged in recent talks with Tesco representatives.

The intended layout of the unit is to be a convenience store with an ancillary alcohol sales area (measuring 48.8 sq.m), with a second and much smaller alcohol sales area measuring c. 1 sq.m located behind the check-out area.

The floor area proposed for the display and sale of alcohol will remain subsidiary to the use of the retail unit which relates to the sale of convenience goods.

In addition, permission was sought for replacement shopfront signage on the High Street elevation, replacing the former Argos fascia and projection sign. A limited area of plant is also required to serve the unit, and this is to be located at first floor level.

Kilkenny County Council granted planning permission to the proposal, subject to two conditions, on November 13, 2023.
People are often apprehensive about making work injury claims because they fear losing their jobs or because they might upset an existing working relationship with their employer.

It is important to know that the law protects people injured at work from being penalised or threatened with dismissal for making work injury claims.

It is worth remembering that any work injury claims settlement is paid by your employers public liability insurance company, so you should not be concerned about your fellow employees suffering financially due to making a work injury claim.

Is there currently a high level of accidents in workplaces?

In 2021, there was an increase in the number of non-fatal incidents reported to the Health and Safety Authority compared to 2020. In 2021, the Health and Safety Authority (H.S.A.) reported that 38 people died in Ireland due to workplace accidents; 11 fatal accidents were in the agricultural industry, with 9 of these victims being over 65 years old.

These figures do not take into account the tens of thousands of people who are non-fatally injured in the workplace each year.

Employers have a legal obligation to provide their employees with a safe place to work.

It is also in the employers financial interest to protect their employees.

Employers are estimated to lose approximately 100million each year due to sickness and non-statutory leave.

What provisions are in place to protect employees?

There are several provisions in place; there is a common law provision which is dealt with by case law, that obliges an employer

to provide a safe place of work

to provide a safe system of work

to provide proper equipment

to select proper and competent staff

In addition to the common law duties which an employer owes, the Safety Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 (as amended) sets out several statutory duties, including:

that premises, equipment, work systems and articles for use at work (including tools and chemicals) are all safe and without risk to the health of those using them

that employers prepare a written safety statement for their workplace. This action programme sets out how workplace health and safety are managed.

When accidents occur in the workplace, do most people look for someone to be held accountable?

Yes, victims, their families and those involved in one way, or another typically look for someone to be accountable, but assigning responsibility is not always easy, particularly when a workplace accident occurs.

At common law, the duty and standard of care are that an employer should act reasonably and prudently.

The standard of care under the legislation is much higher. An employer is expected to act as reasonably practicable as possible and do everything they reasonably can to prevent an accident. Where an employee has an accident in the workplace, it does not automatically follow that the employer is liable for the injury suffered.

Safety in the workplace is not the sole responsibility of the employer. When an accident occurs, it can be through negligence on the part of the employer or the part of the employee, or both may have contributed and in some cases  freak accidents can also occur where a set of circumstances collide which were unforeseeable and often these are described as acts of god.

In what cases can the employer be considered negligent?

An employer is legally required to take reasonable care for employees safety; however, the employers duty is not unlimited. The law does not require an employer to ensure employees safety in all circumstances. An employer will have discharged their duty of care if they do what a reasonable and prudent employer would have done in the circumstances. Even where a specific precaution is evident, countervailing factors may justify the employer not taking that precaution in the interest of the employees safety.

It is not enough for an employee to simply suggest their employer was negligent; they must prove that the employer breached the common law or statutory duties to receive compensation.

There are two important elements to proving negligence:

That the act complained of was reasonably foreseeable; and

That reasonable care was not taken to prevent the accident

An engineers report will often be required to support this element of the claim and prove that the employer failed in its duty of care to his employee.

Is the care or duties owed by employers defined in the law?

The courts have developed several duties over the years. Employers have a duty to:

Provide a safe place of work

Provide competent co-workers so that employees are not at risk

Provide a safe system of work which is planned and organised

Maintain the procedures which are in place

Provide instructions, training, equipment, and support to employees

Reported cases have laid down some general guidelines which are helpful but which are not exhaustive:

The employer is not obliged to warn the employee of obvious risks

The employer cannot foresee every risk that may occur.

An employer may be negligent by omission if he has forgotten to do something a reasonable person would have done in the circumstances.

Afterthought  What to do to avoid being sued as an employer?
The Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science has confirmed the Government does not intend to expel the Israeli ambassador despite the continuation of what he called Israel's "war on children".

Minister Simon Harris, who is filling in for Taoiseach Leo Varadkar today (Tuesday November 14), made the comments during Leaders' Questions in the Dail.

In a clip seen by tens of thousands of people on social media platform X, Minister Harris said, "There's absolutely no doubt that what Hamas did was despicable. We've all condemned it, it deserves absolute condemnation, it was an act of terror on the people of Israel.

"It should be condemned, and of course Israel had a right to defend itself. But that original right to defend itself has in my view now become a war on children.

"You cannot build peace on the mass graves of children. It is unfortunate that a country has become blinded by rage."

However, responding to Labour leader Deputy Ivana Bacik's query on whether the Government will support a motion to expel the Israeli ambassador, he said, "...we do not intend to call off diplomatic relations with this country."

According to Minister Harris, communication must be kept open as there are approximately 40 Irish citizens still in Gaza.

Wow. Simon Harris says Israel is now engaged in a war on children and seems, to him; to be blinded by rage.



You cannot build peace on the graves of children, he tells the Dail.@virginmedianews pic.twitter.com/qPEP1iRryH  Gavan Reilly (@gavreilly) November 14, 2023

He said, "I do think objectively this government, this Oireachtas, this country has been, to use your words, very firm and very clear in relation to this issue. In many ways the position of Ireland is becoming the position of more and more countries, a growing coalition of countries who are calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.

"When many countries chose to abstain at the United Nations, Ireland didn't. It is fair to say Ireland has had a very clear and consistent position articulated by the Taoiseach, the Tanaiste, many people in opposition and many people in government.

"I think the most practical thing we can do, and I'm not playing politics, I don't mean this dismissively, is rather than passing more motions in this house I think the most practical thing we can do is for our foreign minister, our deputy prime minister our Tanaiste to go to the region, to go to Egypt, to go to Israel, to go to the occupied Palestinian territories to advocate for our citizens and to advocate for peace.

"So we do not intend to call off diplomatic relations with this country, with Israel, because we believe that would mean cutting off communication channels.

"But we do intend to make sure people are held accountable for their actions, to support the work of the International Criminal Court, to add additional money to it and continue our advocacy for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and the release of Irish citizens."

Eight year old Emily Hand, daughter of Irishman Thomas Hand, is believed to be one of the hostages held in Gaza.

She was previously thought to be deceased after the attacks by Hamas on October 7, 2023.
The Irish Government has been accused of double standards for not referring Israel to the International Criminal Court.

Sinn Fein brought a private members bill to the Irish Parliament on Tuesday evening as the conflict in the Middle East continues.

Sinn Fein TD Matt Carthy opened the debate by quoting from two recent accounts given by doctors based in Gaza, and described a rise in the number of children being classified as WCNSF  wounded child, no surviving family.

He urged government to refer Israel to the International Criminal Court in response to cries from Gaza.

Mr Carthy said his partys motion sets out simply that Ireland should use our voice by referring these heinous acts to the International Criminal Court.

He blasted a counter motion from government, saying it doesnt set out a single argument as to why it cant make this referral, only the excuses as to why it wont.

The counter motion, in the name of Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheal Martin, condemns the attack by Hamas on the people of Israel on October 7.

It also deplored the escalation of violence in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory since then, particularly the killing of innocent men, women and children, the taking of hostages, the destruction of civilian infrastructure and the mass displacement of civilians.

It notes that the ICC announced the opening of an investigation into the situation in Palestine, including Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem in March 2021, which will cover recent events.

Mr Carthy told the Dail on Tuesday evening: A referral to the ICC can be made by Ireland and it should be made. There should be no excuses.

The Sinn Fein motion should be adopted unanimously as a response from Ireland to the obscenity that is WCNSF  wounded child, no surviving family.

Speaking for government, Sean Fleming, a Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, said ministers had earlier that day decided to make a voluntary contribution of three million euro to the ICC.

He said that contribution is in response to the urgent need of the court.

Ireland is a consistent and strong supporter of the court, and of its independence and impartiality, he told the Dail.

The International Criminal Court has confirmed unambiguously that the ICC has jurisdiction over the current situation that we see unfolding.

He said said a current investigation into the situation in Palestine  including Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem  covers war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Mr Fleming also told the Dail he was surprised at the text of the motion proposed, saying for Ireland to refer the situation to the ICC would simply repeat an action that is already has been taken.

It would not progress the ongoing investigation any further. It is not clear to me therefore what the intention of this motion, he said.

He added that to make the referral would serve no legal purpose, and could also be viewed by some as attempting to politicise the court.

As such the government is instead tabling a counter motion  (which) clearly expresses Irelands unwavering support for the vital work of the International Criminal Court.

Sinn Fein TD Chris Andrews accused the government of double standards, pointing to Irelands action in 2022, joining with 37 other countries to refer a case against Russia to the court.

The hypocrisy is absolutely clear, he said.

Voting of the motion and government counter motion is set to take place on Wednesday.

Earlier, speaking during Leaders Questions in the Dail, Minister for Higher Education, Simon Harris described the situation as the most serious and important of issues of our time and in our world today

He said he is proud of the stance of the Irish Government and that Mr Martin travelled on Tuesday evening to Egypt, Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory.

He said Mr Martin will continue that diplomatic work, that call for peace, that quest for a ceasefire and crucially the protection for Irish citizens trapped in Gaza.

Theres absolutely no doubt that what Hamas did was despicable, weve all condemned it, it deserves absolute condemnation, it was an act of terror on the people of Israel  of course Israel had a right to defend itself but that original right to defend itself has now become in my view a war on children  and you cannot build peace on the mass graves of children, he said.

It is unfortunate that a country has become blinded by rage.

The Irish Parliament will debate a motion by the Social Democrats on Wednesday evening calling for sanctions to be taken against Israel.
News / National

by Staff reporter

JUDGE President Mary Zimba-Dube is now investigating a case in which High Court judge Webster Chinamora gave a ruling in a case he never heard involving Balwearie (Pvt) Ltd, and has written to lawyers who represented the company requesting more information.A complaint against Chinamora has since been lodged with Zimba-Dube by the aggrieved party, Balwearie Holdings (Private) Limited, through its managing director Believe Guta.Guta has been in police custody since 4 November after being arrested by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) on fraud charges, days after filing the complaint, which has been viewed as a ploy to protect the underfire judge.Chinamora is already under scrutiny, with Advocate Thabani Mpofu filing a complaint against him in February after another attorney, Advocate Taona Nyamakura, lodged a complaint against the judge for alleged conflict of interest in a legal dispute between Zimbabwe's Delta Beverages (Pvt) Ltd, Schweppes Zimbabwe Ltd and Blakey Plastics (Pty) Ltd, a South African company.A panel set up by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) to review the complaint comprising judges Anne-Marie Gowora, Alfas Chitakunye and Custom Kachambwa concluded that Chinamora had a case to answer.Chinamora was already facing a series of accusations ranging from conflict of interest, judicial misconduct, bribery to different forms of corruption.The JSC recommended that President Emmerson Mnangagwa set up tribunals to investigate the suitability of Chinamora and former Bulawayo High Court judge Martin Makonese to hold office.In April, Mnangagwa appointed a three-person tribunal chaired by retired Justice Professor Simbi Veke Mubako and consisting of Dr Gift Manyatera and Ms Sarah Moyo to inquire into the question of removal from office of Makonese but did not appoint a tribunal to investigate Chinamora.While Makonese resigned immediately after members of the tribunal were sworn in, Chinamora is yet to be assessed for suitability to hold office. Before the matter subsided, Chinamora is already facing fresh allegations.This week, in a letter dated 7 November, Judge President Mary Dube has written to Advocate Agyver Sawunyama, who in 2021 appeared for Balwearie in a company registration and land wrangle between the company and another company Balwearie (Pvt) Ltd incorporated in 1977, to which Justice Chinamora gave a ruling without a hearing."I am in receipt of two letters complaining about the matter in which the Honourable Justice Chinamhora dealt with the matter under HC 3847/20. The papers in my possession reveal that you were served with the copies of the letters of complaint."To assist me in my investigation of the allegations, I will need your comments over the allegation. I look forward to hearing from you soon to enable me to finalise investigations in this matter," read the letter copied to Advocate Sylvester Hashiti, Zvobgo Attorneys, Mr Valentine Mhungu c/o Messrs. Chasi and Maguwudze.In her response, in a letter dated 10 November 10 and stamped by the Judge President, Advocate Agyver Sawunyama, denied having appeared before the controversial ruling, despite having been cited among those who appeared before Justice Chinamora."On March 31 2021, I appeared before Justice Webster Chinamora in the hearing of the matter of Balwearie Holdings (Private) Limited 1977 v Balwearie Holdings (Private) Limited 2020 & The Registrar of Deeds HC 3847/20. I appeared for the First Respondent whilst Advocate Silvester Hashiti appeared together with Tavonga Makamure for the applicant, there was no appearance for the Second Respondent," Sawunyama said."I sought a postponement of the hearing to enable the record HC 5431/20 which is a chamber application for leave to file a supplementary affidavit in HC 3847/20 to be placed before Justice Chinamora so that the chamber application could be determined by him first before the parties argued the rescission application in 3847/20. As a result of this intervention, Justice Chinamora issued an order that the matter would be postponed to 6 April 2021."I do not recall anything happened on 6 April 2021 as there were numerous postponements of the cases mostly owing to the Court's congested day until sometime in the winter of 2021. I however recall that when the cases resumed, and before HC 3847/20 could be argued.""The foregoing is the last that I heard of these matters until Believe Guta sent me an email in the evening of 17 October 2023 after which I learnt that there was an autographically signed, but unstamped and therefore unofficially issued judgment dated 17 October 2023 in the case of Balwearie v Balwearie HC 3847/20 which the judgement is clearly delineated HH 559/2023 and bears my name as having appeared for the respondents'."Sawunyama said Justice Chinamora's judgement was prematurely handed down as the matter under case number HC 3847/20 was never argued by the parties involved."If at all the matter was argued, then certainly the legal practitioner who argued for Balwearie Holdings (Pvt) Ltd 2020 is someone other than myself. The face of that judgment which bears my name as appearing for the respondents'. Is therefore inaccurate, so too is the substance of the judgement in as far as it relates to arguments made on behalf of Balwearie Holdings (Pvt) Ltd who are the First Respondent therein," she said.After the handing down of the judgment on 17 October 2023 and the delivery of an urgent letter by Bherebende Law Chambers pointing to the error of a judgment in a matter that was yet to be heard, Justice Chinamora convened a case management meeting on Thursday 19 October 2023, Sawunyama said.She attended together with Walter Bhere bende, Believe Guta and a representative of Sabre Services (Pvt) Ltd, loosely known as Agrippa, and one Ezekiel Chinoingira. Zvobgo T.Zvobgo attended on behalf of Balwearie Holdings 1977 together and judge Chinamora's clerk. It was then Justice Chinamora admitted to having handed down judgment in error.During the meeting, he suggested that there were two ways of dealing with the issue - to opt for a rescission or a deletion of the judgment from the system', as none of the parties has the judgement.Opting for a rescission would see him entirely recusing himself from the case. He would then proceed to arrange for further hearing of the rescission in HC 3847/20."Without commenting on the suggestions, I requested time to take full instructions from the client and requested that Sabre Services (Pvt) Ltd's counsel Advocate Edley Mubaiwa should be present at the resumption of case management. It was agreed that we would reconvene the following day at midday."The meeting of Friday 20 October could not take place as the judge was in a virtual hearing which went well into the lunch hour. The Judge's clerk requested that we return on Tuesday 24 October 2023 in the afternoon. At some point the idea emerged, although I am not sure from whence, that a judgement rescinding HH 559/2023 had been prepared and needed only to be handed down."I was informed by Mr. Guta on Tuesday afternoon that the judge was unavailable on account of sickness and that we were to try again the following day. By this time seven days had elapsed since the handing down of the judgment and Mr. Guta had made several attendances to the office of the Registrar of the High Court and had met with the Registrar and both of the Deputy Registrars regarding the missing judgment'."Chinamora's judgment number HH559/2023 had not been made available on the electronic system (IECMS) since the handing down of the judgement on 17 October 2023, and was therefore unavailable to everyone except the judge.Guta had become apprehensive that probably Justice Chinamora's delay in rescinding his judgement was so that he could edit the judgment HH 559/2023 to include the other three connected cases which the typed judgment had omitted and for which some determination would be necessary if the judgement in the ultimate case', case number HC 3847/20 is to hold any meaning, Sawunyama said."I was shown a draft of the letter of complaint on 24 October 2023. When Mr. Guta served me the Letter of Complaint on October 26, 2023, he also informed me that the judge's clerk had called requesting that the parties attend a further case management meeting on Friday 27 October 2023 in his chambers."I had reservations about the proprietary of the judge's calling such a meeting when there have been served on him by then but I had previously been instructed in writing on the manner of proceeding which the client preferred."I thus made myself available on Friday 27 October 2023 and arrived a little later than 8am to the office of Justice Chinamora's clerk, I was with Ms Gaynor Chitsaka the case of Bherebende Law Chambers who is familiar with the case. We also encountered Agrippa from Sabre Services Private Limited on the way. Just outside the judge's chambers and a hunch, I requested Ms. Chitsaka to record the proceedings in the judge's chambers which she did."
Vancouver-based Grid Battery Metals is searching for in-demand metals, like lithium on the company's Texas Spring Property, that will drive the transition toward a sustainable future.

By Richard Dal Monte

Electric vehicle sales are booming: 10 million in 2022, a projected 14 million in 2023. At the same time, demand for sustainable power sources for an array of applications is rapidly rising, with even the United Nations calling for investment in "alternative sources of energy that are clean, accessible, affordable, sustainable and reliable."

Demand for power sources that don't involve burning fossil fuels and adding carbon emissions to the atmosphere has resulted in increased demand for advanced battery technologies. Right now, that means batteries that make use of several valuable minerals.

"Lithium, nickel, cobalt, manganese, and graphite are crucial to battery performance, longevity and energy density," according to the International Energy Agency, which notes, "The energy sector is emerging as a major force in mineral markets."

Grid Battery Metals Inc. (TSXV:CELL | OTCQB:EVKRF | FRA:NMK2) is strategically positioned to be a pioneering player in the battery metals market with a strong focus on lithium and nickel, and promising properties in the U.S. and Canada.

Lithium projects in Nevada, nickel in B.C.

Key to Grid's efforts around lithium is its Texas Spring lithium property, approximately 400 hectares/988 acres in the Granite Range in northwest Nevada, its Volt Canyon lithium property approximately 635 hectares in Monitor Valley, Nevada, and its Clayton Valley lithium property, approximately 930 hectares and close to the Silver Peak Lithium Mine  North America's only permitted and producing lithium mine  operated by lithium giant Albemarle Corp. The primary focus of exploration on the Texas Spring, Volt Canyon, and Clayton Valley lithium properties, each comprising of a series of mineral lode claims, are to uncover lithium clay deposits, says Tim Fernback, the company's President and CEO.

Contributing to Grid's optimism about Texas Spring, Fernback says, is its location adjacent to the Nevada North Lithium Project, where owner Surge Battery Metals Inc. has over 725 mineral claims/5,800 hectares and where initial drilling efforts have successfully identified lithium-rich clay deposits  indeed, a significant recent discovery showed values of up to 8,070 ppm of lithium (as announced in Surge's press release on September 12, 2023).

The connection between Grid and Surge is more than proximity. The key founders and members of Surge's geological team are also the founding management team of Grid. And in June 2023, it was announced Surge had completed a property acquisition from Grid for the remaining 20 per cent interest in a British Columbia nickel claim for which Surge already had previously purchased an initial 80 per cent interest from the company. As a result of the transaction, Grid received six million shares in Surge, which in early October were trading at approximately $1.00.

Fernback says it was a good deal for shareholders to sell some non-core assets and notes that Grid Battery Metals still has a nickel project in B.C. and is planning to transfer its ownership to a wholly-owned subsidiary that is anticipated to be listed on a Canadian stock exchange in 2024. That project consists of multiple claim blocks in the area surrounding Mount Sidney Williams and FPX Nickel Corp's Baptiste deposit, which is considered by MINING.com as one of the world's top nickel projects. Along with spinning this subsidiary out of Grid, all Grid shareholders will receive an equity bonus and proportionate shareholding at no additional cost  essentially, two shares for the price of one  in this new public entity focused on a rising global demand.

"Each of these projects will need dedicated teams and resources," he says, adding that the plan is to raise $2 million to fund exploration for the subsidiary that is being spun out of Grid. "The nickel project is equally valuable and needs its own time and attention. We plan on spinning it out, focusing that company strictly on nickel and B.C. exploration, and adding people and resources to it."

The surrounding area around Grid's Volt Canyon Lithium Property in Nevada.

Exploration funded through 2024

In mining-friendly Nevada, meanwhile, Fernback says Grid is awaiting results on Phase 1 testing at Texas Spring, and has plans  and funding in place  for exploration in both 2023 and 2024, as well as more than $5 million in unallocated working capital.

That cash on hand "allows us to be very selective in bringing in new projects," he says. "Having a healthy treasury is really important to our company and our business model. We want to be able to pick and choose our partners. We don't want to be forced to do something that may be contrary to the benefit of the shareholders."

"Looking after the shareholder" is a guiding principle for Grid, he says, adding that this approach makes the company attractive to investors. As well, it has been successful in raising capital and has many years of experience exploring in Nevada, and enjoys longstanding relationships with mining service contractors there.

All of which gives him confidence about Grid's future. More important, however, is the rapidly rising demand for lithium from the likes of automotive manufacturers.

"You've got these established companies like Ford, GM, Tesla, and Volkswagen  they have to build their manufacturing capability around a standard, and they're choosing theirs right now, which includes both lithium and nickel."

"They're actually wanting to buy the raw metal and deal with exploration companies like us that are finding the raw metal," Fernback explains. "They could easily be a minority shareholder in our company in the future because they want to secure the supply chain five, six, eight years later that would eventually make it into their vehicles  that sort of thing hasn't happened in the past."

Learn more about Grid Battery Metals Inc. on its website as well as on:

Facebook

Twitter / X

LinkedIn
News / National

by Staff reporter

SOMETIME in February The NewsHawks reported that the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) had recommended that President Emmerson Mnangagwa must set up tribunals to investigate High Court Justices Webster Chinamora and Martin Makonese's suitability to continue holding office against a backdrop of venality or corruption scandals.The subset to the story - which was the real revelation or story behind the story - was that Mnangagwa was going to appoint a tribunal to investigate Makonese, but not Chinamora.In short, that the President would throw Makonese under bus but protect Chinamora. Well-informed sources at the time had told The NewsHawks in January that authorities were going to do everything in their power to protect Chinamora, but let Makonese suffer consequences of his actions when the JSC sets the ball rolling.This week one of the sources came back to The NewsHawks - more than 10 months later - and said: "That issue has come to pass as we told you way back in January. Mnangagwa, as we indicated at the beginning of the year, was going to appoint a tribunal to investigate Makonese's suitability to hold office in line with the JSC recommendation. Of course, Makonese resigned to save himself and his handlers embarrassment before the tribunal could start its investigation. But we also said at the time Mnangagwa was ironically not going to appoint a tribunal to do the same on Chinamora. Up to now, there has been no action or tribunal for Chinamora. Everything has gone according to their script."This is a scandal on top of a scandal. The real scandal on Chinamora's corruption scandals is Mnangagwa's neglecting, refusal, or both, to uphold his constitutional obligation and responsibility to appoint a tribunal as required by the constitution to investigate the judge."It is scandalous not only because it suggests he is protecting the judge, who is accused of corruption, but also that in the process he is willing to risk his high office, position and reputation to do so. What Mnangagwa is doing is an impeachable offence. The question is why is he taking that risk?"This sub-plot became a running thread in all our stories on the issue throughout the year. Now it has come to pass that Chinamora would be protected. Mnangagwa is studiously resisting appointing a tribunal to probe him, in violation of the constitution and the law.This has raised eyebrows, although the original reason given was that Chinamora would be saved because he is a pro-government judge thus of major utility to the President and the executive in an environment where the judiciary is key to the survival of those in power as shown by the Chief Justice Luke Malaba saga, which The NewsHawks also broke exclusively."There is more to the Chinamora case than meets the eye," the source said."It's a high stakes game. Removing Chinamora may open a Pandora's box. We will explain that in detail soon. For now, the only way Mnangagwa may yield to pressure is if someone with locus standi properly goes to court for an order for him to comply with the JSC recommendation and the constitution. Voluntarily he won't do it."In terms of section 187 of the constitution, a judge can only be removed from office for inability to perform the functions of his or her office, due to mental or physical incapacity; gross incompetence or gross misconduct.A judge can only be removed from office in terms of the section. Sub-section 3, which Mnangagwa is violating on the Chinamora case, stipulates: "If the Judicial Service Commission advises the President that the question of removing any judge, including the Chief Justice, from office ought to be investigated, the President must appoint a tribunal to inquire into the matter." Sub-section 4 reads:"A tribunal appointed under this section must consist of at least three members appointed by the President, of whom - (a) at least one must be a person who - (i) has served as a judge of the Supreme Court or High Court in Zimbabwe; or (ii) holds or has held office as a judge of a court with unlimited jurisdiction in civil or criminal matters in a country whose common law is Roman-Dutch or English, and English is an officially recognised language."In April, Mnangagwa appointed a three-person tribunal chaired by retired Justice Professor Simbi Veke Mubako, consisting of Dr Gift Manyatera and Sarah Moyo, to inquire into the question of removal from office of Makonese, but did not appoint a tribunal to investigate Chinamora.While Makonese resigned immediately after members of the tribunal were sworn in, Chinhamora remains firmly ensconced in office as more skeletons tumble out of the closet.The tribunal, in accordance with the constitution, must report its findings to the President and recommend whether or not the judge should be removed from office.Section 187 sub-section 3 makes it mandatory for the president to appoint a tribunal once the JSC makes a recommendation. However, following the JSC's recommendations, there have been high-level moves involving senior Justice ministry officials and those around Mnangagwa to save Chinamora, who is seen as a pro-government judge.In terms of section 187 of the constitution, a judge can only be removed from office for inability to perform the functions of his or her office, due to mental or physical incapacity; gross incompetence or gross misconduct.Chinamora is in deep trouble facing a series of new allegations ranging from conflict of interest, judicial misconduct, bribery to different forms of corruption.Only recently, Chinamhora found himself in a new storm of controversy after he allegedly handed down a judgment in a case he never heard.A complaint against him has since been lodged with Judge President Mary Zimba-Dube by the aggrieved party, a company called Balwearie Holdings (Pvt) Limited through its managing director Believe Guta.Chinamora is already under scrutiny after Advocate Thabani Mpofu filed a complaint against him earlier in February after another attorney, Advocate Taona Nyamakura, lodged a case against the judge for alleged conflict of interest in a legal dispute between Zimbabwe's Delta Beverages (Pvt) Ltd, Schweppes Zimbabwe Ltd and Blakey Plastics (Pty) Ltd, a South African company.A panel set up by the JSC to review the complaint comprising judges Anne-Marie Gowora, Alfas Chitakunye and Custom Kachambwa concluded that Chinamora had a case to answer.While Mnangagwa and his officials appear determined to protect Chinamora, the case is not going away anytime soon.Just recently, prominent lawyer Beatrice Mtetwa accused Mnangagwa of failing to "uphold, defend, obey and respect the constitution" after he neglected or refused - or both - to appoint a tribunal to look into the suitability of Chinamora to hold office as recommended by the JSC.In an open letter to Mnangagwa and the JSC, Mtetwa said the President had failed to uphold the constitution.She said: "The Constitution of Zimbabwe has founding values and principles which include the rule of law, recognition of the equality of all human beings and good governance. To emphasise the importance of good governance, its principles are specifically delineated and the delineation includes, respect for the people of Zimbabwe from whom the authority to govern is derived'."Good governance also includes: transparency, justice accountability and responsiveness'."Sadly, the President has failed to abide by these principles in so far as his obligations under Section 187 (3) are concerned. Section 187 (3) provides as follows: if the Judicial Service Commission advises the President that the question of removing any judge, including the Chief Justice, from office ought to be investigated, the President must appoint a tribunal to enquire into the matter".Subsection of section 187 in turn provides for the suspension of the concerned judge once the question of removing the judge has been referred to a tribunal for investigation'."As revealed and reported many times by The NewsHawks in previous articles, Mnangagwa does not want Chinamora removed from the bench as he sees him as a pro-establishment judge who has ruled in favour of the government in crucial matters.Chinamora has made what are seen as pro-government rulings, one being the one which contradicted and reversed a landmark ruling by Justice Jacob Mafusire, who determined that Statutory Instrument (SI) 70 of 2015 and other legislation used by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe with support from the ministry of Finance was unconstitutional.Mafusire ordered the Central Africa Building Society (Cabs) to pay US$142 000 to local architects Penelope Douglas Stone and Richard Harold Stuart Beattie after their money was converted into local currency following the passing of SI 70 of 2015.Cabs was also ordered to pay interest at the rate of 5% per annum from 28 November 2016 - when the money was converted - to the date of payment.The ruling has far-reaching implications for many individuals, organisations and companies whose money was converted into bond notes or RTGS because of SI 70 of 2015 and other predatory legislation.However, hardly a fortnight after that Chinamora made a surprise ruling which contradicted Mafusire's findings, leaving a local pensioner, Duncan Hugh Cocksedge, counting his losses after his US$179 000 bank balance domiciled in a Cabs account was wiped out after being wholly converted to local currency through the government's controversial Exchange Control Directive RT120/2018. Duncan had approached the High Court seeking redress, but his application was thrown out by Chinamora. Chinamora's ruling was a stark departure from that of Mafusire who had determined that some sections relied on by Cabs were in breach of the national constitution and contractual obligations between the applicant and the first respondent.Chinamora averred that it was not for the courts to change "political questions".The judge also said the regulation of banking activities to achieve economic stability and protect the banking public were the prerogative of the executive Recently Mtetwa also questioned why the JSC, Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission and Law Society of Zimbabwe (LSZ) were failing to act in the Chinamora matter."Chinamora continues to sit as a High Court judge more than six months after his colleague had opted to resign. Legal practitioners whose clients are involved in the complaints against him are forced to appear before him in other matters," Mtetwa said."The public, which is entitled to justice dispensed by independent, impartial and fair judges who expeditiously act without fear, favour or prejudice', continue to have their matters heard by a judge who has been adjudged to have a case to answer by a panel of three judges." Mtetwa said Mnangagwa had failed in his duties by failing to uphold the constitution. She also took a swipe at oversight institutions for ignoring the matter."Section 90(1) of the constitution requires the President to uphold, defend, obey and respect' the constitution. And Section 324 of the constitution requires that, all constitutional obligations be performed diligently and without delay', yet the President has, for a period of close to a year since referral, has been anything, but expeditious and diligent in discharging an extremely important obligation which goes to the very root of the founding values and principles of Zimbabwe," she said."Despite this blatant disregarded of an important constitutional obligation, Zimbabwe's oversight institutions and civil society organisations have remained mute. One of the functions of the JSC is to tender advice to the government on any matter relating to the judiciary or the administration of Justice and the government must pay due regard to such advice'. Despite the constitution requiring the JSC to conduct its business in a just, fair and transparent manner, the people of Zimbabwe do not know whether or not the JSC has in fact discharged its Constitutional obligation of tendering advice to the President particularly with regards the need to diligently and expeditiously discharge constitutional obligations."Then there is the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission whose various functions include to protect the public against abuse of power and maladministration by the state and public institutions'. Has the ZHRC done anything to ensure that the JSC referral of the matter to the President is acted on diligently and expeditiously as is required by the Constitution? Is there any reason why it has not sought a mandamus to compel to the President to discharge his constitutional obligations or is the ZHRC as complicit in these failures as the JSC and the rest of us?"Mtetwa said lawyers had also failed as they did not take up the matter through the LSZ."If the lawyers cannot decisively act to protect their own interests, why should the litigating public believe in their capacity to protect their interests? What sorts of professionals are these who are not protecting the integrity of their own institutions and processes? How does it feel to be the lawyer whose client made the complaints but who, a year later, still has to appear before the judge complained against? And can the public have confidence in our justice delivery system when there are such epic failures that no one is attending to? And where are our civil society organisations when we need them?"Mtetwa urged Chinamora to respect the oath of office he took. "Where is your respect for the office of the High Court judge? Where is your respect for the office of the litigating public? Do you not crave public confidence and respect for the justice system that you serve? And when you receive all the emoluments that go with your office, do you feel that you have earned these in line with the principles that are supposed to guide you in dispensing justice?" asked Mtetwa.Chinamora is facing a series of accusations ranging from conflict of interest, judicial misconduct and bribery to different forms of corruption.The allegations include releasing armed robbers from jail and handing down judgement on a case which he had not been heard - monumental scandals.
By Gibran Naiyyar Peshimam

ISLAMABAD, Nov 14 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia has shown interest in acquiring government stakes in Pakistan's Reko Diq gold and copper mine, a Pakistani official said on Tuesday, in what would be a major deal for the crisis-ridden $350 billion South Asian economy.

Barrick Gold Corp , which owns a 50% stake in the mine, considers the mine one of the world's largest underdeveloped copper-gold areas.

Pakistan narrowly averted sovereign default earlier this year after a last-gasp $3 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund, but the deal rests on bringing in foreign direct investment to shore up critically low foreign exchange reserves.

Islamabad has appointed an international adviser to do an valuation of its stake in the mine and expects this to be completed before Dec. 25, after which talks will begin with Riyadh, Jahanzeb Khan, the prime minister's adviser special investments, told journalists.

Alongside Barrick Gold the remaining 50% of the mine is held by the governments of Pakistan and the province of Balochistan.



Khan did not identify the adviser but media outlet Arab News reported that United Arab Emirates-based consulting firm RB&A Partners has been hired. The firm declined comment in an emailed response to a Reuters query.

Pakistan has previously said Barrick would invest $10 billion in the project. Barrick in August said it was open to bringing in Saudi Arabia as one of its partners in the mine.

The Saudi Arabian government did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Khan said Saudi Arabia and other traditional Middle Eastern allies could potentially line up around $70 billion in investments in various sectors.

Khan said that Pakistan was keen on having Saudi Arabia on board, but stressed that Islamabad was "not in a rush" and did not want to have "distress sales" for any of its assets and would protect its national interests.

He said Pakistan set up its Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) in June to help make investing faster and easier and with a focus on sectors including agriculture, mining and information technology.

Khan said even the IMF had inquired about the SIFC's powers but that the body would ensure transparency in all transactions.

Regarding the inclusion of Pakistan's army chief in the SIFC Khan said the military was key to ensure physical security for investors Reko Diq is located in the restive southwestern province of Balochistan which is in the grip of multiple insurgencies.

(Reporting by Gibran Peshimam; additional reporting by Aziz El Yaakoubi in Riyadh and Rachna Uppal in Dubai; writing by Asif Shahzad; editing by Jason Neely)
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(Kitco News) - Zimbabwe-focused gold producer Caledonia Mining (NYSE: CMCL) reported Tuesday that its Blanket mine produced 21,772 ounces of gold in Q3 2023, 3% higher than the 21,120 ounces produced in Q3 2022 and a new quarterly production record.

The company said that Q3 2023 all-in sustaining costs (AISC) at Blanket of $1,171 per ounce were higher compared to Q3 2022 ($962 per ounce), primarily due to higher on-mine costs per ounce and higher sustaining capital expenditures and administrative expenses.

The companys Q3 2023 revenues were $41.2 million, a record quarterly performance for the group, while 9M 2023 revenues of $107.7 million were in line with the prior year performance.

Caledonia also reported Q3 2023 gross profit of $14.1 million (Q3 2022: $15.6 million), profit of $5.7 million (Q3 2022: $10.2 million) and total comprehensive income of $5.6 million (Q3 2022: $9.5 million).

The company said it reiterated its gold production guidance for 2023 of between 75,000 and 80,000 ounces at Blanket.

This quarter's results demonstrate a significant improvement in the production performance of Blanket mine, which reported record quarterly production. This quarter was also the last quarter to be affected by the negative contribution from the Bilboes oxide mine prior to being placed on care and maintenance from 1 October 2023. This will reduce monthly costs from approximately $1 million to approximately $200,000 at Bilboes, the company noted in a news release.

Importantly, according to Caledonia, the company is exploring initiatives to further improve mining efficiencies and manage operating costs at Blanket, and continues to work on a revised feasibility study for the sulphide project at Bilboes.

Caledonia Minings primary asset is the Blanket mine in Zimbabwe. In 2022, the company achieved its long-term annual production target of 80,000 ounces. Caledonia said it is also committed to evaluating other investment opportunities in Zimbabwe; since November 2021 it has acquired Maligreen, Motapa and Bilboes.
Qabil Ashirov

Azerbaijan Industrial Corporation OJSC regularly holds meetings with foreign companies, especially investors, to develop the value chain in its fields of activity, producing competitive products, diversifying the portfolio, and working towards the establishment of new cooperation, Azernews reports.

The KOTRA Baku Office promotes trade relations between Azerbaijan and the Korean Republic and supports direct investment by Korean companies in Azerbaijan. In this direction, with the support of the Baku Office of the Korea Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), the Institute for Advanced Engineering of the Republic of Korea, and Lemon Metal Inc., the company entered the Azerbaijani market. As a result of this cooperation, a meeting was held between the management team of Azerbaijan Industrial Corporation OJSC, its subsidiary Azeraluminium LLC, and the Korean Institute for Advanced Engineering and Lemon Metal Inc. During the meeting, both sides provided detailed information about the institutions they represent and discussed the prospects of cooperation on the development of the aluminium industry and the implementation of joint projects.

At the meeting, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Azeraluminum LLC and the Institute for Advanced Engineering covering the production of aluminium alloys, the creation of research centres, and other areas of cooperation.

It should be noted that the Institute for Advanced Engineering is one of the important organisations in Korea that conducts scientific research on production technologies. Lemon Metal Inc. specialises in the production of aluminium materials, mainly special types of aluminium alloys. The company is a part of Nedec Co.Ltd and provides products at a global level to the automotive, energy, telecommunications, and information technology industries.

At the end of the meeting, it was agreed that on November 14, 2023, the delegation would visit the Ganja Aluminium Complex located in the city of Ganja and get acquainted with the production process.
News / National

by Staff reporter

INCARCERATED opposition politician Job Sikhala has distanced himself from claims by Citizens' Coalition for Change self-styled secretary-general Sengezo Tshabangu that he is negotiating with the state to secure the release of the former St Mary's legislator.Sikhala's position was announced when the outspoken opposition politician appeared at the Harare magistrates' court on 9 November, during continuation of his trial. Sikhala's spokesperson, Freddy Masarirevu, told The NewsHawks that the political prisoner did not sanction any negotiations and he only wants justice in his case to prevail."Sikhala has not sanctioned any form of political negotiations, as far as I know. He only wants justice to be done," said Masarirevu."I personally do not know Tshabangu and I doubt if Honorable Sikhala does. Whilst we appreciate efforts by general Zimbabweans to assist in the release of Honourable Sikhala, we do not support opportunists who would want to use his name for political gains."Sikhala also had a private conversation with Zimbabwe National Students Union activists Comfort Mpofu and Lionel Madamombe in court, during which he told them that he is not cutting any deals with the state."Job Sikhala said he will never try to negotiate for his release, especially if the negotiations involve Zanu-PF stakeholders, so Tshabangu must stop tarnishing his name by saying that he is negotiating with the state for Sikhala's release," Mpofu told The NewsHawks."Job Sikhala refuses to let his name be tarnished by people who are treacherous and who want to ruin the democracy system of Zimbabwe. Let them be warned and let Tshabangu be warned not to use our heroes' names in vain."This comes after the self-proclaimed CCC interim secretary-general, Tshabangu, told local radio station ZiFM Stereo last week that he was negotiating with the state for Sikhala's release."Job Sikhala is a political prisoner. He requires a political solution, I am negotiating his release with the state and I will be sending a delegation to negotiate with the state authorities. In the process I will be in a meeting with Honourable Ziyambi Ziyambi, the minister of Justice and Obert Mpofu the secretary-general of Zanu-PF," claimed Tshabangu during the interview."He is in prison because of these criminals around the president [Nelson Chamisa] who have thrown him under the bus because they believe that Sikhala is a threat to president Nelson Chamisa, so he belongs where he is."Sikhala has been remanded in custody at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison for 513 days without bail.His trial is scheduled to resume at the Harare magistrates' court on 13 November. Sikhala's continued detention has resulted in the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) issuing a landmark directive that President Emmerson Mnangagwa's government must immediately release the opposition politician.Prior to the reports that Sikhala's health had reportedly deteriorated. Sikhala's spokesperson, Masarirevu, also told The NewsHawks that Sikhala has received medical treatment and was recovering from Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison."As you may be aware, Honourable Sikhala has not been well for some time. He got better upon receiving medical treatment after a huge scare in the past weeks. He is not 100% healthy as his full recovery is affected by the living conditions at Chikurubi," said Masarirevu."Honourable Sikhala and the Sikhala family appreciate everyone who has contributed to his welfare and that of the family." Sikhala seemed strong, healthy and jovial in court as he chatted with colleagues. He even gave his salutations to everyone who came to court in solidarity."Thank you all for coming," said Sikhala.
News / National

by Staff reporter

POLICE are searching for a 33-year-old Zimbabwean woman after the discovery of a mutilated body in a suitcase in Wattville, Benoni, on the East Rand.Gauteng police spokesperson Col Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said crime prevention wardens made the gruesome discovery on Saturday."The wardens were conducting patrols when they came across a man and woman pushing a heavy suitcase. The pair was stopped and while searching the bag, the woman ran away and a mutilated body was found inside the bag. The man, 53, was arrested," Nevhuhulwi said on Saturday afternoon."Further investigations by the detectives revealed the woman was the victim's girlfriend and that they were staying together in Actonville. The circumstances that led to the gruesome murder are unknown at this stage."Police requested anyone with information that can assist in tracing and locating the woman to contact their nearest police station or the Crime Stop line at 08600-10111. Anonymous tip-offs can also be reported on the MySAPS app which can be downloaded on any smartphone. All information received will be treated as strictly confidential.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Government has called on rural communities to compile their list of gravel roads that require grading and the amount of fuel needed as part of efforts to rehabilitate passageways ahead of the rainy season.Speaking during the question and answer session in parliament, on Wednesday, Zanu-PF legislator for Mberengwa Central, Tinashe Shumba raised concerns over the navigability of gravel roads in rural areas during the rainy season, most of which link homesteads, clinics and hospitals."My question is directed to the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development. What is the government policy on re-gravelling rural roads? There is the Rural Rehabilitation Programme."They are resurfacing roads, but they are not putting the gravel. During the rainy season, these roads are not accessible yet they lead us to critical public institutions like hospitals and clinics," said Shumba.In response, the Minister Of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Felix Mhona invited rural communities to engage the government through Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA) and Rural District Councils (RDC)."We have also said and I can say to the August House, now we are thinking of going an extra mile as the Ministry instead of waiting for the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development."We are saying let us reason together, do your compilation of the roads that you require to be graded and the amount of fuel that you require so that we start funding for fuel through your rural district council and through RIDA, so that you will also be in a position to rehabilitate your roads before the advent of the rains," said Mhona.Gravel roads require constant maintenance and according to Shumba, with the rainy season fast approaching, most rural routes are set to further degrade."I do concur with the Hon. Member. We have taken some time to rehabilitate our roads and we find that in the rural constituency where some of us come from, year in and year out, we grade our roads, but some of the roads are now weaker and they require re-gravelling first."So I do agree with Hon. Shumba that yes, we can regrade and at the end of the day, you find that upon rains, the road will be in a sorry state again," the minister said.Mhona said the government, through research and development, is looking for durable modern technologies to proffer long-term solutions to gravel roads maintenance."Going forward, as a Ministry, we are busy through research and development, we are pursuing other contemporary measures to rehabilitate our roads where we can talk of nanoparticle technology where we can mix some of the said and some very important articles so that we have roads that are durable," said Mhona.
AECOM (NYSE:ACM  Get Free Report) issued its earnings results on Monday. The construction company reported $1.01 earnings per share for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of $1.01, Briefing.com reports. The company had revenue of $1.73 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.70 billion. AECOM had a net margin of 0.97% and a return on equity of 19.02%. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 49.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $0.89 earnings per share. AECOM updated its FY24 guidance to $4.35-4.55 EPS.

AECOM Trading Up 0.2 %

Shares of NYSE:ACM traded up $0.14 during trading on Monday, reaching $80.45. 1,351,119 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 865,276. The firms 50-day moving average price is $81.19 and its 200 day moving average price is $83.34. The firm has a market cap of $11.16 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 83.96, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.69 and a beta of 1.30. AECOM has a 12-month low of $74.40 and a 12-month high of $92.16. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.82, a quick ratio of 1.10 and a current ratio of 1.10.

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AECOM Increases Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 19th. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 4th will be paid a $0.22 dividend. This is a positive change from AECOMs previous quarterly dividend of $0.18. This represents a $0.88 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.09%. AECOMs payout ratio is currently 75.00%.

Insider Activity at AECOM

Institutional Trading of AECOM

In related news, CEO Troy Rudd sold 78,097 shares of AECOM stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $88.33, for a total transaction of $6,898,308.01. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 185,942 shares in the company, valued at approximately $16,424,256.86. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink . 0.40% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC purchased a new position in shares of AECOM during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $260,000. Advisory Services Network LLC acquired a new stake in shares of AECOM in the 1st quarter valued at about $245,000. Humankind Investments LLC bought a new position in shares of AECOM during the second quarter worth about $241,000. Alberta Investment Management Corp acquired a new position in AECOM in the first quarter worth about $228,000. Finally, Townsquare Capital LLC acquired a new stake in shares of AECOM during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $217,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 84.79% of the companys stock.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of research firms have commented on ACM. Credit Suisse Group decreased their target price on AECOM from $101.00 to $99.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, August 9th. StockNews.com cut AECOM from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, October 27th. Finally, Citigroup decreased their target price on shares of AECOM from $105.00 to $93.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, October 23rd. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and six have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $97.43.

View Our Latest Report on AECOM

About AECOM

(Get Free Report)

AECOM, together with its subsidiaries, provides professional infrastructure consulting services worldwide. It operates in three segments: Americas, International, and AECOM Capital. The company offers planning, consulting, architectural and engineering design, construction and program management, and investment and development services to commercial and government clients.

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Summit X LLC grew its stake in The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG  Free Report) by 0.8% in the second quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 31,675 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 250 shares during the quarter. Procter & Gamble makes up approximately 1.2% of Summit X LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 18th largest holding. Summit X LLCs holdings in Procter & Gamble were worth $4,808,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. GW&K Investment Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Procter & Gamble in the first quarter worth about $28,000. Your Advocates Ltd. LLP increased its stake in shares of Procter & Gamble by 632.0% in the second quarter. Your Advocates Ltd. LLP now owns 183 shares of the companys stock worth $28,000 after purchasing an additional 158 shares during the period. Ten Capital Wealth Advisors LLC increased its stake in Procter & Gamble by 325.8% during the first quarter. Ten Capital Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 264 shares of the companys stock valued at $39,000 after acquiring an additional 202 shares during the period. Wunderlich Capital Managemnt bought a new position in Procter & Gamble during the second quarter valued at about $40,000. Finally, Silicon Valley Capital Partners increased its stake in Procter & Gamble by 51.3% during the first quarter. Silicon Valley Capital Partners now owns 283 shares of the companys stock valued at $42,000 after acquiring an additional 96 shares during the period. 63.43% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Procter & Gamble Trading Up 0.2 %

NYSE:PG traded up $0.38 during trading hours on Tuesday, hitting $152.84. 1,354,283 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 6,170,007. The companys 50 day moving average is $149.36 and its two-hundred day moving average is $150.78. The Procter & Gamble Company has a twelve month low of $135.83 and a twelve month 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. The company has a market capitalization of $360.23 billion, a P/E ratio of 24.75, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.14 and a beta of 0.47.

Procter & Gamble Dividend Announcement

Procter & Gamble ( NYSE:PG Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 18th. The company reported $1.83 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.71 by $0.12. Procter & Gamble had a return on equity of 33.49% and a net margin of 18.30%. The firm had revenue of $21.87 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $21.58 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $1.57 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 6.1% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that The Procter & Gamble Company will post 6.42 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, November 15th. Shareholders of record on Friday, October 20th will be given a dividend of $0.9407 per share. This represents a $3.76 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.46%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, October 19th. Procter & Gambles payout ratio is 61.04%.

Insider Buying and Selling at Procter & Gamble

In other Procter & Gamble news, CEO Jon R. Moeller sold 19,822 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, August 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $152.85, for a total transaction of $3,029,792.70. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 250,145 shares in the company, valued at approximately $38,234,663.25. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In related news, COO Shailesh Jejurikar sold 7,871 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, August 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $152.85, for a total value of $1,203,082.35. Following the completion of the sale, the chief operating officer now owns 21,657 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,310,272.45. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, CEO Jon R. Moeller sold 19,822 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, August 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $152.85, for a total transaction of $3,029,792.70. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 250,145 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $38,234,663.25. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders sold 105,715 shares of company stock worth $16,025,205. Insiders own 0.17% of the companys stock.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several brokerages recently issued reports on PG. StockNews.com upgraded Procter & Gamble from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Monday, November 6th. Barclays lowered their price target on Procter & Gamble from $166.00 to $154.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, October 12th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft boosted their price target on Procter & Gamble from $170.00 to $173.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Monday, July 31st. Jefferies Financial Group initiated coverage on Procter & Gamble in a report on Monday. They set a buy rating and a $177.00 price objective on the stock. Finally, HSBC initiated coverage on Procter & Gamble in a report on Friday, September 22nd. They set a buy rating and a $179.00 price objective on the stock. Seven analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fourteen have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Procter & Gamble presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $163.95.

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About Procter & Gamble

(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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Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG  Free Report).

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Zevia PBC (NYSE:ZVIA  Get Free Report) CEO Amy Taylor purchased 11,700 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, November 9th. The stock was acquired at an average price of $2.11 per share, with a total value of $24,687.00. Following the purchase, the chief executive officer now owns 401,892 shares of the companys stock, valued at $847,992.12. The purchase was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website.

Zevia PBC Price Performance

Shares of Zevia PBC stock traded down $0.13 during trading on Monday, hitting $1.78. 135,772 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 139,636. The stock has a market cap of $127.00 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -4.74 and a beta of 0.59. The firms 50-day moving average price is $2.16 and its 200 day moving average price is $3.08. Zevia PBC has a 12-month low of $1.66 and a 12-month high of $5.24.

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Institutional Investors Weigh In On Zevia PBC

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. BlackRock Inc. lifted its position in Zevia PBC by 369.7% in the second quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 1,535,279 shares of the companys stock valued at $6,617,000 after acquiring an additional 1,208,403 shares during the last quarter. Emerald Mutual Fund Advisers Trust lifted its position in Zevia PBC by 7.1% in the first quarter. Emerald Mutual Fund Advisers Trust now owns 1,011,625 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,895,000 after acquiring an additional 67,348 shares during the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its position in Zevia PBC by 80.8% in the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 874,598 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,778,000 after acquiring an additional 390,761 shares during the last quarter. Silvercrest Asset Management Group LLC lifted its position in Zevia PBC by 16.2% in the second quarter. Silvercrest Asset Management Group LLC now owns 805,148 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,470,000 after acquiring an additional 112,208 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its position in Zevia PBC by 88.5% in the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 675,115 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,910,000 after acquiring an additional 317,041 shares during the last quarter. 46.65% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several equities analysts have commented on the stock. The Goldman Sachs Group downgraded shares of Zevia PBC from a buy rating to a neutral rating and dropped their price target for the stock from $5.00 to $3.00 in a research note on Tuesday, July 25th. BMO Capital Markets dropped their price target on shares of Zevia PBC from $8.00 to $5.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, August 9th. Stephens restated an overweight rating and issued a $8.00 price target on shares of Zevia PBC in a research note on Tuesday, July 25th. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their price objective on shares of Zevia PBC from $4.00 to $3.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, July 25th. Finally, Morgan Stanley decreased their price objective on shares of Zevia PBC from $3.25 to $3.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, November 8th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $4.33.

View Our Latest Stock Report on ZVIA

About Zevia PBC

(Get Free Report)

Zevia PBC, a beverage company, develops, markets, sells, and distributes various carbonated and non-carbonated soft drinks in the United States and Canada. It offers soda, energy drinks, organic tea, mixers, and kidz drinks. The company offers its products through various retail channels, including grocery distributors, national retailers, warehouse club, and natural products retailers, as well as e-commerce channels.

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Korea and Malaysia agreed Tuesday to boost cooperation in their fight against drug crimes in response to a recent surge in cross-border drug smuggling, the customs agency here said.

The consensus was reached during a meeting between Vice Commissioner of the Korea Customs Service (KCS) Lee Myeong-ku and Charge d'Affaires Nazarudin Jaafar of Malaysia in Seoul earlier in the day.

The amount of drugs seized before being smuggled into Korea from Malaysia has skyrocketed this year to come to 89 kilograms as of Nov. 11, compared with 7 kg for the whole of 2022, according to the KCS.

During the meeting, Lee asked the Malaysian diplomat for stronger measures to prevent drug smuggling attempts by beefing up security checks and sharing information.

In response, Nazarudin Jaafar said his country is closely watching the recent trend and vowed to cooperate with Korean authorities to prevent and crack down on trafficking.

Last month, Korea launched a task force on the prevention and eradication of drug trafficking, and has sought to strengthen cooperation with major nations for the efforts.

The seized drugs from Southeast Asian nations came to 331 kg this year, compared with last year's 523 kg, the agency said. (Yonhap)
By Jun Ji-hye

Kim Min-ho, born in Cambodia and naturalized as a Korean citizen in 2020, works for a machinery producer, located in North Chungcheong Province, after graduating from Korea Polytechnics Dasom High School.

While the 21-year-old attained vocational education over three years at the school, he acquired two national technique qualifications including a craftsman certificate, and reached grade three in the Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK).

TOPIK applicants with grade three are recognized as having no difficulty in language function needed for everyday living.

I was glad as I obtained Korean citizenship and got a job I wanted, Kim said.

Lim Ye-won, born in the Philippines and naturalized as a Korean citizen last year, was admitted to Korea Polytechnics this year with the support of her husband who also studied at the vocational college.

Lim, who had previously worked in English education and insurance, decided to go to the college as she was eager to learn a specialized skill.

The 35-year-old has already acquired two national qualifications and plans to acquire three more before completing her course at the college. Her ultimate goal is to work as a welder in Korea.

I want to advise other immigrant women to learn skills to find a new path for their lives here, she said.

Korea Polytechnics under the direct control of the Ministry of Employment and Labor offers a comprehensive range of technical instruction. It has expanded its vocational education to families with multicultural backgrounds, including marriage-based immigrants, beginning this year, after having offered such education to children of multicultural families at Dasom High School that opened in 2012.

The college plans to further expand customized vocational education by opening a new course next year for 200 youngsters who are aged over 18 and have multicultural backgrounds.

Expanding such education is aimed at helping children of multicultural families better carve out their career in this country, a Korea Polytechnics official said, noting that it will also offer Korean language education, if necessary.
News / National

by Staff reporter

A couple gunned down outside a court in Johannesburg, South Africa, on November 8 have been named as Zimbabweans Sicelubuhle Moyo and her partner Wilfred Dube.Moyo, who worked as a domestic worker, had been due to testify at the Randburg Magistrates Court against four police officers accused of her torture.One of Moyo's former employers described her as a "very special human being" who was fighting for justice."She was an unbelievably lovely lady, unbelievably strong with a great character. It was an absolute pleasure to have her in our house and we trusted her implicitly with our children," the former employer told the Sowetan newspaper.The incident that led to her torture involved a 2018 armed robbery at a house where she was working as a domestic worker. Police arrested her and accused her of involvement in the robbery."She went through absolute hell," her former employer recounted. "She was accused falsely of being part of the robbery."Even if we assume the police just made an honest mistake, what transpired next was just ridiculously beyond atrocious. She, as the record will state, was imprisoned and put in jail and then she was taken to an undisclosed location and tortured to the point where most people would have died but she went through the ordeal and came back to being her usual self within a short time. She was probably one of the strongest people I ever met, both physically and emotionally."The four police officers accused of torturing her face charges of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. They are Moleke Makgatho, Katudi Masemane, Sylvester Chuene, and Mariri Mashupe.The Independent Police Investigative Directorate, which investigated the incident, accused the officers of "intentionally committing an act of torture by inflicting severe pain or suffering, whether physical or mental, on Sicelubuhle Moyo by tying her onto a table by her ankles, waist and hands, covering her face with a cloth and forcing water into her mouth and nose."The accused tortured her for the purpose of obtaining information or a confession from her and/or punishing her for an act she was suspected of committing and/or intimidated or coerced her to do or to refrain from doing anything, to wit, instructing her to tell them the truth about a house robbery incident and disclose the identities of the other perpetrators."The four police officers were ordered to hand in their mobile phones, work and private firearms, and be subjected to gunpowder residue tests following the double killing. This was after the prosecution to secure the necessary evidence to help police with their preliminary investigations into the double murder.Phindi Mjonondwane, a spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority, said: "We do take the safety of witnesses very seriously, but we can only act once information is brought to our attention as the prosecution, and an assessment of the threat is carried out. Unfortunately no safety concerns had been raised by this witness."
Angola, IN (46703)

Today

A steady rain this morning. Showers continuing this afternoon. High 43F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a half an inch..

Tonight

Steady light rain this evening. Showers continuing overnight. Low 37F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%.
Auburn, IN (46706)

Today

A steady rain this morning. Showers continuing this afternoon. High 43F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a half an inch..

Tonight

Light rain early...then remaining cloudy with showers overnight. Low 39F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%.
In a recent Weverse live session, SEVENTEEN Jeonghan took the opportunity to showcase his new phone wallpaper, revealing a surprising choice that has sent netizens into a frenzy.

Heres what happened.

SEVENTEEN Jeonghan's Phone Wallpaper Featuring MONSTA X Hyungwon Delights Fans

On November 14 (KST), Jeonghan, currently in Paris, treated fans to an impromptu Weverse broadcast, joined by fellow member Dino.

The live session was filled with laughter and engagement as they interacted with fans, making it an unforgettable moment for the SEVENTEEN fandom.

READ ALSO: SEVENTEEN Jeonghan Fashion: Upbeat Styles to Try Out for Your Holiday Trips!

However, the highlight of the broadcast came when Jeonghan proudly displayed his new phone wallpaper, and it featured none other than MONSTA X's Hyungwon.

Jeonghan set his wallpaper with Hyungwon's pic!!! pic.twitter.com/bMCf4et9AR  mi (@miwon17_) November 14, 2023

The revelation not only delighted fans but also shed light on the close friendship between Jeonghan and Hyungwon, which has been evident in various variety shows and candid moments of mutual admiration.

The timing of Jeonghan's wallpaper choice added an extra layer of significance, as it coincided with Hyungwon's enlistment for military service on the same day.

Prior to his enlistment, Hyungwon had shared obligatory shaved head photos with his fans, a customary practice among South Korean male idols.

SEVENTEEN Jeonghan Clarifies Hyungwon's Instagram Photos in Hilarious Live Session

The wallpaper, however, took an unexpected turn when netizens noticed a discrepancy between the images shared online and the one proudly exhibited by Jeonghan during the live session.

READ ALSO: SEVENTEEN Jeonghan Has People Raving Over His Looks At Paris Fashion Week: 'His aura is crazy!'

Humorously, Jeonghan clarified that Hyungwon had initially sent him the photos from Instagram, but wanting something different, he requested a new one directly from his friend.

The relatable and lighthearted nature of Jeonghan's explanation resonated with fans, who quickly dubbed this phase of his life as the "Military wife era."

K-pop enthusiasts, familiar with the camaraderie among idols, couldn't help but find the situation amusing and heartwarming.

As the video of Jeonghan's live session made its rounds online, netizens expressed their amusement, with many noting the unique and endearing dynamics of idol friendships.

As the K-Pop world continues to showcase these genuine moments between idols, Jeonghan's playful reveal stands out as a testament to the camaraderie that transcends group boundaries, bringing joy to fans across fandoms.

YOU MIGHT ALSO BE INTERESTED IN: SEVENTEEN Jeonghan & Hoshi Bring CARATs to Memory Lane Because of THESE Photos



Follow and subscribe to KpopStarz for more news.



KpopStarz own this article.

Cassidy Jones wrote this.
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News / Press Release

by ROHR

ROHR Zimbabwe condemns with utmost disdain the State Sponsored abduction and murder of yet another activist in Zimbabwe, Pastor Tapfumanei Masaya, who was abducted whilst campaigning for a CCC candidate in Mabvuku, Harare, by armed ZANU-PF and Zimbabwean State functionaries on Saturday, 11th November 2023.What we now know to be his body was found at the intersection of Arcturus Road and Lobo Road in the Cleveland area of Harare on Sunday, 12th November 2023, a day after his abduction. We call upon ZANU-PF and the government of Zimbabwe to stop sponsoring abductions, enforced disappearances, murder, and persecution of citizens who hold alternative views to those of ZANU- PF.Zimbabwe's constitution guarantees its citizens' and residents' rights and freedoms. These include rights to freedom of speech, demonstrations, association, etc. The State should uphold the rule of law and protect its citizens.The African (Banjul) Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights and the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights also guarantee such rights and freedoms.We call upon the President of ZANU-PF and Zimbabwe, Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, to change his murderous ways and to lead his Government to start to respect the rights of the citizens of Zimbabwe, uphold the rule of law and restore human rights in Zimbabwe.We also call upon the SADC and AU to condemn ZANU-PFs blatant waywardness and call the Zimbabwean government to order regarding its apparent condoning of the abductions and enforced disappearances by not bringing to book any of the culprits of these heinous crimes over the years despite them being known.We also call upon the UN, EU, US, UK and the international community at large to add their voices in the condemnation of ZANU-PF and the Government of Zimbabwe for being the architects of abductions, enforced disappearances, murders and general persecution of citizens who hold opposing views to those of the ruling party in Zimbabwe.
EIC Fund: 1 billion in deep tech venture investments

Today, the Commission announced that nearly 1 billion of investments in deep tech companies have been approved by the European Innovation Council (EIC) Fund since the Fund started its operations in September 2022. The EIC Fund is the venture investment arm of the European Innovation Council, which was launched under Horizon Europe to support breakthrough technologies and innovations. In just over one year, 159 start-ups and SMEs, all selected under the EIC Accelerator programme, have had their investments approved. By reaching this 1 billion milestone, the EIC consolidates its position as the investor of choice for European deep tech companies.

Under the EIC programme, companies are selected following a rigorous evaluation process by external experts and thorough due diligence by the European Investment Bank, who acts as investment adviser to the EIC Fund. Following investment approvals, companies typically have up to 12 months to find co-investors with the support of the EIC. 71 companies have already completed this process and attracted co-investments worth a multiple of 3 times the amount of EIC Fund investments. The majority of companies also receive grant support of up to 2.5 million and access to expertise, partnerships and market opportunities through the EIC business acceleration services.

Among the companies to have benefitted from EIC investments are:

Quandela (Palaiseau, France)  leader in quantum photonics, develops full-stack optical quantum computers, available both on cloud and on-premises. Very recently, they secured 50 million from various investors to support international expansion and further industrial development.

Microsure (Eindhoven, The Netherlands)  innovation leader in robot-assisted micro-surgery; the company secured 38 million to finalise development of their newest microsurgical robot for clinical studies.

MeThinks AI (Barcelona, Spain) - company specialising in early detection and management of acute stroke patients using artificial intelligence (AI); today they announced they secured 2.5 million in convertible loans to prepare for the upcoming investment round.

Furthermore, on 30 October the EIC announced the results of the latest EIC Accelerator call, with an additional 47 companies selected for EIC support worth 349 million of which 236 million is earmarked for investments through the EIC Fund. This takes the total number of companies selected by the EIC Accelerator since its launch under the Horizon Europe programme in 2021 to 493. Over 1000 companies submitted their proposals for the last EIC Accelerator cut-off on 8 November and will now enter the highly competitive selection phase.

Background

The EIC Accelerator offers start-ups and SMEs grants of up to 2.5 million combined with equity investments through the EIC Fund ranging from 0.5 to 15 million or more. In addition to financial support, all projects benefit from a range of business acceleration services that provide access to leading expertise, corporates, investors and ecosystem actors. Start-ups and SMEs can apply at any time to the EIC Accelerator with short applications, and if successful are invited to prepare full applications to submit to one of the regular cut-off dates. The EIC Accelerator cut-offs for 2024 are due to be announced shortly in the EIC work programme.

The EIC Fund invests across all technologies and verticals, and all EU countries and countries associated to Horizon Europe. The EIC Fund is managed by an independent fund manager with the EIB as investment adviser. It aims to fill a critical financing gap and its main purpose is to support companies in the development and commercialisation of disruptive technologies, bridging with and crowding in market players. It helps to share risk by building a large network of capital providers and strategic partners suitable for co-investments and follow-on funding. This is one of the key-objectives of the New European Innovation Agenda launched in 2022, in its flagship area on funding deep tech innovation.

For More Information

EIC Accelerator

EIC Fund

New European Innovation Agenda

Quote

The European Innovation Council stands as the cornerstone of Europe's innovation landscape. It's a launchpad for revolutionary technologies and transformative innovations. I am pleased to witness it meeting its goals. We are empowering Europe's brightest start-ups to grow, secure investments and emerge as global frontrunners in technologies pivotal for Europes journey towards a greener, digitally advanced future.

Iliana Ivanova, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth 2023-11-13

Zarazeno ut 14.11.2023 12:11:00 Zdroj Evropska komise en Original ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/api/documents?reference=IP/23/5728&language=en lang en guid /IP/23/5728/
The goal to supply Ukraine with one million rounds of ammunition will not be reached, the German Defence Minister said on Tuesday.

It comes as Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said there has been an increase in attacks from Russia in the Avdiivka, Kupyansk, Donetsk regions.

Ukrainian forces said that they repelled a total of eight attacks on the battered, strategic city of Avdiivka.

Speaking about the ammunition goal, Boris Pistorius said: It is safe to assume that the one million rounds will not be reached.

He told reporters ahead of an EU Defence council in Brussels that he expects other countries to do more to ramp up Ukrainian military aid and hopes the German parliament will approve topping up military aid by four billion euros.

However, in response to the German ministers claims, the EU commissioner for industry insisted they would meet their target.

Im responsible for ammunition production capacity so I can confirm that the target of producing more than a million rounds of ammunition a year, which we set ourselves and which they hope to achieve from spring onwards, will be met, Thierry Breton told reporters.

Key Points

Zelensky warns Ukrainians to prepare for winter onslaught from Russia

Russia intensifies attacks in Avdiivka

Strong explosions in Kyiv as Ukrainian capital comes under attack

Two Russian landing boats filled with armoured vehicles destroyed

Goal to supply 1m rounds of ammunition to Ukraine will not be reached, German Defence Minister

EU industry commissioner insists one million ammunition target will be met

09:55 , Athena Stavrou

Following the German defence ministers claim that the goal to supply Ukraine with one million rounds of ammunition will not be reached, the EU commissioner for industry insisted they would.

At a summit of defence in Brussels, Thierry Breton told reporters that the target would be reached,

Im responsible for ammunition production capacity so I can confirm that the target of producing more than a million rounds of ammunition a year, which we set ourselves and which they hope to achieve from spring onwards, will be met, he said.

Story continues

From Gaza to Ukraine, China to the EU: The major issues piling high in David Camerons in tray

04:00 , Tom Watling

The former prime minister is re-entering frontline politics during a tumultuous time. Chris Stevenson looks at what he will need to tackle first and where his instincts may take him.

From Gaza to Ukraine, China to the EU: The major issues facing Cameron in new role

Russian UN envoys shoot back at Western criticism of its Ukraine war and crackdown on dissidents

03:00 , Tom Watling

Western countries on Monday repeatedly called on Russia to end domestic repression of dissident voices and end its war in Ukraine  and human rights violations related to it  as Russia came under a regular review at the U.N.s top rights body.

A delegation from Moscow, led by State Secretary and Deputy Justice Minister Andrei Loginov, defended Russias right to ensure law and order by restricting some forms of protest or voices that might threaten domestic security. He also said Russias special military operation in Ukraine had no relation to the subject matter at issue in the review.

Mondays 3 1/2-hour hearing in Geneva was part of an exercise known as the universal periodic review, or UPR, which all U.N. member states face about every four or five years in connection with the U.N.-backed Human Rights Council.

Russian UN envoys shoot back at Western criticism of its Ukraine war and crackdown on dissidents

EU struggles to produce and send the ammunition it promised to Ukraine

02:00 , Tom Watling

European Union nations acknowledged on Tuesday that they risk failing to provide Ukraine with the ammunition they pledged to help Kyiv stave off the Russian invasion and win back its territory.

Early this year, EU leaders promised to provide 1 million rounds of ammunition to Ukraines front line by spring next year in what would have amounted to a serious ramp-up of production. But the 27-nation bloc, for over half a century steeped in a peace, not war message and sheltering under a U.S. military umbrella, is finding it tough to come up with the goods.

The 1 million will not be reached, you have to assume that, said German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, ahead of a meeting of EU defense and foreign affairs ministers in Brussels.

EU struggles to produce and send the ammunition it promised to Ukraine

Why Russia retracted state media reports on its Ukraine frontline movements

01:00 , Tom Watling

The fog of misinformation around the war in Ukraine thickened on Monday after Russias state news agencies claimed Vladimir Putin was withdrawing troops from the Dnipro river frontline  and then immediately retracted the update.

The potentially significant bulletins were available for about 10 minutes, after which two state news outlets withdrew them without any follow-up.

The agencies  TASS and RIA Novosti  said that the Russian Ministry of Defence had announced relocations of troops to an unspecified more advantageous positions east of the Dnipro river.

Why Russia retracted state media reports on its Ukraine frontline movements

Russian court fines Google for failing to store personal data on its users

00:00 , Tom Watling

A Russian court on Tuesday fined Google for failing to store personal data on its Russian users, the latest in a series of fines on the tech giant amid tensions between Russia and the West over the war in Ukraine.

A magistrate at Moscows Tagansky district court fined Google 15 million rubles (around $164,200) after the IT company repeatedly refused to store personal data on Russian citizens in Russia.

Google was previously fined over the same charges in August 2021 and June 2022 under a Russian law that obliges foreign entities to localize the personal data of their Russian users.

Russian court fines Google for failing to store personal data on its users

Ukraine warns Putin is stepping up assault on Avdiivka as Zelensky reveals where fighting is fiercest

23:00 , Tom Watling

War-time president Volodymyr Zelensky has revealed the areas where Ukraines forces are facing a challenging time repelling Russian troops as air bombardments intensified over a strategic city in the east.

Ukrainian forces repelled a total of eight attacks on the battered, strategic city of Avdiivka by Vladimir Putins troops in the past 24 hours, said Ukraines military spokesperson Oleksandr Shtupun.

It was earlier reported that Mr Putin was going to make a third attempt at capturing the city known for its large coking plant after failing twice before.

Fighting is still going on. Over the last two days, the occupiers have increased the number of air strikes using guided bombs from Su-35 aircraft, said Mr Shtupun.

The enemy is also bringing in more and more infantry. But when they tried to deploy armoured vehicles the day before yesterday two tanks and 14 other vehicles were burned out, he said.

Ukraine warns Putin is stepping up assault on Avdiivka as Zelensky reveals hotspots

Giuliani ally in Ukraine charged with treason

22:00 , Tom Watling

A Ukrainian MP who previously helped Donald Trumps lawyer Rudy Giuliani allegedly find dirt on Joe and Hunter Biden has been charged with treason.

Oleksandr Dubinsky was charged after he allegedly joined an organisation formed by the chiefs of Russias Military Intelligence (GRU), Ukraines Security Service (SBU) said in a statement on Monday.

The SBU claimed that the organisation aimed to take advantage of the tense political situation in Ukraine and discredit our state in the international arena.

Giuliani ally in Ukraine charged with treason

EU struggles to produce and send the ammunition it promised to Ukraine

18:00 , Athena Stavrou

European Union nations acknowledged on Tuesday that they risk failing to provide Ukraine with the ammunition they pledged to help Kyiv stave off the Russian invasion and win back its territory.

Early this year, EU leaders promised to provide 1 million rounds of ammunition to Ukraines front line by spring next year in what would have amounted to a serious ramp-up of production.

But the 27-nation bloc, for over half a century steeped in a peace, not war message and sheltering under a U.S. military umbrella, is finding it tough to come up with the goods.

Read more:

EU struggles to produce and send the ammunition it promised to Ukraine

Russian court fines Google for failing to store personal data on its users

17:00 , Athena Stavrou

A Russian court on Tuesday fined Google for failing to store personal data on its Russian users, the latest in a series of fines on the tech giant amid tensions between Russia and the West over the war in Ukraine.

A magistrate at Moscows Tagansky district court fined Google 15 million rubles (around $164,200) after the IT company repeatedly refused to store personal data on Russian citizens in Russia.

Google was previously fined over the same charges in August 2021 and June 2022 under a Russian law that obliges foreign entities to localize the personal data of their Russian users.

However, Russia can do little to collect the fine, as Googles Russia business was effectively shut down last year after Moscow sent troops into Ukraine.

Read more:

Russian court fines Google for failing to store personal data on its users

Finland considers closing border crossings with Russia to stem an increase in asylum-seekers

16:10 , Athena Stavrou

The government in Finland is considering whether to close some crossing points on the countrys long border with Russia to prevent people from trying to enter without proper documentation, the prime minister said Tuesday.Interior Minister Mari Rantanen said the number of migrants at Finlands southeastern border crossings has risen substantially since August due to what the government suspects is a change in Russias border policy and enforcement.Finnish and Russian border authorities have for years cooperated in stopping people without the necessary visas or passports before they can attempt to enter either of the two countries.

But Russia has started allowing undocumented travelers to access the border zone and enter crossing stations where they can request asylum in Finland, Rantanen said.It is clear that these people get help to get to the border. This seems like a very conscious decision, Prime Minister Petteri Orpo told reporters. The governments message is clear: We must take this seriously and safeguard the security of our border.

Britain agree to discounts on insurance for Ukrainian Black Sea exports

15:11 , Athena Stavrou

Ukraine and Britain have agreed a special mechanism for discounts on war risk insurance for Ukrainian goods exports, including through the Black Sea corridor, the Ukrainian Prime Minister said on Tuesday.

It will make it possible to make a discount on the cost of insurance against military risks for exporters of all products from Ukraine. This will make the Black Sea corridor more accessible to a wider range of exporters, Denys Shmyhal said on Telegram messenger.

He said the mechanism involved a pool of British insurance companies.

(AP)

Why Russia retracted state media reports on its Ukraine frontline movements

14:25 , Athena Stavrou

The fog of misinformation around the war in Ukraine thickened on Monday after Russias state news agencies claimed Vladimir Putin was withdrawing troops from the Dnipro river frontline  and then immediately retracted the update.

The potentially significant bulletins were available for about 10 minutes, after which two state news outlets withdrew them without any follow-up.

You can read more about this here:

Why Russia retracted state media reports on its Ukraine frontline movements

NATO secretary general discusses importance of continued support to Ukraine.

13:55 , Athena Stavrou

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg participated in a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council of the European Union with EU Defence Ministers in Brussels on Tuesday,

On the situation in Ukraine, Mr Stoltenberg highlighted that intense fighting continues. The situation on the battlefield is difficult. And that just makes it even more important that we sustain and step up our support for Ukraine because we cannot allow President Putin to win, said the Secretary General.

Ukraine must prevail as a sovereign independent nation in Europe and its in our interest to support Ukraine, he said.

(NTB/AFP via Getty Images)

Weather conditions impacting battlespace'

13:22 , Athena Stavrou

Ukrainian and Russian sources have noted that weather conditions are impacting the battlespace, according to a war-monitoring think-tank.

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said that factors such as falling leaves have complicated efforts but not halted operations.

They reported that the Ukrainian ground forces spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Volodymyr Fityo noted on November 13 that rain and mud in Donbas impede the speed of ground maneuver advances.

Ukrainian 14th Mechanized Brigade Spokesperson Nadiya Zamryha stated on November 12 that fog and rain complicate both Russian and Ukrainian aerial reconnaissance efforts and lead to reduced numbers of attacks.

Meanwhile, Russian milbloggers claimed that recent heavy rains led to reduced shelling and that strong winds and rain interfere with Russian drone operations and complicate offensive operations in western Zaporizhia Oblast

Russian sources also circulated footage purporting to show mud and rain filled Ukrainian trenches.

(Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

One dead after Russian drone attack, governor says

12:54 , Athena Stavrou

One person has died and a 72-year-old man has been hospitalised after a Russian drone attack in Nikopol.

The governor of the Dnipropetrovsk region, Serhiy Lyask, posted on Telegram: A 72-year-old man was injured. He is in the hospital in a moderate condition. Unfortunately, there is also a dead person. Condolences to the relatives... Shame on the occupiers who are fighting with the civilians.

Zelenksy reports increase in Russian assaults

12:33 , Athena Stavrou

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said there has been an increase in attacks from Russia in the Avdiivka, Kupyansk, Donetsk regions.

He wrote in a Telegram post: The enemy continues to take revenge on the free Kherson: shelling the city center without any military necessity.

It comes after Ukrainian forces said that they repelled a total of eight attacks on the battered, strategic city of Avdiivka.

It was earlier reported that Mr Putin was going to make a third attempt at capturing the city known for its large coking plant after failing twice before.

Vitaliy Barabash said Putins troops need Avdiivka.

Quite simply, Avdiivka and its strategic position is geographically located on heights and you can see Donetsk... from here, he said, referring to the Ukrainian area occupied by Russia

Grain exports via Black Sea corridor hit 4m tonnes

12:09 , Athena Stavrou

Ukraines exports through an alternative Black Sea shipping corridor have reached almost four million metric tonnes since the route started operating in August, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Tuesday.

Ukraine launched a humanitarian corridor for ships bound for African and Asian markets to try to circumvent a de facto blockade in the Black Sea after Russia quit a United Nations-brokered deal that had guaranteed Kyivs seaborne exports during the war.

(EPA)

Russia to increase production of laser-guided artillery'

11:14 , Athena Stavrou

Russia has announced it will increase production of its 152mm Krasnopol-M2 laser-guided artillery munitions, the UK Defence Ministry said today.

In their latest intelligence update, Britains Ministry of Defence said Russia will improve the rounds weather performance which has already achieved some success with Krasnopol.

The intellegence said Russia utilises uncrewed aerial vehicles to designate targets for Krasnopol, by shining a laser beam at the target.

They added that the limiting factors of the ammunition include low cloud.

Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine  14 November 2023.



Find out more about Defence Intelligence's use of language: https://t.co/9N61NE51LF



 #StandWithUkraine  pic.twitter.com/34KEoKgvlB  Ministry of Defence  (@DefenceHQ) November 14, 2023

Blinken and David Cameron discuss Israel, Ukraine and China

10:31 , Athena Stavrou

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and newly appointed British foreign minister David Cameron discussed the Israel-Hamas conflict, relations with China and help for Ukraine during a telephone call on Monday, the State Department said.

Secretary Blinken and Lord Cameron underscored continuity in the U.S.-UK special relationship and its importance to regional and global security, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a readout of the conversation.

The former PM attended his first Cabinet meeting this morning as foreign minister (PA)

Russian strike hits hospital injuring two-month-old baby, UN says

08:54 , Athena Stavrou

The UN humanitarian coordinator for Ukraine said Russian attacks in Kherson, Ukraine, struck a hospital injuring a two-month-old baby girl and killing civillians.

Denise Brown said she was utterly outraged and deeply disturbed by the brutal attacks on Monday afternoon.

She added that the attacks killed and injured civilians and an innocent baby girl was hospitalised with a blast injury.

Oleksandr Prokudin, governor of Kherson Oblast, said that two people had been killed and a further ten had been injured.

He said in a Telegram post: Eight vehicles, including an ambulance, an administrative building, a hospital and at least fifteen houses were destroyed or damaged.

With these blows, the Russians ended the lives of two people. According to detailed information, ten more were injured.

He added: As a result of the attack on the hospital, two female medical workers, aged 24 and 41, as well as an 81-year-old patient of the medical facility were injured. All of them have mine-explosive injuries.

Project HOPE, a global health & humanitarian organization, said their staff were holding a meeting at the hospital at the time.

None of the team were injured. Natalja Iscenko, Project HOPEs Liaison Officer, said: While inside, we counted more than 10 explosions, and the walls were shaking. When we got outside and saw the damage and heard of casualties, we realized just how lucky we were.

If timing had been different, this could have been us.

Germany updates on goals for aid to Ukraine

08:50 , Athena Stavrou

The goal to supply Ukraine with one million rounds of ammunition will not be reached, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said on Tuesday.

It is safe to assume that the one million rounds will not be reached, he told reporters ahead of a EU Defence council in Brussels.

He also added that he expects other countries to do more to ramp up Ukrainian military aid and hopes the German parliament will approve topping up military aid by four billion euros

Russia destroys four Ukrainian drones

08:20 , Athena Stavrou

Russian air defences destroyed four Ukrainian drones over four Russian regions including the Moscow region overnight, Russias defence ministry said in a statement.

The drones were destroyed in Moscow, Tambov, Orlov and Bryansk regions, the ministry said.

Putin makes third failed attempt to capture Avdiivka as shelling intensifies

07:51 , Athena Stavrou

Ukrainian forces repelled a total of eight attacks on the battered, strategic city of Avdiivka by Vladimir Putins troops in the past 24 hours, said Ukraines military spokesperson Oleksandr Shtupun.

It was earlier reported that Mr Putin was going to make a third attempt at capturing the city known for its large coking plant after failing twice before.

Vitaliy Barabash, head of Avdiivkas military administration, also revealed Russias losses in its current drive for Avdiivka.

He said Mr Putins troops need Avdiivka.

Quite simply, Avdiivka and its strategic position is geographically located on heights and you can see Donetsk... from here, he said, referring to the Ukrainian area occupied by Russia.

Zelensky says Ukraine can deliver frontline success  but the current stalemate with Russia is hurting Kyiv

07:00 , Tom Watling

It is clear there is little movement on the battlefield, writes Askold Krushelnycky, and that is bad news for Kyiv.

Analysis: Ukraines current frontline stalemate with Russia is hurting Kyiv

Zelensky tells Ukrainians to brace for enemy Putins winter attacks

06:00 , Tom Watling

Volodymyr Zelensky has warned Ukrainians to prepare for an increase in Russian attacks on the countrys infrastructure.

The war-time president said his country could suffer attacks similar to the ones carried out by Vladimir Putins troops last year.

About 10 months into Russias invasion, a string of attacks were carried out on power stations and other plants linked to the energy network, prompting rolling blackouts in widely separated regions.

We are almost halfway through November and we must be prepared for the possibility that the enemy may increase the number of drone or missile strikes against our infrastructure. Russia is preparing for winter, the Ukrainian president said in his nightly address on Sunday.

And in Ukraine, all our attention should be focused on defence, on response to terrorists, on everything Ukraine can do to make it easier for our people to get through this winter and to increase the capabilities of our troops.

Zelensky tells Ukrainians to brace for enemy Putins winter attacks

Hungary's Orban says negotiations on Ukraine's future EU membership should not move forward

05:00 , Tom Watling

Hungarys prime minister said Friday he does not support moving forward on negotiations on Ukraines future membership in the European Union, signaling again that his country could pose a major roadblock to Kyivs ambitions to join the bloc.

EU leaders are to decide in mid-December whether Ukraine should be formally invited to begin talks to join the 27-member union, with Hungary seen as a potential obstacle. Unanimity among all member states is required to admit a new country into the bloc, giving Hungarys prime minister, Viktor Orban, a powerful veto.

Hungary's Orban says negotiations on Ukraine's future EU membership should not move forward

Two Russian landing boats filled with armoured vehicles destroyed by Ukraine in significant loss for Putin

04:00 , Tom Watling

Ukraine on Friday said its naval drones had destroyed two small Russian landing boats in Crimea, in an embarrassment for President Vladimir Putin.

Ukrainian military intelligence said two amphibious Russian ships loaded with armoured vehicles had been hit by naval drones overnight.

One of the boats was identified as an Akula class vessel, while the other landing vessel was a Serna class.

The results of intelligence conducted on 10 November 2023 near Vuzka Bay in temporarily occupied Crimea show that after an attack by naval drones, two small Russian landing ships have been destroyed, a Ukraine military report said.

As a consequence of the attack, both vessels went to the bottom, the Akula straight away and the Serna after attempts to save it.

Ukraine destroys Russian landing boats in significant loss for Putin

Military training efforts for Ukraine hit major milestones even as attention shifts to Gaza

03:00 , Tom Watling

Battle cries pierce the smoke and rat-a-tat-tat of gunfire as Ukrainian soldiers fight through and take enemy trenches and dugouts that hide gruesome, bloody remains.

Grenade! one screams in Ukrainian. Another yells: Lets go, lets go, lets go, lets go!

This time, no lives or limbs were lost. Because this time, the rounds fired were blanks and the enemy troops were, in fact, French soldiers whose intention was not to kill the Ukrainians but instead to help shape them into better, more lethal warriors.

But soon, the war games these troops played in the mud in France will become all too real, when the Ukrainians return home and are sent to the front lines against Russias forces.

Military training efforts for Ukraine hit major milestones even as attention shifts to Gaza

Russian officers killed in act of revenge in occupied Ukrainian city

02:00 , Tom Watling

Three Russian officers have been killed in an act of revenge in an occupied Ukrainian city, said Kyivs intelligence officials.

A blast struck a Saturday meeting attended by Russian National Guard and FSB intelligence service officers in occupied Melitopol, said the Ukrainian intelligences main unit.

This act of revenge, carried out by representatives of the local resistance movement, took place in the (post) offices seized by the Russians, the Ukrainian defence ministrys intelligence department said on Sunday.

Russian forces have established their headquarters in Melitopol, a city in southwestern Ukraine that was captured in the early days of the war.

As a result of the explosion at least three National Guard officers were killed at the headquarters, officials said.

Russian officers killed in act of revenge in occupied Ukrainian city

Germany's support for Ukraine is to be 'massively expanded' next year

01:00 , Tom Watling

Germanys aid for Ukraine will be massively expanded next year, the foreign minister said Monday as Kyiv heads into its second winter since Russia launched its full-scale invasion.

Germany has become one of Ukraines top military suppliers since the war started in February 2022, sending material that includes tanks, armored personnel carriers, air defense systems and Patriot missile systems.

Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said as she arrived Monday at a meeting with European Union counterparts that, even as Europe grapples with the war between Israel and Hamas, its still important to face the geopolitical challenge here.

Germany's support for Ukraine is to be 'massively expanded' next year

From Gaza to Ukraine, China to the EU: The major issues piling high in David Camerons in tray

00:00 , Tom Watling

The former prime minister is re-entering frontline politics during a tumultuous time. Chris Stevenson looks at what he will need to tackle first and where his instincts may take him.

From Gaza to Ukraine, China to the EU: The major issues facing Cameron in new role

Zelensky tells Ukrainians to brace for enemy Putins winter attacks

Monday 13 November 2023 23:00 , Tom Watling

Volodymyr Zelensky has warned Ukrainians to prepare for an increase in Russian attacks on the countrys infrastructure.

The war-time president said his country could suffer attacks similar to the ones carried out by Vladimir Putins troops last year.

About 10 months into Russias invasion, a string of attacks were carried out on power stations and other plants linked to the energy network, prompting rolling blackouts in widely separated regions.

We are almost halfway through November and we must be prepared for the possibility that the enemy may increase the number of drone or missile strikes against our infrastructure. Russia is preparing for winter, the Ukrainian president said in his nightly address on Sunday.

And in Ukraine, all our attention should be focused on defence, on response to terrorists, on everything Ukraine can do to make it easier for our people to get through this winter and to increase the capabilities of our troops.

Zelensky tells Ukrainians to brace for enemy Putins winter attacks

Russian UN envoys shoot back at Western criticism of its Ukraine war and crackdown on dissidents

Monday 13 November 2023 22:00 , Tom Watling

Western countries on Monday repeatedly called on Russia to end domestic repression of dissident voices and end its war in Ukraine  and human rights violations related to it  as Russia came under a regular review at the U.N.s top rights body.

A delegation from Moscow, led by State Secretary and Deputy Justice Minister Andrei Loginov, defended Russias right to ensure law and order by restricting some forms of protest or voices that might threaten domestic security. He also said Russias special military operation in Ukraine had no relation to the subject matter at issue in the review.

Russian UN envoys shoot back at Western criticism of its Ukraine war and crackdown on dissidents

Ukrainian politician on US sanctions list suspected of state treason

Monday 13 November 2023 21:00 , Tom Watling

Ukrainian lawmaker Oleksandr Dubinsky has been formally notified that he is suspected of treason for allegedly spreading misinformation about the political leadership and cooperation with Russias military intelligence, officials said on Monday.

Ukraines security service, the SBU, on Monday said on the Telegram messaging app that a politician was under suspicion, but did not name the suspect.

Lawmaker Yaroslav Yurchyshyn, first deputy head of the parliamentary committee on anti-corruption policy and lawmaker Oleksiy Honcharenko both named Dubinsky, also on Telegram.

Dubinsky received a (notice of) suspicion of state treason. He was searched today, Honcharenko said.

In his own post on Telegram, Dubinsky called the notice of suspicion fabricated and based on the absolute lies of top state officials.

The lawmaker was expelled from the ruling Servant of the People party in 2021 after he was put on a U.S. sanctions list over alleged election meddling. He denied those accusations and continued to work in parliament.

The SBU said the suspect was a member of a criminal organisation, financed by Russias military intelligence.

The criminal organisation was created in 2016 and included as well an ex-lawmaker, their aide, and an ex-prosecutor.

Ukrainian parliamentary deputy Oleksandr Dubinsky has been suspected of treason



It is alleged that he spread fakes about #Ukraine's top military and political leadership at the behest of Russian intelligence.



The Security Service of Ukraine believes that he worked in an entire pic.twitter.com/93CDfftS57  NEXTA (@nexta_tv) November 13, 2023

Listen to Zelenskys nightly address

Monday 13 November 2023 20:15 , Tom Watling

You can listen to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskys nightly address below.

The Ukrainian leader delivers a speech every night. The video has been given English subtitles.

We are working to get an unconditioned political decision by the European Council to open accession talks with Ukraine.



It is a matter of principle for Ukraine to implement all seven European Commission recommendations and fulfill everything that is required at this point of pic.twitter.com/ShE7jYb8Ri  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) November 13, 2023

EU plan for new Russia sanctions to go to members this week

Monday 13 November 2023 19:30 , Tom Watling

European Union officials are finalising the last details of a proposed 12th package of sanctions on Russia that will include a diamond ban, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on Monday.

Borrell said the European Commission, the EU executive, could approve the proposed package on Wednesday. It would then go to the Council of the EU, comprising the blocs 27 member countries, for discussion and approval.

Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the EU has already applied 11 packages of sanctions against Moscow to diminish the Kremlins ability to finance the war. The measures span across sectors and include some 1,800 individuals and entities.

This twelfth package will include ... new export bans, among them ... diamonds, actions to tighten the oil price cap, in order to decrease the revenue that Russia is getting from selling its oil - not to us but to others - (and) fighting against circumvention, Borrell told reporters after a meeting of EU foreign ministers.

EU diplomats told Reuters last week said the 27-nation bloc had been waiting for a G7 green light to move ahead with the diamond ban. An EU official said the current timing for a European Commission proposal for the package, that would then be debated by the EUs 27 governments, was early next week.

We are finalising the last details of this package, Borrell said.

European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell rings a bell to signify the start of a meeting of EU foreign ministers (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

100th ship departed through Black Sea humanitarian corridor

Monday 13 November 2023 18:45 , Tom Watling

The US ambassador to Ukraine, Bridget Brink, has said the 100th ship has departed through the black Sea humanitarian corridor since its opening in August 2023.

She wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter: Today the 100th ship departed the Black Sea humanitarian corridor - an export lifeline for Ukraine that has delivered 3.7 million tons of food & goods to the world.

Today the 100th ship departed the Black Sea humanitarian corridor - an export lifeline for Ukraine that has delivered 3.7 million tons of food & goods to the world. pic.twitter.com/rL0Xv1rxQY  Ambassador Bridget A. Brink (@USAmbKyiv) November 13, 2023

Over 100,000 Ukrainians evacuated since invasion

Monday 13 November 2023 18:00 , Athena Stavrou

Save Ukraine - an organisation focused on rescuing vulnerable Ukrainians - said they have successfully evacuated 108,880 people from the frontlines.

In a post on X they added that since the onset of the full-scale invasion last February, they had provided humanitarian assistance to more than 186,450 people.

Save Ukraine's rescuers have successfully evacuated over 108,880 people from the frontlines since the onset of the full-scale invasion.



Starting from February 24, 2022, our extensive rescue network has provided #humanitarianassistance to more than 186,450 people, with our pic.twitter.com/2fhibTGQss  Save Ukraine (@SaveukraineUs) November 13, 2023

Ukraines foreign minister congratulates David Cameron

Monday 13 November 2023 17:20 , Tom Watling

Ukraines foreign minister, Dmytro Kuleba, posted on X to congratulate David Cameron on his appointment as Foreign Secretary today.

Mr Cameron mentioned Ukraine in his first statement as foreign secretary today and Mr Kuleba said he is looking forward to working side by side with the former British Prime Minister.

Congratulations to @David_Cameron on his appointment as Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom. I am looking forward to working side by side to advance the Ukrainian-UK partnership, bring Ukraines victory closer, and restore peace and security on the European continent.  Dmytro Kuleba (@DmytroKuleba) November 13, 2023

Ukrainian politician on US sanctions list suspected of state treason

Monday 13 November 2023 16:50 , Tom Watling

Ukrainian lawmaker Oleksandr Dubinsky has been formally notified that he is suspected of treason for allegedly spreading misinformation about the political leadership and cooperation with Russias military intelligence, officials said on Monday.

Ukraines security service, the SBU, on Monday said on the Telegram messaging app that a politician was under suspicion, but did not name the suspect.

Lawmaker Yaroslav Yurchyshyn, first deputy head of the parliamentary committee on anti-corruption policy and lawmaker Oleksiy Honcharenko both named Dubinsky, also on Telegram.

Dubinsky received a (notice of) suspicion of state treason. He was searched today, Honcharenko said.

In his own post on Telegram, Dubinsky called the notice of suspicion fabricated and based on the absolute lies of top state officials.

The lawmaker was expelled from the ruling Servant of the People party in 2021 after he was put on a U.S. sanctions list over alleged election meddling. He denied those accusations and continued to work in parliament.

Two killed and 10 injured in Russia strike on Kherson

Monday 13 November 2023 16:24 , Tom Watling

At least two people have been killed and a further 10 injured in southern Ukraine following a Russian striking earlier this afternoon, a local governor has claimed.

Oleksandr Prokudin, governor of Kherson Oblast, said in an update on Telegram: After lunch, the enemy covered the central part of the city with fire from barrel and rocket artillery.

Eight vehicles, including an ambulance, an administrative building, a hospital and at least fifteen houses were destroyed or damaged.

With these blows, the Russians ended the lives of two people. According to detailed information, ten more were injured.

A 44-year-old woman and a 47-year-old man received minor injuries. A 57-year-old woman has an acute reaction to stress and a back burn.

As a result of the attack on the hospital, two female medical workers, aged 24 and 41, as well as an 81-year-old patient of the medical facility were injured. All of them have mine-explosive injuries.

Earlier, it was reported that a 64-year-old grandfather was killed by a Russian shell that hit his car as he drove his family, including his toddler granddaughter, back from a medical check-up at the nearby hospital.

Eight vehicles and multiple buildings were destroyed in Kherson earlier today, according to local officials (Oleksandr Prokudin / Telegram)

Reports revealing drug use on Russian frontlines are credible, UK MoD says

Monday 13 November 2023 15:45 , Athena Stavrou

Reports that 15 per cent on Russian soldiers are using drugs are credible, the British Ministiry of Defence said.

In September 2023, independent Russian media outlet Vertska reported that up to 15% of Russian soldiers in Ukraine were using drugs, including amphetamines and cannabis, and that they were easy to obtain even on the frontline.

In an intelligence update on Monday, the Defence Ministry said the reports follow numerous others of a high rate of disciplinary incidents, crimes and deaths related to alcohol abuse amongst the Russian force.

Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine  13 November 2023.



Find out more about Defence Intelligence's use of language: https://t.co/d6uagaiJ0t



 #StandWithUkraine  pic.twitter.com/8De5TUQ2c1  Ministry of Defence  (@DefenceHQ) November 13, 2023

Hungary keeps block on disbursing military aid tranche to Ukraine

Monday 13 November 2023 15:20 , Tom Waitling

Hungary will block the disbursement of the next tranche of military aid to Ukraine under the European Peace Facility (EPF) until Kyiv provides guarantees that OTP bank or other Hungarian firms will not be blacklisted as international sponsors of war, the countrys foreign minister said on Monday.

The EPF, created in 2021, is meant to finance actions that prevent conflicts, build peace and strengthen international security.

Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said in a video clip from Brussels that Hungary had faced pressure at a meeting to support the payout of 500 million euros, but he said Budapest could not give its backing without such guarantees.

Russian shelling kills three, wounds infant in Ukraine, Kyiv says

Monday 13 November 2023 14:50 , Athena Stavrou

Three people were killed and six, including a 2-month-old infant, were wounded during Russian shelling of the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson, local governor Oleksandr Prokudin said on Monday.

Russian troops abandoned Kherson and the western bank of the Dnipro River in the region late last year, but now regularly shell those areas from positions on the eastern bank.

Prokudin said on the Telegram messaging app that two people were killed and four wounded when the central part of the city had been shelled.

In a separate message, the governor said that a hospital in the city was shelled by Russians, and earlier on Monday a car was shot at in a suburb of Kherson, killing one person and wounding a 2-month-old infant and his mother.

Reuters could not independently confirm reports.

(AFP via Getty Images)

Norway announces 73m in humanitarian aid to Ukraine

Monday 13 November 2023 14:20 , Tom Watling

Norway has announced it will provide 73 million in additional humanitarian aid to Ukraine.

The announcement was made on Monday by the foreign ministry.

The funds will be directed towards the Norwegian Red Cross, the Norwegian Refugee Council, the Norwegian Church Aid, Norwegian People's Aid, Caritas Norway, Save the Children, and the civil emergency force NORCAP, the ministry said.

Despite its size, Norway has committed the fourth largest amount of aid to Ukraine out of all the Western allies. Only the US, Canada and the United Kingdom have supplied more.

It has also committed the most amount of aid relative to its gross domestic product - 1.708% - according to the Kiel Institute.

EU's 20 billion euro plan for Ukraine military aid hits resistance

Monday 13 November 2023 13:55 , Athena Stavrou

A European Union plan to spend up to 20 billion euros on military aid for Ukraine is meeting resistance from EU countries and may not survive in its current form, diplomats say.

Josep Borrell, the EUs foreign policy chief, proposed in July that the bloc create a fund with up to 5 billion euros a year over four years as part of broader Western security commitments to bolster Ukraine as it fights Russias invasion.

But as EU defence ministers prepare to discuss the plan in Brussels on Tuesday, diplomats say multiple countries - including EU heavyweight Germany - have voiced reservations about committing such large sums years in advance.

Im not going to declare it dead at this point yet. But of course, improvements can always be made, a senior EU diplomat said on Friday, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Germany has had a lot of questions ... and rightfully so. Were talking about a lot of money.

European F16 training centre set for Ukrainian pilots opens tomorrow

Monday 13 November 2023 13:43 , Tom Watling

F-16 jets flown in from the Netherlands have conducted a honorary flyover this morning in southeast Romania ahead of the opening of a European F-16 training centre intended to facilitate the instruction of Ukrainian pilots, footage has shown.

Romanian defence minister Angel Tilvar and his Dutch counterpart Kajsa Ollongren will open the centre, while Romanian pilots will start training tomorrow.

The Ukrainian pilots are set to undergo training in the near future, according to Mr Ollongren.

There will be 16 training programs. This will also apply to Ukraine. This is the first collaboration between the Romanian and Dutch governments. We all want to maintain collective security, said US Ambassador to Romania Kathleen Kavalek.

The Netherlands are providing between a dozen and 18 fighter jets.

The training is taking place at the Borcea Air Base just over 90 miles directly west from the Romanian capital of Bucharest.

UK prime minister Rishi Sunak and the then-PM of the Netherlands Mark Rutte announced on May 19 the readiness of the United States to approve the training of Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets .

Five F-16 jets arrived at the Borcea Air Base last week from the Netherlands.

A Dutch F-16 fighter jet is seen at the Volkel Air Base in Volkel, Netherlands (REUTERS)

Grandfather killed and toddler injured during Russia strike on Ukrainian family

Monday 13 November 2023 13:26 , Tom Watling

A young toddler has been hospitalised after a Russian shell struck her familys car while they returned from a medical examination, local Ukrainian officials have claimed.

The 64-year-old grandfather, who was driving the car, is believed to have been killed but the body was almost completely burned, according to interior minister Ihor Klymenko, making identification difficult.

The attack happened in the suburbs of Kherson city in southern Ukraine.

The Kherson Regional Prosecutors Office wrote on Telegram: A car containing a man, a woman and a two-month-old baby was in the area of aathe shell.

A 36-year-old woman received a traumatic leg amputation, doctors are fighting for her life. A child was hospitalised with a mine-explosive injury.

The Independent has seen footage allegedly showing the injured toddler, blood pouring from her head, being driven back to hospital.

The Ukrainian familys car was seen burned out by the side of the road in Kherson Oblast (Telegram / Ihor Klymenko)

Germanys aid to Ukrain to be massively expanded'

Monday 13 November 2023 12:36 , Athena Stavrou

Germanys aid for Ukraine will be massively expanded next year, the foreign minister has said.

It comes as Kyiv heads into its second winter since Russia launched its full-scale invasion.

Germany has become one of Ukraines top military suppliers since the war started in February 2022, sending hardware including tanks, armoured personnel carriers, air defence systems and Patriot missile systems.

Foreign minister Annalena Baerbock said as she arrived at a meeting with European Union counterparts that as Europe grapples with the war between Israel and Hamas, it is still important to face the geopolitical challenge here.

She said that will include helping Ukraine through the coming winter months and our support will be massively expanded for next year.

Over the weekend, the Bild am Sonntag newspaper reported that Chancellor Olaf Scholzs governing coalition wants to increase Germanys military aid for 2024 from the 4 billion euros (3.5 billion) initially planned to 8 billion euros (7 billion).

It said parliaments budget committee will need to sign off on the plan later this week.

Kremlin says report on Nord Stream attack is alarming'

Monday 13 November 2023 12:04 , Athena Stavrou

The Kremlin said on Monday that a Washington Post article reporting that a Ukrainian military officer coordinated the attack on Russias Nord Stream pipelines was alarming.

The report also said that Ukraines president Volodymyr Zelenskiy was not aware of it.

No one has taken responsibility for the September 2022 blasts, which occurred off the Danish island of Bornholm and ruptured three out of four lines of the system that delivers Russian gas to Europe.

The Washington Post reported that Roman Chervinsky, a senior Ukrainian military officer with deep ties to Ukraines intelligence services, was the coordinator of the attack and cited unidentified people familiar with the operation as saying President Volodymyr Zelenskiy was kept out of the loop.

Traces of Ukraine in this sabotage, this terrorist act, are increasingly appearing in reports, investigations and media reports, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

It says that President Zelenskiy may not have been aware of such actions by his subordinates from the security agencies. This is a very alarming signal not only for us, but also for the countries of the collective West, Peskov said.

If the Kyiv regime is no longer in control of the situation in its own country, then this is alarming and should also be taken into account.

Russia may announce March 2024 presidential election date

Monday 13 November 2023 11:35 , Athena Stavrou

Russias parliament may announce on Dec. 13 that next years presidential election has been preliminarily scheduled for March 17, the state news agency RIA reported on Monday, citing a source in parliament.

President Vladimir Putin has already decided to run in the election, Reuters reported last week, citing six sources, a move that will keep him in power until at least 2030 as he seeks to steer Russia through its most uncertain period in decades.

(AP)

Cameron mentions Ukraine in first statement as UK foreign minister

Monday 13 November 2023 10:53 , Athena Stavrou

Former British leader David Cameron was named as the countrys new foreign secretary on Monday in a surprise appointment made by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak as he reshuffled his top team.

In a statement posted to X, formerly known as Twitter, Mr Cameron said the ongoing war in Ukraine was part of a daunting set of international challenges.

He wrote: The Prime Minister has asked me to serve as his Foreign Secretary and I have gladly accepted.

We are facing a daunting set of international challenges, including the war in Ukraine and the crisis in the Middle East.

At this time of profound global change, it has rarely been more important for this country to stand by our allies, strengthen our partnerships and make sure our voice is heard.

(PA)

Russian state in direct control of Wagner troops

Monday 13 November 2023 10:23 , Athena Stavrou

The Russian state is now exercising more direct control of Wagner Group troops, the British Ministiry of Defence said.

In an intelligence update the Defence Ministry said large elements of the Wagner Group had likely been assimilated into the command structure of Russias National Guard (Rosgvardiya) and resumed active recruitment.

It comes several months after the plane crash that killed Prigozhin  the mercenary leader who had challenged his regime and launched a military coup by marching onto Moscow in a dramatic threat to the Kremlin not seen in decades.

The intelligence update went on to say the Wagner arm in question is likely led by Pavel Prigozhin, son of the late Wagner owner Yevgeny Prigozhin.

They added other groups of Wagner fighters have highly likely joined another Russian PMC, Redut, which according to a Radio Free Europe investigation now has 7,000 personnel in total.

Members of the Wagner Group military company sit atop of a tank on a street in Rostov-on-Don, Russia (AP)

Kremlin declines to comment on state news agencies withdrawl of reports

Monday 13 November 2023 09:28 , Athena Stavrou

The Kremlin on Monday declined to comment on state news agencies withdrawal of reports on the regrouping of Russian troops in southern Ukraine.

Two Russian state news agencies published alerts on Monday saying Moscow was moving troops to more favourable positions east of the Dnipro River, only to withdraw the information minutes later.

Russian state media withdraw alerts on troop 'regrouping' in southern Ukraine

Monday 13 November 2023 09:05 , Athena Stavrou

Two Russian state news agencies published alerts on Monday saying Moscow was moving troops to more favourable positions east of the Dnipro River in Ukraine, only to withdraw the information minutes later.

The highly unusual incident suggested disarray in Russias military establishment and state media over how to report the battlefield situation in southern Ukraine.

The RBC news outlet quoted the defence ministry as saying: The sending of a false report about the regrouping of troops in the Dnieper (Dnipro) region, allegedly on behalf of the press centre of the Russian Ministry of Defence, is a provocation.

Russia moves some troops to more favourable positions east of Dnipro River

Monday 13 November 2023 08:16 , Athena Stavrou

Russia is moving its Dnepr group of forces to more favourable positions east of the Dnipro River in Ukraine, state news agency RIA cited the Russian defence ministry as saying on Monday.

Russias military said on Friday that its forces had thwarted a Ukrainian attempt to forge a bridgehead on the eastern bank of the Dnipro and on nearby islands.

Reuters could not independently verify the military reports

Blast kills 3 Russian officers in occupied town, Ukraine says

Monday 13 November 2023 07:38 , Athena Stavrou

At least three Russian officers were killed in the Moscow-controlled Ukrainian city of Melitopol in a blast Ukraines intelligence said on Sunday was an act of revenge by local resistance groups.

Melitopol is a town in southwestern Ukraine that has become a hub for Russian forces since they captured it in March last year.

The blast allegedly occurred during a meeting of Russian officers on Saturday.

This act of revenge, carried out by representatives of the local resistance movement, took place in the (post) offices seized by the Russians, the Ukrainian Defence Ministrys intelligence department said on the Telegram messaging app.

Reuters could not independently verify the Ukrainian intelligence claim. Russias defence ministry did not immediately responded to Reuters request to comment.

The Ukraine intelligence statement said the Saturday meeting was attended by Russian National Guard and FSB intelligence service officers.

As a result of the explosion at least three National Guard officers were killed at the headquarters, the statement said. Information of other enemy losses is being clarified.

Ukrainian forces reportedly advance in western Zaporizhia Oblast

Monday 13 November 2023 07:00 , Tara Cobham

Ukrainian forces reportedly advanced in western Zaporizhia Oblast on Saturday, according to a US war think tank.

The Institute for the Study of War said this comes as Ukrainian forces continue their counteroffensive operations in the area of southern Ukraine.

Southern #Ukraine:



Ukrainian forces continued counteroffensive operations in western #Zaporizhia Oblast on November 11 and reportedly advanced. (1/3)https://t.co/wivagUgj7S https://t.co/Cq1fVKbqwu pic.twitter.com/OVzEgTxfmo  Institute for the Study of War (@TheStudyofWar) November 12, 2023

In pictures: Ukrainian forces battle in Avdiivka as Russia increases attacks on key city

Monday 13 November 2023 06:00 , Tara Cobham

Members of Ukraine's National Guard Omega Special Purpose unit fire a mortar toward Russian troops in the front line town of Avdiivka on Wednesday (REUTERS)

Members of Ukraine's National Guard Omega Special Purpose fire a SPG-9 anti-tank grenade launcher toward Russian troops in the front line town of Avdiivka last week (REUTERS)

Ukrainian servicemen move past a burning car hit by a kamikaze drone outside the front line town of Avdiivka on Wednesday (REUTERS)

Recap: Husband of US journalist detained in Russia appeals for release

Monday 13 November 2023 05:00 , Tara Cobham

This wasnt how Pavel Butorin expected to celebrate his anniversary this week, with his wife of 21 years in a Russian prison and barely any communication available.

Russian-American journalist, Alsu Kurmasheva  who works as an editor for U.S. government-funded Radio Free Europe  has been detained in Russia for almost a month and charged with failing to self-register as a foreign agent.

Alsu should be celebrating this anniversary with me and our children at home, not in a Russian prison, Butorin told The Associated Press in an interview in Prague on Friday. We want her back. Alsu must be released as soon as possible, he said, visibly shaken.

Karel Janicek reports:

'We want her back,' husband of US journalist detained in Russia appeals for her immediate release

Finnish Border Guard reports spike in asylum seekers from Russia

Monday 13 November 2023 04:00 , Tara Cobham

The Finnish Border Guard has reported a spike in asylum seekers arriving at the countrys southeastern border from Russia.

In a statement on Sunday, it said 91 people have arrived at the border crossing points without required travel documents since the beginning of August, which is a higher number than usual, having travelled from a third country via Russia.

It said this represents a change, as Russian authorities have previously not allowed travel from Russia to Finnish border crossing points if the passenger did not have the required travel documents.

In its assessment, the Finnish Border Guard said: This is a phenomenon of illegal migration. International crime is probably also linked to the phenomenon. The number of illegal border crossings at the land border (areas outside of border crossing points) has not changed.

Two Ukrainian women save almost 1,000 from pensions to buy drones'

Monday 13 November 2023 03:00 , Tara Cobham

Two Ukrainian women saved money from their pensions to buy drones for their countrys forces, according to the Advisor to the Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine.

Liudmyla Skubriieva, from Rozhniativ, and her relative Halyna Hil, from Kyiv, together saved the equivalent of almost 1,000 to send two kamikaze drones to the 10th Mountain Assault Brigade Edelweiss, Anton Gerashchenko said on the social media platform X, alongside a photo of the pair.

Two Ukrainian ladies saved money from their pensions to buy drones for Ukrainian defenders.



Liudmyla Skubriieva from Rozhniativ and her relative from Kyiv, Halyna Hil, bought two kamikaze drones for the AFU. They collected almost UAH 20,000 each from their pensions.



The drones pic.twitter.com/0igB9qcyJ6  Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) November 12, 2023

Germany set to double Ukraine military aid, according to source

Monday 13 November 2023 02:00 , Tara Cobham

German chancellor Olaf Scholz's governing coalition has agreed in principle to double the country's military aid for Ukraine next year to 8 billion euros ($8.5 billion), a political source in Berlin said on Sunday.

If approved by parliament, where Scholz's parties hold a majority, the boost would lift Germany's defence spending to 2.1% of its gross domestic product target, beyond the 2% pledged by all North Atlantic Treaty Organization members, the source added.

Lawmakers from Scholz's Social Democrats, the Free Democrats and the Green party agreed on the increase in negotiations over the proposed 2024 federal budget ahead of a formal meeting of the budget committee of the Bundestag - or lower house of parliament - on Thursday, Nov. 16, the source said.

Bloomberg News first reported on the news on Saturday, citing people familiar with the matter.

A spokesperson for Germany's Ministry of Defence said the Bundestag committee has not finished negotiations and declined to comment further.

Defence minister Boris Pistorius, interviewed by broadcaster ARD, referred to the planned doubling of military aid to Ukraine.

"It is a strong signal to Ukraine that we will not leave them in the lurch," he said, adding the move, if agreed, would mean the annual budget allocation would be enough to last the whole year.

Recap: Ukraine destroys Russian landing boats in significant loss for Putin

Monday 13 November 2023 01:00 , Tara Cobham

Ukraine on Friday said its naval drones had destroyed two small Russian landing boats in Crimea, in an embarrassment for President Vladimir Putin.

Ukrainian military intelligence said two amphibious Russian ships loaded with armoured vehicles had been hit by naval drones overnight.

One of the boats was identified as an Akula class vessel, while the other landing vessel was a Serna class.

Alisha Rahaman Sarkar reports:

Ukraine destroys Russian landing boats in significant loss for Putin

Recap: Watch Russia test intercontinental ballistic missiles from new submarine

Monday 13 November 2023 00:00 , Tara Cobham

Russia increases attacks on key city Avdiivka in attempt to gain ground

Sunday 12 November 2023 23:00 , Tara Cobham

Russian forces have also increased attacks on the key frontline city of Avdiivka in eastern Ukraine in an attempt to gain ground, Ukrainian military officials said Sunday.

Ukraine's General Staff said that Russian troops were also continuing their weekslong push to encircle Avdiivka, a Ukrainian stronghold south of Bakhmut and a key target since the beginning of the war. It's considered the gateway to parts of the eastern Donetsk region under Kyiv's control. The General Staff said Russia's air force was playing a key part in the latest assault.

Gen. Oleksandr Tarnavskyi, who leads Ukrainian troops fighting in and near Avdiivka, said Sunday that the attacking Russian forces were ramping up airstrikes, particularly those using guided bombs. He wrote on Telegram that Russian troops had launched 30 airstrikes and 712 artillery barrages at the city and surrounding areas over the previous day, and clashed almost 50 times with Ukrainian units.
Washington DC [US], November 14 (ANI): A smaller amount of happy childhood experiences is associated with a higher incidence of binge-eating disorder behaviours, as well as lower scores for intuitive eating, according to new research from the University of Houston Department of Health and Human Performance.

Binge eating, which includes consuming a substantial amount of food within a brief timeframe and experiencing a loss of control, is linked to adverse weight-related health effects and challenges in mental well-being.

Also Read | Heart Disease Continues To Be Leading Cause of Death in Mumbai; Fatalities Due to Cancer, Stroke and Liver Ailments Rising: RTI.

Intuitive eating, which includes listening to the body's hunger signals and trusting them to guide decisions about what, when, and how much to eat, as well as when to stop eating, is linked with better physical and mental health and well-being.

"Although childhood experiences encompass both positive and adverse experiences, most studies have primarily focused on adverse childhood experiences, which has resulted in less known of the positive childhood experiences in relation to eating behaviours," reports HHP Assistant Professor Cynthia Y Yoon in the journal Appetite.

Also Read | World Diabetes Day 2023: India With 101 Million Diabetics Ranks Second in Global Estimates of Diabetes.

"While most research on positive childhood experiences has concentrated on their links to mental health, we expand the existing knowledge base by examining their association with characteristics of binge-eating disorders and intuitive eating."

Yoon collected data from 828 college students in Texas to examine their positive childhood experiences including positive interactions with parents and caregivers, feelings of relational and internal safety, enjoyment of pleasurable and predictable quality of life, and support from sources outside the family.

"Our study revealed a significant association between a lower number of positive childhood experiences and a higher prevalence of binge-eating disorder characteristics, as well as lower scores for intuitive eating," said Yoon.

"Specifically, when comparing college students who reported having 9-10 positive childhood experiences to those with 0-4 positive childhood experiences, the latter group had 37 per cent to 92 per cent higher prevalence of binge-eating disordered eating behaviors and had 3.89 points lower score on intuitive eating, emphasizing the importance of promoting positive childhood experiences." Notably, among the ten positive childhood experiences examined, intrapersonal positive childhood experiences (e.g., feeling comfortable with oneself) emerged as a factor that was consistently associated with less prevalence of binge-eating disorder characteristics and higher scores of intuitive eating among college students.

"These findings imply the importance of early interventions and the need to foster supportive environments to promote healthier well-being," said Craig Johnston, associate professor and department chair, HHP.

"Achieving a comprehensive understanding of these intricate relationships holds the potential to shed light on the precise mechanisms through which childhood experiences shape eating behaviours." (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Aizawl, Nov 14 (PTI) At least 40 of the 43 Myanmarese soldiers, who fled to Mizoram after militia group People's Defence Force overran two military bases in the neighbouring country's Chin state, were handed over to the Myanmar military government on Tuesday, an official said.

He said the soldiers approached Mizoram police at Zokhawthar in Champhai district on Monday after the PDF raided the two military bases at Rihkhawdar and Khawmawi in Chin state.

Also Read | Chhath Pooja 2023: BMC Makes Full Preparations for Festival at 82 Locations in Mumbai.

"Forty Myanmarese soldiers fled to Zokhawthar and approached Mizoram police on Monday, while three others did the same on Tuesday," the official told PTI.

He said around 40 Myanmar soldiers were handed over to Assam Rifles, which in turn handed them over to the Myanmar military government at Tamu in Myanmar on Tuesday. The remaining soldiers will also be pushed back, he added.

Also Read | HC on Stray Dog Bite: Punjab and Haryana High Court Sets Minimum Compensation at Rs 10,000 Per Tooth Mark, Declares State Responsible for Animal Attacks.

A senior state home department official said around 2,500 to 5,000 people from Chin state have fled to Mizoram following heavy gunfight between Myanmar army and pro-democracy rebel groups since Sunday.

Champhai deputy commissioner James Lalrinchhana confirmed that the rebels attacked two military bases at Rihkhawdar and Khawmawi.

In retaliation, the Myanmar army also launched airstrikes at both these places, officials added.

Zokhawthar village council president Lalmuanpuia claimed that at least seven members of PDF have been reportedly killed in the airstrikes.

Zokhawthar and Khawmawi are located in close proximity divided by Tiau river, which runs along the Indo-Myanmar border, while Rihkhawdar is about 4km from Zokhawthar.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Care is being taken to plant the right trees in the right place

Kenyans have been given a special holiday to plant 100 million trees as part of the government's goal to plant 15 billion trees in 10 years.

The holiday allows "each and every Kenyan to own the initiative", according to Environment Minister Soipan Tuya.

Each Kenyan is being encouraged to plant at least two seedlings, leading to the 100-million target.

The initiative is intended to help fight climate change.

Trees help tackle global warming by absorbing carbon dioxide from the air while releasing oxygen into the atmosphere.

The government is making available about 150 million seedlings in public nurseries.

It is providing the seedlings for free at its forest agency centres for Kenyans to plant in designated public areas.

But it has also encouraged Kenyans to buy at least two seedlings to plant on their own land.

President William Ruto led the exercise in Makueni in the east of the country. Cabinet ministers were sent to other regions to lead the process alongside county governors and other officials.

At one site near the source of Kenya's second-longest river, Athi, there were dozens of people, including soldiers and residents, some with their families.

"I have come together with my colleagues, I'm happy to be here to show my love for the environment," student Wycliffe Kamau told the BBC.

"I have come to plant trees here, because our water levels have been diminishing. Even here at the river source, the levels are very low, trees have been cleared," said local resident Stephen Chelulei.

"We need to reverse climate change so that our children can have a place to live when we are no longer there."

However, many people, especially in the cities, are unlikely to take part and will just take advantage of the extra holiday.

Kenyans can collect two free seedlings each to plant

The tree planting will be monitored through an internet app, which monitors the exercise by allowing individuals and organisations to record activities, including the plant species, number and date planted.

Story continues

The Jaza Miti app will also help people plant the appropriate seedlings by matching the site with the appropriate species, according to the environment ministry.

Ms Tuya told local Citizen TV on Sunday night that the response had been "amazing" and there had already been two million registrations on the app by Sunday.

She however said the planting would not happen in the north-eastern region, where there have been floods.

The country is currently grappling with heavy El Nino rains that have killed dozens of people, displaced thousands and damaged infrastructure - with the northern region most affected.

Kenyans have broadly welcomed the tree-planting initiative while also noting some challenges.

Environmentalist Teresa Muthoni told the BBC that the initiative was a "very good idea", but that the exercise was not organised in a way that would ensure everyone was planting trees.

She said "many people have to continue with their work to put food on the table... it is coming at a time when our economy is not doing well so a lot of people are struggling financially".

She also noted that "a lot of the 150 million trees available" in public nurseries were exotic. "It is very important to plant the right trees in the right place," she said.

The government has also been criticised for championing tree planting while failing to tame illegal logging in public forests - it recently lifted a ban on logging.

But on Sunday, the minister defended the decision, saying only forests designed for commercial purposes were affected - about 5% of the total.

She said this was necessary to feed the local demand for local and create jobs, adding that the government was taking action against illegal loggers in other forests.

Ms Tuya said the exercise would continue beyond the special holiday and expects that 500 million trees will have been planted by the end of the rainy season in December.

Additional reporting by Ken Mungai

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New Delhi, Nov 14 (PTI) AIIMS-Delhi has decided to provide insulin for free to poor patients suffering from diabetes from Tuesday to mark World Diabetes Day.

Patients prescribed insulin from any AIIMS out-patient department will be provided free insulin vials, said Dr Rima Dada, the professor in-charge of AIIMS' media cell.

Also Read | Amshipora Fake Encounter Case: Indian Army Confirms Dismissal of Captain for Fake Encounter in Jammu and Kashmir That Killed Three Civilians.

AIIMS has opened two new counters at Amrit Pharmacy in front of the New Raj Kumari Amrit Kaur OPD for the purpose.

These counters will function from 9 am to 5 pm. The counters will also provide written instruction in Hindi and English that will be distributed to the patients for safe transport and storage of the vials, Dada said.

Also Read | Parliamentary Panel Recommends Retaining IPC Section 377, Adultery Provision; Death for Gang-Rape of Minors.

For patients likely to travel long distances, frozen ice packs will be provided to safely transport the vials at the recommended temperature.

The prescribing physician will mention that the vials are to be provided to a patient and the centre will distribute those. To begin with, insulin vials will be issued for a treatment duration of one month that may be increased to two-three months in the future.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
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Gorakhpur, November 14: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday directed officials to ensure that there is no delay in resolving the issues of the people. The resolution of every problem faced by the public is the main priority of the government, he added, during the Janata Darshan held for the second consecutive day at the Mahant Digvijay Nath Bhawan on Gorakhnath Temple premises. CM Yogi heard problems and complaints of around 200 people at the Janata Darshan.

CM Yogi listened to the problems of all the visitors one by one, received their prayer letters, and informed the relevant officials about their concerns. Assuring them that prompt and satisfactory solutions to all their problems will be ensured, CM Yogi told them not to worry or feel distressed about anything. He directed the administration and police officials present at the Janata Darshan to promptly, impartially, and effectively resolve the issues of the public. In some cases, he instructed officers to find out why and under what circumstances someone did not receive assistance from the administration. Childrens Day 2023: Know Date In India, History & Significance Of Day That Marks Birth Anniversary Of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru

"Quick aid should be provided to every affected person. Take strict legal measures against those involved in encroachments. Try to resolve family disputes based on mutual understanding", he said. For those seeking financial aid for the treatment of diseases, CM Yogi instructed officials to expedite the cost estimation process and make it available to the government as soon as possible so that the required funds could be provided from the Chief Minister's Discretionary Fund for their treatment.

Meanwhile, CM Yogi also met a group of children of Digvijaynath Taekwondo Training Center on the occasion of Children's Day and blessed them with a bright future. The children presented roses to CM Yogi, while the latter gifted chocolates to them. The Chief Minister also sent his Children's Day greetings through social media platform X. Childrens Day 2023 Greetings & HD Wallpapers: WhatsApp Messages, Wishes, Quotes, Images and Captions to Celebrate Childrens Day in India

He wrote, "Happy Children's Day to all the dear children, the basis of hope, aspiration and progress of the nation! Our government is fully committed to providing cultured education, security and good health facilities to children as well as their overall development."

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Phalodi (Rajasthan) [India], November 14 (ANI): Taking a dig at Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Tuesday said the senior Congress leader will be out of work once the results of the November 25 Assembly elections are declared on December 3.

To a question, if he would catch up with Gehlot over tea after the polls are done and dusted, the Union Minister said he would consider meeting the former once the people have dislodged him and the Congress from power.

Also Read | Jammu and Kashmir: Man Posing As Army Officer Arrested for Attempted Rape Class 12 Student in Samba.

Speaking to media persons on Tuesday, Sekhawat, who is one of the BJP's heavyweight campaigners for the November 25 polls, said, "The people of Rajasthan have made up their minds to bring back the BJP. This Congress government is useless, incompetent and corrupt. The people are not just upset but also angry with this government."

"They have failed to deliver on the promises they made to every section of the society. People across faiths and communities in the state feel defrauded and cheated by this government. The ruling party (Congress) has also sinned in making Rajasthan the country's rape capital. They have also betrayed farmers, youth and women. They have played with the future of the state's youth, as their broken promises have served to crush their dreams. The state is also topping the country in terms of exam paper leaks. The people are angry over these issues and are waiting at the chance to dislodge and dump this government," Sekhawat added.

Also Read | Bihar Mob Lynching: Thief lynched by Villagers in Sheikhpur.

In a further takedown of CM Gehlot, the Union Minister said, "As for meeting the CM over tea, I am eagerly awaiting the day. He is very busy these days with campaigning et all. However, after 20 days, when the election results are declared, the people will have put him out of work and I will have enough opportunities to catch up with him over tea. And, since he betrayed the high command of his own party, he won't have any fallback job in Delhi as well. From 1993 till now, whenever the people of Rahasthan freed him from his CM duties, he would go to Delhi and find some role for himself in the Congress high command. Now that his hopes for bagging a fresh role in the high command are all but over, he will have plenty of time after December 3. I am sure that he will invite me to tea someday."

"The BJP will re-establish the rule of law in Rajasthan and deliver on their promise of good governance. We will liberate the people from the clutches of the mafia and ensure the security of our mothers and sisters. We also provide jobs to the youth and restore social harmony in Rajasthan. This isn't just a promise but a commitment. Our aim is to form a double-engine government in Rajasthan," Shekhawat added.

"I strongly believe that we are on course to forming the government here. We will also win Phalodi and other assembly segments in western Rajasthan by huge margins. I am confident that the people of Phalodi will once again bless us with an opportunity to serve Pabbaram Bishnoi-ji," Shekhawat added.

Earlier, on Tuesday, CM asserted that there was no anti-incumbency in the state and the Congress will be voted back in the November 25 elections.

"There is no anti-incumbency here. Our government has done well to deliver on the promises and fulfil the hopes and aspirations of the people. Sensing the public pulse, I can say with confidence that the Congress is on course for a return in Rajasthan. We delivered on the promise of good governance and have provided water, electricity, education, health and better road connectivity to the people. The law and order situation in Rajasthan is also better than in previous years," the CM told ANI on the sidelines of the Congress's Guarantee Yatra here.

The counting of votes for the Rajasthan Assembly is scheduled for December 3. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi [India], November 14 (ANI): The Rouse Avenue Court here on Tuesday granted two days remand of Delhi Police sub-inspector Rajesh Yadav to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for the interrogation in a bribery case.

The SI has been arrested by the agency while accepting a bribe of Rs 4.5 Lakh on behalf of another absconding accused Sub Inspector Varun Chichi.

Also Read | Mumbai Shocker: Man Stabbed Over Bursting of Crackers in Govandi, Two Brothers Held.

Special CBI judge Arun Bhardwaj granted two days of custody of accused Rajesh Yadav to the Central Bureau of Investigation.

The court directed the agency to produce the accused before the concerned court on November 16 at 2 PM.

Also Read | Tata Technologies IPO To Open for Subscription on November 22.

The CBI sought a three-day remand of the accused to recover evidence and arrest of other accused Varun.

Both the accused persons are Delhi Police officials and were posted at Barakhamba Police Station in New Delhi.

The court also perused the transcription of the audio recording. The court noted that the accused received the bribe and informed the co-accused that the money was Rs 4.5 lakh, not Rs 5 lakh.

CBI's prosecutor Amjad Ali submitted that the accused Rajesh received bribe money on behalf of Varun Chichi who is absconding. He said a case under section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act has been registered.

Custodial interrogation is required to collect evidence and arrest of co-accused. The arrested accused is the partner of the other accused, the CBI argued.

On the other hand, advocate Dhananjay Rai, appeared for Rajesh Yadav and opposed the remand of the accused. He submitted that there is no connection between Rajesh and Varun.

The accused persons only shared the room. He even did not take the packet. He only asked the complainant to put it on a table, Advocate Rai said.

On the other hand, the CBI prosecutor rebutted and submitted that the accused checked the bribe money and then he kept the same in his almirah.

The public prosecutor also said that the accused also had a conversation with the co-accused Varun. All the conversation has been recorded.

The court asked the prosecutor was the money visible from the packet. He replied that money was visible. It was kept in the almirah by the accused after receiving it. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi, Nov 14 (PTI) India has made G20 far more inclusive by ensuring the induction of the African Union as a permanent member of the grouping under its presidency, New Delhi's G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant said on Tuesday, days ahead of the second edition of the virtual Voice of Global South summit.

In an address at a conference, Kant also described the G20 New Delhi leaders' declaration as a very hard-fought victory for the Global South as it reflected the aspirations of the developing countries.

Also Read | Rajasthan Assembly Elections 2023: Absolutely Okay With Party Decision, Have to Work for Ensuring Victory of All Candidates, Says Sachin Pilot on Ticket to Gehlot Loyalist.

The conference themed "G20 Delhi Summit: Inclusive Growth and Rise of the Global South" was organised by India Writes Network, Centre for Global Insights India and School of International Relations, Jawaharlal Nehru University.

"One of the lasting images that will carry on forever in my mind of India's G20 presidency is the image of the prime minister hugging the president of Comoros and welcoming the African Union as a permanent member of the G20," Kant said.

Also Read | EC Issues Show-Cause Notice to AAP for Disparaging Remarks Against PM Narendra Modi on Social Media.

"With that one stroke, India ensured that the G20 became a far more inclusive institution," he said.

In a significant milestone under India's G20 presidency, the African Union in September became the new permanent member of the grouping of the largest economies of the world in the first expansion of the influential bloc since its inception in 1999.

India was consistently batting for inclusion of the African Union as a G20 member so as to ensure representation of the African continent in the top global body.

The African Union (AU) is an influential organisation comprising 55 member states that make up the countries of the African continent.

In his remarks, Kant said many countries wanted ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) to be part of G20 while some others wanted some other regional groupings to be made part of the bloc.

"However, India stood firm (on African Union's membership)," he said, adding "India has made G20 more inclusive by bringing AU into the grouping."

The top negotiator said the G20 New Delhi leaders' declaration was a very hard-fought victory for the Global South.

"Every letter in it, every word in it, every sentence in it and every paragraph in it has been hard fought throughout the year for the sake of the Global South," he said.

In the last few years, India has been positioning itself as a leading voice flagging concerns, challenges and aspirations of the Global South or the developing nations, especially the African continent.

As the G20 president, India has been focusing on issues like inclusive growth, digital innovation, climate resilience, and equitable global health access with an aim to benefit the Global South or the developing countries.

Months after taking over the presidency of the G20, India hosted the first edition of the virtual 'Voice of Global South Summit' under the theme 'unity of voice, unity of purpose' on January 12 and 13 with a view to flag concerns of the Global South.

The second edition of the virtual summit is set to take place on Friday.

"When we started our G20 presidency, there were several challenges around the world. If you look at the world, it was the post COVID-19 era. Close to 200 million people had gone below the poverty line, almost 100 million people had lost their jobs," Kant said.

It was an era when the world was going into recession. One third of the world was already into recession. Around 75 countries were facing a debt crisis. There was a challenge of climate finance and climate action and on top of all this we had a raging war in Europe," he said.

"We took these crises as an opportunity as the prime minister then said that our presidency must be inclusive, it should be decisive, it must be ambitious and it must be action-oriented," Kant said.

The G20 Sherpa said the declaration has about 83 paras, 87 outcomes and 112 odd documents attached to it, adding all the decisions were taken with consensus.

"This document is devoid of any reservations, any dissent, any footnote or objections from any country, these all have been arrived at through consensus By doing so India has brought multilateralism to centre stage," he said.

"No G20 declaration has so many outcomes and annexed documents to it. By doing this, India brought multilateralism to the centrestage," he said.

Kant said India has demonstrated that it is possible in today's world for an emerging market like India to bring consensus among other emerging markets in a highly fragmented global order and move towards multilateralism.

Other eminent personalities who spoke at the conference included Ambassador Kanwal Sibal, South Africa's High Commissioner to India Joel Sibusiso Ndebele and Alem Tsesaye Woldemariam, Dean of Diplomatic Corps in India.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
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New Delhi, November 14: In a significant boost to the firepower of the defence forces, all three defence forces will now have long-range cruise missiles of the Nirbhay class in their arsenal to strike targets at ranges of over 1,000 Km range. The Nirbhay class long-range cruise missiles are being developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) indigenously and are sub-sonic in speed.

"The government is considering a proposal of a service to induct Nirbhay class cruise missiles. The consideration is at an advanced stage and once cleared, it will mean that all three forces will have the capability to use subsonic cruise missiles to strike targets," defence sources told ANI. The government had given clearance to induct the missile in the inventory of the other two services about two years ago. IAF Carries out Successful Firing of Longer Range Air-launched BrahMos Cruise Missile.

The subsonic Nirbhay class cruise missiles along with the supersonic BrahMos cruise missiles will be a deadly combination in the forces' arsenal and will give options to the commanders in times of conflict. The missiles would also be part of the rocket force that is being created by the Indian defence forces in a stepwise manner.

The forces are also looking at the option of inducting medium-range ballistic missiles for use in conventional roles. The defence forces in recent times have been given clearance to induct the Pralay ballistic missiles in significant numbers for being used in conventional roles in the rocket force being created by them.

As per the sources, the different forces will have these ballistic missiles along with cruise missiles in their inventory and once that process is over, they might form an integrated force to create a separate wing. India Successfully Tests DRDO-Developed Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile off Odisha Coast.

The defence forces have also got a major boost in the form of the enhanced range of BrahMos cruise missiles as their ranges have been increased significantly. A long-range test of the cruise missiles is also due to be held in the near future.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Bhubaneswar, Nov 14 (PTI) The Odisha Cabinet on Tuesday decided to amend a law to allow the Scheduled Tribe people to sell their land to non-tribals in scheduled areas, with permission from the state government.

A member of the ST community, however, will not be permitted to sell off all plots under his or her possession, as the person cannot become landless or homesteadless, Chief Secretary Pradeep Kumar Jena said.

Also Read | Jammu and Kashmir: Man Posing As Army Officer Arrested for Attempted Rape Class 12 Student in Samba.

Industrialisation is likely to get a boost in the state by this move, an official said.

The decision for amendment of the Odisha Scheduled Areas Transfer of Immovable Property (by STs) Regulation, 1956, was taken for the larger interest of the ST people following recommendations of the Scheduled Tribes Advisory Council, Jena said after the Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.

Also Read | Bihar Mob Lynching: Thief lynched by Villagers in Sheikhpur.

In 2002, after some amendments were made to this regulation, ST-category citizens were allowed to transfer immovable property only to tribals. Due to this provision, many people belonging to the community were facing difficulties, he said.

Before 2002, no land belonging to a member of the ST community was sellable.

"Now, an ST person can gift, exchange for public purposes or obtain a loan by mortgaging a plot of land in a public financial institution for agriculture, construction of residential house, higher studies of children, self-employment, business or establishment of small scale industries or transfer it in favour of a person not belonging to ST community for these purposes," Jena said.

The ST person, however, will have to obtain written permission from the sub-collector to sell the land. If the sub-collector does not okay this, the person can appeal to the collector within six months, whose decision shall be final, the chief secretary added.

The Cabinet also approved construction of Bhubaneswar Metro Rail Project Phase-1 from Bhubaneswar Airport to Trisulia Square in Cuttack, a distance of 26 km.

The Cabinet has given its approval for engaging Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Limited (DMRC) as a turn-key consultant for execution of Phase-I of the Bhubaneswar Metro Rail Project, said Jena.

There will be 20 Metro stations on the route. The estimated cost of the first phase of the project is Rs 5929.38 crore and it is targeted for completion in four years.

A recently announced scheme for improving infrastructure and patient care in public healthcare facilities in the state also got approval from the Cabinet, Jena said.

A tender of Rs 307.87 crore for execution of two mega piped water supply projects in Bolangir district out of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) was also approved by it.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
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Jaipur, Nov 14 (PTI) Three people were killed while four others injured when two motorcycles collided with a car in Rajasthan's Tonk district, police said Tuesday.

The incident happened on Monday evening when a speeding car going from Jaipur towards Phagi town hit two motorcycles, Diggi SHO Ayub Khan said.

Also Read | Happy Kali Puja 2023 Messages, Wishes and Greetings for Family and Friends.

Those killed have been identified as Bhagchand (30), relative Savita (30) and her son Somu (2). The trio and the four injured, who are undergoing treatment, were riding on the two motorcycles when the incident happened, police said.

The bodies were handed over to the relatives after post-mortem on Tuesday while the car has been seized, they said.

Also Read | Uttar Pradesh Air Pollution: Noida, Ghaziabad, Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, Other Cities Suffers 'Severe' Category Air Quality After Diwali Celebrations (Watch Video).

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi, November 14: Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has visited the manufacturing facility of US-based electric vehicle major Tesla at Fremont, California and said that the company would be doubling its auto components imports from India. The minister is in the US on a four-day visit. The world's largest electric car producer Tesla Inc's chief Elon Musk met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in June in New York and after the meeting Musk had said that he planned to visit India in 2024.

"Visited @Tesla's state of the art manufacturing facility at Fremont, California. Extremely delighted to see talented Indian engineers and finance professionals working at Senior positions and contributing to Tesla's remarkable journey to transform mobility. "Also proud to see the growing importance of auto component suppliers from India in the Tesla EV supply chain. It is on its way to double its components imports from India. Missed Mr @ElonMusk's magnetic presence and I wish him a speedy recovery," Goyal said on social networking platform X. The platform is also owned by Musk. Union Minister Piyush Goyal Unveils Initiatives to Enhance Opportunities in Indian Music Industry

The visit assumes significance as there are reports that India is looking at giving customs duty concessions to Tesla for setting up a plant in the country. In September, Goyal said the company is looking to source components worth around USD 1.9 billion from India this year against USD 1 billion in 2022. Going forward, demand for electric vehicles will increase and it will help in pushing the growth of the sector. Earlier, the government had stated that it is not looking to frame a separate policy for providing incentives to Tesla, and the company can apply to avail support measures under existing schemes like PLI for auto and advanced chemistry cells.

The government has rolled out the production-linked incentives (PLI) schemes (PLI) for advanced chemistry cell (ACC) battery storage with an outlay of Rs 18,100 crore and Rs 26,058 crore PLI scheme for auto, auto-components and drone industries. When asked whether the government is considering duty concessions on completely built-up units to attract certain sections of electric cars into India, Goyal in September had said that "everything we have done has been done equally without any differentiation, without any preferences. This is the government which provides equal opportunity to everybody. So we will come out with a policy". Union Minister Piyush Goyal Bolsters India-Saudi Arabia Partnership in Food, Pharma Sectors

Goyal Visits Tesla's Manufacturing Facility

Union Minister for Commerce & Industry Piyush Goyal tweets, "Visited Teslas state of the art manufacturing facility at Fremont, California. Extremely delighted to see talented Indian engineers & finance professionals working in Senior positions and contributing to Teslas pic.twitter.com/o9lBdZJldR  ANI (@ANI) November 14, 2023

In August 2021, Musk had said Tesla might set up a manufacturing unit in India if it first succeeded with imported vehicles in the country. He had said Tesla wanted to launch its vehicles in India "but import duties are the highest in the world by far of any large country!". Currently, India imposes 100 per cent import duty on fully imported cars with CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight) value more than USD 40,000 and 70 per cent on those costing less than the amount.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi, Nov 14 (PTI) Sebi has disposed of 3,533 complaints against companies and market intermediaries through its online grievance redressal system SCORES in October, according to the data released by the capital markets regulator.

As many as 16 complaints were pending for more than three months on SCORES as of October-end, involving 12 entities such as SBI Mutual Fund, UTI Mutual Fund, JSW Steel Ltd, Waree Renewable Technologies Ltd, Sundaram Mutual Fund and Tirupati Fincorp Ltd.

Also Read | Happy Kali Puja 2023 Messages, Wishes and Greetings for Family and Friends.

At the beginning of October, there were 5,259 complaints pending and 3,369 fresh complaints were received, as per the data released by market watchdog Sebi on Monday.

The regulator said it had 5,083 pending actionable complaints as of October-end, excluding 12 complaints that were under regulatory actions or legal proceedings.

Also Read | Uttar Pradesh Air Pollution: Noida, Ghaziabad, Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, Other Cities Suffers 'Severe' Category Air Quality After Diwali Celebrations (Watch Video).

Further, Sebi noted that it had received 159 reviews of complaints. A complainant can request a review within 15 days after the disposal of their complaint.

These complaints, which were disposed of during the October 16-31 period, can also be reviewed during the next month for further action.

As of October, 16 complaints were pending for more than three months. These complaints were related to mutual funds, investment advisers, venture capital funds, buyback of securities, refund/ allotment/ Transfer/ Rights/ Redemption/ Interest and takeover/ restructuring.

The average resolution time for a complaint was 36 days, as per the data.

In a separate public notice, the markets regulator mentioned about 12 entities against whom complaints have been pending for more than three months on SCORES as of October 2023.

SCORES is a grievance redressal system that was launched in June 2011. It is designed to help investors to lodge their complaints online with Sebi, pertaining to the securities market, against companies, intermediaries and market infrastructure institutions.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
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Canberra, Nov 14 (The Conversation) More than five weeks into Israel's war with Hamas, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not outlined his future vision for Gaza.

He has said many times the war will continue until Hamas is eradicated. But his battle plan for achieving that objective is far from clear.

Also Read | Israel Defense Forces Capture Hamas Parliament Building in Gaza, Film Themselves With Israeli Flags (See Pics).

As calls grow louder around the world for a ceasefire, Israel is finding itself under increasing pressure to respond. This is placing more scrutiny on Netanyahu's overall strategy for prosecuting the war  and what could happen after it's over.

Constantly in the background of Israel's military campaign is the fate of more than 200 hostages  Israelis and other nationals  held by Hamas.

Also Read | Israel-Palestine Conflict: Ex-Hamas Intelligence Chief Khamis Dababash Among Senior Operatives Killed in Gaza, Says IDF Spokesperson Daniel Hagari.

Netanyahu has said there will be no ceasefire until all the hostages are released. Hamas has responded that no hostages will be released in advance of a ceasefire.

Neither side shows signs of budging and Hamas has now suspended negotiations over hostage releases because of Israel's siege of Al Shifa hospital, Gaza City's main medical centre. Israel says a Hamas complex is hidden in tunnels underneath the hospital  a claim Hamas denies.

Most of Gaza's population is now crowded into the southern part of the strip. Some of Hamas' key leaders are likely hiding there, raising another pertinent question as the war drags on. How will the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) succeed in their mission of eradicating Hamas if its operatives are hiding among civilians in such a crowded area? Netanyahu has given no public indication.

Growing US-Israeli frictions

With so many key questions left unanswered, there is a growing disconnect between Netanyahu and the Biden administration in the United States.

President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken have both said Israel should not reoccupy Gaza after the war. They have also indicated a preference for the Palestinian Authority, led by Mahmoud Abbas, to extend its authority to Gaza after Hamas' removal.

By contrast, Netanyahu has said Israel will need to retain control over security in Gaza after the war.

Moreover, he has rejected the Palestinian Authority as a successor administration to Hamas for various reasons, including the fact it has not issued an unequivocal condemnation of Hamas' attack on Israel.

Netanyahu's balancing act

Netanyahu's planning seems to be edging towards a demilitarised Gaza with IDF forces based outside the strip, ready to re-enter the enclave when any security threat to Israel is detected.

But he does not seem to be addressing the risk that a power vacuum following Hamas' removal might be filled by another militant group, such as Palestinian Islamic Jihad, which would certainly not be to Israel's liking.

Nor has he addressed the probability that disarming those Palestinians who are already radicalised will only be a partially effective exercise.

The problem with understanding Netanyahu's thought process is that he is dealing with several imperatives simultaneously:

1) Appeasing hard-line members of his government

The coalition government he leads is the most right-wing in Israel's history. Though the influence of extremists has been diluted by the addition of the centrist Benny Gantz to the war cabinet, Heritage Minister Amihai Eliyahu still suggested Israel might use a nuclear weapon against Gaza.

He was repudiated by Netanyahu, but the comment was indicative of hardline sentiment that remains in the government.

After the war, Netanyahu doubtless hopes to resume governing with this coalition, so he must take their interests into account when it comes to formulating a post-war plan for Gaza.

2) Assuaging the anger of hostages' families

The families are demanding Netanyahu prioritise negotiations to free their loved ones over the military campaign. Netanyahu claims he is prioritising both. But that claim has lost some cogency since reports emerged that Netanyahu rejected a deal for a five-day ceasefire early in the war in return for release of some of the hostages.

3) Securing his own political future

Netanyahu will be acutely aware that the only other Israeli political leader to have presided over a security and intelligence failure of the magnitude of Hamas' October 7 attack was Golda Meir at the start of the Yom Kippur War in 1973. And she resigned soon after the Egyptian and Syrian forces were defeated.

The longer the current war continues, the greater the chance Netanyahu can severely diminish Hamas' leadership structure. And this would allow him to burnish his tarnished credentials as Israel's security guarantor.

He will also have noted former Prime Minister Ehud Barak's comment that Israel probably has only weeks left to eliminate Hamas before international public opinion completely turns against Israel. This adds urgency to Netanyahu's need for an outcome he can describe as a victory.

4) Dealing with pressures from the White House

The Biden administration is also letting it be known through media leaks that it has concerns over Israel's conduct of the war, particularly the high number of civilian casualties and apparent lack of an exit strategy.

The US is also warning Israel more explicitly that international support for its military operation is waning.

This is of growing concern to the Biden administration because its strong support for Israel comes with increasing risks. First, American diplomats have said anger in the Arab world is so intense over continued US support for Israel, it is losing us Arab publics for a generation.

And there is also the risk Biden's embrace of Israel could hurt him during next year's presidential election. Many of the anti-war demonstrators in the US are young, college-educated progressives who helped elect Biden in 2020. If these voters fail to turn out for him next year, the likely Republican candidate, Donald Trump, could prevail.

Reaching an acceptable  and achievable  endgame

Biden and Netanyahu are thus on a collision course. Netanyahu wants a long war in order to maximise his chances of eliminating Hamas  and to delay the inevitable post-war reckoning over the Israeli security failure that led to so much carnage on October 7.

Biden agrees Hamas has to be destroyed, but he needs the war to be as short as possible in order to limit the blow-back against US interests internationally, as well as against him domestically.

There is also uncertainty about the amount of purchase Biden might have if he attempts to rein in Netanyahu. That uncertainty is compounded by the question of what might be an acceptable  and achievable  endgame in Gaza for both. (The Conversation)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Kinshasa, Nov 14 (AP) Extremist-linked rebels have killed at least 44 villagers in separate attacks in Congo's volatile east, local authorities and civil society leaders said Tuesday.

The Allied Democratic Forces rebels with ties to the Islamic State group attacked Kishanga village in North Kivu province on Sunday night and killed 33 people including a member of the Congolese army, said a delegate of the provincial governor, Samson Simara.

Also Read | Elon Musk-Run X Takes Action Over 325,000 Posts, 375,000 Accounts for Israel-Hamas War Violations.

The rebels executed them in the Virunga National Park, Simara said.

The rebels killed 11 other villagers in the province of Ituri on Tuesday, according to Samuel Ngunjolo, a civil society leader.

Also Read | China: Student Sets Up Tent, Bed, and Desk Under Staircase at Shanghai Mall for Six Months, Arrested.

We are worried and ... are asking the security services to urgently deploy security, Ngunjolo said.

Six of the rebels were killed by the army, according to Capt. Anthony Mulushayi, spokesman for the Congolese army in North Kivu. Some hostages were freed, Mulushayi said.

Eastern Congo has been ravaged by conflict for decades as more than 120 armed groups fight for control of valuable mineral resources and some try to protect their communities. Mass killings by rebels are frequent. The violence has sent nearly seven million people fleeing their homes.

Deadly attacks have intensified in recent weeks as authorities and security forces struggle to regain control and deploy adequate personnel in communities where mostly women and children are targeted.

The Congolese government earlier this month directed the East African regional force, deployed last year to help end the fighting, to leave the country by December after saying it was unsatisfied with its work.

The UN peacekeeping mission also has faced pressure to withdraw from Congo after more than two decades in the country. (AP)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
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Washington, Nov 14 (PTI) US lawmakers have urged President Joe Biden to raise with Beijing the issue of illicit fentanyl trafficking, coercive environment for American businesses and stand up for the military's ability to freely operate in the South China Sea during a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on Wednesday.

They also said Biden should be "adamant" that China "leans on Russia and Iran not to exacerbate the military crises happening around the world".

Also Read | India Recommends Canada to Prevent Attacks on Places of Worship, Effectively Address Hate Speech (Watch Video).

Biden and Xi are scheduled to meet in San Francisco on Wednesday on the sidelines of the APEC Leadership meeting. The White House is calling it a summit.

On the Senate floor, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer listed out issues, including fentanyl trafficking and the coercive environment for US businesses in China, that he thought Biden should raise with Xi.

Also Read | King Charles III Birthday 2023: Interesting Facts About British Monarch As He Turns 75.

"On the Israel-Gaza conflict in particular, we told President Xi that China needs to use its influence on Iran to stop them from acting in any way that would widen the conflict. China should play a positive and not a negative role in this delicate crisis, he said.

"In fact, during my meeting with President Xi... I criticised the Chinese government for issuing a statement about October 7 (militant group Hamas' attack on Israel) that failed to condemn the killing of civilians. They ended up issuing a stronger statement the next day," Schumer said.

He asserted that if President Biden is "similarly firm that China should play a stabilizing role with Iran and Russia, I think it will make a big difference."

The Senate majority leader felt that Wednesday's meeting between President Biden and President Xi will be a real test for China to show that they truly want a better relationship with the United States.

"I expect President Biden to be adamant, as we were with President Xi, that China must lean on Russia and Iran not to exacerbate the military crises happening around the world, he said.

Congressman Rob Wittman said that President Biden must send a clear message that the US will not tolerate the People's Liberation Army's increasing military aggression or the Chinese Communist Party's "insidious attempts to advance their malign agenda".

Wittman, vice-chairman of the House Armed Services Committee and member of the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, said after sending a series of US cabinet officials to China over the past year without any tangible outcomes, it was "baffling" that Biden was willing to meet with "dictator" Xi Jinping without making any demands.

"Any meeting between the US and Chinese Communist Party officials should only be held if China agrees to establish reasonable requirements to stop the flow of fentanyl, to cease all near-collisions and dangerous intercepts of US ships and aircraft, to cease harassment of Philippine vessels around the Second Thomas shoal, and to cease all military operations in Taiwan's Air Defense Identification Zone east of the Median Line," he said.

Congressman Mike Rogers, the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, said Biden needs to clearly lay out the steep consequences China will face if its aggressive behaviour in the South China Sea continues.

"Xi needs to understand that the US will not be intimidated. We will continue to support our allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific.

"President Biden must also stand up for our military's ability to freely operate in the South China Sea  China's dangerous harassment of our pilots and sailors needs to come to an end," Rogers said.

Senators Mitt Romney and Jim Risch sent a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken seeking clarification on whether the US invited Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee  who has been sanctioned by the United States since 2020 for his role in implementing Hong Kong's draconian national security law imposed by Beijing  to the leaders meeting of the 2023 Asia-Pacific Economic Community (APEC).

"Lee is claiming publicly that the US government invited him personally, and the Department of State has not confirmed or denied these claims, the senators wrote.

"Instead, in its public statements, the department has only said that 'participating in APEC 2023 will be in accordance with US law and regulations, including with respect to sanctions'," they said.

In a speech on the Senate floor, Senator Chuck Grassley said China is increasingly aggressive in the South China Sea and the Strait of Taiwan.

"To be sure, our responses are being closely watched by all three of these adversaries -- Russia, China and Iran. This is a critical time when sending more messages of weakness would be very dangerous," he added.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Islamabad, November 14: One soldier and two civilians were killed after terrorists opened fire in the general area of Darazinda in Pakistan's Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan-based Geo News reported citing Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement on Tuesday. The ISPR said that the terrorists fired upon a private company vehicles working on a development project in the area and killed one soldier and two civilians, according to Geo News report.

In the statement, ISPR said that two civilian employees of the company - Muhammad Faisal (35) and Asif Kamran (29), were killed in the attack. According to ISPR, Sepoy Syed Muhammad Shaheen Shah (33), who was employed on the security of the project was also killed while fighting terrorists. The ISPR in the statement said, "Sanitisation operation is being carried out to eliminate the terrorists present in the area." It further said that Pakistan's security forces are determined to eliminate the menace of terrorism. Terror Attack in Pakistan: 14 Soldiers Killed As Terrorists Target Two Vehicles Carrying Security Forces in Gwadar

Earlier on November 13, two soldiers and one terrorist were killed in an exchange of fire between security forces and terrorists in the Mir Ali area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's North Waziristan district, Pakistan-based Dawn reported citing the military media affairs wing's statement on Monday. On November 11, three police personnel, including a station house officer (SHO), were killed and five others including a deputy superintendent of police sustained injuries after a terrorist attack on police in the Kari Shah Noor area of Pakistan's Tank, Dawn reported.

The police spokesperson said that DSP Chan Shah was leading a police party on Saturday to arrest the kidnappers of a woman in Shah Noor village when unidentified assailants opened fire on the vehicle. In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that troops "effectively engaged the terrorists' location." A terrorist was also killed in an exchange of fire, according to the Dawn report. Pakistan Bomb Blast: 13 Labourers Killed in Terrorist Attack in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province

According to ISPR, Sepoy Abdullah (25) and Sepoy Muhammad Sohail (19) were killed during the exchange of fire. The ISPR said that the sanitisation of the surrounding areas is being conducted to neutralise any terrorists found in the area. Pakistan has witnessed a rise in terror activities in recent months, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan after the ceasefire between the Pakistan government and the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan ended in November last year.

In a report released in October, the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) said that 386 security personnel lost their lives in the first nine months of 2023, reaching an eight-year high, Geo News reported. In the third quarter of 2023, some 445 people were killed and 440 others were injured from 190 terror attacks and counter-terror operations, Geo News reported. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan remained the prime centres for violence, reporting nearly 94 per cent of all fatalities and 89 per cent of attacks, including incidents of terrorism and security forces operations recorded during this time.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Washington, Nov 14 (PTI) South Asian Americans have played a key role in the development of the US, President Joe Biden has said, acknowledging the role of the community that has woven Diwali traditions into the fabric of the nation.

To more than one billion Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists celebrating in America and around the world, we wish you a happy Diwali, Biden said in a message.

Also Read | Israel Defense Forces Capture Hamas Parliament Building in Gaza, Film Themselves With Israeli Flags (See Pics).

Over the course of generations, South Asian Americans have woven Diwali traditions into the fabric of our nation -- symbolising the message of seeking the light of wisdom, love, and unity over the darkness of ignorance, hate, and division, Biden said.

The message posted on X, formally Twitter, on November 12 has since gone viral and has over 2.1 million views.

Also Read | Israel-Palestine Conflict: Ex-Hamas Intelligence Chief Khamis Dababash Among Senior Operatives Killed in Gaza, Says IDF Spokesperson Daniel Hagari.

It's a message that has helped our nation emerge stronger from the past few difficult years and matters now more than ever. On this Diwali, may we reflect on the strength of our shared light and embrace the enduring spirit of this holiday and of our nation, Biden said.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in a message on Monday extended warm wishes for a joyous Diwali to the Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, and Jain communities observing the festival in the United States and around the world.

Diwali represents a time of joy and renewal, celebrated through traditions that include lighting diyas, decorating homes with rangoli, and sharing sweets with family and friends, he said.

Diwali is also a reminder of the strength that the US draws from the diversity that makes up our nation, as well as the importance the United States places on safeguarding religious freedom at home and abroad, Blinken said.

Happy Diwali to everyone celebrating this festival of lights in the United States and around the world. I wish you and those you love peace, prosperity, and health, he said.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Baltimore, Nov 15 (AP) Catholic leaders called for peace in a war-torn world and unity amid strife within their own clerical ranks as US bishops gathered in Baltimore for their annual fall meeting.

The meeting on Tuesday came soon after two actions by Pope Francis that illustrated the divisive challenges facing the Catholic Church  removing one of his harshest conservative critics from his role as bishop of Tyler, Texas, and releasing a document conveying a more welcoming stance to transgender people than the official positions of the US bishops.

Also Read | US Horror: Man Dies After Being Shot in Face by Fellow Hunter in Iowa.

In his opening address on Tuesday, Archbishop Timothy Broglio, the president of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, expressed empathy for those in conflict zones, from Myanmar to the Middle East.

We recognise and defend the right of Israel to exist and to enjoy a place among the nations, said Broglio, who heads the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA.

Also Read | Indian National Arrives in Cairo After Being Evacuated from Gaza Amid Israel-Hamas War.

At the same time, we know that the Palestinians ... have a right to a land that is their own. The Holy See has long advocated for that right.

The Baltimore meeting comes on the heels of an unprecedented meeting in Rome, where Catholic clergy and laypeople gathered for 25 days last month to discuss the future of the Catholic Church, including its stances on women and LGBTQ Catholics.

Cardinal Christophe Pierre, who as papal nuncio is Pope Francis' diplomatic representative to the United States, acknowledged tensions over the recently concluded synod but took a positive tone.

We may have had serious anxieties about the synod, especially if we are focusing on the particular agenda or idea, whether negative or positive, Pierre said. But this is not what synodality is all about.

Pierre emphasised dialogue, saying church members need bishops to show how our diversity, harmonised, displays the beauty of the church and of the Catholic faith.

The bishops plan to amend their voter guide ahead of an election year where abortion rights are expected to drive turnout.

The bishops elected Toledo Bishop Daniel Thomas over a more prominent cultural warrior, San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone, as the new head of their committee on pro-life activities. The committee's chair serves as the conference's point person in efforts against abortion, a top priority for the bishops.

Jamie Manson, head of Catholics for Choice, called it an ironic choice, given that Thomas serves in Ohio where Catholic groups just spent more than USD 12 million fighting a losing battle against abortion access. Ohio voters enshrined abortion rights by ballot amendment last week.

Manson said in a statement that the Catholic bishops are doubling down on their losing abortion strategy through 2024.

In a news conference, Broglio affirmed the bishops would maintain their efforts even as the political landscape on abortion has shifted.

Ending innocent human life is simply not acceptable, Broglio said. We'll continue to do whatever we can to influence those who go to the polls to vote.

The polarised synod process is ongoing, and leaders will reconvene in Rome next year. On the left are those who support Pope Francis' vision of a more welcoming, inclusive church. On the right are conservative critics of Francis' agenda, including many US bishops, who say it's essential to hold the line on current teachings in areas such as gender and sexuality.

In the wake of the synod, Pope Francis has made decisions that put him at odds with some of his conservative critics in recent weeks.

In late October, Pope Francis moved the church closer to welcoming transgender people. A Vatican document said trans people could be baptized as well as serve as godparents under certain conditions.

Then, just days before the annual US bishops' meeting, the pope removed Bishop Joseph Strickland, an outspoken papal critic and voice against LGBTQ inclusion, from his diocese in Texas. Strickland on Sunday posted a video on X, formerly known as Twitter, of himself speaking out against homosexuality five years ago at the US bishops' meeting.

My voice has been removed from these gatherings but I hope someone, anyone will take up the message, he wrote.

Strickland was seen on Tuesday praying with people outside the conference hotel in Baltimore.

A rally in support of Strickland is scheduled for Saturday in Tyler. (AP)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi, November 14: Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi, who has been critical of killings of the civilians and children in the Israel-Hamas war on the occasion of Childrens day again reiterated her demand to bring an end to the horrendous violence and said that we have failed the thousands of children that are being massacred in Palestine every moment.

She made the remarks on the occasion of independent Indias first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehrus 134th birth anniversary, which is also celebrated as childrens day in India.

On Childrens Day, today, let us remind ourselves that we have failed the thousands of children that are being massacred in Palestine every moment, Priyanka Gandhi wrote on X. They deserved better from humanity. We must all raise our voices and demand an end to the horrendous violence being committed against them. Israel-Hamas War: Indian Family From Kashmir Evacuated From War-Torn Gaza, Crosses Rafah Border.

On #ChildrensDay, today, let us remind ourselves that we have failed the thousands of children that are being massacred in Palestine every moment. They deserved better from humanity. We must all raise our voices and demand an end to the horrendous violence being committed against  Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) November 14, 2023

Her remarks came a day after she had hit out at international community over the death of 10,000 people including 5,000 children in Israel-Hamas war in Gaza saying still, no shock to the conscience of those supporting this genocide and shame on the governments supporting this destruction.

In a post on X, Priyanka Gandhi on Monday said: "What a deplorable and disgraceful milestoneover 10,000 people killed in Gaza of which almost half are children. One child is being killed every ten minutes according to the WHO, and now tiny babies had to be removed from their incubators due to lack of oxygen and were left to die."

Hitting at international community, she said: "Still, no shock to the conscience of those supporting this genocide, no ceasefirejust more bombs, more violence, more killings and more suffering. Shame on the governments supporting this destruction. When is it going to be enough?"

Her remarks came after more than 10,000 people have been killed in Gaza since Israel launched its military offensive.

Israel declared war on Hamas after the Islamist militant group launched an attack on October 7, killing 1,400 in Israel and kidnapping more than 240. Israel retaliated by launching an air and ground offensive on Gaza, vowing to eliminate the militant group. Earlier, India abstained from voting on the Jordan-drafted resolution that called for a truce in Israel but did not condemn Hamas's attack. Israel-Hamas Conflict: 102 UN Staff Killed in Gaza Since Start of War.

India voted in favour of an amendment proposed by Canada to insert a paragraph condemning Hamas. Priyanka Gandhi had earlier also said that she was shocked and ashamed that our country has abstained from voting for a ceasefire in Gaza.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 14, 2023 04:29 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
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A police team reaching the spot found there was a quarrel over the bursting of crackers between Pawan, Manish, and Parvesh and their neighbour, also named Pawan, his brother Amit, and friend Shivam, and injured persons had been taken to LBS Hospital.
One person is dead after a crash Monday night near Elk Mound, according to a press release from the Dunn County Sheriff's Office.

The Dunn County Sheriff's Office, Elk Mound Fire Department and Colfax Ambulance responded to the intersection of Wisconsin Highway 29 and 970th Street, where a two-vehicle crash occurred around 8:30 p.m.

Upon arrival, deputies located an unresponsive 70-year-old female driver in a pickup truck in a ditch, the release says. She was later pronounced dead at the scene by the Dunn County Medical Examiner's Office.

Authorities say the preliminary investigation indicates the pickup was traveling westbound on Highway 29 and attempted to turn south onto 970th Street but failed to yield to an eastbound semi that was hauling pigs. After colliding, both vehicles went off the road down a steep embankment and hit several trees.

Both vehicles only had one occupant, and the semi driver had no apparent injuries. The semi also remained intact, and no pigs were released at the scene.

The crash remains under investigation by the Dunn County Sheriff's Office, Wisconsin State Patrol and the Dunn County Medical Examiner's Office.
Seoul, November 14: Samsung Electronics on Tuesday showcased its latest updates to software and services, including its new generative artificial intelligence (AI) model, Samsung Gauss, at an annual tech conference. At the Samsung Developer Conference (SDC) Korea 2023 in Seoul, the South Korean tech giant introduced Samsung Gauss and its three sub-models -- Gauss Language, Gauss Code and Gauss Image -- with plans to integrate it into products to improve consumer experience.

Samsung Gauss, unveiled at the company's AI event last week, is aimed at enhancing the work efficiency of workers by facilitating tasks, such as composing emails, summarising documents and translating content, reports Yonhap news agency. The AI model is expected to be implemented in Samsung's upcoming smartphones and tablets, including the Galaxy S24. Samsung Galaxy S24 Lineup Likely To Launch in India in January 2024 With Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Processor, Check More Details

"Beyond simply understanding and generating language, Samsung Gauss will maximize user-device interaction, and provide a more intuitive and natural user experience," Lee Joo-hyung from Samsung Research's Global AI Center said in a keynote speech. "With this technology, we expect users to have a more convenient and personalized experience, and to do more creative things with our devices," he added.

Samsung also presented advanced research technologies and customer experience improvements, including data intelligence based on knowledge graphs, mobile Galaxy UI features, the evolution of the Tizen platform and enhanced connectivity experiences for Tizen-based screen products. Topics like threats and opportunities of AI on software security and Samsung's open source activities for technological innovation were also discussed during the two-day event. Samsung Likely To Launch First 'Affordable Galaxy Foldable Smartphone' in 2024; Know Price and Other Details Here

The SDC, which started in 2014, is an annual event that brings thousands of developers, content creators and designers to discuss future technologies and services. Samsung has been also unveiling its upcoming technologies and software visions at the event.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 14, 2023 01:51 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
On 13 November after two months of uncertainty, Mexicos former foreign minister(2018-2023) said he would remain a member of the ruling left-wing Movimiento Regeneracion Nacional (Morena) party, giving up his ambition to run in the 2024 presidential race.

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The Donald Trump New York fraud trial continued with the defense stating its case for the first time and calling in Donald Trump Jr. as its first witness. Before he left the witness stand, Don Jr. commented that what will happen to the Trump Organization next will depend on the November 2024 elections.

"I guess a lot of that depends on what happens next November," Donald Trump's embattled eldest son stated. "We'll probably be put on hold for a little while and sued into oblivion for the foreseeable future."

This is in reference to his father's promises to go after his political opponents and the media should he return to the White House in 2024.

While on the stand, Don Jr. was asked about one of the more recent Trump Organization properties. This includes the Trump International Hotel at the Old Post Office location in Washington, DC. Donald Trump Jr. testified that it looked like "a war zone" before the Trump Organization got it from the General Services Administration.

"You'd be disappointed that you could let a building that spectacular get that run down," Don Jr. said of the Old Post Office, which later became Trump's top hotel in DC.

Trump attorney Cliff Robert also asked Donald Trump Jr. about Trump Organization employees and how many they are. To this, Don Jr. answered that they employed about 1,000 people, claiming that the number was higher if they included subcontractors, according to CNN.

The Trump lawyer also asked Don Jr. about how much taxes the Trump Organization pays, to which the Trump son replied, "I don't know specifically, but it's a big number."

Donald Trump Jr. May Have Slipped Up During His Second Donald Trump New York Fraud Trial Testimony

However, while Donald Trump Jr. testified about how "great" the Trump Organization is, he may have slipped up when talking about one of his father's most prized properties, Mar-a-Lago, which is legally listed as a club.

READ MORE: Donald Trump New York Fraud Trial: Legal Experts Believe Ex-President Could Lose the Case 'Badly'

"My father purchased what was one of the finest estates anywhere in the world," the Trump son testified.

He then called the property "amazing" and likened it to an "American castle." However, this was where he may have slipped up as he called Mar-a-Lago an estate and not what it was legally listed as, further amplifying the fraud accusations against him and his family.

As Yahoo! News pointed out, this showed that the Trump family perceives Mar-a-Lago not as a club but as an estate or a residential property. This furthers the New York State Attorney General's case against them. Just last week, the New York AG highlighted incongruous deeds and assessments for the former president's various international properties. This includes the development deed for Mar-a-Lago, which restricts its status as a club, not as a residence.

Donald Trump Jr. Heckled With 'Trump Crime Family' Chants

As he arrived in the courthouse, several people from the crowd started heckling Don Jr with "Trump Crime Family." This is a reference to what conservatives have been calling the Biden family thanks to the Hunter Biden investigation.

USA Today reported that there was a group of protesters waiting for Don Jr. outside of that New York City courthouse, with some sporting "Trump Crime Family" signs.

READ MORE: Donald Trump is Confused Why Co-Defendants Sidney Powell, Jenna Ellis, Kenneth Chesebro Pleaded Guilty

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Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: BREAKING NEWS: Protesters Yell 'Crime Family' At Donald Trump Jr. As He Enters NYC Court For Trial - Forbes Breaking News
As scandals continue to hound controversial conservative Justice Clarence Thomas, the US Supreme Court finally adopted its own Code of Ethics for the first time. This comes amid increasing pressure from the public and Congress.

The US Supreme Court has lacked any form of enforcement mechanisms since its inception. This was acknowledged by the nine Supreme Court justices in an unsigned statement where they stated that while "there has been no formal code, they have long abided by certain standards."

"The absence of a Code, however, has led in recent years to the misunderstanding that the Justices of this Court, unlike all other jurists in this country, regard themselves as unrestricted by any ethics rules," the justices wrote in their joint statement. "To dispel this misunderstanding, we are issuing this Code, which largely represents a codification of principles that we have long regarded as governing our conduct."

As an answer to the Clarence Thomas scandals, the code is specific regarding financial transactions, according to NPR.

"Justices can make a real estate transaction, as long as it's not before the court," it stated.

However, this code also "reaffirms the commitment to the disclosure provisions" that are in the existing code for all federal judges.

The code also tackles specific provisions about justices recusing themselves if family members, including spouses, children, or grandchildren, were to argue a case before the Supreme Court. However, it does have several exceptions for justices that may not apply to lower court judges, such as stating that a justice does not have to recuse himself or herself if "his or her relative files a friend of the court brief because the court receives so many of these briefs."

There Is Still No Mechanism That Binds US Supreme Court Justices From Breaking the Code of Ethics

Public pressure and the US Congress have been pressuring the Supreme Court to implement this Code of Ethics, and one of the loudest voices for this is Democratic Senator Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island.

READ NEXT: Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas Sold Property to Billionaire Republican

Sen. Whitehouse had a mixed reaction to the Code of Ethics being passed, saying, "This is a long-overdue step by the justices, but a code of ethics is not binding unless there is a mechanism to investigate possible violations and enforce the rules. The honor system has not worked for members of the Roberts Court,"

The senator has proposed a court ethics code that was passed by the Senate without any Republican support. It would allow for complaints and investigation by lower-court judges and was supported by three justices, namely Amy Coney Barrett, Brett Kavanaugh, and Elena Kagan.

US Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas' Many Ethics Scandals That Led To the Code of Ethics

The passing of the US Supreme Court Code of Ethics was done after Justice Clarence Thomas, a George W. Bush appointee, had several corruption scandals regarding his ties to wealthy friends who have had cases before the Supreme Court. Thomas did not recuse himself from cases involving them despite receiving loans or personal vacations from these wealthy backers.

According to Forbes, Thomas never repaid a "substantial portion" of a $267,230 loan from wealthy friend Anthony Welters. In fact, that debt had been forgiven, but the Justice never listed this on any of his financial disclosures. There is also the fact that he received several lavish gifts from notable Republican donors, such as Harlan Crow.

There is also the fact that his wife, Ginni Thomas, remains a leading conservative activist who has been implicated in the January 6 Capitol insurrection. She reportedly received money from a conservative activist.

READ MORE: January 6 Hearing: Donald Trump Pressured Justice Department to Call 2020 Election 'Corrupt'

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WATCH: The Supreme Court says it is adopting a code of ethics for the first time - WPRI
Maryanne Trump Barry, a federal appellate judge and former President Donald Trump sister, passed away at 86, as reported by CNBC.

Medical workers were called to her Fifth Avenue apartment in Manhattan after 4 a.m. ET on Monday, where she was pronounced dead.

According to the New York Police Department, there were no signs of trauma or foul play.

Appointed to the US Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit in 1999 by then-President Bill Clinton, Maryanne Trump Barry, Donald Trump's sister, led a relatively low-profile career compared to her brother's prominence in television, business, and as the President of the United States.

She served two decades on the Philadelphia-based appeals court before retiring amid a civil misconduct investigation of her family's alleged tax-dodging schemes.

Her retirement in 2019 concluded the probe, which focused on whether Barry violated judicial conduct rules by participating in the schemes detailed in a New York Times investigation.

READ NEXT: Donald Trump Classified Documents Case

Donald Trump and Maryanne Trump Barry

Donald Trump praised his sister as a "highly respected judge," even though they disagreed on public policy, per Fox News.

Four years later, Trump dismissed secret audio recordings released by his niece, Mary Trump, where Barry criticized him for having "no principles" and being "cruel."

"Every day, it's something else; who cares?" Trump said at the time, brushing off the recordings that emerged shortly after the White House hosted a private memorial service for Robert Trump, Donald Trump's younger brother, who passed away on August 15, 2020, at the age of 71.

Mary Trump, the niece who made the recordings, published a tell-all book about the then President and their family.

In the secretly recorded conversation in 2018, "Donald is cruel. All he wants to do is appeal to his base. He has no principles. None. None," Barry said.

Donald Trump's sister, Maryanne Trump Barry, referred to the former President's administration's zero-tolerance policy at the US-Mexico border, which led to the separation of children from their parents during immigration court hearings. The policy was later rescinded.

Donald Trump Sister, Maryanne Trump Barry, Early Life and Career

Maryanne Trump Barry, the eldest of five Trump siblings, was born in New York in 1937.

Fred Trump Jr., the eldest son, passed away in 1981, and the youngest, Robert Trump, passed away in 2020.

After graduating from Mount Holyoke College, Barry earned a master's degree in 1962 from Columbia University and a law degree from Hofstra University in 1974, according to CBS News.

She served as an Assistant US Attorney for New Jersey from 1974 to 1983, holding positions such as Executive Assistant US Attorney and First Assistant US Attorney.

President Ronald Reagan nominated Barry as a US District Court judge in 1983, New Jersey Globe noted.

Her nomination stirred controversy among New Jersey Republicans, with Roger Stone, a close ally of Donald Trump, advocating for her appointment.

Stone's efforts led to her recommendation for the post by Gov. Thomas H. Kean, resulting in the withdrawal of the other finalist, Joseph Rodriguez.

In 1989, before Rep. Jim Courter entered the race, Stone suggested Barry consider seeking the Republican nomination for Governor of New Jersey.

Following the resignation of H. Lee Sarokin, President Bill Clinton nominated Barry to the federal appellate court in 1999.

She became an appellate court judge one year later and wrote a majority opinion striking down a New Jersey law banning late-term abortions.

Surviving Maryanne Trump Barry, in addition to her brother, is a son from her first marriage, David Desmond. Her husband, John Barry, a prominent New Jersey attorney, passed away in 2000.

READ MORE: Donald Trump Net Worth

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WATCH: Maryanne Trump Barry, sister of Donald Trump, dies at 86 - From MSNBC
The world-famous resorts in Acapulco, Mexico remain ruined weeks after Hurricane Otis slammed into the city and destroyed much of its infrastructure. The road to recovery is seen to take long.

It has been over two weeks since Hurricane Otis surprised meteorologists, going from a Tropical Storm to a Category 5 Hurricane in mere hours and then slamming into an unprepared Acapulco, which was just expecting a mere Tropical Storm.

Now, tourists are gone, and residents are trying to piece their lives together, many losing their homes and livelihoods to the freak storm.

The hurricane blocked roads with debris and landslides and caused trees to fall, although these have been cleared, and cars are seen driving again across Acapulco's main roads. However, it still is not normal, as lines for food, water, and medicines are everywhere.

According to the Associated Press, signs reading "free food" can be seen littered across the city as good Samaritans and volunteers try to feed those who lost everything.

Acapulco has long been a haven for Mexico's wealthy, and they have also started to return. However, many of them find their seaside properties devastated by Hurricane Otis. In the city's bay, which was once filled with the wealthy's yachts, signs of devastation can also be seen.

Meanwhile, soldiers and National Guard troops can be seen everywhere as they try to restore not just the city but also its once-peaceful calm. However, residents remained unhappy as the government of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador declared an end to the emergency, even with all the soldiers still running around Acapulco.

READ MORE: Mexico: Hurricane Otis Damage on Acapulco Sparks $3.4 Billion Effort

Hurricane Otis Confirmed Death Toll in Mexico Raised to 48 Earlier This Week

Search and rescue crews are still combing through all the rubble left by Hurricane Otis's wake, and more dead bodies have been found.

The death toll from the storm has been raised to 48, with 48 people still reported missing, according to EFE.

President Lopez Obrador announced the death toll number during his Monday press conference as 47 with 53 people missing but this was corrected by the Mexican National Coordination of Civil Protection. However, the president also assured that the budget for Acapulco's recovery is sufficient.

"It is enough, there is no limit, it is all that is needed to rebuild economic and tourist activity in Acapulco, serving everyone, with preference to the poorest, most needy people, which is what we are doing," AMLO promised. It came hours before Congress was to vote on the government's budget for 2024, which did not include anything for the recovery efforts in Guerrero State, where Acapulco is.

Acapulco Now Unrecognizable, Residents Say

Acapulco was once considered the premiere beach destination in Mexico, with Hollywood's rich and famous flocking to the city. Now, even residents are saying it is different. As crews are working around the clock to help restore Acapulco, locals can be seen struggling to find essentials.

"I never thought I would live to see Acapulco in such a state," 53-year-old resident Baltazar Quintera told the Los Angeles Times. "Acapulco is unrecognizable."

This sentiment is echoed by other residents who have found the city's glitziest hotels being reduced to mostly windowless hulks as schools remain closed and the city, which relies on tourism, is still reeling as it expects a massive hot in its income because of Hurricane Otis.

READ MORE: Mexico: Hurricane Otis Death Toll, Total Damage, Path, Revealed

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Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: How did Hurricane Otis turn into a Category 5 storm so quickly? - CBS New York
Authorities in southeastern Texas are actively searching for a 19-year-old suspect, David Negrete, following a shooting at Cole's Flea Market that resulted in four injuries and the tragic death of a 10-year-old boy named Francisco Vicente Duarte.

The incident occurred just after 5:30 PM on Sunday, prompting a swift response from officers in Pearland, located about 15 miles south of Houston, according to CNN.

Pearland Police Department shared details on their Facebook page, revealing that five Texas flea market shooting victims, including a 14-year-old girl, a 16-year-old boy, an 18-year-old boy, and a 37-year-old man, were discovered at the scene and promptly transported to local hospitals.

Unfortunately, the 10-year-old Texas boy also found wounded, was pronounced dead upon arrival at a local hospital.

No information has been provided about the conditions of the other wounded individuals.

An arrest warrant has been issued for the Texas flea market shooting suspect, David Negrete, on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

Authorities have cautioned the public to consider him "armed and dangerous," sharing his photos on their Facebook page.

READ NEXT: Texas SWAT Officer, Gunman, 2 Captives Dead Amid Hostage Standoff

The Texas Flea Market Shooting Suspect

According to Pearland police, an altercation between Negrete and another individual at the flea market escalated into an exchange of gunfire. At least two handguns are believed to have been fired during the incident.

"No, this is not anything that happens in Pearland. It is extremely tragic anytime someone is a victim of gun violence, especially in our community. This does not happen here in Pearland," Officer Chad Rogers said, emphasizing the rarity of such incidents in Pearland.

While confirming the use of two handguns in the shooting, officials have not determined the number of shots fired, per ABC 13.

Investigations suggest the involvement of at least one if not two, additional individuals who possessed handguns and discharged them during the incident, possibly making a total of three suspects.

Governor Greg Abbott has announced a reward of up to $15,000 for information leading to the charging and/or arrest of Texas flea market shooting suspect David Negrete.

The public is encouraged to contact the Texas Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477) or submit tips online or through the DPS Mobile App.

Texas Boy's Family Speaks Up

The family of the victim, 10-year-old Francisco Vicente Duarte, known as "Chente," expressed their grief.

The Texas boy was at Cole's Flea Market to assist his working mother, a single parent with a teenage daughter, who is understandably distraught, KHOU 11 reports.

Described as a kind and "little angel," Chente's senseless death has left the community mourning.

Pearland police, committed to justice for the young victim, seek support from the public.

"A 10-year-old child was killed in a senseless manner, so any support we can get, whether it's financially or from the public, is very welcome in this case," Rogers stated.

As investigations continue, police are working to determine if the other two shooting victims, a 16-year-old and an 18-year-old male, were connected to the shootout.

"Again, they're being actively investigated into their role, if any, in what happened," Rogers said.

READ MORE: Missing Boy Found Dead in Dumpster

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WATCH: One killed, 4 wounded in Texas flea market shooting - From NBC News
For the first time since the David DePape trial began, Paul Pelosi, husband of former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, finally testified regarding the heinous attack by the Trump supporter inside his own San Francisco, California home.

DePape battered the elderly California businessman right in front of responding police officers. The entire attack was caught on police bodycam and dispelled the many conspiracy theories regarding the attack, including one that claimed that DePape was Paul Pelosi's gay lover.

"The door opened and a very large man came in with a hammer in one hand and some [zip]ties in the other," testified Pelosi when asked what woke him up during the night of October 28, 2022. He stated that he was asleep when DePape "burst through the door he woke me up."

When asked how far the defendant was from him, Paul Pelosi replied, "He was standing in the doorway, he was 3 to 4 feet [away] ... It was a tremendous shock, looking at him, looking at the hammer and the ties ... I recognized I was in serious danger I tried to stay as calm as possible."

In his testimony, the California businessman revealed that the defendant had been looking for his wife, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, as DePape had been asking, "Where's Nancy?" several times. The elderly Pelosi noted that she was still in Washington DC, but the Trump supporter stated that he was going to wait for her.

"He said, she was the leader of the pack, he had to take her out, he was going to wait for her," said Paul Pelosi. "He was going to tie me up and wait for her."

David DePape Wanted To Hold Nancy Pelosi Hostage and Break Her Kneecaps

DePape may face life imprisonment should he be found guilty and convicted. The defendant pleaded not guilty to his charges, which included attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, elder abuse, residential burglary, and other felonies.

READ MORE: Paul Pelosi Attacker David DePape's Trial Begins

Paul Pelosi successfully stalled DePape from restraining him and was even able to alert authorities regarding the break-in. When police arrived, they found the two struggling for a hammer, and they immediately ordered both to stand down. While Pelosi complied, DePape did not and went on to pummel Pelosi, fracturing his skull, leading to the arrest.

According to the Associated Press, while in custody, the 43-year-old defendant allegedly told a San Francisco detective that he planned to hold Nancy Pelosi hostage and force her to tell "the truth." If she did not, he admitted that he was going to "break her kneecaps" to show other members of Congress there were "consequences to actions."

Donald Trump Pokes Fun at Paul Pelosi as Trial of One of His Supporters Goes On

David DePape may be a Canadian citizen living in California, but he had been radicalized by the US political climate and has been adhering to QAnon conspiracy theories while becoming an ardent supporter of Donald Trump.

Meanwhile, the man he was supporting, Trump himself, attacked Paul Pelosi on the campaign trail. During a speech, he mocked Nancy Pelosi's husband and joked about the hammer attack done by one of his supporters, saying the wall around the Pelosi household did not work very well.

READ MORE: Paul Pelosi Attacker David DePape Was on 'Suicide Mission, Targeting Top Politicians: Officials

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WATCH: Paul Pelosi testifies against hammer attack suspect - CBS Evening News
Tallulah Willis, daughter of "Die Hard" actor Bruce Willis, shared an update on her father's battle against a "really aggressive" form of dementia after reports stated he is already "non-verbal."

"He is the same, which I think in this regard I've learned is the best thing you can ask for," Tallulah told Drew Barrymore on her show, "The Drew Barrymore Show."

"I see love when I'm with him, and it's my dad and he loves me, which is really special," she added.

Bruce Willis was regarded as one of the biggest action stars of the 80s and early 90s, starring in the "Die Hard" film franchise as one of Hollywood's most iconic action heroes, John McClain. However, according to Page Six, Willis was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) last February.

Since his diagnosis, Willis's family has stated that they are coming together for the "Die Hard" star. "While this is painful, it is a relief to finally have a clear diagnosis," the family said in a statement released from the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration website. "FTD is a cruel disease that many of us have never heard of and can strike anyone. For people under 60, FTD is the most common form of dementia, and because getting the diagnosis can take years, FTD is likely much more prevalent than we know."

Bruce Willis Family Spreading Awareness Regarding Father's Rare Disease

The Willis family, including wife Emma Heming, his five daughters, and even ex-wife Demi Moore, have since come together to go public and talk about the actor's plight.

"On one hand, it's who we are as a family, but also, it's really important for us to spread awareness about FTD," Talluah Willis told Drew Barrymore.

READ MORE: Pope Francis Removes Conservative Texas Bishop Joseph Strickland

According to Sky News, Tallulah was very candid regarding the condition and admitted that it is taking a family effort to deal with.

"If we can take something that we're struggling with as a family... and help other people to turn it around, to make something beautiful about it, that's really special for us," she shared.

The 29-year-old also noted that she had no idea what FTD was before her father's diagnosis and stated that she is now spending more time with him by listening to music together.

"Playing music and sitting in that and this energy of love, it's really special," she said, adding, "A really beautiful way for me to heal through this is becoming like an archaeologist to my dad's stuff, his world, his little trinkets and doodads."

Brice Willis' Wife Also Opens Up About Struggles in Dealing With Husband's Condition

Emma Heming Willis, wife of Bruce Willis, recently sat down with Maria Shriver's Sunday Paper and opened up about her struggles in dealing with her husband's rare form of dementia.

"I struggle with guilt, knowing that I have resources that others don't," she stated. "When I'm able to get out for a hike to clear my head, it's not lost on me that not all care partners can do that. When what I share about our family's journey gets press attention, I know that there are many thousands of untold, unheard stories, each of them deserving of compassion and concern."

However, she admitted that she knows she has become a voice for others and said that she wanted to share matters with people who may be struggling, telling the website, "I want people to know that when I hear from another family affected by FTD, I hear our family's same story of grief, loss, and immense sadness echoed in theirs."

READ NEXT: Marjorie Taylor Greene Calling Lauren Boebert a Wh*re to Other Republicans

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WATCH: Bruce Willis Is 'Not Totally Verbal' Amid Dementia Battle, 'Moonlighting' Creator Says - Access Hollywood
Chris Appleton, Kim Kardashian's hairstylist, has filed for divorce from actor Lukas Gage after nearly seven months of marriage. The couple tied the knot in Las Vegas.

The divorce filing, citing "irreconcilable differences," was submitted on November 13, with the listed date of separation being November 10, according to court documents obtained by E! News.

Additionally, the filing disclosed that the former couple had a prearranged plan in case of a separation.

According to their Postnuptial Agreement executed on May 3, they waived any claims for spousal support.

Chris Appleton-Lukas Gage Wedding

Chris Appleton and Lukas Gage celebrated their love in an intimate Las Vegas ceremony in April, with Kim Kardashian serving as the officiant, according to USA Today.

The hairstylist and "You" actor made their relationship public just a month before tying the knot.

Country icon Shania Twain added a special touch to the ceremony by performing the couple's favorite song, "You're Still The One."

Embracing a rock 'n' roll chic style, they both wore matching black fur jackets, shimmery unbuttoned blouses, and leather pants for their big day.

Expressing gratitude on Instagram, Appleton thanked Kardashian and Twain in a post commemorating the wedding, celebrating the accomplishment with a "we did it ."

Gage shared the same photos and videos on his Instagram, humorously captioning his post, "ring finger where the rock is."

Earlier, at the Fashion Los Angeles Awards in April, Kardashian paid tribute to Appleton, who received the Hair Artist of the Year award.

During the ceremony, Kardashian briefly interrupted Appleton's speech to congratulate him on his relationship with Gage, expressing happiness that their love was now public.

READ NEXT: Sofia Vergara Divorce With Joe Manganiello

Chris Appleton Lukas Gage Divorce Announced Days After Their Wedding Was Featured on 'The Kardashians'

Chris Appleton's recent divorce announcement comes just days after his wedding to "Euphoria" star Lukas Gage was featured on an episode of The Kardashians, per the Daily Mail.

The news of the divorce, after just six months of marriage, adds an awkward twist to the recent TV coverage.

In the episode, Kim Kardashian, who has been a client of Appleton for a long time, was surprised when the couple asked her to officiate their wedding at the Little White Chapel in Las Vegas.

The episode highlighted the joyous occasion, with Kim expressing her happiness for the couple and acknowledging Appleton's newfound joy.

However, a hint of practicality surfaced during the episode when Kim Kardashian, who has experienced three divorces herself, advised both Appleton and Gage to consider a prenuptial agreement, Us Weekly noted.

She humorously quoted her ex-husband Kanye West's song "Gold Digger" and emphasized the importance of having a prenup regardless of one's wealth or status.

The advice was shared with both Appleton and Gage during FaceTime calls, with Kardashian offering to help draft the document.

READ MORE: Taylor Swift Makes a Request for Fans Amid Concerning Concert Trend

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WATCH: Chris Appleton Files for Divorce From Lukas Gage After 6 Months of Marriage - From Entertainment Tonight
By Azernews

With the support of the Indian Embassy in Azerbaijan, a workshop themed on India has been held at Ganjlik Mall.

The event was organised as part of the Ambassador Cultural Club project at the initiative of the Arts Council of Azerbaijan, Azernews reports.

Curated by Samira Faizova, the workshop brought together artists Eldar Babazade, Roya Hasanova, Kamila Muradova, Maryam Kiblaeva, Leila Orujeva, Nailya Aslanova, Leyla Muradova, Sevda Rustamova, Nuray Allahverdiyeva and Melek Abbaszade.

Through paintings, the artists demonstrated unique interpretations dedicated to India, known as one of the most colourful countries in South Asia.

The paintings created by the artists are varied, from images of girls dancing in national costumes to the famous Taj Mahal.

In their art works, the artists also embodied motifs from Indian films, ancient cities, chess games, and majestic elephants on their canvases. This diversity has created a colourful palette that enriches our understanding of India's cultural heritage.

The Indian Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Sridharan Madhusudhanan, who got acquainted with each work, spoke about the artists, expressing gratitude to them for their contribution to the promotion of Indian cultural wealth.

Arts Council Azerbaijan is an international and independent art platform. The organisation is the head of the International Arts Council Network, which operates in different countries around the world. It was created by Dadash Mammadov in 2006.

The main purpose of the organisation is to promote Azerbaijani culture and art.

Many projects have been operating for many years under the auspices of the organisation. Among them are Art Gazette, Production Studio, Azerbaijan Animation Museum named after Nazim Mammadov, Art School Drawing School, "Under open air" plein air, Art Residence, and Youth Network.

Media partners of the event are Azernews.Az, Trend.Az, Day.Az, Milli.Az.
In a surprise move, the Wisconsin Senate approved a measure Tuesday overhauling the states alcohol industry despite the proposal being held up for months in a committee.

Instead of acting on the original bill, however, Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu, R-Oostburg, bypassed the committee process by adding the entire text of the proposal as an amendment to a separate measure.

Senators on both sides of the aisle unsuccessfully tried to oppose that move, saying the effort to make significant regulatory changes to Wisconsins alcohol industry wasnt relevant to the bill it was amending.

The procedural step was taken after the original proposal, AB 304, received Assembly approval in June but never got passed out of a Senate committee, as lawmakers voiced concerns about a provision that they say could lead to the shuttering of most Wisconsin wedding barns.

The amended bill, SB 268, which originally sought to allow local law enforcement and Department of Revenue agents to more easily enforce tobacco and lottery laws, passed 22-11, with bipartisan support and opposition.

The Assembly then concurred in the amendment, 88-10, sending the bill to Democratic Gov. Tony Evers.

Sen. Mark Spreitzer, D-Beloit, called the 144-page amendment to what was originally a 25-page bill an end run around the normal committee process.

He said it was unconscionable that the Senate was going to vote on a measure that could shut down wedding barns, adding that the action was interfering with both Wisconsins urban economy and rural agricultural economy in ways that have lasting consequences.

Sen. Steve Nass, R-Whitewater, said the bill only stands to benefit lobbyists and businesses.

Nothing benefits the consumers, he added.

Few spoke in support of the proposal. After it passed, LeMahieu said the bill will provide regulatory clarity and certainty to Wisconsins alcohol beverage industry.

The proposal would, among other measures, transfer all alcohol beverage regulations to a newly created Division of Alcohol Beverages within the state Department of Revenue. The new division would enforce state laws that pertain to breweries, wineries and distilleries, as well as retailers and distributors of alcoholic beverages.

Currently, alcohol in Wisconsin is distributed and sold through a roughly 90-year-old, three-tier system in which producers of beer, wine and spirits sell to wholesalers, who then sell the products to retailers to sell to consumers.

The three-tiered system was created in the 1930s to prevent monopolies by barring any one company from producing and selling alcohol at the wholesale level.

The framework has been a point of criticism over the years for failing to keep up with the changing industry and growing businesses in craft beers or wedding barns.

Under the proposal, the new division would be able to appoint special agents and other employees to carry out permitting, as well as audits, enforcement, education and legal functions. The bill stipulates that any agents employed by the division cannot have any financial interest in the alcoholic beverage industry.

The bill would allow brewers to operate retail locations without tap rooms to sell beer and expand hours of operations for wineries, allowing those establishments to stay open as late as bars.

The most divisive component in the bill would require wedding barns, or venues that sell or provide alcohol for special events, to secure a permit or alcohol license to operate. People operating wedding barns said the bill would effectively eliminate their businesses.

The Senate turned down a bipartisan effort to eliminate that contested provision from the measure.

This morning's headlines: Fighting in Gaza; climate crisis; APEC summit Business AP Biden says his goal for Xi meeting is to get US-China communications back to 'normal' President Joe Biden and Chinas Xi Jinping have swept into San Francisco and are making their final preparations for their first engagement in a year. Biden expressed hope that the talks would help put shaky U.S.-China relationship in a better place. The two leaders arrived in the city to be greeted by hundreds of demonstrators who lined up along their motorcade routes, waving Chinese, Taiwanese and Tibetan flags, as well as signs in support and opposition of the Chinese leader. Biden said his broad goal was to get Washington and Beijing on a normal course corresponding once again even as they have sharp differences on no shortage of issues. National AP Israeli military forces raid Gaza's largest hospital in operation against Hamas The Israeli military says its forces are raiding Gazas largest hospital, the site of a lengthy standoff with the Hamas militant group. The army surrounded Shifa Hospital as part of its ground offensive. Israeli authorities claim Hamas conceals military operations in the hospital, a claim denied by Hamas and medical staff. But with hundreds of patients and medical personnel inside, the Israeli military has refrained from entering. Early Wednesday, the army said its forces were carrying out a precise and targeted" operation there against Hamas. It gave no further details but said it was taking steps to avoid harm to civilians. National AP The man accused of attacking Pelosi's husband apologizes for hammer assault The man accused of attacking former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosis husband with a hammer has apologized. In taking the stand at his trial Tuesday, David DePape echoed right-wing conspiracy theories to explain to jurors that he went to the Pelosis home as part of a bigger plot to end what he viewed as government corruption. DePape spoke for more than an hour in which he tearfully recounted about how his political leanings went from leftist to right-wing after reading a comment on a YouTube video about former President Donald Trump. He said he bludgeoned Paul Pelosi after realizing his larger plan might be unraveling.
An investigation led to the execution of a search warrant this past Friday morning at an Allentown home where police said they found drugs, a firearm and made an arrest.

Detectives from the Vice and Intelligence Unit, Emergency Response Team and Patrol raided the property in the 400 block of Liberty Street around 6:15 a.m.

Officers seized a shotgun, cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia, Police Chief Charles Roca said.

John Arthur Berrian, 73, is facing charges in the incident. Berrian is charged with felony possession with intent to deliver cocaine; misdemeanor possession of cocaine; and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.

Berrian on Friday was arraigned before District Judge Rashid Santiago, who set bail at 10% of $20,000. In lieu of bail, Berrian was taken to the Lehigh County jail. The Lehigh County Public Defenders Office said Berrian has since applied for representation but counsel is yet to be assigned to him.

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A former Bon-Ton space that has sat vacant for about five years is set to be razed and become a world class supermarket at South Mall, according to the shopping centers leasing agent.

James Balliet of the James Balliet Property Group, the leasing agent for South Mall, told lehighvalleylive.com Tuesday he expects Giant Food Stores sometime in early 2025 to tentatively begin construction. The grocer plans to build a new ground-up store  totaling 68,000 square feet  as well as fuel stations at 3300 Lehigh St. in Salisbury Township.

The former Bon-Ton department store, which closed in 2018 at the mall, will be demolished to make way for the new Giant store, Balliet said.

Salisbury Township Planning and Zoning Officer Kerry Rabold told lehighvalleylive.com developers have submitted a sketch plan for the Giant project, but will need to submit a formal land development plan to obtain proper permits and approvals.

Laura Jacobs, a Giant spokeswoman, said the South Mall location plans to replace another existing Giant store along West Emmaus Avenue in Allentown. That site plans to close upon completion of the South Mall store and has been in existence for about 35 years, Giant representatives said.

Specific store amenities and employment opportunities, as well as an official opening date, are expected to be shared by the company at a later date. John Ruane, president of The Giant Company, called the nearby move from Allentown to Salisbury a much needed opportunity to grow the stores footprint.

A larger and updated store will allow us to offer our Allentown area families the latest amenities while underscoring our commitment to providing our customers with great value, the best quality and friendly service theyve come to expect from Giant, Ruane said in a statement Tuesday.

Currently, Giant operates seven other stores and employs more than 1,400 workers in Lehigh County.

The announcement by The James Balliet Property Group and Giant does not come as a huge surprise. Balliet has long been trying to obtain a grocer as a tenant at the shopping center.

Giant additionally will be a welcome addition to the mall, which like so many others in the region, grappled with vacancies prior and amid the coronavirus pandemic. These included the three major anchors -- Stein Mart after its bankruptcy filing in 2020; The Bon-Ton after its bankruptcy filing two years prior; and Black Rose Antiques & Collectibles, which relocated in January 2017 to the now defunct Phillipsburg Mall at the border of Pohatcong and Lopatcong townships, according to the Morning Call newspaper.

Some recent additions at South Mall include Attic Mice 2, which opened a store in April and a second location this past summer at the mall; as well as SuperSets gym this past April; and a second location for Habitat for Humanity of the Lehigh Valleys ReStore; and Ohana WonderTown Playground, both also this past spring. Two new retailers  DragonKnight Gaming and Collectibles and Caring Hearts Cache Thrift Boutique  plan to open by late December, Balliet said.

Whos In:

Aside from the recent and new additions, other current tenants at the South Mall and its exterior shopping center include:

A-1 Hibachi; Amazon Locker; Back to the Arcade; Bank of America; Bath & Body Works; Blick Art Materials; C & I Minerals; Dinos Pizza-teria; Eric J. Loch Jewelers; Eyebrow Threading; Good Wine & Spirits; Holiday Hair; Jack Williams Tire & Auto Service Center; Just for U Salon; Mattress Firm; Oriental Therapy; Petco; Ross Dress for Less; Signature Day Spa; South Mall Mercantile; Staples; Starbucks; T-Mobile (Sprint); and Yoccos.

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Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com.
After 14 years on the Columbus City Council representing Ward 1, Beth Augustine-Schulte will vacate her spot on the council as she moves to a new residence outside of the city, further into Platte County.

It all started in 2009 when Joe Held stepped down from his position on the council for the same reason. Augustine-Schulte said that, at the time, the position wasn't really one she wanted to have.

"At that time I was totally uninterested and uninvolved with anything involving the city. This opening came up and a friend of mine suggested I consider applying to fill the term, which I was surprised by because it was not a position I had ever foreseen myself in," Augustine-Schulte said.

Sandra Riley, who had served on the council herself, urged Augustine-Schulte to apply because she thought she would not only do well, but enjoy it.

"I went through the application process and was appointed by the mayor (Mike Moser). I had nothing in mind to accomplish or do, I just was not familiar at all with what all it entailed," Augustine-Schulte said. "The comment I made was that I not only had a clean slate, I don't think I even had a slate; I had no idea what I was getting into."

Over those 14 years, Augustine-Schulte has seen many projects proposed, started and completed, which is one of her favorite parts of the position, she said. The Columbus Community Building and subsequent Columbus Public Library that finished construction earlier this year are some of the most meaningful to her, as her first job was the Columbus Public Library when she was in her teens.

"It's watching the progress and when you see projects coming to mind and people present them as an idea and you see the work behind them, the necessary steps that go into planning a project for the city and how community feedback is received, seeing the project from beginning to end," Augustine-Schulte said. "It seemed like it moved really slow at times but it is fascinating to see the whole process and the end result."

Teaching at St. Bonaventure's School during her time on the council, Augustine-Schulte also enjoyed being able to teach students about city government from a first-hand perspective.

"Bringing information about city government and the community to students, that is such a cool thing. I've had the chance to go into different classrooms and talk with them about my role as a council person and answer basic questions about why things are the way they are in their city and community," Augustine-Schulte said.

The experience must have resonated with those students as she saw them years later as adults, she said.

"Over my tenure I've seen former students that were kids in my classroom asking questions that were now adults coming to the council and asking questions, bringing concerns, getting involved. For me, that's really exciting seeing them get involved in the community," Augustine-Schulte said.

Mayor Jim Bulkley was on the city council when Augustine-Schulte was appointed and now, after 14 years and some changes in both of their paths through city government, he said she will be missed.

"She always handled herself well; she'll be missed. I was surprised when she informed me," Bulkley said. "She's grown into the job extremely well. It'll be hard to replace Beth because she was very diligent about what she was involved in, took it very seriously. She was a great spokesperson for the people of her ward."

During her tenure on the city council, Augustine-Schulte was serious about helping with concerns from citizens and answering their questions, Bulkley said. That diligence earned the trust of her peers and she was named council president.

"Basically it signifies the council have faith in her to handle the responsibilities of council work because, if the mayor's not around, she's in charge and she's done that very well," Bulkley said. "There's not many times she's had to, but one of her duties is to run the annual evaluation of the city administrator and Beth did an excellent job of developing and streamlining that evaluation."

Bulkley said that the process of selecting the next Ward 1 representative is pretty straightforward. Applications come in and he, as mayor, appoints the person best qualified.

"We take candidates of interest and come up with the candidate we feel is best qualified. It's an appointment of the mayor, and they'll serve out the rest of Beth's (Augustine-Schulte) term, another two-and-a-half years or so," Bulkley said. "Because of her diligence and involvement it will be tough to replace her but there are people out there. That process we want to go through now is to make everyone aware of that open spot."
Thousands of unionized Starbucks baristas will walk off the job on the coffee chains Red Cup Day, which is slated for Thursday.

The one-day strike comes as the union says the company has refused to resolve staffing and scheduling issues during promotional events.

Starbucks executives say that the union has refused to negotiate and has not met to sign a contract agreement for months.

The union, Workers United, represents more than 360 unionized stores and over 9,000 Starbucks workers, according to the Starbucks Workers United website.

This is not the first time Starbucks unionized employees have walked off the job on Red Cup Day.

Last year, workers at more than 100 U.S. corporate-owned Starbucks walked off the job for one day on Nov. 17, 2022, the day of last years Red Cup Day, to protest what they said was illegal retaliation against them forming a union.

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Jessica Young couldve taken the easy road and joined the family business, but thats not her style. She prefers to follow her gut.

I took a total left turn, The Bethlehem-native and Michelin-trained chef said.

After a year studying biochemistry, and unsatisfied with following in her familys footsteps, she took a gap semester at the International Culinary Center in New York City, I liked it and I never went back, she said.

Its almost 15 years later and Young now runs her own company, Bubble Goods, an online store for independent, small-scale retailers with a focus on health foods for people and their pets.

Bubble Goods launched in 2019. It was the perfect timing for the new entrepreneur to make her plunge. Shed spent more than a decade working in the e-commerce industry as director of operations for Daily Harvest, a digital platform that offers subscribers prepared meals customized to their tastes, and similar brands such as Chobani and RITUAL.

At a certain point, I realized everyone who was reaching out to me was asking me the same question, so she decided to do something about it, she said.

Shelf space has been bought by the same 10 companies for the past hundred years. It makes it difficult for emerging brands to find space a lot of times. We have unlimited shelf space.

Its not a far departure from the mission her grandfather had in 1956 when he opened the first Youngs Pharmacy in Easton at the corner of 10th and Northampton streets.

Were trying to give our customers the option for a healthier life, so I guess my grandfather had the same idea.

Youngs Pharmacy made a name for itself for more than 60 years by providing customers with top-tier tinctures and remedies, a familiar small-town pharmacy feeling and quick business, until it was sold in 2018.

At its height, it ran as many as 9 locations, according to reports; with medical supply stores in Palmer Township, Stroudsburg, Lansdale, Reading, Lancaster, Harrisburg and Somerville, N.J., as well as two pharmacies in Horsham and Bethlehem Township.

As of November, the Bubble Goods website states more than 1,000 retailers from around the world use the site to sell their products, with five to 10 brands debuting on the site per week, Young said.

Her company now has offices based in New York City and at The Factory, the 40,000 square-foot innovation innovation warehouse, in Bethlehem.

Young relocated to Allentown in 2021 after meeting her now-fiance, she said, but her other goal is still to collaborate with Lehigh Valley businesses.

Ive had the opportunity to join teams that were building from the ground up very successfully. I was riding the ups and downs of uncertainty. Thats what made me confident about starting my own business and recognizing the markers of success, and now we have a platform where I can make that happen for other people.

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Hunterdon County officially opened its first temporary-housing facility for families in need  a year after gaining approval from the Flemington Borough Planning Board over objections from some residents.

On Wednesday, the nonprofit Family Promise joined county officials to celebrate the grand opening of Hunterdons first transitional shelter for women and children facing temporary homelessness.

The Promise Center, a 1,575-square-foot facility on New York Avenue in Flemington, was originally Calvary Episcopal Churchs annex building and utilized for Sunday School classes before being remodeled.

Calvary Episcopal Church, a historic building dating back to the mid-1800s, partnered with Family Promise on the renovation project for the two-floor annex  a project that cost more than $20,000.

It looks so different, said Angela Fields, executive director of Family Promise, Hunterdons only residential support center for families. The ceiling has been changed, we put in more home-friendly lighting, changed all the flooring, redid the front and back deck.

Just making it a more welcoming atmosphere, she added.

Leasing the church annex gives Family Promise the opportunity to accommodate displaced families who may be affected by fires, disasters or economic challenges.

Angela Fields, Executive director of Family Promise of Hunterdon County shows off a children's playroom for families in a converted annex next to the Calvary Episcopal Church in Flemington.Phil McAuliffe

The Promise Center can house up to four families, with a total occupancy of 14 people  including 12 adults and children, as well as two staff members. Families typically will stay for 30 to 90 days, during which theyll receive help in finding a more permanent home, the centers director said.

When not in the former church annex, children will be at school or daycare and mothers will be at work or participating in career readiness programs at Family Promises main center in Raritan Township, officials said.

The home for displaced families is also located right in Flemingtons downtown area, making it walkable and commutable to schools and businesses in the area.

Establishing the facility has been a process spanning more than two years, with contributions from numerous volunteers, support from community partners and even challenges posed by resident opposition.

Last year, the borough planning board approved a proposal and variance to convert the churchs annex into the shelter. While many supported the Centers mission, in the weeks before the proposal got the green light, some local citizens spoke out against the plan, saying that the facility would disrupt their neighborhood.

Since the planning board decision, there hasnt been any further discussion or opposition from residents, according to Fields.

Family Promise officials also said another reason for Wednesdays grand opening was to provide the Centers neighbors with an opportunity to meet the staff and gain a better understanding of their mission.

Im anxious to find that third door that will bring us together as neighbors, Fields said.

Recently, the Promise Center received a $100,000 grant from The Provident Bank Foundation to support the new temporary housing program.

When Fields  who has been advocating for unhoused people for two decades  learned about the grant, she said she so happy that she began skipping across the churchs parking lot. It was just an amazing feeling... it felt like someone believed in us, Fields said.

The funds will primarily be used to expand Family Promises staff, as this marks the first time they are opening a facility that will require overnight staffing, according to officials.

In fact, prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, Family Promise would typically house families in buildings owned and used by churches. But after many sites closed due to the pandemic, the organization had to start housing families in motels and hotels, the director said.

That is no longer a financially feasible option, which is why the nonprofit has moved to leasing buildings like Calvary Episcopal Churchs annex.

A lack of affordable housing, rent increases and the end of the eviction moratorium that was in place during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic are factors that have contributed to New Jerseys homeless population increasing by 17% this year, according to an annual point-in-time count.

While Hunterdons count decreased slightly this year to 174 people, housing advocates say homelessness in rural counties often takes a different form than in urban areas, which can lead to it being overlooked.

Homelessness in Hunterdon, a rural, wealthy county in northwestern New Jersey, often takes the form of people living in horse stables, vans and trailer parks and families doubling or tripling up in apartments, Family Promise officials said.

And every year, the organization prevents homelessness for dozens of families at the brink of being displaced by providing services such as helping with landlord payment negotiations, the organization said.

I think Family Promise and a variety of community agencies (do) their jobs so well, that it gives people a false identity and really a false perception of the (housing) crisis thats really going on in rural counties, Fields said.

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Delaware River bridge E-ZPass tolls will go up 25 cents from $1.25 to $1.50 next year, according to a news release.

The news release from the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission says the increase will go into effect Jan 7, 2024. It affects all motorcycles, cars, pickup trucks, vans, and SUVs that are less than eight-feet high and have up to two axles.
Danelo Cavalcante is facing a set of additional charges after being on the run for two weeks following his escape from Chester County Prison in August, according to officials.

On Monday, Attorney General Michelle Henry said Pennsylvania State Police filed 20 new charges against Cavalcante, 34, with multiple felonies and misdemeanors, including burglary, theft by unlawful taking, criminal trespassing, receiving stolen property, unlawful possession of a firearm and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.

Authorities said the charges stem from Cavalcantes activities during the two weeks he was evading hundreds of law enforcement agencies after escaping on Aug. 31 by climbing up a prison recreation yard wall, running across the roof and jumping onto the ground.

The new charges against Cavalcante speak to the lengths he went to in his unsuccessful efforts to elude law enforcement, said Lt. Col. George Bivens, Pennsylvania State Police deputy commissioner of operations.

Cavalcante escaped while awaiting transfer to state prison after being sentenced to life for fatally stabbing his ex-girlfriend in 2021, according to police. Prosecutors say he wanted to stop her from telling police that he was wanted in a killing in his home country of Brazil.

After massive state police searches, he was captured at gunpoint on Sept. 13 in Chester County. The manhunt, which attracted international attention, caused many schools to close at the beginning of the academic year while troopers searched for Cavalcante.

Investigators reported Cavalcante stole items to help him change his appearance in addition to a getaway vehicle and a rifle with ammunition.

According to the new charges, he robbed two homes in Pennsbury and South Coventry townships. Investigators said he took a firearm, clothing, and a shaving razor. He was also charged with stealing a Ford Transit in Pocopson Township on Sept. 9.

On Sept. 11 troopers said Cavalcante went into a house garage on the 3500 block of Coventryville Road in South Coventry Township and stole a .22 caliber long rifle loaded with 10 rounds, according to court documents.

The defendant used all means necessary to escape from prison and stay hidden from authorities. These offenses aided his efforts and elevated his threat to the public, Henry said.

When Cavalcante was captured, police said he still had items he had stolen from a home in Pennsbury Township one day after the escape, including a backpack, button-down shirt, paring knife, razor and sleeping bag.

Nine days after the escape, when Cavalcante knocked on the door of a home across the county in Phoenixville, a woman was home alone at the time and saw Cavalcante at the door. She then went to the second floor and watched him and his stolen van through the window, the complaint reveals.

Internal Chester County documents obtained by ACB News revealed a corrections officer warned that Cavalcante was planning an escape weeks before he ultimately broke out of the prison.

Cavalcante is now serving a life sentence at State Correctional Institution-Phoenix in Montgomery County. He is expected to be arraigned on the new charges Friday. The Office of Attorney General will prosecute the case.
A Hanover Township, Northampton County, physician accused of sexually assaulting a female patient during office visits is headed to possible trial in Northampton County Court.

Dr. Eric Thomas Cochran, 52, of Bethlehem Township, on Nov. 8 appeared before District Judge Vivian Zumas, court records say. He gave up his right to a preliminary hearing, sending the case toward trial in Northampton County Court. Cochran on Oct. 23 was arraigned before Zumas on one count of felony aggravated indecent assault without consent and four misdemeanor counts of indecent assault without consent. He remains free on $150,000 unsecured bail.

Colonial Regional police in court papers say the alleged incidents took place at Concentra Urgent Care, along South Commerce Way in Hanover Township, Northampton County, where Cochran was employed at the time. The victim, according to court records, saw Cochran during six separate appointments, with the final visit being this past March 6.

The victim reported to Colonial Regional police having selected Cochran because he was a pre-approved provider by her company to deal with a workplace injury. Cochran referred the woman to physical therapy, which she began undergoing regularly, according to court records.

On a subsequent visit, Cochran allegedly told the victim her employer would no longer pay her salary during medical appointments and advised her to discontinue therapy and instead exercise at home. He told her to continue follow-up visits with him, court records state.

The victim reported to police a February incident, in which she claims Cochran began massaging her back  an act she understood to be part of her treatment when he had done it before  but alleges the physician made sexual contact with her. A similar act followed on another visit five days later and the victim reported to police being frightened, court records state.

On a third visit in March, the victim recorded Cochran on her cellphone as she alleges more sexual acts took place, court records state. Later in the visit, Cochran allegedly told the victim he was interested in her and wanted to see her outside the office.

The woman reported to investigators she refused and Cochran allegedly replied he would send her back to full status work and she didnt need to return for any follow-up appointments. The victim provided video to police of the alleged sexual contact, according to court records.

Cochrans defense attorney, Philip Lauer, told lehighvalleylive.com he had not seen the evidence in the case.

I think there is a lot more information that will need to be gathered and known, and Dr. Cochran has been a highly regarded osteopathic physician for a number of years, Lauer said. So we are waiting to see what the evidence is to support these claims, but I think unfortunately a number of things that at least weve heard in this case might actually be consistent with some of the physical contact that an osteopathic doctor will have sometimes with a patient.

Messages seeking comment from Concentra were not immediately returned.

Cochran is due back in court for a formal arraignment tentatively scheduled Jan. 18, 2024, in the Northampton County Court of Common Pleas.

Editors note: This article was updated with comment from the suspects attorney.

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Supervising reporter Kurt Bresswein contributed to this report.

Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com.
People who gave testimony at a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection hearing Monday were overwhelmingly unified in their opinion: Deny the River Pointe applications.

The state DEP conducted a hearing Monday at Bangor Area High School regarding the proposed 800-acre River Pointe Logistics Center in Upper Mount Bethel Township.

River Pointe is seeking a DEP National Pollutant Discharge and Elimination System (NPDES) permit for discharge purposes and a Water Obstruction and Encroachment Joint Permit Application.

The applications are for three buildings in the first phase of the development, which is planned to include up to 6 million square feet of industrial buildings.

The development, bordered by River Road, Potomac Street and North Delaware Drive, also known as Route 611, is adjacent to the Delaware River.

The NPDES permit application would allow discharge of stormwater from construction activities at the site to an unknown tributary to Delaware River, an unknown tributary to Allegheny Creek and to other wetlands, which are subject to special protections under the Clean Water Act.

Public speakers at Mondays hearing spoke for about two hours. All speakers said they are concerned about the size of the development, and how the eventual amount of impervious surfaces like roads and parking lots will be deleterious to wetlands, nearby creeks and the Delaware River.

Speakers also included representatives from the National Parks Conservation Association, Delaware Riverkeepers, the Martins Jacoby Watershed Association, and the Lower Mount Bethel Township Environmental Advisory Council.

Edward Stierli, a senior director for the Mid-Atlantic region of the National Parks Conservation Association, said the unprecedented scope of the River Pointe project poses a serious concern for local watersheds.

These wetlands will be radically changed, Upper Mount Bethel Township resident Charles Cole said.

No River Pointe representatives spoke at Mondays hearing. However, in past meetings, River Pointe representatives have said the development will follow all federal, state and local regulations and permitting requirements.

People interested in commenting on the applications can provide written comments until Nov. 28 at 4 p.m. by emailing Colleen Connolly, the DEP Regional Communications Manager, at coconnolly@pa.gov.

The DEP will spend the next several weeks preparing a comment response document. After that, the DEP will provide a complete review of the comments and the applications, which may take several more weeks until a decision is made whether to approve the applications.

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Former Portlaoise St Patrick's Day Parade Grand Marshall and well known gay campaigner with Laois roots, Senator David Norris, has announced his retirement.

Senator Norris has family connections to the Mountrath area and has been a regular visitor to Laois over many years.

He previously announced that he had bought a burial plot in Rosskelton, Mountrath, where he intends to be buried when he dies.

Colleagues in the Seanad Independent Group today paid tribute to Senator David Norris after he confirmed that he will be retiring in January 2024, completing his political career as the longest-serving Irish senator.

Senator Norris announced his retirement in an interview published by Trinity News on Tuesday. First elected to the Dublin University Constituency in 1987, Senator Norris is the person credited with having overthrown Irelands anti-homosexuality law following a campaign involving court cases that lasted for over 14 years. He was the founder of the Campaign for Homosexual Law Reform and was the first openly gay person elected to public office in Ireland.

Group whip Senator Michael McDowell spoke highly of his colleague during the Order of Business in the Seanad Camber saying, I want to express my deep sense of friendship, gratitude and loyalty to a member of my group.

Group leader Senator Victor Boyhan followed in with a tribute of his own. He said, David has actually confirmed that the story in this interview is true. He has good plans, and I wish him well. I want to join my colleagues in paying tribute to David Norris.

Senator Norris will split his time between Cyprus and Dublin once he retires from the Seanad.

Seanad Cathaoirleach Senator Jerry Buttimer joined in the tributes by saying that he and other members of the LGBTQ+ community owe Senator Norris a huge debt of gratitude.
A LONG-TIME host of a popular Irish talk show is finishing up their post on the peak-time TV programme.

Karen Koster is leaving her job as an RTE Six OClock show host after two years and retiring from VMTV after 20 years.

The famous TV presenter graced our television screens on both Ireland AM and the discontinued Xpose, which ran from 2007 to 2019.

The 42-year-old Irish-Dutch presenter announced the news on Monday evenings episode, November 13, saying that she has had an absolute ball while on the Six OClock show, alongside co-presenter and former rugby player, Greg OShea.

After a whopping twenty years with VMTV, our very own Karen is passing on The Six OClock Show baton.



Your two years on Six have been filled with fun and a lot of laughs, and we want to wish you the best of luck. pic.twitter.com/2FBS4QQdRD  The Six O'Clock Show (@SixOClockShow) November 13, 2023

After over two years here on the Six OClock show, I am going to finish up next week.

I have had an absolute ball, but I am really just saying goodbye because I have to be at home more with my kids.

Continuing on by thanking co-host Greg and saying previous hosts such as Martin King were also incredible, as well as guests, she said the production team, researchers and producers make the job so easy and so enjoyable.

I am just missing too much of my kids' days when I am here in the afternoon and evenings, so I know my heart is right, even though I have agonised over this decision for months and months - I know this decision is the right one.

I will still be lurking around to fill in if anyone needs a dig-out, but I am really looking forward to watching it at home at 6pm, passing the baton on!

Concluding by saying she is now glad to have the weight off her chest, Karen said she knows that the show will go from strength to strength.
A simple click of a seatbelt can prevent senseless tragedies, the sheriffs office said. Whether youre driving 10 minutes or 10 hours, it is critical that all drivers and passengers Buckle Up, Every Trip, Every Time. The sheriffs offices goal is to help everyone have a safe holiday season, so please make sure everyone in your vehicle is buckled up before you leave. Especially our most precious cargo, children, who need to be placed in the correct car seat. During this enforcement effort deputies will also be cracking down on all other traffic law violations. Its an effort to continue to educate the public on the fact that seatbelts do save lives.
A Naas District Court judge thanked a retiring garda for his service over the past 30 years.

Judge Desmond Zaidan made the comments in relation to Garda Ronan Mannion, who serves with the Naas Roads Policing Unit.

The court was told by Judge Zaidan that Gda Mannion is due to retire within a few weeks.

The judge said that Gda Mannion 'is a credit to the gardai and also to Ireland.'

Solicitor David Powderly described Gda Mannion as 'a garda full of integrity.'

"He would always be able to find something good in a defendant, and was willing to give anyone who deserved it a break," he added.

File photograph: Garda Ronan Mannion.

Garda Sergeant Mary Meade also said to Gda Mannion: "I want to wish you the very best of luck.

"It has been an absolute pleasure; you would never have too much trouble with Ronan!" Sgt Meade added.

Barrister Sarah Connolly also said: "I wish to echo the sentiments of everyone here, on behalf of The Bar.

"Gda Mannion was always incredibly easy to deal with, and him retiring will be a huge loss to An Garda Siochana."

Speaking directly to Gda Mannion, Judge Zaidan said: "You more than deserve it (referring to his retirement). I want to wish you the very best of luck."

A round of applause broke out from the practitioners.

Once it concluded, Gda Mannion thanked the judge and other practictioners for their kind words.

Read more Kildare court stories here.
A St Johnston pensioner has avoided jail after being convicted of assaulting his partner, who he caught having an affair with a man in France they had previously sold a horse to.

William Lapsley from St Johnston in Donegal was handed a six-month suspended sentence when he appeared before Letterkenny District Court on Monday in connection with the incident in 2018.

After discovering that his then partner was still in contact with another man in France, Lapsley, now a 75-year-old, was said to have punched and kicked the woman. The court heard that he also hit her with a handle of a brush.

On September 2, 2018, Letterkenny Garda Station received a call from a man in France and said he had heard a lot of shouting a screaming while he was on a phone call to a woman. The man told gardai that he was concerned for the welfare of the woman.

Sergeant Gerard Dalton told the court that gardai attended the home of Lapsley at Altaskin, St Johnston and spoke to him in the backyard. Lapsley told gardai that he had an argument with his partner.

Garda Simon Morrison spoke to Ms Kelda Morgan and noticed a bruise on her left eye. Ms Morgan told the court that Lapsley heard her on the phone and punched her to the face, kicked her to the head and hit her with the handle of a brush.

Sergeant Dalton told the court that the pair were in a relationship and had sold a horse to a man in France. He said that it appeared that Ms Morgan went to France and had an affair with the person they sold the horse to.

When Ms Morgan made a phone call to a male in France, Lapsley heard the call.

Sergeant Dalton said Lapsley was arrested and made some admissions regarding the assault. Photos of Ms Morgans injuries were handed into the court.

Mr Donough Cleary, solicitor for Lapsley, said the complainant had told his client that a relationship with a third party was at an end, but this transpired not to be the case.

There was a fight, or a scuffle, around the phone, Mr Cleary said. Essentially, Mr Lapsley wanted the phone to prove to himself that there was still contact.

Mr Cleary told the court that the injured party in the case was not married to the third party mentioned.

Judge Eiteain Cunningham said that a probation report was not overall positive. There are significant issues in terms of insight, acknowledgement and taking steps to improve the situation, Judge Cunningham said.

Mr Cleary said: He made a very frank statement almost immediately expressing regret. This wasnt his finest hour and he is apologetic. He said his client is 75 years old and this is his first charge for a violent act.

Mr Cleary said, in the context of his client having been told that the other relationship was over, that the reaction was understandable.

Judge Cunningham said that Lapsleys reaction on the day was not in any way understandable and not in any way acceptable.

The Probation Service has placed Lapsley as being of a moderate risk of future domestic abuse behaviours and has been assessed as being unsuitable for the Men Overcoming Violent Emotions (MOVE) programme.

Judge Cunningham said: The Court notes that he presented as being of a limited willingness to change and address abusive behaviours.

Judge Cunningham said the Court found the incident to be a serious assault which was placed at the upper end of the District Courts jurisdiction and warranted a custodial sentence.

Lapsley was convicted and sentenced to six months in prison. The entirety of the term was suspended for 12 months upon Lapsley entering into a bond.
The Government has been accused of mismanaging the health service during a testy exchange with Sinn Fein.

Minister Simon Harris insisted the Government is investing in and growing the service, and criticised Sinn Feins plans as well as claiming they either shout at you or threaten to sue you.

Sinn Fein TD David Cullinane criticised a recruitment freeze for thousands of vital frontline posts, claiming 7,000 posts essential posts have been scrapped because of Governments mismanagement of the health budget.

The disastrous decision and consequences of this Governments decision to deliberately underfund the health services for next year becomes clearer by the day and by the week, he said.

The disastrous decision by Gov't to underfund the health service has condemned tens of thousands of patients & staff to extreme risk this winter Gov't must immediately reverse the recruitment freeze & revise the health budget so patients get the care they need  @davidcullinane pic.twitter.com/pTmQsn3a4z  Sinn Fein (@sinnfeinireland) November 14, 2023

He said 595 patients on hospital trolleys were recorded on Monday ahead of an extremely difficult winter in our health services.

And your Government in that context has decided to deliberately underfund the health service, he said.

It was quite obvious from the budget that your Government has thrown in the towel on health. You have condemned tens of thousands of patients and staff to extreme risk in hospitals this winter.

Speaking during leaders questions, he challenged the Government to revise the health budget and reverse the recruitment embargo.

Responding for the Government, Minister for Higher Education Simon Harris said in September there were 143,075 staff working in the Irish health service, an increase of 5,330 this year.

He also said there is funding to further grow the size of the health service workforce in 2024.

This is for 2023. We have budget 2024. We have the first of January weeks away and that is a year in which the Minister for Health has more money for the HSE to hire more nurses, more doctors in addition to the exemptions that have already been secured.

Mr Harris said the Government has allocated two billion euro for health in 2024, whereas the Sinn Fein alternative budget for health has a 1.5 billion euro allocation for health.

So when you asked me to revise the health budget, are you asking me to cut the health budget by a further half a billion to reflect your policy plans? he said.

Mr Cullinane said his partys plan would have provided for existing levels of service above that 1.5 billion, and accused the minister of bluster.

He raised the plight of patients waiting for treatment and also Irish health workers abroad wanting to come home to work.

So Im asking you again to stop making this about Sinn Fein. You and your Government made the decision, reverse the decision, reverse that disastrous recruitment embargo and do whats right for those patients Ive spoken about and those people who want to come and work in the public system.

Referencing the next general election, Mr Harris responded: Im not making this about Sinn Fein at all, Im making it about choices and the choices the Irish people have in relation to this government versus that Government.

He quipped: They tend to shout at you or sue you, as Mr Cullinane attempted to respond.

Elections and politics and accountability are about making choices, and the people of Ireland will have a choice, he added.
As the conflict between Hamas and Gaza enters, councillors at the latest meeting of Leitrim County Council condemned the .

Cllr Brendan Barry called on Leitrim County Council to condemn "Israel's brutal assault on the 2.3million civilians of Gaza with almost 50% of them under the age of 18, which live in an area less than a quarter the size of County Leitrim and has resulted in more than 10,000 deaths including over 4,000 children to date."

He said that the "forced displacement of Palestinians by Israel with the cutting off of water, fuel, food and medical supplies and the destruction of civilian infrastructure including Hospitals, throughout Gaza amounts to collective punishment, in contravention of international humanitarian law."

He said the Gaza Strip is like "a huge outdoor prison where these people are living and many were refugees who fled their homes in 1946/7 when the state was set up."

He said the only solution was a "two state solution -a state for the Palestinian people and a state for Israel but the world can't stand idly by and allow Israel continue taking land from the Palestinians" adding that "1.4million people have been displaced from northern Gaza into southern Gaza which would be like 1.4 million people living in Carrick-on-Shannon being forced towards Dromad."

He said: "It's genocide what it happening and Israel is breaking all sorts of international laws and should be considered a terrorist state, in my view."

Cllr Mary Bohan said it was "absolutely shocking to see what's happening every day of the week, in this day and age and we saw it in Ukraine with what Russia has done."

She said that Hamas should also be condemned too in the motion.

Cllr Des Guckian said he condemned Israel for their "brutal revenge attack of late on Gaza, I also condemn the invasion of Israel by Hamas militants and the murder and abduction of thousands of Israelis."

He said the leadership on both sides have failed "and have to start talking peace."

Cllr Padraig Fallon said that for a nation that "have endured so much as they have, can then turn around and carry out actions similar to that on another race of people" and said there "needs to be an immediate ceasefire."

He added: "In twenty years time, the whole world will be asking, 'How did the world stand by?"

Cllr Sean McGowan said the situation has "been festering for years and years in the middle east and an immediate ceasefire is what's called for humanitarian relief into those poor people who are suffering."

Cllr Enda Stenson said it was "horrendous" adding "the power of the Americans, I think they could and should do more for those people. Human life is human life."

Cathaoirleach Cllr Justin Warnock said that "to see small children slaughtered is totally inhuman" and said that it is not just a ceasefire that's needed but " a just solution needs to be found - they have to have their own state."

As the conflict between Hamas and Gaza enters, councillors at the latest meeting of Leitrim County Council condemned the .

Cllr Brendan Barry called on Leitrim County Council to condemn "Israel's brutal assault on the 2.3million civilians of Gaza with almost 50% of them under the age of 18, which live in an area less than a quarter the size of County Leitrim and has resulted in more than 10,000 deaths including over 4,000 children to date."

He said that the "forced displacement of Palestinians by Israel with the cutting off of water, fuel, food and medical supplies and the destruction of civilian infrastructure including Hospitals, throughout Gaza amounts to collective punishment, in contravention of international humanitarian law."

He said the Gaza Strip is like "a huge outdoor prison where these people are living and many were refugees who fled their homes in 1946/7 when the state was set up."

He said the only solution was a "two state solution -a state for the Palestinian people and a state for Israel but the world can't stand idly by and allow Israel continue taking land from the Palestinians" adding that "1.4million people have been displaced from northern Gaza into southern Gaza which would be like 1.4 million people living in Carrick-on-Shannon being forced towards Dromad."

He said: "It's genocide what it happening and Israel is breaking all sorts of international laws and should be considered a terrorist state, in my view."

Cllr Mary Bohan said it was "absolutely shocking to see what's happening every day of the week, in this day and age and we saw it in Ukraine with what Russia has done."

She said that Hamas should also be condemned too in the motion.

Cllr Des Guckian said he condemned Israel for their "brutal revenge attack of late on Gaza, I also condemn the invasion of Israel by Hamas militants and the murder and abduction of thousands of Israelis."

He said the leadership on both sides have failed "and have to start talking peace."

Cllr Padraig Fallon said that for a nation that "have endured so much as they have, can then turn around and carry out actions similar to that on another race of people" and said there "needs to be an immediate ceasefire."

He added: "In twenty years time, the whole world will be asking, 'How did the world stand by?"

Cllr Sean McGowan said the situation has "been festering for years and years in the middle east and an immediate ceasefire is what's called for humanitarian relief into those poor people who are suffering."

Cllr Enda Stenson said it was "horrendous" adding "the power of the Americans, I think they could and should do more for those people. Human life is human life."

Cathaoirleach Cllr Justin Warnock said that "to see small children slaughtered is totally inhuman" and said that it is not just a ceasefire that's needed but " a just solution needs to be found - they have to have their own state."
Children in Leitrim are as entitled as children in Dublin and Limerick to have psychological assessment services and early intervention is very important, Cllr Ita Reynolds Flynn said at a recent meeting where she asked that Leitrim County Council call on the HSE, the Minister for Health and the Minister for Education to provide psychological assessment services in County Leitrim for school children in need of this service.

"Most schools are allowed one psychological assessment per year and there are no psychiatrists in Leitrim or Donegal presently," she added.

Cllr Reynolds Flynn continued: "Children are then not being assessed and a number of years go by and then they go on to secondary school and are lost in the system."

Cllr Mary Bohan supported the motion because "a lot of damage can be done by not having children assessed in time and the same is happening with speech therapy and in other areas" and being "left on a list".

She said those who are being assessed are still not "getting the proper treatment in time".

Cllr Brendan Barry noted there are "huge vacancies on the Children's Disability Network teams in Leitrim, West Cavan and right across the country and also on the primary care teams."

He said, "It's not just a case of a child having a psychological assessment but children need to continually be assessed when they are changing from one school to another."

Cllr Finola Armstrong-McGuire said that "early intervention is life-changing for the child and their family" adding that the millions spent on health and education on children with difficulties can "often be avoided if the early intervention takes place."

She concluded: "The problems of adolescents could be well brought down if things are treated early."

Cllr Des Guckian also supported the motion.
Jack and Jill Childrens Foundation sets an ambitious target to raise 1 million this Christmas in funding up to 55,000 hours of in-home nursing care for families across the country.

The Charity currently cares for two children across Leitrim and urges the community to support its Home for Christmas appeal by purchasing from its Christmas Gift Collection or through once-off or monthly donations.

The Home for Christmas Appeal will directly fund 55,000 hours of in-home nursing care to support children with highly complex and life-limiting medical conditions, allowing them to stay at home, in their community, where they belong.

Theres lots to choose from in the Jack and Jill Christmas Collection, including stunning Find a Diamond candle and diffuser sets from Paul and William Costelloe, limited edition Tote bags designed by artist Miriam Smithers, Teachers Gift Cards, Gift of Time Cards and exclusively designed Christmas cards from Kildare artist Laura Dempsey aka Pickled Pom Pom.

Launching the Charitys Home for Christmas appeal, CEO Carmel Doyle said, With more children under our care than ever before and an 8% year-on-year increase in our core service, public support is vital in helping us raise our 1 million target in this Christmas Appeal.

So far this year, we have supported 559 children, with demand higher than ever for our service. Therefore, we need all the help we can get as we ask people across Co. Leitrim to donate locally, support local and shop locally through our wonderful Christmas Gift Collection.

Every Christmas purchase and donation is a gift of time by funding and supporting home nursing care hours that make a real difference to local families.

With only 25% of our 6.8M annual budget coming from the government, we rely on the kindness of the public, communities and businesses to support us.

The Jack and Jill Childrens Foundation currently provides vital in-home nursing care and respite support to over 400 families across Ireland, caring for children up to the age of six with neurodevelopmental delay associated with a severe cognitive delay.

This may include children with brain injury, genetic diagnosis, cerebral palsy, and undiagnosed conditions. Another key part of the service is end-of-life care for all children up to the age of six, irrespective of diagnosis.

There are families in communities across the country being cared for right now by the Jack and Jill Childrens Foundation, including two families in Leitrim. A total of 20 families have been supported by Jack and Jill in Leitrim since the Charitys foundation in 1997.

Shop the collection now at www.jackandjill.ie.
RTE will shed some 400 jobs and cut a number of services as part of their plan to handle financial losses.

Under the strategic reform plan handed to Government, details of which leaked on Monday, the voluntary redundancies are to be made by 2028.

The plan, reported by RTE News, will also prioritise upgraded technology, live and online content, while some services will be reduced and there will be more production in Cork and in other regions in the years ahead.

More content will be produced by the independent sector, RTE reported, and it will continue to reduce the pay of top presenters as well as retain a 2023 pay cap.

RTE said in a statement that it will publish its strategic vision document on Tuesday, after a meeting with unions and staff representative groups and a briefing of staff by director general Kevin Bakhurst.

The Trade Union Group (TUG) called on RTE to release the full document to staff immediately.

A spokesman said: It is not acceptable that staff should find out about the plan in this way and now be worried about the security of their jobs.

The NUJs Irish Secretary Seamus Dooley condemned the leaking of the strategy as a further blow to trust of staff.

The National Union of Journalists supports the call by the RTE Trade Union Group for immediate circulation of the strategy document. I acknowledge that the director general wants to put his proposals in context but that ship has now sailed and the only way to allay the fears of staff is immediate release of the document, he said.

We are gravely concerned at the scale of the proposed redundancies and will require detailed information on how it is proposed to maintain core services and the impact on staff of such drastic proposals.

Staff will want an assurance that there is a genuine, sustainable long plan based on clearly defined objectives rather than a set of announcements aimed at securing government support for short term funding.

Last month Mr Bakhurst warned the broadcaster would become insolvent by early spring next year without additional funding from the Government,

Ministers are withholding 40 million euro, to plug a gap created by plummeting licence fee revenue, pending the delivery of the strategic reform plan from RTE.

The Oireachtas Public Accounts Committee was told RTE is facing a loss of between 10-12 million euro this year.

Speaking at a press conference in Dublin earlier, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said the government would not allow RTE to fail.

I believe RTE is an essential service, its a public service broadcaster and were not going to allow it to fail, were not going to allow it to cease to operate, he said.
Democracies around the world must remain united in tackling Russian efforts to interfere with elections, the US ambassador to Ireland has warned.

Claire Cronin said the threat of Kremlin-backed attempts to undermine the democratic process was particularly acute in European countries.

Ms Cronin was addressing an event in Dublin focused on propaganda and disinformation attributed to Russia. The Kremlin consistently denies propagating such disinformation.

Tuesdays seminar, which brought together a range of experts on the issue, was hosted by the European Commission Representation in Ireland.

It was supported by the Ukrainian and US embassies in Ireland and also Ukrainian Action in Ireland, a group working with the almost 100,000 refugees who have made Ireland their home since the outbreak of war in their homeland.

Ambassador of Ukraine to Ireland, Larysa Gerasko, and the head of the European Commission Representation in Ireland, Barbara Nolan, also addressed the event.

Ms Cronin told the gathering that the United States would continue to support Ukraine for as long as it takes.

One of the ways that Russia tries to splinter our unified support is through disinformation, spreading lies to advance the Kremlins policy goals, she said.

The Kremlin aims to interject chaos into the information sphere, confusing global audiences about Russias real actions and intentions in Ukraine, Georgia and elsewhere.

The themes of Russias disinformation are expansive: from propaganda about Russias kidnapping and illegal detention of Ukraines children to lies about Russias decision to terminate its participation in the Black Sea grain initiative, which jeopardised global food security. We know of Russias efforts to undermine public confidence in elections in democracies throughout the world, but especially here in Europe.

We also know that one of the most effective ways to counter Russias schemes are to expose them by shining a light on this activity and, by providing concrete and actionable information, we hope to promote awareness and resilience. This is a global challenge, and the community of democracies must remain united in our collective defence of election integrity.

Ambassador Gerasko said Ukraine had been on the front line of the Russian disinformation war for many years.

We have seen firsthand the devastating impact that Russian disinformation can have on individuals, communities and entire countries, she said.

Ms Gerasko called for a strategic and coordinated international approach to combat disinformation.

The threats posed by Russian disinformation are not just hypothetical, she said.

They are real world. They have happened before and are happening right now, not only in Ukraine, but in all countries where Russia wants to sow distrust in democratic institutions, such as media, the government and the electoral process.

She added: Russia should be accountable for its disinformation and propaganda due to the far reaching and detrimental consequences of these deliberate actions.

This systematic disinformation of false narratives and manipulated information by Russian entities undermines the foundation of truth, distorts the public perception and erodes trust in democratic process. This deliberate manipulation of information is not just a Ukrainian issue, but a global concern.

Russian propaganda is produced in incredibly large volumes and is broadcast or otherwise distributed via many channels.

Ms Nolan outlined the ways the European Union was acting to ensure more robust oversight of social media companies and of disinformation circulated on their platforms.

Were doing a lot but despite all of these actions to tackle disinformation, we are fully aware that were only reaching the tip of the iceberg, she said.

And thats why co-operation with like-minded partners  with Ukraine, with the United States  is really important.

We need a co-ordinated and targeted response to be effective in the fight against disinformation. I think we all know that peace and democracy are not a given. We must remain vigilant and not let disinformation divide us or undermine our democracy.
Grindr Inc. Reports Third Quarter 2023 Revenue Growth of 39%, Raises Guidance





Grindr Inc. (NYSE: GRND), the world's largest social network for the LGBTQ community, today posted its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2023 in a Letter to Shareholders. The Letter to Shareholders can be accessed on Grindr's Investor Relations website.

"We delivered another strong quarter as more users are engaging with our new paid offerings," said George Arison, Chief Executive Officer of Grindr. "Based on continued solid business trends we are again raising our financial outlook for 2023. Looking into next year and beyond we are focused on building a high-performance team across the organization to drive our product roadmap and we are very excited about the many long-term opportunities to deliver more to our community."

Earnings Webcast Information

Grindr will host a live webcast today at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time to discuss the Company's third quarter financial results. The webcast of the conference call can be accessed as follows:

Event: Grindr Third Quarter 2023 Earnings Conference Call

Date: Monday, November 13, 2023

Time: 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time (5:00 p.m. Eastern Time)

Live Webcast Site: https://investors.grindr.com/

An archived webcast of the conference call will also be accessible on Grindr's Investor Relations page, https://investors.grindr.com/.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward looking statements" within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding Grindr's current views with respect to our industry, operations and future business plans and performance. These forward-looking statements can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, such as "anticipates," "approximately," "believes," "continues," "could," "estimates," "expects," "intends," "may," "outlook," "plans," "potential," "predicts," "seeks," "should," "will" or the negative version of these words or other comparable words or phrases, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking.

These forward-looking statements include, among others, statements about our growth opportunities, expectations regarding new product launches and their expected effect on full year 2023 guidance, including the expected continued success of Weeklies, our 2023 strategic priorities, our plan to generate sustainable double-digit revenue growth and strong profitability and our full year 2023 guidance. Forward-looking statements, including guidance related to revenue growth and adjusted EBITDA margin, are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations discussed in the forward-looking statements. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release, including but not limited to:

our reliance on historical data, which may be of limited reliability, in providing revenue guidance;

our success in retaining or recruiting our directors, officers, key employees, or other key personnel, and our success in managing any changes in such roles;

the impact of the regulatory environment and complexities with compliance related to such environment, including maintaining compliance with privacy and data protection laws and regulations;

our ability to respond to general economic conditions;

factors relating to the business, operations and financial performance of Grindr and our subsidiaries, including: competition in the dating and social networking products and services industry; the ability to maintain and attract users; fluctuation in quarterly and yearly results; our ability to adapt to changes in technology and user preferences in a timely and cost-effective manner; our ability to protect systems and infrastructures from cyber-attacks and prevent unauthorized data access; our dependence on the integrity of third-party systems and infrastructure; and our ability to protect our intellectual property rights from unauthorized use by third parties.

whether the concentration of our stock ownership and voting power limits our stockholders' ability to influence corporate matters;

the effects macroeconomic and geopolitical events on our business, such as health epidemics, pandemics, natural disasters and wars or other regional conflicts;

the ability to maintain the listing of our common stock and public warrants on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE"); and

the increasingly competitive environment in which we operate.

The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. Further information on these and additional risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from those included in or contemplated by the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are included in the section titled "Risk Factors" included under Part I, Item 1A in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 and updates in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2023. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and the Company 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.

About Non-GAAP Measures

Grindr uses Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin, which are non-GAAP measures, to understand and evaluate our core operating performance. These non-GAAP financial measures, which may differ from similarly titled measures used by other companies, are presented to enhance investors' overall understanding of Grindr's financial performance and should not be considered as a substitute for, or superior to, the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP.

We define Adjusted EBITDA as net loss excluding income tax provision, interest expense, net, depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation expense, severance, transaction-related costs, litigation-related costs for matters unrelated to the Company's ongoing business, including those matters incurred as part of the Business Combination, Legacy Grindr management fees, change in fair value of warrant liability and other expense. Our management uses this measure internally to evaluate the performance of our business and this measure is one of the primary metrics by which our internal budgets are based and by which management is compensated. We exclude the above items as some are non-cash in nature, and others are non-recurring that they may not be representative of normal operating results. Adjusted EBITDA adjusts for the impact of items that we do not consider indicative of the operational performance of our business. Adjusted EBITDA Margin is calculated by dividing Adjusted EBITDA for a period by revenue for the same period. While we believe that Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin are useful in evaluating our business, this information should be considered as supplemental in nature and is not meant as a substitute for the related financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP.

The following table presents the reconciliation of net loss to Adjusted EBITDA for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022.

Three Months Ended

September 30, Nine Months Ended

September 30, ($ in thousands) 2023 2022 2023 2022 Reconciliation of net loss to Adjusted EBITDA Net loss $ (437 ) $ (4,657 ) $ (11,005 ) $ (4,458 ) Interest expense, net 11,985 4,786 35,695 10,998 Income tax provision 1,272 3,474 2,724 3,727 Depreciation and amortization 5,753 9,097 21,845 27,215 Transaction-related costs (1) ? 1,033 ? 2,211 Litigation-related costs (2) 414 439 1,913 1,521 Stock-based compensation expense 3,648 9,686 10,594 23,353 Severance expenses (3) 6,744 ? 8,077 552 Management fees (4) (97 ) 181 (97 ) 544 Change in fair value of warrant liability (5) 3,362 ? 11,581 ? Others (6) (43 ) ? 157 ? Adjusted EBITDA $ 32,601 $ 24,039 $ 81,484 $ 65,663 Revenue $ 70,258 $ 50,402 $ 187,605 $ 140,487 Net loss margin (0.6 )% (9.2 )% (5.9 )% (3.2 )% Adjusted EBITDA Margin 46.4 % 47.7 % 43.4 % 46.7 %

_________________ (1) Transaction-related costs consist of legal, tax, accounting, consulting, and other professional fees related to a transaction entered into on May 9, 2022, whereby Grindr Group LLC ("Grindr Group") and its subsidiaries ("Legacy Grindr") entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (as amended on October 5, 2022) with Tiga Acquisition Corp. ("Tiga"), in which Grindr Group became a wholly owned subsidiary of Tiga (the "Business Combination") and other potential acquisitions that are non-recurring in nature. (2) Litigation-related costs primarily represent external legal fees associated with the outstanding litigation or regulatory matters incurred in connection with the Business Combination, related to a potential fine that may be imposed by the Norwegian Data Protection Authority, the CFIUS review of the Business Combination, as well as legal fees related to employee unionization, which are unrelated to Grindr's core ongoing business operations. (3) Severance expenses related to severance incurred for employees who elected not to relocate or participate in our multi-phase return-to-office plan announced in August 2023 and other one-off severance. (4) Management fees represent administrative costs associated with San Vicente Holdings LLC's administrative role in managing financial relationships and providing directive on strategic and operational decisions, which ceased to continue after the Business Combination. In September 2023, certain management fees previously accrued were forgiven. (5) Change in fair value of warrant liability relates to our warrants that were remeasured as of September 30, 2023. (6) Others represent other costs that are unrelated to Grindr's core ongoing business operations.

About Grindr Inc.

With more than 13 million monthly active users globally, Grindr has grown to become a fundamental part of the LGBTQ community since its launch in 2009. The company continues to expand its ecosystem to enable LGBTQ people to connect, express themselves, and discover the world around them. Grindr is headquartered in West Hollywood, California. The Grindr app is available on the App Store and Google Play, as well as on the web.

13 november 2023 at 16:15

News published onand distributed by:
MONARCH Platform for Bronchoscopy Receives Regulatory License for China





The MONARCHtm Platform is the first minimally invasive, robotic-assisted technology approved for bronchoscopy in a country with significant burden of lung cancer.

REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Nov. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnson & Johnson MedTech* today announced that the MONARCH Platform and MONARCH Bronchoscope have obtained regulatory approval in China. The platform is the first minimally invasive, robotic-assisted technology approved for peripheral lung procedures in China and the first J&J MedTech robotic-assisted technology approved in China. This also marks the first regulatory approval of the MONARCH Platform outside of the United States.

The MONARCH Platform, used with the MONARCH Bronchoscope, is intended to provide bronchoscopic visualization of and access to adult patient airways for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. The device enables physicians to use minimally invasive, robotic-assisted technology for peripheral lung procedures.

The ability to reach small, hard-to-reach peripheral lung nodules at an earlier stage and with greater precision is helping to transform the future of interventional care for patients because nodules from lung cancer are typically small, deep in the lungs and difficult to reach, making early-stage diagnosis and treatment difficult. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, and early detection has been shown to increase survival rates if the disease is caught at a stage when it is more likely to be treated successfullyi.

"There are more than two million patients diagnosed with lung cancer each year around the world, and nearly 40% of them are in Chinaii," said Will Song, President, Johnson & Johnson MedTech China. "With this approval, MONARCH is poised to aid physicians in China as they work with patients to fight one of the most prevalent and deadly diseases in the country."

"The MONARCH team is committed to driving meaningful innovation that changes the way patients experience healthcare," said Adrian Whitford, President, MONARCH. "Expanding the reach of flexible robotic-assisted devices for lung procedures to countries around the world is part of our vision to deliver breakthrough technology that improves clinical outcomes for patients fighting diseases like lung cancer."

To date, The MONARCH platform has been used in more than 35,000 cases in the United States.

About Johnson & Johnson MedTech

At Johnson & Johnson MedTech, we unleash diverse healthcare expertise, purposeful technology, and a passion for people to transform the future of medical intervention and empower everyone to live their best life possible. For more than a century, we have driven breakthrough scientific innovation to address unmet needs and reimagine health. In surgery, orthopaedics, vision and interventional solutions, we continue to help save lives and create a future where healthcare solutions are smarter, less invasive and more personalized. To learn more, visit https://thenext.jnjmedtech.com/

* Comprising the surgery, orthopaedics, vision and interventional solutions businesses within Johnson & Johnson's MedTech segment.

Indications for Use (United States)

The MONARCHtm Bronchoscope and the MONARCHtm Platform and its accessories are intended to provide bronchoscopic visualization of and access to patient airways for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

Important Safety Information

Complications from bronchoscopy may include breathing difficulty, vocal cord spasm, hoarseness, slight fever, vomiting, dizziness, bronchial spasm, infection, low blood oxygen, bleeding from biopsied site, or an allergic reaction to medications. More serious complications from bronchoscopy may include collapsed lung, respiratory failure, hemorrhage, burns, heart attack, or cardiac arrhythmia.

Cautions Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding Johnson & Johnson MedTech, the MONARCH Platform and MONARCH Bronchoscope. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of future events. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from the expectations and projections of Auris Health, Inc., Johnson & Johnson Medical (Shanghai) Ltd. and/or Johnson & Johnson. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: challenges and uncertainties inherent in product research and development, including the uncertainty of clinical success and of obtaining regulatory approvals; uncertainty of commercial success; manufacturing difficulties and delays; competition, including technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges to patents; product efficacy or safety concerns resulting in product recalls or regulatory action; changes in behavior and spending patterns of purchasers of health care products and services; changes to applicable laws and regulations, including global health care reforms; and trends toward health care cost containment. A further list and descriptions of these risks, uncertainties and other factors can be found in Johnson & Johnson's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 1, 2023, including in the sections captioned "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Item 1A. Risk Factors," and in Johnson & Johnson's subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies of these filings are available online at www.sec.gov, www.jnj.com or on request from Johnson & Johnson. None of Auris Health, Inc., Johnson & Johnson Medical (Shanghai) Ltd. nor Johnson & Johnson undertakes to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information or future events or developments.

Media Contact:

Ryan Carbain

[email protected]

Investor Relations

Sarah Wood

[email protected]

SOURCE Johnson & Johnson MedTech

13 november 2023 at 16:30

News published onand distributed by:
IBU Consulting stands as a beacon of excellence, offering organizations a transformative experience in automating and streamlining the DevOps pipelines. The company ensures that organizations under its guidance are well-equipped at navigating the intricacies of modern software development, thereby reaping the full spectrum of benefits derived from robust DevOps practices.IBU Consulting, under adept leadership, propelled significant DevOps transformations, exemplified by Project Alpha (2020-2021) and Initiative Beta(2019-2020). Notably, Project Alpha orchestrated a 60 percent reduction in release cycles and a 40 percent surge in feature deployment, while Initiative Beta achieved a threefold increase in scalability and a 70 percent reduction in downtime. These triumphs underscore the pivotal roles of collaboration, automated testing, containerization, and proactive monitoring in optimizing operational efficiency and system resilience.At IBU Consulting, our commitment to excellence goes beyond services, permeating the very fabric of our client interactions. Every phase of engagement reflects our relentless dedication to clients satisfaction, the quality of our deliverables, and the cultivation of a relationship founded on trust and shared success", asserts Keshav.At IBU Consulting, the core leadership team, comprised of seasoned professionals with extensive expertise across diverse domains stands as the driving force behind the achievements. Founder Loknath Tiwari, has over two decades of consulting industry experience, provides visionary leadership and a profound understanding of market dynamics. His strategic acumen has been instrumental in guiding IBU Consulting towards sustainable growth and market prominence. Director Keshav Tiwari oversees day-to-day operations, ensuring seamless project execution with proficiency in operational efficiency and process optimization.IBU Consulting's future roadmap is a testament to its unwavering commitment to growth, innovation, and client-centricity. The company plans to expanding its portfolio, venturing into new markets, and catalyzing positive change and ethical standards within the industries it operates. IBU Consulting strives to be at the forefront of transformative initiatives, aligning the organizations goals with a dynamic vision that ensures success and meaningful contributions to the evolving landscape of industries.
Fisker Inc. Announces Third Quarter 2023 Financial Results*





Fisker Inc. (NYSE: FSR) ("Fisker"), driven by a mission to create the world's most emotional and sustainable electric vehicles, today announced its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2023.

"The third quarter was very significant for Fisker as we delivered 1,097 Fisker Ocean vehicles to customers across two continents, which represents the largest delivery volume for any US-based EV OEM in their first full quarter of deliveries. We are rapidly scaling our delivery infrastructure to support even higher volumes of deliveries of our class-leading product to our loyal customers. We are gaining momentum and delivered more units in the month of October than in all of the third quarter," stated Henrik Fisker, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Fisker.

"We are pleased to hear the excitement and positive reviews from our early adopter customers, and at the same time we are also incorporating feedback for areas of improvement. As a software-driven product, we are continually improving the vehicle via over-the-air updates to provide the best experience for our customers," continued Fisker.

Recent Updates:

The Company expanded US and European deliveries of the Fisker Ocean One with 1,097 completed in Q3, up from 11 in Q2. Deliveries have accelerated as Fisker begins optimizing last mile logistics and expanding its delivery infrastructure. The Company delivered over 1,200 vehicles in October exceeding the entire Q3 delivery volume.

Fisker adjusted pricing on all trim levels and opened calendar year 2024 orders. Current US pricing by trim is as follows: Ocean Extreme $61,499, the Ultra $52,999, and the Sport $38,999 as Fisker made its first change since initial trim pricings were introduced in 2020 and 2021. Fisker also adjusted pricing in Europe and Canada, narrowing the gap between the Ultra and the Extreme.

4,725 Fisker Ocean vehicles were produced in Q3 2023, up from 1,022 in Q2 2023, which included the impact from the summer holiday production shutdown.

Since Q2, Fisker initiated deliveries in seven additional European countries, including right-hand drive United Kingdom, and expanded US deliveries into over 30 new states. Deliveries expected to start later this quarter in Canada and the Netherlands followed by Spain, Portugal, and Italy in Q1 2024.

Fisker opened its flagship Lounge in Los Angeles and its New York City Lounge, which complement its customer facilities in Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. The Company plans to open additional locations across multiple states, and expects to have a dozen facilities open by yearend 2023 in North America and a similar amount in Europe. Fisker also announced it will open a Lounge in Shanghai, China in January 2024.

Vehicle test drive events expanded globally, ranging from Fisker Lounges and Centers+ to pop-up test drive events in over a dozen cities in Europe and North America.

In September, Fisker bolstered its balance sheet by executing $170 million in aggregate principal ($150 million in gross proceeds) of 0% senior unsecured convertible notes due 2025. This investment was in addition to the July convertible notes offering of $340 million in aggregate principal ($300 million in gross proceeds). As part of the transaction, Fisker may now offer up to an additional $623.3 million in aggregate principal ($550 million in gross proceeds) in 0% senior unsecured convertible notes.

Fisker initiated over-the-air software updates bringing product enhancements and new features to owners based on customer feedback and Fisker's product rollout strategy. OTA update 1.10 recently completed, which included optimization to ESP system, improved traction control on surface changing roads, refinement to regen braking, improved energy management and connectivity for remote functions along with some other tweaks.

Published second annual ESG report demonstrating how environmental and social efforts are authentically ingrained in its culture to build the world's most emotional and sustainable vehicles. Additionally, Fisker is hosting a sustainability roundtable on November 18 th to elaborate on its ESG initiatives.

to elaborate on its ESG initiatives. Concurrent with IAA Mobility 2023, Fisker held the European premiere of future products including the R?nin and PEAR in Munich, Germany which followed the US unveiling of the same models at Fisker's inaugural "Product Vision Day" event in California.

Fisker will host a journalist event during the Los Angeles Auto Show this week where it will show the PEAR vehicle and its Alaska EV pick up.

Announced expanded charging options for North American consumers as Fisker will adopt the North American Charging Standard (NACS) on its first vehicles in 2025 and signed an agreement with Tesla to provide customers with access to the Tesla Supercharger network of over 12,000 Supercharger stations in the United States and Canada.

Fisker expanded its global team which totaled more than 1,300 as November 13, 2023, with recent growth focused on sales and service areas to support the delivery and ownership experience.

Third Quarter 2023 Financial Highlights:

Revenue totaled $71.8 million compared to revenue of $825 thousand last quarter.

Gross margin was -17% on a GAAP basis; adjusted gross margin was 9%, which excludes an inventory valuation adjustment associated with lower levels of production during the ramp-up phase which we expect to continue until we reach full production.

Loss from operations totaled $99.6 million, including $6.1 million of stock-based compensation expense.

Net loss totaled $91.0 million and $0.27 loss per share. Weighted average shares outstanding totaled 343.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023.

Net cash used in operating activities totaled $308.2 million and capital expenditures totaled $30.5 million.

Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash was $625.4 million as of September 30, 2023; this excludes $50.5 million in VAT receivables which Fisker expects to receive as refunds or to monetize against vehicle sales taxes.

2023 Business Outlook:

The following information reflects Fisker's expectations for key non-GAAP operating expenses and capital expenditures for full-year 2023. Fisker is projecting the total of these items to be within a range of $565 million to $640 million1.

Key Expense Item USD, millions Research & Development (Non-GAAP)1 $ 160 - 190 Selling, General, and Administrative (Non-GAAP)1 $ 180 - 210 Capital Expenditures $ 225 - 240 Total $ 565 - 640

1 Excludes stock-based compensation expense. A reconciliation to the corresponding GAAP amount is not provided as the quantification of stock-based compensation excluded from the non-GAAP measure, which may be significant, cannot be reasonably calculated or predicted without unreasonable efforts. The Non-GAAP adjustment for stock-based compensation expense requires additional inputs such as number of shares granted and market price volatilities that are not currently ascertainable and cannot be reasonably estimated.

Conference Call Information

Fisker Inc. will host a conference call to discuss the results at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time (5:00 p.m. Eastern Time) today, November 13, 2023. The live audio webcast will be accessible on Fisker's Investor Relations website at https://investors.fiskerinc.com. A recording of the webcast will also be available following the conference call.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures (Unaudited)

This press release and the accompanying tables references certain non-generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (GAAP) financial measures, including adjusted gross margin, non-GAAP selling, general, and administrative expense, non-GAAP research and development expense and non-GAAP total operating expenses. These non-GAAP financial measures differ from their directly comparable GAAP financial measures due to adjustments made to exclude inventory valuation adjustments or stock-based compensation expense. None of these non-GAAP financial measures is a substitute for or superior to measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to any other performance measures derived in accordance with GAAP.

Fisker believes that presenting these non-GAAP financial measures provides useful supplemental information to investors about Fisker in understanding and evaluating its operating results, enhancing the overall understanding of its past performance and future prospects, and allowing for greater transparency with respect to key financial metrics used by its management in financial and operational-decision making. However, there are a number of limitations related to the use of non-GAAP measures and their nearest GAAP equivalents. For example, other companies may calculate non-GAAP measures differently, or may use other measures to calculate their financial performance, and therefore any non-GAAP measures Fisker uses may not be directly comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. Therefore, both GAAP financial measures of Fisker's financial performance and the respective non-GAAP measures should be considered together. Please see the reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measure in the tables below.

Disclosure Information

Fisker uses the investor relations section on its website as a means of complying with its disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. It also uses various social media channels as a means of disclosing information about Fisker and its products to its customers, investors and the public (e.g., @fiskerinc on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and LinkedIn). Accordingly, investors should monitor Fisker's investor relations website and these social media channels in addition to following Fisker's press releases, SEC filings, and public conference calls and webcasts.

About Fisker Inc.

California-based Fisker Inc. is revolutionizing the automotive industry by developing the most emotionally desirable and eco-friendly electric vehicles on Earth. Passionately driven by a vision of a clean future for all, the company is on a mission to become the No. 1 e-mobility service provider with the world's most sustainable vehicles. To learn more, visit www.FiskerInc.com ? and enjoy exclusive content across Fisker's social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

Download the revolutionary new Fisker mobile app from the App Store or Google Play store.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements, which are subject to the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be identified by words such as "feel," "believes," expects," "estimates," "projects," "intends," "should," "is to be," or the negative of such terms, or other comparable terminology and include, among other things, the statements quoted by our Chief Executive Officer, the timing of start of production and delivery of the Fisker PEAR, the sufficiency of our cash to fund production launch of the Fisker Ocean, and statements regarding Fisker's future performance under "2023 Business Outlook," the reported financial results for the third quarter of 2023, which are subject to completion of Fisker's internal review, and other future events that involve risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained herein due to many factors, including, but not limited to: Fisker's limited operating history; Fisker's ability to enter into additional manufacturing and other contracts with Magna, or other OEMs or tier-one suppliers in order to execute on its business plan; the risk that OEM and supply partners do not meet agreed upon timelines or experience capacity constraints; Fisker may experience significant delays in the design, manufacture, regulatory approval, launch and financing of its vehicles; Fisker's ability to execute its business model, including market acceptance of its planned products and services; Fisker's inability to retain key personnel and to hire additional personnel; competition in the electric vehicle market; Fisker's inability to develop a sales distribution network; and the ability to protect its intellectual property rights; and those factors discussed in Fisker's Annual Report on Form 10-K, under the heading "Risk Factors," filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), as supplemented by Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and other reports and documents Fisker files from time to time with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and Fisker undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release.

Third Quarter 2023 Financial Results*



Fisker Inc. and Subsidiaries Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (amounts in thousands, except share and per share data) Three Months Ended September 30, 2023 June 30, 2023 September 30, 2022 Revenue $ 71,800 $ 825 $ 14 Costs of goods sold 83,920 760 6 Gross margin (12,120 ) 65 8 Operating costs and expenses: Selling, general and administrative 78,022 42,267 22,102 Research and development 9,423 45,982 117,885 Total operating costs and expenses 87,445 88,249 139,987 Loss from operations (99,565 ) (88,184 ) (139,979 ) Other income (expense): Other income (expense) (2,288 ) (260 ) 270 Interest income 6,395 6,581 3,075 Interest expense (4,928 ) (4,605 ) (4,693 ) Foreign currency gain/(loss) 11,068 3,800 (7,285 ) Unrealized gain/(loss) recognized on equity securities (530 ) 340 (730 ) Fair value adjustment of 2025 notes and derivative liability 725 - - Total other income (expense) 10,442 5,856 (9,363 ) Net loss before income taxes (89,123 ) (82,328 ) (149,342 ) Provision for income taxes (1,835 ) (279 ) - Net loss $ (90,958 ) $ (82,607 ) $ (149,342 ) Basic and Diluted net loss per share $ (0.27 ) $ (0.25 ) $ (0.49 ) Basic and Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding 343,101,845 335,888,051 303,224,595

Fisker Inc. and Subsidiaries Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (amounts in thousands, except share and per share data) As of: September 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 527,442 $ 736,549 Restricted cash 97,954 - Inventory 549,914 4,276 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 284,840 87,489 Equity investment 2,220 3,140 Total current assets 1,462,370 831,454 Non-current assets: Property and equipment, net 566,748 387,137 Intangible assets 228,819 246,922 Right of use asset, net 78,739 33,424 Other non-current assets 54,371 16,489 Total noncurrent assets 928,677 683,972 Total assets $ 2,391,047 $ 1,515,426 Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 455,183 $ 58,871 Accrued expenses 398,959 264,925 Lease liabilities (short term) 17,825 7,085 Total current liabilities 871,967 330,881 Non-current liabilities: Customer deposits 16,359 15,334 Lease liabilities 51,723 27,884 2025 Convertible notes and derivative liability 446,275 660,822 2026 Convertible notes 662,118 - Total non-current liabilities 1,176,475 704,040 Total liabilities 2,048,442 1,034,921 Stockholder's equity 342,605 480,505 Total liabilities and equity $ 2,391,047 $ 1,515,426

Fisker Inc. and Subsidiaries Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (amounts in thousands, except share and per share data) Three Months Ended September 30, 2023 2022 Cash flows from Operating Activities Net loss $ (90,958 ) $ (149,342 ) Stock-based compensation 6,076 11,166 Depreciation and Amortization 10,167 628 Accretion of debt issuance costs 435 422 Unrealized (gain)/loss recognized on equity securities 530 730 Change in operating assets and liabilities (226,267 ) 40,200 Other operating activities (8,151 ) 10,234 Net cash used in operating activities (308,168 ) (85,962 ) Cash flows from Investing Activities Funding of notes receivable (7,700 ) - Purchase of property and equipment (30,526 ) (57,345 ) Net cash used in investing activities (38,226 ) (57,345 ) Cash flows from Financing Activities Proceeds from the issuance of 2025 convertible notes 450,000 - Proceeds from exercise of stock options 26 67 Proceeds from stock issuance under "At-the-market" offering - 117,970 Payments for "At-the-market" issuance costs (18 ) (1,952 ) Payments/proceeds with tax authorities for statutory tax withholdings - (21 ) Net cash provided by financing activities 450,008 116,064 Net increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 103,614 (27,243 ) Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period 521,782 851,939 Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period $ 625,396 $ 824,696

Fisker Inc. and Subsidiaries Unaudited Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financials Measures (amounts in thousands, except share and per share data) Adjusted Gross Margin Three Months Ended September 30, 2023 June 30, 2023 September 30, 2022 Revenue $ 71,800 $ 825 $ 14 Cost of goods sold (GAAP) 83,920 760 6 Inventory valuation adjustment 18,226 - - Cost of goods sold (non-GAAP) 65,694 - - Adjusted gross margin (non-GAAP) $ 6,106 $ - $ - Adjusted gross margin % (non-GAAP) 9 % N/A N/A

*The financial results discussed herein are presented on a preliminary basis; final data will be included in Fisker's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2023

13 november 2023 at 16:40

News published onand distributed by:
Bitcoin Price Can Hit $120,000 But Traders Pour $500,000 into Bitcoin ETF Token For 10x Explosion at Launch





NEW YORK, Nov. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Bitcoin price predictions are rolling in, and among the most bullish is $120,000 by the end of 2024 from Standard Chartered Bank ? but Bitcoin ETF Token has raised $500,000 and could gain 10x at launch.

Since Sunday, the crypto industry has been focused on the opening of an eight-day window that the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has in which to approve 12 spot Bitcoin ETFs from various issuers, including fund giants BlackRock and Fidelity.

If approval doesn't happen then the next date is January 10, when a spot Bitcoin ETF from ARK Invest and 21Shares comes up for consideration.

Either way, the market likes what it sees, and derivative Bitcoin tokens based on the spot Bitcoin ETF investment theme, like the Bitcoin ETF Token, are set to be top-performing coins as the crypto spring sprouts new millionaires.

Bitcoin to $50,000 by year-end, Bitcoin ETF Token is the best way to play the ETF upside, raises $500k

With the FOMO building, the new Bitcoin ETF Token, in presale now, has raised $504,000 as traders increasingly see it as one of the best ways to gain exposure to the upside from the spot Bitcoin ETF theme.

Stage 2 of the Bitcoin ETF Token presale ends in less than three days, after which the price of $BTCETF rises in Stage 3 from $0.0052 to $0.0054.

There is no time to lose to buy the Bitcoin ETF Token, given the positive vibe in the market regarding ETF approvals and the halving bull cycle.

https://x.com/BTCETF_Token/status/1724073251083538868

Asia-focused global bank Standard Chartered made its prediction based on rising miner profitability. Higher free cash flow from the miners means fewer bitcoin sales will be required to cover operating expenses.

Critically for Bitcoin bulls, Standard Chartered did not factor in approving a Bitcoin ETF in its analysis, which means the $120,000 target could be revised upwards. It also means that Bitcoin ETF-themed crypto assets such as Bitcoin ETF Token will continue to be the recipient of a fast-growing pot of trader and investor funds.

Steering the bank's bullish view is the Bitcoin block rewards halving event in April 2024, which will reduce the Bitcoin emission rate by halving block reward payments to miners from 6.25 to 3.125 BTC.

All previous halving events have triggered bull runs, and this cycle is shaping up to be no different, except this time, the bull run could be even more explosive than in previous halving cycles. Bitcoin's all-time high price is $68,000.

The highest-valued cryptocurrency is currently trading at the $37,000 level after surging on spot Bitcoin ETF news developments, indicating a strong chance of approval in January or perhaps even sooner. In addition, BlackRock made regulatory filings for a spot Ethereum ETF last week, adding to the bullish furor in the market.

Standard Chartered's super positive Bitcoin price prediction was made in July, and that was a revision of its previous prediction of $100,000. The bank's analysts updated their forecast on an improved outlook for miner profitability.

The analysts' profitability figures are based on Bitcoin achieving a price of $50,000 by the end of 2023, which is now well within the sights of bulls.

Bitcoin ETF Token is designed to benefit from a spot Bitcoin ETF approval ? stake now to earn approximately 491% APY

What is so appealing about $BTCETF is how its design is linked to the milestones in the news flow and product performance of both the coin itself and the approval, as well as other news related to actual spot Bitcoin ETFs.

$BTCETF can be bought in presale today and staked to earn an annual percentage yield (APY) currently at 491%. So far, 58 million $BTCETF tokens have been deposited into the staking smart contract to date ? a jump of 93% in the past three days.

Because the APY is calculated dynamically, it varies in relation to the amount staked. Also, each wallet address receives rewards in proportion to the amount of the staking pool owned.

Rewards are paid in $BTCETF over a five-year period. Each ETH block produced generates a reward of 119 $BTCETF.

$BTCETF burns are triggered by real-world events affecting spot Bitcoin ETFs and coin performance

Bitcoin ETF Token is deflationary ? it has a price-supporting burn mechanism because it reduces the total token supply.

At launch, the Bitcoin ETF Token will have a 5% burn on all transactions, while up to 25% of the total token supply is eligible to be burned.

All the burn mechanism events are triggered by real-world events related to spot Bitcoin ETF milestones, such as the first approval and launch dates, among other things.

There are also triggers related to the performance of the $BTCETF token. For example, when the trading volume of $BTCETF hits $100 million, the transaction tax is reduced from 5% to 4%. Other milestones include the approval date of the first spot Bitcoin ETF, at which point the sales tax is reduced from 4% to 3%

Austin Hilton, a YouTube analyst with 235,000 subscribers, is a $BTCETF fan. He informs his audience that $BTCETF is "like nothing you have ever seen" as he encourages his viewers to find out more.

Grayscale Bitcoin Trust's narrowing discount speaks to a bullish future for Bitcoin funds and $BTCETF

The nearest thing to an ETF in the US market is the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust. It is, however, a close-ended fund, meaning it has a fixed share structure and the price moves up and down in relation to supply and demand. As such, this means the asset can trade above (premium) and below (discount) its net asset value (the value of the Bitcoin it holds for its investors).

Over the past couple of months, the discount of GBTC has continued to narrow, so as of Friday it sits at -10.35%. In July the discount was in excess of -40%.

Grayscale recently won a court case in which the judge found that the SEC was at fault in rejecting Grayscale's request to convert the trust into an ETF. The narrowing discount is indicative of the bullish sentiment in the market as institutional buyers load up.

Having said that, not everyone is buying. Cathie Wood's actively managed ARK New Generation Internet ETF (ARKW) sold 201,047 shares of GBTC, amounting to 0.4591% of the ETF.

Around 9% of ARKW is held in GBTC but ARK Invest has a spot Bitcoin ETF fund awaiting approval at the SEC and is presumably reducing its GBTC holding as part of its preparation for a reallocation of resources.

Wood's trading is indicative of how smart money is on the move and provides yet another explanation for why traders are looking to Bitcoin ETF Token.

$BTCETF helps users gain exposure to an investment opportunity worth billions of dollars

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Website: http://btcetftoken.com

Social Channels: Twitter | Telegram Community

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Phase Token Price Amount of Tokens USD Value Stage 1 Price $0.00500000 84,000,000 $420,000 Stage 2 Price $0.00520000 84,000,000 $436,800 Stage 3 Price $0.00540000 84,000,000 $453,600 Stage 4 Price $0.00560000 84,000,000 $470,400 Stage 5 Price $0.00580000 84,000,000 $487,200 Stage 6 Price $0.00600000 84,000,000 $504,000 Stage 7 Price $0.00620000 84,000,000 $520,800 Stage 8 Price $0.00640000 84,000,000 $537,600 Stage 9 Price $0.00660000 84,000,000 $554,400 Stage 10 Price $0.00680000 84,000,000 $571,200

Hard Cap - $4,956,000

Total Supply - 2,100,000,000

Ethereum

ERC-20

$BTCETF

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2275071/Bitcoin_ETF_500k.jpg

SOURCE Bitcoin ETF Token

13 november 2023 at 17:37

News published onand distributed by:
One United Properties signs a memorandum of understanding with Ennismore for opening Mondrian Bucharest, a highly exclusive lifestyle hotel in downtown Bucharest, close to the Romanian Athenee





BUCHAREST, Romania, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- One United Properties (BVB: ONE), the leading green investor and developer of residential, mixed-use, and office real estate in Romania announces it has signed a memorandum of understanding with Ennismore, the fastest-growing lifestyle hospitality company in the world, to open Mondrian Hotel in Bucharest. Ennismore is a global collective of entrepreneurial and founder-built brands with creativity and purpose at their heart. The partnership will focus on delivering Mondrian Bucharest, a unique lifestyle hotel in downtown Bucharest.

Mondrian Hotel opened first in 1985 in Los Angeles as the Le Mondrian by the L'Ermitage Hotel Group, and was later purchased by Ian Schrager and his Morgans Hotel Group in 1996 and renamed Mondrian Hotel Los Angeles. As of 2021, the Mondrian brand of hotels, including its flagship in Los Angeles, has been managed by Ennismore, following a joint venture with Accor, which holds a majority shareholding.

Mondrian is present in Los Angeles, New York, South Miami Beach, Doha, Cannes, London, Bordeaux, Singapore, Mexico City, Ibiza and Seoul, and will open soon in Australia's Gold Coast and Hong Kong.

Mondrian Bucharest will be located at 8-10 Georges Clemenceau Street, near the Romanian Athenee, where One United Properties has previously bought an unfinished building with the intention to transform it into a hotel. In December 2022, the company announced the acquisition of an unfinished building in downtown Bucharest, planning to reauthorize and complete the construction, and turn it into a luxurious lifestyle hotel (formerly announced as One Plaza Athenee).

"The exclusive negotiations with Ennismore, the fastest-growing lifestyle hospitality company in the world, target the opening of Mondrian Bucharest, a stylish, modern and luxurious hotel, with chic design and vibrant social scene. This will be a significant milestone in redefining luxury and the hotel landscape in Bucharest and marks our company's debut on the hospitality market. Mondrian Bucharest will become for sure a landmark for the city and will help increase tourism to our capital and to our country. This collaboration is a statement of our commitment to growing the attractiveness of Bucharest as a European capital", said Victor Capitanu, Co-CEO One United Properties.

Starting with February 2024, Riad Abi Haidar will join the company as partner in the hotel division. A passionate hotelier, executive director, strategic thinker, and entrepreneurial leader, Riad Abi Haidar has over 20 years of experience in the international hospitality industry, developing and operating unique lifestyle hotels in the Middle East and south Asia. With an outstanding ability to create innovative guest experiences, Riad Abi Haidar brings extensive international experience and strong hospitality know-how. "I am proudly joining this project of potentially bringing the Mondrian brand with Ennismore to a market with great potential as Romania. Mondrian is not just a hotel; it's a lifestyle brand, promising a new era of sophisticated experiences and elevated living. I am excited to come here and contribute with my expertise in market development, while making Bucharest and Romania more internationally known."

The project is part of One United Properties' effort to contribute not only to urban regeneration, but also to making Bucharest an attractive destination for tourists and locals alike. On the same street, Georges Clemenceau, the company is currently restoring a historical building, the Braikoff House, which will be known as One Athenee after the complete renovation and will positively impact the whole area near the Romanian Athenee. In 2022, One United Properties expanded efforts in landmark restoration, with the acquisition of One Downtown, (including the former Hotel Muntenia), and the former Ford factory, located within One Floreasca City, which is currently undergoing restoration and will be transformed into a retail space, called One Gallery, positioning itself as one of the largest individual investments in restoring a protected building in Romania. In total, the Gross Development Value for the restoration portfolio of the company is estimated at 189 million euros.

ONE UNITED PROPERTIES (BVB: ONE) is the leading green investor and developer of residential, mixed-use, and commercial real estate in Bucharest, Romania. One United Properties is an innovative company dedicated to accelerating the adoption of construction practices for safe, energy-efficient, sustainable, and healthy buildings, and has received numerous awards and recognitions for its superior sustainability, energy efficiency, and wellness. The company is publicly traded on the Bucharest Stock Exchange, and its shares are included in multiple indices such as BET, STOXX, MSCI, FTSE, ROTX and CEEplus.

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2032898/One_United_Properties_Logo.jpg

14 november 2023 at 04:00

News published onand distributed by:
Yatsen to Announce Third Quarter 2023 Financial Results on November 21, 2023





GUANGZHOU, China, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Yatsen Holding Limited ("Yatsen" or the "Company") (NYSE: YSG), a leading China-based beauty group, today announced that it will release its unaudited financial results for the third quarter of 2023 on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, before the open of the U.S. markets.

The Company's management will hold a conference call on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at 7:30 A.M. U.S. Eastern Time (8:30 P.M. Beijing/Hong Kong Time) to discuss the financial results. Listeners may access the call by dialing the following numbers:

United States (toll free): +1-888-346-8982 International: +1-412-902-4272 Mainland China (toll free): 400-120-1203 Hong Kong (toll free): 800-905-945 Hong Kong: +852-3018-4992 Conference ID: 4252658

A live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the Company's investor relations website at http://ir.yatsenglobal.com/.

A replay of the conference call will be accessible by phone one hour after the conclusion of the live call at the following numbers, until November 28, 2023:

United States: +1-877-344-7529 International: +1-412-317-0088 Replay Access Code: 4252658

About Yatsen Holding Limited

Yatsen Holding Limited (NYSE: YSG) is a leading China-based beauty group with the mission of creating an exciting new journey of beauty discovery for consumers around the world. Founded in 2016, the Company has launched and acquired numerous color cosmetics and skincare brands including Perfect Diary, Little Ondine, Abby's Choice, Galenic, DR.WU (its mainland China business), Eve Lom, Pink Bear and EANTiM. The Company's flagship brand, Perfect Diary, is one of the leading color cosmetics brands in China in terms of retail sales value. The Company primarily reaches and engages with customers directly both online and offline, with expansive presence across all major e-commerce, social and content platforms in China.

For more information, please visit http://ir.yatsenglobal.com/.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

In China:

Yatsen Holding Limited

Investor Relations

E-mail: [email protected]

Piacente Financial Communications

Hui Fan

Tel: +86-10-6508-0677

E-mail: [email protected]

In the United States:

Piacente Financial Communications

Brandi Piacente

Tel: +1-212-481-2050

E-mail: [email protected]

SOURCE Yatsen Holding Limited

14 november 2023 at 05:00

News published onand distributed by:
Osino Drills 61m @ 2.4 G/T Au and 20m @ 5.60g/T Au in Step-Out Drilling at Eureka Gold Discovery, Namibia





Highlights



Eureka (Phase 2) step-out drill program consisting of seven holes for 1400m nearing completion, focussed on the first of five geophysical and surface targets in the area.

Latest results received include: ORD011: 61m @ 2.4g/t Au incl. 13m @ 6.2g/t and 13m @ 3.39g/t (from 66m) ORD012: 20m @ 5.60g/t Au (from 75 to 95m)

Detailed mapping on surface, combined with structural logging of the oriented diamond core, has enabled the team to build a preliminary lithological and structural model.

Helicopter-borne magnetic and radiometric survey to be completed before end of 2023 designed to better define the remaining four primary geophysical targets for drill testing early in 2024.

Results from the previous round of Eureka drilling include: ORD005: 47m @ 5.92g/t Au (144 ? 191m) incl. 27m @ 8.69g/t Au and 3m @ 13g/t Au ORD006: 18m @ 4.94g/t Au (194 - 212m) and 5m @ 3.5g/t Au ORD004: 17m @ 4.13g/t Au (81 ? 98m) and 13m @ 5.77g/t Au ORD001: 38m@ 1.67g/t Au (43 ? 81m) incl. 3m @ 9.43g/t Au and 3m @ 6.90g/t Au





VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Osino Resources Corp. (TSXV:OSI) (NSX:OSN) (FSE:RSR1) (OTCQX:OSIIF) ("Osino" or "the Company") is pleased to provide an update on the Phase 2 drill program at the Eureka Project ("Eureka" or "the Project"). This current drill program is aimed at further definitng and expanding the Eureka godl discovery announced in the news release dated 9th August 2023.

Dave Underwood, Osino's VP Exploration commented: "We have now spent considerable time and effort on site doing fine-scale mapping and relogging core to interpret the results at this first Eureka target. The mineralization at Eureka is quite different to the company's other deposits at Twin Hills and Ondundu, with its much higher gold grades associated with sulphide breccias and skarn alteration. The excitement is building within the team as we come to grips with what Eureka has to offer in terms of grade, scale and the potential for multiple deposits.

The mineralization at Eureka is hosted within a calcareous sedimentary package which has seen at least two and possibly three episodes of complex folding and faulting. We are using oriented diamond core for all holes to try and unravel the geological puzzle and build a coherent lithological and structural model. The first hole in the second phase of drilling appears to have clipped the edge of the mineralization but the second hole (ORD011) went through a wide zone and returned 61m @ 2.40g/t Au from 66m down. The third hole intercepted a very high grade (20m @ 5.60g/t) interval to the north of ORD011, confirming the robustness of the mineralization.

The next two holes drilled to the south and southeast of previous work also show visual indicators of good mineralization including sulphide breccias and visible gold. We expect to receive these results before the end of November. The Eureka deposit is wide open to the east, west and south at this stage and there are strong indications in the magnetic data that there may be a second parallel shoot just 1km to the west."

Eureka - Phase Two Drill Program

A total of seven holes for 1400m were planned for the Phase 2 Drill Program which commenced in late September 2023. Five holes have been completed to date for a total of 1,133m and it is possible that the drill budget will be extended due to the continuing positive results from step out holes.

Holes ORD010 to ORD014 were drilled on an azimuth of 090, perpendicular to the strike of the parasitic fold mapped on surface (refer to Figure 1 below for hole locations). Holes ORD015 and 016 are planned on an azimuth of 135 degrees perpendicular to the strike of lithologies to the east of the parasitic fold.

These holes will test the continuity of mineralization to the east of the parasitic fold within the gossan and garnet alteration, as well as the marble contact where a recent rock chip sample returned an assay value of 12.1 g/t Au. See Table 1 for full assay results for all drill holes to date.

Figure 1: Drill collars and intercepts to date ? see Table 1 for full assay results

Geological and Structural Setting

The mineralization is contained within the Okonguarri Formation of the Damara Supergroup. The Okonguarri Formation is the same host rock to B2Gold Corp's Otjikoto gold project, which is located approximately 140km's to the north-east along strike.

The lithology consists of interbedded sands, shales, mudstones, calcareous sands and marble, which have all been metamorphosed to greenschist facies ? see Figure 1. The rocks have been subjected to multiple episodes of folding, resulting in complex interference folding and faulting ? see Figure 3.

The mineralization currently being drilled appears to be in a south-westerly plunging shoot which has been intersected over an area (projected to surface) of 350 x 150m to date, with an apparent thickness of approximately 20 ? 60m and open to the west, south and east.

This shoot is focussed along a fault (or a series of faults) on the axial plane of the overturned F1 recumbent fold ? see Figures 2 and 3. The F1 fold has been re-folded along a later F2 fold generation, adding to the deposit complexity while further maturing the fracture system.

Figure 2: West ? East Section through Eureka Mineralization ? Section line shown on Figure 1

Figure 3: Interference Folding Interpretation at Eureka

Mineralization

The gold mineralization appears to have occurred in two phases, initially a low-grade pulse associated with bedding parallel, quartz-carbonate veins and subsequently a higher-grade pulse in massive sulphide breccias along axial planar faults ? see Figure 2.

The sulphides consist of pyrrhotite and pyrite with minor chalcopyrite. The highest grade intervals are dominated by massive pyrrhotite and intense brecciation. See Photos 1 ? 4. Garnet alteration in finely interbedded sands and shales is often associated with high-grade zones, and this is used as an indicator for gold exploration in the area.

Photo 1: ORD014 - Pyrrhotite and Qz flooding Photo 2: Visible gold with pyrrhotite

Photo 3: ORD014 ? Pyrrhotite and Qz-Carb Veining Photo 4: Visible gold and pyrrhotite within a crack in mud Planned Near-term Work Program

The planned work program for the next few months for the Eureka discovery and surrounding area includes the following:

Complete Phase 2 drilling and assaying, then update the geological and structural model

Complete a detailed heli-borne magnetic survey (50m line spacing) across the licence, planned for late November 2023. This will better define the five magnetic targets outlined from the regional magnetics to date and hopefully identify further targets. See Figure 4 for location of current magnetic targets.

Alteration mapping using satellite and airphoto data

Step out and infill surface geochemistry sampling programs, including recently generated targets in the far north of the license, located within the highly prospective Kuiseb Formation Sediments (host rocks to the Twin Hills, Kokoseb and Ondundu Gold Project).

Further delineation and step-out drilling ? Q1 2024

Follow-up mapping and rock chip sampling from licence-wide soil program

Scout drilling of magnetic targets (pyrrhotite dominated mineralization has strong magnetic signature)

Figure 4: District Scale Map of Eureka Property with Magnetic Targets



TABLE 1: Summary of Assay Results for Holes Drilled

Hole From To Width Grade X Y GM DIAMOND DRILL HOLES ORD001 43 81 39 1.67 570058 7737088 65.13 incl. 4 4.41 incl. 3 9.43 and 150 152 2 39.80 ORD002 100 103 3 5.69 569950 7737079 17.07 ORD003 No significant intercept 570013 7737241 0.00 ORD004 81 98 17 4.13 570161 7736991 incl. 11 4.38 incl. 2 11.01 and 144 157 13 5.77 75.01 ORD005 97 100 3 1.60 570081 7736982 and 144 191 47 5.92 278.24 incl. 27 8.69 incl. 3 13.00 ORD006 194 212 18 4.94 569964 7736981 88.92 incl. 3 10.29 incl. 10 5.79 and 229 234 5 3.50 ORD007 144 149 5 1.51 569877 7737084 7.55 ORD008 No significant intercept 570020 7737582 0.00 ORD009* 133 134 1 3.28 569957 7736883 3.28 and 202 207 5 0.58 ORD010 17 19 2 2.56 570122 7737039 and 54 63 9 0.74 6.66 and 75 78 3 1.87 ORD011 66 127 61 2.40 570234 7736994 146.40 incl. 13 6.20 incl. 13 3.39 ORD012 75 95 20 5.60 570221 7737039 112.05 ORD013 570106 7736934 ORD014 570217 7736924 RC DRILL HOLES ORR001 3 32 29 2.69 570156 7737092 78.01 incl. 19 3.06 and 54 64 10 1.46 and 104 112 8 0.84 ORR002 0 25 25 1.54 570309 7737121 38.50 incl. 12 2.34 ORR003 5 6 1 5.07 570120 7737242 5.07 ORR004 No significant intercept 570000 7737356 0.00

Notes on Drill Assay Reporting:

Total intercepts reported are unconstrained - all combined intercepts above 0.4g/t reported. GM values based on unconstrained intercepts. All reported intercepts are apparent widths rounded to the nearest meter. Included (incl.) intercepts are constrained at 0.4g/t cut-off, minimum 2m wide and no more that 2m internal dilution. True widths are unknown at this stage. Collar positions are in UTM WGS84 surveyed by digital GPS.



The GM number indicated by colour coding in Figure 1 and 2 is a commonly used short-hand method of representing gold grade (g/t) and unconstrained intercept width (m) as a single metric by multiplying the average intercept grade with the intercept width.



Qualified Person's Statement

David Underwood, BSc. (Hons) is Vice President Exploration of Osino Resources Corp. and has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this news release and is a registered Professional Natural Scientist with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (Pr. Sci. Nat. No.400323/11) and a Qualified Person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101.

About Osino Resources

Osino is a Canadian gold exploration and development company focused on the fast-tracked development of our wholly owned, Twin Hills Gold Project in central Namibia. Since its grassroots discovery by Osino in August 2019 the Company has completed more than 240,000m of drilling and has completed a suite of specialist technical studies culminating in the recently published Twin Hills Definitive Feasibility Study ("DFS") dated effective June 12, 2023. The DFS describes a technically simple and economically robust open-pit gold operation with a 13-year mine life and average annual gold production of over 169,000oz per annum.

Osino has a commanding ground position of over 8,000km2 located within Namibia's prospective Damara sedimentary mineral belt, and mostly in proximity to and along strike of the producing Navachab and Otjikoto Gold Mines. The Company is actively exploring a range of gold prospects and targets along the belt by utilizing a portfolio approach geared towards discovery, targeting gold mineralization that fits the broad orogenic gold model.

Our core projects are favourably located north and north-west of Namibia's capital city Windhoek. By virtue of their location, the projects benefit significantly from Namibia's well-established infrastructure with paved highways, railway, power and water in close proximity. Namibia is mining-friendly and lauded as one of the continent's most politically and socially stable jurisdictions. Osino continues to evaluate new ground with a view to expanding our Namibian portfolio.

Further details are available on the Company's website at https://osinoresources.com and under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca .

On Behalf of The Board of Directors

Heye Daun, President & CEO

CONTACT INFORMATION

Osino Resources Corp.

Yaron Conforti

Corporate Development

+1-604-687-2038

[email protected]

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, without limitation, statements regarding the use of proceeds from the Company's future plans or prospects of the Company, including prospects for economic recoverability of mineral resources. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking statements 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. 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. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Other factors which could materially affect such forward-looking information are described in the risk factors in the Company's most recent annual management's discussion and analysis which is available on the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com . The Company does not undertake to update any forward- looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f6a15429-affc-44b2-9d27-e21f12ef751c

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d144a22a-2daf-41ea-9a3d-bed100b91423

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/aaaae489-933f-4f85-b892-ddc36398c8b2

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/63895017-ff03-4ccc-9a9c-dbad31f500a7

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4ee6beb4-6536-46fa-9a2f-a8c844679526

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d96b5760-a1bb-4348-a0c0-6696fb995034

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7dbc82e3-1fb7-4ce4-a370-a6b499258439

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3c76dd5c-920e-4f36-abd2-788cfc08b554

14 november 2023 at 07:00

News published onand distributed by:
EL CAR WASH ENTERS WEST COAST OF FLORIDA WITH ACQUISITION OF ULTIMATE EXPRESS CAR WASH





MIAMI, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- El Car Wash, the largest and fastest growing car wash operator in Florida, has accelerated its expansion into Naples and Fort Myers with the acquisition of Ultimate Express Car Wash ("Ultimate Express"), a premier independent car wash operator.

Following this acquisition, El Car Wash operates 40 locations with an additional 40+ sites in development across Florida and Michigan and plans to continually expand its footprint through both greenfield development and acquisitions of existing car washes.

"We are thrilled to acquire the two Ultimate Express Car Wash locations in Naples and Fort Myers, and their extremely talented team to expand our presence West while advancing our strategy of building the leading car wash platform in Florida," stated Justin Landau and Geoff Karas, co-founders and co-CEOs of El Car Wash. "The acquisition of Ultimate Express is consistent with our M&A strategy of entering adjacent markets by purchasing the premier operator in advance of an aggressive greenfield rollout of similarly high-quality locations."

"Over the last eight years, Ultimate Express has established itself as a leading brand with the best operations in Lee and Collier Counties and a destination business offering superior products and services. This acquisition in conjunction with our complementary development pipeline on the West Coast of Florida, as well as our existing stores in Miami Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, and Brevard, will create a highly attractive geographic footprint with unmatched service and membership value offering for our growing customer base," stated Landau and Karas.

El Car Wash plans to invest substantial capital to further upgrade the Ultimate Express sites to bring the El Car Wash brand to life and invest in proprietary advancements to upgrade the wash quality and customer experience that are hallmarks of the business.

El Car Wash will merge Ultimate Express into their current unlimited membership programs which will allow current and future members to have access to all 75+ El Car Wash current and future locations. Upcoming initiatives also include special limited time promotions for new members to celebrate this acquisition.

Earlier this month, El Car Wash opened new stores in Lantana and Loxahatchee Groves and earlier this year the company opened locations in West Kendall, North Miami Beach, West Palm Beach and West Miami. The company also expects to open stores in Altamonte Springs, Pembroke Pines, Doral and Kendall before the end of the year.

For additional announcements, including the slate of new store openings and special promotions, follow us on Instagram (@elcarwash) or visit us at www.elcarwash.com.

About El Car Wash

Founded in 2011 and based in Miami, El Car Wash is the premier express car wash operator in Florida with 40 operating locations and a development pipeline of 40+ sites. The company is the Official Car Wash of the Miami HEAT & Florida Panthers, a partner of Baptist Health and a partner of Zoo Miami. ECW's unlimited wash program, high-quality products, leading customer service and environmentally friendly focus have established the company as the #1 car wash company in Florida. The company completed a recapitalization with Warburg Pincus in 2022 and is actively seeking additional growth opportunities.

SOURCE El Car Wash

14 november 2023 at 07:00

News published onand distributed by:
Crete Mechanical Group Expands Presence Through Partnership With C&C Service





Crete Mechanical Group, a nationwide multi-service building solutions provider, expands its HVAC services to Stamford, CT by partnering with C&C Service.

STAMFORD, Conn., Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Crete Mechanical Group ("Crete"), is excited to announce its strategic acquisition of a majority stake in C&C Service, LLC ("C&C"), a highly experienced HVAC services firm based in Stamford, Connecticut. This collaboration marks Crete's further expansion within the Northeast region and underscores its dedication to offering top-tier services nationwide.

With their unwavering focus on quality services, innovation and customer satisfaction, C&C has established itself as a premier provider of HVAC services throughout Connecticut. "C&C brings a wealth of experience and expertise to our partner network and marks our entrance into the Connecticut market. We are ecstatic to have C&C join the Crete family," said Mike Cox, Chief Executive Officer at Crete.

"Joining forces with Crete opens up new opportunities for us as well as our customers. We are excited about expanding the high-quality services we deliver every day to our customers," stated Kevin Carpenter, President of C&C.

About Crete Mechanical Group

Crete Mechanical Group is a nationwide multi-service building solutions provider with a vast network of local partners who are united in improving the communities we serve. Through our partners, we provide a host of energy efficient building services across commercial HVAC, electrical, plumbing, building automation and controls. For our partners, Crete provides the resources and reach of a large organization while maintaining the freedom to continue operating their successful businesses.

About C&C Service, LLC

C&C Service, LLC is a highly experienced HVAC services and design firm based in Stamford, Connecticut. With a focus on quality and innovation, C&C provides top-tier HVAC solutions to businesses and communities in the Northeast. The company is dedicated to growth and expanding its service offerings while maintaining a customer-centric approach.

This press release was issued through 24-7PressRelease.com. For further information, visit http://www.24-7pressrelease.com.

SOURCE Crete Mechanical Group

14 november 2023 at 07:00

News published onand distributed by:
Ant International Unveils Strategy to Drive Inclusive Global Commerce with Payment and Digitalization Technologies





Ant International, a digital payment and financial services leader dedicated to building an inclusive and sustainable global commerce ecosystem, today unveils its strategy in digital payment and digital commerce for global merchants at its flagship Voyage Conference, from its headquarters in Singapore.

"Despite the uncertainties in the global economy, trends like evolving financial infrastructure, accelerating digitalization and swift advances on the tech frontier present unprecedented opportunities for merchants all around the world seeking to achieve new growth, especially for small businesses who aspire to overcome the digital divide," said Yang Peng, President of Ant International.

"Travel, trade, technology and talent are the cornerstones of global inclusion and prosperity," said Yang. "We will accelerate innovations in digital payment and digital commerce to link up these areas of global collaboration."

Digital Payment and Digital Commerce Solutions across 4 Pillars

To realize the 4T vision and provide support to merchants, particularly in helping SMEs achieve their growth goals, Ant International has established a robust global compliance and service structure over the years. Additionally, it boasts an extensive coverage worldwide, especially in Asia, deep expertise in digitalization, and a continuously expanding repertoire of cutting-edge technologies.

The Company now focuses on 4 areas of innovations:

1. Alipay+ Cross-Border Mobile Payment Service connects over 88 million merchants to 1.5 billion consumer accounts on over 25 e-wallets and banking apps in 57 countries and regions, allowing consumers to travel and pay worry-free across borders, and merchants to build out cross-border consumer engagement and digital marketing.

The service builds on Alipay+'s extensive regional partnerships, including those with national QR schemes such as Singapore's SGQR, Malaysia's PayNet, South Korea's ZeroPay, and Sri Lanka's LankaPay.

"Alipay+ focuses on bridging various payment methods and promoting mobile interoperability across Asia and beyond. Its aim is to enable people to travel and live worry-free, while offering businesses, both large and small, new digital avenues for growth," said Douglas L. Feagin, Senior Vice President of Ant Group and Head of Alipay+. "We are proud of how through Alipay+, tens of millions of even mom-and-pop stalls can reach and transact with international travelers on the same basis as much larger enterprises such as luxury stores."

2. Antom Merchant Payment Services help global merchants to engage digitally with consumers in Asia and beyond.

"With our AI-driven payment and digital marketing engine, we offer our merchants the broadest consumer reach in Asia and globally, and help them collect payments and grow revenue," according to Gary Liu, Head of Merchant Payment Services at Ant International.

3. WorldFirst digital payment and financial services for cross-border trade SMEs has served over 1 million SMEs to grow internationally with its World Account, by connecting small traders to over 120 global marketplaces and conduct secure and fast payment transactions in over 40 currencies.

"Today's cross-border trade is led by young entrepreneurs who are digital natives with global ambitions," said Clara Shi, CEO of WorldFirst. "With World Account, we aim to help them acquire next-gen CFO capabilities to sell, manage and grow across marketplaces and regions."

Building on its success in China and Singapore, Shi said, WorldFirst plans to expand its SME e-commerce digital finance solutions across Southeast Asia in 2023 and 2024.

4. ANEXT Bank, a digital wholesale bank regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore, focuses on enabling effortless and accessible financial services to SMEs. In staying true to its mission to serve the underserved financial needs of micro businesses and to help SMEs achieve their cross-border ambitions, the bank now counts 68% of its customers as micro-SMEs. The bank has also seen an average of 40% month-on-month increase in cross-border transactions and expects to see these numbers grow as it embarks on more embedded financing collaborations with industry partners.

Toh Su Mei, Chief Executive Officer of ANEXT Bank, said: "We recognize the diverse needs of SMEs and believe that the way to alleviate the various stress and spillover effect from the macro environment is to work very closely with industry partners who have a first-hand view of their customers' pain points."

Continued Investments in Cutting-Edge Digital Technology Solutions

Ant International began its journey by supporting the rapid rise of e-commerce and cross-border tourism in China. Over the years, Ant International has built up a repertoire of foundational technology capabilities to support long-term growth across its main business pillars.

Wallet Tech offers full-stack architectural solutions and future-ready capabilities for payment apps;

offers full-stack architectural solutions and future-ready capabilities for payment apps; Payment Tech enables robust payment processing with improved conversion and user engagement;

enables robust payment processing with improved conversion and user engagement; Credit Tech achieves an industry-leading low NPL ratio and configuration for scalability;

achieves an industry-leading low NPL ratio and configuration for scalability; Platform Tech comes with a series of proprietary blockchain and AI technologies; and

comes with a series of proprietary blockchain and AI technologies; and Risk Tech is powered by world-leading graph computing and risk detection algorithms.

"Together with our partners, we will build enduring local commitments to bring the world more small and beautiful changes," said Yang Peng.

About Ant International

Headquartered in Singapore, Ant International powers the future of global commerce with digital innovation for everyone and every business to thrive. In close collaboration with partners, we support merchants of all sizes worldwide to realize their growth aspirations through a comprehensive range of tech-driven digital payment and financial services solutions.

14 november 2023 at 08:00

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MBrace Therapeutics Raises $85 Million Series B Financing to Advance Oncology Pipeline of Innovative Antibody Drug Conjugate Candidates





MBracetm Therapeutics, Inc. ("MBrace"), a privately-held biopharmaceutical company devoted to improving the lives of cancer patients through the development of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) against novel oncology targets, announced the completion of an $85 million Series B financing, bringing the company's total raised to $110 million. Funds will be used to support clinical development programs, including a first-in-human clinical trial of lead investigational ADC, MBRC-101.

TPG led the round, investing in the company through its dedicated life sciences fund, TPG Life Sciences Innovations (TPG LSI), and its multi-sector impact strategy, The Rise Fund. The round also included new investors Avidity Partners and Cowen Healthcare Investments, as well as existing Series A investors, Venrock and Alta Partners.

Originally founded in June 2020 by Isan Chen, M.D., Renata Pasqualini, Ph.D., and Wadih Arap, M.D., Ph.D., MBrace is focused on developing lead ADC candidate, MBRC-101, and is advancing its proprietary SPARTA approach, which accelerates the development of antibody-based drugs for personalized medicine. MBrace has generated extensive preclinical data on novel drug candidates in-licensed from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey.

"This investor syndicate shares our confidence in the potential of our novel ADC therapeutics pipeline to meaningfully impact the treatment of people with difficult-to-treat cancers," said Isan Chen, M.D., president and chief executive officer at MBrace. "This additional capital will enable us to advance our clinical programs, including entering Phase 1 study with MBRC-101 before end of year and progressing our differentiated approach to the clinical development of our additional ADC pipeline candidates. We are well poised to make significant progress in the near-term and continue on a positive growth trajectory."

MBRC-101 targets the EphA5 receptor tyrosine kinase, which is present in multiple cancers including, but not limited to, breast, non-small cell lung (NSCLC), colorectal, gastric, and pancreatic cancers. The MBrace team will present preclinical data for MBRC-101 at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium on December 7, 2023.

"We are thrilled to support MBrace in improving the lives of cancer patients with significant unmet clinical need," said Carolyn Ng, Ph.D., Business Unit Partner with TPG LSI. "Powered by a team of seasoned drug developers, with support from an accomplished Board with great collective experience building successful pharmaceutical companies, MBrace is deeply committed and well positioned to realize its vision of bringing innovative first-in-class ADC therapeutics to the clinic."

The company also welcomed Christopher LeMasters, MBA, CEO of XinThera, to the MBrace Board of Directors as an independent director. XinThera is a subsidiary of Gilead Pharmaceuticals that is focused on small molecule discovery and development of oncology and immunology therapeutics. LeMasters brings decades of experience in oncology therapeutics to MBrace. In addition to LeMasters, Ng and Monal Mehta, Ph.D., of Avidity Partners will also join the Board in conjunction with the financing. These additions complement the deep expertise of existing board members Bob More of Alta Partners and Racquel Bracken of Venrock.

About MBrace Therapeutics

MBrace is a clinical stage pharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of novel therapeutic agents for patients with cancer. MBrace develops innovative treatments for cancer patients by developing novel antibody-drug conjugates against targets identified using technology pioneered by its founders. MBrace is headquartered in San Diego, CA, with research facilities at The Thomas O. Daniel Research Incubator and Collaboration Center at Bristol Myers Squibb in Summit, NJ. For additional information, please visit MBrace's website at http://www.mbracetrx.com.

14 november 2023 at 08:35

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TRexBio Announces Development Candidate, TRB-061, a Novel TNFR2 Agonist for the Treatment of Inflammatory Diseases





TRex Bio, Inc., ("TRexBio"), a biotechnology company decoding human tissue immune biology to create revolutionary therapeutics, today announced the selection of development candidate TRB-061, an agonist targeting TNF receptor 2 (TNFR2). TRB-061 expands regulatory T cells (Tregs) to restore homeostasis in the tissue at the site of inflammation.

"This is an important milestone for TRexBio. We believe that by harnessing the power of Tregs and leveraging the body's own immune system, we may be able deliver durable clinical benefits for patients suffering from autoimmune diseases," said Johnston Erwin, Chief Executive Officer of TRexBio. "TRB-061, directed toward TNFR2, is the most advanced wholly-owned candidate in our growing pipeline. IND-enabling studies are ongoing, and we are targeting first-in-human studies in early 2025."

TNFR2 is highly expressed on immunosuppressive Tregs, a subset of T cells which play a key role in maintaining immune homeostasis. The therapeutic potential of TNFR2 agonism for the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory disease is widely recognized. TRexBio's high-resolution tissue transcriptomics and internally generated translational data show agonism of TNFR2 induces expansion and a suppressive state in tissue Tregs. TRB-061 has demonstrated potent in vivo Treg expansion in humanized mice, and TRexBio has obtained in vivo proof of concept in both colitis and skin inflammation models.

"We built our Deep Biology platform to efficiently identify and functionally characterize targets instrinsic to tissue Treg regulatory pathways," said Melanie Kleinschek, DVM, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer of TRexBio. "TNFR2 is a tissue Treg-enriched gene predominantly expressed by suppressive Tregs in skin and gut. Our development candidate TRB-061 is designed to selectively agonize TNFR2, a mechanism we believe has potential across a broad range of autoimmune indications."

TRexBio aims to progress TRB-061 into the clinic following completion of ongoing preclinical and IND-enabling studies. The company's pipeline is focused on programs designed to address unmet need in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases of the skin and gut through the pharmacological modulation of tissue Tregs. TRexBio anticipates nominating its next development candidate in 2024.

About TRexBio

TRexBio is a biotechnology company leveraging cutting edge computational biology tools, a focus on human tissue, and expertise in immunobiology to develop revolutionary therapeutics for immune-mediated diseases. Our powerful Deep Biology platform maps human tissue Treg behavior to disease processes to identify and characterize novel targets for therapeutic intervention. Leveraging this platform, we are building a broad portfolio of novel therapies that modulate the immune system to restore human tissue immune homeostasis. TRexBio was founded and seed funded by SV Health Investors in 2018 and is headquartered in South San Francisco, California. For more info, visit www.trex.bio.

14 november 2023 at 09:05

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Lloyds Bank: UK Sees 23% Increase in Cryptocurrency Scam Reports

Disclosure: Crypto is a high-risk asset class. This article is provided for informational purposes and does not constitute investment advice. By using this website, you agree to our terms and conditions. We may utilise affiliate links within our content, and receive commission.

Lloyds Bank, a big four bank in the United Kingdom, reports that crypto scams have risen 23% compared to the same period last year.

The firm warned that fraudsters are targeting young people over social media, with victims losing an average of 10,741 ($13,183.72) per scam. That dwarfs romance scams, purchase scams, or any other type of consumer fraud.

Remarkably, the analysis found that 66% of all investment scams start on social media  with Instagram and Facebook the most common sources, wrote the bank in a recent press release. Sources for such scams range from fake ads and celebrity endorsements to direct messages.

According to Lloyd, scammers are evolving their tactics to target 25 to 34-year-olds with get-rich-quick schemes, which are especially attractive to younger audiences. This cohort comprises a quarter of all crypto scam cases.

Such scams are also hard to identify while theyre happening, with the average victim making three payments and waiting 100 days since their first transaction before reporting them to their bank. Stolen money is usually far too difficult to reclaim at this point.

Lloyds highlighted two main forms of crypto investment scams. First is the illusion whereby a scammer poses as an investment manager, promising to make investments using the victims money to generate profits on their behalf.

Some illusion scams may show victims a fake investment account displaying growing profits after they make their first payment, incenting them to send the scammer more money.

The second scam type of scam is the takeover  when scammers fool victims into creating crypto accounts on a trading platform (Coinbase, Binance, etc) and handing over their login credentials. Alternatively, victims may be fooled into forfeiting control of their personal crypto wallets, or sending the scammer crypto directly.

In a statement, Liz Ziegler  Fraud Prevention Director at Lloyds Bank  wrote:

Crypto is a highly risky asset class and remains largely unregulated, which makes it an attractive area for fraudsters to exploit. If something goes wrong, youre unlikely to get your money back.
Gecko Robotics to Help Increase Speed of the Columbia-class Nuclear Submarine Manufacturing Process





Gecko Robotics, a leader in using advanced robotics and software to decode the built world, today announced a new demonstration contract with the U.S. Navy to help modernize the manufacturing process for the $132 billion Columbia-class nuclear submarine program. Gecko will use its advanced weld inspection and data capabilities to help the Navy decrease inspection time and reduce costs during the manufacturing process, while also providing a baseline of data to improve in-service maintenance cycles.

"We are proud to grow our partnership with the U.S. Navy beyond helping get ships through the maintenance process faster, to providing advanced manufacturing capabilities for the Columbia-class program," said Jake Loosararian, CEO and Co-founder of Gecko Robotics. "Demand from customers for more data on the front-end of the manufacturing process to help implement better predictive maintenance is growing - and we're looking forward to starting this work with the Columbia sub program."

Under the new contract -- executed with BlueForge Alliance, a nonprofit integrator supporting the U.S. Navy's Submarine Industrial Base -- the Navy will incorporate Gecko's robotic digital weld inspections to assess the integrity of welds during the manufacturing process. Digitizing weld inspection results will transform a key manufacturing process for the Columbia-class program, freeing up the skilled workforce for higher value tasks and eliminating the risk of unknown weld conditions. The goal of this project will be to validate the return on investment of Gecko's weld inspection process throughout several tiers of the Columbia-class supply chain.

Watch the latest video showcasing how Gecko Robotics' advanced technology is modernizing the construction process of the Columbia-class submarines here.

About Gecko Robotics

Gecko Robotics is helping the world's most important organizations ensure the availability, reliability, and sustainability of critical infrastructure. Gecko has contracts with the United States Navy to speed maintenance cycles for surface ships, and the United States Air Force to rapidly assess the condition of ICBM launch facilities as part of the Sentinel program. Gecko's complete and connected solutions combine wall-climbing robots, industry-leading sensors, and an AI-powered data platform to provide customers with a unique window into the current and future health of their physical assets. This provides unprecedented insights, enabling decision advantage and increasing readiness to ensure mission success. For more information about Gecko Robotics please visit www.geckorobotics.com.

14 november 2023 at 09:10

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Hitachi Systems India Pvt. Ltd. and Cyemptive Technologies Inc. Announce Agreement to Jointly Provide Cyemptive's Award-Winning Cybersecurity Solutions to Hitachi Systems IT Customers





Hitachi Systems India Pvt. Ltd. ("Hitachi Systems India"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi Systems (TSE: 6501), today announced their agreement with Cyemptive Technologies, Inc., an award-winning provider of preemptive cybersecurity solutions for business and government, to jointly provide Cyemptive Technology's next-generation cybersecurity innovations, including on-demand, end-to-end secure platform solutions, to Hitachi Systems India's Southeast Asia/Middle East and India customers.

Under the terms of the agreement, Hitachi Systems India will provide Cyemptive's cybersecurity solutions to its IT customers, starting with the India, Southeast Asia, and Middle East markets. As a group company of Hitachi Systems, one of the leading providers of IT services and cybersecurity worldwide, Hitachi Systems India provides comprehensive one-stop IT business services, ranging from cybersecurity offerings, system design, construction, operations, and maintenance. According to Hitachi Systems India, the purpose of this strategic agreement is to provide a comprehensive solution to the ever-growing financial and reputational cybersecurity risk for its customers.

"Cyemptive's award-winning solutions are moving cyber-defense to an entirely new level, and we are excited to launch this strategic agreement that, combined with Hitachi Systems India's capabilities, will actually provide the answer that truly cyber-protects our customers," said Anuj Gupta, CEO of Hitachi Systems India.

Cyemptive has created the next generation of cybersecurity that is essential for businesses to achieve cyber safety. Cyemptive's cybersecurity solutions preclude damage from occurring even from previously unknown attack techniques, and are the only ones on the market today that protect computing environments before or immediately following a compromise.

"Hitachi Systems India shares over a one-hundred-year legacy of technology innovation from Hitachi Limited throughout the world. Cyemptive is proud to combine our unique solutions with the outstanding IT services and experience from Hitachi," said Rob Pike, founder and CEO of Cyemptive Technologies. "Together, we will effectively address the ever-growing financial and reputational cybersecurity risk for Hitachi Systems India customers."

About Cyemptive Technologies

Headquartered in Seattle, Wash., Cyemptive has been on a mission to make large organizations cyber safe since 2014. Today, Cyemptive's award-winning software, services and support are used by businesses and government entities worldwide. It is the winner of the 2019 Department of Homeland Security's Border Security Technology Consortium (BSTC) competition for most innovative border security-related solution in the market, as well as 10 ?ASTORS' Homeland Security Awards from American Security Today at the 2022 competition alone - more than any other company in the history of the awards. The company's leadership team is comprised of executives from several of the world's most powerful technology and security organizations, including the former CIO of Microsoft and the former Chief Computer Architect for the National Security Agency. More information about Cyemptive Technologies is available at www.cyemptive.com.

About Hitachi Systems India Pvt. Ltd.

Hitachi Systems India Pvt. Ltd. is an IT services company that was founded in New Delhi in 1991 and became a group company of Hitachi Systems in 2014. Utilizing their vast experience in the Indian market, their advanced technological expertise, and the comprehensive strength of Hitachi, the global technology leader, they are capable of delivering the expertise required to manage a range of digital ecosystems from cables to the cloud. They believe that every single organization has its own unique DNA. While continuing to promote the unified corporate vision of Social Innovation, they help each and every customer retain their sense of uniqueness through the provision of customized and flexible engagement and operating models that result in IT services and solutions that are tailored to individual businesses. With their extensive pool of more than 2,000 experienced employees, they operate 10 offices and more than 200 service bases throughout India. For more details, please refer to https://hitachi-systems.co.in.

14 november 2023 at 09:15

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USAID-funded TRANSFORM Project Secures Additional Private Sector Support for Antimicrobial Use Stewardship Principles, Now Includes Over 30% of Global Broiler Production





Antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections can contribute to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) that spreads amongst human, animal, and plant populations, weakening our ability to prevent and treat future infections. To effectively tackle AMR and reduce its impact on global health security, the USAID-funded Transformational Farm Output Risk Mitigation (TRANSFORM) project is leveraging multi-sectoral interventions using the One Health approach that recognizes the interdependencies between the health of humans, animals, and the environment. As part of TRANSFORM, the International Poultry Council (IPC) is driving global change within animal agriculture by uniting poultry industry associations and private sector organizations to support antimicrobial use stewardship principles that guide actions to avoid the need to use, but when needed, ensure proper use of antimicrobials.

Today, 11 organizations announce their commitment to antimicrobial use stewardship principles that reduce the need to use antimicrobials at the farm level. These organizations are commended for recognizing the importance of antimicrobial use stewardship:

Animal Husbandry Association of Vietnam (AHAV)

Asociacion Latinoamericana de Avicultura (ALA)

British Poultry Council (BPC)

Canadian Poultry & Egg Processors (CPEP)

Cargill, Inc., a global agribusiness

Chicken Farmers of Canada (CFC)

Hoa Phat, a Vietnam-based company

McDonald's, a global foodservice provider

Srinivasa Farms, an India-based company

Turkey Farmers of Canada (TFC)

Tyson Foods, a United States-based company

These organizations join eight others that have already adopted or endorsed the principles, including Brazilian Association of Animal Protein (ABPA), Federacion Nacional de Avicultores de Colombia (FENAVI), Poultry Federation of India (PFI), Unione Nazionale Filiere Agroalimentari Carni e Uova (UNAITALIA), Thai Broiler Processing Exporters Association (TBA), Vietnam Poultry Association (VIPA), DABACO Group and Kenchic Limited.

"Each of the 19 organizations that have endorsed or adopted the antimicrobial use stewardship principles brings us closer to our goal of an industry-wide commitment," said Robin Horel, IPC President. "We're inspired by the private sector leadership that has been demonstrated thus far, and hope others are motivated to take action to proactively reduce risks to their flocks and beyond."

Collectively, these organizations reach over 100 countries and represent over 30% of global poultry meat production spanning all sectors of poultry production from fully integrated systems to small farms. Each organization demonstrates industry leadership in their commitment to these principles, recognizing that action starts at the farm.

By adopting or endorsing the principles, organizations commit to encouraging or taking action that centers around four key points. First, organizations agree to take a risk-based approach around each instance of antimicrobial use and consider why, when, which and how much to administer. Second, organizations agree to adopt farm management practices that improve animal health and would reduce the need for antimicrobial use. Third, organizations commit to using antimicrobials only in compliance with national authorizations and, fourth, that antimicrobials critically important for human medicine should only be used under a supervising veterinarian's diagnosis and oversight.

"Through the One Health approach, we know that human health is linked with the health of animals," said Annie Kneedler, Chief of Party for TRANSFORM. "By advancing science-based antimicrobial use stewardship principles, we are able to create an ecosystem where animal health improves, the need for antibiotic use decreases, and animal production increases. These collective efforts contribute to the Global Health Security Agenda goals of reducing the risk of antimicrobial resistance and zoonotic diseases, lessening their impacts on the health of humans around the world."

Led by a private-sector consortium that includes Cargill, Heifer International and IPC, TRANSFORM is working in Kenya, India and Vietnam to advance market-driven animal health solutions that increase global health security by combatting zoonotic disease and AMR. By working throughout the value chain, TRANSFORM aims to drive lasting, systemic change through on-farm practices, holistic animal nutrition research, antimicrobial use stewardship, and access to finance to support animal health and economic sustainability.

For more information about TRANSFORM, visit www.cargill.com/sustainability/transform.

About Cargill

Cargill helps the world's food system work for you. We connect farmers with markets, customers with ingredients and families with daily essentials?from the foods they eat to the floors they walk on. Our 160,000-plus team members around the world innovate with purpose, empowering our partners and communities as we work to nourish the world in a safe, responsible, sustainable way.

From feed that reduces methane emissions to waste-based renewable fuels, the possibilities are boundless. But our values remain the same. We put people first. We reach higher. We do the right thing. It's how we've met the needs of the people we call neighbors and the planet we call home for 158 years?and how we'll do so for generations to come. For more information, visit Cargill.com and our News Center.

About International Poultry Council

The International Poultry Council is the unified voice of the global poultry sector that represents 86% of poultry meat exports and 73% of the volume of poultry meat production. IPC works to strengthen communication between the industries of different countries, promotes a common global understanding of and confidence in poultry products, represents the global poultry sector with international organizations and agencies, shares science-based solutions and information across the whole poultry supply chain, promotes a balanced regulatory framework to support a fair global playing field and promotes, supports and encourages the sustainable development of animal production for global food security.

About USAID

USAID is the world's premier international development agency and a catalytic actor driving development results. USAID's work advances U.S. national security and economic prosperity, demonstrates American generosity, and promotes a path to recipient self-reliance and resilience. The purpose of foreign aid should be ending the need for its existence, and we provide development assistance to help partner countries on their own development journey to self-reliance ? looking at ways to help lift lives, build communities, and establish self-sufficiency.

About Animal Husbandry Association of Vietnam

Vietnam Animal Husbandry Association (AHAV) is the largest and earliest established professional social organization of the livestock and veterinary industry, operating nationwide for the past 32 years. AHAV includes 152 organizations, 32 of which are branches at provinces and cities and 120 are companies, universities, and research institutes; with 18,000 members, including 23 professors and associate professors; 78 PhDs; over 300 masters specializing in animal husbandry and veterinary medicine.

About Asociacion Latinoamericana de Avicultura

Asociacion Latinoamericana de Avicultura (ALA) is a non-profit institution that applies principles of equity and transparency in its coalition of the Latin American poultry industry and its member countries. The organization aims to exchange and disseminate technical and scientific knowledge, good practices and experiences while respecting the environment and promoting healthy competition.

About British Poultry Council

The British Poultry Council (BPC) is the leading UK trade association for poultry meat producers and their supply chains through breeding, farming, and processing. The BPC is there to ensure its members have a fair regulatory system and addresses business critical issues as varied as avian influenza, global trade, bird welfare, antibiotic use, and the social benefits of poultry meat.?

About Canadian Poultry and Egg Processors

Canadian Poultry and Egg Processors (CPEP) is the national trade organization representing the interests of more than 170 Canadian poultry processing, egg grading and processing and hatchery establishments. ?Representing some of the largest agri?food corporations in Canada, our member companies process over 90% of Canada's chicken, turkey, eggs and hatching eggs. This economic activity generates over $7 billion in retail sales. To accomplish this, our members have invested over $2.5 billion in plant and equipment, and directly employ more than 28,000 Canadian workers.

About Chicken Farmers of Canada

Chicken Farmers of Canada (CFC) is a national, farmer-run organization, funded completely by farmers. CFC's main responsibility is to ensure that our 2,800 farmers produce the right amount of fresh, safe, high-quality chicken to meet consumer needs. The evolving risk-management system that we operate under is commonly known as "supply management". Through on-farm programs such as the food safety program, the animal care program, and biosecurity initiatives, CFC works closely with government partners and industry stakeholders to keep the industry innovative and responsive.?

About Hoa Phat

Hoa Phat Group, Hoa Phat Poultry Co., Ltd., has been raising breeding chickens and producing clean eggs since 2016. Hoa Phat has invested in building one of Vietnam's leading, high-tech, large-scale chicken farms in Phu Tho with a capacity of 22,000 parent stock chickens and 1.2 million layers each year. Hoa Phat Poultry is also the biggest producer and supplier of clean chicken eggs in the North of Vietnam with the capacity of nearly 900,000 clean eggs every day.

About McDonald's

McDonald's is the world's leading global foodservice retailer with nearly 40,000 locations in over 100 countries. Approximately 95% of McDonald's restaurants worldwide are owned and operated by independent local business owners.

About Srinivasa Farms

At Srinivasa Farms, we are passionate about food. We believe food is more than just an experience, it's a vehicle for good health and nourishment. We have been a brand leader in the Indian Poultry Industry since 1965, and our areas of operations include Poultry Production, Poultry Breeding (Layer & Broiler), Animal Feed Production, Soya Extraction, Chicken Processing, Chicken Retail Chain & Mega Food Park. With diverse portfolio of products and services, we currently have operations in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Assam and further expanding rapidly across pan India.?

About Turkey Farmers of Canada

Turkey Farmers of Canada (TFC) is the national organization representing Canada's 510+ turkey farmers, specifically, and the Canadian turkey sector generally in partnership with downstream stakeholders. TFC was established in 1974. ?TFC encourages cooperation throughout the Canadian turkey industry, promotes the consumption of turkey meat, and oversees the national supply management system for marketing turkeys. ?

14 november 2023 at 10:05

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Carol Ammon Shares Insights with the Next Generation of STEM Professionals at Central Connecticut State University





As part of Central Connecticut State University's (Central's) Homecoming celebrations last month, Dr. Carol Ammon, herself a distinguished graduate of Central (class of '73), returned to her alma mater to share inspiring words of encouragement to STEM students via an on-campus presentation titled "STEM, Leadership, Critical Thinking ...and Embracing Your Gift."

Ammon addressed students, faculty, and staff at Central's Torp Theatre about her career in research, business and medicine; and encouraged students to consider the limitless career possibilities in STEM fields. Ammon cited the ever-evolving nature of higher education ? from advances in technology to more integrated learning pathways ? and how such changes will enable the next generation of STEM professionals to become better critical thinkers who will change the world.

"We must learn how to use information in a moral and ethical way to solve the world's most challenging problems," urged Ammon during the presentation. While speaking specifically about nursing at the bedside of patients, Ammon added, "The ultimate experience is helping someone when they are most vulnerable. It is a privilege. You have to earn that privilege and when they give you that opportunity it is a gift."

Ammon followed the presentation with a spirited Fireside Chat Q&A interview at Central's Founders Hall, where she further reflected on her science journey.

In her career, Ammon rose through the ranks at E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company to advance from an associate scientist in research and development to lead a management team in the buyout and founding of Endo Pharmaceuticals Inc. After retiring as Endo's CEO, she obtained a bachelor's degree in nursing so she could pursue a second career helping improve the health of others, especially those in vulnerable communities. She is now a philanthropist who oversees the Carol A. Ammon Fund and serves several nonprofit and education organizations as a volunteer or benefactor.

Among the gifts Ammon has made to health and educational centers around the country was her Fund's donation of $8 million to Central in 2010, citing how the encouragement and academic support from the University helped set her on her successful career path. In gratitude, the school's Board of Regents voted to name Central's School of Arts & Sciences after Ammon. The funds from Ammon's donation have been used to support scholarships, underscoring her firm belief in education equity, and academic program support.

"It was an honor to have Carol return to campus last month and offer words of wisdom and support to our students and faculty," said Central President Dr. Zulma R. Toro. "Carol's insights were appreciated by students and faculty alike. It was a truly rewarding presentation."

14 november 2023 at 13:05

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One of the defendants in the murder trial of Russian journalist and human rights activist Anna Politkovskaya, Sergei Khadzhikurbanov is escorted into a glass-walled cage before a court hearing in Moscow, June 3, 2013. MAXIM SHEMETOV / REUTERS

Russian authorities have pardoned a former policeman jailed over the 2006 killing of investigative journalist Anna Politkovskaya after he fought in Ukraine, his lawyer said on Tuesday, November 14. Sergei Khadzhikurbanov was one of five people jailed in connection with the murder of Politkovskaya, who worked for the independent Novaya Gazeta newspaper. She was shot dead in the lift of her Moscow apartment block aged 48.

"As a special forces fighter, (Khadzhikurbanov) was invited to sign a contract to participate in the special military operation. Which he did," lawyer Alexei Mikhalchik told Agence France-Presse (AFP). "When the contract expired, he was pardoned by presidential decree," Mikhalchik said. Khadzhikurbanov went on to sign another contract as a volunteer and is still fighting in Ukraine, he added.

Read more Article reserve a nos abonnes In Russia, pardoned murderers are returning from the front  and reoffending

Thousands of prisoners are thought to have been sent to the battlefield since Moscow launched its offensive last February, with critics warning some have committed new crimes after returning home.

Khadzhikurbanov was initially acquitted of Politkovskaya's killing by a jury in 2009, embarrassing prosecutors. But after the Supreme Court threw out the original verdict he was sentenced in 2014 to 20 years in prison. He would have served until at least 2030 had he not been pardoned, his lawyer said.

Her children and the editorial board of the Novaya Gazeta newspaper, which is now banned in Russia, said in a statement that they had not been told in advance about Khadzhikurbanov's pardon. "For us, this pardon is not evidence of the redemption and remorse of the murderer," they said. "It is a monstrous fact of injustice and arbitrariness, a desecration of the memory of a person killed for their beliefs and the fulfillment of their professional duty."

The head of Reporters Without Borders, Christophe Deloire, said Putin had "graced" the murder accomplice, calling it "the usual cynicism by the Kremlin chief."

'Atone with blood'

Politkovskaya was well known for her forthright criticism of the Kremlin, denouncing alleged abuses by Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov and writing a scathing book on President Vladimir Putin's rise to power.

While Khadzhikurbanov and four others were jailed for carrying out the killing, the European Court of Human Rights in 2018 criticized Russian investigators for failing to properly look into who contracted the crime. Politkovskaya had written books and articles detailing what she described as brutality by Russian and pro-Russian security forces during the Chechen war, and had allegedly faced intimidation from Putin-ally Kadyrov and his subordinates.

Khadzhikurbanov's pardon, which was first reported by the RBC and Baza news outlets, comes amid renewed scrutiny surrounding the use of convicts in Ukraine, after the controversial pardon of a man who had brutally murdered his ex-girlfriend.

Read more Article reserve a nos abonnes Adam Kadyrov, Marina Yandieva: Two faces of the rule of law in Russia

The Kremlin last week acknowledged the use of prisoner recruits to fight in the conflict and said convicts who "atone for their crime on the battlefield with blood" could be pardoned. "They are atoning with blood in storm brigades, under bullets and under shells," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on Friday.

President Vladimir Putin said in September that Russian prisoners who died in Ukraine had "redeemed themselves" in the eyes of society.

Russia has probably recruited 100,000 people from prisons to fight, Olga Romanova, head of an independent prisoners' rights group has estimated. Russian media outlets have reported several instances of released prisoners going on to commit serious offences, including murders, after leaving the army.
THE High Court has appointed an interim examiner to several related companies that operate a number of well-known and award-winning restaurants in Limerick and Cork.

The application for the protection of the courts was made in relation to firms behind the award-winning Cornstore Restaurants in Cork and Limerick.

The applicants also operate the casual-dining Coqbull restaurants, which are based in Limerick, Castletroy and Cork.

Between them, the companies employ around 200 people.

The application to appoint an examiner was made after the group's main creditors - the Swedish-based Proventus Capital Partners III KB fund - appointed receivers over certain assets of the businesses after its demand for payment of approximately 26.74m of the related companies' debts was not made.

The companies seeking the appointment of an examiner are Keep it Real Holdings DAC, Rosewalk Ltd, Coal Quay Restaurants Ltd, Winstore Restaurants Ltd, Burgerchick Cork Limited, Burgerchick Limerick Ltd and Burgerchick Casteltroy Limited.

The court heard that companies had been controlled by brother-and-sister Patrick and Linda Frawley, who are well known in the hospitality sector.

On Tuesday evening, Ms Justice Eileen Roberts said she was satisfied to appoint insolvency practioner Mr Joseph Walsh of JW Accountants as interim examiner to the companies.

The judge said that it was accepted that the companies are currently insolvent and are unable to pay their debts.

Marylebone Taverns Limited, which is a company owned by Mr Frawley, petitioned the court seeking to have an examiner appointed to the seven companies.

Ross Gorman Bl for Marylebone said that despite the firms difficulties an Independent Expert's report, compiled by Cormac Mohan of FM Accountants, states that the businesses have a reasonable prospect of survival as a going concern if certain steps are taken.

In his report Mr Mohan said that the appointment of an examiner who would put together a scheme of arrangement with the creditors, could see the businesses - which have been running for a long number of years and have been largely profitable and are well-run - survive as going concerns.

Counsel said that Mr Mohan had also stated in his report that the companies will also need additional investment.

Mr Gorman said that there has already been one expression of interest from a potential investor, who has a long track record in the Irish hospitality sector.

He added that the source of the companies difficulties was the performance of other related companies in the group which are based in the UK.

Counsel said that the group had entered into an arrangement with the Swedish-based fund to re-finance loans it had taken out for purposes including acquiring businesses in the UK.

He added that the group's restaurants had been badly hit by Covid-19.

The UK companies, which are not seeking the protection of the courts, fared worst of all during the pandemic, counsel said.

This, he said, was due to the fact the government supports in Ireland for businesses were far better than those on offer in the UK.

The group's Irish businesses have been generally profitable and had been trying to service the debt of the related UK restaurants.

Counsel said unfortunately the group has not been able to service the debt owed to the fund since December of 2022, and it was accepted that the entities were in default of the repayment obligations.

The parties had been working with each other to try and resolve the issues between them.

However earlier this month the fund sought repayments of 19m and 4.9m.

When this was not paid, the fund appointed joint receivers over the shares of some of the companies which are now seeking protection.

The joint receivers, who were put in place last Friday, also appointed new directors and secretarys to those companies, counsel said.

While the restaurants continue to trade, Mr Gorman said the change of operators of the companies was of concern to his clients.

As a result, counsel said that his side was seeking Mr Walsh's appointment, on an ex-parte basis, as well as orders requiring the joint receivers to cease acting and that they hand back and books, records relating to the firms.

Ms Justice Roberts said that she was prepared to appoint Mr Walsh on an interim basis.

However, the court was not prepared to make an orders against the receivers at this stage of the proceedings.

The matter was adjourned to a date later this month, but Mr Justice Roberts said the applicant could return to court before then should the need arise.
ONE LIMERICK girl is among the winners of a national Google art competition.

Google opened their first office in Dublin in 2003 and to mark 20 years in Ireland, the company launched a competition focusing on a significant addition Google has made to our browsing experience, the Google Doodle.

The competition invited children across Ireland to submit their own doodle creation based on what they think Ireland will look like in 20 years' time.

A total of 20 young winners were selected to attend a Google Doodle masterclass at Google Dublin.

Anna Murphy from Monaleen National School was selected as a winner to attend the Google Doodle workshop in Google, Dublin on Wednesday November 1.

The event brought together primary school children from across the country to learn about doodling from master doodler,

Matthew Cruickshank, art lead at Google who travelled from Santa Fe New Mexico to meet Irelands doodlers of the future and give them a taste of what life is like at Google and what it takes to become a master doodler.

Doodles are the fun, surprising and sometimes spontaneous changes that are made to the Google logo to celebrate holidays, anniversaries and the lives of famous artists, pioneers and scientists.

In 1998, before the company was even incorporated, the concept of the doodle was born when Google founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin played with the corporate logo.

Now a team of talented illustrators (or doodlers ) and engineers get together regularly to brainstorm and decide which events will be celebrated worldwide with a doodle.
SHANNON Airport is not being used to transfer military equipment to Israel, according to TD Willie O'Dea.

The Limerick TD released a statement this Tuesday morning that he "has been given assurances that no military equipment is being transferred from the United States to Israel via Shannon Airport".

"For the past couple of weeks I have been receiving a huge number of emails from people concerned about Ireland's position regarding the situation in the Middle East and asking me to stop the Americans sending weapons to Israel via Shannon Airport," Mr O'Dea said.

"Following a meeting recently with the Palestinian ambassador, I arranged to meet the relevant government ministers and officials. I sought clarification on the issue and received government assurance that no military equipment is being transferred from America to Israel via Shannon Airport. It was also confirmed to me that no requests have been made to the Irish government regarding permission for any such transfers."

Mr O'Dea expressed his hope this news would reassure anyone with concerns about the situation and "any possible participation Ireland might have in it".

The Limerick TD was part of a group of Fianna Fail Oireachtas members who met the Palestinian ambassador along with the Egyptian ambassador, where they clarified Ireland's position regarding the situation in the Middle East.

"I am glad now to be able to assure the Palestinian Ambassador that there is no military equipment being transferred via Shannon and that no request has come in for any such authorisation," Mr O'Dea's statement concluded.

Crowds gathering at Shannon to remember the people killed in war, and to demand an end to Shannon Airport's complicity. #USMilitaryOutOfShannon pic.twitter.com/CuuGD5nGt1  Shannonwatch (@shannonwatch) November 12, 2023

While no military equipment may be travelling through Shannon Airport, it is still a refueling point for trans-Atlantic US military flights.

According to activist group Shannonwatch, who for many years have protested the use of Shannon Airport by the US military, a US Navy plane from Sigonella air base, Sicily spent two nights at Shannon for refueling before taking off last Sunday and continuing on to a base in Portsmouth, Maine.

Shannonwatch also held a peace vigil at Shannon Airport on Sunday, November 12, where they read out the names of over 5,000 children killed in Gaza since October 7, when the current conflict between Israel and Hamas broke out.
A SULKY race in Limerick showed "complete contempt for people using the roads" and "was like an unauthorised race in Louisville, Kentucky", according to politicians.

One motorist who came upon the sulky race on the N20 Limerick-Cork road at around 2pm on Sunday said it was "absolutely terrifying". Mobile phone footage shows men hanging out of cars, jeeps and vans while the sulky race takes place in their midst. The clip has been widely shared on social media.

The entourage of vehicles are four-wide, including driving on the hard shoulder on the wrong side of the road. Cars heading towards Cork had to squeeze through the multiple vehicles and sulky racers.

The driver of one of those cars said it was "absolutely terrifying".

"Driving 100kmph to suddenly see four lines of cars coming at me. Two small kids asleep in the back seat. This needs to be stopped," they said.

Ministers of State Niall Collins and Patrick O'Donovan have also spoken out.

Mr Collins said it was a "disgraceful display of lawlessness and complete disregard for road users and their safety".

"If the gardai can identify any of the persons involved they should face the full force of the law. This behaviour shows complete contempt for people using the roads on a Sunday afternoon," said Mr Collins.

Mr O'Donovan said "these people have no regard for law nor man".

"It was sent to me by five or six different people. It was like an unauthorised race you'd see in Louisville, Kentucky or something like that. These people think they are above the law and they are acting with total impunity.

"The registration plates are - thanks to whichever one of their comrades was WhatsApping it thinking it was a great laugh - are identifiable but most of the drivers are identifiable. I've already been in touch with the guards about it," said Mr O'Donovan.

The minister for state described it as "totally reckless and absolute endangerment".

"It's the worst form of thuggery and it doesn't in anyway connect to any way to anybody's culture, identity or their sporting capacity. It is just blatant criminality. It shouldn't be labelled as anything else. It's just absolute, total and utter criminality and it needs to be seen for that," said Mr O'Donovan.

Gardai in Croom were alerted to alleged incidents of sulky racing on the N20 in Croom on Sunday.

"During the course of the day, a number of reports were received by gardai in relation to sulky racing on the N20, Croom. Gardai are appealing for any witnesses to any of these incidents to come forward.

"In particular, gardai are appealing to any road users travelling on the N20 in Croom on Sunday, November 12, who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) to make this available to them," said a garda spokesperson.

Any persons who observed any unusual activity on the N20 in Croom are also asked to come forward. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Newcastle West garda station on 069 20650, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.
A convicted murderer who escaped from a county prison earlier this year and eluded a massive two-week search before he was recaptured faces new theft, burglary and other charges in crimes he is accused of committing while he was on the run.

Danelo Souza Cavalcante, 34, convicted of the murder of an ex-girlfriend before his Aug. 31 escape from Chester County Prison, is now formally charged with having stolen a transit van and burglarizing homes in southeastern Pennsylvania, where a rifle and ammunition, clothing, a sleeping bag and other items were stolen.

The defendant used all means necessary to escape from prison and stay hidden from authorities. These offenses aided his efforts and elevated his threat to the public, Attorney General Michelle Henry said in a statement.

Cavalcante was charged Monday with felony counts of burglary, criminal trespass, theft and possession of a firearm as well as a number of misdemeanor charges including theft and receiving stolen property. The county public defender's office, which is representing him, declined immediate comment Monday.

Authorities said a resident of a Pennsbury township home reported a burglary Sept. 1 but said nothing appeared to be missing, but after Cavalcante was recaptured he identified a knife, backpack, sleeping bag, shirt and razor found with the fugitive as having been taken from the residence.

On Sept. 9, Cavalcante was reported to be driving a white van, and a trooper later confirmed that a transit van had been taken from Pocopson Township, authorities said. The stolen van was found abandoned the next day, when a resident of a South Coventry Township, about two miles away and roughly 30 miles northwest of Philadelphia, reported that a man resembling the fugitive had entered his garage and stolen a .22 caliber long rifle loaded with 10 rounds. The resident said he fired three or four rounds from a pistol as the man fled up a hill and into the woods.

Cavalcante, 34, had been sentenced to life in prison after he was convicted of killing Deborah Brandao in front of her children in 2021. Prosecutors say he wanted to stop her from telling police he was wanted in a 2017 killing in Brazil. He was awaiting transfer to a state prison when he scaled a wall and jumped from a roof to escape.

Cavalcante was captured Sept. 13 after a two-week search that led to school closures at the start of the academic year, as well as warnings for residents to lock their doors and blocked roads over the Labor Day weekend.

Law enforcements big break came when a plane fitted with a thermal imaging camera picked up Cavalcantes heat signal, allowing teams on the ground to secure the area, surround him and move in with search dogs.
A PORTRAIT of the late cervical check campaigner Vicky Phelan is to go on display at the University of Limerick later this month, to coincide with the first anniversary of her death.

The Vicky Phelan Campaign and Portrait Tour is a campaign for awareness and change, taking place in the Analog/Bernal building in UL on November 23 at 1pm.

The event will see the arrival to Limerick of the incredible portrait by artist Vincent Devine, presented by David Brennan, the portrait owner and friend of Vicky.

The portrait depicts the story of Vickys life in three panels, from her childhood through to her adult life, telling of her major traumatic events prior to her cancer diagnosis and her uncovering of the cervical check scandal in 2018 and beyond.

Originally, from County Kilkenny she was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2014 and made national headlines in 2018 when she settled a High Court action against a US-based lab.

Following the cervical check scandal, Vicky fought hard for change in the health services and how women and their families were treated by the State in the aftermath of the scandal. Her legacy and campaign will continue through this tour, which is supported by her family and friends.

It is an emotionally charged experience that recounts the incredible bravery of Vicky in her enormous fight against the legal might of the state in order to protect the lives of the women of Ireland.

The event not only celebrates Vicky's legacy, but also her long connection to the UL community, both as a student and during her career.

The mother-of-two, awarded an honorary Doctorate of Letter by UL and the Freedom of Limerick for her work, passed away at Milford Care Centre on November 14, 2022. The portrait unveiling will mark the one-year anniversary of Vickys passing.

This will be followed by a panel discussion moderated by Shona Project CEO Tammy Darcy, and featuring Liz Yeates of the Marie Keating Foundation, Cian OCarroll, solicitor and Caoimhe ONeill-Forde of 221+ Support Group. The event will also feature guest speakers and cancer patient advocates Sarah Nally and John Wall.

Refreshments will be available from 12.30pm and there will be an opportunity to view the portrait afterwards.

Admission to this event is free and open to the public. Places can be booked on Eventbrite here.
San Francisco-based startup Humane has unveiled its much-anticipated artificial intelligence-based gadget - Ai Pin . Humane is a San Francisco-based startup founded by former Apple executives Imran Chaudhri and Bethany Bongiorno.

Who is Imran Chaudhri?

Chaudhri was part of Apple for nearly 20 years and led the design of the iPhone's home screen, while Bongiorno was a software development lead for several of the company's products, including iPhone, iPad and Mac, Bloomberg reported. The couple launched Humane in 2018 and also hired many other Apple employees, including Apple's senior director of engineering Patrick Gates.

Humane is focused on developing the next wave of consumer devices, but the company is looking beyond mixed reality headsets, which are a big focus for industry veterans like Apple and Meta, reported Reuters. Humane president Imran Chaudhri said earlier this year that "the future is not your face".

The AI startup has raised $230 million in funding to date, with its latest Series C round of $100 million closing in March this year. Humane's high-profile investors include OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Microsoft and Tiger Global Management.

In a statement about the Ai Pin, Chaudhry said, Ai Pin is the embodiment of our vision to integrate AI into the fabric of daily life, enhancing our capabilities without overshadowing our humanity."

"It is the first wearable device and software platform built to harness the full power of artificial intelligence (AI)". Reuters quoted Chaudhry as saying.

In his Ted Talk, Chaudhri while speaking about the AI Pin said, This is so much more than devices just getting smaller or more powerful. This is the possibility of reimagining the human-technology relationship as we know it."

What is Ai Pin?

Earlier this week, Sam Altman backed Humane launched its first wearable device - the Ai Pin- that that leverages AI, including OpenAI's ChatGPT and Microsoft's cloud computing, to enable virtual assistant interactions.

The Ai Pin is intended to be worn on clothing, allowing users to tap and communicate with a virtual assistant, powered by tech from OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, and utilizes cloud computing power from Microsoft. Moreover, the Ai Pin employs a laser projection system to display text and monochromatic images on the user's hand.

Earlier, the Ai Pin was worn by supermodel Noami Cambell during the 2024 Spring Summer Show at the Paris Fashion Week, making her the first person to wear the device in public.

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NEW DELHI : Recruitment firms linked to BharatPe co-founder Ashneer Grover and his family members used backdated invoices to siphon off funds for work they never did for the fintech unicorn, an investigation by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Delhi Police found. The probe agency also could not trace many firms to which BharatPe had made vendor payments.

Eight human resources (HR) consultancy firms hired by BharatPeVardhaman Marketing, Impulse Marketing, Vista Services, Evolve Bizserve, Team Source, Team Works, True Work Co., Vikash Enterprisesshared the same registered address with the accused family members and relatives, EOW said. Of these, the first five submitted invoices mentioning bank account numbers that were not open at the time, meaning the invoices were created at a later date.

The firms were established and their bank accounts were opened only for the purpose of siphoning off funds and for causing wrongful gain to the alleged persons," EOW said in a status report submitted to the Delhi high court.

Mint has seen a copy of the status report. Anyesh Rai, deputy commissioner of police, EOW, confirmed that the status report has been filed with Delhi high court and the investigation is under way.

In December 2022, BharatPe filed a criminal complaint against Grover, his wife and her family members, accusing them of perpetrating a 81.28 crore fraud. One of the allegations pertained to 7.6 crore that BharatPe allegedly paid eight HR consultants linked to the accused persons between 2018 and 2021. After the Delhi Police filed a first information report (FIR), Grover and his wife moved the court to cancel it and pause the investigation; however, the court declined the request, and directed the probe agency to update it on the investigation.

The registered addresses of all eight HR firms belong to the family members or relatives of Grovers wife Madhuri Jain, EOW said. Citing the bank statements of HR firms, EOW said a total of 7.6 crore credited to these accounts came from BharatPe, and most of the money was debited in the form of self withdrawals. Other debit entries are in the name of accused persons or their companies, the EOW report said.

Madhuri Jain, who was head of controls at BharatPe, had asked the bank branch to speed up payments to these eight firms, EOW said, citing office emails.

Queries texted to Ashneer Grover remained unanswered. Madhuri Jain Grover declined to comment. BharatPe said it would not like to comment as the matter is sub-judice.

Bank accounts of three of the eight firms had the same email ID and phone number as one of the family members who is not a proprietor of any of these HR firms, the report noted.

Office emails also pointed to the involvement of a few relatives of Jain in misappropriating BharatPes funds through these eight firms, it said.

In 2020, Jain also got 1.50 crore from accounts linked to alleged proprietors of eight firms, who received the money from BharatPe.

Proprietors of these firms could not produce any documents/justification with respect to payments received from BharatPe to show what kind of job/services were provided by their firms to BharatPe."

After Grover and Jain were ousted, BharatPe objected to the transfer of huge sums to the HR firms. Jain then returned most of the amount lying in the personal accounts of the proprietors of the HR consultancy firms, who happened to be her relatives. However, she received back that amount in her bank account routed through her relatives in a short span of time, the investigation found.

EOW also questioned some BharatPe employees who were allegedly recruited through these eight firms. However, during their examination, all of them unanimously stated that they were recruited in BharatPe through references and recommendations, and were never contacted by any HR consultancy firm for the purpose of recruitment".

Another allegation by BharatPe pertained to the reversal of input tax credits and payments of penalty worth 1.66 crore to goods and services (GST) authorities, and embezzlement of 71.76 crore on the basis of fictitious transactions with over 30 non-existing or fake vendors.

A physical verification of 33 fake vendors found the addresses of 23 were not proper or non-traceable; only 10 firms addresses were found to be genuine. EOW added that a detailed investigation is being conducted to unearth the complete racket behind these alleged bogus/fake firms that had obtained several crores of rupees on the pretext of supplying the goods to BharatPe".

The probe agency said the Director General of GST Intelligence (DGGI) has responded to its enquiry into alleged fake vendor firms, which had raised invoices to BharatPe and received payment. According to the DGGI reply, BharatPe reversed the amount of input tax credit availed by them and paid 12.75 crore towards GST liability and penalty.

EOW said the investigation is at an initial stage and replies from various authorities are yet to be examined, adding Keeping in view of gravity of offence and investigation, the petition filed by Ashneer and his wife for the dismissal of the case is strongly opposed and may be dismissed in the interest of justice".

Last year, BharatPe also filed a civil lawsuit in the Delhi high court where it sought 88.67 crore in damages from Grover, his wife and family members.

Hindustan Times Sanjeev Kumar Jha in Delhi contributed to the story.
Prithvi Raj Singh Oberoi aka Biki, the doyen of Indian hospitality and Chairman Emeritus of the Oberoi Group passed away this morning, November 14, Tuesday, said a spokeswoman of the Oberoi Group. He was 94 years old.

In an official statement, the company said, It is with profound grief and sorrow that we wish to inform you of the peaceful passing of our beloved leader, Mr. P.R.S. Oberoi, Chairman Emeritus earlier today. His passing is a significant loss for The Oberoi Group and the hospitality industry in India and overseas."

The company informed that PRS Oberoi's cremation will take place at the Bhagwanti Oberoi Charitable Trust, Oberoi Farm, Kapashera, starting at 4.00 pm today.

Anyone from within The Oberoi Group as well as those who knew him, are welcome to attend and pay their respects. May I also request that prayers be held for PRS Oberoi at our hotels and at the Corporate Office today," the statement read.

PRS Oberoi was the Executive Chairman of EIH Limited, the Flagship Company of The Oberoi Group, and the Chairman of Oberoi Hotels Private Limited, the major shareholder of EIH Limited.

Popularly known as the man who changed the outlook of the hotel business in India, PRS Oberoi is credited with placing Oberoi hotels on the international luxury travelers map with the opening of several luxury hotels in important cities.

Born on 3rd February 1929, PRS Oberoi is the son of the late Rai Bahadur MS Oberoi, the founder of The Oberoi Group. He was educated in India, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland.

He used to believe that people are the most valuable asset of any organization, and recognized the importance of quality in hospitality management, the company's website read.

PRS Oberoi received numerous awards including the Padma Vibhushan (India's second highest civilian honor) in January 2008 for his exceptional service to the country, the Lifetime Achievement Award at ILTM, the '2010 Corporate Hotelier of the World award, the Lifetime Achievement Award, the Businessman of the Year 2008, the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards, the Lifetime Achievement Award for Management, and others.

PRS Oberoi death: Condolences pour in from industry leaders

Jet Airways CEO Sanjiv Kapoor called Biki Oberoi a true legend who perfected the art of detail and took the concept of intuitive hospitality to new levels.

He was to the Indian and Global hospitality industry what JRD Tata was to Indian and Global aviation. In the words of Alfred Lord Tennyson, The old order changeth yielding place to new - In Vikram and Arjun Oberoi, we have the two finest successors, true gentlemen, to script the next chapters. May Mr Oberoi's soul rest in peace - it was a privilege to learn from him."
New Delhi: The Centre is set to auction 20 blocks of critical minerals, including lithium and graphite, within the next two weeks, as part of a broader effort to harness indigenous technology for mining and processing, V.L. Kantha Rao, secretary, ministry of mines, said on Tuesday at the India International Trade Fair 2023.

The move aligns with the government's strategy to secure minerals essential for advanced technology sectors and follows significant reforms designed to boost private sector engagement in mineral exploration.

Recently, the government identified a slew of critical minerals including new age minerals like lithium, cobalt, and titanium, important to meet the modern-day needs of sectors like electronics, telecom, transport, and defence.

Last month, the Centre had approved royalty rates of 3% each for lithium and niobium and 1% for Rare Earth Elements (REEs).

Also Read: 51 mineral blocks including lithium and gold handed over to 11 state governments: Centre

In a virtual address, Union minister of coal and mines, Pralhad Joshi said, Minerals are integral part of our daily life and mineral serve as raw material for many industries but are also crucial and vital to energy transition to a low carbon-emission economy, and renewable energy technologies that will be required to meet the net zero commitment as declared by our Prime Minister."

To create awareness among the public about the path breaking reforms underway in the mining and mineral sector, the ministry is showcasing a state-of-the-art mining pavilion at IITF, Pragati Maidan from 14-27 November.

The exhibition is intended to educate visitors on the government's reformative steps, advancements in exploration and auction processes, and the subsequent boost to state revenues and local development through the District Mineral Fund.

Critical mineral blocks like lithium are crucial for manufacturing of electric vehicles. In February, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) established 5.9 million tonne of inferred resources of lithium in the Salal-Haimana area of Jammu & Kashmir.

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"Aage dekha jayega (We will see)," Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said when he asked about INDIA's bloc's future at a time when a rift persists between his party and the Congress. Both the political parties are part of the INDIA alliance of 26 parties.

Akhilesh Yadav's statement came after he took a dig at the Congress on Monday and questioned the timing of their demand for a caste census in India. He said the Congress did not conduct caste census after Independence, not even after all parties in the Lok Sabha were demanding a caste census. "Why do they (Congress) want to do so today?," Akhilesh Yadav asked, saying that this is because the party knows that their traditional vote bank is not with them.

ALSO READ: MP Polls: INDIA allies spar over seat sharing, Congress assures 'in principle' support for SP

While speaking in Madhya Pradesh's Satna, the SP chief also taunted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his "X-ray" remark over the caste census demand. Gandhi had said in a rally that the caste census would be like an "X-ray" that would give details of various communities in the country.

In reaction to this, Akhilesh Yadav sarcastically asked "why X-ray when there is availability of new technology like MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and CT (computed tomography) scan".

ALSO READ: Congress divided in Madhya Pradesh like Shiv Sena in Maharashtra, says Shivraj Singh Chouhan

"The biggest miracle is the Congress is also talking about caste census. Those who are talking about X-rays are the same people who stopped the caste census after Independence," Yadav said.

"The castes can be counted in three months. All the data is available. All are having Aadhaar cards. Why will it take time," he was quoted by news agency PTI as saying.

ALSO READ: Madhya Pradesh polls: Akhilesh Yadav targets Congress after snub, says 'I would not have trusted..'

Akhilesh Yadav's comments have further widened the rift within the Opposition's INDIA alliance. Both the SP and the Congress are part of the bloc which plans to contest 2024 Lok Sabha polls together to take on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The SP and the Congress are contesting the Madhya Pradesh Election 2023 separately. Madhya Pradesh is set to undergo polls on November 17 and the counting of votes will take place on December 3. Voters will choose legislators from 230 Assembly constituencies.

(With inputs from agencies)

ALLIANCE More Information

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Ahead of the second phase of state assembly elections in Chhattisgarh, Union Minister Anurag Thakur targeted Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and said that the CM is hidng his face after the Mahadev app scam."

Paisa Kamao...Bhupay karo' this continued for 5 years. Betting continued and the Chief Minister's office continued providing protection to the accused. 508 crore rupees were collected from Mahadev App. Now there will be neither Congress government nor corruption," said Anurag Thakur at a press conference held in poll-bound Chhattisgarh on Tuesday. Citing the example of those involved in the Delhi Liquor Scam Case, Anurag Thakur said that nobody involved in the Mahadev Betting App case would be able to escape. 'Women will get cylinder for  500 irrespective of the increase in price': Anurag Thakur He also vouched for PM Modi's promises made for the people of the state. While addressing the media, he said that if people want guarantees they would take the guarantees of PM Modi. During his press conference, he announced that if the BJP government forms in Chhattisgarh, women in the state will get the cylinder for 500 irrespective of the increase in price.

"I want to tell the youths if you want to take guarantees, take those of (given by) PM Modi. What the Bhupesh Baghel government was not able to give in five years, we will give within five weeks on the occasion of former PM Atal Bihar Vajpayee's birthday on December 25. This is PM Modi's guarantee," he added.

Accusing Congress of irregularities in job exam scam cases, Anurag Thakur reminded people of 19 paper leaks in Rajasthan. He said that only Congress people got employment in Chhattisgarh". He assured people that BJP will not let paper leaks happen, and give employment to youth".

"There will be PSC exams like UPSC, with honesty. India is the fastest growing economy in the world and now we are at the 5th position too. I want to ask Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi that all your guarantees have failed in Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh. What guarantee will one give to someone who has no guarantee of his own?" Anurag Thakur said.

He also announced that, if BJP comes into power in the state, the state government will buy 21 quintals per acre of paddy for 3100 and the remaining bonus of 300 for 2 years will also be given by December 25." He also claimed of providing a bonus of up to 45 on tendu leaves.

He promised under BJP's government in the state, 500 new Jan Aushadi centres will also be opened for affordable medicines, permanent houses will be provided to 4 crore families through PM Awas Yojana.

Second phase of voting of Chattisgarh State Assembly elections will be held on November 17.

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Rajasthan Congress leader Sachin Pilot said he is following the mantra of "forgive, forget and move on" as advised by party chief Mallikarjun Kharge and former AICC president Rahul Gandhi .

In an exclusive interview with PTI, Sachin Pilot was asked about Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot's past remarks directed at him. He said, "Leave it! Who said what...I can be responsible for what I have said or not said. We should maintain dignity in political discussions." He added that it's time to move on and that "we need to forget and move forward".

"Whoever said all those words you mentioned, I did not respond in kind because it is not the way I am built and we now have to move on, let bygones be bygones, whatever was said, we need to forget and move forward. It is not about individuals or positions or someone's statements now. It is about the country and the party," Pilot was quoted by PTI as saying.

On 2020 Rajasthan rebellion

Sachin Pilot said the issues that he raised in 2020 were important for the party and people, and that the situation today is different. He said this while responding to a question on the rebellion he led against the Rajasthan government led by Ashok Gehlot in 2020 and the events of September last year when Gehlot loyalist did not allow a legislature party meeting to take place.

He explained the difference and said, "There was a time when the Rajasthan government did not have a Dalit minister, today we have four Dalit ministers, workers who struggled against five years of Vasundhara Raje government, went to jail, faced lathi charges, those people should be rewarded, not by giving power and positions but by appreciating them, involving them in decision making, they becoming stakeholders in the government of the day. So that has happened now."

He said the AICC at that point had made a committee to look into all the issues that were raised and "I am happy that we moved forward".

On ticket distribution in Rajasthan

The Congress fielded Ashok Gehlot loyalist Shanti Dhariwal from the Kota North assembly seat in Rajasthan. When asked if he had any objections to this, Sachin Pilot said he was "absolutely okay" with whatever decision the party has taken as dwelling on the past is not productive.

"I don't want to go into the allocation of (tickets to) individuals. Whoever the party felt was a winnable candidate whether X,Y or Z, that person was given the mandate after much consideration," he said. "Ultimately, like I said, the final decision lies with the Congress president and the top leadership, whatever they have decided, we have to work and make sure those people win the elections," he added.

Pilot added that the ticket distribution was by and large "very fair" with the winnability factor adhered to. "Ultimately, the party can give a ticket only to one individual. So after a lot of feedback, surveys, opinion of leaders, we gave tickets on winnability. It is not possible to satisfy everybody. By and large the distribution of tickets is very fair," he said.

Dhariwal was among the three senior state leaders against whom the party's disciplinary committee had issued notices after they did not attend a meeting of the Congress Legislature Party in the state. A leadership change was on the cards at the legislature party meet.

On Rajasthan CM face

The Congress has not declared a CM face in the state. "We have never gone with a declared chief ministerial candidate. That has not been the tradition of the Congress. It has been clarified by the AICC," Pilot told PTI.

When asked about suggestions by some that his chances of becoming CM were hit by his 2020 rebellion, the Congress leader said, "I don't think it is a question of my chance, your chance or his chance. Right now we have to make sure the Congress party wins."

"Who gets what position is not decided by an individual. The longstanding tradition in the Congress party is that you fight elections, get a mandate, once you cross the majority mark, the MLAs and the leadership in Delhi will decide who will get what responsibility," Pilot said.

When asked if Gehlot, by virtue of being the incumbent, does have a head start, Pilot said, It is not a race where someone has a head start or a late start. It is a process."

On Congress' priority in Rajasthan polls

Pilot said the Congress' priority is to work for ensuring the victory of all candidates selected by the party. This nation needs a strong Congress and to build a strong Congress "we have to win these state elections", Pilot said

"We have to win these states. These are heartland Hindi states where there is a bipolar contest. We won in Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, those victories have given Congress workers a lot of tailwind," he said.

The elections in Rajasthan will be held on November 25. The results will be declared on December 3.

(With inputs from PTI)

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Madhya Pradesh Elections 2023: The crucial Assembly elections in the state of Madhya Pradesh are drawing close and simultaneously the intensity in exchanging barbs between Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress is also surging. In a straight out battle between both parties in Madhya Pradesh, neither Congress nor BJP is leaving stones unturned to ensure a victory.

The Madhya Pradesh Assembly Elections is part of the five state Assembly Elections that are being held in November- Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, and Mizoram. These five state Assembly Poll results will be declared on 3 December, which is being considered the semi-final ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections.

Madhya Pradesh is set to undergo polls on November 17 to choose legislators for 230 Assembly constituencies.

In the 2018 Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections, the Congress emerged as the single largest party with the seat tally of 114. The Congress cobbled together a government after taking support from the independents.

However, 15 months after Kamal Nath became the chief minister, the government collapsed as turncoat Jyotiraditya Scindia walked out with several MLAs.

Later, the BJP (109 seats) formed a government under Shivraj Singh Chouhan's leadership.

Rahul Gandhi accuses BJP of stealing MLAs

Congress MP from Wayanad Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and home minister Amit Shah of "purchasing" his party's MLAs and stealing" government in Madhya Pradesh. Referring to the rebellion of 22 MLAs that led to the collapse of the Kamal Nath government in 2020, Gandhi claimed the voice of the masses was "crushed" by the BJP.

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"Five years back, all of you elected the Congress party to the government. You did not elect BJP but the Congress party. After that, BJP leaders -- Narendra Modi, Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Amit Shah -- purchased MLAs and stole the elected government of Madhya Pradesh," he said in a poll rally in Madhya Pradesh's Vidisha.

"By giving crores of rupees and purchasing MLAs of the Congress party, your decision, the voice of your heart was crushed by the BJP leaders, by the prime minister. You were cheated," he added, per news agency ANI.

PM Modi calls Gandhi moorkhon ka sardar

In Betul, the Prime Minister came down on Congress and said the party is turning to seers to revive its fortunes in the run-up to the assembly elections, but the 'Congress knows that its fake promises won't work in front of Modi's guarantees'.

A 'mahagyani' (super knowledgeable) leader from the Congress yesterday said the people of India have 'Made in China' mobile phones...moorkhon ka sardar (king of fools)...in which world are the living. They have the disease of not seeing their country's achievements," he said, adding that the Congress is flying in the air as they don't have the idea of ground realities.

Lauding the achievements India made in the last couple of years, PM Modi slammed Congress and asked which foreign glasses are they wearing for them to not being able to see the country's development.

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Carlisle Police are looking for a man they say exited his vehicle, entered the back seat of another vehicle and choked a driver Saturday morning.
Indian globetrotters are in for a big festive cheer as Thailand has recently announced visa-free entry for Indian citizens for six months. Sri Lanka has also waived visa fees for six countries including India; Kazakhstan, too, has introduced visa-free entry for Indians up to 14 days. With outbound travel surging, countries are clearly jostling to woo Indian tourists.

No wonder, the Indian passport has grown stronger with time: it now gets easier visa access (this includes various kinds of non-traditional access, including visa-free entry) to 57 nations, up from 52 a decade ago, according to Henley Global. By another count, almost 25 countries give Indians visa-free access.

Indians, on their part, are also eyeing accessible and affordable tourist destinations with fewer visa hassles. McKinsey has stated in a report that the world could see a wave of Indian travellers in the coming decade". Data shared by EaseMyTrip with Mint showed destinations such as Vietnam, Seychelles, Japan and even Azerbaijan are among the most-searched overseas destinations by Indians this year. Some have responded to the demand with attractive policies: Azerbaijan promises a new system to process electronic visas within three working days.

A travel cost analysis shows a couple can make a hearty plan to exotic Asian destinations in less than 2 lakh. Vietnam and Indonesia are among the cheapest, thanks to better accessibility with direct flights, and even favourable forex rates.
The Indian government may soon cut taxes on the import of electronic vehicles. An EV policy is reportedly in the works and the country is also contemplating an import tax cut for some vehicles from the UK as part of a free-trade deal. The updates came even as Union Minister Piyush Goyal visited a Tesla plant on Monday and noted that the US car maker was on its way to double its components imports from India.

People familiar with the matter told Bloomberg on Tuesday that the Narendra Modi-led government was considering tax cuts on the import of completely built units of electric vehicles for up to five years. The policy would also allow international car manufacturers  such as Tesla  to import battery-powered vehicles on concessional duty rates if they commit to eventually building them in India.

The report however indicated that a final decision was yet to be taken on the contours of the policy. Vehicles imported to India as fully completed units currently face tariffs ranging from 70% to 100%.

Meanwhile India is also considering duty concessions on electric vehicles as part of its free trade agreement with the UK. Both countries are looking to finalise a deal by the end of 2023 and are expected to hold a fresh round of in-person talks soon.

Another Bloomberg report quoting sources said recently that New Delhi was thinking of imposing a 30% concessional tariff on 2500 EVs imported from the UK each year with a cost of more than $80,000.

India has seen a growing demand for electric cars from the middle-class and rich consumers. However high prices and a dearth of options, combined with a shortage of charging stations have hindered adoption. The government launched a $3.1 billion incentive program in 2021 to boost local EV production.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Womens empowerment got a leg up in September when the government cleared a constitutional amendment reserving one-third seats for women in parliament and state assemblies. That was a great step towards gender parity in the political domain. But, what does the law say about the economic empowerment of women? Can women claim their share of family property, and, if so, what would be their share? Are there different rights to property for a woman before her marriage and after that? Such questions pop up regularly during debates and court hearings relating to division of property.

To be sure, womens rights have made great strides in the last two decades, especially where it concerns Hindu women. Amendments in the Hindu Succession Act in 2015, among the many key changes, granted daughters equal share in property acquired by her parents and in any Hindu undivided family (HUF).

Property inheritance rights in India are governed by personal laws of different religions. The Hindu Succession Act, for instance, applies to Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists. For Muslims, the Muslim Personal Law is applicable, while the Indian Succession Act governs the rights of Parsis, Christians and Jews.

Bharat Chugh, an advocate at the Supreme Court and a former judge, said parts of the Indian Succession Act are also applicable to Hindus, Sikhs and Jains but only when there is nothing in the Hindu Succession Act to the contrary. As far as the joint Hindu family property or Hindu successions are concerned, the Hindu Succession Act takes precedence over Indian Succession Act. The Indian Succession Act is not applicable to Muslims," he said.

Succession laws for Christian women are quite straightforward. Daughters get the same rights in parents property as sons and a married womens share in the husbands property depends on the number of legal heirs eligible to lay claim to the property. For instance, in the case of a married couple who have children, a woman gets one-third of the property if the husband dies, whereas a widow gets half of it when there are no children but there are other heirs.

The laws are relatively complicated for Hindu and Muslim women. The Hindu Succession Act has distinctive laws for self-acquired and ancestral property and there are multiple levels of heirsClass I, Class II and Class III. The share of a property that a Muslim woman is entitled to depends on the different sects in the Islamic Law. For instance, there are differences between Shia and Sunni law. Within Sunni law, there are distinctions and different sects such as Hanafi, Shafi, Maliki and Hanabali, and inheritance operates differently under all," Chugh said.

In this article, Mint breaks down the jargon pertaining to inheritance rights of Hindu and Muslim women in an easy to understand Q&A, or question and answer, format. Take note that succession laws apply to all types of assetsreal estate property, bank deposits, stocks, etcuniformly in both Hindu and Muslim laws.

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Unmarried women

Does a woman have rights over her parents property by birth?

Hindus: The Hindu law accepts right by birth, which gives a woman rights in her parents property by birth. This includes both HUF property and assets bought by her parents with their own incomes.

Muslims: The Muslim Law does not accept right by birth, says Vishnu Chundi, founder and CEO, AasaanWill.

What is their share if parents die without leaving behind a will?

Hindus: Daughters are class I heirs, which gives them an equal right over the parents property if the latter die without defining distribution of their assets and properties through a will. All class 1 legal heirs inherit the property in equal measure," said Chugh.

Muslims: Female heirs get half of the share of properties that the male heirs get. For instance, in a family that has one son and a daughter and six assets to be devolved, the former will get four assets and the latter gets two.

The justification available to this distinction under Muslim law is that the female shall upon marriage receive mehr and maintenance from her husband, whereas men will only inherit the property of ancestors. Also, men have the duty of maintaining their wife and children," said Chundi.

Can a woman contest a will if all the assets are passed on to the sons?

Hindus: A Hindu woman, as a daughter, in accordance with section 6 of Hindu Succession Law, has the right to her fathers property, and so can raise a dispute. Moreover, the Hindu law doesnt forbid anyone from a legal suit regarding will dispute. But, realistically, a will can be challenged on limited grounds as it is sacrosanct.

Chundi said in case of the devolvement of HUF property, there are high chances for a daughter to win the case. Chugh agreed and said as there are certain limitations that apply where rights of other members of the joint hindu family and coparceners are also to be respected and balanced.

Muslims: As per the Muslim law, a person can pass on only one-third of property through a will, while the remaining two-thirds is devolved as per succession law. For instance, if a man owns six assets, he can distribute two through a will while the remaining four will be passed on to legal heirs as per the succession law. In Muslim law, there is no concept of a coparcenary or a joint family property.

Can a man who buys property in his wifes name with his income pass it on to his sons?

No, legally the man cant dictate anything for his wifes property. As the property was purchased under her name, only the wife has the ownership and, so, only she has the rights to transfer its titleship," Chundi said.

Do women have a right to agrarian land as well?

Hindus: The law treats agriculture on a par with non-agrarian real estate property where it concerns distribution and inheritance to a Hindu woman. However, this wasnt always the case. The Section 4(2) of the Hindu Succession Act did not include agricultural lands under its scope of inheritance. This was revoked in 2005 by adding the right to claim inheritance over agricultural lands," said Chundi.

Muslims: Chundi said the Muslim law treats agriculture differently from non-agrarian real estate property. Muslim Personal Law does not allow women a share in agricultural land. However, a few states have recently amended this," he said.

Married women

What are a womans rights over husbands property?

Hindus: A widow is entitled to property as a class I heir. Apart from a widow, the mother, son, daughter, or widow of a predeceased son and son or daughter of a predeceased daughter are all treated as Class I heirs and get equal share in a mans self-acquired and HUF properties.

Muslims: In Muslim Law, there is no concept of a coparcenary (intestate ancestral property) or a joint family property but a Muslim woman is entitled to a share in her husbands property either as a co-owner or individually. However, the intricacies vary as per different sects. For instance, as per Sharia laws, if the husband leaves behind only daughters, his brothers are also entitled to get a share, said Chugh.

Does a married woman have rights over parents properties?

Hindus: A daughter is a class I heir in parents properties irrespective of her marital status and is entitled to an equal share in the estate.

Muslims: Daughters are rightful heirs but their share in the parents properties is half of what their brothers get.

What are a womans rights over her sons property?

Hindus: Being a Class I heir, a mother gets an equal share as the deceased sons widow and children, if any. In the case of a single man with no children, the mother is the sole heir of his estate.

Muslims: A Muslim womans share in the sons property depends on his offspring. If a son dies with no children then she is entitled to one-third share, whereas if the deceased son has children then her share becomes one-sixth," said Chugh.

In case of an interfaith marriage, what inheritance laws are applicable to a woman?

Couples can marry under the Special Marriage Act, 1954, wherein either of the spouses is not required to convert to the religion of the other. In this case, the Indian Succession Act applies. Personal law governing their religion ceases to apply," said Chugh.
Emirates ruled out an immediate deal to buy Airbus A350-1000 jets on Tuesday, blaming a dispute with engine maker Rolls-Royce over the durability of its engines and leaving the European planemaker without a major showcase order at the Dubai Airshow.

Speaking a day after placing a $50 billion order for Boeing 777X jets, the president of the Dubai airline, Tim Clark, said the A350-1000's engine would offer only a quarter of the time between maintenance visits compared to Emirates' needs.

He told reporters Emirates would be prepared to order between 35 and 50 of the jets if Rolls-Royce improved both the durability and maintenance costs.

Rolls-Royce said: "Emirates is a valued customer and we look forward to supporting their future fleet growth plans."

While airplane orders dominate headlines at air shows, airlines typically negotiate to buy the airplane and long-term repair services from the engine suppliers separately, meaning big-ticket plane announcements can hinge on unseen engine talks.

Airbus Chief Commercial Officer Christian Scherer defended Rolls-Royce's Trent XWB-97 engine.

"It's a perfectly fine engine operated by many customers around the world. Tim does not operate it," he said while announcing an order from Egyptair for 10 smaller A350-900s.

Emirates has ordered 50 of the A350-900 version, which uses a different Rolls variant, but has yet to take deliveries.

Reuters reported on Monday that an order from Emirates for the largest version of the A350 appeared to be on hold over terms of engine guarantees with Rolls-Royce.

It is the latest example of disagreements in aerospace over the performance designed to save fuel at the expense of ever-hotter internal temperatures that require more maintenance.

Engines face particular challenges in hot and sandy or dusty conditions like the Middle East and India.

Emirates's order for 90 more GE-powered Boeing 777X jets dominated the opening of the week-long Dubai Airshow on Monday.

With plans for an Emirates A350 order off the table for now, Airbus also saw a second major order from Turkish Airlines (THY) slip off the show's agenda, industry sources said.

Airbus said on Monday it had reached agreement "in principle" on a significant THY order.

But it added the deal needed to be ratified in the coming days, in what sources saw as a sign it would need Turkish government approval and was unlikely to appear at the show.

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This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.
Bain & Company, the Boston-based management consulting company, has said in a new report that more than 60% of businesses surveyed in India are "off track" to meet their sustainability goals despite the consumers are willing to change their behavior and pay more for sustainable products.

To get a broad sense of environmental concerns around the world, Bain surveyed 23,000 consumers, the results underscore the growing urgency of sustainability topics. Some 64% of people reported high levels of concern about sustainability.

We have spoken to thousands of executives about their sustainability ambitions and the associated trade-offs," said Francois Faelli, partner and head of the global Sustainability practice at Bain & Company, the report said adding that They know they have a key role to play in the energy and resources transition. Many view this as their legacy, but they are worried about the growing gap between their progress and public commitments. While it will not be easy, there are three levers CEOs must prioritize: policy, technology, and behaviour. Bains new research offers some promising news for businessestheir customers and employees are adaptable and eager to contribute along the path to progress."

The report said that driven by the rising pollution levels in major cities and increasing incidents of flash floods and other natural calamities, a large number of people surveyed expressed a high level of concern about environmental sustainability. Almost 64 % of people surveyed said their worries have intensified over the past two years and that their concern was first prompted by extreme weather.

The report said, Consumers in fast-growing markets, where Bain found environmental concerns to be highestsuch as India, Indonesia, Brazil, and Chinaare willing to pay an even greater premium, between 15 and 20%. Consumers in the UK, Italy, Germany, and France, on the other hand, are only willing to pay between 8 and 10% extra."

The report further said that 72% of Gen Z consumers and 68% of boomers globally are very or extremely concerned about the environment, but in countries as diverse as India, France, and Japan, boomers are more concerned.

The report said 50% of consumers said sustainability is one of their top four key purchase criteria when shopping. Yet they may be making decisions based on misconceptions. Consumers say they rely most on labels and certifications to identify sustainable products, yet most were unable to accurately describe the meaning behind common sustainability logos, such as organic production or Fairtrade. Bain found only 28% of consumers trust large corporations to create genuinely sustainable products, compared to 45% who trust small, independent businesses.

Indian consumers show growing interest in sustainability, there's a noticeable gap between intent and action, mainly due to factors like high prices, limited product information and availability" PTI quoted Karan Singh, Partner and head of the Asia Pacific Sustainability practice at Bain & Company, as saying.

"This presents a distinct opportunity for businesses to take the lead by educating consumers and innovating to offer sustainable products at attractive prices," Singh added.

The survey found that 75% of business leaders believe they have not embedded sustainability well into their business. The instinct of many CEOs is to prioritize external hiring to address all skill gaps, including sustainability.

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Mumbai: Mohit Burman, Member, Burman Family and Chairman, Dabur India , is unfazed by the Religare Enterprises Ltd board's resistance to his family's open offer, after initially welcoming it. He says that acquiring Religare will add a crucial piece to the Burman family's growing bouquet of financial products and that the company needs a promoter to re-enter the lending business.

In a lengthy interview conducted over two days, Burman stopped short of commending Religare chairperson Rashmi Saluja for the company's recovery while giving "full marks" to the management team for the turnaround. Burman also said his group contributed to the recovery. "Hopefully, all shareholders will support our offer," Burman said.

He also said he was puzzled by a first information report (FIR) filed by the Mumbai Police, linking 32 people including him and Gaurav Burman, director of Dabur Ltd, to the Mahadev betting app scandal. Edited excerpts from the interview:

What attracted the Burman family to Religare?

The family is focused on B2C businesses. Our flagship businesses are in the FMCG sector. We focus a lot on food and beverages. We have been in the financial services business but in joint ventures, but historically, we have been running FMCG and pharma businesses ourselves. In the insurance space, we partnered with ABN Amro, Aviva General Insurance Company and three other banks. So, therefore, our interest in Religare came about because it has a very strong franchise in the health insurance business. While we are already in life and general insurance businesses, we felt that this is a potential business we could add value to and therefore, we have made the open offer.

What was your role in Religare's turnaround?

Our journey with Religare started in 2018 when the company was on its deathbed. We put money through a preferential offer  176 crore in August of 2018. At that time, this company (Religare) did not have money to pay salaries. There was chaos. We stabilized the ship then. Then in 2021, we again put in money, and the current management welcomed us wholeheartedly. We put in another 175 odd crore. And, we funded them for the OTS (one-time settlement) which they did not have money for.

What triggered the open offer?

We have been with this company for the last five years, and we have been decent shareholders, we voted the management in, voted everybody in, and did what was right for the company and then there came a time when we realized that this company needs a promoter.

Why does Religare need a promoter?

Two reasons why a promoter is required for this entity: RFL (Religare Finvest Ltd) which is a subsidiary of Religare today, is still a fraud-tagged entity. It is still under the preventive tag from RBI. Change of promoter will do away with these things in time and this company RFL will become a very viable entity, which it is not today. So, that is No.1 from a business perspective, and two, from a banking and cost of capital and credit rating perspective -- you see the credit rating of this company today, both at REL and RFL level, they could do much better. That is extremely important from a business perspective which is what is getting missed out in this whole flurry of news that is floating.

After making the open offer, are you surprised by the resistance from the Religare board?

When we made the open offer, they sent a letter to the stock exchanges welcoming us, and that we are the right people to lead this company. We would provide capital; we would provide professional management.

We (our move) were welcomed on the 25th itself. We dont know what went wrong in the next two weeks or three weeks that they decided to turn around us and give us a different or indifferent welcome.

What could have transpired over these two weeks?

Maybe some people dont want to let go, and you know, there is obviously no promoter in the company, and may be some people are doing whatever they wish, and they do not want someone coming in. I think the interesting part would be to look at the balance sheet of the company and look at the compensation in the form of CTC (cost to company), bonus, and stock options in REL and in the subsidiaries below. We were also surprised, and we thought we would be doing the right thing for the business as we have done in the last five years. As far as I know, all shareholders support our open offer.

Also, people say the value of Religare comes from CARE with a different set of shareholders; do you think that is why there is so much resistance?

So REL has two great businesses, CARE (healthcare insurance) and broking. They are run by great professional managements. They have good investors, and I think there is no conflict with any of the investors. All investors are well within their right to want a good exit and a good valuation. And for us as well, because CARE is our most valuable company or asset, I think, over time, there will be alignment with everybody in terms of value unlocking.

You say Religare shareholders are with you, at the same time their board has issues. Did you support the appointments of chairperson Rashmi Saluja and other board members?

Yes; we voted in their favour. They put out this letter. We told them that we were launching the offer as good corporate citizens, and we told her, four days before announcing the offer. And we are also surprised by what has happened and why it has happened.

Whats the next step for the open offer? Does the board place it before the shareholders?

The shareholders have to be OK, and nobody can force them, not us or the board.

So, even if the board doesnt concur with the open offer price, you can go ahead?

Regulators have the power to approve. And then, shareholders have the right to tender or not to tender.

You said you stood with the company during difficult times. So, for the turnaround, will you give some credit to Dr Saluja for the way she has managed to recover money? Even the regulators, the RBI and PSU banks were surprised that the recovery happened.

Of course, I give full marks to the whole management. And the board to achieve what they have. But now, the business needs capital and direction to the next level, and thats what we want to provide. Therefore, we were surprised that after welcoming us they turned hostile.

Did the Religare board approach you for the lending business?

No, they havent approached us for funds for any specific businesses. Every time they have approached us for preferential (fundraising) which we led, I still believe other shareholders put in money because we put in money first.

We put in money at a very difficult time. The shareholders' commitment to the company is bringing it to where it is today is the story. The shareholders also have stood with the company through very difficult times.

There were two PEs  Bay Capital and Ares SSG  and we gather that the family offices of the Burmans bought Bay Capital's stake. Is that correct?

We put money through two preferential (offers) in 2018 and 2021. The last stake buys we did was from Ares SSG which was 7%.

Your offer price is low compared to the 52-week high.

No; so, we have given this offer taking into account Sebis formula which was lower than what we offered. So, if someone wishes to offer more, Im happy to welcome them.

How far would you go to protect the family name when there are people making allegations?

At this point, I want to stay on a different path and maintain focus. At this point, our focus is on getting the approvals, getting the shareholders on board, and getting this company to do the right thing. I do not want to sling mud. Whatever is being thrown at a personal level, we will deal with it later.

It is very difficult to control a company when the board is hostile to you. How do you plan to address this?

One should ask the board. We would also like to hear from them. They are good people. This question goes to the board in the interest of board members. All aspersions are being made by putting in inverted commas Independent board" -- please give me the names of some members  which board members are against this. They are only saying together, we do not know which board member is saying this.

This is a unique board, one executive and five independent directors, no shareholder nominee, no other executives from the company. I mean that it is a very unique situation.

Have you sought a seat on the board, would you look to protect your interest by seeking a board presence?

Currently, the offer is on, we would like to conclude the offer before we do something. We are focused on the offer, we have to get done with this before onboarding, as things stand today.

There are reports which say that you are not fit and proper for being in the company and REL, around police complaints about connections with the Shivender and Malvinder families and Radha Soami Satsang Beas (RSSB).

This is all noise. If we were not fit and proper, we wouldn't have been running a business for the last 100 years, had 20 MNCs doing JVs with us, and recently completed the acquisition of one of the oldest brands in India - Eveready. First, they said the offer price was too low, and then, when we proved that they sold shares above the offer price, and suddenly they went into a new narrative  we are not fit and proper. We liked to keep our heads down, but now we are talking, and I think everyone should do their homework and come up with their assessment

In 2017-18, some of the entities under the Burman family had bought shares from entities which were connected earlier to RSSB. The allegations are that you might be working as a front there... If there is a police complaint against the Burman family, isnt that a risk to fulfilling the fit-and-proper clause?

We have put money into the company in 2018 and then in 2021. We have bought shares only from Ares SSG in 2023 on the 16th of August. The aspersion that you are trying to cast that the selling institution was holding on their behalf, is completely false, they are the largest credit market fund - $400 billion those guys run  and you can do the math, you can check it out. The regulator is well within their right to ask questions, we will answer the questions. We are focused on getting our open offer done. And through whatever facts and figures we sent the company, a letter about their being some share sales. And we are focused on getting the open offer through.

Either you get into mudslinging and do all this or you get your open offer through and control the company, and I think that is the agenda.

Have you lost confidence in Dr. Rashmi Saluja?

I have never been privy to her decision-making and as I said (never) been on the board of this company; so, therefore, my role has been of a financial investor. So as far as I am concerned, if the existing leadership is something that cannot take the company to the next level, then we need to make some changes.

As an investor, how do you look at CARE? You know there is some talk about a listing that is going to happen. Are you in step with that thought process?

Currently, whatever happens in CARE, its a great asset run by a great team, great professionals, good set of investors. The outcome of CARE can only be decided once the offer process is over. We have no role in it, and the whole idea about the IPO, demerger, whatever will be decided post that. Actually, it will be a win-win for everybody. And it should be good and of value for REL for CARE and their shareholders. So, be rest assured this is a silver asterisk, and we will take care of it. And we want to turn the other assets also into great assets by bringing in funding, manpower..

There is one more thing about the RSSB (Radha Soami Satsang Beas) there are certain views that that they have to pay or they are obliged to pay back. Will you pursue that?

Once (were) in control, whoever has to pay us money, we will pursue it. The company has to pursue all legal remedies.

Indian corporations have rarely made hostile offers or hostile takeovers. Would you look at mediation as someone willing to sort differences amicably? Or is this a point of no return?

We believe we are doing everything as per the government norms. If a situation arises... if individual people are aggrieved, I am happy to sit across the table and work out a solution. As far as we are concerned, we are doing this for the growth of the company and all the shareholders. We are here for the growth of the company. This is not an ego battle for us. We are here for the growth of the company.

In this entire episode we see a resistance coming from a powerful chairperson of the group. If the open offer goes through, do you think in the coming days, there will be a major restructuring of the board of the REL in this scenario?

We cant comment on this  it wouldn't be fair.

How many shareholders are with you now in terms of stake?

We have a 21.25% stake. Hopefully, all shareholders will support our offer.
Children's Day 2023: Jawahar of Hind, PM Modi, Sonia Gandhi pay tribute to Nehru on his birth anniversary

2 min read Join us

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi paid tribute to India's first PM Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on his birth anniversary, which is celebrated as Children's Day or Bal Diwas.

Premium Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge with senior party leader Sonia Gandhi and others releases balloons after paying tribute to India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru on his birth anniversary, at Shanti Van in New Delhi, Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023. (PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid tribute to India's first PM Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on his birth anniversary which is celebrated as Children's Day or Bal Diwas across the country every year. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi wrote, Tributes to our first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru Ji on his birth anniversary." Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also paid tribute to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru today, saying that is a thought of "freedom, progress, and justice." "Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru is a thought--of freedom, progress, and justice. Mother India today needs these values of 'Jawahar of Hind', like an ideology, in every heart," Rahul Gandhi posted on the microblogging site. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and other Congress leaders paid floral tributes to former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on his birth anniversary at Shantivan in the national capital. "Paying tribute to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru ji on his birth anniversary, who took India from zero to the pinnacle, the creator of modern India, the fearless guardian of democracy and our source of inspiration," Congress President Kharge posted on X (formerly Twitter). "His progressive ideas advanced India's social, political, and economic development despite all the challenges and encouraged the people of the country to live together at every moment, without any discrimination and always keeping the country first," Congress President said in a post. The grand old party, on its official social media handle, said, The children of today will make the India of tomorrow. Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru. Happy Children's Day!"

"Pandit Nehru's democratic efforts paved way for freedom," Priyanka Gandhi paid tribute to the former PM.

Children's Day, also known as Bal Diwas is celebrated across India every year on November 14. This day commemorates the birth anniversary of India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, famously known as Chacha Nehru.

Nehru was a strong advocate for children's education and rights. He believed in an inclusive education system and that a nation could only prosper.

His vision stressed the importance of children as the future of the country and foundation of the society. In 1955, he established the Children's Film Society India to represent Indian children.

This day is marked by expressions of love, gifts, and pampering of students. Teachers in schools organize special programs and performances for students which also include competitions such as quizzes, debating, painting, singing, and dancing. As a part of the celebrations and festivities, the exchange of gifts like books and cards also takes place.

This year students of the national capital, Delhi will be devoid of any celebrations in school as the state government has closed schools until November 18 in view of rising pollution levels across the city.

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Delhi pollution news: With Delhi's air quality deteriorating, the authorities of Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, a government hospital in the city, have decided to establish a special Out-Patient Department (OPD) for pollution-related illnesses.

"We have decided that a special OPD will run for pollution-related illnesses where comprehensive care can be given to the patients and will include a multi-departmental clinic because pollution affects multiple organs," Dr Ajay Shukla, Director of RML Hospital said as quoted by news agency ANI.

He added that this special OPD has been made in view of the rising number of patients because of deteriorating pollution in the national capital.

Special OPD department and timings

As per Dr Ajay, five departments including ENT, skin, respiratory tract, eye, and psychiatric departments will be there in the Special OPD. The OPD will run once a week on Monday from 2 pm to 4 pm.

"Five departments, including ENT, skin, respiratory tract, eye, and psychiatric departments, will be there. The OPD will run on Monday afternoons from 2 pm to 4 pm...Special OPD has been made as there is almost a 30% rise in the number of patients because of pollution," he said.

Currenlty, the overall air quality in the national capital stood at 373 which is in 'very poor' category. The air quality plunged into the poor to severe category on Monday and today morning after bursting of crackers during Diwali. According to IQAir, a Swiss company that specialises in air quality monitoring, Delhi was the most polluted city in the world on Monday, followed by Lahore and Karachi in Pakistan. Mumbai and Kolkata ranked fifth and sixth among the most polluted cities in the world.

Meanwhile, following the pollution review meeting with the officers of the Environment Department at the Delhi Secretariat, Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Monday announced that the anti-pollution measures under GRAP IV regulations will remain enforced in Delhi until the next order of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).

Speaking to ANI, Rai said, "Anti-pollution measures under GRAP IV regulations will remain enforced in Delhi until the next order of CAQM. Under this, BS-III petrol vehicles and BS-IV diesel vehicles will remain banned."

"All trucks, except those carrying essential goods and connected to essential services and CNG and electric trucks, will not be allowed to enter Delhi," Rai added.

The Environment Minister also spoke about the bursting of firecrackers in Delhi on Diwali and said, "There is a ban on the production, storage, and sale of firecrackers in Delhi. The firecrackers were brought to Delhi from UP and Haryana. The police of Delhi, Haryana, and UP are under the control of the BJP, and no common man can easily supply the firecrackers amid the monitoring of these three police forces. Some specific people have done this."

(With inputs from ANI)

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A Kashmiri woman and her daughter reached Egypt after being safely evacuated from war-torn Gaza, the woman's husband told news agency PTI on Tuesday. The woman, Lubna Nazir Shaboo, and her daughter Karima, crossed the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt on Monday evening, with the help on Indian missions in the region, he said.

"They are in al-Arish (a city in Egypt). Tomorrow morning (Tuesday), they will move to Cairo," Lubna's husband Nedal Toman said in a text message sent to PTI from Gaza.

The Rafah crossing near Egypt remains the only exit route from the war-hit Gaza as Israeli troops continue to surround the city. The crossing is opened a few times to let humanitarian supplies enter Gaza and also let some foreign nationals and wounded people cross over to the other side.

In a telephone call to PTI on Sunday, Lubna confirmed that her name was among the people who could leave Gaza, She had thanked the Indian missions in the region  in Ramallah, Tel Aviv and Cairo  for making her evacuation possible.

Follow Israel-Hamas War LIVE updates here

Lubna said she had moved with her family to the southern part of Gaza where she had spent several days with acquaintances before being evacuated.

Describing the situation in Gaza, she said, "The sounds of bombardment are too scary and the whole house shakes. It is a very, very scary situation." She mentioned that their "water supply was officially cut off" in the middle of the night of October 9 and they were without electricity, which made them decide to move to the south and seek help in evacuation.

ALSO READ: Israel-Hamas War Highlights: Hamas suspends hostage talks over Al Shifa Hospital bombing by Israel

Lubna also said that she hadn't seen anything like this before and had two families living with them who had to run away after bombardment in the bordering areas of Gaza.

We are not able to go anywhere because there is no safe place for us anywhere and the Gaza Strip is too small and it is closed from every side. There are no exit points over here," she said.

I have already asked for help from the Representative office of India in Ramallah to help me get to a safer place along with my husband and my daughter," she had said in a video message sent to PTI.

Several foreign nationals remain stranded in Gaza as the war with Israel continues unabated. Israel declared war against the Palestinian military group Hamas on October 8, a day after the militant group launched unprecedented attacks in the southern areas of the Jewish state

Hamas has ruled the coastal Strip since 2007.

(With inputs from agency)

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The Burman duo  Dabur Group Chairman Mohit V. Burman and Director Gaurav V. Burman  has been listed in an FIR lodged by Mumbai Police in the Mahadev betting app case. It also includes Bollywood actor Sahil Khan and 28 other accused, ANI reported.

However, Dabur issued an official statement and rejected any such information. We have not received any communication on any such FIR. If this information is indeed true, it appears to be a mischievous act driven by malicious intent and is devoid of any facts," the statement read as quoted by MoneyControl. We categorically deny the allegations and firmly believe that a thorough investigation will vindicate our position and demonstrate the unfounded nature of these allegations. We trust that the legal process will unveil the true nature of this malicious attempt to tarnish our reputation," it added.

Social worker Prakash Bankar filed the first complaint with the Matunga Police, claiming that the betting app had defrauded thousands of people out of over 15,000 crore.

The FIR was registered on November 7 and police have invoked sections 420,465,467,468,471,120 (B) of the Indian Penal Code, the IT Act, and the Gambling Act. Currently, a probe is underway into the betting app scam.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is investigating the illegal betting app syndicate and earlier raided Mahadev Book in Chhattisgarh. Notably, the Centre has issued blocking orders against 22 illegal betting platforms, including the Mahadev app, at the request of ED.

The owners of the Mahadev app are currently in custody, having been arrested under provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) for alleged money laundering.

The ED had earlier said a forensic analysis and a statement made by a "cash courier" had led to the startling allegation" of 508 crore being paid to Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel by Mahadev app promoters.

The federal agency had said that Mahadev's online book app operates by franchising "Panel/Branches" to their known associates on a 70-30 profit ratio.

It was allegedly using the online book betting application to enroll new users, create IDs, and launder money through a layered web of Benami bank accounts. The application provides online casino and betting platforms- activities that the illegal in India or operate under strict supervision of the government.

Sourabh Chandrakar who earlier worked as a juice vendor and his associate Ravi Uppal are the founders of this application and the duo currently resides in Dubai.

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Greene County residents who get their drinking water from the Mountain Lakes Water Company are at risk of consuming E. coli and are being urged to boil all water before consuming.

Failure to follow this advisory could result in stomach or intestinal illness, Greene County said in a Monday statement made in conjunction with the Virginia Department of Healths Blue Ridge Health District.

It is expected it will be at least a week before the matter is resolved, the county said.

The trouble began on or about Sunday morning, when Mountain Lakes suffered a service disruption and customers lost all water pressure.

The Virginia Department of Health was not notified until Monday.

The loss of water pressure means E. coli may be able to infiltrate the water supply through the distribution system.

E. coli is a type of bacteria whose presence indicates that water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. Human pathogens in these wastes can cause short-term effects, such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea and headaches among other symptoms. They may pose a greater health risk for infants, young children, the elderly and people with severely compromised immune systems.

Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, beverage and food preparation, making ice, bathing and brushing teeth until further notice, the county and health department said Monday.

Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water and is the preferred method to assure that tap water is safe to drink. Bring all tap water to a rolling boil, let it boil for one minute, and let it cool before using. Alternatively, use bottled water.

For those without gas or electricity, or who are otherwise unable to boil water:

Use liquid household bleach to disinfect water. The bleach product should be recently purchased, free of additives and scents, and contain a hypochlorite solution of at least 5.25%. Public health officials recommend adding eight drops of bleach (about a quarter of a teaspoon) to each gallon of water. The water should be stirred and allowed to stand for at least 30 minutes before use.

Or use water purification tablets. But be sure to follow the manufacturers instructions.

It is anticipated the problem will be resolved within one week, the county said. However, due to repairs and sample verification, it may be longer.

For more information, residents are encouraged to contact the Mountain Lakes Water Company at (434) 985-7504 or (434) 760-2172.
More than 5,000 people from Myanmar  including army personnel  have crossed into Mizoram over the past two days amid an intense gunfight. Locals breached the international border on Sunday evening after the People's Defence Force attacked two military bases in Chin state and prompted retaliatory airstrikes. Meanwhile the Arakan Army launched a surprise attack against two Border Guard Police outposts in Rakhine State.

More than 5,000 people took refuge in two Mizoram villages along the Myanmar border. As many as about 20 are injured. Eight of them are taken to Aizawl for better medical treatment and the rest are being treated in Champhai," the Mizoram Police said.

IGP Lalbiakthanga Khiangte also told ANI that one individual had succumbed to his injuries on Monday evening. As many as 42 Myanmar army officials have also crossed the international border, surrendering before the Mizoram Police.

What does the India-Myanmar border look like?

Six districts of Mizoram  Champhai, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Serchhip, Hnahthial and Saitual  share a 510-km-long border with Myanmar's Chin state. Zokhawthar on the Indian side is a mere 30 metres away from Khawmawi  separated by the border and the relatively small Tiau river.

How many Myanmar nationals are in Mizoram?

Officials on both sides of the border say that more than 5,000 Myanmar nationals have entered India this week. Thousands from from Khawmawi, Rihkhawdar and the neighbouring villages (in Myanmar) have now taken shelter in Champhai district of Mizoram. They join approximately 6,000 other Myanmar refugees who had already been living in Zokhawthar.

Data from the Mizoram Home Department indicates that there were 31,364 Myanmar nationals living in different parts of Myanmar as of last week. The majority of them live in relief camps, while others are accommodated by their local relatives and some live in rented houses.

What is the current situation in Mizoram?

Indian officials said they had alerted people living along the border areas amid the gunfire. However the situation appeared calm on Tuesday even as clashes continued elsewhere in Myanmar.

Since last night there has been no commotion. Now it is quite calm but we don't know whether the Myanmar army will attack from the air. We cannot rule out air strike at present if the Myanmar government is willing," Khiangte told ANI.

Reports quoting local officials indicate that some refugees had left for their homes after the situation normalised.

What is happening in Myanmar?

The military junta at the helm of the Myanmar government is currently facing its biggest test since taking power in a 2021 coup. Three ethnic minority forces had come together to launch a coordinated offensive in late October across the north. They have since captured several towns and over a 100 military posts amid an 'ineffective' response to the rebellion. The military-installed president said last week that Myanmar was at risk of breaking apart because of the situation.

The anti-junta offensive was launched on October 27 in the northeastern Shan state  along the border with China  and spread to two new fronts this week. It is led by the Arakan Army, the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army and the Ta'ang National Liberation Army  who have collectively dubbed themselves the Three Brotherhood Alliance.

Fighting continues in several parts of the country and the Three Brotherhood Alliance has also blocked two vital trade routes to China and seized a vital border crossing.

Meanwhile the exodus to India is believed to have started after the People's Defence Force  the armed wing of the rebel National Unity Government  attacked two military bases at Khawmawi and Rihkhawdar in Chin state. The Myanmar army had launched airstrikes in retaliation.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Karnataka government has prohibited all type of head coverings ahead of recruitment exams in the state as per new guidelines.

In an attempt to prevent malpractices of cheating and forgery, Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) banned all types of head coverings ahead of upcoming recruitment exams to various state boards and corporations. The guidelines have not banned hijab but it is inferred that head coverings associated with different faiths such as Islam and Sikhism will not be permitted in the exam hall, to vade off malpractices using Bluetooth devices. Also read: Bengaluru traffic: Karnataka govt proposes to build 190-km tunnel to ease congestion The Examination authority also banned electronic gadgets like phones and Bluetooth earphones inside the examination centre, reported ANI.

Karnataka Public Service Commission examination were held on November 6. A woman candidate who appeared for the exam was asked to remove her 'mangalsutra' before entering the exam hall.

This incident sparked protests by Hindutva groups, following which KEA permitted women to wear mangalasutra and toe rings in the examination hall but restricting other jewellery.

The guidelines issued puts in place exam dress code that restricts girls from wearing, jeans high heeled shoes and T-shirts, while men are allowed to wear half-sleeve untucked shirts.

In Karnataka, the recruitment exams of various boards and corporations are set to take place on November 18 and 19.

The Karnataka government had permitted students to wear Hijab during competitive exams that took place last month. Protests by right-wing groups erupted after the Higher Education Minister MC Sudhakar permitted aspirants to give exams wearing Hijab.

However, incidents of students using Bluetooth devices during exams surfaced following which the state government decided to enforce the ban. It was alleged that candidates at Kalaburagi and Yadgir examination centres were using Bluetooth devices while writing exams conducted by KEA last month. On November 11, the State government had ordered an enquiry that was led by state CID.

The state government had also expanded this directive to include other board exams such as Class X and XII, as well as the Common Entrance Test conducted by KEA.

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UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak seems to have found himself in the soup after he appointed former PM David Cameron as the foreign secretary in the recent UK cabinet reshuffle. Sunak also sacked Britain's Home Secretary Suella Braverman, an outspoken right-winger, and replaced her with James Cleverly. The move has prompted several Conservatives to question Sunaks political direction.

While some saw the move as a possible ideological shift on Rishi Sunak's part, some others sought to remove Sunak from office before the 2025 UK general Elections. Andrea Jenkyns, a leader of the Conservative Party, submitted her "vote of no confidence letter" and said, "It is time for Rishi Sunak (also a Conservative Party leader) to go". She posted on X, "Enough is enough...It is time for Rishi Sunak to go and replace him with a 'real' Conservative party leader."

'No confidence letter' a threat to Rishi Sunak?

One Tory lawmaker was quoted by Bloomberg as saying that Sunak will be safe unless the right can unify behind a candidate. "And even then, they would struggle to defeat the premier in a confidence vote," the report added.

ALSO READ | What does Rishi Sunak's cabinet reshuffle mean for India?

Meanwhile, around 80 to 100 MPs within the party are seen as right-wing Sunak sceptics, Bloomberg reported. They are split into factions, and that estimate includes 50 who are strongly behind Truss and only about 10 who are primarily loyal to Braverman, the report added.

Under party rules, 53 MPs would be required to write letters of no confidence in the prime minister to trigger a vote on his leadership.

But, here's how Rishi Sunak may have already gotten into trouble

1. David's appointment: Right-wing Vs Centrist

By choosing Cameron as a Cabinet minister and ousting Braverman, Sunak might have gotten into a trouble with the Tory right (A Tory is a member or supporter of the Conservative Party.)

With the decision, the prime minister has "risked deepening divisions among his MPs"  between the "centrist Tory MPs" and "Brexit backers on the right of the party", the BBC reported.

According to Reuters, Cameron's appointment on Monday delighted the centrist wing of the ruling Conservative Party. And therefore, these moves by Sunak are viewed as "signs (that) Sunak is shifting towards the centre ground (and away from the right)", the Financial Express reported.

ALSO READ: Jaishankar meets new UK counterpart David Cameron, discusses West Asia, Ukraine conflict

This alarmed some on the right of the party. Members of Parliament on the right of the Conservative Party reportedly spent Monday plotting their response to Camron's appointment.

"One said the right had been purged from Sunaks government. Another said options under discussion included an attempt to remove Sunak from office before the election, the formalizing of a Tea Party-style caucus to challenge government policies, and even the formation of a breakaway party that could work with former UKIP leader Nigel Farage," Bloomberg reported.

Notably, it was just a month ago that Sunak had completely distanced himself from Camerons government, telling his party conference he was the man to change what he described as 30 years of an inefficient political status quo".

Now, for critics of Sunak, the appointment of someone whose policies he has criticised  and who in return has been dismissive of his own leadership  was a desperate act to resurrect his ailing government, Reuters reported.

"Hes not moving us to the centre, hes moving to the left," said one pro-Brexit former minister, surveying the line-up of the reshuffled team.

In what is seen as an effort to counter such claims, Sunak brought back right-winger Esther McVey as a minister without portfolio at the Cabinet Office.

2.Suella Braverman is popular

A foreign policy analyst, Nile Gardiner, said on Monday that the sacking of Suella Braverman will "further weaken the Conservative Government" and "strengthen the Left". Braverman was popular on the right of the Conservative Party and a key player in Sunaks rise to power in 2022.

Sunak had arrived in Downing Street in October 2022 after striking a deal with the right of his party. His decision to appoint Braverman as his first home secretary was part of the deal that saw her back his leadership bid. That pact now seems to be in tatters, the Financial Express reported.
Israel-Hamas war: Israel's defense forces progressed into a ground invasion after issuing alerts to civilians in North Gaza, with the aim to eliminate Hamas fighters and destroy what they claim the tunnel network operated by the Hamas. While the move has been condemned by world leaders and Israel has been urged to avoid civilian casualty, the defense forces have only intensified their attacks paralyzing Northern Gaza, killing over 11,100 Palestinians.

Over the past 40 days at several intervals, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has released audio recording of calls between Hamas fighters which the IDF claim were intercepted. In the latest of their alleged revelations, the IDF released a 6 minute video wherein they showcase a tunnel with bulletproof door. Israel claims that the bulletproof door is the opening to a Hamas operated tunnel and opens into the Gaza's Al-Rantisi Childrens Hospital on the other side. The video comes at a time when Israel's intensified bombing of Gaza's largest hospitals have come under fire. Rantisi hospital is only 200 yards (183 metres) away, said Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, as he sought to prove the accusations that the Palestinian Hamas group has been operating from hospitals. "Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!

"Inside these tunnels, Hamas terrorists hide, operate and hold Israeli hostages against their will," said the Israel Security Forces on X, formerly Twitter.

The tunnel is electrified with the help of solar panels and leads to a bulletproof and explosives-proof door about 20 metres down the ground level, he said. "It looks like a hard and clear evidence that the hospital is connected," he added.

The tunnel remains covered so that no one can find it and the hospital is next to a school and an UN building, the Israeli forces said.

The military spokesperson then enters the basement of the hospital where he finds "operational gears" of the Hamas in a room, including explosive body vests, hand grenades, Kalashnikov rifles, and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs).

"Hamas is using hospitals...people shooting RPGs from hospitals. This is Hamas. The world has to understand who is Israel fighting against," he asserted.

Hostages were brought from across the Gaza border on bike and held hostage in this basement, he claimed, pointing to a bike with bullet marks. Women's clothes, ropes tied to a chair, diapers, and a feeding bottle in the basement added to the "suspicion for areas where hostages were held".

A makeshift washroom complete with a commode and ventilation were also found there. "We see infrastructure like toilets, showers and a small kitchen provided the terrorists their needs," he said.

He further claimed that a roster in Arabic on the wall of a room mentioned "Operation Al-Aqsa Flood", the name given to the October 7 Hamas attack, and the shifts of Hamas operatives.

Hamas denied the claim, calling it a campaign of lies and allegations."

Fact-checker Mohammed Zubair has refuted this claim and said the text in Arabic was nothing but the days of the week.

The Israel defense forces had surrounded Gaza's Al-Shifa hospital on Monday, putting the life of hundreds of critically injured, severely ill patients in danger. Israel says Al Shifa is a major hub" of Hamas activities because the group has a command center located in tunnels underneath it.

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US President Joe Biden reportedly called former Barak Obama's adviser David Axelrod a p****k in private, Politico columnist Jonathan Martin said in an article on Monday. Axelrod has repeatedly warned that President Biden's "age issue" was consistent in opinion polls ahead of US presidential election 2024. He even suggested the president should consider whether it would be "wise" for him to drop out of the race.

A few days ago, Axelrod said in a post on X that Joe Biden "needs to decide is whether that is wise (to run for presidential elections); whether it's in HIS best interest or the country's?"

In an interview with CNN, he had said, ...The one number in the polling that was concerning, and in the CNN poll that followed after The New York Times poll, had to do with age, and that is one thing you cant reverse no matter how effective Joe Biden is behind the scenes. In front of the camera, what hes projecting is causing people concerns, and that is worrisome."

Days later, MARTIN said in his commentary, "Calling David Axelrod a prick," as a person who has heard Biden use the word says he does in private, is not a strategy to win 270 electoral votes."
A dramatic cabinet reshuffle in the United Kingdom has seen British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak sack Home Secretary Suella Bravermann  replacing her with former foreign secretary James Cleverly  and bring former prime minister David Cameron back into politics as foreign secretary.

The changes could have implications for Indias free-trade negotiations with the UK, given that Braverman is stridently opposed to increased immigration. Mint breaks down the situation.

What happened?

On Monday, Britains first Asian-origin premier fired his controversial Home Secretary Suella Braverman and brought former Prime Minister David Cameron back to frontline politics as foreign minister. Observers of British politics speculate that Sunak is trying to return his government to a policy of centrist pragmatism.

Braverman, who was ostensibly let go for her comments criticising the lenient" handling of pro-Palestinian protests in the UK, was seen as a key figure in the hard-right wing of Sunaks party. Her vocal criticism of immigration and multiculturalism, which have become increasingly common in Britain, has made her the subject of much controversy. Bringing Cameron back as foreign minister is being seen as an attempt to cultivate a more measured and mature image for the government on the world stage.

What does Camerons return mean for India?

As prime minister from 2010 to 2016, Cameron was an advocate for closer ties with India. He visited India in July 2010, just two months after he took office for the first time. He returned for two more visits in 2013, and hosted Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a summit in London in 2015.

During his tenure, he pushed for increased trade and investment from the UK into India, particularly in infrastructure. His government signed a civil nuclear deal with India and also backed a closer defence partnership between the two countries. As prime minister, Cameron also backed Indias bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council. He also met with Foreign Minister S Jaishankar on his first day as Britains foreign minister.

Are there any concerns?

Yes  in a word, China. As prime minister, Cameron tried to push for a much closer relationship with Beijing and even went so far as to mention a golden era" in bilateral ties. However, the UKs view of China has hardened considerably in recent years. China poses the biggest challenge of our age to global security and prosperity," Sunak said in May this year. Camerons misjudgement of China, Brexit and Western interventions in Libya have meanwhile left him with an unenviable reputation for foreign-policy judgment.

How does Bravermans exit affect India?

As home secretary, Bravermans comments on migration to the UK had caused a public stir in India. She had expressed fears that a trade agreement with India would lead to increased migration to the UK and said that Indians comprised the largest group among people who overstayed their visas.

I have concerns about having an open borders migration policy with India because I dont think thats what people voted for with Brexit," she said in October 2022. Indias government pushed back amid concern that Bravermans position in the government would hold back the free-trade agreement but talks have continued despite her interventions. Her replacement as home secretary, former foreign secretary James Cleverly, is unlikely to take such a public stand against the UK government.
Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Tuesday visited Elon Musk 's Tesla manufacturing facility in Fremont, California, where he heaped praise on the electric vehicle company and highlighted India's role in contributing to Tesla's remarkable journey.

The Union Minister is currently on a four-day visit to the US, which began on 13 November, to attend the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) Ministerial Meeting and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit.

Goyal wrote about his visit to Tesla's Fremont factory on X, noting that the "state-of-the-art" manufacturing facility also employs many talented Indian engineers and financial professionals. He also highlighted the role played by Indian-sourced auto components in the Tesla EV supply chain.

In his X post, Goyal wrote: Visited @Tesla s state of the art manufacturing facility at Fremont, California. Extremely delighted to see talented Indian engineers & finance professionals working at Senior positions and contributing to Teslas remarkable journey to transform mobility."

Also proud to see the growing importance of Auto component suppliers from India in the Tesla EV supply chain. It is on its way to double its components imports from India. Missed Mr @ElonMusks magnetic presence and I wish him a speedy recovery."

Tesla EV in India soon?

Piyush Goyal's visit is being seen as a sign that the Indian government may have finally agreed to grant Tesla tax concessions for the electric car maker to set up a factory in India.

A recent report in the Financial Times noted that the Indian government is considering reducing the duty on electric vehicles to 15% across the board. However, the report notes that the policy hasn't yet been agreed within the government.

According to the Financial Times, Tesla has asked for an initial concession on customs duty levied on imported cars in India. All completely built-up (CBU) vehicles priced below $40,000 now face a 70% import duty, while those priced above $40,000 invite a 100% import duty.

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The United States (US) Secret Service agents protecting President Joe Biden's granddaughter opened fire after three people tried to break into an unmarked Secret Service vehicle in Washington, a law enforcement official told The Associated Press.

The officials said that the incident happened late Sunday when the agents were out with Naomi Biden, the granddaughter of Joe Biden, in Washington's posh Georgetown neighborhood. There, the agents saw the three people breaking a window of the parked and unoccupied SUV, the report quoted officials as saying. "On Nov. 12 around 11:58 pm..., Secret Service agents encountered possibly three individuals breaking a window on a parked and unoccupied government vehicle," the presidential protection service agency's spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said in a statement posted to X, formerly Twitter. During the encounter, one of the agents opened fire, the Secret Service said in a statement. Following this, the three suspects immediately fled the scene in a red car. "It is believed no one was struck," the statement said, adding, "There was no threat to any protectees."

The statement did not confirm whether the agent who discharged the weapon was part of a detail to protect Naomi Biden, Reuters reported.

ALSO READ: Joe Biden: From being one of the youngest senators to oldest US president

Moreover, it was not immediately clear whether Naomi Biden, 29, was in the vicinity during the incident in the wealthy Georgetown area, AFP said.

The Secret Service said it put out a regional bulletin to Metropolitan Police to be on the lookout for it.

ALSO READ: US President Joe Biden and China's Xi Jinping to meet next week | 5 things to know

According to reports, Washington has seen a significant rise in the number of car-jackings and car thefts this year.

Police reported more than 750 car-jackings this year and more than 6,000 reports of stolen vehicles in the district, the Associated Press said.

ALSO READ: Joe Biden to send budget request to Congress to support Israel: White House

US Rep. Henry Cuellar of Texas was carjacked near the Capitol last month by three armed assailants, who stole his car but didnt physically harm him.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Day after being sacked as the Home Secretary, Conservative Leader Suella Braverman lashed out at British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, accusing him of not fulfilling his assurances to her over the issues of illegal immigration and rising anti-semitism.

She said that Sunak's plan is "not working" and the Conservative party is heading towards "record election defeat". On social media platform X, Braverman posted a message stating, "Thank you for your phone call yesterday morning in which you asked me to leave government. While disappointing, this is for the best". She claimed accepting the offer of serving as Home Secretary on "certain conditions" and "firm assurances", despite Sunak being "rejected" by a majority of party members and having "no personal mandate" to be Prime Minister. "As you know, I accepted your offer to serve as Home Secretary in October 2022 on certain conditions. Despite you having been rejected by a majority of Party members during the summer leadership contest and thus having no personal mandate to be Prime Minister, I agreed to support you because of the firm assurances you gave me on key policy priorities," Braverman said.

The four assurances cited by Braverman in the letter were namely: reducing overall legal migration through, inter alia, international students routes and increasing salary thresholds; including specific 'notwithstanding clauses' into new legislation to stop the boats by excluding international laws objecting the move; delivering the Northern Ireland Protocol and Retained EU Law Bills in their then existing form and timetable; and issuing unequivocal statutory guidance to schools that protects biological sex, safeguards single-sex spaces, and empowers parents to know what is being taught to their children.

"I trusted you," she said, adding "it is generally agreed that my support was a pivotal factor in winning the leadership contest and thus enabling you to become Prime Minister".

Braverman further alleged that despite her sending numerous letters to the Prime Minister on these subjects, they were met with "equivocation, disregard and a lack of interest".

"You have manifestly and repeatedly failed to deliver on every single one of these key policies. Either your distinctive style of government means you are incapable of doing so. Or, as I must surely conclude now, you never had any intention of keeping your promises," Braverman said.

Speaking on the issue of the Conservative government's ambitious Rwanda Plan, the former Home Secretary said that Sunak not agreeing to leave the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), Health Research Authority (HRA), and other obligations restricting government's power to take action on "those with no right to be in the UK" was a "betrayal" of their agreement.

She said that if the UK apex court's ruling comes against the Rwanda Plan, it will bring the Conservative leadership back to square one, while even if it is upheld with the 'compromises' it will make the implementation difficult.

"I can only surmise that this is because you have no appetite for doing what is necessary, and therefore no real intention of fulfilling your pledge to the British people," Braverman added.

Calling it "another disappointment", she slammed Sunak over allegedly not acting against "vicious antisemitism and extremism" displayed on our streets since October 7 attacks by Hamas on Israel.

"Britain is at a turning point in our history and faces a threat of radicalisation and extremism in a way not seen for 20 years. I regret to say that your response has been uncertain, weak, and lacking in the qualities of leadership that this country needs. Rather than fully acknowledge the severity of this threat, your team disagreed with me for weeks that the law needed changing," she further said.

Attacking PM Sunak further, the former Home Secretary said that his plan is "not working" and the Conservatives have endured "record election defeats".

"In October of last year you were given an opportunity to lead our country. It is a privilege to serve and one we should not take for granted. Service requires bravery and thinking of the common good. It is not about occupying the office as an end in itself," Braverman said.

She added, "Someone needs to be honest: your plan is not working, we have endured record election defeats, your resets have failed and we are running out of time. You need to change course urgently".

Counting her achievements, Braverman pointed to the recruitment of 20,000 new police officers, the enactment of laws like the Public Order Act 2023, National Security Act 2023 and reforms on anti-social behaviour, police dismissals and standards, reasonable lines of inquiry, grooming gangs, knife crime, non-crime hate incidents, rape and serious sexual offences.

She further added that she will continue to support the government in pursuit of policies that align with an authentic conservative agenda.

Earlier on Monday, Suella Braverman was sacked by Rishi Sunak over her sharp criticism of Police amid the ongoing Pro-Palestine rallies in the United Kingdom, Reuters reported.

Her removal came amid mounting pressure on PM Sunak over her article in the Times UK that criticised the Metropolitan Police for allegedly "going soft" on certain "radical elements" in Pro-Palestine rallies.

According to Reuters, the UK Home Secretary accused the police of applying a "double standard" to rallies, particularly pro-Palestinian marches, in an opinion piece published before a pro-Palestinian march on Saturday.

On October 10, Braverman issued a warning to police chiefs for displaying Palestinian flags on the streets of the UK. She stated that waving the flag "may not be legitimate" if it is viewed as a show of support for terrorism, according to Anadolu Agency report.

On November 11, London saw one of the largest Pro-Palestine marches since the Israel-Hamas conflict began. Thousands of protestors marched from Marble Arch in Hyde Park through the capital down the Vauxhall Bridge Road and crossed the River Thames en route to the US Embassy on Nine Elms Lane. The march was in opposition to US President Joe Biden's unwavering support for the Israeli military's ground operation in Gaza in response to the Hamas attacks of October 7 that killed 1,400 Israelis and took 200 hostages.

Israel's Channel 12 reported that the demonstration had witnessed pro-Hamas slogans and anti-Jewish chants, anti-Semitic banners.

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Delhi had been enduring severe" air quality for two weeks. But the air quality index (AQI) improved remarkably following light rainfall on November 10 and the air quality on Diwali morning was the best it has been in eight years, Mint reported .

By evening, though, the city was once again blanketed by a thick layer of smog and the AQI back at "severe" after an unprecedented and widespread bursting of firecrackers in violation of a Supreme Court ban. In the end, the Delhi governments 'Diya Jalao, Patakhe Nahi' campaign proved ineffective in curbing pollution. 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".

The air quality in Delhi and across north India deteriorates every year in the lead up to winter, when cold air traps pollutants from vehicles, factories, construction sites, and stubble-burning. Lasting solutions are needed to tackle this chronic problem.

While Mint SnapView has been advocating ways to tackle stubble-burning by farmers, its now apparent that Delhis habit of bursting firecrackers on Diwali needs to be addressed, too.

Prime Minister Narendra Modis call to the well-heeled to give up their cooking gas subsidy in 2015 could be instructive. Within a year of that campaign, 8.22 million families had surrendered the subsidy voluntarily, helping the government save 4,166 crore a year.

This was no mean feat, considering the government had first asked well-to-do families to give up this subsidy in back in 2012. Modis appeal evoked the desired response and people actually came forward to give up the subsidy. Additionally, work on setting up the supply infrastructure for piped natural gas to be delivered to households was completed on a war footing.

Modi must now nudge Indians to break their old habit of bursting firecrackers. A call from him to light lamps, not firecrackers, is sure to evoke much more enthusiastic response than the Delhi governments appeal did.

Simultaneously, the ban on manufacturing, storing and selling firecrackers should be enforced strictly. This, along with lasting solutions for stubble-burning and other causes of north Indias winter pollution, would go a long way in improving the quality of the air we breathe.
He fought for his country when he served in the U.S. Army. Then, he became a counterterrorism agent in the FBI to help stop white supremacists from alleged plans to attack Black churches and synagogues.

Now, Richmond resident James Rudisill is in a legal battle to use his Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to further his education and become a chaplain  and the U.S. Supreme Court heard the case this past Wednesday.

Rudisill claims that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs did not pay him the full benefits he had earned under two separate GI Bill programs and that he had to turn down an offer to attend Yale Divinity School. The legal hiccup at the core of the case is that the Department of Veterans Affairs requires people to either fully exhaust or give up their Montgomery GI Bill before requesting their benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

The VA thinks this is a mandatory thing. We say its actually a benefit and it shouldnt be used against veterans who serve long enough to get both benefits, said Tim McHugh, a lawyer with Troutman Pepper.

Rudisill and his pro-bono legal representation reflected on this weeks hearing, in which they said many of the justices seemed to align with their interpretation of the law.

It was edifying to see how prepared the justices were and the thoughtful questions that they asked, Rudisill said. Im very hopeful.

While Supreme Court decisions can take months, David DePippo, a lawyer with Dominion Energy who is also representing Rudisill in the case for free, expects that a decision can come before June.

Given that the three men have spent eight years on the case, their families have been along for the ride and hearing all about the work. In the simplest of terms, DePippo said, his 12-year-old son sees the case as: if you earn two benefits, you should get two benefits.

Rudisills case had a long road to get to this point, and it picked up supporters along the way, including Virginia officeholders in both parties.

Prior to his time as an FBI agent and his desire to become a chaplain, Rudisill had served three periods of active-duty military service between 2000 and 2011  as an enlisted member from 2000 to 2002 and as a commissioned officer from 2007 to 2011.

Enlisted members do not need to have college degrees to serve in the military, while commissioned officers do.

The time frame of Rudisills active-duty enlistments means he falls into eligibility categories for both the Montgomery GI Bill and the Post-9/11 GI Bill. After his first tour, he used some Montgomery GI Bill benefits to finish a college degree (which allowed him to become an officer when he served again). After another tour, he sought to switch and tap into the Post-9/11 GI Bill  which functions more like a scholarship, in that it pays funds directly to the students school and offers living stipends.

Having not yet used his Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, he believed he was entitled to over 20 months of coverage to reach the 48-month cap allowed. According to the VA website, some applicants are only eligible for 36 months, but it does not specify why.

Rudisills fight has been going on in lower courts for years. McHugh was just getting started in his career as a lawyer when he began working with Rudisill and DePippo.

Last December, a federal appeals court ruled that if a person used benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill and chooses to use the Post-9/11 GI Bill, those benefits will be limited to what was unused by the Montgomery GI Bill. A three-judge panel of that same court had first sided with Rudisill in 2021 before the VA appealed for a full-panel hearing.

Ahead of the Supreme Court hearing, Rudisills case garnered bipartisan support from lawmakers and prominent attorneys. Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares and other attorneys general from 30 states signed a brief in favor of Rudisill this past April. By August, several members of Congress signed on in support, including Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va.; Rep. Jennifer McClellan, D-4th; and Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-7th.

If the Supreme Court rules in Rudisills favor, other veterans like him will be able to tap into both types of earned benefits. If the court does not rule the way he hopes, he has got lawmakers on his side.

Should the court not weigh in our favor the next step is just to change the law and work with the Virginia delegation to go down that road, Rudisill said. But I have a gut feeling that Im not sure were gonna have to do that.
The U.S. now experiences an extreme weather event in which damages and costs top $1 billion every three weeks.

That compares with every four months in the 1980s, when adjusted for inflation, according to the latest installment of the U.S. National Climate Assessment released Tuesday.

For the first time, the assessment includes a separate chapter on the economic impacts associated with climate action.

Such events cost the U.S. nearly $150 billion each year and disproportionately hurt poor and disadvantaged communities. Other economic consequences of climate change will become more severe unless the country invests more in clean energy and adapts cities to higher temperatures and rising sea levels, according to the assessment.

While some economic impacts of climate change are already being felt across the country, the impacts of future changes are projected to be more significant and apparent across the U.S. economy," the federal report said.

Ski resorts in the Northwest, farmers in the Midwest and fisheries in the Northeast all face climate-related risks to their local economies. Droughts, wildfires, hurricanes and floods occur more frequently because of rising greenhouse-gas emissions, disrupting the nations food and water supplies and way of life. About 40% of the U.S. population lives in coastal communities exposed to sea level rise, and millions of homeowners could be displaced by the end of the century, according to the assessment.

The Energy Department said Tuesday that it is making $3.9 billion in federal grants available to upgrade the countrys stressed power grid, the latest in a string of investments funded by the 2021 infrastructure law. The Environmental Protection Agency, meanwhile, is offering $2 billion for community climate projects through last years climate law known as the Inflation Reduction Act.

Such investments are urgent because the U.S. and other countries need to accelerate emissions reductions and remove more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to slow climate change, Tuesdays report said.

A recent decline in U.S. emissions isnt enough to put the country on track to meet its climate goals, the report concluded. Emissions fell less than 1% a year on average from 2005 to 2019 but would have to decline more than 6% on average annually to keep the climate from warming more than 1.5 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels by midcentury, in line with national targets and the Paris climate accord. Many countries are behind on their Paris pledges.

Tuesdays report comes ahead of a global climate summit in the United Arab Emirates scheduled to begin later this month. It coincides with a push from the Biden administration to channel billions of dollars into clean-energy projects to create jobs and slow climate change. The report supports the presidents strategy of turning the climate crisis into economic opportunity through subsidies and other incentives, White House national climate adviser Ali Zaidi said.

Companies building new manufacturing facilities to take advantage will have to invest in climate solutions such as water recycling in the Southwest to realize the economic benefits, according to the assessment.

It just becomes even more important to implement resilience strategies to ensure those critical infrastructure and economic development assets are protected from climate change," said Dave White, director of Arizona State Universitys Global Institute of Sustainability and Innovation and a co-author of the report.

The assessment also focuses on opportunities created by the shift away from fossil fuels, finding that losses in fossil-fuel related jobs are expected to be more than offset by new clean-energy jobs and that the benefits of slowing climate change will outweigh the costs. Cities, states and federal governments will face greater expenses from disaster response and other costs and lower revenue from lost taxes and other sources the longer they wait to act, the report says.

Created in 1990, the national climate assessment is mandated by law and produced every four years, though it sometimes gets delayed. This latest versionthe fifthexpands on findings from the last assessment in 2018 and was written by more than 750 experts and reviewed by 14 federal agencies.

The new chapter on economics details how climate change can affect life expectancy, recreational activities and mental health in addition to more tangible disaster costs.

It really paints a much broader picture of the ways in which climate change is affecting daily life," said Delavane Diaz, a principal team lead at the nonprofit Electric Power Research Institute and a co-author of the report.

Write to Amrith Ramkumar at amrith.ramkumar@wsj.com

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There is mounting evidence that the US is cutting its direct dependence on Chinese importsto the lowest level in 17 years, by some measures. Mexico and Canada in the middle of this year overtook China as top exporters to the US. This points to both a gradual decoupling of the two largest economies in the world as well as the rise of friend-shoring. But is the story a bit more complicated?

Game theory tells us that players in any game are strategic, be they individuals, firms or nations. They adjust their strategy based on what the other player is expected to do, a bit like a game of chess. It is useful to keep that core insight in mind while looking at global trade patterns in the age of rising geopolitical tensions. China will adjust its strategy in response to US actions. Chinese goods could be getting into the US through new channels. Not everything has to be shipped out of Chinese ports directly to the US. In a different context, think about how Russia is working its way around US-led sanctions right now.

A new paper by four World Bank economists throws new light on some of the new realities of global trade (Is US Trade Policy Reshaping Global Supply Chains, by Caroline Freund, Aaditya Mattoo, Alen Mulabdic, Michele Ruta). Based on a study of 17,891 products and 157 countries, they show that higher US tariffs on Chinese imports have begun to bite. China has lost substantial market share in the items that have been targeted by the US. However, this has not led to an overall fall in US imports of these goods. In other words, there is little evidence of re-shoring. The US is not making these items at home (at least yet). It is merely sourcing them from other countries.

The trade war with China has stimulated imports from other developing countries such as Vietnam or Mexico, though other research shows that US consumers are paying higher prices for most of the Chinese imports that the US is now trying to wean itself off.

There are two interesting insights in the paper by the four World Bank economists. First, the benefits in each line of trade have been captured by one dominant beneficiary, rather being spread widely across countriesa sign of a China Plus One strategy, rather than China Plus N. This is a lesson that Indian companies, policymakers and strategists need to keep in mind.

Second, many of the countries that are reporting an increase in exports to the US are also reporting an almost matching increase in imports from China. India is one of the few countries that has reported higher exports to the US between 2018 and 2022 without a similar increase in imports from China. The data suggest that the US is still plugged into Chinese supply chains via its new dominant trade partners. Trade has tight links with foreign direct investment, and there is other evidence to show that Chinese investment is growing in many countries that are increasing their exports to the US.

The endgame of this strategic tussle is not yet clear, but there are a few simple macroeconomic truths that also need attention. The Chinese trade surplus is way down from its peak, but it is still a fact. Many of the other large global economies have also been running trade surpluses. The US, Britain and India are among the few major economies that have trade deficits, and the latter two are not large enough to absorb the Chinese trade surplus. That leaves the US.

The global balances right now do not suggest that the two largest economies in the world can be decoupled painlessly. There is also the issue of financial flows. China needs to invest its surplus earnings in other economies. As Brad Setser of US think-tank Council on Foreign Relations has recently pointed out: Chinas goods surplus could not exist with a deficit of comparable size elsewhere, and that deficit is in the US." He adds that the global economy continues to be integrated while global politics is far more fractured.

The upshot: Global supply chains are being rewired because of the geopolitical tussle between the US and China. What is emerging appears to be a new form of globalization rather than full-blown de-globalization. India has a good chance to take advantage of the new supply chain map, especially given its growing internal market as well as its position as a counterweight to China.

India is an early gainer. The four World Bank economists show that the Chinese share of US imports has fallen by 5.3 percentage points (pp) between 2018 and 2022. The six biggest beneficiaries are Vietnam (1.9 pp), Taiwan (1 pp), Canada (0.75 pp), Mexico (0.64 pp), India (0.57 pp) and South Korea (0.53 pp).

However, India needs a more open trade policy to further benefit from such a reshuffle of trade partners by the US. For starters, New Delhis decision to stay out of major trading blocs as well as delays in signing bilateral trade deals with large economies can prove to be a major hurdle.
National capital Delhi's air quality index deteriorated after Diwali, as the residents of Delhi flouted Supreme Court's firecracker ban order. On Tuesday. the national capital Delhi recorded Air Quality Index (AQI) at 361, which is considered 'Severe'. Till Monday it was recorded at Severe Plus category.

Despite the Supreme Court's ban on firecrackers to mitigate pollution, people in several parts of the national capital flouted the ban by bursting fireworks, in-turn nullifying effects of the recent rain in Delhi.

As the Delhi air pollution worsened, political mudslinging began between Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders. Both sides blamed each other for the worsening air pollution in Delhi.

BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla alleged that the Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had made the national capital a gas chamber, and his party is silent on the internal causes of Delhi's pollution. He further said that AAP government is only blaming Hindus, Diwali, the Centre, Haryana, and UP but is silent on Punjab Parali.

"Today, AQI in Delhi is crossing 400 in many areas. Note: No DIWALI, no crackers burst yesterday ; no crackers burst 10 days ago when AQI was 600 plus. Reason: Punjab Parali continues to burn despite SC warnings of 2611 farm fires in two days. 26000 plus farm fires in this season," Poonawalla posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday.

"There are also internal causes of pollution in Delhi- 1) Dust, 2) Industrial & construction, 3) vehicular pollution, 4) biomass burning 2) Industrial and construction, 3) vehicular pollution and 4) biomass burning. What did you do about this in last 9 years Gopal Rai?," he said.

"AAP will blame Hindus, Diwali, Centre, Haryana,UP but is silent on Punjab Parali. Silent on the internal causes of Delhi's pollution. Thank you, Kejriwal, for making Delhi a gas chamber," he added.

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These are not happy times. An Israel-Hamas war in Gaza threatens to spread across the Middle East, with America and Iran facing off in the background. The Ukraine war, Europes largest since 1945, shows no sign of ending. And Chinese jets and warships now menace Taiwan in growing numbers and with increasing frequency, with looming elections on the island likely to bring more tumult. Civil conflict in Mali, Myanmar and Sudan has worsened in recent weeks, too.

Read our coverage of the Israel-Hamas war and the Ukraine war

A concatenation of crises is hardly unprecedented. Sergey Radchenko, a historian, points to the examples of the Soviet invasion of Hungary and the Suez crisis overlapping in 1956, crises in Lebanon and the Taiwan Strait in 1958 and the tumultuous years of 1978-79, when the Chinese invasion of Vietnam, the Islamic revolution in Iran and the Soviet Unions invasion of Afghanistan unfolded in quick succession. In 1999 India and Pakistan, newly armed with nuclear missiles, waged a war over Kashmir while NATO bombed Serbian forces in Yugoslavia.

But America and its allies cannot intervene as easily or cheaply as they once did. Adversaries such as China and Russia are more assertive, and working more and more together. So too are non-aligned powers, including India and Turkey, which have growing clout to shape distant events and believe that a new and more favourable order is emerging. And the possibility of a war directly between major powers hangs over the world, forcing countries to keep one eye on the future even as they fight fires today.

Massively multiplayer game

The large powers are becoming more polarised on issues where they might once have pushed in the same direction. In the Middle East, for instance, Russia has moved closer to Hamas, tearing up years of careful diplomacy with Israel. China, which in past wars issued bland statements urging de-escalation, has exploited the crisis to criticise Americas role in the region. With the exception of strongmen such as Viktor Orban, Hungarys leader, few Western countries talk to Russia any longer. And even dialogue with China is increasingly dominated by threats and warnings rather than by efforts to tackle joint problems like climate change. A meeting planned between Joe Biden and Xi Jinping in California on November 15th may prove a case in point, though there are rumblings of an agreement on military applications of artificial intelligence.

Another shift is growing convergence between Americas adversaries. There really is an axis that is emerging between Russia, China, North Korea and Iran, which rejects their version of the American-led international order," says Stephen Hadley. He served in Americas national security council in the 1970s and the Pentagon in the 1980s before becoming national security adviser to George W. Bush in 2005. The war in Ukraine has cemented the partnership between Russia and China. It is not a formal alliance, but the two countries conducted their sixth joint bomber patrol in the western Pacific in the space of just over four years in June. They followed it up with a joint 13,000km naval patrol in the region in August. Iran and North Korea have both supplied Russia with weaponry in return for military technology. The result is greater entanglement. A crisis involving one enemy is increasingly likely to draw in another.

Moreover, each crisis not only involves more enemies, but also more players in general. The leaders of Australia, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea have all attended the past two NATO summits in Europe. Ukraines counter-offensive this year could not have happened without an infusion of South Korean shells. Turkey has established itself as a key arms supplier throughout the region, reshaping conflicts in Libya, Syria and Azerbaijan with its military technology and advisers. European countries are planning more intensively how they might respond to a crisis over Taiwan. Crises thus have more moving parts to them.

That reflects a broader shift in the distribution of economic and political power. The idea of multipolarity"a term once confined to scholarship, and which refers to a world in which power is concentrated not in two places, as in the cold war, or in one, as in the American-dominated 1990s, but in severalhas entered the diplomatic mainstream. In September, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Indias foreign minister, noted that America, facing the long-term consequences of Iraq and Afghanistan"a nod to two failed warsand relative economic decline, is adjusting to a multipolar world".

The argument is debatable. In a recent essay, Jake Sullivan, Americas national security adviser, argued that America is in a stronger position now than it was while mired in those wars. If the United States were still fighting in Afghanistan," he wrote, it is highly likely that Russia would be doing everything it could right now to help the Taliban pin Washington down there, preventing it from focusing its attention on helping Ukraine." That is plausible. But Americas image is undoubtedly bruised.

A poll conducted in February by the European Council on Foreign Relations, a think-tank, found that more than 61% of Russians and Chinese, 51% of Turks and 48% of Indians expect a world defined by either multipolarity or Chinese dominance. In his final state-of-the-union speech in January 2016, Barack Obama, then Americas president, insisted that on every important international issue, people of the world do not look to Beijing or Moscow to leadthey call us." Seven years on, things are less clear-cut.

The result of all this is a sense of disorder. America and its allies see growing threats. Russia and China see opportunities. Middle powers, courted by larger ones, but concerned by the growing dysfunction of institutions like the World Trade Organisation and the United Nations, see both. A kind of anarchy is creeping into international relations," wrote Shivshankar Menon, who served as Indias foreign secretary and national security adviser, in an essay published last year. It was not anarchy in the strict sense of the term," he explained, but rather the absence of a central organising principle or hegemon."

That tendency has been compounded by several other trends. One is the climate crisis, which increases the risk of conflict in many parts of the world and, through the green transition, is creating new sources of competition, such as that for critical materials crucial for wind turbines and electric vehicles. The other is the accelerating pace of technological change, with artificial intelligence improving at an exponential rate and with unpredictable consequences. A third is globalisation, which knits crises together in new ways. A war over Taiwan, for instance, would cause acute disruption to the semiconductor industry and thus to the world economy.

The fourth is a rising tide of nationalism and populism, which infects attempts to solve all of these global problems. In a book published in 2021 Colin Kahl, who recently stepped down as the Pentagons policy chief, and Thomas Wright, a senior official in Mr Bidens national security council, noted that international co-operation seized up during the covid-19 pandemic as countries rushed to close borders and shield themselves. For all practical purposes the G7 ceased to exist," they noted. Pandemic politics ultimately dealt the final blow to the old international order."

From dawn to dawn

The new world disorder is putting the institutional capacity of America and its allies under stress while stretching their military capabilities. Start by considering the institutional pressure. The cold war, Mr Hadley argues, was an organised world". There were global challenges, he acknowledges, but many were subsets of the larger superpower struggle. For post-cold-war national security advisers," he says, its more like cooking on an eight-burner stove with every burner having a pot, and every pot just about to boil over."

A world in which more crises occur together poses two sorts of challenges to the leaders and diplomats tasked with managing them. One is the tactical problem of fighting several fires at once. Crises tend to have a centralising effect, says a former senior British diplomat, with prime ministers or presidents taking personal charge of issues that might otherwise be scattered among foreign and defence ministries. Even in large and powerful states, bureaucratic bandwidth can be surprisingly limited.

Diplomats, immersed in crises, often perceive that their own times are unusually chaotic. Baroness Catherine Ashton, who was the European Unions de facto foreign minister from 2009 to 2014, points out that she was dealing with the Arab spring, Irans nuclear programme and the Serbia-Kosovo dispute at the same time. I can remember very clearly, when the Ukraine crisis began," she says, referring to a revolution in Kyiv in 2014, that I just didnt know if we would have the bandwidth for all of this."

One issue is that competition has turned to conflict. The war in Ukraine has been especially debilitating for diplomacy. Baroness Ashton recalls that when the Ukraine crisis began in 2014, her negotiating team for nuclear talks with Iran in Vienna included Russias deputy foreign minister. She would travel to Kyiv to condemn Russias meddling and he to Moscow to condemn the European Union. Then wed fly back and all sit down and carry on with the Iran talks." Such fleet-footed compartmentalisation would now be impossible.

Americas national security council is a bare-bones operation, in part because Congress is loth to fund White House staff. In an essay published in 2016, Julianne Smith, now Americas envoy to NATO, recalled her time as deputy national security adviser to Mr Biden when he was vice-president. A typical day would often involve four to six hours of back-to-back meetings on anything from Syria to cybersecurity to North Korea," followed by 150 to 500 emails per day. My ability to plan, think beyond the next day in the office, or significantly deepen my knowledge of any single issue was virtually non-existent."

The expectation that top officials represent their country in a crisis often puts enormous pressure on a handful of people. Antony Blinken, Americas secretary of state, has spent almost every waking hour shuttling between Middle Eastern capitals over the past six weeks. He recently flew from the Middle East to Tokyo, for a meeting of G7 foreign ministers, then to India, and on to San Francisco. Mr Sullivan is also spread thinly.

Of pens and swords

Even if diplomats can successfully spin multiple plates, the concurrence of crises presents a larger, strategic problem when it comes to military power. The current crisis in the Middle East shows that military power is a scarce resourcelike diplomatic bandwidth. Even in recent years, Pentagon officials would boast that they were finally rebalancing naval power from the Middle East to Asia, after two decades of counterinsurgency in Afghanistan and Iraq. Now, under pressure of events, the trend is reversing.

When the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and its escorts entered the Red Sea on November 4th it was the first time an American aircraft-carrier had operated in the Middle East for two years. The exercises it conducted earlier with the USS Gerald R. Ford marked an unusually large show of force. If the war in Gaza drags on or widens, American naval forces may need to choose between sticking around, creating gaps in other parts of the world, including Asia, or emboldening Iran.

Meanwhile, Western officials increasingly think the war in Ukraine could drag on for another five years, with neither Russia nor Ukraine prepared to give in, but neither capable of breaking the stalemate. As the 2020s roll on, the red lights begin to flash. Many American intelligence officials, and some Asian ones, believe that the risk of a Chinese attack on Taiwan is greatest in a window at the end of this decade. Too early, and China is not ready. Too late, and China faces the prospect of demographic decline and a new generation of Western military technology.

Even without a war, the Wests military capacity will come under enormous pressure in the coming years. The war in Ukraine has been a reminder of both just how much ammunition is consumed in big wars, but also how meagre Western armouriesand their means of replenishmentreally are. America is dramatically upping its production of 155mm artillery shells. Even then, its output in 2025 is likely to be lower than that of Russia in 2024.

The wars in Ukraine and Gaza illustrate these stresses. Israel and Ukraine are fighting two different sorts of war. Ukraine needs long-range missiles to strike Crimea, armoured vehicles to allow infantry to advance in the face of shrapnel, and demining gear to punch through vast minefields. Israel wants air-dropped smart bombs, including bunker busters, and interceptors for its Iron Dome air-defence system, which are being fired at a prodigious rate. But there is overlap, too.

Last year America dipped into its stockpile of shells in Israel to arm Ukraine. In October it had to divert some Ukraine-bound shells to Israel. Both countries also use the Patriot missile-defence system, which takes out planes and larger missiles. So too do other allies in the Middle East: on October 19th Saudi Arabia used a Patriot battery to intercept Israel-bound missiles launched from Yemen. Ukraines consumption of interceptors is likely to rise sharply over the winter as Russia, having stockpiled missiles for months, unleashes sustained barrages against Ukraines power grid.

America can probably satisfy both of its friends for the moment. In recent weeks, France and Germany have both pledged to increase assistance to Ukraine. But if either waror bothdrags on, there will be a pinch. As time goes on, there will be trade-offs as certain key systems are diverted to Israel," writes Mark Cancian of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, a think-tank in Washington. A few systems that Ukraine needs for its counter-offensive may not be available in the numbers that Ukraine would like."

The bigger problem is that, realistically, America could not arm itself and its allies at the same time. If US production lines are already struggling to keep pace with the exigencies of arming Ukraine," notes Iskander Rehman of Johns Hopkins University in a recent paper on protracted wars, they would be completely overwhelmed in the event of an actual protracted, peer-to-peer conflict with an adversary such as China."

These challenges point to deeper tensions in American defence strategy. From 1992 onward American military planners held to what was known as the two-war" standard. Americas armed forces had to be ready to fight two simultaneous medium-sized wars against regional powersthink Iraq or Iranrather than simply a single big war. In 2018 the Trump administration changed this to a one-war" standard: in practice, a commitment to be able to fight either a war in Europe or in Asia, but not both at the same time. Mr Bidens administration stuck with this approach.

The aim was to instil discipline in the Pentagon and to bring ends in line with means: Americas defence budget is virtually flat in real terms, while Chinese defence spending has soared. But the risk, argued critics, was that the one-war standard would tempt enemies to open a second frontwhich could then force America to either back down or resort to unappealing options, like nuclear threats.

Too many plates

What risks do America and its allies run by being so stretched across diplomatic and military realms? If the war in Ukraine stays an open sore in Europe and the Middle East remains ablaze, the West will struggle gravely should another serious crisis erupt. One risk is that adversaries simply capitalise on chaos elsewhere for their own ends. If America were bogged down in a Pacific war, for instance, Iran would surely feel more confident of getting away with a dash for nuclear weapons.

Even more worrying is the prospect of active collusion. European military planners give weight to the possibility that Russia might conduct menacing manoeuvres during a crisis over Taiwan in order to divert American attention and tie down its allies, preventing them from lending a hand in Asia. As in the cold war, each crisis, no matter how parochial or trivial, might come to be seen as a test of American or Chinese power, drawing each country in.

Then there are the surprises. Western intelligence agencies have their hands full watching China and Russia. Few expected Hamas to throw the Middle East back into turmoil as it did on October 7th. Civil wars and insurgencies in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mali, Myanmar, Somalia and Sudan have all been neglected, diplomatically, even as Russian influence in the Sahel continues to grow. Meanwhile on November 10th dozens of Chinese ships circled Philippine vessels, blasting one with water cannon, as the latter attempted to resupply an outpost on Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea, which China claims as its own. If the confrontations worsen, the terms of Americas defence treaty with the Philippines may oblige it to intervene.

Amid disorder, strategists talk about the importance of walking and chewing gum". It is a uniquely American metaphor that once referred to performing two trivial activities at once, and now explains the importance of geopolitical multi-tasking. Others are available. In his forthcoming book, To Run the World", Mr Radchenko, the historian, quotes Zhou Enlai, Chinas premier, identifying Americas predicament in 1964: If there were just a few more Congos in Africa, a few more Vietnams in Asia, a few more Cubas in Latin America, then America would have to spread ten fingers to ten more placeswe can chop them off one by one."

 2023, The Economist Newspaper Limited. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com
KYIV, UkraineUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned citizens to brace for a winter onslaught of Russian missiles aimed at knocking out power and heat, as Moscow seeks to capitalize on a shift in momentum in the war.

The prospect of a second winter of bombardments adds to a darkening mood here. Ukraines summer counteroffensive failed to achieve a major breakthrough, despite thousands of casualties. The countrys top general has said the conflict is at risk of becoming a stalemate. A fresh aid package from the U.S. is tied up in Congress.

The West has rushed new air-defense systems to Ukraine in recent months, including Nasams, which arrived from Lithuania last week. But Ukrainian officials say defenses are spread thin as they are needed to protect cities from missiles and attack drones, as well as to protect Ukrainian troops by keeping Russian warplanes back from the front lines.

Ukraine expects Russia to try to force it to use up its stocks of missiles that defend its cities in the hope of heaping more misery on a population that has proven resilient more than 20 months into the war.

Between last October and March, Moscow launched more than 1,000 missiles and 1,000 attack drones into Ukraine, with most of them targeting urban areas and infrastructure, according to Ukraines air force. Prolonged blackouts hit many major Ukrainian cities. In many buildings, power outages also knocked out the heat.

The goal was to demoralize the Ukrainian population, sending civilians fleeing to other European countries and putting pressure on the Ukrainian government to negotiate an end to the war.

That strategy largely failed last winter, as Ukrainians mostly stuck it out and improvised. But the campaign has already begun again this year: An attack at the end of October blew out windows at a nuclear power plant in western Ukraine, though it didnt disrupt energy production.

We must be prepared for the possibility that the enemy may increase the number of drone or missile strikes against our infrastructure," Zelensky said in his nightly address on Sunday. All attention should be focused on defenses, on responding to terrorists on everything that Ukraine can do to get through the winter and improve our soldiers capabilities."

About 50% of Ukraines energy production and transmission was damaged during last winter, said Herman Halushchenko, Ukraines energy minister. Much of it has been repaired, but not all.

Capacity was damaged," he said. Thats why we said that this winter would be more difficult."

Ukraine has upgraded its air defenses since last fall, when the Russian attacks on infrastructure began. At the time, Ukraine had limited ability to shoot down missiles.

Everything we had was old, made in the 20th century," said Yuriy Ihnat, a spokesman for the air force.

After the first major attack, Ukraine began to receive a variety of modern air-defense batteries from the West, including Nasams, Iris-Ts and eventually Patriots, the top U.S. air-defense systems, capable of shooting down hypersonic missiles.

The systems covered Kyiv, which was the Russians main target," Ihnat said. Clearly their idea was to plunge the capital into a blackout and stop state services from working."

He said there are now 10 brigades devoted to air defense across Ukraine. Still, there arent enough systems, or modern jets, to cover the entire country. Every systemand each air-defense missilethat Ukraine moves into a city to protect civilians and infrastructure is a system that isnt helping defend soldiers at the front.

Ukrainian civilians say they are prepared for another winter of blackouts. Many bought power generators and other supplies last year, which they can put to use again once the outages start.

Serhiy Havrilets, an engineer from Poltava, central Ukraine, said his family bought a space heater, which they can run off a power bank.

We survived last winter. Well survive this winter," he said. Maybe this winter will be easier, because our leaders know what the threats are."

Officials said their teams had learned how to quickly repair much of the damage to the energy infrastructure. But they warned that the threats had also changed since the start of last winter.

Most of the modern air-defense systems are designed to defend against large munitions, such as cruise missiles. Many of them struggle against smaller weapons, like the Shahed drones that the Russians bought from Iran last year and have begun producing on their own.

Ihnat said he expected Moscow to lean more heavily on drone attacks this winter.

In preparation, he said, the air force had created mobile antidrone teams, which used heat vision and machine guns to take the Russian drones down.

Opinion polls show Ukrainians have grown less optimistic since May, when hopes were still high for the summer counteroffensive.

Zelenskys approval numbers have fallen to 76%, down 15 points since May, according to a survey conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology. Trust in the government overall has fallen to 39% from 74% over the same period.

A Ukrainian presidential adviser put the number of military dead at up to 13,000 last December. A leaked Pentagon document estimated that the figure was as high as 17,500 by March 1, just over a year into the war.

Those numbers have only increased since, as fighting trench warfare along the front continues to take a heavy toll on both sides.

Denys Boruk, an 18-year-old student in Kyiv whose father is in the military, said the fatigue from nearly two years of war would make this winter more difficult than the last one.

Everyone is tired," he said. Theres the threat of missile attacks. And I think about the people who are dying."

Still, Ukrainians remain roundly opposed to negotiating with the Russians to end the conflict. Only 14% of Ukrainians favor negotiations, according to the KIIS survey, up from 10% in May. In Kyiv, one resident after another said a cease-fire would only offer the Russians a chance to regroup, and then attack again.

Theres nothing to negotiate," said Yulia Okhtina, a 32-year-old retail manager in Kyiv. It will just be a break for them for a year or two. Then theyll attack again."

Nikita Nikolaienko contributed to this article.

Write to Ian Lovett at ian.lovett@wsj.com
A political group called No Labels is trying to qualify for ballots in all 50 states so that it can field a presidential ticket next year. Its argument: Americans want an option other than President Biden and former President Donald Trump, who has a commanding lead in the GOP primary.

Heres a look at No Labels, its funding and how its presidential effort is going.

Is No Labels new?

Actually, no. Longtime Democratic fundraiser Nancy Jacobson founded it in 2009 with the aim of promoting centrist policies and bipartisanship in federal politics.

Before this 2024 presidential push, No Labels was probably best known for helping to start the House Problem Solvers" caucus. In the 2018 midterm elections, the group spent millions of dollars trying to protect those members from primary challenges.

The groups leadership includes Democrat-turned-independent former Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman, and Republican ex-Govs. Larry Hogan of Maryland and Pat McCrory of North Carolina, as well as Ben Chavis, a former NAACP executive director.

Is No Labels a political party?

No Labels says it isnt, and right now it isnt following the rules of a party, such as disclosing its donors.

A political party fields candidates up and down the ballot, year after year, No Labels says. Since it is only doing work to gain ballot access for one office during one election, it shouldnt be considered a political party or forced to follow the rules of one.

Yet as it works to gain ballot access, it has to ask voters in some states to identify themselves as members of the No Label party. And the state of Arizona recently recognized the group as a partyto No Labels chagrin. No Labels plans to dispute the states finding.

Expect more developments on the party-or-not front in the coming months.

Why did No Labels decide to get involved in the presidential race?

Not long after Biden took office, No Labels began polling on his re-election and surveying people across the country. The group says it found that the public is fed up with political leaders who fixate on yesterdays hatreds and grievances instead of focusing on the future."

Specifically, No Labels says, Americans dont want a rematch between Biden, who turns 81 this month, and Trump, a 77-year-old former president facing four criminal indictments. In a recent Wall Street Journal poll, 58% of registered voters viewed each of them unfavorably, while 39% had favorable views of each.

This deep voter unease gives No Labels an opening to field what it calls a Unity Ticket," the group says.

So who would be the No Labels presidential candidate?

We dont knowand No Labels says it doesnt know yet either.

The group also hasnt explained how it would choose its presidential and vice presidential candidates, saying only that it is working on criteria. It promised to reveal more about its would-be nominating process this fall.

That leaves political observers to speculate about who could be the chosen ones.

The group has a long relationship with Democrat Joe Manchin, a West Virginia senator who announced recently that he wont run for re-election. But Manchin, at 76, isnt exactly a fresh face, and No Labels officials have said it would be advantageous to run a Republican at the top of their ticket.

Hogan, a No Labels national co-chair, has flirted with the idea of a presidential run. Retiring Republican Utah Sen. Mitt Romney also has buzz as a potential presidential candidate and has been involved with No Labels; a Romney spokeswoman said he is not considering running for president on any ticket."

Another name that has popped up: Andrew Yang, a tech entrepreneur who sought the Democratic nomination in 2020. He told Politico that he has had conversations with people associated with No Labels.

The group wont comment on any of that speculation.

When would No Labels announce its ticket?

The group says that after the Super Tuesday primary elections on March 5, it will evaluate whether its ticket has a realistic path to winning the electoral college. That is no easy task. No independent or third-party candidate has won even a single state since George Wallace in 1968.

If No Labels moves forward, it says it will reveal its presidential and vice presidential picks at an April convention in Dallas.

What are the chances a No Labels presidential candidate could win?

First, lets recall how the presidential election works. A candidate needs 270 out of 538 total electoral votes to win.

In all but two states, Nebraska and Maine, the winner receives all of the states electoral votes. That is why places such as Nevada, Arizona and Pennsylvania, with their mixed politics and robust number of electoral votes, become so important.

No Labels says it believes its ticket could reach that magic number, even without winning the popular vote. Other political strategists, including some who work for the centrist group Third Way and the anti-Trump group the Lincoln Project, call that a pipe dream.

If no candidate reaches 270, the House of Representatives chooses a winner by having each states delegation vote for a candidate. The winner would need 26 states. This has happened once in American history, in 1824 when the House chose John Quincy Adams over Andrew Jackson, who had won the popular vote. It didnt go over well.

The most likely role that No Labels would play in the 2024 election is that of spoiler. Political strategists, as well as election history, suggest an independent or third-party candidate would tip the race to Trump.

So how serious is this whole effort?

They are doing it. No Labels had qualified for the ballot in 12 states as of mid-November, most recently Mississippi. Other states where it will be on the ballot include Arizona and Nevada, both expected to be major presidential battlegrounds.

The group says it needs big money for this undertakingthe signature-gathering and court battles are both costly. Jacobson says No Labels has raised $60 million so far.

Who is funding No Labels?

We dont know.

No Labels is primarily organized under the 501(c)(4) section of the tax code, meaning it is a nonprofit that doesnt have to disclose its donors.

That nonprofit status also means the public wont get a glimpse at how much money was really behind this 2024 project for years. No Labels raised about $11.3 million in 2021, according to its most recent tax filing, from July.

No Labels-affiliated political-action committees, which do have to disclose donors to the Federal Election Commission, as well as news releases about events the group has held, provide some donor names.

Harlan Crow, a billionaire real-estate developer, has hosted No Labels events. Investors Nelson Peltz and Howard Marks, hedge-fund manager Louis Bacon and former hedge-fund manager John Arnold helped fund the groups 2018 midterms project. There is no word on whether any of them have contributed to the 2024 presidential effort.

A No Labels 2024 super PAC had raised about $1.5 million through the end of June, and its FEC filings include about 50 donations of $10,000 to $50,000. Houston philanthropist Wilhelmina Robertson, whose family made a fortune in the oil industry, was the biggest donor, making two donations that totaled $75,000. She couldnt be reached for comment.

Lets say No Labels does end up fielding a candidate. Would that persons funding still be secret?

No, according to No Labels. The group says its chosen ticket will register with the FEC, follow fundraising rules and report donors the way all presidential candidates do.

If No Labels does end up offering our ballot line to an independent Unity Ticket, our organization will not help fund or run the campaign," the group says on its website.

Its super PAC could spend money on TV ads and other support the same way almost all candidates, including Biden and Trump, benefit from outside groups.

How is this all going over?

Not great, especially in Democratic power circles.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosis blunt assessment at a November press conference: No Labels is perilous to our democracy. I hesitate to say No Labels because they do have labels. Theyre called No Taxes for the Rich, No Child Tax Credit for Children. Theyre called Lets Undo the Affordable Care Act."

Biden also has called out the groups presidential effortand specifically the role of Lieberman, its founding chairman.

Biden told the news organization ProPublica in an interview published last month that Lieberman knows the effort would help Trump. Thats a political decision hes making that I obviously think is a mistake. But he has a right to do that," Biden said.

The group insists it wont help Trump and instead will draw voters equally from both parties.

No Labels opponents in the political establishment wrap themselves in highflying rhetoric about protecting democracy when they are merely protecting their turf," Lieberman wrote Oct. 12 in a Journal opinion column. This has been the two-party playbook for decades, and the resulting false binary choice hasnt served our country well."

Will there be other No Labels" candidates on the ballot, say running for Senate?

The group said it is interested only in the presidential race. But there is already a big but."

Arizona elections officials say candidates for state offices can use the No Labels designation on the ballot, rejecting the groups request that such moves be blocked. One of the aspiring No Labels candidates, Richard Grayson, compared his bid for the states utilities regulatory board to a performance art piece."

In Arizona, newly independent Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, who has worked with No Labels and has some donors in common with the group, hasnt announced whether she will seek re-election. She could in theory use the No Labels ballot line.

What are other key moments to watch for?

With the clock ticking, No Labels is racing to make it onto all of the ballots it can. It still has 38 states to go, plus the District of Columbia.

Even after it wins ballot access in a state, the fight isnt over. No Labels will be in court in Arizona, and it has been fending off an aggressive effort in Maine by the Democratic secretary of state, who has said its signature-gathering was misleading.

The big reveal, of course, would be the groups chosen candidate, if it decides to field one.

Write to Julie Bykowicz at julie.bykowicz@wsj.com
The United States has been witnessing a spike in new highly contagious COVID-19 variant HV.1 cases. This variant is credited for over a quarter of all coronavirus cases since October end, Hindustan Times reported.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the HV.1 variant which is also dominating EG.5 aka Eris accounted for an estimated 25.2% of all newly diagnosed cases during the two-week period till October 28.

In July, the HV.1 variant accounted for only 0.5% of the total coronavirus cases. However, it had increased to over 12% and now become the most dominant strain in the US, as per CDC data.

In an interview with TODAY.com, Dr. William Schaffner, professor of infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center said that people can consider the HV.1 COVID-19 variant as a grandchild of Omicron.

The COVID family of viruses likes to mutate. Weve all learned that by now. HV.1 is still very close to the existing omicron subvariants," he told TODAY.com.

Dr. William stated that some of the common symptoms for the HV.1 variants are congestion, runny nose, headache, fatigue, cough, sore throat, and muscle aches or chills.

The officials have now started examining the HV.1 variant to deal with a possible surge in winters. Following HV.1, EG.5, also known as Fornax, FL.1.5.1, and XBB.1.16, also known as Arcturus, were the most prevalent variants in the United States, the report said.

All you need to know about EG.5 Covid variant

The World Health Organization (WHO) has earlier categorized the EG.5 strain of the Covid-19 virus as a variant of concern. The variant was reported on 17 February this year and later designated as a variant under monitoring (VUM) on July 19.

The international organization categorizes variants into three categories namely: a) variants of interest b) variants of concern and c) variants of high consequence. EG.5 is a sub-variant of omicron and is considered to be a descendant of the XBB lineage of the virus.

WHO has advised the countries to share information on the growth advantage of the EG.5 variant and also provide its sequence information.

The global health body along with its Technical Advisory Group on COVID-19 Vaccine Composition (TAG-CO-VAC) assesses the impact of variants on the performance of COVID-19 vaccines in order to inform decisions about updates on vaccine composition.

Milestone Alert!Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world  Click here to know more.
One of the worlds biggest exporters of fossil fuels, the United Arab Emirates, is attempting to position itself as a leader in establishing global carbon markets as it prepares to host annual United Nations climate talks this month.

Those efforts are coming under scrutiny as a company owned by one of the U.A.E.s royal families prepares to secure rights to produce carbon credits from a giant expanse of African forest.

The climate negotiations this month seek to reach agreement on rules to create a global market for trading carbon credits, where credits can be purchased to compensate for emissions that contribute to global warming. The idea is to create an incentive to reduce emissions.

But many environmentalists have become critical of some carbon-credit projects, alleging that they are overstating emissions reductions and that the purchase of credits is simply giving countries and companies cover to continue pollutinga practice some have labeled greenwashing."

Blue Carbon, a private company owned by Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Al Maktoum, a member of the ruling family of Dubai, signed preliminary agreements this year with five African nationsLiberia, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Kenya. The deals would grant it the sole right to develop and sell carbon credits from more than 60 million acres of forest, equivalent to the entire land mass of the U.K. If completed, the deals would be among the largest of their kind aimed at global carbon markets.

Climate campaigners are warning that these types of agreements could influence how negotiations play out at this years U.N. climate talks and, ultimately, make the rules for global carbon markets less effective at reducing emissions. At stake is agreeing on regulations that are tough enough to build trust in the market, with credits representing genuine reductions in emissions.

Blue Carbons 54-page draft contract with Liberia, dated July 2023 and reviewed by The Wall Street Journal, shows how lucrative the deals could potentially beboth for the company and the African countries.

The deal with Liberia could cover 2.5 million acres of forest10% of the nations landfor the next 30 years, according to the draft contract. Blue Carbon would get 70% of the proceeds once credits are sold, with 30% going to the government for the first 10 years. After that, there would be a 50-50 division. Those splits are unusually high in favor of the company, environmentalists said.

The draft contract doesnt mention any upfront payment to Liberia to acquire the carbon rights. The company said its deals were based on benefit sharing arrangements," but declined to discuss specific details of its contracts. Blue Carbon said it hadnt reached a final agreement with Liberia on income distribution. The company said that there was interest from the U.A.E. and several other large entities in the oil-rich Persian Gulf for the credits it hopes to generate.

Blue Carbon greatly appreciates the trust these countries have placed in our initiative," the company said.

Blue Carbons deal with Zimbabwe is even larger, covering 19 million acres, which is about 20% of its total land.

The concern among environmentalists is that the African forest deals could give the U.A.E. an incentive to push for more lenient rules during the U.N. climate talks, known as COP28, that allow it to generate more credits from the forests. The countries on the other end of the deal would also have an incentive to generate more money from the deals. If that leads to weaker rules for the U.N. carbon credit regulations, it could hurt the integrity of the market, they say.

The main concern with all these deals is that it allows U.A.E. to continue emitting CO2 by buying dubious carbon credits while undermining the possibility of these African countries meeting their own reduction commitments," said Saskia Ozinga, founder of Fern, a European forest advocacy group, referring to African nations using the credits to meet their own climate goals.

The U.A.E.s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment declined to comment on the potential outcome of the negotiations. The U.A.E. is also working with countries globally to accelerate clean energy transition, having invested more than $50 billion into renewable energy projects across 70 countries," the ministry said, adding that the U.A.E. is aiming for a 19% absolute cut in its own emissions by 2030.

Liberian authorities acknowledged there are some legitimate concerns about its deal with the U.A.E. Regulators are reviewing it and working on a legal framework for the countrys carbon assets, said Wilson Tarpeh, executive director of Liberias Environmental Protection Agency. Liberia is a developing country that is rich in forest and biodiversity," he said. There are many interests when it comes to forest and its governance."

Zimbabwes environment minister, Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndlovu, also said the country was working on a legal framework for its carbon credits that would be transparent and ensure the money raised benefits the communities in the affected areas.

National and regional carbon markets already exist, where companies trade credits to meet emission caps required by law, a market estimated at $900 billion. There is also a far smaller self-regulated voluntary" carbon market, where companies buy credits to improve their environmental credentials, but arent required to do so.

Among the most pressing issues at the U.N. talks is setting up a global carbon market, under the 2015 Paris climate agreement. Countries need to decide what types of activities will qualify for carbon credits and how to quantify the benefits of those projects.

A carbon credit is generated when one metric ton of greenhouse gases is removed from the atmosphere, for instance, by growing trees or switching to renewable energy. The purchaser of a credit is then permitted one ton of emissions.

Carbon credits generated from forests are particularly difficult to verify. Forests act as sponges for absorbing carbon dioxide, but simply preserving the forest as-is wouldnt generate carbon credits. A carbon credit project must show some improvement to the forest that increases its ability to absorb carbon dioxide, such as conservation work that makes the vegetation cover more dense.

A particularly controversial form of carbon credits is what is known as emission avoidance," in which credits are calculated based on what would have happened if a conservation program werent in place, such as logging. The category is used by many forest projects in the voluntary carbon market. Emission-avoidance credits are expected to be a subject of debate during the negotiations in the U.A.E., and the European Union and a group of Latin American countries have warned that including this category would undermine the integrity of the U.N. market.

Kate Dooley, a research fellow at the University of Melbournes Climate and Energy College, said that if the climate talks lead to allowing avoided emissions to qualify for credits, that would potentially make Blue Carbons rights to harvest credits much more valuable, but would be a setback for global climate goals. She said that the world needs a giant absolute reduction in emissions by 2050, not a net reduction achieved by using methods like carbon credits.

Theres only a small opportunity for this kind of forest offsetting to have any role in climate mitigation, so it is being overused and over relied on by many countries," said Dooley.

Blue Carbon will decrease carbon emissions by promoting sustainable forest management, conserving forests and increasing forest carbon stocks," according to the draft contract with Liberia.

We are anticipating credits to be generated from deforestation that has been averted, forest regeneration and restoration, conservation," said Tarpeh, the executive director at Liberias EPA.

Proponents say the credits would help direct money toward developing countries where it can achieve greater cuts in emissions than the same amount would in more advanced economies. This promotes sustainable development and the international cooperation required to solve the climate crisis," said Andrea Bonzanni, international policy director at the International Emissions Trading Association, a trade body.

Some carbon-credit projects have also been criticized for failing to direct enough money to the communities that live in the areas where the credits are generated. There are tens of thousands of people living in, and surviving off, Liberias forests.

Andrew Zeleman, head of the secretariat of the National Union of Community Forestry Development Committees, a nongovernmental organization in Liberia, said that forest dwellers there havent been consulted on the deal being negotiated with Blue Carbon. He said that under other types of commercial agreements involving forests, the community gets up to 55% of revenues, under Liberian law. But there is no local law governing carbon credits, he said.

We are a sovereign nation. Any agreement we sign with a company must be in accordance with our laws," said Zeleman.

Tarpeh, the executive director of Liberias EPA, said that he expected consent of the local population to be obtained and the deal to be completed before COP28.

Gabriele Steinhauser contributed to this article.

Write to Saeed Shah at saeed.shah@wsj.com

View Full Image Big Oil Producer Lines Up African Carbon Deals Ahead of Climate Talks
World's richest man and Tesla CEO Elon Musk has apologised to India's commerce minister Piyush Goyal for not being able to be with him during a visit to the company's factory in Fremont, California.

The billionaire said it was an "honour" to have Goyal visit the Fremont plant and expressed optimism about meeting the minister at a later date.

Replying to Goyal's post on X, Musk wrote, "It was an honor to have you visit Tesla! My apologies for not being able to travel to California today, but I look forward to meeting at a future date."

Goyal praises India's role in Tesla's journey:

Piyush Goyal lauded India's role in Tesla's journey to transform mobility, citing the crucial role played by Indian engineers and finance professionals working in senior positions in the company. Reiterating his earlier statement, Goyal said that Tesla is on track to double its component imports from India.

The Union Minister is currently on a four-day visit to the US, which began on 13 November, to attend the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) Ministerial Meeting and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit.

Tesla's EV factory in India soon?

The visit by Goyal comes at a time when there has been much speculation about the Indian government granting tax concessions to Tesla for setting up an electric vehicle manufacturing facility in India.

A recent report in the Financial Times noted that the Indian government is considering reducing the duty on electric vehicles to 15% across the board. However, the report notes that the policy hasn't yet been agreed within the government.

According to the Financial Times, Tesla has asked for an initial concession on customs duty levied on imported cars in India. All completely built-up (CBU) vehicles priced below $40,000 now face a 70% import duty, while those priced above $40,000 invite a 100% import duty.

Milestone Alert!Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world  Click here to know more.
A Russian court on Tuesday imposed a fine of 15 million roubles ($164,000) on Alphabet-owned Google for refusal to store Russian users data on servers in Russia.

A magistrate at Moscow's Tagansky district court imposed the fine on Google after the IT company repeatedly refused to store personal data on Russian citizens in Russia.

Earlier, Google was fined over the same charges in August 2021 and June 2022 under a Russian law that obliges foreign companies to localise the personal data of their Russian users.

In August, the US tech giant was ordered to pay a 3 million rubles (about $32,800) fine for failing to delete allegedly false information about the war in Ukraine.

In summer 2022, Google's Russian subsidiary had filed for bankruptcy after Russian authorities seized its bank account, making it impossible to pay staff and vendors.

In Russia, while Twitter and Facebook are banned, access to Google's services and its search engine and YouTube is free.

Earlier, Russian courts have also fined Apple and the Wikimedia Foundation, which hosts Wikipedia.

Googles video platform YouTube will soon require video makers to disclose when theyve uploaded manipulated or synthetic content that looks realistic  including video that has been created using artificial intelligence tools.

The policy update, which will go into effect in 2024, could apply to videos that use generative AI tools to realistically depict events that never happened, or show people saying or doing something they didnt actually do.

From December 1, Google will start deleting certain personal data that include Gmail messages, Google Photos libraries, Google Calendar appointments, and Google Docs archives.

In July, Google had sent emails warning that these account deletions would start in December.

According to those emails, any account that is considered to be inactive will receive several reminder emails" before any action is taken.

Milestone Alert!Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world  Click here to know more.
Clifford Wayne Trow, who represented Corvallis at the Capitol at a state senator for 28 years and served as a history professor at Oregon State University, has died.

Trow passed away on Oct. 31. He was 94.

Born in Topeka, Kansas, Trow became active in the Democratic Party in the 1950s as a college student in Colorado, from where he moved to Corvallis to join Oregon State Universitys history faculty in 1965.

He first ran for the Oregon Senate in 1970 and lost. He ran again four years later and was re-elected six more times before retiring in 2003.

A Place to Sleep - episode 5: Lebanon How did the last couple of elections change the way East Linn County interacts with its unhoused residents?

Until 1996, when he retired from his role at Oregon State, he juggled teaching with his responsibilities in the Senate, often taking leaves without pay to attend Senate sessions, according to a 2008 interview for the Special Collections and Archives Research Center at the university.

In his time in the Senate, Trow served on and chaired several committees, including the Education, Rules and Executive Appointments, and Labor committees.

In 1981, he was president pro tempore and during the last five to six years of his service, he led the legislature's Democratic caucus at a time when the party's influence was waning.

As part of his legacy serving in these committees, Trow oversaw the establishment of Oregons Ready to Read program, a grant funding for libraries across the state, and championed mandating schools to establish kindergartens, among other initiatives.

Harry Demarest, chair of the Benton County Democrats from 1988 to 1998, remembers Trow as a politician who was invested in working with everyone.

"During the time he was our senator, a lot of that time Tony Van Vliet, a Republican, was our representative, and Democrats and Republicans worked together to bring about good governance," Demarest said.

"Cliff was very good at listening to all points of view and treating everyone respectfully, even when he disagreed with them," he said.

According to Demarest, this continued ability for Oregon Democrats and Republicans to work together, is another legacy Trow leaves behind  even more crucial given the current political clime.

"Theres a lot of issues where Democrats and Republicans ought to be agreeing with each other," he said.

Anyone who worked with him was influenced to be collaborative and to make room for every voice at the table, he added.

Trow was a great mentor, one who gave young Democrats the opportunity to handle as much responsibility as they were ready for, Demarest said, adding he did not micro-manage.

In retirement, Trow continued to serve on the state Library Board and the Hunger Relief Task Force, set up in 1989 when Oregon was considered one of the states most at risk of hunger.

His decades of public service were recognized by the League of Oregon Cities, the Oregon Student Association, Senate Democrats, the Oregon Education Association, Oregon Library Association and many others.

In 2002, the city of Corvallis honored Trow with his own day.

Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help Support local news coverage and the people who report it by becoming a subscriber today.

Trow leaves behind friends and colleagues who admired his work ethics in politics and academia, and his wife, Jo Anne Trow, whose administrative career was as equally stellar; she served as the OSU dean of women from 1965 till 1969, when she was appointed associate dean of student affairs. In 1984, she became the first female vice president for student affairs in Oregon State University's history.

A memorial service has not been announced yet.

Related stories:
Chinas Private Economy Gains Momentum: A Positive Outlook by Knightsbridge Founder Shayne Heffernan

* Chinas economy will continue to improve in the long run and the private economy, a major force in Chinas modernization drive, will also enjoy long-term positive momentum.

* The establishment of the private economy development bureau provides a strong guarantee for promoting the sectors high-quality development.

* Main responsibilities of the bureau include staying on top of the development of the private economy, focusing on its needs and coordinating and organizing the formulation of policies and measures to promote its development, and providing policy incentives to promote the growth of private investment.

China has blazed new trails for the countrys private economy against the backdrop of sluggish world economic recovery, aiming to boost the development of a sector that is expected to be a pioneer of innovative development and a major driving force for Chinese modernization.

PRIVATE SECTOR STATUS QUO

Chinas economy will continue to improve in the long run and the private economy, a major force in Chinas modernization drive, will also enjoy long-term positive momentum, said Wei Dong, head of the newly established bureau for private economy development under the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), at the China Economic Roundtable hosted by Xinhua News Agency.

Recent data showed that Chinas economy grew 5.2 percent year on year in the first three quarters of 2023. In line with the overall recovery, the private sector has seen marginal improvements in the January-September period, posting faster growth in secondary industry investment and steady industrial output.

As a major taxpayer, job provider and GDP growth contributor to the economy, the importance of Chinas private sector has long been highlighted by policymakers. However, affected by the external environment, Chinas 50 million plus private businesses have come under pressure since the start of this year, fueling concerns in a market that is still recovering.

Private enterprises currently face common problems related to capital, talent, and data as well as technological innovation and the business environment, said Wei Chu, vice dean of the School of Applied Economics, Renmin University of China.

Since the beginning of this year, our order volume has increased significantly, but the more orders we have, the more liquidity we need to ensure their delivery due to the lag in payments for orders, said Chen Hongbo, vice president of Guangdong Jaten Robot and Automation Co., Ltd.

The market is picking up, but downstream enterprises are having less seasonal and cyclical orders. The majority of their orders are short-term orders, said Huang Kunyu, managing director of Esquel Group, adding that this requires enterprises to adjust their strategies in a more timely manner according to market demand, and coordinate immediate and long-term development.

It is urgent to improve the system and mechanism to promote the development and growth of the private economy in view of the new situation, boost the confidence of the private economy, and further stimulate the vitality of the private economy, the NDRC said.

This urgent need has given rise to the private economy development bureau, the first of its kind in China devoted to the private sector.

THE NEW BUREAU

Wei Dong, head of the bureau, told Xinhua that the establishment of the bureau, as a special working organization to promote the development and growth of the private sector, provides a strong guarantee for promoting its high-quality development.

It is our founding mission to serve the development and growth of the private sector wholeheartedly, said Wei, adding that the bureau and private enterprises belong to one family.

Wei, speaking during the roundtable talk, highlighted the bureaus function of providing services to the private economy, noting that the main responsibilities of the bureau include staying on top of the development of the private economy, focusing on its needs and coordinating and organizing the formulation of policies and measures to promote its development, and providing policy incentives to promote the growth of private investment.

The bureau will also be responsible for establishing a mechanism for regular communication with private enterprises, coordinating efforts to solve major problems concerning the development of the private economy, and working toward enhancing its international competitiveness, according to Wei.

To that end, the bureau has taken concrete measures in its latest moves, said Wei. For example, it has added local government support for the development of the private sector to the list of matters to be annually supervised by the State Council, and rewards will be given to those excelling in this regard.

Recently, China introduced an array of policies to shore up the growth of the private economy.

In mid-July, the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council jointly issued guidelines on boosting the growth of the private economy, promising to improve its business environment, enhance policy support, and strengthen legal guarantees for its development.

In late July, the NDRC unveiled 17 measures to further encourage private investment. It also worked with multiple departments and jointly released 28 measures to boost the growth of private enterprises in terms of market access, factor support, legal guarantees, enterprise services, and business environment.

In early August, the country introduced and extended a string of preferential policies for small and private businesses related to tax and fee cuts.

To strengthen financial support for private investment, the NDRC has given full play to the investment-lending linkage mechanism established with seven banks, and referred the first batch of 715 private investment projects to relevant banks.

To optimize the business environment for private companies, the State Administration for Market Regulation has continued to strengthen supervision and law enforcement, standardize the market order, effectively ensure fair trading, and further shored up the protection of intellectual property rights, said Liu Jun, deputy head of the administration.

VOICES OF ENTREPRENEURS

Qitan Technology Ltd., Chengdu, is a high-tech enterprise focusing on nanopore sequencing technology. In 2020, the company developed Chinas first nanopore gene sequencer, filling the blank concerning new generation nanopore sequencing technology in the country.

Bai Jingwei, the companys co-founder, said that Chinas policy support to the health sector has encouraged private investment to this sector and is an important factor behind the sectors rapid development over the past five to 10 years.

Upbeat about the future, Bai said the company will continue to take steps to make gene sequencing technology more accessible and affordable to ordinary people.

Zhou Zhen, president of Guangzhou Hexin Instrument Co., Ltd., told the roundtable that he is optimistic about the market prospects of tech-intensive products, saying that this is where his companys biggest opportunities lie.

Focusing on mass spectrometry, the scientific instrument producer is among the first batch of little giants certified by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, an official category of selected innovation-driven small and medium-sized enterprises that enjoy a raft of supportive government policies.

Hangzhou Wahaha Group, the once school-run firm and now a food and beverage giant, is deemed an iconic Chinese private firm. For Wahaha, bold innovation and renewal are always the keys to outperforming rivals in fierce market competition and sustaining expansion.

For Chinese entrepreneurs, it is essential to be patriotic, to innovate continuously and to care for employees, the groups founder Zong Qinghou told the roundtable. Only in this way can private firms thrive, the 77-year-old entrepreneur added.

Positive Trends in Chinas Economy:

Long-Term Improvement Predicted by Experts: Shayne Heffernan emphasizes that Chinas economy is poised for long-term improvement. The positive momentum extends to the private economy, a crucial driving force in Chinas modernization efforts. Private Economy Development Bureaus Strategic Role: The establishment of the Private Economy Development Bureau under the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) signals a strong commitment to fostering high-quality development in the private sector. Knightsbridge sees this as a strategic move to ensure the sectors sustained growth.

Private Sector Status Quo:

Resilience Amid Global Challenges: Despite challenges posed by the sluggish world economic recovery, recent data reveals that Chinas economy grew by 5.2 percent year on year in the first three quarters of 2023. Shayne Heffernan acknowledges the resilience of the private sector, which contributes significantly to tax revenue, job creation, and overall GDP growth. Common Challenges Faced by Private Enterprises: Private enterprises, numbering over 50 million, confront common issues related to capital, talent, and technology. Knightsbridge points out that while the market is showing signs of recovery, enterprises are adapting to changes in order patterns, requiring agile strategies to navigate the evolving business landscape.

The New Bureaus Mission:

A Holistic Approach to Private Sector Growth: Head of the Private Economy Development Bureau, Wei Dong, asserts that the bureaus mission is to wholeheartedly serve the development and growth of the private sector. Knightsbridge underscores the bureaus commitment to providing services, focusing on the sectors needs, and formulating policies to incentivize private investment. Concrete Measures for Sectoral Support: The bureau has already taken concrete steps, including adding local government support for private sector development to the State Councils annual supervision list. Knightsbridge notes that such measures aim to enhance the sectors international competitiveness and boost confidence.

Policy Initiatives and Future Outlook:

Government Initiatives to Boost Private Economy: In response to challenges faced by private businesses, the Chinese government has introduced a range of policies, including tax and fee cuts, to encourage growth. Knightsbridge acknowledges these initiatives as supportive measures for the private sector. Entrepreneurial Voices Optimistic About the Future: Entrepreneurs from companies like Qitan Technology and Guangzhou Hexin Instrument express optimism about market prospects, citing policy support as a driving force. Knightsbridge expert Shayne Heffernan emphasizes the importance of continuous innovation and patriotism for private firms to thrive.

Conclusion:

As China navigates a complex global economic landscape, the positive outlook on its private economy resonates with optimism. With the Private Economy Development Bureau at the forefront and experts like Shayne Heffernan endorsing these developments, Chinas private sector seems poised for sustained growth and innovation in the years to come.
Crews say a canoe with three men on board overturned while traveling to Patten Island. There were no life jackets on the boat.
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Abbas Ganbay

Mine victims should be recognised as a vulnerable group, and their rights should be ensured.

This was stated during discussions at the 31st session of the Human Rights Council's (HRC) Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism on the impact of mine aggression on human rights at the UN Geneva Centre on November 13, Azernews reports.

Antonio Stango, President of the Italian Federation for Human Rights, who presented a paper on "The devastating impact of landmines on the protection of human rights in the South Caucasus" at the event, noted the scale of the humanitarian tragedy of landmine contamination in Garabagh. It was emphasised that Azerbaijan is the second country in Europe in terms of landmine contamination.

Within the framework of analysing the report, it was informed that, as a result of 30 years of mine terror by Armenia, international customary and humanitarian law, as well as fundamental human rights, have been grossly violated.

A.Stango stated that all this prevents the return of more than 700,000 former Azerbaijani IDPs to their native lands and infringes on their rights to a healthy life, work, and education. The importance of launching an international human rights mechanism and providing compensation to Azerbaijani citizens affected by the mine rupture was noted.

Moderator of the event - Executive Director of Universal Human Rights Mark Limon in his speech spoke about the importance of recognizing mine victims as a separate, particularly vulnerable group in the international human rights system.

Thierry Vallet, the organizer of the event and President of the French Association for Freedom of Conscience, who supported the idea, stated that during his colleagues' visit to the liberated city of Aghdam earlier this year, they had witnessed that a cemetery and religious monuments had been booby-trapped, resulting in mostly civilian victims.

Vallet called on Armenia to co-operate with Azerbaijan on post-conflict humanitarian demining.

Representative of Bosnia and Herzegovina, human rights activist Leyla Alajbegovic, who defends the rights of mine victims, proposed not just to recognize the rights of mine victims at the UN level, but to develop a compensation mechanism for the restoration of their rights.

It is worth noting that Bosnia and Herzegovina has been the most affected in Europe by mine contamination.

"If the perpetrators of mine terror in Bosnia and Garabagh do not pay compensation, this inhumane style of warfare will continue to destroy the future of millions of people in other parts of the world," said Lejla Alajbegovic.

Delivering the final report at the event, Ambassador at Large of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan Elshad Iskenderov noted that as a result of almost 30 years of Armenian occupation, one-tenth of the country's territory was deliberately mined by Armenia, and more than 1.5 million mines were laid in these territories.

After the Second Garabagh War, the Armenian side stubbornly refused to provide information about the laid mines, and then at the insistence of the Azerbaijani leadership did hand over maps of minefields, but as a result of checking these maps, it was found that they were only 25 percent accurate.

Stating that only in the post-conflict period did more than 300 people become victims of mine ruptures as a result of such criminal position of official Yerevan, Elshad Iskenderov stressed the need to send an inspection to Armenia within the framework of a special international mechanism and to obtain accurate information about the actions of this country on mines against Azerbaijan.

"Every day the international community drags out the pressure on Armenia to provide this information turns into new human casualties, prevents the return of hundreds of thousands of people to their homes, delays the process of establishing peace in the region," the Ambassador said.

The participants of the event decided to make a joint statement at the regular session of the Human Rights Council demanding the need to recognize and ensure the rights of mine victims.
Early on the morning of Saturday, September 16 a brave group of volunteers set off from Lisryan on a mission to complete a sponsored climb in aid of the Longford Branch of the Alzheimers Society of Ireland and the Lisryan Tidy Village and Development Committee. Croagh Patrick was the destination.



The group were blessed with blue skies and sunshine after what had been yet another miserable week of rain.

Some had never climbed the mountain, or any other mountain for that matter before. Some were returning for the second or third time, but it didnt matter as all 29 of them did it together and supported each other all the way.



There were great bonds and friendships forged that day, it proved to be a great day out. The amount of money raised was phenomenal.



The support shown to the group by everyone was exceptional and so very much appreciated. Because of this support, on Friday, November 3, a night of celebration and presentation was held in the Crossroads Inn, Lisryan.

The committee were honoured to be in position to hand over 4,000 of the 7,000 raised to the Longford Branch of the Alzheimers Society of Ireland.

Breda Dunne from the Longford Branch accepted the cheque and as she admitted herself, she was in awe of the amount raised for them and the spirit shown by the group of volunteers.



The Alzheimer Society of Ireland is the leading dementia-specific service provider in Ireland. The ASI works across the country in the heart of local communities, providing dementia-specific services and supports and advocating for the rights and needs of all people living with dementia and their carers.



A national non-profit organisation, The Alzheimer Society of Ireland advocates, empowers, and champions the rights of people living with dementia and their communities to quality support and services.

Watching those you love suffer from this disease is absolutely heart-breaking, and what this society provides for people is a life changer, their help and support is incredible.



Unfortunately a few of the group who embarked on the climb have been affected by this crippling disease and understand only too well what it is like to live through this with loved ones.



The work this society does is just outstanding and anything the group can do to support and give back to them is worthwhile.



For more information you can contact the Alzheimer Society Longford Branch at No 2 Earl Street, Longford Tel 043 33 47221 / 33 48402 or Breda Dunne at 086 3802181. National Help Line 1800 341 341 or visit www.alzheimer.ie
Autumns cool temperatures and wet weather are in full effect, but scammers are still putting the heat on homes and businesses on Long Island and in the Rockaways, impersonating PSEG Long Island and area utilities and demanding immediate payment. On Utility Scam Awareness Day, Nov. 15, PSEG Long Island urges customers to get wise to scammers tactics and do the right thing if confronted with a demand for payment and a threat of imminent shutoff: Get the truth from the real PSEG Long Island at 1-800-490-0025.

Scammers try to blindside you with an urgent problem in the hopes that you panic and miss all the clues that theyre not who they appear to be, said Lou DeBrino, PSEG Long Islands vice president of Customer Services. PSEG Long Island wants customers to remember one simple thing: If someone threatens to immediately shut off your power and demands payment, stop and call the number thats printed on your bill to verify before acting.

More than 4,200 scam calls have been reported to PSEG Long Island so far in 2023. Many of these scammers are demanding immediate payment via web-based electronic payment services. PSEG Long Island does not accept external, web-based electronic payment services (outside of payments through My Account) as a method of payment.

What customers should know about payment scams

Scammers impersonating PSEG Long Island most frequently threaten to shut off power immediately unless payment is made.

Many scammers use phone spoofing technology to make their number display on your phone as PSEG Long Island.

PSEG Long Island will never request that customers use one specific method of payment.

Scammers typically want their victims to transfer money via a web-based electronic payment service, a prepaid debit card, or even Bitcoin, sometimes asking people to buy a prepaid card at the nearest convenience store and then to read them the PIN over the phone.

PSEG Long Island does not accept web-based electronic payment services, prepaid debit cards or Bitcoin as payment.

Sometimes phone scammers will demand a deposit for a priority meter installation. PSEG Long Island does not require a deposit for meter installations.

If a customer has doubts about the legitimacy of a call or an email  especially one in which payment is requested  they should call the company directly at 1-800-490-0025.

In-person visits

Occasionally, scammers may go door to door impersonating PSEG Long Island employees, flashing a fake ID and/or claiming to be a utility collection representative. The impostors may wear uniforms or affix false company signs to their vehicles. The scammers generally ask for personal information, which real utility representatives do not do, or offer bogus discounts. Again, if customers have any doubts, they should not let the person in, and should call 1-800-490-0025 to verify.

PSEG Long Island employees must carry a company ID and present it when requested. If customers have doubts, do not let the person into the house and call 1-800-490-0025 to have a customer service representative verify that an employee has been dispatched to the location. An actual PSEG Long Island employee will respect the customers decision and remain outside. If the person escalates their efforts to enter the home, customers should consider calling 911.

Fake websites

The theme of this years Utility Scam Awareness Day is Screen the Search, which reflects the rise in utility impostor scams through digital methods, including search engine-related scams.

Some scammers purchase web domains that closely resemble the actual URL of a utility and create a fraudulent replica of the legitimate website. Their plan is to dupe users who click on these fake sites via search results, or type in an inaccurate web address. Once on the spoofed site, a visitor is presented a number of bill payment options, all pointing back to an outside bill pay site.

PSEG Long Island always uses the .com domain. Its real website can be found at www.psegliny.com.

How actual PSEG Long Island reps handle phone calls

Customers should also know what PSEG Long Island will and wont discuss over the phone. A genuine PSEG Long Island representative will ask to speak to the Customer of Record. If that person is available, the representative will explain why they are calling and provide the account name, address and current balance. If the person on the phone does not provide the correct information, it is likely the customer is not speaking with a PSEG Long Island representative.

If the Customer of Record is not available, the PSEG Long Island representative will not discuss the account at all and ask that a message be left for the Customer of Record to call 1-800-490-0025.

PSEG Long Island is a member of the Utilities United Against Scams (UUAS) collaborative. UUAS, a consortium of more than 150 U.S. and Canadian electric, water, and natural gas utilities and their respective trade associations, continues to raise customer awareness of common scams and new scam tactics used by utility impostors. Through its work and with the help of customer reporting, UUAS has successfully helped to take more than 14,020 toll-free numbers used by scammers against utility customers out of operation.

For more information on various payment scams reported in the PSEG Long Island service area and around the country, visit https://www.psegliny. com/myaccount/customersupport/ scamsandfraud.

PSEG Long Island

PSEG Long Island operates the Long Island Power Authoritys transmission and distribution system under a long-term contract. PSEG Long Island is a subsidiary of Public Service Enterprise Group Inc. (PSEG) (NYSE:PEG), a publicly traded diversified energy company.

Visit PSEG Long Island at:

www.psegliny.com

PSEG Long Island on Facebook

PSEG Long Island on Instagram

PSEG Long Island on X (formerly Twitter )

PSEG Long Island on LinkedIn

PSEG Long Island on YouTube

PSEG Long Island on Flickr
Crime

By Chris Boyle Published: November 14 2023

John Cipolla allegedly stole $285,000 worth of electronics from a Plainview store; Defendant allegedly stole two U-Haul trucks in a separate scheme and $250,000 in quarters from another business.

Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly announced that a Long Island City man was indicted on grand larceny and other charges for two 2022 commercial thefts in which the defendant allegedly burglarized Plainview businesses and stole a total of more than $500,000 in merchandise and currency.

John Cipolla, 50, was arraigned yesterday before Judge Robert Schwartz and charged with Grand Larceny in the Second Degree (a C felony); four counts of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree (a D felony); four counts of Burglary in the Third Degree (a D felony); two counts of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Second Degree (a C felony); Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Third Degree (a D felony); Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Fourth Degree (an E felony); four counts of Criminal Mischief in the Fourth Degree (an A misdemeanor); and two counts of Conspiracy in the Fifth Degree (an A misdemeanor).

The defendant pleaded not guilty, and bail was set at $1 million cash, $2 million bond, and $4 million partially secured bond. As an eligible persistent felony offender, the defendant faces up to 25 years to life in prison if convicted. He is due back in court on December 1, 2023.

Over the course of three months, this defendant allegedly engaged in two conspiracies that netted him more than $500,000 in electronic merchandise and quarters, said DA Donnelly. The defendant allegedly stole box trucks from an area business and used them to haul away the proceeds of his theft to storage facilities in Queens. I thank the Nassau County Police Departments Burglary Pattern Squad for their concerted investigative efforts that led to this indictment.

DA Donnelly said that, according to the charges, on July 31, 2022, at approximately 9:42 p.m., the defendant and other unidentified individuals, allegedly entered ADI Global Distribution located at 101 Fairchild Avenue in Plainview, disabled an alarm system, and stole $285,000 worth of electronics.

In another separate criminal conspiracy, on October 22, 2022, at approximately 8:33 p.m., Cipolla and co-defendant Jose De La Cruz, of Ozone Park, Queens, allegedly broke into a Nassau County Auxiliary Police booth at 831 Hempstead Avenue in Hempstead and stole two police radios. Just a half hour later, Cipolla, De La Cruz, and unknown others allegedly met at a Home Depot parking lot on Jericho Turnpike and communicated with one another.

Later that evening, Cipolla and another unknown individual allegedly stole two U-Haul Trucks from a U-Haul at 121 Jericho Turnpike. Cipolla and De La Cruz then allegedly met at a Brinks location at 100 Commercial Street in Plainview where they stole approximately $250,000 in quarters from the location. Cipolla and De La Cruz allegedly transported the stolen currency from Nassau County in the U-Haul vehicles to storage units located in Queens.

Cipolla was arrested by members of the Nassau County Police Department and New York City Police Department in Queens on July 6, 2023.

De La Cruz, 49, was arrested by NCPD in Glen Cove on July 6, 2023. He is awaiting arraignment on the indictment.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Travis Puckett of the Organized Crime and Rackets Bureau. Cipolla is represented by Dennis Lemke, Esq. De La Cruz is represented by Joseph Terino, Esq.
Local News

By Chris Boyle Published: November 14 2023

After undergoing extensive renovations to enhance the dining experience, Bagel Boss Carle Place is ready to welcome back its loyal customers and invite new ones to indulge in their expanded menu.

Bagel Boss, a beloved New York institution known for its authentic bagel and appetizing offerings, is thrilled to announce the grand reopening of its Carle Place location. The ribbon-cutting ceremony is set to take place at 11 AM on November 15, 2023, at 43 Old Country Road, Carle Place, NY 11514.

After undergoing extensive renovations to enhance the dining experience, Bagel Boss Carle Place is ready to welcome back its loyal customers and invite new ones to indulge in their expanded menu. The grand opening event promises to be a memorable occasion for the community with exciting offerings and the same great taste that Bagel Boss fans have come to love.

"We are excited to open our doors once again at the Carle Place location," said Lee Reich, the new owner of Bagel Boss Carle Place. "Our commitment to quality and the community remains strong, and we look forward to continuing to serve our customers the best bagels, sandwiches, and pastries in town."

The store hours for Bagel Boss Carle Place are weekdays from 6 AM to 6 PM and weekends from 6 AM to 5 PM. For more information, please contact the store at 516.279.6236 or visit BagelBossOfCarlePlace.com

We look forward to seeing you at the grand opening and sharing our passion for quality food and service.
Local News

By Chris Boyle Published: November 14 2023

This legislation is New Yorks strongest tool yet to crack down on illegal deed theft and put the American Dream back in the hands of thousands of New York homeowners, Governor Hochul said.

Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation to protect New Yorkers from deed theft, a practice in which property owners are defrauded out of the property titles to their homes. Legislation S.6577/A.6656 enhances deed theft protections by empowering the Attorney General and local District Attorneys investigating or litigating deed theft to pause related eviction and ownership dispute proceedings and expanding the list of crimes that allow prosecutors to invalidate fraudulent sale and loan documents, among other measures. Governor Hochul signed the legislation today in Brooklyn alongside the Attorney General, members of the Legislature, legal services advocates and victims of deed theft.

This legislation is New Yorks strongest tool yet to crack down on illegal deed theft and put the American Dream back in the hands of thousands of New York homeowners, Governor Hochul said. Deed theft cheats hardworking New Yorkers out of the opportunity to own and keep their homes and forces families out of their communities  particularly in Black and Brown neighborhoods. With the protections enshrined in this legislation, however, we are empowering homeowners and law enforcement to fight back against deed theft and keeping families, homes, and communities intact. I thank Attorney General James and the bill sponsors for their partnership in our mission to protect New York homeowners and for joining my administrations continued effort to stop fraud, forgery, and abuse.

New York Attorney General Letitia James said, Deed theft robs New Yorkers, especially older adults and people of color, of the generational wealth built through owning their homes. The perpetrators of deed theft force their victims to endure humiliating and terrifying situations, often evicting families from their homes. That is why I drafted and advanced legislation to address this problem and empower New Yorkers, and have used my office to go after deed theft perpetrators and raise awareness about this crime. I thank Senator Kavanagh and Assemblymember Weinstein for sponsoring this bill, and I commend Governor Hochul for signing it into law. The reforms made through this new law will help protect New Yorkers and better enable them to combat those who try and steal their deeds, their wealth, and their American Dream.

Deed theft occurs when someone takes the title to someones home without the homeowners knowledge or approval, most commonly through forgery, when a scammer fakes a homeowners signature on a deed and files it with the county clerk, or fraud, when a homeowner unwittingly signs the deed over to a scammer. According to the New York City Sheriffs Office, there have been at least 3,500 deed theft complaints filed in New York City in the past ten years.

Legislation S.6577/A.6656 establishes several new measures to enhance deed theft protections for New Yorkers. The legislation empowers the Attorney General, local District Attorneys, and other law enforcement investigating deed theft to move to stay any legal proceeding where possession or title to a property is at issue  such as foreclosures, evictions, and ownership disputes  and requires courts to grant the stay if investigations are ongoing or the government has initiated civil or criminal actions. Upon finding probable cause or filing criminal charges, the Attorney General and District Attorneys now may file a notice of pendency as a "red flag" to make buyers and lenders aware of title issues to help stop further transactions from happening.

The legislation also expands the ability of prosecutors to move to void fraudulent instruments affecting ownership of and interests in property by adding to the list of crimes that can be the basis for voiding the instruments and, for the first time, allowing the Attorney General to do so in addition to district attorneys.

In addition, unless a defendant can prove otherwise, the legislation creates a legal presumption that a deed transfer was fraudulent in civil disputes over ownership when a party to the transfer has been convicted of deed theft or related fraud with respect to that property, which helps victims of deed theft fighting to maintain their ownership rights in civil court. It also establishes that a buyer or lender had notice of fraud if they actually knew or should have known fraud occurred, which can help victims challenge transfers as invalid when the buyers or lenders should have been aware of the fraud.

The legislation also extends the protections of the States Home Equity Theft Prevention Act, which governs the sale of homes that are in foreclosure or in default, to allow homeowners the ability to cancel any contract to sell their property if they are on a utility lien list.

State Senator Brian Kavanagh said, This legislation addresses many of the shortcomings in our laws that have allowed the outrageous crime of deed theft to occur all too frequently, and that prevented these cases from being resolved in a just manner. Its enactment today is an important victory for many New Yorkers who have been robbed of their homes and whose communities have been targeted, and for those at risk of suffering a similar fate. I thank my legislative colleagues for their work helping to craft and pass this bill, especially Assembly sponsor Helene Weinstein and Senator Zellnor Myrie. Thanks also to Attorney General Letitia James for putting her own powerful voice and her offices considerable resources and expertise behind this effort; the many public agencies and officials, legal services organizations, and housing advocates who testified at the Senate hearing that inspired this legislation; and, perhaps most of all, those who came forward with their own painful stories of falling victim to deed theft. Finally, Id like to thank Governor Kathy Hochul for signing this legislation and for her steadfast leadership and commitment to justice.

Assemblymember Helene Weinstein said, "Deed theft often takes advantage of the most vulnerable New Yorkers: elderly homeowners who are house rich but cash poor; literally ripping them from their homes. It has been a privilege to work with Senator Kavanagh in co-sponsoring this bill, which provides the Attorney General, our NYC Sheriffs and District Attorneys with modern tools to stay ahead of fraudsters - keeping homeowners in their homes. I am particularly grateful to have worked closely with Attorney General James in crafting this legislation, and thankful for the support of Governor Hochul in the fight against these cruel and heartless deed thefts."

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said, Scammers who commit deed fraud often target the most vulnerable in our communities, and for too long, deficiencies in our laws have presented additional hurdles for victims. This legislation provides important new tools to protect homeowners from deed theft, to prevent victims from being evicted from their own homes, and to help prosecutors seek justice. I commend Governor Hochul for signing this essential new law, and thank Assemblymember Weinstein and Senator Kavanagh for their leadership.

New Yorkers are encouraged to report deed theft and other scams to the Attorney Generals office by calling 800-771-7755 or filing a complaint here.
Seth Frantzman is reporting from Israel.

Since the beginning of the war, we have been working relentlessly for the release of the hostages, including using increased pressure since the start of the ground incursion, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on November 14, according to a statement from his office. The hostages are a center of attention. Israels operations in Gaza continued Tuesday, but appear to have slowed slightly in the last week as the IDF enters densely populated areas. Negotiations over the release of some hostages have been ongoing.

The IDF said on Tuesday, November 14, that one of the hostages, a kidnapped soldier named Noa Marciano, had been killed in Gaza. Hamas released a video of her on November 13 showing her speaking about being abducted and held in Gaza, and then showing her lifeless body. She was killed during her captivity in Gaza, and her body continues to be held by terrorists. Marciano was one of a number of female soldiers who bore the brunt of the Hamas attack on October 7 when Hamas attacked an observation post used by the soldiers. Several were killed, and several were taken hostage. One of the kidnapped soldiers, Private Ori Megidish, was freed by the IDF during the early days of the ground offensive. Israels Hebrew media has focused on the story of the observers and their plight since the war began.

Israels Yediot newspaper reported in the evening on November 14 that Ronen Bar, the head of the Shin Bet, Israels intelligence service, met with his Egyptian counterpart, Abbas Kamel, to discuss a potential hostage deal. He last met with Kamel in August 2022. President Joe Biden also said on Tuesday that a hostage deal would happen.

Rocket fire continued on November 14 from Gaza. After several days where the number of rockets fired from Gaza appeared to decline, and there were few sirens in central Israel, there were two barrages on November 14. The first was in the early afternoon, aimed at Ashkelon, and the second in the evening targeted Tel Aviv. The second occurred as I was driving back from Gaza after visiting an IDF artillery battalion. It was rush hour, and commuters had no place to seek shelter. Many stopped their cars on the highway and crouched down. Although the sound of booms indicated some rockets were intercepted, one fell in Tel Aviv and injured three people.

The IDF pushed into neighborhoods southwest of Gaza City, the IDF said on November 14. The 7th Armored Brigade and Golani Brigade secured areas in the Sheikh Ijlin and Rimal neighborhoods. This included government institutions that Hamas utilized for military purposes, the IDF said. The IDF took the local Gaza legislature, a police headquarters, and other areas. The IDF also said they had struck 200 targets in the last day. At Shifa Hospital, one of several hospitals that have become a center of attention in Gaza because of its proximity to the fighting, the IDF offered humanitarian assistance to the director general of the Shifa Hospital, the IDF said. The IDF initiated a humanitarian effort to coordinate the transfer of incubators from a hospital in Israel to the Shifa Hospital in the Gaza Strip, the Israeli army noted in a statement.

There were also two incidents in Israels southern city of Eilat on November 14. One occurred in the early afternoon and the other in the evening. Following the initial report regarding the sirens that sounded in the city of Eilat in southern Israel, an interceptor was launched following the suspicion of an aerial target. The sirens sounded due to the launch of the interceptor, the IDF said about the first incident. Al-Ain news in the Gulf reported that after advice from Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen may begin to target Israeli ships in the Red Sea. This is a new escalation after one month of both Hezbollah and the Houthis targeting Israel with rockets, drones, and missiles.

Hezbollah also continues to carry out attacks in northern Israel. In the afternoon, the IDF said that terrorists launched anti-tank missiles and mortar shells toward IDF posts in the areas of Margaliot, Arab al-Aramshe, Yiftach, Shomera, and Mattat in northern Israel. The IDF is striking the sources of the launches in Lebanon.

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.
Note: On Nov. 14, Bill Roggio testified before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Subcommittee on Oversight and Accountability, at a hearing titled, Go-to-Zero: Joe Bidens Withdrawal Order and the Talibans Takeover of Afghanistan. You can read the testimony, with footnotes, here. An excerpt, without footnotes, is presented below.

Chairman Mast, Ranking Member Crow, and other members of the committee, thank you for inviting me to testify today concerning the Biden administrations order to withdraw U.S. forces from Afghanistan and the resulting Taliban takeover of the country.

The Biden administrations precipitous order to withdraw all U.S. troops from Afghanistan, which was issued less than two months after President Biden entered office, was directly responsible for the collapse of the Afghan government and military and the Talibans immediate takeover of Afghanistan. U.S. forces completed the withdrawal just four and a half months after the order was given, giving the Afghan government and military no time to reorganize to fight the Taliban alone. Once the withdrawal order was given, the U.S. military, which played a critical role in keeping the Taliban at bay, focused exclusively on winding down its operations and safely getting its troops and assets out of country.

The impact of the withdrawal order was easy to predict for those who closely watched the situation in Afghanistan. When President Biden issued the order on April 14, 2021, I predicted the Afghan government would collapse by the end of the summer. The Taliban marched into Kabul on August 15, 2021, and Panjshir, the last bastion of resistance to the Taliban, fell by September 7, 2021. The Biden administration clearly did not understand the precarious security situation. If it did understand, it willfully abandoned Afghanistan to the Taliban and its terrorist allies, including al-Qaeda. This resulted in a clear catastrophe for the people of Afghanistan. As I will explain, it was also a catastrophe for U.S. national security. Al-Qaeda today has a stronger position in Afghanistan than it did on September 10, 2001.

Rather than examine its own record candidly, the Biden administration has laid the blame for Afghanistans collapse almost solely on the Trump administrations February 2020 agreement with the Taliban, known as the Doha Agreement. President Bidens choices for how to execute a withdrawal from Afghanistan were severely constrained by conditions created by his predecessor, according to a review led by the Biden administrations National Security Council. While the Doha Agreement was certainly disastrous and set some conditions for failure within the Afghan military, the Biden administration was under no obligation whatsoever to execute the deal, which President Biden himself described as a bad one.

As with many policy decisions in Washington, the Biden administration sought to justify its action by presenting Americans with a false dichotomy: stay in Afghanistan indefinitely or leave immediately. Other options, such as a phased withdrawal that allowed the Afghan government and military to prepare themselves to fight the Taliban alone, were never considered.

The consequences of the withdrawal are far-reaching and have put U.S. national security at risk.

The Afghanistan of November 14, 2023, is far worse than the Afghanistan of September 10, 2001, the day before al-Qaeda launched its deadly attack on America, which was plotted from Afghan soil. On September 10, 2001, the Taliban did not fully control the country, was mired in a fight for territory with the Northern Alliance, and was isolated internationally. Today, the Taliban is in full control of Afghanistan, has the resources of a state and a military armed with billions of dollars in U.S. weapons that were left behind, and is sending envoys to countries such as China, Russia, and Iran.

Today, Afghanistan is a safe haven for terrorist groups that are hostile to the United States. A June 1, 2023, report by the United Nations Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team assessed that the relationship between the Taliban and Al Qaeda remained close and symbiotic, with Al Qaeda viewing Taliban-administered Afghanistan a safe haven, while al-Qaeda provides support to the Taliban regime. Al-Qaeda is operating training camps in six of Afghanistans 34 provinces as well as safe houses and a media operations center. Al-Qaeda is training suicide bombers for the Movement of the Taliban in Pakistan, which attempted to detonate a car bomb in Times Square in May 2010. Al-Qaeda leaders hold leadership positions within the Talibans government. The Taliban is issuing passports and national ID Cards to members of al-Qaeda as well as al-Qaeda family members. The Haqqani Network, a Taliban subgroup that is listed by the State Department as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and whose key leaders are listed as Specially Designated Global terrorists because of the groups close ties to al-Qaeda, holds key positions in the Talibans government, including deputy emir and the head of the interior ministry, which issues passports and national ID cards.

Let me explain how the Biden administrations withdrawal order led directly to the outcome of a Taliban-controlled Afghanistan with an al-Qaeda safe haven. Above all, the withdrawal order had an immediate and devastating impact on the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF):

No time for the Afghan government and military to reorganize. From the moment the U.S. withdrawal was announced, the U.S. military and State Department focused all efforts on safely extricating U.S. personnel from Afghanistan. The withdrawal process was almost immediate, and there was no time or effort to assist the Afghan government and the ANDSF to formulate and execute a new strategy to fight the Taliban without U.S. support. The Afghan government had hard decisions to make, such as whether it should attempt to defend all of Afghanistan or consolidate its forces and defend key ground. The Afghan government and military never had the time or opportunity to plan for the future.

Mixed messaging: Many Afghan officials never believed the U.S. was leaving. Both before and after the withdrawal was announced, I had numerous conversations with Afghan officials, including advisors to the president, officials at the ministries of defense and interior, members of parliament, and diplomats. They never truly believed the United States was leaving Afghanistan and abandoning the Afghan people to the predations of the Taliban. I warned the officials that withdrawal was inevitable and that they needed to devise a new strategy to battle the Taliban and search for new allies. To a man, the response was a version of this: Ive been assured by [members of Congress/State Department officials/Defense Department officials, the CIA, etc.] that the United States would not actually leave. Senior Afghan officials never had time to process the reality that the United States was leaving, and in some instances, the Afghan officials were given false hope that the United States wasnt leaving or that the Biden administration would halt or reverse the withdrawal.

Demoralization of the ANDSF. It is undeniable that the Doha agreement weakened the morale of the ANDSF, which was dependent on U.S. support for its logistics and operations. Negotiations with the Taliban, without the participation of the Afghan government, sent the wrong message to the ANDSF, many of whom were on the front lines against the Taliban. However, the Biden administration had the opportunity to discard the Doha agreement and either recommit to helping the Afghan government or prepare it for the time when the United States would no longer be there. The withdrawal order was the final nail in the coffin for the ANDSF. Many Afghan outposts besieged by the Taliban were given an ultimatum: surrender or abandon your outposts or fight to the death. Enough Afghan units surrendered or abandoned their posts to give the Taliban a military advantage.

The end of key U.S. military support. U.S. air support and special operations forces aided Afghan forces if the Taliban penetrated too deeply into key areas, such as when the Taliban took control of Farah, Ghazni, and Kunduz cities between 2016 and 2018. Additionally, U.S. forces helped Afghan special operations units such as the Commandos hunt key Taliban leaders and operatives as well as target Taliban and al-Qaeda facilities, including training camps, bases, weapons, and ammunition depots. Without U.S. support, the Afghan military was limited in its ability to conduct offensive operations, which was a key component in keeping the Taliban at bay.

ANDSF was dependent on Western tactics and logistics. The United States and NATO built an Afghan military that was dependent on Western tactics and logistics. For instance, the Afghan Commandos were built as an analog to U.S. special operations forces. The Afghan Commandos were dependent on helicopters for transportation, warplanes for close air support, and aircraft for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. Additionally, ANDSF units in remote locations, sometimes in locations that were besieged by the Taliban, were dependent on air transport for resupply and medical evacuation. Keeping these aircraft in operation requires a sophisticated logistics chain and complicated maintenance, which was provided by both the U.S. military and, more importantly, civilian contractors. Once the withdrawal was announced and bases began to close, the logistics and maintenance activities were severely impacted. Civilian contractors were forced to shut down their operations inside Afghanistan, as they could not operate without the assurances of U.S. and NATO security. There were attempts to remotely provide instructions for maintenance and repairs, but these efforts fell far short of what was needed to keep the Afghan air forces up to full capacity. The withdrawal of U.S. air assets combined with the reduction in availability of Afghan aircraft negatively impacted the ANDSFs ability to take the fight to the Taliban as well as defend against Taliban onslaughts.

Mixed messaging and false hope of U.S. military support. The U.S. military, as part of its obligations to the Taliban in the Doha agreement, halted all offensive operations, including airstrikes that kept the Taliban from overrunning important population centers. Yet as the Taliban military advance continued into the summer of 2021, the U.S. military, in an effort to prevent the collapse of Afghan forces, occasionally weighed in with airstrikes. This was most conspicuous in July and early August of 2021, when the Taliban surrounded and prepared to overrun the provincial capitals of Kandahar and Helmand. These interventions gave Afghan government officials and military personnel false hope that the United States would ultimately come to their defense. When the strikes ended, the ANDSF realized they were on their own.

Blindness to the Talibans strategy. After the U.S. surge in Afghanistan ended in 2013 and the United States and NATO transferred primary security responsibility to the ANDSF in 2014, the Afghan/NATO strategy of protecting the population centers while ignoring the rural districts was announced. The Taliban embraced the Afghan/NATO strategy and implemented its rural insurgency strategy  it would take control of rural districts and spread its influence into neighboring districts with the ultimate goal of reaching the population centers. The Taliban patiently implemented its strategy, slowly gaining control or contesting districts over time. Typically, the Taliban gained control or contested 1-3 percent of Afghanistans 407 districts per quarter, with the exception being between November 2017 to December 2018, when the Taliban lost control of districts due to the Trump administrations efforts to beat back the Talibans advances. Once the Trump administration opened negotiations with the Taliban, the Taliban resumed its slow but steady march to take control or contest districts. By April 13, 2021, the day before President Biden announced the withdrawal, the Taliban controlled 77 districts and contested 194 others, according to an ongoing assessment of the status of Afghanistans districts by FDDs Long War Journal. While the situation was dire, the ANDSF, with the support of the U.S. military, was still battling the Taliban for control of territory, and the Taliban did not control any key population centers. The withdrawal announcement allowed the Taliban to implement the final phase of its strategy: seize control of key districts, then provincial centers, and finally march on Kabul. Without U.S. support, the ANDSF was unable to withstand the Taliban offensive. By June 23, the Taliban controlled 139 districts and contested 173. By Aug. 6, the Taliban controlled 223 districts and contested 116. That same day, the Taliban seized control of its first province, Nimruz, when it overran the provincial capital. The remaining provinces, with the exception of Panjshir, fell by August 15, when the Taliban entered the capital of Kabul. The Taliban had a military strategy to take over Afghanistan and implemented it with near precision. It needed U.S. forces to leave the country to succeed, and the Biden administration obliged.

Debunking several myths about the withdrawal from Afghanistan.

To defend its decision to withdraw from Afghanistan, the Biden administration has perpetrated some myths, which must be addressed as they relate to the catastrophic decision to abandon our erstwhile Afghan allies.

The Afghan military wouldnt fight. Days after the Taliban marched into Kabul, President Biden said that The Afghan military collapsed, sometimes without trying to fight. The statement is an insult to the tens of thousands of Afghans who served in the ANDSF and fought the Taliban for two decades. An estimated 66,000 ANDSF personnel died fighting the Taliban since the United States overthrew the Taliban regime in late 2001. Hundreds of thousands more likely were wounded. The ANDSF fought the Taliban, at times imperfectly. But they fought and died to defend their country.

Afghanistan collapsed in 11 days. After the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley said, There was nothing that I or anyone else saw that indicated a collapse of this army, and this government, in 11 days. But as I explained in point number 7 above, the collapse of the Afghan government didnt occur in 11 days. It was 11 days from when the first province, Nimruz, fell under Taliban control until Kabul, the capital, collapsed. The 11 days were merely the endgame of the Taliban strategy to take control of Afghanistan. General Milley and others within the military and intelligence establishment watched the Talibans advance throughout the summer of 2021 and yet maintain that the collapse of the Afghan government was a surprise, something that no one could have foreseen. Nothing could be further from the truth.

The Taliban was a partner in peace and is a reliable counterterrorism partner. The Trump administrations misguided Doha agreement made the critical error of treating the Taliban as a reliable partner in peace. As part of the agreement, the Taliban promised it would not shelter members of al-Qaeda and agreed to enter negotiations with the Afghan government. The Doha Agreement was defunct the moment it was signed, as the Taliban continued to shelter leaders of al-Qaeda and other terror groups. Additionally, the Taliban never entered negotiations with the Afghan government. Despite the Taliban reneging on the terms of the Doha Agreement, the Biden administration treated it as sacrosanct and ordered the withdrawal. Despite the Talibans numerous violations of the Doha Agreement, thus proving its unreliability, the Biden administration entrusted the Taliban with providing security at Hamid Karzai International Airport during the final evacuation. This misguided notion that the Taliban could be trusted is responsible for the deaths of 13 American servicemen in an Islamic State suicide attack. Since the withdrawal, the Biden administration has held up the Taliban as a reliable counterterrorism partner. Yet al-Qaeda remains ensconced in Afghanistan.

Al-Qaeda has been defeated. For well over a decade, U.S. intelligence, military, and government officials as well as analysts have triumphantly claimed that al-Qaeda has been decimated, defeated, degraded, diminished, or destroyed or has declined or is dead. President Biden said the following on June 30, 2023: Remember what I said about Afghanistan? I said Al Qaeda would not be there. I said it wouldnt be there. I said wed get help from the Taliban. Whats happening now? Whats going on? Read your press. I was right. President Biden is anything but right. As I noted in the introduction, al-Qaeda isnt only alive, it is thriving in its safe haven of Afghanistan with training camps, safe houses, and media operations center and leaders serving in the Talibans government. Al-Qaeda was so comfortable with the Talibans victory that its last leader, Ayman al Zawahiri, sheltered in a safe house in Kabul that was run by the Haqqani Network. The United States killed Zawahiri in a drone strike on his safe house in Kabul on July 31, 2022, just two weeks short of the one-year anniversary of the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan. No other strikes targeting al-Qaeda leaders in Afghanistan have been executed. The Biden administration would have you believe that Zawahiri was the last important al-Qaeda leader in Afghanistan. However, other key al-Qaeda leaders are known to be sheltering in Afghanistan. It is rumored that Zawahiris successor, Saif al Adel as well as his deputy Abdal-Rahman al-Maghrebi are rumored to have traveled to Afghanistan from Iran and may be sheltering there to this day.

The disaster that befell Afghanistan was predictable and predicted. The Biden administration refused to give the Afghan government and military the time it needed to adapt to fighting on its own. The situation grew dire as the deadline for the U.S. withdrawal approached, but the administration and the leaders of the U.S. military ignored the warning signs. The result? The Taliban dominates Afghanistan, and al-Qaeda is in a stronger position than it was on September 10, 2001.

Thank you.

Bill Roggio is a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and the Editor of FDD's Long War Journal.

Are you a dedicated reader of FDD's Long War Journal? Has our research benefitted you or your team over the years? Support our independent reporting and analysis today by considering a one-time or monthly donation. Thanks for reading! You can make a tax-deductible donation here.
(Alliance News) - DP Poland PLC on Tuesday said sales in Croatia and Poland rose, touting its business transformation.

DP Poland is the London-based operator of Domino's pizza stores and restaurants in Poland and Croatia.

DP Poland shares rose 19% to 9.50 pence each on Tuesday afternoon in London.

Like-for-like system sales in Poland rose 14% in the third quarter year-on-year, and 35% in October to a new monthly record. In Croatia, total system sales climbed 30% in the third quarter compared to a year ago, boosted by new store openings in the prior year.

Chief Executive Officer Nils Gornall said: "We are seeing the benefits of our focus to build a high volume mentality business; delivering a compelling value proposition for our customers based on fantastic quality pizza delivered quickly."

He added that the Croatian business also continues to trade well, with the most recently opened store already surpassing initial sales expectations.

"It's fantastic to see the business begin to capitalise on the potential of the markets we operate in, but this is only the beginning, and we expect performance to continue improving," CEO Gornall said.

By Tom Budszus, Alliance News reporter

Comments and questions to newsroom@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2023 Alliance News Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
TBC Bank Group PLC - Tbilisi-based lender - Subsidiary, JSC TBC Bank, signs a subordinated loan agreement for USD30 million with European Bank for Reconstruction & Development. The funding provided by the EBRD will strengthen TBC's capital structure and support the bank's sustainable growth, it says. The loan facility bears maturity of ten years.

Chief Executive Vakhtang Butskhrikidze says: "I am delighted that our strategic partnership with the EBRD continues with another excellent transaction. This subordinated loan facility will strengthen TBC's capital structure and increase the bank's long-term resilience."

Current stock price: 2,720.00 pence

12-month change: up 24%

By Sophie Rose, Alliance News senior reporter

Comments and questions to newsroom@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2023 Alliance News Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Google has been fined US$164,000 by a Moscow court. The fine, which was imposed on Tuesday, was said to be for repeated refusal to store Russian users' data on servers inside Russia.

This isnt the only issue that Google has faced in a country where data access and use has become a highly charged issue, especially since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. According to the Mint business news service, Google has been fined before under a Russian law that obliges foreign companies to localise the personal data of their Russian users.

In addition, in August this year Google was ordered to pay a fine of about US$32,800 for failing to delete allegedly false information about the war in Ukraine. Russian courts have also fined Apple and the Wikimedia Foundation, which hosts Wikipedia.

Reuters points out that Google's Russian subsidiary has also been under pressure in Russia for failing to delete content Moscow deems illegal and for restricting access to some Russian media on YouTube. The Russian unit filed for bankruptcy in summer 2022 after authorities seized its bank account.

In March 2022 Russia completely blocked access to Facebook in retaliation for restrictions the platform had placed on state-owned media. The Russian state communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, also restricted access to Twitter. Both are still blocked.

However, to date Roskomnadzor has not blocked access to Google's services, and, so far, its search engine and YouTube platform have continued operating.
Manchester, VT (05254)

Today

Partly cloudy skies this morning will give way to cloudy skies and rain during the afternoon. High 48F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

Rain showers this evening with overcast skies overnight. Low 36F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%.
The Republic of Djibouti has launched its first satellite, Djibouti 1A. It took off last weekend from the Vandenberg Space Force Base onboard the SpaceX Transporter-9, a dedicated SSO rideshare mission carrying a variety of payloads into sun-synchronous orbit.

A sun-synchronous orbit is a type of polar orbit that enables a satellite to pass over the same part of the Earth at roughly the same local solar time, useful for consistent shadow angles for imagery and consistent lighting for solar power.

Djibouti 1A was developed via a joint capacity-building programme between Djibouti and its technical partner, Frances Centre Spatial Universitaire de Montpellier (CSUM). Djiboutian engineers and technicians in France designed, constructed and tested the satellite.

Djibouti 1A is a nanosatellite  a small satellite, typically weighing between one and ten kilograms, used for space research and communication purposes. It will collect national, real-time data from climatological and seismic stations, including temperature, rainfall, river depth, and hydrometry, to help boost agricultural production and monitor environmental changes.

Djiboutis Minister of Higher Education and Research, Mr Nabil Mohamed Ahmed, is quoted in a number of news reports as saying: The objective was to make the satellite but not to buy it, and have it manufactured by our students to make this technological leap and say in an uninhibited way that Djibouti is capable of manufacturing a satellite, launching it, collecting results for the climate but also getting started in development perspectives. The result is that ten technicians and engineers were trained.

This satellite first for an African country should be followed fairly soon by another. As we reported in October, Senegal is preparing for the launch of its first satellite, initially scheduled for 2021 and postponed to 2023 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
While no one showed up in a wedding dress when they first burst into Central Perk Coffeehouse in Boston Tuesday, they did stay for, and made, some new Friends along the way.

There was already a line outside the door of the Newbury Street shop before the chic cafe officially opened in the heart of Back Bay at 7 a.m. on Nov. 14. And the crowd of people just kept coming.

We want to be here for Back Bay and the neighborhood, Aaron Constable, Central Perks general manager, said. We want to be here for the fans, tourists, and all the wonderful people who visit Boston and the Back Bay.

Constable told MassLive during the grand opening Tuesday that the idea for the cafe came about during the pandemic when the brands founders started wondering what their favorite Friends would do while in isolation.

The idea was pitched to Warner Brothers, who originally launched the coffeehouse as a pop-up called Joeys Sandwich Shop. Thereafter, Central Perk Coffeehouse was born with the intention of bringing a reimagined adaptation of the iconic cafe to fans.

Central Perk Coffeehouse opens on Newbury Street in Boston on Tuesday, Nov. 14, featuring menu items, design elements and merchandise inspired by the popular sitcom "Friends."David Cifarelli

We want this to be a place where people can have their own friends experience and have new experiences for the newer generation, said Constable, who grew up watching the show.

He added that his teenage daughters are also starting to watch Friends. So Constable feels the coffeehouse is a space that allows all generations to come together. And this time, its here to stay.

I think theres something here for everyone, whether youre a fan or whether youre not, Constable said confirming the space is not a pop-up. We want to be here for the long haul.

Read More: New England has one of the best new restaurants in the US

Ian McNees and Kendra Schwery, who are from Des Moines, Iowa, just happened to be in the city the same day as Central Perks grand opening. The duo had heard about the coffeehouse before landing in Boston, but had no idea they would be in the right place at the right time.

Timing worked out perfectly, said McNees, whos favorite Friends quote is Can I interest you in a sarcastic comment? said by Matthew Perrys character Chandler.

During opening day, the shop handed out coffee sleeves with the quote in honor of the late actor.

Hopefully, people can come in here and remember Matthew and share their thoughts, Constable said referencing Chandlers closing line of the series. This is where we want people to come. This is the next step from the ending of the show to come here.

We didnt even know until yesterday when it was officially announced that it was opening, Schwery said while drinking the How You Doin? roast. It just happened to work out well.

The medium roast is one of six original artisanal coffee blends from Central Perk Coffee Co. The rest include Pivot Blend medium dark roast, We Were On a Coffee Break dark roast, Oh My Gawd! cold brew, Moo Point decaf, and Gunther espresso.

I was very excited to check it out, said Kira, who first learned about the opening a few months prior. The energy in this cafe is very warm and loving and very energetic.

The One Where Central Perk Coffeehouse Opens on Newbury Street in Boston Posted by MassLive on Tuesday, November 14, 2023

Guests can also enjoy the coffeehouses breakfast and all-day food items like Joeys Meatball Sandwich, The Moist Maker Turkey Sandwich, Grandmas Chicken Salad, Mamas Little Bakery Cheesecake and more.

Apart from the menu offerings, guests will also notice subtle nods to the series and characters throughout the space  like black-and-white photos of the set and lobster-inspired merchandise.

While the cafe does not take reservations, the Orange Room is available as a semi-private space for events. Perfect for photos, the area features a replica orange couch and neon sign that reads The One With ...

Weve got our fountain wall, some cute duck and chick references on the bathrooms, Constable said. Theres a couple things that superfans will definitely appreciate.

Central Perk Coffeehouse, located at 205 Newbury Street, will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. The shop is also looking to have the longest hours in Back Bay, and to expand its menu to include beer, wine and espresso martinis.

For more information, visit centralperk.com or follow @centralperk on Instagram.
A Massachusetts brewery will be using a transformation spell to change City Tap House into Hogwarts on Saturday.

The Boston brewery is hosting a Harry Potter Trivia Brunch from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 18. Wizardly robes and pointy hats are encouraged, the brewery said.

They also said a guest appearance is expected by Lord Voldemort.

Read more: Harry Potter inspired wand shop at The Big E celebrates LGBTQ community

The brunch will include potent potions. Each of the drinks will be $15.

The Unicorn Blood drink will include silver tequila, elderflower liqueur and lemon juice with a glittering rim. Hair of the Three-Headed Dog will have a tequila-laced Bloody Mary with a Modelo floater and celery stick. And the Boozy Butter Beer will have vanilla vodka, butterscotch syrup and cream soda topped with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel.

The winning team will return to the muggle world with a cash prize. Two runner up teams will take home City Tap gift cards.

Reservations can be made online.
When Kate Spencer, of Montague, was walking the Camino de Santiago in Spain, she met a kitten at a hostel and named him Don Pedro Pepito. He didnt speak any English, she said.

But he had a story to tell, and Spencer decided to tell it. The result is a tale called The Cat who Walked the Camino.

Spencer wrote and illustrated the book, her first. In it, Don Pedro Pepito, a striped kitten, and his friend, Lucia, make a pilgrimage across northern Spain on the Camino de Santiago. Walking 500 miles, they explore famous Camino landmarks and encounter pilgrims from throughout the world.

They meet Nico, a man traveling in a wheelchair. They meet a shepherd and learn to make cheese.

After Don Pedro Pepito is attacked by a ferocious dog and valiantly fights back, Lucia rescues him. Although he is proud he has learned to be independent, Don Pedro Pepito realizes that being with Lucia is much better than being alone.

Its a book Spencer wrote for children, but she has found it appeals to adults too. I read an early version to a 3- and a 5-year-old, and they gave me the ultimate compliment: Read it again! she said. Then I got a note from a Camino veteran who said the book was perfect for her age group, which was 80 and up! So, it was written for children but mostly purchased by grandparents to read to their grandchildren.

The Camino de Santiago (The Way of St. James) is a network of pilgrims ways or pilgrimages leading to the shrine of the apostle James in the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain, where, according to tradition, the remains of the apostle are buried. Created after the discovery of the relics of St. James the Greater at the beginning of the 9th century, the Way of St. James became a major pilgrimage route of medieval Christianity beginning in the 10th century.

Kate Spencer, of Montague, has written and illustrated a children's book, "The Cat who Walked the Camino." (Submitted photo)Photo courtesy Kate Spencer

Spencer walked the Camino, studied Spanish, researched the Camino and its high points and looked at other Camino books. Most of the books were either tour guides (the first one published in the 1100s) or personal memoirs. Hardly any childrens books, so even though I had planned a childrens book, I said Ah ha, I have found my niche, she said.

Spencer grew up in Great Falls, Montana, at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. She spent many weekends hiking and exploring the nearby cricks and trails. But after 18 years in a rural town, she couldnt wait to leave and enrolled in college in Boston. There she was introduced to traditional musicians as she witnessed the best of the 1960s folk revival. Already a guitar player, she learned banjo and fiddle.

After four years in the city, I was ready for the country, she said. She moved to Amherst, and, having grown up in a retail store  picture framing and artist materials  she was ready to begin a business.

For five years she manufactured banjos  some 600  marketing them throughout the world.

Next came her Maple Leaf Music business in Brattleboro, Vermont, where she sold new and used stringed instruments.

After 33 years, she left the business and began writing and painting.

My travels took me to Spain, where I met a little cat on the Camino de Santiago. His story begged to be told, so I wrote and illustrated his book, said Spencer, who has lived in Montague for the last 47 years. The Cat who Walked the Camino is entertaining and educational for both children and adults who love animals and adventure.

The glossy, soft-cover The Cat who Walked the Camino has 44 pages including a hand-drawn map and glossary of Spanish-English words at the end. It sells for $14.95 and is available at local bookstores and through Amazon.
CHICAGO (AP)  Hundreds of Jewish peace activists and their allies converged at a major train station in downtown Chicago during rush hour Monday morning, blocking the entrance to the Israeli consulate and demanding U.S. support for an Israel cease-fire as battles rage in northern Gaza.

Midwestern Jews and allies traveled to Chicago from Iowa, Missouri, Minnesota, Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin and Illinois for the demonstration, organizers said.

The Israeli consulate in Chicago is in a building connected to the Ogilvie Transportation Center, a major commuter rail station.

Over 100 protesters who had blocked escalators leading to the consulate were arrested for misdemeanor trespassing and escorted out of the building, according to Ben Lorber, who helped organize the protest led by Chicago chapters of Jewish Voice for Peace, IfNotNow, and Never Again Action. That information was not confirmed by Chicago police, who could not immediately provide information on the number and reasons for arrests, and how many demonstrators participated.

The fighting was triggered by Hamas Oct. 7 surprise attack on Israel, whose response has led to thousands of deaths  and much destruction  across Gaza.

Advocacy group Jewish Voice for Peace led a similar sit-in in New York Citys Grand Central Station on Oct. 27, where a sea of protesters filled the main concourse during evening rush hour, chanting slogans and unfurling banners demanding a cease-fire as Israel intensified its bombardment of the Gaza Strip. At least 200 demonstrators were detained by New York police officers.

And more than 300 people were arrested in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 19 for illegally demonstrating, and three people were charged with assaulting police after protesters descended on Capitol Hill to call for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas.

The Chicago rally is unique from the previous Jewish Voice demonstrations because in the Midwest, progressive Jewish communities are far smaller and separated by distance, according to an emailed press release from organizers.

Chicago protesters cheered Monday as police led demonstrators from the building with hands zip-tied behind their backs, many in black T-shirts that read, Not in our name.

We will not let a genocide happen in our name, said Clara Belitz of IfNotNow Chicago during an Instagram livestream of the protest. Our Jewish values compel us to speak out. IfNotNow describes itself as a movement of American Jews organizing to end U.S. support of the Israeli governments apartheid system.

A spokesperson for Metra, the citys commuter rail system, said that trains continued to run normally, but protesters blocked the southern exit and commuters were forced to leave the station through other doors.

They shut down access to our platforms from the 500 West Madison building, where the consulate is located, said Meg Reile, a spokesperson for Metra. Trains continued to run throughout.

The Israeli consulate in Chicago did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Two mischievous mini stallion brothers are in need of a new home.

Dwight and Stanley are both 20 years old and were recently surrendered to a horse sanctuary in Plymouth County. But they started getting too close with the mares on the property, and the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) stepped in.

The horses have wonderful personalities  just watch out for their mischievous side, the ARL said. Theyre also in fantastic health and are very social horses.

Mini horses make wonderful pets and typically live longer than full-size horse breeds, so these two have many years ahead of them, the ARL said in a statement.

Those interested in the horses can reach out to the ARL Dedham adoption team at (617) 426-9170 x605 or email Dedham-adoption@arlboston.org.
WEST SPRINGFIELD  Mayor William C. Reichelt will not go forward with a proposal to take a Springfield Diocese property by eminent domain for a new Department of Public Works complex.

Instead, he will take a wider look at locations, with help from a planned committee.

In a letter Monday to Town Council President Edward C. Sullivan, Reichelt wrote his decision to pull the Brush Hill Avenue proposal came after listening to feedback from councilors and members of the community.

Thank you for your assistance in engaging the community to allow all voices to be heard, Reichelt wrote.

A special public hearing scheduled for Monday was canceled due to the withdrawal.

Now, Reichelt is considering appointing a committee to examine available sites for both a new DPW complex and Police Department headquarters. The committee will be made up of councilors, city employees and interested members of the public, Reichelt said.

Reichelt said existing buildings need attention. As I know you are aware, the physical infrastructure of many of our buildings that our first responders and public works employees use every day to protect and support our community are in disrepair, especially compared to state-of-the-art facilities in neighboring communities, Reichelt wrote.

In the letter to Sullivan, Reichelt said the town faces many challenges.

I believe we will jointly find a way forward that takes into consideration the needs of our staff to support the community, Reichelt wrote. I know both our public works staff and police officers are excited for new homes and appreciate your support in eventually making that a reality,.

In an email to The Republican Monday, Councilors Daniel OBrien and Brian Griffin praised Reichelt for listening to the community.

OBrien said there are options to place a new DPW complex in an industrial area and Reichelt should be congratulated for listening and doing what the residents requested, OBrien wrote.

This is all that is great about West Springfield, Griffin wrote. We have a mayor that is actively looking to pursue the much-needed new infrastructure of a new DPW and Police Station, an active Council who invites input from residents, and a mayor that takes this feedback very seriously.

Griffin cited tangible results.

We need a new Police Department and DPW and I support looking at ways and locations outside of this proposal to get them built, he wrote.

Reichelts decision to drop the land-taking comes after two delays on possible votes on the move.

In a 7-2 tally Nov. 6, the Town Council voted to delay the step until after a special public hearing was held.

The vote came after Sullivan read a statement from Bishop William D. Byrne, who said his office and the town were in talks about a friendly taking of the property.

According to Byrne, the dioceses decision not to oppose the project stemmed from what he termed the towns commitment to protecting the privacy and quality of life of the Dominican nuns who live next door.

OBrien requested the second vote delay, citing opposition hes heard about the project, including the opinion that a land-taking would be bullying behavior by the town. Other objections included concerns about cost and not wanting to disturb nuns.

In a meeting on Nov. 7, residents expressed those concerns, despite Byrnes statement that an accord had been struck.

In October, Reichelt had asked the city to pay $1.2 million to obtain the site for a DPW facility and petitioned the Town Council to take the approximately 37-acre Brush Hill Avenue parcel owned by the diocese by eminent domain.

Eminent domain allows a government to take a specific property for public good at an appraised value, even if the owners refuse sale.

Reichelt previously said the diocese property was ideal for the DPW complex and was looking to expedite the move, in part to allow for a police department expansion. Reichelt said in last spring the city made an offer to the diocese, based on the $1.2 million appraisal, but received no counteroffer from the diocese  and no negotiations beyond that point.

The diocese commissioned its own appraisal in September 2021, which pegged the value at $2,550,000, the mayor said. It was unwilling to negotiate lower than that figure, Reichelt wrote in an Oct. 11 statement to Sullivan.

According to city records, the parcel  number 040-002-012  carries an assessed land value of $127,500 and a total assessed parcel value of $279,000.
In 1983, Massachusetts lawmakers passed legislation known as the right-to-shelter law, which fulfilled then-Gov. Michael Dukakiss promise of providing shelter to families in desperate need.

Fast-forward 40 years and the states emergency shelter system set a cap for the first time due to combined crises of a lack of affordable housing and an influx of migrants newly arriving in Massachusetts.

In August, Gov. Maura Healey declared a state of emergency that formally appealed to the federal government and private citizens to step up and help alleviate the overburdened system, officially known as Emergency Assistance.

There are currently over 24,000 individuals being temporarily housed by the emergency shelter system  Healey set a cap of 7,500 families  and, as of last week, families in need of shelter will be placed on waitlists as long as the system remains at capacity. The shelter system is available to families with children or pregnant people but is not generally available to individuals seeking shelter.

Here are answers to seven questions about the law and a look at why lawmakers are considering $250 million in their supplemental budget to fund the overburdened system.

Why did Massachusetts pass right-to-shelter?

During Dukakiss inaugural address in the State House shortly after being sworn in, he promised to put together a statewide effort which will provide the necessities of life to those in desperate need, according to the Boston Globe.

Legislation that became the right-to-shelter law was signed ten months after Dukakiss speech.

Addressing homelessness in Massachusetts was Dukakiss top priority, according to Philip Johnston, who served as the Secretary of Health and Human Services during Dukakiss administration, in an interview with WBUR.

Johnston explained that homelessness was much less complicated during the early 1980s.

In this April 27, 1987, file photo, Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis, left, shakes the hands of former Delaware Governor Pierre Du Pont, right as former Virginia Governor Charles S. Robb looks on, after both men attended the Jobs for Bay State Grads program in Boston. (AP Photo/Jim Shea, File)AP

It was mainly people who were mentally ill who were de-institutionalized and some folks, particularly mothers with their children, who were just poor and could not afford rent, Johnston said.

Massachusetts became the first state that would guarantee every man, woman and child has a right to shelter, Johnston said. We ought to be able to do that in the richest country on the face of the Earth. Michael felt very strongly about that.

When the emergency shelter program started in 1983, there were three state-funded shelters. There were 105 eight years later when Dukakis left office and Massachusetts spent more on affordable housing than any state in the country, according to Johnston.

Will lawmakers provide $250 million in additional funding?

Massachusetts lawmakers are considering additional funding for the emergency shelter crisis as families are being placed on waitlists due to a lack of shelter to place families.

The Massachusetts House of Representatives voted to approve a $2.74 billion spending bill last Wednesday that included funding to support the states emergency shelters on the condition that the state government finds an overflow site to house homeless families placed on a newly implemented waitlist.

Starting last Friday, migrant and homeless families in Massachusetts seeking emergency shelter will be placed on a waitlist after hitting the state-imposed capacity limit on Thursday.

We are at the point where we do not have enough shelter units, service providers, or funding to continue to safely expand, Emergency Assistant Director Gen. Scott Rice said in a statement Thursday. He was recently appointed by Healey to tackle the crisis.

State Rep. Marjorie Decker rallies on the Statehouse on Oct. 31 with advocacy groups calling for Massachusetts to honor its right-to-shelter law with migrant families. (SAM DORAN / STATE HOUSE NEWS SERVICE)State House News Service

The states House of Representatives green-lit a $2.74 billion spending bill last week that would divert $250 million in funding toward the states shelter system.

On Monday, the Senate released a version of a supplemental budget bill that differed from the House version.

The Senate, like the House, has included Healeys request to allocate $250 million to the states overburdened shelter system in its $2.8 billion spending bill.

But, unlike the House, Democrats who control the upper chamber didnt include language authorizing an overflow site needed to continue the governors 7,500-family shelter cap, a key detail of the Houses bill.

The Senate is set to begin debate on Tuesday during a formal session.

Why did Gov. Healey declare a state of emergency?

On Aug. 8, Healey declared a state of emergency as the number of families living in state-funded shelters increased by 80% compared to a year ago.

These numbers are being driven by a surge of new arrivals in our country whove been through some of the hardest journeys imaginable, Healey said during the announcement. They are the face of the national international migrant crisis. Theyre here because where they came from is too dangerous to stay. Theyre here because Massachusetts has and will always be a beacon of hope, compassion, humanity and opportunity.

Specifically, the governor is asking for the federal government for funding and to expedite work authorization papers for migrants.

MassLive spoke with a Haitian migrant living at a Hadley shelter who arrived in Massachusetts based on a recommendation from a friend. After living in Louisiana for three months without state assistance and being unable to get work authorization, the Haitian man came to Massachusetts with his wife and newly born daughter and they were accepted into the emergency shelter system.

Here its better, he said in Haitian Creole. There are food stamps here, a house to sleep in.

Gov. Maura Healey speaks on the state's emergency shelter cap on Nov. 2 inside Massachusetts State House, a day after a Superior Court judge ruled that it was legal for the governor to place a limit on the number of state shelter units.Alvin Buyinza

Who is eligible for Emergency Assistance?

The states Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities is in charge of the emergency shelter system, officially known as Emergency Assistance Family Shelter.

Individuals seeking shelter are not generally eligible for the states emergency family shelter system.

According to the states website, there are several conditions families must meet to be eligible to apply for shelter:

Be a resident of Massachusetts

A familys gross income is 115% or less of the Federal Poverty Guidelines

If a person is pregnant or has children under 21

Reasons for needing shelter is one of the following:

No fault fire, flood, natural disaster, condemnation or foreclosure

Fleeing domestic violence (current or within past 12 months)

No-fault eviction

Familys children are exposed to a substantial health and safety risk

Families need to provide proof of identity and proof of family relationships before shelter can be offered. Other documents required include documents that prove Massachusetts residency; documentation for a cause of homelessness; financial statements for income and assets; and citizenship or immigration documents.

Is Massachusetts the only state with this law?

Massachusetts became the only state to guarantee a right to shelter in the United States in 1983 and so far remains the only state to do so.

New York City has a similar policy to Massachusetts where all homeless individuals are guaranteed shelter  whereas only families are in Massachusetts.

The policy in New York City is confined to the city limits. Massachusetts is the only state with a right-to-shelter law that encompasses the entire state.

Read more: Westfield State University dorm off the table for emergency migrant housing

Will the federal government help?

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and state officials are holding a legal clinic this week to help process work-authorization applications for migrants in Massachusetts shelter system.

State officials are organizing appointments and transportation to a site in Middlesex County.

The clinic will be critical to connect migrants with work opportunities to help them support their families and move them out of the emergency shelter and into more stable housing options, Healey said in a statement last month.

Federal officials visited the state in early October, meeting with the administration and senior legislative leaders. Details on the sessions were scarce. Healeys office said the visit was an opportunity for the state to continue to advocate for more funding in addition to that and changes to the work authorization process.

The Biden administration has received repeated calls for federal assistance from Healey, and New York officials such as Mayor Eric Adams of New York City and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul.

In September, the Biden administration said that almost a half-million immigrants in the United States who fled a humanitarian crisis in Venezuela would be allowed to immediately apply for work authorization, according to The New York Times.

As of March 31, 2023, there are 16 countries whose citizens have been given a similar designation, according to the Congressional Research Service: Afghanistan, Burma, Cameroon, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Haiti, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Ukraine, Venezuela, and Yemen, according to the Times.

Where are the shelters?

As of Monday, Nov. 14, there were 7,537 families enrolled in the states shelter system.

A placement data map published by the state government shows that shelters are across all counties.

There were 3,832 families enrolled in hotels or motels, 3,646 enrolled in traditional shelters and 59 enrolled in temporary emergency shelters as of Monday.

Boston, Lynn, Worcester, and Springfield have the highest concentrations of families in shelters with over 200 enrolled, according to the map.

Other communities such as Plymouth, Salem, Greenfield and Chicopee had between 51 and 200 families enrolled  with a total of nearly three dozen communities in that range.

About four dozen communities were hosting shelters with between one and 50 families enrolled.
Tunisian national operator Tunisie Telecom, and mobile transaction platform Telepin have announced the signing of a partnership agreement for the launch of the converged charging system for Tunisie Telecoms customers.

The main objective of this partnership is to migrate Tunisie Telecoms charging system, currently distributed among several suppliers, to Telepins unified converged charging platform.

This transition, says Telepin, promises to offer a better customer experience by providing a consolidated and more secure solution for mobile and landline top-ups.

Telepin says its platform is designed to meet all of Tunisie Telecoms charging needs. From the migration of legacy vouchers to the generation of on-demand e-vouchers, the system ensures a smooth transition and an improved user experience for Tunisie Telecoms large customer base.

In fact Tunisie Telecom has more than six million subscribers, including both companies and individuals, to whom it offers a wide range of services in the field of fixed and mobile telecommunications, data centres, cloud, IoT and managed security.

Headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, with a regional presence in the Middle East, the UK, Tanzania, and Tunisia, Telepin serves leading operators in the Middle East, Africa, Asia and the Americas.

Telepin says it has the capability to deliver, install, and commission, including the necessary integration with third-party systems such as banks, billers, merchants and agents. Its ties with Tunisie Telecom began in 2007.
International divisions were on display at North Andovers Select Board meeting Monday night over approval to raise the Palestinian flag in the town common, resulting in a town policy change, WCVB reported.

Turnout at the meeting was high as those in support of a formal application made by 18-year-old Selma Khayal rallied behind her, while also bringing out townspeople who disagreed with the request and urged the town to not raise the flag, the news station said.

Tensions have flared over the flag in the month since Israel was attacked by Hamas militants on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 Israelis, the AP reported. Since then, Israel has conducted an unprecedented bombardment that has devastated several parts of Gaza, with Israeli leaders demanding Palestinians move to the south of the Gaza Strip.

In Gaza, the war has resulted in the deaths of 11,000 Palestinians, two-thirds of them women and children, according to the AP citing Gazas Health Ministry. Barbara Leaf, Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, said on Nov. 9 that this number is likely higher, according to The Hill.

In North Andover, the flag application was accepted under the towns previous policy. Citing the Supreme Courts Shurtleff v. Boston decision as flag-waving pertains to the First Amendment, the content or the subject matter of a flag cannot be considered when reviewing an application presented under the old policy, the town said in a statement on Monday.

Read more: Palestinian flag flies outside Worcester City Hall as war in Gaza rages on

Israels flag was raised over the town common following the Oct. 7 attack, but debate erupted between Palestinian and Jewish residents over raising the black, red, white and green flag of the Palestinian people.

A lot of tension, a lot of opposition, Salma Boulal, who was at the meeting, told Boston 25 News. If Israel gets their flag to fly in the North Andover common then Palestinians deserve that same right.

Rabbi Idan Irelander of Congregation Avahat Olam told WCVB the flag represents the attempted genocide of the Jewish people and to many of us represents  again, Im sorry  Hamas.

Supporters of the flag applications approval applauded the towns decision to raise the flag until Dec. 7, Patch reported. Khayal told WCVB that its whats fair.

This is a representation that weve been waiting for, she said. Its not a victory just for me, its a victory for Palestinians. Theyre the ones Im doing this for.

The town also noted in its statement that its old policy would not continue, exchanged with a new policy limits the use of the flagpole to statements of governmental speech only, consistent with the Shurtleff decision. The new policy does not allow a resident to submit an application to raise a flag. Since Khayals request was approved under the old policy, the new policy will not retroactively impact the Palestinian flag being raised in North Andover.

Other towns and cities in Massachusetts have raised the Palestinian flag at the request of Muslim groups and local residents as the war continues and tensions rise across the globe, along with anti-Palestinian and antisemitic discrimination.

In early November, Worcester City Hall accepted the Islamic Society of Greater Worcesters formal request to raise the Palestinian flag alongside the state and city flags from Monday until Friday, per policy.

We are not here calling for the destruction of anyone, we are here calling for justice, Yaser Najjar said to CBS News Boston, and was present at the citys flag-raising event. Justice has to be for all.
A sinkhole in a Haverhill homeowners yard. A road in Deerfield thats still impassable to traffic. The shattered electrical systems that have left some in Conway without heat as temperatures drop.

All are the hugely expensive damages left in the wake of devastating storms that cut a destructive path across the Bay State last summer. And months later, the homeowners and municipal governments left to pick up the tab are, in many cases, still struggling to cover the cost.

But a pair of bills now before the state House and Senate would provide some badly needed assistance by authorizing the creation of a new disaster relief fund that backers say would hasten the flow of state money, even as local leaders deal with natural disasters intensified by the impact of climate change.

This moment is crucial, Sen. Joanne Comerford, D-Hampshire/Franklin/Worcester, whos sponsoring the bill on her side of the State House, said during a Tuesday news conference.

Right now, Massachusetts is one of only two states that doesnt have a permanent disaster relief fund, Comerford, and Rep. Natalie Blais, D-1st Franklin, whos sponsoring the House version of the bill, said Tuesday.

That means state officials only can provide assistance when the Legislature and governor pass a supplemental appropriation that addresses a communitys specific need. And that can result in months of delay when the need for funding is an urgent one, they said.

Natural disasters can happen anywhere  whether youre a small town or large city, Blais noted.

Its a need that Megan Bowe, the Haverhill homeowner with the sinkhole in her yard knows too well. She told lawmakers Tuesday that shes worried about what shell do with winter coming on.

Or then theres Conway Select Board Chairperson Philip Kantor, who showed up for Tuesdays virtual news conference bundled in a maroon jacket and matching watch cap emblazoned with his hometowns ZIP code, 01341, across the front. His home heating system got wiped out by storms that hammered his Franklin County community last August.

We are sorely in need of this bill, Kantor said Tuesday. Without something like this, we are never going to made whole or properly compensated for a disaster.

Northampton Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra offered a similar sentiment. The Connecticut River overflowed its banks in the Pioneer Valley community last July, leaving millions of dollars in damage in its wake.

Those days were very frightening and stressful, she said. We are still dealing with the impact of what happend. Without a special approbation from the state Legislature, there would not be money to rebuild.

As theyre currently written, the House and Senate proposals would leave it to the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency to manage the emergency fund. The agency also would establish eligibility and oversight procedures, the lawmakers said.

The initial money for the program would come $250 million in excess capital gains revenue, with the account sustained over time through the same funding stream.

Now that the bills have been introduced, theyre bound for a legislative committee, possibly the Legislatures Joint Committee on Emergency Preparedness and Management, with public hearings and an eventual vote by the panel to follow. The proposal would have to clear the House and Senate before it could be sent to Gov. Maura Healey for her signature.

State Rep. John Barrett, D-1st Berkshire, who spent 26 years as the mayor of North Adams, stressed the urgency of action.

Climate change has changed the playing field for communities, he said, adding that we saw more people get hurt by damages this summer, who then fought to get financial relief.

And with more, and more intense, storms definitely on the way, we have to do something, Barrett said.
On Friday, supporters of a ballot initiative that would have brought back the option for rent control in Massachusetts ended their campaign, leaving the question up to state lawmakers.

So what comes next for rent control, which has become more popular among housing advocates as a way to help address Massachusetts housing crisis?

Multiple bills currently before the state legislature would allow rent control or rent stabilization in some form.

One, filed by Sen. Patricia Jehlen, D-2nd Middlesex, in the state Senate and Reps. David Rogers, D-24th Middlesex, and Samantha Montano, D-15th Suffolk, in the House, would give a local option for cities and towns to impose annual limits on rent hikes, as well as eviction protections for renters.

The bill is scheduled for a hearing in front of the Joint Committee on Housing on Tuesday.

Another bill, filed by Rep. Mike Connolly, D-26th Middlesex, who also started the ballot initiative, would give communities a local option to establish a variety of tenant protections, including rent control.

Rent control was banned in Massachusetts in 1994 by a ballot question. Efforts to revive it in the time since have failed.

In addition to statewide proposals, some individual communities have begun discussing rent stabilization measures.

In Boston, City Council passed a home rule petition in March to do so; the petition must be passed by the state legislature to go into effect. The petition is also on the agenda for Tuesdays hearing.

Somerville Mayor Katjana Ballantyne last week submitted a home rule petition that would establish rent stabilization to the City Council. And in Brookline, an article allowing the town to implement rent stabilization and eviction protections is expected to be discussed at a Special Town Meeting that begins Tuesday night.

We are facing a regional housing crisis, and we all know that losing stable housing completely upends peoples lives and that of their children. Our duty here is clear. We must use every available tool to help keep residents in their homes. Rent stabilization works, so we are pursuing it thoughtfully with our whole community in mind, Ballantyne said in a statement last week. This careful proposal not only provides needed action to support renters and housing affordability overall but also meaningful considerations for vulnerable property owners such as owner-occupant seniors.

While the push for rent control has become stronger, top legislators have not indicated support for it. Gov. Maura Healey has repeatedly declined to express explicit support for the idea.

But she said last month that she believes municipalities should be able to do what is best for their community.
WESTFIELD  Assisted by an honor guard from the 104th Fighter Wing at Barnes Air National Guard Base, the Hampden Village Association conducted a moving Veterans Day memorial ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 11, attended by many residents.

The ceremony was organized by association President Beverly Rzewnicki and Vice President Peg Wood. Rzewnicki said she called the Barnes Air National Guard to ask for assistance.
CASTLEBAR man Tom OBoyle is set to take part in a charity run for Orbis Ireland to raise money for life-saving eye care for people in Ethiopia.

At present, 1.2 million Ethiopians are blind, and 2.7 million have a visual impairment. All funds raised go towards Orbis Irelands goal of eliminating this blinding disease.

In total, 65 Irish runners from all over Ireland are taking part in The Great Ethiopian Run to raise funds for Orbis sight-saving work on Sunday, November 19.

The Great Ethiopian Run is a 10-kilometre race that will see members of the Orbis team line up alongside over 40,000 competitors to celebrate Ethiopia's national sport.

Since 2008, Orbis Ireland has brought over 500 participants to Addis Ababa for the run and to visit life-saving eye care projects in southern Ethiopia, raising over 1 million for the sight-saving work.

Each participant raised 4,000 for Orbis Ireland before embarking on the trip, and they are on target to generate 100,000 for the vital work of saving the sight of thousands of people in some of the poorest regions of southern Ethiopia.

Speaking ahead of the Great Ethiopian Run, Tom said he couldnt pass up the opportunity to help the charity after hearing about the event.

With so much going on in the world, being able to help a charity doing vital work is something that I am very happy about, he said.

The prospect of witnessing Orbis work firsthand and the unique opportunity to train with elite Ethiopian runners adds an extra layer of excitement.

The event holds a special significance for Orbis Ireland, as over a third of children in Ethiopia are affected by Trachoma, a blinding yet completely preventable eye disease.

In 2023, the group of Orbis supporters is made up of employees from several companies including Avolon, AerCap, Airbus, CDB Aviation, Falko and PWC. These generous companies are sponsoring their employees, meaning even more of their fundraising efforts are donated to Orbis.

Speaking ahead of the Great Ethiopian Run, Clare ODea, Chairperson at Orbis Ireland, said the trip was not only important in raising funds for Orbis but also in showing the group our vital work in Ethiopia.

On behalf of everyone in Ethiopia, whose lives have been changed is due to their generosity, stamina and endurance - thank you, she said.

Orbis Ireland is part of Orbis International, a non-profit global development organisation working to eliminate avoidable blindness in the worlds most poverty-stricken regions.

This is achieved by teaching sight-saving skills to thousands of eye care professionals on board the Orbis Flying Eye Hospital and in local hospitals, who then pass on their expertise to others.

ENDS
A POPULAR Italian restaurant in Castlebar has been shortlisted for the Just Eat Awards.

Located in Castlebar's Tucker Street, Al Muretto has been shortlisted in the Best of Ulster & Connacht category where they will go head-to-head with some of the best restaurants and takeaways in the region.

Now in its tenth year, the annual awards celebrate Just Eat partners across the country, recognising the passion, dedication and excellence that goes into every dish delivered to our doors.

This year, 65 nominees have been shortlisted across 12 award categories, including Best Pizza, Best Mexican, Best Burger and Best Chipper

Voting is now open until Wednesday, 13 December.

Voting for the Awards opens today and Mayo food lovers can vote for their favourite local takeaway until December 13. To celebrate the launch, anyone who casts a vote will be in with a chance to win free takeaway for a year.

The Just Eat Awards winners will be announced at a gala ceremony hosted by Muireann OConnell in March 2024.
A first-of-its-kind, interactive Biobus designed to show people how to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels in everyday life, will be calling to Belmullet this Thursday (November 16).

The Biobus will be calling to Aras Inis Gluaire from 10.30am-4.30pm on Thursday November 16, as part of the latest leg of its tour covering 36 locations.

Schools, community groups and individuals are invited to learn about the bioeconomy and how local companies are already developing innovative bio-based products.

The bus will be powered by 100 percent renewable plant waste matter provided by Irish company Certa.

The Biobus was specially developed by BiOrbic. The Bioeconomy SFI Research Centre is Irelands national bioeconomy research centre, a national collaboration of researchers from 12 of Irelands universities working with industry and other stakeholders, focused on the development of a sustainable, circular bioeconomy

Prof Kevin OConnor, Director of BiOrbic explained what visitors to the Biobus can expect.

The Biobus explores just how much we rely on fossil fuels and presents examples of everyday bio-based products, with many of these examples coming from home-grown Irish companies or Irish research projects, said Prof OConnor

What may be shocking to Biobus visitors is how our reliance on fossil fuels goes much further than just energy, fuel and plastic. Almost every modern-day product contains some element of petrochemicals, which is unsustainable. The bioeconomy provides what society needs from renewable, bio-based sources such as plants, animals and microbes.

We are at the early stages of a bio-revolution, where we will transition from a dependence on fossil resources to a more sustainable and balanced circular bioeconomy. Ireland is particularly well placed to be a leader in this space. We already have Agri-food and Marine industries of global significance as well as a profile of large companies and SMEs driving innovation with sustainability to the fore, Prof OConnor added.

As well as reducing waste through the production of biodegradable materials, the bioeconomy approach can help meet Irelands climate targets by establishing a sustainable, circular and environmentally friendly economy,

Schools, community groups and individuals can register their interest via Cathy.Keenan@biorbic.com
A MAN who repeatedly raped his wife during their lengthy marriage under the guise of Catholic entitlements has been jailed for nine-and-a-half years.

The 57-year-old Dublin man, who can't be named to protect the identity of his former wife, was found guilty by a Central Criminal Court jury of five counts of raping her in the family home and a holiday home on dates in 2006 and 2018.

He was acquitted of three further counts of rape, while the jury in the trial last June was unable to agree on a ninth count. The couple were married for nearly 20 years.

Sentencing the man this Monday, Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring said the man had engaged in a fundamental breach of trust and a breach of his wife's bodily integrity in her own home and in the marital bed.

The court heard the couple's children were in the house at the time of the rapes and on some occasions, a baby was present in the bedroom.

For centuries, the rape of women in marriage was not seen as a criminal offence, the judge said.

The vows were seen to include the right of the man to have sex whenever, with or without her consent. The jury verdicts in this case confirms such a view is no longer held in the community. Consent is as essential in marriage as it is in any other occasion.

In her victim impact statement which she read out at an earlier hearing, the woman said her husband had acknowledged nothing and has denied all wrongdoing on his part.

The man maintains his innocence and does not accept the guilty verdicts of the jury, the court heard.

The woman said that in the course of their marriage, the man had power and control. He had it and I didn't, she said.

This was not a stranger in the street who raped me. It was a person I loved and trusted more than anyone else in the world, she told the court. I was completely under his control as a wife and mother.

She said he abused her under the guise of Catholic entitlements and would tell her good girl after raping her. She said he left her isolated and feeling worthless, with his anger and aggression escalating when she prioritised their children's needs over him.

The woman said she is now a survivor who deserves to be heard. She paid tribute to her children, who she said have shown great resilience in the intervening years. There is healing in their laughter.

The court heard that in 2018, the woman confided in a friend about her husband's treatment of her, and her friend told her this was rape. She left the marital home shortly afterwards and went to gardai.

Anne-Marie Lawlor SC, prosecuting, said the Director of Public Prosecutions placed the offending in the more serious category.

Ms Justice Ring noted that the rape counts were 12 years apart, with the jury acquitting the man of other counts during the marriage. She noted that there were also good times in the 20 years or so that the couple were together.

She said there was no suggestion the couple's children were not loved and cherished by the man, and that he involved himself in their lives and in the community.

The judge set a headline sentence of 12 and-a-half years. She took into account a number of mitigating factors including the man's previous good record and lack of previous convictions.

She handed down a sentence of 11 years and suspended the final 18 months subject to a number of conditions, including that he have no contact with his former wife for a period of five years after his release.

Dara Foynes SC, defending, said the man was a good provider with an unblemished record.

She handed in what she said were glowing testimonials about him. She said he has lost his children, which has been devastating for him.

The court heard the man is in a new relationship and his partner was in court to support him.
Operator MTN Nigeria and the African operation of American Tower Corporation, a leading independent owner, operator and developer of multitenant communications real estate, have entered into a new agreement that, they say, is expected to enhance wireless connectivity across Nigeria.

Under the terms of the agreement, ATC Africa will facilitate new tenancies for MTN Nigeria over a multi-year period, commencing in the second half of 2024. The company expects to meet MTN Nigeria's site requirements by leveraging ATC Africa's extensive portfolio of over 8,000 sites in Nigeria, a substantial portion of which already incorporate green energy solutions. Additionally, new sites will be deployed in accordance with ATC Africa's green site specifications.

It wont have escaped most observers that there is a strong sustainability angle to this deal. In fact the companies say that this agreement marks a significant step towards expanding and improving wireless services in Nigeria while prioritising sustainability and responsible business practices. And MTN Nigeria CEO Karl Toriola adds: Through this partnership with ATC Africa, we are setting the stage for a new era of connectivity in Nigeria, one that not only meets the growing demands of our customers but also aligns with our commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility."

Its a focus reflected in American Tower Corporations recently published sustainability report, which we highlighted in these pages just over a month ago. In this report ATC Africa highlighted a decrease in its on-site diesel consumption in Africa since 2018.
by Richard Whitman , Columnist, November 13, 2023

You likely are familiar with Maurice Levy the former longtime CEO of Publicis Groupe and the Groupes current Supervisory Board Chairman.

And for years he has been a political activist with a focus on the complicated issues surrounding the relationship between Palestinians and Israelis. For over a decade he has been international chairman of the Peres Center For Peace And Innovation.

Today in an opinion piece published in the Jerusalem Post, Levy rightfully sounded the alarm on rising incidents of antisemitism in France. (Numerous reports have indicated a rise globally.)

advertisement advertisement Top French government officials and media have recognized and addressed the threat, Levy asserts in the piece. But he asks, Where are the others? He writes about a no waves mentality that seems to permeate much of the nation, which he suggests is weakening the foundation of our society.

Since the horrific attack on Israel by Hamas on last month, Levy asserted, French Jews have felt abandoned in a form of physical and psychological insecurity. Not since the Holocaust committed against the Jews during World War II by the Nazis, he added, has the Jewish community in France felt so isolated.

He noted that forty French Jews were murdered in the Hamas attack. With each count, we heard the clicking of the count, but no compassion or emotion. Who were these forty French people? What was their life like? Were they related? We know nothing about them because we don't want to know anything, neither their names, nor their ages, nor their lives, nor their faces.

He notes that nine French Jewish hostages are still held by Hamas. Efforts are no doubt being taken at the highest political levels to free them, Levy states. But where are the municipalities? Large portraits on official buildings? Where are the intellectuals so quick to take up their pen? NGOs, about whom we have heard a lot since the bombings of Gaza, but little or nothing after the Hamas massacres? Associations that claim to be humanitarian? The humanist left? Guilty anesthesia. Selective mutism. A two-speed indignation.

He cited the French philosopher Jean-Paul Satre who wrote in an essay that antisemitism is not Jewish problem; it is our problem.
by Laurie Sullivan , Staff Writer @lauriesullivan, November 14, 2023

Google and Microsoft this week separately said they would not challenge a law in Europe that would categorize them as a gatekeeper.

The European Union law aims to require each company with this designation as gatekeeper to make it easier for people to move between competing services, such as social-media platforms and internet browsers.

The EU in September designated 22 gatekeeper services run by six of the biggest technology companies. Each would face new rules based on the Digital Markets Act (DMA).

Gatekeepers are required to ensure their messaging apps interoperate with rivals and let users decide the apps to pre-install on their devices. The rule also applies to Amazon, Apple, Meta, and TikTok. November 16 is the deadline to file for exemption for those companies that disagree with the status.

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The gatekeeper designation for Google could provide additional fodder for the U.S. antitrust fight focused on billions of dollars that Google has paid to remain the default on laptops and smartphones.

Several weeks ago, Google CEO Sundar Pichai acknowledged the importance of making its search engine the default in keeping users loyal, which has become a major point in the U.S. antitrust fight.

Earlier this week, Bloomberg reported that in Googles defense, University of Chicago professor Kevin Murphy disclosed that Google pays Apple 36% of revenue it earns from search advertising made through the Safari browser.

The insight revealed during testimony by professor Murphy was intended to remain confidential. Googles main litigator John Schmidtlein visibly cringed.

Its no secret that the cost of digital ads fluctuates wildly based on a variety of factors like an "ads audience targeting, creative, industry, and seasonality," according to a Gupta Media email newsletter. "Advertisers [in theory compete] in a fair fight: Relevant ads with effective targeting will deliver a more efficient value."

Gupta Media goes on to explain that since much of that competition takes place in a black box, some agencies and advertisers have long suspected all sorts of horseplay on the part of social-media ad platforms. In the absence of any definitive proof of wrongdoing, the system has escaped the kinds of legal and regulatory scrutiny that might upend the status quo.

Indeed, status quo. Googles admission strikes at the core values of digital advertising, from trust to transparency to fairness.

"The relative simplicity of Googles search-ad model makes the companys revelations uniquely damaging," Gupta Media writes. "If youre bidding against a competing brand, thats fair. But if youre bidding against the platform itselfmore specifically, against an inflated rate determined by Googles sales goalsthats fraud, pure and simple."

Trial exhibits such as these reveal some interesting facts about Googles business practices, but it is testimony similar to Murphys and decisions made by Google to remain a gatekeeper that have analysts, and me, wondering whether or not Google will come out of this trial as a whole company or be forced to breakup its services.

Looking at the EU gatekeeper law, and Googles accepting the status, could become a precursor of what interventions the U.S. judge might carry out.

Earlier this month, it was reported that analysts at Barclays grew increasingly concerned" about the strength of the Justice Department's case against Google. If the justice department determines that the default option on Web browsers and on the iPhone and other mobile devices is illegal, it will be interesting to see what becomes of Apples search strategy.

Reportedly, Barclays analysts Ross Sandler and Tim Long wrote in a note, Weve seen choice screens rolled out on Android devices in Europe already, which hasnt had a major impact on Googles market cap, mostly because query share didnt change much, and the Android channel isnt that material to Googles bottom line.
by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, November 14, 2023

In a setback for social media platforms, a federal judge Tuesday refused to dismiss a sprawling lawsuit alleging that Meta, Google, TikTok and Snapchat harmed teens.

The ruling, issued by U.S. District Court Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, came in litigation brought by hundreds of teens and their families, as well as 140 school districts and dozens of state attorneys general. Their consolidated complaint largely centered on the theory that social media companies designed their services to be addictive, and then served minors with a broad array of potentially harmful material -- such as filtered photos that promote unrealistic aesthetic standards.

Among other claims, the complaint alleged that the social media companies are responsible under products liability theories -- meaning their products were dangerously defective, due to design features that made the services addictive -- and that the companies acted negligently.

The platforms urged Rogers to dismiss the lawsuit at an early stage for numerous reasons. Among others, the companies said they were protected by both Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act -- which immunizes web services from lawsuits over material posted by users -- and the First Amendment. Meta and the others argued that even though the complaint references allegedly addictive features of social media, such as recommendation algorithms, any injuries suffered by teens is linked to content posted by other users.

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The platforms also argued that aside from Section 230, the First Amendment protects them from lawsuits over other users' speech.

Rogers said in her ruling that Section 230 and the First Amendment barred some of the claims, but not all of them. For instance, she said Section 230 barred claims over the platforms' use of recommendation algorithms, but not from claims that they failed to label filtered photos or warn users about the risks of addiction.

The ruling comes one month after a California state court judge separately allowed teens who said they suffered from eating disorders, anxiety, depression and other harms due to social media addiction to proceed with lawsuits against Meta, TikTok, Snapchat and YouTube.

In that case, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Carolyn Kuhl said the teens could move forward with a claim that the companies were negligent because they used features like continuous scrolling, aimed at maximizing the amount of time people spend on social media.
by Colin Kirkland , November 14, 2023

As TikTok continues to expand its presence in the music industry, the company has announced its newest feature, Add to Music App, which allows users to save songs they hear on their main video feed directly to their preferred music streaming app, including Spotify, Amazon Music and Apple Music.

Over the past few years, TikTok has become a major hub for music discovery. Songs behind the spread of viral trends have translated into the ascension of emerging artists as well as the re-emergence of vintage hits on top Billboard charts and leading streaming services.

TikTok's push into the music industry includes various high-level partnerships.

In July, the ByteDance-owned company announced a wide-ranging partnership with Warner Music Group which provided TikTok and its billion-plus user base access to Warner's massive catalog.

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In September, the company launched its own weekly Billboard Top 50 Chart for the most popular songs being played, shared and used in creator videos on the app.

Most recently, the company announced a partnership with ticketing tech company Tickets.com in order to help sell tickets to TikTok's live music event, In The Mix, which featured new and established artists who thrive on the app.

The company is also developing its own music streaming service called TikTok Music, which launched in Brazil and Indonesia over the summer.

Now, however, it seems that TikTok is joining forces with the same streaming services it appeared to be competing with.

The new Add to Music App feature has been designed to help music fans capture songs that they love on TikTok in the moment of discovery, and to easily save the song to their preferred music streaming service to enjoy whenever they like, the company wrote in a blog post.

Users in the U.S. and the U.K. (with more markets to follow) will see the feature via an Add Song button that exists alongside the track name at the bottom of videos in their main feed. The first time a user presses the button they can decide which streaming service they prefer to save music to.

Spotify users -- both Premium subscribers and free users -- will be able to save songs from TikTok to their Liked Songs playlist.

Amazon Music listeners in the same regions will see their saved songs added to a TikTok Songs playlist or another playlist of their choice, but only Prime members will be able to use the feature.

Apple Music, which is a fully paid service, will offer the feature to paying subscribers only.
The Coast Guard could be facing an even greater personnel shortage than current estimates suggest, testimony during a House hearing Tuesday revealed, but data and workplace assessment failures mean the exact number is unknown.

Lawmakers on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee suggested during the hearing that the Coast Guard was facing a 3,000-person shortfall. But according to the Government Accountability Office, it's likely thousands more because the Coast Guard has yet to conduct an entire branchwide manpower assessment.

"The Coast Guard estimates that it is short thousands of service members. Without workforce assessments, it does not know the true magnitude of the shortfall and which units or missions are most effective," Heather Macleod, the director of GAO's Homeland Security and Justice team, told the committee. Just 15% of workplace assessments have been completed for units across the service.

Read Next: Caregivers of Veterans Spend $11,500 on Average Each Year on Expenses, New Data Shows

A May report from the GAO suggested the Coast Guard is therefore closer to around 4,800 members short, marking the fourth consecutive fiscal year the branch has missed its recruiting goals.

The Coast Guard isn't alone in its personnel woes. Across the military branches, only the Marine Corps and the Space Force met their enlisted recruiting goals for 2023. The Army, Air Force and Navy, fell short. Every service -- excluding the Marine Corps -- missed some element of its target numbers, whether in reserve, National Guard or officer goals.

Rep. Salud Carbajal, D-Calif., said budgetary concerns are largely to blame, and Coast Guard leadership was admonished during the hearing for not advocating better for funding.

"While the underlying recruiting and retention problems have been exacerbated by larger workforce trends and our declining interest in military service, chronic underfunding is a major factor," Carbajal said.

The Coast Guard's requested budget for fiscal 2024 was around $13.45 billion, including $12.05 billion to be spent at the discretion of the branch. Upgrades are being made to both the Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut, and Training Center Cape May in New Jersey as an approach to making sure the outward face of the branch is attractive to potential recruits and officer candidates, but Rear Adm. Jo-Ann Burdian, the assistant commandant for response policy, said the branch still needs more.

"I think to be the Coast Guard of the future, by 2033, we would offer that we need to be a $20 billion Coast Guard," Burdian said.

Shortages in Coast Guard personnel are particularly concerning as the demand for maritime interdiction missions have exploded over the last few years. The branch has three main law enforcement interdiction missions, including migration, drug and unregulated fishing.

In each of the last two fiscal years, the Coast Guard has interdicted more than 12,000 migrants attempting to cross the maritime border into the U.S., with a high concentration occurring near the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.

Meanwhile, the branch has failed to meet its goal of interdicting 10% of the known cocaine flow for the last three years, despite having interdicted more than 800 metric tons of cocaine over the last five years, 130 of which were intercepted in 2022 alone.

The failure to address the personnel shortage and the ensuing degradation of mission capabilities will only continue to affect the branch's readiness, Rep. Jake Auchincloss, D-Mass., said.

"It's just the reality of, you don't have enough people," he said.

-- Rachel Nostrant is a freelance reporter and Marine veteran. She has previously worked for Military Times, Reuters and others, covering the war in Ukraine and U.S. national affairs. She is on X @rachelnostrant.

Related: Icebreakers, Pay Raise, New Cutters: House Adds $430M to Coast Guard Budget
MENOMINEE, MI -- A judge is allowing three marijuana shops in Michigans Upper Peninsula to reopen after shutting them down 10 days ago.

The judge suspended the temporary restraining order, said Cannabis Attorneys of Michigan lawyer Denise Policella, who represents the Nirvana Center marijuana store in Menominee. We have been cleared to open and will be opening Tuesday (Nov. 14). We have a hearing Wednesday morning and will continue to abide by the courts orders and direction of the city.

Two other shops in Menominee that were temporarily closed, Lume Cannabis and Higher Love, reopened Monday, as well, according to their business social media accounts.

It feels good to be back, Menominee, was posted to Higher Loves Facebook page Monday evening. Were not wasting a minute, our drive-thru is up and running until 9 p.m. tonight. Weve got some big things coming and we cant wait. Whats that saying ... the comeback is always greater than the setback.

The Lume account stated: We are open. See you soon.

The closures were due to an ongoing legal battle over which and how many businesses should be licensed to sell marijuana in Menominee, a town of about 8,500 residents on the southern tip of the western U.P. on Lake Michigan and adjacent to the Wisconsin border.

Marijuana companies are eager to open along the border of the U.P. in order to capitalize on out-of-state customers, especially from Wisconsin, where marijuana remains illegal.

Menominee has been entangled in lawsuits since it issued the first licenses to Rize and the Fire Station in 2021. Those businesses opened and have remained operating since summer. Lume, Higher Love and Nirvana Center previously sued, along with two other businesses, alleging the selection process that gave Rize and Fire Station licenses was flawed.

A judge disagreed and dismissed the lawsuits in May, but the businesses convinced the majority of Menominee City Council members to enter a settlement agreement on May 22 that would add six new marijuana businesses and uncap limits on future marijuana retail licenses. The settlement also ensured that the marijuana companies would cover any legal costs the city incurred because of the settlement.

Adam Michaud and others started a ballot referendum committee to ask voters if Menominee should have more than two marijuana businesses. The petition drive by the Committee to Stop Unlimited Marijuana Shops was funded by Rize and the Fire Station, according to public records reviewed by MLive.

The referendum was certified, but the City Council found a loophole to subvert it. The City Council repealed the ordinance that was the target of the referendum and passed a replica, except the new version also included $15,000 for the Menominee Police Department. The Menominee Charter doesnt allow ballot referendums on laws that included funding measures.

The move led Michaud, Rize and the Fire station to file a lawsuit in state court alleging City Council decisions were made as a result of meetings that violated the Michigan Open Meetings Act.

Presiding Menominee Circuit Court Judge Mary Barglind on Sept. 26 ruled that the city should maintain the status quo in regard to marijuana business activity. This meant the city could issue no more licenses until the lawsuit was resolved. In the meantime, Lume, Higher Love and Nirvana Center had already received their licenses and began operating.

Menominee officials, Rize and Fire Station contended the competing marijuana businesses didnt begin making public sales until after the judges order, which they claimed was a violation. Barglind ordered the three shops be shut down on Nov. 3. She held an emergency hearing on Friday, Nov. 10 and Monday, Nov. 13. At the conclusion, she suspended the order that forced the shops to close.

The city is pleased that the court has suspended the temporary restraining order, as we didnt believe the restraining order or the underlying preliminary injunction was ever warranted given the nature of the allegations raised by these plaintiffs and the undisputed facts, said attorney Matt Cross, who represents Menominee in the lawsuit. The alleged Open Meetings Act violations in plaintiffs amended complaint are almost entirely technical violations that are not a legitimate basis for a court to invalidate a public bodys decision under the (Open Meetings Act).

City Council never attempted to make decisions in secret and the public was fully informed about what the City Council was doing throughout the last almost three years of litigation.

There is another hearing on the lawsuit related to various motions set for Wednesday, Nov. 15.

No comment as things are still in flux, said attorney Michael Cox, who represents Rize. Attorneys for the Fire Station, Higher Love, Lume have not responded to MLive requests for comment.
By Dr Mehmood Ul Hassan Khan

The White Houses confirmation of the Xi-Biden meeting in San Francisco next week has become a hot topic in the international media, which has also swayed social media around the globe. Since this meeting has strategic significance in terms of the revival of socio-economic relations, the removal of consequential geopolitical barriers, and converging geostrategic trans-regional spheres, hopefully both leaders will try to stabilise relations to achieve mutually beneficial propositions.

The objective of the meeting will likely act as a catalyst for further negotiations. The upcoming meeting comes about a year after the two leaders met in person during the G20 summit in Bali, Indonesia, last year.

Since neither the US nor China have intentionally shared any agenda with the media, it is impulsively flooded with lots of guesses, numerous speculations, rumours, and conspiracy theories. However, both leaders will likely discuss the crucial issue of restoring a U.S.-China military hotline to prevent any escalations between the two countries. Regional experts are optimistic about the outcome of the meeting, which will yield a resumption of high-level military communications and an agreement to address the fentanyl crisis.

It expects that matters pertaining to the U.S.-China bilateral relationship, macro-economic stability, climate change, artificial intelligence, the strategic importance of maintaining open lines of communication, and a range of regional and global issues, i.e., the continued Russia-Ukraine conflict, the Israel-Palestine war, and moreover, matters of disagreement, i.e., Taiwan and the South China Sea, will also be discussed because both countries have a shared interest in global stability and a stable global economy, creating immense opportunities and reimbursements for both sides. In addition, maintaining an open dialogue with China will gain Biden's support from the US public.

Being a responsive player in international cooperation and global governance, China signed a declaration at the AI Safety Summit, hosted by the UK at Bletchley Park, signalling a commitment to an international approach to AI and its use earlier in November.

Naturally, after the Bali summit last year and the meeting of two leaders, hopes were high that the two countries could fix their faulty lines. But conflicting realities and false and fake propaganda about the balloon controversy further delayed Secretary of State Antony Blinken's planned trip to Beijing.

Afterward, Chinese openness, transparency, and diplomatic wisdom encouraged the rise of political wisdom and bilateral diplomatic connectivity in Bidens administration. Since then, a series of meetings between top U.S. and Chinese officials have paved the way for next weeks meeting.

In this connection, Blinken travelled to Beijing in June and met with Xi to try to restore confidence between the two sides. The National Security Adviser, Jake Sullivan, recently met with Chinas foreign minister, Wang Yi, in Washington to further regularise open channels of communication and dialogue. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, Special Climate Envoy John Kerry, CIA Director William Burns, and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimando tripped to China in the last six months. The two sides have also launched consultations on arms control, maritime concerns, and debt issues which good omen for both countries. Hopefully, this meeting could cap tension levels and offer some stability for further negotiations.

Obviously, the timing of this meeting is crucial. Both countries are apparently in search of mutual consensus, concessions, and accommodations to strike a balance amid strategic competition in an increasingly precarious world. It is indispensable for the U.S. and the West at large to acknowledge that China plays a significant role in determining the course of the relationship and global stability and aims for a workable.

Economically and financially, there is a lot at stake for the international corporations and markets, corporate giants including Apple, Nike, and Caterpillar are heavily reliant on the Chinese market to drive revenue and growth, while China remains the worlds manufacturing epicenter. Thus success of this meeting would be a stimulator for the multinational companies growth and trans-regional marketing niches.

In summary, all global stakeholders, countries, communities, investors, and corporations are eager to see US-China cooperation in addressing a range of global issues such as nuclear arms control, climate change, and the regulation of artificial intelligence.

Both countries should follow the philosophy of accommodation that can establish the required boundaries to prevent competition from escalating into conflict, while actively seeking avenues for cooperation on pressing global challenges.

In this connection, the US should discard the role of the ultimate decider and recognise Chinas substantial role and responsibility in shaping the intricate dynamics of this relationship.

Nevertheless, the Xi-Biden meeting during the APEC Summit offers an ideal setting for both countries to rekindle the spirit of collaboration and cooperation, reminiscent of the framework for cooperation that emerged from the previous years G-20 meeting in Bali.

The summit offers an opportunity to inject stability into an increasingly precarious world. Both nations must acknowledge their common challenges and seek new areas of cooperation while considering the priorities of allies, companies, and investors who demand a balanced and nuanced approach to U.S.-China relations.

Last but not least, the San Francisco meeting should rest bilateral strategic priorities, strike a balance between competition and cooperation, and set a new path ideally free from all false and fake propaganda for mutually achieving a prosperous, progressive, stable, and sustainable world and economy. It should also help in addressing various global challenges rather than exploiting them.

The author, Dr Mehmood Ul Hassan Khan, is an executive director at the Centre for South & International Studies (CSAIS) in Islamabad.

He is also a regional expert on China, CPEC, & BRI.




On 28 September 2023, the Australian Federal Government released its formal response to the Privacy Act Review Report, echoing its agreement with a substantial portion of the 116 proposals made in the report earlier this year.

The response sends a clear message to businesses that while the legislation to implement change is not yet drafted, we can expect a significant number of the changes to be drafted in the near future.

There are proactive steps that businesses can now take to prepare for these impending changes, potentially minimising the costs and disruptions when the new legislation takes effect, even if the exact detail is not known.

The proposed changes to the Privacy Act aim to enhance the protection, transparency, and control of personal information in Australia. Organisations need to understand the potential impact of these changes on their existing systems and to take steps to ensure compliance with the proposed regulations.

By reviewing and updating policies and procedures, addressing systemic privacy issues, and providing (at a minimum) privacy awareness training to employees, organisations can maintain the trust and confidence of their customers and protect personal information from the risk of identity fraud and scams.

Why is the Privacy Act being reviewed?

In response to a number of large-scale data breaches in 2022, the Australian Government released a report on its review of the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) (Privacy Act). The report, containing 116 proposals, aims to enhance the protection of personal information and the fairness of its handling by organisations.

What were the proposals?

The report proposed several significant changes to the Privacy Act, including:

introducing a positive obligation that personal information handling is fair and reasonable, shifting the responsibility for privacy protection from individuals to organisations

enhancing the powers of the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) to enforce privacy obligations and address privacy breaches

enabling individuals to exercise new privacy rights and take direct action in courts if their privacy is breached

removing some exemptions from the Privacy Act to provide greater privacy protection for individuals.

Who needs to be aware of the changes?

Boards who are setting long term strategies for organisations need to be thinking about how the changes might affect future operations. Senior management and compliance teams should be aware of the potential changes to privacy regulations and the need to review and update how the organisation routinely handles personal information.

IT and security teams should be aware of the increased emphasis on the protection and secure handling of personal information. Cybersecurity and privacy go hand in hand in ensuring an organisation protects personal information it holds. The proposal to expand the definition of personal information to include inferred or generated information means organisations need to look at the analytics processes they use.

Front line employees handling personal information should be trained on privacy awareness and the fact that changes and enhanced rules are in the pipeline.

Navigating the evolving privacy landscape in Australia

The new landscape brings opportunities to review and refocus business policies and procedures to ensure they reflect the ever increasing baseline privacy rights expected by the community.

What can businesses do now?

To prepare your business for the upcoming changes, the first step is to familiarise yourself with the 38 proposals with which the government agreed and which will be first off the blocks in terms of drafting and implementation. These proposals serve as the foundation for the future of privacy regulations in Australia.

You can then make informed decisions about how your organisation needs to adapt its privacy practices and policies to remain compliant with the evolving regulatory framework.

Review your organisations existing privacy policies and procedures and identify any areas that will most likely need updating to ensure compliance with the proposed changes. This can be done by assessing current practices  i.e., your data collection, storage, access, consent mechanisms, breach response protocols, and more.

The final step is to ensure that employees who handle personal information are privacy aware. As changes are introduced into draft legislation, training on specific obligations can be provided.

A final risk mitigation step is to do a data audit and refresh (or establish) a data retention regime. As data breaches continue to occur, fines have increased and potential consumer rights to take action for breach (agreed in principle) mean organisations want to minimise the amount of data they hold and how long they hold it for. If you begin an audit and purge process now, you will be well placed to minimise breach risk and will have removed a potential compliance problem when new provisions are legislated.

Changes in Australias privacy landscape require proactive steps from businesses. Familiarising yourself with the proposed changes, reviewing and updating privacy policies, and training employees are essential actions to ensure your organisation can navigate the evolving privacy regulations successfully. By taking these steps now, businesses can not only avoid potential legal issues but also build trust and confidence with their customers by demonstrating a commitment to responsible data handling practices.

By Lyn Nicholson, General Counsel, Holding Redlich

Disclaimer

The information in this article is of a general nature and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although we endeavour to provide accurate and timely information, we do not guarantee that the information in this article is accurate at the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future.

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MANISTEE, MI  A Northern Michigan man was sentenced today to up to 40 years in prison for delivering fentanyl, resulting in death, authorities announced.

A 30-year-old Manistee man died of a fentanyl overdose in April 2020. Two people have been convicted and sentenced related to his death.

Today, Derek Rosen, 31, of Bear Lake was sentenced in Manistee Countys 19th Circuit Court to eight to 40 years of incarceration for delivery causing death for providing fentanyl. He pleaded guilty in September.

Brittany McClarty, 38, of Manistee, was sentenced to one to 20 years in prison in April after she pleaded guilty to delivery of fentanyl under 50 grams in March. As part of her plea bargain, she agreed to testify against Rosen.

The Michigan State Police investigated the victims death after he was found unresponsive in his car. McClarty had provided the drugs to the victim after obtaining them from Rosen.

This sentence reflects the severity of the defendants role in exacerbating the scourge of the opioid epidemic, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said in a statement. Fentanyl use and overdose is a tragedy that devastates families across the state and my office will continue to hold accountable, to the fullest extent of the law, those who push this poison in our communities.
NEGAUNEE, MI  A rare, 19th Century steam locomotive has returned to Michigans Upper Peninsula after a lengthy restoration.

The Yankee is a vertical boiler model manufactured by Alexander Chaplin and Co. of Glasgow, Scotland, between 1862 and 1868.

In October, it returned to the Michigan Iron Industry Museum in Negaunee after spending three years being restored at B.R. Howard Conservation in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. And now it is ready for display.

The museum is planning an open house from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Dec 1 to celebrate its return to the U.P. Admission is free and light refreshments will be served.

The Yankee is one of the oldest surviving steam locomotives in the United States, one of two industrial geared vertical boiler locomotives in America, and one of three surviving Chaplin steam engines in the world.

RELATED: Crane lifts rare, 36-foot lifeboat above U.P. museum to complete 10-year restoration journey

It was used at the Jackson Mine in Negaunee to haul iron ore from 1868 to 1895. The Yankee and its twin, the John Bull, signaled the first major technological change for the Upper Peninsula iron mines  the coming of steam.

The Yankee is red in color, made from cast and wrought iron, steel and a mix of soft and hardwoods. It is just over 12 feet long, about 9 feet high, weighing an estimated 8,000 pounds.

The locomotive was saved from scrap in 2020 after spending most of the past 100 years outside. It was in very poor condition with actively corroding iron, fungal decay of all wooden components, and actively flaking paint in areas which still retain paint.

The Michigan History Center applied for and received an Institute of Museum and Library Services grant to help fund nearly $200,000 in conservation and restoration efforts.

Located eight miles west of Marquette, the Michigan Iron Industry Museum overlooks the Carp River and is site of the first iron manufactory in the Lake Superior region.

The museum tells the story of Michigans three iron ranges and the people who worked them, through dramatic exhibits, audio-visual programs, and outdoor interpretive trails.
ANN ARBOR, MI -- Ann Arbor Assistant Fire Chief Andrew Box retired after 26 years of service to the city last week.

Box, 55, became assistant chief in 2018. Earlier this month, he was also named Firefighter of the Year by Washtenaw 100  a local non-profit that raises funds for law enforcement and fire departments.

He started as a firefighter in 1986, Box said, in Chelsea  about 20 minutes outside of Ann Arbor  where he grew up.

As far as I remember, and what Ive been told by family members, is that Ive always wanted to be a firefighter, Box said, recounting memories of his uncle taking him to visit Ann Arbors old fire department. ...They were like my superheroes growing up.

Boxs career took him around Washtenaw County  working in fire departments and law enforcement agencies in Ypsilanti Township, Pittsfield Township, Saline and Milan. But Box said he always dreamed of working for the Ann Arbor Fire Department  and in 1997 his dream came true.

[The] Ann Arbor Fire Department was my first love since I was a little boy, Box said. And that love, like any type of relationship, had its peaks and valleys. But theres always been and always will be love for that department and the people in it.

He served as a driver and operator, fire inspector and lieutenant. He was a longtime member of the firefighters unions, serving as a trustee, vice president and president of the Ann Arbor Firefighters Local 693 of the International Association of Fire Fighters. He was also the countys fire services training coordinator.

During this time, Box began focusing on his education. He received a bachelors in fire science from Madonna University and ultimately earned two masters degrees from Eastern Michigan University, one in public administration and another in emergency management.

When he became assistant chief in 2018, Box took on numerous projects for the department. He overhauled and modernized firefighting procedures for high-rise buildings. He also standardized the process of getting promoted in the fire department by writing the departments first training program for the ranks of lieutenant, captain and battalion chief  a program approved by the International Association of Fire Fighters.

My message to everyone within the fire department and within the fire services is try to improve daily, Box said. Pick one thing out and improve on that.

Serving the public is what drew him to the fire service, he said. From raising money for the 9-11 Relief Fund in 2001 to just three weeks ago when the firefighters union gifted a family a $500 gift card on scene after they lost everything to a fire, Box said

That was a very proud moment for me to be able to help and give back to a family who just lost everything, he said. Its not a lot, but it can help them survive and get back towards recovery for a couple of days at least  to get their feet underneath them.

Despite his retirement from the Ann Arbor Fire Department, Box will stay active professionally. He recently started as Fire Marshall at the University of Michigans Department of Environmental Health and Safety.

It has been a very rewarding career for me making positive impacts or positive contributions, not only to the fire department, but to the community, he 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.
WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI -- A 27-year-old Washtenaw County woman is facing a charge of assault with intent to murder after reportedly shooting through a door after a police officer knocked on it.

Endia Shaevon-Renne Francois, 27, was arraigned on Sunday, Nov. 12 before 14-A1 District Court Magistrate Mark Nelson on one charge of assault with intent to murder.

A Washtenaw County Sheriffs deputy had been called to Francois home in the 6600 block of Jackson Road in Scio Township around 6:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 11, according to Derrick Jackson, spokesperson for the Washtenaw County Sheriffs Office.

Francois had called police to report threats and intimidation because her ex-boyfriend had been harassing her, police said.

When the deputy knocked on the door, Francois reportedly fired two rounds through it, police said. The shots did not strike the deputy, but did hit a neighboring home occupied by four people.

No one was inured in the shooting, police said.

Deputies convinced the woman to surrender and took her into custody.

Francois is currently being held in the Washtenaw County Jail on $50,000 bond. She is next set to appear in court on Tuesday, Nov. 21.

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.
MID-MICHIGAN  Deer hunters from around mid-Michigan will gather on Wednesday, Nov. 15, to show off their hunting skills, marking the start of the states 2023 firearm deer season.

A buck pole contest is when hunters bring their freshly killed bucks to spotlight on opening day.

Here are some buck pole events to look for on Wednesday:

Marlette

Bens Great Outdoors has $20,000 worth of prizes on the line for its third annual buck pole event, touted as the Largest Buck Pole in Mid Michigan. The event takes place from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. at 2424 S. Van Dyke Road in Sanilac Countys Marlette. The hunter of the biggest buck will receive over $3,500 in prizes.

Prizes are awarded to the biggest buck, second-biggest buck, third-biggest buck, youngest girl and youngest boy hunter, first female hunter, oldest hunter, and first buck, plus three random-draw prizes.

Every year, its gotten a little bit bigger, Nate Benavides, marketing director for Bens Great Outdoors, said of the annual event. It draws quite a crowd.

Benavides added that bucks must hang on the poles until all prizes are handed out.

For more information, click here.

Otter Lake

Rhythm Rodders Car Club, 5635 Genesee Ave. in Otter Lake, will host a buck pole all day Wednesday. Prizes will be awarded at 8 p.m.

The hunter who brings the first buck will win a $100 gift certificate, shooter of the biggest buck will win $500  and the first bigfoot will win $1,000, event organizers joked.

For more information, click here.

Clare

From 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., deer hunters can come to Ruckles Pier, 405. N. McEwan St. in Clare, for the chance to win prizes.

Over 20 prizes worth thousands of dollars are on the line, including prizes for the first two bucks caught and female hunter with the highest score.

including two first bucks in win a prize and highest score female hunter.

The grand prizes are valued at around $2,000.

For more information, click here.

Davison

Maddens Lounge, 809 N. State Road in Davison, is hosting its annual buck pole event from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Wednesday.

Madden Lounge officials told MLive-The Flint Journal that prizes wont be revealed to the public until people arrive for the event.

Follow Madden Lounge on Facebook for more information.

Click here to see Michigans complete hunting season calendar.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI  Grand Rapids Public Schools unveiled an expansive campus restructuring plan on Monday that recommends the closure of 10 schools.

This is an effort to right-size the district for a smaller student body and distribute resources equitably across all schools, officials said.

The proposed plan, which was presented to the Grand Rapids Board of Education at its Monday, Nov. 13 meeting, is focused on ensuring all students have access to the best education, regardless of their location within the city, said Superintendent Leadriane Roby.

The overall goal is to provide more consistent educational experiences for young people, Roby told MLive/The Grand Rapids Press on Monday. Making sure that every child has a licensed teacher for the content area that they are serving... Its about better course offerings, more robust programming.

Closing schools would also save the district millions of dollars in annual maintenance costs for underutilized buildings, district officials said.

School district leaders are recommending the closure of 10 elementary and middle schools as part of a broader facilities master plan that will include the consolidation of programs, renovation of current schools and the addition of a new Montessori program on the districts South Side.

The criteria used for selecting the 10 school closures included the age of each school, its location within the city, enrollment levels, capacity rates and its proximity to other area schools to where students could be sent.

The structural changes are just a proposal at this point -- the district will spend the next 30 days soliciting feedback from district students, staff and families. The board will then take a final vote on the restructuring plan on Dec. 18. No changes would take place this school year.

Here are the 10 schools slated for closure under the districts proposed plan:

Aberdeen Academy (PK-8): 928 Aberdeen St. NE, in districts Northeast quadrant. There are 254 students enrolled, with a 46% building utilization rate. Aberdeen would close in 2027 under the proposed plan.

Brookside Elementary (PK-5): 2505 Madison Ave. SE, in districts Southeast quadrant. There are 281 students enrolled, with a 65% building utilization rate. Brookside would close in 2026 under the proposed plan.

East Leonard Elementary (PK-5): 410 Barnett St. NE, in Northeast quadrant. There are 312 students enrolled, with a 51% building utilization rate. East Leonard would close in 2024 under the proposed plan.

Grand Rapids Montessori Academy (PK-6): 159 College Ave. NE in Northeast quadrant. There are 310 students enrolled, and a 68% building utilization rate. Grand Rapids Montessori would close in 2026 under the proposed plan.

North Park Early Childhood Center @ Wellerwood (PK-K): 800 Wellerwood St. NE in Northeast quadrant. There are 192 students enrolled for a 100% building utilization rate. North Park would close in 2026 under the proposed plan.

Palmer Elementary (PK-5): 309 Palmer St. NE in Northeast quadrant. There are 178 students enrolled for a 53% building utilization rate. Palmer would close in 2027 under the proposed plan.

Sherwood Park Global Studies Academy (PK-8) : 3859 Chamberlain Ave. SE in districts Southeast quadrant. There are 552 students enrolled for a 23% building utilization rate. Sherwood Park would close in 2026 under the proposed plan.

Southeast Career Pathways (9-12) : 1356 Jefferson Ave. SE on districts Southeast side. There are 93 students enrolled, for a 26% building utilization rate. Southeast would close in 2025 under the proposed plan.

Stocking Elementary (PK-5) : 863 7th St. NW in districts Northwest quadrant. There are 142 students enrolled for a 28% building utilization rate. Stocking would close in 2024 under the proposed plan.

Westwood Middle School (6-8): 1525 Mount Mercy Dr. NW in districts Northwest quadrant. There are 151 students enrolled for a 19% building utilization rate. Westwood would close in 2028 under the proposed plan.

School leaders said there is a need to right-size. Grand Rapids remains the largest school district in West Michigan, but enrollment has declined by nearly 30% since 2008 when the district had over 19,000 students, district officials said. This year, there are less than 14,000 students enrolled, officials said.

Because of the enrollment decline, the districts buildings are largely operating under capacity. The districts overall building utilization level is about 51%, officials said, which means buildings across the district average at half capacity usage. In comparison, the state of Michigan recommends that districts maintain an 85% utilization level, consultants previously told the GRPS board.

RELATED: Grand Rapids considers closing schools among options to combat declining enrollment

The recommended school closures and consolidations is expected to bring the districts overall building utilization rate to 73%, officials said.

The closure of the 10 recommended schools would also save the district $63 million in deferred maintenance costs, plus over $2 million every year in routine maintenance costs, district officials said. That savings will allow for additional investment in educational improvements for scholars along with staff salaries, the district said.

No staff will be laid off under the facilities master plan. The district currently has around 100 teaching vacancies as of today, district officials said. Teachers and staff from closed schools will be redistributed to other area schools under the restructuring plan.

Every student that is moved to a new school under the restructuring plan will be going to a building that is in better physical condition than their current school, GRPS leaders said. They will also stay within the same quadrant of the city, meaning students wont have to travel far to get to school.

The district plans to maintain ownership of the property of each of the closed schools, GRPS officials said.

Following closures, the district will begin the process of gathering feedback from the community on what will happen at these sites in the future, the district said. Considerations could include affordable family housing, green space, parkland, or other uses that would benefit the community and the school district as a whole.

GRPS voters passed a 20-year, $305 million bond in the Tuesday, Nov. 7 election that will support the facilities master plan. The bond passed with 16,440 yes votes (74%) to 5,720 no votes (25%), according to unofficial election results from the Kent County Clerks Office.

RELATED: Thank You Grand Rapids! GRPS celebrates $305M school bond

The bond dollars will be used to renovate current buildings, modernize classroom spaces, construct new facilities and consolidate programs to optimize the districts resources for fewer students.

Three buildings that will see major renovations under the bond include Campus Elementary, Mulick Park Elementary and Southwest Elementary, district officials shared Monday. There will also be renovations slated for historic Houseman Field, all five district performing arts auditoriums and all three district pools.

There will also be funds set aside for upgrades to safety and security, playgrounds and technology across the district.

Under the restructuring plan, East Leonard families will be relocated to Coit Creative Arts Academy or Kent Hills Elementary, and Stocking Elementary families will be transitioned to Sibley Elementary or Harrison Park Academy. These moves would happen in 2024-2025.

In 2025-2026, Alger Middle School students would move to the Ottawa Campus and Alger would undergo renovation to turn into a new elementary school, eventually housing Brookside Elementary.

Innovation Central would introduce a new middle school program, accepting students from Riverside Middle, and Ken-O-Sha students would relocate to Sherwood Park for one year, allowing for a complete renovation of Ken-O-Sha without learning interruptions.

The district plans to develop a new environmental science program and International Baccalaureate Global Studies program at Ken-O-Sha, which would mirror the program at C.A. Frost Environmental Science Academy, according to the districts proposal.

Also in 2026, Riverside Middle would undergo a renovation and new addition to create a new Montessori campus for pre-kindergarten to 12th grade, according to the proposed plan. The Southeast Career Pathways program would move to renovated space at the former Sigsbee School site.

In 2027-2028, students from Palmer Elementary and Aberdeen Elementary will be moved to either the newly renovated North Park Elementary or the recently upgraded Kent Hills Elementary, according to the plan. The following year, Westwood Middle School students will transition to a new middle school program at the Union High School campus.

GRPS plans to hold five community engagement sessions to solicit feedback from families on the bond plan. Here are the dates and locations for the sessions:

Nov. 27: Virtual meeting at 6:30 p.m.

Nov. 28: City High Middle Auditorium at 6:30 p.m.

Dec. 5: Ottawa Hills High Auditorium, 6:30 p.m.

Dec. 6: Burton Middle Auditorium, 6:30 p.m.

Dec. 7: Union High Auditorium, 6:30 p.m.

More information on the districts proposed plan is available on the GRPS website.
ALLEGAN COUNTY, MI  A 9-year-old Daniel Yarbough held his dying brother in his arms.

Four decades later, he spoke publicly about it for the first time, sharing his tragic story with MLive. Daniel Yarbough is writing a book with his wife, hoping to bring attention to cults and the harm that can be caused.

John Yarbough, 12, died the July 4, 1983. Forty years later, Daniel Yarbough spoke with MLive reporter John Agar via Zoom about the horrors he and his siblings experienced at the camp.

That was my big brother who died on my lap, Daniel Yarbough, who was 9 at the time of John Yarboughs death, said. I didnt know about death then, of course, but thats where he died at.

John Yarboughs death would expose the House of Judah, a band of Black Hebrew Israelites, as a violent cult led by a self-proclaimed prophet William A. Lewis at a secluded camp in southwest Allegan County.

RELATED: I still think about it. The horror. Investigators remember House of Judah

The video above gives a glimpse into what Daniel Yarbough and MLives Agar discussed in the hour-long interview.

Lewis authorized vicious attacks on his followers  blistering licks from a spiked club known as Big Mac, hot irons to the face, hot coals in a mans mouth.

Daniel Yarbough was among the nearly 70 children at the camp when Allegan County sheriffs deputies showed up to investigate after the death. The children had been taught white people were the devil. They believed they were the chosen ones. Outsiders, Black or white, were heathens.

50 1 / 50 House of Judah cult

RELATED: Police removed 66 children from Michigan cult four decades ago. 4 things you need to know.

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KENT COUNTY, MI  A man accused in the kidnapping and killing of East Kentwood High student Mujey Dumbuya has died, his attorney said.

Gerald Bennett, 63, of Detroit, was awaiting trial in U.S. District Court in Grand Rapids on multiple charges, including kidnapping and murder.

He died Monday morning, Nov. 13, his attorney, Matthew Borgula, said.

Bennett had been on a ventilator at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing and was not expected to recover, court records said.

Related: Man accused of kidnapping East Kentwood teen to undergo another competency exam

Quinn James, 48, is serving a life sentence without parole in the 16-year-old girls 2018 killing.

Kent County prosecutors said James, once a maintenance worker at Kentwood Public Schools, kidnapped her at her bus stop and killed her so she would not be able to testify that he sexually assaulted her when she was 15. The crimes were not related to the school.

A picture of Mujey Dumbuya is projected onto the wall during Quinn James' murder trial at the Kent County Courthouse in Grand Rapids on Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2019. James, accused of killing East Kentwood High student Mujey Dumbuya, 16, after she accused him of rape, is on trial this week charged with first-degree murder. (Cory Morse | MLive.com)Cory Morse | MLive.com

Kent County prosecutors said Bennett assisted James in the kidnapping and killing but a judge found Bennett incompetent to stand trial. The state Court of Appeals upheld that finding.

Last year, however, Bennett was indicted by a federal grand jury on multiple charges. An evaluation by the U.S. Bureau of Prisons found Bennett competent. With trial set for Feb. 26, 2024, Borgula, the defense attorney, sought another review given his clients history of incompetence.

Mujey Dumbuya's aunt Jainya Sannoh, left, share tears and a hug Assistant Kent County Prosecutor Kellee Koncki after Quinn James was found guilty of first-degree murder at the Kent County Courthouse in Grand Rapids on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019. James was convicted of killing East Kentwood High student Mujey Dumbuya, 16, after she accused him of rape. (Cory Morse | MLive.com)Cory Morse | MLive.com

Earlier this month, the U.S. Marshals Service notified Borgula that his client had been hospitalized on Nov. 2. Bennett had cancer and his prognosis appeared very poor, the attorney wrote in court documents.

Related: Murderer and rapist, Quinn James, gets life without parole

Bennett, unconscious on a ventilator, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia with his condition worsening. His family was allowed visit on Thursday, Nov. 8, The next day, U.S. Magistrate Ray Kent approved a defense motion for emergency temporary release, giving his family additional time to visit because Bennett was not expected to survive long.

Mujey was kidnapped Jan. 24, 2018, before she got on her school bus. Cellphone data showed Bennett near the bus stop that morning and surveillance photos at a Meijer store and Walmart store showed the two men together.

The victims body was found four days later in woods near North Prairie Avenue in Kalamazoo.

She had been strangled.

James met Bennett through another man as he sought help in silencing Mujey, authorities said.

Read more:

Man, 43, stabbed by family member, 17, police say

His brother was killed inside a Michigan cult 40 years ago. He speaks out for the first time.

Grand Rapids smoke shop raid leads to Milwaukee homicide suspects arrest, illegal pot

Kalamazoo County man didnt know hed been entered into lottery drawing, wins $416K prize
GRAND RAPIDS, MI  About a half hour before a woman allegedly shot and killed her boyfriend, she posted on social media, Single as a mf (mother------), Kent County prosecutors said.

That woman, Sakina Muhammad, has claimed self-defense as reasoning to why she fatally shot her boyfriend, Kwan Andre Winston Jr., inside the couples apartment, a defense attorney said.

The murder trial against Muhammad started Tuesday morning, Nov. 14, before Kent County Circuit Judge Paul Denenfeld. Muhammad, 23, faces first-degree murder and felony firearms charges.

RELATED: No, bro, youre dead, woman allegedly told boyfriend before fatal shooting

The case evolved after a chain of events unfolded March 13, 2022, inside the couples apartment. Police did a welfare check around 10 p.m. that night at an apartment on Taft Avenue SW in Wyoming after Muhammads mother heard her daughter and Winston arguing during a phone call.

Police found Winston, shot in the head, slumped against the door of the building.

Muhammad and her 11-month-old daughter were nowhere to be found, police said. Muhammad turned herself into police the next day.

This is not a case of whodunnit, Kent County Assistant Prosecutor Angela Curtis said in her opening statement on Tuesday. Theres no doubt Sakina Muhammad killed Kwan Winston Jr.

Throughout the trial, prosecutors said they intend to disprove Muhammads self-defense claim. Curtis pointed to Muhammads account on X, formerly Twitter, where she posted, Single as a mf, about a half hour before police arrived at her apartment to find Winston dead.

Prosecutors showed jurors a photo of Winstons wrist that had a bullet wound. That bullet traveled through Winstons wrist and fatally struck him in the skull, Curtis said.

Sakina and her family did everything they could to control the narrative, she told the jury. How much of a threat was Kwan as he tried to leave the apartment while carrying diapers and baby wipes?

RELATED: This was in no way self-defense, prosecutor says about woman accused in boyfriends death

Court documents show Muhammad and Winston had a volatile relationship.

Winston was arrested in January 2022 after he allegedly assaulted Muhammad at their apartment. She called 911 multiple times and said he had assaulted her.

Winston pleaded no contest in March that year to a charge of aggravated assault-domestic violence, which was reduced from assault with intent to commit great bodily harm less than murder or strangulation, court records state.

He also pleaded no contest, on the same day, to a second charge of aggravated assault-domestic violence for allegedly choking Muhammad in March 2020.

When the homicide happened, there was a court order against him from having contact with her. But they were living together anyway.

The night of the shooting, Winston was allegedly choking Muhammad and she told police that she believed Winston was trying to kill her, previous testimony revealed.

With 30-plus witnesses scheduled to testify, the trial is expected to last all week and into part of next week, if needed.

Muhammad is being represented by defense attorney Caleb Grimes.
OTTAWA COUNTY, MI  After the fifth day of what was supposed to be a two-day termination hearing, Ottawa County still has not voted whether to fire its administrative health officer, nor has it reached a settlement agreement with her over ongoing litigation.

County commissioners reconvened Tuesday, Nov. 14, for the fifth time since the termination hearing began on Oct. 24, then immediately went into a closed session to discuss the wrongful termination lawsuit Health Officer Adeline Hambley filed against the county earlier this year.

This is the same thing commissioners did last week, when they were in closed session for over eight hours. In total, the commissioners have now spent approximately 15 hours and 15 minutes in closed session during this hearing while members of the public waited to find out Hambleys fate with the county.

Last week, multiple anonymous sources told MLive/The Grand Rapids Press that a settlement offer was on the table to pay Hambley a record-breaking $4 million to resign and drop her lawsuit, but no vote took place on that agreement on Tuesday.

Hambley initially offered an agreement to county commissioners that would allow her to keep her job, and she would drop the lawsuit as long as the county paid her attorney fees of around $80,000. Several county commissioners, who are part of a far-right political group called Ottawa Impact, refused that offer and insisted Hambley not work for the county anymore.

RELATED: A gross misuse of taxpayer funds: Ottawa County officials react to $4M health officer settlement offer

According to Hambleys attorney, Sarah Riley Howard, negotiations between the county and the health officer continued Tuesday, despite a majority of commissioners voting last week to accept their attorneys recommended $4 million offer.

Our position is we had a binding settlement agreement and (were) just reducing it to a written agreement, Howard said after commissioners voted to resume the negotiations at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 28.

Until that time, Hambley will remain as health officer. Howard said she and the countys law firm, Kallman Legal Group, have continued disagreements.

RELATED: Ottawa County makes $4M offer for embattled health director to resign

We are not exactly back to square one, but were trying to get this across the finish line, Howard said. It would be nice to bring this to some kind of conclusion for everyone in the county but were just not there yet.

Several county commissioners declined to give details about the issues surrounding the ongoing settlement negotiation.

Commissioner Rebekah Curran, representing Georgetown Township, said commissioners were taking things slowly.

We want to do whats best for the citizens of Ottawa County, she said after Tuesdays meeting.

Commissioner Jacob Bonnema, representing Zeeland and parts of Zeeland and Holland townships, said commissioners are trying to build consensus toward a resolution.

He believes that, if an agreement is reached, the broad stokes of the deal will be made public. Bonnema said he did not know whether that would happen Nov. 28.

The termination hearing was originally called after Board Chair Joe Moss filed termination charges against Hambley over how she publicly voiced concerns about significant proposed cuts to her departments budget during the countys fiscal year 2024 budget process.

Moss alleges Hambley is incompetent and has engaged in neglect of duty and misconduct and should be removed from her role.

Should the county still come to a settlement agreement with Hambley, the funds will come from its insurance authority fund. The county will be required to pay the first $1 million, but the insurance company that backs the countys insurance authority will cover the next $5 million. A settlement agreement for Ottawa County has never surpassed even close to $6 million, but if it did, the remainder of the settlement would then again be the countys responsibility.

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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The Australian Consumer Law sees significant reforms in the crackdown on unfair contract terms (UCTs), marking a victory for competition.

The National Farmers Federation (NFF) applauds these changes, emphasizing the positive impact on farmers and small businesses, creating a more equitable business environment.

NFF President David Jochinke highlighted the pervasive use of UCTs as evidence of insufficient competition in the economy. He emphasized the groundbreaking nature of the reforms, introducing penalties for businesses employing UCTs, a practice previously devoid of consequences.

The NFF acknowledges the Australian Governments work introducing these reforms and supporting fair treatment of farmers and small businesses across the country, Mr Jochinke said. While the reforms are a step in the right direction, theyre not the end of the journey. There is still a lot of work the Government must do to promote competition in Australia and ensure a level playing field for farmers and small businesses.

Under the latest reforms, businesses now face substantial penalties, with amounts reaching up to $50 million or 30% of adjusted turnover during the breach period, whichever is greater. This robust deterrent aims to hold businesses accountable for the use of unfair contract terms.

While commending the governments efforts in implementing these reforms, Mr. Jochinke acknowledged that this is just the beginning. He urged the government to continue its work in fostering competition and ensuring an equitable playing field for farmers and small businesses.

The changes to UCTs align with a key recommendation from the ACCCs 2020 Perishable Agricultural Goods Inquiry, reflecting broader calls for reform. The NFF stresses the need for a comprehensive approach, calling on the government to implement further measures, including outlawing Unfair Trading Practices, introducing mandatory codes of conduct for concentrated agricultural supply chains, increasing penalties for anti-competitive conduct, boosting resources for the ACCC, enhancing market price transparency, and conducting a nationwide analysis of entry barriers for new firms. These additional steps, according to the NFF, are crucial to achieving a truly competitive and fair marketplace for Australian farmers.

Recently the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) urged businesses to carefully review and revise their standard form contracts to eliminate or modify any unfair contract terms before new penalties come into effect.

These changes are part of amendments to the Australian Consumer Law, scheduled to take effect from November 9th. They will prohibit businesses from proposing, utilizing, or depending on unfair contract terms in standard form agreements with consumers and small businesses.

Under the revised regulations, courts will have the authority to impose significant penalties on businesses and individuals found to include unfair terms in their standard form contracts. Previously, courts could only declare specific contract terms as unfair and void. ACCC Deputy Chair Mick Keogh emphasized the importance of these changes, stating, The changes to the unfair contract terms laws should motivate businesses to take steps to ensure their standard form contracts are fair, including by removing or amending concerning terms.

Standard form contracts are widely used by businesses as a cost-effective means of engaging with a large number of consumer or small business customers. However, these contracts are typically presented on a take it or leave it basis and are often crafted to benefit the party offering them.

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UPDATE: As of 2:50 p.m., the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners remain in closed session.

OTTAWA COUNTY, MI  Ottawa County leaders have yet to vote on a multimillion-dollar payout to the countys top health official.

The Ottawa County Board of Commissioners reconvened Tuesday, Nov. 14, to possibly finalize a $4 million settlement with Administrative Health Officer Adeline Hambley that, in exchange for the money, would see her resign and drop her lawsuit against the board.

Rather than a vote on the settlement, Ottawa County Board Chair Joe Moss started the meeting Tuesday with a successful vote to go into closed session to discuss Hambleys lawsuit against the board.

As of 10:10 a.m., the closed session has lasted for a little more than an hour so far Tuesday morning.

Related: Vote on $4 million Ottawa County health officer settlement expected Tuesday. How we got here.

This is the second time Ottawa County leaders have reconvened for a potential action regarding Hambley but instead went into closed session with the countys corporate counsel, Kallman Legal Group, to discuss her lawsuit.

At the boards last meeting on Nov. 6, the board was expected to vote on firing Hambley but went into an eight-hour closed session.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the board approved a recommendation from Kallman Legal Group to propose a $4 million settlement to Hambley, according to multiple anonymous sources. The recommendation was approved 7-3.

According to the sources, the settlement would require Hambley to resign and drop her lawsuit. It also would include $125,000 for Deputy Health Officer Marcia Mansaray and involve her resignation in January.

County commissioners with Ottawa Impact, the ultraconservative faction on the board that holds a majority, has been trying to replace Hambley since they were seated in January. That group campaigned frustrations over county and state mask mandates and other pandemic restrictions as well as culture war issues.

Hambley sued the board in February after they tried to remove her without cause and a termination hearing as required by state law. Her suit also alleged the board interfered with her statutory duties.

A termination hearing was held for Hambley over two days in late October based on allegations of incompetence and misconduct against her by Moss, who leads Ottawa Impact.

Moss has delayed a vote to fire Hambley several times now, with these latest being delayed due to settlement talks.

Moss charges of incompetence, misconduct and neglect of duty against Hambley stem from Hambley publicly voicing concerns during the budget process about proposed, sizable cuts to her departments funding that she said wouldve closed the department and forced the state to intervene.

County leaders later walked back the severity of the cuts but said Hambley made false representations to the public about the budget process.

Hambleys attorney, Sarah Riley Howard, has argued those allegations arent true and instead are simply pretext for Ottawa Impact to remove Hambley and replace her with a political appointee.
OTTAWA COUNTY, MI  A semi-tractor trailer crashed into the bridge on I-96 at 68th Avenue near Coopersville, sheriffs deputies said.

A trailing pickup truck left the road and rolled into a ditch when the driver tried to avoid debris and a damaged trailer, Ottawa County sheriffs deputies said.

The crash was reported around 7:45 p.m. Monday, Nov. 13.

A 72-year-old Ithaca man was driving a semi-truck with two dump-style trailers east on I-96 when the rear trailer hit the bridge on eastbound I-96, police said. The trailing motorist, a 68-year-old Grand Rapids man, lost control of his pickup truck and crashed.

The drivers were not hurt. Both used seat belts.

One lane of eastbound I-96 was closed while rescuers responded and cleaned up the scene. The highway was fully open just before midnight.

Coopersville firefighters assisted sheriffs deputies. A state police motor carrier officer also responded.

Read more:

10 Grand Rapids schools recommended for closure in new district overhaul plan

How will a new health officer be appointed if Ottawa Countys current one resigns?

Bay City womans voice, writings echo from Jonestown community in South American jungle
HOLLAND, MI - A suspect has been linked to the homicide of a woman in a Holland church parking lot, police said.

Ramses Avimael Velasco Sanabria, a 27-year-old believed to live in West Olive, has a warrant out for an arrest for his alleged involvement in the Nov. 6 shooting of 33-year-old Cassandra Casares, police said.

Detectives request assistance to find Sanabria, with a $2,500 reward on the table for those who provide information that lead to an arrest. Police recommend not approaching him since he is considered armed and dangerous.

Those with information can call 911 or Holland Department of Public Safety at 626-355-1150, as well as email policetips@cityofholland.com. Anonymous tips can also be made by calling Silent Observer at 1-877-887-4536, texting OCMTIP and a message to 274637 or submitting one online at mosotips.com.

Officers initially responded to reports of shots fired around 8 p.m., Nov. 6 in the area of Michigan Street and 22nd Avenue, police said.

Casares was believed to be in a vehicle with a 34-year-old Holland man when another vehicle pulled into the Moran Park Church, 97 W. 22nd St., police said. Shots were fired shortly after, police said.

Casares was taken to Holland Hospital in the same vehicle, while the man driving the car was also shot, police said. He was last known to be in stable condition, police said.

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.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI - The victim in the Nov. 12 shooting on the northwest side of Grand Rapids has been identified, police said.

TaRique Dodge, 25, was killed in a homicide, according to the Kent County Medical Examiner. Dodge arrived at a local hospital with life-threatening gunshot wounds around 3:15 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 12, police said.

Dodge died at the hospital shortly after arriving, police said.

Read more: 1 dead after shooting on Grand Rapids northwest side

Investigators initially determined the shooting occurred in the 1000 block of McReynolds Street NW, police said.

The shooting remains under investigation.

Anyone with any information about this incident is asked to contact the Grand Rapids Police Department at 616-456-3380 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345.
OTTAWA COUNTY, MI  It felt like a pretty routine meeting Monday night for Patmos Library board members.

The board approved its monthly minutes, paid some bills, and made a few changes to the employee handbook. There were about a dozen people in attendance and business was wrapped up in about an hour.

It was hard to tell  based on the calm atmosphere in the meeting room  but less than a week ago, the Jamestown Township librarys future was up in the air.

RELATED: Twice-defunded West Michigan library will stay open thanks to voters

The uncertainty was due to a majority of the township previously shooting down two operating millage proposals amid campaigns against a few LGBTQ books, as well as others with sexual content accessible in the librarys young adult section.

At one point, the library had announced it would close by September 2024 without proper funding.

The third time was a charm for the library, 2445 Riley St., as voters approved a three-year property tax at the polls during the Nov. 7 election by a vote of 1,588 to 940.

The millage was renewed at a rate of 0.4119 mills and the tax will be collected in 2023, 2024 and 2025.

By approving the placement of this latest millage question on the ballot, the Patmos Library Board of Trustees also approved applying tags to the inside cover of all library books  an effort to give parents and patrons a brief overview of each books genre and topics.

For the last year-and-a-half, the library has faced backlash from some in the community regarding a few LGBTQ books and other related material the library has on its shelves.

RELATED: Get rid of them trash books, voter says after West Michigan library millage fails again over LGBTQ materials

Both sides of the controversial topic voiced their opinions. Board meetings that were once lightly attended became jam-packed and lasted hours long  mostly because of public comment.

Those in support said the library has the right and obligation to have the information out there for everyone. Those in opposition said children need to be protected from open display of LGBTQ materials.

The back-and-forth arguments went on for months.

That was not the case Monday night  the boards first meeting since the millage passed.

The meeting was held in the community room with a majority of the publicly available seats staying open. Only one person spoke during the public comment portion of the meeting.

That person, Jamestown Township resident Tricia Kryda, shared her continued support for the library in a written statement.

Last week, the voters of Jamestown decided that our collective right to read is more important than an ultra-conservative vendetta against books, she told the board. "  My hope is after the recent election and the passage of the millage, this board will see how important Patmos is to the Jamestown community.

During her report, board Treasurer Marcia Frobish said the new funding will help the library with improvements that have been on hold for the last year. Some of those upgrades include, but arent limited to, new digital signage, painting the librarys community room and making it more available to the community.

The board is also hopeful it can now fill the open library director position.

At the end of the meeting, board members thanked the community for its support by passing the millage. However, the board also acknowledged there was still some who voted against the millage.

Board members encouraged those in the community to connect with them if there is material  or anything else for that matter  that they should review.
(NOTE: This headline has been updated to reflect that WMU is aiming to be a destination for poor students and other minority students.)

KALAMAZOO, MI -- When sophomore Cass Davis arrived at Western Michigan University, they saw a mountainous experience ahead.
SAGINAW, MI  A plan to operate buses on a 15-minute interval loop from the Dow Event Center through downtown Saginaw and Old Town during the 2024 Memorial Cup is getting $27,000.

The funds are coming from the Saginaw Downtown Development Authority, said Glenn Steffens, Saginaw Transit Authority Regional Services executive director.

The funding will help offer citizens and visitors a cost-free, convenient means of travel to stops like the Castle Museum of Saginaw County History, Hoyt Library, the Saginaw Childrens Zoo, Old Town Saginaw, the Saginaw Art Museum, and the Mid-Michigan Childrens Museum during the Memorial Cup festivities from May 23-June 2 next year, Steffens said.

This is just another in a host of fixed routes in the Saginaw metro area made possible through support from community partners, Steffens said.

This is what Saginaw deserves and what weve been fighting for, he said.

Steffens said the partnerships with specialized services and working to change the business model have been key in STARSs growth.

This type of work has enabled us to go from a $6 million (annual) budget in 2016 to a $12 million (annual) budget today, Steffens said.

STARS offers 10 fixed routes in addition to its regular routes. Specialized services include paratransit (lift) for residents ages 60 and older or people with disabilities, with a fare of $2 each way.

Another service, The Pigeon Express, transports riders to the Pigeon area for foundry work, collaborating with local employers to reduce the cost to $6 or $7 per day.

The Silicon Express route, which is subsidized by Hemlock Semiconductor Corp., offers transportation to and from the employers location in Hemlock multiple times per day, with employees contributing $15 per pay period for the service.

STARS also operates the Frankenmuth Express, made possible through funding from the Downtown Development Authority and Economic Development Corp. of Frankenmuth. This route runs four times daily for free on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 23.

The Delta Direct service shuttles Delta College employees and students holding a Delta identification card to and from the City of Saginaw directly to Deltas main campus.

Nine new buses are currently in production in California, thanks to a $5 million grant, Steffens said. These buses are expected to be in service next year.

Want more Bay City- and Saginaw-area news? Bookmark the local Bay City and Saginaw news page or sign up for the free 3@3 daily newsletter for Bay City and Saginaw.
LANSING, MI  Becky Payne makes a point to vote in every election she can.

At 67, Payne  a Tobaccoville, North Carolina transplant who moved to Lansing four years ago  said she sees it as a civic duty. She was even one of just 79 people who cast a ballot Nov. 7 at the Tabernacle of David voting precinct in Lansing.
Voters in Kalamazoo, Royal Oak and East Lansing approved charter amendments last Tuesday that would use ranked choice voting in their local elections, but need lawmakers to change state election law to make it happen.

It is part of our strategy to pass ranked choice voting in (as) many cities as possible where citizenss are demanding its benefits, said Ron Zimmerman, executive director of Rank MI Vote. We are hoping this will open a dialogue to start moving an implementation certification plan forward in the near future.

Zimmerman and Jeff Messer, another organizer, said they want to pressure the legislature to enable to practice. Messer said they hope to expand to other cities in the 2024 election, then try for a statewide ballot measure in 2026.

The thing is, no city in Michigan can currently hold an election using ranked choice voting. The city of Ferndale in Metro Detroit voted to adopt ranked choice voting in 2004 and are still waiting for the opportunity.

Rep. Regina Weiss, D-Oak Park, intends to introduce legislation soon to make ranked choice voting in Michigan possible.

Its not explicitly not allowed under Michigan election law currently, but the way in which its written, its impossible for locals to actually implement a rank choice system, Weiss said in an interview.

Ranked choice voting, also known as instant runoff voting, enables allows voters to rank their candidates in order of preference.

Initially, only voters number one choices are distributed as votes for candidates. If no candidate has a majority of votes in the first round, then, the lowest performing candidate is eliminated from the race, and then the voters who chose that candidate have their second choice votes distributed among the candidates.

The process repeats until once candidate has received more than 50% of the available votes. Voters can opt to only select one candidate, but will have the most say making all the available choices.

Advocates of ranked choice voting argue the practice allows voters to vote their conscience and pick candidate that may be unlikely to win and not feel theyve wasted their vote. They also contend ranked choice voting, in an era of hyperpartisanship, can help elect of candidates that are more representative of their entire communities, rather than just a motivated few. In practice, however, there have been several studies that have found ranked choice voting has the potential to exacerbate polarization, rather than lessen it, and some voters have been less than satisfied with its outcomes.

Corwin Smidt, a political science professor at Michigan State University, is skeptical of the claims of ranked choice voting advocates as a panacea for democratic issues. He emphasized that ranked choice is one of a slew of different election methods, each with its own trade-offs and benefits. The same cities that passed the measure last Tuesday had in the past moved to electing city leaders at-large, Smidt noted, rather than by ward or district, a strategy often intended to dilute the representation of minority groups.

Rank choice voting is seen as a solution but a lot of these are baked-in problems that are... a function of greater issues that could be a better solved somewhere else, Smidt said. If the reform option is to increase turnout, then even-year elections would make sense. If the reform option is to increase diversity of representatives, then in many segregated communities, definitely a ward-based system makes sense.

Smidt, and some local election officials have expressed concerns with the ability of voters to understand the new system. Ingham County Clerk barb Byrum told WKAR-FM she was concerned about the increased cost of administering ranked choice elections and that delays in results could produce undue skepticism in the integrity of the process.

Weiss said shes been working with officials at the Michigan Department of State to ensure trying to work through all the scenarios to try to make the legislation as strong as possible to help support clerks and implementing that system so that they dont have those long delays.
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.

Rokiyah Darbo had never planned a protest before, but after the Israel-Hamas war broke out something made her sit down and make a flyer to bring together a half dozen student organizations and pro-Palestinian groups across Atlanta.

On October 20, Darbo led a crowd of more than 1,500 supporters that rallied in Atlantas Centennial Olympic Park.

As people of color, if we dont stand and speak up for each other no ones going to. We live in a world thats literally run by white supremacy. My main goal is to spread awareness because we owe that to Palestinians, I believe, Darbo told Reckon.

Across the U.S., HBCU students like Darbo, a sophomore at Spelman College, an HBCU in Atlanta, are organizing on their campuses and in their cities in support of the Free Palestine movement and calling for a ceasefire.

Groups such as the Black Alliance for Peace, Students for Justice in Palestine, the Muslim Student Association at Kennesaw State University along with fellow students, families and children of the Atlanta community marched from the park and looped back to the CNN Center as local leaders prayed, gave speeches and sang.

Through protests, nationwide class walkouts and resource drives, HBCU students like Darbo have been making waves of activism since the conflict began on October 7, when Hamas killed 1,400 Israelis in an attack and took 238 hostages, now held in Gaza.

Students at North Carolina A&T State University, an HBCU in Greensboro, N.C., have mobilized to support Palestinians, saying their plight echoes government-backed violence against African Americans in the U.S.

As Black people, we arent new to violence. Weve experienced violence our whole lives and for generations, said Ziora Ajeroh, a senior sociology student at North Carolina A&T, who started the campus first chapter of Dissenters, an anti-war youth organization.

So when other people are experiencing violence, we feel its our duty to stand in solidarity with them and not because they have also stood in solidarity with us, but because its the right thing to do.

While the Dissenters chapters also exist at other colleges and HBCUs, like Xavier University of Louisiana and Hampton University in Virginia, Ajeroh pulled her campus together on October 25 for the national college student walkout  calling for a ceasefire in Gaza  and for a menstrual product drive for Palestinians.

The walkout of more than 100 college campuses, included not only a call for a ceasefire, but for universities to divest from companies that sell weapons to Israel such as Lockheed Martin, Boeing and Raytheon.

North Carolina A&T had more than 50 students gathered around the campus Reflection pool, a symbolic and historic body of water commemorating the 1969 Greensboro uprising, where a student was shot and killed on campus, as they shared history about the Israeli occupation of Palestine, Black solidarity with Palestine and the interconnected struggles of colonized people.

We even had one of our classmates that attends here  shes Palestinian  speak on her experiences as a member of the Palestinian diaspora and what that means to her, Ajeroh said.

Working with Mother Being Clinic, a modern healthcare clinic for Arab women, the Dissenters chapter is also collecting menstruation products like pads, tampons and adult diapers for Palestinians.

Ziora Ajeroh, a senior sociology student at North Carolina A&T, who started the campus' first chapter of Dissenters, an anti-war youth organization.North Carolina A&T Dissenters

Since October 7, the Israeli government estimates having dropped more than 6,000 bombs on Gaza. More than 11,000 Palestinians have been killed and another 28,000 injured or missing, according to tallies by the United Nations.

Its really unfortunate how the rest of the whole world is just watching this happen and even with everything that Ive been able to do. I still feel so helpless, Darbo said.

The Israeli occupation of Palestine spanning over 75 years also feels personal to Darbo because her friend lives in the West Bank, land controlled by Israel since the Six-Day War and home to nearly 3 million Palestinians and 700,000 Jewish settlers living near the Israel border.

As the conflict precedes, Darbo speaks of how she and other students across Atlantas HBCUs  Spelman, Morehouse College, Clark Atlanta University and Morris Brown College  are planning to organize together in the near future to fundraise, rally and plan open discussions for their student bodies about the Israel-Hamas war.

As HBCU students continue to rally for Palestinians, students have called on their institutions to respond to the war. North Carolina A&T and Spelman have yet to make public statements.

Howard University, in D.C., did respond to the war and students organizing efforts: At Howard University, we stand for peace and progress, and we pray for an end to this conflict and the humanitarian and personal suffering of the Israeli and Palestinian people because violence and hatred must never be tolerated.

Rodney Smith, a doctoral student, was among the Howard students who told the HillTop, Howards student newspaper, that the universitys response was lacking.

I think the Howard University stance is bland and lacking a display of palatable, visceral rejection of this war as legitimate, he said. The delay [in Howard giving a statement] should have resulted in a more powerful response in word or through action. Howard demonstrates no commitment to taking an institutional stance on the injustices.

North Carolina A&T and Spelman didnt respond to Reckon when asked about a response on the Israel-Hamas war and their students organizing efforts for Palestine.

I think that a lot of universities are invested in maintaining the status quo, said Ajeroh.

With some college students facing repercussions for speaking out in support of Palestine like, Ryna Workman a New York University law student who lost their job offer, Ajeroh and others across HBCU campuses hold firm to their pro-Palestine beliefs.

Although HBCUs are supposed to be a hub for Black people to convene  all skin folk aint kin folk  there are people who want to maintain structures of capitalism, colonialism and imperialism even if it is against their own self-interest because of their investments in these things, Ajeroh told Reckon.
A number of investors from Europe, Japan, the U.K., and the U.S. are waiting in the wings to enter Vietnam, according to M&A experts.

At a conference on Monday on investment strategies for Vietnam, experts from Global M&A Partners (GMAP) said Vietnam has in recent years attracted investments from many Asian countries such as Japan, Korea, Singapore, Thailand, and China, but not so much from Europe and America.

But speaking on the sidelines of the conference, Ivan Alver, co-founder of GMAP and partner & president of Norwegian firm Saga Corporate Finance, said European and American investors are eyeing Vietnam for its political stability, growing consumer spending and competitive wages.

Ivan Alver, co-founder of Global M&A Partners, speaks at HCMC conference on Nov. 13, 2023. Photo courtesy of RECOF

"Investors are shifting to Asian countries, including Vietnam."

According to the Ministry of Planning and Investment, FDI in the first 10 months of 2023 was worth $25.7 billion, a 14.7% increase year-on-year.

There have been some notable M&A transactions this year involving investors from Japan and the U.S., including Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation buying 15% of VPBank in a private placement (valued at US$1.5 billion) and KKR Global Impact investing US$120 million in EQuest.

Frederic De Boer, co-president of GMAP and partner at Swiss M&A firm Zetra AG, revealed that two of his clients, both in infrastructure construction and with operations in China, are looking to invest in Vietnam.

"We recognize that European investors are attracted to Vietnams manufacturing industry. A few firms have invested and it is possible a whole host of other companies will follow suit."

Sam Yoshida, global head of M&A consulting company RECOF, said international investors are interested in food, consumer goods manufacture, retail, education, non-bank financial technology, and logistics.

Japanese investors are particularly keen on logistics, especially cold chain logistics, he said.

To attract more FDI, especially through M&A, regulators should amend policies to make possible subsequent divestment easier, Alver said.

"When putting money in, investors consider how they can withdraw it [later]. Company registration and acquisition are already convenient in Vietnam, but the divestment process needs to be improved and made simpler to attract investors."

M&A transactions take an average of nine months to complete.

So, when considering selling a company, Alver recommended hiring a consultant at least one year ahead to find and compare buyers and negotiate prices.
Tema Media organisers have officially launched "Tema Most Beautiful," a beauty pageant aiming to showcase the cultural richness of Tema City.

The goal is to illuminate Tema, which has long been overshadowed by Accra.

Tema, the second-largest city in the Greater Accra region, is home to renowned personalities in Ghana's creative industry, including Sarkodie, R2bees, Stay Jay, Kwesi Arthur and others.

"Tema Most Beautiful," an initiative by Tema Media, offers women from Tema the chance to represent the city as 'Face of Tema.'

Nathaniel Amoabeng Turkson, the Chief Executive Officer of Tema Media, announced that registration forms will be available for interested candidates from November 13 to 25, via the website TEMAMOSTBEAUTIFUL.COM.

Auditions will commence on November 25, followed by the selection and grooming of 15 candidates.

Turkson mentioned that subsequent eliminations will begin on December 9, after special tasks are assigned to the contestants.

The competition will eventually narrow down to eight finalists, judged based on their performances and the accumulation of votes throughout the process.

Regarding eligibility, Turkson stated in an interview with MX24 TV that the contest is open to any woman aged 20 to 35 with ties to Tema, either as a resident or through education in the city.

The winner will be given the title "Face of Tema" which comes with rewards including a new SUV, a cash prize of GHS 30,000, a trip to Dubai, iPhones, electronics and more.

Mark Okraku Mantey, Deputy Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture graced the event as the guest of honor.

In his address, he praised the initiative's organizers and encouraged them to showcase Ghanaian culture, a valuable exportable asset.

He emphasized the significance of this initiative, noting how beauty pageants historically nurture talent for various industries like television, communication and fashion design, benefiting corporate Ghana.

He also pledged the governments support for the program and urged corporate Ghana to similarly endorse such commendable initiatives.
Renowned Ghanaian dancehall artiste Shatta Wale has lauded a new initiative by the French Embassy in Ghana aimed at supporting creatives in the country.

The French Embassy recently launched the 'Creation Afrique Ghana' programme, which seeks to provide training, funding and mentorship opportunities for emerging Ghanaian creatives across various fields like film, music, visual arts, and more.

In a tweet on Monday, Shatta Wale described the idea as "brilliant", saying it will be beneficial for Ghana's creative sector.

The 'On God' hitmaker noted that creative minds in Ghana have long been waiting for initiatives that support and develop their talents.

He stated: "Big shout out to the French Embassy in Ghana for this brilliant idea to help young Ghanaians in the creative arts industry with training, funding and mentorship.

This is huge for the industry. Young people have been pushing for this kind of support. Thank you Mr Ambassador Jules-Armand Aniambossou The young people are grateful. #creationafricaghana, he stressed.

Through its 'Creation Afrique Ghana' programme, the French Embassy aims to uncover emerging creative talents and provide them opportunities to hone their skills, connect with industry players, and produce works that can be showcased internationally.
The family drama surrounding veteran comic actor John Okafor, popularly known as Mr. Ibu, has escalated with accusations and counter-accusations over funds donated for his medical treatment.

Ibu's wife Stella Maris had alleged in an Instagram post that their adopted daughter Jasmine hijacked the actor's bank account and was spreading false claims that she (Stella) wanted to divert donation money.

Stella Maris accused Jasmine of making her an "outsider" in her own home and controlling Ibu's account secretly.

She stated: "I only asked for transparency in the handling of public donations, instead of secrecy and hell was let loose."

However, Daniel Okafor, the actor's second son, has refuted the allegations.

Daniel said in a statement: "There is no truth in what Stella Maris has been sharing online.

Jasmine does not have access to that account; I have access to it. I am the signatory to the account and my fathers next of kin."

He also disclosed that Stella Maris is his stepmother, but refused to divulge more details about his biological mother.

"She is my step mother. My mother is not around at the moment," Daniel said.

Mr. Ibu who has been battling sickness for a while now last week had one of his legs amputated after several surgeries.
14.11.2023 LISTEN

The Supreme Court of Ghana is scheduled to hear the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) celebrity ban suit on advertising of alcoholic beverages tomorrow, Wednesday, November 15.

Mark Darlington Osae, the plaintiff, urges industry stakeholders to unite in support of the case against FDA.

He emphasizes the importance of their collective presence during the Supreme Court hearing.

This high-profile case, filed by Mark Darlington Osae, who manages Reggie N Bollie and Skrewfaze, is poised to influence the future landscape of celebrity endorsements and advertising regulations in the creative arts sector.

The crux of the matter revolves around the FDA's 2015 ban on celebrities from participating in alcoholic beverage advertisements, citing concerns about protecting minors from alcohol-related influences.

In a writ of summons issued on November 11, 2022, Osae contends that the guidelines unfairly target the creative arts industry, depriving them of a significant income stream.

Osae argues that the FDA's prohibition, outlined in its Guidelines for the Advertisement of Foods, violates constitutional principles, specifically articles 17(1) and 17(2) of the 1992 Constitution. These articles safeguard equality before the law and prohibit discrimination based on social or economic status and occupation, among other factors.

The Attorney General is also implicated in the legal action, as Osae challenges the constitutionality of the FDA's guidelines.

In a private chat with Mark Darlington Osae, he reveals to this reporter that they have been in court over the few months.

The FDA and the Attorney General were asked to present their submissions and enter an appearance where the case will be heard for the first time tomorrow.
14.11.2023 LISTEN

In a heartfelt message for the devastating loss of six lives in the Afram River, Afram Plains South Constituency's Member of Parliament, Joseph Appiah Boateng, also known as JAB1, has expressed deep sorrow and condolences to the grieving family.

The tragic incident unfolded in the Agyata Electoral Area on Thursday, November 9, 2023, when twelve individuals attempted to cross the Afram River from Azietsi-Korpe, a village near the Agyata community.

Regrettably, the boat, carrying ten passengers and two operators, encountered distress, resulting in the loss of six lives, with the two operators still missing.

National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) officer in the District Stephen Afram Speaking in an interview with Agoo FM News said while four passengers were successfully rescued after swimming to safety, the remaining six passengers faced an unfortunate fate.

Speaking to the media, MP JAB1 expressed his sympathy for the families of the deceased, revealing that he has dispatched a delegation from Accra to mourn with the affected family members saying, "I am also preparing to personally join them to extend my condolences."

Having recently visited the constituency to provide relief items to flood victims at Ekye Amanfrom, MP JAB1 assured that he would return promptly to mourn with the bereaved family. He emphasized his continued efforts to gather additional relief items for the remaining flood victims, demonstrating his commitment to supporting the community during challenging times.

MP JAB1 urged the grieving family members to stay resilient during this difficult period, promising to provide the necessary support for them to bid their final farewells to their loved ones.

Additionally, he appealed to boat operators and residents in the constituency to exercise caution and monitor weather conditions closely before embarking on river journeys.

In response to the tragic incident, Joseph Appiah Boateng stressed the importance of wearing life jackets, emphasizing their role as a vital safety measure during unforeseen events on the water.

His plea extended to both citizens and boat operators, urging them to prioritize safety and take preventive measures to avoid similar tragedies in the future.
Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Decentralization, Hon. Dan Kwaku Botwe has cut sod for construction of Phase 1 of 180 lockable storey building at the Mandela Market in Agona Swedru to facilitate commercial activities and also boost the local economy.

The project which is part of UDG is being funded by the Ghana Secondary Cities Support Programme, a World Bank Loan facility aimed at improving the road network in the Agona West Municipality and also to enhance socio-economic activities.

At a ceremony to cut the sod for the commencement of the project, the sector Minister, Hon. Dan Kwaku Botwe stressed the commitment of the NPP government towards the development of every community in the country to improve the quality of lives of the people and also eradicate poverty.

He noted that his Ministry was created mainly to send good governance to the doorsteps of the people instead of always depending on the Central Government for infrastructure and human development.

According to him, the 261 Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies across the country exist to ensure the needs of the people in its catchment area are fully provided as part of their fair share of the national cake.

"This edifice when completed will improve the economic lives of the people in the Agona West Municipality and it is my hope that the project is completed on time to serve its purpose.

"I must commend the regent of Agona Swedru, Nana Kweku Essieni V, and his Nananom for promising to ensure that the contractor working on the project is accorded maximum support to execute it with ease. This is indeed value for money and am grateful for the assurance.

"The NPP Government is focused on its mandate to serve Ghanaians with commitment and readiness to improve infrastructure and human development. It is an open secret that President Akufo Addo-led NPP Government has performed creditably and has also gained credibility to seek loans and other funds to carry out projects and other interventions meant to ensure that the quality of lives of the people is improved significantly.

"The fund for the project is fully secured, so it will be completed on time. Swedru deserves better and we at the Ministry will carry out effective monitoring and supervision to ensure good job is done. I wish to say that the local content in the contract documents are carried out, meaning that most of the workers for the project would be employed in the Agona Swedru and its surrounding areas to reduce unemployment, " Hon Dan Kwaku Botwe assured.

The Central Regional Minister, Hon. Mrs Justina Marigold Assan disclosed that Agona West Municipal Assembly qualified to be among 25 Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies in the country to benefit from the Ghana Secondary Cities Support Programme due to its quality leadership.

She noted that the Agona West Municipal Assembly qualified to be among the programme on merit due to prudent measures put in place to eradicate poverty in the Municipality.

"I thank President Akufo-Addo and his Vice President, Alhaji Dr. Muhamudu Bawumia for this beautiful edifice which would include the construction of roads to enhance the smooth transportation of goods and services.

"Agona West Municipality has benefited immensely from the NPP government and we are extremely happy for President Akufo Addo. I want to appeal for maximum support from residents towards early completion of the project. We should all keep an eye on the contractor and his workers to carry out the project as expected.

"I also wish to thank Hon. Dan Kwaku Botwe for making sure that the local content as enshrined in the project contract is utilized to create jobs for the local people in the vicinity," he stressed.

The Agona West Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Evans Addison Onoma Coleman disclosed that the Ghana Secondary Cities Support Preprogramme was also meant to ensure the development of Agona West as a whole because most roads in the Municipality would see bitumen surfacing to improve transportation.

He assured the commitment of the Assembly towards the early completion of the project. " We in the Agona West Municipal Assembly will collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure that the projects are completed within the stipulated durations," he intimated.

Member of Parliament for Agona West Constituency, Hon. Mrs Cynthia Mamley Morrison appreciated the projects which she said would improve the local economy in the Agona West Municipality.

The Regent of Agona Swedru, Nana Kweku Essieni V, who chaired the occasion tasked the management of BEA-NEWT Company Limited led by Mr. James Horror who are executing the project to carry out an excellent job adding that the doors of the Swedruman Council of Chiefs were wide opened for consultation and collaboration in any matter related to the early completion of the project.

Present were MMDCEs from Awutu Senya East, Effutu, Agona East, Assembly Members, Heads of Department, personnel from the security agencies and other dignitaries.
The legendary Bob Marley said in his song that: Who Jah (God) bless no one curses.

The Jamaican superstar says this to reflect all religious principles including what Akan traditionalists say: ymm bosomba dua.

Who is this blessed son we're talking about here? He is Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party (NPP's) flagbearer going into 2024 elections.

The intelligence bureau of Nana and Bawumia Free SHS Graduates Association (NBGA) has uncovered a diabolic plan by apparent National Democratic Congress (NDC) operatives hellbent to soil the hard-won reputation of Dr. Bawumia by causing disaffection for him among the religious fraternity.

In a WhatsApp group chat bearing NDC logo, by the name NDC SOMA, the participants were so disturbed by the nomination of the Vice president on November 4 during the NPP's delegates conference.

They expressed fear that Dr. Bawumia who hails from the North as do the NDC's standardbearer, former president John Mahama, who has twice been rejected by Ghanaian voters; it looks more than certain that the elephant party will give them a showdown up north and in the Zongo communities.

With obvious tacit approval of the NDC party hierarchy, screenshots of the said propaganda ploy which will be shared on nbgaghana.com, details how the umbrella party apparatchiks will threaten the relative tranquility of our beloved country, by attacking the revered Chief Imam and other Christian leaders, and blame same on Dr. Bawumia.

NBGA tends to believe in the seriousness of the intelligence gathered, following the recent pronouncements by NDC MP for Ningo Prampram Constituency, Hon. Sam George, who was reported on ghanaweb.com that he ridiculed the religious leaning of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in a Metro TV interview.

NBGA through our Chairman Mr Mark Ansu, urges all NPP faithfuls to be on their guard, and be ready to repel all attacks flung from the camps of lacklustre politicians who mistakenly believe that they can only capture power by fiendishly mudslinging their opponents.

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is a blessed son who is immune to all ills breathed from the nostrils of moribund career politicians who can't contain the pains of their ominous extinction on Ghana's political field.

#Let'sBreakThe8

#It'sPossible

#NBGA

By NBGA Communication Team

+233(0)249542111

Charles Yeboah (Sir Lord)

Chairman Mr. Mark Ansu

+39 342 353 8595
Seasoned journalist, Kwesi Pratt has marvelled at the impressive performance of Assin Central MP, Kennedy Agyapong in the just-ended NPP Flagbearer race.

He said Ghanaians are growing weary of traditional politics and are seeking an alternative.

Speaking on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" morning show, Kwesi Pratt expressed surprise at Agyapong's performance.

Mr Pratt indicated that the votes show the confidence Ghanaians have in Mr Agyapong.

He observed that Mr Agyapong's support base were ordinary Ghanaians, especially traders and taxi drivers, who believed in his leadership qualities.

"It may just be a reflection of the disillusionment of the population with regular politicians and regular political parties. It may just be a reflection of the clamor for a third force," Pratt asserted.

He further emphasized that a new trend is emerging in Ghanaian politics, suggesting that people are becoming increasingly dissatisfied with the traditional way of governance between the NPP and NDC.

"Something has started in our politics which shows that the old way of doing things has to change.

People are getting fed with what is traditional, what is normal," Pratt stressed.
Yaw Buaben Asamoa, a former Communications Director of the NPP has raised concerns over the NPP flagbearership election process, alleging that delegates were not given the opportunity to freely choose their preferred candidate for the 2024 polls.

According to Asamoa, the elections were skewed in favor of one particular candidate, indicating that the manipulation undermines the authenticity of the election process.

"The import of skewing the election is that there wasnt a genuine choice. Delegates were not given the room to select a person of their choice.

It means that the person that the party has brought may not necessarily reflect the choice of voters in Ghana, he stated.

Asamoa noted that there were deliberate attempts to use Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for an agenda.

Firstly, he mentioned the effort to counter the perception that the NPP is an Akan party, a tag often used by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Secondly, he noted that Bawumia was presented as the candidate the NDC fears the most.

Lastly, he emphasized the candidate's ability to connect with the religious community, specifically the Muslim community and the Zongos.

However, Asamoa asserted that these three factors do not align with the desires of the general populace who have evolved.

He expressed confidence that Alan Kyerematen who broke away from the NPP to become an Independent Candidate would be the preferred choice of the electorate in the 2024 general elections.

That is why I am convinced Alan will win this election. Because voters have evolved faster than the NDC and NPP.

What they need is not the messaging coming out of these parties, Asamoa stated.
The Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) has inaugurated a Media for Electoral Reforms Forum to intensify advocacy towards ensuring transparent, credible and peaceful elections in Ghana.

Speaking at the inauguration meeting held on November 9 at the Airport West Hotel in Accra, Joseph Oti Frimpong, Programs Officer at CDD-Ghana said the forum is being set up to address lingering challenges that threaten the integrity of Ghana's elections.

Joseph Oti Frimpong, Programs Officer at CDD-Ghana, delivering a presentation at the meeting

These include chaotic events surrounding results collation, transmission and announcement, delays in parliament's adjudication of election petitions as well as low women representation in decision making.

"Through the expertise and platforms of our media partners, we hope to amplify calls for reforms to address these issues ahead of the 2024 general elections," Mr Frimpong said.

The specific objectives of the forum include advocating for the Electoral Commission to establish clear procedures for handling irregularities during elections and publish detailed polling station results online before declaring final tallies.

It also seeks to lobby Parliament to amend laws to expedite rulings on election petitions.

Members are also expected to engage stakeholders in enacting the Affirmative Action Law which reserves at least 30% of leadership positions for women.

In a speech delivered on his behalf, Mr. Albert Arhin, the National Coordinator for the Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) said "To effectively implement electoral reforms, we need the expertise of the media to assist in our advocacy.

This forum provides an open platform for discussions towards transparent, credible and peaceful polls, he stressed.

Wilberforce Asare of Accra-based Asaase Radio and Nimatu Yakubu Atouyese of GhanaWeb were unanimously appointed as conveners of the forum.

Having lauded the initiative, the practitioners made suggestions including shifting the close of polls earlier and strengthening internet connectivity across the country to ensure timely transmission and publication of results online.

The Media Forum brings together experienced journalists to empower advocacy for reforms that will enhance Ghana's democracy as the nation prepares for another critical election cycle.

The CDD-Ghana partnered with the Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO), and the Affirmative Action Bill Coalition with funding from the European Union (EU).
Vietnam planned to begin implementing waste classification measures two decades ago, but a lack of support from residents, authorities and trash collectors means an efficient outcome is still nowhere near.

A recent report by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment said Ho Chi Minh City had initially drafted plans to classify garbage back in 1999.

Over the 2015-2016 period, the city began efforts to impose garbage classification regulations in six districts. It aimed to expand the model to all 24 districts starting in 2017.

However, the plan soon fell into oblivion as authorities failed to convince citizens or trash collectors to separate waste into different categories.

At the time Tran Anh Duc, 54, who lives in District 8, said he heard on the news before the pandemic that people in HCMC would have to classify garbage or else face fined.

"But nothing happened and none of my neighbors sorted their garbage so I just kept dumping it all in one bin."

In 2018, Vietnam's biggest city announced that it planned to have all families separating waste efficiently by 2020, with fines imposed on those who fail to do so.

According to the plan, after 2020, all families, businesses, and organizations across the city were to sort their waste into three categories: organic trash, recycled trash, and other.

However, no progress has been made until now.

A trash bin that has separated compartments for sorting waste on Nguyen Hue Street in downtown HCMC in 2017. Photo by VnExpress/Minh Nga

Huynh Minh Nhut, director of the HCMC Urban Environment Co. Ltd, told Vietnam News Agency in a report earlier this year that in fact, many families in the city had sorted the trash but when collecting it, sanitation workers usually put all types of trash together to make it easier for transportation. This outcome gradually caused people to lose interest.

He explained that trash collectors are not equipped with the proper equipment to ensure the trash is categorized, and their salaries are not enough to ask them to fulfill the extra task.

In 2006, Hanoi piloted a waste classification project in Hoan Kiem District.

With funds and support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency, the project aimed to reduce the amount of trash discarded into the environment and save on the cost of collecting, transporting, and treating garbage.

Under the project, households in the district received guidance on how to sort domestic waste into two types: organic and inorganic.

People were scheduled to dump their organic waste every day from 4  6 p.m., and then dispose of their inorganic waste only once every four days.

Vu Thi Que, 76, a former ward official who was in charge of the project, said for the first six months, the garbage classification was carried out as regulated.

However, over time, sanitation workers started to put all kinds of trash into one cart and as a result, fewer and fewer families sorted their waste at source.

After two years, when the pilot project came to an end, almost no one was separating waste at source, she said.

A sanitation worker collects garbage in Hanoi in 2020. Photo by VnExpress/Giang Huy

Le Trong Sy, deputy chairman of Phan Chu Trinh Ward in Hoan Kiem District, said: "Initially, it worked quite well, but later the plan revealed its limitations as most people in Hanoi live in narrow houses and keeping inorganic trash in their houses for four days took up too much space and caused unpleasant odors [when the trash was food and drink packaging]."

Da Nang rolled out its waste classification plan on a trial basis in two Hai Chau District wards in 2017.

By June 2018, more than 80% of families in those wards were sorting their trash.

However, as the city expanded the pilot project to other wards, it failed to yield any efficiency.

According to the Pollution Control Department under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, waste classification at source has not worked because implementation from the top has stopped at encouraging people to do so, and authorities have not employed any coercive measures.

Localities were also under-equipped with tools for collecting each type of classified waste. In many cases, all types of waste are transported with the same equipment, in the same vehicles, and has the same treatment methods applied to them, therefore classification became meaningless.

Hoang Duong Tung, former deputy director of the Vietnam Environment Administration at the ministry, said experiences from countries that have successfully classified garbage at source shows that in order for the policy to work it must be made mandatory and those who breach the rules must be fined.

"Advanced countries build very clean garbage collection areas, install cameras, or have people standing there to monitor. The trash is sorted into bags with different colors," he said.

Tung added that in order to make trash sorting as effective as can be in Vietnam, it is necessary to clarify the responsibilities of all units involved in collecting, transporting, and treating the garbage to avoid wasting the efforts of local people who have classified the trash.

Locals attend a workshop held by the authorities of Hanoi's Dong Da District to collect recycled garbage in 2020. Photo by VnExpress/Tat Dinh

The environment ministry ordered localities earlier this month to start enforcing a new three-category trash sorting policy no later than Dec. 31, 2024.

In guidelines issued on Nov. 7, it announced that solid domestic waste must be classified into three categories: recycled waste, organic waste, and other waste.

The Law on Environmental Protection, which took effect last year, also gives sanitation workers the right to refuse to collect trash that has not been sorted.

The government issued a directive last year that requires households who fail to sort their domestic waste to pay a fine of VND1 million (US$41) each time they do so.

However, the law remains on paper only.
The number of Ghanaians studying in the United States has hit an all-time high in the past academic year according to a new report, reflecting Ghana's growing preference for American higher education.

More than 6,400 Ghanaians were pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in the US in the 2022-23 academic year, a 31% jump from the previous year, according to the 2023 Open Doors Report published by the Institute of International Education on Monday, November 13.

"U.S. colleges and universities offer world-class educational opportunities and Ghanaian students in the United States are deepening the ties of friendship, family, and business between our countries," said US Ambassador to Ghana Virginia Palmer.

The increasing numbers have placed Ghana 23rd on the log of countries worldwide for sending students to America.

Ghanaians represented the 14th largest group of international graduate students in the US last year.

Ghanaian students in the US were awarded nearly $9 million in scholarships from over 700 institutions across all 50 American states.

To handle the rising visa demand, the US Embassy in Ghana revealed they processed a record number of student visa applications.

The US hosted over 1 million international students in the last academic year, 12% up from the previous period.

Science, technology, engineering and mathematics remain the most popular fields of study.

To guide more Ghanaians through the US college admissions process, the Embassy organized its two biggest EducationUSA fairs ever in Accra and Kumasi last year, drawing over 13,000 participants.

Advisers at the Embassy and in Kumasi have helped thousands of Ghanaian applicants over the past year, the American Embassy disclosed.
The National Media Commission (NMC) has warned Kumasi-based Oyerepa FM/TV against compelling people to appear on its programs.

The directive comes following a complaint by Daniel Gyapanin, head of the Denkyira Agona Kwadwom Abusua of Jukwa Family, after he declined an invitation to the station's 'Oyerepa Afutuo' show hosted by Auntie Naa but was still discussed.

In a statement, the NMC said hosts and guests on the April 25 episode "made unguided and derogatory comments" about Mr. Gyapanin regarding a missing body case.

At a settlement meeting, the NMC found the station culpable by allowing participants to "assume the role of judges to pronounce on a family matter" without the parties involved, a Daily Graphic report noted.

Per the report, the commission directed that "consent must be obtained from all parties before a program airs, and if a party is unwilling, it should be halted immediately."

The media regulatory body added, "parties are not legally bound to submit to the programme's host, and the station should avoid resorting to intimidation, threats, or disregarding due process when parties decline participation."

The Oyerepa Afutuo program has become very popular nationwide. It focuses on social issues in Kumasi and surrounding areas.

They invite individuals accused of wrongdoing to appear before the show's host, known well as "Aunty Naa," and her supporting panel members who pass judgment.
President Emmanuel Macron has hosted religious leaders for talks on combatting anti-Semitism in France, a day after a Paris march rallied tens of thousands to express anxiety over an upsurge in acts against Jews.

There have been growing tensions across France, home to the largest Muslim and Jewish communities in Europe, as war rages in the Gaza Strip between Palestinian militant group Hamas and Israel.

On Monday, Macron had urged the religious leaders to make an "educational effort to increase the number of measures addressed to young people," Catholic bishops' conference head Eric de Moulins-Beaufort told reporters after the meeting.

"The president's aim, which of course we will help pass on, is to spread this message," said the president of France's Central Israelite Consistory, Elie Korchia.

"Many young people no longer necessarily read the press, no longer watch TV, sometimes they're shut up in a language of their own, without reaching out to others," he added.

Monday's talks were a "continuation of the appeal for national unity and brotherhood" Macron had made in a letter published on Saturday in daily Le Parisien, his Elysee Palace office said ahead of the meeting.

France has seen an upsurge in anti-Semitic acts since Hamas's bloody 7 October attack on Israel killed around 1,400 people  mostly civilians  and Israel's response in the Gaza Strip, which the Hamas-run health ministry says has killed more than 11,000, mostly civilians and many of them children.

Macron wrote that "a France where our Jewish fellow citizens are afraid is not France," calling on people to rally around the country's "values" and "universalism".

'No victimhood contest'

While the presidency did not release an exact guest list for Monday's gathering, France's chief rabbi Haim Korsia and rector of the Paris Grand Mosque Chems-Eddine Hafiz were also present alongside leaders representing the Orthodox church, Buddhism and Protestantism.

Sunday's march "should have been made into a battle against racism, that was important," Hafiz said, arguing that as well as "a real increase in anti-Semitism," France has seen "an outburst of remarks made against Muslims".

Nevertheless, "I don't want to get into a victimhood contest," he added.

Over 180,000 people turned out across France on Sunday according to police figures  105,000 of them in Paris  to join marches "for the republic and against anti-Semitism".

Macron himself has been criticised for staying away from the march.

Jordan Bardella, who heads the far-right National Rally  which controversially joined the column  told broadcaster RTL on Monday that the president had "missed a rendez-vous with history".

Sylvain Maillard, leader of Macron's party in the National Assembly, defended the president's decision, telling Sud Radio that "a president's place isn't at a demonstration".

'Urge Israel to stop'

Macron has also been rebuked by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after criticising Israel's extensive bombing campaign in Gaza in a weekend interview with the BBC.

"Civilians are bombed ... these babies, these ladies, these old people are bombed and killed ... there is no reason for that and no legitimacy. So we do urge Israel to stop," he said.

The French leader's office said late Sunday that he had spoken with Israeli President Isaac Herzog by phone in an apparent bid to calm the waters.

Macron "again expressed his solidarity with Israel in the face of the horror of the terrorist attacks perpetrated by Hamas" and "reiterated Israel's right to defend itself and repeated France's solidarity with Israel," the Elysee said.
Drivers' associations have expressed their strong support for the establishment of a 24-hour economy, emphasising that it represents more than a mere adjustment in operational hours; it signifies a paradigm shift challenging the existing norms.

This transformative initiative is seen as a catalyst for heightened productivity and is expected to foster a more responsive and accessible government.

Transport Operators Association of Ghana gave their support for the initiative suggested by former President John D. Mahama in a joint statement signed by Nana Owiredu, Deputy National Secretary of Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana

According to representatives of the Transport Operators, the 24-hour economy will encourage the workforce to unleash new levels of accessibility that were previously limited by time constraints.

They expressed solid support for the proposal, noting that it would allow access to fueling stations at any time without the fear of closure.

The drivers' associations believe that the 24-hour economy will break down the barriers of time, ushering in an era of unprecedented convenience for drivers, passengers, and the entire country.

They anticipate that this shift will serve as a catalyst for progress, opening avenues for increased economic activities and improved public services.

Highlighting the benefits, they mentioned that with a 24-hour economy, government operations would transition into a state of perpetual operation, allowing seamless collaboration with agencies such as the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) at any time.

The statement concludes by affirming that all other transport unions are also fully supportive of the 24-hour economy proposal.

-classfmonline
In a recent interview with SRC TV on the just ended NPP flagbearer election, Samuel Abokyi, the TEIN KNUST president, did not hold back his criticism of Vice President Bawumia and the NPP government.

He described Bawumia as a flip-flopper and a colossal failure, blaming him for overseeing the worst economy in recent times.

Abokyi pointed to the depreciation of the Ghanaian cedi and the ballooning national debt as evidence of Bawumia's failures. "He inherited 56% debt to GDP ratio, now the debt to GPD ratio is 104%," he added.

He suggests that Ghanaians should be awarded certificates of survival for enduring the economic hardship caused by Bawumia's decisions as head of the economic management team.

He also accused the vice president of being a liar and lacking consistency in his words, stating that Bawumia's promises remain unfulfilled.

He recounted the numerous theories Dr. Bawumia proposed in 2016 that have eluded him for instance when he said If the fundamentals are weak the exchange rate will expose you.

Abokyi noted that the cedi has depreciated to Ghc12 to $1 meanwhile Bawumia described Ghc 4.2 per $1 as poor.

The TEIN KNUST president expressed his support for John Mahama's economic policies, particularly highlighting the former president's 24-hour working economy plan.

Abokyi believes that this plan will rebuild the economy by expanding the economic sector, investing in businesses and industries including private, increasing productive hours, creating jobs and sustaining the economy.

Abokyi also predicted that Ghana may experience Dumsor again due to the NPP government's underinvestment in the energy sector. He credited John Mahama for solving the energy crisis by adding over 2800 MW in 18 months through the construction of the Ghana Gas Factory, Ameri plant and Karpowership.

Mr Abokyi urged students to vote out the NPP government in order to lift the embargo on employment. He asked the audience to choose between a "tried and tested" candidate and a "flip-flopper".

He ended the interview by remarking that, it will be a catastrophe to have Bawumia as president.
Six prominent presidential candidates in Madagascar told AFP on Monday they plan to boycott this week's elections, worsening a political crisis engulfing the country.

The six, who are part of a larger grouping of opposition candidates holding almost daily protests for weeks, said they will not take part in Thursday's vote and will urge their supporters not to cast their ballot.

"We will call (on people) not to go and vote," said presidential hopeful Marc Ravalomanana, 73, one of two former presidents to join calls for a boycott.

The Indian Ocean island nation has been shaken by a fierce battle between President Andry Rajoelina, who is running for re-election, and most opposition leaders.

Almost all the 12 opposition candidates in the running have led near daily, unauthorised marches in Antananarivo, for more than a month, protesting at what they have called an "institutional coup" that favours the incumbent.

The demonstrations have been regularly dispersed by police that on Saturday fired teargas and detained 11 protesters at yet another rally.

"I will not stand for election, that is very clear," said Hery Rajaonarimampianina, 65, another former president who was in the running to replace Rajoelina.

Last week, the head of the lower house of parliament, who leads a mediation group to find a way out of the crisis, called for the suspension of the presidential elections, to ensure "peace" and "harmony".

The situation in the country did not allow for a free and credible vote, she said.

But a spokeswoman for Rajoelina called the request a "far-fetched idea".

The outgoing president held his last campaign rally in Antananarivo on Sunday in front of a fervent crowd of several thousand people donning t-shirts bearing his image.

"I'm going to win, that's for sure, and in the first round," he told AFP in an interview at the weekend.

'Deep concern'

Rajoelina, 49, became Africa's youngest head of state in 2009 when he took power on the back of a coup.

Rajoelina, 49, became Africa's youngest head of state in 2009 when he took power on the back of a coup. By RIJASOLO (AFP)

After not running in the 2013 election due to international pressure, he was voted back into power in 2018 and has since held the reins in a country that remains among the poorest in the world despite vast natural resources.

The show of support for the president at the weekend "means nothing" said Roland Ratsiraka, 57, another opposition candidate, hinting at the common practice of paying people to attend political rallies in the country.

Rajoelina "is lying to himself and he knows it," he said.

The European Union, the United States and other members of the international community have expressed "deep concern" at the political tensions and denounced the excessive use of force against the opposition.

The crisis erupted in September after Rajoelina resigned in line with the constitution in order to run for re-election.

The president of the Senate was supposed to take over but declined for "personal reasons", leaving the task to a "collegial government" headed by the prime minister, an ally of Rajoelina.

The move was accepted by the Constitutional Court, which also dismissed appeals to have Rajoelina's candidacy declared void over his dual French nationality, sparking opposition anger.

Voters in Madagascar were initially due to head to the polls on November 9, but the top court in October ordered that the elections be postponed after a presidential candidate was injured during a demonstration.

The date for a potential second round vote on December 20 was kept unchanged.

Thursday's election "will not take place", said Hajo Andrianainarivelo, 56, another opposition candidate.
13.11.2023 LISTEN

Retired Diplomat and elder of the National Democratic Congress H.E. Daniel Ohene Agyeakum has shared his view about Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

Speaking in an interview with Ultimate FM, the retired Diplomat said the Vice President is not someone who can be trusted.

I have read about him [Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia]; I have heard of him; I have listened to his speeches captured in videos and audio. And I will say this Bawumia strikes me as a person who cannot be trusted, Daniel Ohene Agyeakum said.

To back his case, the retired Diplomate argued, Bawumia claimed he was the head of a solid economic management team. What a solid team that he claimed to have established.

He said his government was going to construct a dam in each village in the North. I guess if he attended Buckingham University, he should have known the true meaning of a dam. Not excavated dugouts or excavated reservoirs.

He said one district one factory. When a government provides support to an existing factory, you have not constructed a factory. All governments do it.

According to Daniel Ohene Agyeakum, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia cannot be trusted to do anything different from what President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has done.

In his view, if the Vice President had something to do, he would have done it in the years he has served as second in command alongside President Akufo-Addo.

Did he have to wait until Akufo Addo is leaving before he could implement that vision in order that Ghanaians would enjoy the benefits that we deserve from a leadership that focuses on the welfare, interest, and wellbeing of the populace?

What will be the difference between Bawumia and Akufo Addo? For all his visionary promises that he made as head of the economic management team, what has happened? Mr. Ohene Agyekum asked.
14.11.2023 LISTEN

The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) will host the 8th edition of the international conference on Infrastructure Development in Africa.

The three-day meeting will commence on November 19, 2023 and end on November 22, 2023. It will be held on the theme "Sustainable and Resilient Infrastructure Development in Africas Changing Climate" under the joint auspices of the KNUST with support from the University of Manchester, UK and the University of Johannesburg, South Africa.

The event is expected to bring together hundreds of participants from across the world.

The Management of KNUST on Monday issued a press release reiterating their readiness to host the program.

Find below full schedule of the conference and all speakers' booked to address participants at the event.

Background

Climate variability and change is expected to have disproportionate impact on human lives and infrastructure delivery, use and maintenance in Africa. These infrastructure systems encompass interconnected networks of assets that provide essential services for people and the economy. Such infrastructure systems help to: deliver inputs like electricity; supply water to households and businesses; dispose of solid waste and wastewater; connect people and the economy through access to transport and digital communications, among others. According to the Council of Europe Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, infrastructure shapes the urban environment and drives long-term, equitable economic growth. Therefore, all stakeholders must build a high-quality, dependable, long-term, and resilient infrastructure capable of supporting economic growth and social well-being.

Even with the numerous benefits associated with infrastructure systems, most of such systems still need to be planned and built to withstand the adverse impact of climate change. Although such systems could be affected by the physical impacts of climate variability and change, it is vital that they are planned and designed to build resilience to the variabilities in the climate. According to the OECD, infrastructure could be classified as climate-resilient if it has been planned, constructed, built, and managed so that it predicts, prepares for, and adapts to changing climatic conditions.

Underinvestment in infrastructure has, over the years, resulted in the under-supply of relevant facilities and services in many African countries, thus, limiting their progress. Even so, if climate change could strain Africa's under-supplied infrastructure, then there should be concerted effort to combat its impact(s) in Africa. New infrastructure assets ought to be prioritized, planned, designed, built, and operated to account for the changing climatic conditions. In addition, existing infrastructure susceptible to these climate variabilities could be retrofitted to avert their potential impacts. To develop more sustainable and resilient infrastructure, now more than ever, there is the need to engage a wide range of actors, in the public and private sectors and academia, to take the necessary actions to strengthen infrastructure climate resilience. This conference provides the platform for deliberating the delivery and management of infrastructure in Africa, in the face of a changing climate. It is to engage various stakeholders on the continent, and beyond, on how to develop and deliver sustainable infrastructure that is resilient against climate variabilities.

Conference Aim and Objectives

The conference aims to explore ways in which academia and industry could come together to deliberate on developing more sustainable and resilient infrastructure in the wake of global climate change. The conference framework is the confluence of the following seven broad themes:

Sustainable Infrastructure and Environment

Policy and Governance Perspective

Infrastructure Design and Construction

Infrastructure Management

Infrastructure Investment and Financing

Innovation and Capacity Building

End-User and Other Perspectives

The papers submitted for the conference might explore topics including, but not limited to, the following:

Adaptation to climate change in infrastructure planning

Green Infrastructure and climate adaptation

Infrastructure, engineering, and climate change adaptation

Global climate change, adaptation, and infrastructure issues

Sustainable and Green buildings

Circular Economy

Industry 4.0 and 5.0

Net zero carbon design and construction

Innovative design thinking

Indoor environmental quality and management

Gender-based Issues in infrastructure development and Climate Change

Global construction education in resilient infrastructure

Housing affordability and sustainable development problems

Climate resilient housing policies

Innovative financing of climate resilience infrastructure

Land use planning and sustainable development

Maintainability and resilient infrastructure development

Material management and environmental concerns

Disaster-resilient built environment

Responsible consumption and production

Clean and affordable energy

Art and the design of resilient infrastructure

NOTE: These sub-themes are non-exhaustive. Authors are encouraged to propose and address topics within the conference's thematic areas.

Student Papers

The ICIDA conference seeks to promote research and collaboration in Africa and beyond. Hence, the organizers are encouraging the submission of papers and research proposals from students (especially, postgraduates) in relation to the theme of the conference. These will be presented in a special session to be held for such students during the conference.

Important Dates/Deadlines

Submission of Abstracts 15th June 2023 Notification of acceptance of abstract 30th June 2023 Full paper submission 30th August 2023 Notification of decision on papers 30th September 2023 Submission of revised papers 15thOctober 2023

Guidelines for the submission and acceptance of abstracts and papers:

Please submit your abstract of not more than 250 words and include up to 5 keywords to [email protected]

Abstracts will be sent to two referees. Only the authors whose abstracts pass this peer-review process will be invited to submit full papers.

The deadline for the submission of abstracts is 23:59hrs GMT on 30th June, 2023.

Details of full Submitted papers will be reviewed two members . The author(s) of accepted papers will be invited to present them at the conference. At least one of the authors must register and attend the conference.

In addition to the above, the conference is open to private individuals and corporate entities interested in the delivery, use and management of resilient infrastructure and sustainable development in the global south.

Venue Information:

The conference is scheduled at the Amonoo-Neizer Conference Centre, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi-Ghana.

Conference Committee

Prof. Clifford Amoako Conference Director Prof. Emmanuel Adinyira Conference Co-Director Dr. Titus Ebenezer Kwofie Conference Manager Dr. Kofi Agyekum Conference Secretary Dr. Michael Nii Addy Conference Co-Secretary Mr. Philip Peprah-Yeboah Conference Co-Secretary Dr. Eric Simpeh Logistics Chair Dr. Stephen Appiah Takyi Publicity Chair Arc. Desmond Opoku Co-Publicity Chair Dr. (Mrs) Dorothy A. Amenuke Dr. Kafui A. Ocloo Publication Chair Co-Publication Chair Dr. Alexander B. Marful Sponsorship Chair Dr. OwusuAmponsah Students' Research Chair

Scientific/Technical Committee

Emeritus. Prof. KwasiKwafoAdarkwaKNUST, Ghana

Prof. W. D. Thawala, University of South Africa, SA

Prof Clinton Aigbavboa, University of Johannesburg, SA

Prof. David J. Edwards, Birmingham City University, UK

Prof. G Ofori, London South Bank University, UK

Dr.ObuksEjohwomu,University of Manchester. UK

Prof. J. Ayarkwa, KNUST, Ghana

Prof. Paul Olomolaiye, UWE Bristol, UK

Prof D.K. Ahadzie, KNUST, Ghana

Prof. E. Badu, KNUST, Ghana

Prof. Samuel Amos-Abanyie, KNUST, Ghana

Prof. Emmanuel Adinyira, KNUST, Ghana

Prof. F. Emuze, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, SA

Prof. Morgan Tuuli, Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration, Ghana

Prof. Rexford AssasieOppong, KNUST, Ghana

Prof.TheophilusAdjei, KNUST, Ghana

Prof. John TiahBugri, KNUST, Ghana

Prof. Anthony Owusu-Ansah, KNUST, Ghana

Dr. (Mrs) Dorothy A. Amenuke, KNUST, Ghana

Prof. Clifford Amoako, KNUST, Ghana

Prof. Humphrey Danso, Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development, Ghana

Prof. Samuel Laryea, University of the Witwatersrand, SA

Prof.Rudith King, KNUST, Ghana

Prof. De-Graft Owusu-Manu, KNUST, Ghana

Dr. Titus Ebenezer Kwofie, KNUST, Ghana

Dr. Kofi Agyekum, KNUST, Ghana

Conference Fee

International Delegates $ 250 Local Delegates GhC 500 Students GhC 250

Keynote Speakers
Joyce Bawa Mogtari[left] and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia

14.11.2023 LISTEN

Joyce Bawa Mogtari, Special Aide to former President John Dramami Mahama has once again taken a swipe at NPP flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

She noted that despite spending millions of dollars on flagbeaership campaign and inducing support from the sitting government including majority of the MPs, one-third of the NPP delegates still rejected him.

In a post on X formerly Twitter on Monday, November 13, the one-time Presidents Aide posited that her boss is focused on the issues facing Ghanaians and not how to battle a "failed candidate."

She further noted that the Vice Presidents promises about fixing the economy have fallen flat, stressing that Dr. Bawumia is notorious for telling lies.

Upon your millions of dollars spent on the most expensive internal contest to date,plus govt backing to win your primaries, one-third of your own people still rejected you.

John Dramani Mahama remains focused on the people of Ghana and not an already failed candidate, whose promises of fixing the economy have flatly failed,whose legendary lies have all been exposed and whose government will go down in history as the worst in the fourth Republic! she wrote.
The EU said Sunday it was "appalled" by reports of more than 1,000 people killed this month in Sudan's West Darfur in an apparent "ethnic cleansing campaign "by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

"These latest atrocities are seemingly part of a wider ethnic cleansing campaign conducted by the RSF with the aim to eradicate the non-Arab Masalit community from West Darfur, and comes on top of the first wave of large violence in June," the European Union's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said in a statement.

Since April, forces loyal to army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, Sudan's de facto head of state, have been at war with the RSF commanded by his former deputy, Mohamed Hamdan Daglo.

The European Union statement said there were "credible eyewitness reports (that) more than a thousand members of the Masalit community were killed in Ardamta, West Darfur, in just over two days, during major attacks carried out by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and its affiliated militias".

The toll was higher than a previous one of 800 given by the UN refugee agency (UNHCR), which said 100 shelters in a displaced persons' camp in Ardamta had been razed.

"What is happening is verging on pure evil," the UN humanitarian coordinator for Sudan, Clementine Nkweta-Salami, said Friday, citing reports of young girls being raped in front of their mothers.

She voiced fears of a repeat of the genocide campaign that gripped Darfur in the early 2000s.

Almost seven months of war between Sudan's military and a powerful paramilitary group have left a wave of destruction with over half the population in need of humanitarian aid and raised fears of a repeat of the deadly ethnic conflict in Darfur 20 years ago.

The EU stressed that Sudan's warring sides "have a duty to protect citizens". It said it was working with the International Criminal Court to document violations "to ensure accountability".

"The international community cannot turn a blind eye on what is happening in Darfur and allow another genocide to happen in this region," it said.

More than 10,000 people have been killed in the Sudan conflict so far, according to a conservative estimate by the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data project.

The war has displaced more than 4.8 million people within Sudan and has forced a further 1.2 million to flee into neighbouring countries, according to UN figures.

(with newswires)
This picture taken late on Oct. 28, 2023 shows a missile fired from a Myanmar military base in Lashio township in northern Shan State. Photo by AFP

The Vietnamese Embassy in Myanmar has devised plans to protect and ensure the safety of Vietnamese citizens living and working in some northern states, which have seen complex security developments in recent days.

In response to this situation and following the guidance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the embassy has also engaged in discussions with relevant local authorities, requesting support measures from the Myanmar side to ensure security and safety for Vietnamese citizens and create favorable conditions for them to leave the dangerous areas.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has contacted relevant authorities of China and Myanmar, seeking their assistance to Vietnam in safeguarding its citizens in the region.

The ministry has advised Vietnamese citizens to avoid traveling to or staying in Shan, Kayin, and Rakhine states, if not absolutely necessary.

Those currently living in these states should promptly have plans to safely evacuate themselves and their assets to a third country or return to Vietnam, it said.

The citizens should get regularly updated on information from the Myanmar authorities and the MoFA (Consular Department or Vietnamese Embassy in Myanmar) to respond promptly.

In case of emergencies, they can contact the hotlines for citizen protection of the embassy at 959660888998 and of the MoFA's Consular Department at 84 981 84 84 84; 84 965 41 11 18 or its email at baohocongdan@gmail.com.

A Myanmar ethnic armed group has launched attacks on security force outposts in the west of the country, local media reported Monday, as the junta struggles to beat back fighting in the north.

Analysts say it is the most significant military challenge to the junta since it seized power in 2021.
The King of Ashanti Kingdom, HRM Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has called for public support in the fight against breast cancer in Ghana and in the sub-Sahara.

According to the King, the fight should not be left alone to Dr Mrs Beatrice Wiafe Addai, the face of breast cancer awareness in the country and her team.

He stated that it is a collective responsibility of everyone to ensure that women in the country are well educated on the disease to save them from needless and premature deaths.

The Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II made the call when the President of Breast Care International (BCI) Dr Mrs Beatrice Wiafe Addai led a group of partners to inform him of the intention of constructing an oncology hospital in the Ashanti region.

The partners who visited the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi during the last Awukudae celebration were Global Health Catalyst, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and the University of Pennsylvania, USA.

The Asantehene who has been supporting the crusade against breast cancer, released 52-acre land to Peace and Love Hospital for expansion, which will be used for the oncology hospital project.

Breast cancer should be treated as a national crisis and therefore must not be left to Dr Beatrice Wiafe Addai alone. She needs the support of everyone in the country in her quest to save our women from dying, the King said.

Dr Mrs Beatrice Wiafe Addai briefing the Asantehene said the hospital will solely be responsible for the treatments of cancers to serve as a relief to people who have to travel to broad for high costs of cancer treatments.

She revealed that the project when completed will be named after the great King in appreciation for his commitment and dedication to the fight against breast cancer
14.11.2023 LISTEN

The Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has tasked households in the Ashanti region to financially contribute GHC100 or GHC200 monthly to refurbish the ailing Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi.

The King said KATH, an iconic symbol in Ashanti history, is in a deteriorating state that needs immediate attention to save it from collapse.

He implored all residents and non-residents to contribute as low as GHC100 every month, or even more to help renovate the hospital.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II said this when he officially launched his "Heal Komfo Anokye Project" at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi, Ashanti region.

The colourful event was held at KATH on Friday, November 10, 2023, seeking to raise an amount of $10 million to renovate the referral health facility.

If every household in the region or in Kumasi donates GH1100 or GHC200, it will be more than enough to heal Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital that is sick. Its not only for the Asante people but everyone, including the foreigners, he said.

The great fetish priest Komfo Anokye whom the hospital was named after never got sick, why should we allow the hospital to get sick, not in my time. When we get sick, we are brought here, so its our duty to heal this hospital, he added.

The Chief Executive Officer for the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Prof Otchere Addai-Mensah, in his speech showed his appreciation to the Asantehene for leading the crusade to save the hospital.

He also promised, as the CEO of the hospital, to make sure all the funds that will be accrued are judiciously used.

The launch ceremony was attended by the Ashanti Region Caucus in Parliament, businessmen, corporate organizations, the Clergy and a host of others.

Cash donations and pledges were made at the event.

The 1,200-bed capacity Okomfo Anokye Teaching Hospital was constructed in 1954 and it serves patients from 12 out of 16 regions in Ghana.

It is yet to receive a facelift in the 70 years of its existence.
The search for who would be an ideal Running Mate for Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the recently elected flag-bearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is on.

Many have been bandying names like Dr Mathew Opoku Prempeh, Joe Osei Wusu, Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu and Yaw Osei Adutwum in the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

However, one name that stands out of the many names that are being mentioned is Akosua Frema Osei Opare, the current Chief of Staff at the Presidency.

Potentials and Interests

Hon Akosua Frema Osei Opare is a known human development person and has trained and supported many youth in the country.

From 2004 to date, the Chief of Staff still supports the youth who desire to venture into various fields of endeavour and continues to bear their educational costs.

Those who learn trades and skills development get the opportunity to receive start-up capital from the humanitarian Chief of Staff.

Having an eye on the youth, she is currently supporting the Youth Employment Agency with new modules as well as Human Empowerment programs and projects.

Stronghold

Many political watchers see the Chief Of Staff as having both the competencies and the temperament to handle the political office as Running Mate to Dr Mahamadu Bawumia due to what its been described as the excellent manner she has handled the office of Chief of Staff.

Some observers say Madam Opares calm disposition and untainted character make her an ideal candidate to be considered as running mate.

Having good control of speech and thought, some respondents in a vox pop conducted by this reporter said nothing can be said as a baggage for the Chief of staff except her good deeds and calming disposition, attributes many say make her ideal.

Political clout

Hon Akosua Frema Osei Opare, an indigene of Wiamoase, a famous town in the Ashanti Region is the first female to have been chosen as Chief of staff in Ghanas political history in 2017.

Her second term mandate in 2021 as conferred on her by the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo who also won the 2020 elections further cements her qualities as the highest-ranking female politician ever in Ghana.

Having started her political life in 2004, Madam Frema won her first election when she contested the NPP Constituency primaries to become a parliamentary candidate.

She subsequently won to become the areas Member of Parliament in 2004, 2008 and 2012.

Academic Excellence

Having pursued a BSc in Home Economics at Legon, Hon Frema Osei Opare gained a Canadian scholarship to further her education at Guelph University in Canada where she was awarded a Master of Science in Foods.

Subsequently, Madam Frema worked with the United Nations, Food and Agriculture Organisation and many other international organizations.

She also lectured and served as a consultant at the Yambio Institute of Agriculture under the Government of the Republic of Sudans USAID-funded Southern Manpower Development Project.
Former Ivorian prime minister Guillaume Soro said Monday he had had extensive talks with Niger's putsch leaders in Niamey, a day after announcing he was ending years of self-imposed exile.

"I had the honour of an audience with the president of the Nigerien transition, head of state General Abdourahamane Tiani," said Soro on X, formerly Twitter, adding he had met with other senior officials in a 90-minute exchange.

Soro said he had notably met General Salifou Mody, the defence minister, and General Mohamed Toumba, the interior minister, adding their exchanges were "exceptional in their quality and depth."

Earlier, Soro, sentenced to life in prison two years ago for undermining national security, said he had arrived in Niamey on Saturday, from where he announced Sunday he was ending four years of self-imposed exile in Europe and Dubai.

He was previously right-hand man to President Alassane Ouattara, but the pair fell out in 2019, with the head of state accusing him of fomenting a "civilian and military insurrection".

Soro then went into exile, and an Ivorian court sentenced him in absentia to life imprisonment in 2021.

"It needed a military government in Niger to allow me to tread my beloved ancestral land of Africa," Niger television quoted him as saying after the meeting.

On Sunday, he said it was too hard to live far from his native land and he was ending his exile.

"I refuse to be a fugitive. I am guilty of no crime," he said, adding he wanted to "contribute to the reconciliation" of the country's population, without specifying a return date.

"It's a well-worn adage. My enemy's enemy is my friend," said Ivorian political analyst Geoffroy Kouao. "Soro is choosing Niger because he knows current relations between Abidjan and Niamey are execrable."

Soro was head of an insurgency that controlled the northern half of Ivory Coast in the early 2000s.

He provided crucial military support to Ouattara in his tussle with the then president, Laurent Gbagbo, who was ousted in 2011 after a brutal post-election conflict.

Soro became Ouattara's first prime minister and in 2012 was named speaker of the National Assembly.

In April 2020, Soro was sentenced to 20 years' jail for handling embezzled public funds prior to his life term handed down the following year for endangering state security.

On Sunday, he said an attempted arrest against him was made at Istanbul airport on November 3, in a bid to extradite him to Ivory Coast.

Ouattara was one of several western African leaders who spoke out against the July 26 Niger coup and in favour of a military intervention as proposed by West African bloc ECOWAS, which imposed sanctions in an attempt to have ousted Nigerien president Mohamed Bazoum reinstated.
This article offers a partial response to the article Otumfuo Osei Tutu II is not a King, published on GhanaWeb on 12th November 2023. The article in question is a transcription of remarks made by Mr Anokye Frimpong (a Historian) in an interview with GhanaWeb. This brief rejoinder focuses on the following aspects of Mr Frimpongs remarks: that Otumfuo is not a king but a super paramount chief and that there cannot be a king or monarch within a republic.

I agree that the Otumfuo is, to some extent, a paramount chief in that he is the traditional head of one of the major states that came together to form the Asante Kingdom which has today metamorphosed into Asanteman.

I also agree with the view that the Otumfuo, by virtue of his position as the authentic custodian of the Golden Stool, the undisputed political and spiritual head of Asanteman, and a unifier, among others, is primus inter pares (what Mr Frimpong calls super paramount chief) as far as the paramount chiefs in Asante/Asanteman are concerned.

However, I diametrically oppose the view that the Otumfuo is not a king. Evidently, Mr Frimpong premised his argument (that the Otumfuo is not a king) on several incorrect assumptions. Thus, his assertion is drawn largely from the following false premises:

That to qualify as a king, one should necessarily:

(1) have supreme authority in a sovereign state or country

(2) enjoy sovereign immunity and not be subject or accountable to any state institution (i.e., parliament, the executive body, the judiciary, the police, etc) and

(3) have his own government (legislature and executive body), judiciary, etc in a country.

He concludes, based on the aforementioned assumptions, that there cannot be a monarchy or kingdom (a society headed by a king/monarch) within a republic (a state ruled by representatives of the citizenry or in which political power rests with the public and their representatives).

In this brief rejoinder, I argue and demonstrate that Mr Frimpongs perspective and description of a king/monarch in contemporary society is significantly misleading and, perhaps, flawed. He seems to quite erroneously suggest that the monarchy of the United Kingdom is the epitome of an ideal monarchical system. Hence, any supposed monarch whose powers are not as supreme as those of the UK monarch cannot legitimately be classified as a king/queen.

The term monarchy largely denotes a political system based upon the complete sovereignty or rule of a single person. Thus, it generally applies to a society in which supreme or considerable authority is vested in a monarch/king. A king or monarch is commonly viewed as an individual ruler who, in most cases, functions as the head of state and whose position is achieved through heredity.

However, there are two main categories of monarchy/kingdom: sovereign monarchy and sub-national monarchy.

Two main forms of sovereign monarchy exist, namely: absolute monarchy in which the sovereign exercises supreme authority and rules without bounds, and constitutional monarchy, in which the sovereign is bound by laws and customs in the exercise of his or her powers.

Sub-national monarchies, on the other hand, are not sovereign and exist within larger political systems or associations.

In contemporary Africa, there are only three sovereign monarchies: Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland), Lesotho, and Morocco. However, only Eswatini is an absolute monarchy. Lesotho and Morocco are constitutional monarchies.

Several African societies fall within the category of sub-national monarchies. Among them are: the Zulu and Xhosa of South Africa, the Asante of Ghana, the Bini/Benin of Nigeria, and several others. Leaders of these societies are legitimately referred to as kings or its equivalent in the relevant local languages.

Indeed, it would be unreasonable for any individual to argue that the leader of, for instance, the Zulu people is not a king just because KwaZulu-Natal (Zululand) is located within a republic (the Republic of South Africa) and that the leader is subject to national institutions.

In Ghana, the Chieftaincy Act 2008 refers to the leader/head of the Asante or Asanteman as Asantehene. The truth is that the titles/phrases Asantehene and King of the Asante mean the same thingthey express the same idea (i.e., the supreme ruler of the Asante) in two different languages. This is a clear indication that the laws of Ghana recognise Asante as a sub-national monarchy and its leader as a sub-national monarch/king.

The question as to what criteria are used (or should be used) for categorising a society as a sub-national monarchy, is beyond the scope of this article. However, I believe that the history, hierarchical structure, influence, size, and the political system of a society/group may be key to its categorisation as a sub-national monarchy.

It must be stressed that this brief article does not by any means suggest that there is only one sub-national monarch or king in Ghana or that Asante is the only sub-national monarchy in the country. Instead, it seeks to correct the misconception that there cannot be a king/monarch within a republic.

Thus, the thrust of my argument is that a king does not necessarily have to wield supreme authority in a country, enjoy sovereign immunity, or have his own government. A king can legitimately exist within a republic.

Emmanuel Sarpong Owusu
Joyce Bawa Mogtari, Special Aide to former President John Dramani Mahama has taken a swipe at NPP flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for failing to deliver on his economic recovery promises.

The former deputy minister noted that the Vice President still blamed Mr. Manama for his failure despite being in government for the past seven years.

In a tweet on Monday, November 13, Joyce Bawa noted that Ghanaians will hold the Vice President accountable and responsible for the mess the country finds itself.

Nearly 7 years later, you are still shouting the name of John Mahama as the reason why you have failed, abysmally, to deliver on your promises.

Your religious and tribal politics will fail; and we the hooligans will hold you responsible and accountable for the failed economy, the raft of corruption cases, unbridled stealing, hardships and extreme poverty caused by your reckless borrowing and useless policies, she wrote.

The political terrain of the country has been heating up since Dr. Bawumia was chosen as the NPP flagbearer after the partys internal polls on Saturday, November 4.

He is set to face the NDCs John Dramani Mahama who was affirmed by the opposition party earlier this year with over 90% of votes, in what many tipped to be a most keenly contested election come December 7, 2024.
Dr. Mohammed Ibn Chambas

14.11.2023 LISTEN

Ghana may have made progress with democracy but the country is still confronting significant challenges, according to Dr. Mohammed Ibn Chambas, a former United Nations Envoy to West Africa.

Speaking at STAR Ghanas 3rd Active Citizenship Dialogue in Accra on Friday, November 10, Dr. Ibn Chambas said Ghana needs to better harness democracy for sustainable development as 70% of Ghanaians still grapple with poverty.

He questioned why access to healthcare, education and housing remain issues despite Ghana's democratic journey.

"Where are the dividends of democracy?" the ex-ECOWAS President asked.

Dr. Ibn Chambas noted that the answers lie in addressing governance complexities and fighting for fair global economic systems.

He noted that the socio-economic implications of governance lapses and unfair trade are seen in declining living standards.

There is also evidence that progress of the last two decades now "faces imminent challenges", he warned, citing stalled or regressing governance factors in the Mo Ibrahim Index.

The diplomat cited Transparency International's Corruption Perception Index which shows Ghana's score has plateaued at 43 out of 100 for three straight years, further bemoaning the countrys press freedom which has also declined to its lowest point in 17 years.

The former UN envoy stressed that active citizenship has a key role in confronting issues but governments must empower citizens for inclusive development through priority-setting, goal-making and people-centered policies.

Only through active citizen participation can Ghana overcome its test and realize democracy's full potential for sustainable progress, according to Dr. Chambas.
MP for Ashanti Bekwai, Joseph Osei-Owusu

14.11.2023 LISTEN

First Deputy Speaker of Parliament Joseph Osei-Owusu, known well as Joe Wise has said Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia should be given the space to select his Running Mate for the 2024 elections.

He however, noted it must be someone from the Ashanti Region as agreed by the party.

In an interview with Accra-based JoyNews, Mr. Osei-Owusu, who is among those rumoured for the position, stated "It is generally agreed in the party that if Bawumia wins, his running mate should come from the Ashanti region."

According to him, Dr. Bawumia is aware of the fact that his running mate should be chosen from the Ashanti region, replying I think so to a question of whether the NPP flagbearer consents to the arrangement.

He explained that choosing a running mate from the Ashanti region would boost the NPP's chances given that the region is the party's kingmaker.

"We should give Dr. Bawumia the space to look at the whole game board and select but it must be someone from the Ashanti region," Joseph Osei-Owusu noted.

The Energy Minister, Majority Leader, Chief of Staff and Education Minister have all been tipped for the job.

Dr. Bawumia was chosen as the NPP flagbearer after the partys internal polls on Saturday, November 4 which garnered over 60% of the total votes cast.

He is set to face the NDCs John Dramani Mahama who was affirmed by the opposition party earlier this year with over 90% of votes, in what many tipped to be a fierce contest come December 7, 2024.
Food and Beverages Association of Ghana (FABAG) has urged the government to introduce policies that will address the concerns of businesses in the private sector in the 2024 budget.

The Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, is scheduled to present the government's 2024 Annual Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament on Wednesday, November 15, 2023.

Ahead of the presentation, there have been calls for the government to significantly reduce its expenditure to rescue the ailing economy.

President of FABAG, John Awuni, underscored that though the private sector played a pivotal role in the countrys growth, it was currently underperforming because of high taxation and tariff rates.

Speaking in an interview on The Point of View on Citi TV on Monday, he stated, Our expectation is that they will come out with policies that will address the private sectors needs. We have said that the private sector is the engine of growth, but it appears that the private sector is not performing well due to high levels of taxation, due to high levels of tariff reviews.

So we are expecting that there will be major policies that will address the manufacturing and agricultural sectors in the country. We are expecting that the COVID-19 levy will be removed. We expect that the growth and sustainability levy will be removed. We expect that taxes that were also imposed on fruit juices, alcoholic beverages, and others will be removed.

Mr. Awuni further said the government must strategically address the issue of unemployment in the country.

-citinewsroom
- Source:

14.11.2023 LISTEN

The Democratic Republic of Congo is expected to hold elections on 20 December 2023. The country's electoral commission has announced President Felix Tshisekedi will be seeking reelection alongside 23 other candidates . They include Nobel Peace Prize winner Denis Mukwege and the runner-up in the 2018 presidential election, Martin Fayulu . The courts will confirm the final list of candidates. One key political figure has yet to make his intentions known: Joseph Kabila. He was president for 18 years until Tshisekedi took over in 2019. The DRC's constitution allows two five-year terms , but he remained in power by delaying elections . He holds substantial political, military and business sway. Jonathan R. Beloff is a political scholar who researches the politics and security of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Burundi and Uganda. We asked him some questions.

What is the Kabila family's place in the DRC's politics?

Joseph Kabila was the country's fourth president. He took office after the assassination of his father, Laurent Kabila, who was killed by his bodyguard in 2001. Joseph later won presidential elections in 2006 and 2011 .

The surprise 2018 election of Felix Tshisekedi, who took power in January 2019, as president interrupted more than two decades of the Kabila family's rule. At the time, Joseph was constitutionally barred from running for president  and he had already overshot his second term by more than three years.

The Kabila family became a political powerhouse after gaining control in 1996. With the assistance of other countries  such as neighbours Uganda, Angola and Rwanda  the Alliance of Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Congo, under the leadership of Laurent Kabila, overthrew the long-standing Zairian dictator, Mobutu Sese Seko. This was during the First Congo War (1996-1997).

Laurent's tenure was riddled with ineffectiveness and corruption . In less than two years, he had dismissed his minister of defence, the Rwandan James Kabarebe, and begun arming anti-Rwandan forces. These forces contained actors who participated in the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

Laurent claimed his government only backed these forces after Rwanda attempted to overthrow his regime.

The bloody Second Congo War (1998-2003) led to at least two million deaths, many of them from disease and extreme poverty rather than warfare itself. While Kabarebe's invasion attempt on the capital Kinshasa in 1998 failed , the vast DRC was divided into spheres of influence for different nations and their aligned rebel groups. This status quo only began to break after Laurent's assassination, which led to the rise of his son Joseph.

Joseph learned military strategy, tactics and politics under Kabarebe. The two worked together after the Second Congo War to flush out many anti-Rwandan forces . This included the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda. They also campaigned together during the 2011 presidential elections, which Joseph won.

Joseph initially cast himself as a reformer who would end the Second Congo War and pursue policies to spur political and economic development. However, instability in eastern Congo persisted under his rule, with accusations of massive corruption that undermined the nation's development .

How much sway does Joseph Kabila hold today?

Joseph Kabila remains a strong presence within Congo's political, economic and military institutions. He has strong networks developed over 18 years in power . He could use this influence to sway the vote towards any of the candidates.

His influence stems from favourable business and political alliances he created when he was president. Like Mobutu, Kabila used his vast financial resources to secure favourable relationships with Congolese and foreign business leaders. A document leak in 2021 revealed that Kabila received over US$138 million from corruption and bribes.

There were claims that the former president originally convinced Tshisekedi to accept a power-sharing agreement. Under it, Tshisekedi would be president, while Kabila would control political decisions behind the scenes. The near appointment of Ronsard Malonda as the president of the electoral body illustrated Kabila's political influence. Malonda held senior positions during the country's 2006, 2011 and 2018 elections. He has been accused of rigging results in favour of Kabila.

Such accusations have benefited Tshisekedi's election campaign . He is depicting himself as a candidate not tied to the corruption within DRC.

If Kabila does decide to campaign, political dynamics within much of Congo's civil society, military and economy will be divided. Government ministers and officials will be forced to choose to support either the incumbent or Kabila's preferred candidate.

What was Tshisekedi expected to change after he routed Joseph Kabila?

There was initial hope that Tshisekedi's government would foster peace in eastern Congo, establish greater national unity and help solve the nation's economic woes after decades of corruption and conflict. However, these problems have persisted.

Initially, Amnesty International praised Tshisekedi for pardoning political prisoners and allowing greater public space for criticisms of the Congolese government. He also began investigations on past mineral deals during the Kabila governments. As the African Union chair from 2021 to 2022, he pushed for greater attention to the COVID-19 pandemic and promoted the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Despite initial attempts to foster more significant relations with Rwanda, relations soured in 2022. This was after the Congolese government accused Rwanda of supporting the resurrected M23 rebels .

Rwanda denied the allegations. It has also accused Tshisekedi's government of being hostile to the Congolese Tutsi population  the Banyamulenge  who are historically related to Rwandans.

The US Department of State has expressed concern about Tshisekedi's anti-Banyamulenge rhetoric, as well as democratic transparency in the upcoming election.

Tshisekedi's campaign strategy seems to focus on promoting security in eastern DRC by not only defeating the M23, but also attacking Rwanda for interfering in Congolese affairs. The securitisation of the Banyamulenge and Rwanda  the political manipulation to stir public fear  has helped deflect internal criticisms of the Tshisekedi regime.

Whether the elections take place is another area of concern. There are concerns that Tshisekedi will delay or cancel the election by citing security concerns. If this happens, it might be perceived by domestic and international partners as political interference by the ruling regime.

Jonathan Beloff receives funding from the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AH/W001217/1).

By Jonathan Beloff, Postdoctoral Research Associate, King's College London
Passengers queue at airline counters in the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, in Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines, Jan. 2, 2023. Photo by Reuters

The Philippines's Bureau of Immigration on Sunday said an American tourist had been permanently banned from entering the country after filling in an e-travel form system with 'false and rude' information.

Anthony Joseph Laurence arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Nov. 7 via an Air Asia flight from Bangkok and an airport officer reminded him to fill out the e-Travel form upon arrival, The Filipino Times reported.

He initially showed his disrespect and angrily tossed his passport and mobile phone to the immigration officer.

Then, immigration officials discovered that the tourist filled in a fake address in the Philippines, and did not include his full name, as well as put 'profane words' on his form, BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said as by the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

He was deported from the Philippines.

The e-Travel system was designed to replace paper-based arrival and departure cards and it must be filled out at least 72 hours prior to arrival in the Philippines.

So far this year, the Filipino authorities said that 44 foreigners have been banned from entering the country for disrespecting the immigration officers.
The Members of Parliament have admitted to erring in the passage of the Companies Act 2019.

The Companies Act posits that if a person is charged with an offense, he or she does not qualify to be a director of a company.

The Supreme Court, however, struck out that section of the Companies Act as being inconsistent with the 1992 Constitution.

This was the judgment in a constitutional matter filed by a lawyer, Derick Adu-Gyamfi, who prayed the apex court to, among other things, delete, expunge, or strike out subsections of the Act.

According to him, those subsections are unconstitutional and violate the principle of fair hearing, among others.

The Member of Parliament for Tamale South, Haruna Iddrisu, admitted to the error committed in the subsection of the Act and called on the Attorney General to bring an amendment to Parliament for deliberation and approval.

In the companys code we passed, we said that if a person is charged with an offense, that person does not qualify to be a director. We erred and we should eat our humble pie, and by this, invite the learned Attorney General to come urgently to this House with proposed amendments to the companys code so that we right those wrong.

Haruna Iddrisus demands were seconded by the MP for Dome-Kwabenya, Sarah Adwoa Safo.

I dont want to over-buttress the point that indeed the Supreme Court has done a great job, and the Attorney General, I am sure, has heard the ruling of the Supreme Court and will do the needful and bring a proposed bill only to amend that portion of the companys code.

-citinewsroom
Livestock traders in the Upper East Region have been advised to vaccinate their animals after a recent anthrax outbreak.

In June 2023, an anthrax outbreak led the government to impose a ban on the movement, sale and consumption of meat products in the region as many farmers suffered significant livestock losses.

At a meeting with the Upper East Regional Shipper Committee (UERSC) of the Ghana Shippers' Authority (GSA), a veterinary officer, Dr. Ransford Okornoh, noted that vaccination is the most effective preventive measure against anthrax.

He stated that vaccination is more cost-effective than treating affected animals and humans. He urged farmers to vaccinate livestock annually before anthrax season from March to June.

He noted vaccines and veterinary services are accessible for farmers to safeguard their investments.

Between June and July 2022, 22,953 livestock were traded, whereas for the same period in 2023, the number plummeted to 11,475, the lowest figures in three years, he explained.

Dr Okornoh advised farmers to take preventive action through vaccination to avoid massive losses from potential anthrax outbreaks.

He urged those in the livestock business to implement mitigation strategies and take animal health seriously.
Tomorrow, the Minister of Finance, Mr. Ken Ofori-Atta, will present the governments 2024 Annual Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament.

Already, various interest groups have voiced their positions on the economy and urged the government to look at the plight of the people and cushion them with the abolition of some taxes and reduction of others that they consider to be increasing the cost of doing business.

It is said in local parlance that the person who has performed a task before is called Ayeboafoh and we think the NPP government deserves such an accolade because in 2017 it abolished a number of taxes it labeled as nuisance taxes.

Our economy has been at the crossroads since the global pandemic struck, hitting all countries including Ghana very hard. The naysayers, ever since have not credited the government with any pragmatic measures to turn the economy around.

To these naysayers including NDC leaders and their cohorts in the media, academia and civil society, the current economic difficulties are the making of Nana Akufo-Addo government and for political reasons link Dr. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia to it because of Election 2024.

Although the Vice President, undeniably is part of the government, the naysayers know we do not run a co-presidency, but they will for mischief reasons say Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government making us wonder whether these NDC apparatchiks read the constitution at all. With the sleepless nights the government appointees have endured over the last few years, the opposition elements too have described the government as incompetent in an attempt to create the impression that President Akufo-Addo has equaled the 'incompetent' tag majority of Ghanaians placed on John Mahama prior to Election 2024.

In all these trying times, Ofori-Atta has also not been spared the smear campaign, including the accusation that he lacked a principled position on our engagement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Sometimes we tend to forget about developments in the country because when the country went HIPC in 2001, the then Finance Minister, Yaw Osafo Maafo kicked against it but President Kufuor took the decision as the Executive President of the Republic.

In the latest decision to seek IMF support, the final decision rested with President Akufo-Addo, who was not obliged to accept the advice of the Finance Minister.

That is why the motion filed by the NDC Minority in Parliament could not fly because they lacked the numbers required by the constitution to censure a Minister of State.

We are worried about the attitude of some of our countrymen and women who have never wished this country well.

To them, this economy should collapse so that they can have the opportunity to preach the rescue mission agenda or the regime change mantra.

They always pray that the government does not succeed in its collaboration with the IMF for the credit support. One of their media friends last week quoted an economist, obviously aligned to the NDC, as claiming that the government has missed the November 1 deadline for the second tranche of the IMF support because the government could not reach agreement with its external creditors.

In spite of the sharp rebuttal by the Ministry of Finance, the said media house that boasts to be fearless and independent is yet to correct its wrong reportage.

We believe that the patriotic citizens still have faith in the Akufo-Addo government to fix the economy as he indicated during the Covid period. He said at the time that he has the capacity to restore the economic health but not how to bring people back to life.

Let us give the government the needed help to improve the productive base of the economy to generate the needed resources for national development.

Economists such as Professor Gatsi, Professor Bokpin and Jack of all trade commentator, Professor Gyampo would not succeed as prophets of doom.

Like magicians used to say many years ago, the government shall put them to shame.

Source: Daily Guide
14.11.2023 LISTEN

Dr Charles Ofei-Palm, the incumbent President of the Korle-Bu Senior Staff Association (KOSSA) steps down for a new era under the leadership of the recently elected President, Mr. Jatoe Dong.

The Executive team includes Mr. David Azumah Nelson as Vice President, Madam Patricia Sackey as General Secretary, Mr. Edwin Kojo Quansah as Assistant General Secretary, and Mr. Henry Nii Kwatei Owoo as Financial Secretary.

This transformative shift not only signifies a change in leadership but also marks a crucial milestone in KOSSA's journey.

Successes under Ofei-Palm's leadership

Dr Ofei-Palm's tenure as President has been marked by a series of accomplishments, reflecting his steadfast dedication to the well-being of staff and patients who visit the premier hospital.

Notably, advancements in employee welfare initiatives such as staff medicare have created a stronger sense of unity among KOSSA members, contributing to an environment of cooperation and mutual support.

The outgoing executives, in collaboration with the advisory board of the association, ensured a seamless and transparent election process to determine the association's new leadership.

Transition to new leadership

All eyes are now on Mr. Jatoe Dong, the newly elected President, as he assumes the responsibilities of leading KOSSA into a new phase. His depth of experience and commitment to the association's objectives instill confidence in members and stakeholders alike. Joining him in this endeavour, Mr. David Azumah Nelson as Vice President and the rest of the executive team bring a fresh perspective to the table, promising a continued trajectory of progress and positive change.

Optimism and democratic values

Amidst the transition, members of KOSSA express optimism for the future, anticipating a renewed focus on their needs and concerns under the new leadership.

The democratic and transparent nature of the election process underscores the association's commitment to accountability and ensuring that the voices of the senior staff are not only heard but effectively represented.

Looking ahead

As the curtain rises on this new chapter, the Korle-Bu Senior Staff Association remains a formidable force dedicated to championing the interests of its members.

The unity and vision shared by the incoming executives set the stage for a promising future for KOSSA, reinforcing its role as a vital contributor to the success of the hospital.
14.11.2023 LISTEN

For anyone wishing to bury secrets, especially of the unsavoury sort, there is one forum that stands out. Call it a higher education institution. Call it a university. Even better, capitalise it: the University. This is certainly the case in Australia, where education is less a pursuit of knowledge as the acquiring of a commodity, laid out spam for so much return. On that vast island continent, the university, dominated by a largely semi-literate and utterly unaccountable management, is a place where secrets are buried, concealed with a gleeful dedication verging on mania.

In its submission to what will hopefully become the Australian Universities Accord, the Australian Association of University Professors (AAUP) notes the following: Unfortunately, university managements are increasingly disconnected from and unaccountable to academic values and academic communities. Students, Government and granting bodies, pay universities to deliver services according to academic values, but academics are impeded from working in accordance with academic values by interfering management. Further, the managers themselves do not work in accordance with academic values.

Those in the defence industry have taken note. By turning such institutions of instruction into supply lines for research and development in armaments, they can be assured of secrecy conditions the envy of most intelligence agencies. Consulting, viewing, gaining access to relevant agreements, documentation and projects for reasons of public discussion is virtually impossible. These are always seen as commercial and in confidence.

Only the overly fed and watered members of the University Politburo are granted such access. Entry into the arcana of its deliberations is ceremonially tolerated via Academic Board meetings or Senatorial deliberations. Furthermore, academics throughout the university sport a reliable, moral flabbiness that will prevent them from spilling the beans and airing a troubled conscience, even in cases where leaking the documentation might be possible. Middle class, mortgage-laden status anxiety is the usual formula here, one that neuters revolutionary spirits  not that there was much to begin with.

Across Australias universities, the AUKUS military initiative between the US, UK and Australia, primarily focused on developing nuclear powered technology for a new submarine design, has titillated the managerial wonks of the tertiary education sector. In September, the Defence Department announced that 4,000 additional Commonwealth supported places (CSPs) for undergraduate students would be funded as part of its Nuclear-Powered Submarine Student Pathways strategy.

Institutes have sprung up running short courses to rake in the cash, such as the UWA Defence and Security Institute, which proudly claims to have created the essential course for those seeking to gain a greater understanding of AUKUS Pillar 1 (nuclear powered submarines) and the impacts for Western Australia and beyond. A course running for thirteen hours does not seem particularly hefty, but this is a field of glitz over substance.

Then come the true villain of the peace, the arms manufacturers and companies that make the military-university-industrial complex intimate and obscene. One of interest here is Israels Elbit Systems. For years, it has hammered out a reputation for manufacturing such lethal products as the Hermes 900 drone, which was first deployed in 2014 against targets in the Gaza Strip. It supplies the lions share of drones used by the Israeli Defence Forces for strikes and surveillance (the figure may be as high as 85%).

The company has managed to beef up many an activists resume. Members of the Palestine Action group claim to have scored a victory in securing the permanent closure of two of Elbits sites in 2022, including the London head office. The cracks in Elbits warehouse windows, the organisation trumpeted in August this year, do not simply represent cosmetic damage but also symbolise the crumbling foundations of Elbits relationship with the British States so-called defence interests.

The corporation has also fallen out of favour with a number of investors. HSBC and the French multinational AXA Investment Managers divested from the company in 2018 and 2019 given its role in producing and commercialising cluster munitions and white phosphoros shells. In May 2022, the Australian sovereign wealth fund, Future Fund, excluded Elbit Systems Limited from its investment portfolio for much the same reasons.

Despite this blotched and blotted record, Elbit could still stealthily establish a bridgehead in the university sector down under through its creation, in 2021, of a Centre of Excellence in Human-Machine Teaming and Artificial Intelligence in Port Melbourne. Elbit Systems of Australia (ELSA) had two special clients: the state government of Victoria, which provided some funding via Invest Victoria, and RMIT Universitys Centre for Industrial AI Research and Innovation. The two-year partnership with ELSAs Centre of Excellence was intended to, according to ELSAs then managing director and retired Major General Paul McLachlan, research how to use drones to count the number of people in designated evacuation zones, then to co-ordinate and communicate the most efficient evacuation routes to everyone in the zone, as well as monitoring the area to ensure that everyone has been accounted for.

Despite such seemingly noble goals, the opening ceremony in February 2021 had a distinctly heavy military accent, with senior representatives from the Royal Australian Airforce, DST (Defence Science and Technology) Group and the Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG). No one present could deny that technology used in the context of civilian evacuations in the face of natural disaster could just as well be deployed in a military security context. As Antony Loewenstein has observed, If you partner, as a state or a university, with a company like Elbit, you have blood on your hands because the record of Elbit in Israel-Palestine, on the US-Mexican border and elsewhere is so damned clear.

Since the Hamas attacks on Israeli soil that took place on October 7, the ELSA-RMIT-Victorian relationship has seemingly altered. A war of horrendous carnage is being waged in the Gaza Strip. Activists claim to have scored a famous victory in securing the universitys hazy termination of any partnership with ELSA. This is a significant victory for the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement in Australia, claims Hilmi Dabbagh of BDS Australia. Australian universities have been put on notice that they will be targeted if they partner with any Israeli company or institution complicit in human rights abuses and attacks on Palestinians.

Such confidence is admirably fresh, if a touch green. It is worth looking at the university statement, which is revealing in ways that have been entirely missed in the enthusiastic pronouncements of the BDS movement. The university claims to not design, develop or manufacture weapons or munitions in the university or as part of any partnership. With regard to Elbit Systems, RMIT does not have a partnership with Elbit Systems or any of their subsidiaries, including Elbit Systems of Australia (ELSA). Such wording avoids the language of termination, leaving the question open as to whether it ever had an arrangement to begin with, with its requisite project links. This will, as with much else, be deemed commercial, in confidence, and buried in the bowels of secrecy we have come to expect from the antipodean university sector.

Dr. Binoy Kampmark was a Commonwealth Scholar at Selwyn College, Cambridge. He currently lectures at RMIT University. Email: [email protected]
The Traders Advocacy Group Ghana (TAGG) has urged the government to eliminate what they described as unnecessary taxes, particularly highlighting the COVID-19 levy and the network service charge.

In a statement issued on Monday, TAGG President David Kojo Amoateng questioned the rationale behind the imposition of a network service charge, stating, How can you charge me a network service charge? The network charge is something that has to go.

Expressing further concerns, Mr. Amoateng proposed that if the COVID-19 levy is not abolished, it should be renamed to address specific concerns such as dialysis, kidney or cancer diseases.

"We from the trading sector expect that even if the COVID levy will not go, maybe there will even be a change in the name to dialysis, kidney, or cancer," he remarked during an interview on the Point of View on Citi TV on Monday, November 13, 2023.

Meanwhile, Kenneth Thompson, CEO of Dalex Finance and Leasing Company Limited, has warned of a potential economic downturn in 2024 if the government continues its current trend of high expenditures.

As a country, what we must focus on now is how to protect the poor, Mr. Thompson emphasized during an interview on Citi TV.

If you talk about cutting expenditure, theres a long list of things we can cut, but we need to protect the poor, and we need to focus on health, education, infrastructure, food, and everything else because we are in a very bad place, he added.

In reaction to these concerns, Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta stated that long-term relief measures for the victims of the Akosombo Dam spillage would be considered during the formulation of the 2024 budget.

We have mobilized a few things that we would like to share, but I think we are also in the budget season, and therefore it will not just be numbers that we are working on but true feelings in the field and therefore the need to look at these social interventions in a real way, Mr. Ofori-Atta commented after touring the affected communities a few days ago.

He added, We will certainly give this an expression immediately and also in the budget.

The Finance Minister shall present the 2024 budget on Wednesday, November 15, 2023.
The Ministry of Finance has signed a US$102.59 million grant from the African Development Bank (AfDB) under the Fiscal Consolidation and Economic Recovery Programme (FISCERP).

The FISCERP, or General Budget Support, falling under AfDB's ADF-16 funding cycle, aims to boost Ghana's economic recovery through fiscal consolidation, public financing and sustainable growth.

The Deputy Minister for Finance, Mrs Abena Osei-Asare, in her remarks at the signing ceremony in Accra, expressed gratitude to Ghana's development partners for their crucial support in turning the country's fortunes around.

She commended AfDB's support over the past three years during unprecedented crises and called for collaboration from development partners, civil society and the private sector to ensure the grant is effectively used.

On her part, the Country Manager of the African Development Bank Group, Ms Fasika Eyerusalem, emphasised the grant's significance as a concessionary financing arm approved by the Board of Directors.

She noted that the agreement marked a key milestone in the government's efforts to rebound the economy, complementing the ongoing IMF Extended Credit Facility.

Ms Eyerusalem expressed confidence in the government's commitment to reforms, anticipating positive impacts on fiscal consolidation and resource mobilisation. The programme is expected to contribute to increasing financial capacity for government investments.

The signing ceremony was attended by key officials, including Ms Yvonne Quansah, Director of External Resource Mobilisation and Economic Relations Division, Mr Thomas Appiagyei, Acting Director of Budget at the Ministry of Finance, and representatives from the Ministry of Finance, the African Development Bank, and the media.
Mustapha Salam, the National Youth Organizer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has called on the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to distance itself from what he described as "offensive" remarks made by Ningo-Prampram Member of Parliament, Hon Sam George, regarding Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia's inter-faith engagements.

In a recent interview on Metro TV, Sam George referred to Vice President Bawumia as a "religious prostitute" due to his regular interactions and visits to the Christian community.

The Ningo-Prampram MP argued that such actions do not align with what he considers the conduct of "a proper Muslim," asserting that "no true Muslim in the world believes that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior."

Salam Mustapha condemned Sam George's description of the Vice President, describing it as "backward thinking."

He calls on the opposition party to issue an apology on behalf of the lawmaker who is feeling pompous to apologise.

Speaking on Peace FMs Kokrokoo morning show, Mustapha Salam expressed his disappointment in the silence of the NDC on the matter.

If the NDC were a party with compassion and humility, they would issue an apology to the Ghanaian people if not even Muslims.

But for the Ghanaian people, what their Member of Parliament has done, it is disparaging and does not support the social cohesion that we all enjoy in this country, Salam Mustapha stated.
The Chief Director of the Ministry of Health, Mr Hafiz Adam, has stated that the heart of ensuring Universal Health Coverage (UHC) lies in the pivotal role of nurses and midwives.

He added that their expertise, dedication, and commitment to the well-being of others are indispensable to the nations health.

Mr Adam said this during the 4th Nursing, Midwifery, Leaders and Managers Conference and the 3rd Excellence and Hall of Fame Awards held on Monday in Ho, Volta Region. It was on the theme: Leading Nursing and Midwifery Health Workforce, Achieving Positive Outcomes for Universal Health Coverage.

According to him, the role nurses and midwives play has led to the development of the Nursing and Midwifery Strategic Plan and Services Framework 2019-2023, to be succeeded by another five-year plan from 2024-2028.

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), Professor Lydia Aziato, commended the leadership of the nursing profession for their insight and vision to institute the plan that would make the nursing and midwifery profession look vibrant and attractive.

She said the government should not stop the migration of nurses and midwives but rather moderate it. That, she added, would give nurses and midwives the opportunity to acquire more knowledge and skills to enhance their work.

The Director General Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, in a speech read on his behalf, said the focus of the service was to increase the resilience of the health system, invest more in subnational health systems, digitalise the health system at all levels, promote self-care and strengthened partnerships with communities, development partners and all relevant stakeholders, whose activities impact on health.

He said nurses and midwives constitute 38.7% of the entire GHS workforce, hence, their contribution to quality care delivery was huge and the need to equip them with the right skills and knowledge to achieve UHC.

On his part, the Director of Nursing and Midwifery at the Ministry of Health, Dr Barnabas K. Yeboah, emphasized the need to give nurses and midwives more authority because of their vital role in maintaining a robust healthcare system.

He said the conference would allow them to collaborate with colleagues, learn from each other and network.

The Excellence Awards were to recognise the good work of nurses and midwives and encourage and motivate others to excel in what they do.
- Source:

14.11.2023 LISTEN

To what extent does private investment help developing countries to reduce conflict and violence and to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals ?

This is a hotly debated issue. Most international institutions such as the World Bank Group take the stance that the problem is not enough private investment . So they mobilise public resources to subsidise and protect private sector actors with the goal of greatly increasing foreign direct investment.

Meanwhile, community, labour and human rights advocates  particularly in fragile and conflict-affected countries  tend instead to see the dominant patterns of foreign direct investment as part of a continuing history of exploitation of the developing world .

To help shed light on this debate, we undertook a comprehensive study of thousands of projects of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector arm of the World Bank Group. We focused on the period between 1994 and 2022.

We chose the IFC because it claims to invest with developmental purpose. It also purports to apply the highest standards of social and environmental performance. Additionally, many other private and public actors follow its lead in setting standards. If the IFC is getting it wrong it would be a good indicator of how things stand in the broader global system. We focused our study on the relationship between IFC projects and armed conflict, as violence has a clear and detrimental effect on human development.

The results establish that IFC projects cause significant increases in armed conflict around the world. A single project, on average, causes 7.6 additional armed conflict events in the year after it is introduced. These findings are consistent with other large quantitative studies that question the relationship between foreign direct investment and development. Foreign direct investment that increases violent conflict and makes development nearly impossible appears the rule, not the exception.

We conclude that current approaches to foreign investment need urgent reconsideration, with particular focus on the risk of violent conflict.

Our methodology

Many factors influence violent conflict, including the history of intergroup and state-society relations. So the study used sophisticated econometric analyses to isolate the IFC's impact.

We first geolocated IFC projects and noted the years in which they were approved. Then we tested whether armed conflict rose in the area proximate to the IFC project in the following year. We controlled for other factors  such as the presence of politically excluded groups, GDP, the regime type, or the population size  that affect conflict.

In the analysis, we were careful to match and compare an IFC project area with those areas without IFC projects to which it is most similar. Finally, we considered and controlled for the possibility that conflict was already rising before the IFC project arrived. By excluding these other explanations for conflict events, we were able to make reasonable causal attributions.

Read more: Three priorities Africa's newbie on the World Bank board should focus on

Disturbingly, the study found that increases in armed conflict were concentrated in projects that the IFC told local and international stakeholders had potential limited adverse environmental or social risks. It claimed that these could be readily addressed through mitigation measures. These mitigation measures appear to be either ineffective or under-employed. Alternatively, the IFC is mis-classifying projects that carry more substantial conflict risk than it recognises or cares to make public.

One particularly disturbing example is the Ugandan government's campaign of terror against local citizens to turn land over to an IFC client. The IFC also has yet to resolve activists' complaints from 2019 of gender-based violence and threats of reprisals and intimidation against one of its project partners, Salala Rubber Corporation in Liberia.

The study also demonstrated that capital-intensive projects (that is, agribusiness, oil, gas, mining and infrastructure) have a larger propensity for socio-political and socio-economic disruption. Areas that receive capital-intensive projects experience, on average, an additional death from armed conflict in the following year.

Not above the rule of law

These results should perhaps not be surprising. Civil society groups have long concluded that the IFC prioritises its own profits and business interests over the  suffering of others  in ways that contribute to  multiple paths of extraction, dispossession, and conflict . In 2020 Human Rights Watch characterised the IFC as  failing at remedies for project abuses . This was based on the World Bank Group's own commissioned review .

Read more: Cautious welcome: World Bank and IMF return to Africa, but questions remain

Yet, the IFC's strategy has been to position itself above the rule of law. It continues to assert sovereign immunity. It claims that, as an international organisation, it should not be liable in national courts  even to parties it admittedly harms.

It maintains this stance despite recent reports of IFC complicity in covering up the sexual abuse of children to further its investment projects.

It appears beyond time for the 186 member governments that own the IFC to demand transparency, accountability and redress for harms done from the corporation and the private sector actors it funds. Others can also play a role. Governments that have perhaps naively relied on the World Bank halo should question the benefits they are told they can expect from IFC investments. The ratings agencies that classify IFC bonds as positive from an environmental, social, and governance perspective may want to question the bases on which such determinations are made.

At the same time, perhaps more credence can be given to recent calls by the UN secretary general to reform the global financial system to better support human security and human development.

This could include specialised intermediaries between the IFC and sensitive projects in difficult places. Independent and empowered local oversight appears necessary to ensure more inclusive and accountable forms of contextual analysis and risk mitigation planning, monitoring and evaluation of development impact, proactive conflict management, and accessible redress for harms done. This could reduce violent conflict and open more developmental potential for private investment in the developing world.

This work is part of the project Peace Positive Private Sector Development in Africa (P3A), funded by the Research Council of Norway. Additional funding was received from the Peace Finance Initiative.

By Brian Ganson, Professor and Head, Centre on Conflict & Collaboration, Stellenbosch University And

Anne Spencer Jamison, Assistant Professor of International Economics, Government, and Business, Copenhagen Business School And

Witold Jerzy Henisz, Vice Dean and Faculty Director, ESG Inititative; Deloitte & Touche Professor of Management, University of Pennsylvania
Thailand is pondering allowing Chinese police to patrol some tourist destinations to increase the confidence of Chinese tourists, but the proposal has been met with criticism.

Thapanee Kiatphaibool, governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, said the idea of cooperation with Chinese police was raised during a meeting on security for Chinese tourists with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin at Suvarnabhumi airport on Sunday.

"We're in talks with the Chinese embassy about a patrol program to bring Chinese police to Thailand," Kiatphaibool told reporters as cited by Bangkok Post.

The plan is part of Thailands latest efforts to lure Chinese tourists which used to be the largest source of tourists for its inbound tourism before the pandemic. Southeast Asias second-largest economy has recently seen a drop in Chinese tourists, especially following a recent mall shooting that killed a Chinese citizen.

Kiatphaibool defended the plan, saying a similar program was successfully implemented in Italy in the past.

However, the idea triggered some criticism. A senior police officer, who asked not to be named, told The Nation on Monday that the proposal raised by the Thai tourism authority could not be implemented due to "the restrictions of Thai security law."

"I believe this project cannot be done because Thai law does not permit foreign officials to join the operations of Thai police. It will clearly break the law," the officer added.

To address the controversy, government spokesman Chai Wacharonke told Bangkok Post the plan was aimed at busting Chinese mafia groups operating in Thailand and had nothing to do with Thailands independence or sovereignty.

Starting from September, Thailand granted visa-free entry for Chinese nationals to attract tourists from the worlds largest outbound tourism market during the peak year-end months.

Despite visa exemption, the daily influx of Chinese tourists has hovered around 8,000-10,000. Chinese visitors accounted for 11 million of a record 39.9 million foreign tourists to Thailand in 2019.

This year, Thailand eyed five million Chinese arrivals but so far has only received around three million.
Former National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament, Inusah Fuseini, has raised concerns about the potential influence of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on the presidency if Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is elected in 2024.

Fuseini alleges that Akufo-Addo's perceived 'obsession' with the presidency could extend to Bawumia's administration, influencing decision-making and governance.

In an interview on NEAT FMs Ghana Montie morning show, Inusah Fuseini suggested that President Akufo-Addo's introduction of Bawumia into politics could lead to interference in Bawumias government.

He remarked, Remember he [President Akufo-Addo] introduced Bawumia into politics and the NPP, so he can have his way.

Hon. Fuseini further claimed it was clear from all indications that Akufo-Addo was eager to see Bawumia succeed him.

Nana Addo [President] wants to continue to rule Ghana. Bawumia is Akufo-Addo's project, he asserted.

Despite Inusah Fuseini's claims, Dr. Bawumia, after securing the NPPs flagbearer position, emphasized during his victory speech that said he has his own vision for the country.
As dawn breaks in Antananarivo, streams of people begin their daily climb to the city's public fountains to collect enough water to wash or earn a few pennies, with Madagascar's upcoming election one of the last things on their minds.

Many homes in the country's capital do not have access to the precious resource, making it unsurprising that some feel they have more pressing needs than the presidential vote on Thursday.

Part of the opposition has denounced irregularities and called for a boycott of the vote, while President Andry Rajoelina has said he is sure to be re-elected in the first round.

Almost daily protests have shaken the capital and the wider country for weeks, amid high political tensions.

Yet, to many in what is one of the poorest countries in the world, what happens on November 16 does not matter.

"No one sees us," Olivier Randrianatenaina, a disillusioned 19-year-old collecting water told AFP.

He said he might go to vote, but "doesn't hope for much".

Wearing flip-flops and shorts, every day he collects empty 20-litre water canisters from customers, fills them up at the city's water points and brings them back.

He pockets the equivalent of up to $0.20 per delivery depending on distance and elevation -- in what is a hilly city.

Many people in the city have to go daily to public fountains to collect enough water to wash. By RIJASOLO (AFP)

Porters often join forces, stacking water tanks onto heavy carts that are pulled along the narrow streets.

Only about one in two people in the Indian Ocean island nation has access to water and just over one in 10 to basic sanitation services, according to the World Bank.

Hampered by ageing infrastructure, state-owned utility company Jirama is unable to meet the needs of the 3.4 million people living in and around Antananarivo.

'The poor stay poor'

"When we want to wash, we take water from the public fountain and we use buckets," said shopkeeper Louise Razanajafy, 58, while wearily chasing away a fly.

Her grocery store made of wood slats, with a piece of sheet metal as an awning, is in one of the city's lower districts. Located at the foot of the hill, they are generally poor and more prone to infrastructure breakdowns.

A handwritten sign in the store extolled the virtues of vegetable soup but only an emaciated plate of noodles and some fried eggs were on display.

"Sometimes, we don't even know why the water cuts off," said Salvina Raharivony, 23, who mans the district's water point.

Only about one in two people in the Indian Ocean island nation has access to water and just over one in 10 to basic sanitation services, according to the World Bank. By RIJASOLO (AFP)

Nearby a woman sat on the pavement as she peeled beans before selling them.

A baby clung to her breast, while a rooster crowed from atop a dumpster and stray dogs prowled around.

On the other side of the road some taxi drivers were using the water to wash their vehicles, while others fixed a broken door.

"Almost everything is hard" in Madagascar, said Barry Randriandimby, an unemployed local.

The 37-year-old said he was still single, adding "that's why I'm able to get by".

He said he wouldn't vote in Thursday's election.

"Those who are elected end up leaving with a big pile of money. And the poor, they stay poor," he added.
Professor Joseph Osafo, a Senior Psychologist has urged the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to refrain from playing the religious card ahead of the 2024 elections.

In an interview on Peace FMs Kokrokoo morning show, the professor condemns attempts to create religious tensions, emphasizing the need for elections to focus on competence and abilities.

His remarks were prompted by recent comments made by Ningo-Prampram legislator, Sam George, who questioned Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia's Islamic faith during an interview on Metro TV.

Sam George described Dr. Bawumia as a "religious prostitute."

He alleged that Dr. Bawumia is not a true Muslim.

In reaction to these comments, Professor Joseph Osafo described it as unacceptable as such actions could sow a seed of discord between Islam and Christianity in Ghana.

Professor Osafo cautioned against the use of religious tags in the upcoming elections, stating, "Ghanas election has never been a religious election. It must be an election of competence and abilities.
14.11.2023 LISTEN

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has issued a warning that any member who openly expresses support for any political party or independent candidate will forfeit their membership with the party.

The NPP's General Secretary, Lawyer Justin Koduah, reiterated the party's position during an interview on NEAT FM's Ghana Montie morning show, emphasizing that such individuals are automatically barred from the party per its constitution.

Lawyer Justin Koduah, while reading a portion of the NPP's constitution, stated, Any member who declares his or her support for another political party or an independent candidate automatically forfeits his or her membership.

This move comes in reaction to the emergence of a movement led by Alan Kyeremanten, who departed from the NPP to pursue a presidential bid.

The formation of Kyeremanten's movement attracted the support of several staunch NPP members who aligned with his vision for next years presidential election.
14.11.2023 LISTEN

Academic activities in Nigerian universities have been suspended with immediate effect following the commencement of an indefinite nationwide strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

In a statement issued to its members at the Ahmadu Bello University branch dated Tuesday, November 14, ASUU directed all academic staff to withdraw their services and join the industrial action organised by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC).

The union said "Sequel to a joint meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) of NLC and TUC, the NEC directed all affiliate Unions to commence withdrawal of services with effect from 12;00 midnight of 13th November, 2023."

ASUU further stated that "Consequently, ASUU-ABU Branch, hereby writes to bring to your attention the domestication of the strike action in ABU. In view of this, there will be absence of all academic activities (No teaching, No examination), and No attendance of any statutory meetings."

Chairman of ASUU-ABU, Haruna M. Jibril who co-signed the statement noted, "A people united can never be defeated! Members of Congress are advised to remain resolute and await for further information and updates on the strike action from the branch Chairperson."

The strike is in response to the alleged failure of the Federal Government to address issues affecting workers, such as the minimum wage, insecurity, corruption, and poor governance.
Ten out of 12 opposition candidates in Madagascar on Tuesday called on voters to shun a presidential election scheduled for Thursday, amid concerns about the vote's regularity.

For weeks, the Indian Ocean island nation has been shaken by a fierce battle between President Andry Rajoelina, who is running for re-election, and most opposition leaders, who have complained about an "institutional coup" in favour of the incumbent.

"We reject Thursday's elections and we call on all Malagasy people to consider that this election does not exist," Hajo Andrianainarivelo, 56, told a press conference in Antananarivo, speaking on behalf of the 10 presidential hopefuls.

The move is likely to worsen political tensions that have been running high in the country for more than a month.

Since early October, the opposition grouping has led near daily, unauthorised protest marches in the capital that have on average drawn a few hundred supporters and been regularly dispersed by police.

Six presidential candidates had already told AFP on Monday they planned to call for a boycott of Thursday's vote.

Now, the call has been formally endorsed by all 10 members of the group.

"We appeal to everyone not to vote. Conditions for a transparent presidential election, accepted by all, have not been met," said Roland Ratsiraka, one of the protesting candidates.

"We do not want to participate in this fraud, it is a joke on Madagascar."

The opposition grouping initially counted 11 members, but one, Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko, later broke ranks and started campaigning -- something the others have refused to do in protest.

Another candidate has remained on the sidelines.

The country, which gained independence from France in 1960, has a long history of disputed elections.

Electoral 'sabotage'

The latest crisis erupted in September after Rajoelina resigned in line with the constitution in order to run for re-election.

The president of the Senate was supposed to take over but declined for "personal reasons", leaving the task to a "collegial government" headed by the prime minister, an ally of Rajoelina.

The move was accepted by the Constitutional Court, which also dismissed appeals to have Rajoelina's candidacy declared void over his dual French nationality, sparking opposition anger.

Detractors believe that under local laws the president should have lost Madagascan nationality and with it the ability to lead the country because of the naturalisation, which was revealed by the media in June.

The opposition has also denounced electoral irregularities, alleging discrepancies in the voters' roll and the existence of "thousands of fictitious polling stations".

Rajoelina's government has repeatedly condemned opposition protests as moved by a "desire to overthrow power" and to "sabotage the electoral process", accusing his challengers of "threatening the stability of the country".

Last week, the head of the lower house of parliament, who leads a mediation group to find a way out of the crisis, called for the suspension of the elections, saying the situation did not allow for a free and credible vote.

But a spokeswoman for Rajoelina called the request a "far-fetched idea".

The outgoing president held his last campaign rally in Antananarivo on Sunday in front of a fervent crowd of several thousand people donning T-shirts bearing his image.

"I'm going to win, that's for sure, and in the first round," he told AFP in an interview at the weekend.

Rajoelina, 49, became Africa's youngest head of state in 2009 when he took power on the back of a coup.

After not running in the 2013 election due to international pressure, he was voted back into power in 2018 and has since held the reins in a country that remains among the poorest in the world despite vast natural resources.

Voters were initially due to head to the polls on November 9, but the top court ordered a postponement after a presidential candidate was injured during a demonstration.

The date for a potential second round vote on December 20 was kept unchanged.

"We want an election," said Andrianainarivelo but "we will continue to protest until there is an election accepted by all."

The European Union, the United States and other members of the international community have expressed "deep concern" at the political tensions and denounced the excessive use of force against the opposition.
French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday promised two emergency funding packages to support towns in the northern regions of France devastated by flooding. He also declared in a state of natural disaster for 214 municipalities in Pas-de-Calais and around thirty in the Nord department.

Speaking during a visit to the coastal town of Saint-Omer on Tuesday, Macron said a one-off support fund of 50 million would be set up to help communities meet initial expenses.

Another "exceptional support fund" would be introduced for farmers either for investment needs or for operating losses, including those in Brittany and Normandy affected by the storms.

The president was then expected to visit Blendecques, a town of 5,000 inhabitants still flooded by the weekend rains.

Already on alert for flood risks, residents in the Pas-de-Calais department were again placed on rain-flood alert Tuesday morning.

Despite a few days of calm, waters are expected to rise, according to the forecast.

All seven of the department's rivers are on the second highest orange alert for heavy rains and flooding as of Tuesday.

The region has suffered in quick succession the effects of Storm Ciaran on 2 November, record water levels in rivers on 7 November and heavy rain last Thursday and Friday.

The mayor of Saint Omer, Francois Decoster, said that "the situation is complicated to live with", because of the stagnating water levels.

Since 1st November, 42 million cubic meters of water have already been evacuated into the sea, he told France Info on Monday evening.

Schools remain closed

The prefecture announced that schools in 279 municipalities in Pas-de-Calais, 388 establishments in total, will remain closed on Tuesday, after having been closed on Monday.

In addition to Pas-de-Calais, Vendee, Charente-Maritime, Nord, Vosges, Doubs, Jura, Isere, Savoie and Haute-Savoie have all been placed on orange alert for floods.

Like Pas-de-Calais, Haute-Savoie and Savoie are also on rain-flood alert.

France recorded a record average cumulative rainfall of more than 215 mm between 18 October and 12 November, according to the national weather bureau Meteo-France.

"We have to go back to 1993 to observe a cumulative amount of 196.9 mm between 21 September and 16 October".

Scientists explain such a record in particular by the overall meteorological situation and the "string of depressions" on the Atlantic coast for the past month.
The Minority Caucus in Parliament, on Tuesday, applauded Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, for his Heal Komfo Anokye Initiative, reflecting his deep commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure.

The Initiative aims to raise $10 million for the renovation of the 70-year-old Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi in the Ashanti region.

Addressing the Press in Parliament, Mr Kwabena Mintah Akando, a Ranking Member on the Health Committee of Parliament, lauded Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, for his commitment towards enhancing healthcare infrastructure.

He said: The Minority in Parliament extend their heartfelt commendations to the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, for his visionary Heal Komfo Anokye initiative.

Mr Akandoh, also the NDC's Member of Parliament (MP) for Juaboso, who led members of the Caucus on the Health Committee in Parliament at the Presser, urged Ghanaians to support the Asantehene's initiative of prioritising healthcare in the country.

He urged other leaders to emulate, while calling on the government to reassess its priorities, particularly in critical healthcare projects like the Komfo Anokye maternity block.

It is instructive to note that as of now, the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge) has no functional imaging equipment. Neither MRIs, CT scans, nor x-ray machines are working.

This deplorable state of our hospitals jeopardises the health and well-being of our citizens but also undermines the credibility of our healthcare system, he said.

The MP said the preliminary 2023 Harmonised Health Facility Assessment reported that only 15 per cent of Ghana's national hospitals had routine maintenance for infrastructure.

Mr Akandoh however, cited the abandonment of vital projects, like the Komfo Anokye maternity block as some of the challenges confronting healthcare infrastructure in the country.

KATH, since its establishment in 1954, has served as a critical healthcare institution serving as a referral Centre for 12 out of the 16 regions in Ghana.

GNA
The German Government is sponsoring the International Labour Organizations (ILO) Sustaining Competitive and Responsible Enterprises (SCORE) programme in Ghana with 399,554 to train 270 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

The ILO Score programme is aimed at increasing SMEs productivity and resource efficiency, thereby creating jobs and improving working conditions.

The programme is implemented by the Management Development and Productivity Institute (MDPI), a sub-vented agency under the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations (MELR), with support from the Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), within the framework of the Special Initiative "Decent Work for a Just Transition", which also operates under the brand Invest for Jobs.

In 2021, GIZ Ghana, under the Invest for Jobs Programme, signed a first grant agreement with the MDPI to train 60 SMEs with the SCORE methodology. A second grant agreement was signed in August 2022 to train an additional 74 SMEs.

Given the high impacts observed in the last few years, the SCORE programme is now being extended to 270 additional SMEs and four more administrative regions where the programme hasnt been implemented before  including Bono, Bono East, Northern and Savannah Regions.

Speaking at a kickoff workshop in Accra on Monday, November 13 to start the third phase of the SCORE programme, Team Leader Invest for Jobs, Mr. John Duti said the third phase of the German governments sponsorship for the SCORE programme is only right following the successful implementation of the first two phases by Management Development and Productivity Institute and all the other partners.

He said it is the hope of GIZ that just like the first two phases, the third phase will also be successful to ensure the successes are spread to enterprises in all the targeted regions.

Mr. Duti said that what the SCORE programme is doing is that it is promoting the Just Transition paradigm by focusing on working towards a green transformation of the economy while promoting decent employment, social inclusion, poverty eradication and gender equality at the same time.

There is the need for us to grow economically but we cannot grow at the expense of the environment. Its important for SMEs to begin to grow to adopt green processes. Lets think green, lets act green, and lets live green. By the end of 2024 we are expecting that more than 400 decent jobs will be created, Mr. John Duti said.

On his part, David Marcos who is head of the ILO Team in Ghana said everything that is being done under the programme is for the benefit of the public, knowing that there is so much that can be done to improve the efficiency of SMEs in Ghana.

He said in the end, The result we want to see is to have an effect on improving effectiveness, the pride of the people doing the job, reenergizing firms, to make them more productive.

David Marcos

In his remarks, he admonished all partners to work together for the programme to be successful.

Speaking at the workshop, the Director General of MDPI, Madam Bernice Adjei expressed appreciation to the German Government for the continuous support to train SMEs.

Stressing that SMEs contribute immensely to creating jobs for developing countries such as Ghana, she said improving productivity and working conditions of SMEs in the country through the ILO Score programme is key.

Madam Bernice Adjei

I will plead to the German government through the GIZ to take into consideration getting equipment, tools and PPEs to help them [SMEs] because in the north now most of the enterprises and their workers are not protected, Madam Bernice Adjei.

She further indicated that she is excited about the collaboration with the German Cooperation and hopes it continues for a longer period.

Present at the kick-off ceremony were representatives from the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations, the Ministry of Trade and Industries, the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), Trade Unions, SCORE Implementing Partners (IPs) and selected enterprises.
14.11.2023 LISTEN

The temporary closure of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital's Renal Center due to an outstanding debt of GHS4 million has drawn criticism from a journalist who argues that Ghana prioritizes "everything but human lives."

The Renal Center was shut down recently due to accumulated debts, according to reports.

As a result, at least 19 kidney patients were reported to have died.

In a social media post on Tuesday, November 14, Bright Kamkam Boadu - a journalist with Kumasi-based Pure FM radio station - voiced his frustration.

"As a country, we seem to prioritize everything but human lives," Kamkam Boadu said.

"People with kidney diseases are being told literally to start buying coffins to prepare for their deaths while we spend billions of cedis on more important things, he stated.

He cited the country's expenditure items as evidence that human lives are not being treated as a top priority.

Kamkam Boadu noted that Ghana paid GHS113 million for designs of the stalled National Cathedral but could not find GHS4 million to keep the Renal Center operational.

"So people can sleep at night knowing people are dying? Because of GHS4 million oooo not dollars.....What are our priorities? What do we care about? Do our leaders care about anything at all?" he further asked in the post.
Why Vietnam has emerged as popular destination for digital nomads

Many digital nomads say Vietnam is an ideal choice in Southeast Asia to work remotely while exploring the beautiful landscapes thanks to a longer visa policy, cheap cost of living and beautiful landscapes.

Mike, a 26-year-old Russian tourist who has been working remotely for nearly a month in Ho Chi Minh City, said the friendly visa policy is the most important factor for digital nomads like him.

"Vietnam is really a popular choice for digital nomads like me thanks to the 90-day tourist visa," Mike said.

"I think if I went to Thailand, I could probably stay there for about 45 days, which isn't much. So, every 45 days, I must do some visa procedures and it's very complicated."

Mike said Malaysia seems to be less safe while Indonesia has strict visa conditions for remote workers.

"In Vietnam, I can stay here for three months and have more flexible time to work and travel without having to worry that I can't balance my time. Vietnam has many interesting things for digital nomads like us to visit and explore and everyone there speaks good English, especially in Saigon."

Renting an apartment in District 7, home to the largest expat hub, and sitting at a cafe to work every day, the Russian spends 20 hours a week doing web programming.

For the rest of time, he explores cuisine and culture in HCMC.

Vietnam started granting 90-day tourist visas for citizens of all countries and territories starting from Aug. 15 this year.

Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia are the only three countries in Southeast Asia now offering visas specifically for digital nomads but with strict requirements.

Indonesia requires visa applicants to have proof of funds of at least 2 billion Indonesia rupiahs, or $130,000, in their bank account while Malaysia wants remote workers to have an annual income of at least $24,000.

Those wanting to apply for the digital nomad visa category must earn at least $80,000 annually and hold a masters degree and they must also be employed by a company that's publicly listed on a stock exchange, or has a combined revenue of at least $150 million in the three years prior to the visa application.

In addition to convenient visa policy, the cheap cost of living in Vietnams tourist cities is also a plus for digital nomads, those coming from Europe with higher expenses.

Andrey, a Serbian citizen, said he had traveled to and worked in more than 10 countries, and Vietnam was an ideal destination due to low living costs.

"I stayed in Phu Quoc for eight months, but because it was so beautiful, I spent most of my time traveling and not working. So, I then moved to Da Nang so I could meet more digital nomad communities," he said.

"In Da Nang, I work seven hours a day, and spend the rest of the time traveling and exploring everywhere."

In Phu Quoc or Da Nang, he rented an apartment with a separate bedroom and kitchen and a swimming pool on balcony at VND6 million (US$245) a month and spent around VND5 million ($204) on food.

"On avaerge, I spent around US$700 a month, much cheaper than the living costs in Malaysia or Thailand," he said.

Da Nang, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City recently joined a list of the 10 fastest-growing remote work hubs for digital nomads, according to Nomad List, the biggest crowd-sourced database of remote workers around the world.

The report showed the monthly cost of living for a nomad in Da Nang was $942.

Beautiful landscapes and low crime rates were also an important factor that pushed Vietnam's rising profile in the digital nomad community.

Tim, a 40-year-old American who has been traveling and working in Da Nang for more than a year now as a graphic designer, said he used to be banned by his mother from traveling to Vietnam.

His mother warned that he could be killed on roads if he went to Vietnam to work remotely and he feared for a long time, thinking that Vietnam was dangerous.

After arriving in Vietnam, he was impressed by beautiful the landscapes and friendliness of the locals.

He said he spends five to six hours working online every day, and the rest of his time he explores natural landscapes or participates in volunteer activities with local people.

"Vietnam is a modern and developing country. The technology sector is developing very quickly, especially in central Vietnam. I really fell in love with Vietnam from the first day I came there, the people, landscape, life and everything," he said.

Nguyen Tran Hoang Phuong, director of the Institute of Social Tourism Research, proposed that Vietnam needs to make statistics on the number of digital nomads to offer appropriate policies in the future and avoid people causing social disorder.

Phuong said the population of digital nomads will grow quickly in the coming time thanks to longer visas and Vietnam could learn from Thailand to boost revenues from the group.

For example, travel agencies in Thailand currently offer half-day or one-day tours for digital nomads to explore landscapes and culture in their country and Thais also offer services specifically for digital nomads to increase revenues from the group.
H.E Hajia Mrs. Samira Bawumia, Second Lady of Ghana, has called for a clear focus on women participation in the fight against climate change at the Africa Women and Children Conference (AFRIWOCC) pre-COP28 Climate Forum at the prestigious Harvard University, in Cambridge-Massachusetts, USA.

As Chair and Convener for AFRIWOCC, Mrs. Bawumia stressed the need to step up efforts aimed at combatting climate change and mitigating its impacts, particularly on women and children.

AFRIWOCC is a biennial high-level conference, which brings together global experts to deliberate on issues related to women and children within the African continent. The maiden edition, convened this year, under the theme: "Amplifying the Voices of Women and Children in Climate Action" served as a nuanced engagement platform for climate issues and their impacts. It was framed as a conversation to elicit responses from some of the leading actors in the areas of climate, environment, natural resources, agriculture, and energy.

Mrs Bawumia who doubles as a Global Ambassador for the United Nations foundation, Clean Cooking Alliance and the World Health Organisations Health and Energy Platform for Action (HEPA), highlighted the underrepresentation of women in the energy sectors. She asserted that the International Renewable Energy Agency puts women at a paltry 32% of the workforce in renewable energy sectors.

Addressing the forum, the Second Lady further asserted that, the United Nations estimates that 80% of people displaced by climate change threats, such as severe drought, extreme heat and sea level rise are women. This, therefore, makes them disproportionately affected.

She, therefore, calls on financial institutions to focus on financing women, especially in the green sector. This, she believes, will contribute to gender-responsive and children-sensitive solutions to climate change.

Other speakers include Dr. Gloria Y.A. Ayee, an Adjunct Lecturer in Public Policy at Harvard Kennedy School, and a Lecturer at the Harvard Extension School. Dr. Ayee is also a Senior Fellow with the IARA Project at the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation at the Harvard Kennedy School, and a faculty associate with the Carr Center for Human Rights at the Harvard Kennedy School.

This pre-COP forum sets the tone for a strong AFRIWOCC showing at this years COP28 happening in Dubai-United Arab Emirates, in December.

Mrs Bawumia has relentlessly advocated for the wellbeing of women and children, over the years, through her not-for-profit organisation, the Samira Empowerment and Humanitarian Projects (SEHP). Through SEHP, she has supported about eight thousand (8,000) pregnant women in the East Gonja Municipality, North East Gonja and Saboba Districts of Ghana with essential birth kits to prevent maternal and neonatal mortalities.

Additionally, SEHP has trained about thousand six hundred (1,600) women in Wa, Walewale, Gushiegu and Chiana Paga in the Upper West, North East, Northern and Upper East regions in quality shea picking and processing. SEHP has supported many children and women in the areas of education, empowerment and health.

Mrs. Bawumia was named the first of seven global honourees by Sustainable Energy for All (SEforAll), in partnership with Ashden, This was in recognition of her contribution towards mobilising action for the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7; the call for universal access to modern reliable, renewable and affordable energy for all by 2030.
Prof. Ransford Gyampo

14.11.2023 LISTEN

Senior lecturer at the Political Science Department of the University of Ghana, Prof. Ransford Gyampo has hit out at persons he describes as excessively partisan Ghanaians.

He argues that these kinds of people are also responsible for the woes of the country.

In a post on Facebook, Prof. Ransford Gyampo said the hungry Ghanaian who pretends all is well in the country because his party is in power should equally be blamed for the challenges confronting the country.

We must not always blame the politician. We must also blame the excessively partisan Ghanaian who is hungry, but fakes that all is well, just because it is his party that is in power, Prof. Ransford Gyampo said.

In his Facebook post, the senior political science lecturer added, Very mediocre record comparison when theres no transformation and improvement in physical quality of life. Remain a sycophant and a propagandist on Social Media for coins and temporary gains, and let your children suffer.

In another post, Prof. Ransford Gyampo said politics where partisan politics clouds the judgement of people to favour their preferred party is mad politics.
14.11.2023 LISTEN

Former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors (CBOD), Mr. Senyo Hosi has admonished Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to prioritise the development of the country over the agenda to break the 8 for the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

After being declared flagbearer-elect of the NPP on November 4, Dr. Bawumia promised to work hard to unite the party to ensure he wins the 2024 general elections.

Speaking to Joy FM in conversation, Senyo Hosi congratulated the Vice President but indicated that his focus should be on the sustainability of the country and what government must do to improve the economy.

He said instead of thinking about breaking the 8 for the NPP, the Vice President should look at how the problems facing Ghanaians would be solved.

I congratulate Dr. Bawumia but this is not the time for him to think and talk break the 8. He should be talking about the sustainability of our country and the legacy that we can set right for the generations after him. We need to start taking [hard] decisions now. We cant take them in 2025. We cant lie to the public hoping we can get votes in 2025, Senyo Hosi shared.

The former CBOD CEO is of the view that any government that will lead the country in 2025 will face a tough time.

He explained, 2025 is going to be difficult. Any government will find it difficult. The tolerance for the current government will not exist. The tolerance for the pain will be hard. So you need people to communicate right but you must be honest about the decisions that have to be taken.

So, please, the people saying break the 8, stop breaking that 8. If it was for your rhetorics for your campaign, its over. Ghanaians need a proper story on how they can sustain the next 8. Not you breaking your 8. How they can sustain their own fate. How they can sustain their next 8 years. Thats the problem Ghanaians need to deal with. It needs fiscal discipline.

Both the NPP and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) are gearing up for the 2024 showdown.

While the NPP is confident about breaking the 8, the NDC led by former President John Dramani Mahama is also optimistic about defeating the ruling government that has driven the economy into a ditch.
Core & Main, Inc. (NYSE:CNM  Get Free Report) CFO Mark R. Witkowski sold 20,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $32.10, for a total transaction of $642,000.00. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now owns 19,221 shares in the company, valued at approximately $616,994.10. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website.

Core & Main Stock Performance

Shares of CNM traded up $0.49 during mid-day trading on Monday, hitting $31.94. 4,226,550 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,413,285. The firm has a market capitalization of $7.23 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.92, a P/E/G ratio of 1.43 and a beta of 0.95. The company has a current ratio of 2.59, a quick ratio of 1.53 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.70. The businesss 50 day moving average is $30.03 and its two-hundred day moving average is $29.78. Core & Main, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $18.75 and a fifty-two week high of $33.32.

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Core & Main (NYSE:CNM  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, September 6th. The company reported $0.66 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.67 by ($0.01). The company had revenue of $1.86 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.86 billion. Core & Main had a return on equity of 15.75% and a net margin of 5.45%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up .0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the company earned $0.89 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts expect that Core & Main, Inc. will post 1.97 earnings per share for the current year.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Core & Main

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. JPMorgan Chase & Co. grew its stake in Core & Main by 83.9% during the first quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 114,575 shares of the companys stock worth $2,772,000 after buying an additional 52,285 shares during the period. Bank of New York Mellon Corp lifted its stake in Core & Main by 68.4% during the first quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 134,101 shares of the companys stock worth $3,245,000 after purchasing an additional 54,460 shares during the last quarter. Bank of Montreal Can acquired a new position in Core & Main in the first quarter valued at approximately $1,208,000. Acadian Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Core & Main in the 1st quarter worth about $364,000. Finally, MetLife Investment Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Core & Main during the first quarter valued at approximately $58,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 94.19% of the companys stock.

A number of research analysts have recently weighed in on the company. Loop Capital lifted their price objective on Core & Main from $33.00 to $38.00 in a research report on Friday, August 11th. TheStreet raised Core & Main from a c rating to a b- rating in a research note on Monday, July 24th. Royal Bank of Canada restated an outperform rating and issued a $34.00 price target on shares of Core & Main in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. Credit Suisse Group lifted their price objective on shares of Core & Main from $28.00 to $33.00 in a report on Thursday, September 7th. Finally, Wolfe Research raised shares of Core & Main from a peer perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $40.00 price target for the company in a research report on Thursday, October 12th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $36.55.

View Our Latest Stock Analysis on CNM

Core & Main Company Profile

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Core & Main, Inc distributes water, wastewater, storm drainage, and fire protection products and related services to municipalities, private water companies, and professional contractors in the municipal, non-residential, and residential end markets in the United States. Its products portfolio include pipes, valves, hydrants, fittings, and other products and services; storm drainage products, such as corrugated piping systems, retention basins, inline drains, manholes, grates, geosynthetics, erosion control, and other related products; fire protection products, including fire protection pipes, and sprinkler heads and devices, as well as fabrication services; and meter products, such as smart meter products, meter accessories, installation, software, and other services.

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AECOM (NYSE:ACM  Get Free Report) announced its quarterly earnings data on Monday. The construction company reported $1.01 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of $1.01, Briefing.com reports. AECOM had a return on equity of 19.02% and a net margin of 0.97%. The business had revenue of $1.73 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.70 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $0.89 earnings per share. The firms quarterly revenue was down 49.6% compared to the same quarter last year. AECOM updated its FY24 guidance to $4.35-4.55 EPS.

AECOM Stock Performance

ACM stock traded up $0.14 during trading on Monday, reaching $80.45. The stock had a trading volume of 1,351,119 shares, compared to its average volume of 865,276. The firm has a market cap of $11.16 billion, a PE ratio of 83.80, a PEG ratio of 1.69 and a beta of 1.30. The company has a current ratio of 1.10, a quick ratio of 1.10 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.82. The stocks 50 day moving average is $81.03 and its two-hundred day moving average is $83.33. AECOM has a 52 week low of $74.40 and a 52 week high of $92.16.

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AECOM Increases Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 19th. Investors of record on Monday, December 4th will be issued a $0.22 dividend. This represents a $0.88 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.09%. This is a positive change from AECOMs previous quarterly dividend of $0.18. AECOMs payout ratio is presently 75.00%.

Insider Buying and Selling at AECOM

Hedge Funds Weigh In On AECOM

In related news, CEO Troy Rudd sold 78,097 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, August 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $88.33, for a total transaction of $6,898,308.01. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 185,942 shares in the company, valued at $16,424,256.86. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link . Corporate insiders own 0.40% of the companys stock.

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Point72 Hong Kong Ltd bought a new position in shares of AECOM in the first quarter worth about $25,000. Money Concepts Capital Corp bought a new stake in AECOM during the 4th quarter worth approximately $55,000. Fred Alger Management LLC bought a new stake in AECOM during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $59,000. UniSuper Management Pty Ltd purchased a new position in AECOM during the second quarter valued at approximately $76,000. Finally, Belpointe Asset Management LLC boosted its position in shares of AECOM by 33.8% in the first quarter. Belpointe Asset Management LLC now owns 1,167 shares of the construction companys stock worth $98,000 after purchasing an additional 295 shares during the period. 84.79% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several equities research analysts recently weighed in on the stock. Credit Suisse Group reduced their price target on shares of AECOM from $101.00 to $99.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, August 9th. Citigroup reduced their target price on AECOM from $105.00 to $93.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Monday, October 23rd. Finally, StockNews.com downgraded AECOM from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, October 27th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $97.43.

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AECOM Company Profile

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AECOM, together with its subsidiaries, provides professional infrastructure consulting services worldwide. It operates in three segments: Americas, International, and AECOM Capital. The company offers planning, consulting, architectural and engineering design, construction and program management, and investment and development services to commercial and government clients.

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AlphaCore Capital LLC raised its position in shares of Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE  Free Report) by 128.8% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 60,106 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after acquiring an additional 33,831 shares during the quarter. AlphaCore Capital LLCs holdings in Pfizer were worth $2,205,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in PFE. Fifth Third Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Pfizer in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $220,000. Atlas Wealth Partners LLC bought a new position in shares of Pfizer during the second quarter valued at $273,000. State of Michigan Retirement System raised its position in shares of Pfizer by 0.9% in the 1st quarter. State of Michigan Retirement System now owns 1,771,584 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $72,281,000 after purchasing an additional 15,900 shares during the last quarter. MainStreet Investment Advisors LLC boosted its stake in Pfizer by 1.6% in the 1st quarter. MainStreet Investment Advisors LLC now owns 197,477 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $8,057,000 after purchasing an additional 3,099 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Kranot Hishtalmut Le Morim Tichoniim Havera Menahelet LTD purchased a new stake in Pfizer during the 2nd quarter valued at about $2,721,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 68.05% of the companys stock.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

PFE has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. TheStreet cut Pfizer from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a research note on Monday, September 25th. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their target price on Pfizer from $39.00 to $35.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Monday, October 16th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their target price on Pfizer from $36.00 to $34.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, October 16th. Cantor Fitzgerald reaffirmed an overweight rating and set a $75.00 price objective on shares of Pfizer in a research report on Monday, October 2nd. Finally, StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Pfizer in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Twelve equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $42.50.

Pfizer Price Performance

NYSE:PFE traded up $0.49 during trading hours on Tuesday, reaching $29.47. The stock had a trading volume of 11,083,930 shares, compared to its average volume of 25,285,686. The stock has a market capitalization of $166.39 billion, a PE ratio of 15.84, a PEG ratio of 1.89 and a beta of 0.63. Pfizer Inc. has a 52 week low of $28.93 and a 52 week high of $54.93. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $32.35 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $35.49. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.63, a quick ratio of 2.05 and a current ratio of 2.38.

Pfizer (NYSE:PFE  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, October 31st. The biopharmaceutical company reported ($0.17) earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of ($0.32) by $0.15. Pfizer had a net margin of 15.30% and a return on equity of 16.72%. The firm had revenue of $13.23 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $13.77 billion. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Pfizer Inc. will post 1.56 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Pfizer Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 4th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 10th will be paid a $0.41 dividend. This represents a $1.64 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.56%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, November 9th. Pfizers payout ratio is 89.62%.

Pfizer Company Profile

(Free Report)

Pfizer Inc discovers, develops, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products worldwide. It offers medicines and vaccines in various therapeutic areas, including cardiovascular metabolic, migraine, and women's health under the Eliquis, Nurtec ODT/Vydura, and the Premarin family brands; infectious diseases with unmet medical needs under the Prevnar family, Nimenrix, FSME/IMMUN-TicoVac, and Trumenba brands; and COVID-19 prevention and treatment, and potential future mRNA and antiviral products under the Comirnaty and Paxlovid brands.

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Aquila European Renewables Plc (LON:AERS  Get Free Report) announced a dividend on Friday, November 3rd, Upcoming.Co.Uk reports. Shareholders of record on Thursday, November 16th will be given a dividend of 0.01 ($0.01) per share on Friday, December 8th. This represents a yield of 1.81%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, November 16th. The official announcement can be seen at this link.

Aquila European Renewables Price Performance

AERS stock opened at GBX 65.22 ($0.80) on Tuesday. Aquila European Renewables has a twelve month low of GBX 63.20 ($0.78) and a twelve month high of GBX 91 ($1.12). The companys 50 day moving average is GBX 69.92 and its two-hundred day moving average is GBX 76.04.

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Black Hills Co. (NYSE:BKH  Get Free Report) declared a quarterly dividend on Monday, October 23rd, Zacks reports. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 17th will be given a dividend of 0.625 per share by the utilities provider on Friday, December 1st. This represents a $2.50 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.18%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, November 16th.

Black Hills has raised its dividend by an average of 5.5% per year over the last three years and has raised its dividend every year for the last 52 years. Black Hills has a payout ratio of 65.1% indicating that its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings.

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Black Hills Stock Down 1.7 %

Black Hills stock opened at $48.29 on Tuesday. The firm has a market capitalization of $3.28 billion, a PE ratio of 12.51, a P/E/G ratio of 5.96 and a beta of 0.64. The companys 50-day moving average is $51.04 and its 200-day moving average is $57.09. Black Hills has a fifty-two week low of $46.43 and a fifty-two week high of $73.98. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.17, a current ratio of 0.77 and a quick ratio of 0.67.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Black Hills ( NYSE:BKH Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 1st. The utilities provider reported $0.67 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.51 by $0.16. Black Hills had a net margin of 10.08% and a return on equity of 8.01%. The business had revenue of $407.10 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $579.85 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $0.54 EPS. Black Hillss quarterly revenue was down 12.0% on a year-over-year basis. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Black Hills will post 3.75 earnings per share for the current year.

A number of research analysts recently commented on the stock. Royal Bank of Canada decreased their price target on shares of Black Hills from $68.00 to $61.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, September 6th. TheStreet lowered shares of Black Hills from a b rating to a c+ rating in a research report on Tuesday, September 5th. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Black Hills in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a sell rating on the stock. Mizuho decreased their target price on shares of Black Hills from $56.00 to $53.00 and set an underperform rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, September 22nd. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company decreased their target price on shares of Black Hills from $66.00 to $62.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, August 4th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating and four have assigned a hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Black Hills currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $61.67.

Check Out Our Latest Report on Black Hills

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Black Hills

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in BKH. Great West Life Assurance Co. Can lifted its stake in Black Hills by 11.1% in the 1st quarter. Great West Life Assurance Co. Can now owns 36,590 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $2,896,000 after purchasing an additional 3,657 shares during the last quarter. Yousif Capital Management LLC lifted its stake in Black Hills by 4.4% in the 1st quarter. Yousif Capital Management LLC now owns 34,426 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $2,651,000 after purchasing an additional 1,466 shares during the last quarter. Raymond James Trust N.A. lifted its stake in Black Hills by 8.2% in the 1st quarter. Raymond James Trust N.A. now owns 8,190 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $631,000 after purchasing an additional 618 shares during the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP lifted its stake in Black Hills by 7.2% in the 1st quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 748,590 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $57,656,000 after purchasing an additional 50,038 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Allianz Asset Management GmbH lifted its stake in Black Hills by 1.1% in the 1st quarter. Allianz Asset Management GmbH now owns 13,420 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $1,034,000 after purchasing an additional 151 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 86.64% of the companys stock.

About Black Hills

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Black Hills Corporation, through its subsidiaries, operates as an electric and natural gas utility company in the United States. It operates in two segments, Electric Utilities and Gas Utilities. The Electric Utilities segment generates, transmits, and distributes electricity to approximately 220,000 electric utility customers in Colorado, Montana, South Dakota, and Wyoming; and owns and operates 1,482 megawatts of generation capacity and 9,024 miles of electric transmission and distribution lines.

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China CITIC Bank Co. Limited (OTCMKTS:CHCJY  Get Free Report) saw a significant decline in short interest in October. As of October 31st, there was short interest totalling 200 shares, a decline of 33.3% from the October 15th total of 300 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 2,200 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.1 days.

China CITIC Bank Stock Performance

CHCJY remained flat at $8.88 on Monday. 14 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,216. The company has a market cap of $21.71 billion, a P/E ratio of 2.76 and a beta of 0.02. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $8.97 and a 200-day moving average price of $9.49. China CITIC Bank has a one year low of $7.45 and a one year high of $10.92.

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China CITIC Bank (OTCMKTS:CHCJY  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, August 24th. The company reported $0.80 EPS for the quarter. The business had revenue of $7.80 billion during the quarter. China CITIC Bank had a net margin of 17.20% and a return on equity of 9.30%.

About China CITIC Bank

China CITIC Bank Corporation Limited provides various banking products and services in the People's Republic of China and internationally. The company operates in segments, such as Corporate Banking, Retail Banking, and Financial Market business. It accepts deposits; offers corporate and personal loans; and provides securities agency, remittance and settlement, and guarantee services, as well as investment banking and international services.

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China Literature Limited (OTCMKTS:CHLLF  Get Free Report) saw a significant drop in short interest in the month of October. As of October 31st, there was short interest totalling 2,596,100 shares, a drop of 20.4% from the October 15th total of 3,260,100 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 0 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently  days.

China Literature Stock Performance

Shares of OTCMKTS:CHLLF remained flat at $3.32 during trading on Monday. China Literature has a 12 month low of $3.32 and a 12 month high of $5.43. The business has a 50-day moving average of $3.66 and a 200-day moving average of $4.33.

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About China Literature

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China Literature Limited, an investment holding company, operates an online literature platform in the People's Republic of China. The company promotes intellectual properties primarily through its online literature platforms, such as QQ Reading and Qidian; and New Classics Media, a film and TV drama series production house.

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Bai Peixuan, a flight attendant at Singapore Airlines, got nabbed in Narita for allegedly stealing items from a shopping mall and biting a security guard that confronted her.

Cabin crew speak to participants during a tour of the Singapore Airlines Training Centre in Singapore November 21, 2020. Photo by Reuters

Local police revealed that a total of six items, including bath towels and tote bags, were found in Bais belongings, prompting suspicion that she attempted to steal them from the store on Nov. 6, reported The Straits Times.

The total value of the items was about 10,500 yen (US$69).

Bai denied the accusations, claiming that she "intended to pay for them later."

She was also reportedly accused of biting the arm of a 51-year-old mall security guard who tried to stop her stealing.

It has been reported that Bai could be kept in detention for up to 23 days for investigation, as ruled by the Japanese law, according to news site Must Share News.
China Merchants Bank Co., Ltd. (OTCMKTS:CIHKY  Get Free Report) shares hit a new 52-week low during mid-day trading on Monday . The stock traded as low as $18.44 and last traded at $18.58, with a volume of 87647 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $18.73.

China Merchants Bank Stock Down 0.8 %

The company has a market capitalization of $93.72 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 4.75 and a beta of 0.58. The company has a current ratio of 0.86, a quick ratio of 0.86 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.28. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $20.17 and its 200-day simple moving average is $21.85.

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China Merchants Bank (OTCMKTS:CIHKY  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 27th. The company reported $1.04 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The firm had revenue of $11.22 billion during the quarter. China Merchants Bank had a net margin of 30.06% and a return on equity of 14.88%.

About China Merchants Bank

China Merchants Bank Co, Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, provides various banking products and services. It operates through Wholesale Finance Business, Retail Finance Business, and Other Business segments. The company offers current, demand, time, call, savings, notice, and renminbi accounts. Its loan products include personal commercial real estate, consumption, housing, and car loans; loans to finance for studying abroad; micro-business loans; mortgage loans for equipment; joint guarantee, special guarantee, and housing mortgage loan; bank acceptance, discount, liquid capital, and fixed asset loans; and loans for vessels.

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Colruyt Group (OTCMKTS:CUYTY  Get Free Report) shares hit a new 52-week high on Monday . The stock traded as high as $10.82 and last traded at $10.82, with a volume of 0 shares. The stock had previously closed at $10.82.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Separately, JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded shares of Colruyt Group from an underweight rating to an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, September 5th.

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Read Our Latest Analysis on CUYTY

Colruyt Group Price Performance

Colruyt Group Cuts Dividend

The firms 50-day moving average price is $10.16 and its 200 day moving average price is $8.93.

The firm also recently announced a dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, October 18th. Investors of record on Monday, October 2nd were paid a $0.1322 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, September 29th.

Colruyt Group Company Profile

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Colruyt Group N.V., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the retail, wholesale, food service, and other activities in Belgium, France, Luxembourg, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Retail, Wholesale and Foodservice, and Other Activities. The company provides groceries, fresh products, dry products, and frozen and non-food products; and operates CNG, hydrogen filling, and charging stations.

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Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund, Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:DHY  Get Free Report) declared a monthly dividend on Friday, November 3rd, Wall Street Journal reports. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 17th will be paid a dividend of 0.0155 per share by the real estate investment trust on Friday, November 24th. This represents a $0.19 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 9.69%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, November 16th.

Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund has decreased its dividend by an average of 6.2% per year over the last three years.

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Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund Price Performance

Shares of NYSEAMERICAN DHY opened at $1.92 on Tuesday. Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund has a one year low of $1.65 and a one year high of $2.03.

Institutional Trading of Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund

Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund Company Profile

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Commonwealth Equity Services LLC lifted its position in shares of Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund by 5.9% in the first quarter. Commonwealth Equity Services LLC now owns 99,881 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $188,000 after buying an additional 5,527 shares during the last quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers lifted its position in shares of Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund by 6.2% during the 1st quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 105,569 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $200,000 after purchasing an additional 6,197 shares during the last quarter. Royal Bank of Canada lifted its position in shares of Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund by 4.1% during the 2nd quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 165,157 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $312,000 after purchasing an additional 6,485 shares during the last quarter. MML Investors Services LLC lifted its position in shares of Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund by 54.5% during the 3rd quarter. MML Investors Services LLC now owns 19,837 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $35,000 after purchasing an additional 6,996 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Advisor Group Holdings Inc. lifted its position in shares of Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund by 8.4% during the 4th quarter. Advisor Group Holdings Inc. now owns 107,315 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $189,000 after purchasing an additional 8,354 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 15.49% of the companys stock.

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Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund, Inc is a closed ended fixed income mutual fund launched and managed by Credit Suisse Asset Management, LLC. The fund invests in the fixed income markets of the United States. It invests in the securities of companies across diversified sectors. The fund primarily invests in below-investment-grade corporate bonds with an average credit quality lower than BBB by Standard & Poor's and an average duration of 5.07 years.

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CTT  Correios De Portugal, S.A. (OTCMKTS:CTTPY  Get Free Report)s share price reached a new 52-week high during trading on Monday . The company traded as high as $7.35 and last traded at $7.35, with a volume of 0 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $7.35.

CTT  Correios De Portugal Price Performance

The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $7.29 and its 200 day simple moving average is $7.35.

About CTT  Correios De Portugal

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CTT  Correios De Portugal, SA, together with its subsidiaries, provides postal and financial services worldwide. It operates through Mail, Express & Parcels, Financial Services & Retail, and Bank segments. The company offers courier and urgent mail transport services; postal financial services; and banking services.

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Duolingo, Inc. (NYSE:DUOL  Get Free Report) CEO Ahn Luis Von sold 1,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, November 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $200.00, for a total value of $200,000.00. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link.

Duolingo Price Performance

Shares of NYSE DUOL traded up $1.79 during midday trading on Monday, reaching $213.32. 1,366,954 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 606,932. Duolingo, Inc. has a 12 month low of $64.73 and a 12 month high of $217.16. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.03, a quick ratio of 3.49 and a current ratio of 3.49. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $160.69 and its 200-day simple moving average is $149.94. The firm has a market cap of $8.86 billion, a PE ratio of -755.74 and a beta of 0.33.

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Duolingo (NYSE:DUOL  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 8th. The company reported $0.06 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of ($0.08) by $0.14. Duolingo had a negative return on equity of 1.72% and a negative net margin of 2.06%. The firm had revenue of $137.60 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $132.14 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted ($0.46) EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 43.2% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Duolingo, Inc. will post 0.19 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Duolingo

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Baillie Gifford & Co. lifted its position in shares of Duolingo by 5.0% during the third quarter. Baillie Gifford & Co. now owns 4,488,629 shares of the companys stock worth $744,529,000 after purchasing an additional 213,552 shares in the last quarter. Durable Capital Partners LP boosted its position in Duolingo by 10.1% in the 4th quarter. Durable Capital Partners LP now owns 4,156,738 shares of the companys stock valued at $295,669,000 after buying an additional 379,844 shares during the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its position in Duolingo by 24.8% in the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 2,357,551 shares of the companys stock valued at $224,510,000 after buying an additional 468,057 shares during the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. increased its stake in shares of Duolingo by 15.0% in the 2nd quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 2,323,082 shares of the companys stock valued at $332,061,000 after buying an additional 303,206 shares during the period. Finally, Whale Rock Capital Management LLC raised its position in shares of Duolingo by 0.7% during the second quarter. Whale Rock Capital Management LLC now owns 1,328,760 shares of the companys stock worth $189,933,000 after acquiring an additional 8,668 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 76.93% of the companys stock.

Several brokerages have recently issued reports on DUOL. UBS Group began coverage on shares of Duolingo in a research note on Thursday, September 28th. They issued a buy rating and a $195.00 price objective on the stock. Raymond James initiated coverage on shares of Duolingo in a research report on Monday, August 28th. They issued a market perform rating on the stock. Piper Sandler boosted their price objective on shares of Duolingo from $191.00 to $217.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Thursday. Bank of America reiterated a neutral rating and issued a $188.00 target price on shares of Duolingo in a research note on Thursday, October 19th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their price target on Duolingo from $140.00 to $160.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $176.78.

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Duolingo Company Profile

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Duolingo, Inc operates as a mobile learning platform in the United States, China, the United Kingdom, and internationally. The company offers courses in 40 different languages, including Spanish, English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese, and Chinese through its Duolingo app. It also provides a digital language proficiency assessment exam.

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Eaton Vance Enhanced Equity Income Fund (NYSE:EOI  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large increase in short interest in October. As of October 31st, there was short interest totalling 23,200 shares, an increase of 109.0% from the October 15th total of 11,100 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 64,100 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.4 days.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Sunbelt Securities Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Eaton Vance Enhanced Equity Income Fund in the 1st quarter worth approximately $27,000. Creative Financial Designs Inc. ADV acquired a new position in shares of Eaton Vance Enhanced Equity Income Fund in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $31,000. NBC Securities Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Eaton Vance Enhanced Equity Income Fund in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $39,000. Center for Financial Planning Inc. acquired a new position in Eaton Vance Enhanced Equity Income Fund during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $85,000. Finally, Money Concepts Capital Corp acquired a new position in Eaton Vance Enhanced Equity Income Fund during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $152,000.

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Eaton Vance Enhanced Equity Income Fund Stock Performance

Shares of EOI remained flat at $15.56 during mid-day trading on Monday. The stock had a trading volume of 46,671 shares, compared to its average volume of 65,798. The companys fifty day moving average price is $15.63 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $15.97. Eaton Vance Enhanced Equity Income Fund has a one year low of $14.36 and a one year high of $16.99.

Eaton Vance Enhanced Equity Income Fund Increases Dividend

Eaton Vance Enhanced Equity Income Fund Company Profile

The company also recently announced a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, November 30th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, November 22nd will be given a $0.1095 dividend. This is a positive change from Eaton Vance Enhanced Equity Income Funds previous monthly dividend of $0.11. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, November 21st. This represents a $1.31 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 8.44%.

(Get Free Report)

Eaton Vance Enhanced Equity Income Fund is a closed ended equity mutual fund launched and managed by Eaton Vance Management. The fund invests in the public equity markets of the United States. It seeks to invest in stocks of companies operating across diversified sectors. The fund invests in the stocks of large-cap and mid-cap companies with a focus on investing in companies with above average growth and financial condition against valuation in selecting individual securities.

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Entrepreneur Universe Bright Group (OTCMKTS:EUBG  Get Free Report)s stock price hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Monday . The stock traded as high as $0.42 and last traded at $0.42, with a volume of 0 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $0.42.

Entrepreneur Universe Bright Group Stock Performance

The firms 50 day simple moving average is $0.40 and its 200-day simple moving average is $0.30.

About Entrepreneur Universe Bright Group

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Entrepreneur Universe Bright Group, through its subsidiaries, provides digital marketing consultation services in the Hong Kong and People's Republic of China. It offers consulting, sourcing, and marketing services. The company was formerly known as REE International, Inc and changed its name to Entrepreneur Universe Bright Group in April 2020.

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Grupo Supervielle (NYSE:SUPV  Get Free Report) was downgraded by equities researchers at StockNews.com from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note issued on Monday.

Grupo Supervielle Stock Performance

Shares of SUPV traded up $0.04 during trading hours on Monday, hitting $1.92. 220,441 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 494,594. Grupo Supervielle has a 12-month low of $1.54 and a 12-month high of $3.57. The company has a market cap of $175.37 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.00 and a beta of 1.61. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $2.19 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $2.56.

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Grupo Supervielle (NYSE:SUPV  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, August 23rd. The company reported $0.31 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The company had revenue of $251.64 million during the quarter. Grupo Supervielle had a return on equity of 3.32% and a net margin of 0.93%.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Grupo Supervielle

About Grupo Supervielle

Hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Two Sigma Investments LP acquired a new stake in Grupo Supervielle in the 4th quarter valued at about $34,000. Marshall Wace LLP acquired a new stake in Grupo Supervielle in the 3rd quarter valued at about $58,000. Virtu Financial LLC raised its position in Grupo Supervielle by 33.4% in the 4th quarter. Virtu Financial LLC now owns 27,891 shares of the companys stock valued at $60,000 after purchasing an additional 6,987 shares in the last quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. raised its position in Grupo Supervielle by 21.5% in the 1st quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 32,474 shares of the companys stock valued at $66,000 after purchasing an additional 5,749 shares in the last quarter. Finally, BNP Paribas Arbitrage SNC raised its position in Grupo Supervielle by 3,396.1% in the 2nd quarter. BNP Paribas Arbitrage SNC now owns 21,676 shares of the companys stock valued at $67,000 after purchasing an additional 21,056 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 4.43% of the companys stock.

(Get Free Report)

Grupo Supervielle SA, a financial services holding company, provides various banking products and services in Argentina. The company operates through Personal & Business Banking, Corporate Banking, Bank Treasury, Consumer Finance, Insurance, and Asset Management and Other Services segments. It offers savings accounts, time and demand deposits, and checking accounts; various loan products, including personal, consumer, mortgage, unsecured, and car loans; overdrafts; loans with special facilities for project and working capital financing; and leasing, bank guarantees for tenants, salary advances, domestic and international factoring, international guarantees and letters of credit, payroll payment plans, credit and debit cards, and senior citizens benefit payment services, as well as financial services and investments, such as mutual funds and guarantees.

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Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. (NYSE:TV  Get Free Report) was downgraded by stock analysts at StockNews.com from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note issued to investors on Monday.

Other equities research analysts have also recently issued research reports about the company. The Goldman Sachs Group decreased their price target on Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. from $4.60 to $3.90 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, November 1st. TheStreet lowered Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. from a c- rating to a d+ rating in a report on Thursday, September 28th. Benchmark restated a buy rating and issued a $12.00 target price on shares of Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. in a report on Friday, October 13th. UBS Group dropped their target price on Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. from $6.00 to $3.40 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, October 4th. Finally, Bank of America upgraded Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. from a neutral rating to a buy rating and dropped their price target for the stock from $5.00 to $4.70 in a report on Thursday, October 5th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $6.50.

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Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Grupo Televisa, S.A.B.

Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. Price Performance

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Shares of TV stock traded down $0.02 on Monday, hitting $2.37. 1,221,432 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,289,480. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.04, a current ratio of 1.69 and a quick ratio of 1.65. The stock has a market cap of $1.34 billion, a P/E ratio of -1.69 and a beta of 1.53. Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. has a 12 month low of $2.10 and a 12 month high of $6.57. The company has a 50 day moving average of $2.92 and a 200 day moving average of $4.20.

A number of large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Quantbot Technologies LP purchased a new position in Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $25,000. Moors & Cabot Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. during the 3rd quarter valued at $31,000. First Trust Direct Indexing L.P. bought a new position in Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. in the 3rd quarter worth $32,000. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. boosted its holdings in Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. by 181.1% in the 2nd quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 6,409 shares of the companys stock worth $33,000 after buying an additional 4,129 shares during the period. Finally, SG Americas Securities LLC bought a new position in Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. in the 3rd quarter worth $48,000. 37.47% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About Grupo Televisa, S.A.B.

(Get Free Report)

Grupo Televisa, SAB. operates as a media company in the Spanish-speaking Mexico and internationally. It operates through three segments: Cable, Sky, and Other Businesses. The Cable segment operates cable multiple system that provides basic and premium television subscription, pay-per-view, installation, Internet subscription, and telephone and mobile services subscription services, as well as sales local and national advertising services; and telecommunication facilities, which offers data and long-distance services solutions to carriers and other telecommunications service providers through its fiber-optic network.

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Interfor Co. (TSE:IFP  Get Free Report) Director Ian Fillinger acquired 4,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, November 10th. The stock was purchased at an average cost of C$19.18 per share, with a total value of C$76,736.00.

Interfor Price Performance

TSE:IFP traded up C$1.54 during trading hours on Tuesday, hitting C$20.68. 185,252 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 217,112. The firms fifty day moving average price is C$19.29 and its 200 day moving average price is C$21.53. Interfor Co. has a 52-week low of C$16.78 and a 52-week high of C$28.73. The company has a market cap of C$1.06 billion, a P/E ratio of -6.47 and a beta of 2.52. The company has a current ratio of 2.16, a quick ratio of 1.15 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 47.40.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several brokerages recently weighed in on IFP. CIBC cut their price target on 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. Royal Bank of Canada cut their price objective on Interfor from C$32.00 to C$30.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Friday, October 20th. Raymond James decreased their target price on Interfor from C$41.00 to C$32.00 and set a strong-buy rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, October 20th. Finally, TD Securities dropped their price target on shares of Interfor from C$25.00 to C$24.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, November 6th.

Interfor Company Profile

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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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Block, Inc. (NYSE:SQ  Get Free Report) Director Roelof Botha bought 15,262 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, November 10th. The shares were acquired at an average price of $50.99 per share, with a total value of $778,209.38. Following the completion of the purchase, the director now directly owns 517,213 shares of the companys stock, valued at $26,372,690.87. The acquisition was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website.

Roelof Botha also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Monday, November 13th, Roelof Botha purchased 23,433 shares of Block stock. The shares were acquired at an average cost of $50.97 per share, with a total value of $1,194,380.01.

On Wednesday, November 8th, Roelof Botha bought 495,539 shares of Block stock. The shares were acquired at an average cost of $50.88 per share, with a total value of $25,213,024.32.

Block Trading Up 1.0 %

Shares of NYSE:SQ traded up $0.51 during mid-day trading on Monday, hitting $52.01. The company had a trading volume of 9,705,016 shares, compared to its average volume of 12,700,234. The company has a market capitalization of $31.94 billion, a PE ratio of -109.57 and a beta of 2.34. Block, Inc. has a one year low of $38.85 and a one year high of $89.97. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $47.16 and a 200 day moving average price of $58.23. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.23, a current ratio of 1.91 and a quick ratio of 1.91.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Block

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Hexagon Capital Partners LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Block by 89.6% in the 3rd quarter. Hexagon Capital Partners LLC now owns 635 shares of the technology companys stock worth $28,000 after purchasing an additional 300 shares in the last quarter. Strategic Investment Solutions Inc. IL acquired a new position in Block during the first quarter worth $31,000. Tobam lifted its stake in shares of Block by 885.7% in the second quarter. Tobam now owns 483 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $32,000 after buying an additional 434 shares in the last quarter. Larson Financial Group LLC grew its holdings in shares of Block by 38.4% during the third quarter. Larson Financial Group LLC now owns 728 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $32,000 after buying an additional 202 shares during the last quarter. Finally, McClarren Financial Advisors Inc. increased its position in shares of Block by 1,571.4% during the second quarter. McClarren Financial Advisors Inc. now owns 585 shares of the technology companys stock worth $38,000 after acquiring an additional 550 shares in the last quarter. 61.17% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

SQ has been the topic of several research reports. TD Cowen began coverage on shares of Block in a report on Friday, October 6th. They set an outperform rating and a $59.00 price target on the stock. Jefferies Financial Group increased their price target on Block from $80.00 to $90.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Monday, July 24th. Credit Suisse Group reissued an outperform rating and set a $100.00 price objective on shares of Block in a report on Friday, August 4th. KeyCorp lowered their target price on Block from $85.00 to $60.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, October 18th. Finally, Stephens cut their price target on Block from $90.00 to $80.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, August 4th. Nine research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twenty-two have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $76.84.

Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on SQ

Block Company Profile

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Square, Inc provides payment and point-of-sale solutions in the United States and internationally. The company's commerce ecosystem includes point-of-sale software and hardware that enables sellers to turn mobile and computing devices into payment and point-of-sale solutions. It offers hardware products, including Magstripe reader, which enables swiped transactions of magnetic stripe cards; Contactless and chip reader that accepts EMV chip cards and Near Field Communication payments; Chip card reader, which accepts EMV chip cards and enables swiped transactions of magnetic stripe cards; Square Stand, which enables an iPad to be used as a payment terminal or full point of sale solution; and Square Register that combines its hardware, point-of-sale software, and payments technology, as well as managed payments solutions.

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Invesco MSCI USA ETF (BATS:PBUS  Get Free Report) shares hit a new 52-week high on Monday . The stock traded as high as $44.04 and last traded at $43.98, with a volume of 14803 shares. The stock had previously closed at $44.00.

Invesco MSCI USA ETF Stock Performance

The firms 50 day moving average is $43.24 and its two-hundred day moving average is $43.36. The stock has a market capitalization of $2.44 billion, a PE ratio of 22.58 and a beta of 0.98.

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Invesco MSCI USA ETF Announces Dividend

The firm also recently announced a dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 22nd. Investors of record on Tuesday, September 19th were paid a dividend of $0.1422 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, September 18th.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Invesco MSCI USA ETF

Invesco MSCI USA ETF Company Profile

Large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Metis Global Partners LLC lifted its position in shares of Invesco MSCI USA ETF by 6,210.9% during the 1st quarter. Metis Global Partners LLC now owns 887,632 shares of the companys stock worth $36,227,000 after purchasing an additional 873,567 shares during the last quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. purchased a new stake in Invesco MSCI USA ETF during the 3rd quarter worth about $35,438,000. Invesco Ltd. lifted its holdings in Invesco MSCI USA ETF by 3.9% during the 1st quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 339,542 shares of the companys stock worth $15,456,000 after buying an additional 12,590 shares during the last quarter. Equitable Holdings Inc. purchased a new stake in Invesco MSCI USA ETF during the 2nd quarter worth about $2,981,000. Finally, Susquehanna International Group LLP lifted its holdings in Invesco MSCI USA ETF by 75.0% during the 1st quarter. Susquehanna International Group LLP now owns 53,357 shares of the companys stock worth $2,178,000 after buying an additional 22,865 shares during the last quarter.

(Get Free Report)

The Invesco PureBeta MSCI USA ETF (PBUS) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI USA index. The fund tracks a market-cap-selected and -weighted index of mid and large-cap US stocks. PBUS was launched on Sep 22, 2017 and is managed by Invesco.

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iShares China Large-Cap ETF (NYSEARCA:FXI  Get Free Report) saw some unusual options trading activity on Tuesday. Investors acquired 224,316 call options on the company. This represents an increase of approximately 46% compared to the typical volume of 153,418 call options.

Institutional Trading of iShares China Large-Cap ETF

A number of hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of FXI. Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc. purchased a new stake in iShares China Large-Cap ETF in the 1st quarter worth approximately $30,000. Franklin Resources Inc. boosted its stake in shares of iShares China Large-Cap ETF by 177.8% during the 2nd quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 1,250 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $34,000 after acquiring an additional 800 shares in the last quarter. Pacific Center for Financial Services acquired a new stake in shares of iShares China Large-Cap ETF during the 1st quarter valued at about $40,000. US Bancorp DE increased its stake in shares of iShares China Large-Cap ETF by 332.3% in the 1st quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 1,431 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $42,000 after purchasing an additional 1,100 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Hexagon Capital Partners LLC raised its holdings in iShares China Large-Cap ETF by 197.3% in the 2nd quarter. Hexagon Capital Partners LLC now owns 1,781 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $48,000 after purchasing an additional 1,182 shares during the period.

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iShares China Large-Cap ETF Price Performance

Shares of FXI stock traded up $0.56 during mid-day trading on Tuesday, hitting $26.58. The stock had a trading volume of 52,569,578 shares, compared to its average volume of 32,792,699. iShares China Large-Cap ETF has a 12-month low of $24.84 and a 12-month high of $33.38. The firms 50-day moving average is $26.35 and its two-hundred day moving average is $27.31. The firm has a market capitalization of $4.98 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.27 and a beta of 0.44.

iShares China Large-Cap ETF Company Profile

iShares China Large-Cap ETF (the Fund) is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the FTSE China 25 Index (the Underlying Index). The Funds portfolio of sectors include Financials, Telecommunication, Oil & gas, Technology and Consumer goods.

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Shares of iShares Core International Aggregate Bond ETF (BATS:IAGG  Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week low on Monday . The stock traded as low as $49.17 and last traded at $49.24, with a volume of 530458 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $49.30.

iShares Core International Aggregate Bond ETF Price Performance

The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $48.84 and a 200-day simple moving average of $49.02.

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Institutional Trading of iShares Core International Aggregate Bond ETF

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted its stake in shares of iShares Core International Aggregate Bond ETF by 160,419.3% during the 1st quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 2,764,142 shares of the companys stock worth $135,305,000 after acquiring an additional 2,762,420 shares in the last quarter. Syon Capital LLC purchased a new position in iShares Core International Aggregate Bond ETF during the third quarter worth approximately $48,307,000. BIP Wealth LLC acquired a new stake in iShares Core International Aggregate Bond ETF in the first quarter valued at approximately $6,243,000. Flow Traders U.S. LLC increased its position in shares of iShares Core International Aggregate Bond ETF by 274.7% in the first quarter. Flow Traders U.S. LLC now owns 76,876 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,763,000 after buying an additional 56,358 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Prime Capital Investment Advisors LLC increased its position in shares of iShares Core International Aggregate Bond ETF by 23.3% in the first quarter. Prime Capital Investment Advisors LLC now owns 210,535 shares of the companys stock valued at $10,306,000 after buying an additional 39,851 shares in the last quarter.

About iShares Core International Aggregate Bond ETF

The iShares Core International Aggregate Bond ETF (IAGG) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in investment grade fixed income. The fund tracks an index composed of global non-U.S. dollar denominated investment grade bonds, hedged against currency fluctuations for USD investors. IAGG was launched on Nov 10, 2015 and is managed by BlackRock.

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Shares of iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF (BATS:MTUM  Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Monday . The stock traded as high as $147.93 and last traded at $147.48, with a volume of 451801 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $147.01.

iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF Price Performance

The company has a market capitalization of $9.17 billion, a PE ratio of 19.35 and a beta of 0.91. The companys fifty day moving average is $141.80 and its 200-day moving average is $142.09.

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Hedge Funds Weigh In On iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF

Institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. HHM Wealth Advisors LLC increased its holdings in iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF by 900.0% during the first quarter. HHM Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 190 shares of the companys stock valued at $26,000 after buying an additional 171 shares during the period. WFA of San Diego LLC purchased a new position in iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF in the second quarter worth $28,000. Coastal Investment Advisors Inc. purchased a new position in iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF in the second quarter worth $29,000. Cary Street Partners Investment Advisory LLC grew its holdings in iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF by 1,428.6% in the second quarter. Cary Street Partners Investment Advisory LLC now owns 214 shares of the companys stock worth $31,000 after purchasing an additional 200 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Strategic Investment Solutions Inc. IL purchased a new position in iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF in the first quarter worth $31,000.

About iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF

The iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF (MTUM) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI USA Momentum SR Variant index. The fund tracks an index of large- and mid-cap US equities, selected and weighted based on price appreciation over 6- and 12-month periods and low volatility over the past 3 years.

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NEC Co. (OTCMKTS:NIPNF  Get Free Report) was the target of a significant drop in short interest in the month of October. As of October 31st, there was short interest totalling 114,300 shares, a drop of 26.4% from the October 15th total of 155,300 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 700 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 163.3 days.

NEC Price Performance

Shares of NIPNF stock remained flat at $49.75 on Tuesday. NEC has a 12-month low of $33.25 and a 12-month high of $59.12. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $53.27 and a 200-day simple moving average of $49.47.

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NEC Company Profile

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Further Reading

NEC Corporation provides information and communication technology solutions in Japan and internationally. It operates through five segments: Public Solutions Business, Public Infrastructure Business, Enterprise Business, Network Services Business, and Global Business. It provides systems integration services, including systems implementation and consulting; maintenance and support services; outsourcing and cloud services; and system equipment.

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OUTFRONT Media Inc. (NYSE:OUT  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant decline in short interest in October. As of October 31st, there was short interest totalling 6,260,000 shares, a decline of 20.5% from the October 15th total of 7,870,000 shares. Approximately 4.7% of the companys stock are sold short. Based on an average daily volume of 3,530,000 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 1.8 days.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of research analysts have weighed in on OUT shares. TheStreet lowered shares of OUTFRONT Media from a c- rating to a d+ rating in a research note on Monday, September 18th. Oppenheimer cut shares of OUTFRONT Media from an outperform rating to a market perform rating in a research report on Friday, August 4th. Morgan Stanley decreased their price objective on OUTFRONT Media from $15.00 to $12.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Monday, October 9th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their target price on OUTFRONT Media from $14.00 to $12.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, October 5th. Finally, StockNews.com upgraded OUTFRONT Media to a sell rating in a report on Monday, November 6th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, OUTFRONT Media currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $14.50.

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Insider Buying and Selling at OUTFRONT Media

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

In other news, EVP Clive A. Punter bought 9,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, August 18th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $11.12 per share, with a total value of $100,080.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 174,647 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,942,074.64. The purchase was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link . Insiders own 0.95% of the companys stock.

Institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Parallel Advisors LLC raised its holdings in shares of OUTFRONT Media by 166.2% in the 2nd quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 1,605 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $25,000 after purchasing an additional 1,002 shares during the period. Belpointe Asset Management LLC raised its stake in shares of OUTFRONT Media by 116.7% in the first quarter. Belpointe Asset Management LLC now owns 1,560 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $25,000 after buying an additional 840 shares during the period. State of Wyoming purchased a new position in shares of OUTFRONT Media during the 2nd quarter valued at $26,000. Lazard Asset Management LLC bought a new position in shares of OUTFRONT Media during the 1st quarter worth $28,000. Finally, Signaturefd LLC purchased a new stake in OUTFRONT Media in the 2nd quarter worth about $32,000.

OUTFRONT Media Trading Up 8.7 %

Shares of OUTFRONT Media stock traded up $0.97 during mid-day trading on Tuesday, hitting $12.18. 3,609,428 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,356,649. OUTFRONT Media has a 12 month low of $8.18 and a 12 month high of $21.65. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $10.10 and a 200 day simple moving average of $12.83. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 4.43, a current ratio of 0.58 and a quick ratio of 0.58.

OUTFRONT Media Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 29th. Investors of record on Friday, December 1st will be issued a dividend of $0.30 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, November 30th. This represents a $1.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 9.85%. OUTFRONT Medias dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently -44.78%.

OUTFRONT Media Company Profile

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OUTFRONT leverages the power of technology, location and creativity to connect brands with consumers outside of their homes through one of the largest and most diverse sets of billboard, transit, and mobile assets in North America. Through its technology platform, OUTFRONT will fundamentally change the ways advertisers engage audiences on-the-go.

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Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras (NYSE:PBR  Get Free Report) was downgraded by stock analysts at StockNews.com from a buy rating to a hold rating in a note issued to investors on Monday.

A number of other brokerages have also recently weighed in on PBR. HSBC upgraded Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Friday, October 13th. Jefferies Financial Group began coverage on shares of Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras in a report on Thursday, September 21st. They issued a buy rating and a $21.20 price target on the stock. Bank of America upgraded shares of Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 23rd. UBS Group upgraded shares of Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras from a neutral rating to a buy rating and raised their target price for the company from $13.10 to $17.50 in a research note on Thursday, August 24th. Finally, Citigroup cut Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras from a buy rating to a neutral rating and lowered their price objective for the stock from $19.00 to $14.00 in a research report on Thursday, August 10th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $15.34.

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Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras Stock Up 2.0 %

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras

NYSE:PBR traded up $0.30 during mid-day trading on Monday, reaching $15.53. The companys stock had a trading volume of 11,695,460 shares, compared to its average volume of 21,205,570. The company has a quick ratio of 0.64, a current ratio of 0.90 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.62. The firm has a market capitalization of $101.29 billion, a PE ratio of 3.77 and a beta of 1.58. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $15.13 and a 200-day moving average of $13.85. Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras has a 1 year low of $8.88 and a 1 year high of $16.55.

A number of large investors have recently made changes to their positions in PBR. Harbour Investments Inc. purchased a new position in Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras in the 1st quarter worth $29,000. Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank raised its stake in shares of Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras by 83.0% in the second quarter. Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank now owns 2,577 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock worth $30,000 after purchasing an additional 1,169 shares during the last quarter. Householder Group Estate & Retirement Specialist LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras during the third quarter worth about $41,000. Janiczek Wealth Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras by 49.9% during the third quarter. Janiczek Wealth Management LLC now owns 2,756 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock worth $41,000 after purchasing an additional 918 shares during the period. Finally, Federated Hermes Inc. boosted its position in Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras by 34.3% in the first quarter. Federated Hermes Inc. now owns 3,368 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock valued at $50,000 after buying an additional 861 shares during the last quarter. 11.57% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras Company Profile

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Petroleo Brasileiro SA  Petrobras explores, produces, and sells oil and gas in Brazil and internationally. The company operates through Exploration and Production; Refining, Transportation and Marketing; and Gas and Power. It also engages in prospecting, drilling, refining, processing, trading, and transporting crude oil from producing onshore and offshore oil fields, and shale or other rocks, as well as oil products, natural gas, and other liquid hydrocarbons.

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Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM  Get Free Report) saw a significant drop in short interest during the month of October. As of October 31st, there was short interest totalling 5,210,000 shares, a drop of 24.1% from the October 15th total of 6,860,000 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 3,860,000 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 1.3 days. Approximately 0.3% of the companys stock are short sold.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of research firms have commented on PM. UBS Group decreased their price target on Philip Morris International from $116.00 to $112.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. Jefferies Financial Group reduced their price objective on Philip Morris International from $111.00 to $105.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Friday, October 13th. Bank of America reduced their price objective on Philip Morris International from $118.00 to $111.00 in a research note on Friday, September 29th. Stifel Nicolaus restated a buy rating and issued a $114.00 price objective on shares of Philip Morris International in a research note on Monday, October 2nd. Finally, Barclays reduced their price objective on Philip Morris International from $115.00 to $110.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, September 21st. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has assigned a hold rating and nine have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $110.73.

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Institutional Trading of Philip Morris International

Philip Morris International Stock Performance

A number of institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in PM. Cadence Bank lifted its position in Philip Morris International by 23.3% during the third quarter. Cadence Bank now owns 103,230 shares of the companys stock worth $9,557,000 after buying an additional 19,498 shares in the last quarter. Natixis Advisors L.P. lifted its position in Philip Morris International by 7.8% during the third quarter. Natixis Advisors L.P. now owns 866,767 shares of the companys stock worth $80,245,000 after buying an additional 63,080 shares in the last quarter. Hollencrest Capital Management lifted its position in Philip Morris International by 1.3% during the third quarter. Hollencrest Capital Management now owns 124,725 shares of the companys stock worth $11,547,000 after buying an additional 1,545 shares in the last quarter. Tacita Capital Inc lifted its position in Philip Morris International by 40.7% during the third quarter. Tacita Capital Inc now owns 830 shares of the companys stock worth $77,000 after buying an additional 240 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Asset Dedication LLC lifted its position in Philip Morris International by 173.4% during the third quarter. Asset Dedication LLC now owns 749 shares of the companys stock worth $70,000 after buying an additional 475 shares in the last quarter. 79.70% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Shares of NYSE:PM traded up $0.30 during trading on Monday, reaching $90.00. The stock had a trading volume of 7,559,125 shares, compared to its average volume of 4,265,488. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $92.39 and a 200-day moving average price of $94.45. The stock has a market cap of $139.72 billion, a PE ratio of 17.48, a PEG ratio of 2.12 and a beta of 0.77. Philip Morris International has a 1-year low of $87.23 and a 1-year high of $105.62.

Philip Morris International (NYSE:PM  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 19th. The company reported $1.67 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.62 by $0.05. The firm had revenue of $9.14 billion for 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 9.62%. The businesss revenue was up 13.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $1.53 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts expect that Philip Morris International will post 6.18 earnings per share for the current year.

Philip Morris International Increases Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, October 12th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, September 27th were paid a $1.30 dividend. 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 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 5.78%. Philip Morris Internationals payout ratio is currently 100.97%.

Philip Morris International Company Profile

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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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Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (NYSE:DGX  Get Free Report) announced a quarterly dividend on Monday, November 13th, RTT News reports. Investors of record on Wednesday, January 17th will be given a dividend of 0.71 per share by the medical research company on Wednesday, January 31st. This represents a $2.84 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.15%.

Quest Diagnostics has raised its dividend payment by an average of 7.0% per year over the last three years and has increased its dividend annually for the last 12 consecutive years. Quest Diagnostics has a dividend payout ratio of 31.5% meaning its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Equities research analysts expect Quest Diagnostics to earn $8.94 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $2.84 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 31.8%.

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Quest Diagnostics Trading Down 0.3 %

NYSE:DGX traded down $0.45 during midday trading on Monday, reaching $132.37. 672,546 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 982,746. The company has a fifty day moving average of $126.17 and a 200 day moving average of $132.63. Quest Diagnostics has a 12 month low of $119.59 and a 12 month high of $158.34. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61, a quick ratio of 1.01 and a current ratio of 1.12. The stock has a market capitalization of $14.88 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.88 and a beta of 0.92.

Institutional Trading of Quest Diagnostics

Quest Diagnostics ( NYSE:DGX Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 24th. The medical research company reported $2.22 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.19 by $0.03. The business had revenue of $2.30 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.27 billion. Quest Diagnostics had a net margin of 8.21% and a return on equity of 15.80%. The companys quarterly revenue was down 7.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $2.36 EPS. On average, research analysts predict that Quest Diagnostics will post 8.71 EPS for the current year.

Several institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of DGX. Comerica Bank bought a new position in Quest Diagnostics during the 2nd quarter valued at about $99,000. Orion Portfolio Solutions LLC lifted its stake in Quest Diagnostics by 153.4% during the 2nd quarter. Orion Portfolio Solutions LLC now owns 21,573 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $3,032,000 after acquiring an additional 13,061 shares during the period. CreativeOne Wealth LLC lifted its stake in Quest Diagnostics by 61.0% during the 2nd quarter. CreativeOne Wealth LLC now owns 14,909 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $2,095,000 after acquiring an additional 5,649 shares during the period. National Pension Service lifted its stake in Quest Diagnostics by 5.3% during the 2nd quarter. National Pension Service now owns 204,093 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $28,806,000 after acquiring an additional 10,203 shares during the period. Finally, Alliancebernstein L.P. lifted its stake in Quest Diagnostics by 10.6% during the 2nd quarter. Alliancebernstein L.P. now owns 791,180 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $111,208,000 after acquiring an additional 75,520 shares during the period. 87.76% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Analyst Ratings Changes

DGX has been the topic of a number of research analyst reports. StockNews.com downgraded shares of Quest Diagnostics from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, November 2nd. Evercore ISI reduced their target price on shares of Quest Diagnostics from $136.00 to $130.00 in a research report on Wednesday, October 11th. Piper Sandler upped their target price on shares of Quest Diagnostics from $130.00 to $140.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, November 6th. Citigroup reduced their target price on shares of Quest Diagnostics from $142.00 to $130.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, October 25th. Finally, Morgan Stanley reaffirmed an equal weight rating and issued a $145.00 target price on shares of Quest Diagnostics in a research report on Thursday, August 3rd. Nine investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and one has assigned 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 $145.80.

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Quest Diagnostics Company Profile

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Quest Diagnostics Incorporated provides diagnostic testing, information, and services in the United States and internationally. The company develops and delivers diagnostic information services, such as routine testing, non-routine and advanced clinical testing, anatomic pathology testing, and other diagnostic information services.

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Archil Talakvadze, the Vice Speaker of the Georgian Parliament, on Tuesday said the European Commission had given Georgia green light on its application to be granted the European Union candidate status, Azernews reports, citing Agenda.

In his comments at a plenary session of the lawmaking body, Talakvadze extended his gratitude to the countrys citizens and civil servants who supported the Government's reforms and the policy for obtaining the status.

Talakvadze said the policy implemented by the ruling Georgian Dream party had brought back the European perspective and resulted in the countrys substantial progress in fundamental directions.

He said the directions included peace and security, while the Government's number one objective remained restoration of the countrys territorial integrity and de-occupation, strengthening of democracy and protection of human rights.

He also named a stronger and larger economy and substantial progress in European integration, as well as the Association Agreement signed with the EU in 2014, the free trade agreement and visa-free travel agreed with the bloc, the European perspective received by the country last year and the Commissions recommendation for the European Council to grant the state the candidate status next month.

Talakvadze said the results confirmed the Government had adopted the correct policy and claimed the country was developing in the right direction and was more European, freer, stronger and more successful than 10 years ago.
The United States has sanctioned Ekaterina Zhdanova, a Russian national, for her role in laundering hundreds of millions of dollars using virtual currency on behalf of sanctioned Russian elites. Zhdanova has also provided a range of virtual, cash-based, tax residency and other services to Russian clients seeking to launder funds or obscure the sources of their wealth.

The sanctioning of Zhdanova highlights the consequences of supporting corrupt Kremlin proxies, underscores the United Statess efforts to address the abuse of virtual currency to launder illicit funds, and exposes an illicit actors money laundering activities.

Through key facilitators like Zhdanova, Russian elites, ransomware groups, and other illicit actors sought to evade U.S. and international sanctions, particularly through the abuse of virtual currency, said Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian Nelson. We remain focused on safeguarding the U.S. and international financial system against those who seek to exploit this technology, among other illicit finance risks in the virtual assets ecosystem.

In response to Russias illegal invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the Office of Foreign Assets Control has imposed economic sanctions on the Russian financial system. In March 2022, Zhdanova assisted a Russian client in obfuscating their source of wealth in order to transfer over $2.3 million into Western Europe through a fraudulently opened investment account and real estate purchases. This type of illicit financial activity can be used to evade U.S. and international sanctions that impose costs on Russia and deny the access of sanctioned Russian individuals and entities to the international financial system.

Zhdanova conducts virtual currency exchange transfers on behalf of oligarchs who have relocated internationally. In one instance, a Russian oligarch sought out Zhdanova to move over $100 million in wealth on their behalf to the United Arab Emirates.

Zhdanova also provided services to individuals connected with the Russian Ryuk ransomware group. In 2021, Zhdanova laundered over $2.3 million of suspected victim payments on behalf of a Ryuk ransomware affiliate.

The United States is committed to safeguarding the integrity of its financial system. We will continue to use all available tools, said State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller in a statement, to target Russia-based cybercrime and counter the threat posed by ransomware in coordination with national and international partners.
Kansai Paint Co., Ltd. (OTCMKTS:KSANF  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large increase in short interest in October. As of October 31st, there was short interest totalling 171,300 shares, an increase of 124.8% from the October 15th total of 76,200 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 0 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently  days.

Kansai Paint Stock Performance

Shares of OTCMKTS KSANF remained flat at $16.84 during trading hours on Monday. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $16.84 and its 200-day simple moving average is $15.97. Kansai Paint has a 52 week low of $12.42 and a 52 week high of $16.84.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of research analysts have issued reports on KSANF shares. Nomura lowered shares of Kansai Paint from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, August 17th. The Goldman Sachs Group upgraded shares of Kansai Paint from a sell rating to a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, July 20th.

About Kansai Paint

(Get Free Report)

Kansai Paint Co, Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells paints and coatings in Japan, India, Asia, Africa, Europe, and internationally. The company offers decorative coatings for protecting exterior and interior of buildings; protective coatings; automotive refinish coatings; automotive coatings; and industrial coatings that are used in construction machinery, industrial vehicles, steel furniture, external building materials, electronics, and internal coatings and external designs of beverage cans.

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Spanish Mountain Gold Ltd. (CVE:SPA  Get Free Report)s stock price reached a new 52-week low on Tuesday . The stock traded as low as C$0.11 and last traded at C$0.13, with a volume of 341085 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at C$0.14.

Spanish Mountain Gold Stock Down 10.7 %

The company has a current ratio of 13.85, a quick ratio of 3.03 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37. The company has a market capitalization of C$46.62 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -70.00 and a beta of 1.93. The firms fifty day simple moving average is C$0.16 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is C$0.18.

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Insider Buying and Selling at Spanish Mountain Gold

In related news, Director Lembit Janes purchased 688,000 shares of Spanish Mountain Gold stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 17th. The shares were acquired at an average cost of C$0.18 per share, with a total value of C$123,840.00. 31.16% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

About Spanish Mountain Gold

Spanish Mountain Gold Ltd., an exploration stage resource company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties in Canada. It holds a 100% interest in the Spanish Mountain gold project, which comprises approximately 50 contiguous mineral claims and 13 placer claims covering an area of approximately 10,414 hectares located in the Cariboo region of central British Columbia.

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SSAB AB (publ) (OTCMKTS:SSAAY  Get Free Report) saw a significant increase in short interest in October. As of October 31st, there was short interest totalling 2,900 shares, an increase of 61.1% from the October 15th total of 1,800 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 600 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 4.8 days.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Separately, Barclays upgraded SSAB AB (publ) from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 10th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $65.67.

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SSAB AB (publ) Trading Down 0.3 %

Shares of SSAAY stock traded down $0.01 during trading hours on Monday, reaching $3.22. 172 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,793. SSAB AB has a 12-month low of $2.51 and a 12-month high of $3.97. The company has a current ratio of 2.47, a quick ratio of 1.32 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.10. The companys 50-day moving average price is $2.78 and its 200-day moving average price is $3.11. The firm has a market capitalization of $6.63 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -3.79 and a beta of 1.25.

SSAB AB (publ) (OTCMKTS:SSAAY  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 25th. The basic materials company reported $0.16 EPS for the quarter. SSAB AB (publ) had a negative net margin of 15.07% and a positive return on equity of 20.53%. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that SSAB AB will post 0.59 earnings per share for the current year.

SSAB AB (publ) Company Profile

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SSAB AB (publ) produces and sells steel products in Sweden, Finland, Rest of Europe, the United States, and internationally. It operates through five segments: SSAB Special Steels, SSAB Europe, SSAB Americas, Tibnor, and Ruukki Construction. The SSAB Special Steels segment offers quenched and tempered steels, and advanced high-strength steel products.

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Tennessee Valley Authority PARRS A 2029 (NYSE:TVE  Get Free Report) saw a significant decrease in short interest in the month of October. As of October 31st, there was short interest totalling 2,500 shares, a decrease of 51.0% from the October 15th total of 5,100 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 27,300 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.1 days.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Separately, Royal Bank of Canada increased their target price on shares of Tennessee Valley Authority PARRS A 2029 from $5.00 to $5.50 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, October 23rd.

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Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Tennessee Valley Authority PARRS A 2029 Stock Down 0.3 %

An institutional investor recently bought a new position in Tennessee Valley Authority PARRS A 2029 stock. Iat Reinsurance Co. LTD. acquired a new stake in Tennessee Valley Authority PARRS A 2029 ( NYSE:TVE Free Report ) during the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm acquired 30,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $633,000.

NYSE TVE traded down $0.07 on Monday, hitting $21.10. 15,730 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 17,569. Tennessee Valley Authority PARRS A 2029 has a 12 month low of $20.61 and a 12 month high of $22.33. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $21.12 and a 200-day moving average of $21.35.

Tennessee Valley Authority PARRS A 2029 Dividend Announcement

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, November 1st. Investors of record on Tuesday, October 31st were paid a dividend of $0.1385 per share. This represents a $0.55 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.63%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, October 30th.

Tennessee Valley Authority PARRS A 2029 Company Profile

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for more than eight decades, the tennessee valley authority has provided affordable electricity, environmental stewardship and economic development opportunities to the tennessee valley. tva was established by congress in 1933 to address a wide range of environmental, economic and technological issues, including the need for low-cost electricity, and navigation and flood control along the tennessee river system.

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TransDigm Group (NYSE:TDG  Get Free Report) was upgraded by investment analysts at StockNews.com from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note issued to investors on Monday.

Several other equities analysts have also weighed in on TDG. UBS Group assumed coverage on shares of TransDigm Group in a report on Tuesday, October 10th. They issued a neutral rating and a $950.00 target price on the stock. Barclays boosted their target price on shares of TransDigm Group from $930.00 to $1,040.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Monday, August 14th. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their target price on shares of TransDigm Group from $840.00 to $910.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Tuesday, August 15th. Bank of America boosted their target price on shares of TransDigm Group from $980.00 to $1,000.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, August 15th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada boosted their target price on shares of TransDigm Group from $975.00 to $1,150.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Friday. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, TransDigm Group presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $997.54.

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TransDigm Group Stock Performance

Shares of TDG stock traded up $0.51 on Monday, reaching $993.01. 308,840 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 274,283. The company has a market cap of $54.92 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 45.10, a P/E/G ratio of 1.35 and a beta of 1.38. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $859.85 and a 200 day moving average price of $849.81. TransDigm Group has a 1 year low of $598.00 and a 1 year high of $996.25.

TransDigm Group (NYSE:TDG  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 9th. The aerospace company reported $8.03 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $7.10 by $0.93. TransDigm Group had a net margin of 19.70% and a negative return on equity of 52.68%. The company had revenue of $1.85 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.84 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $4.74 EPS. TransDigm Groups revenue was up 22.6% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that TransDigm Group will post 28.71 earnings per share for the current year.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other TransDigm Group news, COO Joel Reiss sold 3,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, October 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $862.38, for a total value of $2,587,140.00. Following the sale, the chief operating officer now directly owns 3,600 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,104,568. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In related news, Director Robert J. Small sold 2,967 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, September 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $880.47, for a total value of $2,612,354.49. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 191,171 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $168,320,330.37. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, COO Joel Reiss sold 3,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, October 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $862.38, for a total transaction of $2,587,140.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief operating officer now directly owns 3,600 shares in the company, valued at $3,104,568. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 38,442 shares of company stock worth $33,770,866 in the last ninety days. 7.18% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Trading of TransDigm Group

Large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. West Tower Group LLC acquired a new stake in shares of TransDigm Group in the 2nd quarter worth $29,000. Cullen Frost Bankers Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of TransDigm Group in the 1st quarter worth $28,000. International Assets Investment Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of TransDigm Group in the 3rd quarter worth $36,000. Optiver Holding B.V. acquired a new stake in shares of TransDigm Group in the 3rd quarter worth $35,000. Finally, Valley National Advisers Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of TransDigm Group in the 2nd quarter worth $42,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 95.78% of the companys stock.

TransDigm Group Company Profile

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TransDigm Group Incorporated designs, produces, and supplies aircraft components in the United States and internationally. Its Power & Control segment offers mechanical/electro-mechanical actuators and controls, ignition systems and engine technology, specialized pumps and valves, power conditioning devices, specialized AC/DC electric motors and generators, batteries and chargers, databus and power controls, sensor products, switches and relay panels, hoists, winches and lifting devices, and cargo loading and handling systems.

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Watsco Inc (NYSE:WSO.B  Get Free Report)s stock price reached a new 52-week high during trading on Tuesday . The company traded as high as $390.15 and last traded at $390.15, with a volume of 19 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $375.00.

Watsco Stock Performance

The stocks 50 day moving average price is $370.12 and its 200 day moving average price is $360.85. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.04, a quick ratio of 1.33 and a current ratio of 3.08. The company has a market capitalization of $15.37 billion, a P/E ratio of 24.75 and a beta of 0.67.

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Watsco (NYSE:WSO.B  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, October 19th. The construction company reported $4.35 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $4.24 by $0.11. The business had revenue of $2.13 billion for the quarter. Watsco had a net margin of 8.14% and a return on equity of 22.66%.

Watsco Dividend Announcement

Watsco Company Profile

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, October 31st. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, October 17th were given a $2.45 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, October 16th. This represents a $9.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.51%. Watscos dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 64.69%.

(Get Free Report)

Watsco, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, distributes air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration equipment; and related parts and supplies in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. It offers residential ducted and ductless air conditioners; gas, electric, and oil furnaces; commercial air conditioning and heating equipment systems; and other specialized equipment.

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Xerox (NYSE:XRX  Get Free Report) was upgraded by StockNews.com from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report issued to clients and investors on Monday.

A number of other research analysts have also commented on the stock. Morgan Stanley reduced their price target on shares of Xerox from $13.00 to $12.00 and set an underweight rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, October 25th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their price target on shares of Xerox from $16.00 to $15.00 and set an underweight rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, October 25th.

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Xerox Stock Performance

Xerox stock traded down $0.13 during mid-day trading on Monday, reaching $13.23. The companys stock had a trading volume of 1,226,155 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,649,088. Xerox has a 12-month low of $12.06 and a 12-month high of $18.00. The company has a market capitalization of $1.63 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.72 and a beta of 1.73. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.98, a quick ratio of 0.87 and a current ratio of 1.12. The firms fifty day moving average price is $14.76 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $15.00.

Xerox (NYSE:XRX  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 24th. The information technology services provider reported $0.46 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.35 by $0.11. The business had revenue of $1.65 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.73 billion. Xerox had a net margin of 2.55% and a return on equity of 11.59%. Xeroxs revenue was down 5.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $0.19 EPS. Sell-side analysts predict that Xerox will post 1.84 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, EVP Suzan Morno-Wade sold 9,126 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, September 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $16.75, for a total transaction 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 $775,910.25. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In other news, EVP Suzan Morno-Wade sold 9,126 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, September 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $16.75, for a total transaction 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 $775,910.25. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, major shareholder Carl C. Icahn sold 34,245,314 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, September 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $15.84, for a total transaction of $542,445,773.76. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.38% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Xerox

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Hexagon Capital Partners LLC boosted its stake in Xerox by 87.2% in the 3rd quarter. Hexagon Capital Partners LLC now owns 1,627 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $26,000 after purchasing an additional 758 shares in the last quarter. Quarry LP purchased a new stake in shares of Xerox during the 1st quarter valued at about $29,000. National Bank of Canada FI grew its stake in shares of Xerox by 133.8% in the second quarter. National Bank of Canada FI now owns 3,872 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $58,000 after acquiring an additional 2,216 shares during the period. Acadian Asset Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Xerox during the second quarter valued at approximately $75,000. Finally, US Bancorp DE boosted its holdings in Xerox by 68.1% in the second quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 5,360 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $80,000 after purchasing an additional 2,171 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 83.53% of the companys stock.

About Xerox

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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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The UAE, which has the presidency for COP28, and the International Energy Agency on Friday highlighted a set of "decarbonisation initiatives" that can set the world on a path to an energy system consistent with keeping 1.5C degrees within reach. The initiatives were part of the summary  published by COP28 President Sultan Al Jaber and International Energy Agency (IEA) Executive Director Fatih Birol  of the series of high-level dialogues they have co-chaired in the run-up to the United Nations 'Conference of the Parties' on Climate, known as COP28. The summary provides a call to action on accelerating the energy transition and keeping 1.5C in reach. Ministers, decision makers and chief executive officers (CEOs) from over 40 countries and 20 organisations have participated in the dialogues, discussing key elements of the energy transition including renewables, energy efficiency, financing, fossil fuel demand and supply, and decarbonisation. Through these high-level dialogues, we have defined critical gaps and crucial opportunities in climate action to build the most comprehensive set of decarbonisation initiatives ever, Jaber said. The summary of the dialogues sets the tone for countries to decide an ambitious response to the Global Stocktake, setting us on a path to an energy system consistent with keeping 1.5C degrees within reach, he added. The fifth and final session of the COP28 and IEA high-level dialogues will be held at the World Climate Action Summit (WCAS), which starts Friday, as part of COP28 taking place in Dubai. The dialogue will bring together Heads of State, leaders of government and international organisations to share ambitions for a 1.5C-aligned energy transition. Attendees will also exchange perspectives on the critical components and global priority actions to enable this pathway and discuss practical actions. The dialogues show that there is recognition that concrete, collective action is required from all countries and industries to deliver a clean energy transition whilst ensuring energy security and energy access fundamental for growth, particularly in developing countries, according to the summary. Participants in the dialogues have broadly converged around the target of tripling global installed renewable energy capacity to 11,000 GW by 2030 and doubling annual energy efficiency improvements in the same timeframe. In parallel, fossil fuel demand and supply must phase-down this decade to keep 1.5C within reach, as outlined in the summary, which calls on the fossil fuel industry to decarbonise existing operations whilst increasing investment in renewable and low-carbon alternatives and to set and deliver on ambitious target to cut methane emissions by 2030. There was a strong consensus that climate finance and clean investment will need to be significantly scaled up, with the IEA estimating USD 4.5 trillion will be needed annually by the early 2030s, the summary states. Governments, alongside public and private financial institutions, must deliver assistance to de-risk investments and reduce the cost of capital. With around 760 million people around the world lacking access to electricity, and 2.3 billion lacking access to modern cooking facilities, participants in the dialogues have also stressed the importance of making the energy transition just and orderly, according to the summary. Developed economies should move faster and support developing economies, it stated. Jaber said by redefining the relationship between the government, the biggest energy producers and heavy industry, "we can align the supply and demand side of the equation to build the energy system of the future, while decarbonising the system we have today". "This has been one of the key priorities of my Presidency, and the dialogues have played a crucial role in building consensus on how best to keep 1.5C within reach," he said.
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Hawaiian Electric President and CEO Shelee Kimura issued this statement today (Nov 8): After three months, the devastation and pain on Maui and acr. . .
Ali Sabieh station is a little oasis for travellers deep within the Djiboutian desert. The stations little waiting room is teal with blue seats and a few plants on the windowsill, with customers dozing in the cool shade as they wait for the train.

The small station is located on the 752-km Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway, a flagship project under the Belt and Road Initiative, connecting landlocked Ethiopia and coastal Djibouti. It is the first electrified trans-boundary railway in Africa.

Ali Sabieh station is a little oasis for travellers deep within the Djiboutian desert. Photo by Chi Zao.

Fatouma Houssein Daher, a Djiboutian girl who frequently takes the train to Ethiopia, expressed her appreciation for the railway, saying that it represents the friendship between China and Africa.

Taking the train to Ethiopia is a low-cost and comfortable option. It's lovely that the Chinese have helped us create our railway, and I'm proud of it, she said.

Since it was put into operation in January 2018, the railway has seen 1,824 passenger trains pass through carrying nearly 530,900 people and 6,133 cargo trains with about 7,328,500 tonnes of goods. It has also cut the transportation time for goods from more than three days to less than 20 hours and reduced the cost by at least one third, substantially facilitating imports and exports from Ethiopia, a landlocked country in the Horn of Africa.

A railway heading towards prosperity

Located in Addis Ababas outskirts, the Indode cargo station is an important transportation center on the Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway. The station wasn't officially opened until 2018, but in 2016, when Ethiopia was hit by a devastating drought and food shortage, it served as an important freight hub, moving a total of 888,00 tonnes of grains to help feed the starving population.

There are around 200 people working at the station, only five of whom are Chinese. The majority of the top-tier positions have already been delegated to locals.

Ethiopian railway specialist Fasil Tadele has seen the Addis Ababa railway being built firsthand. Photo by Chi Zao.

Ethiopian railway specialist Fasil Tadele, 36, has seen the Addis Ababa railway being built first hand. For more than eleven years, he has worked on the Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway. After working as an engineer supervising the railway's construction, he was promoted to station manager in 2018 upon the opening of the Indode station.

Ethiopia is landlocked; hence its best means of import and export is through Djibouti's port. For Ethiopia's economy to grow, the Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway is essential, said Fasil.

Fasil says that it took three to seven days for cargo to go between Djibouti and Ethiopia before the railway was built. Costs were high and travel was unsafe. With the railroad, the journey now takes just 20 hours, which is not only faster but also safer.

"Over 80% of Ethiopians are farmers, but our country does not produce fertilisers, so we must import them from Djibouti's port. It used to take at least 70 trucks to move 2,590 tons of fertiliser from Djibouti to Ethiopia over three days; today one cargo train can make the trip in just 20 hours, said Fasil.

The railway has made it possible to ship Ethiopian coffee all over the world, and it has also opened up the rest of the world's goods to our people. This is, without a doubt, the railroad to success, he added.

Souleiman Youssouf Ahmed, a railway expert from Djibouti, studied railway technology in China and is now in charge of the Ali Sabieh station alongside 71 Djiboutians and two Chinese staff. Photo by Chi Zao.

Manager of the Ali Sabieh passenger station in Djibouti, 32-year-old Souleiman Youssouf Ahmed, echoed Faisil's sentiments, noting that the railway has greatly improved the safety and convenience of travel between Djibouti and Ethiopia.

According to Souleiman, Djiboutians flock to the Ethiopian city of Dire Dawa throughout the summer to escape the stifling heat. Minibuses were the only option for getting from Dire Dawa to Ali Sabieh prior to the construction of the railway. While only designed to hold ten people, the minibus was frequently crammed with twenty. The minibus shared the road with the freight trucks, and accidents were common.

The train cuts travel time by two hours while also providing passengers with the added bonuses of comfort and security. At its peak in the summer, the train has carried as many as 950 passengers in a single day, said Souleiman.

Making it the "African People's Railway"

Adisu is a successful passenger train driver on the Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway after receiving his schooling in China. Photo by Chi Zao.

So far, the Ethiopia-Djibouti railway has created 55,000 jobs in Ethiopia and Djibouti and provided training opportunities for more than 3,000 professionals, laying a solid foundation for the development of the railway industry in the two countries, according to the Ethiopian government.

The Chinese government has been sending experts to Ethiopia and Djibouti to help train local talent in contemporary railway management while also offering scholarships for local students to study in China. In 2023, local employees account for over 90 percent of the total staff offering passenger and freight services.

Fasil and Souleiman lauded the "railway of the African people" connecting Addis Ababa and Djibouti as an example of the technological know-how transferred to Africa by the Chinese.

I've learned a lot about railway technology and management from the Chinese. Right now, I'm teaching this sort of thing to my people. It's unbelievable that the Chinese are advising us on building our railway, which we now own, said Fasil.

Souleiman, one of the 94 Djiboutians dispatched to China to study railway technologies in 2015, expressed gratitude to China for facilitating the transfer of technology to Africa.

My Chinese friends have always been open and honest with us, and it's clear they hope Africans will be able to run the railroad on their own. There's no denying the sincerity of their assistance; the railway is an iconic representation of the bond between China and Africa, he said.

Adisu Getachew, a 27-year-old passenger train driver on the Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway, studied railway technologies in China for eight months. As a boy, he had always wanted to see a real train like the ones in picture books, and he has now realized that dream by transporting passengers between Ethiopia and Djibouti every week.

The railway has improved not only the economic situation in our countries, but also the communication amongst our citizens. I've noticed an incredible uptick in the number of visitors and businesspeople going back and forth between the two countries in recent years, its incredible, said Adisu.

Since I am now in the position of passenger train driver, I am interested in expanding my knowledge of railway technology, in particular that related to high-speed rail. It is one of my goals to return to China for further education, he added.

Tears, joy, and names that must not be forgotten

Wang Tiantao, like many Chinese railway experts in Africa who have been away from home for years, misses his son and wife terribly. He believes his work in Africa is important, and hopes his African coworkers can learn the skills they'll need to keep the railway running well. Photo by Chi Zao

Many Chinese have spent years away from family and home, toiling in the sweltering heat and facing deadly diseases in Africa in a bid to build the railway for Africans.

Wang Tiantao, age 32, is a Chinese manager at the Indode station and has been away from his family for more than nine years. He was not there to support his wife while she gave birth to their son, and now the one-year-old toddler doesn't even recognise him.

"I videochat with my family on a daily basis. Despite my wife's best efforts, our son still doesn't recognise me as his father. I owe my family too much, and I miss them a lot, he said with tears in his eyes.

Despite the hardships and the overwhelming feelings of homesickness, Wang is convinced that his work in Africa is worthwhile, and hopes that the Africans will be able to acquire the knowledge and skills they need to successfully operate their own railway.

"Although I miss my family very much, it is a great comfort to me that I have made many local friends here in Ethiopia, and that they are really kind to us," said Wang.

After years of working together, Fasil can attest to the fact that the Chinese have a genuine appreciation for Africa and its people.

At first, there could be misunderstandings due to our different backgrounds. While the Chinese are usually hard at work, we Ethiopians enjoy taking it easy. We have been learning punctuality and disciplines from the Chinese, and they have been learning about our language and culture through mutually respectful interactions, said Fasil.

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Export turnover of rattan, bamboo, sedge and carpet reached an estimated 60 million USD in October 2023. (Photo: congthuong.vn)

In September, Vietnams exports of rattan, bamboo, sedge and carpet reached 52.83 million USD, down 17.9% from the previous month but up 6.5% against the same period last year.

In the first 9 months of 2023, exports of the products totaled 538.69 million USD, down 16.3% from the same period last year.

However, this is still a key product in the export group of Vietnamese agricultural products and has great potential.

Accordingly, Vietnam has a large bamboo area of 1.5 million hectares, distributed in all provinces and cities across the country. With rich and diverse bamboo resources with hundreds of species, Vietnam has become one of the largest bamboo and rattan exporting countries in the world along with China and the Philippines.

Among the main export markets for this product group, the US is the largest market, followed by Japan and the UK.

According to statistics, Vietnams rattan, bamboo, sedge and carpet products exports to the EU in September 2023 reached 11.52 million USD. In the first 9 months of 2023, the figure was 136.44 million USD, accounting for 25.3% of the countrys total.

For the US market, in September, exports of the product group were valued at 17.80 million USD, bringing the total value in the first 9 months of 2023 to 203.8 million USD, accounting for 37.8% of the countrys total./.
At the talks (Photo: VNA)

Nghia welcomed Flynn and his entourage to visit Vietnam as the two countries are celebrating the 10th anniversary of Vietnam-US comprehensive partnership which was recently upgraded to a comprehensive strategic partnership for peace, cooperation and sustainable development during the State visit to Vietnam by US President Joe Biden in September.

He said Vietnam wants to enhance its relations with the US based on the respect for each other's independence, sovereignty and political institutions, for the benefit of both countries and for peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world.

Over the past years, the two countries have reaped positive results in their defence cooperation, especially in the settlement of war consequences, United Nations peacekeeping operations, personnel training and military healthcare, and cooperation between armed services, he said.

Speaking highly of USARPAC's role in carrying out bilateral cooperation activities, he suggested that in the coming time, both sides should continue effectively realising signed documents and agreements, with priority given to promoting cooperation in UN peacekeeping operations, improving the effectiveness and quality of training cooperation and deepening medical healthcare collaboration,

He proposed the US prioritise cooperation in addressing the war consequences, including continuing to increase support to Vietnam in dioxin detoxification at Bien Hoa airport, reviewing the results of dioxin detoxification at A Sho airport in A Luoi district of Thua Thien Hue province, and treatment of dioxin-contaminated soil at Phu Cat airport in Binh Dinh province.

Vietnam pledges to create favourable conditions for the most effective search for US servicemen missing in action, the officer said.

On this occasion, Nghia invited Flynn and USARPAC representatives to attend the second Vietnam International Defence Expo scheduled to take place in late 2024.

Flynn, for his part, underlined the importance of Vietnam-US defence ties, especially cooperation with USARPAC and affirmed his commitment to making every effort to bolster the collaboration and achieve the set common targets.

The officer said he will work closely with the US Embassy and the Office of the Defence Attache to continue reinforcing the bilateral ties, and wished that the Vietnamese and US armies would cooperate in more areas such as exchange of delegations, personnel training, and attending events hosted by the two sides./.
David Cameron is seen outside 10 Downing Street in London, Britain, on Nov. 13, 2023. Former British Prime Minister David Cameron was appointed as Britain's new foreign secretary on Monday amid Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's cabinet reshuffle. (Xinhua)

LONDON, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- Former British Prime Minister David Cameron made a shock return to government on Monday as he was appointed foreign secretary in Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's cabinet reshuffle.

Cameron succeeds James Cleverly, who has replaced Suella Braverman as the new home secretary. Braverman came under fire over her immigration policies and her criticism of police actions at recent demonstrations.

The government said Cameron will be appointed to the House of Lords, Parliament's upper chamber.

Cameron led the British government between 2010 and 2016. He resigned after the country voted to leave the European Union (EU) in a referendum.

Cameron said Britain was "facing a daunting set of international challenges."

"While I have been out of front-line politics for the last seven years, I hope that my experience -- as Conservative leader for 11 years and prime minister for six -- will assist me in helping the prime minister to meet these vital challenges," he said in a statement following the appointment.

Professor Iain Begg from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) described Cameron's appointment as "bold, puzzling and sensational."

"It's certainly a surprise that Rishi Sunak should decide to bring back one of his predecessors, David Cameron, as foreign secretary," he said, adding that "This is clearly an attempt to bring in serious experience at top of government."

Downing Street said Jeremy Hunt will keep his role as chancellor of the exchequer.

Monday's reshuffle came months ahead of Britain's next general election, which must be held by January 2025 at the latest.

Begg said Sunak wants to reboot his government "in a way that's going to appeal to the British electorate in view of a general election due in the next year or so, possibly even as soon as May."

David Cameron is seen outside 10 Downing Street in London, Britain, on Nov. 13, 2023. Former British Prime Minister David Cameron was appointed as Britain's new foreign secretary on Monday amid Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's cabinet reshuffle. (Xinhua)

David Cameron walks in 10 Downing Street in London, Britain, on Nov. 13, 2023. Former British Prime Minister David Cameron was appointed as Britain's new foreign secretary on Monday amid Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's cabinet reshuffle. (Simon Dawson/No 10 Downing Street/Handout via Xinhua)

David Cameron (L) speaks with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in 10 Downing Street in London, Britain, on Nov. 13, 2023. Former British Prime Minister David Cameron was appointed as Britain's new foreign secretary on Monday amid Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's cabinet reshuffle. (Simon Dawson/No 10 Downing Street/Handout via Xinhua)

David Cameron walks out 10 Downing Street in London, Britain, on Nov. 13, 2023. Former British Prime Minister David Cameron was appointed as Britain's new foreign secretary on Monday amid Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's cabinet reshuffle. (Simon Walker/No 10 Downing Street/Handout via Xinhua)

Editor: WXL
BEIJING, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- The second international seminar on interfaith exchanges and shared future for humanity was held Thursday in Beijing.

Held by the China Committee on Religion and Peace (CCRP), the seminar gathered representatives of organizations on religion and peace, religious leaders and experts from around the world.

Centering on the building of a community with a shared future for humanity, the attendees shared principles and practices of different countries and regions, as well as different religions, in meeting global challenges.

They agreed that religious leaders have a responsibility to play an active role in promoting understanding, resolving conflicts and advancing social stability and harmony, so as to promote global peace and development.

"The initiative of a community with a shared future for humanity is consistent with fine traditional Chinese culture in many ways," said Xu Yihua, a member of the CCRP and a professor at Fudan University.

He called on China's religious groups to promote the traditional Chinese wisdom of modesty, tolerance, integration and co-existence on the international stage, and make their own contributions to the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.

The first seminar of this kind was held in December 2019.

Editor: WJH
Fight against 'shadow' grain yielding results, will allow farmers to take advantage of preferential lending - deputy agrarian minister

The Ukrainian government has taken many measures to solve the problem of shadow grain, which is already bringing the desired results and will allow farmers to use preferential financial opportunities to run their business, said First Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food Taras Vysotsky.

We receive many requests from farmers regarding shadow grain and the motivation for selling (the grown crop). I think everyone has already felt that a lot is being done to prevent this from happening. Fortunately, many such sellers have already left the market," he said at the Cooperation 360 farmers' meeting in Kyiv.

The deputy minister emphasized that the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food hopes that there will be fewer requests from farmers who want to sell legally grown crops, but have no one else, thanks to the launch of a list of verified agricultural exporters.

Vysotsky refused to name the companies that had left the market that were engaged in buying grains and oilseeds for cash, adding that everyone has already heard that they are not on the market.

According to the deputy minister, the fight against shadow grain is one of the measures to return the market to the legal level.

This also means that farmers have more opportunities to sell officially and at a better price, Vysotsky said.

The deputy minister noted that legal trade in the agricultural sector has now become very important, since only legally working farmers can take part in the state lending program 5-7-9, for which UAH 18 billion are included in the 2024 state budget.

The fight against shadow grain circulation and lost earnings by farmers should help more enterprises receive preferential loans, Vysotsky concluded.
Erin Reilly, part of the Save The Kiwi group pushing for our national bird to win, is one of the NZers peeved at the talk show host. She told Newshub Oliver doesnt even like NZ since he always makes us the butt of his jokes and this current bird campaign is another example.
NPC Ukrenergo and Swedish Ingrid Capacity signed a memorandum of understanding providing for the joint development of energy storage technologies in Ukraine.

"I signed a memorandum of understanding with Ibrahim Baylan, a member of the board of the Swedish company Ingrid Capacity. This company specializes in the development of energy storage systems in northern Europe and is interested now, even before our victory, in developing such technologies in the Ukrainian energy system," head of Ukrenergo Volodymyr Kudrytsky wrote on Facebook on Tuesday after signing a memorandum during the Rebuild Ukraine conference in Warsaw.

According to him, Ukrenergo, for its part, is ready to contribute as much as possible to this process by providing the necessary information and helping to integrate energy storage into the Ukrainian energy system.

"Our modeling shows that 0.8 GW of energy storage systems are needed over the next few years to further grow and balance the green energy system," the CEO said.

As Kudrytsky explained, Ukrenergo has now fully repaid the debt for auxiliary services, which are one of the main sources of income for the creation of energy storage.

"And now we are negotiating with the regulator (the National Energy and Utilities Regulatory Commission) regarding auctions for long-term (3-5 years) contracts for ancillary services, so that the investor can attract credit capital for such contracts," he noted.

As Minister of Energy of Ukraine Herman Haluschenko, in whose presence the memorandum was signed, commented, it is important to start such partnership projects today, without waiting for the Ukrainian victory in the war.

"Thank you to the Swedish partners for their support of the Ukrainian energy sector and this example of cooperation. In particular, for their assistance in restoring and strengthening the grid according to the highest international standards and the latest technologies," the ministry's press service quotes him as saying in a release.

According to the Minister of International Cooperation and Foreign Trade of Sweden, Johan Forssell, who was also present at the signing of the memorandum, and quoted by the press service of the Ministry of Energy, today cooperation begins between Swedish energy companies and Ukrainian partners, which has extraordinary prospects for expansion.
A warning sign for a natural gas pipeline is seen as natural gas flares at an oil pump site outside of Williston, North Dakota March 11, 2013.
Rosatom forced to allow about 800 workers who refused to sign contracts with it to work at Zaporizhia NPP  Energoatom

At the Zaporizhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), occupied by Russian aggressors, there are about 800 workers left who have not signed contracts with Rosatom, President of Energoatom Petro Kotin said.

"There are approximately 800 people of our Ukrainian personnel, patriots who do not sign these shameful contracts with the Russians. In fact, these 800 people are the most qualified personnel, whose services the Russians cannot refuse. It is on them that nuclear and radiation safety at the Zaporizhia NPP now rests," he said on the air of the national telethon on Tuesday.

At the same time, he noted that the number of signed contracts from among the Ukrainian personnel of Zaporizhia NPP remains at the level of 3,000.

According to him, there are not enough workers at the plant, Ukrainian personnel are under pressure from the occupiers, and "Russian personnel are not very willing to listen to Rosatom in order to go to Zaporizhia NPP."

"People are recruited to the plant who do not have the level of responsibility and professionalism necessary to work at such a facility," Kotin emphasized.

Describing the overall situation at the Zaporizhia NPP, the head of Energoatom indicated that it is connected to the Ukrainian energy system, consumes about 100 MW from it, but only two power transmission lines are in operating condition.

"This is also a cause for concern, because if these lines are damaged, the plant will go into blackout mode, of which there have already been seven. The situation at the plant is worsening in all directions," the top manager concluded.
The U.S. Department of Labor office in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 30, 2020.
Former Philippine Sen. Leila de Lima walks out of the Muntinlupa Hall of Justice after being granted bail following six years in detention, in Muntinlupa, Metro Manila the Philippines, Nov. 13, 2023.
Batelco, a part of the Beyon Group, has signed an agreement with Naseej, one of the kingdoms leading real estate development companies, to provide smart home solutions for its Nasayim residential project located in Arad, Muharraq.

Through this partnership, Batelco will equip the Nasayim villas with the latest technologies, creating smart-enabled homes that will provide homeowners with convenience, efficiency in power consumption, security systems and personalized settings, said the company in a statement.

The agreement was signed by Naseej CEO Amin Al Arrayed and Batelco Chief Operating Officer Maitham Abdulla at the Cityscape Bahrain in the presence of representatives from both companies.

For the event, Naseej has partnered with Batelco to set up an experience zone at its pavilion aimed at providing potential buyers with the opportunity to have a real-life simulation and test the features of its 'Nasayim Arad' homes.

On the deal, Al Arrayed, said: "We are pleased to announce our collaboration with Batelco, appointing them as our Technology Partner for the Nasayim villa project. We look forward to leveraging Batelcos ICT expertise in enabling these homes as smart homes for the affordable sector."

"We are confident that these smart enabled homes will provide high value to their owners for many years to come without incurring the hassle of modifying or redesigning them in the years ahead, paving the way for a more prosperous future in the housing sector in the Kingdom of Bahrain," he stated.

"With our strategic tie-up, we aim to deliver the highest standards of quality in our product offering, thereby serving clients with enhanced value and distinguishing Naseejs projects in the market." he added.

Abdulla said Naseej has proven, through its portfolio of projects, its capabilities in the field of real estate development and it was delighted to be collaborating with them as the technology partner for their project.

"Everyone today dreams about owning homes that are smart enabled and Batelco is committed to delivering the technology that will meet the aspirations and needs of Bahraini homeowners," he stated.

"The project combines real estate and innovative technological solutions, and we are looking forward to working with Naseej, unifying our efforts to deliver smart enabled villas in line with the demands for a modern-day lifestyle," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
The state-owned Ukrgasbank (Kyiv) is launching lending to the agricultural sector for clearing fields within the framework of the government program Available loans 5-7-9%, the bank's press service has reported.

"Clearing land from mines is important for the safety of Ukrainians, for the restoration of the agricultural sector and ecosystems, which are suffering greatly due to hostilities. Therefore, we are offering a loan program for clearing fields," acting Deputy Board Chairman of Ukrgasbank Rodion Morozov said.

According to the report, thanks to the bank's credit support, farmers will be able to use the services of certified mine action operators and resume growing crops.
MEXICO CITY (AP)  The first openly nonbinary person to assume a judicial position in Mexico was found dead in their home Monday in the central Mexican city of Aguascalientes after receiving death threats because of their gender identity, authorities said.

The Aguascalientes state prosecutors office confirmed that Jesus Ociel Baena was found dead Monday morning next to another person, who local media and LGBTQ+ rights groups identified as their partner.

State prosecutor Jesus Figueroa Ortega said in a news conference that the victims displayed injuries apparently caused by a knife or some other sharp object.

There are no signs or indications to be able to determine that a third person other than the dead was at the site of the crime, he said.

Mexico Security Secretary Rosa Icela Rodriguez said in a press briefing that authorities were investigating the death and it remained unclear if it was a homicide or an accident. Some murder investigations in Mexico have a history of being quickly minimized by authorities as crimes of passion.

Alejandro Brito, director of the LGBTQ+ rights group Letra S, said that Baenas visibility on social media made them a target and urged authorities to take that context into consideration in their investigation.

They were a person who received many hate messages, and even threats of violence and death, and you cant ignore that in these investigations, Brito said. They, the magistrate, was breaking through the invisible barriers that closed in the nonbinary community.

Baena was among the most visible LGBTQ+ figures in a country where queer communities are often violently targeted, and had already received death threats.

Baena, an openly nonbinary person, made history in October 2022 when they assumed the role as magistrate for the Aguascalientes state electoral court. They were believed to be the first in Latin America to assume a judicial position. In June Baena broke through another barrier when they were among a group of people to be issued Mexicos first nonbinary passports.

Baena would regularly publish photos and videos of themselves in skirts, heels and toting a rainbow fan in court offices and advocating on social media platforms with hundreds of thousands of followers.

I am a nonbinary person, I am not interested in being seen as either a woman or a man. This is an identity. It is mine, for me, and nobody else Baena posted on X, formerly Twitter, in June. Accept it.

Just weeks before their death, Baena was presented with a certificate by the electoral court recognizing them with gender neutral pronouns as a maestre, a significant step in Spanish, a language that historically splits the language between two genders, male and female.

While Brito said Mexico has made significant steps in reducing levels of anti-LGBTQ+ violence in recent decades, his group registered a significant uptick in such violence in 2019, documenting at least 117 lesbian, gay and bisexual and transgender people killed in the country. Many were grisly killings, including brutal stabbings and public slayings.

Brito said he worried that the death of Baena could provoke further acts of violence against queer communities.

If this was a crime motivated by prejudice, these kinds of crimes always have the intention of sending a message, Brito said. The message is an intimidation, its to say: This is what could happen to you if you make your identities public.

____

Follow APs coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america

By MEGAN JANETSKY

Associated Press
U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered remarks on the Senate floor.

McConnell was Tuesdays KVML Newsmaker of the Day. Here are his words:

Today, Im reminded of some letters Ive saved in my archives. Theyre letters my father sent home to my mother from his own service in Pattons Army in 1945.

With Nazi Germany on the ropes; with peace within reach, my dad was already seeing firsthand the sorts of threats that would define the next half century of American history. In the parts of his letters that made it past Army censors, he told us how the Russians were going to be a big problem.

Today, America faces threats every bit as grave. Like those of the 1940s, our adversaries today arent being shy about their efforts to win the next half century of competition with America and the West.

As one recent analysis summed it up, Russia, China, and Iran are, working to end the world order that has prevailed for three generations under American leadership.

Under American leadership.

This didnt happen by accident. The Western order of peace and freedom was delivered by the sacrifices of American servicemembers like my father, and preserved by generations of brave men and women in uniform ever since.

Right now, we have an obligation to these servicemembers to our allies and to the American people to behave like the world-leading power we actually are. We have a duty to invest seriously in American strength.

Its time to offer a clear strategy for victory against Russia, and then deliver the resources Ukraine needs to achieve it, right now.

Putin is not deterred. And his imperial ambitions do not end at Ukraines border with the NATO alliance.

If the United States abandons our support for Ukraines resistance, we would risk yet another generation of American forces becoming veterans of war in Europe.

Its time to get serious about deterring Iran  the worlds leading sponsor of terrorism, and the leading sponsor of violence against American servicemembers in Iraq and Syria. I welcome yesterdays strike on an Iranian facility in Syria. But it will probably take more than striking ammunition warehouses to restore the deterrence the Biden Administrations policies have actually squandered.

Its time to redouble our efforts to equip allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific to raise the costs of further aggression from communist China.

And as Ive said repeatedly, its long past time to make commonsense policy changes to address a southern border crisis that has required U.S. servicemembers to help border patrol to maintain order.

These are the tasks before us. And they will not get any easier to address the longer we wait.

The Newsmaker of the Day is heard every weekday morning ay 6:45, 7:45 and 8:45 on AM 1450 and FM 102.7 KVML.
Airstrike kills renowned doctor in Gaza and relatives who sought shelter together View Photo

CAIRO (AP)  It was the call Shaymma Alloh had been dreading, the news from Gaza she hoped would never come: The house where 26 members of her family were sheltering was hit by a missile strike.

Among the four confirmed deaths from the strike late Saturday was her 36-year-old brother, Hammam Alloh, a renowned physician who stayed in northern Gaza to help treat patients at Shifa Hospital, which has been encircled by Israeli troops for days.

He and many of his relatives were staying at his in-laws home near the hospital because they had nowhere else to go. And thats where surviving family members found their bodies. One was disemboweled by the blast, two more buried in rubble, she said.

The dead included Shaymma Allohs father and two in-laws, she told The Associated Press by phone Monday as she pieced together the tragedy from her home in the U.S. She declined to disclose her exact location out of concern about possible repercussions.

Her brother was a well-known kidney specialist at Gazas largest hospital and had conducted several interviews with American news outlet Democracy Now! during the recent fighting between Israel and Hamas. While thousands fled Shifa over the weekend after Israeli troops encircled the facility, Hammam chose to stay behind as did hundreds of patients and displaced people who were seeking safety on the hospitals grounds.

You think I went to medical school and for my postgraduate degrees for a total of 14 years so I think only about my life and not my patients? he said to the outlet, explaining why he didnt flee. It was Oct. 31, his last interview.

The doctors final days and violent death go to the core of battling narratives over how the war is conducted. Israel says it is striking Hamas fighters, while trying to avoid harm to civilians, and alleges that Hamas uses civilians as human shields. But its airstrikes and shelling, in retaliation for Hamas deadly Oct. 7 attack on Israel, have also killed thousands of women and children in Gaza. Palestinians and rights groups accuse Israel of recklessly harming civilians.

Last month, Israel urged all Palestinians to evacuate to the southern part of Gaza as it launched a ground invasion. Israel has since agreed to open daily windows during which civilians can flee northern Gaza along two main roads.

But tens of thousands of people remain in the north. Israel continues to strike what it says are militant targets across the territory, often killing civilians.

According to Shaymma, her entire extended family was staying with her brother at their in-laws house, a 10-minute walk from the hospital, when the airstrike they blamed on Israel hit. They had no relatives or friends in the south who could house them.

She learned of the attack from her Qatar-based sister, who called after hearing that the neighborhood had been hit, she said.

After failing to reach her brother or her father, Mahmoud, she finally got in contact with her mother, Haifa, who was hiding in an adjacent building with female relatives. They were frozen with shock and fearful that another strike could come.

Eventually her mother was convinced to go into the upstairs room of the home to look for male relatives. Thats where she found Hammams body in the rubble, Shaymma said, retelling what she could of her mothers story. With him were two men who were gravely wounded.

Next to her brother was the body of his father-in-law, whose stomach had been torn open. Their father was discovered hours later beneath the remnants of a destroyed concrete wall. Another in-law was also killed, but Shaymma, overwhelmed by grief, was unable to recount the precise circumstances of his death.

Shaymma said she was not able to provide the exact location of her in-laws house as she has never been there. The Israeli army said it is only able to comment on individual strikes if provided with coordinates.

More than 11,000 Palestinians, two-thirds of them women and minors, have been killed since the war began, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not differentiate between civilian and militant deaths. The vast majority have been killed in Israeli airstrikes. The ministry said it was forced to temporarily halt its count Friday because of the difficulty of collecting information.

At least 1,200 people have died on the Israeli side, mostly civilians killed in Hamas Oct. 7 assault. Palestinian militants are holding nearly 240 hostages seized in the raid. The military says more than 40 soldiers have been killed in ground operations in Gaza.

Throughout Sunday, Shaymma tried contacting several aid groups, including the Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders, in an attempt to get medical treatment for the two wounded male relatives. One had a deep neck wound, and both struggled to walk. She said she was told no ambulances could come to the area because it was too dangerous.

Then on Monday morning, the Israeli army made contact. She said a relative received a phone call telling the family to leave the house and head south waving a white flag.

She said her mother was distraught by the idea of leaving loved ones unburied and scared that the family might be targeted on the journey. But her daughter convinced her otherwise.

You have to think about the living, Shaymma said, recounting the conversation. If you take the other choice, you might be bombed.

Her female relatives and the two injured in-laws left the neighborhood Monday, she said, turning their phones off before they left to save battery power.

She made contact with her sister-in-law, Noor, on Monday evening and discovered they had not traveled far. They were at Shifa Hospital.

While passing by the hospital, she said her family had been warned by people sheltering there that the Israeli army was shooting at Palestinians fleeing south. So they decided to stay.

While its not completely safe, she said, I am glad they are OK.

___

Full AP coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war.

By JACK JEFFERY

Associated Press
It is a matter of principle for Ukraine to implement all the recommendations of the European Commission (EC), Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said in a video address on Monday.

"Today, I held a long meeting with diplomats, government officials, and representatives of the Verkhovna Rada to discuss our country's preparations for the European Council's political decision to start negotiations on Ukraine's membership in the European Union. Our steps and our decisions. We are working to get an unconditioned decision to open negotiations. For Ukraine, it is a matter of principle to implement all the recommendations of the European Commission, all seven recommendations, and fulfill everything that is required at this point of our path to the European Union," Zelenskyy said.

According to him, "the success of our country and people  economic, social, and success in building Ukraine's relations with the world  can only be achieved as a common success of the whole of Europe."

"To this end, we are gradually strengthening our institutions and legislation, even during a full-scale war. And I am grateful to everyone who contributes to this, who endorses the relevant decisions, who puts them into action," the president said.
Defense digs into Manuel Ellis drug use at trial of Washington officers accused in mans death

Defense digs into Manuel Ellis drug use at trial of Washington officers accused in mans death View Photo

TACOMA, Wash. (AP)  A lawyer for one of three Washington state police officers charged in the death of Manuel Ellis  a 33-year-old Black man who was punched, shocked with a Taser and then put in a chokehold and held face-down as he pleaded for breath  urged jurors Monday to focus on Ellis drug use and prior arrests.

The opening statement from Casey Arbenz, an attorney representing Tacoma officer Matthew Collins, came seven weeks into the trial, after prosecutors rested their case last Thursday. Collins and Officer Christopher Burbank face second-degree murder and manslaughter charges, while Officer Timothy Rankine is charged with manslaughter in Ellis death in Tacoma on March 3, 2020.

Three witnesses have testified that they saw Collins and Burbank attack Ellis as he walked past their vehicle, and two of them recorded cellphone video of the struggle. But Arbenz highlighted two previous arrests  in 2015 and 2019  when Ellis was under the influence of methamphetamine, suggesting it made him aggressive.

We know how drugs affect Mr. Ellis based on those two incidents, Arbenz said.

Ellis died hogtied and handcuffed, nearly three months before George Floyds death at the hands of police would spark an international outcry against police brutality. It became a touchstone for racial justice demonstrators in the Pacific Northwest that summer.

The trial is the first under a 5-year-old Washington state law designed to make it easier to prosecute police who wrongfully use deadly force.

Ellis repeatedly told officers he could not breathe while they applied pressure as he lay prone on the pavement. The Pierce County medical examiner ruled his death a homicide caused by oxygen deprivation from physical restraint. Lawyers for the officers blame the death on methamphetamine in Ellis system, combined with a heart irregularity.

Prosecutors with the Washington attorney generals office have opposed the efforts of defense attorneys to include testimony about Ellis past arrests, arguing that those cases are not relevant and that Ellis isnt the one on trial.

Arbenz also sought to highlight Collins military background and asked jurors to take into account his 13 years of service to our city and our country  the way hes fought for you. Pierce County Superior Court Judge Bryan Chushcoff admonished the attorney, calling the comment inappropriate.

Rankines attorney, Mark Conrad, called to the stand a former restaurant shift manager who was present on Sept. 21, 2019, when Ellis was arrested for investigation of attempted robbery at a Tacoma fast food restaurant.

Before closing, co-workers informed the shift manager that a shirtless man with camouflage pants and a belt wrapped around his hand entered the store and attempted to take money out of the drawer.

Pierce County Sheriffs Deputy Arron Wolfe, who helped arrest Ellis in 2019, testified that he found Ellis naked and running in and out of the street.

After ordering Ellis to the ground, Wolfe said, he stood with his firearm at the ready. After being compliant for a short time, Ellis then hopped up and ran at me. Wolfe ordered Ellis to the ground again and he complied, but Wolfe said Ellis charged one more time and a Taser was used to subdue him.

Wolfe offered the following description of Ellis demeanor that night: Very wide eyes. Overheating. Breathing heavily. Grunts. Excitable utterances. Sweating profusely. Not listening to commands.

The defense presented the jury with a bystander video of the 2019 arrest that showed Ellis charging deputies before they deployed the Taser.

Pierce County Sheriffs Deputy Gabriel Bol, who used the Taser that night, said Ellis recovered very quick and basically bounced off the ground, forcing the deputy to use the Taser again.

Boll said Ellis told him he had used meth and weed.

After his 2019 arrest, Ellis woke up in a hospital, where a medical technician, Cody Pollock, treated his wounds. Pollock testified that Ellis sat up, postured at me and made a fist at me. Elliss actions, he said, were a step up from the normal aggressiveness he encountered on the job.

Ellis demeanor in the hospital was anxious and fearful but not aggressive, according to nurses notes introduced into evidence. A doctor at the hospital recommended follow-up care in a discharge note in which he urged Ellis  in all caps to stop using meth.

The trial is expected to last another month.

By ED KOMENDA

Associated Press
The Biden administration is slow to act as millions are booted off Medicaid, advocates say

The Biden administration is slow to act as millions are booted off Medicaid, advocates say View Photo

WASHINGTON (AP)  Up to 30 million of the poorest Americans could be purged from the Medicaid program, many the result of error-ridden state reviews that poverty experts say the Biden administration is not doing enough to stop.

The projections from the health consulting firm Avalere come as states undertake a sweeping reevaluation of the 94 million people enrolled in Medicaid, governments health insurance for the neediest Americans. A host of problems have surfaced across the country, including hourslong phone wait times in Florida, confusing government forms in Arkansas, and children wrongly dropped from coverage in Texas.

Those people were destined to fail, said Trevor Hawkins, an attorney for Legal Aid of Arkansas.

Hawkins helped hundreds of people navigate their Medicaid eligibility in Arkansas, as state officials worked to swiftly disenroll about 420,000 people in six months time. He raised problems with Arkansas process  like forms that wrongly told people they needed to reapply for Medicaid, instead of simply renew it  with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Nothing changed, he said.

They ask questions but they dont tell us what is going on, Hawkins said of CMS. Those should be major red flags. If there was a situation where CMS was to step in, it would have been Arkansas.

Nearly a dozen advocates around the country detailed widespread problems theyve encountered while helping some of the estimated 10 million people whove already been dropped from Medicaid. Some fear systemic problems are being ignored.

In a statement Tuesday, the Health and Human Services Department said it is monitoring states like Texas, Florida and Arkansas, which account for a quarter of the countrys Medicaid disenrollments.

These and other states need to do more to protect coverage, HHS said in an email. We have put all states on notice and will not be afraid to take enforcement action.

Congress ended a COVID-19 policy last year that barred states from kicking anyone off Medicaid during the pandemic, requiring them to undertake a review of every enrollees eligibility over the next year. But the Democratic-led Congress also gave HHS Xavier Becerra the power to fine states or halt disenrollments if people were improperly being removed.

HHS has shared little about problems it has uncovered.

Earlier this year, the agency briefly paused disenrollments in 14 states, but it did not disclose which states were paused or for what reasons.

In August, HHS announced thousands of children had been wrongly removed in 29 states that were automatically removing entire households, instead of individuals, from coverage. CMS required the states to reinstate coverage for those who had been terminated under that process, said Daniel Tsai, the director of the CMS Center for Medicaid and Childrens Health Insurance Program Services.

We are using every lever that we have to hold states accountable, Tsai said.

Florida tried twice to remove Lily Mezquita, a 31-year-old working mom in Miami, from Medicaid during her pregnancy this year. She pleaded her case in 17 phone calls  some with wait times stretching as long as two hours  before she was finally reinstated in August from her hospital bed while in preterm labor. Mezquita would explain the states law, which says shes guaranteed coverage through her pregnancy and 12 months after giving birth.

No matter how much I tried to explain, no one was willing to listen, she said. Theyre making errors, and theyre very confident in their errors.

Because her coverage didnt immediately register in the states system, Mezquita paid out-of-pocket for pills doctors prescribed to prevent pre-term labor from arising again, and she missed follow-up appointments to check on her baby girl.

If trends continue, as many as 30 million people could end up being dropped from Medicaid at some point once states finish reviewing their Medicaid rolls, according to Avaleres projections. The numbers dwarf the Biden administrations initial projections that only 15 million people would lose coverage throughout the process.

We have to say its going poorly, Massey Whorley, a principal at Avalere, said of the Medicaid redeterminations. This has been characterized by much higher-than-expected disenrollment.

Most have been removed for procedural reasons, like failing to send back their renewal form or mail in proper paperwork. That points to bigger problems with how the states are determining Medicaid eligibility: Their notices arent reaching people, dont make sense or theyre requiring unnecessary paperwork. Many of the people removed for those reasons may still qualify for Medicaid and might eventually be re-enrolled.

In Arkansas, which has finished its Medicaid redeterminations, public records shared with the AP show more than 70% of people were kicked off Medicaid because the state couldnt reach them or they didnt return their renewal form or provide requested paperwork.

I cant say how many calls Ive gotten from people who just got out of the emergency room and found out they dont have coverage, Hawkins said.

The states Department of Human Services says it tried to reach people with additional calls, emails and texts. It believes the high number of procedural disenrollments were the result of people who no longer qualified for Medicaid not mailing back their renewal forms, spokesman Gavin Lesnick told AP in an email. Lesnick said CMS has never asked Arkansas to pause disenrollments.

Long phone wait times and notices that dont include reasons why people are being kicked off Medicaid have plagued the process in Florida, said Lynn Hearn, an attorney at the Florida Health Justice Project. Hearn helped Mezquita appeal her case to the state. Earlier this year, the nonprofit sued the state over its handling of the process.

Weve seen CMS reluctant to step in on the issues that weve raised, Hearn said. We have seen errors in state processing that indicate more than anomalies  more like systemic issues.

The Florida Department of Children and Families has had an 87% response rate to its renewal forms and call wait times are under five minutes, spokeswoman Mallory McManus said in an email.

Medicaid enrollees in North Carolina, meanwhile, are also having trouble reaching their local office by phone or getting calls returned when they leave a message, said Cassidy Estes-Rogers, the director of family support and healthcare at the Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy. State officials didnt immediately respond to questions about phone troubles.

Estes-Rogers said she meets regularly with local CMS officials about problems.

They just dont come back to us with any information on how that was resolved, and we dont see any immediate effects from it, she said.

Similar problems have arisen in Texas, where website and app outages have meant families dont even get the electronic notices stating their Medicaid coverage was up for renewal, said Graciela Camarena, the child health outreach program director for the Childrens Defense Fund in Texas.

They were visiting the doctors office or the pediatricians office  thats where they found out they were denied, Camarena said.

Camarena said CMS has met with her organization to go over some of the issues and has been pleased with its help. Some Texas lawmakers have asked CMS to investigate issues in the state, where nearly 1 million have lost Medicaid.

CMS has not asked the state to stop the process, Texas Health and Human Services spokeswoman Jennifer Ruffcorn said in an email. The agency is continuously working to improve its app and website, she added.

Local groups have also been funneling up problems to national groups that CMS meets with weekly, Tsai said. In some cases, issues raised to the agency dont violate federal regulations.

However, Tsai said, You look at whats happening and you say, how is this a good, consumer friendly-process?

CMS has tried to play nice with states on Medicaid, hoping they can help improve the enrollment process for many years to come said Jennifer Wagner, the director of Medicaid eligibility and enrollment for the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. The organization has been working with local groups to notify CMS of problems.

There is a question, in some states, if its time to shift toward enforcement, she said.

___

Hunter reported from Atlanta.

___

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

By AMANDA SEITZ and KENYA HUNTER

Associated Press
Illegal border crossings into the US drop in October after a 3-month streak of increases

Illegal border crossings into the US drop in October after a 3-month streak of increases View Photo

WASHINGTON (AP)  Illegal border crossings from Mexico fell 14% in October from a month earlier, U.S. authorities said Tuesday, ending a three-month streak of big increases.

U.S. officials highlighted the resumption of deportation flights to Venezuela on Oct. 18, shortly after Venezuelans replaced Mexicans as the largest nationality appearing at the border. Arrests of Venezuelans plummeted 45% to 29,637 from 54,833, still second only to Mexicans. Arrests of Venezuelans fell even more, by 74%, in the second half of October from the same period of September.

Arrests for illegal crossings totaled 188,778 for all nationalities in October, down from 218,763 in September, which was the second-highest month on record. Arrests had more than doubled over the previous three months as migrants and smugglers adjusted to new asylum regulations introduced in May.

Arrests of Chinese rose slightly to 4,247, with 99% of them in the San Diego area, as more fly to Ecuador and make their way to the U.S. border amid a faltering economy at home.

We continue to enhance our border security posture and remain vigilant, said Troy Miller, the acting CBP commissioner, who urged Congress to approve President Joe Bidens supplemental budget request for $13.6 billion in border-related spending.

While crossings remain unusually high, the monthly decline is a rare piece of welcome news for a White House that has been criticized on the right and left flanks for its immigration policies. Panama has yet to release October figures for crossings through the notorious Darien jungle, which totaled more than 400,000 during the first nine months of the year, largely Venezuelans.

Biden, a Democrat, has adopted an approach at the border that combines new legal pathways to enter the country with more restrictions on asylum for those who cross the border illegally. Including those legal pathways, migrants crossed the border 240,988 times in October, down 11% from 269,735 in September.

More than 44,000 people entered from Mexico with appointments on the CBP One mobile app, bringing the total number of scheduled appointments on the app to 324,000 since it was introduced in January. Additionally, nearly 270,000 migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela have entered the country by applying online with a financial sponsor and arriving at an airport.
Michigan judge says Trump can stay on primary ballot, rejecting challenge under insurrection clause View Photo

DETROIT (AP)  A Michigan judge ruled Tuesday that former President Donald Trump will remain on the states primary ballot, dealing a blow to the effort to stop Trumps candidacy with a Civil War-era Constitutional clause.

It marks the second time in a week that a state court declined to remove Trump from a primary ballot under the insurrection provision of the 14th Amendment.

In Michigan, Court of Claims Judge James Redford rejected arguments that Trumps role in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol meant the court had to declare him ineligible for the presidency. Redford wrote that, because Trump followed state law in qualifying for the primary ballot, he cannot remove the former president.

Additionally, he said it should be up to Congress to decide whether Trump is disqualified under the section of the U.S. Constitution that bars from office a person who engaged in insurrection.

Redford said deciding whether an event constituted a rebellion or insurrection and whether or not someone participated in it are questions best left to Congress and not one single judicial officer. A judge, he wrote, cannot in any manner or form possibly embody the represented qualities of every citizen of the nation  as does the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Free Speech For People, a liberal group that has brought 14th Amendment cases in a number of states, said it will immediately appeal the ruling to the Michigan Court of Appeals, but also asked the state supreme court to step in and take the case on an expedited basis.

We are disappointed by the trial courts decision, and were appealing it immediately, said Ron Fein, Legal Director of Free Speech For People.

In a statement, Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung rattled off other losses in the long-shot effort to bar Trump from the ballot.

Each and every one of these ridiculous cases have LOST because they are all un-Constitutional left-wing fantasies orchestrated by monied allies of the Biden campaign seeking to turn the election over to the courts and deny the American people the right to choose their next president, Cheung said.

Left-learning groups have filed similar lawsuits in other states seeking to bar Trump from the ballot, portraying him as inciting the Jan. 6 attack, which was intended to stop Congress from certifying Joe Bidens 2020 presidential election win.

The two-sentence clause in the 14th Amendment has been used only a handful of times since the years after the Civil War. Its likely that one of the active cases eventually will be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, which has never ruled on the insurrection clause.

Last week, the Minnesota Supreme Court sidestepped the issue by ruling that Trump could stay on that states primary ballot because the election is a party-run contest during which constitutional eligibility isnt an issue. It left the door open to another lawsuit to keep Trump off the states general election ballot.

A Colorado judge is expected to rule on a similar lawsuit there by Friday. Closing arguments in that case are scheduled for Wednesday.

___

Riccardi reported from Denver.

By COREY WILLIAMS and NICHOLAS RICCARDI

Associated Press
Ex-fundraiser for George Santos pleads guilty to posing as congressional aide to raise campaign cash View Photo

A former fundraiser for U.S. Rep. George Santos pleaded guilty Tuesday to a federal wire fraud charge, admitting he impersonated a high-ranking congressional aide while raising campaign cash for the embattled New York Republican.

Sam Miele was caught soliciting donations in late 2021 under the alias Dan Meyer, who was then chief of staff for Rep. Kevin McCarthy, when the former House speaker was the Republican minority leader, according to Santos. Federal authorities still have not confirmed that Meyer was the aide who Miele impersonated.

Miele, 27, who had been indicted on four wire fraud charges and one count of aggravated identity theft, is scheduled to be sentenced April 30. He faces more than two years in prison, according to estimated sentencing guidelines, a spokesperson for the U.S. attorneys office said.

He also acknowledged he committed access device fraud by charging credit cards without authorization to send money to the campaigns of Santos and other political candidates, and for his own personal use, prosecutors said. That fraud totaled about $100,000, they said.

The defendant used fraud and deceit to steal more than $100,000 from his victims, funneling this money into the campaign committees of candidates for the House, and into his own pockets, Breon Peace, U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of New York, said in a statement. Defrauding potential political contributors undermines our democracy, and we will vigorously prosecute such conduct.

Mieles lawyer, Kevin Marino, said in a statement after the plea that Sam Miele is an intelligent young man with a bright future who made an unfortunate mistake. He has taken full responsibility for his actions and looks forward to putting this episode behind him and getting on with his life.

Marino did not respond to other questions about the plea, including whether Miele would testify against Santos.

Miele also agreed to pay about $109,000 in restitution, to forfeit another $69,000 and to make a $470,000 payment to a campaign contributor, prosecutors said.

Miele is the second campaign aide to Santos who took a plea deal in a federal probe. Last month, the ex-treasurer for Santos, Nancy Marks, pleaded guilty to a fraud conspiracy charge and implicated Santos in a scheme to embellish his campaign finance reports with a fake loan and fake donors.

Santos himself is facing a 23-count federal indictment that alleges he stole the identities of campaign donors and then used their credit cards to make tens of thousands of dollars in unauthorized charges. Federal prosecutors say Santos wired some of the money to his personal bank account and used the rest to pad his campaign coffers.

Santos, who represents parts of Queens and Long Island, is also accused of falsely reporting to the Federal Elections Commission that he had loaned his campaign $500,000 when he actually hadnt given anything and had less than $8,000 in the bank. The fake loan was an attempt to convince Republican Party officials that he was a serious candidate, worth their financial support, the indictment says.

Santos has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him and has vowed to clear his name. Marks lawyer has said Marks would be willing to testify against Santos, which could deliver a severe blow to the congressman. It wasnt immediately clear if Miele agreed to testify against Santos.

Santos did not immediately respond to phone and text messages Tuesday. His lawyer, Joseph Murray declined to comment.

Earlier this month, Santos survived a vote to expel him from the House. Most Republicans and 31 Democrats opposed the measure while both his criminal case and a House Ethics Committee investigation proceed.

In an interview with The Associated Press in August, Santos said he promptly fired Miele in late 2021 after being informed that Miele had impersonated Meyer.

Santos also recounted what he believed was an attempt by Miele last summer to try to rejoin Santos campaign. Santos said his campaign received a lunch invitation from a purported deep-pocketed donor named Reyem Nad  which is Dan Meyer spelled backward.

Its like hes obsessive and compulsive on that name, Santos said. You and I, if we got caught doing something stupid like that, the last thing wed do is go anywhere near that name.

Santos, who gained notoriety for fabricating major parts of his life story during his run for office, said he discovered Miele had sent the invitation. Santos did not go to the lunch but sent Marks, who told Miele he was not getting his job back, according to a Santos spokesperson.

Prosecutors said Mieles impersonation included setting up a dummy email address resembling Meyers name as he reached out to more than a dozen donors between August and December of 2021.

By DAVE COLLINS

Associated Press
Jewish protesters and allies stage sit-in at California federal building demanding Gaza cease-fire View Photo

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP)  Hundreds of protesters led by Jewish peace activists calling for a cease-fire in Gaza staged a sit-in inside of the federal building in Oakland, California, leading to multiple arrests.

People wore T-shirts reading Jews Say Cease-fire Now and carried banners that read Not in Our Name and Let Gaza Live in the rotunda of the Ronald V. Dellums Federal building on Monday evening.

Jewish Voice for Peace, one of the protest organizers, posted online that dozens of people had been taken into custody by 9 p.m.

Protesters were escorted outside of the building by U.S. Department of Homeland Security police. Messages were sent early Tuesday to the department and to Oakland police asking how many people were arrested and on what charges.

There is no other choice, Rabbi Lynn Gottlieb of Berkeley told KNTV-TV when explaining why she was at the sit-in. How many people do we have to kill before we arrive at a cease-fire?

The protest was part of a growing number across the country following fighting triggered by Hamas Oct. 7 surprise attack on Israel, whose response has led to thousands of deaths  and much destruction  across Gaza.

On Monday, hundreds of Jewish peace activists and their allies converged at a major train station in downtown Chicago during rush hour blocking the entrance to the Israeli consulate and demanding U.S. support for an Israel cease-fire.

Jewish Voice for Peace led a similar sit-in in New York Citys Grand Central Station on Oct. 27, where a sea of protesters filled the main concourse during evening rush hour, chanting slogans and unfurling banners demanding a cease-fire as Israel intensified its bombardment of the Gaza Strip. At least 200 demonstrators were detained by New York police officers.

___

The story has been updated to correct a typo in the name of the Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building.
South Korea and members of the US-led UN command warn North Korea over its nuclear threat View Photo

SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  Senior defense officials from South Korea, the United States and other nations on Tuesday warned North Korea over its nuclear ambitions and threats, vowing an unspecified collective response to any war-like aggression by the North toward its rival.

Their joint statement came after a meeting in Seoul involving U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-sik and officials from 16 other countries under the U.S.-led United Nations Command, which provided combat or medical forces in support of the South during the 1950-53 Korean War.

The meeting came a day after Austin and Shin held annual defense talks where the allies updated a bilateral security agreement with the aim of more effectively countering North Koreas evolving nuclear and missile threats.

In the statement, the defense ministers and other representatives of the U.N. Commands member states strongly condemned North Koreas unlawful nuclear and ballistic missile programs which violate multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions and called for Pyongyang to recommit to diplomacy aimed at defusing the nuclear standoff.

The U.N. Commands member states also declared they will be united upon any renewal of hostilities or armed attack on the Korean Peninsula challenging the principles of the United Nations and the security of (South Korea).

Shin during a speech at the meeting said the North would face a strong response from the international community centered on the U.N. Command if it ever attempts to invade the South again. He also issued a veiled warning against Pyongyangs growing alignment with Russia and China, as North Korean leader Kim Jong Un tries to break out of diplomatic isolation and insert Pyongyang as part of a united front against Washington.

If the countries that supported North Korea during the Korean War offer to do so again, they too will face the same punishment as North Korea, Shin said.

The Korean War was triggered by a North Korean sneak attack on the South in June 1950. The North was backed by forces from the newly formed Peoples Republic of China, which was aided by the then-Soviet Unions air force.

South Korea, the United States and troops from various countries under the direction of the United Nations fought to push back the invasion before the fighting was halted by an armistice in 1953, leaving the Korean Peninsula in a technical state of war. The U.N. Command has since remained in the South to enforce and maintain the armistice.

Before Tuesdays meeting, North Koreas Foreign Ministry condemned the event as reflecting a dangerous scheme to ignite a new war of aggression. The Norths state media also criticized the visits by Austin and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who traveled to Seoul last week, calling them warmongers bringing a new war cloud to Asia.

Animosity between the Koreas has spiked in recent months after Kim ramped up his weapons demonstrations, including events he described as simulated nuclear attacks on the South. He also authorized his military to launch preemptive nuclear strikes against enemies if it perceives Pyongyangs top leadership to be under threat.

South Korea has responded by expanding its combined military exercises with the United States as well as trilateral security cooperation with Japan. Seoul has also been seeking stronger public assurances from Washington that the United States would swiftly and decisively use its nuclear weapons to protect the South in case of a North Korean nuclear attack.

In the allies latest drills, South Koreas military said Tuesday it deployed warships, patrol aircraft and fighter jets to train with U.S. vessels and aircraft in a joint anti-submarine and counter special-operations exercise in South Koreas eastern seas. The training continues through Thursday.

Austin and Shin on Monday signed a new version of the Tailored Deterrence Strategy agreement, which was revised for the first time in a decade to address the growing threat of the Norths nuclear program.

Shin said the new document spells out that the United States would mobilize its full range of military capabilities, including nuclear, to defend the South in the event of a North Korean nuclear attack. He also said the document will provide a template for the allies to strategize how South Korea could assist U.S. nuclear operations in such events with its conventional capabilities but didnt elaborate further.

While Kim is also trying to strengthen relations with China, Russia has been his primary focus. A flurry of diplomacy between the countries, highlighted by a September summit between Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin, has triggered concerns about an arms arrangement in which North Korea provides badly needed munitions for the Russian war in Ukraine in exchange for Russian technology transfers that would upgrade Kims military nuclear program.

A Russian delegation led by Alexander Kozlov, the minister of natural resources, arrived at Pyongyangs airport Tuesday. While The Associated Press photographed the arrival, the Norths state media did not immediately release details of the visit.

In written responses to questions from AP, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said he will discuss the international response to the purported weapons deal between North Korea and Russia during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco this week. He said such military cooperation not only poses a serious threat to the security of Asia and Europe but also undermines the rules-based international order.

Both Pyongyang and Moscow have denied U.S. and South Korean claims that the North has been supplying munitions and military equipment to Russia.

___

Follow APs Asia-Pacific coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/asia-pacific

By KIM TONG-HYUNG

Associated Press
SOUTHINGTON  A camera system that can flag stolen vehicles led police to the arrest of two Watebury men charged with possession of fentanyl, cocaine and illegal handguns.

The pair rammed multiple police cars, parked cars and a building in a Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike plaza trying to flee, according to officers.

Damon Davis, 28, and Tiomonte Morgan, 27, both of Waterbury, were charged with a host of drug, weapon and larceny crimes in addition to interfering with officers. Each are held on $1 million bond.

Earlier this year, Southington started installing automatic license plate reader cameras at the main entrances to town. Thursday night, the camera system notified officers that a vehicle reported stolen had entered Southington.

Lt. Keith Egan said officers were able to find the car at 1678 Meriden-Waterbury Road, a plaza that includes Young Young Chinese Buffet along with other businesses.

Chief Jack Daly said almost all 26 planned cameras are operational. Once a stolen car is observed by the camera, dispatchers tell officers in the area to be on the lookout.

Our guys in the area located it. They watched it, where it was parked, until they had enough resources in the area and made it as safe as they could for the takedown, Daly said.

Ramming police cars

Surveillance video from the commercial plaza shows the struggle between officers and the suspects who tried to flee on foot as well as ram their way through a cordon of police vehicles.

Officers initially tried to block in the car, driven by Davis, which was parked in front of businesses. Attempting to break through the ring of vehicles, Davis rammed a police cruiser several times and also hit a nearby car occupied by a business patron, according to Egan.

Davis then fled on foot but was quickly arrested by officers. Surveillance video show police cuffing Davis and dragging him to safety away from the stolen car, now driven by Morgan as he attempted to squeeze past police and other parked vehicles.

After Davis left the car, Morgan got into the drivers seat and backed up, hitting a building and another unoccupied car in the lot while trying to escape. He got a short distance through the parking lot before ramming another police car, Egan said. Morgan tried to push through two more police vehicles but disabled his own car in the process, allowing police to get into the car through the drivers side window and pull him out.

After the arrest, police found that Morgan and Davis car had hit a Middletown police cruiser earlier that evening while fleeing officers.

Two handguns were found in the car. Egan said officers found a loaded Glock handgun on the car floor which had been modified for automatic fire. That discovery led to a charge of possession of a machine gun for Morgan.

Police said they also found 610 bags of fentanyl packaged for sale, 6.6 grams of powdered fentanyl, 7.1 grams of powdered cocaine, 1.5 ounces of crack cocaine in the car along with other drug paraphernalia.

Daly said it was a credit to officers that neither they nor the suspects were hurt in the arrest. With the supsects armed, the arrest could have gone much differently.

I couldnt be any prouder than when I showed up and everyone was OK, he said. Our guys used incredible restaint and attempted to deescalate it as best they could.

Last weeks arrests were by far the largest made as a result of the automatic license plate cameras, according to Daly. The cameras have also led to the arrest of a juvenile in a stolen car as well as the recovery of other stolen cars.

Previous convictions

Davis has multiple drug convictions, the most recent from 2020 when he was sentenced to three years in jail. Morgan has been arrested for drugs and first-degree robbery, with his latest conviction last year earning him five years in jail, according to state records.

Morgan was on special parole, according to the state Department of Correction.
In early December, the European Union mission will visit Ukraine to discuss proposals for possible Community guarantees to Kyiv in the field of security.

This was announced by EU High Representative Josep Borrell at a press conference in Brussels on Monday, which took place after the meeting of the EU Council on Foreign Affairs.

According to him, the issue of military support and security commitments to Ukraine was the subject of discussion by the foreign ministers. You know that I have been tasked by the European leaders, at the last European Council, to build a security commitment from the European Union to Ukraine. We are working on that with the Member States. At the beginning of the month, I will send a mission to Ukraine to discuss our proposals with the Ukrainians. If I could go, I would be very happy to go, but in any case, my Deputy Secretary General for [Common] Security and Defence issues will go to Ukraine, presenting the proposal that the Member States are still discussing, Borrell said.

At the same time, he added that these proposals will include an initiative to create a section for Ukraine in the European Peace Foundation, and this initiative will be presented to the Council of the European Union in December.

The High Representative also said that the EU continues to train Ukrainian soldiers, of whom there are already 30,000, which is 10,000 more than planned. In addition, the Peace Formula of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy was also the subject of discussion.

Borrell said that head of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry Dmytro Kuleba, who took part in the meeting via video link, spoke about current priorities and needs on the eve of winter. We know that Putin is again trying to weaponise hunger and winter - cold and food - [by] increasingly targeting the energy and export infrastructures of Ukraine, with damaging consequences not only for Ukraine but the whole world. We have to continue our support to Ukraine. Putin believes democracies are weak, [that] public opinion systems - which is not the case of Russia  will give up the first. We have to show him that it is not going to be the case. We remain committed to rebuild and reform, and to support Ukraine in joining the European Union, the EU High Representative said.
Ominously, both the US and the UK are deeply involved in Venezuelas escalating face-off with neighbouring Guyana.

Tensions are rising fast in one of Latin Americas longest-simmering border disputes. On Friday (Nov 10), the president of Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro, accused Washington of incubating a military conflict in Essequibo, a vast 160,000 square-kilometre chunk of neighbouring Guyana that was a former Dutch and then British colony that has been claimed by Venezuela for the past 200 years, ever since it gained independence from Spain.

Maduros remarks came three days after the US newly appointed ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot, stated that the US intends to strengthen its bilateral relationship in defence matters with Guyana, with a view to improv[ing] mutual security objectives, address[ing] transversal threats and promot[ing] regional security. This is all happening as tensions between Venezuela and Guyana escalate over Essequibo.

We all have a lot of important work to do, and together I believe we can and will address the shared challenges in our collective neighbourhood, no matter how daunting they may seem, Theriot said at a press conference with Guyanas president, Irfaan Ali.

Plans for a New US Military Base?

Venezuelas Foreign Minister Yvan Gil took these comments as yet further proof that the US is seeking to increase its military presence in the region, to protect American energy companies. You can hardly blame him: as Peoples Dispatch reported in September, the US and Guyana already unveiled a commitment in 2020 to undertake joint military patrols in the Essequibo region, ostensibly for drug interdiction and to provide greater security to the South American country. US Southern Command has signed similar agreements with the governments of Ecuador and Peru in recent months.

At the United Nations General Assembly in September Gil denounced Southcom for trying to establish a military base in the disputed territory of Essequibo in order to create a spearhead for its aggression against Venezuela and seize our energy resources. According to Maduro, Guyanas government is under the orders of the US oil major, ExxonMobil, which is leading a consortium that discovered huge deposits of oil in Essequibo in 2015. Its partners include China National Offshore Oil Corporation, or CNOOC, Chinas third largest national oil company.

Guyanas economy has grown significantly following the discovery, with GDP almost tripling in size between 2020 and 2022. This is despite the fact that the terms of the production sharing agreement the government signed with the consortium were so egregious  with Exxon Mobil retaining 75% of the oil revenue as cost recovery and the remaining to be split 50-50 with Guyana  that a former presidential adviser cautioned that the country was being recolonised.

Among the conditions identified as abusive in the 2016 Stabroek offshore license were the Guyanese governments measly 2% royalty payment, which many argue does not remotely compensate Guyana for exploitation of a non-renewable resource; the absence of ring-fencing provisions which allows the consortium led by Exxon Mobile to deduct costs from one oil field against the revenues of another; and a permanent stability clause which prohibits Guyana from introducing new laws adverse to the oil companies until 2056, barring any extensions.

In 2020, Global Witness published a report claiming that Guyana could lose billions of US dollars as a result of the deal. From Village Voice:

Global Witness said its investigation showed that Guyanas lead negotiator-former-Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman  rushed to sign Exxons deal despite knowing the company would soon announce new oil find results and while experts were telling him to seek more information. During negotiations, Trotman also suffered an apparent conflict of interest as he was close political allies with one of Exxons Guyanese lawyers. The lawyer- Nigel Hughes  has denied he represented Exxon on the deal, but admitted that his firm had represented Exxon since 2009 and that he has worked for the company on other matters. Exxons license is the subject of ongoing litigation in Guyana, with civil society groups arguing it is illegal.

Essequibo is not only rich in oil and gas; it boasts other mineral deposits, including Gold and Bauxite, as well as huge fish stocks and fresh water supplies, which a government minister even recently talked about exporting to other countries. As the Commander of US Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM), General Laura Richardson, said in January, Latin America is home to 31% of the worlds fresh water.

But for the moment, it is Guyanas vast untapped energy supplies that are of prime interest to US and global corporations. According to U.S. Geological Survey estimates, Guyanas coastal area has roughly 13.6 billion barrels of oil reserves and 32 trillion cubic feet of gas reserves waiting to be drilled. For a country with one of the lowest population densities on the planet and a GDP of slightly less than $10 billion, a bonanza awaits. But Caracas contends that the untapped energy supplies belong to Venezuela and that the arbitration panel that granted Guyana jurisdiction over Essequibo was rigged.

Complex and Messy

Like most centuries-old border disputes, the Essequibo question is both complex and messy. The area in dispute accounts for roughly two-thirds of Guyanas entire territory. Not only that but Guyana is also locked in a dispute with another neighbour, Suriname, over Tigri, a wooded area that is controlled by Guyana but claimed by Suriname. As with Essequibo, the roots of the dispute, which briefly exploded into violence in 1969, date back to the colonial period when the UK and the Netherlands ruled Guyana and Suriname, respectively.

Essequibo has been under the jurisdiction of Guyana for over a century. Ironically, at the Paris Tribunal of Arbitration, convened in 1899 to settle the dispute, Venezuelas claims were supported by Washington. Sitting on the five-member court were two Americans, representing Caracas, two Britons, representing, of course, the interests of Her Majestys Empire, and a Russian. The latter, Friedrich Martens, was instrumental in tilting the ruling in the British colonys favour. But the outcome of the arbitration had apparently been rigged from day one, according to a document by one of the US judges released decades later.

Generations of Venezuelan leaders have refused to accept the ruling, on the grounds that the country was not directly represented among the judges of the Paris Tribunal of Arbitration. Instead, Caracas has given priority to a treaty that was signed in 1966 between Venezuela and the UK (Guyana was still a British colony at the time), called the Geneva Agreement, under which the parties agreed to reach a mediated solution to the Essequibo dispute, recognising Venezuelas nullification of the 1899 decision.

But Guyana refused to engage in direct negotiations, preferring instead to pursue UN-based mechanisms including through the General Assembly and the Security Council. In 1987, both countries agreed to thrash out their differences through a UN-mediated Good Offices process. During the Hugo Chavez era, integration with the neighbour was prioritised over territorial differences.

To begin with, Maduro continued along the same path. In September, 2013, months after Chavezs death, he made an official visit to Georgetown and declared that the dispute was a legacy of colonialism.

Even Washington kept uncharacteristically quiet on the issue. For decades, it had more or less stood on the sidelines, calling for a timely resolution of the Essequibo dispute. But that all changed in 2018, when it began calling for the hugely controversial 1899 arbitration decision to be upheld. In the same year, Guyana filed an application before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) asking the Court to reaffirm the 1899 arbitration award that established the boundary between Guyana and Venezuela. In 2020, the ICJ ruled against Venezuela, whose government refuses to acknowledge ICJ jurisdiction on the matter.

Juan Guaido Joins the Picture

All of this has happened for one simple reason: Exxon Mobil discovered vast reserves of crude oil in disputed waters off the Essequibo coast. As part of the Stabroek offshore license drawn up in 2016, Exxon Mobile paid the Guyanese government an $18 million signing fee, which the government then used to finance its legal battle against Venezuela over the Essequibo dispute.

In 2019, Venezuelas US-appointed interim President Juan Guaidos ambassador to the UK, Vanessa Neumann, said in a leaked recording of a phone conversation with Guaidos international coordinator, Manuel Avendano, that Guaidos team should concede Venezuelas claims to Essequibo in return for UK support for the coup. As Declassified UK reported in December 2020, UK investors are also interested in pursuing oil ventures in Guyana:

In 2017, the British High Commissioner to the country, Greg Quinn, said interest from British companies to invest in Guyana had gone through the roof after the discovery of large offshore oil resources. We are now at the stage of seeing new companies coming out here every week, he added. The following year, Quinn made a flying visit back to Britain and spent a week in the Scottish oil town of Aberdeen. He was joined there by Guyanas ambassador to the UK, Frederick Hamley Case, who was leading a trade mission aimed at building relationships to support the countrys fledgling oil and gas sector. They toured Scottish energy firms and visited local universities. During the trip, Quinn told Energy Voice, an industry media website: A lot of the work that I do is to support the UK companies who are looking to come out to Guyana. He reiterated that the number of British firms arriving in Guyana has skyrocketed since ExxonMobil made its major discovery in 2015. The Foreign Office would facilitate UK investment in Guyana, according to Quinn. The bottom line is if there is a company here in Aberdeen that is looking for an opportunity to get into business in Guyana, we should be their first port of call, he added. The UK military has also been involved in the process. In July 2016, a year after offshore oil was discovered, Britains Royal Navy gave four Guyanese personnel a one-week crash course in how to protect their Exclusive Economic Zone  the stretch of water 200 nautical miles from Guyanas shoreline, which contains the oil fields.

US Rekindles Its Interest in Latin American Oil and Gas

Both the US government and military are disarmingly candid about their own growing interest in Latin Americas energy resources, including, of course, Venezuelas. As a 2018 report by US Southern Command conceded, the US will have increasing difficulties securing enough energy to meet domestic demand in the decades to come. Though the report does not mention Guyana directly by name, it leaves little doubt that the US economys main source of energy supplies in the years to come will be its direct neighbourhood:

According to the Department of Energy, three (Canada, Mexico, and Venezuela) of the

top four foreign energy suppliers to the U.S. are located within the Western

Hemisphere. According to The Coalition for Affordable and Reliable Energy, the U.S.

will need 31 percent more petroleum and 62 percent more natural gas in the next two

decades. As the U.S. continues to require more petroleum and gas, Latin America is

becoming a global energy leader with its large oil reserves and oil and gas production

and supplies.

Even before Exxon Mobil discovered huge deposits of oil off the coast of Essequibo, tensions were rising between Guyana and Venezuela. In 2013, the Venezuelan coast guard detained a survey boat being used by Texas-based Anadarko Petroleum Corp for violating Venezuelan waters. The government in Georgetown accused Venezuela of threatening its national security by evicting the RV Teknik Perdana survey boat from Guyanese waters.

Today, the consortium led by Exxon Mobil is extracting around 400,000 barrels of oil a day. But this is just the beginning. In September, Guyana opened up bids for eight new offshore oil blocks, with oil companies from all over the planet, including Exxon Mobil and Total Energies, paying an interest. Caracas responded with the following statement:

The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela strongly rejects the illegal licensing round being carried out by Guyana as it intends to use maritime areas that are subject of delimitation between both countries.

It has also announced plans to hold a referendum on the annexation of Essequibo on December 3. The five questions Venezuelan citizens will be asked are:

Do you agree to reject by all means, in accordance with the law, the conditions fraudulently imposed by the Paris Arbitration Award of 1899, which seek to deprive us of our Guayana Esequiba? Do you support the 1966 Geneva Agreement as the only valid legal instrument to reach a practical and satisfactory solution for Venezuela and Guyana regarding the controversy over the territory of Guayana Esequiba? Do you agree with Venezuelas historical position of not recognising the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice in resolving the territorial controversy over Guayana Esequiba? Do you agree to oppose, by all legal means, Guyanas claim to unilaterally dispose of a disputed maritime area, illegally and in violation of international law? Do you agree with the creation of the state and the development of an accelerated plan for comprehensive care for the current and future population of that territory that includes, among other things, the granting of citizenship and a Venezuelan identity card, in accordance with the Geneva Agreement and international law, consequently incorporating said state on the map of Venezuelan territory?

Guyanas government has responded by rejecting the question, particularly the last one which, it says, posits a potential annexation of Guyanas territory  in blatant violation of various regional and international agreements. For its part, the Maduro government insists that the referendum is purely consultative and non-binding. The countrys Vice President Delcy Rodriguez last week reiterated that Venezuela does not recognise the ICJs jurisdiction while calling for the Guyanese government to resume bilateral negotiations.

On Friday (Nov 10), a spokesperson for the United Nations Organization (UN), Stephane Dujarric, released a statement urging Venezuela and Guyana to conclude discussions on the border controversy between both countries, for the sake of peace:

The Secretary General of the UN, Antonio Guterres, is following the situation with concern and has expressed his confidence that the conflict will be resolved in order to cancel any action that aggravates or prolongs the controversy.

All of this is happening at the same time that the US is harbouring Juan Guaido, who fled Colombia for the safety of Florida in April and was recently the subject of yet another arrest order back in his native Venezuela. The charges against Guaido include treason, usurpation of functions, profit or extraction of money, securities or public goods, money laundering and association to commit a crime.

Guaido used resources from PDVSA (Petroleos de Venezuela) to cause losses close to or greater than $19 billion, said the prosecutor, supported by revelations provided to the press by a federal court in the United States.

The Biden Administration is also loosening its sanctions on Venezuela, or more specifically Venezuelas oil industry, while also encouraging private negotiations between the Venezuelan ruling party, its opposition and international actors, including the US itself. As an article in Voice of America helpfully pointed out a few days ago, the Guyana case and the agreements in Venezuela do not represent a conflict of interest for the US  at least not according to the US analysts/spooks consulted.
Yves here. It may seem disheartening to see so many chronicle the deliberate extermination of Palestinians as part of a purported Hamas clearing operation in Gaza yet see no change in its apparent trajectory. But as some observers who are watching the action closely (see for instance Alastair Crookes latest talk on Judge Napolitano), various Arab interests are increasing their attacks on Israel. And military experts (Douglas Macgregor, and informed commentators like Larry Johnson) point out, Israel cannot afford a long war, geopolitically or economically, and is not very far along at all with rooting out Hamas. It may be flattening Gaza but has yet to engage meaningfully on the ground, which is necessary to meet the aim of defeating Hamas.

This is a long winded way of saying that Israel is turning itself into a world pariah in a war it cannot win on its own terms. Relentlessly focusing on that could save at least some Palestinians by increasing the cost to Israel of continuing the carnage. So the continued documentation and criticism is productive, even if it does not feel like it (and is deeply distressing, to seem so unable to force a halt to the slaughter).

This article focuses on the propaganda war and minimization of Israels brazen behavior. I wish it used the word censorship more, because that is a key part of this US/Israel media strategy. Likely due to the editorial choice of making a concise case, it omitted a key point that I believe bears repeating:

International Law and treaties are clearly In favour of the occupied Palestinians right to defend itself not the occupier Israel. Its clear as day https://t.co/hAdcCqmY18  Patrick Henningsen (@21WIRE) November 12, 2023

And Israels pretext for the destruction of the Rantisi hospital comes up short. No Hamas bunkers or weapons caches:

The Israeli army has failed to find tunnels or weapons stockpiled in Rantisi hospital. Instead, it has turned up a pack of diapers and a calendar listing the days of the week. The presentation has become a laughingstock, except among the cretinous and narrowing base of support https://t.co/R5mAeEO5ra  Max Blumenthal (@MaxBlumenthal) November 14, 2023

By Medea Benjamin and Nicolas J. S. Davies, the authors of War in Ukraine: Making Sense of a Senseless Conflict, published by OR Books in November 2022. Medea Benjamin is the cofounder of CODEPINK for Peace, and the author of several books, including Inside Iran: The Real History and Politics of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Nicolas J. S. Davies is an independent journalist, a researcher for CODEPINK and the author of Blood on Our Hands: The American Invasion and Destruction of Iraq

We have both been reporting on and protesting against U.S. war crimes for many years, and against identical crimes committed by U.S. allies and proxies like Israel and Saudi Arabia: illegal uses of military force to try to remove enemy governments or regimes; hostile military occupations; disproportionate military violence justified by claims of terrorism; the bombing and killing of civilians; and the mass destruction of whole cities.

Most Americans share a general aversion to war, but tend to accept this militarized foreign policy because we are tragically susceptible to propaganda, the machinery of public manipulation that works hand in hand with the machinery of killing to justify otherwise unthinkable horrors.

This process of manufacturing consent works in a number of ways. One of the most effective forms of propaganda is silence, simply not telling us, and certainly not showing us, what war is really doing to the people whose homes and communities have been turned into Americas latest battlefield.

The most devastating campaign the U.S. military has waged in recent years dropped over 100,000 bombs and missiles on Mosul in Iraq, Raqqa in Syria, and other areas occupied by ISIS or Daesh. An Iraqi Kurdish intelligence report estimated that more than 40,000 civilians were killed in Mosul, while Raqqa was even more totally destroyed.

The shelling of Raqqa was the heaviest U.S. artillery bombardment since the Vietnam War, yet it was barely reported in the U.S. corporate media. A recent New York Times article about the traumatic brain injuries and PTSD suffered by U.S. artillerymen operating 155 mm howitzers, which each fired up to 10,000 shells into Raqqa, was appropriately titled A Secret War, Strange New Wounds and Silence from the Pentagon.

Shrouding such mass death and destruction in secrecy is a remarkable achievement. When British playwright Harold Pinter was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2005, in the midst of the Iraq War, he titled his Nobel speech Art, Truth and Politics, and used it to shine a light on this diabolical aspect of U.S. war-making.

After talking about the hundreds of thousands of killings in Indonesia, Greece, Uruguay, Brazil, Paraguay, Haiti, Turkey, the Philippines, Guatemala, El Salvador, Chile and Nicaragua, Pinter asked: Did they take place? And are they in all cases attributable to US foreign policy? The answer is yes, they did take place and they are attributable to American foreign policy,

But you wouldnt know it, he went on.It never happened. Nothing ever happened. Even while it was happening it wasnt happening. It didnt matter. It was of no interest. The crimes of the United States have been systematic, constant, vicious, remorseless, but very few people have actually talked about them. You have to hand it to America. It has exercised a quite clinical manipulation of power worldwide while masquerading as a force for universal good. Its a brilliant, even witty, highly successful act of hypnosis.

But the wars and the killing go on, day after day, year after year, out of sight and out of mind for most Americans. Did you know that the United States and its allies have dropped more than 350,000 bombs and missiles on 9 countries since 2001 (including 14,000 in the current war on Gaza)? Thats an average of 44 airstrikes per day, day in, day out, for 22 years.

Israel, in its present war on Gaza, with children making up more than 40% of the more than 11,000 people killed to date, would surely like to mimic the extraordinary U.S. ability to hide its brutality. But despite Israels efforts to impose a media blackout, the massacre is taking place in a small, enclosed, densely-populated urban area, often called an open-air prison, where the world can see a great deal more than usual of how it impacts real people.

Israel has killed a record number of journalists in Gaza, and this appears to be a deliberate strategy, as when U.S. forces targeted journalists in Iraq. But we are still seeing horrifying video and photos of daily new atrocities: dead and wounded children; hospitals struggling to treat the injured; and desperate people fleeing from one place to another through the rubble of their destroyed homes.

Another reason this war is not so well hidden is because Israel is waging it, not the United States. The U.S. is supplying most of the weapons, has sent aircraft carriers to the region, and dispatched U.S. Marine General James Glynn to provide tactical advice based on his experience conducting similar massacres in Fallujah and Mosul in Iraq. But Israeli leaders seem to have overestimated the extent to which the U.S. information warfare machine would shield them from public scrutiny and political accountability.

Unlike in Fallujah, Mosul and Raqqa, people all over the world are seeing video of the unfolding catastrophe on their computers, phones and TVs. Netanyahu, Biden and the corrupt defense analysts on cable TV are no longer the ones creating the narrative, as they try to tack self-serving narratives onto the horrifying reality we can all see for ourselves.

With the reality of war and genocide staring the world in the face, people everywhere are challenging the impunity with which Israel is systematically violating international humanitarian law.

Michael Crowley and Edward Wong have reported in the New York Times that Israeli officials are defending their actions in Gaza by pointing to U.S. war crimes, insisting that they are simply interpreting the laws of war the same way that the United States has interpreted them in Iraq and other U.S. war zones. They compare Gaza to Fallujah, Mosul and even Hiroshima.

But copying U.S. war crimes is precisely what makes Israels actions illegal. And it is the worlds failure to hold the United States accountable that has emboldened Israel to believe it too can kill with impunity.

The United States systematically violates the UN Charters prohibition against the threat or use of force, manufacturing political justifications to suit each case and using its Security Council veto to evade international accountability. Its military lawyers employ unique, exceptional interpretations of the Fourth Geneva Convention, under which the universal protections the Convention guarantees to civilians are treated as secondary to U.S. military objectives.

The United States fiercely resists the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Criminal Court (ICC), to ensure that its exceptional interpretations of international law are never subjected to impartial judicial scrutiny.

When the United States did allow the ICJ to rule on its war against Nicaragua in 1986, the ICJ ruled that its deployment of the Contras to invade and attack Nicaragua and its mining of Nicaraguas ports were acts of aggression in violation of international law, and ordered the United States to pay war reparations to Nicaragua. When the United States declared that it would no longer recognize the jurisdiction of the ICJ and failed to pay up, Nicaragua asked the UN Security Council to enforce the reparations, but the U.S. vetoed the resolution.

Atrocities like Hiroshima, Nagasaki and the bombing of German and Japanese cities to unhouse the civilian population, as Winston Churchill called it, together with the horrors of Germanys Nazi holocaust, led to the adoption of the new Fourth Geneva Convention in 1949, to protect civilians in war zones and under military occupation.

On the 50th anniversary of the Convention in 1999, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which is responsible for monitoring international compliance with the Geneva Conventions, conducted a survey to see how well people in different countries understood the protections the Convention provides.

They surveyed people in twelve countries that had been victims of war, in four countries (France, Russia, the U.K. and the U.S.) that are permanent members of the UN Security Council, and in Switzerland where the ICRC is based. The ICRC published the results of the survey in 2000, in a report titled, People on War  Civilians in the Line of Fire.

The survey asked people to choose between a correct understanding of the Conventions civilian protections and a watered-down interpretation of them that closely resembles that of U.S. and Israeli military lawyers.

The correct understanding was defined by a statement that combatants must attack only other combatants and leave civilians alone. The weaker, incorrect statement was that combatants should avoid civilians as much as possible as they conduct military operations.

Between 72% and 77% of the people in the other UNSC countries and Switzerland agreed with the correct statement, but the United States was an outlier, with only 52% agreeing. In fact 42% of Americans agreed with the weaker statement, twice as many as in the other countries. There were similar disparities between the United States and the others on questions about torture and the treatment of prisoners of war.

In U.S.-occupied Iraq, the United States exceptionally weak interpretations of the Geneva Conventions led to endless disputes with the ICRC and the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), which issued damning quarterly human rights reports. UNAMI consistently maintained that U.S. airstrikes in densely populated civilian areas were violations of international law.

For instance, its human rights report for the 2nd quarter of 2007 documented UNAMIs investigations of 15 incidents in which U.S. occupation forces killed 103 Iraqi civilians, including 27 killed in airstrikes in Khalidiya, near Ramadi, on April 3rd, and 7 children killed in a helicopter attack on an elementary school in Diyala province on May 8th.

UNAMI demanded that all credible allegations of unlawful killings by MNF (Multi-National Force) forces be thoroughly, promptly and impartially investigated, and appropriate action taken against military personnel found to have used excessive or indiscriminate force.

A footnote explained, Customary international humanitarian law demands that, as much as possible, military objectives must not be located within areas densely populated by civilians. The presence of individual combatants among a great number of civilians does not alter the civilian character of an area.

UNAMI also rejected U.S. claims that its widespread killing of civilians was the result of the Iraqi Resistance using civilians as human shields, another U.S. propaganda trope that Israel is mimicking today. Israeli accusations of human shielding are even more absurd in the densely populated, confined space of Gaza, where the whole world can see that it is Israel that is placing civilians in the line of fire as they desperately seek safety from Israeli bombardment.

Calls for a ceasefire in Gaza are echoing around the world: through the halls of the United Nations; from the governments of traditional U.S. allies like France, Spain and Norway; from a newly united front of previously divided Middle Eastern leaders; and in the streets of London and Washington. The world is withdrawing its consent for a genocidal two-state solution in which Israel and the United States are the only two states that can settle the fate of Palestine.

If U.S. and Israeli leaders are hoping that they can squeak through this crisis, and that the publics habitually short attention span will wash away the worlds horror at the crimes we are all witnessing, that may be yet another serious misjudgment. As Hannah Arendt wrote in 1950 in the preface to The Origins of Totalitarianism.

We can no longer afford to take that which was good in the past and simply call it our heritage, to discard the bad and simply think of it as a dead load which by itself time will bury in oblivion. The subterranean stream of Western history has finally come to the surface and usurped the dignity of our tradition. This is the reality in which we live. And this is why all efforts to escape from the grimness of the present into nostalgia for a still intact past, or into the anticipated oblivion of a better future, are vain.
Dear patient readers,

I am sorry for the lack of an original post today. I found out a close friend of 25+ years, to whom I would normally speak at least twice a week, may have only a few days to live. I had not called him for the last month because he had some time-intensive and very nerdy work he had to get done by a date certain, so I decided not to distract him. Now he seems so sick that I cant even say goodbye properly, not that my emotional needs are what matters here. Needless to say, I am very broken up.

Colombia begins sterilizing its invasive hippos: what scientists think Nature (furzy)

She Charges $550 for 90 Minutes and Has a Wait List of 7,600 People Wall Street Journal (David L). Animal communicators.

A door at a Swedish library was accidentally left open  446 people came in, borrowed 245 books. Every single one was returned ZME Science (Dr. Kevin)

FDA to Finally Outlaw Soda Ingredient Banned Around The World ScienceAlert (Chuck L). One of my brothers switched from caramel colored sodas to citrus sodas on the assumption the latter was less bad for you.

CRISPR for high cholesterol shows promise in first study NPR (David L). Help me. Treatments to address a non-issue. The total cholesterol level in women correlated with the lowest level of all factor mortality is 270. High levels of triglycerides and homocysteine are seen by better-informed doctors as vastly better predictors of heart disease risk.

Super melanin heals skin injuries from sunburn, chemical burns MedicalXpress (Paul R)

#COVID-19

Climate/Environment

China?

Japan To Create $6.6 Billion Fund To Develop Outer Space Industry Japan Times

India

India, US are on pathway to contain China Indian Punchline (Chuck L). So much for BRICS cohesion. We warned of divergent interests during all of the celebratory chatter.

European Disunion

Old Blighty

Gaza

New Not-So-Cold War

Imperial Collapse Watch

2024

Supremes

Supreme Court Adopts Ethics Code After Reports of Undisclosed Gifts and Travel New York Times (Kevin W)

JFKs Parkland Doctors Come Forward: Oswald Didnt Act Alone Rolling Stone (furzy)

What Really Happened to JFK: His Doctors Reveal New Details of Assassination 60 Years Later The Messenger (furzy)

Our No Longer Free Press

AI

The Bezzle

The wildest moments of WeWorks rise CNN (furzy) Confirmed the logo below is correct on Logowiki: https://logowik.com/tesla-cybertruck-vector-logo-8400.html.

Class Warfare

Antidote du jour:

And a bonus (Chuck L):

Stork brings his partner a blanket on a cold morning, while she broods  Silke Feser

pic.twitter.com/cdLOrMLPl0  Science girl (@gunsnrosesgirl3) November 11, 2023

See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here.
In collaboration with the Euro-Atlantic Resilience Centre in Bucharest, NATO held the first edition of the NATO Resilience Course for Civil Experts, from 6 to 10 November 2023. The course involved 25 subject-matter experts who provide expertise across NATO's seven Baseline Requirements for national resilience, covering civil protection, communications, transportation, mass movement, health, energy, food and water supply.

The course is a part of the NATO 2030 agenda to support Allies commitment to resilience. It is delivered through enhanced engagement, training and education for NATO Resilience Civil Experts. The NATO Civil Experts pool is comprised of nearly 500 subject-matter experts with in-depth knowledge on matters related to NATOs seven Baseline Requirements for resilience and provides a unique capability for Allies and partners to access.

The course helps prepare NATO Civil Experts in providing consultations for Allied nations, in implementing the Alliance Resilience Objectives that were endorsed at the Vilnius Summit. These experts also provide support to NATO partner nations in their resilience building efforts.
EU High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy Josep Borrell does not rule out that in order to achieve the goal of supplying Ukraine with 1 million ammunition by March 2024, ammunition produced in the EU for export to third countries will be redirected to Ukraine.

At a press conference in Brussels on Monday, which took place after the meeting of the EU Council on Foreign Affairs, Borrell confirmed that the EU continues to pursue the goal of supplying Ukraine with the designated amount of ammunition.

He recalled that the EU is "trying to get this target through three lines." Among them, the High Representative pointed to 300,000 ammunition already delivered from existing stocks. Now the weight is increasing production capacity.

We continue having this target. Maybe we will not reach it by the end of the year, but it will depend on how quickly the contracts will be implemented  Europe is exporting quite an important amount of its production. So, part of what we produce, we export it to third countries. One solution would be to direct these exports to Ukraine as a priority, Borrell said.
On Wednesday, 15th November 2023, the NATO Secretary General, Mr Jens Stoltenberg, will meet with the College of the European Union Commissioners. The meeting will take place during a visit to the European Commission at the Berlaymont building, in Brussels.

There will be no media opportunity.

Photographs of the meeting will be available on the NATO website after the event.

For more information:

Contact the NATO Press Office.



Follow us on X (formerly Twitter): @NATO, @jensstoltenberg and @NATOPress
(As delivered)

Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg: Good morning. I'm looking forward to meet the EU Defence Ministers. The topic of this breakfast will be critical undersea infrastructure. And we saw the incident last month in the Baltic Sea where a gas pipeline and internet cables were damaged and that has reminded us of the vulnerability but also the importance of this type of infrastructure.

And NATO has been addressing these threats for many years but after the incident, or the damage, first against the North Stream pipelines and now also the Baltic connector, we have significantly stepped up with more naval patrols with more naval patrol aircrafts, and also with drones to increase our presence in the Baltic and the North Sea. We have also established, or we're in the process of establishing, a new centre at our maritime command in the United Kingdom, to better coordinate efforts of Allies, to work with partners, to work with the European Union, but also to work with the private sector to better share information and to ramp up what to do to protect the critical undersea infrastructure.

And earlier this year, NATO established a task force together with the European Commission on resilience, including critical undersea infrastructure. The task force has delivered support, so now we are working on the implementation the follow up all those recommendations. Critical infrastructure is important and it's an area where we once again see the relevance and importance of cooperation between NATO and the European Union.

Then I expect that in the meeting, we will also address the situation in Ukraine. Intense fighting continues. The situation on the battlefield is difficult. And that just makes it even more important that we sustain and step up our support for Ukraine because we cannot allow President Putin to win. Ukraine must prevail as a sovereign independent nation in Europe and it's in our interest to support Ukraine.



Journalist: Secretary General, rumour has it that some of Ukraines Allied partners would like them to start talking to the Russians. Do you think that Ukraine should seek negotiations with the Kremlin?



Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg: It is for Ukraine to decide on what are acceptable conditions for negotiations and, even more important, what are acceptable conditions for any agreement. The responsibility of the NATO Allies is to support Ukraine to defend itself because this is also in our interest to show that we are standing up for the rule of law and international law and that we're helping Ukraine to fight back against a war of aggression. Wars are unpredictable, no one can say how and when this war ends. What we can say is that the likelihood for an acceptable negotiated outcome increases with the more military support we provide to Ukraine.

Because, so far, we have seen no real will from President Putin to negotiate an acceptable solution for Ukraine. So the only way to get there is to convince President Putin that they will not win on the battlefield. And the only way to achieve that is by strengthening the military capacity of Ukraine, by providing support. So if you want a negotiated solution, the way to reach that, to get there, is maintain support to Ukraine.



Journalist: While the EU countries are still trying to figure out how to reach the 1 billion target that they promised for March 2024, Russia is actually being delivered enough ammunition from North Korea immediately. What does it mean for the situation on the ground? What does it mean for Ukrainians?



Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg: Well, NATO Allies are stepping up also when it comes to production. This is something we started to address last summer and Allies from the United States to the United Kingdom, but also EU Allies, Germany and many others, are now increasing production. I just visited Germany over the weekend, and I'm encouraged by the messages that they are producing more but also investing in increased production capacity. And of course, the biggest Ally is the United States, which has already made big investments in increased capacity.

What we are doing from the NATO side is that we are working with the industry. We had the NATO Industry Forum last month, in Stockholm. We are also joining forces among NATO Allies: we have something called joint procurement, which is organized by the NATO Support and Procurement Agency [NSPA]. They have all in place for what we call framework contracts for 2.4 billion and out of them, 1 billion all day in firm contracts. So NATO Allies are delivering support, are ramping up production in many different ways. But we push this also from the NATO side. And during my visit to Germany, this weekend, they announced a significant increase support to Ukraine. So it shows that Allies are actually stepping up.



Journalist: Secretary General, when did you hear first the name Roman Chervinsky and from whom?

Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg: Which name?

Journalist: Its the Ukrainian intelligence officer who could be involved in the Nord Stream attack, Roman Chervinsky. When did you hear first the name?



Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg: Well, there are ongoing investigations, national investigations, and I will not comment on them.



Journalist: Secretary General, how do you estimate the intention of Russia to relocate a navy military base to occupied Abkhazia? Also, you know that one of our citizens was killed. So, how do you estimate the situation?



Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg: We strongly support the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia. And of course, we don't accept that these breakaway territories can be used by Russia to establish military bases. This just once again violates the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia and it demonstrates how far Russia is willing to go to achieve their military goals in Ukraine, but also that, actually, they have been pushed on the defensive because the Ukrainians have actually been successful in attacking naval facilities in Crimea and, therefore, Russia is looking into alternatives, demonstrating actually the achievements that the Ukrainians have made in attacking the Russian Navy. Thank you, thank you.
Repeated attacks by Iranian-backed militants on U.S. troops in the Middle East increase tension between Washington and Tehran

The increasing number of attacks by Iranian-backed militants has escalated tension between Washington and Tehran

According to Pentagon, there have been at least 31 attacks on U.S. installations in Iraq and Syria, with at least 21 troops injured over the past two weeks.

In October, the Pentagon confirmed that U.S. personnel discovered a drone laden with explosives on the upper floors of their barracks in Iraq. Fortunately, the explosives failed to detonate.

The Pentagon suspects that these recent attacks are a response by Iranian-backed militants to the support of the U.S. for Israel. "They are aiming to kill. We have just been lucky," a U.S. defense official said.

As a response to the attacks, the U.S. launched strikes on two bases in eastern Syria. The U.S. believes that Iranian-backed militants used these bases against them, so they described the attack as self-defense against Iraq and Syria. Moreover, the Pentagon deployed several air-defense systems to the region in October to protect approximately 2,500 U.S. troops in Iraq and 900 in Syria.

Austin, Blinken warn Iran and its allies against escalating Israel-Hamas war

On Nov. 5, Secretary of State Anthony Blinken made an unannounced visit to Baghdad to address the escalating Israel-Hamas conflict and send a message to Iran and its allies.

"I've been very clear that attacks and threats coming from militia are totally unacceptable. We will take every necessary step to protect our people. We're not looking for conflict with Iran. We've made that very clear, but we'll do what's necessary to protect our personnel," Blinken said.

Similarly, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin warned Iran and its allies against any further escalation in the Israel-Hamas conflict. (Related: U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Anthony Blinken warn Iran and its allies against escalating Israel-Hamas war.)

In an interview with ABC News, Austin revealed that the Pentagon had increased its military readiness in response to the recent rocket and drone strikes on U.S. military bases in Iraq and Syria. "What we're seeing is the prospect of a significant escalation of attacks on our troops and our people throughout the region," Austin stated.

The threats stemmed from armed factions in Iraq, closely aligned with Iran, which vowed to target U.S. interests following Washington's declaration of support for Israel in the ongoing conflict. Austin also stressed the commitment of the U.S. to self-defense and its readiness to take necessary action.

"If any group or any country is looking to widen this conflict and take advantage of this very unfortunate situation that we see, our advice is: don't," Austin warned.

Blinken echoed Austin's sentiments in a separate interview with CBS News. "We are taking steps to make sure that we can effectively defend our people and respond decisively if we need to," Blinken said.

However, Marine Gen. Frank McKenzie, former commander of U.S. Central Command, noted that Iran is supplying more accurate weapons to its proxies. "Sooner or later, the bad guys get lucky," he warned.

Follow WWIII.news for more news about the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

More related stories:

Defense officials warn: Iran could use Israel-Palestine chaos as an "opportunity" to attack American forces all over the Middle East.

Sources include:

WSJ.com

RT.com
Australian Labor Partys Net Zero plan involves killing koalas that get in the way of wind turbines

Craig Kelly, national director of United Australia Party, shared on X that the Australian Labor Party's plan to reach Net Zero "involves killing koalas that get in the way of their wind turbines by hitting the koalas with a hard, sharp blow to the base of the skulls to euthanize them ."

In February 2022, the koala was listed as "endangered" in Queensland, New South Wales (NSW) and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) under the federal Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act. (Related: Koalas now officially recognized as an endangered species.)

"This is supposed to be the premier law for protecting Australias environment, yet it is powerless." Sadly, "meaningful legislation is the only way to protect the iconic koalas," according to the Australian Koala Foundation.

Members of the Australian House of Representatives, such as Liberal MP Michelle Landry and National Party MP Keith Pitt, have been raising the alarm about what is happening to koalas and other endangered animals in their native habitats in Queensland.

Pitt used a radio interview with Australian reporter and radio presenter Ben Fordham to highlight the Clark Creek Wind Farm projects Biodiversity Management Plan. He noted that the project will involve major land-clearing activities, which may result in the loss of up to 3,729 acres of core koala habitat.

Greens are on the side of the koalas  until the wind turbines arrived

The Clark Creek Wind Farm is a major renewables project that is being built in three states northwest of Rockhampton, Queensland, on the land of the Barada Kabalbara Yetimarala (BKY) peoples  with the first two expected to add 194 turbines and power about 680,000 homes (330,000 homes in Stage One and 350,000 homes in Stage Two) and avoid a total of 1,363,000 tons of carbon emissions each year.

"The environmental impact statement for that project says that euthanasia will be conducted using blunt force trauma. Blunt force trauma is recommended to humanely kill reptiles to small-to-medium-sized mammals. This involves a hard, sharp blow to the base of the back of the skull. So the animals that get in the way. They'll cop it if they get in the way," Pitt said.

The project was approved under the former Coalition government of Scott Morrison, despite criticisms of Labors involvement. The wind farm received federal approval in November 2018  more than three years before Labor came into office in May 2022  as shown by the website of the federal Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

Pitt asked: "Where are the Greens? Where are all the people who claim to have a social conscience?"

A Wind Watch article expressed the same sentiment: "Attend a rural polling booth around election time and youll find at least one old Hippy shouting 'Greens for the trees! Greens for the koalas!!!' They were always consistently on the side of the koalas  until the wind turbines arrived."

In August, Landry vented her frustration. "The environmental damage that will be caused and the fact the renewable sector currently does not have to comply with any current regulations in Queensland including tree clearing guidelines, reef legislation or environmental protocols that have been imposed on every other industry is outrageous," she said.

Australia National Party leader David Littleproud said: "Chopping down thousands of hectares of native bushland and pristine farmland is senseless."

Watch this video about wind and solar power.

This video is from the Secret Harbour Sessions channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

'Grim' report warns 40% of US animals at risk of extinction.

Wind farms being built across Wyoming despite many risks to wildlife and ecological stability.

Wind farms pose health risks to local residents, but governments around the world don't care.

Scientists discover toxic metals in the reproductive organs of endangered eels.

Sources include:

DailyTelegraph.co.nz

SaveTheKoala.com

2GB.com

SquadronEnergy.com

Wind-Watch.org

EPBCNotices.Environment.gov.au

Brighteon.com
Blinken admits having real concerns over military ties between Russia, North Korea

U.S Secretary of State Antony Blinken has expressed "real concern" over the military ties between North Korea and Russia  two nations that deem Washington as an enemy.

He voiced out this sentiment during a Nov. 9 appearance in the South Korean capital Seoul, echoing that of South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin. According to Blinken, the cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang was a "two-way street" involving arms flows and technical support.

"We have real concerns about any support for North Korea's ballistic missile programs, for its nuclear technology [and] for its space launch capacity," Blinken told reporters. "We're working to identify, to expose and  as necessary  to counter these efforts. In terms of the support that Russia may be providing to [North Korea], this is something that we're watching very, very closely."

The U.S. official then explained the "two-way street" concept. Pyongyang supplies military equipment to the Russian forces for its offensive against Ukraine. In turn, Moscow provides technical support to help the North Korean government make military progress. (Related: South Korea accuses North Korea of supplying Russia with over 1M ARTILLERY SHELLS in exchange for advanced technologies.)

"That's a real concern for the security of the Korean peninsula; a real concern for global non-proliferation regimes; a real concern for the Russian aggression of Ukraine; and a real concern for the violation of multiple [United Nations] Security Council resolutions," said Blinken.

Blinken and Park also told reporters that they discussed a so-called extended deterrence strategy in countering threats from North Korea. Under this strategy, American military assets  including its nuclear weapons  will be used to protect Seoul from Pyongyang's attacks. The two officials also emphasized improving cooperation with Japan.

Washington, Seoul and Tokyo have condemned what they allege is the flow of arms and other military equipment from North Korea to Russia. Meanwhile, both Moscow and Pyongyang have denied any arms deals  albeit the leaders of both nations pledged closer military ties during a September meeting.

Park brings up possible link between Hamas and North Korea

According to Blinken, the U.S. and its two East Asian allies were increasing cooperation amid the threat of North Korea. The hermit kingdom, formally the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), has been developing its nuclear weapons and missiles in defiance of UN Security Council resolutions.

"Already, our three countries are taking steps to improve our joint response through real-time sharing of DPRK missile warning data, trilateral defense exercises and efforts to counter DPRK's malicious cyber activities," the American official said. A day before the press conference, Blinken and other foreign ministers of the Group of Seven (G7) were present in Japan. They condemned North Korea's transfer of arms to Russia, something they alleged was a direct violation of UN Security Council resolutions.

Meanwhile, Park noted that he joined Blinken and the other G7 ministers in urging humanitarian pauses in the fighting. Seoul was also keenly monitoring reports of North Korea's involvement in aiding Hamas, Park added.

"We are keeping a close eye on any North Korean link to weapons that Hamas is using, or Hamas' doctrine or strategies  all of those activities. If any link is confirmed, I think North Korea should be condemned accordingly."

For its part, the DPRK has denied the claims that its weapons are being used by Hamas. It argued that the accusation was a ploy by Washington to divert attention away from its responsibility.

Head over to WWIII.news for more similar stories.

Watch the Health Ranger Mike Adams elaborating on how North Korea can target any U.S. city with nuclear weapons in the video below.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Kim Jong-Un shows off new ATTACK DRONES and BALLISTIC MISSILES in military parade.

NATO, U.S., in trouble as Russia expands militarily and moves hypersonic missiles near Ukraine.

U.S. threatens additional sanctions on North Korea if the communist nation inks arms deal with Russia.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un warns of nuclear war, orders military to get ready for possible U.S.-led invasion.

Russia significantly increases production of tanks and munitions despite Western sanctions aimed at undermining the country's military industry.

Sources include:

TheEpochTimes.com

Brighteon.com
Brazil warns parents they wont receive welfare benefits if they dont get their kids vaccinated for COVID-19

As people in the U.S. and elsewhere are increasingly shunning COVID-19 boosters, Brazil has started pushing repeated jabs on children and imposing financial penalties on those who are unwilling to comply.

This week, the government-owned news agency Agencia Brasil announced that the country is officially adding COVID-19 shots to its National Immunization Program. This means that children aged six months to five years will be required to get the jab every year starting in 2024.

Those who do not want to subject their children to the vaccines dangers will no longer be eligible to receive welfare payments. This includes the popular Bolsa Familia family program that many Brazilians depend on to feed their families. The same is true for those who do not get the other 13 vaccines that are part of the schedule.

Meanwhile, another proposed bill could mean that parents who refuse to vaccinate their children with any one of the countrys required childhood vaccines could end up behind bars.

A scientist and journalist who lives in Brazil, Dr. Simon Goddek, wrote on X: Families not complying face hefty fines, loss of social aids like Bolsa Familia, or worse, having their children taken away.

He added: This, dear followers, is the hallmark of authoritarian communist regimes. While voicing the full extent of my concerns could land me behind bars in Brazil, its clear that politicians like Lula prioritize lining their pockets over safeguarding our young ones.

The move was first announced by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva earlier this year, who said it was a question of science.

If I have to do ten, fifty COVID vaccinations, Ill do as many as I have to because I like my life, Lula stated. I think everyone has to like their childrens lives and get their children vaccinated at the right age.

This change to the vaccine schedule means parents will now be faced with the tough decision of whether to accept the vaccines risks or potentially lose their welfare benefits. The vaccines have been linked to a range of very serious side effects, and children around the world have died as a result of them.

The dangers of COVID-19 vaccines in children

COVID-19 vaccines have been linked to numerous negative effects in people of all ages, ranging from allergic reactions and heart problems to death. However, young men were especially vulnerable to one side effect in particular, myocarditis, a condition in which heart tissue becomes inflamed. Scientists recently found that the problem stems from a generalized response to the vaccine.

There have been numerous reports of children suffering from heart attacks and/or dying suddenly after getting the jab, including a 3-year-old girl who died of a heart attack the day after getting vaccinated as a kindergarten entry requirement in Argentina. Although a firm cause-and-effect relationship has not been established in many deaths of young people following vaccination, it is still a worrying phenomenon that has prompted many parents to believe the shot is not worth the risk.

In addition, one recent study carried out by the FDA found that children aged 2 to 5 who received the Pfizer or Moderna mRNA COVID-19 vaccines had a higher risk of seizure after getting jabbed.

With data showing the death rate of children who do contract the COVID-19 virus is as low as 0.00 to 0.01 percent and many children already having natural immunity to it thanks to recent infection, parents are increasingly choosing not to vaccinate their kids against the virus.

Sources for this article include:

TheNationalPulse.com

DailyMail.co.uk

News.Yale.edu

LifeSiteNews.com
PUREBLOODS as sperm donors: Demand for sperm from unvaccinated donors is rising sharply

Women turning to sperm donors to get pregnant are increasingly seeking out donors who did not get a COVID-19 vaccine as concerns grow about the negative effects of the jab on reproduction and fetal development.

At sperm banks and online groups where women seek sperm donors, many are now specifying they are only seeking sperm that comes from unvaccinated men.

For example, on the Facebook group Sperm Donation USA, vaccination status is being increasingly mentioned among its hundreds of members. The group has been responsible for helping many women start their families, with members including everyone from single women and couples struggling to conceive to young professionals and lesbian couples. Many of the men who join the group offer their sperm for free.

Some men offering their sperm are using selling points like unvaccinated man (sperm not modified by mRNA) to drive the point home.

One woman who successfully conceived with an unvaccinated mans sperm posted a picture of a positive pregnancy test with a caption that said: One more farm-raised, not Pharma-raised baby on its way!

One of the groups members, Jonathan David Rinaldi, told The Daily Mail why he believes so many women are looking for this type of sperm. He explained that after seeing such a big increase in women specifying they wanted unvaccinated donors, he began his own group that caters exclusively to unvaccinated donors and women seeking their sperm.

Known as The Sperminator, Rinaldi has fathered at least 16 children through sperm donation over the years. He said: I don't trust big government, big pharma, I don't trust them, and I don't need to inject myself with things that I don't even know what it is.

He said that although he received the typical childhood vaccinations growing up, he started looking into the issue more when he had his first child and didnt like what he saw.

When I had my first child, I started reading the inserts and the ingredients. And when the school started saying my son had to have them... I really don't like being told what to do by the government, so it made me think and do the opposite, he noted.

He told the publication that ideally, the women who receive his sperm will also be unvaccinated, although he conceded that not everybodys educated on the matter. He did say that one woman he had considered giving his sperm to told him that she was going to get a booster after receiving the first two jabs. He told her that he would not be willing to donate his sperm to her if she followed through.

COVID-19 vaccine effects on reproduction and fertility are still largely unknown

Shortly after getting COVID-19 vaccines, numerous women have reported changes to their menstrual cycles, and gynecologists have reported higher rates of miscarriage since the vaccines were introduced.

One study found that women who received the mRNA COVID-19 jabs had a higher risk of miscarriage, fertility abnormalities and other health complications. The study, which was published in Lancet Infectious Diseases and involved nearly 200,000 women of reproductive age, found that women who received their second dose of the Moderna shot had a significantly greater risk of a serious health event.

The most frequently reported negative pregnancy outcomes among the group were stillbirth and miscarriage, followed by reduced fetal movement, abnormal fetal heart rate and vaginal bleeding.

In addition, the long-term damage caused by the vaccines on those who receive them is still not known, and how it could affect future generations will only be evident decades from now. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that safety-conscious mothers who want to give their children the best chances of a healthy life are looking for sperm from men who have not been exposed to these toxic vaccines.

Sources for this article include:

DailyMail.co.uk

TheNationalPulse.com

NaturalNews.com
Biometric digital ID numbers and personal identifiable information of approximately 815 million Indians HACKED

An anonymous hacker has breached the digital ID numbers and other personal information of approximately 815 million Indians from the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) test data of citizens linked to Aadhaar numbers registered with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

In 2021, the Indian government issued 12-digit unique identity numbers called Aadhaar to its approximately 1.3 billion population. Aadhaar, considered the world's largest biometric digital ID system, was originally designed to provide a unique identification number to each Indian citizen and curb issues related to duplicate, fake or stolen IDs in government programs.

Indian citizens are required to provide demographic information, including name, date of birth, age, address and gender, as well as biometric information, including 10 fingerprints, two eyeball scans and a facial photograph to register on the system.

However, Resecurity, an American cybersecurity and intelligence agency, revealed that a hacker using the alias "pwn001" posted spreadsheets with fragments of Aadhaar data on Breach Forums and other underground cybercriminal forums. The agency detected that the hacker provided access to the Aadhaar and passport records of more than 60 percent of the 1.3 billion people enrolled in the Aadhaar biometric digital identity program. These records were verified as valid Aadhaar card IDs upon analysis.

The agency further revealed in a blog post that Hunters Investigators confirmed the hacker was willing to sell the entire dataset for only $80,000. The dataset includes the name, father's name, phone number, other contact details, passport number, Aadhaar number, age, gender, address, district, pin code and state of Indian citizens.

"In one fell swoop, roughly 10 percent of the global population appears to have had some of their most valuable personal identifiable information (PII) compromised. Yet Aadhaar continues to receive plaudits from Silicon Valley," Nick Corbishley wrote for Naked Capitalism.

Bill Gates praises Aadhaar  because he knows it's another tool to control people

In 2019, Bill Gates praised Aadhaar in his blog entitled "Gates Notes," essentially saying that it introduced the "invisible people" in India to the world. Three years prior, in a talk about Technology for Transformation, Gates mentioned Aadhaar as a unique government initiative not seen even in wealthier nations. However, Security Affairs warned that storing such highly sensitive PII is prone to leaks and digital identity theft. The agency noted that the security vulnerabilities of utility companies, service providers, telecom operators and fintech services commonly lead to data breaches. Likewise, Biometric Update, a significant industry publication, has warned that India is experiencing a serious issue of "bleeding biometric data." The discovery of Aadhaar records for sale on the dark web, the exposure of PII on a government website, the issuance of fake Aadhaar cards in a police raid on a brothel, the exposure of biometrics and PII on the West Bengal state government website and the Aadhaar-enabled Payment System (AePS) scam are proofs of the system's security weaknesses. (Related: Several cases of IDENTITY THEFT spark concern over Australias national digital ID proposal.) Moreover, Aadhaar's flaws extend beyond security concerns. Corbishley argues in his book "Scanned" that the system, intended to streamline bureaucracy, has inadvertently granted the Indian government unparalleled surveillance power. "For a start, it tracks users' movements between cities, their employment status and purchasing records. It is a de facto social credit system that serves as the key entry point for accessing services in India. While the system has helped to speed and clean up India's bureaucracy, it has also massively increased the Indian government's surveillance powers and excluded over 100 million people from welfare programs as well as basic services," Corbishley wrote. PrivacyWatch.news has more stories related to the implications of digital ID systems.

Watch this documentary that discusses how the digital passport ID would introduce state control.

This video is from the ?????? ?????????? channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Utah governor signs bill to launch pilot program for blockchain-based digital ID system.

OBEY OR SUFFER: EU Chief Ursula von der Leyen calls for creation of GLOBAL DIGITAL ID SYSTEM.

Worldcoin CEO: Global digital currency tied to global digital ID will soon be required whether you like it or not.

Trudeau threatens to cut healthcare funding in provinces that refuse Digital Health ID.

Aussie govt slowly easing in digital ID to gain more control over its citizens.

Sources include:

100PercentFedup.com

NakedCapitalism.com

HindustanTimes.com

SecurityAffairs.com
DOJ investigating high-end brothel network whose clients include elected officials

The Department of Justice is currently investigating a high-end commercial sex ring, and a number of high-profile individuals are said to be part of its wealthy clientele, including government contractors who possess security clearances and elected officials.

Three individuals have been arrested and accused of setting up the high-end brothel network, which has reportedly been operating for three years.

Han Lee of Cambridge, Massachusetts; Junmyung Lee of Dedham, Massachusetts; and James Lee of Torrance, California were all arrested this week for their role in operating the network, which spans multiple states. The men were charged with conspiracy to coerce and entice travel to engage in illegal sexual activity. Their brothels were located just outside Washington, D.C. in Fairfax and Tysons, as well as at two locations in Massachusetts, Cambridge and Watertown.

According to authorities, the men marketed the prostitution network online, where interested customers could see naked photographs of the women they wanted to hire, along with measurements such as their height, weight and bust size. The website claimed to be advertising nude Asian models for photography shoots at high-end studios, but it was actually a front for the prostitution services.

One individual who was interviewed by federal agents supplied a menu they received from one of the brothels, which included a range of services with various prices depending on the length of the appointment, with options available from 30 minutes to 120 minutes. Some services cost as much as $600 per hour.

According to prosecutors, the customers who frequented the brothels included politicians, government contractors with security clearances, lawyers, technology company executives, doctors, pharmaceutical executives, students, retail employees, professors, military officers, scientists and business executives.

However, authorities concede that there are hundreds of customers who have yet to be identified that likely operate in other professional disciplines.

The customers were reportedly not named because the investigation is ongoing, but it will be interesting to see if their names are ever released. Of particular concern are politicians, military officials and others who could be susceptible to blackmail. While the clients are not being charged right now, there could be charges filed against them in the future.

Potential clients seeking sexual services were instructed to fill out a form on the website, including their name, phone number, employer and email address for a verification process that also included a phone conversation before clients would be allowed to meet with the women.

The meetings took place at various high-end apartment complexes, some of which carry monthly rents of more than $3,600. The men reportedly hid the proceeds of the network by depositing funds into their personal bank accounts and using peer-to-peer transfers. They also had money orders totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars in amounts below reporting thresholds, which they used to pay for the utilities and rent of their brothels.

Prostitution ring may have been part of Chinese espionage efforts

The sex ring was characterized by acting Massachusetts U.S. Attorney Josh Levy as being built on secrecy and exclusivity, catering to a wealthy and well-connected clientele. They reportedly enjoyed a high volume of business.

Journalist Paul Sperry hinted on X that the prostitution ring could be part of Chinese espionage efforts, sharing a story about it from The Hill with the caption: DEVELOPING: Investigators suspect prostitution ring may have been part of Chinese espionage plot targeting high-tech government contracting centers like Cambridge and Tysons Corner.

The three men are facing maximum sentences of 20 years in prison, along with fines of as much as $250,000.

Sources for this article include:

InfoWars.com

FoxNews.com

TheHill.com
Germany stifling freedom of speech and assembly of people who want to demonstrate in support of Palestine

The government of Germany is cracking down heavily on the free speech of its residents who want to demonstrate in support of Palestinian civilians being indiscriminately bombed by Israelis.

On Saturday, Nov. 4, between 8,000 to 10,000 people marched in the German capital of Berlin to call for a humanitarian ceasefire in the conflict in Gaza.

Before the march could even happen, German police officers led an elderly German woman away to a police van to be interrogated because she was carrying a banner which said that she was ashamed to be German and that there was a genocide taking place in Gaza. (Related: THOU SHALT NOT CRITICIZE ISRAEL: Social media giants now CENSORING CONTENT that supports people of Gaza and opposes indiscriminate bombings by Israel.)

Later, as the rally got underway, about 1,000 police officers in riot gear were deployed to prevent protesters and speakers from making antisemitic speeches and chants and preventing demonstrators from hoisting anti-Israeli signages.

Before the outbreak of hostilities in Gaza, most pro-Palestinian demonstrations in Berlin were already banned because local authorities feared an outburst of violence or antisemitism. Due to criticism of this policy as a potential breach on the democratic right to freedom of speech and assembly, more and more pro-Palestinian protests are being permitted.

"I am really starting to question whether we actually have freedom of speech in Germany," said Monika Kalinowska, who was pulled out of the crowd by German police for carrying a sign that read "Israel is a terrorist state." Her sign was later confiscated.

European countries cracking down on demonstrations in support of Palestine

Germany is just one of several European nations, including France and the United Kingdom, where measures have been put in place to silence pro-Palestinian voices.

In France, rallies in support of Palestinians and even vigils to mourn the Gazans killed by Israeli airstrikes have been banned. French authorities have even gone so far as to fine people for wearing a keffiyeh, a traditional Palestinian scarf. But marches in solidarity with Israel are permitted to proceed in Paris unmolested.

"I'm scared for my children, so I always take them to school and bring them back, even though they are teenagers," said a French-Palestinian mother of two living in Paris who is worried that French police might one day come to her house and try to deport her.

"I worry that things could go from bad to worse," she added, noting that her teenage son has already been beaten and accused of being a "terrorism apologist" at school for speaking about the Palestinian death toll and the Israeli blockade of Gaza.

The situation in Europe is getting so much worse for Palestinians and supporters of Palestine that Amnesty International had to release a statement on Oct. 20 reminding states that they have "a legal obligation to ensure that people are able to peacefully express their grief, concerns and their solidarity."

Watch this clip of Auschwitz survivor Hajo Meyer comparing Israel to the Nazis.

This video is from the PureTrauma357 channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Israel's stranglehold on U.S. politics prompts top U.N. official to resign over failure to stop "genocide" of Palestinians.

Republicans call for TikTok ban due to pro-Palestine content surpassing views of pro-Israel posts.

Young Muslims in Germany and all across the planet now pushing for global sharia law in the latest alarming evidence the "New World Order Beast System" will be "martial law."

Pro-Palestinian man arrested and charged with hate crimes after calling for "curses upon the Jews" but Israeli officials openly call for mass EXTERMINATION of all Palestinians and no one says or does a thing.

Paris erupts in RIOTS: Macron bans pro-Palestinian rallies, imposes AUTOMATIC DEPORTATION on arrested foreigner-protesters.

Sources include:

AlJazeera.com

TheIntercept.com

Brighteon.com
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg is convinced that only Ukraine will decide what the conditions will be for negotiations with Russia in order to achieve a peace treaty.

In Brussels on Tuesday, before the start of the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting at the level of defense ministers, Stoltenberg answered the question of whether he believes that Ukraine should begin to seek negotiations with Russia.

He said Ukraine decides what are acceptable terms for negotiations and, more importantly, what are acceptable terms for any agreement. According to him, it is the responsibility of NATO allies to support Ukraine so that it can defend itself, because it is also in our interests to show that NARO upholds international law and help Ukraine fight back against a war of aggression.

The NATO Secretary General said wars are unpredictable, no one can say how and when this war will end. He added that likelihood of an acceptable outcome of the negotiations becomes greater the more military support NATO provides to Ukraine, because so far they have not seen any goodwill from President Putin to negotiate an acceptable solution for Ukraine. Stoltenberg said the only way to achieve this is to convince President Putin that he will not win on the battlefield, and the only way to achieve this is to strengthen Ukraine's military capabilities through support. Therefore, solutions to achieve this is military support for Ukraine, he also said.

Commenting at the request of journalists on the fact that Russia receives ammunition from North Korea, he said NATO allies are also strengthening and increasing production. Stoltenberg said this is something they started talking about last summer, and allies in the United States, the UK, as well as European allies EU, Germany and many of them are now increasing production. He said he was in Germany over the weekend and was encouraged by reports that they are producing more, but also investing in increasing production capacity.

The Secretary General refused to comment on reports that Special Operations Forces Colonel Roman Chervinsky was involved in the bombing of Nord Stream 2.
Lawmakers, civil society organizations oppose U.K.s pressure on India to tighten IP laws, which could drive medicine prices up

United Kingdom lawmakers, academics and civil society organizations and individuals have written to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to say that his administration's drive for tougher intellectual property (IP) laws under a potential free trade agreement with India could result in soaring medicine costs in Britain and globally. In the letter, the group that includes Doctors Without Borders/Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), called for the IP demands to be scrapped, as they would threaten imports of cheap, life-saving drugs.

"Amidst reports that the negotiations are in the final stages, we are writing to you to express our deep concern regarding the U.K.-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and its potential impact on access to affordable, lifesaving generic medicines from India. We call on you to urgently and publicly commit that there will be no clauses proposed by the U.K. that will require India to amend its intellectual property (IP) laws as a result of the FTA," the correspondence dated October 31 included.

It also pointed out that a leaked text of the U.K.-India FTA revealed that the U.K. was proposing provisions in the IP chapter that would impede these crucial mechanisms by requiring amendments to India's IP laws. As negotiations continue, it has emerged that the Indian Government is indeed considering amending its patent rules. "Despite FTAs being long-standing and largely irreversible commitments, there are unprecedented levels of secrecy from both the U.K. Parliament and the public on what is being negotiated. As such, it is not clear how the U.K.'s specific proposals to gut India's public health safeguards have appeared in the broad-ranging agreement. However, it is clear that the IP chapter is a contentious section of the agreement and appears to be one of the last remaining issues still under negotiation," the letter further cited.

The group also pushed for full transparency and public and parliamentary scrutiny on negotiations are urgently needed to ensure that public health concerns are not circumvented in favor of private profits. "Several of the undersigned met with the Minister of State for International Trade back in May this year to raise our concerns; they were repeatedly told no information could be shared about the U.K. position as negotiations were ongoing, and subsequent requests for meetings have gone ignored. And yet, a recent Freedom of Information (FOI) request submitted by MSF to the Department of Business and Trade showed that the U.K. is regularly and consistently meeting with members of the multinational pharmaceutical industry to consult them on the FTA negotiations," they stated, adding that there were also reports that the life sciences and biotech industry demanded "changes" to the IP chapter, suggesting they are heavily influencing the text itself.

The letter has more than 50 signatories, including members of Parliament such as Labor's Richard Burgon and Kim Johnson, charities including Oxfam and MSF, and academics at institutions from the University College of London Institute for Global Health to the University of Strathclyde.

Meanwhile, Bloomberg recently cited "leaked documents from negotiations" showing that the U.K. government is demanding that India tighten its IP laws to provide longer medicine patent protection than global manufacturers currently receive in India, delaying the time that local companies can start making generic drugs (medicines containing the same components as a drug originally protected by a patent). The change would benefit large pharmaceutical manufacturers such as AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline and Sanofi, "which expect higher demand for their more expensive products." (Related: Big Pharma FASCISM is rising.)

Global Justice Now, formerly known as the World Development Movement, is challenging the U.K. government on its lack of "transparency," urging it to make public details related to negotiations and its mandate in the talks. The Financial Times earlier reported that the trade talks have hit a hurdle, as London was seeking "better terms" in goods and services. "A lack of progress in opening up Indian markets to British professional services, including law and accountancy firms," a person familiar with the matter told the news outlet.

The deal has been in the works since 2021.

Sunaks administration denies that stringent IP rules could send medicine costs soaring

Forcing India to impose more stringent IP-protection rules would mean the National Health Services and other healthcare systems would have to buy more expensive products for longer, Bloomberg's Lucy White wrote.

When pressed on their IP demands, U.K. officials "repeat the mantra that 'Nothing we do is going to damage the NHS,'" said Nick Dearden, director of Global Justice Now, which is a signatory to the letter. "But they clearly don't understand how the generic industry works. The reason were buying these drugs from India is precisely because it has looser rules on intellectual property, and therefore can be in a position to have drugs up and ready and running by the time the patent expires in the United Kingdom."

Meanwhile, a spokesperson from Sunak's administration said officials would "never agree with provisions that would increase the cost of medicines for our NHS." "The NHS, its services and the cost of medicines are not and have never been on the table for any trade deal," the spokesperson said in an emailed statement. "The U.K.'s approach to IP is to strike a balance between encouraging innovation and ensuring access to affordable medicines  this has not changed."

Visit BigPharmaNews.com to read more news related to this.

Sources for this article include:

RT.com

MSFAccess.org

Bloomberg.com
House report reveals how federal government CENSORED conservative views online

More proof has emerged that conservatives were actively censored online in the lead-up to the 2020 presidential election  and the U.S. government was behind it.

A 103-page staff interim report by the House Judiciary Committee includes internal communications such as emails showing how a disinformation group known as the Election Integrity Partnership (EIP) worked together with the Department of Homeland Securitys Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to remove and/or limit the reach of some types of online speech in conjunction with Big Tech firms.

The report explained how the government used this group to get away with censoring dissenting views: Created in the summer of 2020 at the request of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the EIP provided a way for the federal government to launder its censorship activities in hopes of bypassing both the First Amendment and public scrutiny.

Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) posted on X that the communications demonstrated how "the federal government and universities pressured social media companies to censor true information, jokes and political opinions."

EIP analysts would search social media sites for undesirable content. If a report flagged a post on Facebook, analysts would then search for similar content on other sites such as Reddit, TikTok, YouTube and Twitter. They would then compile the offending links and send them to Big Tech, along with their recommendations on how the posts should be censored. Some tactics included suspending the account temporarily, monitoring retweets, removing posts and reducing their discoverability.

The report said: "This pressure was largely directed in a way that benefited one side of the political aisle: true information posted by Republicans and conservatives was labeled as 'misinformation' while false information posted by Democrats and liberals was largely unreported and untouched by the censors."

Although many of those who were censored by these efforts were Americans engaging in normal conversations online, several conservative and right-leaning politicians, commentators and media outlets were also targeted.

Some of the politicians who had their social media posts deemed misinformation by the group include then-President Donald Trump, Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Georgia), and former politicians such as former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee.

When it comes to media, the conservative news outlet Newsmax and conservative satire site The Babylon Bee were censored, along with Fox News host Sean Hannity. The Federalist editors Mollie Hemingway and Sean Davis were also targeted.

Evidence demonstrating censorship of conservative posts is growing

Many have suspected this type of censorship was taking place over the years, but evidence has been growing in recent years exposing how right-leaning voices are suppressed online.

For example, when Elon Musk purchased Twitter, which he has since rebranded as X, he shared internal documents with journalists that showed how the social media platform engaged in censorship before he took over. Known as the Twitter Files, they showed how the federal government exerted pressure to keep certain viewpoints from being shared.

Among other things, the files showed that the FBI interfered with the 2020 election during the Hunter Biden laptop scandal, which involved a laptop the presidents son abandoned containing emails, videos and text messages that proved Hunter and Joe were involved in corrupt business dealings. Twitter reportedly censored the story as part of its hacked materials policy, despite not having any proof it was hacked. It turns out the FBI issued a warning to Twitter and other platforms that the story was considered a threat.

In 2021, then-White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki admitted the Biden administration has been flagging problematic posts for Facebook that spread disinformation, while Biden accused the platform of killing people by not censoring enough misinformation about COVID-19.

Sources for this article include:

LifeSiteNews.com

DailySignal.com
Republicans launch attack on First Amendment

The right is struggling with a censorship issue thats escalating. Conservatives are increasingly focused on silencing those who critique Israel and Jewish folks. While it would be wonderful to live in a world where everyone loves one another and disagreements never happen, thats not our reality. Hate speech, like it or not, falls under the protection of the First Amendment. If the right fails to uphold this, how on earth can we credibly criticize the left for their draconian censorship tactics?

(Article republished from Revolver.news)

The Hill:

Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) held up his new bill as a possible solution to antisemitism on college campuses, saying the debates in colleges and universities across the country are not a free speech issue. Lawler, alongside Reps. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.), Max Miller (R-Ohio) and Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.), introduced the Antisemitism Awareness Act in late October, which they hope will enable universities and law enforcement to go after antisemitic speech, which he described as hate speech.

Lets face it, many Republicans have stumbled into the lefts hate speech trap. They may not see it, but theyre effectively stifling free speech. As weve seen from Supreme Court rulings, hate speech isnt a legally recognized category. The article from The Hill goes on:

We have seen a rapid rise in antisemitism on these college campuses, and we need to crack down on it, Lawker said in a CNN interview Friday. This is not a free speech issue. This is hate speech. The bill would force the Education Department to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliances (IHRA) definition of antisemitism for use in enforcing federal anti-discrimination laws. The IHRA definition, which is not currently universally accepted, includes anti-Zionism, a belief against the state of Israel, as a factor  which some contend is simply a political belief and has nothing to do with religious discrimination.

Its not just random Republican congressmen pushing censorship either, its the f*****g frauds at Fox News, according to Glenn Greenwald.

What absolute fucking frauds Fox News is. They spent years denouncing, mocking and screaming about censorship on campuses. I was on many times to do it. Now that the censorship is done to ban and silence critics of Israel - including a Jewish group - they couldn't be happier: https://t.co/EpI0tS0XxHpic.twitter.com/F8xxSW6Ao3  Glenn Greenwald (@ggreenwald) November 10, 2023

This must be one of the reasons why Fox got rid of Tucker Carlson.

Too bad Tucker Carlson is no longer on Fox, so he can't deliver this scathing denunciation of this newfound conservative support for campus censorship to protect Israel. But vocal dissent from the Murdochs' worldview like this is precisely why he's not on Fox any longer. pic.twitter.com/CkKktApxSj  Glenn Greenwald (@ggreenwald) November 10, 2023

The right probably feels completely justified in their actions, firmly believing that their form of censorship is for the greater good. However, the left has the same convictions about their causes. Thats exactly why its crucial to take an unwavering stand on free speech. Youre either fully committed to it, including the stuff that offends you, or youre not. And whether you like it or not, if the right is championing censorship, regardless of the cause, it puts us on the same level as the Marxists on the left.

Read more at: Revolver.news
UNESCO releases guidelines for regulating all content online

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has published its so-called "guidelines" for the regulation of content online

The 59-page rulebook, titled "Guidelines for the Governance of Digital Platforms," represents UNESCO's action plan for regulating the supposed acceleration and amplification of false information and so-called hate speech on the internet. (Related: Steve Quayle: UN's war against "disinformation" is nefarious plan to take out political resistance.)

In the rulebook, UNESCO has laid out seven "fundamental principles" regarding online content that the world should respect. These include the claim that every stakeholder must recognize the impact of their actions on human rights at every stage of decision-making.

Another point is UNESCO's claim to want the creation of "independent public regulators" set up all over the world "with clearly defined roles and sufficient resources to carry out their mission."

"These independent regulators work in close coordination as part of a wider network to prevent digital companies from taking advantage of disparities between national regulations," reads the third principle.

In the fourth principle, UNESCO wants the creation of massive "content moderation" teams, whose jobs are "feasible and effective at scale, in all regions and in all languages."

The fifth principle revolves around claims that UNESCO wants the algorithms of social media platforms to revolve around fundamentals of accountability and transparency rather than maximizing engagement and profit at the cost of ensuring the spread of reliable information.

The sixth and seventh principles focus on UNESCO demanding that platforms take more initiative to educate and train social media users to be more critical of the content they see and a call for regulators and social media platforms alike to take stronger measures to control content "during particularly sensitive moments like elections and crises."

UNESCO claims its regulation of the internet is meant to protect freedom of expression

UNESCO said the spread of so-called misinformation and hate speech poses major risks to societal cohesion, peace and stability. To protect supposed "real" information on the internet and access to it, UNESCO noted that it needs to regulate online platforms without delay.

"Our work has been guided by one central requirement: The protection at all times of freedom of expression and all other human rights," claimed UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay. "Restricting or limiting speech would be a terrible solution."

"Having media outlets and information tools that are independent, qualitative and free is the best long-term response to disinformation," added the director-general.

Despite UNESCO's claims of wanting to protect free speech, many are skeptical. The editorial board of Technocracy.News warned that UNESCO's call to protect speech and human rights is "Orwellian Double-Think."

"While citing the need for 'multi-stakeholder' regulation of social media, UNESCO's 59-page tome  is Orwellian Double-Think at its worst, promoting free speech that is anti-free speech," the editors wrote. "The 'major threat to stability and social cohesion' is all about their stability and the social cohesion they want to force on the world. Now, UNESCO will spawn a feeding frenzy of eager NGOs and government tyrants to promote and defend the globalist narrative."

Learn more about government and international efforts to regulate online content at SpeechPolice.news.

Watch this clip from "The Glenn Beck Program" on BlazeTV as host Glenn Beck discusses UNESCO's view of what life in 2030 should be like.

This video is from the High Hopes channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

New Zealand's Jacinda Ardern calls on the United Nations to crack down on free speech as a weapon of war.

United Nations penalizes criticisms against elitist takeover.

IRONY: United Nations conspires with powerful interests to censor any talk of a global conspiracy between powerful interests.

UNESCO: Combination of neurotechnology and AI threatens mental privacy.

U.N. orders world governments to "end free speech."

Sources include:

Technocracy.news

UNESDOC.UNESCO.org [PDF]

UNESCO.org

Brighteon.com
NYC Mayor Eric Adams cell phones and iPad CONFISCATED by the FBI as part of federal corruption probe

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has seized electronic devices belonging to New York City Mayor Eric Adams as an escalation of a federal corruption investigation into his 2021 mayoral campaign.

The FBI confirmed that it confiscated a variety of electronics from Adams, including two cell phones and one iPad. This confiscation comes after an FBI raid earlier this month on the home of Brianna Suggs, Adams' leading campaign fundraiser. (Related: Sanctuary City New York spent over $5 billion in taxpayer money the previous fiscal year to provide services for ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.)

The confiscation was allegedly conducted by FBI agents who approached Adams in the street and asked his security detail to step away while they entered his vehicle and seized the devices under the authorization of a court-issued warrant.

The warrant allowed the FBI to copy any data it deemed relevant on the confiscated devices. The FBI returned all of the equipment to Adams within a matter of days.

"As a former member of law enforcement, I expect all members of my staff to follow the law and fully cooperate with any sort of investigation, and I will continue to do that," said Adams. "I have nothing to hide."

While Adams has expressed his willingness to cooperate with federal authorities, his statement on the matter has indicated that he believes somebody else in his campaign is guilty of corruption.

"I am outraged and angry if anyone attempted to use the campaign to manipulate our democracy and defraud our campaign," he said. "I want to be clear: I have no knowledge, direct or otherwise, of any improper fundraising activity and certainly not of any foreign money."

Adams may have received $300,000 from Turkish nationals

The FBI's investigation is currently focused on whether or not Adams' 2021 campaign illicitly received funding from foreign sources, including the government of Turkey. Previous reports have pointed out that Adams and his campaign have repeatedly refused requests from regulators to divulge the source of about $300,000 in donations.

These old reports previously suggested that the donations came from about 500 different sources, and the FBI's investigation is now suggesting that most of these donors are Turkish nationals who may have made improper donations as part of a "straw donors scheme."

A straw donor is a person or company who illegally makes a donation with someone else's money but uses their own name to hide its true source.

The FBI is concerned that the campaign may have given illegal kickbacks to Turkish officials. Adams himself has been noted as having traveled to Turkey several times in the past few years, including during his time as borough president of Brooklyn. He has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.

The FBI's investigation is also seeking records about donations from Bay Atlantic University in Washington, D.C., a college whose founder is Turkish and is affiliated with a school Adams visited when he went to Turkey as Brooklyn borough president in 2015.

Adams has also repeatedly boasted about his close ties to Turkey, even claiming once that he is "probably the only mayor in the history of this city that has not only visited Turkey once, but I think I'm on my sixth or seventh visit to Turkey."

Watch this Nov. 10 episode of the "War Room" on InfoWars as host Harrison Smith discusses the corruption probe into New York City Mayor Eric Adams.

This video is from the Ron Gibson Channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Activists conduct SIT-IN PROTEST at the Statue of Liberty calling for CEASEFIRE in Gaza.

FBI warns of "Phantom Hacker" scams WIPING OUT senior citizens' life savings.

New York Supreme Court reinstates workers fired for being unvaccinated, with back pay.

BAN THE SCAN: Civil rights groups call on the state of New York to outlaw facial recognition.

Finger-pointing Biden admin officials blame NYC Mayor Adams for migrant crisis, say city lacks "exit strategy" for illegals.

Sources include:

NYPost.com

TheGuardian.com

FT.com

ABC7NY.com

Brighteon.com
Gates and his globalist buddies set to accelerate DIGITAL PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE in 50 countries by 2028

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and his globalist buddies are set to accelerate digital public infrastructure (DPI) in 50 countries by 2028.

This campaign to accelerate DPI dubbed "50-in-5" was virtually launched on Nov. 8 in cooperation with countries committing to sharing learnings, best practices and technologies. Organizers claim the program will ultimately reduce costs, build local capacity, maximize impact and help radically shorten the implementation journeys for digital public infrastructure (DPI).

DPI is an interoperable network of components that include digital payments, ID and data exchange systems which globalists have been asserting to be essential for participation in markets and society in a digital era. "DPI is needed for all countries to build resilient and innovative economies, and for the well-being of people," the program's website declared.

The advocacy campaign seeks to have 50 countries design, launch and scale at least one component of their DPI stack in a safe, inclusive and interoperable manner in the next five years. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Center for Digital Public Infrastructure, Digital Public Goods Alliance and United Nations Development Program are involved with the program.

The 50-in-5 initiative is also supported by GovStack, the Inter-American Development Bank and United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). According to sources, one of the proponents, Co-Develop, was founded by the left-wing Rockefeller Foundation.

Moldovan Deputy Prime Minister Dumitru Alaiba gave the keynote address, telling attendees that his country was modeling its "government super app" after Ukraine's Diia platform, which aims "to enable all life situations" with digital ID.

"Over the next five years, we are committed to enhancing and establishing key DPI components: the payments system, the digital signature and the digital identity," he said. "All of those components are available in Moldova. They are currently being in a permanent state of evolution."

The landlocked nation isn't the only nation that signed up with the 50-in-5 campaign. Ten other nations  Guatemala, Norway, Estonia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo, Ethiopia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Singapore  followed suit.

But Sociable editor Tim Hinchliffe pointed out that the 50-in-5 campaign is an agenda concocted by a coalition of unelected globalists to accelerate technocratic control through digital ID, central bank digital currency (CBDC) and massive data sharing.

"If successful, DPI will give governments and corporations the power to implement systems of social credit that can determine where and how you can travel, what you are allowed to consume and how you will be able to transact with your programmable money," the article pointed out. (Related: Bill Gates pledges $10 million to support creation of universal DIGITAL ID SYSTEM that will enslave the world.)

WEF pushes for DPI to have better control of future generations

Unsurprisingly, the globalist World Economic Forum (WEF)  backed by Gates, the UN and the European Union  is behind the push for DPI. In a series of articles published in September, the WEF justified the necessity of DPI as "thinking about the children" and what is best for them. "Children's rights around the world can be boosted by investing in DPIs," said one article published on Sept. 18.

But what the globalists really mean is that they need the DPI to have better control future of generations.

The WEF also noted that 2023 is the "halfway point" for achieving the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). According to a report by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), this halfway mark "is an opportunity to assess and recalibrate" efforts to realize the rights of every child, everywhere. The same report warned, however, that two-thirds of child-related indicators are off-pace to meet their targets.

According to Reclaim the Net, DPI is a buzzword used in somewhat interesting/alarming concord by organizations such as the UN, EU, the Gates Foundation, and of course, the WEF is never quite out of any such picture.

"What DPIs are supposed to do, in the best-case scenario, is aid development in several ways. Those looking deeper into platitudes and 'corporate speak' coming from these organizations, however, are dismissing the term and the policy as a ruse to speed up the introduction of digital IDs and payments, with a deadline of 2030, the article stated.

"If you're a citizen of a UN member-state, and your government (i.e., taxpayers) are contributing to various UN efforts and, you feel either uneasy or just insufficiently informed about all this, well, too bad. They're going ahead anyway."

Globalism.news contains related stories on centralizing data systems worldwide.

Watch the video below that talks about the "50-in-5" project as a "digital Prison" for humanity.

This video is from the LibertySentinel channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

G20 endorses "digital public infrastructure" that pushes DIGITAL CURRENCIES  something most Americans oppose.

GLOBAL ENSLAVEMENT: G20 heralds launch of government-controlled CBDCs and digital IDs worldwide.

OBEY OR SUFFER: EU Chief Ursula von der Leyen calls for creation of GLOBAL DIGITAL ID SYSTEM.

Sources include:

Expose-News.com

50in5.net

Sociable.co 1

Sociable.co 2

WEForum.org

ReclaimTheNet.org

Brighteon.com
Hospitals in Gaza filled with sick patients, including ICU babies, who face inevitable death  at least 22 hospitals and 49 medical centers now closed or DESTROYED since October 7

The Palestinian health ministry is warning that sick and wounded patients at Gaza's last functioning hospitals face "inevitable death" as Israeli military forces continue to bombard the enclave with missiles and tank shells.

Palestinian Minister of Health Mai al-Kaila told reporters that, contrary to what some Western media outlets are claiming, Israel is "not evacuating people from hospitals; instead, they were forcibly evicting the wounded and patients onto the streets, leaving them to face inevitable death."

"This is not evacuation but expulsion under the threat of arms," Kaila said in no uncertain terms, adding further that there is a "catastrophe unfolding in hospitals, with patients now dying without receiving their treatments, such as children and adults with kidney failure who are perishing at home without undergoing dialysis sessions."

Another Palestinian government spokesperson announced that an unbelievable 22 hospitals throughout Gaza, as well as 49 medical centers, are all either non-operational or destroyed due to Israeli air strikes and Israel's decision to suspend all fuel and electricity in Gaza for the foreseeable future.

"Israeli forces have targeted the intensive care unit in the al-Shifa hospital, they have also destroyed the maternity ward and the operating room," the spokesperson said, updating the official number of Palestinians killed since the start of the hostilities on October 7 to 11,180 people, as of this writing.

(Related: All of a sudden, the U.S. military is trying to recruit more white guys now that Israel needs more foreign bodies to commit genocide against Gaza.)

Israel destroys last remaining maternity ward in Gaza City: "dozens of pregnant women will die as they will be forced to give birth alone at home"

Doctors who remain at working hospital wards say they are being targeted by Israel gunfire, the spokesperson added, explaining further the ongoing Israel aggression against innocents in Gaza.

"Some doctors have been targeted and wounded while moving around inside the hospital," he said. "One person was wounded in the back of the neck."

Last week due to a lack of fuel, the Sahaba hospital in Gaza City was forced to close its doors. A nurse working in the maternity ward said this is the last maternity ward that was operational in Gaza City, meaning pregnant women in the area will be unable to undergo cesarean surgeries.

"There is no place where pregnant women can currently go to give birth," said the nurse, 25-year-old Aya Muhammed. "No maternity hospital or clinic is open now. We expect that dozens of pregnant women will die as they will be forced to give birth alone at home."

Eyewitnesses say that husbands and relatives of these pregnant women are roaming neighborhoods in desperate search of doctors to help them give birth at home.

Muhammed added that a colleague nurse of hers in Tal al-Hawa street, located to the southwest of Gaza City, watched from her window as multiple people were killed by Israeli forces on the streets.

"No one could retrieve or approach them," she explained. "Those who were injured were left to bleed to death as Israeli snipers were directly shooting at anyone trying to approach them. We are watching the patients and wounded die while we can do nothing to save their lives."

On Sunday, the Palestinian Red Crescent (PRCS), similar to the American Red Cross, announced that al-Quds hospital in Gaza is also now completely out of service after running out of fuel.

"The cessation of services is due to depletion of available fuel and power outages," the PRCS said in a statement.

"Medical staff are making every effort to provide care to patients and the wounded, even resorting to conventional medical methods amid dire humanitarian conditions and a shortage of medicine, food and fuel."

The latest news about the Israeli genocide of Gaza can be found at Democide.news.

Sources for this article include:

MiddleEastEye.net

NaturalNews.com
Confused industrial robot crushed a worker to death at a vegetable packing plant in South Korea

A 40-year-old man working at a produce-sorting facility in South Korea was accidentally crushed to death by a robot that somehow got "confused," mistaking the worker for a box of vegetables

The automaton reportedly took hold of the technicians arm using its arm and tongs  crushing his face and chest. Officials believe the robots system had mistaken the worker for a box of food and tried to lift him up. The victim was taken to the hospital who died shortly thereafter as a result of his injuries.

The incident occurred on Nov. 7 at the Donggoseong Export Agriculture Complex in South Gyeongsang Province. The Korean Yonhap News Agency report said the technician was diagnosing a problem with the robot's sensor and checking to see whether the sensor electronics were working properly ahead of a scheduled test run of the mechanoid the next day.

An official and spokesperson at the complex told reporters the tragic accident happened after a change to the plant's workflow to "make the robot, which the facility has been using for about five years, more efficient and functioning properly."

"We have been using robots well with less [human] labor," added the official. "Recently, we changed the work line and entrusted the automations work to more efficient use. Robots that can be used in facilitys cultivation farms are also being developed, so a precise and safe system must be established." (Related: Globalists following planetary script to REPLACE HUMANS with AI systems you are now obsolete.)

More and more robots entering workplaces all over the world

According to NBC News, the robot was one of two used at the complex and primarily used to lift boxes of bell peppers and other vegetables exported to other Asian countries and move them onto pallets. The Korean news outlet said mechanoids are common in South Koreas agricultural hubs.

Gosong Police Station Investigations Department head Kang Jin-gi said the robot wasn't an advanced, artificial intelligence-powered robot, but a machine that simply picks up boxes and puts them on pallets. He added that the police were working with related agencies to determine whether the machine had technical defects or safety issues.

Another Korean police officer who did not want to be named because he wasnt authorized to talk to reporters, said they were also looking into the possibility of human error. He said the robots sensors are designed to identify boxes and security camera footage indicated the man had moved near the robot with a box in his hands, which likely triggered the machine's reaction.

Per the camera footage, "Its clearly not a case where a robot confused a human with a box  this wasn't a very sophisticated machine," he said.

South Korea has a long history of safety accidents involving industrial robots. Just this March, Korean media reported that a manufacturing robot in a factory for automobile parts in Gunsan, North Jeolla Province, crushed and seriously injured a worker in his 50s who was examining the machine.

Last year, a worker at a milk factory in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, had been fatally crushed by a robot installed near a conveyor belt.

Watch this video about robots replacing fast-food workers.

This video is from the Think While Still Legal channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Robots showcase potential role in achieving UN goals during Geneva summit  but the ultimate goal all along is to REPLACE YOU.

Voice actors are losing their jobs to AI robots  is your job next?

Generative AI could replace up to 300 million mostly white-collar jobs worldwide.

Wendy's and Google replacing employees with AI chatbots.

Sources include:

WesternJournal.com

TheRegister.com

YNA.co.kr

NBCNews.com

Brighteon.com
Israel agrees to 4-hour daily pauses in Gaza fighting to allow civilians to flee

The White House has announced that Israel agreed to daily four-hour "humanitarian pauses" to the fighting as the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) continues to combat the defenders of Gaza City.

The four-hour pauses will allow civilians to flee northern Gaza, where the fighting is concentrated. They will also allow aid from the border crossing in Egypt to enter the besieged population of the Gaza Strip.

White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby announced the move on Nov. 9, adding that the new Israeli policy began "today."

"We understand that Israel will begin to implement four-hour pauses in areas of northern Gaza each day, with an announcement to be made three hours beforehand," said Kirby. "There will be no military operations in these areas for the duration of these pauses." (Related: Sen. Lindsey Graham says civilian casualties in Gaza are no big deal: No need to "limit civilian casualties" or provide any humanitarian aid at all.)

U.S. President Joe Biden reportedly asked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directly to institute these daily pauses during a call on Nov. 6. This call was followed up by a meeting between the directors of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency and its Israeli counterpart, Mossad, in Qatar to negotiate the terms of such daily pauses. Biden also reportedly asked the Israelis for a longer pause of at least three days to facilitate hostage negotiations.

"I've asked for even a longer pause for some of them," said Biden to reporters. He added there was "no possibility" of a formal ceasefire at the moment, and said that Israel was taking "a little longer" than he hoped to agree to humanitarian pauses to the conflict.

This formal rejection of a long-term ceasefire from Israel and the U.S. comes despite growing international pressure for an end to the conflict.

Israel to open second humanitarian corridor

Kirby added that Israel has agreed to open a second humanitarian corridor to allow civilians to flee the areas that are currently the focus of the IDF's military campaign against Hamas. However, he remained silent about any specific details regarding the physical parameters of the pauses or how many days there would be pauses.

"The fighting continues and there will be no ceasefire without the release of our hostages," said Netanyahu's office in a statement. "Israel is allowing safe passage through humanitarian corridors from the northern Gaza Strip to the south, which 50,000 Gazans utilized just yesterday. We once again call on the civilian population of Gaza to evacuate to the south."

Israeli military spokesman Lt. Col. Richard Hecht said that the IDF's overall strategy has not shifted in light of the pauses. There will still be no ceasefire, and the "tactical local pauses" are purely for humanitarian purposes.

"These evacuation corridors are for civilians to move south to safer areas where they can receive humanitarian aid," added Hecht, who also said that Israel "would try" to expand these humanitarian corridors for civilians.

Learn more about the ongoing genocide of Palestinians in Gaza at Genocide.news.

Watch this episode of "The Last American Vagabond" discussing how the U.S. government continues to lie about its desire to seek a ceasefire in Gaza.

This video is from the What Is Happening channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Thousands of Palestinian laborers in Israel have gone missing amid Israel's ongoing genocide against human beings living in Gaza.

Iran calls for TEMPORARY CEASEFIRE in Gaza.

Muslim Americans to Biden: Declare a ceasefire in Gaza, or lose our donations and votes.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres calls for immediate humanitarian CEASEFIRE in Gaza.

The West's refusal to call for a ceasefire is a green light to Israel's ethnic cleansing.

Sources include:

FoxNews.com

APNews.com

CBSNews.com

Brighteon.com
Israel lays siege to Gazas largest hospital, claims it houses Hamas HQ

The escalating Israeli-Palestinian conflict has taken a dark turn with reports indicating that Israeli forces have surrounded Gaza's largest hospital, al-Shifa. The situation intensified following an explosion at the hospital, which Hamas attributed to an Israeli airstrike. While Israel has not officially claimed responsibility, this development has raised legal, humanitarian and geopolitical concerns

The reported targeting of al-Shifa is part of a broader Israeli military strategy aimed at dismantling Hamas' extensive tunnel network. (Related: Israel has already attacked hospitals and health care facilities in Gaza 51 times, says "horrified" United Nations.)

Israeli officials assert that al-Shifa, in addition to being a medical facility, conceals deep underground tunnels used by Hamas for military purposes. However, the targeting of hospitals raises ethical questions and sparks international legal concerns, as attacks on medical facilities are generally considered violations of International Humanitarian Law.

The Israeli forces have also surrounded other hospitals in Gaza, demanding evacuations. This move adds complexity to the already challenging task of providing medical care in the region and raises questions about the impact on civilians, especially those seeking medical assistance.

The ongoing conflict has prompted tens of thousands of Palestinians to seek refuge in hospitals, including al-Shifa, placing an additional burden on already strained medical facilities.

The World Health Organization has reported that at least five Gaza hospitals have been targeted, and the attacks have left 20 hospitals "out of action." This situation underscores the urgent need for international humanitarian interventions and calls for an immediate ceasefire.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken has emphasized the necessity of protecting civilians, expressing deep concern over the high Palestinian death toll.

The conflict's toll has surpassed 12,400 lives lost, with over 100 United Nations aid workers killed in Gaza.

A video released by the UN Relief and Works Agency confirmed that 101 workers, including teachers, doctors, engineers, and sanitation workers, have lost their lives in the line of duty.

The deliberate targeting of essential personnel poses a severe threat to the region's ability to provide medical assistance and essential services. This grim reality underscores the urgency of global calls for a ceasefire and diplomatic initiatives to address the root causes of the conflict.

No tunnel in the hospital, investigation shows

Sanad, Al Jazeera's digital investigation agency, has refuted Israeli authorities' recent claim that there is a Hamas tunnel beneath the Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Hospital.

Israeli officials have frequently asserted the existence of tunnels under Gaza hospitals as a justification for targeting these health facilities, which are protected under international law during conflicts.

A video released by Israel's military showed a hatch near an exterior wall of the hospital, alleging it led to a Hamas tunnel.

However, Sanad's investigation, based on satellite footage, construction archives and conversations with an original engineer, revealed that the hatch is for a water reservoir used for therapeutic pools, landscaping and emergency water supply.

The hospital, constructed by Qatar and operational since 2019, has suffered damage from Israel's airstrikes on medical facilities in Gaza.

Israel's claims about tunnels under hospitals raise concerns about potential violations of international law, given the protected status of civilians and medical institutions.

Watch this video of Israel Defense Forces' siege of Al-Rantisi Hospital in Gaza.

This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

One hundred Israeli doctors issue public statement of SUPPORT for Israels bombing of HOSPITALS in Gaza.

Israel illegally deploying WHITE PHOSPHORUS weapons in Gaza and Lebanon  innocent civilians being killed as churches and hospitals are repeatedly bombed.

Hospitals, churches, refugee camps and now a SCHOOL: Israels latest bombing decimated Al-Azhar University in Gaza.

Sources include:

Bloomberg.com

Aljazeera.com

Brighteon.com
Yermak: Ukraine needs support, since size of Russian group is three times larger than at beginning of invasion

Head of the President's Office of Ukraine Andriy Yermak met in Washington with U.S. Presidential National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, Secretary of the National Security Council, National Security Adviser to the British Prime Minister Timothy Barrow, German Chancellery Foreign and Security Policy Advisor Jens Ploetner and French President's Diplomatic Counselor Emmanuel Bonne, the press service of the President's Office said.

During the meeting, the situation on the battlefield has been discussed. As Yermak noted, the Ukrainian army has already recaptured about 50% of the previously occupied territories, but today the number of the Russian group in Ukraine is three times greater than at the beginning of the aggression, so our country needs to maintain international support.

In addition, the meeting discussed the protection of the grain corridor in the Black Sea. Despite numerous Russian air attacks on Ukrainian port infrastructure, the corridor continues to operate thanks to interaction with Ukraine's partners, primarily from the Black Sea region.

"Dozens of ships have already passed along this route, which has helped reduce threats to food security in the world. However, to protect and ensure the operation of the grain corridor, we need additional air defense systems," he said.

The interlocutors also continued the dialogue on concluding bilateral agreements on security guarantees within the framework of the Joint Declaration on Support for Ukraine, adopted by the G7 countries in Vilnius.

"It was noted that the work carried out in this context will contribute to the transition of our state's defense forces to NATO standards and Western weapons," according to the statement.

Advisors to the leaders of the United States, Great Britain, Germany and France assured that they would support Ukraine as long as necessary to achieve a just world.
Israeli genocide of Gaza may be motivated by Palestines maritime natural gas reserves and desire to wipe Gaza off the map

Back in 2013, it was reported that Israel was "set to become a major exporter of gas and some oil" at some point in the future, but only if "all goes to plan." We now know a little more about what thatactually entails: the total annihilation of the Palestinian people and the seizing of the rest of their land

Israel's longtime plan, which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been salivating over for many years, includes clearing out Gaza and confiscating all of the maritime offshore gas reserves, worth billions of dollars, that exist off its coastline.

One thing Israel really wants to get its hands on are Gaza's offshore natural gas reserves, and specifically those tied to what BG (the BG Group) found in 1999, as well as the discoveries of Levant in 2013.

A "secret" memorandum authored by Israel's Ministry of Intelligence "is recommending the forcible and permanent transfer of the Gaza Strip's 2.2 million Palestinian residents to Egypt's Sinai Peninsula."

Dated Oct. 13, 2023, the 10-page document linked above bears the official logo of the Israeli Intelligence Ministry, recommending a full population transfer of everyone currently living in the Gaza Strip to a new concentration camp in the Sinai Peninsula. This would allow Israel to not only annex the land but also steal the lucrative fossil fuel resources that exist there.

You can access the complete document in English here.

(Related: You can learn more about Israel's final solution for the Palestinian people from our earlier coverage.)

Israel wants the Giant Leviathan natural gas field, and is willing to commit genocide against millions of people to steal it

A 2013 analysis of what was known even back then about Israel's plan focused on the December 2010 discovery of the Giant Leviathan natural gas field, located in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, including directly off the coast of Gaza.

These gas reserves were technically discovered even earlier, back in 1999 by British Gas, a company that belongs to Palestine. However, Israel continues to claim Gaza as its own, even though it has yet to fully eradicate its people.

"While Israel claims them as her very own treasure, only a fraction of the sea's wealth lies in Israel's bailiwick as maps," reads a portion of the 2013 analysis of the Levant gas reserves situation.

"Much is still unexplored, but currently Palestine's Gaza and the West Bank between them show the greatest discoveries."

Fast-forward to 2023, and Israel is finally pouncing, as long planned under "Operation Cast Lead," an Israeli invasion of Gaza that began in 2008 and that now appears to be in its final stages.

"The underlying objective is the outright military occupation of Gaza by Israel's IDF forces and the expulsion of Palestinians from their homeland," one report explains, adding that "there are powerful financial interests which stand to benefit from Israel's criminal undertaking (genocide) directed against Gaza."

In 2021 and 2022 when the world was, by design, focused on the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) scamdemic, Israel was involved in "secret bilateral talks" with Egypt about "the extraction of natural gas off the coast of the Gaza Strip."

Egypt reportedly "succeeded in persuading Israel to start extracting natural gas off the coast of the Gaza Strip," though we now know that Egypt does not want any of the roughly 2.2 million Palestinians who live in the Gaza strip to be relocated to its land.

Instead, we are told that all these new refugees will need to be resettled in Europe  or as Nikki Haley recently suggested for Americans, to your neighborhood.

The latest news about the Israeli genocide of the Palestinian people can be found at Genocide.news.

Sources for this article include:

GlobalResearch.ca

GlobalResearch.ca

NaturalNews.com
New Jersey SUED for secretly HARVESTING blood from newborns without consent from parents

The Institute for Justice (IJ) has filed a lawsuit against the State of New Jersey alleging that a secret government program is allowing for the harvesting and saving of newborn blood without the knowledge or consent of the babies' parents.

Whenever a child is born in New Jersey, the state government can collect and use DNA from the blood samples "for any reason, without informed consent from parents," IJ says.

The case charges that state law in New Jersey currently requires that whenever a baby is born, its blood must be collected and tested for various diseases, a policy similar to what other states require.

"But, after the testing is over, New Jersey's Department of Health keeps the leftover blood for 23 years," IJ warns about what differentiates New Jersey's newborn blood-testing policies from those of other states'.

"The state does not ask parents for their consent to keep their babies' blood, failing to even inform parents that it will hold on to the residual blood. The only way parents could learn about such retention is by proactively looking it up on one of the third-party websites listed on the bottom of the card they're given after the blood draw."

According to IJ, the State of New Jersey can do pretty much anything it wants with newborn baby blood for 23 years. This includes selling it to third parties, giving it to law enforcement without a warrant, or even "selling it to the Pentagon to create a registry  as previously happened in Texas," the IJ legal team added.

(Related: Did you catch our earlier report about how the evil "elite" now openly admit that they harvest the life essence, i.e., blood, of children and babies in a wicked attempt at living forever?)

In order to collect and save baby's blood, hospitals must be required to first get consent from the parents

What IJ wants to see changed is New Jersey's right to informed consent policies, which currently exclude a child's parents from the equation as medical workers proceed to collect, save and do who-knows-what with baby's blood for several decades under the cover of darkness.

"Parents have a right to informed consent if the state wants to keep their children's blood for decades and use it for purposes other than screening for diseases," said senior IJ lawyer Rob Frommer.

"New Jersey's policy of storing baby blood and DNA and using that genetic information however it wants is a clear violation of the Fourth Amendment rights of all New Jersey parents and their newborns."

Hannah Lovaglio, one of several plaintiffs in the case, also commented that she finds it incredibly disturbing that the State of New Jersey under existing law "can enter an incredibly intimate moment, the tender days of childbirth, and take something from our children, which is then held on to for 23 years."

"The lack of consent and transparency causes me to question the intent and makes me worried for my children's future selves."

Another lawyer for IJ by the name of Christie Hebert concurs. She finds New Jersey's baby blood-collecting process uniquely problematic compared to similar laws in other states because there are no protections in place to even try to prevent wrongdoing with babies' blood.

"What makes New Jersey's program so uniquely disturbing is the complete lack of safeguards for future abuse and the lack of consent, which leave the program ripe for abuse," Hebert is quoted as saying.

"Parents should not have to worry if the state is going to use the blood it said it was taking from their baby to test for diseases for other, unrelated purposes."

More related news stories like this can be found at Twisted.news.

Sources for this article include:

WND.com

NaturalNews.com
Tehran-backed Palestinian Islamic Jihad offers to RELEASE 2 hostages

The Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), a Gaza-based militant group backed by Iran, has offered to release two Israeli hostages in its custody.

The PIJ released disturbing propaganda videos that featured the two hostages  13-year-old Yagil Yaakov and 77-year-old Hannah Katzir. The videos came amid talks about the possible release of more hostages by Hamas, which attacked Israel on Oct. 7. Both Yaakov and Katzir were abducted from the Nir Oz kibbutz (community) during the attack.

The two placed blame squarely on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which echoed similarities to an earlier video released by Hamas  formally the Islamic Resistance Movement. However, this PIJ release went further, accusing Netanyahu not only of the specific attack but also of broader societal issues in Israel and globally.

The masked spokesperson for Islamic Jihad ominously suggested the hostages' potential release for "humanitarian" reasons, linking their fate to the availability of crucial medicines in Gaza. The implication was that without intervention, the hostages might face dire health consequences. The spokesperson also hinted that any release would be contingent upon Israel declaring a unilateral ceasefire. (Related: Israeli forces face not only Hamas but other Palestinian factions.)

Israel dismissed the video as psychological terror, reiterating that any consideration of a long-term pause or ceasefire would only follow the safe release of the hostages. The nation remains resolute in its commitment to dismantling not only PIJ but also other terror groups, including Hamas, operating in Gaza.

Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, spokesman for the Israel Defense Forces, stressed the military's commitment to bringing the hostages home. He also cautioned against relying on media reports and rumors.

Talks to free more hostages underway in Qatar

In Qatar, Mossad chief David Barnea and U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director William Burns held discussions with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani regarding efforts to secure the release of hostages in Gaza. According to a U.S. official, Barnea and Burns met with Qatari officials a day after they met with Hamas political leaders in Doha.

Negotiations on a potential deal were confirmed by an official, who stated that progress had been made in recent days. The PIJ claimed readiness to release the hostages for humanitarian reasons once certain conditions are met.

Talks in Qatar included discussions on the possibility of a hostage release in exchange for a Gaza ceasefire and the potential allowance of fuel, a request Israel has thus far refused. Burns had visited Israel earlier in the week, also making stops in the UAE and Egypt during his regional tour.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected reports of a ceasefire without the release of hostages, leaving room for brief humanitarian pauses and potential deals for a specific number of hostages. Meanwhile, Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed skepticism about viable proposals from Hamas for the hostages' release.

Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, accompanied by the prime minister, traveled to Abu Dhabi for a meeting with Emirati President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Talks facilitated by Qatar reportedly involved the release of a dozen hostages, including six Americans, in exchange for a three-day Gaza ceasefire, as confirmed by a source close to Hamas. Former Mossad chief Yossi Cohen's reported visit to Qatar prompted Mossad to clarify that official channels manage hostage releases. Israel estimates that Hamas holds around 180 hostages, PIJ holds approximately 40, and unaffiliated mob families may hold an additional 20, complicating negotiations.

Qatar has previously successfully negotiated the release of four hostages and has been actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to secure the release of those held by Hamas.

The Gulf Emirate has played a significant role in providing financial support and humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip while maintaining open communication channels with Hamas, which has been ruling the strip since 2007. Qatar also hosts the largest U.S. military base in the Middle East.

Head over to WWIII.news for more similar stories.

Watch this video about Hamas releasing Israeli hostages in its custody.

This video is from The Kokoda Kid channel on Brighteon com.

More related stories:

DESPERATE LINK TO IRAN? WSJ claims that around 500 Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad fighters trained in Iran to prepare for the Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel.

WSJ: Iran helped Hamas plan its surprise attack on Israel, shortly after Biden handed them $6 billion.

Hamas FREES 2 American hostages on HUMANITARIAN grounds.

Sources include:

Breitbart.com

Reuters.com

Brighteon.com
Ben Armstrong: Russias new NUCLEAR MISSILE test a WARNING to America

For podcast host Ben Armstrong, Russia's recent nuclear missile test serves as a warning to the United States

"Russia launches nuclear missile test strike on America from a new submarine. That's right  this test of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) from a new nuclear submarine was no doubt a warning to America. Absolutely no doubt," he said during the Nov. 6 episode of "The Ben Armstrong Show."

"The question is: Does our government think this is just all fun and games? Remember, the Cold War was just fun and games, wasn't it? It's funny they took the Cold War a lot more seriously than they took [Russian President] Vladimir Putin and his threats."

The journalist with the New American magazine continued: "The people really freaked out about the Cuban Missile Crisis too. But here we have something a thousand times worse. There is now an actual kinetic war in which we're involved."

Armstrong then presented an article from the Associated Press (AP) about the launch, alongside footage of the ICBM. According to the piece, the Russian military successfully test-fired the missile  which is designed to carry nuclear warheads  on Nov. 5.

"The report comes as tensions are soaring between Russia and the West over the fighting in Ukraine," the AP article noted. It also cited that Putin's recent signing of a bill revoking Moscow's ratification of a global nuclear test ban. Per the article, the Russian government said the move was needed to establish parity with Washington.

The Russian Ministry of Defense also confirmed the ICBM's launch in a statement. It said that the Emperor Alexander III, one of the new Borei-class nuclear submarines, launched the Bulava nuclear ICBM from an underwater position in Russia's northern White Sea. The missile subsequently hit a target in the far eastern region of Kamchatka.

WWIII has already begun, warns Armstrong

Armstrong stated that World War III has actually started  with Russia already threatening to nuke America and doing it by launching regular missile tests from underneath the water. This, he added, was exactly the way he had been warning how Russia was going to do it. (Related: Ben Armstrong: Russia ready to NUKE America in a preemptive strike.)

"They run a test that fits exactly what I said they're getting prepared to do to us, and they're doing it to intimidate us. It truly is a test for a strike on America. Russia wants America to know that it's a test first strike on America."

According to Armstrong, America would not know the Russian submarines were just out of the ocean and launching missiles not far from the U.S. coast. The country's military radar system might be able to detect the nuclear missiles after they are launched but it would already be too late to stop them before they hit their targets when those missiles travel at Mach 7.

He also pointed out that while Russia has missiles that can travel at speeds between Mach 7 and Mach 9, he believes Moscow doesn't have missiles faster than Mach 9 in its arsenal. Nevertheless, Armstrong said this is a serious cause of concern.

"It doesn't matter if you have anti-missile systems, because your anti-missile system can't shoot something that fast down, not possible. So, there isn't going to be a defense against it. This is who you're dealing with. These are the weapons we are dealing with. We can't stop weapons that our enemies are saying we're going to use on the U.S. if this keeps going."

Moreover, Armstrong said Russia won't be notifying the U.S. if they are doing this kind of test. According to him, Moscow is taking note of how fast America's military command reacts to its first strike.

Follow NuclearWar.news for more news about Russia's nuclear weapons.

Watch the Nov. 6 episode of "The Ben Armstrong Show" where Ben Armstrong comments on Russia's launch of the Bulava ICBM.

This video is from The New American channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Ex-Russian President Dmitry Medvedev warns that the world is on the verge of a NUCLEAR WORLD WAR III.

Russias nuclear-capable Satan II ICBM goes on active combat duty for the first time.

Putin warns that when Russia nukes America "there is no chance of survival" and "there will be no single enemy left."

READY FOR ACTION: Russia equips new subs with hypersonic missiles.

Putin orders Russian fleet to conduct exercises for NUCLEAR launch tests.

Sources include:

Brighteon.com

APNews.com
Snakes are the elongated wild animals that we know today that crawl and glide their way on land. However, it is not always like this as the ancestors of these reptiles once had legs as they roamed the Earth 100 to 150 million years ago, according to scientists. Although it is evident that it was due to the long process of evolution that a snake with legs lost their appendages, a raging debate is still ongoing if snakes' limbed ancestors lived in aquatic or terrestrial environments in the first place.

Some research suggests that a snake with no legs first appeared during the end of the Late Cretaceous period, a time before the Chicxulub asteroid killed all non-avian dinosaurs and most life on Earth during that time. It remains a mystery if whether the said mass extinction event somehow affected snake evolution. Yet, evolutionary biology tells us that body parts or morphological features either evolve or devolve over time, depending if both organism and nature deem it necessary or not.

How Snakes Lost Their Legs?

This question has mystified scientists for millennia, as it is not similar to other evolutionary changes observed with other animals; like modern humans becoming bipedal or penguins losing their ability of true flight. The subject involves snakes with legs which they used to live and hunt their prey but only to lose it at a certain prehistoric period that no one knows when exactly.

Still, previous research over the past decade somehow offers an answer to the mystery. In a 2015 study published in the journal Science Advances, researchers discovered a reptile fossil dating back 90 million years ago. The fossil provided a clue as to how snakes lost their legs, suggesting that the ancestors of different snake species of today evolved to live and hunt in burrows.

The said findings support previous suggestions by some scientists that snakes did not lose their limbs to live in marine environments, including seas and oceans. With this, the prevailing evidence indicates that the legs of ancient snakes devolved for one simple reason: they no longer need them.

Also Read: First Snakes Likely Had Legs and Toes?

Snake with Legs Myth

What may be true millions of years ago is entirely different in contemporary times and we are talking about the snake with legs myth, a notion debunked by experts. This myth persists due to circulating inquiries that some snakes now may still have legs, or at least tiny ones. However, snake evolution proves otherwise that no snake is alive today that has retained their limbs.

Scientists assert that a contemporary snake moves by gliding its muscle-imbued body even without legs. This is made possible as the reptile stretches its body forward and pulls its rear, moving at a pattern that resembles the letter "S." In addition to moving on land, experts say that all snakes can swim and still use their motor mechanism in both shallow and deep waters.

Related Article: Four-Legged Snake? Fossils Preserved in Rock with Tiny Legs Uncovered in Brazil
A raging wildfire has swept through sections of the formerly verdant Oahu Forest National Wildlife Refuge in Hawaii, scorching trees and leaving numerous areas devoid of vegetation.

Wildfire in Oahu Forest National Wildlife Refuge, Hawaii

A Hawaii rainforest wildfire reveals a harsh reality for the lush state, post a neighboring island's devastating blaze. While Oahu's fire spared lives and homes, it wiped out patches of vital native forestland, housing delicate species. Echoing Maui's Lahaina, climate change-induced drought now triggers fires in unexpected Hawaiian locales. JC Watson, Koolau Mountains Watershed Partnership manager, mourns a lost native forest with uluhe fern and koa trees, vital for canoes and instruments.

The fire mostly burned inside the Oahu Forest National Wildlife Refuge, which is home to 22 species listed as endangered or threatened by the U.S. government. https://t.co/35iJxjgcZF  WNEP (@WNEP) November 12, 2023

Though not a clean burn, the area now resembles a moonscape. Highlighting a potential shift, Sam 'Ohu Gon III of The Nature Conservancy points to the fire on Oahu's wetter side as a noteworthy indicator of substantial change.

Since the year 2000, the northern Ko'olau Mountains have held a designation under the National Wildlife Refuge System, playing a vital role in safeguarding Oahu's last untouched native forests. This protection ensures the survival of endangered wildlife and maintains the diversity of native species.

Charred Trees, Bald Patches, and 22 Endangered Species

The Oahu Forest National Wildlife Refuge, home to 22 endangered or threatened species, including iiwi birds, elepaio birds, the pupu kani oe tree snail, and the Hawaiian hoary bat, faced a devastating fire. The fire, which started on October 30, scorched 2.5 square miles and was 90% contained by Friday. The US Fish and Wildlife Service is assessing the impact on plants and wildlife. The burned landscape revealed dark bald patches and charred trees amidst lush greenery.

Though smaller than mainland wildfires, Hawaii's compact ecosystems, especially on islands like Oahu, suffer profound consequences from limited fires. A major concern is the replacement of native forests with non-native, fire-prone plants, as Hawaii's native flora did not evolve with regular fires. Previous fires near Oahu resulted in invasive grasses and slow-growing koa replacing native ferns and trees.

Previous Oahu Wildfires

In 2016, a larger fire in Oahu's Waianae mountains eradicated one of the last populations of a rare tree, a significant loss noted by Gon. Beyond ecological impacts, native forest fires entail cultural losses; Gon recounted a Central Oahu tale of a warrior saved by an ohia tree during battle. Hawaii's forest birds, once a source for chief's cloaks, add to the cultural heritage affected.

Coordinating with the Fish and Wildlife Service, Watson's organization plans surveys and a restoration initiative involving invasive species control and native plant reintroduction. However, Watson acknowledges the irreversible change, stating it can never fully return to its former state in this lifetime. The Mililani Mauka fire, named after its origin, burned in the Koolau mountains, experiencing heightened dryness due to prolonged drought, indicating a potential rise in future Koolau fires.

Uptick in Wildfires

In the past decade, there's been a significant increase in wildfires, particularly in Hawaii's drier Waianae range. Surprisingly, even the typically wet areas of the island are now experiencing fires. Fires are typically triggered by human activities, underscoring the importance of heightened awareness and prevention measures. Gon suggests safeguarding native forests with buffer zones by planting less flammable vegetation in former sugarcane and pineapple plantation lands.

Many fallow fields now host dry, invasive grasses, which contributed to the destructive Lahaina blaze in August. The cause is under investigation, but downed power lines and dry grass may be factors, exacerbated by winds from a nearby hurricane.

Also Read: US Weather Forecast: Hotter Temperatures to Unfold in Midwest, Northern Plains, Central Rockies

Impact of Wildfire on Oahu

The Oahu fire poses a threat to the island's water supplybecause Oahu relies on aquifers, with native forests crucial for rain absorption.

With the decline of the high-quality forest, the effect on water recharge remains uncertain. Authorities are pursuing funding for firefighting equipment, firebreaks, water resources, the replanting of native plants, and the storage of seeds. Though recent rain and firefighters contained the blaze, Gon urges preventative measures to prevent yearly fires from eroding the vital water source.

Related Article: State of Emergency: Evacuation Ordered in Iceland Town Near Blue Lagoon as Experts Warn Impending Explosive Eruption of Nearby Volcano
Iceland is on high alert as a series of powerful earthquakes shook the country's southwestern Reykjanes peninsula, signaling a possible volcanic eruption in the near future.

The authorities declared a state of emergency and evacuated thousands of residents from the area, as experts warned that the situation could escalate in the next few days.

State of emergency declared as thousands of tremors shake the Reykjanes peninsula

Iceland declared a state of emergency on Friday after a series of powerful earthquakes rocked the country's southwestern Reykjanes peninsula, in what could be a precursor to a volcanic eruption.

The Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management warned that earthquakes could become larger than those that have occurred and that this series of events could lead to an eruption.

The Icelandic Met Office (IMO) predicted an eruption "within a few days."

Grindavik, a village of about 4,000 people, is located about three kilometers (1.86 miles) southwest of the location of Friday's earthquake swarm.

In the event of an eruption, it has evacuation plans in place. Two strong earthquakes were felt as far away as Reykjavik, some 40 kilometers away, along much of the country's southern coast, rattling windows and household objects.

The most recent tremors forced the temporary closure of Iceland's famous Blue Lagoon spa.

According to the IMO, 24,000 tremors have been recorded on the peninsula since late October, with a "dense swarm" of nearly 800 quakes recorded between midnight and 1400 GMT Friday.

The IMO noted an accumulation of magma underground at a depth of about five kilometers (3.1 miles). Should it start moving towards the surface it could lead to a volcanic eruption.

The IMO stated that the most likely scenario was that it would take several days rather than hours for magma to reach the surface.

It also predicted that if a fissure were to appear where the seismic activity was at its highest now, lava would flow to the southeast and to the west, but not towards Grindavik.

Also Read: Asteroid Hits Off the Coast of Iceland, Becoming the Fifth Known Earth Impactor

Residents and experts brace for a possible volcanic eruption that could last for weeks

The Fagradalsfjall volcano on the Reykjanes peninsula threatens to "obliterate" the town of Grindavik, with 4,000 residents evacuated after a state of emergency declared.

The volcano has been dormant for 800 years but has shown signs of awakening in recent months.

A volcanologist from the University of Iceland said that the volcano could erupt in the next few days and that the eruption could last for weeks or even months.

He said that the lava flow could reach up to 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) from the fissure and that the eruption could produce ash clouds that could disrupt air traffic.

The Department of Civil Protection stated that the patrol vessel Thor was being sent to Grindavik "for security purposes."

Emergency shelters and help centers were set to open on Friday in Grindavik, as well as three other locations in southern Iceland, to provide information and assistance to people on the move.

The department stated that it was closely monitoring the situation and preparing for any possible scenarios in collaboration with the IMO, police, municipalities, and other agencies.

Three eruptions have occurred on the Reykjanes peninsula since 2021: in March 2021, August 2022, and July 2023.

These three were located in remote areas with no infrastructure or people.

Following another earthquake swarm, the Blue Lagoon, located near Grindavik and famous for its geothermal spas and luxury hotels, closed as a precaution on Thursday.

Iceland has 33 active volcanic systems, the highest number in Europe.

The country is located on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are moving apart, creating a hotspot of volcanic and seismic activity.

The last time Iceland experienced a major volcanic eruption was in 2010, when the Eyjafjallajokull volcano spewed ash clouds that disrupted air travel across Europe for several days.

Related article: 20,000 Swarms of Earthquakes Could Cause Volcanic Eruptions in Iceland, Experts Say
Journey with us as we explore the tapestry of hunting through the ages. From the primal beats of ancient footsteps to the silent tread of modern boots, the saga of hunting is rich with necessity, tradition, and an evolving bond with nature. This is not merely a tale of survival but a narrative that intertwines the advancement of human societies with the stewardship of the environment. Witness the transformation from the earliest hunters to today's conservation-minded sportsmen and women in "The Evolution of Hunting from Survival to Sustainability."

The Primal Pursuit

Long before the dawn of civilization, the act of hunting was written into the very essence of what it meant to be human. It was a primal pursuit, an intricate dance of life and sustenance. As we set our sights on understanding the role of hunting through the corridors of time, we embark on a journey that begins beneath the canopy of ancient forests and stretches into the heart of today's sustainable practices.

Hunting has been a part of human history for millennia, shaping cultures, economies, and ecosystems. Its evolution mirrors our own, reflecting changes in ethics, technology, and our relationship with the natural world. This journey offers insights into how hunting has contributed to conservation efforts and ecological awareness, all while providing sustenance and fostering a deep appreciation for the wildlife that shares our planet.

In the Beginning  Hunting for Survival

In the earliest chapters of human history, hunting was not a choice but a necessity. It was the first and most vital task of our ancestors, dictating their migratory patterns and driving the development of tools and strategies. The earliest hunters employed spears, traps, and teamwork to bring down a game that was essential not only for food but for clothing, shelter, and tools. This hunting era was defined by a deep knowledge of the land and animal behavior passed down through generations. Each successful hunt was a triumph against the unforgiving elements of nature, and each failure was a lesson in resilience. The ancient hunters developed a profound respect for the animals they pursued, often honoring them in rituals and art, recognizing them as vital partners in the cycle of life.

The Age of Giants

As humanity progressed, so did the scale and scope of their hunts. In a time when our ancestors hunted giant cows, such as the formidable aurochs, and megafauna roamed the Earth, hunting practices had to be equally monumental. The aurochs, a massive wild ancestor of today's domestic cattle, was a creature of immense strength and size, providing abundant resources for those who could overcome it. These prehistoric hunters demonstrated remarkable ingenuity and bravery. They developed sophisticated hunting techniques and communal strategies to take down these giants, which not only fed entire communities but also provided materials for clothing, tools, and fuel. The collective memory of hunting these great beasts would linger long into the future, shaping mythologies and inspiring awe for future generations.

The Role of Hunting in Developing Societies

Moving forward, hunting began to take on new dimensions beyond mere survival. It became a symbol of status and power in developing societies, from the nobles' exclusive rights to hunt in feudal lands to the grand hunting parties of the medieval period. Hunting was now a spectacle and a statement of privilege, but it remained a crucial sustenance for many. During this era, sustainable practices were largely a matter of practicality rather than principle. Wildlife management began to emerge through game laws and seasonal restrictions, often to preserve the elite's hunting grounds. Yet, these early attempts at regulating hunting and protecting certain species laid the groundwork for future conservation efforts. The wisdom of not over-harvesting was understood, if not always for altruistic reasons, then for the guarantee of future hunts and feasts.

The Expansion of Hunting

As explorers set sail to discover new worlds, they brought with them their traditions of hunting. New continents revealed an untold abundance of game, and hunting became not just a means of survival for settlers but also a path to explore and connect with these new terrains. It was a time of complex encounters, where European hunting practices met indigenous traditions, leading to an exchange of knowledge and sometimes conflict. In these lands, the bounty seemed endless, and the impact of overhunting had not yet become apparent. Settlers and traders hunted for fur and meat, with some species being hunted to or near extinction, such as the passenger pigeon. This period would later serve as a cautionary tale, illustrating the fragile balance between nature's generosity and human consumption.

The Emergence of Sustainable Practices

The Industrial Revolution brought about unprecedented changes, not only in human societies but also in hunting. The invention of new firearms and transportation methods made hunting more accessible. However, it was also during this time that the consequences of unregulated hunting became impossible to ignore. Species were disappearing at an alarming rate, and the need for sustainable practices became clear.

It was the hunters themselves, seeing the depletion of wildlife, who became some of the strongest advocates for conservation. Figures like President Theodore Roosevelt championed the cause, leading to the establishment of national parks and wildlife refuges. Hunting began to be regulated more strictly, with the introduction of licensing and seasons that allowed populations to recover. As we moved into the 20th and 21st centuries, technological advances brought sophisticated deer hunting gear, which allowed hunters to be more efficient. This efficiency underscored the need for ethical hunting practices. Hunters began to adopt a philosophy of "fair chase" and conservation, and deer hunting gear became not only about the hunt but also about sustainability. This new gear allowed hunters to track and harvest game without overexploiting wildlife populations.

Stewardship and Technology

Today, the hunting narrative is written with a keen awareness of its impact and role in conservation. Modern hunters are often at the forefront of conservation and ecological efforts, contributing to wildlife management and habitat preservation. They are knowledgeable about the species they pursue, the ecosystems in which they exist, and the complex ethical considerations that hunting entails. Technology, too, has evolved, providing modern hunters with tools that are more efficient and less invasive. From non-lead ammunition that prevents contamination to drones for scouting that minimize disturbance in natural habitats, the gear and tactics used today reflect a commitment to preserving nature.

The Legacy of the Hunt  From Past to Future

From the primal beats of ancient hunters to the silent tread of conservation-minded modernity, hunting has adapted, overcome, and evolved. It has grown from a necessity for survival to an activity deeply intertwined with sustainability and stewardship. The history of hunting is a mirror reflecting humanity's relationship with naturesometimes strained, often respectful, and always essential to our collective story.
A team of researchers from the University of Kansas has recently described six new species of beetles belonging to the genus Trigonopterus, which are endemic to New Guinea and nearby islands.

One of these species, Trigonopterus echinus, has a distinctive feature that sets it apart from its relatives: a bottle-opener shaped structure on its male genitalia.

How the beetles were found and identified

The researchers collected the beetles from various locations in Papua New Guinea, Papua (Indonesia), and the Solomon Islands, using a technique called "Winkler extraction".

This method involves sifting leaf litter and soil through a mesh bag and collecting the insects that fall out of the bottom into a container.

The beetles were then examined under a microscope and compared with previously known species. The researchers used a combination of morphological and molecular data to determine the species boundaries and relationships.

They also took high-resolution images of the beetles and their genitalia, which are often used as diagnostic characters in this group of insects.

One of the most striking discoveries was Trigonopterus echinus, which has a spiny body and a peculiar appendage on its male genitalia that resembles a bottle opener.

The researchers speculated that this structure may serve as an anchor during mating or as a weapon against rival males.

Why the beetles are important for biodiversity and conservation

The genus Trigonopterus is one of the most diverse and widespread groups of beetles in the Indo-Pacific region, with more than 400 species described so far.

However, many more species remain undiscovered and undescribed, especially in remote and poorly explored areas.

The researchers emphasize the importance of documenting and naming these beetles, as they are indicators of the biodiversity and health of the ecosystems they inhabit.

They also warned that many of these species may be threatened by habitat loss, climate change, and invasive species, and urge for more conservation efforts to protect them.

The new species are described in a paper published in the journal ZooKeys. The paper is part of a larger project that aims to revise the taxonomy and phylogeny of the genus Trigonopterus and to provide online resources for its identification and distribution.

Also Read: Three-Eyed 'Cyclops' Beetle Offer New Insights on Genetics

What we know about the ecology and behavior of Trigonopterus beetles

Trigonopterus beetles are small weevils that feed on various plant materials, such as seeds, fruits, and fungi.

They are usually found in the leaf litter of tropical forests, where they use their long snouts to bore into their food sources. Some species are also associated with specific host plants, such as palms, ferns, or orchids.

Trigonopterus beetles have a complex life cycle that involves several stages of development. The females lay eggs inside the plant tissues, where the larvae hatch and feed.

The larvae then pupate inside the plant or in the soil and emerge as adults.

The adults are wingless and cannot fly, but they can walk and climb on the vegetation.

Trigonopterus beetles are also known for their remarkable diversity and adaptation to different environments.

They have evolved various morphological and behavioral traits that help them survive and reproduce in their habitats.

For example, some species have camouflage colors or patterns that match their surroundings, while others have defensive structures or chemicals that deter predators.

Some species also exhibit social or cooperative behaviors, such as aggregating on the same food source, sharing the same burrow, or mating in groups.

Related article: Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Infestation in Oahu Meets Doom in Hungry Hogs
For scientists interested in how humans originated and spread over the world, the blood-sucking parasite, Pediculus humanus, has a treasure trove of genetic material that, as new research indicated, is shedding light on some of humanity's most pressing problems.

A new study suggested the genetics of head lice can give information on when and where human tribes split and came together in the past.

European And American Lice Related

In a research article published in PLOS ONE, the authors give evidence that European and American lice are genetically related, dating back to European colonization of the Americas.

274 lice were collected from around the world, including a couple from schools in Mexico and Argentina.

The researchers sequenced the insects' DNA and identified microsatellites, which are short, repeated sequences.

Lice that share these segments inherited them from a common ancestor, providing researchers with a mechanism for classifying the parasites into closely related families.

According to the study's author and molecular biologist in the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Marina Ascunce, one cluster of microsatellites revealed a genetic relationship between lice in Asia and Central America, representing the early movement of people from East Asia into the Americas.

Another cluster of lice linked the Americas and Europe.

The researchers might determine when Indigenous American lice would have mixed with European lice based on how quickly the lice multiply and accumulate the genetic changes that lead to microsatellites.

They discovered that the most plausible response was around 500 years ago, during the time of European colonization.

"I see this as a proof of concept that human lice are good markers for human evolution and migration," Ascunce said. "We can see the louse DNA reflected in our own history."

Read Also: Genetic Mutation and Insecticide: Lice Resistant to Common OTC Meds

Understand The Past Through Parasite

It's not the first time academics have used lice genetic variation to better understand the ancient history of the insects' hosts.

According to a report released in 2010, genetic analysis of clothes or body lice, one of three lice that dwell on humans, found that humans likely began wearing some type of clothing at least 83,000 years ago.

David Reed, a coauthor of the current study and a researcher and curator at the Florida Museum of Natural History, discovered 20 years ago that human head lice are made up of two ancient lineages that predate Homo sapiens.

A 2004 study revealed that our species had had direct contact-at least close enough to rub shoulders with ancient people like Neanderthals.

The groundbreaking hypothesis was later confirmed when the first Neanderthal DNA was sequenced in 2010, indicating that Homo sapiens had previously encountered and had children with Neanderthals.

Ascunce said she anticipated the findings would disclose whether Neanderthal head lice are still present today, but the 15 genetic markers, known as "microsatellites," found in the lice's nuclear DNA did not reveal that information.

"Because very little was known about the louse genome when we started the study, we used markers that have a high mutation rate, so we were not able to answer those questions," she said.

Related Article: Bubonic Plague Pandemic: Scientists Finally Traced Origins of the 14th Century Black Death
High Representative of the European Union for Foreign and Security Policy Josep Borrell speaks about the possibility of redirecting the export of products of the European military-industrial complex from third countries to Ukraine in order to provide the country with the necessary amount of ammunition to repel Russian aggression.

He spoke about this option to solve the problem with the shortage of ammunition on Tuesday in Brussels to journalists before the start of a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council at the level of defense ministers. Borrell said keep in mind that the EU defense industry exports a lot: about 40% of production is exported to third countries, so there is no shortage of production capacity, they send their products to other markets. He said they should try to move these products to a priority destination, that is Ukraine.

According to him, for this approach to be implemented for European companies, it is necessary to create another market, which could be more interesting for them.
Germany handed over a new package of military aid to Ukraine, which included ten Leopard 1A5 tanks, shells and drones, according to the German government website.

The package also included 14 Bandvagn 206 tracked all-terrain vehicles; five Carrier Warthog medical all-terrain vehicles; some 1,020 shells of 155 mm caliber; one Wisent 1 demining vehicle; ten Vector reconnaissance drones; 14 GO12 radars; three vehicles for border patrol; four 8x8 HX81 tractors and four semi-trailers; some 16 Zetros trucks; three cars; some 10,000 safety glasses; some 13 MAN TGS trucks; some 1.4 million rounds.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: Prithvi Raj Singh Oberoi, the 94-year-old veteran corporate hotelier who redefined India's hospitality industry, passed away on Tuesday.

The Chairman Emeritus of The Oberoi Group, popularly known as 'Biki', built a sprawling chain comprising 32 hotels during his lifetime. EIH owns the eponymous Oberoi and Trident hotel chains.

Son of late Rai Bahadur MS Oberoi, the founder of The Oberoi Group, PRS Oberoi had also been instrumental in developing the Trident chain of hotels.

His father, the man who started it all in 1934, passed away in 2002 and Tilak Raj, his older son, reportedly died prematurely in 1984.

Since then, PRS Oberoi steered the hospitality chain through its ups and downs.

A hotel magnate who embodied fine living, his death brings to an end two generations of the family that built the Oberoi empire into an Indian hospitality powerhouse.

"It is with deep sadness that we inform the peaceful passing of PRS Oberoi, Chairman Emeritus of The Oberoi Group, earlier today. A luminary in the hospitality industry, Oberoi's legacy transcends borders, leaving an indelible mark on the global landscape," a statement said.

PRS Oberoi was born in New Delhi on February 3, 1929.

He served as chairman of the company since 1988 until he stepped down in May last year due to ill health.

"PRS Oberoi has decided to relinquish his position as chairman and director of the EIH Associated Hotels Ltd effective May 2, 2022 due to his deteriorating health," a press release had said that time.

PRS Biki Oberoi was one of the worlds greatest hoteliers,the man who transformed Indian hospitality & showed us how Indian hotels could take on the rest of the world

We shall not see his like again. He will be much missed but never forgotten pic.twitter.com/OXp10h2pAv  vir sanghvi (@virsanghvi) November 14, 2023

Under his leadership, the company expanded from its first hotel, 'The Trident Chennai', that opened in 1988, to become one of India's most reputable hotel companies.

He is reportedly survived by three children, son Vikramjit Singh Oberoi -Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of EIH Hotels, and daughters Natasha and Anastasia.

In 2014, it was reported that PRS Oberoi decided not to choose his successor to run EIH Ltd, after years of intense speculation over who he would choose as successor, son Vikramjit or nephew Arjun, who currently serves as Executive Chairman of EIH Ltd.

Arjun is the son of PRS Oberoi's late elder brother, Tilak Raj.

A recipient of India's second highest civilian honour -- Padma Vibhushan -- in 2008, PRS Oberoi was also awarded the 'Corporate Hotelier of the World' by HOTELS magazine in 2010.

PRS Oberoi was educated in India, the UK and Switzerland.

In addition to providing leadership for the management of luxury hotels in several countries, he had been instrumental in pioneering the development of Oberoi Hotels and Resorts.

"I wanted an Indian hotel to be in the top hotels of the world."



This is what Prithvi Raj Singh Oberoi said about the thought that went behind the iconic Oberoi Rajvilas in Jaipur.



Built in 1997, the Rajvilas was ranked as number 1 hotel in the world in 2005.



Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/SKP8paa1yG  Sukhada (@appadappajappa) November 14, 2023

The Oberoi brand has come to represent fine luxury hotels.

Business India magazine adjudged PRS Oberoi the Businessman of the Year 2008.

He received this award for building a world-class premium hospitality brand.

In November 2008, he was conferred the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards for redefining design standards in luxury hotels.

In October 2005, the Hotel Investment Conference Asia Pacific (HICAP), which is the preeminent gathering of hotel investors, investment bankers and leading industry professionals in the region, honoured him with the Lifetime Achievement Award at its annual conference in Hong Kong.

This award was given in recognition of his contribution to the hospitality industry and his pioneering leadership in making The Oberoi Group a global brand by taking the concept of luxury to a new paradigm.

In February 2013, PRS Oberoi was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award for Management by The All India Management Association.

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

NEW DELHI: Prithvi Raj Singh Oberoi, the 94-year-old veteran corporate hotelier who redefined India's hospitality industry, passed away on Tuesday. The Chairman Emeritus of The Oberoi Group, popularly known as 'Biki', built a sprawling chain comprising 32 hotels during his lifetime. EIH owns the eponymous Oberoi and Trident hotel chains. Son of late Rai Bahadur MS Oberoi, the founder of The Oberoi Group, PRS Oberoi had also been instrumental in developing the Trident chain of hotels.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); His father, the man who started it all in 1934, passed away in 2002 and Tilak Raj, his older son, reportedly died prematurely in 1984. Since then, PRS Oberoi steered the hospitality chain through its ups and downs. A hotel magnate who embodied fine living, his death brings to an end two generations of the family that built the Oberoi empire into an Indian hospitality powerhouse. "It is with deep sadness that we inform the peaceful passing of PRS Oberoi, Chairman Emeritus of The Oberoi Group, earlier today. A luminary in the hospitality industry, Oberoi's legacy transcends borders, leaving an indelible mark on the global landscape," a statement said. PRS Oberoi was born in New Delhi on February 3, 1929. He served as chairman of the company since 1988 until he stepped down in May last year due to ill health. "PRS Oberoi has decided to relinquish his position as chairman and director of the EIH Associated Hotels Ltd effective May 2, 2022 due to his deteriorating health," a press release had said that time. PRS Biki Oberoi was one of the worlds greatest hoteliers,the man who transformed Indian hospitality & showed us how Indian hotels could take on the rest of the world We shall not see his like again. He will be much missed but never forgotten pic.twitter.com/OXp10h2pAv  vir sanghvi (@virsanghvi) November 14, 2023 Under his leadership, the company expanded from its first hotel, 'The Trident Chennai', that opened in 1988, to become one of India's most reputable hotel companies. He is reportedly survived by three children, son Vikramjit Singh Oberoi -Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of EIH Hotels, and daughters Natasha and Anastasia. In 2014, it was reported that PRS Oberoi decided not to choose his successor to run EIH Ltd, after years of intense speculation over who he would choose as successor, son Vikramjit or nephew Arjun, who currently serves as Executive Chairman of EIH Ltd. Arjun is the son of PRS Oberoi's late elder brother, Tilak Raj. A recipient of India's second highest civilian honour -- Padma Vibhushan -- in 2008, PRS Oberoi was also awarded the 'Corporate Hotelier of the World' by HOTELS magazine in 2010. PRS Oberoi was educated in India, the UK and Switzerland. In addition to providing leadership for the management of luxury hotels in several countries, he had been instrumental in pioneering the development of Oberoi Hotels and Resorts. "I wanted an Indian hotel to be in the top hotels of the world." This is what Prithvi Raj Singh Oberoi said about the thought that went behind the iconic Oberoi Rajvilas in Jaipur. Built in 1997, the Rajvilas was ranked as number 1 hotel in the world in 2005. Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/SKP8paa1yG  Sukhada (@appadappajappa) November 14, 2023 The Oberoi brand has come to represent fine luxury hotels. Business India magazine adjudged PRS Oberoi the Businessman of the Year 2008. He received this award for building a world-class premium hospitality brand. In November 2008, he was conferred the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards for redefining design standards in luxury hotels. In October 2005, the Hotel Investment Conference Asia Pacific (HICAP), which is the preeminent gathering of hotel investors, investment bankers and leading industry professionals in the region, honoured him with the Lifetime Achievement Award at its annual conference in Hong Kong. This award was given in recognition of his contribution to the hospitality industry and his pioneering leadership in making The Oberoi Group a global brand by taking the concept of luxury to a new paradigm. In February 2013, PRS Oberoi was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award for Management by The All India Management Association. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By PTI

NEW DELHI: As a child, he witnessed Allied pilots use his father's hotel in Calcutta during the second world war and six-and-half-decades later saw a dastardly terrorist attack all but destroy his flagship hotel in Mumbai.

PRS 'Biki' Oberoi, who died on Tuesday morning at the age of 94 years, was no less than an industry legend whose name was enough to add a touch of grandeur to any hotel property across the world.

Inheriting India's first five-star hotel from his father, he changed the face of the Indian hospitality industry as he turned his group of the same name into one of India's best-known luxury hotel groups.

In 1984, he took over a nine-hotel chain from his father and The Oberoi Group founder Rai Bahadur Mohan Singh Oberoi.

Since then, PRS Oberoi has steered the hospitality chain through its ups and downs.

The group now has hotels, cruises and resorts spread across seven countries under three brands Oberoi Hotels & Resorts, Trident Hotels and Maiden Hotel.

A hotel magnate who embodied fine living, his death brings to an end two generations of the family that built the Oberoi empire into an Indian hospitality powerhouse.

Oberoi, who was the executive chairman of EIH Limited, the flagship company of The Oberoi Group, passed on the baton of his group in May 2022.

His nephew Arjun is now the executive chairman of the group while son Vikramjit is the CEO.

The group had humble beginnings.

Born to a modestly wealthy family in 1898 in Bhaun village in Punjab province of Pakistan, his father worked as a front desk clerk at The Cecil (now The Oberoi Cecil), a small hotel in Shimla, before taking a loan against his family wealth including the wife's jewellery, to buy his first property, Clarke's Hotel, also in Shimla, in 1934.

Four years later, he purchased the lease for the Grand Hotel (now The Oberoi Grand) in what was then Calcutta, which was on sale after a cholera epidemic.

In 1943, he bought Associated Hotels of India, becoming the first Indian to own the country's largest upmarket hotel chain, with properties including Shimla's Cecil Hotel where he had worked as a clerk.

When his father was setting up the hotel business, Biki was sent to St Paul's School in Darjeeling in 1939 and after finishing school in 1946 to London to study chartered accountancy.

He travelled to France and Switzerland and worked in hotels there to gain experience.

It was in 1942, he witnessed Allied pilots, who were fighting Japan during the second world war, make the Grand Hotel as a base.

In 1954, he was given his first hotel to run --- Maidens in New Delhi and then Grand Hotel in Calcutta.

He was also given charge of four hotels in Pakistan that had come as part of the AHI acquisition.

However, the Pakistan government took over those properties after the 1965 war.

Not to be let down, Biki worked with his elder brother Tilak 'Tikki' Raj Singh Oberoi, moving into industrial-scale hotels with the opening of their main property in the national capital in 1965.

It was India's first modern hotel with swimming pools, four or five restaurants and 320 rooms.

Associated Hotels of India Ltd was merged with what was then East India Hotels Ltd (now EIH Ltd) in 1968, bringing into the fold The Oberoi Grand, Calcutta; Maidens Hotel, New Delhi; and The Oberoi Cecil, Shimla.

The next landmark was the construction of a Mumbai hotel, now known as the Trident, in 1973 and its sister hotel on the same site, The Oberoi, in 1986. Tikki died in 1984.

His son Arjun is now the executive chairman of the group.

That year, their father suffered a stroke and passed on the baton of the group to Biki.

Under him, Oberoi went on an expansion sphere - entering into a contract to operate all snack bars and restaurants at Mumbai airport in 1986, and listing GDRs on the London Stock Exchange in 1994.

Cigar-smoking Biki, who was known to take his own towels and bring along cooks to cities where he did not own a hotel, in 1988 launched a new brand, Trident when a new hotel, which was five-star but not a luxury property, was opened in Chennai.

The Oberoi Rajvilas in Jaipur opened in 1998 and put Indian hospitality on the world luxury travel map.

A night's stay in 1998 cost a then-unthinkable Rs 8,000 and continues to be one of the most expensive resorts in the country.

This was followed by similar iconic properties in Agra, Udaipur and Ranthambore (Amarvilas, Udaivilas and Vanyavilas, respectively).

Besides offering ultra-luxury, the chain offered unmatched service.

As these properties gained credibility, so did Oberoi's reputation and his group was often referred to as a gold standard in the industry.

When Pakistani terrorists attacked Mumbai in 2008, Oberoi-Trident hotel was one of the properties attacked.

Two terrorists, who spent two days holed up in the Oberoi killing about 20 guests and 11 staff members, destroyed the entire interior of the hotel.

Oberoi took a personal interest in redesigning the property which opened 18 months later.

"It is with deep sadness that we inform the peaceful passing of PRS Oberoi, Chairman Emeritus of The Oberoi Group, earlier today. A luminary in the hospitality industry, Oberoi's legacy transcends borders, leaving an indelible mark on the global landscape," a company statement said.

PRS Oberoi was born in New Delhi on February 3, 1929.

He served as chairman of the company since 1988 until he stepped down in May last year due to ill health.

"PRS Oberoi has decided to relinquish his position as chairman and director of the EIH Associated Hotels Ltd effective May 2, 2022 due to his deteriorating health," a press release had said at that time.

Besides son Vikramjit, he is survived by daughters Natasha and Anastasia.

A recipient of India's second highest civilian honour -- Padma Vibhushan -- in 2008, PRS Oberoi was also awarded the 'Corporate Hotelier of the World' by HOTELS magazine in 2010.

The Oberoi brand has come to represent fine luxury hotels.

Business India magazine adjudged PRS Oberoi the Businessman of the Year 2008.

He received this award for building a world-class premium hospitality brand.

In November 2008, he was conferred the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards for redefining design standards in luxury hotels.

In October 2005, the Hotel Investment Conference Asia Pacific (HICAP), which is the preeminent gathering of hotel investors, investment bankers and leading industry professionals in the region, honoured him with the Lifetime Achievement Award at its annual conference in Hong Kong.

This award was given in recognition of his contribution to the hospitality industry and his pioneering leadership in making The Oberoi Group a global brand by taking the concept of luxury to a new paradigm.

In February 2013, PRS Oberoi was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award for Management by The All India Management Association.

In his condolence message, Mahindra group's Anand Mahindra said: "His many achievements were never sufficiently recognised. He made 'Oberoi' a global byword for the Indian luxury hospitality experience and the first to put an Indian hotel on the very top of global rankings. He also rallied the group heroically but quietly post the 26/11 attack on their Mumbai flagship. He was a class act. Period."

Minister of State for IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar said he was "without doubt, the man who put Indian hospitality and service on the global map."

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

NEW DELHI: As a child, he witnessed Allied pilots use his father's hotel in Calcutta during the second world war and six-and-half-decades later saw a dastardly terrorist attack all but destroy his flagship hotel in Mumbai. PRS 'Biki' Oberoi, who died on Tuesday morning at the age of 94 years, was no less than an industry legend whose name was enough to add a touch of grandeur to any hotel property across the world. Inheriting India's first five-star hotel from his father, he changed the face of the Indian hospitality industry as he turned his group of the same name into one of India's best-known luxury hotel groups.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); In 1984, he took over a nine-hotel chain from his father and The Oberoi Group founder Rai Bahadur Mohan Singh Oberoi. Since then, PRS Oberoi has steered the hospitality chain through its ups and downs. The group now has hotels, cruises and resorts spread across seven countries under three brands Oberoi Hotels & Resorts, Trident Hotels and Maiden Hotel. A hotel magnate who embodied fine living, his death brings to an end two generations of the family that built the Oberoi empire into an Indian hospitality powerhouse. Oberoi, who was the executive chairman of EIH Limited, the flagship company of The Oberoi Group, passed on the baton of his group in May 2022. His nephew Arjun is now the executive chairman of the group while son Vikramjit is the CEO. The group had humble beginnings. Born to a modestly wealthy family in 1898 in Bhaun village in Punjab province of Pakistan, his father worked as a front desk clerk at The Cecil (now The Oberoi Cecil), a small hotel in Shimla, before taking a loan against his family wealth including the wife's jewellery, to buy his first property, Clarke's Hotel, also in Shimla, in 1934. Four years later, he purchased the lease for the Grand Hotel (now The Oberoi Grand) in what was then Calcutta, which was on sale after a cholera epidemic. In 1943, he bought Associated Hotels of India, becoming the first Indian to own the country's largest upmarket hotel chain, with properties including Shimla's Cecil Hotel where he had worked as a clerk. When his father was setting up the hotel business, Biki was sent to St Paul's School in Darjeeling in 1939 and after finishing school in 1946 to London to study chartered accountancy. He travelled to France and Switzerland and worked in hotels there to gain experience. It was in 1942, he witnessed Allied pilots, who were fighting Japan during the second world war, make the Grand Hotel as a base. In 1954, he was given his first hotel to run --- Maidens in New Delhi and then Grand Hotel in Calcutta. He was also given charge of four hotels in Pakistan that had come as part of the AHI acquisition. However, the Pakistan government took over those properties after the 1965 war. Not to be let down, Biki worked with his elder brother Tilak 'Tikki' Raj Singh Oberoi, moving into industrial-scale hotels with the opening of their main property in the national capital in 1965. It was India's first modern hotel with swimming pools, four or five restaurants and 320 rooms. Associated Hotels of India Ltd was merged with what was then East India Hotels Ltd (now EIH Ltd) in 1968, bringing into the fold The Oberoi Grand, Calcutta; Maidens Hotel, New Delhi; and The Oberoi Cecil, Shimla. The next landmark was the construction of a Mumbai hotel, now known as the Trident, in 1973 and its sister hotel on the same site, The Oberoi, in 1986. Tikki died in 1984. His son Arjun is now the executive chairman of the group. That year, their father suffered a stroke and passed on the baton of the group to Biki. Under him, Oberoi went on an expansion sphere - entering into a contract to operate all snack bars and restaurants at Mumbai airport in 1986, and listing GDRs on the London Stock Exchange in 1994. Cigar-smoking Biki, who was known to take his own towels and bring along cooks to cities where he did not own a hotel, in 1988 launched a new brand, Trident when a new hotel, which was five-star but not a luxury property, was opened in Chennai. The Oberoi Rajvilas in Jaipur opened in 1998 and put Indian hospitality on the world luxury travel map. A night's stay in 1998 cost a then-unthinkable Rs 8,000 and continues to be one of the most expensive resorts in the country. This was followed by similar iconic properties in Agra, Udaipur and Ranthambore (Amarvilas, Udaivilas and Vanyavilas, respectively). Besides offering ultra-luxury, the chain offered unmatched service. As these properties gained credibility, so did Oberoi's reputation and his group was often referred to as a gold standard in the industry. When Pakistani terrorists attacked Mumbai in 2008, Oberoi-Trident hotel was one of the properties attacked. Two terrorists, who spent two days holed up in the Oberoi killing about 20 guests and 11 staff members, destroyed the entire interior of the hotel. Oberoi took a personal interest in redesigning the property which opened 18 months later. "It is with deep sadness that we inform the peaceful passing of PRS Oberoi, Chairman Emeritus of The Oberoi Group, earlier today. A luminary in the hospitality industry, Oberoi's legacy transcends borders, leaving an indelible mark on the global landscape," a company statement said. PRS Oberoi was born in New Delhi on February 3, 1929. He served as chairman of the company since 1988 until he stepped down in May last year due to ill health. "PRS Oberoi has decided to relinquish his position as chairman and director of the EIH Associated Hotels Ltd effective May 2, 2022 due to his deteriorating health," a press release had said at that time. Besides son Vikramjit, he is survived by daughters Natasha and Anastasia. A recipient of India's second highest civilian honour -- Padma Vibhushan -- in 2008, PRS Oberoi was also awarded the 'Corporate Hotelier of the World' by HOTELS magazine in 2010. The Oberoi brand has come to represent fine luxury hotels. Business India magazine adjudged PRS Oberoi the Businessman of the Year 2008. He received this award for building a world-class premium hospitality brand. In November 2008, he was conferred the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards for redefining design standards in luxury hotels. In October 2005, the Hotel Investment Conference Asia Pacific (HICAP), which is the preeminent gathering of hotel investors, investment bankers and leading industry professionals in the region, honoured him with the Lifetime Achievement Award at its annual conference in Hong Kong. This award was given in recognition of his contribution to the hospitality industry and his pioneering leadership in making The Oberoi Group a global brand by taking the concept of luxury to a new paradigm. In February 2013, PRS Oberoi was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award for Management by The All India Management Association. In his condolence message, Mahindra group's Anand Mahindra said: "His many achievements were never sufficiently recognised. He made 'Oberoi' a global byword for the Indian luxury hospitality experience and the first to put an Indian hotel on the very top of global rankings. He also rallied the group heroically but quietly post the 26/11 attack on their Mumbai flagship. He was a class act. Period." Minister of State for IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar said he was "without doubt, the man who put Indian hospitality and service on the global map." Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By PTI

NEW DELHI: Lack of water, low-hanging electricity wires and the problem of onlookers who get in the way of rescue operations; these are some of the challenges that firefighters faced while trying to douse a blaze in an east Delhi building on Tuesday that claimed the life of a woman.

A major fire broke out at a five-storey building in East Delhi's Shakarpur killing a 40-year-old woman, Anita. Twenty-five people were rescued by the Delhi Fire Service.

"After getting a message at around 1. 05 am, we initially sent three fire vehicles to the location. As the fire was major five more fire engines were pressed into service. Later, more than 20 fire engines were rushed to the spot as the flames engulfed the entire left side of the building," Delhi Fire Service chief Atul Garg told PTI.

The major challenges the DFS had to face was that there was no water source at the spot so fire vehicles struggled to refill.

"A large number of people thronged to the location just to see that what is happening. Our teams had to repeatedly request people to give them space so that they could rescue people and rush them to nearby hospitals," Garg said.

"Low-lying electricity wires, electricity lightings due to Diwali festival and narrow streets are also major problems we faced during our rescue operation," the DFS chief said.

He added that another major problem the fire department faces is traffic. But since the Shakarpur incident happened late at night, there was no traffic on the street, Garg said.

#WATCH | One woman died after a fire broke out at a residential building in the Shakarpur area of East Delhi last night. Fire brigade reached the spot, rescued 26 people and doused the fire: Delhi Fire Service pic.twitter.com/XbKZ0TG56j  ANI (@ANI) November 14, 2023

"Besides that spectators must understand that in emergency conditions like fire they must stay away as firefighters need proper space to help others. In such conditions, LPG cylinders can also blow and the fire can engulf the entire area. These locations are densely populated and people's safety too is a concern," Garg added.

Initial inquiry revealed that a fire broke out due to a short circuit in the parking area on the ground floor.

According to the police, the fire started in the building's parking area in the early hours of Tuesday and soon engulfed the entire structure.

Around five people jumped from the balcony in panic to save their lives.

A man, Naresh Nagar, suffered a fracture in his leg after jumping off the first floor of the burning building.

Police have registered an FIR in connection with the incident and launched an investigation.

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NEW DELHI: Lack of water, low-hanging electricity wires and the problem of onlookers who get in the way of rescue operations; these are some of the challenges that firefighters faced while trying to douse a blaze in an east Delhi building on Tuesday that claimed the life of a woman. A major fire broke out at a five-storey building in East Delhi's Shakarpur killing a 40-year-old woman, Anita. Twenty-five people were rescued by the Delhi Fire Service. "After getting a message at around 1. 05 am, we initially sent three fire vehicles to the location. As the fire was major five more fire engines were pressed into service. Later, more than 20 fire engines were rushed to the spot as the flames engulfed the entire left side of the building," Delhi Fire Service chief Atul Garg told PTI.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The major challenges the DFS had to face was that there was no water source at the spot so fire vehicles struggled to refill. "A large number of people thronged to the location just to see that what is happening. Our teams had to repeatedly request people to give them space so that they could rescue people and rush them to nearby hospitals," Garg said. "Low-lying electricity wires, electricity lightings due to Diwali festival and narrow streets are also major problems we faced during our rescue operation," the DFS chief said. He added that another major problem the fire department faces is traffic. But since the Shakarpur incident happened late at night, there was no traffic on the street, Garg said. #WATCH | One woman died after a fire broke out at a residential building in the Shakarpur area of East Delhi last night. Fire brigade reached the spot, rescued 26 people and doused the fire: Delhi Fire Service pic.twitter.com/XbKZ0TG56j  ANI (@ANI) November 14, 2023 "Besides that spectators must understand that in emergency conditions like fire they must stay away as firefighters need proper space to help others. In such conditions, LPG cylinders can also blow and the fire can engulf the entire area. These locations are densely populated and people's safety too is a concern," Garg added. Initial inquiry revealed that a fire broke out due to a short circuit in the parking area on the ground floor. According to the police, the fire started in the building's parking area in the early hours of Tuesday and soon engulfed the entire structure. Around five people jumped from the balcony in panic to save their lives. A man, Naresh Nagar, suffered a fracture in his leg after jumping off the first floor of the burning building. Police have registered an FIR in connection with the incident and launched an investigation. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By PTI

NEW DELHI: People who survived a major fire in an east Delhi residential building on Tuesday recounted the horror of the night; some were stranded in their flats for hours, while others faced the dire prospect of jumping from their balconies to save their lives.

A 55-year-old woman died while nine persons, including a fireman, were injured in the blaze at a four-storey building in Shakarpur area in the early hours of Tuesday.

Delhi Fire Services (DFS) rescued 25 people from the building that housed around 40 people.

The blaze started at 1 am in the parking area of the building and later spread to the entire structure.

A senior DFS officer said that Anita Singh, who died in the incident, was lying unconscious on the couch near the main door when the fire personnel reached her house during the rescue operation.

"Anita was lying on the couch when we reached the fourth floor. Two others were also lying in the house unconscious and we immediately took them to the hospital," the officer said.

Anita could be trying to escape or she may have been waiting to be rescued near the door, the officer said.

Anita, who was employed at a boutique at Greater Kailash, had also received some burn injuries, said Parul, a relative.

Anita's sister-in-law Beena and nephew Piyush who were also in the house were admitted to RML Hospital and GTB Hospital respectively.

"Currently doctors have kept Piyush in the hospital for observation. He works as an event photographer. They had been living in the house for the last 12 years," Parul said.

Suparbha Devi, who was living on the first floor of the building with her family, said that her daughter jumped from the house to save her life but received a fracture in her hand.

"When the fire broke out, we rushed to the balcony as there was no way to come out of the house from the main door. My daughter Shivani jumped from the balcony and received a fracture in her hand," Suparbha said.

"Later, some people took a ladder and helped us to get out of our house," she said.

Dev Singh Adhikari, a fourth-floor resident, said that they were stuck in the balcony for around four to five hours and came out of the building early in the morning.

"My son was working on his laptop when he got to know about the fire. He alerted us and rushed to the terrace.

I also tried to go to the terrace, but my wife and daughter were in the house and they were not in a condition to go.

There was a lot of smoke and fire at the main door of the house," said Adhikari, who retired from the Border Security Force last year.

"We were on the balcony for around four to five hours. There was a panic situation in the area. We saw that some people jumped from their houses to save themselves. Later, the firemen came to our house and rescued us. They initially asked us to come downstairs from the building but we refused. We went to the terrace and came out from the adjacent building," said Adhikari, who had moved to the house earlier in April this year.

Ritik Mathur, who runs a garments business with his father in Gandhi Nagar, said, "I came home around 12.30 am and till then everything was normal. The incident took place around 1 am. I was in the house along with my father, mother, brother and sister. We also have a dog named Buzo. My family members came down through ladders when the fire personnel helped them."

He added that he stayed with the dog till the fire was doused.

"We called the electricity department to cut the supply. The fire tenders also reached late. We somehow got to know about the incident timely. Had it been half an hour more, we would have not survived," he said.

"People jumped from their houses during the incident. My father also asked us to jump from the second floor. However, we gave him hope that firemen will save us and said that there is no need to do anything like that," he further added.

Fire officials said that there were many low-hanging open wires in the street due to which it took them more time to reach the spot.

Naresh, who was on the first floor of the building during the fire, jumped from his house and received an injury in his leg.

Fire officials said that they have also rescued four to five birds and two dogs from the building.

"There were two dogs and four birds in different flats which were rescued by us. The dogs -- a golden retriever and a labrador -- were on the second and third floors," the DFS official said.

Four cars, 11 bikes and three cycles were gutted in the incident.

One of the cars belonged to Kamal Tiwari, a second-floor resident, who had bought the car only a few days back.

Occupants said the building was constructed in 2008.

Five homeowners and three tenants stayed in the building.

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NEW DELHI: People who survived a major fire in an east Delhi residential building on Tuesday recounted the horror of the night; some were stranded in their flats for hours, while others faced the dire prospect of jumping from their balconies to save their lives. A 55-year-old woman died while nine persons, including a fireman, were injured in the blaze at a four-storey building in Shakarpur area in the early hours of Tuesday. Delhi Fire Services (DFS) rescued 25 people from the building that housed around 40 people.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The blaze started at 1 am in the parking area of the building and later spread to the entire structure. A senior DFS officer said that Anita Singh, who died in the incident, was lying unconscious on the couch near the main door when the fire personnel reached her house during the rescue operation. "Anita was lying on the couch when we reached the fourth floor. Two others were also lying in the house unconscious and we immediately took them to the hospital," the officer said. Anita could be trying to escape or she may have been waiting to be rescued near the door, the officer said. Anita, who was employed at a boutique at Greater Kailash, had also received some burn injuries, said Parul, a relative. Anita's sister-in-law Beena and nephew Piyush who were also in the house were admitted to RML Hospital and GTB Hospital respectively. "Currently doctors have kept Piyush in the hospital for observation. He works as an event photographer. They had been living in the house for the last 12 years," Parul said. Suparbha Devi, who was living on the first floor of the building with her family, said that her daughter jumped from the house to save her life but received a fracture in her hand. "When the fire broke out, we rushed to the balcony as there was no way to come out of the house from the main door. My daughter Shivani jumped from the balcony and received a fracture in her hand," Suparbha said. "Later, some people took a ladder and helped us to get out of our house," she said. Dev Singh Adhikari, a fourth-floor resident, said that they were stuck in the balcony for around four to five hours and came out of the building early in the morning. "My son was working on his laptop when he got to know about the fire. He alerted us and rushed to the terrace. I also tried to go to the terrace, but my wife and daughter were in the house and they were not in a condition to go. There was a lot of smoke and fire at the main door of the house," said Adhikari, who retired from the Border Security Force last year. "We were on the balcony for around four to five hours. There was a panic situation in the area. We saw that some people jumped from their houses to save themselves. Later, the firemen came to our house and rescued us. They initially asked us to come downstairs from the building but we refused. We went to the terrace and came out from the adjacent building," said Adhikari, who had moved to the house earlier in April this year. Ritik Mathur, who runs a garments business with his father in Gandhi Nagar, said, "I came home around 12.30 am and till then everything was normal. The incident took place around 1 am. I was in the house along with my father, mother, brother and sister. We also have a dog named Buzo. My family members came down through ladders when the fire personnel helped them." He added that he stayed with the dog till the fire was doused. "We called the electricity department to cut the supply. The fire tenders also reached late. We somehow got to know about the incident timely. Had it been half an hour more, we would have not survived," he said. "People jumped from their houses during the incident. My father also asked us to jump from the second floor. However, we gave him hope that firemen will save us and said that there is no need to do anything like that," he further added. Fire officials said that there were many low-hanging open wires in the street due to which it took them more time to reach the spot. Naresh, who was on the first floor of the building during the fire, jumped from his house and received an injury in his leg. Fire officials said that they have also rescued four to five birds and two dogs from the building. "There were two dogs and four birds in different flats which were rescued by us. The dogs -- a golden retriever and a labrador -- were on the second and third floors," the DFS official said. Four cars, 11 bikes and three cycles were gutted in the incident. One of the cars belonged to Kamal Tiwari, a second-floor resident, who had bought the car only a few days back. Occupants said the building was constructed in 2008. Five homeowners and three tenants stayed in the building. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Anup Verma By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Environment minister Gopal Rai on Monday blamed the BJP for the sudden drop in air quality, holding the party responsible for the targeted use of firecrackers in the national Capital on Diwali. Rai alleged that BJP leaders kept instigating people to burst crackers.

If the BJP had banned firecrackers in UP and Haryana after the SC order, pollution would not have gone up in NCR, he said. A huge quantity of firecrackers was available under the patronage of the UP and Haryana governments, the minister said.

The BJP, however, denied charges accusing the ruling AAP governments in Delhi and Punjab of failing

to take steps to enforce the SC ban. Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva accused the Kejriwal government of lacking vision. The government doesnt want people to celebrate Diwali and tries to put the blame of winter pollution on crackers. For one month, Delhi has been facing the brunt of pollution. Kejriwal is silent on stubble-burning in Punjab, Sachdeva said.

Rai, however, thanked Delhiites for performing their civic duty, respecting the top court orders and celebrating Diwali by lighting lamps.The production, distribution, storage, and bursting of firecrackers is banned in Delhi. He said that the city government has discussed the air pollution situation with experts and officials. Based on their assessment, the pollution levels are likely to increase in the coming days.

According to the prediction, the wind speed will slow down and then the polluting particles will come down to a lower level, which is likely to increase the pollution level. Therefore, it has been decided that the GRAP -4 restrictions will remain in force till further orders of the CAQM, Rai added.

ALSO READ | 611 teams to monitor sites in anti-open burning campaign in Delhi

GRAP-4 to stay: Govt

On the basis of assessment by experts, the pollution levels are likely to increase in the coming days. It has been decided that GRAP-4 restrictions will remain in force till further orders

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NEW DELHI: Environment minister Gopal Rai on Monday blamed the BJP for the sudden drop in air quality, holding the party responsible for the targeted use of firecrackers in the national Capital on Diwali. Rai alleged that BJP leaders kept instigating people to burst crackers. If the BJP had banned firecrackers in UP and Haryana after the SC order, pollution would not have gone up in NCR, he said. A huge quantity of firecrackers was available under the patronage of the UP and Haryana governments, the minister said. The BJP, however, denied charges accusing the ruling AAP governments in Delhi and Punjab of failing to take steps to enforce the SC ban. Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva accused the Kejriwal government of lacking vision. The government doesnt want people to celebrate Diwali and tries to put the blame of winter pollution on crackers. For one month, Delhi has been facing the brunt of pollution. Kejriwal is silent on stubble-burning in Punjab, Sachdeva said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Rai, however, thanked Delhiites for performing their civic duty, respecting the top court orders and celebrating Diwali by lighting lamps.The production, distribution, storage, and bursting of firecrackers is banned in Delhi. He said that the city government has discussed the air pollution situation with experts and officials. Based on their assessment, the pollution levels are likely to increase in the coming days. According to the prediction, the wind speed will slow down and then the polluting particles will come down to a lower level, which is likely to increase the pollution level. Therefore, it has been decided that the GRAP -4 restrictions will remain in force till further orders of the CAQM, Rai added. ALSO READ | 611 teams to monitor sites in anti-open burning campaign in Delhi GRAP-4 to stay: Govt On the basis of assessment by experts, the pollution levels are likely to increase in the coming days. It has been decided that GRAP-4 restrictions will remain in force till further orders Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Marking a rebound from the pandemic slump, there has been 35 per cent surge in the number of Indian students enrolling in US colleges in the academic year 2022-23, according to findings from the US State Department and the nonprofit Institute of International Education.

The report revealed that more than 1 million students came from abroad to attend US colleges, marking the highest number since the 2019-20 school year, according to the Open Doors 2023 report on International Educational Exchange.

The influx of international students was primarily driven by Indian students, who flocked to US colleges as Covid-19 cases dwindled and international travel restrictions eased. India was the second largest country that send students to US, after China. It saw an all-time high with 2,68,923 students flying to US in 2022-23, reflecting 35 per cent year-on-year increase.

Overall, the number of international students in the US grew by 12 per cent in 2022-23, representing the most significant single-year rise in over 40 years. Most Indian students were admitted to graduate programmes, often in science, technology, and business.

However, China remained the leading source of international students in the US, with 290,000 students. Nevertheless, its numbers declined for the third consecutive year, according to the report. The surge in Indian students resulted in their numbers surpassing those from China in 24 US states, including Illinois, Texas, and Michigan, which are among the top destinations for international students.

Marianne Craven, the State Departments acting deputy assistant secretary for academic exchange, stated, The US maintains a strong relationship with India in education, which I believe is becoming even more robust and connected.

Following China and India, the countries that sent the most students to the US were South Korea, Canada, Vietnam, Taiwan, and Nigeria. Allan E Goodman, CEO of the Institute of International Education, commented, This reinforces that the US remains the destination of choice for international students wishing to study abroad, as it has been for over a century.

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NEW DELHI: Marking a rebound from the pandemic slump, there has been 35 per cent surge in the number of Indian students enrolling in US colleges in the academic year 2022-23, according to findings from the US State Department and the nonprofit Institute of International Education. The report revealed that more than 1 million students came from abroad to attend US colleges, marking the highest number since the 2019-20 school year, according to the Open Doors 2023 report on International Educational Exchange.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The influx of international students was primarily driven by Indian students, who flocked to US colleges as Covid-19 cases dwindled and international travel restrictions eased. India was the second largest country that send students to US, after China. It saw an all-time high with 2,68,923 students flying to US in 2022-23, reflecting 35 per cent year-on-year increase. Overall, the number of international students in the US grew by 12 per cent in 2022-23, representing the most significant single-year rise in over 40 years. Most Indian students were admitted to graduate programmes, often in science, technology, and business. However, China remained the leading source of international students in the US, with 290,000 students. Nevertheless, its numbers declined for the third consecutive year, according to the report. The surge in Indian students resulted in their numbers surpassing those from China in 24 US states, including Illinois, Texas, and Michigan, which are among the top destinations for international students. Marianne Craven, the State Departments acting deputy assistant secretary for academic exchange, stated, The US maintains a strong relationship with India in education, which I believe is becoming even more robust and connected. Following China and India, the countries that sent the most students to the US were South Korea, Canada, Vietnam, Taiwan, and Nigeria. Allan E Goodman, CEO of the Institute of International Education, commented, This reinforces that the US remains the destination of choice for international students wishing to study abroad, as it has been for over a century. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By ANI

NEW DELHI: The Central Intelligence agencies are keeping a close watch as the gunbattle in Myanmar triggered a fresh influx of refugees into Mizoram.

Around 5000 people from Myanmar have entered Mizoram following a fresh airstrike by the Myanmar army in the bordering areas along the Indo-Myanmar border.

A senior official confirmed that Mizoram police, along with central intelligence agencies, are keeping a close watch on the situation. The centre is trying to identify the exact number of Myanmar nationals who have crossed the border.

"Due to the difficult terrain of the Indo-Myanmar border it is difficult to stop the influx completely. Assam Riffles Guard the borders but a stretch of around 150 km is very difficult because of its nature and other complexity," an official said.

The official added that "after the tension escalated in Myanmar, many Myanmar nationals entered the bordering district Champhai by crossing over the International Border. Few injured Myanmar nationals are under treatment at the district hospital in Champhai".

ALSO READ | India to fly back 42 Myanmar military personnel who fled violence by armed groups

"Local authorities are in touch with these people and they have been assured that they will go back as the situation normalises in Myanmar. We are keeping a close watch on the situation in Mizoram. The state was already on high alert due to the recently held elections," the official informed.

Lalbiakthanga Khiangte, Inspector General of Police, Mizoram Police told ANI that so far nearly 5000 refugees had crossed over into Mizoram from Myanmar.

"Now there are as many as more than 5,000 people took refuge in two Mizoram villages along the Myanmar border," the IGP said, adding that many got injured. As many as about 20 are injured. Eight of them are taken to Aizawl for better medical treatment and the rest are being treated in Champhai. Now it is quite calm but we don't know whether the Myanmar army will attack from the air. We cannot rule out air strike at present if the Myanmar government is willing" the IGP of Mizoram said.

In 2021, the Centre had written to the Chief Secretaries of Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh to "take appropriate action as per law to check illegal influx from Myanmar into India."

Myanmar's military junta is facing its biggest test since taking power in a 2021 coup after three ethnic minority forces launched a coordinated offensive in late October, capturing some towns and military posts, Reuters reported.

Last week, the military-installed president said that Myanmar was at risk of "breaking apart" because of an ineffective response to the rebellion.

As per Reuters, the new combat will be another blow for the junta which is increasingly stretched amid mounting armed opposition, fuelled by anger over the coup and crackdown.

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NEW DELHI: The Central Intelligence agencies are keeping a close watch as the gunbattle in Myanmar triggered a fresh influx of refugees into Mizoram. Around 5000 people from Myanmar have entered Mizoram following a fresh airstrike by the Myanmar army in the bordering areas along the Indo-Myanmar border. A senior official confirmed that Mizoram police, along with central intelligence agencies, are keeping a close watch on the situation. The centre is trying to identify the exact number of Myanmar nationals who have crossed the border.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); "Due to the difficult terrain of the Indo-Myanmar border it is difficult to stop the influx completely. Assam Riffles Guard the borders but a stretch of around 150 km is very difficult because of its nature and other complexity," an official said. The official added that "after the tension escalated in Myanmar, many Myanmar nationals entered the bordering district Champhai by crossing over the International Border. Few injured Myanmar nationals are under treatment at the district hospital in Champhai". ALSO READ | India to fly back 42 Myanmar military personnel who fled violence by armed groups "Local authorities are in touch with these people and they have been assured that they will go back as the situation normalises in Myanmar. We are keeping a close watch on the situation in Mizoram. The state was already on high alert due to the recently held elections," the official informed. Lalbiakthanga Khiangte, Inspector General of Police, Mizoram Police told ANI that so far nearly 5000 refugees had crossed over into Mizoram from Myanmar. "Now there are as many as more than 5,000 people took refuge in two Mizoram villages along the Myanmar border," the IGP said, adding that many got injured. As many as about 20 are injured. Eight of them are taken to Aizawl for better medical treatment and the rest are being treated in Champhai. Now it is quite calm but we don't know whether the Myanmar army will attack from the air. We cannot rule out air strike at present if the Myanmar government is willing" the IGP of Mizoram said. In 2021, the Centre had written to the Chief Secretaries of Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh to "take appropriate action as per law to check illegal influx from Myanmar into India." Myanmar's military junta is facing its biggest test since taking power in a 2021 coup after three ethnic minority forces launched a coordinated offensive in late October, capturing some towns and military posts, Reuters reported. Last week, the military-installed president said that Myanmar was at risk of "breaking apart" because of an ineffective response to the rebellion. As per Reuters, the new combat will be another blow for the junta which is increasingly stretched amid mounting armed opposition, fuelled by anger over the coup and crackdown. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By AFP

RAMALLAH: Eight Palestinians were killed in clashes with Israeli troops in the occupied West Bank, the Palestinian health ministry said on Tuesday.

Seven Palestinians were killed during an Israeli military raid on the northern city of Tulkarem, the health ministry and a local hospital said.

Witnesses reported clashes in the area and a large deployment of Israeli soldiers seeking to make arrests.

The Israeli army said its forces conducted "counterterrorism activities" in the city, during which "engineering vehicles uncovered explosive devices planted on routes to attack the forces".

"In addition, soldiers questioned and apprehended wanted suspects, and during exchanges of fire with armed assailants, a number of the assailants were killed," the army said in a statement.

"Furthermore, an armed terrorist cell fired and hurled explosive devices at the forces. To eliminate the threat and enable the forces to continue their counterterrorism activity, an IDF (military) aircraft struck the terrorist cell," the army said.

READ MORE | Hospitals in north Gaza 'out of service' amid heavy fighting, rising death toll

In a separate incident near the southern West Bank city Hebron, a 20-year-old Palestinian was killed by "occupation bullets", the Palestinian health ministry said.

The Israeli army had no immediate comment on the Hebron incident.

On Thursday, the Palestinian health ministry said 14 people were killed in an Israeli operation in the city of Jenin -- the highest West Bank death toll from a single raid since at least 2005, according to United Nations records.

Israel has occupied the West Bank since the 1967 Arab-Israeli war and its troops regularly launch raids across the Palestinian territory.

Since war erupted on October 7 between Israel and Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces have arrested more than 2,000 people across the West Bank, including annexed east Jerusalem, according to the Palestinian Prisoners' Club advocacy group.

The Israeli military has put the arrest figure for the West Bank, excluding east Jerusalem, at more than 1,400, and has said most were suspected of links to Hamas.

At least 180 Palestinians and three Israelis have been killed across the West Bank since October 7, according to officials on both sides.

Hamas's shock October attack -- the worst in Israel's history -- killed an estimated 1,200 people, mostly civilians, according to Israeli officials.

Israel has responded with a massive bombardment and ground operations in the Gaza Strip, which the Hamas-run health ministry says have already killed 11,240 people, including 4,630 children.

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RAMALLAH: Eight Palestinians were killed in clashes with Israeli troops in the occupied West Bank, the Palestinian health ministry said on Tuesday. Seven Palestinians were killed during an Israeli military raid on the northern city of Tulkarem, the health ministry and a local hospital said. Witnesses reported clashes in the area and a large deployment of Israeli soldiers seeking to make arrests.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The Israeli army said its forces conducted "counterterrorism activities" in the city, during which "engineering vehicles uncovered explosive devices planted on routes to attack the forces". "In addition, soldiers questioned and apprehended wanted suspects, and during exchanges of fire with armed assailants, a number of the assailants were killed," the army said in a statement. "Furthermore, an armed terrorist cell fired and hurled explosive devices at the forces. To eliminate the threat and enable the forces to continue their counterterrorism activity, an IDF (military) aircraft struck the terrorist cell," the army said. READ MORE | Hospitals in north Gaza 'out of service' amid heavy fighting, rising death toll In a separate incident near the southern West Bank city Hebron, a 20-year-old Palestinian was killed by "occupation bullets", the Palestinian health ministry said. The Israeli army had no immediate comment on the Hebron incident. On Thursday, the Palestinian health ministry said 14 people were killed in an Israeli operation in the city of Jenin -- the highest West Bank death toll from a single raid since at least 2005, according to United Nations records. Israel has occupied the West Bank since the 1967 Arab-Israeli war and its troops regularly launch raids across the Palestinian territory. Since war erupted on October 7 between Israel and Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces have arrested more than 2,000 people across the West Bank, including annexed east Jerusalem, according to the Palestinian Prisoners' Club advocacy group. The Israeli military has put the arrest figure for the West Bank, excluding east Jerusalem, at more than 1,400, and has said most were suspected of links to Hamas. At least 180 Palestinians and three Israelis have been killed across the West Bank since October 7, according to officials on both sides. Hamas's shock October attack -- the worst in Israel's history -- killed an estimated 1,200 people, mostly civilians, according to Israeli officials. Israel has responded with a massive bombardment and ground operations in the Gaza Strip, which the Hamas-run health ministry says have already killed 11,240 people, including 4,630 children. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
The military is constantly analyzing changes in hostile tactics of using UAVs and making adjustments to the work of air defense, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in the Telegram channel on Tuesday, informing about the Headquarters meeting held earlier.

"Intelligence reports, schedules for the supply of ammunition, missiles, equipment. Information from the front. The military reported an increase in the number of enemy assaults: Avdiyivka, Kupiansk, Donetsk directions. I am grateful to our soldiers who hold their positions and do not stop offensive operations," he said.

According to Zelenskyy, "the enemy continues to take revenge on free Kherson: it is shelling the city center without military necessity. By the decision of the last Headquarters, we significantly strengthened the local defense capabilities in reconnaissance, counter-battery, electronic warfare and air defense. We are monitoring its implementation."

"The grain corridor is working. We are now surpassing the mark of 4 million tonnes of cargo and maintaining positive dynamics," he said.
Ramashankar By

Express News Service

PATNA: Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) supremo Jitan Ram Manjhi on Tuesday announced that he would stage a dharna against Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar at Raj Ghat in New Delhi over the latter's outburst against him during the recently concluded winter session of the state assembly.

Manjhi who was supposed to stage a silent demonstration at Ambedkar Memorial near Patna High Court in the state capital could not do so as the district administration did not allow it. Later, he staged a sit-in agitation in front of the statue of the departed leader outside the campus.

Manjhi told media persons that he would stage a dharna at Raj Ghat against Nitish for his unsavoury remarks against him as it was not only an insult to him but also to the entire Dalit community of Bihar and the country. He said it was saddening that a chief minister of a state who represented 13 crore people had spoken in such language. He said that he was also exploring the possibility of taking legal action against Nitish for his remarks, made in the assembly.

Former chief minister Manjhi said that Nitish in the assembly bragged about making him CM but in his opinion, the BJP made him (Nitish) CM and after he betrayed them, the RJD had now given him the post.

Where have the people made you the Chief Minister? he asked. Sharpening his attack on Nitish, Manjhi said, You are also in power as Palturam (turncoat). You also made me the Chief Minister because of your political ambition.

Senior BJP leaders like Leader of Opposition Vijay Kumar Sinha and Bihar BJP President Samrat Chaudhary were present to show their solidarity with him. Manjhi said that Ambedkar was like God to them as he wanted to hold a silent demonstration after garlanding his statue but the gate of Ambedkar Memorial was closed. He contended that it was beyond comprehension why the CM had used such language against him in the assembly as he along with leaders of other parties had supported the reservation amendment bill in the house.

He said he had only advocated for the review of reservation quotas and there was nothing wrong in it as even the Father of the Constitution B R Ambedkar was not against it.

ALSO READ | Day after Nitishs outburst against him, Manjhi hints at plot to poison CMs food

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PATNA: Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) supremo Jitan Ram Manjhi on Tuesday announced that he would stage a dharna against Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar at Raj Ghat in New Delhi over the latter's outburst against him during the recently concluded winter session of the state assembly. Manjhi who was supposed to stage a silent demonstration at Ambedkar Memorial near Patna High Court in the state capital could not do so as the district administration did not allow it. Later, he staged a sit-in agitation in front of the statue of the departed leader outside the campus. Manjhi told media persons that he would stage a dharna at Raj Ghat against Nitish for his unsavoury remarks against him as it was not only an insult to him but also to the entire Dalit community of Bihar and the country. He said it was saddening that a chief minister of a state who represented 13 crore people had spoken in such language. He said that he was also exploring the possibility of taking legal action against Nitish for his remarks, made in the assembly.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Former chief minister Manjhi said that Nitish in the assembly bragged about making him CM but in his opinion, the BJP made him (Nitish) CM and after he betrayed them, the RJD had now given him the post. Where have the people made you the Chief Minister? he asked. Sharpening his attack on Nitish, Manjhi said, You are also in power as Palturam (turncoat). You also made me the Chief Minister because of your political ambition. Senior BJP leaders like Leader of Opposition Vijay Kumar Sinha and Bihar BJP President Samrat Chaudhary were present to show their solidarity with him. Manjhi said that Ambedkar was like God to them as he wanted to hold a silent demonstration after garlanding his statue but the gate of Ambedkar Memorial was closed. He contended that it was beyond comprehension why the CM had used such language against him in the assembly as he along with leaders of other parties had supported the reservation amendment bill in the house. He said he had only advocated for the review of reservation quotas and there was nothing wrong in it as even the Father of the Constitution B R Ambedkar was not against it. ALSO READ | Day after Nitishs outburst against him, Manjhi hints at plot to poison CMs food Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By Express News Service

KOCHI: The Ernakulam additional district sessions court (atrocities against women and children) on Tuesday sentenced Bihar native Ashafaq Alam (28), the lone accused in the abduction, rape, and murder of a five-year-old girl in Aluva, to capital punishment.

Accepting the prosecution's argument that the case was among the rarest of the rare, Judge K Soman, who presided over the trial, upheld the 13 charges levelled by the prosecution including murder, kidnapping, torture, indignity to a human corpse, destroying evidence, and three POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) charges. Soman directed that the convict be hanged to death, public prosecutor (PP) G Mohanraj said.

The prosecutor told the media outside the court that the convict was given five life terms for the various offences of rape and aggravated penetrative sexual assault under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the POCSO Act. The court also imposed a fine of over Rs six lakh on the convict, he said.

The death sentence was pronounced for the offence of murder under IPC 302. Apart from the death sentence, the court also awarded life imprisonment specifically mentioning 'till reminder of his natural life' under IPC sections 376 (2) (j), 377, and POCSO Act sections 5(l) and 5 (m).

110 days after the crime, on Children's Day, the final verdict of the case was pronounced, which by itself is an achievement as far as the Kerala police are concerned, said ADGP M R Ajithkumar. The day also marks the 11th anniversary of the POCSO Act, which came into effect on November 14, 2012.

The victim's parents were present in court when the punishment was given to Alam, who was convicted on November 4.

It was on July 28, Alam abducted the child living at Choornikara in Ernakulam and took her to a garbage-littered place behind Aluva market, where she was raped and murdered. Even though the police managed to arrest the accused on the same day based on CCTV visuals, he initially tried to mislead them. The body of the victim was recovered on July 29 after the accused confessed to the crime.

READ MORE | Rape and murder of five-year-old girl in Aluva: How sessions court in Kerala busted Alams claim

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the punishment given in the case on Children's Day should be seen as a strong warning to those who commit violence against children.

The chief minister said that the child fell victim to the most heinous crime and therefore, the entire criminal justice system worked efficiently to catch the culprit and ensure the maximum punishment for him.

Vijayan said that while nothing can replace the loss suffered by the parents, the government has assured all kinds of help to them.

(With additional inputs from PTI)

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KOCHI: The Ernakulam additional district sessions court (atrocities against women and children) on Tuesday sentenced Bihar native Ashafaq Alam (28), the lone accused in the abduction, rape, and murder of a five-year-old girl in Aluva, to capital punishment. Accepting the prosecution's argument that the case was among the rarest of the rare, Judge K Soman, who presided over the trial, upheld the 13 charges levelled by the prosecution including murder, kidnapping, torture, indignity to a human corpse, destroying evidence, and three POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) charges. Soman directed that the convict be hanged to death, public prosecutor (PP) G Mohanraj said. The prosecutor told the media outside the court that the convict was given five life terms for the various offences of rape and aggravated penetrative sexual assault under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the POCSO Act. The court also imposed a fine of over Rs six lakh on the convict, he said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The death sentence was pronounced for the offence of murder under IPC 302. Apart from the death sentence, the court also awarded life imprisonment specifically mentioning 'till reminder of his natural life' under IPC sections 376 (2) (j), 377, and POCSO Act sections 5(l) and 5 (m). 110 days after the crime, on Children's Day, the final verdict of the case was pronounced, which by itself is an achievement as far as the Kerala police are concerned, said ADGP M R Ajithkumar. The day also marks the 11th anniversary of the POCSO Act, which came into effect on November 14, 2012. The victim's parents were present in court when the punishment was given to Alam, who was convicted on November 4. It was on July 28, Alam abducted the child living at Choornikara in Ernakulam and took her to a garbage-littered place behind Aluva market, where she was raped and murdered. Even though the police managed to arrest the accused on the same day based on CCTV visuals, he initially tried to mislead them. The body of the victim was recovered on July 29 after the accused confessed to the crime. READ MORE | Rape and murder of five-year-old girl in Aluva: How sessions court in Kerala busted Alams claim Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the punishment given in the case on Children's Day should be seen as a strong warning to those who commit violence against children. The chief minister said that the child fell victim to the most heinous crime and therefore, the entire criminal justice system worked efficiently to catch the culprit and ensure the maximum punishment for him. Vijayan said that while nothing can replace the loss suffered by the parents, the government has assured all kinds of help to them. (With additional inputs from PTI) Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Yeshi Seli By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: The India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is very much the focus of what the two sides are negotiating, said External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in London on Monday.

"We are focusing on what is officially called an enhanced trade partnership. In common parlance, its called FTA (a free trade agreement) and that is today very much the focus of what the Indian and British systems are negotiating and where we hope that we will find a landing point which will work for both of us," Jaishankar said. He has been in the UK since November 11 and met with the newly-appointed foreign secretary David Cameron.

Jaishankars visit will give an impetus to the existing friendly relations. Fourteen rounds of negotiations have concluded and 21 out of the 24 chapters have been agreed upon. However, some contentious issues need to be worked out before the deal is finalised. Both countries have been negotiating an FTA since January 2022 with the target of significantly enhancing the estimated GBP 36-billion bilateral trading partnership. Both countries are going in for elections in 2024.

Jaishankar said that the Agenda 2030 put greater emphasis on connectivity, trade and working together when it comes to defence and security, health and climate change.

Jaishankar also talked about his meetings with newly-appointed foreign secretary David Cameron, defence secretary Grant Shapps and home secretary James Cleverly.

He said the foreign secretary on the first day of his job met him and it was extremely satisfying to see the commitment and support for the relationship".

"We spent a lot of time talking about how to take it forward. I also, of course, met the home secretary, recently the foreign secretary and he has been a pillar of strength for the relationship in his previous job. In his current job, we continue to count on him to take this relationship to a higher level," Jaishankar added.

ALSO READ | Jaishankar meets new UK Foreign Secretary Cameron, congratulates him on his appointment

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NEW DELHI: The India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is very much the focus of what the two sides are negotiating, said External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in London on Monday. "We are focusing on what is officially called an enhanced trade partnership. In common parlance, its called FTA (a free trade agreement) and that is today very much the focus of what the Indian and British systems are negotiating and where we hope that we will find a landing point which will work for both of us," Jaishankar said. He has been in the UK since November 11 and met with the newly-appointed foreign secretary David Cameron. Jaishankars visit will give an impetus to the existing friendly relations. Fourteen rounds of negotiations have concluded and 21 out of the 24 chapters have been agreed upon. However, some contentious issues need to be worked out before the deal is finalised. Both countries have been negotiating an FTA since January 2022 with the target of significantly enhancing the estimated GBP 36-billion bilateral trading partnership. Both countries are going in for elections in 2024.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Jaishankar said that the Agenda 2030 put greater emphasis on connectivity, trade and working together when it comes to defence and security, health and climate change. Jaishankar also talked about his meetings with newly-appointed foreign secretary David Cameron, defence secretary Grant Shapps and home secretary James Cleverly. He said the foreign secretary on the first day of his job met him and it was extremely satisfying to see the commitment and support for the relationship". "We spent a lot of time talking about how to take it forward. I also, of course, met the home secretary, recently the foreign secretary and he has been a pillar of strength for the relationship in his previous job. In his current job, we continue to count on him to take this relationship to a higher level," Jaishankar added. ALSO READ | Jaishankar meets new UK Foreign Secretary Cameron, congratulates him on his appointment Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Prasanta Mazumdar By

Express News Service

GUWAHATI: India on Tuesday safely evacuated 39 fleeing Myanmar Army personnel back to the military-ruled country. The personnel, including two officers, had fled an intense gunbattle with some ethnic armed groups in the Chin State of India's neighbouring country and taken refuge in Champhai district of Mizoram.

Indian defence sources said the personnel were flown to the border town of Moreh in Manipur from the Hnahlan helipad in Champhai. After landing in Moreh, they were moved into Myanmar by crossing the 'friendship bridge'. Tamu is the nearest town in Myanmar from the crossing.

Two Mi-17 helicopters were used to transport them. We were told two-three others entered Mizoram today (from Myanmar). They will be evacuated in a similar manner, a defence official told this newspaper.

After the personnel had entered the Champhai district, the Mizoram police took their custody and kept them at the Zokhawthar police station. A mob, believed to be refugees from Myanmar, had gathered outside the police station on Monday evening. Later, the personnel were handed over to Assam Rifles.

A fierce gunbattle erupted at Khawmawi in Myanmar on Sunday evening after the armed groups -- Kuki Independent Army, Chin National Army and Chinland Defence Force -- overran a Myanmar Army camp in a joint attack. The place is close to Zokhawthar.

In the wake of the fighting, over 1,500 Chin refugees, including 16 who were injured, fled to Mizoram. Later, one, who was shot in the eye, succumbed to his injuries.

Meanwhile, according to reports, the number of refugees went past 5,000 by Tuesday. They are taking shelter in some schools, community halls etc. The administration, NGOs and villagers are helping them with food and clothing.

The trouble in Myanmar began in February 2021 after the military in the country had captured power through a coup. The pro-democracy forces are waging an armed struggle with the Myanmarese junta.

Ever since the violence broke out, there has been a steady influx of Chin refugees into Mizoram. In the past two and half years, more than 37,000 refugees fled to the northeastern Indian state. Chins and Mizos are ethnic cousins, belonging to the Zo community.

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GUWAHATI: India on Tuesday safely evacuated 39 fleeing Myanmar Army personnel back to the military-ruled country. The personnel, including two officers, had fled an intense gunbattle with some ethnic armed groups in the Chin State of India's neighbouring country and taken refuge in Champhai district of Mizoram. Indian defence sources said the personnel were flown to the border town of Moreh in Manipur from the Hnahlan helipad in Champhai. After landing in Moreh, they were moved into Myanmar by crossing the 'friendship bridge'. Tamu is the nearest town in Myanmar from the crossing. Two Mi-17 helicopters were used to transport them. We were told two-three others entered Mizoram today (from Myanmar). They will be evacuated in a similar manner, a defence official told this newspaper.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); After the personnel had entered the Champhai district, the Mizoram police took their custody and kept them at the Zokhawthar police station. A mob, believed to be refugees from Myanmar, had gathered outside the police station on Monday evening. Later, the personnel were handed over to Assam Rifles. A fierce gunbattle erupted at Khawmawi in Myanmar on Sunday evening after the armed groups -- Kuki Independent Army, Chin National Army and Chinland Defence Force -- overran a Myanmar Army camp in a joint attack. The place is close to Zokhawthar. In the wake of the fighting, over 1,500 Chin refugees, including 16 who were injured, fled to Mizoram. Later, one, who was shot in the eye, succumbed to his injuries. Meanwhile, according to reports, the number of refugees went past 5,000 by Tuesday. They are taking shelter in some schools, community halls etc. The administration, NGOs and villagers are helping them with food and clothing. The trouble in Myanmar began in February 2021 after the military in the country had captured power through a coup. The pro-democracy forces are waging an armed struggle with the Myanmarese junta. Ever since the violence broke out, there has been a steady influx of Chin refugees into Mizoram. In the past two and half years, more than 37,000 refugees fled to the northeastern Indian state. Chins and Mizos are ethnic cousins, belonging to the Zo community. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Yeshi Seli By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: India's interests could be hit as violence rages in Myanmar, with the juntas troops and police in Rakhine state having reportedly abandoned nearly 40 positions after they were attacked by the Arakan Army (AA) as part of Operation 1027.

"These clashes are going to have an impact on Indias Kaladan Multimodal Transit Project as it's located in the Rakhine state. With over Rs 3200 crore spent on it, this project which began in 2008 isn't completed yet. The objective of this 109 km project is to link India and Myanmar via the Bay of Bengal," said a source.

It has been a few weeks since the rebels began to make advances against the Myanmar junta which seems to be losing its strongholds. "Many members of the junta have left Myanmar. Some have relocated to Thailand as they want stability. India will have to say something soon as it has a 1643 km long border with Myanmar and can't ignore the instability as it will have a spillover in India too," the source added.

India has not yet issued any statement on the civil war-like situation in Myanmar, nor made any comments.

On Tuesday, the AA reportedly breached an informal ceasefire that it had agreed with the junta last November in Rakhine state.

Meanwhile, resistance forces in Chin state have taken control of the Indian border town of Reh Khaw Da in Falam township after seizing two junta bases, according to claims made by the Chin National Front (CNF). While the CNF lost six soldiers, seven junta soldiers are said to have surrendered.

Reh Khaw Deh is on the main trade route to India in northern Chin state and is famous for the heart-shaped Reh lake.

Myanmars junta has lost control of many sections of its border along China too. According to reports, Operation 1027 has managed to overrun more than 100 military outposts on the Chinese border along the China Myanmar Economic Corridor.

The clashes between the junta and the rebels could be a turning point in Myanmars struggle against military rule. However, this could pose challenges for its neighbours like India. It is not clear yet whether the rebels in Myanmar will unite to overthrow the junta or fight amongst themselves to establish supremacy.

ALSO READ | India evacuates 39 fleeing Myanmar Army personnel, more refugees enter Mizoram

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NEW DELHI: India's interests could be hit as violence rages in Myanmar, with the juntas troops and police in Rakhine state having reportedly abandoned nearly 40 positions after they were attacked by the Arakan Army (AA) as part of Operation 1027. "These clashes are going to have an impact on Indias Kaladan Multimodal Transit Project as it's located in the Rakhine state. With over Rs 3200 crore spent on it, this project which began in 2008 isn't completed yet. The objective of this 109 km project is to link India and Myanmar via the Bay of Bengal," said a source. It has been a few weeks since the rebels began to make advances against the Myanmar junta which seems to be losing its strongholds. "Many members of the junta have left Myanmar. Some have relocated to Thailand as they want stability. India will have to say something soon as it has a 1643 km long border with Myanmar and can't ignore the instability as it will have a spillover in India too," the source added.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); India has not yet issued any statement on the civil war-like situation in Myanmar, nor made any comments. On Tuesday, the AA reportedly breached an informal ceasefire that it had agreed with the junta last November in Rakhine state. Meanwhile, resistance forces in Chin state have taken control of the Indian border town of Reh Khaw Da in Falam township after seizing two junta bases, according to claims made by the Chin National Front (CNF). While the CNF lost six soldiers, seven junta soldiers are said to have surrendered. Reh Khaw Deh is on the main trade route to India in northern Chin state and is famous for the heart-shaped Reh lake. Myanmars junta has lost control of many sections of its border along China too. According to reports, Operation 1027 has managed to overrun more than 100 military outposts on the Chinese border along the China Myanmar Economic Corridor. The clashes between the junta and the rebels could be a turning point in Myanmars struggle against military rule. However, this could pose challenges for its neighbours like India. It is not clear yet whether the rebels in Myanmar will unite to overthrow the junta or fight amongst themselves to establish supremacy. ALSO READ | India evacuates 39 fleeing Myanmar Army personnel, more refugees enter Mizoram Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Sudhir Suryawanshi By

Express News Service

MUMBAI: Maharashtras Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar is reportedly discontented with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde over a perceived reduction in his authority and a decrease in government fund allocations to his party. Sources indicate that during a recent meeting with Union Minister Amit Shah in Delhi, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis conveyed his grievances against Shinde.

In response to these alleged issues, Ajit Pawar has purportedly skipped a couple of cabinet meetings, citing health reasons. According to insider information, Shinde instructed Ajit not to conduct meetings for ministries allocated to other alliance parties.

Additionally, a decision was made to route all finance-related files through Fadnavis for preliminary approval, with the final nod from Chief Minister Shinde. This represents a departure from Ajit Pawars freedom in the previous Uddhav Thackeray government. A senior NCP leader from the Ajit Pawar faction, speaking anonymously, expressed concerns about the diminishing stature of Ajit Pawar within the current government.

Another grievance raised is the alleged unequal distribution of government funds among the three coalition partners. NCP MLAs are said to be dissatisfied, claiming that the BJP and Shiv Sena, led by Shinde, receive more power and funds. A senior NCP leader, requesting anonymity, emphasized the need for the BJPs top leadership to address these disparities and uphold the promised equal distribution of power.

Congress MLA and Leader of Opposition Vijay Wadettiwar suggested that Ajit Pawar has a history of discontent when things dont align with his desires. Wadettiwar pointed out that in the Uddhav Thackeray government, Ajit Pawar operated as a de facto chief minister with significant autonomy. However, Chief Minister Shinde has allegedly curtailed his influence, leading to Pawars current grievances.

Wadettiwar highlighted the irony in Ajit Pawar, now the finance minister, complaining about inadequate funds for his partys MLAs, considering that Shindes faction had previously complained about the same issue during the Uddhav Thackeray government. In response to the alleged tensions, Ajit Pawar has called for a meeting of his partys MLAs and ministers on November 21 to review the current political situation.

Recent events, like the Maratha reservation dispute, highlights the tension between the allies. A growing ego clash involves Sena veterans Gajanan Kirtikar and Ramdas Kadam, and the Pandharpur temple trust facing dilemma over which deputy chief minister (Phadnavis or Ajit Pawar) to invite for a ritual. An unscheduled dash by Ajit Pawar to meet Amit Shah in New Delhi has set tongues wagging on whether Shah can resolve the power clash between Shinde and Ajit Pawar.

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MUMBAI: Maharashtras Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar is reportedly discontented with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde over a perceived reduction in his authority and a decrease in government fund allocations to his party. Sources indicate that during a recent meeting with Union Minister Amit Shah in Delhi, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis conveyed his grievances against Shinde. In response to these alleged issues, Ajit Pawar has purportedly skipped a couple of cabinet meetings, citing health reasons. According to insider information, Shinde instructed Ajit not to conduct meetings for ministries allocated to other alliance parties. Additionally, a decision was made to route all finance-related files through Fadnavis for preliminary approval, with the final nod from Chief Minister Shinde. This represents a departure from Ajit Pawars freedom in the previous Uddhav Thackeray government. A senior NCP leader from the Ajit Pawar faction, speaking anonymously, expressed concerns about the diminishing stature of Ajit Pawar within the current government.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Another grievance raised is the alleged unequal distribution of government funds among the three coalition partners. NCP MLAs are said to be dissatisfied, claiming that the BJP and Shiv Sena, led by Shinde, receive more power and funds. A senior NCP leader, requesting anonymity, emphasized the need for the BJPs top leadership to address these disparities and uphold the promised equal distribution of power. Congress MLA and Leader of Opposition Vijay Wadettiwar suggested that Ajit Pawar has a history of discontent when things dont align with his desires. Wadettiwar pointed out that in the Uddhav Thackeray government, Ajit Pawar operated as a de facto chief minister with significant autonomy. However, Chief Minister Shinde has allegedly curtailed his influence, leading to Pawars current grievances. Wadettiwar highlighted the irony in Ajit Pawar, now the finance minister, complaining about inadequate funds for his partys MLAs, considering that Shindes faction had previously complained about the same issue during the Uddhav Thackeray government. In response to the alleged tensions, Ajit Pawar has called for a meeting of his partys MLAs and ministers on November 21 to review the current political situation. Recent events, like the Maratha reservation dispute, highlights the tension between the allies. A growing ego clash involves Sena veterans Gajanan Kirtikar and Ramdas Kadam, and the Pandharpur temple trust facing dilemma over which deputy chief minister (Phadnavis or Ajit Pawar) to invite for a ritual. An unscheduled dash by Ajit Pawar to meet Amit Shah in New Delhi has set tongues wagging on whether Shah can resolve the power clash between Shinde and Ajit Pawar. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By PTI

JAMMU: A man has been arrested for allegedly posing as an Army officer and attempting to rape a class 12 student in Jammu and Kashmir's Samba district, officials said.

The accused has been identified as Sham Lal from the Ramgarh area in the district, they said.

According to a complaint filed by the girl, Lal posed as an Army Colonel and brought the girl and her brother, a class 10 student, of Udhampur district to Vijaypur by giving them false assurance of getting them enrolled in NCC and subsequently getting them recruited in belt force, they said.

He also checked their running stamina along Vijaypur-Ramgarh road and at midnight, attempted to commit rape on the girl who approached police for help, they said.

An FIR was registered and police immediately swung into action and arrested the accused, they said, adding that further investigation is underway.

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JAMMU: A man has been arrested for allegedly posing as an Army officer and attempting to rape a class 12 student in Jammu and Kashmir's Samba district, officials said. The accused has been identified as Sham Lal from the Ramgarh area in the district, they said. According to a complaint filed by the girl, Lal posed as an Army Colonel and brought the girl and her brother, a class 10 student, of Udhampur district to Vijaypur by giving them false assurance of getting them enrolled in NCC and subsequently getting them recruited in belt force, they said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); He also checked their running stamina along Vijaypur-Ramgarh road and at midnight, attempted to commit rape on the girl who approached police for help, they said. An FIR was registered and police immediately swung into action and arrested the accused, they said, adding that further investigation is underway. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Mukesh Ranjan By

Express News Service

RANCHI: Descendants of tribal icon and one of India's earliest freedom fighters, Birsa Munda, are hoping that the upcoming visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also pave the way for the realisation of one of their cherished dreams - that of a 'pucca' house.

On Birsa Munday's birthday on Wednesday, Modi is scheduled to visit Ulihatu village, where the great leader's descendants live in an asbestos house.

Birsa Munda was a young freedom fighter and a tribal leader, whose activism in the late nineteenth century is considered to be one of the key milestones in India's two-centuries-long fight against British domination.

Sukhram Munda, the great-grandson of Birsa Munda, rued that his family continues to live in penury 23 years after the formation of Jharkhand, which was expected to give a boost to the development of the tribal population in the area.

Just look at my house it has turned into shambles. Several dignitaries visited this place in the name of paying homage to Birsa Munda but our condition remained same. Government should think in the direction of providing a pucca house to us as we would never be able to make one on our own, he said.

Despite repeated requests made to the district administration, no action was taken in this regard, he added. The district administration and public representatives have so far given the family only false promises.

Currently, the house is being given a makeover by the district administration as the Prime Minister is scheduled to visit the place and meet the family. However, it is temporary as all paintings and decoration will vanish within a week or so.

Now, since Prime Minister Modi himself is coming to Ulihatu, I am quite hopeful that the matter will be taken up and our lives will change, said Sukhram Munda.

Notably, Narendra Modi will be the first Prime Minister to visit Ulihatu.

Before Modi, no Prime Minister has ever visited the place, which shot into prominence after Jharkhand was created on Birsa Munda's birth anniversary in 2000.

Earlier, President Droupadi Murmu visited Ulihatu last year, while Home Minister Amit Shah had also visited the place in 2020.

After paying homage to Birsa Munda and interacting with his descendants on November 15, Modi will launch the Vikas Bharat Sankalp Yatra on November 15 at Khunti.

This yatra will cover 2.5 lakh gram Panchayats and 3700 urban local bodies at more than 14,000 locations with more than 2500 IEC vans.

The yatra will start from tribal areas and will last for two months.

Before flying to Ulihatu on November 15, Modi is also scheduled to visit Bhagwan Birsa Munda Museum in Ranchi, the city where Bhagwan Birsa Munda sacrificed his life.

The museum, containing a 25-foot statue of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, highlights his contribution, along with those of other tribal freedom fighters. Modi had inaugurated the museum on November 15, 2021.

On his latest visit, Modi will inaugurate the new campus of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ranchi and the newly constructed buildings of IIT-ISM Dhanbad. He will also lay the foundation stone for a new building for IIIT Ranchi on November 15.

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RANCHI: Descendants of tribal icon and one of India's earliest freedom fighters, Birsa Munda, are hoping that the upcoming visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also pave the way for the realisation of one of their cherished dreams - that of a 'pucca' house. On Birsa Munday's birthday on Wednesday, Modi is scheduled to visit Ulihatu village, where the great leader's descendants live in an asbestos house. Birsa Munda was a young freedom fighter and a tribal leader, whose activism in the late nineteenth century is considered to be one of the key milestones in India's two-centuries-long fight against British domination.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Sukhram Munda, the great-grandson of Birsa Munda, rued that his family continues to live in penury 23 years after the formation of Jharkhand, which was expected to give a boost to the development of the tribal population in the area. Just look at my house it has turned into shambles. Several dignitaries visited this place in the name of paying homage to Birsa Munda but our condition remained same. Government should think in the direction of providing a pucca house to us as we would never be able to make one on our own, he said. Despite repeated requests made to the district administration, no action was taken in this regard, he added. The district administration and public representatives have so far given the family only false promises. Currently, the house is being given a makeover by the district administration as the Prime Minister is scheduled to visit the place and meet the family. However, it is temporary as all paintings and decoration will vanish within a week or so. Now, since Prime Minister Modi himself is coming to Ulihatu, I am quite hopeful that the matter will be taken up and our lives will change, said Sukhram Munda. Notably, Narendra Modi will be the first Prime Minister to visit Ulihatu. Before Modi, no Prime Minister has ever visited the place, which shot into prominence after Jharkhand was created on Birsa Munda's birth anniversary in 2000. Earlier, President Droupadi Murmu visited Ulihatu last year, while Home Minister Amit Shah had also visited the place in 2020. After paying homage to Birsa Munda and interacting with his descendants on November 15, Modi will launch the Vikas Bharat Sankalp Yatra on November 15 at Khunti. This yatra will cover 2.5 lakh gram Panchayats and 3700 urban local bodies at more than 14,000 locations with more than 2500 IEC vans. The yatra will start from tribal areas and will last for two months. Before flying to Ulihatu on November 15, Modi is also scheduled to visit Bhagwan Birsa Munda Museum in Ranchi, the city where Bhagwan Birsa Munda sacrificed his life. The museum, containing a 25-foot statue of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, highlights his contribution, along with those of other tribal freedom fighters. Modi had inaugurated the museum on November 15, 2021. On his latest visit, Modi will inaugurate the new campus of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ranchi and the newly constructed buildings of IIT-ISM Dhanbad. He will also lay the foundation stone for a new building for IIIT Ranchi on November 15. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Ramashankar By

Express News Service

PATNA: A 28-year-old sub-inspector of police (SI) was mowed down and a home guard was seriously injured by a tractor carrying illegally mined sand in Bihar's Jamui district on Tuesday, a second incident of murder of police officer in illegal mining in the state in a month.

The police said the incident took place around 7 am when a police team led by sub-inspector Prabhat Ranjan was engaged in an operation against illegal sand mining in Jamui district.

The deceased SI was additional station house officer at Garhi police station.

A home guard jawan, identified as Rajesh Kumar Sao, also suffered injuries in the incident and is undergoing treatment at a hospital in Jamui.

The police later seized the tractor and launched a manhunt to arrest the driver, stated to be a resident of Nawada.

The Jamui superintendent of police said that a police team attached to Garhi police station was on regular patrolling when it spotted a tractor laden with illegally mined sand. The police signaled the driver to stop the vehicle but he refused.

The driver whose identity is yet to ascertained mowed down the SI and escaped after abandoning the tractor on the spot.

He was rushed to a local hospital where Ranjan was declared brought dead.

The SP said a special team has been set up to arrest the accused driver at the earliest and initiate action against him.

The deceased police officer of the 2014 batch was stated to be a resident of Bhagwanpur in Vaishali district.

Earlier, on Nov 1, a police constable was crushed to death by a tractor laden with illegally mined sand in Aurangabad district.

In addition, a police team was attacked by sand mafia in Munger district recently.

An officer posted at police headquarters admitted that frequent incidents of attack on police teams by sand mafia have been reported from districts like Nawada, Gaya, Jamui, Bhojpur, Patna and Jamui in recent past.

Education minister Prof. Chandrashekhar, however, said that the incident of murder of police officer by sand mafias has not been reported for the first time.

Such incidents happen from time to time in the state. Police will take action against the accused, he told the media.

He was displeased with reporters for asking questions from the state education minister, who had nothing to do with the law and order situation in the state.

He, however, defended the government on law and order and said that it was job of the police and mines and geology department to check illegal sand mining from different rivers in the state.

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PATNA: A 28-year-old sub-inspector of police (SI) was mowed down and a home guard was seriously injured by a tractor carrying illegally mined sand in Bihar's Jamui district on Tuesday, a second incident of murder of police officer in illegal mining in the state in a month. The police said the incident took place around 7 am when a police team led by sub-inspector Prabhat Ranjan was engaged in an operation against illegal sand mining in Jamui district. The deceased SI was additional station house officer at Garhi police station.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); A home guard jawan, identified as Rajesh Kumar Sao, also suffered injuries in the incident and is undergoing treatment at a hospital in Jamui. The police later seized the tractor and launched a manhunt to arrest the driver, stated to be a resident of Nawada. The Jamui superintendent of police said that a police team attached to Garhi police station was on regular patrolling when it spotted a tractor laden with illegally mined sand. The police signaled the driver to stop the vehicle but he refused. The driver whose identity is yet to ascertained mowed down the SI and escaped after abandoning the tractor on the spot. He was rushed to a local hospital where Ranjan was declared brought dead. The SP said a special team has been set up to arrest the accused driver at the earliest and initiate action against him. The deceased police officer of the 2014 batch was stated to be a resident of Bhagwanpur in Vaishali district. Earlier, on Nov 1, a police constable was crushed to death by a tractor laden with illegally mined sand in Aurangabad district. In addition, a police team was attacked by sand mafia in Munger district recently. An officer posted at police headquarters admitted that frequent incidents of attack on police teams by sand mafia have been reported from districts like Nawada, Gaya, Jamui, Bhojpur, Patna and Jamui in recent past. Education minister Prof. Chandrashekhar, however, said that the incident of murder of police officer by sand mafias has not been reported for the first time. Such incidents happen from time to time in the state. Police will take action against the accused, he told the media. He was displeased with reporters for asking questions from the state education minister, who had nothing to do with the law and order situation in the state. He, however, defended the government on law and order and said that it was job of the police and mines and geology department to check illegal sand mining from different rivers in the state. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By PTI

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court has come to the rescue of a three-year-old boy, a US citizen in critical need of liver transplant, by permitting his distant Indian cousin to donate the organ, saying it is not an appropriate case to consider the legal requirement in "absolute terms".

Making it clear that its decision will not be treated as "precedent for any other case", the top court, in a compassionate verdict, accorded primacy to saving the life of the child who was admitted to a private hospital in Gurugram for treatment of decompensated biliary cirrhosis (DBC).

The DBC is a medical condition that results from liver failure and a patient can be saved by the transplant only.

A bench comprising justices A S Bopanna and M M Sundresh was to deal with a legal challenge in the form of section 9 of the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act (THOTA) which was coming in the way of liver donation to the child by his distant Indian cousin.

The section of THOTA bars transplant of organs where the recipient is a foreigner and the donor is not a "near relative".

The term -- "near relative" -- includes "spouse, son, daughter, father, mother, brother, sister, grandfather, grandmother, grandson or granddaughter".

A cousin is not included in the definition of "near relative".

The top court took note of the submissions of senior advocate Gopal Sankarnarayanan and lawyer Neha Rathi, who appeared for the petitioners -- the recipient and the donor.

The bench, in its November 9 order, noted the details of the case and the report of the authorisation committee which functions under the THOTA and authorises the transplant of organ if the donor and the recipient comply with the statutory requirements.

"At the outset, we clarify that though the provisions as contained in The Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, 1994 as also the Citizenship Act was referred to during the course of the submissions on either side, in our opinion, the instant case would not be an appropriate case to consider the same in detail," it said.

It took note of immediate necessity of a donor to donate the liver to child in view of his precarious health condition and asked the parties to go through the legal process as contemplated.

"Further, the reasons have also been ascertained as to why the parents of the petitioner No.1 (recipient) have not donated the liver. Though specific reasons have not been disclosed, it would be appropriate to take note of the sentiment of the mother of the petitioner No.1 and in that regard, exempt the parents in any event since in the instant case there is an appropriate donor who is a relative and since this Court is also satisfied with regard to the bona fides in this case and in the peculiar circumstance where the choice for this Court is between saving the life of three years old child i.e.the petitioner No.1 or adherence to the legal requirement in absolute terms," the bench said.

It said in the peculiar facts and circumstances of the instant case, the order permitting the distant cousin to donate liver cannot be treated as a precedent for any other case.

On November 2, the bench had deferred the hearing on the plea seeking its approval for liver donation by a person to a three-year-old cousin suffering from chronic liver disease.

The petition was listed before the bench after Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud took note of the urgency.

Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati was asked to assist the bench on behalf of the Centre.

The child, who is a US citizen and OCI (overseas citizen of India) card holder, is suffering from liver failure and needed to undergo a transplant to save his life.

After the parents of the child were declared unfit for donation, the cousin volunteered but section 9 of the law was coming in the way.

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NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court has come to the rescue of a three-year-old boy, a US citizen in critical need of liver transplant, by permitting his distant Indian cousin to donate the organ, saying it is not an appropriate case to consider the legal requirement in "absolute terms". Making it clear that its decision will not be treated as "precedent for any other case", the top court, in a compassionate verdict, accorded primacy to saving the life of the child who was admitted to a private hospital in Gurugram for treatment of decompensated biliary cirrhosis (DBC). The DBC is a medical condition that results from liver failure and a patient can be saved by the transplant only.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); A bench comprising justices A S Bopanna and M M Sundresh was to deal with a legal challenge in the form of section 9 of the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act (THOTA) which was coming in the way of liver donation to the child by his distant Indian cousin. The section of THOTA bars transplant of organs where the recipient is a foreigner and the donor is not a "near relative". The term -- "near relative" -- includes "spouse, son, daughter, father, mother, brother, sister, grandfather, grandmother, grandson or granddaughter". A cousin is not included in the definition of "near relative". The top court took note of the submissions of senior advocate Gopal Sankarnarayanan and lawyer Neha Rathi, who appeared for the petitioners -- the recipient and the donor. The bench, in its November 9 order, noted the details of the case and the report of the authorisation committee which functions under the THOTA and authorises the transplant of organ if the donor and the recipient comply with the statutory requirements. "At the outset, we clarify that though the provisions as contained in The Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, 1994 as also the Citizenship Act was referred to during the course of the submissions on either side, in our opinion, the instant case would not be an appropriate case to consider the same in detail," it said. It took note of immediate necessity of a donor to donate the liver to child in view of his precarious health condition and asked the parties to go through the legal process as contemplated. "Further, the reasons have also been ascertained as to why the parents of the petitioner No.1 (recipient) have not donated the liver. Though specific reasons have not been disclosed, it would be appropriate to take note of the sentiment of the mother of the petitioner No.1 and in that regard, exempt the parents in any event since in the instant case there is an appropriate donor who is a relative and since this Court is also satisfied with regard to the bona fides in this case and in the peculiar circumstance where the choice for this Court is between saving the life of three years old child i.e.the petitioner No.1 or adherence to the legal requirement in absolute terms," the bench said. It said in the peculiar facts and circumstances of the instant case, the order permitting the distant cousin to donate liver cannot be treated as a precedent for any other case. On November 2, the bench had deferred the hearing on the plea seeking its approval for liver donation by a person to a three-year-old cousin suffering from chronic liver disease. The petition was listed before the bench after Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud took note of the urgency. Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati was asked to assist the bench on behalf of the Centre. The child, who is a US citizen and OCI (overseas citizen of India) card holder, is suffering from liver failure and needed to undergo a transplant to save his life. After the parents of the child were declared unfit for donation, the cousin volunteered but section 9 of the law was coming in the way. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
The Ukrainian government has awarded Rheinmetall a contract for the supply of Leopard 1 systems, including 25 Leopard 1A5 main battle tanks, five armored recovery vehicles (Bergepanzer 2) and two driver training tanks.

The order, financed by Germany and worth several million euros, also includes training, logistics, spare parts, maintenance and other support services, Rheinmetall said. Delivery should take place in 2024.

Leopard 1 systems are currently undergoing a major overhaul and are being prepared for use at Rheinmetall factories.

"Rheinmetall thus continues to support Ukraine with a steady flow of tactical vehicles. The Group has previously been tasked with supplying Ukraine with a total of eighty Marder infantry fighting vehicles. Most of these are already in-country, where they have proved their mettle in ongoing operations," the company said.

Rheinmetall also said it is ready to supply 20 more Marder infantry fighting vehicles as soon as it receives the corresponding order.

"In late 2023 and early 2024, Ukraine will also be taking delivery of five Caracal airmobile-capable vehicles. On behalf of the Dutch and Danish governments, moreover, next year the Group will be supplying Ukraine with fourteen Leopard 2A4 tanks. In addition to vehicles, Rheinmetall is aiding the Ukrainian armed forces with ammunition, drones, medical facilities, etc," Rheinmetall said.
Mukesh Ranjan By

Express News Service

RANCHI: Slogans of Jai Shri Ram resounded everywhere when Prime Minister Narendra Modi crossed during his road-show amid tight security on the 10-km stretch from Birsa Munda Airport to Rajbhawan in Ranchi on Tuesday. Thousands of people lined up on both sides of the stretch to greet the PM.

Earlier, he was welcomed by Governor CP Radhakrishanan and Chief Minister Hemant Soren along with other dignitaries at the airport. Notably, Modi will be the first Prime Minister to visit Ulihatu.

Before him, no Prime Minister has ever visited the place, which shot into prominence after Jharkhand was created on his birth anniversary in 2000. Earlier, President Droupadi Murmu visited Ulihatu last year, while Home Minister Amit Shah had also visited the place in 2020.

After taking night halt at the Raj Bhawan in Ranchi, the Prime Minister on Wednesday will pay homage to the celebrated tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda at Ulihatu in Khunti, 65 km from the state capital Ranchi, on his birth anniversary, declared by the Central government as Jan Jatiya Gaurav Diwas.

After paying homage to Birsa Munda and interacting with his descendants, Modi will launch the Vikas Bharat Sankalp Yatra on November 15 at Khunti. This yatra will cover 2.5 lakh gram Panchayats and 3700 urban local bodies at more than 14,000 locations with more than 2500 IEC vans.

The yatra will start from tribal areas and will last for two months. Before flying to Ulihatu on November 15, Modi is also scheduled to visit Bhagwan Birsa Munda Museum in Ranchi, where Bhagwan Birsa Munda had sacrificed his life.

The museum containing a 25-foot statue of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, highlights his contribution along with other tribal freedom fighters. Interestingly, Modi had inaugurated the museum on November 15, 2021.

The PM will also inaugurate the new campus of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ranchi and the newly constructed buildings of IIT-ISM Dhanbad, online. He will also lay foundation stone for new building of IIIT in Ranchi on November 15.

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RANCHI: Slogans of Jai Shri Ram resounded everywhere when Prime Minister Narendra Modi crossed during his road-show amid tight security on the 10-km stretch from Birsa Munda Airport to Rajbhawan in Ranchi on Tuesday. Thousands of people lined up on both sides of the stretch to greet the PM. Earlier, he was welcomed by Governor CP Radhakrishanan and Chief Minister Hemant Soren along with other dignitaries at the airport. Notably, Modi will be the first Prime Minister to visit Ulihatu. Before him, no Prime Minister has ever visited the place, which shot into prominence after Jharkhand was created on his birth anniversary in 2000. Earlier, President Droupadi Murmu visited Ulihatu last year, while Home Minister Amit Shah had also visited the place in 2020.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); After taking night halt at the Raj Bhawan in Ranchi, the Prime Minister on Wednesday will pay homage to the celebrated tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda at Ulihatu in Khunti, 65 km from the state capital Ranchi, on his birth anniversary, declared by the Central government as Jan Jatiya Gaurav Diwas. After paying homage to Birsa Munda and interacting with his descendants, Modi will launch the Vikas Bharat Sankalp Yatra on November 15 at Khunti. This yatra will cover 2.5 lakh gram Panchayats and 3700 urban local bodies at more than 14,000 locations with more than 2500 IEC vans. The yatra will start from tribal areas and will last for two months. Before flying to Ulihatu on November 15, Modi is also scheduled to visit Bhagwan Birsa Munda Museum in Ranchi, where Bhagwan Birsa Munda had sacrificed his life. The museum containing a 25-foot statue of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, highlights his contribution along with other tribal freedom fighters. Interestingly, Modi had inaugurated the museum on November 15, 2021. The PM will also inaugurate the new campus of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ranchi and the newly constructed buildings of IIT-ISM Dhanbad, online. He will also lay foundation stone for new building of IIIT in Ranchi on November 15. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Fayaz Wani By

Express News Service

Sarwar Mufti, the cousin of PDP chief and ex-J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti, has joined Ghulam Nabi Azads Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP). Sarwar took voluntary retirement from government services to join the DPAP over his faith and trust in the leadership of Azad, a spokesperson of DPAP said. Azad floated the party in September last year after breaking his decades old ties with Congress. However, recently many leaders including Azads trusted lieutenant Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed from Kashmir and Tara Chand from Jammu, who came from Congress to DPAP, had returned to their parent party.

Phase 5 of Back to Village launched

The 5th phase of the governments week-long public outreach programme Back to Village was launched on November 7. From 2019, the Lt Governor administration in J&K has held four phases of the programme with the aim to take the administration to peoples doorsteps across 4,483 panchayats. The Prabhari officers (designated officers) visit respective panchayats and interact with locals, take a review of previous and current year deliverables, prepare a plan with a special focus on improving the e-services penetration and greater accessibility to government schemes.

Now, road connectivity till Amarnath cave

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has widened the narrow and vulnerable tracks leading to the Amarnath cave shrine in the south Kashmir via the Baltal route to enhance the safety and convenience of pilgrims. The Amarnath cave is situated at an altitude of 13,000 ft. The BRO had started the work in May this year. The road widening from Dumail to Amarnath cave has been completed while the upgradation work, which includes protection walls at landslide-prone areas is currently underway, the BRO said. In September last year, both  traditional Pahalgam and shortest Baltal route  were handed over to the BRO for both maintenance.

Fayaz wani

Our correspondent in Jammu and Kashmir

fayazwani123@gmail.com

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Sarwar Mufti, the cousin of PDP chief and ex-J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti, has joined Ghulam Nabi Azads Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP). Sarwar took voluntary retirement from government services to join the DPAP over his faith and trust in the leadership of Azad, a spokesperson of DPAP said. Azad floated the party in September last year after breaking his decades old ties with Congress. However, recently many leaders including Azads trusted lieutenant Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed from Kashmir and Tara Chand from Jammu, who came from Congress to DPAP, had returned to their parent party. Phase 5 of Back to Village launched The 5th phase of the governments week-long public outreach programme Back to Village was launched on November 7. From 2019, the Lt Governor administration in J&K has held four phases of the programme with the aim to take the administration to peoples doorsteps across 4,483 panchayats. The Prabhari officers (designated officers) visit respective panchayats and interact with locals, take a review of previous and current year deliverables, prepare a plan with a special focus on improving the e-services penetration and greater accessibility to government schemes. Now, road connectivity till Amarnath cave The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has widened the narrow and vulnerable tracks leading to the Amarnath cave shrine in the south Kashmir via the Baltal route to enhance the safety and convenience of pilgrims. The Amarnath cave is situated at an altitude of 13,000 ft. The BRO had started the work in May this year. The road widening from Dumail to Amarnath cave has been completed while the upgradation work, which includes protection walls at landslide-prone areas is currently underway, the BRO said. In September last year, both  traditional Pahalgam and shortest Baltal route  were handed over to the BRO for both maintenance.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Fayaz wani Our correspondent in Jammu and Kashmir fayazwani123@gmail.com Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By Express News Service

KOCHI: Finance Minister K N Balagopal on Monday reminded the Union government that the Centre-state structure in the country was not a master-slave relationship, and said flimsy reasons are being cited to deny Kerala its rightful share of funds by the Union government.

Addressing a hurriedly convened press conference in Kochi, Balagopal criticised Union Minister of State V Muraleedharan, who said that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan was a fool or playing a fool to mislead the public. Its the Union government which is trying to fool the people of Kerala. If anyone is supporting those trying to deny Kerala its share of funds, then they are the ones who are stupid, Balagopal said.

On allegations that Kerala had not sent proper documents to the Centre at the proper time, he said the Union minister was misleading the public. We have sent a detailed letter to the Union finance minister pointing out all these things. One part relates to the money that we spent, and the other relates to the dues from the Centre, he said.

Balagopal said he went to Delhi and met the Union finance minister early this month, after which the Centre released Rs 600 crore. But thats when the Centre owes us Rs 6,000 crore, he said. Further, the Centre has not released its shares of social security pension distributed by the state. In one year, we distribute about Rs 11,000 crore per annum as social security pension, or about Rs 900 crore per month. Of the 12 lakh people who get the pension, the Centre gives a small amount to 5 lakh people, which is Rs 200 each to those below 80 years, and Rs 300 for those above 80 years, including widow pension. This amount is pending from 2020 from the Centre. That amount comes to Rs 600 crore, he said.

There are dues for the ration distribution, and paddy procurement. That amount comes to Rs 1,000-odd crore, of which Rs 200 crore was released recently. Except for these two funds, all the remaining money distributed by the state has not been released by the Centre so far, he explained.

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KOCHI: Finance Minister K N Balagopal on Monday reminded the Union government that the Centre-state structure in the country was not a master-slave relationship, and said flimsy reasons are being cited to deny Kerala its rightful share of funds by the Union government. Addressing a hurriedly convened press conference in Kochi, Balagopal criticised Union Minister of State V Muraleedharan, who said that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan was a fool or playing a fool to mislead the public. Its the Union government which is trying to fool the people of Kerala. If anyone is supporting those trying to deny Kerala its share of funds, then they are the ones who are stupid, Balagopal said. On allegations that Kerala had not sent proper documents to the Centre at the proper time, he said the Union minister was misleading the public. We have sent a detailed letter to the Union finance minister pointing out all these things. One part relates to the money that we spent, and the other relates to the dues from the Centre, he said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Balagopal said he went to Delhi and met the Union finance minister early this month, after which the Centre released Rs 600 crore. But thats when the Centre owes us Rs 6,000 crore, he said. Further, the Centre has not released its shares of social security pension distributed by the state. In one year, we distribute about Rs 11,000 crore per annum as social security pension, or about Rs 900 crore per month. Of the 12 lakh people who get the pension, the Centre gives a small amount to 5 lakh people, which is Rs 200 each to those below 80 years, and Rs 300 for those above 80 years, including widow pension. This amount is pending from 2020 from the Centre. That amount comes to Rs 600 crore, he said. There are dues for the ration distribution, and paddy procurement. That amount comes to Rs 1,000-odd crore, of which Rs 200 crore was released recently. Except for these two funds, all the remaining money distributed by the state has not been released by the Centre so far, he explained. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By Express News Service

KOCHI: There has been a deliberate attempt by the Central government to silence the media and this should be resisted at all costs, according to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

Speaking after releasing Manipur FIR, a book by veteran journalist George Kallivayalil in Kochi on Sunday, the chief minister said that the book comes out at a time when a large section of the media came out with a watered-down version of the clashes in Manipur.

The violence in Manipur began in May, and the reports indicate that the violence continues even now, Pinarayi said.

Pointing out that the prime minister did not utter a word about Manipur clashes for 80 days, Pinarayi said that several leaders of Opposition parties went to the northeastern state, interacted with the people there, and stood with them after the violence erupted. Pinarayi said that 200 people were killed and over 1,000 injured in the Manipur violence. Around 5,000 houses were also gutted, he said.

Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala, who received the first copy of the book, said its sad to see that the beautiful state of Manipur is being wrecked by violence, which is the result of hatred that was injected into the communities by the BJP. He said 150 churches have been destroyed in the ongoing clashes. The book is published by Azhimukham Books.

Industries Minister P Rajeeve, Kerala governments special envoy to Delhi K V Thomas, Mayor M Anilkumar, MPs Hibi Eden, A M Arif, and Thomas Chazhikkadan, MLAs T J Vinodh, Anwar Sadath, and Roji M John, former MLA K C Joseph, former MP Francis George, and former diplomat, Venu Rajamony, attended the function. While George Kallivayalil welcomed the gathering, Azhimukham Books editorial board member Sudheer Nath N proposed the vote of thanks.

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KOCHI: There has been a deliberate attempt by the Central government to silence the media and this should be resisted at all costs, according to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Speaking after releasing Manipur FIR, a book by veteran journalist George Kallivayalil in Kochi on Sunday, the chief minister said that the book comes out at a time when a large section of the media came out with a watered-down version of the clashes in Manipur. The violence in Manipur began in May, and the reports indicate that the violence continues even now, Pinarayi said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Pointing out that the prime minister did not utter a word about Manipur clashes for 80 days, Pinarayi said that several leaders of Opposition parties went to the northeastern state, interacted with the people there, and stood with them after the violence erupted. Pinarayi said that 200 people were killed and over 1,000 injured in the Manipur violence. Around 5,000 houses were also gutted, he said. Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala, who received the first copy of the book, said its sad to see that the beautiful state of Manipur is being wrecked by violence, which is the result of hatred that was injected into the communities by the BJP. He said 150 churches have been destroyed in the ongoing clashes. The book is published by Azhimukham Books. Industries Minister P Rajeeve, Kerala governments special envoy to Delhi K V Thomas, Mayor M Anilkumar, MPs Hibi Eden, A M Arif, and Thomas Chazhikkadan, MLAs T J Vinodh, Anwar Sadath, and Roji M John, former MLA K C Joseph, former MP Francis George, and former diplomat, Venu Rajamony, attended the function. While George Kallivayalil welcomed the gathering, Azhimukham Books editorial board member Sudheer Nath N proposed the vote of thanks. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By Express News Service

KENDRAPARA: At least 21 workers of Kendrapara have been reportedly held captive in a plywood factory by their employer at Oyem in Gabon, a country along the Atlantic coast of Central Africa. The matter came to light when the Odia workers sent videos to their families narrating their plight in Gabon. The workers alleged that they were being tortured physically and mentally by their employer. The owner of the plywood company has also confiscated their passports.

We had gone to Gabon last year through a local labour contractor who assured us good jobs with handsome salaries. However, we were engaged in a plywood factory and forced to work over 12 hours a day without any pay. We are given food once a day. The employer beats us if we demand more food, alleged one of the workers Jayant Mallick (28) of Rajkanikas Taneipada village in a video message.

Another worker Biswambar Mallick of Koilipur village said they contacted their agents in India and told them that they are not able to bear the torture. But the agents did not pay any heed to the pleas. We sold our land and borrowed money to get a better job abroad. But now our fate is hanging in the balance, said Mallick. All the stranded workers appealed to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to help them return to their villages.

On Monday, family members of the workers met officials of the Labour department and requested them to take steps for their safe return. They said each worker had paid Rs 1 lakh for their transportation and the agent had promised them a salary of Rs 50,000 per month.

Contacted, the district labour officer of Kendrapara Ashok Murmu said, We have informed the higher authorities of our department about the matter. Necessary steps will be taken to ensure the safe return of the workers.

Murmu further said it is a ruse on the part of many agents to lure youths to foreign countries by promising more money. We had warned job seekers not to fall prey to bogus advertisements in newspapers offering work in foreign countries, he added.

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KENDRAPARA: At least 21 workers of Kendrapara have been reportedly held captive in a plywood factory by their employer at Oyem in Gabon, a country along the Atlantic coast of Central Africa. The matter came to light when the Odia workers sent videos to their families narrating their plight in Gabon. The workers alleged that they were being tortured physically and mentally by their employer. The owner of the plywood company has also confiscated their passports. We had gone to Gabon last year through a local labour contractor who assured us good jobs with handsome salaries. However, we were engaged in a plywood factory and forced to work over 12 hours a day without any pay. We are given food once a day. The employer beats us if we demand more food, alleged one of the workers Jayant Mallick (28) of Rajkanikas Taneipada village in a video message. Another worker Biswambar Mallick of Koilipur village said they contacted their agents in India and told them that they are not able to bear the torture. But the agents did not pay any heed to the pleas. We sold our land and borrowed money to get a better job abroad. But now our fate is hanging in the balance, said Mallick. All the stranded workers appealed to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to help them return to their villages.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); On Monday, family members of the workers met officials of the Labour department and requested them to take steps for their safe return. They said each worker had paid Rs 1 lakh for their transportation and the agent had promised them a salary of Rs 50,000 per month. Contacted, the district labour officer of Kendrapara Ashok Murmu said, We have informed the higher authorities of our department about the matter. Necessary steps will be taken to ensure the safe return of the workers. Murmu further said it is a ruse on the part of many agents to lure youths to foreign countries by promising more money. We had warned job seekers not to fall prey to bogus advertisements in newspapers offering work in foreign countries, he added. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By PTI

JERUSALEM: An Indian woman from Kashmir who had sought immediate evacuation from the war-torn Hamas-ruled Gaza has safely reached Egypt with the help of Indian missions in the region, according to her husband.

Lubna Nazir Shaboo and her daughter Karima, crossed the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza on Monday evening.

"They are in al-Arish (a city in Egypt). Tomorrow morning (Tuesday) they will move to Cairo," Lubna's husband Nedal Toman said in a text message sent to PTI from Gaza.

The only exit route from Gaza, the Rafah crossing with Egypt, has been infrequently opened the past few weeks to let humanitarian supplies enter Gaza and also let some foreign nationals and wounded people cross over to the other side.

In a telephone call to PTI on Sunday, Lubna confirmed that her name was among the people who could leave Gaza and thanked profusely the Indian missions in the region -- in Ramallah, Tel Aviv and Cairo -- for making this possible.

FOLLOW OUR LIVE COVERAGE OF THE ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR HERE

On October 10, Lubna had reached out to PTI over the phone seeking help for evacuation.

"We are facing a brutal war here and everything is being destroyed and bombarded in a matter of seconds," she had told PTI.

Following the unprecedented attacks by Hamas militants on October 7 in the southern areas of the Jewish state, Israel declared war launching a counter-offensive with the twin objectives of ousting Hamas, which has ruled the coastal Strip since 2007, and freeing around 240 people who were taken hostage by the Islamic faction.

"The sounds of bombardment are too scary and the whole house shakes. It is a very, very scary situation," Lubna had told PTI before moving with her family to the southern part of Gaza where she spent several days with acquaintances before being evacuated.

She had mentioned that their "water supply was officially cut off" in the middle of the night of October 9 and they were without electricity, which made them decide to move to the south and seek help in evacuation.

Lubna had also said that she hadn't seen anything like this before and had two families living with them who had to run away after bombardment in the bordering areas of Gaza.

"We are not able to go anywhere because there is no safe place for us anywhere and the Gaza Strip is too small and it is closed from every side. There are no exit points over here," she said.

"I have already asked for help from the Representative office of India in Ramallah to help me get to a safer place along with my husband and my daughter," she had said in a video message sent to PTI.

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

JERUSALEM: An Indian woman from Kashmir who had sought immediate evacuation from the war-torn Hamas-ruled Gaza has safely reached Egypt with the help of Indian missions in the region, according to her husband. Lubna Nazir Shaboo and her daughter Karima, crossed the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza on Monday evening. "They are in al-Arish (a city in Egypt). Tomorrow morning (Tuesday) they will move to Cairo," Lubna's husband Nedal Toman said in a text message sent to PTI from Gaza.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The only exit route from Gaza, the Rafah crossing with Egypt, has been infrequently opened the past few weeks to let humanitarian supplies enter Gaza and also let some foreign nationals and wounded people cross over to the other side. In a telephone call to PTI on Sunday, Lubna confirmed that her name was among the people who could leave Gaza and thanked profusely the Indian missions in the region -- in Ramallah, Tel Aviv and Cairo -- for making this possible. FOLLOW OUR LIVE COVERAGE OF THE ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR HERE On October 10, Lubna had reached out to PTI over the phone seeking help for evacuation. "We are facing a brutal war here and everything is being destroyed and bombarded in a matter of seconds," she had told PTI. Following the unprecedented attacks by Hamas militants on October 7 in the southern areas of the Jewish state, Israel declared war launching a counter-offensive with the twin objectives of ousting Hamas, which has ruled the coastal Strip since 2007, and freeing around 240 people who were taken hostage by the Islamic faction. "The sounds of bombardment are too scary and the whole house shakes. It is a very, very scary situation," Lubna had told PTI before moving with her family to the southern part of Gaza where she spent several days with acquaintances before being evacuated. She had mentioned that their "water supply was officially cut off" in the middle of the night of October 9 and they were without electricity, which made them decide to move to the south and seek help in evacuation. Lubna had also said that she hadn't seen anything like this before and had two families living with them who had to run away after bombardment in the bordering areas of Gaza. "We are not able to go anywhere because there is no safe place for us anywhere and the Gaza Strip is too small and it is closed from every side. There are no exit points over here," she said. "I have already asked for help from the Representative office of India in Ramallah to help me get to a safer place along with my husband and my daughter," she had said in a video message sent to PTI. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By ANI

TEL AVIV: At least 102 United Nations staff members have been killed in Gaza since the conflict between Hamas and Israel started, CNN reported citing the UN aid agency operating in the enclave's statement on Monday. It said that at least 27 UN staff members have been injured since the start of the war.

In the statement, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) said, "In the last 24 hours, one UNRWA staff member was killed with her family in the north of the Gaza Strip due to strikes," bringing the death toll to more than 100.

In the statement, UNRWA said, "This is the highest number of United Nations aid workers killed in a conflict in the history of the United Nations," CNN reported.

United Nations offices across the world lowered their flags to half-staff on Monday. Furthermore, all UN staff members observed a moment of silence to mourn and honour their colleagues who lost their lives in Gaza, according to the statement.

FOLLOW OUR LIVE COVERAGE OF THE ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR HERE

On October 7, Hamas launched an attack on Israel. In response, Israel launched a fierce counter-offensive targeting Hamas sites in Gaza.

According to Israeli authorities, more than 1200 people have died in Israel since Hamas launched the attack on October 7. According to Palestinian authorities, at least 11,180 people lost their lives in Gaza as of November 13.

Meanwhile, Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said that two more soldiers were killed fighting against Hamas in the northern Gaza Strip, raising the death toll in the Israeli ground operation to 46, The Times of Israel reported.

UN flags were lowered to half-mast at our offices around the world on Monday to mourn and honour the 101 @UNRWA colleagues who have been killed in Gaza in recent weeks.



Civilians and humanitarians are #NotATarget.https://t.co/xn2PC1B77Q pic.twitter.com/iC4xEJh4dP  United Nations (@UN) November 14, 2023

According to IDF, the troops have been identified as Staff Sgt Roee Marom (21), a squad commander in the 906 Battalion and Master Sgt Raz Abulafia (27), a fighter in the 6863 Battalion. The IDF said that a reservist logistics soldier and an NCO in the Combat Engineering Corp's 605th Battalion were seriously injured during fighting in northern Gaza.

Meanwhile, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said Hamas had lost control in the Gaza Strip as the Israel Defence Forces moved to fully capture Gaza City, The Times of Israel reported. He said, "There is no force of Hamas capable of stopping the IDF. The IDF is advancing at every location. The Hamas organisation has lost control in Gaza. Terrorists are fleeing south, and civilians are looting Hamas bases. They have no confidence in the government."

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

TEL AVIV: At least 102 United Nations staff members have been killed in Gaza since the conflict between Hamas and Israel started, CNN reported citing the UN aid agency operating in the enclave's statement on Monday. It said that at least 27 UN staff members have been injured since the start of the war. In the statement, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) said, "In the last 24 hours, one UNRWA staff member was killed with her family in the north of the Gaza Strip due to strikes," bringing the death toll to more than 100. In the statement, UNRWA said, "This is the highest number of United Nations aid workers killed in a conflict in the history of the United Nations," CNN reported.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); United Nations offices across the world lowered their flags to half-staff on Monday. Furthermore, all UN staff members observed a moment of silence to mourn and honour their colleagues who lost their lives in Gaza, according to the statement. FOLLOW OUR LIVE COVERAGE OF THE ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR HERE On October 7, Hamas launched an attack on Israel. In response, Israel launched a fierce counter-offensive targeting Hamas sites in Gaza. According to Israeli authorities, more than 1200 people have died in Israel since Hamas launched the attack on October 7. According to Palestinian authorities, at least 11,180 people lost their lives in Gaza as of November 13. Meanwhile, Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said that two more soldiers were killed fighting against Hamas in the northern Gaza Strip, raising the death toll in the Israeli ground operation to 46, The Times of Israel reported. UN flags were lowered to half-mast at our offices around the world on Monday to mourn and honour the 101 @UNRWA colleagues who have been killed in Gaza in recent weeks. Civilians and humanitarians are #NotATarget.https://t.co/xn2PC1B77Q pic.twitter.com/iC4xEJh4dP  United Nations (@UN) November 14, 2023 According to IDF, the troops have been identified as Staff Sgt Roee Marom (21), a squad commander in the 906 Battalion and Master Sgt Raz Abulafia (27), a fighter in the 6863 Battalion. The IDF said that a reservist logistics soldier and an NCO in the Combat Engineering Corp's 605th Battalion were seriously injured during fighting in northern Gaza. Meanwhile, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said Hamas had lost control in the Gaza Strip as the Israel Defence Forces moved to fully capture Gaza City, The Times of Israel reported. He said, "There is no force of Hamas capable of stopping the IDF. The IDF is advancing at every location. The Hamas organisation has lost control in Gaza. Terrorists are fleeing south, and civilians are looting Hamas bases. They have no confidence in the government." Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By AFP

BERLIN: Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Tuesday that Recep Tayyip Erdogan's accusation of fascism against Israel was "absurd", days before the German leader is to host the Turkish president for talks in Berlin.

Israel "is a democracy" and "a country that is bound to human rights and international law and acts accordingly. Therefore, the accusations against Israel are absurd," Scholz told a press conference.

He was responding to a question about Erdogan's comment on Friday that Israel's legitimacy was "being questioned due to its own fascism".

Erdogan is due to hold talks with Scholz and President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Berlin.

But the visit, Erdogan's first since 2020, is proving controversial over the Turkish leader's accusations against Israel and his characterisation of Hamas as "liberators" fighting for their land.

Erdogan is a vocal critic of Israel's war against Gaza-rulers Hamas, triggered after the Islamist gunmen's deadly attack on October 7 that Israel said killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians.

The Turkish leader has accused Israel of committing war crimes with its heavy bombardments of Gaza, where the death toll has past 11,240, according to the Hamas-run health authorities.

Defending the planned visit, Scholz's spokesman Steffen Hebestreit acknowledged on Monday that Germany "always had difficult partners whom we have to deal with".

But he underlined that it was important to keep talking to make progress on various issues.

Following his visit to Berlin, Erdogan also plans to travel to Egypt and host Iran's president in the coming weeks.

Speaking at the press conference with Scholz on Tuesday, Greece's Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis confirmed that Erdogan was due to visit his country on December 7, building on a rare meeting between the two on the margins of the NATO summit in Vilnius in July.

"We will try to take a step of progress in Greek-Turkish rapprochement, which had began in the last months and which has brought some positive results," said Mitsotakis.

"That's exactly the progress that we'll try to capitalise on during the visit of President Erdogan to Athens on December 7."

FOLLOW OUR LIVE COVERAGE OF THE ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR HERE

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

BERLIN: Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Tuesday that Recep Tayyip Erdogan's accusation of fascism against Israel was "absurd", days before the German leader is to host the Turkish president for talks in Berlin. Israel "is a democracy" and "a country that is bound to human rights and international law and acts accordingly. Therefore, the accusations against Israel are absurd," Scholz told a press conference. He was responding to a question about Erdogan's comment on Friday that Israel's legitimacy was "being questioned due to its own fascism".googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Erdogan is due to hold talks with Scholz and President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Berlin. But the visit, Erdogan's first since 2020, is proving controversial over the Turkish leader's accusations against Israel and his characterisation of Hamas as "liberators" fighting for their land. Erdogan is a vocal critic of Israel's war against Gaza-rulers Hamas, triggered after the Islamist gunmen's deadly attack on October 7 that Israel said killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians. The Turkish leader has accused Israel of committing war crimes with its heavy bombardments of Gaza, where the death toll has past 11,240, according to the Hamas-run health authorities. Defending the planned visit, Scholz's spokesman Steffen Hebestreit acknowledged on Monday that Germany "always had difficult partners whom we have to deal with". But he underlined that it was important to keep talking to make progress on various issues. Following his visit to Berlin, Erdogan also plans to travel to Egypt and host Iran's president in the coming weeks. Speaking at the press conference with Scholz on Tuesday, Greece's Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis confirmed that Erdogan was due to visit his country on December 7, building on a rare meeting between the two on the margins of the NATO summit in Vilnius in July. "We will try to take a step of progress in Greek-Turkish rapprochement, which had began in the last months and which has brought some positive results," said Mitsotakis. "That's exactly the progress that we'll try to capitalise on during the visit of President Erdogan to Athens on December 7." FOLLOW OUR LIVE COVERAGE OF THE ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR HERE Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By Associated Press

JERUSALEM: Gazas Shifa Hospital has become the focus of a dayslong stalemate in Israels war against the Hamas militant group.

Shifa is Gazas largest and best-equipped hospital. Israel, without providing visual evidence, claims the facility also is used by Hamas for military purposes. It says Hamas has built a vast underground command complex center below the hospital, connected by tunnels, something Gaza health officials and Hamas deny.

Since Israel declared war against Hamas in response to a deadly cross-border attack by Hamas on Oct. 7, its forces have moved in on Shifa. While Israel says it is willing to allow staff and patients to evacuate, Palestinians say Israeli forces have fired at evacuees and that it is too dangerous to move the most vulnerable patients. Meanwhile, doctors say the facility has run out of fuel and that patients are beginning to die.

Here is a closer look at the Shifa standoff.

A HOSPITAL AND A SHELTER

Shifa is the leading hospital in a health care system that has largely collapsed after years of conflict, chronic underfunding and an Israeli-Egyptian blockade aimed at weakening Hamas.

Shifa has over 500 beds and services like MRI scans, dialysis and an intensive care unit. It conducts roughly half of all the medical operations that take place in Gaza, according to the Health Ministry in the Hamas-run territory.

After the war erupted, tens of thousands crammed into the hospital grounds to seek shelter. As the war has moved closer to the hospital, most of those huddling there have fled south  joining some two-thirds of the territorys 2.3 million residents who have left their homes.

But hundreds of people, including medical workers, premature babies and other vulnerable patients, remain, staffers say.

On Saturday, the hospital announced that its last generator had run out of fuel. Health officials say at least 32 patients, including three babies, have died. They say 36 other babies are at risk of dying because life-saving equipment cant function.

The Health Ministry released a photo Monday showing about a dozen premature babies wrapped in blankets on a bed to keep them warm. I hope that they will remain alive despite the disaster in which this hospital is passing through, said ministry spokesman Medhat Abbas.

International law gives hospitals special protections during war. Hospitals can lose those protections if combatants use them to hide fighters or store weapons, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Still, there must be plenty of warning to allow evacuation of staff and patients. If harm to civilians from an attack is disproportionate to the military objective, it is illegal under international law.

ALSO READ | Israeli tanks at gates of Gaza hospital, Biden urges care

ISRAEL'S CASE AGAINST HAMAS

Israel has long accused Hamas of using civilians as human shields. The group often fires rockets toward Israel from crowded residential areas, and its fighters have battled Israeli troops inside densely populated neighborhoods.

Throughout the war, Israel has released photos and video footage showing what it says are weapons and other military installations inside or next to mosques, schools and hospitals.

Late Monday, Israel's chief military spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, showed footage of what he said was a Hamas weapons cache found in the basement of Gaza's Rantisi Hospital for Children.

Hagari said he entered the hospital with Israeli troops on Monday, a day after the facilitys last patients were evacuated. The hospital ran out of fuel last week, and Israel had ordered people to leave as it conducts its ground offensive.

Hagari entered a room decorated with a colorful childrens drawing of a tree, with weapons lying across the floor. He said they included explosive vests, automatic rifles, bombs and rocket-propelled grenades.

Hamas uses hospitals as an instrument of war, he said.

He showed another area that he said appears to have been used to hold hostages.

It included what appeared to be a hastily installed toilet and air vent, a baby bottle and a motorcycle  scarred by a bullet hole and apparently used to carry hostages. One windowless room had curtains on the wall that he said could be used as a backdrop in a video. Hagari said forensic experts were examining the scenes.

This is not the last hospital like this in Gaza, and the world should know that, Hagari said.

The army has claimed that Hamas is operating inside Shifa and underneath it in bunkers, some of which it says are accessible from the hospital itself. It also claims hundreds of Hamas fighters sought shelter at Shifa after the Oct. 7 massacre, in which at least 1,200 people in Israel were killed.

Israel says these claims are based on intelligence. However, it has released no visual evidence to support the claims. Hagari last month unveiled maps showing where Israel believes Hamas' underground command centers are located, including one next to hospitals reception area and another next to the dialysis department.

He also showed off simulated illustrations of what these centers allegedly look like, but acknowledged: This is only an illustration."

Israel also released a video of what it said was a captured militant answering questions during an interrogation. The militant, speaking quietly but clearly under duress, says that most tunnels are hidden in hospitals.

At Shifa, for example, there are underground levels, the militant says. Shifa is not small. Its a big place that can hide things.

The army also released a voice recording of what it says are two anonymous Palestinians in Gaza discussing the presence of a tunnel under Shifa. The recording could not be verified.

Ghazi Hamad, a senior Hamas official, rejected the Israeli claims about Shifa as false and misleading propaganda.

The occupying forces have no evidence to prove it, Hamad said. We have never used civilians as human shields because it goes against our religion, morality and principles.

HOW WILL THE STANDOFF END?

Israel on Sunday said it had tried to deliver some 300 liters (about 80 gallons) of fuel to the hospital in plastic containers several hundred meters (yards) from the facility. But as of Monday, the fuel had apparently not been taken.

Israel accused Hamas of preventing medical workers from retrieving the containers. Hospital officials said the fuel should be delivered by the Palestinian Red Crescent and that the quantity of fuel was insufficient in any case.

Israel offered safe passage for people to leave. But those who tried to go described a terrifying experience.

Goudhat Samy al-Madhoun, a health care worker, said some 50 people left the facility on Monday, including a woman who had been receiving kidney dialysis. He said Israeli forces fired on the group several times, wounding one man who had to be left behind.

U.S. President Joe Biden on Monday said the hospital must be protected and called for less intrusive action by Israeli forces.

It is my hope and expectation that there will be less intrusive action, Biden said in the Oval Office.

The Israeli army has said it is aware of the complexities, but says Hamas should not expect immunity.

Were not looking to take control of hospitals. Were looking to dismantle their infrastructure, said Lt. Col. Richard Hecht, another Israeli army spokesman.

Well go in, well do what we have to do and leave, he said. What its going to look like, its hard to say.

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

JERUSALEM: Gazas Shifa Hospital has become the focus of a dayslong stalemate in Israels war against the Hamas militant group. Shifa is Gazas largest and best-equipped hospital. Israel, without providing visual evidence, claims the facility also is used by Hamas for military purposes. It says Hamas has built a vast underground command complex center below the hospital, connected by tunnels, something Gaza health officials and Hamas deny. Since Israel declared war against Hamas in response to a deadly cross-border attack by Hamas on Oct. 7, its forces have moved in on Shifa. While Israel says it is willing to allow staff and patients to evacuate, Palestinians say Israeli forces have fired at evacuees and that it is too dangerous to move the most vulnerable patients. Meanwhile, doctors say the facility has run out of fuel and that patients are beginning to die.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Here is a closer look at the Shifa standoff. A HOSPITAL AND A SHELTER Shifa is the leading hospital in a health care system that has largely collapsed after years of conflict, chronic underfunding and an Israeli-Egyptian blockade aimed at weakening Hamas. Shifa has over 500 beds and services like MRI scans, dialysis and an intensive care unit. It conducts roughly half of all the medical operations that take place in Gaza, according to the Health Ministry in the Hamas-run territory. After the war erupted, tens of thousands crammed into the hospital grounds to seek shelter. As the war has moved closer to the hospital, most of those huddling there have fled south  joining some two-thirds of the territorys 2.3 million residents who have left their homes. But hundreds of people, including medical workers, premature babies and other vulnerable patients, remain, staffers say. On Saturday, the hospital announced that its last generator had run out of fuel. Health officials say at least 32 patients, including three babies, have died. They say 36 other babies are at risk of dying because life-saving equipment cant function. The Health Ministry released a photo Monday showing about a dozen premature babies wrapped in blankets on a bed to keep them warm. I hope that they will remain alive despite the disaster in which this hospital is passing through, said ministry spokesman Medhat Abbas. International law gives hospitals special protections during war. Hospitals can lose those protections if combatants use them to hide fighters or store weapons, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross. Still, there must be plenty of warning to allow evacuation of staff and patients. If harm to civilians from an attack is disproportionate to the military objective, it is illegal under international law. ALSO READ | Israeli tanks at gates of Gaza hospital, Biden urges care ISRAEL'S CASE AGAINST HAMAS Israel has long accused Hamas of using civilians as human shields. The group often fires rockets toward Israel from crowded residential areas, and its fighters have battled Israeli troops inside densely populated neighborhoods. Throughout the war, Israel has released photos and video footage showing what it says are weapons and other military installations inside or next to mosques, schools and hospitals. Late Monday, Israel's chief military spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, showed footage of what he said was a Hamas weapons cache found in the basement of Gaza's Rantisi Hospital for Children. Hagari said he entered the hospital with Israeli troops on Monday, a day after the facilitys last patients were evacuated. The hospital ran out of fuel last week, and Israel had ordered people to leave as it conducts its ground offensive. Hagari entered a room decorated with a colorful childrens drawing of a tree, with weapons lying across the floor. He said they included explosive vests, automatic rifles, bombs and rocket-propelled grenades. Hamas uses hospitals as an instrument of war, he said. He showed another area that he said appears to have been used to hold hostages. It included what appeared to be a hastily installed toilet and air vent, a baby bottle and a motorcycle  scarred by a bullet hole and apparently used to carry hostages. One windowless room had curtains on the wall that he said could be used as a backdrop in a video. Hagari said forensic experts were examining the scenes. This is not the last hospital like this in Gaza, and the world should know that, Hagari said. The army has claimed that Hamas is operating inside Shifa and underneath it in bunkers, some of which it says are accessible from the hospital itself. It also claims hundreds of Hamas fighters sought shelter at Shifa after the Oct. 7 massacre, in which at least 1,200 people in Israel were killed. Israel says these claims are based on intelligence. However, it has released no visual evidence to support the claims. Hagari last month unveiled maps showing where Israel believes Hamas' underground command centers are located, including one next to hospitals reception area and another next to the dialysis department. He also showed off simulated illustrations of what these centers allegedly look like, but acknowledged: This is only an illustration." Israel also released a video of what it said was a captured militant answering questions during an interrogation. The militant, speaking quietly but clearly under duress, says that most tunnels are hidden in hospitals. At Shifa, for example, there are underground levels, the militant says. Shifa is not small. Its a big place that can hide things. The army also released a voice recording of what it says are two anonymous Palestinians in Gaza discussing the presence of a tunnel under Shifa. The recording could not be verified. Ghazi Hamad, a senior Hamas official, rejected the Israeli claims about Shifa as false and misleading propaganda. The occupying forces have no evidence to prove it, Hamad said. We have never used civilians as human shields because it goes against our religion, morality and principles. HOW WILL THE STANDOFF END? Israel on Sunday said it had tried to deliver some 300 liters (about 80 gallons) of fuel to the hospital in plastic containers several hundred meters (yards) from the facility. But as of Monday, the fuel had apparently not been taken. Israel accused Hamas of preventing medical workers from retrieving the containers. Hospital officials said the fuel should be delivered by the Palestinian Red Crescent and that the quantity of fuel was insufficient in any case. Israel offered safe passage for people to leave. But those who tried to go described a terrifying experience. Goudhat Samy al-Madhoun, a health care worker, said some 50 people left the facility on Monday, including a woman who had been receiving kidney dialysis. He said Israeli forces fired on the group several times, wounding one man who had to be left behind. U.S. President Joe Biden on Monday said the hospital must be protected and called for less intrusive action by Israeli forces. It is my hope and expectation that there will be less intrusive action, Biden said in the Oval Office. The Israeli army has said it is aware of the complexities, but says Hamas should not expect immunity. Were not looking to take control of hospitals. Were looking to dismantle their infrastructure, said Lt. Col. Richard Hecht, another Israeli army spokesman. Well go in, well do what we have to do and leave, he said. What its going to look like, its hard to say. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By AFP

JERUSALEM: Israel's army cited a discarded baby bottle, makeshift toilet and bullet-scarred motorbike as evidence Hamas held hostages in a Gaza hospital, as an Israeli soldier was declared killed in captivity Tuesday.

On Monday evening, army spokesman Daniel Hagari said troops "found signs that indicate that Hamas held hostages" in the basement of Al-Rantisi children's hospital in Gaza City.

AFP was not able to independently confirm the allegation, and Hamas has consistently denied using hospitals as hideouts as it battles Israeli troops.

Some 240 people were taken hostage by Hamas fighters who surged through the heavily militarised Gaza border on October 7 and killed 1,200 people -- mostly civilians -- according to Israel.

Hagari did not say how many hostages the army believes were held at the hospital in the north of the besieged Gaza Strip.

However in a video recorded on site, he walked through various scenes alleging they "indicate that Hamas held hostages here".

FOLLOW OUR LIVE COVERAGE OF THE ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR HERE

Hagari said a bullet-marked motorbike used to transport hostages was in the basement, alongside a chair with rope near the legs and discarded women's clothing.

An improvised toilet was also cited as evidence hostages were held downstairs.

"You don't need to build something improvisedly in a hospital, in the basement, unless you want to hold someone in the basement and you don't want anyone to see him," Hagari said.

"I also want you to look at this room," he said.

"People are putting curtains with nothing behind, just wall. No reason to put here a curtain unless you want to film hostages."

Since war broke out, the grounds of many Gaza hospitals have been filled with thousands of displaced civilians desperate for protection from Israel's near-relentless bombardment.

Hagari said a list posted on the wall was a rota for Hamas militants guarding the hostages.

However when the camera zooms in, it shows a tally of dates since October 7, but with no names written.

A weapons cache -- which Hagari described as "gear for a major fight" -- was also found at the hospital, according to the Israeli army.

On Tuesday, the army confirmed the death of woman soldier Noa Marciano, who they said had been "abducted by a terror organisation".

Hamas earlier said she had been killed in an Israeli bombardment but the army did not say how she died.

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

JERUSALEM: Israel's army cited a discarded baby bottle, makeshift toilet and bullet-scarred motorbike as evidence Hamas held hostages in a Gaza hospital, as an Israeli soldier was declared killed in captivity Tuesday. On Monday evening, army spokesman Daniel Hagari said troops "found signs that indicate that Hamas held hostages" in the basement of Al-Rantisi children's hospital in Gaza City. AFP was not able to independently confirm the allegation, and Hamas has consistently denied using hospitals as hideouts as it battles Israeli troops.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Some 240 people were taken hostage by Hamas fighters who surged through the heavily militarised Gaza border on October 7 and killed 1,200 people -- mostly civilians -- according to Israel. Hagari did not say how many hostages the army believes were held at the hospital in the north of the besieged Gaza Strip. However in a video recorded on site, he walked through various scenes alleging they "indicate that Hamas held hostages here". FOLLOW OUR LIVE COVERAGE OF THE ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR HERE Hagari said a bullet-marked motorbike used to transport hostages was in the basement, alongside a chair with rope near the legs and discarded women's clothing. An improvised toilet was also cited as evidence hostages were held downstairs. "You don't need to build something improvisedly in a hospital, in the basement, unless you want to hold someone in the basement and you don't want anyone to see him," Hagari said. "I also want you to look at this room," he said. "People are putting curtains with nothing behind, just wall. No reason to put here a curtain unless you want to film hostages." Since war broke out, the grounds of many Gaza hospitals have been filled with thousands of displaced civilians desperate for protection from Israel's near-relentless bombardment. Hagari said a list posted on the wall was a rota for Hamas militants guarding the hostages. However when the camera zooms in, it shows a tally of dates since October 7, but with no names written. A weapons cache -- which Hagari described as "gear for a major fight" -- was also found at the hospital, according to the Israeli army. On Tuesday, the army confirmed the death of woman soldier Noa Marciano, who they said had been "abducted by a terror organisation". Hamas earlier said she had been killed in an Israeli bombardment but the army did not say how she died. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Registration is now open for Emerson Exchange Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) 2024, which will take place at the Congress Centre Dusseldorf in Germany from February 27 to 29, 2024.

This will be the first Emerson Exchange in Europe to be held in-person since 2018, following the Covid-19 pandemic. With a theme of Explore, Engage, Evolve, the Emerson users event will highlight how industrial manufacturers exploring greenfield project developments or modernisation of existing sites can employ powerful software and advanced automation solutions to achieve step-change improvements in sustainability and operational performance.

Emerson Exchange is an industry-leading technical conference, where professionals from process, hybrid and discrete manufacturing gather to share ideas, collaborate on solutions and get expert advice on how to extract the most from their automation technology investments.

Thousands of delegates

Thousands of delegates from more than 50 countries are expected to attend the conference, where they can network with their peers and hear more than 150 users sharing their experiences and presenting solutions to some of their most challenging automation projects.

Emerson Exchange EMEA 2024 provides the perfect platform to present our latest advanced automation software and technologies designed to help organisations meet their operational, decarbonisation and sustainability goals, said John Nita, president of Emerson Europe. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore transformative ideas and gain inspiration and insights from industry leaders to accelerate their own improvement programmes.

A highlight of the conference will be a summit focusing on the key topic of sustainability, where executives from leading global manufacturers will hold roundtable discussions about meeting decarbonisation targets. Emersons Womens Impact Network employee resource group will host a summit focusing on the significant impact of women in business and providing valuable insights from inspirational women at the forefront of the engineering and tech industry.

Industry forums

In addition, the event will feature a range of industry forums, with experts meeting to discuss the latest trends and technological developments in chemical, energy, food and beverage, life sciences, LNG and metals and mining industries.

The Emerson Exchange EMEA 2024 will be one of the largest gatherings of industry leaders exchanging ideas, forming collaborations and discovering innovations that will drive our industry forward, said Mathias Schinzel, president of Emerson Middle East and Africa. The remarkable level of interest we've seen from the Middle East and Africa serves as a clear signal that the region is not just keen to embrace the future of manufacturing and energy, but actively shape it by fully committing to advancing sustainability and decarbonisation journeys.

The 5,000 sq m Expo will be divided into zones focused on sustainability and decarbonisation, industries, technologies and expertise. Delegates will be able to hold in-depth discussions with industry experts about their specific applications and learn about Emersons portfolio of software solutions and its Boundless Automation vision for implementing a next-generation automation architecture across an enterprise, enabling significant business improvements.

The event will also feature the largest training programme ever held at an Emerson Exchange in Europe, with 600 places available on a range of certificated courses, giving delegates the chance to develop their skills as a means of enhancing their career. Further supporting talent development, the event will also include a STEM open day for university students.--TradeArabia News Service
Ukrainian forces continued offensive operations in Melitopol direction (west of Zaporizhia region), according to a review by the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

In particular, it is reported that the Ukrainian Armed Forces carried out more large-scale than usual attacks with the support of tanks to the north of Verbove (9 km east of Robotyne) and that mutual shelling continues. In addition, positional battles continue on Kopani-Robotyne line (up to 5 km northwest of Robotyne).

The review also says that the AFU continued ground operations on the eastern (left) bank of Kherson region, and on November 13 they managed to advance. It is emphasized that on November 12 and November 13, Ukrainian forces maintained positions in the village of Krynki (30 km northeast of Kherson region and 2 km from Kherson region) and slightly expanded their control zone south of the settlement.

As for Avdiyivka direction, according to ISW, Ukrainian forces control at least half of the Avdiyivka coke plant and the alleged reports of the seizure of the plant by Russian troops are false.

ISW analysts also did not see visual confirmation that Russian troops had ousted the AFU from several unspecified positions in the industrial zone on the southern flank of Avdiyivka.
By AFP

JERUSALEM: With tanks massed at the gates of Gaza's largest hospital, US President Joe Biden pressed Israeli allies to protect civilians, who on Tuesday were trapped inside with dwindling supplies of fuel and water.

After days of heavy air strikes around Gaza City's Al-Shifa hospital, witnesses said tanks and armoured vehicles were metres from the gate of the besieged facility, which has become a focal point of the five-week-old war.

The United Nations believes that thousands, and perhaps more than 10,000 people -- patients, staff, and the displaced -- may be inside and unable to escape because of fierce fighting nearby.

Amid reports of incubated babies dying for lack of electricity and patients facing sniper fire, a surgeon working for Doctors Without Borders said the situation inside the hospital had become "very bad".

"We don't have electricity. There's no water in the hospital. There's no food," said the doctor, who was not named by his organisation. "It is inhuman."

Israel accuses Hamas fighters of using tunnels under the hospital as a command "node", effectively engaging the sick and injured as human shields. It is a charge that Hamas denies.

Israel says it is not targeting the hospital, but has vowed to rout any and all Hamas fighters -- retribution for the attacks of October 7, which killed an estimated 1,200 people, mostly Israeli civilians.

US President Biden called on Israel to use "less intrusive action relative to the hospital", some of his most pointed comments on Israeli operations to date.

"The hospital must be protected," he told reporters in the Oval Office.

Israel Defense Forces spokesman Peter Lerner on Tuesday insisted Al-Shifa was "central in Hamas's command and control capabilities", but said his troops were currently "stand-offish."

"The idea is to try to evacuate the people, evacuate as many as possible," he said.

Underscoring the role that global public opinion is playing in the war, both sides have repeatedly given vastly different accounts of events.

Lerner put the number of people inside the hospital at "a few hundred", while the Hamas government's deputy health minister Youssef Abu Rish, who is present in the hospital, said about 20,000 displaced people had sought refuge there.

'Window of legitimacy'

Hamas's brutal attacks of October 7 and Israel's massive response have sparked protests around the world, with hundreds of thousands of people taking to the streets in the Middle East, Europe and beyond.

Israel's supporters insist it must protect citizens after the worst attack in the country's 75-year history -- an attack that brought painful echoes of past pogroms against the Jewish people.

Israelis also stress the need to recover an estimated 240 hostages taken by Hamas when they stormed across the militarised border from Gaza

But Israel's critics point to the searing toll of a blockade and near-relentless bombing campaign on long-suffering citizens of Gaza.

The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza says Israel's assault has already killed 11,240 people, including 4,630 children.

International aid agencies speak of hundreds of thousands of people displaced and a rolling humanitarian catastrophe.

Israel's top diplomat admitted Monday that his nation has "two or three weeks until international pressure really steps up."

Quoted by his spokesman, Foreign Minister Eli Cohen added that Israel is working to "broaden the window of legitimacy, and the fighting will carry on for as long as necessary."

Truce talks

In the face of mounting pressure, Israel has agreed to daily pauses in military operations around specified humanitarian "corridors" to allow Gazans to flee fighting.

Israeli leaders have so far insisted there will be no broader ceasefire before hostages are released.

But Qatar is mediating talks on a possible deal to free the hostages.

Abu Obeida, a spokesman for Hamas's military wing, said Monday that a possible deal would involve the release 100 Israeli hostages in return for 200 Palestinian children and 75 women held in Israeli prisons.

"We informed the mediators we could release the hostages if we obtained five days of truce... and passage of aid to all of our people throughout the Gaza Strip, but the enemy is procrastinating," Abu Obeida said in an audio statement.

Biden said he was "somewhat hopeful" the Qatar-mediated talks could lead to a deal.

As security officials and diplomats continued negotiations, Hamas released a video of a young woman who was said to be an Israeli soldier held in Gaza.

The Israeli army later confirmed the identity of the woman.

"Our hearts go out to the Marciano family, whose daughter, Noa, was brutally kidnapped by the Hamas terrorist organisation," the army said in a statement released shortly after midnight.

"We are using all means, both intelligence and operational, to bring the hostages home."

Spillover

The war in Gaza has also spurred violence on other fronts.

In the northern West Bank, five Palestinians were killed in clashes around the city of Tulkarem, the director of a local hospital told AFP on Tuesday.

After repeated strikes on American forces in the Middle East, the United States launched air attacks that killed at least eight pro-Iran fighters in eastern Syria, a war monitor said.

On Monday Israel used fighter jets to strike what it said were "operational command centres" belonging to Iran-backed militia Hezbollah inside Lebanon.

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

JERUSALEM: With tanks massed at the gates of Gaza's largest hospital, US President Joe Biden pressed Israeli allies to protect civilians, who on Tuesday were trapped inside with dwindling supplies of fuel and water. After days of heavy air strikes around Gaza City's Al-Shifa hospital, witnesses said tanks and armoured vehicles were metres from the gate of the besieged facility, which has become a focal point of the five-week-old war. The United Nations believes that thousands, and perhaps more than 10,000 people -- patients, staff, and the displaced -- may be inside and unable to escape because of fierce fighting nearby.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Amid reports of incubated babies dying for lack of electricity and patients facing sniper fire, a surgeon working for Doctors Without Borders said the situation inside the hospital had become "very bad". "We don't have electricity. There's no water in the hospital. There's no food," said the doctor, who was not named by his organisation. "It is inhuman." Israel accuses Hamas fighters of using tunnels under the hospital as a command "node", effectively engaging the sick and injured as human shields. It is a charge that Hamas denies. Israel says it is not targeting the hospital, but has vowed to rout any and all Hamas fighters -- retribution for the attacks of October 7, which killed an estimated 1,200 people, mostly Israeli civilians. US President Biden called on Israel to use "less intrusive action relative to the hospital", some of his most pointed comments on Israeli operations to date. "The hospital must be protected," he told reporters in the Oval Office. Israel Defense Forces spokesman Peter Lerner on Tuesday insisted Al-Shifa was "central in Hamas's command and control capabilities", but said his troops were currently "stand-offish." "The idea is to try to evacuate the people, evacuate as many as possible," he said. Underscoring the role that global public opinion is playing in the war, both sides have repeatedly given vastly different accounts of events. Lerner put the number of people inside the hospital at "a few hundred", while the Hamas government's deputy health minister Youssef Abu Rish, who is present in the hospital, said about 20,000 displaced people had sought refuge there. 'Window of legitimacy' Hamas's brutal attacks of October 7 and Israel's massive response have sparked protests around the world, with hundreds of thousands of people taking to the streets in the Middle East, Europe and beyond. Israel's supporters insist it must protect citizens after the worst attack in the country's 75-year history -- an attack that brought painful echoes of past pogroms against the Jewish people. Israelis also stress the need to recover an estimated 240 hostages taken by Hamas when they stormed across the militarised border from Gaza But Israel's critics point to the searing toll of a blockade and near-relentless bombing campaign on long-suffering citizens of Gaza. The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza says Israel's assault has already killed 11,240 people, including 4,630 children. International aid agencies speak of hundreds of thousands of people displaced and a rolling humanitarian catastrophe. Israel's top diplomat admitted Monday that his nation has "two or three weeks until international pressure really steps up." Quoted by his spokesman, Foreign Minister Eli Cohen added that Israel is working to "broaden the window of legitimacy, and the fighting will carry on for as long as necessary." Truce talks In the face of mounting pressure, Israel has agreed to daily pauses in military operations around specified humanitarian "corridors" to allow Gazans to flee fighting. Israeli leaders have so far insisted there will be no broader ceasefire before hostages are released. But Qatar is mediating talks on a possible deal to free the hostages. Abu Obeida, a spokesman for Hamas's military wing, said Monday that a possible deal would involve the release 100 Israeli hostages in return for 200 Palestinian children and 75 women held in Israeli prisons. "We informed the mediators we could release the hostages if we obtained five days of truce... and passage of aid to all of our people throughout the Gaza Strip, but the enemy is procrastinating," Abu Obeida said in an audio statement. Biden said he was "somewhat hopeful" the Qatar-mediated talks could lead to a deal. As security officials and diplomats continued negotiations, Hamas released a video of a young woman who was said to be an Israeli soldier held in Gaza. The Israeli army later confirmed the identity of the woman. "Our hearts go out to the Marciano family, whose daughter, Noa, was brutally kidnapped by the Hamas terrorist organisation," the army said in a statement released shortly after midnight. "We are using all means, both intelligence and operational, to bring the hostages home." Spillover The war in Gaza has also spurred violence on other fronts. In the northern West Bank, five Palestinians were killed in clashes around the city of Tulkarem, the director of a local hospital told AFP on Tuesday. After repeated strikes on American forces in the Middle East, the United States launched air attacks that killed at least eight pro-Iran fighters in eastern Syria, a war monitor said. On Monday Israel used fighter jets to strike what it said were "operational command centres" belonging to Iran-backed militia Hezbollah inside Lebanon. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
London, Nov 13

D avid Cameron has returned to the UK government as Foreign Secretary, in a stunning comeback for the former premier that highlighted Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's willingness to take risks as he looks to revive his political fortunes, the media reported.

Downing Street announced on Monday that Cameron would join the government, accepting a peerage in order to do so, as part of a wider reshuffle in which Suella Braverman was sacked as home secretary and replaced by the foreign secretary, James Cleverly.

A spokesperson also confirmed Jeremy Hunt would remain as chancellor, The Guardian reported.

Cameron stood down in 2016 after losing the Brexit referendum, but reportedly told friends in 2018 he wanted to return to frontline politics, preferably as foreign secretary, The Guardian reported.

Since then he has maintained a relatively low profile, though he became embroiled in scandal two years ago when he lobbied government ministers to provide financing for the now-insolvent financial services company Greensill Capital.

He returned to the headlines last month when he said Sunak's decision to cancel the HS2 high-speed train line between Birmingham and Manchester was wrong, adding: "We are heading in the wrong direction.

David Cameron returns to UK govt as Foreign Secretary

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Mumbai, Nov 13

B ollywood actress Shilpa Shetty Kundra recently hosted a Diwali party and it saw the whos who of the tinsel town. A lot of pictures and videos from the party have been doing rounds on the Internet but the one to grab eyeballs is that of actress Mrunal Thakur and rapper Badshah.

A video from the party, which shows Mrunal in the company of the rapper, has gone viral sparking speculations about the two dating each other.

The video shows Mrunal and Badshah holding hands as they exit Shilpas Diwali party. Sharing it on Reddit, a person wrote: "Mrunal and Badshah yesterday at Shilpas Diwali party. Are they dating?" Soon, many reacted to the clip, calling it "unlikely couple alert."

Mrunal even took to her Instagram handle to share a photo with Badshah and the host Shilpa Shetty from the latter's grand Diwali party. The caption read: "two favourites (sic)." Badshah also reposted the story on his Instagram Stories.

In the video, Mrunal can be seen wearing a green ethnic outfit. Badshah, who walked behind the actress in the video, can be seen in a black kurta.

A Reddit user wrote: "I no way expected them as a couple. Wow. Really wow." Another said, "Isn't he married and has a kid as well?" Badshah was earlier married to Jasmine Masih; they divorced in 2020.

Earlier, Mrunal hit the headlines when she was blessed by Telugu producer Allu Aravind during an award show. Allu Aravinds blessings are known for getting manifested. During the event Allu Aravind blessed the actress for her marriage and wished that she settles in the city of Hyderabad after the marriage.

He was to present the Best Female Actor award to Mrunal for Sita Ramam. At the event, Aravind blessed Mrunal to get married soon.

He said: I hope she finds a husband soon. I want her to settle down in Hyderabad. Since then, media reports have linked up the actress to a Telugu star. However, Mrunals representative had shared that the marriage isnt yet on the cards for the actress. They told IANS that these reports are unsubstantiated and currently, her only priority is her work.

Mrunal Thakur, Badshah hold hands at Shilpa Shetty's Diwali bash, spark dating rumours

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Mumbai, Nov 13

A ctor Akshay Kumar spent a day with the Jawans and even celebrated Diwali with them.

This Diwali, 'Jai Jawan' featured Akshay, dedicated to honouring the courage and valour of the Indian Army.

Akshay said: I am very excited to be here. My father was a soldier in the army, so my heart since childhood is connected to the army. Seeing the uniform makes me proud and I am honoured to be here.

The actor also witnessed demonstrations of different techniques employed by the army, including the water plume technique, various ied techniques, and combat engineer activities such as bridge construction, helipad construction, and demolition.

Akshay, with his characteristic zest, actively asked questions and absorbed insights into the challenges faced by the army in safeguarding the nation.

During his interactions with the jawans, Akshay expressed his excitement about being part of the episode and conveyed his deep connection to the army.

Akshay Kumar pay tribute to Indian army, celebrates Diwali with jawans

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USA to provide $1 mln to Intl Centre for Prosecution of Crime of Aggression against Ukraine

The U.S. Department of State will provide $1 million to support the activities of the International Centre for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine (ICPA), which was established at Eurojust in The Hague.

As part of our unwavering commitment to Ukraines territorial integrity and sovereignty, and to promoting comprehensive justice and accountability for international crimes against Ukraine and its people, the U.S. Department of State will provide $1 million to the International Centre for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression Against Ukraine (ICPA), which was established in The Hague at Eurojust with the support of the European Commission, the U.S. Department of State said on its website.

The ICPA will advance investigations into Russias war of aggression by providing a forum for Ukraine and partner countries to collaborate in building the strongest possible cases for future prosecution.

Prosecutors from multiple legal systemsincluding our ownare already working together at the ICPA to secure and share key evidence and pursue robust and independent investigations, the State Department said.

The United States also called on others to support ICPA and contribute to international efforts to ensure justice for Ukraine and responsibility for Russia's aggressive war.

As reported, on July 3, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen announced the launch of the International Centre for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine (ICPA).
Los Angeles, Nov 13

A ctress Sofia Vergara flaunted her age-defying curves in a plunging swimsuit in a sizzling display.

The 51-year-old America's Got Talent judge is currently enjoying a vacation in her tropical home, which is thought to be in the Caribbean, reports Mirror.co.uk.

The Modern Family actress isn't shying away from embracing her body while soaking up the sun.

Dressed in swimsuits while enjoying the sunshine, Sofia looked sensational in a recent slew of snaps.

Displaying her curves in a slinky black swimsuit, Sofia posed in front of a large mirror.

As per Mirror.co.uk, sitting on a chair, Sofia can be seen posing up a storm in front of the large mirror. Crossing her legs and showing off her hourglass frame, the movie star oozed glamour as somebody snapped away.

Although the Colombian-American beauty was dressed for a dip in the ocean, she still made an effort with her hair and makeup.

Wearing a full face of makeup, Sofia rocked a smokey eye and a nude lip. Her locks were down, tousled and cascading over her shoulders, meanwhile, some elaborate earrings were peeking out from her tresses.

The actress accessorised further with some bangles on her wrists, some rings on her fingers, a light-hued manicure on her nails and a dainty necklace around her neck.

"Good morning #casachipichipi," she penned alongside the photos shared on her grid, while on her Instagram story she shared a string of snaps from the beach.

Sofia Vergara flaunts hourglass curves in plunging swimsuit

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Rajnath Singh speaks to UK Secretary of State for Defence over phone

New Delhi, Nov 13

D efence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday held telephonic conversation with the UK Secretary of State for Defence Grant Shapps.

The Ministry of Defence said that India and UK discussed a range of defence and security issues with particular emphasis on the Indo-Pacific.

The minsters reviewed the ongoing engagements and discussed possible cooperation in new domains, the Ministry of Defence said.

The ministry said that both ministers explored ways and means to develop closer defence relations.

It said that UK Secretary of State for Defence has invited Rajnath Singh to visit the UK.

Rajnath Singh has also congratulated Grant Shapps on his appointment as the Secretary of State for Defence.

Rajnath Singh speaks to UK Secretary of State for Defence over phone

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Sacked UK Home Secretary says 'will have more to say in due course'

London, Nov 13

B reaking her silence moments after being sacked as British Home Secretary, Suella Braverman said it has been a "greatest privilege" to serve in the top position and she will "have more to say in due course".

The Indian-origin minister was sacked by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Monday over her sharp criticism of police amid pro-Palestinian rallies in the country, saying officers "play favourites" when policing protests.

"It has been the greatest privilege of my life to serve as home secretary. I will have more to say in due course," Braverman said.

Braverman, whose sacking was announced as part of a major reshuffle by Downing Street, will be replaced by former foreign secretary, James Cleverly.

A hardline conservative, Braverman has frequently courted controversies and has been slammed by her colleagues as well as opposition party members for her remarks on migration, protesters, homeless people and the police.

Before calling pro-Palestinian protesters as "hate marchers" and their organisers having "links to terrorist groups", she sparked outrage by claiming that those sleeping on streets, are only doing so because it is a "lifestyle choice" they have made.

In April, she said that all British-Pakistanis, are part of grooming gangs that "pursue, drug, rape, and harm vulnerable English girls".

As part of former Prime Minister Liz Truss' government in October last year, Braverman had said that it is her "dream" to see a plane of asylum seekers take off for Rwanda before Christmas.

London witnessed one of the largest Pro-Palestine marches on November 11 after Israel-Hamas conflict began last month with protestors marching from Marble Arch in Hyde Park through the capital down the Vauxhall Bridge Road.

Clashes broke out between far-right counter-protesters and the police, and the opposition Labour alleged that they were sparked by Bravermans comments.

Every day she remains in office it further undermines the prime ministers authority, an MP told The Guardian after her recent provocative remarks.

Sacked UK Home Secretary says 'will have more to say in due course'

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New Delhi, November 13

T he Supreme Court has said that an airline company is bound by the promised delivery date given by its agent through whom the consignment was booked.

A bench of Justices A.S. Bopanna and P.S. Narasimha said that an agent of Kuwait Airways had promised that the goods shall be delivered within one week but the shipment was delivered after one-and-a-half months, adding that there was negligent delay in the delivery of consignment".

As a matter of fact, it is an admitted position that the consignment which was booked on 24.07.1996, was delivered after one-and-a-half months, i.e. from 03.09.1996 to 12.09.1996, the bench said.

In 1997, a complaint was filed by the Rajasthan Art Emporium - which exports handicrafts to several counties - after a shipment failed to reach the US within an assured timeline of seven days.

Through a letter, the consignee informed the complainant that the goods were not received in toto and Kuwait Airways was unable to trace the remaining cartons.

In its order passed in October 2012, the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) had directed the airline to pay the complainant $50,070 (up to Rs 20 lakh) along with 9 per cent per annum compensation from July, 1996 till its realisation.

The Commission noted that the air freight which is 10 times more than the sea freight was paid only to ensure that the consignment reaches its destination within a week, because sea cargo would have taken 25 to 30 days for delivery.

The airline contended before the apex court that no specific instructions were given by the Rajasthan Art Emporium with regard to the time by which the consignments had to reach its destination, therefore, time was not the essence of contract entered into between the parties.

Once the agent has issued a time schedule for delivery of consignment, it cannot be said that there is no material indicating that there was no agreement for delivery of the consignment in time, held the Supreme Court.

We approve and sustain the order passed by the NCDRC, it added.

Airlines bound by promised delivery date given by their agents: SC

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London, Nov 14

J ust hours after he was appointed as the new British Foreign Secretary, David Cameron spoke to his American counterpart Antony Blinken about the raging Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip.

In a post on X late Monday, the UK Foreign Office said that Cameron and Blinken "discussed the conflict in the Middle East, Israels right to self defence and the need for humanitarian pauses to allow the safe passage of aid into Gaza".

"They also expressed their continued support for Ukraine in its fight against Russias illegal war of aggression. And reiterated the strength and depth of the relationship between the UK and the US," it said.

On its part, the US State Department said that Blinken congratulated Cameron for his new role and they also "underscored continuity in the US-UK Special relationship and its importance to regional and global security".

The Department said that besides discussing the wars in Gaza and Ukraine, Blinken and Cameron also discussed relations with China.

As part of a major Cabinet reshuffle, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Monday appointed Cameron as the new Foreign Secretary, replacing James Cleverly who has assumed the post of Home Secretary.

Cameron, who became the Prime Minister in May 2010, stood down in July 2016 after losing the Brexit referendum.

Since then he has maintained a relatively low profile, though he became embroiled in scandal two years ago when he lobbied government ministers to provide financing for the now-insolvent financial services company Greensill Capital.

He returned to the headlines last month when he said Sunak's decision to cancel the HS2 high-speed train line between Birmingham and Manchester was wrong, adding: "We are heading in the wrong direction.

Monday's Cabinet reshuffle also saw the sacking of Indian-origin Suella Braverman from the post of Home Secretary after she wrote a controversial article in The Times newspaper, criticising the Met Police over pro-Palestine protests in London.

It was later confirmed that she had ignored advice from Downing Street to make changes to the article.

UK's new Foreign Secy David Cameron speaks to Blinken about Gaza war

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Shehnaaz Gill responds to trolls who slammed her for visiting Badrinath with Raghav Juyal

Mumbai, Nov 14

A ctress Shehnaaz Gill, who was trolled for visiting Badrinath with dancer-actor Raghav Juyal, has responded to those trolling her about the visit on social media

Shehnaaz previously shared a series of photos from Badrinath temple, a holy shrine in Uttarakhand.

Earlier, some of the videos and pictures which made rounds on the Internet showed Shehnaaz with her Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan co-actor Raghav Juyal, which added fuel to the rumours about their relationship.

SidNaaz fans of Shehnaaz and the late actor Sidharth Shukla, who have been their ardent followers, slammed Shehnaaz over rumours of her relationship with Raghav with many of them accusing her of forgetting Sidharth for Raghav.

However, Shehnaaz, who is known for speaking her mind, took to the Instagram stories and gave a befitting reply to the ones who trolled her.

The actress reacted to the hate by posting a video with a filter.

In the black-and-white video, her sunglasses had I dont care written on them as she pouted for the camera.

This comes after some SidNaaz fans, who rooted for Shehnaaz and late actor Siddharth, turned negative towards her for travelling with Raghav.

Shehnaaz Gill responds to trolls who slammed her for visiting Badrinath with Raghav Juyal

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High Representative of the European Union for Foreign and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, says that his task is to support Ukraine in its reflection of Russian aggression, and not to assess the situation on the battlefield.

So, in Brussels on Tuesday, at a press conference that took place after the meeting of the EU Council on Foreign Affairs at the level of defense ministers, he answered the question whether he shares the assessment of Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Valeriy Zaluzhny that the fighting had gone into a blind corner.

"The commanderin-chief of the Ukrainian army knows the situation better than I do, and I'm not going to discuss the situation on the battlefield with him - he knows it. And if he said what he said, he is not me who will evaluate whether he is right or not. My duty, my job is to support him, to provide support (to Ukraine). It's not me who's leading the battle. It's not us who are fighting. These are Ukrainians. It is quite obvious that the war has been going on longer than expected. Longer than Putin expected, and we must continue to support Ukraine," Borrell said.

According to him, during the meeting "there was not a single minister who would have expressed doubts about the need to support Ukraine, doing everything we can with the tools that we have." "And this is what we are doing," the High Representative stressed.

Answering the question whether he knows when the F16s will be involved directly in combat, Borrell said: "I have no specific information when the first F16 will fly in the Ukrainian sky. I know that pilot training continues. I know from my own experience that it will take some time."

Answering the question whether the ministers discussed what to do in case of possible failures of the Ukrainian side on the battlefield, and what the EU's actions would be in case of a decrease in U.S. support for Ukraine, the High Representative stated that "the Council of Ministers is not a talk show, and he is not an astrologer." "I do not know what will happen in the USA next year. Frankly speaking, we are busy with more serious things than just speculating what might happen if. We are not talking about if, we are busy with what. And we know what we have to do right now, today, tomorrow, next week, next month. It takes all our energy," stated Borrell.
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Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine Oleksandr Pavliuk has announced a visit to Brussels to hold meetings with NATO partners and participate in a meeting of the Defense and Security Committee of the Ukraine-NATO Council.

"On a working visit to Brussels. Bilateral meetings of our delegation with partners in the Alliance are on the agenda. In particular, with Assistant Secretary General of NATO for Operations, Mr. Thomas Goffus, as well as Director of the DEEP program, Mariusz Solis. We are working to deepen cooperation with the Alliance at all levels," he wrote on the Telegram channel.

Military education and issues of mine clearance of territories are also in the focus of attention.

In addition, according to the Deputy Minister, it is planned to participate in the "first full-fledged" meeting of the Defense and Security Committee of the Ukraine-NATO Council, created in pursuance of the decisions of the Vilnius NATO Summit.

"Details later," Pavliuk added.
Champaign, IL (61820)

Today

Occasional rain. High 46F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a half an inch..

Tonight

Light rain early. Then remaining cloudy. Low 39F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
Republicans in Congress are "trying to wipe out federal funding to end the HIV epidemic."

President Joe Biden on Oct. 14, 2023, in remarks at the 2023 Human Rights Campaign National Dinner.

Are Republicans threatening to stop spending federal money to end one of the world's most pressing public health epidemics? That's what President Joe Biden said during a dinner hosted by an LGBTQ+ advocacy group.

In the United States Congress, extreme MAGA Republicans are trying to undo virtually every bit of progress we've made, Biden said Oct. 14 at the Human Rights Campaign event. They're trying to wipe out federal funding to end the HIV epidemic.

Programs to treat HIV and fight its spread have enjoyed bipartisan funding support in recent years, experts said, so Biden's portrayal signals a significant departure.

When we asked the White House what Biden was referring to, it pointed us to reports of budget recommendations from House Republicans that call for large cuts to the Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative, a Trump administration-era program designed to reduce new HIV infections in the U.S., as well as other programs.

The Senate Appropriations Committee passed a separate spending plan. The recommendations will be subject to negotiation as the House and Senate face a Nov. 17 deadline to pass another spending bill.

We found that although Republicans are recommending significant cuts to HIV prevention efforts across a number of public health agencies, the proposal keeps core funding intact. Meanwhile, political differences are eroding bipartisan support for global HIV-prevention funding.

Despite great strides in prevention and treatment since HIV was first reported in the U.S. in the 1980s, HIV remains at epidemic levels in the U.S. today, with approximately 1.2 million people living with HIV and around 30,000 to 35,000 new infections each year. Experts said cases are rising in the South and in rural areas, and new infection statistics show it is disproportionately affecting Black and Hispanic populations.

What are the proposed cuts?

The AIDS Budget and Appropriations Coalition, a group of more than 100 public health advocacy organizations that track changes in HIV-related federal spending, said a majority of the proposed cuts to domestic HIV funding stem from House Republicans' effort to eliminate the Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative.

The program started in 2019 with the goal of reducing new HIV infections in the U.S. by 75% by 2025 and 90% by 2030. The program so far worked regionally, targeting areas that have the highest rates of HIV cases for funding.

In 2023, about $573 million was allocated for the program across various agencies, according to KFF's funding tracker.

$220 million to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

$165 million to the Ryan White HIV/AIDS program. (It was named for a 13-year-old diagnosed with HIV in 1984 and is overseen by the Health Resources and Services Administration.)

$5 million to the Indian Health Service.

$26 million to the National Institutes of Health for research.

$157.3 million to community health centers, which have treated around 200,000 HIV patients annually.

The program lags its goals as it approaches the 2025 benchmark. Its well designed, well planned, it has targets that makes sense, said Jeffrey Sturchio, a lead researcher on a Center for Strategic and International Studies report.

Sturchio said the problem is not a fault of design, but funding, adding, Congress has never fully funded the initiative.

Sturchio pointed to a range of local and state bureaucratic hurdles. Jurisdictions that have pulled together sufficient resources have seen tremendous progress, he said, and overall indicators seem to be moving in the right direction.

But covid-19 reduced HIV testing and may have diverted public health efforts, CDC administrators said. KFF Health News reported in April that stakeholders saw progress but worried that it won't be enough to make the 2030 deadline.

Democrats appear to share this concern. The spending bill proposed by the Democratic-controlled Senate Appropriations Committee maintained or slightly increased funding levels to all HIV-related programs. The committee requested more data about the program, describing its lack of quantifiable data showing outcomes.

The House has not yet passed the bill out of committee. We know of some proposed cuts from the bill, which the Republican-led House Appropriations Subcommittee released in July.

It outlines a $1.6 billion cut to the CDC, including a $220 million reduction in HIV/AIDS, viral hepatitis, sexually transmitted diseases, and tuberculosis prevention and a $238.5 million cut from the Ryan White HIV/AIDS program. The Ryan White program provides medical care and support services to low-income HIV patients and serves more than half of those diagnosed in the U.S.

The bill also proposes cutting funding to the Minority HIV/AIDS fund by more than half  from $60 million to $28 million. According to HIV.gov, the fund supports prevention and care projects targeting disparities that affect communities of color.

Additional details about how these cuts could affect programs are detailed in a committee report that has not been made public. PolitiFact and some advocacy organizations obtained copies of the report, but the House Appropriations Committee did not respond to questions about it. The report we saw recommended cutting all funding for the Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative.

And House Democrats, advocacy organizations, and KFF Health News have each reported that the Ryan White program and CDC cuts result from a plan to eliminate the Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative.

If they cut funding, its going to have a dramatic and draconian impact on the ability of all of the people who are working in these jurisdictions to improve public health, said Sturchio, the researcher.

Although the cuts would be dramatic, experts said, they would not eliminate all domestic HIV funding.

There is certainly a demonstration and a commitment to some of the core HIV programs, but there are millions of dollars of proposed cuts in other areas, said Lindsey Dawson, associate director for HIV policy at KFF. These cuts would have a meaningful impact on the ability of programs to provide lifesaving interventions for both HIV care and treatment, as well as prevention.

The cuts would mean a 16% cut to the CDC's division of STD prevention, a 9% cut to the Ryan White HIV/AIDS program, and a 53% cut to the Minority HIV/AIDS Fund from fiscal year 2023 to 2024.

These funding cuts are only proposals. They require a vote from the full appropriations committee and would have to pass the House and be negotiated with a Democratic-controlled Senate.

Weve heard for a long time that HIV is a bipartisan issue. But what some people forget, is that that bipartisanship was hard fought for over the first decade of the HIV epidemic, said Dawson.

Other challenges to HIV/AIDS spending

The U.S. commitment to global HIV prevention, meanwhile, is also under scrutiny. Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.) challenged reauthorizing the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, also known as PEPFAR, without first making some changes. Started in 2003 by President George W. Bush, the program distributes funds in more than 50 countries for HIV testing, prevention, treatment, and medications. It also strengthens health care systems to fight AIDS.

Funding for the program has grown over the past 20 years, totaling more than $110 billion. The program reported 25 million lives saved by medical intervention.

Smith, who chairs the House Foreign Affairs subcommittee on Global Health, has expressed concerns that money is being given to nongovernmental organizations that support abortion rights and access.

U.S. law prohibits the direct use of overseas funding to provide abortions or to lobby for access to abortions. This has been the case since 1973. However, organizations that receive U.S. funding can do so with their own non-U.S. funding.

An official from the State Department, which runs the program, confirmed to PolitiFact that PEPFAR is legally restricted from funding abortion or lobbying for abortion access; the official cited the training of staff and partners and the monitoring of procedures to ensure compliance.

Other anti-abortion groups have favored a Mexico City Policy, which has required foreign nongovernmental organizations to certify that they would not perform or promote abortion with funds from any source to be eligible for U.S. government funding. Trump applied the policy to PEPFAR, but Biden rescinded it.

The failure to reauthorize PEPFAR would not eliminate the program, and Congress can continue to fund the program without reauthorization, but it could cause some provisions to lapse over the next few years.

The lack of a reauthorization would have significant symbolic impact, said Kellie Moss, KFF's associate director of global health and HIV policy. It could make the program more vulnerable during funding discussions without a clear signal of bipartisan support.

Although reauthorization is being held up, funding has progressed. On Sept. 28, the House passed a State Department and Foreign Operations Appropriations bill, which would fund PEPFAR for another year but implement a Mexico City-like policy provision on all global health funding. This bill would also extend the lapsing provisions for another year.

Our ruling

Biden said that Republicans in Congress are trying to wipe out federal funding to end the HIV epidemic.

A subcommittee of House Republicans has proposed cutting some HIV prevention programs anywhere from 53% to 9% in fiscal 2024, depending on the program.

A committee's draft report cited by advocacy and policy groups shows these cuts stem from the elimination of the Trump-era Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative, although the committee did not respond to questions about that.

Taken together, these cuts would not eliminate  or wipe out  all federal domestic HIV spending, but they do represent a significant cut.

Meanwhile, the House has not moved ahead to reauthorize PEPFAR, which supplies U.S. dollars for global HIV prevention, over Republican concerns about where organizations that receive the money stand on abortion access. But the House has passed one year of PEPFAR funding with some conditions about how it is distributed, which it can do without reauthorizing the program.

Biden's statement is partially accurate in that significant funding cuts have been proposed by House Republicans, but he exaggerates by saying these efforts would wipe out federal funding.

We rate this claim Half True.

KFF Health News Southern correspondent Sam Whitehead contributed to this report.
Thought Leaders Dr. MeiLan Han Pulmonologist University of Michigan

In this interview, Dr. MeiLan Han, a distinguished pulmonologist and Chief of the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care at the University of Michigan, shares her profound insights into Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

With your extensive background and contributions in Pulmonary and Critical Care, can you share what initially drew you to the study of COPD?

I'm Dr. MeiLan Han, a pulmonologist at the University of Michigan, where I recently became the chief of the division of Pulmonary and Critical Care. I've always had a keen interest in COPD, both in clinical research and patient care.

Your research has revolved around defining phenotypes in COPD using imaging. Can you explain the importance of this and what makes it so crucial in understanding COPD?

Imaging technology, like CT scanning, has become increasingly important in COPD care. As we develop new treatments for a broader range of patients, we need to characterize a wider spectrum of diseases. Imaging is now necessary for many patients, particularly those with more severe disease. Additionally, lung cancer screening overlaps with COPD patient populations, further increasing the need for imaging.

What have been the most unexpected or exciting findings in your studies related to gender disparities in COPD?

Research on gender disparities in COPD has revealed several interesting findings. Women may be more susceptible to the effects of tobacco smoke, with a greater impact on lung function and difficulty quitting. Women also experience more exacerbations of the disease. The global increase in COPD among women can be attributed to various factors, including smoking and environmental factors in different regions of the world.

How do you believe the medical community can better address these gender disparities to ensure equitable care and outcomes for all COPD patients?

The medical community has made progress by requiring equal gender representation in clinical trials and considering sex as a biological variable in analysis. This shift has led to valuable insights into gender-specific differences in COPD and other diseases. It's essential to continue these efforts and raise awareness of these disparities to improve care for all.

Given this year's theme emphasizes early lung health, early diagnosis, and early interventions, in your opinion, what are the most effective strategies to ensure earlier detection and intervention for COPD?

Early detection of COPD remains a significant challenge, with as many as half of cases going undiagnosed. We need better screening tools and more proactive conversations with patients about risk factors. Spirometry should be considered earlier in the diagnostic process. Initiatives like lung cancer screening can also help identify COPD at an earlier stage where early signs of the disease may be detectable among patients who have not had pulmonary functiont testing performed yet.

Where do you see COPD diagnosis, treatment, and patient care heading in the next decade?

We are moving toward greater recognition of early-stage COPD, with a focus on younger adults. New treatments are emerging, and clinical trials are ongoing. Despite the challenges of studying COPD, progress is being made, and we may see new treatments gaining FDA approval in the near future.

Image Credit: Andrew Angelov/Shutterstock.com

On this World COPD Day, what special message or guidance would you like to impart to our readers, especially those affected by or at risk of COPD?

It's crucial to understand that COPD can have its roots in childhood and early adulthood due to various risk factors. We need to be more aware of factors affecting lung health and engage in conversations with healthcare professionals about the need for screening. Stigmatizing the disease based on its association with smoking is unhelpful, as many factors beyond our control can contribute to its development.

Are there common misconceptions about COPD that you frequently encounter, and how do you address these?

One common misconception is that all COPD cases are solely caused by smoking. In reality, factors like premature birth, childhood respiratory infections, environmental exposures and genetics can also play a significant role in its development. We should avoid stigmatizing the disease and recognize the complexity of its origins.

Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations you're excited about and can share with our readers?

I'm currently involved in projects focusing on early COPD in younger adults. The SOURCE study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, explores the disease's earlier stages, and the Lung Health Cohort, co-funded by the American Lung Association and the NIH, targets even younger adults aged 25 to 35. These studies have already revealed unexpected lung disease findings, including those related to vaping and marijuana use, which I believe are underreported and warrant more attention.

About MeiLan Han

MeiLan Han, MD MS, is a Professor of Medicine and Chief of the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care at the University of Michigan Health. Dr. Han received her medical degree from the University of Washington in Seattle, WA. She completed her residency in Internal Medicine and fellows hip in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at the University of Michigan. Dr. Han has also completed a Master's Degree program in Biostatistics and Clinical Study Design at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. Dr. Hans research has focused on defining phenotypes in COPD using imaging. She is a lead investigator for several NIH sponsored COPD studies. She also serves on the scientific advisory committees for both the COPD Foundation and American Lung Association, the board for the COPD Foundation and serves as a spokesperson for the American Lung Association. She is currently a Deputy Editor for the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. She is also a member of the Global Obstructive Lung Disease scientific committee which is charged with developing internationally an internationally recognized consensus statement on COPD diagnosis and management.
A research group from the University of Oulu, Finland, has shown that nanoparticles originating from maternal gut bacteria are present in amniotic fluid. This is a previously unknown mechanism of communication between the maternal gut microbiome and the fetus.

The detected nanoparticles are extracellular vesicles secreted by cells. The vesicles secreted by bacteria contain molecules derived from cells, such as proteins, DNA, RNA, and metabolic products. These nanoparticles play an important role in bacterial communication.

The study involved 25 mothers who gave birth by Cesarean section at Oulu University Hospital. The study found that the nanoparticles found in amniotic fluid and maternal feces were similar in terms of bacterial species and content. The study was refined in an experimental animal model, where it was found that extracellular vesicles isolated from human maternal feces migrate to the fetus.

The recent research results may provide an answer to the question that has long puzzled the scientific community: whether a healthy fetus is exposed to bacteria during pregnancy and whether the fetal environment has its own microbiota.

According to our study, in healthy pregnancy, nanoparticles secreted by maternal gut bacteria migrate to the amniotic fluid, containing molecules derived from bacteria. The vesicles do not cause infections like whole bacteria. Thus, the fetus safely becomes acquainted with the mother's normal gut microbes before birth. The mechanism we have found is likely to play a significant role in the development of the fetal immune system during pregnancy." Anna Kaisanlahti, doctoral researcher, University of Oulu

The nanoparticles produced by maternal gut bacteria may be important for the development of the fetal immune system. They may safely prepare the fetus for the moment of birth, when the fetal intestine quickly acquires its own microbiota. The finding opens doors for further research. "It would be interesting to study how the communication between the maternal gut bacteria and the fetus during pregnancy affects the child's health later in life," Kaisanlahti reflects.

The research was conducted at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Oulu and Biocenter Oulu by the research groups of Professor Terhi Tapiainen and Docent Justus Reunanen in collaboration with researchers from Oulu University Hospital, the University of Turku and the Kiel University, Germany.

The research was funded by the Academy of Finland, the Foundation for Pediatric Research, the National Institutes of Health Foundation, the State Research Funding, the Finnish Cultural Foundation and the Yrjo Jahnsson Foundation.

The research was published in Microbiome journal: Kaisanlahti, A., Turunen, J., Byts, N. et al. Maternal microbiota communicates with the fetus through microbiota-derived extracellular vesicles. Microbiome 11, 249 (2023).
Around the world, wealthy countries are struggling to afford long-term care for rapidly aging populations. Most spend more than the United States through government funding or insurance that individuals are legally required to obtain. Some protect individuals from exhausting all their income or wealth paying for long-term care. But as in the United States, middle-class and affluent individuals in many countries can bear a substantial portion of the costs. Here's how five other countries pay for long-term care.

Japan

Long-term care insurance is mandatory for Japanese citizens age 40 and over, while in the United States only a small portion of people voluntarily obtain coverage. Half the funding for Japan's program comes from tax revenues and half from premiums. Older adults contribute 10% to 30% of the cost of services, depending on their income, and insurance picks up the rest. There is a maximum amount people must spend from their income before the insurance covers the remainder of the cost. Workers can also take up to 93 days of paid leave to help relatives with long-term care needs. Japan assigns a care manager to each person using services; each manager oversees about 40 older adults. In 2020, Japan spent 2% of its gross domestic product on long-term care, 67% more than the United States spent that year.

The Netherlands

The Dutch have included long-term care in their universal health care system since 1968. One public insurance program pays for nursing homes and other institutional settings, and another pays for nursing and personal care at home. Enrollment is mandatory. Dutch taxpayers contribute nearly 10% of their income toward insurance premiums, up to a set amount.Out-of-pocket payments amount to about 7% of the cost of institutional care. General taxes pay for a third program in which municipalities provide financial assistance and social support for older people living at home. There is no private long-term care insurance. The Netherlands spent 4.1% of its gross domestic product on long-term care in 2021, more than any other country tracked by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, and four times the amount the United States spent.

Canada

Provinces and territories fund long-term care services through general tax revenue. Money budgeted is not always enough to cover all services, and some localities give priority to those with the greatest needs. The amount of subsidies people can receive, the costs they have to pay out-of-pocket, and the availability of services vary by province and territory, as they do in the United States with state Medicaid programs. The mix of providers also varies regionally: For instance, nursing home care in Quebec is mostly run by a public system while homes in Ontario are mostly for-profit. Notably, Canada's long-term care system is separate from its national health care system, which pays for hospitals and doctors with no out-of-pocket costs to patients. In 2021, Canada spent 1.8% of its GDP on long-term care, 80% more than the United States spent.

United Kingdom

Local authorities pay for most long-term care through taxes and central government grants. Private providers usually supply services. Government contributions are based on financial need, with copayments usually required. As in the United States, middle-class and wealthy people pay most or all of the costs themselves. Unlike in the United States, the government provides payments directly to lower-income people so they can hire workers to care for them in their homes. The U.K. has also taken steps to shield people from losing all their wealth to pay for long-term care. It subsidizes care for people with savings and property of less than about $30,000, while in the United States most people don't qualify for Medicaid until they have run through all but $2,000 to $3,000 of their assets. In 2022, the British government proposed extending subsidies to people who have as much as $105,000 of wealth and property, with a lifetime cap of about $100,000 on how much anyone spends on long-term medical care, excluding room and board in a nursing home. But the plan has been postponed until 2025. In 2021, the United Kingdom spent 1.8% of its GDP on long-term care, 80% more than the United States did.

Singapore

Singapore recently instituted a system of mandatory long-term care insurance for those born in 1980 or later. Citizens and permanent residents are automatically enrolled in an insurance plan called CareShield Life starting at age 30. They must pay premiums until they retire or turn 67 (whichever comes later) or are approved to use services. The government subsidizes 20% to 30% of premiums for those who earn around $2,000 a month or less. Monthly payouts start at about $440. Government subsidies for nursing homes and other institutional care can range from 10% to 75%, depending on ability to pay. Those who make more than $2,000 a month receive no subsidies. CareShield is optional for Singaporeans born in 1979 or earlier; they are covered under an older, voluntary plan. Singapore also provides a means-tested monthly cash grant  this year about $290  to help with caregiving expenses.

Sources: The National Bureau of Economic Research project on international comparisons of long-term care; Kathleen McGarry; The Commonwealth Fund; Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development; government websites.

Note: Spending comparisons with the United States are based on the most recent OECD data and include spending from government and compulsory insurance programs as a percent of each country's gross domestic product, which is the total monetary value of all the finished goods and services produced within a country's borders. The comparisons cover people of all ages and exclude spending from voluntary insurance plans and out-of-pocket costs. All currency figures are in U.S. dollars.
A Vistara flight en route to Goa faced an unexpected detour back to Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, as clearance to land in Dabolim was denied due to runway obstructions.

Meanwhile, two IndiGo flights smoothly touched down at the Goa International Airport, leaving passengers puzzled.

Vistaras UK 881, carrying over 100 passengers, executed a safe landing back in Goa at 6.15 pm after the diversion. Goa airport director S V T Dhanamjaya Rao explained, There was some obstruction on the runway, and the pilot was instructed to hold. The pilots chose to be safe and return to the origin.

The flight, scheduled to land in Goa at 2 pm, left Bengaluru at 12.55 pm, causing frustration among passengers due to a lack of clear information about the delay. An irate passenger, Anuj Mishra, questioned, Why runway restrictions only for UK881? Why was it not diverted to MOPA (GOX) airport? A total haywire decision to make passengers lives hell. 6E6345 IndiGo from Ahmedabad landed at Goa.

As emotions ran high, some passengers directed their frustration towards the flight attendants. Vistara representatives, expressing regret for the inconvenience, emphasized that the airline played no role in the decision to divert to Bengaluru. An official empathetically stated, The flight was diverted due to runway restrictions at Goa Airport. Unfortunately, such circumstances are beyond our control.

While some passengers demanded compensation, others argued that the flight should have been diverted to Mopa, where Vistara also operates flights from the new Manohar International Airport. An airline official clarified, Flight UK881, which was diverted to Bengaluru, departed for Goa at 4.55 pm and landed at Dabolim at 6.15 pm.

Coincidentally, around 5 pm on Monday, dry grass near the Mopa air traffic control tower caught fire, but officials from GMR Goa International Airport Limited assured that the incident did not impact flight operations.
Rolls-Royce has successfully demonstrated UltraFans technology, which offers maximum power to aero-engines. The company has run the technology at its facility in the UKs Derby. It has been shared by the officials that the initial test stage was conducted using 100 percent Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).

Confirming the news, officials called it a big step towards improving the overall scenario of current and future aero-engines in terms of efficiency. It has been informed that UltraFan will be 25 percent more fuel efficient than the original Trent 700, and will prove as the key element to improve gas turbine performance and efficiency.

UltraFan Technology

The company says the UltraFans scalable technology from 25,000-110,000lb thrust also provides dedicated power to the widebody and narrow body aircraft, which are anticipated in the 2030s.

More Technologies to Power Trent Engines

As a part of the UltraFan development program, the company pointed out that it has multiple technologies, which will be used in present Trent engines. This will provide the customers with more efficiency, reliability and greater availability.

Heres What Rolls-Royce CEO Says About UltraFan Demonstrator

Reacting about the technology, CEO of Rolls-Royce, Tufan Erginbilgic said,Hitting full power with our UltraFan demonstrator sends a strong message that Rolls-Royce is at the cutting-edge of innovation and technology, leading the way in the transition to more efficient and sustainable aviation. This fantastic milestone puts us in a strong position to support the plans of our customers as they develop the next generation of super-efficient aircraft.

Statement By Group Director of Engineering and Technology

Group Director of Engineering, Technology and Safety of Rolls-Royce, Simon Burr said, We estimate that to reach Net Zero flying by 2050, a combination of highly-efficient, latest-generation gas turbines such as UltraFan operating on 100% SAF is likely to contribute around 80% of the total solution, which is why todays announcement is such an important milestone for Rolls-Royce and the wider industry.
High Representative of the European Union for Foreign and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, hopes that after negotiations between Hungary and Ukraine, the issue of Budapest blocking the eighth tranche of military aid in the amount of EUR 500 million euros will be resolved.

"The Hungarian Minister (of Defense) explained to us that today there will be a new meeting with Ukrainians in order to try to unblock the payment of the eighth tranche. There are possibilities that it will finally be unlocked. Other solutions are not on the table. We vote with unity, and we need unity. Let's hope that there will be a solution," he said at a press conference after the meeting of the EU Council on Foreign Affairs at the level of defense ministers in Brussels on Tuesday.

He also claims that the idea to provide the EU Peace Facility with special financing for Ukraine for the next four years in the amount of EUR 20 billion is "still alive."
An excellent chance awaits individuals to secure a position in the Government of India as the Ministry of Commerce and Industry announces job openings for young Professionals within the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO). The official ITPO website provides details for eligible candidates to apply as per the issued notification. Individuals meeting the eligibility criteria and expressing interest can submit their applications for these positions until November 19, 2023. The recruitment process aims to fill a total of 20 posts. Aspiring candidates preparing to secure jobs in these roles should thoroughly review the provided information.

Applicants are required to hold a BE/BTech degree (Civil/Electrical/Mechanical/Electronics/IT/Computer Science) or an equivalent qualification from a recognised government institute/university with a minimum of 70% marks. Additionally, a two-year Post Graduate Diploma in Management/Post Graduate Program in Management/MBA from a recognised Institute/University with at least 60% marks or an equivalent grade is accepted. Candidates should also possess two years of post-qualification experience in Government/State Government/CPSE/Autonomous Body/University and must have experience working in a research institute.

For applicants, the age limit is set at 32 years, as of the last date of application.

Successful candidates selected through this process will receive a salary of Rs 60,000.

How to apply for the post?

To apply for these positions, submit the application in the prescribed format with the specified documents mentioned in the notification. Email the PDF file of the duly-filled application form and required enclosures to nsrwatt@itpo.gov.in, with the subject line Application for Young Professional in ITPO by November 19, 2023.

ITPO, headquartered at Pragati Maidan, serves as the key agency of the Government of India, operating under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, dedicated to fostering the nations external trade. Recognised as a Mini-Ratna Category-1 Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE), ITPO is wholly owned by the Government of India, playing a vital role in promoting and facilitating the countrys trade activities.
The Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) has banned students from wearing any form of head cover during recruitment exams. The step is being taken to curb cheating during exams such as using Bluetooth devices, reported India Today. However, following protests by right-wing organisations, the exam conducting body has allowed mangalsutras (necklaces worn by married Hindu women) and toe rings during exams.

As per the official notice released by KEA, wearing any garment or cap that covers head, mouth or ears at the exam hall has been banned from now onwards. The order further added that this is part of the effort to stop exam malpractices. The announcement by KEA came prior to various board and recruitment exams slated to be held on November 18 and 19 across the state.

A few days ago, women were allowed to appear for examinations for recruitment to departments such as the labour department, Karnataka State Electronics Development Corporation Limited (KEONICS), Mysore Sales International Limited (MSIL), and Sainik Welfare Board while wearing hijab. Karnatakas Higher Education Minister Dr M C Sudhakar had clarified that this is not to be confused with the Supreme Court (SC) order on hijab in schools.

NEET also allows students who are wearing hijab to answer examinations, and it is the same systems that are being implemented for these exams that are being conducted for recruitment to these boards through the state examination agency  Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA). The Supreme Court judgment is only with regard to the schools and it has nothing to do with this, Sudhakar had said.

On the other hand, during the Karnataka civil service examination, female students claimed they were asked to remove their mangalsutra before entering the exam hall. The State Public Service Commission who was conducting the exam had also allegedly asked the students to remove other ornaments including earrings, chains, and toe rings. The authorities meanwhile allowed women who wore a Hijab inside the exam hall after checking them.
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has released a notice warning medical colleges against fake recognition letters for postgraduate (PG) programmes. The commission has informed that these fake letters have also been signed under the name of the president of the Post Graduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB). The official notice is currently available on the main website of NMC at nmc.org.in.

It has come to the notice of Post Graduate Education Medical Board, National Medical Commission that fake/forged letters of recognition under forged signature of Dr Vijay Oza, president PGMEB have been claimed to be received by a few medical colleges, the official notice by the commission reads.

Further in the notice, the commission has mentioned that these fake letters are sent via dedicated mail as well as a letter dispatched via speed post. Additionally, the commission stated that all stakeholders who are involved, including medical colleges, are hereby advised not to fall into the trap of any such fake letters of recognition or renewal of recognition if the same is not received by post from NMC, PGMEB, or a dedicated email from NMC.

Earlier in September, the NMC issued a warning against fake authorisation letters sent to medical institutions in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. As per reports, fake letters of permission (LOPs) were given to medical institutions including Santhiram Medical College in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh; GSL Medical College in Rajahmundry; Meenakshi Medical College in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu; and GR Medical College Hospital and Research Centre in Karnataka.

The NMC also announced the list of medical colleges that the Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) has awarded permission or renewal for undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) seats for the academic year 202324, reports add.

On the other hand, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare announced the formation of the MARB on August 1, 2019, in compliance with the NMC Act of 2019. The MARB will examine and rate both public and private medical institutions depending on how effectively they follow the commissions standards.

In line with the guidelines provided in the Indian Medical Council (IMC)  Professional Conduct, Etiquette, and Ethics Regulations of 2002, which are governed by the Indian Medical Council Act of 1956, the ministry asserts that cases or complaints pertaining to medical negligence are handled by the State Medical Council in question or the Directorate of Health and Family Welfare in the relevant State or Union Territory.

Those who disagree with the State Medical Councils decision may file an appeal with the Ethics and Medical Registration Board of the National Medical Commission, the ministry announced.
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is set to conduct the Indian Forest Service (IFS) Main 2023 exams will be held on November 26, 28, 29, and 30, and on December 1, 2, and 3. The commission has now released the date of the release of the admit card for the exam. As per the official notice, it will be out on November 17. Candidates who applied for the exam can download the admit card from the UPSC official website at upsc.gov.in.

UPSC IFS Main Exam 2023: How to Download Admit Card

Step 1: Go to the UPSC official website.

Step 2: On the website, click on the UPSC IFS admit card link display.

Step 3: Enter the required credentials.

Step 4: Download and print a copy of the admit card for further use.

UPSC IFS Main Exam 2023 Schedule, Timings

The exam will be conducted in two shifts  the morning session will begin at 9 AM and conclude at noon and the afternoon session will start at 2:30 PM and go on till 5:30 PM. The Indian Forest Service Main Exam 2023 will be held in Bhopal, Delhi, Chennai, Dispur in Guwahati, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Port Blair, Nagpur, and Shimla.

Exam Date Morning Session Exam Afternoon Session Exams 26/11/2023 General English General Knowledge 28/11/2023 Mathematics Paper-I /Statistics Paper-I /Zoology Paper- I Mathematics Paper-II/Statistics Paper-II /Zoology Paper- II 29/11/2023 Physics Paper- I/Botany Paper I Physics Paper- II/Botany Paper II 30/11/2023 Agricultural Engineering Paper I/Geology Paper- I Agricultural Engineering Paper II/Geology Paper II 1/12/2023 Agriculture Paper- I/Animal Husbandry& Veterinary Science Paper- I Agriculture Paper- II/Animal Husbandry& Veterinary Science Paper- II 2/12/2023 Forestry Paper- I Forestry Paper II 3/12/2023 Civil Engineering Paper I /Chemical Engineering Paper I /Mechanical Engineering Paper I/Chemistry Paper- I Civil Engineering Paper- II/Chemical Engineering Paper II/Mechanical Engineering -Paper II/Chemistry Paper- II

Along with the admit cards, the candidates must also carry a photo ID. The candidates will have to produce the printout of their e-Admit Card at the allotted Venue for appearing at the Examination. A candidate, who does not produce his/her e-Admit Card for checking at the allotted venue, shall not be allowed to take the Examination. The candidates are also required to carry along the Photo ID card, whose number is mentioned in the e-Admit Card, in each Session, reads the official notice by the commission,
It is Mahadev versus Ram in Chhattisgarh. Beyond the political metaphor, the second phase of Chhattisgarh election 2023 will actually see the Mahadev App betting scandal jostle for the spotlight against a combination of caste-cash-cow factors and temple politics. Seventy of the states 90 Assembly seats will go to polls on November 17.

With Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior leaders of the BJP sharpening their attack and mounting pressure on Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on the issue of multiple corruption cases, especially the Mahadev betting scam, the latter has been seen countering the allegation by highlighting the numerous cash doles.

Apart from the cash benefits, loan waivers and a promise to implement a caste survey, Baghel has another crucial campaign plank  Lord Ram.

Ram is my aastha (belief). We do not do politics over our religious faith. We have constructed Kaushalya Mata temple, the tallest statue of Lord Ram, and the Van Gaman tourism circuit. Ram is part of our ancient culture, our tradition. We have, so far, built around 33 statues of Lord Ram across districts, says Baghel in all his election speeches.

Countering the BJPs corruption allegations on the Mahadev betting scam, the Chief Minister has said that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) did not investigate former chief minister Raman Singh, his wife and son, whose names allegedly cropped up in various corruption complaints. He has accused the central investigating agencies of being selective and (politically) motivated.

Caste, Cash, Cow

Unlike West Bengal and Karnataka where the BJP had certain election issues in hand to attack its political opponents, in Chhattisgarh, the Baghel government has got the primary campaign issue usually raised by the BJP covered. And that is the issue of religion.

In Bengal and Karnataka, the BJP had accused Mamata Banerjee, DK Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah of appeasement politics and acting as pro-Muslim/anti-Hindu politicians.

In Chhattisgarh, however, Baghel seems to have blunted the BJPs sharpest political weapon. His narrative around Lord Ram and his governments policy of constructing temples and statues, together with his initiative of protecting cows, building almost 300 sprawling cow-sheds and running a cow-economy by buying cowdung have left the BJP with no choice but play the corruption card.

Baghels promise to implement a caste survey and his way of bringing the OBCs at the fore is another political move which may get him electoral dividends in a state like Chhattisgarh where OBC vote share, according to a government survey, is close to 43%.

And over all, his party has announced at least five cash benefits and two loan waivers for farmers and self-help groups, making the Congress the party that has promised the maximum amount of financial assistance to a voter.

Modis Mahadev vs Baghels Ram

Even though the Baghel government is facing at least four major investigations by the ED  mining scam, liquor scam, paddy procurement scam and Mahadev online betting scam  the BJP finds the Mahadev scam to be its most potent weapon.

PM Modi, in his earlier speeches, said that Baghels government and his party did not spare Lord Mahadev as they supported the promoters of the online betting platform which allegedly defrauded people in the name of Mahadev.

In an election rally on Monday, the PM alleged that Baghel took Rs 500 crore or more from Mahadev betting app promoters and a stash of money has been recovered. Union Home Minister Amit Shah called Baghel the ATM of Congress. Modi also alleged that Baghel sent money to Dilli Darbar (Congress headquarters).

Will the Mahadev betting scam resonate with the voters or will Baghels cash-cow-caste formula combined with Lord Ram pitch land the Congress another term? December 3 will tell.
Speaking at a rally in Madhya Pradeshs Shajapur, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India is a country which is moving forward rapidly. In todays time, he said, investors from across the world and interested in investing in our nation. India is going to become a big manufacturing hub of the world, the prime minister said.

He said that Indias energy, which was suppressed for centuries is now finally moving on its correct path. At this crucial time, it is necessary for a BJP government to be there in Madhya Pradesh, the prime minister said, adding that Congress chases away investors, it is party that does corruption worth thousands of crores of rupees. It is a party that works for just one party. It is not concerned about your families, PM Modi said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday warned voters against the Congress, saying it can even promise to build a castle of gold to wins polls and accused the rival party of indulging in corruption and misrule while in power, resulting in rise in crimes, especially against women, and riots.

Mentioning the 2022 killing of Kanhaiya Lal, a tailor in Udaipur, Modi said, Could we even imagine that in India we would ever hear a slogan like sar tan se juda (a reference to beheading)? But this has happened in the land of braves  Rajasthan  under misrule of the Congress.

Kanhaiya Lal, 48, was killed with a cleaver inside his shop on June 28, 2022. The assailants claimed they hacked Lal to death to avenge an alleged insult to Islam.Addressing a rally in Barwani district two days days before the end of the campaigning for the Madhya Pradesh assembly polls, the PM attacked the Congress.

Wherever the Congress comes to power, crime rate reaches its peak, riots become commonplace and atrocities against sisters and daughters increase, he maintained. The BJPs star campaigner said states governed by the Congress have flourished after the party has been removed from power.

Wherever the Congress has formed a government, even prosperous states have fallen into trouble, he added.He pointed out that the Grand Old Party had promised the sun and the moon to farmers, women, youths and state government employees of Himachal Pradesh, but they all were deceived after it won elections last year in the hill state.

Karnataka, where the Congress came to power in May this year, also went down the same path, Modi and added development has come to a standstill in the southern state.If the Congress can do this to a prosperous state like Karnataka what will they do to Madhya Pradesh?, the PM said, cautioning the people of the BJP-ruled state against the opposition party.

Modi said the Congress can even promise to build a castle of gold to the people of Madhya Pradesh to win elections anyhow.They will promise to give a palace of gold and then say they will extract gold from potatoes and then build it, he remarked, taking a jibe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhis 2017 comment of making gold from potatoes.

The Prime Minister alleged the Congress wants to capture power in Madhya Pradesh to fill its empty coffers.People can see in Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan (both ruled by the Congress), how piles of notes earned through illegal means were coming out every day, Modi stated.

The PM said the November 17 elections in Madhya Pradesh are not just a fight between the BJP and the Congress.These elections are about deciding the bright future of Madhya Pradesh, he asserted, campaigning for the saffron outfit.

He blamed Congress leaders for pushing the state into a dark well and maintained the BJP has pulled Madhya Pradesh out of darkness after coming to power in 2003.The Prime Minister said no one trusts the words and promises of the Congress because of its track record in office.

The Congress ruled from Panchayat to Parliament for 60 years, but it neither thought of welfare of tribals nor gave respect to them, he said.When a BJP government was formed at the Centre, our tribal brothers got their due respect and a separate ministry for their welfare was created, Modi stated.

The PM assured the people of Madhya Pradesh that all promises made by his party BJP to them will be fulfilled after the party retains power in the state.All promises made to you will be fulfilled. This is my guarantee, Modi asserted.

He said the Centres free ration scheme, which was started during the coronavirus pandemic and covers 80 crore poor people, will be extended for five years.The scheme, Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, is ending next month.

Madhya Pradesh will have a single phase polling for its 230 seats and results will be announced on December 3.
Rajasthan in-charge of the All India Congress Committee Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa on Monday sent a warning letter to senior leaders of the party, who are allegedly not supporting the partys authorised candidate.

Randhawa also sent a letter to Congress workers who rebelled against the official candidate of the party asking them to join the campaign in favour of the party by supporting the official candidate, the party said in a statement.

Randhawa has warned that in the next two days, if the rebel candidates do not withdraw from the elections and party officials and senior leaders, including Habibur Rehman, Umardaraz and Saroj Meena, do not join the election campaign, then the party will take action against them.

According to party sources, about 15-20 candidates who have rebelled against the Congress are posing a problem for the partys authorised candidates in the upcoming Assembly elections.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Shivraj Singh Chouhan can be seen running from his chopper to the rally venues these days, as he packs in 10 rallies a day and finishes each in flat 20 minutes. He even campaigned on Diwali day with four rallies. His political adversary, Congresss Kamal Nath, too, held small sabhas in Chhindwara till late evening, again a rare sight. These two images exhibit how close the election in Madhya Pradesh has become.

In an election where no particular issue seems to be the sweeping force, both the BJP and the Congress know the poll could go down to the wire. Mamla tight hai (the election is close)," is what one hears from many voters on the ground. It was so in 2018, too, when just a 0.3% vote difference separated both parties.

ALSO READ | In Chhindwara, a Classic Bunty vs Goliath Battle; Kamal Nath Family Faces Aggressive BJP on All 7 Seats

The Congress won 114 seats against the BJPs 109 seats, although the Congress lagged in vote-share. This time, the BJP seemed to have started slow and the Congress confidence was sky high. In the last one month, the BJP appears to have come back strongly powered by the PMs campaign. Some say both parties are in a 100+ seat position, and ultimately the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and Independents could prove crucial.

CORRUPTION, UNEMPLOYMENT MATTER?

News18 travelled to all parts of the state over the last fortnight, from Bhopal to Indore, Gwalior, Morena, Jabalpur and Chhindwara to speak to the voters. The fatigue with Chouhans face does exist, but it has been blunted by his popular Mukhyamantri Ladli Behana Yojana, in which 1.3 crore women have got six installments so far of Rs 1,000-1,250 per month. The women voters, who have anyway batted for the BJP, have solidified behind the party even more strongly now. But the men voters are a far more divided lot, with some even offended with money being directly given to the women folk in their family. The men farmers get Rs 1,000 per month from the government under the Kisan Nidhi scheme, which is less than what women get.

ALSO READ | LPG Cylinder at Rs 450, Ladli Behna Homes, Higher MSP for Wheat & Paddy: BJPs Poll Promises in MP

An underlying sentiment in Madhya Pradesh is the issue of corruption and unemployment in the Chouhan regime. A number of voters told News18 that corruption is prevalent at lower levels in the government and nothing much has happened on the job front for the youth. But do people vote on such issues is a matter of debate, as many eventually vote on caste and party lines, or who the candidate is.

THE FREEBIES WAR

While Kamal Nath is stressing on the issue of corruption and unemployment, the BJP has taken to issues like the Ram Temple to keep the election centered on Hindutva. The BJP is essentially asking voters to focus on Narendra Modis face in MP, and the importance of making Modi the PM again in 2024.

Many voters are also divided over the freebies war. Some are happy with the BJPs promises of Ladli Behana Yojana and the promised hike in procurement price of wheat and paddy. The very popular Ladli Laxmi scheme of Chouhan which has been operational for over a decade in MP, will see a girl child getting Rs 2 lakh over a period of time, up from Rs 1.43 lakh presently. But many of these promises translate a bit less than what the Congress is promising, like Rs 2.5 lakh for the girl child, Rs 1 lakh on her marriage, Rs 1,500 per month for every woman in the state and Rs 1,500 per month as old age pension. On electricity, the BJP is promising first 100 units of power at Rs 100, while the Congress is promising 100 units of free power.

The Congress is offering much more, but that is if they come to power. The BJP is already giving a lot" a group of elderly women told News18 in rural Gwalior.

What has come as a fillip to the BJPs campaign in Madhya Pradesh is the PMs last weeks announcement to extend the Centres free ration scheme for poor households for the next five years. But the voters know they will continue to get the free rations even if the BJP loses in the state. The government employees in MP are enthused by the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) promise of the Congress as well. In short, the 11 guarantees of the Congress have travelled far and wide in the state among the voters as they were announced quite early, News18 found.

ALSO READ | PM Modi Not Campaigning to Become MP CM, BJP Hesitant to Name Shivraj as Its Face: Kamal Nath | Exclusive

Ultimately, the leadership issue could be the difference-maker in the elections in Madhya Pradesh. MP Maange Kamal Nath is the slogan of the Congress, with Nath to be the CM if the party wins and there being no challenge to the same unlike last time when Jyotiraditya Scindia was a challenger. This is also expected to be Naths last election at 76 years of age so he is looking at the electorate for his last hurrah and citing how he was unfairly dislodged from the chair in 2020. In the BJP camp, the CM question is wide open, with not many saying that Chouhan will be chosen even if the BJP wins. The party is telling people to vote on Modis face, like its slogan MP Ke Mann Mein Modi, and trust Modi to choose the CM.

Only the results on December 3 will resolve the Madhya Pradesh mystery.
Gazas Al-Shifa Hospital has become the focus of a five-week-old war between the Israeli military and Hamas as thousands of people remained trapped in the largest hospital in the Palestinian territory.

Shifa is the largest and best-equipped hospital in Gaza. However, Israel claims that Hamas militants have deliberately based an operational headquarters at the facility for military purposes and built an underground tunnel complex below the hospital.

Since Israel declared war against Hamas in response to a bloody cross-border attack by the armed group last month, its forces have moved in on Shifa. While Israel says it is willing to allow staff and patients to evacuate, Palestinians say Israeli forces have fired at evacuees and that it is too dangerous to move the most vulnerable patients.

There are between 600 and 650 inpatients at al-Shifa, as well as 200 to 500 health workers, and about 1,500 displaced people seeking shelter there, according to information shared with the World Health Organization, which was posted on Sunday on X.

Meanwhile, doctors say the facility has run out of fuel and that patients are beginning to die. The World Health Organization (WHO) and other UN agencies warned that as many as 3,000 people, including 600-650 inpatients and 200-500 health workers, are sheltering inside without adequate fuel, water or food.

Here is all you need to know about the Al-Shifa Hospital and why Israeli forces have launched an operation against the hospital:

All About Al-Shifa Hospital

The Dar al-Shifa or the House of Healing hospital is a sprawling complex of medical facilities in north of Gaza. The six-storey buildings, located about 500 metres from the coast and a major north-south road, have largely collapsed after years of conflict, underfunding and an Israeli-Egyptian blockade aimed at weakening Hamas.

The hospital has boasted over 500 beds and services like MRI scans, dialysis and an Intensive Care Unit (ICU). It conducts roughly half of all the medical operations that take place in Gaza, according to Gaza Health Ministry.

After the war erupted last month, tens of thousands crammed into the hospital grounds to seek shelter. As the Israeli aggression continue in Gaza territories, the war has moved closer to the hospital, most of those huddling there have fled south.

But hundreds of people, including medical workers, premature babies and other vulnerable patients, remain, staffers say.

Supplies Running Out

The Al-Shifa hospital announced that it had run out of fuel. Health officials say at least 32 patients, including three babies, have died. They say 36 other babies are at risk of dying because life-saving equipment cant function.

The Gaza Health Ministry released a photo on Monday showing about a dozen premature babies wrapped in blankets on a bed to keep them warm. I hope that they will remain alive despite the disaster in which this hospital is passing through, ministry spokesman Medhat Abbas said.

International law gives hospitals special protections during war. But hospitals can lose those protections if combatants use them to hide fighters or store weapons, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Israel is facing intense international pressure to minimise civilian suffering amid a massive air and ground operation, which has killed over 11,000 people, including 4,600 children.

What Has Israel Alleged?

Israel has long accused Hamas of using the building, patients and staff as a human shield. The group often fires rockets toward Israel from crowded residential areas, and its fighters have battled Israeli troops inside densely populated neighbourhoods.

Throughout the war, Israel has released photos and video footage showing what it says are weapons and other military installations inside or next to mosques, schools and hospitals.

Late Monday, Israels chief military spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, showed footage of what he said was a Hamas weapons cache found in the basement of Gazas Rantisi Hospital for Children. Hagari said he entered the hospital with Israeli troops on Monday, a day after the facilitys last patients were evacuated.

The hospital ran out of fuel last week, and Israel had ordered people to leave as it conducts its ground offensive.

The Israel army has claimed that Hamas is operating inside Shifa and underneath it in bunkers, some of which it says are accessible from the hospital itself. Hamas also claimed hundreds of Hamas fighters sought shelter at Shifa after the October 7 massacre, in which at least 1,200 people in Israel were killed.

Israel says these claims are based on intelligence. However, it has released little evidence to support the claims.

How Will the Standoff End?

Israel on Sunday said it had tried to deliver some 300 litres of fuel to the hospital in plastic containers several hundred meters (yards) from the facility. But as of Monday, the fuel had apparently not been taken.

Israel accused Hamas of preventing medical workers from retrieving the containers. Hospital officials said the fuel should be delivered by the Palestinian Red Crescent and that the quantity of fuel was insufficient in any case.

Israel offered safe passage for people to leave. But those who tried to go described a terrifying experience.

Goudhat Samy al-Madhoun, a health care worker, said some 50 people left the facility on Monday, including a woman who had been receiving kidney dialysis. He said Israeli forces fired on the group several times, wounding one man who had to be left behind.

US President Joe Biden on Monday said the hospital must be protected and called for less intrusive action by Israeli forces. It is my hope and expectation that there will be less intrusive action, Biden said in the Oval Office.
Another four Ukrainian children, along with their families, were returned from the temporarily occupied territories, founder of the Save Ukraine organization Mykola Kuleba said.

"During the occupation, two of these children studied at a Ukrainian school online for the entire last school year, while Russian raids were constantly taking place in their village. During such classes, the mother of young Ukrainians was looking out the window and made sure that Russian soldiers did not break into the house. Eventually, the Russian military began threatening the parents that they would take their children, take away the house, and deport them themselves. Therefore, the family was forced to send their children to a Russian school," Kuleba wrote on the Telegram channel.

He pointed out that children were bullied at the occupation school.

"At the school, new Ukrainian children were obliged to wrap themselves in the flag of the Russian Federation and walk in it until the end of lessons. When some children got tired and asked to take it off, the teacher agreed. However, a moment later, an armed Russian military man scolded the children for not loving Russia. In the school corridors, children constantly saw such soldiers with weapons who stood near the classrooms and took 10-year-old Ukrainians to educational conversations for carelessly saying please in the Ukrainian language in the classroom. Fortunately, the children went to a Russian school only four days until our rescuers took the family away from there," Kuleba said.

Now the families have already crossed the border of Ukraine and are safe. Now they are waiting for a psychological recovery and a gradual return to normal life.

In total, the Save Ukraine team has returned 204 children from Russia and temporarily occupied territories.
A police sub-inspector in Bihar was allegedly mowed down by a tractor transporting illegally mined sand in Jamui district on Tuesday, an officer said. A home guard was also injured in the incident, he said.

It took place when a police team reached Garhi to check illegal sand mining in the area and tried to intercept the tractor, but the driver did not stop the vehicle, Jamui Superintendent of Police Shaurya Suman said.

When cops tried to intercept the tractor, carrying illegally mined sand in Garh, the driver did not stop his vehicle and mowed down the sub-inspector. A home guard was also injured in the incident. Both of them were immediately taken to the nearest hospital, the SP told reporters here.

Sub-inspector Prabhat Ranjan succumbed to his injuries, while home guard Rajesh Kumar Sao is currently undergoing treatment and his condition is reported to be stable, the officer said.

We have identified the tractor diver. A manhunt has been launched to arrest him and his associates, Suman said, adding that the tractor has been seized.

The SP also said, We have already arrested one person who was sitting on the tractor when the incident took place. A case has been registered and the investigation is on.

The state had earlier witnessed incidents of violent attacks by the sand mafia on policemen and senior officers of the department. Such incidents were reported from Patna, Bhojpur, Rohtas, Aurangabad, Saran and Vaishali districts.

In April this year, three officers, including two women inspectors, of the Mines and Geology department of the Bihar government were attacked by the mafia during a drive against illegal mining in Bihta near Patna. Immediately after the incident, the department decided to provide training on handling arms and how to command force to its 90 inspectors, including around 30 women officers, to counter such attacks in future, an official said.
The Gujarat police have rescued a 14-year-old girl from Uttar Pradesh within 48 hours of her being kidnapped from Navsari district for a ransom of Rs 1 crore and arrested four persons involved in the crime, an official said on Tuesday. The accused allegedly abducted the girl from the Gandevi area of Navsari on November 10, and made WhatsApp calls to her parents demanding Rs 1 crore, inspector-general of police (Surat range) V Chandrasekhar said.

The police caught Samir Pathan, Abhishekh Chaudhary, and Pradeep Chaudhary from a bus near Lucknow and arrested another accused Mohit Chaudhary from a slum in Delhi, he said.

Based on technical analysis of the WhatsApp calls and Snapchat details, and with the help of the police in Delhi, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, the girl was rescued near Lucknow within 48 hours of being kidnapped, the official said.

The Navsari police first learnt that the victim was being taken to Rajasthan by train and sought the help of the Government Railway Police (GRP) in the neighbouring state, he said. The police were later informed that the girl was taken to a slum in Delhi. On reaching there, the police apprehended Mohit Chaudhary, who revealed that the girl was being taken to Lucknow on a bus by the other accused, the official said.

With the help of the Uttar Pradesh police, the bus was located and intercepted near Lucknow. The police rescued the girl and arrested the trio, he said. The police formed separate field and technical teams to work on the case, he said.

Chandrasekhar said the main accused, Pathan, had allegedly lured the girl and persuaded her to accompany him before kidnapping her with the help of his three accomplices. The girl's parents had transferred Rs 12,000 to the accused and continued to negotiate with them on WhatsApp, he said. The Snapchat and WhatsApp call details provided vital clues to track the girl and the culprits, the officer added.
A Bengaluru couple, whose holiday to Port Blair was allegedly marred when their checked luggage arrived two days later, took legal action against IndiGo airlines. A city consumer court has now ruled in their favour and ordered them to compensate them with Rs 70,000 for the inconvenience caused.

In late 2021, Surabhi Srinivas and her husband Bola Vedvyas Shenoy, residents of Byappanahalli, decided to embark on a holiday to Port Blair in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Booking their tickets with IndiGo for the journey from Bengaluru to Port Blair, the two arrived at their destination on November 1, 2021. However, their checked luggage, containing essential items such as clothes, medicines, and ferry tickets for boat rides in the Andamans, failed to reach Port Blair.

Promptly lodging a complaint with IndiGo and registering a Property Irregularity Report, the couple was assured by the airlines ground crew that their missing bag would be delivered the following day.

The bags, however, reached the two two days later on November 3. By that time, half of their trip was over. Stranded, the couple even bought basic items to get passed the trip.

Alleging that IndiGo representatives were aware that their luggage had not been loaded onto the aircraft at Bengaluru airport but failed to disclose this information, the couple issued a legal notice to InterGlobe Aviation Limited, the operators of IndiGo airline, on November 18.

After one year, the two filed a complaint against the airline with Bengaluru Urban 3rd Additional District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Shantinagar, seeking compensation for the disruption of their holiday. Later, they won it.
Six people died in a car-truck collision in Uttar Pradeshs Muzaffarnagar on Tuesday. More details are awaited on the incident.

Visuals from the spot showed a car in a severely mangled condition.

VIDEO | Six people killed in car-truck collision in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh. More details are awaited. pic.twitter.com/tGsVKV37No Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 14, 2023

In another accident in Uttar Pradesh, a 32-year-old man on a two-wheeler was killed after being hit by a tractor from behind on a highway in Saharanpur on Saturday night.

Pravesh, a resident of Haridwar in Uttarakhand, was returning Saturday night after shopping for Diwali, when he was hit by a tractor on the highway, Superintendent of Police (Rural) Sagar Jain said. He died on the spot. The tractor driver fled leaving his vehicle on the spot.

Another man lost his live, while his sister received injuries, when their motorcycle was hit by a roadways bus in the Seohara area of this Uttar Pradesh district on Saturday, police said.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has attached eight properties of two members of the proscribed outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). According to a press release by the agency, the properties were attached by the Special NIA Court in Jammu under section 33 (1) of the UA(P) Act.

These properties belonged to Mohd Shafi Wani, son of Ghulam Mohi-ud-din Wani, and Mohd Tika Khan, son of Abdul Ahad Khan, both residents of district Pulwama who are the members of LeT Total eight properties belonging to two accused persons have been attached, the release said.

Mohd Shafi Wani and Mohd Tika Khan were charged in an NIA case relating to the killing of two Jammu-Kashmir police personnel and forcible release of Pakistani LeT terrorist Naveed Jatt by firing at the police party.

On the directions of LeT commander based in Pakistan, the two accused persons, with the help of others, hatched a conspiracy and released Mohd Naveed Jatt alias Abu Hanjulla from the police custody by firing on J&K Police party at SMHS Hospital Srinagar where the accused Naveed Matt was taken for medical examination.

The properties of Mohd Tika Khan include three pieces of land, whereas properties of Mohd Shafi Wani include four pieces of land and a residential house.

Section 33(1) allows attachment of any property belonging to the accused person once the charges are framed under chapter IV or VI of UA(P)A. This year, the NIA has attached 46 properties in Jammu and Kashmir u/s 33 (1). The properties attached under 33(1) are forfeited once the accused persons are convicted. Till now, NIA has attached 96 properties in J&K.
Aaram se nikal jaoge, koi chinta ki baat nahin hai (You will be rescued soon, there is nothing to worry about)one of the rescue officials told a labourer, who is trapped in the under-construction tunnel that collapsed on the Char Dham route, as the operation to evacuate 40 workers entered its third day.

The rescue also asked labourers, who had been trapped in the tunnel in Uttarakhands Uttarkashi since Sunday morning, if they needed anything.

Disaster Management Secretary Ranjit Kumar Sinha said that authorities have set a target to rescue the trapped workers by Tuesday night or Wednesday.

900 mm Pipe, Auger Machine: How 40 Trapped Workers Are Being Rescued from Ukhand Tunnel

6-Member Panel to Probe Collapse

Meanwhile, the Uttarakhand government has constituted a six-member expert committee to probe the incident which took place after a part of the tunnel being built between Silkyara and Dandalgaon on the Brahmakhal-Yamunotri National Highway caved in on Sunday morning following a landslide.

Trapped Labourer Speaks to His Son

Gabbar Singh Negi, one of the 40, spoke to his son on Tuesday. I was allowed to speak to my father for a few seconds using the pipe through which oxygen is being supplied to the stranded workers, Akash Singh Negi told PTI. The conversation lasted just a few seconds, he said.

He said they were safe. He asked us not to worry as the company is with them, Akash said.

Akash came along with his uncle Maharaj Singh Negi and three others from Uttarakhands Kotdwar to enquire about his fathers well-being.

Gabbar Singh, who hails from Bishanpur near Kotdwar, is among the two persons from Uttarakhand trapped inside the tunnel along with 38 others.

WHERE THE INCIDENT HAPPENED?

A portion of the tunnel being built between Silkyara and Dandalgaon on the Brahmakhal-Yamunotri National Highway caved in on Sunday morning. Several workers were trapped in the Silkyara Tunnel.

Uttarkashi Superintendent of Police, Arpan Yaduvanshi said a part of the Silkyara Tunnel has broken about 200 meters ahead of the starting point, trapping many workers.

HOW MANY WORKERS ARE TRAPPED?

Of the 40 workers trapped inside the tunnel, 15 are from Jharkhand, 8 from Uttar Pradesh, 3 from West Bengal, 5 from Odisha, 2 each from Uttarakhand and Himachal and 4 are from Bihar.

Rescue operation teams have established communication with workers using radio handsets along with supplying oxygen, water and food. Those trapped inside have sent out signals to the teams that indicate they are safe, an official at the site said.
In Jammu and Kashmir, the people of Pampore town in south Kashmir are currently engrossed in harvesting the globally renowned Saffron. Every morning, families convene in the vibrant fields of Saffron Town to gather this premium spice and distribute it to markets.

Pampore, an area in Kashmir renowned as Saffron Town, is flourishing with the saffron crocus. This years crop is abundant after a lapse of at least 5 years. While climate change had previously affected their crop, this year has seen a remarkable difference.

The blooming saffron also heralds the arrival of winter in Kashmir, with leaves fading and trees adopting an autumnal appearance. The expansive fields have transformed into a canvas of purple, and people are diligently collecting the flowers with the break of dawn. This business remains a family affair, as thousands come together to manually gather saffron threads at sunrise.

Saqib Qadris family has been immersed in this trade for years, convening each morning to harvest saffron at daybreak. His customers have been seeking fresh saffron from the valley. The expansive saffron fields have brought joy to his face, much like others in the trade.

For almost 5 years, we have received a very limited crop due to weather fluctuations. Saffron necessitates timely rainfall, and this years favorable weather conditions have resulted in a bumper crop, he tells News18 while gathering flowers.

He asserts that the quality and fragrance of saffron cultivated in Kashmir surpasses that of other markets.

We have superior quality saffron, which is also exported. Such excellence is exclusively found in the Pampore region. We have cultivated this for the last 500 years, he explains.

Commercially, saffron is cultivated in India, Spain, and Iran, but Kashmiri Saffron is revered as the worlds finest. Over time, saffron prices have surged and are currently selling for over 3.25 lakh rupees per kilogram.

The recent geographical identification tag granted to the crop last year has significantly boosted its reputation and distinctiveness, providing valuable assistance to the farmers. Pampores farmers affirm that this recognition has made their crop more prominent.

According to data, the region produces an average of 2,128 kilograms of saffron annually, the majority of which is exported to various countries and regions in India. Locally, saffron is incorporated into a traditional green tea preparation called Kehwa and various aromatic foods.

Another farmer, Manzoor Ahmad, acknowledges that the geographical indication has aided in combating the presence of cheap and counterfeit saffron in the market.

We rely on timely rainfall. After processing, we distribute it to markets in India and abroad. The GI tag has distinguished our saffron, he emphasizes, mentioning its uses in medicine and food and asserting that its far superior to Iranian saffron available in the market.

The timely rainfall in August and September has resulted in a bumper crop, bringing happiness to the farmers.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that his Maharashtra counterpart Eknath Shinde has given consent to a proposal for providing land for the construction of a Kamakhya temple in the western state.

While interacting with a group of visiting journalists from Maharashtra recently, Sarma said he plans to build a Namghar, a place of worship for Vaishnavites, along with the temple.

We want to build a good Kamakhya temple in Maharashtra. I have already spoken to (Eknath) Shinde. Maharashtra CM is a big devotee of Maa Kamakhya, he said in a video of the meeting shared on X, formerly Twitter, on Wednesday.

The Kamakhya temple atop the Neelachal hill on the bank of the Brahmaputra river is one of the biggest and oldest Shakti Peeths in the country. This temple of Goddess Kamakhya is an important pilgrimage centre for tantric worshippers and Hindus.

When Shinde had visited Assam last time, Sarma requested him to provide land to construct a Kamakhya temple and Namghar in Maharashtra, the Assam chief minister said. Shinde invited me to Mumbai to discuss the matter of offering land. I have not got time yet to visit. Whenever I go, I will carry forward this discussion, he said.

Sarma also said the Assam government has land at Navi Mumbai and had initially planned to construct the temple there. However, when Shinde became CM, I hoped that we could build a beautiful temple if we get a better land, he added.

Asked whether Shinde will pay a visit to the Kamakhya temple before the Lok Sabha polls next year, Sarma said: I have seen a deep faith for Maa on his face. I told him to keep coming because the relationship between the son and mother will then remain good.

The Assam CM also informed the visiting journalists that the state government is developing a Kamakhya corridor at Rs 600 crore like the Kashi-Vishwanath corridor.
Eknath Shinde is lagging behind his immediate two predecessors in collecting donations to the Chief Ministers Assistance Fund, reveals a response to an RTI query. Compared to the previous two chief ministers of Maharashtra, Shinde did not bring in special donations, and this year only Rs 65.88 crore has been collected. The Chief Ministers Secretariat has provided RTI activist Anil Galgali with these details. Uddhav Thackeray and Devendra Fadnavis significantly increased the fund when they were chief ministers, according to the information.

Sanjay Tambe, Assistant Accounts Officer, Chief Ministers Secretariat, informed Anil Galgali in response to his query that the balance as of April 1, 2022, was Rs 418.88 crore and the balance as of March 31, 2023, was Rs 445.22 crore. Year-wise donation information of the Chief Ministers Assistance Fund is available from January 1, 2015, to March 31, 2023. Shinde completed one year as CM on June 30 but the amount that he has gathered for the Chief Ministers Assistance Fund is not that significant.

During Devendra Fadnaviss tenure, in five years, Rs 614 crore was contributed to the Chief Ministers Assistance Fund. Whereas during Uddhav Thackerays reign, Rs 793 crore was added in a mere two years. In the past year, Eknath Shinde has managed to raise only Rs 65.88 crore.

Data also shows that Devendra Fadnavis has been at the top among the three chief ministers in helping the needy over the past eight years. 1,07,782 applications were received during Fadnaviss term, of which 63,573 citizens were given assistance of Rs 598.32 crore. Uddhav Thackeray helped 4,247 citizens out of 10,712 applications received with funds of Rs 20.28 crore. Eknath Shinde has helped 7,419 citizens out of 14,566 applications with Rs 57 crore.

The state government should appoint intelligent and responsible IAS officers in the Chief Ministers Assistance Fund Cell who will take up the task of increasing the fund amount and maintain transparency. The data that I have obtained from the CMs office shows that current CM Eknath Shinde is way behind in gathering funds as compared to the other two former CMs. The CM Office should also make the beneficiary list public so that duplication and corruption dont happen and this fund is given only to the needy, Galgali said.
The rescue operations to evacuate the 40 labourers trapped inside an under-construction tunnel in Uttarakhands Uttarkashi entered its third day on Tuesday. The state government has constituted a six-member expert committee to probe the incident.

Teams from several agencies, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), have been engaged in the operation.

Officials  at present  are preparing to do horizontal drilling to rescue the workers trapped inside the tunnel. They said that the pipes will be pushed in using the horizontal drilling equipment to create an escape pathway for the workers.

VIDEO | Uttarkashi tunnel collapse: Officials prepare a platform for auger machine for horizontal drilling to rescue the 40 workers trapped inside the tunnel.(Source: Third Party)#UttarakhandTunnelCollapse pic.twitter.com/2zvAunsxRl  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 14, 2023

Disaster Management Secretary Ranjit Kumar Sinha said that authorities have set a target to rescue the trapped workers by Tuesday night or Wednesday.

Superintendent of Police (Uttarkashi), Arpan Yaduvanshi said that the teams are optimistic about rescuing everyone, adding that, they are hoping to wrap the ops by late evening today.

Yaduvanshi said that due to the issue of falling debris, the teams have shifted to plan B of inserting the pipe and rescuing the workers through that.

Meanwhile, Public Relations Officer GL Nath, requested local leaders and others not to come here as it is hampering our efforts in the rescue operation. We hope that we will rescue the 40 workers trapped inside the tunnel soon, Nath said.

SDRF (Uttarakhand) Commandant, Manikant Mishra said that he spoke to the workers trapped in the tunnel, adding that they have assured him that all 40 of them are fine. Mishra said that the workers will be rescued soon.

The under-construction tunnel  which collapsed on Sunday  was being built between Silkyara and Dandalgaon on the Brahmakhal-Yamunotri national highway.

Communication with the workers trapped inside was established on Monday. Those trapped inside signalled that they are safe, an official at the site said.

The Director of the NHIDCL (National Highway & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited), Anshu Manish Khalko said, The situation is better now. The workers are safe. We are providing food and water. There are nearly 40 people inside. We are trying our best.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also visited the site to take stock of the situation and inspected the rescue efforts that were underway at the site. Dhami asked the officials and other agencies involved in the rescue oeprations to work with coordination and inform the administration immediately of the their requirements of sources.

Dhami also said that authorities are in constant touch with the families of the people stuck in the tunnel, adding that food, water and other essential are being provided to the trapped workers. PM is in touch and keeping an eye on the rescue operations.

According to a list of the trapped workers issued by the District Emergency Operation Centre, 15 are from Jharkhand, eight from Uttar Pradesh, five from Orissa, four from Bihar, three from West Bengal, two each from Uttarakhand and Assam, and one from Himachal Pradesh.

(With PTI inputs)
The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) will send a special representative to Ukraine to expedite the receipt of investment insurance.

This information was voiced during a meeting between First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine - Minister of Economy Yulia Svyrydenko and Director General of DFC Scott Nathan, according to the website of the Ministry of Economy.

One of the main tasks of the government in this and next years is to support investments from the private sector of the economy. Therefore, we encourage strategic investors to apply for insurance both through the ministry, in the direction of the DFC, and through the future special representative. The insurance instrument for investments in Ukraine is already available. DFC plans to intensify its work in this direction, Svyrydenko emphasized.

The Ministry of Economy notes that DFC is currently showing interest in financing and insurance in key sectors of the Ukrainian economy, in particular energy projects. The American corporation already has experience in supporting similar projects in other countries, and therefore is ready to support the implementation of such projects in Ukraine.

In total, DFC has already supported a number of projects in Ukraine worth $400 million. In particular, $250 million has been allocated to support the efforts of Ukrainian poultry farmers and grain producers to mitigate the consequences of Russia's war against Ukraine.

DFC also announced the conclusion of two separate agreements totaling $60 million by Ukrainian banks to mobilize capital to continuously support small and medium-sized businesses by facilitating their access to financing in the country.

The fourth project concerns $50 million guarantees provided to the International Finance Corporation's (IFC) Global Trade Finance Program, which has expanded Ukrainian banks' access to international trade finance.

DFC also announced it is providing $25 million in political risk insurance for Superhumans Center, a nonprofit center dedicated to providing prosthetics and rehabilitation for people injured during the war in Ukraine.

We hope that the corporations intention to mobilize $1 billion of investment in Ukraine will very soon lead to the implementation of new projects, including state-owned companies, Svyrydenko concluded.

DFC is the U.S. government's development finance agency. It cooperates with the private sector to finance solutions to the most critical problems the world is facing. The corporation invests in various sectors, including energy, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, small business and financial services.
Happy Bhai Dooj, everyone! The day celebrates the special bond between a sister and her brother. On Bhai Dooj, sisters perform a puja for brothers and apply tilak (tikka). The day is also known as Bhau Beej, Bhatra Dwitiya, Bhai Dwitiya and Bhathru Dwithiya. In West Bengal, people celebrate it as bhai phota. The celebration takes place one day after Diwali.

ALSO READ: Bhai Dooj 2023: Date, Shubh Muhurat, Puja Vidhi, and Significance

As per Drik Panchang, this year, Bhai Dooj festivities will be marked on November 14 and 15. The Dwitiya Tithi that began on November 14 will end today on November 15 at 01:47 PM.

HAPPY BHAI DOOJ 2023 WISHES, MESSAGES AND PHOTOS

Your presence always made me feel safeyou have been my North Star guiding me the right wayLove You Brother!!! Happy Bhai Dooj!

You made the best gift for me from our parents, brotherYou little hand and toes made me feel like I got the most adorable and amazing friend for life. Thanks for coming into my life, my little BRO!!! Happy Bhai Dooj to you!!!

Brothers and sisters peas in a pod, bumps on a log, bugs in a rug, birds of a feather, partners in crime, friends forever.

You & I are like Tom & Jerry fighting and giggling all day long. No matter how old we grow, we will still keep the madness alive in our relationships. Happy Bhai Dooj Bro!!!

I tie this holy thread on your wrist and pray to God that all your wishes come true. Have a wonderful Bhai Dooj, BRO!

Together we laughed, together we cried, the affection in between is immense distance despiteI LOVE YOU BROTHER TILL THE END OF TIME!!! Happy Bhai Dooj!

No matter the cherishable time of childhood had passed, we have grown into adults, much mature with time, BUT we pledge remain togetherStay Blessed Bhai!!!

HAPPY BHAI DOOJ 2023 WISHES FOR YOUR BROHER

Dearest brother, thank you for always being there for me, through thick and thin. I am so grateful for your unwavering support and love. Happy Bhai Dooj!

To my amazing brother, you are my best friend, confidant, and protector. I cherish every moment we spend together. Happy Bhai Dooj!

My dear brother, you are my rock, my anchor, and my source of strength. I am so lucky to have you in my life. Happy Bhai Dooj!

Brother, you are the sunshine that brightens my days and the laughter that fills my heart. Thank you for always bringing joy into my life. Happy Bhai Dooj!

To my wonderful brother, you are my partner in crime, my partner in adventure, and my partner in life. I am so glad we have each other. Happy Bhai Dooj!

Brother, you are my inspiration, my role model, and my hero. I look up to you and admire you in every way. Happy Bhai Dooj!

My dear brother, you are my secret keeper, my shoulder to cry on, and my source of comfort. I dont know what I would do without you. Happy Bhai Dooj!

Brother, you are my best friend, my companion, and my soulmate. I cherish our bond more than words can say. Happy Bhai Dooj!

To my incredible brother, you are my everything. I love you more than words can express. Happy Bhai Dooj!

Brother, thank you for being my brother. I am so lucky to have you in my life. Happy Bhai Dooj!
Aamir Khans daughter Ira Khan will soon be tying the sacred knot with her longtime boyfriend Nupur Shikhare. The couple who got engaged last year, recently flagged off their pre-wedding festivities. The lovebirds will be getting married on January 2024. Now a video from their pre-wedding rituals has gone viral where, Ira attempts to speak Marathi with the held of her fiances family.

Both the kids were seen donning their brightest smiles as they decked up in traditional attires. In one of the photos that also went viral, Ira was seen getting ready with floral jewellery. Her mom Reena Dutta was also seen helping her.

Have a look at the video:

Speaking with News18 India last month, Aamir confirmed the date and praised his soon-to-be son-in-law. Ira is getting married on January 3. The boy she has chosen is  waise toh pet name unka naam Popoye hai  he is trainer, he has arms like Popoye but his name is Nupur. He is a lovely boy. When Ira was battling depression, he was with her. He is really someone who has stood by her and emotionally supported her. I am happy that she has selected a boy who they are so happy together. They are very well connected, they really look after each other and care for each other, he said.

This might be a filmy dialogue but I feel Nupur is like a son. Nupur is such a fine boy, we really feel hes part of the family and his mother, Pritam ji, is someone who is already a part of our family, the Taare Zameen Par star said. Asked if he is going to be emotional at the wedding, Aamir said, Main toh bada emotional hota hoon bhai, uss din main bahut rone waala hoon yeh toh tay hai. Discussions have already begun in the family that Aamir ko sambaalna uss din (take care of Aamir that day) because I am very emotional. I cant control my smile nor my tears.
Arjun Kapoor made his way to a theatre in South Mumbai to watch Tiger 3. The actor, who is rumoured to be involved in a cold war with Salman Khan, was seen seated in an IMAX theatre with War and Pathaan director Siddharth Anand. In photos shared on Instagram and by Zoom, Arjun was seen keeping a low profile at the theatre. He slipped into a black sweatshirt and pair of matching pants. He sported a black cap to complete his look. Arjun was at the cinemas sans his girlfriend, Malaika Arora.

Tiger 3 released on Sunday, on the occasion of Diwali. Apart from Salman, the film stars Arjuns good friend Katrina Kaif and Emraan Hashmi. The new photos come amid reports that Arjun and Salman have a strained relationship. Although the cause of behind the strained relationship is still unknown, Arjun shares a history with Salman and his family. It is known that it was the superstar who encouraged Arjun to pursue acting. Salman even helped Arjun shape up to make an impressive debut.

It is reported that Arjun was once dating Salmans younger sister Arpita Khan. They apparently broke up in 2005. Arpita is now married to actor Aayush Sharma and the couple has two kids together. Arjun is currently dating Malaika Arora, who was previously married to Salman Khans brother Arbaaz Khan. Arjun and Malika have been together for over five years now. Malaika also shares a son with Arbaaz.

Although Arjun has never addressed the feud claims in public, his father, producer Boney Kapoor had confirmed that his relationship with Salman has been strained in recent years.

In a 2020 interview with news agency IANS, Boney revealed that it was Salman who encouraged Arjun to become an actor. Arjun always wanted to become a film director and that is why I had no plan to launch him, like a new hero. That was not our plan at all. But one day, I got a call from Salman saying Arjun should try his hand in acting because he has all the elements to become one. So, Salman took Arjun under his wings and groomed him.

Unfortunately, my relationship with Salman is strained now, but initially Salman encouraged Arjun to get into acting. I owe this to Salman, Boney had said.
Celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton has initiated divorce proceedings from his partner and actor Lukas Gage, officially ending their nearly seven-month-long marriage. According to divorce records from Los Angeles, Appleton cited irreconcilable differences in the legal documentation. The designated date for their separation is noted as November 10. The documents also reportedly reveal the existence of a postnuptial agreement.

Chris Appleton, 40, known for being Kim Kardashians hairstylist, married his 28-year-old partner Gage in a Las Vegas ceremony on April 22. The wedding, held at the Little White Chapel, was officiated by Kardashian herself. As reported by TMZ, the relationship between Chris Appleton and Lukas Gage progressed rapidly. They made their relationship public in February during a trip to Mexico and got engaged just a few weeks before their wedding in Las Vegas.

Lukas Gage, recognized for his role in the web series White Lotus, took to Instagram to share their wedding experience. He posted a series of photos capturing the moments when he and Chris Appleton exchanged their vows earlier this year.

Take a look at these:

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Chris Appleton (@chrisappleton1)

View this post on Instagram A post shared by lukas gage (@lukasgage)

The concluding video within this Instagram collection depicted the newlyweds, who resided at the opulent Wynn Hotel and Casino, raising champagne glasses on a stage while Shania Twain serenaded them with her popular song Youre Still the One.

Heres a sneak peek of her performance:

View this post on Instagram A post shared by lukas gage (@lukasgage)

The couples wedding in Las Vegas, along with an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at its planning, was recently featured in an episode of The Kardashians on Hulu. Appleton even revealed that his engagement ring, gifted by Gage, was crafted from the caviar tin shared during their first date.

Check it out:

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Chris Appleton (@chrisappleton1)

The episode also documented the moment when Appleton asked Kim Kardashian to officiate their wedding, a request she humorously accepted, considering her history of three marriages and divorces. Despite her jest, Kardashian expressed her deep honour in being part of Appleton and Gages significant day, according to People.

Throughout their six-month marriage, Appleton and Gage appeared together at various public events, commemorating Appletons 40th birthday with an extravagant boat excursion in Turks and Caicos during the summer. As of now, neither Appleton nor Gage has made any public statements regarding their separation.
Amidst the lingering Diwali vibes, social media continues to buzz with radiant celebrations and captivating glimpses of Bollywood celebrities. Many stars have generously shared photos and videos, offering fans a sneak peek into their festive moments. Joining the celebration, actor Farhan Akhtar recently treated fans to a beautiful photo with his wife Shibani Akhtar on his social media platform. The celebrity couple struck a lovely pose for the cameras, showcasing their million-dollar smiles. Farhan looked dapper in a white kurta paired with a blue-hued jacket. Meanwhile, Shibani opted for a gorgeous three-piece suit in orange. The attire featured a bralette top and pants, paired with a matching jacket. As for accessories, she chose a kundan necklace with matching earrings and tied her hair in a low messy bun. Her makeup was subtle and dewy for the festival.

Sharing the photo, Farhan wrote, Happy Diwali.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Farhan Akhtar (@faroutakhtar)

Fans and followers of the actor flooded the comment section with love and adoration for the couple. One user wrote, Lovely couple, while another commented, Cuties. Shibani Akhtar also expressed her sentiments by commenting on the post, Love you.

In a previous interview with India Today, Farhan was asked about the changes in life after their wedding. The actor-filmmaker shared, I dont know if it feels any different. Shibani and I have been together for many years now. So, on some level, this puts some kind of an official tag to it. But apart from that, our relationship is amazing.

After a couple of years of dating, Farhan and Shibani tied the knot in February 2022 at Javed Akhtars Khandala farmhouse.

On the professional front, Farhan Akhtar is set to make a comeback as director with the drama film Jee Le Zaraa, featuring Priyanka Chopra, Katrina Kaif, and Alia Bhatt. The film is said to be released next year. Additionally, he also has an action thriller film Don 3, featuring Ranveer Singh as the lead actor. Other upcoming projects include films like Yudhra, Passage of Family, Agni, Ground Zero, and more.

Meanwhile, Shibani Akhtar is a celebrity video jockey who has hosted several popular shows. She has also lent her voice to multiple trending songs. In her acting pursuit, she is known for her notable roles in films such as Sultan (2016), Noor (2017), and Rocky (2019). She is set to grace the screen in director Ashok K Mishras upcoming thriller film, Firrkie, alongside Jackie Shroff, Neil Nitin Mukesh, and Kay Kay Menon.
Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan tied the knot in 2012. The couple had an intimate wedding ceremony in Mumbai. Saif and Kareena decided to get married after living in together for five years. In a new interview, Kareena revealed that they were happy with their living arrangement but decided to get married because they wanted to have children. The actress and the actor welcomed their first son, Taimur Ali Khan, in 2016 and second son, Jeh Ali Khan, in 2021.

Speaking with Dirty Magazine, Kareena said, The reason you get married now is that you want to have a child, right? I mean today otherwise you can just live together. [Saif and I] lived together for five years, so when we took the next step, it was because we wanted to have children. Bebo also opened up about her parenting style, revealing that she treats both her sons with respect.

We treat them as individuals, we respect them, and we just let them be. They will figure it out, they will find their own path. Kids are quite resilient, you know, Kareena said, before adding, I want to live my life in front of my kids, I want to do everything with them. We have to be happy na, then they will flourish. Im responsible for my own mental health first.

In another part of the interview, Kareena candidly admitted that she is attached to her family. Im very attached to my family, my kids, my husband, my five friends. Thats it. Thats my life. I need my people. My spot boy has been with me from my first shot. People who come into my world, I dont let them go and they dont leave. Thats why Im not at every single party. I dont feel the need to be doing that. Being at parties, making friends, socialising. I dont want to, she said.

Kareena recently celebrated Diwali with her family and close friends. She also made the headlines when she got too realistic about her attempt to get the perfect family photo. Taking to Instagram, Kareena shared a series of photos in which she was seen posing with Saif and their sons, Taimur Ali Khan and Jeh Ali Khan. While Taimur stood patiently for the photo to be taken, Jeh clearly had other plans.

In the series of photos, he was seen not only goofing around while the photos were being clicked but also seen running to the other room. The photos left everyone feeling oh-so-relatable.
The talented and beautiful Kriti Sanon has come a long way since her days as a struggling model to winning the coveted National Award for Best Actress for her outstanding performance in Mimi. She has also come a long way from Heropanti 2 to Ganapath, carving her own niche with different roles as an outsider.

In a recent chat with Vogue India, the actress said that outsiders in the industry should have equal opportunities. The industry can become more accessible for outsiders if we start creating equal opportunities  if youre launching someone from the industry, make sure youre also giving space to someone who doesnt belong but is probably more talented, Kriti said. Slowly, very slowly, the world is tilting towards talent and scripts rather than stars and big names, she added.

During a chat with India Today at Conclave Mumbai 2023, Kriti had opened up on her journey from studying engineering to becoming an actor. She had mentioned that she had never seriously thought about choosing acting as a career. I think it all has to start with dreams. I always feel that I have been a dreamer, in my head an achiever. Bachpann me log boltey hai mujhey actress banna hai, main bhi bolti thi (like others, even I used to say as a kid that I wanted to become an actress). I used to watch Madhuri Dixit and her songs and used to copy them. But acting was never something that I thought of seriously at all. I was always into academics. It was a very academic kind of an atmosphere at home and this is something that kind of just happened, she had said.

On the professional front, Kriti Sanon has an exciting lineup of projects. She will star in Rajesh Krishnans upcoming comedy-drama The Crew alongside Kareena Kapoor and Tabu. That apart, she will also star in Tarun Mansukhanis Housefull 5. The film also features Akshay Kumar, Sanjay Dutt, Jacqueline Fernandez, John Abraham, Pooja Hegde and others.
Director and producer Soundarya Rajinikanth recently expressed her admiration for the newly released Tamil film Jigarthanda Double X. The daughter of Superstar Rajinikanth lauded the film as brilliant and extended appreciation to director Karthik Subbaraj, actor Raghav Lawrence, S J Suryah, DOP Thirunavukarasu, and music composer Santhosh Narayanan in her post on X. Jigarthanda Double X is a Tamil action comedy film that graced the screens on November 10. This film stands as a sequel to Karthik Subbarajs previous blockbuster, Jigarthanda, released in 2014.

GEM  brilliant film karthik subbaraj. so happy for you..brilliant performance by my anna Lawrence. so so proud anna !!!!! and my dear Suryah sir, u r such an inspiration.. terrific team work Tirru sir. Santhosh sir and the whole cast and crew of this awesome art on screen JigarthandaDoubleX LOVE THIS !!!" Soundarya wrote.

Take a look at her X post here:

GEM  brilliant film  @karthiksubbaraj so happy for you  brilliant performance by my anna @offl_Lawrence  so so proud anna  !!!!! and my dear @iam_SJSuryah sir u r such an inspiration  .. terrific team work @DOP_Tirru sir @Music_Santhosh sir and soundarya rajnikanth (@soundaryaarajni) November 14, 2023

Jigarthanda Double X reportedly shares many similarities with its prequal. The previous films narrative revolved around an aspiring filmmaker striving to create a film centered on a gangster. In this installment, viewers witness a filmmaker infiltrating the inner circle of a gangster under the guise of making a film, with his true intention being to kill him.

Watch the trailer of the film here:

However, it has not been an easy money-minting day for Jigarthanda Double X. The Tamil cinema witnessed a significant clash on November 10 this year, with the simultaneous release of another prominent film, namely, Japan. Both films boast impressive casts, with Raghava Lawrence and SJ Suryah headlining the action-comedy, while Raju Murugan directed Japan featured Karthi.

Presently, Raghava Lawrences film is experiencing notable success, while the revenue of Karthis starrer lags behind. Interestingly, both films also faced competition from Salman Khans Tiger 3, released on November 12, in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu languages.

According to Sacnilk, Jigarthanda Double X demonstrated robust performance in its initial three days, amassing Rs 15.57 crore as net earnings across India. On the fourth day, the film is estimated to have garnered Rs 7.10 crore in net earnings for all language releases. The film also had an overall 56.45% Tamil occupancy on Monday, November 13.
Shah Rukh Khan is having an amazing year with his films grossing over Rs 2000 crore worldwide. Recently, actor Tom Hiddleston praised the superstar, saying he would be a great fit for a Bollywood version of Loki. Tom has spoken fondly of the Bollywood superstar before as well.

Thinking of SRK in Lokis role, he told Bollywood Hungama, He would be great. Hes a good variant I think. Tom had earlier spoken about watching Shah Rukh Khans iconic film, Devdas, in the UK and said that he found it extraordinary. He had told NDTV, I remember it was quite a long time ago now. I remember going to see Devdas. I mean thats quite an old film. I remember going to see that at my local cinema, and it was such an extraordinary experience. I would say I have never seen anything like that. So, yeah I remember that very much.

Tom Hiddleston has portrayed the character of Loki since 2011 and began starring in his spin-off show in 2021. The second season of Toms show, Loki, recently concluded, receiving a relatively subdued response compared to the first season. In the Marvel movies, the character Loki met his demise in Avengers: Infinity War. It remains uncertain whether he will be resurrected or appear in other timelines in the films. However, based on the actors recent interview with Jimmy Fallon, it seems this might be his final appearance as Loki.

After Disney + Hotstar shared Tom Hiddlestons promotional video on Twitter, Shahrukh Khan had the sweetest reply. He re-tweeted the video featuring Hiddleston in his caption, You are kind, God of Mischief hope theres no mischief behind this claim though. Lots of love Tom and cant wait to binge Loki!!! Starting now- Ep 1!
The timing of the India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue on November 10 has sent its own political message. That both the US Secretary of State and the US Defence Secretary did not postpone the meeting despite their preoccupation with the dangerous situation developing in West Asia shows the importance the US attaches to maintaining the momentum of growing ties with India.

The US has moved two aircraft carrier groups and a Marine unit into the eastern Mediterranean both to deter Hezbollah from opening a northern front against Israel in connivance with Iran and to take military action if required. The US is already involved in a conflict over Ukraine with Russia in Europe. A potential conflict in the Western Pacific with China is brewing. On top of these two, the US is now facing a serious possibility of getting embroiled militarily in a third area of conflict, in West Asia.

India has stakes in all these conflicts. Its ties with Russia remain very important for bilateral and geopolitical reasons. These have come under pressure from the West because of the Ukraine conflict. In West Asia, India has critical energy, financial, manpower and geopolitical interests with the Arab countries, while also developing very substantial ties with Israel, to the point of opening up real possibilities of India-Arab-Israel cooperation in the region. Indias relations with China have become adversarial, just as US-China relations, creating a strong basis for a close partnership to counter Chinas expansionist rise and its hegemonic ambitions.

In this background, other than the consolidation of India-US bilateral ties, the 2+2 Dialogue assumed timely importance.

The US has been reaching out to China in recent months with the declared intention to manage the increasingly adversarial relationship by putting guard rails in place to avoid the eruption of an actual military conflict. It has now been announced that a Biden-Xi meeting will take place in San Francisco at the time of the APEC summit there. There has been intensive planning for this meeting, with a spate of high-level US visits to China in advance. This too makes the timing of the 2+2 Dialogue significant.

If, on the one hand, the US sends signals of constructively engaging China within a defined strategic matrix, a signal is also being sent to China through the 2+2 Dialogue in advance of the Biden-Xi meeting that the Indo-Pacific strategy, the Quad and the strengthening ties with India in the context of Chinas assertiveness remain a cornerstone of US strategy in Asia.

The joint statement issued on the occasion of the 2+2 Dialogue emphasises the important role of the Quad as a force for global good for the peoples of the Indo-Pacific. It looks forward to India hosting the next in-person Quad Leaders Summit in 2024, but this will hinge on President Biden attending the R-Day celebrations as Chief Guest.

It is noteworthy that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated during his bilateral meeting with his US counterpart that India and the US are increasingly in agreement on key issues, such as countering Chinas aggression. The US Defence Secretary, in his media briefing, stated that both sides talked about the rising security challenges that are posed by China.

For the US it would have been important that Ukraine figured in the joint statement, as its omission would have been interpreted as declining US focus on Ukraine in view of the conflict emerging in West Asia (referred to as the Middle East in the joint statement). For India, it was a question of remaining within the bounds of its established position, especially as doubts have arisen in the US, Europe and Ukraine itself about external support for sustaining the conflict. The joint statement limits itself to the humanitarian consequences of the Ukraine conflict, and its impact on the global economic system, predominantly on the Global South. Rather prematurely, the joint statement speaks of post-conflict reconstruction in Ukraine. That would require ending the conflict first.

On Israel, both sides reiterated that they stood with Israel against terrorism, but also called for adherence to international humanitarian law, including with regard to the protection of civilians (a call obviously directed at Israel as a State and not Hamas as a terrorist outfit). While calling for an immediate release of all remaining hostages, the need for providing humanitarian assistance to meet the urgent needs of Palestinian civilians in Gaza has been stressed. The US, which opposes a ceasefire in Gaza and is only willing to support humanitarian pauses, has obtained Indias support for its position which is actually increasingly at odds with that of the Global South. At the Peace Conference organised by France on November 9 in Paris, President Macrons position in support of humanitarian pauses while working for a ceasefire is one with which India could associate, because with the mounting civilian casualties in Gaza, especially of children, opposing a ceasefire is becoming politically untenable.

India has to take note of the hardening position of the Arab world on the conflict and find some common ground with it, without going as far as the declaration of the Arab/OIC summit in Riyadh which, besides calling for a ceasefire, urges the International Criminal Court to investigate war crimes and crimes against humanity that Israel is committing in Palestinian territories. The UN Secretary-General has also urged an immediate ceasefire.

Despite the uncertainties that have developed in West Asia with the Israel-Gaza conflict and its highly negative fall-out in the Arab/Islamic world, the joint statement nonetheless has rather optimistically appreciated the ongoing efforts of the I2U2 countries to enhance food and energy security and improve the movement of people and goods across hemispheres, besides also noting that the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor will enhance connectivity between Asia and Europe and will unlock new potential for economic growth in the two continents.

On the defence side, the joint statement reaffirms the commitment to further deepen the multifaceted defence partnership through military exercises of increasing complexity and sophistication, accelerated joint projects initiated under the June 2023 Roadmap for India-US Defence Industrial Cooperation and expanded collaboration in emerging domains, such as space and artificial intelligence. The progress in cooperation in Maritime Domain Awareness is noted, with a decision to explore technology sharing to meet various maritime challenges, including in the undersea domain. The last is an area of special interest to India in view of the increasing movement of Chinese naval presence in the Indian Ocean.

The joint statement notes that negotiations for a commercial agreement between General Electric (GE) Aerospace and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to manufacture GE F-414 jet engines in India have begun. India is interested in co-developing and co-producing ground mobility systems (the Stryker infantry combat vehicle with radar capability carrying javelin missiles for which the US has made an initial offer). India is interested in further developing its maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) sector, encompassing aircraft maintenance and mid-voyage repair of US naval vessels.

The finalisation of a Security of Supply Arrangement (SOSA) to facilitate the integration of the defence industrial ecosystems of both countries while strengthening supply chain resilience is viewed as important.

The India-US Defence Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X), launched in June 2023, had its first Investors Strategy Session in New Delhi just before the 2+2 Dialogue. This initiative is aimed at mobilising capital for funding innovation in cutting-edge technology.

The rapid progress made under the India-US Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) to build science and technology and critical technology value chain collaborations in both the commercial and defence sectors has been noted in the joint statement, with the second iteration of iCET in New Delhi planned in early 2024.

All these plans to expand cooperation in the defence sector hinge, however, on the US easing its export controls and technology transfers, the dialogue on which is conducted within the Strategic Trade Dialogue and its affiliated working groups.

The US sees interoperability as essential for credibly deepening its defence ties with India. This is predicated on supporting each other militarily in crisis situations. Interoperability is increasing in the naval and air force domains but not as much as in the land domain. Further discussions to maximise the shared benefits of the Logistics and Exchange Memorandum Agreement (LEMOA) are taking place. On land, India prefers to deal with the China challenge essentially on its own and has the confidence to be able to do so.

Space collaborations are being strengthened by establishing a fifth sub-working group, under the India-US Civil Space Joint Working Group, to focus on Space Commerce. The recently held Mineral Security Partnership Principals Meeting in London aimed at catalysing public and private sector investment to build diverse, secure and responsible global critical mineral supply chains has been noted positively in the joint statement.

On bilateral trade, the ministers noted that it has the potential to cross $200 billion in 2023. The next ministerial Trade Policy Forum and Commercial Dialogue meeting is planned for early next year.

With India opening a consulate in Seattle, the US plans to open consulates in Bengaluru and Ahmedabad.

By all accounts, the Dialogue went off very well, with a good understanding on virtually all the issues on the table. It would appear that the US was forthcoming on issues of interest to India, and was willing to open doors to the extent that India was prepared to walk through with its own ambitions and limitations.

Kanwal Sibal is a former Indian Foreign Secretary. He was Indias Ambassador to Turkey, Egypt, France and Russia. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 14. Azerbaijan Industrial Corporation OJSC and South Korean companies signed a memorandum, Trend reports.

The OJSC regularly holds meetings with foreign companies, particularly investors, to enhance the value chain in various business sectors, develop competitive products, diversify portfolios, and establish new collaborations.

The Baku office of KOTRA (Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency) encourages trade relations between Azerbaijan and South Korea and supports direct investments by Korean companies in Azerbaijan.

The Baku office supported the Korean Institute for Advanced Engineering and Lemon Metal Inc. to enter the Azerbaijani market.

This collaboration resulted in a meeting involving the leadership of the Korean Institute for Advanced Engineering, Lemon Metal Inc., the Azerbaijan Industrial Corporation OJSC, and its subsidiary Azeraluminium LLC.

The meeting parties provided detailed information about their respective structures, discussed prospects for collaboration in the development of the aluminum industry, and the implementation of joint projects.

A memorandum of understanding was signed between Azeraluminium LLC and the Institute for Advanced Engineering, covering the production of aluminum alloys, the establishment of research centers, and other areas of cooperation.

The Institute for Advanced Engineering is a significant Korean organization conducting research in the field of manufacturing technologies.

Lemon Metal Inc., a subsidiary of Nedec Co. Ltd, specializes in the production of aluminum materials, primarily special types of aluminum alloys, supplying products globally to the automotive, energy, telecommunications, and information technology industries.

The meeting also agreed on a visit of the delegation to the Ganja Aluminum Complex in Ganja city to get acquainted with the production process.

Stay up to date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Sanatana Dharma provides various multicultural paths to religion, philosophy, metaphysics, and altruism. Not only through the vast beauty of Hindu Dharma but through its sister religions. Deepawali is a truly magnificent and magnanimous celebration of the divine and of our divinity in the form of light. It is not limited to the adherents of one spiritual tradition, but many. It is a Hindu festival also celebrated by Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Western yogis, and other spiritual seekers. For non-Hindus, it can simply be a celebration of light, brilliance, or whatever illuminates. We take this time to let more light and all good qualities inward while removing that which no longer serves our higher or more spiritual pursuits in a world that is largely material and in a time of much strife.

Different narratives from different regions of Bharat and its cultural realm abound. Many share the common theme of dharma overcoming adharma, good overcoming evil, and light overcoming darkness. This makes Deepawali all-inclusive. Even many thousands of Indian Muslims and their mosques light diyas.

This does not mean non-Hindus can make Deepawali into anything they like. It means all of humanity shares a similar existential struggle of redemption and virtue vs vice. All of humanity needs light to see. Even a blind man can sense or sense the light of Surya. The universal nature of Sanatana Dharma indeed reigns supreme.

For Hindus, Diwali reminds us of the assurance that truth, light, dharma, and knowledge always prevail over darkness, ignorance, and adharma. Just as a spark or a small flame peers outward and penetrates many square miles of prior darkness. During Deepawali, we are also reminded of the epic battle won over Ravana. Afterwards, Sita, Rama, and Lakshman reached their true home of Ayodhya, after 14 years of banishment.

During Deepawali, we also give our obeisance to Goddess Lakshmi. We are drawn to the image of the goddess rising from the ocean of milk, churned by the Devatas and Asuras. The devotee churns his or her own mind, containing both light and darkness. Ultimately, we find that abundance of the purified mind, enlightenment, and the atma or true self. An inner light, not separate from Goddess Lakshmi. In this image, she represents and awakens this aspect of ourselves, from within and from without. She is both transcendent and immanent, esoteric and material.

Being the Deepawali season, Id like to write more about light, specifically inner light. The word enlightenment has lost much definition, and is used by many who unfortunately do not understand its meaning. It is not something we just read about in Eckart Tolles books. It is an attainable reality.

One Vedic path towards enlightenment is simply being with nature. The five elements of matter correspond with our five senses and affect our mental state. Energy and brahman as pure consciousness, correspond to our sixth sense, which is the mind itself. The Vedas also speak of the essential psychological and psychic forms of matter, light and energy known as ojas, tejas and prana. Physical, mental and holistic or spiritual health, all rely on becoming aware of them and balancing them within ones being.

The Sanatani also holds dear the great wisdom of Lord Krishna. In the Bhagavad Gita, we find the roadmaps to life through jnana, karma, and bhakti yoga. Krishna does not seem to focus on raja yoga or the path to enlightenment through Ashtanga or the eight limbs that lead to meditation and samadhi. However, this is also an important and attainable path in this age. Remember, true and comprehensive yoga is fully Hindu. One doesnt need to be Hindu to benefit from it, but every Hindu should know it as Bhagwans gift to us and it is our gift to the world. This is especially true of the indigenous Hindustani.

Long ago, the rishis and yogis of Vedic times recognised the existence of chitta or subconscious mind. The Sanskrit word chitta means mind-stuff or conditioned consciousness. They found that during meditation, what seemed to be foreign and forgotten thoughts, memories, emotions, fears, impulses and desires, would bubble up or suddenly start to seep from chitta, the subconscious mind, into manas or the normative mental field. They found that this kept them from reaching higher states of consciousness or chitt, the transcendent conscious mind, or unconditioned consciousness. They called these impressions samskaras, meaning recollections or psychological imprints. They theorised that thought itself was a form of subtle matter. A quiet mind creates space for matter from the unconscious mind to emerge. In between the waking and meditative states, the yogis recognised what they called vrittis or resurfacing thoughts. The Sanskrit word vritti, literally means whirlpool. These Vedantins realised that meditation could act as a sort of mental medium that could process hidden or subconscious impressions, as they became known in the more perceptive conditions of mind we use in the everyday waking state.

Of course, the pressures of everyday life, along with the pressures from our past karma, can appear at any time. A verse in the Upanishads says This mind is like a chariot yoked to wild stallions. These stressors can be more easily dealt with in mindful and meditative states than in anxious states or chaotic situations. These pressures can erupt in an emotional meltdown, or they can be released after the mind has had time to calm and quiet down.

Regular practice of meditation can relieve the pressures of life. As such, meditation can take the power out of stressful situations, though it isnt meant to replace addressing the underlying causes of our various issues. It can help us cope with certain situations by allowing us to respond to them in a more effective and efficient manner. It can make us less impulsive and less likely to turn to anger, rage, substance abuse, violence, or other compulsive behaviours. Meditation is, after all, a modality for overall health found within a larger school of practical metaphysics and holistic medicine (Ayurveda). Meditation is to be respected for the powerful effects it can have, and not taken for granted. Its no wonder that the end result of meditation is historically known to be what we call enlightenment. When we trace the word enlightenment back to its Sanskrit origins, we find quite a few etymological terms. One is the word bodhi. Bodhi means awakened intellect or more simply clear perception. It is where we get the word Buddha.

By practising meditation, we can gain this clear perception. We can learn to discern between what is true, constant and eternal, as opposed to what is fleeting or limited by time and space. This is not about being in a so-called eternal now or in the present moment, which does not persist even for an instant. It is about being mindful of the presence itself. It is a matter of paying attention to what is, and as a result, we can see that which is not.

Sanatana Dharma represents the worlds most ancient continuously practised, indigenous spiritual and philosophical tradition, which focuses on inner knowledge over outer belief and finds its basis in timeless truths and natural law. These truths have been recorded in the great scriptures of Bharat, throughout the ages. The wisdom of the Vedas comes from the ancient rishis, nagas and yogis who observed nature and the mind in various states of consciousness, including the state of samadhi or super consciousness.

This Deepawali, I want to wish the world spirit, joy, health, wealth and peace. I am an American Sanatana Dharmi. Hindu Dharma is my religion. Sanatana Dharma is my way of life. I thank the indigenous Hindus of India and its cultural realm.

Shubh Deepawali.

Sean Bradrick is a former Catholic who adopted the Hindu Dharma over 37 years ago. He is a teacher of buddhi yoga, Samkhya, Ayurveda, and author of soon-to-be released: A Hindus Guide to Advocacy & Activism. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.
The BJP in Karnataka is going back to consolidating its Lingayat vote bank in preparation for the Lok Sabha elections next year by appeasing former chief minister BS Yediyurappa and stitching an alliance with the Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) that can sway voters in the Vokkaliga heartland.

The partys hold over the Lingayat vote bank in the May assembly elections had been considerably disturbed and the attempts to side-line leaders Jagadish Shettar and Laxman Savadi led to the community votes giving a boost to the Congress to come to power.

By appointing BY Vijayendra, a first-time MLA and son of BS Yediyurappa, former chief minister, who single-handedly led the party to power in 2008, the BJP has clearly sent a signal to the Lingayat vote bank that it still trusts the old warhorse.

The latest move is a complete reversal of the stand the party had taken when it had even declined permission to Yediyurappa to go on a campaign tour a few months before the assembly elections. The open effort to ignore Yediyurappa had come soon after the central leadership forced him to step down as chief minister in 2019. Even before the assembly elections, Yediyurappa had returned from Delhi to Bengaluru as he was unhappy with the list of candidates chosen.

Not just Yediyurappa, the denial of tickets to senior Lingayat leaders such as Jagadish Shettar and Laxman Savadi had a ripple effect on the community with the voters showing their disapproval by not voting in favour of us, said a senior BJP leader.

Political analyst Prof Muzaffar Assadi agrees that BJPs tactic is to woo back its lost vote bank, but he stresses that, unlike Yediyurappa, Vijayendra does not have a mass appeal.

The BJP will have to depend on BSY again to regain their votes. The BJP is also fighting a battle within as there are many dissatisfied Vokkaliga leaders who are upset with Vijayendras emergence. It is said there are nearly 40 groups within the party itself, and there may be an effort to pull the rug from within and not let Vijayendra to continue for more than three years, Assadi said.

But party insiders have clearly indicated that with Vijayendra as party chief, Yediyurappa will not have any problems accompanying him on the campaign trail now that the central leadership had accepted his supremacy as a mass leader of the party in the state.

To make a major breakthrough in Southern Karnataka, where the other major caste group of Vokkaligas are a dominant community, the central leadership of the party has got into an alliance with the JDS, headed by the father-son duo of HD Deve Gowda and HD Kumaraswamy. The JDS had also suffered in the May assembly elections when its tally fell by half to 19 seats in its stronghold districts as the Vokkaliga community had tilted towards the Congress with present Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar leading the charge.

The results of the May 2023 elections brought about a humiliating defeat to the ruling BJP in Karnataka as the voters favoured the Congress and reduced the saffron partys representation in the Karnataka legislative assembly from 119 to 65.

In the 2023 Assembly elections, the party experienced a significant decline in voter support in major pockets, including the Kittur Karnataka, Kalyana Karnataka, and Central Karnataka region, and is now hopeful that through its two-pronged strategy of wooing both the major communities, it will be able to win maximum parliamentary seats (Karnataka has 28 Lok Sabha seats).

In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, BJP had scored a remarkable 25 out of 28 seats in the state with the Congress securing just one seat, the JDS one and an Independent getting the prestigious Mandya constituency.

On a question of whether the BJP is consolidating its position amongst the upper caste in the state, political commentator Sandeep Shastri feels that the BJP had taken the upper caste vote for granted as they are firmly supporting them, and agrees that bringing in Vijayendra was a step to consolidate the Lingayat votes, which had partially swayed to the Congress in the assembly elections.

Having chosen a Lingayat as the BJP state party president, many say it will be a Vokkaliga who will be chosen for the post of Leader of Opposition in the assembly. I think it will be an OBC leader. My view is that the BJP central leadership would want an LoP who had nothing to do in a major way, with the previous government and leadership just like Karkala MLA Sunil Kumar. By stitching an alliance with the JDS, having Vijayendra as the party president and possibly an OBC as the LoP, the party hopes to consolidate its support base, the analyst said.

Shastri also observes that the BJPs central leadership appears to be side-lining those who led the assembly campaign and making way for younger leaders to take charge.

Some of the decisions taken are, in a way, that the BJPs way of disassociating itself from those linked with the defeat of the party. A strong message that they are setting the house in order after the state leaders failed, he adds.
As the air quality in Delhi plummeted post-Diwali, former Congress president Sonia Gandhi, who suffers from respiratory problems, moved to less-polluted Jaipur.

Congress General Secretary in-charge Communications Jairam Ramesh said Sonia Gandhi is in Jaipur for the next few days to avoid air pollution in the national capital. It is a purely personal visit, he said.

Chairperson of Congress Parliamentary Party Smt. Sonia Gandhi is in Jaipur for the next few days to avoid the air pollution in New Delhi. It is a purely personal visit.Shri. Rahul Gandhi will be based in Jaipur and campaign in Chhattisgarh on November 15 and in Rajasthan on  Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) November 14, 2023

Doctors have advised 76-year-old Sonia Gandhi to move to a place where the air quality is better. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will meet his mother in Jaipur before heading for the poll campaign in Chhattisgarh, NDTV reported.

As per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) bulletin released on Tuesday at 4 pm, Delhis average air quality in the past 24 hours was very poor with AQI at 397 while Jaipurs AQI stands at 264 (poor).

In September, Sonia Gandhi was admitted to Delhis Sir Ganga Ram Hospital for treatment of a viral respiratory infection. She had also been hospitalised in January due to respiratory issues.

However, this is not the first time the Congress leader is moving to a different place due to air quality in the national capital. In November 2020, she shifted to Goa temporarily reportedly after Delhis poor air quality aggravated her chest infection.

Delhis Rain Relief Goes Up in Smoke, Local Emissions Push Air Pollution to Hazardous Levels

The city experienced very poor to severe air quality for two weeks starting October 28 and a suffocating haze lingered over the capital during this period. However, Delhi saw a sharp improvement in air quality just ahead of Diwali which can be attributed to intermittent rainfall on Friday and wind speed favourable for the dispersion of pollutants.

Despite the favourable impact of rain, air pollution across the national capital quickly escalated to hazardous levels on Diwali night turning the air noxious yet again. The PM2.5 levels breached the safe limits and showed an increasing trend on Monday.

After a brief respite over the weekend, a layer of toxic smog blanketed the region, reducing the visibility significantly.

WORSE DAYS AHEAD in DELHI?

According to the CPCB, no respite is expected over the next few days, and the pollution levels are likely to deteriorate. The forecast suggests the Air Quality Index is likely to hover around very poor to severe levels over the next few days.

The predominant surface winds also remain calm and low night temperatures are leading to mist or shallow fog in the early hours. If the weather conditions are unfavourable, the emissions from human activities will build up locally leading to dangerously high concentrations, says Dr R Subramanian, sector head, Air Quality, at Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (C-STEP).
Tensions between the Congress and the Samajwadi Party, the two key members of the opposition INDIA bloc, have been on the rise lately. After hoardings in Lucknow declared Akhilesh Yadav future prime minister, the SP chief minister took a jibe at Rahul Gandhi this time.

Addressing a rally in Bahoriband in Madhya Pradeshs Katni district, Yadav taunted the Congress and said the partys demand for a caste census is a miracle.

Taking a swipe at Gandhis recent X-ray comment, Yadav sarcastically asked why X-ray when there is availability of new technology like MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and CT (computed tomography) scan.

The biggest miracle is the Congress is also talking about caste census. Those who are talking about X-rays are the same people who stopped the caste census after Independence, Yadav said.

Akhilesh Yadavs comments came after Gandhi, at an election rally in Telangana, said the biggest issue in the country is with regard to caste census and termed it an X-ray that will throw light on the condition of Dalits, tribals and OBCs, and added it will also determine how the countrys funds are being distributed.

The castes can be counted in three months. All the data is available. All are having Aadhaar cards. Why will it take time, he asked. The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said 27 per cent reservation for Other Backward Classes should be implemented in Madhya Pradesh.

He said the Samajwadi Party had built roads on which planes could land in emergency when it was in power in UP. Has the double engine government (BJP rule in MP and at the Centre) made any such road here, he asked the gathering.

Yadav has been taking potshots at one-time ally Congress following a dispute over seat-sharing in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh. Last week, he claimed the Congress does not want to ally with the Samajwadi Party and renewed calls for a third front called PDA focused on Dalits and backward classes.

For the unversed, Yadav and Gandhi had fought the 2017 Uttar Pradesh elections together. They went around using taglines like apne UP ke ladke and UP ko pasand hai yeh saath.

This was to stress home the point that both Akhilesh Yadav and Rahul Gandhi belong to the state as against the outsiders Narendra Modi-Amit Shah duo leading the BJP campaign. It was modelled on the successful Bihari vs Bahari plank run by Nitish Kumar and Lalu Yadav in the then-concluded Bihar polls.

Prashant Kishor, who was the mastermind behind the JD(U)-RJD-Congress Mahagatbandhans campaign, was also believed to be the architect of the new Apne Ladke vs Bahri Modi strategy.

Akhilesh Yadav was so convinced by the Congress-SP tie up that he went ahead and gave over 100 seats out of the 400-odd in the state to the Congress.

The result, however, was a disaster. Congress won just seven seats and Samajwadi Party (SP) also collapsed, leading to a historic win for the BJP riding on the Narendra Modi wave.
In what comes as a bizarre incident, a Chinese man successfully transformed a mall into his residence, managing to distract the security for a period of six months. The mans identity remains anonymous as of now. He ingeniously set up a tent, table, computer, and chair under a staircase. A video that recently went viral showed a mysterious individual emerging from his dwelling to charge electronic devices using the shopping centres outlets.

According to the reports, the security personnel had discovered the unauthorised lodger months ago. However, he permitted him to stay.

He accepted the explanation that he needed a quiet place to study.

However, this set up came to an abrupt end on October 30 when another mall security guard discovered and arrested him.

This is not the first time that such an incident has taken place. In the US, in 2007, artist Michael Townsends arrest made headlines after he squatted inside a Rhode Island shopping mall for as long as four years.

Townsend, conducting an art project on mall life, managed to outsmart security by constructing an underground bunker in the centres parking garage, complete with China dishware and a Playstation 2.

Meanwhile, earlier, a video that went viral showed an unknown man swiftly manoeuvring through the mall all while escaping a security officer. According to the New York Post, the incident occurred at the Guadalajara mall in Mexico. The fan is seen running at full speed with a large cut-out poster of the Eras Tour concert film. With a security official on his tail, the man sprints down an escalator. The pursuit continues until the fan disappears from the camera frame. It is suggested the shoppers at the mall were heard cheering for the man. The clip was initially shared on TikTok, where it garnered over nineteen million views.
In the far reaches of the Indonesian archipelago lies a long, narrow land of steep mountains, jagged cliffs, and deep ravines called Flores Island. This island is home to some notable creatures, including the Flores giant rat, and the Komodo dragon, worlds largest lizard. Moreover, it was only about 20 years ago that scientists discovered a small but complete skeleton of a long-extinct species of human on the Indonesian island of Flores.

Scientists had been looking for evidence of the relocation of humans from Asia to Australia for a long time, because if humans originated from the same place but succeeded to spread themselves across the world, then somebody might have taken the first step to make that first journey. According to the IFL Science reports, the skeleton was soon dubbed Homo floresiensis after it was discovered.

The initial research after the finding of the small skeleton revealed that Homo floresiensis survived until around 12,000 years ago before joining the extinct list. However, further research suggested it would be more correct to claim that the human species likely went out for good around 50,000 years ago, which is a pretty big difference.

In the meantime, Gregory Forth, an anthropologist, believes that maybe this species of ancient human hasnt died out at all, and there could still be some of them alive today. He argues that other scientists have overlooked the clues which point towards the presence of an ape-man living in the forests of Flores for far too long.

Penning his thesis, The scientist Gregory Forth said that he had talked to a number of eyewitnesses who had seen something which could be an indication of the Hobbit still living to this day.

My aim in writing the thesis was to find the best explanation, that is, the most rational and empirically supported Lio accounts of the creatures, he wrote.

Forth further states that this book includes reports of findings by more than 30 eyewitnesses, all of whom he spoke with directly, and he concludes that the best way to explain what they told him is that a non-Sapiens hominid has survived on Flores to the present or very recent times.

He noted that local accounts of something not quite human yet bore an eerie similarity to people, and that something which was so similar to us and yet so different could be seen as problematic and disturbing.

In addition to that, Gregory Forth has suggested that either the ape man is still living or only died out within the last 100 years instead of 50,000.
Mahindra Group chairman Anand Mahindra is no doubt an avid social media user. The industrialist often shares witty and informative posts for all his followers on X (formerly Twitter). His posts also include inspiring stories and funny videos from across the world. The Mahindra and Mahindra Chief boasts a massive following of more than 10 million on X.

A recent tweet by Anand Mahindra in response to a user, who goes by the name pjdaddyofficia on X, has caught the attention of netizens. The user interestingly shared a picture of the industrialists doppelganger. He tagged Anand Mahindra and said, You too can get shocked after seeing this person. My colleague from Pune, lookalike Anand Mahindra.

@anandmahindra You too can get shocked after seeing this person.My colleague from Pune, lookalike Anand Mahindra. pic.twitter.com/ufNQrjoBlz  PJ (@pjdaddyofficial) November 3, 2023

In a quirky reply as usual, the industrialist wrote, Looks like we were separated during some Mela in our childhood

Looks like we were separated during some Mela in our childhood https://t.co/j8j7B8ooAo anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) November 14, 2023

This response from Anand Mahindra left many users in splits and they could not stop reacting. A user said, Ha ha ha . This is like Kumbh ke mele me bichda hua bhai It seems there are 7 identical faces existing on earth. This image looks like to be one of them. You must share what it feels after seeing own carbon copy

Another user noted, He looks exactly like your digital twin lost in Kumbh ka mela. A third user even asked, Identical twins? while another called them Judwa.

Wo mela fir se baapis aayega or aap dono bhai mil jaayege, read a comment.

Known for his support to budding entrepreneurs on social media, recently, Anand Mahindra shared another video and expressed his willingness to invest in a startup. The business tycoon, who often encourages unique and innovative business ideas, was quite impressed with the video that showed a modified car transforming into a wheelchair friendly vehicle.

He wrote in the caption, Super smart and super useful design. Would fill me with pride if our vehicles could offer these fitments. But, its hard for an auto OEM engaged in mass production to do. Need a startup engaged in customisation. I would willingly invest in such a startup.
Hamass military wing on Monday accused Israel of delaying over a prospective Qatar-mediated deal to release dozens of hostages they are holding in Gaza, as part of a prisoner swap scheme.

Abu Obeida, a spokesman for the armed wing of the Islamist movement said: Qatari mediation has led efforts to release 100 Israeli hostages in return for 200 Palestinian children and 75 women held in Israeli prisons.

We informed the mediators we could release the hostages if we obtained five days of truce and passage of aid to all of our people throughout the Gaza Strip, but the enemy is procrastinating, he said in an audio statement.

On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told US media there could be a deal to free hostages held in Gaza, but stopped short of providing any details.

Israeli officials say around 240 people, including foreigners, were taken hostage when Hamas militants from the Gaza Strip surged through the heavily militarised border with Israel on October 7, killing around 1,200 people, mostly civilians.

Among those captured were at least 30 minors, including some young children.

After the attack, Israel began an intensive bombing campaign in Gaza which the Hamas government says has killed 11,240, also mostly civilians.

Political leaders and army chiefs in Israel have said there will be no ceasefire until the hostages are freed.
US President Joe Biden shared a video of himself and First Lady Jill Biden lighting diyas to celebrate Diwali, marking the festival of lights. In a message on X, he wrote a Diwali message, empasising the path of wisdom, love, and unity over the darkness of hate and division

Today, Jill and I lit the Diya to symbolise Diwalis message of seeking the light of wisdom, love, and unity over the darkness of hate and division. May we embrace the enduring spirit of this holiday and of our nation  and reflect on the strength of our shared light, Biden said.

Today, Jill and I lit the Diya to symbolize Diwalis message of seeking the light of wisdom, love, and unity over the darkness of hate and division.May we embrace the enduring spirit of this holiday and of our nation  and reflect on the strength of our shared light. pic.twitter.com/eHjfQ68rXU  President Biden (@POTUS) November 14, 2023

On Monday, US State Secretary Antony Blinken also extended warm wishes for a Diwali to the Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, and Jain communities. Diwali represents a time of joy and renewal, celebrated through traditions that include lighting diyas, decorating homes with rangoli, and sharing sweets with family and friends, he said. Diwali is also a reminder of the strength that the US draws from the diversity that makes up our nation, as well as the importance the United States places on safeguarding religious freedom at home and abroad, Blinken said.

In a heartfelt Diwali message on November 12, Biden earlier praised the contribution of South Asian Americans in the US. He said, Over the course of generations, they have woven Diwali traditions into the fabric of our nation  symbolising the message of seeking the light of wisdom, love, and unity over the darkness of ignorance, hate, and division. Last week, US Vice President Kamala Harris celebrated Diwali at her official residence during which she told the guests that its important to celebrate this festival of light as the world today is facing a difficult and dark moment in the wake of the Israel-Hamas war.

We celebrate Diwali at a time when theres a lot happening in our world. I think its important that as we celebrate Diwali, which is about celebrating the light, we understand it is always in the context of understanding the contrast between light and dark moments, Harris said quoted as saying by PTI. She made these remarks while addressing the guests who were predominantly Indian Americans.
US secretary of state Antony Blinken held a telephonic conversation with newly appointed British foreign minister David Cameron on Tuesday. Both discussed the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and the war in Ukraine and also discussed relations with China.

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with UK Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron today. The Secretary congratulated Lord Cameron on his new appointments to the UK Cabinet and Peerage. Secretary Blinken and Lord Cameron underscored continuity in the US-UK special relationship and its importance to regional and global security, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a readout of the conversation.

They discussed the Israel-Hamas conflict, including efforts to increase the delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza. They also discussed relations with the PRC and cooperation to help Ukraine prevail against Russias war of aggression, Matthew Miller further added.

The former UK prime minister made a comeback to the UK political scene after right-wing former UK home minister Suella Braverman was ousted and James Cleverly, who was serving as foreign minister, was given her portfolio.

Braverman was ousted because she tried to exert her authority over the Conservative Party, experts told UK-based news media outlets.

Cameron stepped down as UKs prime minister in 2016 after losing the Brexit referendum. He also stood down from his MP role and later got mired in a lobbying scandal that was seen as tarnishing his reputation.

The former leader, whose foreign policy record as prime minister is viewed as chequered at best, said he gladly accepted his new role as Britain faced a daunting set of international challenges.

While I have been out of front-line politics for the last seven years, I hope that my experience  as Conservative leader for 11 years and prime minister for six  will assist me in helping the prime minister to meet these vital challenges, Cameron added, citing the Israel-Hamas war and Russias conflict in Ukraine.

(with inputs from Reuters and AFP)
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 14. The Port of Baku and the National Ports Agency of Morocco have signed a memorandum of cooperation during a meeting of the Joint Commission on bilateral cooperation between Azerbaijan and Morocco in Rabat, Trend reports.

The memorandum, inked by Taleh Ziyadov, Director-General of the Port of Baku, and Nadia Laraki, General-Manager of the Moroccan National Ports Agency, aims to establish and strengthen cooperation and partnership, recognizing the pivotal role and strategic importance of ports in the development of both countries.

This agreement is set to foster mutual collaboration across various areas, including port-to-port cooperation, port operations development, logistics, terminal management, infrastructure, the exchange of best practices, and environmental protection.
China, Iran and a multitude of Arab nations condemned an Israeli ministers statement that a nuclear bomb on the Gaza Strip was an option in the Israel-Hamas war, calling it a threat to the world.

At Mondays long-planned opening of a United Nations conference whose goal is to establish a nuclear-free zone in the Middle East, many ambassadors expressed condemnations and criticisms of comments by Israels Heritage Minister Amihai Eliyahu, who later called his remarks in a radio interview Sunday metaphorical.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu quickly disavowed the comments and suspended him from cabinet meetings. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied its nuclear capability. It is widely believed to possess nuclear weapons, and a former employee at its nuclear reactor served 18 years in Israeli prison for leaking details and pictures of Israels alleged nuclear arsenal program to a British newspaper in 1986.

Chinas deputy U.N. ambassador Geng Shuang said Beijing was shocked, calling the statements extremely irresponsible and disturbing and should be universally condemned. He urged Israeli officials to retract the statement and become a party to the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, considered the cornerstone of nuclear disarmament, as a non-nuclear weapon state as soon as possible. Geng said China is ready to join other countries to inject new impetus to establishing a nuclear weapons-free zone in the Mideast, saying there is greater urgency because of the situation in the current region.

U.N. disarmament chief Izumi Nakamitsu, who opened Mondays fourth conference, didnt mention Israel. But she said: Any threat to use nuclear weapons is inadmissible. Nakamitsu reiterated the urgency  of a Middle East zone free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction, stressing that cool heads and diplomatic efforts must prevail to achieve peace between Israel and the Palestinians, based on a two-state solution.

Omans U.N. Ambassador Mohamed Al-Hassan, speaking on behalf of the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council which includes Saudi Arabia, said the threat to use nuclear weapons in Gaza reaffirms the extremes and brutality of the Israeli occupation against the Palestinian people and their disregard for innocent life. He called on the U.N Security Council and the IAEA to take decisive action on the matter. Lebanons Charge dAffaires Hadi Hachem also condemned the Israeli heritage ministers comments, stressing that this self-acknowledgment of having nuclear weapons and the threat of using them by its officials, poses a serious threat to both regional and international peace and security.

He urged Israel to stop such rhetoric or posturing and join the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty as a non-nuclear weapon state. Irans U.N. Ambassador Amir Iravani told the conference the nuclear threats directed toward Palestinians by high-ranking Israeli officials highlight Israels pride in having these weapons in its hands. The secrecy surrounding Israels nuclear capabilities poses a significant threat to regional stability, he said. In these critical times, the imperative to establish such a zone in the Middle East has never been more urgent.

Israel did not speak Monday but Netanyahu has said his countrys biggest threat remains the possibility of a nuclear-armed Iran, and it is prepared to prevent that from happening. Efforts to create a nuclear-weapon-free zone date back to the 1960s and include a call by parties to the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty in 1995 and a 1998 General Assembly resolution asking countries to contribute to establishing it. The first U.N. conference aimed at creating a zone was held in November 2019.

Russias ambassador to the IAEA and other U.N. organizations based in Vienna, Mikhail Ulyanov, told delegates Monday that given the new escalation of violence in the Middle East, a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the region is more pertinent than ever. But he said Moscow is extremely uncomfortable that along with the two other sponsors of the 1995 resolution  the United States and the United Kingdom  the promise to establish a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Mideast has not been met after almost 30 years. And for more than 20 years, theres been almost no progress whatsoever, he said.
Chinese President Xi Jinping left Beijing on Tuesday, state media reported, on his way to San Francisco where he will hold highly anticipated talks with his US counterpart Joe Biden.

On the evening of November 14, President Xi Jinping left Beijing on a special plane. At the invitation of United States President Biden, he will go to San Francisco for the China-US presidents meeting, state broadcaster CCTV reported.

The two leaders will meet on the sidelines of the APEC summit in the Californian city, their first encounter in a year despite trade tensions, sanctions, and the question of Taiwan feeding quarrels between the worlds largest economies.

Positive momentum from the November 2022 talks between Xi and Biden in Bali was derailed when the United States shot down an alleged Chinese spy balloon, delaying a planned visit by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Since then, a flurry of high-level diplomacy, including Blinkens eventual trip to Beijing in June, has signalled ambitions on both sides to mend ties.

Chinas foreign ministry said Monday that this leaders summit would involve in-depth communication on strategic, general and directional issues concerning China-US relations, as well as major issues concerning global peace and development.
A Diwali celebration in Brompton borough of Canadas Quebec province was allegedly disrupted by pro-Khalistani groups who attacked the Hindus celebrating the festival of lights.

The groups carrying Khalistan flags allegedly threw stones at those celebrating Diwali and were also abusive to the Indian community. Sources say the police did not take any action on those pelting stones.

According to sources, police personnel pegged it as internal community fight between Hindus and Sikhs.

The Trudeau administration is a mute spectator of every wrongdoing by Khalistanis. Attacking Hindus during festivals is really shocking. We will raise this matter through official channels, an Indian government official said.

The ties between India and Canada came under severe strain following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus allegations in September of a potential involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on June 18 in British Columbia.

India had designated Nijjar as a terrorist in 2020. India rejected Trudeaus allegations as absurd and motivated. In his fresh remarks last week, Trudeau said that his government reached out to India to ask them to work together in getting to the bottom of this matter.

From the very beginning when we learned of credible allegations that agents of the Indian govt were involved in the killing of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil, we reached out to India to ask them to work with us in getting to the bottom of this matter, he said.

We will continue to work with all partners as law enforcement and investigative agencies continue to do their work. Canada is a country that will always stand up for the rule of law because if might starts to make right again, if bigger countries can violate international law without consequences, then the whole world gets more dangerous for everyone, he added.

Days after Trudeaus allegations in September, India temporarily suspended the issuance of visas to Canadian citizens and asked Ottawa to downsize its diplomatic presence in the country to ensure parity. India resumed some visa services in Canada last month, more than a month after they were suspended.
The Indian delegation at the UNHRC (United Nations Human Rights Council) meeting led by Mohammed Hussain last week recommended that Canada introduce a framework to prevent misuse of freedom of expression, attacks on places of worship and minorities.

In the spirit of constructive dialogue, India recommends the following to Canada  further, strengthen the domestic framework to prevent misuse of freedom of expression, for inciting violence and disallow activities of groups which are promoting extremism, effectively prevent attacks on places of worship of religious and racial minorities, strengthen legislative and other measures to address hate crimes and hate speech, Indian diplomat Mohammed Hussain said.

Hussain said that India welcomes and notes the enactment of the National Housing Strategy Act, Accessible Canada Act, and the National Strategy in Canada, introduced to combat human trafficking.

#WATCH | "India welcomes and thanks the delegation of Canada for the presentation of their national report. We note the enactment of the National Housing Strategy Act, Accessible Canada Act, and the National Strategy to combat human trafficking. In the spirit of constructive pic.twitter.com/E8sRp1nqB7 ANI (@ANI) November 13, 2023

India welcomes and thanks the delegation of Canada for the presentation of their national report. We note the enactment of the National Housing Strategy Act, Accessible Canada Act, and the National Strategy to combat human trafficking, Hussain said.

India further recommended that Canada take steps to end structural discrimination against children who belong to indigenous groups of Canada and address the disparities in access to services by all children.

(India recommends Canada to) Put an end to structural discrimination against children belonging to Indigenous groups and address disparities in access to services by all children, Hussain said.

The UN in a recent report criticised the Canadian government for not checking contemporary forms of slavery in the country. A special report by the United Nations special rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery showed that Canadas Temporary Foreign Workers Program (TFWP) is a top source of concern because of the programs low-wage and agricultural streams because they constitute a breeding ground for contemporary forms of slavery.

The UN special rapporteur Tomoya Obokata said he is disturbed that the number of workers entering Canada through this program is sharply on the rise.

The Special Rapporteur is disturbed by the fact that certain categories of migrant workers are made vulnerable to contemporary forms of slavery in Canada, by the policies that regulate their immigration status, employment, and housing in Canada, and he is particularly concerned that this workforce is disproportionately racialized, attesting to deep-rooted racism and xenophobia entrenched in Canadas immigration system, the UN rapporteur said in a statement released earlier this year.
Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant said Hamas lost control of the Gaza Strip after remaining in power for 16 years. Hamas has lost control of Gaza. Terrorists are fleeing southward. Civilians are looting Hamas bases, Gallant was quoted as saying by news agency AFP. Gallant could not give any video evidence to back his claims.

They dont have faith in the government anymore, Gallant said, referring to Gazan civilians.

Hamas, meanwhile, has told Israel to focus on the mediation talks being hosted by Qatar.

We informed the mediators we could release the hostages if we obtained five days of truce and passage of aid to all of our people throughout the Gaza Strip, but the enemy is procrastinating, Abu Obeida said in an audio statement.

The spokesman for the terror group said a possible deal would involve the release of 100 Israeli hostages in return for 200 Palestinian children and 75 women held in Israeli prisons.

The US President Joe Biden said that he is hopeful that the Qatari mediation would lead to release of some out of the 200-plus hostages taken by Hamas and other terrorist factions on October 7 when they attacked southern Israeli towns and killed an estimated 1,200 people, mostly Israeli civilians.

There is an effort to take this pause to deal with the release of prisoners, and thats being negotiated as well with  the Qataris are engaged and  so, I remain somewhat hopeful, Biden was quoted as saying by news agencies.

The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza says Israels assault has already killed 11,240 people, including 4,630 children.

International aid agencies speak of hundreds of thousands of people displaced and a rolling humanitarian catastrophe.

International Pressure

Israel has been feeling the mounting international pressure due to its intense bombardment of Gaza City and its foreign minister Eli Cohen said that Israel has only a few weeks before international pressure really steps up.

Israel is working to broaden the window of legitimacy, and the fighting will carry on for as long as necessary, Cohen said.

Tensions have also risen in the West Bank, with Israeli settler communities attacking Palestinians. There were also reports of multiple clashes between Israeli security forces and Palestinian fighters in the occupied West Bank.
Hundreds of people stranded in Gazas biggest hospital were enduring inhuman conditions on Monday while heavy fighting raged around them, a doctor inside said, as US President Joe Biden urged Israel to protect the facility.

Witnesses reported intense air strikes, with tanks and armoured vehicles just meters from the gate of Al-Shifa hospital, under which Israel argues Hamas has buried its military headquarters  a charge denied by Hamas.

The situation is very bad, it is inhuman, a surgeon with Doctors Without Borders (MSF), the medical charity group, wrote on social media.

We dont have electricity. Theres no water in the hospital, added the doctor, who was not named.

Biden added to rising international pressure on Israel, urging the United States ally to use less intrusive action relative to the hospital.

The hospital must be protected, Biden told reporters in the Oval Office when asked if he had expressed concerns to Israel on the issue.

The Israeli army has pushed on with its campaign, determined to destroy the Hamas movement whose gunmen it says killed at least 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took about 240 hostages when they stormed across the militarised border from Gaza.

Israel said 44 of its troops have been killed in the Gaza ground operation begun after the worst attack on Israel since its founding.

Hamas has lost control of Gaza, the territory it has ruled since 2007, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said in a statement broadcast on Israels main TV stations.

Terrorists are fleeing southward. Civilians are looting Hamas bases, Gallant said on Israeli television without providing evidence.

But Israel is facing intense international calls to minimise civilian suffering during its massive air and ground operations that the Health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza say have killed 11,240 people, including 4,630 children.

Israels top diplomat, as quoted by his spokesman, said the nation has two or three weeks until international pressure really steps up.

Foreign Minister Eli Cohen added that Israel is working to broaden the window of legitimacy, and the fighting will carry on for as long as necessary.

Fear of regional conflict

The Hamas-run health ministry said there were dozens of bodies on the streets of northern Gaza, where the heaviest fighting raged, and ambulances were coming under Israeli fire when they tried to retrieve them.

The Hamas governments deputy health minister Youssef Abu Rish said the death toll inside Al-Shifa rose to 27 adult intensive care patients and seven babies since the weekend as the facility suffered fuel shortages.

Gaza has been reliant on generators for more than a month after Israel cut off power supplies following the October 7 Hamas attack, and the besieged territorys only power plant ran out of fuel.

A lack of fuel is also hitting the UN agency for Palestinian refugees UNRWA. The agencys Gaza chief Thomas White said operations will grind to a halt in the next 48 hours as no fuel is allowed to enter the territory.

The World Health Organization in the Palestinian territories said early Monday that at least 2,300 people  patients, health workers and people fleeing fighting  were inside the crippled Al-Shifa facility.

The Israel Defense Forces on Monday reported more heavy fighting and again stressed its claim that Hamas was hiding in civilian infrastructure.

Israeli forces had found signs that Hamas militants had held hostages at a childrens hospital in Gaza City, army spokesman Daniel Hagari said, showing footage of a baby bottle and a rope near a chair.

Teams of Israeli troops ran between jagged ruins in Gaza while air strikes shown on grainy military-released video shattered buildings.

Israelis are stunned by the October 7 attack and worried for the fate of the hostages. Demonstrators rallied on Monday outside the United Nations in Jerusalem to call for the world bodys help in freeing the captives.

A possible deal for the release of prisoners was the subject of ongoing negotiations being mediated by Qatar, according to Biden.

The war in Gaza has also spurred concerns of a wider regional conflict.

At least eight pro-Iran fighters were killed in US strikes on eastern Syria, a war monitor said, in response to attacks on American forces.

It was the third time in less than three weeks that the US military has targeted locations in Syria. Attacks on American forces in the Middle East have spiked since the Israel-Hamas war began.

International concern

International attention has focused on the plight of Palestinians, and protests have been held worldwide in solidarity with the 2.4 million under bombardment and near-total siege for more than five weeks.

About 980 trucks carrying humanitarian aid have been let into Gaza since October 21, according to the UN humanitarian agency.

Before the war, 500 trucks entered every day, it said.

Palestinian prime minister Mohammad Shtayyeh called on the European Union and the United Nations to parachute aid into Gaza.

Fuel is in critical need, especially for hospital generators, but Israel has been concerned that any fuel deliveries could be diverted to Hamas militants.

Almost 1.6 million people  about two-thirds of Gazas population  have been internally displaced since October 7, according to UNRWA.

Some people were being allowed to leave the besieged territory via the Egypt-controlled Rafah crossing and on Monday more than 550 foreigners passport holders and nine wounded Palestinians wounded and companions crossed.

Israels military said it would observe a self-evacuation corridor Monday, allowing people to move from Al-Shifa southward, but admitted the area was still the scene of intense battles.

The area of fighting currently includes the area surrounding the Al-Shifa hospital but not the hospital itself, an IDF spokesperson told AFP.

The Israeli army also said its ground soldiers had hand-delivered 300 litres (80 gallons) of fuel near the hospital for urgent medical purposes.

Al-Shifa director Abu Salmiya said he told Israeli authorities he needed far more  at least 8,000 litres to run the main generators and save hundreds of patients and wounded, but they refused.

AFP was unable to independently verify his account or Israels claim that Hamas forbade the hospital from taking the fuel.
Unknown assailants gunned down Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief Maulana Masood Azhars close aide, Maulana Raheem Ullah Tariq on Sunday. The most wanted terrorist was on his way to a religious gathering in Karachi when unknown assailants shot him dead. The Pakistan police officials condemned the murder of the aide of the UN Security Council (UNSC) terrorist and said it was a targeted killing and an act of terrorism.

Three most wanted terrorists in India have been assassinated by unknown assailants in Pakistan this month, the Times of India said in a report. The Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Akram Ghazi and Khwaja Shahid, one of the masterminds of the 2018 Sunjuwan terrorist attack, were found dead earlier this month. Khwaja Shahid was abducted and his beheaded body was found near the Line of Control (LoC) in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

People familiar with the developments told the newspaper that Tariq may have been killed due to infighting among JeM leaders and local terrorists may have carried out the attack.

They also said that the unknown assailants who killed him seemed familiar with the topography of Orangi Town and shot him multiple times from close range. Orangi Town is a large slum in Karachi. He died almost immediately.

Tariq was on his way to address a gathering with an anti-India theme and focused on how to destabilise the Kashmir region.

In November, Akram Khan, a top recruiter of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist group, was also killed. Akram Khan, also known as Ghazi, was responsible for radicalising hundreds of terrorists who infiltrated Kashmir Valley in the last two years. He was a key member of the LeT recruitment cell for two years, from 2018 to 2020.

Ghazi was gunned down by bike-borne assailants in Bajaur district. Pakistani spy agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) has downplayed the killing. Ghazi was known for his anti-India speeches.

Several key terrorists who were also wanted in India have been killed in Pakistan. Several terrorists belonging to Khalistani outfits, JeM and LeT have been gunned down since May this year. Pakistani law enforcement officials are yet to find out if these killings are connected or isolated events which have been planned due to infighting within these terrorist groups.
The killing of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief Maulana Masood Azhars close aide, Maulana Raheem Ullah Tariq on Sunday in Pakistan is the seventh time a most-wanted terrorist in India has been gunned down in Pakistan.

Tariq, an inciter of hatred, often travelled to impoverished areas in Pakistan to rile up the masses against India with hate-filled speeches.

Sunday was no different.

He was on his way to Orangi Township, a sprawling slum in Karachi, to attend an anti-India event when suddenly two unknown assailants sprung out of nowhere and sprayed him with bullets, killing him within moments.

A report by the Times of India citing people familiar with the developments said that infighting within the JeM led to his murder.

Tariqs death shocked the Pakistan law enforcement who were quick to say that the death of a terrorist at the hands of unknown assailants was in itself an act of terrorism.

Pakistan government and its security agencies, without evidence, has blamed India, according to a report by Dawn but has failed to acknowledge that it is reaping what it has sowed by supporting terrorists since its formation.

Pakistan, which is a safe haven for terrorists, is known to give protection to terrorists because it can then destabilise the Kashmir valley and target India.

However, the deaths of seven wanted terrorists in the last seven months has most likely shaken the Pakistan Army and the Pakistan spy agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence, because these two entities continue to spend millions of dollars in arming and supporting these terrorists.

Here is a list of most wanted terrorists who were killed in Pakistan in last seven months:
Right-wing Tories plan to raise hell in response to the dismissal of Home Secretary Suella Braverman in the latest cabinet reshuffle by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, UK newspaper Daily Mail has reported. Citing Party insiders, the British daily warned about a slow-motion car crash for PM Sunak, even though nearly 50 MPs expressed support for the Home Secretarys ouster.

In a Monday night meeting, disgruntled MPs convened to determine their next steps. Separately, Conservative Dame Andrea Jenkyns submitted a letter of no confidence in the Prime Minister to the 1922 Committee, citing dissatisfaction with his handling of the situation.

Sunaks Machiavellian role

In her letter, she claimed Sunaks Machiavellian role in ousting former prime minister Boris Johnson and the purge of the centre-right from his cabinet. It is said that Chancellor Sunak received numerous appeals over the weekend urging him not to dismiss Braverman, a key figure on the right. Coordinated letters and private appeals to the British Prime Minister reflect the brewing discontent.

Enough is enough, I have submitted my vote of no confidence letter to the Chairman of the 1922. It is time for Rishi Sunak to go and replace him with a real Conservative party leader. pic.twitter.com/yJmGc14d75 Andrea Jenkyns MP (@andreajenkyns) November 13, 2023

On Monday, the UK Prime Minister requested Suella Braverman to leave the government, a move she accepted. Braverman swiftly fired a warning, asserting she would not stay silent from the backbenches. In a brief statement, she expressed the privilege of serving as home secretary, hinting at more to come.

The Indian-origin PMs hand was reportedly forced when the ever-controversial Braverman defied him last week in an unauthorised article accusing police of double standards at protests, suggesting they were tough on right-wing demonstrators, but easy on pro-Palestinian marchers.

High-profile interventions

Sunaks press secretary said the prime minister launched the reshuffle to create a strong, united team that will be focused on delivery after the government had come under fire for failing to meet some of its pledges. But Downing Street sources told Daily Mail the Sunak had grown frustrated with Bravermans high-profile public interventions, which stretched the boundaries of collective responsibility.

The main opposition Labour Party said her comments had inflamed tensions between a pro-Palestinian demonstration and a far-right counter-protest on Saturday, when nearly 150 people were arrested. One Tory source was quoted as saying by the UK newspaper that The way Suella has been targeted will mean civil war in the party. Letters urging the PM not to fire her have simply been ignored. People are absolutely furious.

(With agency inputs)
A ransomware gang representative told news agency Reuters on Monday that they forced Chinas biggest lender, the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), to pay ransom after the lenders US arm was hit by a ransomware attack last week.

The attack disrupted trades in the US Treasury market last week and the scope of the attack was so extensive that corporate email at the firm stopped functioning, forcing employees to use Google mail, the news agency said.

They paid a ransom, deal closed, a representative of the cybercrime firm Lockbit told Reuters. The news agency said that it could independently verify if ICBC had to pay the ransom.

The ICBC owes the Bank of New York Mellon $9 billion, an amount many times larger than its net capital.

We are reminding members to stay current on all protective measures and patch critical vulnerabilities immediately. Ransomware remains one of the top threat vectors facing the financial sector, The Financial Services Information Sharing and Analysis Center, a financial industry cybersecurity group, said in a statement.

Lockbit, one of the worlds most notorious ransomware gangs, have hacked some of the worlds largest organisations in recent months. When those organisations declined to pay the ransom, the group stole and leaked sensitive information.

The US says that it is now the worlds top ransomware threat and has risen to this position in just three years.

Lockbit attacks have affected over 1,700 American organisations in nearly every sector, from financial services, food industry, transportation to government departments.

Authorities disprove paying ransomware gangs because they believe it empowers them and strengthens their business model. These ransomware gangs demand ransom in the form of cryptocurrency, which is harder to trace and gives the receiver anonymity.

The Reuters report said that some companies have quietly paid the ransom in order to get back online and protect their reputation because a sensitive data leak hurts business.

Ransomware victims who do not have a digital backup which helps in restoring the system without the need of a decryption key sometimes have no choice but to pay.

Lockbit hackers published internal data from aerospace giant Boeing and also infected computer systems at law firm Allen & Overy last week.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 14. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, co-chairman of the joint commission on bilateral cooperation between the Government of Azerbaijan and the Government of Morocco Jeyhun Bayramov met with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation with Africa and Moroccans Abroad, co-chairman of the commission from the Moroccan side Nasser Bourita within the framework of his official visit to Morocco, Trend reports via Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry.

The one-on-one meeting between Bayramov and Bourita continued with the participation of delegations from both sides.

Then the 2nd session of the joint commission on bilateral cooperation was held with participation of Azerbaijani and Moroccan officials of relevant state institutions. Opinions were exchanged on bilateral and multilateral cooperation relations between Azerbaijan and Morocco, as well as regional issues.

In the course of the commission meeting, the visit of great leader Heydar Aliyev to Morocco in 1994 was also mentioned. The importance and role of this and other high-level reciprocal visits in terms of development of bilateral cooperation between Azerbaijan and Morocco was noted, and the existing mechanism of political consultations between foreign ministries was emphasized.

Azerbaijan and Morocco's support for each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity was noted with satisfaction, and the importance of continuing ties between the sides within multilateral platforms such as the UN, OIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation) and NAM (Non-Aligned Movement) was emphasized.

The sides discussed the possibilities of expanding cooperation with Morocco in the economic, trade and investment spheres. In this regard, the sides stressed the importance of organizing commission meetings on a regular basis and holding business forums with the participation of businessmen from the two countries.

The importance of speeding up domestic procedures for the early entry into force of the relevant bilateral documents, which will serve as a legal basis for economic cooperation, was emphasized. The potential of cooperation in the field of infrastructure construction was discussed, and the general opinion was expressed that the exchange of experience in the field of international ports would make an additional contribution to the bilateral agenda.The existing agrarian potential in Azerbaijan's liberated territories was mentioned, and views were exchanged on possible Azerbaijani-Moroccan partnership in the field of establishment and management of farms in these territories.

The sides emphasized that development of cooperation between Azerbaijan and Morocco in tourism, culture, education spheres can bring the peoples of the two countries closer and contribute to deepening of interstate relations.

Jeyhun Bayramov informed about the factors that caused the local anti-terrorist activities carried out by Azerbaijan within 24 hours, particularly the threat posed by the formations of the Armenian armed forces, which were not withdrawn from the territories of Azerbaijan despite their obligations, as well as the current regional situation and Azerbaijan's plans to ensure peace and stability in the region. Azerbaijan's promotion of relations normalization with Armenia, as well as the fact that Armenia's slanderous campaign against Azerbaijan does not serve the establishment of peace was noted. At the same time, the Minister informed about the mine threat from Armenia.

Other issues of mutual interest were also discussed.

At the end, the sides signed Azerbaijani-Moroccan bilateral documents, including those in the spheres of energy, logistics, ecology, as well as the protocol of the 2nd session of the commission.

Then, at the briefing, the ministers made statements on the results of the meetings.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Tuesday U.N. member states enforcing the Korean War armistice are concerned that China and Russia are helping North Korea expand its military capabilities by enabling Pyongyang to evade U.N. sanctions.

Austin was speaking at a meeting in South Korea with defence ministers and representatives from the 17 countries that make up the U.N. Command (UNC)  the body that oversees the armistice. We are deeply concerned that the PRC and Russia are helping the DPRK expand its capabilities by enabling it to evade sanctions from the U.N. Security council, Austin said, referring to the Peoples Republic of China and North Koreas official name, the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea.

Were also troubled by the recent growth in military cooperation between Russia and the DPRK, he said. Washington has accused North Korea of supplying military equipment to Russia for use in its war with Ukraine, and Moscow of providing technical military support to help the North.

North Korea and Russia have denied any arms deals, though their leaders pledged closer military cooperation when they met in September in Russias far east. China, North Koreas closest ally, has said it was complying with international obligations. The UNC will be united upon any renewal of hostilities or armed attack on the Korean peninsula, a joint statement between UNC and South Korea said, condemning North Koreas unlawful nuclear and ballistic missile programs.

South Korean Defence Minister Shin Won-sik said Pyongyang had been warned not to attempt any aggressive acts, noting that unlike in 1950, when the Korean War broke out, North Korea is now a member state of the United Nations.

NORTH CALLS FOR UNC TO BE DISSOLVED

If North Korea ever invades the South again, it will be self-contradictory, where a U.N. member state would be attacking the U.N. Command, Shin told the meeting. If the countries that backed North Korea during the Korean War ever try to help again, then those countries will also receive grave punishment from the international community along with North Korea.

China and the Soviet Union backed the North in combat against U.N. member states led by the United States. China and North Korea are parties to the armistice with the UNC. The 17 member countries of the UNC, which include the United States, Britain, Australia and Turkey, sent troops or contributed medical support during the 1950-53 Korean War.

Established in 1950, the UNC was mandated to restore peace and enforce the armistice while acting as a channel of communication with North Korea. It is led by the commander of the U.S. military stationed in South Korea. North Korea on Monday called the UNC a U.S. tool for confrontation that has nothing to do with the United Nations and an illegal war organisation that must be dissolved if the outbreak of a new war on the Korean peninsula is to be prevented.

On Monday, Austin and Shin agreed to revise a bilateral security agreement aimed at deterring North Koreas growing nuclear and missile threats. The defence chiefs also agreed to step up joint drills and cooperate with Japan to deter and better prepare for any North Korean attack.

South Korea, the United States and other U.N. member states agreed to expand exercises, the joint statement said, while seeing the need for dialogue as a path toward peace on the peninsula. The U.S. and South Korean navies are carrying out joint drills this week off the east coast of the peninsula, including anti-submarine exercises, the South Korean navy said on Tuesday.
Indian-American presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy had a heated exchange with popular US news anchor Chris Cuomo over fellow GOP candidate Nikki Haley. During an interview, Cuomo accused Vivek of going at Nikki Haley and questioned the potential outcome of such a move.

To this, the 38-year-old biotech entrepreneur said, I dont know what you have been smoking man. Nikki Haley has been going after me the whole campaign. The first debate, second debate, and third debate. She has been trailing me the whole time. The establishment media has realised that there is a puppet that they want to put up. I am not playing that game. The grassroots of the country know that they want a leader who isnt gonna send our sons and daughters to fight foreign wars that have racked up USD 7 trillion in debt.

NEW: Vivek Ramaswamy humiliates Chris Cuomo on his own show, asks him what he is smoking and then calls him out for lying to the American people.Beast After Cuomo started to accuse Vivek of going at Nikki Haley, Vivek gave him a reality check. Calling Nikki Haley pic.twitter.com/tDvILBWJ58  Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) November 14, 2023

Haley vs Ramaswamy

Both Haley and Ramaswamy have clashed publicly during the last two of the three Republican primary debates. The two Indian Americans have qualified for the fourth primary Republican Party debate, boycotted by former president and frontrunner Donald Trump. Last week, both went head-to-head at the GOP primary during the third debate in the state of Florida. Haley called Ramaswamy scum after he brought up her daughter at the third Republican presidential debate stage in Miami.

Leave My Daughter Out, Says Nikki Haley, Calling Ramaswamy A Scum At 3rd GOP Debate

In a separate Fox News interview Monday, Ramaswamy said that he has a fundamental ideological divide with his Republican rival Haley who represents an older generation in the party. I think theres a fundamental ideological divide. She represents an older generation of Republicans, he said about the 51-year-old former governor of South Carolina.

She talks a lot about how we need a new generation of leadership. I agree with her. Its just that shes on the wrong side of that generational divide, taking us back to the Dick Cheney era, pointless wars that wasted USD 7 trillion of national debt that we accumulated, thousands of Americas sons and daughters of lives sacrificed, people my age, Ramaswamy said.

We deserve somebody who is not a puppet

Thats a mistake. I think that anybody who has made money off those wars, people who have been part of the establishment, joining military contractors, monetising their time in government, I dont care if thats the Biden corruption family or if its a Republican version of that, which is what I see in Nikki Haley. Its wrong, he said. So, Im calling that out. The establishment doesnt appreciate that very much. But I think we deserve somebody who is not just a puppet of the special interests, but somebody whos independent, coming in from the outside, he said in response to a question.

I will be there, and I will be similarly unrestrained, as I was in the last debate as well. Thats what our base is hungry for. They want the truth. They dont want professional politicians with talking points. So, yes, I have qualified. I will be there. And I dont think that were going to disappoint people by hiding behind some shell. Im going to be pretty open. And thats what people are hungry for, Ramaswamy said in response to another question. Describing himself as the best person to lead the country, Ramaswamy said: Im a CEO. I come from outside of this broken world of politics.

(With agency inputs)
The Israeli army posted a video and shared photographs of the al-Rantissi hospital claiming that hostages were kept there and it also stored weapons.

The Israeli defence forces shared a video and pictures of the al-Rantissi hospital in Gaza claiming that the childrens hospitals basement was used for holding hostages and storing weapons.

EXCLUSIVE RAW FOOTAGE: Watch IDF Spokesperson RAdm. Daniel Hagari walk through one of Hamas' subterranean terrorist tunnelsonly to exit in Gaza's Rantisi hospital on the other side. Inside these tunnels, Hamas terrorists hide, operate and hold Israeli hostages against their pic.twitter.com/Nx4lVrvSXH  Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) November 13, 2023

Hamas took all this area under its control and conducted its war against Israelis from this hospital, the IDF claimed.

The IDF spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, said that Israeli forces found a command centre with an armoury of weapons including grenades, suicide vests and other explosives. They claimed that these weapons were stored by Hamas terrorists in the basement of the hospital, which pre-war, catered to children and cancer patients.

We also found signs that indicate that Hamas held hostages here, this is currently under our investigation. But we also have intelligence that verifies it, Hagari further added.

The IDF footage captured what possibly was a makeshift space where people were living. There was a small kitchen and nearby tunnel shaft which led to the house of a senior Hamas naval commander.

They said that they found a motorcycle with gunshot marks and said the vehicle may have been used to bring hostages to Gaza after the surprise attack on October 7 when Hamas terrorists stormed into southern Israeli villages and a music festival, killing some 1,200 people and taking around 240 people hostage.

Israel retaliated by launching an intense bombardment of the Gaza Strip along with a ground operation under which IDF soldiers have pushed deep into the blockaded coastal enclave. More than 11,000 people have been killed in Gaza, according to Palestinian health officials.

The Israeli army is positioned outside the gates of Al Shifa hospital. There are currently hundreds of patients inside the hospital who are waiting to be evacuated.

Israel claims that the hospital is a Hamas control and command centre and says that the terrorist group is using hospitals and other civilian infrastructure to hide weapons positions and using civilians as well as patients as human shields.

Hamas has denied these accusations and so have the doctors and authorities working in these hospitals. The US President Joe Biden and global organisations like the UN called for a halt to attacks on healthcare in Gaza. Israel has countered by saying that it is allowing patients and civilians to evacuate.
Wedding ceremony halted as kangaroo fight breaks out

closeVideo

An Australian wedding was temporarily delayed after kangaroos near the venue began fighting one another.

A bride and groom about to be married may not have gotten a kick out of this.

A couple's wedding ceremony was delayed when two kangaroos were spotted fighting near the venue.

The Jervis Bay, New South Wales, wedding was about to begin when wedding guests spotted two kangaroos fighting off to the side.

WEDDING MISHAP: BRIDE STOPS ENTIRE CEREMONY WHEN SHE FORGETS PART OF HER WEDDING DRESS

A video captures the moment the large kangaroos were seen on their large and powerful hind legs, fighting each other.

As a result of the fight, the wedding ceremony was temporarily delayed.

The two animals continued to fight, causing the wedding guests to watch in shock and dismay. (@mitchchuri via Storyful)

Videographer and commentator Mitch Churi can be heard talking about the encounter.

WEDDING WINNERS 2022: THE BEST 10 STATES FOR WEDDINGS THIS YEAR (DID YOUR STATE MAKE THE LIST?)

At one point, he jokes about the timing of the incident  wedding day.

Two large and aggressive kangaroos attracted undue attention at a couple's wedding. (@mitchchuri via Storyful)

"Weddings are all fun and games until some of the guests start to fight," he said.

MICHIGAN MAN PROPOSES TO HIS GIRLFRIEND WITH A SWEETGREEN SALAD

In the video, the two kangaroos can be seen standing on their hind legs and attacking one another.

One kangaroo even went for the gut of the other kangaroo.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

"Right in the gut," said the videographer.

The two kangaroos can be seen fighting in the field. (@mitchchuri via Storyful)

The crowd of wedding guests was apparently completely fixated on the fight.

"Everybody stopped looking for the bride and groom and spent 20 minutes watching the fight," he said.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

After the kangaroos calmed down and left the area  the ceremony then began.

Brittany Kasko is a lifestyle production assistant with Fox News Digital.
Cruise Saudi, a 100% PIF-owned company, has appointed marine catering architects, DL Services, to develop premium catering spaces for Cruise Saudis new cruise line Aroya Cruises.

DL Services will work together with Columbia Signature F&B Corporate teams, for the redevelopment and layout design of all existing catering spaces on board Aroya Cruises.

This collaboration will form part of one of the most comprehensive refit projects within the marine industry, as DL Services will work on the development and addition of completely new catering areas and concepts onboard.

This development will include existing catering areas throughout the vessel being redesigned and upgraded with the latest equipment in line with each venues individual concept and requirements. These catering spaces on Aroya Cruises will be designed to deliver not only an impressive premium and comprehensive international line up of cuisine offerings but will also showcase truly outstanding culinary experiences focusing on the local cultural offerings and traditions.

This latest announcement forms part of Cruise Saudis wider strategy to partner with outstanding sector-leading vendors to ensure that Aroya Cruises offers the highest standard of services and facilities onboard.

Lars Clasen, CEO at Cruise Saudi, said: Exceptional catering facilities are crucial to providing quality cuisine, and the comprehensive and varied culinary offering onboard our Aroya Cruise ships will in turn undoubtedly enhance the premium experience. We are therefore delighted to be partnering with marine catering architects, DL Services, to provide state-of-the-art catering spaces on our Aroya Cruises ship."

Launched in June 2023, and designed for Saudi nationals, expatriates and regional guests, Aroya Cruises will be tailored specifically to the interests of the Arabian market. The creation of Aroya Cruises supports Cruise Saudis overall goals of creating 50,000 job opportunities in Saudi, and welcoming 1.3 million cruise passengers annually, by 2035. - TradeArabia News Service
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 14. Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met with Morocco's Speaker of the House of Representatives Rachid Talbi El Alami within the framework of his official visit to Morocco, Trend reports via Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry.

Jeyhun Bayramov expressed satisfaction with the current level of friendship and partnership relations between Azerbaijan and Morocco and touched upon the prospects of development of inter-parliamentary relations between the two countries. He emphasized the importance of activation of the Morocco-Azerbaijan Friendship Group and inter-parliamentary contact group.

He also noted that there is a great potential for the development of bilateral and multilateral cooperation, and the activation of mutual visits and political consultations will stimulate the development of cooperation between the two countries in economic, humanitarian, educational, tourism and other spheres.

Bayramov also informed the interlocutor about the 30-year Armenian occupation of Azerbaijani territories, the post-conflict period, the rehabilitation and reconstruction work in the lands liberated from the occupation, Azerbaijan's plans for the establishment of sustainable peace in the South Caucasus and the practical steps undertaken in this direction.

In the course of the meeting, the sides also emphasized that the strengthening of the legal framework between Azerbaijan and Morocco will contribute to the development of cooperation in new promising spheres.

The sides also exchanged views on other issues of mutual interest.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 14. Riyadh hosted a joint extraordinary summit of the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), or Joint Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit, Trend reports.

The extraordinary sessions of the Arab League Council and the extraordinary summit of the OIC were initially planned to be held separately, but later it was decided to conduct them in a joint format.

While words of unity sound good, the reality is different, and the latest processes have proved this. The summit revealed Arab countries' concern about the active involvement of Turkiye and Iran in the process. Based on this concern, most Arab countries at the extraordinary summit of the OIC worried that the initiative might be taken by Turkiye and Iran and took steps to sideline them from leading roles.

The presence of Islamic countries approaching this issue based on their own interests becomes a decisive factor in the further development of processes. Some Arab countries prefer to act solely in their own interests rather than in the interest of the Muslim community, and this is one of the significant blows to the unity of Islamic countries and their interests.

The Islamic world is clearly demonstrating a lack of unity at any level. Over the past 10 years, all people have witnessed the events in the Islamic world, starting with the "Arab Spring" and the consequences it led to. Terrible events unfolded in Syria, Yemen, Iraq, and Libya, where millions of people were killed and the natural resources of these countries were plundered.

Besides, over the past 10 years, the concept of religion in the Middle East has served as a divisive rather than a unifying force. In such a scenario, the creation of a joint movement against external enemies is hardly possible. It's disappointing to see today's distrust between such countries as Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Egypt, viewing each other's weaknesses as opportunities for themselves.

The outcome of this summit, where 57 Muslim countries gathered, gives cause to think that Islamic countries need to transition to a more functional format. The current situation creates grounds for more significant foreign intervention in the region.

Unfortunately, Azerbaijan was one of the states that did not receive the necessary support from Islamic countries in its time of need. There's no need to look far for an example. Although one would expect Iran to be one of the states rejoicing the most when the Azerbaijani army liberated its lands from Armenian occupation, Tehran was seen in a completely different light.

Although Azerbaijan acted in full accordance with international law and the UN Charter, restoring its rights and justice through the strength of its army three decades later, it did not receive the necessary support from Iran.

During the occupation, Iran's "activity" was limited to mere words. In those years, Iran stood as an external observer of the troubles that befell Azerbaijan, its brother by religion. Azerbaijan, which had over 20 percent of its territory occupied by millions of refugees and internally displaced persons and saw tens of thousands of innocent people killed, did not receive the necessary support from Iran, which only made statements at that time.

The recent statement by Iran's Ambassador to Armenia, Mehdi Subhani, about the "right to self-determination" of Armenians who recently moved from Azerbaijan's Karabakh once again demonstrates Tehran's destructive stance towards Baku. While relations between Azerbaijan and Iran are warming, with the normalization of relations back on the agenda, Tehran's statement from Yerevan raises concerns.

Clearly, this statement by Subhani reflects the position of Iran. Although this position is not unexpected, the ambassador's statement once again revealed Iran's true intentions. It's possible that Tehran intends to disturb the peace in the region. This desire is also the most vivid example of how Iran continues to shape proxy forces to maintain a radical balance in its foreign policy, unwilling to give up its intentions.

In reality, nothing changes in the position of Azerbaijan's southern neighbor. Tehran seems to hope that such maneuvers will deceive Baku.

The Joint Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit was held in Riyadh on November 11, 2023.

Stay up to date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
ZIMBABWE Miners Federation president Henrietta Rushwaya, recently convicted of trying to smuggle 6kg of gold worth more than US$333 000 to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, will be sentenced at the High Court in Harare today.

The court yesterday held a pre-sentencing hearing in terms of the new sentencing guidelines, which require the victim to give evidence on the prejudice suffered.

In this case, there was no actual prejudice as there are no export taxes.

The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe gave evidence on the potential prejudice the State suffered at the behest of Rushwayas conduct.

While the gold Rushwaya was found in possession of belonged to her, there are royalties that are supposed to be paid.

Gold produced by small miners attracts 1 percent royalty for the first 0.5kg if the gold is delivered to a holder of a gold licence in a calendar month.

If the gold is delivered by a holder of a gold-buying agency permit to a holder of a gold-dealing licence in a calendar month, the royalty is one percent.

The royalty is 2 percent if the gold delivered to a holder of a gold dealing licence in a calendar month exceeds 0.5kg.

Gold produced by other miners attracts a 3 percent royalty if the gold produced is sold at a time when its price is below US$1 200 per ounce and 5 percent if the gold produced by them is sold at a time when its price is above US$1 200 per ounce.

In this case, the State could have been prejudiced 1 percent of the gold translating to US$3 300. Rushwaya was heading to Dubai when she was arrested for attempting to smuggle 6kg gold through the VIP route at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport on October 26, 2020.

Four small bars of pure gold were found in her hand luggage.

Rushwaya denied the charge when her trial began last month at the Anti-Corruption Court in the High Court.

The prosecution case was built on the evidence that Rushwaya was caught with the gold in her bag as she was leaving the country and that she failed to provide a valid export permit and presented a fake invoice and packing list from a company called Ali Japan 786 (Pvt) Limited, at the time of her arrest.

Rushwaya denied the charge, claiming she mistakenly picked up the wrong bag at home, one containing gold bars rather than the one she meant to take on her trip. But Justice Pisirayi Kwenda found her guilty, dismissing her defence of a wrong bag as implausible.Rushwaya was charged along with two Central Intelligence Organisation operatives Stephen Tserai and Raphios Mufandauya.

The two were found not guilty at the close of the prosecution case for lack of evidence. Herald






UPDATE

Nov 15, 2023 12:00 AM CST

One of the four women stabbed on the campus of Louisiana Tech University Monday died of her injuries Tuesday night. The university's president expressed condolences to the husband and family of Annie Richardson, who was stabbed in the throat and had been in critical condition since the attack. Of the other three women attacked, one declined treatment and two were hospitalized. One of those remains in serious condition and the other is recovering, the AP reports. The suspect will see a second-degree murder charge added to his attempted murder charges.

Nov 13, 2023 6:35 PM CST

Four women were stabbed on campus Monday in what Louisiana Tech University says appears to have been a "random act of violence." Authorities say the victimsone graduate student and three non-studentswere attacked after they left the Lambright Sports and Wellness Center around 9am, NBC News reports. In a statement, the university said a student, Jacoby Johnson, was arrested and charged with four counts of attempted second-degree murder. The university in Ruston, northern Louisiana, praised the "efficient actions" of campus police.
A Houston man is being hailed as a hero after pulling a police officer to safety after the officer was shot amid a shootout on a freeway Saturday morning. The situation started when a man carjacked a vehicle Friday; the following day, police spotted the stolen car on the highway and began following it. Despite the police not using a siren, the suspect started to flee and a chase ensued, Click2Houston reports. The suspect eventually crashed into several other vehicles and exited the stolen car, then shot at an officer. That's when John Lally, who tells ABC 13 he was simply at the right place at the right time, stepped into action.

With a gunfight still underway, Lally says, "I just kinda ran over there, and I grabbed that guy with the other police officer. Me and him, together, we grabbed him by his vest so he wouldn't get shot again." After pulling the officer behind a truck for safety, Lally held his hand and comforted him as they awaited paramedics. The officer was shot in the leg and is expected to survive. Meanwhile, other officers were shooting at the suspect, who was trying to carjack other vehicles. He later died at a hospital. Police say they will formally recognize Lally's heroism. (Read more Houston stories.)
Police used tear gas and flash-bang grenades Monday to halt a march against building an Atlanta-area police and firefighter training center that opponents call "Cop City." More than 400 people marched about two miles from a park to the site in suburban DeKalb County, chanting "stop Cop City" and "Viva, viva Tortuguita," invoking the nickname of an activist who was fatally shot by state troopers while camping in the woods in protest earlier this year. A wedge of marcherssome in masks, goggles, and chemical suits intended to protect against tear gaspushed into a line of officers in riot gear on a road outside the training center site. Officers pushed back and deployed tear gas, the AP reports. One protester threw a canister back at them.

Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum later said the protesters disobeyed orders to stop the march, noting they didn't have a permit for it. He said marchers showing up with gas masks was an indication they sought to provoke police. "This is not a group that has the best interests of Atlanta at heart. This is a group today that left Gresham Park prepared to reach the site, prepared to do harm, prepared to do destruction," Schierbaum said. Some protesters acknowledged they wanted to enter the construction site as an act of civil disobedience but denied any intention of violence. "The police continue to show themselves to be a group that is weaponized against the larger public, particularly the larger public that has the nerve to protest against police violence and police actions," said Kamau Franklin of Community Movement Builders.

Protests against the proposed training center have been going on for more than two years. Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr obtained a sweeping indictment in August that charged 61 protesters. Monday's march was called "Block Cop City," per the AP, and events were held across the country in recent weeks to support the movement. It was the latest effort to stop construction of a project that has galvanized environmentalists and anti-police protesters. Some marchers retreated from the clash while others tried to wash away the effects of tear gas. Dozens of protesters ran into the woods near the property where the training center is being built and exited with their hands up. The marchers eventually retreated as a group without any arrests being made. Vomiting and irritation from the tear gas were the only apparent injuries.

(Read more Georgia stories.)
Groups and individuals have said they're boycotting visits to Florida and refusing to hold events in the Sunshine State due to Gov. Ron DeSantis' new laws on gender-affirming care, abortion, gun ownership, and teaching race- and LGBTQ+-themed subjects in school, among others. Pink is taking a different tack: The 44-year-old singer will still bring her latest Trustfall Tour to the state, but with thousands of banned or challenged books in hand to give away to fans, reports People . On Monday, the PEN America nonprofit announced that at both her Tuesday concert in Miami and her Wednesday gig in Sunrise, Pink will give away 1,000 books that tackle subjects the governor is trying to avoid.

The four titles that Pink will hand out include The Family Book, by Todd Parr; The Hill We Climb, by poet Amanda Gorman; a book from the Girls Who Code series, founded by Reshma Saujani; and Beloved, by Toni Morrison. "Books have held a special joy for me from the time I was a child, and that's why I am unwilling to stand by and watch while books are banned by schools," the mom of two says in a statement. "It's especially hateful to see authorities take aim at books about race and racism and against LGBTQ authors and those of color." She added in an Instagram caption: "As a mom of two young readers, I can't imagine letting someone else decide what MY CHILDREN can and cannot read!"

In a Monday tweet, Pink, who announced her banned-book giveaway Monday on Instagram with Gorman and PEN America chief Suzanne Nossel, listed other books that have received pushbackincluding Catcher in the Rye, To Kill a Mockingbird, and A Wrinkle in Timeand noted, "[Let me know] which book is pornography." According to PEN America, Florida ranks first among all states in terms of the most banned books in schools and libraries, accounting for 40% of the nation's total. "I think it's important that people understand that the situation is not getting better. It only continues to worsen," Jon Friedman, director of PEN America's free expression and education programs, tells the Miami Herald, which notes that more than 1,400 books have been banned or restricted in nearly three dozen Florida districts. (Read more Pink stories.)
When Barry Manilow publicly came out as gay in 2017, he described the reaction from the public as "beautiful." But there would've been a very different reaction had he come out much earlier. "Back in the '70s it would have killed a career," according to the singer, who sat down with CNN's Chris Wallace for a "career-spanning interview," per the BBC . "The public was not ready for anybody to come out" and "I just didn't want to talk about my personal life anyway," Manilow said during an episode of Who's Talking to Chris Wallace aired exclusively on Max, per the Guardian . Around that time, Manilow met and began a relationship with his manager, Garry Kief, whom he would later marry. Kief "actually kind of saved my life," the singer said, per Mediaite .

"As my career exploded, it was just crazy," the 80-year-old told Wallace. "Going back to an empty hotel room, you can get into a lot of trouble if you, you know, you're alone night after night after night." "It was pretty lonely until I met Garry," he continued. "And then it was fun." With Kief, "I didn't have to go back to those empty hotel rooms. I had somebody to cry with or to celebrate with," he said, per the BBC. Manilow also spoke of his annulled marriage to high school sweetheart Susan Deixler. The couple stayed together for a year following their 1964 wedding and "we had a very nice marriage ... but I was away every night making music as a young musician would be," he said. "I couldn't be the proper husband." "I really did love her," he added. "But the gay thing ... was pretty, pretty strong."

Manilow also revealed that he came up with the concept for his 1985 hit "Copacabana" while recovering from what he initially described as his "first nervous breakdown" at Rio de Janeiro's Copacabana hotel in 1970. It wasn't a true nervous breakdown, but his mental health was suffering as he was forced to perform in the public eye, he said. He noted he'd spent his early career writing music for commercial jingles, including some familiar tunes you may not associate with the superstar. For instance: "I am stuck on Band-Aid brand, 'cause Band-Aid's stuck on me" and "Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there." Manilow joked that the State Farm jingle is "my greatest hit," though it made him only $500, per Mediaite. "As a composer, they buy you out and that's it," he said. (Read more Barry Manilow stories.)
MetService said Mal is expected to stay "well away" from New Zealand, continuing to move to the southeast.

Forecaster Samisoni Waqavakatoga told RNZ the system is expected to reach the high end of category two at its peak strength.

But he warns it could potentially reach category three with average winds surpassing 119km/h.

"There is a possibility it could reach category three but for now, like I said, we've just been maintaining it at the high end of category two, we're not jumping any guns here but if the environment is still favourable it could reach category three status," Waqavakatoga said.

Fiji Meteorological Service has issued a flash flood warning for the low-lying areas of Qauia, Lami Marata Village and Wailoku. A flash flood alert is also in place for low-lying areas of Coral Coast to Navua, Lami, Suva, Nausori, Tailevu, Naitasiri and Ovalau.

The Fiji National Disaster Management Office has reported several bridges and crossings are inaccessible and is urging people to stay away and avoid crossing flooded roads, rivers, bridges, crossings, or walkways.

Schools in Fiji are closed on Tuesday and Wednesday and all public servants have been instructed to work from home, RNZ reports.

Assistant police commissioner operations ACP Livai Driu is calling for the "strict supervision of children stressing, this is not the time for children to be playing outdoors or swimming".
Tropical Cyclone Mal is brushing past Fiji this morning and it will affect the western side of the largest island Viti Levu as a severe category 3 storm, WeatherWatch said on Wednesday.

It was confirmed on Tuesday night that the tropical cyclone had intensified into a severe category 3 system while near the Pacific nation, despite earlier tracking indicating it may remain at category 2.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 14. The accusations against Azerbaijan, deliberately distorting the realities in the region, voiced by Josep Borrell, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, are completely inadequate and unacceptable, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan said, Trend reports.

The ministry has responded to Borrell's statement at the press conference in Brussels on November 13, 2023, following the Foreign Affairs Council.

"Against the backdrop of the European Union's indifference to Armenia's armed aggression against Azerbaijans sovereign territories for over 30 years, as well as its refusal to condemn the fact of over 1 million Azerbaijanis becoming internally displaced persons and refugees and the policy of ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity targeting Azerbaijanis, this organizations apparent support toward Armenia and its threathening rhetoric against Azerbaijan are clear examples of its biased policy and double standarts. As it has been demonstrated by the EU External Action Service's hypocritical policies in these and other regions, this organization has fallen victim to its own wrongful actions.

At the same time, the accusations made by the EU representative, who failed to make any effort to persuade Armenia to act in line with the norms and principles of international law, constitute a threat to Azerbaijan's territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Moreover, we would like to emphasize that both the 44-day Patriotic War and the 24-hour anti-terror measures of September of this year were carried out on Azerbaijan's sovereign territory. Azerbaijan has regained its sovereignty by legitimate means within the norms and principles of international law.

Against the backdrop of EU member states facing agressive separatist tendencies, attempts by the EU foreign policy body to incite separatism in the territory of Azerbaijan with regard to our countrys just struggle against existing threats in its sovereign territories are a source of serious concern.

The EU's attempts to supply Armenia with weaponry and thereby support its insidious militarization policy that undermines peace and stability in our region, encourages a policy leading to new confrontations in the region, that lays a responsibility on EU. Plans to employ the European Peace Facility, which, among other areas, implies the buildup of military capabilities, serve to exacerbate tensions in the region.

We stress once more that use of threatening language with Azerbaijan is unacceptable, and any unfriendly conduct will not result in a beneficial outcome and will be effectively responded to," the ministry said in a statement.
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain Bourse announced the successful conclusion of the MEIRA 2023 Annual Conference, themed From ESG to Sustainable Capital Markets, held on November 13th in Bahrain in collaboration with the Central Bank of Bahrain.

The conference delved into pivotal topics such as emerging trends and opportunities in GCC Markets, the Tabadul Hub initiative by ADX and Bahrain Bourse, and insights from Investor Relations (IR) practitioners.

Emphasising the significance of integrating ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) practices in the region and related regulations, the event also highlighted the role of IR in effectively communicating the ESG narrative.

Featuring over 39 speakers, 20 exhibitors, and drawing 400 attendees from GCC Exchanges, international corporations, research analysts, brokers, custodians, IR advisory firms, listed companies, and regional regulatory bodies, the conference proved to be a convergence of diverse market participants.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 14. The Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsperson) of Azerbaijan, Sabina Aliyeva has met with a delegation headed by the President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (PA), Pia Kauma visiting Azerbaijan, the Ombudsman's Office told Trend.

The meeting also involved the Chairman of the Western Azerbaijan Community, Aziz Alakbarli, Deputy Chairman Hikmet Babaoglu, a member of the Azerbaijan delegation to the PACE, Kamal Jafarov, the Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Austria, and the Permanent Representative to the OSCE, Rovshan Sadigbayli.

Aliyeva briefed on the ombudsperson's mandate and activities in the protection of human rights and freedoms.

She mentioned the amendments made to the Constitutional Law "On the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsperson) of the Republic of Azerbaijan" and emphasized the importance of reliable protection of human rights.

The ombudsperson informed the guests that within the mandate of the National Preventive Mechanism, visits to persons held in institutions that they cannot abandon by their own will are carried out, the rights and freedoms of everyone, regardless of language, religion, race, and other affiliations, are guaranteed, and discrimination is prevented.

Discussing the policy of occupation and terror by Armenia against Azerbaijan, Aliyeva noted that, as a result of the second Karabakh war, Azerbaijani lands were liberated from occupation, and restoration and construction work is underway in these territories. The process of returning former internally displaced persons to their native lands is ongoing.

The ombudsperson emphasized that about 4,000 Azerbaijanis went missing during the first Karabakh war, and Armenia hasn't shared any information about their fate.

Regarding the mine terror committed by Armenia on the liberated territories, she noted that despite repeated appeals, accurate maps of minefields have not been handed over to Azerbaijan. The installed mines pose a threat to people's lives and hinder the return of former displaced persons to their native lands.

The ombudsperson pointed out that during demining and reconstruction efforts in these areas, mass graves belonging to Azerbaijanis were discovered, investigative missions were conducted, and special reports on the discovered mass graves and Armenia's mine terror were prepared and sent to international organizations, foreign ombudspersons, and national human rights institutions.

She also highlighted the importance of ensuring and protecting the rights and freedoms of Armenians living in Karabakh, and explanations were provided to them on how to address the ombudsperson.

Besides, Aliyeva emphasized the importance of protecting the rights of Azerbaijanis forcibly expelled from the territory of Armenia and called on the OSCE to take appropriate steps in this direction within its mandate.

Alakbarli, Babaoglu, Jafarov, and one of the Khojaly massacre witnesses reminded the forced expulsion of Azerbaijanis from the territory of Armenia and crimes committed against Azerbaijani citizens.

The guests were informed in detail about the resettlement of more than 300,000 Azerbaijanis from Armenia, gross violations of their fundamental rights and freedoms, and the destruction of historical, religious, and cultural monuments belonging to Azerbaijanis.

It was noted that Azerbaijan has put forward initiatives to ensure stable peace in the region and create favorable conditions for joint living in the future, but Armenia has taken no steps towards peacebuilding in the region or ensuring the rights of Azerbaijanis to return.

The meeting also included an exchange of views on the prospects for further cooperation between the structures.

Kauma arrived in Azerbaijan on November 12. During the visit, she has already met with the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and the Chairperson of the Azerbaijani Parliament, Sahiba Gafarova.

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Newswrap: Bhai Dooj, also known as Bhaiya Dooj and Bhau Beej, holds immense significance in Hindu culture as it is celebrated to honour the unique bond between brothers and sisters. This auspicious festival is observed genrally two days after the Diwali festival on the Dwitiya Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the Kartik month. In 2023, Bhai Dooj will be celebrated on November 15.

Bhai Dooj 2023: Festival Overview:

Bhai Dooj, also known as Bhaiya Dooj, Bhatra Dwitiya, Bhai Dwitiya, and Bhathru Dwithiya, marks the culmination of the Diwali festivities. Dedicated to the sacred bond between brothers and sisters, it involves sisters performing a tilak ceremony on their brothers foreheads, accompanied by heartfelt prayers for their well-being. Brothers reciprocate by presenting thoughtful gifts as tokens of love.

Date and Time for Bhai Dooj 2023:

Dwitiya Tithi Begins: November 14, 2023, at 02:36 PM

Dwitiya Tithi Ends: November 15, 2023, at 01:47 PM

Bhai Dooj Aparahna Time: November 15, 2023, from 12:38 PM to 02:53 PM

Shubh Muhurat for Tilak:

Shubh Choghadiya: November 15, 2023, from 10:44 AM to 12:05 PM

Chal Choghadiya: November 15, 2023, from 02:46 PM to 04:07 PM

Laabh Choghadiya: November 15, 2023, from 04:07 PM to 05:27 PM

Discover the Spiritual and Scenic Charm of UPs Vindhyachal hill station

Significance of Bhai Dooj 2023:

Bhai Dooj is revered as one of the most auspicious days dedicated to the cherished relationship between brothers and sisters. The tilak ceremony, where sisters apply roli and haldi tilak on their brothers foreheads, symbolizes prayers for their well-being and longevity. In return, brothers express their love by presenting meaningful gifts to their sisters.

Bhai Dooj 2023: Regional Celebrations:

In West Bengal, Bhai Dooj is known as Phota, where sisters observe a fast, perform the tilak ceremony, and offer food to their brothers. The brother reciprocates by presenting a gift.

Maharashtra and Goa celebrate it as Bhao Beej, where sisters finish the tilak in the evening and pray for their brothers long life.

In Uttar Pradesh, sisters offer a dried coconut to their brothers after the tilak ceremony. In Nepal, it is referred to as Bhai Tihar, with sisters performing the tilak.

Puja Rituals on Bhai Dooj 2023:

All the family members and siblings rise early, to prepare for the days rituals and tilak. Those considering Laddoo Gopal Ji and Lord Ganesha as brothers perform the tilak ceremony. Sisters craft savory meals and sweets for their brothers. Either sisters visit their brothers or vice versa for the Bhai Dooj celebrations. Sisters decorate plates with roli, akshat (rice), dried coconut, sweets, and the chosen gift. The tilak is applied first, followed by akshat. Sisters offer the dried coconut, symbolizing good health and longevity. Brothers express their respect by touching their sisters feet and seek blessings. Brothers present gifts or money as tokens of affection and respect. Sisters serve a special meal to make the festival more memorable.

Bhai Dooj 2023: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

When is Bhai Dooj in 2023?

in 2023 Bhai Dooj will be celebrated on November 15.

Why is Bhai Dooj celebrated?

Bhai Dooj celebrates the unique bond between brothers and sisters, with sisters offering prayers for their brothers well-being and applying tilak on their foreheads. It is believed that Bhai Dooj was celebrated first by Yamraj and Yami therefore, siblings pray to Yamraj and Yami before doing Tilak.

India to host Miss World 2023 after 3 decades; Sini Shetty to represent India
The NT Times had a recent article discussing laser nuclear fusion. Nextbigfuture has spoken with all of the nuclear fusion companies listed in the NY Times article as they all attended the 2023 International Conference on Inertial Fusion Sciences and Applications conference.

Nextbigftuure covered detailed National Ignition Facility presentations six weeks ago at the 2023 International Conference on Inertial Fusion Sciences and Applications. The National Ignition Facility has increased power to 2.2 megajoules for tests this month which is up from 2.05 megajoules earlier in the year. They are investigating a series of new targets. IF this round of experiments goes well the power output could increase to 5-10 megajoules which is up from the best 3.88 megajoule shot. There is a clear path to increasing power to 2.6 megajoules which could achieve 10-20 megajoules of output. The current facility could be maxed out at 3.0 megajoules if substantial upgrades are funded. The 3.0 megajoule tests would be around 2030 and each step up in power takes 1-2 years.

Nextbigfuture has covered all of the laser fusion startups:

1. Focused energy

Focused Energy, a laser-based fusion startup dedicated to developing fusion as a means of generating clean alternative energy, raised an additional $11 million in Series A funding, bringing their total funding to $82 million. The round was led by Prime Movers Lab, and previous investors VCP Capital and Tony Florence joined the round as well.

Focused Energy wants to build a demonstrator in 8 to 9 years with a 100-beam compression laser producing 500 kilojoule pulses, one-quarter the energy of NIFs. For the short ignition pulses, they plan to use lasers developed for Europes Extreme Light Infrastructure, a research facility. Each produces pulses of 1.5 kilojoules so Focused Energy will need 100 of them, combining their output into a single beam to set the fuel alight.

2.

Last September for a Milestone-Based Fusion Development Program, the DOE (dept of Energy) awarded Xcimer $9 million to develop their lasers.

5. HB11 Energy

HB11 Energy is working towards proton boron (pB) fusion. This requires more energy than Deuteriumtritium (DT) fusion. However, the big advantages of pB over DT is that there is no need for tritium and no nuclear waste. Tritium does no occur in nature. There is only about 20 kilograms of tritium in the world. IF there was an attempt to commercialize the International Tokamak project with follow on projects all of the tritium would be used with any full scale demonstration reactor. All DT fusion companies have to create a Tritium breeding system or have large scale tririum factories.

It takes 140 kilos of Li-6 to obtain the 70 kilos of tritium necessary to producing one gigawatt of thermal power for one year.

Assuming an availability of 80 percent and a conversion efficiency from thermal to electrical power of 30 percent, the production of one gigawatt of electrical power (the estimated size of an average fusion reactor) will require approximately 500 kilos of Li-6 per year, which would bring the total requirement for 10,000 reactors to 5,000 tonnes annually. There are approximately 50 million tonnes of proven lithium reserves in the world, which means about 3 million tonnes of Li-6.

If all of the heavy water CANDU reactors had tritium capture facilities then Tritium production from CANDU reactors worldwide would be 20 kilos per year. However, only about 10% of the CANDU tritium is captured.

Techno economics model show that proton boron can get to the sub-$1 per target price that is needed. DT fusion has to not only get the tritium but they have to bring the cost of targets down about 100-1000 times.

6. Marvel Energy

Marvel wants to mix proton boron with deuterium and tritium and create solid targets.

7. First Light Fusion

First Light Fusion, a company based in Oxford, UK, has raised $105 million in funding over four rounds. First Light plans to use projectiles to create fusion.

First Light will amplify the power of the projectiles with layered material that will reflect and boost the power of the shock wave.

8. Nearstar fusion will also use projectiles to create fusion. Nearstar will combine the projectiles with magnetic fields.

NIF Detailed Plans

The National Ignition Facility (NIF) at Lawrence Livermore National Lab (LLNL) made worldwide news when they reached nuclear fusion ignition in December 2022 but they went beyond that result on July 30, 2023.

I have also spoken with several of the speakers.

The Big 3 recent results were:

1. Aug 8, 2021 1.9 megajoules (MJ) of laser power was fired at a target which resulted in the release of 1.35 megajoules (0.72 return)

2. Dec 5, 2022 2.05 megajoules was fired at a target which resulted in the release of 3.15 megajoules (1.54X gain)

3. July 30, 2023 2.05 megajoules was fired at a target which resulted in the release of 3.88 megajoules (1.9X gain)

After Aug 8, 2021 there were several shots that did not reach a megajoule of returned power. There was a lot of work improving the targets and adjusting how the lasers were fired. The power of the entire system was increased by 8% from 1.9 MJ to 2.05 MJ. The quality of the targets had to be improved. They had to prevent three different major kinds of errors.

Keeping the system working at 2.05MJ or even 1.9MJ is difficult. The system is operating beyond its designed levels of 1.8MJ. The NIF system has damage that has to be repaired after shots are made.

There is software autotuning to calculate the adjustments to the laser pulse the target (holhraum).

There are plans to increase the power to 3 MJ which would conservatively deliver more than a 10X gain and 30 MJ.

They have already prepared the NIF lasers and facility to operate with 2.2 MJ shots. The first 2.2 MJ shot are calculated to deliver 5-10 MJ. Modifying the target shape from a pill capsule like shape to one with a wide centerline with two stacked trapezoids (Frustraum) could deliver over 10 MJ using 2.2 MJ of laser power.

Tests have been made that indicate the current system could reach 2.6 MJ with fresh amplifier glass lens. NIF has bought and stored all of the original production of amplifier glass. The 2.6 MJ (and any midpoint between 2.2 MJ and 3MJ) has not been funded or approved. However, it would offer a lot of fusion bang for the buck to go to 2.6 MJ and then to make the modifications for 3 MJ. Timing and schedules are all highly uncertain but 2 years at 2.2MJ and then 2 years of testing at 2.6MJ makes sense to me. A

There is still selections and approvals to be made on how to perform higher power or high energy work.

The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) makes the decisions about LLNL operations. Since its inception in 1952, LLNLs defining responsibility has been national security  ensuring the safety, security and effectiveness of the nations nuclear stockpile. Nuclear Stockpile sustainment is still the main role.

LLNLs mission has broadened in recent years, as dangers ranging from nuclear proliferation and terrorism to cyber-attacks and climate change increasingly threaten national security and global stability.

LLNL developing and proving that laser nuclear fusion is promising for potential commercial energy generation is greatly appreciated.

Future of NIF Laser Fusiom

I think that the campaigns to increase NIF power to 2.6 MJ and to 3 MJ makes a lot of sense.

It could also achieve 10-20MJ or more at 2.6MJ and 30+MJ with 3 MJ at NIF.

4-5X gain could be shown at 2.2MJ (2023-2025)

5-8X gain could be shown at 2.6MJ (est 2025-2027) and

over 10X gain could be shown at 3MJ (est around 2030).

The gain estimates could be very conservative if the science continues to improve targets. The target and other design plans are already being analyzed and prepared.

IF the improvements are as good as might be possible then 2.6 MJ could deliver 10-12X gain and 3MJ might give 20-30X gain. All of the estimates are theoretical. However, all of this would be years of hard work by hundreds of people. There have been many advancements and failed attempts. Ignition took ten years longer than was originally planned.

IF the results over-deliver designs and expectations, NIF cannot proceed past 120 MJ of returned power. There would be too much radiation and the facility would have to be completely changed.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 14. Destabilization and the creation of a sphere of influence in the region are classic tools of the foreign policy of Western countries, Dean of the Faculty of Economics of the Turkic World of UNEC and professor of Uludag University, Mehmet Yuce told Trend.

Yuce noted that the West always pursues this policy in every region where it wants to create a sphere of influence.

"He pursued this policy in many regions or countries - in the Middle East, Afghanistan, and Ukraine. Interestingly, when a problem deepens or turns into a conflict, the West prefers to leave the relevant region or country alone with its problems and observe from afar. In very few cases, it provides little support. This time, the same West is acting through Armenia to destabilize the situation in the South Caucasus, said Yuce.

The West is trying to strengthen its influence in the region. It, in particular, aims to control Azerbaijan, which has large energy reserves in the region, and, in general, to control the whole Turkic world, Iran, Russia, and China. Armenia is ready to become a toy in this dangerous game of the West. However, if we look at the regional and global conditions, the fact remains that the West, which does not have sufficient infrastructure, will not be able to succeed in this game it has started. Any project today that ignores the factors of Russia, Turkiye and Azerbaijan in the region cannot be successful," he said.

Stay up to date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel




Samuel Anyanwu and Athan Achonu, candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) in Imo, have rejected the declaration of Hope Uzodinma, as governor-elect.





On Sunday, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Uzodinma, Imo governor, as the winner of the election that was held on Saturday.





In a joint press conference on Monday, Anyanwu and Achonu asked the electoral umpire to either review the process or cancel the election.





The LP candidate alleged that the election was militarised while voters and INEC officials were intimidated by the heavy presence of the security operatives.





As far as I am concerned, there was no election on Saturday. What played out was a situation of military invasion where the voters and party agents belonging to the Labour Party and various others except the APC are intimidated, threatened and beaten to a stupor, Achonu said.





You all were witnesses to the gruesome battering of the state chairman of the Labour Party.





It was a rude shock to me the level at which the security agents displayed and exhibited their alliance with the ruling APC.





It was more like a military coup. The security agents have raped our democracy. I am not blaming INEC because a good number of its officials also fell victim to the situation.





Results were written at a traditional rulers house in Orlu and several other places. There were several cases of ballot box snatching and gunshots in Orlu and Okigwe zones which disenfranchised so many voters yet, INEC hurriedly declared someone in an election grossly marred with irregularities. This is unacceptable by Imo people.





Its a big shame that INEC which earlier promised to conduct a free, fair and credible election compromised by declaring results in an election that recorded so much electoral fraud like snatching of ballot boxes, intimidation of voters by the security agents and rewriting of results to favour the APC candidate.





For the first time in the history of Imo election, a candidate is claiming to have won 27 over 27 LGAs in Imo and the winner declared under one hour of collation. What is more laughable than this?





The most shameful aspect is that Bayelsa with only eight LGAs took almost two days to collate results and announce the winner but Imo state has 27 LGAs but INEC declared the winner in under one hour.





The LP candidate said Mahmood Yakubu, INEC chairman, to rise to the occasion and save democracy from its final collapse.




Electricity workers have shut down the national grid following the declaration of an indefinite strike by organized labour unions.

Ndidi Mbah, the spokesperson for Transmission Company of Nigeria, confirmed this on Tuesday to Dailypost.

According to her, electricity workers, the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), followed directives of the Nigeria Labour Congress to withdraw their services around 11:20 am on Monday, leading to a nationwide blackout.

Electricity workers are NLC members; theyve followed the directive by organized labour to withdraw their services from Tuesday, she stated.

It was gathered that the Federal Capital Territory and its environs are experiencing a blackout.

Recall that the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress announced a nationwide indefinite strike starting Tuesday despite a court order restraining the unions from doing so.

Reacting to the development, the Presidency, in a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, said strike action by unions was a flagrant disobedience to court order and a lack of respect for the judiciary.

Accordingly, the government expressed displeasure that the nations economy and social activities should not suffer because of the personal interest of any labour leader.

Recall that the unions last week issued a nationwide strike notice over an assault on Joe Ajaero, the President of NLC, on November 1 2023, in Imo State.

TCN denies looming national blackout amid nationwide strike

As workers commenced a nationwide indefinite strike on Tuesday, the Transmission Company of Nigeria has said there is no truth in a media report about a looming national blackout.

TCN emphasised that the claim made by an online news outlet alleging that the Head of Public Affairs of TCN predicted a national blackout was inaccurate and misleading.

This was revealed in a statement signed by TCN management which was shared on its X account on Tuesday.

As workers commenced a nationwide indefinite strike on Tuesday, the Transmission Company of Nigeria has said there is no truth in a media report about a looming national blackout.

The statement clarified that no such declaration was made by the Public Affairs Head, disclosing that the countrys power grid remained intact, consistently providing substantial electricity to distribution load centers across the nation.

The statement said, The Transmission Company of Nigeria hereby states that the publication by Daily Post alleging that the Head of Public Affairs of TCN said that there will be a national blackout is false and totally misleading.





The statement is mischievous and baseless as TCN, through the Public Affairs Head, did not make such statement.

We hereby note that the nations grid is intact and supplying bulk electricity to distribution load centers nationwide.

As at when issuing this statement, the TCN National Control Centre Osogbo which controls bulk power transmission nationwide, is actively operational.




The Federal Government said it is investigating the cancellation of visas of 264 passengers who were airlifted to Jeddah from Lagos and Kano on Sunday by the Saudi Authorities.

A statement by the Special Adviser to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Al-Kasim Abdulkadir, indicated that the Ministry is now investigating the matter to see if any consular or aviation rules have been flouted.

It added that Nigeria has just participated in the Saudi-Africa summit, where bilateral discussions covering several sectors of the economy and mutually beneficial commitments were made between the two countries.

Al-Kasim indicated that even though the passengers went through the Advanced Passengers Information System (APIS) during the check-in formalities in Nigeria, it was also monitored by the Saudi Authorities.

He said, however, it was learnt that when the Nigerian Embassy waded in, the Saudi Authorities reduced the number of passengers that would be returned to 177 from 264.




Former Big Brother Naija reality show housemate, Venita Akpofure has disclosed that she misses the connection that comes with having a life partner.





She revealed this in her latest interview with Aura magazine while discussing her personal life.





Speaking about the emotions associated with her relationship history, Venita noted that she misses the intimacy that comes with having a man in her life.





The mother of two also talked about raising her kids alone as a single mother





I do miss the intimacy of having someone to talk to about everything.





 However, the childrens father hasnt significantly contributed to their lives. So, whether hes present or not, it wouldnt affect what the children need, she said.




Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has invited his opponents in the just-concluded governorship election to join hands with him to lift the state.





According to him, his opponents did not lose, but it was the people of the state that won.





Uzodimma of the All Progressives Congress, APC, extended the olive branch to his challengers in a state broadcast on Monday afternoon.





The former senator came out with a landslide victory against the likes of Samuel Anyanwu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Athan Achonu of the Labour Party.





The Imo helmsman delivered an acceptance speech a day after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared him the winner of the off-cycle poll.





Recall that a Supreme Court ruling declared Uzodimma the winner of the governorship election when he unseated Emeka Ihedioha of the PDP.





The governor said that his victory on Saturday was from God, who was also responsible for his first-term victory.





By the glory of God, yesterday, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, declared me the winner of the election. Since it has pleased God and Imo people to confer that honor on me, I congratulate and commiserate with my brothers who contested with me in a democratic contest like the one on Saturday, only one person will emerge victorious, he said.





I congratulate and commiserate with (my) brothers who contested the election with me.





They did not lose. I, therefore, call on all of them to come and join hands with me to build the Imo of their collective dreams
The apex Igbo sociocultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, on Monday urged the National Assembly to enact laws that would abolish off-cycle elections in Nigeria.

Ohanaeze lamented that off-cycle elections erode and sap the strength of Nigerias democracy.

The organization made the call while expressing displeasure over the alleged irregularities witnessed during Saturdays off-cycle governorship elections in Imo, Kogi, and Bayelsa States.

Condemning the outcome of the election, Ohanaeze called for a total overhaul of the management of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

Saturdays governorship election was marred by widespread voter apathy, vote-buying, violence and the use of compromised and biased INEC electoral officers by politicians to manipulate the electoral process and declare themselves winners through fraudulent means.

Reacting, Ohanaeze lamented that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, is a weak institution that urgently needs restructuring.

A statement by Ohanaezes factional Secretary-General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, reads: The management team, led by Professor Yakubu Mahmood, has failed to ensure free, fair, and credible elections across the three states.

We demand a complete overhaul of the management team to restore confidence in the electoral process.

The prevalence of irregularities such as voter apathy, vote buying, violence, and compromised INEC staff has significantly undermined the democratic process in off-cycle elections.

This situation erodes the trust of the electorate and jeopardizes the very foundation of our democracy. The National Assembly must take immediate action by enacting new laws to end off-cycle elections, as they continue to sap the strength of our democracy.




The Inspector General of Police, IGP, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has confirmed that three suspects arrested by soldiers during the just concluded governorship election in Kogi State are police officers.

Recall that soldiers on election duty in Okene, on Saturday, intercepted black-coloured security vehicles and arrested occupants of the cars.

The soldiers made other arrests during the election. Most of the miscreants were suspected to be political thugs.

However, the IGP, in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, confirmed that three of the suspects are policemen.

The police boss, while thanking officers who participated in the Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa State off-circle election, vowed to sanction erring officers.

The statement reads partly, In Kogi State, it has been confirmed that three officers who were arrested by soldiers and handed over to the Police were indeed police personnel but were found to be escorting a VIP contrary to directives.

Others who were arrested by election officers escorting VIPs during the polls will also be sanctioned as such actions are against established protocols, and the officers involved will face disciplinary measures as a consequence.




The House of Representatives has launched an investigation into the immediate and remote circumstances surrounding the cancellation of already granted visas to 264 Nigerians on arrival at Jeddah aboard Air Peace.





It also urged the federal government to urgently take such diplomatic steps as might be necessary to protect the image of the nation, ensure the full implementation of the Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA), protect Nigerian national Carriers flying into Saudi Arabia and protect the Nigerian travelling public.





The House condemned the cancellation of visas of 264 Nigerians on arrival at Saudi Arabia by the countrys authorities on Monday, 13th November 2023;





The decision of the House followed the adoption of a motion moved at the plenary on Tuesday by Kama Nkemkanma and four others.





Moving the motion Nkemkanma recalled that Saudi Arabian authorities cancelled the visa of all the 264 passengers airlifted by Nigerias major carrier, Air Peace on arrival at Jeddah in Saudi Arabia from Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport on Monday, 13th November, 2023;





The lawmaker noted that all the passengers went through the Advanced Passengers Pre-screening System, (APPS), which was also monitored live by the Saudi Arabia authorities before the flight left Nigeria;





He stressed that the Nigerian Embassy in Jeddah, even the Saudi immigration personnel could not locate who authorised the cancellation of the visas, even when the APPS which was live between both countries was concluded and the airline was already airborne to Jeddah.





Nkemkanma said upon the intervention of the Nigerian Embassy in Saudi, the authorities were said to have reduced the number of passengers that would be returned back to Nigeria from 264 to 170;





He observed that Saudi Air has been operating directly from Nigeria to Saudi Arabia and that Air Peace has been receiving high patronage as a Nigerian carrier since it started flight service to Saudi at relatively lower fares, thereby helping Nigeria to conserve foreign exchange.





The lawmaker expressed concern that stakeholders in the sector have attributed the development to aero-politics, stating that it could be a way to force the Nigerian operator out of the route.





He said the stakeholders were of the view that Nigerian carriers could actually be forced out of the route unless the government intervenes, probably using the principle of reciprocity;





Nkemkanma pointed out that the action of Saudi authorities was an infringement on the letters and intendments of the Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia which is still in force.





He expressed worry that this unfortunate event and diplomatic slight on Nigeria happened even when President Bola Tinubu was on a state visit to Saudi Arabia.





It mandated the Committees on Foreign Affairs, Interior and Pilgrims Affairs to inquire into the immediate and remote circumstances surrounding the cancellation of already granted visas to 264 Nigerians on arrival at Jeddah aboard Air Peace and to report back within two weeks.
The Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams has charged President Bola Tinubu on the need to restructure Nigeria.

Adams said restructuring is the best solution to the foundational problems of the Nigerian nation.

The leader of the Odua Peoples Congress, OPC, spoke in a congratulatory letter he sent to Tinubu.

The Yoruba leader is congratulating Tinubu on his victory at the Supreme Court, which affirmed him as the rightful winner of the 2023 presidential election.

While saying Tinubus victory at the apex court was an affirmation of the popular mandate given to him by Nigerians, Adams stated that in every election, there is always a winner and a loser.

But the underlining fact remains that we are all one, indivisible Nigeria that is binded by fate to be the leading nation in Africa, he said.

The OPC leader maintained that Nigeria is currently going through a lot at the moment, but it must be said that your victory has given rise to a leadership that this time demands. And we must agree with the fact that this is truly a new chapter in the political trajectory of Nigeria.

Adams added: Your Excellency, as much as I join other Nigerians to celebrate your victory, I am of the view that now is the time for us to build the Nigeria of our dream.

However, let me say it for posterity that Nigerians, irrespective of our ethnic nationalities have common belief in the strength of our diversity

And your commitment to continue to serve all Nigerians of all political persuasions, tribes and faiths with honour and respect for the diverse opinions and uniting values of our citizens should be the fulcrum of your administration.

As the Aareonakakanfo of Yoruba land, I believe in restructuring as the best solution to the foundational problem of Nigeria, I will continue to support your administration as a Yoruba man, a brother and father of the nation, especially, a Nigerian nation that is tied to this political ideology.

It is the dream of our founding fathers to see Nigeria becoming a prosperous nation. A nation that is ready to fulfill its dreams and the collective aspirations of the citizens.

It is this belief that should, therefore be the guiding light that would help in directing the energy of our people towards building a virile, stronger, united, and more prosperous country.

Your Excellency, as I share in your moment of victory, let the reform and the Renewed Agenda of your administration begin; it is my hope that Nigeria will grow from strength to strength for it to fulfill the dream of our founding fathers.

Asiwaju, congratulations once again. I pray God and the Yoruba ancestors to guide your path as you fulfill the destiny of our dear nation.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 14. Armenia shows destructiveness by refusing to indicate the places of mass graves of Azerbaijanis under various pretexts, Head of the State Security Service, Chairman of the State Commission on Prisoners of War, Hostages and Missing Citizens of Azerbaijan Ali Naghiyev said, Trend reports.

Naghiyev made the remark during meeting with a delegation headed by the President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Pia Kauma visiting Azerbaijan.

Discussing the issue of the approximately 4,000 Azerbaijanis considered missing as a result of Armenia's military aggression and ethnic cleansing, he stated that although the liberation of Azerbaijani lands from occupation has facilitated efforts to clarify the persons' fate, the fate of a significant number of Azerbaijanis is still unknown.

The official noted that Armenia refuses to cooperate in this matter under various pretexts.

Despite all this, as Naghiyev pointed out, Azerbaijan is making every effort to establish a lasting peace and stability in the region, always prioritizing the principles of good neighborliness and peaceful coexistence.

He also added that Azerbaijan comprehensively ensures and guarantees the safety of persons of Armenian origin living in Karabakh, emphasizing the importance of normalizing relations with Armenia and signing a peace treaty.

The search for the remains of persons who went missing during the first Karabakh war began after the liberation of Azerbaijani lands from the Armenian occupation [in the 2020 second Karabakh war].

As of September this year, the remains of nine people have been detected in Yukhari Seyidahmadli village of liberated Fuzuli district.

Totally, Armenia transferred the remains of 120 people out of 3,890 missing persons [since the first Karabakh war] to Azerbaijan.

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National leader of the Pan Yoruba Socio-Political Group, Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, religious leaders and Ondo state elders have waded into the political crisis in the state and the impeachment of the embattled deputy governor, Hon Lucky Ayedatiwa.





They called on all concerned to sheath their sword.





Rising from a meeting held at Akure, the country home of Pa Fasoranti, which lasted for five hours, the elders, including traditional rulers, and religious leaders, advised against the impeachment of either the governor or his deputy.





Addressing newsmen, after the meeting on behalf of Pa Fasoranti, the former Secretary General of Afenifere, Basorun Sehinde Arogbofa, said that the reconciliation meeting was at the instance of the Yoruba leader.





Arogbofa said The elders meeting was summoned by the Afenifere leader and, by implication, the Yoruba leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, to discuss issues in our state.





 It is still ongoing; we just started the discussion about the problems happening in the state.





 Having looked at so many things, it was the conclusion of the elders and leaders of Ondo State that, for now, there should be no impeachment of either the governor or the deputy.





We are still looking at how things are going. We still have a lot to do, we just started.





Also, another elder in the group, who is the Lisa of Ondo Kingdom, Sir Simeon Oguntimehin, said they had to intervene in a bid to reconcile the gladiators.





Oguntimehin said that  the meeting decided and confirmed that no attempt should be made to impeach either the governor or the deputy governor.





We want the rule of law to continue to reign in the state. We dont want any problems; we want the rule of law according to the Constitution to be adhered to and continue to be followed.





This is a Sunshine State, and the state must continue to shine.





A former Vice Chancellor of Oodua University, ile- ife, Osun state, Prof. Olu Aderounmu, while answering questions from newsmen, said We want everybody to work with the elders. We mean well for this state.





We particularly want the State House of Assembly to, if called upon, listen to Pa Fasoranti and the elders in the state.





Some of the elders participated actively in the creation of this state, so they are concerned. We want to appeal to everybody in corporate.





Ondo State used to be the leading state in the federation, whether you talk about education, human resources, or material resources. We want to continue to be the number one state in the country.





Meanwhile, the meeting also resolved that they would soon meet with the governor, his deputy and the members of the House of Assembly in a bid to resolve the imbroglio.





They assured the people of the state that the crisis would soon be resolved.





Asked if the assembly members refused to listen to the elders, Basorun Arogbofa said It will be strange for us to talk to them and they wont listen to us.
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has disclosed that the financial distress currently plaguing the country is a direct result of President Bola Tinubus administration inheriting an empty treasury upon assuming power a few months ago.

While speaking at the Chief of Defence Intelligence Annual Conference 2023 in Abuja on Monday, Ribadu acknowledged the severe financial constraints affecting budgetary allocations but reassured the nation that the federal government is committed to maintaining a robust and viable defense management and mechanism.

I assure you that the federal government will not rest on its oars in ensuring a robust and viable defence management and security apparatus to address contemporary challenges even in the face of enormous budgetary constraints.

Yes, were facing budgetary constraints. It is okay for me to tell you. Fine, it is important for you to know that we have inherited a very difficult situation, literally a bankrupt country, no money, to a point where we can say that all the money were getting now; were paying back what was taken. It is serious!

But this administration is doing its best to meet our requirements, particularly the armed forces, and I believe that you leaders will be able to testify to that. Ribadu said

He commended the armed forces for their dedication to addressing prevailing security challenges, both within and outside Nigeria, noting positive changes and improvements. Urging unity and support for the countrys security agencies, Ribadu expressed confidence that with leadership resolve, the nation would overcome its current difficulties.

Let us come together as one and continue to support our armed forces and other security agencies with this work of securing our country for peace and stability.

They have done an amazingly good job without talking and I believe that with the support and the resolve of the leadership we have today in our country, things will only be better.

We are just four or five months old, but certainly things have changed and we believe that what they are doing, they are doing it right. We want to encourage them, stand by them and support them 100 percent and hopefully, this country will be okay in a short time, he added.

Ribadu pointed to recent coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Gabon, and Guinea, characterizing them as sudden reversals of democratic fortunes. He stated the importance of defense diplomacy in pursuing strategic engagements with allies and partners to achieve national security objectives.

The Chief of Defence Intelligence, Maj Gen Emmanuel Undiandeye, in his response, affirmed the agencys determination to harness the capabilities of the defense attache system for the attainment of national security objectives.

The conference was attended by key figures, including the Minister of Defence, Minister of State, and other high-ranking officials in the Defense Ministry.
Train services have been suspended across the country in compliance with the nationwide strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC).

In an interview with NAN, Segun Esan, the secretary-general of the Nigeria Union of Railway Workers, said the association is involved in the strike and no train was running as a result.

The NLC and TUC had said they would embark on a nationwide strike from midnight on November 14.

Speaking with reporters on Monday, Festus Osifo, TUCs president, said the strike would remain until government at all levels wake up to their responsibilities.

The nationwide strike is in protest against the alleged brutality of Joe Ajaero, the NLC president, in Imo state.

Ajaero was reportedly picked up from the Imo council secretariat of the congress in Owerri by heavily armed police officers.

However, the Imo police command said the union leader was not arrested but was taken into protective custody to avoid being lynched by a mob.

On November 5, the national industrial court in Owerri, the capital of Imo, issued a restraining order to labour unions, preventing them from embarking on a strike in the state.

Also, the federal government had secured an order restraining the unions and their affiliates from embarking on the strike.

But despite the court orders, the labour unions stood their ground on the industrial action.

In the interview with NAN on Tuesday, Esan said all workers of the Nigerian railway have been asked to stay at home following the unions resolve to join the NLC and TUC strike.

In effect, therefore, all the workers of Nigerian Railway are duty-bound to join the nationwide strike action from zero-zero hour of Tuesday, 14th November, 2023 by staying back at home and away from their offices, NAN quoted Esan as saying.

He also said all the offices, stations, workshops, and entire premises of the corporation remain locked and inaccessible from zero-zero hour of Tuesday, 14th November, 2023, till otherwise directed by the congress.
Comic Nollywood actor, Charles Inojie, has revealed his encounter with his colleague, John Okafor, also known as Mr Ibu

Inojie, accompanied by another colleague, actress Chinyere Wilfred, recently visited Mr Ibu in his private ward in the ICU at Ever Care, where he is receiving treatment.

Mr. Ibu was amputated penultimate week ago.

Speaking after visiting the bedridden actor for the first time in the hospital, Inojie said emotion betrayed him.

I felt a mad rush of hot tears welling up beneath my quivering eyelids. I quickly turned away for fear my animal weakness was threatening to have the better of me, but too late. Ibu was crying, too! Inojie said.

Charles Inojie praised Ibus sense of humor despite his health condition.

He wrote, MR IBU THE INDOMITABLE HUMORIST!

I never thought I would ever be able to relate this chapter of my encounter with Mr Ibu on his sick bed because I had this funny feeling that it had the potential of making light of a very dire situation as his condition presented. Well, the enigmatic humour monger himself, Ali Baba, has given me a soft landing to go ahead.

I walked into his private ward in the ICU in the company of Chinyere Wilfred at whose behest we made the journey to Ever Care where he is being treated. We had just finished from a set, and she suggested that we take the opportunity to visit Ibu. With us were Jasmine, Mrs Ibu, and a woman I believe is her friend.

As soon as we stepped into the room, his eyes lit up, and he retorted:

IBU: Idiot, what are you doing here?

ME: Mumu, why you carry your leg go give mallam to dey cut?

IBU: I get sense?

He would go on to quibble a few friendly banters with Chinyere. In fact, suffice to say that if a total stranger walked into that room that minute, he would never be able to tell who, indeed, was the patient.

From one joke to the other, Ibu literally entertained us. For a moment, i peered into his eyes as if searching for the secret of his willpower, and again, he levelled me out.

IBU: You dey pity for me? No fear, the doctor say I go fit still use the leg later, even though some betta-betta meat don commot for the leg.

You could never stop wondering where he got the strength under such agonising pain to exude such positive energy so effortlessly.

Then came the moment. I picked his hands from his sides and held them tightly as I muttered,

Lets pray.

We gazed intently at each other and connected on the fading highways of nostalgia, and upon the instance, I felt a mad rush of hot tears welling up beneath my quivering eyelids. I quickly turned away for fear my animal weakness was threatening to have the better of me, but too late. Ibu was crying, too!

We prayed and cried freely and came to, unconsoled. He wiped his eyes as I did mine, and out of the blues, the Ibu in him reared its head again.

IBU: Idiot, you go dey cry. Wetin dey beat you?

ME: Mumu, you no cry?

IBU: Na as I see you dey cry, na him I say make I support you na.

The two delectable nurses tending him laughed and laughed, and you could tell that Ibu made their jobs so very easy with his ebullient mien.

I left his ward with one of lifes vital lessons running through my mind WHOEVER CAN MUSTER THE WILLPOWER TO SURVIVE IN THE FACE OF ANGUISH AND LIFE THREATENING PAIN, CAN DEFEAT DEATH EVEN IN THE MOST FIERCESOME BATTLE.

May God Almighty grant Ibu a speedy recovery, Inojie prayed.
Dino Melaye, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi, has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of allocating votes during Saturdays governorship election.

Speaking during an interview with Channels Television on Monday, Melaye claimed there was no election in the state.

On Sunday, Usman Ododo, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was declared the winner of the Kogi state governorship election.

Ododo polled 446, 237 votes to defeat Murtala Ajaka of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), who came second with 259,052 votes. Melaye came a distant third with 46,362 votes.

Reacting to the outcome of the poll, Melaye said the Kogi election was shameful, noting that democracy has suffered a setback in the country.

The PDP governorship candidate said he cannot accept the outcome of an election that was far from credible, adding that this is not the first time he has lost an election.

There was no election and Im going to prove it. There was only allocation of votes by INEC, he claimed.

The election is shameful. I sympathise with this country. It is a big shame.

ITS IMMATERIAL

During the election, Melaye was not sighted at his polling unit located at Ayetoro ward 1, Ijumu LGA, Kogi west senatorial district.

When asked whether he voted during the election, Melaye said casting his vote does not matter legally, adding that it is immaterial.

The issue of voting or not voting does not have legal status, he said.

People win elections from prison but if we want to go into the discussion about this election, we must discuss the processes and conclusion instead of buying time to discuss issues that are not relevant to the election.

Legally, it has no relevance to the election. Whether I voted or not, it is immaterial.

The PDP candidate won his polling units with 210 votes against APCs 22 votes.




The Police command in Ogun State has banned the use of fireworks and explosives in the state during the Yuletide celebrations.





SP Omolola Odutola, the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), disclosed this in a statement issued in Abeokuta on Monday.





Odutola said there had been complaints from residents about their inability to differentiate between gunshots and genuine fireworks.





The PPRO urged residents to respect the privacy of others.





The state police command is inundated with report indices coming from residents since Nov. 1, especially in Sagamu, Ijebu-Ode, Ikenne and Sango Ota, over the indiscriminate use of dangerous fireworks popularly called banga.





They said that the deafening sound of it threatens the state of peace of mind and triggers anxiety among residents, especially amid security concerns.





The Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, has henceforth declared a ban on the indiscriminate use of explosive fireworks in Ogun State due to residents and the communitys inability to differentiate between gunshots and genuine fireworks, she said.





Odutola added that the commissioner had issued a stern warning to young people who might want to flout the directive, saying violators would be punished in accordance with extant laws.
UPDATE: The boy was recovered at 8 p.m. by investigators in Philadelphia and is back in his mothers custody. As of 9 p.m., police were still trying to locate Johns.

A missing Cumberland County teen has been charged with kidnapping a 1-year-old boy after she refused to return him to his mother over the weekend, according to the U.S. Marshals Service Philadelphia.

The child and Akera Johns, 16, both of Vineland, were last seen in New Jersey around 3 p.m. Saturday at the Cumberland Family Shelter on Mays Landing Road in Vineland before being spotted Monday morning in the area of 32nd Street & Susquehanna Avenue in Philadelphia, investigators said.

The US Marshals Service Philadelphia said it was assisting the Vineland Police Department and the New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force in a search for the pair.

A flyer produced by Vineland police described Akera as a family friend of the child.

Akera is described as 5-feet 10-inches tall, about 140 pounds, with brown eyes, black hair, and red and black braids. She was last seen wearing a tan jacket, black jeans, and black and white shoes.

The child is around 2-feet tall, 35 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair. He was last seen wearing a blue jacket, gray pants and gray shoes.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Vineland Police Department at 856-696-1212.

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Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com.
After five years in court, lawyers for New Jersey and a coalition of advocates will work with a mediator to address longstanding segregation in public schools, an attorney for the advocates announced late Monday.

In October, state Superior Judge Robert T. Lougy ruled that New Jersey has avoided its responsibility to address segregation in its schools but that the problem is not statewide. Noting that the state had an attitude of helplessness towards addressing segregation, he neither called for a trial to begin nor dismissed the 2018 lawsuit by a coalition of advocacy groups led by the Latino Action Network and the NAACP.

They argued that the states pattern of school segregation, among the worst in the nation  with more separation by race than in Alabama or Mississippi  deprives students of their rights to a thorough and efficient education in a diverse setting.

According to the arguments Lougy heard, a quarter of Black students and 14% of Latino students attend schools that are 99% non-white. In his ruling, Lougy said he was not convinced that the states requirement that students attend school where they live is a central factor in segregation but that the state has failed to address prevalent and persistent segregation across the state.

Starting Nov. 21, both sides will join confidential mediation under the guidance of retired New Jersey Supreme Court Associate Justice Barry T. Albin, who has ruled in landmark cases, including marriage equality for gay people. He was appointed by former Gov. Jim McGreevey.

On Thursday, the same day the plaintiffs requested it, Appellate Judge Thomas W. Sumners Jr. issued a court order putting the lawsuit on hold and requiring monthly updates on the progress of mediation. His order expires Jan. 16, although the parties can request more time for mediation.

Lawrence Lustberg, lead attorney for the plaintiffs, welcomed the invitation to mediation, which came from the state.

We are hopeful that it will result in an effective solution to New Jerseys longstanding problem of school segregation, more expeditiously than would be the case if it is necessary to continue the ongoing litigation, he said.

A spokesman for the Office of the Attorney General said, The State is committed to providing a thorough and efficient education to every student and recognizes the innumerable benefits of a diverse school environment.

Javier Robles, president of the Latino Action Network, said his group wants a solution that works for everyone.

Its a good sign that the state wants to work on some type of solution with us and the rest of the plaintiffs, he said. But he wished the work toward a solution could have begun years earlier.

While we, the adults in the room, have been dealing with the court systems, some of these plaintiffs have graduated and gone through a school system that didnt serve them like we serve other students, he said, It shouldnt take this long.

Vivian Fraser, president of the Urban League of Essex County, another plaintiff, said the children of New Jersey cant wait any longer. Its time the state lived up to its constitution and ensured that Black and brown children have the same educational opportunities as their suburban and white counterparts, she said. Weve waited five years to be told to go to mediation.

The states charter schools joined the case to fight claims that they made segregation worse, which the court dismissed, and to help provide solutions as they address segregation by serving students across municipal boundaries, said Harry Lee, CEO of the New Jersey Public Charter School Association.

Justice Barry Albin is universally admired as a legal mind and mediator who can help bridge different perspectives during mediation, Lee said. We earnestly look forward to mediation to ensure that students and families in New Jersey get meaningful access to more public schools that break down barriers like zip code, race, culture, and language.

The NAACP and the Department of Education did not return requests for comment.

Editors Note: This post has been updated to include a response from the Urban League of Essex County.

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Tina Kelley may be reached at tkelley@njadvancemedia.com.
Could 2025 be the year where Mr. Bhalla goes to Washington? Based on the hundreds of thousands of dollars hes raised, it might be a reality  one that makes the influential Hudson County Democratic Organization (HCDO) choose between supporting him or Rob Menendez Jr. in a potential House primary.

Ravi Bhalla, the mayor of Hoboken, has raised $506,000 for a potential U.S. House primary challenge in the Eighth District next year against Menendez, a first-term Democrat whose future is uncertain after his father, U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez, was indicted on corruption charges in September.
On the morning of Oct. 17, Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora and city Police Director Steve Wilson were summoned to the federal building in the city and informed the Department of Justice had started a Civil Rights investigation of the police department.

They hadnt seen it coming, the mayor said.

Not two hours later, the feds announced how they planned to examine how police officers deal with the public in a variety of situations, from routine traffic stops to highly charged interactions like people suffering mental crises.

Assistant U.S. Attorney General Kristen Clarke, of the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division in Washington, and U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Philip R. Sellinger, said investigators had been collecting complaints, evidence and data  including public news stories  which had produced concerns that officers might be using unnecessary force, escalating incidents and conducting warrantless searches that violate the Constitution.

Its called a pattern-or-practice investigation, or P&P, and will take about a year. The DOJ will issue a report of their findings, or publicly say they found no violations.

Almost a month later, the city, community groups, a longtime police critic and the police themselves all welcome the investigation  but for very different reasons.

The City

Gusciora, who is in his second term as mayor, has consistently said Trenton suffers the same problems that other cities face: a flood of out-of-state guns and a wave of fentanyl that has come across America.

Its a toxic mix that causes obvious public safety problems for residents and police, and combatting it is a delicate balance and a constant struggle to be tough on enforcement while building relationships with residents, he said.

When he first learned of the investigation, My reaction was that, you know, what is the U.S. Attorney doing to prevent guns that are flooding into the state?

The mayor says hes well aware of prior instances of allegations of excessive force against police officers, and police should absolutely be investigated locally or federally if accused. But we have hundreds of police that go out there every day and do the right thing and keep neighborhoods safe.

He understands people can be dissatisfied by police at times, but those people also, wanna make sure that a gun is not pointed at them either by bad guy thats out there.

So we have to balance things and make sure that that on the one hand, police are doing everything above board, but citizens should be supportive of the police coming in their neighborhoods to continue to keep them safe to the best of their ability, he said.

Guscioras main concern of the investigation, for which hes ordered cooperation from all city officials, is the possibly chilling effect on the individual officer.

Im really concerned about that, he said. That youll have police that are reluctant to get out of the (police car) because its their perception (from residents) that maybe theyre out there to do more harm than good.

Overall, Gusciora was clear that he does not see any issues that infect the entire department. I dont think that its anything systemic.

Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora, file photo.(Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media)

The Police

Michael Schiaretti, president of the police officers union, wasnt too surprised by the investigation, considering an FBI agent has been visiting the department for about five years to collect information.

Some senior officers know the agent, Vernon Addison, by sight. They and Schiaretti say hes been compiling reports, body camera footage and other information of incidents in which force was used.

And in that time, [the FBI] has brought one case to prosecution, and the officers were acquitted, Schiaretti said.

He was referring to the federal trial earlier this year of officer Drew Inman and ex-officer Anthony Villanueva, who were accused of using excessive force on a suspect in 2017. (Addison was the lead investigator on the case.)

Some officers believe that since the federal prosecutors lost in court, their next tool was the P&P investigation. Its hard not to think one is related to the other, Schiaretti said.

Schiaretti said he hears that the DOJ will look at things like training, supervision and internal affairs reforms, something that the officers and union want too. Its also something that theyve pushed for years, via funding. But thats been difficult to attain, he said, since the city remains under state oversight by the Department of Community Affairs  which controls budgetary expenses.

The department still has not fully rebounded from the layoffs of over 100 officers in 2011, and combined with the tight state purse strings, Schiaretti said he hopes the investigation will lead to funds.

Like the mayor, Schiaretti does not believe the feds will find Trenton police suffering from any department-wide concerns.

I do not expect any smoking gun to emerge where theres been widespread corruption and violation of peoples rights, he said. And I think the men and women of the police department, by and large, come to work every day looking to make a positive impact for the citizens of Trenton.

The Organizations

In their announcement of the investigation, Clarke and Sellinger said repeatedly said no one incident or event led to the P&P.

But Sellinger led off his remarks by describing a Sept. 12 town hall meeting his office held in a city church.

One community member after another voiced concerns about how officers of the Trenton Police Department treat the people of Trenton, he said. They raised concerns about excessive force. Concerns about stops and searches done for no good reason. They also put into words the impact that potentially unconstitutional policing can have on the community: a lack of trust in law enforcementas well as fear.

One person wrote a note to authorities that said: We[re] scared of the law because they dont like us.

The Rev. Dr. Charles Boyer, pastor at the North Trenton church, Greater Mount Zion AME, organized the meeting. Hes also the director of Salvation and Social Justice, a statewide group that has been working with federal authorities on issues in other cities around the state.

One of Salvation and Social Justices missions is to mobilizing community, and that is what they did in September.

First off, he said, the organization and church did not have it out for Trenton police.

We did not have any explicit intent to get the police department investigated. I want to make that very clear, Boyer said.

Boyer said the job was to bring together residents who are not typically at public meetings, like politicians and the middle class. Our job was to get folks on the ground, you know, who typically arent in these spaces, into the room.

Our major goal was to let them know what levers of government they could pull.

Boyer said the meeting was full and went beyond its scheduled time, with several residents breaking into one-on-one discussions with members of Sellingers team for about an hour.

For this kind of situation to have occurred and for that kind of voice from the community, a lot of pent-up frustration for many, many, many years, is something that is obviously needed, Boyer said.

So, as much as we had no intent in all of this, its obvious that the communitys voice was heard, he added.

The Trenton NAACP, which also sponsored the meeting, was more direct in its reaction to the federal investigation.

We at the Trenton NAACP are ecstatic that this investigation is happening, President Austin J. Edwards said during a press conference in front of police headquarters a few days after the federal announcement.

Edwards said that in the days hed been sharing the news, the reaction in the community was Finally.

Finally, theres a chance of justice, and finally we can have peace on our community, he said.

Rev. Charles Boyer of the Greater Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church in Trenton lends a voice at a vigil for Najee Seabrooks, killed by Paterson police, at Hamilton Plaza in Paterson in this March 2023 photo.Steve Hockstein | For NJ Advance

The Critic

Trenton-based defense attorney Robin Lord has been the police departments chief critic since the 1990s. Shes sued the city, department and officers, and defends clients arrested by city police by criticizing their tactics in court.

In one way, she said she is not surprised the feds are acting. In her trademark bluntness, she called the police force, a cesspool.

She believes the department needs to be wiped clean and started from scratch to have any chance of changing. Everyone must go, she said.

This is years in the making due to years of inaction by the county prosecutors office and the state Attorney Generals office, who have failed to meaningfully address or prosecute any police misconduct allegations, Lord said.

As a younger lawyer in the 1990s, Lord said she kept hearing from her clients that Trenton officers were using excessive force. So she compiled the incidents, made an appointment with city and county authorities to present her findings.

They didnt do a damn thing, she said. The only thing they did was cause the cops to harass my clients more.

So she started filing civil lawsuits to address the behavior and get justice for her clients, Lord said. And we get settlements. Hundreds and hundreds of thousands of dollars and it doesnt come out of their pocket. And they dont get disciplined for it.

They do not learn in that regard, she said.

Lord also sues on behalf of city officers. She recently filed an intent to sue the department on behalf of a Jewish Trenton officer who claims someone left a Santa Claus doll at his workplace with an antisemitic slur. After the news broke, the officer returned to the department and was harassed anew by a supervisor, the lawyer claimed.

They dont have respect for themselves. They cant be expected to have respect for the citizens in the town that they patrol, Lord said.

Overall, Lord said: Im hopeful that the fact that the federal government is independently looking into what happens there might make a difference, but I doubt it.

Defense attorney Robin Lord in court in a file photo.Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media

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Kevin Shea may be reached at kshea@njadvancemedia.com
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 14. Head of the State Security Service, Chairman of the State Commission for Prisoners of War, Hostages and Missing Citizens of Azerbaijan Ali Naghiyev received a delegation headed by President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Pia Kauma, Trend reports.

At the meeting held in the conditions of mutual exchange of views, the main topic of discussion was the current situation in the South Caucasus region after the military activities in Karabakh, ensuring safe living of people in the territory of Karabakh, complications caused by the high level of contamination of the region with mines, and the uncertainty of the fate of persons taken prisoner as a result of the conflict.

Ali Naghiyev noted that Azerbaijan is currently carrying out large-scale reconstruction work in the lands liberated from Armenian occupation. However, due to the fact that a significant part of these territories is mined by Armenia, the failure to provide the Azerbaijani side with mine maps or inaccurate indication of the locations of mines seriously hinders the rapid implementation of the reconstruction and construction process. Taking into account that the number of victims of mine terror is increasing day by day, the need for the OSCE, along with other international organizations, to put pressure on Armenia to provide accurate mine maps was stressed.

Referring to the issue of about 4,000 Azerbaijani citizens missing as a result of Armenia's military aggression against Azerbaijan and the policy of ethnic cleansing, Ali Naghiyev said that although the liberation of Azerbaijani lands from occupation made it easier to search for them, it has not yet been possible to clarify the fate of a significant number of them. Demonstrating non-constructiveness in this direction as well, Armenia refuses to cooperate in the search for mass graves of Azerbaijanis under various pretexts.

He mentioned that despite all this, Azerbaijan spares no efforts to establish lasting peace and stability in the region, always giving priority to the principles of neighborhood and peaceful coexistence, comprehensively guarantees and ensures the security of persons of Armenian origin living in Karabakh. The head of the Azerbaijani Security Service also stressed the importance of normalizing relations with Armenia and signing a peace treaty.

During the conversation, the guests were informed that while there is a favorable opportunity for establishing a stable peace in the region, it is unacceptable that some states arm Armenia in order to aggravate the situation in the region once again, as it will lead to reigniting the war.

President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Pia Kauma, in her turn, noted that the organization represented by her can provide necessary support to the confidence building process between Azerbaijan and Armenia and expressed her position on the future security of the region.

Other issues of mutual interest were also discussed at the meeting.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
A 19-year-old New Jersey man who threatened to attack a synagogue and Jewish people when he wrote a hate-filled manifesto that led the FBI to issue a rare statewide alert in 2022 has been sentenced to 15 months in federal prison.

Omar Alkattoul, of Sayreville, will also be subject to three years of supervised release after he is released from prison, the U.S. Attorneys Office for New Jersey said Tuesday.

Threatening someones life because of who they are or what they believe is simply unacceptable in civilized society, FBI Newark Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy said in a statement Tuesday. Alkattoul admitted to breaking the laws we enforce to protect our communities from hate and threats of violence. Now more than ever, the FBI and our law enforcement partners need the publics help reporting anything they see, so the threats dont turn into physical attacks.

Alkattoul used a social media app on Nov. 1, 2022, to contact a synagogue and send a link to a manifesto he wrote called When Swords Collide, in which he allegedly said was in the context of an attack on Jews, prosecutors said. The synagogue was not named.

Alkattoul also sent the document to at least five other people using another social media application, federal prosecutors said.

The threats include audio recordings on an iPhone of Alkattoul speaking in Arabic, authorities said at the time he was arrested.

We will conquer Jerusalem O Jews, according to a partial translation included in the criminal complaint. With Gods permission, he will slaughter you.

With Gods permission, the Jews will be frightened; the promise is near, Alkattoul said.

I am the attacker and I would like to introduce myself, the document stated. I am a Muslim with so many regrets but I can assure you this attack is not one of them.

Alkattoul told another person about his plan to kill as an act of revenge for the death of Muslims, authorities said.

Sections of the manifesto contained titles such as, Why hatred towards Jews is a good thing even if theyre not Zionists, and Good Jews do not exist unless if they convert to Islam.

He pleaded guilty in federal court in Trenton in July to one count of transmitting a threat in interstate and foreign commerce. Proscecutors said when Alkattoul was charged that he faced up to five years in federal prison.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

NJ Advance Media staff writer Anthony G. Attrino contributed to this report.

Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com.
A New Jersey man who surrendered to authorities Friday after prompting a three-day manhunt led by the FBI was charged in federal court Monday with multiple felonies stemming from his involvement with the riots at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

Gregory C. Yetman, 47, of Helmetta, was charged with assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers; obstruction of law enforcement during civil disorder; entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds; engaging in physical violence in a restricted building or grounds; and committing an act of physical violence in the Capitol grounds or buildings, according to court records.

Magistrate Judge Tonianne J. Bongiovanni ordered the case to be transferred to the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.

Yetman fled into the woods behind his Main Street home in Helmetta on Wednesday morning when authorities were attempting to execute a federal warrant, according to statements from the FBI and Jamesburg police.

Multiple law enforcement agencies were involved in the search. SWAT teams, armored trucks, and police K-9s were seen in the Helmetta neighborhood Thursday morning, according to video footage from the scene.

Authorities said previously they were searching for Yetman in the area of Helmetta, Jamesburg and Spotswood.

A $10,000 reward was offered Thursday for information that led to his arrest.

Yetman was enlisted in the National Guard when the attack on the U.S. Capitol took place on Jan 6. 2021.

Yetman was a military police officer in the New Jersey Army National Guard from September 2008 to March 2022, according to Heather J. Hagan, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Army.

He deployed to Afghanistan from September 2012 to May 2013, and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, from June 2015 to March 2016, according to military records.

Yetman held the rank of sergeant at the end of service in 2022, Hagan said.

Public defender Benjamin Jon West, the lead attorney representing Yetman, did not immediately respond Monday to requests for comment.

Thank you for relying on us to provide the local news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription.

NJ Advance Media Research Editor Vinessa Erminio contributed to this report.

Jackie Roman may be reached at jroman@njadvancemedia.com.
A former middle school student in Middlesex County has filed a lawsuit against Perth Amboy Public Schools alleging the district should have done more to stop a school security guard from sexually assaulting her several years ago.

The student, who now lives in another state, claims in court papers that district officials knew or should have known that Elios Arias had a propensity to engage in inappropriate sexual contact with minor students.

Arias, 30, pleaded guilty in 2019 to one count of second-degree sexual assault and was sentenced to seven years in prison. He was released on parole in December 2022 from the Adult Diagnostic and Treatment Center in Avenel after serving more than three years, according to the New Jersey Department of Corrections.

The student attended William C. McGinnis Middle School, where Arias worked as a security guard, according to the suit, filed Sept. 21 in Superior Court of Middlesex County.

During the 2016-2017 school year, Defendant Arias contacted the student through text message and social media, the lawsuit states.

These social media contacts were public and could have been discovered upon reasonable investigation, the suit states.

Perth Amboy district officials did not return calls multiple calls and emails seeking comment on the complaint.

Phone numbers listed for Arias were not in service and his attorneys information was not contained in civil court documents.

The lawsuit alleges that on two occasions in 2017, Arias told the victim to come to his home, where he sexually assaulted her.

She has since suffered from PTSD, depression and anxiety, according to the suit.

(Her) injuries were avoidable by and through the exercise of ordinary care, safety, and due diligence in the hiring and supervision of staff at William C. McGinnis Middle School, the suit states.

The lawsuit alleges the district was negligent and failed to properly supervise Arias, who allegedly had a reputation in the school for inappropriate contact with students.

The complaint accuses Arias of breaching his duty of care to the girl by making unwanted physical and sexual contact with her, engaging is psychological sexual assault through visual and verbal behavior, and of failing to respect or appreciate boundaries of minors in his care.

The school defendants knew and/or should have known that their failure to discharge their obligations and duties to supervise their agents would result in, or likely result in the serious, severe, and permanent injuries that resulted, the suit states.

Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription.

Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on X @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
The aroma of freshly ground coffee will no longer waft through the streets of Freehold as production at the boroughs 75-year-old Nestle plant has officially ended, the Swiss food and beverage brand confirmed Tuesday.

The last day of work at the Monmouth County manufacturing plant is Friday for approximately half of the factorys 225 employees, a Nestle spokesperson said.

The remaining employees will stay on to help with the decommissioning process at the facility over the next few months.

Were honored to have been part of the Freehold community for the past 75 years, a company spokesperson said Tuesday.

Nestle first announced the Freehold factory would cease production in June. Its the end of an era in more ways than one. The factory on Jerseyville Avenue was the companys last remaining coffee production facility in the United States.

The production will move from New Jersey to Nestle's facilities in Mexico and Brazil, company officials said.

We intend to further utilize our Veracruz, Mexico, and Araras, Brazil, sites, which have increasingly been supporting the U.S. volume needs in the past few years, a company spokesperson said.

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, the largest labor union in the country, was among those condemning Nestle for closing the plant.

Without any regard to the livelihoods of 200 workers and their families, Nestle executives announced today that they will close the Freehold plant, a Teamsters spokeswoman said in a statement. This company should be ashamed for turning their backs on workers in Freehold and the community that has been home to this company for more than 70 years.

Union workers stand outside of the Nestle coffee factory in Freehold on Tuesday, June 20, 2023.Patti Sapone | NJ Advance Media

In a statement, a Nestle spokesperson said the company has been supporting its employees looking to transition to their next careers.

Weve worked collaboratively with government and Teamsters Local 11 to host job fairs, resume and interview workshops as well as offering professional headshots, the spokesperson said.

Leadership with Teamsters Local 11 did not immediately respond Tuesday to requests for comment.

Nestle owns popular labels, including Nespresso, Nescafe and Blue Bottle. The companys 440,000-square-foot facility in Freehold served as a landmark and local job-maker since it opened in 1948. The facility was dedicated solely to the production of instant coffee and its aroma was well known in the area.

The boroughs special smell, unlike that of some New Jersey communities, is good to the last whiff, wrote one columnist in a 1962 edition of The Freehold Transcript.

Hometown celebrity Bruce Springsteen even mentioned the familiar aroma during his Broadway run, according to The Record.

But, the Freehold facility had been facing challenges for a while, according to Nestle. In early May, management told employees the facility was in trouble and might close.

Workers held demonstrations outside the factory demanding Nestle keep the facility open instead of outsourcing jobs to another country.

However, despite discussions with workers, as well as local and state officials, Nestle made the decision to close the factory.

The company cited the factorys age and limited operation flexibility among its reasons for relocating production.

How consumers drink coffee is constantly evolving and our manufacturing network must be set up to meet the needs of consumers now and long into the future, a company spokesperson said previously.

Its up to local officials to decide what happens next with the property.

In July, the borough council authorized a contract with Beacon Planning and Consulting Services to produce a redevelopment study for the building, according to meeting minutes.

Nestle still has more than 1,000 employees across five Nestle Health Science locations in New Jersey. They include the U.S. corporate headquarters in Hoboken, Global Product Technology Center in Bridgewater, a factory in Leonia and two warehouse facilities.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Jackie Roman may be reached at jroman@njadvancemedia.com.
The colorful, brightly-lit streets in Jersey Citys India Square neighborhood are always bustling.

I know because as a proud local, Ive visited many, many times. But Ive been told by one too many of my Gujarati neighbors that theyre never as vibrant and as palpably alive as they are days ahead of a big celebration. And as far as Hindu celebrations go, Diwali  a five-day holiday that started Sunday and is known as the festival of lights  is undeniably larger than life.

Diwali, Hindus from northern India will tell you, is a time to celebrate the glorious return of Prince Rama of Ayodhya, his wife Sita, and brother Lakshman after 14 years in exile. The holiday, Hindus from southern India will tell you, celebrates the blessed day Lord Krishna defeated the evil demon Narakasura. The origin story of Diwali, which is also observed by Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists, according to the Hindu American Foundation, varies by region. The common thread?: The victory of good over evil.

Now, thats something to celebrate! To experience all the excitement felt by my Hindu friends, I took heed of their words  you just need to visit India Square during Diwali!  and made my way to Newark Avenue, between Tonnelle Avenue and JFK Boulevard. There, I met up with Tejal Parekh.

Shes a longtime friend, and Journal Square local, who grew up in the area known as India Square or Little India frequenting the dozens of shops, markets, restaurants and temples with her Gujarati father.

Gujaratis are natives of Indias western state of Gujarat. And many of the business owners in India Square as well as the customers who shop there hail from this part of India. In Jersey City, a city of about 283,000 residents, there are nearly 36,000 Indians  one of the largest concentrations of Indians in the state.

Its no surprise theres no shortage of Indian restaurants to pick from here  some are casual, offering dosas and other quick bites, and others with sit-down menus, including traditional dishes like Chicken Biryani and Chicken Tikka Masala, are much fancier. We settle on Rasoi (the word for kitchen in Hindi), a fine dining restaurant thats been open since 1995.

Tejal tells me its what her father, who died years ago, wouldve picked. She says the restaurant and the street its on are both keepers of too many of her most treasured childhood memories. Any special occasion, a birthday, or like now, for Diwali, my Paapa would bring me here, Tejal, 32, tells me. After he passed, it was so hard to come here that I stopped coming for a long time but now, I come here just to feel closer to him.

Tejal, whos multiracial, cant help but get emotional as she tells me that walking up and down the block, shopping at all the little stores and Indian markets, and practicing my Hindi also helps her feel closer to her Indian identity and heritage. Its not always the case for me as a person whos mixed but this is a place where I always feel loved and accepted, she says.

For Tejal Parekh, 32, "India Square" in Jersey City is more than "a street with businesses." The area where she grew up and spent so much time with her Indian father, who died years ago, is "a place where I always feel loved and accepted." And where, she says, she can "feel closer to my Indian identity and heritage."Julian Leshay | For NJ Advance Media

We walk into Rasoi, its windows and walls decorated with the beautiful orange and yellow marigold garlands that are popular during Diwali, and are greeted by lead waiter Agnelo Fernandes. Hes worked at the restaurant for over 20 years and instantly recognizes Tejal. Uncle! she screams excitedly. And they hug deeply. I knew her Paapa, he says. A good, good man.

We share a not too spicy, please bowl of Chicken Tikka, munch on garlic naan as big as our heads, and like the roomful of families around us, clink our Mango Lassis as we cheer to a Happy Diwali.

Then we say our goodbyes to Agnelo and make our way to our next spot: Rajbhog Cafe. The walk is short. Its just next door. But the stop is important. Heres where we get all the special Diwali sweet treats, Tejal says and her eyes shine brighter than the recently installed India Square signs that light up the two ends of the street here. The illuminated signs were part of a $400,000 improvement and expansion project driven by Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop. Concluded just months ago, the project added parking spaces, curb extensions for pedestrian safety, murals and traditional rangoli artwork.

Inside Rajbhog, owner Arvind Patel welcomes us warmly. This is the best time of year, he says smiling big. Business is good. Everyones happy. Its Diwali ... and we have this! He hands us a small white tray with a yellow baked good in the shape of a rectangle thats called a milk cake. Whats this? I ask. Just try, he says. I do. And I swoon! How do you say delicious in Hindi, I ask with my mouth still half full.

This milk cake, an Indian dessert that's traditionally enjoyed during Diwali, was delicious. Arvind Patel, owner of Rajbhog Cafe in Jersey City's "India Square," says it's a best-seller during the holiday.Julian Leshay | For NJ Advance Media

Arvind shows us the extensive variety of traditional Indian sweets his clients clamor for during these festive days. Some are shaped and colored like strawberries or apples and others are fashioned like a roll. People buy boxes of them to gift to friends and relatives who invite them over for Diwali gatherings and parties. My employees make all kinds of fresh sweets here every day, he says proudly.

We visit a couple of shops and stop in at Dharamvir Jewellers, where spouses and jewelers Renu and Sachin Dhunna, are dressed to the nines in their traditional Diwali outfits  hers a vivid fuchsia and his a sparkly forest green. Buying gold and silver during Diwali, Renu tells me, is a way to honor Hindu Goddess Lakshmi that symbolizes health and wealth. They buy it for themselves or as gifts, she says.

Others like Shehnaaz Jagasia, founder of Shehnaaz Dance Academy, a dance school with several Jersey City locations  all near India Square  celebrate the holiday through dance. At a week-long camp at her academy, she teaches young kids traditional dances, talks to them about the meaning of Diwali, and helps them paint pictures of diyas, small, clay oil lamps lit during the festivities.

In the streets of India Square, the energy is overwhelmingly joyous. Children sample small fireworks from a street vendor and beg their parents in English and in Hindi to please, please buy this. Desi hip-hop and Indian rap music blasts from a large speaker near a small storefront, where crowds of people peruse colorful candles and flower garlands to decorate their homes. Strangers walk by each other smiling and without hesitating wish each other a Happy Diwali! Its truly all I was told it would be.

I turn to Tejal and tell her how wowed I am at how incredibly kind-hearted and friendly everyone is here. Is that a Diwali thing, too? I ask. Oh, no, she says matter-of-factly. Thats just an Indian thing.

20 1 / 20 'India Square' comes alive days ahead of Diwali

Daysi Calavia-Robertson may be reached at dcalavia-robertson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Instagram at @presspassdaysi or Twitter @presspassdaysi. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Heres how to submit an op-ed or Letter to the Editor. Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow us on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and on Facebook at NJ.com Opinion. Get the latest news updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters.
Tom Morans recent column Is Tammy Murphy really the best we can offer for the U.S. Senate? raises many upsetting points about her impending bid for public office as a Democrat. One area that was not addressed is that for much of her adult life she was a Republican.

Its an insult to voters in the 2024 Democratic primary that were expected to accept Murphys self-proclaimed Democratic values  despite being a registered, active, voting Republican until at least 2010, if not longer.

Why are Democratic Party leaders putting her forward as their pick for U.S. senator when she seems to have had no track record defending Social Security, Medicare, Obamacare, and other vital programs middle class New Jersey voters depend on? Now, as the wife of Democrat Gov. Phil Murphy, were supposed to believe shell champion traditional Democratic priorities? It defies logic and is politically dangerous.

Dont miss an issue of our Opinion newsletter! Get it delivered each Wednesday right into your inbox by adding your email below and hitting "subscribe."



Rather than foist a political novice with no Democratic track record upon us, party leaders should support proven Democrats like three-term U.S. Rep. Andy Kim, D-3rd. Dist. He has a long record of service and fighting for middle-class needs.

New Jersey deserves better than an unqualified former Republican with no record on the Democratic policies she now claims to embrace.

Sean M. Bailey, Maplewood

Pass bill to widen counselors opportunities

Have you ever looked into the eyes of another person, witnessed their mental and emotional pain, and thought to yourself,I would do anything to help them if only I could?

Today we present the opportunity to do so for many. Many of us either seek out therapy from counselors or know someone who does. The mental health crisis in this country has only worsened since COVID-19 has wreaked havoc.

A pair of bills in the Legislature, S-3061 and A-5311, would give New Jersey the advantage of being a part of the Interstate Counseling Compact. This compact will allow licensed professional counselors (LPCs) who meet its standards to practice in any state that has joined the compact, without getting additional state licenses.

The compact offers improved access to LPCs and parity of availability for clients, as well as provider mobility and effective, coordinated oversight.

A next major step for supporters is convincing state Senator Joseph Vitale, D-Middlesex, to post S-3061 for a committee vote at a hearing during the week of Nov. 20. A rally will be held for the cause at the Statehouse on Nov. 20. Those interested in registering for the rally or advocating enactment of the Counseling Compact may reach out to Beth Fier at the New Jersey Counseling Association.

Skylar Zabit and Beth Fier

Skylar Zabit is a psychology student at Kean University. Beth Fier is public policy chairperson at the New Jersey Counseling Association, based in Edison.

A new hat for Christie to wear

Even though Im not a Republican, I voted for former Gov. Chris Christie in the past.

Watching the 2024 Republican presidential debates, it makes me realize that I was right at that time. Christie is perhaps the sanest of the bunch of candidates.

He ought to come out with a hat that has a MASA logo  for Make America SANE Again.

I also wish that Christie could have a chance to debate Donald Trump, who has thus far refused to take part in the debates.

Julio Parra, Edison

Thank you, voters

We thank the voters of Sussex, Morris, and Warren counties who took part in the Nov. 7 election. We are honored that those of you in the 24th Legislative District have chosen us to be your representatives.

After we are sworn in on Jan. 9, we look forward to working to address such critical issues as high property taxes and a fairer school funding formula, and opposing policies that are harmful to the well-being of families in our region. We look forward to building on the successes of our predecessors, Sen. Steve Oroho and Assemblyman Hal Wirths, for the benefit of our district and our state.

We are honored to represent the 32 towns in the district, those that have long been a part of it, and those that are new. We will also aim to to provide first-class constituent service through our district office.

Thanks again to the voters for their support. We will do all we can to represent your interests in Trenton.

Sen.-elect Parker Space, Assemblywoman-elect Dawn Fantasia and Assemblyman-elect Mike Inganamort. (All are Republicans.)

Brutal honesty at the bat

Concerning the recent NJ Advance Media column Status-quo Yankees already appear doomed for 2024, too:

Kudos to writer Bob Klapisch for his excellent and knowledgeable observations and analysis about Yankees fortunes, now and in the near future.

Klapisch placed the general level of incompetence squarely on the shoulders of those who factually should receive the criticism.

This is what the best reporters do; ask the tough questions, and do not allow the recipients of criticism to threaten loss of access.

David J. Veneri, Roseland

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The Star-Ledger/NJ.com encourages submissions of opinion. Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow us on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and on Facebook at NJ.com Opinion. Get the latest news updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters.
Sign up for The Meltdown, a weekly newsletter highlighting the latest apocalyptic dramas, debunking climate myths, and sharing sustainability hacks, all while arming you with information to hold polluters and the government accountable. Enter your email to subscribe.

Whale, whale, whale, the orcas have sunk another yacht. I dont have a yacht, so it does make it easier to smirk when one sinks, provided no one is hurt. These marine mischief makers have attacked hundreds of boats over the last four years, sinking a few of them. There is a sea of speculation as to why.

Is it revenge for the 50 to 75 trillion pieces of plastic weve thrown into the seas, or is it because we made a third and fourth Free Willy movie? Remember Keiko, the real Free Willy, who made a splash and got a ticket to freedom in 2002 after a huge public outcry? Well, there are still 18 orcas doing belly flops at SeaWorld locations in the U.S., while at least 177 have perished in captivity since 1961. I guess they should have gone to acting school.

But for real, some scientists believe the orcas are just replicating playful behavior. But this nagging feeling in my gut makes me wonder if this is Mother Natures version of a wake-up whack. Weve all seen how the plight of charismatic creatures in captivity tugs on human heartstrings  a power that the dire straits of our fellow humans sadly dont always match. But well keep trying.

This week in the Meltdown, we briefly examine the top ten counties in the United States at risk from the effects of our changing climate. We also explore the benefits of therapy and why you should care about a future you wont live to see.

Drizzle

FILE - People walk toward Tower Rock to check out the attraction normally surrounded by the Mississippi River and only accessible by boat, Oct. 19, 2022, in Perry County, Mo. Amid a major drought in the Western U.S., a proposed solution comes up repeatedly: large-scale river diversions, including pumping Mississippi River water to parched states. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson, File)AP

A recent data visualization tool made by the Environmental Defense Fund and Texas A&M University shows that some counties in the United States are incredibly vulnerable to major climate events, like prolonged drought, flooding, hurricanes, wildfires, heatwaves and winter storms.

The Climate Vulnerability Index (CVI) measures everything from individuals proximity to grocery stores, health outcomes, and minority status to the likelihood of pollution-related illnesses and how infrastructure, transportation, and housing contribute to increasing or decreasing climate risks.

The tool aims to help policymakers and advocacy groups make better decisions about directing resources to overcome those vulnerabilities. Interestingly, the top 10 most at-risk counties are all in the South.

Why is that? Its quite complicated.

Its multi-factorial and very complex when asking why this happens in the South, said Thomas Douthat, professor of environmental sciences at the Louisiana State University College of the Coast & Environment. This region has a lot of low-income Black and white communities that have low wealth, poor public health outcomes, live among heavy industry and in geographically low lying areas that get a lot of hurricanes and floods.

In short, hundreds of counties in the South contain millions of people who are unprepared as major weather events worsen.

Here is the bottom six:

6. St. Landry, Louisiana

7. Acadia, Louisiana

8. Floyd, Kentucky

9. Talladega, Alabama

10. Yazoo, Mississippi

Touch Grass

A patient woman sits beside a man. She makes meaningful eye contact with him. He looks back at her. There is a quiet understanding.Getty Images

In recent weeks, Ive had discussions with several people about the value of therapy. Some have said they dont need it because music is (their) therapy, or they dismiss it because it seems weak and think their problems are easily solvable. That might be true.

My view of most mental health solutions is that nobody will use them until they are truly ready or court-ordered to do so. But I believe wholeheartedly in planting the seed  as it was once planted in me during a weepy kitchen floor heart-to-heart with my then-girlfriend in our Brooklyn apartment many years ago. Im a walking rom-com, I know. If youre on the fence, here are some reasons you might consider therapy:

Better communication skills

Better sleep

Increased happiness and life satisfaction

Feelings of empowerment; improved mental function and productivity; fewer missed days from school or work

Improved relationships and interactions with other people

Improved physical well-being, such as lower blood pressure or reduction in chronic pain

Development of skills for coping with daily life challenges and stress

Improved management of behavioral health challenges, such as reducing or quitting smoking or drinking alcohol

Compost Dump

An abandoned rural farmhouse at night.Getty Images

Imagine your family owns a house thats been with them for generations, and its now your turn to live there. This house isnt just a structure; its full of memories, where your children will grow up, and represents your familys legacy. Now, you have two choices:

You can keep it nice, make repairs and even enhance it. When youre dead, it will be passed on to your kids as a place they can live or an asset to give them a head start in life. Or you can neglect it, devaluing its worth and value to your children. It may even become a burden if not looked after.

This choice is part of a more comprehensive theory known as intergenerational justice from the big-brained John Rawls, an American moral, legal, and political philosopher who died in 2002 at 81.

So, how does that intersect with our planet? Rawls theory has been expanded to the environment and climate, known as Intergenerational justice in climate ethics. Its a principle that concerns the fairness of the distribution of environmental burdens and benefits across different generations. It raises the moral question of what the present generation owes to future generations in terms of the health of the planet and the legacy it leaves behind.

Read here if you want to know more.

And if you dont care about the future, watch out for the orcas.

Thanks for reading The Meltdown. Please sign up, share, and go to therapy. Send orca tips to: charress@reckonmedia.com
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.

As House lawmakers watched footage of the Oct. 7th Hamas attack provided by the Israeli government, a March for Israel was beginning its preliminary programming. Soon, House Speaker Mike Johnson would be making an appearance, along with Sen. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.

The event comes following weeks of pro-Palestine demonstrations, including the March for Palestine last weekend that saw some 300,000 participants, according to organizers.

We stand with Israel, Schumer began his remarks, later adding that history reminds us of one thing: That even in its darkest days, the United States has always stood with Israel and we will do everything to see that that never, ever changes.

Billed as a pro-Israel rally, speakers primarily issued their support of the Israel Defense Forces, with one college student stating that her sibling was an enlisted member. Others called for all hostages held by Hamas to be released, which Schumer echoed, along with further support for Israel.

We will not rest until you get all the assistance you need. We will not rest until you get the assistance you need, Schumer added.

Its unclear if there will be additional aid sent to Israel, as a congressional spending plan from Johnson leaves out further funding.

Johnson spoke about the footage lawmakers were shown earlier, calling it a horrific film and referring to Hamas as barbaric. While he did not address any financial plans for supporting Israel, he did condemn calls for a ceasefire.

The calls for a ceasefire are outrageous, Johnson said as chants of, No ceasefire broke out among those gathered for the march. We stand with you in that, the Louisiana Republican affirmed.

That high-profile elected officials like Johnson and Schumer would speak at the March for Israel is telling. Rep. Rashida Tlaib was censured following her remarks at a pro-Palestine event, though the Michigan Democrat maintains that she will continue to speak out.

A majority of Americans support a ceasefire, but this Congress isnt listening to their voices. I will continue to call for a mutual ceasefire, for the release of hostages and those arbitrarily detained, for the immediate delivery of humanitarian aid, and for every American to be brought home, Tlaib said in a statement.

According to a recent Data For Progress poll, 66 percent of voters  regardless of party affiliation  support a ceasefire. Recent reports suggest that Congressional staff for Democratic lawmakers are overwhelmed by calls from constituents urging support for a ceasefire.

Still, Johnson made it clear that a ceasefire was not something that the House of Representatives would take up and even pushed back at the chants many have used in pro-Palestine demonstrations.

Weve heard many echo the Hamas rallying cry, From the river to the sea, Johnson said, claiming the chant is an explicit call for the extermination of Israel. The chant gained popularity in the 1960s  long before Hamas was founded in 1987  and many Muslims consider it a call for Palestinian liberation.

It is unacceptable for any political leader of this nation to give credence to this dangerous rhetoric, Johnson said in an apparent reference to Tlaib. We can and we must do more to stand with our great ally and friend. And it is my hope that this gathering today serves as a reminder.. that the United States stands with our ally, Israel, and its people forever.

In addition to tensions from the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, Johnson is also facing a major test since his election as House Speaker  a potential government shutdown in just three days time.
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BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 14. Head of the State Security Service of Azerbaijan, Chairman of the State Commission for Prisoners of War, Hostages and Missing Citizens Ali Naghiyev called on the OSCE to put pressure on Armenia to provide accurate maps of minefields, Trend reports.

He spoke at a meeting with a delegation headed by the President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Pia Kauma.

Ali Naghiyev noted that the Azerbaijani state is carrying out large-scale reconstruction work in its lands liberated from Armenian occupation, and the failure to provide the Azerbaijani side with maps of minefields or inaccurate indication of the location of mines seriously hinder the rapid implementation of this process.

He added that the number of victims of Armenian mine terror is increasing every day and the OSCE and other international organizations need to put pressure on Armenia to provide accurate maps of minefields.

Stay up to date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Watertown, NY (13601)

Today

Rain likely. High 47F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch..

Tonight

Overcast with rain showers at times. Low 38F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 14. Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov delivered a speech at the 1st Azerbaijani-Moroccan business forum during his official visit to Morocco, Trend reports.

He wrote on his page on X (Twitter) that the forum was a good opportunity for a practical exchange of views on business and investment opportunities existing in both countries.

The minister made an official visit to this country on November 12, 2023.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
A U.S. Air Force F-15C, from the Louisiana Air National Guard 159th Fighter Wing at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans in Belle Chasse, flies over the Caribbean Sea near Puerto Rico on July 1, 2022. The Air Force said Tuesday, April 18, 2023, that it plans to replace the wing's 18 F-15Cs with F-15EXs.
This sign had been was posted at the entrance of the Abita Meadows subdivision after Abita Springs Mayor Dan Curtis announced in July 2019, that he was imposing a halt on further development of the project. The developer, Lonesome Development, LLC, sued the town the next month. The sign has since been knocked down.
FILE - In this Jan. 9, 2016, file photo, a customer looks at a SIG Sauer hand gun at a gun show held by Florida Gun Shows in Miami. The vast majority of mass shooters have acquired their firearms legally with nothing in their background that would have prohibited them from possessing a gun. But there have been examples of lapses in the background check system that allowed guns to end up in the wrong hands. Very few states also have a mechanism to seize firearms from someone who is not legally allowed to possess one. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File) ORG XMIT: FLLS404
LSU is the first university in the nation to receive funds from the National Security Agency for a cybersecurity clinic. The $1.5 million NSA grant will go towards helping the clinic protect small businesses in Louisiana from cybersecurity attacks.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 14. Bahruz Mammadov, the First Deputy Chairman of the Board of the Mine Action Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ANAMA), held a meeting with the delegation led by Pia Kauma, the president of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, Trend reports.

During the meeting, Bahruz Mammadov provided information to the delegation on the activities of the Agency, the landmine problem in our country, the threats posed by mines to people's lives, to the return of internally displaced persons to their native lands and the restoration and reconstruction activities in the liberated territories from occupation. He also provided information on the extensive humanitarian mine clearance operations carried out to eliminate these threats and obstacles.

Pia Kauma expressed her interest in the humanitarian mine clearance activities carried out in our country and emphasized the special importance of this work. She expressed gratitude for each cleared mine and every life saved. Pia Kauma wished success to the Agency in its activities.
Emirates Global Aluminium, the largest industrial company in the UAE outside oil and gas, has announced the launch of the Challenger Programme in partnership with Aurora 50.

The Challenger Programme, under the patronage of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, brings together major industries in the UAE that are traditionally male-dominated and share the goal of promoting gender diversity. The first companies joining EGA in the Challenger Programme are Adnoc, Ducab, Emirates Steel Arkan, Siemens, Strata, Taqa and TechnipFMC.

EGA has set itself ambitious goals for gender diversity. The company aims to increase the proportion of supervisory roles held by women to 25% by 2025, and for 15% of all positions at EGA to be held by women by 2026.

Gender diversity

The goal of the Challenger Programme is to make quicker progress on gender diversity by sharing innovation and best practice on practical challenges all the companies face, from redesigning worker accommodation to amending policies and procedures, and together advocating for more women to join industry.

The Challenger Programme was launched at Aurora 50s Inclusion Summit in Abu Dhabi.

Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Adnoc Managing Director and Group CEO, said: As a responsible global energy provider, Adnoc is committed to driving gender diversity. We are very pleased to join The Challenger Programme which will help accelerate gender diversity and build a more inclusive workforce across the energy industry.

Business performance

Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Global Aluminium, said: "Diversity drives business performance, and is also good for society. Promoting gender diversity is an important priority at EGA as part of our bold aspiration to become a talent-driven organisation. I am convinced that we can make even faster progress working together with like-minded companies, and I thank all our partners for joining EGA in the Challenger Programme.

Abdulla Ali Al Nuaimi, Assistant Undersecretary of Domestic Worker Affairs at the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, member of the UAE Gender Balance Council, said: The launch of the Challenger Programme supports the ministrys strategy to accelerate gender diversity in workplaces. The UAE has emerged as a global leader in gender balance in light of national legislations and government initiatives that support diversity and equality.

He added: "The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation won the fifth edition of the Gender Balance Index for the Federal Government. The award reflects the ministrys focus on implementing polices that reduce the gender gap in the workplace. Our goal is to drive updated practices to further womens participation in different sectors as well as their economic contribution."

EGA women count 471

EGA currently has 471 women working at all levels, including over 160 in Operations. Some 100 UAE National women joined EGA last year.

Two members of EGAs Executive Committee are women, and EGA has appointed women to nine positions on subsidiary boards within the group. Last month, EGA hired women as utility operators - frontline non-supervisory roles in Operations - for the first time. EGA opened its National Training Programmes, which develop UAE National high school leavers for technical positions, to women in 2022.

EGA has become a signatory to the United Nations Women's Empowerment Principles in 2022.

Mohammad Almutawa, Group Chief Executive Officer of Ducab, said: Ducab is committed to fostering gender diversity, recognising its fundamental value in driving innovation and progress within industries. Understanding the importance of diverse perspectives, Ducab advocates for inclusive environments that empower women in these sectors. Acknowledging the untapped potential, the company believes in collaborative efforts among businesses to advance gender equality, and strives to break gender barriers and stereotypes, and encourage women's participation in technical roles. Indeed, women now account for 24% of the group's management roles, distributed between top and middle management, as well as 21% of its engineers and 24% of office staff.

Enhancing decision making

Embracing diversity not only enriches the workforce but also enhances decision-making, driving industry transformation. Ducab believes that a collective effort is essential to accelerate gender diversity in these industries.

Eng Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi, Group Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Steel Arkan, stated: "Emirates Steel Arkan's commitment to fostering an inclusive work environment characterised by diversity, equality, and empowerment is resolute. Our participation in the esteemed Challenger Programme alongside other Founding Members exemplifies this dedication. Within the UAE's heavy industry, we take pride in leading by example, actively attracting and retaining highly skilled female professionals, championing gender diversity within our organisation, and serving as a beacon of inspiration for more women to enter this sector. Undoubtedly, the Challenger Programme will play a pivotal role in advancing and significantly enhancing gender balance throughout the entire industrial ecosystem."

Helmut von Struve, the Chief Executive Officer of Siemens in the Middle East, said: We are proud to join 'The Challenger Programme, led by EGA, to drive gender balance in the UAEs industrial sector. At Siemens, we recognise the underrepresentation of women in our workforce, and we're committed to systemic change with a goal for at least 30% female leadership by 2025. This initiative fits with our global strategy to build a diverse foundation to drive future innovation and growth.

Breaking barriers

Ismail Ali Abdulla, Head of UAE Clusters, UAE Investments Platform- Mubadala, and Managing director & Chief Executive Officer of Strata, said: "Joining the Challenger Programme is a testament to Strata's commitment to breaking barriers into new industries. At Strata, we believe that diversity isn't just a metric, it's a powerful catalyst for innovation, progress, and strength. We at Strata stand firm in the conviction that it's our responsibility and our privilege to foster a culture of inclusivity. By collaborating with other industry leaders, we aim to rewrite the narrative, proving that when we come together, we can truly accelerate the pace of change for diversity in advanced industries.

Jasim Husain Thabet, Group Chief Executive Officer, and Managing Director, said: "At Taqa, we believe in the power of diversity, equity and inclusion and its role in driving the companys growth and excellence. We believe that through our collaboration with the Challenger Program, we will further encourage a culture that is diverse, equitable, inclusive, and forward-thinking. As industry leaders, we are committed to enhancing gender diversity and ensuring fair opportunities within our sector. A more diverse workforce, supported by inclusive and equitable working practices will help improve decision-making, enhance performance, and drive innovation and creativity, each critical in our efforts to reinforce our position as a leading low-carbon power and water champion.

Thierry Conti, President, Surface Technologies, TechnipFMC, said: "At TechnipFMC, our purpose is to drive real change in the energy industry. We know that how we do business is as important as why we do business, and we strive for a culture that is diverse, inclusive, and forward-thinking. We are proud to be part of the Challenger Programme and together with other Founding Members, look forward to making a positive impact to the gender diversity challenge facing our industry."--TradeArabia News Service
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 14. The flag of fraternal Azerbaijan is flying again in Shusha (the cultural capital of the Turkic world) after 30 years, Chief Advisor to the President of Turkiye Yalcn Topcu said at the presentation of the "Dear Shusha" book in Ankara as part of the events of the Culture Days of Azerbaijan's Shusha city, Trend reports.

He quoted the national leader of the Azerbaijani people Heydar Aliyev about Shusha: I wish I could go to Shusha together with you. We will go there, believe me, we definitely will. Shusha is the eye of Azerbaijan; it is a source of pride for every Azerbaijani. Shusha is a symbol of our culture, and our history."

In addition, Topcu noted that this testament of the great leader was realized by the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.

"May the Almighty rest the souls of all the martyrs who gave their lives for freedom, territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan, I wish health to veterans," he said.

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NTV News 24 is a service of Nippon Television, Japan's leading broadcasting network. This page provides a selection of today's stories in English.
Nugget Special Publications

Leith Easterling is the longest-serving member of The Nugget team, with more than three decades in a variety of roles at the newspaper.

Currently, she handles bookkeeping, designs ads, and platoons with Jess Draper on layout of the newspaper. She is the project manager and designer of the annual Sisters Oregon Guide. Forty thousand copies of what we call SOG go out across the region to act as a guide for tourists, long-term visitors and prospective residents to the events, activities and amenities that await them in Sisters. It's been a primary marketing tool for...
Whychus Creek still feels wild, even just few a miles out of town. It is a favorite place for locals and visitors to hike, sit by the rushing waters, and contemplate the power and beauty of nature.

On a clear day the expansive view of rolling forests to the base of the Three Sisters can tap you into a feeling of the wild. And there is an unusual amount of wild land along Whychus Creek, even outside the designated wilderness. Twenty years ago, during studies of the Whychus Creek Wild and Scenic River, the Forest Service did detailed surveys from town to the wilderness boundary. Specialists found large areas without much of a human footprint. There was no string of campgrounds and few trails along portions of this scenic creek. Just remnant old-growth trees of many species, waterfalls, cliffs, and quiet refuges for common wildlife, including bear, cougar, and birds of all kinds.

Strangely, the reason for this stretch of wildlands was the fear of imminent disaster caused by an interaction of climate change and geology. The "little ice age" was a period of cool weather, which ran roughly from the mid-1400s to 1850. When it ended, things warmed up, and between 1900 and 1940 new lakes were born from glacial melt. Unconsolidated dams of glacial remnants (till, rock, gravel, and ice) held these lakes in place.

It turns out that the Three Sisters and Mt. Jefferson areas have one of the highest concentrations of neoglacial moraine-dammed lakes in the U.S. A U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) report from 2001 noted that moraine dams tend to breech between July and October and result in flows of debris laden flood water. called lahars, which can extend far downstream. (https://pubs.usgs.gov/pp/1606/report.pdf)

That's exactly what triggered the alarm in 1985 when geologists from the USGS became concerned about one particular lake at the base of Prouty Glacier on South Sister, which they predicted could be a disaster for the city of Sisters. Carver Lake contained enough water to fill 370 Olympic-size swimming pools, and a rapid dam failure could inundate Sisters with a lahar flow of water, mud, trees, and rock.

It was a big deal. The governor got involved, there was a task force, and a report with 10 alternatives to save the city of Sisters, including complicated and expensive actions such as draining Carver Lake, or more passive land-use planning to restrict building more houses in the floodplain. The alternative chosen was to build a giant "trash rack" to strain out rocks and mud before it hit town. Unfortunately, the project was designed to be made of wood, which engineers later said would never have enough strength to strain a lahar flow of magnitude. As is the case with many wicked problems, people gave up and forgot about it. The City allowed building in the floodplain. But yellow warning signs were posted in the higher reaches of the creek explaining the danger of creek-side camping. No additional trails or campgrounds were built by the Forest Service.

Community leaders were again concerned in 2007 when updated Flood Insurance Rate maps by FEMA showed that several hundred houses were now within a boundary corresponding to possible flooding in the event of a Carver Lake moraine dam failure. The risk was rated at 1% per year.

Meetings were called to figure out what to do. USGS geologists pointed out that all moraine lakes eventually fail, and that nearby Diller Lake, which is 1/3 the size of Carver, had failed in the 1970s causing a temporary rise in the creek. The idea of sensors at the lake seemed reasonable, but the geologists pointed out that the tricky part was knowing what to do when the sensor went off. Do you evacuate the grade school? Sound sirens? Or did a Canadian goose just land on the sensor? Who was going to go up and look and how much time would they have? No one could fund further study and the issue again faded and life went on.

When Wild and Scenic River planners noted the unusual lack of development along the creek, Forest Service Recreational Specialist Kevin Foss memorably counseled "You can't put wild back," words that inspired the Team. He noted that these wildlands would become ever more important as Central Oregon grew more crowded and people craved the solace of wild places.

With recreation booming, some people wanted trails on both sides of the Whychus from town to the wilderness, with multiple trails for various sports, from mountain biking to horseback riding. However, with a mandate to protect the river's wild and remote character for present and future generations, new standards and guidelines were developed to reduce encounters, limit signs, restrict events, and protect wilder areas from new trails.

The Whychus Overlook was created at the bottom terminus of the Wild and Scenic River, three miles from town. This area was damaged by user-created roads and trails, human-caused wildfires, and vandalism. New signing was minimal and a mostly one-way, barrier-free trail with a few benches was designed to move people along and help maintain that feeling of blissful solitude. The planning team noted that community stewardship was needed to promote understanding of this special place. The wild- lands were left for wildlife and for those who like to wander off the beaten path.

Photo courtesy USFS Carver Lake looms above Sisters. Potential for flooding has held the community's attention over the years.

The Sisters Trails Alliance picked up the heavy lift of monitoring and maintaining the lower Whychus trails, sanding graffiti from benches, picking up dog poop bags, removing obstacles across the trail, and fixing erosion. They send reports to the Forest Service and consult on complicated issues.

South Sister is a young volcano that occasionally rumbles with small earthquakes that could send rocks and ice chunks into Carver Lake, causing a splash to overtop the dam. But geologists consider the risk of a catastrophic breach to be low. Cougars still haunt the end of the trail, bear and badgers roam, and adventurers can find wild places to renew their spirits. To learn more about Whychus Creek Wild and Scenic River see https://www.rivers.gov/sites/rivers/files/documents/plans/whychus-creek-plan.pdf.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 14. Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov invited Moroccan investors and companies to consider investment opportunities in the Alat Free Economic Zone, in the territories of Azerbaijan liberated from occupation, Trend reports.

Bayramov stated at the First Azerbaijani-Moroccan Business Forum, which was held in conjunction with the 2nd meeting of the Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation between the Azerbaijani and Moroccan governments, that Azerbaijan's strategic location at the crossroads of East and West, as well as its proximity to the Central Asian region, are additional advantages for investors.

In addition, Bayramov said that the participation of Azerbaijan's leading companies in infrastructure projects implemented in Morocco can bring additional benefits to economic cooperation, as well as that the strategic geographical location of Azerbaijan and Morocco will allow developing cooperation and exchanging experience between the respective commercial ports of the two countries.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
CROWN POINT  A 43-year-old woman stands trial this week on charges she recklessly shot her husband outside their Merrillville home during a physical struggle for a gun.

Jurors heard opening statements Monday afternoon in Lake Criminal Court Judge Salvador Vasquez's courtroom. Defendant Nakeyia Anderson sat at the defense table as she listened to the attorneys present their cases.

Anderson was charged in October 2021 with reckless homicide in connection with the incident. Merrillville police were dispatched July 18, 2021, to the 5900 block of Harrison Street for a report of an assault with a firearm, according to charges filed in the case. Anderson's husband, Tihomas Anderson, 44, was lying in the front yard with his clothes "saturated in blood." He died at a nearby hospital shortly after the incident from his injuries.

Deputy Prosecutor Keith Anderson told the jury Nakeyia Anderson admitted to police that she held on to and pointed the gun during the struggle. He said evidence would show that she acted in "disregard" for her husband's life.

"I'm confident that at the end of this trial, you're going to return a verdict that's guilty of reckless homicide," Keith Anderson said.

Nakeyia and Tihomas Anderson were out earlier in the evening celebrating her birthday at a club in Gary's Glen Park neighborhood, documents state. They got into an argument on the way home from the venue that continued once they arrived at their residence. Nakeyia Anderson decided she wanted to leave their home, but Tihomas grabbed her keys and entered the front seat of the car, police said.

She reached underneath the passenger seat to grab her gun out of the vehicle, police said. Tihomas then reached for the firearm, according to court documents, and a struggle ensued, during which a fatal shot was fired.

They had both been drinking alcohol earlier in the night, police said.

Defense attorney Scott King said the two were arguing on the way home from the club because Tihomas Anderson thought one of the employees at the club was giving Nakeyia Anderson "the eye." Tihomas Anderson would not drop the topic once they arrived home, King said, and Nakeyia Anderson decided she wanted to leave.

Tihomas Anderson told her she could not leave and told her he believed one of the security guards at the club took his weapon, King said. Nakeyia Anderson pulled her gun from underneath the seat to show her weapon was still in the vehicle, and Tihomas Anderson wanted to take it to the club and confront the security guard, King said. The shot was fired while she attempted to stop him, he said.

"Nakeyia was faced with a choice," King said to the jury. "Was she to allow her husband, when he had been drinking, to drive and confront armed security guards of stealing his gun?"

Two of Tihomas Anderson's sisters testified Nakeyia Anderson had previously demonstrated violent behavior and made threats. One of his sisters said Nakeyia Anderson told her on multiple occasions she wanted to kill Tihomas Anderson.

The trial is expected to last through Thursday.
HAMMOND  Former Lake County Sheriff John Buncich is hoping to take advantage of a retroactive change in federal sentencing guidelines to reduce the amount of time remaining in his prison term for bribery and two counts of honest services wire fraud.

Earlier this month, the U.S. Sentencing Commission revised the federal sentencing guidelines to enable defendants with no prior criminal history to serve less time behind bars, since data show they have considerably lower recidivism rates than other offenders.

Records show Buncich currently is 70 months into a 151-month sentence. He asks in a court filing Tuesday that his sentence be cut to 121 months, or less, given his complete lack of a criminal record prior to his 2017 convictions.

If the reduction is granted, Buncich potentially could be out of prison in about two years  assuming he maintains his record of good behavior while incarcerated at the federal inmate medical center in Springfield, Missouri.

Buncich, 78, claims in his court filing that a reduced sentence poses no risk to the community as the Bureau of Prisons has categorized him as the lowest possible risk both in and out of the institution.

He also notes his time in prison has seen his body weight fall to 200 pounds from 320, and Buncich now walks with a limp following his painful recovery from the lumbar fusion surgery he received in 2020.

The filing additionally points out Buncich already has exceeded the average life expectancy for an American male and argues that his health and self-imposed isolation, due to fears for his physical safety given his background in law enforcement, justifies leniency.

"Under all consideration factors, and consistent with the purpose of the amendment to the sentencing guidelines, a modification of Mr. Buncich's sentence is warranted and supported," the filing says.

According to court records, the U.S. attorney's office has not yet responded to Buncich's request and no court date has been set for a decision on it.

Buncich, who served as sheriff from 1995 to 2002, and again from 2011 until his 2017 convictions, was found guilty of accepting thousands of dollars in bribes from towing companies in exchange for lucrative towing contracts with Lake County.

Gallery: Recent arrests booked into Lake County Jail Walter Teal Lafaitte Vaneyck Denzel Rossen Tommy Talley Jr. Jeff Henderson Jr. Carlos Johnson Jessica Johnson Paul Martin Michael Riley Diamond Harris Kevin Carter Alexander Fuentes Sanchez Jacqueline Bergren Terrance Williams Julian Wilson Shconda Sanders Claudia Taylor Eric Randolph Adrian Rodriguez Cathleen McHugh Camaria Parson Kennyada Preshon Kapafule Lusanga Marcelino Martinez-Perez Angel Adekoya Brian Coram Shaquille Ellis James Wagner Flavio Quintanilla Melara Adarberto Sanchez John Simmons Jr. Molly Murphy Fermin Ortiz Joshua King Paris Mitchell Randy Jacobs Ray East Julian Grier-Hill Jamson Coulter Jada Dalton Steven Davis Bruce Burns Robert Coats Anthony Barnett Kenneth Bingaman
A new cancer center will help Region residents combat the disease that kills more than 600,000 Americans a year.

Franciscan Health Foundation landed a record $30 million donation from The Dean and Barbara White Family Foundation for a new cancer center in Crown Point.

The gift will fund The Dean and Barbara White Cancer Center at the new $200 million Franciscan Health Hospital that's now under construction at the southeast corner of Interstate 65 and U.S. 231 in Crown Point, replacing the former St. Anthony's Hospital in 2024. The healthcare provider plans to use the largest gift ever received by the Franciscan Health Foundation to build a 71,000-square-foot, three-story cancer center at the new hospital, which is part of a broader project that will include residential units, commercial development and a doubling of the University of St. Francis campus.

It will consolidate existing cancer care services in Crown Point, offering patients the latest diagnostic and cancer care technology.

Franciscan Health is grateful for the generous support from The Dean and Barbara White Family Foundation, which will help us achieve a new standard of care for cancer patients in Northwest Indiana, Chairwoman Sister Jane Marie Klein said.

The late Dean White was the billionaire who established a hotel and billboard empire across the country, also building the Star Plaza Theater, Radisson at Star Plaza Hotel and Twin Towers that helped transform the U.S. 30 exit off Interstate 65 into "Northwest Indiana's Main Street." He also was a major philanthropist who supported a diverse variety of causes, including the Indiana State Museum, the Merrillville community center on Broadway and the restoration of the historic Wickey House in East Chicago.

Dean and Barbara White Family Foundation Board President Craig White said the foundation aimed to honor the memory of my parents by working with partners that create new opportunities for the people of the area they loved.

My Mom and Dad were forward-looking and believed in action, he said. With Franciscan, we can build a center that will bring advanced practices, technology and talent to the people of Northwest Indiana when they need it most.

The new cancer center is slated to open in 2026, after Franciscan Health's new Crown Point hospital is already up and running.

The partnership between Franciscan Health and The Dean and Barbara White Family Foundation embraces a shared dedication to improve the health and wellness of the residents of Northwest Indiana, Franciscan Alliance President and CEO Kevin Leahy said. The Dean and Barbara White Cancer Center will play a significant role in improving the lives of cancer patients and their families throughout the Region.

The center will let Franciscan Health equip specialists with state-of-the-art technology and do clinical trials. The healthcare providers will be better positioned to recruit specialists and provide the type of care Region residents often go to Chicago hospitals for.

Franciscan is grateful to The Dean and Barbara White Family Foundation for the partnership it has forged with our healthcare ministry to improve the health status of the residents of Lake County and Northwest Indiana, Franciscan Health Crown Point President and CEO Daniel McCormick said. Our goal is to provide early diagnosis and better access to potentially lifesaving care in one convenient location and, most importantly, to improve the chance for disease remission and long-term survival.
The Teamsters union plans to picket outside Indiana Harbor Belt railroad in Hammond and the CN railroad in Homewood Wednesday.

The Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees Division of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters is pushing for paid sick leave for freight railroad workers. Unions sought paid sick leave from the Class 1 railroad carriers, but a national strike economists and industry leaders feared would be crippling was narrowly averted last year after the White House intervened.

"We have obtained paid sick leave contractually on several railroads since, thanks to a public campaign that embarrassed their greed and selfishness," Communications Director Clark Ballew said. "We have not secured paid sick leave on IHB or CN railroads yet through the normal bargaining process. They claim they are too small and it would be too costly but that is a lousy and frankly pitiful excuse."

The union plans to picket outside the Indiana Harbor Belt main office at 2721 161st St. in Hammond from 5 to 9 a.m. Wednesday and later at CN's Homewood Yard at 1657 Maple Road in Homewood.

"We will hold pickets on Wednesday supporting our cause and putting pressure on these two railroads to join the others who finally saw the light and supported their employees with standard and common paid time off for illness," Ballew said.

Employees of both Indiana Harbor Belt and Canadian National railways are demanding paid sick days become an industry standard.

"Railroad workers play a crucial role in keeping our nation's transportation system running smoothly," he said. "However, despite their essential contributions, too many workers in the industry lack access to a basic necessity  paid sick leave. This lack of coverage puts their health, the health of their families, and the safety of the entire industry at risk."

BNSF, Union Pacific, CSX, Norfolk Southern and other freight railroads have agreed to paid sick leave.

Indiana Harbor Belt and CN did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

"The BMWED-IBT invites community leaders and the general public to join us in supporting the railroad workers' cause for paid sick leave," Ballew said. "The picket aims to raise awareness about the critical need for fair and common sick leave policy in the industry."
Temple Israel is hosting its annual Hanukkah pop-up shop.

The synagogue at 601 N. Montgomery St. in the Miller Beach neighborhood of Gary has an annual sale for gifts for Hanukkah, which runs from Dec. 7 through Dec. 15 this year.

The Temple Israel Sisterhood will turn Temple Israels Social Hall into a pop-up shop from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Sunday and Nov. 28, as well as from 7 to 9 p.m. every Friday through Dec. 15.

People can find new and gently used Judaica gifts for their Hanukkah celebrations. Clothes, decor, menorahs, toys and crafts will be available for sale.

All the proceeds from the sale will benefit the Temple Israel Sisterhood.

"Sisterhood is the heart of Temple Israel. We support a variety of causes big and small within our congregation community, Miller community, Jewish communities, and beyond," the group said in a press release. "Sisterhood provides outreach, fundraising, and hospitality to aid the Temple's endeavors. We coordinate and sponsor many onegs throughout the year, including Rosh Hashanah. We also host the Break-the-Fast meal after Yom Kippur, compile the Yizkor book for the High Holidays, host the annual BBQ, maintain the kitchen and gift shop, and donate to various organizations locally, nationally and internationally."

Temple Israel started in 1910 and is Gary's only remaining Jewish organization. It's a long-running institution in the Miller neighborhood, where it's been at its current location since 1958.

"Temple Israel is an inclusive community that promotes Jewish values and religious enrichment, preserves traditions, enhances spirituality, and perpetuates Reform Judaism," Temple Israel Sisterhood said in a press release. "As a progressive voice, we are dedicated to working toward peace and social justice in our community. It is the only Jewish institution left in Gary and has remained for more than 113 years."

People also can shop by appointment.

For more information or to make an appointment email templeisraelmiller@gmail.com or call 219-938-5232.
Morgan Bradley cradled a foster baby in her arms while shuffling through the brick-and-mortar reality of what was just a dream.

I cant believe how what was once a Mary Poppins closet in my house has turned into this, she said. Its funny this all started when a random kid arrived at my home with nothing in the middle of the night a few years ago. And now look around.

Bradley gave me a tour of her dream inside the Chesterton building now housing MAKS - Making a Kid Smile - a nonprofit organization providing personal care and comfort items to foster children of all ages ages across Northwest Indiana.

A few years ago, the mother of four from Valparaiso launched MAKS, born from her role as a foster mother, including one child she later adopted. She often wondered how she could make them more comfortable in her care until state caseworkers delivered items the foster kids needed.

These kids often have nothing but a backpack of belongings, fear and confusion when theyre transported from their familiar home to an unfamiliar foster home.

Emergency requests for these children have exploded, MAKS vice president Elizabeth Wysock told me inside the new MAKS building. We were a little nervous at first if people would find us and come here, but that has not been a problem. The need is so great for what were providing.

Department of Child Services is here all the time, Bradley added.

Everything with DCS when kids are removed from their home is an emergency, Wysock said. They need to be able to get here within an hour to get everything they need for the kids. Thats what we do best.

On a recent day, 25 DCS caseworkers visited the building with foster children, allowing the kids to pick and choose which items they need or want.

And each DCS caseworker has more than one child with them, Wysock said. it was a pretty crazy day.

DCS caseworkers can enter the building 24/7, using a pass code, then retrieving whatever each child needs, everything from a trial-size bottle of shampoo to a new bed. (Watch a video and view more photos at the online version of this column.)

Everything here is free for these children, said Erin Venice Fortner, a MAKS board member and foster mother whos often at the new building.

We want the kids to feel like theyre shopping, so they can do it with dignity, Wysock said.

They think they just won the lottery, Bradley noted.

Some of the children who visit here ask, Can I pick out whatever I want?

Yep, you can, theyre told.

Its more powerful than a kid in a candy store. Foster kids need the comfort of basic necessities, not the sugar high of a candy bar.

Its fun to watch the younger kids run around here, Bradley said as her foster baby played in a crib. When youre in the trenches of the foster care world, you really see what these kids need and what theyre lacking.

She named the organization to honor her first foster child, whose initials are MAK.

On the east side of the building is a 24/7 drop-off area for donations, which the women sort through every day. On the day I visited, the processing area was cluttered with items including clothes, toiletries and play things for children. Before this building housed all these items, MAKS used storage units for DCS caseworkers and foster children to rummage through.

One year ago this week I first met with these women, who dont make a penny for their efforts. If theyre lucky, they get an occasional gift card for gas to help pay for their pickups and deliveries.

We dont ever get paid for what we do, Wysock said. We dont mind, but we do need funding. We would also like a professional accountant at some point.

The women are seeking volunteers to help fill the gaps when they are not able to be there, "to make this a well-oiled operation, Wysock said. Theyre also looking for people who would sponsor a foster child, starting at only $25.

Throughout the year, the organization provides essential items for kids such as cribs, clothing, mattresses, furniture, diapers and baby wipes. For Christmas, they get to distribute fun items, such as toys. Their goal this holiday season is to again distribute gifts to 1,200 foster children across Northwest Indiana.

Donors can purchase gifts on an Amazon wish list, sent directly to MAKS. Or drop them off at the new store. Caseworkers then deliver the gifts to the foster children and families during their monthly visit in December.

Last year, readers of this column space stepped up to help this cause. I hope you can do it again. To help, call 219-706-3341, email info@makskids.org, or visit www.makskids.org or the MAKS building at 505 Grant Ave. in Chesterton.

Just as Bradley cradled a foster baby in her arms, she and other MAKS members are now cradling a foster kids organization in its youth that can use our help.

GALLERY: The Times Photos of the Week
Israeli forces advanced today to the gates of Gazas largest hospital, where doctors describe a dire situation: Fuel, medicine and food are running out for hundreds of patients and thousands of others sheltering.

Dozens of corpses are decomposing at the hospital, known as Al-Shifa, because there is no way to preserve or remove them, a chief nurse said. Doctors said they were desperately trying to keep premature babies warm after removing them from incubators that were now useless.

Israeli and American officials say Hamas uses hospitals in Gaza, including Al-Shifa, as shields for its fighters and says that militants have built a vast command complex under the hospital. Hamas and doctors at the hospital deny the existence of such a command center.

Israeli troops have reached at least two other hospitals in northern Gaza, stepping up their push to empty the facilities, according to Israeli military officials, as fighting around them intensifies.
The Biden administration has pulled back on plans to announce the conclusion of substantial portions of a new Asian-Pacific trade pact at an international meeting in San Francisco this week, after several top Democratic lawmakers threatened to oppose the deal, people familiar with the matter said.

The White House had been aiming to announce that the United States and its trading partners had largely settled the terms of its Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity, an agreement that aims to strengthen alliances and economic ties among the United States and its allies in East and South Asia.

But Senator Sherrod Brown, Democrat of Ohio, and other prominent lawmakers have criticized the pact, saying it lacks adequate protections for workers in the countries it covers, among other shortcomings.

The Biden administration, facing the possibility of additional critical public statements, has decided not to push to conclude the trade portion of the agreement this week, and has been briefing members of Congress and foreign trading partners in recent days on its decision, the people said.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 14. The countries of the African continent have been French colonies for centuries, and France has committed many crimes of genocide there. Former Turkish Ambassador to Azerbaijan, head of the Turkish branch of the IMZA Social Development Support Public and co-chairman of the Union of Elders of Turkiye and the Turkic World, Hulusi Kilic told Trend.

"Exiled from Africa, France, whose hands are up to the elbows in blood, is now targeting the South Caucasus," said Kilic.

He noted that France is a country that destroys ethical values.

"For 30 years, it has done nothing to end the Armenian occupation of Azerbaijani lands. Azerbaijan has independently restored justice in the region. France acts under the influence of the Armenian Diaspora. Armenia has become a toy in the hands of France. As for the European Union, its tasks are known. However, what they are doing is completely contrary to the tasks they set for themselves. They are trying to destabilize the situation in the South Caucasus to prevent peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia. We understand their intentions well and what they want to do. Western countries are trying to create a new conflict in the South Caucasus. The West is called the "cradle of democracy", but it is far from this concept. Countries that are not part of the region should not interfere in what is happening here," he said.

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INTERNATIONAL

An article on Friday about an undersea volcano that has formed a new island off Japans coast misidentified the United States service members who hoisted an American flag over the Japanese island of Iwo Jima in February 1945. According to the United States Marine Corps, all six men, not five of them, were U.S. Marines.

An article on Sunday about Iran and Saudi Arabias call for a cease-fire in Gaza incorrectly attributed the source of rocket and drone attacks on U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria since the start of the war. They were carried out by Iraqi and Syrian militias backed by Iran; Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps has not claimed responsibility for them.

An article on Friday about Israels accusations that several freelance photographers for major news organizations had advance knowledge of the Hamas attack on Oct. 7, based on information from an editor at The Times, misstated when Yousef Masoud woke to the sound of rocket fire. It was shortly after 6:30 a.m., not 5:30 a.m.

NATIONAL

An article on Saturday about an off-duty pilot accused of trying to crash an airplane misstated the name of one of the airlines that employed the pilot, Joseph Emerson. It is Virgin America, not Virgin Airlines.
New York Citys fire commissioner stood outside the shell of a home where scooter batteries burst into flames on Sunday, killing three people, and blamed big corporations for contributing to a rising death toll from the power supplies for electric vehicles.

Private industry can take action that would immediately save lives, Laura Kavanagh, the Fire Department commissioner, said at a news conference at the fire site in Brooklyn on Monday.

Online retailers persist in selling batteries that dont meet safety standards or falsely claim to do so, she said. Food delivery services have created an underground economy so profitable that for all the departments enforcement efforts, low-cost and dangerous batteries, bikes and scooters continue to be sold, Ms. Kavanagh added. When inspectors close one shop that distributes these products, she said, another pops up to replace it.

There is blood on the hands of this private industry, she said, naming Amazon, Walmart, Grubhub and Uber Eats as among those responsible.
Lost: One tool bag. Last seen this month floating through space near the International Space Station. If found, please return to NASA.

Two NASA astronauts set out on Nov. 1 for their first spacewalk around the International Space Station to take care of some routine maintenance. The astronauts, Maj. Jasmin Moghbeli and Loral OHara, spent six hours and 42 minutes outside the station removing a handling bar fixture and replacing a bearing.

But when they re-entered the space station, they noticed that something was missing: their tool bag.

During the activity, one tool bag was inadvertently lost, NASA said in an update on its website about the spacewalk.
In the aftermath of the 2020 election, former President Donald J. Trump planned to refuse to leave the White House under any circumstances despite losing at the polls, a longtime Trump aide told one of the lawyers who is cooperating with prosecutors in Atlanta as part of a plea agreement.

The lawyer, Jenna Ellis, described the aides statement during an interview with the district attorneys office in Fulton County, Ga., parts of which were obtained and published on Monday by ABC News.

Such interviews, known as proffer statements, have been conducted with Ms. Ellis and three other defendants who reached plea agreements in the Georgia election interference case against Mr. Trump and more than a dozen of his allies.

ABC obtained excerpts from the interviews with Ms. Ellis and Sidney Powell, another lawyer indicted in the case.
The distinction is politically significant as the public has become increasingly frustrated over homeless camps in Los Angeles and other California cities, seeing them as a blight on neighborhoods and a threat to public safety. Some critics were quick this weekend to suggest that homeless campers might have been responsible for the latest blaze, which shuttered a freeway traversed by about 300,000 vehicles daily.

Kevin de Leon, the Los Angeles city councilman whose downtown district includes the industrial stretch where the weekend fire started, said that he had received a number of complaints from business owners who were concerned about fire and other hazards and that homeless outreach staff members from his office had gone out several times since July to visit at least two homeless encampments under Interstate 10, seeking to move residents into shelter.

Its an ongoing issue, but I dont want to conflate it with the source of this fire, Mr. de Leon said. We need to see where the investigation goes.

Mayor Karen Bass of Los Angeles similarly urged caution and asked the public to refrain from jumping to conclusions about who had set the fire. She said that after the fire, 16 homeless people had been moved from local encampments into temporary housing, including a pregnant woman. No injuries were reported in the blaze, which was extinguished in several hours on Saturday.

We need to make sure that as Angelenos, we never ever turn on each other, she said. We know that the origin of this is arson. We do not know other information. There is no reason to assume that the origin of this fire or the reason this fire happened was because there were unhoused individuals nearby.
It was a typical low-key evening for Paul Pelosi while his wife was out of town: dinner out, home around 10 p.m., watch a little television, and then lights out close to midnight. Then about two hours later, he was woken up by an intruder who burst into his third-floor bedroom.

The door opened and a very large man came in with a hammer in one hand and some ties in the other, Mr. Pelosi, 83, told a jury on Monday. And he said, Wheres Nancy?

In a San Francisco courtroom, Mr. Pelosi, the husband of Representative Nancy Pelosi, spoke for the first time publicly about the brutal attack last year that left him hospitalized for days with a cracked skull. The testimony came during the federal trial of David DePape, who has been accused of bludgeoning Mr. Pelosi as he sought out Ms. Pelosi, who was the speaker of the House and in Washington at the time.

Mr. DePape told the police last year that he was on a mission to capture Ms. Pelosi, interrogate her and possibly break her kneecaps. He also said that he viewed Ms. Pelosi as a leader of a cabal of liberal elites bent on taking away peoples freedoms, echoing the language that right-wing pundits and elected officials have for years used to describe her.
A small band of Republicans joined with all House Democrats on Monday to block a snap vote to impeach Alejandro Mayorkas, the homeland security secretary, turning back an attempt to oust him before a G.O.P.-led committee has completed its investigation into his agencys handling of the southwest border.

The impeachment vote was forced by Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, a hard-right Republican from Georgia. But it was shot down by a vote of 209 to 201.

Eight Republicans, including veteran lawmakers who want to see an impeachment investigation follow traditional steps, voted with Democrats to block the vote and send the matter to the Homeland Security Committee. An impeachment inquiry is already underway there.

Secretary Mayorkas continues to be laser-focused on the safety and security of our nation, said Mia Ehrenberg, a spokeswoman for the Department of Homeland Security. This baseless attack is completely without merit and a harmful distraction from our critical national security priorities.
Speaker Mike Johnsons proposal to avert a government shutdown at the end of the week ran into increasing opposition on Monday from hard-line Republicans. But with Democratic opposition softening, it appeared the plan could be headed toward bipartisan approval within days.

The shifting alliances came as the House planned to take its first action on the bill as early as Tuesday. The legislation would fund federal agencies into early 2024 with two staggered deadlines, allowing lawmakers time to try to finish off the annual spending bills and putting off a debate over wartime aid to Israel and Ukraine.

It was reminiscent of the situation in the House about six weeks ago. Kevin McCarthy, the speaker at the time, was facing right-wing opposition to a measure to keep federal funding flowing and was forced to turn to Democrats to push through a temporary extension. The move cost Mr. McCarthy his speakership.

But Mr. Johnson  who is far more conservative than Mr. McCarthy  was not expected to face similar blowback from Republicans, who are not eager to repeat the dysfunction and paralysis that followed their last speakers ouster.
Two top officials on former President Donald J. Trumps 2024 campaign on Monday sought to distance his campaign team from news reports about plans for what he would do if voters return him to the White House.

Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita, who are effectively Mr. Trumps campaign managers, issued a joint statement after a spate of articles, many in The New York Times, about plans for 2025 developed by the campaign itself, and trumpeted on the trail by Mr. Trump, as well as efforts by outside groups led by former senior Trump administration officials who remain in direct contact with him.

Ms. Wiles and Mr. LaCivita focused their frustration on outside groups, which they did not name, that have devoted considerable resources to preparing lists of personnel and developing policies to serve the next right-wing administration.

The efforts by various nonprofit groups are certainly appreciated and can be enormously helpful. However, none of these groups or individuals speak for President Trump or his campaign, they wrote, calling reports about their personnel and policy intentions purely speculative and theoretical and merely suggestions.
The United Nations said on Monday that its already dwindling reserve of fuel in the Gaza Strip would run out as soon as Tuesday, preventing the organization from receiving and distributing the desperately needed aid trickling in, and imperiling the only lifeline for the 2.2 million people in the coastal enclave.

The U.N.s agency for aiding Palestinians, UNRWA, has been the main coordinator of humanitarian aid crossing into Gaza from Egypt since Israel placed Gaza under siege. Trucks carrying essential goods such as water, food, medicine and hygienic products go to U.N. warehouses in Gaza, where they are unloaded and distributed in other trucks by the U.N. and humanitarian agency partners, the U.N. said.

Andrea De Domenico, the head of the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs for Palestinian territories, told reporters on Monday that as of Tuesday the U.N. will no longer have enough fuel to operate either the fork lifts that unload the goods or the trucks that distribute them.

As part of its offensive against Hamas, Israel has cut off electricity to Gaza and blocked the delivery of fuel, saying Hamas uses it for rocket attacks and has stockpiled fuel intended for civilians. More than one million Gazans have been displaced, and civilians are running perilously low on basic human necessities.

Instead of a much-needed increase of this assistance, we have been informed by colleagues of UNRWA that, due to the lack of fuel, as of tomorrow the operations of receiving trucks will no longer be possible, Mr. De Domenico said from Jerusalem.

A total of 980 trucks carrying essential aid have crossed into Gaza from Egypt, including 76 trucks on Sunday, Mr. De Domenico said. But the U.N. has said far more is needed. Before Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, about 500 trucks of humanitarian aid crossed into Gaza daily.

The U.N. is worried that the fuel shortage could impede its humanitarian operations and the ability of hospitals, which rely on generators in the absence of power, to treat patients. Gazas main hospital, Al-Shifa, has reported that the lack of fuel was putting patients in intensive care at risk of dying and that premature babies were taken out of incubators that were now useless. Three babies and two cardiology patients had died as of Monday, according to Al-Shifa officials.

Al-Shifas critical infrastructure  including its water tanks, oxygen stations, maternity ward and cardiovascular facilities  was damaged by the fighting, Mr. De Domenico said. Three nurses were killed, he said.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 14. Arming Armenia and expanding the EU mission in Armenia do not bode well, veteran and honorary employee of the security agencies of Azerbaijan, retired Colonel Azer Garayev told Trend.

Garayev stated that the West intends to exacerbate the situation in the region through Armenia.

"The West employs a well-known mechanism: by supporting and arming Armenia at the same time, another tension is created." The goal is to aggravate the situation throughout the region. At the same time, Europe is opening up a new front against Russia and Iran via Armenia. This has become increasingly common in recent years. Ukraine is one of the last victims of the Western policy," Garayev said.

He noted that although Armenia has declared its desire to become "a neutral country and not join any blocs," in fact, the situation is exactly the opposite.

"If earlier the Armenian authorities, under the control of Russia, approached international issues, now Armenia, deceived by the promises of Europe, began to rely on the West. Although Western officials allegedly promised to continue to strengthen support for Armenia, the outcome of all this is already known. The countries that were deceived by the promises of Europe at the time have now become victims of serious conflicts. The bitter consequences of unsuccessful decisions made by the political authorities are being taken apart by the people of these countries. A similar situation is developing in Armenia, where the country's leadership is dragging its people into the abyss," Garayev said.

He said that this "support" from the West will lead Armenia to an even more deplorable situation.

"Armenia is about to become a new testing ground for international forces. In fact, history has created very favorable conditions for Armenia today, but this country, instead of responding to Azerbaijan's peace proposals and joining economic projects in the region, is once again blocking itself, turning into a tool in the hands of various organizations," he said.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
As the cultural fallout from the war in the Middle East continues, several finalists for the National Book Award plan to call for a cease-fire in Gaza during the ceremony on Wednesday. Two sponsors have decided not to attend the ceremony after learning authors were planning a political statement.

I dont want to look back on this time, said Aaliyah Bilal, a finalist in the fiction category and one of the authors planning to speak out, and say that I was silent while people were suffering.

Rumors that authors would take a stand regarding the Israel-Gaza conflict during the ceremony were flying in the days leading up to the event, but it was unclear what the statement would include, leaving several sponsors concerned.

One of the sponsors that withdrew after learning that some authors were planning a political statement was Zibby Media. Zibby Owens, the companys founder, wrote in an essay published on Substack that her company had withdrawn because she was afraid the remarks at the ceremony would take a stance against Israel, noting that we simply cant be a part of anything that promotes discrimination, in this case of Israel and the Jewish people.

Another sponsor, Book of the Month, has also decided not to attend. In a statement, the organization said it continued to support the event.

On Tuesday, the National Book Foundation sent a message to all the sponsors and those who purchased tickets, alerting them to the likelihood that winners were planning to issue political statements from the podium. The letter said that one group had decided to withdraw its sponsorship altogether.
Babies remain in Al-Shifa Hospital as Israel closes in

Al-Shifa, Gazas main hospital complex, has been cut off from electricity for days. Hospital officials warn that the lives of roughly three dozen premature babies are under threat now that the incubators needed to keep them alive are without power.

As the fighting drew closer to Al-Shifa last week, many of the more than 60,000 people sheltering at the hospital complex have fled, according to the Gaza health ministry. But the babies fragile health makes moving them difficult, complicating Israels stated goal of emptying the complex of civilians before its troops try to enter. Israeli and U.S. officials say the hospital hosts an underground Hamas command center, a claim that Hamas and hospital officials reject.

The Israeli military said late Monday that it was working to deliver mobile incubators and respirators to help evacuate the babies. The Times was unable to reach the hospital director or the Gaza health ministry to ask about Israels offer, the details of which remained unclear.

Heres the latest.

Persuading a watching world: Israel released videos from inside Gazas main childrens hospital that it claimed showed weapons and explosives found in the medical center, and a basement room where the military said hostages were kept. The assertions could not be independently verified, and the Gazan health ministry said the basement rooms shown were used as shelters for those fleeing airstrikes.
Antitrust trials are full of long stretches of detailed, often tedious testimony punctuated by telling moments. In the two-month Google antitrust trial that is nearing its conclusion, one of those moments came in a brief exchange in October.

While cross-examining a witness for the Justice Department, John Schmidtlein, Googles lead trial lawyer, tried to describe how this suit differed from the landmark antitrust case brought against Microsoft in the 1990s. The barriers to competition in search today, Mr. Schmidtlein said, are less daunting than Microsofts stranglehold on personal computer software.

The judge cut him off. Lets move on, said Judge Amit P. Mehta, who wrote in an opinion earlier in the year that he would use the Microsoft case as a guiding framework. I think I can figure out what the Microsoft case was about.

The antitrust fight against Microsoft in the 1990s has loomed over the governments showdown with Google. The Justice Department and a group of states say the search giant is running the Microsoft monopoly playbook, just in a different tech market, while Google argues that it is hardly as powerful as Microsoft was back in the day.
Gruesome photographs of Palestinian children killed in rocket strikes and Israeli infants murdered by terrorists. Digitally doctored images that whip around social media before they can be verified. Accusations  since rejected by multiple news outlets  that photojournalists had advance knowledge of the Hamas surprise attack on Oct. 7.

The visual chronicle of the war between Israel and Hamas has become its own disturbing case study of the age of disinformation, when photographs, and the act of photojournalism itself, are weaponized by both sides of a highly charged conflict. For newsrooms in the United States and Europe, the question of which images to publish  and which are too graphic or misleading to be published  has rarely been more complex.

In every war, there is a war of narratives, said Jonathan Levy, the executive editor of Sky News. Youve got to be really mindful, not just of the potential harm to the audience of being exposed to some of that imagery, but also how you manage it.

In interviews, editors at newspapers, TV stations and wire agencies said they had devoted countless hours in recent weeks to what many said was ultimately a delicate judgment call: deciding what their audiences saw and heard about the war. Among the factors is how much horror a viewer or reader can tolerate, and whether an image sensationalizes or trivializes violence. News outlets also feel a responsibility to victims and their families, who may not be aware that a relative has been killed or badly injured.

You want to get the most realistic view of whats happening on the ground; you want to show the pictures, said Greg Headen, who oversees domestic and international coverage at Fox News. In many cases, though, we cannot. Some of the images we have seen are so gruesome, they cant even be described on TV.

Some footage is so traumatic, Mr. Headen added, that to air it would render viewers numb to the spoken words accompanying the video: The bottom line is, theyre not going to hear a word your reporter said.
For more than a quarter century, the fortunes of the United States and China were fused in a uniquely monumental joint venture.

Americans treated China like the mother of all outlet stores, purchasing staggering quantities of low-priced factory goods. Major brands exploited China as the ultimate means of cutting costs, manufacturing their products in a land where wages are low and unions are banned.

As Chinese industry filled American homes with electronics and furniture, factory jobs lifted hundreds of millions of Chinese from poverty. Chinas leaders used the proceeds of the export juggernaut to buy trillions of dollars of U.S. government bonds, keeping Americas borrowing costs low and allowing its spending bonanza to continue.

Here were two countries separated by the Pacific Ocean, one shaped by freewheeling capitalism, the other ruled by an authoritarian Communist Party, yet conjoined in an enterprise so consequential that the economic historian Niall Ferguson coined a term: Chimerica, shorthand for their symbiotic economic relationship.
Headliner

Eataly SoHo

This, the third Eataly in Manhattan, the ninth in the United States and the 49th worldwide, is more restaurant than food market. About half the 20,000-square-foot space, smaller than the Eataly locations in the Flatiron and financial districts, is taken up by a 200-seat dining room and bar, generously windowed, with a brick wall and a bar done in natural wood. Just past the restaurant is the cafe, a casual all-day coffee bar with tables serving pastries, breakfast fare and other light food like Roman-style pizza alla pala. Unlike the usual Eataly template, there are no dining counters in the retail food departments like the pizzeria or butcher. The restaurants wine list and menu are thoroughly Italian, with beef carpaccio, cold seafood salad, radicchio salad, tagliatelle Bolognese, rigatoni carbonara, lasagna with mushroom ragu and various pizzas. The market side of the establishment sells groceries like sauces, oils, pastas and condiments, including some newly anointed with Eatalys private label. Fresh food like produce, meats, seafood, cheeses and charcuterie is all prepackaged. Tommaso Bruso, the new chief executive of Eataly North America, said another 20 Eatalys are planned for North America in the next five years. And while theyre at it, they will also be expanding the Flatiron district store next spring. (Opens Nov. 25)

200 Lafayette Street (Broome Street), eataly.com.

Opening

HAAM

Formerly takeout-only and based in Sunnyside, Queens, this plant-based Caribbean spot has become a proper restaurant in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Its by the chef and owner Yesenia Ramdass, whose cooking is inspired by her familys Dominican heritage and the Trinidadian background of her husband, Randy Ramdass. There are 30 seats and six bar perches in the space, which is done with straw and green for an island feel. The menu showcases jerk barbecued mushrooms in a yellow rice ball, mashed yucca with king oyster mushroom scallops, a sweet plantain boat stuffed with lentils and cabbage slaw, Yuh Mothas mofongo with lions mane mushrooms and cream sauce and arroz con leche rice pudding made with cashew milk. Theres takeout and delivery. (Wednesday)

234 Union Avenue (Meserole Street), Williamsburg, Brooklyn, 212-271-0110, healthyasamotha.com.

Bash Burger

John McDonald has joined forces with Stephen Hanson, another restaurateur, to open this minimalist burger stall in an Urbanspace food hall. The menu offers but two choices: the Classic, like the one youd have found at Mr. McDonalds Burger & Barrel, now closed, with cheese, lettuce and tomato; and the Bash Burger, also a four-ounce patty with the addition of bacon, onion jam and shaved pickles, and so named because it has repeatedly taken first place in the New York City Wine & Food festivals burger bash contest. Fries, fountain drinks, beer, wine and cocktails are served.

Urbanspace Vanderbilt, 230 Park Avenue (45th Street), bashburger.com.

Champagne and Caviar Bar

The finishing touches are complete and this new luxury lounge on the lower level of the RH Guesthouse in the meatpacking district has opened. Tuna cornets, brioche lobster rolls, seafood and meat tartares, and potatoes all come with scoops of Petrossian caviar; menu items start at $40. And if you prefer your caviar neat, with the usual accouterments, its served that way too. Champagnes are offered by the glass, half-bottle and bottle and there are cocktails as well. The chairman of RH, Gary Friedman, has plans to open more of these jewel boxes, in London, Paris and Aspen, Colo.

RH Guesthouse New York, 55 Gansevoort Street (Greenwich Street), 212-201-0867, rhguesthouse.com.
Doctors have long relied on a few key patient characteristics to assess risk of a heart attack or stroke, using a calculus that considers blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking and diabetes status, as well as demographics: age, sex and race.

Now, the American Heart Association is taking race out of the equation.

The overhaul of the widely used cardiac-risk algorithm is an acknowledgment that, unlike sex or age, race identification in and of itself is not a biological risk factor.

The scientists who modified the algorithm decided from the start that race itself did not belong in clinical tools used to guide medical decision making, even though race might serve as a proxy for certain social circumstances, genetic predispositions or environmental exposures that raise the risk of cardiovascular disease.

The revision comes amid rising concern about health equity and racial bias within the U.S. health care system, and is part of a broader trend toward removing race from a variety of clinical algorithms.
A major federal corruption investigation into Mayor Eric Adamss fund-raising is examining whether his campaign conspired with members of the Turkish government to receive illegal donations.

Mr. Adams, a Democrat in his second year in office, has longstanding ties to Turkey. The mayor has said that he met the Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, when he was Brooklyn borough president, and that he has visited the country at least six times.

Now federal prosecutors and the F.B.I. are investigating Mr. Adamss connections to Turkey, including whether he pressured city officials to sign off on the Turkish governments new consulate building in Manhattan and the role of a Brooklyn building company owned by Turkish immigrants that organized a fund-raising event for him.

Federal authorities raided the home of Mr. Adamss chief fund-raiser on Nov. 2, and then seized at least two cellphones and an iPad from Mr. Adams himself. Mr. Adams has defended his links to Turkey, arguing that they were part of his outreach to immigrant communities that have not always received attention from City Hall.
In Jerusalem, Mr. Ariev said, he prayed for his childs return at the Western Wall, a holy site where Jews slip handwritten prayers between the limestone bricks. His rabbi suggested he join the trip to New York. In Queens on Monday night, Mr. Ariev held in his hands a piece of paper scrawled with yet another prayer. Now we can ask from the other side of the world for the same thing, he said.

The Lubavitchers follow a strict form of Orthodoxy, but many of the people who made the trip were far less religious. In Israel, Chabad  which is known for its open-house-style synagogues and social services  is seen as something of a bridge between more secular Jews and other denominations. After more than five weeks of no word on most of the hostages fates, the journey was a mission for some Israelis, a pilgrimage for others. Some said it was a way to combat a feeling of powerlessness.

I want all the world to know how far I will go to bring my children back home, said Mirit Regev, 50. Her 18-year-old son, Itay, and her daughter, Maya, 21, were kidnapped from a music festival in the south of the country. Ms. Regev said that Itay was later seen bound in a Hamas video and that Mayas cellphone was located miles away in Gaza. I am in hell, she said.

At Montefiore Cemetery that night, few wanted to discuss what had transpired since the people they loved were captured. Israel has said an estimated 1,200 people were killed in the Oct. 7 attack. Gaza health officials, who are part of the Hamas government, say more than 11,000 people have been killed in the Palestinian enclave since the war began. Many of the families at the shrine said they planned to head on to a rally in support of Israel in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday.

Shira Soussana said she and her family had always leaned left politically and called for peaceful coexistence. Then her sister Amit, 40, was kidnapped from a kibbutz about three miles east of Gaza. After this happened, it makes us feel insecure; we dont have a belief anymore in people, its so evil, she said, adding, on both sides.
A landlord was arrested and charged with murdering his tenants on Tuesday after three people were found stabbed to death in the bedrooms of a Queens home.

The man, David Daniel, 54, turned himself in at a police station Tuesday morning and confessed, said Joseph Kenny, the New York City Police Departments chief of detectives. Mr. Daniel told the police that two of the victims were his tenants and that they had not paid the rent. The third victim was Mr. Daniels girlfriend, the police said.

Officers arrived at the home, in the St. Albans neighborhood, just after 7 a.m., where they found two of the victims in a bedroom in the basement and the third in a bedroom upstairs, the police said. Officers found a knife at the scene.

Mr. Daniel was very matter-of-fact when he approached officers at the precinct, Chief Kenny said. He was charged with murder and is in custody.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 14. Armenian side delays for more than two months to present adjusted version of Azerbaijan-Armenia peace agreement, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Department of the Presidential Administration, Hikmet Hajiyev wrote on his page on X, Trend reports.

"On September 11, 2023 Azerbaijan delivered the 5th revised version of peace agreement with relevant explanatory notes to the Armenian side through bilateral channels in anticipation that the response of Armenia will be submitted soon. Despite the public statements about its readiness to sign a peace treaty by the end of this year, the Armenian side delays for more than two months to present its version of the document. The Azerbaijani side has repeatedly stated that now it is a historic opportunity, and there are no obstacles to signing a peace treaty, especially after restoration of Azerbaijan's sovereignty. To what extent is Armenia ready for that is a subject of serious questions now. The text of peace agreement is not by essence nuclear physics. In accordance with the basic principles of international law suggested by Azerbaijan, the text of peace agreement could be concluded sooner through intensive bilateral negotiations. The ball in the court of Armenia!, the publication said.
A second person connected to the campaign of Representative George Santos of New York has pleaded guilty to federal charges, an ominous sign as the embattled congressmans own case moves closer to trial.

Appearing before a federal judge in Central Islip, N.Y., on Tuesday, Samuel Miele pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud in connection with a fund-raising scheme in which he impersonated a House staffer for his and Mr. Santoss benefit.

But the most intriguing details to emerge from court were related to incidents that Mr. Miele was not charged with, but admitted to as part of his guilty plea.

Between November 2020 and January 2023, Mr. Miele used his position with the Santos campaign to charge donors credit cards without their permission and to apply contributions to things they had not been intended for.
A lunch meeting about China this summer at the Upper East Side headquarters of the Council on Foreign Relations felt more like an Irish wake.

A crowd that included gray-haired China hands and not-so-gray-haired tech executives shared memories of their years in the Middle Kingdom as diplomats, entrepreneurs and English teachers in the countryside. One attendee recalled how the car of Warren Christopher, then deputy secretary of state, was attacked by a mob in Taipei, Taiwan, after U.S. officials announced that Washington would re-establish diplomatic relations with Beijing. Another told stories about living for years in Beijing as a translator, brand strategist and freelance music critic on a dodgy visa that the Chinese government would never give out today. They were all keenly aware that they had lived through an extraordinary period of warm relations that is now gone, perhaps forever.

We were privileged to live in China during a remarkably free and open period of time, to learn the language, make friends, find spouses, and some for a while could even own property, Ian Johnson, a journalist who has contributed to The New York Times and who lived in China for two decades, told me later. Its very different now, especially for grad students and journalists, but also for tourists. China has closed itself off.

The nostalgia was poignant but the gathering was also notable for what it represented. The Council on Foreign Relations, of which I am a member, is a sort of brain trust for the countrys foreign policy establishment  a repository for the wisdom accrued by Americans who have lived and worked around the globe. That lunch meeting underlined the fact that China was turning into something they hadnt expected  and slipping out of their reach. At the very time when understanding China has become more important than ever, they were losing visibility, access and insight, thanks to increasing repression in China and new restrictions enacted by the United States. There was nothing to be done. It was out of their hands. A melancholy camaraderie filled the room. It felt like the end of an era.
For the past month, normal life in Ramallah  a city in the West Bank usually known for its young population and its vibrant nightlife  has been brought to a standstill.

Since Hamass deadly Oct. 7 attacks, Israeli forces have launched numerous raids on the West Bank, arresting people from all walks of life: students, activists, journalists, even individuals posting online in support of Gaza. Air and drone strikes have destroyed houses and streets, targeted numerous refugee camps, and nearly leveled Al-Ansar Mosque. They have pummeled the city of Jenin; last month, Israeli forces destroyed the memorial for an Al Jazeera journalist, Shireen Abu Akleh, at the spot where she was killed while reporting more than a year ago.

Meanwhile, a settlement council has been distributing hundreds of assault rifles to civilian squads in settlements in the northern West Bank, part of a larger effort by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who is a settler himself, to arm civilian groups in the wake of the Oct. 7 attacks. So far, the ministry has purchased 10,000 assault rifles for such teams around the country. Its part of the atmosphere of escalating violence that has killed more than 130 Palestinians living in the West Bank since Oct. 7.

For Palestinians, this type of systematic violence is nothing new.

To many inside and outside this war, the brutality of Hamass Oct. 7 attacks was unthinkable, as have been the scale and ferocity of Israels reprisal. But Palestinians have been subject to a steady stream of unfathomable violence  as well as the creeping annexation of their land by Israel and Israeli settlers  for generations.

If people are going to understand this latest conflict and see a path forward for everyone, we need to be more honest, nuanced and comprehensive about the recent decades of history in Gaza, Israel and the West Bank, particularly the impact of occupation and violence on the Palestinians. This story is measured in decades, not weeks; it is not one war, but a continuum of destruction, revenge and trauma.

Since the 1948 nakba  in which entire Palestinian villages were wiped off the map and the modern state of Israel was established  Palestinians have endured a subjugation that has defined their daily lives. For decades, we have been reeling from Israels military occupation, as well as a succession of deadly invasions and wars. The wars of 1967 and 1973 helped shape the modern geography and geopolitics of the area, with millions of largely stateless Palestinians split between Gaza and the West Bank. In Gaza, often referred to as the worlds largest open-air prison, Palestinians are prohibited from entering or leaving, except in incredibly rare circumstances.

This history has been absent from much of the discourse surrounding the Israel-Hamas war, as though the attacks of Oct. 7 were completely arbitrary. The truth is, even in times of relative peace, Palestinians are second-class citizens in Israel  if they are deemed citizens at all. According to Israeli law, Palestinians do not have the right to national self-determination, which is reserved for Jewish citizens of the state. A variety of laws restrict Palestinians right to movement, governing everything from where they can live to what personal identifications they can hold to whether or not they can visit family members elsewhere.

The right of return  the right of Palestinians and their descendants to return to villages they were ethnically cleansed from during the 1948 war  is central to many Palestinians political perspective because so many are still, legally, refugees. In Gaza, for instance, roughly two-thirds of the population consists of refugees. This status is not some abstraction; it dictates everything from where people live to which schools they go to or doctors they see.

Many Gazans have parents and grandparents who grew up only a few miles from where they live now, in areas they are now, of course, forbidden to enter. They still invoke rich memories from their childhood or adolescence, when they walked through citrus groves in Yaffa or olive fields in Qumya  the latter of which, like many villages whose people were expelled into Gaza during the 1948 war, was later transformed into a kibbutz.

There have been periods of increased cooperation between Israelis and Palestinians over the past 75 years. But these were usually preceded by times of increased conflict, such as the first and second intifadas, or popular uprisings. The intifadas, in which Palestinians participated in large-scale resistance, sometimes civil and sometimes violent, are often presented by Western media as random or indiscriminate bursts of murderous savagery  as has been the case with the Oct. 7 attacks. But that violence did not happen in a vacuum.

Stark conditions in Palestinian communities  including the ever-tightening control of daily life through violent night raids, arrests, military checkpoints and the building of illegal Israeli settlements  were the backdrop to these outbursts. Unfortunately, from a historical standpoint, these acts of violence seem to be the only things that have moved the needle politically for Palestinians.

The death and destruction we Palestinians have collectively witnessed and endured have prolonged our generational trauma. Even before this conflict, PTSD was pervasive in Palestinian homes, as was depression. As a young population, children bear the brunt of Israels military rule: Many are snatched at night from their beds or from the arms of their mothers, beaten and imprisoned after being tried arbitrarily in military courts. Others are shot and paralyzed, if not killed.

In Gaza, these victims have virtually no legal possibility of recourse from the Israeli state. Under the 16-year siege of Gaza, Israeli administrators have controlled access to electricity, food and water, at one point determining the number of calories Gazans could consume before sliding into malnutrition. They have also allowed Gaza and the occupied territories to serve as a testing ground for Israels vaunted security tech firms. Many people from Gaza have risked the perilous journey across the Mediterranean to get out, only to die en route.

With Gaza sealed for the past 16 years and the West Bank largely contained by settler violence and the army, Israel has been able to keep its occupation indefinite. The periodic spasms of violence  such as the occasional small group or lone wolf attacks and rocket barrages  reinforce the states justification for long-term control of Palestinians and Palestinian lands.

Over the years, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his advisers have been very clear that a separate, sovereign Palestinian state is not on the negotiating table. Neither is the possibility of giving Palestinians the rights that Israelis enjoy. So the status quo of endless occupation  and regular cycles of violence  has become normalized, with the international community seemingly unwilling or unable to hold Israels government to account.

The Oct. 7 attacks broke that state of play. The occupations unsustainable nature was laid bare for all to see, as was the impossibility of governing two peoples but privileging one of them over the other.

Dark days are ahead  that much we know. Having lived through wars, invasions and bombardments, we have come to expect the worst. In the West Bank, morale is low on the quiet streets. Twenty-four-hour Arabic satellite news stations provide a droning, ubiquitous background to daily life. They play a constant stream of horrific images and videos: all shocking but not unprecedented.

A feeling of helplessness permeates the West Banks cities and villages as we watch more and more fellow Palestinians  now more than 11,100, according to the Gazan health ministry  lose their lives. Israeli officials have proposed pushing Gazas population into Egypts Sinai Desert, which would render them refugees twice or three times over, and perhaps edge the Israeli settler project into a new, more expansive phase. In the West Bank, we look around, and wonder: Could it happen here? Is it happening already?

Any kind of shared future is most likely a longer way off than it was a month ago. But Palestinians already knew that. Was the day before Hamass attacks considered peace? Maybe for Israelis it was, but for Palestinians it wasnt.

Dalia Hatuqa is an independent journalist specializing in Palestinian-Israeli affairs.

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During my nine days of reporting recently in Israel and the West Bank, little did I know that the most revealing moment would come in the final hours of my visit. As I was packing to leave on Saturday night, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave a news conference in which he indicated that Israel and the United States do not have a shared vision of how Israel should complete its war in Gaza or how to convert any Israeli victory over Hamas into a lasting peace with the Palestinians.

Without such a shared strategy, the Biden administration and the American people, particularly American Jews who support Israel, will need to make some fateful decisions.

We will have to either become captives of Netanyahus strategy  which could take us all down with him  or articulate an American vision for how the Gaza war must end. That would require a Biden administration plan to create two states for two indigenous peoples living in the areas of Gaza, the West Bank and Israel.

Yes, I am talking about a wartime peace plan that, if Israel agreed, could help give Israel the time, legitimacy, allies and resources it needs to defeat Hamas  without getting stuck governing all of Gaza and all of the West Bank forever, with no political horizon for the Palestinians.

And have no illusion, Netanyahu is offering only one vision right now: Seven million Jews trying to govern five million Palestinians in perpetuity  and that is a prescription for disaster for Israel, America, Jews everywhere and Americas moderate Arab allies.

The Biden plan  are you sitting down?  could actually use as one of its starting points President Donald Trumps proposal for a two-state solution, because Netanyahu embraced that in 2020, when he had a different coalition. (Netanyahu and his ambassador in Washington practically wrote the Trump plan.) More on that in a second.

Here is why we are at a juncture that demands bold ideas, starting this past Saturday night. Speaking in Hebrew in a news conference with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Minister Benny Gantz, Netanyahu rejected U.S. and world concerns over the thousands of Palestinian lives already lost to the war to uproot Hamas from Gaza. Even more important, he declared that Israels military would remain in Gaza as long as necessary to prevent the Gaza Strip from ever again being used to launch attacks on Israeli civilians.

Gaza will be demilitarized, he said. There will be no further threat from the Gaza Strip on Israel, and to ensure that, for as long as necessary, I.D.F. will control Gaza security to prevent terrorism from there, he added, referring to the Israel Defense Forces.

Those are legitimate Israeli concerns, given the Hamas atrocities of Oct. 7, but Netanyahu also indicated that Israel would oppose the return of the Palestinian Authority  Israels partner in the Oslo peace process that governs Palestinians in the West Bank  to Gaza after the war. The authority, Netanyahu said, is a civil authority that educates its children to hate Israel, to kill Israelis, to eliminate the State of Israel  an authority that pays the families of murderers based on the number they murdered  an authority whose leader still has not condemned the terrible massacre 30 days later.

Bibi  who never gives the Palestinian Authority credit for how it works every day with Israeli security officials to dampen violence in the West Bank  offered no suggestion of how and from where an alternative, legitimate Palestinian governing authority ready to work with Israel might emerge.

This was an in-your-face rebuke of the Biden administration position articulated by Secretary of State Antony Blinken last Wednesday. As The Times reported, Blinken declared during a meeting of foreign ministers in Tokyo that Gaza should be unified with the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority once the war is over.

To retain Americas Arab and Western allies, Blinken said that right now  today  we must articulate affirmative elements to get to a sustained peace. And these must include the Palestinian peoples voices and aspirations at the center of postcrisis governance in Gaza, he said. It must include Palestinian-led governance and Gaza unified with the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority.

My four-word translation of Blinkens proposal to Israel: Help us help you.

Blinken, though, also offered no details of how that might happen. The Biden team needs to flesh that out.

Why is Netanyahu trying to destroy the Palestinian Authority as a governing option for a postwar Gaza? Because he is already campaigning to hold on to power after the Gaza war is over, and he knows there will be a huge surge of Israelis demanding he step down because of how he and his far-right cronies distracted and divided Israel and its military by pursuing a judicial coup that Israeli intelligence sources told Netanyahu was emboldening and tempting enemies such as Hamas and Hezbollah.

The only way Netanyahu can stay in power is if his far-right allies dont abandon him, particularly Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. So to hold the support of the Jewish supremacists in his cabinet  some of whom want Israel to erect settlements in Gaza as soon as possible  Netanyahu has to declare now that the Palestinians will have no legitimate, independent representation in Gaza or the West Bank.

Yes, I know it is hard to believe, but Netanyahu is campaigning in the middle of this war.

It is time for President Biden to create a moment of truth for everyone  for Netanyahu, for the Palestinians and their supporters, for Israel and its supporters and for AIPAC, the pro-Israel lobby. Biden needs to make clear that America will not be Netanyahus useful idiot. We are going to lay down the principles of a fair peace plan for the morning after this war  one that reflects our interests and that will also enable us to support Israel and moderate Palestinians and win the support of moderate Arabs for an economic reconstruction of Gaza after the war.

I cannot see any major economic support for the rebuilding of Gaza coming from Europe or from countries like the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia unless Israel and some legitimate Palestinian authority are committed to the principles of a peace framework to create two states for two peoples.

Biden needs to say: Israel, we are covering your flank militarily with our two aircraft carriers, financially with $14 billion in aid and diplomatically at the U.N. The price for that is your acceptance of a peace framework based on two states for two indigenous peoples in Gaza, the West Bank and pre-1967 Israel. This plan is based on U.N. Resolutions 242 and 338, which was also the cornerstone for negotiations in the peace plan put forward by Trump in 2020.

Bibi, do you remember what you said about that Trump plan that gave Palestinians about 70 percent of the West Bank for a state, plus an expanded Gaza Strip and a capital in the area of Jerusalem? Biden could add. Heres the Associated Press story of Jan. 28, 2020, to remind you: Netanyahu called it a historic breakthrough equal in significance to the countrys declaration of independence in 1948.

The Palestinian Authority foolishly rejected the Trump plan outright instead of asking to use it as a starting point. This is a chance to make up for that mistake  or be exposed as unserious.

In his valuable new book on the history of the peace process, (In)Sights: Peacemaking in the Oslo Process Thirty Years and Counting, Gidi Grinstein, a member of Ehud Baraks negotiating team at Camp David, argues that the Trump plan provides a natural foundation for a revived peace process for a two-state solution.

That is not only because Netanyahu already agreed to it, Grinstein told me in an interview, even if the settler hard-liners in his cabinet did not and still would not. Its also viable because the Trump plan was actually based on the condition that peace was possible only after Hamas was removed from power in Gaza and the Palestinian Authority could assume control of the Gaza Strip, which, the Trump plan argued, would be expanded by land carved from Israels Negev Desert.

Biden could also propose that with the help of our moderate Arab allies, such as the U.A.E., Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan and Bahrain, we would come up with a plan to overhaul the Palestinian Authority, purge its education system of anti-Israel material, upgrade its forces that work daily with Israeli security teams in the West Bank and phase out its financial support for Palestinian prisoners who harmed Israelis.

Is the Palestinian Authority up to such a deal? Are progressive Palestinian supporters in the West who chant the eliminationist mantra From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free up for it? Will Israels silent majority be if Hamas is defeated?

Lets see what they all really stand for  or if they have a better answer  because neither is going to disappear. Biden needs to put them all to the test.

I know that a lot of American Jewish leaders privately would love Biden to put forward such a plan, but so far only one, Ronald Lauder, a longtime Republican and the president of the World Jewish Congress, has had the courage to call for it  in a Saudi newspaper, no less, in an essay titled, A Time for Peace and a Two-State Solution. As he explained, Only a two-state solution would guarantee Israelis and Palestinians a life in dignity, safety and with a better perspective on the economic situation, which would lead to a sustainable future.

Such a plan would protect Americas interests and make clear that we care about whats best for Israelis and Palestinians and our allies in the region, not whats best for Bibis political future  which several Israeli analysts told me would be to drag out the war, so he couldnt be ousted by mass demonstrations, or to drag us into a conflict with Iran in hopes that it would overshadow all his mistakes.

If a two-state plan was embraced by Israel, even with reservations, it would reinforce for the world that Israel sees its war in Gaza as one of necessary self-defense and a prelude to lasting peace. And if such a plan was embraced by the Palestinian Authority, even with reservations, that would reinforce that the authority intends to be the alternative to Hamas in shaping an independent future for Palestinians alongside Israel  and that it will not be a bystander to Hamass madness or a victim of it.
To the Editor:

Re Trumps 25 Immigration Plan: Giant Camps, Mass Deportation (front page, Nov. 12):

After choking on my coffee reading this excellent in-depth piece, I contemplated the America we will live in if these ambitious and aggressive ideas bear fruit.

Do the architects of this plan really believe we will have a stronger, safer and more prosperous country by setting up giant immigrant camps and carrying out mass deportations?

I am descended from white privilege and members of the Daughters of the American Revolution. My family has grown stronger in recent years by the blending of ethnic, cultural and religious origins through marriage and adoption  with Indonesian, Malaysian, Algerian, Romanian, Iranian and Danish heritages combined with Scot Irish and English ones.

We have family members who are Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, Buddhist, atheist and agnostic as well as Episcopalian, Quaker and Catholic.
Even if it were a popular misunderstanding, why wait until the public is clamoring for action? Any politician will tell you to get ahead of the scandal for precisely this reason; after the fact, it just looks like a sloppy cleanup in Aisle 5. Thats an insult to the hundreds of millions of us who live under the courts edicts, many of which implicate the most personal aspects of our lives. A tribunal so powerful, one that genuinely cared about protecting and nurturing its fragile authority, would voluntarily and pre-emptively subject itself to the highest ethical standards imaginable.

Not this court. One of the themes weve heard from Chief Justice Roberts and others is essentially this message of: Just trust us. We dont need to be constrained like everybody else, Alicia Bannon, the director of the judiciary program at the Brennan Center for Justice, told me. And I dont think their behavior has earned that trust.

The sustained public uproar over that behavior  measured most clearly in the courts record-low approval ratings  appears finally to have pierced the bubble at One First Street. In recent months, Justices Elena Kagan and Amy Coney Barrett have publicly supported the adoption of an ethics code. This rare bout of self-awareness makes the feebleness of the courts response that much more frustrating. Theres an understandable desire to praise the justices for doing what so many, including the Times editorial board, have called for, but my primary reaction on seeing the result is: We waited 200 years for this?

The most glaring defect of the new code is its complete lack of any enforcement power. Its 15 pages are littered with weak verbs like should, should not and endeavor to, which, as any college student on a pre-exam bender will tell you, is a reliable way to sound serious without actually doing the work. And yet the absence of any discipline or enforcement was the central flaw that led to calls for an ethics code in the first place. Whatever the justices do, they must know there will be no professional repercussions. Appointed for life and removable only by impeachment, they are effectively untouchable. It doesnt matter how virtuous you think you are; in the long term, this brew of power and unaccountability can be corrupting.

Whats included in the code is as troubling as whats missing. On the matter of outside influences on the justices  the main reason for the current public pressure on the court  the language is almost laughably vague and permissive. A justice should not allow family, social, political, financial or other relationships to influence official conduct or judgment. Well, sure. But what in this sentence would have stopped Justice Thomas and Justice Alito from developing their relationships with those uber-wealthy Republican donors who seem so often to come into their orbit and who, by the way, happen to be connected to cases before the court?
As the former president wrote in a disturbing and authoritarian-minded Veterans Day message to supporters (itself echoing a speech he delivered that same day to supporters in New Hampshire): We pledge to you that we will root out the Communists, Marxists, Fascists, and Radical Left Thugs that live like vermin within the confines of our country, lie, steal, and cheat on Elections, and will do anything possible, whether legally or illegally, to destroy America, and the American dream.

Trump has other plans as well. As several of my Times colleagues reported last week, he hopes to institute a program of mass detainment and deportation of undocumented immigrants. His aides have already drawn up plans for new detention centers at the U.S.-Mexico border, where anyone suspected of illegal entry would be held until authorities have settled the persons immigration status.

Given the former presidents rhetoric attacking political enemies and other supposedly undesirable groups, like the homeless  Trump has said that the government should remove homeless Americans and put them in tents on large parcels of inexpensive land in the outer reaches of the cities  theres little doubt that some citizens would find themselves in these large and sprawling camps.

Included in this effort to rid the United States of as many immigrants as possible is a proposal to target people here legally  like green-card holders or people on student visas  who harbor supposedly jihadist sympathies or espouse views deemed anti-American. Trump also intends to circumvent the 14th Amendment so that he can end birthright citizenship for the children of unauthorized immigrants.

In the past, Trump has gestured at seeking a third term in office after serving a second four-year term in the White House. We are going to win four more years, Trump said during his 2020 campaign. And then after that, well go for another four years because they spied on my campaign. We should get a redo of four years. This, too, would violate the Constitution, but then, in a world in which Trump gets his way on his authoritarian agenda, the Constitution  and the rule of law  would already be a dead letter.
Soon after Emma Ganzarain moved into her boyfriends apartment in Oslo, the couple got to work on a redesign. They added light-colored herringbone floors, with radiant heating to combat the Norwegian chill, and taupe kitchen cabinets. In the living room, the pair swapped out a purple light fixture for a white one and replaced a maroon armchair with a chair of a similar size in off-white.

When the work was just about done, Ms. Ganzarain, 26, posted some before and after photos on TikTok. All men need a woman in their life, she wrote in the caption.

The reaction was not what she expected.

Her post has been viewed nearly 8 million times since it appeared earlier this month. It has also generated more than 55,000 comments, most of which are negative. Many people have accused Ms. Ganzarain, who had about 3,000 TikTok followers at the time of the post, of ruining her boyfriends space, replacing its warmth and character with a more sterile look.

The before is better, one commenter wrote. After is very clinical and cold. The person went on to note the renovated apartments Patrick Bateman vibes, a reference to the serial-killer protagonist of American Psycho.
An Extraordinary Anniversary

We celebrated our 36th anniversary at our favorite small restaurant in Charlotte, N.C. With tables close together, it was easy to overhear an effervescent young woman announce to the waiter, Its our third anniversary! The couple seated next to them confessed they were celebrating, too. Soon others chimed in. In all, seven couples were celebrating anniversaries ranging from three to 38 years. As one couple left, we all laughed and said, See you next year! When a new couple was seated, the young woman jokingly asked, Is it your anniversary? Surprised, the husband replied, How did you know?  Leslie Marsicano
But on the witness stand, Sundar Pichai, Googles chief executive, said there was value in being the default search engine on a device and framed the agreements with other companies as sound business decisions.

Google paid $26.3 billion for its search engine to be the default selection on mobile and desktop browsers in 2021, according to the companys internal data presented during the trial. Most of that, around $18 billion, went to Apple, The New York Times has reported. Kevin Murphy, a Google economic expert, testified on Monday that Google shared 36 percent of search revenue from the default deal with Apple.

Mr. Pichai testified that he repeatedly renewed the search engine deal with Apple because it worked well, leading to an increase in search usage and revenue and benefiting Apple, Google and its shareholders. He said Google paid Apple so much to protect users search experience on iPhones, not knowing if Apple would degrade that experience if Google hadnt improved the financial terms of the deal.

There was a lot of uncertainty about what would happen if the deal didnt exist, he said.

Google is not the only search game in town

To rebuff the idea that other search engines were too small to compete for default status on browsers, Googles lawyers argued at the trial that rivals had been able to win contracts but could not hold on to them because of the poor quality of their products.

They cited an instance in 2014 when Mozilla, which makes the Firefox browser, exited a default-search partnership with Google and selected Yahoo.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 14. In accordance with the instruction of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, the return of former internally displaced persons to the restored city of Lachin continue, Trend reports.

Another group of citizens was sent from the Gobu Park 3 residential complex in the Garadagh district of Baku on October 20. At this stage, another 10 families (40 people) moved to the city of Lachin.

The resettled families will settle in the houses where they once lived in Lachin, which were restored or rebuilt on the basis of instructions from the head of state after the end of the Armenian occupation. Lachin residents thanked President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva for their comprehensive care, expressed gratitude to the valiant Azerbaijani Army, which liberated the lands from occupation.

Thus, until today, a permanent settlement in the city of Lachin has been provided for 325 families - 1245 people.
Manuel Oliver had arrived at the point of his one-man show where it was time to re-enact the murder of his son, Joaquin, who was one of 17 people killed in a mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., in 2018.

He donned a paper mask of the face of Joaquin, who was a 17-year-old senior when he was killed. He grabbed a hammer and turned to a life-size portrait of Joaquin and methodically banged it four times  once for each bullet that had struck him  creating a jagged hole. Then Oliver crumpled to the ground, as if lifeless.

The searing re-enactment of the shooting was part of Guac: The One Man Show, a show about Joaquin that Oliver has been performing around the nation, and that he brought this month to the Theater Row Studio Theater in Manhattan. About 50 people watched as Oliver opened the play with a question: When you lose a son, what do you do?
Steve Carell, the screen actor best known for his breakout role as a blundering boss in the NBC comedy The Office, will make his Broadway debut in a revival of the Chekhov classic Uncle Vanya.

Carell will lead a cast of television, film and stage veterans in the production, which is to begin performances April 2 and to open April 24 at the Vivian Beaumont Theater, a Broadway house at the nonprofit Lincoln Center Theater.

Uncle Vanya is a dark Russian drama, first performed in 1899, about a rural family whose dreary but stable routine is disrupted when the propertys long-absent owner, a retired professor, comes to visit with his new, and much younger, wife. The play has been staged and adapted many times  this will be the 11th production on Broadway  and this iteration will be based on a new translation by Heidi Schreck, whose previous Broadway venture, an autobiographical show called What the Constitution Means to Me, is expected to be the most-staged play at U.S. theaters this season (not counting those by Shakespeare and Dickens).

Carell, who played a regional manager in The Office, will also play a manager in Uncle Vanya. His character is the country estates long-suffering administrator (and the brother of the professors first wife); he oversees the property with a niece, Sonya, who will be played by Alison Pill, who last appeared on Broadway in a revival of Three Tall Women and was a Tony Award nominee for The Lieutenant of Inishmore. They will be joined by William Jackson Harper, an alumnus of the NBC comedy The Good Place who this year wowed Off Broadway audiences with his starring role in Primary Trust; he will play Astrov, the local doctor.
Voters who want abortion to be mostly legal are about twice as likely to say they are making voting decisions based on economic issues over social issues like abortion. The only group of voters across the six swing states for whom societal issues are even close to as important as economic issues are white college-educated voters, and those voters are expected to be a smaller share of the electorate in a presidential year than in a low-turnout off-year election like the Ohio abortion referendum.

The share of voters who prioritize economic issues over social issues has increased by more than 12 percentage points in favor of the economy since the 2022 election, according to Times polling in Pennsylvania, Georgia, Nevada and Arizona.

Joel Graham, 49, of Grant County, Wis., said he would like abortion access to remain widespread: In my mind, its not a politicians choice, its a woman and a familys choice.

If Trump is elected, I have some concerns that theres a chance he would put more hard-core conservatives on the Supreme Court and they might crack down more on abortion, he said. Still, he says he plans to vote for Mr. Trump again because of his economic policies and concerns about the Biden administrations foreign policy.

Mr. Trump has been on many sides of the abortion issue over the years. In 1999, as a member of the Reform Party, he said he was very pro-choice. When he ran for office in 2016, he said women should be punished for having an abortion, then later took it back. Recently, he took full credit on his social media platform for being the one who ended the constitutional right to abortion in America: I was able to kill Roe v. Wade.
Ambulances rush them daily to hospitals in El Paso, San Diego and Tucson, Ariz., writhing in pain  bones poking out of arms and legs; skulls cracked; spines shattered. The men and women arrive on stretchers flanked by an agent in the telltale green uniform of the U.S. Border Patrol.

One look, and I know its another wall fall, said Brian Elmore, an emergency medicine physician at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in El Paso.

The patients are all migrants who have crashed to the ground while trying to climb over the wall that separates Mexico and the United States for long stretches of the border.

In a quest to stop unauthorized immigration, the U.S. government has in recent years extended the length and height of the fortifications, and a new stretch has been authorized by the Biden administration. But many migrants have been undaunted by the barriers, and for hundreds of them, the result has been debilitating injuries that require multiple surgeries, according to physicians working in U.S. hospitals near the border.
A girl known as Baby Jane Doe, who was found dead and encased in concrete in southeast Georgia in 1988, has been identified, the authorities announced on Monday. Her mother and her mothers former boyfriend have been charged with murder.

The girl, Kenyatta KeKe Odom, 5, of Albany, Ga., was identified after a woman called the police with a tip in January of this year, Jason Seacrist, special agent in charge at the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, said at a news conference on Monday.

Kenyattas remains were found on Dec. 21, 1988, at a dump site in Millwood, Ga., Mr. Seacrist said. Her blanket-wrapped body had been in a duffel bag inside of a trunk that was encased in concrete and hidden in an old TV cabinet, he said.

At the time, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation medical examiner labeled it a homicide but could not determine the cause of death.
Demonstrators from across the United States gathered on Tuesday on the National Mall in Washington in a vast show of solidarity with Israel as it wages war in the Gaza Strip in response to the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas.

The rally, called the March for Israel, was intended by organizers to respond to critics of Israel, where about 1,200 people were killed in the attack, and meant as a loud signal to U.S. politicians not to waver in support for Israel as calls grew for a cease-fire. In speeches by lawmakers invited to address the rally, there were no signs of such wavering.

We ache with you, we stand with you and we will not rest until you get all the assistance you need, said Chuck Schumer, Democrat of New York and, as Senate majority leader, the highest-ranking Jewish elected official in the country.

Following Mr. Schumer in a bipartisan lineup of speakers was Mike Johnson, Republican of Louisiana and the new speaker of the House. The calls for a cease-fire are outrageous, he said, setting off a No cease-fire chant from the crowd. Israel will cease their counteroffensive when Hamas ceases to be a threat to the Jewish state.

The march was arranged in a matter of days by the Jewish Federations of North America and the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations. Schools, synagogues and community centers sent buses of attendees. By the time speeches began, the Mall was crowded with people from Los Angeles, Houston, Miami, Boston, Philadelphia and other places around the country, waving American and Israeli flags and holding signs declaring support.

Over the course of the event, tens of thousands of people had converged on the Mall, the national park that sits between the U.S. Capitol and the Washington Monument. The U.S. Park Police, which has jurisdiction, does not provide official crowd estimates, nor does the citys Metropolitan Police Department.

Tamara Wilkof, 71, was among the hundreds who had come to Washington on around two dozen buses from Cleveland. Its definitely a unity message, she said, adding that she believed people had been galvanized by the surge in antisemitism since the attack. A fellow marcher mentioned that a Jewish cemetery in the Cleveland suburbs was vandalized with antisemitic graffiti last weekend.
Jesus Ociel Baena made history a year ago when they were sworn in as the first openly nonbinary person to assume a judicial post in Mexico.

On Monday, Mx. Baena, who used they/them pronouns, and their partner were found dead inside their home, stirring calls from Mexicos L.G.B.T.Q. community to determine if the magistrate had been targeted for promoting the rights of nonbinary people.

The authorities in the state of Aguascalientes, where Mx. Baena, 38, was a magistrate on the electoral court, have said that their 37-year-old partner, Dorian Herrera, appeared to have killed them with a razor blade before dying by suicide.

But L.G.B.T.Q. leaders in Mexico are questioning whether such a swift assessment fits what they say is a pattern by the authorities of effectively dismissing grisly killings involving L.G.B.T.Q. people as crimes of passion.
I think the Delta clinic was the pivot point for Mike, said Gene Mills, president of Louisiana Family Forum, an influential conservative group. He was interested and involved, but when that evidence came forward, he stepped in and got that information out to the government.

The Delta case not only thrust Mr. Johnson to the center of the abortion battles raging throughout the South. It set in motion the career that would ultimately bring him to the U.S. House of Representatives, where he was elected speaker last month with the unanimous support of exhausted, divided Republican lawmakers. In the intervening years, as a lawyer and politician, Mr. Johnson played an influential behind-the-scenes role in national efforts to reassert religious values in the public square, fighting to defend school prayer and resist the expansion of gay rights while whittling away access to abortion.

Now, for the first time in history, modern-day Christian conservatives have in the speakers office not merely a reliable ally, but one of their own most dogged foot soldiers.

Hes the most conservative speaker that weve seen in modern times  probably ever, said Tony Perkins, a fellow Louisianian who is president of the Washington-based Family Research Council and who, as a state lawmaker two decades ago, worked closely with Mr. Johnson. I passed a lot of legislation on these issues, a lot of it got struck down, he added. Now the stuff is making it through the courts, and its in large part because of litigation from attorneys like Mike.

Mr. Johnson declined to be interviewed for this article. But allies and opponents alike described him in interviews as someone who believed that the culture wars could be won by attrition, through incremental legislative and legal resistance. For years after the Delta controversy, Mr. Johnson helped draft and defend successive Louisiana laws aimed at tightly regulating abortion providers, helping make abortion increasingly inaccessible in the state even as the procedure remained technically legal.
President Biden sent a message Tuesday to families of hostages abducted from Israel on Oct. 7: Hang in there. Were coming.

The Israeli military has said that 239 people who were taken from Israel during the Hamas-led Oct. 7 terrorist attack remain hostages, and American officials say Israel counts nine Americans among them. Hamas has said that other groups are holding some of the hostages, but it is not clear how many.

Mr. Biden has said that freeing the hostages is a top priority, and administration officials have said the United States is actively engaged in indirect negotiations involving Israel, Qatar and Hamas to secure their release.

Ive been talking to the people involved every single day, Mr. Biden said during an event in the South Court Auditorium of the White House on Tuesday. I believe its going to happen, but I dont want to get into any detail.
Of all the issues dividing the United States and China  spy balloons, Beijings rapid nuclear buildup and Washingtons crackdown on advanced computer chips  the White House has been engaged in one more topic of debate: what Chinas leader will see when he looks out of his window during his visit to California this week.

When President Biden meets with President Xi Jinping on Wednesday, Chinas diplomats want to know what Mr. Xi will be looking at, and to make sure the scenery does not include protesters. Nearly every minute they spend together, from the number of steps it will take Mr. Xi to reach a chair when he enters a room to the specific timing of their handshake, will be part of a highly choreographed diplomatic dance, one designed to give them the space to try to defuse a year of bubbling tensions.

The ceremonial details have now been hashed out. But compared with the U.S.-China summits of a decade ago or more, the expectations for substantive agreement are minimal, at best.

Mr. Bidens advisers have hinted at only one concrete agreement expected to emerge from the meeting, which is scheduled to be held near the end of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, called APEC, in San Francisco. The leaders, they said, could announce a resumption of military-to-military communications, which were suspended by the Chinese after Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan in the summer of 2022.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 14. The 2nd Alumni Forum of Azerbaijan's ADA University has been held in Vienna, Trend reports.

The forum was attended by more than 100 graduates of ADA University from 28 countries of the world.

The event discussed future strategy of the university, new prospects in the South Caucasus region, construction work in Karabakh and much more.

The graduates, divided into 10 groups, held discussions on relevant topics, presented the results of the discussion and voiced their proposals regarding the future development of Azerbaijan.

The 1st Alumni Forum of ADA University was held last year in Budapest.

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Democrats are planning to spend millions of dollars next year on just a few state legislative elections in Kansas, North Carolina, Kentucky and Wisconsin  states where they have little to no chance of winning control of a chamber.

Yet what might appear to be an aimless move is decidedly strategic: Democrats are pushing to break up Republican supermajorities in states with Democratic governors, effectively battling to win back the veto pen district by district. Such supermajorities result when a single political party has enough votes in both chambers of a legislature to override a governors veto, often, though not always, by controlling two-thirds of the chamber.

The extraordinary political dissonance of having a governor of one party and a supermajority of an opposing party in the legislature is one of the starkest effects of gerrymandering, revealing how parties cling to evaporating power.

As gerrymanders built by both parties for decades have tipped the scales to favor the party of the map-drawers, legislative chambers have proved resistant to shifting political winds at the state level. At times, those gerrymanders have locked in minority rule in legislatures while statewide offices, like the governors, adhere to the desires of a simple majority of voters.
The former G.O.P. speaker elbowed one of the Republicans who had voted to oust him. A Republican senator rose to challenge an organized labor leader to a brawl during a hearing. Across the Capitol, the chairman of a different panel compared a member of his committee to a cartoon character.

Tensions ran high on Capitol Hill on Tuesday, as the marbled corridors of Congress devolved into a backdrop for heated clashes  some of them physical  among lawmakers who are rushing to avoid a government shutdown at the end of the week and salvage their Thanksgiving vacation.

The fights were the latest display of unruliness from a branch of government that has spent much of the year wallowing in its own dysfunction, only snapping out of it for long enough to narrowly avert a federal debt default and a lapse in government funding. This week appeared to be one of those times  the House was expected on Tuesday afternoon to pass a temporary bill to stave off a shutdown at weeks end  but lawmakers were still behaving badly.

It began early Tuesday morning, when former Speaker Kevin McCarthy had a run-in with Representative Tim Burchett of Tennessee, one of the eight Republicans who had voted to oust him from the speakership last month, in the basement of the Capitol. Mr. Burchett said he had been speaking with journalists in a hallway following a party confab when Mr. McCarthy elbowed him in the back, then kept walking.
They are some of the most vulnerable in Gaza.

The youngest is not even a year old; the oldest is 14. All are battling lymphoma, leukemia and tumors that doctors said could kill them if left untreated.

Over the past 10 days, 21 children with cancer have been evacuated from Gaza to hospitals in Egypt and Jordan, according to doctors involved in the effort. But at least 30 other young cancer patients have not made it out, and aid workers said that in the chaos of war, they can no longer reach some of the families.

This is catastrophic, said Dr. Bakr Gaoud, the head of Al-Rantisi Specialized Hospital for Children, which was the only medical center with a pediatric cancer ward in Gaza until it was forced to shut down on Friday during heavy fighting. Even before the hospital closed, critically ill patients were being sent home through violent streets or transferred to Al-Shifa, a nearby hospital that is under siege by Israeli forces.

Hospitals have become a particular flash point in the war as Israel has accused Hamas of turning medical facilities, including Al-Rantisi and Al-Shifa, into safe houses and command centers. Hamas and hospital officials have denied the allegations.

The effort to evacuate children with cancer began in mid-October and required negotiations among the White House, Egypt, Israel and Palestinian health officials in Gaza, which is controlled by Hamas.

But those involved in the evacuation said it has proceeded fitfully.

Aid workers and doctors, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the efforts, described frantic families who lost their cell service and missed the specific days when their children had been given permission to cross into Egypt. Some waited for hours for ambulances that never made it to a meeting point.

One family arrived at the border only to discover that their child had been approved to cross, but the parents name had been inexplicably left off the list.

The childrens plight is a microcosm of the suffering in Gaza since the war began just over a month ago, after Hamas launched a surprise assault that Israeli authorities say killed 1,200 people. Israels retaliation has killed more than 11,000 people, including more than 4,500 children, according to health officials in Gaza.

Most of the children with cancer were being treated at Al-Rantisi, which had 35 inpatient pediatric cancer patients as of two weeks ago, Dr. Gaoud said. But as shells hit the hospitals water tanks and power system over the past week, it began to empty out.

On Friday, Dr. Gaoud said, Al-Rantisi was forced to shut down entirely, with staff members dragging some patients outside in their beds to wait for ambulances. Israeli soldiers provided a map of what they said was a safe route through the fighting.

The children were given one last dose of chemotherapy before they left. Without further care, Dr. Gaoud said, their cases will deteriorate.

The emergency effort to evacuate the patients was organized by the World Health Organization and St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital, which had been involved in building up services at Al-Rantisi.

The organizations created a registry of children to be moved, with phone numbers for their relatives. St. Jude also promised to organize their transport into Egypt and ensure their medical care.

But the names of the children had to be added to a daily list of those approved to pass through the Rafah border crossing into Egypt, which was no simple task. More than two weeks passed with no evacuations.
More than 500 political appointees and staff members representing some 40 government agencies sent a letter to President Biden on Tuesday protesting his support of Israel in its war in Gaza.

The letter, part of growing internal dissent over the administrations support of the war, calls on the president to seek an immediate cease-fire in the Gaza Strip and to push Israel to allow humanitarian aid into the territory. It is the latest of several protest letters from officials throughout the Biden administration, including three internal memos to Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken signed by dozens of State Department employees as well as an open letter signed by more than 1,000 employees of the U.S. Agency for International Development.

The signatories of the letter submitted on Tuesday and the one circulating among USAID employees are anonymous, the USAID letter explains, out of concern for our personal safety and risk of potentially losing our jobs. The signatories of the State Department dissent cables must disclose their names, but those cables have not been released publicly.

Although the Biden administration has recently started voicing concern over the high numbers of Palestinian civilians killed while urging Israel to show restraint, that budding criticism does not appear to be placating many in the U.S. government.

The letter, a copy of which was reviewed by The New York Times, began by denouncing the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas, then urged Mr. Biden to stop the bloodshed caused by Israels retaliatory military campaign in Gaza.

We call on President Biden to urgently demand a cease-fire; and to call for de-escalation of the current conflict by securing the immediate release of the Israeli hostages and arbitrarily detained Palestinians; the restoration of water, fuel, electricity and other basic services; and the passage of adequate humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, the letter states.

Organizers continued to collect signatures even after the letter was delivered to Mr. Biden, and by Tuesday afternoon the letter had about 100 more names than the 402 with which it was formally submitted. The letters organizers said they intended to inform the White House daily of updated signature counts.

Two political appointees who helped organize the letter to Mr. Biden said the majority of the signatories are political appointees of various faiths who work throughout government, from the National Security Council to the F.B.I. and the Justice Department.

Some of the signatories helped Mr. Biden get elected in 2020 and said in interviews they were concerned that the administrations support of Israels war in Gaza clashed with Democratic voters stance on the issue.

The overwhelming majority of Americans support a cease-fire, the letter states, linking to a poll from October that shows that 66 percent of Americans, including 80 percent of Democrats, believe the United States should put pressure on Israel for a cease-fire.

Furthermore, Americans do not want the U.S. military to be drawn into another costly and senseless war in the Middle East.

Israel launched a ground invasion last month in Gaza in response to bloody attacks by Hamas on Oct. 7 that killed about 1,200 people, according to the Israeli government. So far, more than 11,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israels military offensive according to Gazas health ministry.
She added, We are, I think, teaching folks how to fish.

Ms. Butterfield said that more than half of that $75 million would be direct investments supporting President Bidens re-election efforts and the campaigns of other Democrats on the ballot. Those plans, she said, will also have embedded experiments that will provide feedback on how people are responding to their efforts.

The organization said it was developing relationships with influencers and other content creators to spread campaign messages on platforms like TikTok. The group has also been working on contextual targeting, which it defined as presenting ads to voters based on what they were watching on their devices at any given moment.

Priorities USA also has a nonprofit arm that focuses on litigation and voter protection work.

Because of its size, the organization is essentially without peer or competitor in its new role, but Ms. Butterfield likened its new focus to that of the Center for Campaign Innovation, a conservative nonprofit group  not a super PAC  that is focused on digital politics.

Eric Wilson, the founder of the Center for Campaign Innovation, said Priorities USAs change of focus clearly shows that the way campaigns are going is around content creation and digital platforms. While television advertising remains the best way to get a message in front of the most people, he said, we are seeing diminishing returns on TV advertising  its becoming more expensive and less effective.

Media fragmentation is a big challenge for campaigns, Mr. Wilson said, noting that the Center for Campaign Innovation does not work with campaigns. Youve got platforms that are banning political advertising. How do we teach campaigns to create their own content? What are the ways you can get political ads distributed, in a world thats set up to block political messages?
At the heart of much of the debate over the new ethics code is which conflicts require recusal and whether justices should decide those questions for themselves. Justice Thomas, for instance, took part in cases on the 2020 election and its aftermath, even though Virginia Thomas, his wife, had participated in efforts to overturn the results.

The new code does not say what can be done to address situations like that, said Renee Knake Jefferson, a law professor at the University of Houston.

There is no official process for an individual to file a complaint, she said. There is not really even any clear way that we can see how the justices will enforce it among themselves.

Judges on lower federal courts are subject to the Judicial Conduct and Disability Act, a federal law that allows people to file ethics complaints and sets out a mechanism for their review. The penalties include public censures and reprimands. It does not apply to Supreme Court justices.

There was a grudging quality to an introductory statement that preceded the new code, one that all but conceded that it was for show.
Prosecutors asked a federal appeals court in Washington on Tuesday to give its approval to a gag order imposed on former President Donald J. Trump in his federal election interference case, saying that Mr. Trumps long history of targeting his adversaries on social media has often led to dangers in the real world.

The gag order on Mr. Trump was suspended this month by the appeals court as it considers whether the trial judge in the case, Tanya S. Chutkan, was justified in imposing it in the first place. The court is scheduled to hear oral arguments about the order next week.

In a 67-page filing, Cecil Vandevender, an assistant to Jack Smith, the special counsel leading the federal prosecutions of the former president, told the appeals court that Mr. Trump had received several warnings to curb his aggressive public statements. Still, Mr. Vandevender wrote, the former president has persistently sought to malign Mr. Smith and his family, and target specific witnesses with attacks on their character and credibility.

Mr. Trumps attacks on those involved in the election interference case were part of a pattern, stretching back years, in which people publicly targeted by the defendant are, as a result of the targeting, subject to harassment, threats and intimidation, Mr. Vandevender wrote.
Maj. Gen. Roland Lajoie, who, behind the geopolitical scenes, played a leading role in coordinating U.S.-Soviet relations during the last decade of the Cold War, and who later oversaw the destruction of hundreds of nuclear weapons belonging to the former Soviet republics, died on Oct. 28 in Manchester, N.H. He was 87.

His daughter Renee Lajoie (pronounced la-JOY) Newell said the death, in a hospital, was from complications of heart surgery.

General Lajoies position at the front lines of the U.S.-Soviet confrontation was a mix of soldier and peacemaker, diplomat and spy. Fluent in Russian as well as French, he served multiple tours as an Army attache at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow and, in the late 1970s, ran the U.S. Army Russian Institute, in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, which trained officers in U.S.-Soviet relations.

His official role in Moscow was to represent the Army in American dealings with the Soviets. But he also pushed the boundaries: During military parades he stood on the roof of the U.S. Embassy, trying to photograph the Soviets fearsome SS-20 intermediate-range nuclear missiles.
Inside the courthouse, Bruce Dawsey, the top executive for Grayson County, described a rural community coming to terms with its evolution into a place where urban development is altering the landscape. Not far away, more than a half-dozen cranes could be seen towering over a new high-tech facility for Texas Instruments. The high school, with more than 2,200 students, opened on a sprawling new campus in 2021, its grass still uniform, its newly planted trees still struggling to provide shade. With all the growth, the school is already too small.

The majority is Republican, and its conservative Republican, Mr. Dawsey said. But not so ultraconservative that its not welcoming.

Still, some in and around Sherman have chafed at the changes. When Beto ORourke, a Democratic candidate for governor, campaigned through the county last year, he was met with aggressive protesters who confronted him over gun rights, some carrying assault-style rifles. A few wore T-shirts suggesting opposition to liberal urban governance: Dont Dallas My Grayson County.

But the controversy over Oklahoma! came as a surprise. The musical had been selected and approved last school year, casting was completed in August and more than 60 students in the cast and crew  as well as dozens of dancers  had been preparing for months. Performances were scheduled for early December.
The question of who was behind her death has long been the subject of international attention. Her colleagues, friends and international press freedom groups have said that she was killed to silence her, or in retaliation for past articles. They also say they suspect that the Russian government was involved in her death.

While a court convicted several men of carrying out the killing, the authorities left unanswered the question of who organized it. Mr. Putin, speaking soon after Ms. Politkovskayas death, denied any role. The international criticism over the killing, he argued, had created a bigger problem for Russia than her work as an investigative journalist had. Suspicions also focused on Ramzan A. Kadyrov, the pugnacious leader of Chechnya, a territory in the Caucasus that fought two wars with Russia but is now run by a Kremlin loyalist. Mr. Kadyrov was the target of some of her most critical reporting.

Making her name

Ms. Politkovskaya was a veteran journalist with few equals in Russia. A special correspondent for Novaya Gazeta, the internationally renowned independent newspaper, she had become one of the countrys most prominent human rights advocates and critics of Mr. Putin, whom she accused of stifling civil society and allowing a climate of official corruption and brutality.

After earning a degree in journalism from Moscow State University in 1980 and working for several trade newspapers, Ms. Politkovskaya landed at Novaya Gazeta in 1999. Thats where she made her name covering the second Chechen war, a brutal conflict that pitted separatists against the Kremlins forces, as well as the terrorist attacks that spilled over from the war in Moscow and other Russian cities.

Ms. Politkovskaya investigated allegations of abuse on all sides in the war, and her unvarnished accounts of official brutality and crime in Chechnya drew criticism from powerful people in the Russian military and in government circles who regarded the descriptions of acts of savagery committed by their countrys soldiers as unpatriotic.
LACHIN, Azerbaijan, November 14. The return of former internally displaced persons to the restored city of Lachin continue in accordance with the instruction of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Trend's Karabakh bureau reports.

This time, more 10 native families (40 people) have returned to Lachin city and received the keys to their houses.

The ceremony of handing the keys involved officials from the State Committee for Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons, the Special Representative Office of the President of Azerbaijan in the Lachin district, part of the Eastern Zangazur Economic Region, and Baku Improvement Service LLC.

Thus, until today, a permanent settlement in the city of Lachin has been provided for 325 families - 1,245 people.

All conditions have been provided for residents to return to their former homes, which were restored or reconstructed in Lachin following the liberation on the orders of the president of state.

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President Vladimir V. Putin has pardoned one of the convicted organizers of the murder of the journalist Anna Politkovskaya in return for his service in Ukraine, his lawyer said on Tuesday, the latest in a series of such reprieves for high-profile criminals in Russia.

Sergei G. Khadzhikurbanov, a former law enforcement officer who was sentenced in 2014 to 20 years in prison over the killing of Ms. Politkovskaya in 2006, was pardoned in a decree issued by Mr. Putin, his lawyer, Aleksei V. Mikhalchik, said in a phone interview.

Ms. Politkovskaya, who became one of Russias most acclaimed journalists as a result of her uncompromising reports of human rights abuses during the countrys wars in Chechnya that erupted in the 1990s, was shot dead in the elevator of her apartment building in central Moscow. Her murder caused shock waves in Russia and abroad as it highlighted the growing dangers of reporting in the country that is critical of the Kremlin.

The news of Mr. Khadzhikurbanovs pardon was first reported by Baza, a Russian news outlet, and RBC, a Russian business daily. Mr. Mikhalchik said that he did not know when the decree had been signed.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunaks dramatic shake-up of his cabinet on Monday was a bold gamble that tacking to the center will give him a lift in the polls that his lurch to the populist right this summer failed to accomplish.

But as Britains political establishment digested the news  the return of a more centrist former prime minister, David Cameron, and the ouster of a hard edged home secretary, Suella Braverman, who lashed out at Mr. Sunak on Tuesday  analysts said the prime ministers pivot smacked of a politician casting about for an identity.

Far from a winning electoral formula, some predict that the reshuffle could fracture the coalition that delivered a landslide victory for the Conservative Party in 2019. By trying to shore up the partys traditional heartland in the south of England, they said, Mr. Sunak risked alienating the working-class voters in the red wall, who once flocked to the Tory slogan, Get Brexit done.

It doesnt make any more sense than most of Sunaks moves since the summer, said Timothy Bale, a professor of politics at Queen Mary University of London. And its unlikely to make a blind bit of difference to his chances of turning things around before the general election.
Ukrainian police and prosecutors have accused two politicians and a former prosecutor of treason, saying they colluded with a Russian intelligence agency in aiding an effort by Rudolph W. Giuliani several years ago to tie the Biden family to corruption in Ukraine.

Those accused include Kostyantyn Kulyk, a former Ukrainian deputy prosecutor general who had drafted a memo in 2019 suggesting Ukraine investigate Hunter Biden, President Bidens son, for his role serving on the board of a Ukrainian energy company.

Also implicated were a current member of Ukraines Parliament, Oleksandr Dubinsky, and a former member, Andriy Derkach, who had publicly advocated for an investigation in Ukraine into Hunter Biden. They had also promoted a spurious theory that it was Ukraine, and not Russia, that had meddled in the 2016 presidential election in the United States.

The three were indicted on charges of treason and belonging to a criminal organization. The charges refer to information-subversive activities and focus on actions in 2019 before the American presidential election. They do not say if or when the activity stopped.
They are part of a wave of refugees  more than two million  who have traveled back and forth between Ukraine and their temporary homes in other European countries to visit relatives, obtain official documents or check on their property. Trains crossing into Ukraine are often packed with families returning for the school holidays, in many cases to visit the husbands and fathers left behind since the government barred most men from leaving during the war.

Historians and sociologists say the scale of these trips is unusual in recent history, owing in good part to the geography of the conflict in Ukraine, where vast swaths of territory remain relatively safe and are accessible from the rest of mainland Europe. The brief returns, those experts add, show that Ukrainian refugees are adapting to the war as it drags on, trying to strike a balance between staying in safer lands abroad and reconnecting with their past lives at home.

Ioulia Shukan, a sociologist at Paris Nanterre University who studies the social impact of the war in Ukraine, said it was a question of rebuilding a relationship with your homeland without being completely resettled. She said that medical appointments, a fixture of everyday life, contributed to restoring a semblance of normality even if they required an extensive and potentially dangerous journey.
The United States has intelligence that shows that Hamas has been using hospitals in Gaza, including Al-Shifa, as command centers and ammunitions depots, a spokesman for the National Security Council said on Tuesday.

John F. Kirby, the spokesman, said that the intelligence, gathered from American-generated sources, supported Israels allegation that Hamas has been operating out of hospitals, which Mr. Kirby said amounted to a war crime.

Mr. Kirby declined to provide details about the U.S. intelligence, but he made clear that it goes beyond the information collected by the Israeli intelligence service. It comes from a variety of intelligence methods  of our own, of our own, he said, adding that the classification of the intelligence had been downgraded so that it could be shared publicly.

I can confirm for you that we have information that Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad use some hospitals in the Gaza Strip, including Al-Shifa, and tunnels underneath them, to conceal and to support their military operations and to hold hostages, Mr. Kirby told reporters on Air Force One as President Biden headed to San Francisco for a summit with Asia-Pacific leaders.

Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad  J.I.D.  members operate a command and control node from Al-Shifa in Gaza City, he added. They have stored weapons there, and theyre prepared to respond to an Israeli military operation against that facility.

The revelation of the U.S. intelligence comes as Israel is under harsh international criticism for attacks on and around hospitals as it conducts a war against Hamas in the wake of the armed groups terrorist attacks on Israel on Oct. 7. Israel says more than 1,200 people were killed in the attacks and that 239 others remain hostages.

During Israels ensuing military campaign to eradicate Hamas, it has repeatedly said that its military seeks to avoid casualties among civilians, including patients and doctors at hospitals. But they have insisted that Hamas uses such people as human shields.

Mr. Kirby said that the United States does not support attacks from the air on hospitals, despite what he said was the confirmed use of the facilities by Hamas.

We do not support striking a hospital from the air, he said. And we do not want to see a firefight in a hospital where innocent people, helpless people, sick people are simply trying to get the medical care that they deserve, not to be caught in a crossfire. Hospitals and patients must be protected.

He called that concern an added burden for Israel in its military campaign against Hamas.

Palestinian officials and doctors at Al-Shifa have denied that the hospital has been used by Hamas. But Mr. Kirby said that the newly revealed U.S. intelligence supported Israels arguments as its military closed in on the hospital.

We have information that confirms that Hamas is using that particular hospital for a command and control node and probably storage of equipment weapons up underneath, he said. That is a war crime.
Israeli farms, core to the countrys national identity, for years employed Palestinian and Thai workers. But since the Hamas-led terror attack on Oct. 7 and the war in Gaza, most Palestinians have been banned from Israel and many fearful Thais have returned home, leaving growers to scramble for labor.

My workers are gone because of the war; Im panicking, said Gabi Swissa, 61, from his farm outside Kadima in central Israel. For decades, he has counted on Palestinians and Thais to plant, harvest and pack strawberries.

Mr. Swissa, a former soldier from an elite combat unit who suffers from PTSD, was in tears. Volunteers he had expected to help on his farm one day last week had not shown up.

The vision of a food-secure homeland has for decades driven Israels economic policies and shaped its self-image as a nation that made the desert bloom. But now, as the country is focused on fighting a war and rescuing hostages held captive by Hamas, it is also struggling to run the farms that underpin its identity.

Israeli agriculture is in the biggest crisis since the establishment of the state in 1948, said Yuval Lipkin, deputy executive director of the Ministry of Agriculture.

Since the outset of the war, he said, farms are lacking at least 15,000 workers.
For 10 days, Noam Alon, 24, has camped in front of the central military headquarters in Tel Aviv, aiming to pressure the Israeli government to do more to bring back his girlfriend of a year and a half, Inbar Heiman, and the more than 200 other hostages currently held in Gaza.

But with no news on when and whether the captives will be released, Mr. Alon has grown impatient with the Israeli government and is moving on from the spot where he and some 30 others have been sleeping. We wont sit silent, he said.

On Tuesday, Mr. Alon joined members of the families of about 50 hostages and supporters  a total of about 100 people  who plan to march for five days from Tel Aviv, on the Mediterranean coast, to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office in Jerusalem, setting up camp each night along the way.

Carrying water bottles and sleeping bags, the group marched off from a square across from the military headquarters, chanting Bring them home now!

Mr. Alon, like many others at the march, wants Mr. Netanyahu and his cabinet to do everything they can to secure the release of those abducted by Hamas and other armed Palestinian groups in the Oct. 7 attack that the Israeli government says killed 1,200 people.

We think the Israeli government should pay any price, Mr. Alon said, whether that entails a prisoner exchange, a cease-fire or fuel delivery. The hostages lives are in the governments hands, he said. Mr. Netanyahu, who has made clear that Israels goal is to eradicate Hamas, has maintained that a cease-fire would be contingent on the release of hostages.

In late October, Israeli forces rescued one hostage, and four others were released by Hamas about a week earlier. But, despite negotiation efforts led by the United States and Qatar, there have been no further breakthroughs on a hostage release deal. Families of the hostages have organized rallies over the past two weeks that have drawn thousands to the military headquarters.

Despite the outpouring of public support, those with family members and friends held captive in Gaza are feeling frustrated.

Im tired of sitting around, said Yuval Haran, 36, from Beeri, a kibbutz near the border with Gaza that was heavily attacked on Oct. 7. He has seven family members being held hostage in Gaza and was an organizer of the march. I want to start walking to where the decisions are made.

The marchers, who range in age from their 20s to their 70s, will walk about 10 miles a day along main highways, sleeping each night in campsites on the side of the road. They are filling one lane of the highway, with police escorts, support staff and vans carrying gear taking up another.

Shelly Shem Tov, 51, whose son Omer, 21, was abducted from the Nova festival, joined the march to try to galvanize popular support and pressure Mr. Netanyahu. She also sees leaving her comfort zone, by marching on foot to Jerusalem, as an opportunity to identify on a personal level with her son, who is in a place I cant even imagine, she said.

On Monday, Hamas released a video of a hostage who the group claims was killed by an Israeli airstrike, raising concerns among the families that Israels military operations in Gaza are threatening hostages lives.

In July, protesters against Mr. Netanyahus judicial overhaul organized a similar five-day march from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. The families of the hostages have described the march as apolitical, but Avi Gur Arye, 73, who joined as a supporter, said that it would be a boon if the movement also contributes to a change in government, which he said is dividing and unraveling the fabric of this country after the war.

Mr. Alon said that he wants to be optimistic that the marchers wont need to walk all the way. He said he hoped that during the march, Everyone will tell us, Stop walking. They are here.
At least 102 workers from the largest United Nations agency in Gaza have been killed in five weeks of heavy Israeli bombing. Most did not die in the line of duty but instead while at home, often in strikes that also killed members of their families, U.N. officials said.

They were men and women. The largest number were teachers. Others included school principals, warehouse workers, engineers, a software developer, a gynecologist and a man in charge of staff safety. He was killed in his home along with his wife and their eight children, said Juliette Touma, the director of communications for UNRWA, the agency that cares for Palestinian refugees and their descendants across the Middle East.

It is a huge, huge loss, Ms. Touma said. Every day, we get more of these reports of our colleagues who were killed.

The UNRWA employees, all Palestinians, have been killed in Gaza since Oct. 7, when Hamas, which controls the enclave, launched a deadly surprise attack on Israel, killing around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and capturing another approximately 240 as hostages, Israeli officials say. The Israeli military responded with a punishing air campaign and ground incursions into Gaza that health authorities there say have killed more than 11,000 people, including thousands of children.

UNRWA, or the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, was created in 1949 to aid the more than 700,000 Palestinian refugees who fled or were forced from their homes during the war surrounding Israels founding in 1948. Of all the places UNRWA works, Gaza is where it plays the largest role, given that 1.4 million of the territorys 2.2 million residents are registered refugees.

The soaring death toll has brought new attention to UNRWA, whose duties not only put workers in danger but also extend across much of Gazan life. It is one of the largest employers, with some 13,000 staff members who work at schools and health facilities and even oversee garbage pick up.
A Canadian Israeli peace activist who was thought to have been abducted and taken to Gaza on Oct. 7 was confirmed to have been killed in the initial attack that day, according to her son.

During the attack, the activist, Vivian Silver, 74, wrote to members of the Women Wage Peace group that she had helped found, telling them that terrorists had entered her home at Kibbutz Beeri in southern Israel and that she was hiding in a safe room. Because her body was not initially found in the ashes of her home, which had been set on fire, her friends and family thought she was missing.

The Israeli government believes that more than 230 hostages taken on Oct. 7 are held in Gaza, including children and older people from several countries.

Ms. Silvers photo has been featured on posters plastered in cities across the world to draw attention to the Oct. 7 abductions, and her story has been widely shared.

Her family was formally notified of her death by Israeli authorities, her son, Chen Zeigen, said on Tuesday.

Ms. Silver was known for her commitment to peace efforts between Israelis and Palestinians. After the war in Gaza in 2014, she co-founded Women Wage Peace, which lobbies for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict. She also helped found and direct the Arab-Jewish Center for Empowerment, Equality, and Cooperation and served for years on the board of directors of BTselem, an Israeli human rights organization.
An offline business in Chinas Shandong Province has been getting attention for offering divorcing couples the chance to destroy their wedding pictures in a cheap and effective way.

Tearing up wedding photos after a failed marriage isnt as easy as it sounds in China, a country where its customary to immortalize wedding stills on tough acrylic canvases that also happen to be very resistant to flames. That leaves divorcing couples with few options, like simply throwing their wedding pictures in the trash, which many are reluctant to do for fear that they might get recognized by someone. Thats where a new business venture from Shandong Province comes in. Founded by a young man surnamed Liu, the new company specializes in shredding wedding photographs, helping clients put their past behind them while also protecting their privacy.

I started this business with privacy as the simple motivation, Liu told Bailu Video. Wedding photos fall into the category of personal privacy items, and I believe there is a strong demand for my service. We have received orders from every province and municipality across China, except for Tibet.

The process is pretty straightforward. Lius company offers several pricing options  from a few 10s of yuan to over 100 yuan ($14)  depending on the size of the wedding photos that need to be destroyed, and once an agreement has been reached the client ships the photos to the base of operations in Langfang, Shandong Province. Here staff first cover the photos with spray paint to ensure that the protagonists cannot be seen, and then put them into a powerful shredding machine. The entire process is filmed and the footage is sent to the client as proof.

Lius business might be the only one of its kind in China, but its success has surprised even its owner. With other businesses reluctant to even try to burn pictures of living people out of superstition, his simple wedding photo shredding business is one of the few available solutions divorcees have.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 14. Rumors have spread on social media about local Azerbaijani banks not accepting old-style US dollar bills (issued until 2006), Trend reports.

A number of Azerbaijani citizens, including foreigners residing in Azerbaijan, inquired Trend about the matter. The agency spoke with two of the top five banks in the country on the mentioned rumors.

Unibank said that its branches accept the US dollar bills for any banking transactions without any problems. Kapital Bank, in turn, noted that its branches also accept old-style US dollar bills.

According to expert, Ph.D. in economics Faraj Akhundov, each bank individually approaches the service of exchange of foreign currency.

"That is, each bank chooses which currency to work with, in what quantity and what services to provide with this currency. Due to the fact that the US dollar and euro are freely convertible currencies, they are very popular currencies in our country, therefore most banks provide services for working with these currencies," he told Trend.

Akhundov explained that each bank makes its own decision on whether to accept foreign currency or not, since it is not regulated by any local laws.

"The currency exchange is a service. A bank may not sell USD and not buy them either, since it is the bank's own service. However, if this is the case, this bank will soon find itself out of clients. However, it has the right not to accept US dollar bills because the USD is not the national currency of Azerbaijan. The bank may accept Azerbaijani manat but claim it doesn't have USD dollars to sell, and offer some other foreign currency. If the client doesn't want this offered currency, the deal is off," he said.

Akhundov noted that local Azerbaijani banks are obliged to accept only national currency, while the acceptance of foreign currency is at the bank's discretion.

Another economic expert, Khalid Karimli confirmed that the banks in Azerbaijan aren't obliged to provide the foreign currency exchange service, but they do so considering that the US dollar is a popular currency countrywide.

"Some banks refuse to exchange lira or ruble. Some banks may not accept US dollars made in 2006 or earlier, since the US dollar is not Azerbaijan's national currency. However, the banks cannot refuse to change the Azerbaijani manat, unless it is in extremely bad physical condition," he said.

Bank deposits of the population in Azerbaijan (including funds of individuals engaged in individual entrepreneurial activity) grew by 8.2 percent (up to 12.7 billion manat, or $7.4 billion) from January through September 2023.

These deposits in foreign currency decreased by 3.3 percent (to 4.4 billion manat, or $2.5 billion), amounting to 35.1 percent of all deposits of the population (the share of deposits in foreign currency amounted to 39.2 percent as of 2022).

As of the beginning of 2023, there were 25 banks in Azerbaijan. Later in the year, two banks - Gunay Bank and Mugan Bank got their licenses revoked.

Stay up to date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel


U of Calgary Shops for Ag Specialist Tue., Nov. 28, 2023 The University of Calgary, one of Canadas top facilities, is seeking a strategic communications partner to bolster the profile of its Simpson Centre agricultural institute.
Bill Huey

As the court appearances pile up and the books, articles and commentary about Donald Trumps past, present and future proliferate, the Great Discommunicator has returned to his songbook to keep his base riled up and ready to rumble in 2024.

All of Trumps greatest hits are lies, distortions or outright fabrications, but they are road tested at dozens of rallies and guaranteed to get a rise out of the crowd. Let us take a look at a few of them.

I am a victim. Oh yes, a victim of political prosecution by vindictive district attorneys and special prosecutors aiming to score career points and put a huge trophy on their office walls. This resonates with Trumps base because most of them feel that they are victims too, having been victimized by the government, or the economy, or the pace of change in society.

This is reinforced by Trumps increasing poll numbers among black voters, who, apart from Indian tribes, are probably the least likely Americans to benefit from another Donald Trump presidency.

The Deep StateThis old chestnut has returned, with help from former co-conspirator Steve Bannon. Special Prosecutor Jack Smith is Beelzebub, among whom Trump attacked thusly on his Truth Social site:

Deranged Jack Smith, Andrew Weissmann, Lisa Monaco, the team of losers and misfits from CREW, and all the rest of the Radical Left Zealots and Thugs who have been working illegally for years to take me down, will end up, because of their suffering from a horrible disease, TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME (TDS!), in a Mental Institution by the time my next term as President is successfully completed. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!

Vengeance is Coming If elected, Trump is preparing to install 50,000-plus carefully vetted MAGA loyalists in every corner of the federal government to seize control and root out what he calls vermin, meaning those who oppose him. He also plans to weaponize the DOJ to go after those who have wronged or offended him.

Returning to past xenophobic themes, Trump has big plans scour the country to find and arrest people living here illegally while setting up massive camps to detain people while they are being processed for deportation and awaiting flights. And he will seek another Muslim travel ban, something that failed earlier on legal and constitutional grounds.

This is only a partial list, but themes and ideas like these are being tightly wound into a ball of seething resentment, vindictiveness and spite that Trump rolls out at every opportunity. Trump's "rhetoric is escalating," as conservative commentator Charlie Sykes put it. "The enemy is us. The vermin are fellow Americans. And he is coming for them.

And now the salient question: Will this work? Will this kind of rhetoric carry the day against a sclerotic Democratic administration with a sluggish economy and two hot shooting wars on its hands? It seems scarily possible unless something comes along that upsets the prevailing dynamic and alters all of the current political premises.

As Charlie Sykes warns: So, once again, it is essential to pay attention. Trump may be clownish, but the clown car is carrying a neutron bomb. Possibly several.

***

Bill Huey is president of Strategic Communications and the author of Advertising's Double Helix: A Proposed New Process Model. Journal of Advertising Research, May/June 1999. His article about advertising effects has been cited in books and academic papers around the world.
Acclaimed Birr and Tallaght Poet Eileen Casey has just published a beautiful book of poems and photographs which celebrates the River Camcor in South Offaly.

Eileen points out that when she was growing up in Birr, where a river runs through the town, it was inevitable that her poetic sensibilities would turn to the Camcor.

The Camcor flowed under the bridge at the bottom of High Street hill, she said, the street where I was born. This river formed a significant part of the back-drop to my childhood and my subsequent journey into a young adult.

She passed over the bridge countless times, hardly ever failing to look down upon the waters, tipped with silver in the sunlight, bronzed after winter floods.

Eileen says she also likes how a river isnt static, how it flows onwards towards its destiny. Rivers are mystical and are a wonderful source for mythology.

The Camcor attracts river birds and river flora, the natural world so resplendent throughout each season.

During 2023, through a Creative Ireland Award, River Songs, poems about rivers in County Offaly, mainly the Camcor, gradually emerged. Visual imagery is also included in River Songs, commented Eileen. Tina Claffeys wonderful photograph of a croneen in flight at the weir near Saint Brendans is both beautiful and heart-breaking. The croneen is under threat - numbers are dwindling due to perhaps pollution or over-fishing. Visual imagery also comes via Emma Barone, a wonderful and generous artist. Her work is stunning. Jackie Lynch is there also, her photography testimony to her prowess as an artist. BirdWatch Ireland contributed images as well. All the photographers and artists are duly acknowledged.

During the year, Eileen facilitated poetry workshops in both Mercy Convent Primary School and Saint Brendans Primary School in Birr. The childrens River Poems are included in Live Encounters, an online poetry journal for young writers, which has a global readership. Children are tremendous poets, remarks Eileen. It was good to spark their imaginations concerning the Camcor, the river flowing by each of the schools.

Children have that wonderful sense of freedom when choosing an image or a descriptive phase. For example, 'When winter arrives / The Camcor becomes a captive of the ice or The mallard has an emerald coloured head / reflecting from the sun. Another offering describes the river as a fish carrier by way of explaining what a kenning does; it also describes the mallard as being so flamboyant." Eileen explained that a "kenning" is an old literary device where a one word noun is described using two words, for example, a "river" is a "fish carrier".

Eileen added that "the location, the riverbank itself, for the children, is a 'place to swim and hang out with friends. I especially like these lines, suggestive of peace and calm while we sleep; they conjure the pleasant feeling we experience at the days end when everything has quietened down, or the peacefulness of sleep: 'Elegant white swans / in the Camcor River / Floating through the night. Or Baby croneen sleep / In the Camcor Rivers cold water / during the night time'.

A form beloved of many Poets is the 17-syllable Japanese form the Haiku. We can never escape math, especially true in poetry! comments Eileen. The Haikus 5/7/5 syllabic count gets students counting; 'Sleek pretty otter / Sliding in Camcor River / In the starry night.' The five senses are also an important feature of poetry, especially sound: 'One silent morning / The waterfall crashing down / under the church bridge'.

The poets whose lines feature in Live Encounters are Anna, Abby, Alexa, Millie, Maisie, Adam, Michael and William.

Acknowledgements are due to: Karen Grey, Creative Ireland, County Offaly Arts. Niall Crofton, Principal Saint Brendans Primary School for Boys, Birr and Barbara Hanamy, Principal Mercy Primary School for Girls, Birr. The photographers and artists who feature between the pages of River Songs. John Feehans wonderful book about the Camcor helped with research. Bird Watch Ireland. Their generosity with photographs is most appreciated.

Eileen will be officially launching her book in Birr Library at 6pm on Wednesday December 13. All are welcome. Copies of the book are available in Hedgerows on Main Street, Birr.


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Bengaluru On Track To Overtake Chennai, To Get India's Largest Circular Railway Network

Karnataka's KEA Enforces Ban On Head Coverings In Recruitment Exams, Mangalsutra Allowed

Bengaluru

oi-Madhuri Adnal

The Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) has introduced a prohibition on all head coverings in recruitment exams for boards and corporations to curb fraudulent practices, particularly cheating facilitated by Bluetooth devices.

Although the dress code specified by the exam body did not explicitly mention the hijab among the prohibited items, the regulations against head covers will effectively restrict its use during the recruitment examinations.

In response to objections raised by right-wing organizations, mangalsutras (beaded necklaces worn by married Hindu women) and toe rings have been permitted following protests.

Karnataka Deputy CM Unveils Plans For Namma Metro Line Extension To Bidadi

The directive was issued just ahead of scheduled board and corporation exams slated for November 18 and 19 throughout the state. According to the KEA, any attire or headgear concealing the head, mouth, or ears will be disallowed in the examination hall. This measure is aimed at deterring malpractices involving Bluetooth devices during exams.

Notably, during the recruitment exams conducted in October, the KEA had previously permitted the wearing of hijabs.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Tuesday, November 14, 2023, 14:02 [IST]
SC stays death sentence of Samivel who sexually assaulted and murdered 7-year old Dalit girl in TN

Aluva Rape, Murder Case: Kerala Court Sentences Convict To Death

India

oi-PTI

A court in Kerala on Tuesday sentenced to death the man convicted in the horrific Aluva child rape and murder case.

Special POCSO (Protection Of Children from Sexual Offences) court judge K Soman directed that convict Ashwaq Alam be hanged to death for killing a 5-year-old girl from Bihar, public prosecutor (PP) G Mohanraj said.

The death sentence would be carried out after confirmation by the Kerala High Court, the prosecutor said.

Giving details of the sentences given to Alam, a migrant labourer from Bihar, the prosecutor told the media outside the court that the convict was given five life terms for the various offences of rape and aggravated penetrative sexual assault under the Indian Penal Code and the POCSO Act.

Geologist Prathima Murder Case: Former Car Driver Kiran Taken Into Custody As Revenge Angle Explored

The court ordered that the life term would mean the convict should stay in prison for the rest of his natural life, the PP said.

The court also imposed a fine of over Rs six lakh on the convict, he said, and expressed satisfaction with the sentence.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the punishment given in the case on Children's Day should be seen as a strong warning to those who commit violence against children.

The chief minister said that the child fell victim to the most heinous crime and therefore, the entire criminal justice system worked efficiently to catch the culprit and ensure the maximum punishment for him.

Vijayan said that while nothing can replace the loss suffered by the parents, the government has assured all kinds of help to them.

ADGP (Law and Order) M R Ajith Kumar also welcomed the sentence given to the convict.

Speaking to reporters outside the court after the sentence was pronounced, the ADGP said it was a case which shocked the conscience of Kerala and the government right from the start was determined to ensure the maximum possible punishment for the accused.

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''It is one of the rarest-of-rare cases and the prosecution was able to prove that successfully. The probe was completed in 30 days. The accused was convicted on the 100th day after the incident and today marks the 110th day. This indicates the robustness of the criminal justice system,'' the officer said.

State Health Minister Veena George also welcomed the verdict and said it would send out a strong message to society that children should not be harmed.

''We all had hoped for the maximum punishment and the court gave that,'' she told reporters.

The minister appreciated that the probe and the trial were completed in ''record time''.

She also said that society needs to be aware of the rights of children and protect them. Meanwhile, one of the eyewitnesses in the case who had seen Alam walking away with the child on that fateful day, was overjoyed with the punishment given to the convict and distributed candy to people.

''The little girl's soul will now attain peace,'' he told reporters.

The sentence was pronounced on a day celebrated as Children's Day across the country.

The day also marks the 11th anniversary of the POCSO Act, which came into effect on November 14, 2012.

The victim's parents were present in court when the punishment was given to Alam, who was convicted on November 4.

The prosecution had argued that the case falls under the rarest-of-rare category and therefore, the death penalty should be given to the convict.

During arguments on sentence, Alam had claimed in court that the other accused were let go and only he was caught in the case and, beyond that, he did not make any other submission, the prosecution had said.

The court had found Alam guilty of all 16 offences in the charge sheet.

Of the 16, five offences are punishable by death, the prosecution had said earlier.

The minor girl was brutally raped and strangulated to death on July 28 after she was abducted from her rented house here.

The body of the girl was found dumped in a stack in a marshy area behind a local market in nearby Aluva and the accused was arrested based on CCTV visuals.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Tuesday, November 14, 2023, 13:35 [IST]
Seema Haider-Sachin Meena's Family Puts Up Notice Asking Media To Leave Them Alone

ATS registers case against 3, including Pak agent, for suspicious bank transactions

The Uttar Pradesh Anti Terrorist Squad has registered a case against three people, including an unidentified agent of Pakistans intelligence agency, over suspicious bank transactions of about Rs 70 lakh.

India

-Krishna Kripa

The Uttar Pradesh Anti Terrorist Squad (ATS) has registered a case against three people, including an unidentified agent of Pakistan's intelligence agency, over suspicious bank transactions of about Rs 70 lakh, an officer said on Tuesday.

Case Details

The FIR was registered at the ATS police station in Gomti Nagar in Lucknow on November 10 against Riyazuddin, a resident of Ghaziabad, Izharul Husain of Bihar and the intelligence agent under IPC Section 121-A (conspiracy to wage or attempt to wage a war against the Government of India), the officer said.

Investigation Underway

ATS officials are investigating the connection of Riyazuddin and Husain with the intelligence agency of Pakistan from where they were getting funds through online banking, Deputy Commissioner of Police Ghaziabad Rural Vivek Chandra Yadav said.

During its investigation, the ATS found that transactions of around Rs 70 lakh in an account in Canara Bank within a month. The account was in the name of Riyazuddin and was operated by Izharul Husain, the ATS said in the FIR.

Modus Operandi

ATS officials said Riyazuddin had provided his ATM card to Izharul Husain whom he had met two years ago while working in a factory.

After a dispute with his father, who runs a welding shop in Farid Nagar in Ghaziabad, Riyazuddin started living in Pilkhuwa town of Hapur district, they said.

Ongoing Probe

A detailed probe is on in the matter.
Practised Yoga, Took Walks To Keep Spirits Up: Rescued Workers Tell PM Modi

Centre To Launch Scheme Worth Rs 24,000 cr For Welfare Of Tribals: PM Modi

India

oi-PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said the Centre will launch a scheme worth Rs 24,000 crore for the welfare of tribals in the country on Wednesday when the entire nation will celebrate Bhagwan Birsa Munda's birth anniversary.

Addressing a public meeting in Betul district, Modi noted the presence of a large number of people on the last day of his campaign for the Madhya Pradesh assembly elections scheduled on November 17, and said it is an indication that the BJP's victory is assured in these polls.

Modi said he has seen "unprecedented trust and affection" for BJP among the people of Madhya Pradesh, and added that the Congress has accepted defeat ahead of elections.

"Tomorrow is Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas. I will go to Jharkhand to pay respect to (tribal icon) Bhagwan Birsa Munda. The entire country will celebrate Bhagwan Birsa Munda's jayanti and the Centre will announce a scheme worth Rs 24,000 crore for the welfare of tribals," the PM said.

Unprecedented Trust, Affection For BJP Among People: PM Modi At Rally In Madhya Pradesh

He said the Congress accepted defeat and is now turning to seers for reviving its fortunes in the last phase of poll campaigning.

"The Congress knows that its fake promises won't work in front of Modi's guarantees," the PM said.

"As November 17 is nearing, Congress' claims are getting exposed. The Congress has accepted defeat and now they're relying on luck," he said.

The Congress never believed that the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, law against triple talaq and the construction of Ram temple will ever be a reality, but ''we have done all these things,'' Modi said.

All promises made to the people will be fulfilled and "this is my guarantee," he said.

Modi also said India has become the second largest manufacturer of mobile phones in the world.

He took a swipe at former Congress president Rahul Gandhi over his remark during a rally in MP on Monday that mobile phones in the people's pockets were ''Made in China'' and they should rather be ''Made in Madhya Pradesh''.

The Congress is flying in the air, they don't know the ground realities, Modi said.

''A 'mahagyani' (super knowledgeable) leader from the Congress yesterday said the people of India have 'Made in China' mobile phones...moorkhon ka sardar (king of fools)...in which world are the living. They have the disease of not seeing their country's achievements,'' the PM said. ''India has become the second largest manufacturer of mobile phones in the world,'' he further said.

Madhya Pradesh Assembly Elections 2023: Who Are The Richest And Poorest Candidates In The Fray?

Which ''foreign glasses'' are they wearing? They can't see the country's achievement, he said.

When the Congress was in power at the Centre, mobile phones worth less than Rs 20,000 crore were made in the country annually. Today, mobile phones worth more than Rs 3.5 lakh crore are being produced, Modi said. Mobile phones worth Rs 1 lakh crore are being exported to different countries, he added.

The country has now become ''vocal for local'', he said, adding that indigenously manufactured goods have flooded the market this Diwali, a development which is being praised by the business community.

Modi also said some Congress leaders are "sitting at home" and they don't even feel like going out.

"Congress leaders don't know what they will say to people. The Congress has accepted that their fake promises don't stand a chance in front of Modi guarantees," he said.

"This election is to stop corruption and loot by Congress in Madhya Pradesh," Modi said.

"You know that wherever the Congress comes, they bring destruction," he added.
Madhya Pradesh Assembly Elections: Five Crucial Seats To Watch In The Race For Power

Cong, BJP Look For Pole Position In Chhindwara; Will Kamal Tump 'Kamal' In His Backyard?

India

oi-PTI

Madhya Pradesh Congress president Kamal Nath, whose tenure as chief minister ended abruptly in March 2020, is making a renewed attempt to bring his party to power in the state, but is facing a tough challenge from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for his own election from home turf of Chhindwara.

The 76-year-old Congress veteran, the sitting MLA from Chhindwara who projects himself as an ardent 'Hanuman bhakt', is pitted against BJP candidate Vivek Bunty Sahu, a 'Shiv bhakt', in the November 17 assembly polls.

Both of them also locked horns in the 2018 assembly polls when Nath trounced Sahu (44) by a margin of 25,837 votes. Since then, Sahu, renominated from the seat by the ruling party and backed by the well-oiled BJP organisational machinery, is seeking to avenge his defeat.

The BJP candidate is a former Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha president for Chhindwara district and is well aware of the star constituency's voter profile and caste combinations.

Madhya Pradesh Assembly Elections 2023: Who Are The Richest And Poorest Candidates In The Fray?

The saffron party is leaving no stone unturned to pull the rug from under the feet of Nath who, in all likelihood, is going to be the chief minister if the Congress wins the elections.

Six months ago, the BJP's district unit, with a binocular atop a vehicle, ran a campaign, saying it was searching for Nath who had ''vanished'' from Chhindwara after winning the last polls. By its campaign, the BJP tried to drive home the point that the former Union minister was not working in his constituency which voted for him.

Many feel the BJP's move was aimed at tying down Nath in the Chhindwara assembly segment from where the saffron outfit has won just three times as compared to 13 victories notched up by the Congress out of the 16 contests witnessed by the constituency since 1957.

Both the main contestants are openly flaunting their religiosity to woo voters in Chhindwara, which is part of the Lok Sabha constituency of the same name.

The Congress mascot for MP polls, who got a more than 102 feet tall Hanuman idol installed in Chhindwara a couple of years ago, is not missing any chance to portray himself as a strong believer of the 'trouble-shooter' God.

Similarly, BJP nominee Sahu is not lagging behind in showing his devotion to Lord Shiva. He got an 84 feet tall idol of Lord Shiva consecrated in Chhindwara this year. He starts his election campaign by offering puja like Nath.

In the run-up to the polls, the veteran Congress leader hosted Dhirendra Shastri, the 27-year-old head priest of the Bageshwar Dham who has often pitched for declaring India as a 'Hindu Rashtra'. The former CM had also played host in Chhindwara to another controversial preacher, Pandit Pradeep Mishra, who openly favours establishment of a Hindu Rashtra. Nath's move has been frowned upon by a section in the Congress.

In August, Nath hit back at the criticism against him for hosting Shastri in his home turf for a three-day religious function, saying there was no need to say ''India is a Hindu nation as 82 per cent Indians are Hindus''.

Senior BJP leader and former Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, addressing a press conference in Chhindwara recently, said, "I see Kamal Nathji's love for Hindu feelings, sometimes as Hanumanji's follower. It is good that some fellowships for worshipping have been held (here).'' "But why are you (Nath) not speaking against the disrespect shown to Sanatan Dharma by your friends and ally Tamil Nadu chief minister's son and your party president Mallikarjun Kharge's son?'' Prasad asked.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra Receives Empty Bouquet During Madhya Pradesh Rally

BJP election managers from Delhi and Bhopal are camping in Chhindwara to try and turn the tide in favour of their candidate.

Not only this, teams from Gujarat - the home state of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister and BJP's chief strategist Amit Shah, were working overtime in Chhindwara with a mission to dethrone Nath from his home constituency.

However, the Congress leader is formidable political force here, having won the Chhindwara Lok Sabha seat a record nine times since 1980.

A member of Ahmedabad deputy mayor Bipin Ramswarup Sikka's team told PTI that they will leave Chhindwara only after the polling concludes on Friday.

"We are working day and night to ensure the BJP demolishes Nath's citadel this time around," Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha Gujarat leader Mohit Telwani said on Diwali night.

Flags and posters of the two rival parties dot the streets, lanes and by-lanes. Vehicles with loudspeakers blaring songs and seeking support for Nath and Sahu make their way on the busy thoroughfares of the constituency, manifesting a keen contest in Chhindwara.

The Congress is seeking votes from people, telling them their support is crucial not only for the bright future of Chhindwara, but also of Madhya Pradesh given that Nath is tipped to be the chief minister if the party wins the polls.

The opposition party is also highlighting development works, infrastructure and industrial growth in Chhindwara under Nath's stewardship.

On the other hand, 'young' Sahu looks determined to give a tough fight to the septuagenarian politician. He is especially focusing on young and women voters, who outnumber men in the constituency.

Has Congress Gained Edge Over BJP in Madhya Pradesh Elections 2023? Heres What New Survey Says

He visits each and every temple coming on his way while campaigning and seeks blessings of priests amid chants of "Jai Shri Ram''.

While campaigning on foot, Sahu, whose team has a good number of female party workers, makes it a point to touch the feet of women elder to him. The assembly constituency has 1,41,002 women voters compared to 1,40,674 male electors.

As Sahu's campaign party moves on, a vehicle accompanying it plays a song praising Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's Ladli Behna Yojana, under which women are getting Rs 1,250 monthly financial assistance for the last five months.

The BJP's campaign is also trying to portray Nath as ''anti-women'' by highlighting that he had made his wife Alka resign in 1997 to contest the Lok Sabha polls from Chhindwara. In that bypoll, Nath had lost to former Chief Minister and BJP stalwart Sunderlal Patwa. On his campaign trail, Sahu said, "I am 100 per cent confident of winning the election. For 43 years Nath has betrayed the people of Chhindwara. Youths are unemployed. On the other hand, Nath is running a business empire with 22 companies." Congress's former three-time MLA from Chhindwara, Dipak Saxena, is spotted travelling in an open jeep drumming up support for Nath. A man dressed as Mahatma Gandhi leads his campaign amid deafening sound of drums.

"Look how people are responding to our campaign. This proves Nathji is going to win the elections with a record margin," he told PTI.

Nakul Nath, the local Lok Sabha MP and the son of Kamal Nath who is the campaign manager of the party in Chhindwara, said his father is getting tremendous support from people and will record a historic win.

At his residence in Shikarpur on the outskirts of Chhindwara, Kamal Nath is seen holding meetings with Congress leaders and workers.

Santosh Bandavar (50), who runs a barber shop on Collectorate Road, said Nath is going to win the elections.

"A majority of people who come to my shop talk of a wave of change in MP. People in Chhindwara want to see Nath as the next chief minister," Bandavar added.

Sanjay Singhai (53), a resident of Parasia Road, feels Sahu has an edge over Nath due to his electioneering pattern that focused on direct contact with voters.

Pushpa Devi (45), a resident of Sanichara Bazaar, was all praise for the state government's Ladli Behna Yojana, saying the money she received under the scheme helped her celebrate Diwali with fanfare.
Elon Musk Apologises For Missing Meeting With Union Minister Piyush Goyal

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal made a notable visit to Tesla's manufacturing facility in Fremont, California. While celebrating India's pivotal role in Tesla's journey, Goyal engaged with Indian professionals there but missed the chance to meet Elon Musk due to his health.

Acknowledging Goyal's visit, Musk expressed gratitude for the honor and anticipated a future meeting, though he couldn't meet in person due to being unwell. Goyal shared his excitement about witnessing Indian talent in key roles at Tesla's facility and highlighted the increasing contribution of Indian auto component suppliers to Tesla's EV supply chain.

Visited @Teslas state of the art manufacturing facility at Fremont, California.



Extremely delighted to see talented Indian engineers & finance professionals working at Senior positions and contributing to Teslas remarkable journey to transform mobility.



Also proud to see pic.twitter.com/FQx1dKiDlf  Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) November 14, 2023

It was an honor to have you visit Tesla!



My apologies for not being able to travel to California today, but I look forward to meeting at a future date.  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 14, 2023

The exchange also highlighted Tesla's plans to establish a manufacturing unit in India, aiming to produce an affordable $24,000 car domestically. Reports suggested that India might offer customs duty concessions to Tesla for this purpose. Goyal mentioned Tesla's intentions to source components worth $1.9 billion from India in the current year, a significant increase from $1 billion in 2022.

Elon Musk had previously expressed interest in setting up a manufacturing unit in India, contingent upon the success of importing Tesla vehicles due to high import duties, calling them the highest among major countries.

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Story first published: Tuesday, November 14, 2023, 20:23 [IST]
Matter Of Concern: India On US Charging Indian National In Case Relating To Plot To Kill Khalistani Separatist

India Urges Canada To Take Measures Against Attacks On Religious Places And Hate Crimes

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

During a recent United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) review meeting in Geneva, India recommended that Canada enhance its legal framework to prevent the misuse of freedom of expression leading to violence, attacks on places of worship, and discrimination against racial minorities. KS Mohammed Hussain, First Secretary at the Permanent Mission of India, presented these recommendations, emphasizing the need to address hate crimes and speeches.

While expressing gratitude for Canada's presentation of its national report on combating human trafficking, Hussain suggested constructive measures, including strengthening the domestic framework to prevent the misuse of freedom of expression for incitement of violence. He also urged Canada to take legislative and other measures to effectively prevent attacks on places of worship and to address hate crimes and hate speech.

In addition, India recommended that Canada work to eliminate structural discrimination against children from indigenous groups and address disparities in access to services for all children.

These recommendations coincide with a recent UN report criticizing Canada for "modern slavery" and expressing concerns about its foreign worker programs being a "breeding ground for contemporary forms of slavery." The UN called on Canadian authorities to take further actions to protect workers, combat discrimination enabling exploitation, and provide a clear pathway to permanent residency for migrants.

None can freely..Indias take down of Pakistan at UNHRC

Diplomatic tension between India and Canada has persisted since September when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged potential involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Trudeau's recent remarks on the diplomatic ties, including criticisms of India's evacuation of Canadian diplomats, have further escalated the situation. The ongoing diplomatic strain follows Nijjar's murder in the Canadian province of British Columbia in June, with Trudeau's allegations against India exacerbating the rift.

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Story first published: Tuesday, November 14, 2023, 10:01 [IST]
Lalu Prasad's Associate 'Acquired' Several Lands In Land-For-Railway Jobs Case: ED

India

oi-PTI

Amit Katyal, who was arrested recently in the alleged land-for-railway jobs money laundering case, ''acquired'' several lands from aspirants on behalf of the RJD chief and former Union railways minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, the ED has alleged.

Katyal was first detained and later arrested by the central agency on November 11 under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). A local court in Delhi later sent him to the agency's custody till November 16.

The Enforcement Directorate claimed its probe found that Katyal was the director of a company called AK Infosystems Pvt. Ltd when one of the lands from candidates was acquired by the said company ''on behalf'' of Lalu Prasad.

''The registered address of the company is D-1088, New Friends Colony, New Delhi, which is the house belonging to Lalu Prasad Yadav and his family members. Several other lands were also acquired by Amit Katyal in the said company in return for giving undue favours by Lalu Prasad Yadav when he was minister of railways,'' the agency alleged in a statement issued on Monday.

After acquiring the land, it said, shares of the said company were ''transferred'' to the family members of Lalu Prasad in 2014.

The premises of Katyal were raided by the agency in March, when it had also covered the premises of Lalu Prasad, his son and Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav, his daughters and others.

Land-For-Jobs 'Scam': ED Arrests 'Associate' Of Lalu Prasad Yadav's Family

Katyal, as per the ED, is a ''close associate'' of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo and has been evading summons for questioning in the case for about two months.

A K Infosystems Private Limited is allegedly a ''beneficiary company'' in the case and its registered address in south Delhi's New Friends Colony was being used by Tejashwi Yadav, the ED had claimed earlier.

The alleged scam pertains to the period when Lalu Prasad was the railway minister in the UPA-1 government.

It is alleged that from 2004 to 2009, several people were appointed to Group ''D'' positions in various zones of the Indian Railways and in lieu, these people transferred their land to the family members of the then railway minister Prasad and A K Infosystems Private Limited.

The ED case, filed under the criminal sections of the PMLA, stems from a complaint lodged by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

According to the CBI, no advertisement or public notice was issued for appointment, but some residents of Patna were appointed as substitutes in different zonal railways in Mumbai, Jabalpur, Kolkata, Jaipur and Hazipur.

As a quid pro quo, the candidates, directly or through their immediate family members, allegedly sold land to Prasad's family members at highly-discounted rates, up to one-fourth to one-fifth of the prevailing market rates, the CBI has alleged.

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Story first published: Tuesday, November 14, 2023, 15:36 [IST]
PM Modi Holds 10-km Roadshow in Ranchi on Eve of Birsa Mundas Birth Anniversary

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a 10-km roadshow in Ranchi, Jharkhand on the eve of tribal icon Birsa Mundas birth anniversary. Thousands of people lined up on both sides of the road to greet the PM.

India

-Krishna Kripa

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a 10-km roadshow in Jharkhand's capital Ranchi on Tuesday night. The 45-minute roadshow began amid tight security soon after Modi landed at the Birsa Munda airport, officials said. Thousands of people lined up on both sides of the road from the airport to the Raj Bhavan to greet the PM. They showered flower petals on his vehicle at designated spots.

Modi to Visit Birsa Munda's Birthplace

Modi is on a two-day Jharkhand visit beginning on the eve of tribal icon Birsa Munda's birth anniversary that also happens to be Jharkhand's statehood day on November 15. The day is also celebrated as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas since 2021. Soon after reaching here, Modi wrote on Twitter, "I have reached Ranchi after memorable rallies and road shows in Madhya Pradesh. Tomorrow, 15th November, is a very special day. I will have the privilege of joining the people of Jharkhand in the Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas celebrated on the birth anniversary of Lord Birsa Munda Ji. I feel very proud to have got the opportunity to visit his birthplace Ulihatu. During this visit, while I will flag off the Vikasit Bharat Sankalp Yatra in Khunti, I will also inaugurate a historic scheme of Rs 24,000 crore for the welfare of the tribal community. Tomorrow is also the foundation day of Jharkhand. On this occasion, I extend my heartiest greetings to all my family members here, he added."

PM Welcomed by Governor and Chief Minister

The PM was welcomed by Governor CP Radhakrishnan and Chief Minister Hemant Soren at the airport. Hearty greetings and welcome to the Honble Prime Minister of the country, Narendra Modi Ji on the revered land of brave men like Birsa Munda, Sidho Kanho, Phulo Jhano, Poto Ho and Nilamber Pitamber, Soren wrote on Twitter. Radhakrishnan said, "Delighted to welcome our most Respected Honble Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji to the great land of Jharkhand."

Traffic Restrictions Imposed

In view of the roadshow, traffic restrictions were imposed along the stretch from the airport to Raj Bhavan from 8 pm to 10.30 pm. The entire route from the airport to Raj Bhavan and from Governors House to Birsa Munda Old Jail have been declared as no fly zone for drones from 6 pm on Tuesday to 11 pm on Wednesday, district administration officials said. Ranchi district administration has imposed Section 144 of CrPC from 6 pm on November 14 to 11 am in Ranchi Municipal Corporation area on November 15 prohibiting any rally or demonstration without prior permission in view of the proposed stir of State Level Panchayat Swayam Sevak Sangh SLPSSS, which planned to gherao the CM's residence.

PM to Launch Rs 24,000-crore Project

After night halt at Raj Bhavan, the PM will visit Bhagwan Birsa Munda Memorial Park-cum-Freedom Fighter Museum in Ranchi on Wednesday morning and then take a chopper to Birsa Munda's birthplace Ulihatu village in Khunti district, where he will pay floral tributes to the freedom fighter. Modi will be the first PM to visit Ulihatu and participate in a programme marking the third Janjatiya Gaurav Divas in Khunti. During the day, he will launch a Rs 24,000-crore project aimed at the development of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups PVTGs. Modi will also launch the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, release the 15th instalment of Rs 18,000 crore under the PM-KISAN scheme, and inaugurate and lay the foundation of projects worth Rs 7,200 crore in the state.

PM to Flag Off IEC Vans

The prime minister will flag off IEC Information, Education and Communication vans in Khunti, marking the launch of Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra. The yatra will start from districts with significant tribal population and by January 25 next year, it will cover all districts of the country. The yatra to reach out to people, who are beneficiaries of the Centres flagship programmes both in rural and urban areas, will culminate on January 25, a central government official who came here to oversee preparations for Modis visit told PTI. We are going to visit 2.7 lakh gram panchayats of the country and about 15,000 urban locations where the ground-level activities will take place by these automated IEC vans which have been designed to talk to people, inform them about the flagship programmes and what has been accomplished so far, the official said.

PM to Release PM-KISAN Instalment

During the function, Modi will also launch the Rs 24,000-crore Pradhan Mantri Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups PM PVTG Mission, under which basic facilities such as road and telecom connectivity, electricity, safe housing, clean drinking water and sanitation, improved access to education, health and nutrition and sustainable livelihood opportunities will be provided to PVTG habitations, which are mostly remote, scattered and inaccessible, the official added. There are around 28 lakh PVTGs belonging to 75 tribes living in 22,544 villages in 220 districts across 18 states and Union territories. He will also release the 15th instalment of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi PM-KISAN through direct benefit transfer to more than eight crore beneficiaries. Under the scheme, till now, more than Rs 2.62 lakh crore has been transferred to farmers accounts in 14 instalments.

PM to Inaugurate and Lay Foundation Stones

The prime minister will inaugurate and lay foundation stones of projects worth around Rs 7,200 crore in sectors such as rail, road, education, coal, petroleum and natural gas, a statement said. The projects that will be inaugurated include the new campus of IIM Ranchi, new hostel of IIT-ISM Dhanbad, Petroleum Oil and Lubricants POL depot in Bokaro, doubling of railway tracks in the Hatia-Pakra, Talgaria-Bokaro and Jarangdih-Patratu sections. The projects for which foundations will be laid include the four-laning of 52-km stretch of Mahagama-Hansdiha section of NH-133, four-laning of 45-km stretch of Basukinath-Deoghar section of NH-114 A, KDH-Purnadih Coal Handling Plant and a new academic and administrative building of IIIT Ranchi.

PM to Leave for Delhi

After the function, he will fly back to Ranchi, from where he will leave for Delhi on Wednesday afternoon.
Henry Kissinger, Former US Secretary of State And Nobel Winner, Dies At 100

PRS Oberoi, The Stalwart Behind Oberoi Hotels' Grandeur, Dies At 94

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

PRS Oberoi, the chairman emeritus of the Oberoi Group, passed away on Tuesday, as confirmed by a spokesperson for the Oberoi Group. Widely recognized for revolutionizing the hotel industry in India, PRS Oberoi reached the age of 94.

Born in New Delhi in 1929 as Prithvi Raj Singh Oberoi, he served as the executive chairman of EIH Limited, the flagship company of The Oberoi Group. Additionally, he held the position of chairman at Oberoi Hotels Private Limited, a major shareholder of EIH Limited. Affectionately known as "Biki," PRS Oberoi was the son of the late Rai Bahadur MS Oberoi, founder of The Oberoi Group.

Having pursued education in India, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland, PRS Oberoi played a pivotal role not only in managing luxury hotels across various countries but also in spearheading the growth of Oberoi hotels and resorts, as highlighted on the EIH Limited website.

The "Oberoi" brand, under his leadership, became synonymous with exquisite luxury hotels. PRS Oberoi earned acclaim for placing Oberoi hotels prominently on the global map for luxury travelers by establishing upscale establishments in key cities.

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PRS Oberoi, executive chairman of Oberoi Group, dies at the age of 94 | Oneindia News

Kedarnath Aggarwal, The Man Who Made Bikanervala A Household Name, Dies At 86

In January 2008, PRS Oberoi received the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian honor, in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the nation. Furthermore, he was honored with the lifetime achievement award at the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) held in Cannes in December 2012.

After a distinguished career, PRS Oberoi stepped down from his roles as chairman and director of EIH Limited on May 3, 2022. His legacy continues to resonate in the world of luxury hospitality.

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Story first published: Tuesday, November 14, 2023, 9:46 [IST]
Pertamina Geothermal Energy has announced its cooperation with Mubadala Energy and Chevron New Energies International (Chevron) to embark on a Joint Study Agreement (JSA) to explore the geothermal potential in Kotamobagu, North Sulawesi, Indonesia.

The JSA was signed during President Joko Widodos visit to the US and witnessed by the Deputy Coordinating Minister for Maritime & Investment Affairs, Jodi Mahardi , Ambassador of The Republic of Indonesia for USA, Rosan Roeslani, President Director & CEO PT Pertamina (Persero), Nicke Widyawati and Country Manager Chevron Indonesia, Wahyu Budiarto.

The JSA aims to capitalise on the companies complementary strengths and experience.

It will bring together PGEs experience and scale as the largest geothermal producing company and capacity holder in Indonesia, Chevrons expansive capabilities as a multinational energy company committed to providing reliable and cleaner energy, and Mubadala Energys track record in delivering reliable and efficient energy to Indonesia and commitment to playing an active role in the energy transition as an international energy leader.

The agreement provides a comprehensive framework to conduct a joint study into developing the Kotamobagu Geothermal Working Area (WKP).

The agreement is aligned with the Government of Indonesias recent announcements targeting the addition of 3.3 gigawatts (GW) of installed geothermal capacity by 2030.

Geothermal electricity produced in Kotamobagu may provide clean energy source to feed the domestic market in Indonesia and potentially an input to produce low carbon hydrogen or ammonia.

President Director of PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy Tbk, Julfi Hadi enthusiastically welcomed the JSA cooperation between PGE, Chevron, and Mubadala Energy, "Our Joint Study Agreement this time aims to utilise the complementary strengths of the three parties in developing geothermal in Kotamobagu," he said.

Wahyu Budiarto, Chevron Indonesia Country Manager said, "This is Chevrons fifth collaboration with Pertamina and we are excited about the addition of Mubadala Energy in the Kotamobagu WKP. We look forward to bringing into the partnership, Chevrons technical expertise and new geothermal technologies to explore renewable energy resources to support Indonesias energy transition goals."

Mansoor Mohamed Al Hamed, Chief Executive Officer of Mubadala Energy, commented; With our track record of delivering strategic energy resources in Indonesia for over a decade, we are excited about this partnership with PGE and Chevron to explore the expansion of geothermal energy, an important segment of Indonesias clean energy growth ambitions. The opportunity to explore such projects is embedded in Mubadala Energys commitment to playing an active role in the energy transition as we continue to support Indonesias Net Zero targets.

WKP Kotamobagu was assigned to PGE Kotamobagu as a subsidiary of PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy Tbk. based on the Decree of the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources 14.K/EK.01/MEM.E/2022 where WKP Kotamobagu is an area that has a high enthalpy value with a volcanic hydrothermal system located in North Sulawesi Province with an area of 18,530 Ha.--OGN/ TradeArabia News Service
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 14. Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan have discussed expansion of partnership in the industrial sphere, Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov wrote on X (Twitter), Trend reports.

"We discussed the following items on the agenda of bilateral economic cooperation with Laziz Kudratov, Uzbekistan's Minister of Investment, Industry, and Trade: boosting trade turnover assistance; implementing the roadmap for trade, economic, and investment relations with Uzbekistan; encouraging joint production and establishing partnerships in the energy and industrial sectors," he said.

Earlier it was noted that Ministers Mikayil Jabbarov and Parviz Shahbazov participated from Azerbaijan in the trilateral meeting of economy and energy ministers of Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.

The sides have also discussed the possibilities of electricity transit from Central Asian countries.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
As Fighting Empties North Gaza, Humanitarian Crisis Worsens In South

International

oi-PTI

Another 200,000 people have fled northern Gaza since November 5, the U.N. humanitarian office said Tuesday, as Israeli ground forces battle Palestinian militants around hospitals where patients, newborns, and medics are stranded with no electricity and dwindling supplies.

The humanitarian office, known as OCHA, says only one hospital in the north is capable of receiving patients. All the others are no longer able to function and mostly serve as shelters from the fighting, including Gaza's largest, Shifa, which is surrounded by Israeli troops and where 36 babies are at risk of dying because there is no power for incubators.

The war, now in its sixth week, was triggered by Hamas' surprise attack on Israel, in which militants massacred hundreds of civilians and dragged some 240 hostages back to Gaza. Israel launched heavy airstrikes for nearly three weeks before sending troops and tanks into the north. The war has killed thousands of Palestinian civilians and wreaked widespread destruction on the impoverished enclave.

Israel has urged civilians to evacuate Gaza City and surrounding areas in the north, but the southern part of the besieged territory is not much safer. Israel carries out frequent airstrikes from north to south, hitting what it says are militant targets but often killing women and children.

Netanyahu's Gaza Control Announcement Sparks Fresh Amid Ongoing Conflict

U.N.-run shelters in the south are severely overcrowded, with an average of one toilet for 160 people. In all, some 1.5 million Palestinians, more than two-thirds of Gaza's population, have fled their homes.

People stand in line for hours for scarce bread and brackish water. Trash is piling up, sewage is flooding the streets and taps run dry because there is no fuel for water pumps or treatment plants. Israel has barred fuel imports since the start of the war, saying Hamas would use it for military purposes.

The U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, which is struggling to provide basic services to over 600,000 people sheltering in schools and other facilities in the south, said it may run out of fuel by Wednesday, forcing it to halt most aid operations. It said it was unable to continue importing limited supplies of food and medicine through Egypt's Rafah crossing, Gaza's only link to the outside world.

With Israeli forces fighting Palestinian militants in the center of Gaza City, the territory's main city, both sides have seized on the plight of hospitals. Images of doctors trying to keep newborns warm at Shifa have circulated widely.

Israel accuses Hamas of using hospitals as cover for its fighters, alleging that Hamas has set up its main command centre in and beneath Shifa, without providing visual evidence. Both Hamas and Shifa Hospital staff deny the Israeli allegations.

On Monday, the military released footage of a children's hospital that its forces entered over the weekend, showing weapons it said it found inside, as well as rooms in the basement where it believes the militants were holding hostages. The video showed what appeared to be a hastily installed toilet and ventilation system, as well as a motorcycle with a bullet hole in it, in the basement.

The Health Ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza rejected the allegations, saying the basement shown was part of the hospital and had been turned into a shelter for displaced people.

"The hospital was forcefully evacuated at gunpoint ... Why didn't they detain any of the alleged resistance or alleged hostages?" the statement said. It denied the facility was related to a tunnel that Israeli forces uncovered nearby.

Meanwhile, gunfire and explosions raged Monday around Shifa, which Israeli troops encircled over the weekend. Tens of thousands of people have fled the hospital in the past few days and headed to the southern Gaza Strip, including large numbers of displaced people who had taken shelter there.

For weeks, Shifa staff members running low on supplies have performed surgery on war-wounded patients, including children, without anesthesia and using vinegar as an antiseptic. After the weekend's mass exodus, about 650 patients and 500 staff remain in the hospital, which can no longer function, along with around 2,500 displaced Palestinians sheltering inside with little food or water.

TV Reporter Breaks Down, Rips Off Press Vest While Reporting On Colleague's Death In Gaza

The Health Ministry said 32 patients, including three babies, have died since its emergency generator ran out of fuel Saturday. It said 36 babies, as well as other patients, are at risk of dying because life-saving equipment cannot function.

Early Tuesday, the Israeli military said in a statement that it had started an effort to transfer incubators from Israel to Shifa. It wasn't clear if the incubators had been delivered or how they would be powered.

International law gives hospitals special protections during the war. Hospitals can lose those protections if combatants use them to hide fighters or store weapons, but staff and patients must be given plenty of warning to evacuate, and the harm to civilians cannot be disproportionate to the military objective.

The International Committee of the Red Cross tried Monday to evacuate some 6,000 patients, staff and displaced people from another Gaza City hospital, Al-Quds. But the Red Cross said its convoy had to turn back because of shelling and fighting. Israel released a video showing what it said was a militant with a rocket-propelled grenade launcher entering Al-Quds Hospital. An Israeli tank was stationed nearby.

The U.S. has pushed for temporary pauses to allow wider distribution of badly needed aid. Israel has agreed only to daily windows during which civilians can flee northern Gaza on foot along two main roads.

As of last Friday, more than 11,000 Palestinians, two-thirds of them women and minors, have been killed since the war began, according to the Health Ministry in Gaza, which does not differentiate between civilian and militant deaths. About 2,700 people have been reported missing.

Health officials have not updated the toll, citing the difficulty of collecting information.

At least 1,200 people have died on the Israeli side, mostly civilians killed in the initial Hamas attack. Palestinian militants. The military says 46 soldiers have been killed in ground operations in Gaza, and that thousands of militants have been killed.

About 250,000 Israelis have evacuated from communities near Gaza, where Palestinian militants still fire barrages of rockets, and along the northern border, where Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah militant group have repeatedly traded fire since the start of the war.

The war has fueled tensions across the region, including in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. At least six Palestinians were killed overnight during an Israeli raid in Tulkarem, the Palestinian Health Ministry said Tuesday. There was no immediate comment from the army. More than 190 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank since October 7, mainly during violent protests and gunfights sparked by arrest raids.

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Story first published: Tuesday, November 14, 2023, 15:14 [IST]
Biden-Xi Jinping Meeting: US Officials Hope For Concrete Results

US officials hope that the upcoming meeting between President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping will produce concrete results, including the reestablishment of military communication and a shared effort to combat illicit fentanyl trafficking.

International

-Sathish Raman

Washington: US officials expressed hope on Monday that this week's highly anticipated face-to-face meeting between President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping will produce some concrete results, including the possible reestablishment of military communication between the two nations and a shared effort to combat illicit fentanyl trafficking.

The two leaders will meet Wednesday on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco. The Biden-Xi bilateral will be the marquee moment of the forum, which is dedicated to promoting trade, investment, and economic development among nations around the Pacific Ocean.

Frosty Relationship

Biden and Xi have not spoken in a year. Their last meeting was at the Group of 20 summit in Indonesia last fall. And since then, tensions between the two nations have grown following a series of events touched off by the shooting down of a Chinese spy balloon that had wafted across the US earlier this year.

The frosty relationship between the two economic superpowers has global implications: China and the US produce roughly 40% of the world's goods and services. US officials have set relatively low expectations for the Biden-Xi meeting, suggesting that simply getting back to a baseline of routine communication would be a good benchmark for success.

Reopening Military Communication

Still, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said Monday there could be some movement toward shared goals, through intense diplomacy.

"All in all, we're looking forward to a productive meeting," Sullivan said. "President Biden has a long history with President Xi and their conversations are direct, they're straightforward and President Biden believes there is no substitute for leader-to-leader, face-to-face diplomacy to manage this complex relationship."

Among those goals: the reestablishment of communications between military leaders of the two nations. US military contacts with China have eroded, particularly since the pandemic, and are now almost nonexistent, even as the number of unsafe or unprofessional incidents between the two nations' ships and aircraft have spiked.

Fentanyl Crisis

Sullivan also said there were other areas where US and Chinese interests overlap, particularly on the effort to combat fentanyl trafficking.

The powerful opioid is the deadliest drug in the US today. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that drug overdose deaths have increased more than sevenfold from 2015 to 2021. Mexico and China are the primary sources for fentanyl and fentanyl-related substances trafficked directly into the U.S., according to the Drug Enforcement Administration, which is tasked with combating illicit drug trafficking. Nearly all the chemicals needed to make fentanyl come from China, and the drugs are then mass-produced in Mexico and trafficked via cartels into the US.

Taiwan and Iran

Sullivan said Biden would also use the meeting to address China's relations with Iran and Taiwan.

China has perceived American contact with Taiwan as encouragement to make the island's decades-old de facto independence permanent. Concern about the issue is heightened as Taiwan prepares to hold presidential elections in January. Under the "One China" policy, the US recognizes Beijing as the government of China and doesn't have diplomatic relations with Taiwan, but it has maintained that Taipei is an important partner in the Indo-Pacific.

Sullivan said Biden would "set out a vision for peace and stability and the maintenance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait."

The Democratic president is also expected to let Xi know that he would like China to use its burgeoning sway over Iran to make clear that Tehran or its proxies should not take action that could lead to the expansion of the Israel-Hamas war. The Biden administration sees the Chinese, a big buyer of Iranian oil, as having considerable leverage with Iran, which is a major backer of Hamas.

"President Biden will make the point to President Xi that Iran acting in an escalatory, destabilizing way that undermines stability across the broader Middle East is not in the interests of China or any other responsible country," Sullivan said.

Preparations for the summit are evident around San Francisco. The city has erected tall steel barricades downtown that snake around the streets surrounding the Moscone Center and other venues where APEC events will be held this week. Finance and diplomatic leaders from the 21 APEC economies are also gathering this week; Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen opened the finance ministers meeting Monday. The San Francisco Police Department has beefed up patrols throughout downtown. In the area around Union Square, where many summit dignitaries have booked up the city's four-star hotels, locals have taken note that the city's significant homeless population seems less prevalent than usual.
"The Beatles" Member Sentenced: British Convert To Islam Gets Eight-Year Prison Term For Terrorism Charges

"The Beatles" member Aine Leslie Davis, a British convert to Islam, has been sentenced to eight years in prison in Britain after pleading guilty to terrorism charges. Learn more about his case and the charges he faced.

International

-Sathish Raman

In a significant development in the global fight against terrorism, Aine Leslie Davis, a British national who converted to Islam and joined the Islamic State group, has been sentenced to eight years of imprisonment by a UK court. The conviction comes after his deportation from Turkey and subsequent detention upon arrival at London's Luton Airport in August 2022.

Davis, aged 39, had previously served a seven-and-a-half-year sentence in Turkey for being a member of IS before being handed over to British authorities. His journey into radicalization led him away from his home in London to Syria back in 2013 where he participated actively in the armed conflict. While immersed in these activities, Davis was involved not only on the battlefield but also engaged others to support his cause financially.

Plea and Conviction Details

Last month, acknowledging his crimes, Davis pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm for terrorism purposes along with two counts related to funding terrorism. Prosecutors revealed during legal proceedings that he enlisted help from his wife Amal El-Wahabi to convince a friend into smuggling 20,000 euros (approximately USD 21,400) intended for terrorist activities. This plan was thwarted when the friend was intercepted at Heathrow Airport in 2014 which consequently led to El-Wahabi's own conviction on charges of funding terrorism.

The Apology and Defense Argument

During trial sessions Mark Summers QC representing Davis extended an apology towards Syrian individuals affected by actions such as those committed by his client stating they "caused more harm than good." This statement underscores an acknowledgment of the devastating impact foreign fighters have had on Syria's civil war landscape.

"The Beatles" Terror Cell Connection

The case gained additional attention due to suspicions held by British authorities that linked Davis with "The Beatles," an infamous IS cell known for their brutal treatment and execution of Western hostages during the height when IS controlled parts of Syria and Iraq. Despite these suspicions and clear associations between members within this notorious group  including Alexanda Kotey and El Shafee Elsheikh who are now serving life sentences in America along with Mohammed Emwazi killed via drone strike  Summers highlighted that U.S prosecutors decided against trying Davis as part of this cell last year citing insufficient evidence.

Sentencing Remarks

In delivering justice, the presiding judge emphasized that sentencing would be based solely upon offenses outlined within the indictment rather than unproven allegations potentially linking him with "The Beatles" terror cell. This distinction is critical as it reaffirms judicial processes grounded firmly upon available evidence while maintaining focus on individual accountability for specific acts committed.

To conclude, Aine Leslie Davis' sentencing marks another step forward toward addressing threats posed by individuals aligned with terrorist ideologies like those propagated by Islamic State. It serves as both punishment for past deeds done under its banner while acting as deterrents aimed at discouraging similar paths towards radicalization amongst others vulnerable or inclined towards extremist narratives promising glory but delivering destruction instead across communities globally especially within conflict zones like Syria.
India, UK Focus On Free Trade Agreement In Enhanced Trade Partnership

India and the UK are negotiating a free trade agreement as part of an Enhanced Trade Partnership. Both sides are hopeful of finding a landing point that works for both of them.

International

-Sathish Raman

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said that a free trade agreement (FTA) is at the focus of the India-UK relationship and New Delhi is hopeful of finding a landing point in the negotiations that works for both sides.

Jaishankar addresses Diwali Reception in London

Addressing a special Diwali Reception organized by the High Commission of India at Westminster Hall near the Houses of Parliament in London on Monday, he described the bilateral relationship as a positive force for the world. Jaishankar also shared insights into the fast pace of technological advances and socio-economic development underway in India and called on the UK-based Indian diaspora -- one of the largest in the world -- to spread the story of the new India.

FTA negotiations

Today, to realize the Agenda 2030, we are focusing on what is officially called an Enhanced Trade Partnership, in common terms its called an FTA or free trade agreement. That is today very much the focus of what the Indian and British systems are negotiating. We hope that we will find a landing point that works for both of us, the External Affairs Minister of India said. India and the UK have a long history and a very complex history. What we are trying to do is to make history a positive force with our commonalities, shared practices and institutions to make history work for us, he said.

India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

Jaishankar is here on a five-day official visit to the UK with an aim to review various aspects of bilateral ties. The India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership was launched in 2021 along with the India-UK Roadmap 2030 which seeks to expand ties in a range of areas. India and the UK have been negotiating a free trade agreement since January last year with a target to significantly enhance the estimated GBP 36-billion bilateral trading partnership. The talks have undergone 13 rounds of negotiations, with officials hopeful of clinching a deal ahead of general elections in both countries scheduled for 2024.

Jaishankar thanks British PM Sunak, Foreign Secretary Cleverly

Jaishankar began his address by thanking British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak for taking the time to host him at 10 Downing Street on a busy Diwali day on Sunday. He also spoke of how he really valued that the newly appointed Foreign Secretary David Cameron made time to meet him on day one of his new job even before he addressed his own ministry. It was extremely satisfying to hear from him about the commitment and support for the relationship. We spent a lot of time talking about cultivating both, Jaishankar said. He shared that he also met Camerons predecessor, new UK Home Secretary James Cleverly, whom he described as a pillar of strength for the bilateral relationship.

UK Foreign Office Minister Lord Tariq Ahmad, Indian High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami attend event

The External Affairs Minister was joined at the event by UK Foreign Office Minister Lord Tariq Ahmad and Indian High Commissioner to the UK Vikram Doraiswami.

The India-UK relationship is on a positive trajectory, with both sides committed to expanding ties in a range of areas. The FTA negotiations are a key focus, and both sides are hopeful of reaching an agreement that works for both. The relationship is also being strengthened by the fast pace of technological advances and socio-economic development underway in India, as well as the strong support of the UK-based Indian diaspora.
Indian woman From Kashmir Evacuated From War-Torn Gaza

International

oi-PTI

An Indian woman from Kashmir who had sought immediate evacuation from the war-torn Hamas-ruled Gaza has safely reached Egypt with the help of Indian missions in the region, according to her husband.

Lubna Nazir Shaboo and her daughter Karima, crossed the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza on Monday evening.

''They are in al-Arish (a city in Egypt). Tomorrow morning (Tuesday) they will move to Cairo,'' Lubna's husband Nedal Toman said in a text message sent to PTI from Gaza.

The only exit route from Gaza, the Rafah crossing with Egypt, has been infrequently opened the past few weeks to let humanitarian supplies enter Gaza and also let some foreign nationals and wounded people cross over to the other side.

In a telephone call to PTI on Sunday, Lubna confirmed that her name was among the people who could leave Gaza and thanked profusely the Indian missions in the region -- in Ramallah, Tel Aviv and Cairo -- for making this possible.

As Fighting Empties North Gaza, Humanitarian Crisis Worsens In South

On October 10, Lubna had reached out to PTI over the phone seeking help for evacuation.

''We are facing a brutal war here and everything is being destroyed and bombarded in a matter of seconds,'' she had told PTI.

Following the unprecedented attacks by Hamas militants on October 7 in the southern areas of the Jewish state, Israel declared war launching a counter-offensive with the twin objectives of ousting Hamas, which has ruled the coastal Strip since 2007, and freeing around 240 people who were taken hostage by the Islamic faction.

"The sounds of bombardment are too scary and the whole house shakes. It is a very, very scary situation," Lubna had told PTI before moving with her family to the southern part of Gaza where she spent several days with acquaintances before being evacuated.

She had mentioned that their ''water supply was officially cut off'' in the middle of the night of October 9 and they were without electricity, which made them decide to move to the south and seek help in evacuation.

Lubna had also said that she hadn't seen anything like this before and had two families living with them who had to run away after bombardment in the bordering areas of Gaza.

"We are not able to go anywhere because there is no safe place for us anywhere and the Gaza Strip is too small and it is closed from every side. There are no exit points over here," she said.

"I have already asked for help from the Representative office of India in Ramallah to help me get to a safer place along with my husband and my daughter," she had said in a video message sent to PTI.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Tuesday, November 14, 2023, 15:30 [IST]
School students across Melbourne are planning to walk out of their classrooms next week in support of Palestine.

Sydney Morning Herald 14 Nov 2023
Indonesia will not stay silent while civilian casualties continue to count, witnessing the ongoing injustices against the Palestinian people, Widodo said in a statement at the summit.
The EU's foreign ministers reached a consensus on several critical issues of the latest Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, but some topics, like a total cease-fire, remain divisive.
Rumble 29 Nov 2023

A Western military expert said that Israel has lost control of the war in the Gaza Strip, and that the longer the ceasefire lasts,..
Families of Israelis being held hostage by Hamas in Gaza are on the march to demand more be done to secure their release. US President Joe Biden has said he believes a deal can be reached and "it's going to happen."
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 14. Chairman of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) Taleh Kazimov will take part in the XI Congress of Financiers of Kazakhstan, Trend reports.

"As part of the trip, my speech at the XI Congress of Financiers of Kazakhstan and meetings with the chairmen of central banks of a number of countries are planned," Kazimov wrote on his page on X, as he embarked on a trip to Kazakhstan.

The XI Congress of Financiers of Kazakhstan will be held in Almaty on November 15, 2023. The event was organized by the Association of Financiers of Kazakhstan with the support of the National Bank of Kazakhstan and the Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market.

At the panel sessions of the congress, heads of foreign central banks and financial institutions, representatives of Kazakh government agencies and financial organizations will discuss topical issues of macroeconomic policy and the financial sector.

Chairman of the Central Bank Taleh Kazimov held meetings with representatives of the central banks of Tajikistan and Kazakhstan, the Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market, as well as the management of the Astana International Financial Center this year (from February 27 through March 2, 2023). Prospects for further cooperation and the creation of digital currencies were discussed, and experience was exchanged on the general supervision of financial institutions.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
President Biden is facing a rebellion from his own staff over his continued support for Israel in its war against Hamas this week.
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Jesus Ociel Baena, Mexicos's first openly non-binary magistrate, was found dead at home on Monday, sparking protests from the LGBTQ+ community in Mexico City.
The Biden administration hopes diplomatic comity can withstand any differences over the war in the Middle East as President Joko Widodo of Indonesia visits the White House.
Educators, artists, students and relatives of some of the hundreds of hostages seized by Hamas are scheduled to appear, along with top U.S. lawmakers.
The SA Weather Service warned residents in Gauteng and Mpumalanga that thunderstorms and heavy rain would continue throughout the evening and could cause localised flooding.
Thousands of South Africans are taking to the streets to protest Israel or Palestine, so why can't we do the same about our own murder rate? asks Adriaan Basson.
The government said that to make social media platforms accountable, it has asked the companies to register and open an office in Nepal, pay taxes and abide by the country's laws and regulations.
The United States on Tuesday imposed a third round of sanctions aimed at Palestinian militant group Hamas following its attack last month on Israel, targeting leaders and financiers of the group.
Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator

On October 7, Israel was attacked by Hamas, an armed Palestinian resistance group inside Gaza. The group killed 1,405 people, and kidnapped over 200 in Israel. Hamas was a branch of the Muslim Brotherhood, a global terrorist organization that is outlawed in many countries, but not in the US, UK or Germany.

US President Donald Trump said that the Muslim Brotherhood should be designated a terrorist organization in the US, and Senator Ted Cruz, Republican of Texas, brought two bills to the Senate, but he did not have support because of the Democrats under pressure from President Joe Biden. Why would the US fight terrorists in Afghanistan and Iraq, while supporting a global terrorist network? The answer is, that the US uses terrorist groups when it is in their interest.

Military experts explain that you need fighters for a war, and if you can't get a congressional order to send US troops to a battlefield, then you use what assets you have on the ground. The US utilized the Muslim Brotherhood fighters in Syria, and partnered with the political arm of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt to rig the election that brought Mohamed Mursi to power. This is why the US will never outlaw the Muslim Brotherhood in the US; because they are useful. However, in Gaza the Muslim Brotherhood is not useful to US-Israeli interests, so they must be eradicated.

Syria regime-change US President Barack Obama developed and engineered a plan for regime change in Syria. The plan was put into motion in March 2011 when armed men, masquerading as peaceful protesters, began a gun fight with the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) in Deraa. The Al Omari Mosque in Deraa was used as a weapons storehouse by militants who has smuggled arms from the US military base in Jordan.

The US military had excess weapons confiscated in the US-NATO attack on Libya, which had been allocated to the terrorists in Syria by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Obama was sympathetic to the Muslim Brotherhood and had ties to them, though he was not a member. The closest assistant to Obama's Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was Huma Abedin, who was from a family with high-ranking ties to the Muslim Brotherhood. Obama knew that he couldn't get backing for US troops to invade Syria to overthrow the Assad government, so he turned to his associates across the US, the Muslim Brotherhood, who organized the "Free Syrian Army" (FSA) from Muslim Brotherhood members and sympathizers in Syria and Turkey.

Once the force was formed with commanders who had defected from the SAA, then the Obama administration began their work supporting the FSA with weapons, cash for paychecks, supplies and training through the covert CIA program "Timber Sycamore", which was finally shut down in 2017 by President Donald Trump. Senator John McCain, Republican of Arizona and former veteran of the Vietnam war, became the biggest supporter of the FSA, and lobbied Congress successfully for the armed group to receive additional weapons including anti-tank missiles, TOW.

McCain became so enamored of the FSA, he made an illegal trip into Idlib, Syria, to meet with their general, Selim Idriss, and to sit with their commanders. McCain came under fire once his travel photos were posted by his office online, because one of the men he posed with was identified by kidnap victims as their captor in a highly publicized case when the FSA had kidnapped a large bus-load of travelers on a religious pilgrimage. McCain's illegal trip to Syria flew in the face of McCain's anger at Mexican migrants illegally crossing the border into America. McCain entered Syria illegally, without any visa, exactly mirroring the Mexican migrants. A Syrian Christian citizen of the US had been videoed confronting McCain publicly when she told him the FSA were slaughtering Christians in Syria, and they were not the 'freedom fighters' he proclaimed them to be. In 2014, the FSA attacked and killed the Armenian Christians at Kessab, Syria, on the Turkish border. The quaint village has never recovered, and was reduced to a near ghost town.

The Free Syrian Army

The US military advisors had warned that the weapons the US was sending to the FSA in Syria could potentially end up in the hands of Al Qaeda. That is exactly what happened. The FSA proved to be a very weak, an ineffective fighting force against the SAA, which was a national army conscripted from every male over 18 in Syria who is not enrolled in a university. The FSA lost battle after battle, until they put out a call to their brothers-in-arms, Al Qaeda, who immediately came pouring in the country from Turkey, which was a transit point for international terrorists on their way to fight jihad in Syria.

Obama's goal was to replace President Bashar al-Assad in Damascus with a malleable Muslim Brotherhood politician, like what Obama had accomplished successfully in Egypt with the US-rigged election that put Mohamed Mursi in office, who was a Muslim Brotherhood card-carrying member. Obama was faced with a dilemma once his FSA had morphed into Al Qaeda. How could he continue to support them through congressional approval? He got around that predicament by continuing to call them FSA, even though that group no longer existed.

Idlib under the Muslim Brotherhood

The final 'rebel'-held territory in Syria is Idlib, a small province sandwiched between Latakia and Aleppo, and whose only resource is olive trees and agriculture. But, it sits strategically on the Turkish border, and Turkey continues to support and defend the terrorists in Idlib.

Turkey is ruled by President Erdogan of the AKP party, and they are aligned with the Muslim Brotherhood. Idlib is controlled by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, under the command of Mohamed al-Julani, who is a Syrian that fought against the US in Iraq with Al Qaeda, and an associate of ISIS leader Mustapha Baghdadi. The plan was for Julani to leave Iraq, go to Syria and set up an ISIS branch there, but instead Julani set up his own terrorist group in Syria, Jabhat al-Nusra, which became the Al Qaeda affiliate in Syria. Their extreme brutal tactics in Syria against civilians got them listed as an outlawed terrorist group, and this created a dilemma for the US. How could they continue to fund and support a terrorist group? The Obama administration simply re-branded the group as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. A simple name change kept the funding, defense and support for the terrorists flowing from Washington, DC, through their ally Turkey. Every humanitarian truck passing from Turkey to Idlib is unloaded, warehoused and distributed by the terrorists.

Julani built a large and modern shopping center, Al Hamra, in Idlib, which sells the excess humanitarian aid from the UN and other international aid organizations that was withheld from civilians because they are not aligned with Julani and his terrorist group. If you complain about the fact Julani and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham refuse to allow women and girls to participate in education programs offered by international aid groups, you will be off the list of receiving aid, and be forced to buy the basic items you need with US dollars. Julani became a star when he took off his war clothes, and wore an Italian silk suit and tie. The occasion was a high-level American media interview, in which Washington was trying to sell the western audience on supporting Julani, while he held 3 million civilians in Idlib as human shields.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 14. Turkiye is interested in participating in business projects implemented in industrial parks in the territories of Azerbaijan liberated from occupation, Trend reports.

The Economic Zones Development Agency of Azerbaijan noted that a meeting was held with a delegation of the Foreign Economic Relations Board of Turkiye (DEIK) headed by the Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Council of Turkish-Azerbaijani Cooperation, Kemal Koroglu.

Deputy Chairman of the Board of the Economic Zones Development Agency of Azerbaijan, Seymur Adigozalov informed about the existing industrial zones in Azerbaijan, investment opportunities created for businessmen, and a presentation of industrial zones was also demonstrated.

In addition, Kemal Koroglu expressed the interest of the Turkish side in participating in business projects implemented in the industrial zones of Azerbaijan, mainly in industrial parks in the territories liberated from occupation, and in exchanging experience in relevant fields.

In general, 134 business entities have received the status of resident in the industrial zones of Azerbaijan, and 68 of them have already started production activities.

The total volume of their investments is more than 7.2 billion manat ($4.2 billion).

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Whenever I've brought up the subject of slavery and its legacy in a classroom, at least one student is quick to inform me that slavery was practiced everywhere in the world. In other words, lots of people were enslaved! This individual assumed, and rightly so, that I would focus on American slavery, given my race! Perhaps now that an objection has been rendered, I would oblige the white students at least and drop the matter. If nothing else, I was to recognize in this person's glaring eyes how angry I had made him or her by suggesting slavery had left a legacy in America. Maybe the tension in the room would cause me to rethink my intent to discuss the legacy of American slavery.

Because journalist professor Howard W. French's Born in Blackness: Africa, Africans, and the Making of the Modern World, 1471 to the Second World War was published in 2021, I never had the opportunity to teach my students about the "age-old practice" that developed in the sub-Saharan regions of Africa. A practice that stripped millions of people of their humanity. I never had the opportunity to trace the development of the enslavement of Africans and their descendants under European colonization, for the benefit of the Western world's concept of itself as a civilized free people. I never had the opportunity to offer French's analysis of that practice of enslavement that "civilized" Europeans and Americans alike because, as French writes, the blackness of Africans "offered the convenient rationale of a categorical difference from whites, something that became a prime justification for a new and soon to be dramatic expansion of slavery".

Contrary to Governor Ron DeSantis' belief that descendants of American slavery benefited from their captivity, the bondage of black Africans that became a boom for capitalists around the globe, not just here in the US. Slavery helps bring the so-called "dark ages" into the light. But, yes, here in the US, the enslavement of black Africans allows the US to amass wealth and grow an Empire, in which, in turn, enslaves the conquered population that consists of blacks, Aborigines, indigenous, Latino/as and Asians. But here in the US, it is that enslavement of black Americans that makes the subject of American slavery an uncomfortable one in homes where parents and other family members have long hoped that blacks would cease and desist talk about slavery. We see evidence of this in college classrooms. In the glaring stares of white students. Or at community meetings to discuss anti-black, among adults who, too, have long ceased and desisted talk about slavery and its legacy.

The legacy of slavery, however, offered American colonialists a brand of white supremacy, still a factor in the lives of black Americans, as it still justifies a fear and hatred of black Americans. It was Afro-European contact, explains French, that "changed the way that people everywhere not just Europeans saw the world and understood their humanity, in increasingly relativist ways." Even among those who insist on being our allies, we are marginalized, if not excluded, still, in the 21st century. The legacy of slavery is white supremacy and that it persists in a system of oppression and exploitation of black Americans.

A few years back, after yet another meeting in a predominantly white town, on "diversity," a well-dressed white woman stood up, and looking straight across the table at me, one of two blacks in attendance, let me know that she was in accordance with her and my racial ranking on that hierarchical ladder. The others in the room were gathering their things and put on the coats and didn't hear this woman as she referred to the last protest, she attended back in the late 1960s and early 1970s when a police baton struck the side of her head. She looked at me as if I had held that police baton all those many years ago, and when she finally looked away to gather her things, I heard her explain that she had done her part. The baton was enough. The injury to her head enough. I heard the question she didn't ask out loud: what more do black Americans want from her? She didn't have to utter this sentiment. I understood. I understood when I was facing her backside as she walked away from the table. I understood that for her, black Americans haven't mattered for a long time. If black Americans matter even then, on that day when she attended a protest and found herself being treated like a black American by law enforcement.

I can count two white women as friends. I thought about after reading professor and writer, Brittany Cooper's Forward in The Trouble with White Women: A Counterhistory of Feminism. "I don't count very many white women among my friend group, for precisely the reason that this book so deftly analyzes," Cooper writes. I immediately thought about my effort, not necessarily completely successful, of removing myself from toxic situations where, with some white women, I will also be that second-class woman, let alone, second-class human being.

Of my two white friends, both are readers. They read black writers. One, in particular, was a former student turned friend and holds a doctorate herself and, just like The Trouble with White Women's author, has long embraced and "engaged the work of black, indigenous, and trans women". In fact, this friend suggested this book when I emailed about what happened with my attempt to work with a local community organization to address the matter of an anti-black atmosphere in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

My cancer, in remission, at least "stable", I thought I would see if I could do something to abolish this anti-black atmosphere in this town. This is the town where members of the women studies collective supported the racist patriarchal order by never inviting me to a meeting, even though I taught a women of color course and at least one African American women's course. And, 23 years later, this town still has no viable black organization dedicated to social justice, race and equity. Nonetheless, I thought I would check out the Race and Equity Commission meetings held downtown this summer. I really had no expectations. So I wasn't disappointed or shocked when, after three meetings, I heard a representative on the commission deny the existence of racism in Kenosha. When the only black woman on the commission attempted to rebuke this claim, she was told that she was "out of order". Seated next to me at this third meeting was a representative from Congregations United to Serve Humanity (CUSH). In fact, a member of its staff. I nudged her and said, "that's it for me".

When it comes to black people in town, white residents equated with the "riots" of 2020 when black people attempted to destroy Kenosha's downtown. Period. On the other hand, I have yet to hear a white resident make a negative statement about Kyle Rittenhouse or say anything that would identify with the humanity of Jacob Blake, a victim of a police shooting in 2020.

The representative and I exchanged email addresses and agreed to come together over the remaining summer months to discuss some course of action to confront anti-black in Kenosha. By late summer, we agreed to hold book and film sessions to be presented to the librarians. The books would include, The Flag and the Cross : White Christian Nationalism and the Threat to American Democracy, Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted A Faith and Fractured A Nation (both titles are recommendations of the representative, by the way), White Rage: The Unspoken Truth of Our Racial Divide, Race and Reunion: The Civil War in American Memory, and the James Baldwin documentary, I'm Not Your Negro.

The CUSH staffer would work on informing the organization's board of directors and the key administration personnel at the Kenosha Public Library (KPL) while I worked on preparing notes for each text, along with questions, and a curriculum.

The meetings with the representative had ceased almost a month before this meeting with church leaders. Whenever I contacted her for an update, she indicated that she was waiting on her end for a meeting or waiting for members to come together. After all, it's the summer. I was concerned about the reception for a project that focused on anti-black rather than "diversity." Was the subject of white supremacy in Kenosha too much for Kenosha? Too much for CUSH? Too much for the KPL? I said as much in an email. I also indicated that I could write a piece that reflected the trouble with calling for an anti-black, CUSH task force in Kenosha.

And there was another matter. The collective of women from 23 years ago, at the university, who refused to meet with me. Some of those mainly white women would still be around. Particularly, one who did little to encourage the women of this collective to be inclusive, fair, at least, if not intent on abolishing white supremacy.

This woman, I found out, was now a key member of CUSH's staff! But then I finally received an email. There will be a meeting, at a church. The audience: pastors and rabbis!

And where is the Kenosha Public Library in all of this?

Cordial and respectful, the pastors and rabbis were, nonetheless, baffled. As was I! Was this the CUSH leadership? I had received an email from the pastor and member of CUSH asking how long would I need to resent my presentation. I responded that I would only need 10 minutes, although I had done enough work to present for 30 minutes.

On that day, I gave my 10-minute presentation, interrupted once by the organization's staffer herself. The meeting started at least 20 minutes late, as the pastors and rabbis had expected more church leaders in attendance. But since the attack by Hamas in Israel, both rabbis, pastors, and Imans had priorities elsewhere.

But now, I was to hurry along!

After a few minutes, one of the pastors asked how could they, a coalition of church leaders, help? Were these sessions intended for them?

The CUSH staffer looked past the pastor to me! She wasn't sure! I felt as if I somehow forced a meeting with these people, taking up their time with a subject that they had no intentions of tackling in isolation. In other words, white nationalism is okay, as long as we don't discuss the anti-black racism at its core. And white nationalism was on the agenda. A pastor of color spoke of attending an event on white nationalism and feeling out of place since she was neither black nor white. What about these discussions of white nationalism that seem to focus only on the relations between black and white Americans?

I stated that the staff member and I had been discussing these book and film sessions to be offered to librarians. It was difficult to talk about the lived experiences of black people in Kenosha among people who were living, for the most part, a more comfortable, middle-class lifestyle.

In the end, to the credit of the church leaders, they agreed to consider my proposal, and even suggested working on how the church leaders could participate in this project. When I looked around at the end of the meeting, I noticed that the staff had left, but before I left the church, she texted me. How about a meeting on November 1st ? Have a curriculum prepared!

Did this CUSH staffer see me? No, not really. When she referred to her middle-class status early on, she put up a wall between us. She was the privileged one!

Perhaps I should have suggested a discussion on another form of violence: white feminism. White feminism is akin to white supremacy.

As professor of women's, gender, and sexuality studies Kyla Schuller explains in The Trouble with White Women, centering "middle-class, white, cis women", white feminism excludes everyone else, and is, she adds, "likely to be motivated by racial self-interest". White feminism is not only capable of suppressing women of color, but it does also suppress the interests of women of color. The failure to see women of color is in white feminism's DNA.

Advancing the agenda of white supremacy, white feminism actively engages the violence of suppression. Schuller. quoting scholar Ruby Hamad, warns about that "proverbial bus" black women will find themselves underneath when push comes to shove! Having benefited from women's suffrage and civil rights, white feminism looks to conquer the world, and it does so, writes scholar Ruby Hamad, by "maintaining white power structures".

As "an active form of harm", white feminism serves to advance individual women "up the corporate ladder". On the other hand, given that white feminism is birthed during the women's suffrage movement when Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony both argued against extending rights to "black rapists" and "outside barbarians," its call for the incarceration of people of color is logical.

In short, Schuller writes, "white feminist objectives work to liberate privileged women while keeping other structures intact." Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, the first black feminist, realized that black and white women didn't share "the same concerns and priorities". White women, she argued, could be allies, but they also could be trouble.

Reform, therefore, writes Schuller, isn't a solution. If white feminism received a dose of "awareness, diversity, equity, and inclusion", it would no longer be considered white feminism. "Expanding white feminism's tent will not transform the materials of which it is made."

An alternative to white feminism, Schuller writes, is intersectionality. This form of feminism "pushes back against white feminism and advances new horizons of justice". As a theory and a movement, it emphasizes that "the fight for gender justice must be approached in tandem with the fights for racial, economic, sexual, and disability justice, and ought to be led by those most affected by these systems of exploitation working in coalition with everyone else".

More on intersectionality feminism in a follow-up article, but for now the "long-standing cozy relationship with the racist status quo", as Schuller writes, is problematic in a society aiming to fully embrace democracy. One out of two white women, most considering themselves feminist, "supported the most misogynist, white supremacist US president in a century".
This article originally appeared at TomDispatch.com. To receive TomDispatch in your inbox three times a week, click here.

I started this website in the wake of the 9/11 attacks and the launching of what President George W. Bush quickly labeled "the Global War on Terror." And here we are, 22 years after Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld stood in the ruins of the Pentagon and told an aide, "Near term target needs go massive sweep it all up, things related and not." In retrospect, that "and not" proved almost beyond imagining. The invaluable Costs of War Project has estimated, for instance, that, thanks directly to the war on terror, nearly one million people on this planet have died and at least 3.6 million deaths were related, however indirectly, to it.

So, it's worth asking: Did anyone or any institution benefit from all that war-making (other than some still spreading terror groups)? Well, you could certainly say that the U.S. military did. Forget that it proved truly victorious nowhere in the more than two decades that followed 9/11, and just consider that it's now the most well-financed military on the planet by a country mile. Within the next few years, its annual budget could reach a trillion dollars, no small thing for a military that, in this century, has proven capable of winning so little. Just imagine that, after so many years of failure, this country now accounts for nearly 40% of all military expenditures on Planet Earth, more than the next 10 countries combined. Wouldn't you call that a victory of the first order?

Stranger yet, after so many years despite disasters from Afghanistan to Iraq and beyond as TomDispatch regular and managing editor Nick Turse makes strikingly clear in his latest piece, that all-too-well-funded military is still fighting the war President Bush launched against terror groups, even if now on a continent that few Americans think about: Africa. Let Turse, who has followed this country's African (mis)adventures in a way no other reporter has, fill you in on its never-ending set of conflicts there and the terror groups that help it go on, and on, and on, and on. Tom

The Pentagon Proclaims Failure in its War on Terror in Africa

America's Forever Wars Yield a 75,000% Increase in Terror Attacks

By Nick Turse

America's Global War on Terror has seen its share of stalemates, disasters, and outright defeats. During 20-plus years of armed interventions, the United States has watched its efforts implode in spectacular fashion, from Iraq in 2014 to Afghanistan in 2021. The greatest failure of its "Forever Wars," however, may not be in the Middle East, but in Africa.

"Our war on terror begins with al-Qaeda, but it does not end there. It will not end until every terrorist group of global reach has been found, stopped, and defeated," President George W. Bush told the American people in the immediate wake of the 9/11 attacks, noting specifically that such militants had designs on "vast regions" of Africa.

To shore up that front, the U.S. began a decades-long effort to provide copious amounts of security assistance, train many thousands of African military officers, set up dozens of outposts, dispatch its own commandos on all manner of missions, create proxy forces, launch drone strikes, and even engage in direct ground combat with militants in Africa. Most Americans, including members of Congress, are unaware of the extent of these operations. As a result, few realize how dramatically America's shadow war there has failed.

The raw numbers alone speak to the depths of the disaster. As the United States was beginning its Forever Wars in 2002 and 2003, the State Department counted a total of just nine terrorist attacks in Africa. This year, militant Islamist groups on that continent have, according to the Pentagon, already conducted 6,756 attacks. In other words, since the United States ramped up its counterterrorism operations in Africa, terrorism has spiked 75,000%.

Let that sink in for a moment.

75,000%.

A Conflict that Will Live in Infamy

The U.S. wars in Afghanistan and Iraq opened to military successes in 2001 and 2003 that quickly devolved into sputtering occupations. In both countries, Washington's plans hinged on its ability to create national armies that could assist and eventually take over the fight against enemy forces. Both U.S.-created militaries would, in the end, crumble. In Afghanistan, a two-decade-long war ended in 2021 with the rout of an American-built, -funded, -trained, and -armed military as the Taliban recaptured the country. In Iraq, the Islamic State nearly triumphed over a U.S.-created Iraqi army in 2014, forcing Washington to reenter the conflict. U.S. troops remain embattled in Iraq and neighboring Syria to this very day.

In Africa, the U.S. launched a parallel campaign in the early 2000s, supporting and training African troops from Mali in the west to Somalia in the east and creating proxy forces that would fight alongside American commandos. To carry out its missions, the U.S. military set up a network of outposts across the northern tier of the continent, including significant drone bases - from Camp Lemonnier and its satellite outpost Chabelley Airfield in the sun-bleached nation of Djibouti to Air Base 201 in Agadez, Niger and tiny facilities with small contingents of American special operations troops in nations ranging from Libya and Niger to the Central African Republic and South Sudan.

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Update 10:30 a.m. ODOT reports the crash has been cleared, all southbound lanes have reopened.

A male pedestrian was killed in an early morning crash in the southbound lanes of Southeast McLoughlin Boulevard near Holgate, according to a recent release from the Portland Police Bureau.

Officers responded to the scene about 6:15 a.m. and found the pedestrian deceased in the roadway. The southbound lanes of Southeast McLoughlin are closed to all traffic from the Ross Island Bridge to Southeast Cora Street. The involved driver remained at the scene.

The roadway is expected to remain closed through the morning commute. The Oregon Department of Transportation has a detour in place for southbound drivers. Northbound traffic is also slow in the area.

Anyone with information about this crash is asked to email Traffic Investigators at crimetips@police.portlandoregon.gov and reference case number 23-296328.
Frank Gable is seeking more than $2 million from the state of Oregon for his wrongful conviction in the 1989 killing of Oregon prison chief Michael Francke.

Chicago-based lawyers filed a petition on Gables behalf in court on Tuesday, seeking compensation for the 29 years and 81 days that Gable spent in prison for the crime.
No. 6 Oregon travels to Arizona State on Saturday (1 p.m., Fox).

Dan Lanning held his weekly press conference tonight to review last weeks win over USC and preview the matchup with the Sun Devils.

Below is a transcript of Lannings press conference.
Headed into an eighth day with no classes in Portland Public Schools, the main points of contention in the historic Portland teachers strike are wages and class sizes. But teachers and the district are also wrestling over another contract provision  a policy that results in dramatically higher rates of suspension for Native and Black students, compared to their white peers.

The teachers union has six main demands, according to Francisca Alvarez, a member of the Portland Association of Teachers bargaining team. Alvarez said the main issues include salary increases and more planning time for teachers, class size limits, support for students health and safety and mental health support for students.

Another policy under debate has drawn attention from critics who say it results in higher rates of discipline for non-white students. One contract provision, Article 9, lays out mandatory minimum suspensions for middle and high school students. The policy sets a minimum of five days of suspension when a student creates a threat or causes fear of harm.

Teachers do not issue suspensions. Instead, they write referrals and school administrators ultimately decide which students are suspended or expelled. However, the current language of the policy removes administrator discretion.

Education experts say the method for issuing suspensions is too subjective  based on a teacher perceiving a threat or fear of harm. The result is that students of color are far more likely to be suspended than white students across the district, particularly Black and Native American students. And that has an impact far beyond students experiences in middle and high school.

Disproportionate rates of discipline are actually leading to systemic poverty, said Tamara Henderson, Laguna Pueblo, chief operating officer at the Native American Youth and Family Center and president of the Oregon Indian Education Association.

In a district with nearly 45,000 students across more than 80 schools, just 0.5% of students identified solely as Native American this school year. According to the same data set, students who identify solely as Black accounted for 8.3% of the student population. By comparison, 54.6% of students in the district identified as White. (This data is skewed, because it does not account for mixed students who identify as Native or Black and some other ethnicity, with 6.8% of students identifying as multi-racial.)

Yet students of color are much more likely to be suspended than their white peers.

According to data collected by Portland Public Schools, students of color were far more likely to be suspended or expelled during the 2022-2023 school year than their white counterparts. Among the districts Native American students, more than 12% were subject to exclusionary discipline last year, and 11% of Black students were. The proportion of white students receiving out-of-school discipline was a fraction of that: 2.4%.

Said another way, Native American students are 5 times more likely to be suspended or expelled than white students. And Black students in Portland schools are 4.6 times more likely to be suspended or expelled than white students.

Both the district and the teachers association have brought forward proposals to modify the language of Article 9. The proposals share an emphasis on restorative justice. Still, the two sides dont agree on exactly how to change the policy.

The district proposal to change Article 9 suggests getting rid of mandatory minimum suspensions, which are currently set at five days.

Black, Native American, and other students of color are referred out of class significantly more often, the districts bargaining team said in a Nov. 3 letter to families. Students receiving special education services also bear the burden of disproportionate discipline. This discipline is far from the root of the term discipline: to instruct, train, and educate.

The teachers union, on the other hand, called for creating intervention spaces where students could be sent during the school day if they are exhibiting disruptive behavior. The union proposal also requests a more rigorous tracking system for referrals  the mechanism that results in suspensions.

The district declined to comment for this story, citing ongoing negotiations. But in its letter, it criticized that proposal.

Under their initial proposal, the grounds for excluding students would remain highly subjective, the letter said. Rather than terms that would decrease how long or how often students are excluded, their proposal would create an intervention space in each school. We believe the creation of such a space would not only make it far easier to exclude a student, but also increase the stigma associated with that exclusion. Student exclusion is student exclusion, whether that means leaving class or the building.

Alvarez, the union representative, said highly disproportionate rates of discipline raise a larger question: whether students of color are getting the support they need at Portland schools.

One indicator of student support is whether or not they see themselves reflected in the classroom  interacting with educators and other staffers of color and engaging with a curriculum that reflects their experiences.

If I noticed that several students of color are getting referrals, that should be a red flag for me to go underneath the line and do research to find the root of the problem, Alvarez said. We dont have the supports in place to support our students of color.

This story is co-published by Underscore News and ICT, a news partnership that covers Indigenous communities in the Pacific Northwest.
Passing the bar exam is no longer the only way to become a lawyer in Oregon.

Students at the states three law schools can now bypass the grueling two-day test by logging hundreds of hours at a law firm and then submitting samples of their work for review under a new system approved last week by the Oregon Supreme Court.
Octavia Spencers new docuseries Lost Women of Highway 20 is based on the 2018 series from The Oregonian/OregonLive that revealed former state highway worker John Ackroyd was a serial killer. It is currently the second most popular show streaming on Max, also known as HBO Max.

Watch the full two-hour documentary about Ackroyd and his victims Kaye Turner, Rachanda Pickle and others: Watch on YouTube.

The five parts focused on the women who disappeared or were attacked along the highway that runs from Newport to Santiam Junction and beyond. Oregon. The online series was accompanied by a full documentary by video editor Dave Killen. Enterprise reporter Noelle Crombie wrote the series and multimedia journalist Beth Nakamura was the photographer. The project editor was Margaret Haberman, senior managing producer.

Part One of the original series, Ghosts of Highway 20, focused on Marlene Gabrielsen, who miraculously survived an attack by Ackroyd. Police didnt believe her report of rape and Ackroyd went on to kill other women he encountered along the highway.

Part Two looks at the disappearance and death of Kaye Turner, whose murder Ackroyd was tried and convicted for years later.

Part Three told the story of Rachanda Pickle, Ackroyds stepdaughter, whose disappearance led police to refocus on Ackroyd and his involvement in Kaye Turners disappearance.

Part Four focused on Melissa Sanders and Sheila Swanson, two teenagers who knew Ackroyd and also disappeared. Investigators are certain Ackroyd killed them.

Part Five traces the eventual unmasking of Ackroyd as a repeat killer, for the first time revealing his secret plea in his young stepdaughters disappearance.

Readers can also take a deep dive into the primary documents that the journalists used for the 2018 series.

How to watch the new docuseries, which premiered Nov. 5.
A man in the custody of Washington County Jail died last week from what officials on Monday called natural causes.

Larry Hickman, 82, was arrested Nov. 6 on allegations of unlawful use of a weapon. In a press release, the Washington County Sheriffs Office said Hickman had a heart attack in jail on Nov. 8 and was taken to a hospital, where he died surrounded by family.

Sheriff Pat Garrett, who announced in September that he would retire in December, called last year for an independent investigation into the deaths of three people who died in the custody of the Washington County Jail within a few months of each other in 2022.

The outcome of that investigation was not immediately available Monday.

 Beth Slovic; bslovic@oregonian.com; 503-221-8551

Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe
Cairo, Egypt, US (PANA) - Trucks transporting desperately needed aid into Gaza could stop rolling on Tuesday due to a lack of fuel, a senior official with the UN humanitarian affairs office, OCHA, has warned
Port-Louis, Mauritius (PANA) - The Mauritius-Africa Business Club, which is a platform to encourage and enhance investments into the African continent by promoting and sharing market intelligence about Africa business framework, celebrated its 10th anniversary on Monday
Nairobi, Kenya (PANA) - The UN World Food Programme (WFP) warned on Monday that conflict, high food prices and climate shocks on East Africa, continue to leave millions of people not knowing where their next meal will come from
WestRock and ENGIE Sign Agreement to Add Renewable Energy to U.S. Grid

Two virtual power purchase agreements between WestRock and Engie North America will contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions on the U.S. energy grid beginning in 2024. Two virtual power purchase agreements between WestRock and Engie North America will contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions on the U.S. energy grid beginning in 2024.

Nov. 14, 2023 - WestRock today announced it has entered into two virtual power purchase agreements (VPPAs) with ENGIE North America, a regional hub of ENGIE, a French multinational utility company. The VPPAs are designed to add renewable energy to the U.S. energy grid and mark a step forward in WestRock's commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The agreements support two of ENGIE's solar projects  Bernard Creek located in Wharton County, Texas and Chillingham Solar located in Bell County, Texas  for an aggregate of 282 megawatts (MW).

The new projects comprise one element of WestRock's strategy to pursue a science-based target (SBT) to reduce Scope 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas emissions by 27.5% by 2030. Schneider Electric provided advisory services and strategy management for the WestRock and ENGIE agreements.

"We are pleased to play a role in the development of clean energy from large scale solar projects and to join forces with ENGIE and Schneider Electric to add more renewable energy to the grid," said David B. Sewell, CEO at WestRock.

WestRock will contract 207 MW from Bernard Creek, a 230 MW solar project which is located southwest of Houston and is expected to have an annual output of approximately 500,000 MWh. The project, slated for completion in the first half of 2024, is expected to generate more than $45 million in revenue for Wharton County over its lifespan and to create more than 250 jobs during construction.

Additionally, WestRock will contract 75 MW from ENGIE's 350 MW Chillingham Solar project. Chillingham will help support two local school districts with an estimated $70 million in revenue generated over the life of the project, of which $53 million will be paid directly to the school districts. WestRock's share of Chillingham is expected to be approximately 200,000 MWh per year.

WestRock (NYSE:WRK) partners with its customers to provide differentiated, sustainable paper and packaging solutions that help them win in the marketplace. WestRock's team members support customers around the world from locations spanning North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Australia.

SOURCE: WestRock Company
Photo: (Photo : Photo by Mikail Duran on Unsplash)

In a concerning revelation, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released survey data on Monday, showing that nearly 49 million people in the US, aged 12 and older, grappled with a substance use disorder in 2022. This alarming statistic translates to more than one in six individuals facing such challenges.

The survey, which represented a significant portion of the American population, found that approximately 30 million people were battling alcohol use disorders. In addition, around 27 million people were dealing with drug use disorders, which included nearly 6 million individuals suffering from opioid use disorders.

A notable overlap was observed where about 8 million people were coping with both alcohol and drug use disorders. The severity of these disorders was profound, with more than one in five individuals categorized as having severe conditions.

Mental Illness and Depressive Episodes in Adolescents

The HHS survey also highlighted mental health issues, with nearly a quarter of adults suffering from mental illness. A concerning overlap was seen in 1 in 12 adults who experienced both mental illness and substance use disorders.

The data showed that mental health issues were not confined to adults, as nearly 5 million adolescents, or about one in five of those aged 12 to 17, had a major depressive episode in the past year.

HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra, during a briefing, pointed out that the opioid crisis remains one of the United States' most significant public health challenges. This year's report emphasizes the continuing struggles of millions of Americans, both young and old, with mental health and substance use issues, often concurrently.

The survey indicated a rise in substance use disorders, with an increase of approximately 2.5 million people from 2021 to 2022.

Alongside this, there was a troubling uptick in suicidal thoughts among both adults and adolescents. Factors contributing to these trends are varied, with some experts citing the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic as a significant contributor.

Despite these daunting figures, there are glimmers of hope. The survey noted a decrease in alcohol use among adolescents and tobacco use across most age groups. Additionally, a majority of adults who perceive themselves as having a substance use or mental health challenge consider themselves to be in recovery.

Read Also: Chris Daughtry Feels Guilty for Not Calling Daughter More Before She Died by Suicide

Drug Overdose Deaths and the Need for Treatment

The data comes at a time when drug overdose deaths are near record highs and millions are not receiving the necessary treatment.

President Joe Biden has proposed billions of dollars to bolster substance use disorder services and combat drug trafficking. The new data underscores the urgent need for additional funding and resources to address this public health crisis comprehensively.

As the country faces this daunting challenge, the call for substantial support and action resonates across states and communities, transcending political boundaries. This issue, as Dr. Rahul Gupta of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy asserts, affects millions of Americans across the country, underscoring the need for a unified and robust response.

Related Article: Hayden Panettiere Admits Her Substance Abuse Issues Forced Her to Part from Daughter
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ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, November 14. Turkmenistan and Iran confirmed readiness to deepen constructive ties in the fuel and energy sector, Trend reports.

This readiness was confirmed by the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the new Iranian Ambassador to Ashgabat Ali Mojtaba Roozbahani during their meeting.

During the meeting, the parties stressed the positive dynamics of building up relations in priority areas, expressing interest in building up partnership also in the transport and communication, construction and agricultural sectors.

Furthermore, they also discussed the development of cooperation between the two countries within the framework of international organizations, primarily in the UN.

The ambassador noted that he would make every effort to further develop the partnership between the two countries and bring them to a qualitatively new level.

Meanwhile, Azerbaijan, Iran and Turkmenistan signed a contract on swap gas supplies in the Turkmen capital on November 28, 2021. The document provided for the supply of Turkmen gas to Azerbaijan through Iran in the amount of up to 1.5-2 billion cubic meters per year.

Azerbaijan's Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov and Iranian Oil Minister Javad Owji signed a memorandum of understanding in Baku in the middle of last year, according to which it was envisaged to double the supply of Turkmen gas to Azerbaijan through Iran.

Stay up to date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
At a glance Expert's Rating Pros Up to 8TB of capacity

Small and rugged

Far faster than hard drives Cons Only 5Gbps USB (400MBps)

Silicon-like jacket attracts small particulate matter Our Verdict Though not the swiftest of USB drives, the small, rugged Samsung T5 EVO compensates with up to 8TB of affordable capacity. If youre not in a hurry youll the love the space it provides for your stuff.

Price When Reviewed

595,79 Euro

Best Prices Today: Samsung T5 EVO portable SSD

Retailer Price 589.89 View Deal Product Price

The Samsung T5 EVO is a ruggedized, good-looking portable SSD, but what sets it apart from the crowd is that its available with up to 8TB of capacity. That, folks, is a lot of space.

The T5 EVO is slow for a modern external SSD, though it beats a 2.5-inch hard drive for performance and the ability to withstand abuse by a country mile. If youre looking for scintillating speed, look elsewhere. If youre about capacity, look here.

Further reading: See our roundup of the best external drives to learn about competing products.

What are the T5 EVOs features?

The T5 EVO is a USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps) external SSD that measures approximately 3.75-inches long, by 0.6-inches thick, by 1.57-inches wide. That length includes a 0.4-inch metal loop at one end that you can use for attaching a lanyard or the like.

The drive weighs around 4 ounces and feels solid in the hand. Its also covered with a sure-grip, silicon-like jacket and is shock-rated up to 1500Gs should you lose your grip anyway.

Alas, the jacket also has a propensity for attracting schmutz, aka small particulate matter (see below). This picture was snapped after using a microfiber towel and canned air.

Though it feels great in your hand, the soft sleeve did seem to attract small particulate matter with a vengeance.

For aesthetic reasons and not to belabor the point, I cleaned up this next image of the T5 EVOs non-business end.

Samsung was mum about the type of controller and bridge chip used in the T5 EVO (as per normal)  however, as you might suspect with a maximum capacity of 8TB, the NAND is 176-layer QLC.

QLC stands for Quad Level Cell and can hold 4 bits of data per cell. The reason QLC tends to be slow writing is that it takes a significant amount of error checking to make sure that the proper voltage level (one of 16!) has indeed been written.

Samsung also provides its Portable SSD software (first image below) so you can turn the T5 EVOs native AES-256 encryption on and off and password protect it.

The more capable Samsung Magician software (second image below) also displays various information such as the amount of data thats been written to the drive.

Samsungs portable SSD app allows you to enable and disable secure encryption.

Note that the amount of data written shown below may seem high for a new drive, but we generally fill the drive at least once in our testing (the following image was taken before testing was complete). Normal usage will garner a far lower number.

Samsungs more powerful Magician software provides information on drive usage.

Samsung warranties the T5 EVO for three years, which is a bit parsimonious compared to the five years Crucial and others offer on their external drives. Its also deemed limited, which is par for the course, but the company didnt provide any TBW rating (terabytes that my be written over the life of the drive) pertaining to the limits.

The company does state that physical damage is not covered. I dont blame them. Youd have to run over this thing with a tank or incinerate it to kill it.

How much does the T5 EVO cost?

Pre-launch, Samsung quoted us an MSRP of $190 for the 2TB version, $350 for the 4TB, and $650 for the 8TB T5 EVO. By comparison, the far faster Samsung T9 (which isnt available in an 8TB SKU) is just $10 more in the 2TB version and, at the time of this review, actually $100 less at 4TB from Samsungs own Amazon store. We also spotted no-name 8TB SSDs for around $550.

The retail box for the 8TB T5 EVO that Samsung sent us. Kudos for not cheaping out, Samsung!

Obviously, something will have to give price-wise if the T5 EVO is to sell on anything other than brand loyalty, so keep an eye out. We expect the prices to drop rather rapidly.

Youd have to run over this thing with a tank or incinerate it to kill it.

How fast is the T5 EVO?

The T5 EVO is 5Gbps (Gen 1) USB 3.2 meaning that no matter whats inside, its basically capped at 550MBps. The only other similar-performing drive to grace our latest test bed is Teamgroups C212 thumb-sized SSD.

The C212 is actually a 10Gbps drive that only reached Gen 2-appropriate speeds with smaller data sets, not the 64GB we use with CrystalDiskMark 8.

Sequential throughput in CrystalDiskMark 8 was roughly on par for a 5Gbps USB SSD. But random write performance was a bit off. This might be at least partially due to the density and amount of NAND.

While hardly up to the standards of most USB SSDs on the chart, the T5 EVO was on target for a 5Gbps unit.

Basically, the T5 EVO is about capacity rather than stellar performance, as you can see in the charts. The 10Gbps Samsung T7 Shield, and 20Gbps T9 are far, far faster. As is the current cream of the performance crop: Crucials X10.

Random performance doesnt depend nearly as much on bus speed, so the severe drop-off in single queue performance was a bit of a surprise. Then again, it still far outperforms spinning platters.

Of course the T5 EVO was off the general pace with our 48GB file transfers, but any 5Gbps SSD would perform at roughly the same speed. We simply dont see many of those anymore, hence their absence from the performance graphs.

The TV EVO was on par for a 5Gbps USB drive in our 48Gb transfers, but slow in the overall scheme of things.

Being an 8TB drive really helped the T5 EVO as it wrote our single 450GB test file. It maintained its roughly 400MBps pace until we threw another 1.5TB at it. At that point, writing dropped to around 195MBps and stayed there.

The T5 EVO wrote steadily at just under 400MBps. Having 8TB of NAND meant it would never run out of secondary cache in this test. Speed off cache is around 195MBps.

Outside of an initial copy, few people will write 1.5TB of data at any one time, so take that with a grain of salt. With time to recover secondary cache, you should rarely see the performance drop.

Should you buy the T5 EVO?

If affordable capacity from a top-name vendor is what you seek, then you should target the T5 EVO. Its no barn-burner, but its certainly fast enough for most tasks, and theres no arguing the amount of digital stuff it can fit. The case becomes even more compelling if Samsung drops the prices to competitive levels, as I expect will happen.

How we test

External drive tests currently utilize Windows 11, 64-bit running on an X790 (PCIe 4.0/5.0) motherboard/i5-12400 CPU combo with two Kingston Fury 32GB DDR5 4800MHz modules (64GB of memory total). Both 20Gbps USB and Thunderbolt 4 are integrated to the back panel and Intel CPU/GPU graphics are used. The 48GB transfer tests utilize an ImDisk RAM disk taking up 58GB of the 64GB of total memory. The 450GB file is transferred from a 2TB Samsung 990 Pro which also runs the OS.

Each test is performed on a newly formatted and TRIMd drive so the results are optimal. Note that in normal use, as a drive fills up, performance may decrease due to less NAND for secondary caching, as well as other factors. This can be less of a factor with the current crop of SSDs with far faster late generation NAND.

Caveat: The performance numbers shown apply only to the drive we were shipped and to the capacity tested. SSD performance can and will vary by capacity due to more or fewer chips to shotgun reads/writes across and the amount of NAND available for secondary caching. Vendors also occasionally swap components. If you ever notice a large discrepancy between the performance you experience and that which we report, by all means, let us know.
Head of Africa Region Economic Research at Standard Bank parent company of Stanbic Bank Ghana, Jibran Qureishi, has emphasized the importance of an efficient and timely debt restructuring in rebuilding investor confidence.



He said this is key in restoring macroeconomic balance and promoting inclusive and sustainable growth in Ghana.



Mr. Qureishi said this when he spoke on Financial Market Insights at the Stanbic Bank Global Market Client Session held at the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City Accra. According to him, We must understand the historical context leading to the need for debt restructuring and explore the root causes that led to it rather than diving straight into the technicalities. When I returned to Africa in 2012 the prevailing narrative was one of Africa rising, with the continent touted as the last frontier for economic growth and development. Africa was experiencing significant advancements, including the discovery of new oil reserves and substantial investments in the mining sector. Infrastructure projects were booming, and external capital became more accessible due to global economic responses after the 2007-2008 financial crisis.



He continued that However, a notable shift occurred around 2006-2007, when Africas investment needs surpassed its domestic savings. Rather than emphasizing the importance of boosting domestic savings, the focus turned towards external borrowing due to the affordability of the funds. This external capital was directed toward financing various investments on the continent, resulting in a substantial reliance on commercial borrowing.



Mr. Qureishi further argued that the primary reason for the current debt restructuring challenges lies in this strategic shift.



He said African nations borrowed extensively for infrastructure investments, but many of these projects failed to yield the expected returns, with tax revenue growth also playing catch-up. Commercial debts with shorter repayment periods were taken on, and now, these debts are maturing while the investments struggle to generate sufficient returns. This situation is at the heart of the current debt restructuring issues faced by many African nations, including Ghana, which of course have been exacerbated the quick succession of external shocks since the 2020 pandemic, rise in geopolitical tensions and global monetary policy tightening.



The Stanbic Bank Global Market Client Session is an executive platform for networking, discussing critical issues, and sharing insights on financial markets. The event was held under the theme, Charting Ghanas Markets: Building Resilience through Structured Solutions.







Source: Peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Since 2017, Speciallady Awareness NGO has consistently conducted outreach projects in various communities and schools in Ghana as part of its ongoing initiatives. The organisation has donated medical supplies and sanitary products valued at over $150,000. These outreach efforts have focused on promoting reproductive health rights and addressing menstrual poverty.



On November 3, 2023, Speciallady Awareness visited Mepe and Agbetikpo in North Tongu, where the overflow of water from the Akosombo Dam had displaced hundreds of individuals in the Mepe and Battor areas of the North Tongu District in the Volta Region.



The severe impact of this disaster in the area prompted Speciallady Awareness to launch a comprehensive outreach project to assist flood victims and address issues related to reproductive health rights and menstrual poverty. The initial phase involved distributing sanitary products and baby essentials to women and children to alleviate the immediate suffering of flood victims in the area.



In addition, on November 8, the NGO visited Wiamoase in the Ashanti Region, specifically choosing Okomfo Anokye Senior High School for an educational project aimed at addressing reproductive health disorders and combating menstrual poverty.



The initiative educated 1500 female students on topics such as menstrual hygiene, gynaecological conditions and rights, empowering the youth with knowledge and control over their health decisions.



Both Dr. Elizabeth Amoaa Founder of Speciallady Awareness and Esther Obeng, University of Cape Coast Students Representative Council General Secretary gave an incredible talk on how to build resilience and leadership traits amidst life challenges and trauma.



Another crucial aspect of the outreach involved combating menstrual poverty by distributing sanitary products and providing educational sessions to break the stigma surrounding menstruation. This effort aimed to ensure that young girls don't miss school due to a lack of menstrual supplies.



During their visit to Wiamoase, the organisation engaged with the Queen Mother Nana oforiwaa Amamfo and testimonials from students and community members expressed gratitude for the positive effects of the NGO's intervention, underscoring the initiative's success.



The outreach project at Okomfo Anokye Senior High School exemplifies the transformational impact of community-based interventions, demonstrating the potential for positive change through comprehensive and inclusive initiatives.



The outreach projects were sponsored by Chibsah Foundation, Strike Ghana and Sweet Aroma Print.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









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The Vice President and Flagbearer of the NPP, Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia has been urged to continue his unifying interactions with the Christian community in the country.



Addressing Dr. Bawumia during a courtesy call at his residence over the weekend to congratulate him for his election as flagbearer of the NPP, the Council of Regional Imams said recent attacks on the person of Dr. Bawumia by NDC MP for Ningo Prampram, Sam George, over the Vice President's constant engagements with the Christian community are unfounded.



Sam George questioned the Islamic faith of Dr. Bawumia for his regular interaction with Christians and described the Vice President as a "religious prostitute" - comments which have been widely condemned.



Spokesperson of the Imams said the Vice President has done no wrong Islamically by his regular interactions with the Christian community to building religious harmony in the country.



"Your tolerance and respect for religious diversity is commendable. You are doing the right thing by maintaining a very strong relationship with the Christian community as a leader to strengthen harmony. We are one people," the Imams said.

They stressed; "The Prophet Muhammad himself had a very good relationship with non Muslims and Islam does not forbid the building and strengthening of harmonious relationship between Muslims and Christians."



"When the Prophet went to Madina, he established a very good relationship with the Christians. There are also examples of Muslim leaders in the world, including in Muslim countries who have good relationship with their Christian colleagues."



While condemning Sam George's comments, the Council urged the Vice President to continue to be for all because "we are one people in Ghana".



"The gentleman did not speak well at all because we are one people in this country. By your position, you are a politician and a leader so you belong to everyone. Continue to be for all because we are one people in Ghana", they added.

Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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The Energy Ministry has refuted what it terms distortions peddled about the sector Minister, Matthew Opoku Prempehs address in Parliament in relation to the Akosombo dam spillage.



The Ministry, in a statement signed by its Spokesperson, Kofi Abrefa Afena, states the Minister stated nothing but the truth in Parliament.



the immutable fact, remains that, the VRA had to spill at the time it did to prevent the catastrophic consequence of the collapse of the dam. That, the record wil show, that before the spill and in the month of May, 2023, VRA and NADMO conducted a live simulation exercise in Mepe.



That, the VRA, NADMO, the inter-ministerial committee, SO's, NGOs', FBOs' and indeed well-meaning Ghanaians, have supported and continue to support the communities affected by the spillage. That, responsible leaders, including Members of Parliament in partnership with VRA, NADMO and the inter-ministerial committee have also been assisting victims with relief items to be distributed to the affected communities, the Ministry established.



They emphasized that on the back of this true account, the Ministry is of the considered view that, some persons are deliberately engaging in a populist agenda by, exploiting the pain of the affected persons on the altar of political expediency.



They asked the public to disregard the distortions but continue their support for the victims and the affected areas.



The Ministry holds the view that, this move is unnecessary and will only exacerbate the pain of the affected people and also worsen their plight. The Minister nor his assigns do not intend to engage in a banter with any person or group of persons, because in the Minister's view, what is really important, is the alleviation of the plight and 'back to normal life' of the people.



Read full statement below:

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Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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Gabon's military leaders say they plan to hold a general election in August 2025.



This follows pressure from the international community to announce a timetable for the return to civilian rule.



Gen Brice Oligui Nguema seized power in August from his cousin, Ali Bongo, vowing to rescue the country from a "severe institutional" crisis.



The Central African nation had been ruled by the Bongo family for 55 years.



Although members of the interim government cannot stand in the upcoming elections, the transitional charter does not bar Gen Oligui Nguema from doing so. It is not yet clear whether he intends to.



Announcing the plans on Monday, Gabon's junta said the proposed timetable was not final and would need approval from the public during town hall-style meetings next April.



A new constitution is to be presented in October next year and adopted by the end of that year in a referendum.



Gabon's transitional leaders have made moves aimed at rebuilding trust in the government, including arresting those accused of embezzlement of state funds, forgery and other crimes.



First Lady Sylvia Bongo and her son Noureddin Bongo Valentin have both been charged with corruption, but analysts say the extended Bongo family and its allies still retain positions of power.

Source: BBC









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Medi-Moses Herbal Clinic and Prostate Centre has been adjudged Best Herbal Company of the Year Award to compliment its 30 years of Quality Health care delivery and Products at the 6th edition of the Ghana Business Awards held at the Kempinski Gold Coast Hotel on Saturday night.



The tremendous award signifies the company's stunning qualities and exceptional dedication to serve customers by providing authentic herbal products and services to all and also for being extremely respected company advocating for best business practices in the sector.



The 6th edition of the Ghana Business Awards organized by Globe Productions with support from Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture seeks to identify, honour and celebrate individuals and companies that plays a significant role in the growth and development of their business sector while recognizing the key functions within the sector that promotes growth and sustainability. The awards are also a benchmark of excellence for companies' performance despite the recurring challenges.



Speaking to the media after receiving the prestigious honour, CEO of Medi- Moses Herbal Clinic and Prostate Centre, Dr Moses Amuzu Dogbatsey said, he is extremely grateful for such a wonderful milestone at this highest level.

He expressed his profound gratitude to his Board of Directors of the company, staff and their cherished customers who have supported the brand to this height.



" I am very glad we have won this prestigious accolade. This is indeed very good news for the brand. This will go a long way to motivate us to keep serving our customers better always", he said.

Medi- Moses Herbal Clinic has positioned itself as a leader in its industry and also setting a benchmark for others to follow.



The event featured renowned dignitaries such as the Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon. Mustapha Ussif, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Mark Okraku Mantey, H. E Simone Giger's, Switzerland Ambassador to Ghana, H. E Farhat Ayesha, High Commissioner for Pakistan to Ghana, H. E Emad Hanna, Egyptian Ambassador to Ghana, Jonas Claes, Deputy Head of Delegation/ Head of Political Section and EU Delegation to Ghana and many more.



*ABOUT MEDI- MOSES HERBAL CLINIC AND PROSTATE CENTRE*



Medi-Moses Clinic and Herbal Centre has in the last 30 years been performing wonders which has not only made a significant impact in the medical circles but has overwhelmed the global medical community with its discovery of a cure that deals with Benign Prostate (BPH).

Over the years Medi-Moses has transformed and upgraded itself to suit our environment and the needs of its cherished customers and stakeholders as a whole. The medical centre which started from a very humble beginning has innovated in many phases of health provision from just the production and sale of quality herbal medications in 1993 to being a world leader in mens health in 2023.

In its 30 years of providing medical service, it has been able to expand and excel in the following ways:



 *Facility*



Medi-Moses started as a one-man business with Dr Moses Amuzu Dogbatsey, of blessed memory hawking his products at lorry stations, door-to-door delivery as well as street sales. He later secured an office and sales point at the Ghana International Trade Fair site modelling it into a small clinic with just two employees.

In 2013, after the baton was handed over to his son, a trained medical doctor as well as a pharmacologist, Dr Moses Degaulle Dogbtatsey, Medi-Moses was given the much-needed impetus to become one of the biggest clinics in the sub-region boasting of modern technological equipment for medical purposes. Dr Dogbatsey is a trained medical doctor from the School of Medical Sciences of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), in Kumasi. He started working under the tutelage of his father, who owned the Medi -Moses Clinic and Herbal Centre, in 1993, while he was still a student of KNUST. Dr Dogbatsey came up with a specially formulated 100 per cent food supplement called PROSTACURE HERBAL TEA, used for improving urinary flow in men with BPH. The prospective study carried out in 7,000 patients between 40 and 70 years with varying degrees of enlarged prostate gland over a period of four years showed complete improvement in their BPH symptoms within two to eight weeks.

`

 *Production*



Medi-Moses started with Medi-Moses Beverage as its flagship product in 1993. Through quality research and innovation, over the past 30 years, the company has been able to produce over 37 products for curing and managing all types of ailments with PROSTATCURE being the flagship product attaining international acknowledgement and recognition. Through innovation, the products have gone through rigorous transition from powder-base to tea bag and now in capsules. Some new additions to the production line are toothpaste, balms, creams and oils, ensuring that the facility keeps up with the technological and changes in taste and preference of our consumers to ensure optimum customer satisfaction. Medi-Moses has now grown into a household name and the number-one prostate management facility in the world.



 *Accolades*



Medi- Moses has over the years chalked so many accolades in Ghana and around the world. Medi- Moses has been recognized by international bodies such as Business Initiative Directorate to win awards for quality and excellence in France, USA, Germany, Switzerland, England and Dubai. The company has also been recognized in Ghana by the Pharmacy Council, Ghana Business Awards, the EMY amongst various other bodies over the years.



Medi Moses is grateful to everyone involved in its success over the past 30 years including its customers, employees and distributors. The medical Centre aspires to give the best quality health services in the foreseeable future.

Prostate enlargement is a common illness which affects mainly men due to their biological composition or makeup. Research shows that Prostate enlargement in itself is normal as a man ages, but becomes dangerous when it gets to the stage of cancer.



One medical feat chalked up by a Ghanaian medical officer and plant medicine specialist, Dr Dogbatsey, which has overwhelmed medical practitioners and manufacturers of orthodox medicine in the Western world is the cure for Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH) or an enlarged prostate gland. This medical breakthrough, recorded by the MediMoses Prostate Centre at the Adentan Old Barrier in Accra, has earned Dr Dogbatsey, the proprietor of the health facility, international recognition for his outstanding contribution to the healthcare sector. He has accordingly been honoured with several international awards, including the International Arch of Europe Quality Award (IAE) during the majestic ceremony held in Frankfurt, Germany in 2013. The ceremony was attended by representatives from 178 countries with outstanding credentials within the business and diplomatic communities. The essence of the award was a symbol of commitment to leadership, technology and innovation, making the recipients models for others in their respective sectors.



 *Improvement*



The herbal treatment using PROSTACURE HERBAL TEA led to a remarkable improvement in symptoms of BPH, such as straining or difficulty in urination, incomplete voiding or unable to empty the bladder, frequent urge to urinate, hesitancy, intermittence or interruption in urine flow, weak stream of urine flow and frequent urination, especially at night. PROSTACURE has seen many improvements from being a Tea to Capsules, to suit the life style of the people over the years. The most novel finding is the drastic reduction in the size and weight of the prostate gland to the normal weight of 40 grams and below, within two to eight weeks of treatment using Prostacure.

PROSTACURE also enhanced libido and sexual function after treatment. This is especially good news for men who have tried conventional therapies for BPH and experienced a decline in sex drive and performance accordingly. To add to the collections of effective 100% formulated herbal medicines, Dr Dogbatsey has introduced PROSTACURE 'X'AND AFROMOSES AND MEDI PLUS CAPSULES, which has gone through thorough research and approved by the Food and Drugs Authority. The combination of PROSTACURE 'X', AFROMOSES AND MEDI-PLUS is a power pack for men with sexual weakness and prostate problems. Dr Dogbatsey said women could not be left out in the fight to illnesses that affects them be it natural or inherited. He, therefore, introduced FEMACURE'X' CAPSULES which is undoubtedly a woman's best friend.





 *Solutions*



According to Dr Dogbatsey, it was time for Ghanaians to look within for solutions to our problems because we could have the solutions to most of the diseases in this country. We should not disregard herbs. Many people have tried the orthodox ways with no or little success but have found redemption with the herbal and/or traditional medicine. The CEO said he got interested in herbal medicine at a very tender age when he usually watched his father treat very incurable diseases that orthodox medicines could not cure, adding that while at KATH, he decided to pursue a course that would make him understand the working of herbs, how they functioned and the mechanism of that function. This desire, according to him pushed him to study plant medicine for his MPhil and he is reputed to be the first medical doctor to have done so.



 *Hope*



For many years, Medi-Moses Prostate Centre has been a source of hope for many people with various illnesses especially men with prostate problems. Since its introduction of free screening and awareness creation of the inevitable disease, Medi-Moses Prostate Centre has widened its scope of healthcare delivery to effectively serve its people in various ways to meet every pocket in order to help decrease or avert premature death of men during this crisis. With branches in Accra, Tema, Kumasi and soon in other regions in the country, the clinic, however, deemed it fit to set up a foundation called "MEDI-MOSES PROSTATE FOUNDATION" as part of its corporate social responsibility in other to create awareness and help men with prostate related diseases.



Good and affordable health care makes an important contribution to economic progress as healthy populations live longer, are more productive and save more. Many factors influence health status and a country's ability to provide quality health services for its people. Health presents a challenge for all nations. Effective public healthcare systems are essential for providing care for the sick and for instituting measures that promote wellness and prevent disease. Many respected personalities and organizations graced the occasion with their support to make the dream of helping men resolve their problems during the depressing times of the inevitable prostate illness.



The new diagnostic Centre is fully equipped with ultramodern laboratory machines, ECG and X-ray machines, CT scan, digital scan, dental x-ray, ultrasound scan, Mammogram and fluoroscopy machines, a live monitoring machine to check your entire system and project it on a screen. The Diagnostic Centre operates a fully stocked supermarket and pharmacy shop with wide range of affordable and reliable herbal and orthodox medicines, as well as products and items for its cherished patients and customers.



 *Success story*



The success story of the clinic cannot be overemphasized. Its remarkable efforts have been honoured and rewarded with various awards both locally and internationally. In 2010, it won Excellent Performance as the best leading Urinal problem treatment in West Africa. It also won the International Arch of Europe Quality Award (Gold category) in Frankfurt - Germany. It took the World Quality Commitment Award in Paris, France the same year, 2013. It won the Award for excellence and Business Prestige (Diamond category) in New York- USA and Quality Crown Award in the United Kingdom, London in 2014.



Again, it won the International Star for Quality Award (Gold Category) in Switzerland, 2015. It picked the Ghana Entrepreneurs Award, 2016 had the Ghana Peace Award, World Changers Award by American University of Theology in Dubai. It took the award by West African Nobles Forum as lifetime achievement and was inducted into club 100 Nobles in West Africa the same year in 2017.



 *Beginnings*



From its humble beginnings as a small clinic in Accra, Medi-Moses Clinic and Herbal Centre has evolved into an international success story. Its hallmark of excellence, quality and commitment has been the live wire of these achievements.



It is very important to be part of this great experience and help make healthcare delivery quality, accessible and affordable to everyone. The foundation is no doubt a laudable idea to educate, create awareness and treat men with prostate related problems when they need it the most. Join this cause to help men free themselves from the shackles of prostate problems.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









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The Head of the Anti-illegal Mining Unit at Ghana COCOBOD, Prof. Michael Kwateng, has issued a warning that Cocoa road projects may face cancellation if illegal mining activities persist, leading to the destruction of cocoa farms.



Prof. Kwateng explained the detrimental impact of galamsey activities on cocoa production, citing a significant reduction in the projected cocoa production.



COCOBOD had aimed to purchase 850,000 tonnes of cocoa this year but has fallen short, unable to reach even 700,000 tonnes due to the influence of illegal mining and smuggling.



The financial challenges faced by COCOBOD as a result of this decline have prompted a shift in focus.



The current priority is the completion of ongoing Cocoa Roads construction projects.



Prof. Kwateng indicated that once these projects are finished, COCOBOD may refrain from awarding new contracts, signaling a potential halt to future cocoa road initiatives.



Illegal mining is having negative implications on cocoa production. This year we projected to purchase 850,000 tonnes, but as we speak now, we have not hit even 700,000 tonnes, which means galamsey and smuggling are affecting cocoa production.



He added I have recommended that cocoa road projects should be cancelled because illegal miners have destroyed the cocoa farms. So very soon COCOBOD will stop cocoa road projects, Prof. Kwateng said.



Prof. Kwateng stated this during an engagement between the Anti-Illegal Mining Unit of COCOBOD, chiefs, and cocoa farmers in Akyem Asafo, Eastern region.



The engagement was prompted by the petition by cocoa farmers from Akyem Asafo, expressing concern over the seizure of 860 acres of cocoa farms by the Chief of Akyem Asafo, Nana Barima Boampong Darkwanin.



The land was purportedly taken for establishing military bases but was instead used for illegal mining.



Prof. Michael Kwateng, addressing the Chiefs and farmers, emphasized the legal repercussions under the Economic Plant and Protection Act, Article 47.



This act prohibits the sale of cocoa farms and any destruction of cocoa plants without the consent of Ghana COCOBOD.



He said individuals found breaching this law are liable to face legal consequences.



The Concerned Farmers Association of Akyem Asafo decried the ongoing destruction of their cocoa farms for illegal mining, highlighting the erosion of their source of livelihood.



They called for COCOBODs intervention to curb this menace.





Source: starrfm









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BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 14. President of Azerbaijans state oil company SOCAR Rovshan Najaf and Venezuelan Ambassador to Azerbaijan Christopher Alberto Martinez Berroteran recently engaged in talks regarding the promising avenues for advancing energy cooperation, Trend reports via SOCAR.

During the discussions, the ambassador received a comprehensive briefing on Azerbaijan's global energy initiatives, gaining insights into SOCAR's operational framework and long-term strategic objectives.

The dialogue also spotlighted collaboration prospects between SOCAR and Venezuelan enterprises in the oil and gas sectors, emphasizing knowledge exchange in hydrocarbon resource development, decarbonization efforts, and personnel training.

Back in 2010, SOCAR signed swap deals with Belarus and Venezuela on oil supplies in the amount of 5 million tons of oil per year from 2011.

SOCAR operates in diverse sectors, encompassing oil and gas field exploration, oil, gas, and gas condensate extraction, processing, and transportation, alongside the distribution of oil and petrochemical products in both domestic and international markets. Furthermore, the company plays a crucial role in supplying natural gas to both industrial enterprises and the general population of Azerbaijan, as well as extending its services to Europe.

Beyond Azerbaijan, SOCAR is actively involved in numerous international ventures, spanning countries such as Turkiye, Georgia, Romania, Switzerland, Germany, and Ukraine. Additionally, the company engages in significant trading operations primarily based in Switzerland, Singapore, and Nigeria.

Follow the author on X: @Lyaman_Zeyn
Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.
Minister of National Security, Albert Kan-Dapaah, has insisted that the October 28, 2023 joint operation in Garu in the Upper East Region by his ministry and the Ghana Armed Forces was to retrieve firearms used by irate youth to attack national security officials.



According to him, some irate youth attacked a team of five counter-terrorism intelligence officers who were sent there for a critical operation in Garu.



Briefing Parliament on the incident, the minister said upon arrival in Garu, the team was besieged by some irate youth who were armed with weapons, including AK47 assault rifles.



Despite initial attempts to introduce themselves as national security personnel, the irate youth proceeded to attack the officers by firing multiple gunshots [directed] at a black Toyota Land Cruiser in which the officers were occupied, he stated.



Kan-Dapaah continued, Following an escalation of the attack on their vehicle, the officers drove to the Garu Police Station to seek refuge.



He narrated that the irate youth then pursued the officers and encircled the police station and fired multiple shots at same.



The timely intervention of personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces enabled the safe evacuation of the national security personnel from the Garu Police Station, he noted.



The House will agree with me that the attack on the national security personnel and the Garu Police Station was reprehensible and must be condemned in no uncertain terms, he added.



According to the minister, actions like this on security personnel will be deemed attacks on the state in many other jurisdictions.



Subsequent to all these, on Saturday, October 28, 2023, the Ministry of National Security and the Ghana Armed Forces conducted a joint operation in Garu to seize weapons used by the irate youth to attack the national security personnel.



In the aftermath of the joint operation, reports have emerged in respect of excesses by the personnel who conducted the operation, the minister said.



He concluded, This aspect of the matter is currently before the court. It will therefore be inappropriate for me to comment on the matter as it will amount to contempt of court.

Source: Daily Guide









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The JJ Rawlings Foundation and the family Sunday commemorated three years of the passing of former President Jerry John Rawlings, describing his loss as a difficult pill to swallow.



On Thursday, November 12, 2020, Ghana was shaken by the sudden demise of the former President.



The shock and pain of the loss of a husband, father and champion of the masses was very heavy to bear and is indeed still a difficult pill for many to swallow, said the Foundation and Family in a statement copied to the Ghana News Agency.



Today marks three years of the loss of a man who endeared himself to millions in our country Ghana, our continent Africa, and across the world.



Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings stood for selflessness and a rare form of candour.



He was a strong man whose approach to leadership had redefined what we ought to espouse as leaders regardless of our fields.



The former Presidents courageous hands-on style of leadership, juxtaposed with his understanding and appreciation of the struggles of the common man defined his raison detre right throughout his life.



As the nation marked the third year of his passing, he would be remembered as a man of the people, the statement said.



Former President Rawlings was a soldiers soldier; a patriot; a fighter for the people, who loved his country deeply.



He remained boldly steadfast in his position on political and social issues that affected Ghana and other countries within the continent.



As President and former President, he never paused in his desire to help the underprivileged or distressed as in the cases of Buruli ulcer in the 1990s and the memorable photograph of him standing knee deep in flood waters at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle.



We cannot forget how one June 4 morning he cut short the celebration to visit the site of the June 3, 2015 disaster also at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle, it said.



As the JJ Rawlings Foundation and Family, we join all Ghanaians whose lives were impacted by President Jerry John Rawlings to celebrate his memory.



The statement called on Ghanaians to revive the spirit of nationalism and love for country above personal pursuits and political bias.



Former President Rawlings stood for integrity, probity, accountability, equity, transparency and selflessness, it said.



It urged Ghanaians to reflect on his lifetime of dedication to those ideals and embody them in their daily lives.



As we celebrate the memory of Chairman Rawlings, we pray that we will unite as a people to lift high the image of our country, pursuing Ghanas socio-economic revival and development with selflessness and purposeful devotion.





Source: GNA









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The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has made it clear that the party will no longer accommodate or accept as a member any individual running any form of campaign for Mr Alan Kwadwo Kyeremanten and his movement.



The partys General Secretary was emphatic on NEAT FMs morning show, Ghana Montie that those persons are automatically barred from the Elephant party per their constitution.



Any member who declares his/her support for another political party or an independent candidate automatically forfeits his/her membership, Lawyer Justin Koduah read a portion of the NPPs body of law to justify his comments.



Mr Alan Kwadwo Kyeremanten denounced NPPs unfairness to him after the first round of the partys flagbearership election and later departed from the party to form a movement to contest the December 7 presidential election.



He, however, had many staunch NPP members joining his movement to ensure the success of his dream to become Ghanas president



Those individuals' fate within the NPP has now been made clear, they no longer belong to the Elephant party.





Listen to Lawyer Justin Koduah's interview below







Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman Addo/peacefmonline.com/ghana









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Managing Director of the State Transport Corporation (STC), Nana Akomea has reacted to Alan Kyerematen's criticisms about Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia's ambition to become President of Ghana on the ticket of the New Patriotic Party(NPP).



Alan Kyerematen, speaking at an event organized by his 'Movement for Change' team in Ashanti Region, stated that both Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and President Akufo-Addo are the same, hence the Vice President has nothing new to offer Ghanaians.



He said; "Almost eight years on, the Presidency and the Vice Presidency is one ticket...There's no difference between the Presidency and Vice Presidency. They are the one and the same; it is a combined ticket."



"So, whatever my younger brother Bawumia wants and can do, he has done already," he added.



Nana Akomea, in response, has asked Alan who has defected from the New Patriotic Party to leave Dr. Mahamud Bawumia and the New Patriotic Party alone, saying he should concentrate on his solo mission.



"If you have decided to go solo, it's okay. Nobody stop you though we wished you would come back to us. But these blows you are throwing at the NPP are unnecessary; if you do that, then someone also would have to respond to you and it will look like we are also hitting at you. We don't want that, so we plead with him" to stop it, he said on Peace FM's morning show "Kokrokoo".



Charging Alan to acquaint his Movement with Ghanaians, Nana Akomea stressed; "We plead with him to focus on his activities. He should concentrate on his message and vision for Ghanaians...He should leave the NPP and our flagbearer alone so that we don't also retaliate in like manner. He should do his campaign in peace."





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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Love Ghost is making a big splash in the music world with a fantastic collaboration. They've joined forces with the Ghanaian pop sensation Camidoh and the talented DJ Switch to bring you something special.



Love Ghost has been getting a lot of love from music magazines like Rolling Stone, FLAUNT, Alternative Press, Lyrical Lemonade, and Earmilk. Now, they're teaming up with Camidoh and DJ Switch to create something amazing that's going to change the music scene.



Love Ghost's music is influenced by artists like Rico Nasty and Adan Cruz. They're excited to share new songs and fresh sounds with their fans. Their latest release is a song called "Dopeman." It combines Camidoh's Afrobeat style, Love Ghost's alternative rock vibe, and DJ Switch's freestyle skills. This song is going to be a hit that everyone around the world will enjoy.



But "Dopeman" is more than just a song. Love Ghost wants you to join in on a fun TikTok dance challenge to the catchy beat of the track. And there's more to come! Love Ghost, Camidoh, and DJ Switch are making a cool music video that will be a treat for your eyes and ears.



Love Ghost's journey in music has been amazing, and "Dopeman" is proof of their dedication to pushing the boundaries of music. With their unique style and this incredible collaboration, they are going to make a mark on the global music scene.



Get ready to dance and enjoy the world of "Dopeman"  a musical masterpiece that's bound to make everyone groove. Stay tuned for more updates from Love Ghost in 2023.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









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The Bloggers Association of Ghana recently launched a campaign urging Ghanaian bloggers and social media users to actively promote the country during the upcoming Christmas season under the theme "Blog and Promote Ghana Agenda."



At the launch, the association's president, Andre Mustapha NII Okai Inusah, aka Attractive Mustapha, stressed Ghana's uniqueness and encouraged fellow citizens to take pride in showcasing their nation. Emphasizing Ghana's central global position and abundant natural resources, he declared Ghana as the most peaceful country in Africa.



"Let's boost our pride in Ghana and share about our nation because we have everything a country needs," he urged.



Attractive Mustapha also disclosed plans for a Ghana tour and a global promotion campaign set to kick off in December.



He highlighted how December has become synonymous with Ghana, drawing people worldwide to celebrate Christmas and New Year, positioning Ghana as a premier destination for these festivities.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









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A missing Cumberland County, New Jersey, teen has been charged with kidnapping a 1-year-old boy after she refused to return him to his mother over the weekend, according to the U.S. Marshals Service Philadelphia.

The child and Akera Johns, 16, both of Vineland, were seen in New Jersey around 3 p.m. Saturday at the Cumberland Family Shelter on Mays Landing Road in Vineland before being spotted Monday morning in the area of 32nd Street & Susquehanna Avenue in Philadelphia, investigators said.

A flyer produced by Vineland police described Akera as a family friend of the child.

The boy was recovered at 8 p.m. Monday by investigators in Philadelphia and is back in his mothers custody. As of Monday night, police were still trying to find Johns.

The US Marshals Service Philadelphia said it had been assisting the Vineland Police Department and the New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force.

Akera is described as 5-feet 10-inches tall, about 140 pounds, with brown eyes, black hair and red and black braids. She was last seen wearing a tan jacket, black jeans and black and white shoes.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Vineland (NJ) Police Department at 856-696-1212.

Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com.
A New Jersey company is recalling golden raisins because they may contain sulfites that are not listed on the label as an ingredient.

USA Hookah, which does business as Eltahan, recalled 400 gm packages of the golden raisins that were distributed to retail stores in Pennsylvania as well as in New York and New Jersey, according to a company announcement with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The raisins may contain sulfites, which occur naturally in some foods and are added to some foods as a preservative.

People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to sulfites run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

The recalled Elthan golden raisins are in a clear plastic package, 400 grams, with a UPC of 2337660022. The production date is January 2023 and the best-by date is Jan. 20, 2026.

The recall was initiated after routine sampling by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets found sulfites in the product which was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of sulfites. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in the companys production and packaging processes.

Production and distribution of the product has been suspended until FDA and the company are certain that the problem has been corrected.

People who bought the raisins can return them to the place of purchase for a refund. For more information, send an email to info@eltahan.com.
Lisa Selan of Cumberland County believed her colorectal cancer was caught early and her subsequent surgery and chemo would soon return her to good health.

But after it became clear she wasnt recovering normally, doctors discovered the cancer had spread to her liver and maybe beyond.

At that point, her doctors tested biomarkers, which they then used to decide on a treatment that was ultimately successful, with Selan, 57, now nearing two years in remission.

Biomarker testing is a big part of the reason I am alive today, she says.

Selan was fortunate in another regard: her health insurance covered some of the cost of the biomarker testing, and a foundation covered the rest.

But many Pennsylvanians arent so fortunate, according to a host of speakers who gathered at the state Capitol on Tuesday to support a pair of bills that would require insurers to cover such testing. The bills  one in the state House and one in the Senate  have sponsorship from both Democrats and Republicans.

Finance should never determine the quality of care and quality of treatment that a person can get, said state Rep. Jordan Harris, D-Philadelphia.

Biomarker testing is a fast-evolving area of medicine that enables doctors to look at tumors and cells on a molecular level, and better understand how the patients unique biological makeup, and factors related to their lifestyle and environment, impact their condition.

Combined with a related concept known as precision medicine, doctors can make better choices regarding treatments and drugs. This can help them offer the best treatment quickly while avoiding less effective and sometimes harmful treatments, thus curing more patients while also saving time, discomfort and treatment expense.

Dr. Michael Hall, an oncologist at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia, said patients who would have died five years ago regularly recover because of decisions based on biomarker testing. It allows targeted, smarter treatments, while ruling out ineffective and unnecessary treatments, he said.

But Hall also told of patients whose insurance wont cover the testing, or drags out the process, or imposes massive co-pays on the patient.

Alex Meixner of the ALS Association said biomarker testing is important for patients with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrigs disease. He stressed there is still no cure for ALS, and it commonly takes a year or more for ALS patients to learn the cause of their symptoms.

But he said biomarker testing can allow a faster diagnosis, eliminating anxiety for patients. Further, recently approved drugs can slow the progress of ALS, and biomarker testing can allow patients to get those drugs sooner, when there is more benefit, he said.

Each of the bills would require Pennsylvanias Medicaid program as well as state-regulated private health insurers to cover biomarker testing.

One of the bills, House Bill 1754, is co-sponsored by Rep. Kyle Mullins, D-Lackawanna, and Rep. Bryan Cutler, R-Lancaster County. The other, Senate Bill 954, is co-sponsored by Sen. Devlin Robinson, a Pittsburgh-area Republican, and Sen. Lisa Boscola, a Bethlehem-area Democrat.

Both of the bills sit in committees, and speakers on Tuesday urged lawmakers and legislative leaders to move quickly toward a version that can pass the House and the Senate and become law by the end of the year.

Cutler, who is the Republican leader in the House, said policy often lags behind technology in Pennsylvania, and lawmakers should not let that be the case with biomarker testing and precision medicine.

He further argued that, in addition to providing life-saving tools, the advancements will reduce healthcare costs by cutting down on unnecessary treatments.

READ MORE FROM PENNLIVE:

Carlisle schools notify parents, health department of whooping cough cases

Good news for walkers: Magic number for health is closer than 10,000 steps
By John Antczak, Julie Watson and Jeff McMurray, The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES  Arson caused a massive weekend fire that has indefinitely closed a vital section of a Los Angeles freeway used by 300,000 vehicles daily, California Gov. Gavin Newsom said Monday.

He said investigators were trying to determine if one person or more were involved. He gave no other details.

I have to stress that we have determined what started the fire, Newsom told reporters.

The fire erupted Saturday in two storage lots under Interstate 10. Construction materials combusted quickly and the fire grew. It left many columns charred and chipped and the deck guardrails twisted. Crews shored up the most damaged section for the safety of workers clearing the debris. Its still unclear what structural damage, if any, the blaze caused to the freeway.

Beyond a massive traffic headache, the closure is expected to be felt well beyond the metropolis, including possibly slowing the transport of goods from the twin ports of LA and Long Beach, federal officials have said. The ports handle more than half the goods coming into the country. President Joe Biden had been briefed on the fire.

In this aerial view, Interstate 10 is empty due to a closure in the aftermath of a fire, Monday, Nov. 13, 2023, in Los Angeles. Los Angeles drivers are being tested in their first commute since a weekend fire that closed a major elevated interstate near downtown. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)AP

Its disrupting in every way, whether you are talking about traveling to and from work or your child care plans and the flow of goods and commerce, this will disrupt the lives of Angelenos, LA Mayor Karen Bass said.

Los Angeles residents were urged to avoid travel to the area Monday and to work from home if possible.

Our streets cannot handle 300,000 cars, Bass said.

Officials have said the damage is reminiscent of the 1994 Northridge earthquake that flattened thoroughfares. After the quake, it took more than two months to repair Interstate 10  and that was considered significantly fast.

Newsom said early tests show that the deck appears to be much stronger than originally assessed. Concrete and rebar samples taken Monday from the superstructure, decks and columns will help determine whether or not were tearing this down and replacing it, or were continuing the recovery and repairs, he said.

This isnt going to be resolved in a couple of days, and its not going to take a couple years, Federal Highway Administrator Shailen Bhatt told The Associated Press. But whether its weeks or months, were still too early to tell.

Bhatt said the fiery June 11 crash of a tractor-trailer hauling gasoline in Philadelphia that collapsed an elevated section of Interstate 95, snarling traffic and hurting area businesses, highlights the impact of such disasters not only on a city but on the nation.

The ports are still open and the goods will still flow, but when you remove a section of the interstate that carries 300,000 vehicles a day, theres going to be spillover impacts, Bhatt said. The concern there is the quicker we can get this open, the faster we can remove an impediment.

Drivers were tested Monday during the first weekday commute since the raging fire. Some freeway exits backed up as drivers were forced to use crowded surface streets to bypass the damaged freeway stretch south of downtown.

Some routes, however, had lighter traffic, suggesting drivers heeded warnings from the city to make alternate plans. Cellphones blasted Monday with a predawn reminder for residents to plan different routes or expect significant delays.

Our businesses are just bouncing back from the Covid shutdowns. Business was just getting good, said Blair Besten, director of LAs Historic Core business improvement district. Shes worried about the lingering effects of this closure.

Flames reported around 12:20 a.m. Saturday ripped through two storage lots in an industrial area beneath I-10, burning parked cars, stacks of wooden pallets and support poles for high-tension power lines, city fire Chief Kristin Crowley said. No injuries were reported.

At least 16 homeless people, including a pregnant woman, living underneath the freeway were brought to shelters. More than 160 firefighters responded to the blaze, which spread across 8 acres (3 hectares) and burned for three hours.

California Fire Marshal Daniel Berlant said investigators have identified where the fire started and what the cause was after sorting through the rubble for evidence but did not specify what they found. He said there is no suspect information yet. He said they are talking to witnesses, including homeless people and nearby business owners.

Storage yards under highways are common statewide, with the money from the leases going to public transit. Newsom said the practice would be reevaluated following the fire.

This photo provided by the California Department of Transportation shows an early morning fire along Interstate 10 near downtown Los Angeles, Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023. (Caltrans District 7 via AP)AP

The governor said California has been in litigation with Apex Development, Inc., the owner of the business leasing the storage property where the fire started. The lease is expired, Newsom said, and the business had been in arrears while illegally subleasing the space to five or six other entities. Theyve been out of compliance for some time, thats why were going to court early next year, he said.

Mainak DAttaray, an attorney for Apex Development, confirmed the company was in litigation with the state.

We are currently investigating ourselves what happened at the yard under the freeway. As such, we are not prepared to give an official statement or answer questions until we have determined what actually occurred, DAttaray said in an email.

Ertugrul Taciroglu, chair of the civil and environmental engineering department at the University of California, Los Angeles, said part of the challenge is how expensive real estate has become.

Every piece of land is being utilized, so I can see the pressure or the incentives for making use of these spaces under these highways, he said.

Two contractors have been hired to clean up the hazardous material and to shore up the freeway, according to California Secretary of Transportation Toks Omishakin.

Repairs will require environmental waivers and federal funding, officials said.

This photo provided by the California Department of Transportation shows the damage of columns from an intense fire under Interstate 10 that severely damaged the overpass in an industrial zone near downtown Los Angeles, Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023. (Caltrans District 7 via AP)AP

In 2011, a fire from a poorly maintained fuel tanker that burst into flames damaged a stretch of State Route 60  a key freeway connecting LA with its eastern suburbs  and took six months to reopen at a cost of $40 million.

The city and county of Los Angeles in 2020 agreed to provide housing for almost 7,000 people living under freeways and near exit and entrance ramps. In approving the deal, a federal judge said unhoused residents in those areas face particularly deadly hazards.

Watson reported from San Diego. Associated Press writer Christopher Weber in Los Angeles contributed to this report. McMurray reported from Chicago.
A Traverse City, Michigan, hair stylist who came under fire this summer for telling transgender customers to seek services at a local pet groomer, is now suing the city and three of its residents over what she believes is a violation of the salons First Amendment rights.

Filed Oct. 25 in 13th Circuit Court in Grand Traverse County, Studio 8 Hair Lab owner Christine Geiger accuses Traverse City and three individuals who filed civil rights complaints against the salon as having violated the business right to use its talents and the expressive platform they have ... to celebrate and promote Gods design for male and female.

The suit particularly hones in on the states Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act and Traverse Citys Non-Discrimination Ordinance, which both prevent discrimination in public accommodations when it comes to gender identity or expression.

Studio 8 claims this is a violation of Geigers right to religion and free speech under the First Amendment, and follow-up civil rights complaints filed against her business are attempts to quash her personally held religious belief that there are only two genders.

States cannot punish protected speech because some group finds it offensive, hurtful, stigmatic, unreasonable or undignified, part of the 57-page lawsuit reads. If there is a bedrock principle underlying the Constitutional rights of free speech and free exercise, it is that the government may not prohibit the expression of an idea simply because society finds the idea offensive or disagreeable.

While there are laws that prohibit discrimination, it continues, no discrimination actually occurred. At issue was a social media post and not a direct action, the lawsuit noted: A speech burden based on audience reactions is simply government hostility.

David DeLaney, attorney for Geiger, said his client was looking to get ahead of potential administrative hearings concerning her alleged violation of civil rights law. A total of 21 civil rights complaints have been lodged against Studio 8 since July, the Michigan Department of Civil Rights confirmed to MLive on Nov. 13.

Six of those are under investigation, with another two under review to determine if the agency has jurisdiction to pursue alleged violations.

If she is found guilty, DeLaney said, the state could terminate Geigers license as a hair dresser and fine her up to $50,000 in damages just for exercising her First Amendment rights.

Public accommodation laws additionally only impact human beings, he went on to note, saying if people do not identify as a man or woman, they would instead identify as either an animal or a thing, as far as I can tell.

We dont give protected status to animals or things under the public accommodation statute, he said.

Geiger came under fire in July after a Facebook post from Studio 8 Hair Labs page went viral for its stance on patrons pronouns.

More:

Sometimes, its OK for transgender Catholics to be baptized: Vatican

Mom sues Pa. school district on behalf of transgender teen who killed herself
By Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times (TNS)

LOS ANGELES  The son of a Hollywood executive arrested after he authorities say he tossed body parts into a dumpster in Encino was charged Monday with three counts of murder in connection with the disappearance of his wife and in-laws, prosecutors said.

The Los Angeles County district attorneys office filed three special circumstances murder counts against Samuel Bond Haskell in the killing of his wife, Mei Haskell, and her parents, Yanxiang Wang and Gaoshen Li.

Haskell on Nov. 7 tried to get day laborers to remove bags from his Tarzana home and, when that failed, he was caught on video dumping the bags out of the back of his Tesla in Encino, authorities said.

Haskell was arrested following the gruesome discovery of dismembered body parts on Wednesday. Los Angeles police investigators say those remains are likely those of his wife. Both of his in-laws remain missing.

Haskell briefly appeared in a courtroom Monday as a judge ordered he be held without bail, pending a Dec. 8 hearing.

Mei Haskell and her parents, Yanxiang Wang and Gaoshen Li, all lived in a single-story home in the 4100 block of Coldstream Terrace in the Tarzana neighborhood of Los Angeles. (Los Angeles Police Department/TNS)TNS

LAPD Robbery-Homicide Division detectives arrested Haskell after working through the weekend, gathering evidence from his home at the 4100 block of Coldstream Terrace in Tarzana and around the Encino Dumpster at a strip mall where a man found a suitcase with fresh human remains. Investigators found evidence of body disposal inside the home and brought a dog that tracks human remains to check the surrounding area.

Haskell tried on Nov. 7 to pay day laborers $500 to take away bags he first said were full of rocks, and then said were Halloween decorations, the workers told a reporter for KNBC-TV. But the day laborers told the station the contents felt like meat inside. When we picked up the bags, we could tell they werent rocks, one of the workers said in Spanish.

The men described the bags as soft and soggy, weighing about 50 pounds. They stopped their truck a block away, checked inside and saw human remains, identifying a belly button. They returned the remains and reported the discovery first to the California Highway Patrol and then to the LAPD. But the bags were gone when authorities went to check it out, police said.

Haskell was then apparently captured on security cameras opposite an Encino strip mall. The video obtained by Fox News shows a man hauling a large and seemingly heavy sack over his shoulder from the back of his Tesla at about 4:45 p.m. Tuesday and dumping it into a trash bin.

Haskell, his wife and her parents all lived in a single-story home. The couples three children were in school the day their father was arrested, authorities said.

Court records show that in December 2008, Haskell was arrested and charged with two counts of assault with a deadly weapon. He pleaded no contest to battery and was placed on probation in 2010.

Records show that Haskell is the son of Sam Haskell, the former executive vice president and worldwide head of television for William Morris, who represented a slew of A-list stars. He is also listed as head of Magnolia Hill Productions, which has produced several specials featuring Dolly Parton.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced Monday there will be nighttime lane restrictions this week and next week on Route 30 at Centerville Road in East Hempfield Township, Lancaster County.

The restrictions will be in place beginning tonight so the old Centerville Road bridge spanning Route 30 can be demolished.

Weather permitting, this work will be performed from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. beginning Monday night, Nov. 13, through Friday morning, Nov. 17, and during the same hours Sunday night, Nov. 19, through Wednesday morning, Nov. 22.

Lane restrictions will be in place in both directions of Route 30 during work hours, a press release said.

This work is part of the Centerville Road Interchange Improvement project, which consists of structure replacement, Superpave overlay, base replacement, roadway widening, milling, guiderail improvements, drainage improvements, pavement markings, ADA improvements, traffic signal improvements, and other miscellaneous construction.

The project includes work on Centerville Road from Cornerstone Drive to Marietta Avenue (Route 23), and Marietta Avenue from Centerville Road to Stony Battery Road. The project is primarily located in East Hempfield Township, though the section from Cornerstone Drive to Columbia Avenue is in Manor Township.

JD Eckman, Inc., of Atglen, Pennsylvania, is the prime contractor on this $36.3 million project. Work is expected to be completed by July 22, 2025.

Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.

511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following local alerts on X.

Subscribe to PennDOT news and traffic alerts in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry and York counties at PennDOT District 8.

More:

Second contractor slated to begin work in January on central Pa. thruway project

Inspections scheduled this week on pair of I-83 bridges in central Pa. | PennDOT
Want a say in the news? Email Claudia at todayinpa@pennlive.com to have your thoughts on the stories covered here or on PennLive heard during Listening to Listeners, an original Today in Pa. segment that occurs every other Friday.

You can listen to the latest episode of Today in Pa at this link, or on any of your favorite apps including Alexa, Apple, Spotify, and Stitcher. Episodes are available every weekday on PennLive. Feel free to subscribe, follow or rate Today in Pa. as you see fit!

Today in Pa. Daily Podcast | November 14, 2023

A school in Clinton County is under investigation after a report arose of a middle school student engaging in inappropriate conduct with several female staff members. Penn has been hit with a lawsuit over its handling of antisemitism on campus. Wild hogs have now been seen in over 20 percent of the states counties. Lastly, this is one old fish.

Those are the stories we cover in the latest episode of Today in Pa., a daily weekday podcast from PennLive.com and hosted by Claudia Dimuro. Today in Pa. is dedicated to sharing the most important and interesting stories pertaining to Pennsylvania that lets you know, indeed, whats happening today in Pa.

Todays episode refers to the following articles:

If you enjoy Today in Pa., consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts or on Amazon. Reviews help others find the show and, besides, wed like to know what you think about the program, too.

As sponsored by Renewal by Anderson of Central PA.
A school bus and pickup truck collided Monday afternoon along Route 100 in Lower Macungie, state police said.

Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Nathan Branosky, public information officer for the Troop M barracks, told lehighvalleylive.com the accident happened at about 4:15 p.m. The bus, a 2015 Bluebird, didnt have any students on it at the time of the crash, just a driver, Branosky said.

Photos show the bus belonged to the East Penn School District. The bus collided with a 2005 Chevrolet pickup, Branosky said. Photos show the bus with damage to its front end, and the pickup on its side.

Pennsylvania State Police said the accident happened at about 4:15 p.m. Monday, Nov. 13, 2023. The bus, a 2015 Bluebird, didnt have any students on it at the time of the collision and the only occupant was its driver, state police said. Mike Nester | lehighvalleylive.com contributor

Its unclear if anyone was injured in the collision; state police are expected to release more information Tuesday. The crash continues to be investigated by Pennsylvania State Police in Fogelsville.

Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 14. Within the framework of the Eurasian forum "StrategEast State and IT" held in Kazakhstan, Deputy Chairman of the Innovation and Digital Development Agency of Azerbaijan (IRIA) Rashad Khaligov shared Azerbaijan's experience on the "e-government" project, Trend reports.

According to the Agency for Innovation and Digital Development, at the panel session "Digitalization of public service and "e-government", he spoke about the activities in Azerbaijan in the field of digital development, the work of the agency in the direction of digitalization, as well as the support of "e-government" projects in Eurasian countries in general.

The StrategEast State and IT Eurasian Forum is held annually in different countries of the Eurasian region. Annual StrategEast State and IT Eurasian Forum is a unique platform that brings together global and local representatives of the private sector, the governments and the financial institutions.

More than 70 speakers participated in the Eurasian forum "StrategEast State and IT" in Almaty, and in general, the event was attended by more than 200 participants. They exchanged information about the opportunities created for the IT sector in the countries of Eurasia, the registered experience of each country in this area, the relationship between governments and the IT sector.

A number of meetings were held within the framework of experience exchange on priority areas of digitalization of public services. Discussions were held between the IRIA delegation and a delegation led by the First Deputy Minister of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry of Kazakhstan, Kanysh Tuleushin, and Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Protection, Yerbol Ospanov.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, November 14. Kazakhstan's Kazatomprom JSC (national nuclear company) has signed a contract with China National Uranium Corporation Limited - CNUC (a subsidiary of China National Nuclear Corporation - CNNC) for the supply of uranium, Trend reports.

According to Kazatomprom, the signing of this contract will help meet China's growing need for clean, carbon-free electricity and strengthen the historically long-standing nuclear relationship between the two countries.

As the Managing Director for Strategy and Marketing of Kazatomprom Seitzhan Zhanybekov noted, Kazatomprom's market-driven strategy aims to produce, process and sell natural uranium concentrates to create long-term value for all stakeholders.

"Close cooperation with one of the major Chinese energy companies, such as CNUC, testifies to Kazatomproms strong reputation as a reliable and preferred supplier in the global nuclear fuel market," he said.

A long-term contract with CNUC was signed at the China International Import Expo 2023 in Shanghai.

The scope and commercial terms of the contract are confidential and commercially sensitive and are not subject to public disclosure, the company said.

On September 29, 2023, Kazakhstan's Kazatomprom presented its strategy for uranium production for 2025. The Board of Directors of Kazatomprom approved the companys strategy to increase uranium production volumes in 2025 to 100 percent of the level planned under subsoil use contracts.

Kazakhstan ranks second in the world in terms of proven reserves of natural uranium. About 14 percent of all proven world reserves are concentrated in the depths of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The country's total proven reserves are estimated at more than 700,000 tons of uranium.

In 2009, Kazakhstan took first place in uranium production in the world and continues to maintain a leading position in the world market. Kazakhstan produces about 40 percent of the world's uranium production. In 2021, the volume of uranium production amounted to 21,800 tons, according to the results of 202221,300 tons.
The Legacy Lives On: Jack Keller III Claims RGPS Tunica Title for $62,826

November 13, 2023 Kirk Brown Live Reporter

The latest RunGood Poker Series Main Event here at the Horseshoe in Tunica, Mississippi, saw a total of 661 entrants make a massive prize pool of $396,300, guaranteeing a total of 82 spots to be paid out.

After the dust settled, it was Tunica local Jack Keller, son of poker Hall of Famer with the same name, who ended up taking down the tournament for a career-best score of $55,394 as well as his first RGPS Main Event title.

Oh, it's amazing, the newly crowned champion remarked. This is definitely my biggest score.

The business owner and recreational PLO player bested a star-studded Day 2 field including defending champion Loi Hoang, former champs Cody Stanford and Kevin Broadway, as well as WSOPC ring winners Shannon Hamblen, and Preston McEwen. To top it off, he then defeated Brian Winter (the current RGPS PoY frontrunner with five rings this season) heads-up to claim the title, which is no easy task. This win also scored him the RGPS Dream Seat later this month in Thunder Valley, where he will get a free entry into an essential RunGood Champions tournament with a chance to win a seat in a $1,000,000 freeroll at the PokerGo Studio in Vegas.

Coming into the day with 88 players, the pace in the beginning was quick as McEwen (77th-$969) was eliminated immediately, followed by Stanford and Hamblen (61 & 60- $1,162). Day 1a chip leader Truman Weatherly found his end in 56th place for $1,298 while former champion Broadway (48th-$1,470), Jon Swift (25-$1,960), Bart Bogard (22-$2,308), Day 1 chip leader Devin Wells (18th-$2,701), and Walker Miskelly (13th-$4,058) all made their exit.

Bubbling the final table was Orion Allen after he got in his king-seven against Lawsons ace-king and failed to improve. That boosted Higgins to the second-biggest stack in the tournament, while Allen exited in tenth place for $6,284.

Main Event Final Table Results

Place Player Country Prize 1 Jack Keller United States $62,826 2 Brian Winter United States $41,894 3 Chance Lawson United States $30,885 4 Marcus Webb United States $23,023 5 Carl Masters United States $17,355 6 Sanh Vuong United States $13,232 7 Michael Zuro United States $10,204 8 Chris Dandrea United States $7,961 9 Loi Hoang United States $6,284

Final Table Action

Coming into the final table, it was newcomer Marcus Webb who held all of the chips as he had been on a massive heater throughout the day, busting players left in right, sometimes in brutal fashion. He then had to slow his play down a bit due to the much different nature of a final table.

Man, this final table is different. I really have to be on my A-game, or theyre going to pick me apart, Webb admitted after losing a couple of the opening pots.

However, first to exit the final table was defending champion Loi Hoang, who fell to Michael Zuro when he got it all in on a six-high board with pocket sevens but Zuros pocket fours made a nasty runner-runner straight to knock him out in ninth for $6,284.

Next to go was Chris Dandrea, who had become relatively short and decided to get it all in preflop with king-ten but ran straight into Lawsons dominating ace-ten and failed to improve, landing him the 8-spot for $7,961.

Webb, who had decided not to get involved for a while, then became very much involved when he and Zuro got it all in preflop in a monster pot. Well, youre gonna have to suck out on me, were Zuros famous last words as his pocket aces were cracked by Webbs ace-king suited when he a gutshot straight to send Zuro to the payout desk in 7th for $10,204.

After surviving a miracle hand where he chopped a pot with Day 1b chip leader Carl Masters (who held top set versus his two pair) due to the board running out a flush, Sanh Vuong shoved all-in after an open from Lawson. Lawson went into the tank for a good while before making the call with ace-five suited, and much to his surprise, found he was up against ten-six of clubs. The runout proved his ace-high to be the winner, and therefore Vuong was eliminated from in sixth for $13,232, despite the shouts from Hoang on the rail.

Next to go was Masters, who had been in a position of dominance throughout the day until a few unfortunate run-ins at the final table, ultimately got it all in with king-jack clubs against Kellers superior king-queen hearts. After failing to improve on the runout, Masters was sent to the rail in 5th while Keller was awarded the big double-up.

Keller then used this momentum to knock out loose cannon Webb when he jammed into a flop of jack-three-three with jack-ten, and Keller snap-called with nine-three of diamonds. Webb immediately regretted this decision as it cost him his tournament life, and he exited in fourth for $23,023.

Then Winter, who had his own share of good luck stories, made a big hand when he called off Lawsons ace-nine-suited shove with pocket tens. He then flopped Lawson essentially dead as it came ten-three-three to give him the nut full house to send him to the rail in third for $30,885.

Brian Winter

After agreeing to play it out without a chop, heads-up play between Winter and Keller began, with the latter holding around a 3:2 advantage. However, that quickly changed after Winter called off a bet on the river with a single pair, but Keller had deceptively rivered a set of kings, which was a huge blow. Then, on a board of 28Q37, Keller made a huge bet on the river, which Winter snapped off with queen-eight for two-pair but was then shown J8 for a rivered flush to leave him on life support.

Left with only 1,300,000, Winter moved all in the very next hand with eight-nine offsuit and Keller made the call with ten-six suited. The flop of ten-seven-eight gave both players a pair, but Keller had the upper hand with his ten, which ultimately held to bust Winter as the runner-up while he was crowned the RGPS Tunica Champion.

Sharelines The latest RunGood Poker Series Main Event at the Horseshoe in Tunica, Mississippi, saw a total of 661 entrants make a massive prize pool of $396,300
Heng Zhang: "No Pressure" with Chip Lead Entering WPT bestbet Scramble Final Table

November 13, 2023 Jon Sofen Senior Editor U.S.

Three long days of play are complete in the $5,000 buy-in World Poker Tour (WPT) bestbet Scramble and the original 365-entry field has dwindled down to the final table of six.

Day 3 on Monday was intense as the pressure mounted given the pay-jumps at stake from start to finish. The money bubble burst on Sunday (Day 2), but it wasn't until midway through Monday's session when the money started to become serious. At the final table, it will really be serious when the remaining players, all guaranteed at least $70,400, will be chasing the $351,650 first place prize.

Plenty of Experience at the Final Table

The players at the final table might not be household names yet, although one of them is about to be, there are some accomplished pros with impressive The Hendon Mob resumes, starting with Ian O'Hara who has over $4 million in live tournament cashes. But he'll start the final table with 1,050,000, less than 20% of chip leader Heng Zhang's stack (5,780,000).

Zhang and Frederic Normand (5,000,000) have some separation between the other four players. Normand told PokerNews after Ethan Cahn busted in seventh place ($53,800) that he acknowledges he'll be facing some tough competition at the final table.

Seventh place finisher Ethan Cahn.

"Ian is very good, I think Toby is very good, I'm not too sure about the others, I think Heng is a very good player too," Normand said of what he knows about his opponents. "We'll see how things go tomorrow."

There is a large drop-off in the chip count rankings from Zhang, Normand, and Michael Frierson (3,460,000), with the bottom two  O'Hara (1,050,000) and Brian Senie (995,000)  around 20 big blinds.

"They can't be too overly aggressive," Normand, a Canadian with nearly $600,000 in live tournament cashes, said of what he anticipates from the small stacks early at the final table. "I think I'll just wait for their spots and try to take advantage of that."

Normand will have one advantage over Zhang and that is position at the table. But Zhang, who acknowledged Normand is a strong player, isn't concerned he'll be out of position against the other big stack.

"The shortest stack, he's a good player, he doesn't really have ICM pressures," Zhang said. "So, I feel he knows how to play the range properly. Pretty much everybody left knows how to play properly.

The pay-jumps will be huge and Zhang is now the favorite to win the title and join the WPT Champions Club, something none of the six players at the final table can currently claim. Does he feel any pressure given his situation?

"I feel no pressure," Zhang responded.

All six players appeared to be calm and relaxed on Monday as they exited bestbet Jacksonville at around 7 p.m. local time. We'll find out at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday when the WPT live-stream begins to see if they're as calm and relaxed when the cards are in the air for the final session.

Final Table Chip Counts

Place Player Chip Stack 1 Heng Zhang 5,780,000 2 Frederic Normand 5,000,000 3 Michael Frierson 3,460,000 4 Toby Boas 1,960,000 5 Ian O'Hara 1,050,000 6 Brian Senie 995,000

*Images courtesy of WPT/Drew Amato

Sharelines Find out who made the @WPT bestbet Scramble final table.
The 18th edition of Middle East Corrosion Conference and Exhibition (MECC) opened its doors yesterday (November 13) drawing more than 500 senior officials, specialists and industry professionals from across the globe.

It is being co-organised by the Bahrain Society of Engineers (BSE) and the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) Dhahran-Saudi Arabia Chapter, in cooperation with the Bahraini Ministry of Oil and Environment, with the support of Saudi oil giant Aramco and several specialised global oil companies.

The four-day event was inaugurated by Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak bin Daina, Oil and Environment Minister and Special Envoy for Climate Affairs, in the presence of senior government officials and industry experts.

Addessing the gathering, Mubarak bin Daina expressed his pride in Bahrains hosting of the MECC since its launch in 1979, which affirms the kingdoms reputation for holding various international events that contribute to the exchange of expertise and increase positive outcomes, reported BNA.

He pointed out the importance of discussing metal corrosion, in which the geographical location, climatic conditions, and the significant use of metal in various sectors, including pipelines, bridges, buildings, aircraft, and electrical appliances, are the most prominent factors in it.

He emphasised the importance of reviewing modern studies and technology of corrosion and rust prevention methods to contribute to the reduction of risk and cost.

Wail A. Al Jaafari, Executive Vice President of Technical Services of Saudi Aramco, lauded the organisation of this conference since its launch and affirmed that it became a hub for strengthening cooperation in the oil industry.

The conference, he stated, reflects 45 years of partnership between Saudi Aramco and BSE, thus reflecting the commitment and cooperation of both parties to face common challenges.

Al Jaafari said the Fourth Industrial Revolution Centre (4IR) of Saudi Aramco works to provide solutions for metal corrosion, and it monitors 6.5 million data points collected from 35,000 areas exposed to rust. This contributes to early prediction that helps improve performance, ensure safety and reduce breakdowns.

Dr. Raida Al Alawi, President of BSE, thanked the minister for his support for the success of MECC, noting that the exhibition celebrates the 45th anniversary of its launch and that it is considered to be one of the largest specialised engineering and professional conferences in the country and region.

The minister was later briefed on modern technologies and studies in the field of metal corrosion prevention. He also tried the virtual reality (VR) experience supported by Saudi Aramco.

The MECC exhibition has the participation of 78 industrial companies from 23 countries.
Local Player Michael Frierson Turns a 1,000x ROI at WPT bestbet Scramble

November 14, 2023 Jon Sofen Senior Editor U.S.

Michael Frierson, a recreational local poker player, busted short of the title in fourth place in the $5,000 buy-in World Poker Tour (WPT) bestbet Scramble on Tuesday. But he had one heck of a run, turning a $120 satellite buy-in into $123,900, better than 1,000 times his investment.

The Floridian who lives just 10 minutes from bestbet Jacksonville, one of the top poker rooms in the US, spoke with PokerNews following his bust-out hand. Although he was in good spirits and ecstatic about his deep run, and the life-changing money that came with it, he'd like to have the final hand back.

Right Thought Process, Wrong Timing

Michael Frierson

Prior to his elimination hand, he brought up the idea of a chop, but the chip leader at the time wasn't down. On the next hand, he picked up AQ, a strong hand that is even stronger four-handed.

"Me saying that kind of eludes to the fact that I care about the money, so I was taking that into account," Frierson said of bringing up the possibility of a chop. "Then, on the very next hand, I get ace-queen, so I'm taking that into account and I raised a little extra because I have two big stacks on my left  I'm expecting them to take that information and try to pressure me."

Frierson's logic makes sense, but the deck didn't seem to care. After raising to 150,000, Heng Zhang called on the button before Frederic Normand three-bet to 800,000 from the small blind. Expecting his opponents to put pressure on him following his chop discussion, Frierson jammed all in for 3,200,000, but ran into Normand's KK.

The board of J3262 was of no help to the local poker player and he was out in fourth place. Had he gone for a call against the three-bet instead of a shove, he could have folded to a flop bet and still had about 40 big blinds, potentially laddering up even further. But hindsight is 20/20, and it's hard to find a negative in a 1,000x return on investment (ROI).

Frierson didn't just win a single satellite to enter the World Poker Tour event. He first won a $120 buy-in satellite just to get into a $580 satellite, which he again won, and then he finished fourth out of a 365-player field for the six-figure payday. It wasn't his first sizable tournament cash, however.

Earlier this year, the local player finished fourth in a $2,000 buy-in tournament at bestbet Jacksonville during the Winter Series Open for $33,366. With his score on Tuesday, he now has about $185,000 in The Hendon Mob cashes.

Frierson, who works in group sales and construction management out of his home along with his wife, plans to spend his winnings wisely instead of going after some flashy purchases. Although he admits that may be "boring" to most, paying off bills and saving is a wiser investment.

"When I got the 33k earlier this year, I had all these ideas about turning it into more, and I'd say I learned a lesson from that," Frierson said. "First thing I wanna do is all the boring stuff. I definitely didn't wanna take my first 33k win and pay all my debts, but I should have."

Frierson doesn't like to travel to play poker, although he did acknowledge he'd consider making a close trip or two, perhaps to Hard Rock in Hollywood, Florida or Harrah's Cherokee in North Carolina. His preference is to play locally at his home casino  bestbet Jacksonville. He doesn't have to leave his wife or two young kids home, and why leave to play poker when he's having so much success just down the road from his house?

Frierson didn't win the $351,650 first place prize and he won't be joining the WPT Champions Club this week. But he won enough to improve his financial situation, and who knows, maybe one day he'll have his name etched on the Mike Sexton WPT Champions Trophy.

*Images courtesy of WPT/Drew Amato

Did You Know the World Poker Tour is Online?

The launch of WPT Global means that poker players around the world now have the chance to win their way to WPT events, win prizes and enjoy exciting games such as Poker Flips. As one of the world's largest cash game poker networks, WPT Global is available in over 50 countries and territories around the world.

WPT Global also offers new players matched deposit bonus of 100% up to a maximum of $1,200. Any new player who deposits $20 or more will automatically receive this deposit bonus.

The playthrough requirements for this bonus is fairly straightforward with each $2.50 increment of the bonus being unlocked every time you generate $10 of rake. This rake can come from either tournaments or cash games. The bonus expires after 90 days starting from the date of your first deposit.

To further sweeten the deal, WPT Global will also award you some tournament tickets. The exact reward depends on whether you are a new player and how big your deposit was.

New or Existing Players Deposit Number Minimum Deposit Amount Reward New Players Only 1st Deposit $20 4 x $5 WPT World Championship Satellite tickets New and Existing Players 2nd Deposit $20 (2nd deposit of this amount) 4 x $5 WPT World Championship Satellite tickets New and Existing Players Next Deposit of $300+ $300 $22 WPT World Championship Satellite ticket & $110 Sunday Slam ticket New and Existing Players Next Deposit of $1,200+ $1,200 $220 WPT World Championship Satellite ticket

Sharelines Michael Frierson has one of the best stories to tell from the @WPT bestbet Scramble.
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Former Trump lawyer Sidney Powell spilled the beans on Trump and Giuliani and what she revealed to Fani Willis was devastating.

Powell was asked if Trump ever was told by anyone that he lost the election, and she answered, Oh, yeah. Who? Uh, Pat Cipollone, Eric Hirschman, Derek Lyons, all thought hed lost. Was that in the December 18th meeting? Yes. What, what was, um, President Trumps reaction when, I guess this cadre of advisors would say you lost? It was like, uh, well, they would say that and then theyd walk out and hed go, see, this is what I deal with all the time.

Powell was asked, What was President Trumps sense of what you would do as special counsel?

She answered, I guess he assumed and I would have thought that I would have looked at putting into effect a provision of 13848 that would have allowed the machines to be secured. In four or five states.

Video:

"The boss is not going to leave." Video excerpts show former Trump lawyers telling Georgia prosecutors about efforts to overturn 2020 election. Read more: https://t.co/7p7UR5zvuE pic.twitter.com/2s0tX5fNVy  ABC News (@ABC) November 13, 2023

Sidney Powell confirms that Trump was told in the White House that he lost the election. Her testimony is different from the 1/6 Committee because she was an eyewitness to Trump being told that he lost.

Trump having knowledge of his defeat is important, because it goes to his motive. Trumps defense is that he was using his free speech rights to challenge an election. However, if Trump knew that he lost, his actions were part of a criminal conspiracy to overturn an election.

Powell and Jenna Ellis confirm that Trump never intended to leave the White House after he lost.

Trumps former lawyer also confirmed that she was in direct communication with Trump consistently about the plot.

Donald Trump has been directly implicated in crimes against the people of Georgia, and it doesnt look good for the former president.

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Representative Tim Burchett (R-TN) told CNN that ousted former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) elbowed him in the hallway, causing pain  a charge that Rep. McCarthy denied. But an NPR Congressional correspondent witnessed what she called a shove and the ugly back and forth that ensured on Tuesday.

Burchett told McCarthy he was pathetic and that he needed security, telling Claudia Grisales (H)es on a downhill spiral he just, that was pretty gutless of him.

Watch:

Rep. Burchett says Kevin McCarthy elbowed him in the kidney in a hallway. CNNs Manu Raju says Buchett detailed, A physical altercation in the halls of the capitol from the former speaker of the house hitting him in some pain, and saying that he hit him in the kidney. pic.twitter.com/xiCvhJY09p  Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) November 14, 2023

And then confirmation came in via NPRs Congressional correspondent Claudia Grisales, who wrote, Have NEVER seen this on Capitol Hill:

While talking to @RepTimBurchett after the GOP conference meeting, former @SpeakerMcCarthy walked by with his detail and McCarthy shoved Burchett. Burchett lunged towards me. I thought it was a joke, it was not. And a chase ensued

Burchetts back was to McCarthy and his detail walking by in the hallway, then the lunge.

Burchett responded jokingly as McCarthy kept walking, Sorry Kevin didnt mean to elbow  then seriously yelled, whyd you elbow me in the back Kevin?! Hey Kevin, you got any guts!?

Burchett then looked back at me and said, jerk referring to McCarthy. I asked if he had done that before, Burchett said no.

Thats when the chase ensued. Burchett took off after McCarthy and his detail. I chased behind with my mic.

@RepTimBurchett yelled after catching up to McCarthy, Hey Kevin, whyd you walk behind me and elbow me in the back?

KM: I didnt elbow you in the back.

Burchett: You got no guts, you did so, the reporter said it right there, what kind of chicken move is that Youre pathetic man, you are so pathetic.

Burchett starts to walk away from McCarthy, tells me, What a jerk, and then yells back, You need security Kevin!

Burchett tells me thats the first point of communication with McCarthy since Burchett voted for McCarthys ouster as speaker last month:

Thats just it for communication since ouster vote, Hes just a jerk. Hes just a childish little

Burchett adds, did you just see that? he asks in disbelief. Im stunned, too.

Says he wont follow up with McCarthy on what happened, hes on a downhill spiral he just, that was pretty gutless of him. Im disappointed in his, in him.

Burchett reiterates he hasnt talked to McCarthy since he voted against him.

House Republicans have devolved into violence against their own members, including a former Speaker recently ousted, shoving a Republican Representative after the GOP conference meeting. To put this in context, this is what Republicans are doing in the lead up to a shutdown they have brought upon the country.

House Republicans physically assaulting one another is indicative of their failure to lead, inability to govern, and bitter infighting followed by a vicious blame game sans ethical or moral standards for the aforementioned.

This is the party led by a man who calls anyone who doesnt worship him vermin and not only incited an insurrection on January 6th, 2021, but also reportedly refused to leave the White House after that and still thought he should and would be reinstalled over the President elected by the People  even years after he lost in the most secure election in U.S. history.

Republicans have normalized violence against their opponents, mocking their own supporters attacking Democrats including the physical assault that led to brain surgery for former Democratic Speaker Nancy Pelosis husband. Now, the violence is turning in on itself.

Political violence has no place in a democratic, free country and should never be endorsed, incited or modeled by leaders. This is unacceptable behavior, but the Republican Party has decided to tolerate it all in the name of keeping Donald Trump at the top of their party and ticket in 2024.

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Boy, voters sure do seem to be sick and tired of MAGA Republicans.

Democrats flipped a critical Pennsylvania county commission for the first time in over 100 years. Dauphin County houses the state capital of Harrisburg, and the Democrat who won has vowed to expand ballot access and ballot curing, which Dauphin didnt allow under Republican rule. Pennsylvania is a large and vital swing state for 2024.

The person who flipped the County Commissioners Office is a progressive pastor named Justin Douglas, who ran a longshot campaign, under the Run for Something banner. The Keystone did a profile on him by Sean Kitchen, highlighting the importance of the win for Democrats, In the broader picture, Douglas victory will be a boon for Democrats in a county that often votes blue in presidential and statewide elections, but has had trouble making inroads in offices further down the ballot.

This victory will allow Democrats to oversee how elections are conducted in Dauphin County for next years presidential election.

Douglas arrived in Dauphin County in 2015 as a pastor, but lost his license to preach for allowing LGBTQ members into the church, according to the Keystone profile. Four years later, he started a non-denominational church based in Harrisburg. Douglas ran on what he was told was a losing issue: the deaths of 18 prisoners since 2019 who were in custody in Dauphin County.

Talk about real pro-life.

Daniel Nichanian of Bolts Magazine talked to the Democrat who won last week about his plan to expand ballot access by expanding the number of ballot drop boxes and allowing ballot curing and ensuring that the county proactively reaches out to people to inform them of a mistake.

In Pennsylvania, ballots can be confusing, especially mail in ballots that have a secret envelope and an outer envelope with specific and rather intimidating instructions. If a voter messes up anything on their ballot, it can be tossed unless the county takes action to prioritize reaching out to those voters to let them know they have an error, like they put the wrong date on the outer envelope, which has to be signed and dated in the right spot.

Notice that the Democrats arent trying to privilege anyone except for actual voters in the stance that every legitimate vote should be counted. This concept gets lost in the way the partisan divide is covered nationally, but its a basic For the People principle that is hard to argue against when presented honestly.

Nichanian also pointed out, Democrats expanded their majority on the state supreme court and won a wave of county offices that determine policies on mail voting and are charged with certifying results.

This is critical for democracy, given that several incumbent election deniers in red areas who refused to certify 2020 won last weeks election.

Heres how Douglas celebrated his win on TikTok:

Given the alarming state of the Republican Party lining up behind Donald Trump, who is using Hitler type speech to dehumanize people who dont support him, every election matters. Justin Douglas was not expected to win. Run for Something encourages young progressives to run for office, a push meant to build a solid bench of diverse, pro-human rights candidates, some of whom could mature into national leaders.

This is amazing. I worked in 4 congressional dog fight campaigns and Dauphin county was rock solid red. Never thought I would see this, Democratic strategist Joe Trippi wrote over Bolts Magazines story.

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Image: Justin Douglas Tik Tok
Lawyers for the infamous former attorney Alex Murdaugh are pushing to delay his upcoming trial on alleged financial crimes, arguing it will be impossible to find 12 jurors in Beaufort County impartial to his case.

Murdaughs defense team technically requested to move his trial out of Beaufort County based on the overwhelming majority of potential jurors who have told court officials theyre familiar with Murdaugh from media coverage.

But in a motion dated Nov. 9, Murdaugh defense attorneys Dick Harpootlian and Jim Griffin are not exactly optimistic about the jury pool anywhere else. It would be better, they argue, to just delay the trial altogether.

Murdaugh, once a name synonymous with power within Hampton County, became a household name across the country this year as he stood trial on charges he murdered his wife and youngest son at the family's hunting estate in June 2021.

National TV networks carried wall-to-wall coverage of the trial in Colleton County, broadcasting his guilty verdict live. "Saturday Night Live" made jokes about him. Lifetime and Tubi made fictionalized movies about his downfall.

There are perhaps counties located in the Upstate whose citizens have not followed the coverage of (Murdaugh) as closely as the citizens in the Low Country, Murdaugh's attorneys wrote. However, this is very doubtful in the present media climate.

A spokesman for the S.C. Attorney Generals Office declined to comment, saying prosecutors would respond in court.
Boeing Co. delivered a half-dozen South Carolina-made 787s in October, including a milestone wide-body that didn't get much attention when the planemaker announced its monthly tally Nov. 14.

Singapore Airlines received the 1,000th Dreamliner to roll off the assembly line  a 787-10 that is the 20th jumbo-sized 787 in the Asian carrier's fleet.

The plane had been hanging around Boeing's factories for a while. After rolling out of the North Charleston plant in March 2020, it made its first test flight the following month. The aircraft was later flown to San Antonio for long-term storage before emerging in February for more test flights.

The plane left North Charleston on Oct. 28 for its long journey to Singapore Changi Airport.

The handover marked the second significant Dreamliner milestone involving Singapore Airlines. In 2018, the carrier took delivery of the first-ever 787-10, which is largest of the three models made in North Charleston.

Boeing notched a total of 10 new Dreamliner orders in October, including six for British Airways.

So far this year, Boeing has delivered 56 787s to edge closer to its goal of bringing between 70 and 80 to customers in 2023. The last couple months of the year are typically busy as the aerospace giant makes a big push to fulfill its delivery promises.

The total number of deliveries for the program now stands at 1,093 since the first was handed over in 2011.

Tuesday's report came as Ethiopian Airlines announced an order for 31 Boeing jets, including 11 787-9 Dreamliners. That commitment, made during the second day of the Dubai Airshow, won't show up in the official order book until after it is confirmed.

All told, Boeing has delivered 405 commercial airplanes through the first 10 months of 2023 and received 841 net orders after factoring in cancellations and conversions. The planemaker now has a backlog of 5,866 unfilled orders.

Competitor Airbus has delivered 559 commercial planes through October and taken orders for 1,334 aircraft.
NEW YORK  Stocks closed mostly higher Thursday as the market ended November with its biggest monthly gain in more than a year. Read moreWall Street closes out its best month in more than a year
A new document spells out the discounted electricity rates Dominion Energy plans to give the owner of a data center being proposed for Dorchester County while also offering a few clues about the identity of the secretive business behind the project.

The utility would give the company  identified in the heavily blacked-out filing as Mallard LLC  a special "economic development rider" rate that amounts to 6 cents for every kilowatt hour of power, or less than half the 14 cents that residential customers pay, according to a proposed contract.

The redacted document was filed Nov. 9 with the S.C. Public Service Commission, which under state law is required to review any deals offering such special power rates.

"According to Mallard, it will invest a significant amount of capital in its data center, which will result in the creation of many new jobs in South Carolina," Richmond, Va.-based utility said in a letter to regulators asking them to approve the service contract.

The commission has not set a date to consider the deal.

John Truluck, Dorchester County's economic development director, said he has not heard of Mallard LLC.

The Dominion document identifies the data center's location as the same parcels where a company operating as Autumn Timber LLC previously said it will invest $510 million on an unspecified development at the Pine Hill Business Campus off U.S. Highway 17A.

County officials have declined to comment on the project.

The contract also identifies the data center as "Project Dawson," which is the same code name that Autumn Timber used on a permit application with the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control.

Dorchester County Council last month approved tax breaks, a water-service agreement and a land deal for Autumn Timber, but officials would not disclose the company's true identity or say how many jobs it will bring to the industrial park west of Summerville.
CAMDEN  In Kershaw County, lawyers and civil rights leaders continued an ongoing push for acknowledgement of a small South Carolina rural county's role in the U.S. Supreme Court decision that led to the desegregation of public schools.

Petitioners in 1950 asked for Clarendon County to provide school buses for Black students as they had for White students. When the petition was ignored, the petitioners filed a lawsuit. That case would become known as Briggs v. Elliott and it was the first case appealed to the high court that would lead to the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision in 1954.

"We're not trying to rewrite history, we're correcting it," said Cecil Williams, an Orangeburg photographer who documented the civil rights movement across the state  including the petitioners in Clarendon County. His work is featured in the Cecil J. Williams Civil Rights Museum in his hometown.

Descendants of Harry Briggs, the case's namesake, and some of the 20 original petitioners joined Williams in Camden on Nov. 7 to commemorate the filing of a new petition demanding the court acknowledge the case in either the title or the first lines of text in the Brown v. Board decision.

The press conference introducing the new petition was held in Kershaw County, about 60 miles from where the Briggs' suit originated.

SC 'lost opportunity'

Camden attorney Tom Mullikin is leading the recognition efforts. He held back tears as he recalled the struggle South Carolinians endured during the period and the fear many of the petitioners in Clarendon County endured. He mentioned the county's firing Rev. J.A. DeLaine from his job as principal at the former Scott's Branch School  a one-room, wood and tarpaper schoolhouse for Black students  and the brutal, fatal beating of James McKnight, both of whom signed the 1950 petition asking for school buses.
The Charleston County School Board overhauled much of the districts Health Advisory Committee  yet again.

There are 10 new members on the 13-person panel that reviews the districts health and sexual education curriculum. That includes four new appointees to replace members ousted by the school board in a narrow vote. Another six people were added to fill vacancies on the committee.

Bylaws for the Health Advisory Committee state that it is to include two students, two teachers, two parents, two medical professionals, two community members and three clergy members. Members serve for three years and can be renewed for a second term.

More Coverage To read more in-depth stories from The Post and Courier's Education Lab, go to postandcourier.com/education-lab.

New appointees include Thaddeus John Bell, medical professional, physician; Ryan Byrne, medical professional, adolescent psychiatrist; Maria Nesteroad, parent; and the Rev. Nelson Rivers, clergy member. They replace Rabbi Greg Kanter, clergy member, Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim; Bonnie Cleaveland, medical professional, psychologist; Catherine Kaiser, medical professional, nurse; and Lisa Thomson Ross, parent.

Added to fill existing vacant positions are: Amy Black, community member; Christina Braun, teacher; Jackson Darby, student; Denisse Mogollon, clergy; Mary Kate Rumph, teacher; and Patricia White, community member.
Greenville, SC (29601)

Today

Showers this morning becoming a steady light rain during the afternoon hours. High 49F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

Considerable cloudiness with occasional rain showers. Low 48F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%.
GREENVILLE  After several board members questioned a lack of communication between Blythe Academy school officials and parents, the Greenville County school board voted against a proposal by the school to phase out its French immersion program.

The 8-3 vote on Nov. 14 came as the school says it has struggled to find certified teachers for the program and after Blythe parents and community members petitioned school officials to reconsider their decision.

Several board members raised questions about why the school did not make its concern with finding French teachers public prior to the proposal. One said that doing so earlier might have brought enough attention to rally the community in finding a suitable teacher or getting the state's blessing to waive the certification requirements.

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Before the vote, board members agreed to amend the proposal to include revisiting the phaseout if circumstances change going forward, but some board members were skeptical that this would actually happen.

Blythe Principal Steven Sokohl cited the difficulty of recruiting teachers with the proper certifications as a significant reason for scaling down the program, according to an Oct. 20 letter to parents at Blythe Academy.

State regulations require that teachers of immersion programs are certified in both the content area  such as math and language arts  and the immersion language, South Carolina Department of Education spokesman Derek Phillips told The Post and Courier.

Alternatively, a teacher can be certified in the content area and have earned a passing score on the certification assessment in the language, or vice versa, Phillips said.

Blythe Academy has taken to recruiting teachers from across the country and overseas, as well as starting a program to certify teachers on the job, Sokohl said.
WASHINGTON  A federal jury found an Anderson man guilty of five charges related to his storming of the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

Derek Cooper Gunby, 43, was found guilty on one count each of parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building, obstruction of an official proceeding, disorderly conduct in a Capitol building, entering a restricted building and disorderly conduct in a restricted building, according to court records.

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Gunby remains out of custody on a personal recognizance bond and is expected to be sentenced March 1, court records show. The most severe charge, obstruction of an official proceeding, is a felony with a maximum five-year prison sentence.

At trial Nov. 13, the government argued Gunby had such a strong belief the 2020 election was stolen he decided to leave the Stop the Steal rally and join the mob that stormed the Capitol to stop Congress' certification of the Electoral College vote count, court records show.

"Gunby believed that patriots could not 'depend on (then-Vice President) Mike Pence to do the right thing in certifying this vote' and needed to take matters into their own hands," government attorneys wrote in a pretrial brief.

The government said Gunby chronicled his actions on Facebook the day before and day of the storming, including narrating videos as he advanced toward the Capitol building and once he was inside, court records show.

As rioters pushed into the building from the Northwest Courtyard, alarms blaring amid officers firing pepper balls to push them back, Gunby recorded himself moving toward the entrance, saying, Weve got some breaches in the Capitol Building  in which Im about to go, because enough is enough."

Moments later, Gunby was pushed out of the building. He then headed to different parts of the Capitol grounds, recording videos of the crowd and police trying to hold them back over the next hour, according to court records.

Following the Jan. 6 riot, the government argued, Gunby posted a number of messages on social media confirming his belief the 2020 election had been stolen, which prosecutors say reinforced that his actions at the Capitol were to prevent the transfer of presidential power after the election.
GREENVILLE  A dire picture took shape as staff briefed members of Greenville County Council on the condition of the area's roads.

Close to a third of the roughly 4,000 miles of road in the county are in poor condition. Another third are rated fair. County staff estimates it would cost $2 billion to repair those roadways alone. That doesn't include repairing or replacing the county's failing bridges, 98 of which are currently closed or load restricted. Nor does it cover intersection or corridor improvements.

"The need is so overwhelming," Assistant County Administrator Tee Coker said during the Nov. 13 Roads, Infrastructure and Public Works Committee workshop.

As the roads deteriorate, rising material costs have reduced the number of miles the county can repave to about 17 a year. Greenville County Engineer Hunter Crumley told council members at the workshop the amount Greenville County contributes to road infrastructure  at $12 million a year, a fraction of what comparable counties spend annually  makes it more difficult to attract bids for contracts, making roadwork more expensive.

Charleston County, by contrast, spends more than $100 million on roads annually, while Horry County spends roughly $90 million.

And as conditions continue to deteriorate, the price of improving Greenville County's aging transportation infrastructure will only go up.

Greenville County's roads are already among the most dangerous in the country, leading South Carolina with 110,000 collisions and 411 road fatalities between 2017 and 2021.

As conditions continue to worsen rather than improve, staff voiced concerns that the area's roads will be unable to accommodate the roughly 200,000-person population spike the county is projected to experience between now and 2040.

The critical state of Greenville County's roads places officials at a crossroads nine years after voters rejected in referendum a capital projects sales tax that would have funded 75 road projects. Since the 2014 defeat of that 1 percent sales tax, none of those projects have been completed.
Just days before their contract ended, Cigna Healthcare and the health system of the Medical University of South Carolina settled their differences, reaching an agreement that would carry them through 2026.

The two sides had been negotiating since May on a new contract, according to MUSC Health, but had apparently hit an impasse late last month. MUSC Health sent a letter to Cigna patients on Oct. 25 warning them that the MUSC doctors and clinics they use would be out of their coverage network when the contract ended Nov. 30.

Cigna patients represent 1.9 percent of MUSC Health's total charges and 3.8 percent of its payments, said MUSC spokeswoman Carter Coyle.

If the contract ended, "it may mean you may have to pay more out of pocket to see" current providers, the letter warned. Cigna responded that it was negotiating in "good faith" and was trying to "keep healthcare affordable for the people we both serve in the community.

The two sides now have a contract that will run through 2026, MUSC Health said in a statement Nov. 14.

The new payment system "enables MUSC Health to attract and retain world class physicians, while addressing the escalating costs prevalent in the health care industry, a statement from Karyn Rae, chief of payor relations and reimbursement for MUSC Health, said.

In a separate letter to patients, Rae said: "We acknowledge and empathize with the stress and anxiety this situation may have caused, and we are thrilled to have reached a resolution."

Cigna did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Current and former longtime smokers in South Carolina are more likely to get a scan that could find lung cancer early, but they are less likely to survive five years later compared to other states, a new report finds.

Advocates hope it is just a matter of getting the word out about the potentially life-saving screenings and then seeing more patients saved in the future.

The American Lung Association's annual State of Lung Cancer report found the Palmetto State is doing much better than the national average at getting patients that low-dose CT scan, with 6.8 percent of eligible patients examined compared to 4.5 percent across the United States. But only 24.4 percent are still alive five years after a lung cancer diagnosis in South Carolina vs. 26.6 percent nationally, the report found.

Patients were also less likely to have the option for surgery because their cancer wasn't caught early, and thus less likely to get any treatment at all compared to those in other states.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for both men and women, killing more people than breast, colon and prostate cancers combined in 2020, according to the American Cancer Society. It will account for an estimated 127,070 deaths this year, including 2,630 people in South Carolina, the cancer society reported.

But there are stark differences in how lethal it can be depending on when it is found and the type of lung cancer.

For the most common type, finding it before it has spread outside the lungs has a five-year survival rate of 65 percent nationally, but once it has spread to distant sites that drops to 9 percent, according to the SEER cancer database.

In those early stages, "lung cancers are often silent," with no symptoms, so scans are needed to find them, said Dr. Brian Beaty of Roper St. Francis Radiation Oncology.

Once lung cancer screening began in earnest in 2013 across the country, it increased cancer survival by 20 percent. The screening guidelines were recently expanded to include those ages 50 to 80 who smoked a pack a day or more for at least 20 years and are still smoking or those who have quit within the last 15 years.
The City of Isle of Palms holiday street festival and tree lighting will take place on Dec. 2 from 2 to 7 p.m. on the Isle of Palms. The tree lighting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. This event will have an impact on some roads on the island. Read moreIOP announces road closures
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, November 14. An agreement was reached on the supply of Kyrgyz mountain honey to Uzbekistan's Tashkent, Trend reports.

During a meeting between the trade representative of Kyrgyzstan's Ministry of Economy and Commerce and a representative from Uzbekistan's beekeeping farms, a preliminary contract for honey supply from Kyrgyzstan to Uzbekistan was signed. The sides also signed Memorandum of Cooperation aiming to launch collaborative projects in this field. Both sides expressed confidence in the successful execution of this initiative.

The Ministry of Finance in Kyrgyzstan highlighted that this move opens up new possibilities for enhancing trade ties between Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan in beekeeping and honey production. This step is pivotal in fostering trade and economic relations, expanding business activities between Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.

The details of the contract or MoU were not disclosed.

The Kyrgyz Ministry noted that its trade office is actively engaged in negotiations with Kyrgyz honey suppliers.

According to the State Statistical Committee of Kyrgyzstan, the country exported 255.5 tons of honey in the current year's nine months, with no recorded deliveries to Uzbekistan.
A former Charleston County Sheriff's deputy who was fired earlier this month for what the department called "egregious conduct" during an arrest is now facing criminal charges. State Law Enforcement Division agents have charged James Henry Carter III with misconduct in office and third-degree assault and battery. Read moreSLED charges fired Charleston County deputy with assault, misconduct
Eric Gallien, the recently departed Charleston County school superintendent, endorsed John Tecklenburg, who is bidding to remain Charleston mayor.

Tecklenburg will face challenger William Cogswell in a Nov. 21 runoff. They were the top vote-getters in the Nov. 7 general election, though neither secured more than 50 percent of the vote, triggering the runoff.

Cogswell, a former Republican state legislator, garnered 36 percent of the vote. Tecklenburg was about 1,100 votes behind in second place.

My endorsement of Mayor Tecklenburg for Charleston is driven not by partisan politics or party lines, but a genuine recognition of his exceptional leadership qualities and support providing equal education opportunities for all children, Gallien said at a Nov. 13 press conference. His commitment to transparency and community involvement in our schools is unwavering.

Tecklenburg, along with the mayors of Mount Pleasant and North Charleston, on Oct. 24 joined together to call out the Charleston County School Board for creating what he called at the time a crisis of confidence among teachers, parents, taxpayers, legislators and local officials.

They questioned the actions of the five board members who suspended Gallien during his third month on the job, along with other decisions that group had made. The mayors said they were prepared to ask state lawmakers to deconsolidate the school district if necessary.

The board ultimately agreed on Oct. 27 to part ways with Gallien, reaching a settlement that cost taxpayers more than $350,000. His first day on the job was July 1.

The five board members, who voted to suspend Gallien with pay while an outside lawyer looked into a staffer claim that he had created a hostile work environment, were each endorsed by the local chapter of Moms for Liberty.
U.S. Sen. Tim Scott has many admirable qualities that would have made him a compelling presidential candidate in another year. Still, given the state of the Republican race, his decision to drop out of the GOP primary should be welcomed. Read moreCommentary: Do the right thing, like Tim Scott
Those who think the study of history is a purely academic exercise largely miss the point. Yes, learning more about our past makes us smarter and may even entertain us, but it does more than that. It provides context and gives us a better sense of where we are today. Read moreEditorial: There are lessons to learn from Charleston's own tea 'party'
FLORENCE  City utility bills will soon be rounded up to fund relief for people struggling to pay their water and sewer bills.

The program  which City Council members approved 6-1 at their November meeting  is designed to ease the burden of increasing utility bills on customers.

"We understand that its tough for everybody, so were trying to help alleviate this burden, council member Lethonia "Peaches" Barnes said.

The program will be funded by rounding up utility customers bills to the nearest whole dollar.

That means that if a customers bill is normally $99.20, it will be rounded up to $100. But users can opt out any time. The most any customer would pay each year is less than $12.

The funds collected will go to a nonprofit entity that administers the program, according to the ordinance. The organization will be tasked with establishing an application process and approving applicants.

While the third-party entity will have some discretion, the ordinance establishes that customers over 60, disabled individuals and low-income households will receive priority.

Assistance would be limited to $150 in a six-month period.

The ordinance did not pass without some back-and-forth.

Mayor Teresa Myers Ervin opposed the program, arguing customers should be able to be opt in, not opt out.

She moved to amend the ordinance to make it an opt-in program. But the motion quickly died without a second.

Ervin said she supported the goals of the program but not at the expense of users' right to voluntarily opt into rounding up their bills. "From the people who have called me, they would prefer to have that option to opt in by saying they want to be part of it.  They feel that it is not right for the city to mandate them to be a part of a program," she said.
Lately there hasnt been a lot of hard news about Israels progress in destroying Hamas. But this is a watershed moment: Israeli soldiers pose in Hamass Parliament building, which they have captured:

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant describes the campaigns progress:

There is no force of Hamas capable of stopping the IDF. The IDF is advancing at every location. The Hamas organization has lost control in Gaza: Terrorists are fleeing south, civilians are looting Hamas bases. They have no confidence in the government, Gallant said, after holding an assessment on the fighting.

One sign of Israels progress is a dramatic drop-off in the number of rockets that Hamas is able to fire.

Naturally, the European Union is eager to slow Israel down:

The European Union has delegated too much of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process to the United States and must now be more involved in a two-state resolution to the conflict, the blocs foreign policy chief Josep Borrell told reporters in Brussels on Monday. We have been far too absent, Borrell said ahead of his anticipated trip to Israel and the Palestinian territory in the West Bank this week.  We must commit ourselves to this process because if we dont find a solution, we will experience a perpetual cycle of violence moving from generation to generation from funeral to funeral.

***

There can be no forced displacement of Palestinians to territory outside of Gaza, no reduction in the territorial scope of Gaza for Palestinians and no reoccupation by the Israeli Defense Forces, Borrell said.

It is true that the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians can be described as a cycle of violence that has now continued for decades. But why is that?

Consider World War II, for example. The Germans and Japanese started the war, but did it lead to a cycle of violence? No. The wars conclusion brought about a peace that continues to this day, as far as those combatants are concerned. Why is that? Because the war had a decisive result. Germany and Japan were crushed. There were millions of civilian casualties. The German and Japanese people understood that they had lost the war, and the war had been a catastrophe for them. They had no desire to renew the violence.

One can contrast that with World War I, which did not have a decisive result, and which did become part of a cycle of violence, i.e. World War II, precisely because the German people did not accept that they had lost the Great War.

Or consider the Napoleonic Wars. There was a cycle of violence that began with the French Revolution and continued intermittently until 1815. The cycle ended when France was decisively defeated in 1815, and was occupied for a time by the victorious powers. France suffered terribly, and the result was more than a half century of peace.

Then there is the Middle East. Israel fought a series of wars in 1948, 1967 and 1973 against Arab coalitions including Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and Iraq. There was, for a time, a cycle of violence. But the Arabs attacks failed decisively, and the hostile Arab powers eventually decided to give up on their ambitions and make peace. Several decades have now gone by without armed conflict between Israel and Egypt, Jordan or Syria.

Not so with the Palestinians, i.e., the Arabs who live in the former British Mandate. They have continued to launch terrorist attacks and wars against Israel from 1948 to the present, most recently and most horrifically last month. Why is that? Most fundamentally, because the Palestinians do not believe that they have been defeated by Israel. On the contrary, theyespecially the Gazansseem to have believed that they were doing pretty well. Intifada was good to them, yielding vast quantities of international aid and considerable international respect.

In my view, the approach taken by the E.U. and by Palestinian sympathizers in the U.S. is precisely wrong. If there is a cease fire, another tenuous peace, ongoing yammering about a two-state solution that the Palestinians have rejected over and over again, the cycle of violence will continue. The only thing that will stop it is a victory by Israel so crushing that Palestinians acknowledge they have been beaten, lay down their arms, and repudiate their leaders.

So we can only hope that Israel will ignore the voices of compromise and press on to a thorough and decisive victory that will end the cycle of violence once and for all.
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, November 14. The national forum, dedicated to the development of the garment and textile industry, is scheduled to take place in Kyrgyzstan's Bishkek on November 28, Trend reports.

The forum will consist of two main segments. Firstly, it will cover the topic of business and government interaction in the light industry sector. This segment will engage speakers in discussing mechanisms for business-government collaboration aimed at supporting and advancing the textile and garment industry.

The second segment will revolve around fashion and textiles. It aims to explore strategies for exporting Kyrgyzstan's textile products to global markets. Experts and specialists from various countries, including Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Russia, and China, will share their experiences and assess the potential for international cooperation in this field.

The event will also feature experts from companies such as Ozon, Alibaba, WildBerries, and others. The forum is jointly organized with KFTA and is supported by the Cabinet of Ministers.

The Kyrgyzstan Fashion and Textile Association is a non-commercial public organization that unites representatives from the light industry and fashion sector in Kyrgyzstan, boasting over 200 regular members.
Richard Goldberg illuminates one key element of the Hamas way of war in the New York Post column Hamas commits war crimes in hospitals and mosques, but world says nothing. Goldbergs column might illuminate the authorities promoting the Hamas line at the Associated Press. This will come as news to the AP:

The Israel Defense Forces released footage Monday of Hamas firing rocket-propelled grenades toward Israeli troops. The catch? The terrorists were firing from the entrance of Al-Quds hospital in Gaza City  committing a war crime by using civilians as human shields.

The IDF returned fire and confirmed killing 21 Hamas terrorists using the hospital for cover. When civilians tried to run away, Hamas terrorists ran with them to create physical shields. As the dust settled, some terrorists went back inside the hospital.

The events at Al-Quds are nothing compared to whats happening at Gaza Citys Al-Shifa hospital  the headquarters of Hamas operations. Hamas is locked in an intense ground fight against Israel in the areas surrounding Shifa  potentially seeing the battle as a last stand before losing effective operational control of the Gaza Strip.

Israeli officials have spoken with the hospital and offered to coordinate the evacuation of sick patients, including children. Staff told the IDF that Hamas was hoarding fuel underneath the hospital, sacrificing more civilians for its own terrorist agenda.

The IDF dropped off additional fuel to help the hospital continue operations. But Hamas blocked its retrieval. The terrorists want patients to die as a means of pressuring Israel to stop short of seizing its headquarters, which reportedly lies under the hospital.

The Hamas supporters in the street blame Israel for civilian deaths in Gaza. But for those paying any attention, Hamas demonstrates every day that those civilians are dead because of Hamas, not Israel.

Rather than condemn Hamas for violating the laws of war, the World Health Organizations director-general accused Israel of targeting hospitals in Gaza and called for an immediate cease-fire.

WHO has not condemned Hamas for using hospitals as human shields, basing its headquarters under Shifa or denying a hospital access to fuel. No outrage can be found over Hamas using ambulances to transport terrorists and weapons.

Like the rest of the United Nations, WHO does not recognize Hamas as a terrorist organization.

This is nothing new from WHO, a China-influenced agency that castigates Israel on an annual basis at its World Health Assembly. Now, with Syria and North Korea on its executive board, it is nothing more than a Hamas mouthpiece  albeit a mouthpiece funded generously by the United States taxpayer.

The IDF late Monday released video footage from inside a Hamas terror tunnel that ended in the basement of Gazas Rantisi hospital. Israel reportedly found diapers in the basement alongside rope used to hold Israeli hostages.

A baby bottle found on top of a box bearing the WHO logo completed the indictment of a United Nations that is actively working against its founding promise: Never again.

Hamas daily war crimes extend beyond the health-care sector. On Sunday, the IDF released footage of weapons, ammunition and explosive devices found inside a kindergarten in northern Gaza.

Israel is also finding major terror infrastructure in and under mosques. Weapons were seized from the Abu Bakr mosque while four IDF soldiers were killed in a booby-trapped tunnel under another mosque in Beit Hanoun.
Who you are and who you know yourself to be is valid. We want you to be your authentic self every day. That was Andrea Palm, Deputy Secretary for Health and Human Services, in an official video announcing new HHS gender identity, non-discrimination and inclusion policy. Who is this Deputy Secretary, viewers have a right to wonder, who is so wise in the ways of authenticity?

According to her HHS bio, Andrea Palm holds a Bachelors degree from Cornell University and a Masters degree from Washington University in St. Louis. HHS does not reveal that the bachelors degree is in human services studies, and her masters degree in social work. Palm held a number of policy and operational roles in the Obama-Biden Administration, HHS explains, but leaves out much her previous experience.

Palm hails from New York state and worked for Rep. Bob Matsui before putting in five years as a health policy advisor to Sen. Hillary Clinton. As the people may recall, the former First Lady was a big promoter of single payer health care, also known as the public option, both code for government monopoly health care. After a stint in the Obama-Biden administration, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers tapped Palm to head his states health department.

The Clinton cadre, never confirmed in the post, maintained strict mask and lockdown policies, and had some difficulty with the vaccine rollout. When tapped for federal HHS, one state senator charged that Palm was exporting her incompetence to the Biden administration. Palm didnt think so.

When the pandemic hit, we led with fact, science, and transparency to protect our communities, the social worker told a Senate panel. Like her pandemic policy, Palms proclamation that who you are and who you know yourself to be is valid, has nothing to do with actual science.

Also appearing in the video is Cheryl Campbell, HHS Assistant Secretary for Administration, who earned an MBA from Georgetown. In the new HHS policy, Campbell explains, people Should be addressed by name and pronouns they use to describe themselves, and use restrooms per their gender identity. Cut to Admiral Rachel Levine Assistant HHS Secretary, in full dress uniform.

The Admiral is an out and proud transgender woman in a senior leadership position, and encourages colleagues to ensure that the new guidelines are fully implemented. With feelings of inclusion on the rise HHS will be a welcoming and affirming place, but maybe not so much for those who recognize reality, biological and otherwise.

This a totalitarian tutorial, an attempt to dictate speech and force people to accept unreality. Harvard law alum Roger Severino contends that governments cannot compel speech and certainly cannot compel false speech, but this will not deter the gender sturmptruppen.

An axis of reality dysphoria and white coat supremacy is no basis for a system of government. The time has come to push back, big time. Know who you are, and that you are valid. Be your authentic self every day. And just for fun, think of what Richard Pryor, George Carlin, or Don Rickles would say about Admiral Levine.
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HAGENS BERMAN, NATIONAL TRIAL ATTORNEYS, Encourages Barclays PLC (BCS) Investors with Substantial Losses to Contact Firm's Attorneys, Securities Fraud Class Action FiledSAN FRANCISCO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / November 14, 2023 / Hagens Berman urges Barclays PLC (NYSE:BCS) investors who suffered substantial losses to submit your losses now.Class Period: July 22, 2019 - Oct. 12, 2023Lead Plaintiff Deadline: Jan. 2, 2024Visit: www.hbsslaw.com/investor-fraud/BCSContact An Attorney Now: BCS@ hbsslaw.com844-916-0895 Barclays PLC (NYSE:BCS) Securities Fraud Class Action:The complaint alleges that Defendants made false and misleading statements and failed to disclose that:(1) contrary to his false public statements and assertions to Britain's Financial Conduct Authority ("FCA"), Barclays' ex-CEO Jes Staley had a very close relationship with Epstein;(2) Staley was reportedly aware of Epstein's criminal activities and may have even sexually assaulted a victim who had previously been trafficked by Epstein;(3) Staley's close, personal relationship with Epstein, and potential criminal activity, if discovered could bring reputational, legal, and financial harm to Barclays;(4) as a result, Barclays' response to the FCA inquiry regarding Staley's relationship with Epstein was materially false; and(5) Barclays, having become aware of information contradicting its response to the FCA's inquiry, then failed to update the response so that it would be accurate, or otherwise take any meaningful action.Investors began to learn the truth on Nov. 1, 2021, when Barclays announced Staley's departure after becoming aware of the FCA's preliminary conclusions regarding the company's and Staley's characterization of the Epstein relationship.Subsequently, the Financial Times reported that Staley and Epstein exchanged 1,200 emails over a four-year period and, just before joining Barclays in 2015, Staley sailed his yacht to Epstein's island in the Caribbean.Finally, on Oct. 12, 2023, the FCA announced that "Staley recklessly approved a letter sent by Barclays to the FCA, which contained two misleading statements, about the nature of his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein and the point of their last contact." The FCA fined Staley, barred him from the financial services industry and observed that Staley's emails described Epstein as one of his "deepest" and "most cherished" friends.Each of these events drove the price of Barclays American Depositary Shares lower."We're focused on investors' losses and are investigating whether Barclays may have intentionally misled investors about the nature of the Staley-Epstein relationship," said Reed Kathrein, the Hagens Berman partner leading the investigation.If you invested in Barclays and have significant losses, or have knowledge that may assist the firm's investigation, submit your losses now If you'd like more information and answers to frequently asked questions about the Barclays case and our investigation, read more Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding Barclays 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 BCS@ hbsslaw.com # # #About Hagens BermanHagens Berman is a global plaintiffs' rights complex litigation law firm focusing on corporate accountability through class-action law. The firm is home to a robust securities litigation practice and represents investors as well as whistleblowers, workers, consumers and others in cases achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and fraud. More about the firm and its successes can be found at hbsslaw.com . Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw.Attorney advertising.Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.Services may be performed by attorneys in any of our offices.Contact:Reed Kathrein, 844-916-0895SOURCE: Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP
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NEW ORLEANS, LA / ACCESSWIRE / November 13, 2023 / Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have until January 2, 2024 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Barclays PLC (NYSE:BCS), if they purchased the Company's securities between July 22, 2019 and October 12, 2023, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Central District of California.What You May DoIf you purchased shares of Barclays and would like to discuss your legal rights and how this case might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email ( lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com) , or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-bcs/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court by January 2, 2024.About the LawsuitBarclays and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.The alleged false and misleading statements and omissions include, but are not limited to, that: (i) contrary to false public assertions, the Company's former CEO, James Staley, had a close relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, was reportedly aware of Epstein's criminal activities and may have even sexually assaulted a victim who had previously been trafficked by Epstein; (ii) if discovered, the relationship and potential criminal activity could bring reputational, legal, and financial harm to Company; (iii) the Company's response to an inquiry by the British Financial Conduct Authority regarding Staley's relationship with Epstein was materially false; (iv) when the Company became aware of information contradicting its response to the inquiry, it failed to update the response so that it would be accurate, or otherwise take any meaningful action; and (v) as a result, the Company's statements about its business, operations, and prospects, were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times.The case is Merritt v. Barclays Plc, et al., 23-cv-9217.About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCKSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. KSF serves a variety of clients - including public institutional investors, hedge funds, money managers and retail investors - in seeking recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, California, Louisiana and New Jersey.To learn more about KSF, you may visit http://ksfcounsel.com/ CONTACT:Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCLewis Kahn, Managing Partnerlewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com1-877-515-18501100 Poydras St., Suite 960New Orleans, LA 70163SOURCE: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC
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Despite geopolitical risks and macro economic factors, 85% of investors and companies surveyed plan to boost ESG investment over the next five years84% of executives say ESG helps deliver a more robust corporate strategy and 85% of investors reported that ESG leads to better returns, resilient portfolios and enhanced fundamental analysisNine out of 10 executives and investors stated that AI is a friend not foe' for ESGLONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / November 14, 2023 / BloombergOriginally published on bloomberg.com At a time when the concept of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) has come under pressure, Bloomberg Intelligence's inaugural ESG Market Navigator survey [1] has found that ESG remains a backbone of financial markets and corporate strategy, driven by global regulation, consumer demands and competitive ambitions. The survey, conducted in collaboration with Bloomberg New Economy, canvassed the views of 250 C-suite executives and 250 investors globally. Although geopolitical risks and macro concerns may shift priorities in the short term, and currently only 55% of C-suite executives see ESG as one of their top two priorities, the survey indicates strong long term support for ESG from both senior executives and major investors in all regions of the world; in fact 85% of investors and companies surveyed plan to boost ESG investment over the next five years. While costs of transition and regulatory compliance are seen as major hurdles, executives view ESG as benefiting reputation, access to capital and competitiveness, and a vast majority (84%) say it helps deliver a more robust corporate strategy. The same number said it is a material factor in terms of M&A and 81% said they were worried about losing market share if they fall behind peers. Seven in 10 executives view energy-transition efforts as a competitive advantage, and 75% say that failing to plan may expose them to revenue loss and activism. Though the majority said "greenwashing" makes ESG goals increasingly difficult to articulate, 73% believe the benefits are worth the commitment and associated scrutiny. Likewise, a majority of investors (85%) reported that ESG leads to better returns, resilient portfolios and enhanced fundamental analysis. Despite data consistency and funds regulation challenges, 90% of all respondents said that ESG could drive better returns over the next 12 months than the rest of the market, 92% said ESG helps deliver a more resilient investment portfolio strategy, and 86% said it is key to attracting and/ or retaining clients.Adeline Diab, Global ESG Research and Strategy Director at Bloomberg Intelligence, said: "ESG has moved from a fringe concern, to mainstream and finally, to a mandated necessity. We expect 2024 to be about ESG accountability and an era where investor-corporate dialogue will be vital, 60% of investors hold companies answerable on ESG, while 40% of executives face ESG questions on over half their investor calls. I firmly believe that scrutiny will help shape a more credible ESG market overtime." Other key findings of Bloomberg Intelligence's inaugural survey were; huge support for Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the context of ESG. Nine out of 10 executives and investors stated that AI is a friend not foe' for ESG, helping to improve traceability, generate better data and uncover controversies across languages, among other strengths. Interoperability of regulations (15%) and climate risk assessments (12%) for investors, measuring impact and litigation risks for corporations are top of mind for 2024. In addition, water, circular economy, as well as biodiversity emerged as new themes besides clean energy.Notes to Editors [1] The ESG Market Navigator, a survey of 250 C-suite executives and 250 senior investors from around the world, was developed by Bloomberg Intelligence for release in collaboration with the Bloomberg New Economy. Questions covered five topics: Context, Practice, Communication, Climate and 2024 Outlook.The online questionnaire was carried out by GLG in October. The distribution of respondents was 35% in each of the US and EMEA, and 30% from APAC, across industries.Contact Oktavia Catsaros Bloomberg Intelligence ocatsaros@ bloomberg.net Kate Burns / Saffron Wainwright / Seb Zickus Citigate Dewe Rogerson BloombergIntelligence@ citigatedewerogerson.com About Bloomberg Intelligence Bloomberg Intelligence (BI) research delivers an independent perspective providing interactive data and investment research on over 2,000 companies, 135 industries and all global markets. Our team of over 400 research professionals help our clients make decisions with confidence in the rapidly moving investment landscape. BI analysis is backed by live, transparent data from Bloomberg and more than 600 third-party data contributors that clients can use to refine and support their ideas. Bloomberg Intelligence is available exclusively on the Bloomberg Terminal and the Bloomberg Professional App. Visit us at https://www.bloomberg.com/professional/product/bloomberg-intelligence/ or request a demo.Disclaimer The data included in these materials are for illustrative purposes only. The BLOOMBERG TERMINAL service and Bloomberg data products (the "Services") are owned and distributed by Bloomberg Finance L.P. ("BFLP") except (i) in Argentina, Australia and certain jurisdictions in the Pacific Islands, Bermuda, China, India, Japan, Korea and New Zealand, where Bloomberg L.P. and its subsidiaries ("BLP") distribute these products, and (ii) in Singapore and the jurisdictions serviced by Bloomberg's Singapore office, where a subsidiary of BFLP distributes these products. BLP provides BFLP and its subsidiaries with global marketing and operational support and service. Certain features, functions, products and services are available only to sophisticated investors and only where permitted. BFLP, BLP and their affiliates do not guarantee the accuracy of prices or other information in the Services. Nothing in the Services shall constitute or be construed as an offering of financial instruments by BFLP, BLP or their affiliates, or as investment advice or recommendations by BFLP, BLP or their affiliates of an investment strategy or whether or not to "buy", "sell" or "hold" an investment. Information available via the Services should not be considered as information sufficient upon which to base an investment decision. The following are trademarks and service marks of BFLP, a Delaware limited partnership, or its subsidiaries: BLOOMBERG, BLOOMBERG ANYWHERE, BLOOMBERG MARKETS, BLOOMBERG NEWS, BLOOMBERG PROFESSIONAL, BLOOMBERG TERMINAL and BLOOMBERG.COM . Absence of any trademark or serv
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AUSTIN, TX / ACCESSWIRE / November 14, 2023 / Blue Sky Scrubs is celebrating "World Kindness Day" this Monday by giving away a fun Holiday promotion. But there is a catch.The luxury scrub cap company is giving away scrub caps for free with no purchase necessary. But only the first 100 customers that share a Tik Tok or a Instagram video at work about one thing they have done recently to be nice to someone.The promotion is taking place only in the United States. They wanted the videos to be done at work so they know that in fact the people getting their products are working in the medical field. Blue Sky Scrubs has always been known for giving and is continuing this tradition through fun new ways. Earlier this year, it gave free scrubs to people in need for a mission trip. In September it helped raise money for students in nursing and medical school. And Blue Sky Scrubs employees routinely donate time to help local charities.Promotions help to drive conversation around a brand and increase awareness. Donating to charities can also can drive sales, because some customers will tell friends about the things they do and in return they might buy their products. Blue Sky Scrubs said it wants the brand associated with World Kindness Day to make "meaningful connections" with nurses, veterinarians, dentists, hygienists, physicians and physician assistants."World Kindness Day is an opportunity to make a positive difference by being generous," Shelby Marquardt, Blue Sky Scrubs founder and chief designer, said in a release."A simple gesture of caring and saying thanks, including brightening someone's day, is a great way to make a difference." The company also released hundreds of new scrub cap designs this week. Blue Sky Scrubs said that it's considering expanding its limited editions scrubs to sell more of its medical clothing across the United States.Media ContactBlue Sky ScrubsSuzie Aguilera888-302-5837suzie@ blueskyscrubs.comwww.blueskyscrubs.com SOURCE: Blue Sky Scrubs
PR-Inside.com: 2023-11-14 23:00:25

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NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / November 14, 2023 / CNH IndustrialNew Holland Agriculture, a brand of CNH Industrial, celebrates International Day of Rural Women by recognizing three hardworking women in the company. Their stories prove that gender is no barrier to a successful career in Australia's agriculture sector, where women currently make up 34% of the industry.Amy Reid recently joined On-Trac Ag at Bathurst as a machinery mechanic apprentice, decades after originally turning away from a career in the trade. "My brother did a technician apprenticeship, and when I was thinking about my career after school, I couldn't see any females working on machines or in the dealerships, so I did hairdressing instead," Amy said."I lived and worked on the land, so always had a passion here. In the last couple of months something changed, and I'm so proud to now be one month into my apprenticeship." "Everyone has been really welcoming and actually in the workshop, there's a lot of skills that women offer that men can't-women are often the ones with greater attention to detail, a gentler hand, and smaller fingers to work on the more intricate parts of a machine." "It's so encouraging to see that the younger generations are so much more open to women pursuing a career in ag- I wish I could have done this when I was 16!"Claire Miller, first-year diesel technician apprenticeship at On-Trac Ag in Orange, hasn't let her age or gender stop her from working in the industry she loves. "I got offered work experience at the workshop while I was still in high school, and as soon as I was asked to stay on, I knew that it was the right path for me," said Claire."As a young woman in the industry, I appreciate that my team don't treat me any differently and have helped me overcome any doubts about my success." With the loyal support of her team and her family, Claire strongly advocates for other young women considering a career in agriculture. "Give it a go and if you love it, don't let anything stop you!" said Claire.Melody Labinsky, New Holland's ANZ PLM Product Manager, is one of the network's shining examples of supporting the next generation. Recently mentoring an aspiring female agricultural engineer, Melody has been able to showcase the rewarding career opportunities in agriculture."If you have a dream or a goal, finding like-minded people who are there to support you is so crucial," said Melody. "From a young age, I knew I was passionate about storytelling and learning the complexities of ag machinery, so I am very thankful for the help I have received to get to where I am today." With a lifelong background in farming and a passion for ag innovation, Melody has been able share her expertise, experience and networks with other young women interested in a career in agriculture. "As an industry, I hope that we can continue to remove roadblocks so that the next generation of ag leaders can embark on the most direct path to success," she said.In line with its partnership with the National Farmers' Federation, New Holland is continuing to set a standard of gender diversity across the industry by supporting the NFF as it aims to double the number of women in agriculture's leadership positions by 2030.New Holland also works closely with UNIQ You, a non-profit that is increasing the proportion of women working in industries and roles currently under-represented by women across Australia as part of their vision to see more diverse representation in the industry.Across New Holland's ANZ network, rural women champion gender diversity in agriculture as New Holland commits to fostering more pathways for greater representation.View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from CNH Industrial on 3 blmedia.com Contact Info:Spokesperson: CNH IndustrialWebsite: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/cnh-industrialEmail: info@3 blmedia.com SOURCE: CNH Industrial
PR-Inside.com: 2023-11-14 16:27:23

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The Transaction Represents a Significant Milestone as Dura Software Completes its 15th Acquisition.SAN ANTONIO, TX / ACCESSWIRE / November 14, 2023 / Dura Software, a leading buyer of hyper-niche software companies, has announced its latest acquisition today, Infinity, a United Kingdom-based provider of interaction management software for contact center environments. With the addition of Infinity, Dura Software now has acquired 15 companies globally, representing a significant milestone for the rapidly growing software company.Infinity has provided interaction management software for over 25 years. It has established itself as an innovator in the business process outsourcing, emergency services, healthcare, financial, utilities, and insurance sectors. Infinity's technology includes interaction management, low-code workflow and scripting, CCaaS and CRM integration, omnichannel orchestration and automation, quality management, and more.Dura Software's CEO, Paul Salisbury, expressed his excitement about the acquisition, saying, "We are thrilled to welcome Infinity to the Dura Software family. Their proven technology and exceptional track record in serving global organizations make them an excellent addition to our portfolio." Chris Williams, CEO of Dura Software portfolio company DVSAnalytics, will lead the Infinity team. DVSAnalytics also specializes in contact center technology and offers workforce optimization, workforce management solutions, quality management, call recording, and other business-critical technologies. Williams' experience will enable greater synergy across the two portfolio companies.Williams spoke about the acquisition, stating, "This latest acquisition will strengthen our portfolio and expand Dura's capabilities in the contact center space. I'm certain that Infinity has a bright future ahead as part of the Dura family, and I'm very much looking forward to working closely with the team to drive operational success." Infinity's Geoff Land has been named Chief Operating Officer. His extensive experience with the customer base and industry will fit hand-in-hand with Williams. "I am extremely pleased to begin a new chapter for Infinity under the Dura Software banner," said Land. "In the short weeks we've worked together, Dura has embraced wholeheartedly the positivity we've created for our wonderful clients. They have also welcomed our employees with open arms, creating an air of very positive confidence going forward. I know we are all in very safe hands as we embark on our evolution over the coming years." With this latest acquisition, Dura Software continues to demonstrate that it will acquire products in markets they already serve, to leverage existing expertise, and to deliver operational synergies. Overall, Dura is thrilled with the addition of Infinity and remains extremely positive about market conditions and the potential for additional near term acquisitions.About Dura SoftwareDura Software is an expert in acquiring, owning, and operating "Hyper-Niche" software businesses. Over the coming years, Dura will work to continue to expand by acquiring additional great businesses and by generating sustained profitable growth from business operations. Dura Software is based in San Antonio and operates a portfolio of companies that includes 6Connex, dbtech, DVSAnalytics, Eventory, Fenestrae, Lane, Moki, Nordic IT, Oxlo, Paperwise, Revegy, SecureVideo, Vertex Systems, and IT Retail Pro. https://www.dura.software/contact-us About InfinityInfinity's technology and services unlock your ability to win customers, retain them, and maximize their satisfaction by empowering you to deliver exceptional customer experience across multiple channels with ultimate efficiency. Our solutions have been built from the ground up for contact centers and are based around our proprietary technology - the Infinity Platform - and support services delivered by customer management experts. Infinity has over 20 years of experience working with contact centers, and our Infinity Platform is deployed across more than 12,000 seats in 13 countries.Contact InformationChris Williams CEO cwilliams@ dvsanalytics.com Paul Salisbury CEO paul@ dura.software SOURCE: Dura Software
PR-Inside.com: 2023-11-14 18:18:21

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Women's Centre of Calgary recruits more than 500 volunteers with new EDI training programNORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / November 14, 2023 / Enbridge / Over the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Women's Centre of Calgary lost 69% of its volunteers. Many in this group needed to prioritize caregiving in their household, and the number of available volunteers dropped from 800 to 250.The not-for-profit based in Calgary, AB relies on volunteers to support more than 7,000 women in need every year. From 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. every day, they serve as first point of contact, delivering frontline services in person and over the phone to connect women facing housing challenges and food insecurity with assistance and service providers, including counsellors.At the same time, the number of women needing help was growing, explains Bo Masterson, WCC's executive director. And the issues they needed help with were becoming increasingly complex."Women were disproportionately affected (during the pandemic)," she says. "They experienced layering of issues - on top of social anxiety or mental health issues, we saw increased instances of domestic violence. We were also seeing increased diversity (among women needing our services)."As WCC set out to rebuild its volunteer base, the team decided to revamp its volunteer training program."We realized our volunteer training just wasn't sufficient in preparing our volunteers for what women were presenting with," Masterson says."We wanted (our volunteers) to understand what unconscious bias looks like," she continues, noting approximately 80% of the 7,300 women WCC supported in 2021 belonged to one or more marginalized BIPOC (Black, Indigenous or People of Colour) groups."We wanted them to understand how to support people with certain lived experiences or backgrounds in a trauma-informed way," she adds.Enbridge provided WCC with a Fueling Futures grant of $10,000 to work with curriculum-development specialists to design the training, which focuses on helping volunteers challenge their unconscious bias, learn about anti-racism, equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) and Truth and Reconciliation, and better serve equity-deserving groups (primarily Indigenous, Black, and racialized women).Each of the three modules is two hours long and includes experiential learning to help volunteers practice de-escalating situations with role-play.The training quickly achieved what Masterson hoped it would - it helped volunteers deliver more sensitive, trauma-informed care when supporting women of diverse backgrounds.Within 10 months, WCC volunteer numbers were restored to 750-just shy of the centre's goal of 800.Now, Masterson says, volunteers are reporting a more positive experience and say they're better equipped to support women with kindness, understanding, and empathy.With the new training program, women are "better supported in our centre," Masterson says. "We're building skills our volunteers can take outside the centre, too, to see each other as human, not as their specific experience or their ethnicity or their race." View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Enbridge on 3 blmedia.com Contact Info:Spokesperson: EnbridgeWebsite: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/enbridge Email: info@3 blmedia.com SOURCE: Enbridge
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HAGENS BERMAN, NATIONAL TRIAL ATTORNEYS, Encourages FSR Investors Who Suffered Substantial Losses to Contact Firm's Attorneys Regarding Investigation Into Possible Securities Law ViolationsSAN FRANCISCO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / November 13, 2023 / Hagens Berman urges Fisker Inc. (NYSE:FSR) investors who suffered substantial losses to submit your losses now.Visit: www.hbsslaw.com/investor-fraud/FSR Contact An Attorney Now: FSR@ hbsslaw.com 844-916-0895Fisker Inc. (NYSE: FSR) investigation:The investigation focuses on Fisker's reported financial performance and internal controls over financial reporting.Fisker had been scheduled to report its Q3 2023 financial results before markets opened on Nov. 8, 2023. Instead, that day the company announced that it is delaying the earnings release until after markets close on Nov. 13, 2023. Fisker blamed the delay on the unexplained departure of its, now former, Chief Accounting Officer on Oct. 27, 2023 and the appointment of a replacement effective Nov. 6, 2023.Then, on Nov. 13, 2023, Fisker released dismal Q3 2023 results, reporting that it lost $91 million in the third quarter and generated revenues of only $71.8 million, well below analysts' expectations. In addition, the company failed to provide production guidance. It further revealed that material weaknesses in its internal control over financial reporting prevented it from timely filing its quarterly report with the SEC.These events caused FSR shares to decline sharply."We're focused on investors' losses and are investigating the accuracy of Fisker's statements concerning its internal controls over financial reporting" said Reed Kathrein, the Hagens Berman partner leading the investigation.If you invested in Fisker and have substantial losses, or have knowledge that may assist the firm's investigation, submit your losses now If you'd like more information and answers to frequently asked questions about the Fisker investigation, read more Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding Fisker 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 FSR@ hbsslaw.com # # #About Hagens BermanHagens Berman is a global plaintiffs' rights complex litigation law firm focusing on corporate accountability through class-action law. The firm is home to a robust securities litigation practice and represents investors as well as whistleblowers, workers, consumers and others in cases achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and fraud. More about the firm and its successes can be found at hbsslaw.com . Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw.Attorney advertising.Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.Services may be performed by attorneys in any of our offices.Contact: Reed Kathrein, 844-916-0895SOURCE: Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, November 14. Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan are exploring the possibility of initiating a joint flight route connecting Japan's Tokyo, Uzbekistan's Tashkent, and Kyrgyzstan's Bishkek, Trend reports.

This topic was deliberated upon during a meeting between Abylkasym Sherniyazov, President of the Tourism Development Support Fund in Kyrgyzstan, and Jamshid Abdusalomov, First Deputy Chairman of Uzbekistan's Tourism Committee.

Elsewhere, the sides discussed proposals for establishing direct and cost-effective flights from Uzbekistan's Tashkent, to Issyk-Kul and Osh in Kyrgyzstan. Additionally, plans for combined tours encompassing both Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan were addressed.

The conversation also touched upon the enhancement of infrastructure at the "Madaniyat" road checkpoint along the Kyrgyz-Uzbek border and extending the tourist registration period on an equal basis for both countries.

Furthermore, discussions entailed the establishment of a bus route from Osh city in Kyrgyzstan to the Uzbekistan border. It was noted that buses manufactured in Samarkand could potentially be employed for this route, and the Uzbek side expressed readiness to provide them on a leasing basis.
PR-Inside.com: 2023-11-14 19:01:40

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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / November 14, 2023 / Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC a nationally recognized law firm, notifies investors that a class action lawsuit has been filed against FMC Corp. ("FMC" or "the Company") (NYSE:FMC) and certain of its officers.Class Definition:This lawsuit seeks to recover damages against Defendants for alleged violations of the federal securities laws on behalf of all persons and entities that purchased or otherwise acquired FMC securities between November 2, 2022 and October 20, 2023, inclusive (the "Class Period"). Such investors are encouraged to join this case by visiting the firm's site: bgandg.com/fmc Case Details:The complaint alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements and failed to disclose material adverse facts about the Company's business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, it is alleged that Defendants failed to disclose to investors that: (1) the diminishment of patent protection for FMC's flagship products following legal defeats in key markets including India, China, and Brazil had opened the door to increased competition from generics; (2) the Company repeatedly mislead investors about the status of such proceedings and falsely claimed that it did not and would not face generic competition in key markets until 2026 at the earliest; and (3) because of these issues Defendant's positive statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis.What's Next?A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to review a copy of the Complaint, you can visit the firm's site: bgandg.com/fmc or you may contact Peretz Bronstein, Esq. or his Law Clerk and Client Relations Manager, Yael Nathanson of Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC at 332-239-2660. If you suffered a loss in FMC you have until January 8, 2024, to request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as a lead plaintiff.There is No Cost to YouWe represent investors in class actions on a contingency fee basis. That means we will ask the court to reimburse us for out-of-pocket expenses and attorneys' fees, usually a percentage of the total recovery, only if we are successful.Why Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman:Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC is a nationally recognized firm that represents investors in securities fraud class actions and shareholder derivative suits. Our firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors nationwide.Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.CONTACT:Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLCPeretz Bronstein or Yael Nathanson332-239-2660 | info@ bgandg.com SOURCE: Bronstein, Gewirtz and Grossman, LLC
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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / November 14, 2023 / GLG Life Tech Corporation (TSX:GLG) ("GLG" or the "Company"), a global leader in the agricultural and commercial development of high-quality zero-calorie natural sweeteners, announces financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023. The complete set of financial statements and management discussion and analysis are available on SEDAR and on the Company's website at www.glglifetech.com FINANCIAL SUMMARYThe Company reported revenues of $2.4 million in the third quarter of 2023, compared to $2.4 million in revenue for the third quarter of 2022. The Company's gross profit margin improved to 33% for the third quarter of 2023, compared to 32% for the third quarter of 2022.The Company reported revenues of $6.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to $7.9 million for the same period last year. The Company's gross profit margin was unchanged at 31% for the nine-month period in both 2023 and 2022.The Company continues its efforts to closely manage its SG&A expenses, lowering these expenses in both the three and nine month periods in 2023, compared to the respective prior periods in 2022.For the three months ended September 30, 2023, the Company had a net loss attributable to the Company's shareholders of $7.5 million, a change of $nil versus the comparable period in 2022. The Company reported a net loss per share of $0.20 for the third quarter of 2023, compared to a net loss per share of $0.20 for the third quarter of 2022.For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Company had a net loss attributable to the Company's shareholders of $16.6 million, a decrease of $0.6 million over the comparable period in 2022 ($17.2 million). The Company reported a net loss per share of $0.44 for the first nine months of 2023, compared to a net loss per share of $0.45 for the same period in 2022.CORPORATE DEVELOPMENTS2023 AGM Voting ResultsThe Company held its Annual and Special General Meeting on June 16, 2023. The shareholders voted in all nominated directors, with favorable votes for each exceeding 99%. Dr. Luke Zhang continues as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer and Brian Palmieri continues as Vice Chairman of the Board.Incorporation of, and Affiliation With, HonghongyuanQingdao Honghongyuan Health Industry Technology Co., Ltd. ("HHY") was incorporated in Qingdao, Shangdong province, China, in 2023. The Company, through its subsidiary, Qingdao Runde Biotechnology Company, Ltd. ("Runde"), signed a five-year lease agreement commencing August 1, 2023, and running through July 31, 2028, to lease, for an annual fee, the use of Runde's production facilities to HHY. In return, HHY is is licensed to use the Company's patents and know-how to produce products at the Runde facility for the benefit of the Company, for further sale and export to the Company's international customers. The Company will assist HHY in obtaining funding for the Company's orders. The agreement does not involve the disposition of any assets.While HHY is owned by a third party, production by HHY for the Company leverages principally a) the existing production staff at Runde, and/or staff migrated from Runde to HHY, and b) the existing production know-how, including adherence to specific customer requirements and established protocols. From a customer perspective, practically, the change in production responsibilities is nominal. From a corporate perspective, the change brings certain tax benefits while effectively retaining control over production of the Company's goods.Company OutlookIn recent quarters, one of the most critical items that management has focused on and continues to focus on is the development and implementation of plans to stem the losses that the Company has suffered in recent years and to ameliorate the Company's financial position. As a result of those sustained losses, the Company lacks the cash necessary to fully fund the business operations and its strategic product initiatives. The Company continues to manage its cash flows carefully to mitigate risk of insolvency. As a result of these efforts, management has been successful in improving the Company's cash flows. Nevertheless, without an infusion of cash in the months ahead, the Company may not be able to realize its strategic plans and could eventually cease to be a going concern.To address that cash need, management has negotiated revolving loan facilities with a third party for working capital purposes. In 2020, management also realized the sale of one of its two idle assets; the sale of the "Runhao" facility resulted in significant debt reduction and better positions the Company to be able to access additional lines of working capital. Management also continues to explore options for the sale or repurposing of its idle "Runyang" primary processing facility in Jiangsu province to further address its cash needs and/or balance sheet.Another factor that continues to contribute to the Company's financial situation is the competitive price pressure in the stevia market over the last two years that has reduced mainstream "Reb A" products (such as Reb A 80 and Reb A 97) to the lowest price levels in years. Monk fruit prices have also reached their lowest levels in years. To maintain margins at sustainable levels, the Company has focused on improving its production efficiencies, continues to strive for a mix of products that is weighted more heavily on higher margin, specialty products, and has focused on higher margin direct sales.The Company's focus on maintaining positive cash flow led the Company to take decisive steps in 2021 and 2022 to reduce its SG&A costs as well as its production costs. Both its North American operations and Chinese operations have significantly reduced SG&A costs. For the last several years, the Company's production capacity has been far greater than its projected order levels as it had sought rapid increases in orders for Reb A products. The Company's aim continues to be to "right-size" its Chinese operations - i.e., to optimize its staffing and production planning to meet the Company's projected production requirements while retaining the ability to accommodate growth in future order volumes - and management made significant progress in this area and continues striving to optimize staffing and production plans. This has included adding additional production capabilities at its Runde facility, enabling the Company to realize greater efficiencies with more consolidated production at the Runde facility. As a result of these efforts, the Company has been able to sell its goods at more competitive prices while protecting its f
PR-Inside.com: 2023-11-14 22:30:51

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SURREY, BC / ACCESSWIRE / November 14, 2023 / Gungnir Resources Inc. (TSXV:GUG)(OTC PINK:ASWRF) ("Gungnir" or the "Company") shareholders approved all the resolutions put before them at the Company's Annual General Meeting (the "AGM") held on November 10, 2023 in Surrey, BC.At the AGM, shareholders voted in favour of resolutions to:Set the number of Directors at four (93.83%);Re-elect Jari Paakki, Chris Robbins, Todd Keast and Garett Macdonald as Directors for the ensuing year (all > 93.19%);Appoint DeVisser Gray, LLP as the auditors for the ensuing year and authorize the Directors to fix the auditor's remuneration (93.92%); andApprove the Company's Stock Option 10% rolling plan (85.71%).Following the AGM, the Board of Directors re-appointed Mr. Jari Paakki as CEO and Mr. Chris Robbins as CFO and Corporate Secretary of the Company. The Board of Directors would like to thank the shareholders for their ongoing support.About Gungnir ResourcesGungnir Resources Inc. is a Canadian-based TSX-V listed mineral exploration company (GUG: TSX-V, ASWRF: OTCPK) with gold and base metal projects in northern Sweden. Gungnir's assets include two nickel-copper-cobalt deposits, Lappvattnet and Rormyrberget, both with updated nickel resources, and the Knaften project which hosts a developing intrusion-hosted gold system, and VMS (zinc-copper) and copper-nickel targets, all of which are open for expansion and further discovery. The Company has also recently added the Hemberget property to its Swedish property portfolio targeting potential copper-nickel and VMS mineralization. Further information about the Company and its properties may be found at www.gungnirresources.com or at www.sedar.com On behalf of the Board,Jari Paakki, CEO and DirectorFor further information contact:Head Office/Investor RelationsPhone: +1-604-683-0484Email: corporatecommunications@ gungnirresources.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.Forward-Looking Information: Certain statements made herein may contain forward-looking statements or information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. In certain cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved", or the negative of these words or comparable terminology. By their very nature forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual performance of the Company to be materially different from any anticipated performance expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements or information are based on a number of estimates and assumptions and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements or information. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying estimates and assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements or information. For example, there is no certainty, that any economically viable mineral deposit will be located on the properties, that the Company will receive or be able to raise sufficient capital to complete all of its exploration programs or that the transaction will complete as anticipated. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements or information. Gungnir does not expect to update forward-looking statements or information continually as conditions change, except as may be required by securities law.SOURCE: Gungnir Resources Inc.
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The top-ranking automatic heat press machine won the 2023 Gold Award in the French Design Award.SACRAMENTO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / November 14, 2023 / HTVRONT, one of the famous and leading brands in the handicraft industry, announces that its most intelligent machine, HTVRONT Auto Heat Press, has earned the Gold Award in the French Design Award, one of the world's most influential design awards. And LOKLiK Crafter, the newest cutting machine for starters from its sister brand, won the FDA prize as well.The French Design Award (FDA), established in France by the International Award Association (IAA), is an international competition that honors and acknowledges the zenith of creative genius in interior, architectural, product, and packaging design. This prestigious award is committed to giving global designers a broader platform to convey their design concepts, display excellent design works, and lead global design innovation, representing the world's first-class design appreciation level.HTVRONT Auto Heat Press, as the first and most competent heat press of HTVRONT, features an easy-to-carry-around body with only 32 lb/14.5 kg in weight and has scientifically earned several patents for its innovative functional designs, including the automatic lifting structure, heating devices, and pullout drawer plate for high security. This machine represents the great importance of home safety and intelligence, which is valued deeply by the HTVRONT product team.This heat press is known for its one-click pressing feature with automatic pressure applied to all the heat transfer materials and substrates with a maximum thickness of 2.5 cm/ 1 inch on the heat plate. This remarkable feature is not only a vast breakthrough but also sets a new standard for a heat press nowadays.HTVRONT Auto Heat Press has also gotten rid of the traditional industrial machine design, which requires handing the materials and substrates over the heating area after the machine is heated up. It adopts a pullout drawer design for users to place the accessories safely without heat hovering above their hands and, therefore, massively enhances the security for families and crafters.With uniform and rapid heat supported by the dual-zone heating engine and the built-in fast modes, this automatic heat press machine delivers increased efficiency. The default four fast modes for the most common materials are born to help even beginners to churn out professional and delicate projects, while the added "Auto" ironing mode designed for batch production allows for accelerating everyone's crafting process.Herman, the CEO of HTVRONT, said, "We're always committed to conveying the best-valued products and service for every craft lover. DIY is never a thing only for talented people but for those who embrace their lives with love and passion. And that's what we strive for, empowering these people with our joint effort." It's reported that HTVRONT is about to release the next generation of its automatic heat press machine. Let's stay tuned for that.For more information, please visit:For regular updates on HTVRONT, follow us on:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/htvrontInstagram: Contact InformationKimberly Xiong Brand PR kimberly@ htvront.com +8619542807347SOURCE: HTVRONT
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Sustainability Hub Sponsored by Sofidel will provide resources and discussions centered on environmental consciousness, social responsibility and governance.LAS VEGAS, NV / ACCESSWIRE / November 14, 2023 / ISSA Show North America, the premier event dedicated to the cleaning and facility management industry, announces Italian tissue paper manufacturer Sofidel as the official Sustainability Hub Sponsor at this year's event, taking place November 13-16 at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.Sofidel is among the leading global companies in tissue paper production for hygienic and domestic use. The global organization is committed to limiting environmental impact to create a healthier, better future. As part of the commitment, Sofidel applies policies for the procurement of forestry raw materials, certified by third party sustainability organizations Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), developing solutions on responsible sourcing, conservation and enhancement of forest value and restoration.As members of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Climate Savers Program, Sofidel and other industry-leading corporations collaborate with the WWF to measure carbon reduction. The Climate Savers Program measures energy efficiency of products, processes and facilities, energy-saving products and transport efficiency.Sofidel continues to receive recognition for sustainability efforts and were featured in the Leadership Band of the 2021 CDP Supplier Engagement Rating Report. The CDP is an international non-profit organization that helps companies, cities, states, regions and public authorities disclose their environmental impact. This report recognized Sofidel with an A- rating, an above-average ranking for Paper and Packaging.ISSA Show North America's Sustainability Hub will host more than 15 sessions with crucial conversations surrounding environmental consciousness, social responsibility and governance. Topics will include sourcing solutions, utilization of air purification and LEED v5, the newest version of the green building certification program used worldwide.Continuing with Informa's FasterForward commitment to carbon neutrality by 2025 and aligning with the United Nation's 17 sustainable development goals, ISSA Show North America addresses environmental impact through opportunities to lessen carbon output and material waste. Initiatives include the Sustainability Committee, created in 2022, convening volunteer leaders from all facets of the industry to develop resources for members seeking improvements in sustainability.For more information on the Sustainability Hub Schedule, visit the full schedule at issashow.com To learn more about sustainability at the upcoming event, please visit www.issashow.com About ISSA Show North America:In partnership with ISSA trade association, ISSA Show North America offers an unmatched conference program featuring over 100+ education sessions, workshops, panels, training and certification courses over four days. The event and the association are committed to changing the way the world views cleaning by providing its members with the business tools they need to promote cleaning as an investment in human health, the environment, and an improved bottom line.For more information about ISSA Show North America, visit www.issashow.com . Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.About Informa Markets:Informa Markets, a subsidiary of Informa plc (LON:INF), creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate and grow. Our portfolio comprises more than 550 international B2B events and brands in markets including Engineering, Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals, Infrastructure, Construction & Real Estate, Fashion & Apparel, Hospitality, Food & Beverage, and Health & Nutrition, among others. We provide customers and partners around the globe with opportunities to engage, experience and do business through face-to-face exhibitions, specialist digital content and actionable data solutions. As the world's leading exhibitions organizer, we bring a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping them to thrive 365 days of the year. For more information, visit www.informamarkets.com Media Contact:Abby PortwoodInforma MarketsInfrastructure and Construction PRIC.PR@Informa.com SOURCE: INFORMA MARKETS
PR-Inside.com: 2023-11-14 16:03:11

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Trusted Among U.S. Governors, She Most Recently Served as Chief Development and Distribution Officer for Markle FoundationDENVER, CO / ACCESSWIRE / November 14, 2023 / PAIRIN, the workforce journey company, today announced that nationally renowned executive and global leader Dr. Shannon Block will join the company as its Chief Strategy Officer. In this role, Block will focus on accelerating PAIRIN's fast-growing footprint - helping states, workforce programs, education organizations, and employers build a stronger talent pipeline that puts job seekers first.Shannon BlockIn this role, Block will be pivotal in elevating the reach of change-driven programs within states, across industry sectors, and throughout workforce development and educational landscapes. This strategic positioning elevates job seekers to a central place in shaping a resilient talent infrastructure, echoing the collective vision and progress of communities.Moving into the role in December, Block has most recently been serving as the Chief Development and Distribution Officer for the Markle Foundation, where through the Rework America Alliance and Skillful initiatives, she has led her team to connect workers making a low wage to quality jobs.Block brings to PAIRIN a deep bench of strategic leadership experience and academic strengths, having served as Chief Executive Officer of multiple organizations including World Forward, The Denver Zoo and Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers. She also served as Chief Business Development Officer for Denver Health after almost five years with Deloitte. Block has bachelor's degrees in Physics and Applied Mathematics from George Washington University, a master's degree in Physics from Tufts University, and a Doctorate in Computer Science with a specialty in big data analytics from Colorado Technical University."For years, I've observed Dr. Block's infectious passion for skills-based hiring and helping government, education, and nonprofit organizations be more effective in how they serve and connect with job seekers," said PAIRIN Chairman and CEO Michael Simpson. "Like the many states that supported Skillful and the Rework America Alliance, whenever she asked for PAIRIN to participate in an initiative, my answer was always How can we help?' It's exciting to partner with someone so mission-connected and talented to lead our company's growth." Drawn to the new role at PAIRIN, an Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Company, Block says she connected with how the whole team shared her commitment to prioritizing job seekers to solve workforce talent needs."PAIRIN puts the job seeker first when often they are not even at the table," she said. "I have always been interested in complicated societal problems, and I think what excites me about PAIRIN is the opportunity to work with states and organizations to pull the infrastructure of workforce and education together to really make an impact."I honestly believe this is a chance to change the lives of so many people, and that's why I am all in," she added.Dr. Shannon Block is known as a global leader and keynote speaker on strategy and digital transformation, presenting at conferences hosted by Bloomberg, CNBC, YPO, and Employers Council. She has been recognized as a Top 40 Under 40, Titan 100, and Most Powerful Woman in Business in 2021. She has served as a trusted advisor to numerous philanthropists, as well as the State of Colorado. In her prior role at the helm of the Rework America State Network, she has united a coalition of 30 state governors, propelling a nationwide movement to advance workforce innovation and boost economic mobility for every American worker.For more information, visit www.PAIRIN.com Contact InformationCarli Franks Director of Marketing cfranks@ pairin.com 708-334-7572Shannon C. Smith Spokesperson shannons@ themooreagency.com 8137482002SOURCE: PAIRIN
PR-Inside.com: 2023-11-14 15:15:53

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Otis businesses in 10 countries honored in international listingsFARMINGTON, CT / ACCESSWIRE / November 14, 2023 / Otis Worldwide Corporation (NYSE:OTIS) has been recognized on two prestigious Seramount award lists for its efforts to create diverse and inclusive work environments - in the U.S. and nine international Otis markets.The Seramount 2023 Global Inclusion Index honored Otis in Australia, Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, France, Mexico and Singapore, where Otis was among two to five companies named in each country. Otis UK was one of nine companies honored there.A separate 2023 Seramount Inclusion Index, focused on the U.S., recognized Otis among 42 companies based on data submitted though an extensive application process."At Otis, we strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities where we live and work," said Executive VP and Chief People Officer Abbe Luersman. "This international recognition from Seramount validates our work to foster an inclusive culture with the diversity required to innovate and continue to lead our industry. We believe that we can only be at our best when our colleagues are at their best - and when all voices feel safe, welcomed and heard." The Global Inclusion Index assessed corporate efforts in 24 countries focused on creating inclusive cultures, hiring and promoting women, measuring other underrepresented groups on a country-specific basis, and holding country leaders and managers accountable for results.The U.S.-based Seramount Inclusion Index factored data from Otis and 154 other organizations, which were scored in three areas:Best practices in recruitment, retention, and advancement of people from underrepresented groupsCreating an inclusive culture through leadership accountability, clear communications, and employee engagementImproving demographic diversity for women and racial/ethnic minorities, especially at more senior levels and in promotionsIn this index, Otis saw its U.S. score rise by 6 percentage points over 2022. Its highest-ranking category this year, at 82 percent, was company culture.Seramount is a strategic professional services and research firm dedicated to supporting high-performing, inclusive workplaces. It partners with more than 450 of the world's most influential companies and offers DEI, workplace and employee research and solutions.To learn more about DE&I efforts at Otis, visit https://www.otis.com/en/us/our-company/diversity-and-inclusion 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.View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Otis Worldwide Corporation on 3 blmedia.com Contact Info:Spokesperson: Otis Worldwide CorporationWebsite: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/otis-worldwide-corporationEmail: info@3 blmedia.com SOURCE: Otis Worldwide Corporation
PR-Inside.com: 2023-11-14 20:45:27

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CLEVELAND, OH / ACCESSWIRE / November 14, 2023 / Oxford Harriman & Company is excited to announce their recent merger with Meltzer & Hill Wealth Advisory in Kingston, NY. The merger brings the combined experience and knowledge of Philip Meltzer and Edward Hill as Partners & Managing Directors and Lizette Pagan as Vice President & Managing Principal.Prior to joining Oxford Harriman & Company in September of 2023, Edward, Philip, and Lizette were co-founders and Partners, along with Evan Meltzer, of Meltzer & Hill Wealth Advisory, which they started in 2013. They serve as financial advisors to entrepreneurs, high-net-worth families, and institutions. They're experienced in delivering value-added advice around investment management, brokerage, risk mitigation, banking services, and wealth planning.Edward Hill PhotoOxford Harriman & Company is a boutique wealth management firm with twenty locations in seven states. The addition of Meltzer & Hill Wealth Advisory adds offices in Kingston and Rhinebeck, NY."I had the pleasure of getting to know this team when they originally joined Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network (FiNet) a decade ago and loved working with them," said Kent Whitaker, President of Oxford Harriman & Company. "They are a super talented group of professionals, and we are thrilled this merger came together." "We are thrilled to have created this merger with Melter & Hill Wealth Advisory, " said Dennis Barba, CEO of Oxford Harriman. "They bring a wealth of experience and expertise to our team, and we are confident that they will provide exceptional service and advice to help our clients achieve their financial goals." Both Philip and Ed have earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER certification, which identifies those individuals who have met the rigorous experience and ethical requirements of the CFP Board of Standards. They have also successfully completed coursework on financial topics in the following areas: general principles of financial strategies, insurance planning, risk management, employee benefits planning, and retirement and estate planning strategies. CFP practitioners are held to a higher fiduciary standard and agree to meet ongoing continuing education requirements."We are excited to complete this merger and are looking forward to working alongside such a talented team of professionals," said Philip Meltzer." We are passionate about helping our clients achieve their financial goals and look forward to continuing to grow through this partnership with Oxford Harriman & Company." Philip Meltzer PhotoAbout Wells Fargo Advisors Financial NetworkFor more than 20 years, Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network (FiNet), the independent brokerage arm of Wells Fargo & Company, has simplified independence by partnering with successful financial advisors and fostering a mutual passion for doing what's right for clients. Investment products and services are offered through Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. www.wfafinet.com About Oxford Harriman & Company:Oxford Harriman & Company is a strategic partnership designed to help investors accumulate, preserve and transfer wealth through a collaborative and strategic approach. Serving the financial and wealth management needs of a select group of clients, the firm provides a comprehensive approach to private wealth management that helps to chart a course based on focus, strategy, and discipline. Oxford Harriman & Company is part of the Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network (WFAFN), with offices in Cleveland OH, Chagrin Falls OH, Detroit MI, Manhattan NY, Newark NJ, Newport New VA, Astoria NY, Albany NY, Mentor OH, and Sarasota FL, Kinston NY, Rhinebeck NY, Buffalo NY, and Syracuse NY. oxfordharriman.com Oxford Harriman & Co. is a separate entity from Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network.2023 Oxford Harriman & Company. All rights reserved. PM-05032025-6075070.1.1 Media ContactOrganization: Oxford Harriman & CompanyContact Person: Dennis P. Barba, JrWebsite: https://oxfordharriman.com/Email: dennis@ oxfordharriman.comContact Number: 216-755-7150City: ClevelandState: OHCountry: United StatesSOURCE: Oxford Harriman & Company
PR-Inside.com: 2023-11-14 16:00:56

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CANTON, OH / ACCESSWIRE / November 14, 2023 / Patriot Software, a leading accounting software and payroll provider, has been approved to offer HR Certification Institute (HRCI) credits and Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) credits. HR professionals can earn HRCI and SHRM credits for live attendance of Patriot Software's free webinars.Patriot Software is recognized by the HRCI to offer HR (General) recertification credits toward aPHR, aPHRi, PHR, PHRca, SPHR, GPHR, PHRi and SPHRi recertification through the HR Certification Institute. Patriot is also recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits (PDC) for SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP recertification activities. HR professionals can receive one HRCI-related credit and/or SHRM credit per 50-minute session."We are excited to offer HR professionals an opportunity to learn about payroll topics through our webinars and earn continuing education credit at the same time," says Annie Hambach, Patriot's Director of Training.Patriot Software's webinars, traditionally led by Hambach and occasional guest presenters, focus on valuable accounting and payroll subjects for employers, accountants, and HR professionals. Earlier this year, Patriot was approved to offer continuing professional education (CPE) credits for accountants who attend webinars. The addition of the HRCI and SHRM accreditation further increases the value of Patriot's high-attendance webinars.Patriot's first webinar certified for HRCI and SHRM credits, along with CPE credits, will be on year-end payroll responsibilities, taking place on December 6, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. (ET). The webinar has been approved for 1 CPE credit, 1 HRCI credit, and 1 SHRM credit for live attendees who meet credit criteria. Interested participants can register here.###About Patriot Software:Patriot Software offers cloud-based accounting, payroll, HR, and time and attendance solutions designed to help American businesses with up to 500 employees simplify their administrative tasks. Patriot Software is disrupting the accounting and payroll industry by eliminating complex processes and steep learning curves with its intuitive software. Patriot Software is dedicated to providing USA-based customer service and development, serving tens of thousands of businesses nationwide since 2002.For more information, please contact:Patriot Software, LLCRachel Blakely-Graymarketing@ patriotsoftware.comhttps://www.patriotsoftware.com/ SOURCE: Patriot Software, LLC
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AI-Augmented Xtended Threat Protection (XTP) Platform Built to Fill Critical Cybersecurity Gaps in U.S. Innovation Supply Chain.BOULDER, CO / ACCESSWIRE / November 14, 2023 / RADICL, a cybersecurity innovator delivering enterprise-grade extended threat protection to small-to-medium-sized businesses (SMBs), today announced $9M of additional early-stage funding, adding to $3M previously raised. The new round was led by Paladin Capital Group and included participation from Access Ventures, the DA Ventures Seed Fund (a Denver Angels affiliate), and a group of strategic angel investors. The funding will be used to expand platform R&D, build sales and marketing functions, and enable the upcoming commercial launch of RADICL XTP.The American DIB and critical infrastructure supply chain face relentless attacks from nation-state actors, ransomware gangs, and other cyber criminals seeking to compromise sensitive data and innovations. Small to medium-sized businesses within the defense ecosystem are particularly vulnerable; an alarming 76% having reported at least one cyber-attack.1 And the impacts are real. A 2023 IBM report found that in organizations with fewer than 500 employees, the average impact of a data breach was $3.3M.2 Despite this reality, the SMB market has largely remained under-protected due to the quality and cost of offerings available to them."SMB innovators are developing technologies critical to our nation's economic and national security. These companies are being ruthlessly targeted by nation-state threats, compromising their innovations, data, and operations," said Chris Petersen, RADICL CEO and Co-Founder of LogRhythm, a next-gen security information & event management (SIEM) provider he successfully exited to Thoma Bravo in 2018. "We founded RADICL to defend against this critical risk. We will deliver desperately needed full-spectrum, enterprise-grade cybersecurity protection, at a price SMBs can afford; protecting them, protecting America." Understanding the gravity of potential breaches within the DIB and critical infrastructure ecosystem, the Department of Defense (DoD) introduced the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) in 2020. CMMC compels the estimated 220,000 organizations in the DIB to adhere to stringent security compliance standards. Unfortunately, few SMBs have security programs capable of complying with CMMC due to overwhelming complexity and cost, much less defending themselves from motivated and sophisticated cyber-criminal and nation-state threats."SMBs in the DIB have been completely overlooked from a technology perspective," said Mourad Yesayan, Managing Director at leading global cybersecurity investor, Paladin Capital Group and RADICL board member. "Until now, SMBs have been served technology leftovers that failed to meet their needs. America's supply chain innovators deserve more and are too vital to rely on outdated and ineffective security technology and services. RADICL's purpose-built XTP platform and virtual Security Operations Center (vSOC) are designed to meet the specific security needs of SMBs in America's critical infrastructure and DIB. We could not be prouder to support their mission." RADICL paves a rapid and easy path to advanced cybersecurity protection and CMMC compliance. Instead of SMBs having to cobble together various tools in a DIY approach, or entrusting security to traditional outsourced security providers known for overpromising and under-delivering, RADICL delivers a viable solution at a price they can afford."We are excited to partner with RADICL and participate in their pilot program," said Neil Serebryany, Founder and CEO at Calypso AI. "The RADICL platform fortifies our defenses. Their managed CMMC capabilities will accelerate our compliance requirements." RADICL's vSOC is powered by its proprietary XTP platform, a unified solution that combines advanced threat detection, threat monitoring, incident response, vulnerability management, security awareness training, and compliance management. The platform is designed to fully leverage current and upcoming AI innovations and advancements. By transitioning from labor-intensive operations to more streamlined processes driven by software, workflow, and AI-augmented automation, the RADICL XTP Platform delivers modern and advanced SOC capabilities, at a cost suitable for SMB budgets."We are thrilled to continue our support of Chris Petersen and the RADICL team. We have worked with Chris since the very early days of LogRhythm where he led the development of some of the most important innovations in cybersecurity," said Frank Mendicino, co-founder and managing director at Access Venture Partners. "Protecting SMBs that develop the intellectual property fueling our national defense is the most important challenge of his impressive career. That mission, combined with the talents of the team, makes RADICL one of the most exciting investments we have been fortunate to make in our 25-year history." 1 The State of SMB Cybersecurity in 2022 2 2023 IBM & Ponemon Cost of a Data Breach ReportAbout RADICLRADICL provides SMBs in America's Defense Industrial Base Xtended Threat Protection (XTP). RADICL's purpose-built and proprietary XTP platform delivers SMBs full-spectrum threat protection and compliance management, that is quick, easy, and affordable. The RADICL XTP Platform powers an AI-augmented virtual Security Operations Center (vSOC) delivering customers heavily automated and expert-driven threat monitoring, threat hunting, incident response, vulnerability management, security awareness training, and managed compliance adherence. RADICL enables SMBs in the DIB to spend more time running a profitable business to support our country and less time worrying about security and compliance. To learn more about RADICL XTP, visit RADICL.com Contact InformationHolly Hitchcock holly@ frontlines.io 702.758.4079SOURCE: RADICL
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WILDLIGHT, FL / ACCESSWIRE / November 14, 2023 / Rayonier announced the award of $74,380 to 35 local nonprofit organizations serving communities across Washington. The company hosted their annual special awards breakfasts in Aberdeen and Forks to honor and celebrate the recipients.The Rayonier Community fund supports a range of community needs, including civic, cultural, educational, environmental, natural resources, and health and human services programs."Our success is inextricably linked to the success of these organizations," said Mike Mackelwich, Rayonier's director of operations for the Pacific Resource Unit. "The work they do is vital to the health and well-being of our communities, and it's a privilege for Rayonier to be able to contribute to their causes." Clallam County Commissioner Randy Johnson, District 2, and Commissioner Mike French, District 3, joined the awards breakfast in Forks. Also in attendance were Forks City Attorney and Planner Rod Fleck, Deputy Sean Hoban of the Clallam County Sheriff's office and District Chief Bill Paul of the Clallam County Fire Department.Present at the awards breakfast in Aberdeen were Rep. Jim Walsh, District 19, and Eric Baker, Kitsap County's acting county administrator."It was so encouraging to see Rayonier support local organizations that do great things on the Harbor," said Rep. Jim Walsh, District 19. "This is the way it should be: a good corporate citizen helping make communities and peoples' lives better; we all need more of this." Grant recipients who attended this year's breakfasts were also asked to contribute nonperishable items for the Forks Community Food Bank and gifts for local toy drives presented to the Hoquiam Association for Kids.The following organizations received support through the Rayonier Community Fund this year:Agriculture and Forestry Education FoundationAmerican Red Cross, ForksAmerican Red Cross, Grays HarborAmerican Red Cross, Kitsap CountyAppelo Archives CenterCamp Victory for ChildrenChimacum Backpacks for KidsCity of Aberdeen (Park n Play)City of Hoquiam (Historical Landmark Preservation)Coastal HarvestConcerned CitizensDispute Resolution Center of Grays Harbor & Pacific CountyFamily Promise of Grays HarborForks Community Food BankFriends of Highland Park and Parks of CosmopolisGrays Harbor College FoundationGrays Harbor Youth WorksHabitat for Humanity of Grays HarborHarmony Hill Healing RetreatHoquiam Association for KidsMartha & Mary Lutheran ServicesNatureBridgeNorth Kitsap Fishline Food BankNorth Olympic Peninsula RailroadersPacific Education InstitutePolson Park & Museum Historical SocietyPort Gamble S'Klallam FoundationSouth Kitsap School DistrictThe Caring Place of West Clallam CountyThe Salvation Army of Grays HarborUnited Way of Clallam CountyUnited Way of Grays HarborUnited Way of Kitsap CountyVolunteer Hospice of Clallam CountyYMCA of Grays HarborAbout RayonierRayonier (NYSE:RYN) is a leading timberland real estate investment trust with assets located in some of the most productive softwood timber growing regions in the United States and New Zealand. We own or lease under long-term agreements approximately 2.8 million acres of timberlands. We are More than trees because we recognize that our 90+ years of success in the timberland industry comes from our people, an empowering culture and the courage to constantly challenge "the way it's always been done." Get to know us at www.rayonier.com Rayonier representatives and grant recipient, left to right. Mike Mackelwich, Jennifer Kidder, Tyler Murray and Dennis Cox. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Rayonier on 3 blmedia.com Contact Info:Spokesperson: RayonierWebsite: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/rayonier Email: info@3 blmedia.com SOURCE: Rayonier
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BIRMINGHAM, AL / ACCESSWIRE / November 14, 2023 / ROI Institute, Inc., a Birmingham, Alabama-based global consulting, teaching, and publishing company, has acquired Center for Talent Reporting (CTR). CTR's mission is to develop new standards for reporting human capital. It was created in 2012 to provide a home for the Talent Development Reporting Principles (TDRp), launched in October 2010. TDRp is an industry-led, grassroots initiative to bring reporting standards to the human capital field (i.e., learning, leadership development, capability, management, performance management, and total rewards), much like the generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) have done for accounting. Today, CTR is a thriving community of measurement and reporting practitioners.ROI Institute logo"The alignment between ROI Institute and CTR is strong," said Patti P. Phillips, Ph.D., CEO of ROI Institute. "ROI Institute's purchase of CTR assets will benefit both our customers and CTR members. By leveraging what Dave and Peggy have created, we can further help the human capital management community tell the story of value in terms that matter most to decision-makers." "The missions of ROI Institute and CTR overlap in many ways," said Jack J. Phillips, Ph.D., Chairman of ROI Institute. "This transition will continue to help bring human capital to the forefront of organizational performance." ROI Institute will offer CTR products and services and expand those assets globally. David Vance, CTR Executive Director, and Peggy Parskey, CTR Assistant Director, will continue to share their thought leadership through ROI Institute."We are excited that ROI Institute, our longest-standing partner, will provide a home for the Talent Development Reporting Principles," said David Vance, Executive Director of the Center for Talent Reporting. "Peggy and I have devoted 13 years to establishing a broad framework for the measurement, reporting, and management of human capital, and we look forward to working with ROI Institute to share TDRp with a broader audience." "Dave and I are excited to collaborate with ROI Institute on this evolutionary journey," added Peggy Parskey, CTR Assistant Director.ROI Institute, Inc. assists professionals in improving programs and processes using the ROI Methodology developed by Dr. Jack J. Phillips and Dr. Patti P. Phillips. This Methodology is the global leader in measurement and evaluation, including the use of return on investment in non-traditional applications. ROI Institute regularly offers workshops, provides consulting, publishes books and case studies through major publishers, and conducts research on the use of measurement and ROI. Working with more than one hundred ROI consultants, ROI Institute applies the ROI Methodology in 20 fields in over 70 countries. ROI Institute authors have written or edited over 100 books, translated into 38 languages. Organizations build internal capability with the help of ROI Institute and its ROI Certification process. For more information on ROI Institute, please contact info@ roiinstitute.net or visit www.roiinstitute.net ROI Institute, ROI Methodology, Certified ROI Professional, and ROI Certification are registered trademarks owned by ROI Institute, Inc. and are used by others only with written permission of Jack and Patti Phillips.Contact Information:Melissa Brown Director of Partnerships melissa@ roiinstitute.net 2056788101SOURCE: ROI Institute, Inc.
PR-Inside.com: 2023-11-14 16:06:44

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SINGAPORE, Nov 14, 2023 - (ACN Newswire) - Samurai 2K Aerosol Limited (the Company and together with its subsidiaries, the Group) (SGX: Y8E), a manufacturer of automotive aerosol paints and aerosol solution specialist, announced its financial results for the six months ended 30 September 2023 (1H2024). Despite a challenging business environment dominated by international trade tensions, global geopolitics and general slowdown in global economies, the Group recorded all-round improvement in its financials for 1H2024 as compared with same period last year (1H2023).Revenue slightly decreased by approximately 5.01 % from RM41.83 million in 1H2023 to RM39.74 million in 1H2024. The decrease in revenue was mainly due to lower demand from the Malaysia market. However, for the same period, net income attributable to equity holders increased significantly from RM0.47 million to RM2.78 million. Consequently, EPS increased from 0.14 RM Sen to 0.83 RM Sen.Indonesia remains Samurais largest market with 45% of total revenue or RM17.87 million for 1H2024 and Malaysia is the second largest market with 26% of total revenue or RM10.40 million for 1H2024.Cost of sales decreased by RM5.51 million or 20.05% from RM27.47 million in 1H2023 to RM21.96 million in 1H2024. The decrease was mainly due to the decrease in raw material and packing material costs. As a result, Gross Profit Margin was higher at 44.7% in 1H2024 compared to 34.3% in 1H2023.Overall expenses increased marginally by 0.7% from RM 15.22 million in 1H2023 to RM15.33 million for 1H2024. Administrative expenses in 1H2024 increased by RM0.98 million or 12.97%, mainly due to additional headcount which is in line with business expansion generally in new business development O2O (offline to online). This is offset by marketing and distribution expenses decreasing approximately by RM1.15 million or 15.86%, from RM7.24 million in 1H2023 to RM6.09 million in 1H2024 as well as a decrease in offline marketing activities. Finance expenses increased approximately by RM0.28 million or 61.42% from RM0.45 million in 1H2023 to RM0.73 million in 1H2024 mainly due to increase in drawdown of term loan for upgrading the new office building.Financial PositionThe Groups financial position remains robust with net assets of RM77.44 million as at 30 September 2023, compared to RM75.15 million as at 31 March 2023. As at 30 September 2023, net asset value per ordinary share is 23.15 RM Sen vs 22.46 RM Sen as at 31 March 2023. The Group has a total debt of RM 34.65 million and a cash balance of RM29.22 million as at 30 September 2023.Going ForwardThe Group expects the operating environment to be challenging over the next 12 months in the light of current international trade tensions, global geopolitics, and a slowdown in global economic growth. The Group will continue to intensify its marketing and business development efforts, and exercise prudent financial policies and cost control.The main thrust of its business strategy is the development of new products using innovative proprietary technologies as a differentiating factor for the enhancing of the Samurai brand name. This will go hand in hand with offline to online digital marketing taking advantage of its global reach, scalability, and the reaping of economies of scale.Meanwhile, the Group will continue to expand sales to emerging markets in Asia where demographics and income growth should provide some resilience in demand for aerosol paints and coating products.One of the new products the Group is focusing on will be Tintatek-an innovative color mixing, creation and matching product which is expected to be launched by the beginning of calendar year 2024.The Group continues to see growing demand for its products in the emerging markets of Asia amidst favorable its macroeconomic factors of demographics, urbanization, and higher consumer disposable income. It will therefore continue to expand its business footprint in these markets.This media release is to be read in conjunction with the Companys results announcement for 1H2024 posted on the SGX website on 14 November 2023.Reference:Issued by Samurai 2K Aerosol LimitedThis press release has been reviewed by UOB Kay Hian Private Limited (the Sponsor).This press release has not been examined or approved by the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited (SGX-ST) and the SGX-ST assumes no responsibility for the contents of this press release, including the correctness of any of the statements or opinions made or reports contained in this press release.The contact person for the Sponsor is Mr Lance Tan, Senior Vice President, who can be contacted at 8 Anthony Road #01-01, Singapore 229957, telephone (65) 6590 6881About Samurai 2K Aerosol Limited(SGX: Y8E)Samurai 2K Aerosol Ltd (SAMURAI) has been listed on the Catalist of the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited (the SGX-ST) since January 2017. SAMURAI is a fully integrated aerosol specialist that focuses on the repainting business as well as aftermarket for the automotive refinishing and refurbishing industry.Click here https://www.acnnewswire.com/press-release/english/87550/
PR-Inside.com: 2023-11-14 03:31:40

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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / November 13, 2023 / Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC a nationally recognized law firm, notifies investors that a class action lawsuit has been filed against SC Health Corporation ("SC Health" or "the Company") (NYSE:SCPE; NYSE: SCPE.WS; NYSE: SCPE.U) and Rockley Photonics Holdings Limited ("Rockley" or "the company") (NYSE: RKLY; NYSE: RKLY.WS) and certain of its officers.Class Definition:This lawsuit seeks to recover damages against Defendants for alleged violations of the federal securities laws on behalf of all persons and entities that purchased or otherwise acquired SC Health and Rockley securities: (1) directly in the March 2021 private investment in public equity of Rockley shares (the "PIPE Offering") conducted in connection with the merger of SC Health and Rockley (the "Merger"); or (ii) between March 19, 2021 and January 23, 2023, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"). Such investors are encouraged to join this case by visiting the firm's site: bgandg.com/scpe Case Details:The complaint alleges that defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) Rockley's joint venture agreement ("JV Agreement") with Hengtong Rockley Technology Co., Ltd. was in jeopardy because Jiangsu Hengtong Optic-Electric Co., Ltd. ("Hengtong"), Rockley's joint venture partner, had acquired a majority interest in a company, Huawei Marine Networks Co., Ltd. ("Huawei Marine") (later renamed HMN Tech), on the banned entities list maintained by the U.S. Bureau of Industry and Security of the U.S. Department of Commerce since 2019; (ii) the JV Agreement was in further jeopardy because in February 2021 the World Bank had invalidated a bid by Huawei Marine to build an undersea optical cable based on security concerns raised by the United States and other countries that China could use the infrastructure to spy on communications; (iii) the materially undisclosed risk that the JV Agreement could fail as a result of Hengtong's acquisition of a majority interest in HMN Tech jeopardized Rockley's joint venture revenues, launch schedule, business prospects, and ultimately Rockley's solvency; (iv) Rockley did not have the customer base or customer commitments that defendants had represented to investors; and (v) Rockley did not have sufficient customer orders to allow it to develop and commercialize products, maintain and expand client relationships, reach cash flow break-even, or stave off bankruptcy following the Merger.What's Next?A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to review a copy of the Complaint, you can visit the firm's site: bgandg.com/scpe or you may contact Peretz Bronstein, Esq. or his Law Clerk and Client Relations Manager, Yael Nathanson of Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC at 332-239-2660. If you suffered a loss in SC Health you have until January 8, 2024, to request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as a lead plaintiff.There is No Cost to YouWe represent investors in class actions on a contingency fee basis. That means we will ask the court to reimburse us for out-of-pocket expenses and attorneys' fees, usually a percentage of the total recovery, only if we are successful.Why Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman:Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC is a nationally recognized firm that represents investors in securities fraud class actions and shareholder derivative suits. Our firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors nationwide.Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.Contact:Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLCPeretz Bronstein or Yael Nathanson332-239-2660 | info@ bgandg.com SOURCE: Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC
PR-Inside.com: 2023-11-14 11:04:45

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The world of the soft tissue biopsy devices market is a complex and ever-evolving landscape, shaped by consumer demands and technological advancements. In this report, we delve into the depths of this market to provide a profound and comprehensive analysis, catering to a diverse audience that includes manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, and investors. Our primary goal is to empower industry stakeholders with invaluable insights to make informed decisions in a rapidly changing environment. We aim to illuminate the current status of the soft tissue biopsy devices market while projecting its future trends.Scope and PurposeOur report is a comprehensive guide designed to equip industry stakeholders with actionable information. It covers various aspects of the soft tissue biopsy devices market, including market dynamics, competition, growth avenues, challenges, and regional variations. This information goes beyond mere descriptions; it is intended to help stakeholders make critical decisions that can shape their strategies and endeavors in the market.Request for Sample Report:Promising Comprehensive AnalysisTo fulfill our promises, we commit to providing a comprehensive analysis that leaves no stone unturned. We pledge to unravel the factors propelling the market's growth, dissecting shifts in consumer preferences and technological breakthroughs that are driving the demand for soft tissue biopsy devices products. Simultaneously, we acknowledge that challenges and obstacles are part of any industry landscape, and we vow to illuminate these hurdles, be it economic uncertainties or the intense competition that often characterizes such markets.Some of the major companies in the Soft Tissue Biopsy Devices market are as follows: Argon Medical Devices, B. Braun, BD Medical, Boston Scientific, Cook Medical, Hologic, Leica Biosystems, Medtronic, MAller Medical GmbHGuiding the Path ForwardOur report extends an invitation to its readers to explore its contents and sets the stage for uncovering the competitive landscape. It introduces the major players in the soft tissue biopsy devices market and their strategies, offering insights into what makes them thrive. This insight-rich analysis is meant to guide others on their path forward  whether it's to navigate the competition more effectively or to find inspiration in successful strategies.Anticipation of InsightsRecognizing that the market is not monolithic but rather a composition of various segments, the report pledges to provide a nuanced understanding of these segments. It promises to detail their sizes, potential growth trajectories, and key trends. This targeted knowledge assists stakeholders in carving out specialized strategies and ensuring optimal resource allocation.Balancing Forces and Strategic ImplicationsBy elucidating both the driving forces and potential obstacles, the report paints a holistic picture of the market dynamics. It enables industry stakeholders to navigate the competitive landscape with a deeper understanding of the forces at play. Manufacturers can align their innovation efforts with consumer preferences and regulatory trends, thereby enhancing their market position. Investors and decision-makers can be better prepared to address economic uncertainties and supply chain vulnerabilities. Overall, this section equips readers with insights to make strategic decisions that account for both growth opportunities and challenges in the soft tissue biopsy devices market.Exploring the Competitive LandscapeThe section dedicated to the competitive landscape of the soft tissue biopsy devices market offers an intricate exploration of the market's key players, their strategies, and their impact on the industry. This segment aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the market's dynamics, the role of major companies, and the strategies they employ to thrive.Segment CharacteristicsThe report initiates the analysis by outlining the unique characteristics that define each segment. Whether these segments are categorized based on product types, customer demographics, use cases, or other distinguishing factors, the report provides a clear picture of how these segments are defined and differentiated.Market SizeUnderstanding the size of each market segment is crucial for gauging its significance within the overall market landscape. The report likely provides quantitative data to illustrate the market share and contribution of "Type" and "Application" segments to the entire soft tissue biopsy devices market. This information helps stakeholders appreciate the relative importance of each segment.Growth PotentialBeyond current market size, the report delves into the growth potential of these segments. It explores factors such as emerging trends, consumer behaviors, technological advancements, and regulatory influences that could drive the future expansion of these segments. This forward-looking perspective aids stakeholders in identifying where the market's growth opportunities lie.Key TrendsThe analysis likely captures the key trends specific to each segment. Whether it's changing consumer preferences, evolving technology adoption, or shifting regulatory landscapes, the report provides insights into the forces shaping the behavior of "Type" and " Application." These trends inform stakeholders about the directions these segments might take in the coming years.Strategic InsightsThe segment analysis extends beyond descriptive data to offer strategic insights. By understanding the characteristics, potential, and trends of "Type" and "Application," industry participants can make informed decisions. Manufacturers can tailor their product development strategies to meet the demands of these segments, and marketers can create targeted campaigns to reach specific customer groups.Market Segmentation:Type: Biopsy Needles, Biopsy Forceps, Biopsy Localization Wires, Biopsy InstrumentApplication: Hospitals, Clinics, OthersExploring Regional DynamicsThe section dedicated to the regional analysis of the soft tissue biopsy devices market provides a comprehensive exploration of how the market fares across different geographical areas. This analysis recognizes that markets are not homogenous and that regional variations can significantly impact market dynamics. The report delves into the intricacies of each region  North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa  to provide stakeholders with valuable insights.Closing ThoughtsIn essence, the conclusion encapsulates the report's journey. It emphasizes the report's role as a strategic tool, a navigator, and a decision-making companion in the complex world of the soft tissue biopsy devices market. This report is more than just a document; it is a valuable resource that empowers industry stakeholders to thrive in a dynamic and ever-evolving market environment.
PR-Inside.com: 2023-11-14 12:30:52

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HONG KONG, CHINA / ACCESSWIRE / November 14, 2023 / SouthGobi Resources Ltd. (Hong Kong Stock Exchange ("HKEX"): 1878, TSX Venture Exchange ("TSX-V"): SGQ) (the "Company" or "SouthGobi") today announces its financial and operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023. All figures are in U.S. dollars ("USD") unless otherwise stated.Significant Events and HighlightsThe Company's significant events and highlights for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and the subsequent period to November 14, 2023 are as follows:Operating Results - In late 2022, the Company resumed its major mining operations, including coal mining, and the volume of coal production has gradually increased since then. The Company also resumed coal washing operations in April 2023. In response to the market demand, the Company has been mixing some higher ash content product with its semi-soft coking coal product and selling this mixed product to the market as processed coal.The Company experienced an increase in the average selling price of coal from $65.4 per tonne in the third quarter of 2022 to $85.6 per tonne in the third quarter of 2023 as a result of improved market conditions in China, expansion of its sales network and diversification of its customer base.Financial Results - The Company recorded a $46.3 million profit from operations in the third quarter of 2023 compared to a $3.5 million profit from operations in the third quarter of 2022. The Company experienced increased sales volume and improvement in its average realised selling price during the first nine months of 2023. Convertible Debenture - On October 13, 2023, the Company and JD Zhixing Fund L.P. ("JDZF") entered into the 2023 November Deferral Agreement pursuant to which JDZF agreed to grant the Company a deferral of (i) payment-in-kind interest ("PIK Interest") of approximately $4.0 million (the "2023 November PIK Interest") which will be due and payable on November 19, 2023 under the Convertible Debenture; and (ii) the management fees payable to JDZF on November 15, 2023, February 15, 2024, May 16, 2024 and August 15, 2024, respectively, under the amended and restated mutual cooperation agreement signed on April 23, 2019 (the "Amended and Restated Cooperation Agreement") (together with the 2023 November PIK Interest, the "2023 November Deferred Amounts").The principal terms of the 2023 November Deferral Agreement are as follows:Payment of the 2023 November Deferred Amounts will be deferred until August 31, 2024 (the "Deferral Date").As consideration for the deferral of the 2023 November Deferred Amounts which relate to the payment obligations arising from the Convertible Debenture, the Company agreed to pay JDZF a deferral fee equal to 6.4% per annum on the outstanding balance of such 2023 November Deferred Amounts, commencing on the date on which each such 2023 November Deferred Amounts would otherwise have been due and payable under the Convertible Debenture.As consideration for the deferral of the 2023 November Deferred Amounts which relate to payment obligations arising from Amended and Restated Cooperation Agreement, the Company agreed to pay JDZF a deferral fee equal to 1.5% per annum on the outstanding balance of such 2023 November Deferred Amounts, commencing on the date on which each such 2023 November Deferred Amounts would otherwise have been due and payable under the Amended and Restated Cooperation Agreement.The 2023 November Deferral Agreement does not contemplate a fixed repayment schedule for the 2023 November Deferred Amounts or related deferral fees. Instead, the 2023 November Deferral Agreement requires the Company to use its best efforts to pay the 2023 November Deferred Amounts and related deferral fees due and payable under the 2023 November Deferral Agreement to JDZF. During the period beginning as of the effective date of the 2023 November Deferral Agreement and ending as of the Deferral Date, the Company will provide JDZF with monthly updates of its financial status and business operations, and the Company and JDZF will on a monthly basis discuss and assess in good faith the amount (if any) of the 2023 November Deferred Amounts and related deferral fees that the Company may be able to repay to JDZF, having regard to the working capital requirements of the Company's operations and business at such time and with the view of ensuring that the Company's operations and business would not be materially prejudiced as a result of any repayment.If at any time before the 2023 November Deferred Amounts and related deferral fees are fully repaid, the Company proposes to appoint, replace or terminate one or more of its chief executive officer, its chief financial officer or any other senior executive(s) in charge of its principal business function or its principal subsidiary, the Company will first consult with, and obtain written consent (such consent shall not be unreasonably withheld) from JDZF prior to effecting such appointment, replacement or termination. 2023 March Deferral Agreement- On August 29, 2023, the Company convened a special meeting of shareholders during which the Company obtained the requisite approvals from shareholders for the 2023 March Deferral Agreement. Provision of Tax Penalty Imposed by Mongolian Tax Authority ("MTA")On July 18, 2023, SouthGobi Sands LLC ("SGS"), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company received an official notice (the "Notice") issued by MTA stating that MTA has recently completed a periodic tax audit (the "Audit") on the financial information of SGS between 2017 and 2020, including transfer pricing, royalty, air-pollution fee and unpaid tax payables. As a result of the Audit, the MTA has notified SGS that they are imposing a tax penalty against SGS in the amount of approximately $75.0 million. Under Mongolian law, the Company has a period of 30-days from the date of receipt of the Notice to file an appeal in relation to the Audit. Subsequently the Company engaged an independent tax consultant in Mongolia to provide tax advice and support to the Company and filed an appeal letter in relation to the Audit with the MTA in accordance with Mongolian laws on August 17, 2023As at September 30, 2023, the Company recorded a provision for a tax penalty in the amount of $75.0 million. If any subsequent event occurs that may impact the amount of the provision for the tax penalty, an adjustment would be recognised in profit or loss and the carrying amount of the provision shall be adjusted.Going Concern - Several adverse conditions and material uncertainties relating to the Company cast significant doubt upon the going concern assumption which includes the deficiencies in assets and working capital.Refer to section "Liquidity and Ca
PR-Inside.com: 2023-11-14 20:00:22

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ESTES PARK, CO / ACCESSWIRE / November 14, 2023 / Taranis Resources Inc. ("Taranis" or the "Company") ( TSX.V:TRO)(OTCQB:TNREF) is summarizing the events of the 2023 summer exploration season on its 100%-owned Thor project in Southeast British Columbia. In addition to the discovery of a boulder field containing high-grade silver and gold values far to the west of the known deposit (see News Release dated November 6, 2023) Taranis added diamond drill holes in the Thunder Zone.Diamond DrillingA total of 888m of diamond drilling was completed around the newly discovered epithermal Thunder Zone. This is a difficult area to explore because of steep topography and the presence of a thick paleo-rockslide obscuring all bedrock. One drill hole was lost in the rockslide due to caving. The results of the drilling will be disclosed as analytical data becomes available and is incorporated into the evolving geological model for the Thunder Zone. Investigation was focused on gaining further insight into the geometry of precious/base metal breccia-type mineralization and ascertaining its relationship to an underlying conductive feature (North Tusk).An apparent conductivity ("AC") airborne EM feature evident on the Expert Geophysics magnetotelluric ("EGMT") survey was also tested via drilling. A considerable amount of stratabound pyrite (2-10%) occurs within a thick succession of folded, black pelitic sedimentary rocks. Petrophysical testing of the drill core confirmed its conductive nature and identified it as the source of the AC anomaly. This rock/alteration unit requires close scrutiny because of its prominence in the EGMT airborne survey, forming several large AC anomalies in close proximity to the epithermal deposit.NI 43-101 Mineral Resource UpdateP&E Mining Consultants conducted an onsite review of the project in August of 2023, and completed resampling of old drill holes to verify prior analytical work. Select intercepts were retrieved from drill core storage sites and were re-sampled during the course of the NI 43-101 audit. Drill hole databases were reviewed and cleaned-up, and the final Mineral Resource model will be updated once all the 2023 analytical data is received and integrated into the databases. As a result of exploration work undertaken in 2023, Taranis will also be updating the geological map of the property to include some of the recent geological insights.Infrastructure and PermittingTwo bridges that provide access to the northern part of the Thor deposit were upgraded to meet engineering design specifications. Taranis also completed further reclamation of prior surface disturbance (drill access roads), including recontouring of slopes. McElhanney (Engineering Consultants) were engaged to provide oversight of reclamation activities at Thor and conducted an introductory field review. Their work will include the documentation of prior reclamation work such that financial bonds for areas that have been reclaimed can be recovered.XRD Studies and Petrophysical MeasurementsALS Metallurgy completed XRD ("X-Ray Diffraction") studies on drill core to gain greater insight into the mineralogical composition of host rocks. The results will be used to validate/compare results of a 2022 VIS/NIR spectrometry survey that mapped mineralogical alteration at Thor. XRD indicates the occurrence of the previously unidentified mineral paragonite at Thor which is a common alteration mineral in mineral deposits. Two drill holes showed widespread occurrence of albite, and these holes spatially are connected to resistivity anomalies identified in the EGMT survey. One of these holes (Thor-210) may have intersected a high-quartz granite, and the other (Thor-228) appears to have intersected an albite-rich granular hornfels peripheral to a larger resistivity feature that is likely intrusive.Petrophysical measurements of conductivity and magnetic susceptibility were completed on a variety of old drill holes and surface outcrops. This data will be compared with the airborne MT survey and will result in improved interpretation of the geophysical data.Geophysical SurveysThree areas were surveyed with VLF grids on the property to gain further insight into important EG MT anomalies. One of these included the Horton Zone, where high-grade gold and silver mineralization was found in float at surface. The results and interpretation of these surveys is ongoing, but the high-grade mineralization appears to coincide with the airborne anomalies in a way which will enable easy exploration.CommentJohn Gardiner, President and CEO of Taranis comments, "The discovery of the high-grade mineralization at the Horton Target shows that systematic and methodological exploration can yield incredible results even in an area that has seen previous exploration. Diamond drilling continued on the permitted portion of the Thor property, and these drill holes continued to intersect mineralization and expand the deposit to the north. This area is of extreme interest to Taranis because it appears to show a transition from the sheet-like epithermal deposit into a breccia pipe-type setting. The EGMT survey shows a large conductive feature called the North Tusk underlying this mineralization that could be the source of the widespread precious and base metal mineralization found in in the Thunder Zone".Qualified PersonExploration activities at Thor were overseen by John Gardiner (P. Geo.), who is a Qualified Person under the meaning of Canadian National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Gardiner is responsible for, and approves of the technical content in this News Release. John Gardiner is a principal of John J. Gardiner & Associates, LLC which operates in British Columbia under Firm Permit Number 1002256.For additional information on Taranis or its 100%-owned Thor project in British Columbia, visit www.taranisresources.com Taranis currently has 94,587,027 shares issued and outstanding (109,262,027 shares on a fully-diluted basis).TARANIS RESOURCES INC.Per: John J. Gardiner (P. Geo.), President and CEOFor further information contact:John J. Gardiner681 Conifer LaneEstes Park, Colorado 80517Phone: (720) 209-3049 johnjgardiner@ earthlink.net 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.This News Release may contain forward looking statements based on assumptions and judgments of management regarding future events or results that may prove to be inaccurate as a result of factors beyond its control, and actual results may differ materially from expected results.SOURCE: Taranis Resources, Inc.
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The Lone Star State's efforts to encourage innovation through nuanced regulations provide a model for future federal policyDALLAS, TX / ACCESSWIRE / November 13, 2023 / Texas is leading the U.S. digital asset revolution thanks to continuing its track record of enacting laws and regulations that align with industry best practices, protect consumers, but also avoid overreach and stifling innovation. Texas is a model for future federal bitcoin and blockchain-based regulation.With more than 21 cryptocurrency-related bills currently awaiting decision at the state level in various jurisdictions across the country, Texas is not just the state with the eighth largest economy in the world but is also a legislative powerhouse, showing that bi-partisan consensus and responsible innovation is possible in the digital asset industry.The size and dynamism of the Texas economy, particularly a highly educated tech workforce and abundant energy resources, not only make it a hub for emerging technologies but also position the state as a legislative giant whose regulatory environment is capable of exerting nationwide influence. Against this backdrop, the North American Blockchain Summit (NABS), stands as the defining event where the future of digital asset policy will be charted.Some of the recent legislation that has been successfully passed includes;HB 4474 passed in the 87th Texas Legislature and updated the Uniform Commercial Code to better adapt commercial law to blockchain innovation and digital asset control.HB 591 passed in the 88th Legislature and supports the continued use of bitcoin mining in oil and gas operations to reduce emissions and wasted natural gas resources. A recent article showed the continued emergence of the Texas oil and gas industry as a leader in embracing the benefits of bitcoin mining.HB 1666 passed in the 88th legislature and protects consumers from fraudulent actors by requiring centralized exchanges to make disclosures of assets and liabilities through proof of reserves. Texas is leading the way forward to ensure regulations are in place to protect consumers, while focusing on continued dialogue with the industry to have a transparent and consistent regulatory framework for all.Texas was one of the first states to allow chartered banks to custody digital assets, a major step forward for the nascent crypto, blockchain and web3 economy.Thanks to the efforts of Texas Blockchain Council (TBC), Texas has not only passed laws governing digital assets, attracting entrepreneurs to the state by providing them with regulatory certainty and clarity, but has established a continuing dialogue between the industry and policymakers to promote responsible innovation and economic growth. The TBC is an industry association with more than 75 member companies seeking to make Texas the jurisdiction of choice for bitcoin, crypto and blockchain innovation.NABS has earned the reputation as being the most prestigious event on the U.S. digital asset calendar and is being held in Fort Worth from November 15 through 17, 2023. Fort Worth was the first government entity in the U.S. to mine bitcoin and is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. Industry leaders, decision-makers, policymakers, as well as a bipartisan group of state and federal legislators - including presidential candidates Vivek Ramaswamy and RFK Jr., Andrew Yang, Senators Cynthia Lummis and Ted Cruz - will meet to discuss the future of digital assets in the U.S. including SEC/CFTC regulations, ETFs, bitcoin mining, and much more.Lee Bratcher, president and founder of the Texas Blockchain Council, said: "Texas has long been a leader in innovation, economic prosperity, and a model business-friendly jurisdiction. When it comes to digital assets, while most regulatory discussions are mired in political gridlock, we are leading the nation and the world forward by hosting an event where institutions, investors, and policymakers convene to solve problems and build the financial infrastructure and technical expertise for the future." As Texas continues to serve as the model for digital asset regulation in other states, as well as at the Federal level, we are inviting all key stakeholders to join us in making sure North America doesn't fall behind due to a lack of regulatory clarity or misinformation. The Summit will showcase the latest insight from industry leaders, decision-makers, and state and federal legislators, as well as keynote addresses from presidential candidates Vivek Ramaswami and Robert F. Kennedy Jr." To register for this year's North American Blockchain Summit, please visit: https://www.northamericanblockchainsummit.com/texas-blockchain-summit-tickets For press inquiries, please contact:Elian Jacobselian@ cryptolandpr.com nabs@ cryptolandpr.com For more information, visit: https://www.northamericanblockchainsummit.com/ SOURCE: NORTH AMERICAN BLOCKCHAIN SUMMIT
PR-Inside.com: 2023-11-14 12:45:45

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Highlights Strategy to Create Long-term Shareholder ValueIncreases Fiscal 2026 Financial TargetsAUSTIN, TX / ACCESSWIRE / November 14, 2023 / Thermon Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:THR) ("Thermon"), a global leader in industrial process heating solutions, will host its inaugural investor day in New York City today, Tuesday, November 14, 2023 starting at 9:00 a.m. EST. The event will be available via a live webcast on the investor relations section of the Company's website at http://ir.thermon.com and by replay shortly after the event. Presentation materials will also be posted ahead of the event.Bruce Thames, President and CEO, and Kevin Fox, CFO, will be joined by other members of the executive management team to present an in-depth review of the Company's overall business and strategy, financial performance and outlook, how Thermon is enabling the energy transition, innovation and new product development, and the Company's focus on operational excellence."We are thrilled to host our first investor day, which will give the investment community deeper insight into our strategy to create long-term value for our shareholders," said Bruce Thames. "Our mission critical solutions and leading market positions enable us to drive revenue growth and expand our margins, backed by investments in innovation and new product development. We benefit from enhanced productivity through the implementation of the new Thermon Business System and attachment to secular trends that provide meaningful tailwinds for growth. We are also excited to share our long-term strategy, future financial targets, and our plans to accomplish them." Fiscal Year 2026 Financial TargetsDuring the investor day, Thermon will update its financial goals for its fiscal year ending on March 31, 2026 (the "FY2026 Financial Goals") as follows:Total Revenue: $600 Million - $700 MillionNon-Oil & Gas Revenue: ~70%Adjusted EBITDA Margin: ~24%Thermon will provide a comprehensive overview of the key initiatives that support the achievement of the FY2026 Financial Goals, along with the underlying assumptions, during its investor day.About ThermonThrough its global network, Thermon provides safe, reliable and mission critical industrial process heating solutions. Thermon specializes in providing complete flow assurance, process heating, temperature maintenance, freeze protection and environmental monitoring solutions. Thermon is headquartered in Austin, Texas. For more information, please visit www.thermon.com Non-GAAP Financial MeasuresDisclosure in this release of "Adjusted EBITDA margin", which is a "non-GAAP financial measure" as defined under the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, is intended as a supplemental measure of our financial performance that is not required by, or presented in accordance with, U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). "Adjusted EBITDA margin" represents Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of total revenue. "Adjusted EBITDA" represents net income before interest expense (net of interest income), income tax expense, depreciation and amortization expense, stock-based compensation expense, acquisition costs, costs associated with restructuring and other income/(charges), and costs associated with impairments and other charges.We believe this non-GAAP financial measure is meaningful to our investors to enhance their understanding of our financial performance and are frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties to compare our performance with the performance of other companies that report Adjusted EBITDA margin. This non-GAAP measure should be considered in addition to, and not a substitute for, net income margin and other measures of financial performance reported in accordance with GAAP. Our calculation of Adjusted EBITDA margin may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.We are unable to reconcile our target fiscal 2026 Adjusted EBITDA margin to the most directly comparable projected GAAP financial measure because certain information necessary to calculate such measures on a GAAP basis is unavailable or dependent on the timing of future events outside of our control. Therefore, because of the uncertainty and variability of the nature of and the amount of any potential applicable future adjustments, which could be significant, we are unable to provide a reconciliation for target fiscal 2026 Adjusted EBITDA margin without unreasonable effort.Forward-Looking StatementsThis release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws in addition to historical information. These forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding our industry, business strategy, plans, goals and expectations concerning our market position, future operations, margins, profitability, capital expenditures, liquidity and capital resources and other financial and operating information such as our execution of our strategic initiatives, and our ability to achieve the FY26 Financial Goals. When used herein, the words "anticipate," "assume," "believe," "budget," "continue," "contemplate," "could," "should" "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "possible," "potential," "predict," "project," "will," "would," "future," and similar terms and phrases are intended to identify forward-looking statements in this release. Forward-looking statements reflect our current expectations regarding future events, results or outcomes. These expectations may or may not be realized. Some of these expectations may be based upon assumptions, data or judgments that prove to be incorrect. In addition, our business and operations involve numerous risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, which could result in our expectations not being realized or otherwise materially affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.Actual events, results and outcomes may differ materially from our expectations due to a variety of factors. Although it is not possible to identify all of these factors, they include, among others, (i) the outbreak of a global pandemic, including the current pandemic (COVID-19 and its variants); (ii) general economic conditions and cyclicality in the markets we serve; (iii) future growth of energy, chemical processing and power generation capital investments; (iv) our ability to operate successfully in foreign coun
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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / November 14, 2023 / In an era defined by rapid technological change and market disruption, companies face the challenge of not just adapting to new realities but also predicting and shaping them. Enter Bane Hunter, a visionary whose leadership and innovation have consistently steered organizations toward unprecedented growth and commercial transformation.Through trial and error and eventual successes, Hunter established that being a leader is not enough; one has to become a catalyst for change. With a long proven track record in guiding companies through pivotal transformations such as Viacom, Conde Nast, and others, he passionately advocates aligning business strategies, C suite risk management, and realistic commercial outcomes with emerging technological trends. Today even individuals who are in the early stages of their careers, need a keen understanding of global markets, consumer behavior, emerging technologies, and digital innovation. Bane has made it a policy to ensure that there is a focus and emphasis on sharing and empowering those around him, since as he puts it "The real value of leadership is creating a force multiplier that in turn propagates improvements across the organization. The greatest compliment anyone can give me is to say they became better at something as a result of our collaboration" This approach has allowed him to turn teams and not just individuals into valuable long-term assets for any organization looking to solidify its presence or redefine its industry.As a transformative leader with a unique approach, Bane Hunter excels in building and fostering agile teams capable of delivering groundbreaking products - be they in AI, media, IT modernization, or government services. His leadership is not about maintaining the status quo; it's about shattering it to uncover new opportunities - or new vacuums that are out there but are unrecognized. Companies with him as part of the team, learn to navigate the uncertain waters of innovation with confidence, turning potential challenges into successful ventures.It must be said that Hunter's expertise as a product executive has been a well-kept secret in some ways. However, the impact of his contributions to innovation is not. He has a unique ability to not only conceptualize but also execute product strategies that resonate with users and stand out in crowded markets. His strategic vision is matched by an operational prowess that ensures ideas don't just stay on the drawing board-they have the capability to revolutionize markets, and in fact, they have done so in the past. Hunter is currently working on what he hopes will be a range of transformative products and services that will impact Government services, and in turn, make a qualitative and better experience for anyone interacting with both large and small Government agencies. He puts it best by saying " There is a broad and very capable talent pool in this sector with a burning desire to contribute to a better tomorrow for all, therefore our responsibility is to enable this by focusing on the right product, the right time and under the appropriate circumstances. The world is not getting any safer or less complex, so we cannot ignore things and hope they will eventually get better. To paraphrase an old saying I heard years ago - those who prepare, plan, and put effort in training will suffer much less should they find themselves in a difficult situation, and prosper with the right opportunity".The modern business landscape demands leaders who are not just adept at managing resources but also at inspiring creativity and driving performance. Companies need to bring into their fold leaders who will not only inspire their teams to achieve excellence but also shape the company's future with foresight, innovation, and the strength to streamline internal processes that do not contribute to efficiency. If your company is at the cusp of transformation, then seek leaders who can navigate the intricacies of modern-day business while charting a course for success. It is not an easy skill and talent to master, and as Bane puts it, you have to learn how to both fail and succeed in order to move forward. With the right team that is motivated and empowered, the possibilities are limitless, and the path to success is clear.About Bane HunterBane Hunter is an experienced and forward-thinking individual, driving innovation by understanding the underlying design principles behind the final products or services. As a leader in marketing and analytics enables him to manipulate data to develop effective go-to-market strategies, regardless of whether the product is B2B or B2C. His concrete evaluations provide valuable insights when making decisions regarding technology investments or budget allocation, instilling confidence in fellow decision-makers.Media ContactHunter WilliamTechnology Market Innovationswilliamlhunterus@ gmail.com SOURCE: Technology Market Innovations
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Bulkeley Recently Served as the Executive Director of the Planning, Zoning, and Building Department for Palm Beach County, FloridaWEST PALM BEACH, FL / ACCESSWIRE / November 14, 2023 / Vice President Jeff Brophy proudly announces that Ramsay Bulkeley has joined WGI, Inc. as a Market Leader in its Planning, Landscape Architecture, Environmental, and Mobility practice, known as its PLACE Division. Ramsay will be based out of WGI's West Palm Beach, Florida office.The addition of Ramsay to the WGI PLACE Division serves to further strengthen WGI's already formidable position as the leading land development and planning consulting firm in Palm Beach County and the larger region. Nationally, WGI is a market leader in technology-based planning, engineering, and design solutions for public infrastructure and land development."Ramsay Bulkeley is a high-impact addition to our WGI PLACE team. His unmatched experience and sterling reputation at the offices of Palm Beach County will serve WGI very well as we continue to execute our ambitious strategic growth plans. Ramsay's addition is consistent with our core values, especially our principle of Committing to Greatness'," says Jeff Brophy.Ramsay is well acquainted with the expectations and deliverables associated with WGI's business lines. Prior to joining WGI, Ramsay served as the Executive Director of the Planning, Zoning, and Building Department for Palm Beach County. Before his final leadership role for Palm Beach County, he was also the Deputy Director of the Planning, Zoning, and Building Department, as well as the Director of Code Enforcement.Ramsay holds a Juris Doctorate degree from the Shepard Broad Law Center at Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Additionally, he also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from the University of North Carolina in Charlotte, North Carolina, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Community and Regional Planning from Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina.Says Ramsay of his new responsibilities at WGI: "I am incredibly excited to join the WGI team. The firm is one of the nation's fastest-growing companies in our space and has a very aspirational and aggressive approach. I am beyond excited that I can match my experience and my passion for building sustainable and resilient communities with such a talented group of professionals." Prior to the addition of Ramsay Bulkeley, WGI welcomed former Palm Beach County Commissioner Melissa McKinlay as Vice President for Government Relations in its West Palm Beach headquarters in December 2022. Melissa was elected to the Board of Commissioners of Palm Beach County in 2014 and served as Mayor of Palm Beach County in 2017-2018.ABOUT WGIAs a multidisciplinary solutions-providing consulting firm, WGI has 25 offices in eight states, serving an active client base in over 42 states, specializing in the following disciplines: environmental sciences and water resources, geospatial and land surveying, subsurface utility engineering, land development/municipal engineering, mobility planning, traffic and transportation engineering, parking solutions, restoration and structural engineering, landscape architecture, architecture, land planning, and MEP engineering. In 2023, ENR ranked WGI #171 on its list of the Top 500 Design Firms in the United States. ENR Magazine also named WGI its 2021 Design Firm of the Year in the southeast United States. For more information, please visit www.wginc.com WGI Company Contacts:WGI Contacts: Jeff Brophy, PLAVP & Division Director, PLACEJeff.Brophy@WGInc.com561.687.2220 Will Schnier, P.E.Chief Marketing OfficerWill.Schnier@WGInc.com512-669-5560 Media Contact: Kelly OwensAlchemy Communications Groupko@ alchemycommgroup.comO: 561.935.9953 x.101M: 561.222.4958SOURCE: WGI Inc.
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Robust Balance Sheet Enables Investment Portfolio ScalingSCOTTSDALE, AZ / ACCESSWIRE / November 14, 2023 / Zoned Properties, Inc. ("Zoned Properties" or the "Company") (OTCQB:ZDPY), a leading real estate development firm for emerging and highly regulated industries, including legalized cannabis, today announced its third quarter financial results and operational highlights. The following results pertain to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023.Financial Highlights:Revenues were $720,450 for the quarter ended September 30, 2023, compared to revenues of $614,988 for the quarter ended September 30, 2022, representing an increase of 17.2%.Revenues were $2,181,091 for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to revenues of $2,052,341 for the nine months ended September 30, 2022, representing an increase of 6.3%.The Company reported net income of $114,523 for the quarter ended September 30, 2023, as compared to a net loss of $77,328 for the quarter ended September 30, 2022.The Company reported a net loss of $152,966 for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to a net loss of $142,087 for the nine months ended September 30, 2022.Operating expenses were $671,338 for the quarter ended September 30, 2023, compared to $660,251 for the quarter ended September 30, 2022, representing an increase of 1.7%.The Company had cash on hand of $3.01 million as of September 30, 2023, compared to cash on hand of $3.28 million as of June 30, 2023.Management Commentary:"We are delighted to report outstanding operating and financial performance for the third quarter whilst contending with challenging market conditions. As we move through the remainder of the year into 2024, we see our underlying business trends as extremely positive with our market strategy producing steady revenue growth, positive cash flow, and net profitability. With a focus on direct-to-consumer real estate that is leased to the best-in-class cannabis retailers in the industry, we have the balance sheet to support our near-term expansion objectives and plan to remain active. Maintaining a strong balance sheet in this market environment positions us extremely well to deploy capital on more favorable terms. We continue using our nationwide services network and property technology to provide the Company with a competitive edge when identifying excellent investment prospects. We have a full pipeline of acquisitions, and we continue to utilize our extremely disciplined capital allocation approach. Since we have a clear view of the properties we are pursuing, we anticipate further capital deployment over the near term," said Bryan McLaren, Chief Executive Officer of Zoned Properties."Moreover, the team acknowledges the disconnect between the Company fundamentals and our valuation, and in the near future, we will provide shareholders with an update on our strategy to maximize shareholder value." Operational Highlights:Zoned Properties is consistently securing contractual rights for new real estate acquisition targets that have been positioned for long-term lease opportunities to best-in-class cannabis dispensary retailers in new and exciting state markets. The Company has secured a controlling interest or is in the process of negotiating controlling interest related to properties located in Arizona, Illinois, and Missouri.The Company's Property Investment Portfolio of owned properties remains strong with 100% occupied assets net-leased to consumer-focused and brand-centric cannabis tenants with a weighted average lease term of 15 years.Zoned Properties continues to build out its proprietary cannabis technology platform, REZONE, in preparation for commercial launch. REZONE is a zoning and mapping software solution focusing on democratizing real estate information for the regulated cannabis industry in partnership with Zoneomics. The platform is built on the foundations of Artificial Intelligence ("AI") and Machine Learning algorithms that can intelligently collect, rationalize and categorize vast streams of real estate data layers, with a focus on cannabis-related data. This data is then provided to users in a business-ready format. The platform allows users to search for parcels or survey entire markets and visualize the available green zone parcels, identify potential setback issues and gain other valuable insights according to local zoning codes. The primary objective is to help users capture cannabis real estate insights with ease.About Zoned Properties, Inc. (OTCQB: ZDPY):Zoned Properties is a leading real estate development firm for emerging and highly regulated industries, including legalized cannabis. The Company is redefining the approach to commercial real estate investment through its integrated growth services. Headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, Zoned Properties has developed a full spectrum of integrated growth services to support its real estate development model; the Company's Property Technology, Advisory Services, Commercial Brokerage, and Investment Portfolio divisions collectively cross-pollinate within the model to drive project value associated with complex real estate projects. With national experience and a team of experts devoted to the emerging cannabis industry, Zoned Properties is addressing the specific needs of a modern market in highly regulated industries. Zoned Properties does not grow, harvest, sell or distribute cannabis or any substances regulated under United States law such as the Controlled Substance Act of 1970, as amended (the "CSA"). Zoned Properties corporate headquarters are located at 8360 E. Raintree Dr., Suite 230, Scottsdale, Arizona. For more information, call 877-360-8839 or visit www.ZonedProperties.com Twitter: @ZonedPropertiesLinkedIn: @ZonedPropertiesSafe Harbor StatementThis press release contains forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release are forward-looking statements. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "plan," "potential," "continue" or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements include risks and uncertainties, and there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors, risks and uncertainties are discussed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Investors should not place any undue reliance on forward-looking statements since they involve known and unknown, uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond the Company
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), on Monday, said its companys brand name is NNPC Ltd and not NNPCL.

Olufemi Soneye, the chief corporate communications officer of the company, in a statement on Monday, appealed to member of the public to use the new logo of the company.

This is to inform our media partners, stakeholders, and the general public that following the transition of NNPC Ltd from a corporation to a commercially focused limited liability company under the Companies and Allied Matters Act in keeping with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 and the subsequent rebranding of the company, the old logo seizes to represent the company.

We, therefore, appeal to all who may have any cause to use the NNPC Ltd.s logo to use the new logo samples of which are attached to this press note.

We also appeal for consistency and uniformity in the use of the companys brand name which is NNPC Ltd, and not NNPCL or any other variant, Mr Soneye said.

Background

Former President Muhammadu Buhari had in July 2022 unveiled the new Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, a landmark development that officially changed the oil firm from a wholly state-run entity to a commercial oil company limited by shares.

The legal transition, based on the new Petroleum Industry Act, took effect on July 1. The NNPC completed its incorporation in September 2021 weeks after the PIA was signed into law by President Buhari.

In February this year, NNPC Ltd took over the assets of the nations oil company (NNPC) after 46 years of its operations as a corporation.

The company took over after attaining legal requirements within the stipulated 18 months in line with section 54 (3) of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, and the corporation transitioned into a company whose operations will be regulated by the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA).

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The minority shareholders of Union Bank Plc will receive N13.4 billion (N7.70 per share) for offloading their stakes to the core shareholder Titan Trust Bank once the last mile of the deal is reached, the bank said in a regulatory filing on Tuesday.

The current consideration is 10 per cent higher than the initial offer of N7 per share, tabled by Titan Trust last October when it launched a mandatory takeover offer for the banks minority shares.

Union Bank is rounding off the process of obtaining approval to delist its shares from the Nigerian Exchange (NGX). If successful, the move will grant Titan Trust the leave to convert the bank into private ownership.

Titan Trust, a less-known challenger bank, already holds a 94.1 per cent interest in Union Bank, according to its 2022 annual report, after completing a takeover of the latter last year in June.

Consequent upon the approval, the Registrars will remit the Scheme Consideration to all shareholders of the Bank, pursuant to the decision of the Court-Ordered Meeting and the subsequent sanction by the Federal High Court, the statement said.

The move will end the public company status of Nigerias second-oldest commercial bank almost 54 years after it joined the NGX (then the Lagos Stock Exchange) in January 1970.

A Union Bank board member told PREMIUM TIMES last year that a business combination of the two banks is on the cards, noting that the name Union Bank would be adopted for the proposed merged entity.

A scheme of arrangement authorising the transaction received a No Objection from both the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Securities & Exchange Commission, Union Bank said in May.

The lender held a court-ordered meeting in June at which shareholders holding 99.98 per cent of the banks shares voted in favour of the special resolution approving the scheme.

Union Banks shares have returned 70.9 per cent so far this year.

All shareholders of the Bank are enjoined to ensure that their accounts have been duly mandated to receive the Scheme Consideration, the statement said.

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As the world moves to tackle climate change and transition to more renewable energy, Africa including Nigeria will need between $22.6-$30 billion annually to fill the energy financing gap. This is even as the federal government said it will continue to explore Islamic finance tools such as Sukuk to tap into local and international investments.

This was disclosed on Tuesday at the 6th African International Conference on Islamic Finance (AICIF) tagged: Towards a Just Transition, and organised by The Metropolitan Law Firm and The Metropolitan Skills in collaboration with Africa Finance Corporation and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Speaking at the opening, the Convener and Conference Chair, Ummahani Amin, said just transition requires the mobilisation of climate funds for vulnerable African countries facing the harsh reality of climate change such as increasing mortality, human displacements, and migration, among other impacts.

Ms Amin, who is the Founder of Metropolitan Law Firm, lamented that there are systemic structural deficiencies that continue to inhibit the just transition process in Africa. She listed them to include limited private sector participation, increasing debt vulnerability of the African countries, and lack of transparency and accountability in financial flows, among others.

The CEO of Metropolitan Skills Limited noted that according to the African Development Bank Group, out of the $29.5 billion of climate finance flows to Africa in 2019/2020, about $9.4 billion or 32 per cent of the total, was allocated to energy systems, including energy education and research, energy consumption and demand efficiency, energy policy, and administrative management or development of hydropower plants.

This leaves up to $22.6 billion to $30.6 billion annually in the energy financing gap in Africa, she said but stressed that given its nature and with over $2 trillion in global assets, Islamic finance offers a sustainable financing system for delivering Africas just transition process.

First, Sukuk and Islamic finance lending are two financial products which can be used to deliver clean energy infrastructure and large-scale programmes in African countries, particularly to aid the promotion of natural gas as a transition fuel in countries that can access it. Sukuk presents low risks and guaranteed returns to investors, she said.

Ms Amin said AICIF was an opportunity to strengthen the community of practice on the promotion and development of Islamic finance in shaping the future of sustainable economic practices.

Our mission is to establish a sustainable endowment fund focused on supporting educational opportunities for the less privileged, she said.

In the same vein, Nigerias Vice President, Kashim Shettima, represented by a Special Adviser to the President on Economic Matters, Tope Fasua, said despite the huge potential of Islamic financing to drive a more competitive economy, Nigerias finance sector is lagging in adopting Islamic financing in its financial market.

He said: We are committed to designing policies targeted at financial deepening and financial diversification for unlocking private sector financing.

With global assets under management exceeding $2 trillion and the growing demand for alternative sources of financing, Islamic finance is central to both financial deepening and financial diversification in Nigeria.

However, Nigerias fast-growing Islamic finance assets remain largely insignificant in the over $2 trillion Islamic finance global market, despite Nigerias demographic composition and increasing demand for alternative sources of finance such as Islamic finance.

Hence, we will continue to explore Islamic finance tools such as Sukuk to tap into local and international investments.

In his keynote speech, former Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, while speaking on the theme of the event, Towards a Just Transition, said there was a need to switch to a sustainable, net-zero future.

Since the industrial revolution, fossil fuels have powered extraordinary growth and development, albeit with huge costs to our climate. As a direct result, we are today in a climate emergency. To avert catastrophe, there is a growing concern to radically switch to a sustainable, net-zero future.

This transition needs to happen fast, but it also has to happen in a fair and inclusive way. If done right, the transition offers immense opportunities: a systems change in which all communities, workers, and countries are lifted, he said.

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Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 presidential election, Atiku Abubakar, has called for a coalition of opposition parties against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Atiku made the call in Abuja on Tuesday when he hosted the national executive committee of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) led by its national president, Yabagi Sani.

IPAC is a platform of all Nigerian political parties, but the ruling parties at every given time have excluded themselves from the group.

Atiku, who decried what he described as a gradual slide of Nigeria into a one-party state, said the opposition parties needed to come together to challenge the ruling APC to save Nigerias democracy.

He recently criticised President Tinubus appointment of APC members and loyalists as National Commissioners of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), positions which the Nigerian constitution stipulates must be occupied by only non-partisan persons.

We have all seen how the APC is increasingly turning Nigeria into a dictatorship of one party. If we dont come together to challenge what the ruling party is trying to create, our democracy will suffer for it, and the consequences of it will affect the generations yet unborn, Atiku was quoted as saying in a statement by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, on Tuesday.

Coalition like APC?

The coalition Atiku seeks should have members of the opposition parties in the National Assembly jointly sponsor legislation that will advance the course of the constitutional and electoral reforms.

It is however not yet clear if what Atiku has in mind also includes the kind of coalition that gave rise to the APC, which was formed from the merger of major opposition parties ahead of the 2015 general elections.

The relatively new party had gone on to defeat then-incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan, therefore terminating the rule of PDP, which had been in control at the centre for 16 years.

Atiku, as PDPs presidential candidate, has unsuccessfully run against the party on two occasions in 2019 and 2023.

His latest defeat in the 2023 presidential election has been partly attributed to his inability to secure the coalition of major political candidates to support him to run against President Tinubu of the APC in the February poll.

At the end of the election, the votes cast for Atiku and two major opposition candidates, including Mr Atikus former running mate in the prior 2019 election, Peter Obi, were far more than the votes secured by Mr Tinubu. The other opposition candidate who secured a substantial number of votes was Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

Analysts say the outcome of the election was an indication that a coalition of the three frontline opposition candidates would have earned their joint candidate a triumph over Mr Tinubu.

Both Atiku and Mr Obi unsuccessfully challenged Mr Tinubus victory at the Presidential Election Petitions Court and the Supreme Court, which affirmed the presidents election in October and laid to rest the legal disputes over the February polls.

Calling for a formidable united opposition front on Tuesday, Atiku said The project of protecting democracy in our country is not about just one man, according to the statement issued by his media adviser.

You have come here today to say that we should cooperate in order to promote democracy.

But the truth of the matter is that our democracy is fast becoming a one-party system; and, of course, you know that when we have a one-party system, we should just forget about democracy, the former vice president said.

Atiku also repeated his criticism of INEC, which has been featured in his public comments since the results of the 2023 presidential elections, which he disputed, were announced.

He said the electoral body conducted the worst-ever general elections in the country, in reference to the 2023 elections.

The Independent National Electoral Commission conducted the worst general election in the country.

Recently again in the off-season election in three states, INEC doubled down on its disregard for the tenets of our democracy.

We all can see how INEC declared a result in Kogi State where the total number of votes cast is higher than the total number of accredited voters in one local government.

We cannot have a healthy democracy in an environment where all INEC does is to deliver the ruling party at all cost, he said.

Call for electoral reforms

Atiku also urged opposition lawmakers in the National Assembly to form a coalition on constitutional and electoral reforms.

That is also why I will urge you all, to appeal to lawmakers of the various opposition parties in the National Assembly to sponsor legislation that will advance the course of the constitutional and electoral reforms agenda that I shared in my recent press conference. The issue of electronic voting must be the urgent priority of the National Assembly because countries that are far less advanced as Nigeria are already doing it.

Until our elections pass the test of transparency through electronic voting, it will be difficult for INEC to regain its credibility, and our democracy will be the first casualty of such a situation, Atiku said.

IPAC speaks

IPAC president, Mr Sani, while speaking on behalf of the group, said they chose to visit Atiku because of his profile as a true democrat and political leader who treads the path of detribalisation and politics without violence.

Mr Sani observed that notwithstanding the glaring shortcomings associated with our elections, democracy remains the best form of government.

The former vice president is the issue of the democracy in Nigeria, Mr Sani said, adding that the journey has just begun for Atiku.

He also assured that IPAC would be available at any time that he needed them as a group.

Atiku, a founding member of the PDP at the beginning of the current Fourth Republic when he emerged as Nigerias Vice President, had left and returned to the party on different occasions since 2006 to contest for president on different platforms.

He returned to the party after failing to win the 2007 presidential election and left again in 2014 for the then newly formed APC to contest the partys presidential ticket to run for the 2015 election. He lost the partys ticket to Muhammadu Buhari, who went on to defeat then-President Goodluck Jonathan in the 2015 presidential election.

He left the APC in 2017 for the PDP. He emerged as the PDPs presidential candidate and President Buharis main challenger in the 2019 election.

He lost the 2019 election and lost the legal battles he fought up to the Supreme Court seeking the reversal of Mr Buharis victory.

He again secured the PDPs ticket for the 2023 presidential candidate.

This time the divided opposition front produced three formidable candidates, including Peter Obi, who was Atikus running mate in the 2019 presidential election.

The division in the opposition camp helped Mr Tinbus APC to emerge victorious in the keenly contested February election.

The Supreme Court has dismissed the separate cases filed by Atiku and Mr Obi to challenge Mr Tinubus victory.

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The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has directed its members to join the nationwide strike declared by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).

The ASUU President, Emmanuel Osodeke, a professor of soil science, directed compliance in a letter to ASUU zonal coordinators and branch chairpersons across the country.

NLC had on Monday announced the commencement of the industrial action from midnight of Monday, 13t November.

The action of the unions followed the brutalisation of the NLC National President, Joe Ajaero, on 1 November in Imo State.

As an affiliate of NLC, all members of our union are hereby directed to join this action of NLC to protect the interest of Nigerian workers and the leadership of the union. Zonal coordinators and branch chairpersons should immediately mobilise our members to participate in the action, Mr Osodeke wrote in the letter.

Meanwhile, the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, on Friday, restrained the labour unions from embarking on strike.

The judge, Benedict Kanyip, ordered the two major labour unions, the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), to stop their industrial action scheduled to commence 14 November.

The interim order followed an ex-parte request by the Nigerian government through the office of Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, due to the Labour unions threat to embark on strike.

On Monday, the AGF office advised the unions against strike, asking them to respect the subsisting court order.

ASUUs other unresolved demands

ASUU has raised concerns over the deeping socio-economic crises in the country, which it said was an attendant effect of the implementation of neo-liberal economic policies by the government of President Bola Tinubu.

In particular, NEC noted the unbearable rising cost of living and increasing hardship foisted on the Nigerian masses since the unplanned deregulation of the prices of petroleum products and the unbridled devaluation of the Naira, it said in a statement released after its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Kaduna State University (KASU) at the weekend.

The union also noted that its struggles for improved conditions of service and funding

for the universities have had little gains.

ASUU and the Nigerian government have been at loggerheads over the latters failure to meet the unions litany of demands.

The demands include the revitalisation of the universities, autonomy and academic freedom, and removal of federal universities from the imposed Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).

The university lecturers have also made a yet-to-be-met demand for the amendment of the National Universities Commission (NUC) Act to curb the unbridled proliferation of state universities, and other related matters.

NEC observed that successive governments have failed to honour several Agreements reached with our union, especially the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement, the union said.

The union added that the little gains of the 2022 strike which led to budgetary provisions of funding for revitalisation and the payment of Earned Academic Allowances (EAA) of N470 billion have yet to be activated due to the non-release of the allocated funds.

It, therefore, called on the federal government to, without further delay, set in motion the process of concluding the renegotiation exercise in line with the fundamental principles of the Professor Nimi Briggs Committee and release the funds allocated for the payment of EAA.

The union also rejected the President Bola Tinubus dissolution of the university Governing

Councils without recourse to the laws establishing them, adding that the move has negatively impacted the governance of those institutions in terms of the career advancement of members of tafff as well as other matters which require the council attention.

NEC therefore calls on the President Bola Tinubu-led Administration to reinstate the Governing Councils of Federal Universities without further delay.

It also condemned the recent directive that federal universities remit 40 per cent of their Internally Generated Funds (IGF) to the coffers of the government

For the avoidance of doubt, universities are not revenue generating agencies because the obligatory fees paid by students are to provide the necessary tools for them to be properly educated. NEC calls on the relevant institutions of state to remove universities from this category of government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) regarded as revenue generating centres because of its implications for affordability and accessibility of education in the country, the union added.

ASUU also condemned the National Universities Commission (NUC) for its effort in continuing with the implementation of the the Core Curriculum Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS).

The union said the NUC imposed CCMAS policy on Nigerian universities despite its documented shortcomings and rejection by university Senates and academic/professional associations.

NEC reaffirms its position to pursue the rejection of CCMAS to a logical conclusion, the statement said.

It added, NEC strongly condemns the fascist and vicious attack on the President of the

Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) in Imo State.

NEC shall resist any attempt to paint the legitimate demands of the working people of Imo state and elsewhere in Nigeria in partisan colourations and demands that the perpetrators of this dastardly act should be fished out and punished in line with the provisions of the law.

Withheld salaries

Although the federal government recently directed the payment of four out of eight months withheld salaries of member of the union, ASUU called on the government to unconditionally release all the withheld salaries as a demonstration of the new administrations desire to permanently resolve all outstanding issues related to the last strike action of our union.

Members of the union had their eight months salaries from February to October last year withheld by the previous administration of President Muhammadu Buhari which invoked a No Work, No Pay policy to tackle the striking lecturers. The protractwd strike lasted till the National Industrial Court in Abuja ordered the suspension of the strike after the federal government made the prayer before it.

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The investment environment in Nigeria is not attractive enough, a panel of experts said on Monday.

The experts spoke during a session themed Corrosive and Constructive Capital Inflow in Africa: Regulatory Framework and Governance Gaps at the ongoing Media and Development Conference organised by the Centre for Journalism, Innovation and Development (CJID) in Abuja on Monday.

The experts explained that instability and uncertainty among other factors have made the nations economy too risky for investments.

Speaking on Monday, Lola Adekanye, African program director of the Centre for International Private Enterprise, these issues are affecting the nations ability to attract the needed investment, adding that the primary one among them is the environment for investment and growth.

You will always hear that investors like stability, there is a need to be trustworthy in the business sector and what that translates to is this, if I put my money in any business, I want to be sure that my return on investment is guaranteed. I want to be sure because I dont want to put N20,000 into a business and earn less than N15,000 from it. Especially when there is investment competition for that capital for the same investment in many other regions.

So the environment for investment in Nigeria is not attractive enough. Because investors now worry about different kinds of risks and political risk is one, she said.

For instance, we talked about the investment in the Abuja-Kaduna rail, and then there was the insecurity attack. I am not sure what insurance we have to recover the loss that we experienced or still incurring from that rail project that is not working optimally right now. And so, investors, before they invest, look at the track record of other investments that have been in the country before and when they see that the return on investment is not as guaranteed, its reducing and there are too many unstable indicators, they wont be attracted to invest.

And unfortunately, capital goes where there is stability and there are other places where there is trust and stability and where the return of investment is guaranteed. So basically, its still a very risky market in Nigeria, she added.

She explained that there is a need for the government to promote stability in the economy through effective fiscal policies, and to boost opportunities for private sector growth.

She, however, condemned the misuse of the country-borrowed funds, which are spent on recurrent expenditure rather than capital expenditure. She explained that spending funds on capital expenditure can be turned into economic value over time.

Government is borrowing to service recurring expenditure, government is borrowing to give out palliatives that do not demonstrate enough trust that the return on investment will be guaranteed. And so these are things that the government has to work on, she noted.

Its not an easy process. Its a difficult, methodical and strategic process that the government has to follow, but it is an important, very important one to do, she added.

Also speaking, the Executive Director of the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Integrity Watch, Umar Yakubu, explained that the country currently has an infrastructure deficit which can be met through investments.

He noted that the country is lagging in terms of due diligence when it comes to the use of borrowed funds.

Our level of due diligence is very low. We sign contracts without properly understanding what were supposed to do. Even if we do understand them, we do not sometimes sign them for national interest and national security purposes, he said.

That is why you see that you will fall into a lot of problems when the monies have been collected, and when it comes to paying you will not see the value for money.

We have to also strengthen our internal systems, when you borrow money, you know that the future generations are going to pay so you have to ensure that the money is properly utilised.

Meanwhile, she explained, there needs to be more transparency in the management of investment funds.

Like I said earlier Nigeria is indebted to $250 billion. If you ask for the components of those loans, you will see how we borrow them.

But were the citizens engaged, were the media invited, were people invited to see and probably scrutinise how we use the money we borrowed?

You find out that they were not there. I think we just need to add due diligence, transparency and accountability to go with what is being borrowed for effectiveness, he said.

In his remark, Akintunde Babatunde, director of programs at CJID, said bilateral relationships with foreign countries have not yielded the expected investments in the country.

He explained that the conference aimed to spotlight some of the issues impeding development in the country and provide solutions to address them.

The conference is the first of its kind. At CJID we attempt to bring together our portfolio projects on sustainable development and have a convening that helps to spotlight some of the issues that are imagined in each of the clusters, he said.

At CJID, we have over the years invested in helping to build the capacity of journalists in health reporting, climate change reporting, conflicts reporting, anti-corruption and every other sector. That is why we are having the media development conference and we are excited about the quality of the conversation, and intentional approach by some problem solvers and innovators.

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Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday said the ongoing war in Gaza cannot be compared with the Russia-Ukraine war that has lasted 21 months.

Responding to a PREMIUM TIMES reporter who asked if the incidents in Gaza caused any nostalgic feeling, he said the two wars were not comparable because the world has always known that the tension between Israel and Hamas would escalate some day.

Ukraine is in a full-scale war with Russia it is a war on one state by another, unprovoked, Mr Zelenskyy said, alluding to Hamas attack on Israel that led to the recent tragedy that has gone on for almost six weeks now.

He acknowledged that the loss of lives anywhere in the world is a tragedy. However, he said, the war in Gaza could have been prevented but it was not because some people do not want it to discontinue.

Mr Zelenskyy also accused Russia and Iran of benefitting from the war in Gaza.

Everyone knows of the conflict but few are interested in stopping it for good. You can see that Russia and its allies in Iran are involved in it.

He said Russia consistently devices ways of distracting the world from its operations in Ukraine and it does this by fomenting unrest in different parts of the world including the use of Wagner Group in Africa.

The Russia-Ukraine war which started on 24 February 2022 has seen the displacement of about 3.6 million people according to IOM tracking matrix and led to the death of over 9,000.

The war in Ukraine continues in the east and south of this country.

Neither Russia nor Ukraine is willing to yield to the other with several peace talks and negotiations failing to hold.

Ukraine said it is preparing itself for Russias attack on its energy facilities as it did last summer, especially in the capital, Kyiv.

Mr Zelenskyy, according to the Washington Post on 9 October, told NATOs Parliamentary Assembly that Hamas and Russia are the same evil, and the only difference is that there is a terrorist organisation that attacked Israel and here is a terrorist state that attacked Ukraine.

In the last UN General Assembly resolution that called for a humanitarian truce in Gaza given the casualties, Ukraine abstained from voting.

Defending its decision at the UN, Mr Zelenskyy told African journalists in Kyiv that Ukraine acted very fair in its decision to abstain because the Canadian amendment to the resolution to condemn Hamas for its attack on Israel which is similar to Russias attack on his country was excluded.

Over 11,000 people have died in Gaza as a result of Israels bombardment of Gaza including attacks on hospitals and schools.

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Vice President Kashim Shettima has said Nigerias huge potentials in digital technology, the outsourcing industry and the clean energy sector will continue to incentivise investments in its energy transition plan and agenda to diversify the economy.

He said this on Monday when he received Denmarks Minister for Development Cooperation and Global Climate Policy, Dan Jorgensen, on a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa.

Shedding light on Nigerias climate objectives under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, the vice president noted that investments in digital technology, clean energy and other sectors had become a priority as a result of the dwindling fortunes of the oil economy.

Mr Shettima said, We are facing challenges but where there is a will, there is a way. The president is a man imbued with passion, intellect and capacity to lead the nation on the path of prosperity and progress. He really wants to bring a new lease of life to the Nigerian nation because if Nigeria works, Africa works.

Oil will still be relevant because of its other derivatives for the next decades but as the primary driver of the economy, the role of oil will diminish in the coming years. This is why it is a priority for us to think out of the box to find alternatives. This is why we are looking for investments in digital technology, clean energy and other sectors. We have a lot of opportunities for partnership and collaboration.

VP Shettima identified the strength of Nigerias population as a huge resource for the transformation of Africa, noting that the continents transformation could be fast-tracked by green and sustainable energy.

Soliciting the support of the Danish Government and the Global Centre on Adaptation for Africa and Nigerias Climate Action, the VP maintained that once there is sustainable energy, the people of the continent will key into Africas development aspirations.

So, I will solicit your understanding and support to save Africa, he added, stating that the support of the Centre is necessary to accelerate climate action and fast-track adaptation to solutions, focusing on the most vulnerable people in Africa.

The vice president commended Denmark for its leading role in global climate action, while soliciting the support of the government of that country.

With our shared humanity, we are facing real existential threats but we are very proud of Denmark because of its climate consciousness. You are doing well. There is room for us to have a mutually beneficial partnership, he stated.

VP Shettima further delved into the political instability in parts of West Africa, saying Nigeria has taken a firm position against military coups and to defend the cause of democracy and human rights, noting that Nigeria is actually the beacon of hope and stability in a turbulent region.

Nigerias leadership

Earlier, Mr Jorgensen expressed his admiration for Nigerias leadership and commitment to climate sustainability.

He noted that Nigerias leadership role in addressing regional stability and its commitment to a just energy transition present significant opportunities for further collaboration between Denmark and Nigeria.

We cherish the relationship between Denmark and Nigeria very highly. We are extremely impressed with the agenda of the new administration. You are definitely showing leadership in the way you are facing the challenges of your country, Mr Jorgensen said.

Emphasising the shared understanding between Denmark and Nigeria on the importance of climate action, he said, We also share a common understanding that common understanding and climate sustainability is a political question that is not only noble but also working.

The Danish minister commended Nigerias stability and positive influence in a region often facing challenges. I also want to commend Nigeria for being a stable country doing a lot of positive difference in a region that is sometimes challenging, he stated.

Mr Jorgensen drew a stark contrast between Nigerias stability and the recent coup experienced in neighbouring Niger, saying, Just six months ago, I visited Niger Republic and we signed a memorandum of understanding with the President; only for a few weeks later, the country experienced a coup.

Applauding Nigerias role in advocating for the restoration of civilian rule in Niger, he said, We definitely commend Nigerias role in trying to put pressure on the coup leaders with regards to reinstating the civilian government.

He expressed optimism about the future of collaboration between Denmark and Nigeria on energy transition, citing the memorandum of understanding to be signed between the two countries, just as he emphasised the importance of ensuring a just transition in the shift towards renewable energy sources.

At the core of this is the question of how do we make this a just transition; how do we make sure that the people that are dependent on oil and gas dont lose their jobs there? he inquired.

To ensure a just transition, Mr Jorgensen advocated a regular assessment of the needs of vulnerable groups, stressing that the needs of poor, vulnerable and marginalised groups must be assessed regularly to ensure reliable access to clean energy at affordable prices.

He implored VP Shettima to ensure that the memorandum of understanding is signed to serve as a framework for future collaboration between Denmark and Nigeria on energy transition.

Climate change

Also speaking, Nigerias Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, said the ministry is using messaging to take forward a lot of the initiatives that the government has put on ground.

When we talk about climate change, we should be responsible enough to keep the preservation of the world for the next generation to benefit from it.

Climate change is at the very top of our agenda as a government, especially now that Nigeria is at the precipice of being at the very top. We want to see how Nigeria and the Danish government can have cross-collaboration in this regard and also intercultural collaborations, she said.

Present at the meeting were Sune Krogstrup, Canadian Ambassador to Nigeria; Ole Thonke, Under Secretary of State; Sandra Sichlau, Private Secretary to the Minister; Ketil Karlsen, Head of Africa Department and Ida Krogh Mikkelsen, special adviser, among others.

Stanley Nkwocha

Senior Special Assistant to The President, Media and Communications*

(Office of the Vice President)

13th November, 2023

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TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, November 14. The French Voltalia energy company and Uzbekistan have signed a protocol for the construction of a new hybrid power plant project in Sarymai district of Uzbekistans Khorezm region, Trend reports.

The plant was initially assumed to have a capacity of 100 MW but was later redesigned to generate 123 MW.

Moreover, the company has signed a protocol on the construction of a 100 MW wind farm and a battery system within the plant.

Meanwhile, Voltalia opened a new office in Tashkent in July of 2023. The ceremony was attended by the French Ambassador to Uzbekistan, Orelia Bouchez.

Uzbekistan has set goals for the production of renewable energy, aiming to increase its share of this area in the energy balance to 25 percent by 2026. This entails the addition of 15 GW of new renewable energy capacity.

In addition, according to official forecasts, by the end of 2023, the newly deployed capacities of renewable energy sources put into operation in Uzbekistan will reach 2 GW.
The Presidency has said the decision by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to embark on strike over the assault on the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, was not only unwarranted but also an attempt to blackmail the government.

A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Monday, said the government was still at a loss as to why labour would punish a whole country of over 200million people over a personal matter involving the NLC President.

The unions, on Tuesday last week, said they will commence a nation wide strike on 14 November to protest Mr Ajaeros brutalisation in Owerri, the Imo State capital the previous week.

Mr Onanuga said although the government would not condone any form of violence and assault on any Nigerian, the Inspector General of Police, Kaode Egbetokun, had ordered investigation into the matter.

While the federal government does not condone any form of violence and assault on any citizen of Nigeria regardless of his or her social and economic status, it is on record that the Inspector General of Police has ordered investigation into what happened to Mr. Ajaero while the Commissioner of Police in Imo State under whose watch the incident happened has been transferred out of the state, the statement said.

The presidential aide said calling out workers on a national strike over a personal issue of a labour leader despite a clear court order against any industrial action amounts to an abuse of privilege. Power at any level should never be used to settle personal scores. Rather, it should be used to promote collective progress and advance national interest.

Mr Onanuga said the planned strike is immoral, unjustifiable and irresponsible.

The office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), similarly, on Monday, advised the unions against strike, asking them to respect the subsisting court order retraining them from embarking on the planned industrial action.

Read the full statement

STATE HOUSE PRESS STATEMENT

NLC/TUC STRIKE ACTION NOT IN NATIONAL INTEREST

We notice with dismay the decision by the Nigerian Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress to call out workers to commence a strike action from midnight, despite a restraining order issued last week by Justice Benedict Backwash Kanyip of the National Industrial Court.

This decision by the NLC and TUC other than being an ego tripping move is clearly unwarranted. It is an attempt to blackmail the government by the leadership of the NLC.

We are still at a loss as to why the NLC and TUC decided to punish a whole country of over 200million people over a personal matter involving the NLC President, Mr. Joe Ajaero, whose error of judgment led to assault on him in Owerri while he was planning to incite the workers in Imo State into a needless strike.

While the Federal government does not condone any form of violence and assault on any citizen of Nigeria regardless of his or her social and economic status, it is on record that the Inspector General of Police has ordered investigation into what happened to Mr. Ajaero while the Commissioner of Police in Imo State under whose watch the incident happened has been transferred out of the state.

Calling out workers on a national strike over a personal issue of a labour leader despite a clear court order against any industrial action amounts to an abuse of privilege. Power at any level should never be used to settle personal scores. Rather, it should be used to promote collective progress and advance national interest.

Our national economy and social activities should not suffer because of the personal interest of any labour leader.

This flagrant disobedience to court order and lack of respect for the judiciary should not be what the organised Labour would champion.

The labour movement has always been a champion of rule of law and respect for the judiciary. It is a sad irony that the current labour leaders have shown disdain and utter disregard for court order.

We reiterate that this strike action is illegal, immoral, unjustifiable and irresponsible. What the strike notice issued Monday night after official hours suggests is its designed for a sinister and hidden agenda to cause undue hardship and cause civil disturbance in our country. This is unacceptable.

Bayo Onanuga

Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy

November 13, 2023

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A constitutional lawyer, Kayode Ajulo, has commended Ondo State elders for the steps they have taken to resolve the protracted political crisis in the state.

Mr Ajulo, who is also the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Egalitarian Mission for Africa (EMA), gave the commendation in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ondo State has been facing a political crisis intensified by the absence of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu from the state and a contentious process by the House of Assembly for the removal of the deputy governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, from office.

Mr Ajulo said the state eventually found solace in a pivotal meeting at the residence of Afenifere leader, Reuben Fasoranti, on Monday.

Mr Ajulo said that the state`s elders and leaders forum converged to discuss peace and development amidst the current political turbulence.

The lawyer had earlier urged the elders to intervene in the crisis that disrupted governance and fueled enmity among political actors in the state.

He expressed optimism in the states ability to independently address challenges, while applauding the elders for responding to the call, emphasising the critical nature of such a meeting.

Mr Ajulo, who said that collective efforts were required to foster a harmonious coexistence, urged the indigenes to join the cause initiated by the united front of Ondo elders.

NAN reports that Mr Fasoranti on Monday held a meeting with some elders of the state to resolve the crisis between the governor and his deputy.

(NAN)

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A driver who rammed into two staff of the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) on Monday, leading to their death, has turned himself in to the police in Lagos.

Two street sweepers were killed in the incident on Monday when the unidentified driver was attempting to escape from officers of LASTMA at Oshodi-Gbagada expressway area of Lagos.

The owner of the Honda saloon turned himself in on Monday night, hours after the incident.

Police spokesperson in Lagos, Benjamin Hundeyin told PREMIUM TIMES he will be charged with manslaughter.

As of this morning, the instruction was to charge him, he said.

Backstory

The incident occurred in the Gbagada area of Lagos and was confirmed by LAWMA on its official X handle.

It caused a gridlock in the axis as several motorists and commuters were trapped for hours.

LASTMA

However, in a statement on Monday, the states ministry of transportation denied that LASTMA officers were involved in the accident.

Immediate investigation revealed that no LASTMA personnel was involved in the unfortunate accident, Sola Giwa, aide to the states governor on transportation said.

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The strike embarked upon by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has paralysed activities at banks, courts, and other public offices in Ebonyi State.

The strike by the organised labour is to protest the assault on the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, in Owerri, Imo State, on 1 November.

A NAN Correspondent who visited Ebonyi State High Court on Tuesday in Abakaliki, observed that the gate was locked while the judiciary workers were stranded outside the court premises.

Emmanuel Awoke, the secretary, Ebonyi State chapter of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, told NAN that the strike became necessary in order to protest the injustice on workers across the nation.

Mr Awoke said that he was in the office as early as 7:30 a.m. to ensure that no judge or magistrate enters the court premises.

As you can see, the main gate is already locked and nobody is allowed to walk inside. This is in compliance with the national directive in support of the nationwide strike.

JUSUN as an affiliate of NLC has to live by the principles of the unions laws and directives. As it stands, there are no court that is sitting. The workers are here to do their work but we cannot allow them to violate the law of the NLC, Mr Awoke stated.

A lawyer, Onwe Solomon, said the strike is a move in the right direction although it had disrupted his matter in the court.

My matter is one that requires urgent attention but on getting here this morning, I found out that nobody is allowed to go inside the court because of the strike.

I believe, they are fighting for their right and the good interest of the nation. The situation in the country today is worrisome, especially the assault on the NLC national president. It is uncalled for, Mr Solomon said.

A bank customer, Uchenna Elom, applauded the NLC for the strike. He urged the federal and state governments to protect the rights and interest of workers.

Mr Elom said he was at the bank to obtain a new Automated Teller Machine (ATM) card but found that they were closed.

NAN reports that ATM machines in most banks including First Bank, Ecobank, UBA, and Union Bank in Abakaliki were dispensing cash, with long queues of customers.

Egwu Ogugua, the NLC chairperson in Ebonyi, said the compliance with the strike was 90 per cent in the state.

All banks are closed, except Zenith bank but they later closed. You know, injury to one is injury to all. The ruling class should stop intimidating the Nigerian workers, he stated.

(NAN)

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The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) on Tuesday described a report alleging that it shut down the national grid over labour unions strike as false and misleading.

An online medium had earlier reported that the TCN had shut down the national grid in compliance with directives of labour leaders.

But in its reaction, the TCN General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, in a statement, said the national grid is intact and supplying bulk electricity to distribution load centres nationwide.

The Transmission Company of Nigeria hereby states that the publication by Daily Post alleging that the Head of Public Affairs of TCN said that there will be a national blackout is false and totally misleading, she said.

She explained that the statement is mischievous and baseless as TCN, through the Public Affairs Head, did not make such a statement.

We hereby note that the nations grid is intact and supplying bulk electricity to distribution load centres nationwide.

As at when issuing this statement, the TCN National Control Centre Osogbo which controls bulk power transmission nationwide, is actively operational.

We would appreciate that reports are made with a sense of responsibility not just to cause panic, she said

Meanwhile, the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) had earlier directed its members to commence full mobilisation to ensure compliance with the directive of the Nigerian labour unions to embark on a nationwide strike.

The NUEE in a notice signed by its acting general secretary, Dominic Igwebike, on Monday, urged its members to comply with the directive and stop work from the early hours of Tuesday.

The NUEE members strike could throw the country into darkness, given the workers critical roles in electricity distribution in the country.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC) declared the strike, following the brutalisation of the NLC president, Joe Ajaero, in Imo State on 1 November.

Mr Ajaero was attacked in Owerri, the state capital, during an NLC protest against the Imo State government over alleged maltreatment of workers in the state.

The unions on Monday directed their members to down tools across the country as from Tuesday.

This is despite the restraining order issued by the National Industrial Court, in Abuja, on Friday, stopping the labour unions from embarking on the strike. The judge, Benedict Kanyip, ordered the two major labour unions to stop their industrial action scheduled to commence 14 November.

The interim order followed an ex-parte request by the Nigerian government through the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, due to the Labour unions threat to embark on strike.

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Vice President Kashim Shettima has restated President Bola Tinubus commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda and the administrations focus on improving the socio-economic conditions of Nigerians living in the most vulnerable communities in the country.

He spoke on Tuesday when the Presidential Committee on Flood Mitigation, Adaptation, Preparedness and Response submitted a comprehensive report to him at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The committees report outlines a roadmap for improving the countrys flood response and preparedness.

The report is based on the findings of three previous and ongoing assignments, including the National Economic Council Ad hoc Committee Report on Flood (ongoing), the National Flood Emergency, Preparedness and Response Plan (2022), and the Report of the Presidential Committee on Development of Comprehensive Plan of Action for Preventing Flood Disasters in Nigeria (2022).

At the formal presentation of the committees report, the vice president gave a definite position to speculations about the reality or otherwise of the impact of climate change in Nigeria.

He said, Climate change is real and the existential threat it poses is glaring at us every day, from the extreme events being witnessed across the globe to the devastating climate facing Africa. Africa is disproportionately impacted and bringing it home to Nigeria, we have been witnessing drought, flood, etc. The saying on the climate crisis is that it is either too much (floods), too little (drought) or too polluted.

We are all gathered to find a solution for the too much scenario that is flooding. Flood events have, in the past, affected communities with devastating impacts on livelihoods, people and the environment with loss of lives witnessed in some cases such as the last flood witnessed in 2022.

Describing the report as a testament to President Tinubus commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda, Mr Shettima stated categorically that the Tinubu administration is focused on improving the socio-economic conditions of Nigerias most vulnerable communities.

The vice president noted that in drafting the report, the committee was guided by science and forecasts from agencies such as the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).

The report, according to him, identifies vulnerable communities prone to flooding and presents a roadmap with recommendations to address the issue.

Commending the committee for its hard work and dedication, Mr Shettima said, I would like to start by thanking this committee for the hard work, commitment and dedication put in to develop the report.

I particularly thank everyone for the time put in to deliver this assignment within the seven days that I directed when we first met at this very chamber, which meant you all had to work through the weekend. The mandate was clear and it was delivered.

The VP also directed the committee to present the report to the National Economic Council (NEC) for further deliberations and possible ascension by the council.

Earlier in his presentation, Emmanuel Adanu, a professor and Director General of the National Water Resources Institute, a member of the Presidential Committee and Chairman of the Technical Working Group spoke about the major causes of flooding in Nigeria and the strategies for mitigating its impact.

He said the ultimate objective of the work of the committee is to protect the nation from the devastating impacts of floods, safeguarding human lives and property while promoting the sustainable conservation and enhancement of water-related ecosystems.

Mr Adanu, however, noted that beyond the efforts of stakeholders in the public and private sectors, individuals and communities are required to pay attention to issues relating to drainage maintenance and healthy environmental practices.

*Stanley Nkwocha*

*Senior Special Assistant to The President, Media and Communications*

*(Office of the Vice President)*

*14th November, 2023*

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The police in Anambra State have refuted claims that the Eastern Security Network (ESN) has its headquarters in Umunze, a community in Orumba South Local Government Area of the state.

ESN is the militant wing of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

There had been claims that the militant group has its headquarters in the community and that the police in the state regard the place as a no-go-area.

The claim was said to have been attributed to a man who was set free after spending four days in his abductors camp.

Tochukwu Ikenga, the police spokesperson in the state, in a statement on Tuesday, described the claim as mischievous.

Mr Ikenga, a deputy superintendent of police, said the claim was false and baseless.

The police spokesperson recalled that a Forward Operating Base in Aguata Local Government Area of the state had, last month, smashed some IPOB camps in Ogbunka Community near Umunze and rescued three people, including a priest, who were kidnapped.

He said three suspects were arrested while three pump action guns were recovered during the operation.

So, how can anyone claim the police describe Umunze as a no-go area? Mr Ikenga said.

The spokesperson said the divisional police headquarters in the Umunze community was functioning at full capacity and that the police in the state have continued to discharge their responsibilities to the people in the area.

ALSO READ: Police rescue 14 kidnap victims in Niger

Police are however aware of insurgent activities to the South of Umunze in a neighbouring (Abia) State and collaborative effort is ongoing to root them out of the place, he said.

The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Aderemi Adeoye, has assured residents of the state that their safety remains a priority of the police in the state, Mr Ikenga said.

This is permanent, Mr Adeoye said of their responsibility to protect the residents.

IPOB, a group that is leading the agitation for an independent state of Biafra to be carved out from the South-east and some parts of South-south Nigeria, has been linked to some deadly attacks in the two regions.

However, the group has repeatedly denied any involvement in the attacks.

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The Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, said Saudi Arabian Investors have expressed interest in investing in agriculture and dualisation of the Minna-Bida road project.

The 6-kilometre Minna-Bida highway is in a deplorable state as successive administrations in the state have failed to fix the road.

Mr Bago said this during a media chat held at the sideline of the negotiation with Saudi Arabian  Nigeria Roundtable Meeting held in Mecca, led by President Bola Tinubu on Monday.

Mr Bago said some of the Saudi Arabian investors have expressed readiness to invest in agriculture and road infrastructural projects across the state.

Mr Bago said the negotiation with the Saudi Arabians included the dualization of the Minna-Bida road.

He said the investors chose Niger State for a pilot scheme of their agriculture investment due to its closeness to the Federal Capital Territory and availability of water for irrigation.

We have four hydropower dams that are currently functional.

We have bodies of streams and water. We have both River Niger and River Benue.

We are the largest producer of Sheanut and also paddy rice in Nigeria.

So, this is a very opportunity and avenue to showcase ourselves, which we have done. And we have gotten interested collin abortion, Mr Bago added.

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The office of the Attorney-General of the Federation has reacted to Mondays insistence by the Nigerias organised labour to embark on a nationwide strike on Tuesday.

The AGF office advised the labour unions against the strike, saying it would amount to disobedience to a court order issued on Friday stopping the planned strike.

The office, in a statement by Kamarudeen Ogundele, spokesperson for the AGF and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, reminded the unions of the Fridays restraining order of the National Industrial Court in Abuja stopping the unions from embarking on the strike as planned.

The interim order was granted on 10 November by the President of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Justice B. B. Kanyip.

The unions have been served the court order and, therefore, must surrender themselves to the authority of the court which is already seized with the facts of the case.

Any action taken contrary to the order will be tantamount to contempt of court, Mr Ogundele stated in a statement.

Background

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and their affiliates had declared the strike, following the brutalisation of the president of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, in Imo State on 1 November.

Mr Ajaero was attacked in Owerri, the state capital, during an NLC protest against the Imo State government over alleged maltreatment of workers in the state.

Fresh resolution

On Monday, the leaderships of NLC and TUC reached a resolution to start the nationwide strike in protest against the attack on Mr Ajaero.

They passed the resolution, in defiance to Fridays restraining order of the industrial court, at an extraordinary National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja.

According to Channels TV, the labour unions in a joint statement aftet their meeting, said In furtherance to the decision of the Joint National Executive Council (NEC) of NLC and TUC, all workers in Nigeria are hereby directed to withdraw their services effective 12:00 midnight today, 13th November 2023.

Consequently, all affiliates and state councils of NLC/TUC are directed to issue circulars for maximum compliance and these circulars be made available to the National Secretariats or posted to the NEC and CWC Whatsapp Platforms.

Addressing journalists on Monday, the TUC President, Festus Osifo, said that the strike would remain until government at all levels wake up to their responsibility.

AGFs appeal against strike

Hours after the unions insisted on going ahead with the strike, the AGF office, in its statement on Monday, urged them to respect the court order and adhere to the principle of the rule of law.

There is no need to resort to self-help,' the statement said, adding, We urge workers to report for duties and not to entertain any fear as their safety is guaranteed and will be protected within the ambit of law.

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Fabian Lojede, an award-winning actor and filmmaker, says Nigeria is on the cusp of a renewable energy revolution, adding that while the initial investment cost may be slightly higher, it pays for itself over time, making it sustainable and accessible to the masses.

Mr Lojede, famous for his roles in Heavens Hell (2019), Jacobs Cross (2007) and Greener Grass (2009) said this during an official event signalling his partnership with LithTech, a renewable energy company in Lagos on Monday, noting that Nigerias transition to renewable energy is achievable through government-provided carbon credit incentives.

He emphasised, Nigeria is on the precipice of a renewable energy revolution due to the improving technology and accessibility of renewable energy sources like solar. Were nearing a stage similar to when GSM technology revolutionised communication. The next technological leap will be the widespread adoption of renewable energy platforms and formats.

Similarly, the movie star also noted that his partnership with LithTech, with a research base in Germany and a production line in Shenzhen, China, would boast renewal energy across hospitality, health and other sectors in Nigeria.

The groundbreaking partnership was officially unveiled during the ongoing Lagos International Trade Fair at Tafawa Belewa Square, Lagos State.

The event was graced by prominent figures, including the president of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Michael Olawale-Cole, who commended TNL for exemplifying the creation of value-driven partnerships.

Also in attendance was Tolu Odebiyi, representing the former governor of Ogun State, Ibikunle Amosun.

Renewable Energy

The momentum for renewable energy is surging as countries worldwide adopt decarbonisation to achieve the net-zero carbon emissions target by 2050. The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts a peak in global demand for oil, natural gas, and coal by 2030, driven by policies favouring cleaner energy sources and transportation.

Nigeria aims to increase renewable electricity supply from 13 per cent in 2015 to 36 per cent by 2030, while the International Renewable Energy Agency predicts that 60 per cent of Nigerias energy demand in 2050 can be met through renewable sources.

Nigeria, in particular, is in the early stages of adopting renewable energy, with solar power being the most widely available resource. Under the Renewable Energy Master Plan (REMP), Nigeria aims to increase the share of renewable electricity from 13 per cent in 2015 to 23 per cent in 2025 and 36 per cent by 2030.

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) foresees that almost 60 per cent of Nigerias energy demand in 2050 can be met through renewable sources. This shift conserves natural resources and aligns with Nigeria and Africas goals of embracing cleaner and cost-effective energy sources.

Through its partnership with LithTech, TNL aims to alleviate operational costs for businesses in Nigeria, primarily across hospitality, health and education sectors.

READ ALSO: NCC urges telcos to adopt renewable energy to minimise cost

Kehinde Olaleye, the deputy managing director of TNL, emphasised the companys mission to lower the cost of living for Nigerians.

The actor also said the International Energy Agencys recent World Energy Outlook projection that oil, natural gas, and coal demands will peak by 2030 due to policies favouring cleaner energy sources aligned with Nigerias Renewable Energy Master Plan (REMP).

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TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, November 14. Ozon, one of the first e-commerce companies in Russia, has launched direct deliveries in Uzbekistan, Trend reports.

Ozon said buyers in Uzbekistan can now make orders and receive the ordered items at partner pick-up points, as well as at 1,660 Uzbekistan Post offices, with the average delivery time of 12 days.

Moreover, Ozon plans to develop its own logistics infrastructure in the country in 2024, including warehouse complexes and a delivery service. The company also plans to actively develop a franchise network of branded pick-up and delivery points.

"Uzbekistan is one of the largest economies in Central Asia and a country with great potential for the development of e-commerce. We already offer more than 100 million product names to the residents of the country and will continue to develop the infrastructure to offer new opportunities for convenient online shopping," Alexey Sapon, Director of Operations and Development of Ozon in CIS, said.

Sapon stressed that the company's key priority in Uzbekistan is to shorten the delivery time of goods to customers and ensure the highest level of service.

Additionally, Ozon specialists will conduct training events for local entrepreneurs with the support of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan. The company plans to take part in the work on improving the regulation of e-commerce, as well as the mechanisms of cross-border trade in the country.

Uzbekistans Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Ozon signed a memorandum on the development of e-commerce in Uzbekistan earlier this year.

The signed document presupposes close cooperation between the organizations in order to develop logistics infrastructure in Uzbekistan for the storage, processing, and delivery of goods, as well as to improve cross-border trade mechanisms and the development of entrepreneurship in the country.
Joe Moghalu, a ward chairperson of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) in Anambra State, has been shot dead in the state.

Mr Moghalu was the YPP chairperson in Nanka Ward I in Orumba North Local Government Area of the state.

PREMIUM TIMES learnt that the politician was shot dead on Saturday night by masked gunmen a few hours after hosting a meeting of YPP members in the area ahead of a rerun election for Orumba North-Orumba South Federal Constituency.

Chinwe Nnabuife of the YPP had been declared the winner of the 25 February House of Representatives election for the constituency.

But the Court of Appeal in Abuja ordered a rerun in 13 polling units in the ward after her opponent in the exercise, Okwudili Ezenwankwo of the PDP, challenged her victory.

The rerun, expected to take place within the next few days, will be between Mrs Nnabuife and Mr Ezenwankwo, according to the court judgment.

Police vow to track down killers

Meanwhile, the police in Anambra State have vowed to track down the killers of the YPP chairperson.

In a statement on Tuesday, the police spokesperson in Anambra State, Tochukwu Ikenga, said the commissioner of police in the state had directed the police in the state to hunt down the killers and bring them to book.

Mr Ikenga, a deputy superintendent of police, said the police commissioner condemned the killing.

The spokesperson said the police were already working to unmask the killers.

The command wishes to re-assure all law-abiding citizens, especially in Nanka not to be afraid but to join hands with the police in bringing the murderers and their sponsor to justice, he said.

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The Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) is currently holding a three-day media development conference which began on 13 November.

The conference has drawn at least 250 delegates to Nigerias capital city of Abuja from within and outside the country.

The delegates include journalists, media experts, technologists, academics, and policymakers.

The conference is tagged Bridging Democracy, Development, Innovation, and Media Sustainability.

The primary objective of the conference, according to CJID, is to create a robust platform for relevant media experts, donor agencies and policymakers to engage in a comprehensive dialogue on the state of media and democracy in West Africa.

Other objectives of the event are to explore media innovations, technological models and tools that can help fortify the profession and address its sustainability challenge, facilitate a constructive dialogue on cross-sectoral cooperation and formulate actionable strategies for sustainable and inclusive development in West Africa.

The other objective is to explore the complex dimensions of how emerging AI and digital disruption present opportunities and challenges for the future of democracy in Africa.

Day One

The first day saw a welcome address from the Board Chair, CJID, Umaru Pate, a professor. There were goodwill messages from a host of guests including Toyin Akinniyi, Vice President (Africa), Luminate; Kole Shettima, Africa Director, MacArthur Foundation; Juan Sell, Ambassador of Spain to Nigeria; Calum Walker, Second Secretary (Political) Australian High Commissioner, Abuja; and Tola Odeyemi, CEO, Nigerian Postal Service, among others.

Panel sessions include Development in Africa: Navigating income inequality, economic stagnation and future of work; Advancing innovative ways and practices to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality; Corrosive and constructive capital inflow in Africa: regulatory frameworks and governance gaps.

Others were: The future of primary healthcare in Africa: strengthening intersectoral collaboration in AI-tech driven solutions, Datasets and tech tools to explore gender nuanced reporting; Regional approaches to addressing corrosive capital and advancing gender transformative norms through media reportage.

There was a presentation of the Award on Civic Tech Initiative for enhancing ethical foreign investments in Africa.

Day Two

The programs for the second day are currently ongoing. There was a conversation around news, technology and innovation in the digital space.

Panel sessions for the day includes Tech for Development: Enhancing Africas Digital Economy for Youth Empowerment; Delivering Climate Justice: Accelerating ambition and implementation on adaptation early warnings for all; Democracy, fragility and Human Rights in the Lake Chad Basin; Road to COP28: Advancing Carbon markets and green economy initiatives in Africa; Conflict economy in the Lake Chad Basin: Challenges and resilience.

Other sessions of the day are Media and informative literacy in digital spaces; Bridging the classroom and newsroom divide: Advancing journalism practice in the digital age; Digital tech, media practice and sustainability issues in African newsrooms.

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President Bola Tinubu, on Monday, met with a top official of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) on the sideline of his official trip to Saudi Arabia, discussing Nigerias need for investments in infrastructure.

Mr Tinubu, at his meeting with the Vice-President (Country Programmes) of the IDB, Mansur Muhtar, in Mecca, pointed out the serious deficits in Nigerias port, power, and agro-allied infrastructures, which he said provided opportunities for investments.

We have serious deficits in port infrastructure, power infrastructure, and agro-allied facilities that will enable sustainable food security in our country.

These deficits present unrivalled opportunity for savvy investors in a market that is by far the largest on the continent. Yes, we had the vision to enable Lekki Deep Seaport before others saw it. We must be bold again, a statement by presidential spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, quoted the president as saying in a statement on Tuesday.

According to the statement, Mr Muhtar assured the president of IDBs commitment to support Nigeria.

Mr. President, we know you inherited a very tough set of circumstances. It is to your credit that you have taken very bold steps without delay. We are ready to work with you. We are ready to support big investments in Nigeria. We agree that if Nigeria succeeds, Africa succeeds. And the world needs Africa to succeed, Mr Muhtar said.

Read the State House statement in full below:

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU MEETS ISLAMIC DEVELOPMENT BANK MANAGEMENT, NEGOTIATES MULTI-BILLION DOLLAR FUNDING PACKAGE FOR INFRASTRUCTURE

President Bola Tinubu, on Monday night, in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, advanced negotiations concerning a multi-billion dollar infrastructure finance facility from the Islamic Development Bank to fund a multi-sectoral portfolio of infrastructure projects at the federal and sub-national levels in Nigeria.

This development was the outcome of substantive investment discussions held between President Tinubu and the Vice-President (Country Programs) of the Islamic Development Bank, Dr. Mansur Muhtar, after the Presidents return from evening prayers.

Nigeria is the candle of hope that will light the way for Africa. And once Africa is illuminated, the world will be a brighter place for all of humanity. We are determined to create a future for our gifted youths. Investments in Nigeria will be among the worlds most high-yielding. Investor money will flow easily in and out of our country. Processes will be seamless. And your bank has always been a faithful partner in progress.

We have serious deficits in port infrastructure, power infrastructure, and agro-allied facilities that will enable sustainable food security in our country. These deficits present unrivalled opportunity for savvy investors in a market that is by far the largest on the continent. Yes, we had the vision to enable Lekki Deep Seaport before others saw it. We must be bold again.

We inherited serious liabilities, but also assets from our predecessors. We do not make any excuses. There are several sectors replete with investment opportunity for smart investors. Access to finance and guarantees can be a hindrance in some cases. You can come in there. We see you as a critical enabler. You have partnered with us before. We want to scale it up now and do much more with greater ambition and clear vision, the President stated.

Noting the historic essence of President Tinubus swift and decisive economic reforms, the Vice-President of the Islamic Development Bank said the financial world has been monitoring events in Nigeria and has concluded that Africas largest economy means business this time.

Mr. President, we know you inherited a very tough set of circumstances. It is to your credit that you have taken very bold steps without delay. We are ready to work with you. We are ready to support big investments in Nigeria. We agree that if Nigeria succeeds, Africa succeeds. And the world needs Africa to succeed.

The Islamic Development Bank President announced the provision of $50 billion U.S. Dollars of new investment for the African continent from the Arab Coordination Group (ACG). This was announced at the Saudi-Arab-African Economic Summit. As the largest market and the largest economy in Africa, Nigeria will certainly receive a significant share. We look forward to supporting Nigerias economic transformation, the Islamic Development Bank Vice-President said.

The President concluded by thanking the Islamic Development Bank management while pledging the unwavering commitment of his administration to win investors trust and confidence, just as he did in Lagos State many years ago.

Members of the Nigerian delegation present at the meeting in Mecca were: Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State; Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State; Governor Umar Bago of Niger State; Minister of Budget & Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, and others.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

November 14, 2023

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The Nigerian military said troops and police personnel attached to the Operations SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) and HAKORIN DAMISA, units in Plateau and Kaduna states have arrested several persons alleged to be involved in kidnapping, banditry, gunrunning and other offences in both states.

The military said the arrests were made between October and November. It said 15 suspects were apprehended in connection with kidnapping, murder, arms dealing, criminal attacks, cattle rustling, drug peddling, farm destruction, as well as recovered arms/ammunition and illicit drugs.

The statement said on 6 November, troops arrested Jerome Bulus-Alamba and Denis Yohanna at Fang village in Riyom Local Government of Plateau, in connection with the murder of one Abdulkarim Saidu on 24 October 2023.

In a similar incident, on 7 November, troops of Sector 5 OPSH arrested one Yakubu Shanono in Bokkos Local Government of Plateau in connection with the killing of a mobile police personnel attached to OPSH, the statement added.

On the same day (7 November), the security operatives also apprehended 75 cows for farm destruction at Kassa village in Barkin Ladi local government of Plateau State.

Also, the statement said on the following day, on 8 November, the security operatives in conjunction with the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at Pankshin Command conducted raid operations on the hideout of illicit drug peddlers at Bargar village in Kanam local government of Plateau and arrested four suspects and handed them over to NDLEA for further action.

On 9 November, the troops also arrested two suspected criminals, Haruna Yusuf and Zubairu Jibril, while trying to bypass the troops checkpoint at Chanso village in the Mangu council area of Plateau, the criminals were arrested in possession of one rifle.

Also, on 10 November, troops acting on credible information arrested a suspected kidnapper, Sani Suleiman, at Mista Ali village in Jos North local government. On the same day, troops deployed at Zangon Kataf arrested a suspected kidnapper, Anu Usman at Kamaru village in Zangon Kataf local government of Kaduna State, the statement said.

According to the statement, the troops also recovered 144 rustled cattle after a gun duel with the suspected outlaws in Sat, a village in Bokkos Local Government of Plateau State.

On 11 November, the troops of Sector 6 OPSH rescued 2 kidnapped victims, Micheal James and John D at Angwan Buka village in Riyom local government of Plateau State.

The rescued victims were kidnapped while on transit along Hawan Kibo road in Riyom LGA, and have since been reunited with their families, the statement added.

The army added that on 12 November, the combined troops of OPSH and the State Security Services (SSS) arrested a notorious arms dealer, Bala Inusa, alias Maigero in Barkin Ladi Local Government of Plateau State.

The military said Mr Inusa has been on the wanted list of security agencies and was arrested with one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine, one pistol, 417 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one Toyota Starlet vehicle with plate number Adamawa  MUB  779JB, and one Dual SIM Tecno phone.

Another gunrunner was arrested during sting operations on 12 November, at the Danmakasuwa Mariri axis of Southern Kaduna with one AK-47 rifle.

Similarly, on 12 November troops of OPSH Special Force while responding to a distress call at Dakanung village in Bokkos local government of Plateau State arrested one miscreant, Bala Yerima and items recovered including one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine, six rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and a red coloured Boxer motorcycle, the statement said.

In a related development, based on intelligence gathering, troops captured one Davou Barry of Gyel District at Kara Market of Bukuru Area of Jos South LGA with 54 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and one round of 7.62mm NATO ammunition while trying to make an exchange.

Within the week, Operation SAFE HAVEN secured the conviction of two suspects, Zubairu Usman and Saminu Haruna, who were charged with criminal conspiracy and theft. The suspects pleaded guilty and were sentenced to two years imprisonment each with an option of fine, the statement said.

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The strike embarked upon by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has paralysed activities in some parts of the nation, as banks, courts, and other public offices in the Federal Capital Territory, have partially shunned work.

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The Federal Secretariat in Abuja was deserted on Tuesday as many civil servants shunned work in adherence to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) directive to commence an indefinite national strike.

The leadership of both unions resolved at an extraordinary National Executive Council (NEC) meeting last week to embark on an indefinite strike to protest the brutalisation of the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, in Imo State.

According to the joint statement they signed after the meeting, the workers were expected to withdraw their services from midnight on Monday.

When PREMIUM TIMES visited the ever-busy Federal Secretariat on Shehu Shagari Way at about 9 a.m., a few workers reported for work, apparently in defiance of the unions directive.

Some of the federal ministries and agencies located at the secretariat are Health and Social Welfare, Education, Niger Delta, Power, Labour and Employment, Nigeria Law Reform Commission and Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB).

Also, at the Federal Ministry of Finance located a few kilometres away and the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) in Area 11, Garki, this newspaper observed that some leaders of the unions were chasing workers away and asking them to return home.

Tired of incessant strikes

However, some workers kept coming in despite efforts to restrain them.

Those who reported for work quickly returned to their homes after a short time.

One of the workers at the FCTA told PREMIUM TIMES that he was tired of daily industrial action embarked on by the unions because they could not separate themselves from politics.

He said there are so many problems within the ministries begging for the attention of the unions, but the leadership had chosen to turn a blind eye to them.

He said most workers get daily tips in their respective offices, but the unions want them to remain in a state of penury by asking them to stay away from work.

He stressed that the unions should reconsider their stand since the government has implemented the N35,000 minimum wage to avoid losing relevance.

The reason Nigeria Labour Congress cannot succeed is because theyre yet to separate themselves from politics.

There are so many irregularities happening under their watch in ministries that they are expected to fight against. Besides, so many workers are getting daily tips to ease their burden when they come to work.

Nobody is going to take them seriously. Government has implemented the N35,000 minimum wage already. If we keep shutting down, what will ordinary citizens that are not even collecting that money do? he added.

A female worker at the health ministry, who did not want her name mentioned to avoid victimisation, said she did not know about the strike before she boarded a vehicle this morning.

She said that everyone is tired of the unions frequent industrial actions. She called on the government to heed the cry of the workforce by implementing their grievances through the unions.

Some banks and filling stations in the Central Business District (CBD) visited by this newspaper opened for business, an indication that members of some affiliated unions such as NUPENG and NUBIFIE did not join the protests.

Filling stations, bank operating

For instance, the NNPC filling station by the National Hospital in Abuja was dispensing petroleum products at the time of our visit.

Similarly, customers were seen moving in and out of the TAJ and Zenith Banks close to the National Mosque unhindered to transact business.

Kaduna

Workers in Kaduna State observed partial compliance to the directive by the organised labour.

A News Agency of Nigeria correspondent who monitored the situation in the North-west state, said some workers were seen doing their normal routine jobs in their various offices at the Maccido Dalhat Secretariat popularly known as State Secretariat.

Also, primary and secondary schools as well as tertiary institutions like the Kaduna Polytechnic were open for business and lectures were ongoing.

A civil servant with the Ministry of Health who pleaded anonymity for fear of victimisation, said that states workers demands were mostly not met after any industrial action hence the non-compliance.

Its like we are only showing solidarity to the federal government workers and after their demands are met, we will be asked to settle with our state government.

At the end, we just suffer strike without achieving anything, he said.

Similarly, Abdullahi Isah a retiree-cum-businessman, said the harsh economic situation contributed to the lack of compliance.

According to him, people are yet to see the benefits of embarking on nationwide strikes, adding, that is why you see people going about their normal businesses to earn their daily bread.

Meanwhile, Kaduna Electric has closed its offices in compliance to the strike offering only essential services.

Taraba

Workers in Taraba went about their normal schedules on Tuesday in defiance of an indefinite nationwide strike called NLC and TUC.

NAN reported that government offices in Jalingo, the state capital, were fully operational as civil servants reported for duty.

Tanimu Musa, a civil servant, said the strike was counterproductive.

Mr Musa noted that the federal and state governments had demonstrated their commitment to ameliorate hardships faced by workers and by the Nigerian masses.

He said the federal government, for instance, provided palliatives and increased wages, while Taraba had also been paying the N30,000 minimum wage.

Another civil servant, Joel Yakubu, said, however, that an NLC team was going round to enforce the strike order.

State workers are yet to receive their October salary which the governor ordered that must be paid on the basis of the N30,000 minimum wage.

The order delayed the October salary as fresh vouchers needed to be raised to reflect the wage increase.

It is arguable that shunning the strike is a decoy by Taraba workers so they would not extend the payday unnecessarily.

Plateau

Workers in Plateau State have complied with the industrial action.

NAN correspondent, who monitored the strike on Tuesday in Jos, observed that government offices, as well as private businesses were shut down in compliance with the strike.

The correspondent, who was at the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) Headquarters, observed that the gate was locked, as workers were turned away by union officials at the gate to ensure compliance.

The situation was not different at the Plateau State Secretariat, where a team of NLC/TUC leaders sealed the gate to prevent workers from gaining access.

No worker was seen at the premises of Plateau State High Court, as the workers remained at home.

NAN also observed that some commercial banks in the metropolis did not open for business.

Eugene Manji, Plateau NLC Chairman, told NAN that the labour union set up a monitoring team that was going around organisations to ensure compliance.

As you can see, we are in front of the Joseph Gomwalk Secretariat (State Secretariat), the seat of administration of Plateau Government, and no worker has gone in.

Most of the institutions have complied, but our monitoring team is going around the metropolis to ensure comprehensive and total compliance.

We have a snag in some places where some workers, especially those in commercial banks, claimed that they were not aware of the strike. You will not blame them because the decision was finalised late last night, he added.

Chairman, Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPTRE), ITF Chapter, Daniel Mudima, told NAN that they received directives from their national secretariat to ensure compliance.

Mr Mudima said that they would sustain the exercise until further directive from their headquarters.

He urged the workers to remain at home pending the suspension of the strike.

Ondo

Pupils and students of public schools in Akure, the Ondo State capital, were on Tuesday sent home following the directive by the organised labour that workers should embark on indefinite strike.

NAN reported that scores of public schools pupils and students were seen leaving their school premises for their various homes.

It also reported that filling stations, however, were open for business in the metropolis.

Although most offices in the state secretariat, Alagbaka, were opened, workers were not attending to visitors and government business.

Some banks were also opened for business and some had their gates locked.

Speaking with NAN, Wasiu Adeyemi, a bank customer, expressed disappointment in the selective attendance by the banks.

He said that the banks only allowed those that came for deposit, while those with complaints were not allowed entry.

I was in the bank this morning and to my surprise, I was not allowed to enter until I told the security man in the bank that I wanted to deposit a cheque of N2 million before I was allowed, he lamented.

Clement Fatuase, Chairman, Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Ondo State, who spoke with NAN, expressed optimism about the ongoing industrial action.

Mr Fatuase, who explained that strike, being the commencement, was still complied with in the state, said that other affiliate unions and workers would join the strike as it progressed.

At least today is day one. The compliance is okay. The strike is at least, averagely effective.

Anyway, we are issuing a press release as regards the strike, he said.

Bauchi

Workers in Bauchi defied the indefinite nationwide strike.

Correspondents of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), who monitored the strike in Bauchi, reported that academic activities and business transactions continued unhindered in schools, hospitals and banks in the metropolis.

At Government Day Junior Secondary School, Gwallameji and Saadu Zungur Secondary School, Bauchi, teachers and students were seen taking lessons in classes.

Abubakar Sadiq, an instructor in the school, said that they were yet to receive formal or written directives on the strike.

We are under the state government and we are still waiting for a circular informing us to embark on the strike.

We cant just go on strike without receiving a circular to that effect, hence normal academic activities will continue in the schools.

Students attendance is 100 per cent just like any other day, he said.

Also, normal services continued at Yelwa Labourer Primary Healthcare Centre and health facilities in the metropolis.

However, the strike paralysed services in schools, clinics, banks and other financial institutions in Kano.

NAN reports that few workers reported to work at the state and federal governments secretariats in partial compliance to the industrial action.

Students of public primary and secondary schools were sent home in compliance with the strike.

The strike also paralysed the ongoing First Semester examination at the Bayero University Kano.

Similarly; some of the banks were also closed with a handful of them running skeletal services.

The NLC Chairman in the state, Kabiru Inuwa, said that they were working to ensure full compliance with the strike.

We are monitoring compliance as our officials are at the state secretariat to ensure workers do not resume in their offices, he said.

He said the industrial action achieved 75 per cent compliance in the state.

Sokoto

Workers in Sokoto State on Tuesday defied the directives of the NLC and TUC proceeding with their official duties.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that routine operations were conducted at the federal and state ministries, banks, and schools.

Ismail Dayyabu, a classroom teacher, said that they were not served notice of the strike and they were only aware of a court order restraining the union from striking.

We can do nothing but wait for proper communication. Thats why we went to work as usual, with no official engagements halted, he explained.

Similarly, Bala Dankasuwa, a trader, said he was ignorant of any strike action, emphasising that their leaders had not communicated such a decision.

The NLC and TUC, Sokoto State chapters have assured their commitment to enforcing total compliance with the nationwide strike in the state.

Hamisu Hussain, the state NLC secretary, acknowledged the delayed communication of the strike information to workers in the state.

He explained, Due to the delayed notice, many workers in banks and Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) could not join the strike today.

However, I can assure you that by tomorrow, we will have total compliance as we have notified all of them. No excuse will be accepted, he said.

Bello Garba, the state TUC secretary, condemned the alleged assault on Mr Ajaero, during the unions rally in Imo.

Mr Garba warned that such incidents could recur nationwide, if not properly addressed, while assuring the strike will be enforced on all workers in the state.

Nasarawa

NAN correspondent who visited Ministries, Departments and Agencies in Nasarawa State observed that there was partial compliance with the strike as workers offered skeletal services.

Some of the workers who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that their leaders in the state were yet to direct them to comply.

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The House of Representatives has asked the Nigerian government to use diplomatic channels to address the deportation of Nigerians by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

This resolution was a sequel to a motion of urgent public importance moved by Kama Nkemkanma (LP, Ebonyi) and three others on Tuesday during plenary.

Background

Daily Trust reported that authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Sunday cancelled the visa of all the 264 passengers who arrived in Jeddah from Nigeria on Air Peace.

Following the intervention of the Nigerian Embassy in the Kingdom, the number was reduced to 177 persons.

It is unclear why the passengers, most of whom were visiting Saudi for Lesser Hajj, were denied entry.

The incident occurred when President Bola Tinubu was in Saudi Arabia.

The motion

Moving the motion, Mr Nkemkanma said there is a need for the Nigerian government to wade in because many issues must be addressed.

He explained that all the passengers went through the Advanced Passengers Pre-screening System (APPS), which was also monitored live by the Saudi Arabian authorities before the flight left Nigeria.

The legislator explained that Saudi authorities must respect Nigerian airlines based on the reciprocal principle of the Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA).

Saudi Air has been operating directly from Nigeria to Saudi Arabia and Air Peace has been receiving high patronage as a Nigerian carrier since it started flight service to Saudi at relatively lower fares, thereby helping Nigeria to conserve foreign exchange, Mr Nkemkanma said.

Resolutions

The House resolved to condemn the Saudi authorities arbitrary cancellation of the visas.

It mandated the committees on foreign affairs, interior and Muslim pilgrims affairs to inquire into the immediate and remote circumstances surrounding the cancellation of already granted visas to 264 Nigerians on arrival at Jeddah aboard Air Peace.

The House took the motion unanimously when it was put to vote by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen.

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The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja, on Tuesday, revoked the bail earlier granted a co-defendant in the trial of a former Accountant-General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris.

The co-defendant, Geoffrey Akindele, is facing trial along with Mr Idris on charges of fraudulent diversion of public funds to the tune of N109.5 million.

The judge, Yusuf Halilu, revoked Mr Akindeles bail and ordered the police to arrest him, following his failure to attend court on Tuesday for continuation of their trial.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Messrs Idris and Akindele alongside Mohammed Usman and Gezawa Commodity Market & Exchange Limited.

Mr Akindele was absent from court when the case was called on Tuesday, but Messrs Idris and Usman were present.

Despite pleas by the counsel for Mr Akindele, S.E. Adino, that his client was on the way to court, submitting that he (Akindele) had always been in court to face trial, the judge, Mr Halilu insisted on revoking the second defendants bail.

The judge said it was incumbent on a defendant that was granted bail by a court of law to reciprocate the gesture by regularly attending his trial.

He added that Mr Akindele had clearly not shown good character and conduct by his refusal to attend court.

The second defendant had abused the terms of his bail, the judge ruled.

Mr Halilu subsequently revoked his bail and ordered the FCT Commissioner of Police and the EFCC to arrest Mr Akindele and produce him in court in the next adjourned date.

He then adjourned the case until 1 February 2024 for definite hearing.

Earlier, the prosecuting counsel, Oluwaleke Atolagbe, had informed the court that the prosecution received a letter from the counsel for Mr Idris, and did not receive any from the counsel for Gezawa Commodity Market and Exchange Limited.

Charges

The defendants are facing charges of stealing and fraudulent diversion of public fund to the tune of N109.5 billion.

Among others charges, Mr Idris was alleged to have, between February and December 2021, while being a public servant as the Accountant-General of the Federation, accepted from Mr Akindele a gratification of the aggregate sum of N15.1 million.

The prosecution said the money was converted to dollars equivalent by Mr Akindele.

The money, according to the prosecution, did not form part of Idriss remuneration but a motive for accelerating the payment of 13 per cent derivation to nine oil producing states in the federation through the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation.

EFCC alleged they thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 155 of the Penal Code Act Cap 533 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990 and punishable under the same section.

Messrs Idris and Akindele, who was Technical Assistant to the Accountant-General of the Federation, were accused of committing criminal breach of trust while being entrusted with certain property, to wit N84,390,000,000 between Feb. and Nov. 2021 by dishonestly receiving the said amount from the Federal Government through Godfrey Olusegun Akindele, trading under the name and style of Olusegun Akindele & Co.

By this, according to EFCC, the first and second defendants were alleged to have committed an offence punishable under Section 315 of the Penal Code Act Cap 532 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.

The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against them by the anti-corruption commission.

(NAN)

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) could be what Africa needs to build a resilient society primary health care system and ensure adequate and quality health services for all.

This was the consensus when experts gathered at the Media and Development Conference 2023 (MDC23) organised by the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), in Abuja on Monday.

The conference is themed: Bridging Democracy, Innovation, and Media Sustainability in West Africa.

Insights on how AI is reshaping healthcare delivery, education, and societal frameworks were shared through the perspectives of tech enthusiasts, educators, and healthcare professionals.

Speaking during one of the panel sessions, titled: The Future of Primary Healthcare in Africa: Strengthening Intersectional Collaboration in AI-Tech-Driven Solutions the founder of MinoHealth AI Labs, Darlington Akogo, said AI possesses lots of knowledge which can be beneficial to primary healthcare in the country.

Mr Akogo said there is a shortage of clinicians in Nigeria and across the African region, and the potential of AI is to build systems that are capable of automating some portion of what doctors do and also serve as assistance.

He also shared his insights on how the beauty of AI lies in its human-like capabilities but noted that it may be difficult to get AI to do exactly what human beings are good at.

The whole idea of AI is that it is a machine with human abilities and its potential is immense, however, there are limitations to what it can provide. We need to ensure safety by deploying it in ethical contexts. AI is a powerful technology that, when harnessed for good, can transform societies, he said.

The session was moderated by Mojeed Alabi, head, Development Desk, at Premium Times.

Structured Framework

Also speaking, the Director of Advocacy and Policy, AIDs Healthcare Foundation, Kemi Gbadamosi, emphasised the need for a structured framework for AI to work in the healthcare sector.

Ms Gbadamosi said, Health is relevant by virtue and for AI to make a real impact, we require a distinct document outlining frameworks for both ICT and healthcare.

She said it is about fostering collaboration between two seemingly distinct realms and having a tailored framework will ensure they complement each other seamlessly.

Contributing to the discussion, Obele Oluchi, the Programme Coordinator, Christian Aid, said AI has come to stay, and the countrys acceptance of it is key to maximising its benefits.

Mr Oluchi said the media needs to play a significant role in shaping existing perceptions about AI.

We need to sell AI in the right way, highlighting its potential benefits. Moreover, theres a need for audience education and robust data protection measures as we venture into this new era.

Influence on education

A Professor from Bayero University, Kano, Shehu Tijani, said the intervention of AI technology has made it difficult to differentiate the brilliant from the dull students.

Mr Tijani said AI also makes it difficult to differentiate the efforts of academics and the efforts of those who are in the practical field.

All these have become difficult due to the new technology because we are in an era which is pointing towards the future. Unless we take this very seriously, we will be left behind just like what has happened to the Industrial Revolution, he said.

We need to know the fact that every aspect of our lives is going to the first instance of AI and that means that there are lots of areas where it can be applied, including education.

He noted that while some countries like China have seen the importance of AI, and have adopted it into their curricula, it does suggest that there must be something in it that Nigerians must also try to emulate.

He said AI can revolutionise ones approach to learning.

Primary schools should integrate AI into their curriculum, addressing societal challenges through technological solutions. We must develop curricula that adapt to the present and anticipate the future.

About AI

AI is the development of computer systems or software that can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence.

These tasks include learning, reasoning, problem-solving, understanding natural language, speech recognition, and visual perception. AI aims to create machines or systems that can simulate human intelligence and, in some cases, surpass human capabilities in specific domains.

Machine learning, neural networks, and deep learning are common approaches within the broader field of AI.

About the conference

The programme director at the CJID, Akintunde Babatunde, said the conferences primary objective is to create a robust platform for relevant media experts, donor agencies and policymakers to engage in a comprehensive dialogue on the state of media and democracy in West Africa.

Mr Babatunde said the MDC23 brings together experts and stakeholders from media, development, civil society, and digital innovation.

The organisers in a statement issued ahead of the event said the conference would serve as a platform for fostering discussions on emerging developmental challenges and the convergence of media and innovation in West Africa.

It said the conference will also delve into sustainable development strategies and emphasise the essential role of media in strengthening democracy and advancing sustainability.

The media environment in West Africa faces a multitude of urgent challenges, including government censorship, financial constraints, and inadequate legal protections, the CJID said, adding that these pressing issues require immediate attention and innovative solutions.

CJID, through this conference, is committed to confronting these issues head-on and presenting innovative, actionable solutions.

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A Valuejet aircraft on Tuesday slipped off the runway while taxiing after landing at the Port Harcourt International Airport in Rivers State, South-south Nigeria.

The aircraft, a CRJ 900 Bombardier with registration number 5N  BXR which had 67 passengers and five crew members on board landed around 3:30 p.m., Thisday newspaper reported.

No fatality was recorded.

In a statement on Tuesday, the airlines Managing Director, Dapo Majekodunmi, blamed the incident on algae on the taxiway which made it unable to maintain the centre line situation, adding that no damage was done to the aircraft.

The incident occurred about 48 hours after another aircraft was nose-stuck at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, the nations capital.

Vanguard newspaper reported how the accident, which involved a Boeing 737 aircraft with the registration number: 5N-BYQ belonging to Aero Contractors, occurred.

The aircraft, which departed Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos in the morning nose-stuck at the Abuja airport after landing around 10:47 a.m., forcing authorities to temporarily shut down the runway.

The aircraft upon landing at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja from Lagos and in a bid to exit the runway via A4 had its nose wheel stuck in the grass verge with its fuselage on the runway, James Odaudu spokesperson for the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) said of the incident.

The NSIB, hereby, solicits information from the general public in the form of pictures, video or recording evidence to assist in conducting a comprehensive investigation.

The NSIB is a multimodal investigation agency charged with the mandate to investigate transportation accidents and serious incidents in Nigeria to identify the probable causes and proffer safety recommendations that can prevent re-occurrence.

Mr Odaudu promised to release the preliminary investigation report as soon as possible.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 15. The United States has committed itself to fully support Armenia in the event of pressure from Russia or its imposition of an embargo against Armenia, Trend reports citing media outlets.

According to the agreement reached, the United States will provide the Armenian army with military equipment, uniforms and ammunition, and technical support for security agencies of this country, including the police.

In addition, it is noted that Washington will ensure the supply of diesel fuel and energy resources to Armenia, as well as nuclear fuel for the Metsamor nuclear power plant. The US is also ready to provide technical support to manage and maintain the operation of this nuclear power plant.

According to media reports, if necessary, American satellite Internet will be at the disposal of Armenian Internet providers.

As noted, the United States is also ready to help Armenia in the financial sector. So, if the country faces a foreign currency shortage as a result of possible sanctions from the Russian Federation, Washington is ready to cover it.

It is reported that the US will also supply Armenia with wheat and wheat flour, which the country currently imports from Russia.

Of course, for all this, Armenia also assumed obligations that imply a complete demarche against Moscow. As previously reported by the Armenian media, the country's Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is planning a radical change in his foreign policy vector, the essence of which is the refusal to participate in all organizations, especially the CSTO, the EAEU, which the West does not approve of, and the withdrawal of Russian military personnel.

As for the Russian Federation, so far there have been no concrete actions in connection with what is happening. But Yerevan understands perfectly well that all the levers are in the hands of Russia, the entire economy of Armenia rests mainly on cooperation with this country. It is unlikely that Moscow will silently observe the treacherous actions of Armenia for a long time.
Fundamentally, there are several assumptions why corporations might get involved in terrorism financing. One of the reasons is when businesss leaders are not diligent in monitoring their financial activities, they may unwittingly become involved in money laundering for terrorists. Some corporations may be part of global supply chains that provide resources, such as weapons, technology, or even everyday supplies, that can be diverted for terrorist purposes. Weaknesses in supply chain security can allow terrorists to access these resources.

Terrorism, banditry, militancy, inter-ethic wars, and religious extremism are increasingly assuming a more worrisome dimension globally as more countries experience the challenges of insecurity posed by terrorists and terror groups, as well as groups promoting extreme activities.

The Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) in its Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2023 report stated that terrorist attacks became more deadly in 2022, with an average of 1.7 people killed per attack in 2022, in comparison to 1.3 deaths per attack in 2021, making it the first increase in the lethality rate in five years. GTI, which has been compiling comprehensive data on key global trends and patterns in terrorism over the last decade, also stated that besides the number of deaths, there were also numerous terror-related incidents, including abductions, hostages, injuries, destruction of properties, and displacement of communities that occurred.

The report further revealed that Islamic State (IS) and its affiliates, al-Shabaab, Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Jamaat Nusrat Al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM), were among the worlds deadliest terrorist groups in 2022. IS affiliate groups include the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISK), Islamic State Sinai Province (ISS) and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), which operates in the Sahel region, including Nigeria.

Terrorist organisations and allied groups often require funds to finance their activities, including the purchase of arms and ammunition, and fueling their network of affiliates. The illicit mining of natural resources, such as gold, diamond and crude oil, is therefore one of the easy sources of funds they exploit. In addition, most terrorist groups and related organisations may exploit corporate entities by funneling money derived from illicit activites through shell companies or by engaging in illegal financial transactions, which helps to sustain their activities. There are several examples of these.

In Sierra Leone, illicit diamond mining was one of several factors that contributed to the prolonged civil war in the West African country, which lasted from 1991 to 2002. Diamond extraction played a more prominent role in financing rebel groups, particularly the Revolutionary United Front (RUF).

The rebel groups funded their activities by trading in blood diamonds or conflict diamonds. These diamonds, often extracted illegally, were sold in the international market to purchase weapons and sustain their insurgencies. Gold mining also occurred illicitly, though not as prominent as the diamonds trade.

Coming home, terrorism enablement, banditry and militancy have also been recorded in Nigeria. Statistics and studies have shown that crude oil extraction in the Niger Delta region accounted for the rise in militancy in the oil rich South-South states. Continuous agitation for resource control has exacerbated the establishment of many illegal refineries and the theft of both crude oil and refined products in the region. Zamfara State, North-West Nigeria, is another reference, where the illicit mining of gold deposits has been identified as a source of funding for insurgents.

This has also exacerbated the spread of insecurity in the northern parts of Nigeria. London School of Economics (LSE) Fellow, Uche Igwe, in an article stated that illicit natural resource extraction in Nigeria fuels violence and insecurity, citing crude oil exploration in the Niger Delta region and gold in Zamfara as references. He said further that criminal networks, including locals, influential persons and foreign opportunists, often provide cover for those involved in the illicit mining of mineral deposits.

In recent times, there have been rising cases of corporations caught in the web of the enablement of global terrorism, arising from questionable relationships, unethical or illicit dealings or transactions with organisations whose activities are terrorism-inclined.

Because they require funding for their activities, terrorist groups sometimes exploit corporate entities by funneling money to them through indirect shareholding. Corporations that are not diligent in due background checks may unwittingly become involved in money laundering for terrorists.

A most recent case that comes to mind is the reports in some sections of the international media and public disclosures in which some technology companies, including Africas telecoms giant, MTN Group, were reported to be facing prosecution and trial in United States courts for alleged business relationships with a terrorist organisation  the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). MTN Group maintains commercial ties with MTN Irancell, in which IRGC has a minority 49 per cent investment shareholding, and this is a relationship that has been criticised as being unhealthy.

The US District Court for the Eastern District of New York had allowed for the discovery to establish that MTN and the tech companies knew the business relationships they were involved with IRGC would help finance, arm and support the Iranian terror groups campaign in neighbouring Iraq.

The US District Court had given the nod for the trial of MTN Group in connection with international terrorism financing, under the Anti-Terrorism Act. The trial of MTN Group and tech companies was sequel to a federal lawsuit filed by more than 50 Americans, who accused them of doing business with a terror organisation.

MTN Group is also facing multiple counts of aiding and abetting liability under the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act, civil conspiracy liability, and aiding and abetting terrorist acts in Afghanistan. Thousands of Americans were reportedly injured or killed between 2011 and 2016 during serial attacks on Iraq by IRGC, which was officially designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO) in 2019.

MTN Group has, however, absolved itself of any wrongdoings, while maintaining that its commercial ties with Irancell would continue despite the global outcry. Earlier in 2019, and quoting court papers, Bloomberg noted that another layer to the lawsuit against MTN Group was that the court cited decades of media coverage that alerted MTN to Hezbollahs use of cellphones as detonators and to provide key means of communication and track enemy operatives.

For MTN, that was not the first time it would be facing the allegation of enabling terrorism. Around 2015, its Nigerias subsidiary, MTN Communications, was brought under the spotlight in the wake of escalating security challenges across the country, linked to unregistered and improperly registered SIM cards that largely belonged to MTN. Hence, government in a bid to curb insurgency, banditry, killings, bombings, abductions and kidnapping for ransom by Boko Haram/ISWAP and bandits, imposed a N1.04 trillion fine on the telecoms giant, based on a computation formula of N200,000 per SIM card.

Fundamentally, there are several assumptions why corporations might get involved in terrorism financing. One of the reasons is when businesss leaders are not diligent in monitoring their financial activities, they may unwittingly become involved in money laundering for terrorists. Some corporations may be part of global supply chains that provide resources, such as weapons, technology, or even everyday supplies, that can be diverted for terrorist purposes. Weaknesses in supply chain security can allow terrorists to access these resources. Corruption within corporate organisations can create opportunities for terrorists to gain access to critical infrastructure or resources. Bribes, kickbacks, or other unethical practices can compromise the integrity of a company and indirectly aid terrorist activities.

Sadly, terrorism enablement impacts negatively on society. Corporations, particularly those in critical infrastructure sectors, can be vulnerable to attacks by terrorist groups. This is already happening in Nigeria where telecoms infrastructure operators and managers of shared facilities have been attacked, kidnapped or abducted for ransom by Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents. In many cases, enginners and technicians have been denied access to base stations to carry out maintenance and other services. Weaknesses in cybersecurity measures can provide avenues for terrorist groups to disrupt operations or steal sensitive information. Terrorists may exploit technology, including social media platforms and encrypted communication tools to disseminate propaganda, recruit members, and plan attacks. Some corporations operating in the tech sector may inadvertently provide the tools or platforms used by terrorists.

Multinational corporations operating in regions with significant terrorist presence must, therefore, ensure that their operations are not unwittingly supporting terrorism. This can be especially complex in conflict zones. Terrorist groups may attempt to infiltrate corporate organisations or exploit disgruntled employees for insider information or to facilitate attacks. Also, corporations must be conscious that day-to-day business decisions they make have lasting impacts on their images and reputations  positively or negatively.

This why decision-making requires lots of think-through and risks assessment because of the need to preserve brand names and reputation. It should, therefore, be of utmost importance for corporations to take steps in order to mitigate the risk of being caught in the web of terrorism enablement.

Corporations need to implement robust due diligence, compliance, and risk management measures. This includes scrutinising financial transactions, securing supply chains, enhancing cybersecurity, promoting ethical business practices, and ensuring that employees are vigilant about potential threats. Collaboration with law enforcement and intelligence agencies is also essential in preventing corporate involvement in terrorism enablement.

Ismail Olalere is a public analyst with interest in conflict and immigration matters.

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I will propose another Constitutional Conference to fashion a hybrid form of presidential and parliamentary systems of government that will be most suitable for our environment. I will also recommend an integration of a rotational collegial presidency made up of six people (one from each of the six geopolitical zones) into any form of governance system that is recommended. The six members of the Presidential Council will take turns of two years each to be President of the Council

There is an increasing consensus that the American form of liberal democracy that we currently practice in the country is not quite working for us. As far back as 2011, then President Goodluck Jonathan proposed a single tenure of six years for presidents and governors in the country, beginning from 2015. Suspicions over his motive meant that the proposal was shot down without any rigorous interrogation of its merits and demerits. In September, amid fears of the resurgence of military coups in Africa, former President Olusegun Obasanjo opined that the current brand of liberal democracy will not work in Africa and that we have to put our heads together to fashion out what will best work for our environment. Kayode Fayemi, former governor of Ekiti State and former chairman of Nigerian Governors Forum echoed the same sentiment on 5 September while delivering a keynote address at a national dialogue organised to celebrate the 60th birthday of Professor Udenta Udenta, the founding national secretary of Alliance for Democracy (AD).

While speaking at the event, the ex-governor criticised the winner-takes-all nature of Nigerian democracy and called for the adoption of proportional representation, where election rewards are distributed among contestants based on their shares of the vote. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, in a world press conference in October after the Supreme Court affirmed Tinubu as president, proposed a six-year single tenure  earlier suggested by Goodluck Jonathan. Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour party in the 2023 presidential election, suggested that the country should adopt a rotational presidency of five years for each geopolitical zone or in the alternative, a hybrid form of parliamentary and presidential system of government, but one in which the president or prime minister should be responsible to the parliament and would defend his/her policies in parliament, as is the practice in the United Kingdom.

What is clear from these suggestions is not just an increasing frustration with our elections but with our entire system of governance. With INEC once more living up to its infamy in the recent off-cycle elections in Kogi, Bayelsa and Imo States  promising much and under-delivering  frustrations with our elections and governance system have reached sky-high.

Let me briefly interrogate some of the current proposals on the way forward:

One, I believe that any proposal on the way forward must intentionally seek to find answers to some critical questions. These must include: How can we make our elections less expensive and anarchic? How can we ensure that elections do not deepen the distrust and widen the social distance among the different constituents of the country? How can we make the elections truly reflect the will of the electorate? How do we ensure that elections do not lead to majority tyranny or the despotism of the minority? How do we routinise elections, such that we do not need to impose curfews or restrict movement whenever elections are conducted? How do we ensure that elections are not mere rituals but credible mechanisms for leadership selection? How do we ensure that those in power do not abuse their offices, including through the use of state power to privilege their in-groups, while disadvantaging others? How can we have an electoral empire that is truly independent, unbiased and impartial, and is seen by all to be so? How do we ensure effective checks and balances among the three arms of government? How can we effectively use our democracy to advance the nation-building process and promote economic development?

Two, the proposal for a single term of six-years is premised on the assumptions that costs will be saved from organising elections every six years, rather than the current practice of two elections every eight years. It also assumes that because the incumbent will not have to worry about re-election, he or she will focus on the job at hand and take necessary risks that will benefit the people. This option, however, does not take into account the possibility that an unscrupulous leader can, after the six-year period, connive with the National Assembly for yet another amendment that will elongate his/her tenure. Similarly, the idea that a single term tenure will enable the incumbent to focus on governance without having to worry about re-election does not seem to reflect our current experience, where incumbents (presidents or governors) have shown acute interest in who succeeds them and have often spent as much resources in ensuring that their handpicked successors get elected, as much as they would have done if they were themselves running for another term.

in multi-ethnic constituencies, which have, for example, only two to three representations on the basis of their population, proportional representation could aggravate local acrimonies, as more populated ethnic groups may enthrone majority tyranny. Additionally, proportional representation will be inadequate to solve other problems of our elections, such as its commodification and capture by political godfathers

Three, Fayemis proposal for a proportional representation  away from the current practice of winner-takes-all  could solve some of the problems of our elections but will also create other problems of its own. For instance, it could lead to the emergence of parochial political parties, which will tap into local sentiments to win some seats in the legislature, where they will pursue their own agenda, such as separatism. Besides, in multi-ethnic constituencies, which have, for example, only two to three representations on the basis of their population, proportional representation could aggravate local acrimonies, as more populated ethnic groups may enthrone majority tyranny. Additionally, proportional representation will be inadequate to solve other problems of our elections, such as its commodification and capture by political godfathers, the issue of a deeply distrusted electoral umpire, and the use of state power to privilege the leaders in-groups and disadvantage the others.

Four, calls for a reversion to the Parliamentary (or Westminster) model of democracy, which we started with at independence, has been as old as the practice of the current American-style presidential system of government. A parliamentary form of government is a system in which the executive power is vested in the elected parliament or legislature and ministers, including the Prime Minister, who are first of all members of the Parliament (in the UK, they are usually from the lower chamber or House of Commons). A presidential form of government, on the other hand, is a system in which executive power is vested in a separately elected president, who serves as the head of state and head of government. In a presidential system, there is a separation of powers between the executive and legislative branches, with each branch having distinct responsibilities and authorities.

in a parliamentary system of government, a simple vote of no confidence leads to the government of the days collapse. Given the Nigerian environment and the way many speakers of Houses of Assembly have been impeached on a whim, one can surmise that a parliamentary system of government will be quite unstable and susceptible to capture by actors like the Prime Minister.political god fathers and powerful traditional rulers and religious leaders.

Though in theory a parliamentary system will be less expensive than a presidential system of governance, it will create its own problems. For instance, in a parliamentary system of government, a simple vote of no confidence leads to the government of the days collapse. Given the Nigerian environment and the way many speakers of Houses of Assembly have been impeached on a whim, one can surmise that a parliamentary system of government will be quite unstable and susceptible to capture by actors like the Prime Minister (using the power of the purse and executive incumbency), political god fathers and powerful traditional rulers and religious leaders. Similarly, since there is usually no term limit in a parliamentary system of government, and the Prime Minister can call for elections at any time, it is possible to compromise other members of the legislature and ensure the perpetuation of the rule of a strong man. I also do not believe that in our type of environment, having the Prime Minister or President defend his/her policies in the parliament will necessarily make the government more responsible. On the contrary, it may turn members of the parliament into rubber stamps because many will be afraid of frontally opposing the Prime Minister, with all the possible dire consequences.

Five, fixing our democracy requires both fixing the rules governing the operations of the democratic process, such as elections and fixing the conduct of the human agents that operate the democracy. It is akin to the structure versus agency debate. I will propose another Constitutional Conference to fashion a hybrid form of presidential and parliamentary systems of government that will be most suitable for our environment. I will also recommend an integration of a rotational collegial presidency made up of six people, (one from each of the six geopolitical zones) into any form of governance system that is recommended. The six members of the Presidential Council will take turns of two years each to be President of the Council, while the others will be Vice Presidents with constitutionally designated powers. The tenure of the Council will be a single term of twelve years  a period long enough to give everyone a break from elections and their tendency to divide Nigerians along certain fault lines. With respect to the electoral umpire, given how religious the country is and how much we respect some of our religious leaders, I would also propose a co-optation of some well-respected religious leaders, from across the main religions, to be part of the leadership of INEC, as well as the election petition tribunals.

Jideofor Adibe is a professor of Political Science and International Relations at Nasarawa State University, Keffi and Extraordinary Professor of Government Studies at North Western University, Mafikeng South Africa. He is also the founder of Adonis & Abbey Publishers and can be reached at 0705 807 8841 (Text or WhatsApp only).

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Media accounts of the just concluded visit to Nigeria by the controversial Indian Islamic televangelist, Mr Zakir Abdulkareem Naik, suggest nothing but an apocalyptic scenario, in which a flaming terrorist was given an expanded platform in Sokoto, Abuja, Keffi and Ilorin to plant the seeds of discontent that ultimately bodes the Nigerian political environment nothing but impending chaos, turmoil, and bloodbath in the very near future.

The context for this media anxiety is easy to predict, even if it is unacceptable in its broad myopia and essentialist framework, an outlook which tends to equalise all conservative traditions of Islam as extremism or even terroristic.

At a mental level, Nigerians were coming from a background of two decades of insurgency in the Nigerian North-East, vestiges of inter-religious tension in the land, and lingering issues of faith around the last general elections. These developments in themselves were enough to trigger discomfort with the invitation of a cleric who has a history of controversy.

In his home country, India, and in neighbouring Bangladesh, Zakir Naik is blamed for stoking terror. Bangladesh puts the death of 22 nationals from the July 2016 Holey Artisan Cafe Bombing in Dhaka on him, claiming that one of the bombers was radicalised by him. Naik rejects these accusations.

On its part, India has gone a little further to place bans on his messages and his Islamic Research Centre, ultimately forcing him into exile. Accusing him of spreading hate speech, Narendra Modis government also wants to press charges against him for acquiring $28 million worth of ostensibly criminal assets, a claim Naik denies. For these reasons, India has been struggling with Malaysia, Naiks new home, to extradite him to face charges. His Peace TV is also banned in India, Bangladesh, Canada, Sri Lanka, and the United Kingdom.

As such, this is not just a case about Naiks credentials. No one is challenging his famous eidetic memory or his knowledge of the text. At any rate, a laureate of the coveted King Faisal International Prize for service to Islam deserves attention.

Disturbingly, Naik seemed ready for some controversy at his point of arrival in the country, taking copious pictures for his social media operations, which he classifies thematically as interactions. Airport photographs of service men would come, in Naiks world, as Interactions with Muslim Air Force or Interactions with Muslim Immigration Officers. In a particularly comic but deeply concerning instance, he strained his game by posting a picture with the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammadu Saad Abubakar, under the caption Interaction with Heads of State, prompting a reader to force a correction saying, the Sultan is not a Head of State.

Should this be a matter to worry about? Media critics at least have been engrossed in this, probably because Naiks 16 million Facebook war chest in followers, 1.3 million on Instagram, about 150,000 on X (formerly Twitter), and a cable TV reach of over 200 million people, make him someone in the league of a global media aristocracy. Typically, such powerful people are expected to exercise caution, care, and sensitivity, especially when proselytising in communities constantly on the edge of incendiary passion.

Sultan Abubakar, responding to critics of Naiks visit at the closing ceremony of the Sheikh Usmanu bin Fordiyo week said, Muslims have the right to invite their fellow brother for interaction (and) we are working for Islam, not for everybody. The monarch added that as Muslims, we have the right to invite fellow Muslims to interact with us.

A democratic Nigeria that adequately cherishes civic rights will have no difficulty with the pronouncements of the Sultan. Sadly, there have been many instances in our recent history where proselytising clerics had set off disturbances that led to fatalities and the wanton loss of properties. Consequently, it is important to recognise that Nigeria is still struggling to find a healthy balance with how to manage issues of peace, security, and stability, upon which a sense of community harmony and development can be constructed. We certainly have to carefully manage the potential of all forms of religious proselytisation to foment mayhem in the country. That is one of the main lessons of our recent history.

But there are also words for both the government and the media on managing potentially tense and disturbing situations like this. For the media, it is not enough to scream about the arrival of terrorism at the shore without indicating that these accusations are yet to be proven. This, therefore, is another lost opportunity to play insightful and thoughtful roles in our troubled dispensation of tension, instability, and pricky emotions. This moment in our history easily strains the tolerance of citizens and makes communities of dialogue difficult to build. Media engagement that situates events in their proper contexts can help, by enabling deeper interpretations, to guide the country towards fresh intuitions.

With respect to the government, particularly the security agencies, a proactive engagement with matters like this would have removed all controversies and minimised any context for possible escalation. Once again, PREMIUM TIMES calls on the security institutions to privilege the value of forward engagement that diffuses tension, helps governmental institutions build trust and common grounds; the type that connects to the larger purpose of social, cultural, and political growth in the country.

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The Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has called for cooperation and partnership with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to develop Abujas tourism potentials.

Mr Wike made this call when he received the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Salem Al-Shamsi, who paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Abuja on Monday.

He said he would improve the tourism potentials of the FCT in partnership with the UAE since it is now the tourist destination of the world.

He stated that as one of the foot soldiers of President Bola Tinubu, his ultimate desire is to complement his efforts to see that the Renewed Hope agenda is fulfilled.

He assured the ambassador that he will be joining the presidential entourage of Mr President to seek foreign investments in the area of tourism for the federal capital.

I know the President, for him governance is business. For him, whatever that is going to make Nigeria great is what he stands for and so we are here as his foot soldiers to complement his efforts to see that the Renewed Hope agenda is fulfilled,

Plea for lift on visa ban

Mr Wike also spoke on the lingering issue of travel bans and flight restrictions imposed on Nigerians by the United Arab Emirates.

The minister said Nigerians love the UAE, especially Dubai, and called for a quick resolution of the process of Visa allocation, which has become cumbersome for Nigerians.

We also hope that the issue of visa ban and flight restriction of the United Emirates will be resolved as soon as possible. Nigerians love UAE, Dubai especially. We believe that we will not have hindrance in terms of visa procurement, he said.

Reacting to the plea, the ambassador said Nigeria and UAE shared a lot in common, but explained that the travel restrictions were introduced to close existing gaps.

He however explained that the door to the UAE was not entirely closed to Nigerians since many Nigerians are still being issued Visa on a daily basis.

Regarding the VISA issue, I would say that the door is not closed, but its not widely open We issue a lot of visa daily. A lot of people from Nigeria go to the UAE and come back with very easy access to get the visa,he added.

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The Yusuf Maitama Sule University, Kano branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) said the institution is on the brinks of a financial collapse following years of being inadequately funded by the Kano State government.

The unions complaint of poor funding came just as the state government spent billions of naira on scholarships to indigenes of the state to study in universities abroad.

In a statement on Saturday, signed by its chairman, Surajo Sulaiman, and its secretary, Mansur Said, the union said the poor funding of the university was suffocating academics. It called on the state government to salvage the university from decay.

The ASUUs statement was released barely two weeks after the states governor, Abba Yusuf, announced that the state government spent a whopping N4.6 billion on foreign scholarships to 1,001 postgraduate students from the state.

Mr Yusuf alongside his political godfather, Rabiu Kwankwaso, in a ceremony in October to host the first batch of 150 students to universities in India, said the the beneficiaries should justify the money spent on sending them abroad.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf urged them to protect the interest of Kano State Government and that of their parents by concentrating on the studies to justify the huge financial commitments made for the scheme.

The Governor said the initiator of the programme, Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has sowed a seed of monumental human capital development where skilled manpower is produced for the nation and beyond, the governors media aide, Sanusi Bature, said in a statement last month.

Suffocation of University

ASUU said it has exercised patience enough with the state government after the government repeatedly refused its requests for a dialogue about the shortages in the university.

The union said their demands focused on three central issues that directly impact the universitys progress  improving their condition of service, adequate funding, and protection of the universitys autonomy and academic freedom.

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The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Akwa Ibom State have joined the nationwide labour strike over the assault on the NLC President, Joe Ajaero.

Mr Ajaero was allegedly assaulted by the police in Imo State, South-east Nigeria. The labour accused Governor Hope Uzodinma of instructing the police to beat up the NLC president.

The organised labour has among other conditions asked the federal government to arrest and prosecute the police officers and thugs involved in the assault.

The two unions in a statement on Monday directed workers in the country to withdraw services by midnight of 23 November.

In compliance with the directives, the labour in Akwa Ibom State has shut down public offices in the state.

When PREMIUM TIMES visited the Akwa Ibom State secretariat on Tuesday morning, members of the union were seen occupying the secretariat gate, drumming and chanting songs.

Speaking to a PREMIUM TIMES reporter near the secretariat gate, the Chairperson of the NLC in Akwa Ibom, Sunny James said the union would not back down until the federal government meet the demands of labour.

The state civil servants who reported for work in the morning at the secretariat were turned back by the union members at the gate. Some of the civil servants were seen clustering around the secretariat gate.

Public secondary schools have also been shut down in Akwa Ibom.

At Christian Secondary Commercial School, Uyo, the school Principal, Steve Akpabio, informed the students at the morning assembly about the NLC strike, and then asked them to go back to their homes.

A lawyer told PREMIUM TIMES that courts in Uyo were not sitting because of the NLC strike.

The offices of the power company, Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company, have also been shut down in Uyo.

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Driven by a strategy to strengthen its portfolio from 28 to 100 hotels by 2028, Bangkok-based Cross Hotels & Resorts recently introduced three new brands  Lumen, Kaura, and Cross Collection.

The brands aim at strengthening its vision to become the premier hotel management operator in the Asia-Pacific region, offering innovative alternatives to global chains.

Bali Development and Exclusive Partnership

Cross Hotels & Resorts is making waves in Bali with four existing properties and five more in various stages of development, solidifying its presence on the Indonesian island. The most recent addition to this flourishing portfolio is the signing of a notable Hotel Management agreement with PT. Grha Swahita (BIP Group).

Harry Thaliwal, CEO of Cross Hotels & Resorts, is optimistic about Bali's development opportunities, emphasising the island's natural beauty and potential. The company is committed to growth and excellence in Bali, and this partnership marks a significant step forward in realising that vision.

Effective from January 1, 2024, this partnership will see Cross Paasha Bali Seminyak becoming a part of an exclusive portfolio.

Cross Paasha Bali Seminyak is a modern and charming property with 99 exquisitely designed keys, offering an ambiance of serenity and relaxation. It features a variety of 55-sqm suites spanning three floors, with an additional 10 suites offering stunning views on the upper floors. The expansive 110-square-meter Penthouse Suite boasts panoramic ocean views, making it perfect for families and small groups.

Launch of New Brand and Retreat - Kaura

The ambitious expansion plans of Cross Hotels & Resorts, has been marked by the launch of a new brand Kaura, and its flagship property, Kaura Bali.

Anticipated to welcome guests in 2024, Kaura Bali is nestled in the lush, biodiverse hills of Karangasem, East Bali, the result of a direct partnership with the villagers of Manggis. Underscoring the group's commitment to sustainable tourism, the resort project initially focused on the repair of a critical irrigation system vital to the local community's rice farming.

It now offers visitors an immersive village experience with activities such as tending organic farms and rice paddies, cookery classes, and holistic wellness experiences.

Unveiling Lumen

In line with its commitment to providing innovative and unique accommodation, Cross Hotels & Resorts has expanded its portfolio with the introduction of the new Lumen brand and its inaugural property, Lumen Bangkok Udomsuk Station.

Scheduled to open its doors in January 2024, Lumen Bangkok Udomsuk Station features 102 creatively designed guest rooms and a striking rooftop infinity pool. Conveniently located near Suvarnabhumi International Airport and BITEC Bangna, Lumen Bangkok Udomsuk Station offers seamless access to Bangkok's major attractions and includes complimentary shuttle buses for guests to explore the vibrant city.

Diverse Portfolio

Cross boasts a diverse portfolio of over 28 remarkable hotels spread across four countries, namely Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and Japan. Each of these properties falls under one of their six distinct and unique brands: Cross, Cross Vibe, Away, Lumen, Kaura, and Cross Collection.

Cross is now strategically exploring opportunities in Cambodia, Malaysia, and Singapore, with future aspirations to bridge Oceania and Asia by entering the Australian market.

"We are embarking on an exhilarating journey to redefine the future of hospitality. Our relentless commitment to innovation and our ambitious expansion plans signal our unwavering dedication to providing exceptional experiences to our guests and unparalleled opportunities for our partners, said Thaliwal, CEO of Cross Hotels & Resorts.  TradeArabia News Service
Increased use of split air conditioning systems in the Europe market has resulted from growing demand for energy-saving alternatives. The government encourages energy-efficient models to further accelerate the replacement of old systems with energy-saving alternatives. Increase in average global temperatures due to climate change, economic growth, and urbanization are expected to boost the demand for cooling.

WILMINGTON, Del., Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, " Air Conditioning Equipment Market by Type (Split Air Conditioner, Window Air Conditioner, Chiller Air Conditioner, Packaged Air Conditioner), and Application (Residential, Commercial, Industrial): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032". According to the report. The air conditioning equipment market was valued at $89.9 billion in 2022 and is estimated to reach $144.3 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.8% from 2023 to 2032.

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Prime determinants of growth

The growth of the air conditioning systems market is primarily influenced by stringent government regulations, climate change concerns, technological advancements, rise in consumer demand, and resource scarcity. These factors collectively drive innovation and adoption of energy-efficient models to address environmental challenges and promote sustainability.

Report coverage & details:

Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 20232032 Base Year 2022 Market Size in 2022 $89.9 Billion Market Size in 2032 $144.3 Billion CAGR 4.8 % No. of Pages in Report 301 Segments covered Type, Application, and Region Drivers Increase in Affordability. Increase in Popularity of Split ACs Opportunities The need for energy-efficient air conditioning systems Restraints High energy consumption of air conditioning systems

Impact Scenario

The impact of the Russia - Ukraine war on the air conditioning market may vary by region. Ukraine plays a significant role in the global supply chain for various raw materials, components, and electronic parts used in the manufacturing of air conditioning equipment. Disruptions in the supply chain can lead to delays in production and potentially increase manufacturing costs. Supply disruptions and increased manufacturing costs may result in price volatility in the air conditioning equipment market. This can affect both manufacturers and consumers. Russia is a major energy exporter, and any disruptions in the energy supply from the region can impact the cost of electricity and further impact the operation of air conditioning systems. Higher energy costs can encourage businesses and individuals to invest in more energy-efficient air conditioning systems.

The split air conditioner segment to maintain its dominance throughout the forecast period

By type, the split air conditioner segment held the highest market share in 2022, accounting for more than two-fifths of the global air conditioning equipment market revenue, and is estimated to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period. The energy efficiency of split air conditioners has been spurring in recent years owing to the advancement in air conditioning technology. Moreover, increase in the middle-class population in developing economies including India, China, and Brazil coupled with rise in disposable income are expected to be the prime factors for the growth of the split air conditioning system market during the forecast period.

However, the package air conditioner segment is projected to witness a CAGR of 5.5% from 2023 to 2032, as growth in the adoption of R32 refrigerant in air conditioners will be one of the latest trends that will gain traction in the packaged air conditioner market during the forecast period.

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The residential application segment to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period

By application, the residential segment held the highest market share in 2022, accounting for more than two-fifths of the global air conditioning equipment market revenue, and is estimated to maintain its dominance throughout the forecast period. Growth in trend of urbanization has led more people living in compact apartments and homes to look for smaller and more efficient air conditioning solutions.

However, the industrial segment is projected to witness a CAGR of 4.9% from 2023 to 2032. Growth in the trend of modular construction and off-site fabrication is driving the demand for prefabricated air conditioning systems in the industrial sector.

Asia-Pacific to maintain its dominance by 2032

By region, Asia-Pacific held the highest market share in terms of revenue in 2022, accounting for more than one-third of the global air conditioning equipment market revenue, and is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period. Furthermore, the Europe and LAMEA region are expected to witness the fastest CAGR of 4.9% from 2023 to 2032.

For Purchase Inquiry: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/air-conditioning-equipment-market/purchase-options

Leading Market Players: -

Daikin Industries, Ltd. Hitachi Ltd Mitsubishi Electric Panasonic Corporation Midea Group Co., Ltd. Samsung Electronics Sharp Corporation Electrolux AB LG Electronics Johnson Controls

The report provides a detailed analysis of these key players in the global air conditioning equipment 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 highlight the competitive scenario.

Trending Reports in Air Conditioning Equipment Industry:

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Green Cooling Technologies Market: Global Opportunity Analysis and Forecast 2023-2032

Cooling Tower Rental 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.

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Legitimate engagement drives the growth of the global Influencer marketing market.

NEW CASTLE, Del., Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Influencer Marketing Market by Component (Solution and Services), Enterprise Size (Large Enterprise and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs)), Application (Campaign Management, Influencer Relationship Management, Analytics and Reporting, Compliance Management, And Others), and Vertical (BFSI, Fashion and Lifestyle, Healthcare And Wellness, Ad-Tech, Retail and E-commerce Goods, Travel and Tourism, And Others): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032". According to the report, the influencer marketing market generated $16.5 billion in 2022 and is estimated to reach $199.6 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 28.6% from 2023 to 2032. The report offers a detailed analysis of changing market trends, top segments, key investment pockets, value chains, regional landscapes, and competitive scenarios.

Drivers, Restraints, and Opportunities

Surge in legitimate engagement and digital transformation drive the market growth. In addition, cost-effective marketing drives the growth of the market. However, regulatory and compliance barriers and concerns with authenticity and saturation in influencer marketing concerns are expected to hamper the growth of the market. Furthermore, targeted niche markets are expected to create lucrative growth opportunities for the market.

Download Sample Pages: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/8279

Report coverage & details:

Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 20232032 Base Year 2022 Market Size in 2022 $16.5 Billion Market Size in 2032 $199.6 Billion CAGR 28.6 % No. of Pages in Report 386 Segments covered Component, Enterprise Size, Application, Vertical and Region. Drivers Legitimate Engagement. Digital Transformation. Cost-Effective Marketing. Opportunities Targeted Niche Markets Restraints Regulatory and Compliance Barriers. Concerns with Authenticity and Saturation in Influencer Marketing

Buy this Complete Report (386 Pages PDF with Insights, Charts, Tables, and Figures) at:

https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/influencer-market/purchase-options

The solution segment is projected to dominate the market

By component, the solution segment held the major share in 2022, garnering nearly half of the global influencer marketing market revenue, owing to offers to find influencers and management of platforms that aid brands in meeting and working with the appropriate influencers for their campaigns, campaign tracking, and evaluating the success of influencer partnerships, content creation, and distribution services to guarantee the creation and distribution of high-quality and engaging content. The services segment is expected to also showcase the fastest CAGR of 31.6% during the forecast period, owing to organizations finding the appropriate influencers, creating compelling campaigns, and achieving their marketing goals through successful influencer collaborations by utilizing their knowledge, industry connections, and technology.

The large enterprise segment is projected to maintain its dominance during the forecast period

By enterprise size, the large enterprise segment accounted for nearly half of the global influencer marketing market share in 2022 and is expected to maintain its dominance by 2032, owing to promoting their goods and services, producing sincere content, and gaining access to the influencers' loyal and attentive fan bases. Influencer marketing presents an opportunity for brands to interact more meaningfully and relatable with their target market, boosting brand loyalty. The small and medium-sized enterprise segment is expected to also display the fastest CAGR of 30.9% throughout the forecast period, owing to performing some predefined functions/tasks and being designed according to the needs of that particular task.

The Analytics and Reporting segment to dominate by 2032

By application, the search and discovery segment accounted for nearly one-third of the global influencer marketing market share in 2022 and is expected to remain dominant by 2032, owing to help organizations find influencers who align with their brand, target audience, and marketing goals based on factors such as niche, location, follower count, engagement rate, and content type. The analytics and reporting segment is projected to also display the fastest CAGR of 33.9% throughout the forecast period, owing to capabilities including tracking campaigns, audience insights, engagement analytics, tracking conversions, and ROI reports

The Travel and Tourism segment to dominate by 2032

By vertical, the fashion and lifestyle segment accounted for nearly one-sixth of the global influencer marketing market share in 2022 and is expected to remain dominant by 2032, owing to brands increasingly forming long-term partnerships with influencers as it helps to create more stable and authentic relationships instead of one-off campaigns. The travel and tourism segment is projected to display the fastest CAGR of 32.8% throughout the forecast period, owing to social media influencers promoting destinations, travel products, and services.

Asia-Pacific garnered the major share in 2032

By region, North America garnered the highest share accounting for nearly one-third of the global influencer marketing market revenue in 2022, and is projected to retain its dominance by 2032, owing to factors such as the increase in use of smartphones and enhanced internet connectivity aiding the growth of the influencer marketing market. The Asia-Pacific region is projected to witness the fastest CAGR of 22.6% during the forecast period, owing to increase in availability of high-speed mobile data, as more people in Asia-Pacific have access to the internet, which is expected to fuel the market growth in Asia-Pacific.

Enquiry Before Buying: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/8279

Leading Market Players

Upfluence

Aspire

Neoreach

Mavrck

Izea Worldwide, Inc.

Traackr, Inc

Klear

Socialedge, Inc.

Hireinfluence Inc

Hypetap

The report analyzes the key players in the global influencer marketing market. These players have adopted various strategies such as expansion, new product launches, partnerships, and others to increase their market penetration and strengthen their position in the industry. The report is helpful in determining the business performance, operating segments, developments, and product portfolios of every market player.

AVENUE- A Subscription-Based Library (Premium on-demand, subscription-based pricing model):

AMR introduces its online premium subscription-based library Avenue, designed specifically to offer cost-effective, one-stop solution for enterprises, investors, and universities. With Avenue, subscribers can avail an entire repository of reports on more than 2,000 niche industries and more than 12,000 company profiles. Moreover, users can get an online access to quantitative and qualitative data in PDF and Excel formats along with analyst support, customization, and updated versions of reports.

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3D Animation Market Expected to Reach $72.8 Billion by 2032

Storage as a Service Market Expected to Reach $396.5 Billion by 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 Insights" 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:

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Delaware 19801 USA.

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MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md., Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Adventist HealthCare and the Montgomery College Foundation are partnering to provide enhanced opportunities for nursing students in our community over the next eight years. The alliance is designed to grow a local workforce of qualified nurses by offering expanded educational pathways to gain experience.

The collaboration centers on Adventist HealthCare's commitment to provide mentoring opportunities, guest lecturing, internships and shadowing programs for students seeking an associate of science degree in nursing, and other health sciences, through Montgomery College. The partnership will also create new scholarships for candidates who become enrolled in the College's nursing program.

Maryland continues to experience a critical shortage of qualified nurses entering or remaining in the workforce. Montgomery College, a Maryland public institution of higher education with an accredited nursing degree program, is working to address that shortage. Montgomery College enrolls approximately 500 nursing students annually and its program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

Adventist HealthCare will offer students the opportunity to train with expert healthcare providers to gain valuable hands-on experience. Adventist HealthCare has over a 100-year commitment to providing award-winning, comprehensive healthcare in the region through its network of three acute-care hospitals, two rehabilitation hospitals and multiple rehab outpatient centers, two cancer centers and imaging locations, as well as integrated primary, specialty and home care services in convenient locations throughout the region. The health care system is seen as a leader, particularly in the areas of heart, orthopedics, maternity and mental health.

"We are pleased to partner with Montgomery College in offering excellent and accessible education to ensure the next generation of nurses are fully prepared to provide compassionate, high-quality care," said Terry Forde, Adventist HealthCare President and CEO. "This is one of the many innovative ways we look to improve both the quality of care and patient outcomes throughout our region as part of our mission to extend hope and healing in our community."

"We look forward to continuing to welcome representatives from Adventist HealthCare to our campuses to meet with our nursing students and share with them the many benefits of working for such a prestigious and highly regarded organization. We also look forward to continuing to place our nursing students in hospitals, where they will benefit from the hands-on experience and outstanding teaching opportunities made available to them," Montgomery College President Jermaine F. Williams said.

The first round of scholarships will be available for Montgomery College nursing students admitted this fall. To be eligible, students must be a Montgomery County or Prince George's County resident, enrolled in Montgomery College's associate of science in nursing program full-time, and remain in good academic standing.

Adventist HealthCare, based in Gaithersburg, Maryland, is one of the longest-serving health systems in the Washington, D.C., region, and one of the largest employers in Maryland. It includes Shady Grove Medical Center, White Oak Medical Center, Fort Washington Medical Center, Adventist HealthCare Rehabilitation, Home Care Services, Adventist Medical Group, Imaging and Urgent Care. Its mission is to extend God's care through the ministry of physical, mental and spiritual healing.

Montgomery College is a public, open admissions community college with campuses in Germantown, Rockville, and Takoma Park/Silver Spring, plus workforce development/continuing education centers and off-site programs throughout Montgomery County, Maryland. The College serves nearly 40,000 students a year, through both credit and noncredit programs, in more than 140 areas of study.

Media Contacts:

Marcus Rosano, MC, 301-525-5283; Vanessa Zambrano, MC, 202-820-6058

Costin Jordache, Adventist HealthCare, 301-315-3330

SOURCE Adventist HealthCare
Adoption in global defense agencies and new software releases accelerate momentum

SANTA BARBARA, Calif., Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Anchore , Inc., the leading experts in software supply chain security and federal compliance , today announced strong growth and continued business momentum heading into 2024.

Amidst a challenging macroeconomic environment, Anchore saw sustained demand for its SBOM-powered software composition analysis platform as organizations scramble to meet increasing government and regulatory compliance requirements. Building upon significant adoption in the U.S. defense sector, Anchore has witnessed demand for the secure software factory reference model on a global scale. This accelerated momentum has created a strong tailwind for Anchore to reach profitability in 2024.

Our growth beyond the U.S. underscores the robust demand and significance of Anchore's offerings worldwide Post this

"Despite the broader economic hurdles, we're ecstatic to see continued growth in demand for Anchore's security solutions," remarked Said Ziouani, Anchore CEO. "And our growth beyond the U.S. underscores the robust demand and significance of Anchore's offerings worldwide. Entities like NATO and the U.K. Ministry of Defence are aligning with Anchore for a hardened security posture, just as the U.S. DoD and government agencies have for nearly five years. Anchore has established a solid foundation for scalability, and we look forward to our next phase of expansion."

Continued Market Penetration

Anchore continued its market penetration in the U.S. federal sector with new customers within the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy, and the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security. Anchore now works to secure mission critical defense projects delivered by all prime and major federal systems integrators such as Northrop Grumman, General Dynamics, Lockheed Martin, Leidos, SAIC, Booz Allen Hamilton, Jacobs Federal, and Sierra Nevada Corporation. Additionally, Anchore added more Managed Service Providers into its partner ecosystem, including the U.S. Navy's Black Pearl offering (in conjunction with Sigma Defense) and Second Front System's Game Warden.

Just as Anchore has quickly become recognized as the software composition analysis tool of choice in the U.S. defense sector, numerous ally countries and global entities including the U.K. Ministry of Defence, Australian Dept. of Defence and NATO have selected Anchore as their security vendor of choice for cloud native DevSecOps.

In addition to strong momentum within the global public sector, Anchore welcomed more industry-leading enterprises driven by vulnerability and governmental/regulatory compliance related use cases.

New Advisors Add Industry Acumen

In preparation for continued growth and advancement in 2024, Anchore added two new industry leaders to its advisory team.

Kelsey Hightower is a well-known industry thought leader who co-founded KubeCon and served on the governing board of the Cloud Native Computing Foundation. Kelsey previously held the role of Distinguished Engineer at Google where he helped set industry standards and build cloud native products and services.

Nic Chaillan was the first Chief Software Officer at the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force and the driving force behind Platform One, the Air Force's DevSecOps software factory that set the standard for secure software development across the Dept. of Defense. Nic also created the DoD's Enterprise DevSecOps Reference Architecture, now in use at multiple software factories throughout the U.S. Dept. of Defense.

Open Source Community Traction

Anchore's open source projects , Syft and Grype, saw strong growth in community adoption and contributions. With over 11k GitHub stars and hundreds of contributors, Syft and Grype have become the tools of choice for SBOM creation and SBOM vulnerability scanning with open source developers.

Anchore and community contributions include support for Azure Linux, Elixir, Erlang, R, NIx, and Swift. Syft continues to support existing and emerging standards with updates for CycloneDX 1.5, SPDX 2.3 and OpenVEX.

Anchore also released a new open source project, Vunnel, for use with Syft and Grype. Vunnel was introduced in April and enables open source developers to contribute new vulnerability sources used by Grype to scan software for vulnerabilities.

Additions to the Executive Bench

As the company continues to advance and expand, Anchore has added two enterprise software industry veterans to its management team.

Lester Wade joined Anchore as Vice President of Customer Success after leading technical teams at Amazon Web Services and Google. Jamie Wakelin has joined as Vice President of Enterprise Sales and Commercial Partnerships, having previously served in senior sales roles at ServiceNow, DXC, and Hewlett Packard Enterprise.

Core Technology Advancements

Anchore's flagship product, Anchore Enterprise, reached a milestone with the release of 5.0 in November. Building on a year of development, Anchore Enterprise 5.0 includes a brand new reporting console that enables users to preview and schedule reports that indicate any non-compliant assets. In addition, 5.0 delivers new agents to support the scanning of SBOMs in Amazon ECS in addition to the existing coverage for Amazon EKS, Google GKE, and Azure AKS. Advancements also include updated policy pack controls to assist with NIST 800-218 compliance, the standard that reflects the Secure Software Development Framework (SSDF).

Anchore Enterprise 5.0 now includes integrations with ServiceNow and Harness which complement its support for existing platforms such as GitLab, GitHub, and Jenkins.

For more information about Anchore or to view current job openings, go to www.Anchore.com .

About Anchore

Anchore enables organizations to speed digital transformation and reduce risks by streamlining the development of secure and compliant cloud-native applications. Anchore's solutions integrate with existing DevOps toolchains to automate security and compliance checks throughout the software development lifecycle. Organizations can reduce costs and accelerate time to market by remediating security and compliance issues early and continuously. Headquartered in California with offices also in Boston and the UK, Anchore's customers include large enterprises and government agencies that require secure and compliant cloud-native applications. To learn more about Anchore's solutions, visit www.Anchore.com.

Media Contact:

Brandie Gerrish

[email protected]

SOURCE Anchore
~St. Paul fails to protect students~

HARRISBURG, Pa., Nov. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On November 13, 2023, Andreozzi + Foote filed a lawsuit against the St. Paul Lutheran Church and School (St. Paul) in Batavia, New York on behalf of a minor victim of sexual abuse. The lawsuit alleges that St. Paul violated Title IX of the Education Act and failed in their duty to protect students from a known predator.

The lawsuit names James R. Clark, a former teacher and principal of St. Paul, as having committed multiple acts of sexual assault upon a minor student over two years. The suit alleges that the minor victim was sexually assaulted 2-3 times a week.

"When institutions fail to protect children from sexual abuse, they must be held accountable." Nate Foote, Attorney. Post this

The lawsuit alleges that before the abuse of this victim, the administration was on notice that Clark had previously engaged in inappropriate conduct with other students and failed in their duty to take meaningful action to ensure the safety of all students.

"When institutions fail to protect children from sexual abuse, they must be held accountable. We are hopeful that this lawsuit will allow our client to obtain some form of justice." Stated Nate Foote, Attorney.

The lawsuit brings several claims under Title IX: negligence, gross negligence, gross negligence, and reckless hiring/retention/supervision of employees, agents, and contractors, negligence, Grossly Negligent, and Reckless Hiring/Retention/Supervision of Employees, Agents, and Contractors, Negligence Gross Negligence, and Recklessness.

Andreozzi + Foote is a leading law firm representing victims of sexual abuse against powerful organizations. If you or a loved one is seeking legal counsel about a sexual abuse, contact us for a free consultation at (877) 214-3238 or visit victimscivilattorneys.com.

For press access, reporters can contact Ben Andreozzi, Partner at [email protected]

SOURCE Andreozzi + Foote
NEW YORK, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Anodot, a cloud cost management and monitoring platform, is excited to announce its partnership with ACA Group, a top European MSP. This collaboration aims to provide exceptional value to ACA Group's clients by offering them complete visibility into their cloud expenses.

Switching from CloudHealth to Anodot, ACA Group now enjoys personalized support and expertise in navigating FinOps.

Anodot Partners with ACA Group

Peter Jans, Manager Cloud at ACA Group, commented: "Transitioning from our existing cost monitoring platform to Anodot has been a great experience for our organization. The real-time data-driven insights Anodot offers have greatly influenced our operations, insights, and proactive services opening the path for great customer experience and a long term partnership."

ACA Group and its clients can now leverage Anodot's cutting-edge features.

Including:

A user-friendly interface

Convenient tailor-made platform access for ACA customers to monitor their cloud expenditures

The ability to resolve billing and invoicing challenges effortlessly

Multi-cloud integration and Datadog Cost integration

This partnership brings several key highlights. Firstly, Anodot seamlessly synced ACA Group's 3-year backlog onto their platform without causing interruptions to their operations. Secondly, the ACA Group gains multi-cloud dashboards and advanced anomaly detection capabilities to increase efficiency across all AWS environments.

Melissa Abecasis, Director of Customer of Anodot, said: "We are thrilled about our new partnership with ACA Group. Together, we have the potential to transform how MSPs communicate cloud cost insights to their customers. We are excited about building a prosperous FinOps relationship for years to come."

By leveraging Anodot's advanced cloud cost management services and ACA Group's dedication to providing top-notch cloud cost insight, both companies are set to revolutionize MSP services in Europe and beyond.

About ACA Group:

ACA Group is a Belgium-based software development and managed service provider (MSP) that delivers top-notch cloud solutions and IT services. With a customer-centric approach, ACA Group empowers businesses to thrive digitally by providing comprehensive support, guidance, and cutting-edge technologies. They guide businesses in Digital Transformation.

About Anodot:

Anodot is a business monitoring company that eliminates business blind spots by proactively monitoring business metrics, enabling companies to protect revenue and manage costs. Leveraging AI and ML, Anodot's augmented analytics proactively alert companies to revenue-critical business incidents and automate their remediation in real-time. Anodot's Cloud Cost Management solution helps FinOps teams reduce cloud waste and manage costs in multi-cloud and Kubernetes environments, providing actionable recommendations that can cut up to 40% on annual cloud spend. Numerous Fortune 500 companies trust Anodot to help slash time to detection and resolution for revenue-critical issues by as much as 80%.

SOURCE Anodot
BEDFORD, NS, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Aqualitas Inc., a Nova Scotian licensed producer, is pleased to announce they have received a European Union Good Manufacturing Practices (EU-GMP) Certification issued by Beizirksregierung Koln (District of Cologne Germany), and a Drug Establishment License (DEL) issued by Health Canada in accordance with the Food and Drugs Act. After rigorous inspections, these accreditations confirm compliance with the highest industry manufacturing standards in the world for the production of cannabis products and active pharmaceutical ingredients. Aqualitas' primary processes, with respect to flower cultivation, finished packaging and extraction are all now conducted under GMP standards.

Aqualitas Logo

Myrna L. Gillis, CEO of Aqualitas, states "this significant milestone reflects our commitment to excellence in manufacturing cannabis products, ensuring exacting attention to produce clean, consistent, and safe product without irradiation while utilizing organic and sustainable processes. Our commitment to pure wellness has been elevated by these important certifications and expands our existing footprint in important global markets."

"The successful attainment of EU-GMP Certification reflects the extraordinary efforts of our quality and operations teams in their persistent and patient pursuit of this important goal", noted Danielle Maitland, Director of Science and Cultivation Technology, who along with Dorothy Easy, Quality Assurance Person, and Nicholas Vorauer, Lead Extraction Scientist, spearheaded the EU-GMP and DEL compliance initiatives.

The EU-GMP Certification adds to Aqualitas' suite of production certifications which include IMC-Good Agricultural Practices (IMC-GAP), GAcP, and Clean Green Certifiied status. This further differentiates Aqualitas products from other Canadian cannabis licenced producers and will also allow the execution on existing strategic distribution partnerships in Australia and expansion into UK and Germany where they anticipate launching product later this month. It will also enable expansion of their research collaborations and support their drug master file for projects in the USA.

About Aqualitas Inc.

Aqualitas Inc. is a privately held, vertically integrated, multi-Health Canada license holder of award-winning cannabis products and in-house brands distributed in all Canadian provinces and internationally. Aqualitas is home to Canada's 2020 Grower of the Year and is Canada's first Clean Green Certified cannabis producer and processor, recognizing its commitment to international organic management practices, compliance, quality, and sustainability. Its unique and proprietary aquaponics growing process combines living water, powered by koi fish, and living soil to create product offerings with enhanced potency and terpene profiles. The Aqualitas brand promise, "Pure Wellness," encapsulates a dedication to driving innovation through research and product development that not only enhances the well-being of consumers but also reflects a commitment to purity, quality, and environmental stewardship. Its scientific incubator, Sindica Global Institute for Cannabis Research and Innovation, is uniquely positioned to collaborate on pharmaceutical and natural health product research due to Aqualitas' comprehensive licenses and certifications, including a research license, an FDA drug master file, a drug establishment license, and adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Aqualitas medical products have also been distributed across Canada and exported to Germany, Australia, Poland, Israel, and the USA.

Forward Looking Information

This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION IN THE UNITED STATES OR ANY USA NEWS WIRE SERVICES AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER OF SECURITIES.

CONTACT: Adriana Magana, Media and Sales Relations Manager [email protected]

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2273881/Aqualitas_Inc__AQUALITAS_LEADS_THE_WAY_AS_THE_FIRST_ORGANIC_CANN.jpg
Despite Nurses Filing Complaint Over Inability to Take Legally Required Meal Breaks and Non-Payment in September 2022, Anna Jaques Management Still Has Not Made Meal Breaks Possible for Nurses Working 8-12 hour or longer shifts.

This is the latest example of poor working conditions and mistreatment by hospital management that led nurses to cast overwhelming vote to authorize a three-day strike to attain a new contract to recruit and retain the staff needed to ensure quality patient care

NEWBURYPORT, Mass., Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- As the registered nurses at Beth Israel Lahey Anna Jaques Hospital (AJH) continue to engage in efforts to address longstanding concerns about the lack of staff and resources to ensure safe working conditions and quality patient care, the Massachusetts Attorney General's office has stepped in to issue a citation and fine against the employer for a manifestation of that situation.

The AG's office issued a citation and fine totaling $7,500 last week against AJH for violations of Mass. General Law (MGL) ch 149, sections 15 and 19(3), "Failure to keep true and accurate payroll records from 8/14/2022 to 11/3/2023". The Mass. Attorney General's Office's Fair Labor Division found in issuing the citation that AJH management's timekeeping records do not accurately reflect the hours actually worked by nurses who are unable to take a meal break and unable to get approval to miss a meal break). The penalty assessed is the maximum allowed in such circumstances.

Nurses report that due to the lack of staff on the units, the decision to take a meal break is a dangerous Hobson's choice between taking a break to rest and refuel to make it through a long shift, or in so doing, to force one of their colleagues to take on their patient assignment, meaning for a nurse on a medical floor who is usually providing care, and being legally accountable for the safety of their current five very sick patients, that nurse could now have up to ten patients. This is occurring at a time when the medical research shows that every patient added to a nurse's patient load increases the risk of death or injury for all those patients by 7 percent per patient assigned, meaning the patients under the care of the nurse with ten patients would be placed at a 35 percent increased risk for injury or death.

According to Walter Keenan, RN, a nurse in the hospital's busy emergency department, the same week the citation was issued he and other nurses in the ED worked yet another 12.5 hour shift, with none of the nurses able to take a meal break. "I and all of the other nurses that night had at least five patients apiece, not accounting for our need to provide care to any patients arriving by ambulance. Most of our patients in the ER are medically unstable. You can't walk away and leave them, and you can't give a co-worker your five extra patients on top of their five who are also medically unstable," Keenan explained. "There is no way we could take a break without putting all those patients in jeopardy."

According to Caitlin Reczek, a charge nurse who is responsible for covering two of the hospital's units at the same time, "We are frequently lacking the appropriate amount of ancillary/support staff (nursing aides and unit secretaries) and are usually working understaffed as it is. If we did take our breaks without an RN designated to just cover breaks, our fellow RNs could have 8-10 patients a piece which could impair patient safety. We went into nursing to take care of patients and because the hospital doesn't find a break nurse necessary at this time, that means we as nurses sacrifice our self care to ensure that our patients are getting the care they deserve."

Keenan and others have also pointed out to management that there are only two or three RNs in the ICU at any given time. Sometimes only two. Without assigning a break RN to come in it would be impossible for any RN to leave the ICU. In fact it would be illegal (there is a state law requiring a 1:1 ratio for ICU patients and nurses, with an exception allowing for two patients to a nurse if the nurse assesses both are stable). Should one of those nurses leave the unit to take a meal break, leaving only one or two RNs in the unit would place those critically ill patients at risk for serious harm.

Heather Day, a nurse at AJH who also works per diem shifts at a number of other hospitals in the region, reports AJH is a true outlier when it comes to nurses taking breaks. "Every other hospital I work at, you are encouraged to take your breaks, and many supervisors go out of their way to make sure you can do so. This rarely if ever happens at Anna Jacques," said Day. "On one night I asked my supervisor if I could get some relief to take my break and her response was, 'no other nurse in the hospital is getting break tonight, Heather.' This is unacceptable."

Background on the MNA Complaint

The Massachusetts Nurses Association filed the complaint with Attorney General's office 14 months ago on behalf of its members, and provided evidence to the AG, which then set the AG's own investigation in motion. Quoting from the MNA's 9/20/2022 complaint:

The employer does not have a method for recording missed meal breaks. A) They do not use a swipe attestation, b) They also do not have a form for employees to record missed meal breaks, c) So, we several times have asked management to create a form or modify their timesheet to ask the question 'Did you receive an uninterrupted 30 min. meal break if you worked more than 6 hours' or words to this effect. They have refused. We know that in a large % of cases the RNs do not get meal breaks. [This includes RNs who work 12 or more hours]. To try to document this we have: a) Distributed missed meal break log forms in break rooms and nurses stations. Management removed them from every unit and threw them away. They told union reps [who are working RNs] that they were not to redistribute (despite allowing other forms for Girl Scout cookies and other fund raisers, etc.) b) After this, we placed a three-ring binder marked 'MNA Property. DO Not Remove' with logs in all break rooms. Management later admitted in writing to removing them all. Management distributed a policy with a 'citation' to a non-existent state law waiving the meal break requirement 'in emergencies'.

On this last point, the MNA wrote to management on 9/14/2022 saying that their meal break policy falsely sites a non-existent waiver to the law. Quoting from MNA's letter to management of that date:

"In the [employer's] policy document we are seeing for the first time it says: 'all employees who work more than six hours are required to be given a one-half hour unpaid meal period, except in emergencies exempted by statue (M.G.L. Chapter 373) from this requirement.

We pointed out that there is no such exemption in Massachusetts law. Hospitals are places of emergencies by definition. The M.G.L. Chapter 373 is actually titled, "An Act Further Regulating the Filling of Vacancies on Certain Boards and Commissions in the City of Boston. " MNA sent several written demands that management remove this made up citation from the policy. Ten days later management's human resources director wrote back, "We are working on updating the policy to reference the correct statute". [Emphasis added].

Now, 14 months later, the nurses see no improvement in their ability to take 30 minute breaks during long shifts.

In addition to seeking intervention from the Attorney General, the nurses are utilizing their current negotiation for a new union contract to address the issue, which includes a new proposal to require the hospital to provide additional staff, break nurses, who would be made available to inpatient units to provide nurses with the opportunity to take their breaks, while ensuring safer patient care.

The hospital categorically rejected the proposal in negotiations on October 8 while also notifying the nurses that they intend to appeal the Attorney General's citation, adding yet another insult to their ongoing injury to staff.

The hospital's intransigence on this issue is the latest manifestation of its failure to heed nurses' concerns and provide them with the resources the nurses have made clear they need to ensure the hospital can recruit and retain the staff needed to ensure quality patient care, while preventing the ongoing exodus of nurses from the hospital to work at better paying better staffed facilities.

The AJH nurses who are the lowest paid nurses in the region, with salaries that average between 15  28 percent below other facilities north of Boston, have witnessed the unprecedented turnover of staff, losing more than 28 percent of their staff between 2021 and 2023, nurses who left to work at facilities with better pay, benefits and staffing conditions  facilities that can provide a meal break.

Said Eileen Ryan, RN, co-chair of the MNA bargaining unit at AJH, "In bargaining, management said they refuse to provide relief RNs so we can take breaks while they make the absurd claim to the AG that the law does not apply to them and they cannot be held accountable. They should look no further if they wonder why RNs go to work elsewhere. That has to change. This hospital's mission is too important."

While negotiations continue until the current contract's expiration on Dec. 31st, the nurses last month registered their consensus for needed improvements in their conditions with an overwhelming vote to authorize a three-day strike if management continues on its current course.

According to Margaret Mirecki, the other co-chair of local bargaining unit at the hospital. "We are trying to provide the highest-quality care possible to the people of this community, at a hospital we love and want to see thrive. But, due to management's refusals, we are struggling to find and keep experienced nurses while executives have been cutting back or closing services. We need AJH executives to finally listen to us."

MassNurses.org  Facebook.com/MassNurses  Twitter.com/MassNurses

Founded in 1903, the Massachusetts Nurses Association is the largest union of registered nurses in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Its 25,000 members advance the nursing profession by fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting the economic and general welfare of nurses in the workplace, projecting a positive and realistic view of nursing, and by lobbying the Legislature and regulatory agencies on health care issues affecting nurses and the public.

SOURCE Massachusetts Nurses Association
AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Aurigo Software , the leading provider of capital planning and construction management software for infrastructure and private owners, is expanding technology and support operations with the inauguration of its new campus in Mysore, India, scheduled for January 2024. With an eye on ambitious growth, the company is making a significant leap from its current workforce of approximately five hundred employees to over one thousand within the next three years.

Aurigo Software Expands with a New Mysore Facility in January 2024

The increase in headcount needs has been fueled by higher demand from capital owners for Aurigo's cloud-based solutions over the last 2 years and into 2024. Aurigo has secured new customers in transportation, transit, local government, and other parts of the public sector landscape since the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) passed in November 2021.

Balaji Sreenivasan, CEO and founder of Aurigo Software, remarked, "The Mysore expansion isn't just about growth; it's about accessing a broader talent reservoir and leveraging the unique advantages of Tier 2 cities. As we augment our presence in Austin, Toronto, and Bangalore, Mysore emerges as a strategic choice to harness talent and optimize operational costs."

The area, often referred to as the 'Silicon Valley of the South,' has earned its reputation as a growing technology hub with a burgeoning pool of tech-savvy professionals. Home to almost 1 million residents, Mysore's impressive infrastructure and developing ecosystem of educational institutions have made it a prime location for technology companies to tap into a talented workforce. Major IT enterprises such as Wipro, Infosys, and Excelsoft Technologies already have a presence in the city.

Heramba Hegde, Vice President of Finance and Head of Facilities at Aurigo Software, explained the rationale behind the new campus, "Expanding to Mysore signifies our commitment to exploring new horizons. Tier 2 cities offer a blend of cost-effectiveness combined with a prestigious, high-potential talent pool. As we establish our fourth global location, we're positioning Aurigo for a sustainable and innovative future."

The past 2 years have seen Aurigo sign the largest deal in the company's history and the team is currently in discussions with several state-level departments of transportation and other major players in North America's public sector. The firm's flagship software platform, Masterworks, is used by large capital owners to digitize their program's lifecycle, including planning, funding, bidding out the work, and managing all aspects of construction. Aurigo also offers best-in-class solutions for right of way, permitting, field inspections, and materials management, all critical parts of any capital program's delivery. The company offers a streamlined version, Aurigo Essentials, for agencies with small- to mid-sized programs.

As Aurigo moves forward with these strategic developments, the company continues to demonstrate its dedication to industry leadership and developing world-class talent across the globe.

About Aurigo Software

Aurigo builds software that helps build the world. Aurigo provides modern, cloud-based solutions for capital infrastructure and private owners to help them plan with confidence and build with quality. With more than $300 billion of capital programs under management, Aurigo's solutions are trusted by over 300 customers in transportation, water and utilities, healthcare, higher education, and the government with over 40,000 projects across North America. Aurigo helps capital program executives make better decisions based on proprietary artificial intelligence and machine learning technology. Aurigo is a privately held U.S. corporation headquartered in Austin, Texas, with global offices in Canada and India. Learn more at www.aurigo.com .

SOURCE Aurigo Software Technologies
The specialty retailer will open its first wholesale accounts during Outdoor Retailer Winter, pushing Backcountry-branded products in key U.S markets.

PARK CITY, Utah, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Backcountry, the leading specialty retailer for outdoor gear and apparel, announces its expansion into wholesale business with its popular in-house name-sake brand, Backcountry. The retailer has been offering Backcountry-designed product, inspired by its team of Gearhead experts, since 2018. Consumers will be able to shop these collections at select retailers nationwide, starting in fall 2024.

Backcountry, the leading specialty retailer for outdoor gear and apparel, announces its expansion into wholesale business with its popular in-house name-sake brand, Backcountry.

"Backcountry has made significant strides in creating an omnichannel experience for its consumers," says Colby Black, Backcountry CPO. "In the past three years, we've opened nine brick-and-mortar stores and now we're broadening our reach with wholesale. This expansion will help build brand awareness, consideration, and sales in key regions. We connect people to the outdoors by offering the best gear on the market and venturing into wholesale will further strengthen that mission."

At Outdoor Retail Winter (November 14 16, 2023), Backcountry will begin seeking retail partners across key regions and platforms to help build upon the Backcountry brand and share its product with outdoor athletes and enthusiasts to support their everyday adventures. The wholesale assortment will include product from the brand's fall/winter 2024 line that tackle pursuits on and off the mountain. Tried and true favorites like the award-winning Backcountry Cottonwoods GORE-TEX Jacket and a brand-new Backcountry Shell Anorak will be among the key products offered to wholesale customers.

"From the Wasatch Mountains in our own backyard to countless summits worldwide, the Backcountry team has built upon 27 years of mountain experience to design and create unique product in the marketplace," says Colleen Burns, Backcountry senior director of owned brands. "Thoughtful innovations and decades of expertise are intertwined within each product designed in-house. Collaborations with brands like GORE-TEX, Pertex, and ALLIED Down have been key in elevating our offering and pivotal in getting us to the point where wholesale is a natural step forward."

Select Backcountry products will become available at retail partner locations starting in September 2024. Backcountry will be exhibiting at Outdoor Retail Winter this week, booth #2018-SN, for in-person inquiries. For more information and media inquiries, please email Kevin McCormack at [email protected].

About Backcountry

From the one-on-one expertise of Backcountry Gearheads to its epic selection of the best in both style and performance, Backcountry has been a leading outdoor retailer since 1996. Dialing in your gear closet, exploring your backcountry, recharging with apresBackcountry elevates the entire outdoor experience. In 2018, Backcountry began building its own Gearhead-inspired products; the fast-growing Built By Backcountry ski, bike, climb, hike, fly fish, and apres lines include collabs with trusted brands like GORE-TEX, Pertex, and ALLIED Down. After 27 years as a successful online retailer, Backcountry opened its first brick and mortar location in Park City, UT and has since expanded its retail footprint to include nine stores from coast to coast, offering a seamless omnichannel experience for its consumers.

Media Contact:

Kevin McCormack

rygr, Backcountry

[email protected]

SOURCE Backcountry
Leading Coffee Franchise Expands Footprint in Greater Phoenix Market and Beyond

PHOENIX, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii, a leading coffee franchise renowned for its premium sourcing of Hawaiian coffees and memorable cafes, announces two multi-unit signed development agreements in the greater Phoenix, Arizona market. A five-store deal will bring locations to the Chandler and Gilbert areas over the next five years. Alongside this development, is a three-unit agreement that will bring new stores to the Scottsdale-North Phoenix market.

Existing franchisees Aaron and Lisa Rutter opened their first Bad Ass Coffee location at CityScape in downtown Phoenix in January 2022. Looking to grow their portfolio, the husband-and-wife team recently acquired Bad Ass Coffee's legacy store in Tolleson and has already begun a full remodel of the store with a Grand Re-Opening targeted for January 2024. Ready to expand even further, the Rutters then signed a five-unit development agreement that will bring locations to the Chandler/Gilbert East Valley over the next five years. The first location is slated to open in Chandler by fall 2024.

"With untapped markets across Arizona, we're on the fast-track to aggressive statewide development," said Scott Snyder. Post this

"Since opening the CityScape location, the downtown community has really embraced our business, and we continue to welcome new and loyal customers into the store," said Lisa Rutter. "What attracted us to Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii was far more than a proven business model. It was the product, the vision, the opportunity to be part of something unique. From the CEO down, you feel the commitment to quality, coffee, brand heritage, and company culture. This assures us we made the right decision to invest in the brand, and we look forward to our continued expansion throughout Arizona," added Aaron Rutter.

Scottsdale locals, Don and Kate Johnson are the newest franchisees to be awarded new Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii locations in the Scottsdale-North Phoenix market with a 3-store development agreement. No strangers to the franchise industry, the Johnson's already own and operate a portfolio of Jersey Mike's locations in Southern California. The husband-and-wife team were looking to diversify with a unique brand with a superior product that has tremendous growth potential. They found that in Bad Ass Coffee and are on track to open their first location in the Scottsdale-North Phoenix region by late summer 2024.

"With a wealth of experience in operational management and financial services, we couldn't be more excited to join a team of highly qualified individuals who share our passion for this brand," said Kate Johnson. "We've been inspired by the support provided by the franchisor and are looking forward to growing a portfolio of 10+ stores in the future. Kate, a successful executive in the banking industry, and myself, a pilot, are ready to take flight into this new adventure, fueled by our belief in the growth and opportunity that the Bad Ass Coffee presents."

Multi-unit growth continues to play a momentous role in Bad Ass Coffee's franchise expansion strategy. More than 70% of the system is now comprised of multi-unit operators. Arizona boasts tremendous growth potential as company leadership has also identified Tempe, Glendale, and Tucson as target markets for expansion.

"The development and opening of 11 stores in the greater Phoenix area represent a significant step forward in our Southwest growth strategy," said Scott Snyder, CEO of Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii. "We have tremendous franchise partners with vast experience, and every new location they open helps reinforce the strength of our brand. With untapped markets across Arizona, we're on the fast-track to aggressive statewide development."

With rapid national expansion underway, the brand is currently supporting aggressive growth plans in the Southwest, Southeast, Texas, and Coastal prime markets. Bad Ass Coffee provides a development support system , including teams, technology and tools to help identify the right territories for expansion, plus expertise in financing, real estate, and construction management, to assist franchisees and multi-unit operators.

The success of Bad Ass Coffee has not gone unnoticed. The brand recently ranked on QSR's 2023 40/40 List as one of America's hottest emerging fast casual brands. According to Bad Ass Coffee's 2023 FDD, the top 50% of stores saw an average net sale of more than $1 million, with the average of the top 25% exceeding $1.2 million*.

Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii was born on the Big Island of Hawaii in 1989 with the dream of sharing American-grown, premium Hawaiian coffee with customers everywhere. In addition to premium coffee from the famous Kona region of the Big Island, Bad Ass Coffee also sources from Kauai and Maui. Beyond premium Hawaiian coffees, Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii serves up a full menu of popular blended drinks, signature lattes, cold brews, teas, innovative foods with a Hawaiian twist, and branded merchandise.

Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii is looking to partner with qualified and engaged individuals seeking single and multi-unit opportunities. The brand offers an affordable, highly scalable opportunity with strong profit-potential. Franchisees can expect a total investment range between $454,200  920,500*. As International Franchise Association VetFran members, veteran franchisees who join will receive a $10,000 discount* off the initial franchise fee.

For more information on Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii franchise opportunities, visit badasscoffeefranchise.com or call 833-205-2224.

*Source: 2023 FDD  Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii

About Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii

Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii was born on the Big Island of Hawai'i in 1989 and is dedicated to sharing premium Hawaiian coffees "with a kick" from the Hawaiian Islands through 30 plus U.S. franchise locations  with additional shops in various stages of development. Today, Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii stores also serve popular blended drinks, teas, food, along with other international premium coffees and sell popular branded merchandise with exceptional service and the Aloha Spirit. Bad Ass Coffees are available in franchise stores, online and will soon be available through grocery, hospitality, and specialty retail channels. The Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii brand and franchise is owned by Royal Aloha Franchise Company, LLC. For more information, visit badasscoffee.com and connect on Facebook and Instagram @badasscoffeeofhawaii. Franchise information is available at badasscoffeefranchise.com.

SOURCE Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii
Bank Director's 2024 Bank M&A Survey finds a muted appetite for deals  including prospective failed bank acquisitions  but a desire for low cost deposits could be a motivating factor.

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today Bank Director , the leading information resource for directors and officers of financial institutions nationwide, released the results of its 2024 Bank M&A Survey , sponsored by Crowe LLP, an accounting, consulting and technology firm. According to the survey, bank leaders' enthusiasm for M&A appears dampened going into 2024  in line with reduced deal activity in 2022-23. But an appetite for sticky, low cost deposits could motivate some financial institutions to make a deal in the year ahead.

Eight-five percent of respondents point to an attractive deposit base as a top attribute in an acquisition target in today's environment, compared with 58% who said as much a year ago. That was followed by a complementary culture (58%), efficiency gains (55%) and locations in growing markets (48%).

"While total deposits for the industry remain well above pre-pandemic levels, deposit competition and pricing have remained key themes in 2023, particularly following the bank failures in spring," says Emily McCormick, vice president of editorial and research for Bank Director. "Looking at 2024, a strong core deposit base seems likely to influence prospective deals."

Respondents do not expect dramatic swings in their bank's deposit rates over the next 18 months. Forty-five percent expect deposit rates to increase by no more than 50 basis points, and 22% expect them to decline by that amount.

"The overall trend is banks trying to keep deposits low and not reacting as much as the loans have reacted. It comes down to overall pressure on the margin," says Patrick Vernon, advisory services senior manager at Crowe. "We haven't seen the same magnitude of repricing on the deposit side yet in the last 12 months. It's kind of wait and see, and it seems like we're going to keep waiting right now."

Key Findings

Transformational Deals

Forty-one percent of respondents say their bank would be open to a merger of equals, while 34% say it would not be. Nearly a quarter are unsure. Two years ago, almost half (48%) said their bank would be open to such a transaction.

Waning Confidence in Valuations

Respondents cite the pricing expectations of potential targets (71%) as a top barrier to M&A, followed by a lack of suitable targets (59%). Among potential acquirers, 35% would be willing to pay up to 1.5 times tangible book value for the right target. However, just over half of respondents would expect a minimum of 1.75 times book value in a sale. For public banks, 40% feel their bank's stock is attractive enough to buy an institution that meets its acquisition criteria, a sharp drop from 51% who said as much last year.

Selective Sellers

While a majority (61%) express no preference as to whether a potential acquirer would be a direct competitor, most would rather sell to a regional bank (65%) or community bank (60%) than to a private investor group (18%), multinational bank (12%) or credit union (9%).

Trouble on the Horizon

Forty-three percent anticipate more bank failures over the next 18 months. Among those bank leaders, most do not expect to see more than 10 banks fail. A third of respondents do not anticipate any further bank failures in that time period.

Failed Bank M&A

Three-quarters of bank leaders say they have not discussed the possibility of buying a failed bank, but 17% have discussed it and informed their regulator of their interest.

Sluggish Fintech Investing

A large majority of respondents (79%) say their bank did not invest in or acquire a fintech firm in 2022 or 2023, consistent with last year's survey results. Of those who did invest in a fintech company, most cite a desire to gain a better understanding of the fintech space.

The survey includes the views of 201 independent directors, CEOs, CFOs and other senior executives of U.S. banks below $100 billion in assets. The survey results are now available online at BankDirector.com .

About Bank Director

Bank Director reaches the leaders of the institutions that comprise America's banking industry. Since 1991, Bank Director has provided board-level research, peer insights and in-depth executive and board services. Built for banks, Bank Director extends into and beyond the boardroom by providing timely and relevant information through Bank Director magazine, board training services and the financial industry's premier event, Acquire or Be Acquired. For more information, please visit BankDirector.com .

About Crowe LLP

Crowe is a public accounting, consulting and technology firm. Crowe uses its deep industry expertise to provide audit services to public and private entities. The firm and its subsidiaries also help clients make smart decisions that lead to lasting value with its tax, advisory, risk and performance services. Their banking industry focused team of more than 800 professionals has more than 50 years of experience, works with financial institutions of all sizes and serves more than 1,800 financial services organizations. For more information, please visit www.crowe.com/banking.

Source:

For more information, please contact Bank Director's Director of Marketing, Deahna Welcher at [email protected].

SOURCE Bank Director
HANGZHOU, China, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- BEST Inc. (NYSE: BEST) ("BEST" or the "Company"), a leading integrated smart supply chain solutions and logistics services provider in China and Southeast Asia ("SEA"), today announced that it received a letter from the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE"), dated October 17, 2023, notifying the Company that it was not in compliance with applicable market capitalization and equity criteria (the "Market Cap and Equity Criteria") in the NYSE's continued listing standards because, as of October 16, 2023, the Company's (i) average total market capitalization was less than $50 million over a consecutive 30 trading-day period, and (ii) last reported stockholders' equity as of June 30, 2023 was less than $50 million. The Company is currently in compliance with all other NYSE continued listing standards, and the Company's American Depositary Shares will continue to be listed and traded on the NYSE.

In accordance with the NYSE's Listed Company Manual, the Company has 90 days (until January 15, 2024) to submit to the NYSE a business plan as to how the Company intends to regain compliance with the Market Cap and Equity Criteria within the next 18 months (by April 17, 2025). The Company intends to submit such a business plan. The business plan will then be reviewed by the NYSE. If the plan is accepted, the Company will be subject to quarterly monitoring for compliance with the plan.

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. 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. Among other things, the business outlook and quotations from management in this announcement, as well as BEST's strategic and operational plans, contain forward-looking statements. BEST may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about BEST's 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: BEST's goals and strategies; BEST's future business development, results of operations and financial condition; BEST 's ability to maintain and enhance its ecosystem; BEST 's ability to compete effectively; BEST 's ability to continue to innovate, meet evolving market trends, adapt to changing customer demands and maintain its culture of innovation; fluctuations in general economic and business conditions in China and other countries in which BEST operates, and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in BEST's filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of this press release, and BEST does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

ABOUT BEST INC.

BEST Inc. (NYSE: BEST) is a leading integrated smart supply chain solutions and logistics services provider in China and Southeast Asia. Through its proprietary technology platform and extensive networks, BEST offers a comprehensive set of logistics and value-add services, including freight delivery, supply chain management and global logistics services. BEST's mission is to empower business and enrich life by leveraging technology and business model innovation to create a smarter, more efficient supply chain. For more information, please visit: http://www.best-inc.com/en/.

SOURCE BEST Inc.
LOS ANGELES, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Bikram Yoga enthusiasts and aspiring instructors worldwide, get ready for an extraordinary experience as the highly anticipated Bikram Yoga Teacher Training Spring 2024 is set to take place at the luxurious Graceland Khaolak Beach Resort in the tropical paradise of Thailand. This transformative training program is scheduled for April 21st to June 23rd and promises to be an event that will not only nurture your passion for yoga but will also create memories to last a lifetime.

Presented by KPC LYFE, the Bikram Yoga Teacher Training program has garnered a reputation for producing many of the world's most skilled and dedicated Bikram Yoga instructors. BYTT Spring 2024 will mark another chapter in the history of this renowned training, as it returns to the serene shores of Thailand.

Location: The training program will be held at the splendid Graceland Khaolak Beach Resort, offering an unparalleled environment for deepening your yoga practice amid the stunning backdrop of Thailand's natural beauty.

World-Class Instructors: Participants will have the opportunity to learn from the very best in the field of Bikram Yoga. Renowned yoga teachers with extensive experience will lead the training, ensuring a high-quality educational experience.

Comprehensive Curriculum: The training will cover a wide range of topics, including yoga asanas, anatomy, teaching methodology, and the philosophy of Bikram Yoga. It is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed to become successful Bikram Yoga instructors.

Cultural Immersion: Participants will have the chance to immerse themselves in the rich and vibrant culture of Thailand, making this training program a holistic and unforgettable experience.

Community and Support: In addition to the educational aspect, this program fosters a sense of community and support. You will be surrounded by like-minded individuals who share your passion for yoga.

Certification: Successful completion of the program will result in an internationally recognized Bikram Yoga teacher certification, opening doors to a fulfilling career as a yoga instructor.

Yoga has become an essential part of many people's lives, promoting physical health, mental well-being, and spiritual growth. The Bikram Yoga Teacher Training Spring 2024 is a unique opportunity to dive deep into the art of Bikram Yoga and learn how to share its benefits with others at the stunning Graceland Khaolak Beach Resort.

In addition to our nine- week teacher training program, we offer a holiday package deal which gives anyone the opportunity to join the Bikram Yoga Teacher Training as a visitor and connect with our global yoga community in this breathtaking setting. Join us for a transformative journey, deepen your practice and discover the beauty of Thailand. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity!

For more information and registration details, visit bikramyoga.com

SOURCE KPC LYFE
PROVO, Utah, Nov. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- BYU Law today announced Professor Aaron Nielson has been appointed to serve as Solicitor General of Texas. In this position, he will supervise the appellate work for the State of Texas. Professor Nielson will take a one-year leave of absence from BYU Law School to serve as Solicitor General.

"Aaron is a prolific scholar, talented teacher and accomplished practitioner. He embodies BYU Law's mission 'to be and develop people of integrity who combine faith and intellect in lifelong service to God and neighbor,'" said David Moore, dean, BYU Law. "I am grateful for Aaron's inclination to public service and look forward to what he will bring back to BYU Law and its incredible students on his return."

Professor Nielson lectures and writes in the areas of administrative law, civil procedure, antitrust and the federal courts. He recently served as Chair of the Administration and Management Committee of the Administrative Conference of the United States. He also recently served on the Council of the American Bar Association's Section of Administrative Law and Regulatory Practice and currently co-chairs its antitrust committee. He supervises BYU Law's Washington, D.C. program and was selected as BYU Law Alumni Professor of the Year in 2019.

"I'm grateful to BYU Law for its willingness to allow me to take a one-year leave to work with the world-class appellate lawyers in the Texas Solicitor General Division. BYU is a place that takes public service seriously," said Professor Nielson. "I'm also grateful to Attorney General Ken Paxton, the whole team in the Attorney General's Office and the State of Texas for placing their trust in me. As Solicitor General, I'll do my best to zealously represent 30 million Texans while providing state and federal judges and justices with my service as an officer of the court. It's a humbling, remarkable opportunity, and I'm excited to get to work."

In 2020, Professor Nielson was appointed by the U.S. Supreme Court to brief and argue Collins v. Yellen, a constitutional dispute about the Federal Housing Finance Agency. His publications have appeared in many of the nation's top journals, including the University of Pennsylvania Law Review, Duke Law Journal, Georgetown Law Journal and the University of Chicago Law Review.

Before joining the BYU faculty, Professor Nielson was a partner at Kirkland & Ellis LLP. He also has served as a law clerk to Justice Samuel A. Alito, Jr. of the U.S. Supreme Court, Judge Janice Rogers Brown of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, and Judge Jerry E. Smith of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit

About BYU Law

Founded in 1971 with its inaugural class in 1973, the J. Reuben Clark Law School (BYU Law) has grown into one of the nation's leading law schools  recognized for innovative research and teaching in social change, transactional design, entrepreneurship, corpus linguistics, criminal justice and religious freedom. The Law School has more than 7,000 alumni serving in communities around the world. National Jurist recognized BYU Law as the #1 best-value law school in its 2021 and 2022 rankings. BYU Law also earned its highest U.S. news ranking to date, coming in at No. 22 in the U.S. News 2024 Best Law School rankings. For more information, visit https://law.byu.edu.

SOURCE BYU Law
NEW YORK, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The calcium carbonate market size is expected to grow by USD 15.54 billion from 2022 to 2027. In addition, the growth momentum of the market will be progressing at a CAGR of 6.2% during the forecast period, according to Technavio. APAC is estimated to contribute 48% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. The increasing importance of PCC in the paper industry is notably driving the calcium carbonate market. However, factors such as Declining sources of limestone may impede market growth. The market is segmented by Type (GCC and PCC), End-user (Paper, Plastic, Paint, Adhesive and sealant, and Others), and Geography (APAC, North America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and South America). The report offers an up-to-date analysis of the market, and to know the exact growth variance and the Y-O-Y growth rate, Request a FREE Sample Report.

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Calcium Carbonate Market 2023-2027

Calcium Carbonate Market 2023-2027: Company Analysis

CRH Plc - The company offers industrial calcium carbonate as mesh grit for many applications as a polymer additive to replace more expensive resins.

The company offers industrial calcium carbonate as mesh grit for many applications as a polymer additive to replace more expensive resins. We provide a detailed analysis of 20 companies operating in the calcium carbonate market including CRH Plc, GCCP Resources Ltd., Imerys S.A., J M Huber Corp., Lhoist SA, Minerals Technologies Inc., Mississippi Lime Co., Parchem Fine and Specialty Chemicals Inc., Omya International AG, SCHAEFER KALK GmbH and Co. KG, AGSCO Corp., SCR Sibelco NV, Carmeuse Coordination Center SA, Cerne Calcium Co., GLC Minerals, Greer Industries, Gulshan Polyols Ltd., Zillion Sawa Minerals Pvt. Ltd., Kunal Calcium Ltd., and Bhavani chemicals.

This report provides a full list of key companies, their strategies, and the latest developments. Buy Now for detailed company information

Calcium Carbonate Market 2023-2027: Segmentation

Type

The GCC segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. The GCC segment, a form of calcium carbonate derived from the mechanical crushing and grinding of natural limestone or marble into a powder form, is gaining increased adoption. This growth can be attributed to its fine particle size, exceptional brightness, and impressive whiteness. Moreover, it serves as a versatile mineral extensively utilized across various industries, including paper, plastics, paints, coatings, adhesives, rubber, and construction. Notably, it stands out as a cost-effective alternative to fillers and pigments commonly employed in sectors such as paper, plastics, and coatings. Manufacturers are increasingly turning to the GCC segment due to its abundant availability and cost advantages compared to synthetic counterparts. A key advantage of the GCC segment lies in its natural origin, aligning well with growing consumer and regulatory preferences for eco-friendly and sustainable products. In the construction industry, the GCC segment finds extensive use in caulks, sealants, adhesives, and other construction materials. Consequently, these factors are expected to drive the growth of this segment, thereby fueling the market growth during the forecast period.

 APAC is estimated to contribute 48% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period.

Learn about the contribution of each segment summarized in concise infographics and thorough descriptions. View a FREE PDF Sample Report

Calcium Carbonate Market 2023-2027: Key Highlights

Historic Market Size 2017-2021

CAGR of the market during 2023-2027

Detailed information on factors that will assist calcium carbonate market growth during the next five years

Estimation of the calcium carbonate market size and its contribution to the parent market

Forecasts on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior

The growth of the calcium carbonate market

Analysis of the competitive landscape and detailed information on companies

Comprehensive details of factors that will impede the growth of calcium carbonate market companies

Related Reports:

The calcium carbonate market in North America is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5.04% between 2022 and 2027. The size of the market is forecast to increase by USD 6,980.07 thousand t.

The precipitated calcium carbonate market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 4.75% between 2022 and 2027. The market size is forecast to increase by USD 2,507.55 million.

ToC:

Executive Summary

Market Landscape

Market Sizing

Historic Market Sizes

Five Forces Analysis

Market Segmentation by Type

Market Segmentation by End-user

Customer Landscape

Geographic Landscape

Drivers, Challenges, & Trends

Company Landscape

Company Analysis

Appendix

About Technavio

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provide actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

Contacts

Technavio Research

Jesse Maida

Media & Marketing Executive

US: +1 844 364 1100

UK: +44 203 893 3200

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.technavio.com

SOURCE Technavio
SINGAPORE, Nov. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- CapitaLand Group (CapitaLand) has awarded 10 winners of its CapitaLand Sustainability X Challenge (CSXC) 2023 with up to S$1 million funding to testbed their innovations at selected CapitaLand properties worldwide, following their final pitches made at CSXC 2023 Demo Day. Four outstanding innovators, viAct, Healthway Family of Brands, Ralos Enterprise Corporation (Enamil LLC Japan) and Magorium have won the special recognition awards  High Impact Award, Most Innovative Award, Most Scalable Award, and Emerging Startup Award presented by Enterprise Singapore respectively, and they will each receive S$150,000 to fund their pilots.

Image: L-R: Mr Vinamra Srivastava, Chief Sustainability Officer of CapitaLand Investment, Ms Christine Wong, Executive Director, Urban Solutions and Sustainability of Enterprise Singapore, the four special recognition award winners of CSXC 2023, Mr Andrew Lim, Group Chief Operating Officer of CapitaLand Investment and Mr Anthony Lim Weng Kin, Lead Independent Director and Non-Executive Independent Director, who is also Chairman of the Boards Strategy & Sustainability Committee of CapitaLand Investment.

viAct's innovation is an AI-powered video analytics tool to provide granular insights that enhance safety, productivity and compliance with environmental standards at the workplace (AI-powered Video Analytics). Healthway Family of Brands uses a patented low-pressure drop filtration technology that replaces existing media filters to improve the performance and system-level filtration efficiency of existing air handling units while reducing energy load on fans' motors (Disinfecting Filtration System). Ralos Enterprise Corporation's (Enamil LLC Japan) lightweight flexible solar module is integrated with corrugated steel that can be installed horizontally or vertically as a building integrated photovoltaic (PV) or as a conventional solar PV (Corrugated Solar Roof). Magorium's solution is a technology that converts contaminated and unsorted plastic waste into a sustainable construction material that can potentially be used for the construction of roads within CapitaLand's business parks (Magorium). Six other innovations[1] on low carbon transition, water conservation and resilience, waste management and circular economy, and health, safety and wellness in buildings have also won S$75,000 each to fund their pilots.

The finalists with innovations from around the world were shortlisted from over 680 innovations and 79 countries for the third edition of CSXC, the first global sustainability innovation challenge by a Singapore-based real estate company. In line with CapitaLand's efforts to foster innovation throughout the built environment, CSXC 2023 Demo Day was held in conjunction with the launch of the Built Environment Innovation Hub @ Building and Construction Authority's (BCA) Braddell Campus (BEIH). In addition, CapitaLand will explore collaboration opportunities with BCA on the potential piloting of other innovations from CSXC at its premises. Ms Indranee Rajah, Minister, Prime Minister's Office, Second Minister for Finance and Second Minister for National Development was the Guest-of-Honour at the CSXC 2023 Demo Day.

Mr Vinamra Srivastava, Chief Sustainability Officer, CapitaLand Investment, said: "Innovation is a key driver in our decarbonisation journey as we work towards our 2030 sustainability targets. Through platforms such as CSXC and our S$50 million CapitaLand Innovation Fund, we aim to support innovators to scale and commercialise their technologies to create a climate-resilient built environment. This is the first time we are partnering our tenants to testbed innovations from CSXC at their premises. Through this collaboration, we hope to find practical solutions that can also help our tenants improve their sustainability performance. Together with our other initiatives such as implementing green leases, collaborating with our tenants on green initiatives and sharing of sustainability best practices, we aim to expand our focus on reducing our scope 3 emissions too. We will continue to tap on innovation and collaborate with like-minded partners to amplify our impact to create a more sustainable and resilient built environment."

One of the innovations from CSXC 2022, SlideLuvre's smart voltaic louvres, is being testbedded at BCA SkyLab, a state-of-the-art testbed facility in BCA Braddell Campus. The facility has a 360-degree rotatable platform that allows technologies to be tested under real-world conditions at different building orientations. The louvres reduce building energy dependency on external sources by generating solar energy and saves energy by reducing cooling needs.

Two innovations from CSXC 2021 that have completed their pilots at CapitaLand properties were part of the showcase of innovative technologies at the launch of BEIH. One such solution is CONTINEWM, a patented ceramic net which acts as an infrared emitting filter that was testbedded at LogisTech in Singapore. During the pilot, it achieved up to 51% reduction in fan consumption and 16% reduction in cooling load for the two air handling units that were equipped with a total of 50 CONTINEWM nets. Another CSXC innovation that was showcased is Climatec's chemical-free and electricity-free cooling tower water treatment solution that improves water efficiency by significantly reducing blowdown. Testbedded at CapitaGreen in Singapore, the innovation achieved 99.8% reduction in cooling tower blowdown water, and up to 2.8% improvement in chiller plant efficiency.

CSXC has grown from strength to strength since its launch in November 2020. This year, CSXC received double the entries compared with CSXC 2022. Twenty projects from the first two CSXC are being piloted or preparing to pilot at 24 CapitaLand properties in Singapore, China, India, Thailand, and the USA. For the first time, sandbox partners such as DBS Bank, DFI Retail Group and KPMG in Singapore will potentially pilot the winning innovations from CSXC 2023 at their respective tenanted spaces in CapitaLand properties.

Besides supporting innovators from around the world through CSXC, CapitaLand also advocates innovation among its staff with a S$50 million Innovation Fund launched in 2021. To date, 62 innovations have been selected for further development and pilots, more than half of which are sustainability related.

[1] Please refer to Annex for the list of the six innovations.

Find out more about CapitaLand's sustainability initiatives at: https://www.capitaland.com/sustainability

For more on CSXC 2023, visit: www.capitaland.com/csxc

About CapitaLand Group ( www.capitaland.com )

CapitaLand Group (CapitaLand) is one of Asia's largest diversified real estate groups. Headquartered in Singapore, CapitaLand's portfolio focuses on real estate investment management and real estate development, and spans across more than 260 cities in over 40 countries.

Within its ecosystem, CapitaLand has developed an integrated suite of investment management and operating capabilities that supports its real estate businesses and platforms in building core competencies across the real estate value chain. With this full stack of capabilities, CapitaLand can optimise the strategies of its listed real estate investment management business CapitaLand Investment, and its privately held property development arm CapitaLand Development; to drive competitive advantage for its businesses.

CapitaLand places sustainability at the core of what it does. As a responsible real estate company, CapitaLand contributes to the environmental and social well-being of the communities where it operates, as it delivers long-term economic value to its stakeholders.

Follow @CapitaLand on social media

Facebook: @capitaland / facebook.com/capitaland

Instagram: @capitaland / instagram.com/capitaland Twitter: @capitaLand / twitter.com/capitaland

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/capitaland-limited

YouTube: youtube.com/capitaland

Issued by: CapitaLand Limited (Co. Regn.: 198900036N)

Annex  Other winners of the CSXC 2023

In addition to the four special recognition award winners of CSXC 2023, the following innovations have also won the opportunity to be piloted at selected CapitaLand properties worldwide:

AI Chiller Plant Optimiz.: A chiller plant and air side Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) optimisation solution that integrates seamlessly with the building management systems and utilises artificial intelligence (AI) for energy optimisation and predictive fault diagnostics.

Auto Sprinkler Test - CP52: An automated sprinkler system flow-switch test that can be activated with just a key, reducing manpower required and energy and water usage.

Carbon Mineralization Concrete Tech: A carbon dioxide mineralised concrete technology that creates low-carbon green building materials with carbon dioxide captured and stored in concrete during its manufacturing process.

Nano-crystal Reverse Scaling Technology: A nano-crystal reverse scaling technology that solves scaling and wastewater challenges in central air-conditioning system cooling towers, effectively reducing water discharge and cooling water usage.

Refleshine Novel Heat-Reflecting Film: A clear and low absorption film that reflects solar heat, improves thermal insulation and can be installed on any smooth facade window or glass surface, minimising energy consumption.

Solar Hybrid Air-con: An air-conditioner that runs directly on solar power on a sunny day and integrates both solar and grid energy on a rainy day, thus reducing grid energy consumption.

SOURCE CapitaLand
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 14. The work on the construction of the Zangezur Corridor continues and is supported as a peace project in the region, Minister of Transport and Infrastructure of Turkiye Abdulkadir Uraloglu, Trend reports.

"In particular, in order to improve East-West relations, the railway connection of the Central Corridor was provided by the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway line. In addition, work continues on the construction of the Zangezur Corridor, which will directly connect the Caspian Sea with Turkiye. The Zangezur corridor is supported as a peace project in the region," the Turkish minister said.

Uraloglu also noted that thanks to the "Development Path" project, a link will be created between Europe and Asia through the Persian Gulf.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
LONDON, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- First-time author A.D. Hutchinson is thrilled to release his first children's book, "Scholar of the Ebony Crown," a middle-grade adventure and action novel that combines both fantasy and non-fiction. Capturing readers' hearts and minds, "Ebony Crown" teaches life lessons about the many trials and tribulations of growing up.

Scholar of The Ebony Crown

Geared at children ages nine through 12, "Scholar of the Ebony Crown" is a compelling story about a young boy named Eddy, a mixed-race child, tall and slim with messy brown curly hair and blue eyes, who was born an orphan. Forced to wear his older cousin's smelly hand-me-downs by his adoptive aunt and uncle, he faces relentless bullying at school.

Through his book, Hutchinson presents real-life problems in a thought-provoking, imaginative way, providing readers with comfort and assurance that they are not alone in their struggles. Journeying on a whirlwind, fairytale adventure through the eyes of the main character's imagination, Eddy was born with a diamond tooth that sparkles when he smiles, and he uses it as a flashlight in the darkness when locked away in the shed for punishment.

"My goal in penning this book was to challenge young readers to develop a lifelong interest in reading," said author A.D. Hutchinson. "I also wanted to promote the importance of developing their vocabulary and their capacity for thought, and encourage curiosity and creativity."

Motivated to write this children's novel after the adoption of his 10-year-old son over two decades ago, who experienced bullying at school, Hutchinson gave him the proper guidance to become a confident young man. Today, he is a highly successful businessman and father of three.

A clear example of the many benefits of reading and the power of positive influence, "Ebony Crown" is a masterpiece that does not disappoint. Released in October 2023, this 160-page book can be found by visiting Mr. Hutchinson's website and via Amazon.com. It is available in paperback and a Kindle digital version. The next book in this series, "Scholar of The Ebony Secrets Dungeon," is due out soon.

Mr. Hutchinson donates 10% of all book sales to underprivileged children and children in the foster care system. By purchasing just one book, readers are contributing to the bright futures of these children's lives.

About the Author:

Born in Saint Catherine, a rural area in southeast Jamaica, Alan Douglas Hutchinson was later trained as a professional chef in the United Kingdom at the world-renowned Michelin star-rated Mirabelle Restaurant in Mayfair, London, England. He subsequently worked in kitchens at such notable hotels as The Ritz London, The Savoy, and Claridge's Hotel. Mr. Hutchinson later began taking courses and acquiring diplomas in creative writing. Inspired to become an author, his stories and characters have been based on his childhood memories and experiences while coming of age.

Media Contact:

Telephone:(+44) 07380846234

A.D. Hutchinson, Author

E-mail: [email protected]

Website: https://adhutchinson.com

SOURCE A.D. Hutchinson
HONG KONG, Nov. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- CNOOC Limited (the "Company", SEHK: 00883 (HKD Counter) and 80883 (RMB Counter), SSE: 600938) announces today that Bozhong 19-6 Condensate Gas Field Phase I Development Project has commenced production.

Bozhong 19-6 Condensate Gas Field Phase I Development Project has commenced production

The project is located in central Bohai Sea, with an average water depth of approximately 20 meters. The main production facilities include 1 newly built central processing platform, 3 unmanned wellhead platforms and 1 gas process terminal. 65 development wells are planned to be commissioned, including 42 production wells, 20 gas injection wells and 3 water source wells. It is expected to achieve a peak production of approximately 37,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2024.

Mr. Zhou Xinhuai, CEO and President of the Company, said, "The project is the first condensate gas field with a proved in-place volume of over 200 billion cubic meters natural gas that has been put into operation in Bohai Bay, relying on the Bozhong-Kenli Oilfields Onshore Power Project. The gas field will supply stable clean energy to the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and the Bohai Rim region, and contribute to the low-carbon and high-quality development of the Company."

CNOOC Limited holds 100% interest in this project and acts as the operator.

 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: [email protected]

Mr. Bunny Lee

Porda Havas International Finance Communications Group

Tel: +852 3150 6707

Fax: +852 3150 6728

E-mail: [email protected]

SOURCE CNOOC Limited
Iconic brand now available in more than 100 countries

NEW YORK, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Cole Haan, the nearly 100-year-old American lifestyle brand, announced today the opening of its 500th store, as the company addresses growing consumer demand across the globe. The expansion brings to new consumers worldwide the performance lifestyle footwear and accessories for which the brand is known. Over the past decade, Cole Haan has expanded its global retail footprint steadily and deliberately. Today, the brand is available in over 100 countries, up from just 13 countries in 2013.

Cole Haan Celebrates Milestone of 500 Stores Globally

Experience the interactive Multimedia News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/9151054-cole-haan-celebrates-milestone-500-stores-globally/





"From the early days of our launch of Cole Haan as an independent company following our acquisition of the business [from Nike], we envisioned the opportunity to bring this iconic American brand to a broader global audience. Over the past decade, we have expanded our product assortment, our talent, and our partnership with a network of world-class distribution partners globally. As we reach this important milestone, we are focused on a range of opportunities we have created for the future of Cole Haan," said Jack Boys, CEO of Cole Haan.

The brand's global retail presence includes some of the most premium shopping malls and destinations in the world, including the World Trade Center in New York, Valley Fair Mall and South Coast Plaza in California, and Houston Galleria in the United States. In the Middle East, the company's partners have opened stores in Dubai Mall, Emirates Mall, Place Vendome in Qatar, and Mall of Arabia in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In Asia Pacific, Cole Haan can be found at Taikoo Hui in Shanghai, LiVat in Beijing, Harbour City, the largest and most diverse shopping mall in Hong Kong, and in Ginza and Harajuku in Tokyo, Japan. Within Central and South America, the brand has opened stores within the upscale Polanco district in Mexico City, and MultiPlaza Mall in Panama. Furthermore, Cole Haan has opened shop-in-shop locations in the United Kingdom at the prestigious Harrods and Selfridges department stores.

"The Cole Haan brand is committed to providing fashion-forward footwear that combines time-honored craft with modern innovation, which support our customers from work to workout, to weekend and beyond. There is no other brand offering the same breadth of products or matching our innovative approach to re-imagining footwear for today's on-the-go lifestyles. These 500 stores represent the future of Cole Haan," said David Maddocks, Brand President of Cole Haan.

To support its expanded global presence, the company recently opened its first regional office in Dubai, UAE, which joins existing offices and showrooms in New York, Toronto, London, Hong Kong, and Tokyo.

"Cole Haan has been a pioneer in the footwear industry from the beginning and our growth over the past 10 years reflects the increasing customer demand for high-quality, fashionable, and innovative footwear," said Adrian Santos, Senior Vice President, International at Cole Haan. "We're excited to achieve this milestone and look to continue supporting and inspiring consumers in every part of their day in yet more locations over the next decade."

In addition to this retail growth, the company and its distributors operate more than 55 regional and country-specific e-commerce websites globally.

What started as a mission to provide consumers with quality, crafted footwear has since expanded into a leading, globally recognized American lifestyle brand, inspiring people everywhere to live extraordinary lives, write new rules, and celebrate the moments that matter.

Customers can find the extensive list of international distributors and websites on colehaan.com.

ABOUT COLE HAAN

Cole Haan is a global American lifestyle brand serving always-connected, active professionals with innovative footwear and lifestyle accessories. With a nearly 100-year heritage, Cole Haan infuses its products with time-honored craftsmanship and modern innovation, making footwear and lifestyle accessories that customers wear from work, to workout, to weekend. Cole Haan's mission is to inspire customers to live extraordinary lives.

Follow along on social:

@colehaan

For more information, contact:

Autumn Communications

[email protected]

SOURCE Cole Haan
Coveted Title Awarded to Kansas Beef Packer for Ribeye Wet-Aged Steak

NEW YORK, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A beef producer in Arkansas has taken home one of the top awards for its steaks at the 2023 World Steak Challenge . The World Steak Challenge gives steak producers from across the globe a unique opportunity to benchmark product quality, breed credentials, and processing standards on an international stage.

North America's Best Steak Awarded to Arkansas Farm for Ribeye Wet-Aged Steak

Creekstone Farms, which was founded in 1995 in Campbellsburg, Kentucky, and moved to Arkansas City, Kansas in 2003, took home the coveted title of North Americas Best Steak for its Ribeye Wet-Aged Steak at the awards ceremony. Backed by USDA-recognized G-schedule programs for third-party quality verification, Creekstone Farms is renowned for its unwavering commitment to delivering top-quality 100% Black Angus Beef with its refined feeding techniques and sustainable crate-free practices.

Australia has claimed the overall title of the producer of the World's Best Steak. Australian producer Jack's Creek took home the accolade for its grain-fed wagyu black angus cross sirloin, which was also named the World's Best Sirloin and World's Best Grain-Fed Steak, as well as Oceanian's Best Steak.

Jack's Creek cattle are bred and raised on the natural pastures that surround Willow Tree in central New South Wales. They are then finished on a blend of grains, hay, and silage.Its steaks are served in some of the US's top steakhouses and restaurants, including Bascom's Chop House in Clearwater, Florida, Komodo in Miami, and iWAGYU in California.

World Steak Challenge Winners List:

World's Best Steak, Oceania's Best Steak & Best Sirloin

Jack's Creek Australian Cross Breed Wagyu Sirloin

Asia's Best Steak & World's Best Wagyu Steak

Ito Wagyu A5+ Japanese Sirloin - Itoham Yonekyu Holdings

Europe's Best Steak & World's Best Filet Steak

Norland Heifer German Filet - Danish Crown

North America's Best Steak

Creekstone Farms Ribeye Wet-Aged Steak from the USA

South America Best Steak

Argentina Signature Ribeye Steak - Azul Natural Beef

World's Best Ribeye Steak

55-Day Aged Ribeye from New Zealand - Alliance Group

The winners were crowned at a special dinner held the evening of Monday, November 13, 2023 at Steakhouse Smith & Wollensky following a two-day judging process held in September at Vlees & Co. Steakhouse in Amsterdam.

A total of 346 medals were awarded to steaks at this year's World Steak Challenge, including a record 134 gold medals, with 120 steaks given silver medals and 92 steaks bronze medals. Australia took home the most gold medals, with 18 steaks from the country awarded the accolade. Ireland had the greatest medal haul with 67 steaks awarded a gold, silver, or bronze award.

Australia's Jack's Creek is no stranger to awards. Last year, it was the winner in the Ribeye category and the winner of the 2021 Best Filet, Best Ribeye, and Best Grain-Fed categories.

"This year's competition saw the highest standard of entries yet, with a record number of gold entries, but one particular steak stood out from the pack," says Restaurant Editor and World Steak Challenge Judge Stefan Chomka. "Congratulations to Jack's Creek for its outstanding steak and to all the winners in the other categories. The global nature of this competition and the high quality of entrants demonstrates a true desire across the world to produce some top quality cuts of steak that are testament to the hard work that goes into beef production."

"What a wonderful recognition and so deserved from all the people who are working so hard at Creekstone Farms," said Patrick Pouw, Manager of Nice to Meat International. "The farm has the genetics, the feeding options, and the facilities to process the cattle in a humane way. We are thrilled that Creekstone won the gold medal."

Judges at this year's challenge included Richie Wilson, Culinary Director of FIRE Steakhouse & Bar in Dublin; Ioannis Grammenos, Executive Chef and Meatologist of Heliot Steak House in London; Paul Foster, Chef-Patron of Michelin-starred Salt in Stratford and GrassFed in Camden; Abdulrahman Alswailem, Chef-Owner of Marble in Riyadh, currently ranked number 23 in MENA's Best Restaurants; and Katie Doherty, CEO at the International Meat Trade Association.

Media Contact:

Alexandra Pony

[email protected]

250.858.0656

SOURCE The World Steak Challenge
NEW YORK, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Founder, Chairperson and CEO of DHGATE Group Diane Wang has been named a SILVER STEVIE WINNER at the 20th annual Stevie Awards for Women in Business under the "Women Helping Women  Business" category, in recognition of her ongoing efforts to break down barriers in the cross-border e-commerce industry and help women achieve entrepreneurial success.

DHGATE Group Founder Diane Wang Wins SILVER STEVIE Award for Uplifting Women in Business

This is the second consecutive year that Diane has been honored by The Stevie Awards for Women in Business. Last year, she bagged two SILVER STEVIE awards as the "Best Female Entrepreneur in Business Services" as well as the "Best Female Entrepreneur in Asia, Australia or New Zealand".

The Stevie Awards are widely recognized as the world's top honors for the achievements of women in the workplace, whether they are female entrepreneurs, executives, or employees of well-known household brands or small and medium enterprises just starting out. They are judged by more than 150 Stevie members across seven judging committees, who evaluate their applications based on their written response and supporting portfolio of work.

"I am truly honored and touched to once again be recognized by the Stevie Awards for my work as a digital entrepreneur as well as ongoing and new initiatives to help other women achieve the same level of success," said Diane. "I hope that I can serve as both role model and mentor to the next generation of women, and help them tear down any remaining obstacles and barriers on their entrepreneurship and self-empowerment journey."

Diane is a well-known figure in the world of digital entrepreneurship as the Founder, Chairperson and CEO of DHGATE Groupone of the world's largest cross-border e-commerce marketplaces connecting 2.54 million sellers and 59.6 million buyers. The company's key focus is to accelerate digital transformation for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and their partners, while also advocating for global fair trade, diversity and creativity worldwide by these MSMEs around the world with high-quality products.

Under Diane's leadership, in 2020 DHGATE Group launched MyyShop, a pioneering social commerce platform that empowers influencers and content creators to turn their influence and passion into thriving online businesses through its extensive suite of social commerce tools and resources. An empowering endeavor that speaks to Gen Z and young Millennials, the platform has allowed Diane to reach out to a wider audience of aspiring entrepreneurs particularly women, students, stay-at-home parents, and anyone seeking the flexibility of working from home.

With business successes firmly under her belt, Diane has also helped other women climb the ladder to entrepreneurial success by founding the APEC Women Connect (AWC) international digital entrepreneurship community for women, which has successfully trained over 100,000 women MSMEs and cultivated more than 2,000 women entrepreneurs. In 2020, Diane launched the APEC Women Connect "Her Power" Entrepreneurship Competition to activate women's passion for entrepreneurship in the digital economy. Each year, the competition draws thousands of international participants to participate in competitive challenges that also teach them skills to boost product sales while increasing social awareness across social media platforms. The 4th edition of the APEC Women Connect "Her Power" Entrepreneurship Competition is currently ongoing. Interested participants can sign up for the competition here and join the community discussion on Discord.

As a global business leader, Diane is continuously exploring new ways to support and empower female entrepreneurs in different stages of their careers and lives. Most recently in 2023, she founded a global community and social enterprise for women called The Inner Mountain Foundation, which is dedicated to empowering women through the power of community. The Foundation fosters a community of like-minded women who can lead, nurture and inspire those around themstarting with themselvesby providing access to various entrepreneurial resources, training, information, and funding for women-owned businesses. Embracing a forward-looking global perspective, Diane plans to establish branches in other major cities around the world after The Inner Mountain Foundation's initial debut in China and North America. These branches resemble satellites orbiting different trajectories, each having its own unique color while sharing a common mission and vision.

As an awardee of the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, Diane joins the ranks of other outstanding women around the world and award recipients including Talia Bender, Stevie "Social Change Maker of the Year - Gender" and President of The Female Quotient; Carolina Garcia Delgado, Stevie "Most Innovative Woman of the Year - Manufacturing" and Master Inventor at IBM; and Preethika S Kalyanasundaram, Stevie "Most Innovative Woman of the Year - Industry" and Product Executive at Salesforce.

Championing female empowerment and passionate about driving the digital inclusion agenda for MSMEs and women, Diane additionally serves as an APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) member, Co-Chair of the B20 Indonesia Women in Business Action Council, member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Business Advisory Group, Chair of the APEC Women Leadership Summit, and BRICS Women's Business Alliance Chinese National Chapter member.

About DHgate

Founded in 2004, DHgate has become the leading B2B cross-border e-commerce marketplace in China, boasting over 34 million live listings annually. Through their global operations and offices, including in the USA and UK, DHgate reaches millions of people with trusted products and services. As of December 31, 2022, DHgate served more than 59.6 million registered buyers from 225 countries and regions, connecting them to over 2.54 million sellers in China and other countries.

For more information, please visit DHgate.com and follow @DHgate.com .

About MyyShop

MyyShop is a pioneering social commerce platform launched by DHGATE Group that provides an effortless selling experience on social media. The platform aims to empower different types of creatorsfrom nano to mega-influencersto turn their social media influence and passion for content creation into thriving online businesses. Equipped with MyyShop's social commerce and online store creation toolkit and resources, creators can quickly identify viral or in-demand products, leverage MyyShop's AI-powered product recommendations based on shoppers' interests and sales trends, build a customized online shopfront and earn commission through social commerce sales. Creators can also efficiently create their own personalized product lines through MyyShop's centralized platform and extensive network of verified cross-border suppliers and manufacturers.

For more information, please visit MyyShop.com and follow @MyyShopOfficial.

About The Inner Mountain Foundation

The Inner Mountain Foundation promotes the empowerment of women through education, community, and outreach. We are led by our Founder and Chairperson Diane Wang, who first articulated the principles of Inner Mountain Thinking in her 2024 book, The Inner Mountain. As a global foundation and women's empowerment community, we invest in impact-making educational resources that we seek to make as broadly accessible as possible. Our goal is to focus the work of the Inner Mountain on the soft skills training that we believe helps equip women to be their greatest, most empowered selves across their most wholly integrated life (connecting the self with work, family, community, and legacy).

About APEC Women Connect

Founded in 2016, APEC Women Connect is an APEC-endorsed program initiated by Ms. Diane Wang, the China Representative on the APEC Business Advisory Council, Chair of the APEC Women Leadership Forum, Co-Chair of WiBAC of B20 Indonesia, and Founder, Chairperson and CEO of DHgate.com. APEC Women Connect aims to empower women, especially young women, to realize entrepreneurship via digital solutions through inspirational sharing, practical learning, effective recognition, and awards. APEC Women Connect has been included in the annual recommendation to the APEC Economic Leaders for three consecutive years. It has also been included in the annual recommendation to G20 Leaders by B20 for two consecutive years.

SOURCE DHGATE Group
With a high-volume delivery going out on schedule, Essence SmartCare demonstrates the resilience of their production capacity despite regional obstacles

HERZLIYA, Israel, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Essence SmartCare, a global leader in IoT-based remote care solutions headquartered in Israel, today announced the successful delivery of 140,000 Care@Home senior monitoring devices to fulfill its major tender win with the Community of Madrid, a governmental region in Spain serving Madrid and surrounding cities. This milestone comes after the transformative deal was unveiled earlier this year, in which Essence SmartCare was selected as the sole provider of senior care technology for over 100,000 seniors in the Madrid region.

Essence SmartCare Completes Shipment of 140K Remote Care Devices to the Community of Madrid

This achievement underscores the resilience of Essence Group, as it continues to drive key business objectives. This shipment of Care@Home systems, that was all delivered in one day, is in accordance with a pre-determined supply schedule to meet the requirements of the Community of Madrid in providing advanced care technologies to allow seniors to live more independently.

"Our operations and production teams have been working tirelessly to ensure that we fulfil our commitments to customers regardless of circumstances," said Dr. Haim Amir, CEO of Essence Group. "We are constantly striving to find innovative solutions to problems and situations that may seem impossible to overcome, while remaining fully committed to our customers' needs and ensuring continuity in the long run."

In October 2022, the Community of Madrid announced plans to acquire hundreds of thousands of technological devices to implement advanced telecare in the region, with Essence as the technological backbone ensuring residents of Madrid receive high quality remote care. As per the agreement, Essence SmartCare will supply a comprehensive range of devices, including its LTE digital hubs, wearable and contactless fall detectors, smoke and gas detection, as well as sensors that monitor seniors' activity.

"This milestone is a significant step for our company that reflects our ongoing commitment to meet our global mission to enable higher quality remote care," added Barak Katz, General Manager of Essence SmartCare. "It is thrilling to see advanced care solutions being embraced on such a large scale by the Community of Madrid. Our devices are vital for the wellbeing of vulnerable and senior populations; we know this shipment will help a significant number of residents in the region to safely age in place."

Essence SmartCare is resolute in its mission to deliver innovative solutions that empower individuals to age independently and improve the level of care provided by caregivers and healthcare professionals in the Community of Madrid and beyond.

About Essence SmartCare

Essence SmartCare, part of the Essence Group, develops advanced health and remote monitoring platforms for market-leading healthcare and senior care providers, enabling smart preventive care and emergency response so seniors can live life to the fullest  with total peace of mind. Partnering with Essence SmartCare helps position companies as progressive, forward-thinking and in touch with the need to enable elderly and vulnerable people to lead more independent and safer lives. Essence SmartCare has a global presence with customers in over 30 countries and has offices and representatives worldwide.

For more information: www.essencesmartcare.com

Follow Essence Group on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook

Essence Media Contact:

Mushkie Meyer

Headline Media

[email protected]

UK: +44 203 769 4034

US: +19143364035

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2276331/Essence_SmartCare_Madrid.jpg

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1549743/Essence_SmartCare_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Essence SmartCare
Geekplus, beside partners Asda Logistics, AMH Material Handling and Dr. Max Romania , has been recognized as the best project in three different ACEA award categories: The Unipart Logistics Digital Transformation Award, The Healthcare & Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Excellence Award, and the Visku Team of the Year Award

, has been recognized as the best project in three different ACEA award categories: The Unipart Logistics Digital Transformation Award, The Healthcare & Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Excellence Award, and the Visku Team of the Year Award It's the fifth Supply Chain Excellence Award in a row for Geekplus

LONDON, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Geekplus, the global leader in autonomous mobile robots, has been awarded for the fifth time in a row in its short history with another Supply Chain Excellence Award. Geekplus received top awards in three categories.

The Healthcare & Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Excellence Award recognizes projects that have positively impacted patient health. Geekplus won the award in partnership with Dr. Max Romania for optimizing the e-commerce delivery and retail fulfillment of pharmaceuticals in order to improve delivery efficiency and boost customer centricity.

Geekplus projects win in three categories in the 2023 Supply Chain Excellence Awards (PRNewsfoto/Geek+)

Sorin David, supply chain director for Dr. Max Romania, said, "This type of technology in our e-commerce operations brings us a more efficient response for Romanian patients, including during overloaded periods, when the efficiency is expected to increase by 200 percent. Therefore, being recognized for the Healthcare and Pharma SCEA makes us proud of fulfilling our customer satisfaction, which is the most important for us." David added that "we are working with Geekplus to replicate the success of this project in other Dr. Max warehouses in Europe with the wide range of Geekplus solutions."

SCEA recognized Geekplus's collaboration with Asda and AMH with the Unipart Logistics Digital Transformation Award and the prestigious Visku Team of the Year Award. Past winners of the team of the year award include the NHS supply chain team for its efforts distributing personal protective equipment after the outbreak of Covid-19.

"Winning another SCEA in a row is a very valuable recognition for our brand and shows the satisfaction for the great work done beside our partners," said Lit Fung, VP and Managing Director, International Business at Geekplus. "ASDA and Dr. Max have trusted our Shelf-To-Person solution to improve their intralogistics operation at their warehouses. Our commitment is to deliver the quality they need to fulfil with their business operations."

For these projects, Asda and Dr. Max utilized the Geekplus Shelf-to-Person system, its flagship mobile robotics solution. This solution is easy, scalable, and allows robots to be added or removed according to business fluctuations and facilitates warehouse relocation. This flexibility is a true asset during the peak season.

Now in its 26th year, the Supply Chain Excellence Awards is the benchmark for supply chain best practices, attracting entries from across the UK and Europe. The awards are renowned for their rigorous judging process; entrants receive valuable feedback from award judges with more than 250 years of combined experience. The recognition made by this award supports SCEA's aim of helping customers in their business operations toward the use of innovative AMR technology.

About Geekplus

Geekplus is a global technology company leading the intelligent logistics revolution. We apply advanced robotics and AI technologies to realize flexible, reliable, and highly efficient solutions for warehouses and supply chain management. Geekplus is trusted by over 500 global industry leaders and has been recognized as the world leader in autonomous mobile robots. Founded in 2015, Geekplus has over 1500 employees, with offices in Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, Japan, South Korea, Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, and Singapore.

For more information, please visit: https://www.geekplus.com/

For inquiries, please contact:

Christian Borrmann

Head of Marketing EMEA

[email protected]

Tel: +49 1725123167

Jon Ross

Global communications manager

[email protected]

Tel: +1 470 964 0998

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2275196/Geekplus_1.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2275197/4401058/Geek_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Geek+
NEW YORK, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- GenNx360 Capital Partners is pleased to announce that its portfolio company, Aero 3, Inc. ("Aero 3"), has acquired Skywheels, Ltd. ("Skywheels" or "the Company"). Headquartered in Cheshire, England, Skywheels is a provider of wheel and brake repair and overhaul services for the global aviation industry. Founded in 1996, Skywheels services all aircraft types and OEM systems, and focuses on the UK and European markets.

Skywheels will become part of Aero 3, consisting of AeroRepair, Aircrafters and Hemico. The AeroRepair companies provide full-service aircraft wheel, brake, battery and landing gear repair and overhaul services for the commercial, corporate and general aviation industry. Aircrafters is an aftermarket distributor of Collins wheel and brake material and maintains an extensive parts inventory and rotable exchange pool to service the global aircraft market. Skywheels will join Aero 3's ten (10) North American locations and become the platform to further expand Aero 3's presence in the UK and EMEA markets.

"We are excited that Aero 3 has selected Skywheels to be their UK and European partner. Skywheels is an established and respected provider of comparable services and will be a perfect launch pad for Aero 3. Our management teams have been familiar with one another for many years and share a similar culture and goal to be the premier service provider in our respective markets," said Neil Morris, co-owner of Skywheels. Mr. Morris added, "The collective services offered by the combined entities and global reach will be of great value to their growing customer base."

"Our Aircrafters division has grown exponentially in the UK and our acquisition of Skywheels demonstrates our intention to provide the same comprehensive array of services in the UK and Europe that we provide in North America. Our UK and European customers can now streamline their supply chain by utilizing a single source for their wheel and brake parts, repair and overhaul and exchange pool needs. We are excited to welcome Skywheels' leadership and skilled technicians to our growing global family," added Daniel Bell, Chief Executive Officer and President of Aero 3.

We are excited that Aero 3 has selected Skywheels to be their UK and European partner. Post this

Daphne Dufresne, the GenNx360 Managing Partner who leads the Aero 3 investment said, "We are pleased to assist the Aero 3 team on its continued positive growth trajectory. The Skywheels acquisition is highly strategic. We are excited about the expansion of Aero 3 into the UK which will enable us to better serve our global customer base."

The GenNx360 Aero 3 team includes Pratik Rajeevan, Principal and Peter White, Vice President.

About Aero 3, Inc.

Aero 3, Inc. is the parent company of AeroRepair, Aircrafters, and Hemico. AeroRepair is a leading independent maintenance, repair and overhaul ("MRO") platform in North America with a focus on wheels, brakes, batteries and landing gear. AeroRepair services a highly attractive and diverse group of mainline and regional airlines, cargo and charter operators and corporate fleets throughout its network of ten (10) North American facilities. Aircrafters is an aftermarket distributor of Collins wheel and brake materials, maintaining one of the largest rotable exchange pools of in-stock wheel and brake components and assemblies and is a global trader of related components. Hemico is a PMA engineered solutions provider for non-wheel and brake components for the aviation industry. Aero 3 companies provide wheel and brake solutions, including asset management and logistics services through their company owned fleet of trucks servicing their North American network. For more information, please contact [email protected].

About GenNx360 Capital Partners

GenNx360 Capital Partners is a private equity firm focused on investing in middle market business services and industrial companies. GenNx360 partners with companies having proven and sustainable business models in expanding industries, with the objective of implementing and supporting value enhancing organic and inorganic initiatives to accelerate growth, deliver efficiencies and generate strong financial returns. GenNx360 was founded in 2006 and is headquartered in New York City. For more information, please visit www.gennx360.com.

For media inquiries about this press release, please contact:

GenNx360 Capital Partners

Carmen Rojas, Director of Investor Relations

Email: [email protected]

Tel: +1 212.257.6772

SOURCE GenNx360 Capital Partners
DUBLIN , Nov. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Global Customer Experience (CX) Outsourced Market (2023 Edition) - Analysis By Service Channel, End-User, By Region, By Country: Drivers, Trends and Forecast to 2029" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The Global Customer Experience (CX) outsourcing Market is expected to generate USD 173.68 Billion by the end of 2029, up from USD 90.87 Billion in 2022. During the forecast period, 2024-2029, the Global Customer Experience (CX) Outsourced Market is expected to expand at a CAGR of ~10%.

The Global Customer Experience (CX) outsourced Market has been analyzed for the historical period of 2019-2022, the estimated year 2023 and the forecast period of 2024-2029. The report analyses the market by Americas (United States, Canada, Brazil, Rest of Americas), Europe (UK, Germany, France, Spain, Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India), Middle East and Africa.



The CX outsourcing industry is experiencing significant growth, thanks in part to major companies adapting to changing requirements. In today's consumer-centric market, the demand for outsourced CX services is steadily rising, with customer experience (CX) gaining prominence in corporate strategies.

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of a comprehensive CX and resilient contact center operation. Companies have recognized that prioritizing CX is essential to meeting customer expectations and ensuring business resilience.

Technological advancements are driving a transformation in the Customer Experience (CX) Outsourcing Market. From artificial intelligence (AI) and automation to cloud-based solutions, CX outsourcing providers are leveraging technology to redefine customer support services.

Notably, the integration of AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants stands out as a significant development. These intelligent tools enable instant responses to customer queries, leading to improved response times and customer satisfaction. Chatbots handle routine inquiries, allowing human agents to focus on more complex interactions, enhancing efficiency and cost savings.

Technological innovations, including AI, automation, big data analytics, and cloud solutions, are reshaping how businesses approach customer support services. As CX outsourcing providers embrace these advancements, they are poised to deliver exceptional, personalized customer experiences, solidifying their role as a vital component of modern business strategies.

Scope of the Report:

The report analyses the Global Customer experience (CX) outsourcing Market by Value (USD Billion).

The report presents the analysis of Global Customer experience (CX) outsourcing Market for the historical period of 2019-2022, the estimated year 2023 and the forecast period of 2024-2029.

The report analyses the Global Customer experience (CX) outsourcing Market by service channel (Voice/Call Center Outsourced, social media/Chat/Web Outsourced, E-mail Outsourced, Other (Face-to-face, SMS/Mobile, etc.).

The report analyses the Global Customer experience (CX) outsourcing Market by End-user (BFSI, Retail & E-commerce, Travel/Hospitality & Cargo, Healthcare, Other (Automotive, Energy & Utilities, Media, Government, Technology, Insurance, Telecom, Video games, etc.).

The key insights of the report have been presented through the frameworks of SWOT and Porter's Five Forces Analysis. Also, the attractiveness of the market has been presented by region, by service channel, and by end-user.

Also, the major opportunities, trends, drivers and challenges of the industry has been analyzed in the report.

The report tracks competitive developments, strategies, mergers and acquisitions and new product development.

Strategic Recommendations

Handling the workforce in a B2B CX environment

Opting for an appropriate outsourcing model for B2B

Competitive Positioning

Companies' Product Positioning

Market Position Matrix

Client Concentration by Major Key Players : Customer Experience (CX) Outsourced Market

Global Customer Experience (CX) Outsourced Market: Top 10 market players & Teleperformance's AI implementation experience

Market Share Analysis of Customer Experience (CX) Outsourced Screening Market

Company Profiles

Atento

Teleperformance SE

TTEC Holdings, Inc.

Startek, Inc.

Concentrix Corporation

Webhelp

Majorel

Transcom WorldWide AB

Serco

Syskes Enterprises

Industry Ecosystem Analysis

Macro-Economic Factor Assessment

Value Chain Analysis

Porter's Five Forces Model

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/n5thbn

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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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Research and Markets

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SOURCE Research and Markets
DUBLIN, Nov. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Global Pharmaceutical Contract Manufacturing Market - Forecast to 2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

Pharmaceutical contract manufacturing (PCM) global market is expected to grow at a mid single digit CAGR from 2023 to 2030 to reach $100,102.8 million by 2030.

The global pharmaceutical market is experiencing rapid growth, with key areas such as research and development, manufacturing, and formulation evolving significantly. Several factors contribute to this growth, including a rising global population, an increase in chronic diseases like infectious diseases, oncology, and cardiovascular disorders, and a substantial rise in healthcare spending. Moreover, the pharmaceutical industry is witnessing a surge in collaborations, mergers, and acquisitions, further fueling its expansion.

To meet the escalating demand and address various challenges, many pharmaceutical companies are turning to contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs). These companies rely on CMOs for manufacturing, leveraging their advanced facilities, technologies, and high containment capabilities. Even when pharmaceutical companies have their own facilities, they often outsource production to CMOs to save time and have a backup manufacturing option.

This growing trend of outsourcing manufacturing to CMOs benefits both pharmaceutical companies and service providers. It allows pharmaceutical firms to concentrate on their core strengths while entrusting manufacturing to specialized CMOs. Consequently, this trend is expected to boost the pharmaceutical manufacturing market share. Contract pharmaceutical manufacturing services primarily focus on manufacturing Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) and Finished Dosage Formulations (FDF).

Factors such as increased outsourcing, high adoption of small molecule drugs across diverse therapeutic areas, patent expiration, and the increasing use of the 505(b)(2) pathway for small molecule drugs are driving the pharmaceutical contract manufacturing global market. Advanced technologies in API and FDF manufacturing, rising R&D expenditures, capacity and capability expansion in advanced Highly Potent APIs and Complex Molecules platforms are providing significant opportunities for market growth.

However, challenges such as pharmaceutical product contamination (API and FDF), pricing pressure, the need for highly skilled technicians, the increasing adoption of biologics in disease management, stringent regulatory policies, and environmental concerns are hindering the growth of the pharmaceutical contract manufacturing global market.

North America is the largest revenue contributor in 2023 and is expected to grow at a mid-single-digit CAGR from 2023 to 2030. Factors driving this growth include increasing pharma R&D expenditure, the development of new drugs, approvals of generics, a significant number of API manufacturing facilities, and government support for expanding domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities. The rise in patients with various chronic disorders, strategic partnerships between pharma companies and contract manufacturers, and the launch of advanced CDMO services also contribute to the region's growth.

The Asia-Pacific region is anticipated to grow at a high single-digit CAGR from 2023 to 2030. Key drivers include the increasing production of generic pharmaceuticals, a network of pharma companies with extensive manufacturing facilities, expanding outsourcing to CMOs, new drug development, government investments in the pharmaceutical industry, and more.

For example, India, with over 3,000 pharmaceutical companies and a robust network of more than 10,500 manufacturing facilities, plays a significant role in this growth. Additionally, Europe's outsourcing of production to India and China to reduce labor costs and energy expenditure contributes to the region's expansion.

For instance, in June 2021, Government announced an additional outlay of $26,578.3 million for the pharmaceutical PLI scheme in 13 key sectors such as active pharmaceutical ingredients, drug intermediaries and key starting materials, increasing disease population, raising investment by the companies to expand their capabilities are driving the pharmaceutical contract manufacturing market in the region.

Major Companies: Overview, Financials, Product Portfolio, Key Developments, Business Strategy, SWOT Analysis

Abbvie Inc.

Asymchem Laboratories ( Tianjin ) Co. Ltd

) Co. Ltd Cambrex Corporation

Curia

Delpharm - Delriv

Lonza Group Ltd

Porton Pharma Solutions Ltd

Recipharm Ab

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc

Wuxi Apptec Co. Ltd.

Key Topics Covered:

1 Executive Summary

2 Introduction

2.1 Key Takeaways

2.2 Scope of the Report

2.3 Report Description

2.4 Markets Covered

2.5 Stakeholders

2.6 Research Methodology

3 Market Analysis

3.1 Introduction

3.2 Market Segmentation

3.3 Factors Influencing Market

3.3.1 Drivers and Opportunities

3.3.1.1 Increased Trend of Outsourcing

3.3.1.2 High Uptake of Small Molecules Across Diverse Therapeutics

3.3.1.3 Patent Expiration and Increasing Adoption of 505(B)(2) Pathway of Small Molecules Drugs

3.3.1.4 Increasing R&D Expenditures

3.3.1.5 Capacity and Capability Expansion in Advanced Highly Potent Apis and Complex Molecules Platforms

3.3.1.6 Advanced Technologies in API and Fdf Manufacturing

3.3.2 Restraints and Threats

3.3.2.1 Contamination in the Manufacturing Process

3.3.2.2 Requirement of Highly Skilled Technicians

3.3.2.3 Adoption of Biologics in Disease Management and Increasing Regulatory Approvals

3.3.2.4 Stringent Regulatory Requirements

3.4 Regulatory Affairs

3.5 Porter's Five Force Analysis

3.6 Supply Chain Analysis

3.7 Market Share Analysis

3.7.1 Pharma Contract Manufacturing Global Market Share Analysis

3.7.2 Market Share Analysis of API Manufacturing by Major Players

3.7.3 Market Share Analysis of Fdf Manufacturing by Major Players

3.8 Technological Advancements

3.8.1 Introduction

3.8.2 Advanced Technologies for API Manufacturing

3.8.3 Advanced Technologies for Fdf Manufacturing

3.9 Differentiated Capabilities

3.9.1 Hpapi

3.9.2 Continuous Flow Manufacturing

3.9.3 Cryogenic Manufacturing Process

3.1 Controlled Substance API Contract Manufacturing Market

3.11 Patent Expiry and Anda Approvals

3.12 Drug Master Filing (Dmf)

3.13 API Pricing

3.14 Cost of Manufacturing Facility

3.15 Fda Approved API Manufacturing Units

3.16 Fda Approval Drugs With Type of Dosage Form

3.17 Deals in Pharmaceutical Companies and Contract Manufacturers

3.18 Acquisition

3.19 Expansion

3.2 Collaboration and Investment

3.21 Global Pharmaceutical API Cmo Production Volume

3.22 China V/S India: Pharmaceutical Contract Manufacturing Market

3.22.1 India

3.22.2 China

3.23 Pharmaceutical Contract Manufacturers Revenue and Capabilities

4 Pharmaceutical Contract Manufacturing Global Market, Based on Product

4.1 Introduction

4.2 API Manufacturing

4.2.1 Branded API Manufacturing

4.2.2 Generic API Manufacturing

4.3 Finished Dosage Form (Fdf) Manufacturing

4.3.1 Solid Dosage Forms

4.3.1.1 Tablets

4.3.1.2 Capsules

4.3.1.3 Other Solid Dosage Forms (Granules and Powders)

4.3.2 Injectables Dosage Forms

4.3.3 Semisolid, Liquid and Gaseous Dosage Forms

4.3.3.1 Semisolids

4.3.3.2 Liquids

4.3.3.3 Gaseous

5 Pharmaceutical Contract Manufacturing Global Market, Based on Phase

5.1 Introduction

5.2 Clinical Manufacturing

5.3 Commercial Manufacturing

6 Pharmaceutical Contract Manufacturing Global Market, Based on Application

6.1 Introduction

6.2 Oncology

6.3 Central Nervous System

6.4 Cardiovascular Diseases

6.5 Infectious Diseases

6.6 Pulmonary Diseases

6.7 Metabolic Disorders

6.8 Gastrointestinal Diseases

6.9 Musculoskeletal Diseases

6.1 Genitourinary Diseases

6.11 Endocrine Diseases

6.12 Other Applications (Anesthesia, Autoimmune Diseases, Opthalmology, Dental, Pain Management, Gynaecology, Dermatology, and Ent)

7 Regional Analysis

7.1 Introduction

7.2 North America

7.2.1 U.S.

7.2.2 Rest of North America

7.3 Europe

7.3.1 Germany

7.3.2 France

7.3.3 Italy

7.3.4 Rest of Europe

7.4 Apac

7.4.1 China

7.4.2 India

7.4.3 Japan

7.4.4 Rest of Apac

7.5 Row

7.5.1 Brazil

7.5.2 Rest of Latam

7.5.3 Middle East & Others

8 Competitive Landscape

8.1 Introduction

8.2 Expansion

8.3 Agreements & Collaboration

8.4 Acquisition

Companies Mentioned

AbbVie Inc.(AbbVie Contract Manufacturing)

ACIC Pharmaceuticals

Adare Pharmaceuticals

Adragos Pharma GmbH

Aenova Group GmbH

AGC Inc. (AGC Pharma Chemicals)

Agno Pharma

Alcami Corporation, Inc

Almac Group

ANI Pharmaceuticals

Aphena Pharma Solutions

Ardena Holding NV

Artesan Pharma GmbH

Asymchem Laboratories ( Tianjin ) Co., Ltd

) Co., Ltd Avara pharmaceutical services Inc.

Axplora

Bachem holding AG

BioDuro-Sundia

BioVectra Inc

Bluepharma

C.O.C. Farmaceutici Srl

Cerbios Pharma S.A.

ChemCon GmbH

Chemineau

CordenPharma International( Germany )

) Curia

Custom pharma services

Delpharm

Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Ltd (Aurigene Pharmaceutical Services Limited)

Elaiapharm SAS

EUROAPI

Eurofins Scientific

Evonik Industries AG

Fabbrica Italiana Sintetici S.p.A.

Fuji Chemical Industry CO.,LTD( Japan )

) GAP Pharmaceuticals

GP Pharm SA

Grand River Aseptic Manufacturing

Groupe Parima Inc.

Heraeus Holding GmbH

Hiray Pharma Solutions

Hovione

Icrom SpA

JSC Grindeks (HBM pharma s.r.o)

Jubilant Pharma

Kwizda Pharma GmbH.

LGM Pharma, LLC

Lonza Group

Merck KGAa

Mikart, LLC

Mint lifesciences Pvt Ltd.

Neolpharma Inc.

Neolpharma Pharmaceutical Group

Nextar Chempharma Solutions Ltd.

NextPharma Technologies Holding Limited

Nipro Corporation

Olon S.p.A.

PCI Pharma Services

Pfizer Inc. (Pfizer CentreOne)

PharmaBlock Sciences Nanjing Inc

Pharmaron Beijing Co., Limited

Phyton biotech LLC

PI Industries

Pierre Fabre

Pillar5 Pharma Inc

Piramal Pharma Limited

Polpharma Group B.V. (Polpharma API CDMO)

Polypeptide

Polypeptide group

Porton Pharma Solutions Ltd

PSM GmbH

PYRAMID Laboratories, Inc.(U.S.)

Quotient Sciences

Recipharm AB

Regis Technologies

Rottendorf Pharma

R-Pharm Germany GmbH

Sai life science Ltd.

Saurav Chemicals Ltd

ScinoPharm Taiwan Ltd.

Selkirk Pharma

Seqens SAS

SGS S.A. ( Quay Pharma)

Siegfried Holdings AG

SK pharmteco (AMPAC Fine Chemicals)

Societal CDMO

Solvias AG

Stason Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(Western PharmSci)

Sterling Pharma Solutions

Surepharma Services Ltd

Synokem Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Thermofisher Scientific (Patheon N.V.)

UBI Pharma Inc.

UPM Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Upperton Pharma Solutions

Valpharma S.p.A

Veranova

Wuxi Apptec

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/fr9z55

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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SOURCE Research and Markets
It was another evening to remember at the Planet OMEGA exhibition on Friday, as Daniel Craig made a special guest appearance at the showcase in New York

Following Thursdays Opening Night event with Nicole Kidman, Daniel was the latest OMEGA ambassador to visit the display, now on at the Chelsea Factory.

Planet OMEGA brings the Swiss brands renowned watchmaking history to life, with a line-up of iconic timepieces from past and present. Open until November 19, its a chance to experience OMEGAs rich DNA, with six unique areas dedicated to Sport and Olympic Games, Space, Ocean, James Bond, Friends, and Precision.

Raynald Aeschlimann, President and CEO of OMEGA, was also at the cocktail event, and showed Daniel through the exhibition. He said, We cant talk about OMEGA without mentioning James Bond. The spy has been wearing our watches since 1995, so Im delighted that Daniel could be here today. During his five 007 films, hes really helped to highlight the precision, style, and reliability of OMEGA, and hes even been a part of our design process.

Raynald Aeschlimann & Daniel Craig  Omega

Daniel Craig has been an OMEGA ambassador ever since he took the role of James Bond for Casino Royale in 2006. During his visit to the Planet OMEGA exhibition, he was able to see many of the most recognisable Seamaster models that have appeared in over 25 years of films. That includes the very Seamaster Diver 300M he recently wore in No Time To Die  a movie prop that is on loan from the OMEGA Museum in Switzerland.

Speaking at the event in New York, Daniel said, Ive long admired OMEGAs timeless designs, and I love how this exhibition shows the authentic connection between their vintage watches and their latest models. Its a perfect way to demonstrate the unique essence of the brand.

Daniel Craig  Omega

The Planet OMEGA exhibition is filled with watches and stories from across the decades. Some of the highlights to see up close include other James Bond models, such as the Seamaster Diver 300M from The World Is Not Enough in 1999, as well as the animated 60th anniversary edition that was launched last year.

The exhibition will remain open to the public from November 10  19, from Monday to Sunday, 11am to 7pm, at the Chelsea Factory, 547 W 26th Street. Visitors are encouraged to book their place in advance.
BEIJING, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Under the guidance of Chinese President Xi Jinping, China has seen historic changes in ecological conservation, upholding the belief that lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets, a core concept of Xi's Thought on Ecological Civilization.

In the practice of ecological civilization construction, there are numerous vivid examples, whether in the battles for blue skies, clean waters, and green forests, as well as wildlife protection. Many touching stories have emerged from these practices.

On November 14, at the Global Media Congress held in Abu Dhabi, the UAE, a representative from the People's Daily shared the newspaper's reports on ecological civilization, which sparked enthusiastic responses from the audience. Particularly attention-grabbing were three stories, which not only deeply impressed the audience with informative details and poetic writing, but also showcased a microcosm of China's construction of ecological civilization, as well as the power of the media in the process.

The three stories narrated how a village achieved a win-win outcome for both the economy and the environment through ecological protection and sustainable development, underscored the necessity of every individual becoming a protector, builder, and beneficiary of the environment, and demonstrated how systematic and scientific environmental protection work and media promotion can lead to significant transformations.

In recent years, the People's Daily has been committed to telling China's ecological stories and showcasing the achievements of China's ecological civilization construction. As efforts to strengthen ecological civilization construction continue, and as progress is steadily made toward achieving dual carbon goals, more such ecological cases are expected to emerge. These cases will become vibrant stories in the new era, underlining the country's commitment and advancements in environmental sustainability.

First Story: A village's transformation

Yucun village is located in Anji county of East China's Zhejiang Province. The village was plagued by pollution and safety issues more than 20 years ago, as people there blew up mountains for mining purposes and built cement factories, which filled the sky with smoke and dust, and made streams cloudy.

In 2003, Xi Jinping, who was the then secretary of the Zhejiang Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), launched the "Thousand Villages Demonstration and Ten Thousand Villages Renovation" project for better green development. After the implementation of this project, Yucun village made up its mind to shut down its polluted mines and cement factories.

How could Yucun village then be further developed? In August 2005, Xi proposed that "clear waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets," during a visit to Yucun. Yucun implemented this concept and started making efforts in greening and beautifying the village. It gradually developed into a tourist destination with beautiful scenery all year round, and was included in a list of 44 villages from 32 countries termed the "Best Tourism Villages" by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

From "selling stones (mineral products)" to "selling scenery," the clear waters and verdant mountains have become a source of income for the villagers of Yucun. Yucun village received 700,000 tourists in 2022, and the per capita income of the local villagers reached 64,000 yuan ($8,780).

Fifteen years later, President Xi revisited Yucun village in March 2020 during an inspection trip to Zhejiang. Seeing the changes there along the way, he said that the development of Yucun proves that green development is the right path, which should be carried on into the future.

Great changes have taken place in many villages in China including Yucun. The "Thousand Villages Demonstration and Ten Thousand Villages Renovation" project, which has resulted in thousands of beautiful villages and benefited lots of Chinese farmers through its green development concept, was awarded the Champion of the Earth award, the UN's highest environmental honor.

"Clear waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets" has become a broad consensus in today's China. In the new era, China has accelerated the transformation of its development mode into a green and low-carbon one, optimizing its industrial and energy structures, and advocated a green and low-carbon lifestyle. Today, China ranks first in the world in the scale of renewable energy development and utilization, and in the production and sales of new energy vehicles.

The story of Yuncun village demonstrates that to protect the environment is to protect productive forces, and to improve the environment is to develop productive forces, said the People's Daily representative.

To promote ecological civilization, we must scientifically grasp the dialectical unity between development and protection, and firmly establish and practice the concept that "clear waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets," said the representative.

Also, to do a good job in covering China's ecological civilization, Chinese journalists must adhere to Xi Jinping's Thought on Ecological Civilization as a guide and stand from the height of harmonious coexistence between man and nature, the representative added.

Second Story: Blue sky diary

Wang Ruchun, a 78-year-old retired worker in Shijiazhuang, North China's Hebei Province, is a shutterbug. Wang had been photographing the same piece of sky every morning since New Year's Day in 2014.

But why is he so obsessed with photographing the sky? In the earlier years, some areas in northern China were frequently plagued by large-scale and severe haze in autumn and winter, and the fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) became a major concern for people.

"At that time, I rarely captured the blue skies and white clouds in my camera," Wang recalled. "After the Chinese government launched the Three-Year Action Plan for Winning the Blue Sky Defense Battle, there were more and more blue skies."

A set of data echoed Wang's "sky dairy." The number of good air quality days in 2013 was only 43, but it increased to 234 in 2022.

People's Daily reporters covered and followed up on Wang's story, a vivid example showcasing the continuous improvement of China's air quality and environment. On June 5, 2022, the World Environment Day that year, the People's Daily released a multimedia story titled "Sky Diary: 3,000 photos record improvements to air quality in northern Chinese city of Shijiazhuang." The story became a hot search topic on social media, with many of Chinese netizens sharing photos of the blue skies of their hometowns.



In a response to netizens' demands, the People's Daily and Chinese Ministry of Ecology and Environment jointly launched a photography activity that invited Chinese netizens to take more photos of the blue skies of their hometowns. The activity received more than 300 million views.



As a netizen commented, where there is effort, there will be returns. Blue skies and white clouds don't lie. A set of convincing data released by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment showed that China has become the fastest country in the world to improve air quality. In 2022, 86.5 percent of the days in Chinese cities at prefecture level and above registered good air quality, and the number of days with heavy pollution fell to less than 1 percent for the first time.



In China, "the environment is the people's livelihood, the greenery of the mountains is beauty, and the blue sky is happiness" has become a societal consensus.



The sky diary story affirms that a good ecological environment is indispensable to the conservation of people's livelihoods. The construction of ecological civilization can best bring a sense of direct benefit to the people, and when the environment is improved, people have a more profound lived experience.



It's necessary to let everyone become the protector, builder, and beneficiary of the ecological environment in the process of promoting ecological civilization, said the People's Daily representative.



To do a good job in ecological civilization reporting, Chinese journalists must tell the stories of people excellently and share the sense of direct benefit among ordinary people, so that the broader audience can resonate, the representative noted.



Third Story: A sea of forests



The story of Saihanba is now well known throughout China, but once it was unfamiliar to most. This inspiring tale of decades of silent toil and guardianship over a forest became known to the world through a series of reports by the People's Daily.



The Saihanba Mechanized Forest Farm, located more than 400 kilometers from China's capital Beijing in the northernmost part of Hebei Province, was established in 1962. At that time, it was a desert wasteland, where "yellow sand hid the sun, and birds had no trees to perch on," with the average annual snow cover lasting seven months.



Chen Yanxian, now an octogenarian, represents the first generation of foresters. She recalled: "When we first arrived in Saihanba, we ate dark bread and drank water from melted snow, and I cannot count the number of difficulties we overcame."



Year after year, with generation after generation of steadfast commitment, Saihanba eventually became a man-made forest spanning a million acres, the largest of its kind in the world, creating a miraculous transformation from barren land to lush forest.



However, not many were aware of the touching story of the Saihanba farm. Upon discovering this lead, the People's Daily dispatched journalists for in-depth exploration and focused reporting.



From frontpage stories to key commentaries, from visual specials to integrated media products, and even a published book titled Beautiful Saihanba, the People's Daily told the remarkable story of Saihanba from all angles and perspectives.



On August 4, 2017, the newspaper published a front-page headline article "Saihanba: An Example of Ecological Civilization Construction," which stated, "Plants and trees do not speak, but walking in Saihanba, every blade of grass and tree reminds us: There is no substitute for the ecological environment, unnoticed when present, but sorely missed when lost Mountains and rivers do not talk, but walking in Saihanba, every hill and stream tells us: Lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets; they are gold and silver mountains in themselves."



An editorial published that same day mentioned that the half-century of glorious achievements of Saihanba is a vivid microcosm of green development and a classic example of ecological civilization construction.



The commentator's observation on that day also concluded that "time will not fail anyone. The story of Saihanba tells us that as long as we can sow the seeds and see the roots, we can ultimately build firm ecological barriers and write green legends."



Today, the miracle created by the people of Saihanba is widely celebrated, having received the United Nations' highest environmental honor, the "Champion of the Earth" award in 2017.



In August 2021, President Xi went on an inspection tour of Saihanba. Speaking with staff representatives of the farm, Xi praised generations of workers there for embodying the Saihanba Spirit through concrete actions. The Saihanba Spirit emphasizes staying true to the original aspiration, being hardworking and enterprising, and pursuing green development.



The story of Saihanba is just a microcosm of China's efforts to restore its ecosystems. Over the last decade, China has planted 10.2 billion acres of trees. About one-quarter of the global increase in green area since the beginning of this century comes from China.



The Saihanba story teaches us that advancing ecological civilization construction depends not only on material strength but also on spiritual power. To properly report on ecological civilization, it is essential to elucidate the scientific method of coordinating the management of mountains, rivers, forests, fields, lakes, grasslands, and sands, to apply a systematic approach, and to master the combination of integrated reporting techniques, the representative said.

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202311/1301816.shtml

SOURCE Global Times
BEIJING, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Chinese people believe that letters are as valuable as gold. For thousands of years, letters, across mountains and oceans, have been delivering the writers' sentiments, friendship, and expectations.

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, has managed to find time to reply to some letters from different parts of the society and the world despite his busy work schedule. Xi is also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission.

Through his letters, Xi has corresponded with international friends from all walks of life on numerous occasions. His letters have also been delivered to "home" senders such as Chinese experts and artists. The Global Times traced and contacted some of the addressees of Xi's letters to hear the inspiring stories behind the letters.

This installment tells the story of letters exchanged between Xi and Matias Tarnopolsky, president and CEO of the Philadelphia Orchestra.

When Chinese President Xi Jinping replied to a letter from Matias Tarnopolsky, president and CEO of the Philadelphia Orchestra, on November 10, the friendship of half a century was further strengthened through the art of music. This not only reflects the importance that both sides attach to cultural exchanges, but also provides a good opportunity for cooperation and understanding between the two countries.

On the evening of November 10, the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) in Beijing hosted a concert titled "50 Years of Friendship" to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Philadelphia Orchestra's first visit to China in 1973. The concert was performed by the Philadelphia Orchestra and the China National Symphony Orchestra.

As the baton of Tristan Rais-Sherman, assistant conductor of the Philadelphia Orchestra, was raised, the Overture of Candide composed by American conductor Leonard Bernstein was played to unveil the performance. The spirited piece was followed by a tranquil Chinese melody, Two Springs Reflect the Moon, that both Chinese and American audiences were familiar with.

Ahead of Friday's special concert, the letter was read inside the concert hall, in which President Xi expressed hopes that orchestras and artists from China, the US, and across the world would persist in efforts to strengthen people-to-people ties between China and the US, and spread friendship among the peoples of the world. Tarnopolsky said he was honored and grateful.

The concert was held at a special moment as, on the other side of the NCPA, the ballet Giselle mounted by the American Ballet Theater was also in progress on the same day.

These cultural exchanges were held only several days ahead of the planned meeting of the heads of state of China and the US.

"It's going to be an important meeting, and we're very much looking forward to it and receiving President Xi in our country," Tarnopolsky said on the day of the concert.

During the interview after the inaugural performance in Beijing, Tarnopolsky told the Global Times that he was honored and grateful to receive the letter from Xi.

"It is an honor for the Philadelphia Orchestra to receive a letter from President Xi in this moment of 50 years of visits to China. And we're very grateful for the warmth of the welcome that the Philadelphia Orchestra always receives in China," he said.

"President Xi has recognized that is a very important gesture and encourages us to keep coming and keep playing music and making these connections with the people of China."

No matter how the world changes, he believes that there are neither hierarchies nor differences between people when it comes to music. "Music can give voice to ideas that words alone cannot convey," added the CEO.

Collaborative endeavor

Tarnopolsky firstly wrote to Xi, reviewing the history of the orchestra's ties with China and introducing the activities to be held in China in November to commemorate the 50th anniversary of its first China tour.

In return, President Xi wrote back to Tarnopolsky.

In his reply, President Xi said that he hopes the orchestra and artists from China, the US, and across the world will continue efforts to strengthen people-to-people ties between China and the US, and spread friendship among the peoples of the world.

Half a century ago, the orchestra's historic China tour marked a thaw in China-US cultural exchanges, which was a very important part in the normalization process of the two countries' diplomatic relations. Since then, the orchestra had visited China 12 times as an active cultural envoy, playing an instrumental role in strengthening China-US ties, Xi said.

Over the course of half a century, the orchestra has served as a dynamic cultural envoy between China and the US. Some of the musicians, such as Davyd Booth, were part of the ensemble since their first visit to China in 1973.

Ryan Fleur, executive director of the Philadelphia Orchestra, told the Global Times on Friday that the 50th anniversary celebration was a collaborative endeavor from both sides, which was made possible by the invitation from The Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries that has been their partner since 1973.

But the connection of the orchestra with China goes back even further: As early as the 1940s, the orchestra staged concerts to raise funds for China's Eighth Route Army led by the Communist Party of China (CPC), in their resistance against Japanese aggression during World War II.

"It was a great achievement. Both China and the US want to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the tour, which was a historic event. Music had a profound impact on people's lives, and the orchestras' performance in 1973 was a life-changing event for many people," Tarnopolsky told the Global Times in a previous interview.

Adding to that, the CEO gave a glimpse into the perceived future.

"We're planning the next 50 years. And we also have another Chinese Lunar New Year concert planned in Philadelphia, so we'll be celebrating Chinese Lunar New Year in January."

Exchanges beyond music

Visits by the Philadelphia Orchestra to China over the years have been very influential to musicians from the two countries. They not only get to share the same stage, but also have exchanges beyond the musical arena.

Fifty years has passed, contributions by two members of the then Central Philharmonic (now China National Symphony Orchestra), 90-year-old Zhu Xinren and 88-year-old Yang Shi, in training with US musicians continue to be unforgettable experiences.

Eugene Ormandy, the then conductor of the Philadelphia Orchestra until 1980, and other US musicians watched a performance by their Chinese counterparts on September 15, 1973. They showed great interest in the string ensemble Two Springs Reflect the Moon, which had just been adapted by Wu Zuqiang, leader of the composition group of the Central Philharmonic. The charm of Chinese melody immediately attracted them.

"They asked to get the score sheets in the hopes of performing it in the US. It was just finished a year before by Wu and the debut had made it possible for it to head to the US stage," violinist Zhu recalled.

Chinese conductor Li Delun led the Chinese orchestra in a performance of one movement from Beethoven's Fifth Symphony. He then handed his baton to Ormandy and requested that he conduct the next movement. Ormandy led the orchestra to thunderous applause.

"Music connects the world. He also praised us young performers for our strong receptivity. This can be said to have been a worldwide cooperation," said Zhu.

When musicians had talks after the performances, US musicians were particularly surprised when they saw the musical instruments that their Chinese counterparts held, recalled Yang.

At the time, the conditions under which our orchestra mounted performances were not good as instruments were broken or glued back together, and the scores were old handwritten ones and were pasted together. "They didn't expect that our musicians could play such good music with such instruments."

Musical instruments were given as gifts to each other. Chinese musicians were moved when their US counterparts presented them with instruments such as a clarinet, trumpet, flute, and a set of triangles, as well as scores of famous European and American composers, and hundreds of records and orchestra's professional books.

For the Central Philharmonic, which was facing a difficult period at the time, these instruments and materials solved the orchestra's urgent needs. Yang Shi said: "They sent us a batch of woodwind and brass instruments, which was a timely help. But the instruments we gave them also made them even more surprised and happy."

The Chinese musicians presented pipa, Chinese gongs, erhu, flower drums, and other national musical instruments that best represent Chinese music as gifts to US musicians. Zhu recalled: "The indispensable Chinese musical instrument is the gong. The gong we sent was custom-made by a master from Shandong. The diameter of the gong is 1.1 meters. Their gong is only 60 centimeters. So when they saw that we brought in such a big one, they were all shocked."

This past weekend, China again bestowed another gift to the Philadelphia Orchestra to mark the special occasion: A rare vinyl record of Yellow River.

As Yin Bo, deputy director of the China National Symphony Orchestra, noted on Friday, Chinese and American musicians will collaborate through music to foster cultural understanding among the youth of both nations.

"The gesture from President Xi was an acknowledgment and an incentive for most literary and art workers," Liu Zhiyong, deputy chief of the same orchestra said. "President Xi's reply letter conveyed his sincere aspiration for enhancing extensive cultural exchanges and cooperation between China and the US."

SOURCE Global Times
DUBLIN , Nov. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Commercial Unmanned Underwater Vehicles Growth Opportunities" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

This research delves into the realm of unmanned maritime systems (UMSs), with a particular focus on underwater unmanned vehicles (UUVs), highlighting their role in the global market landscape. Through a comprehensive analysis, this study shows the link between international developments and the evolving commercial UUV market. As a subset of UMS, UUVs have been on the market for longer than other unmanned maritime systems and experience a higher rate of adoption.

Currently valued at approximately $698.9 million, the commercial UMS market steadily surges forward with a notable yearly growth rate of 5.3%. The report predicts an impending ascent, forecasting the market to expand beyond $906.0 million by 2026. Predominantly driven by demand from the oil and gas industry, this surge underscores the important role UUVs are playing in the commercial world.

In summary, this study provides profound insights into the growth opportunities for manufacturers of UMSs and businesses looking to adopt these solutions. Information for this report was collected from internal databases, academic articles, industry publications, and in-depth interviews.

Key Topics Covered:

Strategic Imperatives

Growth Opportunity Analysis

Research Scope

Overview, Trends, and Challenges

Trends Shaping the Commercial UUV Market

UUV Platform Segmentation

Key Application Areas for Commercial UUV

Representative Industry Participants

Representative Commercial UUV Manufacturers

Growth Drivers

Growth Restraints

Growth Opportunity Universe

Growth Opportunity 1: AI to Enable Autonomous Underwater Infrastructure Inspections with UUVs

Growth Opportunity 2: UUVs for O&G Infrastructure Inspections

Growth Opportunity 3: UUVs for Maritime Research

Key Conclusions

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/ukczi5

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

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Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/539438/Research_and_Markets_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Research and Markets
SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- GrubMarket today announced the launch of Farm-GPT, a groundbreaking new generative artificial intelligence (AI) product designed to empower American farmers and growers with valuable data-driven insights for maximizing profits and optimizing crop selection. Farm-GPT harnesses the power of advanced AI and leverages the latest available pricing data from both the USDA and proprietary sources to assist farmers in making informed decisions about which commodities to cultivate based on market demand and revenue potential.

Investing in generative AI is imperative, given its potential to revolutionize the entire food supply ecosystem. As a leading technology enabler for the food supply chain industry, GrubMarket has charged ahead with developing new AI software solutions that will positively transform the American food supply chain industry. Farm-GPT, developed by GrubMarket, is the first generative AI software product to lead the way in operationalizing the technology to benefit the backbone of food production. Farm-GPT includes key features such as:

Data-Driven Decision Making: Farm-GPT utilizes real-time and historical nationwide pricing data to generate customized recommendations based on commodity revenue potential. This enables farmers to adapt to market fluctuations and make strategic choices to maximize profitability.

Seasonality and Region-Specific Recommendations: Understanding the unique challenges and opportunities presented by different regions and seasons, Farm-GPT tailors its recommendations for the location of the farmer's fields for the timeframe in question, taking into account variables such as climate and growing conditions. This ensures that farmers receive advice that is relevant and actionable throughout the year.

User-Friendly Interface: The Farm-GPT platform boasts an intuitive and user-friendly interface, making it accessible to farmers of all backgrounds. The application presents advice in a conversational format, allowing users to easily understand and implement the recommendations provided.

Real-Time Market Intelligence: Keeping pace with the dynamic nature of the agricultural sector, Farm-GPT utilizes machine learning algorithms to continuously learn and adapt to changing market dynamics and expanding datasets. This ensures that Farm-GPT's responses consistently take into account real-time market trends, staying relevant in the face of shifting economic and environmental factors.

"We are excited about the impact that Farm-GPT will have across the industry. The ability to synthesize massive amounts of wholesale pricing data is crucial to helping farmers generate the greatest possible value for their hard work. Farm-GPT will fundamentally transform the way farmers approach commodity selection and adopt new farming practices, which will allow them to make more money. With AI comes the next wave of innovation for the American food supply chain industry, and the launch of Farm-GPT cements GrubMarket's status as a pioneer in deploying new technologies in our space. Moving forward, we will continue to build state-of-the-art AI solutions for stakeholders throughout the supply chain; we are committed to ensuring that our industry benefits from all that AI technology has to offer," said Mike Xu, CEO of GrubMarket.

Farm-GPT solidifies GrubMarket's position as one of the food industry's most influential digital transformers and technology enablers. By providing farmers with AI tools to enhance their decision-making processes, GrubMarket has also laid the foundation to become the go-to enterprise AI provider for the American food supply chain industry.

This revolutionary new AI product is now available to American farmers who are ready to embrace the future of food. For more information on Farm-GPT or to use the service, please visit https://farm-gpt.ai/.

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 one of the largest private food tech companies in the U.S. 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

media@grubmarket.com

(415) 986-0523

GrubMarket

1925 Jerrold Ave.

San Francisco, CA. 94124

SOURCE GrubMarket
NEW YORK, Nov. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The hard seltzer market size is expected to grow by USD 1 billion from 2021 to 2026, according to Technavio. In addition, the growth momentum of the market will progress at a CAGR of 13.59% during the forecast period. North America is estimated to contribute 62% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. The US is the key contributor to the growth of the hard seltzer market in North America. An increasing number of product launches by major suppliers has increased the awareness and visibility of hard seltzers in the market. Owing to the rising demand for hard seltzer, more and more craft beer makers are entering the market. The region has seen an increase in the number of bars and nightclubs over the past few years. This will further increase the demand for hard seltzer in the region. Thus, such factors are anticipated to drive the growth of the North American hard seltzer market during the forecast period. Growing demand from millennials is notably driving the hard seltzer market. However, factors such as campaigns against alcohol consumption may impede market growth. The market is segmented by distribution channel (off-trade and on-trade) 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 Hard Seltzer Market 2022-2026

Key Segment Analysis

The off-trade segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. The leading off-trade distribution channels for hard seltzer include individual retailers, supermarkets, hypermarkets, and online platforms. These sales channels provide convenience and long operating hours. Additionally, factors such as discounts from attractive shelf displays and an enhanced shopping experience are driving consumers to purchase hard seltzer in supermarkets and hypermarkets. However, the global spread of the Internet is expected to facilitate online sales of various types of alcoholic beverages, including hard shelter, impeding the growth of the off-trade segment during the forecast period.

To know additional highlights and key points on various market segments and their impact in coming years, View Free PDF Sample Report.

Company Insights

The hard seltzer 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:

Anheuser Busch InBev SA, Boston Beer Co. Inc., Constellation Brands Inc., Diageo Plc, E. & J. Gallo Winery, Future Proof Brands LLC, Hard Seltzer Beverage Company LLC, Heineken NV, Kona Gold Beverage Inc., Lift Bridge Brewing Co., Mark Anthony Brands Inc., Mark Anthony Brands International Unlimited Co., Molson Coors Beverage Co., Nude Beverages, Retail Services & Systems Inc., San Juan Seltzer Inc., The Coca Cola Co., and Kopparberg Cider of Sweden Ltd.

View Free PDF Sample Report to find additional highlights on the growth strategies adopted by companies and their product offerings.

Related Reports:

The US alcoholic beverages market size is projected to increase by USD 52.82 billion and the market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 2.95% between 2022 and 2027.

The Cognac Market size is projected to increase by USD 897.31 million and the market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 3.64% between 2022 and 2027.

Table of Contents

1 Executive Summary

2 Market Landscape

3 Market Sizing

4 Historic Market Size

5 Five Forces Analysis

6 Market Segmentation by Distribution Channel

7 Customer Landscape

8 Geographic Landscape

9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends

10 Company Landscape

11 Company Analysis

12 Appendix

About Technavio

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions.

With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

Contacts

Technavio Research

Jesse Maida

Media & Marketing Executive

US: +1 844 364 1100

UK: +44 203 893 3200

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.technavio.com

SOURCE Technavio
Commitment to clients, relationships forges bond between

Texas firm and Alabama agency group

FORT WORTH, Texas, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Higginbotham, Texas's largest independent insurance, financial and HR services firm and one of the top firms in the country, has announced an affiliation with the WRM Group, LLC of Alabama, a consortium of long-established independent agencies with deep ties to the Alabama and surrounding regions.

Higginbotham celebrates its 75th anniversary this year. Rusty Reid, Higginbotham chairman and CEO, credits selective, strategic growth for that long term success, guiding the company to seek partners with sterling reputations in their local markets and deep cultural affinities.

Higginbotham Joins Forces with Alabama's WRM Group, LLC - Commitment to clients and relationships forges bond Post this

"We are thrilled to form this relationship with the WRM Group of agencies," said Reid. "The group was established last year, but the agencies that partnered to create it  Pritchett-Moore Insurance, Byars|Wright, Inc., and Flowers Insurance  were founded in 1934, 1946 and 1953, respectively. Each of these agencies has a long history of success and service in their community. Together, they share a culture that aligns perfectly with our own."

Haig Wright II, CEO of the WRM Group of Birmingham-based Byars|Wright, Inc., explained how the creation of the WRM Group laid the groundwork for the agencies' current relationship with Higginbotham:

"The experience of forming the WRM Group with like-minded agencies showed us that it is possible to pool resources to scale your business and provide improved service to your clients, while maintaining your identity and close ties to your community."

Lin Moore, managing partner of the WRM Group and CEO of Tuscaloosa-based Pritchett-Moore Insurance, agreed, "The partnership with Higginbotham presents excellent opportunities for our people, our clients, and the markets we serve. Our values line up perfectly, with emphasis on remaining customer centric and focusing on our history of community presence. Our shared culture and increased resources will enhance our ability to deliver the very best for our clients for years to come."

Shane Sinquefield, managing partner of the WRM Group and managing partner of Flowers Insurance, concurred, "Scale matters in our industry. With Higginbotham, we've found a partner that brings us national scale while also appreciating our focus on small-town community involvement."

"At WRM Group, we believe in relationships  with our employees, with our clients and with our neighbors," Wright concluded. "The letters in our name literally stand for 'Where Relationships Matter.' Maintaining those close-knit relationships is just as important to us as building our bench strength and accessing new services.

"With Higginbotham, we get to do both."

Reagan Securities, Inc. served as exclusive financial advisor to the WRM Group in the transaction.

ABOUT THE WRM GROUP, LLC

The WRM Group, LLC (and its three member agencies, Byars|Wright, Inc., Pritchett-Moore Insurance, and Flowers Insurance) is a major provider of commercial insurance, personal insurance, and employee benefits solutions, serving various industries and customers across the Southeast. Relationship-driven and customer-focused, the WRM Group has nine offices across Alabama and more than 100 employees throughout Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi. The WRM Group has expanded its scope of business to deliver a wide range of insurance products with quality coverage at competitive prices. The WRM Group believes that relationships matter and cares deeply about its employees, customers, and community.

ABOUT BYARS|WRIGHT, INC.

Byars|Wright, Inc. serves various industries and customers across the Southeast, delivering a wide range of insurance products with quality coverage at competitive prices. Founded in 1946, the relationship-driven and customer-focused agency has expanded its scope of business to include commercial, personal, life, and employee benefits insurance. Byars|Wright is designated a Best Practices Agency and has been named one of the "Best Companies to Work for in Alabama."

Visit byarswright.com for more information.

ABOUT PRITCHETT-MOORE INSURANCE

Pritchett-Moore Insurance is an independent insurance agency in Alabama that specializes in quality and competitive solutions for individuals and businesses. Designated a Best Practices Agency, Pritchett-Moore has served the insurance needs of its clients since 1934 and believes in out-of-the-box thinking in their approach to insurance and protection.

Visit pm-insurance.com for more information.

ABOUT FLOWERS INSURANCE

Since 1953, clients have trusted Flowers to help them get more out of their insurance coverage by gaining access to products that cover the full range of business, personal and employee benefit needs. An independent insurance agency that provides coverage options from blue-chip companies known for financial stability and dependable claim service, Flowers believes that one size does not fit all and tailors plans to fit each and every client's unique needs.

Visit flowersinsurance.com for more information.

ABOUT HIGGINBOTHAM

Employee owned and customer inspired, Higginbotham is a single source solution for insurance, financial and HR services. The firm was established in 1948 and ranks by revenue as the nation's 21st largest independent insurance firm. Serving thousands of businesses and individuals through locations coast-to-coast, Higginbotham's approach to finding insurance, employee benefit and risk management solutions is more individual and less institutional. By understanding customer priorities, eliminating inefficiencies and committing to transparency, Higginbotham is a place that leads with values so value leads.

Visit higginbotham.com for more information.

SOURCE Higginbotham
The largest convening of its kind in Riyadh on Nov. 29 and 30, 2023, the Global Healthspan Summit will catalyze global collaboration around extending healthy years of life, known as "healthspan," and unveil significant investments in the sector.

on and 30, 2023, the Global Healthspan Summit will catalyze global collaboration around extending healthy years of life, known as "healthspan," and unveil significant investments in the sector. Over 100 international speakers from the US, UK, Egypt , Germany , the Netherlands , Switzerland , Singapore , Spain , and Saudi Arabia and 1000 delegates to convene in Riyadh .

, , , , , , and and 1000 delegates to convene in . With the global population over 60 expected to double to 2 billion by 2050, increasing healthy human healthspan is one of the most urgent issues of our time and could generate savings of $40 trillion per year.

per year. With an annual budget of up to $1 billion , Hevolution Foundation is investing in grants for aging research and pioneering impact investments in early-stage biotech.

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Hevolution Foundation, a global non-profit revolutionizing the healthspan field, will convene its inaugural Global Healthspan Summit on Nov. 29-30 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The two-day event at the Four Seasons Hotel promises to serve as a seismic shift in how the world perceives and acts, catalyzing the discussion from lifespan to healthspan.

"At this Summit, we are not just talking; we are triggering action. We are bringing together the best global minds to catalyze a global movement that will propel and redefine healthspan science," said Dr. Mehmood Khan, Hevolution Foundation Chief Executive Officer. "We're at a critical juncture where global collaboration is not just an option; it's an imperative."

Additionally, over 100 distinguished speakers from more than 10 countries, including experts from across Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Germany, the Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, the UK, and the US, will discuss one of the most urgent issues of our time  healthy human healthspan.

While lifespans have grown longer, healthspan  the number of years a person lives in good health  have remained stagnant and even declined. With the global population aged 60 and over projected to double to 2 billion by 2050, the need for enhanced collaboration and innovation to meet the unhealthy aging challenges crippling health systems and societies is upon us now.

The untapped potential for the healthspan sector is clear; economically, a slowdown in aging that increases life expectancy by one year is worth almost $40 trillion annually from health cost savings and productivity gains. The discovery and development of new therapeutics to extend healthy lifespan has the potential to redefine healthcare in the 21st Century, moving medicine beyond treating disease to more actively protecting health.

The Summit aims to transition conventional, passive dialogue to transformative inquiry and action-based conversations by:

Promoting a collaborative platform to advance healthspan science.

Catalyzing the shift from lifespan to healthspan.

Facilitating knowledge exchange to drive groundbreaking research.

Connecting investments with cutting-edge entrepreneurship.

Encouraging new and existing talent to make their mark in the healthspan field.

"The future of aging is ours to create, and we each have a crucial role to play in shaping a healthier future for generations to come," said Her Royal Highness Dr. Haya Khaled Al Saud, Hevolution Foundation Vice President of Organizational Strategy and Development. "The Global Healthspan Summit will bring together the ideas, connections, and real-world actions needed to catalyze a healthier aging experience for all."

In addition to this landmark Summit, Hevolution has been on an impressive trajectory this year. Hevolution has allocated over $200 million in global funding to help reshape and accelerate discoveries and tangible contributions to healthy aging research and development. It has also established a fast-moving Investment team based in Boston, Massachusetts, extending Hevolution's operational footprint globally and amplifying its engagement with the broader life sciences ecosystem that now includes a "short list" of companies that are potential investment candidates this year.

About Hevolution Foundation

Founded on the belief that every person has the right to live a longer, healthier life, Hevolution Foundation is a global catalyst, partner, and convener on a mission to drive efforts to extend healthy human lifespan and understand the processes of aging. With a focus on aging as a treatable process, Hevolution Foundation aims to increase the number of aging-related treatments on the market, compress the timeline of drug development, and increase accessibility to therapeutics that extend healthy lifespan, also known as healthspan. A global non-profit organization headquartered in Riyadh with a North American hub and an annual budget of up to $1 billion, Hevolution Foundation plans to open offices in other global locations to support a cutting-edge, global ecosystem of talent to propel aging and geroscience research forward and achieve medical breakthroughs to help humanity live healthier, longer.

Summit Website: https://hevolution.com/en/ghs

Social media links: X, LinkedIn:

SOURCE Hevolution Foundation
With Uncharted Coffee's new "Coffee Collective" subscription, coffee lovers can now explore regional coffee and sip with purpose in the comfort of their homes.

MIAMI, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Uncharted Coffee Supply announces the launch of its new monthly coffee subscription service, "Coffee Collective," allowing customers to experience coffee in a new way right in the comfort of their homes.

Coffee Collective Holiday

Uncharted Coffee is a Black Women-Owned Business certified by the Women's Business Enterprise National Council ( WBENC ). As an ethical coffee roaster, Uncharted Coffee produces rare and limited-edition coffee beans, all while being on a mission to decolonize coffee and reclaim the narrative for Black and Brown generational coffee farmers around the globe.

With a deep passion for diversifying the coffee industry, notoriously known for its dark history against People of Color, the two Black women, sister-duo and co-founders Jasmine and Danielle Neveles, know the importance of representation, especially for underrepresented groups in entrepreneurship.

"We're honored to come to market with a product that tells our story and the stories of others," says Danielle Neveles, Co-Founder of Uncharted Coffee. "The launch of Uncharted Coffee represents reclaiming the narrative of coffee and the unheard voices behind the beans. My sister and I hope to encourage other female entrepreneurs to stand in their story."

As the first of its kind, Uncharted Coffee has an ethical supply chain by partnering directly with small cooperatives to source their single-origin beans. Taking a step further to limit the environmental factors done by the coffee industry, all Uncharted Coffee is packaged in plant-based compostable packaging, and each sale contributes to their 1% promise to the planet. The story behind each bean is told with the help of blockchain technology, which allows Uncharted Coffee to create more transparency within the industry. With their unique model, straying away from profit-driven trade to a balanced, conscious capitalism model, Uncharted Coffee supports farmers where they are, by directly impacting communities through direct fair wages and prioritizing livelihoods.

With the "Coffee Collective" monthly subscription, coffee drinkers have a grounding customizable experience with three monthly unique roasts and flavor profiles ranging from light, medium, and dark  with varying profiles from rich and bold to smooth and fruity. With this in mind, all beans are premium quality and have undergone a meticulous roasting process. Producing single-origin beans allows subscribers to experience exclusively one bean from one region in three ways in one single month  creating an explorative experience from your home.

Uncharted Coffee believes that by providing its consumers with the story behind each bean and the farmers who produced them, it can build a community that connects people far beyond their daily cup of coffee. This community can explore, appreciate, and sip coffee in a new way.

"Coffee is about people, ritual, and connection," says Jasmine Neveles, Co-Founder of Uncharted Coffee. "No matter who you are or where you're from, we all can recall a special memory we've shared with someone over a coffee."

To commence their launch, Uncharted Coffee is offering 20% off their annual subscriptions using code "LATTE," along with their "always free shipping" promise.

To learn more about Uncharted Coffee Supply, its products, and its efforts to change the coffee industry, please visit its website: https://www.drinkuncharted.com/ . For all media inquiries, please contact Uncharted Coffee Supply at [email protected] .

About Uncharted Coffee Supply:

Uncharted Coffee Supply was founded in 2023 with a mission to decolonize coffee and reclaim the narrative for coffee farmers around the globe. As a Black Certified Women-Owned Business, Uncharted Coffee works towards improving diversity across the coffee industry and works with like-minded partners to uplift communities of color and beyond. With Uncharted Coffee, coffee drinkers can explore single-origin, ethically sourced, and environmentally sound (1% for the planet) coffee from around the globe from the comfort of their homes, all while learning the story behind each bean.

Contact:

Uncharted Coffee Supply

708.257.9027

368515@email4pr.com

SOURCE Uncharted Coffee Supply
Mutual partnership provides Kasasa access to Magwitch's holistic suite of lending capabilities, while expanding Magwitch's reach to Kasasa's nationwide family of community financial institutions

AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Kasasa, an award-winning financial technology and marketing provider, today announced it is partnering with Magwitch, a LaaS (Lending as a Service) platform providing a holistic suite of open lending capabilities for banks and credit unions, while empowering a comprehensive PosF (Point of Sale Financing) platform for merchants, manufacturers, distributors, and fintechs across the US. Magwitch will be the exclusive LaaS platform for Kasasa to help the community financial institutions they work with, also known as Kasasa financial institutions (KFIs), generate more loan volume within their geographic footprints.

Engineered as a 2-way customer acquisition engine, Magwitch's data-driven and advanced analytics open lending platform effectively procures banks and credit unions effortlessly delivered, on-demand customer acquisition in hyper targeted markets. Using their technology, KFIs will now have the ability to customize specific loan offerings and programs, including auto, personal loans, HELOCS, agriculture, and recreational vehicles that flow directly to their core.

"Magwitch offers a holistic suite of open lending opportunities to help the Kasasa network add new relationships they otherwise would not have access to," said Chris Cohen, Chief Innovation Officer at Kasasa. "Their technology has the power to drive new members to credit unions through indirect lending and point of sale financing, which is more important than ever as credit unions and consumer financial institutions continue to vie for customers in an increasingly crowded and competitive banking landscape."

Through this partnership, KFIs will have access to a fully customizable LaaS platform that will give them access to loans specific to their demographic. The partnership also allows KFIs to set their own underwriting rules, credit tiers, and enables the borrower to become a member or customer of their institution.

"Our partnership with Kasasa means that their financial institutions will no longer need to purchase loans that they did not originate. Rather, they can now originate loans on their terms in their area or nationwide," said Jake Reeves, CEO of Magwitch. "For banks that need loans on their balance sheet, Magwitch is able to allocate the appropriate loan to meet those needs based on the defined risk tolerance."

Kasasa partners exclusively with community financial institutions  the only place consumers can find their innovative banking solutions. Kasasa serves hundreds of community financial institutions nationwide, representing over 3 million consumer bank accounts across 3,400+ branches in all 50 states. Since 2003, Kasasa financial institutions have given back nearly $3 billion in rewards to Kasasa account holders.

About Kasasa

Kasasa is a financial technology and marketing provider committed to driving results for community banks and credit unions to help them recapture market share. Since 2003, their branded retail products, world-class marketing, and expert consulting services have helped their clients attract, engage, and retain more consumers. Today, their combined network of community financial institutions represents the 4th largest branch banking network in the country. For more information, please visit Kasasa.com or LinkedIn .

About Magwitch

Magwitch is an open lending platform offering a holistic suite of LaaS (Lending-as-a-Service) capabilities to Financial Institutions, Fintechs, and Merchants. Magwitch's platform provides Banks and Credit Unions the ability to enhance their customer base and expand membership with on-demand customer acquisition through indirect and point of sale financing.

Media Contact: [email protected]

SOURCE Kasasa
New shareholder return policy to include KRW 1.8 trillion dividend, KRW 1 trillion share buyback & cancellation, and cancellation of existing treasury shares

SEOUL, South Korea, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- KT&G Corporation("KT&G" or the "Company") (KRX:033780), South Korea's leading tobacco manufacturer, hosted 'Value Day 2023' on November 13, 2023.

The event took place in an online conference setting, and was streamed live on KT&G's official website. At the conference, KT&G outlined its shareholder return plans for 2024-2026 and delivered updates on the progress towards the company's future vision that focuses on three core business areas: Next Generation Product, Overseas Cigarette, and Health Functional Food.

KT&G reiterated its unwavering commitment to long-term shareholder value creation with the announcement of a new shareholder return policy totaling KRW 2.8 trillion over the next three years. The plan encompasses KRW 1.8 trillion in cash dividend and KRW 1 trillion allocated for share buyback and cancellation. In addition to cancelling newly acquired shares, KT&G also plans to cancel approximately half of its existing treasury shares, equivalent to around 10 million shares (approximately 7.5% of its shares issued) over the next three years.

KT&G has consistently pursued an active shareholder return policy since its listing, demonstrated by an impressive total shareholder return rate of 93% from 2021 to 2023. This surpasses the average total shareholder return rate of the Global Big 4 tobacco companies over the last three years (81%) and also exceeds the average of top 10 Korean companies by market capitalization (22%). As part of the three-year shareholder return policy KT&G has previously announced in 2021, the company has acquired 3.47 million of its own shares (KRW 0.3 trillion) for cancellation during the third quarter and executed its first ever interim dividend.

KT&G also provided updates on its mid-to-long-term growth investment plans previously unveiled at its Investor Day held in January. At its Investor Day, KT&G had presented 'Global Top-tier' vision and outlined growth strategies that focus on three core business areas.

In line with the growth strategies, KT&G made significant growth investments in Indonesia and Kazakhstan in September and October, respectively. KT&G conducted an investment support ceremony with the Indonesian Ministry of Investment to discuss the establishment of its new manufacturing plant in Indonesia. The company also embarked on the construction of a cutting-edge hybrid production facility in Kazakhstan, designed to accommodate the production of both Heat Not Burn consumables and combustible products.

KT&G aims to expand the production capacity of its Next Generation Product and Overseas Cigarette business sectors to respond to the growing demand in both domestic and overseas markets. The company expects to secure price competitiveness and profitability by achieving economies of scale.

"We have achieved consistent revenue growth over the past years by developing a well-balanced business portfolio. We are now focusing on strengthening the global competitiveness of our core business areas and restructuring our business portfolio with an emphasis on overseas business. We will continue to make progress as a 'Global Top-tier' company by continuously delivering strong business results and enhancing shareholder value," said KT&G spokesperson.

SOURCE KT&G Corporation
The Fondation Haute Horlogerie will soon unveil a new connected art experience produced for Dubai Watch Week 2023. Twelve artworks dedicated to some of the iconic models from the fairs participating brands promise to both entertain and educate, amidst a multifaceted programme

From 16 to 20 November, 2023, the FHH will return to Dubai Watch Weeks now sixth and largest edition yet, held at The Gate, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).

Having become one of the essential happenings on the global watchmaking calendar since 2015, Dubai Watch Week 2023 promises a packed programme, with over 60 watch brands participating alongside convergent industries such as the design, automotive, and art worlds.

The fairs greater mission echoes that of the Fondation Haute Horlogerie: to contribute to watchmaking cultures international proliferation. It was therefore only natural that the FHH be called upon to put together a new exhibition of connected art through twelve exclusive works, under the aegis of its Watches & Culture pillar, for this important occasion.

Exhibited throughout the fair, these illustrations were created especially for twelve of the FHHs partner brands present during the fair, featuring key details of their iconic timepieces reinterpreted as an artistic abstraction. Watch aficionados will undoubtedly recognise icons from Audemars Piguet, Bovet, Breitling, Chopard, Girard-Perregaux, Greubel Forsey, H.Moser & Cie, MB&F, Ressence, TAG Heuer, Ulysse Nardin or Van Cleef & Arpels  although some will be trickier to spot than others!

Dubai Watch Week 2023  FHH

For visitors to the fair, their journey into this unique experience begins by scanning the installation QR codes found alongside each artwork onsite. An animation will then appear, immersing viewers into that brands universe - if only briefly through their mobile phones. This makes for a potent mix of educational yet entertaining content, which visitors can use to inform their answers in the subsequent Dubai Watch Week quiz, for the chance to win prizes.

When speaking about the project, Aurelie Streit, Vice President of the Fondation Haute Horlogerie said: Part of the FHHs vision includes our particular brand of edutainment, seen for example in some of our well-known activations. This concept has been extended, most notably through the FHHs increased presence at numerous events on the international watchmaking calendar.

Hot on the heels of the FHHs Forum 2023, Pascal Ravessoud, Vice President of the Fondation Haute Horlogerie will also once again participate in a panel entitled Spare Me: is aftersales an after-thought? during Dubai Watch Weeks own Horology Forum. Taking place on the final day of events, it promises to be a riveting discussion, with a roster of renowned industry figures.

For more information on these activities and the wider Dubai Watch Week programme, or to book media appointments with an FHH spokesperson during the fair, please visit https://www.dubaiwatchweek.com/
NEW YORK, Nov. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The laboratory information management system (LIMS) market by deployment (on-premise and cloud-based), component (software and services), and geography (North America, Europe, Asia, and Rest of World (ROW)) - Forecast and Analysis 2023-2027 report has been added to technavio offering. With ISO 9001:2015 certification, Technavio has proudly partnered with more than 100 Fortune 500 companies for over 16 years. The potential growth difference for the laboratory information management system (LIMS) market between 2023 and 2027 is USD 907.08 million. Get deeper insights into the market size, current market scenario, future growth opportunities, major growth driving factors, the latest trends, and much more. Buy the full report here

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) Market 2023-2027

Adherence to compliance and government regulations drives the market growth during the forecast period. Several industries, including food and beverages and healthcare, are required to comply with strict government regulations. In addition, this has led to laboratories automating the handling of data to remove the risks associated with misuse and erroneous analysis of data. Furthermore, the regulations also demand easy accessibility and secure storage of data for a long period of time. Hence, such factors are expected to positively impact the market which in turn will drive the market growth during the forecast period.

Market Challenge -

Increasing data security and privacy concerns are major challenges impeding the market growth during the forecast period. There is an increasing preference for cloud solutions by various business organizations due to their cost-effectiveness and ease of accessibility. Hence, cost-effective cloud deployment with enhanced features and agility is the best option for such organizations. However, these organizations are prone to data breaches and privacy risks due to the growing adoption of cloud-based solutions. Hence, such factors are negatively impacting the market which in turn will hinder the market growth during the forecast period.

Learn about additional key drivers, trends, and challenges available with Technavio. Read Sample PDF Report Now

The market share growth by the on-premise segment is significant during the forecast period. LIMS, generally deployed on-premises, offers enhanced data security with high control compared to that of cloud-based deployment. As a result, it is fuelling the growth of the segment. In addition, this segment needs large investments in infrastructure as well and the high cost associated with the solution is expected to limit the growth of this segment.

is significant during the forecast period. LIMS, generally deployed on-premises, offers enhanced data security with high control compared to that of cloud-based deployment. As a result, it is fuelling the growth of the segment. In addition, this segment needs large investments in infrastructure as well and the high cost associated with the solution is expected to limit the growth of this segment. North America is estimated to account for 41% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. The infrastructural capabilities of market players in the North America market are fuelling the adoption of LIMS across laboratories in the US. Hence, such factors are driving the market growth in North America during the forecast period.

View the Sample Report for insights into the contribution of all the segments and regional opportunities in the report.

Key Companies in the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) market:

Abbott Laboratories, Accelerated Technology Laboratories Inc., Agile Frameworks LLC, Attune Technologies Pvt. Ltd., Autoscribe Informatics, Benchling Inc., Broughton Software Ltd., Comp Pro Med Inc., Computing Solutions, Eusoft Ltd., Illumina Inc., LabLynx Inc., LabVantage Solutions Inc., LabWare Inc., Labworks LLC, Nous Infosystems Pvt. Ltd., Novatek International, PerkinElmer Inc., Shimadzu Corp., and Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.

Related Reports:

The software consulting market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 12.04% between 2022 and 2027. The market size is forecast to increase by USD 207.63 billion.

The digital manufacturing software market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 15.9% between 2022 and 2027. The market size is forecast to increase by USD 35,320.04 million.

Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) Market Scope Report Coverage Details Base year 2022 Historic period 2017-2021 Forecast period 2023-2027 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 9.08% Market growth 2023-2027 USD 907.08 million Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 10.89 Regional analysis North America, Europe, Asia, and the Rest of the World (ROW)

ToC:

Executive Summary

Market Landscape

Market Sizing

Historic Market Sizes

Five Forces Analysis

Market Segmentation by Deployment

Market Segmentation by Component

Market Segmentation by Geography

Customer Landscape

Geographic Landscape

Drivers, Challenges, & Trends

Company Landscape

Company Analysis

Appendix

About Technavio

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provide actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions.

With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

Contacts

Technavio Research

Jesse Maida

Media & Marketing Executive

US: +1 844 364 1100

UK: +44 203 893 3200

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.technavio.com/

SOURCE Technavio
VIENNA, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Lexogen, a pioneer in the field of genomics and transcriptomics, is proud to introduce the groundbreaking LUTHOR High-Definition Single Cell 3' mRNA-Seq Kit, a game-changing innovation that sets new standards in single-cell RNA sequencing.

LUTHOR HD is a cutting-edge protocol that opens the doors to the world of High-Definition Single-Cell RNA sequencing. Unlike traditional methods, LUTHOR HD can detect even a single gene copy within a cell, enabling researchers to unravel the complete transcriptome of each cell, typically capturing 95% of expressed genes at a 1 million read depth.

The key to LUTHOR HD's exceptional sensitivity lies in its innovative THOR (T7 High-resolution Original RNA amplification) technology. By amplifying RNA directly from the original mRNA, rather than from cDNA as in conventional single-cell RNA-Seq protocols, LUTHOR HD overcomes the limitations of low-copy transcripts, making it an indispensable tool for gene expression profiling.

"One of the most significant challenges in single-cell RNA sequencing has been the detection of low-copy genes, which play crucial roles in cellular function. LUTHOR HD tackles this challenge head-on, enabling researchers to explore the full spectrum of gene expression in single cells," said Filippo Passardi, Product Manager at Lexogen.

LUTHOR HD eliminates the need for RNA purification, mRNA enrichment, or ribosomal RNA (rRNA) depletion, making it practically insensitive to the presence of genomic DNA. This streamlined approach not only simplifies the workflow but also reduces costs, making it an ideal choice for researchers.

Lexogen's LUTHOR HD revolutionizes single-cell RNA sequencing, providing researchers with an unprecedented level of sensitivity, simplicity, and cost-efficiency. With its ability to unlock the hidden secrets of single-cell transcriptomes, LUTHOR HD promises to advance our understanding of cellular biology and drive groundbreaking discoveries in genomics.

Together with this product launch, Lexogen is proud to further characterize High-Definition Single-Cell RNA sequencing in November's edition of Nature Methods. Researchers, scientists, and genomics enthusiasts can access the full Technical Application Note by visiting the Nature website.

For more information about LUTHOR HD and Lexogen's innovative genomics solutions, please visit Lexogens's website.

About Lexogen

Established in 2007, Lexogen is a leading company in transcriptomics, next-generation sequencing, and RNA analysis. The mission of the Lexogen team is to empower their customers with innovative top quality RNA analysis solutions and support. Lexogen is the inventor of 3' RNA sequencing, a unique technology proven for its efficiency, robustness, and sensitivity, especially unmatched for differential gene expression analysis. Lexogen's proprietary portfolio includes innovative kits for true single-cell as well as bulk RNA sequencing, RNA extraction, ribosomal RNA depletion, spike-in RNA variant controls, and kinetic RNA labeling. Lexogen also provides first-class, fully integrated NGS services from experimental design to analytical reporting. Lexogen is a privately held company, headquartered in Vienna, Austria with a subsidiary in New Hampshire, USA.

To learn more, visit www.lexogen.com and follow @lexogen.

Contact person: Amra Dedic

Brand and Event Manager

Tel.: +43 660 69 66 045

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE LEXOGEN
SCHERERVILLE, Ind., Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Lori K Bath, renowned for transforming everyday bathrooms into your own luxury oasis, proudly announces the grand opening of its latest showroom inside the Walmart at 1555 US Hwy 41, Schererville, IN 46375. This expansion is a testament to the company's dedication to making top-notch bathroom remodeling services more accessible to the communities of Northwest Indiana.

Bathroom Remodeling

"Our mission has always been to deliver not just a service, but an experience that embodies quality, care, and the personal touch that each of our clients deserves," says Dan O'Callaghan, co-founder of Lori K Bath. "Our new showroom is a physical representation of our commitment. Here, homeowners can visualize the transformation of their own spaces into something truly special  the Lori K Way."

The showroom is strategically located in the bustling Schererville Walmart, allowing visitors to seamlessly integrate their bathroom remodeling plans with their regular shopping routine. It features an array of bathroom displays, rich with inspiration for custom designs and showcasing the low-maintenance, high-quality products Lori K Bath is famous for.

Ron Knoche, who co-founded Lori K Bath out of a deep personal journey and an unyielding commitment to family and community values, emphasizes the importance of hands-on experience. "We understand that seeing is believing. Our clients can now touch the materials, choose their finishes, and speak directly to our knowledgeable staff. It's about building trust and understanding their needs," says Knoche.

The showroom promises an immersive experience where customers can gather information, gain design inspiration, and consult with experienced staff who are eager to answer questions and help guide them through their bathroom remodeling journey.

Lori K Bath stands behind their promise of providing a seamless and stress-free path to a dream bathroom, ensuring the same high standards and expectations for every project undertaken, irrespective of scale.

"We're inviting the entire community to visit us at this new location  to see for themselves how we blend function, design, and craftsmanship," adds O'Callaghan. "And this is just the beginning. We will continue to innovate and expand to meet the needs of our clients."

The Schererville showroom is now open during Walmart's regular business hours. For those looking to begin their journey to a new bathroom, Lori K Bath's experts await to make your vision a reality.

About Lori K Bath

Lori K Bath is the #1 rated bathroom remodeling company in Northwest Indiana, with an unwavering commitment to the communities it serves. Founded with the spirit of its namesake at its core, Lori K Bath delivers custom-made, quality bathrooms with a heart. From the initial design to the final installation, every step is executed with precision, care, and a personal touch.

Come and explore the possibilities at our new showroom in Schererville, or visit us online at lorikbath.com to schedule an in-home consultation.

Contact:

Dan O'Callaghan

Lori K Bath

219-203-1777

[email protected]

www.lorikbath.com

SOURCE Lori K Bath LLC
MOORESVILLE, N.C., Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Lowe's Companies, Inc. (NYSE: LOW) announced today that it will hold its Third Quarter 2023 Earnings Conference Call at 9 a.m. Eastern time on Tuesday, Nov. 21. A webcast will be available by visiting the Quarterly Earnings section of the Lowe's Investor Relations website, ir.lowes.com. Supplemental materials will be available 15 minutes before the start of the conference call.

What: Third Quarter 2023 Earnings Conference Call

When: 9 a.m. Eastern time on Tuesday, Nov. 21

Where: Visit the Quarterly Earnings section of the Lowe's Investor Relations website, ir.lowes.com

How: Listen live online and view the supplemental materials by following the directions above

A webcast replay of the call can be accessed from noon EST on Nov. 21, 2023 through Nov. 20, 2024 by visiting Events & Presentations on our Investor Relations website and clicking on Q3 2023 Lowe's Companies, Inc. Earnings Conference Call.

About Lowe's

Lowe's Companies, Inc. (NYSE: LOW) is a FORTUNE 50 home improvement company serving approximately 17 million customer transactions a week in the United States. With total fiscal year 2022 sales of over $97 billion, approximately $92 billion of sales were generated in the United States, where Lowe's operates over 1,700 home improvement stores and employs approximately 300,000 associates. Based in Mooresville, N.C., Lowe's supports the communities it serves through programs focused on creating safe, affordable housing and helping to develop the next generation of skilled trade experts. For more information, visit Lowes.com.

LOW-IR

SOURCE Lowe's Companies, Inc.
LOS ANGELES, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Inland Empire Plaintiff law firm McCune Law Group (MLG) has filed a class action lawsuit against Hyundai Motor Co. and Hyundai Motor America for consumer fraud and breach of warranty claims relating to a defect in the Anti-lock Brake System ("ABS") assembly parts for a wide range of Hyundai vehicle models. The lawsuit alleges that the ABS Assemblywhich is responsible for adjusting braking pressure to ensure a vehicle's wheels don't skid or hydroplane during inclement weather conditionscan lead to electrical shorts, which can cause vehicle fires, unintended brake application, and/or loss of braking power.

The complaint filed by the Vehicle Safety Defects Attorneys at MLG outlines that Hyundai recently issued a recall for the ABS Defect, but its proposed "fix" under the recall does not go far enough to resolve the root cause of the ABS Defect, leaving owners vulnerable to unreasonable safety consequences and expensive repair bills. McCune Law Group is dedicated to holding corporations accountable for the safety of their products and ensuring that consumers are justly compensated for any damages incurred. The class action lawsuit provides crucial recourse for Hyundai vehicle owners affected by the ABS defect, offering them the opportunity to stand together in seeking justice.

The following Hyundai vehicles may be affected by the ABS defect:

2011-2015 Hyundai Elantra

2011-2015 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

2011-2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

2012-2015 Hyundai Accent

2012-2015 Hyundai Azera

2012-2015 Hyundai Veloster

2013-2015 Hyundai Elantra Coupe

2013-2015 Hyundai Santa Fe

2014-2015 Hyundai Equus

2010-2012 Hyundai Veracruz

2010-2013 Hyundai Tucson

2015 Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell

2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport

Owners of affected Hyundai vehicles are urged to join this class action lawsuit by contacting the law firm. Doing so may provide them with an opportunity to reclaim significant compensation.

To arrange a comment from MLG, please contact MLG's Public Relations department at [email protected] .

About McCune Law Group: MLG has supported consumer rights and fights for justice for more than 30 years. With offices throughout Southern California in Ontario, Redlands, Irvine, Palm Desert, and Beaumont, MLG has proudly risen to prominence as one of the largest and most successful consumer advocacy law firms in Southern California. MLG also boasts a national presence in the Midwest, Southwest, and East Coast, specializing in practices ranging from product liability and personal injury to civil rights and financial services. MLG's long history of success has resulted in more than $1 billion recovered for clients and an unbeatable team of inventive, innovative, and experienced attorneys. Visit mccunewright.com to learn more.

SOURCE McCune Law Group, McCune Wright Arevalo Vercoski Kusel Weck Brandt, APC
Achieves Higher Gross Margin, Moves Closer to Profitability

TORONTO, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - MediPharm Labs Corp. (TSX: LABS) (OTCQB: MEDIF) (FSE: MLZ) ("MediPharm", "MediPharm Labs" or the "Company") a pharmaceutical company specialized in precision-based cannabinoids, today announced its financial results for the three months ended September 30, 2023.

Third Quarter 2023  Select Highlights

Financial Summary (CNW Group/MediPharm Labs Corp.)

Settled a long-standing customer dispute for a total consideration of $9M , including net cash of $7.3M collected in October, $1M in Tilray Brands, Inc. ("Tilray") cannabis products and a four year agreement where Tilray will purchase $0.5M of MediPharm product.

, including net cash of collected in October, in Tilray Brands, Inc. ("Tilray") cannabis products and a four year agreement where Tilray will purchase of MediPharm product. Gross profit of $2.4M or 28% was positive for the fourth consecutive quarter and was the Company's highest gross profit since Q4 2019.

or 28% was positive for the fourth consecutive quarter and was the Company's highest gross profit since Q4 2019. Adjusted EBITDA (1) of negative $2.4M improved $2.6M or 53% versus prior year and improved from negative $3.2M in Q2 2023. Adjusted EBITDA (1) continues to improve driven by margin expansion initiatives and cost reductions.

of negative improved or 53% versus prior year and improved from negative in Q2 2023. Adjusted EBITDA continues to improve driven by margin expansion initiatives and cost reductions. Following the successful integration of VIVO and the achievement of approximately $7M in annualized savings, the Company completed a further restructuring in Q3 which will result in approximately $3M of additional annualized savings starting in Q4 2023. (2)(3)(4)(5)

in annualized savings, the Company completed a further restructuring in Q3 which will result in approximately of additional annualized savings starting in Q4 2023. Strong balance sheet, relative to many peer companies, with $13M million of cash and less than $3 million of debt as of September 30, 2023 . The cash balance does not include the cash collected from the customer dispute which was received subsequent to quarter end. The current cash position is approximately $19M .(5)

Groundwork for Growth in International Medical Cannabis

MediPharm executed on it its strategic international growth plan to launch self branded products with more favourable gross margins and longer-term potential. This plan includes the September launch of the Beacon Medical branded portfolio in Australia of GMP oil and vapes; narcotic license expansion for Beacon Medical Germany with oil and high potency flower, and the signing of two new distribution agreements in the UK for Beacon branded medical cannabis products.

of GMP oil and vapes; narcotic license expansion for Beacon Medical Germany with oil and high potency flower, and the signing of two new distribution agreements in the UK for Beacon branded medical cannabis products. In July 2023 , the Company entered into an additional supply agreement with a top tier generic pharmaceutical company in Brazil . Brazilian authorities treat cannabis much like a pharmaceutical product. Since signing the agreement the customer has applied to the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency for a number of cannabis product approvals. MediPharm has received similar approvals in Brazil with other customers. It is anticipated the delivery of additional products could begin in Q1 2024, and substantially increase the current Brazilian revenue.(2)

Continued Progress Solidifying Leadership in Cannabis-Based Pharmaceutical Industry

In July 2023 , the Company completed its first delivery of cannabis clinical trial material to a United States ("US") research partner. The delivery of pharmaceutical cannabis product was for a National Institute of Health funded clinical trial, following import permit from the United States Drug Enforcement Agency (the "DEA") and Health Canada export permit. The Company has already received DEA permits for replenishment of clinical trial material and plans to make another US delivery in Q4 2023. (2)

, the Company completed its first delivery of cannabis clinical trial material to a ("US") research partner. The delivery of pharmaceutical cannabis product was for a National Institute of Health funded clinical trial, following import permit from the United States Drug Enforcement Agency (the "DEA") and Health Canada export permit. The Company has already received DEA permits for replenishment of clinical trial material and plans to make another US delivery in Q4 2023. The Company has provided a full response to the United States Food and Drug Administration (the "FDA") in relation to the initial foreign drug site inspection of its Barrie facility regarding a new Drug Master File being referenced in a recent Abbreviated New Drug Application. This is the first FDA Audit of a purpose-built commercial cannabis facility in Canada .

Progress Towards Profitability

Q3 2023 gross profit was $2.4M or 28%. This is the fourth consecutive quarter of positive gross profit. Gross profit continues to improve, driven by product mix, production efficiencies and cost reductions. Management continues to focus on efficiencies to drive gross profit.

or 28%. This is the fourth consecutive quarter of positive gross profit. Gross profit continues to improve, driven by product mix, production efficiencies and cost reductions. Management continues to focus on efficiencies to drive gross profit. Total Opex, which includes general and administrative, marketing and selling, and research and development expenses was $6.1 million in the quarter versus $7.5M in Q2 2023. Adjusting for severance and some other discrete items, normalized Opex was approximately $5.9M in Q3. Retrospectively, if VIVO were included in our Q3 2022 results, Opex in Q3 2023 is approximately 37% or $3.6M lower reflecting our combined cost reduction initiatives.(5)

Management Commentary

David Pidduck, CEO, MediPharm Labs commented, "We are proud of our focus on margins, cost reductions and profitability. Now, our strong balance sheet and improving profitability favourably positions us to make strategic investments for revenue growth. Beyond organic growth investments, there will be many M&A opportunities to consider in the coming quarters to further grow our revenue and shorten the path to profitability."

Greg Hunter, CFO, MediPharm Labs added, "In Q3, we continued to make progress by improving gross margins, reducing expenses and reducing cash burn as we drive towards profitability. Adjusted EBITDA of negative $2.4 million improved sequentially and year over year and is our best result in over 2 years. In addition, we strengthened our balance sheet with the settlement of an outstanding dispute resulting in cash collection of $7.3 million subsequent to quarter end and as of today we have approximately $19 million in cash and less than $3 million of debt."

Financial Summary

(1) Opex includes general administrative expense, marketing and selling expenses and R&D expenses. (2) Adjusted EBITDA is a non-IFRS measure. See "Non-IFRS Measures".



Q3 2023 Financial Results Conference Call

MediPharm's executive management team will also host a conference call and audio webcast on Tuesday, November14, 2023 at 8:30 a.m. eastern time to discuss the Company's financial results.

Conference Call:

Toll-free number: +1 (888) 330-2454 / International number: +1 (240) 789-2714

Conference ID: 4921762

Participants are asked to dial in approximately 15 minutes before the start of the call.

Audio Webcast:

An audio webcast will be available by visiting the following link here.

For those who are unable to participate on the live conference call or webcast, a replay will be available at https://www.medipharmlabs.com/investors approximately one day after completion of the call.

About MediPharm Labs

Founded in 2015, MediPharm Labs specializes in the development and manufacture of purified, pharmaceutical-quality cannabis concentrates, active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) and advanced derivative products utilizing a Good Manufacturing Practices certified facility with ISO standard-built clean rooms. MediPharm Labs has invested in an expert, research driven team, state-of-the-art technology, downstream purification methodologies and purpose built facilities with five primary extraction lines for delivery of pure, trusted and precision-dosed cannabis products for its customers. Through its wholesale and white label platforms, MediPharm Labs formulates, develops (including through sensory testing), processes, packages and distributes cannabis extracts and advanced cannabinoid-based products to domestic and international markets.

In 2021, MediPharm Labs received a Pharmaceutical Drug Establishment Licence from Health Canada, becoming the only company in North America to hold a domestic Good Manufacturing Licence for the extraction of natural cannabinoids. The Company carries out its operations in compliance with all applicable laws in the countries in which it operates.

In 2023, MediPharm acquired VIVO Cannabis Inc. which expanded MediPharm's reach to medical patients in Canada via Canna Farms medical ecommerce platform, and in Australia and Germany through Beacon Medical PTY and Beacon Medical GMBH. This acquisition also included Harvest Medical Clinics in Canada which provides medical cannabis patients with Physician consultations for medical cannabis education and prescriptions.

Notes:

(1) This is a non-IFRS reporting measure. See "Non-IFRS Measures" below.



(2) This is forward-looking information and based on a number of assumptions. See "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information" and "Assumptions".



(3) Based on both costs and revenue opportunities identified by MediPharm and VIVO management. Revenue opportunity assumed that both existing products may be sold into the existing sales channels of both VIVO and MediPharm. Costs savings estimated depends on the eliminating duplicated public company expenses and redundant corporate infrastructure.



(4) This target, and the related assumptions, involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially. While MediPharm and VIVO believe there is a reasonable basis for this target, such target may not be met. Actual results may vary and differ materially from the targets. See "Assumptions".



(5) Certain financial information included in this press release is neither audited nor reviewed. Where possible, the information has been constructed by management from available audited or audit reviewed financial statements. Where no audited or audit reviewed information has been available, additional management accounting information has been utilized to construct financial information. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such information.

Assumptions

In developing the financial guidance set forth above, MediPharm has made the following assumptions and relied on the following factors and considerations:

The targets are based on MediPharm and VIVO's historical results including annualized revenue from its interim financial results for the period ended September 30, 2022 , as adjusted for subsequent events including completion of the transaction with VIVO.

, as adjusted for subsequent events including completion of the transaction with VIVO. Revenue sustainability and growth depend on a variety of factors, including among other things, location, competition, legal and regulatory requirements. Prices are projected forward at recently realized wholesale and direct to patient prices.

Cost of goods sold, before taking into account the impact of value changes in biological assets (which are non-cash in nature), and, accordingly, are excluded from calculations of EBITDA, have been projected based on estimated costs of production and capacity available from a similar supply chain.

The immediate reduction of public company professional and service fees, such as but not limited to, errors and omissions insurance, audit services, listing expenses and external legal fees.

Implied redundancy of employee roles in the Company, mainly in corporate functions. Impacted employee severance fees are calculated on current employment agreements and Employment Standards Act ( Ontario ).

( ). No changes to existing medical cannabis legislation and regulations in Canada , Germany , Australia and Brazil .

, , and . All VIVO and MediPharm regulatory licenses remain in good standing with domestic and international regulators, particular Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).

Non-IFRS Measures

This press release contains references to "EBITDA", "Adjusted EBITDA" and "Adjusted Gross Profit", which are non-IFRS financial measures. Management believes that these supplementary non-IFRS financial measures provide useful additional information related to the operating results of the Company. These non-IFRS financial measures are not recognized under IFRS and, accordingly, users are cautioned that these measures should not be construed as alternatives to net income (loss) and gross profit determined in accordance with IFRS as measures of profitability or as alternatives to the Company's IFRS-based Financial Statements. The non-IFRS measures presented may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. EBITDA refers to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization and is used as an indicator of the Company's overall profitability. Adjusted EBITDA is a measure of the Company's overall financial performance and is used as an alternative to earnings or income in some circumstances. Adjusted EBITDA is essentially net income (loss) with interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, non-cash adjustments and other unusual or non-recurring items added back. Adjusted EBITDA has limitations as an analytical tool as it does not include depreciation and amortization expense, interest income and expense, finance fees, gain in revaluation of derivative liabilities, taxes, government grants including rent and wage subsidies, one-off transactions, impairment losses on inventory and on fixed assets and intangibles, write down of deposits and share-based compensation. Because of these limitations, Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as the sole measure of the Company's performance and should not be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute for, analysis of the Company's results as reported under IFRS. Adjusted EBITDA, as used within the Company's disclosure, may not be directly comparable to Adjusted EBITDA used by other reporting issuers. Adjusted Gross Profit refers to gross profit excluding the adjustments for biological assets, accelerated depreciation, write down of non-current deposits and write down of inventory. Adjusted Gross Profit is a useful measure as it represents gross profit for management purposes based on costs to manufacture, package and ship inventory sold, exclusive of any impairments due to changes in internal or external influences. Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Gross Profit do not have any standardized meanings and the Company's method of calculating such non-IFRS measures may not be comparable to calculations used by other companies bearing the same description. See "Use of Non-IFRS Measures" in the Company's management's discussion and analysis for the period ended March 31, 2023 for additional information.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. In this news release, forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, statements regarding: the Company's progress toward profitability; potential annualized savings to be realized as a result of the Transaction and the Company's restructuring efforts; the anticipated timing and results of integration efforts of the Company following completion of the Transaction; potential cost synergies to be realized as a result of the Transaction; results of Investigational New Drug applications submitted to the FDA by US-based research partners; and revenue growth. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; the inability of MediPharm to obtain adequate financing; the delay or failure to receive regulatory approvals; and other factors discussed in MediPharm's filings, available on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca. 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 the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. Except as required by law, MediPharm assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change.

SOURCE MediPharm Labs Corp.
Leading Sponsor Monterey Financial to Present Revolutionary Solutions and Showcase Unmatched Expertise in Timeshare and Travel Club Financing

SAN DIEGO, Nov. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Monterey Financial, LLC, has been a leading player in the Consumer Finance, Loan Servicing Management, and Delinquent Debt Recovery sectors for over thirty years. Known for its innovative approach to solving complex financial challenges faced by entrepreneurs across various industries, Monterey Financial is delighted to share that it will be participating as a sponsor, presenter, and exhibitor at the highly anticipated GNEX-ACOTUR 2023 Conference at Kempinski Hotel Cancun, scheduled from November 14-16, 2023. During the event, Monterey Financial will showcase its expertise in the vacation industry, offering insightful solutions to meet the unique needs of businesses in this field.

At the GNEX-ACOTUR 2023 Conference, Monterey Financial will take center stage, unveiling the future of the finance and travel industries. As a leading event sponsor, Monterey Financial demonstrates its commitment to driving innovation and shaping the industry. Brokers attending the conference can expect to gain valuable insights into cutting-edge financing options that will empower them to redefine the way vacation properties are financed.

Gina Frame, Monterey's esteemed Account Executive, will deliver a presentation titled "Transforming Timeshare Financing." With their deep understanding of the ever-evolving vacation landscape, Monterey Financial will provide industry leaders with groundbreaking solutions that unlock new possibilities for businesses and their clients. Monterey is looking to revolutionize how businesses finance their consumers in the vacation sector. With their new approach to down payment financing, businesses in Mexico can unlock a much larger base of customers.

Monterey Financial invites everyone to visit their dedicated booth at the GNEX-ACOTUR 2023 Conference. Here, they will have the opportunity to engage with Monterey Financial's passionate team and gain comprehensive insights into the tailored services designed exclusively for the vacation industry. Attendees can explore potential collaborations and discover how Monterey Financial's expertise can enhance their business, ensuring they stay ahead in this rapidly evolving market. By understanding unique market challenges and shifting trends in the vacation industry, Monterey Financial offers new opportunities and appeals to a new audience.

Shaun Lucas, CEO of Monterey Financial, expresses his excitement about the event, stating, "We are honored to sponsor, present, and exhibit at GNEX-ACOTUR 2023. Monterey Financial is dedicated to revolutionizing timeshare financing and empowering brokers to achieve unparalleled success in the industry. Join us at this exceptional event as we unlock new opportunities and redefine the future of timeshare financing."

Stop by to connect with Monterey Financial, LLC participating and sponsoring in the esteemed GNEX-ACOTUR 2023 Conference at Kempinski Hotel Cancun from November 14-16, 2023. Attendees looking to unlock the full potential of vacation financing are encouraged to visit Monterey Financial's booth and discover visionary solutions that empower them to become leaders within the vacation industry.

About Monterey Financial Services:

Monterey's mission statement: To empower every business with the ability to optimize their sales through financing while maximizing growth and cash recovery. Monterey Financial Services has forged a reputation for unparalleled customer service, developing tailor-made consumer finance solutions for businesses selling products and services to consumers. Solutions are built to fit clients' requirements, whether they bundle Monterey services together or use what appeals to their specific needs. With services such as consumer finance , rent-to-own financing, loan servicing , custodial services, and delinquent debt collections , clients have the opportunity to profit from consumer receivables of all credit classifications and all stages of the receivables life cycle. With industry-leading results, Monterey remains committed to combining the best technology with its talented staff to achieve a primary objective for its clients to optimize portfolio performance. Contact Monterey Financial at 1-800-456-2225 or reach out through Monterey Financial's website here to learn more.

About GNEX-ACOTUR

GNEX-ACOTUR is a collaborative initiative that brings together six trade associations, including ACOTUR, AMDETUR, ADEPROTUR, ARDA, CRTA, and C.A.R.E., to foster industry collaboration and provide insights into the broader state of the tourism and hospitality industry. This platform aims to facilitate knowledge sharing, address industry challenges, and identify growth opportunities for mutual benefit. This exclusive event is open to professionals from all segments of the industry, including tourism boards, hoteliers, vacation ownership developers, travel agencies, and industry service providers. Read more here: https://gnexmexico.com/

Media Contact:

The JKO Agency

Jessica Kopach

805-570-2599

[email protected]

SOURCE Monterey Financial Services, LLC.
NAPA, Calif., Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Napa Green, a leading wine industry nonprofit, provides roadmaps, boots-on-the-ground consulting and certification services for regenerative viticulture, and sustainable, climate-smart winemaking. In keeping with a foundational principle, "Sustainability is a path, not a destination," Napa Green is again leveling up leadership, requiring that members phaseout the use of glyphosate/Roundup by January 1, 2026, and ultimately, the full suite of synthetic herbicides by January 1, 2028.*

The Napa Green team visits Napa Green Certified member, Tres Sabores. Photo Credit: BUDD Social

Napa Green is the first sustainable winegrowing certification program globally (of which there are ~20) to require the phaseout of glyphosate and synthetic herbicides. While a few wine regions have made specific glyphosate-free/organic commitments, these have not been made as part of a whole-systems approach to sustainability and climate action.

"I see this as an important step for Napa Valley," says Andy Erickson, Board Chair of the Napa Valley Vintners and Co-Owner of Favia. "It makes perfect sense that our valley and community should be on the forefront of eliminating these herbicides and moving in a more sustainable direction. I hope this is just the beginning of an important movement."

Napa Green has developed a "Weed Management Toolkit," established a pool of matching funds that growers can apply for to support phaseout, and is planning a series of training workshops to assist members in this transition. There will be a limited opportunity for variances under exceptional circumstances where farm conditions make herbicide-alternatives cost-prohibitive.*

"If not here, where? If not now, when?" The mantra of Anna Brittain, Executive Director of Napa Green. "Our region and members have always been on the leading edge. Napa Green has rigorous standards for social justice and farmworker safety; herbicide phaseout is crucial to continued proactive leadership. We are no longer willing to defend the status quo on this issue."

Beth Novak, President of Spottswoode Estate, shares, "We've been rallying our fellow winegrowers to eliminate herbicide and pesticide use. It is well known that synthetic herbicides harm our soils and water, and our air. If we want to maintain our hard-earned notoriety for exceptional wines, then we must take this opportunity to act."

The good news is that there has already been a sharp decline in the use of glyphosate/Roundup by winegrape growers in Napa County. However, there has been a rise in the use of alternative herbicides like Lifeline. "There is a lack of public awareness that there is a suite of herbicides being used for agriculture, in part to try to address increasing weed resistance," notes Brittain. "In some cases, growers turn to 2-3 other herbicides to try to match the effectiveness of glyphosate, which can have equal or greater environmental and human health risks." Eliminating the use of glyphosate is not a silver bullet, which is why Napa Green will work with members to phaseout the use of all synthetic herbicides by January 1, 2028.

One of the main resistances to phasing out glyphosate is increased labor and equipment costs. However, the costs of herbicides and fertilizers have risen dramatically, so increased labor demands can be offset by reduced supply chain purchases. In addition, leaders like Grgich Hills Estate, a Napa Green member, have shown that regenerative organic farming can be cost-effective. According to an analysis by Brotemarkle Davis & Co. LLP accounting firm, the average annual per acre cost of vineyard management in the Napa Valley is $14,800, with $3,800 in depreciation. At Grgich, they spend $11,000 per acre, with only $1,300 in depreciation due to the longer life of their vineyards.

Ivo Jeramaz, Vice President of Vineyards & Production at Grgich, says, "Regenerative practices are a proactive approach to farm health. If you're healthy enough you don't get sick  you're able to fight off pests and disease. It's a paradigm shift."

Join us for a Town Hall on Thursday, December 7 at St. Supery Estate from 4:30-6:30 pm, and learn more at www.napagreen.org/toolkit .

*Select growers may submit a variance request if conditions such as >5% slope, rocky soils, and/or narrow vine rows make weed management labor cost-prohibitive. Requests will be considered by a peer review committee.

About Napa Green: Napa Green (501c3) is a global leader in sustainable winegrowing, setting the highest bar for sustainability and climate action in the wine industry. Napa Green facilitates whole-systems soil to bottle certification for wineries and vineyards, and provides the support, tools and connections to continuously level up leadership. In 2021, Napa Green was the first sustainable winegrowing program to redevelop Vineyard certification standards to focus on climate action, regenerative carbon farming, and social equity. In 2022 & 2023, Napa Green organized and hosted the first of its kind, six-event RISE Climate & Wine Symposium (formerly THRIVES) with over 65 leading speakers, 40 sponsors, and 750 guests.

Contact:

Anna Brittain

[email protected]

SOURCE Napa Green
IRVING, Texas, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- National media franchisor The N2 Company (N2) recently held its annual "day of impact" known as N2GIVES Day . Always during the week of November 2  as a nod to "N2"  the company's nearly 800 team members are encouraged to press pause on work to give back to their local community in whatever way they wish.

As a national company with 95% of its workforce operating remotely from communities across the country (and beyond), this single event makes an impact felt far and wide. N2 employees, as well as the company's large and growing network of franchise business owners, put their work aside to volunteer or donate to support a worthy cause of their choosing. Some team members contribute solo, while others gather in groups to make an impact.

With 95% of N2's workforce operating remotely across the country, this single event makes an impact felt far and wide. Post this

This year, team members across 21 states (and one in Okinawa, Japan) gave back in many different ways, including donating blood, participating in food drives, volunteering at schools and nursing homes, and donating hundreds of household and clothing items. N2's digital marketing team, Hyport Digital , kept the tradition alive with their annual "beach sweep," picking up litter and debris along the North Carolina coast.

N2GIVES Day is one of three main give-back programs of The N2 Company. As a national franchisor of popular community-centric print publications, N2 donates ad space to nonprofits to provide a free and impactful way of spreading their message to consumers in their market. The company also donates millions of dollars each year to fight human trafficking. Learn more about why N2 has become a major donor in this fight at www.n2gives.com .

About The N2 Company

Founded in 2004, The N2 Company helps businesses "connect with ideal clients" by partnering with affluent neighborhoods, real estate communities, new-mover audiences, and others, to produce 800+ custom publications  and more opening every week . Every N2 issue is personal, relevant, and unique to the community it serves. Visit The N2 Company online at www.n2co.com to learn about our full portfolio of brands: Stroll, Greet, Real Producers, BeLocal, and Hyport Digital.

CONTACT:

The N2 Company

[email protected]

SOURCE The N2 Company
The Edges of Earth expedition team is named as the first Ocean Ambassadors for the new nature-focused social media platform, Voiijer. The team will highlight their experiences from the field on Voiijer over the course of their two-year expedition around the globe.

NEW YORK, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Voiijer , the new social media platform that elevates and showcases stories of impact and discoveries in nature, announced their partnership with the women-led dive team spearheading the Edges of Earth Expedition as the platform's first early adopters in the ocean category, trailblazing a path for future marine explorers. The Voiijer platform is designed to provide more opportunities for those looking to advance our understanding of the natural world. Together, Edges of Earth and Voiijer will revolutionize how people perceive, interact with and learn from the planet's remote and uncharted territories.

Andi Cross, Edges of Earth expedition lead

Protecting and restoring the oceans has never been more critical. Throughout Edges of Earth's two-year expedition to over 50 locations around the globe, the team will meet with countless local experts who have dedicated their lives to the oceanincluding scientists, researchers, conservationists, eco-operators, dive centers, community leaders, nonprofits and for-profit businesses. From the tropics to tundras, the Edges of Earth team will use the Voiijer platform to tell stories of positive progress and impact to amplify these individuals' work and inspire future generations to take ocean action.

This partnership amplifies both teams' missions to reconnect people with the natural world and inspire action. Through this collaboration, the Edges of Earth expedition ambassador team will share and document stories from the field in real-time, with the aim of providing benefit to nature enthusiasts, fellow explorers, and divers to make exploration more accessible.

"When looking for a platform to document and share research, insights and perspectives from the field, we were struggling to find the right fit. Today's mainstream social media doesn't allow us to chronicle critical details about each location we explore. Voiijer is different in that it's giving us a place to go deeper than static pictures and short-form reels. We want to show the depth of what we uncover around the world," says Andi Cross , Edges of Earth Expedition Lead. "Voiijer and Edges of Earth are working towards a future that fosters inclusion in a space that's largely been classified as highly aspirational, pushing for environmental awareness and appreciation without boundaries."

Michael Barth, seasoned explorer and founder of Voiijer, has stayed true to his vision of reconnecting people around the globe with the natural world: Voiijer amplifies discoveries and observations, making exploration accessible to all and inspiring an active community of nature enthusiasts.

"We're proud to partner with the Edges of Earth team. Our shared belief is that to reach the next generation to take ocean action, we need to take a different approach. Through content creation and new narratives that are relevant and relatable, we collectively can help to increase individual motivation. This partnership marks a step forward in advancing our knowledge of our natural world, with more people having the ability to access exploration than ever before," says Barth.

Currently, Voiijer is available for download on Apple iOS and has exponentially increased its user base since its launch in October 2023. For more information on this partnership, visit voiijer.com and edgesofearth.com .

About Voiijer

Voiijer is a groundbreaking social media platform that brings people closer to the natural world. The platform's tools allow users to document and share experiences in nature, crafting captivating stories, curating stunning visual content, and engaging with a community of nature enthusiasts. Built to free explorers from the constraints of traditional storytelling, Voiijer brings together millions of people's perspectives to amplify knowledge about the natural world on a broader scale.

About Edges of Earth

Edges of Earth is an expedition team going to some of the most remote and interesting dive destinations on the planet to tell untold stories of ocean conservation and restoration. Led by Andi Cross , the team will venture to 50+ locations over two years. The in-field team includes Marla Tomorug (Creative Director & Content Lead) and Adam Moore (Logistics, Equipment & Safety Lead). As the first-ever Scuba Schools International (SSI) ambassadors, in partnership with the world-leading dive gear provider, Mares , the team is exploring the world consciously in hopes of spreading positive progress.

Press Contact:

Emma Kemp

1(207)289-5647

368539@email4pr.com

SOURCE Voiijer
Newly awarded the Chronometry prize at the GPHG 2023 after a year that has brought great success and multiple awards, the Chronometre FB 3SPC celebrates its first anniversary with the unveiling of a new version combining a white gold case with a black movement

The first and only wristwatch with a variable-inertia balance and a cylindrical balance-spring to be officially chronometer-certified by the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC), the Chronometre FB 3SPC has been a hit with collectors and watchmaking professionals since its launch in October 2022.

Voted "Best Men's Watch 2022" by Revolution magazine, then winner of the "High Watchmaking" category in the "CH24 Watch of the Year 2023" competition, the Chronometre FB 3SPC has now added a new and prestigious award to its list of distinctions: the Chronometry prize at the GPHG 2023.

Chronometre FB 3SPC  Ferdinand Berthroud

While the FB 1 and FB 2 collections followed in the footsteps of Ferdinand Berthoud's marine chronometers thanks to constant-force mechanisms, the FB 3 collection explores accuracy from a new angle: that of the cylindrical balance-spring. Particularly appreciated for its stability, this type of hairspring was favoured by the master watchmaker and his nephew Louis Berthoud in their precision timepieces.

"This is how the idea of the Chronometre FB 3SPC came about. We wanted to integrate this type of balance-spring into a wristwatch, while retaining its original purpose that was to guarantee accuracy, explains Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, President of Chronometrie Ferdinand Berthoud. "We are particularly delighted to have been able to rise to the challenge and to see that the collection remains a great success among collectors, as confirmed by the latest award at the GPHG.

Chronometre FB 3SPC  Ferdinand Berthroud

To mark its first anniversary, the Chronometre FB 3SPC is unveiled in a new, contemporary guise: the 42.3 mm 18-carat white gold case houses a movement in black and anthracite tones, embellished with gilded hands.

This new model will be presented for the first time at Dubai Watch Week, from 16 to 20 November 2023.
The rise in demand for big data analytics, enterprise-wide need for scalable and flexible database solutions, and growth in adoption of cloud computing technology are expected to drive the global NoSQL market growth.

PORTLAND, Ore., Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "NoSQL Market by Type (Key-value Store, Document Database, Column-based Store, And Graph Database), Application (Data Storage (Distributed Data Depository, Cache Memory, and Metadata Store), Mobile Apps, Data Analytics, Web Apps, and Others), and Industry Vertical (Retail, Gaming, IT, and Others: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 20222032." According to the report, the NoSQL industry generated $ 7.3 billion in 2022 and is anticipated to generate $86.3 billion by 2032, witnessing a CAGR of 28.1% from 2023 to 2032.

Prime determinants of growth

The rise in demand for big data analytics, enterprise-wide need for scalable and flexible database solutions, and growth in adoption of cloud computing technology are expected to drive the global NoSQL market growth. However, the high complexities of administrating NoSQL databases and the potential threat of data-related inconsistencies are expected to hinder market growth. Furthermore, the rise in adoption of advanced technologies such as AI & ML offers lucrative market opportunities for the market players.

Download Sample Pages: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/640

Report coverage & details:

Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 20232032 Base Year 2022 Market Size in 2022 $7.3 billion Market Size in 2032 $86.3 billion CAGR 28.1 % No. of Pages in Report 350 Segments Covered Type, application, industry vertical and region. Drivers Rise in demand for big data analytics Enterprise-wide need for scalable and flexible database solutions Growth in adoption of cloud computing technology Opportunity Rise in adoption of advanced technologies such as AI & ML Restraints High complexities of administrating NoSQL databases The potential threat of data-related inconsistencies

COVID-19 Scenario

The NoSQL market witnessed stable growth during the COVID-19 pandemic, owing to the dramatically increased dependence on digital devices. The surge in online presence of people during the period of COVID-19 induced lockdowns and social distancing policies fueled the need for NoSQL solutions.

In addition, with the majority of the population confined in homes during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses needed to optimize their business operations and offerings to maximize their revenue opportunities while optimizing their operations to support the rapidly evolving business environment, post the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Buy this Complete Report (350 Pages PDF with Insights, Charts, Tables, and Figures) at:

https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/NoSQL-market/purchase-options

The key-value store segment to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period

On the basis of type, the key-value store segment held the highest market share in 2022, accounting for less than two-fifths of the NoSQL market revenue, and is estimated to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period. This is attributed to the high scalability and the ability to support multiple data models on a single database with faster access would continue driving its application. However, the document database segment is projected to manifest the highest CAGR of 29.0% from 2023 to 2032, as these database services help to reduce the time and costs associated with optimizing systems in the initial phase of deployment.

The web apps segment to maintain its lead position during the forecast period

On the basis of application, the web apps segment accounted for the largest share in 2022, contributing to more than one-fourth of the NoSQL market revenue, owing to growth in the usage of website-based solutions in several industries. However, the mobile apps segment is expected to portray the largest CAGR of 31% from 2023 to 2032 and is projected to maintain its lead position during the forecast period. It provides several advantages such as reducing costs, supporting business, and effectively controlling the business environment in the organization.

The IT segment to maintain its lead position during the forecast period

On the basis of industry vertical, the IT segment accounted for the largest share in 2022, contributing to less than two-fifths of the NoSQL market revenue, owing to the development of digital technologies in IT sector. However, the gaming segment is projected to manifest the highest CAGR of 35.4% from 2023 to 2032. The surge in the implementation of automation trends and the increase in utilization of digital technology in this sector is expected to provide lucrative opportunities for the market.

North America region to maintain its dominance by 2032

On the basis of region, the North America segment held the highest market share in terms of revenue in 2022, accounting for less than two-fifths of the NoSQL market revenue. The increase in the usage of NoSQL solutions in businesses to improve businesses and the customer experience is anticipated to propel the growth of the market in this region. However, the Asia-Pacific segment is projected to manifest the highest CAGR of 26.8% from 2023 to 2032. Countries such as China, India, and South Korea are at the forefront, embracing digital technologies to enhance their effectiveness and competitiveness, further expected to contribute to the growth of the market in this region.

Recent Partnerships in the NoSQL Market:

For instance, in May 2023, MongoDB partnered with Alibaba Cloud, MongoDB and Alibaba Cloud have also expanded aspects of the alliance including new joint marketing efforts, joint revenue commitments, and tighter technology integrations. Customers can rapidly innovate and scale their business while reducing costs and increasing efficiency on ApsaraDB for MongoDB by using the MongoDB database with Alibaba Cloud's distinctive features.

Recent Product Launches in the NoSQL Market:

In July 2021, Couchbase launched its updated NoSQL database providing users with a series of new features that aim to narrow the gap between NoSQL and relational databases.

Enquiry Before Buying: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/640

Leading Market Players:

Aerospike Inc.

Couchbase Inc.

IBM Corporation

Neo4j, Inc.

Objectivity, Inc

Oracle Corporation

Progress Software Corporation.

Riak

ScyllaDB, Inc.

The Apache Software Foundation.

The report provides a detailed analysis of these key players in the NoSQL 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 countries. 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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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 Insights" 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.

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SOURCE Allied Market Research
BEAVERTON, Ore., Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The OnGo Alliance, the industry consortium that promotes the development, commercialization, and adoption of LTE and 5G solutions for the US 3.5 GHz Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS), held its biannual member meeting in the last week of October in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The three-day event brought together attendees from OnGo member companies and associated enterprises for presentations, workshops, vendor exhibits, and OnGo's first Plugfest, with devices connecting to a 5G NR Stand Alone network built on site.

The member meeting featured over 20 presentations covering topics such as CBRS commercialization, private LTE and 5G networks, indoor neutral hosts, and OnGo market development. Notable speakers included:

The adoption of CBRS is growing, with 362,000 active CBSDs, 720 FCC-authorized end-user devices, and 1,000 operators. Post this

Eduardo Valencia , the CIO of the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, described the airport's successful trials with CBRS on multiple use cases and emphasized the importance of video as a game-changing application for airports.

, the CIO of the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, described the airport's successful trials with CBRS on multiple use cases and emphasized the importance of video as a game-changing application for airports. David Hallgren & Karin Glitterstam from Einride shared their deployment leveraging CBRS private networks for Freight Mobility-as-a-Service, enabling electric freight transportation with driverless trucks.

& Karin Glitterstam from Einride shared their deployment leveraging CBRS private networks for Freight Mobility-as-a-Service, enabling electric freight transportation with driverless trucks. Johnny Park , CEO of the Wabash Heartland Innovation Network (WHIN), described the WHIN Living Lab Ecosystem project, which includes CBRS networks over a ten-county region in Indiana . WHIN is becoming a major player in agricultural & manufacturing technology.

, CEO of the Wabash Heartland Innovation Network (WHIN), described the WHIN Living Lab Ecosystem project, which includes CBRS networks over a ten-county region in . WHIN is becoming a major player in agricultural & manufacturing technology. Garfield Swaby , VP of IT of the New York Public Library, described the library's success leveraging CBRS to deliver broadband access to the communities surrounding their branches in New York City .

, VP of IT of the New York Public Library, described the library's success leveraging CBRS to deliver broadband access to the communities surrounding their branches in . Kyung Mun , Principal Analyst at Mobile Experts, gave an overview of the rising market for CBRS private networks and neutral hosts.

One key session led by both the Chairman and President of the Alliance summarized recent key OnGo Alliance accomplishments that will further enhance the reliability of CBRS:

Citizens Broadband Radio Service Devices (CBSDs) in areas or frequencies outside of DoD activity can now continue transmissions on approved grants for up to 24 hours without requiring renewed authorization from a Spectrum Access System (SAS).

An approval of new CBRS propagation models that will substantially reduce the neighborhoods associated with Dynamic Protection Areas. This will significantly increase the amount of available spectrum to more users and ensure their uninterrupted operation in the band.

The completion of a collaborative GAA coexistence framework. This innovative set of specifications and practices, designed and approved by the Alliance, serves to facilitate the reduction of interference among GAA networks. It achieves this by implementing a GAA frequency plan within an area agreed upon by users and associated SAS administrators.

"These advancements stem from the collaborative efforts of the NTIA (National Telecommunications and Information Administration), DoD (Department of Defense) and OnGo Alliance. We are pleased with the broad recognition of the importance of optimizing shared spectrum to drive innovation and efficiency," stated Preston Marshall, Chairman of the OnGo Alliance. "Improving services for end users will not only drive greater adoption but also pave the way for spectrum sharing across more bands."

This continued progress is expected to further expedite the growth of CBRS adoption across multiple verticals. There are already more than 362,000 CBSDs in active operation, accompanied by over 720 FCC-authorized end-user devices and a vast network of over 1,000 operators.

The OnGo Alliance hosted its inaugural device Plugfest at the event, dedicated to exploring CBRS 5G NR SA (Stand Alone) operation and performance. Featuring participation from over two dozen CBRS 5G devices spanning a diverse array of vendors, the event showcased the utilization of the CBRS Shared Home Network Identifier (HNI) within a private network. Using a 40 MHz carrier in GAA spectrum, consistent performance was achieved exceeding 400 Mbps in the downlink and uplink speeds surpassing 50 Mbps. The Alliance is looking to build on this success and in the near future hold additional events with more devices and vendors and showcase more advanced use cases for private networks.

The member meeting was a great success. It allowed the OnGo community to share success stories, align on priorities, share knowledge, build partnerships, and continue driving the evolution of shared spectrum technology.

About OnGo Alliance:

The OnGo Alliance is an industry consortium that promotes developing, commercializing, and adopting LTE and 5G solutions for the US 3.5 GHz Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) and evangelizes shared spectrum globally. Formerly the CBRS Alliance, this 140+ member group accelerates the buildout of effective and efficient CBRS networks using 4G and 5G solutions. There are over 362,000 CBRS Access Points across the U.S. currently broadcasting wireless signals on the CBRS spectrum via private and fixed wireless networks, spanning various sectors, including enterprise IT, industrial IoT, smart cities, rural broadband, transportation, hospitality, retail, and real estate. The Alliance has also established a product certification program for OnGo equipment in the CBRS band, ensuring multi-vendor interoperability.

To learn more about the OnGo Alliance, please visit http://www.ongoalliance.org.

OnGo Alliance and the OnGo logo are trademarks of OnGo Alliance.

SOURCE OnGo Alliance
MIAMI, Nov. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- With the aim of highlighting advancements in the public utilities industry, where artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a crucial pillar in the pursuit of excellence, Open International led a presentation at the Florida Municipal Electric Association's (FMEA) Energy Connections Conference held on November 8th in Orlando, Florida.

The conference was led by Felipe Corredor, Business Development Manager at Open International, who shared specific examples with the audience, illustrating the revolutionary potential that artificial intelligence holds in transforming these organizations in how they operate and serve their customers.

"During the conference, we sought to emphasize the importance of creating a Total Experience approach that combines customer experience (CX) with employee experience (EX). The effectiveness of employees' work dynamics in creating a superior customer experience largely depends on how employees deal with complex software, which often leads to frustration and confusion in their daily tasks. In this context, these companies require innovative and flexible software solutions, backed by advanced digital tools for employee training. These solutions should be intuitive and easy to use, allowing employees to provide an efficient and effective user experience," stated Corredor.

In his presentation, Corredor showcased real-life examples using Advanced Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, digital adoption tools, and Smartflex, a cloud-based CIS (utility billing system), which demonstrated tangible benefits for the public utilities sector.

The combination of operational efficiency and user orientation becomes a critical factor in the public utilities industry. Corredor commented, "At Open, we understand excellence in customer service relays on many factors including employee engagement, which is why we have developed Smartflex, a modern customer information system (CIS) that offers an intuitive interface and digital adoption tools designed to facilitate employee onboarding and learning."

Smartflex includes a digital adoption tool called Polaris, which guides employees step by step in their tasks, eliminating the stress of learning to use a new system. This interactive tool is available at all times, allowing employees to get answers to their questions when they need them. By empowering employees with intuitive guides, Smartflex transforms how public utilities companies adopt digital solutions, enhancing the customer experience and improving employee productivity.

In addition, Open continues to demonstrate its innovations with its initiative of embedding artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT into Smartflex, enabling seamless and highly personalized interactions between customer service representatives and utility customers. This innovation plans to provide instant assistance and real-time issue resolution, enhancing interactions with customers and exceeding their expectations.

Corredor concluded, "At Open, we are committed to empowering utility companies to achieve their goals, optimize their processes, and enhance the experience of both their employees and customers. We are confident that with the assistance of Smartflex, these companies can successfully improve their customer experience and enhance their employee engagement, taking their management and efficiency to the next level."

Contact:

maria.corredor@openintl.com

SOURCE Open International LLC
NEW YORK, Nov. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The pizza oven market size is estimated to increase by USD 149.61 million from 2022 to 2027, with a CAGR of 5.18%, according to a recent market study by Technavio. The market is segmented by region Europe, North America, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa. An analysis of key leading countries has been included. Europe will contribute 33% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. This is one of the largest markets for pizzas due to the growing demand for customization in pizza and consumer preference for gluten-free pizzas. Furthermore, the pizza oven market in Europe witnessed a decline in 2020 due to COVID-19 but mass vaccination drives conducted by the government and the reopening of restaurants in Europe revived the growth of the regional market in 2021. Hence, such factors fuel the regional market growth during the forecast period. This report also offers a 5-year historical (2017-2021) data projection of market size, segmentation, and region. Discover some insights on market size before buying the full report -Request a sample report

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Pizza Oven Market 2023-2027

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of vendors has been conducted to help clients understand the wider business environment as well as the strengths and weaknesses of key market players. Data is qualitatively analyzed to categorize vendors as pure play, category-focused, industry-focused, and diversified; it is quantitatively analyzed to categorize vendors as dominant, leading, strong, tentative, and weak. The Bargaining Power of Buyers & Suppliers and the Threat of New Entrants, Rivalry, and Substitutes have also been analyzed and rated between LOW-HIGH to provide a holistic view of market favorability.

The pizza oven market report also offers information on the criticality of inputs, R&D, CAPEX, technology, and products of 15 vendors listed Below -

Ali Group Srl, BakerStone, Californo, Cuppone Srl, EarthStone Wood Fire Ovens, Fiero, Fontana Forni USA, Henny Penny Corp., Il Forno By Marco, Marra Forni, Morello Forni Italia Srl, Mugnaini Imports Inc., Peppino Cement Ornaments CC, Smeg S.p.a., Sveba Dahlen AB, Wood Stone Corp., Forno Bravo, Le Panyol, Ooni Ltd., and Italoven Download a Sample

Pizza Oven Market - Segmentation

The market is segmented by Type (Electric pizza oven, Wood-fired pizza oven, and Gas pizza oven), Distribution Channel (Offline and Online), and Geography (Europe, North America, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa)

The electric pizza oven segment will be significant during the forecast period. Electric pizza ovens are an attractive option for commercial kitchens. This is because they are easy to use and require less expertise than traditional wood-fired ones. Furthermore, global demand for electric pizza ovens is likely to be influenced by various factors, such as the growth in the size of the food service market. Hence, such factors drive the segment growth during the forecast period.

To procure the data - Buy report!

Pizza Oven Market - Market Dynamics

The increasing consumption of pizza in developing countries drives the pizza oven market growth. Factors such as an increase in urbanization, availability of goods, and income influence consumer spending behavior. Market vendors draw consumer interest by adding value to their products and expanding their product portfolios. Also, the nutrition calculator displays total calorie and sodium intake, total fat amount, carbohydrates, and protein. Hence, such factors boost the pizza oven market growth during the forecast period.

The increasing focus on customized and hybrid wood-fired ovens is an emerging pizza oven market trend.

is an emerging pizza oven market trend. The long product replacement cycle challenges the growth of the pizza oven market.

For Insights on the market dynamics & segmentations VIEW PDF SAMPLE !

What are the key data covered in this Pizza Oven Market report?

CAGR of the market during the forecast period

Detailed information on factors that will drive the growth of the pizza oven market between 2023 and 2027

Precise estimation of the size of the pizza oven market and its contribution to the market with a focus on the parent market

Accurate predictions about upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior

Growth of the pizza oven market across Europe , North America , APAC, South America , and Middle East and Africa

, , APAC, , and and A thorough analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information about vendors

Comprehensive analysis of factors that will challenge the growth of pizza oven market vendors

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The Smart Oven Market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 14.02% between 2022 and 2027. The market size is forecast to increase by USD 272.65 million.

The residential microwave oven market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 7.35% between 2022 and 2027. The market size is forecast to increase by USD 4,313.45 million.

Table of Contents

1 Executive Summary

2 Market Landscape

3 Market Sizing

4 Historic Market Size

5 Five Forces Analysis

6 Market Segmentation by Distribution Channel

7 Market Segmentation by Type

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 focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

Contact

Technavio Research

Jesse Maida

Media & Marketing Executive

US: +1 844 364 1100

UK: +44 203 893 3200

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.technavio.com

SOURCE Technavio
The We Are the Girls campaign supported girl-led programming internationally and in the U.S.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Plan International USA surpassed its' $200 million fundraising goal for its We Are the Girls campaign. The funds raised as part of the campaign are supporting girl-led programs that fight gender inequality internationally and in the U.S.

Over the past five years, the campaign has impacted the lives of more than 15.5 million people through programs focused on girls' unique needs. In a quest to change the way the world sees girls, and the way girls see themselves, Plan developed an approach called GirlEngage. GirlEngage places girls at the center and includes them as a critical partner from program design to implementation to evaluation.

"We set out to ensure that girls were safe, educated and economically empowered," Shanna Marzilli, chief executive officer and president of Plan International USA, said. "What we found is that girls are best positioned to understand and solve the challenges they face. When given resources and opportunities, they can lead positive change in their communities."

An example of GirlEngage in action is The Graduation Project in Zimbabwe, which is focused on increasing the number of girls who complete secondary school. Many girls travelled long distances to school and would stay in unsafe places, like abandoned buildings, during the week to avoid the lengthy trip. When Plan decided to build dormitories, it was assumed girls would want things like WiFi and technology. However, when asked, girls were most concerned about safety, requesting features like a barbed wire fence and a female security guard. This challenged assumptions, but allowed for a dorm to be built that better fit the needs of girls. As one participant noted, "this project is for us, by us." Today, the dormitories are at full capacity.

"GirlEngage is providing girls with the tools to choose their future rather than have it dictated for them," Vicki Escarra, campaign cabinet chair and managing member of Boston Consulting Group, said. "I have been so inspired not only by the girls themselves, but also by those who saw the potential of girls and have supported this campaign. I am excited to see what can be accomplished next!"

Inspired by the suite of projects developed by We Are the Girls, Plan mobilized support from nearly 300,000 individual, corporate and foundation donors. The resources raised by the campaign were also used in the U.S. to partner with young people through leadership training community-building. In addition, Plan worked with Unsplash, the internet's source of freely usable visuals, to portray girls on their own terms and change Unsplash's search algorithm to feature real, confident girls.

Building on the campaign's successes, Plan is creating additional programs in new communities to inspire even more transformational change alongside adolescent girls. As the world faces crises and growing inequality, you can join in the fight to achieve gender equality by joining Plan's community of We Are the Girls activists.

About Plan International USA

Powered by supporters, Plan International USA partners with adolescent girls, and their communities, around the world to overcome oppression and gender inequality. We provide the support and resources that are unique to their needs and the needs of their communities, ensuring they achieve their full potential with dignity, opportunity and safety. Founded in 1937, Plan is an independent development and humanitarian organization that is active in more than 80 countries.

For more information, and to learn about our commitment to safeguarding, please visit www.PlanUSA.org.

SOURCE Plan International USA
Special Evening in Palm Island, Florida Raised Funds to Fight Opioid Crisis

ORLANDO, Fla., Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Priscilla Presley was honored at Victoria's Voice Foundation gala "Music for Life" on November 11, receiving the 2023 Legacy Award for her courage and grace amidst adversity. Presley, a best-selling author, actress and executive producer of the critically acclaimed feature film, "Priscilla," received the award in front of nearly 300 attendees from Jackie Siegel, the co-founder of Victoria's Voice.

Held at a private estate in Palm Island, FL and featuring a headline performance by Grammy-winner Patti LaBelle, the special evening raised funds to combat the opioid overdose crisis that continues to devastate families and communities nationwide. Victoria's Voice provides drug prevention education and naloxone awareness, support and resources to those affected by substance use.

"Tonight, we honor a woman who, through her resilience, has not only touched our hearts but has shown us the true power of the human spirit," said Jackie Siegel. "Her journey and legacy is one of unwavering determination and a testament to the indomitable human will."

"Throughout my life I have seen firsthand how drugs devastate families. This award inspires me to continue advocating for those impacted by addiction and who live every day in fear that their loved ones will be taken from them," said Presley. "I am incredibly moved by how David and Jackie have turned their painful loss into a force for good and giving back. I salute everyone involved with Victoria's Voice and I share this award with all of you."

The Music for Life Gala kicked off with a cocktail reception, followed by dinner, dancing and a special performance by LaBelle, who performed several of her greatest hits from her storied, seven-decade-long career.

Also, Interval International had the distinct honor to receive the Victoria's Voice Corporate Hero Award with its Vice President of Business Development, Jay Wilson, accepting the award on its behalf.

Victoria's Voice receives support from various corporations, philanthropic organizations and individuals nationwide.

"It's inspiring to witness prominent donors come from every part of the country to support the foundation and the significant impact it has made on fighting the drug crisis," said Dan Neill, ONDCP HIDTA Director of seven states. "I know this firsthand from working with them through the DEA and now in my current position.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recorded nearly 110,000 deaths from drug overdose in 2022 across the United States. Opioids  a class of drugs that include heroin, synthetic opioids such as fentanyl and pain relievers like oxycodone  comprise about 75% of overdose deaths, according to the CDC. Earlier this spring, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first over-the-counter naloxone nasal spray that reverses the effect of an opioid overdose, restoring breathing and consciousness within minutes of being administered. Naloxone is safe and easy to use, works almost immediately and has very few side effects.

For photos from the Music for Life Gala, click here.

About Victoria's Voice Foundation

Victoria's Voice Foundation was established in 2019 by Jackie and David Siegel after losing their 18-year-old daughter to an accidental drug overdose. Victoria's Voice is dedicated to providing drug prevention education and naloxone awareness, support and resources to those affected by substance use. Since its founding, Victoria's Foundation has positively impacted nearly one million parents and children through its education programs. For more information about Victoria's Voice, visit www.victoriasvoice.org.

SOURCE Victorias Voice Foundation
JERSEY CITY, N.J., Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- InsightAce Analytic Pvt. Ltd. announces the release of a market assessment report on the "Global Pulsed Field Ablation Market- By Therapeutic Area (Cardiovascular Disorders, Oncological Disorders, Respiratory Disorders, Dermatological Disorders), By Product Components (Catheter, Generator, By Application Area (Ablation, Ablation and Mapping), By Source of Ablation (Pulsed Field Energy, Pulsed Field and Radiofrequency Energy, Pulsed Field and Cryoablation Energy)), Trends, Industry Competition Analysis, Revenue and Forecast To 2031."

According to the latest research by InsightAce Analytic, the Global Pulsed Field Ablation Market is expected to represent a CAGR of 38.51% during a forecast period of 2023-2031.

Pulsed Field Ablation Market Report Scope

Report Attribute Specifications Growth Rate CAGR CAGR of 38.51 % from 2023 to 2031 Quantitative Units Representation of revenue in US$ Million and CAGR from 2023 to 2031 Historic Year 2019 to 2022 Forecast Year 2023-2031 Report Coverage The forecast of revenue, the position of the company, the competitive market structure, growth prospects, and trends Segments Covered By Therapeutic Area, Product Components, Application Areas, Source of Ablation Regional Scope North America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Latin America; Middle East & Africa Country Scope U.S.; Canada; Germany; China; India; Japan; Brazil; Mexico; The UK; France; Italy; Spain; China; Japan; India; South Korea; Southeast Asia Competitive Landscape AccuPulse Medical, Acutus Medical Adagio Medical , AngioDynamics , Arga Medtech , AtriAN Medical , Biosense Webster , Boston Scientific , CardioFocus, CathRx, CRC EP , Galvanize Therapeutics , Gradient Medical , Hangzhou Dinova EP Technology , Kardium, Medtronic, Abbott, Mirai Medical, Pulse Biosciences and Tianjin Intelligent Health Medica, ElectroPhysiology Frontiers, EnChannel Medical.

Free PDF Sample Report Brochure: https://www.insightaceanalytic.com/request-sample/2181

Recent Developments

In May 2023 , Abbott declared that its TactiFlex Ablation Catheter, Sensor Enabled, has been approved by the FDA. This, according to the manufacturer, is the first ablation catheter in the world to feature a flexible tip and contact force technology. Additionally, the TactiFlex catheter was integrated with Abbott's EnSite X EP System, which enabled more precise visualization of cardiac anatomy by physicians.

Abbott declared that its TactiFlex Ablation Catheter, Sensor Enabled, has been approved by the FDA. This, according to the manufacturer, is the first ablation catheter in the world to feature a flexible tip and contact force technology. Additionally, the TactiFlex catheter was integrated with Abbott's EnSite X EP System, which enabled more precise visualization of cardiac anatomy by physicians. In March 2023 , The Medtronic PulseSelect PFA System demonstrated exceptional results in the pioneering PULSED AF global IDE trial. The primary objective of PULSED AF was to assess the reliability and efficacy of the PulseSelect System in adult patients with a documented medical history of symptomatic paroxysmal or persistent AF that was resistant to medication treatment.

Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) is a medical technology used to treat cardiac arrhythmias, particularly atrial fibrillation (AF). Market is a minimally invasive procedure that uses high-energy electrical fields to create localized lesions in the heart tissue, disrupting the abnormal electrical pathways causing arrhythmia. Furthermore, PFA technology was evolving, with efforts to make the procedure safer, more precise, and more accessible to a broader range of patients. Research and development efforts were focused on enhancing catheter designs, energy delivery mechanisms, and mapping technologies to improve patient outcomes. PFA devices and procedures were subject to regulatory approvals by health authorities in different countries.

Additionally, regulatory clearance and reimbursement status varied by region, impacting market adoption rates and faced challenges related to its complexity and the need for specialized training. Furthermore, the cost of PFA procedures and competition from other atrial fibrillation treatment methods, such as radiofrequency ablation and medication, posed challenges for market penetration.

List of Prominent Players in the Pulsed Field Ablation Market:

AccuPulse Medical

Acutus Medical

Adagio Medical

AngioDynamics

Arga Medtech

AtriAN Medical

Biosense Webster

Boston Scientific

CardioFocus

CathRx

CRC EP

Galvanize Therapeutics

Gradient Medical

Hangzhou Dinova EP Technology

Kardium

Medtronic

Abbott

Mirai Medical

Pulse Biosciences

Tianjin Intelligent Health Medica

ElectroPhysiology Frontiers

EnChannel Medical

Others

Market Dynamics:

Drivers-

The PFA market was expected to continue growing as the technology matured and gained wider acceptance among electrophysiologists and patients. However, the pace of growth and market dynamics may have shifted in the years following my last update. Ongoing research and development efforts have led to technological advancements in PFA systems. Improved catheter designs, enhanced energy delivery mechanisms, and more advanced mapping technologies are making PFA procedures safer and more effective, attracting healthcare providers and patients. Educational efforts by medical professionals and healthcare organizations are increasing awareness about AF and its treatment options, including PFA. As more patients and physicians become informed about PFA, demand for the procedure is likely to rise.

Challenges:

PFA was relatively new, and there might have been limited long-term clinical data available to demonstrate its safety and efficacy compared to established techniques like radiofrequency ablation. This could impact adoption by healthcare providers and payers. Obtaining regulatory approval from agencies in the United States or the CE Mark in Europe can be a lengthy and expensive. Ensuring that PFA systems meet regulatory requirements was a significant hurdle for companies in this market. The PFA market might have been limited by the size of the patient population with specific arrhythmias. Smaller patient populations could limit the market's overall growth potential.

Regional Trends:

The North America Pulsed Field Ablation market is expected to register a major market share. Increasing awareness among patients about the availability of PFA as a treatment option was important. This required educational efforts by healthcare providers and device manufacturers. The PFA market in North America was poised for growth due to the increasing incidences of atrial fibrillation and the demand for more effective and less invasive treatment options. Besides, Europe had a substantial share of the market. European healthcare institutions and electrophysiology centres were adopting PFA technology for the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias, including AFib. Adoption rates varied across different European countries and healthcare facilities. Companies developing PFA devices were seeking regulatory approvals, including the CE Mark, necessary for commercializing medical devices in Europe. Compliance with European regulations was a key factor in market entry.

Curious About This Latest Version of The Report? Enquiry Before Buying:

https://www.insightaceanalytic.com/enquiry-before-buying/2181

Segmentation of Pulsed Field Ablation Market-

By Therapeutic Area

Cardiovascular Disorders

Oncological Disorders

Respiratory Disorders

Dermatological Disorders

By Product Components

Catheter

Generator

By Application Area

Ablation

Ablation and Mapping

By Source of Ablation

Pulsed Field Energy

Pulsed Field and Radiofrequency Energy

Pulsed Field and Cryoablation Energy

By Region-

North America - The US Canada Mexico

Europe - Germany The UK France Italy Spain Rest of Europe

Asia-Pacific - China Japan India South Korea Southeast Asia Rest of Asia Pacific

Latin America - Brazil Argentina Rest of Latin America

Middle East & Africa - GCC Countries South Africa Rest of Middle East and Africa



For More Customization @

https://www.insightaceanalytic.com/customisation/2181

Why should buy this report:

To receive a comprehensive analysis of the prospects for the global pulsed field ablation market

To receive an industry overview and future trends in the global pulsed field ablation market

To analyze the pulsed field ablation market drivers and challenges

To get information on the pulsed field ablation market size value (US$ Mn) forecast till 2031

Major Investments, Mergers & Acquisitions in the global pulsed field ablation industry

Other Related Reports Published by InsightAce Analytic:

Sensor-based Smart Catheters Market

Catheter Introducer Sheaths Market

Cardiac Autonomic Control Market

About Us:

InsightAce Analytic is a market research and consulting firm that enables clients to make strategic decisions. Our qualitative and quantitative market intelligence solutions inform the need for market and competitive intelligence to expand businesses. We help clients gain a competitive advantage by identifying untapped markets, exploring new and competing technologies, segmenting potential markets, and repositioning products. Our expertise is in providing syndicated and custom market intelligence reports with an in-depth analysis with key market insights in a timely and cost-effective manner.

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InsightAce Analytic Pvt. Ltd.

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SOURCE InsightAce Analytic Pvt. Ltd
NEW YORK, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Redwood Scientific Technologies ( RSCI OTC PINK ) is pleased to announce that, as of 11-13-2023 at 10:42 AM, it has secured conditional approval from the Institutional Review Board (IRB)/Central Institutional Review Board (CIRB). This milestone marks a significant advancement in Redwood's ongoing efforts towards clinical study work, aiming to develop and introduce an Oral Thin Film Strip to address nicotine addiction in vape devices.

The conditional IRB approval not only paves the way for the study on Redwood's innovative product for nicotine addiction in vape devices but also extends to a study on TBX FREE, the company's primary product designed to combat nicotine addiction in traditional cigarettes.

Redwood Scientific Technologies Receives Conditional Approval from IRB/CIRB for Groundbreaking Clinical Studies Post this

Redwood envisions being the pioneer in the market with a nicotine-free solution for addiction to nicotine in e-cigarettes or vape devices.

CEO Jason Cardiff expressed his sentiments, stating, "It has been a long road for us, and we are working around the clock to get these products on the market as fast as possible. We understand the urgency for help when it comes to the addiction of nicotine in vapes."

This conditional approval from IRB/CIRB signifies a crucial step forward for Redwood Scientific Technologies in its commitment to addressing nicotine addiction across various mediums. The company remains dedicated to accelerating the development and market availability of these groundbreaking solutions to make a meaningful impact on the current challenges associated with nicotine dependency.

For further information, please contact:

Media Relations

Redwood Scientific Technologies

[email protected]

646-503-7884

About Redwood Scientific Technologies:

Redwood Scientific Technologies is a leading research and development company based in New York, focused on innovative solutions to combat nicotine addiction. With a commitment to advancing healthcare, Redwood is dedicated to introducing groundbreaking products to improve the lives of individuals struggling with nicotine dependency.

SOURCE REDWOOD SCIENTIFIC TECHNOLOGIES
This strategic partnership between Roambee and Central Soft represents a transformative leap forward in the realm of real-time supply chain visibility within the Japanese market, providing enterprises with unparalleled intelligence into their operations.

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Roambee , the global real-time supply chain visibility and intelligence provider announced a joint venture with Central Soft , a renowned Japanese software and services company. This collaboration marks the beginning of a groundbreaking digital transformation journey for the Japanese supply chain, as enterprises in Japan seeks to embrace the latest technological advancements in supply chain artificial intelligence (AI) & sensor-driven visibility to enhance business operations.

Roambee

On the partnership, Sanjay Sharma, CEO of Roambee, stated, "Japan is an emerging market with enormous potential for digital transformation in the supply chain industry. We have been thrilled to witness the enthusiastic reception of the Roambee solution in Japan, where Global 2000 customers are already benefiting from our technology. To ensure Roambee's success in Japan, it is crucial to address the specific requirements of Japanese customers. This includes localization, value-added services on top of the platform, and custom applications tailored to Japanese business practices and supply chain operations."

By combining Roambee's cutting-edge, AI-powered supply chain intelligence with Central Soft's decades of experience and in-depth knowledge of the Japanese business landscape, this joint venture is poised to revolutionize how enterprises in Japan manage and optimize their supply chains.

"Our joint venture with Roambee is a strategic leap forward for Central Soft in leading supply chain innovation in Japan. This partnership will redefine how enterprises in Japan manage their supply chains, equipping them with the intelligence and visibility required to remain competitive in today's fast-paced world. Our deep expertise in the enterprise software & services space, coupled with Roambee's cutting-edge technology, empowers us to deliver tailor-made supply chain solutions that precisely meet the unique needs of Japanese enterprises," said Kentaro Koga, CEO of Central Soft.

The synergy between Central Soft and Roambee enables both companies to quickly adapt to market requirements and exceed the expectations of Japanese customers. The partnership serves two primary customer groups: global customers seeking to leverage Roambee's solutions in Japan, and local Japanese customers eager to embark on their digital transformation journey.

The joint venture caters to industries such as pharmaceutical companies, life sciences, food and beverage, chemicals, the automotive industry, and the retail sector. These sectors will experience transformative solutions that are customized to their specific needs, from digital tracking to localized language support and beyond.

This partnership marks a significant milestone in the supply chain technology landscape, as Roambee and Central Soft stand at the forefront of digital transformation in Japan and the APAC region. With a shared vision and a commitment to excellence, they are set to revolutionize the way businesses operate and manage their supply chains in this key technology market.

About Roambee

Roambee is a supply chain visibility & intelligence provider enabling on-time, in-full, in-quality delivery of shipments and assets anywhere in the world. 300+ enterprises are improving customer experience, service levels, product quality, order-to-cash cycles, business efficiencies, sustainability, and automating logistics with Roambee's real-time insights & foresights. More than 50 of them are the top 100 global companies in the Pharma, Food, Electronics, Chemicals, Automotive, Packaging & Containers, and Logistics sectors. Roambee's innovative AI-powered platform, and end-to-end monitoring solutions, deliver reliable business signals built on item-level, firsthand IoT sensor data and non-sensor inputs. The outcome is 70% better multimodal ETAs, OTIF deliveries, 80%+ cold chain compliance, and more, including 4X+ ROI on supply chain asset performance.

About Central Soft

Central Soft is a leading software and services company in Japan that excels in System Development, Infrastructure Construction, and IT Operations Management. Central Soft has a proven track record of delivering tailor-made solutions across various industries, including finance, manufacturing, distribution, and public sectors. It is known for constructing flexible and reliable infrastructure environments that adapt to ever-evolving technologies and diverse client needs. We deliver tailor-made solutions across various industries with a focus on innovation and cutting-edge technology.

Media Contact

Susana Leiser

Warner Communications

[email protected]

+1 (786) 403-8393

SOURCE Roambee
SHANGHAI, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Shanghai Electric (SEHK: 2727, SSE: 601727) announced to ink the "Carbon & Digital" Joint Laboratory Strategic Cooperation Agreement with Johnson Controls Inc. (Johnson Controls) during the China International Import Expo (CIIE) 2023, a move that will strengthen the pair's synergy as they endeavor to fuel innovation for urban sustainability. The partnership, with its focus on expediting the development of zero-carbon factories and industrial parks, will see the two companies establish a green and low-carbon supply chain system in an effort to empower the energy sector to enhance efficiency and reduce carbon footprints.

Shanghai Electric Inks Agreement with Johnson Controls at CIIE 2023 with Plans to Establish Laboratory that Empowers Greener Urban Development.

"The establishment of the joint laboratory will further deepen the collaboration between Shanghai Electric and Johnson Controls in the green, low-carbon, and sustainable development of cities. It will allow us to harness our complementary strengths to facilitate the coordinated development of power sources and loads and leverage the seamless integration of digital and intelligent solutions to explore cooperation opportunities in various scenarios, including cities, industrial parks, streets, and buildings. Together, our goal is to create integrated solutions and intelligent service platforms that combine multiple energy sources such as electricity, cold, heat, and gas, jointly promoting green and low-carbon transformation," said Liu Ping, President of Shanghai Electric.

Industrial parks are characterized by high energy consumption and carbon footprints. Accounting for about 69% of the total energy consumption and 31% of carbon emissions in China, they are the major sources of carbon emissions in urban areas that are expected to rise alongside socio-economic growth. Despite their strong carbon impact, these manufacturing hubs serve as a pivotal economic engine, with over 20,000 ones across the country contributing to more than 30% of economic expansion.

In a concerted effort to tackle the environmental challenges linked to the energy-dense industrial sectors, Shanghai Electric and Johnson Controls have joined forces in devising innovative solutions designed to reduce the carbon footprint of manufacturing facilities while enhancing their efficiency in energy usage. The two companies have co-developed the Standard for Zero Carbon Industrial Park Implementation Path Planning and Evaluation Guidelines, establishing a robust framework that facilitates China's ongoing mission to decarbonize its industrial zones.

Unveiled at the China International Industry Fair 2023, the Standard set out guidelines on "one digital platform" as a management foundation for carbon-neutral parks, "nine technological pathways" in key areas, as well as the strategy to adopt a "source-grid-load-storage" integrated energy system, helping industrial parks maximize emission reduction at the lowest cost.

The roots of the business alliance between Shanghai Electric and Johnson Controls date back to 2015 for collaborative efforts in the realms of zero-carbon technology and green development. The pair will continue their shared mission of promoting environmentally conscious, low-carbon development, deepening their cooperation as they jointly explore intelligent technology for industrial parks and buildings, the development of energy-efficient and eco-friendly products, and next-generation energy storage products.

SOURCE Shanghai Electric
Kevin Turen, producer of the popular HBO drama series Euphoria, died unexpectedly at the age of 44. The cause of his death has not yet been disclosed.

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The producer is survived by his wife Evelina and two sons, Jack and James. Kevin Touraine's death was confirmed by his parents, Deadline writes (scroll to the bottom of the page to see the photo).

"Kevin was so incredibly special that this world will be a smaller place without him," said the producer's father.

Turen was born in New York City on August 16, 1979. He decided to pursue a career in film after high school, so he went to Columbia University to study the profession. Later, Kevin Turen moved to Los Angeles and became in demand in Hollywood.

He produced the films Malcolm and Marie, The Waves, Arbitrage, The Birth of a Nation, Fragments of a Woman, 99 Homes, and the X-Men trilogy. In addition, the producer had a hand in the creation of such well-known series as the aforementioned Euphoria, Idol, Irma Vep, etc.

ADVERTISIMENT

In a statement, his friends said that Kevin loved only his family and friends more than work.

"Despite his many achievements in Hollywood, Kevin's main passion was his family and friends. He was very proud of his children. He and his wife, Evelina, were determined that their children would grow up with high values and were confident that they would make a difference in the world. Kevin will be greatly missed, and today this city has lost one of its brightest rising stars," said a close friend of the producer.

This is the second tragic loss on a project that has won millions of hearts. Just three months ago, the Euphoria crew mourned the loss of 25-year-old actor Angus Cloud, who played Fesco.

ADVERTISIMENT

At first, the cause of his death was not reported to journalists and fans, but later the police confirmed that the actor died of "a lethal combination of fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine and other substances, believed to be an accidental overdose." Read more about the tragedy here.

As OBOZ.UA wrote earlier, the heart of Anatoliy Vasyanovych, a prominent Ukrainian TV presenter, announcer, actor and honored journalist of Ukraine, stopped beating at the age of 81. He died on November 1 in the German city of Wiesbaden.

Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
HOBE SOUND, Fla., Nov. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- SimplePin is celebrating six years in business. They have been the leading cloud-based digital payment network for the insurance industry and are dedicated to remaining the number one choice in insurance premium payment solutions.

As a titan in insurance receivable operations, SimplePin offers brokers a solution to capture all agency bill payments, automatically matching and posting to a system of record and reconciling the GL. SimplePin's newest product, SimpleMatch, is revolutionizing receivables for brokers, using AI technology to streamline insurance payment reconciliation and correct discrepancies.

SimplePin, a FinTech company strategically designed for the insurance industry, announces its six-year anniversary Post this

A customer of SimplePin, Catherine Grenier, finance director at Ostiguy & Gendron Group says, "The operational efficiencies, compliance, and IT support has been very helpful; not to mention the significant savings around processing payments that SimplePin will deliver. This opens us up to more customer-centric and revenue-generating tasks over back-office processes."

From the beginning, SimplePin has had a vision to simplify financial operations, focusing on making financial operations in businesses seamless through technology. By building new standards in payment technology, SimplePin offers developer-friendly API's that easily connect to existing systems and deliver convenient client experiences so that businesses can focus on things that matter.

Metod Topolnik, CEO of SimplePin, says, "The insurance industry is rapidly undergoing a transition from traditional to digital to meet customer expectations and maintain profit margins. We are seeing a growing demand for our solution, as it eliminates operational friction, improves customer experience, and significantly reduces fees."

The SimplePin team is a deeply skilled diverse group inspired by an entrepreneurial spirit. They combine the discipline of software development with the vision, creativity, and business leadership needed to think outside the box and find new solutions to old problems. They run their entire business on the principle of agility.

"What really sets us apart," comments SimplePin's Director of Product, Seth Baumwell, "is our level of sophistication, our deep understanding of payments, receivables, and insurance, as well as the way that we care about and prioritize our customers. Our new product for processing and posting offline payments solves problems in an unprecedented way to other vendors in the space. We make the complex simple while being obsessed with making our customers' lives better with amazing products and the highest level of service."

Founded in Montreal, Canada and headquartered in Palm Beach, FL - SimplePin offers the most innovative payments and accounts receivable infrastructure for the insurance industry to date.

For more information about SimplePin, please visit www.SimplePin.com

Media Contact:

Stephanie Ryan

[email protected]

SOURCE SimplePin
NEVIS, Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- Sovereign Pacific Capital (SPC Group),www.spcgroup.org, led by Uma Shanker Mishra, celebrates a significant milestone with the licensing of SPC Bank, a private, international bank, wholly owned by SPC Group, located in Nevis, within the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis. Technology behemoth Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has associated with SPC Bank to develop the core banking solutions and the digital security architecture, notably TCS is the fastest growing technology company with a market capitalization of USD $146.58 Billion, In addition, several leading European banks are also in touch with the SPC Bank for corresponding bank relationships. This strategic move aims to take advantage of opportunities in the Caribbean, Europe, and Asia.

Sovereign Pacific Capital and Uma Shanker Mishra Expand their Reach with SPC Bank, a Global Financial Institution Spanning Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean Region US Mishra, Chairman SPC Group, strategically orchestrating global financial landscape

Under Mishra's leadership, SPC Bank, not only acts as a financial institution but also as a catalyst for global impact. Recently, SPC Group unveiled a series of innovative investment portfolios, signalling a commitment to growth, innovation, and regional advancement. This calculated move is set to redefine SPC Group's global role in the coming years. While details are undisclosed, SPC Group has hinted at launching several philanthropic projects aligned with its commercial initiatives across its operations in 2024, focusing on people, climate resilience, and social sustainability.

In a related development, Uma Shanker Mishra, Chairman of SPC Group and SPC Bank, has been appointed as a Special Advisor to Dr. Denzil L Douglas, Minister of Economic Development and Investment, in the Federal Government of St.Kitts and Nevis, demonstrating his dedication to supporting the Federation's Sustainable Development Goals. In line with this commitment, SPC Group has successfully negotiated a series of impactful projects in the Federation and Caribbean, contributing to economic growth and regional advancement. These initiatives include the establishment of the SPC Bank Complex, which will serve as the bank's headquarters and house an International Financial Services Centre. Adding to this, the Suncastle Marina Beach Resort, a five star luxury property, is poised to enhance the Federation's economic landscape. As part of its pioneering approach, the financial conglomerate will lead the creation of an International Centre of Excellence for Regenerative Medical Research and Clinical Treatments in collaboration with renowned Institutions.

In a rapidly changing world influenced by conflicts, the focus of High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNIs) is shifting towards reliability, safety, convenience, flexibility and responsiveness. Recognizing this shift, SPC Bank, www.spcbank.ch, strategically focuses on the Caribbean, Europe, and Asia, demonstrating a nuanced understanding of regional dynamics. This positioning establishes SPC Bank as a key player in shaping the future of finance in Commonwealth countries. As SPC Bank navigates global uncertainties, it invites key Investors to join the financial institution dedicated to resilience, technology-driven foresight, with a commitment to create positive impact.

reach out to, [email protected] or log in to www.spcbank.ch

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2276524/SPC_Group_Ltd_Sovereign_Pacific_Capital_and_Uma_Shanker_Mishra_E.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2276525/SPC_Group_Ltd_Sovereign_Pacific_Capital_and_Uma_Shanker_Mishra_E.jpg

SOURCE SPC Group Ltd
Surrogacy.com is a 100% surrogate-centered community designed to educate, guide, onboard, and support surrogates

BOSTON, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Surrogacy.com launched as a new destination operated by experienced surrogates to help surrogates and their loved ones navigate every step of the surrogacy process.

Visit Surrogacy.com and find Surrogacy.com on Instagram @surrogacy.community and on Facebook @Surrogacy.com

"Surrogacy was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. It's a life-changing journey that comes with so many important questions and considerations  many that can best be answered by people who have been through the experience themselves. That's where Surrogacy.com comes in. We are a community of experienced surrogates that provide the lived, candid, honest answers and advice that you need to decide if surrogacy is right for you. From helping you pick the right agency to providing ongoing support, we're here to ensure you feel educated and confident throughout your surrogacy experience," said Niki Renslow, Surrogate Success Manager for Surrogacy.com.

Surrogacy.com was created to be what many former surrogates have said they wish they had: a community and trusted resource focused wholeheartedly on the best interest of gestational surrogate carriers and their families. It seeks to provide unvarnished, honest insights and a real picture of what the process and experience is from past surrogates. From helping surrogates understand the qualifications one needs to meet, the legal support to which they are entitled, or the intricacies of the IVF process, Surrogacy.com helps answer the big and small questions, all while celebrating the tremendous impact these mothers are giving to other growing families. Surrogacy.com connects women considering or starting a surrogacy journey with a community of surrogates who openly share their own real experiences and answer the plethora of questions that arise along the way.

The launch of Surrogacy.com comes at a time when demand for surrogacy is projected to increase due to a rise in infertility diagnoses, greater public awareness of reproductive options, and more widely available assisted reproductive technology. Given this expected increase in demand for surrogacy, there is a need for a single, trusted resource that is focused solely on educating, supporting, and advocating for surrogates.

Surrogacy.com fills that gap by:

Providing potential surrogates and their families with all the answers and information they need as they consider surrogacy, informed by experienced surrogates themselves

Guiding people who are embarking on a surrogacy journey through the ins and outs of the application process and helping surrogates match with the right surrogacy agency

Creating a community for surrogates, by surrogates that provides one-on-one support, tips, and candid advice through every stage of the surrogacy experience

"Surrogacy changed my life for the better  and I know that's true for so many others who want to help someone build a family who might not be able to have one on their own. Through Surrogacy.com, I'm so excited to help others navigate this incredible, challenging, but endlessly rewarding journey," continued Renslow.

Surrogacy.com is run by a team of experienced surrogates led by Niki Renslow, a former surrogate and three-time egg donor from Virginia, where she lives with her three kids and husband, a local firefighter. Surrogacy.com is a part of Northstar Fertility , a group of trusted egg donor and surrogacy brands responsible for helping over 11,500 children enter the world. In addition to Surrogacy.com, Northstar Fertility companies include Circle Surrogacy , Growing Generations , Reproductive Possibilities and Everie .

"At Northstar Fertility, we are always focused on raising the bar for exceptional services and positive outcomes in the fertility field. We intimately understand the complexity of the surrogacy experience and, for nearly three decades, have guided surrogates on successful journeys. We're excited to deepen that work through Surrogacy.com and create a community that will provide valuable insight, empathy, and advice to surrogates," said Steuart Botchford, CEO of Northstar Fertility.

Click here to learn more about Surrogacy.com, and find Surrogacy.com on Instagram @surrogacy.community and on Facebook @Surrogacy.com.

About Surrogacy.com

Surrogacy.com is a 100% surrogate-centered resource and community built by surrogates, for surrogates. Equipped with the first-hand knowledge and honesty of experienced surrogates, Surrogacy.com connects surrogates with the resources and community they need to navigate the surrogacy journey.

About Northstar Fertility

Northstar Fertility is leading transformation in the fertility field. Bringing together highly qualified experts to deliver positive outcomes to surrogates, egg donors, and recipient parents on fertility journeys, Northstar is responsible for helping over 11,500 babies and counting enter the world through egg donation and surrogacy. Northstar believes everyone should have the opportunity to become a parent. Northstar Fertility companies include Circle Surrogacy , Growing Generations , Reproductive Possibilities , Surrogacy.com and Everie .

Media Contacts: Shayna Farmelant or Sean Keady, [email protected]

SOURCE Northstar Fertility
The innovative baby clothing brand furthers its commitment to the NICU community as Prematurity Awareness Month kicks off

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In honor of Prematurity Awareness Month, Tabeeze, recently named TIME's Best Invention of 2023, is proud to partner with Cincinnati Children's, home to one of the largest NICUs in the US, on their one-for-one donation partnership to ensure that regardless of a family's financial situation, their baby could benefit from the comfort and convenience of Tabeeze. For every Tabeeze product sold, one gets donated to Cincinnati Children's.

"We are deeply committed to expanding our partnerships with hospitals nationwide and, eventually, worldwide," said Carrie Shaltz Haslup, Founder and CEO of Tabeeze. "We believe every baby deserves the best start in life, and we're honored to play a small but significant part in making that a reality."

Tabeeze was born out of founder, Carrie Shaltz Haslup , seeing her brother and sister-in-law struggle to do skin-to-skin with their baby. She searched for baby clothing that would provide easy access to dress/undress babies and found that nothing existed. From there, the vision for Tabeeze was born. Although not originally founded as an adaptive clothing brand, parents with medically complex babies shared that the ease of Tabeeze's patented shoulder snaps for bottom-up dressing made a significant difference in their lives. Tabeeze is specifically helpful for G Tubes + NG tubes, PICC lines + Implanted ports, Oxygen therapy, Cranial Orthotics, Cleft Palate Surgery, sensory processing disorders, and pre+post pediatric heart surgery.

A core value of Tabeeze is to provide support for parents and babies in the NICU. Since its inception, Tabeeze has donated several thousand onesies, and has a '1 to 1' donation program (for every Tabeeze sold, one gets donated to a NICU), as well as a 'Sharing is Caring' program for families with disabled, NICU, and/or medically complex babies.

"We're very grateful for the partnership of Tabeeze in supporting our NICU families," says Sharon Marine, Senior Vice President of Development at Cincinnati Children's. "We share their passion for both innovation and compassion, which helps us provide the very best treatments as well as the very best experience to the children and families entrusted to our care."

For more information, please visit tabeeze.com and follow along on Instagram, @tabeeze .

SOURCE Tabeeze
Casper's gift will help Tampa General Hospital build a new, state-of-the-art pavilion, part of a visionary campaign to transform the hospital into an epicenter of health and healing

TAMPA, Fla., Nov. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Tampa General Hospital (TGH) today announced a generous $5 million gift from longstanding supporter and TGH Board member Blake Casper and his family to the TGH Foundation, which will support the construction of the planned, new on-campus Surgical, Neuroscience & Transplant Pavilion at the academic health system's flagship campus on Davis Islands. Casper's contribution ignited the TGH Foundation's five-year capital campaign, "Elevating Excellence," which with an ambitious $100 million goal will fund the expansion, technologies and programs that will continue transforming the academic health system and the region's healthcare landscape.

"We are deeply appreciative of Blake's unwavering dedication to the advancement of Tampa General, both as a community advocate and as a leader on our Board of Directors," said John Couris, president and CEO of Tampa General. "Our organization has experienced significant growth over the last several years thanks to the support of Blake and his fellow board members and our journey is just getting started. This exceptional gift will provide meaningful support to our team as we pivot from foundational to transformational work as one of the country's leading academic health systems."

Casper, a multi-generation Tampa Bay native, is a devoted advocate for the community. He joined the Florida Health Sciences Center Board of Directors in 2015, currently chairing the Finance Committee, and previously served as the chair of the Investment Committee. In October, Casper was elected to the role of Vice Chairman and Treasurer. He is CEO of the Caspers Company, a hospitality management organization that owns, operates and supports hospitality concepts, including hotels, clubs, full and quick-service restaurants, and behavioral health clinics. Caspers Company also specializes in residential and commercial design services.

The Surgical, Neuroscience & Transplant Pavilion is a cornerstone of TGH's Master Facility Plan. This visionary $550 million capital commitment is already transforming patient care and creating a new epicenter of innovation, health and healing in Tampa Bay. As part of the Plan, the new 13-floor pavilion will include 136 additional in-patient beds, a shell floor to allow for future growth, and a new education and conference center.

"Tampa General Hospital holds a special place in my heart, and I know the same can be said by so many throughout our community," said Casper. "As a board member, I have been especially fortunate to witness the remarkable care and dedication of their team across the entire health system. As someone who entrusts the health of my own family to TGH, this gift is our way of giving back and ensuring the organization is well positioned to continue driving excellence, innovation, and the well-being of our community in the future."

"On behalf of the Tampa General Hospital Foundation, I express our sincere gratitude to Blake and the Casper family," said Frann Leppla, the Foundation's senior vice president of development and chief philanthropy officer. "This gift will allow us to continue executing our commitment to delivering world-class care to our patients and we are honored to work closely with Blake as a partner in creating tomorrow's Tampa General."

Announced in September 2021, Tampa General's comprehensive Master Facility Plan is the largest in the hospital's history and is the strategic cornerstone to the academic health system's commitment to developing Tampa Bay's first medical and research district to serve the region's increasing health care needs.

ABOUT TAMPA GENERAL HOSPITAL

Tampa General Hospital, a 1,040-bed, not-for-profit, academic health system, is one of the largest hospitals in America and delivers world-class care as the region's only center for Level l trauma and comprehensive burn care. Tampa General Hospital is the highest-ranked hospital in the market in U.S. News and World Report's 2023-24 Best Hospitals, with six specialties ranking among the top 50 best hospital programs in the United States. Tampa General Hospital has been designated as a model of excellence by the 2022 Fortune/Merative 100 Top Hospitals list. The academic health system's commitment to growing and developing its team members is recognized by two prestigious Forbes magazine rankings  in the top 100 nationally in the 2023 America's Best Employers for Women and top 25 in Florida in the 2023 America's Best Employers by State. Tampa General is the safety net hospital for the region, caring for everyone regardless of their ability to pay, and in fiscal year 2021, provided a net community benefit worth more than $224.5 million in the form of health care for underinsured patients, community education, and financial support to community health organizations in Tampa Bay. It is one of the nation's busiest adult solid organ transplant centers and is the primary teaching hospital for the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine. With six medical helicopters, Tampa General Hospital transports critically injured or ill patients from 23 surrounding counties to receive the advanced care they need. Tampa General houses a nationally accredited comprehensive stroke center, and its 32-bed Neuroscience, Intensive Care Unit is the largest on the West Coast of Florida. It also is home to the Jennifer Leigh Muma 82-bed neonatal intensive care unit, and a nationally accredited rehabilitation center. Tampa General Hospital's footprint includes 17 Tampa General Medical Group Primary Care offices, TGH Family Care Center Kennedy, TGH Outpatient Center, TGH Virtual Health, and 21 TGH Imaging outpatient radiology centers throughout Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas and Palm Beach counties. Tampa Bay area residents also receive world-class care from the TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track network of clinics. To see a medical care professional live anytime, anywhere on a smartphone, tablet or computer, visit Virtual Health | Tampa General Hospital (tgh.org). As one of the largest hospitals in the country, Tampa General Hospital is the first in Florida to partner with GE Healthcare and open a clinical command center that provides real-time situational awareness to improve and better coordinate patient care at a lower cost. For more information, go to www.tgh.org.

Media Contact: Beth Hardy, APR

Senior Communications Specialist

(727) 510-6363 (cell)

[email protected]

SOURCE Tampa General Hospital
BEIJING, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Recently, leaders of more than 150 countries led entrepreneurs to participate in the third "Belt and Road" International Cooperation Summit Forum. China's national high-tech enterprise Hinen participated in the opening event of the third "Belt and Road" International Cooperation Summit Forum - "the Belt and Road" Entrepreneurs Conference and held a signing ceremony. As a national high-tech enterprise integrating R&D, production, sales and service, Hinen has more than 10,000 employees and 5 super-large production bases.

Hinen is committed to the research and development and global sales of home energy storage systems, hybrid solar inverters, portable power supplies, and battery packs. The company has more than 400 professional R&D technicians and more than 150 patents, and is committed to providing high-quality renewable energy solutions for outdoor, home and off-grid living.

"the Belt and Road" Entrepreneurs Conference is the most important event to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the "the Belt and Road "initiative. It is also an important platform for all parties to discuss the high-quality development. The conference was co-sponsored by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council, and the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce. The theme was "High-quality joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative and joint efforts to achieve common development and prosperity."

This year's "the Belt and Road" Entrepreneurs Conference has more than 1,100 participants, with high-level representatives, wide coverage of countries, and strong representation. The areas involved include infrastructure, clean energy, artificial intelligence, biomedicine, financial services, modern agriculture, rail transit, etc. This conference reached a project cooperation agreement of US$97.2 billion, exceeding the number of projects and contract amount at the previous Entrepreneurs Conference.

As a national high-tech enterprise, Hinen actively participated in this "the Belt and Road" Entrepreneur Conference and signed cooperation agreements with partners in professional fields. The company will further strengthen R&D and innovation in the fields of home energy storage systems, hybrid solar inverters, battery packs, providing solutions for environmentally friendly products, and high-quality renewable energy solutions for outdoor, home and off-grid living.

Hinen will continue to leverage its advantages in technology and product innovation, working with partners to promote high-quality co-construction of the "Belt and Road" initiative, and making positive contributions to common development and prosperity.

Contact

[email protected]

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2275758/image_5028007_3344508.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2275759/image_5028007_3344853.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2275760/image_5028007_3344962.jpg
RICHMOND, Va., Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- WAZER, the world's only desktop CNC waterjet cutter, is now sold and supported by TriMech.

As a leading technology and business solutions partner for engineers and manufacturers, TriMech is well positioned to add the WAZER waterjet to its existing lineup of advanced design and manufacturing software, hardware and services.

WAZER, the world's only desktop CNC waterjet cutter, is now sold and supported by TriMech. Post this Wazer, the world's first desktop waterjet can sit upon a workbench or on its custom stand. This welcome addition to your workspace has a small footprint, making it easy to incorporate and the power to cut through steel, glass, plastics and even carbon fiber.

Chip Hogge, TriMech's General Manager of Advanced Manufacturing, said the company continues to execute its global expansion plans. New partnerships, like this one with WAZER, broaden the range of solutions TriMech can offer to its clients, who are increasingly seeking an end-to-end technology and business partner.

"Our clients keep pushing boundaries, in the way they design and in the materials they use. The WAZER waterjet is exciting because it's accessible to a wide array of our clients and expands their range of materials. It's both small and affordable, while being a really powerful machine. We're going to put subtractive manufacturing capabilities in a lot of new hands."

Bringing the power of waterjet to the desktop

Waterjet cutting uses a combination of high-pressure water and fine abrasive to allow designers to cut what they could not cut before. WAZER brings that technology, until now limited to factory-sized machinery, to the desktop. Applications include rapid prototyping, tooling production, repairs and replacement parts, and low volume production. Parts can be fabricated in any material, including steel, aluminum, carbon fiber, tile, glass and plastics.

Nisan Lerea, Co-Founder and CEO of WAZER, said that working with TriMech extends their reach.

"Partnering with TriMech's skilled team across North America means many more engineers, fabricators and creators will have access to WAZER waterjets. Creative minds are always dreaming up new and better designs. We're giving people a unique tool to turn those ideas into reality."

Lerea added that WAZER, with its array of applications and materials it can cut, is also well suited to educational environments.

"Students from any discipline can make anything in any material. WAZER fits any lab or studio space, has a short learning curve and can be operated safely."

TriMech part of a growing network of resellers

TriMech is well known for selling and supporting additive manufacturing systems; its team provides the full array of Stratasys 3D printing technologies and materials, as well as post-processing equipment and 3D laser scanners. In addition to offering WAZER as part of its hardware lineup, TriMech's Advanced Manufacturing Services experts will have access to the waterjet technology when producing on-demand client projects.

WAZER's network of resellers spans North America, the UK, Europe and Asia. In the UK and Ireland, WAZER is available from Solid Print3D, a subsidiary of Solid Solutions. Sweden and Denmark are served by 3DVerkstan. These providers are also part of the TriMech Group of companies.

For more information, visit mfg.trimech.com/post-processing/wazer and wazer.com.

Contact: Angie Droz

865.934.5304

[email protected]

TriMech

4991 Lake Brook Drive, Suite 300

Glen Allen, VA 23060

877.553.9001 https://mfg.trimech.com/

SOURCE TriMech
Tyan also Showcased its Full Array of the Latest 4th Generation Intel Xeon Scalable Processor Platforms Targeting HPC, AI and Cloud Computing Applications

DENVER, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- TYAN, an industry leader in server platform design and a subsidiary of MiTAC Computing Technology Corporation, unveils an immersion cooling solution that delivering significant PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness) enhancement and showcases its latest server platforms powered by 4th Gen. Intel Xeon Scalable Processors targeting HPC, AI and Cloud Computing applications at SC23, Booth #1917.

Significant PUE Enhancement shown in an Immersion-cooling Tank vs. Conventional Air-cooling Operation Cabinet

Tyan also Showcased its Full Array of the Latest 4th Generation Intel Xeon Scalable Processor Platforms Targeting HPC, AI and Cloud Computing Applications

The immersion cooling system live demonstrated at TYAN booth during SC23 is a 4U hybrid single phase tank enclosure equipped with 4 units of TYAN GC68A-B7136 cloud computing servers. Comparing to conventional Air-cooling operating cabinet, this hybrid immersion cooling system could offer huge improvement of PUE which makes it become an ideal mission-critical solution for the users aimed in energy-saving and green products.

"TYAN is keen in adopting the latest technology and dedicated in providing cutting-edge technology as well as Eco-Friendly Product portfolio," said Eric Kuo, Vice President of the Server Infrastructure Business Unit at MiTAC Computing Technology. "The fine example is the immersion-cooling system demonstrated at SC23. We are glad that TYAN product lines fitting well and operating perfectly in the immersion cooling system. TYAN will keep commitments in collaborating with industry leaders and delivering top-tier solutions tailored to meet the needs of our valued customers."

TYAN also Showcases its Full Array of 4th Gen. Intel Xeon Scalable Processors Supporting Platforms that Meeting the Critical Demands from HPC, Cloud and AI Applications at SC23.

Targeting HPC and AI applications, TYAN presents its The TYAN TD76-B5658, FT65T-B5652, TS75A-B7132 server barebones, as well as S5652 and S7130 server motherboards. These products fulfill the heaving workload requirements and high-performance demands. Aiming in cloud computing environments, TYAN also showcase it's could platforms including GC68A-B7136 server barebone and S7136 server motherboards. For customers looking for embedded solutions, TYAN also displays it's S5565 and S5567 embedded server mother boards that fitting in flexible and density requirements.

As a subsidiary of MiTAC Computing Technology Corporation, TYAN also showcases another cutting-edge product portfolio of Mitac Computing Technology, which was inquired from Intel Data Center Solutions Group (DSG) from this July. The Intel Server D50DNP Family (known as Denali Pass) are the 4 computing nodes server platforms within a 2U enclosure. The Intel Server M50FCP Family (known as Fox Creek Pass) are 2-socket server solutions in 1U or 2U enclosure. Combining the mature Intel technology and Intel high design quality, Mitac's multiple product offerings meeting various needs from server industry.

About TYAN

TYAN, as a leading server brand of MiTAC Computing Technology Corporation under the MiTAC Holdings Corp. (TSE:3706), designs, manufactures and markets advanced x86 and x86-64 server/workstation board technology, platforms and server solution products. Its products are sold to OEMs, VARs, System Integrators and Resellers worldwide for a wide range of applications. TYAN enables its customers to be technology leaders by providing scalable, highly-integrated, and reliable products for a wide range of applications such as server appliances and solutions for HPC, hyper-scale/data center, server storage, AI and security appliance markets. For more information, please visit TYAN's website at http://www.tyan.com or MiTAC Computing Technology Corporation website at http://www.mitacmct.com

About MiTAC Computing Technology Corp.

MiTAC Computing Technology Corp, a MiTAC Holdings Corp subsidiary, specializes in cloud and edge computing solutions and has over 30 years of design and manufacturing expertise. With a strong focus on large-scale data centers, the company offers flexible and customized supply models for various systems and applications. Its product lineup includes TYAN servers, 5G ORAN servers, high-performance AI servers, data center products, and intelligent solutions for smart factories and retail IPC systems. Since July 2023, MiTAC has taken charge of Intel Data Center Solutions Group (DSG), expanding its product offerings with cutting-edge total cost of ownership solutions for next-gen data center equipment. Company website: www.MiTACmct.com

Intel, the Intel logo, Xeon and combinations thereof are trademarks of Intel Corporation

SOURCE MiTAC Computing Technology Corporation
Over 200 New Sales Recorded, Nearly 250 Offices Renewed Worldwide

DENVER, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- RE/MAX, the #1 name in real estate1, saw a substantial increase in U.S. franchise sales for third quarter 2023. The 45 closed sales between July 1 and Sept. 30 represented a 21.6% increase from the second quarter's 37 sales. The global franchisor also recorded 166 franchise sales outside the U.S., including nine in Canada.

The increase in sales is a testament to the company's sharp focus on brokerage growth opportunities like fresh national marketing and first-class industry and educational events, culture and value. Continuing high interest in conversions, mergers, acquisitions and expansions also helped drive the growth results. Of the 45 U.S. third-quarter franchise sales, 11 were start-ups, 10 were conversions, eight were expansions, 15 were team offices and one was a satellite office.

RE/MAX Foxfire, a previously unaffiliated brokerage of 165 agents in Ocala, FL, converted to RE/MAX in early October. Vice President and Director of Operations Owen Boone says, "For being a worldwide brand, the culture and connectivity that RE/MAX exudes is nothing short of impressive. Being able to lean into the network, the brand power, and for us, coming from an independent, the number of tools and resources available to us is just extraordinary. We truly believe we have the best of both worlds  an international brand with local roots."

Peter Luft, Vice President of Franchise Sales for RE/MAX, says RE/MAX is committed to providing real estate leaders with an exemplary brand that offers the highest value.

"RE/MAX attracts top-tier entrepreneurs because we let them be in business for themselves but not by themselves. We are constantly exploring new ways to provide greater value to our franchisees  and that attracts new owners and helps current owners grow."

RE/MAX has a presence in over 110 countries and territories  more than any other real estate brand. From a single office that opened in 1973 in Denver, Colorado, RE/MAX has grown into a global real estate network with more than 140,000 sales associates in over 9,000 offices.

For more information about RE/MAX, LLC, a business that builds businesses, visit remax.com. Each office independently owned and operated.

About the RE/MAX Network

As one of the leading global real estate franchisors, RE/MAX, LLC is a subsidiary of RE/MAX Holdings (NYSE: RMAX) with more than 140,000 agents in over 9,000 offices and a presence in more than 110 countries and territories. Nobody in the world sells more real estate than RE/MAX, as measured by residential transaction sides. RE/MAX was founded in 1973 by Dave and Gail Liniger, with an innovative, entrepreneurial culture affording its agents and franchisees the flexibility to operate their businesses with great independence. RE/MAX agents have lived, worked and served in their local communities for decades, raising millions of dollars every year for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals and other charities. To learn more about RE/MAX, to search home listings or find an agent in your community, please visit www.remax.com. For the latest news about RE/MAX, please visit news.remax.com.

1 Source: MMR Strategy Group study of unaided awareness.

SOURCE RE/MAX, LLC
UV-curable coatings are gaining rapid traction globally due to their quick curability and eco-friendly nature. Industries such as automotive, electronics, packaging, and healthcare are increasingly utilizing these coatings to improve product durability and aesthetics. The market is being driven by stringent regulations on volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and continuous advancements in UV-curing technology, fostering a competitive landscape marked by an emphasis on sustainability and environmentally conscious solutions.

BOSTON, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- "According to the latest BCC Research Study, the demand for UV-Curable Coatings: Global Market is estimated to increase from $8.2 billion in 2023 to reach $13.1 billion by 2028, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.6% from 2023 through 2028."

The report thoroughly evaluates the UV-curable coatings market, examining industry standards, government support, and key success factors. The market is segmented into end-use, type, composition, and region categories. It provides a detailed exploration of current and upcoming technologies, offering a qualitative analysis alongside market data. The report analyzes market trends from 2021, projecting growth for 2023 and 2028, including the Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR). Additionally, it assesses market dynamics, drivers, restraints, opportunities, challenges, and emerging trends influencing the market's future trajectory.

Learn More about UV-Curable Coatings: Global Market

Sustainability is increasingly gaining paramount importance across various spheres. The utilization of UV-curable coatings technology can significantly contribute to achieving sustainability goals while yielding eventual cost savings. The potential reduction in emissions offers the opportunity to redirect funds collected from emissions taxes towards acquiring new machinery, a viable prospect given the noticeable rise in such taxes over the past half-decade, with a clear trajectory of continued increase. Notably, the Asia Pacific region boasts a substantial manufacturing sector, leveraging comparative advantages in labor and raw materials. Major coating manufacturers in the region have made significant investments in establishing production facilities, aligning with the surge in demand for coatings in downstream industries such as construction and automotive. Consequently, in response to both market trends and VOC regulatory compliance, formulators are increasingly considering a shift towards alternative solvents or transitioning to UV-curable coatings, which are progressively gaining preference.

Key drivers fuelling the growth of the UV-Curable Coatings Global Market include:

1. Increasing Demand for Waterborne UV Coating Systems: The rising demand for waterborne UV coating systems is primarily driven by the need for eco-friendly coating solutions that significantly reduce volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. These systems offer enhanced adhesion, high gloss, and exceptional resistance to scratches and chemicals, making them an attractive choice across various industries, including automotive, electronics, and wood coatings.

2. Growing Demand for UV-Curable Coatings in Construction Industries: UV-curable coatings are experiencing increased demand in the construction sector owing to their ability to provide fast curing times and exceptional durability. This allows for accelerated production schedules and reduced downtime, which is crucial in meeting the demands of the rapidly expanding construction industry. These coatings offer robust protection against weathering, abrasion, and corrosion, making them ideal for various construction applications such as flooring, facades, and architectural elements.

3. Eco-Friendly Coatings are Gaining Applications: The heightened awareness of environmental sustainability has led to an increased adoption of eco-friendly coatings. UV-curable coatings, known for their low environmental impact and energy-efficient curing process, are witnessing growing applications across industries such as packaging, furniture, and automotive. This trend is driven by stringent regulations on VOC emissions and the industry's shift toward sustainable and greener coating solutions.

4. Growing Demand for Ultraviolet Cured Resin in Printing: The printing industry is experiencing an increased demand for ultraviolet cured resin owing to the need for high-quality, quick-drying inks. UV-curable coatings offer exceptional adhesion to various substrates, rapid curing times, and excellent resistance to abrasion and chemicals, making them an ideal choice for diverse printing applications, including labels, packaging, and commercial printing.

Request a sample copy of the UV-Curable Coatings Global Market Report.

Report Synopsis

Report Metrics Details Base year considered 2022 Forecast Period considered 2023-2028 Base year market size $ 7.7 Billion Market Size Forecast $ 13.1 Billion Growth Rate CAGR Of 9.6% For the forecast period Segment Covered Composition, End-use Industry, Region Regions covered North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Rest of the World (Row) Key Market Drivers Increasing Demand for Waterborne UV Coating Systems

Growing Demand for UV-curable coatings in Construction Industries

Eco-Friendly Coatings are Gaining Applications

Growing Demand for Ultraviolet Cured Resin in Printing

Comprehensive Segmentation

Composition Insights: Key Elements Shaping UV-Curable Coatings in the Global Market

In the UV-Curable Coatings Global Market, the composition segment comprises three key elements: oligomers, monomers, and photo initiators. Oligomers serve as the backbone, influencing properties such as hardness and adhesion. Monomers act as building blocks, affecting viscosity and surface tension. Photo initiators play a crucial role in initiating the UV-curing process, impacting the curing speed and overall performance of the coatings. Collectively, these components contribute to the unique characteristics and effectiveness of UV-curable coatings in various industrial applications.

Diverse Applications: UV-Curable Coatings in End-Use Industries

The UV-Curable Coatings Global Market serves diverse end-use industries, including automotive, electronics, packaging, and wood and furniture. These coatings provide enhanced durability and aesthetics for automotive components, protective and insulating layers for electronics, durability and resistance to abrasion and chemicals for packaging materials, and superior protection against scratches and stains for wood and furniture surfaces.

Regional Dynamics: Driving Forces in the UV-Curable Coatings Global Market

The UV-Curable Coatings Global Market demonstrates significant regional variations, with key contributions from the dynamic markets of the Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, and the Rest of the World (Row). These regions play pivotal roles in driving market growth, with the Asia Pacific's robust manufacturing sector and technological advancements, North America's emphasis on innovation and sustainability, Europe's adherence to stringent environmental regulations, and the Rest of the World's growing demand fueled by infrastructure development and product enhancement across diverse applications.

This comprehensive report on the UV-Curable Coatings Global Market offers thorough insights and analysis, addressing critical inquiries such as:

1. What is the projected market size and growth rate of the UV-curable coatings market?

The UV-curable coatings market is anticipated to reach $13.1 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 9.6% during the forecast period.

2. What are the main factors propelling the market's growth?

The market growth is driven by the increased demand for Waterborne UV Coating Systems, the growing need for UV-curable coatings in the Construction Industry, the rise in applications of Eco-Friendly Coatings, and the growing demand for Ultraviolet Cured Resin in Printing.

3. What segments are included in the UV-curable coatings market analysis?

The market analysis includes segments based on composition (Oligomers, Monomers, and Photo initiators), end-use industry (Industrial Coatings, Packaging Industry, Graphic Arts), and region (Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, RoW).

4. Which end-use segment is expected to dominate the market by 2028?

The industrial coating segment is projected to dominate the market by the end of 2028.

5. Which region holds the highest market share in the UV-curable coatings market?

The Asia Pacific region currently holds the largest market share.

Some of the Key Market Players Are:

ACTEGA SCHMID RHYNER AG

AKZO NOBEL N.V.

ASHLAND GLOBAL HOLDINGS INC.

GLOBAL HOLDINGS INC. AXALTA COATING SYSTEMS LTD.

BASF SE

BRILLIANT COATING SOLUTIONS

CRODA INTERNATIONAL PLC

DEUTSCHE DRUCKFARBEN

DIC CORP.

DYMAX CORP.

ETERNAL MATERIALS CO. LTD.

HUIZHOU CHANGRUNFA PAINT CO., LTD

CHANGRUNFA PAINT CO., LTD JAINCO INDUSTRY CHEMICALS

PHICHEM CORP.

PPG INDUSTRIES, INC.

SOLTECH LTD

TEKNOS GROUP OY

THE DOW CHEMICAL COMPANY

SHERWIN-WILLIAMS COMPANY

Browse More Related Reports:

Global Markets for Conformal Coatings in Electronics: This report thoroughly examines global and regional markets for various conformal coatings and coating equipment types, analyzing factors influencing industry growth across regions. It provides detailed market estimations from 2021 to 2027, considering the impact of COVID-19. The report highlights market trends, growth drivers, and challenges, along with profiles of key global manufacturers.

Automotive Coatings: Technologies and Global Markets: This report evaluates the automotive coatings market, emphasizing types, technologies, layers, and regional demand. It analyzes key trends, opportunities, and challenges impacting industry players, with a specific focus on the global impact of COVID-19. The report includes market sizes and estimations in terms of volume and value for the period 2021 to 2027, considering the effects of COVID-19 on market dynamics. Regional market sizes for OEM and refinish types, categorized by technology and layer, are also provided.

Wood Coatings: Technologies and Application Markets: This report offers an updated assessment of the wood coatings market, emphasizing product types, technologies, and end-user applications. It provides a detailed analysis of key trends, opportunities, and challenges influencing market growth, focusing on both wood coating manufacturers and end-use industries. Additionally, the report includes a dedicated section addressing the global impact of COVID-19 on the wood coatings market, discussing its effects on supply, demand, and product prices. Market sizes and estimations, presented in terms of volume (kilotons) and value ($ millions) from 2021 to 2027, consider the influence of COVID-19. The report also provides regional market sizes for product types, technology, and end-user applications.

Directly Purchase a copy of the report with BCC Research.

For further information or to make a purchase, please get in touch with [email protected].

About BCC Research

BCC Research provides objective, unbiased measurement and assessment of market opportunities with detailed market research reports. Our experienced industry analysts' goal is to help you make informed business decisions, free of noise and hype.

Contact Us

Corporate HQ:

BCC Research LLC

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Data and analysis extracted from this press release must be accompanied by a statement identifying BCC Research LLC as the source and publisher. For media inquiries, email [email protected] or visit www.bccresearch.com/media to request access to our library of market research.

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2183242/BCC_Research_Logo.jpg

SOURCE BCC Research LLC
Ukrainian poet and prose writer Serhiy Zhadan, frontman of the rock band Zhadan and the Dogs, explained why we should not say "Russian-speaking Ukrainians." In his opinion, this term is incorrect.

ADVERTISIMENT

The poet shared his thoughts in an interview with Yanina Sokolova. Serhiy Zhadan believes that this phrase should be abandoned.

He explained that when we use the phrase "Russian-speaking Ukrainian," we primarily mean that the person does not really know Ukrainian, does not speak it, and takes Ukrainian as a foreign language. "Most of us are at least bilingual. And even if a person speaks Russian, it doesn't mean that they don't know Ukrainian," said the guest (to see it, scroll to the bottom of the page).

Serhii Zhadan believes that in this way we "automatically cut off the Ukrainian language, which is there anyway." "Maybe it's not very actualized, maybe it's not very publicized, maybe it's not very developed, but it's there," he adds. The poet emphasizes that everyone should be given a chance and at least use the term.

ADVERTISIMENT

Earlier, OBOZ.UA told how Zhadan touched the network with a post about the legendary Hero of Ukraine who died in the war.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
The Salinas Store Opening Marks the Company's First Location in Monterey County

SALINAS, Calif., Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Announced today, Vallarta Supermarkets is thrilled to share its expansion to Monterey County with its newest store location in Salinas, California. With its rich history of serving diverse communities throughout Southern California, Vallarta Supermarkets continues to bring quality products and exceptional customer service to its latest location. Located at 1050 N. Davis Road Salinas, CA 93907 the new store is set to open its doors to the public on November 15, 202, at 8:00 AM.

"We are extremely excited to open our doors in Salinas," said Lizette Gomez, Director of Marketing at Vallarta Supermarkets. "This new location allows us to connect with an even broader range of customers, and we look forward to serving the local community with the same high-quality products and exceptional customer service that Vallarta Supermarkets is known for."

To celebrate the new store opening, Vallarta Supermarkets will gift the first 300 customers reusable bags filled with groceries. The new store will feature Vallarta Supermarkets' departments which include:

Fresh Produce: Vallarta Supermarkets sources the freshest produce from local growers, as well as those across the USA and around the world, including Mexico , Chile , Canada , Peru , Guatemala , New Zealand , and more. Latino favorites like mamey, chayote, mango tierno, and seasonal favorites can be found at every location.

and around the world, including , , , , , , and more. Latino favorites like mamey, chayote, mango tierno, and seasonal favorites can be found at every location. Carnes Frescas : The Vallarta Carniceria marks the origin of it all. Renowned for its Carne Asada , Vallarta's distinctive flavor and marinade, crafted from an authentic blend of spices, heighten the experience of any carne asada dish, utilizing the freshest ingredients in its marinade to ensure the finest taste. Each store offers a variety of American meat cuts, such as Porterhouse, T-Bone, and Tri-Tip, and carries USDA choice Tomahawk steak, a premium, thick-cut ribeye steak, not commonly carried at other supermarkets.

: The Vallarta Carniceria marks the origin of it all. Renowned for its , Vallarta's distinctive flavor and marinade, crafted from an authentic blend of spices, heighten the experience of any carne asada dish, utilizing the freshest ingredients in its marinade to ensure the finest taste. Each store offers a variety of American meat cuts, such as Porterhouse, T-Bone, and Tri-Tip, and carries USDA choice Tomahawk steak, a premium, thick-cut ribeye steak, not commonly carried at other supermarkets. Pescaderia: Every Vallarta store features a pescaderia with an in-house Cevicheria, which includes a wide selection of fresh and frozen quality seafood from all over the world. The Cevicheria showcases 8 varieties of house-made refreshing, flavorful, and authentic ceviches made with freshly squeezed lime, all of them made in-store in small batches throughout the day to ensure peak freshness made with the finest ingredients

Tortilleria: Customers can buy authentic homemade fresh corn and flour tortillas every day, made with the highest quality corn, soaked & boiled for 24 hours, ground with volcanic rock and then cooked to perfection. Including thin, thick-cut, and Sonora-style. Masa is also sold for customers to make tortillas at home.

Cremeria: The Cremeria is Vallarta's version of a traditional deli, where customers can find a selection of the freshest house-made cremas from Mexico and Central America , as well as Latin American cheeses, including queso fresco, queso frijolero, cotija, queso Oaxaca and more.

and , as well as Latin American cheeses, including queso fresco, queso frijolero, cotija, queso and more. Panaderia: Customers can find Latin American favorite breads like conchas, puerquitos, mantecadas, and bolillos. Vallarta also makes cakes and sweets in-store from red velvet to their signature Vallarta Tres Leches cakes, tiramisu, gelatinas, cheesecakes, and mouth-watering flan.

La Isla : Each store has a juice bar, where customers can order fresh-pressed fruit and vegetable juices. Various aguas frescas are also available in many flavors, like horchata, pineapple, papaya, mamey, and jamaica.

Vallarta Supermarkets continues to uphold its unwavering commitment to the communities it serves. The company remains deeply engaged in a multitude of community initiatives, including steadfast support for local schools and charitable organizations in Monterey County. With the opening of the Salinas store, Vallarta Supermarkets eagerly anticipates becoming a cornerstone of the Salinas community, dedicated to providing quality products and delivering exceptional customer service while fostering community growth and well-being.

For more information about Vallarta Supermarkets and the grand opening of the Salinas location, please visit www.vallartasupermarkets.com and follow Vallarta Supermarkets on Instagram at @vallarta.supermarkets .

ABOUT VALLARTA SUPERMARKETS

For more than 35 years, Vallarta Supermarkets has been bringing families together over fresh and authentic food. Vallarta's mission is to serve the community with respect and pride, providing authentic, traditional fresh products for the whole family. Vallarta celebrates the food, culture, colors, and vibrant energy of Mexico and Latin America. As of 2023, Vallarta counts 53 stores throughout California (Ventura, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, Kern, San Diego, Santa Barbara, Tulare, Orange, and Fresno counties), and more than 8,000 team members.

MEDIA CONTACT

JS2 PR

[email protected]

818-281-1220

SOURCE Vallarta Supermarkets
GRAND CAYMAN, Cayman Islands, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Vertex Protocol , one of the fastest-growing DeFi exchanges, announced today that it will be launching the $VRTX Token and holding a Bootstrapping Liquidity Auction (LBA).

The purpose of the LBA is to enable gradual price discovery and also to set a fair market price for the $VRTX Token. The LBA will start on 13 November and last until 20 November until the $VRTX Token is launched, and users will be able to participate by either supplying $VRTX trading rewards and/or USDC.e to the auction up until day five (17 November).

"The Vertex LBA is an opportunity to establish a fair market price for $VRTX and base of initial liquidity, while rewarding early Vertex users for their contributions to the protocol," said co-founder Darius Tabatabai. "We want the market to set the price for $VRTX, rather than us arbitrarily setting one, and we believe this will create more opportunity and access for all users rather than a select few."

Vertex is using the LBA as a fair token genesis mechanism meant to seed initial liquidity while promoting fairness, less volatility, and avoidance of launching with a set price that may or may not reflect the actual market price for the token. The auction will consist of two pools, one comprised of USDC.e, and another with $VRTX. Both liquidity pools are single-sided, and only accept the designated token meant for that pool.

The Vertex LBA will consist of three stages:

Stage 1: Seven-day auction

Seven-day auction Stage 2: $VRTX Token launch and liquid claiming

$VRTX Token launch and liquid claiming Stage 3: Post-LBA vesting and $VRTX tokenomics

Anyone can participate in the auction, but only certain users are able to contribute to the $VRTX liquidity pool. Tokens are also subject to post-LBA lockups, in certain situations. To learn more about how each stage will progress, and how to participate, please visit the Vertex Protocol blog, where everything is explained in far greater detail.

"The core Vertex product was our primary focus for the first 7 months of the DEX being live on Arbitrum mainnet " said co-founder Alwin Peng. "We believe that we've created among the most inclusive incentive programs for users to buy, hold, and stake our token, and we're excited to bring it to market."

Post-LBA, both liquidity pools will merge into one pool, the $VRTX-USDC.e Pool, which will provide base liquidity for the $VRTX Token. Participants in the LBA will then be able to claim trading rewards earned pre-LBA, provide liquidity, swap and trade their $VRTX Tokens, or stake them to earn the benefits of providing further liquidity to the $VRTX Token.

$VRTX is the native token for Vertex Protocol, and is meant to reward loyal Vertex users with various benefits. To learn more about $VRTX, please visit the Vertex Protocol blog.

About Vertex

Vertex Protocol was established by a team of traders and engineers with a track record of business building in both TradFi and DeFi markets. They saw the latent market need for users to interact with DeFi in a more flexible way and decided to leverage the growing ecosystem on the Arbirtrum blockchain to bring a trading protocol to market. Today, they are excited to be at the forefront of smart contract and market innovation for Arbitrum and to help partner with some of the most exciting names in crypto to build a DeFi protocol that works for all users.

Vertex Protocol is on a mission to create the fairest exchange in crypto, and is currently one of fastest growing DeFi exchanges in operation.

To learn more, please visit www.vertexprotocol.com and/or go to the following:

Discord community: https://discord.gg/xRdut3NyG3

Twitter: https://twitter.com/vertex_protocol

Public docs: https://vertex-protocol.gitbook.io/vertex-protocol/getting-started/vertex-overview

Media contact

Ryan Gorman

Principal, Gorman Strategies

[email protected]

SOURCE Vertex Protocol
"The rich history and culture of Vietnam and Cambodia have always made the Mekong River a fascinating destination for our guests," said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. "With the addition of an identical sister ship in 2025, we look forward to introducing even more curious travelers to the treasures of this fantastic region in the years to come."

The Viking Tonle

Built specifically to navigate the Mekong River, the new Viking Tonle will host 80 guests in 40 outside staterooms. Featuring the clean Scandinavian design for which Viking is known, all staterooms have hotel-style beds and floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors with a Veranda or French Balcony. Guests on the three-deck Viking Tonle also enjoy a Spa & Fitness Center, Pool and open-air Sky Bar on the Upper Deck.

Magnificent Mekong

During this 15-day journey, guests explore the cultural treasures of Vietnam and Cambodia with 16 guided tours. Hotel stays in Hanoi, Siem Reap and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) bracket an eight-day Mekong River voyage on this unique itinerary, during which guests can enjoy exploring the Old Quarter of Hanoi and attending a performance by Apsara dancers; tasting the distinctive fresh ingredients from bustling markets and local restaurants; wandering the Khmer temple complex of Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; visiting Ta Prohm, where jungle vines embrace ancient ruins; and seeing the sights of Phnom Penh by cyclo rickshaw. On the river voyage portion of the itinerary, guests can discover silk towns, fishing villages, monasteries and floating markets.

Booking Details

From now through November 30, 2023, Viking is offering the Explorers' Sale, with a $25 deposit, reduced airfare and special fares on select ocean, expedition and river voyages, including the Magnificent Mekong itinerary. Call Viking toll free at 1-855-8-VIKING (1-855-884-5464) or contact a travel advisor for details.

Media Assets

For more information about Viking, or for images and b-roll, please contact [email protected].

About Viking

Viking was founded in 1997 and provides destination-focused journeys on rivers, oceans and lakes around the world. Designed for curious travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine, Chairman Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers experiences for The Thinking Person. Viking has more than 250 awards to its name, including being rated #1 for Rivers, #1 for Oceans and #1 for Expeditions by Conde Nast Traveler in the 2023 Readers' Choice Awards. Viking is also rated at the top of its categories for rivers, oceans and expeditions by Travel + Leisure. No other travel company has simultaneously received the same honors by both publications. For additional information, contact Viking at 1-800-2-VIKING (1-800-284-5464) or visit https://www.viking.com/. For Viking's award-winning enrichment channel, visit https://www.viking.tv/.

SOURCE Viking

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BEIJING, Nov. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A news report from chinadaily.com.cn:

The Youth and Digital Future Forum of the 2023 World Internet Conference (WIC) Wuzhen Summit was held on Nov 9, in Wuzhen, East China's Zhejiang province.

The Youth and Digital Future Forum of the 2023 World Internet Conference (WIC) Wuzhen Summit is held on Nov 9, in Wuzhen, East Chinas Zhejiang province. [Photo/wicinternet.org]

Themed on "Improvement, Involvement, Influence", the forum invited representatives, including heads of international organizations and the first group of youth leaders under the Global Youth Leadership Program (GYLP), to have discussions on missions of global youth in promoting digital development.

Francis Gurry, vice-chair of the WIC, said in his address that the forum gathered youth leaders worldwide to promote dialogues among internet professionals of different generations.

Ren Xianliang, secretary general of the WIC, called on young people to become groundbreakers for technological innovation, drivers of digital development and practitioners of global exchanges and mutual learning.

Chen Jinbiao, vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of the Zhejiang Provincial People's Congress and secretary of the leading Party members group of the committee, said that the forum plays an active role in enabling youth to express ideas, promoting youth participation and addressing their needs.

Via video link, Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, director of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Telecommunication Development Bureau, appealed to youth leaders to actively improve, participate in and influence digital transformation.

In their keynote speeches, Nahima Diaz, director of the Nicaraguan Institute of Telecommunications and Postal Services, David Kanamugire, chief executive officer of Rwanda National Cyber Security Agency, and Rafael Evangelista, board member of Brazilian Steering Internet Committee, shared the practices and experience of facilitating young generation to promote digital transformation in their countries.

Representatives of global youth leaders from China, Brazil, and the US shared their insights on the application of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in the digital transformation of specialized areas of the mobile internet, the mutual promotion of youth and AI development, next-generation internet development and internet governance from the perspective of technology, innovative cooperation of technology and digital education, the development of Chinese and global digitalization, and technology empowering the hearing-impaired.

Chon Kil-nam, father of internet in South Korea and honorary professor at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, also a member of the first leading group of the Internet Governance Forum, and Xue Lan, a senior liberal arts professor and dean of Schwarzman College at Tsinghua University, held a cross-generation dialogue with representatives of youth leaders from Canada, Argentina, Azerbaijan, and Malaysia. The youth representatives shared their experiences in AI, global internet governance, the promotion of technology, and technology empowering vulnerable groups. They consulted and exchanged ideas with the experts, sharing their common understanding of and expectations for current digital development.

Representatives from China, Ghana, Nepal, Bahrain, and Rwanda shared their practices in digital infrastructure building, remote healthcare, the Internet of Things and the information and communications technology, and technology promoting equal education.

Prior to the event, Zhuang Rongwen, chair of the WIC, together with Gurry, presented certificates to the first group of youth leaders under the GYLP, during the plenary meeting of the 2023 WIC Wuzhen Summit on Nov 8.

The forum was jointly hosted by the WIC and the ITU, and co-organized by the Fuxi Institution.

SOURCE chinadaily.com.cn
HONG KONG, Nov. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Taiwanese fintech company GUGU recently announced new partnerships with the U.S.-based Alpaca Securities and Australia-based JB Markets to expand its U.S. stock trading app across Asia Pacific markets this year.

GUGU Joins Forces with Alpaca Securities to Help New Generation Invest in U.S. Stocks (PRNewsfoto/GUGU)

The strategic collaborations will enable GUGU to integrate Alpaca Securities' and JB Markets' robust brokerage capabilities. This will empower GUGU to offer young investors across the Asia Pacific an intuitive, social, and educational app to trade U.S. stocks. The company is developing services akin to those of Robinhood for the APAC region and beyond.

"GUGU focuses on creating a user-friendly product for the new generation, with a strong emphasis on gamified mobile user experience," says GUGU founder Owen Huang. "We appreciate our partners' trust in GUGU's capabilities and vision in fintech product development."

The company has a range of key advantages that give it a leg up in the APAC region. GUGU is modernizing this process with the option to invest as little as US$1. Accounts can be opened in just six minutes to the first trade, while there are no handling fees and real-time quotes. Furthermore, there are many gamified designs to make investment fun and easy.

"GUGU is unlike any of the companies we've collaborated with before," according to Peter Aardoon, the Director of JB Markets. "Their product experience design is impressive, and their bold and innovative approach can quickly catch the new generation's attention."

The startup's focus on a streamlined user-interface experience is already paying dividends in Asia, leading to over 200,000 monthly views for its GUGU Knowledge Hub and drawing over 5,000 students to its GUGU Academy investor-training service. With its free investment articles and other content featured widely in Taiwanese media, GUGU has positioned itself as an educational platform in addition to a trading service.

These strengths, among others, have helped the company to enlist prominent partners such as Alpaca Securities, which is seeking to grow its footprint in Asia through strategic collaborations.

"In recent years, Alpaca has been actively expanding into the Asian market through partnerships in Indonesia, Japan, and more," said Tarun Ajwani, Alpaca's SVP of Sales and Corporate Development. "We are delighted to have GUGU on board and hope to leverage its accumulated brand strength in Asia, as well as the team's extensive market experience in Southeast Asia, to expand Alpaca's services in the APAC market."

The company is moving quickly out the starting gate, aggressively pursuing partnerships and compliance solutions with an eye toward gaining market entry in Southeast Asian countries. Currently, GUGU is still open to additional investors as it gears up for an expected Q4 2023 launch of its comprehensive trading services. Further introduction of GUGU: https://www.gugu.fund/en

About GUGU

Founded in 2020, GUGU is an online-brokerage platform geared toward a younger generation of investors. Its mission is to promote stock education and lower investment barriers, ensuring that everyone can start investing in U.S. equities with ease.

The platform boasts a user-friendly interface, enabling trades with just a minimum of US$1, while it offers the opportunity to purchase fractional shares of renowned U.S. companies. It features zero-commission trading, real-time quotes, and no hidden fees.

GUGU also provides a wealth of educational resources, including the GUGU Academy, which has attracted over 5,000 students. The GUGU Knowledge Hub freely shares market insights, garnering over 200,000 visits monthly.

Regulated by reputable financial authorities and backed by robust security measures, GUGU is dedicated to serving the next generation of users around the world. https://www.gugu.fund/en

About Alpaca

Alpaca is a US California based developer-first API brokerage platform that supports hundreds of businesses globally. Alpaca offers stock and crypto trading, real-time market data, and end-to-end brokerage infrastructure through modern APIs.

Securities brokerage services are provided by Alpaca Securities LLC ("Alpaca Securities"), member FINRA / SIPC , a wholly-owned subsidiary of AlpacaDB, Inc. Technology and services are offered by AlpacaDB, Inc.

Alpaca has raised over $120m in funding and is backed by top investors in the industry globally, including Portage Ventures, Spark Capital, Tribe Capital, Social Leverage, Horizons Ventures, Unbound, SBI Group, Eldridge, Positive Sum, Elefund, and Y Combinator. https://alpaca.markets/stocks

SOURCE GUGU
SAN ANTONIO and CHAMBERSBURG, Pa., Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Evidence In Motion (EIM) proudly announces a groundbreaking partnership with Wilson College to launch graduate degree programs catering to the burgeoning demand in health care professions. The collaboration will offer aspiring professionals the opportunity to pursue degrees in Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD), and Master's in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP).

EIM's and Wilson College's collaboration will introduce graduate degree programs in Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech-Language Pathology (pictured).

Located in Chambersburg, Pa., Wilson College, known for its commitment to student-focused education, will spearhead this initiative to address the critical shortage of health care professionals in our communities. Wesley R. Fugate, Ph.D., president of Wilson College, expressed enthusiasm about this venture, stating, "This new partnership with EIM aligns with our mission to provide accessible and relevant curricula that meets the needs of today's students. These degrees will help meet the pressing demand for well-equipped health care professionals in Pennsylvania and beyond."

The degree programs, delivered using EIM's hybrid and accelerated education model, will be accessible to students nationwide. Most of the coursework will be available online, supplemented by hands-on lab immersion experiences conducted in Philadelphia, Pa. Emphasizing a career-focused approach, each program integrates clinical and capstone components, ensuring a seamless transition into clinical practice and post-professional education programs.

Hybrid Learning a Growing Trend

This strategic alliance reflects a growing trend toward hybrid graduate programs in high-demand fields. Pradeep Khandelwal, CEO of EIM, expressed, "Wilson College embodies our commitment to student-centered education, and we are thrilled to welcome them into our growing network of universities. We are confident that our collaboration will not only enrich their institution but, more importantly, contribute significantly to the lasting success and achievements of their students."

Pending accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the OTD program is scheduled for launch in January 2026, followed by DPT in August 2027, and finally, MS-SLP in January 2028.

Elissa Heil, Ph.D., Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty at Wilson College, emphasized the significance of the accelerated hybrid model, stating, "The accelerated hybrid model in graduate health care studies helps students reach their professional goals more quickly while training them at the highest standards of their chosen field. Wilson College is excited to pursue this option for tomorrow's leaders in the allied health industry."

New Programs Address High Demand

Projected growth in health care programs reflects increasing demand in the sector. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook: Employment of Physical Therapists is projected to grow 15% from 2022 to 2032, Occupational Therapy 12%, and Speech-Language Pathology 19%.

President Fugate concluded, "Through this partnership, Wilson College is leading important health care and educational transformation not only in our region but across the national landscape."

Stay informed about trends in health care education and new innovative partnerships on the EIM Partner Newsroom.

About Wilson College:

Founded in 1869, Wilson College is a private coeducational liberal arts college offering bachelor's degrees in 32 majors and 40 minors in high-demand and innovative fields including education, nursing, equine studies, veterinary nursing, and sport management, as well as graduate degrees in education, fine arts, the humanities, nursing, and organizational leadership. With degree programs of study available in person and online, the College is committed to making higher education accessible and affordable for today's students. Visit wilson.edu for more information.

About Evidence In Motion (EIM):

Evidence In Motion is recognized as a health care learning solutions company dedicated to reimagining education that transforms every community. We do this by partnering with leading universities and colleges to power hybrid, accelerated graduate programs in health care.

CONTACT: Tim Mudd, [email protected]

SOURCE Evidence In Motion
America's Largest Bathroom Remodeler Extends Footprint in New York with Husband-Wife Entrepreneurs

NEW YORK , Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Re-Bath, the nation's largest complete bathroom remodeling franchise, has announced a signed agreement in Buffalo, New York. A first for the brand, Re-Bath will enter a new market in the state while continuing to grow its footprint across the East Coast. With large retailer partnerships contributing to the brand's growth and market share gains driving nearly a 31% YOY increase in systemwide sales, prospective franchisees are flocking to the Re-Bath franchise opportunity.

New to the Re-Bath system are first-time franchisees and husband-wife duo, Justin and Stephanie Britton. While this is their first step in the franchising world, the Brittons are experienced entrepreneurs who have been running their own contracting business for several years. Prior to founding their independent business, Justin spent 15 years in various sales positions within the building/construction industry. Together, the Brittons have grown their business to over a million dollars in annual sales.

Upon learning of Re-Bath and its franchise opportunity, the goal-oriented entrepreneurs knew that becoming franchisees would be the avenue to take their success to a new level. In addition to scaling their business, the Brittons look forward to providing valuable employment opportunities and completing quality jobs that consumers feel good about.

"I've been in this industry for more than 20 years and worked with a number of brands, but Re-Bath stands out far above the rest," said Justin. "The business model and systems in place gives Stephanie and I an opportunity to bolster what we already do. Our top goal is to ensure everyone feels the success of our business  from customers, to employees, to the Re-Bath system."

As the largest bathroom remodeling company in the United States, Re-Bath has established a proven business model, unparalleled franchise office support, and an infrastructure for growth as it continues to seek strategic franchise partners to expand its footprint nationwide.

"Aligning with franchisees who understand the industry and possess a natural drive to succeed will keep us on a solid upward trajectory," said Brad Hillier, CEO of Re-Bath. "The Brittons are already a great addition to our system, and I'm confident they will be great representatives of our brand to the residents of Buffalo. For those looking to join a growing franchise brand, upstate New York is ripe for the taking."

With development surging across the region, Re-Bath is looking for entrepreneurs who are ready to stake their claim in the booming home improvement industry. Earlier this year, the brand announced a two-territory signed agreement for New York that would service Suffolk and Westchester counties. With an additional four territories available in upstate New York, company leadership has identified the state as a prime area for growth, in addition to Vermont and Maine.

The impressive growth achieved by the brand has not gone unnoticed as Re-Bath recently earned the No. 283 spot on Entrepreneur Magazine's 2023 Franchise 500, the world's first, best and most comprehensive franchise ranking. Re-Bath also ranked No. 2 on Qualified Remodeler's Top 500 Nationals List and was recognized as No. 1 in the "Best Bathroom Renovations" category on Bob Vila's 2022 Best Home Improvement Contractors of 2022 Ranking. The franchise is building off this momentum for repeated success throughout 2023, with a goal of awarding 25 franchise agreements while strengthening performance and same-store-sales.

For more information on Re-Bath and franchise opportunities, visit www.rebathfranchise.com/ or call 888-454-8842.

About Re-Bath

Re-Bath is the nation's largest complete bathroom remodeling franchise that has grown to more than 100 locations across the country. The parent company's first entry in the bathroom remodeling industry occurred in 1978 and focused on the hospitality sector. In 1991, Re-Bath launched its first franchise location to focus on the residential market. The company offers complete bathroom remodels, tub and shower updates, plus aging and accessibility solutions. From simple bathtub replacements to complete bathroom redesigns, Re-Bath makes bathroom remodeling effortless, convenient and affordable, all with professional, friendly and factory-trained installers. Re-Bath is a one-stop service that covers the entire process  from design to done  in three easy steps: consultation, removal, and installation. Re-Bath assembles its own exclusive line of products at its headquarters located in Phoenix, Ariz., and offers best-in-class products from national brands for its customers. For more information, please visit www.rebath.com or www.rebathfranchise.com for more details on the franchise opportunity.

Media Contact: Marisa Beaumont, Fishman Public Relations, (847) 945-1300 or [email protected]

SOURCE Re-Bath
BEIJING, Nov. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Chinese baijiu brand TingHua impressed participants of the 2023 Business & Philanthropy Forum held from November 9 to 10 in Singapore with its upgraded baijiu series of pleasant taste.

TingHua has been dedicated to making baijiu both tasty and healthy, Chris Zheng, international market development director of Qinghai Spring Medicinal Resources Technology Co., Ltd. (600381.SH), which is the owner of the baijiu brand, said when addressing the forum.

To achieve the objective, TingHua has taken mellow aged spirits as the base and used innovative techniques to increase beneficial components that can improve baijiu taste and aroma while reduce components harmful to health such as fusel oil and aldehydes during brewing processes.

TingHua baijiu also showed up as the only designated prize in the lucky draw section of the auction of the forum.

See the original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/337142.html

SOURCE Xinhua Silk Road
In Zhytomyr, 71-year-old Nikolai Molokov, who was an instructor of the Belarusian regiment named after Kastus Kalinowski and Azov, said goodbye. As a member of the second legendary battalion, the man fought against the Russian occupiers in 2015-2020, and after the full-scale invasion, he conducted military training. Ukrainians knew Mykola Mykolaiovych as a participant in the sixth season of the popular show MasterChef (STB).

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Despite his advanced age, Molokov was nicknamed "the energizer" on the culinary project. The fighter and chef was laid to rest on November 13 at St. Michael's Cathedral in Zhytomyr, Suspilne reports.

"In 2015, he chose to serve in Azov. Mykola fought in the ranks of our famous and heroic Azov battalion until 2020. Even after his discharge from military service, he did not stay at home. He taught the subject "Military Affairs" to students of one of the secondary schools," Olha Yurchenko, director of the Zhytomyr Center for Social Services, shared her memories of the deceased.

The death of the Ukrainian was also reported on the page of Kalinowski's regiment, which he joined after February 24, 2022. The post noted that Molokov was the oldest soldier in the Belarusian battalion. He specialized in military intelligence and taught survival skills to soldiers, and had the call sign "MMM".

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One of the soldiers of Kalinovskyi's regiment commented on the loss of his comrade: "Mykola was a very important figure for us. From the very beginning, he helped our unit train. All the guys respected him a lot, and he was the life of the party. He was always cheerful and told interesting stories. That's why we all remember him from the very beginning. And this is a great loss for us."

It turns out that the man was a native of Russia. He had Ukrainian citizenship, but he felt at home in the Belarusian regiment.

Meanwhile, the Instagram page of the MasterChef project also honored the memory of Mycola, expressing condolences to his family and friends.

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As OBOZ.UA wrote earlier, Saveliy Fedan, a participant of the ninth season of the X-Factor show (STB) from Enerhodar, died at the front. From the first days of the full-scale war, the guy was defending Ukraine from the occupiers with arms in his hands. Read more about the hero in the article.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
On May 9, for the first time since World War II, Washington signed a state act on a landmark military aid package for Ukraine. This provoked a strong reaction on social media and, as expected, spawned dozens of photo jabs dedicated to both US President Joe Biden and the head of the aggressor country, Vladimir Putin.

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The accounts of Ukrainian users spontaneously filled with enthusiastic exclamations on this occasion. OBOZREVATEL has collected the most striking memes, once again noting the extraordinary creativity and optimism of our fellow citizens.

Some saw the choice of the date for the signing of the historic document as a kind of "banter" by Biden himself over the sacred "victory" of Russia. Ukrainians addressed the 79-year-old president with the traditional May 9 slogan: "Thank you grandfather for the victory!"

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There were also those who expressed their guesses as to what exactly is written in the landing list act. The document contains the emotional words of Oleksandr Povorozniuk, the president of FC Ingulets, which became a hit and were set to modern music.

The press secretary of former Prosecutor General Yurii Lutsenko addressed Putin himself on this solemn day. He has not yet given any assessment of the event, and his henchmen, who are engaged in propaganda on federal channels, have also hesitated.

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Earlier, OBOZREVATEL reported what the signing of the lend-lease document by the US President on May 9 means for Ukraine against the backdrop of Russia's invasion.
If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this





Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here
Gaza, Nov 14 : Palestinian security and medical sources have said that 31 Palestinians were killed in an Israeli bombardment that targeted several homes in the Jabalia refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip.

The Hamas-run Civil Defense in Gaza said in a statement on Monday that Israeli aircraft targeted a residential area in the Jabalia refugee camp, which led to the complete destruction of 12 homes and the killing of 31 people, Xinhua news agency reported.

At least ten others were injured in the bombing, added the statement.

The government media office in Gaza announced earlier in the day that the Palestinian death toll from Israeli attacks has risen to 11,240, while more than 28,000 others were injured.
Beirut, Nov 14 : Four Lebanese were reportedly killed in confrontations between Hezbollah and the Israeli army.

Lebanese military sources told Xinhua news agency that Israeli heavy artillery bombed the outskirts of 28 towns in southern Lebanon, including 18 towns in the southwest of the country and 10 in the southeast, using more than 450 explosives and incendiary shells.

The same sources reported that the Israeli drones and warplanes carried out a series of raids, including 18 attacks that targeted the outskirts of 15 towns.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah said its fighters attacked an Israeli infantry force near the Pranit barracks with missiles and another one at the al-Dhahira site along the border.

Hezbollah also targeted Israeli positions in Ruwaisat al-Alam and al-Marj, confirming casualties among the Israeli army.

According to security reports, the total number of casualties since October 8 reached 101 people, including 78 members of Hezbollah.

The Lebanon-Israel border witnessed increased tension for over four weeks after Lebanese armed group Hezbollah fired dozens of rockets toward Israel on October 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.
Tel Aviv, Nov 14 : The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has said that it had killed several senior Hamas operatives in Gaza including Khamis Dababash, former intelligence chief of the group.

IDF spokesperson Real Admiral Daniel Hagari in a statement on Mondaysaid that the IDF has also killed Tahsin Maslam, Hamas' commander of the combat assistance company, and Yakub Ashur, commander of Hamas' anti-tank guided missile array in the group's Khan Younis Brigade.

The IDF also said that it had killed a terrorist who had fired at the forces from the Al-Quds hospital in Gaza City.

The IDF reiterated that Hamas is using civilians, patients and old-age people as human shields. The group is "using hospitals as command centres", it added.
Tel Aviv, Nov 14 : The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has captured the parliament building of Hamas, which has been ruling the Gaza Strip after ousting the Palestinian Authority (PA).

The IDF in a statement said that the elite Golani brigade of the Israel military captured the Hamas parliament building on Monday.

IDF soldiers were also seen waving the Israeli flag in the parliament building in Gaza.

It may be noted that since the ground invasion on October 27,the IDF has been making steady progress in the Gaza strip.

The IDF has charged that Hamas of using major hospitals in northern Gaza as its command centres and asked civilians to shift to the southern part of the enclave.
Residents of Iceland town hit by hundreds of quakes return to collect belongings. Image Source: IANS News

Reykjavik, Nov 14 : Residents of a town in Iceland that has been hit by hundreds of earthquakes in recent days, have been briefly allowed to return to collect their belongings amid an emergency imposed over a possible volcanic eruption.

The south-western Reykjanes Peninsula, where Grindavik is located, was rocked by more than 500 earthquakes on Monday alone and over 20,000 since October, prompting authorities to impose the state of emergency on November 10, the BBC reported.

As a result, thousands of people have already been evacuated from the town since a volcanic eruption is still expected despite the quakes being weaker in recent days.

Officials said on Monday evening that Grindavik would remain evacuated overnight, as the situation continues to be monitored on a "minute by minute" basis.

According to volcanologists, the latest updates could indicate a smaller impending eruption than was previously thought but it might still put the town in real danger because of the possibility of lava flows, reports the BBC.

Experts have stressed that a 15 km-long river of magma running under the Reykjanes Peninsula is still active.

The area had remained dormant to volcanic activity for 800 years before a 2021 eruption.

Meanwhile, some locals have said that they were particularly upset as eruptions in Iceland normally happened in unpopulated areas.

A 29-year-old man, who was born and raised in Grindavik and had forcibly evacuated, told the BBC that he feared he might never see his home again.

Another person who returned to the town on Monday to collect his belongings, said while he had not seen any damage in the area he lives in, he had seen images of the town centre, which had been affected.

There were also reports that the road had sunk as much as a metre in some parts.

"If you talk to Icelandic people who have lived there all their lives, they say they have never felt something like that," he told the BBC.

Iceland is one of the most geologically active regions in the world, with around 30 active volcanic sites.

In July, Litli-Hrutur, or Little Ram, erupted in the Fagradalsfjall area, drawing tourists to the site of the "world's newest baby volcano".

The site was dormant for eight centuries until eruptions in 2021, 2022 and 2023.
Customs officers prevented the export of an ancient Borysiv icon and a cross from the times of Kyivan Rus. They tried to send the artifacts to the United States.

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This was reported by the press service of the Kyiv Customs. The historical and cultural values were seized.

"Kyiv customs officers seized an icon of the famous Borysiv icon-painting school and 12 ancient authentic items of personal piety and personal use of archaeological origin from several international mail shipments. They were heading from Kyiv and Ternopil regions to the United States," the press service said.

Customs officers added that the icon "The Lord Almighty" (XIX-XX centuries) belongs to the Borysiv school of icon painting. The second historical value is a bronze cross-encolpion (XII-XIII centuries) with relief images of Christ, the Mother of God and scenes of the Crucifixion, consisting of two parts. Such crosses were used in Russia to keep the relics of saints. Both valuables were sent abroad by residents of the Kyiv region.

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In addition, another parcel heading to the United States from the Ternopil region contained eleven metal objects identified as: a bronze bulla pendant of the third century AD, which belongs to the Chernyakhiv culture; seven bronze crosses; two buttons from the times of Rus - the eleventh and thirteenth centuries; and a copper openwork button of the eighteenth century.

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As reported by OBOZ.UA, Kyiv customs officers found a hundred archaeological finds of the 8th century BC - 13th century AD in two international parcels. The artifacts were sent to Germany.

Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Bulandshahr, Nov 14 : A 45-year-old woman was allegedly shot dead by her inebriated husband for talking to her sister on the phone on Diwali in Uttar Pradesh's Bulandshahr, police said.

Sushila Devi was killed by husband, Devpal Verma, 50, a private security guard in Delhi. He had come home for Diwali.

After finishing Diwali Puja, Sushila called her sister to wish her but as the call lasted a long time, the infuriated husband shot two bullets in her chest and neck with his rifle. She died on the spot and the accused walked to the police station to confess the crime.

Superintendent of Police (city) Surendra Nath Tiwari said Verma has been arrested and the rifle seized.

aThe man was drunk at the time of the incident. He had doubts about his wifeas 'character' as she would talk on the phone for hours.

"On the basis of a complaint by his son, Himanshu Verma, an FIR has been registered against Verma and he was sent to jail after being produced in court," said Tiwari.
Sambhal : , Nov 14 (IANS) Two brothers died when their bike skidded in Gunnaur area of Sambhal district, police said on Tuesday.

The two were on their way home in Shahjahanpur from Delhi to celebrate Diwali with family.

Police said Ratan Pal (23) and Suraj Pal (25) had failed to find seats in trains or buses due to the festive season rush and decided to return home on their bike.

While Suraj died on the spot, Ratan succumbed to injuries at a private hospital. They belonged to Mirzapur in Shahjahanpur and worked at a packaging unit in Noida.

The victims' father said, "We got a call around midnight saying my sons have met with an accident. I rushed to Sambhal where I found that Suraj was no more and Ratan was in a critical condition. I asked the doctors to refer my son to a higher centre as I was not happy with the facilities there. I brought my son to Bareilly where he died during treatment."

He added, "The crucial time lost in obtaining adequate medical attention proved fatal for my sons. I wish the emergency medical services in the state would improve and ambulances reach on time."

Senior sub-inspector Gunnaur police station Athar Singh said the family had taken both the victims to Bareilly and no report was registered as no other vehicle was involved in the accident.
Two killed in explosion at firecracker factory in TN's Virudhunagar. Image Source: IANS News

Kanpur Dehat : , Nov 14 (IANS) A 12-year-old boy died and four others were injured in a firecracker explosion in Rasoolabad town of Kanpur Dehat district, sources said on Tuesday.

The deceased has been identified as Sufiyan.

A loud explosion that was heard far away caused panic among the people.

Soon after the incident, locals from the area thronged the spot, and upon receiving information, a circle officer of Kanpur Dehat Police along with Forensic experts also arrived.

The police subsequently admitted the injured to the district hospital for treatment, while the boy's body was sent for post-mortem.

Meanwhile, CO Rasoolabad Tanu Upadhyay said as per the eyewitnesses, the child was carrying firecrackers in his bag when there was a huge explosion and he died at the spot.

Four other passers-by also suffered injuries. "They have been admitted to the district hospital, where doctors stated their condition to be stable," said the CO further.

"During preliminary investigations it came to fore that the child's family owned a Diwali fireworks shop nearby. We are also seeing whether that family has a license to sell fireworks or not. Further investigations are on in this regard," said Rasoolabad inspector.
PM Modi pays tributes to Nehru on his birth anniversary. Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi, Nov 14 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid tributes to India's first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on his 134th birth anniversary.

In a post on X, the Prime Minister said, "Tributes to our first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru Ji on his birth anniversary."

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge after paying tribute to Nehru at Shanti Vana in a post said, "Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was the prime architect of modern India. In his understanding, only a Democratic structure which gave space to various cultural, political, and socio-economic trends to express themselves could hold India together."

"Today, as we gather in Shanti Van, to pay our revered tributes to him, we must preserve, protect and defend India's Constitution and our long-cherished Democratic institutions and principles - his enduring legacy," Kharge said.

Nehru's birthday is celebrated as the Children's Day or 'Bal Diwas'.

Nehru was born on November 14, 1889 in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj (then Allahabad).
Three killed in road accident in J&Ks Rajouri. Image Source: IANS News

Muzaffarnagar : , Nov 14 (IANS) Six people were killed when the car in which they were travelling collided with a truck in this Uttar Pradesh district on Tuesday morning.

According to sources, the accident took place on National Highway-58.

The victims were en route to Haridwar from Delhi when the incident occurred.

All the deceased are said to be residents of Shahdara.

Further details are awaited.
London, Nov 14 : With most work visas tied to sponsors, the UK's post-Brexit Points Based Immigration System severely limits migrant workers' abilities to change jobs, putting employers in a position of great power, which remains unchecked, according to a new report.

Thousands of migrant workers face risk of exploitation because of multiple failures in the Home Office's employer sponsorship scheme, said the report titled, 'Systematic Drivers of Migrant Worker Exploitation in the UK' by Work Rights Centre.

The risk of exploitation is exacerbated by the issues ingrained in the UK's labour enforcement system, the research said after drawing on 39 case studies with migrant workers, including those under the Health and Care Visa and Seasonal Worker Visa.

"Divided between numerous agencies with unclear remits, poorly resourced, and reliant on businesses to self-regulate, the labour enforcement system remains ill-equipped to identify, respond to, and prevent the exploitation of migrant workers," the report said.

"From the perspective of migrant workers, sponsorship is akin to bonded labour. It hands employers the power to exploit migrants, knowing that it will be very hard for them to leave," Dora-Olivia Vicol, chief executive of the Work Rights Centre, told the Guardian.

"We have seen many tragic cases where people come to accept exploitation. The work-sponsorship system needs urgent reform to prevent even more migrant workers being exploited," she said.

Citing the case of an Indian nurse, the Guardian reported that she is currently stranded in the UK with her partner and young child after paying 20,000 pounds to an agent in her home country.

He promised to secure a UK work visa for her and find secure employment in the country, but upon her arrival, the sponsor employer told her there was no work for her.

To avoid being deported along with her family, the nurse now has to find another sponsor employer within 60 days.

She told the UK-based daily that "she cannot sleep at night" and feels that she has been "mentally harrassed".

"I was given a dismissal letter because the employer said I was not talking to them in a good way," she told the Guardian.

"I was simply asking when I could start work. The situation is so stressful and I feel completely hopeless and cheated. I know there are hundreds of people in the same situation."

The report called on the government to end employer-sponsorship of visas, and give migrants the freedom to change employers, and institute a Single Enforcement Body, where labour exploitation can be reported securely.

It also urged the government to set up an independent Migrants' Commissioner, tasked with drafting a Migrant Worker Welfare Strategy, to prevent migrant labour exploitation in the long term.
2 more IDF soldiers killed in Gaza, total increases to 46 (IANS IN ISRAEL). Image Source: IANS News

Tel Aviv, Nov 14 : The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Tuesday announced the death of two additional soldiers in Gaza, increasing the total number of fallen troops amid the ongoing ground offensive to 46.

The military identified the two soldiers as Staff Sergeant Roee Marom (21) and Raz Abulafia (27).

According to the IDF, Marom was a squad commander in the 906th battalion of the School of Infantry Corps Professions and Squad Commanders known as Bislamach Brigade.

He hails from the southern Israeli city of Raa nana.

Meanwhile, Abulafia was deployed in the 686 3rd battalion of the 12th division.

He hails from the Rishpon settelement in the Central District of Israel.

Israel launched its ground offensive in the besieged enclave against the Hamas on October 27.

Since the October 7 Hamas attack, Israel has lost a total of 363 soldiers and officers along with 59 police officers and 10 members of the Shin Bet intelligence service.

As of Tuesday, the overall death toll in Israel stood at 1,200, which also includes foreign nationals.

Israel authorities have so far provided the names of 1,162 fatalities, including 845 civilians and police officers.

Of those whose ages have been provided, 33 are children.

Meanwhile, the authorities have said that 239 people are held captive in Gaza, including Israelis and foreign nationals.

According to some media reports, about 30 of the hostages are children.

So far, four civilian hostages have been released by Hamas, and one female soldier was rescued by Israeli forces.

Hamas has claimed that 57 of the hostages had been killed by Israeli airstrikes.

--IANS

aal-ksk/
Gaza, Nov 13 : Since the Israel-Hamas war erupted in Gaza on October 7, at least 102 staff members of the UN Relief Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) have lost their lives in the ensuing violence.

According to the Agency, this is is the highest death toll among UN staff in such a short period in the history of the world body.

"In the last 24 hours, one UNRWA staff member was killed with her family in the north of the Gaza Strip due to strikes," the Agency said in a statement.

At least 27 staff members have also been injured since the start of the war, it added.

UN offices globally lowered flags to half-mast on Monday to pay respects to the 102 victims.

Meanwhile, all UN staff also held a moment of silence to mourn and honor their colleagues who lost their lives in Gaza, according to the UNRWA.

The Agency also said that has continued to provide health care to the internally displaced persons at shelters through 124 medical teams deployed to the facilities.

"But by Tuesday, the fuel reserves of the health centres will be depleted if no additional fuel is provided. UNRWA operations will entirely depend on solar energy, which is designed only to cater for minimum operation.

"Functionality of the solar energy is not guaranteed as any malfunction and/or battery failure will cause complete stop of all operation," the UN body warned.
Mumbai, Nov 14 : Actor Sandeep Rajora, who plays the role of Madhav Poddar, in the show 'Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai', says it is the 'independent trait' of the character that he personally relates to.

"I was definitely excited and elated to be working with the brand 'Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai'.. it's one of the biggest shows of Indian television. Working with DKP and Rajan sir is indeed an honour, a show which has a rich legacy of 15 years can only run for so long because it made a special place in its viewers hearts. Hope we carry the legacy forward," the actor said.

Talking about his role, Sandeepsaid: "My role is of a person who has lived life on his own terms, not aligned with the family business of law, he opts to join the police force. Madhav Poddar lives life on his own terms, a self-made man with his independent belief systems. This 'independent trait' is what I personally relate to."

He is confident that the audience will love the new tracks.

Sandeepsaid:"The audience will surely love the new season because it's based on the integral value systems of our rich Indian culture which is highly relatable. Rajan is a director par excellence when it comes to depicting true human values and culture of India. Shows like 'Anupamaa', 'Bidaai' and 'Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai' are feathers in his cap and I'm happy to be a part of his team."

The actor added: "The real test of love comes out only in a love triangle. It has jealousy, betrayal, hatred and heartbreak which makes it fun to watch. This, and a lot more, is in store for the viewers!"
Lawyers ask Indians seeking asylum in UK to pretend as 'tortured' Khalistanis, gays: Report. Image Source: IANS News

Sanaa, Nov 14 : Dozens of migrants went missing and are feared dead after an overcrowded boat overturned near Yemen's coast, a government official has confirmed.

The official told Xinhua news agency late on Monday that the boat carrying approximately 75 migrants overturned near the coastal city of Mocha on Sunday.

He clarified that all the passengers were predominantly migrants from countries in the Horn of Africa seeking asylum in Yemen.

He said that strong winds are believed to have caused the boat to overturn.

While 26 survivors managed to swim ashore and were rescued by the Yemeni coastguard troops, at least 49 other passengers remained missing, according to the official.

Yemeni authorities, including the coastguard units, have engaged in search and rescue efforts.

"It is a heartbreaking tragedy," said Ahmed Ali, an officer for the Yemeni coastguard troops.

"These migrants left their homelands hoping to find refuge in Yemen. Instead, they have met with disasters at sea."

After more than eight years of conflict, Yemen continues to face one of worldas largest humanitarian crises with 21.6 million people in need of assistance in 2023, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

The humanitarian situation has triggered widespread food insecurity and destroyed public infrastructure, drastically reducing access to key public services.

Amidst this instability, migrants traveling from the Horn of Africa through Yemen to Gulf countries are among the most marginalised and vulnerable groups of people in need, the IOM says.

Thousands have been left stranded across Yemen with limited options for safe movement.

Many migrants face trafficking, torture, extortion, arbitrary arrests, xenophobia and other forms of inhumane treatment.
Ihor Siniak, a Russian beauty blogger of Ukrainian descent with Russian citizenship who betrayed our country to avoid violating Russian law, complained about the prices in a Sochi hotel. He called them cosmic and compared the rest in the aggressor country with the service in Dubai, emphasizing that it was much better abroad.

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Siniak posted the relevant videos on Instagram stories. The blogger spoke about his upcoming trip to the UAE. He admitted that a suite in a nice Hyatt hotel there costs 44 thousand rubles for five days (to watch the video, scroll to the bottom of the page).

"And then I decided to see how much a vacation in Sochi would cost for the same dates, just for fun. And in Sochi, in the Radisson Hotel, the economy class for five days on the same dates is 127 thousand rubles. Answer my question. Maybe I don't understand something. Sochi, are you okay there?" the traitor said.

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He also added that the Radisson Hotel cannot be compared to the Hyatt Hotel. The latter, he said, is much better.

"I don't understand the joke at all: in Sochi, a hotel below the class of an economy room has a f*cking price tag several times higher. In Sochi! What's the joke?" Siniak was outraged.

As OBOZREVATEL previously reported, in mid-April, for the first time since February 24, Sinyak broke his silence on Russia's war against Ukraine and called what was happening on Ukrainian territory "f*cked up." He stated that he understands the feelings of Ukrainians, as his parents are still in Kramatorsk, but he does not intend to support our country and violate the law of the Russian Federation.

Only verified information on our Telegram channel Obozrevatel. Do not fall for fakes!
'Bigg Boss 17': Anurag Dobhal says he will be 'voluntary exiting' from show. Image Source: IANS News

Mumbai, Nov 14 : In the upcoming episode of 'Bigg Boss 17', Youtuber Anurag Dobhal will be seen saying that he wants to make a 'voluntary exit' from the controversial reality show.

A promo shared by the channel, shows that Bigg Boss announces tabadla of the 'Dil', 'Dimaag' and 'Dum' house.

In the previous episode, Housemates were seen going to the confession room giving a reason as to why they or their fellow "makaan" members deserve to change their place.

After the announcement of Bigg Boss, Anurag is seen sitting in the room and saying: "I will be voluntary exiting from the show."

He then goes to the confession room, where Bigg Boss asks him if he wants to leave the show, to which, Anurag replies: "Ji Bigg Boss."

Bigg Boss then asks: "Aap apni iccha se ghar chorna chaahengay na?"

To which, Anurag says: "Agar yeh cheezein chalti rahi Bigg Boss toh main nahi survive kar paaunga Bigg Boss."

However, it is not clear if he will be exiting or not as according to the show's contract, a contestant on making an exit without being evicted has to pay a certain amount to the channel.
Wellington, Nov 14 : Armed robbers raided an Indian restaurant in New Zealand's Auckland city and fled with cash after injuring a worker and threatening others, a media report said.

Police reached Mithaiwala, a vegetarian restaurant located on the intersection of Mt Albert and Sandringham roa after reports of an aggravated robbery last week, The New Zealand Herald newspaper reported.

Two people entered the premises with a firearm and threatened staff members inside the restaurant, a police spokesperson said, adding that they took "a quantity of cash before fleeing in a vehicle".

The report did not specify the amount taken away by the robbers.

"Thankfully, no injuries have been reported to those staff members, however they are understandably shaken, and police are providing support," the police spokesperson said.

A worker hanging fairy lights outside the restaurant was injured but it was not serious.

"My back hurt a little but I am okay now," he told The New Zealand Herald.

He said three men tried to get in the back of the store, hitting and injuring his back in the process.

Last week, an 18-year-old was sentenced to more than three years in jail in Hamilton for his role in robbing and attacking Nitin Patel, a dairy store owner, repeatedly with a metal bar, leaving him with a permanent leg injury.

Incidents of crime and robbery have continued in New Zealand after 34 year-old Indian dairy worker Janak Patel was brutally stabbed to death in 2022 by robbers in Sandringham.

In June this year, a group of dairy store owners, mostly of Indian descent, presented a petition signed by 34,000 people to the New Zealand Parliament, calling for government action.

The petitioners called on the government to take a harder stance on crime, with more police presence on the streets, legal penalties for parents of youth offenders, and stronger punishments for teenagers who were offending.

--IANS

mi/ksk
Kerala court sentences migrant labourer to death for rape-murder of 5-yr-old girl. Image Source: IANS News

Kochi, Nov 14 : A local court here on Tuesday awarded death sentence to a 29-year-old man for the rape and murder of a five-year-old girl in Aluva.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan welcomed the court's verdict that came on Children's Day.

The conviction and sentence was handed down within four months of the incident and the judge affirmed that the convict Ashfaq Alam did not deserve any leniency.

On July 28, Alam - a migrant worker from Bihar - abducted, raped and killed the five-year-old victim girl, who lived in the same building.

The child's body was found stuffed in a sack in a swampy area behind a local market in Aluva.

Alam faced 16 charges, including aggravated penetrative sexual assault, rape and murder under various sections of the POCSO Act and the Indian Penal Code.

The sentence pronounced was against a total of 13 legal provisions which fell under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the POCSO Act.

It was delivered on the 110th day after the crime.

Meanwhile, the accused can seek an appeal in the Kerala High Court. The workers at the Aluva market where this ghastly incident took place, after the verdict came burst crackers and welcomed it.

Incidentally, the last time that an accused was hanged to death in Kerala was way back in 1992.
Pune, Nov 14 : Nationalist Congress Party President Sharad Pawar said that the sentiments of Maratha youth on the pending reservation issue are "strong" and the government cannot afford to ignore it, here on Tuesday.

Interacting with the media on the occasion of the annual Diwali amelaa organised by the Pawar clan, he said that nearly 70 per cent of the people who are coming for the New Year get-together here are youth.

"They have expressed very strong sentiments on the quotas issue. The ball is with the Centrea the government cannot afford to neglect public feelings. The government should implement the decisions agreed at the recent all-party meeting," urged Pawar.

The NCP supremo made it clear that he never indulged in politicising the Maratha issue though some people last week attempted to create a fake impression that he belonged to the OBC caste.

Pawar said that people have been coming from all over Maharashtra, especially the Konkan and Vidarbha regions for the New Year festivities here, and he would convey the public emotions to the Centre, while expressing hope that something would materialize this week.

Referring to the political speculations as the members of the rival NCP factions united for the Diwali and New Year festivals, Pawar acknowledged that "this year, the situation is a bit different" a" a pointer to the split in the party in July.

Earlier, NCP Working President Supriya Sule had clarified that the rivalry between the Ajit Pawar and others is "purely ideological" and does not affect the family relations.

Since morning, thousands of people, including leaders and activists of the breakaway NCP (AP) faction are thronging the Pawar's residence in Govind Baug, Baramati, where Pawar and Sule accorded them a warm welcome and accepted the felicitations of all their admirers with folded hands.

Many of the NCP workers, fans of the Pawars, and ordinary people were seen queuing up with folded hands and when their turn came they bowed to touch the smiling Sharad Pawar's feet and seek his blessings, as he reciprocated by thumping the backs of some.
New Delhi, Nov 14 : Rattan Keswani still remembers this embarrassing episode from his long association with the doyen of Indian hospitality, Prithvi Raj Singh 'Biki' Oberoi. It is worth recounting, for it tells a lot about the man who defined luxury -- not just The Oberoi Group.

One evening, Oberoi summoned the Delhi hotel's executive chef to tell him that the smoked salmon he had just served was not right because the onion rings on top were wrong. The chef, being a proud man, said that he had served the salmon just the way the Bible of cookery, 'Larousse Gastronomique', had said it should be.

"No, it does not say so. Get me the 'Larousse'," Oberoi shot back. The venerable book was produced and, yes, the 'Grand Old Hotelier' was right.

The problem, it turned out, was that the French used white onion rings that were not pungent, and therefore sat well on salmon, unlike Indian onions, which overpowered the original taste! Oberoi ended the discussion with his customary expression of displeasure: "What can I say to that?"

Seasoned hoteliers and old Oberoi hands such as Keswani (he's also the author of the book 'Check In Never Check Out') can recount such incidents by the dozen from Biki Oberoi's life. Oberoi passed away on Tuesday, November 14, at the age of 94.

For a man who spent the first five decades of his life literally living the good life, hobnobbing with Monaco's royalty one evening, having a blast with European nobility at Cannes on the next, Oberoi proved to be not only a fast learner, but also immensely capable of topping up the legacy of his illustrious father, Rai Bahadur Mohan Singh Oberoi, founder of the hotels that bear his name.

Stories about him can fill up a book -- from his love for red lipstick, which is why every woman employed in front desk and guest relations positions in The Oberoi Group has to wear it, to his knowledge of such operational details as where to source low-cholesterol eggs for breakfast or the storage capacity of underground water tanks in his hotels.

It was his eye for details that made The Oberoi Group synonymous with luxury. Biki Oberoi kept reminding his senior executives, "Hospitality is all about common sense, which is so hard to find."

And luxury, according to him, was not about in-your-face grandeur, but unique experiences and seamless service. Seasoned Oberoi hands still remember how he remembered every detail of every process, from room service standards to F&B margins, as Keswani puts it, "down to the bone".

Biki Oberoi expected each of his senior executives to have his grasp over the details of the zillions of processes that keep hotels working 24x7.

People in the hospitality industry remember Oberoi, who formally took over the reins of the company from his father in 2002, for having lifted up the group from what insiders used to describe as the "InterContinental-Sheraton" style of hoteliering -- very businesslike and American -- to a new level of Asian luxury.

He achieved this by turning around The Oberoi InterContinental (opened in 1965); by opening The Oberoi Mumbai in 1986, literally across the road from the jaded Oberoi Sheraton (the present Trident Nariman Point), which had been operating since 1974; by restoring The Oberoi Grand Kolkata to is former glory; and by rolling out the Vilas hotels, starting with Jaipur, to set new benchmarks for Indian luxury.

And it could only have been a hotelier as finicky as Biki Oberoi to shut down his flagship property, The Oberoi New Delhi, for two years so that it could be rebuilt and ooze a more contemporary luxury.

Jay Rathore, who oversaw the turnaround, still remembers with amazement his employer's phenomenal memory for details, including the exact locations of the hotel's original load-bearing beams.

Oberoi's message was as clear as daylight: Do not follow your competion; instead, define the competition.

He had made this point once to Keswani, who was recounting to him once how he, as a mere rooms division manager, had overheard him berating senior managers for the way food preparations had been garnished during a promotion at Harrods London.

Oberoi explained to Keswani that 90 per cent of The Oberoi's guests were foreigners and it would be foolhardy for chefs to garnish Indian preparations with uncooked ingredients, from shavings of paneer to diced onions and coriander leaves, no matter how good they looked. Chances of foreign guests getting stomach bugs from uncooked garnishes were greater, therefore they were best avoided, no matter what the competition did.

No hotelier today can claim to have this kind of depth of knowledge about their business, but then, PRS 'Biki' Oberoi was in a league of his own. His passing truly marks the end of an era not only for luxury hotels, but also for Corporate India.
Tel Aviv, Nov 14 : Israeli-Canadian peace activist Vivian Silver, who was presumed to be among the hostages taken by the Hamas militant group following its massive assault on October 7, has been confirmed to be dead.

Silver's death was confirmed by her family after her remains were identified by the DNA.

Till Monday evening, Silver (74) was expected to be in the custody of Hamas as a hostage.

She was a lifelong peace activist and after the 2014 war between Israel and Hamas, she formed the Women Wage Peace that promotes peace building actions among women from all communities and political spectrum.

In a 2018 event for Women Wage Peac,e she had called for the Israeli government to change its attitude to bring peace to the Gaza area and had appealed to the women across the border.

She had, according to her close associates, then said: "Terror does not make anything better for anyone, you too deserve quite and peaceful life."

Her son Yonaten Zeigen had called for a ceasefire taking a leaf out of her teachings.

A ceasefire call is rare in Israel right now with people from across the political spectrum calling upon the army to wipe out the Hamas and to make Gaza a free region so that Israel need not live in fear of an attack from the enclave in the future.

Silver was a long time director of Arab Jewish Centre for Empowerment, Equality and Cooperation that organized projects joining communities in Israel, the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
Ex MasterChef India contestants team up with current ones to craft unmatched culinary experience on show. Image Source: IANS News

Mumbai, Nov 14 : The heat is going to turn up in the 'MasterChef India' kitchen as the show welcomes former contestants from the last season to spice up the competition.

The culinary showdown willsee a reunion as the top 6 contestants from the last season.

They will be paired with current home cooks for the challenge that pushes the boundaries of gastronomical brilliance.

The task will involve the current home cooks to create delectable dishes using the favourite ingredients of the former contestants.

Home cook Suraj Thapa collaborates with ex-contestant Kamaldeep Kaur to take on the challenge of transforming Karela (Bitter Gourd) into a culinary masterpiece.

Nidhi Sharma teams up with former contestant Aruna Vijay to work their magic with Imli (Tamarind).

Rukhsaar Sayeed and Santa Sarmah tackle Maan Dhaniya, while Kriti Dhiman and Gurkirat Singh experiment with Assorted Berries.

Mohammed Aashiq partners with Nayanjyoti Saikia, the winner of a previous 'MasterChef India' season, to create a dish using Fermented Soybeans.

Sharing his thoughts on the challenge, Chef Vikas Khanna said: "The return of our ex-contestants added an incredible twist to the competition. They brought their invaluable experiences to the table and creativity in the kitchen was at an all-time high. Witnessing the fusion of this season's talent with expertise of previous seasons was a sight to behold. It was inspiring to see these culinary forces unite and create masterpieces on a plate."

Kamaldeep Kaur reflects on her journey, stating, " 'MasterChef India' has given me an identity. The exposure has been immense and I have been flooded with collaboration requests. This challenge was a roller-coaster ride and I cherished every moment spent with the home cooks. I believe all of them have a lot of potential to make their mark in the culinary world."

Among the top 9 home cooks running for the title of 'MasterChef India', six participate in this unique challenge, with Nambie Jessica Marak, Kenneth G, and Subhojit Sen securing their safety in the competition.

The pairings and ingredients for this challenge are nothing short of exciting.

'MasterChef India' streams on Sony LIV.
Srinagar, Nov 14 : Sleuths of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Tuesday seized the property of an arrested militant who had helped the escape of foreign terrorist.

Officials said that a team of NIA on Tuesday seized a property in village Begumbagh of Pulwama district that belongs to Mohd Tika Khan, son of Abdul Ahad Khan, a resident of Singoo Narbal.

Khan has been in custody since 2018.

"This action is part of a case related to the escape of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist Mohd Naveed Jatt (now killed), from SMHS hospital in Srinagar in 2018," officials said.
Bhopal, Nov 14 : Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday said that Congress will make a clean sweep in Madhya Pradesh by winning 145 to 150 seats.

"I have visited different parts of Madhya Pradesh and now I can say that the Congress is going to win 145-150 seats. People have made their mind to bring Congress government to save their future," Rahul Gandhi said while addressing a poll rally in Vidisha.

He said he made this claim because people want to give befitting reply to the BJP. "In 2018, people had given their mandate for Congress, but BJP acted against public mandate and toppled the Congress government," he said.

"This time, people will give more seats to Congress to give a befitting reply to the BJP. They had cheated people of Madhya Pradesh. They have ruined the future of youths, which is why I say the people will give absolute majority to Congress this time," he added.

During his speech, Rahul Gandhi emphasised on development of farmers, employment for youths and cash incentive for all class of women in Madhya Pradesh. Along with reading poll promises for all section of voters, Rahul Gandhi also mentioned about the people getting benefits in Congress rules states like especially in Karnataka and Chhattisgarh.

Meanwhile, he also highlighted about the Minister Nrendra Singh Tomar's son Devendra Singh's viral videos. "You might have seen minister's son's video, but Prime Minister Narendra Modi has maintained silence on this issue. Why CBI and ED is not sent to Tomar's home," he asked.

Notably, Devendra's another video surfaced on social media wherein purportedly seen discussing transactions of hundreds of crores of rupees. The clip of video that surfaced on Monday Devendra Singh can be heard talking to a man through a video call allegedly informing him about transfer of crores of rupees every month by a CA from Chandigarh.

The person on the other end was seen allegedly updating him about transfer of Rs 50 crore, Rs 100 crore or Rs 500 crore, to which Devendra replied "no problem".
Mumbai, Nov 14 : The Dabur Group head Burman family has denied receiving any communication on a Mumbai Police FIR pertaining to their alleged involvement in the probe into the Mahadev betting app scam, here on Tuesday.

"We have not received any communication on any such FIR. If this information is indeed true, it appears to be a mischievous act driven by malicious intent and is devoid of any facts," said a Burman family spokesperson.

The Dabur Group Chairman Mohit V. Burman and Director Gaurav V. Burman have come under the radar of the Mumbai Police probing the Mahadev betting app scandal, as per official sources.

"We categorically deny the allegations and firmly believe that a thorough investigation will vindicate our position and demonstrate the unfounded nature of these allegations," said the Burman family in a brief statement.

The company also expressed faith in the legal process which will unveil the true nature of the malicious attempts to tarnish their reputation.

The Burman duo - of the famed Ayurvedic giant Dabur Group - has been named in the betting app FIR lodged by the Mumbai Police on Nov. 7, and figure among the 31 accused including Bollywood actor Sahil Khan, plus other unknown persons.

Earlier today, the Dabur Group did not react to the development. Despite repeated attempts, no officials were available for comments.

The first complaint was lodged by a social worker Prakash Bankar with Matunga Police who claimed that thousands of people have been cheated of over Rs 15,000-crore through the betting app.

The Matunga Police have registered the FIR invoking various sections of the Indian Penal Code, the Gambling Act, the IT Act and further probe is underway, even as many names continue to tumble out.

Simultaneously, the Mahadav app is also being probed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for its widespread influence among politicians, glamour personalities and now even corporates, sending shockwaves in these sectors.

Just ten days ago, acting on the ED's plea, the Centre had blocked 22 illegal betting sites including Mahadev app, which was promoted and run by the Bhilai-based Sourabh Chandrakar and Ravi Uppal, plus other people, and has international links with allegations that huge sums of hush money was being siphoned off through the 'hawala' routes.

The issue first shot into prominence after the ED made a sensational claim that the Mahadev app had allegedly paid more than Rs 500-crore to Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel.

The matter is now under investigations in Chhattisgarh, currently in the midst of Assembly elections, with allegations being hurled by leaders of the ruling Congress and opposition Bharatiya Janata Party.

Besides Sahil Khan, other Bollywood personalities who allegedly used or promoted the Mahadev app are under the scanner of the investigators since the past few weeks.
On the night of November 14, unknown drones attacked a chemical plant in Bryansk region. It is worth noting that the enterprise produces weapons and ammunition for the Russian occupation army.

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We are talking about the Bryansk Chemical Plant named after the 50th anniversary of the USSR, which is located in the village of Seltsovo, 15 km from the regional center. This was reported to OBOZ.UA by the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine (scroll to the bottom of the page to see the photo).

According to photos from open sources, the company manufactures, among other things, guided aerial bombs and some types of ammunition for multiple launch rocket systems.

In 2016, Russian propagandists boasted that the Bryansk Chemical Plant had become part of a military-industrial holding. The occupiers claimed that the plant was engaged in the production of Smerch MLRS and called it "strategic".

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As a reminder, in the Bryansk region of the Russian Federation, unidentified persons shot a UAZ Patriot car belonging to the local FSB border guard department. As a result, a lieutenant colonel of the Russian special service was killed.

Earlier it was reported that on November 9, the Kursk region of the Russian Federation complained about a drone attack on an oil mill in Sudzha. Online, Russians demanded that the Kremlin keep its promises about the "red lines".

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Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
New Delhi, Nov 14 : Sky One has signed MoUs to acquire Libyan Airline Fly Oya at Dubai airshow, an airline official said on Tuesday.

Jaideep Mirchandani, Chairman of Sky One, expressed his excitement about the new acquisition and said: "Fly Oya is a significant property with sizeable assets that we have acquired."

"Additionally, the airline has demonstrated its commitment to safety, integrity, and teamwork: values that align perfectly with the core principles of Sky One. This acquisition will contribute to our vision of continuous quality improvement and the highest customer satisfaction," he said.

"We are thrilled to join hands with Sky One, a well-established and highly respected leader in the aviation industry. This partnership opens many new opportunities and possibilities for us.

"Together, we aim to enhance our services and continue providing exceptional experiences to our passengers. The future looks promising, and we can't wait to embark on this journey with Sky One," said Fly Oya's Chairman, Osama Aboukraza.

Libya-based airline Fly Oya carried passengers from Tripoli to Dubai in July 2023 marking a nine-year hiatus of connectivity between the two Arab cities.

Apart from three destinations within Libya  Tripoli, Sebha and Ghat, Fly Oya currently flies to Alexandria, Dubai, Jeddah, and Istanbul.
Don't know who will emerge as Ajit Pawar in Karnataka, says Kumaraswamy. Image Source: IANS News

Bengaluru, Nov 14 : A Special Magistrate Court here on Tuesday quashed a petition questioning the concealment of information on the second wife, daughter in the election affidavit by former Karnataka chief minister H.D. Kumaraswamy.

The court stated that it is not mandatory to provide these details as per the election rules and guidelines.

It was alleged that Kumaraswamy had not disclosed information about his second wife Radhika Kumaraswamy, daughter Sharmika.

A private complaint was lodged in this regard and action sought against Kumaraswamy and lodging of case against him.

However, magistrate J.Preeth had passed the order quashing the petition.

The petition maintained that Kumaraswamy's affidavit to the election commission contesting Assembly polls from Channapatna seat was inappropriate.

Kumaraswamy had concealed information on his second wife, actress Radhika Kumaraswamy and her daughter Sharmika.

The petition also claimed that he also did not mention about his son Nikhil Kumaraswamy, an actor and politician.

The petition sought to initiate action against Kumaraswamy under the IPC Section 181 and Section 125 (A) of the People Representative's Act.

The court opined that the filing of a criminal case could not be ordered at this phase on the basis of the petition claiming Radhika Kumaraswamy as the second wife.

No evidence is provided to prove that Radhika is the second wife of Kumaraswamy. He had not provided wrong information.

Not providing information and providing false information are different. Hence, Kumaraswamy had not violated IPC Section 181, the court said.
New Delhi, Nov 14 : Delhi Police's Crime Branch has arrested a sharp shooter of the Kapil Sangwan alias Nandu gang wanted in three criminal cases, including attempt to murder and Arms Act, an officer said on Tuesday.

The accused was identified as Mukesh, a resident of Bahadurgarh in Haryana. On October 2, Mukesh, Vicky Sanyasi and their associates fired on a woman in the Palam Village area over a land dispute.

During the course of the investigation, two accused persons named Sonu Choudhary and Praveen Garg were arrested but Mukesh was evading arrest.

On the same day, they also threatened a witness at gunpoint in the area of Palam Village.

Subsequently, Mukesh along with Vicky Sanyasi fired multiple shots on a property dealer of Deenpur, Chhawla, Delhi.

During the investigation, police got a specific input that one shooter Mukesh would come near Jharoda village to meet his associates. "A trap was laid and Mukesh was apprehended," said the Special Commissioner of Police (Crime) Ravindra Singh Yadav.

On interrogation, Mukesh disclosed that he is a shooter of 'Nandu Gang' and now works as a gang member.

"Recently, he got instructions from Kapil Sangwan to meet Vicky Sanyasi, a member of Nandu Gang to assist him in executing the plan. Thereafter, he met Vicky Sanyasi and fired upon a woman," the Special CP added.
Chennai, Nov 14 : Public sector non-life insurer, The Oriental Insurance Company Ltd plans to sell off some of its fixed assets, said a top company official.

He also said the company has met almost all the targets set by the owner -- the Government of India -- and will soon launch a new portal with all the features.

"We have a lot of fixed assets, mostly residential apartments in major cities. We have got the central government's permission to sell the fixed assets. The company is getting the valuation of the fixed assets done," R.R.Singh, Chairman and Managing Director, told IANS.

He said maintenance of the residential quarters has been affected as many are vacant owing to reduction in staff.

The insurer had saved a sizable sum as rental outgo from closure/merger of about 200 offices across the country, and will be earning rental income by renting out its property to General Insurance Public Sector Association (GIPSA) a representative body for four public sector general insurers.

"GIPSA was functioning out of the property owned by Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC). Now it will shift its office to our property. LIC has been given necessary notice," Singh added.

In a remarkable turnaround, The Oriental has cut down its net loss to Rs.42.17 crore during the first half of the current fiscal from Rs.3,586.93 crore logged during the previous year corresponding period.

A combination of factors -- prudent underwriting of risks, cutting down expenses and others- has resulted in the company cutting down the net loss to Rs.42.17 crore, he said.

He said if the company continues to perform well, it will close the year with a small profit and there could be wage revision for the employees.

Singh said the company has achieved most of the targets fixed by the Central government- reduction in incurred claims ratio (ICR), business growth and others.

"By looking at the first half performance, the company has fulfilled 80-90 per cent of the targets laid down by the Central government," Singh said.

According to the company, it has not provided any sum towards wage revision as it depends on the employees achieving the Key Performance Indicator (KPI).

"We have fixed the KPI where the outcome could be quantified. In the case where KPIs have not been quantified, we are working on that," Singh said, adding that by December this year, the company will have a new online portal which will have all the features.

(Venkatachari Jagannathan can be reached at v.jagannathan@ians.in)
Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 14 : Virtually ignoring the district Collector's denial of permission for a 'pro-Palestine' rally in Kozhikode on November 23, the Congress in Kerala on Tuesday expressed its determination to go on with its agitation.

According to sources, the Collector refused permission as the Nava Kerala Sadasu (a meeting led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the entire state cabinet is meeting people) is scheduled in Kozhikode for November 25 at the same venue.

What irked the Congress was the response of State Tourism Minister P.A.Mohammed Riyas who said the Congress rally can be held elsewhere as the state government event was finalised long back.

An adamant State Congress president K.Sudhakaran asserted that the event will take place at any cost as it planned earlier. "Either the rally will take place or a war with the Police, if they create trouble," he said.
Tel Aviv, Nov 14 : The Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza on Tuesday said that it was forced to bury the dead bodies of people who died following Israel bombing inside the hospital premises.

The hospital, in a statement, said that the bodies were in a state of decomposition and hence they could not keep it and all the bodies were buried in a mass grave.

The Director of the hospital said that the graves they were digging were small and could not accommodate all the dead.

The hospital authorities said that they had to conduct surgery for emergency cases without anesthesia and without electricity.

They said that the Israel Army has agreed to shift a small number of pre-mature babies out of the hospital following intervention by the International Council of Red Cross.

The hospital authorities said that they wanted a safe evacuation of all the wounded and injured from the hospital.
Bhopal, Nov 14 : Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday accused the BJP of toppling his party's government in Madhya Pradesh in March 2020, as he claimed that the Congress will win 145-150 seats out of 230 in the state which goes to the polls on November 17.

Addressing an election rally in Vidisha, the Congress leader claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan plotted to topple the Congress government.

The Congress under Kamal Nath had formed the government in Madhya Pradesh in 2018, but it fell in 2020 due to the rebellion by 22 Congress MLAs loyal to Jyotiraditya Scindia, just within 15 months after coming to power following a gap of 15 years.

Rahul Gandhi, however, didn't mention current Union minister and his former party colleague Scindia, who played a key role in toppling the Kamal Nath-led Congress government.

Referring to the political 'crisis' of March 2020, Rahul Gandhi said the people of Madhya Pradesh will now take revenge and the Congress will make a clean sweep in the Assembly elections.

"The Congress will win 145-150 seats in Madhya Pradesh, because the people have decided to take revenge from the BJP," he said.

The former Congress President said that just like Karnataka, the party will uproot the BJP from power in Madhya Pradesh as well.

"The BJP ran a 40 per cent commission government in Karnataka. After the Congress came to power there, I told the Karnataka Chief Minister to return the money that was looted by the BJP government from the pockets of the poor people and given to the rich," he said.

"The people in Congress-ruled Karnataka and Chhattisgarh are getting LPG cylinders for Rs 500, while the people in the other states are paying Rs 1,200-1,400 for the same. Once the Congress returns to power in Madhya Pradesh, all the promises made to the people will be fulfilled," Rahul Gandhi added.
New Delhi, Nov 14 : In yet another blow to terror operatives, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Tuesday attached eight properties of two key Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operatives in the 2018 case relating to the forcible release of a Pakistan-based terrorist after attacking a police party at a Srinagar hospital.

A NIA spokesperson said that of the eight properties attached, five belong to Mohammad Shafi Wani and three belong to Mohd Tikka Khan.

The properties of the two terrorists, who are residents of Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama District, have been attached on the recent orders of the NIA Special Court, Jammu.

The case involved the killing of two personnel of the Jammu and Kashmir Police during firing on a police party escorting LeT terrorist Naveed Jatt aka Abu Hanzla to the SMHS Hospital, Srinagar, for a medical examination on February 6, 2018.

Jatt, a terrorist of Pakistani origin, was forcibly released in the attack, which was carried out by the two accused, along with others, on orders from their Pakistan-based LeT Commanders.

Jatt got neutralised in an encounter with the security forces later in 2018.

"The attached immovable properties of Wani and Khan, both identified as overground workers of the LeT, include various plots of land. The residential house of Shafi has also been attached," the official said.

The two accused were arrested from their Pulwama homes on February 8, 2018 and were found to be in possession of weapons.

The NIA had chargesheeted them on August 3, 2018 and they are currently facing trial under several Sections of the IPC, UA(P)A and Arms Act before the NIA Special Court, Jammu.
San Francisco, Nov 14 : US-based McLaren Health Care has admitted that hackers compromised sensitive personal and health information of 2.2 million patients in a recent cyber attack.

The healthcare major said in a new data breach notice filed with Maineas Attorney General that the total number of persons affected (including residents) were 2,192,515 in the breach.

Hackers broke into its systems for three weeks during July 28 through August 23 before the healthcare company noticed a week later on August 31, reports TechCrunch.

The hackers accessed patient names, their date of birth and Social Security number and medical information, including billing, claims and diagnosis information, prescription and medication details, and information relating to diagnostic results and treatments.

Medicare and Medicaid patient information was also taken, according to the company.

A ransomware gang later took credit for the cyberattack on McLaren.

McLaren is a healthcare provider with 13 hospitals across Michigan and about 28,000 total employees. The company made over $6 billion in revenue in 2022.

"On or about August 22, 2023, McLaren became aware of suspicious activity related to its computer systems. McLaren immediately launched an investigation with the assistance of third-party forensic specialists to secure its network and to determine the nature and scope of the activity," said the healthcare company.

As part of an ongoing investigation, McLaren undertook a thorough review of the potentially impacted files to determine whether any sensitive information was present. It was through this process, which concluded on October 10, that McLaren determined that information pertaining to "certain individuals may have been included in the potentially impacted files".

The information that could have been subject to unauthorised access includes name, Social Security number, a consumeras past, present or future physical, mental or behavioral health or condition, or that of a member of the consumeras family, and the provision of health care to a consumer, or payment for the provision of health care to a consumer, it informed.

--IANS

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Lucknow, Nov 14 : Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge will now step in to resolve the tension between the Samajwadi party and the Congress so that the INDIA bloc is not disturbed.

Both parties have been at war over seat-sharing in Madhya Pradesh, with SP President Akhilesh Yadav terming the Congress as 'Chalu party' and the latter accusing SP of 'betrayal'.

"As soon as the ongoing Assembly polls are over, our leadership will reach out to Akhilesh Yadav and resolve the issues, if any. We will not let INDIA bloc derail at any cost. Members of the INDIA bloc should realise that the alliance was formed keeping in mind national interests, and it does not extend at the moment to state elections," said a senior Congress leader.

The INDIA bloc has held three meetings so far, and no impression was conveyed that the alliance will extend to the state polls at none of these meetings," the leader said.

"We have elections going on in five states, while SP is going on and on about the five seats they missed in Madhya Pradesh. It is both unfair and harsh," he said.

Uttar Pradesh Congress President Ajay Rai has also been stoking fire by continuously stating that his party will contest all 80 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh next year.

Surprisingly, Kharge and the party's state in-charge Priyanka Gandhi Vadra have not yet taken official note of the simmering tension between the two parties in UP.

On the other hand, the BJP has been highlighting the war of words between SP and Congress as an example of widening fissures in the INDIA bloc.
Cortisol is a hormone that plays a major role in the human body. It belongs to the class of glucocorticosteroids and is produced by the adrenal glands. Cortisol has several functions , including regulating metabolism, participating in the stress response, and supporting immune system function.

ADVERTISIMENT

The main functions of cortisol:

Regulation of metabolism

Cortisol is involved in various aspects of metabolism, including carbohydrate, protein, and energy metabolism. It helps the body mobilize energy by releasing glucose from the liver.

Stress response

Cortisol is considered a stress hormone. When the body is stressed, cortisol levels can rise dramatically. This helps the body cope with stress by mobilizing energy reserves.

Blood pressure

Cortisol affects the level of fluid volume in the body and can affect blood pressure.

Immune system

It affects the immune system; under stress, it can reduce the body's immune response.

Regulation of sleep and wakefulness

Cortisol levels usually follow a circadian rhythm that affects wakefulness and sleep. In the morning, cortisol levels are usually higher, which helps a person wake up and start an active lifestyle.

ADVERTISIMENT

Some history

Cortisol was first isolated and described in 1936 by Edward C. Kendall, Philip S. Hench and Tadeusz Reichstein. The work was carried out at the MayoClinic Laboratory in Rochester, Minnesota, USA.

The researchers were able to isolate a hormone that they called "compound F". Soon after, additional research was conducted and the hormone was named "cortisone" and then "cortisol".

The discovery was of great importance for medicine as cortisol plays a key role in the regulation of many related processes in the human body. Methods of cortisol synthesis that use it for medical purposes, including the treatment of various diseases, have been developed.

General approximate norms of cortisol levels in the blood in adults:

6-23 mcg/dL or 166-635 nmol/L in the morning (8:00-9:00)

2-14 mcg/dL or 55-389 nmol/L in the evening (16:00-18:00)

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Why high cortisol levels are dangerous

High cortisol levels in the table for a long time can have a number of negative health consequences, namely:

Prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol can suppress the immune system, making the body more vulnerable to disease.

High cortisol increases appetite and the tendency to consume excessive calories, which in turn can lead to weight gain.

Elevated levels of cortisol can affect the cardiovascular system, leading to high blood pressure and increasing the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

High levels of cortisol can affect sleep, causing insomnia or sleep disturbances. It is also associated with an increased risk of depression and anxiety disorders.

Prolonged exposure to cortisol on bone tissue can lead to bone loss and increase the risk of osteoporosis.

ADVERTISIMENT

Cortisol can increase blood sugar levels, which is important for people with diabetes.

In women, high levels of cortisol can affect menstrual cycles and fertility.

Treatment of this problem

Treatment of high cortisol levels, also known as hypercortisolism, depends on the condition. Common approaches to drug treatment:

Cortisol blockers can reduce cortisol levels in principle. However, their use can be associated with side effects and should be used under medical supervision.

Surgery. If elevated cortisol levels have caused an adrenal tumor, the tumor can be surgically removed. This can reduce the excessive release of cortisol.

In some cases, the use of androgenic medications can help reduce cortisol levels.

Your doctor may suggest hormone therapy to normalize cortisol levels. This may include glucocorticosteroid replacement therapy.

If necessary, medications to relieve symptoms such as hypertension, sleep disturbances, and others associated with cortisol re-emergence, may be prescribed.

ADVERTISIMENT

Treatment should be carried out under the supervision of a physician as unauthorized use of drugs can lead to undesirable side effects. Before starting treatment, it is important to have an evaluation to determine the elevated cortisol levels and develop the most effective treatment plan.

Prevention of high cortisol levels

Regular physical activity "Positive lifestyle" Social support Relaxation techniques Healthy eating habits Regular sleep

It is important to understand that stress is a part of life, and it is impossible to completely avoid stressful situations. However, developing healthy strategies for managing stress and thus a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk of developing cortisol problems and other related causes. If you suspect a cortisol problem, it is recommended that you discuss it with your doctor, who can conduct an appropriate test and suggest a treatment plan.
Shehnaaz Gill responds to trolls who slammed her for visiting Badrinath with Raghav Juyal. Image Source: IANS News

Mumbai, Nov 14 : Actress Shehnaaz Gill, who was trolled for visiting Badrinath with dancer-actor Raghav Juyal, has responded to those trolling her about the visit on social media Shehnaaz previously shared a series of photos from Badrinath temple, a holy shrine in Uttarakhand.

Earlier, some of the videos and pictures which made rounds on the Internet showed Shehnaaz with her aKisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaana co-actor Raghav Juyal, which added fuel to the rumours about their relationship.

SidNaaz fans of Shehnaaz and the late actor Sidharth Shukla, who have been their ardent followers, slammed Shehnaaz over rumours of her relationship with Raghav with many of them accusing her of forgetting Sidharth for Raghav.

However, Shehnaaz, who is known for speaking her mind, took to the Instagram stories and gave a befitting reply to the ones who trolled her.

The actress reacted to the hate by posting a video with a filter.

In the black-and-white video, her sunglasses had aI donat carea written on them as she pouted for the camera.

This comes after some SidNaaz fans, who rooted for Shehnaaz and late actor Siddharth, turned negative towards her for travelling with Raghav.
New Delhi, Nov 14 : Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights (DCPCR) has directed the closure of Holy Trinity School in East Delhi after the pre-primary playschool was found to be flouting several norms. The closure comes amid allegations of pressure by the WCD Department not to take any action against the BJP-leader owned school, sources said.

"DCPCR inquired into the illegal running of Holy Trinity School in East Delhi. We found that the pre-primary playschool was running illegally in violation of the Right to Education Act, compromised children's safety and privacy by having multiple commodes in the same toilet cubicle, flouted safety standards, concealed documents from the DCPCR and lied on record (which constitutes an offence)," said the sources.

Sources said that soon after the inquiry was instituted by the DCPCR, Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena ordered an audit into the alleged misuse of government funds by the child rights body.

"After this inquiry was instituted by the DCPCR, the Department of Women & Child Development officials became hyper active, and have been trying to intimidate the Commission into silence and stall the inquiry at every stage. This shows undue influence over WCD Officials and interference into the inquiry. This raises serious and troubling questions," the sources added.

A few days ago, a member of the DCPCR, Abhinandita Mathur, said, "It is unfortunate that Delhi's Lieutenant Governor is working for the BJP instead of Delhi's children. We received several grave complaints about a school based in East Delhi, owned by the BJP leader, Kuljeet Chahal. There were many norms which weren't being followed by the school. Upon the parents' complaints against grievances, an inquiry was set up regarding the same."

The DCPCR member added, "In this inquiry, many unacceptable things were unraveled. This issue concerned the safety and well-being of children, and the DCPCR took routine action against the school, irrespective of who the owner of the school is. This inquiry and audit by the LG is in the line of retaliation against the DCPCR's inquiry allegedly.

"To prove his alleged loyalty towards the BJP by saving the BJP leader's school, VK Saxena has initiated the inquiry and audit. We have no problem with the inquiry. The DCPCR is an important body, where routine measures are taken."

Mathur revealed that Chahal's school in East Delhi is up to the nursery level, but they had illegally added a first-grade class.

"When the DCPCR inspection team visited the school, they found that fire safety norms were not being followed. No one in the entire school knew how to operate fire safety equipment. Moreover, the toilets for boys and girls were the same, although they should have been separate. Several toilets were placed in one room without partitions, compromising children's privacy and security," she claimed.

She also said that many BJP leaders have turned education into a business.

"The Lieutenant Governor has taken action to audit the alleged misuse of government funds in the functioning of the DCPCR, allegedly providing security for the BJP leaders' business. I urge the Lieutenant Governor, that if he genuinely cares about children, and wants to investigate, they should take action based on the DCPCR's investigation report against BJP leader Chahal's school. The DCPCR conducted a courageous and honest investigation and prepared a comprehensive report," she said.

The DCPCR member further said that it seems that the ones who are tendering advice to Lieutenant Governor, lack basic information because the DCPCR is a statutory body.

"The Delhi Government allocates funds in its budget for the DCPCR, and the organisation then uses these funds according to its methods. All of this is audited. The Lieutenant Governor's orders for an investigation contain several aspects that would surprise anyone because they lack a basis," she said.
New Delhi, Nov 14 : The Delhi High Court has refused to entertain an application seeking the reopening of the century-old Roshanara Club.

A division bench of Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma (now elevated to SC) and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela was dealing with the interim application filed by club member Manish Aggarwal, who argued that the Delhi Development Authority's (DDA) sealing of the club violated constitutional and statutory rights.

Aggarwal also contested the constitutionality of Section 3 of The Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1971.

The court cited the DDA's assurance that they were finalising a scheme for the club's smooth operation, leading to the denial of interim relief.

Saying that the court was already addressing the club's management issue through a pending writ petition, the bench concluded that no interim order could be granted at this stage.

It noted that a similar request had been made before the Supreme Court, seeking the restoration of possession to Roshanara Club, but relief was not granted. This decision follows the directive by the court, instructing the DDA to devise a scheme for the club's operation, without returning possession to the former management.

The case is now scheduled for a hearing on December 7.
New Delhi, Nov 14 : A Parliamentary panel on the three criminal Bills has made several suggestions for the government, which includes bringing back IPC Section 377, which was partially struck down by the Supreme Court in 2018, and retaining the adultery provision, among others.

Speaking to IANS on Tuesday, BJP MP Brij Lal, who heads the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs, said, "The panel has recommended several things in all the three Bills. There are many new things in the Bills."

"Like earlier, there was no mention of organised crime in the Indian Penal Code (IPC) which we have added. Many crimes we have termed as 'serious', such as death sentence for those convicted for gang-rape of minors," he said.

"Suggestions for adultery has been added under Section 497, which was ended by the Supreme Court. Now we have made it gender neutral and both (male and female) will be responsible," Brij Lal said.

According to the panel, the adultery provision has been added because "the institution of marriage is sacred" which must be "protected".

Last Friday, the panel submitted its report to Rajya Sabha Chairman and Vice President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar, on the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS-2023) and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA-2023) Bills.

The BJP MP said:"We have made some recommendations for bringing back IPC Section 377."

Section 377 was partially struck down by the Supreme Court on September 6, 2018, thus decriminalising same-sex relations between consenting adults.

Brij Lal said, "The panel has also recommended several other changes in the three Bills. Among the new aspects that were earlier not there in the IPC, we have added organised crime."

"Also, for small crimes, we have recommended community service in place of jail sentence," the BJP MP said, adding that the panel has left the decision on community service with the state governments.

"Through this, the poor who have been sentenced to jail and are unable to pay fine have to take up community service," he said.

Speaking about the Evidence Act, Brij Lal said, "We have suggested how to stop tampering with electronic evidence as it's a digital age."

He also said that looking at the frequent adjournments in the courts by defence lawyers, "we have recommended for a maximum of two adjournments in one case".

"We have also recommended that if the proceedings and trial are complete, the judgement needs to be passed within a month by the court," Brij Lal said.

Soon after Home Minister Amit Shah introduced the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and the Bharatiya Sakshya Bills in the Lok Sabha in August this year, he had urged the Speaker to refer the measures to the standing committee for their examination.

The three Bills were introduced in the Parliament during the Monsoon Session in a bid to replace the British-era laws.

The three Bills were then referred to the Parliament's select committee which was asked to submit its report within three months, i.e., by November 2023.

While introducing the Bills, Shah had said that they would transform India's criminal justice system, adding that the changes were done to provide speedy justice and create a legal system that caters to contemporary needs and aspirations of the people.

Earlier this month, the parliamentary panel had adopted the three reports offering a slew of amendments, but sticking to their Hindi names, with nearly 10 opposition members submitting dissent notes.
New Delhi, Nov 14 : A man, who used to targeted businessmen in Delhi's Chandni Chowk and tricked them, through WhatsApp calls, into transferring huge amounts of money, has been arrested, a Delhi Police official said on Tuesday, adding that a manhunt has been initiated to nab the two other accused, who are still at large.

The accused was identified as Suresh Purohit, 29, a resident of Rajasthan and he was previously arrested in Pune in a cheating case of the same modus operandi.

According to police, on November 2, a case was registered at Lahori Gate police station on the complaint of Pradeep Jain, 62, regarding cheating of Rs 1 crore by impersonating his known associate through WhatsApp call.

A police team was handed over the task to identify accused persons and arrest them.

"A detailed technical analysis of Call Detail Records was carried out continuously. The police team then mounted continuous surveillance on suspect mobile numbers. Further, it was found that the SIM numbers were issued on the basis of fake ID from the Airtel office at Gurugram," Deputy Commissioner of Police, North, Manoj Kumar Meena said.

After investigation conducted from the Airtel office, it was revealed that the alleged SIM numbers had been issued by employee ID of Krishna Operator and the SIM numbers had been received by a person possessing a black coloured Scorpio car.

"On the basis of further investigation as well as on the basis of secret information, the accused person's details were found. The alleged person was himself present in Shimla, but his location data was being shown as of Rajasthan," said the DCP.

Thereafter, a police team was sent to Shimla, manual intelligence was gathered and in combination with technical investigation, Purohit, on the way to Shimla, was apprehended at Dharampur in the hilll state's Solan.

On interrogation, Purohit disclosed that he along with his other associates namely Dasrath of Jalour, Rajasthan and Hemant Jain of Delhi had committed cheating of Rs1 crore from the complainant/victim by making a fraud call with mobile number for the purpose/duping him to pay payment to a known person.

"Further, he disclosed that an amount of Rs 40 lakhs came in his part after distribution of total cheated money and the rest of Rs 60 lakhs is with another associate. The accused person with the association of his co-accused persons used to target gullible people and cheat money from them after making fraud calls in order to live a lavish life," the DCP added.
Kolkata, Nov 14 : The three popular Jewish-synagogues in Kolkata have barred the entry of non-Jewish visitors, probably in the backdrop of the Hamas-Israel battle in the Gaza Strip.

However, there has been no official notification in the matter from the synagogue authorities on this count.

The gates of these synagogues have remained closed round-the-clock for the last few days. They are opened for a limited period to let in the members of the miniscule Jewish community for prayers.

Any non-Jewish visitor these days is stopped at entry gates of the synagogues by the security guards saying that entry has been prohibited for the time being. The guards are also tight-lipped about the reasons behind this move. They also refuse to divulge for how long this ban on visitors will continue.

Even parking facilities in front of these three synagogues have been withdrawn for the last few days.

Regular non-Jewish visitors to these synagogues recall that earlier these prayer houses were open to visitors of all religions for six days a week at a specific time in the day. However, even then people were allowed in after submitting copies of their identification and address proofs at the offices of the synagogues.

These three synagogues namely Magen David, Beth El and Neveh Shalome were popular among the people of the city because of their architectural excellence and beauty.

Of these three synagogues, Neveh Shalome was the first Jewish synagogue to be established in 1831 by Shalome Obaidah ha-Kohen way back in 1831.This is located at Indra Kumar Karnani Street at the famous China Bazar in central Kolkata.

Beth El was established in 1856. This synagogue whose name means aThe House of Goda was extremely popular for its architectural beauty, especially its stained glass windows and marble staircases, reflecting the rich legacy of European architecture. It is located at Pollock street in the cityas busiest trading hub of Burrabazar in central Kolkata.

Magen David was established in 1884 by the iconic Elias David Ezra, who hailed from the Baghdadi Jewish Community and after whose name Kolkataas famous trading hub of Ezra Street was named. The Ten Commandments of Moses are written in Hebrew on the walls of Magen David. It is located at Synagogue Street also at Burrabazar in central Kolkata.
New Delhi, Nov 14 : The Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral R Hari Kumar, emphasised the need for a self-reliant approach to meet the challenges in the maritime domain.

The Southern Naval Command, Kochi, is hosting a two-day seminar, themed 'Aatmanirbhar Air Arm of the Indian Navy 2023', on November 13-14. The event is being conducted under the aegis of Headquarters Naval Aviation.

Addressing the event on Monday, the Navy Chief stated that the Government of India's initiative of Aatmanirbhar Bharat underlines its potential application to the Indian Naval Aviation sector.

"The current strides taken towards the localisation of various spares and critical components towards aircraft manufacturing within the country has gathered pace and the potential of the Indian industry has been encouraging," he added.

Admiral R Hari Kumar highlighted the importance of flight safety and reduction of aircraft accidents by enforcing stringent checks and revisiting the SOPs.

Insightful papers were presented by the Subject Matter Experts and eminent panelists focusing on in-depth analysis and strategies to foster innovation. The seminar served as platform in bringing various experts in the field of aviation under one platform with the aim of looking at ways of leveraging the contemporary technology to revamp the indigenisation process. It holds significance since it was a unique effort on looking at the ways to gain self-reliance in naval aviation in keeping with the clarion call of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

On the occasion, awards were presented to various naval squadrons and flights for their remarkable performance. The Chief of the Naval Staff awarded on the spot commendation to Cdr Abhishek Tomar, Defence civilians Gitesh Shenoy MCM(AR) and Joseph Tom CM (AR) who contributed towards indigenisation efforts resulting in optimum exploitation of Sea King helicopters in keeping with the truest sense of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Aizawl, Nov 14 : Around 1,400 Myanmarese, including women and children, took shelter in eastern Mizoram's Champhai District during the past 48 hours following the gun battle between the Army and civilian outfits in their homeland, officials said on Tuesday.

Indian officials said that the massive gunfight between Myanmar's Tatmadaw (military) and pro-democratic force People's Defence Force (PDF) have been going on for the past several days causing the fresh influx of refugees from the neighbouring country.

Champhai district's District Organiser V.L. Hruaimawia said that on Monday around 1,400 men, women and children fled from the Chin region of Myanmar and took shelter in the district.

"The district administration has provided food and relief materials to the refugees. Necessary medical aid were also given to those hapless evacuees," Hruaimawia told IANS over phone from Champhai.

He said that with the fresh arrival of refugees, the number of refugees from Myanmar taking shelter only in Champhai District rose to 7,004, adding that the newly-arrived Myanmar nationals may return to their country after the situation normalises.

Media reports said that the intense fighting between the Army and the PDF started after the latter attacked military bases at Khawmawi and Rihkhawdar in Chin state near the Indian border. According to the media report, the PDF has taken over the Myanmar military base at Rihkhawdar on Monday.

Around seven people were reportedly killed and 20 others injured in the gunfight.

Eastern Mizoram's six districts -- Champhai, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Serchhip, Hnahthial and Saitual -- share a 510-km-long unfenced and mountainous border with Myanmar's Chin state. The first influx from the neighbouring country happened in February 2021 when the junta seized power. Since then, 32,000 people from Myanmar have taken shelter in the northeastern state. A majority of the refugees live in relief camps and government buildings, while many others are accommodated by their relatives and a large number of Myanmarese have been staying in rented houses.

The state government, Church bodies, Mizoram's largest voluntary body Young Mizo Association, NGOs and many individuals are providing food to the Myanmar refugees, who belong to the Chin tribal community, who share close ethnic ties with the Mizos besides having language and lifestyle similarities. The Mizoram government earlier sought financial and logistical support to the Center for the Myanmar nationals, but the Union government has yet to respond.

Chief Minister Zoramthanga wrote several letters to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other central ministers seeking financial and logistical support for the Myanmar refugees.

--IANS

sc/vd
New Delhi, Nov 14 : National Investigation Agency (NIA) has requested for evidence from the US -- under mutual legal assistance treaty -- in San Francisco Indian consulate attack case.

NIA sources said that that 45 faces that were zeroed in through CCTV footage scanning have also been mostly identified through crowd sourcing.

On September 21, the NIA had released the pictures of 10 wanted accused in the March 2023 case of attack and vandalism at the Indian Consulate in San Francisco, US and has sought information about them from the general public.

The agency has issued three separate "Request for Identification and Information" notices against the wanted accused, seeking any information of importance that could lead to their arrest or apprehension.

While two of the notices carry photographs of two accused each, the third notice shows pictures of the other six accused allegedly involved in the case.

The attack on the Indian Consulate in San Francisco had taken place in the intervening night of 18 and 19 March 2023 when some pro-Khalistan entities trespassed into the consulate and tried to burn down the Consulate.

On the same day, slogan-shouting Khalistani supporters had broken through the makeshift security barriers raised by the city police and put up two so-called Khalistani flags in the Consulate premises, damaged the consulate building, assaulted and caused injuries to the consulate officials.

Further in the intervening night of July 1 and 2, some accused person trespassed into the consulate and attempted to set the consulate on fire while consulate officials were inside the building.

The NIA had initiated a probe in the matter after registering a case on June 16 this year under several sections of IPC, UA (P) Act and Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act.

A team of NIA had visited San Francisco in the month of August for the investigation of the case.
Hyderabad, Nov 14 : Election authorities in Telangana have withdrawn 15 advertisements of three major parties as their content was distorted and misused on various social media platforms.

The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) on Tuesday clarified that advertisements withdrawn relate to content which was distorted and misused on various social media platforms by individuals/political parties.

Six of these advertisements are of the Congress party, five of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and four of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS).

The State Level Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) issues certification for advertisements by political parties. Since October 9, 2023 over 416 advertisements by various Political Parties have been certified.

Certification of 15 advertisements by various political parties have been withdrawn after it was found that these advertisements were being morphed/distorted/misquoted etc and used beyond the purview of certification for which it was originally approved, said a statement from the office of the CEO.

It is also observed that political parties are running advertisements on YouTube and similar platforms without prior approval. This also requires approval from MCMC, it said.

It mentioned that three meetings were held with various political parties on November 8, 10 and 11 wherein the guidelines for certification were explained in detail.

Discrepancies/issues related to certification of advertisements and their use/misuse on various platforms like print/electronic/digital including social media were informed.

Further, they were informed that certification can be withdrawn upon violation as per extant rules. Representatives from all political parties had attended the meetings and assured to follow the guidelines.

The CEO has requested electronic media including Radio/FM Channels to cross check the content of the advertisement by political parties and verify before telecasting.
Russia plans to recognize the organization of tours to Belarus as part of "domestic tourism." The relevant initiative has already been discussed by representatives of the two countries and will allegedly come into force in 2024.

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This political decision, which the Russian side called "economic reform in the field of tourism," was reached by the head of the Ministry of Economic Development of the terrorist country, Maxim Reshetnikov, and representatives of the Ministry of Economy of Belarus at a meeting in Brest. The news was spread by propaganda media.

Russia continues to demonstrate that it does not recognize the independence of the states of the former Soviet Union. Starting in 2024, flights from Russia to Belarus will be considered "domestic tourism."

According to specialized Russian publications, the changes mean that foreign tourists who have received a visa from Russia or Belarus will be able to cross the borders of the other country without obtaining an additional entry document.

ADVERTISIMENT

Tours to Belarus will become cheaper for Russians. Tour operators will be able to count on zero VAT (value added tax) when organizing tours to Belarus. Currently, a similar measure applies to suppliers of travel products operating in the domestic tourism sector.

In addition, it is planned to cancel mandatory contributions to the reserve fund. That is, for tour operators in the aggressor country, selling tours to the neighboring republic will no longer be equated with operating in the field of outbound tourism. Kremlin officials believe that this will somehow improve the quality of Russian tourism.

Earlier, OBOZ.UA wrote about how the airport of a popular resort introduced new rules in duty-free due to tourists from Russia. Read what we know here.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Don't fall for fakes!
New Delhi, Nov 14 : Rolls-Royce has announced that it has successfully completed compatibility testing of 100 per cent Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) on all its in-production civil aero engine types.

This fulfils a commitment, made in 2021, to demonstrate there are no engine technology barriers to the use of 100 per cent SAF.

A ground test on a BR710 business jet engine at the company's facility in Canada completed the test regime. Other engines tested as part of the programme were: Trent 700, Trent 800, Trent 900, Trent 1000, Trent XWB-84, Trent XWB-97, Trent 7000, BR725, Pearl 700, Pearl 15 and Pearl 10X.

Testing has involved a variety of ground and flight tests to replicate in-service conditions. All the tests confirmed the use of 100 per cent SAF does not affect engine performance.

Tufan Erginbilgic, CEO, Rolls-Royce plc, said: "Becoming the first jet engine manufacturer to publicly confirm all our in-production engines for long-haul aircraft and business jets are compatible with 100 per cent SAF, is an important milestone for both Rolls-Royce and the wider aviation industry.

"It's also further evidence of our commitment to becoming a net zero company by 2050 and supporting our customers to do the same."

Simon Burr, Group Director of Engineering, Technology and Safety, Rolls-Royce plc, added: "This is an important milestone, not just for Rolls-Royce, but also for the wider civil aerospace industry. We hope the success of these tests provides a level of technical validation that supports those who seek to invest in the production of 100% SAF going forward."

UK Transport Secretary, Mark Harper, commented: "The world's journey to decarbonising flight is powered by British innovation and backed by the UK Government, meaning people can continue to travel how they want, in a way that's fit for the future.

"Today's news demonstrates that Rolls Royce and the UK are global leaders in decarbonising transport, taking us one step closer toJet Zero."

In addition to proving in-production engine compatibility, Rolls-Royce has already ensured its new generation UltraFan engine demonstrator has the same capability. Its first run, earlier this year, was on 100 per cent SAF.

The Rolls-Royce SAF story continues later this month when Trent 1000 engines will power a Virgin Atlantic Boeing 787 Dreamliner on Flight 100, the world's first transatlantic 100 per cent SAF flight.

The Virgin Atlantic led consortium, sponsored by the UK Department for Transport, includes Boeing, University of Sheffield, Imperial College London and Rocky Mountain Institute. The return flight, on regular jet fuel, will prove the engine and aircraft can run on either fuel type without engineering changes.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel has great potential to support aviation's energy transition journey, as a "drop-in" fuel that can simply be used as an alternative to conventional fuel.

When the lifecycle of SAF is taken into consideration, IATA (International Air Transport Association) estimates the net CO2 lifecycle emissions of unblended SAFs are up to 80% lower than conventional fuel.

Rolls-Royce estimates that to reach Net Zero flying by 2050, a combination of highly-efficient latest-generation gas turbines operating on 100% SAF is likely to contribute around 80 per cent of the total solution.

The international standards body for jet fuel, ASTM International, currently permits up to a maximum of 50 per cent SAF to be blended with 50 per cent conventional jet fuel.

All Rolls-Royce in-production civil aero engines are already certified to operate on a blend of 50 per cent SAF. The successful 100 per cent SAF tests will provide further support for a pathway to commercial flights on 100 per cent SAF.
Panaji, Nov 14 : Crime Branch Police have arrested three persons for allegedly demanding protection money from fish selling agents.

According to the police, one Satheeb Ramchandran, a resident of Ratnagiri in Maharashtra having an office at Malim jetty, Betim in North Goa, complained about the protection money being demanded from him and others.

In his complaint he stated that three persons demanded Rs 50,000 per month as protection money from him and other fishing agents operating in the area.

"All the accused, who were earlier absconding, have arrested and remanded to two days' police custody," police said.

The accused persons have been identified as D Kumar Vijay Naik, Domnic Nazereth and Sayad Ali Attar, all residents of the area.

The Opposition parties in Goa had alleged that fish selling agents were getting phone calls and threats from London to pay protection money.
New Delhi, Nov 14 : Tech and Internet company Info Edge has accused Rahul Bhoopsingh Yadav's Broker Network (4B Networks Private Limited) of allegedly undertaking 'suspicious transactions' with 4B Realtech Pvt Ltd, a company started by an associate of Yadav.

According to a report in a media outlet, Info Edge alleged in a complaint with the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Mumbai Police that 4B Networks advanced a Rs 10 crore loan to 4B Realtech.

The money was later transferred to a close associate of Yadav, the complaint alleged.

"The complainant has reasons to believe that a substantial amount from such loan was transferred by 4B Realtech to Aceuser, a company in which Yadav's wife is a majority shareholder. The complainant company (Info Edge) believes that such transactions were made with a view to moving money from 4B Networks," Info Edge alleged in the complaint.

Info Edge lost around Rs 532 crore after writing off its investment in Yadav's Broker Network (4B Networks Private Limited).

While Info Edge's cash infusion in Broker Network was Rs 288 crore, the rest is the notional loss from a higher valuation that the startup had reached.

The proptech startup had a valuation of Rs 719 crore before Info Edge had to write down its entire investment.

Info Edge has a 59 percent stake in 4B Networks.

Following a complaint by Info Edge, the proprietors of Naukri.com, the EOW is now probing the case pertaining to allegedly transferring a part of the investors' monies to another company where Rahul's wife Karishma Yadav is the co-owner and a CEO.
Sharad Pawar: Sentiments of youth on Maratha quotas strong, can't be ignored. Image Source: IANS News

Pune, Nov 14 : "The whole world knows what is my caste... I have never tried to hide it," Nationalist Congress Party President Sharad Pawar proclaimed on Tuesday.

Interacting with media persons, Pawar, 82, dismissed a recent purported document in English claiming that he belonged to the OBC category.

"Some people have made that paper in English virala I have the certificate of the Maharashtra Education Society school which is the genuine one. I am a Maratha and its there in all my documents. I have never attempted to conceal ita" he said.

He said that he had full respect for the OBCs, but he had no hesitation in admitting to his Maratha caste by birth.

Pawar also said that he had never played caste or social politics and would never do it in future, but reiterated to take any steps to secure justice for various communities.

The entire Pawar clan had gathered for the annual Diwali celebrations at Sharad Pawaras Govindbaug residence where thousands of people from all over Maharashtra had turned up to mark their presence in the tradition continued by the family for over 50 years.

Pawar and daughter and NCP Working President Supriya Sule were seen meeting and greeting the party activists and admirers since 6 a.m., many bending to touch the NCP supremoas feet and he reciprocated with folded hands or thumping the backs of some.

The visitors, comprising nearly 70 percent youth, came from Vidarbha, north Maharashtra, Marathwada, Konkan, Mumbai and other regions of the state.

Referring to the absence of his nephew and breakaway faction leader, Ajit Pawar at the event, both Pawar and Sule pointed out that he is unwell, down with dengue since the past over two weeks and was following medical advice.

However, later Ajit Pawaras son Parth Pawar called on his grand-uncle, while another grand-nephew and NCP-SP MLA Rohit Rajendra Pawar was away in Beed to attend a party related function.
Gurugram, Nov 14 : A husband allegedly stabbed his wife over a minor dispute on Diwali in Om Nagar area in Gurugram, police said.

The victim, Rukmani, was rushed to a general hospital in Gurugram from where she was shifted to Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital in critical condition.

According to a complaint filed by the couple's landlord Sumitra, the incident happened around 9 pm on November 12, when the victim's son informed her that his father Arvind Prasad had beaten up his mother.

When I went to Rukmani's house with her son, I saw that she was bleeding from her throat. Arvind had run away from the spot and we immediately rushed Rukmani to a civil hospital and later she was referred to Delhi's Safdarjung hospital in critical condition, the complainant told the police.

Based on a complaint an FIR was filed against the accused husband under relevant of the IPC at Shivaji Nagar police station, police said.

"Initial probe suggested that some dispute between the couple led to the incident. The injured woman is undergoing in Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital. We are searching for the absconding accused", Inspector Krishan Kunar, station house officer of SHO Shivaji Nagar police station said.

--IANS

str/dan
Hyderabad, Nov 14 : Telangana Chief Minister and Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) President K. Chandrashekar Rao on Tuesday appealed to the people to uphold Telangana self-respect in the upcoming Assembly elections.

Stating that the BRS was formed for Telangana, he urged voters to think before casting their votes in the elections scheduled on November 30.

As part of the BRS campaign, KCR, as Rao is popularly known, addressed public meetings in three Assembly constituencies on Tuesday.

The BRS chief said that even after 75 years of independence, democracy in India has not attained the required maturity, pointing out that in mature democracies elections are not held with the kind of commotion seen in India.

Stating that vote is the only right available to people in a democracy, he said they should exercise this right cautiously.

KCR, who is aiming for a third term in power, appealed to people to see the track record and character of the candidates and also the parties they represent, their history and their policies and approach.

Addressing a public meeting at Thorrur in Palkurthi constituency of Jangaon district, he said in every election, many people come and make all sorts of promises.

"People should think before casting their votes. They should check the facts," he said.

KCR advised people not to get misled by false promises. He slammed Congress leaders for calling the Rythu Bandhu scheme wasteful. He claimed that the state Congress chief believes 3 hour power supply to farmers will be sufficient.

Noting that Congress ruled the country for 50 years, he asked people if their standard of living has improved.

The BRS chief asked people to recall how Palakurthi was 10 years ago and how it has developed today. He said in the past people from here used to migrate to other places for work but today people from other places are coming here for work.

Addressing another meeting in Nagarjuna Sagar constituency, he said that everybody knows what was the situation of drinking water supply, irrigation and electricity during the Congress rule.

KCR remarked that Congress leader K. Jana Reddy is dreaming of becoming the Chief Minister. "In the past you taught a lesson to Jana Reddy with your votes," he said referring to the defeat of the senior leader in the 2018 Assembly election and the bypoll held in 2021.

At the public meeting in Ibrahimpatnam in Rangareddy district, the BRS leader asked people to take elections this time seriously and think about who can take better care of the state. He said if people take a decision by falling into the trap of false promises, the state will suffer for five years.

Stating that farmers and weavers were committing suicides in united Andhra Pradesh, he claimed that for last 10 years, the government implemented many welfare schemes.
New Delhi, Nov 14 : Delhi High Court has said that there is a difference between the accused merely 'joining' and 'actively participating' in an ongoing investigation.

Justice Saurabh Banerjee expressed concern over a trend where accused individuals superficially adhered to court directives, only 'joining' investigations without genuine engagement.

While dealing with an anticipatory bail application by a man facing charges, including that of rape, the court underscored that post-bail, an accused is not only expected to participate but actively engage in the investigative process.

Acknowledging constitutional safeguards that could be invoked by the accused, the court stressed that granting anticipatory bail would lose its purpose if active cooperation was lacking.

Justice Banerjee stressed on the need for sensitivity and understanding of the consequences of non-compliance with court-imposed conditions.

Considering the clean record of the accused and the absence of prior complaints, the court granted anticipatory bail.

Conditions included a personal bond of Rs 50,000, one surety of the same amount from a trustworthy individual, and adherence to additional stipulations upon arrest.
Patna, Nov 14 : A youth, who was part of a gang of thieves, was lynched by villagers in Bihar's Sheikhpura district, police said on Tuesday.

The incident occurred at Narsinghpur village under Rampur police station in the district on Monday night.

Police said that the alleged thief was not identified yet but there was a tattoo on his chest with Dhanesh Kumar written on it.

The accused along with four to five accomplices struck in a house belonging to Gopal Kumar Singh of Narsinghpur village.

The male members of the family had gone to a fair while women were present in the house. When thieves entered the house and started stealing the goods, women raised alarm and soon a large number of villagers assembled at the place.

While most of the gang members managed to flee from the place taking advantage of darkness, the youth was nabbed and brutally assaulted by the villagers until he succumbed.

When police personnel learnt about the incident, they reached the village and recovered the dead body. Police are investigating the incident.
Paid users on X can now hide 'likes' tab from public view. Image Source: IANS News

San Francisco, Nov 14 : Elon Musk-run X on Tuesday said it has "actioned" over 325,000 pieces of content that violated its terms of service, including violent speech and hateful conduct, amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.

X, which now has over 500 million monthly active users, said that 3,000 accounts have been removed, including accounts connected to Hamas.

"Our escalations team has actioned over 25,000 pieces of content under our synthetic and manipulated media policy.

"We've also taken action  including suspension  on over 375,000 accounts as a result of our proactive investigations to protect authentic conversation regarding the conflict, including coordinated/inauthentic engagement, inauthentic accounts, duplicate content and trending topic/hashtag spam," the social media platform informed.

In the first month of the conflict, Community Notes have been viewed well over a hundred million times, addressing topics from out-of-context videos to AI-generated media to claims about specific events.

"On average, people are 30 per cent less likely to agree with the substance of the original post after reading a note about it," said X.

Notes are getting faster. They are now visible 1.5 to 3.5 hrs more quickly than a month ago.

"We have north of 200,000 contributors in 44 countries and are growing. That includes over 40,000 new contributors added from the beginning of the conflict," X noted.

The company recently launched notes on new media types. When a note is added to a photo or video, it automatically shows on other posts with matching media.

"Because of this new feature, notes related to the Israel-Hamas conflict have been displayed on 10,000+ posts. This number grows automatically if the relevant images and video are re-used in new posts," the company added.

In response to the Israel-Hamas conflict, X has proactively removed more than 100 publisher videos not suitable for monetization.

"We've updated our keyword blocklists with more than 1,000 terms related to the conflict, preventing ad targeting and adjacency on Timeline or Search placements. And we've implemented a change where Amplify Video campaigns from our content partners will only run in the Home Timeline," the Musk-run company added.
San Francisco, Nov 14 : Google-owned YouTube on Tuesday said it will soon require creators to disclose when they've created altered or synthetic content that is realistic, including using generative AI tools.

When creators upload content, YouTube will have new options for them to select to indicate that it contains realistic altered or synthetic material.

"For example, this could be an AI-generated video that realistically depicts an event that never happened, or content showing someone saying or doing something they didn't actually do," said the company.

This is important in cases where the content discusses sensitive topics, such as elections, ongoing conflicts and public health crises, or public officials.

The company warned that creators who consistently choose not to disclose this information may be subject to content removal, suspension from the YouTube Partner Programme, or other penalties.

"We'll work with creators before this rolls out to make sure they understand these new requirements," said YouTube.

The company will inform viewers that content may be altered or synthetic in two ways.

A new label will be added to the description panel indicating that some of the content was altered or synthetic. And for certain types of content about sensitive topics, we'll apply a more prominent label to the video player.

"There are also some areas where a label alone may not be enough to mitigate the risk of harm, and some synthetic media, regardless of whether it's labeled, will be removed from our platform if it violates our Community Guidelines," the company informed.

Content created by YouTube's generative AI products and features will also be clearly labeled as altered or synthetic.

In the coming months, YouTube will make it possible to request the removal of AI-generated or other synthetic or altered content that simulates an identifiable individual, including their face or voice, using our privacy request process.

"Not all content will be removed from YouTube, and we'll consider a variety of factors when evaluating these requests. This could include whether the content is parody or satire, whether the person making the request can be uniquely identified, or whether it features a public official or well-known individual, in which case there may be a higher bar," the company explained.

The platform is also introducing the ability for its music partners to request the removal of AI-generated music content that mimics an artist's unique singing or rapping voice.

These removal requests will be available to labels or distributors who represent artists participating in YouTube's early AI music experiments.

AI's powerful new forms of storytelling can also be used to generate content that has the potential to mislead viewers  particularly if they're unaware that the video has been altered or is synthetically created.

"To address this concern, over the coming months, we'll introduce updates that inform viewers when the content they're seeing is synthetic," YouTube added.
The Finnish government has called for the transfer of frozen Russian funds to Ukraine. Given the war crimes committed by Russia and the destruction of entire communities, more and more countries around the world are calling for the transfer of seized Russian funds to Ukraine.

ADVERTISIMENT

This was stated by the Minister of Foreign Trade and Development of Finland, Ville Tavio, 24brussels reports. In total, at least $300 billion of Russian assets have been seized in Western countries.

However, the damage caused by the terrorist state to Ukraine is much greater, at least $750 billion. After the war is over, the total amount may reach an astronomical figure, the publication notes.

In this regard, the United States is setting an example for all Western countries: Washington was the first to transfer to Ukraine part of the seized Russian funds of Russian oligarch Konstantin Malofeev. In addition, according to the US authorities, a legal mechanism should be created to transfer state-owned Russian funds to Ukraine - the EU has also repeatedly emphasized the need for such a decision.

ADVERTISIMENT

The crimes of the terrorist state leave no doubt as to the expediency of transferring seized Russian assets to Ukraine, according to supporters of this approach. So far, EU law does not provide legal grounds for the complete confiscation of Russian assets and their transfer to Ukraine.

Instead, however, EU countries have come up with a way to use funds from the frozen accounts of the Russian central bank for the benefit of Ukraine. The plan is to redirect the profits from Russian financial instruments in Europe to our country.

For this plan to work, the EU will also have to change its legislation. However, these changes are not as significant as in the case of confiscation. The Ukrainian Ministry of Justice expects that the European Commission will submit relevant proposals in December 2023.

ADVERTISIMENT

The simpler legal mechanism is due to the fact that this is not Russian money itself, but the so-called windfall income that would not have been received if there had been no sanctions against Russia. However, the main goal of Ukraine, according to representatives of the Ministry of Justice, remains the complete transfer of all Russian assets.

As previously reported by OBOZ.UA, Russian oil products can bypass Western sanctions and enter the supply chain of the US Department of Defense. Thus, fuel from the terrorist country of the Russian Federation is sold to a Greek refinery that serves the US army.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
New Delhi: LJP MP Chirag Paswan at Parliament during the ongoing winter session, in New Delhi on Monday, December 19, 2022. (Photo: Qamar Sibtain/IANS). Image Source: IANS News

Patna, Nov 14 : Lok Janshakti Party Ram Vilash (LJPR) President Chirag Paswan on Tuesday asked the Bihar Chief Minister whether the sand mafia are flourishing under your protection in the state.

"The sand mafias are doing Tandava in Bihar and hence questions arise here on your (Nitish Kumar) leadership whether it is happening in your protection? If not, then why have solid steps not been taken here?

"Due to rampant mining in the rivers, people are drowning due to uneven surface sometimes and sometimes sand mafias are mowing down security forces. It is necessary to take solid steps to save the lives of Bihari people," Paswan wrote on X.

He said that the deceased sub-inspector, Prabhat Ranjan, was killed and a home guard Jawan was critically injured in Garhi area of the district. "It comes under my constituency. I pay respect to the soil of the slain sub-inspector and my condolence message to his family members. I also pray to God for speedy recovery of the injured home guard," Paswan said.

SI Prabhat Ranjan and home guard Rajesh Kumar Saw were deployed at Garhi police station in the district. They had signaled a speeding tractor -- laden with sand -- to stop however the driver mowed them down.

Prabhat died on the spot while Saw was critically injured. After committing the crime, the tractor driver fled from the spot leaving the tractor abandoned some distance away from the crime scene.

The incident happened in the border area of Jamui and Nawada.

--IANS

ajk/dan
New Delhi, Nov 14 : Delhi Police has arrested a main accused, who along with associates had stabbed a 32-year-old man around 29 times in a park in outer Delhi, an officer said on Tuesday.

The deceased individual, identified as Vinod, a.k.a Topi and residing in the Sultanpuri area, was the victim of a tragic incident. On November 7 at 11:04 p.m., the police received a PCR call reporting a dispute in a park.

Simultaneously, another call came in from Sanjay Gandhi Hospital, indicating that Vinod had sustained severe stab wounds to his abdomen and hands, rendering him unconscious, and was declared dead.

Upon receiving the information, the police secured the area for further investigation. A crime team was summoned, and a senior police officer stated that a local inquiry was conducted to gather additional details.

Vinod's wife transported him to the hospital, as their residence was nearby. The officer revealed that Vinod, employed as a labourer, had been unwell for the past month.

According to the senior police officer, on the night of the incident, Vinod was seated in the park when a group of boys, led by someone named Rohit, approached and initially assaulted him with sticks.

Subsequently, Vinod was cornered and subjected to a knife attack, causing him to collapse. The assailants swiftly fled the scene, leaving Vinod with multiple stab injuries on his torso, abdomen, hands, and back.

"Through the efforts of Sultanpuri police station team, the main assailant Rohit alias Faizula was arrested on Monday from Sultanpuri based on technical inputs and local information.

The weapon of offence i.e. knife used in the commission of the offence, his cloth worn at the time of incident and his scooty used in committing said offence have been recovered at his instance," said the Deputy Commissioner of Police (outer) Harendra K Singh.

"Vinod allegedly owed money to Rohit and later refused to pay and later resorted to abusive behaviour with Rohit and Golu. He used to sit in the park near his home where the accused also lived. This irked the accused and they took the ultimate step," said the DCP.

Earlier, Avinash alias Golu was arrested on November 8 in the case.

"As per the disclosure made by the accused, he along with his maternal uncles (Mama) Rohit and Ranvir alias Khan have jointly committed the said offence. Efforts are on to nab the third accused," said the DCP.
New Delhi, Nov 14 : There seems to be no let-up in the severity of the air pollution in the national capital as the AQI continued to be in "very poor" category on Tuesday evening.

According to data from the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR), the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 370 in the city.

While the Anand Vihar station was in the "severe" category with PM 10 at 413 and PM 2.5 at 371, in the "very poor" category, the carbon monoxide (CO) was at 116, under "moderate" category, while the NO2 was at 83, in the "satisfactory" level, as per the Central Pollution Control Board.

At the Bawana station, PM 2.5 level reached 417, in the "severe" category and PM 10 at 267 was in the "poor" category, while the CO reached 85, in "satisfactory" levels and NO2 at 30, in the "good" category.

At the Dwarka sector-8 station, the PM 10 reached 422, in the "severe" category while PM 2.5 was at 361, in "very poor", while CO was at 130 and NO2 was 63, at "satisfactory" levels.

The air quality at the Indira Gandhi International Airport T3 area was in the "very poor" category with PM 2.5 at 336 and PM 10 at 194, in the "moderate" category while the CO reached at 98, under "satisfactory" category.

At ITO station, the PM 2.5 was at 351, in the "very poor" category and PM 10 was at 221, under "poor" category.

The NO2 reached 242, under "poor" levels, while CO was at 132, in "moderate" levels. The PM 2.5 at Jahangirpuri was recorded at 442, under "severe" category, while PM 10 reached 472, also placing it under the same category. The carbon monoxide reached 122, in "moderate" levels and NO2 was at 18, in the "good" category.

The 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".

--IANS

ssh/vd
New Delhi, Nov 14 : A 24-year-old youth was seriously injured when he was assaulted by his neighbours after a spat in east Delhi over excessive use of firecrackers on Diwali , a police official said on Tuesday, adding that they have arrested three men in connection with the incident.

The accused were identified as Pawan, 24, Amit, 24, and Shivam, 21, all residents of Kondli area and the injured as Pravesh, Manish, and Pawan.

According to police, on the intervening night of November 12/13, three consequent PCR calls regarding inflicting blade injuries, burning of a bike, and stabbing were received in New Ashok Nagar police station.

A police team reaching the spot found there was a quarrel over the bursting of crackers between Pawan, Manish, and Parvesh and their neighbour, also named Pawan, his brother Amit, and friend Shivam, and injured persons had been taken to LBS Hospital.

aThereafter, the Investigating officer reached LBS Hospital where Pawan, and Manish were under treatment and injured Pravesh had been referred to higher centre for further treatment. MLCs of all three were collected and all of them had received sharp injuries. Parvesh had received sharp injuries over his neck," Deputy Commissioner of Police, East, Amrutha Guguloth said.

"The statement of the injured Pawan was recorded, wherein he alleged that on the night of Diwali when he, along with his friends Manish and Parvesh, were bursting crackers, Pawan s/o Jagpal came out of his home and started abusing and quarrelling with them and inflicted several injuries to them with a sharp cutter and also burnt their motorcycle," she said.

During the probe, the police got information regarding the location of the accused and Pawan was apprehended, and later on, Amit and Shivam also.

On interrogation, Pawan disclosed that on the night of Deepawali, when he was present in his home, on hearing a noise of bursting crackers, he came out of his home and found Manish, Pawan, and Parvesh bursting crackers outside his house.

aHe became angry and started abusing them, attacked them with a sharp cutter and inflicted injuries on Pawan and Manish. Later, his younger brother Amit and friend Shivam also joined him and all of them inflicted injuries upon Parvesh. Thereafter, they also burnt the motorcycle of the brother of one of those boys," the officer added.
Washington, Nov 14 : The Congress returns this week to race against the deadline of a government shutdown, just three days away, to fund federal agencies. Speaker Mike Johnson has to use his dexterity to get the appropriation bills passed, getting both the Republicans and Democrats aboard so as to keep the government treasury open.

The unusual 'ladder' continuing resolution has some Republicans willing to listen, but others opposing the lack of spending cuts over which Democrats appear sceptical.

Kevin McCarthy was ousted as Speaker months agowhen he extended the funding to forty-five days overridighardliners demands, media reports said.

"Congress returns this week to face a harrowing reality with a deadline to fund the government on Friday at midnight and little progress has been made so far to do so. And for newly minted Speaker Mike Johnson, the fight ahead marks a major test -- and one that foretold his predecessor's loss of the gavel," US News and World Report commented.

The two chambers have until Saturday to forge an agreement to keep the government funded, and to extend the deadline with an adhoc measure like last September. What shape the continuing resolution will take remains unclear until now, even as the House and the Senate move ahead in different directions, complicating the situation.

Johnson, since his election as Speaker following weeks of intra-party turmoil, outlined an ambitious schedule to have the House pass the remaining full-year spending bills, acknowledging that a short-term measure would likely be necessary. He is yet to outline what that CR would look like, giving the House little time to work out the kinks, reports said.

Johnson's proposed CR maintains two timelines to keep the treasury funding open.

First, the government's funding at current levels into the New Year.While some of the government agencies would be funded until January 19, others would be funded until February 2, giving the lawmakers ample space to negotiate the spending bills.

"This two-step continuing resolution is a necessary bill to place the House Republicans in the best position to fight for conservative victories," Johnson said in a social media post on Saturday.

While Johnson's measure would cater to his party when it comes to progress, the continuing resolution doesn't include the steep spending cuts that conservative hawks have eyed. A handful of House Republicans have already opposed the measure. Johnson finds himself in the same hotspot that tested former Speaker Kevin McCarthy just months ago that precipitated his ouster.

"Even so, for Johnson, the honeymoon period after he was unanimously elected as Speaker seemed to be coming to an end last week, as leadership had to pull votes on two full-year spending bills at the last minute amid disagreement within the party," US News and World Report said.

The two Bills are considered least controversial of the remaining five appropriation legislations that face opposition from several sides.

The legislations face a complex passage situation as they are punctuated with conservative social policies and have been marked up well below the spending levels that the Senate is pursuing.So, they could be subject to major changes facing less extreme Republicans to oppose taking votes on controversial measures that have little chance of becoming law, reports said.

With a razor-thin majority in the House, nearly all Republicans have to stick together to pass the legislation. And without any backing from Democrats to cushion the Republican margins, that task grows even harder, media reports said.

But some Democrats appeared open to Johnson's stopgap measure, which is effectively a clean continuing resolution, despite its unusual two-step deadlines that some have dubbed a "ladder" CR.

"I don't like this laddered CR approach. It looks gimmicky to me, but I'm open to what the House is talking about," Senator Chris Murphy, Connecticut Democrat, told NBC on Sunday.

"The priority has to be keeping the government open."

The White House has opposed Johnson's laddered CR calling it an "unserious proposal" that wastes time.

It's unclear if the Senate would even consider it as a measure to pass where the Democrats are a majority. Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer is therefore pursuing the same approach he adopted where he pushed a bipartisan approach to avoid shutdown to keep the government open.
Bhopal, Nov 14 : A video related to Devendra Singh Tomar, the son of Union minister Narendra Singh Tomar, discussing transactions worth huge amounts of money with a person surfaced in poll-bound Mdhaya Pradesh on Tuesday, triggering a fresh political controversy in the state with elections just three days away.

The video came to the fore on Tuesday, and the person in the said clip claimed that the last two videos that had surfaced on social media were genuine and were related to the transaction of money discussed with Devendra Tomar.

The person identified himself as Jagmandeep Singh, a businessman who claimed to be living in Canada.

"The video that went viral on social media a few days back is related to Union minister Narendra Singh Tomar's son Devendra Singh Tomar, and the person on the phone call from the other end is me," Singh claimed in the clip that went viral on Tuesday.

Singh claimed that he met Devendra Tomar at Narendra Tomar's official bungalow in Delhi during the lockdown period in March 2020, and they became friends since then.

"During the lockdown in March 2020, I was in Delhi when I met Devendra Tomar at his father's official bungalow. I do cannabis farming in Canada and Devendra Tomar said he is also interested in the same," he claimed.

The new video went viral on social media a day after the second clip purportedly showing Devendra Tomar discussing cash deals surfaced on Monday.

The opposition Congress has shared that videos on its social media accounts, and has also held a press conference on this issue.

Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate said during the presser in Bhopal, "The BJP termed Narendra Singh Tomar's son's video as fake without investigation. Now another video has surfaced in which a man is saying that the Tomar family has rigged not Rs 500 crore, but Rs 10,000 crore. It also wants to invest money in ganja cultivation."

Narendra Singh Tomar is BJP's election convener for Madhya Pradesh, who is also contesting the November 17 Assembly elections from his home town Dhimni Morena district.
Hyderabad, Nov 14 : The issue of power continues to dominate election campaign in Telangana with state Congress chief A. Revanth Reddy on Tuesday promising that if voted to power, Congress will ensure 24-hour free power supply to farmers.

Claiming that it was Congress which started supplying freepowertofarmers,RevanthReddygave a clear assurance that once voted topowerinTelangana, Congress will provide24-hourfree powertofarmers.

RevanthReddy's promise at an election rally in Wardhannapet constituency came amid the continuing attack by ruling Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) over his reported statement thatfarmersdon't need24-hourpowerand that three-hourpowersupply will be sufficient.

At every election rally, Telangana Chief Minister and BRS President K. Chandrasekhar Rao has been citing the statement RevantReddyreportedly made during his visit to the United States a couple of months ago.

"Do you want24-hourpoweror 3-hourpower," KCR asks the audience while claiming thatTelanganais the only state in the country supplying24-hourfree electricity tofarmers.

He also explains how after the formation ofTelangana10 years ago, the BRS overcamepowerproblems and rolled out24-hourfreepowerforfarmers.

BRS working President K.T. Rama Rao and other leaders of the ruling party are also slamming the Congress on thepowerissue.

"Do you want current or Congress," asks KTR at his road shows.

He is also cautioning people that if Congress comes topower,Telanganawill plunge into darkness like Congress-ruled Karnataka.

Reeling underpowershortage, Karnataka is supplying only five-hourpowertothe farmers, the state's Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar had revealed this at a few election rallies he addressed inTelangana.

KCR had mocked Shivakumar, saying he should be ashamed for presenting this as an achievement in a state which is giving24-hourpower.

Recently, a group offarmersfrom Karnataka had visited some areas inTelanganato 'caution the people ofthe state against voting Congress topower'.

However, theTelanganaCongress leaders had alleged that BRS brought some hired people from Karnataka to malign the party.

Apparently, to counter the BRS leaders, RevanthReddyhas now started declaring that after coming topower,they will supply24-hourpowertofarmers.

At the public meetings on Tuesday, he said that even before anyone could think, Congress gave freepowertofarmers20 years ago.

"KCR is teaching us how to do it. It's like teaching a grandfather. We have done it already. Once coming topower, it's our responsibility to give24-hour free and qualitypowerto all thefarmers," he said.

RevanthReddysaid KCR is also running a false propaganda against the Congress that if it comes topower,it will stop the implementation of Rythu Bandhu.

He pointed out that the Congress has also announced under the six guarantees that every farmer will be provided annual financial assistance of Rs 15,000 per acre. Even agricultural labourers will get Rs 12,000 every year, he said.
Aizawl, Nov 15 : Security forces in Mizoram arrested at least 41 Myanmar military personnel for "illegally crossing the border" into India, police officials said on Tuesday adding that 39 of the soldiers were sent back to their country.

A senior Mizoram Police official, citing reports from across the border said that People's Defence Force (PDF) attacked a Myanmar Army post in Chin state and then on Monday evening, 39 army personnel entered Mizoram and the state police arrested them.

The detained Myanmar soldiers were handed over to Assam Rifles following instructions from the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The police official said that on Tuesday morning, the police apprehended two more injured Myanmar army personnels and they are admitted in the Champai civil hospital.

Defence sources said that the Myanmar military personnel, who had crossed over to Zokhawthar in Mizoram's Champhai district were later flown by a helicopter to Myanmar's Tamu opposite to Moreh in Manipur.

The situation along the India-Myanmar border with Mizoram is calm and there is no more commotion, the police official said adding: "We do not know if the Myanmar army would attack from the air, as an airstrike cannot be ruled out."

A Mizoram government official said that on Monday, Myanmar Army jet fighters dropped two bombs near Rihkhawdar village, just four kilometers from Mizoram's Zokhawthar village.

Meanwhile, around 1,400 Myanmarese, including women and children, took shelter in eastern Mizoram's Champhai district during the past 48 hours following the gun battle between the Army and civilian outfits in their homeland, officials said on Tuesday.

Indian officials said that the massive gunfight between Myanmar's Tatmadaw (military) and pro-democratic force PDF have been going on for the past several days causing the fresh influx of refugees from the neighbouring country.

Champhai district's District Organiser V.L. Hruaimawia said that on Monday around 1,400 men, women and children fled from the Chin region of Myanmar and took shelter in the district. "The district administration has provided food and relief materials to the refugees. Necessary medical aid was also given to those hapless evacuees," Hruaimawia told IANS over phone from Champhai.

He said that with the fresh arrival of refugees, the number of refugees from Myanmar taking shelter only in Champhai rose to 7,004, adding that the newly-arrived Myanmar nationals may return to their country after the situation normalises.

Media reports said that the intense fighting between the Army and the PDF started after the latter attacked military bases at Khawmawi and Rihkhawdar in Chin state near the Indian border. According to the media report, the PDF has taken over the Myanmar military base at Rihkhawdar on Monday. Around seven people were reportedly killed and 20 others injured in the gunfight.

--IANS

sc/vd
Navsari : , Nov 15 (IANS) Gujarat police have managed to rescue a 14-year-old girl from Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday, just 48 hours after she was kidnapped from Navsari district.

The abduction had a ransom demand of Rs 1 crore. According to officials, authorities wasted no time in apprehending four individuals directly implicated in the crime.

The breakthrough in this operation was attributed mainly to the meticulous technical analysis of the WhatsApp calls and Snapchat correspondence. Collaboration and coordination with police forces in Delhi, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh played a pivotal role in the speedy recovery of the kidnapped teenager.

Throughout the ordeal, the girl's parents maintained communication with the abductors through WhatsApp, even transferring a sum of Rs 12,000 as part of their negotiations. Ultimately, the breakthrough in the case was achieved through the examination of Snapchat and WhatsApp call records, which provided crucial leads in tracking both the girl and her abductors.

The abductors forcefully took the young girl from the Gandevi area of Navsari on November 10. Shortly after, they initiated a series of WhatsApp calls to her parents, demanding the sum, as divulged by Inspector General of Police, Surat, V. Chandrasekhar.

The police captured three of the alleged kidnappers - Samir Pathan, Abhishekh Chaudhary and Pradeep Chaudhary - as they boarded a bus in the vicinity of Lucknow. Another key suspect, Mohit Chaudhary, was also apprehended from a Delhi slum.

Initially, the Navsari police tracked the victim's movements, learning that she had been transported to Rajasthan via train. They then contacted the Government Railway Police in the neighboring state for assistance.

Subsequently, information surfaced indicating that the girl had been taken to a Delhi slum. Upon arrival at the scene, Mohit Chaudhary was apprehended, and he divulged critical information about the planned transfer of the girl to Lucknow via bus by the remaining suspects.
Delhi Police SI sent to 2-day CBI custody in bribery case involving Pearls Group. Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi, Nov 15 : A Delhi court on Tuesday remanded Sub-Inspector Rajesh Yadav to two-day CBI custody in connection with a bribery case linked to the Rs 45,000 crore ponzi scam involving Pearls Group founder Nirmal Singh Bhangoo.

Yadav was arrested on Monday for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 4.5 lakh from an employee of Bhangoo to refrain from implicating his daughter and son-in-law in the ponzi scam case.

Special judge Arvind Kumar of the Rouse Avenue Court granted the CBI custody until November 16, following the agency's request for three-day custodial interrogation to uncover a larger conspiracy.

The CBI said that Yadav was receiving the bribe under the instructions of Sub-Inspector Varun Chichi, also posted at Barakhamba police station, who is currently absconding.

According to the complaint, Chichi had allegedly demanded Rs 25 lakh from Bhangoo's employee to avoid arresting and implicating Bhangoo's daughter and son-in-law.

The demand was made when the complainant visited the police station to provide medicines to Bhangoo, who was brought there from Tihar jail.

The CBI conducted a trap operation, capturing Yadav receiving Rs 4.5 lakh from the complainant on the directions of Chichi.

The court was informed that searches were conducted at the premises of both the Sub-Inspectors.

Bhangoo and three others were arrested by the CBI in January 2016 for the alleged swindling of Rs 45,000 crore from over five crore investors through enticing land deals.
The Asset Recovery and Management Agency (ARMA) will transfer all sales of seized property to the Prozorro.Sale platform without exception. In addition, it is now possible to sell such property abroad - one of the first "foreign" lots may be the yacht of Viktor Medvedchuk's family, which is estimated at 200 million euros. Ukraine will receive the proceeds from the sale of the vessel.

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The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine made the decision at its meeting on November 14. The amendments were made to government resolutions No. 719 and No. 558, the ARMA said.

"The regulations open up the possibility of starting procedures for the sale of the 92-meter yacht Royal Romance, which belongs to the family of Viktor Medvedchuk (former MP accused of treason - Ed.)," the agency said in a statement. The vessel is currently in Croatia.

The yacht was court-ordered to be transferred to ARMA's management back in April 2022. However, the agency could not do anything with it because it had no mechanisms for managing property located outside Ukraine.

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"We have now invented a model that will allow us to sell seized property outside of Ukraine. This is especially important, as such a mechanism will allow to receive funds from the sale of expensive seized property without moving it to Ukraine, which is impossible during the war," ARMA said.

As for the auctions in the Prozorro system, this step will help make the process transparent, said MP Yaroslav Zhelezniak (Voice). He recalled that earlier the Supreme Council's provisional investigative commission investigated the sale of seized property through a "manual platform."

"Where you needed to know the address, settings and access only from a special browser... After today, such schemes should become impossible," Zhelezniak said.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, in August, the ARMA opened access to the Unified State Register of Assets Seized in Criminal Cases for everyone. This means that Ukrainians can now find out what assets are at the disposal of law enforcement and the ARMA.

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Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Patna Nov 15 : In a joint operation, the Uttar Pradesh Anti Terrorist Squad (UP ATS) and the Bihar Police arrested a person from Bihar's West Champaran district in a terror funding case on Tuesday.

The accused is identified as Izharul Hussain, a native of Shikarpur area in the district. His whereabouts were traced by UP ATS and a raid was conducted on his home in Rupaulia village under Shikarpur police in the district.

The accused was found in an inebriated condition. The UP ATS quizzed him but failed to take his custody. However, they will now file an application before a local court to take the accused to Ghaziabad on transit remand, sources said.

The UP ATS recently issued a list of seven suspects of terror funding. They claimed that the accused recently received Rs 70 lakh from Pakistan on a bank account of his friend Riyajuddin, a native of Ghaziabad. Riyazuddin came in contact with Hussain when they were daily wage workers in a factory.

Hussain asked Riyazuddin to open a bank account and hand it over to him. In return, he was paying Riyazuddin Rs 10,000 per month, said an official.

The UP ATS arrested Riyazuddin on Monday after the transaction of Rs 70 lakh in his bank account. When he was questioned, Riyazuddin revealed Hussain's name.
On the afternoon of November 14, hundreds of students of Lviv Polytechnic National University protested to demand the dismissal of lecturer Iryna Farion. The former MP is being asked to leave the university after her scandalous remarks about Ukrainian soldiers.

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The students demand Farion's immediate dismissal without any commissions. This was reported to OBOZ.UA by participants of the rally from the scene (to see photos and videos, scroll to the bottom of the page).

A week ago, students of Lviv Polytechnic, where the controversial ex-MP Farion teaches, called for her dismissal. The students demanded a reaction from the leadership of the national university to the scandalous statements of the "defender of the Ukrainian language."

Moreover, the position of the students was supported by the Ministry of Education of Ukraine. At the same time, they noted that the decision to dismiss Farion should be made by the university administration.

Now hundreds of students have come out to protest, demanding Farion's immediate dismissal. The categorical position of the students was influenced, in particular, by Farion's rash act, which led to the detention of the student by the Russian military in the temporarily occupied Crimea.

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At the rally, the students noted that Farion disgraced the whole of Ukraine with her inadequate actions. They also reminded her of her communist past.

According to the protesters, the university administration allegedly sees no legal grounds to dismiss Farion. At the same time, the students announced a deadline: if there are no results by November 22, they will act further. During the commission, both the management and the students will have a dialog.

OBOZ.UA asked Zoriana Kunch, head of the Ukrainian language department at Lviv Polytechnic National University, where Farion works, for a comment on the situation. However, the linguist said that she was ill and would not comment.

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Hundreds of rally participants chant "Shame!" and "Jail the communist!". The students emphasized that Farion's clumsy attempts to defend the Ukrainian language actually split Ukrainian society and played along with Kremlin propaganda.

Earlier, Farion said that she "cannot call" the soldiers of the famous Azov regiment who do not speak Ukrainian Ukrainians. According to her, the defenders should call themselves "Russians ". Such words outraged the society.

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After that, the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, Dmytro Lubinets, appealed to law enforcement agencies because of the inappropriate statements of former MP Iryna Farion. The Ombudsman emphasized that men and women from different groups of society, different nationalities, religions and beliefs, and different places of residence serve in the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

As a reminder, the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine supported the students of Lviv Polytechnic who appealed to the university not to cooperate with the teacher Iryna Farion, who does not respect Ukrainian defenders. However, in its response, the agency noted that the decision to terminate working relations was to be made by the educational institution.

As OBOZ.UA previously reported, former MP Iryna Farion, who does not respect Ukrainian soldiers, was the reason for the detention of a student from the temporarily occupied Crimea, who is waiting for the peninsula to be liberated. She published the guy's name, surname, place of study and city of residence online.

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Only verified information is available on our Telegram OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Ashley Hearn at Peachtree Teen has acquired If I Could Go Back, a coming-of-age YA debut by Briana Johnson. As high school senior Aaliyah Campbell, who was raised by her grandfather in South Chicago, wrestles with anxiety and feelings of abandonment, she attempts to connect with the parents who gave her up as a baby and in doing so drives a wedge between her and the family who's always been there for her. Publication is planned for summer 2025; Sam Farkas at Jill Grinberg Literary Management did the deal for world rights.



Hannah Hill at Delacorte has bought, in a preempt, debut author Lily Braun-Arnold's The Last Bookstore on Earth, a post-apocalyptic sapphic YA romance pitched for fans of Wilder Girls and The Last of Us. After a climate disaster leaves her stranded in her local New Jersey bookstore, Liz is just trying to hold the pieces of her life togetheruntil newcomer Maeve appears, with secrets that could threaten both of their lives. Publication is slated for spring 2025; Lily Dolin at United Talent Agency brokered the deal for North American rights.



Alice Jerman while at HarperCollins has acquired The Devouring Light by Kat Ellis, a YA horror novel that tells the story of rivals Haden and Deacon, whose bands are stranded on the way to a local rock festival. They spot an old house that they discover has been waiting for them both for a long timeand the house knows help isn't coming. Clare Vaughn will edit, for publication in fall 2025; Molly Ker Hawn at the Bent Agency negotiated the deal for world English rights.



Kelsey Horton at Delacorte has bought, in an exclusive submission, Charlotte Lillie Balogh's debut YA thriller, Kill the Lax Bro. When an all-American lacrosse player is mysteriously kicked off his team, there are deadly consequences as he seeks revenge with the help of the high school "it" girls, each with their own secret motives. The book is scheduled for summer 2025; Michael Bourret at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret sold world English rights.



Joshua Dean Perry at Tiny Ghost Press has acquired Blackblood, Kree Sullivan's queer crossover YA fantasy. When teenage smuggler Armina discovers an escaped mage among the illegal magical artifacts in the trailer of her truck, she panics. Mages attract the magic-hating Huntsmen, which can only mean trouble. But when the mage asks Armina for help to rescue their still-imprisoned mother, Armina reluctantly agrees. Publication is set for spring 2025; the author was unagented.



Andrew Karre at Dutton has bought Radiant, a middle-grade verse novel by CSK winner Vaunda Micheaux Nelson, about a girl from a small town near Pittsburgh navigating a turbulent school year against the backdrop of the Birmingham church bombing, the Kennedy assassination, and Beatlemania. Publication is slated for spring 2025; Tracey Adams at Adams Literary sold world English rights.



Dena Neusner at Apples & Honey has acquired world rights to Lucky Penny, the story of a superstitious girl who tries to reverse good luck gone sour, told in chapter book format by Aimee Lucido (l.) (Emmy in the Key of Code), illustrated by Jon Davis. Publication is planned for fall 2024; Kathleen Rushall at Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented the author, and Vickie Savanella at Advocate Art represented the illustrator.



Karen Wojtyla at McElderry Books has bought world English rights to Bittersweet, a picture book by author-illustrator Christy Mandin, centered on Operation Little Vittles in which pilot Gail Halvorsen dropped little parachutes of candy to kids living in occupied Berlin after World War II. Publication is scheduled for fall 2025; Adria Goetz at KT Literary negotiated the deal.



Nancy Inteli at HarperCollins has acquired world rights to Fix It Familia by Lucky Diaz (l.), the leader of Latin-Grammy-winning children's band The Lucky Band, illustrated by Micah Player (Friday Night Wrestlefest). The picture book features a Latine family who have all the right tools, from empathy to teamwork to creativity and more, to help everyone in their community. Publication is set for summer 2025; Sara Camilli at Sara Camilli Agency represented the author, and Lori Nowicki at Painted Words represented the illustrator.



Samantha Gentry at Little, Brown has bought world rights to Home Is a Heartbeat by Pura Belpre Honor author Laekan Zea Kemp, illustrated by Magdalena Mora, a picture book celebrating the many types of households children grow up in, particularly multi-family and multi-generational homes. Publication is planned for winter 2025; Andrea Morrison at Writers House represented the author, and Steven Malk at Writers House represented the illustrator.



Irene Vazquez at Levine Querido has acquired Quill the Forest Keeper by Marije Tolman (l.), a picture book about a young hedgehog trying to keep the forest clean while the rest of the world rushes around him. David Colmer will translate from Dutch. Publication is slated for fall 2024; Lucienne van der Leije at Querido sold world English rights; the translator represented himself.



Alison Weiss at Pixel+Ink has bought world rights to the first two books in the sibling-centered Missy and Mason picture book series by Pam Vaughan (l.), illustrated by Ariel Landy, starting with Missy Wants a Mammoth, in which a trip to the natural history museum turns into a debate about why Missy's dream pet may be an impossibility. Publication is scheduled for summer 2024; Brent Taylor at Triada US represented the author, and Alex Gehringer at the Bright Agency represented the illustrator.



Angus Yuen-Killick at Red Comet Press has acquired Aloha Everything by debut author Kaylin Melia George (l.) and debut illustrator Mae Waite, a picture book that started as a Kickstarter campaign. The book features a narrative poem set in the Hawaiian islands about a girl who learns about the history, nature, and legends of the islands through the Hawaiian tradition of hula. Publication is set for spring 2024; Yuen-Killick negotiated world rights with Tom Leach at Mythify Inc. storytelling studio.



Sunita Apte at Reycraft has bought Dinosaur Days! by Courtney Pippin-Mathur (l.), illustrated by Pauline Gregory. The picture book is about a dinosaur-loving girl who dresses like a dino, eats like a dino, and roars like a dino. How can she share the dino love with her family without getting in trouble? Publication is slated for spring 2026; Jennifer Unter at the Unter Agency represented the author, and Robbin Brosterman at the Bright Agency represented the illustrator.



Maria Russo at Astra/Minerva has acquired Springtime Storks: A Migration Love Story by Carol Joy Munro (l.), illustrated by Chelsea O'Byrne. Inspired by the true story of Klepetan and Malena, two storks whose dedication to one another captured the world's attention, this picture book is a celebration of love and a call to protect the routes of migratory birds. Publication is planned for fall 2024; the author was unagented, and Hannah Mann at Writers House represented the illustrator.

Tom Reale at Michael Sampson Books has bought Did You Hear That?, a board book by Antonio Vicente (l.) and Miguel Ordonez (illustrator of Your Baby's First Word Will Be DADA). It tells the story of a day through its sounds, reviewing the routines of the day while focusing on important emotional aspects. Publication is set for spring 2024, with a U.S. Spanish edition following in fall 2024; Marlena Torzecka at Marlena Agency sold world rights.

Bria Ragin at Delacorte has acquired, in an exclusive submission, Death in the Cards by Mia P. Manansala, pitched as "Veronica Mars but starring queer, brown girls." In this YA debut, high school tarot reader Danika Dizon's latest client goes missing after a troubling reading; when the client's younger sister blames her for the disappearance, Danika must apply everything she's learned from her private investigator mother and mystery author father to solve her first case. Publication is slated for summer 2025; Jill Marsal at Marsal Lyon Literary Agency did the deal for world rights.

Nikki Garcia at Little, Brown has bought a YA novel duology by Daughter of Sparta series author Claire M. Andrews with the first book titled A Beautiful and Terrible Murder, a historical fiction retelling of Sherlock Holmes from Irene Adler's perspective. The formidable pair must work together to hunt down a murderer at Oxford who is killing their classmates, one by one, in ways more gruesome than the next. Publication is set for winter 2025. Amy Bishop-Wycisk while at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret, now at Trellis Literary Management, sold world English rights.

Lydia Gregovic at Delacorte Press has acquired, in an exclusive submission, Predatory Natures by Amy Goldsmith (Those We Drown), a YA speculative horror novel in which a teen girl on the run from her past takes a job aboard a luxury trainbut when several strange carriages are attached her first night aboard, she discovers that the garden wonderland within them may be hiding dark roots; and a second, untitled work. Publication is scheduled for summer 2025 and summer 2026 respectively; Claire Friedman at Inkwell Literary Management brokered the deal for North American rights.

Katherine Easter at HarperCollins/Blink has bought Schneider Family Book Award winner Shannon Stocker's The Science of Broken Things, inspired by the author's daughter's brain cancer diagnosis. In this YA novel, 14-year-old Twyla searches for answers about her mother's death, and the root of her own baffling medical symptoms, which are dismissed by everyone around herincluding her doctors. Publication is planned for fall 2024; Allison Remcheck at Stimola Literary Studio sold world English rights.

Alison Romig at Delacorte Press has acquired, in an exclusive submission, Lost Girls by Rebekah Faubion, a YA horror novel pitched as Yellowjackets meets I Know What You Did Last Summer. After eight girls disappeared on a school trip, five return and all they want to do is move on with their lives, but when the body of one of the girls who didn't come back is found, they realize that the only way to fight the coming danger is to stick together. Publication is slated for spring 2026; Katie Shea Boutillier at Donald Maass Literary Agency negotiated the deal for world English rights.

Kevin Norman at Violetear Books has bought Tiffany Wang's debut novel Of Fire and Ash, in which a scorned princess has survived her murderous half-brother's many assassination attempts thanks to wits, magic, and blackmail. With her brother's coronation looming and her own life on the line, she hatches one last desperate plan: infiltrate the rebellion seeking to overthrow the monarch, then betray them to her brother in exchange for her own safety and freedom. Publication is set for fall 2024; Kelly Van Sant at KT Literary sold world English rights.

Rachel Diebel at Feiwel and Friends has acquired, in a preempt, Marvel and Image illustrator Maria Frohlich's debut middle grade graphic novel, Lyra and the Lighthouse, which follows a lonely girl who moves to a haunted lighthouse and teams up with its resident ghost to defeat a nefarious captain, making her first real friend in the process. Publication is scheduled for 2027; Jessica Errera at Jane Rotrosen Agency handled the six-figure deal for world English rights.

Andrea Colvin at Little, Brown Ink has bought Bookworms, a graphic novel by Breena Bard (Wildfire), in which a group of middle schoolers sign up as reading volunteers at their local library, despite its reputation for being haunted, and their tutoring sessions soon become entwined with the mystery of a girl's ghost. Publication is planned for 2026; Alexander Slater at Sanford J. Greenburger Associates negotiated the deal for world rights.

Dena Neusner at Apples & Honey Press has acquired world rights to Friends to the Rescue by Ellen Schwartz (l.) (Mr. Belinsky's Bagels), illustrated by Alison Mutton. This middle grade chapter book is inspired by a true story of Holocaust survivors returning to the Italian town that helped them during WWII to aid after an earthquake. Publication is slated for fall 2024; the author and illustrator represented themselves.

Daniel Moreton and Celina Sun at Penguin Workshop have acquired world rights to Brandon and the Totally Troublesome Time Machine by Seth Fishman (l.), illustrated by Mark Fearing. This picture book follows a boy who travels back to yesterday to fix his homework but gets into a battle across time with his past and future selves. Publication is set for fall 2024; Kirby Kim at Janklow & Nesbit Associates represented the author, and Sean McCarthy at Sean McCarthy Literary Agency represented the illustrator.

Alison Weiss at Pixel+Ink has bought world rights to Even Yetis Get Colds, the first book in a picture book series written and illustrated by Carlianne Tipsey, in which a girl looks for a cure for her best friend Yeti's cold. Only after trying everything does she realize a cure wasn't needed after alla hug will do. Publication is planned for fall 2024; Jemiscoe Chambers-Black at Andrea Brown Literary Agency did the two-book deal.

Andrea Welch at S&S/Beach Lane Books has acquired world rights to How to Say You're Sorry by Stephanie Calmenson (l.), illustrated by Shannon McNeill, which begins with and answers the question of what should be done when you've hurt someone. Publication is slated for fall 2025; Susan Cohen at Writers House represented the author, and Andrea Morrison at Writers House represented the illustrator.

Katherine Easter at Zonderkidz has bought world rights to Rosie's Wild Ride by Paige Murray (l.), illustrated by Kristen Humphrey, a debut picture book about a Clydesdale horse and aspiring young cowgirl who team up to make their rodeo dreams come true. Publication is scheduled for fall 2024; Esther Fleece Allen represented the author, and Tina Doffing at Astound US represented the illustrator.

Karen Boss at Charlesbridge has acquired world rights to Remember Her Name!: Debbie Allen's Rise to Fame, a nonfiction picture book ode to creativity, perseverance, and joy as it celebrates groundbreaking dancer Debbie Allen who defied prejudice as a child to pursue her dreams and become a cultural icon, written by Tami Charles (l.) (All Because You Matter), illustrated by Meredith Lucius. Publication is set for summer 2025; Lara Perkins at Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented the author, and the illustrator represented herself.

Sarah Mackenzie at Waxwing Books has bought world rights to Painting Narnia: The Pictures of Pauline Baynes, a picture book biography by Katie Wray Schon about the original illustrator of C.S. Lewis's Narnia books, which includes details about her life as a British artist and a woman during World War II. Publication is planned for February 2025; Jennifer Mattson at Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented the author.
Approximately 800 scholars and ardent admirers of Jane Austen convened in Denver on November 35, for the Jane Austen Society of North Americas annual meeting. The theme of this years conference was Pride and Prejudice: A Rocky Romance, with a slate of keynotes and breakout sessions revealing new facets of the authors light and bright and sparkling novel, plus opportunities to explore Regency culture, customs, and costumes. The program brought together notable academics and authors of Austen adaptations and retellings including Stephanie Barron, whose Being a Jane Austen Mystery series came to a close last month. Throughout the event, several speakers discussed approaches to making Austen relevant and relatable for younger generationsand the rewards of doing so.

Regency Meets Gen Z

During a Friday morning breakout session, Teaching Austen in the Age of TikTok, Carolyn J. Brown and Jason Solinger shared their experience introducing Austen to high school students. Brown is a former English teacher at St. Andrews Episcopal School in Jackson, Miss., and the author of A de Grummond Primer: Highlights of the Childrens Literature Collection and several biographies on prominent women in literature. In 2020, amid the pandemic pivot to remote learning, she decided to take her semester-long 12th-grade English course, Timeless Jane Austen, in a new direction to better meet students needs and interests. Clearly, my students were more proficient in the ways of digital media than I, she said. Why not embrace it?

After reading Carol Shieldss biography Jane Austen: A Life, followed by Pride and Prejudice and Persuasion, the class went beyond the traditional research paper and created their own multimedia projects relating to the novels. In 2021, retired from full-time teaching but still leading her virtual Austen class, Brown received an invitation from Solinger, an associate professor of English at the University of Mississippi, to participate in a one-day conference organized by his undergraduate students on Reading Jane Austen for Fun. Solinger proposed a collaboration between their students to merge the worlds of academia, pop culture, and fan culture; and to generate original Austen-related content for the wider world, whether on social media, YouTube, the web, or even a regional JASNA event on Zoom or in person. Browns response?

Several of the students final projects gravitated towards what Brown and Solinger described as character-centered social media fanfictions. Examples included Jane Bennet, Unmasked, a video monologue dramatizing the contrast between the eldest Bennet daughters serene exterior and her inner agony after the Netherfield ball; an advice blog titled Mrs. Gardiners Guide to Mothering, including a post on How to Help Your Daughter Avoid Wicked Men; an Instagram account, @mr.collins_the greatest, with posts by the pompous clergyman as he searches for a wife; Keeping up with Caroline Bingley, a video parody of the antagonist as a contemporary Kim Kardashian; and a text message exchange between Mrs. Bennet and her daughters, full of gossip, matrimonial encouragement, and advice. Brown said, The feedback on the conference was incredibly positive. My students loved the experience of sharing and seeing and hearing other peoples work.

In an interview with PW after the JASNA meeting, Brown reflected further on the challenges and joys of teaching Austen to this age group. The main obstacle, she finds, is overcoming limited attention spans and meeting teens where they are. I feel like young people arent reading like they used to. They complain about longer reading assignments, she said. I think you have to entertain more, especially with younger readers. That means showing videos or film clips and getting interactive. Reading aloud is something that seems so simple, but it definitely brings a group together. This approach allows her to slow things down and relish the language. Jane Austen is funny, and I often stop [in our class discussion] because I dont want my students to miss it. For the love scenes, she said, I even tease them, and Ill say, Come on, you can do better than that! Bring more to Captain Wentworth! This is the most romantic letter ever written! 

Speaking of letters, Brown said that looking at the modes of communication in Austens novelsand the strict etiquette that governed social interaction in her erafrom a modern perspective leads to fertile discussions with her students. You have to really explain to our younger readers the importance of a single letter, and how it took a week or longer to get there, even though it was urgent. I love reading the letters and talking about how students are emailing and texting and using other forms of communication. They take it for granted, you know, how instantaneously they acquire information and get answers. Its a nice contrast between the centuries.

Brown believes its well worth the effort to teach Austen in a high school setting. Jason and I were nervous about changing the way we taught for 20 years or more, doing these new thingsbut I think weve been successful. I do love teaching the class, and I think the students enjoy it. She spoke of Austens novels as vital cultural touchstones. The classics are classics for a reason, she said. Theyre strong works of literature and I feel like they need to be read. Im a great reader of contemporary fiction, but honestly, I always find myself going back. Classics always reveal themselves in new ways. They have lessons that we can all take away, and we can enjoy them on different levels. Brown added that, just like her students, shes continually discovering new insights and perspectives on the text. We can go to a JASNA meeting, and weve read Pride and Prejudice 20 times and still learn something new, which totally astounds me.

YA the Austen Way

Angela Carmela Fantone, a masters candidate at Weber State University, presented a breakout session on Saturday morning titled Finding The Austen Formula in Pride and Prejudice and Modern Young Adult Adaptations. Focusing on two of the many recent YA reimaginings, Pride and Premeditation by Tirzah Price (HarperTeen, 2021) and Being Mary Bennet by J.C. Peterson (HarperTeen, 2022), Fantone examined how contemporary authors are putting their own spin on the finely woven plot patterns and character tropes in Austens most iconic novel.

In Pride and Premeditation, the first in the Jane Austen Murder Mysteries trilogy, Price gives the classic romantic comedy of manners a genre makeover. Here, Lizzie Bennet is an up-and-coming lawyer attempting to solve a murder case while sparring with a rival solicitoryou guessed itFitzwilliam Darcy. By contrast, Fantone described Being Mary Bennet as an Austen-adjacent retelling that unfolds in a contemporary setting. Peterson gives voice to the middle Bennet daughter, a socially awkward high school student who wants to be the heroine of her own story. Although the two adaptations appear vastly different, Fantone suggested that they both illuminate central themes in Austens original work, such as finding oneself and navigating romantic relationships while coming of agehallmarks of the modern YA novel.

During the q&a that followed her presentation, Fantone alluded to the rich diversity represented in recent YA Austen homages. Sayantani DasGuptas Debating Darcy (Scholastic Press, 2022) and Rosewood: A Midsummer Meet Cute (Scholastic Press, 2023), which center Desi teenagers and interrogate the racism and colonialism embedded in the Western literary canon, are two examples of expansive and inclusive reworkings. DasGupta said of her novels in a recent interview with PW, Its a little meta because the characters themselves have this conversation.... what does it mean to be a Brown girl enamored with these sorts of stories? How do you include yourself? Are we making space for ourselves and letting history off the hook by doing so? Can both of those ideas exist simultaneously? I wanted to problematize it without having an answer, because I think the answer is really complicated.

Several recent Austenian YA novels also bring aspects of gender and sexuality to the forefront by queering the canon, as in Margot Woods Fresh (Amulet, 2021) and L.C. Rosens Emmett (Little, Brown, 2023), which both reimagine Emma with an LGBTQ+ cast. And a trans retelling, Most Ardently: A Pride & Prejudice Remix by Gabe Cole Novoa, is forthcoming from Feiwel and Friends Remixed Classics series in January 2024.

So why read Austen adaptations? Fantone argued that retellings open up important questions about Austens characters and why they are so recognizable. Studying the intersections between the canon and YA adaptations, she said, adds educational value by engaging young people while widening their knowledge of the source material and interest in the classics. It also shows the culture that has emerged from legions of Austen fans. She suggested having students write their own fanfiction and adaptations, as another way of connecting with the text on a deeper level.

So Very Accomplished

As part of its 2023 meeting, JASNA honored young writers and creators for their contributions to the realm of Austen scholarship and cultural appreciation. JASNAs annual essay contest is open to students in high school, college/university, and graduate school. This years first-place winner in the high school division, responding to the theme of Marriage and Proposals, was Jessica T. Liu of Kittanning, Pa., for her essay Like Aunt, Like Niece: Generational Patterns of Marriage in Pride and Prejudice. Liu was awarded a $1,000 scholarship and free registration and lodging to attend the meeting. First-, second- and third-place winners in each of the contest divisions also received one year of JASNA membership, publication of their essays on the organizations website, and a set of Norton Critical Editions of Austens novels.

The 2024 contest topic and rules will be announced later this month, and submissions will open in February 2024.

Transforming Austens stories from page to screen, the finalist entries in JASNAs seventh annual Young Filmmakers Contest were presented on Friday evening. The contest is open to North American filmmakers under the age of 30, and aims to encourage the study, interpretation, and appreciation of Jane Austen among new generations. Participants were invited to create a short original film of five minutes or less inspired by one of the novels, or by Austens world and writing. First place went to Yours Affectionately, Jane, written and directed by Bernadette Santos Schwegel, a mysterious time-bending tale about a young woman in the modern day who becomes pen pals with Austen across the centuries. Other finalists included Mr. Collins and the Zombies of Gloucestershire, a meta-parody of our cultural obsession with Austen cinematic retellings; and Emma in Brazil, in which the heroine vlogs about her (mis)adventures while studying abroad.

In addition to cash awards for first, second, and third place, winners receive one year of JASNA membership. The winning films will be available for online viewing.

For educators who are interested in bringing Austen to their own students in grades K12, perhaps leading up to the authors 250th birthday in 2025, JASNA offers the Jane Austen Book Box program. Through the initiative, teachers and librarians can apply for a stipend to purchase books for their own classroom or community. Titles may include the original novels (or annotated editions and translations), modern retellings, graphic novels, young readers adaptations, and more. After the program, kids get to keep the books for their personal libraries. More information is available on the JASNA website.

Note: Emma Kantor has been a member of JASNA since 2022.
Fifty years after Peter Usborne founded Usborne Publishing in London, with the goal of revitalizing childrens nonfiction, the independent company has announced a new U.S. trade distribution partnership with HarperCollins. The first U.S. list was released this fall with 253 titles, selected from its backlist of bestselling series and one-off books, as well as new titles. Usborne books have previously been available in the U.S. through EDC, which will continue to sell Usborne titles in the U.S. through home sales consultants.

We have carefully curated a launch list for the U.S. trade, with consultation with HarperCollins U.S., American retailers, and our in-house U.S. team, dedicated members of our sales and marketing teams, who work closely with HarperCollins, said managing director Nicola Usborne (the daughter of Peter, who died last March at the age of 85). We have books in multiple formats for every age and stage, and to answer any question any child might have, and were excited to grow our U.S. presence to bring our broadest range to American readers.

Nicola and Jenny Tyler, Usbornes longtime publishing director, are continuing Peters mission of publishing childrens books that entertain as well as teach. When her father founded Usborne in 1973, Nicola explained, He thought nonfiction books were too dry and serious, and not engaging enough for children. He believed that children could understand anything, and were innately interested in learning about the world, but that learning and reading could sometimes be intimidating or off-putting. He thought that books needed also to be fun, approachable, and what he called pick-uppable so children would want to read them as much as they wanted to read comics or watch TV.

And from that belief emerged Peter Usbornes publishing vision of stealth learning, which involves creating books whose readers, Nicola said, are learning while having fun, and nothing feels arduous.

Such titles are in evidence on Usbornes debut U.S. list. Thats not my puppy by Fiona Watt, illustrated by Rachel Wells is a new, sparkly edition of the inaugural book in the Thats not my... series, which has sold 30 million copies worldwide since launching in 1999; and Sticker Dolly Dressing: Rainbow Unicorns by Fiona Watt, illustrated by Antonia Miller, an addition to this series that has sold more than 34 million copies since its 2006 debut.

A pair of interactive sound books pubbed in October: Dont Tickle the Unicorn! by Sam Taplin, illustrated by Ana Martin Larranaga; and Taplins Farm Sounds, with pictures by Federica Iossa. And due in December are Lift-the-Flap Questions and Answers About Dinosaurs by Katie Daynes, illustrated by Marie-Eve Tremblay; and 100 Things to Know About the Unknown by Jerome Martin, Alice James, and others, illustrated by Federico Mariani, Shaw Nielsen, and others.

A Closely Collaborative Work Force

Peter Usborne also built an innovative creative model for his new housea structure that still stands strong a half-century later. Tyler, who noted that Peter was her mentor for almost 50 years, said he created an in-house team of writers, editors, and designers who collaborated with him and each other on a daily basis, until the book was, he felt, right for the readersbright and colorful and as unlike schoolbooks as they could possibly be.

Usbornes nonfiction books are still generated, written, and designed in-house, with staff members working together at every step. We want to completely control what, how, and when we publish, as every book must adhere to our incredibly high standards, Nicola said.

Tyler pointed to another constant that distinguishes Usborne from most publishersa practice also implemented by Peter. Though subject experts are on hand to advise and correct mistakes, experts do not write our nonfiction books, Tyler said. Peter believed that they simply know too much and dont start where a child would start. The best results come from the writer and designer both discovering the information for the first time and sharing their newfound enthusiasm with the reader.

Usbornes books published into the American market will continue to originate from the publishers London office, and are carefully adapted and edited to make them suitable for the U.S. market, Nicola noted, adding, Youll never see anyone driving on a particular side of the road in any Usborne book! The publisher is also looking for opportunities to create books specifically aimed at American readers. New U.S. and U.K. editions of a title will be released simultaneously when feasible.

Losing her father this year was difficult for Nicola and her family, but she found solace in the fact that he was able to participate in some of Usbornes 50th anniversary commemoration. I am so pleased that my father was still with us for the start of this momentous year and could join us for our first celebration at the Bologna Book Fair, she said. He loved a partyparticularly one celebrating books and reading! And he was so proud that his beloved company and his vision for publishing for children had reached such an incredible milestone.
Marjane Satrapi, the author of the much beloved Persepolis, has insisted that she's done with comicsand she is, mostly. But she's also the editor of, and a contributor to, a forthcoming anthology of graphic nonfiction, Woman, Life, Freedom, on "the unprecedented and inspiring revolution happening in Iran today."

The book, translated from the French by Una Dimitrijevic and coming from Seven Stories Press this spring, depicts, the publisher said, the historic protests that followed the murder of Mahsa Amini, a young Iranian student arrested by religious police in Tehran for not properly wearing the headscarf required for women by the Islamic Republic, who beat her so badly that she became comatose and died three days later. The book, the publisher added, "shows in comics what would otherwise be censored in photos and film in Iran."

Woman, Life, Freedom will be released on March 19 and 20 in the U.S. and U.K., respectively, to coincide with Nowruz, the Iranian New Year. Featured artists include Shadnam Adinam, Bahareh Akrami, Bee, Patricia Bolanos, Catel, Coco, Deloupy, Hippolyte, Mana Neyestani, Touka Neyestani, Pascal Rabate, Rahi Rezvani, Paco Roca, Joann Sfar, Lewis Trondheim, Nicolas Wild, and Winshluss, a frequent film collaborator of Satrapis; other contributors include the writers Abbas Milani, Jean-Pierre Perrin, and Farid Vahid, and Satrapi said she contributed a handful of drawings, including the cover, as well as a few written pieces."

In her interview with PW this summer, Satrapi said that she's moved from comics to other mediums in order to continue to raise awareness around the issues in Iran.

"Im making clips, going to demonstrations, radio, TV. If you have a voice, if you are somebody who people will actually listen to, then you have to." She added, praising the youth of her home country"the way they are brave, the way they stand" that "there is nothing more beautiful than freedom except fighting for freedom."
In the temporarily occupied Mariupol, Donetsk region, Chechen natives who had come to the city broke into the Azovstal plant and came under fire. An attempt to collect scrap ended in a coma for one of them.

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Local so-called police opened fire on the Chechens. This is reported by the Telegram channel of the media of independent Russian journalists ASTRA (to view the photo, scroll down to the end).

It is noted that the incident occurred on November 13. Four Chechens, who now live in the occupied Mariupol, broke into a metallurgical plant to steal scrap metal.

There they were spotted by the occupation "police" officers who were "guarding" the plant. Three of the men surrendered, and the fourth took a knife and started running toward the "police".

As a result, one of the occupiers, Yuriy Kondratyuk, shot him, hitting him in the head. The victim is 37-year-old Magomed Skiev, who is now in a coma.

ADVERTISIMENT

As OBOZ.UA previously reported, on November 13, an occupying "police officer" died in hospital after being blown up in his car in Mariupol. The explosion occurred three days earlier, when the aggressor country of Russia celebrated Police Day.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
It took the art publisher Phaidon, which turned 100 this year, 82 years to step into the kitchen. But once it did, it found success overnight. In 2005, Phaidon published its first cookbook, The Silver Spoon, the first English-language translation of the indispensable Italian culinary bible Il cucchiaio d'argento. The tome has gone on to sell more than 6 million copies, according to the publisher.

The plan behind The Silver Spoon, according to Phaidon, was to take the humble cookbook and instill it with "the elevated design and production previously reserved for art titles." The plan worked. Since then, Phaidon has released well over 100 books in the cooking space, including a baker's dozen last year, each drawing from the vision of "elegantly produced, accessibly priced art books" with which the publisher was founded in 1923 in Vienna.

Since 2005, Phaidon has published works by some of the world's best-known chefs, including Ferran Adria, Massimo Bottura, Enrique Olvera, Rene Redzepi, and Ana Ros. In addition to books featuring the recipes of a certain chef or restaurant, the publisher has released around two dozen hulking volumes in the tradition of The Silver Spoonbooks that focus on the cuisine of a specific country or region, or even of a single-subject, such as Emily Elyse Miller's Breakfast: The Cookbook.

This past year, for instance, the publisher released Japan: The Vegetarian Cookbook, a sequel to Nancy Singleton Hachisu's 2018 Japan: The Cookbook, as well as The North African Cookbook and The Korean Cookbook, by Atomix chef Junghyun Park and Korean culinary expert Jungyoon Choi. Titles for next spring include a reissue of Spain: The Cookbook, Salma Hage's The Levantine Vegetarian, and the latest follow-up to Phaidon's first culinary hit, The Silver Spoon: Pasta.

Since 2014, Phaidon's North American cookbook program has been led by Emily Takoudes, who was brought on board as executive commissioning editor of food, and who has debuted subcategories at the publisher including single-subject cookbooks and beverages, which began in 2016 with Regarding Cocktails by renowned Milk & Honey bartender Sasha Petraske and his widow, Georgette Moger. We spoke with Takoudes about how she came to Phaidon, the value of massive guides to wide-ranging national cuisines, the rise of the celebrity chef in cookbook culture, and more.

Can you tell us a bit about your career and how you came to run the cookbook editorial program at Phaidon?

I moved to New York in 1999 to be an editorial assistant at Little, Brown. I went to Simon & Schuster as a nonfiction associate editor for Alice Mayhew, to Ecco/HarperCollins as a generalist nonfiction editor, then to Clarkson Potter/Random House as a senior editor of cookbooks and food narratives. Nearly twenty years ago at Ecco I worked on my first cookbook, which was assigned to mehence I fell into the category.

Phaidon has been publishing art books for 100 years, but its cookbook program started a little less than two decades ago. What prompted the entry into the cooking space? How does the creation, production, and promotion of one of your cookbooks resemble or differ from the same on one of Phaidons art books? How long does the process typically take?

In 2005, Emilia Terragnian Italian Phaidon editor, now associate publisherintroduced culinary to Phaidon, and readers around the globe with our first Silver Spoon title, a stunning tome of thousands of Italian recipes for the home cook. It was a perfect entry point, publishing alongside books on architecture, design, art, and other visual categories.

Many of the books at Phaidon are commissionedmeaning we seek out who wed like to publish and develop the book projects together. So it is a highly curated list, and all our titles have very high production standards. For culinary titles, there may be eating involved as part of the commissioning, especially if it's a restaurant book. The editorial process is different for cookbooks because of the technicality of the recipes and layers of specialists, including copy editors and photographers shooting new images of the finished dishes.

After a year or two of collaborative editorial work, the manuscript is delivered and we publish one to one and a half years afterwards. It is a lengthy process. I am currently signing up books to publish in 2026. Our promotion for a cookbook may involve a collaboration dinner between our author and another chef, a cooking demo, a private lecture about the book, or a public conversation.

Your cookbooks fall into multiple categories, with the program having an apparent emphasis on two: chefs and their restaurants, and national and regional cuisines. How do you discover the chefs and writers you want to work with? Can you talk us through the differences in putting together a book such as Jason Hammel's The Lula Cafe Cookbook from The Korea Cookbook?

I ate at Lula Cafe in Chicago in 2012 and later a Phaidon author highly recommended we consider him. Through my experiences of eating there and talking with Jason over years, and reading some sample materials, we came together on a project we both really believed in that turned into The Lula Cafe Cookbook. Such chef and restaurant cookbooks come about in a variety of ways. I keep my ear to the ground, eat around, stay connected in the food industry, and have conversations with interesting and visionary chefs and writers, regardless of what stage they are in their careers.

For The Korean Cookbook, I very much wanted to add this cuisine to our existing bible serieshundreds of home cooking recipes that celebrate food culture, deeply researched and written by experts immersed in the region. I did my homework to think about who to commission as the author and I was pulled towards so many qualified candidates. In the end, after months of discussions and reviewing proposals, I settled on Junghyun JP Park (of Atomix, Atoboy, Naro) and Jungyoon Choi as coauthors. For these tomes, sometimes I meet someone and years later I want to do a book on a subject of which theyre the expert, then I approach them and we make the book. Sometimes an author comes to me about one project, and it turns into this other subject about which theyre passionate and eager to do a deep exploration. This year, JP was the highest ranked American restaurant on the Worlds 50 Best Restaurants list, he was named James Beard Best Chef: New York State, and his Phaidon book has just published, so hes really having his moment.

Over the past quarter-century, the status of the chef in popular culture has risen to almost equate with that of a film director or visual artist. What role do you think Phaidon played in that progression? What do you think that increase in visibility for chefs has meant for the cookbook space?

I do believe that through the intersection of art and culinary, Phaidon creates a unique physical objectthat people want to hold, own, read, use, gift. These books are both current and timeless all at once. For many of our chefs, a Phaidon book has become a calling card and led them to a wider global audience. I was incredibly proud, for instance, to publish chefs Ana Ros and Manu Buffaraknown in their respective countries of Slovenia and Brazil and starting to gain international acclaim when I met them years ago. They now have incredible visibility because of their lauded restaurants, and now their Phaidon chef monographs are part of that reach. After a decade of publishing such books, its still thrilling to know that through our vast network of trade and specialty accounts, we reach readers in towns and cities all over the world.

Whats the guiding philosophy of the bible series? Why big, comprehensive tomes on regional cooking?

Our subjects and authors (whether chefs or food writers) represent a diversity and breadth of cuisines across cultures, regions, and countries. We cover the globe when it comes to places we celebrate. Our cookbooks are for readers anywhere in the world who are interested in cooking, dining, or food culture and who are eager to explore through the perspective of an author with a unique and sometimes visionary lens.

The author of these books may be a chef or a food writer/historian/scholar. The authors all have deep knowledge, passion, and experience with the topic. They are selected and commissioned by Phaidon to do an extraordinary, authoritative, and comprehensive deep dive that often takes several years to research and make into a book. They have a minimum of 350 recipes, but may have many more. Each recipe has a headnote that offers cultural, historic, and/or culinary context to the recipe, ingredients, cooking techniques, or traditions. The introductory material is usually quite extensive, with the author describing the bookmaking journey and connection to the place or content, but also providing an overview of the cuisinefor the reader arriving to these pages and interested in the topic regardless of where they live. These books feature specially commissioned food photography and sometimes landscape images of the place as well.

What aspects of Phaidons cookbooks do you think make them stand out in the cooking space compared to cookbooks put out by some of your competitors?

Led by our longtime creative director Julia Hasting, we commission designers from around the world for our titles, giving our books a distinctive edge, beauty, and sophistication. Our cookbooks have plenty of narrative plus visual storytelling through the photography, so were able to really take our readers on a journeyto a restaurant or place.

Who are some chefs whose books you have yet to commission but would love to work with? What are some cuisines not yet on the publication slate that youd like to publish books on?

Im not ready to share those secrets yet, but I can share a few books in my pipeline. In 2024, I have a book from Londons high-end Connaught Bar (expanding the beverage sub-category I started in 2016), food writer Ben Mims exploring cookies around the world for home bakers, Alexander Smalls showcasing chefs across Africa, and much more.

Anything else you would like to share?

In early 1999, shortly after graduating college mid-year, I was eager to learn as much as I could about the book publishing industry. My mother had been a longtime bookseller at both independent shops and Waldenbooks, so I was familiar with PW. I bought the current copy and at the time, every publisher had ads showcasing their imprints, bestsellers, and web sites (which were quite new!). I spent a couple weeks doing homework, looking up all the sites, getting a handle on what imprints focused on what types of books, and I started to wrap my head around it all. Its a great full circle momentas I approach my 25-year anniversary in book publishing and my decade milestone at Phaidonthat I have the opportunity to do this interview feature for PW.
In a major and largely unprecedented restructuring, Hachette Livre, the book publishing arm of Lagardere Group, is bringing the Hachette Book Group and its U.K.-based counterpart, Hachette UK, into what it calls a new English-language management structure. Under the reorganization, HUK CEO David Shelley will take on the CEO role for both HBG and HUK, reporting to Hachette Livre deputy CEO Stephanie Ferran and Arnaud Lagardere, chairman and CEO of Hachette Livre.

Michael Pietsch will retire as HBGs CEO, and has been named chairman, while HBGs well regarded COO, Joe Mangan, has decided to leave HBG and will retire, according to the announcement. Richard Kitson, deputy CEO of HUK, will assume the role of deputy CEO of both HBG and HUK. The changes will be effective January 1, 2024. Few operational details on, and no reasons for, the overhaul have been released, though the makeover occurs as Vivendi's long-simmering acquisition of Lagardere is expected to be completed very soon. The new changes also come one week after Arnaud Lagardere was appointed chairman and CEO of Hachette Livre, replacing Pierre Leroy.

Thanks to this new structure at the helm of our publishing activities in the US and UK, Hachette Livre will be ideally positioned to pursue its ambitions to be a global leader by bringing business closer together and unlocking new opportunities for growth in those strategic markets, Arnaud Lagardere said in a statement. The success that David Shelley has built at Hachette UK is both inspiring and impressive, and he is the best person to create a strong and unified English language publishing team."

According to Lagardere's annual report, the U.S. accounted for 29% of the publishing division's revenue in 2022 and was Lagardere Publishing's largest market, while the U.K. accounted for 17% of sales. For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2023, total sales for Hachette Livre were 2.01 billion, up 0.9% over the comparable period a year ago.

In a statement, Shelley said that he was incredibly honored to be given this opportunity to lead Hachette Book Group as well as Hachette UK and to work with Richard and the teams on both sides of the Atlantic to bring the two companies closer together. He added: Id like to pay special tribute to Michael as he has been a key figure for me over the years. As well as being a legendary editor, publisher, and CEO, he is one of the most kind and thoughtful people in our industry. I am extremely pleased that he will be remaining as chairman for the coming year, and I look forward to working closely with him very much.

According to the U.K. publishing trade publications, Shelley will spend most of his time in New York, being in the U.K. one week in five, while Kitson will be based in the U.K., working in the U.S. one week in four.

Pietsch has led HBG for 11 years, having been promoted to succeed David Young as CEO after serving as publisher of Little, Brown. During his tenure, Pietsch oversaw a string of acquisitions, including of Hyperion Adult, Perseus Books, and Workman Publishing, and worked with writers ranging from David Baldacci, James Patterson, and J.K. Rowling to Ayad Akhtar, Min Jin Lee, and David Foster Wallace. Pietsch has also served on a number of industry boards, including PEN America, Poets & Writers, and the Association of American Publishers, where he served a term as chair.

Im proud of everything that all of us at Hachette Book Group have accomplished in the past decade, in close partnership with our authorsthriving, growing, and reinventing ourselves through complex and challenging times, Pietsch said in a statement. Working even more closely with our wonderful colleagues at Hachette UK, under David Shelleys excellent leadership, will make us an even stronger company, and I look forward to contributing to our future successes in every way possible in my new role.

This story has been updated with new information.
PEN America will open an office in Florida, expanding its presence in the state amid growing book banning and other censorship efforts, and has appointed Katie Blankenship its first ever Florida director.

Blankenship, PEN said, will lead a Florida-based team of twowith plans to grow staff over the next few yearsin "an accelerated effort amid the crisis of censorship in Florida public schools and efforts to undermine academic freedom and diversity and inclusion on college campuses." In addition, she will "join PEN Americas team of free expression experts in community engagement, legislative advocacy, and in mobilizing literary activism."

Blankenship comes to PEN from the ACLU of Florida, where she was promoted to deputy legal director six months after joining, in 2021, as a staff attorney on the organization's immigrant rights campaign. In her role as deputy legal director, she ran ACLU of Florida's First Amendment campaign and served as legal counsel on the Pernell v. Lamb case, which led to a preliminary injunction against the so-called Stop WOKE Act.

Florida now has more book bans than any other state, according to PEN Americas data, and accounts for more than 40% of all documented bans. Funding for PEN's efforts in the state comes from a variety of sources including a group of bestselling authors.

We must fight this battle in the courts, on the streets, in the schools, and at the polls, Blankenship said. And I believe Floridians are ready to expand this fight against the silencing of teachers and the erasure of key subjects and history from classrooms, along with book banning. Groups are popping up all over the state to fight back and our statewide coalition is growing by the day.
In an appeal brief filed with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, attorneys for a group of booksellers and publishing industry associations argue that a district court in Texas correctly enjoined HB 900Texass controversial book rating lawand urged the court to let the injunction stand.

In a November 13 filing, attorneys for the plaintiffs (two Texas bookstoresAustins BookPeople and Houstons Blue Willow Bookshoptogether with the American Booksellers Association, the Association of American Publishers, the Authors Guild, and the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund) succinctly laid out the legal and practical arguments against the onerous and unconstitutional law, and insisted that district court judge Alan D. Albright was justified in issuing an August 31 preliminary injunction blocking the law.

To be clear, Plaintiffs do not assert that the government is obligated to purchase anything from Plaintiffs. Nor do they allege a First Amendment right to allow sexually explicit books in schools or prevent their removal. Instead, Plaintiffs seek to exercise their First Amendment right to distribute books without being required to comply with the onerous Rating Requirements of HB 900, the brief states. At its core, the plaintiffs argue, the case is about whether the government can compel private entities to, at their own expense, make highly subjective, complex determinations about the content of books in violation of their sincerely held beliefs or be barred from distributing constitutionally protected books to public schools.

The filing comes after Texas state attorneys filed their appeal on October 30 seeking to overturn Albrights injunction. In its brief, the state relies largely on three technical arguments: that the plaintiffs claims are unripe because new collection development standards mandated by the law have not yet been implemented; that the plaintiffs lack standing; And that the plaintiff claims are constitutionally barred by the doctrine of state sovereign immunity. As to the substantive constitutional questionsprimarily, whether the law violates the free speech clause of the First Amendment by forcing booksellers to adopt state-approved ratings for every book sold to Texas public schoolsthe state insists that it has broad powers to regulate speech made available to children, but argues that the court doesnt need to reach these questions because the legal deficiencies of the case require its dismissal.

In their appeal brief, the plaintiff booksellers and publishers seek to dismantle the states arguments, laying out the untenable economic burdens and unconstitutional constraints the law would place on book vendors, which, lawyers argue, would create an existential crisis for booksellers and distributors, if allowed to stand.

The District Court correctly held it had jurisdiction because Plaintiffs meet the standing requirements to bring a First Amendment pre-enforcement challenge, the case is ripe for review, and the Ex Parte Young exception to sovereign immunity applies, the filing states, rebutting the state's core contentions. The District Court also correctly found that HB 900s rating requirements feature at least three fundamental constitutional flawsthey compel unwanted speech, require booksellers to make subjective determinations about the content of books based on a 'web of unconstitutionally vague requirements,' and allow the government to prohibit a wide swath of constitutionally protected material from being disseminatedand preliminarily enjoined those provisions from being enforced. This Court should affirm the preliminary injunction and remand for a trial on the merits.

 If Plaintiffs yield to the States demands, they will betray their conscience. If Plaintiffs fail to provide ratings or do not update their initial ratings with the States ratings, they will face substantial financial harm by being prevented from selling any books to public schools. 

Signed by Texas governor Greg Abbott on June 12, HB 900 requires book vendorsat their own considerable expenseto review and rate books, both new and previously sold, for sexual content under a vaguely articulated standard. Under the law, books rated sexually explicit (if the book includes material that would be deemed patently offensive by unspecified community standards) are banned entirely from Texas public schools. Books rated sexually relevant (books with any representation of sexual conduct) would require written parental permission for students to access them. Furthermore, the law gives the state the ultimate power to change the rating on any book, and to bar vendors that do not accept the state's ratings as their own from selling to Texas schools, essentially imposing a state standard.

Those demands present "a plethora of Hobsons choices, the publishers and booksellers explain in their appeal. If Plaintiffs yield to the States demands, they will betray their conscience. If Plaintiffs fail to provide ratings or do not update their initial ratings with the States ratings, they will face substantial financial harm by being prevented from selling any books to public schools. Furthermore, since the required book ratings will be published online, the law could negatively impact potential book buyers not only in Texas but across the country.

The appeal brief before the Fifth Circuit is the latest move in the closely-watched litigation over HB 900, and comes after Albrightfollowing two hearings in Augustissued an unequivocal 59-page written opinion and order blocking the law. In his opinion, Albright said the burdens placed on vendors by HB 900 are so numerous and onerous as to call into question whether the legislature believed any third party could possibly comply. And he called the states attempt to outsource book ratings to private vendors a textbook example of compelled speech.

In a legal twist, however, a motions panel of the Fifth Circuit on September 25 issued an administrative stay on Albrights injunctiona stay not based on the merits of the caseessentially putting Albright's injunction on ice while the appeals court considers that state's challenge. Thus, despite being found unconstitutional, HB 900 is currently in effect pending further action by the appeals court.

Meanwhile, in another twist this week, the author of HB 900, Texas state rep. Jared Patterson, filed an amicus brief with the court (which was accepted despite appearing to come after the courts deadline for briefs) which, puzzlingly, appeared to refute some of the states key legal arguments.

"Contrary to the position of the state in this case, Amicus does not dispute the vendors standing to challenge the provisions of [HB 900] that directly regulate them. To the contrary, this Court has been clear that a party who is the object of a regulation has standing to challenge itfull stop," Patterson's brief argues. "Nor does Amicus argue that a challenge to the provisions that directly regulate vendors would not be ripe. This Court has been clear that facial claims are ripe the moment the regulation is passed."

Instead, Patterson's amicus brief appears less concerned with the provisions applying to book vendors, and more interested in having the court leave in place the HB 900's broad definitions for sexual content.

"The court held that the use of 'patently offensive' was unconstitutionally vague, but did not enjoin the rest of the definition. Excising the vague term 'patently offensive' from the definition, the statute is now limited to 'sexual contact, actual or simulated sexual intercourse, deviate sexual intercourse, sexual bestiality, masturbation, sado-masochistic abuse, or lewd exhibition of the genitals, the anus, or any portion of the female breast below the top of the areola.' No one can reasonably dispute the clarity of those term," Patterson argues. "As such, regardless of whether the vendors have standing to challenge the portions of [HB 900] that regulate private vendors, they lack standing to challenge the core provisions of [the law]. There is no stand-alone right to have pornographic materials purchased by public schools."

According to a scheduling order, amicus briefs supporting the plaintiffs are due November 17, and the state's final reply brief is due on November 20. Oral argument is currently set for November 29.
A two-state solution for Israel and the Palestinians has been a goal since the Oslo Accords were signed 30 years ago. This alternative is up for discussion again. If we arent willing to do what it takes to implement a two-state solution, we should take this option off the table.

If a two-state solution is unworkable, a one-state solution may be less attractive to both the Israelis and the Palestinians. A one-state solution would result in Jews eventually becoming a minority and Israel would no longer be a Jewish state. The Palestinians would not get a state of their own. Trying to maintain the present situations in Gaza and the West Bank may be the worst alternative.

Before we can discuss possible solutions, we need to recognize some facts.

There probably isnt enough land. Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank are only about 11,000 square miles, a little larger than Maryland or Vermont. In addition, much of this land is arid, with limited water supplies, and not suitable for agriculture or even residential use.

The Palestinians arent going anywhere. Israels population is about 9.8 million including 7.2 million Jews and 1.7 million Muslims, most considered to be Palestinians. The West Bank population including East Jerusalem is about 2.9 million, 2.7 million Palestinians, and about 670,000 Israel settlers. Gazas population is about 2.1 million almost all of whom are Palestinians. About 1.6 million Palestinians still live in refugee camps in Gaza, the West Bank, and neighboring countries.

Any permanent resolution requires an international effort to relieve some of the population pressure by providing homes for refugees and others who would voluntarily resettle in other countries that would accept them.

A Palestinian state in the West Bank has to be politically and economically sustainable. It cannot be made up of small areas connected by roads and surrounded by territory controlled by Israel. It would need its own airport and access to a seaport on Israels coast. If West Bank land occupied by Israeli settlers has to be part of Israel, a separate Palestinian state would not be viable.

It may be impractical to incorporate Gaza into a Palestinian state because it is separated geographically by Israel. A land corridor connecting Gaza with the West Bank is probably not practical.

Any solution would require strong international security guarantees for Israel and the Palestinian state. This could require the right to come to the defense of either country if attacked by terrorists or other countries, similar to guarantees given to NATO members.

What would it take? Perhaps others could propose a better solution.

There would have to be an international agreement by major Middle East countries, the U.S., Europe, and some other countries to resettle a large number of Palestinians, especially from Gaza, which is one of the worlds most densely populated areas. A goal would be to empty refugee camps and give everyone a path to citizenship somewhere.

Create a Palestinian state in the West Bank. To be viable, this would have to include most or all of the West Bank with some practical border adjustments. Israeli settlers living in the West Bank could continue to live there with dual Israeli and Palestinian citizenship. They could always return to Israel if they ever chose to do so.

Gaza would become part of Israel. Gazas citizens could relocate to the West Bank to live in a Palestinian state, emigrate to another country, or become Israeli residents with a long-term path to Israeli citizenship assuming they meet some clearly stated conditions.

Jerusalem is a holy site for Jews, Muslims, and Christians. There would need to be an agreement on the management of Jerusalems holy sites that is acceptable to all these religions. Perhaps some form of international oversight would be required.

International aid to the new Palestinian state would be conditioned upon the state remaining a viable democracy with regular free elections and no dictatorships. International aid to Israel would be conditional on their support of the two-state solution.

Those resettling in Israel or other countries would have permanent residency as long as they met clearly stated conditions. They would have a path to eventual citizenship, perhaps after 10 years.

All Palestinians accepting the terms of this settlement would have to denounce terrorism and actions to overthrow Israel.

The cost of resettling refugees and those who want to change their residency would be very large and would have to be funded by commitments from countries participating in this program, including Israel.

There would be a popular vote or official poll of the Palestinians to determine if they are in favor of the settlement and how many would relocate.

There have to be big and bold changes to break the cycle of violence that fuels terrorism and leaves millions stagnating in refugee camps or living in Gaza and the West Bank without true self-government or hope for a better future.

This proposed solution or some variation of it would be extremely difficult to fund and implement. However, maintaining the status quo even if Israel is able to defeat Hamas is not viable longer-term and will not lead to a permanent peace.
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The American Film Institute announced the date of the Nicole Kidman Lifetime Achievement Award tribute on Monday. The event will be April 27.

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The AFI previously announced Kidman as the recipient and planned to hold the event this year. AFI postponed the event in May when the Writers Guild of America went on strike.

The Screen Actors Guild and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists went on strike in July. Kidman is a member of SAG-AFTRA, which ended the strike officially on Thursday.

AFI notes that Kidman is their first Australian recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award. She has been nominated for five Oscars and won for The Hours in 2003.

Kidman began her career in Australian films such as BMX Bandits, Dead Calm and Flirting. Though Dead Calm was a hit, it was the 1990 blockbuster Days of Thunder that brought Kidman to Hollywood.

Kidman has been acclaimed in films like Moulin Rouge!, Margot at the Wedding and Being the Ricardos, in which she played Lucille Ball . Kidman also appeared in crowd pleasing blockbusters like Batman Forever, The Others and the Aquaman films.

Kidman recently branched out into American television with Big Little Lies, Nine Perfect Strangers and Special Ops: Lioness.
Mari Pepin-Solis / Instagram

By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 11/13/2023



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Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade.

couple Mari Pepin-Solis and Kenny Braasch have exchanged vows and are officially a married couple.After meeting on 's seventh season and dating for two years, Mari, 27, and Kenny, 42, tied the knot in front of 65 of their closest family and friends on Saturday, November 11 in Puerto Rico, People reported Mari and Kenny got married at Hacienda Don Carmelo in Vega Baja, and Mari stunned in a strapless gown with a thigh-high slit by Justin Alexander. For his part, Kenny sported a traditional tuxedo.Kenny's sister officiated the ceremony, and the pair wrote their own vows.Their first dance as husband and wife was to "I Want to Know What Love Is" by Foreigner, which was a nod to the 80s party they had attended on ."I do believe in signs and numbers, and so 11/11 is obviously seen as a special number and it means good things," Mari told the magazine of why she and Kenny picked November 11 at their wedding date.Their wedding celebration also happened to fall on Veteran's Day weekend, which paid tribute to Mari's father, who had served in the military for 25 years."I'm his only daughter, so that's special," Mari shared. "He hasn't had the best association or memories with Veterans Day, so hopefully this year we'll change that and for Veterans Days moving forward."Given a lot of Mari's family members live in Puerto Rico, she thought it would be the perfect spot to wed. The "intimate" destination wedding also allowed for a wedding that was "smaller" and "easier to manage."Mari, however, included the couple's two dogs -- Dice and Monster -- in the ceremony, and she said it was "a bit of an adventure" flying them to Puerto Rico.And Mari teased how she and Kenny "always had the idea to do a couple of other celebrations so we can include more people as well." A big party may even be in the works for the couple's Bachelor Nation friends.Mari and Kenny now plan to de-stress and relax with a mini-moon in Canada, but they won't be taking their official honeymoon until next year.For 2024, the couple are looking into a possible European cruise."As a little girl, I always dreamed of my wedding day and what's it going to look like and what am I going to wear, but as you get older, you realize that that's not the important part," Mari shared with People."The important part is actually finding a person that you want to spend the rest of your life with and that you get along so well with. And it wasn't until I met Kenny that I was like, 'Oh yeah, I'm not thinking about that as much as this is the kind of person that I want to be with.' That's really what made me realize that it was right."The former beauty pageant queen also expressed how she's happy to be done with dating."There's no more trying to figure out if some guy is playing games, this is it. It's locked down," Mari said. "I know that Kenny is the kind of person that I want to be with forever."Kenny, in turn, admitted marriage is something he "didn't think would ever happen" for him.The boyband manager explained, "As you get older, you get comfortable being alone for a while; it gets normal. So, to be able to end up where we are and the way we met each other, it's just wild to me how many things had to happen for us to even meet and get to where we are right now.""So many stars had to align for this to happen," he added. "She brings me a lot of peace."The newlyweds believe their future is "bright," with a lot of love and happiness in store."It'll be exciting to see what happens in the next five years," Kenny noted."I feel like at some point, we might start a business -- we joke about it. But it's nice to know that the future... [has] a lot of possibilities for us. We've already lived together for a really good chunk of time, so we already know that things are going to already are going to work out."And after her big day, Mari shared a picture of Kenny flashing his new wedding band during their breakfast together."The morning after," Mari wrote, along with a heart-eyes emoji.And late last week, Mari had posted photos from her romantic rehearsal dinner."So excited to have our families together in Puerto Rico. Tomorrow is the day!!!!!" Mari captioned the carousel of images.Back in February, Mari said she and Kenny were set on having a second wedding in Chicago, IL, where they currently live, in March 2024.At the time, Mari recalled trying on "so many different styles" of wedding dresses, adding that her final selection wasn't what she had initially imagined wearing on her wedding day."The style I ended up choosing completely caught me off guard. I have a couple different styles, so I was able to mix it up and throw in different styles that look nothing like each other, which is cool," Mari explained."But the dress for my main wedding, the one in Puerto Rico, I envisioned myself in something very sleek and sexy and almost more pageant-like -- I have no idea why I never envisioned myself in anything else, but suddenly I'm on Pinterest and I'm like, 'Oh my gosh, no, I love this style.' And I ended up going with something so different."Mari and Kenny revealed in January they had already booked their wedding venue in Puerto Rico and paid the deposit for a "smaller and more intimate" ceremony. They were still trying to nail down the guest list and a caterer at the time.Mari told BachelorNation.com late last year that she wanted "a tropical theme" with "tropical flowers" and a "colorful" event for her Puerto Rican wedding.Mari and Kenny got engaged on 's seventh-season finale in Summer 2021, but the show didn't air until October of that year.After Kenny popped the question in Paradise, Mari moved to Kenny's hometown of Chicago.Kenny revealed in January 2022 that he and Mari were taking the next step in their relationship and moving in together."@Mari_Pepin and I have signed the lease on a new apartment here in Chicago," Kenny reportedly wrote on his Instagram Story at the time.Mari then reposted the announcement and added, "I can't wait to keep annoying you, and scaring you, and love you every day boo!"On 's seventh season, Mari, a marketing manager at the time, connected with Kenny right off the bat, and it seemed like love at first sight.But once things began getting serious, Mari pumped the brakes and suggested the couple should continue seeing each other while keeping their options open and pursuing other possible romances in Mexico.Kenny, a little heartbroken over Mari's lack of commitment, therefore dated Demi Burnett , with whom he went to "The Boom Boom Room," and he also went on a date with Tia Booth in which they played naked volleyball with strangers.Once Mari saw Kenny with other women, she realized how much she missed him and how she wanted him all to herself. Mari therefore apologized to Kenny and fought for him, and the pair became inseparable after their reconciliation.On 's finale, Kenny said getting engaged to a person so soon was "insane" but he'd be an "idiot" not to wife Mari up because he was absolutely crazy about the girl.Mari gushed about how Kenny had "100 percent of her heart" and she felt like the luckiest woman in the world to be with him.Mari said that although there is a 15-year age difference between them, she believes they are at similar stages in life and want the same things, which helped bring them closer together and solidify their bond.Mari added of the significant age gap, "I think the only way that it's noticeable is when we talk about movies or music, because [we're] obviously [from] different generations."In terms of having children, Mari previously said, "I think I just want to enjoy being married for a little bit first and then maybe in the next year to two years we'll start talking about that."In addition to Kenny and Mari, two other couples got engaged on the seventh-season finale: Joe Amabile and Serena Pitt as well as Riley Christian and Maurissa Gunn.Maurissa and Riley have since split, but Joe and Serena are currently married and living together in New York City.Before appearing on , Mari competed for Matt James ' heart on The Bachelor's 25th season and Kenny dated Clare Crawley and Tayshia Adams on The Bachelorette's sixteenth season.Interested in more The Bachelor news? Follow our Bachelor Nation News Page on Facebook or join our The Bachelor Facebook Group
AMC released the teaser and photos for the upcoming series Parish on Monday. The show premieres on the network and its AMC+ streaming service next year.

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Giancarlo Esposito stars as Gracian "Gray" Parish, who returns to his life of crime after his son is murdered. Parish ran a car service in New Orleans but before that he was a wheelman.

In the trailer, Parish says, "Over and over people keep backing me into a corner. It's got to stop. I'm tired of being the passenger in my own life."

Brief clips show fast paced vehicular chases and high powered weaponry firing. The show is an American adaptation of the U.K. drama The Driver.

Parish will be six episodes. It also stars Zachary Momoh, Paula Malcolmson, Skeet Ulrich, Bonnie Mbuili, Ivan Mbakop, Arica Himmell and Dax Rey. Bradley Whitford recurs and Amanda Brugel guest stars.

Esposito played Gus Fring on AMC's landmark Breaking Bad and its prequel, Better Call Saul. After the end of Saul, Esposito also starred in Kaleidoscope for Netflix.

Esposito also appears on The Mandalorian, The Boys and Godfather of Harlem.
Since mid-February 2023, the European Union has increased its ammunition production by 20-30%. European Commissioner for Internal Trade Thierry Breton insists that by the spring of 2024, the EU will be able to produce 1 million shells a year to fulfill its promise to Ukraine.

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"This goal will be achieved. Now it is up to the member states to finalize the contracts," Deutsche Welle quoted Breton as saying. The politician commented on the situation before a meeting of the EU Council of Ministers for Foreign Affairs (at the level of defense ministers) in Brussels, Belgium.

The European Commissioner called it positive news that European countries have increased their ammunition production capabilities.

"Of course, our goal is much higher numbers, and we will get them a little later, namely in the spring of 2024. According to our commitments to Ukraine, we have promised to reach at least a million shells and missiles [annually]," the French politician said. He promised that the commitment would be fulfilled,Ukrinform reports.

The European Commissioner explained that he had checked European factories himself. There is capacity, although the pace of work needs to be increased.

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"And I tell you that the production of more than a million shells, given our capabilities, starting in the spring, will be met! Then it's up to the individual countries - it' s their responsibility to meet their deadlines and volumes. They must control this well and, most importantly, understand that what they produce should be sent primarily to Ukraine," Breton said.

Meanwhile, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius is not so optimistic. He believes that the European Union will not be able to cope with this ambitious goal. The German Defense Minister also admitted that from the very beginning he doubted that the goal of supplying Kyiv with ammunition set in March would be achieved.

As OBOZ.UA previously reported:

- Bloomberg said that the European Union is unlikely to fulfill its obligation to provide the Ukrainian Armed Forces with 1 million artillery rounds.

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- Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba confirmed this information. According to him, the EU is unlikely to fulfill the plan. Ukraine is "loudly ringing the bells" and plans to catch up with Europe, the minister said.

Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
On Nov. 13, at approximately 7:54 a.m., Athens-Clarke County police responded to a report that a 13-year-old male was shot on the 100 block of Chalfont Drive. The teen was shot twice in the leg while standing outside his aunt's apartment.
The Kostyshyns  a refugee family from Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine, pose for a photo. The family has been living in Watkinsville, Georgia, through the Uniting for Ukraine program for one year this October. Mother Hrystyna Kostyshyn (33) and sons Bohdan (8) and Tymofii (3) pose for a portrait in front of the University of Georgia Catholic Center after Sunday service on Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023. (Photo/Lizzie Rice)
General insurance companies are likely to see a surge in demand for health insurance in the coming months due to falling air quality in the country.

IMAGE: Activist Ashok Kumra runs a campaign to increase awareness about the perils of air pollution. Photograph: ANI

The health insurance segment has registered a strong growth after the pandemic due to higher awareness.

In the first half of financial year 2023-24, the segment grew by 24.4 per cent to Rs 54,713.52 crore from Rs 43,981.54 crore in H1FY23, driving growth of the non-life insurance industry.

The surge in price of group health premiums acted as a key contributing factor.

Due to the rise in awareness after the pandemic, the health insurance industry witnessed a huge growth in H1FY24 with industry premiums rising 120 per cent from Rs 24,864.01 crore in the first half of FY19-20.

In the health segment, the premium of the group health segment rose by nearly 27 per cent in H1FY24 to Rs 29,537.57 crore from Rs 23,316.04 crore during the same period of the previous financial year.

Whereas, retail health premium rose by 18.39 per cent to Rs 18,784.82 crore from Rs 15,867.31 crore in the same time period.

According to Siddharth Singhal, business head - health insurance, Policybazaar.com, "The deteriorating air quality index (AQI) will not only affect the lungs and result in respiratory disorders but also cause other long-term problems.

"We are seeing a lot of customers, who are concerned about their health. They are buying health insurance."

Most metro cities in India are battling acute air pollution with the AQI readings being poor, moderate or severe.

While the condition is acute in Delhi-NCR, some other metros like Mumbai are also witnessing increased levels of air pollution.

The depleting air quality is a health hazard, especially for those with respiratory ailments.

In some cases, it even leads to hospitalisation.

Further, increase in awareness on health-related issues due to surge in claims during the winter months will also bolster the demand for health insurance policies.

Usually, during October-December, insurance companies have seen a rise in the number of claims being registered.

There may be an increase in awareness for health insurance, which could be because of the air quality or also vector-borne diseases, which are also on the rise due to the slightly cooler weather.

So, we see more claims, which may translate into a surge in demand, said Bhaskar Nerurkar, head health administration team, Bajaj Allianz General Insurance.

Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) chairman Debasish Panda expressed concerns regarding an increase in risks posed by climate change.

He called for the need for policies that will provide for these difficulties.

Further, he also highlighted the need for advanced climate modelling techniques that will mitigate these risks.

Speaking at an event recently, he said, "The escalating climate crisis has reached a different point, which is necessitating immediate action to address its consequences."

Amid the surge in climate-related risks, insurance companies are also contemplating climate-based products.

So the insurers are looking for climate-based solutions or products where there are very safe products.

So, if somebody is in an area, which is more climatically prone to certain issues, he will buy these policies.

Those kinds of policies are being developed and we will see them in the market very soon, Sudip Indani, head, health & benefits, Howden Insurance Brokers (India), said.

One of the key challenges the insurance industry is facing to design products is the lack of data on people being affected by the poor air quality.

The companies get the data of people impacted by it only after they are hospitalised.

There is a lack of data that will help attribute the surge in demand for health insurance exclusively to AQI.

So, air quality across metro cities in India is more or less bad.

This affects people in many ways.

So, we see some rise in pulmonary diseases.

But the insurance arena does not have substantial data to say it is only due to air quality.

"But we are seeing a rise in respiratory-related diseases", Nerurkar added.

Voicing a similar concern, Singhal said, "There is an uptick in customers, who are applying for health insurance from last year.

"But it cannot be attributed only to AQI-related issues."
Prithvi Raj Singh Oberoi, the 94-year-old veteran corporate hotelier who redefined India's hospitality industry, passed away on Tuesday.

Photograph: Kind courtesy, Oberoi Group

The Chairman Emeritus of The Oberoi Group, popularly known as 'Biki', built a sprawling chain comprising 32 hotels during his lifetime.

EIH owns the eponymous Oberoi and Trident hotel chains.

Son of late Rai Bahadur MS Oberoi, the founder of The Oberoi Group, PRS Oberoi had also been instrumental in developing the Trident chain of hotels.

His father, the man who started it all in 1934, passed away in 2002 and Tilak Raj, his older son, reportedly died prematurely in 1984.

Since then, PRS Oberoi steered the hospitality chain through its ups and downs.

A hotel magnate who embodied fine living, his death brings to an end two generations of the family that built the Oberoi empire into an Indian hospitality powerhouse.

"It is with deep sadness that we inform the peaceful passing of PRS Oberoi, Chairman Emeritus of The Oberoi Group, earlier today.

"A luminary in the hospitality industry, Oberoi's legacy transcends borders, leaving an indelible mark on the global landscape," a statement said.

PRS Oberoi was born in New Delhi on February 3, 1929.

He served as chairman of the company since 1988 until he stepped down in May 2022 due to ill health.

"PRS Oberoi has decided to relinquish his position as chairman and director of the EIH Associated Hotels Ltd effective May 2, 2022 due to his deteriorating health," a press release had said that time.

Under his leadership, the company expanded from its first hotel, 'The Trident Chennai', that opened in 1988, to become one of India's most reputable hotel companies.

He is survived by three children, son Vikramjit Singh Oberoi -managing director and chief executive officer of EIH Hotels, and daughters Natasha and Anastasia.

In 2014, it was reported that PRS Oberoi decided not to choose his successor to run EIH Ltd, after years of intense speculation over who he would choose as successor, son Vikramjit or nephew Arjun, who currently serves as Executive Chairman of EIH Ltd.

Arjun is the son of PRS Oberoi's late elder brother, Tilak Raj.

A recipient of India's second highest civilian honour -- Padma Vibhushan -- in 2008, PRS Oberoi was also awarded the 'Corporate Hotelier of the World' by HOTELS magazine in 2010.

PRS Oberoi was educated in India, the UK and Switzerland.

In addition to providing leadership for the management of luxury hotels in several countries, he had been instrumental in pioneering the development of Oberoi Hotels and Resorts.

The Oberoi brand has come to represent fine luxury hotels.

Business India magazine adjudged PRS Oberoi the Businessman of the Year 2008.

He received this award for building a world-class premium hospitality brand.

In November 2008, he was conferred the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards for redefining design standards in luxury hotels.

In October 2005, the Hotel Investment Conference Asia Pacific (HICAP), which is the pre-eminent gathering of hotel investors, investment bankers and leading industry professionals in the region, honoured him with the Lifetime Achievement Award at its annual conference in Hong Kong.

This award was given in recognition of his contribution to the hospitality industry and his pioneering leadership in making The Oberoi Group a global brand by taking the concept of luxury to a new paradigm.

In February 2013, PRS Oberoi was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award for Management by The All India Management Association.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has visited the manufacturing facility of US-based electric vehicle major Tesla at Fremont, California and said that the company would be doubling its auto components imports from India.

Photograph: Casey Hall/Reuters

The minister is in the US on a four-day visit.

The world's largest electric car producer Tesla Inc's chief Elon Musk met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in June in New York and after the meeting Musk had said that he planned to visit India in 2024.

"Visited @Tesla's state of the art manufacturing facility at Fremont, California.

"Extremely delighted to see talented Indian engineers and finance professionals working at Senior positions and contributing to Tesla's remarkable journey to transform mobility.

"Also proud to see the growing importance of auto component suppliers from India in the Tesla EV supply chain.

"It is on its way to double its components imports from India.

"Missed Mr @ElonMusk's magnetic presence and I wish him a speedy recovery," Goyal said on social networking platform X.

The platform is also owned by Musk.

The visit comes amid reports that India is looking at giving customs duty concessions to Tesla for setting up a plant in the country.

In September, Goyal said the company is looking to source components worth around $1.9 billion from India this year against $1 billion in 2022.

Going forward, demand for electric vehicles will increase and it will help in pushing the growth of the sector.

Earlier, the government had stated that it is not looking to frame a separate policy for providing incentives to Tesla, and the company can apply to avail support measures under existing schemes like PLI for auto and advanced chemistry cells.

Replying to the minister on the platform, Musk said :"It was an honor to have you visit Tesla! My apologies for not being able to travel to California today, but I look forward to meeting at a future date."

The government has rolled out production-linked incentives (PLI) schemes (PLI) for advanced chemistry cell (ACC) battery storage with an outlay of Rs 18,100 crore and Rs 26,058 crore PLI scheme for auto, auto-components and drone industries.

When asked whether the government is considering duty concessions on completely built-up units to attract certain sections of electric cars into India, Goyal in September had said that "everything we have done has been done equally without any differentiation, without any preferences.

"This is the government which provides equal opportunity to everybody.

"So we will come out with a policy."

In August 2021, Musk had said Tesla might set up a manufacturing unit in India if it first succeeded with imported vehicles in the country.

He had said Tesla wanted to launch its vehicles in India "but import duties are the highest in the world by far of any large country!".

Currently, India imposes 100 per cent import duty on fully imported cars with CIF (cost, insurance and freight) value more than $40,000 and 70 per cent on those costing less than the amount.
Over the past week (from November 6 to 13), the operators of the Drone Army have taken at least 220 pieces of military equipment from the enemy army. The Russian occupation forces suffered losses along the entire front line.

ADVERTISIMENT

This was reported by Mykhailo Fedorov, Deputy Prime Minister for Innovation, Education, Science and Technology Development, Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, on his Telegram channel on Monday, November 13. He noted that the soldiers of our country's defense forces continue to show top results in the demilitarization of the Russian army.

Thus, in seven days, the Ukrainian military destroyed 57 occupiers' guns, 39 tanks, 51 trucks, 23 self-propelled artillery systems, two multiple rocket launchers, and 34 armored vehicles using drones.

In addition, the occupation army lost three ammunition depots and suffered losses in manpower - more than 200 Russian army soldiers were killed.

Fedorov added that the agency is actively working to ensure that the state transfers even more UAVs to the Ukrainian Defense Forces.

ADVERTISIMENT

As reported by OBOZ.UA, on Sunday, November 12, Ukrainian defenders eliminated 800 occupants from the Russian Federation at the front. Thus, since the beginning of the full-scale war, the enemy army has been thinned out by 311,550 mercenaries.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
The government's target of hitting $52 billion to $58 billion in mobile phone exports in FY26 has been faltering; an Indian corporate group with financial muscle will help.

Photograph: Hitesh Harisinghani/ Rediff.com Kindly note the image has only been published for representational purposes.

A year of hectic parleys went by before it could be announced, on October 27, that a Tata Group company would acquire Wistron Corp's India manufacturing business for an estimated $125 million.

This will make Tata Electronics the first Indian entity to make iPhones for the domestic and global markets.

It will join an exclusive club of iPhone assemblers, whose members are Foxconn, Pegatron, and Luxshare, and the outgoing Wistron.

The first three are seasoned global players in electronics manufacturing and services (EMS), which involves assembling and manufacturing.

Photograph: Reuters

Wistron was the first to begin iPhone assembly in India, in 2017.

Later Foxconn and Pegatron started to do it as well.

Already 7 per cent of iPhone's global production has shifted to India from China, and the target is to increase it to 20 to 25 per cent by 2025 tom 2026.

According to data from S&P Global Intelligence, Wistron was the second largest exporter of iPhones from India, after Foxconn, and is believed to have invested Rs 1,250 crore (Rs 12.50 billion) in setting up the plant.

It employed more than 12,000 workers and 90 per cent of its phones were exported.

The deal marks the most recent peak in the Tata Group's efforts to align with Apple, the world's most valued company by market capitalisation.

For the Cupertino-based technology giant, it furthers the agenda of building a local supply chain in India so it can increase the local value addition in iPhones, something it has committed to increase to 40 per cent at the end of the five-year production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme of the Indian government.

Currently, the local value addition in iPhones ranges from 12 to 15 per cent, according to sources.

China vs India

Apple had tied up with Tata Electronics to supply iPhone enclosures, a component that accounts for 9 to 12 per cent of the total cost of production.

After a learning curve of nearly two-and-a-half years to cut rejection rates, the Tata company began to export the India-made enclosures to Chinese assemblers of the iPhone.

Now the Wistron deal promises an opportunity for Tata Electronics to acquire a global EMS footprint.

The Tata deal also shows Apple, which sells more than $205 billion worth of iPhones across the globe, is keen to increase its bet on India.

In the next 30 months, based on commitments to the government, it wants to shift 20 to 25 per cent of iPhone assembly from China to India, compared to 7 per cent now.

It is keen to broaden its supply chain in India with Indian and non-Chinese players.

That is part of the efforts to ensure 50 per cent of iPhone components, in value, are manufactured in the country, not imported.

But it is going to be a tightrope walk for Apple, which currently depends on China for 90 per cent of its production.

Most of its supply chain is located in China and it commands a huge share of the domestic market there. In China, iPhone sales are 13 times their sales in India.

Photograph: Edgar Su/Reuters

With the geopolitical tension that exists between India and China and tacit restrictions on investments by Chinese companies in this country, the US company has been stymied in its bid to bring its Chinese vendors to India.

Without that its local value addition in phones has been low, leaving a lot of ground to be covered under the PLI scheme.

A small window, which the Indian government opened by allowing Chinese entry in Indian joint ventures with majority Indian stake, has not taken off, although 14 Chinese iPhone suppliers were given security clearances.

Apple appears to have changed tack now. It has put its focus on building a supply chain based on home-grown and non-Chinese companies, though this is neither easy nor can it be done in a hurry. But it has tasted early success with the Tata Group, which has got its act together on enclosures for the iPhone.

Three years ago, Wistron sold its iPhone-making business in China and Vietnam to Luxshare, a Chinese EMS company.

Sources say it was keen on getting the same buyer for its India iPhone operation as well.

Luxshare was well-versed with the process of assembling iPhones. But Apple, aware of the Indian reality, decided to intervene and helped Wistron find an Indian buyer.

The iPhone maker is said to be looking to bring manufacturing of two key components, display and camera modules, into India.

It had earlier roped in its Chinese vendor, Sunny Opotech, to set up a camera manufacturing facility for iPhones in the country. But that is now on the backburner.

Instead, three or four Indian and non-Chinese companies are said to be in the fray.

Global footprint

By FY26, the combined sales revenue of the three iPhone assemblers in India is projected to touch $45 billion to $50 billion, or Rs 374,000 to Rs 416,000 crore.

That is more than three times Maruti Suzuki's revenues in FY23 and equivalent to a third of the Tata Group's total revenues.

Analysts say Tata Electronics, as one of the three iPhone assemblers in India and also as a manufacturer of enclosures, could become a $15 billion company in a couple of years or so.

That is assuming the three assemblers split the iPhone revenues equally.

At $15 billion, Tata Electronics will become the country's largest EMS player by far.

Dixon Technologies, which is now the largest Indian EMS company, currently makes Rs 12,200 crore (Rs 120 billion), or about $1.5 billion, in annual revenues.

By joining Apple's global supply chain, Tata Electronics will be able to tap into the global market.

It is already exporting enclosures to China. Once it begins to assemble iPhones, for which Apple is expected to help by bringing technical experts to India, it can replicate the model in other parts of the world, much as Foxconn and Pegatron were able to do.

That said, it will not be a cakewalk. "All of Apple's challenges in India will now become Tata's problems, such as taxation and handling labour laws, among others," says the top executive of an EMS company.

Import duties on components into India are generally higher than what other countries, including China and Vietnam, impose.

The EMS executive adds that when a company only supplies components through a contract, the contentious issues are not their headache; for instance, higher duties provide them protection. But for assemblers, higher duties increase the cost of production.

For the government, having an Indian corporate group with the financial strength of the Tata Group in the big electronics play helps.

The government's target of hitting $52 billion to $58 billion worth of mobile phone exports in FY26 has been faltering because Chinese as well as Indian players have exported less than anticipated. Apple could fill that gap by raising its exports.

But, as some analysts say, it will require smooth sailing in policy waters, such as quick visa clearances to Apple's Chinese experts in assembly operations, who can train Tata's technical team.

For many iPhone components, Indian companies that want to be part of the supply chain must buy or collaborate to get technology, some of which could very well come from China. That might require clearances from the government.

Thanks to the big push to exports by Apple's vendors, smartphones have jumped to the top five export items out of India in FY23, based on the harmonised systems code, from ninth place in the previous year.

Mobile device makers say if iPhone hits $22 billion to $24 billion in exports, smartphones could be among the top four in the exports pecking order.

Clearly, there is more riding on the Wistron deal than the hedging of Apple's geopolitical bets and Tata's global dreams.

Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff.com
Despite the objections raised by Reserve Bank of India and Election Commission, India's politics has been funded anonymously and it is time to end this, asserts Aakar Patel.

The Supreme Court has finished hearing arguments on electoral bonds and will hopefully give a judgment soon.

I say hopefully because it has now been six years since the scheme was introduced through the 2017 Budget.

Many readers will not know the background to the bonds and what they are. This column will serve to explain the scheme.

In brief, it allows unlimited, anonymous donations to any registered political party.

The scheme also allows anyone including foreign governments, criminal gangs and, of course, corporate interests, the ability to influence political parties because parties could accept money without revealing who gave it.

The process to fund a party anonymously was made easy. Bonds would be available in denominations of up to Rs 1 crore (Rs 10 million) at State Bank of India branches in 29 cities.

A donor could purchase them through their bank account and hand them over to the party or individual of their choice, who could then encash them. They would be valid for 15 days.

The manner in which the scheme was introduced should alert us to the fact that something was off from the start.

Four days before the Budget of 2017, a bureaucrat spotted the scheme in then finance minister Arun Jaitley's speech, and noted that the assent of the RBI was required for such a large shift.

This was because the introduction of bonds required changes to the RBI Act, something that apparently the government did not know.

The officer drafted a proposed amendment to align the Act with the change and sent the file up the ranks for the finance minister to see.

The same day, January 28, 2017, a Saturday, the RBI was sent a five-line email seeking its comments.

The reply came on Monday, January 30, 2017. The RBI said it was a bad idea because it went against the RBI's authority as the sole issuer of bearer instruments, meaning cash.

These bonds, because they were anonymous, could become currency and undermine the faith in India's cash.

On this point, the RBI was unambiguous: Amending the law to facilitate this 'would seriously undermine a core principle of central banking legislation and doing so would set a bad precedent'.

The second objection the RBI had was that 'Even the intended purpose of the transparency might not be achievable as the original buyer of the instrument (the bond) need not be the actual contributor to the party'.

If person A purchased the bond and then sold it, at face value or more, to any entity, including a foreign government, that entity could gift it to a party.

The nameless bond was as good as cash.

'The bonds are bearer bonds and transferable by delivery,' the RBI said, 'hence, who finally and actually contributes the bond to the political party will not be known.'

The last point it made was that what was being proposed through the electoral bond scheme -- the transfer of money from bank accounts of entities to political parties -- could be done through a cheque, bank transfer or demand draft.

'There is no special need for, or advantage by, the creation of an Electoral Bearer Bond, that too by disturbing an established international practice.'

The man charged with steering the thing through the bureaucracy was Hasmukh Adhia, an IAS officer from Gujarat with a PhD in yoga. (He had earlier chaperoned the GST bill, and after he retired, Adhia was made chairman of Bank of Baroda and chancellor of the Central University of Gujarat).

He dismissed the RBI's objections on two grounds.

Firstly, he said, 'It appears to me that the RBI has not understood the proposed mechanism of having pre-paid instruments for the purpose of keeping the identity of the donor secret, while ensuring the donation is made only out of fully tax paid money of a person.'

By this he meant that because the original purchaser had to acquire the bonds through their official account, it made the donation clean.

This was not a response to the RBI's specific objections.

Adhia said that the 15-day time limit for redemption would mitigate against the RBI's other fears, without explaining how.

Secondly, he said, 'Also this advice has come quite late at a time when the Finance Bill is already printed.'

It had actually come within hours of being sent for. It was hardly the RBI's fault that the advice had not been sought earlier.

This was clearly deceit, but Adhia concluded that 'we may, therefore, go ahead with our proposal'.

His colleague then economic affairs secretary Tapan Ray, concurred with Adhia the same day, and on Wednesday, February 1, 2017, Jaitley announced the scheme which became law with the passage of the Budget.

Asked by journalist Nitin Sethi of the Huffington Post (which carried a six-part investigation into electoral bonds, based on documents procured by RTI activist Commodore Lokesh Batra) why the government had ignored the RBI's objections, the finance ministry said it had taken the decision 'in good faith and in the larger public interest'.

At the stage when the law was passed, the details were not yet made public.

This came in June 2017, when Tapan Ray revealed how the bonds would work in practice: 'The information regarding purchaser and payee shall be kept secret by the issuer bank. These details would also be beyond the purview of RTI.' (Ray was made chairman of Central Bank of India after he retired in 2018, and in 2019 he was also made CEO and managing director of Gujarat International Finance Tec City.)

The next body to say that the electoral bonds scheme was dangerous was the Election Commission of India.

In an affidavit to the Supreme Court, it said that to exclude the reporting of donations received by political parties through electoral bonds would have 'serious repercussions on the transparency aspect of political funding of political parties'.

Despite all of this, for the last six years, India's politics has been funded anonymously. It is time to end this.

Aakar Patel is a columnist and writer and you can read Aakar's earlier columns here.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
In the recent past, Adityanath and the RSS seem to have come closer.

The warmth is more on the part of the RSS.

And even now, not all requests from the RSS are accommodated by the UP government, points out Aditi Phadnis.

IMAGE: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath meets with Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust President Mahant Nritya Gopal Das in Ayodhya, November 12, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo

The result of the Ghosi assembly by-election last month had the INDIA alliance smirking in triumph.

The seat was won by Samajwadi Party candidate Sudhakar Singh, a Thakur.

The by-election was caused by the resignation of sitting MLA, Dara Singh Chauhan, an OBC leader who quit the SP and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party, contesting as its candidate after being endorsed by New Delhi.

Most analysts felt voters had punished Mr Chauhan, a habitual party-hopper who had been dealt his just deserts.

But Sudhakar Singh got by with a little help -- from friends and enemies alike.

The way Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's detractors tell the story (and, yes, he does have detractors), three things did the BJP in.

One, local Bahujan Samaj Party strongman, contractor and businessman Thakur Umashankar Singh, persuaded the BSP not to put up a candidate against Sudhakar Singh and punish Mr Chauhan by avenging his 'betrayal'.

Mr Chauhan had been in the BSP and had represented the Ghosi seat in the 15th Lok Sabha as the party candidate only to cross the floor later.

Mayawati never forgave him. So a majority of the Dalit votes went to Sudhakar Singh.

And, of course, Sudhakar Singh had the support of the local Thakurs, who wanted to make sure Chauhan, from a backward caste, was defeated.

Muslims came out in large numbers to vote for the SP, which is hardly surprising. But the real support came from the BJP itself.

"The Pradhan Kshatriya threw his weight behind Sudhakar Singh to show Delhi who the boss in UP really is," said a party functionary.

He was referring to Yogi Adityanath.

Why this brouhaha over an assembly by-election, you might ask. But this is dynamic politics at play where losers (the BJP) can also be winners (the chief minister).

Even his critics agree that under Yogi Adityanath, organised crime has taken a beating in UP.

True, there is still rape, theft, and murder. But kidnapping, extortion, and encroachment have come down significantly.

The mafia in UP was largely an enterprise of small-time local strongmen who cornered government contracts, built substandard facilities, and got rich, reinvesting their profits to grow their 'business'.

Many got a Robin Hood image and joined politics.

Under Adityanath, their empires were systematically razed to the ground.

In this, the chief minister was religion-agnostic.

IMAGE: Yogi with artists dressed as Lord Ram, Laxman and Sita while participating in Rajabhishek to celebrate Deepotsav in Ayodhya, November 11, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo

When people saw the bungalows of the rich and powerful being demolished, they felt a perverse sense of empowerment. His stock soared.

But this also meant bureaucrats, policemen, and lower-level party workers now knew how to catch the attention of the chief minister.

At the lower levels of the administration, the threat of the bulldozer is the currency of power -- and corruption.

Because Adityanath has got a grip on the bureaucracy, those officers close to him wield enormous clout -- and they know this.

This creates a degree of resentment among the others.

But Adityanath has shown he is no slouch when it comes to administration.

The central government's welfare schemes are being rolled out flawlessly (the free foodgrain scheme is in fact leading to grain being sold in the secondary market).

Investment is flowing into UP and the administration is responsive to demands.

Take the example of the government's push for data centres.

An investor pointed out during the UP Investment Summit earlier this year that construction bylaws in the state did not permit windowless buildings.

The provision was amended in a matter of days.

Welfare schemes in small towns and villages represent work for the local unemployed.

Data is meagre but maybe this is what has persuaded migrant labour to stay back home instead of returning to city jobs.

It was Akhilesh Yadav who started many infrastructure projects in UP.

Adityanath has taken the ball and run with it.

Of course, there have been bloopers like the 2022 $42 billion MoU with US-based 'Austin University', which, the UP government had to later clarify, was actually with the Austin Consulting Group, after the US flagged the issue, warning there was no such university and no students.

But by and large, the Adityanath government is trying to get a strategy in place for development.

The creation of the Bundelkhand Industrial Development Authority last month, along the lines of Noida, is expected to revive one of UP's most backward areas. There are a host of other such initiatives.

Politically, the chief minister has few adversaries. Originally, the Gorakhpur monastery was controlled by the Hindu Mahasabha.

Its previous two mahants -- Digvijaynath and Awaidyanath -- were not part of the Jana Sangh/BJP's political scheme in Gorakhpur.

In the years that he controlled the monastery, Adityanath rarely, if ever, called on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, though the two organisations shared a common compound wall.

He ran Gorakhpur via the Hindu Yuva Vahini, a force which has now been absorbed by the UP administration.

It was with the Ramjanmabhoomi movement that the monastery inched closer to the BJP, but, even then, not to the RSS.

In the recent past, especially since 2017, Adityanath and the RSS seem to have come closer.

The warmth is more on the part of the RSS. And even now, not all requests from the RSS are accommodated by the UP government.

Adityanath is his own master. The Ghosi by-election is a demonstration. Who knows what lies ahead!

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
On Jawaharlal Nehru's 134th birth anniversary, Utkarsh Mishra looks at incidents when the first prime minister showed exemplary courage, bravery and integrity.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru speaks on his arrival at the White House, watched by President John F Kennedy and Vice President Lyndon B Johnson, November 6, 1961. Photograph: Keystone/Getty Images/Rediff archives

It is said that those who are truly capable, elicit praise from even their adversaries. Jawaharlal Nehru was one such person whose fearlessness was praised by a man who once called Congress leaders like him 'men of straw'.

This adversary was wartime British prime minister Winston Churchill, who paid 'tribute to Nehru's courage and integrity' during the latter's visit to London in 1953. Nehru's biographer Michael Brecher has recounted this incident in his book. He writes that Churchill 'spoke rapturously about Nehru's magnanimity'.

Nehru's grandson Rajiv Gandhi has also given an account of this incident. Writing about his grandfather in the 10th volume of Gandhi Marg journal, Rajiv wrote that Churchill asked Nehru if he finds it strange that 'two people who so hated each other should be thrown together like this'. To which Nehru replied, 'But, prime minister, we never hated you'. And Churchill said, 'I did, I did'. The same evening, Old Harrovians had arranged a dinner in Nehru's honour, where Churchill introduced him as 'a man who has conquered both hate and fear'.

Biographies of Nehru give multiple accounts of incidents where he showed exemplary courage, fearlessness and integrity. On his 134th birth anniversary, let's look at some of those.

With Father Motilal Nehru

Nehru went to study in London in 1905, when he was 15. He studied first at Harrow and then at Trinity College, Cambridge. In 1912, when he was studying at Cambridge, he received a letter from his father Motilal Nehru who thought that his son was spending too much money.

Motilal Nehru asked his son for 'account of expenditure during the last six months'. In his reply, Jawaharlal wrote, 'Either you trust me or you do not. If you do, then surely no accounts are necessary. If you do not, then the accounts I send you are not to be relied upon.'

Motilal was so moved by his son's response that he wrote in his next letter, referring to the previous one, 'I would have given anything in the world to recall the letter and destroy it.'

A similar episode where Jawaharlal's forthrightness won over his father's anger is recounted by legendary poet Firaq Gorakhpuri's nephew Ajai Mansingh in his biography of his uncle. In the early 1920s, when Firaq was released from jail, Motilal summoned him to work as his personal secretary. Firaq consulted this offer with his friend Jawaharlal, who advised him to 'better die of hunger than work for my ill-tempered father'.

When Firaq rejected the offer, Motilal was furious and wanted to know the reason. Firaq could not help but tell him what his son had said. Motilal was so angry that he shouted at Jawaharlal and told him that 'he's stopping his monthly allowance with immediate effect'.

Though shaken, Jawaharlal had the courage to tell his father that 'his behaviour indicated the advice he gave to Firaq'. And Motilal 'promptly withdrew his verdict'.

Similarly, in 1927, when the whole nation was rallying behind Mahatma Gandhi, Nehru had a 'sharp clash' with him. Brecher tells the story: 'In Mahatma's absence, Jawaharlal moved a resolution at the Madras Congress calling for 'complete national independence', while the former was still advocating for a Dominion Status. When Gandhi learned that this resolution was approved by the Congress, he said 'we have almost sunk to the level of a schoolboys' debating society'.

Later, he wrote to Nehru, 'I see quite clearly that you must carry an open warfare against me and my views. For if I'm wrong, it is your duty to rise in revolt against me. The differences between you and me appear so vast and so radical that there seems to be no meeting ground between us.'

Clearly, Jawaharlal Nehru never shied away from speaking his mind.

Throwing Himself In Harm's Way

The incident of Nehru challenging the crowd shouting 'Let Gandhi Die' while the Mahatma had undertaken the last fast of his life in January 1948 at Birla House is quite well-known.

When Nehru heard the demonstrators in front of Birla House say 'Let Gandhi Die', he plunged into the crowd and shouted, 'How dare you say that. Come and kill me first.' His outburst made the demonstrators disperse and they reassembled only when his car went away.

Here are two more not so well-known instances where Nehru challenged a mob in a similar manner with little regard for his own safety.

During the communal riots in Delhi in the aftermath of Partition, Nehru often used to throw himself in front of assailants to save the lives of those under attack.

Shashi Tharoor quotes American journalist Norman Cousins in his book Nehru: The Invention of India, recounting one particular incident: 'One night, when a mob descended upon a Muslim neighbourhood, 'destroying, looting and ready to kill', Nehru reached at the site even before the police could arrive. He didn't just appeal to people to come their senses, but also 'interposed himself between a Muslim man and his attackers'. His gesture had a 'magical effect'. Rioters dropped their weapons, returned looted goods and dispersed.'

Another such incident is narrated by Maulana Azad in his autobiography India Wins Freedom.

In 1946, soon after the formation of the Interim Government under the Cabinet Mission Plan, Nehru was informed by official sources that a large section of people in the North West Frontier Province were against the Congress and the Khan brothers (Khan Abdual Gaffar Khan, better known as the Frontier Gandhi, and his brother Khan Abdul Jabbar Khan).

Against all advice, including from Gandhi himself, he decided to tour the frontier and assess the situation there. When Nehru reached Peshawar airport, a large number of Pathans had gathered there to oppose him, shouting slogans against him, and some of them even wanted to attack his car.

The Khan brothers, who came to receive him, were themselves under police protection. Nonetheless, Khan Abdul Jabbar Khan took out his revolver and threatened to shoot and only then they could get out of the melee.

These scenes were repeated the next day when Nehru left Peshawar to tour the tribal areas. There were angry demonstrations against him everywhere and his car was pelted with stones, one of which even hit his forehead. With Abdul Jabbar Khan and his colleagues unable to help, Nehru 'took the situation in his own hands'. He 'exhibited neither fear nor weakness and showed the greatest courage'.

Just like in the Delhi incident, his conduct once again had a great impression on the protesting Pathans.

Braving Police Lathis

It is often alleged on social media by people who have tenuous knowledge of the national movement that the top leaders of the Congress were never subjected to the harsh treatment that was meted out to revolutionaries or the common people fighting for freedom.

While it is true that they were not kept in such inhumane conditions, being known to command a large following among the masses, it is not like they never had a brush with the colonial highhandedness.

When demonstrations were going across the country in 1927-1928 against the Simon Commission, Nehru was twice involved in processions that were lathi-charged and he received several blows on both the occasions.

He has admitted in his autobiography that he wanted to move away and run to safety on both occasions and even began to do so during the second one, but he 'could not tolerate the idea of behaving like a coward'. So, he stood there.

While in the first case, he was fortunate to be spared after being hit a couple of times on the back, in the second one, he was singled out and was beaten till he was 'half-blinded with the blows'. Seeing this, his fellow processionists carried him away.

Standing Up To Great Powers

During the Cold War, when the whole world was divided between two hostile blocs, respectively led by the two biggest powers of that time -- the United States and the Soviet Union -- it was to Nehru's credit that India and other newly independent nations of Asia and Africa could withstand the pressure of being subsumed into either of the two and could find their independent voice in the form of the Non-Aligned Movement.

This gave India a unique position to mediate in the biggest conflicts involving these blocs, a role she played quite earnestly, be it the Korean War of the 1950s, trouble in Indochina in early 1954, the Suez-Canal crisis of 1956, the Soviet invasion of Hungary the same year, and the conflict in Congo in the early 1960s.

Critics pan Nehru over India abstaining from formally condemning the invasion of Hungary by the Soviet Union, but it was more of a tactical move than a docile one. Nehru criticised the Soviet Union and made his displeasure known by not sending an ambassador to Budapest for two years.

As historians Bipan Chandra, Mridula Mukherjee and Aditya Mukherjee say in their magnum opus India Since Independence, 'India's position was not an easy one but she withstood considerable pressure from both sides and did not flip in either direction'.

Finally, even the most sympathetic biographers of Nehru find it difficult to defend him over the China affair. But I believe it is actually vox populi that has made it difficult to rationally analyse the whole episode.

As Chandra et al point out, it was only in 1959 that China started to claim territories in Ladakh and Arunachal (then known as NEFA, North East Frontier Agency).

In 1959, the Dalai Lama had escaped to India with many followers and China was livid at India giving him refuge. Could Nehru have arrested the Dalai Lama and repatriated him to China-held Tibet? I think he would have done that if his policy towards China was indeed 'supine' as claimed by several critics.

Nehru wrote in a letter to the chief ministers on October 1, 1959, 'No policy can be pursued through weakness or fear. I have no fear of China, great and powerful as that country is.'

Moreover, Chandra et al ask an interesting question, that if India's policy towards China was a failure, which other country's was a success? They also present an interesting analysis, that China's attack of 1962 had more to do with its 'own compulsions than anything that India or Nehru did'. They say that 'by humiliating India, [China] wanted to show that India's policy of peace and non-alignment was not feasible...' and this would make 'other countries of Asia and Africa follow the Chinese lead'.

But, it was India's non-alignment policy that ensured that the India-China war did not result in the US and the Soviet blocs standing against each other.

Despite some setbacks, Nehru's courage and exemplary leadership in taking charge of the affairs of a newly-independent, impoverished country that was bled dry by its colonial masters, need to be acknowledged in all seriousness.

During an Independence Day speech from the Red Fort, Nehru had exhorted Indians never to fear. This fearlessness helped him steer the country through several maladies.

As Mahatma Gandhi said about him once, 'In bravery, he is not to be surpassed'.
What all global leaders need to understand is that no Generative AI regulation will work unless they start with the basics, which is data collection, asserts Prosenjit Datta.

IMAGE: Kindly note the image has been posted only for representational purposes. Photograph: Kind courtesy Tara Winstead/Pexels.com

Generative Artificial Intelligence (Generative AI) is too powerful to be allowed to grow unfettered. That is a point on which almost everyone agrees.

Geoffrey Hinton, often dubbed the Godfather of deep learning, and Sam Altman, the head of OpenAI, both concur on this matter.

Mr Hinton has warned that Generative AI can be an existential threat to humankind, while Mr Altman has appealed to US lawmakers to create parameters for AI creators to prevent them from causing significant harm to the world.

Meanwhile, the world's lawmakers are still grappling with the best way to regulate the powerful technology.

Many of them are trying to toss the ball right back into the court of the Generative AI creators.

US President Joe Biden has just issued an executive order that aims to ensure that 'America leads the way in seizing the promise and managing the risks of artificial intelligence.'

Among its goals is to establish new standards for AI safety and security, while protecting the privacy of Americans.

IMAGE: Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at the UK Artificial Intelligence Safety Summit at Bletchley Park, near Milton Keynes, Britain, November 2, 2023. Photograph: Leon Neal/Pool/Reuters

The European Union (EU) has been trying to pass a comprehensive set of regulations for AI for a while. While it has made progress, it is unlikely to pass these laws by the end of calendar 2023.

The latest news suggests that the EU lawmakers have not been able to decide on how to regulate the foundational models, with some members pushing for guidelines that require foundational model developers to assess potential risk during testing and release, and monitoring it post-release.

The country that has moved the fastest is China, which has already passed a law with a specific provision for Generative AI technology. It tries to balance control with enough freedom for private players to progress.

India has traditionally been late in passing laws in the digital realm -- the Digital Personal Data Privacy (DPDP) Act that got passed recently had taken several years and it is not really an Act that can regulate AI research in general, let alone Generative AI.

IMAGE:Prime Minister Rishi Sunak meets with Antonio Guterres during the UK Artificial Intelligence Safety Summit. Photograph: Joe Giddens/Pool/Reuters

Lawmakers across the globe place a lot of faith in 'Responsible and Ethical AI' -- something that Big Tech is expected to follow.

Broadly, the idea seems to be that companies should put in safeguards themselves to ensure that rogue AI models or those with the potential to cause great harm are not developed and unleashed.

The issue with the policies being contemplated is that most lawmakers have not yet grasped fully what can truly regulate and control Generative AI. They place a great deal of faith in Big Tech to self-regulate Generative AI models.

They are ignoring the fast-accelerating Open-Source movement in Generative AI, which provides the tools -- many of them totally free -- to developers to pick up and start building their own models.

Lawmakers in different countries are still trying to use old-style privacy and copyright laws to deal with Generative AI models without understanding what actually makes or mars these models.

Most lawmakers are still trying to draft regulations that apply only within their borders for a technology that is global and should be regulated across borders with a common set of laws.

The only leader who seems to understand that individual country laws will not be any good is Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of the UK. He has been trying hard to build a global alliance that can develop a consensus on the issue.

What all global leaders need to understand is that no Generative AI regulation will work unless they start with the basics, which is data collection.

At the core of any Generative AI program is the foundational model -- a deep learning algorithm that has been pre-trained on data scraped from the internet. These foundational models need fresh data inputs constantly. Otherwise, they start losing their magic.

To ensure that their models are working properly, Generative AI companies build web crawlers or data scrapers, which are essentially computer programs that crawl through websites and extract their data.

Web crawlers have been used by search engines for many years, with the Google crawler being particularly effective. But web scrapers for Generative AI serve a different purpose -- they are primarily gathering data for training the models properly.

There are no real laws regulating data scraping. Some laws, like copyright and privacy laws, seek to put some restrictions on very specific types of data being gathered.

But, by and large, they were designed for a different era and older technologies, and few web scraper programs pay much heed to these. Moreover, they do not even address the vast amount of personal data available on social media platforms.

The real issue is that it is the data collected by the web scraper or crawler that needs to be regulated, because it is this data that is used to train the foundational models.

Equally importantly, it requires all countries around the world to be on the same page, and to build a set of harmonised regulations that govern all Generative AI models and their data crawlers/scrapers.

Lawmakers who are hoping that 'responsible and ethical AI' practices of Big Tech will be at the forefront of safety measures are being naive. The onus of regulation lies with governments, not corporations.

Prosenjit Datta is former editor Business Today and Businessworld, and founder of Prosaic View, an editorial consultancy.

Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff.com
IMAGE: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi addresses an election rally for the Madhya Pradesh assembly elections in Barwani, November 10, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo

The first phase of polling for the five-states ended on November 7, 2023 with Mizoram voting for 40 seats and Chhattisgarh 20 seats.

The second phase will see all seats in Madhya Pradesh (230) and the remaining 70 seats in Chhattisgarh going to vote on Friday, November 17.

A total of 2,534 candidates will contest the Madhya Pradesh polls while 958 candidates will contest 70 seats in Chhattisgarh.

A look at the candidates in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh (Phase II).

Madhya Pradesh: Candidates' Financial Background

The data available from Association for Democratic Reforms for 953 candidates shows 727 crorepati candidates in the fray in Madhya Pradesh.

Of these, 200 are fielded by the BJP, 196 by the Congress and the rest belong to other political parties.

Chhattisgarh: Candidates' Financial Background

253 crorepati candidates are in the electoral fray in the second phase of the Chhattisgarh election.

60 candidates are fielded by the Congress, 57 by the BJP, the rest are from other parties.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
Israel Defence Forces (IDF) spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari has said that Hamas has kept Israel hostages at a hospital basement, and it has evidence including photographs of the same.

IMAGE: An Israeli soldier drives in a military vehicle down a road amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas, in southern Israel near the Gaza border on November 13, 2023. Photograph: Alexander Ermochenko/Reuters

Hagari further said that the Israeli Navy's elite Shayetet 13 commando unit and the 401st Armoured Brigade have raided Gaza City's Rantisi Hospital, which treats children, and that Hamas operatives were hiding there.

"Underneath the hospital, in the basement, we found a Hamas command and control centre, suicide-bomb vests, grenades, AK-47 assault rifles, explosive devices, RPGs, and other weapons, computers, money, etc," Hagari said.

"We also found signs that indicate that Hamas held hostages here," he said, adding, "This is currently under our investigation," but that the IDF has intelligence to verify it.

"Additionally, we found evidence that Hamas terrorists came back from the massacre (in southern Israel) on October 7 to this hospital, among others, after butchering Israelis in their homes," he added.

"Hamas hides in hospitals. Today, we will expose this to the world," he added.

Read Admiral Hagari also said that the IDF has been working to enable the safe evacuation of patients from Rantisi over the last week, as well as from other hospitals in northern Gaza.

"Israel helped the hospital managers evacuate the Gaza patients to a safer hospital," he said, adding that the IDF has been informed that 'the last 18 patients in the Rantisi Hospital had safely evacuated to a safer hospital'.

"This is because our war is against Hamas, not against the people in Gaza. Especially not the sick, the women, or the children," he said.

Sharing raw footage filmed some hours ago, he said this proves 'that Hamas systematically runs its terror machine under hospitals in Gaza'.

In the basement of Rantisi, the footage showed a Hamas armoury with grenades, bombs, and RPGs. He highlighted the dangers to patients of explosives in hospitals. The footage also showed a motorcycle in the basement that he believes was driven here by October 7 terrorists, presumably with a hostage.

Nearby, he also portrayed what he claimed were several indications that hostages were held here, including an improvised toilet and other infrastructure to hold hostages, The Times of Israel reported.

Israeli forensic teams were on their way to the hospital to investigate the evidence, he said.

He added that the terrorists might have evacuated the hospital with the patients.

He also indicated that other Gaza hospitals were also being used by Hamas and other terrorists. "The world should know that," he said, adding, "It's a war crime, a crime against humanity and a crime against international law."

The IDF spokesperson also claimed that he took some foreign correspondents with him and that they came under fire as they were leaving.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav attacked its INDIA block ally Congress on caste census, reminding them that the party did not conduct a caste census when it was in power.

IMAGE: Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav speaks to the media in Damoh, Madhya Pradesh. Photograph: ANI Photo

"Congress is the party that did not conduct caste census after independence... When all the parties in the Lok Sabha were demanding a caste census, they did not conduct a caste census," Akhilesh Yadav told ANI Satna in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh.

"Why do they want to do so today? Because they know that their traditional vote bank is not with them," he added.

The Congress has been demanding from the Centre to hold a caste census. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi also launched attack on the Centre for not agreeing to their demand.

Meanwhile, other Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) parties have also intensified their demand for a caste census, which only the central government can conduct as per the law.

The Nitish Kumar-led government in Bihar has done a caste survey, and many other state governments led by opposition parties have declared a similar exercise.

The INDIA bloc has been demanding a caste census for the entire country, claiming that it would be conducive to policy-making for different groups in society according to their population.

On the other hand, the Bharatiya Janata Party-led central government has been claiming that the caste census would create 'division' in society.

Meanwhile, in Chhattisgarh, the Bhupesh Baghel-led Congress government has announced to conduct a caste census in the state if voted to power.

Rahul Gandhi reiterated his party's commitment to holding a caste census. The Congress MP also targeted the Prime Minister, alleging that the PM doesn't say a word about the caste census.

"I told prime minister Modi many times to get the caste census conducted across the country. But he doesn't say a word about the caste census. Rather he says that there is no caste in the country. If we come to power in the state, we guarantee that we will conduct a caste census. Everybody needs to know about their strength in the country," Gandhi said while addressing a poll campaign in Madhya Pradesh's Neemuch.

"The government in the state is run by Shivraj Singh Chouhan along with his 53 officers. Out of those 53 officers, there is only one OBC officer. Can you think how much of the decision-making power rests with him? It is 0.33%. He makes decisions on 0.33% of your total budget. Now look at their population, it is more than 50%. The OBC Class is being denigrated", he added.
An Indian woman from Kashmir who had sought immediate evacuation from the war-torn Hamas-ruled Gaza has safely reached Egypt with the help of Indian missions in the region, according to her husband.

IMAGE: Palestinians flee north Gaza to move southward as Israeli tanks roll deeper into the enclave, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, in the central Gaza Strip. Photograph: Ibraheem Abu Mustafa/Reuters

Lubna Nazir Shaboo and her daughter Karima, crossed the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza on Monday evening.

"They are in al-Arish (a city in Egypt). Tomorrow morning (Tuesday) they will move to Cairo," Lubna's husband Nedal Toman said in a text message sent to PTI from Gaza.

The only exit route from Gaza, the Rafah crossing with Egypt, has been infrequently opened the past few weeks to let humanitarian supplies enter Gaza and also let some foreign nationals and wounded people cross over to the other side.

In a telephone call to PTI on Sunday, Lubna confirmed that her name was among the people who could leave Gaza and thanked profusely the Indian missions in the region -- in Ramallah, Tel Aviv and Cairo -- for making this possible.

On October 10, Lubna had reached out to PTI over the phone seeking help for evacuation.

"We are facing a brutal war here and everything is being destroyed and bombarded in a matter of seconds," she had told PTI.

Following the unprecedented attacks by Hamas militants on October 7 in the southern areas of the Jewish state, Israel declared war launching a counter-offensive with the twin objectives of ousting Hamas, which has ruled the coastal Strip since 2007, and freeing around 240 people who were taken hostage by the Islamic faction.

The sounds of bombardment are too scary and the whole house shakes. It is a very, very scary situation, Lubna had told PTI before moving with her family to the southern part of Gaza where she spent several days with acquaintances before being evacuated.

She had mentioned that their "water supply was officially cut off" in the middle of the night of October 9 and they were without electricity, which made them decide to move to the south and seek help in evacuation.

Lubna had also said that she hadn't seen anything like this before and had two families living with them who had to run away after bombardment in the bordering areas of Gaza.

We are not able to go anywhere because there is no safe place for us anywhere and the Gaza Strip is too small and it is closed from every side. There are no exit points over here, she said.

I have already asked for help from the Representative office of India in Ramallah to help me get to a safer place along with my husband and my daughter, she had said in a video message sent to PTI.
One hundred and ten days after a minor girl was brutally raped and killed in Kerala's Aluva, a special court in Kochi on Tuesday sentenced a migrant worker to death in the case that had sent shock waves across the state as cries for justice echoed.

Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the punishment given on Children's Day should be seen as a strong warning to those who commit violence against children while the parents of the victim thanked the Kerala society for ensuring justice to their 5 year-old daughter.

Judge K Soman, presiding over the Special POCSO (Protection Of Children from Sexual Offences) court, also handed down five life terms to convict Ashwaq Alam, a Bihar native, for various charges including rape and aggravated penetrative sexual assault under the Indian Penal Code and the POCSO Act, respectively.

In a crowded courtroom, the judge declared that Alam should be hanged to death for the killing of the girl, also from Bihar.

The sentence was pronounced on a day celebrated as Children's Day across the country. The day also marks the 11th anniversary of the POCSO Act, which came into effect on November 14, 2012.

Public prosecutor (PP) G Mohanraj said the execution of the death sentence is contingent upon confirmation by the Kerala high court.

The POCSO court ordered the life term would mean the convict should stay in prison for the rest of his natural life, he said.

The court also imposed a fine of over Rs six lakh on the convict, he said, and expressed satisfaction with the sentence.

Alam had on July 28 lured the girl by promising her sweets and thereafter, had brutally raped and killed her, before dumping the body in a garbage strewn marshy area behind a local market in nearby Aluva.

The child lived with her parents in the same building as did the convict.

On that fateful day, Alam was seen by many people walking towards the market with the child in tow.

According to the police, he promised to buy the victim her favourite sweet, but later only bought her a juice worth Rs 10.

He then took the child to the isolated and garbage strewn marshy area and sexually assaulted her, it was alleged.

Subsequently, he killed her and dumped the body in a sack under the garbage heap there and left the place after washing his hands and feet.

Later when the child was found missing, CCTV visuals of the area showed the girl was with him and he was apprehended the same evening. However, he could not be questioned by police as he was in an inebriated state.

Alam had consumed alcohol after committing the heinous crime, police had said.

The next day, as everyone searched for the girl, her body was found dumped behind the local market.

By then several locals also came forward and said that they had seen Alam with the child the previous day.

A local trade union worker had told the media that he saw the migrant worker with the child on July 28.

"I asked him who the girl was. He claimed it was his child and said he was going behind the market area to consume alcohol. However, today morning I saw the CCTV visuals of the missing child and the worker on social media and informed the police," the union worker had said.

As investigation progressed, it was revealed Alam had a criminal background and that he was arrested in a POCSO case five years ago.

He had been in jail for one month in connection with the crime committed in New Delhi and later came out on bail, police had said.

Chief minister Vijayan said the child fell victim to the most heinous crime, and therefore, the entire criminal justice system worked efficiently to catch the culprit and ensure the maximum punishment for him.

He said that while nothing can replace the loss suffered by the parents, the government has assured them of all kinds of help.

ADGP (Law and Order) M R Ajith Kumar also welcomed the sentence given to the convict.

Speaking to reporters outside the court after the sentence was pronounced, the ADGP said it was a case that shocked the conscience of Kerala, and the government, right from the start, was determined to ensure the maximum possible punishment for the accused.

"It is one of the rarest-of-rare cases, and the prosecution was able to prove that successfully. The probe was completed in 30 days. The accused was convicted on the 100th day after the incident, and today marks the 110th day. This indicates the robustness of the criminal justice system," the officer said.

State Health Minister Veena George also welcomed the verdict and said it would send out a strong message to society that children should not be harmed.

"We all had hoped for the maximum punishment, and the court gave that," she told reporters.

The minister appreciated that the probe and the trial were completed in "record time".

She also said the society needs to be aware of the rights of children and protect them.

Meanwhile, one of the eyewitnesses in the case, who had seen Alam walking away with the child on that fateful day, was overjoyed with today's verdict and distributed candies to people.

"The little girl's soul will now attain peace," he told reporters.

The victim's parents were present in court when the punishment was given to Alam, who was convicted on November 4.

After the sentence was pronounced, they told reporters outside the court that they were thankful to the court, the police, the prosecutor and the people of Kerala for standing by them and ensuring justice for their daughter.

The prosecution had argued that the case fell under the rarest-of-rare category and therefore pleaded for death penalty to the convict.

During the arguments on sentence, Alam had claimed in the court that the other accused were let go and only he was caught in the case, and, beyond that, he did not make any other submission, the prosecution had said.

The court had found Alam guilty of all 16 offences on the chargesheet.
It has become known about the condition of a two-month-old girl and her mother, who were injured the day before, on November 13, by Russian shelling of the suburbs of Kherson. The child, who was hospitalized with bruised lungs, kidneys and a head injury, is not in danger of dying.

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Doctors assess the condition of the baby's mother as serious, the woman had to have one leg amputated. The details were provided by Roman Mrochko, head of the Kherson City Military Administration.

"The life of a two-month-old girl who came under enemy fire with her mother and grandfather yesterday is not in danger. The child was hospitalized with bruised lungs, kidneys and a head injury. The mother had one leg amputated, but doctors managed to save the other. The woman's condition is assessed as stable, but there is positive dynamics," he noted.

Both the woman and her two-month-old daughter were injured when a Russian shell hit the car in which they were traveling from Kherson to the suburbs with the child's grandfather: the baby was being taken to the regional center for a medical examination. The 64-year-old man who was driving the car was killed: he burned down with the car.

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Mrochko also said that the victims would receive financial assistance from the city budget.

"The dead and injured will receive financial aid from the city budget. In case of death, the family will receive 50 thousand hryvnias. The girl's mother will receive 20 thousand hryvnias, and the girl's mother will receive 30 thousand hryvnias. But this money and even more cannot compensate for your life or health. Therefore, we strongly recommend that families with children evacuate to safer places! Children are our future, and we must save them!" he urged.

On the night of November 14, the Russian occupiers attacked Kharkiv region with Shaheds. The invaders sent six kamikaze drones to the region, two of which flew to the Izyum district: a company was damaged there, but fortunately, according to preliminary data, there were no casualties.

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In total, Russia launched nine Shaheds and two missiles at Ukraine overnight. Air defense forces managed to shoot down seven enemy kamikaze drones.
According to the Pentagon report, the PLA is creating options for dissuading, deterring, and defeating external intervention in the Indo-Pacific region.

IMAGE: J-20 stealth fighter jets of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force. Photograph: China Daily via Reuters

The US department of defense (the Pentagon) has said the People's Liberation Army was strengthening its ability to 'fight and win wars' against a 'strong enemy' -- a likely euphemism for the United States.

The Congress-mandated annual report on the People's Republic of China (PRC) is titled Military and security developments involving the PRC.

Alongside the ability to fight a major war, the People's Liberation Army is building its ability to simultaneously counter an intervention by a third party in a conflict along the PRC's periphery, and to project power globally.

'The PLA has sought to modernise its capabilities and improve its proficiencies across all warfare domains so that, as a joint force, it can conduct the full range of land, air, and maritime as well as nuclear, space, counterspace, electronic warfare (EW), and cyberspace operations, states the Pentagon report.

The Pentagon report deals separately with the People's Liberation Army Army (PLAA); the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN); People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) and PLAN Aviation, and the People's Liberation Army Rocket Force (PLARF).

People's Liberation Army Army (PLAA)

The Pentagon report states that the 'PLAA continues to modernise equipment and focus on combined arms and joint training in order to meet the goal of becoming a world class military.'

The PLAA demonstrated a new long-range fire capability in the PLA military response to the August 2022 US Congressional Delegation visit to Taiwan.

The PLAA continues to incorporate a twice-a-year conscript intake.

The long-term effects of the policy are not clear, says the report.

People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN)

The Pentagon report states the PRC has the world's largest navy with an overall battle force of over 370 ships and submarines, including more than 140 major surface combatants.

'The PLAN is largely composed of modern multi-mission ships and submarines. In 2022, the PLAN launched its third aircraft carrier, CV-18 Fujian,' said the US report.

Demonstrating a powerful amphibious assault capability, the PLAN also commissioned its third Yushen-class amphibious assault ship (LHA) and has probably begun construction on a fourth.

'In the near-term, the PLAN will have the ability to conduct long-range precision strikes against land targets from its submarine and surface combatants using land-attack cruise missiles, notably enhancing the PRC's power projection capability,' stated the US report.

Meanwhile, the PRC continues challenging foreign military activities in its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in a manner inconsistent with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

At the same time, the PLAN conducts activities in the EEZs of other countries, including the United States, Australia, Philippines, Vietnam, and Malaysia.

People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) and PLAN Aviation

The PLAAF and PLAN aviation together constitute the largest aviation force in the Indo-Pacific region.

It is catching up with western air forces with the delivery of domestically built aircraft and a wide range of unmanned aircraft systems (UASs).

'In October 2019, the PLAAF signalled the return of the airborne leg of its nuclear triad after publicly revealing the H-6N as its first nuclear-capable, air-to-air, refuellable bomber,' said the Pentagon.

IMAGE: A Chinese navy ship in the South China Sea, October 4, 2023. Photograph: Adrian Portugal/Reuters

People's Liberation Army Rocket Force (PLARF)

The PLARF is enhancing its 'strategic deterrence' with new intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) to improve its nuclear-capable missile forces and nuclear warhead production.

This is especially so due to the induction of multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicle (MIRV) capabilities.

'The PRC may be exploring development of conventionally-armed intercontinental range missile systems. If developed and fielded, such capabilities would allow the PRC to threaten conventional strikes against targets in the continental US, Hawaii, and Alaska,' stated the US report.

Joint capabilities

According to the Pentagon report, the PLA is creating options for dissuading, deterring, and defeating external intervention in the Indo-Pacific region.

The PRC's counter-intervention strategy aims to restrict the US from having a presence in the East and South China Sea regions, within the First Island Chain, and to hold at risk US access in the broader Indo-Pacific region.

Long-Range Precision Strike and Supporting ISR

PLA texts state that precision attack in all warfare domains is critical in modern war.

PLA writings state that precision weapons are not only force multipliers, but also a means of 'war control' to prevent escalation.

Integrated Air Defense System (IADS)

The PRC has a robust air defence architecture over land areas and within 300 nautical miles (556 km) of its coast that relies on an extensive early warning radar network, fighter aircraft, and a variety of SAM systems.

The PRC has also placed radars and air defence weapons on outposts in the South China Sea, further extending the range of its IADS.

Hypersonic Weapons

The PRC's deployment of the Dong Feng-17 medium range ballistic missile (MRBM), armed with hypersonic glide vehicles, will continue to transform the PLA's missile force.

The system, which is possibly intended to replace older short range ballistic missile (SRBM) units, is probably intended to strike foreign military bases and fleets in the Western Pacific.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
Brattleboro, VT (05301)

Today

Partly cloudy skies this morning will give way to cloudy skies and rain during the afternoon. High 49F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%..

Tonight

Rain showers this evening with mostly cloudy conditions overnight. Low 34F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%.
Russian troops are not abandoning their plans to capture the entire Donbas and continue their offensive. In particular, fierce fighting is currently taking place near Kupyansk, where Ukrainian soldiers are repelling enemy attacks, and to the north and south of Bakhmut, where the invaders are trying to seize the initiative.

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Even heavy losses do not stop the invaders: over the past two weeks, more than 4,000 invaders and more than 500 pieces of Russian equipment and weapons have been destroyed in the area of responsibility of the Khortytsia separate military unit. Details on the situation in eastern Ukraine were provided by the Commander of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi.

"The enemy does not abandon its plans and continues offensive actions simultaneously on several eastern directions. In particular, despite heavy losses, the Russians are attacking our units defending in the area of Kupiansk. In addition, the enemy has increased the use of kamikaze drones. To the north and south of Bakhmut, Russian troops are trying to seize the initiative by launching counterattacks," he noted.

According to Syrskyi, the invaders are not successful so far: Ukrainian soldiers are disrupting the occupiers' plans in heavy battles. At the same time, they are "sharpening" the offensive capabilities of the "second army of the world".

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"In two weeks in the area of responsibility of the "Khortytsia " separate military unit, the Russian occupation forces lost more than 4 thousand people. Over 500 units of occupants' military equipment were destroyed and damaged ," the Land Forces Commander emphasized.

A few days ago, Syrsky met with the soldiers holding the Bakhmut and Lyman directions.

Together with the military, he discussed further measures and methods to improve the effectiveness of combat use of troops.

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Chinas official news outlet claimed that the United States is expanding its stockpile of nuclear warheads and possesses the worlds largest nuclear arsenal.

But the claims are misleading. While some legislators are calling for such an expansion, the current official policy of the U.S. government does not aim to enlarge its nuclear warhead inventory to maintain nuclear deterrence. Data shows that the U.S. nuclear arsenal has been on a downward trend for the past 30 years. Russia currently possesses the worlds largest nuclear stockpile.

The claim was published in a report by Guancha on Oct. 15.

Ministry of National Defense spokesman Tan Kefei reiterated in February this year that even as the U.S. possesses the largest nuclear arsenal in the world, it still continues to heavily invest in upgrading its Trinity nuclear force, develop tactical nuclear weapons, lower the threshold for using nuclear weapons and strengthen its nuclear umbrella, the claim reads in part.

The repeated speculation by the U.S. on the so-called Chinese nuclear threat is merely a pretext for expanding its own nuclear arsenal and maintaining its military hegemony, the report further claims.

The claim came after the bipartisan Strategic Posture Committee released a report in October to evaluate current military threats to the United States.

The report stresses the necessity of being ready for the future possibility of simultaneous war with China and Russia, while emphasizing Beijings ongoing nuclear weapons expansion as a reason for the present augmentation of the U.S. nuclear arsenal.

Chinas precise quantity of warheads has remained a closely guarded state secret ever since its inaugural nuclear test in 1964. American officials have claimed in recent years that Beijing has significantly boosted its nuclear capabilities, with a recent Pentagon report estimating that as of May 2023, China has accumulated more than 500 warheads.

On a downward trend

The term nuclear arsenal is not commonly used for tallies of nuclear warheads. The often-used equivalent to the term is a nations nuclear stockpile, which denotes the overall quantity of warheads held by the country for military purposes.

The U.S. nuclear stockpile experienced an almost continuous annual decrease from 1996 to 2020, according to a tally released by the State Department in 2021. During that time, the stockpile dropped from 11,011 warheads to 3,750, with only a slight increase of 20 warheads during the 2019 calendar year being the sole exception.

Historical figures for the annual U.S. nuclear stockpile show a continued gradual decrease since the end of the Cold War. (Screenshot/U.S. Department of State)

Experts from the Chicago-based non-profit organization Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists suggest that the U.S. nuclear stockpile has further shrunk since 2020, estimating a total of 3,708 warheads as of early 2023.

Beyond numbers, American officials have also declared that the United States has no intent of increasing its stockpile in the years to come. In a speech given to the Arms Control Association, or ACA, in June 2023, the National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan explained that future U.S. policy will attempt to achieve nuclear deterrence through better warheads, not more.

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, said Sullivan at that time.

Russia, worlds largest nuclear stockpile holder

As of January 2023, Russia had both a larger nuclear stockpile and a larger nuclear inventory  the total nuclear stockpile plus retired warheads awaiting dismantlement  according to the latest estimates of distinct warheads for all countries possessing nuclear weapons provided by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

SIPRI estimates Russia holds the world's largest nuclear stockpile, while the U.S. deploys more warheads on military bases. (Screenshot/SIPRI)

The figures do show that the U.S. currently deploys the largest number of warheads on missiles or on active military bases, but this is not equivalent to the total amount of warheads a given country would be able to use in wartime.

Similar figures have been published by other third party organizations monitoring nuclear proliferation such as the Federation of American Scientists, or FAS.

FAS estimates the total number of nuclear weapons worldwide at around 12,500 warheads, from a peak estimate of over 70,000 nuclear weapons in the 1980s.

Russia and the United States have historically possessed the lions share of warheads worldwide, with the two countries current combined stockpiles still accounting for almost 90% of the total.

Following efforts to lower nuclear stockpiles after the end of the Cold War, the FAS notes that a new trend of increasing nuclear stockpiles has emerged in recent years, with India, Pakistan, the United Kingdom, China and North Korea all attempting to increase their stockpiles.

In February, some Chinese media outlets made a similar claim that the United States increased nuclear weapons between 2017 and 2021. AFCL debunked this claim here.

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.
Authorities say the removals are aimed at preserving the UNESCO World Heritage site.

An aerial view of Run Ta Ek, relocation site in Siem Reap, Cambodia, July 6, 2023. Cambodian authorities have evicted 40,000 people from the famed Angkor temple complex since 2022, citing the need to protect the sprawling UNESCO World Heritage site, according to a report from Amnesty International released on Tuesday.

Cambodian authorities have evicted 40,000 people from the famed Angkor temple complex since 2022, citing the need to protect the sprawling UNESCO World Heritage site, according to a report from Amnesty International released on Tuesday.

Even though the evictions have been characterized as voluntary by Cambodian officials, Amnesty said residents described being evicted or pressured to leave Angkor following intimidation, harassment, threats and acts of violence from Cambodian authorities, the report said.

Cambodian authorities cruelly uprooted families who have lived in Angkor for several generations, forcing them to live hand to mouth at ill-prepared relocation sites, said Montse Ferrer, Amnestys interim deputy regional director for research.

They must immediately cease forcibly evicting people and violating international human rights law, she said.

The London-based organization interviewed more than 100 people who had been forced out of the area between March and July 2023. Researchers made nine in-person visits to the Angkor temple park complex and to two resettlement sites.

At the main resettlement site, known as Run Ta Ek, researchers found families living under tarps and lacking access to adequate sanitation.

Many families also complained about losing their jobs and the lack of employment opportunities at the site, which is a 45-minute drive from Siem Reap town, the report said. To cover building and living costs families had to pawn items given as part of the relocation program and took on debt.

The children of Angkor

Soon after Angkor was named a World Heritage site in 1992, UNESCO stated that habitation in the core restricted areas [of Angkor] was inappropriate to the preservation and presentation of major archaeological sites.

A UNESCO report at the time found that some people living in traditional villages had the right to stay in and around Angkor Wat, while new settlers did not.

But since then, UNESCOs recommendations and Cambodias national law havent made clear which settlements were traditional villages, according to Amnestys report.

This lack of clarity has persisted, the Amnesty report said, citing interviews with families who were facing eviction who identified themselves as being indigenous to Angkor.

Some even described themselves as Angkorians or the children of Angkor, the report said.

Tourists visit the Angkor Wat temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in Siem Reap, Jan. 2023. Credit: AFP

Then-Prime Minister Hun Sen angrily warned those who refused to leave their homes at Angkor during an October 2022 speech, saying that those who stay risk getting no compensation from the government.

Now, the government is taking a soft stance on you, and is building infrastructure for you, he said. But when the time comes, we would rather remove these families than let the Angkor temples be removed from the World Heritage list.

He added that many of the homes and settlements in Angkor were on undocumented property.

Have you been living there before 1979? No, you all have been living there since after 1979, he said, referring to the end of the Khmer Rouge regime, when many Cambodians resettled after years of turmoil and civil war.

Its miserable

A resident of Run Ta Ek told Radio Free Asia that at his old village  just north of Angkor Wat  many of his neighbors worked at the temples as cleaners and conservationists. Additionally, there was enough land nearby to grow rice, he said.

There is a lot of migration now, he said. We had land, we had villages, we had trees, we had forests. But they used the word UNESCO to evict us.

Run Ta Ek has no streams, creeks or ponds, which means that fishing or growing vegetables isnt possible, said Muth Khon, a 50-year-old military veteran.

Everything has to be bought, but the residents of the new village now have to do it on a lower income, he told RFA.

I dont understand why they allow us to live like this, he said. Its miserable.

Ferrer called on UNESCO to condemn the forced evictions and use its influence to demand that the Cambodian government stop them.

Unless there is serious pushback from UNESCO, conservation efforts may increasingly be weaponized by states to their own ends, at the expense of human rights, she said.

RFA Khmer contributed to this report. Translated by Sum Sok Ry. Edited by Mike Firn.
Anna Kwok, who is on a Hong Kong police wanted list, has been getting online threats from pro-Beijing trolls.

Security personnel stand on a walkway at the Moscone Center, during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders' Meeting in San Francisco, California, Nov. 11, 2023. Protesters are planning a large-scale event on Wednesday titled "Rise Up Against Xi, Biggest Unwelcome Protest" in San Francisco on Wednesday, on the sidelines of the APEC leaders meeting according to a poster for the event posted to Kwok's X account.

U.S.-based Hong Kong democracy activist Anna Kwok has vowed to go ahead with a planned demonstration against Chinese Communist Party leader Xi Jinping at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco on Wednesday despite a wave of online threats from supporters of Beijing.

Organizers are planning what they hope will be a large-scale event on Wednesday titled "Rise Up Against Xi, Biggest Unwelcome Protest" in San Francisco on Wednesday, according to a poster for the event posted to Kwok's X account.

The event is being jointly organized by the U.S.-based groups Hong Kong Democracy Council, Students for a Free Tibet, and the Uyghur American Association, according to the poster.

Kwok, who heads the Hong Kong Democracy Council, told Radio Free Asia that she has been targeted by "little pink" supporters of Beijing on X since she publicized the protest, which along with a reported Chinese security presence on the streets of San Francisco, is a further example of China's "long-arm" activities on foreign soil.

"Transnational repression by the Chinese Communist Party is getting more and more serious, and it's getting more and more aggressive," said Kwok, who is among eight prominent overseas activists placed on a wanted list with bounties on their heads by the Hong Kong police for alleged crimes under a draconian security law.

But she said the event will go ahead, and that she will attend regardless, adding that the FBI is currently investigating some of the online threats.

"We won't cancel because of this, because that would be admitting defeat," Kwok said. "We want more Hong Kongers to take part."

Anna Kwok, a Hong Kong activist, who has been designated by the Hong Kong police as a fugitive with a $1 million Hong Kong dollars bounty offered for her arrest, has vowed to go ahead with a planned demonstration against Chinese Communist Party leader Xi Jinping at the APEC summit in San Francisco on Wednesday despite a wave of online threats from supporters of Beijing. Credit: Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters

She said protesters will gather at 9.30 a.m. local time on Wednesday at the Chinese consulate, then march towards the APEC venue where Biden and Xi are scheduled to meet.

"This demonstration has united the Tibetans, Uyghurs, as well as anti-Xi and anti-communist organizations and forces to speak out in San Francisco," Kwok said.

She said the aim of the protest is to show the international community that "people who have been suppressed by the Chinese Communist Party won't give up."

Exact details of the meeting have been kept secret, and roadblocks have been set up around the venue, suggesting that both the U.S. and the Chinese governments are nervous about the event, Kwok said.

Bounty on eight exiles

Asked if she has fears for her personal safety following a deluge of online threats, including one comment calling on supporters to "drop her unconscious body off at the Chinese consulate," Kwok said she isn't the only activist being targeted.

"Of course I'm worried about my personal safety ... but I'm not the only one who has such worries," Kwok said.

A brief survey by Radio Free Asia of the attacks on Kwok revealed that the accounts were all set up during the past two years, and often reposted a graphic listing the eight overseas Hong Kong activists who have a bounty on their heads under the 2020 National Security Law, which criminalizes opposition activism and criticism of the authorities.

Some posts claimed the bounty -- actually HK$1 million -- was much higher, with some posts claiming it was as much as US$1 billion, or even US$10 billion.

Visitors watch a screen displaying Chinese President Xi Jinpings speech next to a Communist Party's flag, at an exhibition promoting China's achievement under communist party from 1921 to 2021, in Beijing, June 20, 2021. Credit: Andy Wong/AP

A protest organizer has also reported being followed on the streets of San Francisco by plainclothes agents and security officers believed to have been dispatched from the Chinese consulate.

Exiled democracy activist Jie Lijian said he and his fellow activists were initially followed by a group of five or six men of Chinese descent who looked like plainclothes police or military officers in civilian clothing, just outside the APEC venue.

"The Chinese have been monitoring us, taking photos, and following us the whole time," Jie said from the scene. "Initially there were maybe five or six of them but now there are 30 or 40 of them."

He said the U.S. authorities also appear keen to ensure that Xi never comes face to face with any protesters during his U.S. visit, citing thick and high barbed-wire fencing around the venue to prevent people from approaching, but also likely to obscure any masks or banners they hold up.

Relatives in China harassed

Kwok isn't the only person being targeted as a result of the protest, according to an X post by U.S.-based activist Yao Cheng.

"The day before yesterday, my daughter was called in to drink tea with the state security police, who asked her to tell me not to go to San Francisco to take part in the [protest]," Yao wrote.

"Drinking tea" is a euphemism for interrogation by state security police, who have a track record of harassing the China-based relatives of political activists overseas.

"My daughter has nothing to do with this, and your inviting her to drink tea is actually a threat aimed at me -- don't do this," Yao said.

A security camera next to a banner for Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco, California, Nov. 11, 2023. Protesters are planning a large-scale event on Wednesday against the Chinese President Xi Jinping in San Francisco on Wednesday, on the sidelines of the APEC leaders meeting. Credit: Jason Henry/ AFP

Maya Wang, acting China director at the New York-based Human Rights Watch, commented: "Biden needs to tell Xi that threatening dissidents families back home so they dont protest against Xis visit *in the US* is transnational repression, and cant be tolerated."

Yao went on to comment: "I want to tell the Anhui state security police that Xi Jinping has brought serious disaster to China and the rest of the world, and ... that most people within the [state] system are also its victims.

"The reason I'm going to protest against Xi Jinping is to speak out on your behalf, he wrote, adding: "China can't continue like this.

Exiled former opposition lawmaker Ted Hui, who is also on the wanted list, said the bounties have made the activists into targets for "pro-Beijing people and little pinks."

"There has been an escalation from the verbal abuse of the past to advocating organized and planned actions to threaten and harm us," Hui said.

"If these threats aren't faced squarely now, they may one day become reality."



Translated with additional reporting by Luisetta Mudie.
The Xi-Biden meeting should remove the hurdle for military-to-military exchanges, says an expert.

U.S. President Joe Biden shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping as they meet on the sidelines of the G20 leaders' summit in Bali, Indonesia, November 14, 2022.

Updated Nov. 14, 2023, 9.01 a.m. ET

Chinas President Xi Jinping departed Beijing Tuesday ahead of a highly anticipated summit with his American counterpart Joe Biden, Chinese state media reported. While the world is watching keenly because of fraught relations between the two world powers, analysts said expectations for the meeting are modest.

Xi is heading to San Francisco where he is due to meet Biden Wednesday on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, the first time in a year since the two met in Bali, Indonesia.

Xinhua reported Xi left the Chinese capital accompanied by Cai Qi, a member of the Chinese Communist Partys Politburo Standing Committee, and Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Some experts, while not anticipating a change in the trajectory of the U.S.-China relationship, are hopeful that the talks will deliver some results such as the formal resumption of military-to-military relations.

Diplomatic and commercial dialogues between the two have resumed after the downing of the Chinese balloon earlier this year, pointed out Zhang Baohui, director of the Centre for Asian Pacific Studies at Lingnan University.

The two sides have even begun strategic dialogues on nuclear and maritime issues. However, the U.S. wants to reopen military to military dialogues to prevent inadvertent incidents. This meeting between the top leaders should remove the hurdle for military-to-military exchanges.

If so, this should be a significant development as the world is very concerned by the prospect of military conflicts between the two countries in sensitive areas like the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea, Zhang said.

To be sure, the White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters on Monday that both sides will discuss strengthening communications and managing competition responsibly so that the U.S.-China relationship does not veer into conflict during the summit.

The way we achieve that is through intense diplomacy, said Sullivan.

He added that there are areas where interests overlap, such as efforts to effectively manage competition that could be done by reestablishing military-to-military communications.

Incremental outcomes

If there were any outcomes to come from the Xi-Biden summit, Ian Chong, a political scientist from the National University of Singapore believes they would be incremental, but nonetheless important to maintain the momentum of expanding dialogue.

Such effects will not be seen immediately after the meeting. Rather, they may unfold as more areas come under discussion in the following months to inject more predictability into the U.S.-PRC relationship to avoid unintended escalation, even as competition continues, Chong said, referring to Chinas formal name, the Peoples Republic of China.

Xi probably seeks to press the PRCs case on Taiwan and the South China Sea, while probing the U.S. on trade and technology and seeking more predictably in the bilateral relationship, he noted.

Biden will likely reiterate U.S. positions on Taiwan and the South China Sea, while seeking more stability in the bilateral relationship. They may try to gauge each others positions on the Israel-Hamas conflict, Russian aggression in Ukraine, climate, and AI.

U.S. President Joe Biden meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the G20 leaders' summit in Bali, Indonesia, November 14, 2022. (Source: Reuters)





Another area of contention that is expected to be discussed is semiconductors in light of the recent chip export ban by Biden, alongside the push for generative AI in both the U.S. and China, observed James Downes, head of the Politics and Public Administration Programme at Hong Kong Metropolitan University.

The key achievable issues or goals will likely relate to the ongoing tech war between both countries, said Downes. The Biden-Xi Summit will be much more successful if both sides focus on economic issues, as opposed to long-term and divisive geopolitical issues.

According to Lingnan Universitys Zhang, Xi will no doubt pressure the U.S. to relax technology denial measures against China, but he believes the U.S. is unlikely to yield on this issue.

Technological competition constitutes a central place in the overall U.S. competition strategy, he explained.

Zhang believes that Xi will try to persuade Biden to return the relationship to cooperation, away from strategic competition, seeking a U.S. commitment that it does not support Taiwans quest for independence.

Biden, in contrast, will seek to stabilize the competition to prevent conflict by pursuing more measures to build guardrails for its competition with China, like the resumption of military-to-military dialogues.

The US will assure Beijing that it will follow the One China principle. Nonetheless, deepening security cooperation between Washington and Taipei will continue to bother Beijing and lead to contentious relations with the US.

Seeking specific outcomes

Meanwhile, Sullivan said the U.S. is looking for specific outcomes in the overlapped areas of interests from the summit, which include efforts to combat the illicit fentanyl trade and discussion between the two leaders on critical global issues such as Russias war against Ukraine, and the evolving crisis in the Middle East.

Given Chinas stance on the Middle East conflict, there may be a potential that the leaders may agree-at-large, in expressing the importance of peace in the region.

Chinas deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, Geng Shuang, said in New York on Monday that establishing peace in the region was an important task for Beijing.

However, it could be challenging for Biden and Xi to release a joint agreement on criticizing Hamas as Beijing has traditionally shown a less sympathetic stance on Israel, when compared to that of the U.S. This difference in diplomatic approaches may complicate the leaders in reaching a more detailed consensus on the Israel-Hamas war.

In fact, according to Xinhua News Agency, Geng expressed shock and concern over statements made by Israeli officials regarding nuclear weapons usage in Gaza Strip, labeling the Israeli remarks as irresponsible and troubling.

While Geng condemned the idea of using nuclear weapons, largely aligning with the international community and the Non Proliferation Treaty principles, the senior diplomat did not specifically address or criticize the actions of Hamas, which have led to civilian casualties.

Edited by Mike Firn and Taejun Kang.

Updated to recast and add details of Xi's departure and accompanying officials to the U.S.
Former U.K. PMs surprising return raises eyebrows of many who are concerned about his pro-Beijing stance.

The dismissal of Suella Braverman as Home Secretary has triggered senior cabinet reshuffles in the United Kingdom. The biggest political shock was the appointment of former Prime Minister David Cameron as Foreign Secretary. During his tenure as prime minister, Cameron pioneered the Golden Era of U.K.-China relations. Since leaving office, he has been repeatedly revealed to have intricate ties with Beijing, even promoting the Belt and Road initiative on behalf of Beijing. How will his return as Foreign Secretary affect the future direction of U.K.-China relations?

The U.K. Prime Ministers Office announced on Monday the appointment of former Prime Minister David Cameron as Foreign Secretary, and former Foreign Secretary James Cleverly as Home Secretary, replacing the sacked Suella Braverman. The Cabinet reshuffle was triggered by Bravermans article for the Times newspaper, criticizing the London police for favouring pro-Palestinian protesters without the consent of the Prime Ministers Office. She was criticized for inciting hatred and breaching the Cabinets code of conduct.

Cameron issued a statement emphasizing his willingness to help the incumbent prime minister at a time when the U.K. is facing serious international challenges, with his experience serving as leader of the ruling Conservative Party for 11 years and as prime minister for six years.

Though I may have disagreed with some individual decisions, it is clear to me that Rishi Sunak is a strong and capable prime minister, who is showing exemplary leadership at a difficult time. I want to help him to deliver the security and prosperity our country needs and be part of the strongest possible team that serves the United Kingdom and that can be presented to the country when the General Election is held, Cameron said on Nov. 13 via his official X account.

It is worth noting that during his tenure as prime minister of the U.K from 2010 to 2016, Cameron ushered in a golden era of U.K.-China relations, vigorously promoting economic and trade co-operation with China on various fronts. He led a delegation of four cabinet ministers and nearly 50 British business leaders to Beijing in November 2010, while Chinese President Xi Jinping visited the U.K. in October 2015, pushing relations between the two countries to a peak.

Warning from intelligence agencies

Cameron resigned in 2016 to take responsibility for the outcome of the EU referendum and was appointed by the U.K. Treasury the following year to lead a U.K.-China investment fund to invest in projects related to Chinas Belt and Road initiative.But the program came to an end as relations between two nations took a turn for the worse over issues such as Hong Kong.

In July this year, the Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) of the U.K. Parliament cited confidential evidence that Camerons U.K.-China investment fund was to some extent orchestrated by the Chinese government in order to increase the credibility of investment in China and the Chinese brand. The Committee also used this evidence to support the claim that China had infiltrated the U.K. economy and criticized the British government for failing to respond to the Chinese threat. It was also revealed that Camerons speech in the Middle East in September this year promoted the Port City Colombo project in Sri Lanka as part of Chinas Belt and Road program.

Integrity questioned

David Alton, a member of the U.K. House of Lords, who is known for his hard-line stance against China, told RFA Cantonese that the warnings issued by the ISC against Cameron were troubling, and called into question its integrity and impartiality.

It is unfortunate that the Prime Minister Sunak and the Home Secretary James Cleverly have turned their backs on the Chinese Communist Partys political and human rights abuses against Hong Kong, Taiwan and the Uyghur people and have instead increased their economic dependence on China, which does not bode well, said Alton.

I hope Cameron recognizes the disasters and mistakes of the golden age of Britain and China, but I have never heard of him changing his position, quite the opposite.

Sam Goodman, director of policy and advocacy at Hong Kong Watch, a U.K-based human rights organization, also raised his concerns over Cameron.

There are still big questions about Camerons relationship with China and his personal finances, Goodman told RFA Cantonese. Is he receiving money directly from the Chinese government? That remains a question. And, of course, what does this mean for British foreign policy? He is now the Foreign Secretary, the most senior diplomat in the U.K., and will be in charge of U.K.-China relations.

Goodman added that during his tenure as prime minister, Cameron not only cooperated with China in the fields of economy, trade and agriculture, but also allowed China to get involved in sensitive British industries, including airport construction and nuclear power projects and even allowed Chinese firm Huawei to participate in the British 5G network project.

The British government has spent at least 2.1 billion pounds (US$ 1 billion) so far to correct the mistakes made during its tenure, Goodman claimed.

Sunaks risky step

Luke de Pulford, executive director of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, described Camerons decision to become foreign secretary as incomprehensible and perverse.

However, Sam Hogg, founder and editor-in-chief of Beijing to Britain, a news platform that focuses on U.K.-China relations, told RFA Cantonese the British government had already left Camerons golden age. Hogg said even if Cameron returns to the political arena, he will not bring any significant changes to U.K.-China relations, despite what hawkish people think.

Instead, Hogg is more concerned about what Camerons declaration of interests will reveal, and believes that his work after leaving office as prime minister should be carefully scrutinized.

Although Sunak made it clear that the golden era of U.K.-China relations was over when he delivered his foreign policy speech in November last year, he has made frequent U-turns in the past year, not only breaking his election promise to close the Confucius Institute, but also sending high-level officials to visit China. He recently even went against all odds and invited China to send personnel to attend the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Security Summit hosted by the U.K.

The U.K Foreign Office did not respond to RFA's request for comment of the appointment.

Goodman believes that Camerons appointment as Foreign Secretary is a move to allow Cameron to deal with difficult diplomatic issues such as the Middle East and Russia-Ukraine, so that Sunak can focus on economic development, and to unite the divided Conservative Party in preparation for next years General Election.

However, Goodman also said that this could lead to attacks from the opposition Labour Party and opposition from hawks in the Conservative Party, which may ultimately be counterproductive.

Translated by RFA staff. Edited by Elaine Chan and Mike Firn.
Thai officials are divided over a potential plan to allow Chinese police to be stationed in Thailand to boost confidence among tourists from the worlds No. 2 economy about whether the kingdom is safe to visit.

Although the nations police chief has expressed misgivings about this possibility, other government officials are talking about it as a way to appease Chinese tourists fears about public safety here. There has been a spate of kidnap-for-ransom cases and reports of people being tricked into being trafficked as workers at scam call centers in nearby Myanmar.

We have been in discussions with the Chinese embassy about a patrol project bringing Chinese police to Thailand and stationing them at major tourist destinations, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Gov. Thapanee Kiatphaibool said on Sunday.

Thapanee spoke after Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin met with the Tourist Police Bureau, the Central Investigation Bureau and tourism officials to discuss the plan as a solution for reviving arrivals of Chinese tourists.

China is the top source of foreign visitors for Thailands all-important tourism industry, which was ravaged during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lately, Sretthas government waived fees for visas for Chinese tourists, but the numbers coming from China have remained relatively low.

We want to show Thai citizens and Chinese tourists how we are improving safety measures, Thapanee said, adding the program could be similar to joint patrols in Italy.

Gen. Torsak Sukvimol, the national police chief, pushed back against the proposal.

I disagree with the import of Chinese police to take care of their tourists, its a breach of sovereignty. The Thai police have the potential to keep Thai citizens and Chinese tourists safe, Torsak said Monday after meeting with the Parliamentary Committee on Police Affairs.

Chinese tourists accounted for a quarter of nearly 40 million tourist arrivals in 2019, before the pandemic hit. Thailand expects between 4 million and 4.4 million Chinese visitors this year, the TAT governor said.

Chinese criminals dont fear Thai cops

Thai government spokesman Chai Watcharong clarified that Chinese police would act only as liaison officers.

The Chinese police will not go on patrol but feed information. It has nothing to do with sovereignty but what is most beneficial for the country, spokesman Chai Watcharong said on Monday while traveling with Srettha to the APEC summit in San Francisco.

Chinese criminals dont fear Thai cops but their own state police. Chinese tourists feel more assured if their Chinese police could help take care of them if they are harassed by Chinese criminals, Chai said. So Thai police will think of having Chinese police as liaison officers.

Torsak noted that Thai police had allowed foreign volunteers to assist local police as translators in Pattaya, a major tourist destination for Chinese, Russians and Indians that has a high crime rate.

Specific details about the number of Chinese police who would be deployed were not released.

Italian and Chinese police officers walk past the ancient Roman Forum at the end of a news conference to present a joint patrols project, Nov. 5, 2019. [Andrew Medichini/AP]

The proposal comes on the heels of a September 2022 report from the Spain-based Safeguard Defenders group that found China was carrying out transnational policing operations across five continents.

The report said the operations eschew official bilateral police and judicial cooperation and violate the international rule of law, and may violate the territorial integrity of third countries involved in setting up a parallel policing mechanism using illegal methods.

An activist, meanwhile, raised concerns about the plan.

We are too eager to entice Chinese tourists. We should consider a proper policy in order to spur the economy and not focus on pleasing one specific nation, Puttanee Kangkun, a human rights activist and the director at The Fort, an affiliate organization of Fortify Rights, told BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service.

She said it would be hard to predict potential negative effects by allowing Chinese police to be staioned in Thailand.

We have to seriously consider the consequences  pros and cons. As well, how they could coordinate the operation? Who is the authority, she asked.

A businessman, Kavin Silpasakul, 37, also questioned the proposal.

Personally, I dont have any problems with Chinese tourists, but I dont agree with allowing Chinese police to be on patrol here, he told BenarNews. We may see that as a violation of our sovereignty.

The TAT and other Thai officials were expected to discuss the proposal with the Chinese embassy on Wednesday. On Monday, a parliamentary committee on security affairs said its members would seek a written policy to ensure clarity and transparency following that meeting.

BenarNews is an RFA-affiliated news service.
Local police stations are shut down as auxiliaries' jobs are taken over by community "grid" workers, vigilantes.

Local residents with red armbands, identifying them as security volunteers, keep watch near Zhongnanhai leadership compound in Beijing, March 1, 2017.

China is moving ahead with plans to shift local law enforcement from police stations to neighborhood "grids," where local volunteers and teams of vigilantes will enforce the law and residents will be encouraged to inform on each other.

The shift was heralded by a Public Security Ministry directive in March, calling for active integration of police stations into "grassroots social governance," through partnerships with local "vigilante" groups and local ruling Chinese Communist Party officials.

Now, authorities across the country are starting to lay off auxiliary police officers and merge local police stations with a view to outsourcing much of their daily work to neighborhood officials and local militias under the "grid management" system, according to several state media reports.

The grid management system is so named because it carves up neighborhoods into a grid pattern with 15-20 households per square, and gives each grid a dedicated monitor who reports back on residents' affairs to neighborhood committees, the lowest rung in the government hierarchy.

Several police stations are to shut down in and around the southern province of Guangdong, "to effectively integrate existing police resources" and improve standardization, the Meizhou Daily newspaper reported.

Workers make armbands reading "security patrol" at a garment factory in Zhangjiakou, Hebei province, China, Dec. 5, 2018. Credit: Reuters

A Guangdong resident who gave only the surname Liao for fear of reprisals said there are two reasons for the move  one is to cut costs for cash-strapped local governments, but another is a shift to neighborhood policing and "stability maintenance," a system of coercion and surveillance that seeks to prevent acts of defiance against the ruling Chinese Communist Party before they take place.

"Stability maintenance measures are getting stricter and stricter," Liao said. "They will never streamline the stability maintenance forces."

China is no stranger to mass law enforcement, and the authorities have previously mobilized large numbers of local residents known colloquially as red armbands or Chaoyang aunties to act as their eyes and ears during major events and high-level political meetings.

But the new policing plan seeks to make such mobilization permanent, now that local officials have been granted law enforcement powers and are recruiting "grid officers" across the country to find out everything about residents in their small square of the "grid."

Several police stations in the eastern province of Shandong will also be merged, Shandong Toutiou Xinwen reported on Oct. 28.

Red mass prevention and enforcement

A local resident familiar with the situation who gave only the surname Wang said the officers being laid off are most likely to be the auxiliary officers without civil service status.

"Currently each police station has about six or seven government-employed police officers and maybe 20 or 30 auxiliaries," Wang said. "Once they merge, there will just be the six or seven government police officers in a station, and the auxiliaries will be laid off to cut costs."

A person familiar with the matter who declined to be named said auxiliary police typically do the kind of community policing work that will now be taken over by grid officers.

"The auxiliary police can only take orders from the police station and carry out specific tasks like maintaining community order and helping the police with law enforcement duties," the person said. "But grid officers deal with residents all day long, and they are better than the police."

"They understand the dynamics of local communities on the ground," they said.

Police officers stand guard outside the Evergrande International Center in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China, Jan. 4, 2022. Credit: David Kirton/Reuters

The closures and mergers come after the March "action plan" on policing called for the expansion of "red mass prevention and enforcement" forces similar to those mobilized during the Olympics and parliamentary sessions in Beijing in previous years, as well as local partnerships with "social organizations such as vigilantes."

The action plan also repeated Communist Party leader Xi Jinping's recent calls for a "Fengqiao experience," a reference to the mass mobilization of citizens in aid of law enforcement and to police people on the basis of class struggle during the 1966-1976 Cultural Revolution.

"Such social control will both strengthen the internal stability maintenance system and set up a volunteer police force, extending the use of Chaoyang aunties across the country to safeguard the regime," current affairs commentator Ma Ju told Radio Free Asia in an interview when the action plan was released.

A resident of a Shanghai community who gave only the surname Zhang said grid management is something like the board game Go.

"They have expanded the scope of their surveillance activities so it's as if they are playing Go, surrounding you piece by piece," Zhang said. "That's what they call grid management."

"If a problem emerges in the grid, they will surround it immediately  the people are regarded as the enemy  it's not a people's government any more," he said.

Xi sees enemies everywhere

Last week, Xi gave further official blessing to the "grid" system by marking the 60th anniversary of the "Fengqiao experience" under late supreme leader Mao Zedong with a visit to a number of organizations selected to take part in the expansion of "grassroots social governance."

The Ministry of National Security also called in a WeChat post for "a people's war to safeguard national security," citing the anniversary.

Veteran current affairs commentator Hu Ping said the idea of constant "struggle" is at the heart of the "Fengqiao experience" concept.

"In his mind, there are enemies everywhere," Hu said. "There isn't enough room in prison for so many people, so they are expanding [the restrictions of prison] into society at large."

"These organizations ... are mainly focused on politics [rather than crime]," he said of the organizations singled out for the "Fengqiao experience" under Xi.

"These are powerful controls, and a way to bring back the class struggles of the Mao era," Hu said.

A Chinese paramilitary policeman stands guard in front of Mao Zedong's portrait on Tiananmen Gate, Credit: Ng Han Guan/AP

Independent political scholar Chen Daoyin said there is a key difference between Xi and Mao, however. Where Mao sought to stir up the masses and mobilize them in his name, Xi wants to shut them down.

"Xi Jinping wants to control everything through various means, including digitally, in ways that are already very technologically developed," Chen said, citing the proliferation of government and police tip-off hotlines to encourage people to inform on each other.

"Xi Jinping doesn't want to mobilize people: he wants to calm them down and control them, as if they were in prison," he said.

Translated by Luisetta Mudie.
Russia's war against Ukraine may continue for a very long time. Such a development is possible if Moscow refuses to sign any peace treaties with Kyiv, as there have been similar precedents in history.

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In such a scenario, we should expect further chaotic shelling of Ukraine by Russia without any major hostilities. Chief of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine Kyrylo Budanov said this in a commentary to NV.

According to the head of military intelligence, there may be no peace treaty between Russia and Ukraine that would end the war in the legal plane for years.

"There are cases in history when long-standing wars between states have never been legally ended. A simple example is Russia and Japan, which never signed a peace treaty over the Northern Islands after 1945 (which Russia calls the Kuril Islands). This territorial problem has lasted more than 70 years. Therefore, this scenario is very likely to happen here because Russia has significant territorial appetites for Ukraine, not only in Crimea. Of course, no one is going to satisfy these appetites," Budanov said.

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Among the factors that affect the ability of the Russian Federation to conduct high-intensity combat operations, the head of the DIU named systemic changes in the Russian economy and external supplies of military-technical goods. The growth of war fatigue among Russians will also have an impact.

The destructive processes within the aggressor state are only gaining momentum.

"So far, the Russian Federation still has economic stability. Yes, we are witnessing a large-scale fuel crisis, a sharp rise in the price of food (prices have risen by 15-20% twice in the last two months) and other goods and services. All this is shaking their economy and social sphere, and they will experience real problems in 2025," Budanov said.

At the same time, he noted that it has not yet been possible to destroy the production chains in Russia. Moreover, they may persist for more than one year in a row. However, there are upward trends in war fatigue among Russians. They are also exacerbated by the rapid decline of the Russian population, especially men. Although the Kremlin's resources for recruiting "cannon fodder" are still quite serious, no problems are currently foreseen.

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Economists are closely monitoring the situation in Russia, taking into account any changes in the construction of possible scenarios.

"There is hope that 2025 will be a turning point in terms of internal systemic destructive changes and processes in the Russian state, society and economy. But this is not a forecast, but an expectation. As of now, based on the available factors, this is what may happen. But let's not forget that this war is globalizing every month and generating new processes. They will also be superimposed on the situation and will greatly change any preliminary calculations. This is a challenge that the world's leading analysts have already faced," Budanov said.

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Earlier, it became known that Russia had spread a new fake aimed at splitting the military and political leadership of Ukraine and stirring up the society. The aggressor state's propagandists are spreading "sensational news" about Zaluzhny and Budanov, who are allegedly preparing a coup, citing Western media.

A simple fact-checking reveals the real source of the fake: the Russian Sputnik, which is part of the state media holding Rossiya Segodnya.
The group exacerbated the current international crisis, says the Norths foreign ministry official.

A member of staff arranges national flags prior to a group photo session during the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting at the Iikura Guest House Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023, in Tokyo, Japan.

North Korea lambasted the G7 for denouncing its nuclear weapons development, in a sign that demonstrates not only its intent to persist with the nuke program, but also preparation for impending military provocations.

The G7, a relic of the Cold War, should be immediately disbanded as the first step towards resolving current international crises and restoring world peace, Jo Chol Su, director-general of the Department of International Organizations at North Koreas Foreign Ministry, said via the official Korean Central News Agency Tuesday.

Jo called the G7 a mere interest group of a few countries that exacerbated the current international crisis, speaks nonsense towards sovereign nations, which is a mockery and insult to the international community striving for fairness and equity.

The emotionally-charged statement came after the G7 foreign ministers strongly condemned Pyongyangs illegal nuclear program in a joint statement last week. The ministers, gathered in Tokyo, also denounced North Koreas ammunition supply to Russia, stating that it clearly violates United Nations Security Council resolutions.

South Koreas National Intelligence Service told its lawmakers in the National Assembly earlier this month that Russia has acquired over 1 million artillery shells from North Korea since August.

The development demonstrates the strengthening relationship between Pyongyang and Moscow, underscored by the summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Russia September.

The G7s joint statement was unfounded and unfair criticism Jo said, hinting that Pyongyang will continue to advance its nuclear program. The Foreign Ministry official also berated the United States for pushing the situation towards nuclear war brink by implementing various nuclear confrontation policies in the Korean Peninsula.

North Korea perceives the strategic assets of the U.S. as a direct threat to its regimes security. The defense ministers of the U.S. and South Korea agreed on Monday to enhance their alliances operational capabilities, including the use of strategic assets, to maintain regional peace  a move likely to prompt objections from Pyongyang.

Following the ministers pledge for enhanced operational capability, the U.S. and South Korean navies are carrying out a four-day joint exercise off the eastern coast of the peninsula, the South Korean navy said on Tuesday. The joint drill, which started from Monday, aims to establish military readiness against maritime provocations, and to improve joint operation capabilities as well as mutual interoperability.

Pyongyangs latest decry could serve as a pretext for the expected and upcoming military provocation, in the form of what it claims to be a satellite launch in the near future. Historically, North Korea has often built up pretexts for its major military actions, portraying them as defensive responses to the Wests hostility.

Such a launch would contravene U.N. Security Council resolutions prohibiting North Korea from using ballistic missile technology for any launches. North Koreas past satellite launches have contributed to advancements in its long-range missile capabilities.

Recent tests of North Korean long-range missiles have shown the theoretical capacity to reach the U.S. mainland.

Edited by Elaine Chan and Taejun Kang.
The workers say they were held against their will at the Chinese-run Kosai Casino.

Sixteen Lao workers who were rescued from a Chinese casino in Myanmar were sent home this past weekend. The faces have been blurred by RFA to protect their identities.

Sixteen Lao workers released from a Chinese-run casino in Myanmar in August have arrived home in Laos after a two-month stay at a police station, family members told Radio Free Asia on Monday.

The workers have said that they were victims of human trafficking who went to work at the Kosai Casino in Myawaddy town, across the border from the Thai city of Mae Sot.

Im very happy. Im unable to say, the mother of one of the workers from Luang Namtha province said. I cant do anything. My body is shaking. I never dreamed they would be released and sent back home.

The workers said they were held against their will, forced to work as scammers and regularly subjected to harsh punishments if they failed to bring in money.

After their release on Aug. 29, the group was detained at a Myanmar police station on charges of illegal entry.

In April, Radio Free Asia reported that the group of teenagers from Luang Namtha had been trafficked to a place they called the Casino Kosai, in an isolated development near the city of Myawaddy on Myanmars eastern border with Thailand.

Other teenagers and young people from Luang Namtha were still believed to be trapped at the site, along with victims from other parts of Asia.

Relatives have spent the last two months asking for assistance from the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Lao Embassy in Myanmar and Lao anti-human trafficking police. It was unclear what prompted the Myanmar police to allow them to leave the station.

The mother told RFA that the group has been at the border in northwestern Laos Bokeo province where Lao authorities have been doing paperwork and other processing for the group.

They will send them to Luang Namtha tomorrow or the next day, she said on Monday. Then they will send them to the anti-human trafficking unit in Luang Namtha, which will investigate who lured them to work in the Chinese casino.

Celebrations planned

A Lao government official told RFA that the group arrived at the border on Saturday.

We will let their families pick them up, he said. If they are unable to come, authorities will send them home.

Another mother of a released worker said the family was planning to kill two chickens to make a traditional Lao soup to welcome them home.

My son called me and sent a photo of all of them at Bokeo, she said. They are staying at a guesthouse over there. I am very happy that they are safe.

Myawaddy, in southeastern Myanmars Kayin state, is home to the Yatai Shwe Kokko Special Economic Zone, which was promoted as a way to spur economic growth and deliver material benefits to the local community.

Instead, the Chinese-backed US$15 billion real estate mega-project has gained notoriety as a bastion of illegal activity, according to a report by the Washington-based Center for Advanced Defense Studies, C4ADS, an independent research outfit that studies transnational organized crime networks.

Scammers and human traffickers operate with near-total immunity from the law in the zone, where they treat their victims like chattel, beating them when they dont comply and demanding payment in exchange for setting them free.

According to a geolocation pin sent to RFA by several parents of the Lao teens, Casino Kosai appears to be a warehouse some 20 miles south of Myawaddy city, across the border from a Thai town.

Translated by Sidney Khotpanya. Edited by Matt Reed and Malcolm Foster.
The attacks coincide with Operation 1027 attacks elsewhere in the country.

The Chein Khar Li police outpost, which was attacked by the Arakan Army on Monday, is seen in an undated photo.

The Arakan Army has attacked the Myanmar juntas military in the western state of Rakhine, ending a ceasefire brokered one year ago on humanitarian grounds, residents told Radio Free Asia. Five civilians were killed and nearly 20 were injured in the fighting, they said.

The offensive in Rakhine state coincides with the Arakan Armys participation in Operation 1027  named after the Oct. 27 military actions that started it  as part of the Three Brotherhood Alliance with two other armed ethnic groups against the military in Shan state in the north.

Mondays offensive in Rakhine included attacks on border guard police outposts and convoys of the military council in Rathedaung and Minbya townships, and these attacks have led to armed clashes, residents said.

Arakan Army soldiers fired at two border police outposts in Done Paik and Chein Khar Li in Rathedaung township, at around 5 a.m., a resident who requested anonymity for security reasons told RFA Burmese.

We heard gun fire early this morning, she said. Then we fled to the monastery where we stayed one hour before leaving for Sin Paik village amid the armed clashes. No one is at the village.

Soon after the attack, the militarys 536th Light Infantry Battalion of the military council, stationed in Rathedaung township, fired artillery shells continuously, she said.

Landmines

The Arakan Army also laid landmines in the road, which stopped two trucks that were part of a military convoy near Hpar Hpyo village on the Sittwe-Yangon highway after the convoy left the No. 9 Central Command in Mingya township, and then the fighting erupted, a resident there told RFA on condition of anonymity to speak freely.

Two trucks of the convoy fully loaded with soldiers and supplies left No. 9 Central Command, he said. The fighting took place near Hpar Hpyo village. Some people from the paddy fields saw a truck catch fire. These people fled and did not see the situation of another truck.

Military troops stationed at the Kyeintaung Pagoda hill in Minbya township fired artillery shells into the area of conflict. One of the stray shells injured Aung Thein Phyu, a 50-year-old man, as he was collecting paddy seeds in the field.

Mrauk-U city in Myanmars Rakhine state is seen April 2, 2019. Fighting in the city has killed one civilian and injured at least four, a resident said. Credit: RFA

As the news spread about the attacks, 26 officers in the Ah Pauk Wa police outpost in Kyauktaw township surrendered to the Arakan Army, and they were taken into custody, residents said.

In the city of Mrauk-U in northern Rakhine, armed clashes flared in the morning, killing one civilian and injuring at least four more, a resident there told RFA.

When I arrived at the scene of the incident, many bullet shells were found on the seats of a car, the resident said. A person was dead on the seat. But I did not clearly see the body at the front seat of the car which was in the bushes. A car from a local free funeral service gathered the body.

Neither the Arakan Army nor the military council has made an official statement on Mondays attack. Hla Thein, a spokesperson of the junta-aligned Rakhine state government, also didnt respond to phone calls from RFA for details.

The fighting that started Monday in Rakhine state was related to Operation 1027 in northern Shan state, Pe Than, a Rakhine politician told RFA.

Armed clashes are expected to occur in [Rakhine] state, he said. The area of conflict will depend on the Arakan Army, and the fighting will last longer.

He also said that since war has returned to Rakhine state, the civilians need to be cautious about possible military council attacks.

Mondays attacks will result in a resumption of conflict in Rakhine, Richard Horsey, the International Crisis Groups senior Myanmar adviser, told RFA.

If combat persists, it will open a significant new front for the regime, which is already overstretched with fighting including on its eastern border with China, Horsey said. Facing major difficulties in northern Shan state alongside attacks from anti-regime forces probing for military weaknesses elsewhere, it will be hard for the regime to focus their efforts across all fronts.

Residents said that following the attacks, the junta immediately blocked the Sittwe-Yangon highway, which is the only motorway in northern Rakhine, and all of the waterways.

Martial law in Shan state

In Shan state, the junta on Sunday declared martial law in eight townships  Kun Long, Kutkai, Namkham, Muse, Lashio, Hseni, Laukkai and Konkyan  all of which are under varying degrees of control by the Three Brotherhood Alliance, which consists of the Arakan Army, the Taang National Liberation Army and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army.

Than Soe Naing, a political analyst, told RFA that the military imposed the declaration to suggest they still have power in these areas, especially in the cities where major military outposts are located in Hseni and Namkham.

The major bridge has been broken in Hsenwi. The whole town has been occupied. However, the military forces are still stationed at their base in Hsenwi, he said. The declaration of martial law in this area is to insist on the existence of their power there. The areas they have totally lost are not included in the imposition of martial law. Actually, all of northern Shan state has been surrounded by the resistance forces.

A spokesperson from the Taang National Liberation Army who requested anonymity for security reasons told RFA that the martial law will not be effective in these townships.

Since the military coup, the junta has declared martial law many times, although this is the first time in northern Shan state, he said. It is just the normal strategy for them.

RFA attempted to contact junta spokesman Maj. Gen Zaw Min Tun for comment on the order of martial law, but he could not be reached.

Translated by Aung Naing. Edited by Eugene Whong and Malcolm Foster.
The Chinese Embassy in Turkey has rejected a request to release a critically ill Uyghur man serving a 20-year sentence in northwest Chinas Xinjiang region so he can rejoin his family in Istanbul and receive medical treatment there, his wife said.

Mexmutjan Memet, a 48-year-old former staffer at the agricultural bureau in Xinjiangs Korla, or Kuerle in Chinese, who later set up a business shipping pears, is being treated at the hospital at Korla Prison since August, though he has shown no signs of improvement, said his spouse Kifaye Ehsan.

He is suffering from liver disease, which his wife attributed to poor prison conditions, Radio Free Asia reported earlier.

At the time, a prison hospital employee said Memet also had heart problems and high blood pressure, though he was in stable condition after receiving medical treatment for two months.

Ehsan said she sent the request for medical parole through a lawyer to the Chinese Embassy in Ankara on Aug. 9 , but the letter was returned unopened.

I sent a letter to the Chinese Embassy requesting the immediate release of my husband, medical treatment for him, family reunification, and the continuation of his treatment in Turkey, Ehsan told Radio Free Asia.

However, the embassy that received the request returned the envelope to Gulden Sunmaz, the lawyer who sent it, without opening it.

Ehsan said she received the news that the letter was sent back on Aug. 28.

Sunmaz said she would resend the letter through Turkeys Foreign Ministry and explore other avenues.

But up to today, I havent received any response, Ehsan said.

Re-education camps

Like many other Uyghurs living abroad, Ehsan has not had direct contact with her relatives since 2017, when authorities in Xinjiang began detaining Uyghurs and other Turkic minorities in re-education camps and implemented strict controls on the flow of information to and from the region.

A police officer from Korla Prison District 5 contacted by RFA said he guarded Memet for one night recently but could not say whether his illness had progressed beyond the critical stage.

Javlan Sirmamet, a Uyghur lawyer who works in Turkey but is not involved in the matter, said the embassys action was a manifestation of criminal psychology" and demonstrated a lack of recognition for legal and moral considerations on the Uyghur issue.

Gulden Sonmaz is a lawyer with a long-standing involvement in Uyghur issues, so the Chinese Embassy is well aware that this envelope likely contained a letter concerning Uyghurs, specifically seeking information about individuals who have disappeared or who are ill or who have died in prison, he said. I believe that's why the embassy chose not to open the envelope.

The Chinese government knows what it is doing and does not want these issues to surface and create further problems for it, he added.

Memet and his family relocated to Turkey in 2015, so his six children would have better educational opportunities. The following year, he escorted his elderly mother back to Korla after she visited his family in Turkey following an Islamic pilgrimage to Saudi Arabias holy city of Mecca, only to have his passport confiscated by authorities on his arrival.

In 2017, authorities arrested him and sentenced him to 20 years in jail on charges that he had violated Chinas policy on the number of children ethnic minorities can have, provided religious education to his children and traveled to Turkey.

An RFA investigation found that at least seven members of Memets family, including his brothers and mother, were sentenced to prison after his return, although his mother was released this year for treatment after becoming seriously ill.

Translated by Mamatjan Juma and Shahrazad Ghayrat for RFA Uyghur. Edited by Roseanne Gerin and Malcolm Foster.
A screenshot from a video originally posted to Douyin that indicates some members of the Uyghur community in Xinjiangs capital Urumqi are involved in marketing young Uyghur women for marriage.

A company backed by local Chinese government bodies in far-western Xinjiang has created a matchmaking app that aims to set up single Uyghur women with Han Chinese men, people with knowledge of the company said.

Are there any singles who want to cross the region to marry our brothers from other ethnic groups and start a family? asks a Uyghur woman in a recent video recorded on Douyin and posted on social media.

In order to carry out ethnic unity on a large scale, our Xinjiang My Fiancee Cultural Dissemination LLC has set up this service specifically for our ladies who want to go to the mainland to be married, she continues, urging interested women to leave a message or their phone number.

The app and other campaigns for inter-ethnic marriage are raising alarm among experts and activists who see them as deliberate attempts to assimilate the mostly Muslim Uyghurs  who have their own distinct language, culture, customs and food -- into the dominant Han Chinese population.

The company was registered in Urumqi, the capital of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, in December 2019, although it is unclear when it launched the matchmaking app.

The app recently came to Radio Free Asias attention through social media posts and comments by Uyghurs noting an increase in professional services and online platforms encouraging Uyghur women to search for Chinese suitors.

They report seeing Chinese men expressing a desire on social to marry Uyghur women while others showed off the beautiful Uyghur girls they married.

Dearth of men

There is a dearth of eligible Uyghur men because authorities have detained so many of them in camps or prison for years, creating a need to replace them with Han Chinese, said Adrian Zenz, director of China Studies at the U.S.-based Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation.

The app is another example of Chinas attempts to decrease or dilute the Muslim population in Xinjiang, said Zenz, who has spent years documenting Chinas human rights abuses against Uyghurs.

The population optimization measures that I published in 2021 are aimed at diluting the Uyghur ethnic population, optimizing the population structure, reducing the concentration of the Uyghur ethnic population, and ending the dominance of the Uyghur ethnic group, Zenz told RFA, referring to a previous report he wrote.

Xinjiang My Fiancee Cultural Dissemination LLC specializes in introducing men in Chinese provinces to young Uyghur for marriage. Credit: RFA screenshot

When RFA called the hotline number on the Xinjiang My Fiancee ad, an employee who answered the phone said the company launched this service with support from the security bureau, a likely reference to the National Security Bureau, and the Urumqi Civil Affairs Bureau.

Individuals who wish to marry and start a new life in inner Chinese provinces have approached us, said the employee, who asked not to be identified. Many Uyghur girls are entering into marriages with Han Chinese individuals.

For a 15-yuan fee (US$2), the company will provide customers information about the women, including their name, age, height, weight and a short bio, she said.

Our primary purpose is to facilitate marriages between Uyghur girls and individuals from the inner provinces of China, she said. We understand our mission, and it is unrelated to anything else.

You can trust in our reliability, as we receive support from the security bureau and Urumqi Civil Affairs Bureau, she said.

We are all Uyghurs working here, she said.

The employee refused to provide contact information about the companys director or about its investors.

Denials

When RFA contacted the Marriage Management Department at Urumqis Civil Affairs Bureau to inquire about the relationship between the company and Chinese state agencies, a Chinese official denied any connection.

The matchmaking company is not under the management of the Civil Affairs Bureau, the employee said. They are not within our jurisdiction. They are making false claims.

When RFA contacted Urumqis Market Supervision Bureau to ask how it ensures the legitimacy and reliability of matchmaking companies, a Chinese official said any such firm can establish a business as long as it holds a business license issued by his bureau.

The official said the bureaus responsibility is limited to issuing business licenses and that it does not oversee any companys operations nor regulate the fees they can charge.

RFA then asked if such companies receive support and encouragement from government agencies such as the Civil Affairs Bureau, and whether this means they are promoting the governments policies in Xinjiang, where authorities have detained an estimated 1.8 million Uyghurs and other Turkic minorities and taken other steps to ban the practice of Islam in an attempt to prevent religious extremism.

Yes, thats correct, the official said. Any company operates in this manner. However, government support does not guarantee that these entities will not break the law.

Intermarriage increasing

Uyghur-Han intermarriage has been increasing since 2018 due to state promotion of intermarriage, including some cases of forced marriage, according to a November 2022 report by the Washington-based Uyghur Human Rights Project.

Beijing is carrying out a campaign of forcefully assimilating Uyghurs into Han Chinese society by means of mixed marriages, says the report, titled Forced Marriage of Uyghur Women: State Policies for Interethnic Marriages in East Turkestan, which is what Uyghurs call their homeland.

Government policies incentivizing and coercing intermarriage and other gender based-abuse only further the ongoing genocide and crimes against humanity being committed in East Turkestan, the report says.

Translated by RFA Uyghur. Edited by Roseanne Gerin and Malcolm Foster.
The human rights group Memorial has recognized Alsu Kurmasheva, a veteran journalist of RFE/RL's Tatar-Bashkir Service who has been in Russian custody since October 18, as a political prisoner.

Kurmasheva, a Prague, Czech Republic-based journalist with RFE/RL who holds dual U.S. and Russian citizenships, traveled to Russia for a family emergency in May.



She was temporarily detained while waiting for her return flight on June 2 at the airport in the capital of the Tatarstan region, where both of her passports were confiscated. She was not able to leave Russia as she awaited the return of her travel documents.



On October 11, Kurmasheva was fined 10,000 rubles ($103) for failing to register her U.S. passport with the Russian authorities, according to local media reports based on court documents they'd seen.



Kurmasheva was detained again on October 18 and this time charged with failing to register as a "foreign agent," a crime that carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.



The Investigative Committee said Kurmasheva was being charged under a section of the Criminal Code that refers to the registration of foreign agents who carry out "purposeful collection of information in the field of military, military-technical activities of Russia," which, if received by foreign sources, "can be used against the security of the country."



It gave no further details.



The Investigative Committee said its investigation found that while the Russian Justice Ministry did not add her to the list of foreign agents, she failed to provide documents to be included on the registry.



Kurmasheva and RFE/RL have both rejected the charge.

Russia's detention of Kurmasheva, the second U.S. media member to be detained by Moscow this year, triggered a wave of criticism from rights groups and politicians saying the move signals a new level of wartime censorship.



Sergei Davidis, the leader of Memorial's Support of Political Prisoners project, told RFE/RL that Kurmasheva was recognized as a political prisoner because the group considers illegal the Russian Criminal Code's article on foreign agents and its connection with so-called "purposeful collection of information in the field of military, military-technical activities of Russia."



Davidis added that Memorial considered the prosecution and possible conviction of people for failing to carry out "a so-called obligation to voluntarily declare themselves as foreign agents...also illegal."



"That request is illegal because, de facto, it is not about punishment for failure to declare, but for implementation of legal activities. The information in question is not classified and it is not illegal to collect such information," Davidis said, stressing that the Federal Security Service (FSB) had given a vague explanation about what can be considered information banned for collecting.



"Additional to that, we see concrete political goals in [Kurmasheva's] case that were obvious by how the persecution was carried out. First, she was detained and convicted of failure to declare the second citizenship, and after that only, after obvious thinking over and looking for reasons -- they filed the second case," Davidis said.

"This is the first criminal case and arrest of that kind. It explicitly indicates the artificial grounds of the whole construction. This illegal charge was thought over for a long time before it was used. They had searched for something to deprive Alsu Kurmasheva of her freedom," he added.



Russia has been accused of detaining Americans to use as bargaining chips to exchange for Russians jailed in the United States. Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich was arrested for alleged spying -- a charge he and the newspaper vehemently deny -- in March.

WATCH: The husband of the RFE/RL journalist Alsu Kurmasheva, who was detained in Russia on October 18, has said she is a "political prisoner."

Since 2012, Russia has used its so-called foreign agent laws to label and punish critics of government policies. It has also been increasingly used to shut down civil society and media groups in Russia since the Kremlin launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.



Amnesty International, the UN Human Rights Office, the Committee to Protect Journalists, and the chairman of the U.S. House of Representative's Foreign Affairs Committee have called for the immediate release of Kurmasheva.



The "foreign agent" law allows authorities to label nonprofit organizations as "foreign agents" if they receive funding from abroad and are engaged in political activities.



RFE/RL says the law amounts to political censorship meant to prevent journalists from performing their professional duties and is challenging the authorities' moves in Russian courts and at the European Court of Human Rights.

More than 30 RFE/RL employees have been listed as "foreign agents" by the Russian Justice Ministry in their personal capacity.



In March, a Moscow court declared the bankruptcy of RFE/RL's operations in Russia following the company's refusal to pay multiple fines totaling more than 1 billion rubles ($14 million) for noncompliance with the law.

Memorial, founded in 1987 to remember victims of Soviet repression, was closed down by Russia's Supreme Court in November 2021 -- citing the "foreign agents" law -- although it still functions outside the country and has managed to continue some activities inside Russia.

Kurmasheva is one of four RFE/RL journalists -- Andrey Kuznechyk, Ihar Losik, and Vladyslav Yesypenko are the other three -- currently imprisoned on charges related to their work. Rights groups and RFE/RL have called repeatedly for the release of all four, saying they have been wrongly detained.

Losik is a blogger and contributor for RFE/RLs Belarus Service who was convicted in December 2021 on several charges including the organization and preparation of actions that grossly violate public order and sentenced to 15 years in prison.

Kuznechyk, a web editor for RFE/RLs Belarus Service, was sentenced in June 2022 to six years in prison following a trial that lasted no more than a few hours. He was convicted of creating or participating in an extremist organization.

Yesypenko, a dual Ukrainian-Russian citizen who contributed to Crimea.Realities, a regional news outlet of RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service, was sentenced in February 2022 to six years in prison by a Russian judge in occupied Crimea after a closed-door trial. He was convicted of possession and transport of explosives, a charge he steadfastly denies.
The announcement published by Russian state news agencies raised eyebrows: A "regrouping" -- a tactical withdrawal to more favorable positions -- had been ordered by Russian commanders amid intense fighting on the eastern banks of the Dnieper River and reports of one or more growing Ukrainian bridgeheads.

Minutes later, the news story, which had cited the Defense Ministry, was withdrawn by TASS and RIA Novosti without explanation. The ministry then pointedly criticized the news agencies, calling their reporting a "provocation."



Tactical withdrawal or not, here's what the November 13 incident points to: There's a lot going on along a 45-kilometer stretch of marshy meadows and sandy riverbanks on the Russian-controlled side of the Dnieper, opposite and upriver from the Ukrainian-controlled city of Kherson.



Initial indications point to a growing Ukrainian operation that has not only sent dozens of troops and some heavy equipment across the river but has also tied up a substantial number of Russian forces, some redeployed from other hot spots along the 1,200-kilometer front line.



The effort itself -- sending troops and equipment across a waterway, exposed to artillery, air strikes, and drone surveillance -- is a complex, tricky endeavor. It comes with frustration growing about the trajectory of a slogging five-month counteroffensive that has garnered little territorial gain for Ukraine and done almost nothing to change the overall battlefield.

Roman Svitan, a Ukrainian defense analyst and reserve military officer, said there were three or four locations on the eastern bank where there were now established Ukrainian positions.



"For the moment these are not large-scale forces; these are reconnaissance, mostly small reconnaissance companies, up to 100 people," Svitan told Current Time. "It may already be up to a battalion, it may be larger, but these are only so-called raid attacks that are conducted on a rotational basis."



"In general river crossings are historically some of the hardest operations to successfully pull off," Kevin Ryan, a retired U.S. Army brigadier general and former U.S. defense attache in Moscow, told RFE/RL. "And given the proliferation of drones and night vision devices, they are even harder in the current conflict."



You should be paying attention to what's happening on the Dnieper's left bank in the Kherson region. Here's why.



A Failed Counteroffensive?



In early June, Ukrainian troops kicked off a major counteroffensive, the largest since a pair of successful battlefield operations late last year. They were hoping to punch through Russian lines in several places: south of Orikhiv in the southern Zaporizhzhya region, south of Velyka Novosilka in the Donetsk region to the east, and further north around the obliterated Donetsk region city of Bakhmut.

There were glimmers of optimism when Ukrainian forces overcame some of the defenses known as the Surovikin Line, near Orikhiv. But they faced heavy equipment losses, so they retooled their approach, discarding some of the Western-led training that NATO had hoped would also provide an advantage.

Ukrainian commanders, and their Western military advisers, had also hoped that Russian troop strength was depleted either in terms of numbers or simple exhaustion. The Kremlin had resisted ordering a new mobilization similar to the massive call-up ordered by President Vladimir Putin in September 2022, and analysts speculated that some Russian units were either under strength or exhausted.



Russia partially proved doubters wrong in early October when it launched its own offensive focused mainly on Avdiyivka, an industrial city northwest of the regional capital, Donetsk. Though Ukrainian troops have held out, fears that they could be encircled remain.



In an interview published on November 1 in The Economist magazine, Ukraine's top military commander, General Valeriy Zaluzhniy, called the conflict a "stalemate."



What About Kherson?



In November 2022, after weeks of pressure from Ukrainian units, Russian commanders ordered a pullout of some 30,000 elite paratroopers and other forces from the western side of Dnieper River. The move restored Ukrainian control of the city of Kherson, which Russia had captured soon after its February 2022 invasion.



In June, a Dnieper River dam under Russian control at Nova Kakhovka was destroyed under not-fully-clear circumstances, flooding thousands of hectares downstream and causing widespread damage.

In the time since Russia's withdrawal from the western bank, Ukrainian special forces and reconnaissance units have made repeated forays across the river and further downstream at the river's mouth, the Dniprovska Gulf. Ukrainians started taking control of some of the upriver islands, along the Konka tributary.



Sometime around October 18, Russian war bloggers began reporting on Ukrainian marine infantry crossing the river and establishing firing positions about 8 kilometers upriver from the Antonivskiy Bridge. One early report said units reached the village of Pishchanivka, about 2 kilometers southeast of the riverbank.



Since then, clashes -- now reported outside of string of villages along the Konka -- have spread from Oleshky, nearly directly opposite the city of Kherson, upriver about 50 kilometers to Korsunka.



As of November 13, reports said the village of Krynky was the focus of most intense fighting, as well as outside Kozachi Laheri immediately to the west, with Russian forces struggling to hold back Ukrainian troops advancing south from the river.



Multiple Russian war bloggers, along with a handful of Ukrainian bloggers, say Ukrainian forces have managed to bring an unknown number of armored vehicles across the river and have used at least one attack helicopter to target Russian positions in an echo of a tactic used with substantial success by Russian forces against Ukrainian forces near Orikhiv.

Oleksandr Musiyenko, head of the Kyiv-based Center for Military and Legal Studies, asserted that the Ukrainian bridgehead now encompassed the entire stretch of the eastern riverbank from the Antonivskiy Bridge up to Krynky.



"This means that the enemy cannot displace our forces. If they can't push us out -- and they'd like to do it, obviously, and they have tried -- then it means they have problems in defense on this front," he told RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service. "I would not rule out this scenario in the future: that Russian troops will be forced to withdraw to other fronts. This has happened to them many times already; it should not be surprising here."



Ukraine's military has said virtually nothing about the operation except to confirm only that marine infantry troops were operating on the Dnieper's east bank. Natalya Humenyuk, a spokeswoman for Ukraine's southern command, said on November 14 that it appeared Russian forces might be prepared to withdraw away from the littoral positions, moving back to second or third defensive lines to the east and south.



"For now, [Russian units] are forced under the pressure of their own military and political leadership to hold on to those hastily arranged positions. They tried to move away from the big water, they dug in somewhere, tried to get a foothold," she said. "But we know all these positions and we're working them hard."

Russian officials have also said little, though the Defense Ministry claimed last month that it had thwarted an attempted river crossing.



This week, the Russian ministry was forced to respond to the confusion surrounding the retracted news reports by TASS and RIA Novosti, which said Dnieper group commanders had ordered a "regrouping" of forces to "more advantageous positions east of the Dnieper." The ministry called the retracted reports "a provocation."



An information agency created by Ukraine's Special Operations Forces denied there had been any withdrawal or "regrouping" by Russian forces, saying the Russian news reports were intended to deceive Ukraine.



Command Confusion?



Under the Russian command structure for the war, the "Dnieper" command grouping is responsible for the area of operations along the Dnieper, south toward Crimea, the occupied Black Sea peninsula.



Late last month, the group's commander, Colonel General Oleg Makarevich, was abruptly removed from his position by Putin and replaced with Colonel General Mikhail Teplinsky, who had previously served as head of Russia's elite Airborne Forces, and who had directly overseen last year's withdrawal from the Dnieper's west bank.

Vladimir Rogov, a Moscow-backed official in the Russian-occupied part of the Kherson region, claimed Makarevich was fired, pushed out due to misleading superior officers and Defense Ministry officials about the difficult situation in Kherson.



Days after his appointment, several prominent Russian war bloggers reported that Teplinsky was wounded in a Ukrainian missile or rocket strike on the command headquarters for the Dnieper grouping. The reports have not been officially confirmed.



On November 13, a Telegram channel linked to Russia's paratroopers released a video of Teplinsky, seated in front of two flags, reading from a speech congratulating paratroopers on an official unit holiday.



Why Does It Even Matter?



Stalemate or not, momentum may not be on Ukraine's side. Russia's bigger industrial base is grinding into action, meaning more tanks, more missiles, more weaponry to replenish its stocks. Russia also has a vastly larger male population to replenish its troops; many observers predict another mobilization possibly after a March presidential election in which Putin is expected to secure a new term.



Still, Ukraine has repeatedly shown the ability to prove its doubters wrong. Despite pre-invasion predictions that Russia would steamroll Ukrainian forces and quickly take Kyiv, Ukrainian defenders thwarted that effort, inflicting heavy losses on invading Russian troops, who themselves were unprepared or inexperienced.



Eventually, Russia withdrew from areas north of Kyiv, moving many of those troops to the Donbas in the east.

The offensive in Kherson last year, plus a similar one in the northern Kharkiv region, also surprised outside observers, showing Ukraine's pluck and ingenuity. Now the Dnieper River crossings are taking place while units to the east and northeast are holding out against bigger Russian brigades.



"The importance of reported crossings by Ukraine is not only that they demonstrate a trained military, but maybe more importantly [that] because of where they are occurring, they create a real threat to Crimea," Ryan told RFE/RL. "Attacks in the south have the potential to advance more directly to Crimea, which would cause Russia to move troops to that front and away from its other defenses and offensive ops."



"Judging by everything, the Russian command did not expect that Ukraine could carry out such an amphibious landing not just for the purpose of distracting and restraining Russian units but for the purpose of something bigger and more extensive -- for example, conducting some sort of offensive operation," Musiyenko said.



One of Ukraine's primary goals is to push into Tokmak toward Melitopol, and possibly the coastal city of Berdyansk, which would cut Russian supply lines running southwest from the Russian border to Crimea. That would complicate Russia's effort to supply its forces on the peninsula, as well as the civilian population there.

Threatening Russian lines near the Dnieper is already forcing Russian commanders to pull some forces from further to the east, closer to Orikhiv. At least one Russian war blogger reported small number of units being pulled from near Avdiyivka.



For some observers, the relatively small size of the Ukrainian crossing, and the continued difficulties in move greater amount of supplies, suggest the bridgehead effort is nothing more than a distraction, a feint aimed at drawing down Russian forces elsewhere.



"The most important thing that this bridgehead is doing now is drawing Russian forces toward itself, not allowing them to act in another direction," David Gendelman, an Israeli military expert, told RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service.



If Russian artillery can be pushed further away from the riverbanks, then Ukrainian troops can start bringing over more men and heavier equipment, Svitan said.



"A river crossing is a very vulnerable place for Russian attacks," he said. "It needs to be protected very well. Now we are only at the beginning of creating this kind of bridgehead, the work itself will take a long time."
BELGRADE -- New mobile scanners donated by China to Serbia are raising new questions about the protection of personal data and transparency in how Belgrade is deploying Chinese technology along its borders.

Little information was shared about the October 29 donation beyond a statement by the Serbian Interior Ministry that the scanners "will enable more effective detection of illegal goods as well as people who are illegally transported" as cargo in cars and trucks across the country's checkpoints. It added that the new Chinese technology is being deployed at the Gradinje border crossing with Bulgaria.



The ministry did not specify the value of the donated equipment or specify the manufacturer, but photos of the new scanners in place along the Serbian-Bulgarian border show that they are made by the Chinese company Nuctech, the world's leading manufacturer of X-ray machines, scanners, and explosive-detection systems.



The firm has been blacklisted in the United States and restricted across the European Union due to connections to the Chinese Communist Party, complaints of it undercutting competitors in public tenders, and security concerns that China could gain access to sensitive government, industrial, and personal data by using the equipment.

This places Belgrade along a political fault line over the use of Chinese technology in critical infrastructure across Europe, with Serbia finding itself at odds with most EU member states.



"[The question is] whether [the scanners] are equipped with controversial technology that can collect and track data related to the movement of goods and passengers," Ana Krstinovska, a researcher on China's role in the Balkans at the China Observers in Central and Eastern Europe think tank, told RFE/RL. "Tightening regulations in China that require companies to share such data with the government, if asked, is the reason why Nuctech equipment is banned in some countries."



The recent donation also comes amid a surge of migrants along the so-called Balkan Route where refugees pass through Serbia and its neighbors to enter the EU and claim asylum, which has become a growing political issue inside the Balkan country and across the 27-country bloc.



Data compiled by Frontex, the European border and coast guard agency, found that in the first four months of 2023 some 22,500 irregular border crossings were detected along the Balkan Route, making it the second most active path to the EU for migrants after the Mediterranean Sea.

In Serbia, the uptick in migrants has led to an increased police presence on border crossings and stepped-up security measures -- something that has grown further following a shoot-out in October between migrants near the Serbian border with Hungary that killed three and injured one. Serbian police have raided the border zone on several occasions over the past several months, arresting suspected people smugglers and confiscating weapons.



In late October, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said Belgrade has considered using the military "to fix" security issues along the country's borders.



The Interior Ministry did not respond to RFE/RL's questions about for further details about the donated equipment, how it relates to increased migrant flows, and whether Nuctech meets European data safety standards.



Questions About Nuctech



Data security questions around the use of Nuctech's equipment amid increased migration are not unique to Serbia.



The company first came under the scrutiny of EU lawmakers in 2020, when it emerged as a possible provider of airport security equipment used to screen people, baggage, supplies, cargo, and mail.

Following that, more than 50 members of the European Parliament asked the European Commission in 2022 to exclude the company from the tender for security reasons stemming from fears that Chinese authorities would gain access to travel and commercial information of other countries through Nuctech, which they said could threaten European security.



"The use of EU funds to further strengthen Nuctech's presence in Europe's critical infrastructure presents a unique opportunity for the company and the Chinese government to collect sensitive customs data that could be harmful to the commercial and security interests" of EU members, an open letter published in 2022 by the deputies stated.



Chinese President Xi Jinping has overseen a raft of legislation in recent years to bolster national security against perceived threats both domestically and outside China, focusing on national security and tightening control of data collection.



Nuctech did not respond to RFE/RL's requests about data concerns related to its equipment, but the company has previously rejected such allegations, stating after the release of that letter that "all data generated by our devices belongs to Nuctech customers" and not to the company, EU countries, or the Chinese government.

Nuctech has close ties to China's top leadership and was led by the son of former Chinese leader Hu Jintao. The Australian Strategic Policy Institute think tank found that Nuctech's parent company is controlled by the state-owned China National Nuclear Corporation, which manages China's civilian and military nuclear programs.



New Lines Drawn Across Europe



Scrutiny over Nuctech has grown at the country level across the EU, most notably in Belgium and Lithuania.



Lithuania reached an agreement with the Chinese company to supply baggage scanners for airports in the country, but canceled the contract in 2021 after the Lithuanian Defense Ministry raised national security concerns about Nuctech's equipment and data issues, a ministry spokesperson told RFE/RL.



Belgium also decided earlier this year to exclude Nuctech from a tender to supply X-ray scanners for vehicles and containers at customs checkpoints in the country. The Belgian State Council sent RFE/RL a decision it reached rejecting Nuctech due to "national security" considerations.

In response to questions about the threats Nuctech's equipment at borders and airports could pose, the European Commission told RFE/RL that they are unable to comment on individual companies, but that they have introduced a new "series of measures" that should guarantee the safety of customs-control equipment in the EU.



"Security requirements should be properly represented in selection criteria for awarding a contract and should take precedence over other criteria, such as price," a commission spokesperson said.



The European Commission added that despite its recommendations, procurement decisions are ultimately the decision of individual member states and their governments.



According to publicly available tenders within the EU, Nuctech won two contracts this year: one to provide baggage-scanning equipment to the airport in Genoa, Italy, and another to supply a mobile X-ray scanner to Poland.



China And Serbia



Serbia has purchased Nuctech equipment in the past to operate along its borders, with the first acquisition of scanners in 2009. Nuctech also donated scanners to Serbia in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic.



Belgrade has also made other purchases from the company since 2014 as part of a broader loan taken out from the Export-Import Bank of China. According to the current state budget, the Serbian government still owes Nuctech $9.1 million (8.6 million euros) for the equipment.

"At that time, neither Nuctech nor that kind of Chinese donation of equipment or loans was considered controversial," Krstinovska said. "The Chinese side's motivation was rather to promote their domestic companies, to help them penetrate the European market and secure further contracts."



Krstinovska says these kinds of deals and the lack of details around them raise glaring transparency questions moving forward. In Serbia's case, much of the Nuctech equipment has been purchased without an open-tender process.



"What is quite unique to China and also worrying is the use of loans that are tied to using Chinese companies and suppliers," she adds. "The loans are eventually paid back. These are not gifts or investments, but taxpayers' money, so there should be a proper procurement procedure to select the best value for money offer."



Questions due to a lack of transparency in using Chinese technology and managing sensitive personal data are not only attached to Nuctech's equipment in Serbia.



Following years of negotiations, Serbia began to install surveillance cameras made by China's Huawei through a "Safe City" project for Belgrade. The government is currently in the process of introducing some 8,000 Huawei surveillance cameras that have facial-recognition capabilities, although authorities claim this feature is not yet being used.



Privacy concerns, coupled with a lack of public debate and regulation over the cameras' use and deployment, has been a political flashpoint at times inside Serbia, sparking protests and tough political debates.



Similarly, an RFE/RL investigation earlier this year showed that Chinese-made surveillance cameras and accompanying software have been deployed in more than 40 cities and municipalities throughout Serbia, often without public consultation or public announcement.

Written by Reid Standish in Prague based on reporting by RFE/RL Balkan Service correspondent Sonja Gocanin in Belgrade
Iran's strategy in the Middle East is essentially a take on an old proverb: Give your proxies and partners weapons and you can sustain their battles for a day. Teach them to make weapons and they can fight your enemies for a lifetime.



With Iranian-backed militant groups taking the charge in the Islamic republic's fight against Israel and the United States, Tehran is seeing its effort to help them acquire their own weapons-manufacturing capabilities pay off.



"Iran has established a network of allies and partners throughout the Middle East, from the Huthis in Yemen, to pro-Iranian groups in Iraq, to pro-Iranian groups in Syria, to Hizballah in Lebanon, to Hamas in Gaza," said Samuel Bendett of the Virginia-based Center for Naval Analyses. "And [Tehran] basically feeds some of its technology there directly, or provides kits and parts and other assistance to the local developers from those units, from those groups, and either gives them training in Iran or trains them on their location."



Increasingly, those Tehran-backed militant groups are turning to weapons they have produced themselves, often based on Iranian blueprints or manufactured or assembled with Iran's assistance. "Those groups now have a lot of know-how which was provided to them by Iran," Bendett said. "And they're now using them against the U.S. and its allies in the region."



The Iranian-backed Islamic Resistance Movement -- better known as Hamas and considered a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union -- utilized a vast array of indigenously produced weapons and employed advanced battlefield tactics during its surprise multipronged attack on Israel on October 7 that left around 1,200 people dead.

The Israeli Defense Forces said they recovered Iranian-manufactured mortars and explosives used by the Palestinian extremist group after the assault, and Israeli military officials have reportedly estimated that up to 10 percent of the weapons used in the attack were made in Iran.



But most were produced or refined by Hamas indigenously in the Gaza Strip, including assault rifles, missiles, rockets, mortars, shells, and ammunition, according to Israeli defense officials.



Some of the at least 19 Iranian proxies and partners in the region that help make up Iran's so-called axis of resistance have also used Iranian-derived or indigenously manufactured weapons built with Tehran's help against Israel as well as U.S. troops based in the region since the Hamas assault.



These militant groups boast varying levels of firepower in their respective arsenals made up of Soviet-era, Russian, Iranian, and indigenously manufactured weapons based on Iranian designs. While Iran denies delivering arms to the groups directly, many of the missiles, rockets, and other weapons are similar to those produced by Iran.



Lebanese Hizballah boasts the most formidable arsenal of projectiles among Tehran's proxies -- including its own manufactured or refitted missiles and rockets. Since October 7, Hizballah has launched hundreds of rockets and missiles at Israel.



The Iranian-backed Huthi rebels in Yemen claim to have launched ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as drones, at Israel. On November 8, the Pentagon announced that a U.S. military surveillance drone was shot down off the coast of Yemen by Huthi forces.



In an apparent response to U.S. support for Israel's retaliatory land invasion and aerial bombardment of the Hamas-run Gaza Strip, Iranian proxies in Iraq and Syria have launched 58 attacks against U.S. forces in the past month, according to the Pentagon.



Tehran has denied involvement in the Hamas attack, and in early November Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei reportedly pressed Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh to silence those calling for Iran and Lebanese Hizballah to join the Israel-Hamas war.

According to sources cited by Reuters, Khamenei said during the meeting with Haniyeh in Tehran that Iran would continue to offer political and moral support but would not directly enter the conflict.



But Iran has publicly boasted about the military aid it has provided to Hamas in recent years. And despite international sanctions and a sea and land blockade on the Gaza Strip that was imposed by Israel and Egypt in 2005, experts say it is clear that Tehran has provided assistance to boost Hamas's fighting capabilities.

Middle East political analyst Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib told RFE/RL that Hamas built up its arsenal by looting weapons from former stockpiles of the Palestinian Authority or illegally purchasing them decades ago from Israeli sources through straw-man sales, smuggling arms and materials across the border with Egypt, and domestically producing drones, rockets, and various munitions.

But there is little evidence that any seaborne smuggling of arms has taken place since Hamas took power in the Gaza Strip in 2007, he said. And the smuggling from Egypt that reached its height after the Egyptian revolution in 2011 declined sharply after the Muslim Brotherhood government there was overthrown in 2013 and has since "been reduced to a trickle."



Nevertheless, Alkhatib said, "the weaponry and the arsenal that Hamas has right now has been building up for over a decade" and benefited from thousands of tons of smuggled arms and materials that could be used to manufacture its own weapons.



"Even if the smuggling stopped, those are still significant and vast enough to offer Hamas and other groups the ability to inflict damage as we saw on October 7 and as we're seeing in their defensive battle with advancing Israeli ground troops," said Alkhatib, a U.S. citizen from Gaza.



Whereas Hamas historically focused on building up a stockpile of rifles and machine guns, he says, it turned its attention to developing kinetic capabilities -- including mines, targeted explosive warheads, improvised explosive devices, anti-tank missiles, and rocket propelled grenades.



Hamas has also invested heavily in developing longer-range rockets and guidance and targeting capabilities as well as a range of unmanned aerial vehicles, including fixed-wing and weaponized commercial-grade drones.



Hamas had a falling out with Tehran, including over the extremist group's support of the Syrian uprising in 2011, Alkhatib says. But Yahya Sinwar, Hamas's leader in Gaza, realigned the organization with Tehran "because they have realized that without Iran, their military capability won't stand a chance in continuing to evolve."



The realignment "with Iran, with the Syrian regime, and certainly with [Lebanese] Hizballah," he added, "are directly related to Hamas's needs and reliance on Iran to procure materials and, more importantly in the era of limited to no smuggling, technologies and know-how to domestically produce [weapons] systems."



Aided by Iranian weapons blueprints and the use of modern digital platforms for remote training, Hamas has learned how to upgrade old rockets and missiles to expand their range and lethality, he said.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) and Lebanese Hizballah have also been able to remotely teach Hamas fighting tactics and how to develop its massive tunnel network. "And, more importantly, Iran is also teaching Hamas how to use strategic capabilities," Alkhatib said, such as how to integrate drones on the battlefield.



"What was particularly spectacular about the October 7 attack," Alkhatib said, "is that Hamas for the first time demonstrated a combined-arms approach to guerrilla warfare, whereby intelligence was linked with the artillery barrage, was linked with the aerial capabilities of using the paragliders, was linked with the ground troops with the elite forces, with the logistical networks to transport the hostages back to Gaza and to send the attacks in waves with internal operational security.



"This was a qualitative leap forward in Hamas's fighting doctrine. And it could have only been learned and developed through assistance from Iran, broadly, and more specifically, its proxies and its arms in the region such as Hizballah and the IRGC," he added.



Elsewhere in the Middle East, Iran's support for proxies and its involvement in the Syrian civil war now leaves it with a significant number of experienced fighters at the ready for future conflicts.



Alkhatib notes that Iran supported hundreds of thousands of Shi'ite militias and fighters in Iraq and Syria, both to support the government of President Bashar al-Assad in Syria and to combat the Islamic State (IS) extremist group alongside Syrian and Iraqi government forces.



"Now that both have been largely defeated, IS and the Syrian rebels, Iran was left with these powerful, battle-hardened, well-trained, well-organized militias that had nothing to do," Alkhatib said. "And so, they have been recycled and repurposed by the IRGC to further bolster the so-called axis of resistance, and to be used in a potential fight with Israel and the United States."
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky noted the work of the Ukrainian intelligence agencies - the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine and the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine. He noted that thanks to them and everyone who serves in them, our state is informed about the enemy's plans.

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Zelensky said this on Monday, November 13, in his evening address to Ukrainians (to watch the video, scroll to the bottom of the page) . He said that today he had heard reports from the Chief of the Main Intelligence Directorate, Kyrylo Budanov, and the Head of the Foreign Intelligence Service, Oleksandr Lytvynenko.

The Head of State thanked the two intelligence services for their work, thanks to which Ukraine is aware of the plans of the aggressor country Russia and has the opportunity to respond to them.

"I am grateful to both of our structures - to each and every person who serves in them - and above all, for the fact that Ukraine knows and will know what the enemy is preparing and how to respond - correctly and powerfully. Both on the ground and in the Black Sea," the President said.

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In this address, he also spoke about the current situation at the front, the training of Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets, and international steps planned for the coming weeks. Read more about this here.

As OBOZ.UA previously reported, the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry was behind the explosions in Russia on the night of November 11. The "bavovna" was delivered to a design bureau that produced missiles and their components in the Moscow region and a powder factory in the Tambov region.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
The United States has purchased a batch of Gepard self-propelled air defense systems from Jordan. It consists of 60 units of tanks, all of which will be sent to help Ukrainian troops in the confrontation with Russia.

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This was reported by the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf. The Jordanian government purchased these units from the Netherlands in 2016 for 21 million euros.

"It was a "ridiculous" price at the time. However, now the United States has already spent 110 million euros on these combat vehicles," the article says.

It should be noted that the Gepard anti-aircraft system is designed to protect armored columns on the march and stationary objects from attacks from helicopters and aircraft at low and ultra-low altitudes, day and night, in all weather conditions and in the event of intense enemy electronic countermeasures.

As OBOZ.UA reported earlier, in order to continue to counter Russian aggression and prevent the Kremlin's war from spreading further to Europe, the EU must be ready to compensate for the lack of assistance to Ukraine from the United States. It is the responsibility of Kyiv's European partners to support it to the end.

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"We have many problems that will be a test for the EU. First of all, Ukraine, where the prospect of victory over Russia is not immediate. And we, the Europeans, having the necessary funds for this, must be ready, politically speaking, to continue to help Ukraine, given that US support is likely to decline," said Josep Borrell, the EU's representative for foreign affairs and security policy.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
North Dakota leads the United States canola production, with Montana following in third place. Canola oil use extends far beyond the kitchen and includes farmed fish feed, especially salmon, and biodiesel. Omega 3 canola, a new and exciting breed is, per Nuseeds website the worlds first plant-based omega-3 and will help relieve the pressure on our oceans to supply this essential nutrient. One acre of omega-3 canola produces as much DHA as 10,000 one-kilogram fish. Nuseed is partnering with contract growers to supply aquafeed and nutrition markets. Currently, the closest seed-crushing plant for omega-3 canola is in Redwing MN. Mark Erickson, Buckshot Seeds co-owner, is hoping to change that.

Buckshot Seeds, a dealer of Gold Standard Seed, was awarded an APUC (Ag Products Utilization Commission) grant from the North Dakota Department of Agriculture to use towards a feasibility study. His goal is to determine if a seed-crushing plant would be successful in the western North Dakota, eastern Montana area. This would benefit canola and soybean producers, encouraging them and others to grow more of both. Sunflowers and safflower producers would possibly benefit from the plant as well, as the company interested in installing one would create a very versatile operation, capable of crushing multiple varieties.

The current goal of the plant is to process 75% canola and 25% soybeans. The resulting oils would be shipped, most likely by railcar, to countries that farm fish. Norway, Argentina, and Chile top that list, but with BNSF being a mostly East to West rail line, Norway would be the most likely recipient. With considerations to shipping needs, the proposed location is in the Marley Crossing area, near Trenton. Savage Industries Transload facility in that location would aid in transport, making the plants success even more likely.

Seed crushing comes with a rich by-product, a meal that is high in fat and perfect for feeding out cattle and pigs. In an area rich in cattle producers, the plant would serve a dual purpose, both purchasing and providing product. Soybeans have already replaced sugar beets in many fields, and canola would be a strong contender with a crushing plant nearby. As Erickson said, Farmers are pretty adaptable folk, and he feels the plant would make a strong positive impact on local growers and provide new employment positions. The feasibility study is due to be finished by Thanksgiving, and so far, response to the project has been favorable.
Japan continues to insist on its right to the Kuril Islands, which the USSR seized during World War II. Russia considers the disputed islands of Kunashir, Iturup, Shikotan, and Habomai to be part of the Sakhalin Oblast, while the Japanese authorities include them in the Nemuro District of Hokkaido Prefecture.

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Once again, the Secretary General of the Japanese government, Hirokazu Matsuno, announced the extension of Japan's sovereignty to these islands. The statement was quoted by Russian propagandists.

Since the end of World War II, no peace treaty has been signed between Japan and the USSR, and now the Russian Federation. The territorial affiliation of four islands in the Kuriles remains a stumbling block: Kunashir, Iturup, Shikotan, and Habomai. Japan considers them occupied and has consistently asserted its sovereignty over these islands.

This was once again confirmed by the Secretary General of the Japanese government on November 14.

"The Northern Territories are islands subject to the sovereignty of our country, the original territory of our country. There are no changes in the position of the Japanese government. The subject of negotiations on a peace treaty is the territorial affiliation of the four islands - this is the consistent position of our country," Hirokazu Matsuno said during a media interview in Tokyo.

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Five years ago, then-Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Singapore. During the talks, they discussed accelerating the negotiation process on a peace treaty based on the 1956 Joint Declaration, in which Moscow agreed to consider the possibility of transferring the Habomai and Shikotan islands to Japan. However, the transfer never took place.

Moreover, Japan insists on returning all the territories it considers occupied.

"According to the agreements reached in Singapore, as well as other earlier agreements, we have been negotiating hard on the basis of the course on the Northern Territories issue to resolve the territorial problem and conclude a peace treaty based on the agreements and documents reached between the two countries. Because of Russia's attack on Ukraine, it is not the right time to say anything concrete about peace treaty negotiations, but the government continues to hold the position of resolving the Northern Territories issue and concluding a peace treaty," Matsuno said.

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The Kuril Islands (20 large and more than 30 small islands stretching 1,300 kilometers between Japan's Hokkaido and Russia's Kamchatka) are home to only about 20,000 people, most of whom come to work on a rotational basis. These people are practically cut off from the world: they can only travel to the "big land" by ferry, which goes to Sakhalin Island once a week. There are no flights because of the high cost. Communications on the islands are also poor: people have virtually no access to the Internet and mobile communications, and the total length of asphalt roads there is 13 km.

At the same time, there are huge reserves of hydrocarbons in the shelf of the Sea of Okhotsk, which is separated from the North Pacific by an archipelago of volcanic islands. And Russia, using the occupation of the Kuriles, has monopolized the exploitation of the Sea of Okhotsk basin, although until relatively recently its central part was international waters.

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If Japan regains control of the islands, it will be able to extract hydrocarbons and use the resources of the Sea of Okhotsk.

In addition, Iturup Island has the third largest reserves of an extremely rare metal, rhenium, which is used in the production of rocketry and aircraft construction.

Soviet troops occupied the southern islands of the Kuril Islands, which had previously belonged to Japan, in 1945, and in 1946 the USSR unilaterally incorporated the Kuriles and South Sakhalin into its territory. The Japanese population living in these territories was deported to Hokkaido.

Japan has not recognized Russia's sovereignty over these islands and considers them its own. The USSR, and later Russia, which declared itself the successor of the Union, believes that the islands allegedly belong to it on the basis of agreements between the Allies during World War II.

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Almost 80 years after the end of World War II, a peace treaty between Japan and Russia was never signed. And Russia is blocking the resolution of the dispute in international courts. Tokyo's negotiations with Moscow, both under Boris Yeltsin and Putin, also proved fruitless.

At the same time, the Kuriles have no social significance for Russia. The aggressor state views them solely as a military and political object. For example, in 2017, the Russian Federation deployed an additional army division there, which caused a protest from Japan.

When Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Japan vigorously defended its right to the islands. On February 28, 2022, Tokyo stated that Russia was occupying the southern part of the Kuril Islands, which was a gross violation of international law as much as the aggression against Ukraine.

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On October 7, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine recognized the Kuril Islands as occupied by Russia.

Earlier, it was reported that Japan would help Ukraine demine fields in the liberated territories and provide assistance to the agricultural sector of our country. In addition, Japan and Ukraine have certain cooperation agreements to restore the war-affected territories of our country.

In addition, it has been reported that Japan will provide Ukraine with 24 cranes for demining the frontline and de-occupied territories. Also, our country has already received macro-financial assistance from the country in the amount of 2.1 billion dollars.

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Mid-Rivers Communications is offering $108,000 in scholarship funds for Eastern and Central Montana students.

The Mid-Rivers Fund for Education, funded by unclaimed capital credits from members, has awarded over $670,000 in scholarships to area students. In 2024, Mid-Rivers will award 36 competitive and 15 drawing scholarships.

Scholarship categories reflect the mission and values of the Cooperative and its members. This years scholarship program has three categories:

 Dawson Community College/Miles Community College Scholarship  In support of local educational institutions, up to six (6) $3,000 scholarships will be awarded to students attending Dawson Community College (DCC) or Miles Community College (MCC).

 Mid-Rivers Higher Education Scholarship  Thirty (30) $2,500 scholarships will be awarded to students pursuing or continuing their higher education at any other institution in technical, undergraduate, or graduate programs.

 Mid-Rivers Annual Meeting Drawing  Fifteen (15) $1,000 scholarships will be awarded through a drawing of eligible students in attendance at the 2024 Mid-Rivers Annual Meeting. The date and location for the 2024 Annual Meeting are to be determined and will be announced in early 2024.

Competitive scholarships will be awarded based on how well each students application addresses the following priority areas:

 Demonstration of specific plans and an authentic desire to live and work in the Mid-Rivers Service Area in the future.

 Work experience and school and community activities during high school and/or college.

 Unique, inspiring, and innovative Personal Statement.

 Grade point average and ACT/SAT test scores.

 Ability to communicate.

Eligible applicants for all categories include graduating high school seniors entering freshman year at a college, university or technical school; and current college, university and technical school students planning to continue studies in the fall. All applicants must be enrolled as full-time students for the fall of 2024. Previous scholarship winners (competitive or drawing, and in any year) are ineligible. Applicants must have a parent or guardian who is a member of Mid-Rivers Telephone Cooperative, Inc. with active telephone or Internet service and a completed and approved membership application (customers with active service are not automatically members). Applicants unsure of membership status should contact Mid-Rivers by Jan. 5, 2024, at 1-800-452-2288 to verify eligibility.

Competitive applications must be completed online and are now available at http://www.midrivers.com/scholarships/. Applicants unsuccessful in the competitive scholarships are eligible and encouraged to enter the drawing for scholarships at the annual meeting.

The completed form(s) and all required attachments must be submitted online by Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. MST. Only complete applications will be considered. For complete guidelines and online application form, please visit http://www.midrivers.com/scholarships/.
Uttarakhand Tunnel Collapse

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been closely monitoring the situation.

Uttarakhand Tunnel Collapse Accident Latest News Today: Excavators have started drilling with heavy machinery in order to fix a wide steel pipe to rescue over 40 Indian workers who are trapped inside a collapsed Himalayan highway tunnel in Uttarkashi. Notably, the tunnel was caved in two days ago in the north Indian state of Uttarakhand.

It is pertinent to mention that the 4.5km (2.7-mile) tunnel was caved in at around 5:30 am on Sunday. It was being built on a national highway as part of a route for the Hindu pilgrimage.

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In the meanwhile, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that he was closely monitoring the situation and even visited the spot. He also spoke to the family members of the people who are trapped inside. Dhami further said that food, water, and oxygen were being supplied to the people who had been trapped inside.

Furthermore, he said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been closely monitoring the situation. On the other hand, the experts included in the committee, constituted by the Uttarakhand government under the chairmanship of the Director, Uttarakhand Landslide Mitigation and Management Center to study and investigate the causes of landslide in Silkyara Tunnel, have inspected the site and started the investigation.

Commandant SDRF-Uttarakhand, Manikant Mishra said that he had spoken to the workers who were trapped inside the tunnel and they had assured him that all 40 workers were doing well.

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Mishra also said that the trapped workers would be rescued soon while the essential food items and some medicines were supplied to the workers today.

Also Read: High Court quashes FIR registered against Ram Rahim Singh

(For more news apart from Uttarakhand Tunnel Collapse Accident Latest News Today, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
Sofia Produce LLC, which operates under the name Trufresh, is recalling all sizes of fresh cantaloupes due to a possible salmonella contamination.

The fresh cantaloupes packaged in cardboard containers labeled with the "Malichita" label were sold between October 16, 2023 and October 23, 2023.

The company, which operates out of Arizona, said the cantaloupes were distributed directly to Arizona, California, Maryland, New Jersey, Tennessee, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Texas and Florida, as well as Canada.

The cantaloupes also have an individual PLU sticker placed upon each fruit. The top half of the sticker is white and has the word "Malichita" written in script in black letters, while the bottom of the sticker is black and has the number 4050 prominently displayed in white letters together with the words "Product of Mexico/produit du Mexique."

According to the FDA, this label will identify individual Malichita cantaloupes purchased by consumers.

Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Glencore Plc (GLCNF.PK,GLNCY.PK,GLEN.L) announced Tuesday its binding agreement to acquire a 77 percent effective interest in Teck Resources Limited's (TECK) steelmaking coal , Elk Valley Resources or EVR, for $6.93 billion in cash.

Concurrently, Teck has agreed with Nippon Steel Corp. that its current 2.5 percent interest in Elkview Operations will be rolled up to equity in EVR. Nippon Steel will acquire additional equity in EVR from Teck, such that on closing, Nippon Steel will hold a 20 percent equity interest in EVR.

Further, POSCO has advised Teck that it intends to exchange its current 2.5 percent interest in Elkview Operations and its 20 percent interest in the Greenhills joint venture, for a 3 percent interest in EVR.

At closing, Glencore will also acquire from Teck, NSC and POSCO's attributable share of a shareholder loan from Teck to EVR which is repayable out of EVR's cash flows. The amount payable for this portion of the loan would be around $250 million to $300 million on closing.

The company said the transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of fiscal 2024, subject to mandatory regulatory approvals, being Investment Canada Act ("ICA") and competition approvals.

On the deal closure, assuming the POSCO roll-up proceeds, EVR will own 100 percent interests in the entities holding the Elkview, Fording River, Greenhills and Line Creek mines in Southeast British Columbia, and 46 percent of Neptune Terminals in North Vancouver.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Vivendi SE (VIVEF.PK), a French , media, and communication company, Tuesday announced that it has completed the sale of its unit Editis to a private company International Media Invest or IMI.

Vivendi had signed the agreement for the sale of Editis to IMI in June.

Vivendi received 653 million euros including the reimbursement of the Editis debt.

The closing of the sale follows the European Commission's decision to grant authorization to IMI to acquire Editis by approving it as a suitable purchaser.

Currently, Vivendi shares are trading at 8.62 euros, up 0.77% in Paris.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Ntobeko David Mfeka

In the heart of Westmead, a small town nestled within Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal, a remarkable young man named Ntobeko David Mfeka was born. His story, set against community challenges of poverty, alcoholism and teenage pregnancy, is nothing short of inspirational.

At the tender age of 19, Ntobeko embarked on a journey of hope and determination to pursue a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting at Rhodes University. His family, a single-income household, relied on his mother's modest salary to make ends meet. Yet, from a young age, Ntobeko's heart was captivated by the world of business and commercial concepts, and he harboured a burning desire to uplift the youth of his community.

Despite the odds stacked against him, Ntobeko was determined to succeed. Throughout his high school years, he remained steadfastly committed to his studies, culminating in an outstanding performance in his matric year. His potential was evident, but the barrier of university fees threatened his future success.

It was at this critical juncture that Ntobeko Mfeka became a beneficiary of Rhodes University's student financial aid campaign, Isivivane. His unwavering dedication to academic excellence did not go unnoticed, and he was chosen for the prestigious Bank Seta Bursary. This bursary, covering tuition, accommodation, and textbooks, was a dream come true for Ntobeko and his family.

When asked about his guiding motto in life, Ntobeko shared the words of Leslie Brown: "If you do what is hard, your life will be easy, but if you do what is easy, your life will be hard." These words serve as a constant wellspring of motivation, guiding his decisions and providing strength during moments of doubt.

As a young South African, Ntobeko firmly believes in the proactive potential of his generation to challenge the status quo and strive for excellence. He recognises the power that young voices carry, acknowledging that their fight for a better South Africa is essential. With a reassuring message, he urges his fellow students: "The future is yours, build it."

Ntobeko expresses profound gratitude for the life-changing support he has received: "The Bank Seta bursary has made a tremendous impact on my life. From 2022 to 2023, it has allowed me to pursue my studies with freedom, unburdened by financial worries. I am profoundly grateful to have been chosen!"

Regardless of the size of your contribution, each one plays a pivotal role in transforming the lives of more young individuals, turning their dreams into reality. Together, we can make a difference. To contribute to Isivivane, Unlocking Futures, and other Priority Projects, please click the link below and join us in this heart-warming journey of empowerment and inspiration.

https://www.ru.ac.za/donate
Professor Makaiko Chithambo, the Head of Physics and Electronics at Rhodes University, and Professor Sioux McKenna, the Director of the Centre for Postgraduate Studies, are among the new members of ASSAf

At the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) Awards Ceremony on November 09, 2023, Professor Makaiko Chithambo, the Head of Physics and Electronics at Rhodes University, and Professor Sioux McKenna, the Director of the Centre for Postgraduate Studies (CPGS), were welcomed as new members of the prestigious academy. They joined 38 of the country's foremost scholars and scientists in receiving this honour.

ASSAf's core function is to recognise and honour the country's most outstanding scholars by electing them as Members of the Academy. These Members are selected from a wide range of disciplines. Since its inception in 1996, the Academy has grown to a total Membership of 689.

In a congratulatory letter, Professor Sabiha Essack, the General Secretary of ASSAf, wrote, "On behalf of the ASSAf Council, it is my pleasure to welcome you to ASSAf as newly-elected Members."

Professor Chithambo holds an NRF B2 research rating and earned his PhD from the University of Edinburgh, and his Masters degree from the University of Sussex, UK. His research interests revolve around the study of imperfections in solids. He has authored over 135 papers on this subject and wrote the book titled "An Introduction to Time-resolved Optically Stimulated Luminescence," published by Morgan & Claypool Publishers. Professor Chithambo has also received the Vice-Chancellor's Distinguished Research Award and Distinguished Senior Research Award from Rhodes University.

Upon receiving his ASSAf membership, he expressed his gratitude, stating, "I am truly honoured. The fact that I was elected by my peers who found me worthy of this honour makes it very special. It is a direct recognition that my work is, in some ways, world leading. To receive such unsolicited recognition is truly wonderful."

Professor McKenna joined Rhodes University at the end of 2009 to establish a new doctoral programme in higher education studies. In the 13 years since its inception, the programme has graduated 38 scholars and continues to thrive. She has been part of the CPGS for the past six years and, as its first full-time employee, had the opportunity to enhance the Centre's profile. Her responsibilities include managing several national and international projects, such as the EU-funded Creating Postgraduate Collaborations project and the DHET-funded Enhancing the Quality of Postgraduate Education project.

Rhodes University takes immense pride in its distinguished academics who consistently contribute significantly to the institution's scholarly and research legacy.

For more info on ASSAf: https://www.assaf.org.za
On the evening of Monday, November 13, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant said that Hamas terrorists had lost control of Gaza City. The militants are fleeing to the south, and the Israeli Defense Forces are trying to take full control of the settlement.

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This was reported by The Times of Israel. "There are no Hamas forces capable of stopping the IDF. The IDF is advancing to every point. The Hamas organization has lost control of Gaza," Galant said.

He said that civilians are currently looting Hamas bases. People do not trust this government, the minister added.

Gallant informed that Israeli troops are advancing in the Gaza Strip "according to plans" and are fulfilling their tasks. In recent days, the IDF has intensified its activities against the tunnels used by Hamas.

"We are working in accordance with the tasks. We don't have a stopwatch. We have goals. We will achieve our goals," the Defense Minister summarized.

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As reported by OBOZ.UA, the Israel Defense Forces have allegedly seized the parliament building located in the capital of the Gaza Strip. The network showed photos of IDF soldiers inside the building.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
With new-gen products like Xoom125R and Xoom 160, Hero MotoCorp can grab a larger share in scooter segment

While it dominates the entry-level motorcycle segment, Hero MotoCorp hasnt been able to achieve similar results in scooter segment. But the company continues to be on the offensive by launching new products and features at regular intervals. As part of that plan, Hero will soon launch the Xoom 125R and Xoom 160 scooters.

Hero Xoom 125R, Xoom 160 detailed in TVC

Hero Xoom 125R will primarily take on TVS Ntorq. The scooter has a distinctive profile and not a copy of Xoom 110cc. It is probably being positioned as the sportiest scooter in 125cc segment. To make it work, an entirely new design format has been used. Some of the key features include a majestic, multi-layered front fascia, full-width headlamp, eye-catchy handlebar cowl, wide shoulders, muscular side panels and sporty upswept exhaust.

With 14-inch wheels, the scooter has a tall profile and can easily tackle rough road conditions. Its aerodynamic design will allow riders to breeze through urban streets. Seats are wide and comfy and theres ample space in the floorboard area. For folks looking to add some style to their daily commutes, Hero Xoom 125R seems to be an appropriate option.

Talking about Xoom 160, it will be Heros new flagship when launched. The maxi scooter is designed as a versatile machine thats good for urban streets as well as some mild off-road explorations beyond city limits. Some of the key highlights include a signature front beak, dual headlamp setup, large windscreen, sharp body panelling and upswept exhaust. Theres a dedicated rear rack for a top box. With its aggressive design, Hero has chosen to call it a SUV of 2-wheelers. Xoom 160 will primarily rival the likes of Yamaha Aerox 155 and Aprilia SXR 160.

Xoom 125R and Xoom 160 specs, performance

Hero Xoom 125R will be using a slightly detuned version of the 125cc engine in use with Maestro Edge 125 and Destini 125. Onboard the Xoom 125R, the air cooled, single-cylinder engine churns out 9.37 bhp of max power and 10.14 Nm of peak torque. Xoom 160 has a 156cc liquid cooled engine. It is different from the engine currently in use with Hero Xtreme 160R 4V. Power and torque numbers of the new engine are yet to be revealed. The scooter will have i3S and ABS.

Both Xoom 125R and Xoom 160 will have digital instrumentation. A range of connectivity features will be available via Hero Connect App. It will include geofencing, live tracking, remote immobilization, battery removal alert, location sharing, accident and topple alert, speed alert and SOS alert (panic button). Other possibilities include vehicle diagnostics, roadside assistance, booking a service and trip analysis.

In addition to the domestic market, Xoom 125R and Xoom 160 will also be introduced across overseas locations. Hero has stepped up focus on exports, which is expected to get a boost with truly global products like Xoom 125R and Xoom 160. Launch in India is expected in the first or second quarter of CY2024.
The UAE has renewed a $1 billion deposit at the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) for three years to 1 July 2026 instead of 1 July 2023, according to the External Position report released on Thursday.
Egypt's Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned in a statement on Monday the Israeli occupation forces' shelling of the headquarters of the Qatar Committee for the Reconstruction of Gaza.

This represents a clear extension of Israel's violations of international law, which stipulates the necessity to protect civilians and refrain from targeting civilian facilities, the statement said.

Earlier on Monday, a photo went viral on Israeli Telegram groups showing the building of the committee in the aftermath of the shelling and a Star of David graffiti along with Hebrew words Nova Hotel drawn on its walls.

Egypt considers the bombing of a significant headquarters of a sister Arab state, which plays a fundamental role in supporting the efforts to rebuild the Gaza Strip, incompatible with humanitarian principles and unjustifiable under any false pretexts or rationales, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said.

The statement added that Egypt expressed its solidarity and full support for Qatar against this brutal attack.

Egypt also renewed its call for the international community to assume its responsibilities in putting an end to the Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip, said the statement.

Furthermore, Egypt emphasized in the statement the need when it comes to violations to call a spade a spade and hold the perpetrators accountable without equivocation.

Egypt and Qatar are currently leading the talks on releasing Israeli captives.

In October, the Egyptian-Qatari mediation efforts succeeded in releasing two Israeli captives.

The two countries also contributed to the reconstruction of Gaza following an Israeli offensive in 2021 that demolished 1,650 housing units and caused damage to 60,000 other housing units.

In May of last year, Egypts President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi pledged $500 million to rebuild Gaza after an Egypt-brokered ceasefire stopped an 11-day Israeli assault on the strip that killed 250 Palestinians and caused financial losses estimated at $450 million.

Before the current war, Egypt had been building three towns to house around 300,000 residents.

Qatar also pledged $500 million for Gazas reconstruction, and the United States announced it was allocating $110 million in new economic assistance to the Palestinian people, including $5.5 million for immediate relief to the strip.

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This article is part of the Block by Block series, supported by FHLBank Indianapolis, which follows small-scale minority-driven development and affordable housing issues in the state of Michigan.

Yarrow Brown, executive director of Housing North, and Jon Stimson, executive director of HomeStretch Housing, outside of Vineyard View Apartments in Suttons Bay.

Yarrow Brown and Jon Stimson check out the interior of affordable Vineyard View Apartments in Suttons Bay.

Tim Klont, Director of Partnerships and Strategy, MSHDA

The Statewide Housing Plan was released in June 2022 with a breakdown of action steps across a five-year timeline.

Yarrow Brown chats with a colleague at Housing North's offices.

Coolidge Park Apartments, a Communities First, Inc. project.

Essence Wilson, chief strategy officer at Communities First, Inc.

The Grand on University, a Communities First, Inc. project.
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Detroit: Wayne State launched the Center for Leadership in Environmental Awareness and Research to study old pollutants unique to old factories, identify how they spread, and their impact on the health of mothers and babies.

to study old pollutants unique to old factories, identify how they spread, and their impact on the health of mothers and babies. Michigan: MSU is a research leader in mass timber , a renewable resource used in sustainable buildings across Michigan, including on the campuses of U-M and MSU.

, a renewable resource used in sustainable buildings across Michigan, including on the campuses of U-M and MSU. International: U-Ms Global Center for Climate Change Impact on Transboundary Waters . In partnership with McMaster University, Toronto Metropolitan University, the Six Nations of the Grand River, Brock University, and Wilfrid Laurier University, the center studies how climate change is affecting water resources in different areas, especially when those areas share borders.
Mining and commodities giant Glencore is spending $6.9bn to buy a 77% stake in Teck Resources' steelmaking coal business in Canada's Rocky Mountains, Elk Valley Resources (EVR).

In a separate deal, Teck is also selling a 20% stake in EVR to Nippon Steel Corporation and a 3% stake to POSCO.

EVR, located between British Columbia and Alberta, produced 21.5m tonnes of steelmaking coal in 2022, generated a pre-tax profit of C$6bn (3.5bn). Gross assets were valued at C$18.5bn (10.9bn) by September 2023.

Glencore said it still intends to demerge its coal and carbon steel materials businesses into a standalone company, which will now include its stake in EVR.

The new business "would be well positioned as a leading, highly cash-generative bulk commodity company, likely attracting strong investor demand given such yield potential", it said.

"We are pleased to have reached agreement to acquire Teck's steelmaking coal operations in the Elk Valley," said Glencore's chief executive Gary Nagle.

"These world-class assets and the experienced people that operate them are expected to meaningfully complement our existing thermal and steelmaking coal production located in Australia, Colombia and South Africa."
Londons FTSE 100 was up 0.2% at 7,439.85 in afternoon trade on Tuesday.

Sales, marketing and support services group DCC advanced as it announced the acquisition of Progas, a German distributor of liquified petroleum gas, for around 160m (140m), and reported a 12% increase in first-half adjusted operating profit.

Events organiser Informa rallied after it lifted its full-year profit and revenue expectations as it hailed continuing strong growth across its portfolio.

Convatec gained after the medical products and technologies group narrowed its full-year sales guidance to the top of the expected range.

Land Securities was up after it saw a near-5% fall in net assets per share in its fiscal first half as it wrote down its portfolio by 375m, but said it expects a pick-up in investment activity in 2024.

Glencore was a high riser after saying it was spending $6.9bn to buy a 77% stake in Teck Resources' steelmaking coal business in Canada's Rocky Mountains, Elk Valley Resources (EVR).

Vodafone was on the back foot as it reiterated full-year guidance but reported a 4.3% drop in half-year group revenues and a 44% decline in operating profits.

M&G was knocked lower by a downgrade to sector perform from outperform at RBC Capital Markets, which turned more cautious on asset management. The bank said headwinds for asset management now appear "more acute and persistent" than it expected.

FTSE 100 - Risers

Ocado Group (OCDO) 578.40p 12.79%

DCC (CDI) (DCC) 5,238.00p 12.26%

Informa (INF) 744.40p 6.04%

SEGRO (SGRO) 807.00p 5.16%

Convatec Group (CTEC) 218.00p 4.51%

Anglo American (AAL) 2,117.00p 4.21%

Land Securities Group (LAND) 627.40p 3.70%

Unite Group (UTG) 988.50p 3.67%

B&M European Value Retail S.A. (DI) (BME) 550.00p 3.62%

Glencore (GLEN) 446.00p 3.61%

FTSE 100 - Fallers

Vodafone Group (VOD) 75.07p -3.01%

M&G (MNG) 203.50p -1.97%

BT Group (BT.A) 120.75p -1.79%

Shell (SHEL) 2,613.00p -1.64%

Smith (DS) (SMDS) 292.50p -1.61%

BP (BP.) 478.95p -1.19%

Reckitt Benckiser Group (RKT) 5,466.00p -1.16%

Entain (ENT) 881.40p -1.14%

BAE Systems (BA.) 1,095.50p -1.13%

British American Tobacco (BATS) 2,520.00p -0.88%
IndiQube, a co-working space provider, has leased a managed workspace with a capacity of 1,037 seats to the Bengaluru-based agritech start-up, Ninjacart. The deal was transacted with the help of Colliers India. Ninjacart plans to use this new space to boost its expansion plans, as it looks to extend its reach into new verticals such as commerce and fintech. This expansion is aimed at empowering agri-citizens across the value chain which includes farmers, traders, retailers, importers, and exporters. Currently, the start-up has 1,300 employees working from 70 locations, with plans to expand to 200 cities and towns in the coming year.

"Our team has gone the extra mile to ensure that this state-of-the-art new office space enhances employee productivity and fosters creativity and innovation, all the while keeping Ninjacarts brand ethos at its heart. This reinforces our belief that IndiQube is an ideal workspace destination for thriving start-ups and unicorns in their growth journey", said Meghna Agarwal, Co-founder of IndiQube.

Since its inception in 2015, Ninjacart has been leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance the efficiency of the agricultural supply chain for various stakeholders ranging from farmers and traders to retailers, importers, and exporters. "The collaboration with Colliers and Indiqube proved transformative. Opting for Indiqube, endorsed by Colliers, proved to be a strategic decision that significantly enhanced our office space experience  it simply feels perfect", said Sharath Loganathan, Co-founder at Ninjacart.

Ninjacart, which is backed by several investors, has been on a steady growth path. With the aim of expanding its office space in Bengaluru, the company appointed Colliers India to identify and transact a suitable office asset. After conducting a market analysis, Colliers' experts proposed a managed office space instead of a conventional one, citing the cost-effectiveness and flexibility offered by the co-working segment. Following an evaluation of several viable spaces, the company has chosen an IndiQube-managed office space located within the Outer Ring Road corridor. The space is equipped with amenities such as a gym, childcare facilities, and a food court.

Amid supply constraints and scaling rentals in the sought-after Bengaluru market, we were confident that a managed space would be best suited for the present business needs and to fetch long-term gains. Our team conducted a thorough market study before narrowing it down to a couple of commercial assets and finally identifying IndiQube as the apt office space, said Arpit Mehrotra, Managing Director, Office Services, South and Head of Flex, Colliers India.
The India Pavilion at the Dubai Air Show is buzzing with excitement as top Indian defense companies, including Bharat Electronics, Bharat Dynamics Limited, Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited, and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, unveil the nation's latest advancements in aerospace technology.

One of the main attractions at the Indian pavilion is the model display of the Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF), developed by the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO). TEDBF boasts several salient features, including its role as a medium-weight carrier-borne aircraft designed for both air defense and maritime strike missions. The aircraft supports automatic ski-jump take-off and arrested landing on aircraft carriers, featuring a moderate sweep delta-wing configuration with canards, diverterless supersonic intake, modern sensors, avionics systems, wing fold for compact stowage space on aircraft carriers, and advanced indigenous weapons. Additionally, the TEDBF incorporates Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) based Health and Usage Monitoring Systems (HUMS) and a man-unmanned teaming capability.

Another highlight of the Indian pavilion is the Torpedo Advanced Light (TAL), an electrically propelled anti-submarine weapon developed by DRDO. Capable of launch from both ships and aircraft, TAL is designed for attacks on submarines in shallow and deep waters. Once in the water, it performs a pre-programmed search, detects, and homes in on the target submarine. The Indian Navy has already inducted the system, and mass production is underway by Bharat Dynamics Limited.

Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has launched a cutting-edge anti-drone system that utilizes laser technology. This system is a crucial security measure against the growing threats posed by unmanned aerial vehicles and demonstrates India's unwavering commitment to advancing modern defense technologies in the aerospace defense sector.

In addition to its anti-drone innovation, BEL is offering a Software Defined Radio for encrypted submarine-based communications. The company's upgraded and miniaturized versions of the Weapon Locating RADAR (WLR) and Air Defence Fire Control RADAR (ADFCR) are the focal points of BEL's export strategy at the Dubai Airshow. This move underscores BEL's proactive approach to meeting global defense needs and solidifies its position as a key player in the international defense market during this edition of the Dubai Airshow.
Sky One has signed MoUs to acquire Libyan Airline Fly Oya at the Dubai airshow, an airline official said. Jaideep Mirchandani, Chairman of Sky One, expressed his excitement about the new acquisition and said, Fly Oya is a significant property with sizeable assets that we have acquired. Additionally, the airline has demonstrated its commitment to safety, integrity, and teamwork: values that align perfectly with the core principles of Sky One. This acquisition will contribute to our vision of continuous quality improvement and the highest customer satisfaction.

We are thrilled to join hands with Sky One, a well-established and highly respected leader in the aviation industry . This partnership opens many new opportunities and possibilities for us. Together, we aim to enhance our services and continue providing exceptional experiences to our passengers. The future looks promising, and we cant wait to embark on this journey with Sky One, said Fly Oya's Chairman, Osama Aboukraza.

Libya-based airline Fly Oya carried passengers from Tripoli to Dubai in July 2023, marking a nine-year hiatus of connectivity between the two Arab cities. Apart from three destinations within Libya, Tripoli, Sebha, and Ghat, Fly Oya currently flies to Alexandria, Dubai, Jeddah, and Istanbul.
More than 5,000 startups and 300 mentors are anticipated to take part in the fifth edition of the Kerala Startup Mission's 'Huddle Global' event, scheduled to take place from November 16 to 18 in the capital city. Recognized as India's largest beach startup festival, the event aims to draw in 15,000 attendees and 150 international investors to the picturesque Azhimala. Described as a platform for startups to showcase their products and engage with global tech and industry professionals, Huddle Global offers valuable insights on achieving success in the field, as stated by Startup Mission CEO Anoop Ambika.

The event presents an excellent opportunity for startups to seek guidance, fostering their potential for growth and expansion. An official from the organizing team expresses that the aim is to create a platform for substantial discussions encompassing various topics within the global startup ecosystem. The intention is to provide comprehensive insights into the world of startups from a global standpoint.

Previous editions saw participation from over 5,000 startups across India, and organizers are hopeful for an even larger turnout this time. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is slated to inaugurate the event on November 16. Ashok Panjikaran, head of business linkages at Startup Mission, mentions that more than 200 startups from India will use the expo to exhibit their products. Additionally, he highlights that the event, designed as a beach festival, will also contribute to boosting Kerala tourism.
Top 10 Immigration Consultants in GCC - 2023

Embracing the New Guest The story of human migration in search of better life dates back to the time of evolution. There are evidences of several fights between migrated communities and host communities, finally resulting in complete wipe out of one of the groups. Even today, our civilised society has a mixed view towards immigrants. The economic impact of migration has been intensively studied but is many ill-informed perceptions are creating public antagonism towards migration. These negative views risk jeopardising efforts to adapt migration policies to the new economic and demographic challenges faced by many countries. An IOM 2022 report states that the estimated number of international migrants is currently around 281 million, which equates to 3.6 percent of the global population. More than 90 percent of migrant population has left their home voluntarily for economic reasons (economic migrants). The remaining 10 percent are refugees who might have fled the conflicts and persecution Economic Impacts Immigration fuels the economy of host nation. When immigrants enter the labor force, they increase the productive capacity of the economy and raise GDP. Their incomes rise, but so do those of natives. Its a phenomenon named as the immigration surplus - a small share of additional GDP accrues to natives, about 0.2 to 0.4 percent. Also there has been tremendous increase in high-skilled migration since 1990s, which has also caused higher rate of innovation. So the next thought is if immigration makes economy larger, more efficient and productive, why nations strictly limit immigration? Because immigration surplus does not accrue equally to everyone, it primarily applies to capital owners like- investors and business owners whereas the wages of complementary workers (for low-skilled jobs) fall. But it is just for a transition period, immigration has costs but when this problem is taken into consideration and managed in a good way it has net benefits. GCC countries have greatest migrant stock in the world. GCC countries accept migrants from all parts of the world. Globally, the GCC countries are situated among the top twenty countries where nonnationals outnumber national citizens. Siliconindia in this issue presents a list of 10 Most Promising Immigration Consultants in GCC  2023 who have leveraged their extensive industry expertise and experience in providing excellent services. The following list has been prepared after being closely scrutinized by a distinguished panel of judges including CXOs, analysts and our editorial board.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  The New York State Department of Civil Service (DCS) has released its November application schedule for New Yorks entry-level civil service exams.

The open-competitive exams are an opportunity to start a career with New York state. These tests are open to anyone who meets the qualifications listed on the examination announcement.

The application period opened for the following exams: collection & civil prosecution specialist; radio dispatcher; senior radio dispatcher.

Interested applicants can apply online by Dec. 13.

Visit www.cs.ny.gov/examannouncements/types/oc to apply for exams.

Some careers offer an additional annual downstate adjustment if they work in the five boroughs of New York City or in Nassau, Suffolk, Rockland or Westchester counties.

According to the state, an application must be submitted online or postmarked by the last date to apply. An application will not be accepted after the application filing deadline has passed. There are no application fees for the exams this month.

To be considered for an appointment, you must pass the written test.

If approved for a written test, you will receive an admission notice, which will indicate your assigned test date and the way your test will be administered. Your test may be administered with paper and pencil or online at a state test site using a state-provided Chromebook. You cannot request to change your scheduled day or request a specific type of test administration.

All positions offer benefits, including paid leave, health benefits and retirement plans. In addition, telecommuting options may be available to employees who meet certain criteria. The salaries for each position vary.

To learn more about working for the State of New York, visit the Department of Civil Service website and follow the department on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  A cocaine dealer pushing drugs from South Brooklyn to Staten Island calmly accepted a prison sentence Monday in state Supreme Court, St. George.

Richard Barrett, 39, of the 8600 block of Fort Hamilton Parkway, pleaded guilty to second-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance in connection with what police had alleged as multiple transactions with undercover officers last year in the Mid-Island section of Staten Island.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Borough President Vito Fossella is warning that there could be delays on the Staten Island Ferry on Tuesday due to a protest on Staten Island over the Israel-Hamas war.

Delays are most likely to occur during the evening rush hour and to affect the community in St. George, according to a message posted by Fossella on Facebook.

We want to keep you informed about potential disruptions to the Staten Island Ferry service on Tuesday, November 14th, due to potential protest activity in St. George, Fossella wrote on Facebook. Those who may be traveling on the Staten Island Ferry during the afternoon commute may want to consider alternative forms of transportation.

So far, the city Department of Transportation that operates the ferry is not warning of any service changes during either the morning or evening rush hours.

Protests over the war and efforts to promote peace in the region have been held in various locations throughout New York City.

EFFORTS TO FIND COMMON GROUND

Staten Islanders from diverse backgrounds shared a meal, thoughts and prayers for a peaceful resolution to the Israel-Hamas war on Oct. 25 at the Joan & Alan Bernikow Jewish Community Center (JCC) in Sea View.

The event was part of Mayor Eric Adams Breaking Bread Building Bonds initiative that aims to cultivate the diversity of New York City and bring New Yorkers together to foster connections, share cultures and traditions, and bridge the gaps that often divide communities.

We were proud to join with our friends from COJO [Council of Jewish Organizations], the Pride Center, and Central Family Life Center to host this special event, said JCC CEO Orit Lender.

PROTEST LAST MONTH ON STATEN ISLAND

A group of Staten Island students and community activists rallied on Oct. 12 in support of a free Palestine.

The rally, which was held on the College of Staten Island (CSI) campus and endorsed by the colleges Muslim Students Association, drew a crowd of roughly 100 supporters, who decried decades of Israeli occupation of what they deem Palestinian land.

Were here protesting the ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people and the siege and blockade on Gaza for almost 17 years now, said co-organizer Nerdeen, who asked to be identified solely by her first name due to fear of backlash or retaliation.

Since 2007, Israel and Egypt have imposed a land, air and sea blockade on Gaza, severely limiting the flow of resources in a move some human rights groups have denounced as a collective punishment on the civilian population in response to the actions of the militant group.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  A commission studying graduation requirements for New York students presented recommendations to the state on Monday

The New York State Education Department presented recommendations made by the Graduation Measures Blue Ribbon Commission to the states Board of Regents on what measures of learning and achievement could better serve New Yorks diverse student population as indicators of what they know and their readiness for college, career and civic life.

Its part of the states Graduation Measures Initiative, an effort that brought together student voices and other stakeholders, such as parents, educators, administrators, school support staff, representatives of higher education and the business community.

The recommendations will help us create a more inclusive learning environment while maintaining rigor and enhancing critical-thinking skills, putting all students on a trajectory for success ensuring theyre prepared for college, career and civic readiness in the 21st Century and beyond, said NYSED Commissioner Betty A. Rosa.

The state aims to end the one-size-fits-all approach by offering more equitable opportunities for all students to achieve outcomes. The commission developed four priority areas to target change: multiple pathways leading to one high school diploma; assessment flexibility; understanding of meaningful life-ready credentials; culturally responsive curriculum, instruction and assessment.

Currently, students can earn a local diploma, a Regents diploma, or an advanced Regents diploma, which all require a student to earn 22 credits. Typically, students must pass four to five Regents exams to receive a diploma.

The commission presented several recommendations on Monday, including:

Replace the three diploma types with one diploma, with the option to add seals and endorsements.

Include civic responsibility (ethics); cultural competence; financial literacy education; fine and performing arts; science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) credit(s); and writing, including writing skills for real-world scenarios in diploma credit requirements.

Ensure access to career and technical education (CTE), including internships and work-based learning opportunities for all students across New York State.

Move to a model that organizes credit requirements including content area credit requirements into larger categories (e.g., mathematics and science courses could be included in the STEM category).

Reduce and/or modify diploma assessment requirements to allow more assessment options.

Create state-developed rubric(s) for any performance-based assessments allowed as an option to satisfy the diploma assessment requirements.

Create more specific, tailored graduation requirements to address the unique circumstances of certain groups of students (e.g., non-compulsory age students, newcomer students, refugee students).

Provide exemptions from diploma assessment requirements for students with significant cognitive disabilities and major life events and extenuating circumstances (e.g., medical conditions, death of a family member, trauma prior to sitting for a required exam).

Pursue regulatory changes to allow the discretion to confer high school degrees posthumously.

Require all New York State teacher preparation programs to provide instruction in culturally responsive-sustaining education (CRSE) practices and pedagogy.

Require that professional development plans include culturally responsive-sustaining education practices and pedagogy.

Review and revise the New York State learning standards.

The commission made its recommendations after meetings over the last year. It included 64 members who represented a diverse cross-section of stakeholders, including educators, administrators, researchers, school counselors, professionals from business and higher education, parents and students. It was also comprised of many educators across the state and in New York City  including Staten Island principal Donna Bonnano from PS 60 in Bulls Head.

In the coming months, NYSED will begin work to develop proposed guidance, programmatic and regulatory changes to address the goals and priorities of the Board of Regents related to this initiative.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  A world-renowned sex therapist will take on a new role as the nations first loneliness ambassador, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced last week.

As New Yorks Ambassador to Loneliness Dr. Ruth Westheimer  who most people probably know simply as Dr. Ruth  will hold the first-in-the-nation title to address the growing issue of social isolation, which is associated with multiple physical and mental health issues.

As New York works to fight the loneliness epidemic, some help from honorary Ambassador Ruth Westheimer may be just what the doctor ordered, Hochul said. Dr. Ruth Westheimer has offered her services to help older adults and all New Yorkers cope with the loneliness epidemic, and I will be appointing her to serve as the nations first state-level honorary ambassador to loneliness. Studies show individuals experiencing loneliness had a 32 percent higher risk of dying early and we need leaders like Dr. Ruth to help address this critical component of our mental health crisis.

In June 2022, Dr. Ruth, 95, floated the idea for the new honorary position as loneliness grew particularly in response to the isolation of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, particularly among older New Yorkers.

A survivor herself orphaned by the Holocaust, Westheimer, a resident of the Bronx, rose to prominence as a sex therapist and syndicated talk show host on both radio and television during the 1980s and 1990s, according to Hochuls office.

Hallelujah! I got off the phone with Governor Hochul yesterday afternoon. She called to ask me to serve as the very first honorary ambassador to loneliness in the nation, Westheimer said last week. I am deeply honored and promised the Governor that I will work day and night to help New Yorkers feel less lonely!

More than a third of adults 45 and up experience loneliness, with nearly a quarter of adults 65 or older considered socially isolated, a recent study by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine found.

Social isolation significantly increased the risk of premature death from all causes, the study found, rivaling the risk posed by other detrimental health conditions or behaviors, including smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity.
After more than 15 years of delivering the news to residents across the tri-state area, anchor Tamsen Fadal signed off from PIX11 on Friday.

Fadal has won 13 Emmys over the 30 years shes spent as a news anchor and reporter. She worked at news stations around the country before coming to New York City.

The excellence Tamsen has shown as an anchor in this community has been invaluable to us as a station. But even more important, Tamsen has served as a role model for countless young journalists and been a force for many of our viewers, said PIX11 News Director Nicole Tindiglia.

On her website, Fadal describes herself as a pioneering voice for menopause advocacy, an Emmy Award winning TV journalist and podcast host.

Tamsen has spent the last 30 years reporting on stories of hope and resiliency. Today, she uses her platform to share stories about menopause, career shifts and relationships at midlife, the site reads.

On Instagram, Fadal posted on Friday, I obviously had to wear pink on my last day. Its so important to dress for confidence whether it be your last day at work or any other day!

A series of comments were posted to wish the long-time anchor well.

This has been the day I never wanted to think about Im heartbroken at the thought of not having you LIVE in my living room to come home to everyday after work, wrote one Instagram user. However, Im excited & anxious to see where your next journey will take you I KNOW that whatever you do, you will be a great success. Love you for all that youve given me (& the rest of NY) for well over a decade. Missing you already. Please stay connected!!! xo from Long Island!
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  A $2 million investment will help broaden New Yorks direct entry pre-apprenticeship labor programs, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Monday.

The investment, backed by the state Department of Labor and funded with federal grant money, aims to grow New Yorks apprenticeship ecosystem, which currently boasts more than 17,500 apprentices in about 900 programs, according to Hochuls office.

Additionally, the governor proclaimed November as New York State Apprenticeship Month in an effort to highlight what she called a nation-leading program.

This investment in Direct Entry pre-apprenticeship programs across New York will help to strengthen the pipeline into our states apprenticeship network and give workers the skills, the tools, and the resources they need to thrive in the modern economy, Hochul said. Registered apprenticeships are the backbone of my administrations strategy to prepare New Yorkers for the jobs of tomorrow, and with this proclamation establishing New York State Apprenticeship Month, I am doubling down on my commitment to helping our workforce meet the needs of 21st century businesses.

The approximate 900 apprenticeship programs have about 600 sponsors around the state, including organizations like the Manufacturers Alliance of New York and companies like Tiffany & Co.

Direct entry programs are overseen by the government, and provide prospective employees a direct opportunity to interview with a sponsor of an apprenticeship program after completing the pre-apprenticeship program, for which they cannot be charged tuition.

In the last year, 4,651 new apprentices enrolled in programs around New York, with opportunities available in 53 new programs and eight new trades, including software development and art operations.

While there are 98 apprenticeship programs available in the city, most can be found outside the five boroughs, particularly around the Finger Lakes, in the Capital Region around Albany, and in Western New York.

The states Department of Labor, overseen by Commissioner Roberta Reardon, will launch a statewide outreach tour around New Yorks apprenticeship programs in Buffalo.

Apprenticeships allow New Yorkers to earn money to support themselves and their families while learning valuable skills and gaining work experience in hundreds of different fields, Riordan said. By sponsoring apprentices, businesses create a pipeline for a consistent influx of new, well-trained employees. I encourage businesses statewide to consider utilizing this valuable program that will provide them with a workforce committed to their success.
A Gloucester County man shot himself to death days after killing his wife, authorities say.

Police responded to a residence on Weymouth Road in Franklin Township shortly before 5:30 p.m. Nov. 3 for a 911 call and found Karen Conner, 62, dead of a gunshot wound to the head, the Gloucester County Prosecutors Office said Tuesday.

Her husband, Laurence D. Conner, 67, was in the residence when officers arrived, officials said.

An autopsy the following day determined the womans manner of death was homicide.

Following an investigation, a warrant was issued Nov. 8 for her husbands arrest on charges of homicide and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, the prosecutors office said.

Efforts to locate Laurence D. Conner were unsuccessful until he was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in a vehicle in Vineland on Friday, officials said.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information about the case is asked to contact prosecutors office Detective Jordan Plitt at 856-384-5583 or Franklin Police Detective Allison Schnapp at 856-694-1415.

Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A non-profit organization that has offered hope to Staten Island children and families in need for 177 years will host its annual Hope Gala on Friday, Nov. 17, from 7 p.m. to midnight at LiGrecis Staaten, West Brighton.

Luanne Sorrentino, left, and Doreen Cugnostaten island advance

Seamens Society for Children and Families will present the Safe Harbor Award to Doreen Cugno and Luanne Sorrentino, community champions and co-founders of the historic St. George Theatre, and Northfield Bank, which has been serving Staten Island since 1887.

Theresa Beard, a dedicated foster parent for Seamens, will receive the Joan Arnold Award.

The Hope Gala honorees have supported the organization with their generosity and compassion.

Cugno and Sorrentino have collected toys and provided theatrical experiences for Seamens Society children and families. Northfield Bank has been a steady advocate for Seamensprograms, including the annual Family Fun Walk in Clove Lakes Park. Beard, who lives in St. George, has been a foster parent for more than 30 years while also adopting 15 of her foster children.

Patti Sapone | NJ Advance Media

Each honoree serves as a beacon of hope and has contributed to our mission of strengthening the children and families entrusted to our care, said David W. Gaskin, president and CEO

Hope is the lifeblood of Seamens Society  a force that drives our mission to transform lives and nurture our community, Gaskin continued. Its the hope of reuniting families, educating young minds, rebuilding strength within families, and supporting domestic violence survivors on their path to healing.

Ultimately, its the hope that one day, our services wont be needed, the CEO added.

Tickets to the Hope Gala are $180 each can be purchased by visiting www.seamenssociety.org or by calling the Seamens Societys Development Office at 718-447-7740 extension 4269.

Founded in 1846 and based in St. George, Seamens Society has served more than 1,500 children and families in Staten Island and Brooklyn through foster care, adoption, family support services, health and wellness services, health home care management services, domestic/intimate partner violence services, after-school tutoring, and college/vocational scholarships.
IN CLASS: This feature is part of an ongoing education column highlighting the various activities that engage school communities.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  A motivational speaker and businessman spoke to students at Ralph R. McKee Career and Technical Education (CTE) High School as a way to show opportunities available in the business pathway.

As a CTE school, the St. George high school provides students with opportunities to contribute to their future success  with staff members who have deep connections within their industry, like local unions and businesses, that often visit the building to enhance the classroom experience.

On Oct. 10, Christopher Gardner visited the school to speak to students. During the early 1980s, Gardner struggled with homelessness while raising a toddler son. He became a stockbroker and eventually founded his own brokerage firm, Gardner Rich & Co, in 1987.

During the early 1980s, Gardner struggled with homelessness while raising a toddler son. He became a stockbroker and eventually founded his own brokerage firm, Gardner Rich & Co, in 1987. (Courtesy/McKee H.S.)McKee H.S.

In 2006, Gardner sold his minority stake in the firm and published a memoir. That book was made into the motion picture, The Pursuit of Happyness, starring Will Smith.

Gardner brought union representatives from the AFL-CIO, NEIEP (National Elevator Industry Educational Program), International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, and Local Union 1, Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers to view McKee. They spoke to students about apprenticeships available, as well as high-earning job opportunities in their respective industries.

When students graduate from McKee, they have the skills to be able to either continue within their industry or attend a college of their choice.

Union representatives joined Gardner to speak with students about apprenticeships and job opportunities. (Courtesy/McKee H.S.)McKee H.S.

The event at McKee was also orchestrated by several educators  including Dr. Marion Wilson, superintendent of Staten Island schools and George Patterson, senior director of My Brothers Keeper and My Sisters Keeper.

Their initiative provided a unique platform for students to gain insights into the world of unions, fostering invaluable learning opportunities and sparking discussions on career paths and labor advocacy, said McKee Principal Gregory Bowen. We are grateful to Dr. Wilson for her continued support of our CTE school and unwavering advocacy in providing our students with connections, relationships, and pathways for their future.

BROADWAY SHOWS

New York City public school students in 10th grade can see a Broadway show with their school for just $10 a ticket.

The Broadway League, in partnership with the city Department of Education (DOE) and the United Federation of Teachers (UFT), with support from the New York City Council, announced that Broadway Bridges resumed last month for the fall 2023 cycle, with 20 shows participating.

Broadway Bridges is The Broadway Leagues initiative that seeks to offer every New York City public high school student the opportunity to attend a Broadway show prior to graduation.

Public schools across all five boroughs can receive $10 Broadway tickets for high school sophomores. As the largest theater education partnership, a total of 422 public high schools in New York City are served by the program. To date, more than 2,000 teachers have registered for Broadway Bridges.

The tickets purchased are based on availability and are timed to coincide with the demands of the city public school calendar.

Its an opportunity for students to experience live theater, many for the very first time, which can leave an indelible impression for future generations of Broadway audiences, as well as those interested in pursuing a career in the performing arts.

Last year, 20,157 students and chaperones participated in Broadway Bridges, according to the organization. Since launching in 2017, the program will soon reach the milestone of introducing 100,000 New York City public school sophomores and chaperones to Broadway.

Here are the participating shows this fall: Romeo & Juliet; A Beautiful Noise, The Neil Diamond Musical; Aladdin; Back to the Future: The Musical; Chicago; Hadestown; Harmony; Harry Potter and the Cursed Child; Here Lies Love; How to Dance in Ohio; Kimberly Akimbo; Merrily We Roll Along; MJ The Musical; Moulin Rouge! The Musical; Shucked; SIX; Some Like It Hot; Spamalot; The Lion King; Wicked.

Visit www.broadwaybridges.org for more information.

SEND US YOUR STORIES

Do you have a story idea for the In Class education column? Email education reporter Annalise Knudson at aknudson@siadvance.com.
EDITORS NOTE: Best of Staten Island 2023 is sponsored by Empire State Bank, N.A., Staten Islands only headquartered bank, a member of the FDIC Equal Housing Lender.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  For our latest Best of Staten Island category of 2023, we asked our readers to tell us where we could find the best vodka pizza on Staten Island.

The nominations have been pouring in from our readers. And now, its time to narrow down the list of 50 pizzerias and vote for the top three!

So get ready for the ultimate vodka pizza contest and place your votes in our Best of 2023 poll.

Readers have until 9 a.m. Monday, Nov. 20, to vote for their favorite vodka pizza in the poll below.

Only the top three from our list will receive individual coverage on the Advance/SILive.coms social media platforms  Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok  and a collective feature in the Staten Island Advance.

In case you missed it, this year, Best of Staten Island has a brand new sponsor. Empire State Bank may even join the Advance/SILive.com along the way as it explores Staten Islanders favorite businesses. Theyll even provide the winners with their very own swag bags.

VOTE HERE!

HOW BEST OF STATEN ISLAND WORKS

We like to keep it pretty simple for Best of Staten Island. Over the course of the year, we will feature eight different Best Of categories.

For each category, there will be one week of nominations, one week of voting and two weeks that will focus on the top winners as chosen by our readers. Only brick-and-mortar businesses are considered, unless otherwise noted.

The top three Best of Staten Island winners in each category receive individual coverage on the Advance/SILive.coms social media platforms and a collective feature in the Staten Island Advance, all brought to you by Empire State Bank.

In case you missed it, we already featured the best bacon, egg and cheese sandwiches, best dance schools, best sushi spots, best nails salons, best margaritas, best wings and best coffee shops on the Island. Take a look at our ultimate guides for a closer look at each of these establishments.

In 2022, readers voted on their top three dance schools, their favorite al fresco dining spots, their favorite places to grab tacos, their top diners and their favorite Chinese restaurants. We also stopped by their favorite Staten Island spots for the best burgers, the best calamari and the best grandma pie.
The Enhanced Subscription provides digital access to all our award winning content from our inception.

This package also includes special access to the pdf replica of the print paper which we call the e-edition. We keep the past 90 issues in addition tot he current issue.

In addition, you have the ability to comment on our articles.

Finally, you have the good feeling of supporting real, local news in your community.
US President Joe Biden said Tuesday he believes that a deal with Hamas to free the captives they are holding in the Gaza Strip will happen, but did not offer specifics.





"I've been talking with people involved every single day. I believe it's going to happen but I don't want to get into detail," Biden told reporters at the White House when asked about an eventual agreement.

When asked if he had a message for the families of those being held by the Palestinian resistance group, he replied: "Hang in there. We're coming."

Nine Americans and a person with permanent US residency are among an estimated 240 people taken captives by Hamas last month when they crossed the border to stage the deadliest offensive in Israeli history.

"I cannot look you in the eye and tell you how many of those captives are still alive," US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan told a news conference on Monday.

The Palestanian health ministry says Israel's relentless assault on Gaza has killed at least 11,240 people, including 4,630 children and 3,130 women.

On Tuesday, Qatar urged Israel and Hamas to take up its offer to mediate to reach a deal.

The United States has repeatedly asked for a pause in the fighting to facilitate the liberation of those captured in Gaza.

The White House said Tuesday that Biden's main advisor on the Middle East, Brett McGurk, would head to the region, notably to Qatar, where Hamas has its political office, to discuss the captives issue.

* This story was edited by Ahram Online.

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Property giant Brookfield has defied the office market woes as the house full sign goes up in its Sydney tower after signing up the operator of the global Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger brands.

The deal with PVH Brands for 5000 square metres from levels eight to 11 on a seven-year term has taken the 28-storey skyscraper at 388 George Street to 100 per cent occupancy. They join Aware Super, QBE Insurance and CoreLogic, among other major tenants.

Danny Poljak, president of Brookfield Properties, said the lease signing reflect the flight to quality trend where tenants are taking advantage of space in new towers that offer more amenities to entice staff back to the office and make the city more vibrant.

PVH Brands has leased 5000 square metres in 388 George Street, Sydney.

The leases are testimony to the ongoing demand for high-quality, well-located space within the Sydney CBD, Poljak said.
United Croydon North petrol station has changed hands for $7.78 million. It was purchased in 2018 for $6.36 million, representing a strong 22 per cent profit for the vendor.

The Maroondah Highway service station, about 30 kilometres east of the CBD, was sold off-market by JLLs Jarrod Hersc on a yield of 5.01 per cent.

The OHerns Industrial Estate in Epping has reached 100 per cent occupancy.

The petrol station sits on a 4270 square metre land parcel underpinned by a 16-year lease to United Petroleum, with options through to 2054, and rent of $390,000 a year.

Investors continue to recognise value in service stations, especially those underpinned by strong metropolitan landholdings, Herscu said.
The biggest near term impact of the new sanctions will be on Japan, which is almost completely reliant on imports for its energy requirements. The stake in Arctic LNG 2 held by Mitsui, in a joint venture with a state-owned company, Jogmec, entitles Japan to 2 million tonnes a year of the projects output. It is conceivable that Japan, a key US ally, will be allowed some relief from the sanctions. Japans Mitsui and Mitsubishi, for instance, have held onto their interests in the Sakhalin-2 LNG project even after Shell decided to exit it and Russia effectively nationalised it and required foreign investors to apply to retain their interests. Russias year-to-date oil and gas revenue  the core of the governments revenue base  are down more than 25 per cent relative to the same period last year. Credit: AP Longer term, the sanctions could benefit existing non-Russian producers, including Australias. The US, helped by soaring European demand after Europe largely ended its dependence on Russian pipeline gas after the invasion of Ukraine, is now the worlds largest producer. Australia and Qatar, with roughly similar exports, are the other major players.

If Russias LNG export capacity is constrained, whats already a relatively tight market will remain so for the next few years before the next bulge of new production volumes emerges in the second half of the decade. China, which is a major buyer of Russian LNG already, could well ignore the sanctions and become the major customer for Arctic LNG 2, as well as supplying the technology to build the third train. It would be wary, however, given the European experience of Russia weaponising its energy exports, of becoming overly dependent on Russia for its own energy needs and would also be aware that the US and its allies have the option of sanctioning companies helping Russia build sanctioned infrastructure. That could impact Chinas energy companies, which operate globally and have long-standing relationships with Western companies and economies. That the US is only targeting Russias future exports fits with its energy sanctions strategy so far, which has been to try to reduce Russias revenues from its existing production while maintaining its export volumes of oil and gas. Theres some self-interest in that  oil and gas prices are high enough without trying to reduce Russias exports more than Russia itself has reduced them  but Europes dependence on imported energy is also a major factor.

With the help of a mild winter  and substantial imports of US and Russian LNG  Europe was able to keep the lights and heaters on last northern winter despite losing the Russian pipeline gas that used to supply 40 per cent of its requirements. European imports of Russian LNG, mainly via Spain and Belgium because they have the ports and re-liquefaction facilities required, are up 40 per cent on pre-invasion levels, with those countries the gateway for supply for larger economies like France and Germany. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen warned last month that the US and its allies were about to step up enforcement of the sanctions. Credit: AP If Russias existing LNG production is left alone, Europe should be able to get through another winter without blackouts or overly harsh demand management initiatives, with its gas storage levels close to 96 per cent of their capacity and a lot of LNG import terminal infrastructure added over the past year or so. The US, concerned that the G7 (plus Australian) sanctions on Russias existing oil production are being undermined by shipping companies and by Russias hastily-acquired, grey armada of ageing tankers, has also signalled that it will tighten its enforcement measures against Russian oil exports.

An increasing proportion of Russias oil exports appears to being priced above the G7s $US60 a barrel price cap. This week Reuters reported that the US Treasury Department has sent notices to 30 ship management companies, seeking information on about 100 vessels it suspects of violating the sanctions. That fits with Treasury Secretary Janet Yellens warning last month that the US and its allies were about to step up enforcement of the sanctions. The notices represent a step towards the first enforcement action since the sanctions on Russian oil were imposed last year. The sanctions dont apply to Russias existing LNG facilities but are aimed at its future production, probably because the US is concerned about disrupting existing gas supplies to allies like Japan and Europe, which are heavily dependent on imported energy. Russias oil and gas revenues last month were more than double those of October last year, helped by the continuing Saudi and Russia production cuts and the war in the Middle East, although year-to-date oil and gas revenue  the core of the Russian government revenue base  are down more than 25 per cent relative to the same period last year.
The NSW government has released its annual People Matter Employee Survey, a temperature check of the 400,000 public sector employees that make up Australias largest workforce.

All is not well with the sectors crime crushers.

The overall wellbeing score for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions came to a measly 34 per cent, 20 per cent lower than the overall sector. Fatigue is rife within the office, with 60 per cent of employees reporting they were experiencing burnout.

NSW Director of Public Prosecutions Sally Dowling, SC. Credit: Nick Moir

Less than a third said they had enough time to do their job well, or believed senior managers actually listened to their underlings.
Regift with Australian Red Cross

You can turn any gift grumpiness into a wonderful warm-and-fuzzy feeling by donating any new and unused items that dont fit into your world.

Just think, that pastel-ruffled top may not suit your all-black style, but someone else will love it. And, no, you dont need four more pasta bowls, no matter how great they are. Let them find a new home!

Thanks to a partnership between The Galeries and Australian Red Cross, the centre is providing a place where people can donate any unwanted presents that can then be passed on to those who would really love them, as part of the amazing work that Australian Red Cross does with those in need.

Get a gift in return

Christmas is about giving, and you wont leave empty-handed, either. Bringing in a donation of suitable goods will earn you a $20 gift voucher for use within The Galeries.

So, you can turn that set of four coffee mugs that would just gather dust at the back of your cupboard into that book from Kinokuniya that no one got you. Or let that vase that you dont really have room for help go towards some cool stationery from Muji youve been eyeing off for weeks. Perhaps a $20 voucher could justify that pretty purchase from Gorman that will suit you much better than the best-selling novel that you already own.

Just put your pressie under the tree

This year, The Galeries is curating a very special, immersive Christmas tree that will be a sight to behold! And the tree is not just about looking fabulously festive and being a backdrop for your seasonal selfies (not that theres anything wrong with that!).

Its also here you can bring in any of those presents that you would like to give to someone else via Australian Red Cross and help their Christmas become a little bit brighter. With Australians estimated to be spending around $66 billion at this time of year, paying gifts forward is the perfect way to share some festive cheer around.

Why Australian Red Cross?

Put simply, Australian Red Cross makes real changes to peoples lives. They come to the rescue of those who may have arrived in this country as refugees without any possessions or have had to vacate their homes due to natural disasters.

Due to many varied circumstances, plenty of people often find themselves with very little more than the clothes theyre wearing. Australian Red Cross provides support and reassurance to let people in the community know theyre not alone  especially at Christmas.

But I love all my gifts! What else can I do?

If you dont want to part with any cherished Christmas gifts this year, consider supporting Australian Red Cross with a donation. They accept one-off or regular donations to put towards its many services and projects. And helping make a difference is an easy New Years Resolution that you can put into practice almost immediately!

PLUS: Experience some mind-bending art while you do it

The Galeries is all about tapping into the next wave of creatives, so this initiative with Australian Red Cross will be amped up with festive artwork courtesy of talented digital artist Mikka Byarugaba (aka Mikkapedia) who is bringing his unique approach to this years design. Hell be doing something truly eye-catching with some items around the tree  its Christmas art, but not as you know it!

So, bring some great (re)gifts to The Galeries this Christmas and share the love!

Its Regifting season at The Galeries  visit thegaleries.com for more information.
NSW chief health officer Dr Kerry Chant has said that young people hooked on vapes dislike how it controls their lives and want help to quit.

We have actually spoken to a lot of young people  [and what] really resonated with me is the way in which e-vapes take control of a person when they become addicted and how young people dont actually like that, Chant said.

NSW Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant. Credit: James Alcock

Chant will join parent groups, NSW Education Minister Prue Car and school leaders for a vaping summit in Parramatta tomorrow to discuss the scourge of e-cigarettes, which have run rife in high schools in recent years.

They cant participate in things because of the addiction and having to do something and vape. Young people reflected that thats not pleasant, thats not what they want, Chant said.

I actually think a large number of young people probably want to quit.

One in five young people have vaped at least once while 90 per cent found accessing vapes easy, found a Generation Vape Research Project and Cancer Council NSW survey which is to be presented at the conference.

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The research, conducted with 416 participants aged between 14 and 17 years of age, found that most of those trying an e-cigarette for the first time were younger than 16. The data indicated that the age children were beginning to vape was getting younger.

Chant said the worsening mental health of teenagers could be counteracted by quitting vaping.

What we also see, regular nicotine consumption by young people can result in changes to brain development, impaired attention, learning and memory, mood changes and potential to worsen stress and increase depression and anxiety, she said.

We know that mental health has a significant burden of disease on young people. And where they may be using this, it really is counterintuitive, it is going to actually increase your stress and increase your depression and anxiety.

Car, the education minister, said vaping was affecting young people more than other age groups.

It is important we gather experts, teachers and students to hear firsthand accounts and research, so that we gather the evidence on how to tackle this problem, she said.

This is a complex issue and we must work together as a community to combat it.

NSW Teachers Federation acting deputy president Amber Flohm will be at tomorrows roundtable and said the issue was bigger than schools.

It is not teachers problems to solve, it is a societal problem, it is a regulatory problem. But it is playing out as many social policy issues do in our schools, she said.
Paramedics in NSW are refusing to renew their registration until the state government gives them a 20 per cent pay boost in industrial action that would leave roughly a quarter of the states paramedics unable to work and ambulances critically short-staffed.

More than 1500 paramedics have pledged to boycott renewing their national registration, taking them out of the workforce from December 1, unless the government brings their pay in line with Queensland.

HSU boss Gerard Hayes says the states paramedics will keep moving to Queensland unless they get a 20 per cent pay rise. Credit: Flavio Brancaleone

There are about 4000 paramedics in the ambulance division of the Health Services Union, and it expects more card-carrying members to join the industrial action in the coming weeks.

Secretary Gerard Hayes said hundreds of paramedics had resigned in the past six months and would keep moving to Queensland unless their pay was increased.
Messara said the challenges facing the industry, which Racing Minister David Harris has cited as justification for re-appointing someone with Baldings expertise, should have already been addressed by the board, and will need to be addressed by future boards. Messara is the founder and owner of Arrowfield, one of Australias largest studs. Geoffrey Watson, SC, a director at the Centre for Public Integrity, said the governments decision flew in the face of sound corporate governance. Peter Vlandys at the state dinner hosted by US President Joe Biden. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen There is a close connection between the NSW government and racing, its heavily controlled and regulated by the NSW government and that being so, they went to a fair bit of trouble to legislate to fix terms, Watson said. There are diverse views within the racing industry over Racing NSWs record under Balding, who became chair in 2011, and Peter Vlandys, who has been chief executive for almost 20 years. Vlandys also serves as chairman of the Australian Rugby League Commission, making him one of the most powerful figures in Australian sport.

Events such as the Everest carnival, racings rebounding popularity in NSW, and Vlandys position as a power player and political influencer are seen by most as bringing major benefits to the sport. But some are frustrated by what they describe as a lack of transparency on animal welfare, track infrastructure investment, and education and training of an emerging workforce. Balding was contacted for comment but is overseas attending an unrelated board meeting. The former chairman of the Australian Turf Club, Laurie Macri, said he was surprised by Baldings extension, while the chief executive of the Australian Trainers Association, Victoria-based Andrew Nicholl, described it as an unusual approach. Messara said he was worried about how money was distributed by Racing NSW, particularly its focus on increasing prizemoney for new races in Sydney.

Loading Asked whether he wanted to replace Balding, Messara replied: I do not want to go on the Racing NSW board. People widely want me to go, but I dont want to. Im 76 years of age. Senior industry figures, including Magic Millions co-owner and Harvey Norman chief executive Katie Page, have also queried Labors decision on Balding, warning such lengthy extensions were unusual. Page was among four industry figures who met Minns in late July, diary disclosures show. Sources present at the meeting  speaking anonymously to honour the meetings confidentiality  said they were given the clear impression Baldings term would not be extended. A spokesperson for Minns told the Herald: The government had never made a final decision on the position until recently. The announcement was made subsequent to that.

Another senior racing industry figure speaking anonymously because he did not have permission to speak to the media said a member of Racing Minister David Harris office told him in early September that the government would not extend Baldings tenure. However, a collection of NSW jockeys, trainers, horse owners and race clubs wrote to Harris in late September asking for Baldings tenure to be extended by 12 months because the industry needed stability. Jockeys and trainers are regulated by Racing NSW. Vlandys told the Herald it would be inappropriate to comment on board appointments but noted the vast majority of NSW groups had supported Baldings extension. Australian Turf Club chairman Peter McGauran said he signed a letter on behalf of the organisation supporting Balding. Racing is faced with some immediate challenges with the decline in TAB income and group 1 racing status battles with Victoria and I think we need the experience and expertise of Russell in those and other matters, he said.

Macri said Balding had produced a great body of work but the industry had almost assumed Russell is the only person with any good ideas in racing. Id suggest there are probably other really good ideas that arent being heard. He said Balding had 12 years to work on the challenges facing the industry that were identified by Harris, such as equine welfare and changes to the wagering landscape, and Balding was not the only one with the expertise to navigate them. I say this without any fear of contradiction; [chief executive] Peter Vlandys is the most capable person to navigate NSW through any changes in the wagering landscape, Macri said. Andrew Nicholl, the Victoria-based chief executive of the Australian Trainers Association, described the extension of Baldings tenure for a third time as unprecedented. In my corporate life I havent seen anyones board tenure extended to 14 years, ever, he said. Nicholl acknowledged the challenges facing the industry but said the NSW governments decision to extend Baldings tenure did not make sense.

[Those headwinds] in some shape or form are going to exist in 12 months time, and 12 months beyond that, and 12 months beyond that, he said. However, the NSW Trainers Association backed Baldings extension, with chairman Richard Pegum telling the Herald: Look, where racing was 10 years ago and where it is now. The tracks are better; the prizemoney is better; the yearling prices are better and horse welfare is better. Why change something that has been so successful and Russell has led the way. The Provincial Clubs Association, which represents racetracks at Newcastle, Kembla Grange, Wyong and Gosford, also sent a letter to Harris in support of Baldings extension. Its chairman, Dan Lacey from the Gosford Race Club said the increases in prizemoney under Baldings chairmanship had taken clubs to another level. We now have extra feature days, which takes racing to our communities, Lacey said. The clubs were happy to support Russell continuing as chairman. Harris, the NSW Racing Minister, said his strong expectation with Baldings extension is that there will be increased transparency around welfare and rehoming, greater support for country races and a continued commitment to supporting a responsible, sustainable, and competitive racing industry.
According to Evan Shimen of St Ives, South Africa is a nation of fish-paste lovers (C8): When it was announced in 2021 that Pecks Anchovette and Redro fish paste were to be discontinued, the public went into decline. Social media was awash with sentimental obituaries for the smelly spread, and public-spirited people were posting the locations of shops that still had stock. Petitions rolled in, but it looked like the old tradition of fish-paste-on-toast was dead: until last week when, to the delight of millions, it was announced that production would resume, bringing back the taste of nostalgia. Nostalgia might not be to everyones palate, but for some its a fishy tale with a happy ending.

As a six-year-old in 1956 with only German as a language, new to Cooerwull Public School in Lithgow, a fellow student assigned to look after me introduced me to sandwiches with Vegemite, cold spaghetti and Pecks Paste, recalls Wolf Kempa, still of Lithgow. Rather than make any fuss about being poisoned, I decided it best to quickly learn the language.

Gentlemans Relish or Patum Peperium is the superior original of which Pecks Paste is merely an anaemic copy, claims Andrew Taubman of Queens Park. Do try it if you can find it  youll never go back!

Moving on to other paste, Rosslyn Jeffery of Castle Hill doesnt think Tony B (C8) has pica: After all, Perkins Paste was made of potatoes with a dash of almond essence. Just part of dinner, really.

As an elite armchair-sportsman these days, after watching my long-suffering Tigers play I find alcohol a far more effective recovery drink (C8) than milk, muses Peter Miniutti of Ashbury.
Rental affordability in Greater Brisbane has reached its lowest-ever level according to the annual Rental Affordability Index from SGS Economics and peak body National Shelter.

Rental affordability in Brisbane. Credit: SGS Economics, National Shelter

The index, which compares median rents with average incomes, found Greater Brisbanes affordability had dropped 9 per cent in the past year, hitting people on low incomes the hardest.

Brisbanes median rent was now at $553 a week, which costs 28 per cent of the average renting households income.

The report also found regional Queensland to be the most unaffordable of all regions and capital cities, with median rents (also $553) costing 30 per cent of average incomes.

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National Shelter chief executive Emma Greenhalgh said affordability was already dire in Brisbane and now things were going from bad to worse.

Almost nowhere is safe from declining affordability, with most suburbs falling either one to two affordability categories.

Governments must urgently address this worsening affordability crisis, including by building more social and affordable homes and better regulating renting.
Queenslands Chief Health Officer says he would feel safe having a heart transplant at a Brisbane hospital after two people died amid claims of a potentially deadly fungal outbreak.

Dr John Gerrard said it was still unknown if there was a common source for the fungus but indicated two types were found within heart transplant patients at the Prince Charles Hospital.

Four patients who underwent heart transplants have experienced Aspergillus fungal infections this year, while a fifth patient had an infection with Lomentospora, Dr Gerrard said.

Two men, Muhammad Hussain, 55, and 45-year-old Adam Retmock, have died from the infection.
Before Wenhao Du died alongside his mother, Jifeng Eileen Liu, in their Brisbane home, he told a friend he had negative feelings about his mothers boyfriend.

This was the evidence given by Dus friend to the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

The bodies of 47-year-old Jifeng Liu, known as Eileen, and her son, were found in a Stretton house. Credit: Nine

Liu, 47, and her son, Du, 20, also known as Sam, were found dead in their Stretton home, south of Brisbane, in August 2022.

Lius former boyfriend, Weifeng Huang, is now set to face trial over their murders.
Loading The review was obtained by The Age under freedom-of-information legislation after Safer Care Victoria refused to release it. The analysis confirmed a sharp escalation in the number of serious adverse paediatric events in 45 Victorian health services in the year to September 2022, across numerous hospital areas, including special care nurseries, birth centres and emergency departments. Of the 21 deaths and severe instances of harm that occurred in emergency departments from 2017 until June last year, 10 involved sepsis, a life-threatening infection complication. Several cases involved testicular torsion (when the testicles blood supply is cut off), anaphylaxis, stroke, asthma, self-harm or myocarditis. Eleven of the patients died, nine permanently lost function and one required life-saving surgery.

Eight of the sentinel events in emergency  regarded as wholly preventable and resulting in serious harm or death  occurred in just the first six months of 2022, compared with three in all of 2021 and three in all of 2020. Eight of these 21 sentinel events involved babies aged up to one-year-old, six were in patients aged one to five, and seven were older children or teenagers aged up to 18 years. A photo of Dio Kemp when she was unwell. Her death is subject to a coronial investigation. The coroner is investigating several deaths, including three-year-old Dio Kemp, who died in 2019 of bacterial septicaemia following multiple visits to Monash Medical Centre. Also under examination is the treatment of 19-month-old Diamond Creek boy Noah Souvatzis, who died in 2021 of meningitis after initially being sent home from Wangaratta Hospital emergency department.

Separately, the mother of Amrita Lanka, Satya Tarapureddi, said she resorted to asking the cleaners at Monash Childrens Hospital for help before her daughters death last year of myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle. The Victorian government has already announced several key reforms in response to the increase in sentinel events affecting children. That includes a statewide escalation scheme that worried parents can use if they feel their concerns are not being addressed. Amrita Lanka died in hospital aged eight. Credit: Justin McManus At the centre of this reform is the families who have lost their children to a paediatric sentinel event  ongoing consultation with these parents and carers, as well as our health services, is critical to the programs success ahead of implementation next year, an Allan government spokeswoman said. The Safer Care Victoria white paper published this month also suggested several other changes, including that every emergency department and urgent care centre that treats children has a dedicated paediatric waiting and treatment area, with dedicated staff with paediatric skills.

Australasian College for Emergency Medicine president-elect Dr Stephen Gourley said while the overwhelming majority of Victorian children treated by emergency department clinicians had positive outcomes, worrying workforce shortages continued, particularly affecting regional areas. Loading EDs are trying desperately to manage roster gaps and often  especially in [rural, regional, and remote] areas  the solutions are locums, or no doctors at all, as is happening with concerning frequency in many areas of Victoria. The majority of Victorian emergency department patients are still waiting more than four hours for a bed and Gourley warned that funding cuts to health services means problems will continue to get worse without long-term solutions increasing capacity in hospitals, mental health, aged care and other forms of community care. Australian Medical Association Victoria vice-president Dr Simon Judkins said some rural and regional emergency departments were reliant on junior or temporary locum doctors who didnt have speciality emergency department training, let alone expertise in treating children.

For example, a doctor training to be an orthopaedic surgeon doing temporary locum work, with limited to no experience in paediatrics, might be the clinician looking after a sick child who arrived overnight. Judkins, who commutes weekly from Melbourne to work at a regional ED, said the government needed to do more to incentivise senior doctors comfortable treating sick children with complicated medical histories to work in regional areas. In many cases where young patients had come to harm, junior medical clinicians did not have access to a senior person to help them manage cases, leading to diagnosis delays. Currently in Victoria, there is a disconnect between the accepted level of paediatric knowledge and capability with what the system requires to be safe, the Safer Care white paper said.
An inner Melbourne council will fight the Allan governments plan to increase housing density and build thousands of granny flats in the suburbs, arguing it will erode neighbourhood character and spark parking chaos.

Giving residents the right to build granny flats without a planning permit rides roughshod over community concerns and could irreversibly change streetscapes, the City of Boroondara said in a statement endorsed by all 11 councillors.

Camberwell Junction is one of 10 locations the state government has chosen to seek to build 60,000 new homes. Credit: Wayne Taylor

The council voted unanimously to oppose most of the key elements of Labors housing statement, which is aimed at building 800,000 homes in established parts of the city in the next decade.

The housing statement lacked detail on how the ambitious housing target would be met and had been foisted on communities without warning, the council said.
Family members and colleagues of a 38-year-old St John WA paramedic who died when his vehicle crashed while responding to an emergency call in Perths south early on Tuesday are devastated by the loss.

Police were called after the specialist vehicle crashed at the intersection of Armadale and Anstey roads in Forrestdale about 1.35am. Tinesh Tamilkodi, a clinical support paramedic, had been on his way to a priority one call at the time.

St John WA paramedic Tinesh Tamilkodi died in a crash in Forrestdale on Tuesday morning. Credit: St John Ambulance

He is the first paramedic to die on the job in Western Australia.

St John WA head of clinical Rudi Brits spoke through tears, telling media it had been a hard day and that Tamilkodi would be sorely missed.
Doctors say they have increased their average fee for a standard consultation from $64 to just under $75 in 12 months as they face pressure from rising costs, adding to the challenge facing Health Minister Mark Butler as he tries to resuscitate Medicare.

In the same year the Albanese government pledged to overhaul the health system and started rolling out changes to make it easier to see a doctor, the proportion of GPs who said they bulk billed all their patients was halved from 24 to 12 per cent.

GPs are charging an average of $10 more for a standard appointment than they were last year.

The snapshot from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners yearly survey of doctors maps an accelerated deterioration in the affordability of primary care despite Labors focus on reform.

The annual report has criticised the ongoing dysfunction in the health system and cited a significant jump in both patients financial issues and GP workloads and stress since last year.
Separately, a Manus Island clan leader and former Paladin business partner has alleged in court documents that the Australian firm may have defrauded him while paying millions to the family of a powerful PNG politician who then dished it out to others. The classified report by Richardson, a former director general of ASIO, examines how Home Affairs engaged with contractors such as Paladin and Brisbane firm Canstruct, along with the dozens of subcontractors, that were paid billions of dollars to run Australias offshore processing system. Loading Richardsons inquiry was ordered by the Albanese government in July after this masthead and 60 Minutes revealed in the Home Truths investigation detailed allegations that firms contracted for offshore processing may have been corrupted, with suspect payments funnelled to foreign politicians in Nauru and PNG. The official sources with knowledge of Richardsons findings said his report concluded that serious failures within Home Affairs had led to the engagement of contractors and subcontractors with alleged links to dubious business dealings or foreign officials.

Richardson found Home Affairs did not conduct adequate due diligence on some contractors, a problem exacerbated by information sharing failures between departmental officials and agencies such as the Australian Federal Police. The sources said Richardson closely examined the decision of Home Affairs to continue to contract with a company closely linked to an Australian businessman, Mozammil Bhojani, after Australian authorities charged Bhojani with bribing Nauruan officials to gain mining favours. Mozammil Gulamabbas Bhojani. Home Affairs retained Bhojanis company in Nauru even after he was convicted, court and departmental files show. Richardson also interviewed former Paladin employees about their concerns about the way the company operated in PNG.

Home Affairs paid Paladin $530 million in taxpayer funds to run the detention centre for just over two years between 2017 and 2019 but from the beginning, the company had difficulty with PNG officials in obtaining visas and work permits. An invoice to Paladin from a businessman. An ongoing investigation by this masthead can reveal that Paladin paid at least $3 million to an offshore account in 2018 and 2019 to get the backing of senior PNG officials. In a statement to this masthead, former Paladin director Ian Stewart described the payments as very likely to be bribes paid to ensure Paladin could obtain visas and work permits. He said he had reported his concerns to Australian law enforcement agencies. Payment records show the funds were sent to the Singapore account of a Chinese-Malaysian businessman with interests in Queensland and PNG and who entered into a business arrangement with Paladin that Stewart now alleges was a sham.

The businessman is now at the centre of a federal police investigation involving Paladin and allegations that some of the $3 million paid by Paladin was used to get favours from PNG officials close to the businessman. The Chinese-Malaysian businessman, who this masthead is not naming for legal reasons and who did not respond to efforts to contact him, has a chequered history that has also been unearthed by this masthead. Refugees at Manus Island detention centre in 2013. Credit: Kate Geraghty His home was recently shot up in an alleged outlaw bikie drive-by and detectives subsequently alleged in court he had business dealings  that had soured  with a company owned by a bikie and which police claimed is controlled by the Comancheros motorcycle gang. The issue of offshore processing remains a sensitive one for the Albanese government, which wants to avoid accusations from the opposition that it is soft on asylum seekers who attempt to travel to Australia by boat.

Other payments Paladin made in PNG are separately under scrutiny. Rodney Pokapin, a Manus Island clan and business leader who partnered with Paladin to manage security on the islands detention centres, claims the Australian firm did not pay his companies millions of dollars it earned running Australias offshore processing system. Loading Pokapin said in an affidavit filed in court that Paladin had instead paid a lot of money in millions to another company it partnered with to run offshore processing and which is controlled by the family of a powerful and still serving PNG politician. Funds from the [unnamed politicians family] company were dished out to any person or event without proper recordings, Pokapins statement alleges.
Lotte Hoekstra has held senior management positions at her job for four years, but as a part-time worker, she is part of a rare minority.

Hoekstra, a group director for energy Victoria and SA at global infrastructure consultancy firm AECOM, has always felt supported by her managers about her decision not to work full-time, but she said without that support, her career progression would have stalled.

Lotte Hoekstra said working part-time in senior positions has allowed her to maximise time with her family while also progressing her career. Credit: Penny Stephens

Data from the Workplace Gender Equality Agency backs that up. While 21 per cent of Australians work part-time and 25 per cent work casually, just 7 per cent of senior or management roles are offered part-time.

Agency chief executive Mary Wooldridge said that means hundreds of thousands of part-time workers face a sudden drop-off in the availability of senior positions that could advance or sustain their careers.
Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi directed the provision of 650 tons of food supplies to Palestinian people as part of Egypt's ongoing role in supporting Gaza at all levels, according to a statement on Tuesday by the Egyptian Presidential Spokesman Ahmed Fahmy.

The decision came during El-Sisi's meeting with Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and Minister of Supply and Internal Trade Ali Moselhi.

Egypt has already delivered nearly 6,944 tons of aid to Gaza since the start of the war until 10 November, according to the Egyptian Red Crescent.

On Friday, the Egyptian Red Crescent released an infographic with the countries that provided aid to Gaza, with Egypt leading the list of countries.

On 9 October, Israel declared a "complete siege" on Gaza, with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant saying Palestinians "will be deprived of food, electricity, and fuel."

Palestinians who escaped Israel's ground invasion in northern Gaza are now facing a severe shortage of food and medicine in the southern region.

Throughout the course of the war, hundreds of aid trucks have entered Gaza via Egypt's Rafah border crossing, the amount which the UN described as a drop in the water compared to the strips basic needs, as over 100 trucks are needed daily.

A significant portion of the population has been deprived of essential food items such as meat, eggs, and milk, surviving on just one meal per day.

There is a real threat of malnutrition; people are starving, said Alia Zaki, spokesperson for the UN World Food Programme, according to AP.

The total death toll of Palestinians killed by Israel in Gaza is now over 11,240, according to the governments media office.

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Students planning to skip school next week for a Melbourne-wide strike to support Palestine have been told to stay in class as the Greens call on the Victorian government to let schoolkids exercise their right to protest.

Premier Jacinta Allan said on Tuesday morning she expects students to stay in school next Thursday, after plans of the student strike emerged on Monday, but noted that many students have been directly affected by the war in Gaza.

Federal Education Minister Jason Clare said on Monday that school students should be at school during school hours.

The Greens federal education spokesperson, Senator Penny Allman-Payne, has written to Clare urging him to retract his comments, and called on the government to support students democratic right to walk out in protest of the war in Gaza as well as for Fridays National Climate Strike.
Japans former prime minister Taro Aso says his country should join AUKUS in order to allow the US, Australia and Japan to speak with one voice to signal their opposition to a change of Taiwans status through force.

Aso, who joked the defence could be renamed JAUKUS, also warned Chinese spies could infiltrate Japan as well as other countries, including Australia, as he defended his countrys strict migration policies.

Japans Finance Minister Taro Aso speaks in Beijing. Credit: AP

I would like to propose an ambitious idea, he told the Australian Institute of International Affairs in Canberra on Monday night.

How about we expand AUKUS to include Japan, making it JAUKUS?
Washington: The former GOP speaker elbowed one of the Republicans who had voted to oust him. A Republican senator rose to challenge an organised labor leader to a brawl during a hearing. Across the Capitol, the chair of a different panel compared a member of his committee to a cartoon character.

Tensions ran high on Capitol Hill on Wednesday (AEDT), as the marbled corridors of Congress devolved into a backdrop for heated clashes  some of them physical  among lawmakers who are rushing to avoid a government shutdown at the end of the week and salvage their Thanksgiving holiday.

Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy is alleged to have elbowed his colleague in the back, who then chased McCarthy down the hall while shouting at him. Credit: Bloomberg

The fights were the latest display of unruliness from a branch of government that has spent much of the year wallowing in its own dysfunction, only snapping out of it for long enough to narrowly avert a federal debt default and a lapse in government funding. This week appeared to be one of those times but representatives were still behaving badly.

It began when former Speaker Kevin McCarthy had a run-in with Tim Burchett, one of eight Republicans who had voted to oust him from the speakership last month, in the basement of the Capitol. Burchett said he had been speaking to journalists in a hallway following party talks when McCarthy elbowed him in the back, then kept walking.
~They have to make up their mind what it is.~

PHILIPSBURG:--- MP Wescot over the weekend issued a statement regarding the meeting of parliament to approve the change to the Integrity Chamber law. In her view, the uneasy relationship in the NA/UPP coalition was again manifested during the meeting of parliament, which was convened to finalize the proposal by government to increase the age of the members of the integrity chamber.

This draft proposal of law was already handled by the central committee of parliament and the government had provided written answers to the few questions posed. In fact, it was considered such a routine matter that it went straight from the CC meeting to the public meeting with the answers as provided.

What we witnessed was the NA and UPP factions embarrassing their government by demanding a postponement of the meeting, so these factions could come with an amendment to the draft law presented by their own government.

These 2 factions in parliament continue their love-hate relationship with the Integrity Chamber of St. Maarten, beginning with the Leader of the UPP, MP Brison and other coalition MPs cutting the budget of the Integrity Chamber, and the prime minister having to accept this amendment and only after pressure from the UD faction, found a way to rearrange the budget of the integrity chamber.

The meeting last Friday was nothing short of an embarrassment for government, as the Prime Minister tried to persuade her own party members and the UPP that the age increase for members of the Integrity Chamber was primarily to accommodate the St. Maarten member on the board of the Integrity Chamber, MP Wescot added.

The NA and UPP factions wanted the postponement of the meeting, so they could come up with an amendment that all members of the Integrity Chamber are residents of St. Maarten, thereby obstructing the Netherlands from nominating a candidate for its position who does not reside on Sint Maarten, the MP explained.

The first question is if these factions in parliament could not have synchronized this idea with their own government, before embarrassing the prime minister?

During the parliament meeting on Friday, the creation of the integrity chamber was again rehashed, some MPs conveniently forgetting that at least we got the integrity chamber instituted via a national ordinance and not an instruction from the Kingdom government as was threatened at the time, MP Wescot, stated, adding, thereby guaranteeing the decision making in the hands of the St. Maarten parliament.

Now, rather than tweak the law to make it work better for us, we see the coalition factions in parliament using every opportunity to break down, rather than build up. Why? Because they had an issue with the institution in the past.

With our small scale and limited human resources, we should strengthen and respect our institutions, such as the (high) councils of state (Ombudsman, Council of Advice, General Audit Chamber, SER, and Integrity Chamber) to be the gatekeepers of our democracy and show the world, our size notwithstanding, that our checks and balances are functioning and as closely-knit as we are, there is redress for our citizens, the MP emphatically stated.

What went on in the meeting is not a show of ignorance of the topic Integrity Chamber, but rather bruised egos being stroked. The NA and UPP factions know very well, that their amendment will cause their government unnecessary confrontation.

Rather than that, the government and its supporting MPs should guide the Integrity Chamber in generating an understanding by the general public that the institution is there to investigate claims of misuse of power and position by the government and its entities. Feelings of misgivings about government can be investigated and if unfounded, laid to rest, MP Wescot concluded.
~During the DCNA Symposium, experts explore best practices.~

ORANJESTAD:--- As the world witnesses and experiences the impacts of climate change, turning to nature could be a pragmatic way to adapt. The Dutch Caribbean, with a human population of less than 340,000 and a land area of just 800 square kilometers, may be tiny, remote, and easily overlooked. However, their natural heritage is rich and extraordinarily diverse. The islands Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, St. Maarten, St. Eustatius, and Saba stand out as the most significant 'hotspot' for biodiversity within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Recently, on November 10th, the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) gathered environmental stewards at the University of Aruba for the "Nature-Based Solution for Ecosystem Restoration" symposium. Organized by the DCNA in collaboration with the Fundacion Parke Nacional Aruba (FPNA), both non-profit organizations advocating nature conservation, the event had the distinct honor of hosting Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrix, accompanying dignitaries including the Governor of Aruba, the Prime Minister of Aruba and the Minister of Nature for Aruba, delegates from the DCNA, FPNA, valued nature partners and other stakeholders.

Nature-Based Solutions as an Approach for Mitigating Environmental Risks

Amid the global conversation on climate change, there is an increasing interest in Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) as a strategy to mitigate various environmental risks, from flooding to landslides. NBS is an innovative approach that leans on sustainable management of both natural and modified ecosystems. This approach, recognized by the European Commission as actions "inspired by, supported by, or copied from nature", addresses numerous societal challenges and paves the way for benefits for both people and the environment. These solutions promise not just ecological stability but also broader societal advantages, including economic growth and enhanced public health. As more entities recognize the importance of harmonizing ecosystem health, climate action, and sustainable development, NBS has found its place in major global policy conversations, including the UN's Sustainable Development Agenda 2030.

The symposium served as a platform for experts to introduce and discuss the concept of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) and delve into topics including the theoretical background of NBS, conservation challenges and opportunities on islands, funding mechanisms for NBS, and establishing collaborative frameworks for NBS partnerships. The insightful symposium concluded with a discussion on the need for NBS implementation and insights drawn from real-world case studies.

The director of the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance, Arno Verhoeven, highlighted how the living environment on our islands crucially depends on our unique ecosystems. Going for Nature-Based Solutions should be the priority when facing the many challenges that threaten our habitat. We believe that by bringing together stakeholders, strengthening the Dutch Caribbean network, and thus facilitating knowledge, expertise, and resource exchange, we can take steps to further implement NBS to safeguard our valuable ecosystems. This symposium is a step in that direction", Verhoeven stated.

During the presentation of FPNA, Chief Conservation Officer, Mrs. Natasha Silva, explained more about the extinct species in Aruba and the critical need for conservation efforts. She emphasized the importance of preserving Aruba's unique biodiversity and highlighted nature-based solutions as key strategies for conservation, including restoring natural habitats to support wildlife, implementing sustainable land use practices to prevent habitat loss, and establishing protected areas to conserve critical ecosystems. Mrs. Silva also underscored the important role of community engagement in conservation initiatives. Emphasizing this point, Mrs. Silva stated, Focus on the priority with the biggest effect. The more people become aware, the more we allow ourselves to have this dialogue about conservation.

As the Dutch Caribbean islands confront unique ecological vulnerabilities  balancing the rich biodiversity with threats from human activities and climate change  the importance of these Nature-Based Solutions cannot be overstated. The main takeaway highlights the necessity for local adaptation and implementation of these solutions requiring collective efforts, coordination, and knowledge exchange among various stakeholders to ensure a sustainable future for the Dutch Caribbean and beyond.

DCNA extended its gratitude toward the sponsors; Milton Harms Fonds in collaboration with Prins Bernhard Cultuurfonds Caribisch Gebied, Aruba Tourism Authority, VNO Ministerie van Binnenlandse Zaken en Koninkrijksrelaties, Grant Thornton, Dutch Postcode Lottery and Pelican Adventure for contributing to the symposium and supporting an environment of collaboration and progress, exemplifying the power of partnership in driving positive ecological change.
~ILO to analyze major advancements and opportunities in labour performance in Latin America and the Caribbean~

Over 20 speakers from different countries in the region will participate in a technical symposium, convened by the ILO, to reflect on key themes that are shaping both the present and future of work.

To commemorate the 30th anniversary of its flagship annual publication Labour Overview, the International Labour Organization (ILO), Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean and the ILO Office for the South Cone of Latin America will host the Regional Symposium Three Decades of Labour Performance in Latin America and the Caribbean: Advances and Prospects, which will take place in Santiago, Chile, on November 15 and 16, 2023.

The Labour Overview report has documented the labour context in the region over the past three decades, depicting significant changes in Latin America and the Caribbean in demographic, economic, and social terms. Currently, the region still faces challenges such as high informality, insufficient productivity, and distinct economic cycles that affect businesses, labour conditions, and the situation of workers and their families.

In this context, the regional symposium aims to explore the main challenges presented by the future of work in the region and the adaptations that will be necessary in labour institutions and policies to address transformations such as digitalization, automation, the gig economy, and just transitions.

The event will feature a high-level opening session with the participation of the Regional Director of the ILO for Latin America and the Caribbean, Claudia Coenjaerts; the former President of the Republic of Chile, Ricardo Lagos Escobar; and the Minister of Labour and Social Welfare of Chile, Jeannete Jara.

Subsequently, Jose Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs, Executive Secretary of ECLAC, will delve into the new productive paradigms and technological changes in the region, and Manuela Tomei, Deputy Director-General of the ILO, Governance, Rights, and Dialogue Cluster in Geneva, will address the promotion of decent work and social justice in a global context marked by various crises.

The first day of the symposium will also include a panel discussion featuring the President of the Central Workers Union (CUT) of Chile, David Acuna, and the General Manager of the Confederation of Production and Commerce (CPC), Fernando Alvear.

More than 20 speakers from different countries in the region will participate during the two-day symposium, which includes four discussion panels. Key issues to be addressed include economic, productive, and social opportunities in a transforming world of work; labour protection in the context of technological changes; the impact of climate change and environmental degradation on the world of work; and the transformation from informal to formal economy, along with the challenges of measuring employment and its implications for the adaptation of labour institutions and policies in this context.

The Regional Symposium "Three Decades of Labour Performance in Latin America and the Caribbean: Advances and Prospects will be a unique opportunity to analyze the challenges of the labour world and promote dialogue among key actors in the region.

For more information about the symposium, including registration and agenda details, please visit https://panoramalaboral.info/inicio/
Aurania resources to attend 121 Mining Investment Conference

Aurania Resources Ltd. (TSXV: ARU; OTCQB: AUIAF; Frankfurt: 20Q) (aAuraniaa or the aCompanya  https://www.commodity-tv.com/ondemand/companies/profil/aurania-resources-ltd/ ) is pleased to announce the Company is participating in the upcoming 121 Mining Investment Conference in London on November 20-21.

121 Mining Investment London will be hosting over 175 mining companies and more than 500 sophisticated investors for two days of pre-arranged, targeted 1-2-1 meetings. Alongside the curated schedule of pre-booked meetings matching investors with appropriate projects, the conference programme will provide expert commentary and the latest market intelligence on key industry developments.A

Any investors who would like to attend 121 Mining Investment London can register for a free pass here: https://hubs.la/Q026gbp80 .A Please visit Aurania at Booth #B13.

About 121 Mining Investment

The 121 Mining Investment global event series connects portfolio managers and analysts from institutional funds, private equity groups and family offices with mining company management teams for 1-2-1, private in-person meetings.

121 Mining Investment has an ever-expanding global portfolio, currently covering London, New York, Cape Town, Las Vegas, Frankfurt, Sydney, Singapore and Hong Kong, as well as online editions throughout the year.

About Aurania

Aurania is a mineral exploration company engaged in the identification, evaluation, acquisition, and exploration of mineral property interests, with a focus on precious metals and copper in South America.A Its flagship asset, The Lost Cities a CutucA Project, is located in the Jurassic Metallogenic Belt in the eastern foothills of the Andes mountain range of southeastern Ecuador.

Information on Aurania and technical reports are available at www.aurania.com and www.sedarplus.ca, as well as on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/auranialtd/, Twitter atA https://twitter.com/auranialtd, and LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/aurania-resources-ltd-.

For further information, please contact:

Carolyn Muir

VP Corporate Development & Investor Relations

Aurania Resources Ltd.

(416) 367-3200

carolyn.muir@aurania.com

In Europe:

Swiss Resource Capital AG

Jochen Staiger & Marc Ollinger

info@resource-capital.ch

www.resource-capital.ch

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.
Exoplanets are planets that orbit stars other than the sun and thus exist outside the solar system. The word "exoplanet" derives from the term "extrasolar planet," which hints at its existence beyond the influence of our star.

Prior to the 1990s, humanity had never observed a planet beyond the solar system and thus could not confirm such worlds existed. In the more than three decades since the first discovery of an exoplanet, NASA's exoplanet catalog has burgeoned. As of 2023, the exoplanet catalog contains over 5,500 confirmed exoplanets and almost 10,000 additional candidate exoplanets.

Exoplanets that orbit in the so-called habitable zone  the region around their star where it's not too hot or too cold to sustain liquid water  are targets for the search for life outside the solar system .

Related: The 10 most Earth-like exoplanets

Exoplanets FAQ

Can life survive on exoplanets? That depends on the exoplanet. The chances of life existing on an exoplanet are significantly greater if that planet exists in the habitable zone of its star. Astronomers are also currently becoming aware of the possibility of "Hycean worlds." These planets are dominated by liquid oceans and could hang on to liquid water outside standard habitable zones, thus widening the potential area around a star in which life could exist.

Can humans go to exoplanets? Currently, the closest exoplanet to Earth is Proxima Centauri b, which orbits the star Proxima Centauri, located 4 light-years away. The crew-carrying module of the Artemis missions is Orion, which, according to its maker , Lockheed Martin, has a top speed of 24,000 mph (39,000 km/h). That means that traveling constantly at this top speed and assuming no diversions, it would take Orion over 1 billion hours to reach Proxima Centauri. That's more than 114,000 years, so until the invention of light-speed travel or suspended animation , it is not possible to travel to an exoplanet.

How many planets are exoplanets? Over 5,500 exoplanets have been discovered so far, with a further 9,900 suspected exoplanets awaiting confirmation. All this has happened since 1992, so these numbers are likely to change frequently. Fortunately, NASA's exoplanet catalog is updated continually, so you can check the updated list of the number of exoplanets discovered .

Types of exoplanets

It might not look like much, but this is the first direct image of an exoplanet; it orbits the brown dwarf 2M1207 and is seen here by the VLT Yepun telescope at the ESO Paranal Observatory. (Image credit: ESO)

One thing that has become abundantly clear in humanity's exploration of exoplanets is that planets come in a much wider range of categories than can be seen in the solar system.

While our planetary system hosts a relatively ordered system of terrestrial planets , like Earth ; gas giants , like Jupiter ; ice giants, like Neptune ; and dwarf planets , like Pluto , exoplanets are more diverse and more disordered.

Hot Jupiters

Hot Jupiters are gas giant exoplanets that orbit close to their stars and complete a full orbit in just a few Earth days.

The "hot" in "hot Jupiter" refers to the proximity of these planets to their star, which can lead to searing surface temperatures. The "Jupiter" in the name refers to the fact that these worlds have sizes and masses that are most comparable to Jupiter's, though they can be many times more massive or just a fraction of its mass and size.

The proximity to their star can cause hot Jupiters to "puff out' to huge diameters while making them incredibly light in terms of density. Some of the lightest exoplanets ever found are hot Jupiters.

Hot Jupiters' size and proximity to their stars also create greater effects on these stars, meaning they are easily seen using the radial velocity and transit methods. This means the exoplanet catalog is heavily and disproportionately weighted in favor of hot Jupiters.



There is nothing like a hot Jupiter in the solar system, and some evidence suggests that these planets may form farther out, like Jupiter and Saturn are in our solar system, and then migrate closer to their stars.

Hot Jupiters overlap with the following categories of exoplanets when examples of these worlds are found close to their stars.

Terrestrial exoplanets

Terrestrial exoplanets are roughly Earth-size worlds outside the solar system that are composed of rock, silicate, water and carbon. The bulk composition of these worlds is dominated by rock or iron, and they can have either a solid or liquid surface, according to NASA . A deeper investigation of these exoplanets is required to determine if they have atmospheres or oceans.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, as Earth is the only planet we are aware of that hosts life, these worlds are the major targets in our hunt for life beyond the solar system.

Super-Earths or mini Neptunes

Super-Earths, alternatively known as mini-Neptunes, are planets that are up to twice the size of Earth and have up to 10 times the mass of our planet  meaning they're larger than terrestrial planets but smaller than ice giants and gas giants. Super-Earths don't necessarily have to be terrestrial planets; they can be gas giants.

Neptunian exoplanets

Neptune-like exoplanets (or Neptunian exoplanets) are worlds similar in size to Neptune and Uranus  around four times the size of Earth and around 17 times its mass. Neptunian worlds are thought to have mixed interiors but heavy metals at their cores.

The missing planets

Neptune-size worlds are a mystery for astronomers because so few are discovered close to their stars. This lack of "hot Neptunes" with orbits of around four days or less has come to be known as the " hot Neptunian desert ." One suggested reason for this could be that if planets don't have a lot of mass, the radiation from their stars easily strips their atmospheres, thus quickly turning potential hot Neptunes into super-Earths.

Rogue exoplanets

An illustration of a frozen rogue planet as it wanders the Milky Way alone. (Image credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center.)

Rogue planets, also known as isolated planetary-mass objects and free-floating planets , are worlds outside the solar system that are not gravitationally bound to stars. That means that they wander the Milky Way alone without a parent star.

One possible explanation for rogue planets is that they form in planetary systems and are then flung away by gravitational interactions with other planets in the same system or by encounters with another star system. A less plausible, but still viable, formation mechanism is that rogue planets form on their own, outside planetary systems.

According to NASA, a study suggested that when NASA's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope comes online, it could spot as many as 400 Earth-mass rogue exoplanets using microlensing.

How do astronomers discover exoplanets?

Discovering exoplanets is tricky because, unlike stars , they don't emit their own light  or at least not enough to help locate them. This means that most techniques exoplanet hunters use to discover exoplanets are related to spotting the effects a planet has on its parent star.

Here are the five main methods astronomers use to spot exoplanets.

Radial velocity method

Historically, the first method used to detect exoplanets was the radial velocity method. According to the European Space Agency (ESA) , this technique works because when a planet orbits a star, that planetary system's center of mass is located within the star, as it has considerably more mass than its planet.

This center of gravity is located off-center within the star, causing the star to "wobble" back and forth ever so slightly. Because wavelengths of sound or light are squashed as a source moves toward an observer and are stretched as the source moves away  known as the Doppler effect  astronomers can observe and measure this wobble.

Transit method

The unquestioned monarch of exoplanet detection is currently the transit method, which works by measuring tiny dips in light from a star caused as a planet moves across its face  or transits the star  between that star and Earth.

Data detected during transits can be used to determine the exoplanet's orbit and size. Plus, by looking at the light passing through the planet's atmosphere, astronomers can investigate the composition of gases around it.

That means that, in the modern era of exoplanet investigation, during which scientists are delving deeper into exoplanet atmospheres than ever before, hunting for biosignatures  elements that are vital to life and traces of living processes  the transit technique has unparalleled utility.

Gravitational lensing

Few phenomena are more useful to astronomers than gravitational lensing . First predicted in Einstein's 1915 theory of general relativity , gravitational lensing happens when a path of light curves as it travels past a warp in space-time .

When light from a background object passes a massive object  a lensing body  between it and Earth, its path is diverted, resulting in the brightening of the background source, a shift in the apparent position of that source or, in extreme cases, the appearance of the background source in multiple places in the same image.

This applies to an exoplanet because, if it comes between Earth and a distant background source, it will act as a lens for that source's light. Because the mass of intervening planets is small, this effect is tiny  so the method is known as microlensing.

This method can be really useful for the discovery of rogue exoplanets, which lack parent stars but can be sighted when they warp the light of other background stars.

Direct imaging

As of November 2023, just 69 exoplanets have been spotted the old-fashioned way: with direct imaging. Why is this so tough? ESA explains that the light from a planet's parent star overwhelms that planet by a factor of over a million.

Astrometry

Remember the wobble that helps inform the radial velocity technique? It also forms the basis of another exoplanet detection method, albeit one that is much less successful.

Astrometry takes repeated measurements of the positions of stars in the sky and uses them to infer motion, including the kind of wobbling caused by an exoplanet in orbit, according to ESA. This is extremely difficult to do, so astrometry has uncovered only three exoplanets so far, according to NASA.

Don't rule out astrometry just yet, though. ESA's Gaia mission is currently making highly detailed, precise observations of star positions across a vast swath of the sky over Earth. ESA predicts that eventually, Gaia could use astrometry to reveal tens of thousands of exoplanets at distances as great as 1,600 light-years from the sun.

Major exoplanet discoveries

Although astronomers have found thousands of exoplanets, a few stand out as major discoveries.

51 Pegasi b

51 Pegasi b was the first exoplanet discovered orbiting a sunlike star. It was found in 1995 by astronomers Michel Mayor and Didier Queloz, with the duo sharing the 2019 Nobel Prize in physics for the breakthrough (along with James Peebles "for theoretical discoveries in physical cosmology.")

Found by the radial velocity method, 51 Pegasi b is a hot Jupiter that orbits its parent star at a distance of around 0.0527 times the distance between Earth and the sun , completing an orbit in just 4.2 Earth days , according to NASA. It has around 0.46 times Jupiter's mass and 1.27 times its diameter.

Poltergeist and Phobetor

Although 51 Pegasi b was the first exoplanet found around a sunlike star, it wasn't the first exoplanet ever discovered. That honor goes to a duo of planets called "Poltergeist and Phobetor," discovered in 1992 by Aleksander Wolszczan and Dale Frail. Poltergeist and Phobetor are also known as PSR B1257+12 b and PSR B1257+12 c , respectively.

The TRAPPIST-1 system

An illustration of the TRAPPIST-1 system compared with the solar system. (Image credit: NASA/JPL Caltech)

Located around 40 light-years from Earth, the TRAPPIST-1 system comprises seven planets orbiting a relatively cool red dwarf star; the first two of these planets were discovered in 2016, and the remaining five were found in 2017 , according to NASA.

What makes this system extraordinary is that all seven planets seem to be similar to Earth in terms of their size and rocky composition, and at least three orbit their star in the habitable zone, making them prime targets in the search for life outside the solar system.

As soon as it came online, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) began observing the TRAPPIST-1 system and has already measured the temperature of TRAPPIST-1b using its thermal emissions  the first time light emitted by an exoplanet has been measured  and determined that the exoplanet seems to lack an atmosphere .

WASP-76 b

Another hot Jupiter, WASP-76 b , discovered in 2016 using the transit method, is an extraordinary exoplanet.

WASP-76 b orbits its star at a distance of just 0.033 times the distance between Earth and the sun and completes an orbit in 1.8 Earth days. The planet, which is 1.83 times the width of Jupiter and 0.92 times its mass, is tidally locked, meaning one side permanently faces its parent star while the other perpetually faces space.

This sends the temperature of the dayside soaring to 4,350 degrees Fahrenheit (2,400 degrees Celsius), while the nightside is a relatively cooler 2,730 F (1,500 C). This means that iron is vaporized on the planet's dayside and is then blown across to the nightside, where it cools and falls as iron rain . As such, WASP-76 b is a stark reminder of how truly alien exoplanets can be.

Exoplanet expert Q&A

We spoke with Nikku Madhusudhan, Professor of Astrophysics and Exoplanetary Science at the Institute of Astronomy, University of Cambridge about exoplanets.

Nikku Madhusudhan Social Links Navigation Professor of Astrophysics and Exoplanetary Science Nikku Madhusudhan's research focusses on understanding various aspects of exoplanets, including their atmospheres and how they formed.

What is so fascinating about exoplanets? One of the most fascinating aspects of exoplanets is their vast diversity, which far surpasses planetary properties and processes encountered in the solar system. This diversity allows us to study a wide range of fascinating planetary phenomena. Equally important, exoplanets provide the opportunity to answer arguably one of the most fundamental questions in science: Is there life elsewhere?



How does your work relate to exoplanets? My research focuses on understanding various aspects of exoplanets, including their atmospheres, interiors, formation mechanisms, habitability and biosignatures. We pursue these areas using a combination of spectroscopic observations of exoplanets with large telescopes, detailed theoretical modeling and statistical methods.

How has exoplanet research changed over the past two decades? Two decades ago, exoplanet research was focused primarily on discovering new planets. At that time, less than about hundred planets were known, mostly detected using the radial velocity method, and the first transiting exoplanets were just being discovered. It was also a time when the first detections were being made of transiting exoplanetary atmospheres, through observations of a few atomic elements using optical and UV spectroscopy. Over the last two decades, the field has undergone a major transformation. Today we know of over 5,000 exoplanets and that exoplanets are extremely common and extremely diverse over various properties, such as sizes, masses and orbital architectures. We also now know that small planets, between Earth and Neptune in size, are extremely common. Atmospheric measurements have become routine, with many dozens of atmospheres detected with various telescopes in space and on the ground, mostly for giant exoplanets. Most recently, the James Webb Space Telescope is further revolutionizing the field by making it possible to observe the atmospheres of small planets in the habitable zones around their host stars. One of the major drivers of the field today is to study the atmospheres of low-mass exoplanets, to understand their chemical compositions and physical processes, as well as to understand various aspects of planet formation, internal structures and habitability.

What are some of the most exciting exoplanets, in your opinion? The most exciting exoplanets, in my opinion, are those in the sub-Neptune regime, i.e. planets with sizes between those of Earth and Neptune, which is about 4 times larger than Earth. Sub-Neptunes have no analog in the solar system and can span a large range of planetary properties. For example, they can include large rocky planets (super-Earths), smaller versions of Neptune (mini-Neptunes), water worlds, hot lava worlds and others. The sheer diversity possible in such planets is exciting to think about. Within this diversity, I am personally most excited about the recently theorized Hycean worlds . These are planets with ocean-covered surfaces and hydrogen-rich atmospheres with thermodynamic conditions in the oceans similar to those in the Earth's oceans and, hence, conducive for habitability. These planets are expected to be more accessible for atmospheric observations with current facilities and provide a promising path to search for habitable conditions and potential biosignatures. The recent detections of carbon-bearing molecules in one such candidate Hycean world , K2-18b, have opened exciting prospects in this direction.

What exoplanet discoveries have been surprising? There are too many to describe here! All the aspects I mentioned above  including the ubiquity and demographics of exoplanets, their diversity, their atmospheres, interiors, and possible formation mechanisms  have elements that are surprising in many ways. We are really at the cusp of a new era in exoplanet science, with great potential for important breakthroughs in our understanding of planetary processes, habitability and the search for life.

Additional resources

Stay up to date with exoplanet discoveries by visiting NASA's exoplanet catalog . NASA also has a fantastic set of travel posters that beautifully illustrate what travel to such a world would be like. Many exoplanets can be described as "strange new worlds," and no television show has capitalized on the sense of wonder that the exploration of such worlds invokes as the original "Star Trek," which ran from 1966 to 1969. You can read about it here and select episodes to explore yourself.

Bibliography

Exoplanet Catalog, NASA, [Accessed 1/10/23], [ https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/discovery/exoplanet-catalog/ ]

EXOPLANET DETECTION METHODS, ESA, [Accessed 1/10/23] [ https://sci.esa.int/web/exoplanets/-/60655-detection-methods ]

5 Ways to Find a Planet, NASA, [Accessed 10/10/23], [ https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/alien-worlds/ways-to-find-a-planet/ ]

C. A. Haswell., Transiting Exoplanets: Measuring the Properties of Planetary Systems, Cambridge University Press, 2010, ISBN 978 0 521 13938 0

Exoplanet timeline, NASA, [Accessed 10/28/23], [ https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/alien-worlds/historic-timeline/#first-planetary-disk-observed ]

51 Pegasi b, NASA, [Accessed 10/28/23], [ https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/exoplanet-catalog/7001/51-pegasi-b/ ]

The TRAPPIST-1 Habitable Zone, NASA Hubblesite, [Accessed 10/28/23], [ https://hubblesite.org/contents/media/images/2017/07/3986-Image.html?news=true ]
Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, who was the president of COP27, urged more efforts to reduce emissions and provide the technology and financial resources needed by developing countries for their energy transitions.

It is crucial to accelerate the energy transition in an equitable manner that takes into account energy security and promotes sustainable development, Shoukry said in a virtual meeting held on Tuesday, nearly two weeks before the launch of COP28 in the UAE.

Shoukry noted that international collaboration and cooperation are the only way to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement and address the current climate crisis.

The foreign minister made his remarks while co-chairing the final meeting of the 2022 UN Climate Change Conference (COP27) Business Leaders Group.

The group was formed by the Egyptian presidency of last years UN event in cooperation with Nassef Sawiris, the CEO of OCI Global, a company that deals in hydrogen, nitrogen, and energy.

It keeps various stakeholders involved in climate action, including the private sector, in touch with one another to explore possible climate solutions.

Shoukry highlighted the progress and achievements made during Egypt's presidency of the climate conference, including the launch of new financing arrangements and the Loss and Damage Fund.

COP27 also activated the Sharm El-Sheikh Adaptation Agenda to mitigate the impacts of climate change worldwide and enhance resilience in systems of food, water, oceans, cities, health, and infrastructure.

The 28th UN climate change conference will be held in the UAE from 30 November until 12 December 2023.

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Egypts President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi held a phone conversation with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, where they touched upon the latest developments in the war-hit Gaza Strip.

El-Sisi reviewed the steps taken by Egypt to de-escalate, provide humanitarian aid, evacuate foreign nationals, and assist injured Palestinians, according to a statement by the Egyptian presidency.

Putin and El-Sisi agreed to intensify efforts towards an immediate ceasefire, facilitate urgent access to humanitarian assistance, and take necessary steps to protect civilians.

The Israeli onslaught and blockade of Gaza entered its 39th day on Tuesday, with no access to food, water, or medical supplies except a trickle of aid trucks from the Rafah crossing with Egypt.

No fuel has entered the strip since 7 October, causing several bakeries and hospitals to halt work completely.

On Tuesday, the World Health Organization reported that more than half of Gaza's hospitals, 22 out of 36, are currently deemed "non-functional."

Israel has killed over 11,000 Palestinians in Gaza, including 4,630 children and 3,130 women, in five weeks, according to Palestinian data.

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Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, the Minister of Health, said on Monday that 37 hospitals in 8 governorates in Egypt have been prepared to receive Palestinian patients and injured from the Gaza Strip and that 13 of them are currently treating patients.

Abdel-Ghaffar's remarks came during a hearing session held at the House of Representatives by the Health Affairs committee, chaired by MP Ashraf Hatem, regarding the efforts of the Egyptian state, represented by the Ministry of Health, to support the Palestinians in Gaza.

He stated that the ministry formed crisis committees and prepared emergency rooms, outlining a plan covering emergency, therapeutic, and preventive services to address worst-case scenarios.

The health minister added that 150 ambulances were allocated to transfer the patients from Rafah crossing.

Abdel-Ghaffar also highlighted the readiness of the healthcare sector, emphasizing professionalism in handling cases.

Furthermore, he said that Egypt was approached to receive the children in nurseries at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza due to lack of electricity, adding that 90 percent of the hospitals in Gaza are out of service.

The health minister highlighted that Egypt was negotiating to receive more cases from Gaza.

Abdel-Ghaffar also noted that there were around 1,500 kidney dialysis cases in Gaza.

In addition, he pointed out that all medical teams are eager to participate in treating the injured.

When asked about preventive measures and services, the health minister said prevention services are offered to thousands of foreigners entering Egypt, who must undergo thorough examinations.

Abdel-Ghaffar also outlined the plan for healthcare support in Gaza, dividing hospitals into three levels based on their locations.

He further explained that Egypt received diverse cases from Gaza that included severe burns, fractures, eye injuries, internal organ injuries, quadriplegia (due to shrapnel), and cancer.

The health minister also spoke about the possibility of North Sinai entering the second phase of comprehensive health insurance.

Finally, Abdel-Ghaffar praised the resilience and determination of the injured, who, he said, expressed their desire to return quickly to Gaza.

Earlier this month, Abdel-Ghaffar stated that between 40-50 injured Palestinians cross daily to Egypt through the Rafah crossing to receive treatment.

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Profit for the first half of the year fell by two thirds to 550 million (480 million), mostly due to business units sold off last year as part of a major turnaround plan. Della Valle, who took over as interim boss late last year before being appointed on a permanent basis, said that plan was progressing... although much more needs to be done. Revenue was down slightly, but ahead of analysts expectations, at 21.9 billion. In the UK, revenue was flat at 3.4 billion, though service revenue was up.
What his appointment as Foreign Secretary does suggest is that Rishi Sunak is trying to move his party towards the centre, rather than the Right, which will confound many political analysts, but will no doubt improve his standing with the electorate. Of course, maybe Sunak just couldnt find anyone else to do it (Labour accused Sunak of using the ex-PM as a life raft). To many, this reshuffle looks desperate and is a sign that Sunak has run out of talent. You may have thought there might have been someone who Sunak could have corralled into doing the job. But apparently not.
The brand was launched in the headlights of her husbands government exit, a passion project which drew on her experience as a creative director (she helmed luxury stationery brand Smythson for over 15 years) and her unique experience of high status, high profile dressing. Her time in Downing Street saw her bring an easy, relatable glamour to the role, wearing Roksanda dresses and cashmere cardigans for meeting heads of states, steered by her image consultant Isabel Spearman. She became a regular on the style pages and on best dressed lists in sync with her American centrist counterpart Michelle Obama; also hosting celeb-packed London Fashion Week parties at Number 10, and serving as an ambassador for the British Fashion Council.
Highlighting the renewed appeal for information about the pair wearing the alleged Hamas-style headbands, the Met said: We still need help identifying these two people in relation to a hate crime. We suspect they may have only worn the scarves and headbands while the image was taken.
Rosebank could produce 69,000 barrels of oil per day, about 8% of the UKs projected daily output between 2026 and 2030, and could also produce 44 million cubic feet of gas every day, according to its owners Ithaca Energy and Equinor.
The warning really to people that are going to go out on the roads is to stay away from trees because they could be very easily entangled with power lines and there is other risks associated with trees, he told RTE Radio.
There appears to have been some progress in implementing workplace initiatives, but we have seen some suggesting theres little evidence of a much-needed cultural change. Shockingly, at the current rate of progress it would take until close to the end of this century to eliminate the gender pay gap in financial services.
We want officers in our communities to be that reassuring presence. Instead, we are having to remove some of them to arrest and transport 115 activists to custody.
The Red Cross was attempting to evacuate some 6,000 patients, staff and displaced people from a second hospital, Al-Quds, after it shut down for lack of fuel, but it said yesterday that its convoy had to turn back because of shelling and fighting.
Former prime minister Lord Cameron said: We will continue to use every tool at our disposal to disrupt the abhorrent activity of this terrorist organisation, working with the United States and our other allies, making it harder for them to operate and isolating them on the world stage.
Mr Hunt replied: Im very happy to tell the shadow chancellor that the HMRC compliance effort on Covid-19 support schemes, which started when the schemes were set up in spring 2020, has prevented the payment of, or recovered the overpayment of, over 1.6 billion of grants as of September 2023.
Theres absolutely no doubt that what Hamas did was despicable, weve all condemned it, it deserves absolute condemnation, it was an act of terror on the people of Israel  of course Israel had a right to defend itself but that original right to defend itself has now become in my view a war on children  and you cannot build peace on the mass graves of children, he said.
In an interview with Channel 4 News in September 2021, about the bronzes held in the British Museum, he said: The collections of our great national institutions have been developed over many, many centuries, in many times in questionable circumstances. I think the question now is about what we do with these.
The Prime Minister believes in actions not words. He is proud that this government has brought forward the toughest legislation to tackle illegal migration this country has seen and has subsequently reduced the number of boat crossings by a third this year. And whatever the outcome of the Supreme Court tomorrow, he will continue that work.
It took effect in 1953 and the ECtHR was set up in 1959. It rules on individual or state applications alleging violations of the civil and political rights set out in the convention. Since 1998, it has sat as a full-time court and individuals can apply to it directly.
Speaking to Times Radio, he said: I do like the idea of David Cameron coming back into government and was very enthusiastic about it. I knew about it a few days before and spoke to David Cameron to brief him about my views on foreign affairs and the Foreign Office, but it wasnt my idea.
Philip Morris Misr on Monday increased the prices of its tobacco products by 15-20.5 percent, following the country's state-owned Eastern Company's move to raise the prices of its products.

According to a statement by Philip Morris Misr, the official prices of popular cigarette brands such as Merit, Marlboro, and L&M now stand at EGP 74, EGP 69, and EGP 50 respectively up from EGP 64, EGP 59 and EGP 40. However, consumers can expect to pay much higher prices for their branch of choice on the parallel market.

This is the third official price hike by the company in just over a year, with previous increases in September 2022 and April 2023.

The most recent increase follows a move last week by the Eastern Company to raise its own prices to offset the rising costs of production inputs following the devaluation of the Egyptian pound.

The official price of Cleopatra cigarettes rose from EGP 24 to EGP 27 for a 20-cigarette pack. However, the actual price for consumers on the parallel market is EGP 50.

The decisions to raise tobacco prices follows on the heels of parliaments approval in October of an amendment imposing an additional EGP 0.50 VAT tax on tobacco products.

Rumours and speculation among merchants before the amendment's approval led to a frenzy of price hikes of up to 100 percent across different cigarette brands in the parallel market.

The crisis has been exacerbated by supply shortages caused by merchants and distributors hoarding most of the quantities they receive from the Eastern Company.

Parallel market



The cigarette market in Egypt currently faces a severe crisis as there exists a significant disparity between the officially announced prices and the actual prices traded in the market.

Merchants find themselves at a crossroads, torn between adhering to the new price increases and selling cigarettes at the official prices or withholding them from sale in anticipation of further price rises.

This uncertainty has left smokers grappling with exorbitant prices or, in some cases, unable to find their preferred brands at all.

To address this crisis, Ibrahim Imbabi, head of the Tobacco Division at the at the Federation of Egyptian Industries, emphasizes the urgency of reversing the distribution pyramid.

He advocates for a change in the distribution system, suggesting that cigarettes should be directly distributed to stores and kiosks rather than relying on distributors who exploit the situation for personal gain.

It is estimated that around 18 million Egyptians are smokers, out of a population of nearly 105 million.

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The centrepiece of the public side of his birthday was the official launch of his Coronation Food Project, which aims to bridge the gap between food waste and food need. He and the Queen were set to visit a surplus food distribution centre outside London and meet staff and volunteers to hear about the ways in which food that is destined to be wasted can be redistributed to those in need.
The disappearance comes after another angler, 65-year-old man Kevin Darmody, was found dead in May after he went missing on the Kenney River at the Lakefield National Park in far north Queensland.
Al-Mana Qatari Group has announced plans to invest more than $60 million in Egypt in 2024, Abdulaziz Hamad Al-Mana, the executive director of the company, said on Tuesday.

Most of the money will go toward establishing a car assembly plant, he added during an interview with Asharq Business.

Although the specific brand for the plant has not been decided yet, Al-Mana emphasized that it would be Chinese to cater to the local market's demands.

Al-Mana cited the abundance of incentives in the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone) and the ease of exporting from the region, expressing the company's keenness to channel further investments into SCZone.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Egyptian-Qatari Economic Investment Forum, Al-Mana revealed that the Qatari group is also exploring investment opportunities in other sectors.

The forum, which began on Tuesday, was attended by Egypt's Minister of Trade and Industry Ahmed Samir, his Qatari counterpart Mohammed bin Qassim, and other prominent figures.

Samir said Egypt is eager to attract investment from Qatari companies, highlighting the extensive efforts made in recent years to encourage investment, particularly from Gulf nations.

For his part, bin Qassim pointed out that Qatar is one of the leading investors in the Egyptian market, with more than $5.5 billion in the financial, real estate, and energy sectors.

At the conclusion of the forum, several Egyptian companies and their Qatari counterparts signed a number of agreements and memorandums of understanding (MOUs) in various fields.

The forum aims to boost bilateral relations between the two countries and encourage Qatari companies to invest in Egypt.

This endeavor aligns with Egypt's goal of recovering its economy and fulfilling its commitments to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) under a $3 billion loan deal signed last year.

Seeking to attract mainly Gulf investment, Egypt has been offering state-owned assets through its IPO programme.

The warming of economic relations between Egypt and Qatar signifies a significant shift from the political tensions that characterized their interactions in the past.

Both nations now share a mutual interest in fostering economic cooperation, which paves the way for enhanced trade and investment opportunities.

Egypt received a $1 billion deposit from Qatar in 2022, according to the data released by the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) in July.

Trade exchange value between both countries increased by 76.2 percent to $80.1 million in the first 11 months of 2022, up from $45.5 million in 2021, according to the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS).

Qatar serves as the third largest Arab state investor in Egypt, There are also 160 Qatari companies in Egypt that have injected investments worth nearly $2 billion, as per official data.

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86 Romanian citizens, family members, evacuated from Gaza Strip, touched down in Romania

A group of 86 Romanian citizens and family members evacuated from the Gaza Strip touched down in Romania on Tuesday morning on board a special flight operated by TAROM National Company, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reports.

The 86 Romanian citizens and family members arrived on the territory of the Arab Republic of Egypt through the Rafah border point on Saturday, being later taken over by representatives of the Romanian Embassy in Egypt. A mobile team of the ministry's Crisis Cell then accompanied them to Cairo, where they were embarked from to Romania.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues the dialogue with the Israeli and Egyptian authorities in order to facilitate the evacuation of other Romanian citizens and family members in the Gaza Strip, depending on developments on the ground and the agreement of the parties involved.

So far, 220 Romanian citizens and their family members have been evacuated from the Gaza Strip.

AGERPRES
AgriMin Barbu: Capping markups has been effective

Agriculture Minister Florin Barbu made a working visit to Calarasi on Tuesday to meet local farmers and discuss financing programmes, their problems and to tell them that capping markups has produced its effects, told Agerpres.

"Capping the markups on staples has produced its effects. That was seen, including on November 13, when the consumer price index from 2023 compared with 2022 has a minus sign (...). That shows us that the ordinance has produced its effect, that 50% of Romanians on low and medium income consume those products. Studies have been done, we have not made a sloppy ordinance," said Barbu.

He spoke with the farmers in the southern Calarasi County about agricultural financing programmes.

"I explained to them that in two weeks' time we will release almost EUR 2.2 billion under the strategic national programme; we are still discussing here the animal husbandry part, the processing part, the fruit growing part, the installation of young farmers, settlements that can access communal roads and agricultural roads; there are many projects that I unveiled. There are many problems that I noted from the farmers and the mayors of Calarasi County."
At UN office at Nairobi, President Iohannis mentions efforts to protect biodiversity in Romania

President Klaus Iohannis on Tuesday was on a working visit to the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON), the African headquarters of the United Nations Organisation and centre for the promotion of multilateralism and sustainable development, speaking about the national and global challenges related to protecting the environment.

The UNON complex also houses the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the leading global authority on the environment.

According to the Presidential Administration, Iohannis discussed with UNEP officials a series of stringent environmental problems, in the solution of which Romania intends to get more involved at a national and international level. A discussion on climate change focused on the importance of an orderly and fair green transition for all the states of the world, on green economic growth and the generation of jobs.

Iohannis also mentioned that Romania has a rich biodiversity that it wants to protect, but that faces challenges at the national and European level, such as reconciling the protection of biodiversity with the development of essential energy projects to achieve climate neutrality and energy security.

UNEP experts were invited to co-operate more closely with Romania in finding solutions to the interconnected crises of climate change and biodiversity loss.

The President of Romania signalled that these crises cannot be overcome in the absence of international co-operation and a robust environmental diplomacy.

During the discussions, Iohannis also mentioned an ongoing negotiation this week under the auspices of UNEP of a mandatory legal instrument on combatting plastic pollution that will mobilise the world community for firm action in this area. The treaty is supported by the High Ambition Coalition to Stop Plastic Pollution, which aims to end plastic pollution by 2040, where Romania is an active member. Approximately 20 million tonnes of plastic end up in lakes, rivers and seas around the world every year, affecting both nature and public health.

Romania has a solid track record in organising and supporting international negotiations under the tutelage of UNEP in the areas of chemicals, waste and nitrogen (in 2022 and 2023). It is also interested in continuing to back up multilateralism in support of environmental action, including through negotiating processes and events involving chiefs of state or government.

Romania has continuously supported the process of strengthening global environmental governance and the activity of UNEP. Since its inception in 1972, UNEP has worked closely with governments, the civil society, the private sector and other UN entities to address various environmental challenges, from restoring the ozone layer to promoting a green and inclusive economy.
Crown Custodian, Her Majesty Margareta, meets National Bank of Moldova governor in Chisinau

Custodian of the Romanian Crown, Her Majesty Margareta, and His Royal Highness Prince Radu met on Tuesday afternoon with Governor of the National Bank of Moldova Octavian Armasu, told Agerpres.

According to the Governor of the National Bank of Moldova, the discussions focused on the support that the Royal House is giving to the Republic of Moldova in the process of accession to the European Union, as well as on the joint development of educational and social projects.

"The National Bank of Moldova, in its development, relies heavily on the support of Romania, the Romanian state, but especially the National Bank of Romania, with whom we have implemented many reforms here in the Republic of Moldova, including banking reform, which today ensures economic stability and resilience of the financial-banking system. I have noted that the Royal Family is a great supporter of the Republic of Moldova on its path towards European integration, especially because in the coming weeks we expect the Republic of Moldova to start accession negotiations. It is a new chapter in our European journey and the Royal Family is committed to further supporting the Republic of Moldova," Armasu said.

On Monday, the Royal Family had a meeting with President of the Republic of Moldova Maia Sandu, as part of their visit to Chisinau, and later Her Majesty Margareta received the badge of honorary member of the Academy of Sciences of Moldova.

Moreover, on Tuesday, the Custodian of the Crown met with the management of the Moldova State University and had an informal dialogue with the students of this higher education institution.
DefMin Tilvar says Romania's support for Ukraine, firm and constant

National Defence Minister Angel Tilvar attended Tuesday's meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) in the format of EU Defence Ministers, which took place in Brussels, where he assured that Romania will support Ukraine firmly and constantly, told Agerpres.

According to MApN, Tilvar reconfirmed Romania's support, including in the area of training, presenting, in this context, information on the opening of the European F-16 training centre in Romania. The training of Romanian pilots will be a priority, but it will also be open to allied and partner states, including Ukraine.

"Our support for Ukraine is firm and constant. It is important to remain focused on the Black Sea region and to maintain unity in supporting Ukraine," the Romanian minister said.

The EU's operational efforts in various theatres around the globe were also discussed, as well as the implementation of the commitments undertaken through the Strategic Compass on the development of the EU Rapid Deployment Capability (EU RDC).

On the sidelines of the meeting, EU ministers attended a breakfast meeting with the NATO Secretary General. Discussions focused on the resilience efforts of both organisations, in particular with regard to critical infrastructure protection. Progress in making the EU-NATO dialogue operational on this subject was highlighted.

"Ensuring the resilience of critical infrastructure is also an important element of EU-NATO cooperation, and this dialogue needs to be strengthened," Minister Tilvar pointed out.

The Romanian official also called for deepening EU-NATO cooperation and coordination in support of partners, especially for the Republic of Moldova, a country facing hybrid security threats.

The main topic of discussion at the meeting was EU support for Ukraine in the context of the Russian Federation's war of aggression. Long-term support was discussed, with a view to adapting current instruments, such as the European Peace Facility, to respond in a structured way to the requirements of the Ukrainian partner and to reaffirm the EU's determination to support it, the National Defence Ministry informs.

On the sidelines of the FAC meeting, the Steering Board of the European Defence Agency (EDA) also met in Defence Ministers format. During the meeting, the new priorities of the Military Capability Development Plan (CDP) and the budget for 2024 were approved.

Angel Tilvar stressed the importance of including the lessons learned from Ukraine in the process of developing European military capabilities and adapting European industry to the new security realities. He reiterated Romania's commitment to jointly develop with European partners solutions in this area and to support the national defence industry, in the context of the European Commission's initiatives in this sense.
Environment Minister, Kenyan counterpart sign Memorandum of Understanding on environment

Environment Minister Mircea Fechet participated on Monday in Nairobi, together with his Kenyan counterpart Soipan Tuyala, in the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding in the area of environment, according to a post on the institution's Facebook page.

The official will participate in the activities organised on the sidelines of the state visit of the Romanian delegation led by President Klaus Iohannis, from November 13 to 14, 2023, in Nairobi, Republic of Kenya, the post said.

According to the source, the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Environment, Water and Forests of Romania and the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry of the Republic of Kenya on Cooperation in the area of Environmental Protection and Climate Change aims to develop and promote cooperation in the field of environmental protection and climate change. The areas covered by the bilateral instrument address the most important topics on the international agenda, such as climate change resilience, sustainable forest management, the circular economy, best available technologies and early warning systems, including agro-meteorological services.

"The effects of climate change know no national boundaries and citizens are exposed to them, whether it is heat waves, drought destroying agricultural production, floods or threats to biodiversity. Romania faces a number of challenges in the field of environmental protection and combating climate change and is firmly committed to the international legal framework developed by the UN, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, where climate change is at the heart of the agenda. We need to consider nature-based solutions, encourage sustainable economic processes and provide public programmes aimed at stimulating economic development and social inclusion through the implementation of environmental measures in our countries," said Minister Mircea Fechet, following the signing of the Memorandum.

The document signed on Monday also aims to achieve important objectives: Strengthening international cooperation, taking into account that environmental issues are transboundary in nature, ensuring sustainable development for the protection of the environment as well as limiting climate change in the interest of health and well-being of present and future generations, economic development and a higher standard of living based on the principles of sustainable development and green growth, taking into account the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Thus, the two countries agreed to collaborate on: identifying measures to mitigate and adapt to climate change, including preparing for extreme weather events; biodiversity conservation, protected areas and ecosystem management; forest management, including the exchange of best practices in relation to monitoring activities and traceability of wood materials; sustainable forest management; education on climate change and environmental protection as well as any other areas of mutual interest.

Cooperation activities under the Memorandum of Understanding may include: exchange of experience, know-how, best practices, technical and scientific information and data, training sessions, meetings and workshops, support for international projects to address regional and global environmental problems and any other forms of cooperation which can be decided by mutual agreement, the Environment Ministry's post also says.
Iohannis: Romania has facilitated export of over 30 million tonnes of agricultural products from Ukraine

President Klaus Iohannis reiterated, on Tuesday, in Nairobi, that over 30 million tons of Ukrainian grain transited Romania, adding that our country can do "much more".

"Obviously, a lot of these products ended up in countries in Africa. But I think we can do a lot more and that's why I decided to do this African tour that starts today, naturally and deservedly in Kenya," Iohannis pointed out.

The president, visiting Kenya, held a press conference with his counterpart, William Ruto, at Nairobi State House.

"That's why I insisted on having a Romanian strategy for Africa, that's why I personally came with my team to start some very solid steps, thought not for the short term, but for the medium and long term," Iohannis said, highlighting the need for "concrete collaboration at governmental level".

On the occasion of the visit to Nairobi, four bilateral collaboration documents were signed on Tuesday. President Iohannis highlighted, in this context, the need for collaboration in education and trade.

"We all talk about crisis situations, about wars and other very undesirable events, and today I discussed with president Ruto how we are involved. Romania is involved in several areas in Africa with armed forces to keep or restore peace. Kenya is, also involved in Africa and more recently, as the president explained, in Haiti, as well," Iohannis added.

President William Ruto spoke about how his country, but also the entire region, were affected by the war in Ukraine.

"The war in Ukraine has created a very serious situation in East Africa and in the entire African region," the Kenyan president said, referring including to the food crisis and the increase in prices.

According to Ruto, additional funds are needed to support communities and agriculture.

The state visit to Kenya is the first stage of the tour in Africa that president Klaus Iohannis is making. The African tour also includes state visits to Tanzania and the Republic of Cabo Verde, as well as an official visit to Senegal.

AGERPRES
PM Ciolacu: Romania remains a safe country and stable supplier of stability in region

Prime minister Marcel Ciolacu emphasized on Tuesday, during a meeting with representatives of 22 important companies in the field of space engineering and defense from the United States of America, Romania's interest in increasing the level of investments in the defense, IT, space engineering and energy sectors, in the context of the security crisis affecting Europe and the Middle East.

"Romania is and will remain a safe country and a provider of stability in the region, and in this sense the support of the United States, in the context of our strategic partnership, is decisive. The mission of the 22 top American companies shows how strong our collaboration is and the increased interest of US investors to transfer expertise and state-of-the-art technologies to Romania," said Ciolacu, quoted in the government's press release.

At the same time, he emphasized that Romania is energy independent, managing to offer the help it needs to the Republic of Moldova.

In turn, the US ambassador in Bucharest, Kathleen Ann Kavalec, and the American investors appreciated the pro-business approach of the Romanian government and thanked the prime minister for openness and collaboration. They also appreciated the consistent and multidimensional support provided by Romania to Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova throughout this period.

In this context, the prime minister mentioned that Romania will continue to stay with Ukraine until the war is won, but also to support the reconstruction of this country, as well as the Republic of Moldova, a state that will continue to receive the support of our country.

AGERPRES
PSD Spokesman: I am convinced that PM has nothing against dismissals after tax agency evaluation

Social Democratic Party (PSD) Spokesman Lucian Romascanu on Tuesday said that he is convinced that Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu has no problem that, following evaluations and if things do not work, there will be resignations at the National Agency for Fiscal Administration (ANAF), at the proposal of the Finance Minister, told Agerpres.

Romascanu was asked how he comments on the Liberals' request to the Minister of Finance to dismiss the entire management of ANAF and the management of the Romanian Customs Authority.

"I understand that we are in line with the collection plan at the moment, from discussions with Mr Bolos. There have been some syncopes, really. I have no problem and I am convinced that Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu also has no problem that, following the evaluations, if things do not work, at the proposal of the Minister of Finance there will be resignations. I have not seen at this moment other than political statements related to resignations, I have not seen a request from the Minister who is the only one entitled to make this evaluation and request in this direction. I guarantee that the Romanian Government, for the mission it has assumed, that of reducing evasion and balancing Romania's tax and budget, will not hesitate to take any kind of measure based on a well-founded proposal from the Ministry of Finance," Romascanu said at the Palace of Parliament.

He mentioned that from the formal and informal discussions he had with members of the Government he understood that ANAF had a syncope at the beginning of the year, then a more difficult period in September, after which "they got in line with the plan" for collections.

"The framework in which Mr. Bolos has to present his evaluations and request measures is the Romanian Government. I hope that this coalition will find the springs of patience and wisdom so that we can communicate together what we are doing well and stop this quarrel that is doing absolutely no one any good and never has," he said.
Blues sensation Christone Kingfish Ingram isnt new to Grammy circles. The 24-year-old already has one Grammy trophy to his name.

Sign up for the Blender newsletter The Blender by Kevin C. Johnson keeps you up to date with the latest concert news and more from the St. Louis music scene.

But his best contemporary blues album nomination last week for Live in London has a sweet ring to it for him. For starters, the album was a special request.

A lot of my fans were asking for the live record, so Im pretty sure theyre excited about it, too, says the Clarksdale, Mississippi, native, who returns to the Factory with a show Nov. 19.

The fans always told me the live experience was different from the studio experience. After two studio albums that did well, I said why not, he says. A lot of heart went into this.

He adds that Live in London album is his first nomination in which his touring band is part of the nomination, making this one extra special.

Ingram previously won best contemporary blues album for his 2021 release, 662.

Of the new nomination by the Recording Academy, Ingram adds, Thats never been the goal. I thank the academy. But I dont wanna get too wrapped up in the hype. But the recognition is great when youve put hard work and dedication into it.

Since he debuted on the blues scene as a teenager, Ingram instantly rose to the top of his craft as a sought-after artist. In addition to Grammy recognition, hes a multiple Blues Music Award winner, he has performed as part of the NPR Tiny Desk concert series, opened for the Rolling Stones, and was recently profiled on 60 Minutes.

He takes all the things thatve come to him in stride.

I try to stay appreciative, and I try to stay grateful. But I also try to not put too much attention on it. It can really wreck your brain, become a lot of pressure. You can start believing your own hype. But I am going to ride the wave, he says.

Prepping for the live album, one of the first things that had to be determined was where the recording would take place. Organizers looked at his concerts already on the books and went with London. The live show was recorded June 6 to a sold-out crowd at the famed the Garage.

We wanted it to be some place special, and I wanted to add to some of the history there, he says of the Garage. He felt doing a Live in Clarksdale or a Live in Memphis would have been cliched and safe; recording in London upped the stakes.

We pieced it together, called some friends, and got it done.

He brought a number of different arrangements to the live tunes and let his varied musical interests flow, diving into funk, rock, gospel and jazz.

I feel like the music really takes you on a journey.

The package includes two new songs, Midnight Heat and Mississippi Night, as well as a cover of Michael Iron Man Burks Empty Promises.

I slowed it down a little bit and had my keyboard player add some R&B-type progressions over it. We play it slightly differently from the way Mike did, he says of the cover.

Ingram says he discovered the blues when he was about 8 years old and his father showed him a PBS documentary on Muddy Waters. That, coupled with seeing B.B. King appear on the classic sitcom Sanford and Son, hooked the young Ingram.

It was just the sound, the purity of the sound, Muddys voice, the smoothness of BBs guitar, he says. I had already been heavily influenced in the gospel world by my mom, so this was the secular version of what I was already hearing.

He released his debut album Kingfish in 2019 and earned a Grammy nomination for best traditional blues album. When he looks at the album today, he says thank God for growth.

Definitely, musically, my playing is more mature now, and my singing voice has sprouted into something more as well, he says, attributing some of this to factors such as adding different styles to his music and singing about different things.

He says with his second album, 662, everyone was looking to see if we could top the first one, and I think we did. I was more transparent in the influences. I was being more my authentic self.

Ingram leads a class of young blues dynamos that locally includes Dylan Triplett and Marquise Knox, who are friends he hopes to see when hes in town for the Factory.

He says being young in the blues has been a cool thing, learning history and culture from the older players, and also being able to add influences from his young peers into the blues, including hip-hop. He included rapper Big K.R.I.T. on a remix of one of his songs.

He says such flourishes can draw the ire of blues music purists.

You have the traditionalists who wanna keep it a certain old school way. Other than that, everything is kosher. Those who know my story and what Im about know I have to play this music.

What Christone Kingfish Ingram, Mathias Lattin  When 7:30 p.m. Nov. 19  Where The Factory, 17105 North Outer 40 Road, Chesterfield  How much $29-$59  More info ticketmaster.com

Sign up for the Blender newsletter The Blender by Kevin C. Johnson keeps you up to date with the latest concert news and more from the St. Louis music scene.
While Thanksgiving is hands-down my favorite holiday of the year, there is one thing I look forward to even more than our family feast: the day-after turkey soup. Whether I was the one cooking or was sent home with a generous pile of meat, a hearty pot of turkey and vegetable soup has been my tradition for nearly all of my adult life. Its the sort of light (yet still comforting) fare thats always nice to tuck into the day after a big meal.

Dice up extra veggies while prepping Thanksgiving dinner

As all post-Thanksgiving meals should be, this one comes together with little time and effort. The most this soup will ask of you is chopping vegetables and dicing or shredding the leftover turkey. Want to make it even easier? If youre cooking Thanksgiving dinner, add a few more onions, carrots, and celery to the pile for dicing while youre prepping for other dishes. It only takes a few minutes and it will save you from doing the same again in a couple days. Store the diced veggies in a zip-top bag in the fridge until youre ready to simmer your soup.

Post-Thanksgiving Turkey Vegetable Soup

Serves 4 to 6

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 medium yellow onions, diced

3 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch rounds

3 medium celery, cut into 1/4-inch slices

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon tomato paste

6 cups (48 ounces) low-sodium chicken or turkey broth

3 cups cooked, diced turkey meat

2 bay leaves

1 sprig fresh thyme

1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh parsley leaves

1. Melt the butter in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes. Add the tomato paste, stir to coat the vegetables, and cook for 1 minute more.

2. Add the broth, turkey, bay leaves, and thyme, and stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Stir once more and ladle the soup into bowls. Top with the parsley and serve.

Recipe note: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Congregants at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Hindu place of worship participate celebrate the Diwali new year on Monday, Nov. 13, 2023. Devotees wave a lit wick, symbolizing light over darkness, before god and pray as a form of reverence in the Festival of Light ceremony and offer an Annakut, or "mountain of food" to seek blessings for the new year as well.

Photo by Christian Gooden, cgooden@post-dispatch.com
ST. LOUIS  The future of a celebrated new restaurant on a stretch of Delmar Boulevard is now in doubt.

Lead contamination has closed Brew Tulum, a specialty coffee shop and Mexican restaurant in the Central West End, co-owner Laura McNamara said Monday. Experts have been brought in to recommend how to clean the building. But the restaurants owners and their landlords cant agree on what to do next.

Were not going to open again, said Alberto AJ Juarez, McNamaras husband. We never imagined ourselves in this position.

It would be a loss for the citys culinary scene  critics have widely praised Brew Tulum for its enfrijoladas, enmoladas and coffee. But its closure would also be a setback for the burgeoning Delmar Maker District, an effort backed by Square co-founder Jim McKelvey aimed at reinvigorating part of a street notorious as a dividing line between Black and white  and rich and poor  in the city.

I hope that they can work it out, said Alderman Michael Browning, whose 9th Ward includes Brew Tulum. It was a great restaurant.

Traci Dale Pupillo, a Capes Sokol attorney who said she represented the building owner, sent a statement Monday saying the owner investigated Brew Tulums complaint and hired a risk assessor who found no hazards there.

The building is in compliance with regulations governing lead, the statement said.

The statement said the owners also urged Brew Tulum to investigate alternative sources of the lead, including what the statement called lead-glazed dishware that raised concerns from at least one customer in May.

McKelvey said Monday that he and Doug Auer, his partner in the Maker District venture, are co-owners of the Tulum building.

The roots of the dispute stretch back more than a year ago, when McNamara and Juarez first moved into their space in a century-old industrial building. Auer had the old paint removed from the walls, but the place was still full of dust, Juarez said. He and McNamara tried cleaning it up themselves.

But this summer, McNamara had her 1-year-old son, Sabastien, tested for lead as a routine precaution. And the pediatrician shocked the parents with news that Sabastien had high levels of lead in his blood.

We freaked out big time, Juarez said.

McNamara acknowledged the restaurant had used some dishware from Mexico that had drawn concern from a customer. But she said all of it was thrown out around the end of July, and that her son never ate off of it, so that wouldnt explain his lead levels.

At first, they blamed their historic home. But when further tests found high lead levels in McNamara and Juarez, they decided to have the restaurant swabbed. There was lead dust on the walls, the floor and inside the HVAC system, and remnants of exposed lead paint on the walls, too, McNamara said.

They called Auer for help, and said he hired a cleaning crew. But subsequent tests came back with levels even higher than before, Juarez and McNamara said.

Since then, McNamara said they havent been able to come to an agreement with their landlord. So far, the solutions Auers lawyers have offered involve following only a part of what environmental experts have recommended, she said. Thats left them in a bind: They cant use their existing space, but they dont have the money to move, she said.

At this point, we dont have a lot of options, she said.

They tried calling the city for help. A city inspector signed off on their occupancy permit. But city rules only require lead testing in homes, schools and child care facilities  not commercial properties, said Nick Dunne, press secretary to Mayor Tishaura O. Jones.

Sally Norris, the owner of Sherlocks Environmental Services, said she was contacted by the building owner to examine Brew Tulum following an initial round of tests. She said the building is safe, but suggested painting over the walls and floors to create a seal over any lead contamination, to be sure.

Juarez and McNamara say that hasnt happened.
Daniel Neman Features writer Follow Daniel Neman Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today

A major hubbub broke out across the internet recently because a woman who goes by the name of Sushi Sheila opened a sushi restaurant in Manhattan.

Alex Marks, who is originally from Australia, left her job as a corporate lawyer to pursue her lifes dream of running a small business. Her small, take-out restaurant in the West Village, Sushi Counter, features Australian sushi  thats uncut sushi rolls with ingredients (salmon, teriyaki chicken, avocado) that are not common in Japan.

Eric Rivera, a chef of Puerto Rican ancestry in Raleigh, North Carolina, who tweets or retweets more than 50 times a day, called her out on TikTok. White people should not make sushi, he said, calling her a colonizer.

If you dont see why this is a problem, you are the problem, he said.

The internet supernovaed, first with people agreeing that she is brutishly appropriating another culture, and then with the inevitable backlash of support.

I am firmly on the side of the people who think she should not make sushi. But I dont think they go far enough.

I am appalled, for instance, by the fact that people who are not German have the audacity to make hamburgers. Hamburgers, or at least the ground-beef part of hamburgers, were invented in Germany  in Hamburg, naturlich. They are part of a great and rich tradition that belongs to Germans alone.

Non-Germans who make hamburgers are guilty of nothing less than culinary cultural theft.

And the same goes for hot dogs. Hot dogs are claimed by both Germany (frankfurters, indicating they were invented in Frankfurt) and Austria (wieners from Wien, which is German for Vienna).

Of course, people who take a stance such as mine must be magnanimous at times. So I will graciously allow Germans and Austrians alike to sell hot dogs.

But no one else. Absolutely not. It would be an insult.

Italian food is popular around the world  including, significantly, in Japan. But every time we enjoy a dish of pasta or a succulent osso buco, it should be cooked only  only  by an Italian chef.

Unless, of course, it is made with a tomato sauce. Tomatoes are native to the Americas and should be used exclusively by cooks who are indigenous to this land. No exceptions.

So Italian food should be made by Italians without using tomato sauce. Or noodles. There is evidence to suggest that noodles were invented in China and only imported into Italy, where they were shamefully made by decidedly non-Asian cooks.

Still, that leaves pizza for Italian chefs, as long as it doesnt have a red sauce. Or pineapple.

Soul food is a problem, but I think we can work around it. Obviously, only Black people should make soul food. But the soul food that was originally made by southern Black people is the exact same food that was also made by southern white people.

The obvious answer is that soul food and southern food can only be made by Black and white people, period. Unless people of other races who grew up in the south also want to make it.

See? There is always room for a small amount of compromise. If youre going to make pronouncements about who in the world is allowed or not allowed to cook various foods, there is no need to sound foolish about it.

Only French people can use mayonnaise. Only Ethiopians can drink coffee. Only British people can eat baked beans on toast, or would want to. The rules are easy once you get the hang of it.

Sushi Counter is open and apparently thriving in New York. And what of Rivera, the chef who first objected with horror to the idea of someone who is not Japanese opening a Japanese restaurant?

He is planning to open a Puerto Rican-Japanese fusion restaurant in Raleigh.
Tony Messenger Metro columnist Follow Tony Messenger Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today

ST. LOUIS  The city of Denver has a tool that helps you decide where to place a marijuana dispensary.

Say you own a building near downtown, or you want to buy one near Cheesman Park. The online tool lets you click on the building to see if theres a school, day care center or church within 1,000 feet. When voters in Colorado approved legalizing marijuana, they added a distance restriction to limit the placement of dispensaries, just as Missouri voters did.

St. Louis doesnt have such an online tool. And it doesnt need one. Thats because its one of the only cities in Missouri, and perhaps one of a few in the nation, that has no distance regulation when it comes to pot dispensaries. Aldermen changed St. Louis code in 2020 to remove distance requirements.

For the past month, thats had Marshall Cohen pretty upset. Hes the founder of Lift for Life Academy, the oldest charter school in the city, located in an industrial area in the Soulard neighborhood. Not one, but two dispensaries are planned in his neighborhood. One would be visible from the entrance to his school. Hes raised the alarm bells and given media interviews. Students from the school wrote a letter to the editor pleading their case.

But because the Board of Aldermen got rid of the distance requirements when only medical marijuana dispensaries were allowed, theres nothing the city can do for now, officials have told Cohen.

The alderman who sponsored the bill, Jack Coatar, is now an attorney in private practice. Among his clients? Marijuana dispensaries.

Cohen finds that to be an interesting coincidence. But the rules in St. Louis are more than a coincidence. Theyre an anomaly. In Kansas City, for instance, the city requires dispensaries to be 750 feet from schools and 300 feet from daycare centers or churches. And according to the Municipal League of Metro STL, every city that has adopted a tax on marijuana, as allowed by the state ballot initiative that legalized recreational use, has also adopted a distance requirement.

In Normandy, its 100 feet. In Pacific, its 110. Sunset Hills and University City went with 500 feet. Hazelwood, Kirkwood and Maryland Heights kept the 1,000 feet proscribed in state law.

The current alderman for the Soulard area, Cara Spencer, has done what I did  check to see what other cities adopted. She came to same conclusion: St. Louis stands alone.

On Wednesday, Spencer plans to file a bill to add distance requirements back in the law in St. Louis. Shell propose that no dispensaries be allowed within 500 feet of a school, church or daycare facility.

Its a starting point for discussion, Spencer says.

That wont necessarily help Cohens situation at the school he founded, but hes glad aldermen will debate the issue.

Im all for legalization. But we have these rules set up when we vote for these things, Cohen says. For it to change without any discussion is a tough pill to swallow.

That discussion wont be an easy one. But it comes at a good time. Aldermen have been debating whether to make it easier to place homeless shelters in some neighborhoods that dont want them. And the city is beginning a process of updating its strategic land use policy, which hasnt been updated since 2005.

Zoning debates are hard  nobody wants anything in their backyard  but theyre important for a city to function. Aldermen can ask tough questions: How does the city better serve its unhoused population? Where are the best places for various businesses  bars, clubs, liquor stores, pot dispensaries? Where will the industry of the future go? What happens when a charter school is in the middle of an area that used to be industrial? What does a re-envisioned downtown look like?

Cohen and his students started a conversation thats about to go citywide. He hopes it leads to a solution allowing businesses to thrive while respecting schools and their surroundings.

If it happens to us, what about these other public schools, or parochial schools or the little mom-and-pop church? Cohen asks. Whatever happens with this sets a precedent in the entire city. If its not 1,000 feet, whats the magic number?

Thats the question the Board of Aldermen are poised to debate after they punted on it the first time.
ST. LOUIS  Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey on Monday published several recommendations to lawmakers in a report that summarized his investigation into the St. Louis prosecutors office and his removal lawsuit against former circuit attorney Kimberly M. Gardner.

The report urged officials in the upcoming 2024 legislative session to expand laws requiring prosecutors offices to keep crime victims informed about the progress of cases; make it faster for investigators to obtain evidence during removal lawsuits; and bar elected officials from running again if they are removed or resign from office during quo warranto lawsuits that aim to remove them from office.

Baileys findings stem from a monthslong investigation related to the quo warranto suit he filed against Gardner in February amid widespread calls for her removal. During the three months the case was pending, Gardner did not turn over any documents Bailey subpoenaed as part of the investigation.

Instead, Bailey said in an interview Tuesday, she resigned hours before she wouldve been forced to provide the documents and sit for a taped deposition.

The day of reckoning was staring her in the face, and she hit the eject button, he said.

In addition to his legislative recommendations, Baileys report highlights several key points in Gardners tenure, including the dismissal of thousands of cases, her pursuit of an advanced nursing degree while holding office  an effort he called inexcusable  and her partnership with a nonprofit called the Vera Institute of Justice that seeks to reduce incarceration, arguing it created an undue, negative influence on her policies.

Gardner did not respond to a request for comment Tuesday.

Gardner took office in 2017 and was re-elected in 2020 for a second term. Throughout that time, her office consistently lost staff despite receiving a $1.5 million budgetary bump from a new city tax in 2019. Former staffers complained to the Post-Dispatch and interviews with the attorney generals office about a toxic work environment and untenable workloads.

Then, in February, a 17-year-old volleyball player from Tennessee was walking downtown with her parents when there was a crash. She was pinned between two vehicles. Both of her legs were amputated. The man accused of causing the crash, Daniel Riley, had been out of jail on a pending robbery case despite violating the conditions of his bond dozens of times.

Elected officials and residents called for Gardner to step down. Bailey filed his lawsuit arguing she had neglected her duties. Multiple judges filed to hold her and her attorneys in contempt for not showing up for hearings.

Baileys office sought thousands of pages of documents and depositions with city officials, members of the circuit attorneys office and Gardner herself. Several of those interviews were completed, and thousands of records were turned over, Mondays report says.

Among the most common criticisms of Gardners office was that it failed to keep crime victims apprised when there were developments in suspects cases. Missouris Victim Rights Act does not require families to be notified about the progress of appeals, which popped up for Gardners office earlier this year in the case of Lamont Campbell, whose murder conviction was overturned.

The family of the victim, Lenny J. Gregory III, was not informed about the appeal and said they were blindsided when Campbell was released from prison weeks later.

Bailey is seeking to expand that law so prosecutors must inform families in such cases.

As part of the quo warranto, Baileys office planned to call experienced prosecutors and defense attorneys to testify about her dereliction of duty and present evidence that she was taking nursing classes while she was supposed to be acting as prosecutor, the report says.

The report notes that Gardner enrolled in St. Louis Universitys nursing school on Aug. 25, 2021, and was taking classes seeking a masters degree. During that time, she was paid roughly $281,000 in her role as circuit attorney.

Bailey dismissed his quo warranto lawsuit on May 17, one day after Gardner resigned, but he continued with the investigation.

Bailey, who is running for reelection in 2024, said Tuesday he published the report to summarize his findings and recommend safeguards against a tenure like Gardners in the future.

And his office is not finished seeking information, Bailey said  it will continue to pursue documents outlined in the subpoena and wants more information about Gardners work on a nursing degree.

We need to hold her individually accountable, Bailey said.
ST. LOUIS  Prosecutors on Monday filed to dismiss a murder case that was pending for nearly six years.

Dejuan Allen, 25, was charged in December 2017 with first-degree murder and armed criminal action in the death of Kendrick Woods in the city's Shaw neighborhood.

Allen stayed in jail until May 2023 when a jury could not decide on a verdict after a trial. Allen's attorney, Paul Sims, said 11 jurors voted for acquittal. There was just one holdout for guilt.

Sims said witnesses who claimed to have seen the shooting gave conflicting accounts. One was caught in a "bald-faced lie," he said.

"They didn't really have a case," Sims said.

Allen was released from jail on bond after the mistrial and had remained on house arrest with a GPS monitor ever since.

Meanwhile, Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore took over the office and appointed a special prosecutor to handle Allen's case. That attorney did a "thorough examination of the facts" and recommended dismissal, according to a statement from Gore's spokeswoman. An office committee agreed.

"The dismissal of this case reflects a decision reached following an application of the office's rigorous process," the statement said.
JEFFERSON CITY  As Missouri spends millions of dollars to upgrade its outdated computer systems, a less high-tech threat is challenging state officials.

With the unpredictable Missouri River flowing just a few low-lying blocks to the north, Gov. Mike Parsons administration wants to relocate its central computing office somewhere less flood-prone.

Parson, as part of a more than $15 million budget request to the Legislature, is proposing to move the digital heartbeat of state government out of the first floor of the Harry S. Truman Office Building to higher ground.

If disaster strikes or equipment malfunctions, the state risks losing its stored data and may not be able to get applications up and running in an appropriate time period, the budget request notes.

At issue is failover capability, which would give the state the ability to seamlessly switch to a reliable backup system in the event of a flood or other emergency.

According to the proposal, the state does not currently have full failover capability of all of its applications, which run everything from the motor vehicle licensing system to payroll for 50,000 state employees.

The Office of Administration, which manages state operations for the executive branch, says the facility has been at risk during previous flooding.

The current facility has not been forced to fully close due to natural disaster but had been partially evacuated in 1993 when water was under the floor and needed to be continually pumped out. Equipment was shut down and temporarily relocated until flooding subsided, administration spokesman Chris Moreland told the Post-Dispatch Tuesday.

In 2019, flood water was within six inches of the data center walls.

The site remains at risk unless moved to an alternative location. If the data center is impacted it could have catastrophic consequences on the data stored at that site, the request notes. This would result in loss of services to citizens and customers.

The request does not mention human-caused climate change and subsequent severe weather as a factor in seeking a new home for the servers and other equipment.

But state officials have taken steps to address increased flooding in the region.

The Department of Conservation, for example, has altered its approach to managing the Columbia Bottoms Conservation Area north of St. Louis to account for higher water levels.

The department also recently moved to raise the price of certain permits, citing increased costs of goods and services and also more frequent flood and drought events.

Conservation Department spokesman Joe Jerek said the state isnt pointing to climate change as the reason.

We are not climate experts so we cannot determine what is causing more frequent extreme weather events. Based on extreme weather events that have happened over the past 10 years or so, we expect them to continue over the long term, Jerek said.

Parson also has acknowledged the effects of weather on the states economy. Last year, he lobbied for the creation of a new office designed to improve the states ability to predict and monitor floods and drought in Missouri.

The Office of Administration also says the computing facility is 40 years old and needs an overhaul. Officials say it is cheaper to move than to upgrade the current space.

The cost to upgrade the existing equipment and infrastructure in the primary data center is approximately $25 million, which is more expensive than moving the data center out of the current location to a new location, the agency said.

Moreland didnt identify where the facility might be moved, but the state owns various office buildings and leases other space throughout the capital city.

To jumpstart the process, the office is asking lawmakers for an initial investment of $15 million in next years budget, as well as $2.8 million for a lease on a secondary data center site.

Once moved, the department wants to hire 12 new workers for a Disaster Recovery and Automation Team.

The completion of this project will enhance the states ability to protect citizens data and ensure that the State is able to bring back applications expeditiously in the event of equipment failures and or disasters, the budget request added.
ST. CHARLES COUNTY  The St. Charles County Council on Monday night delayed voting on a resolution that would oppose an effort to get Latino migrants now living in Chicago to move to the St. Louis area.

At issue is a program announced in September by the nonprofit International Institute of St. Louis, labor unions and others to try to make the metro area a destination for migrants from Latin American nations.

Karlos Ramirez, an institute vice president, traveled to Chicago last month to inform officials about the St. Louis push. He followed that up with a visit last week to El Paso, Texas, and plans to also visit New York and Denver.

The effort is modeled after a similar initiative that settled more than 1,200 Afghan refugees in the region since 2021. And it aims to repeat the long-term success of the resettlement of Bosnian immigrants here in the 1990s as a way of combatting population decline in the area.

The proposed St. Charles County resolution would strongly oppose the importation of illegal immigrants in the region.

However, backers of the new initiative have emphasized they are only seeking people who come to the United States legally under the humanitarian parole program begun last year by the Biden administration.

The program covers people from Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua and Haiti. People can stay legally for two years and then can apply to extend their work permits, local officials say.

All the people we will be working with already have documentation to be in the U.S. legally, Ramirez said in an interview.

One of the resolutions four co-sponsors  Councilman Joe Brazil, R-Defiance  said at the council meeting that he doesnt object to people entering the country legally.

But he noted that the humanitarian parole program has been challenged in court by Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey and officials in 20 other states, all Republican-leaning.

The suit, pending in U.S. District Court in Texas, accuses the program as implemented by the Biden administration of being a shadow immigration system thats letting in nearly everyone who applies instead of considering applicants case by case as required by law.

If theres 20 states that are filing a lawsuit on this particular programming, were not standing alone, Brazil said. It has nothing to do with being Latin or Spanish or whatever the case may be. Its about the law, about the immigration law.

Arguing against the council resolution was Councilwoman Nancy Schneider, R-St. Charles.

This resolution seems to conflate illegal immigrants with people who are sponsored by the (international institute) who appear to be seeking efforts to join the workforce and become productive members of society, Schneider said.

I dont think this accomplishes anything.

Two other council members, Council Chairman Terry Hollander, R-St. Charles, and Mike Elam, R-Dardenne Prairie, said the resolution was poorly worded.

At Brazils request, the council tabled the issue until its next meeting Nov. 27 because two of the three other co-sponsors were absent.

The international institute has arranged for immediate housing for as many as 12 people but, as of now, a spokeswoman said, no one has applied to take part. The effort could eventually increase to 500 people and more, officials have said.

The local program includes funding for up to three months of free housing and six months of phone and internet services, English language classes, job training and job placement with unions, and help from immigration lawyers getting work permits.

What happens after three months? Brazil asked. Whos going to fund it?

Program supporters say the free housing, funded by private donations, cuts off when participants get jobs and pay their own way.

Thousands of migrants have arrived in Chicago over the past year, with many coming after states closer to the nations southern border loaded people on buses.

But people involved in the potential St. Louis resettlement effort say they arent focused on people transported by bus to Chicago and seeking asylum.

Instead, the migrants targeted by the St. Louis effort must pass background checks and have a financial sponsor in the United States before they are accepted into the humanitarian parole program.

Arrey Obenson, the international institutes president and CEO, told the council that the local effort is a way to help turn around population decline in the region.

He said 92% of refugees from Ukraine, who came to the St. Louis area under a similar humanitarian parole program, became self-sufficient within eight months. He said many live in the St. Charles area.

Jose Ponce, board chairman of the metro areas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, urged the council to make its decision based on facts. He said the institutes effort is aimed at bringing people with proper documentation who want to contribute to society.

This is what the American dream is all about, he said.

Obenson, in an interview earlier Monday, asked why council members are raising questions about efforts to attract potential Latino migrants but havent done so about refugees from Ukraine already here under a similar humanitarian parole program.

He also said he worried that the council resolution could hinder the metro areas general efforts to attract immigrants.

We are doing everything we can to ... make St. Louis attractive to immigrants across the country, he said. We worry that circumstances like this get in our way toward working together to make our community more prosperous.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
St. Louis Post-Dispatch. November 12, 2023.

Editorial: Supreme Court might be edging toward sanity on guns. But not Missouris leaders.

Like a hung-over reveler after an especially reckless night of excess, most of the U.S. Supreme Courts conservative majority appears ready to somewhat dial back its recent overindulgence in gun-rights extremism.

Analysts say the justices questions and comments in a hearing on a Second Amendment case last week indicate the court will likely soften an earlier stance that, on its face, would seem to require that the government must let people under domestic-violence restraining orders keep their guns.

If the court ultimately does rule that, no, Mr. Wife Beater, you dont get to keep that AR-15 around to settle the next marital argument, it will be a small victory for common sense on this otherwise deranged bench  and a big victory for domestic abuse victims who, statistically, are five times more likely to be killed if their partners have access to firearms.

Not that it will matter in Missouri. Here, where the political gun-obsession orgy continues unabated, even people who have been convicted of domestic abuse can still keep their sidearms. Not until the legal process finally, inevitably overturns the insane state law that presumes to nullify federal firearms restrictions here will this recent glimmer of sanity on the high court filter down to St. Louis.

The current case before the Supreme Court regarding domestic abusers stems from last years landmark case New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Bruen, in which the courts conservative majority enshrined the relatively new concept of originalism.

It goes like this: For a modern law to be considered constitutionally valid, it must have some correlation to the law and culture at the time the Constitution was written.

This new standard  created out of whole cloth by the courts right-wing majority, just because they could  effectively decrees that Americans rights today must be defined based on what would have been legally and socially conceivable in the front-loading-musket era.

Does that mean states today could repeal womens suffrage and reinstate slavery? No, goes the theory, because subsequent constitutional amendments addressed those issues.

But, alas, theres no constitutional amendment that recognizes the special circumstances of domestic abuse that should limit the gun rights of alleged abusers. Thats a modern concept. No one in the late 1700s was pondering whether wives were anything other than the property of their husbands.

Thus was it consistent, in a twisted way, that the 5th District U.S. Court of Appeals this year ruled in favor of a Texas drug dealer who argued the state had no authority to convict him for violating a restraining order that required he give up his guns.

All he had done, after all, was to beat his girlfriend in a parking lot, fire a gun to ward off bystanders, threaten to shoot his girlfriend in the face if she reported the assault, and then later engage in multiple shooting sprees after the court ordered his guns taken away.

The appeals court admitted that the defendant is hardly a model citizen (you think?), yet found he is part of the political community entitled to the Second Amendments guarantees as confirmed by Bruen.

Please pause here and re-read the preceding sentence. It says, essentially, that credibly threatening to kill your girlfriend doesnt deprive you of the right to weaponry today because that kind of precaution wasnt common when the Second Amendment was ratified 232 years ago.

This is where America is today, thanks to this Supreme Court.

As bonkers as the appeals court assessment was, it was arguably in keeping with the Supreme Courts originalist doctrine in the Bruen ruling. There was, after all, no such thing in colonial times as a domestic abuse restraining order to keep guns away from sociopaths who might be inclined to kill their partners.

Yet todays Supreme Court is, as the saying goes, crazy but not stupid. Analyses by multiple mainstream media outlets suggest that even most of the conservative justices questions and comments in last weeks hearing appeared to be casting around for ways to reverse the appeals court and let the government continue confiscating guns from alleged abusers, without overtly challenging their own bizarre logic in Bruen.

They cant, really, but its clear why they want to. Its one thing to rule in concept that todays Americans must be restricted to whatever rights and legal protections were recognized by men in powdered wigs. Its quite another to confront the unacceptable real-world implications of that standard in the 21st century.

Does a single member of this court really want to look America in the eye and declare that, no, you cant disarm someone who has overtly demonstrated that he poses a threat to the very lives of those close to him?

Whatever the court decides, the issue will remain murky in Missouri for now, because the states Republican leadership still claims  surreally  that the state is outside the reach of federal gun laws.

Missouris Second Amendment Preservation Act of 2021 has been rejected by every court that has considered it. That includes the U.S. Supreme Court, which last month declined to intervene on behalf of the state to allow the law to go into effect while the lower-court battles play out. Yet Missouris leading Republicans insist on continuing to defend it in court.

The state law declares that federal gun restrictions arent enforceable in Missouri if there isnt a correlating state gun law on the books.

In addition to challenging the very concept of federalism as laid out by the Framers and confirmed by the outcome of the Civil War, the Missouri law leaves domestic abuse victims vulnerable to their abusers. Thats because not only do current Missouri state statutes not specifically allow for disarming those under orders of protection, they dont even allow for disarming those convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence.

And the Legislature remains stubbornly opposed to red-flag laws of the kind that could have saved the lives of the student and teacher murdered last years rampage at the Central Visual Arts and Performing Arts High School in St. Louis by a mentally ill former student.

If the Supreme Court edges toward rationality on guns in the domestic-abuse case, it will be because, as unaccountable as the justices generally are, they perhaps arent completely blind to the human implications of their ideological extremism. If only the same could be said of Missouris leaders.

END
Given Donald Trumps stubborn standing atop polls of Republican voters, there may be no more meaningless exercise in futility right now than even talking about the rest of the GOP presidential field, let alone tentatively backing one candidate in that field.

Still, a lot could happen between now and the bulk of the primaries this spring: Trump could be criminally convicted, or his age and health could become an issue, or (perhaps least likely) his supporters could come to their senses. You never know.

So its worth noting that Sen. Tim Scotts withdrawal from the primary contest, while disappointing in one way, is, in another, progress toward the urgent outcome of narrowing the field of Republican candidates not named Trump to just one serious opponent of the former president.

Of the remaining candidates, our preference would be Nikki Haley, the former South Carolina governor and former U.N. ambassador  though virtually any of the others would be preferable to the nightmare scenario of another Trump presidential term.

Trump reminded the world of the stakes on Saturday, when he chose a Veterans Day speech to vow he would root out the vermin who oppose him politically. He added that our threat is from within, suggesting that the many Americans who dont support him are more dangerous to the nation than Russia, China or North Korea.

As historians were quick to point out, that kind of inflammatory, dehumanizing rhetoric against swaths of ones own fellow citizens is straight out of the playbooks of Hitler and Mussolini.

Not that anyone thinks Trump has enough of a grasp of history to specifically know what hes mimicking  but that, in its way, is the point. Whether its calling for the suspension of the Constitution or plotting to use the military against domestic protesters or threatening to execute his political opponents, Trump instinctively speaks the language of tyrants. And as he demonstrated on Jan. 6, 2021, it isnt empty talk.

Future historians (and perhaps psychologists) will wrestle with the question of why such a patently and dangerously unfit candidate has such a seemingly unshakable base of support among Republican voters. But he does, with polling averages showing him with well above 50% support within the party and 40 points or more ahead of his nearest challengers.

Barring some unforeseen event that fundamentally alters that situation, Trump will be the 2024 GOP nominee.

His likeliest Democratic opponent in the general election is President Joe Biden, who, as we and others have warned, is viewed as too old for the job by so many Americans that that issue alone poses a genuine danger of throwing the race to Trump.

So it is that the remaining Republican primary candidates challenging Trump  as irrelevant as they currently seem to be  are worth reviewing.

Scott announced Sunday he is suspending his campaign, after languishing in the single digits in polling with no apparent path forward. Scott had displayed a level of civility and positivity that was otherwise notably lacking in this largely nihilistic field.

But as with Mike Pence before him, Scotts electoral math wasnt working and wasnt going to, so leaving the stage to allow voters to coalesce around someone with a better chance against Trump was the best option.

Of the remaining candidates, only Haley and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis are polling at more than a whisper. But both remain so far behind Trump that the breathless media speculation about whether Haley can depose DeSantis for second place sounds especially pointless.

Again, though, theres no telling what might happen with a frontrunner who has been criminally indicted four times. In light of that, we hope the other also-rans will continue clearing the stage for Haley.

DeSantis slow-motion collapse in the polls is a gratifying development regarding the one candidate who has demonstrated a streak of cruelty that might approach Trumpian levels. No one should forget that DeSantis lured unsuspecting undocumented migrants from Texas (apparently, no human pawns were available in his own state) to be flown to Marthas Vineyard as a putrid partisan stunt against a politically liberal enclave.

This is exactly the kind of man who, if it served his demagogic purposes, would cage children at the border  and, chillingly, he would probably be more efficient and competent about it than Trump was.

Haley shows none of that cruel streak. Like most Republicans today, she generally opposes abortion rights, but at least she appears to understand its too complex an issue to dismiss with unthinking inflexibility. Her support for continued aid to Ukraine against its Russian invaders shames so many in her party who so myopically oppose it, or who (like DeSantis) equivocate.

Unlike entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, Haley isnt an annoying, pathetic political circus barker trying to pass off flash as substance. Unlike former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, Haley appears to be serious about seeking the presidency and isnt merely on stage to redeem herself in history by performatively lashing at Trump.

That said, a little more lashing on Haleys part would suit her well; her refusal to call out Trumps various offenses against human decency (its not like there arent plenty to choose from) is maddening, if strategically understandable.

What criticism Haley has leveled at him has been about the Trump administrations spending and other serious policy issues. That doesnt get at the more pressing reasons why Trump is unfit for office, but at least Haley doesnt cower from his name as most of the other candidates do.

Most of the Editorial Board would disagree with Haley on most policy issues. But with Democrats apparently determined to stick with their risky bet on an incumbent who, despite a generally successful term, might well be unelectable now, the issue of who the Republicans nominate takes on arguably unprecedented importance.

The argument is ultimately this: The notion of Haley as president doesnt spawn nightmares.

Its a sad state of affairs when the bar for acceptability among presidential candidates of one of Americas two major parties is that low  but this is where we are in the Trump era.
Elon Musk is going off the rails again  nothing new there  but Missouris taxpayers might be interested to know their states top legal offi
Fellows Chosen by Polygon Founder Sandeep Nailwal Include Those Leaving Universities and Careers from Google, Harvard Business School, Goldman Sachs, and Stanford. Two Spots Remain in the Fellowship, Reserved for Female Candidates, as the Initial Wave of Applicants Were 93% Male.

DUBAI, UAE / ACCESSWIRE / November 13, 2023 / The Nailwal Fellowship, the first and only web3 fellowship to offer grant money, today announced the first eight individuals selected to receive the inaugural Nailwal Fellowship. The program, created and funded by Sandeep Nailwal, offers $50k in grant money to fellows to leave web2 careers, along with providing mentorship and support during the six-month web3 program. The Nailwal Fellowship is leaving two of 10 total spots open for female candidates, due to low numbers of female applicants in the initial candidate pool.



Nailwal Fellowship Logo

Logo - Nailwal Fellowship

The selection process resulted in a less than 1.5% acceptance rate, with candidates being selected after a months-long, multi-round interview process. The following eight individuals have been chosen for the program:

Adam Achebe, a Stanford Computer Science (CS) undergraduate dropping out to tackle the liquidity challenges in the commodities industry

Ananya Kandelwal, a top 0.1% Joint Entrance Exam (JEE) Indian student creating new payments rails for global commerce

Evgenii Danilenko, an Ethereum Foundation core developer now working on advanced cross-chain infrastructure

Joe Frazier, a former CTO of an NFT aggregator now focused on building new data indexing infrastructure

J Paul Meyer, an ex-Goldman, Harvard graduate creating on-chain financial products

Remi Gai, a repeat founder utilizing fully homomorphic encryption for a new layer 1 solution

Shashank Yadav, an IIT Masters student and ML Engineer at Goldman creating a marketplace for reliable AI data

Tomas Taylor, an HBS graduate and former Dapper Labs employee creating an open, accessible platform for AI agents

"There's still reluctance from many talented people in web2 to leave their industries or studies to pursue opportunities in the blockchain space," said Sandeep Nailwal, Co-Founder of Polygon, Symbolic Capital, and the Nailwal Fellowship. "This fellowship is meant to free up the burdens that these individuals face, financial or otherwise, so that they can freely explore their potential in web3. What really excites me about these eight fellows is the diversity of ideas across DeFi, AI, Infrastructure, and Consumer applications - all with an eye towards creating companies that can bring more users into web3."

Each Nailwal Fellow will receive a $50,000 grant, funded personally by Sandeep Nailwal, and comprehensive support from Symbolic Capital, a VC firm founded by Nailwal and Kenzi Wang, including technical resources, mentorship from industry veterans, and access to a network of investors and partners. The Fellowship is reserving two remaining spots for qualified female applicants. Over the next month, the Fellowship will maintain a rolling application process for female applicants while making concerted efforts to engage with and recruit from women-focused Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) and developer communities.

"We know that web3 has been dominated by men historically, and our goal with the Fellowship was to create a Cohort that was reflective of all the types of builders we want to see in this space," said Nailwal. "Unfortunately, we simply did not do a good enough job recruiting female applicants in this cohort and with our outreach efforts and rolling process, we are committed to addressing this head-on."

More information about the Nailwal Fellowship and fellows can be found here: https://www.nailwalfellowship.org/.

Contact Information:

Sam Lehman

Principle

[email protected]

SOURCE: Nailwal Fellowship

View source version on accesswire.com:
NEW TAIPEI CITY, TAIWAN / ACCESSWIRE / November 14, 2023 / This article examines Perfect Corp.'s (NYSE: PERF) most recent financial results and investor presentation highlighting the growing company's operations within the beauty technology sector. A close look at the company's approach to enhancing its B2B and B2C offerings through developments in AI and AR applications provides a valuable overview of its market performance, product innovations and strategic partnerships in the digital beauty frontier.

Double-Digit Revenue Growth And Profitability

In the third quarter of 2023 , Perfect Corp. reported total revenue of $14.5 million, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 13.2% and a quarter-over-quarter rise of 14.7%. Specifically, its AI/AR cloud solutions and subscription revenue, which accounts for nearly 80% of total revenue, grew 24.8% year-over-year. Overall, the double-digit growth was driven by increasing demand for its cloud solutions and mobile app subscriptions across the company's business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) sectors.

Another key pillar of Perfect Corp's financial strength lies in its gross margin, which consistently exceeds 80%. This high gross margin may signify the company's ability to efficiently convert its sales into profit. This profit margin could provide cover during challenging market conditions and give Perfect Corp a potentially higher likelihood of survival than others.

The company reported a net income of $3.5 million , with an adjusted net income of $2.7 million, both of which easily surpassed the previous year's $1.6 million and $2.3 million, respectively.

Client And Brand Expansion

Perfect Corp. is establishing itself as a leader in beauty and fashion tech, supported by a vision to transform the world with powerful software innovations. As of September 2023, the company has successfully partnered with 627 brand clients , an increase from 601 in June 2023.

Perfect Corp. also saw an uptick from roughly 655,000 to over 678,000 SKUs over the same period for makeup, skincare, eyewear and jewelry products across its platforms, demonstrating the growth trajectory of its B2B business.

At the same time, the B2C segment has not been left behind, with the mobile beauty app seeing a 62.5% year-over-year increase in active subscribers in Q3. This surge is largely attributed to the introduction of multiple GenAI-driven premium features, which have been successful in attracting new installations and converting users into premium subscribers.

The metrics above exemplify Perfect Corp's desire to continue expanding its revenue streams in different verticals and adopting top-line growth.

Catalyzing Cross-Segment Synergy

Generative AI (GenAI) represents a frontier of innovation for Perfect Corp. The deployment of its GenAI-driven features has catalyzed a unique synergy between Perfect Corp.'s B2B and B2C business models, potentially expanding Perfect's total addressable market (TAM) through additional product integrations and market applications.

With these advancements, Perfect Corp. is committing itself to innovation as it strives to become a market leader in beauty and fashion AR and AI. The company's investor presentation highlighted its mission to revolutionize the shopping experience through AR and AI technologies, addressing consumer pain points and democratizing the shopping experience for both consumers and brands with innovative, easy-to-use digital solutions.

Strong Balance Sheet With Positive Cash Flow?

With its cash and cash equivalents exceeding $201 million as of September 2023, Perfect Corp. has a substantial financial cushion that can be used for various strategic purposes. This reserve could possibly be used as a safety net for troubling times or as a catalyst for future business activities. Moreover, the company has had consistent positive cash flow over several years, which some say reflects the company's ability to generate real, tangible returns.

Is Perfect Corp's Enterprise Value UnderValued?

An intriguing element of Perfect Corp. is its potentially undervalued enterprise value. While most of its SaaS peers are trading at around 8 to 9 times, Perfect Corp.s Price-to-Sales (PS) multiple is less than 2 times. According to the company's advocates, this anomaly in the market reflects Perfect Corp's financial foundation and market proposition relative to its current valuation.

Does Perfect Have The Makeup For Success?

Ultimately, Perfect Corp. reflects a company at the forefront of the beauty and fashion tech SaaS industry, poised for further growth and expansion if it can continue to deliver meaningful innovations to its B2B and B2C markets to drive premium conversions and brand client growth. Nevertheless, the company's data-driven advancements in AR and AI, coupled with a strategic hybrid business model, provide an intriguing value proposition worth watching.

Featured photo courtesy of Perfect Corp.

Contact:

Jennifer Wu

[email protected]

SOURCE: Perfect Corp.

View source version on accesswire.com:
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / November 14, 2023 / Alibaba Group

Alibaba Cloud is launching a female empowerment program in Singapore in collaboration with United Women Singapore (UWS), a non-profit organization dedicated to gender equality and women's empowerment.

The program aims to provide nearly 1,000 young women with academic training and practical expertise within the next five years, to prepare them for careers in technology.

Alibaba Cloud's technical teams will deliver workshops and interactive sessions covering areas including artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing.

The program also offers internship and job opportunities within Alibaba Cloud for the enrolled students to encourage them to network and engage with industry experts.

"With a shared vision of gender equality and empowerment, this collaboration is a natural extension of our shared values and aims to create a strong foundation that propels aspiring female technologists to thrive and become future leaders of Singapore's tech sector," said Selina Yuan, President of International Business at Alibaba Cloud Intelligence.

About Alibaba Group

Alibaba Group's mission is to make it easy to do business anywhere. The company aims to build the future infrastructure of commerce. It envisions that its customers will meet, work and live at Alibaba, and that it will be a good company that lasts for 102 years.

Please refer to https://www.alizila.com/esg/ for additional information about Alibaba's sustainability efforts.

View original content here.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Alibaba Group on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Alibaba Group

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/alibaba-group

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE: Alibaba Group

View source version on accesswire.com:
As the third Intra-African Trade Fair in Cairo comes to a close this week, Ahmed Abdel-Hafez sounds out experts on the challenges facing African trade

Cairo hosted more than 1,500 companies from 75 countries this week at the third Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF), which brings together continental African and global players to showcase their goods and services and explore business and investment opportunities.

The fair, which began on 9 November and ends on 15 November, was organised by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat.

It featured exhibitors from a wide variety of sectors, including agriculture and agro-processing, textiles, the automotive industry, construction and infrastructure, consumer goods, the creative industries, education, energy, engineering, finance, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, information and communications technologies, tourism, transportation, start-up firms, and small enterprises.

In an address at the presidential summit of the trade fair the president said that Africas huge natural resources and its agricultural, educational, and mineral potential should be leveraged to drive intra-African trade. The capabilities exist and the possibilities exist, but there may be some obstacles and problems that hinder this work, the president added.

The fair aims to promote and facilitate intra-African trade, investment, and joint projects and to stimulate commercial integration across the continent. Towards the end of facilitating intra-regional trade, the Afreximbank has pledged to facilitate $45 billion worth of trade deals and investments, a press release stated.

Benedict Oramah, president and chairman of the board of Afreximbank, said that, working with the African Union Commission and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, Afreximbank had supported the delivery of critical AfCFTA-enabling instruments, including the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) which was making intra-African payments quicker, cheaper and more efficient.

Afreximbank supports PAPSS with a settlement and clearing fund of $3 billion, he said, adding that the African Collaborative Transit Guarantee Scheme had also commenced operations in the COMESA Region with Afreximbank as the regional guarantor, facilitating the movement of goods across Africas 110 multiple borders.

According to Jean-Louis Ekra, deputy chair of the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2023) Advisory Council, the reliance of African economies on natural resources and commodities makes them vulnerable to adverse trade shocks, liquidity constraints, and macroeconomic management challenges.

Speaking on the sidelines of the fair, Ekra said that intra-African trade is estimated at only 16 per cent of the total at present, whereas intra-regional trade is 58 per cent of the total in Asia and 67 per cent in Europe.

The AfCFTA, which came into effect in January 2021, aims to increase this figure by creating a single African market of 1.3 billion people with a combined GDP of $3.4 trillion.

According to Ekra, the presently low level of intra-African trade can be explained by constraints such as limited infrastructure including payments and settlement systems, lack of access to relevant market information, limited knowledge about business and sustained investment opportunities, and limited platforms to connect buyers and sellers.

Africa is deficient in infrastructure, transport, and logistical systems, all of which are indispensable to plans to expand intra-African trade, Khaled Al-Saqti, dean of the Faculty of Transport and Logistics at the Egyptian Naval Academy, told Al-Ahram Weekly.

Although the continent boasts relatively cheap prices, low-cost labour, and abundant raw materials, the foundations for building an African industrial and commercial base that can compete and participate dynamically in international trade, logistics are extremely difficult. Connecting projects and enterprises across the far-flung continent will require huge and sustained funding, Al-Saqti stressed.

The economic blocs that have emerged in Africa, such as the East African and Central African blocs, are important steps towards the goal of integration. However, poor logistical linkages between them still hampers the growth of commercial interplay.

Many of the raw materials most sought after in the world today are located south of the Equator, for example, an area that is not well-connected with neighbouring blocs. The closest maritime transport system is in the southeast of the continent, and it requires a lot of development.

Al-Saqti cited a tangible example of the logistical challenges facing intra-continental trade. It takes six days for Nigerian coffee shipments to arrive in Egypt via Italy, or four days from Nigeria to Italy, then two days from Italy to Egypt. But it would take 21 days for the same shipment to arrive if it were sent from Nigeria to Egypt directly.

Walid Gamaleddin, chair of the Export Council for Building Materials in Cairo, agrees that though logistics make trade difficult in Africa, they do not make it impossible.

The African countries are showing the political will needed to overcome such obstacles through special programmes, he said, such as Egypts Export Support Programme, which offers the incentive of a 50 per cent rebate on freight costs for Egyptian exports to Africa.

Gamaleddin is optimistic about the prospects for the further expansion of trade in Africa. A deal to export half a million tons of Egyptian cement to the East African bloc is in the works, he said, adding that this demonstrates the good reputation of Egyptian cement across the continent. Egypt is already the largest exporter of construction insulation materials to East Africa.

Among the logistical difficulties Gamaleddin listed is the lack of direct shipping between Egypt and West Africa. He said that Egyptian exports need to be unloaded in a European Port or in Morocco first and then reloaded onto another vessel to their destination, increasing shipment costs significantly.

The Egyptian Ministry of Trade and Industry is currently studying the possibility of buying or renting two giant container ships that will operate on a direct shipping basis from Egypt to West Africa.

Sherif Al-Sayad, a member of the Export Council for Engineering Industries, sees major prospects for the growth of Egyptian exports to the African market. Egyptian goods account for only one per cent of Africas imports. This means that there is a large demand for goods across the continent, he said, adding that Egypt is well-equipped to increase its share of trade.

It has the industrial base in the engineering industries needed to meet the needs of the African market, especially in the manufacture of utensils, cables, automotive supplies, and household appliances. The Egyptian manufacturing base can provide products of reasonable quality at a competitive price. These industries are also labour intensive, so their growth is immediately and directly felt in the labour market, Al-Sayad said.

Al-Sayad praised the Egyptian governments Export Support Programme. It is one of the most important tools for promoting intra-African trade because of the additional advantages it offers exporters, such as the extra support it offers through the 50 per cent rebate on freight costs. If the programme continues, it will open up more opportunities, he said.

Three measures are needed to support intra-African trade, Al-Sayad said. The first is to expand facilities granting certifications authenticating that products meet safety, electricity consumption, or quality standards. These can be expensive to obtain from abroad, which adds to a products cost burden.

The second is to develop direct shipping to African ports, thereby lowering shipping costs for Egyptian products to African markets. Al-Sayad noted that it costs as much to ship a container from Egypt to West Africa as it does to ship one from China to the same destination despite the much shorter distance from Egypt.

The third measure is to expand the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Agreement to the rest of Africa. The current African Free Trade Agreement also only applies to East African countries. Broadening the same standards across the continent will permit the movement of Egyptian goods to additional countries without further customs burdens.

Just as Egypt is doing its best to promote its trade to Africa, the rest of the continent also must do its part, said professor of transport economics Mohamed Ali.

The African countries must move beyond exporting raw materials and industrialise because their overdependence on raw material exports forfeits their competitive edge and obstructs integration in trade, Ali said.

He added that ships bound for Africa laden with Egyptian goods should also return home with African goods needed in the Egyptian market. This would help to build integration between the African countries and develop strong and practical shipping lines.

* A version of this article appears in print in the 16 November, 2023 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly

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Sustainability Hub Sponsored by Sofidel will provide resources and discussions centered on environmental consciousness, social responsibility and governance.

LAS VEGAS, NV / ACCESSWIRE / November 14, 2023 / ISSA Show North America, the premier event dedicated to the cleaning and facility management industry, announces Italian tissue paper manufacturer Sofidel as the official Sustainability Hub Sponsor at this year's event, taking place November 13-16 at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

Sofidel is among the leading global companies in tissue paper production for hygienic and domestic use. The global organization is committed to limiting environmental impact to create a healthier, better future. As part of the commitment, Sofidel applies policies for the procurement of forestry raw materials, certified by third party sustainability organizations Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), developing solutions on responsible sourcing, conservation and enhancement of forest value and restoration.

As members of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Climate Savers Program, Sofidel and other industry-leading corporations collaborate with the WWF to measure carbon reduction. The Climate Savers Program measures energy efficiency of products, processes and facilities, energy-saving products and transport efficiency.

Sofidel continues to receive recognition for sustainability efforts and were featured in the Leadership Band of the 2021 CDP Supplier Engagement Rating Report. The CDP is an international non-profit organization that helps companies, cities, states, regions and public authorities disclose their environmental impact. This report recognized Sofidel with an A- rating, an above-average ranking for Paper and Packaging.

ISSA Show North America's Sustainability Hub will host more than 15 sessions with crucial conversations surrounding environmental consciousness, social responsibility and governance. Topics will include sourcing solutions, utilization of air purification and LEED v5, the newest version of the green building certification program used worldwide.

Continuing with Informa's FasterForward commitment to carbon neutrality by 2025 and aligning with the United Nation's 17 sustainable development goals, ISSA Show North America addresses environmental impact through opportunities to lessen carbon output and material waste. Initiatives include the Sustainability Committee, created in 2022, convening volunteer leaders from all facets of the industry to develop resources for members seeking improvements in sustainability.

For more information on the Sustainability Hub Schedule, visit the full schedule at issashow.com .

To learn more about sustainability at the upcoming event, please visit www.issashow.com .

About ISSA Show North America:

In partnership with ISSA trade association, ISSA Show North America offers an unmatched conference program featuring over 100+ education sessions, workshops, panels, training and certification courses over four days. The event and the association are committed to changing the way the world views cleaning by providing its members with the business tools they need to promote cleaning as an investment in human health, the environment, and an improved bottom line.

For more information about ISSA Show North America, visit www.issashow.com . Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

About Informa Markets:

Informa Markets, a subsidiary of Informa plc (LON:INF), creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate and grow. Our portfolio comprises more than 550 international B2B events and brands in markets including Engineering, Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals, Infrastructure, Construction & Real Estate, Fashion & Apparel, Hospitality, Food & Beverage, and Health & Nutrition, among others. We provide customers and partners around the globe with opportunities to engage, experience and do business through face-to-face exhibitions, specialist digital content and actionable data solutions. As the world's leading exhibitions organizer, we bring a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping them to thrive 365 days of the year. For more information, visit www.informamarkets.com.

Media Contact:

Abby Portwood

Informa Markets

Infrastructure and Construction PR

[email protected]

SOURCE: INFORMA MARKETS

View source version on accesswire.com:
LONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / November 14, 2023 / (TSX:MNO)(OTCQX:MRRDF)(Frankfurt/Tradegate:2MM) ("Meridian" or the "Company") is pleased to report further strong intercepts of shallow copper, gold, silver, and zinc mineralization at the Santa Helena mine ("Santa Helena"). New results include CD-351: 11.7m @ 1.3% CuEq from 27.0m, and CD-336: 30.7m @ 0.8% CuEq from 6.0m, including 5.7m @ 1.5% CuEq from 7.0m and 3.3m @ 1.2% CuEq from 33.3m ("Figure 1"). These drill holes are targeting a soil geochemical anomaly in the western sector of the deposit, up-dip from the historical resource envelope. Ongoing drilling continues to expand into open areas of open-pitable resource potential outside of the Santa Helena mine limits. A new satellite anomaly is emerging on the far south-east of the geophysical survey area, defining potential extensional targets, which remain open.

The Company's work on the main Cabaal deposit continues to prove up robust intervals of gold and copper mineralization from infill and extensional drilling, with results including a 70.1m interval grading 0.9g/t AuEq. In addition, the Cabacal deposit's environmental impact study for a maximum 4.5Mt p.a. mine throughput is expected to be submitted this month.

Further drill results remain pending at both Santa Helena and the Cabacal mine area.

Highlights Reported Today

Meridian reports further shallow base and precious metal intercepts at Santa Helena; CD-351 : 11.7m @ 1.3% CuEq (0.5% Cu, 1.4g/t Au, 7.9g/t Ag & 0.7% Zn) from 27.0m; including: 5.4m @ 1.9% CuEq (0.6% Cu, 2.8g/t Au, 11.0g/t Ag & 0.4% Zn) from 27.0m; CD-336: 30.7m @ 0.8% CuEq (0.3% Cu, 0.4g/t Au, 4.0g/t Ag & 1.1% Zn) from 6.0m; including 5.7m @ 1.5% CuEq (0.7% Cu, 1.6g/t Au, 4.8g/t Ag & 0.5% Zn) from 6.0m;

Step-out drilling at Santa Helena expands the across strike width of mineralization by up to 300%;

Santa Helena's prospective trend re-emerges into the Alamo trend with new IP anomaly;

Cabacal infill and extension drilling continues to deliver robust gold and copper mineralization; CD-361 (CCZ): 70.1m @ 0.9g/t AuEq (0.5g/t Au, 0.3% Cu & 1.2g/t Ag) from 11.2m; including: 36.1m @ 1.3g/t AuEq (0.9g/t Au, 0.3% Cu & 1.4g/t Ag) from 38.0m; 2.0m @ 7.8g/t AuEq (7.8g/t Au & 0.4g/t Ag) from 45.0m; 4.1m @ 2.9g/t AuEq (0.8g/t Au, 1.5% Cu & 8.2g/t Ag) from 69.4m; CD-333 (SCZ): 20.8m @ 1.4g/t AuEq (0.9g/t Au, 0.3% Cu & 0.7g/t Ag) from 43.0m; including: 6.0m @ 3.3g/t AuEq (2.4g/t Au, 0.6% Cu & 1.3g/t Ag) from 45.8m; and CD-346 (CNWE): 5.2m @ 4.4g/t AuEq (1.3g/t Au, 2.2% Cu & 6.1g/t Ag) from 95.7m.

Cabacal deposit's environmental impact study for a maximum 4.5Mt p.a. mine throughput expected to be submitted this month.

True width is considered to be 80 to 90% of intersection width.

Mr. Gilbert Clark, CEO, comments: "These strong results from Santa Helena further confirm the Cabacal belt's prospectivity to host multiple open-pitable deposits of base and precious metals. Our drill results are pushing the mineralization's boundaries out further, locally increasing the width of the mineralized footprint up to 300%. The ongoing works on delineating the Santa Helena trend's untested upside has encountered a new open IP anomaly that projects towards the Alamo target area. We are also strongly encouraged by the ongoing drill results on the main Cabacal Mine deposit that continues to deliver robust grades of in-pit mineralization. With the pending submission of Cabacal's environmental impact study, the progression for a future granting of Cabacal's Preliminary License in 2024 continues to track well. With a strong treasury, a premium VMS belt to develop, and a highly motivated team in place, we look forward to delivering further results and updates shortly.

Santa Helena Drill Program

Santa Helena is a Cu-Au-Ag & Zn VMS deposit located ~9km to the southeast of the Cabacal Mine. It has over 10,000m of historical drilling and is one of a series of exploration targets along the 11km Cabacal Mine Corridor. The Company commenced initial drilling in August 2023 as part of a verification program, to validate the historical data in line with NI43-101 requirements, and to initiate scout drilling for resource extensions defined by geophysics. The Company's compilation of historical drill data indicated that many past holes were not completely sampled, that reconciliation of surveyed drilled positions and mine workings suggested that the high-grade massive sulphide mineralization was only partially mined. and that extensions of near-surface mineralization to the east were also not integrated into the historical resource calculations1. The Company has concluded that this historical resource area is considered open.

1 Meridian Mining News Release of March 29, 2022. Figure 1: Santa Helena drill results, with 2.0km eastern exploration extension, and newly emerging target area remaining open to the south east.

The Company has completed twenty-two holes to date. Initial results from holes drilled along the main trend for resource verification were very positive, confirming high-grade massive to semi massive near-surface mineralization2, including: CD-311: 19.1m @ 1.3% CuEq from 8.0m; Including 4.9m @ 4.6% CuEq from 22.2m;

from 8.0m; CD-321: 23.1m @ 1.0% CuEq from 6.1m; Including 3.6m @ 3.3% CuEq from 10.0m ;

from 6.1m; CD-325: 14.9m @ 3.1% CuEq from 26.3m;

from 26.3m; CD-332: 5.8m @ 4.5% CuEq from 32.2m;

from 32.2m; CD-329: 6.8m @ 4.9% CuEq from 38.7m; and

from 38.7m; and CD-335: 7.2m @ 4.0% CuEq from 35.5m. The latest results ("Table 1") have continued to test mineralization in the vicinity of the historical mine area, but drilled to the south-southeast, targeting an area where infill soil sampling by Meridian Mining had returned gold in soil assay values up to 953 ppb Au, with coincident elevated base metals. This suggested that the folded VMS mineralized horizon was breaching the surface in a position poorly tested by drilling, in an area previously shown as a post-mineralization gabbroic intrusion on historical maps. 2 Meridian Mining News Release of September 12, 2023. Initial results have been returned from this position, with further assays pending. New intervals show the presence of significant widths of mineralization at shallow depths outside of the historical resource envelope, and include: CD-351: 11.7m @ 1.3% CuEq (0.5 % Cu, 1.4g/t Au, 7.9g/t Ag & 0.7% Zn) from 27.0m, including 5.4m @ 1.9% CuEq (0.6% Cu, 2.8g/t Au, 11.0g/t Ag & 0.4% Zn) from 27.0m;

(0.5 Cu, 1.4g/t Au, 7.9g/t Ag & 0.7% Zn) from 27.0m, including (0.6% Cu, 2.8g/t Au, 11.0g/t Ag & 0.4% Zn) from 27.0m; CD-336: 30.7m @ 0.8% CuEq (0.3% Cu, 0.4g/t Au, 4.0g/t Ag & 1.1% Zn) from 6.0m, including: 5.7m @ 1.5% CuEq (0.7% Cu, 1.6g/t Au, 4.8g/t Ag & 0.5% Zn) from 7.0m, and 3.3m @ 1.2% CuEq (0.1% Cu, 0.3 g/t Au, 12.1 g/t Ag & 3.5% Zn from 33.3m;

CD-340: 24.7m @ 0.5% CuEq (0.2% Cu, 0.5g/t Au, 2.3g/t Ag & 0.4% Zn) from 0.0m;

CD-349: 4.4m @ 0.4% CuEq (0.2% Cu, 0.3g/t Au, 3.2g/t Ag & 0.2% Zn) from 0.0m. These new intersections extend the cross-strike footprint of the mineralization up to 90m laterally beyond the historical resource limit - tripling the extent, with the prior model being limited by data and focused on the known more massive sulphide component of the mineral system ("Figure 2"). The results enhance the potential of the Company's objective to define resource additions supporting a low strip ratio satellite open pit development at Santa Helena, one of many targets along the mine corridor and broader Cabacal Belt. Assay results from the first phase of the program have provided confidence in the historical data and the position of the underground workings. Results emphasise the presence of good widths of high-quality mineralization amenable to evaluation for open pit extraction. The first results from this next stage in drilling show promise for the potential to add to the mineralization inventory beyond the previously defined limits. Figure 2: Santa Helena cross-strike drilling, testing the southern extension of mineralization outside of the historical resource envelope.

Santa Helena's Expanding near-mine Exploration Corridor The Company has continued its Gradient Array Induced Polarization survey ("IP survey") over the east-southeastern extensions to Santa Helena, into the Alamo property. This program has outlined a newly defined chargeability corridor, extending 2.0km from the limit of Santa Helena's historical resource. This geophysical target aligns with gold and base metal soil anomalies defined in past BP Minerals surveys, continuing to add valuable context to this target as an extensional corridor for Santa Helena-style mineralization. Extensions of the survey further to the southeast show a newly emerging chargeability anomaly on the limit of the survey area and remaining open. The Company is pausing the geophysical program at Santa Helena for a period, to allow geological and geochemical reconnaissance to advance and support the prioritization of potential new exploration drill targets. Cabacal Project Development and Resource Definition Program The Company continues with drilling and project development studies at Cabacal ("Figure 3"). A phase of hydrogeological drilling has been completed as part of the program for environmental licencing. Some drilling has focussed on testing the lateral limits of the resource in the Cabacal Northwest Extension ("CNWE"), with further results pending. Intersection highlights from recent results from infill drilling include: CD-361 (CCZ): 70.1m @ 0.9g/t AuEq (0.5g/t Au, 0.3% Cu & 1.2g/t Ag) from 11.2m, including: 36.1m @ 1.3g/t AuEq (0.9g/t Au, 0.3% Cu & 1.4g/t Ag) from 38.0m; 2.0m @ 7.8g/t AuEq (7.8g/t Au & 0.4g/t Ag) from 45.0m; 4.1m @ 2.9g/t AuEq (0.8g/t Au, 1.5% Cu & 8.2g/t Ag) from 69.4m;

(0.5g/t Au, 0.3% Cu & 1.2g/t Ag) from 11.2m, including: CD-333 (SCZ): 20.8m @ 1.4g/t AuEq (0.9g/t Au, 0.3% Cu & 0.7g/t Ag) from 43.0m; including: 6.0m @ 3.3g/t AuEq (2.4g/t Au, 0.6% Cu & 1.3g/t Ag) from 45.8m; and

(0.9g/t Au, 0.3% Cu & 0.7g/t Ag) from 43.0m; including: CD-346 (CNWE):5.2m @ 4.4g/t AuEq (1.3g/t Au, 2.2% Cu & 6.1g/t Ag) from 95.7m. CD-361 locally included some unexpected heavily disseminated coarse chalcopyrite mineralization at shallow levels (1.9m @ 2.0% Cu, 0.1 g/t Au & 5.7g/t Ag from 11.2m), within the broader mineralized halo, in areas historically not sampled in past BP programs. This is extending again the near surface upside of the deposit largely ignored by the historical program. The Company's environmental consultant, Sete Solucoes e Tecnologia Ambiental, is finalizing the environmental impact study for submission to statutory authorities, expected to be presented this month. This represents an important step in advancing the permitting with studies supporting an expanded production scenario beyond PEA assumptions of up to 4.5Mt p.a. Figure 3: Cabacal drill highlights.

About Meridian Meridian Mining UK S is focused on: The development and exploration of the advanced stage Cabacal VMS goldacopper project;

Regional scale exploration of the Cabacal VMS belt; and

Exploration in the Jauru & Araputanga Greenstone belts (the above all located in the State of Mato Grosso, Brazil). Cabacal is a gold-copper-silver rich VMS deposit with the potential to be a standalone mine within the 50km VMS belt. Cabacal's base and precious metal-rich mineralization is hosted by volcanogenic type, massive, semi-massive, stringer, and disseminated sulphides within deformed metavolcanic-sedimentary rocks. A later-stage gold overprint event has emplaced high-grade gold mineralization. The Preliminary Economic Assessment technical report (the "PEA Technical Report") dated March 30, 2023, entitled: "Cabacal Gold-Copper Project NI 43-101 Technical Report and Preliminary Economic Assessment, Mato Grosso, Brazil" outlines a base case after-tax NPV5 of USD 573 million and 58.4% IRR from a pre-production capital cost of USD 180 million, leading to capital repayment in 10.6 months (assuming metals price scenario of USD 1,650 per ounces of gold, USD 3.59 per pound of copper, and USD 21.35 per ounce of silver). Cabacal has a low All-in-Sustaining-Cost of USD 671 per ounce gold equivalent for the first five years, driven by high metallurgical recovery, a low life-of-mine strip ratio of 2.1:1, and the low operating cost environment of Brazil (see press release dated March 6, 2023). The Cabacal Mineral Resource estimate consists of Indicated resources of 52.9 million tonnes at 0.6g/t gold, 0.3% copper and 1.4g/t silver and Inferred resources of 10.3 million tonnes at 0.7g/t gold, 0.2% copper & 1.1g/t silver (at a 0.3 g/t gold equivalent cut-off grade), including a higher-grade near-surface zone supporting a starter pit. Readers are encouraged to read the PEA Technical Report in its entirety. The PEA Technical Report may be found on the Company's website at www.meridianmining.co and under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The qualified persons for the PEA Technical Report are: Robert Raponi (P. Eng), Principal Metallurgist with Ausenco Engineering), Scott Elfen (P. E.), Global Lead Geotechnical and Civil Services with Ausenco Engineering), Simon Tear (PGeo, EurGeol), Principal Geological Consultant of H&SC, Marcelo Batelochi, (MAusIMM, CP Geo), Geological Consultant of MB Geologia Ltda, Joseph Keane (Mineral Processing Engineer; P.E), of SGS, and Guilherme Gomides Ferreira (Mine Engineer MAIG) of GE21 Consultoria Mineral. The qualified persons for the PEA Technical Report are: Robert Raponi (P. Eng), Principal Metallurgist with Ausenco Engineering), Scott Elfen (P. E.), Global Lead Geotechnical and Civil Services with Ausenco Engineering), Simon Tear (PGeo, EurGeol), Principal Geological Consultant of H&SC, Marcelo Batelochi, (MAusIMM, CP Geo), Geological Consultant of MB Geologia Ltda, Joseph Keane (Mineral Processing Engineer; P.E), of SGS, and Guilherme Gomides Ferreira (Mine Engineer MAIG) of GE21 Consultoria Mineral.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Meridian Mining UK S

Mr. Gilbert Clark

CEO and Director

Meridian Mining UK S

Email: [email protected]

Ph: +1 778 715-6410 (PST)

Stay up to date by subscribing for news alerts here: https://meridianmining.co/contact/

Follow Meridian on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MeridianMining

Further information can be found at: www.meridianmining.co

Technical Notes

Samples have been analysed at SGS laboratory in Belo Horizonte. Samples are dried, crushed with 75% passing

" Au_recovery_ppm = 5.4368ln(Au_Grade_ppm)+88.856

" Cu_recovery_pct = 2.0006ln(Cu_Grade_pct)+94.686

" Ag_recovery_ppm = 13.342ln(Ag_Grade_ppm)+71.037

Recoveries based on 2022 metallurgical testwork on core submitted to SGS Lakefield

Copper equivalents for Santa Helena are based on metallurgical recoveries from the historical resource calculation, updated with pricing forecasts aligned with the Cabacal PEA. The metal equivalent formula s presented as a copper equivalent rather than a zinc equivalent, based on the Companies current assessment of the metal balance after the past zinc-focussed extraction. CuEq% = (Cu% * 89%Recovery) + (0.67Au(g/t) * 65%Recovery) + (0.318Zn% * 89%Recovery)) + (0.009Ag(g/t) * 61%Recovery)). Recovery formulas will be updated with future testwork programs.

The Gradient Array IP survey is being conducted using the Company's in-house team, utilizing its GDD GRx8a16c receiver and 5000Wa2400a15A transmitter. Data is processed by the Company's independent consultancy Core Geophysics. Geophysical and geochemical exploration targets are preliminary in nature and not conclusive evidence of the likelihood of a mineral deposit.

Qualified Person

Mr. Erich Marques, B.Sc., MAIG, Chief Geologist of Meridian Mining and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed, and verified the technical information in this news release.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Some statements in this news release contain forward-looking information or forward-looking statements for the purposes of applicable securities laws. These statements address future events and conditions and so involve inherent risks and uncertainties, as disclosed under the heading "Risk Factors" in Meridian's most recent Annual Information Form filed on www.sedarplus.ca. While these factors and assumptions are considered reasonable by Meridian, in light of management's experience and perception of current conditions and expected developments, Meridian can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, Meridian disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or results or otherwise.

Table 1: Results Reported

Santa Helena

Hole-ID Dip Azi EOH

(m) Zone Int

(m) CuEq

(g/t) AuEq

(%) Cu

(%) Au

(g/t) Ag

(g/t) Zn

(%) Pb

(%) From

(m) CD-351 46 188 49.5 SHM 11.7 1.3 2.0 0.5 1.4 7.9 0.7 1.2 27.0 Including 5.4 1.9 2.8 0.6 2.8 11.0 0.4 2.0 27.0 CD-349 46 190 27.1 SHM 4.4 0.4 0.6 0.2 0.3 3.2 0.2 0.4 0.0 CD-340 46 189 39.3 SHM 24.7 0.5 0.8 0.2 0.5 2.3 0.4 0.2 0.0 Including 6.7 0.8 1.2 0.3 0.6 1.5 1.0 0.2 18.0 CD-336 51 190 69.3 SHM 30.7 0.8 1.1 0.3 0.4 4.0 1.1 0.5 6.0 Including 5.7 1.5 2.2 0.7 1.6 4.8 0.5 1.2 7.0 Including 3.3 1.2 1.9 0.1 0.3 12.1 3.5 1.7 33.3

Cabacal Hole-ID Dip Azi EOH

(m) Zone Int

(m) AuEq

(g/t) CuEq

(%) Au

(g/t) Cu

(%) Ag

(g/t) From

(m) CD-375 50 061 66.3 CWNE 6.4 0.4 0.3 0.1 0.2 2.9 33.8 CD-361 59 044 118.5 CCZ 70.1 0.9 0.6 0.5 0.3 1.2 11.2 Including 2.0 7.8 5.2 7.8 0.0 0.4 45.0 Including 4.1 2.9 1.9 0.8 1.5 8.2 69.4 CD-353 49 058 90.5 CWNE 5.9 0.4 0.3 0.1 0.2 1.7 31.5 6.5 0.4 0.3 0.1 0.2 2.6 45.4 1.8 0.5 0.3 0.2 0.2 8.3 58.3 CD-352 50 061 50.0 CWNE 5.7 0.4 0.3 0.1 0.2 2.5 29.6 CD-350 50 057 60.0 CWNE 3.1 0.3 0.2 0.1 0.2 1.4 20.9 3.1 1.1 0.8 0.6 0.4 1.9 42.8 CD-348 49 056 88.8 CWNE 2.3 0.3 0.2 0.0 0.2 0.4 26.0 12.6 0.5 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.2 38.4 14.4 0.4 0.3 0.1 0.2 1.1 56.7 CD-347 59 046 115.5 SCZ 2.6 0.7 0.5 0.1 0.4 2.7 29.5 3.3 0.2 0.1 0.0 0.2 0.5 37.9 5.4 1.0 0.7 0.7 0.3 1.6 68.8 6.3 0.7 0.4 0.1 0.4 1.5 78.4 1.1 2.6 1.7 0.3 1.6 2.9 88.8 7.2 1.4 0.9 0.9 0.4 1.8 94.9 Including 0.8 9.2 6.1 7.6 1.1 8.3 96.2 CD-346 52 060 120.0 CWNE 7.6 0.5 0.3 0.1 0.3 2.5 33.4 17.4 0.4 0.3 0.0 0.3 0.6 48.0 9.0 0.3 0.2 0.3 0.0 0.1 78.0 5.2 4.4 3.0 1.3 2.2 6.1 95.7 Including 2.1 7.8 5.3 2.3 3.8 12.0 98.1 CD-345 50 059 135.4 CWNE 6.9 0.5 0.3 0.1 0.3 0.5 59.3 8.9 0.6 0.4 0.6 0.1 0.2 91.3 9.5 1.1 0.8 0.5 0.4 5.2 107.2 Including 2.4 2.5 1.6 1.1 1.0 2.2 109.3 CD-344 47 058 118.7 CCZ 2.1 0.8 0.5 0.1 0.5 1.8 16.5 4.9 1.0 0.7 0.5 0.4 0.9 24.1 68.1 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.5 36.0 CD-343 50 059 90.8 CWNE 4.0 0.4 0.3 0.0 0.3 0.5 23.0 11.1 0.6 0.4 0.2 0.3 1.3 63.9 CD-342 52 060 116.2 CWNE 1.3 1.2 0.8 0.9 0.3 0.7 51.6 0.3 2.0 1.3 1.5 0.4 1.6 63.1 1.0 1.6 1.1 0.3 1.0 2.1 67.8 9.4 0.3 0.2 0.1 0.2 1.1 83.0 CD-341 50 056 115.0 CCZ 2.0 2.3 1.6 2.2 0.1 0.5 15.0 6.6 0.9 0.6 0.2 0.5 0.8 36.0 9.3 0.6 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.5 67.3 6.3 0.7 0.4 0.2 0.4 1.5 83.4 5.8 0.7 0.4 0.1 0.4 1.9 94.3 CD-339 50 060 90.2 CWNE 4.1 0.3 0.2 0.0 0.2 0.3 20.9 5.9 0.6 0.4 0.2 0.4 1.1 48.4 7.1 0.4 0.2 0.0 0.2 1.5 64.5 CD-338 50 060 106.6 CWNE 5.8 0.3 0.2 0.0 0.2 0.4 23.6 1.1 1.1 0.7 0.3 0.6 1.7 38.3 5.0 0.4 0.3 0.4 0.1 0.2 65.0 6.8 0.3 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.9 76.9 CD-337 54 058 91.3 CWNE 12.9 0.7 0.4 0.2 0.3 0.9 8.6 Including 1.1 4.3 2.9 1.6 1.9 5.6 19.5 37.0 0.5 0.3 0.2 0.2 1.3 33.3 CD-334 52 060 156.6 CWNE 10.8 0.3 0.2 0.1 0.2 0.7 31.7 9.0 1.0 0.7 0.7 0.2 1.4 73.4 Including 2.7 2.5 1.7 1.7 0.6 3.4 75.8 12.8 0.3 0.2 0.1 0.2 1.1 124.2 CD-333 60 045 90.5 SCZ 5.0 0.2 0.2 0.0 0.2 0.5 14.1 4.0 0.4 0.3 0.1 0.3 0.7 22.6 20.8 1.4 0.9 0.9 0.3 0.7 43.0 Including 6.0 3.3 2.2 2.4 0.6 1.3 45.8 Including 1.2 3.1 2.1 1.6 1.1 2.1 57.4 4.4 0.9 0.6 0.3 0.4 5.3 67.1 CD-331 48 060 112.4 CWNE 5.5 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.3 39.9 2.9 2.0 1.3 0.7 0.9 5.1 70.1 2.8 0.4 0.3 0.0 0.3 1.9 81.3 CD-322 52 060 169.0 CWNE 4.0 0.4 0.3 0.0 0.3 0.8 57.0 1.2 0.5 0.4 0.1 0.3 2.5 105.7 CD-319 50 058 150.5 CWNE 31.9 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.4 38.0 20.8 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.2 81.3 15.7 0.6 0.4 0.4 0.2 0.3 107.7 8.7 1.0 0.7 0.2 0.6 0.7 128.8 Including 4.7 1.7 1.1 0.3 1.0 1.1 129.5 SOURCE: Meridian Mining UK S

View source version on accesswire.com:
TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / November 14, 2023 / PJX Resources Inc. ("PJX" or "the Company") is pleased to announce that highly anomalous gold and copper occur in soil material along with zinc, lead, and silver up slope from the discovery of Sullivan deposit style and grade semi-massive to massive sulphide boulders. The new sediment-hosted discovery of Sullivan style zinc-lead-silver mineralization in boulders occurs on the Company's Dewdney Trail Property in the Sullivan Minng District in southeastern British Columbia, Canada (see PJX news release October 12, 2023).

Boulders of Sullivan style and grade mineralization were discovered in an area of about 50 metres (m) by 150 m at the base of a talus slope. The boulders are strongly magnetic and appear to have not moved far down the slope of the mountain from a possible bedrock source as some are large and angular (see Photo on subsequent page).

Soil samples taken from talus material up-slope from the boulders are highly anomalous in zinc, lead, silver, gold, and copper. The soils coincide with the strong airborne magnetic anomaly immediately up-slope from the boulders. This magnetic anomaly may be the source of the strongly magnetic boulders.

The highly anomalous zinc, lead, silver, gold, and copper content in soils are also coincident with a moderately strong magnetic anomaly for about 500 m along strike to the north of the 500 m long strong magnetic anomaly (see Figures 1 through 6).

John Keating, President of PJX commented: "Only 2 lines of soils are present up-slope from the boulders. The soils are all anomalous in zinc, lead, silver, copper, and gold. The strongly magnetic anomaly is over 500m in diameter with moderately strong magnetic anomalies on strike to the north and south. Additional mapping and prospecting have been completed and more will be announced when lab analyses are received. We've outlined an area 600 m wide and 1.6 km along strike on the attached maps that will be the main focus of exploration in 2024."

Private Placement

The Company is pleased to announce a non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") of up to sixteen million units through the issuance of Flow Through ("Flow Through Unit") and Non-flow Through Units ("Unit") at a price of $0.105 per Flow Through Unit and $0.09 per Unit.

Each Flow-through Unit will consist of one common share to be issued as a "flow-through share" within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the "Flow-through Shares") and one common share purchase warrant. Each Unit will consist of one common share and one common share purchase warrant. Each warrant, whether acquired as part of a Flow-through Unit or Unit, will entitle the holder to purchase one common share at an exercise price of $0.20 for 24 months following completion of the Offering.

The completion of the Offering may constitute a related party transaction within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 ("MI 61-101") as certain insiders of the company may participate in the Offering. The Company is relying on the exemptions from the valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 contained in sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101, as the fair market value of the participation in the offering by insiders will not exceed 25% of the market capitalization of the company, as determined in accordance with MI 61-101. The Company will also make the Offering available to subscribers who receive suitability advice from a registered investment dealer in accordance with applicable prospectus exemptions in certain Canadian jurisdictions. The Company confirms that there is no material fact or material change about the Company that has not been generally disclosed.

The Offering, and any modifications to it, is subject to compliance with applicable securities laws and to receipt of the approval and acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange. The Company reserves the right to increase the size of the Offering or to modify the type, nature and/or price of the units for any reason. The securities issuable in connection with this Offering will be subject to a hold period in Canada which will run for four months from the date of the closing of the Offering. The Company may pay finders' fees in accordance with the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering for expenditures on its properties located in Cranbrook, British Columbia, and for general working capital. The gross proceeds from the issuance of the Flow-through Shares shall be used to fund exploration expenditures on the Cranbrook Properties, with a focus on exploration on the Dewdney Trail Property, and will qualify as Canadian exploration expenses (as defined in the "Income Tax Act (Canada)").

Photo - Sean Kennedy (prospector) holding large strongly magnetic boulder of semi-massive to massive sulphide mineralization containing zinc, lead, and silver. Boulder does not appear to have been transported far because it is still very angular and amongst other rock types from the area. Boulders are down slope from a strong magnetic geophysical anomaly and soils with zinc, lead, silver, gold, and copper.

Figure 1 - Soil samples with highly anomalous zinc concentrations occur up-slope of sulphide boulders with Sullivan style and grade zinc-lead-silver mineralization.

Figure 2 - Soils with high zinc content occur with 500 m diameter strong magnetic anomaly and with a moderately srong magnetic anomaly for 500 m on strike to the north of the strong magnetic anomaly. This area could be the source of the Sullivan style and grade strongly magnetic boulders. Initial target area to explore is 0.6 km wide and 1.6 km along strike.

Figure 3 - High lead content in soil up-slope of boulders.

Figure 4 - High silver content in soil up-slope of boulders.

Figure 5 - High gold content in soil up-slope of boulders.

Figure 6 - High copper content in soil up-slope of boulders.

Qualified Persons

The geological disclosure and content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by John Keating P.Geo. (qualified persons for the purpose of National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects). Mr. Keating is the President, Chief Executive Officer and a Director of PJX.

About PJX Resources Inc.

PJX is a mineral exploration company focused on building shareholder value and community opportunity through the exploration and development of mineral resources with a focus on gold, silver and base metals (zinc, lead, copper, nickel). PJX's properties are located in the historical Sullivan Mine District and Vulcan Gold Belt near Cranbrook and Kimberley, British Columbia.

Please refer to our web site http://www.pjxresources.com for additional information.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Linda Brennan, Chief Financial Officer

(416) 799-9205

[email protected]

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

The information in this news release has been prepared as at the date noted above. Certain statements in this news release, referred to herein as "forward-looking statements", constitute "forward-looking statements" under the provisions of Canadian provincial securities laws. These statements can be identified by the use of words such as "expected", "may", "will" or similar terms.

Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of factors and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by PJX Resources Inc. as of the date of such statements, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, known and unknown, could cause actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Except as otherwise required by law, PJX Resources Inc. expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any such statements to reflect any change in PJX Resources Inc.'s expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

Cautionary Note to US Investors:

This news release may contain information about adjacent properties on which PJX Resources Inc. has no right to explore or mine. We advise U.S. investors that the SEC's mining guidelines strictly prohibit information of this type in documents filed with the SEC. U.S. investors are cautioned that mineral deposits on adjacent properties are not indicative of mineral deposits on our properties. This news release may contain forward-looking statements including but not limited to comments regarding the timing and content of upcoming work programs, geological interpretations, receipt of property titles, potential mineral recovery processes, etc. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements.

This press release uses the terms "Measured", "Indicated", and "Inferred" resources. United States investors are advised that while such terms are recognized and required by Canadian regulations, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission does not recognize them. "Inferred Mineral Resources" have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an Inferred Mineral Resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimates of Inferred Mineral Resources may not form the basis of feasibility or other economic studies. United States investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of Measured or Indicated Mineral Resources will ever be converted into Mineral Reserves. United States investors are also cautioned not to assume that all or any part of a Mineral Resource is economically or legally mineable.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: PJX Resources Inc.

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Highlights Strategy to Create Long-term Shareholder Value

Increases Fiscal 2026 Financial Targets

AUSTIN, TX / ACCESSWIRE / November 14, 2023 / Thermon Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: THR) ("Thermon"), a global leader in industrial process heating solutions, will host its inaugural investor day in New York City today, Tuesday, November 14, 2023 starting at 9:00 a.m. EST. The event will be available via a live webcast on the investor relations section of the Company's website at http://ir.thermon.com and by replay shortly after the event. Presentation materials will also be posted ahead of the event.

Bruce Thames, President and CEO, and Kevin Fox, CFO, will be joined by other members of the executive management team to present an in-depth review of the Company's overall business and strategy, financial performance and outlook, how Thermon is enabling the energy transition, innovation and new product development, and the Company's focus on operational excellence.

"We are thrilled to host our first investor day, which will give the investment community deeper insight into our strategy to create long-term value for our shareholders," said Bruce Thames. "Our mission critical solutions and leading market positions enable us to drive revenue growth and expand our margins, backed by investments in innovation and new product development. We benefit from enhanced productivity through the implementation of the new Thermon Business System and attachment to secular trends that provide meaningful tailwinds for growth. We are also excited to share our long-term strategy, future financial targets, and our plans to accomplish them."

Fiscal Year 2026 Financial Targets

During the investor day, Thermon will update its financial goals for its fiscal year ending on March 31, 2026 (the "FY2026 Financial Goals") as follows:

Total Revenue: $600 Million - $700 Million

Non-Oil & Gas Revenue: ~70%

Adjusted EBITDA Margin: ~24%

Thermon will provide a comprehensive overview of the key initiatives that support the achievement of the FY2026 Financial Goals, along with the underlying assumptions, during its investor day.

About Thermon

Through its global network, Thermon provides safe, reliable and mission critical industrial process heating solutions. Thermon specializes in providing complete flow assurance, process heating, temperature maintenance, freeze protection and environmental monitoring solutions. Thermon is headquartered in Austin, Texas. For more information, please visit www.thermon.com.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Disclosure in this release of "Adjusted EBITDA margin", which is a "non-GAAP financial measure" as defined under the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, is intended as a supplemental measure of our financial performance that is not required by, or presented in accordance with, U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). "Adjusted EBITDA margin" represents Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of total revenue. "Adjusted EBITDA" represents net income before interest expense (net of interest income), income tax expense, depreciation and amortization expense, stock-based compensation expense, acquisition costs, costs associated with restructuring and other income/(charges), and costs associated with impairments and other charges.

We believe this non-GAAP financial measure is meaningful to our investors to enhance their understanding of our financial performance and are frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties to compare our performance with the performance of other companies that report Adjusted EBITDA margin. This non-GAAP measure should be considered in addition to, and not a substitute for, net income margin and other measures of financial performance reported in accordance with GAAP. Our calculation of Adjusted EBITDA margin may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

We are unable to reconcile our target fiscal 2026 Adjusted EBITDA margin to the most directly comparable projected GAAP financial measure because certain information necessary to calculate such measures on a GAAP basis is unavailable or dependent on the timing of future events outside of our control. Therefore, because of the uncertainty and variability of the nature of and the amount of any potential applicable future adjustments, which could be significant, we are unable to provide a reconciliation for target fiscal 2026 Adjusted EBITDA margin without unreasonable effort.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws in addition to historical information. These forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding our industry, business strategy, plans, goals and expectations concerning our market position, future operations, margins, profitability, capital expenditures, liquidity and capital resources and other financial and operating information such as our execution of our strategic initiatives, and our ability to achieve the FY26 Financial Goals. When used herein, the words "anticipate," "assume," "believe," "budget," "continue," "contemplate," "could," "should" "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "possible," "potential," "predict," "project," "will," "would," "future," and similar terms and phrases are intended to identify forward-looking statements in this release. Forward-looking statements reflect our current expectations regarding future events, results or outcomes. These expectations may or may not be realized. Some of these expectations may be based upon assumptions, data or judgments that prove to be incorrect. In addition, our business and operations involve numerous risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, which could result in our expectations not being realized or otherwise materially affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Actual events, results and outcomes may differ materially from our expectations due to a variety of factors. Although it is not possible to identify all of these factors, they include, among others, (i) the outbreak of a global pandemic, including the current pandemic (COVID-19 and its variants); (ii) general economic conditions and cyclicality in the markets we serve; (iii) future growth of energy, chemical processing and power generation capital investments; (iv) our ability to operate successfully in foreign countries; (v) our ability to successfully develop and improve our products and successfully implement new technologies; (vi) competition from various other sources providing similar heat tracing and process heating products and services, or alternative technologies, to customers; (vii) our ability to deliver existing orders within our backlog; (viii) our ability to bid and win new contracts; (ix) the imposition of certain operating and financial restrictions contained in our debt agreements; (x) our revenue mix; (xi) our ability to grow through strategic acquisitions; (xii) our ability to manage risk through insurance against potential liabilities (xiii) changes in relevant currency exchange rates; (xiv) tax liabilities and changes to tax policy; (xv) impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets; (xvi) our ability to attract and retain qualified management and employees, particularly in our overseas markets; (xvii) our ability to protect our trade secrets; (xviii) our ability to protect our intellectual property; (xix) our ability to protect data and thwart potential cyber-attacks; (xx) a material disruption at any of our manufacturing facilities; (xxi) our dependence on subcontractors and third-party suppliers; (xxii) our ability to profit on fixed-price contracts; (xxiii) the credit risk associated to our extension of credit to customers; (xxiv) our ability to achieve our operational initiatives; (xxv) unforeseen difficulties with expansions, relocations, or consolidations of existing facilities; (xxvi) potential liability related to our products as well as the delivery of products and services; (xxvii) our ability to comply with foreign anti-corruption laws; (xxviii) export control regulations or sanctions; (xxix) changes in government administrative policy; (xxx) the current geopolitical instability in Russia and Ukraine and related sanctions by the U.S. and Canadian governments and European Union; (xxxi) environmental and health and safety laws and regulations as well as environmental liabilities; and (xxxii) climate change and related regulation of greenhouse gases, and (xxxiii) those factors listed under Item 1A "Risk Factors" included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on May 25, 2023 and in any subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K or other filings that we have filed or may file with the SEC. Any one of these factors or a combination of these factors could materially affect our future results of operations and could influence whether any forward-looking statements contained in this release ultimately prove to be accurate.

Our forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results and future performance may differ materially from those suggested in any forward-looking statements. We do not intend to update these statements unless we are required to do so under applicable securities laws.

CONTACT:

Kevin Fox, Chief Financial Officer

Ivonne Salem, Vice President, FP&A and Investor Relations

(512) 690-0600

[email protected]

SOURCE: Thermon Group Holdings, Inc.

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As Inman expands its awards program recognizing the achievements of trailblazers throughout the real estate community, Sponholtz is selected as a winner in "Alternative Finance."

SAN FRANCISCO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / November 14, 2023 / Unison founder and CEO, Thomas Sponholtz, has been recognized as one of Inman's "2023 Best of Proptech," which recognizes achievements of leaders changing the residential landscape. The full class of honorees were announced on Inman's website on Wednesday, November 8.

Sponholtz founded Unison upon observation of two problems: first, homeowners who wished to tap into their rapidly increasing home equity were forced to use products that only added to their debt with monthly payments and interest; investors, meanwhile, were struggling to obtain efficient, diversified access to the lucrative residential real estate asset class. His solution: the equity sharing agreement.

A Unison equity sharing agreement enables homeowners to convert up to 15% of their equity into cash in exchange for a percentage of the home's future change in value. With no interest or monthly payments, Unison does not add to a homeowner's debt; instead, the agreement is the vehicle for financial agency. Homeowners can use the funds however they'd like: to start a small business, diversify their portfolio, renovate their home, or plan for retirement. With access to Unison's Home Partnership Team, partnering homeowners have the resources they need to navigate their respective roads to financial wellbeing.

Sponholtz responded to the award, "I am honored to be selected for Inman's Best of Proptech Award for 2023. I built this company to empower homeowners to achieve their dreams without languishing in the shadow of debt, and look forward to more investors embracing the opportunities presented by owner-occupied real estate as a new asset category."

About Unison:

Unison is a San Francisco and Omaha-based company that is pioneering a smarter, better way to own your home. Until now, the only way to finance a home was by taking on debt. Through Unison residential equity agreements, we help homeowners access their equity flexibly with no monthly payments or interest. We enhance home affordability, reduce debt, and deliver a less risky way for homeowners, investors, and society to think about that important asset - the home. Unison Investment Management, LLC serves as investment manager to Unison's investment funds and separately managed accounts. It powers efficient capital deployment and active management at scale. Our investment philosophy is ingrained in the models, systems, and processes we build to make investments. We are committed to providing institutional investors unrivaled transparency and innovative product offerings for this new asset class. For additional information, visit www.unison.com and www.unisonim.com.

Contact Information

Helene Ton Anderson

VP of Marketing

[email protected]

SOURCE: Unison

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WNS (Holdings) Limited (NYSE: WNS) today announced the appointment of Judy Marlinski to the Companys Board of Directors effective December 1, 2023. She will also become a member of the Companys Audit Committee.

Judy has more than 35 years of experience in financial services and international markets, having held executive-level positions in the investment management and wealth management industries. She is currently the Chair of the Board of Independent Directors in both North America and the UK for Newton Investment Management, a subsidiary of BNY Mellon Investment Management. Most recently, Judy was the Head of Fidelity Investments Institutional Product and Advisory Solutions Group from 2020-2021. Previously, she served as President of Fidelity Institutional Asset Management (FIAM) from 2017-2020, Head of Fidelity Investments Product Solutions and Innovation from 2016-2017, and President and CEO of Fidelity International (FIL), Japan from 2011-2016. Ms. Marlinski holds a Master of Business Administration from Boston University and a Bachelor of Science Degree from Cornell University.

Judy brings a demonstrated track record of senior leadership in financial services, product management, and international markets to WNS, said Tim Main, WNS Chairman of the Board. We are pleased to welcome her to the WNS Board and believe that her strong experience and unique business perspectives will be an asset to the Company.
Health Care Partners of South Carolina uses the first multidimensional EHR

WESTBOROUGH, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- eClinicalWorks, the largest ambulatory cloud EHR, today announced that Health Care Partners of South Carolina  a federally qualified health center (FQHC) providing primary and specialty care services to the Conway, Marion, and Johnsonville, SC-region  is successfully utilizing the eClinicalWorks EHR version, V12. With V12, the first multidimensional EHR, the health center can use leading care technologies to enhance and streamline care for over 12,000 patients.

Health Care Partners of South Carolina has five primary care centers, one school-based health center, one dental clinic, one mobile dental unit, and one optometry clinic. The FQHC offers a wide range of comprehensive services, including primary care, pediatric care, womens health, dental, optometry, pharmacy, behavioral health, substance use disorder treatment, diabetes prevention and education, and laboratory services. In 2022, the health center facilitated over 44,000 in-person visits and 1,200 virtual visits for over 12,400 patients. With 28 providers and 150 employees, the clinic needed a way to streamline workflows to keep up with the fast-paced nature of the centers care offerings.

Weve served our community for over 44 years, and staying at the forefront of the latest healthcare technology is how weve consistently fought against the current epidemic of physician burnout, said Santiana Mayo, interim chief executive officer of Health Care Partners of South Carolina. eClinicalWorks V12 meets the fundamental needs of our practice  spending less time on administrative work and more time with patients. With features like the floating toolbar, our providers and staff no longer waste time entering or finding relevant patient information. Everything is connected and seamless.

With the eClinicalWorks multidimensional V12 EHR, Health Care Partners of South Carolina now experiences hundreds of enhancements, including:

Improved application performance by up to 40% faster

A module for pre-visit planning

Improved usability with click reducers and redesigned medication management screens

A floating toolbar for easy access to key workflow features  including patient records, a virtual assistant, and other important documents

Value-based care enhancements through PRISMA, the industrys first health information search engine

Enhanced procedure documentation for all specialties

Find more information about eClinicalWorks solutions at www.eclinicalworks.com.

About Health Care Partners of South Carolina

Health Care Partners of South Carolina provides services in Horry, Marion, and Florence Counties in South Carolina. Health Care Partners of South Carolina provides comprehensive primary and preventative health care for all ages including womens care, dental, optometry, behavioral health, diabetic education, substance use disorder treatment, laboratory, and pharmacy services. Its vision is to be the preferred health care home known for providing exceptional patient experiences. Its 28 providers and 150 employees carry out its mission to provide quality, affordable, accessible, primary, preventative, and supporting health care services, delivered with compassion and respect to all. Learn more at www.hcpsc.org or follow us on Facebook or Instagram.

About eClinicalWorks

eClinicalWorks was founded in 1999 to help digitize paper charts for ambulatory practices. Today, eClinicalWorks leads the nation in innovation with cloud-based solutions for Electronic Health Records and Practice Management. In addition, we help ambulatory practices, specialists, health centers, urgent care facilities, and hospital systems manage their revenue cycle, patient relationships, and Population Health initiatives. More than 180,000 providers and nearly 1 million medical professionals rely upon the power and scalability of the eCW Cloud for flexible clinical documentation, better front-office workflows, and more efficient billing driven by Robotic Process Automation. We combine innovation, leading-edge technology, and a commitment to patient safety to enable practices to grow and thrive amid the challenges of 21st-century healthcare. For more information, visit www.eclinicalworks.com, follow us on Facebook and Twitter, or call (866) 888-6929.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231114554891/en/

eClinicalWorks

Bhakti Shah

508-330-6935

[email protected]

Source: eClinicalWorks
LAKE ZURICH, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- ACCO Brands (NYSE: ACCO), a world leader in branded consumer and end user products, was named one of Americas Safest Companies in 2023 by EHS Today. The magazine for environment, health, and safety leaders, announced its list of the 2023 Americas Safest Companies last month with 10 companies on the list. These companies are involved in a broad range of activities, from industrial contracting to robotics, from packaging to cabinetry, from consumer packaged goods to electrical construction, and more.

ACCO Brands was among the outstanding companies being honored because of a committed understanding of the value that safety brings to an organization. This is the third time that ACCO Brands has been awarded this title, something only six other companies have achieved.

For more than 20 years, the Americas Safest Companies competition has sought to identify those characteristics that differentiate good safety programs from great ones, and to then celebrate the best practices and procedures that exemplify safety excellence.

Every Americas Safest Company winner is a standard-bearer of safety excellence. Each winning company has engrained into their culture and their employees a consistent and constant need to keep every person and every situation free from harm, said EHS Today Editor-in-Chief Dave Blanchard.

To be considered as one of Americas Safest Companies, organizations must complete an application that requires them to demonstrate excellence in several areas: support from leadership and management for EHS efforts; employee involvement in the EHS process; innovative solutions to safety challenges; injury and illness rates lower than the average for their industries; comprehensive training programs; evidence that prevention of incidents is the cornerstone of the safety process; good communication about the value of safety; and a way to substantiate the benefits of the safety process.

As a company with a personal stake in all things ergonomic, ACCO Brands understands the discomfort of aches and pains. That is why the company provides on-site massages using the certified active release technique (ART) to all U.S. manufacturing and distribution center employeesregardless of whether those aches and pains are job-related or not.

While there is a significant cost to providing the ART benefit to our employees, we believe we have prevented many minor employee issues from becoming more serious medical issues and have a healthier workforce as a result of this program, says James Edwards, senior director of environmental, health and safety, ACCO Brands.

The best practices from the 2023 Americas Safest Companies are featured in a special section in the July/August 2023 issue of EHS Today magazine and on the brands website, www.ehstoday.com. Since 2002, Americas Safest Companies has honored more than 250 organizations for their unwavering commitment to worker safety, health, and environmental stewardship.

About ACCO Brands

ACCO Brands, the Home of Great Brands Built by Great People, designs, manufactures and markets consumer and end-user products that help people work, learn, play, and thrive. Our widely recognized brands include AT-A-GLANCE, Five Star, Kensington, Leitz, Mead, PowerA, Swingline, Tilibra and many others. More information about ACCO Brands Corporation (NYSE: ACCO) can be found at www.accobrands.com.

About EHS Today

Owned by Endeavor Business Media, EHS Today is an American occupational safety, and health media brand. It is the leading US magazine for environmental, health and safety management professionals in the manufacturing, construction, and service sectors.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231114929583/en/

Kori Reed

Corporate Communication, ACCO Brands

[email protected]

Source: ACCO Brands Corporation
Industry first platform empowers informed decisions about reducing carbon emissions

STAMFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Ushering in a new era of responsible corporate stewardship, Altus Power (NYSE: AMPS) today announced its AI-powered SaaS solution for businesses, Altus IQ, designed to give comprehensive energy usage insights to clients as they strive to achieve ambitious net-zero goals. The all-in-one cloud-based dashboard uses proprietary formulas and industry standard data sources to give businesses a detailed understanding of their energy usage and empower them with actionable insights to reduce emissions, generate solar savings and meaningfully improve their carbon footprint across properties.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231114428145/en/

Fifteen years ago, we created Altus Power to be a different kind of power company, anticipating the need to help companies achieve net zero goals through renewable energy solutions, said Lars Norell, co-CEO, Altus Power. The launch of Altus IQ enables us to deliver even more value to our clients in terms of measuring, reporting and acting on power usage and carbon avoidance and is testament to the innovation and creative talent of our tech leaders, data visualization experts and data analytics team members.

Altus IQ is a comprehensive carbon accounting platform for a companys entire portfolio, whether managing hundreds of properties or a single business, a company interested in community solar or a solar owner who wants to determine their impact. Leveraging advanced machine learning algorithms, Altus IQ provides detailed visibility into consumption patterns, offering insights that facilitate effective energy optimization and significant reductions in carbon footprints, including how a company is measuring against the global Paris target of 1.5-degree Celsius warming.

We believe Altus IQ is a best-in-class technology enabler that offers our clients tremendous visibility into their energy usage, potential savings and the projected impact of solar energy across their organization, said Julia Sears, Chief Digital Officer, Altus Power. As more companies put environmental and social responsibility at the forefront, were proud of our teams ability to deliver data driven solutions and an intuitive user experience to help them not only understand but reach these targets.

Additional features include:

Real-time Energy Insights and Smart Cost Savings : Clients gain real-time geographic visibility of solar projects and power generation and can analyze the immediate impact of adding solar energy on their carbon footprint and energy bills. Altus IQ can suggest a range of options for achieving carbon reduction targets including connecting to a solar project, purchasing Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), purchasing battery storage and adding EV charging stations.

: Clients gain real-time geographic visibility of solar projects and power generation and can analyze the immediate impact of adding solar energy on their carbon footprint and energy bills. Altus IQ can suggest a range of options for achieving carbon reduction targets including connecting to a solar project, purchasing Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), purchasing battery storage and adding EV charging stations. Proprietary Estimator for Consumption and Carbon Emissions: Using machine learning and pattern identification, leverage industry-based consumption data from EIA by climate zone, census region and property type as well as proprietary quantitative models to make inferences and projections of consumption and emissions into the future. Leverages CRREM (Carbon Risk Real Estate Monitor) to analyze carbon reduction target patterns and insights across 150 variant combinations of locations and property types.

Using machine learning and pattern identification, leverage industry-based consumption data from EIA by climate zone, census region and property type as well as proprietary quantitative models to make inferences and projections of consumption and emissions into the future. Leverages CRREM (Carbon Risk Real Estate Monitor) to analyze carbon reduction target patterns and insights across 150 variant combinations of locations and property types. Renewable Energy Integration : Weekly, monthly and annual portfolio performance, bringing visibility with KPIs to support the value of switching to solar, measuring the effectiveness of green investments and showcasing a companys commitment to clean energy.

: Weekly, monthly and annual portfolio performance, bringing visibility with KPIs to support the value of switching to solar, measuring the effectiveness of green investments and showcasing a companys commitment to clean energy. Sensor Technology : Minute-by-minute updates on energy usage with an Altus IQ Sensor for large or small buildings to see electricity usage at a glance which could assist with Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions analysis.

: Minute-by-minute updates on energy usage with an Altus IQ Sensor for large or small buildings to see electricity usage at a glance which could assist with Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions analysis. Tenant-Owner Collaboration Tools: Facilitating seamless sharing of energy insights between property owners and tenants, fostering collaboration towards collective energy efficiency and climate benefits.

Altus IQ is currently available to select Altus Power clients. For information on how businesses can join the invite list for access, please visit: www.altuspower.com/business

About Altus Power

Altus Power, based in Stamford, Connecticut, is the leading commercial-scale provider of clean electric power serving commercial, industrial, public sector and Community Solar customers with end-to-end solutions. Altus Power originates, develops, owns and operates locally-sited solar generation, energy storage and charging infrastructure across the nation. Visit www.altuspower.com to learn more.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231114428145/en/

For more information

Chris Shelton

Head of Investor Relations

[email protected]

Source: Altus Power, Inc.
HAYWARD, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Arcus Biosciences (NYSE: RCUS), a clinical-stage, global biopharmaceutical company focused on developing differentiated molecules and combination therapies for people with cancer, announced that its management team will participate in a fireside chat at the upcoming 6th Annual Evercore ISI HealthCONx Conference in Miami, FL. The fireside chat will take place on Tuesday, November 28th, 2023 at 7:55am ET.

A live webcast of the fireside chat will be available by visiting the Investors & Media section of the Arcus Biosciences website at www.arcusbio.com. A replay will be available following the live event.

About Arcus Biosciences

Arcus Biosciences is a clinical-stage, global biopharmaceutical company developing differentiated molecules and combination medicines for people with cancer. In partnership with industry partners, patients and physicians around the world, Arcus is expediting the development of first- or best-in-class medicines against well-characterized biological targets and pathways and studying novel, biology-driven combinations that have the potential to help people with cancer live longer. Founded in 2015, the company has advanced multiple investigational medicines into clinical studies, including new combination approaches that target TIGIT, PD-1, the adenosine axis (CD73 A2a/A2b receptors) and HIF-2. For more information about Arcus Biosciences clinical and preclinical programs, please visit www.arcusbio.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231114888556/en/

Investor Inquiries

Pia Eaves

Head of Investor Relations & Strategy

(617) 459-2006

[email protected]

Media Inquiries

Holli Kolkey

VP of Corporate Communications

(650) 922-1269

[email protected]

Source: Arcus Biosciences
The Park at Trapani marks a year of unparalleled growth and service expansion in the greater Southeast region

LAKELAND, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Blue Roc Premier Properties LLC, a leading multifamily management firm, has announced the acquisition of management control of a 248-unit apartment property in Jacksonville, Florida. This transaction marks the companys continued expansion of multi-family properties in Jacksonville and further strengthens its presence in Floridas thriving multifamily market.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231113595429/en/

The Park at Trapani's welcome center located at 8401 Southside Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32256. (Photo: Business Wire)

We are excited to expand our management portfolio with the addition of The Park at Trapani, said Charles Faramo, VP of Acquisitions at Blue Roc Premier Properties. This property aligns perfectly with our strategy of serving and investing in high-quality multifamily assets in well-located markets.

This property is scheduled to undergo extensive renovations, including new granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, an upgraded IT package, and quality modern finishes. The warmth of the Blue Roc Premier brand will be reflected in exterior updates, including paint selections, new roofs, enhanced amenities, and much more.

Our commitment to providing exceptional service and thoughtful amenities is unwavering, said Faramo. We are confident that these renovations will further enhance the propertys appeal to residents and contribute to its long-term success.

With over 13,000 multi-family units under management across the Southeastern U.S., Blue Roc Premier Properties has established a reputation for excellence in the multifamily industry. The companys principals have over 25 years of experience in the multi-family real estate business and have a proven track record of value-added and stabilized apartment properties.

In spite of the current market conditions, we are continually seeking new multifamily opportunities in the Southeast, said Faramo. Our team of experienced professionals is committed to identifying properties that meet our stringent criteria.

About Blue Roc Premier Properties

Blue Roc Premier Properties is a privately held, fully integrated management firm focusing on multifamily opportunities throughout the State of Florida and the Southeast. The companys principals have been operating in the multi-family real estate business for over 25 years. The firm has developed a proven track record for value-added and stabilized apartment properties. The Premier Managed Portfolio is currently expanding and aggressively searching for new opportunities throughout the Southeast. For more information, visit bluerocpremier.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231113595429/en/

Heather Grzelka, APR

[email protected]

Source: Blue Roc Premier Properties LLC
Boomi honors partners dedicated to helping customers create better business outcomes, faster

SYDNEY--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Boomi, the intelligent connectivity and automation leader, today announced the recipients of its 2023 Asia-Pacific and Japan (APJ) Partner Awards at the Boomi World Tour Sydney event. The awards recognise innovative partners that successfully leverage their Boomi relationship to accelerate business outcomes for customers.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231113063089/en/

Boomi Announces APJ 2023 Partner Award Winners (Graphic: Business Wire)

Winners were selected based on how they used the breadth of the Boomi platform to enable creativity and innovation, scope, and environmental or social impact.

Australian IT services provider Atturra (ASX: ATA), was named APJ Partner of the Year, A/NZ Partner of the Year, and APJ Practice Excellence Partner of the Year. Atturra is a long-standing Boomi partner, and has delivered integration, data connectivity, and automation projects in collaboration with Boomi to organisations in a broad range of industries, including utilities, government, and education.

Additional winners of this years partner awards include:

Asia Partner of the Year: Deloitte HK

Deloitte HK Japan Partner of the Year: NRI

NRI APJ Partner on Boomi: LTI Mindtree

"Our partners are integral to creating a more connected world in the projects they deliver across APJ, said Jim Fisher, Vice President of Alliances & Channels, APJ at Boomi. "Every digital transformation project relies on their deep expertise to deliver integrated environments, power automation, and enable data-driven decision-making to give our joint customers the best business outcomes and have a positive impact on their stakeholders. The APJ Partner Award winners have led the way in innovation and ensuring customer success.

As a category-leading, global software as a service (SaaS) company, Boomi offers end-to-end intelligent automation solutions that enable modern, digital organisations to accelerate business outcomes. The company serves approximately 20,000 customers, has a worldwide network of approximately 800 partners, and works with the largest hyperscaler cloud service providers.

Included on the Deloitte Technology Fast 500 and Inc. 5000 lists as one of Americas fastest growing and most innovative technology companies, Boomi was positioned as a Leader in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Integration Platform as a Service (iPaaS), Worldwide for the ninth consecutive time; positioned as a Leader in the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Cloud Integration Software and Services (iPaaS) 2023 Vendor Assessment; and named a Strong Performer in the Forrester Wave: Integration Platforms As A Service, Q3 2023. Boomi has also received the prestigious 5-star rating for two consecutive years in the CRN Partner Program Guide, a definitive list of the most notable programs from industry-leading technology vendors that provide innovative products and flexible services through the IT channel.

To learn more about Boomis partner program, or to find a partner from Boomis global ecosystem, visit boomi.com/partners.

Additional Resources

About Boomi

Boomi aims to make the world a better place by connecting everyone to everything, anywhere. The pioneer of cloud-based integration platform as a service (iPaaS), and now a category-leading, global software as a service (SaaS) company, Boomi touts the largest customer base among integration platform vendors and a worldwide network of approximately 800 partners  including Accenture, Capgemini, Deloitte, SAP, and Snowflake. Global organizations turn to Boomis award-winning platform to discover, manage, and orchestrate data, while connecting applications, processes, and people for better, faster outcomes. For more information, visit boomi.com.

 2023 Boomi, LP. Boomi, the B logo, and Boomiverse are trademarks of Boomi, LP or its subsidiaries or affiliates. All rights reserved. Other names or marks may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

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Media Contact:

Jasmine Ee

Head of Media and Analyst Relations, APJ

[email protected]

Source: Boomi
The Process Intelligence Graph brings together process data, process knowledge, and the power of the Celonis ecosystem to help companies realize more value at greater speed

NEW YORK & MUNICH--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Celonis, the global leader in Process Mining, launched the Process Intelligence (PI) Graph at its global annual user conference, Celosphere. This novel technology captures and unifies an organization's process data, and enhances it with machine learning and deep process knowledge gathered from thousands of customer deployments over the past decade. The PI Graph is a system-agnostic, enriched digital twin of the business, providing a single process intelligence layer that supports improvements, automation, and system transformation across all applications. It sits at the heart of the Celonis platform and is a key enabler for emerging technologies like Generative AI.

The PI Graph is open to the world. It is constantly extended with process improvement knowledge from the Celonis ecosystem, creating the worlds first Wikipedia of Process Intelligence. And it provides that intelligence back through an easy-to-use Process Intelligence API.

Every company is made up of different departments that have different goals, speak different languages and use systems that dont play well together. This fragmentation creates friction and reduces efficiency. What is needed is a common language that enables organizations to align and take action as a whole - to optimize their processes, which are the greatest lever for value and the fastest lever for change. The PI Graph provides this language through process intelligence.

Alex Rinke, co-CEO and co-founder of Celonis, comments: The Process Intelligence Graph is the modern equivalent of the Rosetta stone - its the connective tissue thats been missing in modern enterprises. By bringing together the building blocks of data, knowledge, and the power and scale of our ecosystem, we are building the foundation our customers need to make processes and entire value chains work for everyone. This level of cross-process, cross-system intelligence can only be achieved with the Celonis platform and the Process Intelligence Graph at its heart. The PI Graph enables technologies like AI and automation, feeding them the data they need for how processes actually run, contextualized with the knowledge of why they run the way they do, and how they can be improved.

Delivering new levels of process excellence

The Celonis platform augments customers' existing technology stack by infusing process intelligence into every platform, tool, and application.

Every CIO wants to be able to transform their business in a more intelligent and sustainable way. Celonis is a true innovator and partner in delivering that value and living up to that promise, said Daniel de Rooij, SVP Digital Transformation at Reckitt. Its imperative to invest in the right foundations that enable emerging technologies, like AI. Celonis provides us with unique process intelligence that accomplishes this and fosters objective collaboration across the enterprise.

R Ray" Wang, CEO of Constellation Research, says: "Process Intelligence has rapidly evolved to become a strategic imperative for both business and IT executives. The Process Intelligence Graph and an open platform strategy are critical capabilities in an evolving IT stack. Companies will be able to embed Process Intelligence deeply into their operating models and technology stacks, enabling a new wave of powerful applications and use cases.

New capabilities within Celonis platform

The company also announced a number of additional enhancements to its platform:

Process Copilot * simplifies and accelerates the process of identifying and capturing value opportunities across the business by connecting users to the Process Intelligence Graph through an intuitive chat interface.

simplifies and accelerates the process of identifying and capturing value opportunities across the business by connecting users to the Process Intelligence Graph through an intuitive chat interface. Studio ** has been redesigned with a new guided experience that makes it easier to build, test, and edit apps, dashboards, and actions within the Celonis platform.

has been redesigned with a new guided experience that makes it easier to build, test, and edit apps, dashboards, and actions within the Celonis platform. Transformation Hub *** is the centralized location for quantifying the business impact of Celonis implementations. It gives customers the ability to visualize outcomes across processes, objectives, and value stages in one place.

*** is the centralized location for quantifying the business impact of Celonis implementations. It gives customers the ability to visualize outcomes across processes, objectives, and value stages in one place. Process Adherence Manager (previously released as Process Sphere) is now generally available. It enables unique model-driven analysis by integrating process mining, modeling, and conformance with real-world data so organizations can create and drive best practices across processes, departments and systems.

For more information about the Process Intelligence Graph, please read the Celonis blog. Register here to watch the virtual Celosphere event on December 6.

*Process Copilot is currently available in beta to select Celonis customers and partners.

**Studio features will be released in limited availability to select Celonis customers and partners from late November, with general availability in Q1 2024.

***Transformation Hub will be generally available to eligible Celonis customers starting late November.

About Celonis

Since 2011, Celonis has helped thousands of the worlds largest and most esteemed companies yield immediate cash impact, radically improve customer experience, and reduce carbon emissions. Its Process Intelligence platform uses industry-leading process mining technology and AI to present companies with a living digital twin of their end-to-end processes. For the first time, everyone in an organization has a common language for how the business runs, visibility into where value is hiding, and the ability to capture it. Celonis is headquartered in Munich, Germany and New York City, USA with more than 20 offices worldwide.

 2023 Celonis SE. All rights reserved. Celonis, Execution Management System, EMS, Process Sphere, Process Intelligence Graph and the Celonis droplet logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Celonis SE in Germany and other jurisdictions. All other product and company names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

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[email protected]

Source: Celonis
Highlight dozens of anti-hate events planned across California, from poetry slams to rallies and more

Share new preliminary statistics showing approximately 513 reports of hate to states anti-hate hotline and resource network in first six months since official launch

BERKELEY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The California Civil Rights Department (CRD)  in partnership with the City of Berkeley, Not In Our Town, and LA vs Hate  today joined government and community leaders for the launch of the sixth annual United Against Hate Week (UAHW). The week is part of a call for local civic action to help put a stop to the spread of hate and discrimination, which remains a threat to our neighborhoods, towns, and cities. Throughout UAHW, local government and community partners will host dozens of anti-hate events across California  from poetry slams to rallies and more. In addition, CRD today also announced the release of new preliminary statistics showing approximately 513 reports of hate to California vs Hate, the states anti-hate hotline and resource network, in the first six months since its official launch.

California continues to lead the charge in pushing back against hate, said CRD Acting Director Mary Wheat. From civic engagement at the grassroots level to historic statewide investments, the Civil Rights Department is proud to be part of a new generation of leaders in the fight for greater inclusion and equity for all. During United Against Hate Week, we encourage all Californians to take advantage of existing resources  like California vs Hate  to push for change from the ground up for all our communities. Whether its because of conflict abroad or here at home, it takes real strength to stand in solidarity in the face of bias and discrimination. Together, were united against hate.

With hate crimes increasing in California and different views spurring debate that sometimes turns hostile, movements like United Against Hate Week become more vital, said Assemblymember Phil Ting, Chair of the Assembly Budget Committee. It is my hope that providing awareness about nonprofit services available to victims or other resources, such as the Civil Rights Department hate crime reporting hotline, we can spread the message that hate is not okay and that there is support available for those who need it.

Berkeley is proud to have a founding role in United Against Hate Week, said Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguin. Over the last few years, we have seen this event grow exponentially, yet there is still so much work to be done. Now more than ever, in the face of growing hate crimes, we must take a stand to bring our communities together against hatred.

Were honored to stand with this coalition of organizers and leaders who are committed to pushing back against hate for the safety of all residents, said Los Angeles County Human Relations Commission President Ilan Davidson. When we founded LA vs Hate in 2019, it was in direct response to the rise of hate our communities were enduring, and we knew that we could not do this work alone. Through community partnerships, organizing, and activism, we have created a unique, holistic program and an expanding system that is working to ensure peace and safety for all of our communities. We hope that all who are targeted for hate know that we are here for you, there are services for you, and together we can stop the spread of hate in California and beyond.

Black people are disproportionately impacted by hate crimes in California, which is why the NAACP California Hawaii State Conference is proud to participate in the sixth annual United Against Hate Week, said Rick L. Callender, ESQ., CA/HI NAACP President. The NAACP CA/HI State Conference, in conjunction with our 57 branches across California, is dedicated and committed to eradicating hate within our state through community action and by supporting bills such as AB 449 (Ting), the CA vs Hate Hotline, and our collaborative efforts with the CDSS Stop the Hate grant. It is through these comprehensive measures that we will make a positive difference in the statistics we have seen persist for far too long.

Initially created by local government and community leaders in the Bay Area in response to white supremacist rallies in Berkeley and San Francisco, UAHW is an opportunity for local residents to take action in their communities under the simple, yet powerful principle that, when cities and their residents work together against hate, we can restore respect and discourse, embrace the strength of our diversity, and build inclusive and equitable communities for all. Through local events, sharing stories, holding rallies, and connecting with local institutions, UAHW, which runs from November 12 to November 18, is about working together to help combat a national and statewide increase in reports of hate. In California, reported hate crimes have continued to rise in recent years, reaching their highest levels since 2001  jumping more than 20% from 2021 to 2022.

More broadly, California has continued to be at the forefront of efforts to combat hate, whether through civic engagement, nation-leading investments in local anti-hate programs, and the first statewide commission working to track hate crimes and recommend policy. A key component of the states anti-hate initiatives includes the recent launch of CA vs Hate, a new multilingual statewide hotline and resource network that provides a safe, anonymous reporting option for victims and witnesses of hate. CA vs Hate aims to help overcome barriers to reporting by offering people targeted for hate  and their communities  additional resources to report acts of hate through a community-centered approach that does not require engagement with the criminal legal system. Whether individuals report to CA vs Hate online or by phone, they are eligible to receive care coordination to ensure they can access resources and support, including legal, financial, mental health, and mediation services.

In the first six months since its official launch, CA vs Hate has been contacted by hundreds of individuals. Key preliminary statistics from May through October include:

CA vs Hate received 513 reports of hate acts across California. Of those reports, 233 were made over the phone and 280 were made via the online portal.

More than 60% of all individuals who reported an act of hate accepted care coordination services, including direct and ongoing support accessing legal aid or counseling.

More than 75% of Californias counties were represented in the preliminary data, up from approximately 40% in the first month following the official launch.

Among the reasons cited for the report of hate, race (27%) and ethnicity (18%) continued to be the most reported bias motivations, followed by religion (13%) and sexual orientation (11%).

Approximately one in six reports were made by a witness or advocate. Most reports were made by an individual who reported being targeted for an act of hate.

CA vs Hate is a non-emergency, multilingual hate crime and incident reporting hotline and online portal. Reports can be made anonymously by calling (833) 866-4283, or 833-8-NO-HATE, Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. PT or online at any time. Hate acts can be reported in 15 different languages through the online portal and in over 200 languages when calling the hotline. For individuals who want to report a hate crime to law enforcement immediately or who are in imminent danger, please call 911. For more information on CA vs Hate, please visit CAvsHate.org.

You can find more information on UAHW, upcoming events, and ways to help drive change in your community online at https://www.unitedagainsthateweek.org.

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[email protected] | 916-938-4113

Media Kit

Source: California Civil Rights Department
Coty Share Repurchase Authorization Increased by $600M to a Total of Approximately $1B

Coty Starting to Hedge Stock Price for Potential Buyback in FY26 Targeting Repurchase of 25M Shares

Program Builds on Previously Executed Hedge Transactions for Planned Buyback of 27M shares in 3Q FY24 and 23M in FY25

Coty to Continue its Disciplined Deleveraging Trajectory of Approximately 2x Exiting CY25

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Coty Inc. (NYSE: COTY) today announced that its Board of Directors has increased its share repurchase program authorization by an additional $600 million to a total availability of approximately $1 billion. In connection with todays announcement, Coty is entering into total return swaps in respect of its Class A Common Stock with several banks to hedge its potential exposure to prevailing stock price trading levels over the applicable hedging periods for a planned share buyback of approximately 25 million shares in fiscal 2026.

These agreements are in addition to the Companys previously announced hedge transactions for planned buyback of 27 million shares in 3Q FY24 and 23 million shares in FY25. Similar to the initial hedge transactions executed in June and December 2022, any total return swap settled in shares would be covered by the Companys share repurchase authorization.

The three hedge transactions are part of Coty's target to reduce its diluted share count toward 800 million by FY26. Coty anticipates continued strong free cash flow generation and to achieve steady deleveraging with target leverage of approximately 3x exiting CY23, approximately 2.5x exiting CY24 and approximately 2x exiting CY25.

About Coty Inc.

Founded in Paris in 1904, Coty is one of the worlds largest beauty companies with a portfolio of iconic brands across fragrance, color cosmetics, and skin and body care. Coty serves consumers around the world, selling prestige and mass market products in more than 125 countries and territories. Coty and our brands empower people to express themselves freely, creating their own visions of beauty; and we are committed to protecting the planet. Learn more at coty.com or on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements

The statements contained in this press release include certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the securities laws. These forward-looking statements reflect Cotys current views with respect to, among other things, its share repurchase plans, share count targets, leverage targets, deleveraging plans, and free cash flow expectations, as well as outlook, expected guidance, trends and strategic information. These forward-looking statements are generally identified by words or phrases, such as anticipate, are going to, estimate, plan, project, expect, believe, intend, foresee, forecast, will, may, should, outlook, continue, target, aim, potential and similar words or phrases. These statements are based on certain assumptions and estimates that Coty considers reasonable and are not guarantees of Cotys future performance, but are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond Cotys control, which could cause actual events or results to differ materially from such statements, including the factors identified in Risk Factors included in Cotys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023 and its subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. All forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements. These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date of this press release, and Coty does not undertake any obligation, other than as may be required by law, to update or revise any forward-looking or cautionary statements to reflect changes in assumptions, the occurrence of events, unanticipated or otherwise, or changes in future operating results over time or otherwise.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231113355763/en/

Investor Relations

Olga Levinzon +1 212 389-7733

[email protected]

Media

Antonia Werther +31 621 394495

[email protected]

Source: Coty
Companys giving fosters talent in STEM careers while advancing life-changing opportunities for students in underserved communities

FORT LEE, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Cross River Bank (Cross River), a technology infrastructure provider that offers embedded financial solutions, is proud to celebrate National Scholarship Month by announcing its significant 2023 contributions to various educational organizations and scholarship programs. Through its philanthropic arm, Foundation@, Cross River has donated a total of $740,000 in scholarships, ranging from youth education to university programs across both the United States and Israel.

Deeply rooted in the communities it serves, Cross River understands the pivotal role education plays in empowering individuals and driving economic growth. By allocating funds towards scholarships, Cross River actively contributes to creating opportunities for deserving individuals around the globe and supports underserved communities while fostering talent in multiple sectors.

Cross River is focused and dedicated to providing access to a fair, balanced and quality education for all, said Gilles Gade, Founder and CEO of Cross River. We will continue to support initiatives that equip the next generations in establishing the foundation for a better future.

In the United States, Cross River has made substantial contributions to institutions and organizations dedicated to education and empowerment. In Cross Rivers home state of New Jersey, donations include Rowan University's emergency fund, Fairleigh Dickinson University, and the Sinai School at Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey (RYNJ), which was renamed the Cross River Sinai School earlier this year. Another notable recipient is the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), where the creation of the Cross River Opportunity Scholarship will go to ensuring access to education for those who could not otherwise afford it and fostering talent in the technology sector. In Teaneck, New Jersey, Cross River supported the Community Scholarship Fund, which aids local students in need of financial assistance.

Additionally, Cross River has shown its commitment to supporting underserved communities through its support of organizations like The Haitian American Alliance of New York. Cross River contributes to the organizations youth scholarship program, which benefits low-to-middle-income Haitian Americans from the Brooklyn, New York area by providing financial backing for college tuition based on means and achievement.

Internationally, Cross River has established the Sophie Hodaya Trakht Scholarship Program in Israel. This program, created in memory of the daughter of a Cross River employee who suddenly and tragically passed away at a young age, supports students studying computer sciences at renowned institutions around Israel, including the Azrieli College of Engineering, Bar Ilan University, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, and the Machon Lev and Machon Tal campuses at the Jerusalem College of Technology. The scholarship program advances educational opportunities for ultra-orthodox students excelling in the STEM disciplines.

As a leading financial technological company reshaping global finance and financial inclusion, Cross River is deeply invested in supporting initiatives that help communities drive positive change for a better future. The Companys philanthropic arm, Foundation@ Cross River, supports initiatives, programs and projects that provide not-for-profit community organizations with funds and services needed to achieve their goals.

Learn more at www.crossriver.com/foundation and read Cross Rivers 2022 Social Impact Report here.

About Cross River

Cross River provides technology infrastructure powering the future of financial services. Leveraging its proprietary real-time banking core, Cross River delivers innovative and scalable embedded payments, cards, and lending solutions to millions of consumers and businesses. Cross River is backed by leading investors and serves the worlds most essential fintech and technology companies. Together with its partners, Cross River is reshaping global finance and financial inclusion. Member FDIC. Find out more at www.crossriver.com.

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Media

Mackenzie DeLuca

201-808-7000 ext. 778

[email protected]

Source: Cross River Bank
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- DoubleVerify Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: DV) (DoubleVerify) today announced the launch of an underwritten offering of 12,500,000 shares of its common stock by Providence VII U.S. Holdings L.P. and Providence Butternut Co-Investment L.P. (collectively, Providence). The shares will be offered to the public at a fixed price, which may be changed at any time without notice. The underwriters will have a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 1,875,000 shares of common stock from Providence. DoubleVerify will not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares in the offering.

Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC are acting as the underwriters in the offering.

The offering of common stock is being made only by means of a prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus. Copies of the prospectus relating to the offering may be obtained from: Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, Prospectus Department, 200 West Street, New York, NY 10282, by telephone at (866) 471-2526, by facsimile at (212) 902-9316, or by email at [email protected]; or J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, c/o Broadridge Financial Solutions, Attn: Prospectus Department, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, NY 11717, by telephone at 1-866-803-9204 or by email at [email protected].

A registration statement relating to these securities was filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on September 30, 2022 and became effective automatically. The registration statement may be obtained free of charge at the SECs website at www.sec.gov under DoubleVerify Holdings, Inc. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities, and shall not constitute an offer, solicitation or sale in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of that jurisdiction.

About DoubleVerify

DoubleVerify is a leading software platform for digital media measurement and analytics. Our mission is to make the digital advertising ecosystem stronger, safer and more secure, thereby preserving the fair value exchange between buyers and sellers of digital media. Hundreds of Fortune 500 advertisers employ our unbiased data and analytics to drive campaign quality and effectiveness, and to maximize return on their digital advertising investments  globally.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements, including with respect to the proposed secondary offering. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which may be beyond our control. We caution you that the forward-looking information presented in this press release is not a guarantee of future events, and that actual events may differ materially from those made in or suggested by the forward-looking information contained in this press release. In addition, forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as may, plan, seek, will, expect, intend, estimate, anticipate, believe or continue or the negative thereof or variations thereon or similar terminology. Any forward-looking information presented herein is made only as of the date of this press release, and we do not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information to reflect changes in assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events, or otherwise.

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Investor Relations



Tejal Engman

DoubleVerify

[email protected]



Media Contact



Chris Harihar

Crenshaw Communications

646-535-9475

[email protected]

Source: DoubleVerify Holdings, Inc.
The U.S. market is key to the companys global Healthcare innovation strategy

New location will be a critical driver for future therapeutic launches and help support current portfolio

Not intended for media outside the U.S. or Canada

ROCKLAND, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- EMD Serono, the Healthcare business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, in the U.S. and Canada, today announced that it plans to move its U.S. Healthcare headquarters, currently located in Rockland, Mass., to Bostons Seaport district. 

The U.S. market is critical to our continued success as a global specialty innovator. Today we deliver important therapeutic options to more than 150,000 oncology, multiple sclerosis (MS) and fertility patients in the U.S., said Chris Round, President of EMD Serono. This move serves as an important milestone in our journey to bring further innovation to address high unmet medical needs in areas where patients rely on us. Our vibrant new office setting in the Seaport district will bring EMD Serono into the center of the globally leading healthcare innovation hub to support our future growth.

The company plans to introduce one new product or major indication every 1.5 years on average, beginning with two potential U.S. launches in 2025. EMD Serono remains committed to optimizing its impact across three therapeutic areas  in Neurology & Immunology, Oncology, and Fertility, which includes:

2 available oncology products across 5 indications in the U.S.

20+ years of expertise in MS

25+ years of leadership in Fertility

I am thrilled that EMD Serono's U.S. Healthcare headquarters will move to the Seaport in Summer 2024. Boston continues to be the leading global healthcare hub, and we are excited to welcome EMD Serono employees to our community, said Boston Mayor, Michelle Wu.

The U.S. Healthcare business plans to move to 200 Pier 4 Boulevard in Bostons Seaport district in summer 2024. In addition to the Seaport site, the Healthcare business will maintain its global Research and Development hub in Billerica, Mass.

The company is currently designing the offices in keeping with the Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany global footprint of inclusive, accessible, and sustainable workplaces that foster collaboration and support a variety of hybrid working arrangements. The company is targeting LEED and WELL certifications in its design in alignment with Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germanys sustainability goals.

About EMD Serono, Inc.

EMD Serono  the healthcare business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany in the US and Canada - aspires to create, improve and prolong life for people living with difficult-to-treat conditions like infertility, multiple sclerosis and cancer. The business is imagining the future of healthcare by working to translate the discovery of molecules into potentially meaningful outcomes for people with serious unmet medical needs. EMD Seronos global roots go back more than 350 years with Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany and more than 25 years within Massachusetts. Today, the business has approximately 1,050 employees around the country with commercial, medical, clinical and research operations in Massachusetts. 

About Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany

Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, a leading science and technology company, operates across life science, healthcare and electronics. Around 60,000 employees work to make a positive difference to millions of peoples lives every day by creating more joyful and sustainable ways to live. From providing products and services that accelerate drug development and manufacturing as well as discovering unique ways to treat the most challenging diseases to enabling the intelligence of devices  the company is everywhere. In 2022, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, generated sales of more than 22 billion in 66 countries.

The company holds the global rights to the name and trademark Merck internationally. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the business sectors of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, operate as MilliporeSigma in life science, EMD Serono in healthcare and EMD Electronics in electronics. Since its founding in 1668, scientific exploration and responsible entrepreneurship have been key to the companys technological and scientific advances. To this day, the founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed company.

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Melissa Beglin

Phone: 781.681.2609 | Email: [email protected]

Source: EMD Serono
BELLEVUE, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- EMulate Therapeutics, Inc. (EMTx) proudly announced today the acceptance of their abstract for presentation and publication in the 28th Annual Meeting and Education Day of the Society for Neuro-Oncology (SNO), November 2023, in Vancouver, British Columbia. The accepted abstract will be published in SNOs official journal, Neuro-Oncology, which is now available at https://academic.oup.com/neuro-oncology/supplements.

The abstract describes the poster material developed by EMTx for the SNO meeting and can be downloaded from EMTxs website for viewing here. The title of the abstract and poster are: Low/Ultra-low Radio Frequency Magnetic Field Therapies for the Treatment of CNS Tumors: rGBM and DIPG  Past and Current Results Using the EMulate Therapeutics, Inc. Technology.

EMTx continues to move forward with research in support of the humanitarian device exemption (HDE) application to FDA, said Chris Rivera, CEO of EMTx. The data we are presenting in our SNO poster demonstrates mechanisms of action and increased survival time in a DMG/DIPG animal model of the EMTx technology using the A1A signal. These data are in addition to safety and benefit data demonstrated in our compassionate use study for the DMG/DIPG indication.

We believe that the results and publication of our recurrent glioblastoma clinical trials may provide support in our HDE application for DMG/DIPG, stated Dr. Xavier Figueroa, Pre-clinical Director for EMTx. While there is no guarantee that our HDE application will be approved, the needs of this underserved pediatric population and the demonstrated safety profile of our therapeutic device give us reason to feel confident that the FDA will grant us HDE approval.

Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG, a subset of diffuse midline glioma) primarily affects children, mostly diagnosed between 5 and 7 years of age. DIPG makes up 10-15% of all brain tumors in children, with about 150-300 new diagnoses per year in the United States. Unfortunately, median survival for children diagnosed with this disease is only 9-10 months.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common type of malignant (cancerous) brain tumor in adults. More than 13,000 Americans are diagnosed with GBM every year. GBM accounts for almost half of all cancerous brain tumors. GBM commonly affects people aged 45 to 70. Most people live on average 12 to 18 months after diagnosis. Only about 7% of people are still alive in five years.

EMTx is dedicated to changing the treatment and prolonging survival in both DIPG and GBM.

About EMulate Therapeutics, Inc.

EMulate Therapeutics is a clinical stage company, reshaping the therapeutic treatment landscape with digital medicines using its proprietary radio frequency energy technology (RFE) targeted at the low and ultra-low ends of the RFE spectrum (ulRFE) to emulate the effects of drugs and other therapies in treating patients, without the administration of physical drug substances themselves. The use of ulRFE has been shown to be safe to date and the potential therapeutic benefits, specifically targeted at patients underlying conditions, continue to be evaluated in multiple studies. This versatile, non-invasive platform technology may provide a solution for patients with cancer, acute and chronic pain, mental health disorders and other serious conditions. The company has generated encouraging human data from patients afflicted with glioblastoma and diffuse midline glioma and is preparing for pivotal (phase III) studies in each indication. It has also generated encouraging preclinical studies in pain management and mental health models and is preparing for initial human clinical trials in each area. In addition, positive data have been generated independently in animal health (positive cancer results in over 20 different solid tumor types in canines (pets)), as well as in bio-agriculture models. EMulate Therapeutics is the licensor of its proprietary technology to Hapbee Technologies, Inc. (HAPB: TSVX). Hapbee is a commercial stage consumer wellness-wearable technology company spun out from EMulate in 2019. EMulate is the largest independent shareholder in Hapbee and recipient of quarterly royalties from net sales.

About EMTxs ulRFE Device

EMulate Therapeutics (EMTx) has developed a non-sterile, non-invasive, non-thermal, non-ionizing, battery-powered, portable investigational medical device that uses low to ultra-low level (DC-22kHz) frequencies to deliver specific electromagnetic fields to produce specific biological effects, including, e.g., increasing tubulin polymerization in numerous cancer models, emulating the effects of psychedelic drugs in mental health models and reducing pain sensations, among others. The system emits a low power magnetic field (

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements discuss matters that are not historical facts. Because they discuss future events or conditions, forward-looking statements may include words such as believe, may, will, estimate, continue, anticipate, intend, expect, could, should, would, plan, project, forecast, and potential, the negatives thereof or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made, are based on various underlying assumptions and current expectations about the future and are not guarantees of future performance. While we believe these assumptions and expectations are reasonable, are made in good faith and have a reasonable basis, assumed facts or bases almost always vary from actual results, and the differences between assumed facts or expectations and actual results can be material, depending on the circumstances. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, level of activity, performance or achievement to be materially different from the results of operations or plans expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of their dates, or to regard them as representations that the results or conditions described in such statements will occur or that our objectives and plans will be achieved.

Except to the extent required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, a change in events, conditions, circumstances or assumptions underlying such statements, or otherwise.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231114291102/en/

David Matteson

[email protected]

Cell: 425/478-2121

Source: EMulate Therapeutics, Inc.
New data-based feature helps workplace leaders create safe, compliant workplaces as companies adopt different working models

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Envoy, the only integrated workplace platform that connects people, spaces, and data, today announced the addition of emergency notifications to ensure safe, compliant workplaces. Envoy customers of all sizes can now communicate with everyone across their global workplaces through text messages, push notifications, and emails in the event of an emergency.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231114949049/en/

Envoy's enterprise-grade workplace platform (Graphic: Business Wire)

Organizations are facing more stringent industry standards, government mandates, and compliance regulations when it comes to protecting the workplace. Failing to maintain a compliant workplace could put a company at risk of facing large fines and disruptions to their business. As part of the Envoy Workplace Platform, the new emergency notifications capability pulls from real-time workplace data so that leaders can send tailored messages to employees and visitors who are in the office when an emergency occurs.

"Employees may be expected to be working in the office one day and working from home or flying to another office the next day, and in-office visitors often have their own shifting schedules. Should an emergency happen on-site, you want everyone in the office to be safe and secure, not just the people traditionally 'assigned' to the office," said Larry Gadea, Founder and CEO at Envoy. Given how complex this environment has become to navigate, particularly when you need to act urgently, we're excited to make this easier through the redundantly collected insights available as part of our workplace platform.

Safeguarding people, property, and data in workplaces is growing in complexity as companies are becoming more dispersed and siloed. In a recent Envoy survey, 41% of respondents comprised of security, workplace, facilities, and IT managers say that safeguarding workplaces has become more difficult in the last 12 months. Over half of respondents say this is due to the number or severity of threats has increased, followed by hybrid work (47%) and the increase in co-working/shared spaces (44%).

With data being central to making informed workplace decisions, Envoy is continuing to innovate its integrated platform to provide workplace leaders with access to all the data generated in their workplaces. Today, Envoy is also introducing data-based attendance insights for proactive space management. Workplace leaders can now turn to the Envoy Workplace Platform for personalized insights on resource utilization. These insights identify patterns in how employees use office spaces based on historical attendance data. In turn, leaders can proactively refine the balance between dedicated and flexible workspaces, and assigned desks to make informed decisions about office layout and design. The platform is designed to help companies align their workspace design with the actual usage patterns of their employees, enabling them to be more agile in addressing the evolving needs of their business, whether that entails expanding or optimizing office real estate.

"We chose Envoy because it offers us unparalleled flexibility across all aspects of our business. Unlike other workplace platforms, Envoy is specifically designed to meet the needs of the new normal companies are facing, said Alex Yeoman, security & real estate technology director at Match Group. Its automated security workflows have streamlined our onsite management, ensuring that security policies are prioritized. The best part is that Envoy is incredibly user-friendly, making it accessible for our entire team.

Every individual entering the workplace generates data of some kind  whether they are an employee or visitor coming into the office, using different office equipment or resources, or accessing certain information or company data. In fact, the Envoy survey revealed that 37% of security, workplace, facilities, and IT managers cite a lack of integrated solutions as a key contributor to security challenges in the workplace. Envoy unifies workplace data in a single dashboard  which allows leaders to seamlessly aggregate data and collect insights on their workplaces and helps them make quick and informed decisions to meet the changing needs of their business.

Emergency notifications and proactive space management insights are now available as part of the Envoy Workplace Platform.

For more insights on why companies should modernize their security and compliance to safeguarding workplaces, please read the Envoy Security Report and the Envoy Compliance Report.

About Envoy

Envoy empowers over 16,000 workplaces and properties around the globe to redefine how their workplaces run. We connect people, spaces, and data in one seamlessly integrated workplace platform, providing a single solution to manage every aspect of any facility, anywhere. Companies of all sizes can deliver unrivaled employee and visitor experiences to optimize working together in-person. By capturing data and space usage across multiple sources, we help customers make informed workplace resourcing and investment decisionsall while supporting the requirements of operating a secure, safe and fully compliant workplace. We power the places where people work best together.

For more information, please visit envoy.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231114949049/en/

Rochelle Clark

[email protected]

Source: Envoy
While Israeli military plans in the Gaza Strip are becoming clear, for the Palestinian factions the urban combat environment is their most important asset.

Sadly, there is no victory in sight, wrote Nahum Barnea, a political analyst for the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, recently. Netanyahus talk about a war lasting a long time is not a Churchillian vision for an anguished nation  it is a marketing ploy for a non-existent victory.

Hamas has deceived us a second time, giving us a whole day to penetrate the Gaza Strip on two axes and then surprising us with elite forces, leaving the bodies of our soldiers on Al-Nasr Street and elsewhere. It looks as if our forces have two options: either withdrawal or humiliating death and surrender.

A new situation has taken shape on the battlefield since the Israeli army launched its limited ground offensive into northern Gaza. The fighting has shifted from the envelope around Gaza, the focus of various offensive operations by the Palestinian factions, to close-quarter fighting in the northwestern, northeastern and southern parts of Gaza City in the northern Gaza Strip.

This imposes different options on both sides in the conflict, especially the Palestinians.

The current Israeli plan of action on the ground now seems clear, despite the downgrades in the aims of the plan from a full-scale invasion of Gaza, to completely crushing Hamas military capacities, to a drive to curtail, if only partially, Hamas control over the Strip.

These changes are the product of various political factors as well as serious challenges in the field. The Israeli forces are mainly focused on northern Gaza where from the outset of the military operation after 7 October the Israeli authorities issued repeated warnings to the inhabitants to head southwards beyond Wadi Gaza in central Gaza.

It was not long before it became clear that Israel intended to drive people further south than that. The Israeli armys orders instructed them to head to the Al-Mawasi safety zone located only six km from the Egyptian border.

Operationally, the Israeli ground offensive is proceeding along three main axes. The first, in Beit Lahiya in the northwest of Gaza, is the main one. Israeli mechanised infantry and armoured and engineering units are moving along four sub-axes. The first is along the coast from the Al-Maqousi area towards the Al-Shati Refugee Camp and the adjacent Al-Karama neighbourhood, and then the Sheikh Ajlein and Ansar areas.

The thrust of the offensive is the strongest along this sub-axis as it leads through the Shifa Hospital, which Israel has identified as a Hamas military zone, Tel Avivs customary way of justifying the frequent targeting of Palestinian hospitals and other healthcare facilities in Gaza.

The second sub-axis in this direction targets the Sheikh Radwan neighbourhood, while the third and the fourth are in the direction of Al-Atatreh and Beit Lahiya, where Israeli forces are carrying out engineering operations against the Hamas tunnel network in the area.

The second main axis is in the Beit Hanoun direction in the northeast of Gaza. It is primarily targeting the Jabalia Refugee Camp and the Tuffah neighbourhood. The third main axis is in the direction of the south and southeast of the Zeitoun area, centring on Juhr Al-Dik. It is an important axis at the tactical level, as it aims to sever the north from the south of the Gaza Strip by cutting off the two main north-south roads: the Salaheddin and Al-Rashid Roads along the coast.

Israeli forces are fighting the Palestinian resistance forces in two main directions along this axis: from the north, south of Zeitoun and Tel Al-Hawa, and from the south, north of the Nuseirat and Al-Bureij Refugee Camps.

The Israeli advances in the north are reinforced by three axes in the south. The first is towards Khuzaa  Al-Qarara located between the south of Deir Al-Balah and east of Khan Yunis; the second is in the direction of Maghazi, east of Deir Al-Balah; and the third is in the direction of Rafah City at the southern end of Gaza.

The Israeli forces here are carrying out limited attacks with no intent to dig in or press forward. The main aim is apparently to pin down the Palestinian forces in order to keep them from supporting their fellow fighters in the north.

The Israeli forces are using a classic approach to advance along the axes in the northern part of the Strip. This has featured in all Israeli ground operations, whether in the October 1973 War or the invasion of Beirut in 1982.

It relies mainly on intensive aerial bombardment to level the urban environment before ground forces move in. Towards this end, the Israeli forces have been using the heaviest bombs available, ranging from guided missiles to Vietnam-era free-fall M-117 demolition bombs, which can have devastating effects on residential areas precisely because they are not guided.

ARMOURED FORCES

After the aerial assaults, and depending on the results, Israeli armoured forces then moved in.

However, heavy Type D-9 armoured bulldozers are brought in first in order to clear the way, something like minesweeping equipment. These pave the way for tanks and armoured personnel carriers, and they also bulldoze any tunnel openings that are discovered.

The Israeli army has also brought in specialised armoured engineering vehicles called Puma, which are equipped with the mine-clearing systems. They can also be used to destroy buildings and concrete obstacles.

On the Palestinian side, the nature of the combat environment is the most important asset. Fighting in an urban environment is one of the most formidable challenges for regular armed forces, while it favours the guerrilla tactics used by resistance fighters. Gaza has one of the densest urban environments in the world, with a population of approximately 2.3 million people living in only 365 square km, or a population of several thousand per square km.

This complex and crowded urban terrain adds to the density factor, as it restricts the manoeuvrability of armoured vehicles and soldiers. It is no surprise, therefore, that Israeli infantry units have found it difficult to advance quickly while maintaining formation, as they are moving through narrow streets and closely packed buildings.

Sometimes they are forced to wait until the Air Force steps in to demolish buildings in their way. This could make these units sitting targets for Palestinian anti-tank missiles or mortars, especially since the only shields they have during tactical stops or while refuelling the sandbag walls they erect to protect their vehicles. These makeshift fortifications have proven ineffective against mortars.

Another challenge posed by the urban environment is that it can disrupt or distort an armys visual and wireless communications. Poor radio transmissions between armoured and infantry units and command centres due to the irregular urban terrain can generate major operational hazards. This terrain and its risks can severely complicate crucial logistical operations, such as refuelling, rearming, and rotating forces, which are already being carried out under fire in a hostile environment.

The most important asset of the Palestinian factions in an urban environment lies in the many opportunities it offers for snares and ambushes. As the confrontations that have taken place in recent days have shown, Palestinian fighters have effectively taken on Israeli armoured units from well-camouflaged areas and from hideouts amidst the rubble of demolished buildings.

A further danger for the invading force is the tunnel networks that the factions have built throughout the Strip. These have been used as staging points for attacks, for storing ammunition, for bringing food and materiel to the fighters, and to transport fighters from one battle front to another. In general, the tunnels negate many of the technological advantages available to modern armies, which need specialised equipment and techniques to counter tunnel warfare.

For armoured units, anti-tank weapons present one of the greatest risks in urban environments as the density of the infrastructure offers plenty of places for fighters armed with anti-tank launchers to hide, detect, and target enemy vehicles. In Gaza, the Palestinians frequently use portable shoulder-launched missiles such as the Al-Yassin 105mm anti-tank rocket, a locally developed version of the Soviet PG-7V. While this has many versions, they are all designed with a dual detonation mechanism to pierce through the armour of a tank.

The Al-Yassin RPG made its first appearance among the Palestinian fighters in 2004. It has since undergone major developments that have significantly reduced the margin of superiority of Israeli armoured vehicles.

FACE-TO-FACE

In their face-to-face battles with Israeli tanks and other armoured vehicles in northern Gaza, the Palestinian fighters have shown that they are fully cognizant of the strengths and weaknesses of each type of vehicle in the arena.

For example, they have realised that the main weaknesses of the Merkava Mark 3 and Mark 4 battle tanks lie in the hull, the rear escape hatch, the joint between the turret and the hull, the ammunition feed under the gun, and the missile magazine at the rear. They have also identified the main weaknesses of the personnel carriers and other vehicles in the Israeli army.

Testimony to this came in the destruction of a Namer armoured personnel carrier at the beginning of the ground offensive, killing 11 Israeli soldiers. In this operation, the resistance fighters targeted the rear door, a weakness of this type of vehicle. Israel claimed that the Palestinian rocket used hit a Matador anti-tank rocket launcher aboard the personnel carrier, causing a larger secondary explosion inside.

The Palestinian resistance fighters are also familiar with the mechanisms of the soft- and hard-kill systems that some Israeli tanks have in order to protect themselves against anti-tank missiles. This helps to explain why the Merkava 4, known as Paz, was unable to activate its Trophy kill system, which consists of a set of sensors that detect an approaching anti-tank projectile and trigger a missile to destroy it before it reaches its target.

Real-life tests in the field have shown that this system is less efficient during combat among concrete obstacles. It also cannot protect a tank against missiles fired from distances of less than 60 metres. The Palestinian fighters took advantage of this when intercepting the Merkavas in northern Gaza. They were equally successful against the ALWACS soft-kill system used by some earlier Merkava tanks, as well as against the Israeli D-9 armoured bulldozer, which is the spearhead of the current ground offensive in northern Gaza.

The ALWACS jams the guidance system of infrared anti-tank missiles. It is therefore useless against shoulder-fired rocket launchers such as the Al-Yassin that uses unguided missiles.

However, if the urban terrain appears to favour the Palestinians in the north, the fact that the Israelis have severed the north from the south of the Strip along the Juhr al-Dik axis means that the fighters in the north cannot be resupplied and reinforced from the south apart from through any still-existing tunnels. This means that they must hold their ground and continue to wreak attrition on Israeli armoured units through ambushes and other guerrilla tactics.

Further testimony to their success in this lies in the fact that the Israeli army has begun to form new armoured battalions equipped with older versions of the Merkava 3 that had earlier been earmarked for retirement.

It should be noted that the resistance fighters have been careful not to deplete their stocks of newer anti-armour missiles, such as the Russian Kornet anti-tank guided missile. They have also held back on their use of long-range missiles, such as the Ayyash-250 and the R-160. The same applies to mobile munitions, such as the Zouari drone. Instead, they have opted for commercial drones that have been modified to carry grenades or anti-tank warheads.

This economising is a sign that the factions are aware that the battle in northern Gaza will not be the last and that the Israeli armys moves to drive the Gazans towards Al-Mawasi near the border with Egypt means that Israel may soon launch a second phase of the ground offensive. That could include the central sector, where Nuseirat and Deir Al-Balah are located.

* A version of this article appears in print in the 16 November, 2023 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly

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SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Inszone Insurance Services, a rapidly growing national provider of commercial, personal, and benefits insurance, is excited to announce its entrance into the Washington State market through the acquisition of Hawks View Insurance. Hawks View Insurance, a respected agency with a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1985, is known for its unwavering commitment to serving the insurance needs of the Washington community.

Hawks View Insurance has deep roots in Washington, having evolved from its original start in Hazel Dell, Vancouver, to become a trusted agency with a robust presence in the state. Over the years, Hawks View Insurance has expanded its operations through mergers and strategic partnerships, solidifying its position as a go-to agency for a wide range of insurance solutions. The agency's dedication to best practices and customer satisfaction has propelled it to become a leader in Employee Benefits, Commercial Insurance, and Auto, Home, and Recreational Vehicle insurance.

Since 2016, under the leadership of Hauke Hansen, Hawks View Insurance has experienced remarkable growth, strategically bolstering its team with key members and expanding its network of retail agencies. The decision to merge with Inszone Insurance was driven by the desire to create even more value for Hawks View Insurance's main stakeholders: its customers, employees, and insurance carrier partners.

We are pleased to welcome Hawks View Insurance into the Inszone Insurance family, said Chris Walters, CEO of Inszone Insurance Services. Their exceptional expertise perfectly complements our mission to provide top-tier insurance services to our valued clients. This strategic acquisition marks an exciting milestone as we proudly expand our presence into Washington State, solidifying our dedication to becoming the preferred insurance partner in this new territory.

Clients of Hawks View Insurance can expect a seamless transition with the same high-quality service and team as before, now enhanced by the resources and capabilities available through Inszone Insurance Services.

Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Sacramento, California, Inszone is a full-service insurance brokerage firm that provides a broad array of property & casualty insurance and employee benefits solutions. With a strong, experienced management team, Inszone continues to grow organically and through acquisitions. With 48 locations across California, Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Washington, the company is looking to expand further throughout the United States.

For more information about Inszone, please visit www.inszoneinsurance.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231109180768/en/

Inszone Insurance

Chris Walters  CEO

714-619-5620

[email protected]

Source: Inszone Insurance Services
Believes Fully-Financed Offer Represents Compelling and Certain Value for LL Flooring Shareholders and is a Highly Attractive Alternative to Substantial and Extended Value Erosion Overseen by LLs Board and Management

Highly Qualified Director Nominees  Tom Sullivan, Jason Delves, and Jill Witter  Are Committed to Maximizing Shareholder Value

FRANKLIN, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- F9 Investments, LLC (F9) which, together with its affiliates, collectively owns approximately 8.8% of LL Flooring Holdings, Inc.s (LL Flooring or the Company) (NYSE: LL) common stock, today sent a letter to the Board of Directors (the Board) of LL Flooring proposing to acquire all the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of LL Flooring for $3.00 per share (the Proposed Offer).

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231114412984/en/

(Graphic: Business Wire)

The Proposed Offer is not subject to any financing condition and is fully financed through cash on hand and borrowing under an existing revolving credit facility from an affiliate of F9. The value being offered by F9 reflects LL Floorings deteriorating financial and operational performance, as disclosed in its third quarter 2023 results, as well as the Boards refusal to meaningfully engage with F9 and its affiliates or allow it to perform basic due diligence, following F9s previously announced acquisition proposal.

F9s owner, Thomas Sullivan said, We believe our offer represents a compelling, immediate, and certain cash value for LLs shareholders, in light of the Companys deteriorating financial condition and declining stock price, which in our view reflects the markets lack of confidence in the current Boards strategy. LL Floorings most recent, dismal third quarter earnings performance further reflects the Board and managements lack of urgency, credible plan, execution ability, or capacity to control costs despite numerous pledges to do so.

F9 also announced that Mr. Sullivan intends to nominate three highly qualified candidates to LL Floorings Board of Directors at the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the Annual Meeting). The nominees include:

Thomas Sullivan , Founder and Chairman of Cabinets to Go, LLC (Cabinets to Go), Founder and former CEO of Lumber Liquidators (currently known as LL Flooring), Sole Member, Manager and President of F9 Investments.

, Founder and Chairman of Cabinets to Go, LLC (Cabinets to Go), Founder and former CEO of Lumber Liquidators (currently known as LL Flooring), Sole Member, Manager and President of F9 Investments. Jason Delves , President and CEO of Cabinets to Go, former President of Wood Fiber Technologies, LLC and Beasley Flooring Products, LLC.

, President and CEO of Cabinets to Go, former President of Wood Fiber Technologies, LLC and Beasley Flooring Products, LLC. Jill Witter, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary of F9 Investments, LLC, former Secretary of the Board of Directors of Lumber Liquidators (currently known as LL Flooring).

Mr. Sullivan added, Given the LL Flooring Boards lack of meaningful engagement with us over the past six months or any communication about its strategic review process, we have no choice but to assume that the Board is prioritizing its own self-interest over its fiduciary responsibility to maximize value for all LL Flooring shareholders. Accordingly, we have decided to nominate three candidates to the Board at the next annual meeting, who we believe collectively bring significant executive and public company board experience necessary to lead a successful exploration of potential strategic alternatives for the Company and who are committed to maximizing the value of LL Flooring for all shareholders.

The full text of F9s letter to the Board of LL Flooring follows:

VIA E-MAIL AND OVERNIGHT MAIL

November 14, 2023

Nancy M. Taylor

Chairperson of the Board

LL Flooring Holdings, Inc.

4901 Bakers Mill Lane

Richmond, VA 23230

Charles Tyson

Chief Executive Officer

LL Flooring Holdings, Inc.

4901 Bakers Mill Lane

Richmond, VA 23230

Dear Ms. Taylor and Mr. Tyson:

On behalf of F9 Investments, LLC, together with Thomas D. Sullivan and Jason Delves (collectively, we or F9 Investments), we are writing today to reiterate our strong interest in pursuing an all-cash acquisition of LL Flooring Holdings, Inc. (the Company or LL) by an affiliate of F9 Investments. As current shareholders, we are dismayed to see third quarter results continue the pattern of declining sales, transaction volume and earnings, concurrent with significant negative free cash flow and a nearly 100% increase in leverage. As shown in the attached charts, while LLs peers have created significant value for shareholders, LL has generated substantial shareholder losses of 62% over the last twelve months, 89% over the past three years and 77% over the past five years. We believe our offer has strategic logic and presents your shareholders with immediate liquidity at a considerable and meaningful value for their shares.

We are prepared to offer $3.00 per share in cash for all of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of the Company not owned by F9 Investments or its affiliates. Our offer is subject to confirmatory due diligence, including confirming the value and/or useful life of the current inventory, and to reviewing any potential off-balance sheet liabilities, including but not limited to the potential for future negative rulings related to antidumping and countervailing duties investigations, litigation liabilities and other commitments.

We believe our offer represents a compelling opportunity that your shareholders will find attractive, especially in light of the Companys deteriorating financial condition and declining stock price which, we believe, reflects the markets lack of confidence in the current Boards strategy.

Despite LLs substantial three-year decline in sales and earnings, we believe that a sale of the Company to F9 Investments is the most logical and strategic approach. We believe that our knowledge of the hard-surface flooring market positions us uniquely to address the Companys declining performance and represents the best means for LL shareholders to maximize the value of their shares.

Our offer is not contingent on financing and we want to make clear that we have the financial ability to consummate a transaction. We plan to fund the acquisition through cash on hand and borrowing under our existing revolving credit facility. Upon request, we will provide proof of funds evidencing that we have sufficient capital to complete this proposed transaction.

On May 26, 2023, F9 Investments presented the Board of Directors of the Company with a cash offer of $5.76 per share, which at that time represented a premium of over 100% of the stocks 52 week low of $2.75. The Board of Directors summarily rejected this proposal. We withdrew this offer following LLs continued underperformance in the quarter ended June 30, 2023, in which LL reported a $1.35 net loss per common share, continued deterioration of operations and increasing selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses. LL's downward trajectory continued into the following quarter ended September 30, 2023, with negative 20% year-over-year net sales growth, an additional net loss per share of $1.25 and a $37M increase in total debt (from $40M as of June 2023 to $77M as of September 2023). The challenging macroeconomic and retail environment, coupled with LLs sustained net sales declines, collective losses and increased leverage, have put LL in an even more precarious financial position than at the time of our previous offer, resulting in our revised proposal.

On August 14, 2023, the Company announced that the Board of Directors was initiating an exploration of strategic alternatives whereby the Board would consider a wide range of options for the Company including, among other things, a potential sale, merger or other strategic transaction. Despite our attempts to discuss a potential transaction, you refused to allow confirmatory due diligence that may have enabled us to resubmit our original offer unless and until we agreed to a standstill agreement that would have prevented us from nominating a slate of candidates for election to the Board of Directors at the next annual meeting of shareholders. Given the Board of Directors track record and repeated history of refusing to meaningfully engage with us, we were and continue to be unwilling to enter into a standstill agreement which prevents us from nominating candidates at the upcoming annual meeting.

In an effort to move forward with our offer, we are prepared to enter into a reasonable confidentiality agreement that would enable us to engage in confirmatory due diligence.

We and our advisors stand ready to move expeditiously and, assuming appropriate engagement from the Company, complete our confirmatory due diligence and get to a signed transaction in 30 days. To that end, we are committed to work collaboratively with the Company, its management and its Board of Directors. Of course, if, as a result of our confirmatory due diligence, we find evidence of significant additional value inherent in the Company based on matters we are not aware of, we may be willing to upwardly adjust the offer price.

It is Mr. Sullivans current intent to nominate a slate of qualified candidates for the election to the Board of Directors of the Company at the Companys 2024 annual meeting, and accordingly, Mr. Sullivan has submitted a Notice of Stockholder Nominations to the Company. Given the Companys declining performance and the Board of Directors refusal to meaningfully engage with us to maximize shareholder value, we view the nomination and election of our nominees as essential for the Company to bring the much-needed accountability, oversight and shareholder alignment to the boardroom to drive value for the benefit of all shareholders.

This proposal presents a non-binding offer and does not represent or create any legally binding or enforceable obligations. No such obligations will arise unless and until both parties (or their affiliates) execute mutually acceptable written definitive documentation with respect to a transaction. We reserve the right to withdraw or modify our proposal at any time.

We strongly urge the Board of Directors to engage with us regarding this proposal. We believe our proposal provides the Board of Directors the ability to attain the highest possible price for the Companys shareholders.

Sincerely,

F9 INVESTMENTS, LLC

Thomas D. Sullivan

President

Advisors

Solomon Partners Securities, LLC is serving as F9s financial advisor and Dentons US LLP is serving as its legal advisor.

About F9 Investments

F9 Investments is a private equity firm based in Miami Beach, Florida. We Invest in Clean Energy, Direct to Consumer Retail, Commercial and Industrial Real Estate.

Forward Looking Statements

Statements in this press release contain various forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, which represent our managements beliefs and assumptions concerning future events. These statements are intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this press release, the words expects, plans, anticipates, indicates, believes, forecast, guidance, outlook, may, will, should, seeks, targets and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions, and are based on information currently available to us. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements due to many factors, including, without limitation, matters of which we may not be aware, the outcome of any discussions between LL Flooring Holdings, LLC (LL Flooring) and F9 Investments, LLC and its affiliates (collectively, F9 Investments) with respect to a possible transaction, the ultimate outcome of any possible transaction between F9 Investments and LL Flooring, including the possibility that LL Flooring will reject the proposed transaction with F9 Investments, uncertainties as to whether LL Flooring will cooperate with F9 Investments regarding the proposed transaction, the effect of the announcement of the proposed transaction or board changes on the ability of LL Flooring to operate its business and to maintain favorable business relationships, the timing of the proposed transaction, the ability to satisfy closing conditions to the completion of the proposed transaction (including any necessary shareholder approvals), other risks related to the completion of the proposed transaction and actions related thereto, changes in financial markets, changes in economic, political or regulatory conditions, changes in facts and other circumstances and uncertainties concerning the proposed transaction; and other factors set forth from time to time in LL Floorings SEC filings, including its Annual Reports on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, as well as other documents that will be filed by F9 Investments and LL Flooring, as applicable. Given the risks and uncertainties surrounding forward-looking statements, you should not place undue reliance on these statements. In light of these risks and uncertainties, the forward-looking events discussed in this press release might not occur. Our forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release or as of the dates so indicated. We undertake no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Additional Information

This press release does not constitute an offer to buy or solicitation of an offer to sell any securities. This press release relates to a proposal which F9 Investments has made for an acquisition of LL Flooring and to nominate persons to serve on the LL Flooring Board of Directors. In furtherance of these proposals and subject to future developments, F9 Investments (and, if a negotiated transaction is agreed, LL Flooring) may file one or more proxy statements or other documents with the SEC. This press release is not a substitute for any proxy statement or other document F9 Investments and/or LL Flooring may file with the SEC in connection with the proposed transaction.

Investors and security holders of LL Flooring are urged to read the proxy statement(s), prospectus and/or other documents filed with the SEC carefully in their entirety if and when they become available as they will contain important information about the proposed transaction. Any definitive proxy statement(s) (if and when available) will be mailed to stockholders of Public Storage and/or Life Storage, as applicable. Investors and security holders will be able to obtain free copies of these documents (if and when available) and other documents filed with the SEC by F9 Investments through the website maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offering of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

This press release is neither a solicitation of a proxy nor a substitute for any proxy statement or other filings that may be made with the SEC. Nonetheless, F9 Investments and its affiliates and its and their officers and employees, as well as the nominees named above, may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in respect of the proposed transactions. You can find information about certain of these persons in the Schedule 13D and amendments thereto originally filed with the SEC on May 25, 2023. Additional information regarding the interests of such potential participants will be included in one or more proxy statements or other documents filed with the SEC if and when they become available. These documents (if and when available) may be obtained free of charge from the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231114412984/en/

Media:

Jonathan Gasthalter/Nathaniel Garnick

Gasthalter & Co.

(212) 257-4170

[email protected]

Investors:

Michael Fein

Campaign Management

(212) 632-8422

[email protected]

Source: F9 Investments, LLC
Butler, Former Kraft Heinz Senior Executive, Joins as Company Disrupts the Premium Hispanic and Southwestern Foods Space

DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Flagship Food Group (Flagship or the Company) announced today that it has appointed Adam Butler as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and member of the Companys Advisory Board.

Prior to joining Flagship, Butler had a highly successful 17-year career at Kraft Heinz where he spearheaded the transformation for many of the brands in the U.S. as President for the convenient meals, frozen, coffee, cold beverages, and nuts categories. Most recently, Butler led the No. 2 Global Kraft Heinz market by accelerating topline, margin, market share, and employee engagement growth as the CEO of Kraft Heinz Canada. Butler had senior leadership over brands including Kraft Mac & Cheese, Lunchables, Planters, Ore-Ida, Maxwell House, Kool-Aid and Bagel Bites, among others.

We are so excited about Adam joining our company as we enter a new chapter of growth of our brands, products, and facilities, said Rob Holland, Flagship Food Groups Executive Chairman. Having acquired five businesses and more than doubled our business in recent years, weve been carefully considering candidates for this position for quite some time. We met a number of outstanding people in the process; and Adam is someone with the unique combination of skill, experience, and passion that I know will make a great leader.

Holland will remain Chairman of the Board and will continue to provide strategic leadership as the business develops into the future.

I could not be more humbled and honored to join Rob and the Flagship group in the exciting journey ahead, said Butler. The market they serve is without question one of the most dynamic and influential drivers of food globally, and Flagship is well positioned to be an explosive and transformative leader in the space. I had the opportunity to spend time with a number of exciting and growing organizations looking for the right fit, and there is not a more impressive combination of brands, business models, culture and people out there.

Based in Flagships Denver office, Butler will be charged with continuing the rapid growth the Company has been driving in its brands in recent years, while also creating a strategy to bring unity and cohesion to the overall enterprise.

Flagship has truly become one of the largest and most important players in the Premium and Hispanic food space, and Im excited to have attracted the talent that will leverage this position in the marketplace to drive accelerated growth, more solutions for our customers, and a broader reach to consumers across North America, added Holland.

Flagship believes that its brands are amongst the fastest growing and most coveted in the industry; its 505 Southwestern and Young Guns brands are considered the largest and most historic brands in the Hatch Valley Green Chile space. Its Yucatan Guacamole brand was first-to-market in scaled retail guacamole nearly three decades ago and today, together with Cabo Fresh, creates one of the largest brand groups in the category. Its La Tortilla Factory brand was an early innovator in better-for-you tortillas and today remains the largest, nationally distributed brand of tortillas that is specifically focused on organic and better-for-you. Its TJ Farms brand is one the fastest growing brands in its category of frozen snacks, sides, and potato products. Flagship operates five plants and warehouses across California, Kansas, New Mexico, and Mexico, and maintains sales, R&D, and support facilities in Colorado, California, Idaho, and Minnesota.

Flagship brings a growing stable of premium brands with rich heritage and unparalleled quality to one of the fastest growing segments in food. Together, were going to forge a new frontier of flavor, and I am extremely fortunate to get the chance to work alongside such a passionate and talented group, said Butler.

About Flagship Food Group, LLC

Through its subsidiaries Flagship Food Group is a disruptor in the premium and Hispanic food space in North America. The Company has leadership positions in tortillas, salsa, green chile, dips, guacamole, and frozen snacks. Its brands include 505 Southwestern, the largest jarred green chile brand in the USA; La Tortilla Factory, one of the nations largest tortilla brands that is focused on health and wellness; Yucatan Guacamole, one of the largest and fastest growing fresh guacamole brands in the USA and Canada; TJ Farms, Hatch Kitchen and Lilly Bs, leading brands in the frozen snacks, sides, and Mexican handheld space; and Young Guns, a leader in food service Hatch Valley green chile. The Company is also a valued partner with retailers and food companies, providing private label, brokerage, and freight and warehousing solutions. Flagship is headquartered near Denver with operations and offices in Idaho, California, Minnesota, Kansas, New Mexico, and Mexico. For more information visit https://flagshipfoodgroup.com/.

Image library:

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View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231114407113/en/

Courtney Lis

[email protected]

(970) 581-6231

Source: Flagship Food Group
GBM AGILE Adaptive Platform Trial Recruiting in Australia

Austin Health in Melbourne and Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney are Now Enrolling Patients

Planned Expansion to Include 4 Additional Trial Locations in Australia

LARKSPUR, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Global Coalition for Adaptive Research (GCAR) in collaboration with Cure Brain Cancer Foundation (CBCF), today announced the opening of GBM AGILE (Glioblastoma Adaptive Global Innovative Learning Environment  NCT03970447) in Australia. GBM AGILE is a revolutionary patient-centered, adaptive platform trial for registration that evaluates multiple therapies for patients with newly-diagnosed and recurrent glioblastoma (GBM)  the deadliest form of brain cancer.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231114489697/en/

Since opening for enrollment in June 2019, GBM AGILE has screened over 1700 patients in North America and Europe. Expansion of the trial to include hospitals in Australia marks a major milestone that greatly increases options and access to experimental therapies for Australians diagnosed with GBM. Prof Hui Gan of Austin Health is serving as the Regional Principal Investigator for Australia. An additional 4 sites in Brisbane, Newcastle, and Adelaide are scheduled to open over the next several months.

Glioblastoma is a devastating aggressive brain cancer. Despite surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, the median survival rate is a mere 14 months. There is a profound need for new and better treatment options for patients, said Prof Hui Gan, Director, Cancer Clinical Trials Centre, Austin Health and GBM AGILE Regional PI, Australia. GBM AGILE has been designed to evaluate new therapies in the most efficient way possible.

We are excited to be one of the first sites to open GBM AGILE in Australia, a study which aligns with our commitment to finding patients the best possible treatments, said Dr. Helen Wheeler, principal investigator for GBM AGILE at Royal North Shore Hospital.

GBM AGILE is a patient-centric clinical trial that uses adaptive randomization to dynamically adjust how treatments are assigned to patients. The trial, conceived by over 130 key opinion leaders, allows multiple therapies or combinations of therapies from different pharmaceutical partners to be evaluated simultaneously. With its innovative design and efficient operational infrastructure, GBM AGILE accelerates the evaluation of promising therapies for patients with glioblastoma, and ultimately could lead to new treatment options for patients sooner.

Cure Brain Cancer Foundation is an organization dedicated to rapidly improving brain cancer survival and ultimately finding a cure. We are thrilled that patients in Australia will be able to participate in this innovative clinical trial, said Lance Kawaguchi, CEO, Cure Brain Cancer Foundation. Our organization is proud to have committed almost 8 million AUD to support the infrastructure build of GBM AGILE in Australia. We are proud to have delivered on a promise we made to our community to bring GBM AGILE to Australia.

GCAR is committed to providing access to innovative clinical trials globally with the hope that this will advance new treatment options to support all patients who need them, said Dr. Meredith Buxton, CEO & President of GCAR. We celebrate the dedication and persistence of the patient and scientific community and acknowledge the resoluteness and financial support of the Cure Brain Cancer Foundation. Bringing GBM AGILE to Australia has been an important goal since the trials inception, and we thank the communitys unwavering support that has made this happen.

To view GBM AGILE eligibility criteria and a list of trial locations, please visit: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03970447

About Global Coalition for Adaptive Research (GCAR)

The Global Coalition for Adaptive Research (GCAR) unites physicians, clinical researchers, advocacy and philanthropic organizations, biotech/pharma, health authorities, and other key stakeholders in healthcare to expedite the discovery and development of treatments for patients with rare and deadly diseases. As Sponsor of innovative trials, including master protocols and adaptive platform trials, GCAR is dedicated to the advancement of science by modernizing clinical trials that support more efficient, less costly drug development. Adaptive platform trials can accelerate the time from discovery in the lab to implementation in the clinic resulting in better treatments and lives saved. To learn more about GCAR and its initiatives, visit gcaresearch.org.

About Cure Brain Cancer Foundation (CBCF)

Cure Brain Cancer Foundation is an Australian-based organization that is working globally to rapidly improve brain cancer survival through funding innovative brain cancer research. Cure Brain Cancer Foundation is the largest dedicated funder of brain cancer research in Australia. The Foundation has invested over $30 million into brain cancer research including clinical trials and pre-clinical research efforts across pediatric and adult brain cancers. The Foundation passionately forges global research collaborations, brings world-class clinical trials to Australia, and gives people with brain cancer greater access to innovative new treatments. The Foundations mission is to unite the community and rapidly increase brain cancer survival, improving the quality of life for people impacted by the disease. With a vision to ultimately find a cure for brain cancer. For more information visit www.curebraincancer.org.au

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231114489697/en/

Rachel Rosenstein-Sisson

[email protected]

Source: Global Coalition for Adaptive Research
Santarpia Retires as CFO; Borella Named Successor

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- After 10 years as Haymarket Medias Chief Financial Officer, Donna Santarpia has retired. Throughout her tenure as CFO, Donna set an exceptional standard with her insightful leadership and guidance, playing a pivotal role in Haymarkets US strategic growth and success, said Haymarket Media CEO Lee Maniscalco. Her leadership has been instrumental in strengthening the companys financial health and stability, helping launch the Advisor family of digital resources for medical specialists and handling a number of key divestitures and acquisitions such as SC Media, Compliance Week and NACE. She helped us make a smooth transition from print to digital while navigating the COVID-19 crisis and emerging from the pandemic as a stronger and more resilient company.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231113757276/en/

Chris Borella (Photo by Michael Benabib)

Chris Borella will succeed Donna as Haymarket Medias CFO. Chris comes to Haymarket with more than 25 years of financial leadership experience in WPP companies, specifically at Ogilvy Health, BAV Group, and VMLY&R, a global marketing company. His proficiency in financial management, combined with his understanding of the industrys dynamics, positions him as a valuable addition to the Haymarket Media US leadership team.

I am very excited and honored to join Haymarket Media, home to many iconic brands, Borella said. I look forward to partnering with Lee and the leadership team in their growth ambitions.

Chris extensive financial expertise and understanding of the healthcare and media industries will be instrumental in advancing Haymarkets growth strategy, Maniscalco said. We look forward to the valuable insights and leadership he will bring to our team.

In addition to naming a new CFO, Haymarket is announcing leadership changes within its PRIHealthcare Solutions (PRI) and Business Media Group divisions.

Tammy Chernin, who has served as General Manager of PRI for nearly 10 years, will move into a new role as SVP, Strategic and Scientific Services. Under her leadership, PRI has achieved major wins by securing agency of record work for top clients and evolved its offerings from print-oriented tactics into innovative, market-leading digital solutions with cutting-edge data reporting and creative excellence. A pharmacist by training, Tammy has a unique ability to understand customers clinical perspectives as well as their business needs. Tammys new role will leverage her unique combination of scientific and commercial expertise to translate client business objectives into actionable content plans.

Jamie Alexander will take on the role of General Manager at PRI, utilizing her strong agency and digital expertise and commercial presence to boost PRIs growth. Haymarket welcomes Jamie back to Haymarket after three years at Symbiotix, where she rose to the level of Senior EVP, Head of Promotional Medical Communications. Jamies extensive industry knowledge and experience will be instrumental in driving the continued growth and success of Haymarket Medias healthcare solutions division.

Steve Madden, who has served as VP and General Manager of the Business Media Group since 2020, will move into a new role as VP, Business Media Content. Steve will head up the editorial arm of Business Media and drive revenue through new content streams while optimizing our existing events and developing ideas for new events that speak to the brands and their markets.

Denise Robbins will step into the role of VP, Digital Publishing and Media to lead the Business Media Group. Denise is an innovative marketing executive known for her ability to visualize solutions, build strategic partnerships, and collaborate with stakeholders and boards to drive both B2B and B2C revenue. She has spent over 15 years in executive leadership and the C-suites of private equity-backed and public companies including NewBay Media, Gannett and the New York Times.

These appointments reflect our commitment to fostering innovation and growth within our organization, said CEO Maniscalco. I am confident that the collective expertise, vision, and dedication of our leadership team will continue to drive Haymarket Medias success.

About Haymarket Media, Inc.

Haymarket Media, Inc. is an award-winning specialist content and information company. With 24 market-leading media brands, Haymarket offers unmatched expertise and insight through balanced, relevant, original content across a spectrum of media channels. Haymarket is home to highly regarded health care professional brands such as The Clinical Advisor, Dermatology Advisor, and MPR (Monthly Prescribing Reference) among a portfolio of HCP-focused, specialty-specific websites, as well as the esteemed business media titles including PRWeek, MM+M (Medical Marketing + Media), Campaign and McKnights Long Term Care News.

Haymarket Media, Inc. is the US division of Haymarket Media Group, a privately-owned media, data and information company, producing remarkable content for specialist audiences across the world. The company has 1,500 employees across offices in the UK, US, Hong Kong, Singapore, India and Germany. Haymarkets portfolio consists of more than 70 market-leading brands including What Car?, Campaign, MyCME and Asian Investor. Through live, digital, print, education, data, tech services, video and audio, Haymarkets brands inspire, inform and empower clients and communities internationally.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231113757276/en/

Helena Lonergan

646.638.6070

[email protected]

Source: Haymarket Media
Company improves end-to-end customer experience by ensuring on-time deliveries and quality control over transportation

Nearly 500 HelloFresh and Factor branded vehicles are now rolling and making deliveries in 19 major metro locations

Last mile delivery advances companys sustainability initiatives with both carbon and packaging reduction

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- HelloFresh, the global food solutions group, announced today the launch of its own delivery fleet network. Outfitted in both HelloFresh and Factor branding, the company-managed fleet is now available in 19 major metropolitan areas. The last mile solution marks a significant investment in the customer experience by ensuring on-time delivery and improving quality control, while also furthering the companys sustainability efforts with a focus on electrification.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231114131249/en/

Consumers will easily identify deliveries in clearly marked HelloFresh and Factor branded vans. (Photo: Business Wire)

Operating its own fleet of nearly 500 vans allows HelloFresh to reduce transit times and leads to a better end-to-end customer experience. Leveraging newly established software provides HelloFresh with greater visibility around the customer experience. This includes having real-time communication between HelloFresh customers and drivers that enables quicker customer service support in times of need. By managing the entire logistics process and having full visibility of the life of the box, HelloFresh can adapt quickly to address issues while still ensuring customers receive on-time deliveries. And with the last mile solution, HelloFresh can swiftly respond to fluctuations in demand.

HelloFresh is always innovating to provide a best-in-class experience for our customers, said Nunzio Di Savino, Vice President of US Logistics for HelloFresh. Our delivery fleet is one new way that were ensuring customers orders arrive fresh and on time. Our main priority will always be to offer our customers the most seamless end-to-end experience."

The owned fleet is available in major metro markets where HelloFresh is able to provide a faster experience for customers, but still works with preferred carrier partners in many locations across the US. This hybrid approach ensures customers receive their meal kits and ready-to-eat meals from the HelloFresh portfolio, including Factor, Green Chef, and EveryPlate, with the best possible delivery solution.

Consumers will easily identify deliveries in clearly marked HelloFresh and Factor branded vans. For a growing brand like Factor, the company is able to leverage its fleet to drive further awareness for its ready-to-eat meal delivery service.

Fresh prepared food is one of the fastest growing grocery segments, and Factor leads the market with healthy, convenient, high-quality ready-to-eat meals. Were proud to be able to bring more awareness to this offering through great branding opportunities like our delivery fleet, added Di Savino.

Last mile solution delivers sustainable savings

The delivery network optimizes driving routes to decrease the distance traveled from distribution center to doorstep. Not only does this further reduce HelloFreshs carbon footprint, but allows the company to reduce packaging such as insulation and ice packs (6-10% packaging weight reduction on each box) and food waste as well thanks to shorter transit times. A portion of the fleet includes electric vehicles, with the plan to electrify the last mile network over the next few years, creating a unique opportunity for HelloFresh to further decrease greenhouse gas emissions.

To further support the companys mission in giving back to the community, the delivery network has been utilized to bring more than 1,700 boxes of surplus food to 15 food banks and charity organizations across the country. To learn more about the companys sustainability efforts, click here.

About HelloFresh

HelloFresh is the worlds leading meal-kit company. Founded in Berlin in November 2011, the Company now operates across 18 international markets. In 2022, HelloFresh furthered their mission to change the way people eat forever by delivering more than 490 million meals to customers across the U.S. HelloFresh was voted the Most Trusted Meal Kit Delivery Service in America in 2021 and 2022 by Newsweek. HelloFresh has offices in New York, Chicago, and Boulder. For more information, visit www.hellofresh.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231114131249/en/

Abigail Dreher

Associate Director, Corporate Communications

HelloFresh US

860-922-4598

[email protected]

www.hellofresh.com

Source: HelloFresh
Payara is the third of multiple oil developments planned on the Stabroek Block, adding 220,000 gross barrels of oil per day of production capacity

Production capacity on the block increased to approximately 620,000 gross barrels of oil per day

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Hess Corporation (NYSE: HES) today announced startup of production from the Payara development on the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana, utilizing the Prosperity floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel. The Prosperity is expected to reach its initial production of 220,000 gross barrels of oil per day over the first half of 2024 as new wells are brought online. Production capacity on the Stabroek Block is now approximately 620,000 gross barrels of oil per day.

The Prosperity FPSO arrived in Guyana in April 2023. It is moored in water depth of about 6,300 feet and will develop an estimated resource base of more than 600 million barrels of oil.

We are proud to be a partner in the successful development of this world class oil resource for the benefit of the people of Guyana and all other stakeholders and congratulate ExxonMobil as operator for outstanding project execution, CEO John Hess said. The world will need these low cost oil resources to meet future energy demand and help ensure an affordable, just and secure energy transition.

The Liza Phase 1 and Liza Phase 2 developments began producing in December 2019 and February 2022 respectively, and together have a production capacity of approximately 400,000 gross barrels of oil per day. Yellowtail and Uaru, the fourth and fifth projects, are in progress and will each have a production capacity of approximately 250,000 gross barrels of oil per day. The operator is currently working with the government of Guyana to secure regulatory approvals for a sixth project at Whiptail.

In total, six FPSOs with a gross production capacity of more than 1.2 million barrels of oil per day are expected to be online on the Stabroek Block by the end of 2027, with the potential for up to 10 FPSOs to develop the estimated gross discovered recoverable resources of more than 11 billion barrels of oil equivalent.

The Stabroek Block is 6.6 million acres. ExxonMobil Guyana Limited is operator and holds 45 percent interest in the Stabroek Block. Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd. holds 30 percent interest and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited holds 25 percent interest.

Hess Corporation is a leading global independent energy company engaged in the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas. More information on Hess Corporation is available at www.hess.com.

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Words such as anticipate, estimate, expect, forecast, guidance, could, may, should, would, believe, intend, project, plan, predict, will, target and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements, which are not historical in nature. Our forward-looking statements may include, without limitation, the expected number, timing and completion of our development projects and estimates of capital and operating costs for these projects; estimates of our crude oil and natural gas resources and levels of production; and our future financial and operational results. Forward-looking statements are based on our current understanding, assessments, estimates and projections of relevant factors and reasonable assumptions about the future. Forward-looking statements are subject to certain known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from our historical experience and our current projections or expectations of future results expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. The following important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in our forward-looking statements: fluctuations in market prices or demand for crude oil, NGLs and natural gas, including due to COVID-19, competing or alternative energy products and political conditions and events; potential failures or delays in increasing oil and gas reserves, including as a result of unsuccessful exploration activity, drilling risks and unforeseen reservoir conditions, and in achieving expected production levels; changes in laws, regulations and governmental actions applicable to our business, including legislative and regulatory initiatives regarding environmental concerns, such as measures to limit greenhouse gas emissions and flaring as well as fracking bans; the ability of our contractual counterparties to satisfy their obligations to us, including the operation of joint ventures which we may not control and exposure to decommissioning liabilities for divested assets in the event the current or future owners are unable to perform; unexpected changes in technical requirements for constructing, modifying or operating exploration and production facilities and/or the inability to timely obtain or maintain necessary permits; potential disruption or interruption of our operations due to catastrophic events, including COVID-19 or climate change; risks and uncertainties associated with our proposed merger with Chevron Corporation; and other factors described in Item 1ARisk Factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and any additional risks described in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. As and when made, we believe that our forward-looking statements are reasonable. However, given these risks and uncertainties, caution should be taken not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements since such statements speak only as of the date when made and there can be no assurance that such forward-looking statements will occur and actual results may differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement we make. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise.

We use certain terms in this release relating to resources other than proved reserves, such as unproved reserves or resources. Investors are urged to consider closely the oil and gas disclosures in Hess Corporations Form 10-K, File No. 1-1204, available from Hess Corporation, 1185 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10036 c/o Corporate Secretary and on our website at www.hess.com. You can also obtain this form from the SEC on the EDGAR system.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231113181131/en/

Investor:

Jay Wilson

(212) 536-8940

[email protected]

Media:

Lorrie Hecker

(212) 536-8250

[email protected]

Source: Hess Corporation
Two-thirds buy warranties; 6 in 10 report difficulty making claims

Confusion, frustration, wasted time drive most warranty complaints

Majority of shoppers wasted over an hour trying to resolve product claims; nearly 15% never see resolution

ADA, Okla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- A new LegalShield survey finds 62% of consumers face difficulty when attempting to resolve warranty claims with retailers and manufacturers. This, despite the fact that more than two-thirds of shoppers will likely seek the assurance of extended warranties to back their holiday purchases.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231114961731/en/

As holiday shopping season ramps up, a new survey by LegalShield finds consumers face difficulty when attempting to resolve warranty claims with retailers and manufacturers. (Graphic: Business Wire)

Consumers are buying extended warranties, but not getting the benefits they were promised, said Warren Schlichting, LegalShield CEO. Shoppers are intimidated by contract legalese and struggle with protection plan terms. Thats a problem LegalShield and its partner attorneys work daily to stop.

LegalShield, which provides affordable access to legal services to members nationwide, manages about 150,000 legal issue inquiries a month. Recently, it polled U.S. adults to gauge perspectives and behaviors about product protection and knowledge of basic consumer rights.

The study revealed that when it comes time to cash in on an extended warranty, more than a third say they lack confidence that the issues will be reasonably resolved.

Fine Print Spurs Confusion and Low Consumer Confidence

Consumer struggles with warranties are at a peak during holiday shopping season, especially when it comes to the terms of purchase protection plans: 1 in 3 consumers rarely or never read the terms, and 44% say the terms are somewhat or extremely confusing.

"Most store or online warranties aren't like the bumper-to-bumper coverage offered with new cars where virtually everything that could break is covered, said Wayne Hassay, a LegalShield partner attorney. Dont hesitate to check the fine print for exclusions and deductibles; if whats excluded matters to you, think twice before buying an extended warranty; it's often a waste of money.

Shoppers Lose Time and Money to Fine Print

In addition to confusing terms and conditions, consumers report significant time invested in attempts to get warranties honored. A third of respondents said they've spent over 30 minutes, with 16% spending over two hours trying to get a problem fixed. Shockingly, 14% were never able to get the issue resolved.

Buyers Remorse

The survey also shows shoppers have trouble with returns, with 67% responding its unfair for stores to charge fees to return items. Further, more than half (55%) have had a negative experience returning an item, with 46% saying they are unlikely to shop at that store again.

"Companies will often stall and drag their feet, hoping consumers will give up on warranty claims or returns," Hassay added. "Things tend to move much quicker when an attorney sends a letter urging the company to honor their obligations. Having legal support can stop companies from wasting your time."

The LegalShield survey was conducted in September 2023 and surveyed 1,209 adults, ages 18 and older, who live in the United States. The sample was balanced by age, among other demographic variables, according to the U.S. Census.

For less than a dollar a day, LegalShield connects members directly with experienced lawyers who handle an average of 12,500 requests for legal guidance on consumer finance issues each month for members.

About LegalShield

For more than 50 years, LegalShield has provided everyday Americans with easy and affordable access to legal advice, counsel, protection, and representation. Serving millions, LegalShield is one of the world's largest platforms for legal, identity, and reputation management services protecting individuals and businesses across North America. Founded in 1972, LegalShield, and its privacy management product, IDShield, has provided individuals, families, businesses, and employers with tools and services needed to affordably live a just and secure life. Through technology and innovation, LegalShield is disrupting the traditional legal system and transforming how and where people receive legal guidance and services, with access to thousands of qualified, trusted attorneys and law firms. LegalShield and IDShield are products of Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc. To learn more about LegalShield and IDShield, visit LegalShield.com and IDShield.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231114961731/en/

LegalShield Media Contact:

Hollon Kohtz, Director of Communications

[email protected]

Source: PPLSI
Dr. Chinn retired as a Rear Admiral of the United States Navy

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Humanetics Corporation, a leading innovator in medical countermeasures, is thrilled to announce the appointment of retired Rear Admiral Dr. Colin Chinn as its new Chief Medical Officer. In his new role, Dr. Chinn will bring his extensive medical and leadership experience to further enhance the company's commitment to excellence in the healthcare industry.

Dr. Chinn, a distinguished medical professional and military leader, brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to Humanetics Corporation. With a career spanning over three decades, he has held various roles in the United States Navy's Medical Corps, making significant contributions to healthcare and medical research. During his service in the U.S. Navy, Dr. Chinn held multiple clinical, academic, research, operational, and executive medicine leadership roles. Among those roles: serving as the 14th Joint Staff Surgeon, who is senior medical advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Dr. Chinn was instrumental in managing the response to various global health crises and emergencies, highlighting his versatility and ability to navigate complex challenges.

Following his retirement from the Navy, he served as a Clinical Professor of Medicine and the Scholar-in-Residence at the Uniformed Services University in Bethesda, Maryland. He then served as Chief Medical Officer for Peraton, a leading provider of IT solutions focused on national security. He is currently a member of the Defense Health Board, an independent advisory board for the Secretary of Defense on military health matters. Dr. Chinn is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians, a member of Delta Omega, the National Public Health Honor Society, and achieved board certification in gastroenterology and internal medicine. His impressive background includes achievements in patient care, medical operations, and research and development.

Commenting on the appointment, Ronald J. Zenk, President and CEO of Humanetics, said, "We are privileged to welcome Rear Admiral Colin Chinn to our executive leadership team. His outstanding track record in military healthcare, coupled with his strategic vision and leadership capabilities, make him the ideal candidate to lead our medical affairs. We look forward to harnessing his expertise to continue our mission of improving patient outcomes through innovative medical technologies."

In his new position as Chief Medical Officer at Humanetics Corporation, Dr. Chinn will guide the company's medical research and development efforts. His focus will include advocating for innovative solutions to capability gaps in force health protection and moving those innovations into commercial applications to improve patients lives.

Dr. Chinn expressed his enthusiasm for his new role: I am honored to join the exceptional team at Humanetics Corporation. Their dedication to medical innovation and commitment to positively impacting military and civilian health aligns with my values. I look forward to contributing to the company's vision and playing a role in advancing medical technology that benefits patients worldwide."

About Humanetics Corporation:

Humanetics is a clinical-stage specialty pharmaceutical company engaged in the accelerated discovery, development, and commercialization of proprietary drugs in markets with urgent and unmet needs, with a focus on medical countermeasures to prevent harm caused by exposure to radiation, for protective use in cancer radiation therapy, and to guard against the long-term damaging effects of COVID-19. For more information, visit humaneticscorp.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231114518733/en/

Ronald J. Zenk

Humanetics Corporation

952-400-0400

Source: Humanetics Corporation
Javanbarg, Tsung, Crozier and Qiu Join Firm To Support Growth, Expansion Ambitions

MELBOURNE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Orion180, a premier provider of insurance solutions launched in 2018, has named four leaders to key positions:

Mohammad Javanbarg, senior vice president of specialty risk.

Malcolm Tsung, vice president of product management, commercial lines.

Scott Crozier, vice president of product management, personal lines.

Yiguang Qiu, vice president of marketing.

These talented individuals, who have proven track records in providing value in the insurance industry, will help accelerate Orion180s growth in new and existing markets. They expand our agility and technology-centric knowledge in key areas and complement our strong existing team at Orion180, says Kenneth Gregg, CEO and founder of Orion180. These appointments signal our preparedness to compete in multiple lines of personal and commercial insurance as we look to expand nationally.

Mohammad Javanbarg, SVP of specialty risk, joined Orion180 to customize and enhance Orion180's view of modeled and non-modeled catastrophe risks, and develop innovative specialty insurance solutions. Before joining Orion180, at Liberty Mutual, he served as senior manager, global underwriting strategy. He also has significant experience in risk and insurance with AIG, where he served as director of global property and energy underwriting solutions, and WTW, where he worked in emerging risks and catastrophe modeling.

Javanbarg received his B.S. from Tehran Polytechnic, M.Sc. from Kobe University, and Ph.D. from California-Berkeley. Javanbarg holds CPCU (Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter), ARM (Associate in Risk Management), ARe (Associate in Reinsurance) and ERM (Enterprise Risk Management) designations.

Malcolm Tsung, VP of product management, commercial lines, joined Orion180 to spearhead the development of Orion180s commercial lines products. Before joining Orion180, at LexisNexis Risk Solutions, he served as director, commercial insurance vertical. He also has extensive experience with insurers Utica National, where he served as director of commercial auto; National Interstate, where he served as commercial auto business manager; and Liberty Mutual, where he served as underwriting consultant. Tsung has led various functions such as underwriting, customer experience, marketing and product development.

Tsung earned a B.S. from Gonzaga and M.B.A. from University of Hartford. He holds the CPCU (Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter), ARM (Associate in Risk Management), AIDA (Associate in Insurance Data Analytics) and AU (Associate in Commercial Underwriting) designations.

Scott Crozier, VP of product management, personal lines, joined Orion180 to develop new innovative products and manage the geographic expansion of Orion180s homeowner product. Before joining Orion180, at Kemper, he served as director of product management, national product execution. He has significant experience with national, regional and Florida-specific insurers, including Citizens Property Insurance, where he was vice president of underwriting and product development; Sawgrass Mutual, where he was vice president of underwriting; and American Integrity Insurance, where he was director of client services. Crozier has led various functions such as underwriting, customer experience, product development and sales.

Crozier earned a B.A. from Rhode Island College. He holds CPCU (Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter), AIC (Associate in Claims) and API (Associate in Personal Insurance) designations. Crozier is a former U.S. Army Infantryman and officer, having served as the operations officer for a 3,500-soldier infantry brigade combat team in the Florida Army National Guard.

Yiguang Qiu, VP of marketing, joined Orion180 to enhance the firms marketing, public relations and communications strategies. Before joining Orion 180, at Amica Insurance, he served as senior assistant vice president of marketing and communications, playing an important role in shaping the company's marketing strategies and operations. He brings over two decades of experience in property-casualty and life insurance as well as valuable experience in annuity and mutual fund sales with The Equitable. He has led functions including marketing strategy, direct marketing, strategic partnerships, market research, and analytics.

Qiu earned an M.S. from the University of Minnesota and a Ph.D. from the University of Massachusetts. He also holds the Fellow, Life Management Institute (FLMI) designation.

Orion180 was named recently as No. 229 on the 2023 Inc. 5000 list of Americas fastest-growing private companies and No. 3 among insurance firms. Companies on the 2023 Inc. 5000 are ranked by percentage revenue growth from 2019 to 2022. Orion180 experienced 2,441% growth during that period.

About Orion180

Orion180 is a people-focused, technology-driven insurance brand that offers proprietary technology, real-time data, and straightforward underwriting practices, enabling independent insurance agents to provide their customers a premier insurance experience.

Orion180s operating companies are:

Orion180 Insurance Co., a surplus lines (non-admitted) insurance company domiciled in Indiana and doing business in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina and South Carolina.

Orion180 Select Insurance Co., an admitted insurance company domiciled in Indiana that is approved to provide coverage in Alabama, Florida, Indiana, Mississippi and Georgia.

Orion180 Insurance Services LLC, a managing general underwriter that partners with carriers and reinsurers to deliver homeowners insurance and other insurance solutions.

Orion180 has developed its own proprietary mobile application and technology platform, MY180, while also supporting third-party data integrations with insurance industry partners.

Orion180s vision is to enhance the way consumers purchase coverage and manage their insurance needs. Innovation in technology enables us to do MORE as we harness the power of our cutting-edge proprietary technology. Innovation in service is the catalyst allowing us to give MORE and achieve the highest level of customer care. Our innovation in culture fosters an environment that empowers us to be MORE. This innovation-focused ecosystem enables our customers to expect MORE.

Orion180.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231114089622/en/

Orion180, Yiguang Qiu

(321) 222-6242, [email protected]

Source: Orion180
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Securities arbitration law firm Iorio Altamirano LLP continues to file and pursue recovery of GWG L Bond losses on behalf of investors following two recent awards issued by FINRA arbitration panels.

In the first award (FINRA Case No. 22-01360), issued on October 30, 2023, a Los Angeles, California arbitration panel granted over $1 million in compensatory damages plus interest to an investor in a case against two former brokers and their supervisor over GWG L Bonds sales in 2018. The panel found for the investor on the basis of negligence, breach of fiduciary duty, and violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

In the second award (FINRA Case No. 22-01908), issued on November 6, 2023, a Boston, Massachusetts arbitration panel granted over $280,000 in damages and interest to an investor in a case against broker-dealer Ages Financial Services, Ltd. over GWG L Bonds sales in 2018 and 2019. The panel found that the Respondent did not properly inform the investor about the risks and did not discuss alternatives that would have better protected his assets. It also heard testimony that the investor was not properly informed about the degree of risk involved in the investment in GWG.

While the awards are the first significant wins for Claimants before FINRA, they are unlikely to be the last, as more customers file FINRA arbitration claims.

Iorio Altamirano LLP continues to believe that filing individual FINRA arbitration claims offers the best avenue for GWG L Bondholders to obtain a meaningful recovery of their losses.

With an unsustainable business model, GWG depended heavily on the GWG L Bonds it sold to mom-and-pop investors for liquidity. Between January 1, 2018, and September 30, 2021, GWG raised about $1.3 billion from retail investors.

GWG sold the L Bonds through a dealer-manager and a network of regional broker-dealers, who pitched the products to individual retail investors. The network of regional broker-dealers sold the L Bonds and shared in the selling commissions.

About Iorio Altamirano LLP

Iorio Altamirano LLP represents dozens of GWG L Bond investors across the country and encourages investors to act now. In light of recent FINRA awards, there is no reason for anyone with meritorious claims to wait to initiate a FINRA arbitration proceeding.

Iorio Altamirano LLP was at the forefront of the investigation into the GWG L Bonds starting in late 2021 and has already helped investors recover over $1 million in losses.

Consistent with the FINRA arbitration panels conclusions in the awards, based on the law firms investigation, there appears to have been insufficient and inadequate due diligence and training performed by brokerage firms that sold the GWG L Bonds, leading to widespread negligence and misconduct connected with the sale of the GWG L Bonds. Many broker-dealers also failed to understand the risks involving GWG Holdings, Inc. and the GWG L Bonds and failed to supervise their brokers and agents. This harmed investors and caused them irreplaceable losses. Iorio Altamirano LLP seeks to hold these firms accountable.

Contact Us

Iorio Altamirano LLP is a nationally recognized securities arbitration law firm representing GWG L Bond investors in arbitration cases against broker-dealers across the country.

GWG L Bond investors should contact securities arbitration law firm Iorio Altamirano LLP to review their legal options. The firm will review the terms of investors GWG L Bond investments at no cost and provide a free consultation. Customers may be entitled to compensation without paying any out-of-pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement with securities arbitration law firm Iorio Altamirano LLP. To set up an evaluation, email securities arbitration attorneys August Iorio at [email protected] or Jorge Altamirano at [email protected]. Alternatively, call the firm toll-free at (855) 430-4010.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231114086472/en/

August Iorio [email protected]

Jorge Altamirano [email protected]

(855) 430-4010

Source: Iorio Altamirano LLP
The partnership between Insurity and KMG furthers the mission of providing reliable, cost-effective services in the P&C insurance domain

HARTFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Insurity, the leading provider of cloud-based software for insurance carriers, brokers, and MGAs, today announced that Key Management Group. Inc (KMG) is its newest system integrator (SI) partner. As an Insurity SI partner, KMG will help address the critical challenges faced by insurers when implementing and integrating core solutions by offering collaborative, capabilities-driven deployment options. This partnership between Insurity and KMG ensures that customers receive the best implementation and integration experience when they opt for Insurity's core solutions.

KMG, a global IT services and business process services company, has more than 30 years experience serving the P&C industry and stands as a seasoned IT services and transformation provider. Specializing in the P&C insurance sector, KMG offers expertise in core transformation, software development, digital transformation, cloud migration, data analytics, and data migration. KMGs achievements include expanding personal lines offerings into Canada for one of the worlds largest carriers, developing a cloud-native CRM with marketing automation to drive increased sales conversations and enhanced customer experience, and automating loss runs migration from paper to digital in just four months, resulting in 80% cost savings.

KMG has consistently delivered substantial cost savings and operational efficiencies for its customers. Key benefits of this partnership include bolstered market presence, shared technical expertise, and a commitment to providing customers with a refined, value-driven approach to insurance core solution deployment.

"We at KMG have always been driven by a commitment to excellence in our IT professional services. Partnering with Insurity, a recognized leader in core solutions, is a testament to the shared vision of delivering unparalleled value to our clients, said Ravendra Singh, EVP & Insurance Practice Head at KMG. We're excited to bring our expertise to the table, ensuring that every Insurity solution is implemented seamlessly and effectively. This collaboration isn't just about business growth; it's about shaping the future of insurance together."

For Insurity, this partnership is more than an expansion of our servicesit is an elevation, said Jennifer Saylors, VP, SI Success at Insurity. Working with KMG ensures that Insuritys solutions are backed by a team that brings unparalleled experience, promising a seamless transition for insurers, operational excellence, and a consistently positive user experience.

To learn more about Insuritys partnership with KMG, please contact Elizabeth Hutchinson at [email protected].

About Insurity

Insurity is a leading provider of cloud-based software for insurance carriers, brokers, and MGAs. Insurity is trusted by 22 of the top 25 P&C carriers and 7 of the top 10 MGAs in the US and has over 400 cloud-based deployments. Through its best-in-class digital platform, unrivaled industry experience, and the industry's most robust analytics offerings, Insurity is uniquely positioned to deliver exceptional value, empowering customers to focus on their core businesses, optimize their operations, and provide superior policyholder experiences. Insurity is a portfolio company of GI Partners and TA Associates. For more information, visit www.insurity.com.

About KMG

Key Management Group Inc. is a global IT services and business process services company providing technology services and solutions to the Insurance industry. KMG has a strong focus in the P&C insurance industry and is well positioned for its consistent track record in IT and business service delivery. We work with several leading Insurance customers of all sizes (midsize to large) across carriers, MGAs, brokers, and agencies. We engage with clients on their strategic technology and operations initiatives. Our services range from traditional IT services to helping companies with their digital transformation journey. We are constantly helping organizations implement new business ideas by using the power of technology, cloud, data and analytics.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231114834523/en/

Elizabeth Hutchinson

[email protected].

Source: Insurity
Revenue growth of 561%

Adjusted EBITDA growth of 722%

First receipt of royalty payment from Sigma Lithiums Grota do Cirilo project in Brazil

Re-purchased 111,200 common shares in the quarter as part of NCIB

Grid Metals announced a maiden resource at its Donner Lake project in the quarter

Deployed $25 million cash and issued 207,844 common shares to acquire an additional royalty interest in Tres Quebradas project in July 2023 - fourth royalty transaction since IPO



(in thousands of U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted)

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Lithium Royalty Corp. (TSX: LIRC) (LRC or the Company) is pleased to report its third quarter results for 2023. LRC is proud to report record revenue and our first quarter of positive Adjusted EBITDA since our initial public offering. LRC holds top line exposure to leading lithium assets globally at all stages of development. Asset ramp-ups on several of our projects increased revenue growth at LRC despite spot lithium prices dropping by 45% throughout the quarter. The long term thematic for lithium remains unchanged and we remain positive on our future prospects, stated LRCs CEO, Ernie Ortiz.

The royalty business model is proving more prescient than ever, highlighted by the rising cost pressures within the lithium sector. Strategic momentum has continued to accelerate despite the near-term volatility, highlighted by the robust M&A activity taking place in the industry. LRC sees a robust environment for capital allocation with a view to creating sustainable long-term value.

LRC is reporting 90 Lithium Carbonate Equivalent Tonnes (LCETs) or 887 Spodumene Concentrate Equivalent Tonnes (SCETs) in the quarter1.

Financial Highlights

3 months ended

September 30 9 months ended

September 30 2023 2022 Variance 2023 2022 Variance Royalty Income 2,963 448 561% 4,509 1,347 235% Depletion (272) (256) 6% (656) (769) (15%) Gross Profit 2,691 192 1300% 3,853 578 567% Adjusted EBITDA* 1,310 159 722% 389 290 34% Adjusted EBITDA Margin 44% 36% 9% 9% 22% (13%)

*Refer to reconciliation table below

Adjusted EBITDA margin of 44% in the quarter, compared to 36% in the prior year period

Continued project ramp-ups and assets entering production should further highlight the scalability of LRCs business

Royalty income increased from $448 to $2,963 (561%) for the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to the same period last year. That compares to royalty income of $838 for the quarter ended June 30, 2023 (87%). The growth in royalty income is attributable to increased revenue from Core Lithium Ltd. (ASX: CXO, market cap $490 million), as well as the milestone of the Grota do Cirilo project, operated by Sigma Lithium (TSX-V: SGML, market cap $2.5 billion), commencing operations, resulting in a first royalty payment from Sigma.

LRC has also begun reporting Adjusted EBITDA this quarter, to exclude the impact of the non-cash and/or non-recurring items in our results. The main adjustments relate to non-recurring items such as foreign exchange gains and losses, exploration expenses that pre-date the IPO (and that are not expected to be incurred again), and other gains and losses that are non-recurring in nature. LRC has also removed the impact of one-time IPO costs, including one-time non-cash stock-based compensation at IPO, that is being amortized over the three-year vesting period.

Adjusted EBITDA 3 months ended

September 30, 9 months ended

September 30, 2023 2022 Variance 2023 2022 Variance Net (loss) Income (1,514) 4,840 (6,354) (4,141) 10,157 (14,298) Income Taxes 2,403 602 1,801 3,540 1,215 2,325 Finance Income (201) (39) (162) (1,275) (39) (1,236) Depletion 272 256 16 656 769 (113) EBITDA 960 5,659 (4,699) (1,220) 12,102 (13,322) Foreign Exchange Gain (253) 652 (905) (1,117) 986 (2,103) One time IPO Share-Based Compensation (SBC) 603 - 603 1,406 - 1,406 One-time IPO Costs - 1,027 (1,027) 869 1,549 (680) Exploration Costs - 94 (94) 414 523 (109) Impairment recovery - - - - (1,895) 1,895 (Increase) decrease in fair value of financial assets - (7,273) 7,273 37 (12,976) 13,013 Adjusted EBITDA 1,310 159 1,151 389 289 100

Adjusted EBITDA increased to $1.3 million in the quarter, as compared to $159 in the same period last year representing growth of 722% and as compared to an Adjusted EBITDA loss of $0.7 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2023.

At quarter end, LRC held $13.5 million of cash and had access to a $25 million credit facility, which remains undrawn.

Acquisitions/Transactions

On July 5, 2023, LRC acquired an additional 0.5% GOR royalty on the Tres Quebradas project in Argentina operated by Zijin Mining (SHA: 601899, market cap $42 billion). LRC now holds a net 1.4% GOR royalty on the Tres Quebradas lithium project, where Zijin expects to begin production at the end of this year.

On October 17, 2023, Pinnacle Minerals Ltd. (ASX: PIM, market cap $5.6 million) announced that it had entered into a conditional agreement to acquire a 75% stake in the Adina East lithium project in Quebecs James Bay lithium district (the Pinnacle Transaction) from Waratahs Electrification and Decarbonization fund, a related party to LRC, spanning 72.7 km2 and located near Winsome Resources Adina and Tilly projects, and Loyal Lithiums Trieste project. Lithium Royalty Corp holds a 2.0% gross overriding revenue (GOR) royalty on the Adina East lithium project. Prior to this quarter, this royalty had been presented under Other royalties given its small size and early-stage nature. Given the Pinnacle Transaction, management is of the view that the Adina East lithium project has substantial prospectivity and, as a result, has presented this royalty separately.

On November 2, 2023, LRC acquired an existing 1.0% net smelter return (NSR) royalty on the Mia lithium project that is 100% owned by Q2 Metals Corp (TSX.V: QTWO, market cap $30 million). The Mia lithium project is an exploration stage project in Quebec. Q2 Metals has begun to drill the Mia lithium property and additional news flow is expected in the coming months. For the press release announcing this transaction, please click here.

Financial Developments

On July 8, LRC signed a $25 million credit agreement with National Bank of Canada that expires July 8, 2026, enhancing our liquidity position; the facility is currently undrawn.

LRC re-purchased 111,200 shares during the quarter at an average price of C$12.11, for a total cost of C$1.3 million under LRCs normal course issuer bid (NCIB).

Insiders purchased 70,250 shares in the quarter, bringing the total aggregate insider buying since IPO to approximately $5.5 million.

Subsequent to the quarter, LRC made a $2.5 million deferred purchase price payment to Bradda Head after Bradda Head reported a milestone of 1.0 million tonnes (Mt) contained Lithium Carbonate Equivalent (LCE) resource with a minimum grade of 800 ppm lithium at its Basin project.

Orion Resource Partners Litigation Update

On August 15, 2023, the Ontario court released its decision in LRCs litigation with Orion Resource Partners, finding that LRC and Orion Resource Partners reached a binding and enforceable legal agreement for LRC to purchase 85% of Orion Resource Partners interest in a royalty over the Thacker Pass lithium project in Nevada. In 2021, Orion Resource Partners sold 60% of its interest in the royalty to a third party, such that it retains only a 40% interest in that royalty and did not complete any sale of the royalty to LRC. The Ontario court has not yet decided on the appropriate remedies for the breach by Orion Resource Partners, which will be addressed in a separate court hearing yet to be scheduled. Orion Resource Partners has commenced an appeal of the Ontario courts decision. LRC does not currently recognize this litigation as an asset and expects that resolution of this matter may be subject to further delays. Orion Resource Partners has not asserted any claims against LRC.

LRC Royalty Activity Updates

Sayona Mining Moblan Royalty: On July 11, 2023, Sayona Mining announced the first results from its 2023 drill program, identifying a 750-meter eastern extension to the flat-lying South Pegmatite system. Results include 41 meters at 1.66% Li2O from 81 meters. In addition, a new, near surface pegmatite was identified in eastern step out drilling, which included 70 meters at 1.41% Li2O from 11 meters. Sayona Mining commented that the newly identified mineralisation extends outside of the April 2023 JORC resource pit shell, indicating an opportunity to expand the existing resource, which today sits at 49.9Mt at 1.2% Li2O measured and indicated resource, with a 0.25% cut-off grade. LRC holds a 2.5% GOR royalty on the Moblan lithium project.

Grid Metals Donner Lake Royalty: On July 18, 2023, Grid Metals announced its maiden mineral resource estimate for its Donner Lake project in Manitoba, Canada. The estimate comprises 6.81Mt of inferred resources with a Li2O grade of 1.39%. Additionally, Grid Metals has secured a lease agreement with 1911 Gold Corporation to use the True North mill in Manitoba for lithium spodumene concentrate production, aligning with Grid Metals goals of near-term production and expansion in the southeastern Manitoba region. Grid Metals has outlined plans to be in production in 2025. LRC holds a 2.0% GOR royalty on the Donner Lake lithium project.

Allkem Limited James Bay Royalty: On August 11, 2023, Allkem Limited reported a 173% increase in the James Bay mineral resource, which now stands at 110.2Mt. This solidified the James Bay lithium deposit's status as a significant top-tier lithium pegmatite resource. Furthermore, the inferred mineral resource in the NW Sector of the James Bay deposit shows promising potential for expansion along its current direction and into deeper layers. LRCs royalty covers claims in the North, Northwest, and Eastern portions of the property. LRC is encouraged that the exploration potential of the property appears to trend more into its royalty area. LRC holds a 1.5% NSR royalty on part of the James Bay lithium project.

Core Lithium Finniss Royalty: On August 17, 2023, Core Lithium announced the completion of an A$100 million institutional equity offering to fund its near-term growth projects during the ramp-up of the Finniss project. The equity offering will provide Core Lithium with the ability to progress early works on the BP33 deposit and pursue a targeted exploration program. The CEO of Core Lithium commented that [Core Lithium is] excited with our planned exploration program over the next 12 months which aims to deliver mine life extensions and further resource definition at Finniss. LRC holds a 2.5% GOR royalty on the Finniss lithium project.

Delta Lithium Yinnetharra Royalty: On August 21, 2023, Delta Lithium reported results of early first pass un-optimised metallurgical test results on the Yinnetharra project, suggesting that high grade spodumene Li2O concentrates can be produced at high recovery rates. Recoveries ranged from 61% to 77% with spodumene concentrate grade of 6.3% to 6.4%. In addition, on September 12, the board of Delta Lithium announced the appointment of Chris Ellison as non-executive Chairman. Mr. Ellison is the founder and Managing Director of Mineral Resources Limited, which recently increased its shareholding in Delta Lithium to 17.44%, becoming Delta Lithiums largest shareholder. On November 10, Delta Lithium disclosed that it expects to announce a maiden mineral resource later this quarter at the Malinda deposit on the Yinnetharra project. LRC holds a 1.0% GOR royalty on the Yinnetharra lithium project.

Winsome Resources Adina Royalty: After delays from the Quebec wildfires, drilling recommenced at the Adina project at full cadence, with five rigs on site targeting a 50,000+ meter drill program, with 23,000 meters already completed as of September 30, 2023. The company expects to release a globally significant maiden mineral resource at Adina in 1H24. LRC holds a 4.0% GOR and 2% NSR royalty on the Adina lithium project.

Green Technology Metals Root Lake Royalty: Following up on its maiden mineral resource release at Root Lake from April 2023, Green Technology Metals updated its mineral resource estimate at Root to 14.6Mt at 1.21%. This brings the global resource in combination with Seymour to 24.5Mt at 1.14%. LRC holds a 1.0% GOR royalty on each of the Root Lake and Seymour lithium projects. Green Technology Metals has reaffirmed that it aims to start production at its Seymour property in Ontario in 2025.

Atlas Lithium Das Neves Royalty: On October 23, 2023, Atlas Lithium reported high-grade lithium mineralization at its Das Neves project, with drill holes like DHAB-208 intersecting 1.64% Li2O over 18 meters. On September 26, Atlas Lithium announced the appointment of Martin Rowley as Lead Strategic Advisor. On September 20, Atlas Lithium announced a new mineralized shallow pegmatite discovery, as a result of step-out drilling west of their flagship 2.3-kilometer Anitta pegmatite trend. Atlas Lithium expects to release its maiden mineral resource in 1Q24. LRC holds a 3.0% GOR royalty on the Das Neves lithium project.

Bradda Head Lithium Basin-Wikieup Royalty: On September 28, 2023, Bradda Head announced an updated mineral resource estimate for its Basin project in Arizona, adding 729 thousand tonnes (kt) of LCE to the inferred mineral resource, totaling 1.0Mt of LCE. Bradda Heads announcement triggered a $2.5 million deferred purchase price payment from LRC, with the potential for further expansion through ongoing drilling programs. LRC holds a 2.0% GOR royalty on the Basin-Wikieup lithium project.

Sigma Lithium Grota do Cirilo Royalty: On October 2, 2023, Sigma announced that it had reached record peak production of 890 tonnes per day, equivalent to annualized production of 320,000 tonnes and putting Sigma on track to achieve its annual 2023 production guidance of 130,000 tonnes. Sigma also confirmed that Phase II and III expansion plans are proceeding as planned. LRC holds a 0.90% NSR royalty on the Grota do Cirio lithium project.

Lithium Market

Electric vehicle sales continue to grow at an elevated rate and substantially higher than global GDP. In China, electric vehicle (EV) sales have grown by approximately 37.5% in the year-to-date period through September. EV sales in September were at record levels, suggesting that the normal end of year seasonality is taking hold in China. Historically, more than 60% of annual Chinese EV sales occur in the second half of the year.

In the United States, electric vehicle sales grew by approximately 63% in the quarter, compared to the prior year period and have grown by approximately 66% in the year-to-date period. EV sales reached over 1 million units in the year-to-date period through September, a milestone, and 2023 is on track for pure battery electric vehicle sales to also reach over 1 million units. Starting in January 2024, the United States subsidy regime will shift to a point of sales system, such that the $7,500 government incentive will be provided at the time of purchase as opposed to a tax credit, which should improve customer affordability for qualifying electric vehicles.

In Europe, electric vehicle registrations grew by approximately 35% year-over-year, as compared to 30% in the year-to-date period. The fastest growing regions in 2023 include Belgium, Finland, and Greece. German battery electric vehicle registrations have grown by 42% year-to-date as compared to a 43% decline for plug in hybrid vehicle sales. Battery electric vehicle registrations have grown by 47% in Europe, as compared to 5% for plug-in hybrid vehicles, internal combustion engine registrations of 12%, and diesel of -5% in the year-to-date period.

Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) estimates that demand from the energy storage system (ESS) sector in GWh will grow by nearly 200% year-over-year in 2023. Energy shifting is representing the biggest demand growth in 2023, as provincial mandates in China require wind or solar projects to be utilized with energy storage. BNEF predicts that 79% of ESS battery storage will use lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) chemistries and retain leading market share for the rest of the decade.

Price reporting agencies report that lithium prices declined by approximately 45% in the third quarter. Spot lithium carbonate prices in China were $22,500/tonne at the end of the quarter although prices outside of China remained at much higher levels. Korean import data showed that September carbonate prices stood at $32,500/tonne and hydroxide prices stood at $41,500/tonne, suggesting higher netbacks outside of China and contract levels trading at a premium to spot tonnages. Channel checks and third-party reports have commented on certain higher cost parties taking downtime and maintenance in China as a result of the price decline. LRC believes that spot prices are at or near marginal cost economics. On October 24, Posco Holdings, one of the leading chemical companies in the world and a major lithium buyer, commented that they believe that lithium prices are close to a bottom, with lithium prices unlikely to fall below $20,000/tonne, as reported by Bloomberg.

Lithium demand is tracking to grow by more than 25% year-over-year in 2023, led by electric vehicle sales and robust energy storage deployment. Incremental supply from Zimbabwe and higher cost Chinese producers are adding more tonnes at the margin to the domestic Chinese market that is discounting Chinese material relative to other geographies. Due to the growing demand and associated supply, cost curves continue to steepen throughout the industry, presenting upward pressure on capex intensity. LRCs focus on high-grade, low-cost operations should benefit from the steepening in the cost curve over the long term.

Acquisition Activity in 2022 and 2023

Operator Royalty % Acquisition Date Q2 Metals Mia 1.0% NSR November 2023 Pinnacle Minerals2 Adina East 2.0% GOR October 2023 Zijin Mining Tres Quebradas  Catamarca, Argentina 0.5% GOR3 July 2023 Power Metals Corp. Case Lake  Ontario, Canada 2.0% GOR4 May 2023 Atlas Lithium Das Neves  Minas Gerais, Brazil 3.0% GOR May 2023 Allkem Limited James Bay  Quebec, Canada 1.5% NSR5 March 2023 Ganfeng Lithium Co. Ltd. Mariana  Salta, Argentina 0.45% NSR February 2023 Winsome Resources Ltd. Adina  Quebec, Canada 2.0% NSR January 2023 Arvo Lithium Ltd. Kaustinen & Ilmajoki  Finland 1.25% GOR December 2022 Larvotto Resources Ltd. Eyre  Western Australia 1.0% GOR October 2022 Green Technology Metals Seymour Lake  Ontario, Canada Root Lake  Ontario, Canada Wisa Lake  Ontario, Canada 1.0% GOR September 2022 Morella Corp. Tabba Tabba  Western Australia Mt Edon/Mt Edon West  Western Australia 1.25% GOR August 2022 Delta Lithium Limited Yinnetharra  Western Australia 1.0% GOR May 2022 ACME Lithium Inc. Shatford & Cat  Euclid Lake  Manitoba, Canada 2.0% GOR March 2022 Noram Lithium Corp. Zeus  Nevada, USA 1.0% GOR February 2022 Grid Metals Corp. Donner Lake  Manitoba, Canada Campus Creek  Ontario, Canada 2.0% GOR January 2022

Sustainability

On October 16, 2023, the World Climate Foundation (WCF) distributed a white paper written by LRCs CFO, Dominique Barker, entitled Unlocking Quebecs Lithium Opportunity which is available publicly and can be accessed here. The paper discusses why LRC sees Quebec as an attractive place to allocate capital, and why LRC expects Quebec to be at the nexus of the energy transition globally over the next decade. LRC is participating in the World Climate Summit  The Investment COP in Dubai and will host an in-person panel around this topic, with guests from the Quebec government, Investissement Quebec and Winsome Resources. Other participants of the World Climate Summit  The Investment COP include Sigma Lithium, SQM, BHP, and Volkswagen. As a holder of royalties, LRC sees itself playing a role to advance projects as well as improve the profile of the operators in which LRC holds investments.

Important Dates and Events

November 16, 2023  LRC at Benchmark Week: Financing the Energy Transition

November 28, 2023  LRC at Citi Basic Materials Conference

November 29, 2023  LRC at Scotiabank Mining Conference

December 06, 2023  LRC at Deutsche Bank 8th Annual Lithium and Battery Supply Chain Conference

December 04-08, 2023  LRC at COP 28 in Dubai

January 17-19, 2024  LRC at 27th Annual CIBC Western Institutional Conference

January 23-25, 2024  LRC at TD Cowen 15th Annual Global Mining Conference

March 27, 2024  Q4 2023 results released

March 28, 2024  Q4 2023 earnings call

Shareholder Information

The Consolidated Financial Statements and Managements Discussion can be found on SEDAR+.

Lithium Royalty Corps Investor Presentation is available here.

About Lithium Royalty Corp.

LRC is a lithium-focused royalty company with a globally diversified portfolio of 34 revenue royalties on mineral properties around the world that supply and are expected to supply raw materials to support the electrification of transportation and decarbonization of the global economy. Our portfolio is focused on high-grade and low-cost mineral projects that are primarily located in Australia, Canada, South America and the United States. LRC is a signatory to the Principles for Responsible Investment; the integration of ESG factors and sustainable mining are considerations in our investment analysis and royalty acquisitions.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws, which may include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to future events or future performance, managements expectations regarding LRCs growth, results of operations, estimated future revenues, performance guidance, carrying value of assets and requirements for additional capital, mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates, production estimates, production costs and revenue, future demand for and prices of commodities, expected mining sequences, business prospects and opportunities, the performance and plans of third party operators and the expected exposure for current and future assessments and available remedies. In addition, statements relating to resources and reserves and mine life are forward-looking statements, as they involve implied assessment, based on certain estimates and assumptions, and no assurance can be given that the estimates and assumptions are accurate and that such resources and reserves or mine life will be realized. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as plans, expects, is expected, budgets, potential for, scheduled, estimates, forecasts, predicts, projects, intends, targets, aims, anticipates or believes or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases or may be identified by statements to the effect that certain actions may, could, should, would, might or will be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of LRC to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information is based on managements beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to management. The forward-looking statements herein are made as of the date of this press release only and LRC does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new information, estimates or opinions, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

A number of factors could cause actual events or results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement, including, without limitation: fluctuations in the prices of the primary commodities that drive royalty revenue (including various lithium products); fluctuations in the value of the Canadian and Australian dollar and any other currency in which revenue is generated, relative to the U.S. dollar; changes in national and local government legislation, including permitting and licensing regimes and taxation policies and the enforcement thereof; the adoption of a global minimum tax on corporations; regulatory, political or economic developments in any of the countries where properties in which LRC holds a royalty or other interest are located or through which they are held; risks related to the operators of the properties in which LRC holds a royalty or other interest, including changes in the ownership and control of such operators; relinquishment or sale of mineral properties; influence of macroeconomic developments; business opportunities that become available to, or are pursued by LRC; reduced access to debt and equity capital; litigation; title, permit or license disputes related to interests on any of the properties in which LRC holds a royalty or other interest; whether or not the Company is determined to have passive foreign investment company (PFIC) status as defined in Section 1297 of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended; excessive cost escalation as well as development, permitting, infrastructure, operating or technical difficulties on any of the properties in which LRC holds a royalty or other interest; actual mineral content may differ from the resources and reserves contained in technical reports; rate and timing of production differences from resource estimates, other technical reports and mine plans; risks and hazards associated with the business of development and mining on any of the properties in which LRC holds a royalty or other interest, including, but not limited to unusual or unexpected geological and metallurgical conditions, slope failures or cave-ins, sinkholes, flooding and other natural disasters, terrorism, civil unrest or an outbreak of contagious disease; the impact of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic; and the integration of acquired assets. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based upon assumptions management believes to be reasonable, including, without limitation: the ongoing operation of the properties in which LRC holds a royalty or other interest by the owners or operators of such properties in a manner consistent with past practice; the accuracy of public statements and disclosures made by the owners or operators of such underlying properties; no material adverse change in the market price of the commodities (including various lithium products) that underlie the asset portfolio; the Companys ongoing income and assets relating to determination of its PFIC status; no material changes to existing tax treatment; the expected application of tax laws and regulations by taxation authorities; no adverse development in respect of any significant property in which LRC holds a royalty or other interest; the accuracy of publicly disclosed expectations for the development of underlying properties that are not yet in production; integration of acquired assets; and the absence of any other factors that could cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. However, there can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. LRC cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein.

For additional information with respect to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, please refer to LRCs most recent Annual Information Form dated March 31, 2023 and filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities on www.sedarplus.com. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those described under Risk Factors in the Annual Information Form, and in particular risks summarized under the Risks Related to Mining Operations heading.

Technical and Third-Party Information

LRC does not own, develop or mine the underlying properties on which it holds royalty interests. As a royalty holder, LRC has limited, if any, access to properties included in its asset portfolio. As a result, LRC is dependent on the owners or operators of the properties and their qualified persons to provide information to LRC or on publicly available information to prepare disclosure pertaining to properties and operations on the properties on which LRC holds a royalty or other similar interests. LRC generally has limited or no ability to independently verify such information. Although LRC does not believe that such information is inaccurate or incomplete in any material respect, there can be no assurance that such third-party information is complete or accurate.

Non-IFRS Measures

This earnings release makes reference to certain non-IFRS measures. These measures are not recognized measures under IFRS, do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and are therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Accordingly, the non-IFRS measures should not be considered in isolation nor as a substitute for analysis of the Companys financial information reported under IFRS.

Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA is a non-IFRS financial measure, which excludes the following from net earnings:

income tax expense

finance costs, netted against finance income

depletion and amortization

impairment charges

gain/loss on sale / disposition of assets/mineral interests

foreign currency translation gains/losses

increase/decrease in fair value of financial assets

non-recurring charges

Management believes that Adjusted EBITDA is a valuable indicator of our ability to generate liquidity by producing operating cash flow to fund working capital needs and fund acquisitions. Management uses Adjusted EBITDA for this purpose. Adjusted EBITDA is also frequently used by investors and analysts for valuation purposes whereby Adjusted EBITDA is multiplied by a factor or multiple that is based on an observed or inferred relationship between Adjusted EBITDA and market values to determine the approximate total enterprise value of a company. LRC believes it assists analysts, investors and our shareholders to better understand our ability to generate liquidity from operating cash flow, as LRC believes that the excluded amounts are not indicative of the performance of our core business and do not necessarily reflect the underlying operating results for the periods presented.

Adjusted EBITDA 3 months ended September 30, 9 months ended September 30, 2023 2022 Variance 2023 2022 Variance Net Income (1,514) 4,840 (6,354) (4,265) 10,157 (14,422) Income Taxes 2,403 602 1,801 3,663 1,215 2,448 Finance Income (201) (39) (162) (1,275) (39) (1,236) Depletion 272 256 16 656 769 (113) EBITDA 960 5,659 (4,699) (1,221) 12,102 (13,323) Foreign Exchange (gain) loss (253) 652 (905) (1,117) 986 (2,103) One time IPO Share-based Compensation (SBC) 603 - 603 1,406 - 1,406 One-time IPO Costs - 1,027 (1,027) 869 1,549 (680) Exploration Costs - 94 (94) 414 523 (109) Impairment recovery - - - - (1,895) 1,895 (Increase) decrease in fair value of financial assets - (7,273) 7,273 37 (12,976) 13,013 Adjusted EBITDA 1,310 159 1,150 388 290 100

Adjusted EBITDA 3 months ended June 30, 6 months ended June 30, 2023 2023 Net Income (891) (2,627) Income Taxes 299 1,137 Finance Income (797) (1,074) Depletion 147 384 EBITDA (1,242) (2,180) Foreign Exchange (gain) loss (61) (864) One time IPO Share-based Compensation (SBC) 603 803 One-time IPO Costs - 869 Exploration Costs - 414 (Increase) decrease in fair value of financial assets - 37 Adjusted EBITDA (700) (921)

Interim Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

As at September 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 $ $ Assets Current assets Cash 13,476 35,877 Trade receivables 2,345 458 Income taxes receivable 372 477 Other assets 860 1,858 Total current assets 17,053 38,670 Non-current assets Royalty and working interests 140,227 78,204 Investments 143 24,281 Prepaid non-current assets - 9,164 Total assets 157,423 150,319 Liabilities Current liabilities Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 3,665 6,775 Related party payables 45 224 Other liabilities 136 - Total current liabilities 3,846 6,999 Non-current liabilities Deferred tax liabilities 5,431 2,772 Total liabilities 9,277 9,771 Equity Share capital 215,116 111,892 Contributed surplus 2,057 - (Deficit) retained earnings (70,326) 18,372 Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income (1,869) 7,176 Total equity attributable to equity holders of Lithium Royalty Corp. 144,978 137,440 Non-controlling interest 3,168 3,108 Total equity 148,146 140,548 Total liabilities and equity 157,423 150,319

The unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements and accompanying notes can be found in our Q3 2023 Quarterly Report available on our website

Interim Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022

The following table presents interim consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income (loss) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022:

For the three months ended September 30, For the nine months ended September 30, 2023 2022 2023 2022 Royalty income 2,963 448 4,509 1,347 Depletion (272) (256) (656) (769) Gross profit 2,691 192 3,853 578 Impairment recovery - - - 1,895 Management services (169) (128) (701) (466) General and administrative expenses (2,087) (1,188) (5,694) (2,140) Exploration expenses - (94) (414) (523) Gain (loss) from operations 435 (1,218) (2,956) (656) Other income (expense) Finance income 201 39 1,275 39 Gain (loss) on investments at fair value through profit and loss ("FVTPL") - 7,273 (37) 12,976 Foreign exchange gain (loss) 253 (652) 1,117 (987) Income (loss) before income taxes 889 5,442 (601) 11,372 Current income tax expense (658) (309) (1,042) (169) Deferred income tax expense (1,745) (293) (2,498) (1,046) Net (loss) income for the period (1,514) 4,840 (4,141) 10,157 Net (loss) income attributable to: Non-controlling interest 64 - 60 188 Equity holders of Lithium Royalty Corp. (1,578) 4,840 (4,201) 9,969 (1,514) 4,840 (4,141) 10,157 (Loss) earnings per share attributable to shareholders of Lithium Royalty Corp. $(0.03) $0.11 $(0.08) $0.23

The unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements and accompanying notes can be found in our Q3 2023 Quarterly Report available on our website.

Interim Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

For the three months ended September 30 For the nine months ended September 30 $ $ $ $ 2023 2022 2023 2022 Operating activities Net (loss) income for the period (1,514) 4,840 (4,141) 10,157 Depletion 272 256 656 769 Impairment recovery - - - (1,895) Non-cash management services - - 65 - Share-based compensation expense 856 - 2,193 - Current income tax expense 658 309 1,042 169 Deferred income tax expense 1,745 293 2,498 1,046 (Gain) loss on investments at FVTPL - (7,273) 37 (12,976) Foreign exchange (gain) loss (253) 652 (1,117) 987 Income taxes withheld at source (306) (134) (472) (404) Non-cash finance expense (income) 166 - (16) - Changes in non-cash working capital (4,233) 1,132 (9,388) 1,404 Income tax refunded 1,772 274 158 274 Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities (837) 349 (8,485) (469) Investing activities Acquisition of royalty and working interests (25,371) (4,977) (51,059) (13,850) Acquisition of prepaid non-current assets - (9,121) - (9,121) Acquisition of investments - (535) (30) (3,850) Proceeds from sale of investments - 4,418 1 15,297 Net cash used in investing activities (25,371) (10,215) (51,088) (11,524) Financing activities Proceeds from issuance of common shares, net of issuance - 7,290 102,359 19,290 Proceeds from contribution to existing common shares - - 86 564 Repurchase of common shares (995) - (995) - Proceeds from non-controlling interest - 913 - 913 Pre-IPO distribution to shareholders - - (65,235) - Repayment of related party loan - - (86) (56) Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities (995) 8,203 36,129 20,711 Effect of exchange rate changes on cash 181 (1,016) 1,043 (2,002) (Decrease) Increase in cash (27,022) (2,679) (22,401) 6,716 Cash at the beginning of the period 40,498 24,417 35,877 15,022 Cash at the end of the period 13,476 21,738 13,476 21,738

The unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements and accompanying notes can be found in our Q3 2023 Quarterly Report available on our website

1LRC calculates LCETs by dividing royalty income for the quarter by the average spot market price of $33,045 during the quarter for 99.5% lithium carbonate, delivered in China, and calculates SCETs by dividing royalty income for the quarter by the average spot market price of $3,340 during the quarter for 6% lithium spodumene, delivered in China. Spot market prices were based on Asian Metal data on Bloomberg.

2Pinnacle Minerals acquisition of underlying mineral claims not yet closed, but LRC already holds a royalty on those claims.

3Altius Minerals Corporation has an indirect 10% interest in the original 1.0% Tres Quebradas lithium royalty through its 10% limited partnership interest in LRC LP I. LRC holds the other 90% limited partnership interest. The additional 0.5% GOR royalty acquired is held solely by LRC and Altius has no interest in this additional royalty.

4Gross Overriding Revenue (GOR) royalties are based on the total revenue stream from the sale of production from a property with few, if any, deductions.

5Net Smelter Return (NSR) royalties are based on the value of production or net proceeds received by the operator from the smelter or refinery that treats the operators mineral production. These proceeds are usually subject to deductions or charges for transportation, insurance, smelting and refining costs as set out in the royalty agreement, but may also be subject to other deductions or charges.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231114068010/en/

Contact Information for Inquiries:

Jonida Zaganjori

Investor Relations

(647) 792-1100

[email protected]

Source: Lithium Royalty Corp.
As part of this commitment, MetLife Foundation announces a $1 million impact investment to Launch NY, its largest single contribution to the region to date.

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- MetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET) and MetLife Foundation today announced a $30 million multi-year commitment to support Upstate New York, which includes pledges of $5 million in funding and impact investments by the Foundation and $25 million in impact investments by MetLife. As part of this commitment, MetLife Foundation has made an impact investment of $1 million to Launch NY to promote entrepreneurship.

Im committed to lifting up every community in New York and helping people grow and thrive, Governor Kathy Hochul said. Thanks to public sector efforts and private sector investments like this one from MetLife, Utica and the Mohawk Valley are moving in the right direction. Well continue working with our partners to create jobs and opportunity for all New Yorkers.

MetLife Foundations strategy centers on driving inclusive economic mobility and strengthening the communities where MetLife has a presence through three portfolio areas  Economic Inclusion, Financial Health and Resilient Communities. With MetLife employees living and working in the Utica area, the commitment by MetLife and the Foundation will provide ongoing support to the community and residents.

"As a company founded in New York, we are proud to be part of the states fabric and believe we have an important role in the communities we serve, said MetLife President and CEO Michel Khalaf. The commitment by MetLife and MetLife Foundation seeks to build upon existing efforts in Utica and the surrounding area to help all New Yorkers thrive.

The $1 million impact investment by MetLife Foundation was part of the first close of Launch NYs Seed Fund II, LP, a for-profit limited partner fund that invests in high-growth startup companies to drive local employment and entrepreneurship opportunities. The first close of the fund, targeted between $15 million and $20 million, is expected to accelerate commitments from other interested investors, as Launch NY remains the most active seed fund in New York state.

"MetLife Foundations investment enables us to create opportunities for talented entrepreneurs who will encourage growth and economic prosperity in Upstate New York, said Dr. Marnie LaVigne, President and CEO of Launch NY. We value their commitment to the region and look forward to building on our successful partnership.

In addition to its impact investment to Launch NY, the Foundation has already made over $1.4 million in grants to Upstate New York non-profits including:

Food Bank of Central New York, to address food insecurity through the expansion of their weekend meal program for school-age children and Mobile Food Pantry.

Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties, to bridge the gap between community and resources through workforce development, neighborhood revitalization, and resident engagement.

Munson, to broaden access to their gallery spaces by making them accessible to visitors with mobility limitations, and summer workshops for local children and teens at no cost.

To learn more about the work of MetLife Foundation, visit www.MetLife.org.

About MetLife

MetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET), through its subsidiaries and affiliates (MetLife), is one of the worlds leading financial services companies, providing insurance, annuities, employee benefits and asset management to help individual and institutional customers build a more confident future. Founded in 1868, MetLife has operations in more than 40 markets globally and holds leading positions in the United States, Japan, Latin America, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. For more information, visit www.metlife.com.

About MetLife Foundation

At MetLife Foundation, we are committed to driving inclusive economic mobility for underserved and underrepresented communities around the world. We collaborate with nonprofit organizations and provide grants aligned to three strategic focus areas  economic inclusion, financial health and resilient communities  while engaging MetLife employee volunteers to help drive impact. MetLife Foundation was established in 1976 to continue MetLifes long tradition of corporate contributions and community involvement. Since its inception, MetLife Foundation has contributed over $1 billion to strengthen communities where MetLife has a presence. To learn more about MetLife Foundation, visit www.metlife.org.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231113431350/en/

For Media:

Olivia Janicelli

(212) 578-3547

[email protected]

Source: MetLife, Inc.
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- NextGen International Insurance (NextGen i.i.), a prominent provider of insurance solutions, proudly declares that earlier this year it obtained its official registration as an International Insurer in Puerto Rico. This significant milestone marks NextGen i.i.'s commitment to providing exceptional insurance services, primarily focusing on healthcare in Latin America and The Caribbean.

Puerto Rico's Regulatory Landscape

Operating under the US flag, Puerto Rico boasts a robust regulatory framework designed to protect and foster free market competition, particularly within the insurance and banking sectors. This framework includes using US currency, ensuring sound credit and investment practices, and permitting the free flow of funds abroad. Legal protections are firmly established under US Federal and Puerto Rico's constitutions, with recourse available through federal or State courts. The Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) of Puerto Rico is renowned for its regulatory expertise; with a history of oversight, the OCI currently regulates 50 domestic insurers and 345 foreign insurers, collectively representing a premium volume exceeding $17.1 billion. The OCI is an accredited member of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners ("NAIC") of the United States.

Founding and Leadership

The company's market entry is not merely a debut but a continuation of a legacy of excellence. With a history deeply rooted in the healthcare sector, NextGen i.i. brings forward a seasoned team of industry veterans, each contributing to the company's wealth of experience.

NextGen i.i. proudly introduces its seasoned Executive Panel, comprising professionals with over 100 years of combined dedication and experience in the International Private Medical Insurance (IPMI) Industry, specializing in Latin America and the Caribbean. This accomplished team has a track record of managing international health policies, providing seamless access to medical facilities within members' countries of residence and worldwide, including the USA.

Ricardo Gonzalez Padilla, a visionary leader with a track record of excellence, assumes the CEO role. His expertise and leadership promise innovation and a relentless pursuit of excellence in the international insurance sector.

Horacio Sanchez-Granel, a seasoned insurance professional, joins NextGen i.i. as President, bringing a wealth of experience and industry knowledge to the company's leadership team.

Paul Staines, a financial expert with a stellar reputation, takes on the crucial role of Group CFO, further solidifying NextGen i.i.'s financial stability and strategic growth.

Dr. Jorge Otero MD, MSc, RDMS, Clinical Professor of Medicine and Public Health at Yale University and Emergency Medicine leader in the USA and Latin America, joins the team as the Chief Medical Officer to drive the company's goal of offering the best healthcare available worldwide. Dr. Otero brings a wealth of knowledge supported by his proven expertise in cost and quality improvement and his experience in Population Health Management.

Delivering Promises

NextGen i.i. envisions a world where borders do not define the quality of healthcare individuals receive. The company empowers individuals to seek medical care without boundaries, granting them access to a spectrum of healthcare services that transcend geographical limits.

At the core of NextGen i.i.'s identity lies a clear mission that illuminates every path the company treads: to provide nothing short of comprehensive coverage. NextGen i.i. is on a relentless quest to ensure that individuals, regardless of their location on the global stage, receive nothing less than the absolute best in medical care. Whether clients find themselves in the comfort of their home country or exploring distant horizons, NextGen i.i.'s unwavering commitment remains to safeguard their health by allowing seamless access to the best medical facilities in the world and ensuring that their well-being knows no bounds.

NextGen i.i.s expertise spans diverse domains, from exceeding customer service satisfaction to ensuring unwavering financial discipline. These attributes are instrumental in aligning companies' long-term goals with client needs. NextGen i.i.'s innovative products are meticulously designed to offer peace of mind and convenience to customers who live, work, or travel abroad. Whether individuals seek individual, family, or group plans, they can choose from various options tailored to suit their budget and lifestyle. The company plans to launch its newly created suite of international health insurance products and services during the last quarter of 2023.

About NextGen International Insurance

NextGen International Insurance (NextGen i.i.) is a trusted provider of insurance solutions, offering a comprehensive range of products and services designed to protect individuals, families, and businesses. With a focus on customer satisfaction, NextGen i.i. strives to deliver exceptional service and value to its policyholders. For more information, individuals are invited to visit their website at http://nextgen.me.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231113427756/en/

[email protected]

Source: NextGen International Insurance
The strategic partnership opens new markets for both companies to deliver maximum cybersecurity protection throughout the region

MINEOLA, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- RevBits, LLC, a New York cybersecurity solutions company, continues to expand its international presence through a robust, global channel. It recently signed a partnership agreement with Levex SA of Argentina which covers five other South American countries as well, via Levex extensive dealer network. The partnership will help Levex enhance the digital security of its customer base by providing RevBits unique, award-winning Cyber Intelligence Platform (CIP) to defend its industrial customers from damaging cyber-attacks.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231114131044/en/

David M. Schiffer, CEO RevBits, The successful combination of five advanced cyber security products into a single unified Dashboard (RevBits CIP), with Levexs highly regarded reputation, superior products, and services throughout Latin America, will certainly be attractive to Levex's current industrial customer base, as well as open new markets for them. Our platform provides maximum protection for various aspects of IT infrastructure.

Juan Pablo Elbusto, CEO Levex, said, We take immense pride in our collaboration with the esteemed organization, RevBits, a partnership that empowers us to deliver not only solutions simplifying our clients' tasks but also shielding their endeavors from the relentless onslaught of cyber threats that besiege them daily. As the CEO of Levex, I am honored to lead a company with such a robust and reputable strategic ally in the market. This alliance stands as a testament to our shared commitment to providing unparalleled value to our customers.

About RevBits

Established in 2018, RevBits is dedicated to providing customers with superior protection against the most sophisticated cyber threats companies face. Its integrated platform, CIP, includes five main modules, all accessible via single sign-on through CIPs dashboard: RevBits Endpoint Security & EDR, RevBits Email Security, RevBits Privileged Access Management, RevBits Zero Trust Network, and RevBits Deception Technology.

RevBits, headquartered in Mineola, NY, with global offices across Europe.

About Levex

Levex stands as a distinguished technology company with two decades of profound industry expertise. Levexs unwavering commitment to innovation and nurturing talent resonates in its operations across Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Peru, and Bolivia. Much akin to RevBits, we diligently invest in cutting-edge technologies, perpetually seeking avenues to enhance productivity, efficiency, and sustainability.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231114131044/en/

Neal Hesterberg

Vice President of Business Development

[email protected]

Source: RevBits, LLC
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- NextGen International Insurance (NextGen i.i.) proudly announces the appointment of Mr. Ricardo Gonzalez Padilla as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board. With an extensive career spanning over 30 years in the Financial Services sector and a dedicated focus on healthcare and international insurance for the past fifteen years, Mr. Gonzalez Padilla assumes the leadership of NextGen i.i. with a wealth of experience and expertise. His distinguished track record includes key roles at prominent companies like Accenture and Bupa, as well as various leadership positions within the insurance sector.

A Visionary Leader

Throughout his illustrious career, Mr. Gonzalez Padilla has played a pivotal role in shaping the international medical insurance industry landscape in Latin America and the Caribbean region. He has served on the Board of Directors of numerous prominent insurance companies in the region and held the position of Senior Vice-President, where he defined strategic vision, managed finances, and established operational models for leading international private medical insurers.

A Customer-Centric Approach

In his new role as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board at NextGen International Insurance (NextGen i.i.), Mr. Ricardo Gonzalez Padilla is poised to drive the company's strategic vision across the dynamic markets of Latin America and the Caribbean. His appointment heralds a significant milestone in the company's journey toward becoming a paramount player in the insurance industry within these regions.

Mr. Gonzalez Padilla brings with him a wealth of expertise accumulated over three decades in the Financial Services sector, with the last fifteen years devoted to the intricacies of healthcare and international insurance. This impressive background empowers him to navigate the intricacies of the insurance landscape.

Mr. Gonzalez Padilla expressed his profound commitment, stating, "Leading NextGen i.i. through its journey will only be possible by placing the insured in the center of everything we do, from product design to customer interaction and when receiving medical services." This bold approach underscores the company's intention to provide comprehensive support and care for its policyholders, transcending the traditional boundaries of insurance.

Vision And Mission

His vision encapsulates a noble aspiration - that of becoming the "Healthcare Advocate" for all those entrusted to NextGen i.i.'s care. To achieve this, Mr. Gonzalez Padilla emphasizes the importance of ensuring that policyholders are not just insured but well-informed. NextGen's dedication to keeping its policyholders educated on how to maintain their health and utilize the resources offered is central to its mission.

Under his guidance, NextGen i.i. is poised to elevate its role in the insurance industry while fostering a deeper sense of trust and care among its policyholders in Latin America and the Caribbean.

About NextGen International Insurance

NextGen i.i. is a trusted provider of insurance solutions, offering a comprehensive range of products and services designed to protect individuals, families, and businesses. With a focus on customer satisfaction, NextGen i.i. strives to deliver exceptional service and value to its policyholders. Visit NextGen https://www.nextgen.me

Upcoming Milestone

NextGen i.i. is set to introduce its newly crafted suite of international health insurance products and services in the last quarter of 2023.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231114954438/en/

[email protected]

Learn More- For further information, please visit NextGen's main website at http://nextgen.me

Source: NextGen International Insurance
MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Ryder System, Inc. (NYSE: R) Executive Vice President and CFO John Diez to address the 2023 Stephens Annual Investment Conference.

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Ryder System, Inc. Executive Vice President and CFO John J. Diez (Photo: Business Wire)

Who: Ryder System, Inc. Executive Vice President and CFO John Diez What: Stephens Annual Investment Conference Where: Nashville, TN When: Wednesday, November 15, 2023 Time: 12:00 p.m. CST Webcast: To access the live webcast, visit http://investors.ryder.com.

About Ryder System, Inc.

Ryder System, Inc. (NYSE: R) is a leading logistics and transportation company. It provides supply chain, dedicated transportation, and fleet management solutions, including warehousing and distribution, e-commerce fulfillment, last-mile delivery, managed transportation, professional drivers, freight brokerage, full-service leasing, maintenance, commercial truck rental, and used vehicle sales to some of the worlds most-recognized brands. Ryder provides services throughout the United States, Mexico, and Canada. In addition, Ryder manages nearly 260,000 commercial vehicles and operates approximately 300 warehouses encompassing more than 95 million square feet. Ryder is regularly recognized for its industry-leading practices in third-party logistics, technology-driven innovations, commercial vehicle maintenance, environmental stewardship, corporate social responsibility, world-class safety and security programs, military veteran recruitment initiatives, and the hiring of a diverse workforce. www.ryder.com

Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: Certain statements and information included in this news release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Federal Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on our current plans and expectations and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Accordingly, these forward-looking statements should be evaluated with consideration given to the many risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements including those risks set forth in our periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. New risks emerge from time to time. It is not possible for management to predict all such risk factors or to assess the impact of such risks on our business. Accordingly, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

ryder-financial

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Media:

Amy Federman

[email protected]

Investor Relations:

Calene Candela

[email protected]

Source: Ryder System, Inc.
The CRIO eSource system enables clients to capture data in real-time

BOSTON,--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Continuing the momentum of technology solution innovations after its recent release of SDC InsightsTM, SDC is proud to partner with CRIO to bring eSource functionality in-house to better serve clients and their clinical needs.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231114143441/en/

Graphic: Business Wire

With SDCs in-house developers, we can efficiently meet the individual needs of each protocol with CRIO eSource, a compliant solution that harnesses real-time data to streamline clinical compliance and reduce transcription errors says Quan Doan, Vice President, Technology Solutions.

SDCs desire to embrace a reimagined approach to clinical trial execution is a testament to their focus on providing the best possible outcomes for their customers, says Jonathan Andrus, CRIOs President and COO.

SDCs eSource solution, powered by CRIO, is a comprehensive, 21 CFR Part 11 compliant system that enables staff to capture data in real-time. Functionality includes:

Elimination of 90% of paper while improving data quality by an average of 80%.

Provision of a library of prebuilt source templates and the ability to reduce build timelines, providing a 25% increase in efficiency during development of a new study.

Providing a user-friendly calendar to easily schedule patients within a window, highlighting the target days and flags visits completed outside the window or that need to be scheduled.

24-hour client access to understand the full audit trail and source changes.

Uploading, routing, editing and signing of documents like lab reports, ECG tracings, or patient diaries with real-time signature updates.

Capturing data directly during the course of a study visit with live edit checks, minimizing transcription of data into EDC, reducing monitoring visits and optimizing data management services.

SDC also just launched SDC Capture -- ePRO technology to ensure an optimized user experience for clients and sites with superior data reliability and robust data security.

About SDC:

Statistics & Data Corporation (SDC) delivers top-tier clinical trial services to pharmaceutical, biologic, and medical device/diagnostic companies since 2005. We are committed to providing experienced teams who will take ownership of your needs and are positively engaged in your projects. With strategic consulting, biometric services (biostatistics, data management) and technology solutions (EDC, IRT/RTSM, eSource, data analytics/warehousing) expertise at our core, our services are scalable to provide seamless full service clinical trial solutions. Contact us at [email protected]

LinkedIn

X

Facebook

About CRIO

CRIO helps pharma, biotech, research sites, and academic research centers streamline regulatory workflows with one system that enables a single point of data capture. As the leader in eSource technology, CRIO enables remote monitoring and immediate data review with a powerfully integrated eSource/EDC solution. CRIOs mission is to design and deliver a modern, intuitive, and integrated software platform that reimagines clinical trials for quality, speed, and patient-centricity.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231114143441/en/

Emma Lomax-Cohen

[email protected]

Source: SDC
In partnership with GS Energy, Doosan Enerbility, and Samsung C&T, this Energy Exploration Center control room simulator will provide hands-on nuclear experience for future operators of NuScales innovative small modular reactor technology worldwide.

PORTLAND, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- NuScale Power Corporation (NYSE: SMR) announced today the opening of the first privately-funded NuScale Energy Exploration Center (E2 Center) at Seoul National University (SNU) with partners GS Energy Corporation, Doosan Enerbility Co. Ltd., and Samsung C&T Corporation. As the first E2 Center in Asia, the educational training hub serves as a workforce development tool for South Korea to develop the next generation of advanced nuclear experts, technologists, and operators, positioning the country to become a regional leader of small modular reactor (SMR) deployment in Asia.

The E2 Center is an innovative learning environment that offers users a hands-on opportunity to apply nuclear science and engineering principles through simulated, real-world nuclear power plant operation scenarios. Through state-of-the-art computer modeling, visitors will take on the role of control room operators at a VOYGR-12, 924 megawatts electric (MWe), SMR plant powered by 12 NuScale Power Modules to learn about the advanced features and functionality of NuScales technology.

The deepening partnership between NuScale and Korean energy industry leaders will help Korean companies advance their SMR capabilities significantly, which could lead to exports of Korean-supported SMRs in the future.

NuScales groundbreaking SMRs are years ahead of the global competition as the only advanced nuclear technology with U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission approval, and todays opening of the E2 Center allows South Korea to advance its position as a global leader in clean energy, said Dr. Jose Reyes, NuScale Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer. With the support of our partners GS Energy, Doosan, Samsung C&T, and Seoul National University, we are excited to reach this new milestone in our collaboration to advance the shared goal of global decarbonization.

The establishment of a NuScale E2 Center at Seoul National University will play a pivotal role in South Koreas pursuit of their clean energy objectives. Through the hands-on learning experience provided by the E2 Center, South Korean nuclear experts and technologists will be equipped with the knowledge needed to ensure the safe operation of a NuScale VOYGR SMR power plant control room. This collaboration further underscores the increasing global support of NuScales SMR technology as the premier solution to advance the clean energy transition.

The E2 Center provides our students with an unrivaled opportunity to engage in hands-on SMR operations, cultivating the expertise essential for leading the global clean energy transition, said Professor Eung Soo Kim, Head of the Department of Nuclear Engineering at Seoul National University. We are proud to be the first institution in Asia to integrate NuScale's state-of-the-art simulation technology into our curriculum.

About NuScale Power

NuScale Power Corporation (NYSE: SMR) is the industry-leading provider of proprietary and innovative advanced small modular reactor (SMR) nuclear technology, with a mission to help power the global energy transition by delivering safe, scalable, and reliable carbon-free energy. The companys groundbreaking SMR technology is powered by the NuScale Power Module, a small, safe, pressurized water reactor that can each generate 77 megawatts of electricity (MWe) or 250 megawatts thermal (gross), and can be scaled to meet customer needs through an array of flexible configurations up to 924 MWe (12 modules) of output.

As the first and only SMR to have its design certified by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, NuScale is well-positioned to serve diverse customers across the world by supplying nuclear energy for electrical generation, district heating, desalination, commercial-scale hydrogen production, and other process heat applications.

Founded in 2007, NuScale is headquartered in Portland, Ore. To learn more, visit NuScale Powers website or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.

Forward Looking Statements

This release may contain forward-looking statements (including without limitation statements to the effect that the Company or its management "will," "believes," "expects," anticipates, "plans" or other similar expressions). These forward-looking statements include statements relating to strategic and operational plans, capital deployment, future growth, new awards, backlog, earnings and the outlook for the companys business.

Actual results may differ materially as a result of a number of factors, including, among other things, the severity and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic and actions by governments, businesses and individuals in response to the pandemic, including the duration and severity of economic disruptions; the Company's failure to receive new contract awards; cost overruns, project delays or other problems arising from project execution activities, including the failure to meet cost and schedule estimates; intense competition in the industries in which we operate; failure of our partners to perform their obligations; cyber-security breaches; foreign economic and political uncertainties; client cancellations of, or scope adjustments to, existing contracts; failure to maintain safe worksites and international security risks; risks or uncertainties associated with events outside of our control, including weather conditions, pandemics, public health crises, political crises or other catastrophic events; the use of estimates and assumptions in preparing our financial statements; client delays or defaults in making payments; the failure of our suppliers, subcontractors and other third parties to adequately perform services under our contracts; uncertainties, restrictions and regulations impacting our government contracts; the inability to hire and retain qualified personnel; the potential impact of certain tax matters; possible information technology interruptions; the Company's ability to secure appropriate insurance; liabilities associated with the performance of nuclear services; foreign currency risks; the loss of one or a few clients that account for a significant portion of the Company's revenues; damage to our reputation; failure to adequately protect intellectual property rights; asset impairments; climate change and related environmental issues; increasing scrutiny with respect to sustainability practices; the availability of credit and restrictions imposed by credit facilities for our clients, suppliers, subcontractors or other partners; failure to obtain favorable results in existing or future litigation and regulatory proceedings, dispute resolution proceedings or claims, including claims for additional costs; failure by us or our employees, agents or partners to comply with laws; new or changing legal requirements, including those relating to environmental, health and safety matters; failure to successfully implement our strategic and operational initiatives; risks related to provisions of our convertible preferred stock; and restrictions on possible transactions imposed by our charter documents and Delaware law. Caution must be exercised in relying on these and other forward-looking statements. Due to known and unknown risks, the Companys results may differ materially from its expectations and projections.

Additional information concerning these and other factors can be found in the Company's public periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the general economic conditions and other risks, uncertainties and factors (a) set forth in the section entitled Risk Factors and Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements in the Companys prospectus dated and filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on July 1, 2022, which is part of the registration statement on Form S-1 declared effective by the SEC on June 30, 2022, in the section entitled Risk Factors, (b) set forth in the section entitled Risk Factors and Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements in the Companys annual report filed on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 15, 2023, and under similar headings in prior filings with the SEC, and (c) associated with companies like the Company that operate in the energy industry. The referenced SEC filings are available either publicly or upon request from NuScale's Investor Relations Department at [email protected]. The Company disclaims any intent or obligation other than as required by law to update its forward-looking statements in light of new information or future events.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231114379483/en/

Media Contact

Diane Hughes, Vice President, Marketing & Communications, NuScale Power

[email protected]

(503) 270-9329

Investor Contact

Scott Kozak, Director, Investor Relations, NuScale Power

[email protected]

(541) 452-7583

Source: NuScale Power
Sonia to be recognized for her commitment to mentorship and her impact at Neal Gerber Eisenberg.

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Neal Gerber Eisenberg (NGE) is pleased to announce that Chief Operating Officer Sonia Menon is a recipient of the 2023 Step Up Inspiration Award. Sonia has been selected as Step Up's executive honoree in Chicago for her commitment to mentorship, gender equity, and her work designing her firm's corporate social responsibility (CSR) program, including developing new initiatives to enhance the recruitment, advancement, and retention of traditionally underrepresented individuals.

The Step Up Inspiration Awards are given annually to individuals who empower young women and help girls define and achieve their unique visions of success through structured programs, focused support, and inspiring connections. In celebration of Step Up's 25th anniversary, Sonia has also been named one of 25 Mentors of the Year, a new distinction reserved for those who serve as role models in their communities.

"Sonia's leadership has made an indelible mark on NGE's culture, playing an essential role in shaping our DE&I, wellness, and sustainability programs, which personify our firm," said Bobby Gerber, NGE's Managing Partner. "We see Sonia's commitment and impact in serving her colleagues and community every day, and we are thrilled that Step Up recognizes these impressive qualities."

Sonia chairs the firm's Sustainability Committee and is an active member of the firm's Hiring Committee, Women's Network, and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committees, developing new initiatives to enhance the recruitment, advancement and retention of traditionally underrepresented lawyers. She also champions the firm's wellness efforts, overseeing the development of year-round programming and identifying a suite of benefits that holistically serve the NGE's employees.

Outside the firm, she serves on the national and Chicago boards of the All Stars Project, a not-for-profit focused on outside of school development programs for underprivileged youth. She also serves as a member of Profit Recovery Partners' Advisory Board and is an active member of the NALP, where she has held various leadership roles over the years. Sonia is also actively involved with the Law Firm Sustainability Network, ESG-focused technology company Vorgate, the Society for Human Resource Management, the Professional Development Consortium, the Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago, the Human Rights Campaign and the International Legal Technology Association.

NGE has supported Step Up for over a decade through pro bono legal counsel and board service. Over 40 NGE attorneys have spent time providing legal advice to the organization, while NGE partners Angela Elbert, Sonya Rosenberg, and Beth Radichel have served on the Step Up board of directors.

"NGE is proud to have a longstanding relationship with Step Up, with several partners serving as national board members over the years. The organization's mission aligns with the positive impact we at NGE strive to make on our community. I am thrilled to see Sonia recognized by an organization doing such important work in Chicago and across the nation," said Beth Radichel, current Step Up board member and partner at NGE.

Step Up will recognize Sonia and the other award winners during its inaugural Chicago event on November 16, 2023, at Artifact Events in Ravenswood.

About NGE

Neal Gerber Eisenberg is a leading law firm dedicated to handling sophisticated matters for entrepreneurs, public companies, and private businesses and their owners. More than one-third of the lawyers at Neal Gerber Eisenberg are recognized in the most recent Best Lawyers in America listing and represent scores of the Fortune 100 and many of the best-known private companies. The firm is also a trusted advisor to startups, growth companies and entrepreneurs. The firm has built over thirty years of trusted partnerships with clients that span the globe, and we meet each unique client need with the same personalized service and collaboration that provide the most practical solutions for every matter.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231114223061/en/

John Albrighton

Marketing and Business Development Director

p: (312) 269-8065

e: [email protected]

Source: Neal Gerber Eisenberg
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Central and Eastern Europe Fund, Inc. (NYSE: CEE), The European Equity Fund, Inc. (NYSE: EEA) and The New Germany Fund, Inc. (NYSE: GF) (each, a Fund, and collectively, the Funds) each announced today that, in connection with the previously announced retirements of Mr. Christian Strenger and Dr. Christopher Pleister from each Funds Board, the Board of Directors has appointed Mr. Bernhard Koepp, Independent Director of each Fund, to succeed Mr. Christian Strenger as the Chairman of each Funds Board effective January 1, 2024, rather than Mr. Walter C. Dostmann, as previously announced. Mr. Dostmann will continue to serve as a Director for the Funds.

The Boards thanks Mr. Strenger and Dr. Pleister for their excellent service for many years to the Funds.

For more information on each Fund, including the most recent month-end performance, visit www.dwsfunds.com or call (800) 349-4281.

Important Information

Closed-end funds, unlike open-end funds, are not continuously offered. There is a one-time public offering and once issued, shares of closed-end funds are sold in the open market through a stock exchange. Shares of closed-end funds frequently trade at a discount to net asset value. The price of the funds shares is determined by a number of factors, several of which are beyond the control of the fund. Therefore, the fund cannot predict whether its shares will trade at, below or above net asset value.

The Central and Eastern Europe Fund, Inc. is non-diversified and can take larger positions in fewer issues, increasing its potential risk. Investing in foreign securities, particularly of emerging markets, presents certain risks, such as currency fluctuations, political and economic changes, and market risks. Emerging markets tend to be more volatile and less liquid than the markets of more mature economies, and generally have less diverse and less mature economic structures and less stable political systems than those of developed countries. Any fund that focuses in a particular segment of the market or region of the world will generally be more volatile than a fund that invests more broadly. This fund is non-diversified and can take larger positions in fewer issues, increasing its potential risk.

The European Equity Fund, Inc. is diversified and primarily focuses its investments in equity securities of issuers domiciled in Europe, thereby increasing its vulnerability to developments in that region. Investing in foreign securities, particularly of emerging markets, presents certain risks, such as currency fluctuations, political and economic changes, and market risks. Any fund that concentrates in a particular segment of the market or a particular geographical region will generally be more volatile than a fund that invests more broadly.

The New Germany Fund, Inc. is diversified, and primarily focuses its investments in Germany, thereby increasing its vulnerability to developments in that region. Investing in foreign securities, particularly of emerging markets, presents certain risks, such as currency fluctuations, political and economic changes, and market risks. Any fund that concentrates in a particular segment of the market or a particular geographical region will generally be more volatile than a fund that invests more broadly.

The shares of most closed-end funds, including the Funds, are not continuously offered. Once issued, shares of closed-end funds are bought and sold in the open market through a stock exchange. Shares of closed-end funds frequently trade at a discount to net asset value. The price of a funds shares is determined by a number of factors, several of which are beyond the control of the fund. Therefore, a fund cannot predict whether its shares will trade at, below, or above net asset value. In the case of The Central and Eastern Europe Fund, Russias invasion of Ukraine has materially adversely affected, and may continue to materially adversely affect, the value and liquidity of the Funds portfolio.

War, terrorism, sanctions, economic uncertainty, trade disputes, public health crises and related geopolitical events have led, and, in the future, may lead to significant disruptions in US and world economies and markets, which may lead to increased market volatility and may have significant adverse effects on the Funds and their investments.

The European Union, the United States and other countries have imposed sanctions on Russia in response to Russian military and other actions in recent years. These sanctions have adversely affected Russian individuals, issuers and the Russian economy. Russia, in turn, has imposed sanctions targeting Western individuals, businesses and products. The various sanctions have adversely affected, and may continue to adversely affect, not only the Russian economy, but also the economies of many countries in Europe, including countries in Central and Eastern Europe. The continuation of current sanctions or the imposition of additional sanctions may materially adversely affect the value of the Funds portfolios.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the laws of such state or jurisdiction.

Certain statements contained in this release may be forward-looking in nature. These include all statements relating to plans, expectations, and other statements that are not historical facts and typically use words like expect, anticipate, believe, intend, and similar expressions. Such statements represent managements current beliefs, based upon information available at the time the statements are made, with regard to the matters addressed. All forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, such statements. Management does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements: (i) the effects of adverse changes in market and economic conditions; (ii) legal and regulatory developments; and (iii) other additional risks and uncertainties, including public health crises (including the recent pandemic spread of the novel coronavirus), war, terrorism, trade disputes and related geopolitical events.

Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

NOT FDIC/ NCUA INSURED  MAY LOSE VALUE  NO BANK GUARANTEE

NOT A DEPOSIT  NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY

DWS Distributors, Inc.

222 South Riverside Plaza

Chicago, IL 60606-5808

www.dws.com

Tel (800) 621-1148

 2023 DWS Group GmbH & Co. KGaA. All rights reserved

The brand DWS represents DWS Group GmbH & Co. KGaA and any of its subsidiaries such as DWS Distributors, Inc. which offers investment products or DWS Investment Management Americas, Inc. and RREEF America L.L.C. which offer advisory services. (R-098589-1) (11/23)

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231113426830/en/

DWS Press Office (212) 454-4500

Shareholder Account Information (800) 294-4366

DWS Closed-End Funds (800) 349-4281

Source: DWS
The Stevie Awards for Women in Business and Supply & Demand Chain Executive recognize Avetta women for exceptional innovation and leadership.

LEHI, Utah & HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Three Avetta executives were recognized at the annual Stevie Awards for Women in Business ceremony in New York and Supply & Demand Chain Executives Women in Supply Chain Forum in Atlanta.

2023 Women in Supply Chain Award: Avetta Director of Product Management Caitlin Bergman

Avetta Director of Product Management Caitlin Bergman Silver 2023 Stevie Award for Female Executive of the Year: Avetta Vice President of Client Success Erin Watkinson

Avetta Vice President of Client Success Erin Watkinson Bronze 2023 Stevie Award for Female Executive of the Year in Canada: Avetta Director of Sales Nicole Brackett

The Women in Supply Chain Award honors female executives whose accomplishments and mentorship set a foundation for women at all levels of a company's supply chain network. Supply & Demand Chain Executive recognized Avetta's Director of Product Management Caitlin Bergmans contributions to promoting workforce development throughout global supply chains. Bergman leads product strategy and development for Avettas worker management technologies, with a focus on compliance, health, and safety. The technologies are used by the worlds largest manufacturing, food and beverage, mining and metals, and utilities companies, with over 300,000 contract workers sharing skills and qualifications with employers.

The Stevie Awards for Women in Business are the world's premier business awards for female entrepreneurs, executives, employees and the organizations they run.

Avetta Vice President of Client Success, Erin Watkinson, was honored for exemplary dedication to client success and commitment to driving excellence. For over two decades, Watkinsons expertise has helped SaaS companies achieve industry-leading Net Retention Rate percentages, supported by Net Promoter Scores and product adoption rates. Under Watkinsons leadership, Avettas global client success team transformed into data-driven, strategic technology advisors who proactively help clients address supply chain risk management challenges by leveraging Avetta's platform and suite of services. Watkinsons passion for client experiences motivates her to build, deliver, and lead professional services practices, implement success programs and identify solutions to meet every clients need.

Avetta Director of Sales, Nicole Brackett, was awarded for advancing Avettas development and expansion in Canada. Brackett exceeded sales targets and expanded Avettas customer base by formulating and executing a robust strategic plan for individual and team goals. Her communication of Avetta's value proposition through compelling presentations and proposals helped build and strengthen long-lasting client relationships. Bracketts reporting on Canadas market factors influenced tactical budgets and strategic direction to enable informed decision-making at the senior leadership level.

Avetta is delighted to celebrate and recognize the work of these trailblazers. Their contributions are building safer, more sustainable and secure supply chains, said Avettas Chief Executive Officer Arshad Matin.

About Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive

Food Logistics reaches more than 26,000 supply chain executives in the global food and beverage industries, including executives in the food sector (growers, producers, manufacturers, wholesalers and grocers) and the logistics section (transportation, warehousing, distribution, software and technology) who share a mutual interest in the operations and business aspects of the global cold food supply chain. Supply & Demand Chain Executive is the only supply chain publication covering the entire global supply chain, focusing on trucking, warehousing, packaging, procurement, risk management, professional development and more. Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive also operate SCN Summit and Women in Supply Chain Forum.

About Stevie Awards

Stevie Awards are conferred in eight programs: the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, the German Stevie Awards, the Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards, The American Business Awards, The International Business Awards, the Stevie Awards for Great Employers, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, and the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service. Stevie Awards competitions receive more than 12,000 entries each year from organizations in more than 70 nations. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about the Stevie Awards at http://www.StevieAwards.com.

About Avetta

The Avetta SaaS platform helps clients manage supply chain risk and their suppliers to become more qualified for jobs. For hiring clients in our network, we offer the worlds largest supply chain risk management network to manage supplier safety, sustainability, worker competency and performance. We perform contractor prequalification and worker competency management across major industries, all over the globe, including construction, energy, facilities, high tech, manufacturing, mining and telecom.

For suppliers in our network, our audit and verification services help lower their safety incidents rate by 29%. As a result, nearly 50% of members find additional job opportunities within the first year of joining. In addition, our suppliers receive privileged access to the Avetta Marketplace, where dozens of partners offer special discounts for business services like insurance and work gear. Avetta serves 500+ enterprise companies and 125,000+ suppliers across 120+ countries. Visit https://www.avetta.com/ for more information.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231113573628/en/

Avetta PR Contact

Product Marketing Manager Alyssa Rock

[email protected]

Source: Avetta
OTTAWA, Ontario & TUNIS, Tunisia--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Tunisie Telecom, the market leader in information and communication technologies in Tunisia, and Telepin, a global pioneer in mobile transaction platforms and the fintech industry, announce the signing of a partnership agreement for the launch of the converged charging system for the national operator's customers.

The main objective of this partnership is to migrate Tunisie Telecom's charging system, currently distributed among several suppliers, to Telepin's unified converged charging platform.

This transition promises to offer a better customer experience by offering a consolidated and more secure solution for mobile and landline top-ups.

Telepin's platform is meticulously designed to meet all of Tunisie Telecom's charging needs. From the migration of legacy vouchers to the generation of on-demand e-vouchers, the system ensures a smooth transition and an improved user experience for Tunisie Telecom's large customer base.

Mr. Lassaad Ben Dhiab, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Tunisie Telecom said: We are proud of this project to converge platforms towards the Telepin platform, a key initiative in the realization of our strategic vision of digital transformation. This migration will increase our efficiency, optimize our operations and open up new avenues for Tunisie Telecom's growth.

Mr. Eric Feeley, CEO of Telepin, commented: Deepening our ties with Tunisie Telecom, which began in 2007, marks a key moment in the telecommunications sector. We remain dedicated to delivering unmatched solutions, and we are confident that our platform will redefine the standards of customer experience in the industry.

About Tunisie Telecom:

A pioneer in the telecommunications sector in Tunisia, the global and convergent national operator Tunisie Telecom has more than 6 million subscribers between companies and individuals in its ranks, to whom it offers a wide range of services in the field of fixed and mobile telecommunications, Data Center, Cloud, IoT, managed security, etc.

To learn more about Tunisie Telecom and its services, visit www.tunisietelecom.tn.

About Telepin:

Telepin, the world's leading mobile transaction platform, serving leading operators in the Middle East, Africa, Asia and the Americas. The company provides financial, mobile, stable, and scalable solutions, offering mobile network operators and financial service providers the most efficient and reliable means to maximize their revenue and deliver innovative mobile applications that empower people financially.

To learn more about Telepin, visit www.telepin.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231114176364/en/

Media Relations Officer:

Kaouther Khlifi

[email protected]

Media:

Derek Sharpley

[email protected]

Source: Telepin
ANN ARBOR, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Today, VergeIO, a top-tier VMware alternative, unveils its risk-free VMware conversion services. Powered by IOmigrate, VergeIO ensures a frictionless transition of VMware virtual machines to VergeOS with just a few clicks. In light of Broadcom's pending acquisition of VMware and growing user concerns about the state of the virtualization software and the company behind it  ranging from rising licensing costs, ransomware vulnerabilities, and diminishing quality of support, VergeIO is stepping up, offering complimentary professional services for VMware customers seeking an exit.

VergeOS IOmigrate is the epitome of user-friendly. It allows IT professionals to log into the VMware ecosystem swiftly, view available VMs, select desired VMs for migration, and within moments, these VMs are able to operate under VergeOS. The transition is almost invisible to users in daily operations, yet they enjoy enhanced performance and improved data resiliency, even when leveraging existing hardware.

The VergeIO Customer Success team complements IOmigrate. They offer a comprehensive migration plan encompassing application sequencing, meticulous testing, optimization, and final deployment. Furthermore, they arm customers with VergeOS' robust data protection, readying them against potential threats, be it disasters or ransomware attacks.

VergeIO's training module ensures a quick learning curve for VMware administrators. Typically, IT administrators become proficient with VergeOS in merely a few hours. Additionally, the team assists clients in phasing out superfluous applications now integrated into VergeOS.

Yan Ness, CEO of VergeIO, commented, "VergeOS isn't just about cost-saving, though it's notably 50% less expensive than VMware and slashes infrastructure costs by 75% or more. VergeOS streamlines IT Operations, simplifies compliance, provides superior ransomware protection, simplifies moving workloads, rapidly scales, and more. Our devoted Customer Success team consistently assists VMware clients through the entire conversion journey, from strategizing to implementing. With the looming changes at Broadcom, we're waiving fees for this service, aiding customers in a smooth and timely transition."

With IOmigrate and the added advantage of professional migration assistance, now is the opportune moment to devise your VMware Exit strategy. Watch our on-demand webinar, "How to Exit VMware Step By Step," where VergeIO experts address the top five migration questions and demonstrate a real-time VMware to VergeOS shift. All attendees will also receive a copy of VergeIOs State of the VMware Customer.

About VergeOS:

VergeIO is the Ultraconverged Infrastructure (UCI) company. Unlike hyperconverged infrastructure (HCI), it rotates the traditional IT stack (compute, storage, and networking) into an integrated data center operating system, VergeOS. Its efficiency enables greater workload density on the same hardware with high levels of data resiliency. The result is dramatically lower costs and greatly simplified IT.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231114409335/en/

Judy Smith, JPR Communications

818-522-9673

[email protected]

Source: VergeOS
TESSENDERLO, Belgium--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Regulatory News:

X-FAB Silicon Foundries SE (Euronext Paris: XFAB)

Regulated Information

Intermediate declaration by the Board of Directors

Publication of inside information pursuant to Article 17 of the Market Abuse Regulation

X-FAB Silicon Foundries SE (Euronext Paris: XFAB) (X-FAB or the Company) announces that the families De Winter-Chombar and Duchatelet have made changes to their shareholding structure regarding XFAB Silicon Foundries SE.

X-FAB was informed today by Xtrion NV (0878.389.438), Elex NV (0421.226.161) and Sensinnovat BV (0884.338.607) that Xtrion sold all the shares it held in X-FAB to Elex and Sensinnovat, its indirect shareholders. Xtrion sold 31,666,782 shares to Elex and 31,666,781 shares to Sensinnovat. Elex is the investment vehicle and holding company of the Duchatelet family. Sensinnovat is the investment vehicle and holding company of the De Winter-Chombar family. The X-FAB shares were sold at a price per share of EUR 8.9581, which corresponds to the average closing price of X-FAB shares on Euronext Paris over the last 30 days prior to November 14, 2023. Xtrion and Sarawak Technology Holdings Sdn. Bhd. further informed the Company that they have terminated their shareholder agreement in common understanding.

With this transaction, both families and their respective affiliated legal entities intend to rearrange their group/investment structure which will allow them, with a view to the next generation, to pursue individual and independent investment strategies, each through their own holding company (i.e. Elex and Sensinnovat).

As a result of this restructuring, the joint control over the Company by Mr. Roland Duchatelet, Mr. Rudi De Winter, Ms. Francoise Chombar and Sarawak Technology Holdings Sdn. Bhd. has transitioned into an absence of control and absence of acting in concert.

The De Winter-Chombar and Duchatelet families confirmed that this does not mean that, at present, they would differ on X-FAB's strategy and priorities. Their commitment to the Company remains unchanged. Furthermore, they indicated that they have no plans to sell or reduce their shareholdings. Mr. Roland Duchatelet and Mr. Rudi De Winter also confirmed their willingness to stay on as (permanent representative of a) director of X-FAB.

X-FAB confirms that the change of control does not have any significant legal impact on it nor on its existing contractual relations.

About X-FAB

X-FAB is the leading analog/mixed-signal and MEMS foundry group manufacturing silicon wafers for automotive, industrial, consumer, medical and other applications. Its customers worldwide benefit from the highest quality standards, manufacturing excellence and innovative solutions by using X-FABs modular CMOS processes in geometries ranging from 1.0 to 0.13 m, and its special silicon carbide and MEMS long-lifetime processes. X-FABs analog-digital integrated circuits (mixed-signal ICs), sensors and micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) are manufactured at six production facilities in Germany, France, Malaysia and the U.S. X-FAB employs approx. 4,200 people worldwide. For more information, please visit www.xfab.com.

Forward-looking information

This press release may include forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements regarding or based upon our managements current intentions, beliefs or expectations relating to, among other things, X-FABs future results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, prospects, growth, strategies or developments in the industry in which we operate. By their nature, forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results or future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied thereby. These risks, uncertainties and assumptions could adversely affect the outcome and financial effects of the plans and events described herein.

Forward-looking statements contained in this press release regarding trends or current activities should not be taken as a report that such trends or activities will continue in the future. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless legally required. You should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release.

The information contained in this press release is subject to change without notice. No re-report or warranty, express or implied, is made as to the fairness, accuracy, reasonableness, or completeness of the information contained herein and no reliance should be placed on it.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231114944502/en/

X-FAB Press Contact

Uta Steinbrecher

Investor Relations

X-FAB Silicon Foundries

+49-361-427-6489

[email protected]

Source: X-FAB Silicon Foundries SE
BlueLinx Holdings Inc. (NYSE: BXC), a leadng U.S. wholesale distributor of building products, and Louisiana-Pacific Corporation (LP Building Solutions, NYSE: LPX), a leading manufacturer of engineered wood building products, are pleased to announce again an expansion of their distribution partnership. The expanded collaboration will include LPs SmartSide Trim & Siding and LP SmartSide ExpertFinish Trim & Siding, in BlueLinxs Seattle and Spokane, Washington branches. Both product lines will be sold throughout the entire distribution footprint for these two locations, including Hawaii and Alaska. Additionally, BlueLinx will now distribute LPs SmartSide Trim & Siding through its Gulfport, Mississippi location. This expansion brings BlueLinx's stocking footprint of LP SmartSide to fourteen locations, spanning four of LP's regions across the United States.

Mike Wilson, Chief Product Management Officer at BlueLinx, remarked on the distribution expansion between LP and BlueLinx, stating, "We are excited to add these brands to our specialty portfolio in the West, as well as Gulfport. LP SmartSide continues to be a leading siding brand in the U.S. today due to its value proposition, which includes a pre-finished product that installs faster with higher yield than other alternatives. This strategic partnership aligns with our commitment to offer best-in-class specialty products to our customers, builders, and contractors.

Chad Larson, General Sales Manager for LP in the Northwest, added, LP is enthusiastic about the expanded role of BlueLinx in the Northwest region. Their commitment to LP products including LP SmartSide, ExpertFinish, and Structural Solutions align with our strategic vision for the region. These synergies will ensure access to our full portfolio of products for our valued customers.

Chad Wold, General Sales Manager for LP in the Southeast, shared his anticipation of the Gulfport, MS market expansion. "As LP continues to expand its market share, we are thrilled to broaden our distribution footprint with BlueLinx. This expansion in Gulfport will provide our customers with additional options to access SmartSide and ExpertFinish. With world-class partners like BlueLinx, we are confident in our ability to sustain growth and success for the next decade."
Core & Main Inc. (NYSE: CNM), a leader in advancing reliable infrastructure with local service, nationwide, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire substantially all of the assets of Lee Supply Company Inc. (Lee Supply), a leading specialty distributor and fabricator of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe and other related services, including HDPE fusion equipment rentals and custom fabrication capabilities.

Since 1954, Lee Supply has been a preferred supplier and specialty fabricator of engineered HDPE pipe, fittings, pumps and pipe systems, along with providing rental fusion equipment. They provide solutions-based services to municipalities, contractors and other environmental and industrial customers. The company has four locations in Pennsylvania, South Carolina and West Virginia, primarily serving the Eastern United States.

Lee Supply has a distinguished history and reputation for delivering innovative solutions and providing top-quality products and services. We are confident their team members will bring industry knowledge and capabilities that will greatly enhance our HDPE product and service offerings while providing our customers with additional expertise in fusible pipe applications, said Steve LeClair, chief executive officer of Core & Main.

Lee Supply has built a strong legacy as a proven industry leader under the stewardship of the Lee family, said Jack Schaller, president of Core & Main. Their teams industry knowledge and fabrication capabilities will expand our ability to serve the HDPE industry nationwide, and we are excited to welcome them into the Core & Main family.

As a family-owned company, three generations of the Lee family have worked tirelessly to see Lee Supply stay at the forefront of the HDPE fusible pipe industry, said Mike Lee, chief executive officer of Lee Supply. The loyal customer relationships we have established through the years will benefit from the additional resources and large national presence of Core & Main. We are thrilled that their team shares our commitment to providing a family-oriented culture that focuses on exceeding customer expectations, and were confident they will honor Lee Supplys heritage well into the future.
DSS, Inc. (NYSE American: DSS) announced today that, in a unanimous decision, the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC) rejected Nichia Corp.'s challenge to U.S. Patent No. 6,879,040 (the 040 Patent). U.S. Chief Circuit Judge Kimberly Moore, who authored the opinion, and U.S. Circuit Judges Kara Stoll and Tiffany Cunningham sat on the panel for the Federal Circuit.

The CAFC appeal mounted by Nichia Corp., a Japanese electronics company, asserted that a 2021 Inter Partes Review (IPR) decision by the USPTO Patent Trial and Appeal Board declaring the 040 Patent to be valid should be overturned. The arguments put forth by Nichia were soundly defeated by the Board in 2021 and now, again, by the CAFC.

In her opinion, Chief Judge Moore stated that the Court reviewed the Boards claim construction de novo including all subsidiary factual findings based on extrinsic evidence. Based on that review, Chief Judge Moore stated that the Board proceeded exactly as prescribed by case law and affirmed that The Board was  correct in rendering its patentability determination  [and that] Nichia did not meet its burden to show [the] claims  are unpatentable.

The 040 patent was purchased by DSS, Inc. as part of a portfolio of patents covering technologies used in Light-Emitting Diode (LED) lighting products.

Frank D. Heuszel, President and CEO, congratulated the legal team for their great work adding that the CAFC decision should put to rest the validity of the 040 patent. Heuszel continued, We will pursue Nichia for patent infringement damages associated with Nichia's LED product line.
F9 Investments, LLC (F9) which, together with its affiliates, collectively owns approximately 8.8% of LL Flooring Holdings, Inc.s (LL Flooring or the Company) (NYSE: LL) common stock, today sent a letter to the Board of Directors (the Board) of LL Flooring proposing to acquire all the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of LL Flooring for $3.00 per share (the Proposed Offer)

The Proposed Offer is not subject to any financing condition and is fully financed through cash on hand and borrowing under an existing revolving credit facility from an affiliate of F9. The value being offered by F9 reflects LL Floorings deteriorating financial and operational performance, as disclosed in its third quarter 2023 results, as well as the Boards refusal to meaningfully engage with F9 and its affiliates or allow it to perform basic due diligence, following F9s previously announced acquisition proposal.

F9s owner, Thomas Sullivan said, We believe our offer represents a compelling, immediate, and certain cash value for LLs shareholders, in light of the Companys deteriorating financial condition and declining stock price, which in our view reflects the markets lack of confidence in the current Boards strategy. LL Floorings most recent, dismal third quarter earnings performance further reflects the Board and managements lack of urgency, credible plan, execution ability, or capacity to control costs despite numerous pledges to do so.

F9 also announced that Mr. Sullivan intends to nominate three highly qualified candidates to LL Floorings Board of Directors at the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the Annual Meeting). The nominees include:

Thomas Sullivan , Founder and Chairman of Cabinets to Go, LLC (Cabinets to Go), Founder and former CEO of Lumber Liquidators (currently known as LL Flooring), Sole Member, Manager and President of F9 Investments.

, Founder and Chairman of Cabinets to Go, LLC (Cabinets to Go), Founder and former CEO of Lumber Liquidators (currently known as LL Flooring), Sole Member, Manager and President of F9 Investments. Jason Delves , President and CEO of Cabinets to Go, former President of Wood Fiber Technologies, LLC and Beasley Flooring Products, LLC.

, President and CEO of Cabinets to Go, former President of Wood Fiber Technologies, LLC and Beasley Flooring Products, LLC. Jill Witter, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary of F9 Investments, LLC, former Secretary of the Board of Directors of Lumber Liquidators (currently known as LL Flooring).

Mr. Sullivan added, Given the LL Flooring Boards lack of meaningful engagement with us over the past six months or any communication about its strategic review process, we have no choice but to assume that the Board is prioritizing its own self-interest over its fiduciary responsibility to maximize value for all LL Flooring shareholders. Accordingly, we have decided to nominate three candidates to the Board at the next annual meeting, who we believe collectively bring significant executive and public company board experience necessary to lead a successful exploration of potential strategic alternatives for the Company and who are committed to maximizing the value of LL Flooring for all shareholders.

The full text of F9s letter to the Board of LL Flooring follows:

VIA E-MAIL AND OVERNIGHT MAIL

November 14, 2023

Nancy M. Taylor

Chairperson of the Board

LL Flooring Holdings, Inc.

4901 Bakers Mill Lane

Richmond, VA 23230

Charles Tyson

Chief Executive Officer

LL Flooring Holdings, Inc.

4901 Bakers Mill Lane

Richmond, VA 23230

Dear Ms. Taylor and Mr. Tyson:

On behalf of F9 Investments, LLC, together with Thomas D. Sullivan and Jason Delves (collectively, we or F9 Investments), we are writing today to reiterate our strong interest in pursuing an all-cash acquisition of LL Flooring Holdings, Inc. (the Company or LL) by an affiliate of F9 Investments. As current shareholders, we are dismayed to see third quarter results continue the pattern of declining sales, transaction volume and earnings, concurrent with significant negative free cash flow and a nearly 100% increase in leverage. As shown in the attached charts, while LLs peers have created significant value for shareholders, LL has generated substantial shareholder losses of 62% over the last twelve months, 89% over the past three years and 77% over the past five years. We believe our offer has strategic logic and presents your shareholders with immediate liquidity at a considerable and meaningful value for their shares.

We are prepared to offer $3.00 per share in cash for all of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of the Company not owned by F9 Investments or its affiliates. Our offer is subject to confirmatory due diligence, including confirming the value and/or useful life of the current inventory, and to reviewing any potential off-balance sheet liabilities, including but not limited to the potential for future negative rulings related to antidumping and countervailing duties investigations, litigation liabilities and other commitments.

We believe our offer represents a compelling opportunity that your shareholders will find attractive, especially in light of the Companys deteriorating financial condition and declining stock price which, we believe, reflects the markets lack of confidence in the current Boards strategy.

Despite LLs substantial three-year decline in sales and earnings, we believe that a sale of the Company to F9 Investments is the most logical and strategic approach. We believe that our knowledge of the hard-surface flooring market positions us uniquely to address the Companys declining performance and represents the best means for LL shareholders to maximize the value of their shares.

Our offer is not contingent on financing and we want to make clear that we have the financial ability to consummate a transaction. We plan to fund the acquisition through cash on hand and borrowing under our existing revolving credit facility. Upon request, we will provide proof of funds evidencing that we have sufficient capital to complete this proposed transaction.

On May 26, 2023, F9 Investments presented the Board of Directors of the Company with a cash offer of $5.76 per share, which at that time represented a premium of over 100% of the stocks 52 week low of $2.75. The Board of Directors summarily rejected this proposal. We withdrew this offer following LLs continued underperformance in the quarter ended June 30, 2023, in which LL reported a $1.35 net loss per common share, continued deterioration of operations and increasing selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses. LL's downward trajectory continued into the following quarter ended September 30, 2023, with negative 20% year-over-year net sales growth, an additional net loss per share of $1.25 and a $37M increase in total debt (from $40M as of June 2023 to $77M as of September 2023). The challenging macroeconomic and retail environment, coupled with LLs sustained net sales declines, collective losses and increased leverage, have put LL in an even more precarious financial position than at the time of our previous offer, resulting in our revised proposal.

On August 14, 2023, the Company announced that the Board of Directors was initiating an exploration of strategic alternatives whereby the Board would consider a wide range of options for the Company including, among other things, a potential sale, merger or other strategic transaction. Despite our attempts to discuss a potential transaction, you refused to allow confirmatory due diligence that may have enabled us to resubmit our original offer unless and until we agreed to a standstill agreement that would have prevented us from nominating a slate of candidates for election to the Board of Directors at the next annual meeting of shareholders. Given the Board of Directors track record and repeated history of refusing to meaningfully engage with us, we were and continue to be unwilling to enter into a standstill agreement which prevents us from nominating candidates at the upcoming annual meeting.

In an effort to move forward with our offer, we are prepared to enter into a reasonable confidentiality agreement that would enable us to engage in confirmatory due diligence.

We and our advisors stand ready to move expeditiously and, assuming appropriate engagement from the Company, complete our confirmatory due diligence and get to a signed transaction in 30 days. To that end, we are committed to work collaboratively with the Company, its management and its Board of Directors. Of course, if, as a result of our confirmatory due diligence, we find evidence of significant additional value inherent in the Company based on matters we are not aware of, we may be willing to upwardly adjust the offer price.

It is Mr. Sullivans current intent to nominate a slate of qualified candidates for the election to the Board of Directors of the Company at the Companys 2024 annual meeting, and accordingly, Mr. Sullivan has submitted a Notice of Stockholder Nominations to the Company. Given the Companys declining performance and the Board of Directors refusal to meaningfully engage with us to maximize shareholder value, we view the nomination and election of our nominees as essential for the Company to bring the much-needed accountability, oversight and shareholder alignment to the boardroom to drive value for the benefit of all shareholders.

This proposal presents a non-binding offer and does not represent or create any legally binding or enforceable obligations. No such obligations will arise unless and until both parties (or their affiliates) execute mutually acceptable written definitive documentation with respect to a transaction. We reserve the right to withdraw or modify our proposal at any time.

We strongly urge the Board of Directors to engage with us regarding this proposal. We believe our proposal provides the Board of Directors the ability to attain the highest possible price for the Companys shareholders.

Sincerely,

F9 INVESTMENTS, LLC

Thomas D. Sullivan

President

Advisors

Solomon Partners Securities, LLC is serving as F9s financial advisor and Dentons US LLP is serving as its legal advisor.

About F9 Investments

F9 Investments is a private equity firm based in Miami Beach, Florida. We Invest in Clean Energy, Direct to Consumer Retail, Commercial and Industrial Real Estate.

Forward Looking Statements

Statements in this press release contain various forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, which represent our managements beliefs and assumptions concerning future events. These statements are intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this press release, the words expects, plans, anticipates, indicates, believes, forecast, guidance, outlook, may, will, should, seeks, targets and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions, and are based on information currently available to us. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements due to many factors, including, without limitation, matters of which we may not be aware, the outcome of any discussions between LL Flooring Holdings, LLC (LL Flooring) and F9 Investments, LLC and its affiliates (collectively, F9 Investments) with respect to a possible transaction, the ultimate outcome of any possible transaction between F9 Investments and LL Flooring, including the possibility that LL Flooring will reject the proposed transaction with F9 Investments, uncertainties as to whether LL Flooring will cooperate with F9 Investments regarding the proposed transaction, the effect of the announcement of the proposed transaction or board changes on the ability of LL Flooring to operate its business and to maintain favorable business relationships, the timing of the proposed transaction, the ability to satisfy closing conditions to the completion of the proposed transaction (including any necessary shareholder approvals), other risks related to the completion of the proposed transaction and actions related thereto, changes in financial markets, changes in economic, political or regulatory conditions, changes in facts and other circumstances and uncertainties concerning the proposed transaction; and other factors set forth from time to time in LL Floorings SEC filings, including its Annual Reports on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, as well as other documents that will be filed by F9 Investments and LL Flooring, as applicable. Given the risks and uncertainties surrounding forward-looking statements, you should not place undue reliance on these statements. In light of these risks and uncertainties, the forward-looking events discussed in this press release might not occur. Our forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release or as of the dates so indicated. We undertake no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Additional Information

This press release does not constitute an offer to buy or solicitation of an offer to sell any securities. This press release relates to a proposal which F9 Investments has made for an acquisition of LL Flooring and to nominate persons to serve on the LL Flooring Board of Directors. In furtherance of these proposals and subject to future developments, F9 Investments (and, if a negotiated transaction is agreed, LL Flooring) may file one or more proxy statements or other documents with the SEC. This press release is not a substitute for any proxy statement or other document F9 Investments and/or LL Flooring may file with the SEC in connection with the proposed transaction.

Investors and security holders of LL Flooring are urged to read the proxy statement(s), prospectus and/or other documents filed with the SEC carefully in their entirety if and when they become available as they will contain important information about the proposed transaction. Any definitive proxy statement(s) (if and when available) will be mailed to stockholders of Public Storage and/or Life Storage, as applicable. Investors and security holders will be able to obtain free copies of these documents (if and when available) and other documents filed with the SEC by F9 Investments through the website maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offering of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

This press release is neither a solicitation of a proxy nor a substitute for any proxy statement or other filings that may be made with the SEC. Nonetheless, F9 Investments and its affiliates and its and their officers and employees, as well as the nominees named above, may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in respect of the proposed transactions. You can find information about certain of these persons in the Schedule 13D and amendments thereto originally filed with the SEC on May 25, 2023. Additional information regarding the interests of such potential participants will be included in one or more proxy statements or other documents filed with the SEC if and when they become available. These documents (if and when available) may be obtained free of charge from the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231114412984/en/

Media:



Jonathan Gasthalter/Nathaniel Garnick



Gasthalter & Co.



(212) 257-4170



[email protected]

Investors:



Michael Fein



Campaign Management



(212) 632-8422



[email protected]

Source: F9 Investments, LLC
Only a change in the direction Israel has been going in recent years can lead to lasting peace and security in the region, writes Mona Makram Ebeid

The events of 7 October are the most traumatic ever to have taken place in the history of Israel.

The first feature of the Hamas attacks was their strategic surprise, although Israel has always prided itself on having the most sophisticated intelligence services in the world. Even so, it was faced with an operation that had been prepared for a year and that it had been told about by the Egyptians, who said that something could happen. But the Israeli army, busy manning illegal check points, took hours before it appeared on the scene in southern Israel.

A month into Israels war on Gaza, policymakers are considering longer-term questions about how the Strip should be governed when the war is over. This has pushed policymakers to begin looking at the feasibility of various arrangements for the day after.

Of course, we should not forget that this is not a conventional war that will give way to imposed post-war arrangements. There is the threat of displacing Gazans within Gaza through the ongoing military operations that might also force a significant number of people to leave Gaza for Sinai despite Egypts closure of the Rafah Crossing. However, that possibility is receding fast due to the adamant resistance of Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi.

There will be efforts made to devise constructive arrangements if the fighting diminishes, and one of them will be a new governance system for Gaza. Meanwhile, when Jewish fanatics in the apartheid state of Israel say they want to wipe Gaza off the face of the earth, we should believe them.

It is noteworthy that the sympathy generated towards Israel in the immediate aftermath of 7 October, when the Palestinian group Hamas launched its attack on Israel, is now diminishing, and signs of growing friction between Israel and the US are appearing.

The Western support is weakening because of the dreadful death toll in Gaza and fears that Israels brutal campaign could spark a much broader and even more catastrophic war in the region. Israel is now also losing the support of public opinion in Europe, and in a week or two the possibility of its losing the support of European governments as well could happen.

The volte-face of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who is said to have pressed on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu the need for humanitarian pauses in the Israeli campaign and that Israel should prioritise the protection of civilians and minimise civilian casualties, is quite telling. One idea doing the rounds at the moment is for Gaza to be handed over to a multinational Arab force that would stay there for a period and help the Palestinian Authority (PA) to take over properly.

The question is whether Israel is capable of changing the direction it has been on in recent years.

Israel continues to reject calls for a ceasefire from Egypt and other countries, and tensions are beginning to emerge between Egypt and Israel for the first time in a decade. The return to the negotiating table will be more likely if the war in Gaza leads to a new and more flexible Israeli Government, as has been suggested by leading Israeli official Itamar Rabinovitch.

The growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza has led to increasing calls to stop the hostilities by world leaders, international organisations, and citizens across the globe. As for Egypt, a main player, it is no secret that since 2016 Egypt has maintained good relations with Israel, but people are becoming more and more angry at what Israel is doing in Gaza, putting increasing pressure on the government.

President Al-Sisi has been adamant in refusing the right of the Gazans to cross into Sinai as this will mean the end of Palestine and the two-state solution.

According to several analysts, many Israelis think that the Israeli government must understand that continuing the current approach of being hell bent on eradicating Hamas at all costs is a road to Armageddon in the Middle East.

The Egyptian public is outraged by the ongoing Israeli bombardment of Gaza. President Al-Sisi is insisting that the UN, the EU, and others help provide humanitarian assistance for people in Gaza. Displacing the Palestinians into Sinai would create serious national security issues for the government of Egypt. Meanwhile, there is a rising tide of public and private pressure from European and Latin American capitals and even the US pressuring Israel to allow humanitarian pauses in its bombardment of Gaza.

EU leaders have rejected pleas from the brutal Netanyahu government to lobby Egypt to open its border with Gaza and accept Palestinian refugees. This shift comes due to the sheer number of unacceptable deaths among civilians in Gaza.

PEACE CONFERENCE: I have just returned from an important conference in Abu Dhabi organised by the World Peace Conference and would like to share my intervention there that focused on the day after the war on Gaza ends.

Former Fatah strongman in the Gaza Strip Mohamed Dahlan says that once Israels war on Hamas ends the Gaza Strip should be governed by a technocratic government for two years as it is an illusion that any single individual or group can take over Gaza.

At the end of that period, which he believes would unify the splintered Palestinian factions, there should be elections based on a Palestinian state without defined borders. This borderless state could be backed by Arab countries such as Egypt, Jordan, Qatar,

Saudi Arabia and the UAE. After that, there should be international recognition and a final agreement with Israel.

Although the attacks by Hamas on 7 October drew condemnation from many countries, Dahlan nevertheless sees the present war as an opportunity that could bring a Palestinian state into existence despite the talks between Israel and the Palestinians having been dead for years. Dahlans vision is thus one of surprising hope amid the horrors of the fighting.

He has connections on all sides of the conflict with Israel and with the population of Gaza, and he also speaks warmly of his relations with some senior Israeli figures. Dahlan, who has recently returned from Egypt and has close ties with President Al-Sisi, has also declared that he will not personally run in the Palestinian elections.

There is currently a great feeling of revenge on the part of the Netanyahu government, but the man who has ruled Israel for the last 15 years is the only one responsible for the present situation. After the war has ended, millions of Israelis will take to the streets with one demand  that Netanyahu resigns  because Israel cannot imprison two million people in Gaza without paying a cruel price.

Dahlan has a completely different approach to Israeli security, seeing this as coming about as a result of a political solution for Palestine coupled with comprehensive and enforceable security arrangements for Israel and justice for the Palestinians. He believes that the one responsible for the disaster that has befallen Israel is Netanyahu, who was leading the country into a policy of annexation and dispossession with complete disregard for the existence and rights of the Palestinian people.

I also followed the monumental protests of the Israeli people against the judicial reforms in Israel promoted by Netanyahu, which threatened Israeli democracy. His controversial judicial overhaul has led to months of protest over his attempts to neuter the Israeli High Courts powers of judicial review, creating major protests against the current government.

The writer is former senator and member of parliament, professor of political science, advisor to the UN high representative of the Alliance of Civilisations.



* A version of this article appears in print in the 16 November, 2023 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly

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General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT), a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), announced today that it was awarded a $2.5 billion indefinite delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract by the Indian Health Service (IHS) to modernize its electronic health record (EHR) system. The 10-year contract has a five-year base period with five option years.

As an agency within the Department of Health and Human Services, IHS provides federal health services to 2.6 million American Indians and Alaska Natives belonging to 574 federally recognized tribes in 37 states. Under the contract, GDIT will replace the agency's existing health record and patient system with a new cloud-based enterprise EHR system from Oracle Health.

The new EHR will be hosted in a secure Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) high cloud environment, which will scale to meet the future needs of the program. This solution will enable better data access and sharing across geographically dispersed IHS and tribal health facilities nationwide, improving patient experience and quality of care.

"This new electronic health record system will improve the lives of American Indians and Alaska Natives nationwide by providing essential tools to lower barriers to healthcare," said Kamal Narang , GDIT's vice president and general manager for Federal Health. "We look forward to building on our 20-year partnership with IHS and implementing the agency's IT modernization goals to serve the health needs for current and future generations."

"Oracle Health's EHR is the most widely used EHR around the globe and has been proven in the world's most complex environments, including the United States Department of Defense," said Mike Sicilia , executive vice president of Oracle Industries. "We are confident that our technology and partnership with GDIT will help IHS improve the experience for providers and deliver better healthcare outcomes for millions of American Indians and Alaska Natives."

Since 2003, GDIT has provided mission-critical IT programs to IHS, including developing and maintaining its current EHR, the Resource and Patient Management System; implementing a Covid-19 vaccination reporting system; and developing a population health management software solution to promote and track health screenings.
Hess Corporation (NYSE: HES) today announced startup of production from the Payara development on the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana, utilizing the Prosperity floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel. The Prosperity is expected to reach its initial production of 220,000 gross barrels of oil per day over the first half of 2024 as new wells are brought online. Production capacity on the Stabroek Block is now approximately 620,000 gross barrels of oil per day.

The Prosperity FPSO arrived in Guyana in April 2023. It is moored in water depth of about 6,300 feet and will develop an estimated resource base of more than 600 million barrels of oil.

We are proud to be a partner in the successful development of this world class oil resource for the benefit of the people of Guyana and all other stakeholders and congratulate ExxonMobil as operator for outstanding project execution, CEO John Hess said. The world will need these low cost oil resources to meet future energy demand and help ensure an affordable, just and secure energy transition.

The Liza Phase 1 and Liza Phase 2 developments began producing in December 2019 and February 2022 respectively, and together have a production capacity of approximately 400,000 gross barrels of oil per day. Yellowtail and Uaru, the fourth and fifth projects, are in progress and will each have a production capacity of approximately 250,000 gross barrels of oil per day. The operator is currently working with the government of Guyana to secure regulatory approvals for a sixth project at Whiptail.

In total, six FPSOs with a gross production capacity of more than 1.2 million barrels of oil per day are expected to be online on the Stabroek Block by the end of 2027, with the potential for up to 10 FPSOs to develop the estimated gross discovered recoverable resources of more than 11 billion barrels of oil equivalent.

The Stabroek Block is 6.6 million acres. ExxonMobil Guyana Limited is operator and holds 45 percent interest in the Stabroek Block. Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd. holds 30 percent interest and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited holds 25 percent interest.
Live Oak Bancshares (NYSE: LOB) announced today that its Board of Directors has made several organizational appointments including naming a new Chief Financial Officer and President of Live Oak Bancshares.

In a natural evolution of his position as general partner and co-founder of Canapi Ventures, Neil L. Underwood has announced that he is stepping down as President of Live Oak Bancshares. William C. (BJ) Losch III, who has been serving as both President of Live Oak Bank and CFO, will add the additional role of President of Live Oak Bancshares effective today and will step down as CFO at the end of this year. To fill that role, the board announced Walter J. Phifer as CFO of Live Oak Bancshares and Live Oak Bank effective January 1, 2024.

Since joining Live Oak eight years ago, I have had the privilege of being part of an exciting company with a business model that is unmatched in the financial services industry, said Phifer. I am grateful to continue this journey as CFO and help further the financial health of our organization and our mission to be Americas small business bank.

Phifer has served as Treasurer since 2019 and has also held the role of Head of Finance, Planning and Analysis since 2022. He brings deep experience to the leadership team as the company continues to deliver innovative banking products, services, and solutions to its customers.

Walt is poised to lead Live Oaks financial future and his leadership has been felt here for many years, said Live Oak Chairman and CEO James S. (Chip) Mahan III. We are adding another dedicated Live Oaker to the fabric of our leadership team, and we are thrilled to continue revolutionizing banking together.

Phifer joined the bank in 2015 and brings 18 years of experience in the financial industry, including various finance, treasury, accounting, audit, and deposit analytic roles. Prior to joining Live Oak, Phifer served as the Deposits Finance Manager at Barclays US where he managed the finances and data analytics of a $10 billion deposit portfolio.

He began his career in external audit at Deloitte, based out of the Boston and Philadelphia offices, and earned his Certified Public Accountant certification in 2006. Phifer received a bachelors degree in economics and accounting from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA.

In addition, the Board of Directors recognized Underwoods career progression and his desire to focus fully on his leadership role at Canapi Ventures. Underwood will continue to serve as an active member of Live Oaks Board of Directors.

I am excited to continue serving Live Oak as a director, while also expanding my focus at Canapi Ventures, said Underwood. This is an organic extension of my involvement in two incredible organizations whose missions closely align as they aim to create meaningful solutions for the financial services industry of the future. I am also thrilled to see BJ lead the company into an exciting future where innovation and culture are central to Live Oaks success.

Canapis Wilmington office will remain on the Live Oak campus, and Underwood will remain a vital part of the Live Oak ecosystem that he helped create.

We are very pleased to have the caliber of leadership in BJ and Walt at our helm and to have our founders such as Neil remain closely tied to our mission to serve Americas small businesses, said Mahan.
Academic Partnerships ("AP"), a company that assists primarily regional public universities in expanding access and impact by supporting their online programs, announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Wiley University Services, a line of business owned by Wiley (NYSE: WLY). The combined company will support over 125 colleges and universities in 40 U.S. states and internationally.

"Across the globe, there is growing demand for high-quality, affordable online degree programs in workforce-relevant fields," said Fernando Bleichmar , Chief Executive Officer of AP. "Bringing together AP and Wiley University Services will better enable the combined company to help universities meet students where they are with high-quality, timely online education in our rapidly changing world. The combined company will have the resources and expertise to provide best-in-class services to our university partners and their students from diverse backgrounds, including working adults and professionals."

AP primarily assists regional public universities with launching and maintaining their online programs. It is committed to expanding access to high-quality, high-return on investment, affordable, and workforce-relevant online education, especially for working and adult students. Wiley University Services works with institutions to deliver career-connected education programs aimed at helping students achieve their goals. Following the closing of the transaction, the combined company will provide universities with a best-in-class partner to support them in delivering programs online so more students can access affordable education, improve their careers, and meet employer and community needs.

The combined company will deliver new strategic benefits to university partners and their students, including:

Additional resources to support and scale high-demand, affordable online degree programs in critical areas like nursing, teaching, business, technology, and public administration for both regional public and private nonprofit universities;



Enhanced infrastructure and technology to serve a diverse student population, including working adults, through graduation;



Improved opportunities across the university partner network; and



Advanced technology and enhanced support services based on best practices from a combined company.

"Wiley University Services' new home with AP will provide the resources to best serve its talented employees and institutional clients," said Wiley Interim CEO Matthew Kissner . "This agreement also marks an important step forward in our transition to a simpler, more focused Wiley as we leverage our unique competitive advantages and strong market opportunities in Research and Learning."

The transaction is expected to close by early 2024, subject to regulatory approvals and the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including obtaining clearance under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act.

Winston & Strawn is serving as legal advisor to Academic Partnerships. Centerview Partners LLC is serving as financial advisor to Wiley, and Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP as legal advisor.
FILE PHOTO: Chevron and Hess logos are seen in this illustration taken, October 23, 2023. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo

By Tim McLaughlin

(Reuters) - Chevrons deal to buy Hess will unlock $15 billion worth of tax benefits that had once been relegated to the accounting dustbin, as the combined company takes advantage of Hesss past losses to cut future payments, according to the company and tax experts.

The tax shield is a little-known advantage to Chevron's mega-takeover of Hess struck last month. The tax benefits are expected to provide the No. 2 U.S. oil and gas producer hundreds of millions of dollars in extra annual cash flow over the next several years.

The tax benefits were definitely factored into how Chevron valued Hess, said Donald Williamson, an accounting professor at American Universitys Kogod School of Business. The Hess losses will allow Chevron to lower its tax rate significantly for several years.

The 1918 Revenue Act first allowed corporations to carry their losses forward as tax benefits to smooth out large fluctuations in income over time. But the losses only come in handy if a company is eventually able to make enough money to have big tax bills.

Before the companies agreed to the $53 billion all-stock deal, Hess was sitting on more than $15 billion in net operating losses from previous years and unable to take advantage of them due to low profits and heavy losses, according to explanations Hess has provided in its financial statements.

The independent oil and gas driller had been stung badly by a crash in oil prices in 2016 and had never fully recovered.

Chevron Chief Financial Officer Pierre Breber told analysts in a conference call shortly after the Oct. 23 deal that Chevron would benefit from Hesss past losses.

When you combine the companies, we have the greater U.S. income, and we can use those net operating losses, he said.

The company declined to provide any details about the size of the benefit.

Williamson explained that a 1986 tax code reform limits how much net operating loss a company can apply each year to its tax bill - a provision meant to discourage corporate takeovers just for the sake of trafficking in net operating losses.

That limit is calculated by multiplying the value of the takeover by the Applicable Federal Rate (AFR) published each month by the Internal Revenue Service.

In Chevrons case, the net operating loss limit applied against U.S. income taxes could be as high $1.93 billion a year, Williamson said.

The bottom line effect, when that loss limit is multiplied by the U.S. federal tax rate of 21%, is extra cash flow that could top $400 million a year.

There could be some items that would allow the amount to be higher or lower but this estimate gives a good starting figure, said Jim Seida, an accounting professor at the University of Notre Dame.

TAXPAYER ANGST

Taxpayer advocates, already frustrated by low corporate tax rates, criticized the perk.

The tax benefits going to Chevron and other U.S. corporations from net operating losses are absolutely undermining our federal budget, said Jean Ross, an analyst at the Center for American Progress. Theres a strong and appropriate case to increase the corporate income tax rate.

Last year, corporate tax revenue totaled a record $425 billion, according to the Congressional Budget Office.

Over the past decade, Chevron's current U.S. federal tax expense has averaged $40 million a year. Last year, the company's current federal tax expense was $1.72 billion, or 8.2% of $21 billion in U.S. income, according to company financial statements.

Top U.S. oil company Exxon Mobil paid an even smaller percentage in 2022 on U.S.-based income. Its current federal tax expense last year was $696 million, or 2.5% of U.S. income of $28.3 billion, according to Exxon financial statements.

Exxon also will be able to cut its future tax bill somewhat with its $60 billion takeover deal last month of Pioneer Resources.

At the end of last year, Pioneer net operating losses that could be used to offset future U.S. federal taxes was pegged at $1.1 billion.

Exxon CEO Darren Woods, however, told Reuters the tax benefit was not a factor in the companys decision to buy Pioneer.

Its too small, Woods said after speaking at the Boston College Chief Executives Club luncheon on Nov. 1.

(Reporting By Tim McLaughlin; Editing by Marguerita Choy)
KIRKLAND, Wash., Nov. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Alliance Memory today announced that is has expanded its offering of 3V multiple input/output serial NOR flash memory products with new 4Mb and 16Mb devices in the SOP8 Narrow Body (150mils) package. The 4Mb AS25F304MD-10S1IN and 16Mb AS25F316MQ-10S1IN combine fast read performance up to 104MHz with fast program and erase times down to 1.1ms and 2.6ms, respectively.

The devices released today operate from a single 2.7V to 3.6V power supply over an industrial temperature range of -40C to +85C. The AS25F304MD-10S1IN offers support for single and dual SPI operation, while the AS25F316MQ-10S1IN adds support for the quad SPI mode. The solutions offer maximum erase/program currents down to 1.3mA and maximum read currents down to 3.7mA at 104MHz, and they provide reliable, long-term performance with 100,000 program/erase cycles and 20-year data retention.

The devices support uniform 4KB or 32KB or 64KB erase and feature program/erase suspend and resume. The AS25F316MQ-10S1IN also offers an 8/16/32/64byte wrap-around burst read mode. Advanced security features include block protection, 128-bit unique ID for each device, a discoverable parameters (SFDP) register, and 4K-bit secured OTP to protect content from hostile access and inadvertent programming and erasing.

With their enhanced performance, the serial NOR flash memory products are designed to meet the demands of the computer, consumer, communications, and IoT markets. The devices are ideal for use in chipsets for hard drives, DVD and Blu-ray players, wireless LANs and cable modems, printers, set-top boxes, LCD displays, digital cameras, Bluetooth devices, handheld GPS units, smart meters, and more.

Device Specification Table:

Part number AS25F304MD-10S1IN AS25F316MQ-10S1IN Density 4Mb 16Mb Bus width Serial Multi IO (x1/x2/) Serial Multi IO (x1/x2/x4) VCC 2.7V to 3.6V Frequency 104MHz Active read current max. 4.4mA 3.7mA Program/erase current max. 1.4mA 1.3mA Program time typ. 1.1ms Sector erase time typ. 2.6ms 5.1ms Standby current typ. 8A Temperature range -40C to +85C Package SOP8 Narrow Body (150mils)

Samples and production quantities of the 3V serial NOR flash memory products are available now, with lead times of 8 to 12 weeks. Pricing for U.S. delivery starts at (TBD).

About Alliance Memory Inc.Alliance Memory is a worldwide provider of critical and hard-to-find memory ICs for the communications, computing, consumer electronics, medical, automotive, and industrial markets. The companys product range includes flash, DRAM, and SRAM memory ICs with commercial, industrial, and automotive operating temperature ranges and densities from 64Kb to 128GB. Privately held, Alliance Memory maintains headquarters in Kirkland, Washington, and regional offices in Europe, Asia, Canada, and South America. More information about Alliance Memory is available online at www.alliancememory.com.

Editor resources:

Link to product image: TBD

Link to detailed product info:https://www.alliancememory.com/as25f-serial-nor-flash/as25f304md/ (AS25F304MD-10S1IN)https://www.alliancememory.com/as25f-serial-nor-flash/as25f316mq/ (AS25F316MQ-10S1IN)

Agency Contact:Bob DeckerRedpines+1 415 409 0233[email protected]

Source: Alliance Memory, Inc.
LOS ANGELES, Nov. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Benchmark Mineral Intelligence Limited (Benchmark) is delighted to announce that Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger will be recognized with Benchmarks inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award, for his visionary leadership in rapidly advancing clean, sustainable energy initiatives, while ensuring that the energy transition can also be a major economic driver.

The Award will be presented on behalf of Benchmark by Nobel Laureate Dr. Stanley Whittingham, forefather of the lithium-ion battery.

As the twice-elected leader of the State of California from 2003 to 2011, Governor Schwarzenegger spearheaded the states world-leading commitment to green energy and environmental stewardship, signing the first-in-the-nation Global Warming Solutions Act and the Million Solar Roofs Initiative in 2006. He also issued a seminal Executive Order establishing the Low Carbon Fuel Standard. Such actions set the standard for the rest of the USA and beyond.

Governor Schwarzenegger will kick-off Benchmark Week 2023 by joining Benchmark Chief Executive Officer, Simon Moores, for a Fireside Chat, to be moderated by veteran critical-materials expert, Ty Dinwoodie, Managing Director of G&W Advisory Ltd.

Governor Schwarzenegger is scheduled to commence the Keynote Fireside Chat at 9:00 am (PST) on Tuesday, November 14, 2023 at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Los Angeles, California, the home of Benchmark Week 2023 for the week.

Moores, commented, A generation ago, Arnold Schwarzenegger shifted the entire geopolitical narrative towards the advent of batteries, electric vehicles, and low-carbon technologies long before it was in the mainstream discourse.

It is our privilege to recognize Governor Schwarzenegger for his outstanding contributions to clean energy, Moores said. Arnold was the first US governor to develop a comprehensive, future-focussed energy strategy, which created the example for low-carbon energy policies around the world.

Arnold Schwarzenegger, through the USC Schwarzenegger Institute and the Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative, continues to work tirelessly to advance the numerous sustainable energy and environmental initiatives that he spearheaded during his tenure as Governor.

ABOUT BENCHMARK WEEK 2023Benchmark Week 2023 is Benchmarks flagship annual event, taking place November 14 to 16, 2023 at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Los Angeles.

Benchmark Week 2023 is the worlds leading industry forum for the critical-mineral supply chains for energy-transition technologies.

Anchored by Benchmarks focus on lithium-ion batteries, this year the event expands out to include rare earths and permanent magnets, sodium-ion batteries, and emerging technologies crucial to transitioning the world away from fossil fuels.

ABOUT BENCHMARK MINERAL INTELLIGENCEBenchmark enables the energy transition through a world-class, independent offering of lithium- and other critical-minerals prices, battery and electric-vehicle supply chain data and forecasts in the form of subscriptions, advisory services and industry-specific events.

Its clients are major decision makers from across the critical-minerals, battery-materials, lithium-ion battery, automotive and energy-storage supply chains.

Benchmark also plays a key role in informing world government policy at the highest level.

www.benchmarkminerals.com

MEDIA INQUIRIESTy Dinwoodie[email protected]+1 416 606 9332

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8b1cc338-c141-49ce-85bd-827d4b5bfb73

Arnold Schwarzenegger The future is green energy, sustainability, renewable energy. Arnold Schwarzenegger - The 38th Governor of the State of California

Source: Benchmark Mineral Intelligence Limited
SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations estimates the food and agriculture value chain contributes 31 percent of the worlds greenhouse gas emissions, and the effect of climate change puts food systems under stress and threatens the stability of the food supply. Regrow Ag is working to reduce the impact of agriculture on the planet, while building resilience for the industry. This week, the company is celebrating seven years of advancing climate-smart agriculture.

Regrows Agriculture Resilience Platform empowers companies in the agriculture supply chain to achieve their net-zero objectives through science-based GHG measurement, impact reporting, and program implementation to reduce and remove greenhouse gas emissions. Programs powered by Regrow support farmers and promote overall farm health by facilitating incentives for growers who implement climate-positive practices. These practices not only decrease greenhouse gas emissions, but also increase crop resilience, bolster yield, and improve soil health. These practices, enabled by Regrows Agriculture Resilience platform and delivered by agricultural producers are forecasted to abate more than 598K metric tonnes of COe, the equivalent to the carbon sequestered by nearly 10 million trees. The company monitors 1.3B acres of agricultural land across four continents, equivalent to 10%+ of global arable land.

Global organizations relying on Regrow to reduce scope 3 emissions and achieve climate goals include General Mills, Oatly, Kellanova, Nutrien, Cargill, BASF and others. The public sector is using the companys data, technology and expertise to track resilient agriculture trends and develop policies and protocols for climate action in the agriculture sector.

Resilience is critical for agrifood supply chains. At Cargill, we believe sustainability is a team sport we need to reach back and partner with farmers at the beginning of the supply chain, all the way through to our downstream customers. If farmers aren't successful, we're not successful, said Heather Tansey, VP of Environmental Sustainability at Cargill. When selecting a partner, one of the critical factors for us was to have a partner that was really easy for farmers to interact with  that they felt the process was transparent and it was easy for them to input data. That was another factor that led us to Regrow. Cargill RegenConnect [a partnership with Regrow] is a great example of that collaboration.

Konstantin Kretschun, Global Head of xarvio Digital Farming Solutions of BASF commented, We chose to collaborate with Regrow because we wanted to work with a science-based, proven technology that can scale globally to maximize the impact. This collaboration is an important step towards meeting our goal at BASF to help farmers achieve a 30 percent reduction in CO2 emissions per ton of crop produced by 2030, and to certify these reductions along the value-chain.

In recognition of its significant contributions to promoting agriculture resilience, Regrow Ag was named a TIME 100 Most Influential Company in 2023 and its CEO was selected for the TIME100 Next 2023 list of emerging leaders shaping the future and defining the next generation of leadership. Regrow earned the standing of No. 41 on Fast Companys list of the Worlds 50 Most Innovative Companies in 2023 and was named by the magazine as the No. 1 Most Innovative Company in Agriculture. Named to the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies for 2023, Regrow is a World Economic Forum Global Innovator and a member of World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD).

Also in 2023, the Regrow team grew by 42 percent to 160 experts in agriculture, technology and climate science, including 25 PhDs. The company welcomed industry-leading executives including Chief Marketing Officer Sarah-Beth Anders, Chief Technology Officer Dan Pasette, Chief People Officer Simina Simion, and Vice President of Product Rajesh Nerlikar.

Regrows thought leadership extends across the agriculture value chain. This year, the company held its first Agriculture Resilience Summit in Chicago, where more than 100 industry leaders convened to participate in discussions designed for cross-industry collaboration. In its first seven years, Regrow has become an integral contributor to agriculture-based climate action and a driving force for food system transformation.

CEO and co-founder Dr. Anastasia Volkova commented, Unlike seven years ago, we now have the infrastructure, the corporate commitments, increasing government involvement, the talent and the capital to come into the industry and make a meaningful difference to its future. We interpret these changes as signs that we are on the right path, as tokens of trust that we can, as an industry, make a difference.

Volkova continued, What gives me hope is that the next seven years will be different from the last seven. Over the last seven years we have been building the foundation, and its time to leverage it, time to tip the scale from piloting and trying out, to scaling.

ABOUT REGROW:Regrow Ag powers Agriculture Resilience for todays leading retailers, CPGs, processors, and farmers. Named one of the TIME100 Most Influential Companies of 2023, Regrows rapidly growing list of partners includes Cargill, General Mills, and Kelloggs. With Regrows Agriculture Resilience Platform, companies across the ag supply chain gain the ability to assure their supply chains by accelerating the needed scale of GHG emissions reduction, adoption of regenerative farming practices, and proactive adaptation to the changing climate. A World Economic Forum Innovator and member of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, Regrow has been named the No. 1 Most Innovative Company in Agriculture on Fast Companys list of the Worlds 50 Most Innovative Companies in 2023.

Note to editors: Trademarks and registered trademarks referenced herein remain the property of their respective owners. Media Contact: Sarah-Beth Anders CMO, Regrow [email protected]

Source: Regrow
Acquisition of Medical Cannabis by Shoppers assets leading to the launch of MyMedi.ca.Record revenue of $6.27M, representing an increase of 90% over Q2, and 713% year-over-year.Improvements in performance including 46% consolidated gross margins and adjusted EBITDA of ($400k)

TORONTO, Nov. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Avicanna Inc. (Avicanna or the Company) (TSX: AVCN) (OTCQX: AVCNF) (FSE: 0NN) a biopharmaceutical company focused on the commercialization of proprietary cannabinoid-based products and medical cannabis care platform is pleased to announce the results of Q3 2023.

We had the boldness to take on the challenge of acquiring the Medical Cannabis by Shoppers business and executed on integrating it into the newly developed MyMedi.ca to with a goal of being able to offer a comprehensive medical cannabis care platform and improve access for Canadian patients. We have remained dedicated and focused on evidence based medical application of cannabinoids and during this quarter we have solidified our business model and our capability to scale the business stated Aras Azadian, CEO of Avicanna Inc.

Financial highlights:

Record revenue of $6.27M, representing an increase of 90% over the previous quarter and 713% over the same period last year.

A 9-month revenue of $10.7M, representing a major milestone in the Companys history a 269% growth from the same period last year.

Scalability of the business model was demonstrated with a comparable increase of 23% in SG&A for the nine-month period.

Best three-month financial performance in the Companys history with an adjusted EBITDA loss of $473,000 or loss of $0.01 per share during the third quarter.

Improved consolidated gross margins of 47% through developments in operational efficiencies.

Phil Cardella, CFO added We are extremely proud to have turned the corner and accomplished the major milestone of an eight-digit revenue figure for the first time in the Companys history. The substantial increase in high margin revenue, coupled with improvements in our working capital, and balance sheet are a testament to the Companys innovation and commercial platforms delivering a great portfolio of products and services. We look forward to our own going efforts towards sustainable growth, profitability, and self-reliance.

Launch of MyMedi.ca medical cannabis care platform: Launch of MyMedi.ca saw over 96% of active patients from Medical Cannabis by Shoppers business transitioned to the Companys new medical cannabis care platform and has since increased its new medical patient base by approximately 10%. The Company developed infrastructure to offer insurance reimbursement services for patients through several private insurance providers and public institutions including eight provincial worker safety boards which combined account for over 60% of the platforms revenue.

The integration of MyMedi.cas platform and patient support programs, improved access and enhanced education have resulted an 40% increase of the Companys product sales on the platform when compared to the previous quarter.

Canadian commercial advancements: The launch of new proprietary formulations totalling 27 commercially active SKUs in Canada across 131 listings in medical and adult use channel. Access to the Companys proprietary medical products improved for patients with availability on new medical platforms such as Canna Farms and Spectrum Therapeutics.

About Avicanna Inc.

Avicanna is a commercial-stage international biopharmaceutical company focused on the advancement and commercialization of evidence-based cannabinoid-based products for the global medical and pharmaceutical market segments. Avicanna has an established scientific platform including R&D and clinical development that has led to the commercialization of more than thirty products across various market segments:

Medical Cannabis & Wellness Products (RHO Phyto): The formulary offers a diverse range of proprietary formulations including oral, sublingual, topical, and transdermal deliveries with varying ratios of cannabinoids and is supported with ongoing patient, and medical community education. RHO Phyto has been established as a leading medical brand in Canada and is currently available nationwide to patients across several medical channels and continues to expand into new international markets.

The formulary offers a diverse range of proprietary formulations including oral, sublingual, topical, and transdermal deliveries with varying ratios of cannabinoids and is supported with ongoing patient, and medical community education. RHO Phyto has been established as a leading medical brand in Canada and is currently available nationwide to patients across several medical channels and continues to expand into new international markets. Pharmaceutical Preparations and Pipeline : Leveraging Avicannas scientific platform, vertical integration, and real-world evidence, Avicanna has developed an extensive a pipeline of patent-pending drug candidates that are indication-specific and in various stages of clinical development and commercialization. These cannabinoid-based drug candidates look to address unmet medical needs in the areas of dermatology, chronic pain, and various neurological disorders. Avicannas first pharmaceutical preparation (Trunerox) is in the drug registration stage in South America.

Leveraging Avicannas scientific platform, vertical integration, and real-world evidence, Avicanna has developed an extensive a pipeline of patent-pending drug candidates that are indication-specific and in various stages of clinical development and commercialization. These cannabinoid-based drug candidates look to address unmet medical needs in the areas of dermatology, chronic pain, and various neurological disorders. Avicannas first pharmaceutical preparation (Trunerox) is in the drug registration stage in South America. MyMedi.ca Medical Cannabis Care: MyMedi.ca is Avicannas medical cannabis care platform that is formed with the aim to better serve medical cannabis patients needs and enhance the patient journey. MyMedi.ca features diverse and scientifically curated products from leading Canadian licensed producers in addition to pharmacist led patient support programs and educational resources to facilitate the incorporation of medical cannabis into health care regimens. MyMedi.ca also provides specialty services to distinct patient groups such as veterans and collaborating with public and private providers for adjudication and reimbursement.

Click to watch Avicannas Corporate Video 2022

SOURCE Avicanna Inc.

Stay Connected

For more information about Avicanna, visit our website, contact Ivana Maric by email at [email protected] or follow us on social media on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

The Company posts updates through videos from the Company YouTube channel.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information and Statements

This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information contained in this news release may be identified using words such as, may, would, could, will, likely, expect, anticipate, believe, intend, plan, forecast, project, estimate, outlook and other similar expressions. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward looking information is based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking information because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. Forward-looking information is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. Such risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to current and future market conditions, including the market price of the common shares of the Company, and the risk factors set out in the Companys annual information form dated March 31, 2023 filed with the Canadian securities regulators and available under the Companys profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The statements in this news release are made as of the date of this release. The Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, other than as required by applicable securities laws.

Source: Avicanna Inc.
Leveraging Signature Aviations Book-and-Claim solution, the initiative reduces the annual greenhouse gas emissions associated with fuel in Bombardiers flight operations by approximately 20 to 25 %.

The Book-and-Claim model guarantees a rigorous accounting of greenhouse gas emission reductions while optimizing logistics.

Bombardier continues to lead the way and take concrete actions to ensure a sustainable future for business aviation.



MONTRAL, Nov. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bombardier is proud to cement its industry leadership in sustainability by reaffirming its commitment to cover all its operational flights with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), utilizing the Book-and-Claim system. One year after announcing its landmark agreement with Signature Aviation, Bombardier continues to demonstrate its firm engagement to drive lasting industry change by promoting the industry-wide adoption of SAF.

aBombardier is taking bold steps on its sustainability journey and is increasingly recognized as one of the most sustainable aviation companies. Our commitment to cover our flight operations with SAF, a first in the business aviation industry, is another demonstration of the serious, tangible actions we are taking to align with our values,a said Eric Martel, President and CEO, Bombardier. aThe Bombardier team strongly believes that operating with sustainability in mind is the only way forward, and we are proud to rise to the challenge again today.a

Operational flights are part of Bombardieras regular activities, and notably include production testing, certification flights, transiting Global aircrafts from Toronto to MontrAal to perform the completion stages, customer demonstration flights, new aircraft platforms certifications and after-service check flights. By using a blend with 30% of pure sustainable aviation fuel, Bombardier anticipates to reduce its annual greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (scope 1) from fuel use in its flight operations by approximately 20 - 25%. The 2023 SAF usage in flight operation through the Book-and-Claim system will be reflected in Bombardieras 2023 scope 1 CO2 emissions that will be published in May 2024.

This major annual gain supports Bombardieras previously announced objective of reducing 25% of GHG emissions (scope 1 and 2) by 2025, compared to 2019 levels. Bombardieras 2025 objective is aligned with the business aviation industryas goal of achieving a net-zero emissions by 2050.

Approved sources to produce sustainable fuels are feedstocks such as used cooking oils, forestry residues and agricultural residues. These cannot come from lands with high biodiversity or carbon stocks, cannot compete with the food chain, and must provide a societal benefit through the development of this new activity. The reduction of GHG emissions associated with sustainable aviation fuels is achieved throughout their life cycle, not just at the time of in-flight consumption.

Considering that Bombardier has flight operations in many locations around the world where SAF is not produced nearby, the Book-and-Claim system is the most effective method to limit the negative impact of transporting these fuels over long distances. With this system, a user located near a SAF production site uses SAF in their flights. The GHG reductions associated with this use are claimed, in exchange for the additional cost of SAF, by another user located at a site where SAF is not available.

About Bombardier

Bombardier (BBD-B.TO) is a global leader in aviation, focused on designing, manufacturing, and servicing the world's most exceptional business jets. Bombardieras Challenger and Global aircraft families are renowned for their cutting-edge innovation, cabin design, performance, and reliability. Bombardier has a worldwide fleet of approximately 5,000 aircraft in service with a wide variety of multinational corporations, charter and fractional ownership providers, governments, and private individuals. Bombardier aircraft are also trusted around the world in government and military special-mission roles leveraging Bombardier Defenseas proven expertise.

Headquartered in Greater MontrAal, QuAbec, Bombardier operates aerostructure, assembly and completion facilities in Canada, the United States and Mexico. The companyas robust customer support network services the Learjet, Challenger and Global families of aircraft, and includes facilities in strategic locations in the United States and Canada, as well as in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, the UAE, Singapore, China and Australia.

For corporate news and information, including Bombardieras Environmental, Social and Governance report, as well as the companyas plans to cover all its flight operations with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) utilizing the Book-and-Claim system visit bombardier.com . Learn more about Bombardieras industry-leading products and customer service network at businessaircraft.bombardier.com . Follow us on Twitter @Bombardier .

For information
Paris, France  November 14, 2023

CGG, a global technology and HPC leader, and Eclairion, Frances first containerized supercomputer hosting center, have announced a collaboration agreement to establish a state-of-the-art, energy-efficient infrastructure capable of hosting the high-power densities of next-generation servers.

The two leading French technology companies are collaborating to bring CGGs HPC and immersion cooling expertise to Eclairions new low-carbon modular-design data center in Bruyeres-le-Chatel, Essonne to create a highly optimized industrial HPC and AI cloud environment that is efficient, productive, sustainable and flexible. By leveraging 100% renewable energy and CGGs immersion cooling expertise, industrial, academic and government users can significantly reduce the environmental footprint of their compute-intensive workloads, including AI and HPC applications requiring next-generation high-density architectures.

With this agreement, Eclairion will expand its low-carbon computing hosting services and CGG will benefit by expanding its own resources as demand for its innovative Outcome-as-a-Service solutions continues to grow. This strategic collaboration underscores the commitment of both companies to meeting the rapidly increasing demands of the HPC cloud market while prioritizing sustainability and optimized performance.

Francois Sabatino, President of Eclairion, said: "Our vision is to help European businesses address the challenges of digital sovereignty and net-zero commitments, with a decarbonized high-performance hosting environment in France. CGG's mission and values resonate perfectly with those of Eclairion and this collaboration embodies our commitment to make data intelligence a driver of progress for people and the environment."

Agnes Boudot, EVP, HPC & Cloud Solutions, CGG, said: As HPC cloud demand continues to escalate and the carbon footprint of data centers increases, this collaboration between CGG and Eclairion, two pioneers in their fields, is a crucial step towards a more sustainable future for scientific computing and AI workloads. Together, we intend to revolutionize the French and European HPC markets, offering more environmentally conscious, highly optimized high-density computing solutions.

About CGG

CGG (www.cgg.com) is a global technology and HPC leader that provides data, products, services and solutions in Earth science, data science, sensing and monitoring. Our unique portfolio supports our clients in efficiently and responsibly solving complex digital, energy transition, natural resource, environmental, and infrastructure challenges for a more sustainable future. CGG employs around 3,400 people worldwide.

Contacts

Group Communications & Investor Relations



Christophe Barnini

Tel: + 33 1 64 47 38 11

E-Mail: [email protected]





Attachment
SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CodeSee introduces Function Maps allowing developers to understand functional code flow to understand connections, logic paths, and code critical components at a glance.

The Bottleneck of Traditional Code Understanding

For many developers, understanding complex code networks remains a primary challenge. Hunting for specific functions in a codebase thats millions of lines long not only hampers productivity but also increases the risk of errors, and security vulnerabilities and poses a threat to the businesss primary asset, their product and customers livelihoods.

CodeSees Function Maps is a visual code tool that allows you to lay out code flow and function impact analysis in your editor. Function Maps is the missing step to unlocking full code understanding for application developers.

Giving more developers confidence at critical business moments

Function Maps isn't just a minor improvement; it's a game-changer that solves your business problems.

Often times the most critical part of your system is the most complicated. Developers need a seamless way to dive in and understand code at many critical times day to day such as:

Onboarding and offboarding developers

Debugging key issues

Legacy code and service migrations

Incident analysis

Refactoring

Standardizing ... and more

Without CodeSee, developers have to resort to following code one line at a time and create a plan in their heads which is time consuming and error-prone.

Unveiling The Power of Function Maps

Function Maps is a visual code tool that allows you to lay out code flow and function impact analysis in your editor. Function Maps is a missing step to unlocking full code understanding for application developers.

By inspecting a single function, you can follow how a function connects to any other function in your architecture. With a right click, you can see all of the references to that function allowing you to not miss any when making critical changes. As you write new code, your visualizations will keep themselves up to date giving your dev team unparalleled confidence in their code change... even at 2 in the morning.

"Function Maps is not just an incremental improvement, nor is it just another tool. It represents a transformative shift in how developers approach and interact with code," comments Shanea Leven, CodeSee. "We've listened to the developer community and created something that genuinely makes their tasks easier, more intuitive, and more efficient."

Experience the future of code navigation with Function Maps. Discover more at https://codesee.io/function-maps or connect with a CodeSee Expert for a personalized demo.

Helpful Links

About CodeSee

Established in 2019, CodeSee emerged as the pioneer of code visibility platforms. Recognized as one of the most promising DevOps startups, the company was also honored with the InfoWorld 2022 Technology of the Year Award. CodeSee is headquartered in San Francisco and has strong financial backing from leading venture capitalists including Boldstart, Uncork Capital, Wellington Access Ventures, Precursor Ventures, Salesforce Ventures, and M12.

Media Contact

Ana MogulPR for CodeSeeEmail: [email protected]Phone: 650.449.7877

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/258a011a-d18a-4358-98e6-842a4618a970

Function Maps by CodeSee Dive into your application, and understand connections, logic paths, and critical components at a glance.

Source: CodeSee
EPSO-G energy transmission and exchange group (company code 302826889, registered office address Gedimino pr. 20, Vilnius, Lithuania)

EPSO-G announces the consolidated results for the nine months 2023 of the Group, which comprises the holding company EPSO-G and companies Amber Grid, Baltpool, Energy cells, Litgrid and Tetas.

Key financial indicators for the 9-month period:

Key financial indicators 2023,

9-month period 2022,

9-month period Change, % Revenue, EUR million 355.1 417.3 -14.9 EBITDA, EUR million 78.2 -16.4 - Net profit, EUR million 53.9 -38.0 - ROE (last 12 months), % 19.3 -12.7 - Adjusted* EBITDA, EUR million 46.6 48.9 -4.7 Adjusted* net profit, EUR million 17.9 17.8 0.9 Adjusted* ROE (last 12 months), % 8.5 9.9 - Ratio of cash flow from operating activities (last 12 months) to net debt 3.0 - - Ratio of net debt to EBITDA (last 12 months) 0.3 - -

* The recalculation of regulated revenue, cost and profitability ratios is due to temporary regulatory deviations from the regulated profitability approved by the National Energy Regulatory Council (NERC). The calculation of the adjusted indicators takes into account the adjustment of revenues for prior periods, which has already been approved by the NERC decision for the purpose of setting the regulated prices for transmission services for the reference period, and the deviation between the profitability approved by the NERC for the reference period and the actual profitability, which will be taken into account by the NERC in setting the transmission prices for the following period.

Enclosed:

Condensed consolidated and separate financial statements of the EPSO-G Group dated 30 September 2023; Press release.

For more information, please contact

Gediminas Petrauskas, EPSO-G Communication partner

Tel.: +370 610 63306, e-mail: [email protected]

Attachments
MONROEVILLE, Pa., Nov. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CPP (Community Preservation Partners), a mission-driven affordable housing preservation developer has announced the planned renovation of Cambridge Square Apartments, an affordable housing community just 14 miles east of downtown Pittsburgh. The development consists of eight, two-story residential buildings comprising 204 apartments ranging from one- to three-bedroom layouts. This property is CPPs second investment in Pennsylvania, having acquired Allegheny Commons in downtown Pittsburgh earlier this year.

The community will receive extensive renovations, estimated at $18,827,049 (or $92,289 per unit). CPPs total investment is approximately $47.2 million, which includes a purchase price of $16,600,000.

Built in 1974, and located at 120 Cambridge Square Drive, the development will gain a new community building and see reconstruction of one building consisting of 28 units lost to a fire earlier in the year. The new community building will include space for resident meetings and gatherings, maintenance storage space, and leasing offices. In addition to new construction and new amenities, the property will receive extensive improvements to address deferred maintenance, including updates to accessibility throughout the property, mechanical system replacements, building envelope upgrades, and energy efficiency enhancements that meet National Green Building Standards. Existing amenities include central laundry rooms throughout the residential buildings, a playground, and 329 surface parking spots.

All units will receive interior upgrades with installation of new kitchen countertops, appliances and flooring, as well as bathroom updates including new vanities, fixtures, tub reglazing and new shower surrounds, as needed. New windows and roofs will be installed throughout the property.

With the development of Cambridge Square Apartments, CPP is expanding its footprint in Pennsylvania and doing our part in the revitalization of the greater Pittsburgh area, said Seth Gellis, President of CPP. In addition to a new community building, this project will also be rebuilding all units lost in a recent fire. We are excited to bring new construction and new amenities to the residents.

This project builds on the work that we are already doing downtown at Allegheny Commons and helps to support the community by preserving much needed affordable housing, said Thomas Gibson, Director of Special Projects for CPP. We are thrilled to be moving forward after over two years of planning during a very challenging economic environment.

The project received an allocation of low-income housing tax credits in 2007, when it last received renovations. There are 198 units under the Housing Assistance Payment contract (all units 50% of area median income) and six units that will be reserved for families at 60% or below of area median income. All 204 units will be affordable.

Renovations are expected to be completed in December 2024, with minimal impact to residents. The property will partner with American Healthcare Group in providing supportive services.

Partners on the project include the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA), who is the bond issuer and awarded 4% low-income housing tax credits; and Key Bank who provided debt financing through the Freddie Mac TEL program.

About Community Preservation Partners In 2004, Community Preservation Partners was established by our parent company, WNC & Associates, a national investor in affordable housing and community renewal initiatives. Since then, CPP has successfully acquired, developed, and rehabilitated more than 11,000 affordable multifamily and senior housing units nationwide. From the very beginning, theyve done things differently. As more than a consultant or an investor, CPP is a true partner in every sense. By joining leading nonprofits and strategic partners, they can provide essential social services to residents, support neighborhood initiatives and transform multifamily affordable housing communities. Creativity, Performance, and Purpose are their core values and embody everything they do. Together they define A Different Way to Home for their excellent employees, partners, and communities. Visit https://www.cpp-housing.com/.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9cf6dcee-5ef1-4270-b7d2-ec3cce658d76

MEDIA CONTACT IDEA HALL Rachel Fuller [email protected]

Cambridge Square Apartments Cambridge Square Apartments in Monroeville, PA

Source: Community Preservation Partners (CPP)
NEW YORK, Nov. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DSS, Inc. (NYSE American: DSS) announced today that, in a unanimous decision, the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC) rejected Nichia Corp.'s challenge to U.S. Patent No. 6,879,040 (the 040 Patent). U.S. Chief Circuit Judge Kimberly Moore, who authored the opinion, and U.S. Circuit Judges Kara Stoll and Tiffany Cunningham sat on the panel for the Federal Circuit.

The CAFC appeal mounted by Nichia Corp., a Japanese electronics company, asserted that a 2021 Inter Partes Review (IPR) decision by the USPTO Patent Trial and Appeal Board declaring the 040 Patent to be valid should be overturned. The arguments put forth by Nichia were soundly defeated by the Board in 2021 and now, again, by the CAFC.

In her opinion, Chief Judge Moore stated that the Court reviewed the Boards claim construction de novo including all subsidiary factual findings based on extrinsic evidence. Based on that review, Chief Judge Moore stated that the Board proceeded exactly as prescribed by case law and affirmed that The Board was  correct in rendering its patentability determination  [and that] Nichia did not meet its burden to show [the] claims  are unpatentable.

The 040 patent was purchased by DSS, Inc. as part of a portfolio of patents covering technologies used in Light-Emitting Diode (LED) lighting products.

Frank D. Heuszel, President and CEO, congratulated the legal team for their great work adding that the CAFC decision should put to rest the validity of the 040 patent. Heuszel continued, We will pursue Nichia for patent infringement damages associated with Nichia's LED product line.

About DSS, Inc.

DSS is a multinational company operating businesses within nine(9) divisions: Product Packaging, Biotechnology, Commercial Lending, Securities and Investment Management, Alternative Trading, Digital Transformation, Secure Living, and Alternative Energy. DSS strategically acquires and develops assets to increase shareholder value through periodic IPO spinoffs. Since 2019, under the guidance of new leadership, DSS has built the necessary foundation for achievable growth through the formation of a diversified portfolio of companies positioned to drive profitability in multiple high-growth sectors.

For more information on DSS visit https://www.dssworld.com

Safe Harbor Disclosure

This press release contains forward-looking statements that are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions 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. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements related to the Company's intended use of proceeds and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those projected. These risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, include: risks relating to our growth strategy; our ability to obtain, perform under and maintain financing and strategic agreements and relationships; risks relating to the results of development activities; our ability to attract, integrate and retain key personnel; our need for substantial additional funds; patent and intellectual property matters; competition; as well as other risks described in our SEC filings, including, without limitation, our reports on Forms 8-K, 10-K and 10-Q, all of which can be obtained on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made and reflect management's current estimates, projections, expectations, and beliefs. We expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in our expectations or any changes in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as required by law.

Contact:DSS Inc. Investor Relations[email protected]+1 (585) 565-2422

Source: DSS, Inc.
MONACO, Nov. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Eneti Inc. (NYSE: NETI) (Eneti or the Company), today reported its results for the three months ended September 30, 2023.

The Company also announced that on November 14, 2023 its board of directors (the Board of Directors) declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.01 per share on the Companys common shares.

Results for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 and 2022

For the third quarter of 2023, the Companys GAAP net income was $18.3 million, or $0.48 per diluted share, including transaction costs of $0.2 million or $0.01 per diluted share, consisting primarily of legal and tax services related to its pending business combination with Cadeler A/S. These transaction costs are recorded in General and Administrative expenses.

Total revenues for the third quarter of 2023 were $53.2 million, compared to $69.2 million for the same period in 2022. The primary driver of revenue during the third quarter of 2023 was the revenue generated by Seajacks Zaratan, which continued to perform the Yunlin contract throughout the third quarter of 2023 and generated charter hire revenue of $12.7 million recognized, as was mobilization / demobilization revenues of $5.7 million.

For the third quarter of 2023, the Companys adjusted net income was $18.5 million, or $0.49 adjusted per diluted share, which excludes the impact of approximately $0.2 million of transaction costs incurred related to the pending business combination with Cadeler A/S (see Non-GAAP Financial Measures below).

For the third quarter of 2022, the Companys GAAP net income was $36.2 million, or $0.95 per diluted share, including a gain of approximately $8.1 million and cash dividend income of $0.2 million, or $0.22 per diluted share, from the Companys former equity investment in Scorpio Tankers Inc.

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) for the third quarter of 2023 was $22.9 million and EBITDA for the third quarter of 2022 was $45.0 million. Adjusted EBITDA for the third quarter of 2023 was $23.1 (see Non-GAAP Financial Measures below).

For the first nine months of 2023, the Companys GAAP net loss was $49.2 million, or $1.34 per diluted share including: a write-down of the NG 2500X Vessels, which were classified as held for sale, of $49.3 million or $1.35 per diluted share, transaction costs of $3.5 million or $0.09 per diluted share, consisting primarily of legal and consulting services, related to the pending business combination with Cadeler A/S.

Total revenues for the first nine months of 2023 were $105.9 million compared to $152.7 million for the same period in 2022. First nine months 2023 revenues were generated primarily by the Seajacks Scylla, which worked at an offshore wind farm project in the Netherlands, as well as the Companys three NG2500Xs which performed maintenance on offshore gas production platforms and wind turbine gear maintenance, and consulting revenue. The Seajacks Zaratan began work on the Yunlin project offshore Taiwan in June 2023.

For the first nine months of 2023, the Companys adjusted net income was $3.7 million, or $0.10 adjusted per diluted share, which excludes the impact of the write-down of the NG2500Xs, which were classified as held for sale, of approximately $49.3 million and the $3.5 million of transaction costs incurred related to the pending business combination with Cadeler A/S (see Non-GAAP Financial Measures below).

For the first nine months of 2022, the Companys GAAP net income was $93.1 million, or $2.41 per diluted share, including a gain of approximately $54.9 million and cash dividend income of $0.6 million, or $1.44 per diluted share, from the Companys equity investment in Scorpio Tankers Inc.

EBITDA for the first nine months of 2023 was a loss of $24.8 million and EBITDA for the first nine months of 2022 was $119.4 million. Adjusted EBITDA for the first nine months of 2023 was $28.0 million (see Non-GAAP Financial Measures below).

Liquidity

As of November 10, 2023, the Company had approximately $105.2 million in cash.

Newbuildings

The Company is currently under contract with Hanwha Ocean Co., Ltd. for the construction of two next-generation offshore wind turbine installation vessels (WTIV). The aggregate contract price is approximately $654.8 million, of which $131.0 million has been paid. The WTIVs are expected to be delivered in the first and third quarters of 2025, respectively. The estimated future payment dates and amounts are as follows (1) (dollars in thousands):

HanwhaOcean1 HanwhaOcean2 Q4 2023 $  $  Q1 2024 33,036  Q2 2024 33,036  Q3 2024  32,441 Q4 2024  32,441 Q1 2025 198,217  Q2 2025   Q3 2025  194,644 Total $ 264,289 $ 259,526

(1) These are estimates only and are subject to change as construction progresses.

Sale of NG 2500X Vessels

During July 2023, the Company entered into an agreement with an unaffiliated third party to sell the Seajacks Hydra, Seajacks Leviathan and the Seajacks Kraken for approximately $70.0 million in aggregate. The sale is expected to provide net cash proceeds of approximately $56.8 million after the repayment of amounts due on the term loan tranche under the $175.0 Million Credit Facility. These vessels were classified as held for sale as of June 30, 2023.

In October 2023, the Company delivered the Seajacks Kraken to its new owners, repaid $12.6m of the $175.0 Million Credit Facility term loan tranche, and reduced the maximum amounts available for drawing under the $75.0 Million Revolving Loans and $25.0 Million Letters of Credit tranches by $22.4 million in aggregate. There will be no further repayments or reductions required upon disposition of the remaining two NG 2500X vessels, which is expected to take place before the end of 2023.

Award of New Contracts

During October 2023, Seajacks UK Limited, signed a contract with an undisclosed client to assist with the installation of wind turbines. With mobilization commencing in 2024, the contract will be performed by the Companys NG14000X-class vessel, Seajacks Scylla. Inclusive of mobilization and demobilization, the engagement is expected to be between 442 and 655 days and generate approximately $113.0 million to $167.0 million of gross revenue. There are no material project costs or transit costs related to the contract.

During October 2023, Seajacks UK Limited signed a contract with an undisclosed client to transport and install turbines. With mobilization commencing in the second quarter of 2027, the contract will be performed by one of the Companys two NG16000X Wind Turbine Installation Vessels currently under construction at Hanwha Ocean in South Korea. Inclusive of mobilization and demobilization, the engagement is expected to be between 180 and 210 days and generate approximately $73.0 million to $84.0 million of gross revenue. Project costs are expected to be $8.0 million in aggregate.

During September 2023, Seajacks UK Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, signed a vessel reservation agreement and then a firm contract with an undisclosed client to transport and install turbines. With mobilization commencing in the first quarter of 2027, the contract will be performed by one of the Companys two NG16000X WTIVs currently under construction at Hanwha Ocean in South Korea. Inclusive of mobilization and demobilization, the engagement is expected to be between 210 and 245 days and generate approximately $87.0 million to $100.0 million of gross revenue. Project costs are expected to be approximately $15.0 million in aggregate.

During May 2023, Seajacks UK Limited signed a reservation agreement for its NG 5500 vessel, Seajacks Zaratan, for employment in the Asia Pacific region for between five and six months. The contract has now been fully executed and is expected to generate between approximately 32.5 million and 38.0 million of revenue after estimated project costs and commence in the second quarter of 2024.

Debt Overview

The Companys outstanding debt balances, gross of unamortized deferred financing costs as of September 30, 2023 and November 10, 2023, are as follows (dollars in thousands):

As of September 30, 2023 As of November 10, 2023 Credit Facility Amount Outstanding $175.0 Million Credit Facility $ 56,250 $ 43,650 Total $ 56,250 $ 43,650

The Company has undrawn availability under a $75.0 Million Revolving Loan of the above-mentioned $175.0 Million Credit Facility.

Quarterly Cash Dividend

In the third quarter of 2023, the Board of Directors declared, and the Company paid, a quarterly cash dividend of $0.01 per share totaling approximately $0.4 million.

On November 14, 2023, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.01 per share, payable on or about December 15, 2023, to all shareholders of record as of November 29, 2023. As of November 14, 2023, there are 38,647,119 common shares outstanding.

Conflict in Ukraine

As a result of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine which commenced in February 2022, the United States, the European Union, and others have announced unprecedented levels of sanctions and other measures against Russia and certain Russian entities and nationals. The ongoing conflict has disrupted supply chains and caused instability and significant volatility in the global economy. Much uncertainty remains regarding the global impact of the conflict in Ukraine and it is possible that such instability, uncertainty and resulting volatility could significantly increase our costs and adversely affect our business. These uncertainties could also adversely affect our ability to obtain additional financing or, if we are able to obtain additional financing, to do so on terms favorable to us. We will continue to monitor the situation to assess whether the conflict could have any material impact on our operations or financial performance.

Eneti Inc. and Subsidiaries Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Amounts in thousands, except per share data) Unaudited Three Months Ended September 30 Nine Months Ended September 30 2023 2022 2023 2022 Revenue: Revenue $ 53,196 $ 69,193 $ 105,861 $ 152,723 Operating expenses: Vessel operating and project costs 20,916 22,048 58,417 58,899 Vessel depreciation 4,521 6,079 16,656 18,530 General and administrative expenses 10,797 10,220 30,086 31,087 Write-down of vessels classified as held for sale   49,336  Total operating expenses 36,234 38,347 154,495 108,516 Operating income (loss) 16,962 30,846 (48,634 ) 44,207 Other income (expense): Interest income 759 212 2,443 223 Income from equity investments  8,340  55,538 Foreign exchange (loss) income (828 ) (2,334 ) 648 (4,655 ) Financial expense, net (10 ) (85 ) (774 ) (2,037 ) Total other (expense) income, net (79 ) 6,133 2,317 49,069 Income (loss) before income tax provision 16,883 36,979 (46,317 ) 93,276 Income tax (benefit) expense (1,443 ) 794 2,855 205 Net income (loss) $ 18,326 $ 36,185 $ (49,172 ) $ 93,071 Earnings (loss) per share: Basic $ 0.50 $ 0.95 $ (1.34 ) $ 2.41 Diluted $ 0.48 $ 0.95 $ (1.34 ) $ 2.41 Basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding 36,651 38,104 36,621 38,573 Diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding 37,902 38,140 36,621 38,620

Eneti Inc. and Subsidiaries Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Dollars in thousands) Unaudited September 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 Assets Current assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 78,989 $ 119,958 Restricted cash  7,269 Accounts receivable 44,836 35,776 Inventories 5,177 5,795 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 7,564 4,740 Contract fulfillment costs 1,368 634 Total current assets 137,934 174,172 Non-current assets Vessels, net 399,433 521,331 Vessels under construction 152,918 110,969 Assets held for sale 69,300  Intangible assets 4,518 4,518 Other assets 2,214 3,514 Total non-current assets 628,383 640,332 Total assets $ 766,317 $ 814,504 Liabilities and shareholders equity Current liabilities Bank loans, net $ 12,110 $ 12,039 Contract liabilities 5,195 6,706 Corporate income tax payable 1,061 2,637 Accounts payable and accrued expenses 19,524 23,629 Total current liabilities 37,890 45,011 Non-current liabilities Bank loans, net 43,171 52,253 Deferred tax liabilities 12,455  Other liabilities 1,313 1,926 Total non-current liabilities 56,939 54,179 Total liabilities 94,829 99,190 Shareholders equity Preferred shares, $0.01 par value per share; 50,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued or outstanding   Common shares, $0.01 par value per share; authorized 81,875,000 shares as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022; outstanding 38,647,119 shares and 38,446,394 shares as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively 1,136 1,134 Paid-in capital 2,069,512 2,064,168 Common shares held in treasury, at cost; 2,328,179 shares at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 (17,669 ) (17,669 ) Accumulated deficit (1,381,491 ) (1,332,319 ) Total shareholders equity 671,488 715,314 Total liabilities and shareholders equity $ 766,317 $ 814,504

Eneti Inc. and Subsidiaries Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) (Amounts in thousands) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 2022 Operating activities Net (loss) income $ (49,172 ) $ 93,071 Adjustment to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities: Restricted share amortization 6,503 5,778 Vessel depreciation 16,656 18,959 Amortization of deferred financing costs 598 351 Write-down of vessels held for sale 49,336 896 Net (gains) on investments  (54,890 ) Dividend income from equity investment  (646 ) Drydocking expenditure  (504 ) Deferred taxes 2,339  Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Increase in accounts receivable (9,060 ) (18,948 ) Decrease in inventories 618 985 (Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses and other assets (2,492 ) 1,556 Decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses (6,229 ) (11,401 ) Decrease in taxes payable (1,001 ) (1,964 ) Net cash provided by operating activities 8,096 33,243 Investing activities Sale of equity investment  82,497 Dividend income from equity investment  646 Payments on vessels under construction and other fixed assets (45,802 ) (39,375 ) Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities (45,802 ) 43,768 Financing activities Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt  130,000 Repayments of long-term debt (9,375 ) (201,915 ) Common shares repurchased  (16,952 ) Debt issuance costs paid  (3,235 ) Dividends paid (1,157 ) (1,196 ) Net cash used in financing activities (10,532 ) (93,298 ) Decrease in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash (48,238 ) (16,287 ) Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period 127,227 153,977 Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period $ 78,989 $ 137,690

Conference Call on Results:

A conference call to discuss the Companys results will be held at 9:00 AM Eastern Time / 3:00 PM Central European Time on November 14, 2023. Those wishing to listen to the call should dial 1 (877) 513-1694 (U.S.) or 1 (412) 902-4269 (International) at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the call to ensure connection. The information provided on the teleconference is only accurate at the time of the conference call, and the Company will take no responsibility for providing updated information.

There will also be a simultaneous live webcast over the internet, through the Eneti Inc. website www.eneti-inc.com. Participants to the live webcast should register on the website approximately 15 minutes prior to the start of the webcast.

Webcast URL: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/24tnahbd

About Eneti Inc.

Eneti Inc. is a leading provider of installation and maintenance vessels to the offshore wind sector and has invested in the next generation of wind turbine installation vessels. The Company is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol NETI. Additional information about the Company is available on the Companys website: www.eneti-inc.com. Information on the Companys website does not constitute a part of and is not incorporated by reference into this press release.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

To supplement the Companys financial information presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (GAAP) management uses certain non-GAAP financial measures as such term is defined in Regulation G promulgated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC). Generally, a non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of a companys operating performance, financial position or cash flows that excludes or includes amounts that are included in, or excluded from, the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. Management believes the presentation of these measures provides investors with greater transparency and supplemental data relating to the Companys financial condition and results of operations, and therefore a more complete understanding of factors affecting its business than GAAP measures alone. In addition, management believes the presentation of these matters is useful to investors for period-to-period comparison of results as the items may reflect certain unique and/or non-operating items such as asset sales, write-offs, contract termination costs or items outside of managements control.

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA), adjusted net income and adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP financial measures that the Company believes provide investors with a means of evaluating and understanding how the Companys management evaluates the Companys operating performance. These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation from, as substitutes for, nor superior to financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. Please see below for reconciliation of EBITDA, adjusted net income and adjusted EBITDA.

EBITDA (unaudited)

Three Months Ended September 30 Nine Months Ended September 30 In thousands 2023 2022 2023 2022 Net income (loss) $ 18,326 $ 36,185 $ (49,172 ) $ 93,071 Add Back: Net interest (income) expense (943 ) (346 ) (2,266 ) 1,463 Depreciation and amortization(1) 6,965 8,363 23,758 24,659 Income tax (benefit) expense (1,443 ) 794 2,855 205 EBITDA $ 22,905 44,996 $ (24,825 ) $ 119,398

(1)Includes depreciation, amortization of deferred financing costs and restricted share amortization.

Adjusted net income (loss) (unaudited)

Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, In thousands, except per share data 2023 2023 Net income (loss) $ 18,326 $ 0.48 $ (49,172 ) $ (1.34 ) Adjustments: Write-down on vessels held for sale  $ 0.00 49,336 $ 1.35 Transaction costs 213 $ 0.01 3,503 $ 0.09 Adjusted net income $ 18,539 $ 0.49 $ 3,667 $ 0.10

Adjusted EBITDA (unaudited)

Three Months Ended September 30 Nine Months Ended September 30 In thousands 2023 2023 Net income (loss) $ 18,326 $ (49,172 ) Impact of adjustments 213 52,839 Adjusted net income $ 18,539 $ 3,667 Add Back: Net interest income (943 ) (2,266 ) Depreciation and amortization(1) 6,965 23,758 Income tax (benefit) expense (1,443 ) 2,855 Adjusted EBITDA $ 23,118 $ 28,014

(1)Includes depreciation, amortization of deferred financing costs and restricted share amortization.

Forward-Looking Statements

Matters discussed in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides safe harbor protections for forward-looking statements in order to encourage companies to provide prospective information about their business. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements, which are other than statements of historical facts. The Company desires to take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and is including this cautionary statement in connection with this safe harbor legislation. The words believe, anticipate, intend, estimate, forecast, project, plan, potential, may, should, expect, pending and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation, and specifically decline any obligation, except as required by law, to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

The forward-looking statements in this press release are based upon various assumptions, many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions, including without limitation, our managements examination of historical operating trends, data contained in our records and other data available from third parties. Although we believe that these assumptions were reasonable when made, because these assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies which are difficult or impossible to predict and are beyond our control, we cannot assure you that we will achieve or accomplish these expectations, beliefs or projections.

In addition to these important factors, other important factors that, in our view, could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include the failure of counterparties to fully perform their contracts with us, the strength of world economies and currencies, general market conditions, including fluctuations in charter rates and asset values, changes in demand for Wind Turbine Installation Vessel (WTIV) capacity, the continuing impacts of the ongoing novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, including its effects on demand for WTIVs and the installation of offshore windfarms, changes in our operating expenses, including fuel costs, drydocking and insurance costs, the market for our WTIVs, availability of financing and refinancing, counterparty performance, ability to obtain financing and the availability of capital resources (including for capital expenditures) and comply with covenants in such financing arrangements, planned capital expenditures, our ability to successfully identify, consummate, integrate and realize the expected benefits from acquisitions and changes to our business strategy, fluctuations in the value of our investments, changes in governmental rules and regulations or actions taken by regulatory authorities, potential liability from pending or future litigation, general domestic and international political conditions, including conditions resulting from the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, potential disruption due to accidents or political events, vessel breakdowns and instances of off-hires and other factors.

Please see our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission for a more complete discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties.

Contact Information:

Eneti Inc.James Doyle  Head of Corporate Development & Investor RelationsTel: +1 646-432-1678Email: [email protected]https://www.eneti-inc.com

Source: Eneti Inc.
TORONTO, Nov. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Facing financial pressures, Canadians are planning to be more budget-conscious and security-minded for the 2023 holiday shopping season, according to a new survey* from Equifax Canada.

KEY FINDINGS

68 per cent of respondents said they plan to budget for holiday shopping this year, up from 57 per cent in 2022.

Credit cards remain the preferred payment method for holiday purchases for most people (67 per cent); the number climbs even higher to 72 per cent for younger adults (aged 18-34).

44 per cent feel more vulnerable to fraudsters and identity thieves during the holidays, with 70 per cent saying they need to do more to protect their personal data, up from 60 per cent in 2022.

The findings from this survey suggest people are taking steps to be more mindful of their spending and their personal information during the holidays, said Julie Kuzmic, Senior Compliance Officer, Consumer Advocacy, Equifax Canada. It is important to remember that you can take control of your credit and protect your identity at any time of year. Some simple actions like budgeting and checking your credit reports can help you avoid overspending and find potential signs of fraud.

HOLIDAY SPENDING AND DEBTIn a recent survey**, 37 per cent of business owners expressed having less confidence about the 2023 holiday season than they did last year, while only 15 per cent expressed having more confidence.

Younger people (aged 18-34) are more likely to carry over holiday debt and regret their purchases (46 per cent and 38 per cent, respectively) versus people 55 and older (19 per cent and 13 per cent, respectively).

Shopping local is on the rise for the 2023 holiday season, with 61 per cent of shoppers planning to do so, up from 51 per cent in 2022. A 10 per cent increase in shoppers planning to shop locally could be a boon to small business owners, who are facing a challenging holiday season.

Its so important to support small businesses this holiday season, and beyond, said Jeff Brown, Head of Commercial Solutions at Equifax Canada. Small businesses create jobs, support local communities, and offer unique products and services that consumers value.

PROTECTING AGAINST FRAUD AND IDENTITY THEFTOf respondents in the survey*, 44 per cent said they feel more vulnerable to fraudsters and identity thieves during this time of year. Fortunately, most of the survey respondents are taking steps to protect themselves from identity theft, with 84 per cent checking their credit card bills for suspicious activity, 72 per cent using up-to-date antivirus software, 27 per cent purchasing identity theft protection products, and 87 per cent limiting the information they share on social media. Despite these efforts, 70 per cent agree that they need to do more to protect their personal data, up from 60 per cent in 2022.

Fraudsters and identity thieves dont take time off for the holidays, so it is essential to remain vigilant and to take steps to protect yourself, added Kuzmic. Be careful about where you shop and be mindful of the information you share online.

TOP TIPS TO HELP CONSUMERS AVOID FRAUDSTERS AND IDENTITY THIEVES1. Only shop with trusted retailers and be careful at the checkout2. Regularly check your credit reports and bank statements for suspicious activity3. Be careful about what information you share on social media and be careful about clicking on links in emails or text messages 4. Use strong passwords that are changed regularly and two-factor authentication for your online accounts5. Avoid using public Wi-Fi to shop online

Visit the Equifax Canada website for additional tips to help you budget and protect yourself and your family against fraudsters and identity thieves.

*An online survey of 1,564 Canadians was completed between September 15-18, 2023, using Legers online panel. The margin of error for this study was +/-2.5 per cent, 19 times out of 20.

** Equifax Canada commissioned Leger to conduct an online survey with 300 Canadian small (271) and medium-sized (29) business owners/leaders/decision makers within the Food, Construction, Retail, and Travel Industries. It was completed between August 28 and September 13, 2023, using Legers online panel.

ABOUT EQUIFAXAt Equifax (NYSE: EFX), we believe knowledge drives progress. As a global data, analytics, and technology company, we play an essential role in the global economy by helping financial institutions, companies, employers, and government agencies make critical decisions with greater confidence. Our unique blend of differentiated data, analytics, and cloud technology drives insights to power decisions to move people forward. Headquartered in Atlanta and supported by nearly 15,000 employees worldwide, Equifax operates or has investments in 24 countries in North America, Central and South America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific region. For more information, visit Equifax.ca.

Media Contacts:

Andrew FindlaterSELECT Public Relations [email protected] (647) 444-1197 Heather AggarwalEquifax Canada Media Relations [email protected]

Source: Equifax Canada
TORONTO, Nov. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Euro Sun Mining Inc., (TSX: ESM) (Euro Sun or the Company) is pleased to announce that the European Commission (the Commission) has reached a political agreement on the Critical Raw Materials Act (the Act). The Act represents a significant milestone in ensuring the European Unions (EUs) access to secure, diversified, affordable and sustainable supply of critical raw materials, and in particular, Euro Sun is pleased to announce that copper has been deemed both a strategic raw material and critical raw material.

The Act seeks to increase domestic EU capacities for critical raw materials along the supply chain by identifying strategic projects that would benefit more streamlined, faster and more efficient permitting procedures as well as facilitated access to finance. Furthermore, the Act specifies that the EU should have the capacity to extract 10%, process 40%, and recycle 25% of its annual consumption of strategic raw materials by 2030. The Act will also require monitoring of critical raw materials supply chains, and an obligation for large companies to perform risk assessments of their supply chains.

The Act will now be submitted to the European Parliament and the Council for formal approval. Commenting on the political agreement of the Act, Mr. Grant Sboros, Chief Executive Officer of Euro Sun, said We welcome the passing of the Act and applaud the EUs recognition of the importance of increasing domestic production of critical materials, in particular copper. Euro Sun believes the Rovina Valley Project is a perfect candidate for the Act given that it is situated in Romania and its sizable copper deposits. We look forward to working with the government of Romania to streamline the permitting and financing of the Rovina Valley Project under the Act.

About Euro Sun Mining Inc.

Euro Sun is a Toronto Stock Exchange listed mining company focused on the exploration and development of its 100%-owned Rovina Valley gold and copper project located in west-central Romania, which hosts the second largest gold deposit in Europe.

Further information:

For further information about Euro Sun Mining, or the contents of this press release, please contact Investor Relations at [email protected]

Caution regarding forward-looking information:

This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, without limitation, statements regarding the formal approval of the Act; acceptance of the Rovina Valley Project as a strategic project under the act; adoption of the Act by the Romanian government and anticipated benefits to permitting and financing of the Rovina Valley Project under the Act. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including risks inherent in the mining industry and risks described in the public disclosure of the Company which is available under the profile of the Company on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on the Company's website at www.eurosunmining.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. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

The TSX does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Source: Euro Sun Mining Inc.
NEW YORK, Nov. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bernstein Liebhard LLP:



Do you, or did you, own shares of Farfetch Limited (NYSE: FTCH)?





Did you purchase your shares between March 9, 2023 and August 17, 2023, inclusive?





Did you lose money in your investment in Farfetch Limited?



Bernstein Liebhard LLP, a nationally acclaimed investor rights law firm, reminds investors of the deadline to file a lead plaintiff motion in a securities class action lawsuit that has been filed on behalf of investors who purchased or acquired the securities of Farfetch Limited (Farfetch or the Company) (NYSE: FTCH) between March 9, 2023 and August 17, 2023, inclusive (the Class Period). The lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland and alleges violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 against the Company and certain of its officers (the Complaint).

If you purchased or acquired Farfetch securities, and/or would like to discuss your legal rights and options please visit Farfetch Limited Shareholder Class Action Lawsuit or contact Peter Allocco at (212) 951-2030 or [email protected].

According to the Complaint, Farfetch, together with its subsidiaries, operates a global platform for the luxury fashion industry. In addition to revenue, one of Farfetchs most important financial metrics is gross merchandise value (GMV), which the Company defines as the total dollar value of orders processed, inclusive of product value, shipping, and duty, and net of returns, value added taxes, and cancellations. According to Farfetch, the Companys GMV closely correlates with its revenue.

Plaintiff alleges that Defendants made materially false and misleading statements throughout the Class Period. Among other things, Defendants failed to disclose to investors that: (i) Farfetch was experiencing a significant slowdown in growth in the U.S. and China; (ii) Farfetch 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) 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. Among other items, Farfetch 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.

On this news, Farfetchs stock price fell $2.15 per share, or over 45%, to close at $2.61 per share on August 18, 2023.

If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than December 19, 2023 . A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. Your ability to share in any recovery doesnt require that you serve as lead plaintiff. If you choose to take no action, you may remain an absent class member.

If you purchased or acquired Farfetch securities, and/or would like to discuss your legal rights and options please visit Farfetch Limited Shareholder Class Action Lawsuit or contact Peter Allocco at (212) 951-2030 or [email protected].

Since 1993, Bernstein Liebhard LLP has recovered over $3.5 billion for its clients. In addition to representing individual investors, the Firm has been retained by some of the largest public and private pension funds in the country to monitor their assets and pursue litigation on their behalf. As a result of its success litigating hundreds of lawsuits and class actions, the Firm has been named to The National Law Journals Plaintiffs Hot List thirteen times and listed in The Legal 500 for sixteen consecutive years.

ATTORNEY ADVERTISING.  2023 Bernstein Liebhard LLP. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Bernstein Liebhard LLP, 10 East 40th Street, New York, New York 10016, (212) 779-1414. Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.

Contact Information:

Peter Allocco

Bernstein Liebhard LLP

https://www.bernlieb.com

(212) 951-2030

[email protected]
WINNIPEG, Manitoba, Nov. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Since its founding in 2003, HERD has continued to grow, adding new innovations to its product line and dedicated employees to its workforce. As the company evolves, it has remained committed to exemplifying its core values of Honesty, Excellence, Respect, and Dependability. These principles resonate deeply with HERDs staff, extending their influence into the homes and lives of its dedicated workforce. The overlap of professional and family values is seen evidently in the number of multigenerational families who work for HERD, each bringing a unique skill set and perspective to the Winnipeg production facility.

For Bill Lauterer and his son Philip, HERD is a place that has grown alongside their family. I think theres a sense of ownership, said Philip, a Robotics Technician. HERD has grown and benefitted from having my dad work here, and so has our family. Ive seen the dedication and effort hes put into this place, and my goal is to do the exact same thing he did. Thats not to say that things are all business all the time between the two. Bill recalls a moment at a family event hosted by HERD where Philip challenged him to a fight on an inflatable fighting game. Somebody thought they could take out Dad in the battle ring. Lets just say it didnt work out quite like they thought.

Evelyn Lavallee and Dallas Pelletier have enjoyed the opportunity to collaborate with one another at HERD. We can work together on projects, sharing skills. Ill cut what I need, and shell weld it together for me, said Evelyn. Working in the same place also gives Evelyn a front-row seat to witness her daughters professional development. Dallas has stopped me in the middle of my work to show me how good her topping welds looked. Both Dallas and Evelyn appreciate the unique dynamic that sharing a workplace brings, saying that it has allowed them to learn skills faster and get more interactions and quality time together.

Ed Catojo Jr. has watched his dad, Eddie, climb the ranks at HERD and was excited at the opportunity to do the same. My father started out in the wash bays at HERD; he worked hard and moved up, increasing his value and the potential of the company. When an opportunity to join HERD was given to me, it made a lot of sense to work for a place that appreciates effort and growth. I get a sense of pride that HERD is my company, too. It clothed and fed me as a kid, and now I get to pay some of that back. HERD doesnt just support me, it supports my family. And sometimes, the perks of working with your dad are even more obvious. He benefits by getting a ride from me, joked Eddie.

Each of these families has found a sense of pride and ownership in their roles at HERD, thriving on the unique opportunity to blend their personal and professional lives. Having several multigenerational families working throughout the company is important for HERD, working to build a culture that values relationships and family as much as it does production. The interplay of generations at HERD exists as a perfect example of the spirit of collaboration and mentorship at the company, making HERD not just a workplace but a place where family and career thrive side by side.

Since its founding in 2003, HERD has emerged as one of North Americas premium manufacturers of front-end protection. The Winnipeg-based company has built a reputation for producing high-quality and innovative products that enable drivers and fleet managers to maximize their trucks performance. While gaining recognition for its Truck Guards and Grille Guards, HERD also offers a variety of high-quality trucking accessories and recently announced an all-new Electric Power Division, further expanding its innovative product offerings.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5d6cf321-c63a-4de0-981a-ba4810624084

Media Contact: Devynn Kiesman Marketing Manager [email protected] 204-222-0880 ext. 261

Evelyn and Dallas Evelyn and Dallas Mother and Daughter duo working together at HERD!

Source: HERD
HYCU Recognized for its Ability to Provide Data Protection as a Service to On-premises, Multi-cloud and SaaS IT Environments

Boston, Massachusetts, Nov. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HYCU, Inc., the fastest growing data protection as a service company, today, announced that CRN, a brand of The Channel Company, has named HYCU to its 2023 Stellar Startups list in the Storage (including Disaster Recovery) category. This annual list, previously known as CRN Emerging Vendors, recognizes fast-rising technology manufacturers committed to delivering leading-edge solutions that propel innovation and growth in the IT channel.

Companies on the 2023 Stellar Startups list are all six years old or younger. They are selected across categories including artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML), application development/DevOps, big data, business applications, cloud, data center, Internet of Things (IoT), networking/unified communications, security and storage.

As a Stellar Startup, HYCU was recognized for its ability to provide data protection as a service for on-premises, multi-cloud and SaaS IT environments. With the rise of SaaS applications across the modern data estate, HYCU introduced R-Cloud including R-Graph, a powerful solution to visualize core compute and storage services, database services, core platform services and supporting SaaS applications providing channel, resell and integration partners with a way to deliver cost-effective and efficient protection to reduce time to recovery from simple human error to ransomware attacks.

The technology vendors featured on the CRN 2023 Stellar Startups list have a deep understanding of the unique needs of the IT industry, enabling solution providers to overcome complicated market challenges, increase bottom-line revenue, and deliver solutions that will ensure the IT channels continued success.

With the 2023 Stellar Startups list, CRN spotlights emerging technology vendors creating groundbreaking products that support customer and solution provider success in the ever-changing IT channel, said Jennifer Follett, vice president of U.S. Content and Executive Editor of CRN at The Channel Company. As a trusted industry resource, the Stellar Startups list empowers solution providers with exclusive insights into the latest cutting-edge IT channel technologies.

Since the introduction of R-Cloud, we have seen overwhelming interest in our SaaS data protection as a service capability not just from a go-to-market perspective but also from partners looking to add SaaS protection for their own customers, said Simon Taylor, Founder and CEO, HYCU, Inc. With both the rise of ransomware coupled with data deletion due to simple use error, the ability to provide granular restore to critical application and supporting services workloads has never been more important. Thanks to our growing partner base and their customers, R-Cloud has received an extremely positive welcome in the industry to this point. Our unwavering commitment to our partners, resellers, solutions integrators, and MSPs has always been paramount to all of us at HYCU. We work to provide mutually beneficial, financially rewarding solutions, to address the most challenging partner and customer data protection problems. Thank you to The Channel Company editorial team for this well-deserved recognition and to the HYCU team that never ceases to amaze me as they rise to meet every challenge our customers and partners throw our way.

The CRN 2023 Stellar Startups list will be featured in the December 2023 issue of CRN Magazine and online at CRN.com/StellarStartups.

About HYCU

HYCU is the fastest-growing leader in the multi-cloud and SaaS data protection as a service industry. By bringing true SaaS-based data backup and recovery to on-premises, cloud-native and SaaS environments, the company provides unparalleled data protection, migration, disaster recovery, and ransomware protection to thousands of companies worldwide. As an award-winning and recognized visionary in the industry, HYCU solutions eliminate complexity, risk, and the high cost of legacy-based solutions, providing data protection simplicity to make the world safer. With an industry leading NPS score of 91, customers experience frictionless, cost-effective data protection, anywhere, everywhere. HYCU has raised $140M in VC funding to date and is based in Boston, Mass. Learn more at www.hycu.com.

About The Channel Company

The Channel Company enables breakthrough IT channel performance with our dominant media, engaging events, expert consulting and education, and innovative marketing services and platforms. As the channel catalyst, we connect and empower technology suppliers, solution providers and end users. Backed by nearly 40 years of unequaled channel experience, we draw from our deep knowledge to envision innovative solutions for ever-evolving challenges in the technology marketplace. thechannelcompany.com

Follow The Channel Company: X, LinkedIn and Facebook.

 2023 The Channel Company, LLC. CRN is a registered trademark of The Channel Company, LLC. All rights reserved.

Attachment
Phase 2 MONTPARK trial expected to begin recruiting patients in Q1 2024

SAINT LAURENT, Quebec, Nov. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- IntelGenx Corp. (TSX:IGX) (OTCQB:IGXT) (the "Company" or "IntelGenx") today announced that the Swedish Medical Products Agency (MPA), the Swedish Ethical Review Authority, and the Regional Biobank Centre have approved the planned clinical study to investigate the use of IntelGenxs Montelukast VersaFilm for the treatment of Parkinsons Disease (PD).



PD is the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer's disease, with an estimated 9 million patients globally and 1 million patients in the United States.1,2 In the United States it is estimated that 90,000 new patients will be diagnosed with PD every year.2 No neuroprotective or disease-modifying treatments are currently available. The current standard treatment of PD motor dysfunction is based on the enhancement of dopaminergic transmission and involves the administration of L-dopa. Evidence from multiple patient studies and animal models has shown a significant immune component during the course of the disease, highlighting immunomodulation as a potential treatment strategy.3 Montelukast is a CysLT 1 antagonist which decreases neuroinflammation by inhibiting CysLT1. Early results have indicated its potential usefulness for the treatment of various neurodegenerative disorders like PD and Alzheimers Disease.

The Phase 2 MONTPARK study (CT number 2023-504278-39-00) is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel arm, multicentre trial that will investigate the efficacy of oral high-dose Montelukast on the progression of early-to-moderate PD. The study will enroll up to 90 patients who will receive 30 mg Montelukast VersaFilm or placebo twice daily for 18-months, followed by a 3-month washout period. Eligible candidates must be on levodopa treatment at the time of enrolment and may also be on other dopaminergic symptomatic agents. The study is expected to begin recruiting in Q1 2024 with an expected study duration of approximately 24-to-30 months, depending on the recruitment rate.

The study will be conducted at the Karolinska University Hospital and at 3 other Swedish University affiliated institutions under IntelGenxs previously announced research collaboration with Per Svenningsson, MD, PhD, who will serve as the Studys Principal Investigator. Prof. Svenningsson will sponsor the study through a 20 million Swedish Crowns grant (approx. $2 million USD) awarded by the Swedish Research Council, Swedens largest governmental research funding body.

We are delighted that this trial has been approved by the MPA and look forward to beginning patient recruitment as soon as possible, said Dwight Gorham, IntelGenxs CEO. We are excited to be collaborating with Prof. Svenningsson, a PD pathogenesis expert who previously demonstrated the safety and tolerability of 40 mg Montelukast in PD patients. MONTPARK will be evaluating daily Montelukast doses of 60 mg per day, making Montelukast VersaFilm a more attractive dosing method due to its increased bioavailability (approx. 50% improvement over tablets) and minimizing the need on a daily basis for the requirement of numerous 10 mg Montelukast tablets.

Prof. Svenningsson stated, Our study teams are quite eager and ready to commence the study with the novel IntelGenx Montelukast VersaFilm due to the beneficial features of the film in terms of ease of use, better compliance and bioavailability.

References

1 World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/news/item/14-06-2022-launch-of-who-s-parkinson-disease-technical-brief#:~:text=Globally%2C%20the%20prevalence%20of%20Parkinson,million%20individuals%20living%20with%20PD

2 Parkinsons Foundation: https://www.parkinson.org/understanding-parkinsons/statistics

3 Wallin, J; Svenningsson, P. Potential Effects of Leukotriene Receptor Antagonist Montelukast in Treatment of Neuroinflammation in Parkinsons Disease. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22, 5606

About IntelGenx

IntelGenx is a leading drug delivery company focused on the development and manufacturing of pharmaceutical films.

IntelGenxs superior film technologies, including VersaFilm, DisinteQ, VetaFilm and transdermal VevaDerm, allow for next generation pharmaceutical products that address unmet medical needs. IntelGenxs innovative product pipeline offers significant benefits to patients and physicians for many therapeutic conditions.

IntelGenx's highly skilled team provides comprehensive pharmaceuticals services to pharmaceutical partners, including R&D, analytical method development, clinical monitoring, IP and regulatory services. IntelGenx's state-of-the-art manufacturing facility offers full service by providing lab-scale to pilot- and commercial-scale production. For more information, visit www.intelgenx.com .

Forward-Looking Information and Statements

This document may contain forward-looking information about IntelGenx's operating results and business prospects that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. Statements that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements about IntelGenx's plans, objectives, expectations, strategies, intentions or other characterizations of future events or circumstances and are generally identified by the words "may," "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," "could," "would," and similar expressions. All forward looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Because these forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, IntelGenx's actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in IntelGenx's annual report on Form 10-K, filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and available at www.sec.gov , and also filed with Canadian securities regulatory authorities at www.sedarplus.ca. IntelGenx assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements.

Source: IntelGenx Technologies Corp.

For IntelGenx:

Stephen Kilmer

Investor Relations

(647) 872-4849

[email protected]

Or
Reflects on Long Legacy of Innovation and Backbone of Success: Its People

Ramsey, NJ, Nov. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. (Konica Minolta) today proudly announced the commemoration of its 150th anniversary, a significant milestone few businesses reach. Through its long-time commitment to the industry and proactive approach to shaping the future of technology, the company has not only kept pace with industry developments over the years, but consistently appeared at the forefront.

Commemoration of this milestone has centered around showing gratitude to Konica Minoltas stakeholders and recognizing its employeesthe people responsible for transforming the organization into the company it is today. They are Konica Minoltas legacy, carrying out the companys long-standing philosophy to create new value for society.

The company enables that philosophy by enhancing employees capabilities as professionals, and fully unleashing the performance and potential of individuals and teams. Konica Minolta fosters and maintains an organizational culture that promotes health and safety, encourages individuals to take on challenges, and facilitates open communication. This approach in turn garners the commitment and loyalty needed from employees to create that value and continue to shape the company.

Our people are our single greatest asset, and we work extremely hard to cultivate employees who demonstrate innovative spirit and show true dedication to drive success across the business, said Sam Errigo, President and CEO, Konica Minolta. We are big promoters of diversity and inclusion and making sure that as an organization, different individuals in different walks of life have the ability to prosper here. It allows us to get different viewpoints on ways to approach the business. That has helped our culture ensure an environment where people can flourish and grow their careers.

Through its broad product portfolio, Konica Minolta transforms the workplace experience and drives dynamic business change with solutions, services and offerings built specifically around how customers and their businesses work. Konica Minolta employees have the opportunity to collaborate with clients around the world to solve societys greatest challenges. Continually building on its rich heritage as a manufacturer of technology hardware and prominent position as an innovative technology provider, the company thrives on combining diverse perspectives with creativity to transform the future of work and innovate for the good of society and the world.

Some extraordinary milestones have paved the way for the global technology giant, since Rokusaburo Sugiura began selling photographic and lithographic materials in 1873.

1873 Konica starts business as Rokusaburo Sugiura begins selling photographic and lithographic materials at Konishiya Rokubeiten in Kojimachi, Tokyo.

Konica starts business as Rokusaburo Sugiura begins selling photographic and lithographic materials at Konishiya Rokubeiten in Kojimachi, Tokyo. 1903 Konishi Honten (predecessor of Konica) markets the Cherry Hand Camera, Japans first brand-name camera.

Konishi Honten (predecessor of Konica) markets the Cherry Hand Camera, Japans first brand-name camera. 1958 Company's first planetarium unit completed and opened to the public

Company's first planetarium unit completed and opened to the public 1962 The first pictures of Earth taken from space with a Minolta Hi-Matic (during John Glenns Friendship 7 Space flight)

The first pictures of Earth taken from space with a Minolta Hi-Matic (during John Glenns Friendship 7 Space flight) 1970 Worlds first color copy machine introduced: Konica Minoltas U-Bix 480

Worlds first color copy machine introduced: Konica Minoltas U-Bix 480 2003 Konica Minolta Holdings, Inc. is established by integrating the management of Konica Corporation and Minolta Co., Ltd.

Konica Minolta Holdings, Inc. is established by integrating the management of Konica Corporation and Minolta Co., Ltd. 2005 Released the worlds first Mammography to use phase contrast technology

Released the worlds first Mammography to use phase contrast technology 2007 Withdrawal from photo and camera business

Withdrawal from photo and camera business 2011 U.S. Division acquires All Covered and begins digital transformation journey ahead of competitors

U.S. Division acquires All Covered and begins digital transformation journey ahead of competitors 2013 Company name changed to Konica Minolta, Inc.

Company name changed to Konica Minolta, Inc. 2015 U.S. Division launches Step Forward, an initiative to inspire women in professional excellence at all career levels.

U.S. Division launches Step Forward, an initiative to inspire women in professional excellence at all career levels. 2016 The bizhub PRESS C71cf digital press is the first of many new products that supports Konica Minoltas strategy in the label and packaging industry market.

The bizhub PRESS C71cf digital press is the first of many new products that supports Konica Minoltas strategy in the label and packaging industry market. 2018 U-Bix 480 certified as a Copying Machine Heritage established by the Imaging Society of Japan (ISJ).

U-Bix 480 certified as a Copying Machine Heritage established by the Imaging Society of Japan (ISJ). 2020 U.S. Division Launches Return to Work solution during the pandemic to assure employee safety when returning to offices

U.S. Division Launches Return to Work solution during the pandemic to assure employee safety when returning to offices 2021 Announces Status as a Microsoft Global Partner

Announces Status as a Microsoft Global Partner 2023 U.S. Division acquires Force Security Solutions

Konica Minolta has taken the opportunity to proudly reflect on its heritage and history since the start of its fiscal year on April 1. Earlier this year the company debuted its 150th anniversary video, in which the company reflects on its journey, having pushed the boundaries of what's possible to make a positive impact in the world. The video launched via a global social media effort, with all regions of Konica Minolta aligning with posts simultaneously, another first for the company.

Amidst ongoing challenges in the industry, uncertainty in the market and general concerns about recession, the tenacity of Konica Minoltas employees shines through. Despite difficulties, particularly in recent years with the pandemic and supply chain issues, the company has maintained the right culture and drive to turn things around. And with this track record of perseverance, the company is confident that alongside its employees, as well as its clients and partners, it will continue to drive positive change throughout the world.

Learn more about Konica Minoltas rich history online.

About Konica Minolta

Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc.'s (Konica Minolta) journey started 150 years ago, with a vision to see and do things differently. The company innovates for the good of society and the world. The same purpose that kept it moving then, keeps it moving now. Konica Minolta aims to partner with clients, Giving Shape to Ideas, by supporting their digital transformation through its expansive Intelligent Connected Workplace portfolio. Its business technology offerings include IT Services, intelligent information management, video security solutions and managed print services, as well as office technology and industrial and commercial print solutions. Through its ongoing work, the company is fortunate to be continuously recognized for its products and services. This includes being ranked on CRNs MSP 500 list numerous times; named a finalist in the IT Software Category by The World Technology Awards; recognized as the #1 Brand for Customer Loyalty in the MFP Office Copier Market by Brand Keys and presented with Keypoint Intelligences BLI 2021 A3 Line of The Year and BLI 2021-2023 Most Color Consistent A3 Brand Awards for its bizhub i-Series.

Sustainability also continues to be a key driver for the company. As such, Konica Minolta Inc. has spent six years on the Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World list. For more information, please visit Konica Minolta online and follow its accounts on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn and Twitter.

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MONTREAL, Nov. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MONARCH MINING CORPORATION (Monarch or the Corporation) (TSX: GBAR) (OTCQB: GBARF) announces that Investissement Quebec, one of its creditors, has filed a request pursuant to the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA") with the Quebec Superior Court to place the Corporation under the protection of the CCAA.

Further updates and details will be provided as appropriate.

About MonarchMonarch Mining Corporation (TSX: GBAR) (OTCQB: GBARF) is a gold mining company that owns three projects, including the Beaufor Mine, which is currently on care and maintenance and has produced more than 1 million ounces of gold over the last 30 years. Other assets include the McKenzie Break and Swanson properties, all located near Monarchs wholly owned Beacon Mill with a design capacity of 750 tpd. Monarch owns 14,316 hectares (143 km2) of mining assets in the prolific Abitibi mining camp that host a combined measured and indicated gold resource of 478,982 ounces and a combined inferred resource of 383,393 ounces.

Forward-looking statements All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this press release including, but not limited to those describing the timeline of the initiatives described in this press release, those relating to the Corporations commitments and initiatives outlined in the press release, the intended results of the initiatives described in this press release, the positive impact of the foregoing on project economics, and generally those statements which are discussed under the About Monarch paragraph and elsewhere in the press release which essentially describe the Corporations outlook and objectives, constitute forward-looking information or forward-looking statements (collectively, forward-looking statements) within the meaning of Canadian, and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as of the time of this press release. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Corporation as of the time of such statements, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. These estimates and assumptions may prove to be incorrect.

Many of these uncertainties and contingencies can directly or indirectly affect, and could cause, actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements are provided for the purpose of providing information about managements expectations and plans relating to the future. The Corporation disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and such forward-looking statements, except to the extent required by applicable law.

Neither Toronto Stock Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the manuals of the Toronto Stock Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

Forward-looking statements are subject to known or unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. Risk factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among others, the Corporation's ability to continue as a going concern, the Corporation being a going concern able to realize its assets and discharge its liabilities, the generation of interest for its review of a range of alternatives, in either the sale of part or all of the Corporation or its assets, a potential investment in Monarch, a debt restructuring, approval of the arrangement plan by creditors pursuant to CCAA, the ability of the Corporation to successfully implement its strategic initiatives and whether such strategic initiatives will yield the expected benefits, litigation as well as cash flow and capital structure risks and general business risks. A further description of risks and uncertainties can be found in Monarch's Annual Information Form dated September 27, 2023, including in the section thereof captioned Risk Factors, which is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Unpredictable or unknown factors not discussed in this cautionary note could also have material adverse effects on forward-looking statements.

Further information regarding the Corporation is available in the SEDAR+ database (www.sedarplus.ca) and on the Corporations website at: www.monarchmining.com.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Jean-Marc Lacoste 1-888-994-4465 President and Chief Executive Officer [email protected]

www.monarchmining.com

Source: Monarch Mining Corporation
TORONTO, Nov. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Montero Mining and Exploration Ltd. (TSXV: MON) (Montero or the Company) provides an update on the arbitration proceedings against the United Republic of Tanzania (Tanzania) over the expropriation of the Wigu Hill rare earth element project (Wigu Hill) before the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID).

On November 3rd, 2023, the arbitral Tribunal issued Procedural Order No 3 accepting Monteros request to open the forthcoming in-person hearing to the public. The decision was taken in accordance with articles 28, 30 and 31 of the Agreement between Canada and Tanzania for the Promotion and Reciprocal Protection of Investments (the BIT).

On the same day, the Tribunal held a pre-hearing meeting with the parties by video conference, on which the parties discussed and agreed on procedural matters related to the hearing on the merits which is scheduled to be held at the ICSID premises in Washington DC., USA, from 4 - 8 December 2023. An audio-video recording will be made of the hearing and uploaded onto the ICSID website. Two similar arbitration cases involving foreign mining investors in Tanzania have been heard at ICSID tribunal in February this year.

On July 14th, 2023, ASX-listed Indiana Resources Ltd (ASX:IDA) (Indiana) ICSID case against Tanzania has been awarded US$ 109.5 million and Tanzania was ordered to repay US$ 3,859,161 in legal costs and expenses. On July 28, 2023, Tanzania applied for the annulment of the award. The ICSID Annulment Committee was constituted on August 24th, 2023 (https://icsid.worldbank.org/cases/case-database/case-detail?CaseNo=ARB/20/38). On October 31st, 2023, the Annulment Committee issued a decision subjecting the continuation of the stay of enforcement of the award, to an undertaking from Tanzania that, if the award is not annulled, it will recognise its final and binding character and will pay the full amount of the award within 45 days of the notification of the Committees decision on annulment. Tanzania must provide this undertaking by December 15th, 2023.(https://indianaresources.com.au/category/recent-announcements/).

On November 10th, 2023, Indiana announced the total amount payable by Tanzania under the Award now stands at US$ 113.1 million to date plus costs of US$ 4.28 million. Interest continues to accrue at the rate of approximately US$ 1 million per month until the Award amount is paid to the Claimants. (https://indianaresources.com.au/category/recent-announcements/).

TSXV-listed Winshear Gold Corp. (Winshear) (TSXV:WINS) ICSID case was settled by payment of US$ 30 million by Tanzania to Winshear as announced on October 16th, 2023 (https://winshear.com/news/).

Dr Tony Harwood, President and CEO of Montero, commented: Indianas substantial damages award and Winshears settlement are providing shareholders with recognition that the cancellation of the Retention Licenses by Tanzania was economically catastrophic to each company. Montero is seeking compensation for the loss of its investment in its former flagship Wigu Hill Rare Earth Project due to Tanzanias unlawful expropriation of Monteros Retention Licenses. Montero is fully funded to complete its arbitration hearings with the same lead attorney that represented both Indiana and Winshear earlier this year. Monteros arbitration hearing at ICSID will be held 4  8 December 2023.

Montero is represented by Timothy Foden of Boies Schiller Flexner (UK) LLP and Martin Tavaut of Jeantet AARPI. Timothy Foden is leading the ICSID arbitration for Montero and acted as lead attorney for Indiana and Winshear in their arbitration proceedings. Montero has retained Dr. Neal Rigby of SRK Consulting (USA) Inc. as quantum expert with full dispute funding secured from Omni Bridgeway, a leading global dispute funder.

Monteros dispute with Tanzania is also subject to ICSID arbitration. Montero is seeking compensation in excess of CAD$ 90,000,000 for damages and interest for the unlawful expropriation of its Wigu Hill rare earth element project in Tanzania. Montero is also seeking reimbursement of its arbitration costs and fees by Tanzania. The damages claimed are for Tanzanias breaches of the BIT between Canada and Tanzania.

For further information, please see Monteros press releases dated September 21st, 2023, July 19th, 2023, April 25th, 2023, July 28th, 2022, April 12th, 2022, November 29th, 2021, and January 8th, 2021 and the ICSID website. (https://icsid.worldbank.org/services/arbitration/convention/process/overview).

The ICSID Convention has been ratified by 158 States, including Tanzania. An award issued by an ICSID tribunal is enforceable in any one of those 158 member States as if it were a judgment of one of their own courts. Partly because of this, States often comply voluntarily with the payment terms of such awards.

Qualified Persons StatementThis press release was reviewed and approved by Mr. Mike Evans, M.Sc. Pr.Sci.Nat., a qualified person for the purpose of National Instrument 43-101. It has also been reviewed by Mr. Martin Tavaut, avocat a la cour (Paris, France) and Mr. Timothy Foden of Boies Schiller Flexner (UK) LLP.

DisclaimerWhile the facts and the grounds of the Indiana case are similar to those of Monteros, the cases are heard by different tribunals, which does not guarantee the same outcome for Monteros case.

About MonteroMontero is a junior exploration company focused on finding, exploring, and advancing globally significant gold, silver, and base metal deposits in Chile. Monteros board of directors and management have an impressive track record of successfully discovering and advancing precious metal and copper projects. Montero trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol MON and has 38,647,485 shares outstanding.

For more information, contact:Montero Mining and Exploration Ltd. Dr. Tony Harwood, President, and Chief Executive OfficerE-mail: [email protected]Tel: +1 416 840 9197 | Fax: +1 866 688 4671www.monteromining.com

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION: This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements, projections and estimates with respect to the Share Consolidation. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as plans, expects or does not expect, is expected, budget, scheduled, estimates, forecasts, intends, anticipates or does not anticipate, or believes, or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, might or will be taken, occur or be achieved. Such information is based on information currently available to Montero and Montero provides no assurance that actual results will meet management's expectations. Forward-looking information by its very nature involves inherent risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance, or achievements of Montero to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Actual results relating to, among other things, completion of the agreement, results of exploration, project development, reclamation and capital costs of Monteros mineral properties, and financial condition and prospects, could differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements for many reasons such as: an inability to complete the agreement on the terms as announced or at all; changes in general economic conditions and conditions in the financial markets; changes in demand and prices for minerals; litigation, legislative, environmental and other judicial, regulatory, political and competitive developments; technological and operational difficulties encountered in connection with Monteros activities; and other matters discussed in this news release and in filings made with securities regulators. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of Monteros forward-looking statements. These and other factors should be considered carefully and accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Montero does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

Source: Montero Mining and Exploration Ltd.
EIIG Advancements Empower Enterprises to Ensure Precise and Timely Reporting

San Mateo, CA, Nov. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SAN MATEO, November 14, 2023 -- Orion Governance , the Information Intelligence Company, and the provider of the Enterprise Information Intelligence Graph (EIIG), a self-defined data fabric, announced today it has released new cutting-edge capabilities. These highly advanced features offer enterprise clients automated near real-time detection of metadata changes and instantaneous notifications.

With the incorporation of AI and machine learning, EIIG facilitates the automatic capture of comprehensive changes, encompassing database system reloading, table additions and removals, alterations or nullifications of column data types, modifications in view definitions, and adjustments in ETL transformations, report definitions or lines of code.

What sets EIIG apart is not only the capture of minute changes but also the lineage-based alerting. Data citizens are now able to subscribe to specific assets and receive notifications about alterations. They can view such changes and trace it back to the individual developer or ticket that was behind the change in data lineage graphs and perform impact analysis if desired. For instance, users can place a watch on the database schema and if any new tables are added or columns altered, they will get a notification immediately with access to a visual presentation of where the changes occur in the EIIG data lineage graph.

These capabilities offer a wide range of use cases, with a prominent one being the preservation of accurate and timely reporting. By delivering near real-time alerts for foundational changes, enterprises can expedite their data validation processes, minimizing delays in the publication of critical reports. This also facilitates easy retesting of data quality, ensuring accuracy and reliability. Application Modernization teams can benefit from this capability as well since they will no longer have to migrate in the dark and overlook any changes to the sources while migration is in flight.

Ramesh Shurma, Founder/CEO at Orion Governance, expressed his excitement, saying, "We take great pride in introducing these enhanced features of EIIG. Our customers have voiced their need for automated tools to proactively guarantee timely and precise reporting while reducing operational costs. With these innovations, EIIG positions itself as an indispensable platform for active metadata and data governance, accelerating data-driven initiatives, be it cloud migration, cost optimization, or regulatory compliance."

About Orion Governance

Orion Governance was founded in 2017 with a mission to disrupt the information management space. The companys Enterprise Information Intelligence Graph (EIIG) is a vendor/technology agnostic platform that provides the most comprehensive knowledge graph in the industry. The EIIG has persona-based visualizations to create a self-defined data fabric with detailed data lineage, cataloging, traceability, augmented data quality, and analytics capabilities; ML/A automation enables enterprises to take control of their complex IT landscape in near real-time. Customers include Global 5000 companies in banking insurance, retail, healthcare, telecom, and information technology. Key use cases include cloud migration/modernization, automated data governance and regulatory compliance, and cost optimization. Orion is headquartered in San Mateo, California, with global offices in other US cities, Estonia, Sweden, Singapore, Germany and India. www.oriongovernance.com

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Agreement expands existing correspondent relationship to strategic servicing partner

Initial onboarding of loans completed in August 2023

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., Nov. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PHH Mortgage Corporation (PHH or the Company), a subsidiary of Ocwen Financial Corporation (NYSE: OCN) and a leading non-bank mortgage servicer and originator, today announced that it has entered into a mortgage subservicing agreement with Zillow Home Loans, LLC (Zillow Home Loans).

Earlier this year, Zillow Home Loans selected PHH Mortgage to provide subservicing for its residential mortgage portfolio. Following a collaborative onboarding and integration cycle, Zillow Home Loans and PHH completed an initial transfer of loans in August. PHH has worked with Zillow Home Loans to purchase loans on a correspondent and co-issue basis since 2019 and 2021, respectively.

George Henley, Executive Vice President and Chief Growth Officer at PHH, said, Our subservicing agreement with Zillow Home Loans is consistent with one of our core business strategies of growing our subservicing portfolio and strengthening our standing as one of the premier subservicers in the industry. Were excited to be working with Zillow Home Loans, Zillows affiliated mortgage lender, to support their vision to create a more seamless real estate experience.

As of September 30, 2023, PHH Mortgages total servicing portfolio was approximately $296 billion, which included approximately $167 billion of subservicing. Earlier this year, PHH was recognized for servicing excellence for the third consecutive year through Freddie Macs Servicer Honors and Rewards Program (SHARP)SM in the top-tier servicing group and for the second consecutive year through Fannie Maes Servicer Total Achievement and Rewards (STAR)TM performer recognition. The Company also achieved HUDs Tier 1 servicer ranking. No other servicer in the U.S. has been more highly decorated with these top awards from all three agencies over the past two years.

About Ocwen Financial Corporation

Ocwen Financial Corporation (NYSE: OCN) is a leading non-bank mortgage servicer and originator providing solutions through its primary brands, PHH Mortgage and Liberty Reverse Mortgage. PHH Mortgage is one of the largest servicers in the country, focused on delivering a variety of servicing and lending programs. Liberty is one of the nations largest reverse mortgage lenders dedicated to education and providing loans that help customers meet their personal and financial needs. We are headquartered in West Palm Beach, Florida, with offices and operations in the United States, the U.S. Virgin Islands, India and the Philippines, and have been serving our customers since 1988. For additional information, please visit www.ocwen.com.

For Further Information Contact:

Dico Akseraylian, SVP, Corporate Communications(856) 917-0066[email protected]

Source: Ocwen Financial Corp.
Phoenix Motor, Inc. Selected as Winning Bidder to Acquire Proterra Transit



CSI Selected as Winning Bidder to Acquire Proterra Energy Through Reorganization

Sale Hearing Scheduled for November 28 for Bankruptcy Court to Approve Acquisitions

BURLINGAME, Calif., Nov. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Proterra Inc (OTC: PTRAQ) (Proterra or the Company), a leading innovator in commercial vehicle electrification technology, today announced that the Company has successfully concluded the Track A auction of its Chapter 11 sales process. Phoenix Motor, Inc. (Phoenix) has been selected as the winning bidder to acquire the Proterra Transit business line. CSI GP I LLC, CSI Prodigy Holdco LP, CSI Prodigy CoInvestment LP, and CSI PRTA Co-Investment LP (CSI) has been selected as the winning bidder to acquire the Proterra Energy business line, which includes the Companys Valence fleet and energy management product offering, through a Chapter 11 plan of reorganization.

Both acquisitions are subject to the bankruptcy courts approval, as well as regulatory approvals and closing conditions.

Proterra Transit is a leading manufacturer of zero-emission, electric transit vehicles serving the North American public transportation market. Proterra Energy provides fleet operators with a comprehensive set of EV charging solutions to scale zero-emission commercial vehicle fleets, which includes the Companys Valence fleet and energy management tool.

The Company previously announced that it successfully concluded the Track B auction of its Chapter 11 sales process with Volvo Battery Solutions LLC (Volvo) as the winning bidder to acquire the Companys Proterra Powered business line.

The Company will seek the bankruptcy courts approval of both the Track A and Track B acquisitions on November 28, 2023.

Additional Information

All court filings regarding the Chapter 11 sales process, as well as additional information about Proterras Chapter 11 proceedings are available at https://www.kccllc.net/proterra or by calling call 888-251-3076 for U.S./Canadian calls or 310-751-2617 for international calls.

Moelis & Company LLC is acting as the Companys investment banker, FTI Consulting is acting as the Companys financial advisor, and Paul Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP is acting as the Companys legal advisor.

About Proterra

Proterra is a leader in the design and manufacture of zero-emission electric transit vehicles and EV technology solutions for commercial applications. With industry-leading durability and energy efficiency based on rigorous U.S. independent testing, Proterra products are proudly designed, engineered, and manufactured in America, with offices in Silicon Valley and South Carolina. For more information, please visit www.proterra.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Companys actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain risks and other factors, including risks and uncertainties relating to the Companys Chapter 11 cases. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release, including risks and uncertainties set forth in the sections entitled Risk Factors in the Companys Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2022, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) on March 17, 2023, as amended on May 1, 2023, the Companys quarterly report for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, filed on November 6, 2023 or the Companys other filings with the SEC. The forward-looking statements included in this press release speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and the Company 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. The Company does not give any assurance that it will achieve its expectations.
BOSTON, Nov. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Red8, the industry expert in architecting modern infrastructure, today announced that it has successfully achieved completion of the Service Organization Control (SOC) 2 Type II audit for the second consecutive year.

Developed in accordance with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the SOC 2 Type II standard is a rigorous auditing procedure that evaluates a companys controls relevant to security. Certification validates that the organization is managing customer data securely, and in such a way that it protects the organization as well as the privacy of its customers.

The successful recertification of the SOC 2 Type II industry standard affirms Red8s commitment to providing a secure environment for its business operations and client data.

Red8 is proud to have achieved SOC 2 Type II certification again this year, said Frank Wiacek, President and CEO of Red8. One of the ways we demonstrate our commitment to our clients is by rigorously adhering to the policies, procedures, and controls that will protect and safeguard their data. This validation supports our ability to be a strategic partner and trusted advisor that helps clients tackle their toughest challenges and achieve long-term success.

Red8s audit was performed by CPA firm Linford & Company LLP and included examination of its policies and procedures regarding the security of its infrastructure, software, people, data, and other relevant areas of the business. Following completion of the examination, Linford & Company delivered a final report with the results demonstrating that Red8s policies and procedures meet the SOC 2 Type II certification criteria.

About Red8Red8, a wholly owned company of Insight Investments, Corp., is an IT solutions provider dedicated to solving critical business challenges and creating strategic value through modern technology solutions and processes. Recognized for its engineering excellence and consulting leadership, Red8 is a trusted partner to many of the nations largest corporationsdelivering comprehensive technology solutions around security, analytics, cloud and automation, endpoint, device lifecycle services, and data center infrastructure, delivered through consulting and managed services. For more information, visit www.Red8.com.

Red8 Media Contact: Heidi Christen [email protected]

Source: Red8
HERNDON, Va., Nov. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ShorePoint Inc., an industry-leading cybersecurity services company protecting federal customers critical assets, announced today that it has been recognized as a Cyber50 Awards honoree by the Northern Virginia Technology Council. The premier industry award highlights the best and brightest cybersecurity companies and experts that are advancing cybersecurity technology to make our nation, communities and workplaces safer.

We are honored to be named a Cyber50 Awards winner, highlighting ShorePoint as a leader in the federal cybersecurity industry, said Matt Brown, co-founder and CEO of ShorePoint. The hard work and dedication of our team is evident in their commitment to protecting our federal customers from sophisticated cyber threats. We will continue to innovate and develop new solutions to improve the cyber resiliency of federal agencies and their critical missions.

This honorable distinction follows two industry award wins earlier this month, the Washington Technology Fast 50 and the NOVA Chamber Government Contractor of the Year award.

The company honorees and cyber executives will be celebrated at the NVTC Cyber Summit on November 16, 2023 at Valo Park in Tysons, Virginia. A full list of the winners can be found here.

About ShorePointAs an elite cybersecurity firm, ShorePoint continuously disrupts adversaries and targets their evolving tactics to provide a heightened level of security for federal civilian, defense and intelligence community customers. While defending against a surging number of cyber threats, customers count on ShorePoints team of cybersecurity and digital transformation experts to maximize cyber resilience, lower risk and drive efficiency. ShorePoint is a fast-growing, privately held firm in Herndon, VA. www.shorepointinc.com

Media ContactJoyce BoscOn behalf of ShorePoint[email protected]301-717-9529

Source: ShorePoint
SOCIETE GENERALE : Number of shares composing current share capital and Total number of voting rights as of 31/10/2023



Regulated Information

Paris, 14 November 2023

Information about the total number of voting rights and shares pursuant to Article L.233-8 II of the French Commercial Code and Article 223-16 of the AMF General Regulations.

Date Number of shares composing current share capital Total number of

voting rights 31 October 2023 820,757,639



Gross: 894,938,563





Press contact:

Jean-Baptiste Froville_+33 1 58 98 68 00_ [email protected]

Fanny Rouby_+33 1 57 29 11 12_ [email protected]

Societe Generale



Societe Generale is a top tier European Bank with 117,000 employees serving 25 million clients in more than 60 countries across the world. We have been supporting the development of our economies for nearly 160 years, providing our corporate, institutional, and individual clients with a wide array of value-added advisory and financial solutions. Our long-lasting and trusted relationships with the clients, our cutting-edge expertise, our unique innovation, our ESG capabilities and leading franchises are part of our DNA and serve our most essential objective - to deliver sustainable value creation for all our stakeholders.



The Group runs three complementary sets of businesses, embedding ESG offerings for all its clients:

French Retail, Private Banking and Insurance , with leading retail bank SG and insurance franchise, premium private banking services, and the leading digital Bank BoursoBank.

, with leading retail bank SG and insurance franchise, premium private banking services, and the leading digital Bank BoursoBank. Global Banking and Investor Solutions , a top tier wholesale bank offering tailored-made solutions with distinctive global leadership in Equity Derivatives, Structured Finance and ESG.

, a top tier wholesale bank offering tailored-made solutions with distinctive global leadership in Equity Derivatives, Structured Finance and ESG. International Retail, Mobility & Leasing Services, comprising well-established universal banks (in Czech Republic, Romania and several African countries), Ayvens (the new ALD I LeasePlan brand), a global player in sustainable mobility, as well as specialized financing activities.





Committed to building together with its clients a better and sustainable future, Societe Generale aims to be a leading partner in the environmental transition and sustainability overall. The Group is included in the principal socially responsible investment indices: DJSI (Europe), FTSE4Good (Global and Europe), Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index, Refinitiv Diversity and Inclusion Index, Euronext Vigeo (Europe and Eurozone), STOXX Global ESG Leaders indexes, and the MSCI Low Carbon Leaders Index (World and Europe).

In case of doubt regarding the authenticity of this press release, please go to the end of the Group News page on societegenerale.com website where official Press Releases sent by Societe Generale can be certified using blockchain technology. A link will allow you to check the documents legitimacy directly on the web page.

For more information, you can follow us on Twitter/X @societegenerale or visit our website societegenerale.com .

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CHINO HILLS, Calif., Nov. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via IBN -- SOHM, Inc. (OTC PINK: SHMN), a pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and cosmeceutical company that manufactures and markets generic drugs covering numerous treatment categories, announced:

SOHM OTC Self-care launches a suite of 13 new SOHM Nutrients Brand Chewables.

SOHM OTC Self-care business unit is launching its suite of 13 new SOHM Nutrients Brand Chewables into the global vitamin gummies market.

The global vitamins market is valued at $6.84 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach $18.76 billion by 2031 with a CAGR of 12.06% between 2023-2031. (CAGR, Compounded Annual Growth Rate.)

Source: Link to Insight ACE Analytics report 2022

Research and Markets report noted the drivers for the explosive growth of the global vitamin gummies include:

-- Global consumers gaining wealth and spending more on healthcare, self-care products

-- Health benefits (vitamins, minerals)

-- Taste (fruit flavors)

-- Convenience (pocket portability)

-- Access (no water needed)

The suite of these 13 SOHM Nutrients Brand Chewables will be offering consumers these key features:

-- Bone health, skin health, immune boost, mineral replenishment, and sleep aid

-- Convenience of individually wrapped single serving (pocket friendly)

-- Chewables (no water required)

-- Taste (mango, strawberry, pineapple, toffee)

These SOHM Nutrients Brand Chewables also boast the same sought-after ingredients and labels as the leading vitamin gummies on Amazon.com:

-- Turmeric, folic acid, multi-vitamins, multi-minerals

-- Nuts free

-- Gluten free

-- Gelatin free

-- Vegan

-- Soy free

This launch of our suite of SOHM Nutrients Brand Chewables marks our commitment to continually building out a strong SOHM Adds Life to Lives portfolio of products in preventive care segments. Going into 2024, we will be announcing additional OTC Self-care products launches to include our in-house manufactured products from the labs and production lines of our CDMO facilities located in San Diego, California. This launch will have an appreciable impact on our sales going forth, says Dr. David Aguilar, PhD, COO of SOHM.

The 13 newly branded SOHM Nutrients Brand Chewables will be available for:

-- Retail purchases through Amazon.com, and

-- Retail and bulk purchases through the companys Direct-to-Consumers Website.

The suite of SOHM Nutrients Brand Chewables are priced competitively to best-seller gummies on Amazon.com.

The company will be showcasing these newly branded SOHM Nutrients Brand Chewables at future consumer self-care product industry conferences in 2024.

Schedules for these industry conferences on East and West Coasts USA are still being finalized pending year-end budgeting.

About SOHM, Inc.

SOHM, Inc. is a growing generic pharmaceutical manufacturing and marketing company with a vision of Globale Prospero that aims to build continuous growth. SOHM manufacturing and marketing targets rapidly growing healthcare segments such as nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals and other major therapeutic segments. SOHM is headquartered in North America with manufacturing alliances in India and strategic alliances with U.S. manufacturing facilities. Although SOHMs generic pharmaceuticals are exported globally and were introduced to the USA in early 2013, SOHM continues its focus on distribution to emerging markets in Africa, Latin America and Southeast Asia.

To learn more about SOHM, Inc., visit www.SOHM.com

Safe Harbor Statement:

This news release contains forward-looking statements, which are statements that are not purely historical and include any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such forward-looking statements include, among other things, the development, costs and results of new business opportunities. Actual results could differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements due to numerous factors. Such factors include, among others, the inherent uncertainties associated with new projects and development-stage companies. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and we assume no obligation to update the forward-looking statements or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Although we believe that any beliefs, plans, expectations and intentions contained in this press release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that any such beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions will prove to be accurate. Investors should consult all of the information set forth herein and should also refer to the risk factors disclosure outlined in our annual report for the most recent fiscal year and our quarterly reports uploaded from time to time on OTCMarkets.com.

For more information, please contact:

SOHM, Inc.

+1 (714) 522-6700

Corporate Communications:
GRAPEVINE, Texas, Nov. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Southland Holdings, Inc. (NYSE American: SLND and SLND WS) (Southland), a leading provider of specialized infrastructure construction services, today announced financial results for quarter ended September 30, 2023.



Revenue of $312 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2023, down 6.8% from $335 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2022.

Gross profit of $30 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2023, compared to $62 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2022.

Net income attributable to stockholders of $4 million, or $0.08 per diluted share for the quarter ended September 30, 2023, compared to a net income attributable to stockholders of $35 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2022.

EBITDA of $22 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2023, compared to $60 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2022.

Backlog of $2.54 billion, up 7% compared to $2.37 billion as of September 30, 2022.



Southlands President and Chief Executive Officer, Frank Renda, said, This quarters results demonstrate positive contribution from recently awarded work in both our Civil and Transportation segments. While consolidated revenues declined this quarter compared to the same period last year, our core business delivered strong margins, offset by certain legacy projects as we work through completing lower margin backlog from prior years. We continue to see elevated bidding opportunities which we expect to carry into 2024 as funds from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) are allocated towards critical infrastructure projects across the country.

2023 Third Quarter Results

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited)

Three Months Ended (Amounts in thousands) September 30, 2023 September 30, 2022 Revenue $ 312,472 $ 335,125 Cost of construction 282,943 272,715 Gross profit 29,529 62,410 Selling, general, and administrative expenses 15,247 15,606 Operating income 14,282 46,804 Loss on investments, net (21 ) (100 ) Other income, net 2,151 2,292 Interest expense (6,231 ) (2,285 ) Income before income taxes 10,181 46,711 Income tax expense 5,390 10,588 Net income 4,791 36,123 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 991 924 Net income attributable to Southland Stockholders $ 3,800 $ 35,199 Net income per share attributable to common stockholders Basic(1) $ 0.08 Diluted(1) $ 0.08 Weighted average shares outstanding Basic(1) 47,856,114 Diluted(1) 47,872,042





(1) The structure of Southlands historical common equity structure was in the form of membership percentages and no shares were issued. As such, reporting periods prior to the three months ended March 31, 2023 will not present share or per share data.

Revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2023, was $312.5 million, a decrease of $22.7 million, or 6.8%, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2022.

Gross profit for the three months ended September 30, 2023, was $29.5 million, a decrease of $32.9 million, or 52.7%, compared to gross profit of $62.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022. Our gross profit margin decreased from 18.6% to 9.5% for the three months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2022.

Selling, general, and administrative costs for the three months ended September 30, 2023 were $15.2 million, a decrease of $0.4 million, or 2.3%, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2022. Selling, general, and administrative costs as a percent of revenue were 4.9% for the three months ended September 30, 2023 compared to 4.7% for the three months ended September 30, 2022.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited)

Nine Months Ended (Amounts in thousands) September 30, 2023 September 30, 2022 Revenue $ 844,228 $ 866,627 Cost of construction 829,550 761,549 Gross profit 14,678 105,078 Selling, general, and administrative expenses 47,266 43,395 Operating income (loss) (32,588 ) 61,683 Loss on investments, net (3 ) (79 ) Other income, net 23,559 936 Interest expense (13,790 ) (6,317 ) Income (loss) before income taxes (22,822 ) 56,223 Income tax expense (benefit) (11,446 ) 13,745 Net income (loss) (11,376 ) 42,478 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 2,314 1,474 Net income (loss) attributable to Southland Stockholders $ (13,690 ) $ 41,004 Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders Basic(1) $ (0.29 ) Diluted(1) $ (0.29 ) Weighted average shares outstanding Basic(1) 46,771,938 Diluted(1) 46,771,938





(1) The structure of Southlands historical common equity structure was in the form of membership percentages and no shares were issued. As such, reporting periods prior to the three months ended March 31, 2023 will not present share or per share data. Basic net loss per share is the same as diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, because the inclusion of potential shares of common stock would have been anti-dilutive for the period presented.

Revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 was $844.2 million, a decrease of $22.4 million, or 2.6%, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2022.

Gross profit for the nine months ended September 30, 2022, was $14.7 million, a decrease of $90.4 million, or 86.0%, compared to gross profit of $105.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. Our gross profit margin decreased from 12.1% to 1.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2022.

Selling, general, and administrative costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 were $47.3 million, an increase of $3.9 million, or 8.9%, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2022. Selling, general, and administrative costs as a percent of revenue were 5.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to 5.0% for the nine months ended September 30, 2022.

Segment Revenue

Three Months Ended (Amounts in thousands) September 30, 2023 September 30, 2022 % of Total % of Total Segment Revenue Revenue Revenue Revenue Civil $ 90,708 29.0 % $ 71,409 21.3 % Transportation 221,764 71.0 % 263,716 78.7 % Total revenue $ 312,472 100.0 % $ 335,125 100.0 %





Nine Months Ended (Amounts in thousands) September 30, 2023 September 30, 2022 % of Total % of Total Segment Revenue Revenue Revenue Revenue Civil $ 229,264 27.2 % $ 221,303 25.5 % Transportation 614,964 72.8 % 645,324 74.5 % Total revenue $ 844,228 100.0 % $ 866,627 100.0 %

Segment Gross Profit

Three Months Ended (Amounts in thousands) September 30, 2023 September 30, 2022 % of Segment % of Segment Segment Gross Profit Revenue Gross Profit Revenue Civil $ 12,465 13.7 % $ 8,926 12.5 % Transportation 17,064 7.7 % 53,484 20.3 % Gross profit $ 29,529 9.5 % $ 62,410 18.6 %





Nine Months Ended (Amounts in thousands) September 30, 2023 September 30, 2022 % of Segment % of Segment Segment Gross Profit Revenue Gross Profit Revenue Civil $ 27,137 11.8 % $ 28,315 12.8 % Transportation (12,459 ) (2.0 ) % 76,763 11.9 % Gross profit $ 14,678 1.7 % $ 105,078 12.1 %

Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation

Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (Amounts in thousands) September 30, 2023 September 30, 2022 September 30, 2023 September 30, 2022 Net income (loss) attributable to Southland Stockholders $ 3,800 $ 35,199 $ (13,690 ) $ 41,004 Depreciation and amortization 7,968 11,523 24,704 35,163 Income taxes expense (benefit) 5,390 10,588 (11,446 ) 13,745 Interest expense 6,231 2,285 13,790 6,317 Interest income (1,060 ) (18 ) (1,358 ) (29 ) EBITDA 22,329 59,577 12,000 96,200 Transaction related costs   1,594  Contingent earnout consideration non-cash expense reversal   (20,689 )  Adjusted EBITDA $ 22,329 $ 59,577 $ (7,095 ) $ 96,200

Backlog

(Amounts in thousands) Backlog Balance December 31, 2022 $ 2,973,886 New contracts, change orders, and adjustments 412,756 Gross backlog 3,386,642 Less: contract revenue recognized in 2023 (845,323 ) Balance September 30, 2023 $ 2,541,319

Adjusted Net Income (Loss) and Adjusted Net Income (Loss) Per Share Attributable to Common Stock Reconciliation

Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (Amounts in thousands except shares and per share data) September 30, 2023 September 30, 2022 September 30, 2023 September 30, 2022 Reconciliation of adjusted net income (loss) attributable to common stock: Net income (loss) attributable to common stock (GAAP as reported) $ 3,800 $ 35,199 $ (13,690 ) $ 41,004 Adjustments: Transaction related costs   1,594  Contingent earnout consideration non-cash expense   (20,689 )  Income tax impact of adjustments(1)   (311 )  Adjusted net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders $ 3,800 $ 35,199 $ (33,096 ) $ 41,004 Weighted average shares outstanding for diluted and adjusted diluted earnings per share(2) 47,872,042 46,771,938 Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to common stock(2) $ 0.08 $ (0.29 ) Adjusted diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to common stock(2) $ 0.08 $ (0.71 )





(1) The income tax impact of adjustments that are subject to tax is determined using the incremental statutory tax rates of the jurisdictions to which each adjustment relates for the respective periods. (2) The structure of Southlands historical common equity structure was in the form of membership percentages and no shares were issued. As such, reporting periods prior to the three months ended March 31, 2023 will not present share or per share data. Basic net loss per share is the same as diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, because the inclusion of potential shares of common stock would have been anti-dilutive for the period presented

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited)

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data) As of ASSETS September 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 Current assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 32,211 $ 57,915 Restricted cash 14,541 14,076 Accounts receivable, net 198,967 135,678 Retainage receivables 125,196 122,682 Contract assets 515,361 512,906 Other current assets 22,635 24,047 Total current assets 908,911 867,304 Property and equipment, net 100,558 114,084 Right-of-use assets 12,858 16,893 Investments - unconsolidated entities 123,666 113,724 Investments - limited liability companies 2,590 2,590 Investments - private equity 3,219 3,261 Deferred tax asset 21,631  Goodwill 1,528 1,528 Intangible assets, net 1,822 2,218 Other noncurrent assets 3,171 3,703 Total noncurrent assets 271,043 258,001 Total assets $ 1,179,954 $ 1,125,305 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Current liabilities Accounts payable $ 137,347 $ 126,385 Retainage payable 39,059 33,677 Accrued liabilities 125,236 121,584 Current portion of long-term debt 47,825 46,322 Short-term lease liabilities 13,922 16,572 Contract liabilities 184,627 131,557 Total current liabilities 548,016 476,097 Long-term debt 261,236 227,278 Long-term lease liabilities 5,314 10,032 Deferred tax liabilities 2,876 3,392 Other noncurrent liabilities 96,343 48,622 Total long-term liabilities 365,769 289,324 Total liabilities 913,785 765,421 Commitment and contingencies (Note 7) Stockholders' equity Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value, authorized 50,000,000 shares, none issued and outstanding in 2023   Preferred stock, $1.00 par value, 24,400,000 shares issued and outstanding in 2022  24,400 Common stock, $0.0001 par value, authorized 500,000,000 shares, 47,856,114 and none issued and outstanding in 2023 and 2022, respectively 8  Additional paid-in-capital 269,920  Accumulated deficit (13,690 )  Accumulated other comprehensive loss (2,551 ) (2,576 ) Members capital  327,614 Total stockholders' equity 253,687 349,438 Noncontrolling interest 12,482 10,446 Total equity 266,169 359,884 Total liabilities and equity $ 1,179,954 $ 1,125,305

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (unaudited)

Nine Months Ended (Amounts in thousands) September 30, 2023 September 30, 2022 Cash flows from operating activities: Net income (loss) $ (11,376 ) $ 42,478 Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used in operating activities Depreciation and amortization 24,704 35,163 Deferred taxes (22,148 ) (440 ) Change in fair value of earnout liability (20,689 )  Share based compensation 484  Gain on sale of assets (118 ) (1,343 ) Foreign currency remeasurement (gain) loss (37 ) 746 Earnings from equity method investments (5,102 ) (7,346 ) TZC investment present value accretion (1,828 ) (1,758 ) Loss (gain) on trading securities, net 3 (257 ) Changes in assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable (69,471 ) (24,167 ) Contract assets (4,376 ) (72,703 ) Prepaid expenses and other current assets 1,564 (1,001 ) ROU assets 4,034 930 Accounts payable and accrued expenses 20,584 (6,997 ) Contract liabilities 53,048 (29,591 ) Operating lease liabilities (3,991 ) (1,206 ) Other (1,873 ) (3,444 ) Net cash used in operating activities (36,588 ) (70,936 ) Cash flows from investing activities: Purchase of fixed assets (7,475 ) (4,384 ) Proceeds from sale of fixed assets 7,461 3,897 Loss on investment in limited liability company  336 Proceeds from the sale of trading securities 47 840 Capital contribution to unconsolidated investments (540 ) (1,000 ) Net cash used in investing activities (507 ) (311 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Borrowings on line of credit 3,000 55,000 Payments on line of credit (8,000 )  Borrowings on notes payable 115,355 115 Payments on notes payable (111,908 ) (31,161 ) Payments of deferred financing costs (578 )  Advances from related parties 425  Payments to related parties (4 ) (405 ) Payments on finance lease (3,538 ) (6,298 ) Distributions (110 ) (1,556 ) Proceeds from merger of Legato II and Southland Holdings, LLC 17,088  Net cash provided by financing activities 11,730 15,695 Effect of exchange rate on cash 126 1,834 Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash (25,239 ) (53,718 ) Beginning of period 71,991 111,242 End of period $ 46,752 $ 57,524 Supplemental cash flow information Cash paid for income taxes $ 3,033 $ 6,153 Cash paid for interest $ 12,704 $ 6,464 Non-cash investing and financing activities: Lease assets obtained in exchange for new leases $ 8,529 $ 12,537 Assets obtained in exchange for notes payable $ 8,626 $ 3,397 Issuance of post-merger earn out shares $ 35,000 $  Dividend financed with notes payable $ 50,000 $ 

Conference Call

Southland will host a conference call at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, November 14, 2023. The call may be accessed here, or at www.southlandholdings.com. Following the conference call, a replay will be available on Southlands website.

About Southland

Southland is a leading provider of specialized infrastructure construction services. With roots dating back to 1900, Southland and its subsidiaries form one of the largest infrastructure construction companies in North America, with experience throughout the world. The company serves the bridges, tunnelling, communications, transportation and facilities, marine, steel structures, water and wastewater treatment, and water pipeline end markets. Southland is headquartered in Grapevine, Texas.

For more information, please visit Southlands website at www.southlandholdings.com.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This press release includes certain unaudited financial measures not presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), including but not limited to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA), adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (Adjusted EBITDA), backlog, adjusted net income (loss), adjusted net income (loss) per share and certain ratios and other metrics derived therefrom. Note that other companies may calculate these non-GAAP financial measures differently, and therefore such financial measures may not be directly comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. Further, these non-GAAP financial measures are not measures of financial performance in accordance with GAAP and may exclude items that are significant in understanding and assessing financial results. Therefore, these measures should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to net income, cash flows from operations or other measures of profitability, liquidity or performance under GAAP. Southland believes that these non-GAAP measures of financial results provide useful information to management and investors regarding certain financial and business trends relating to Southlands financial condition and results of operations. Southland also believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provide an additional tool for investors to use in evaluating ongoing operating results and trends. These non-GAAP financial measures are subject to inherent limitations as they reflect the exercise of judgments by management about which items of expense and income are excluded or included in determining these non-GAAP financial measures.

Please see the accompanying tables for reconciliations of the following non-GAAP financial measures for Southlands current and historical results: adjusted net income (loss) per share attributable to common stock (a non-GAAP financial measure) to net income (loss) per share attributable to common stock; and adjusted net income (loss) attributable to common stock, and Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP financial measures) to net income (loss) attributable to common stock.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on Southlands current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of Southlands business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of Southlands control. Southlands actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements.

Any forward-looking statement made by Southland in this press release is based only on information currently available to Southland and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Southland undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

Southland Contacts:

Cody Gallarda

EVP, Chief Financial Officer

[email protected]

Alex Murray

Corporate Development & Investor Relations

[email protected]




HARLEM, Georgia, Nov. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Stanley Martin Homes, in collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce, is proud to announce the official ribbon-cutting ceremony as they begin building new homes in the established Greenpoint neighborhood in Harlem, GA.

Date: November 16, 2023Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PMLocation: 3115 National Drive, Harlem. GA 30814

Attendees can explore the newly built model home, which showcases the exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail that Stanley Martin offers. As part of the celebration, guests will also be treated to light refreshments and desserts along with a prize raffle.

"We are thrilled to invite the community to join us for this momentous occasion," said Lauren McCarthy, Stanley Martin Division President. "Our team has worked diligently to create homes that combine modern living and functionality with the sense of community that already exists at Greenpoint, and we are excited to showcase our vision to the public."

Greenpoint is a vibrant master-planned community that offers five floor plan options to suit different lifestyles. With its convenient location, desirable amenities, and access to excellent schools, Greenpoint is a great place to call home.

The grand opening event is open to the public, and we encourage everyone to come and experience the charm and beauty of Greenpoint. Whether you are a potential homeowner, a local business owner, or simply curious about the new homes in the neighborhood, this event is an excellent opportunity to learn more about what Greenpoint has to offer.

###

About Stanley Martin Homes, LLC

Stanley Martin Homes, LLC was founded in 1966 and is headquartered in Reston, Virginia. The company is driven to deliver on its mission to design and build homes people love at a price they can afford. Stanley Martin operates in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast in the following metro areas: Aiken, SC; Atlanta, GA; Augusta, GA; Charleston, SC; Charlotte, NC; Charlottesville, VA; Columbia, SC; Greenville/Spartanburg, SC; Orlando, FL; Raleigh, NC; Richmond, VA; Tampa, Fl; the Washington DC Metro Area; Wilmington, NC. In 2021, Stanley Martin was named National Builder of the Year by Builder Magazine. For more information about Stanley Martin Homes and its neighborhoods, visit stanleymartin.com.

Stanley Martin Homes, LLC is a subsidiary of the Daiwa House Group. The Daiwa House Group is headquartered in Japan and is one of the largest housing, construction, and development companies in the world.

###

Kiante Chapman Stanley Martin Homes 803-356-8301 [email protected]

Source: Stanley Martin Homes
EDMONTON, Alberta and NEW YORK and BOCHUM, Germany, Nov. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TSX, NYSE: STN

Stantec, a global leader in sustainable design and engineering, has signed an agreement to acquire ZETCON Engineering, a 645-person engineering firm headquartered in Bochum, Germany. Founded in 1973, ZETCON has built a reputation as an industry leader in infrastructure planning, inspection, project management, and construction management. The terms of the transaction are not disclosed.

The acquisition of ZETCON gives Stantec a strong platform focused on infrastructure. ZETCON has a total of 13 offices covering all major German metropolitan areas. The firm has extensive industry expertise in bridge certification and assessment, project and construction management of tunnels, roads, and rail infrastructure, as well as building condition assessments, improvements, and certifications. ZETCONs national presence and expertise in the German market, combined with Stantec's global knowledge and capabilities, will provide the opportunity to further diversify the business and grow in other sectors over time. Stantecs global expertise in water and power engineering, buildings, advanced manufacturing, and environmental services offer potential for growth in the German market.

The German construction market is the largest in Europe at EUR427 billion (CAD$629.9 billion) in 2022. There is ongoing high demand for the renovation of German infrastructureespecially bridges, tunnels, railway construction, and power grids, all focus areas of ZETCON. Germany is planning significant upgrades to aging infrastructure while advancing its transition to sustainable energy sources. For example, the Federal Transportation Route Plan 2030 outlines a EUR270 billion (CAD$398.3 billion) investment in roads, railways, and waterways, while the German transmission grid is expected to require a EUR240 billion (CAD$354 billion) investment leading up to 2045.

ZETCON gives us a significant foothold in Germany, a large economy with massive infrastructure needs over the coming years, said Gord Johnston, president and chief executive officer, Stantec. Expanding our presence in Europe has long been an ambition for Stantec, and this acquisition will set us up for long-term growth in the region.

Stantec is a renowned global engineering firm that brings the clout to help us grow in a fragmented German engineering market, said Caspar Tillmann, chief executive officer, ZETCON. Joining Stantec will expand the range of services we can offer our clients, give us the capacity to work on larger, more complex projects, and give our employees the opportunity to partner with best-in-class global expertise.

VETCON Engineering Project Experience

ZETCONs portfolio of experience focuses on infrastructure projects for public clients such as Deutsche Bahn, federal real estate agencies, public utilities, airports, and network transmission operators. More than 95 percent of the firms business resides with public sector clients.

Projects in ZETCONs portfolio include

Construction supervision for the EUR750 million (CAD$1.1 billion) light rail tunnel expansion in the city of Karlsruhe . ZETCON is overseeing structural engineering work as well as the installation of building and railway operations technology through the inner-city tunnel and seven underground stations.

. ZETCON is overseeing structural engineering work as well as the installation of building and railway operations technology through the inner-city tunnel and seven underground stations. Construction supervision for the EUR700 million (CAD$1 billion) Wehrhahn Line, a new double track light rail tunnel through the heart of D u sseldorf . The 3.4-kilometre line includes six underground and two aboveground stations and required a high degree of coordination within the citys dense downtown commercial district.

. The 3.4-kilometre line includes six underground and two aboveground stations and required a high degree of coordination within the citys dense downtown commercial district. Project management for the EUR700 million (CAD$1 billion) Sudlink project, a 700-kilometre underground transmission line that will enable the German energy transition, connecting North Sea wind power to the south of Germany. ZETCON oversaw the work of five specialized companies mapping the 1,000-metre-wide corridor, while managing scheduling and cost control, risk management, and contract management.

that will enable the German energy transition, connecting North Sea wind power to the south of Germany. ZETCON oversaw the work of five specialized companies mapping the 1,000-metre-wide corridor, while managing scheduling and cost control, risk management, and contract management. Independent engineer for the EUR600 million (CAD$885 million) expansion of Highway A6. Delivered under a public-private partnership model, the project includes expanding the number of lanes from four to six, new construction of a 1,300-metre bridge, replacement of 36 bridges, and upgrades to eight bridges.

The acquisition of ZETCON is consistent with Stantecs strategic effort to expand in key global markets, creating a platform for long-term organic growth.

The acquisition is expected to close in January 2024.

About Stantec

Communities are fundamental. Whether around the corner or across the globe, they provide a foundation, a sense of place and of belonging. That's why at Stantec, we always design with community in mind.

We're designers, engineers, scientists, and project managers, innovating together at the intersection of community, creativity, and client relationships. Balancing these priorities results in projects that advance the quality of life in communities across the globe.

Stantec trades on the TSX and the NYSE under the symbol STN.

Media Contact

Danny Craig

Stantec Media Relations

Ph: (949) 923-6085

[email protected]

Investor Contact:

Jess Nieukerk

Stantec Investor Relations

Ph: (403) 569-5389

[email protected]

Design with community in mind
SANTA ANA, Calif., Nov. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Unrivaled Brands, Inc. (OTCQB: UNRV) ("Unrivaled" or the "Company"), a cannabis company with operations throughout California, today reported financial results for its fiscal third quarter ended September 30, 2023.

Third Quarter 2023 Highlights

Revenue for the quarter ended September 30, 2023 was $8.6 million with 94% of revenue from retail sales. Revenue for the quarter ended September 30, 2023 was driven by our four retail stores and sales of our in-house cultivated flower and Korova-branded products.

Retail gross margin was 52% for the quarter ended September 30, 2023.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for quarter ended September 30, 2023 decreased by 7% compared to the previous quarter ended June 30, 2023.

Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations for the quarter ended September 30, 2023 was $(1.2) million compared to the previous quarter of $(0.8) million.

For the quarter ended September 30, 2023, the Company had a $1.3 million gain on investments and $1.5 million loss on disposal of assets. The Company also had $0.9 million of interest expense and $0.9 million of non-cash expense for income taxes, depreciation, and amortization.

In September 2023, the Company entered into a settlement agreement to resolve the outstanding litigation with Mystic Holdings, Inc. (Mystic) which confirmed the Company's ownership of 8,323,764 shares of common stock and 8,332 shares of Series A preferred stock in Mystic. The Company recorded an unrealized gain on investment of $1.3 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2023.

As of September 30, 2023, the Company had 151 employees, a reduction from 169 employees a year ago.

Although industry trends have widely reported a further decline in the legal California cannabis marketplace overall, our Companys retail stores were able to hold total sales transactions flat from the previous quarter and also realized an increase in total sales transactions by 7.9% from the first quarter of 2023.

The Company outperformed the broader California market with a revenue decline of 2% for the quarter ended September 30, 2023, compared to a decrease in California cannabis retail revenue of 6% for the same period per market data tracked by Headset.

Patty Chan, Unrivaleds Chief Financial Officer stated, In Q3 2023, we maintained focus on our gross margin, achieving a retail gross margin of 52%. Despite the formidable challenges in the regulated cannabis market, we've proven resilient. We are operating in one of the most cutthroat markets in the United States, competing not just with the legal operators, but also the traditional market. As legislation begins to change, we anticipate the battle for market share to intensify further. Those who can adapt and excel today, will thrive in the future. We salute our fellow operators navigating this fiercely competitive landscape. We will remain committed to prioritizing customer retention and delivering an exceptional retail experience with high-quality, curated products. We will continue to navigate the evolving cannabis landscape, particularly in in California, as we look to a fully federally legal market and ripe opportunities.

Non-GAAP Financial Information:

This press release includes certain non-GAAP financial measures as defined by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC). Management believes that these non-GAAP financial measures assess the Companys ongoing business in a manner that allows for meaningful comparisons and analysis of trends in the business, as they facilitate comparing financial results across accounting periods and to those of peer companies. These non-GAAP financial measures exclude certain material non-cash items and certain other adjustments the Company believes are not reflective of its ongoing operations and performance. Management uses non-GAAP financial measures, in addition to GAAP financial measures, to understand operational decision-making, for planning and forecasting purposes, and to evaluate the Companys financial performance. Management believes that these non-GAAP financial measures enhance investors understanding of the Companys financial and operating performance and enable investors to evaluate the Companys operating results and future prospects in the same manner as management. Reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP are included in the financial schedules attached to this press release. This information should be considered as supplemental in nature and not as a substitute for, or superior to, any measure of performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.

About Unrivaled Brands

Unrivaled Brands is a company focused on the cannabis sector with operations in California. Unrivaled Brands operates four dispensaries and direct-to-consumer delivery, a cultivation facility, and several leading company-owned brands. Unrivaled Brands is home to Korova, known for its high potency products across multiple product categories, including the legendary 1000 mg THC Black Bar.

For more info, please visit: https://unrivaledbrands.com.

Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this communication regarding matters that are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, known as the PSLRA. These include statements regarding management's intentions, plans, beliefs, expectations, or forecasts for the future, and, therefore, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on them. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed, and actual results may differ materially from those projected. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by law. The Company uses words such as anticipates, believes, plans, expects, projects, future, intends, may, will, should, could, estimates, predicts, potential, continue, guidance, and similar expressions to identify these forward-looking statements that are intended to be covered by the safe-harbor provisions of the PSLRA. Such forward-looking statements are based on the Companys expectations and involve risks and uncertainties; consequently, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in the statements due to a number of factors.

New factors emerge from time-to-time and it is not possible for the Company to predict all such factors, nor can the Company assess the impact of each such factor on the business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. These risks, as well as other risks associated with the combination, will be more fully discussed in the Companys reports with the SEC. Additional risks and uncertainties are identified and discussed in the Risk Factors section of the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other documents filed from time to time with the SEC. Forward-looking statements included in this release are based on information available to the Company as of the date of this release. The Company undertakes no obligation to update such forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release.

Contact:Jason Assad LR Advisors LLC. [email protected] 678-570-6791

Unrivaled Brands, Inc. Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (in thousands) September 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 Current Assets $ 7,049 $ 4,575 Long-Term Assets 29,482 35,933 Total Assets $ 36,531 $ 40,508 Current Liabilities $ 59,037 $ 59,143 Long-Term Liabilities 14,273 17,902 Total Liabilities 73,310 77,045 Stockholders' Deficit (36,779 ) (36,537 ) Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Deficit $ 36,531 $ 40,508

Unrivaled Brands, Inc. Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (in thousands, except for per share data) Three Months Ended September 30, 2023 June 30, 2023 September 30, 2022 Revenue $ 8,612 $ 8,797 $ 9,721 Cost of Goods Sold 4,618 4,197 9,763 Gross Profit $ 3,994 $ 4,600 $ (42 ) Gross Profit % 46 % 52 %  % Operating Expenses 9,069 6,332 122,253 Loss from Operations (5,075 ) (1,732 ) (122,295 ) Less: Other (Income) Expense (2,022 ) (165 ) 1,086 Loss from Continuing Operations Before Taxes (3,053 ) (1,567 ) (123,381 ) Provision for Income Tax (Expense) Benefit for Continuing Operations (309 ) 125 3,450 Net Loss from Continuing Operations $ (3,362 ) $ (1,442 ) $ (119,931 ) Net Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax   25 Net Loss Attributable to Unrivaled Brands, Inc. $ (3,362 ) $ (1,442 ) $ (119,906 ) Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share: Net Loss from Continuing Operations per Common Share $  $  $ (0.21 ) Net Loss Attributable to Unrivaled Brands, Inc. per Common Share $  $  $ (0.21 )

Unrivaled Brands, Inc. Segment Results of Operations (in thousands) Three Months Ended September 30, 2023 Three Months Ended September 30, 2022 Retail Cultivation/Distribution Total Retail Cultivation/Distribution Total Total Revenues $ 8,101 $ 511 $ 8,612 $ 9,252 $ 469 $ 9,721 Cost of Goods Sold 3,861 757 4,618 3,861 5,902 9,763 Gross Profit $ 4,240 $ (246 ) $ 3,994 $ 5,391 $ (5,433 ) $ (42 ) Gross Profit % 52 % (48 )% 46 % 58 % (1,158 )%  %

Unrivaled Brands, Inc. Non-GAAP Reconciliation (Unaudited) (in thousands) Three Months Ended September 30, 2023 June 30, 2023 September 30, 2022 Net Loss $ (3,362 ) $ (1,442 ) $ (119,906 ) Less: Net Income from Discontinued Operations, Net   (25 ) Add (Deduct) Impact of: Interest Expense 944 187 381 Provision for Income Tax Expense (Benefit) 309 (125 ) (3,450 ) Depreciation Expense 204 221 879 Amortization of Intangible Assets 375 562 2,361 EBITDA Loss from Continuing Operations (Non-GAAP) $ (1,530 ) $ (597 ) $ (119,760 ) Non-GAAP Adjustments: Stock-based Compensation Expense 85 1,642 544 Impairment of Assets   107,972 Severance Expense for Series A Share Repurchases   42 Unrealized (Gain) Loss on Investments (1,333 )  493 Loss (Gain) on Disposal of Assets 1,540 (1,739 ) 1,529 Loss (Gain) for Settlement of Liabilities 41 (110 )  Adjusted EBITDA Loss from Continuing Operations (Non-GAAP) $ (1,197 ) $ (804 ) $ (9,180 )

Source: Unrivaled Brands, Inc.
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo., Nov. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ProStar Holdings Inc., (ProStar or the Company) (TSXV: MAPS) (OTCQX: MAPPF) (FSE: 5D00), a world leader in Precision Mapping Solutions, is pleased to announce that it has reached a settlement with Eos Positioning Systems, Inc., (Eos) regarding a lawsuit initiated by Eos related to a number of ProStars patents.

Eos filed a lawsuit civil action No. 22-201 (MN) against ProStar claiming a number of the ProStars patents were invalid. The matter has now been resolved to the satisfaction of all parties and the lawsuit is dismissed with prejudice. As part of the settlement, any additional terms beyond what is detailed in publicly available documents are not being disclosed.

About ProStar:

ProStar is a world leader in Precision Mapping Solutions and is creating a digital world by leveraging the most modern GPS, cloud, and mobile technologies. ProStar is a software development company specializing in developing patented cloud and mobile precision mapping solutions focused on the critical infrastructure industry. ProStars flagship product, PointMan, is designed to significantly improve the workflow processes and business practices associated with the lifecycle management of critical infrastructure assets both above and below the Earths surface.

ProStars PointMan is offered as a Software as a Service (SaaS) and seamlessly connects the field with the office and provides the ability to precisely capture, record, display, and manage critical infrastructure, including roads, railways, pipelines, and utilities. Some of the largest entities in North America have adopted ProStars solutions, including Fortune 500 construction firms, Subsurface Utilities Engineering (SUE) firms, utility owners, and government agencies. ProStar has strategic business partnerships with the worlds leading geospatial technology providers, data collection equipment manufacturers, and their dealer networks. The Company has made a significant investment in creating a vast intellectual property portfolio that includes 18 issued patents in the United States and Canada. The patents protect the methods and systems required to digitally capture, record, organize, manage, distribute, and display the precise location of critical infrastructure, including buried utilities and pipelines. ProStars Executive management team has extensive experience in the management of both early-stage and Fortune 500 technology companies in the private and public sectors.

For more information about ProStar, please visit www.prostarcorp.com.

Contact:Joel SutherlandInvestor Relations970-822-4792

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.

Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. Such information includes, without limitation, information regarding the terms and conditions of the Companys future plans. Although the Company believes that such information is reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct.

Forward-looking information is typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, postulate and similar expressions, or are those which, by their nature, refer to future events. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking information provided by the Company is not a guarantee of future results or performance and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking information as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to: the state of the financial markets for the Companys securities; the state of the technology sector; recent market volatility; the COVID-19 pandemic; the Companys ability to raise the necessary capital or to be fully able to implement its business strategies; and other risks and factors that the Company is unaware of at this time. The reader is referred to the Companys recent Annual Managements Discussion & Analysis filed on SEDAR + on April 21, 2023, for a more complete discussion of applicable risk factors and their potential effects, copies of which may be accessed through the Companys issuer page on SEDAR + at www.sedarplus.ca.

Source: ProStar
PALO ALTO, Calif., Nov. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- vFunction, the continuous modernization platform, will be showcasing its recently launched Architectural Observability Manager, and demonstrate its Continuous Modernization Platform at their booth at AWS re:Invent 2023, a learning conference hosted by Amazon Web Services (AWS) for the global cloud computing community. The event is taking place from Monday, Nov. 27 through Friday, Dec. 1 in Las Vegas.

At booth #1191, vFunction will be demonstrating its Continuous Modernization Platform  the first and only AI-driven solution for architects that provides architectural observability and automation to manage technical debt and enable iterative application modernization, from basic refactoring to full rewriting and microservices extraction.

In addition, Architects from AWS Partner Solutions will present on Evolution from migration to modernization using modernization pathways, which is hosted by vFunction on Friday, Dec. 1 from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. PDT on Level 3 of The Venetian in Murano 3306. The presenters include Giovanni Gravesande, Partner Solutions Architect, AWS MAP Migration & Modernization, AWS, and Pragnesh Shah, Partner Solutions Architect, EMEA Migrations PSA Team, AWS.

Application migration and modernization have been difficult and time-consuming due to a lack of architectural understanding. vFunctions Architectural Observability capabilities are foundational to any modernization effort as they enable automation of the transformation of Java and .Net applications into microservices, accelerate their cloud migration to AWS, and monitor architectural drift post-initial modernization. vFunction works with AWS to help architects understand their software architectures, detect architectural drift, fix technical debt, and transform complex Java and .NET monoliths into microservices, serverless functions, or modular monoliths.

With Architectural Observability, vFunction identifies sources of architectural technical debt, discovers and refines domains, and identifies cross-domain pollution, high debt classes, and cross-domain database relationships.

The idea for vFunction was inspired by a presentation at AWS re:Invent six years ago, said Moti Rafalin, CEO of vFunction. The amount of innovation happening by AWS and in the cloud overall was, and continues to be staggering. However, enterprises still have a lot of legacy applications they need to modernize so they can take advantage of the capabilities the cloud has to offer. And thats where vFunction comes in, Rafalin said.

Please schedule a meeting or visit vFunction at their AWS re:Invent booth #1191 to learn more. Booth hours are Monday, Nov. 27 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 28 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 29 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Thursday, Nov. 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

vFunction and Wipro are happy to host a group of AWS enthusiasts for an evening of networking and catching up during AWS re:Invent at Jardin on Wednesday, Nov. 29 at 7 p.m. PT. Register today to reserve your spot.

Related:

About vFunctionvFunction is the first and only AI-driven continuous modernization platform for architects that provides architectural observability and automation to manage technical debt and enable iterative application modernization, from basic refactoring to full rewriting and microservices extraction. Architectural observability helps organizations continuously address architectural technical debt, restoring business velocity and optimizing the benefits of the cloud. With vFunction, leading companies around the world are leveraging architectural observability and automation to transform their application estates. vFunction is headquartered in Palo Alto, CA, with offices in Israel. To learn more, visit www.vfunction.com.

Press Contact (For media only) Jodi Bart Holzband Classic Bart PR + Communications [email protected]

Source: vFunction
The webinar, which the Company is co-hosting alongside its subsidiary Plants & Goodwin, has nearly 100 confirmed attendees, including key industry stakeholders as well as numerous officials from federal and state agencies in the United States.

BRADFORD, Pa., Nov. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ZEFIRO METHANE CORP. (the Company, Zefiro, or ZEFI) today announced that it will be co-hosting an exclusive energy sector webinar on Thursday, November 16 at 11 AM Eastern Standard Time (open to the public). The webinar will be led by Luke Plants, who is Chief Executive Officer of Plants & Goodwin (a leading Pennsylvania-based orphaned oil and gas well plugging operation that the Company acquired this past May ), speaking alongside Zefiros Head of Operations, Matthew Brooks.



Titled Mastering Methane Emissions Reduction Through Synchronized Measurement and Abandonment Efforts, the one-hour online event will feature an interactive question and answer session with the co-hosts. The webinar is also intended to serve as a forum for attendees, including professionals throughout the energy industry and regulators from various U.S. federal and state agencies, to discuss how Zefiro and P&G work with public and private sector partners to better monitor and measure methane emissions, plug wells with significant methane leaks, and ensure compliance within an evolving regulatory landscape.

More information on the event, including how to access the attendee registration form and the recorded version of the webinar, can be found here .

Pictured at right during a well site visit with Zefiro Founder & Executive Chairman Talal Debs (Left), Luke Plants is the CEO of Plants & Goodwin (Established 1970) and will be co-hosting a webinar on Thursday with Zefiro Head of Operations Matthew Brooks.

Readers using news aggregation services may be unable to view the media above. Please access the Investors section of the Companys website for a version of this press release containing all published media.

With unprecedented levels of federal and state government funding being allocated toward plugging more of our countrys orphan wells, it has never been more important that key stakeholders have the opportunities to share best practices and form critical partnerships, said Matthew Brooks, Head of Operations, Zefiro Methane Corp. This unique alignment among relevant public and private sector entities presents a once-in-a-generation chance to better protect our communities, and my co-host and I are looking forward to speaking with our industry colleagues and government partners on the solutions needed to help address this legacy problem.

Sources

1 - Biden-Harris Administration Releases Final Guidance on New Orphaned Well Program (U.S. Department of the Interior, April 12 2022)

On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Company,

ZEFIRO METHANE CORP.

Talal Debs

Talal Debs, Founder & Executive Chairman

For further information, please contact:

Zefiro Investor Relations

1 (800) 274-ZEFI (274-9334)

[email protected]

For media inquiries, please contact:

Rich Myers - Profile Advisors (New York)

[email protected]

(347) 774-1125

About Zefiro Methane Corp.

Zefiro develops methodologies to reduce methane emissions by plugging orphaned and abandoned oil/gas wells, while originating carbon offsets. Under executive leadership to include the former carbon market team at J.P. Morgan, Zefiro actively deploys crews to decommission wells throughout the United States. With unprecedented global demand for carbon offsets as corporations and institutions work towards net-zero targets, Zefiro is strategically aligning with industry leaders for a greener future.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as seeks, believes, plans, expects, intends, estimates, anticipates and statements that an event or result may, will, should, could or might occur or be achieved and other similar expressions. Forward-looking information in this press release includes statements regarding the Company, the Companys business, the industry in which the Company operates, the Companys opportunities, strategies, competition, expected activities and expenditures as the Company pursues its business plan, the adequacy of the Companys available cash resources and other statements about future events or results. The forward-looking information reflects managements current expectations based on information currently available and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking information. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed timeframes or at all. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include: (i) adverse general market and economic conditions; (ii) changes to and price and volume volatility in the carbon market; (iii) changes to the regulatory landscape and global policies applicable to the Company's business; and (iv) other factors beyond the control of the Company. The Company operates in a rapidly evolving environment where technologies are in the early stage of adoption. New risk factors emerge from time to time, and it is impossible for the Companys management to predict all risk factors, nor can the Company assess the impact of all factors on Companys business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ from those contained in any forward-looking information. The forward-looking information is based on a number of assumptions, including assumptions regarding general market conditions, the availability of financing for proposed transactions and programs on reasonable terms, and the ability of outside service providers to deliver services in a satisfactory and timely manner. The forward-looking information included in this press release are made as of the date of this press release and 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 required by applicable law.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/79d9f81c-9b6f-4322-8602-cb122b764d2c
The corporate logo of software company Adobe is seen in Posa Studio school in Caracas, Venezuela October 9, 2019. REUTERS/Manaure Quintero/ File Photo

By Foo Yun Chee

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Adobe's $20 billion bid for cloud-based designer platform Figma is set to face an EU antitrust warning in the coming days, three people familiar with the matter said, a move that would ratchet up pressure on the Photoshop maker to offer remedies.

Tech deals around the world have recently attracted tougher antitrust regulatory scrutiny amid fears that some bigger companies may be acquiring rival start-ups to shut them down or boost their market power.

The European Commission is readying a statement of objections to send to the companies in the coming days, the people said.

Such documents or charge sheets set out the EU competition watchdog's concerns on why deals could be anti-competitive.

The EU agency opened a full-scale investigation into Adobe's proposed acquisition in August, saying that it could reduce competition in global markets for interactive product design tools and also shut out rivals.

The Commission and Adobe, which can offer remedies to stave off the EU warning, declined to comment.

Some companies prefer to wait for a statement of objections so that they know the precise regulatory worries before they offer concessions.

San Francisco-based Figma's web-based collaborative platform for designs and brainstorming is used by tech companies such as Zoom Video Communications, Airbnb and Coinbase.

The Commission is due to decide on the deal by Feb. 5.

(Reporting by Foo Yun Chee; Editing by Susan Fenton)
Ensuring flood-affected people stay warm and safe in winter

Xinhua) 15:01, November 13, 2023

BEIJING/BAODING, Hebei, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- Two days after the Chinese solar term of the Beginning of Winter, President Xi Jinping came to the areas flooded this summer in Beijing and neighboring Hebei Province, visiting affected people and inspecting post-disaster reconstruction.

It was a tightly-scheduled inspection trip. On Friday, Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, shuttled between the Mentougou District in the western suburb of Beijing and the city of Baoding in Hebei all in one day.

He visited villages and an urban residential community, where he dropped by the homes of the locals. His inspection stops also included a school, a dam, shops, and a farmland.

At the Shuiyuzui Village in Mentougou, learning that floods damaged 87 percent of the households, Xi asked how the restoration was going.

"All the damaged houses have been renovated," a local official answered.

A clean village road led Xi to the home of villager Li Meng. A signboard on the wall showed that the residence was once submerged in water about 2.6 meters deep.

Li told Xi that the summer flood drowned the first floor, leaving his home in mud. But with government subsidies, he managed to repair the two-story house and furnish it with new furniture and appliances.

Xi has always been concerned about those who were affected by the floods, and made important instructions on flood prevention and disaster relief work on multiple occasions.

During an inspection of northeastern Heilongjiang Province in September, he visited a village hit by a flood. He also mentioned the flood-hit areas in north China. "I will visit other affected areas some time later."

Braving the early winter chill, Xi on Friday went on to arrive at a community in Zhuozhou, a county-level city in Hebei that was hit hard by the severe flooding in summer.

He first inspected a heating station there. Learning that the community had received a heat supply half a month ahead of schedule, Xi praised the work to ensure people a warm winter.

He then dropped by the home of resident Dong Caiying, whose apartment on the first floor was soaked in flooding water. Xi looked at the thermometer at Dong's home, touched to check the heat of the radiator heater, and said with a smile, "The temperature is up to standard."

"Seeing that your lives have been restored to normal and even improved, I feel relieved and glad," Xi said.

The Wanquanzhuang Village of Diaowo Township is located at a flood detention and storage area in Baoding. All 311 households suffered the impact of the disaster during this year's flood season, and some houses were washed down or seriously damaged.

But now the village takes on an encouraging look of reconstruction. Villager Fu Jun invited Xi to his to-be-completed new household, showing the president around inside.

Fu told Xi that he received compensation from insurance companies soon after the flood, and the materials used for reconstruction were subsidized.

"Having a visit here today, I feel relieved to see that the policies of the CPC Central Committee have been translated into concrete actions and really worked," Xi said to villagers. "I believe your post-disaster lives will be better."

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
There are signs that the Biden administration may at last be moving towards calling for a ceasefire in the Israeli war on Gaza.

The administration of US President Joe Biden has been a steadfast supporter of Israels aggression against Gaza from day one on 7 October.

The US president travelled to Israel in the early days of the unrelenting Israeli onslaught on Gaza to show unequivocal support to warmongering Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his extreme-right government that includes ministers who publicly call for the annexation of the entirety of the West Bank.

The visit, regardless of how the US administration sees it and tries to sell it to some Arab leaders, was a clear US encouragement for Israel, giving it a free hand in conducting its war of aggression against 2.4 million innocent Palestinians for the last five weeks. Throughout this period, more than 11,000 Palestinians, among them 4,000 babies and children, have perished without the Biden administration calling for a ceasefire.

At a press conference on 8 November in Tokyo, where he was attending a meeting of G7 foreign ministers, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that all of us want to end this conflict as soon as possible, adding that those calling for an immediate ceasefire have an obligation to explain how to address the unacceptable result it would likely bring about, that is, Hamas left in place with more than 200 hostages and with the capacity and stated intent to repeat the events of 7 October again and again and again.

It is a good question, and it behooves the Palestinian Authority (PA) and Arab governments to try to find a convincing answer to it. In the meantime, Hamas leaders should come out into the open and stress that they are willing, with the Islamic Jihad Movement, to operate under the umbrella of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO), which recognises Israel and signed the Oslo Accords in 1993 in Washington during the administration of former US president Bill Clinton.

The late assassinated Israeli prime minister Yitzhak Rabin signed for Israel, and the late chairman of the PLO, Yasser Arafat, also signed the accords. The historic handshake between the two men remains in the worlds memory.

In a statement released by the G7 foreign ministers meeting in Tokyo, the word ceasefire was nowhere to be found. It included a call for humanitarian pauses, stressing the need for urgent action to address the deteriorating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. It added that the foreign ministers at the meeting support humanitarian pauses and corridors to facilitate needed assistance, civilian movement, and the release of hostages.

In the meantime, the member countries of the G7 have pledged, according to the statement, an additional $500 million for the Palestinian people, including through UN agencies and other humanitarian actors. They welcomed the 9 November Paris Conference on humanitarian issues in Palestine, which saw participating countries pledging one billion euros in assistance to the Palestinians.

In his press statements, Blinken outlined for the first time since the war in Gaza broke out last month the parameters of the US position on the future of the Strip. Two days earlier, Netanyahu had told the US network ABC News that Israel will for an indefinite period have the overall security responsibility [in Gaza] because we have seen what happens when we dont.

Blinken said that Israel has repeatedly told us that there is no going back to 6 October and that the US fully agreed with this. He added that the only way to ensure that this crisis never happens again is to begin setting the conditions for durable peace and security.

He emphasised that the US believes that the key elements to achieve these two objectives should include no forcible displacement of Palestinians from Gaza, not now and not after the war has ended. The second element is that Gaza should not be used as a platform for terrorism. The third is no reoccupation of Gaza when the war ends. The fourth, which is very significant, rejects attempts to blockade or besiege Gaza.

Blinken said that in order to reach a sustained peace, the Palestinian peoples voices and aspirations should be at the centre of post-crisis governance in Gaza. This must include Palestinian-led governance in Gaza unified with the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority. He said that the time to start the conversation about the future was now because identifying the longer-term objectives and a pathway to get there will shape our approach to addressing immediate needs.

Needless to say, in order to begin the long quest for peace and security for the Palestinians and the Israelis the US must call for a ceasefire in the present conflict. What Blinken outlined last week in Tokyo could be a sign that the Biden Administration is approaching the crucial moment for calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.

It is interesting to note that the US newspaper the Washington Post said on 12 November that the US has been warned about its global standing as the Gaza suffering persists. It pointed out that Arab leaders have admonished Blinken, telling him that the US will be deemed to have been complicit in the civilian deaths in Gaza caused by the Israeli aggression.

It is high time for the UN Security Council to adopt a resolution calling for a ceasefire that should be allowed to pass without the Biden Administration exercising its veto power, as it has done so far when draft resolutions, one by Russia and one by Brazil and the UAE, were put to the vote.

It is still too early to speak seriously about the two-state solution, but this was the position adopted at the G7 ministerial meeting in Tokyo early this month. The foreign ministers present stressed in the statement released after the conclusion of their meeting that their countries are committed to working closely with partners to prepare sustainable long-term solutions for Gaza and return to a broader peace process in line with the internationally agreed parameters.

They concluded by underscoring that a two-state solution which envisions Israels and a viable Palestinian state side by side in peace, security, and mutual recognition remains the only path to a just, lasting, and secure peace.

Let us hope that the US and the G7 will muster the sustainable political will and determination to carry out this vision.

The writer is former assistant foreign minister.



* A version of this article appears in print in the 16 November, 2023 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly

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Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - November 14, 2023) - Alpha Exploration Ltd. (TSXV: ALEX) ("Alpha" or the "Company")announces results from its recent drilling program completed over the district scale Aburna Gold Prospect ("Aburna") on the Company's 100% owned, 771km Kerkasha Project located in southern Eritrea.

Aburna is an orogenic-style gold prospect stretching approximately 7km northeast and 2km wide based on elevated gold in soils, geological mapping, trenching and geophysical surveys as well as localized drilling. To date, Alpha's exploration has established 6 different priority targets at Aburna. These latest results are from 33 holes (5,565 meters) drilled in 4 of these priority targets, mostly from the Northeast Area (17 holes), 8 holes from the Central Area, 7 from the Celebration Hill Area and 1 one from the Hill 52 Area (see Figure 1 below).

The purpose of this latest drilling program was to gain a greater understanding of the controls of mineralization in the 4 areas drilled and to try and establish strike continuity by drilling a number of "scout holes" with a large step-out from known gold mineralization. In the Northeast Area prospect this drilling has been successful in supporting the potential for a 1.2km long mineralized target as identified from recent GAIP (Gradient Array Induced Polarization) and ground magnetics surveys (see news release from October 2nd:https://alpha-exploration.com/alpha-ground-geophysics-update-02-october-2023/). Within this 1.2km long target, drillhole ABR078 (9m @ 5.99 g/t Au) has extended a significant "shoot" of gold mineralization to over 200m in length and as defined previously in drillholes ABR037 (16m @ 14.0 g/t Au) ABR043 (11m @ 3.99 g.t Au) and ABR044 (13m @ 4.24 g/t Au) (see Figure 2, 3 below). In addition, drillhole ABR092 (9m @ 10 g/t Au) along with a prior reported hole from this program ABR069 (6m @ 5 g/t Au) have now indicated a separate, mineralized structure over 200m in strike length (also see Figure 2, 3). Separately, drillhole ANR079 (30m @ 0.48 g/t Au) has extended mineralization by 400m along the main 1.2km trend in Northeast Area (Figure 2, 3). Follow up trenching has now been completed on these targets with results expected in due course.

HIGHLIGHTS:

9 meters averaging 5.99 g/t gold from drillhole ABR078 (Northeast Area)

9 meters averaging 10.00 g/t gold from drillhole ABR092 (Northeast Area)

3 metres averaging 53.39 g/t gold (*) from drillhole ABD008 (Northeast Area)

2 significant mineralized structures defined at Northeast Area >400m in combined strike length

Drilling supports the potential of 1.2km mineralized target in Northeast Area

(* includes 1m @ 158 g/t Au)

Michael Hopley, Alpha President & CEO said, "The Aburna Gold Prospect is so large that it is important that Alpha is able to narrow its focus on the most promising targets. The results of this recent drilling program including 9m at 10 g/t gold from drillhole ABR092, have established the Northeast Area as one of the most encouraging targets. Follow-up trenching has already been completed and an aggressive drilling program is planned - subject to financing - to start later this year. The next drilling program will focus on three principal targets, covering a combined strike length of 5km and have been generated from all work to date on the prospect.

The objective will be to further define mineralized lenses at Aburna prior to resource drilling which is expected to begin, subject to financing, later in 2024. We look forward to updating shareholders with further results in due course."





Figure 1. Aburna overview map with all newly announced drillholes shown with all existing drillholes, geology and gold in soil assays

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8361/187317_e28c4c0d149dd957_001full.jpg





Figure 2: Recent drilling confirms potential over Northeast Area target (ground geophysics background)

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8361/187317_e28c4c0d149dd957_002full.jpg





Figure 3: Recent drilling confirms potential over Northeast Area target (mapped geology background)

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8361/187317_e28c4c0d149dd957_003full.jpg

An updated version of the Company's presentation is available here: https://alpha-exploration.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Alpha-Exploration-Presentation-November-2023.pdf

Drill Program

33 holes were drilled at Aburna between February and July 2023 and involved the completion of 28 reverse circulation (RC) and 5 diamond drilling (DD) drill holes.

RC Drilling

In total, 16 RC holes for 2,634 metres were drilled at Northeast Area, 6 holes for 1,218m at Central Area and 6 holes at Celebration Hill for 904 metres. Holes were orientated at -50 degrees down to a maximum depth reached of 264m. The RC program was designed to step out from prior drilling across the Northeast Area, Central and Celebration Hill prospects. Four scout holes (ABR079 - 082) were drilled 400m north east of current drilling at the Northeast Area within a soil anomaly where mineralized structure continuity has been mapped and channels samples, including ABCHAN 061 + 063, indicated strong gold mineralization at surface.

Diamond drilling

In total, 5 DD holes for 809 metres have been completed at Aburna with one each at Hill 52, Northeast Area and Celebration Hill and a further 2 DD holes at Central prospect. The drilling was designed to characterise mineralogy and structure at key areas of high grade mineralization that had been drilled previously by the Company. Holes were orientated at -50 degrees down to a maximum depth reached of 209.5m

Trenching Program

20 trenches totalling 967 metres have been completed across the three primary targets interpreted from the GAIP survey. The trenches were typically 40m to 50m long and spaced approximately 200 metres from each other, orientated NW-SE, perpendicular to the interpreted strike of mineralization. The trenches were excavated using a backhoe down to an average depth of 2m and then systematically sampled at 1m intervals, and subsequently logged by the Company's exploration team. The program was designed to follow up on three major structural features interpreted from the GAIP survey including part of "Target 3", a 1.2km and separate 500m long chargeability high in the Northeast Area, "Target 2", a 1.25km long chargeability and resistivity high and "Target 1" a >2km long chargeability high with moderate intensity. Significant oxidised pyrite has been observed in the trenches within Target 2. Assay results are expected in late 2023.

Table 1: Significant Mineralized intervals from Alpha's recent drilling at Aburna

Hole_ID Sub prospect Hole

Depth

(m) Hole

Type Intersection Depth From (m) Intersection Depth To

(m) Interval

(m) Au g/t ABR049 Celebration Hill 112 RC No Significant Intervals ABR070 Central 174 RC 57 58 1 20.3 64 69 5 1.52 131 134 3 1 143 148 5 0.62 155 161 6 0.27 ABR071 Celebration Hill 192 RC No Significant Intervals ABR072 Celebration Hill 168 RC No Significant Intervals ABR073 Celebration Hill 180 RC No Significant Intervals ABR074 Celebration Hill 102 RC No Significant Intervals ABR075 Celebration Hill 150 RC No Significant Intervals ABR076 Northeast 180 RC 113 114 1 1.09 ABR077 Northeast 144 RC 1 8 7 0.89 33 36 3 0.34 94 95 1 2.31 ABR078 Northeast 210 RC 156 165 9 5.99 including 156 161 5 10.55 ABR079 Northeast 216 RC 27 29 2 1.32 38 43 5 0.21 53 56 3 1.98 108 138 30 0.48 143 144 1 3.08 161 172 11 0.42 178 183 5 0.45 ABR080 Northeast 150 RC 71 72 1 1.28 99 105 6 1.16 140 143 3 0.34 ABR081 Northeast 216 RC 44 53 9 0.47 58 65 7 0.33 97 109 12 0.34 ABR082 Northeast 198 RC 9 16 7 0.31 39 48 9 0.41 83 84 1 1.33 156 160 4 0.56 ABR083 Northeast 150 RC 12 17 5 0.75 56 61 5 0.55 ABR084 Northeast 102 RC 10 17 7 0.98 35 46 11 0.23 ABR085 Northeast 102 RC 4 11 7 0.51 19 23 4 0.48 26 27 1 1.04 34 35 1 3.29 53 54 1 2.68 61 64 3 3.71 ABR086 Northeast 102 RC 7 13 6 1.54 ABR087 Northeast 150 RC 51 54 3 0.54 73 78 5 0.28 109 110 1 1.43 126 128 2 1.77 139 140 1 1.53 ABR088 Northeast 216 RC 54 55 1 6.24 55 56 1 1.41 64 70 6 0.41 94 95 1 2.29 168 174 6 0.32 187 188 1 2.39 ABR089 Northeast 174 RC 73 74 1 1.85 139 144 5 1.14 150 154 4 0.35 ABR090 Central 150 RC No Significant Intervals ABR091 Central 258 RC 157 161 4 0.17 226 230 4 0.3



ABR092 Northeast 216 RC 55 64 9 10 106 111 5 0.27 164 165 1 3.28 173 174 1 3.81 181 192 11 0.61 ABR093 Northeast 108 RC 104 107 3 0.41 ABR094 Central 168 RC No Significant Intervals ABR095 Central 204 RC No Significant Intervals ABR096 Central 264 RC 198 201 3 0.42 213 222 9 0.65 235 240 5 0.39 250 258 8 0.65 ABD006 Central 136.6 DD 67 71 4 0.47 82 86 4 0.39 113 124 11 0.5 ABD007 Central 209.5 DD 83 87 4 1.13 93 94 1 1.77 103 107 4 0.86 114 121 7 0.81 186 190 4 0.43 ABD008 Hill 52 191.5 DD 1 2 1 1.13 9 16 7 0.35 20 26 6 1.41 32 36 4 0.97 77 80 3 0.34 125 134 9 17.9 including 129 132 3 53.39 including 129 130 1 158 144 148 4 0.83 171 174 3 0.35 ABD009 Celebration Hill 128.3 DD 18 25 7 0.31 31 36 5 0.21 ABD010 Northeast 136.6 DD 24 32 8 0.88 38 46 8 0.69 56 58 2 10.06

Note: At this early stage of exploration, the true width of the mineralisation is uncertain, but it is estimated to be 80% of reported intervals. Significant Intervals were calculated with a start and finish value of > 0.2 g/t gold, a minimum width of 3m and maximum internal dilution of 2m at 1.00 g/t gold in also considered significant. For more details, see Alpha news releases dated June 27, 2022, September 14, 2022, November 24, 2022, and May 24, 2023.

Sampling, Sub-sampling and Analysis

Geological consultants from RSC were responsible for the design of a strict QA/QC program consistent with industry best practice. Drilling of the reported intervals was by both reverse-circulation (RC) and diamond drilling. RC samples were split at the rig using a Metzke splitter and then logged on site. Diamond drill core was logged and then cut in half longitudinally at site using a diamond saw and half of the core (in 1-meter intervals) was transported to a secure location for logging.

All samples were submitted to Nabro Laboratories Limited (Nabro), Asmara, Eritrea, for sample preparation. Samples were crushed (to 90% passing 2.0 mm) and pulverised (to 85% passing 75 m). Two scoop samples were taken from the pulveriser bowl: approximately 130 g for laboratory analysis and approximately 150 g for portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) analysis. The coarse and pulp rejects are stored at a warehouse in Asmara. The Company inserted certified reference material from OREAS (www.ore.com.au) into the sample stream, while Nabro inserted barren granodiorite material into the sample stream as a blank. Drill samples were shipped to ALS Geochemistry (ALS), Loughrea, Ireland, for analysis. ALS analysed all drill samples for gold by method Au-AA26 (50 g charge fire assay, AAS finish). ALS is independent of the Company and its quality management systems framework is accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2005 or certified to ISO 9001:2015 standards.

About Alpha

Alpha (TSXV: ALEX) is an exploration company that is rapidly advancing a number of important gold and base metal discoveries across its 100% owned, large (771 km2) Kerkasha Project in Eritrea.

The Aburna Gold Prospect is an exciting new gold discovery where recent drilling has established a high-grade discovery with grades including 16m @ 14.07g/t Au, 9m @10 g/t Au and 23m @ 6.74 g/t Au. The Anagulu Gold-Copper Prospect includes recent drilling intersections of 108m @ 1.24 g/t Au & 0.60% Cu & and 49m @ 2.42 g/t Au & 1.10% Cu within a major porphyry unit mapped over at least 2km. The Company has also advanced the Tolegimja VMS Copper-Zinc-Gold Prospect and over 17 other gold prospects since listing in 2021.

The Company is managed by a group of highly experienced and successful professionals with long track records of establishing, building and successfully exiting a number of world class gold and base metals discoveries in Eritrea and across the wider Arabian Nubian Shield.

For further information go to the Alpha webpage at www.alpha-exploration.com or contact:

Michael Hopley

President and Chief Executive Officer

Alpha Exploration Ltd.

Email: [email protected]

Tel: +44 207129 1148

Qualified Person

All scientific and technical information in this press release, including the results of the Aburna drill program and how these results relate to the ongoing exploration at the Kerkasha Project has been reviewed, verified, and approved by Michael Hopley, President, Chief Executive Officer of Alpha and a "qualified person" for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

Cautionary Notes

This press release is intended for distribution in Canada only and is not intended for distribution to United States newswire services or dissemination in the United States.

ForwardLooking Statements

Certain statements and information herein, including all statements that are not historical facts, contain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such forward-looking statements or information include but are not limited to statements or information with respect to future dataset interpretations, sampling, plans for its projects (including the Anagulu prospect), surveys related to Alpha's assets, and the Company's drilling program. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements or information can be identified by the use of words such as "estimate", "project", "belief", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "plan", "predict", "may" or "should" and the negative of these words or such variations thereon or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information. With respect to forward-looking statements and information contained herein, Alpha has made numerous assumptions including among other things, assumptions about general business and economic conditions and the price of gold and other minerals. The foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive.

Although management of Alpha believes that the assumptions made and the expectations represented by such statements or information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that forward-looking statements or information herein will prove to be accurate. Forward-Looking statements and information by their nature are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. These factors include, but are not limited to: risks relating to Alpha's financing efforts; risks associated with the business of Alpha given its limited operating history; business and economic conditions in the mining industry generally; the supply and demand for labour and other project inputs; changes in commodity prices; changes in interest and currency exchange rates; risks relating to inaccurate geological and engineering assumptions (including with respect to the tonnage, grade and recoverability of reserves and resources); risks relating to unanticipated operational difficulties (including failure of equipment or processes to operate in accordance with specifications or expectations, cost escalation, unavailability of materials and equipment, government action or delays in the receipt of government approvals, industrial disturbances or other job action, and unanticipated events related to health, safety and environmental matters); risks relating to adverse weather conditions; political risk and social unrest; changes in general economic conditions or conditions in the financial markets; changes in laws (including regulations respecting mining concessions); risks related to the direct and indirect impact of COVID-19 including, but not limited to, its impact on general economic conditions, the ability to obtain financing as required, and causing potential delays to exploration activities; those factors discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Final Prospectus; and other risk factors as detailed from time to time. Alpha does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/187317
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 14, 2023) - Aurania Resources Ltd. (TSXV: ARU) (OTCQB: AUIAF) (FSE: 20Q) ("Aurania" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the Company is participating in the upcoming 121 Mining Investment Conference in London on November 20-21.

121 Mining Investment London will be hosting over 175 mining companies and more than 500 sophisticated investors for two days of pre-arranged, targeted 1-2-1 meetings. Alongside the curated schedule of pre-booked meetings matching investors with appropriate projects, the conference programme will provide expert commentary and the latest market intelligence on key industry developments.

Any investors who would like to attend 121 Mining Investment London can register for a free pass here: https://hubs.la/Q026gbp80. Please visit Aurania at Booth #B13.

About 121 Mining Investment

The 121 Mining Investment global event series connects portfolio managers and analysts from institutional funds, private equity groups and family offices with mining company management teams for 1-2-1, private in-person meetings.

121 Mining Investment has an ever-expanding global portfolio, currently covering London, New York, Cape Town, Las Vegas, Frankfurt, Sydney, Singapore and Hong Kong, as well as online editions throughout the year.

About Aurania

Aurania is a mineral exploration company engaged in the identification, evaluation, acquisition, and exploration of mineral property interests, with a focus on precious metals and copper in South America. Its flagship asset, The Lost Cities - Cutuc Project, is located in the Jurassic Metallogenic Belt in the eastern foothills of the Andes mountain range of southeastern Ecuador.

Information on Aurania and technical reports are available at www.aurania.com and www.sedarplus.ca, as well as on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/auranialtd/, Twitter at https://twitter.com/auranialtd, and LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/aurania-resources-ltd-.

For further information, please contact:

Carolyn Muir

VP Corporate Development & Investor Relations

Aurania Resources Ltd.

(416) 367-3200

[email protected]

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/187270
Providence, Rhode Island--(Newsfile Corp. - November 14, 2023) - BI Medical, a visionary leader in the O&P healthcare industry, is seeking a strategic buyer to help scale adoption of its proprietary hygiene technology across the limb loss community, both nationally and globally.

To view the full announcement, including downloadable images, bios, and more, click here.

Key Takeaways:

Revolutionizing Limb Loss Care: BI Medical is set to transform limb loss care globally through a strategic acquisition, to help scaling its innovative hygiene technology.

Clinical-Proof Hygiene Innovation: The Liner Wand, BI Medical's pioneering hygiene solution, clinically proves its effectiveness in reducing skin irritation and odor, significantly improving the lives of amputees.

BI Medical is accepting initial interest through 2/1/24 and hopes to complete the sale of the business by Q2/2024. Interested parties should contact BI Medical, Elizabeth Stone: [email protected] before 2/1/24.





Click image above to view full announcement.

About BI Medical

BI Medical is a pioneering company dedicated to improving the lives of individuals who have experienced limb loss. Their innovative hygiene system, The Liner Wand, is designed to enhance daily comfort and convenience for amputees. BI Medical is on a mission to expand access to this technology and make a positive impact on the limb loss community.

Contacts:

Elizabeth Stone

401-439-0631

[email protected]

Source: The Liner Wand

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/187323
Reports Annual Revenue of US$22.8 Million & Highlights Recent Developments

Las Vegas, Nevada and Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 14, 2023) - Body and Mind Inc. (CSE: BAMM) (OTCQB: BMMJ) (the "Company" or "BaM"), a multi-state operations-focused cannabis company, is pleased to announce financial results for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2023 and to provide shareholders with an operational update. All financial information is provided in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated.

FY 2023 Summary & Comparison to FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2022 Revenue $22.8 $23.4 Net Income/(Loss) ($20.6) ($28.2) Adjusted EBITDA* ($6.0) ($2.7)

Note: Comparative financial information does not include discontinued assets and assets held for sale.

FY 2023 Highlights:

Closed Seaside dispensary transaction

Closed a $3 million unsecured convertible debt financing with Bengal Capital and Mindset Capital, two experienced cannabis-focused funds.

Closed a merger with CraftedPlants NJ, an entity that leases a New Jersey retail location with local cannabis-use approval for a retail location. Currently working on attaining final state licensure in New Jersey.

Bengal Capital partner Josh Rosen appointed to the Company's Board of Directors.

Opened the Markham, Illinois Body and Mind dispensary.

Exited the Michigan market and sold the Michigan Body and Mind dispensary.

Subsequent to the end of FY 2023:

Closed the sale of the Ohio Body and Mind dispensary.

Initiated the divestment of the Ohio Body and Mind processor.

Fully repaid senior secured lender.

Management Commentary

This year has been focused on streamlining our assets and operations in support of developing what we believe to be our highest returning capital projects in the Illinois and New Jersey markets," stated Michael Mills, CEO of Body and Mind. "The recent sale of our Ohio dispensary resulted in full repayment of our senior secured lender, improved our balance sheet and results in reduced interest expenses by roughly $1 million per year. Our divestment of the Ohio processing operation is anticipated to provide an additional $2 million in incremental capital prior to the end of November 2023 which we plan to use to fund our dispensaries under development (see press release September 6, 2023).

"Our key priorities for the following year consist of:

Entry to the New Jersey Market: We believe that our best return on capital in the near term is development of our retail cannabis license in New Jersey. The New Jersey dispensary has received local approval and is pending state approval. Expansion in the Illinois Market: Our first dispensary in Illinois opened in April 2023 and continues to experience increased customer traction. Our second Illinois dispensary is under construction with walls and roof complete and groundworks ongoing. We believe the Illinois market continues to be underserved. Ongoing Optimization of Existing Operations: We plan to continue to opportunistically evaluate the monetization of our existing assets with an emphasis on supporting sustainable cash flow generation. License Application: We have been successful with entry into several markets based on license application success and will continue to pursue new license opportunities as markets open. New Expansion Opportunities: We review opportunities to bring our cultivation and retail experience to current and new markets with focus on efficient capital allocation."

"I look forward to updating investors on our advances in line with these priorities as the year progresses," stated Michael Mills, CEO of Body and Mind Inc.

FY 2032 Financial Highlights:

Revenues for FY 2023 were $22.8 million, a 2.4 % decrease over FY 2022 revenues of $23.4 million.

Gross profit of $5.8 million for FY 2023 compared to a gross profit of $7.4 million for FY 2022.

FY 2023 net operating loss was $7.7 million compared to FY 2022 net operating loss of $4.5 million. The change in net operating loss was primarily impacted by construction and startup expenses associated with our operating and in-progress dispensaries in Illinois and New Jersey, and a continued decrease in wholesale flower pricing in Nevada.

FY 2023 other expenses totalled $10.5 million compared to $22.1 million in FY 2022. The largest component of FY 2023 other expenses were asset impairment charges related to the Company's carrying value of certain brand, intangible assets, and right of use assets totalling $9.4 million.

FY 2023 net loss was $20.6 million (or basic and diluted loss per share of $0.15) compared to a FY 2022 net loss of $28.2 million (or basic and diluted loss per share of $0.25). The large difference is mostly attributable to the impairments discussed above.

Adjusted EBITDA loss of $6.0 million for FY 2023 vs. Adjusted EBITDA of $2.7 million in FY 2022*.

Total Current Assets were $9.3 million, Total Assets were $21.2 million, Total Current Liabilities were $7.7 million and Total Liabilities were $30.5 million at July 31, 2023.

The Company had 146,636,974 common shares outstanding as of November 13, 2023.

For further details, please see the Company's recent Form 10-K filing on EDGAR at www.sec.gov/edgar/search, and the annual audited financial statements filed on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca.

*Adjusted EBITDA is a Non-GAAP metric used by management that does not have any standardized meaning prescribed by U.S. GAAP and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Management defines the Adjusted EBITDA as the Income (loss) from operations, as reported, before interest, taxes, and adjusted for removing other non-cash items, including the stock-based compensation expense, gain on settlement, loss on impairment, depreciation, and further adjustments to remove acquisition related costs or gains. Management believes Adjusted EBITDA is a useful financial metric to assess its operating performance on a cash adjusted basis before the impact of non-cash items and acquisition activities. The most comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP is net operating income (loss), which was presented above prior to the Adjusted EBITDA figure.

Net Profit/Loss ($20,566,354) Interest Income ($72,000) Interest $1,718,859 Tax $2,168,486 Depreciation/Amortization $1,114,508 EBITDA ($15,636,501)

EBITDA ($15,636,501) Gain on settlement $0 Loss on impairment $9,370,093 Stock-based compensation $270,693 Adjusted EBITDA ($5,995,715)

Note: Comparative financial information does not include discontinued assets and assets held for sale.

About Body and Mind Inc.

BaM is an operations-focused cannabis company with active retail operations in Ohio, Arkansas, Illinois and California, pending retail operations in Illinois and New Jersey, and craft cultivation and/or processing operations in Nevada, Ohio and Arkansas. We work daily to increase our market share through delighting customers while also continuing to hone our operational efficiencies to drive profits. We are primarily guided by the metric of return on investment. Currently, we believe the most significant return on investment projects in front of us are successful retail cannabis store launches in Illinois and New Jersey, which augment our existing retail footprint. We also believe that our team's core operational skillsets will create significant future shareholder value as the cannabis industry matures.

Please visit www.bodyandmind.com for more information.

Instagram: @bodyandmindBaM

Twitter: @bodyandmindBaM

For further information, please contact:

Company Contact:

Michael Mills

CEO

Tel: 800-361-6312

[email protected]

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Safe Harbor Statement

Except for the statements of historical fact contained herein, the information presented in this news release constitutes "forward-looking statements" as such term is used in applicable United States and Canadian laws. These statements relate to analyses and other information that are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management. Any other statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans, "estimates" or "intends", or stating that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and should be viewed as "forward-looking statements". Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and other factors include, among others, the actual results of activities, variations in the underlying assumptions associated with the estimation of activities, the availability of capital to fund programs and the resulting dilution caused by the raising of capital through the sale of shares, accidents, labor disputes and other risks. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements contained in this news release and in any document referred to in this news release.

Certain matters discussed in this news release and oral statements made from time to time by representatives of the Company may constitute forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that its expectations will be achieved. Forward-looking information is subject to certain risks, trends and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Many of these factors are beyond the Company's ability to control or predict. Important factors that may cause actual results to differ materially and that could impact the Company and the statements contained in this news release can be found in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company assumes no obligation to update or supplement any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/187306
San Antonio, Texas--(Newsfile Corp. - November 14, 2023) - Tech company Cloud Beaker Corporation, which offers a wide range of cloud-based solutions and services, has announced plans for expansion into Central America and the SEMEA (Southern Europe, Middle East, and Africa) area, with the intention of moving into emerging markets in both regions.

Cloud Beaker's newest collaborative partnerships with multiple entities, such as TD SYNNEX and Ingram Micro, has allowed the startup to effectively reach various industries and businesses in Central America. This strategic alliance has the potential to increase Cloud Beaker's operational efficiency and also solidify its emerging foothold in the Central American market, enabling the deployment of cutting-edge cloud infrastructures with precision and agility.

Cloud Beaker is a Google strategic partner, and the company also maintains strategic partnerships with Microsoft, Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Alibaba Cloud. This has been key for the company's growth, as these collaborations have enabled it to offer a diverse range of cloud services tailored to the specific needs of different industries and clients. Furthermore, these alliances give Cloud Beaker access to a vast reservoir of resources, knowledge, and expertise which enhances the quality and efficiency of its service delivery.

To further extend its international presence, Cloud Beaker is pleased to announce the opening of a new office in Spain by the end of Q4 2023. This will serve as the company's base in the SEMEA region. The establishment of the Spain office represents a strategic move to tap into the burgeoning cloud computing market in Southern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Cloud Beaker hopes that by positioning themselves in this pivotal location, they can be at the nexus of technological advancements in the SEMEA region, enabling better connectivity with clients and partners while reinforcing their commitment to global growth and service excellence.

In addition, the team at Cloud Beaker is actively preparing two joint webinars for Q4. These webinars will be presented in collaboration with the chambers of commerce and industry in two key countries in Central America.

Known for its innovative, scalable, and secure cloud computing solutions, Cloud Beaker has emerged as a reputable provider under the leadership of its CEO, Ernesto Couso. The company's solutions, ranging from cloud migration and data management to virtualization and security, were designed to empower businesses to optimize their IT infrastructure and harness the full potential of the digital landscape.

Expanding into the Southern Europe, Middle East, and Africa (SEMEA) regions presents Cloud Beaker with an opportunity to tap into markets that are in various stages of digital transformation. These regions encompass a diverse range of economies, from emerging markets in Africa that are looking to leapfrog legacy systems to more mature markets in Southern Europe that require complex cloud integration and optimization solutions.

Establishing a physical presence in Spain and aligning with local business ecosystems will allow Cloud Beaker to offer tailored cloud solutions to meet the distinct needs of each market. This geographical diversification has the potential to boost the company's revenue streams and enhance its resilience against market-specific downturns.

Furthermore, these regions exhibit a growing appetite for advanced IT infrastructure, driven by burgeoning sectors like fintech, e-commerce, and mobile technology. Cloud Beaker's comprehensive suite of services, ranging from cloud migration to virtualization and security, is poised to cater to these sectoral demands efficiently.

"We're looking to embed ourselves in these regional ecosystems to foster deeper collaborations, gain insights into local business challenges, and fine-tune our offerings," says CEO Ernesto Couso. "We feel that our proactive approach can fortify our position as a leading cloud solutions provider and accelerate our scalability in the global cloud computing landscape."

He adds that the two webinars are integral as well, as they will offer an avenue for direct engagement with businesses and stakeholders in Central America. "These webinars serve as platforms for thought leadership, knowledge sharing, and showcasing our advanced cloud solutions tailored to the region's unique needs," Couso elaborates. "We seek to collaborate with chambers of commerce and industry and align ourselves with the economic drivers of the region, ensuring our solutions address real-world challenges and are primed for tangible impact."

Couso believes that these virtual events will provide valuable touchpoints, promoting trust, understanding, and strengthening Cloud Beaker's brand presence across the targeted markets. Furthermore, by engaging directly with the local business community through these webinars, Cloud Beaker seeks to nurture deeper relationships and showcase its commitment to delivering tailored cloud solutions for the region's unique challenges.

About Cloud Beaker Corporation

Cloud Beaker Corp. is a technology company that provides innovative, scalable, and secure cloud computing solutions. The company's goal is to help businesses optimize their operations through the utilization of cloud services. Cloud Beaker offers a variety of services including cloud migration and integration, virtualization, security, and data management.

Website: https://cloudbeaker.com/

Contact Ernesto Couso: [email protected]

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/187359
Newark, New Jersey--(Newsfile Corp. - November 14, 2023) - Cybrid Technology Inc, the crypto payments infrastructure provider, announces support for USDC remittance as a scalable and low cost solution for cross-border fund transfer to global economies.

Cybrid is aiming to lead the charge in a metamorphosis of the digital financial landscape with infrastructure that's challenging the way North America thinks about global remittances. Serving corridors from both Canada and the US, Cybrid provides crypto banking infrastructure, trying to carve out a niche in a rapidly evolving crypto infrastructure space.

At the heart of this transformation is the formidable USDC stablecoin, a product of Circle. The increasing financial connectivity between continents has led to surging demand for instantaneous and secure monetary transfers. With US and Canada seeing outflows of nearly $200 billion, the space is full of potential, and Cybrid is leveraging USDC to address the monumental task at hand. Benefitting are regions like India, South America, and Africa, which historically have been encumbered by the sluggish and often costly traditional remittance systems.

Global remittance is a growing market that new fintechs want to participate in. Yet, the technical complexity and regulatory requirements create a cost that is often too high for early stage fintechs. As such, there is a growing market of middle-ware infrastructure providers, like Cybrid, that have done a lot of the heavy lifting in terms of technology, banking, money movement and compliance, giving new fintechs a path forward.

The effectiveness of Cybrid's platform can be summed up by Avinash Chidambaram, CEO of Cybrid, "We've built a robust and intuitive fintech stack that enables our partners to develop and deploy remittance applications on Cybrid's infrastructure in weeks, instead of months or years. We cover KYC, money movement, currency conversion, and on-chain settlement, with all the necessary compliance tooling. It's true out-of-the-box capability."

In an era where "instant" everything is expected, and the demand for swift, transparent, and reliable financial transactions is critical, Cybrid's initiative with USDC marks a significant stride towards the future of global remittances.

Learn more at https://blog.cybrid.xyz/usdc-use-case-remittances

About Cybrid

Cybrid is a B2B crypto infrastructure platform that empowers fintechs, financial institutions and payment providers to easily integrate cryptocurrency and cross-border crypto payments into their products. Cybrid's white-glove tooling is built by developers, for developers, and eliminates the complexity and high cost typically associated with building a compliant cryptocurrency offering.

Cybrid works closely with its B2B partners to help them understand the cryptocurrency ecosystem and determine the best way to integrate crypto into their offerings. Cybrid is headquartered in Toronto, Canada and New Jersey, USA, and is backed by world class fintech venture investors including Golden Ventures, Luge Capital and Harvest Venture Partners.

Cybrid Contact

Avinash Chidambaram

+12495591590

[email protected]

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/187253
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 13, 2023) - Datametrex AI Limited (TSXV: DM) (FSE: D4G) (OTCQB: DTMXF) (the "Company" or "Datametrex'') is pleased to announce that the Board of Directors has approved the grant of incentive stock options to management, employees, advisors, and directors of the Company to purchase up to 24.5 million common shares in the capital of the Company. The options are exercisable at a price of $0.05 per share, vesting immediately, and will expire two years from the date of grant.

The options are granted pursuant to the Company's stock option plan which was most recently approved by shareholders at the Company's annual general meeting held on July 29, 2022, and remain subject to approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

Additionally, the Company has cancelled an aggregate of 4,000,000 options to purchase common shares of the Company, which were previously granted to the CEO Marshall Gunter, at an exercise price of $0.08, expiring June 9, 2025.

About Datametrex

Datametrex AI Limited is a technology-focused company with exposure to artificial intelligence, machine learning, and telehealth and has recently entered the electric vehicle (EV) market. Datametrex's mission is to provide tools and solutions that support companies in fulfilling their operational goals, including health and safety, with predictive and preventive technologies. By working with companies to set a new standard of protocols through artificial intelligence and health diagnostics, the Company provides progressive solutions to support the supply chain.

For additional information on Datametrex and other corporate information, please visit the Company's website at www.datametrex.com.

To learn more about how our AI is used in Cyber Security, Telehealth and EV, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ApFk3sWAXtg.

For further information:

Investor Relations & Communications

Marshall Gunter, CEO

Email: [email protected]

Tel: 514-295-2300

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

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 forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions made by the Company based on its experience, perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate in the circumstances. In addition, 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. 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.

###

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/187257
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 14, 2023) - Defence Therapeutics Inc. (CSE: DTC) (OTC Pink: DTCFF) (FSE: DTC) ("Defence" or the "Company"), one of the leading Canadian biotechnology companies working in the field of immune-oncology is pleased to announce that it has successfully submitted on November 9, 2023 an Investigational New Drug (IND) application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its ACCUM-002TM Dimer CDCA-SV40 commonly named "AccuTOX", an injectable anticancer molecule, for the treatment of solid cancer tumors.

AccuTOX is a derivative of the initial Accum molecule, which has been reported to target cancer on multiple fronts. AccuTOX disrupts endosomal membranes resulting in impaired intracellular transport mechanisms. AccuTOX also triggers genotoxic effects, blocks DNA repair mechanisms normally used by cancer cells to repair its damaged genome and induces a form of immunogenic cell death capable of turning "ON" the immune system. When previously tested in preclinical animal models under the supervision of Dr. Moutih Rafei, AccuTOX impaired tumor growth resulting in "70-100% survival" of animals with solid T-cell lymphoma, melanoma or breast cancer.

The IND application includes data, reports and overview summaries of numerous studies to evaluate the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and toxicology of AccuTOX both in vitro and in vivo, including cancer models. In addition, the application describes the manufacture of the drug substance and drug product to be used in human clinical trials. The main purpose of the IND is to share with the FDA the extensive non-clinical data supporting an acceptable safety profile when AccuTOX will be first administered to humans. The FDA will review the application and determine the acceptability of the data before Defence begins the Phase I clinical trial, which could be as early as Q1-Q2 2024.

"We are thrilled and excited that Defence has achieved a successful submission on its first IND, which represents an important milestone towards advancing AccuTOX into the clinic. We look forward to work with clinical investigators at City of Hope to study this important and novel candidate for the treatment of melanoma and potentially other solid tumors," said Sebastien Plouffe, President & CEO of Defence Therapeutics. "With the continued difficulties encountered in the oncology clinic, we believe that the therapeutic use of AccuTOX provides a novel and powerful approach to combat cancer," he added.

The primary objective of this upcoming Phase I clinical trial, when approved, is to identify the best therapeutic dosing range that would allow clinicians to co-administer the AccuTOX compound with Opdulag, a BMS product containing both anti-LAG3 and anti-PD-1. Several other secondary parameters including therapeutic efficacy will be monitored in treated patients in preparation for a Phase IIa trial on a basket of tumors.

According to Precedence Research, the global cancer therapeutics market size is expected to be worth around US$ 393.61 billion by 2032 from at US$ 164 billion in 2022, growing at a CAGR of 9.20% during the forecast period 2023 to 2032.

https://www.precedenceresearch.com/cancer-therapeutics-market

Cancer Therapeutics Market Size 2022 to 2032 (USD Billion)



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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About Defence:

Defence Therapeutics is a publicly-traded biotechnology company working on engineering the next generation vaccines and ADC products using its proprietary platform. The core of Defence Therapeutics platform is the ACCUM technology, which enables precision delivery of vaccine antigens or ADCs in their intact form to target cells. As a result, increased efficacy and potency can be reached against catastrophic illness such as cancer and infectious diseases.

For further information:

Sebastien Plouffe, President, CEO and Director

P: (514) 947-2272

[email protected]

www.defencetherapeutics.com

Cautionary Statement Regarding "Forward-Looking" Information

This release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include regulatory actions, market prices, and continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.

Neither the CSE nor its market regulator, as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE, accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/187200
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 13, 2023) - EMX Royalty Corporation(NYSE American: EMX) (TSXV: EMX) (FSE: 6E9)(the "Company" or "EMX") is pleased to report results for the quarter ended September 30, 2023 ("Q3-2023"). The Company's filings for the quarter are available on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca, on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's website at www.sec.gov, and on EMX's website at www.EMXroyalty.com. Financial results were prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.

HIGHLIGHTS FOR Q3-2023

Financial Updates for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2023

Revenue and other income for the three months ended September 30, 2023 ("Q3 2023") was $12,925,000 (2022 - $7,206,000). Adjusted revenue and other income 1 of $14,526,000 (2022 - $9,319,000) included $1,601,000 (2022 - $2,113,000) in revenue for the Company's share of royalty revenue from the Caserones Mine (effective) royalty interest in Chile.

Net income for the three months ended September 30, 2023 was $2,443,000 (2022 - loss of $12,878,000).

Cash provided by operating activities for the three months ended September 30, 2023 was $7,527,000 (2022 - $846,000). Adjusted cash 1 provided by operating activities for the three months ended September 30, 2023 was $9,268,000 (2022 - $2,719,000).

As at September 30, 2023, EMX had cash of $21,587,000 (December 31, 2022 - $15,508,000), investments, long-term investments and loans receivable valued at $12,739,000 (December 31, 2022 - $14,561,000) and loans payable of $41,927,000 (December 31, 2022 - $40,489,000).

Corporate Updates

Execution of Updated Timok Royalty Agreement

EMX executed an amended and restated royalty agreement on September 1, 2023 for its Timok royalty property with Zijin (Europe) International Mining Company Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Zijin Mining Group Ltd ("Zijin"). EMX and Zijin have agreed that the Timok royalty will consist of a 0.3625% Net Smelter Return ("NSR") royalty that is uncapped and cannot be repurchased or reduced. The royalty covers Zijin's Brestovac exploration permit area (including the Cukaru Peki Mining licenses), as well as portions of Zijin's Jasikovo-Durlan Potak exploration license north of the currently active Bor Mine license (see EMX news release dated September 5, 2023). Cukaru Peki represents one of the premier copper and gold discoveries in the world in the past 10 years and is a top tier royalty asset for EMX.

Subsequent to the execution of the amended and restated royalty agreement, EMX received $6,676,000 in royalty proceeds from its Timok royalty property with Zijin which included $1,590,000 from 2021, $3,200,000 from 2022, and $1,890,000 up to June 30, 2023 (see EMX news release dated September 12, 2023). From that point forward EMX will continue to receive quarterly production royalty payments on an ongoing basis.

Execution of Acquisition Agreement for New Royalties with Franco-Nevada

EMX executed a binding term sheet with Franco-Nevada Corporation ("Franco-Nevada") for the joint acquisition of newly created precious metals and copper royalties sourced by EMX (see EMX news release dated August 1, 2023). Franco-Nevada will contribute 55% (up to $5,500,000) and EMX will contribute 45% (up to $4,500,000) towards the royalty acquisitions, with the resulting royalty interests equally split (i.e. 50/50). The initial term is for three years, or until the maximum contributions totaling $10,000,000 from both companies have been met, and may be extended if mutually agreed by both companies. The agreement allows EMX to direct a large amount of capital towards the royalty generation aspect of its business model, and Franco-Nevada to participate in exploration stage royalty financing opportunities identified by EMX.

Royalty Acquisition and Royalty Generation Updates

During Q3 2023, the Company's royalty business was active in North America, South America, Europe, Turkey, Australia and Morocco. The Company spent $4,769,000 (2022 - $5,269,000) on royalty acquisition and generation costs and recovered $1,140,000 (2022 - $3,247,000) from partners. Royalty acquisition and generation costs include exploration related activities, technical services, project marketing, land and legal costs, as well as third party due diligence for acquisitions. Included in revenue and other income was $1,409,000 in option, advance royalty, and other pre-production payments related to existing partnered projects as a result of royalty generation activities. The Company also completed seven new property agreements across the portfolio, including two in Canada, two in Norway, two in Sweden and one in Australia, while continuing to replace partnered properties with new royalty generation projects.

Producing Royalties 6 Advanced Royalties 11 Exploration Royalties 149 Royalty Generation Properties 120





Figure 1. EMXs royalty and mineral property portfolio



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1508/187260_emxmap1.jpg

Highlights from Q3 2023 include the following:

EMX earned approximately $1,955,000 in royalty revenue from the Gediktepe Mine as production continued from the oxide gold deposit. Partner Lidya Madencilik Anayi ve Ticaret A.S. ("Lidya") also notified EMX that it has completed an internal Feasibility Study for development of the underlying polymetallic sulfide deposit. A decision regarding financing and construction for the sulfide project is pending.

The Caserones (effective) royalty distribution for Q3 totaled approximately $1,741,000. Lundin Mining Corporation ("Lundin"), in connection with their acquisition of fifty-one percent (51%) of the issued and outstanding equity of SCM Minera Lumina Copper Chile SpA (see Lundin news release dated July 13, 2023), filed a technical report on SEDAR titled "NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Caserones Mining Operation, Atacama Region, Chile" that included current mineral resource and reserve estimates. Lundin also provided Caserones H1 production and H2 production guidance.

Leeville revenue earned by EMX totaled approximately $773,000 from royalty production that totaled 403 ounces of gold. Q3 2023 marked another strong quarter of Leeville royalty production along with robust gold prices.

EMX recognized $568,000 in royalty revenue from the Balya property in Q3 2023 which included $212,000 from Q2 production and $356,000 from Q3 production subsequently received. Production began to ramp up again in Q2 2023 with 99,185 tonnes of mineralized material produced from Balya North. Production continued to accelerate in Q3 2023, with 161,133 tonnes of mineralized material produced according to calculations provided by Esan at the end of Q3.

EMX received $134,000 from Gold Bar South for royalty revenue earned in Q1 2023 and Q2 2023, and earned royalty revenue of $59,000 from Q3 2023 production, which was subsequently received.

AbraSilver Resource Corp. ("AbraSilver") reported final results from the Phase III drill program at the Diablillos silver-gold royalty property. Phase III drill holes will be incorporated into an updated mineral resource estimate to be included in the Diablillos PFS scheduled for completion in H2 of 2023. As part of its ongoing PFS work, AbraSilver also reported on positive results from metallurgical optimization test work conducted for the Oculto deposit.

Arizona Sonoran Copper continued to report infill drilling results from the Parks-Sayler porphyry copper royalty property. Subsequent to quarter-end, Arizona Sonoran announced updated mineral resource estimates for the Parks-Sayler deposit, which is partially covered by an EMX royalty, as well as other deposits that constitute its Cactus Project.

Exploration drilling by South32 at the Hermosa Project's Peake prospect returned mineralized intercepts covered by EMX's Hardshell royalty property that included the best copper intercept to date of 139 meters averaging 1.88% copper, 0.51% lead, 0.34% zinc, and 52 g/t silver (true width not reported).

EMX's U.S. royalty generation portfolio progressed with 13 partner-funded work programs consisting of five drill programs, the expansion of properties through the staking of new claims, and the permitting of key projects in preparation for three additional drill programs to be conducted in Q4 2023 and early 2024. EMX has 39 projects in partnership in the western U.S and received various option, AAR, and management fee payments during the quarter.

Scout Discoveries Corp. ("Scout") (a private Idaho company) and EMX closed on an amended transaction, originally announced in Q1 2023 (see EMX news release dated March 8, 2023) for the sale of EMX's Erickson Ridge, South Orogrande, Lehman Butte, and Jackknife precious and base metal projects to Scout.

In Canada, EMX executed two new agreements to partner the Jean Lake property to Canada Nickel Company, and the Ear Falls property to Beyond Lithium. EMX and its partners conducted summer field programs to continue advancing the properties in the portfolio. EMX received $104,000 in cash payments during the quarter from partnered projects.

In Chile, Pampa Metals announced assay results from its initial three hole drill program totaling 1,957 meters at the Buena Vista target on the Block 4 property. Anomalous copper, molybdenum and precious metals were intercepted, indicative of shallow levels of a porphyry system. Elsewhere within the portfolio, EMX was notified by Pampa Metals that it was abandoning the Arrieros, Redondo-Veronica, Cerro Blanco, Cerro Buena Aries, and Block 3 properties, resulting in EMX gaining 100% control of each property. These properties are now available for partnership.

In Northern Europe the Company continued to develop and advance its portfolio of projects, with summer field programs continuing on numerous properties in Q3 2023. EMX has 37 projects in partnership with other companies in Northern Europe. New partnerships were established for the Bamble and Flt battery metals projects in Norway (Londo Nickel plc) and the Njuggtraskliden and Mjovattnet battery metals projects in Sweden (Kendrick Resources plc).

The Company optioned the Copperhole Creek project in Queensland, Australia to Lumira Energy LTD, a private Australian company. The agreement provides EMX with a 2.5% NSR royalty interest, cash and equity payments, work commitments and other considerations. In conjunction with the transaction, Lumira Energy intends to establish a public listing on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) by mid-year 2024.

Also in Q3 2023 in Australia, partner companies executed drill programs comprising over 5,000 meters on three EMX royalty properties (Yarrol, Mt Steadman and Koonenberry) and field programs continued to advance the Queensland Gold and Copperhole Creek projects.

Royalty generation programs continued in the Balkans and in Morocco in Q3 2023, where multiple exploration license applications have been filed by the Company. Surface sampling programs commenced on several new exploration licenses awarded to EMX in Morocco targeting a variety of styles of mineralization. EMX also continued to assess projects and opportunities in the Balkans.

Investment Updates

As at September 30, 2023, the Company had marketable securities of $6,830,000 (December 31, 2022 - $9,966,000), and $5,313,000 (December 31, 2022 - $4,591,000) in private investments. The Company will continue to generate cash flow by selling certain of its investments when appropriate.

OUTLOOK

The 2023 year will continue to see revenue and other income coming from our cash flowing royalties, including Leeville and Gold Bar South in Nevada, Gediktepe and Balya in Turkey, and Timok in Serbia, and our effective royalty interest on Caserones in Chile. As in previous years, production royalties will continue to be complemented by option, advance royalty, and other pre-production payments from partnered projects across the global asset portfolio.

The Company will continue to strengthen its balance sheet over the course of the year by looking to retire portions of our long-term debt, continuing to evaluate equity markets, and the ongoing monetization of the Company's marketable securities.

EMX is well positioned to identify and pursue new royalty and investment opportunities, while further filling a pipeline of royalty generation properties that provide opportunities for additional cash flow, as well as exploration, development, and production success.

Marketing Consulting Services

The Company is also pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with LFG Equities Corp. ("LFG"), an independent contractor with a business address at 402-9140 Leslie St., Richmond Hill, ON, L4B 0A9. Commencing on September 10th, 2023 for an initial term of six months, under the terms of the Agreement, LFG will provide marketing consulting services to the Company to communicate to the financial community information about EMX by way of newsletters and be paid US$50,000 plus applicable taxes.

QUALIFIED PERSONS

Michael P. Sheehan, CPG, a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101 and employee of the Company, has reviewed, verified and approved the above technical disclosure on North America, Latin America, and Strategic Investments. Eric P. Jensen, CPG, a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101 and employee of the Company, has reviewed, verified and approved the above technical disclosure on Europe, Turkey, and Australia.

About EMX. EMX is a precious, base and battery metals royalty company. EMX's investors are provided with discovery, development, and commodity price optionality, while limiting exposure to risks inherent to operating companies. The Company's common shares are listed on the NYSE American Exchange and TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "EMX", and also trade on the Frankfurt exchange under the symbol "6E9". Please see www.EMXroyalty.com for more information.

For further information contact:

David M. Cole

President and CEO

Phone: (303) 973-8585

[email protected]

Scott Close

Director of Investor Relations

Phone: (303) 973-8585

[email protected]

Isabel Belger

Investor Relations (Europe)

Phone: +49 178 4909039

[email protected]

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may contain "forward looking statements" that reflect the Company's current expectations and projections about its future results. These forward-looking statements may include statements regarding perceived merit of properties, exploration results and budgets, mineral reserves and resource estimates, work programs, capital expenditures, timelines, strategic plans, market prices for precious and base metal, or other statements that are not statements of fact. When used in this news release, words such as "estimate," "intend," "expect," "anticipate," "will", "believe", "potential" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, which, by their very nature, are not guarantees of the Company's future operational or financial performance, and are subject to risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause the Company's actual results, performance, prospects or opportunities to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and factors may include, but are not limited to unavailability of financing, failure to identify commercially viable mineral reserves, fluctuations in the market valuation for commodities, difficulties in obtaining required approvals for the development of a mineral project, increased regulatory compliance costs, expectations of project funding by joint venture partners and other factors.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this news release or as of the date otherwise specifically indicated herein. Due to risks and uncertainties, including the risks and uncertainties identified in this news release, and other risk factors and forward-looking statements listed in the Company's MD&A for the quarter ended September 30, 2022 (the "MD&A"), and the most recently filed Annual Information Form ("AIF") for the year ended December 31, 2021, actual events may differ materially from current expectations. More information about the Company, including the MD&A, the AIF and financial statements of the Company, is available on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca and on the SEC's EDGAR website at www.sec.gov.

1Adjusted revenue and other income and adjusted cash provided by operating activities are non-IFRS financial measures with no standardized meaning under IFRS and might not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other issuers. Refer to the "Non-IFRS financial measures" section on page 24 of the Q3-2023 MD&A for more information on each non-IFRS financial measure.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/187260
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 14, 2023) - Fremont Gold Ltd. (TSXV: FSE) (OTCQB: FRERF) (FSE: FR20) ("Fremont" or the "Company is pleased to announce that the initial drill program at Vardenis has been completed for this field season.

Initial Vardenis Drill Campaign and Magnetometer Survey

The Company drilled a total of 770 meters in two holes at the Vardenis property during October and early November. The program was halted due to significant snow fall and frigid temperatures at the 2,700m elevation drill sites. Diamond drill hole VARD-01 was cored at the Razmik NW anomaly to 393.5m at an azimuth of 215 and inclination of -60, centered on high molybdenum geochemistry and porphyry-style veining and alteration. Diamond drill hole VARD-02, located approximately 1,600m SE of VARD-01, within the Razmik SE anomaly, was completed to 376.9m total depth at an azimuth of 230 and inclination of -65. It was also positioned over porphyry style veining and anomalous surface geochemistry (see news release dated October 30, 2023). Both holes encountered strongly altered, veined and brecciated volcanic host rock containing between 1% and 5% total sulfide mineralization over nearly their entire lengths. Observed sulfide mineralization comprises pyrite, enargite, chalcopyrite and molybdenite, more or less in that order, and is indicative of a fertile porphyry system. The core is currently being cut, logged and prepared for transport. The samples will be prepared (dried, crushed and split) in a local laboratory in Yerevan with a portion of the sample sent for geochemical analysis at the ALS laboratory in Romania. Results are expected in January and early February 2024.

A preliminary ground magnetometer survey was carried out at Vardenis from early September until late October, concentrating on the Razmik copper anomaly. The purpose of the survey is to better understand the subsurface geology and guide further drilling at Vardenis. The data is being processed by a geophysical consultant based in Scotland U.K. Results are expected within the next four weeks.





Veined and mineralized drill core from 258-262m depth, drill hole VARD-01

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Vardenis drill hole locations

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Urasar Work Commences

Fremont is also pleased to announce the commencement of a geochemical soil sample survey at the Company's other Armenian property, the Urasar Mineral District in northern Armenia, which is at a lower elevation than Vardenis. Urasar was worked by Soviet government teams in the 1950s and 1960s, resulting in the identification of three mineralized zones and four geochemically anomalous zones for follow-up work (see news release dated October 10, 2023).

The spacing of the soil sample grid will be denser over the areas of interest identified by Soviet geologists as shown in thefigures below.





Urasar license: geochemical sample grid above and anomalous zones defined by Soviets geologists

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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A ground mag survey is also planned at Urasar, but due to the approaching snows, it will be conducted next spring.

Dennis Moore, Fremont's President and CEO, states, "We are encouraged by the veining, alteration and mineralization encountered in the first two drill holes at Vardenis and eagerly await the laboratory results. The second phase of the diamond drill program at Vardenis is planned for spring 2024.

The Company expects that the ongoing geochemical survey at Urasar will be completed before significant snowfall occurs. Based on both the Company's previous reconnaissance sampling and historical exploration work carried out by Soviet geologists in the 1960s, we are optimistic that this survey will demonstrate large, robust geochemical anomalies for both copper and gold.

Griffon

The Company's Griffon project in White Pine County, Nevada will be returned to Pilot Gold (USA) Inc. ("Pilot"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Liberty Gold Corp., in November. The termination of the option agreement with Pilot follows from the Company's decision to shift focus from its Nevada projects to its copper-gold projects in the central Tethyan belt of Armenia (see news release dated August 28, 2023). Fremont is seeking strategic alternatives for its two other Nevada gold projects, Cobb Creek and Hurricane.

About Fremont Gold

Fremont's mine-finding management team has assembled a portfolio of potential world-class copper-gold mineral opportunities within the central Tethyan belt of Armenia, while using existing company infrastructure in Nevada to stake lithium brine and lithium clay prospects which are currently in the process of being vended.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Dennis Moore

President and CEO, interim Chairman

For further information, contact:

Telephone: +351 9250 62196

www.fremontgold.net

https://twitter.com/GoldFremont

https://www.linkedin.com/company/fremont-gold/

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward looking statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this news release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements including, without limitation, statements regarding future exploration programs at each of Vardenis and Urasar, completion of the sale of lithium brine and lithium clay prospects in Nevada, completion of the sale of the Cobb Creek and Hurricane gold properties in Nevada and capital requirements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations including the risks detailed from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulations. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company will update or revise publicly any of the included forward-looking statements only as expressly required by Canadian securities law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/187319
Excavation work carried out at the Saite-Persian Cemetery in Abusir is revealing more about ancient Egyptian society during the 26th and 27th dynasties

The family is the basic unit of any society, even as its structure and function can vary considerably across different cultures, writes Nevine El-Aref. All societies have a concept of the family, though this may differ according to the particular culture.

Our knowledge of life and society in ancient Egypt is largely derived from the reliefs engraved on the walls of monuments, tombs, and temples, with these providing a rich saga of the daily lives of wealthy and less wealthy families as well as their hopes for life after death.

The shaft tombs of the Saite-Persian Cemetery southwest of the Neferefre Pyramid at the Abusir Necropolis reveal information about the society that produced them, showcasing the society that produced King Djosers Pyramid, the first stone structure in history.

The area was not used until the end of the 26th Dynasty, when high-ranking dignitaries at the royal court selected it to be their final resting place for eternity.

We dont know the exact purposes behind the selection. We can only speculate about the reasons, said Miroslav Barta, director of the archaeological team from the Czech Institute of Egyptology at the Faculty of Arts at Charles University in Prague, which started excavations at this site in the early 1980s.

Barta said the site is on a straight line connecting the Giza Pyramids with the King Djoser Pyramid, forming the head of two shallow valleys running from the east and southeast. It is also located near older royal structures and has a sanctified status steeped in long-standing tradition.

It is likely close to the cemetery of foreign mercenary soldiers commanded by dignitaries. The geological foundations of the site, characterised by a substantial layer of hardened mud, proved conducive to the construction of tombs.

According to surface and geophysical surveys, the cemetery consists of large and small shaft tombs arranged in two rows stretching approximately west to east. The core of the design consists of a burial chamber constructed from limestone blocks positioned at the base of an expansive shaft measuring up to 12 by 12 metres and reaching depths of up to 25 metres.

After a tombs completion, the shaft was backfilled, necessitating access to the burial chamber through a narrow secondary shaft. From there, a horizontal corridor, more akin to a tunnel than a passage, led directly to the chamber entrance.

This practice of situating burial chambers deep below the surface appears to serve dual purposes, Barta said, explaining that it helped to bring the mummies closer to the subterranean realm of the dead, governed by the god Osiris, and to provide protection against tombs raiders.

Despite the apparent grandeur and rich embellishments of the above-ground portions of these structures, many were heavily damaged or entirely obliterated over time.

Scientific studies carried out by the Czech team have revealed that the group of larger and smaller tombs at the cemetery was constructed at the very end of the 26th Dynasty. According to graffiti found in the tomb of Udjahoresnet, its construction begun in the 41st or 42nd year of the reign of Amasis in 529 or 528 BCE.

It is likely that their construction ceased in 525 BCE, when the Persian king Cambyses invaded Egypt and the situation remained unstable for several years. Neither the tomb of Udjahorresnet nor that of Iufaa were completely finished. Some of the tombs were used only after this time during the reign of the Persian King Darius I.

In the vicinity of the large tombs, several simple burials have been found. The bodies, belonging probably to the poor inhabitants of neighbouring villages, were placed in shallow pits in the sand.

Some of these poor burials may come from the late Ptolemaic Period, around 200 to 300 years after the construction of the large shaft tombs, and perhaps represent evidence of the esteem in which the dignitaries buried in this part of the necropolis, and above all Udjahorresnet, were held by subsequent generations.

The most important shaft tombs within the cluster is the intact one of the high priest Iufaa, a rare discovery which made headlines. It consists of a shaft about 28 metres deep and inside it an intact tomb and an enormous white limestone sarcophagus of about 50 tons in weight.

There is a plaster seal between the lid and the sarcophagus itself. Iufaas burial chamber and portions of his sarcophagus are lavishly adorned with frequently unique texts and scenes designed to facilitate his journey to the afterlife and ensure a blessed eternal existence.

TOMBS: The oldest tomb is attributed to Udjahorresnet, whose statue is housed in the Vatican Museum in Rome, with the inscription upon it being the most extensive Egyptian record chronicling the events surrounding the conquest of Egypt by the Persian ruler Cambyses in 525 BCE.

Following the Persian occupation, Udjahorresnet, originally the commander of foreign mercenaries and the admiral of the fleet, transitioned into one of the foremost local collaborators with the new rulers.

The burial chamber and double sarcophagus of Menekhibnekau feature an array of texts and relief-carved scenes. While little remains of his once-opulent funerary belongings, notable remnants include a distinctive official seal.

Alongside these three tombs, two additional structures of comparable size have been partially excavated, along with as many as five or six smaller tombs, two of which have undergone excavation. One of these smaller tombs, also housing a decorated burial chamber, belonged to the courtier Padihor.

The newest discovery in the cemetery is the tomb of the high official Djehutiemnakht. The upper part of this tomb, situated above ground, was destroyed in antiquity, while its burial chamber is situated at the bottom of the main shaft located at a depth of 14 metres below ground.

To the north is a small shaft of about 1.2 by 1 metre giving access to the chamber through a narrow horizontal corridor about three metres long.

Surprisingly enough, the small shaft was partly filled with several dozen large relief blocks from the monumental neighbouring tomb of Menekhibnekau, said Mohamed Megahed, deputy director of the Czech mission, who added that the burial chamber is richly decorated with texts and scenes.

The northern entrance wall is covered with a long sequence of apotropaic spells against snake bites from the ancient Egyptian Pyramid Texts. Interestingly, the snakes mentioned in them were on the one hand considered dangerous, but on the other hand also acted as powerful protectors of the deceased and his mummy, Megahed said.

It is a richly decorated shaft tomb of medium size, whose owner, a certain Djehutyemhat, held the office of royal scribe, said Ladislav Bares, who has coordinated the Czech excavations of the Late Period shaft tombs in Abusir for more than two decades.

This new find, together with our previous discoveries from this excavation site, as well as the large-scale shaft tomb of Wahibrameryneith, will shed more light on the historical changes taking place in Egypt in the turbulent times of the sixth and fifth centuries BCE, he said.

The southern and western walls of the tomb are adorned with ritual offerings. On the ceiling of the burial chamber, there are depictions of the suns journey across the sky in the morning and evening barques, accompanied by hymns to the rising and setting sun.

The burial chamber is covered with relief decoration, hieroglyphic inscriptions, and depictions of the gods. It contains a large stone sarcophagus, whose lid is adorned with three columns of hieroglyphic texts from Chapter 178 of the Book of the Dead, which is composed of excerpts from the older Pyramid Texts.

The longer sides of the lid feature Chapter 42 of the Book of the Dead, dedicated to the deification of the body of the deceased, including depictions of individual deities to whom the deceased is assimilated. The shorter sides bear images of the goddesses Isis and Nephthys, accompanied by texts in which they provide protection to the deceased.

On the outer sides of the chest of the sarcophagus, there are excerpts from the Coffin Texts and Pyramid Texts, partially repeating the spells that appear on the walls of the burial chamber. At the bottom of the inner side of the coffin, Imentet, the goddess of the West, is depicted, and the inner sides contain the so-called canopic spells recited by this goddess and the earth god Geb.

All of these religious-magical texts were intended to ensure the deceaseds smooth entry into eternal life in the afterlife.

The tomb of the scribe Djehutyemhat was discovered almost empty, having been robbed, like other tombs in the burial site, probably as early as the 5th century CE. Analysis of the skeletal remains undertaken by leading Egyptian experts has shown that Djehutyemhat died at a relatively early age, bore signs of occupational disease on the spine from sedentary work, and suffered from severe osteoporosis.

The latter fact could place him within the family of other inhabitants of this burial site, in whom this disease has also been confirmed, Barta said.

It is possible that most of the owners of the shaft tombs buried in this part of the Abusir Necropolis belonged to one extended family strongly anchored in the military elite of late Saite Egypt.

Djehutiemhats mother, however, probably came from quite different circles and a different part of the country. Her two names can be translated as Nubian and Vixen, the latter written in an unusual, probably Berber, form. Detailed photographic documentation and analysis of the finds and texts will continue.

Abusir is located about six miles to the south of the Great Pyramid of Khufu and the Sphinx on the Giza Plateau. It is to the north of the first stone pyramid built in Egypt, known as the Step Pyramid at Saqqara. The site contains about 11 pyramids of kings and queens and the sun temples of the Fifth Dynasty.

The Sahure Pyramid, the most famous in Abusir, was excavated by the German Egyptologist Ludwig Burchardt, and it is thought that the pyramid complex contained about 10,000 square metres of wall reliefs.

* A version of this article appears in print in the 16 November, 2023 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly

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Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 14, 2023) - Go Metals Corp.(CSE: GOCO) ("Go Metals" and/or the "Company")is pleased to announce that the Company has completed the late season RC drilling program and processed initial data from the AirTEM at HSP (the "HSP Property") and KM98 (the "KM98 Property") nickel-copper projects, north of Havre-Saint-Pierre on the Cte-Nord of Quebec.

Figure 1: 'KM98 Property' AirTEM survey preliminary results show multiple conductors



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Highlights:

14 metres of massive sulphide intercepted at Chamber North

11 New AirTEM targets

Three new kilometre scale conductive trends

37 additional claims staked at KM98 Property

A total of 242 metres was drilled over four holes at Red Mountain and Chamber North between October 16th and November 5th, 2023. Samples have been sent for analysis to an independent laboratory to be assayed. The RC drill was chosen to evaluate shallow targets quickly and cost-effectively. The techniques developed can be used to further explore the newly identified airborne anomalies.

Hole Azimuth Dip X Y Depth (m) HSPRC23-001 130 81 452292 5706420 50.29 HSPRC23-002 45 45 452280 5706361 80.77 HSPRC23-003 90 60 452792 5700989 54.86 HSPRC23-004 90 60 452910 5701008 56.39

Table 1: 2023 drill hole summary

The recent phase 2 AirTEM survey completed a total of 2291 line kilometres over the new HSP eastern extensions and the new road accessible KM98 project. A total of 11 new conductor targets over 10 hectares in size were highlighted. The largest kilometre scale conductors discovered were on the new HSP south extension and at the southern portion of KM98.

Scott Sheldon, CEO of Go Metals said, "The main bodies of Red Mountain and Chamber North were drilled, and massive sulphides were found at both, showing that we now have a likely source for the conductors. The new data will help us as we progressively characterize the geology of the complex. The AirTEM survey has detected new anomalies consistent with pyrrhotite-rich nickel sulphide along the interpreted anorthosite contact. Additionally, three new trends have been discovered that appear along a magnetic contact that have sufficient size, amplitude, and conductance to make them interesting potential nickel-copper targets."

Qualified Person

Hugues Longuepee, P.Geo., is the qualified person ("QP") for the Company as defined in the National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed the technical information presented within this news release.

About Go Metals

Go Metals targets Canadian battery metal projects to help power a sustainable future. The Company's flagship HSP project has multiple nickel-copper sulphide targets within a 400 square kilometre land package north of Havre-Saint Pierre, Quebec in the Nitassinan of the Innu of Ekuanitshit.

The HSP and KM98 properties hosts multiple magmatic sulphide targets within a potential new nickel belt spanning hundreds of kilometres across the Havre-Saint-Pierre anorthosite complex in the Grenville Province.

For further information, please contact:

Scott Sheldon, President

604.725.1857

[email protected]

Forward-Looking Information:

This press release may include "forward-looking information" (as that term is defined by Canadian securities legislation), concerning the Company's business. Forward-looking information is based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the Company's management, including future plans for the exploration and development of its mineral properties, future production, reserve potential, and events or developments that the Company expects. Although the Company believes that such expectations and assumptions are reasonable, investors should not rely unduly on such forward-looking information as the Company can give no assurance, they will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements in this press release are made as of the date of this press release. The Company disclaims any intent or obligation to publicly update any forward-looking information (whether because of new information, future events or results, or otherwise) other than as required by applicable securities laws. There are several risk factors that could cause future results to differ materially from those described herein. Information identifying risks and uncertainties is contained in the Company's filings with the Canadian securities regulators, which filings are available at www.sedarplus.ca.

The Canadian Securities Exchange (operated by CNSX Markets Inc.) has neither approved nor disapproved of the contents of this news release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/187262
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 14, 2023) - Graph Blockchain Inc.(CSE: GBLC) (OTC Pink: REGRF) (FSE: RT50)("GBLC" or "Graph Blockchain" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company signed, effective November 13, 2023, a definitive agreement to acquire DataMetrex Electric Vehicle Solutions Inc. ("DM EVS") from Datametrex AI Limited(TSXV: DM) (FSE: D4G) (OTCQB: DTMXF)("Datametrex").

Closing of the proposed transaction is subject to a number of conditions including regulatory approvals, including acceptance by CSE and TSXV as required, board approvals and completion of satisfactory due diligence.

The proposed acquisition serves as a pivotal step in Graph Blockchain's plan to enhance its portfolio with a focus on environmentally sustainable solutions. The Company views the integration of DM EVS as an opportunity to establish a significant footprint in the EV space, complementing its existing blockchain endeavours.

Paul Haber, CEO and Chairman of Graph Blockchain, commented, "By acquiring DM EVS, we are not only entering into the rapidly evolving electric vehicle market but also aligning with global trends towards green technology. This purchase positions us at the forefront of two cutting-edge industries: blockchain and EV technology."

Details of the Proposed Transaction:

The total aggregate purchase price is an aggregate of to $3,750,000, subject to meeting certain milestones. On closing, the Company shall pay the sum of $750,000 by issuing to Datametrex 15,000,000 common shares of the Company issued at a deemed price of $0.05 per share. In addition, up to three (3) Earn-Out Payments of $1,000,000 each may be payable by the Company to Datametrex if DMEVS achieves certain milestone over the next three (3) years, and this highlights GBLC's long-term commitment to innovation and value creation in the EV sector.

Upon completion of the proposed transaction, Datametrex will own approximately 18,928,936 shares of the Company representing approximately 19.66% of the Company's issued and outstanding shares.

About Graph Blockchain

Graph Blockchain Inc. is at the forefront of electric vehicle (EV) and blockchain technology The company's portfolio includes Babbage Mining Corp., specializing in Proof of Stake mining, enhancing its role in the expanding EV market. Additionally, Graph Blockchain has interests in the cryptocurrency space through Beyond the Moon Inc., aiming to deliver a broad spectrum of investment opportunities to shareholders by capitalizing on the transformative power of EVs and blockchain.

For additional information on Graph Blockchain and other corporate information, please visit the Company website at www.graphblockchain.com.

For further information, please contact:

Paul Haber, C.P.A., C.A., C.Dir

Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman

Graph Blockchain Inc.

Phone: (416) 318-6501

Email: [email protected]

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements contained herein that are not clearly historical in nature may constitute forward-looking statements.

Generally, such forward-looking information or forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or may contain statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "will continue", "will occur" or "will be achieved". Forward-looking information in this news release are based on certain assumptions and expected future events. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, which may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements, including but not limited to: the potential inability of the Company to continue as a going concern; the risks associated with the blockchain in general. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive. Readers are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions, or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated.

Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement and reflect the Company's expectations as of the date hereof and are subject to change thereafter. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, estimates or opinions, future events or results, or otherwise or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and such forward-looking information, except as required by applicable law.

The CSE does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

###

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/187326
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 14, 2023) - Happy Belly Food Group Inc. (CSE: HBFG) (OTCQB: VGANF) ("Happy Belly" or the "Company"), a leading consolidator of emerging food brands is pleased to announce it has closed on the acquisition of Smash Burger Brand Rosie's Burgers.





Rosie's Burgers 1

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As of November 13th, all closing matters have been addressed and completed to acquire Rosie's Burgers ("Rosies"), a boutique QSR restaurant brand serving original recipe smash burgers, poutine, onion rings, milkshakes and more.



"We are very pleased to officially welcome Rosie's Burgers to our portfolio of emerging food brands. The burger category is one that our team has deep knowledge and unfinished business in as we previously helped build The Burgers Priest into a leading brand in Canada. With the closing of Rosie's, we immediately anticipate organic growth through our nationwide franchising program in our asset-light model. We look forward to working with Rosie's founders and their team as we rapidly expand our real estate footprint nationwide," said Sean Black, Chief Investment Officer of Happy Belly.





Rosie's Burgers 2

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"We look forward to working with our new partners and make Rosie's into a nationally recognized smash burger chain. Net new franchised locations are already being sourced through an aggressive Canada-wide franchising program. Sourcing of suitable new locations is currently underway. This transaction is aligned with our strategic plan and goals of delivering shareholder value through accretive M&A. Post closing of this accretive transaction we anticipate immediate organic growth from Rosies's Burgers through the existing two (2) locations."



For franchising inquiries please see www.happybellyfg.com/franchise-with-us/ or contact us at [email protected].

About Happy Belly Food Group

Happy Belly Food Group Inc. (CSE: HBFG) (OTCQB: VGANF) ("Happy Belly" or the "Company") is a leading consolidator of emerging food brands.

Happy Belly Food Group

Shawn Moniz

Chief Executive Officer

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT:

www: www.happybellyfg.com or email [email protected]

If you wish to contact us please call: (604) 737-2303



Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release, which has been prepared by management.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

All statements in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, are "forward-looking information" with respect to the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws. 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, and include the future performance of LumberHeads Food Co. 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. There are uncertainties inherent in forward-looking information, including factors beyond the Company's control. There are no assurances that the business plans for Happy Belly 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. For a description of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company and its business and affairs, readers should refer to the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis and other disclosure filings with Canadian securities regulators, which are posted on www.sedarplus.ca.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/187313
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 14, 2023) - Heliostar Metals Ltd. (TSXV: HSTR) (OTCQX: HSTXF) (FSE: RGG1) ("Heliostar" or the "Company") is pleased to announce a warrant exercise incentive program (the "Incentive Program") designed to encourage the early exercise of up to 46,363,630 common share purchase warrants issued on March 16, 2023 (the "Outstanding Warrants").

Pursuant to the Incentive Program, the Company will offer holders of all 46,363,630 Outstanding Warrants the opportunity to exercise each of their Outstanding Warrants between 12:00 a.m. Pacific Standard Time ("PST") on November 17, 2023 and 12:00 p.m. PST on December 8, 2023. In return for the early exercise, each holder will receive one common share in the capital of the Company (each a "Common Share") pursuant to the original warrant terms, plus as an incentive, one-third of one common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, an "Incentive Warrant"). Each Incentive Warrant will allow the holder to acquire one Common Share at an exercise price of $0.40 for a period of two years following the date of the issuance of the Incentive Warrant. A holder may elect to exercise all, none, or a portion of their Outstanding Warrants.

Each Warrant is currently exercisable to purchase one Common Share at $0.30 per Common Share until March 16, 2026. Any Outstanding Warrants remaining un-exercised after 12:00 p.m. PST on December 8, 2023 will remain outstanding and continue to be exercisable pursuant to their existing terms.

Holders of Outstanding Warrants who elect to participate in the Incentive Program will be required to deliver the following to the Company on or prior to 12:00 p.m. PST on December 8, 2023:

a duly completed and executed exercise form, in the form which accompanies the certificate representing the Outstanding Warrants;

the original certificate representing the Outstanding Warrants being exercised; and

the applicable aggregate exercise price ($0.30 per Outstanding Warrant) payable to the Company by way of certified cheque, money order, bank draft, or wire transfer in lawful money of Canada.

The proceeds from the early exercise of the Outstanding Warrants will be used to advance the Company's Ana Paula Project and for general working capital.

The Common Shares issued on exercise of the Outstanding Warrants will not be subject to any hold period. The Incentive Warrants and any Common Shares issued upon the exercise of the Incentive Warrants will be subject to a hold period expiring four months after the date of distribution of the Incentive Warrants.

The Incentive Program is subject to certain conditions, including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary approvals, including the final approval of the TSXV.

About Heliostar Metals Ltd.

Heliostar is a junior mining company with a portfolio of high-grade gold projects in Mexico and Alaska.

The Company is focused on developing the 100% owned Ana Paula Project in Guerrero, Mexico. In addition, Heliostar is working with the Mexican federal and local government to permit the San Antonio Gold Project in Baja Sur, Mexico. The Company continues to explore the Unga Gold Project in Alaska, United States of America.

The Ana Paula Project deposit contains proven and probable mineral reserves of 1,081,000 ounces of gold (630,000 proven and 451,000 probable ounces) at 2.38 grams per tonne ("g/t") gold and 2,547,000 ounces of silver (1,322,000 proven and 1,226,000 probable ounces) at 5.61 g/t silver. Ana Paula hosts measured and indicated resources of 1,468,800 ounces of gold (703,800 measured and 765,000 indicated ounces) at 2.16 g/t gold and 3,600,000 ounces of silver (1,637,000 measured and 1,963,000 indicated ounces) at 5.3 g/t silver. The asset is permitted for open-pit mining and contains significant existing infrastructure including a portal and a 412-metre-long decline.

For additional information, please contact:

Charles Funk

Chief Executive Officer

Heliostar Metals Limited

Email: [email protected]

Rob Grey

Investor Relations Manager

Heliostar Metals Limited

Email: [email protected]

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This press release contains statements which constitute "forwardlooking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forwardlooking information is often identified by the words "may," "would," "could," "should," "will," "intend," "plan," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect" or similar expressions. Readers are cautioned that forwardlooking information is not based on historical facts but instead reflects the Company's management's expectations, estimates or projections concerning the business of the Company's future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forwardlooking information are reasonable, such information involves risks and uncertainties, and undue reliance should not be placed on such information, as unknown or unpredictable factors could have material adverse effects on future results, performance or achievements. Among the key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forwardlooking information are the following: changes in general economic, business and political conditions, including changes in the financial markets; decreases in the prevailing prices for products in the markets that the Company operates in; adverse changes in applicable laws or adverse changes in the application or enforcement of current laws; regulations and enforcement priorities of governmental authorities; compliance with government regulation and related costs; and other risks described in the Prospectus. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forwardlooking 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 forwardlooking information except as otherwise required by applicable law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/187312
HOYA, a leading enterprise in vision care, debuts at 2023 China International Import Expo with full lifecycle eye health management solutions

Shanghai, China--(Newsfile Corp. - November 14, 2023) - The HOYA Corporation (referred to as HOYA), with multiple independent R&D centers around the world, showcased its latest innovative technology and products in Shanghai, China to the world.

HOYA is a global leader in manufacturing high-quality, high-performance optical lenses. Their dedication to advancing vision healthcare worldwide drove them to consistently develop more advanced solutions for eye care professionals and patients globally.

China is a major market for HOYA. With a high national prevalence of myopia, numbering 600 million affected citizens, China faces pressing eye care challenges. At the same time, proper eye health management for China's rapidly growing elderly population is an important priority. Myopia prevention and general eye health have rightly become issues of widespread public concern and attention in China.

Courtesy of HOYA

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Making its debut appearance at the CIIE, HOYA seized the occasion to spotlight its latest innovative achievements. Ms. Menghua Li, Managing Director of HOYA Vision Care China, and Mr. Feng Niu, General Manager of HOYA Commercial, delivered remarks underscoring HOYA's comprehensive solutions for full life cycle eye health management and highlighting HOYA's steadfast commitment to exemplary corporate citizenship and social responsibility nationwide.

Ms. Menghua Li, Managing Director of HOYA Vision Care China. Photo: Courtesy of HOYA

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During the 6th China International Import Expo, HOYA proudly unveiled two of its latest lens products: MiYOSMART Sun and Hoyalux iD MySelf. The MiYOSMART Sun is a revolutionary product designed to manage myopia while simultaneously shielding children's eyes from the deleterious effects of UV damage during outdoor activities., MiYOSMART Sun offers a comprehensive solution, serving as the "sunscreen" for children's eyes while concurrently managing myopia progression.

On the other hand, Hoyalux iD MySelf represents an innovative leap in optical lens customization. This product allows for bespoke options in prescription, frame material, color, and style to ensure the tailored and perfect visual experience and comfort for each individual customer. This product epitomizes HOYA's future-oriented approach to addressing the unique needs of each consumer.

HOYA not only exhibited its full life cycle eye health management solutions at the expo. It also launched a joint research and collaboration initiative with leading hospital Eye & ENT Hospital of Fudan University.

This significant launch ceremony assembled esteemed guests from diverse sectors to delve into the future trends of vision healthcare. It served as a conducive platform for the exchange of knowledge and experiences, fostering an environment that encourages fresh opportunities for innovation and expansion within the industry.

Guests in the photo from left to right: Mr.Feng Niu, General Manager of HOYA Commercial. Mr Jinhai Huang, Researcher and Associate Chief Physician of Eye & ENT Hospital of Fudan University. Ms. Menghua Li, Managing Director of HOYA Vision Care China. Mr. Dongdong Jiang, Secretary of the CPC Putuo District Committee. Mr. Li Xiao, Deputy Director of Putuo District. Mr. Xingtao Zhou, President and Chief Physician of Eye & ENT Hospital of Fudan University. Mr. Jnos Robert FULE, Consulate General of Hungary Shanghai, Diplomat for Culture and Education Affairs. Mr. Kaixin Lin, General Manager of HOYA GeMax Medical. Photo: Courtesy of HOYA

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United by a shared mission to enrich lives through vision, HOYA Vision Care strives to deliver sustainable vision solutions for everyone throughout their entire lifetime. Aligned with this goal, HOYA partners with eye care professionals worldwide, providing optimal products and protocols for excellent patient care. By empowering consumers and enriching offerings, HOYA generates lasting appeal and meaningful impact. With unwavering commitment, HOYA remains dedicated to advancing vision healthcare and improving lives globally.

Contact Info:

Name: Monica Wang

Email: [email protected]

Organization: HOYA Corporation Vision Care

Address: 13F, No. 99, Wuning Road, Shanghai 200063 China

Phone: +86-21-52819663

Website: https://www.hoyavision.com/cn/

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/187316
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 14, 2023) - IAMGOLD Corporation (TSX: IMG) (NYSE: IAG) ("IAMGOLD" or the "Company"), announced today that it has filed, through its wholly-owned subsidiary IAMGOLD France S.A.S. ("IAMGOLD France"), a draft buy-out offer with the Autorit des marches financiers ("AMF") in France to acquire all of the outstanding common shares ("EURO Shares") of EURO Ressources S.A. ("EURO") that IAMGOLD France does not already own for cash consideration of 3.50 per EURO Share (the "Offer Price") to be followed immediately by a squeeze-out under French law (the "Offer").

The Offer Price represents a 6.71% premium based on the closing price of the EURO Shares on the Euronext Paris stock exchange as of 13 November 2023. IAMGOLD France will finance the Offer from existing cash resources.

A draft offer document prepared in accordance with French law disclosing, among other things, the terms of, and proposed timetable for, the Offer will be available on the websites of IAMGOLD (www.iamgold.com) and the AMF (www.amf-france.org), and under EURO's profile on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca). The IAMGOLD website does not constitute a part of, and is not incorporated by reference into, the offer document or any of the other mentioned documents.

IAMGOLD has appointed Natixis as its Financial Advisor, Presenting and Guaranteeing Bank for the Offer. In connection with the Offer, Norton Rose Fulbright LLP is acting as French counsel to IAMGOLD and Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP is acting as Canadian legal counsel to IAMGOLD.

Important Notice

This news release does not constitute and should not be construed as a public offer to buy, or the solicitation of an offer to sell, EURO's securities. Any offer will be made solely by means of the offer document available on the AMF website (www.amf-france.org). It is possible that no public offer for EURO Shares will be made. In accordance with French law, the documentation relating to the Offer which has been filed includes the terms and conditions of the Offer and is subject to review by the AMF. The offer document has not been filed with, or approved or disapproved by, the authorities of any jurisdiction other than France. The Offer will only be opened once the AMF has granted its clearance and a further news release will be issued in this regard.

EURO shareholders are urged to read the offer document because it contains important information about the Offer, EURO and IAMGOLD. EURO shareholders are advised to seek independent advice where appropriate in order to reach a reasoned judgment in respect of the Offer and the content of the offer document. In addition, EURO shareholders may wish to consult with their tax advisors regarding the tax consequences of tendering their EURO securities under the Offer.

The Offer referred to herein will not be made or directed to, nor will deposits of EURO shares be accepted from or on behalf of, shareholders in any jurisdiction in which the making or acceptance of such offer would not be in compliance with the laws of such jurisdiction. Persons obtaining the offer document are required to take due note of, and to observe, all such restrictions and obtain any necessary authorizations, approvals or consents (to the extent applicable). Persons in any doubt as to their eligibility to participate in the Offer should consult their professional advisers immediately. Outside of France, no actions have been taken (nor will actions be taken) to make the Offer possible in any jurisdiction where such actions would be required. Any person (including, without limitation, custodians, nominees and trustees) who forwards or intends to forward the offer document or any related document to any jurisdiction outside France should carefully read the offer document before taking any action. The release, publication or distribution of the offer document and any documentation regarding the Offer or the making of the Offer in jurisdictions other than France may be restricted by law and therefore persons into whose possession the offer document comes should inform themselves about and observe such restrictions.

The Offer will be made in Canada and the United States pursuant to applicable exemptions and in accordance with the applicable requirements in France. Accordingly, the Offer is subject to disclosure and other procedural requirements, including but not limited to offer timetable, settlement procedures and timing of payments, that are different from those in Canada and the United States applicable to tender offers for securities of a reporting issuer.

An early warning report will be filed by IAMGOLD in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws and will be available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca or may be obtained directly from IAMGOLD upon request by contacting IAMGOLD at the contact information set out below.

About Euro Ressources

Euro Ressources is a French mining royalty and streaming company listed on the Euronext Paris stock exchange under the symbol EUR. As of the date of this announcement, IAMGOLD France directly holds 56,242,153 EURO Shares, representing 90% of the share capital and 94.37% of the voting rights of EURO. EURO's main assets are a 10% royalty from IAMGOLD on the Rosebel Gold Mine production (excluding Saramacca) in Suriname (the "Rosebel Royalty"), a silver stream from a subsidiary of Orezone Gold Corporation, a royalty on the Paul Isnard concessions in French Guiana and marketable securities. IAMGOLD makes quarterly royalty payments to EURO under the Rosebel Royalty and receives a 90% share of the annual dividend from EURO, net of income taxes in France and withholding taxes. EURO's head office is located at 23, Rue du Roule, 75001 Paris, France.

About IAMGOLD

IAMGOLD is an intermediate gold producer and developer based in Canada with operating mines in North America and West Africa. IAMGOLD is building the large-scale, long life Cote Gold project in Canada in partnership with Sumitomo Metal Mining Co. Ltd., which is expected to commence production in the first quarter of 2024. In addition, IAMGOLD has an established portfolio of early stage and advanced exploration projects within high potential mining districts in Canada. IAMGOLD employs approximately 3,600 people and is committed to maintaining its culture of accountable mining through high standards of Environmental, Social and Governance ("ESG") practices, including its commitment to Zero Harm, in every aspect of its business. IAMGOLD is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: IAG) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: IMG) and is one of the companies on the Jantzi Social Index ("JSI"), a socially screened market capitalization-weighted consisting of companies which pass a set of broadly based environmental, social and governance rating criteria. IAMGOLD's head office is located at 401 Bay Street, Suite 3200, P.O. Box 153, Toronto, ON, CA, M5H 2Y4.

IAMGOLD Contact Information

Graeme Jennings, Vice President, Investor Relations

Tel: 416 360 4743 | Mobile: 416 388 6883

Toll-free: 1 888 464 9999

[email protected]

All material information on IAMGOLD can be found at www.sedar.com or at www.sec.gov.

Si vous desirez obtenir la version francaise de ce communique, veuillez consulter le www.iamgold.com/French/accueil/default.aspx.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/187258
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 14, 2023) - Kingsview Minerals Ltd . (CSE: KVM) (FSE: 0L4) (the "Company" or "Kingsview") and Erco Holdings Ltd. of Nevada ("Erco") are pleased to announce the signing of a non-binding Letter of Intent ("LOI") for an asset purchase agreement for three saltwater disposal leases in Texas. The proposed transaction will be structured in the most efficient manner to result in the shareholders of Erco, directly or indirectly, holding between 78% to 84% the outstanding securities of Kingsview, dependent upon the amount of a concurrent financing that is completed. The final structure will be subject to satisfactory tax, corporate and securities law advice for both Kingsview and Erco. This transaction is subject to the completion of due diligence, a definitive agreement and any and all required shareholder and regulatory approvals. Following the transaction Kingsview plans to continue trading on the Canadian Securities Exchange ("CSE"). The transaction constitutes a change of business transaction for Kingsview.

The terms of the LOI require Kingsview to approve a change of name, a share consolidation of one new common share for each seven existing common shares, and for Kingsview to have a positive working capital position. Erco is required to provide audited "carve out" financial statements and prospectus-level disclosure required for the updated listing statement.

Concurrent with the completion of the definitive agreement and the 1 for 7 share consolidation, a US$1 million to US$2 million financing at US$0.20 per unit (the "Financing") on a post-consolidation basis. Under the terms of the Financing, each unit will consist of one common share and one common share purchase warrant.

The LOI anticipates there being between 74 million and 79 million proforma common shares issued and outstanding at the time of completing the transaction. The new Board of Directors and Management team of Kingsview will be determined at the time of the signing of the definitive agreement.

About Kingsview Minerals Ltd.

Kingsview is a mineral exploration company focused on its gold and base metal exploration properties, including the flagship 13,056-hectare Echum Project and the 2,239-hectare Hubcap Project, both located in the active Wawa Gold Corridor in Ontario, Canada. The Company's properties are surrounded by advanced infrastructure in a well-developed mining district. Kingsview will draw on its strong technical team with significant exploration success to advance its properties. Learn more: http://www.kingsviewminerals.ca/.

For more information, please contact investor relations at [email protected].

On Behalf of the Board of Directors,

James Macintosh

President and CEO

For more information, contact [email protected]

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its regulation services provider has reviewed or accepted responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions and accordingly, actual results and future events could differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. You are hence cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include words or expressions such as "proposed", "will", "subject to", "near future", "in the event", "would", "expect", "prepared to" and other similar words or expressions. All statements other than statements of present or historical fact are forward-looking statements and include but are not limited to statements regarding the potential that the projects will yield any precious metals in future exploration programs and the Company's ability to advance its properties.

Where the Company expresses or implies an expectation or belief as to future events or results, such expectation or belief is based on assumptions made in good faith and believed to have a reasonable basis. Such assumptions include the Company's ability to implement a drill program on the projects, that the Company will have sufficient funds available to it and that the Company will continue to be able to retain skilled personnel. Factors that could cause future results or events to differ materially from current expectations expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements include general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; the state of capital markets; there being no assurance that any future exploration program on the projects will result in mineral resources; the inability of the Company to raise sufficient funds and/or retain necessary personnel to conduct its operations; the impact on the business, operations and financial condition of the Company resulting from the announcement of the purchase of the projects; the impact that the recovery post COVID-19 may have on precious metals; failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the transaction described in this press release; other unforeseen events, developments, or factors causing any of the aforesaid expectations, assumptions, and other factors ultimately being inaccurate or irrelevant; and any risks associated with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

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 Company's SEDAR profile page at www.sedar.com. The Company disclaims any obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/187241
In its third year, the program honors companies in four categories

Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - November 14, 2023) - Kudos, the company that unlocks employee potential and organizational culture through employee recognition, announced today the 40 companies honored in its third annual Best Culture Awards program. This year's applications were impressive - the 2023 award winners have excelled in fostering outstanding workplace cultures.

The 2023 Best Culture Awards features two new categories: the "Culture of the Year," a special accolade reserved for an organization with an extraordinary culture, and the "Engagement Excellence List," dedicated to organizations that have shown unwavering commitment to driving employee engagement. The awards also celebrate the return of the "Culture Leader" and "Culture Innovator" awards.

This year's winners include exceptional organizations such as Africa's largest mobile network operator, MTN, Make-A-Wish Foundation of America, BetterUp, and Camlin Group, and they represent over ten industries and range in size from SMEs to enterprises.

"I am deeply honored to recognize and celebrate the exceptional organizations that have emerged as our 2023 Best Culture Award winners," said Muni Boga, President and CEO of Kudos. "Their commitment to fostering a culture of recognition, collaboration, and excellence is truly commendable. Congratulations to each winner - your achievements are a testament to the importance of putting people and culture at the forefront of business strategy. Here's to continued success and inspiring others in the years to come!"

For more information about the 2023 Best Culture Awards presented by Kudos, visit https://www.kudos.com/kudos-awards

2023 Culture Leaders:

These Culture Leaders have succeeded in building a strong and distinct workplace culture founded on their organization's mission, vision and values. Their investments in people analytics, strategic employee recognition and culture initiatives have made a quantifiable difference in employee engagement and organizational performance. The 2023 Culture Leaders are:

CAAT Pension Plan

Camlin Group

Clarasys

De Lage Landen Financial Services Canada Inc.

Kanika Hotels and Resorts

MTN Group

Multi Media LLC

Pillar Properties

Rocky Mountain Health Care Services

SCM Insurance Services

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

United Bay Community Credit Union

Uvalde Memorial Hospital

2023 Culture Innovators:

The Culture Innovators have demonstrated an impactful commitment to the employee experience in a unique and modern way. They have fostered a strong and supportive culture through creative efforts and think outside the box to boost engagement, morale and regular recognition. The 2023 Culture Innovators are:

CBRE, Inc. Tenet Healthcare Services

Concepcion Business Services, Inc.

Episource

HID

HUB International Great Plains

HUB International Midwest East

IAT Insurance Group

Lectric eBikes

Liliuokalani Trust

Make-A-Wish Foundation of America

Meals on Wheels America

Neogenomics

Northland Area Federal Credit Union

Oliver+

Orion Lending

Penn-Mar Human Services

Progressive Computing Inc

Relatient

Rock Valley Credit Union

2023 Engagement Excellence Up-and-Comers:

The Engagement Excellence List celebrates organizations making strides in employee engagement, as demonstrated by rising levels of employee satisfaction and positive workplace culture metrics. The Engagement Excellence winners are committed to building their employee experience and have up-and-coming cultures to watch! The 2023 Engagement Excellence winners are:

BetterUp

Kaseya

Hudson Valley Credit Union

MarketStar

William Osler Health System

2023 Culture of Year:

The Culture of the Year Award is presented to an organization that showcases a steadfast commitment to exemplary workplace culture and has made remarkable advancements in the past year toward cultivating a world-class work environment. In reviewing this year's applications, our selection committee unanimously agreed that two organizations deserve this accolade for 2023.

This 2023 Culture of Year Award honorees are:

WilsonHCG

Oregon Community Credit Union

Both WilsonHCG and OCCU have been recognized as winners for their exceptional commitment to creating workplace environments that not only drive employee engagement and satisfaction but also align closely with their core values, resulting in thriving, inclusive, and productive cultures.

WilsonHCG's culture thrives on innovation, feedback, and ownership, with a comprehensive engagement strategy that leverages employee recognition, CSR activities, and several employee-driven programs.

OCCU stands out for its holistic approach to employee engagement, blending its "people helping people" philosophy with actionable strategies that prioritize well-being, resulting in impressive retention and satisfaction scores.

About Kudos

Kudos is an employee engagement, culture and analytics platform that harnesses the power of peer-to-peer recognition, values reinforcement and open communication to help organizations boost employee engagement, reduce turnover, improve culture and drive productivity and performance. Kudos uses unique proprietary methodologies to deliver essential people analytics on culture, performance, equity, and inclusion, which provide organizations with deep insights and a clear understanding of their workforce. Based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, the Kudos platform is used in over 80 countries on six continents in a wide variety of industries and languages.

For further information: Margaux Morgante, [email protected]

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/187018
New Google Maps Ranking service allows local businesses to improve their local visibility, announces LinkDaddy.

Miami, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - November 14, 2023) - LinkDaddy is announcing a new Google Maps Ranking service designed to leverage niche-relevant content to allow local businesses to improve their local presence.

More details can be found at https://www.linkdaddy.shop/google-maps-ranking

LinkDaddy Announces Google Maps Ranking With Niche-Relevant Content Service

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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The announcement sees the agency bring an effective way for local businesses across sectors to rank on Google Maps - currently the world's favorite navigation platforms, according to recent studies.

LinkDaddy's new Google Maps Ranking service is designed to provide a flexible solution for businesses looking to improve their visibility in a particular city. The solution uses Google's share link and iframe code to create a more impactful online presence. By embedding a business's "Google My Business" (GMB) listing in quality, niche-relevant articles published on authoritatives sites, LinkDaddy significantly improves a client's Google Maps visibility.

To ensure efficiency, the Google Maps Ranking service uses 4G mobile proxies to simulate local city searches for a business's GMB listing, using specified keywords relevant to that city. This simulation allows the company to mimic real-world search patterns and fine-tune the content strategy to improve the business's ranking on Google Maps for its targeted areas.

At the cornerstone of LinkDaddy's Google Maps Ranking service is a focus on relevancy and local engagement. Targeting specific cities and leveraging niche-relevant content allows businesses to become visible to their desired audiences - an essential asset in a world increasingly dominated by mobile search.

The solution has been tweaked to ensure optimal performance by considering all the factors used to determine Google Maps visibility, explains LinkDaddy.

"There are several factors that can influence your ranking on Google Maps, including the number and quality of reviews you have, and the distance of your business from the user's location," said LinkDaddy founder and SEO expert Tony Peacock. "With LinkDaddy's Google Maps Ranking service, we can help your local business rank higher on Google Maps by creating niche-relevant backlinks and embedding the Google Map in niche-relevant blog posts. We can also run CTR to the Google Maps to simulate local searches from within a 3-5 mile radius. Overall, by working with LinkDaddy, you can improve your visibility on Google Maps and attract more customers to your local business."

Interested parties can find more information at https://www.linkdaddy.shop/google-maps-ranking

Contact Info:

Name: Tony Peacock

Email: [email protected]

Organization: LinkDaddy

Address: 1065 SW 8th St PMB 622, Miami, Florida 33130, United States

Website: https://linkdaddy.shop

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/187304
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 14, 2023) - Pacific Ridge Exploration Ltd. (TSXV: PEX) (OTCQB: PEXZF) (FSE: PQWN) ("Pacific Ridge" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has almost doubled the size of the Kliyul copper-gold project ("Kliyul" or the "Project") from approximately 52 km2 to approximately 92 km2. The new mineral claims ("Claims") are contiguous and adjoin the western and southern side of Kliyul (see Figure 1). The Project is located in the prolific Quesnel Terrane in northcentral British Columbia close to existing infrastructure (see Figure 2).

Highlights

Size: Kliyul has almost doubled in size from approximately 52 km 2 to approximately 92 km 2 and now comprises 83 contiguous mineral claims.

Targets: The Claims cover a gossanous target area with a coincident 750 x 500 m aeromagnetic high anomaly located 2.5 km south of the Kliyul Main Zone ("KMZ") as well as other targets farther west.

Logistics: The southeasternmost mineral claim connects to the Omineca Road via forest service roads.

Exploration: Pacific Ridge plans to undertake a ZTEM airborne geophysical survey over Kliyul in 2024 to better assess the Claims and to further enhance drill targeting at KMZ.

"Acquiring these Claims was important for several reasons," said Blaine Monaghan, President & CEO of Pacific Ridge. "Yes, we have almost doubled the size of Kliyul but, more importantly, the Claims contain a number of underexplored porphyry targets, and the southeasternmost mineral claim connects to the Omineca Road via forest service roads. This provides us with additional or alternative logistical options for the Project."

Discussion of Claims

In June 2023, a sale-and-purchase agreement was completed for a single 160.63-hectare mineral claim located on the west side of Kliyul, south of Goldway Peak. Several polymetallic base and precious metal vein and gold quartz vein showings have been recorded in the British Columbia Mineral Inventory (MINFILE) near this mineral claim.

Subsequently, in August 2023, an additional sale-and-purchase agreement was completed for five Claims totaling 4,074.77 hectares on the west and south sides of the Project. The Claims include a gossanous target zone and a 750 x 500 m aeromagnetic anomaly located 2.5 km south of KMZ. This new target area lies within an 8-km-long east-west to west-southwest linear cross trend of interest and is subparallel to the Valley Fault Trend. Furthermore, there is a pronounced 6-km-long geophysical linear, trending northwest-southeast to north-south in the Dortatelle Fault area, with spatially related aeromagnetic anomalies of interest, coincident Late Triassic quartz diorite plutons (similar type intrusions as associated with KMZ) mapped by the BC Geological Survey and Development Branch in 2003-2004, and a 2 x 1 km area of anomalous gold-in soils (> 100 ppb) that was delineated by Hemlo Gold Mines Inc in 1995 (BC Assessment Report 24073). The southeasternmost mineral claim connects to the Omineca Road via forest service roads and could provide additional or alternative logistical options for Kliyul.

Pacific Ridge plans to undertake a ZTEM airborne geophysical survey over Kliyul in 2024 to better assess the Claims and to further enhance drill targeting at KMZ.





Figure 1

Kliyul Property Boundary



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5460/187295_39d7f04384dc3a50_001full.jpg







Figure 2

Location of Kliyul



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5460/187295_39d7f04384dc3a50_002full.jpg



About Kliyul

Owned 100% by Pacific Ridge, the Kliyul copper-gold project ("Kliyul" or the "Project") is over 90 km2 in size and is located in the prolific Quesnel Terrane close to existing infrastructure. Kliyul hosts a number of compelling exploration targets, including the Kliyul Main Zone ("KMZ") which has been the Company's focus since acquiring the Project in 2020. Since then, Pacific Ridge has completed more than 17,500 m of diamond drilling and has expanded the known extents of KMZ mineralization to 630 m east-west, up to 600 m north-south, and up to 600 m vertical depth. KMZ remains open in every direction.

About Pacific Ridge

Our goal is to become British Columbia's leading copper-gold exploration company. Pacific Ridge's flagship asset is its 100% owned Kliyul copper-gold project, located in the Quesnel Terrane close to existing infrastructure. In addition to Kliyul, the Company's project portfolio includes the RDP copper-gold project (optioned to Antofagasta Minerals S.A.), the Chuchi copper-gold project, the Onjo copper-gold project, and the Redton copper-gold project, all located in British Columbia. Pacific Ridge would like to acknowledge that its B.C. projects are located in the traditional, ancestral and unceded territories of the Gitxsan Nation, McLeod Lake Indian Band, Nak'azdli Whut'en, Takla Nation, and Tsay Keh Dene Nation.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

"Blaine Monaghan"

Blaine Monaghan

President & CEO

Pacific Ridge Exploration Ltd.

Corporate Contact:

Blaine Monaghan

President & CEO

Tel: (604) 687-4951

www.pacificridgeexploration.com

https://www.linkedin.com/company/pacific-ridge-exploration-ltd-pex-

https://twitter.com/PacRidge_PEX

Investor Contact:

G2 Consultants Corp.

Telephone: +1 778-678-9050

Email: [email protected]

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

The technical information contained within this News Release has been reviewed and approved by Gerald G. Carlson, Ph.D., P.Eng., Executive Chairman of Pacific Ridge and Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 policy.

Forward-Looking Information: This release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, which address exploration drilling and other activities and events or developments that Pacific Ridge Exploration Ltd. ("Pacific Ridge") expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements in this release include plans to undertake a ZTEM airborne geophysical survey over Kliyul in 2024. Although Pacific Ridge believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploration successes, and continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. These statements are based on a number of assumptions including, among other things, assumptions regarding general business and economic conditions, that one of the options will be exercised, the ability of Pacific Ridge and other parties to satisfy stock exchange and other regulatory requirements in a timely manner, the availability of financing for Pacific Ridge's proposed programs on reasonable terms, and the ability of third party service providers to deliver services in a timely manner. 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. Pacific Ridge does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/187295
Egypts first site museum is to reopen soon as part of a larger project to enhance the tourist experience at the Saqqara Necropolis outside Cairo, reports Nevine El-Aref

Nestled in the desert southwest of Cairo and one of UN cultural agency UNESCOs World Heritage Sites, the Saqqara Necropolis stands as a testament to the grandeur of ancient Egypt.

With its rich history and archaeological significance as the home of the oldest stone building in the world, the Step Pyramid of Djoser, and its enormous ancient burials including other smaller pyramids, tombs, and funerary complexes, the site has long captivated the imaginations of visitors from around the globe.

Recent enhancements to the Saqqara Necropolis aim to provide visitors with an even more impressive and enriching experience, unlocking the mysteries of this ancient burial ground.

The project bears witness to the keenness of the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities to improve the quality of services provided to visitors to the area, one of the most important touristic destinations in the world, said Mustafa Waziri, secretary-general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA).

He added that the site entrance has been developed and the ticket office refurbished. Electronic gates have been installed along with information about the site and its monuments, a map showing directions, and the site visitor route. Signage has been installed at the foot of every monument showing information about it, its history, and its restoration work.

A visitor path has been created and slopes and pathways made for visitors with disabilities. New lighting and security systems connected to a control room have been installed. Sunshades, seats, and recycle bins are also provided on site.

Our main objective from the moment we embarked on the project has been to upgrade the services provided at the Saqqara Necropolis such that they do justice to the greatness of ancient Egyptian civilisation and the magnificence of this historical site, while at the same time preserving the area from pollution and creating a fascinating experience for visitors, Waziri said.

Egypts first site museum, the Imhotep Museum built at the necropolis in commemoration of the ancient Egyptian architect Imhotep and French Egyptologist Jean-Philippe Lauer, has also been renovated and is due to reopen soon.

Assistant Minister of Tourism and Antiquities for Archaeological Projects Hisham Samir, also supervisor of the ministrys projects sector, said that the development at the museum had included replacing damaged stone flooring and upgrading the surrounding walls.

The irrigation of the visitor path area has also been improved, and restrooms and visitor routes have been upgraded. The administrative building for SCA employees and a residential complex for archaeological missions have also been renovated.

Moemen Othman, head of the Museums Sector at the ministry, said that the finishing of the exhibition halls in the museum had been completed, along with new showcases to host the treasured collections. Special panoramic lighting for the overall site has been installed, and the exhibited archaeological pieces, security and surveillance systems, building facade, and central air-conditioning units have all been upgraded.

Services for visitors have been improved by adding information signs and interactive display screens showing videos and photographs about some of the archaeological discoveries made at the Saqqara Necropolis.

Facilities have been provided for visitors with disabilities, including dedicated restrooms and pathways. Cafeterias and bazaars have been added to the site to enhance the visitor experience in line with the importance of the museum and the archaeological site as a whole.

S

ITE MUSEUM: The museum complex, with its gleaming white marble facade, stands at the foot of the Saqqara archaeological site waiting for visitors.

It has six galleries telling the story of the Saqqara Necropolis, the intricacies of Imhoteps architectural style, and Lauers devotion to the restoration of the Step Pyramid. On entering the main gallery, visitors find the solid base of a statue of the Third Dynasty King Djoser on which are inscribed the name and titles of Imhotep.

Four graphics show different styles of architecture before and after Imhoteps time, along with panels on Lauer and Djoser.

The second gallery displays masterpieces unearthed at Saqqara by various archaeological missions over the last century. Among them is a collection of clay and alabaster vessels in various shapes, statues of deities, an anthropoid painted coffin cased with gold, as well as medical instruments from the tomb of Qar the physician, a Late Period statue of King Psammatik, two funerary stelae, one of which bears the name of the Pharaoh Necho, and a large collection from the Aperia tomb.

The third gallery, entitled Saqqara Style, displays the various styles of art found in Saqqara in an exhibition of vessels, stelae, statues, instruments and tools used by the ancient Egyptians to build their colossal monuments.

Visitors then go through to the largest gallery, conceived to exhibit examples of Imhoteps distinguished architectural style. It contains elements from the Step Pyramid including columns, blue-tiled walls, a panel of cobra decorations, a headless statue of Djoser, and the so-called Snake Pillar from the burial complex. The masterpiece of this gallery is a small bronze statue showing Imhotep seated and holding a papyrus stem.

To give visitors an idea of a typical Saqqara tomb, a tomb with a sarcophagus, boat and some funerary collection is exposed in situ. Objects featuring various schools of funerary art can also be seen.

The final gallery is dedicated to Lauer. On show are some of his excavation tools, and his hat, safari suit, camera and compass. On the walls are photographs of Lauer working on the site or guiding heads of state on official visits to Saqqara.

Precious artefacts have also been transferred from their cramped, musty mud-brick magazines to two enormous state-of-the-art storehouses behind the museum.

The idea of the Saqqara Museum emerged in 1990 as a way of offering a new perspective on site museums and to set an example for others planned by the SCA at other archaeological sites in Egypt. Such museums also offer highly efficient storage space, replacing the earlier haphazard storehouses which were regularly subject to theft. The artefacts are housed in a suitable atmosphere to prevent deterioration.

Since site museums are ideally suited to preserving and protecting Egypts treasures, as well as adding new tourist attractions to famous sites, the Saqqara Museum was the first in the series. However, for technical and financial reasons, as well as for reasons having to do with landscaping and site-protection, the construction of the museum was put on hold.

The project was kept under wraps until 1997, when construction began. The building was completed in 2003, and suitable objects were brought for display from archaeological storehouses at Saqqara and Abusir.

Mahmoud Mabrouk, minister of tourism and antiquities advisor for exhibition scenarios, said that Imhotep, the brilliant architect of the Step Pyramid of Djoser, should be universally remembered.

He is the one who transformed the construction of the kings tomb from a mastaba to a pyramid and for the first time used stone in the construction, Mabrouk said. The Step Pyramid is the first large-scale structure to be built of stone in the world.

A commoner by birth, Imhoteps intelligence and determination enabled him to rise through the ranks to become one of the kings most trusted advisers. He eventually held the offices of high priest of Heliopolis and Lector priest, making him a very powerful and influential man whose name was given the honour of being inscribed on the base of one of Djosers statues.

* A version of this article appears in print in the 16 November, 2023 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly

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Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 14, 2023) - Sego Resources Inc. (TSXV: SGZ) ("Sego" or "the Company") - Sego is proposing to raise up to a total of $500,000 by way of a non-brokered private placement of critical minerals flow-through units at $0.04 per unit and non-flow-through units at $0.02 per unit.

The offering will consist of up to 10,000,000 critical minerals flow-through units ("FTU") at $0.04 per unit for gross proceeds of up to $400,000 and up to 5,000,000 non-flow-through units ("NFTU") at $0.02 per unit for gross proceeds of up to $100,000. The flow-through units and non-flow-through units may vary in totals depending on demand. The total of the financing is expected to be $500,000.

Each FTU will consist of one flow-through common share and one common share purchase warrant. Each warrant will entitle the holder to purchase an additional common share at $0.08 for two years from closing of the private placement. Each NFTU will consist of one common share and one common share purchase warrant. Each warrant will entitle the holder to purchase an additional common share at $0.05 for two years from the closing of the private placement.

The placement may close in several tranches and insiders may participate in the private placement. The flow-through proceeds will be expended on continued exploration on the Company's Miner Mountain Copper-Gold Alkalic Porphyry project, near Princeton, BC. The non-flow-through proceeds will be used for working capital and general corporate purposes.

Finder's fees may be payable on all or a portion of the offering and will consist of a cash fee of 7% and a broker's warrant where applicable, which will entitle the holder to subscribe for one common share for two years from the closing date of the offering at $0.08 per share.

This offering will be subject to the completion of formal documentation, receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, including the TSX Venture Exchange and other customary conditions. All of the securities sold pursuant to the offering will be subject to a four-month hold period from the date of closing.

The Company also plans to utilize British Columbia Instrument 45-536 which opens private placements to non-accredited investors provided the purchaser has obtained advice regarding the suitability of the investment and that advice has been obtained from a person that is registered as an investment dealer in the jurisdiction. Completion of the private placement is subject to the TSX Venture Exchange approval.

There is no minimum offering size for the private placement and the maximum number of units proposed to be issued is 15,000,000 units for gross proceeds of $500,000. The Company fully expects to spend the funds as stated; there may be circumstances, for sound business reasons, where a reallocation of funds may be necessary.

The gross proceeds from the FT offering will be used for Canadian exploration expenses as such term is defined in Paragraph (f) of the definition of Canadian exploration expense in Subsection 66.1(6) of the tax act, flow-through mining expenditures as defined in Subsection 127(9) of the tax act that will qualify as flow-through mining expenditures, and B.C. flow-through mining expenditures as defined in Subsection 4.721(1) of the Income Tax Act (British Columbia), which will be incurred on or before Dec. 31, 2024, and renounced with an effective date no later than Dec. 31, 2023. British Columbia super flow -- the British Columbia mining flow-through share (B.C. MFTS) tax credit allows B.C. residents who invest in flow-through shares to claim a provincial non-refundable tax credit of 20 per cent of their B.C. flow-through mining expenditures. B.C. flow-through mining expenditures are specific exploration expenses incurred by a PBC (public business corporation) and renounced by a corporation issuing the flow-through shares.

There is no material change about the issuer that has not been generally disclosed.

For further information please contact:

J. Paul Stevenson, CEO (604) 682-2933

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. No regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained in this news release.

This release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements." All statements in this release, other than statement of historical facts that address future production, reserve potential, exploration drilling, exploitation activities and events or developments that the Company expects re forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploitation and exploration successes, continued availability of capital and financing, general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and those actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/187337
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 14, 2023) - Trojan Gold Inc. (CSE: TGII) (the "Company" or "Trojan") wishes to announce that it has entered into an agreement with Jon Li, the Chief Financial Officer of the Company, to issue 100,000 common shares in the capital of the Issuer (the "Shares") to Mr. Li in exchange for outstanding accounts payable totaling $5,000.00. It is anticipated that the Shares will be issued at a price per Share of $0.05, in accordance with the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange.

The Shares will be subject to a four-month and one-day hold period.

The issuance of the Shares to Mr. Li constitutes a "related party transaction" as such term is defined by Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company expects to rely on the exemptions from the valuation and minority approval requirements for related party transactions in connection with the issuance of the Shares that are set out in sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 as neither the fair market value (as determined under MI 61-101) of the subject matter of, nor the fair market value of the consideration for, the issuance of the Shares, exceeds 25% of the Company's market capitalization (as determined under MI 61-101).

About Trojan Gold Inc.

Trojan is an active Ontario-based prospect generator junior exploration company, led by a team of professionals having exploration, engineering, project financing and permitting experience. Trojan has accumulated land positions in the Hemlo Gold Camp and Shebandowan Greenstone Belt which in management's view represent mineral exploration potential. For further information on the Company, please visit www.trojangold.com. Trojan is listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol (CSE: TGII), on the OTC Pink Market under the ticker symbol TRJGF and on the Frankfurt Exchange under the symbol KC1.

For further information, please contact:

Charles J. Elbourne, President & CEO

Trojan Gold Inc.

82 Richmond St. East, Suite 401

Toronto, Ontario M5C 1P1

Telephone: 416-315-6490

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.trojangold.com

Further Information

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities, in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements contained herein that are not clearly historical in nature may constitute forward-looking information. In some cases, forward-looking information can be identified by words or phrases such as "may", "will", "expect", "likely", "should", "would", "plan", "anticipate", "intend", "potential", "proposed", "estimate", "believe" or the negative of these terms, or other similar words, expressions, and grammatical variations thereof, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" happen, or by discussions of strategy. Forward-looking information contained in this press release includes, but is not limited to, statements relating to the number and pricing of common shares that the Company expects to issue.

Where the Company expresses or implies an expectation or belief as to future events or results, such expectation or belief is based on assumptions made in good faith and believed to have a reasonable basis. Such assumptions include, without limitation, that the Company will receive all necessary approvals required in order to complete the issuance of common shares described in in this press release.

However, forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors, which could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed, projected, or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks include, but are not limited to, the risk that the Company will not be able to proceed with the issuance of common shares on the terms described in this press release or at all due to not having received all necessary approvals or for other reasons beyond the Company's control.

Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements and the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained herein are made as at the date hereof and are based on the beliefs, estimates, expectations, and opinions of management on such date. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or revise any such forward-looking statements or any forward-looking statements contained in any other documents whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and such forward-looking information, except as required under applicable securities law. Readers are cautioned to consider these and other factors, uncertainties, and potential events carefully and not to put undue reliance on forward-looking information.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/187391
Discovery Drilling Planned Prior to Year-End

Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 14, 2023) - Volta Metals Ltd. (CSE: VLTA) ("Volta" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on exploration activities at its Falcon West Lithium Property (the "Property"), where recent mechanized stripping has significantly extended the size of all identified lithium pegmatites (Table 1).

Mechanized stripping of the overburden around the pegmatite outcrops has defined a mineralized pegmatite fairway over 300m by 500m, which remains open for expansion (Figure 1). Mapping and further channel sampling have been completed at all five spodumene-bearing pegmatites discovered to date in preparation for initial drill testing.

Table 1. Outcrop dimensions after mechanized stripping

Pegmatite

Outcrop Length (m) Width (m) Channel sample mean*

Li 2 O% AM 40m 10m (Up to 20m) 1.28% CDC 14m 8m (Up to 10m) 1.20% Falcon West North 15m 5m (Tabular) 1.47% Falcon West South 18m 10m (Up to 16m) 1.59% JT 24m 5m (Tabular) 1.21%

*: See news releases dated October 3, 2023 and October 23, 2023

The expansion of the outcrops confirms the homogeneous spodumene crystal distribution with spodumene sizes up to 60cm. A comparison of the modal estimates of spodumene content within each pegmatite is shown in Table 2.

Table 2. Spodumene (high-grade hard rock lithium mineral) content in each pegmatite

Pegmatite

Outcrop Spodumene (high-grade hard rock lithium mineral)

content** % AM 60% CDC 40% Falcon West North 50% Falcon West South 60% JT 30%

**: Visual observation by the Company's QP

The largest surface expression is at the most geochemically evolved AM pegmatite, which is characterized by homogeneous, large spodumene crystals with tabular shapes, confirming the albite-spodumene type mineralization (see the comments by the Company's technical director, Dr. Fred Breaks, in the news release dated October 3, 2023). A good example of albite-spodumene-type mineralization is the Kings Mountain Lithium Project in North Carolina, owned by Albemarle Corporation.

The initial drill program is anticipated to commence in late November to test the orientation, size, and structural controls of these Lithium-Cesium-Tantalum ("LCT") pegmatites.

Figure 1. Regional location and claim boundaries for the Falcon West Lithium Property

(along with the Crescent Lake and Junior Lake properties).



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9598/187256_6cacf8e8546f5a6d_001full.jpg

The Company's technical director, Dr. Fred Breaks, commented, "We look forward to the initial drilling program, as this work will aid in developing a structural model for spodumene pegmatite distribution and will also allow us to examine chemical and mineralogical variation with depth. The spacing of five spodumene pegmatite bodies is between 30m and 90m, so it is entirely possible that some of these pegmatites are connected at depth."

Volta's President and CEO, Kerem Usenmez, P.Eng., commented, "The expansion of the surface expression of each LCT pegmatite on the Falcon West Property confirms the potential of this project. We look forward to the commencement of maiden drilling to test these at depth in the coming weeks."

Figure 2. Large spodumene crystals in the AM pegmatite



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9598/187256_6cacf8e8546f5a6d_002full.jpg

Share Issuance

Pursuant to the terms of the White Lights option agreement, Volta issued 227,273 common shares as part of the commitment to earn a 100% interest on the White Lights property. The common shares were issued at a deemed issue price of $0.11 per common share for a total value of $25,000. The common shares will be subject to a hold period of four months and one day from their date of issuance.

Qualified Person

The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Andrew Tims, P.Geo., who is an independent Qualified Person ("QP") as defined in National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. The QP and the Company have not completed sufficient work to verify the historical information on the Properties, particularly regarding historical exploration, neighbouring companies, and government geological work.

For more information about the Company, view Volta's website at www.voltametals.ca.

ABOUT VOLTA METALS LTD.

Volta Metals Ltd. (CSE: VLTA) is a mineral exploration company focused on lithium, cesium, and tantalum and is based in Toronto, Ontario. It has optioned and is currently exploring a critical minerals portfolio of lithium, cesium, and tantalum projects in northwestern Ontario, which is considered to be one of the most prolific, emerging hard-rock lithium districts in the world. To find out more about Volta and its flagship Falcon West Lithium Project, please visit www.voltametals.ca.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

For further information, contact:

Kerem Usenmez, President & CEO

Tel: 416.919.9060

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.voltametals.ca

Neither the CSE nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to product development, plans, strategies, and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "will", "may", "should", "anticipate", "expects" and similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this news release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, including the Company's planned exploration activities and the Company's aim to prevent and minimize impacts on the First Nations through a variety of mitigation measures and offsetting benefits. 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. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include: the risks detailed from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators; the fact that Volta's interests in the Property are options only and there are no guarantee that such interest, if earned, will be certain; the future prices and demand for lithium; and delays or the inability of the Company to obtain any necessary approvals, permits and authorizations required to carry out its business plans. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking statements may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release, 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, other than as required by law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/187256
Halifax, Nova Scotia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 14, 2023) - Zephyr Minerals Ltd. (TSXV: ZFR) ("Zephyr" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on exploration progress on its three gold properties, MC, MC-2 and Nyanga North in Zimbabwe. Geological mapping has been completed at MC and MC-2 properties and excavator trenching is underway on promising targets. The MC and MC-2 properties are approximately 2 kilometers apart and occur on the same east-west trending belt of greenstones (mafic rocks). Gold mineralization at both properties is hosted in quartz veins, stockworks and in some instances, in adjacent wall rocks. The MC-2 property, in addition to gold, also hosts high grade lead mineralization (galena), and silver at one of the sites examined. The lead-silver mineralization was not previously documented and as such is a new discovery which enhances the exploration potential at MC-2.

At MC gold grades of 3 to 6 g/t in grab samples are common where sheared greenstones with quartz veining are found to occur. Of particular interest is a shear zone mapped on the western side of the property where a grab sample from an in-situ quartz vein assayed 4.6 g/t gold and a wall rock grab sample from the greenstone waste pile assayed 5.8 g/t gold. Widths of the gold mineralized zones are unknown at this time due to extensive overburden.

There are two main targets currently defined on the MC-2 property. The first is the "Main Reef" shear where a near vertical, 1 to 1.5 meters wide quartz vein with galena and arseno-pyrite within altered wall rock which is also gold mineralized. Grab samples from the in-situ quartz-galena vein assayed up to 13.3 g/t gold, 176 g/t silver, 14.5% lead and 0.14% copper. The second target is a series of shallow westward dipping quartz veins approximately 100 meters west of the Main Reef. Although the quartz veins are generally less than a meter thick, grab samples have demonstrated that they can be quite high grade with gold assays up to 36 g/t. The MC and MC-2 properties are currently being mined for gold on a small scale by pits generally less than 10 meters deep.

Excavator trenching and drill pad construction is ongoing at both MC and MC-2 properties in preparation for the scheduled diamond drilling of the selected drill targets. Diamond drilling should enable the exploration team to expose a full stratigraphic section of the greenstone host rocks, and determine true widths of the gold mineralized quartz veins and shear zones as well as information pertinent to the character and distribution of the gold mineralization. Diamond drilling on MC-2 is planned for mid-November to be followed by drilling on MC subject to trenching results.

The Company has completed Ground Magnetics and Induced Polarization (IP) surveys at its Nyanga North property. Results demonstrate that there are 3 shear zones trending east west across the property of which one, the 'Main Shear,' has had historical eluvial gold mining on a steep hillside 400 meters to the west. Soil sampling on the property along the Main Shear has returned analyses up to 0.64 g/t gold in the coarse fraction (up to 1000 microns) of the soils and up to 140 ppb gold in the fraction finer than 125 microns. The next exploration program for this property will entail trenching, mapping and sampling across the 40 meter section encompassing the Main Shear.

Loren Komperdo, President and CEO stated, "The MC and MC-2 properties have many of the same geological characteristics as the Red Lake camp in Northern Ontario, although recent geological work has shown that the alteration looks simpler at MC and MC-2 than the Red Lake camp in Canada. Drilling selected targets below the weathered zone will give more insight into the size potential of the gold zones currently being mined by the small scale miners. To the best of our knowledge these will be the first drill holes to be drilled on these high potential properties. The Nyanga North trenching program should ascertain whether the Main Shear hosts gold mineralization of potential economic interest, and if so, justify a subsequent follow up exploration program including diamond drilling."

Further details of the exploration activity will be provided as the program develops. For additional information on MC, MC-2 and Nyanga, see Company news releases of January 12, 2023, April 20, 2023, and December 21, 2021, respectively.

Mr. Samuel Chimombe, P.Geo., an independent consultant to the Company and a Qualified Person as the term is defined under National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this news release.

About Zephyr Minerals Ltd.

Zephyr Minerals Ltd. is conducting ongoing evaluations of gold properties for potential acquisition and/or joint venture throughout Zimbabwe. The Company is concentrating on projects with obvious gold potential as demonstrated through active, shallow, small scale mining operations or previous exploration work and favorable geology. In addition, the property should be of sufficient areal extent to host a target potential of at least one million ounces of gold. To this extent, the Company has signed multiple property joint venture agreements and has applied for two Exclusive Prospecting Orders covering 124,000 hectares. The Company is also actively reviewing lithium opportunities generated through in house research and property submittals by third parties. Zimbabwe boasts favorable foreign ownership rules for mineral properties as well as prospective, underexplored Archean greenstone belts.

In Colorado Zephyr has been focused on mine permitting activities at its 100% owned Dawson gold property, which is presently in hiatus pending the collection and submission of additional water well data and satisfying certain other environmental related requirements. The additional required water wells are still in the planning stage and will be drilled once available funds are in hand. Upon collection of the additional data the Company plans to reapply for a mining permit at Dawson.

For further information please contact:

Loren Komperdo, President & CEO

or

Will Felderhof, Executive Chairman

T: 902 706-0222

[email protected]

To be included in the Zephyr email database for Company updates please contact [email protected].

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. The forward-looking statements contained in this document are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the Company. The forward-looking statements contained in this document are made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. 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/187322
Paid press release content from The Financial Capital. The StreetInsider.com news staff was not involved in its creation.

Your WP Guy, a leading WordPress support company, has expanded into Orlando, FL with a new office location now open. The Orlando office provides WordPress maintenance and website support services. Company founder Jonathan Wofford chose Orlando to kickstart national expansion plans, citing its business community.



"Your WP Guy", a leading provider of WordPress maintenance and website support services founded by Jonathan Wofford, has expanded with a new office in Orlando, Florida. The Orlando location officially opened its doors this month and currently has two employees on staff, providing the company's signature set of offerings to clients in the region.

Services provided out of the new Orlando office include WordPress maintenance plans to keep websites updated, secure, and performing optimally as well as ongoing website support for any issues that arise. These offerings mirror the services provided at "Your WP Guy's" original location that has served clients throughout the state.

"We are looking to start expanding our footprint nationally, and I love the Orlando area, so it only made sense. If nothing else, it gives me a reason to be closer to all of the theme parks," said founder Jonathan Wofford.

The company selected Orlando for its expansion plans due to the talent pool, business community, and thriving tech community in the region. "Your WP Guy" also has plans to further expand in the coming months with a third office in Clearwater, Florida.

Headquartered in Atlanta, Ga, "Your WP Guy" was founded in 2016. The company's mission is to provide reliable, proactive WordPress support to help businesses and organizations keep their websites running smoothly. Serving clients across the United States with a mission to provide reliable, affordable website care to keep businesses running smoothly online.

With a team of WordPress experts on staff, "Your WP Guy" offers maintenance plans that include daily backups, security monitoring, updates, fixes, and more. Additional services include custom theme building, e-commerce support, and advanced troubleshooting.

"Your WP Guy" takes a proactive approach to protect against vulnerabilities, keep sites updated, and avoid costly downtime. This has led to strong retention and satisfaction rates from the company's clients, which include notable brands across diverse industries.

For more information on "Your WP Guy" and their newest Orlando location, visit https://ishouldbeyourwpguy.com/wordpress-maintenance-plan/ or call 407-942-2127.

Contact Info:

Name: Jonathan Wofford

Email: Send Email

Organization: Your WP Guy

Address: 2302 Parklake Dr NE Suite 675, Atlanta, Georgia 30345, United States

Website: https://ishouldbeyourwpguy.com



Release ID: 89111242

In case of identifying any errors, concerns, or inconsistencies within the content shared in this press release that necessitate action or if you require assistance with a press release takedown, we strongly urge you to notify us promptly by contacting [email protected]. Our expert team is committed to addressing your concerns within 8 hours by taking necessary actions diligently to rectify any identified issues or supporting you with the removal process. Delivering accurate and reliable information remains our top priority.
New Solution to Opioid Crisis

Personalized Medication Management

Enhanced Safety Measures

MIAMI , Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- PreCheck Health Services, Inc., is pleased to unveil the PharmacoCheck+ testing, a groundbreaking solution that is set to revolutionize pain medication management amidst the ongoing opioid crisis. This development aims to provide a comprehensive approach to medication prescriptions, ensuring a safer and more tailored approach for patients struggling with chronic pain management.

Empowering Precision Medicine for Pain Management

The opioid crisis has become a critical concern, with patients relying on pain medication facing heightened risks of addiction and other associated health challenges. As the need for stricter regulations on providers and pharmacies intensifies, PreCheck Health Services, Inc. is unveiled PharmacoCheck+, solution that incorporates pharmacogenomics (PGx) to establish a genetic baseline for effective pain management. This approach is poised to provide a significant breakthrough in tackling the challenges posed by the opioid crisis, ensuring a more personalized and secure method of prescribing pain medications.

With PharmacoCheck+, the company has achieved a milestone that reinforces its commitment to addressing critical healthcare challenges and promoting the well-being of patients across the nation.

Revolutionizing Pain Medication Management: Key Features of PharmacoCheck+

Personalized Medication Prescriptions: Utilizing advanced genetic analysis, PharmacoCheck+ enables physicians to tailor pain medication prescriptions based on individual genetic profiles, ensuring a more precise and effective treatment plan.



Utilizing advanced genetic analysis, PharmacoCheck+ enables physicians to tailor pain medication prescriptions based on individual genetic profiles, ensuring a more precise and effective treatment plan. Risk Mitigation Strategies: By identifying potential risks associated with specific medications, PharmacoCheck+ helps physicians implement proactive measures to mitigate the risk of addiction and adverse reactions, promoting a safer and more responsible approach to pain management.



By identifying potential risks associated with specific medications, PharmacoCheck+ helps physicians implement proactive measures to mitigate the risk of addiction and adverse reactions, promoting a safer and more responsible approach to pain management. Streamlined Patient Monitoring: With integrated monitoring systems, PharmacoCheck+ facilitates regular patient follow-ups, enabling healthcare providers to track the effectiveness of prescribed medications and make necessary adjustments in real time.

The Unveil of PharmacoCheck+ signifies a pivotal moment in pain management, emphasizing the importance of integrating genetic insights into healthcare practices to optimize patient outcomes and minimize the risks associated with opioid misuse.

"In today's challenging healthcare landscape, the introduction of PharmacoCheck+ marks a significant step forward in our mission to provide safer and more effective pain management solutions," stated Dr. Maria Game , M.D. Family Medicine Specialist in Fort Lauderdale, FL. "We are thrilled to offer a comprehensive tool that ensure the well-being and safety of patients while combating the adverse effects of the opioid crisis."

Commitment to Patient Well-being and Safety

PreCheck Health Services, Inc. has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to patient-centric care and innovative healthcare solutions. With a team of dedicated professionals and industry experts, the company remains focused on developing technologies that not only improve patient outcomes but also contribute to the overall advancement of healthcare practices worldwide.

Ushering in a New Era of Pain Management Solutions

PharmacoCheck+ is more than just a technological advancement; it represents a shift towards a more comprehensive and patient-focused approach to pain management. By integrating genetic insights and personalized medication strategies, this solution offers a transformative way to address the complex challenges associated with the opioid crisis.

Promoting Safer Pain Management Practices for a Brighter Future

As the opioid crisis continues to pose significant challenges to the healthcare industry, PharmacoCheck+ stands as a beacon of hope, offering a comprehensive and proactive solution that prioritizes patient safety and well-being. PreCheck Health Services, Inc. remains dedicated to advancing the standard of care and solutions that make a positive impact on the lives of patients and communities worldwide.

PCHS's PharmacoCheck+ sets a new standard for excellence in pain medication management, exemplifying the company's commitment to leveraging technology and innovation for the betterment of healthcare practices globally. Discover how this transformative solution can revolutionize pain management and contribute to a safer and more secure healthcare environment.

For press inquiries, please contact: Yolanda Goodell | CMO.

PreCheck Health Services, Inc.

Phone: 786-870-0160

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.precheckhealth.com

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SOURCE PreCheck Health Services, Inc.
NEW YORK , Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Centre Lane Partners, LLC ("Centre Lane") is pleased to announce that on November 8, 2023 an entity affiliated with Centre Lane has completed the acquisition of the Appliances Division of Instant Brands ("Instant Brands Appliances" or the "Company"), which had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on June 12, 2023 .

Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Downers Grove, Illinois , Instant Brands Appliances designs, manufactures and markets a global portfolio of innovative and iconic consumer lifestyle brands including Instant. The Company revolutionized the electric pressure cooker category with its Instant Pot portfolio of products.

With this transaction and recapitalization, Instant Brands Appliances is well-positioned as a strong platform with leading brands and strong customer relationships. Going forward, the Company expects to leverage its brands to bring new and exciting products to the kitchen appliances segment.

"We are delighted to be affiliated with such strong brands," stated Quinn Morgan , Managing Director of Centre Lane. "Instant Brands Appliances is well positioned to benefit from our CLP-VCF and we look forward to working with the Company to bring innovation to the kitchen appliances segment as we evolve and grow the Company's product assortment," added Mayank Singh, Managing Director of Centre Lane.

Centre Lane was advised by Jones Day and financing for the transaction was provided by MidCap Financial.

About Instant Brands Appliances

Instant Brands designs, manufactures and markets a global portfolio of innovative and iconic consumer lifestyle brands including Instant. With people-first and purpose-driven solutions in mind, Instant Brands is reimagining how people live, eat, connect, and play inside the homeand in the spaces where people gather. The Company is headquartered in Downers Grove, Illinois . Today, Instant Brands' products are in millions of homes worldwide.

About Centre Lane Partners

Founded in 2007, Centre Lane Partners is a private investment firm that invests in the equity and debt of middle market companies in North America. Centre Lane employs a flexible strategy that approaches complex situations with a solutions orientation. Centre Lane has an experienced, collaborative and diverse team, and seeks to partner with strong management teams that can benefit from patient, long-term capital and Centre Lane's operational, financial and strategic expertise and support.

Media contact

Quinn Morgan

[email protected]

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SOURCE Centre Lane Partners, LLC
LOS ANGELES , Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Armata Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NYSE American: ARMP) ("Armata" or the "Company"), a biotechnology company focused on pathogen-specific bacteriophage therapeutics for antibiotic-resistant and difficult-to-treat bacterial infections, today announced financial results for its third quarter ended September 30, 2023 , and provided a corporate update.

Third Quarter 2023 and Recent Developments:

Reported accelerating enrollment in the Phase 2a portion of the diSArm study of AP-SA02 as a potential treatment for Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia, as well as the Phase 2 Tail wind study of AP-PA02 in non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB) patients with Pseudomonas aeruginosa lung infections.

bacteremia, as well as the Phase 2 Tail study of AP-PA02 in non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB) patients with lung infections. Completed analysis of Phase 1b/2a SWARM- P.a . trial data and finalized Clinical Study Report. Topline data from SWARM- P.a. was presented at the North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference (NACFC) as part of the Plenary II session, held November 2-4 , in Phoenix .

. trial data and finalized Clinical Study Report. Continued to analyze the feasibility of enrolling AP-SA02 prosthetic joint infection (PJI) study subjects at current diSArm study sites for dual use enrollment.

Progressed the build-out of the Company's advanced biologics manufacturing facility, including ongoing construction of cGMP suites and fill and finish clean room, and completion of all R&D labs and administrative space.

Delivered a presentation on the Company's phage development programs at the Phage Futures: Global Digital Summit 2023, held on October 25 .

"During the third quarter, we continued to make meaningful progress advancing our pipeline of phage therapeutics that we believe can address the growing global health crisis of multidrug resistant bacterial infections," stated Dr. Deborah Birx , Chief Executive Officer. "Notably, we are seeing accelerating enrollment in the Phase 2a portion of our diSArm study of AP-SA02. Due to the continued high level of patient tolerance on the intravenous phage, we expect to escalate our dose throughout the Phase 2 trial to define the Phase 3 dose. We are developing AP-SA02 with financial support from the Department of Defense as a potential treatment for S. aureus bacteremia. We believe the current enrollment trends will result in completion of the Phase 2 study in 2024, which would allow us to design the pivotal Phase 3 trial."

"Regarding AP-PA02, we are also seeing accelerating enrollment in our ongoing Tailwind Phase 2 study of PA02 in non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis. Importantly, both our diSArm and Tailwind studies continue to demonstrate favorable safety and tolerability profiles, including IV administration twice per day over multiple days."

"We are also fast approaching the completion of the build-out of our advanced biologics manufacturing facility that will provide us with the capacity to execute our own late-stage trials while pursuing important partnering opportunities. When completed, this facility will represent a significant step towards firmly establishing our position as a leader in the development of phage-based therapeutics."

"I am pleased with our continued progress, our ability to contain costs despite one-time G&A expenses realized in the third quarter. I believe we are well positioned to sustain our current momentum while continuing to contain costs through the remainder of the year and into 2024," Dr. Birx concluded.

Third Quarter 2023 Financial Results

Grant Revenue. The Company recognized grant revenue of approximately $1.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023 , which represents Medical Technology Enterprise Consortium ("MTEC")'s share of the costs incurred for the Company's AP-SA02 program for the treatment of Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia. The Company expects to receive $16.3 million in grant funding from MTEC administered by the U.S. Department of Defense and the Defense Health Agency and Joint Warfighter Medical Research Program. The Company recognized approximately $1.3 million of revenue in the comparable period in 2022.

Research and Development. Research and development expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2023 were approximately $8.0 million as compared to approximately $8.4 million for the comparable period in 2022. The decrease was primarily related to reduced personnel and related expenses, including recruiting expenses and stock-based compensation expense.

General and Administrative. General and administrative expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2023 were approximately $3.6 million as compared to approximately $1.6 million for the comparable period in 2022. The increase was primarily related to the increased legal and other professional services expenses, a one-time expense related to financing costs recognized as an expense during the three months ended September 30, 2023 .

Loss from Operations. Loss from operations for the three months ended September 30, 2023 was $(10.3) million as compared to a loss from operations of approximately $(8.6) million for the comparable period in 2022.

Cash and Equivalents. As of September 30, 2023 , Armata held approximately $24.0 million of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents, as compared to $14.9 million as of December 31, 2022 . On July 11, 2023 , Armata announced a new credit agreement with Innoviva for gross proceeds totaling $25.0 million .

As of November 14, 2023 , there were approximately 36.1 million common shares outstanding.

About Armata Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Armata is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the development of pathogen-specific bacteriophage therapeutics for the treatment of antibiotic-resistant and difficult-to-treat bacterial infections using its proprietary bacteriophage-based technology. Armata is developing and advancing a broad pipeline of natural and synthetic phage candidates, including clinical candidates for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and other pathogens. Armata is committed to advancing phage with drug development expertise that spans bench to clinic including in-house phage specific cGMP manufacturing.

Forward Looking Statements

This communication contains "forward-looking" statements as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, without limitation, statements related to Armata's bacteriophage development programs, Armata's ability to set up or operate R&D and manufacturing facilities, Armata's ability to meet expected milestones, Armata's future success or failure, Armata's ability to be a leader in the development of phage-based therapeutics, and statements related to the timing and results of clinical trials, including the anticipated results of clinical trials of AP-PA02 and AP-SA02, Armata's ability to develop new products based on natural bacteriophages and synthetic bacteriophages and Armata's ability to obtain additional funding and capacity to repay, refinance, or restructure its existing debt and obligations. Any statements contained in this communication that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon Armata's current expectations. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Armata's actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward- looking statements as a result of these risks and uncertainties, which include, without limitation, risks related to the ability of Armata's lead clinical candidates, AP-PA02 and AP-SA02, to be more effective than previous candidates; that the top line results are indicative of the final data; Armata's ability to expedite development of AP-PA02 and AP-SA02; Armata's ability to advance its preclinical and clinical programs and the uncertain and time-consuming regulatory approval process; Armata's ability to develop products based on bacteriophages and synthetic phages to kill bacterial pathogens; the Company's expected market opportunity for its products; Armata's ability to sufficiently fund its operations as expected, including obtaining additional funding as needed; and any delays or adverse events within, or outside of, Armata's control, caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Additional risks and uncertainties relating to Armata and its business can be found under the caption "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in Armata's filings and reports with the SEC, including in Armata's Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on March 16, 2023 , and in its subsequent filings with the SEC.

Armata expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in Armata's expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statements are based.

Media Contacts:

At Armata:

Pierre Kyme

[email protected]

310-665-2928

Investor Relations:

Joyce Allaire

LifeSci Advisors, LLC

[email protected]

212-915-2569

Armata Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)





September 30, 2023

December 31, 2022

Assets













Current assets













Cash and cash equivalents

$ 23,958,000

$ 14,852,000

Prepaid expenses



4,130,000



3,664,000

Other receivables



8,497,000



8,531,000

Total current assets



36,585,000



27,047,000

Property and equipment, net



9,250,000



3,617,000

Operating lease right-of-use asset



44,886,000



43,035,000

Intangible assets, net



13,746,000



13,746,000

Other long term assets



8,294,000



8,389,000

Total assets

$ 112,761,000

$ 95,834,000

















Liabilities and shareholders' (deficit) equity













Total current liabilities

$ 21,884,000

$ 24,873,000

Long term debts



72,024,000





Other long term liabilities



28,162,000



31,804,000

Deferred tax liability



3,077,000



3,077,000

Total liabilities



125,147,000



59,754,000

Shareholders' (deficit) equity



(12,386,000)



36,080,000

Total liabilities and shareholders' (deficit) equity

$ 112,761,000

$ 95,834,000



Armata Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)





Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended





September 30 ,

September 30 ,





2023

2022

2023

2022

Grant revenue

$ 1,225,000

$ 1,338,000

$ 3,001,000

$ 4,457,000

Operating expenses:

























Research and development



7,978,000



8,400,000



25,842,000



25,448,000

General and administrative



3,583,000



1,561,000



8,470,000



5,627,000

Total operating expenses



11,561,000



9,961,000



34,312,000



31,075,000

Loss from operations



(10,336,000)



(8,623,000)



(31,311,000)



(26,618,000)

Other income (expense), net



(1,129,000)



9,000



(1,065,000)



15,000

Change in fair value of convertible debt



(15,833,000)







(12,959,000)





Loss on convertible debt extinguishment



(3,863,000)







(3,863,000)





Loss before income taxes and net loss

$ (31,161,000)

$ (8,614,000)

$ (49,198,000)

$ (26,603,000)

Net loss per share, basic and diluted

$ (0.86)

$ (0.24)

$ (1.36)

$ (0.79)

Weighted average shares outstanding, basic and diluted



36,086,990



36,038,686



36,067,025



33,704,071



Armata Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)









Nine Months Ended September 30 ,





2023

2022

Operating activities:













Net loss

$ (49,198,000)

$ (26,603,000)

Adjustments required to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:













Depreciation and amortization expense



679,000



647,000

Share-based compensation expense



745,000



2,288,000

Change in fair value of convertible debt



12,959,000





Non-cash interest expense



1,176,000





Loss on convertible debt extinguishment



3,863,000





Change in right-of-use asset



662,000



1,215,000

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:



(10,203,000)



457,000

Net cash used in operating activities



(39,317,000)



(21,996,000)

Investing activities:













Purchases of property and equipment



(5,744,000)



(2,666,000)

Net cash used in investing activities



(5,744,000)



(2,666,000)

Financing activities:













Proceeds from issuance of convertible debt, net of issuance costs



29,101,000





Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt, net of issuance costs



24,925,000





Proceeds from sale of common stock, net of offering costs







44,391,000

Proceeds from exercise of stock options



5,000



125,000

Net cash provided by financing activities



54,031,000



44,516,000

Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash



8,970,000



19,854,000

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period



20,812,000



11,488,000

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period

$ 29,782,000

$ 31,342,000











Nine Months Ended September 30 ,



2023

2022 Cash and cash equivalents

$ 23,958,000

$ 25,382,000 Restricted cash



5,824,000



5,960,000 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

$ 29,782,000

$ 31,342,000

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SOURCE Armata Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
CHARLES TOWN, W.Va. , Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- (OTC: PTBS) -- BCT-The Community's Bank recently appointed Christopher Turley as Senior Vice President and Director of Government Lending. Mr. Turley will be responsible for leading the Bank's initiatives to accelerate and expand its government lending and growth strategy in the DC Metro area as well as the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia and upper Maryland regions. Mr. Turley's primary office is located at BCT's Loan Production Office in Leesburg, Virginia , at 602 S. King Street , Suite 300. He will also work from the main office at 111 E. Washington Street , Charles Town, West Virginia .

"I am pleased to have Chris join our BCT team," stated Alice Frazier , President and CEO. "His success and experience in government lending positions us well to meet our strategic priorities to grow in this unique and specialized market."

Frazier continued, "Turley is a talented and seasoned banker with significant expertise in credit and underwriting, merger and acquisition (M&A) financing, federal lease financing, and treasury management services. We are excited to have such a dynamic leader focused on this important growth initiative for BCT."

Turley brings over 19 years of corporate banking experience with various financial institutions within their respective retail, risk management, and commercial lending divisions. Prior to joining BCT, Turley served in similar roles at MVB Bank, FVCBank, and Capital One in the Washington, DC , metropolitan region.

"BCT, which celebrated its 152nd year of operation in 2023, is built on deep community relationships and amazing client experiences," Turley stated. "I'm committed to leveraging my industry knowledge and experiences to build, deepen, and deliver tailored experiences for our clients and the communities we serve. With the dynamic industry challenges our clients face, it's ever important to seek out the right financial advocate committed to their success. BCT is proud to be such an advocate."

Turley is a graduate of James Madison University and is a current resident of Loudoun County . Turley is engaged in various leadership roles with a variety of business and community organizations.

About the Company

Founded in 1871, BCT - Bank of Charles Town, also known as The Community's Bank, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Potomac Bancshares, Inc. (OTC: PTBS). With approximately $809 million in assets as of September 30, 2023 , the Company conducts operations through its main office, an additional eight branch offices, and two loan production offices. BCT's offices are located in Jefferson and Berkeley Counties (WV), Washington County (MD), and Loudoun and Stafford Counties (VA). The Bank provides various banking products and services including free access to over 55,000 ATMs through the Allpoint network plus online and mobile banking for individuals, businesses, and local governments. The Bank also offers commercial lines and term loans, residential and commercial construction, commercial real estate loans and agricultural loans. The Residential Lending division offers secondary market and portfolio mortgage loans, one-time close construction to perm loans, as well as home equity loans and lines of credit. For over 65 years, BCT Wealth Advisors has provided financial management, investment, trust, and estate services to its clients. In 2023, American Banker selected BCT as a "Top 200 Community Bank," an annual listing of the best performing banks in the United States with assets under $2 billion . BCT was voted a "Best of the Best" winner in the 2022 Journal-News Readers' Choice Awards in three categories: Bank, Loan Services, and Financial Planning. In 2019, 2020, and 2021 the Bank was named a "Best Bank To Work For" by American Banker.

The Company's shares are quoted on the OTC Pink Sheet marketplace under the symbol "PTBS." For more information about Potomac Bancshares, Inc., and the Bank, please visit our website at www.mybct.bank.

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SOURCE BCT - The Community's Bank
SINGAPORE , Nov. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- CapitaLand Group (CapitaLand) has awarded 10 winners of its CapitaLand Sustainability X Challenge (CSXC) 2023 with up to S$1 million funding to testbed their innovations at selected CapitaLand properties worldwide, following their final pitches made at CSXC 2023 Demo Day. Four outstanding innovators, viAct, Healthway Family of Brands, Ralos Enterprise Corporation (Enamil LLC Japan) and Magorium have won the special recognition awards  High Impact Award, Most Innovative Award, Most Scalable Award, and Emerging Startup Award presented by Enterprise Singapore respectively, and they will each receive S$150,000 to fund their pilots.

viAct's innovation is an AI-powered video analytics tool to provide granular insights that enhance safety, productivity and compliance with environmental standards at the workplace (AI-powered Video Analytics). Healthway Family of Brands uses a patented low-pressure drop filtration technology that replaces existing media filters to improve the performance and system-level filtration efficiency of existing air handling units while reducing energy load on fans' motors (Disinfecting Filtration System). Ralos Enterprise Corporation's (Enamil LLC Japan) lightweight flexible solar module is integrated with corrugated steel that can be installed horizontally or vertically as a building integrated photovoltaic (PV) or as a conventional solar PV (Corrugated Solar Roof). Magorium's solution is a technology that converts contaminated and unsorted plastic waste into a sustainable construction material that can potentially be used for the construction of roads within CapitaLand's business parks (Magorium). Six other innovations[1] on low carbon transition, water conservation and resilience, waste management and circular economy, and health, safety and wellness in buildings have also won S$75,000 each to fund their pilots.

The finalists with innovations from around the world were shortlisted from over 680 innovations and 79 countries for the third edition of CSXC, the first global sustainability innovation challenge by a Singapore -based real estate company. In line with CapitaLand's efforts to foster innovation throughout the built environment, CSXC 2023 Demo Day was held in conjunction with the launch of the Built Environment Innovation Hub @ Building and Construction Authority's (BCA) Braddell Campus (BEIH). In addition, CapitaLand will explore collaboration opportunities with BCA on the potential piloting of other innovations from CSXC at its premises. Ms Indranee Rajah , Minister, Prime Minister's Office, Second Minister for Finance and Second Minister for National Development was the Guest-of-Honour at the CSXC 2023 Demo Day.

Mr Vinamra Srivastava , Chief Sustainability Officer, CapitaLand Investment, said: "Innovation is a key driver in our decarbonisation journey as we work towards our 2030 sustainability targets. Through platforms such as CSXC and our S$50 million CapitaLand Innovation Fund, we aim to support innovators to scale and commercialise their technologies to create a climate-resilient built environment. This is the first time we are partnering our tenants to testbed innovations from CSXC at their premises. Through this collaboration, we hope to find practical solutions that can also help our tenants improve their sustainability performance. Together with our other initiatives such as implementing green leases, collaborating with our tenants on green initiatives and sharing of sustainability best practices, we aim to expand our focus on reducing our scope 3 emissions too. We will continue to tap on innovation and collaborate with like-minded partners to amplify our impact to create a more sustainable and resilient built environment."

One of the innovations from CSXC 2022, SlideLuvre's smart voltaic louvres, is being testbedded at BCA SkyLab, a state-of-the-art testbed facility in BCA Braddell Campus. The facility has a 360-degree rotatable platform that allows technologies to be tested under real-world conditions at different building orientations. The louvres reduce building energy dependency on external sources by generating solar energy and saves energy by reducing cooling needs.

Two innovations from CSXC 2021 that have completed their pilots at CapitaLand properties were part of the showcase of innovative technologies at the launch of BEIH. One such solution is CONTINEWM, a patented ceramic net which acts as an infrared emitting filter that was testbedded at LogisTech in Singapore . During the pilot, it achieved up to 51% reduction in fan consumption and 16% reduction in cooling load for the two air handling units that were equipped with a total of 50 CONTINEWM nets. Another CSXC innovation that was showcased is Climatec's chemical-free and electricity-free cooling tower water treatment solution that improves water efficiency by significantly reducing blowdown. Testbedded at CapitaGreen in Singapore , the innovation achieved 99.8% reduction in cooling tower blowdown water, and up to 2.8% improvement in chiller plant efficiency.

CSXC has grown from strength to strength since its launch in November 2020 . This year, CSXC received double the entries compared with CSXC 2022. Twenty projects from the first two CSXC are being piloted or preparing to pilot at 24 CapitaLand properties in Singapore , China , India , Thailand , and the USA. For the first time, sandbox partners such as DBS Bank, DFI Retail Group and KPMG in Singapore will potentially pilot the winning innovations from CSXC 2023 at their respective tenanted spaces in CapitaLand properties.

Besides supporting innovators from around the world through CSXC, CapitaLand also advocates innovation among its staff with a S$50 million Innovation Fund launched in 2021. To date, 62 innovations have been selected for further development and pilots, more than half of which are sustainability related.

[1] Please refer to Annex for the list of the six innovations.

Find out more about CapitaLand's sustainability initiatives at: https://www.capitaland.com/sustainability

For more on CSXC 2023, visit: www.capitaland.com/csxc

About CapitaLand Group ( www.capitaland.com )

CapitaLand Group (CapitaLand) is one of Asia's largest diversified real estate groups. Headquartered in Singapore , CapitaLand's portfolio focuses on real estate investment management and real estate development, and spans across more than 260 cities in over 40 countries.

Within its ecosystem, CapitaLand has developed an integrated suite of investment management and operating capabilities that supports its real estate businesses and platforms in building core competencies across the real estate value chain. With this full stack of capabilities, CapitaLand can optimise the strategies of its listed real estate investment management business CapitaLand Investment, and its privately held property development arm CapitaLand Development; to drive competitive advantage for its businesses.

CapitaLand places sustainability at the core of what it does. As a responsible real estate company, CapitaLand contributes to the environmental and social well-being of the communities where it operates, as it delivers long-term economic value to its stakeholders.

Follow @CapitaLand on social media

Facebook: @capitaland / facebook.com/capitaland

Instagram: @capitaland / instagram.com/capitaland Twitter: @capitaLand / twitter.com/capitaland

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/capitaland-limited

YouTube: youtube.com/capitaland

Issued by: CapitaLand Limited (Co. Regn.: 198900036N)

Annex  Other winners of the CSXC 2023

In addition to the four special recognition award winners of CSXC 2023, the following innovations have also won the opportunity to be piloted at selected CapitaLand properties worldwide:

AI Chiller Plant Optimiz.: A chiller plant and air side Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) optimisation solution that integrates seamlessly with the building management systems and utilises artificial intelligence (AI) for energy optimisation and predictive fault diagnostics.

Auto Sprinkler Test - CP52: An automated sprinkler system flow-switch test that can be activated with just a key, reducing manpower required and energy and water usage.

Carbon Mineralization Concrete Tech: A carbon dioxide mineralised concrete technology that creates low-carbon green building materials with carbon dioxide captured and stored in concrete during its manufacturing process.

Nano-crystal Reverse Scaling Technology: A nano-crystal reverse scaling technology that solves scaling and wastewater challenges in central air-conditioning system cooling towers, effectively reducing water discharge and cooling water usage.

Refleshine Novel Heat-Reflecting Film: A clear and low absorption film that reflects solar heat, improves thermal insulation and can be installed on any smooth facade window or glass surface, minimising energy consumption.

Solar Hybrid Air-con: An air-conditioner that runs directly on solar power on a sunny day and integrates both solar and grid energy on a rainy day, thus reducing grid energy consumption.

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SOURCE CapitaLand
The global fashion industry is drawing inspiration from the Palestinian resistance, creating attire that both pays tribute to and raises awareness of the cause.

For decades, fashion has merged with political issues as a means of expression, conveying messages in various ways. Much of what the world has witnessed in political fashion statements has also been associated with Palestine and the ongoing suffering of the Palestinian people.

During this time, the Palestinians have faced fierce attacks, and their supporters worldwide have worn clothing and keffiyehs (Palestinian scarves) signifying the Palestinian identity in support of the cause.

This support has more recently found a creative space with designers and artists who have used their talent to express their sympathy and concerns. Dutch-Moroccan designer Aziz Bekkaoui has been one of the most consistent supporters of the Palestinian cause.

My support for Palestine has always been unwavering, not only as a response to the ongoing genocide, but also because of the 75 years of occupation and humiliation that Palestine has endured. Therefore, it is crucial for me to be a voice for the Palestinian people, and I will persist in doing so until they achieve their freedom, Bekkaoui told Al-Ahram Weekly.

Throughout my educational journey, I have remained deeply connected to and inspired by the Palestinian people, drawn to their resilience, hope, and resistance. This inspiration will always be a driving force behind my artistic expression.

As a tribute to Palestinian culture, I launched various projects in 2014, for example. In 2015, I staged a fashion show called United Hearts Now or World Keffiyeh Day, which combined glamour with protest. It is crucial for me to show the world Palestinian culture and to provide a forum for their opinions to be heard, he said.

Meera Toukan, founder of an Eastern-inspired brand, also consistently draws her inspiration from Palestine and the Middle East. This has been a core part of my creative journey from the start and goes beyond current events, she said.

The deep bond with Palestine has always been a significant part of my identity. While I was born in Jordan, the cherished memories of my grandparents sharing their Palestinian stories have always had a special place in my heart. Thats why we incorporate words like horriyeh (freedom), salam (peace), and hobb (love) into our designs, often blending them with the keffiyeh pattern to highlight the enduring importance of these values.

Toukan has recently blended the Palestinian keffiyeh, with its symbolic motifs expressing unity and the resilience of the Palestinian people, with a modern design for an acrylic purse.

Art can be a powerful method of expression, she says, as well as a way to bring attention to significant situations, such as the current one in Gaza. Art and fashion provide a platform for raising awareness and amplifying the voices of those who might not otherwise speak up. These platforms can be used to bring attention to vital issues, spark conversations, and rally support for important causes.

The support for the Palestinian cause has garnered more followers, coinciding with the current Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, commented fashion designer Maram Ahmed. Ive been closely following the news about the Palestinian peoples plight, and it has undoubtedly affected us all emotionally and mentally. I found myself putting aside all my designs and using the Palestinian keffiyeh to create fashion that supports the cause.

Our sense of helplessness in the face of the attacks on Gaza compelled me to stay closely tied to the cause. I feel an endless desire to talk about it, and even when Im silent, my clothing conveys the message, she added.

Ahmed ordered several Palestinian keffiyehs to design a blazer, vest, and skirt. She donned these designs and shared them with her social media followers, receiving a warm and substantial show of support.

However, Maye Al-Husseini and Heba Abul-Fadls designs, inspired by the Palestinian cause, received some criticism when they presented them on their clothing brands social media pages.

We introduced a collection of designs inspired by Palestine called The Holy Land. It includes a jacket and two T-shirts adorned with the map and the Palestinian keffiyeh. One of our followers reacted with strong criticism, but we tried to explain that the designs are our way of expressing support for the cause, Al-Husseini said.

Over time, our followers understood, and the percentage of dissenters did not exceed two per cent, while the majority of our followers embraced purchasing the designs and wearing them frequently as a means of expressing their support.

She drew inspiration from Palestinian keffiyeh for one of the designs, saying that we chose to draw inspiration from the motifs and patterns of the Palestinian keffiyeh, which is a symbol of Palestinian resistance and reflects much of Palestines cultural and social history.

The interlinking motifs symbolise the activity of fishing, which the Palestinians have practised for centuries. The two extended lines at the edge of the keffiyeh represent the road that extends through Palestine and has been used in trade. The olive tree leaves on the keffiyeh symbolise the plantations passed down through generations of Palestinian families.

We were enthusiastic about supporting the cause, so we intensified our efforts to produce the designs in just one week, which is a record time compared to the usual timeframe for designing and manufacturing pieces with the same specifications, Al-Husseini said.

We have also tried to support the cause in every way possible. We have allocated about 20 per cent of the proceeds from the sales of these designs to support Gaza. We have also modified our brands logo by adding the Palestinian flag and name to it, despite the possibility of being banned from our online page due to the restrictions imposed by social media platforms on Palestinian cause supporters in the West.

The same feelings are shared by designer Mohamed Osama. I was not afraid of having my social media pages banned, and I worked on designing a robe specifically to support the Palestinian cause during the ongoing aggression, which I shared with my followers, he said.

The design features the colours of the Palestinian flag in green and red, along with the famous Palestinian keffiyeh patterns. It took a week to design and produce.

The difficulty in creating the design was not only in the concept itself, but also in wanting to create a design that combines elegance with the colours and features of the Palestinian flag and heritage, Osama said.

The most important thing for me was to convey my support and message while maintaining a stylish and wearable design that can be worn at any time, not just as a display or support piece. Achieving this in the fashion design world is nearly impossible because any idea belonging to this style falls under the category of avant-garde or unconventional and is then meant for display only.

My design serves as an expression of the pain and anguish within me resulting from the massacres and genocide being committed against the people of Gaza, especially innocent children. I only have my talent to convey my support for the people of Palestine, but art is a universal language understood by people of all cultures, especially in fashion design.

Therefore, I have chosen to voice my support through fashion, making this design my first inspired by Palestinian heritage.

Speaking about the criticism he has faced, Bekkaoui said that in 2014, when I showcased the World Keffiyeh Day collection, the Western fashion press argued that politics and fashion should not be mixed, and they condemned my actions. But it is remarkable to see major fashion houses displaying pro-Ukrainian T-shirts on the catwalk just a few years later.

Fashion is still a form of freedom of expression for me, as oppression and occupation have always been condemned in art.

As a designer or artist, you have a humanitarian involvement in the world, and if something is not acceptable, such as the genocide in Gaza, you cannot keep quiet about it. All designers and artists have a platform and should use it against acts of inhumanity; otherwise, you cannot be considered a contemporary designer or producer.

As a designer, you also communicate through clothing, and its like a second skin you carry with you. When people see the collection, they ask where it comes from and what it stands for. I tell them the story about the Palestinians because most people are not well informed about Palestine.

With my designs, I reach many people differently. Everyone can, in their own way, convey the story of the Palestinians to the entire world so that their history is not erased and forgotten, he concluded.

* A version of this article appears in print in the 16 November, 2023 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly

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MIAMI , Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Care Resource Community Health Centers, Inc. was recognized by The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), and awarded the 2023 Gold Health Center Quality Leader badge. This positions Care Resource in the top 10% of health centers across the nation. These digital badges are part of the Community Health Quality Recognition (CHQR) badge program, honoring health centers that have achieved the best overall clinical quality performance.

The CHQR badge program recognizes outstanding performance in various clinical areas, from behavioral health and heart health to HIV prevention and care, as well as overall quality performance. In fact, Care Resource was additionally recognized in the top 1% of all health centers nationwide as a National Quality Leader in HIV Care & Prevention.

Care Resource, originally established to address the HIV epidemic in South Florida , has evolved over the past four decades into a comprehensive healthcare provider that serves a diverse patient population. Today, as a Federally Qualified Health Center, Care Resource offers a wide range of accessible and affordable medical services, preventive care, and support for patients of all ages, providing holistic care and addressing the healthcare needs of the community.

Dr. Steven Santiago , Chief Medical Officer at Care Resource, explains, "our success at Care Resource is a result of several key factors that have set us apart. One of our defining characteristics is our comprehensive and integrated care model. We place a strong emphasis on holistic healthcare, considering not only the physical but also the mental and social aspects of our patients' well-being. This approach has played a pivotal role in ensuring high patient satisfaction and exceptional healthcare outcomes."

Building trust with patients is a cornerstone of Care Resource's approach to high-quality healthcare. The health center prioritizes cultural sensitivity and empathy as integral components of its patient-centered approach, understanding the diverse backgrounds and experiences of its patients.

Dr. Sheryl Zayas, Medical Director at Care Resource, emphasizes, "patient care is our utmost priority. We believe that involving patients in their care decisions is essential. Our team engages patients in their treatment plans, making them active participants in their health journey. In addition, our commitment to providing culturally sensitive care and addressing the unique healthcare needs of our diverse patient population has been instrumental in achieving top-tier outcomes."

Care Resource was also the recipient of two additional 2023 CHQR badges. The Advancing Health Information Technology (HIT) for Quality badge is awarded to those health centers that offer services such as telehealth and engage patients through health IT. As well as, the Access Enhancer badge, which requires a health center to improve its clinical quality measures and increase patients receiving services for mental health, substance use disorder, vision, dental, or enabling services.

About Care Resource:

Care Resource is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization and a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) with four locations in Midtown Miami, Little Havana, Miami Beach , and Fort Lauderdale . The health center provides comprehensive health and support services to address the full healthcare needs of South Florida's pediatric, adolescent, and adult populations.

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SOURCE Care Resource
PASADENA, Calif. and ZURICH , Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- COAST Autonomous, Inc. (COAST), a leader in AI and Autonomous Systems for industrial applications, and Nexxiot, a leader of Asset Intelligence solutions, have entered into a strategic partnership to improve efficiency, security, and safety in logistics operations.

This partnership unites COAST's award-winning autonomous technology with Nexxiot's expertise in digitalizing shipping containers and railcars to optimize Port and Rail Yard operations.

COAST deploys fleets of self-driving vehicles to solve industrial use cases, such as transporting crews, delivering equipment and supplies, and moving shipping containers. COAST has developed the Harvester (pictured) from the ground-up to deliver real-time, location-accurate inventories of shipping containers, trailers and automobiles. The Harvester also serves as an invaluable force multiplier to enhance around-the-clock security for industrial and sensitive locations by monitoring fence lines and identifying intruders. COAST's proprietary Autonomous Systems include mapping, robotics, AI, fleet management, and supervision - all designed with safety as a priority.

Nexxiot, known for its digitalization of shipping container and railcar asset fleets, offers a network of self-powered sensors and analytics that provide essential insights into supply chain operations. Integrating data from Nexxiot's intermodal and rail assets with COAST vehicles, is set to dramatically improve visibility in ports and rail yards. The partnership will deliver commercial benefits to multiple stakeholders in the logistics industry, by enhancing real-time data fusion.

Stefan Kalmund , CEO of Nexxiot, explained, "We are combining data streams in innovative ways. For instance, sensors can automatically request a COAST vehicle in response to an unexpected opening, providing real-time video data for inspection. We will also use the partnership to offer precise location services to large ports and terminals, including the confirmation of rail car locations and container positions within stacks."

"We have a range of autonomous vehicles performing a variety of mission critical use cases at industrial locations across the US", said David M. Hickey , Chairman and CEO of COAST. "It makes perfect sense for the Harvester to fuse data from the Nexxiot sensors to identify railcars and specific containers even when stacked. It also makes sense for the Harvester to operate missions seamlessly when requested by Nexxiot to locate a container or railcar and transmit real-time images and location details to the customer. This functionality will allow our customers to inspect assets remotely from the safety of their facilities. We are thrilled to work with Nexxiot and believe this is the beginning of an exciting partnership to provide end-to-end visibility of assets for shipping and rail clients."

The collaboration between COAST and Nexxiot also aims to improve the efficiency, safety, and security of Port and Rail Yard operations and offer faster handling and high-quality cargo processing to the benefit of the broader logistics industry.

About COAST

COAST Autonomous, Inc. (COAST) is working to redefine industrial sites with cutting-edge AI and Autonomous Systems built for work and solving use cases that are either dangerous, dirty or dull. COAST's Autonomous Road Machines (ARMs) are setting new benchmarks in safety, efficiency, and sustainability by transporting crew, equipment and supplies, and shipping containers across challenging terrains. To solve these use cases, COAST designs custom ARMs, such as the P-1 Shuttle and Harvester or converts existing vehicles, such as the Polaris ProXD, Taylor Dunn "Big Foot" or Terminal Tractor, to get the job done. COAST ARMs are equipped with suites of AI-powered sensors and engines that provide real-time, location accurate inventories designed to provide actionable insight. COAST ARMs also deliver mission critical site security by identifying fence line breaches and intruders. For more information about COAST, please contact [email protected] or [email protected].

About Nexxiot

Nexxiot's mission is to enable the autonomous movement of freight. This empowers clients to achieve operational excellence, profitability, and growth using existing assets and infrastructure.

Nexxiot's Asset Intelligence technology enhances railcars and shipping containers to make them into connected agents that make autonomous decisions based on supply chain objectives and strategy. This ensures efficient, environmentally friendly, and safe movements of freight.

Nexxiot has one of the largest device fleets installed globally, with more than one million assets equipped for clients, including Hapag-Lloyd, Knorr-Bremse, VTG, Ermewa, Deutsche Bahn, SBB, Railpulse members, and others.

Headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland , Nexxiot has more than 150 engineers and industry experts, serving clients from its offices in Germany , and North America . For more information on Nexxiot, visit www.nexxiot.com

Media Contact for Nexxiot:

Sandra Cerkauskaite

Head of Brand

[email protected]

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SOURCE Coast Autonomous
CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. , Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Cruise Planners, the largest home-based travel agency with a network of more than 2,500 travel advisors is pleased to announce its inclusion in the South Florida Business Journal's esteemed list of Top 100 Private Companies. The South Florida Business Journal's Top 100 Private Companies list is a highly sought-after accolade, showcasing businesses that have made significant contributions to the South Florida economy through their outstanding performance and dedication to excellence. Cruise Planners is honored to be recognized among this elite group of thriving enterprises.

Michelle Fee , CEO and founder of Cruise Planners, expressed her enthusiasm for the achievement, saying, "Being named one of South Florida Business Journal's Top 100 Private Companies is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our incredible team of franchise owners, advisors and our Home Office Team. We are proud to be part of the vibrant South Florida business community and will continue to push the boundaries of innovation in the travel industry."

The South Florida Business Journal's Top 100 Private Companies list highlights businesses from a variety of sectors that have excelled in financial growth, community involvement, and overall impact on the region. Cruise Planners' inclusion in this prestigious list reaffirms its position as a major player in the travel industry, not only in South Florida but on a national scale.

This recognition is yet another milestone for Cruise Planners, coming on the heels of several other industry awards and accolades such as, Franchise Business Review's Most Innovative Franchise, #1 in Category, ranked #3 on Franchise Business Review's top 200 ranking, and South Florida Business Journal's Fast 50 Award. The company remains dedicated to driving innovation and exceeding the expectations of its clients.

Company Background: Cruise Planners was founded in 1994 and is the nation's largest home-based travel agent franchise network. As a leader in the travel franchise industry, Cruise Planners positions a nation-wide network of 2,500 franchise owners for success by providing innovative marketing programs, proprietary and cutting-edge booking and technology tools, as well as professional development and hands-on training with the industry's top executives. The company continues to be an industry leader and was named the No.1 travel franchise by Entrepreneur magazine for 18 consecutive years and awarded by Franchise Business Review as "Best-In-Category" for 2 years.

Franchise Business Review also ranked Cruise Planners #3 OVERALL on their list of Top 200 Franchises of 2022. Cruise Planners was recently featured in Entrepreneur as one of the top 30 franchise innovators in technology, has been consistently named as one of the Top Women-Owned Businesses by the South Florida Business Journal, is on the Inc. 5000 list as one of the fastest-growing private companies in America, and was recognized as one of the Top Workplaces by the Sun Sentinel.

Visit our website, www.cruiseplanners.com, for more information or to view the complete list of awards and honors . For those interested in becoming a franchise owner, please visit https://www.cruiseplannersfranchise.com/ .

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SOURCE Cruise Planners
The following statement was issued by Dan Stein , president of the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), demanding that any spending package include strong policy changes that will end the Biden administration's dangerous border policies:

WASHINGTON , Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- "Nationwide encounters of illegal aliens attempting to enter the country, once again, exceeded 300,000 in October, while House Republicans are set to approve another Continuing Resolution (CR) that continues to fund the Biden administration's disastrous border policies into February 2024 .

"Even as top national security experts issue dire warnings of terror threats posed by our wide-open borders, congressional leaders are again failing to use the CR as an opportunity to force the Biden administration to end policies that place our nation in grave danger. While the Biden administration must take responsibility for the policies that resulted in 309,221 border encounters last month, Congress must be held accountable for their complicity. House Republicans have squandered a full year of their two-year control without passing a budget that forces the administration to end its reckless border and immigration policies. Halting the Biden Border Crisis was an explicit promise they made last year when they asked American voters to entrust them with the leadership of the House.

"H.R. 6363, the Further Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act, extends the budget enacted by Nancy Pelosi and the Democrats in 2022 into 2024. Rather than including changes needed to regain control of our borders by ending the mass release of illegal aliens, stopping asylum abuse, and limiting parole, this bill would reinforce the status quo.

"This failure is particularly egregious as the House has already passed H.R. 2, the Secure the Border Act, which contains strong provisions to do exactly that. By the time the CR expires in February, nearly one million new illegal aliens will have been apprehended crossing our borders illegally, and countless more 'gotaways' will have found their way into the interior of the country  even as hostile nations and their proxy terror groups openly threaten the American people.

"The House leadership must insist that the language of H.R. 2 be included in any spending package moving forward, and the Biden administration and Senate Democrats must be forced to accept real border and immigration enforcement."

Contact: Joey Chester , 202-742-1827, [email protected]

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SOURCE Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR)
SAN FRANCISCO , Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- GrubMarket today announced the launch of Farm-GPT, a groundbreaking new generative artificial intelligence (AI) product designed to empower American farmers and growers with valuable data-driven insights for maximizing profits and optimizing crop selection. Farm-GPT harnesses the power of advanced AI and leverages the latest available pricing data from both the USDA and proprietary sources to assist farmers in making informed decisions about which commodities to cultivate based on market demand and revenue potential.

Investing in generative AI is imperative, given its potential to revolutionize the entire food supply ecosystem. As a leading technology enabler for the food supply chain industry, GrubMarket has charged ahead with developing new AI software solutions that will positively transform the American food supply chain industry. Farm-GPT, developed by GrubMarket, is the first generative AI software product to lead the way in operationalizing the technology to benefit the backbone of food production. Farm-GPT includes key features such as:

Data-Driven Decision Making: Farm-GPT utilizes real-time and historical nationwide pricing data to generate customized recommendations based on commodity revenue potential. This enables farmers to adapt to market fluctuations and make strategic choices to maximize profitability.

Seasonality and Region-Specific Recommendations: Understanding the unique challenges and opportunities presented by different regions and seasons, Farm-GPT tailors its recommendations for the location of the farmer's fields for the timeframe in question, taking into account variables such as climate and growing conditions. This ensures that farmers receive advice that is relevant and actionable throughout the year.

User-Friendly Interface: The Farm-GPT platform boasts an intuitive and user-friendly interface, making it accessible to farmers of all backgrounds. The application presents advice in a conversational format, allowing users to easily understand and implement the recommendations provided.

Real-Time Market Intelligence: Keeping pace with the dynamic nature of the agricultural sector, Farm-GPT utilizes machine learning algorithms to continuously learn and adapt to changing market dynamics and expanding datasets. This ensures that Farm-GPT's responses consistently take into account real-time market trends, staying relevant in the face of shifting economic and environmental factors.

"We are excited about the impact that Farm-GPT will have across the industry. The ability to synthesize massive amounts of wholesale pricing data is crucial to helping farmers generate the greatest possible value for their hard work. Farm-GPT will fundamentally transform the way farmers approach commodity selection and adopt new farming practices, which will allow them to make more money. With AI comes the next wave of innovation for the American food supply chain industry, and the launch of Farm-GPT cements GrubMarket's status as a pioneer in deploying new technologies in our space. Moving forward, we will continue to build state-of-the-art AI solutions for stakeholders throughout the supply chain; we are committed to ensuring that our industry benefits from all that AI technology has to offer," said Mike Xu , CEO of GrubMarket.

Farm-GPT solidifies GrubMarket's position as one of the food industry's most influential digital transformers and technology enablers. By providing farmers with AI tools to enhance their decision-making processes, GrubMarket has also laid the foundation to become the go-to enterprise AI provider for the American food supply chain industry.

This revolutionary new AI product is now available to American farmers who are ready to embrace the future of food. For more information on Farm-GPT or to use the service, please visit https://farm-gpt.ai/.

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 one of the largest private food tech companies in the U.S. 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

media@grubmarket.com

(415) 986-0523

GrubMarket

1925 Jerrold Ave.

San Francisco, CA. 94124

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SOURCE GrubMarket
Rapidly-growing fast-casual brand welcomes renowned industry leaders to its team

KANSAS CITY, Mo. , Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Hawaiian Bros Inc. (HBros), the fast-casual pioneer known for its commitment to island-inspired cuisine and the aloha spirit, proudly announces the addition of two transformative figures, Carin Stutz and Carol DiRaimo , to its Board of Directors.

Both Stutz and DiRaimo bring a wealth of experience and accomplishments, highlighting HBros' incredible growth and solid positioning in the fast-casual dining sector.

Carin Stutz has an impressive track record, with leadership roles at industry giants like Red Robin, Brinker, Wendy's International, and Applebee's International. Stutz brings board experience from Kura Sushi USA and Checkers & Rally's, and held CEO and President roles at McAlister's, Cosi and Native Foods, solidifying her position as a key figure in the sector.

Carol DiRaimo's name resonates strongly within finance and capital markets. With an enviable reputation, she's acclaimed as a top expert in restaurant industry investor relations. She has extensive experience, especially in the public markets domain, at Jack in the Box and Applebee's International, and most recently served on the board of Qdoba.

Their previous collaboration at Applebee's was noteworthy, and their reassembly at Hawaiian Bros represents more than just a reunion; it signifies a strategic move for the brand, showcasing its growing prominence in the industry.

"Having worked alongside some of the best in the industry, I recognize the immense value Carin and Carol bring," said Scott Ford, President and CEO of Hawaiian Bros. "Their combined expertise is a testament to our commitment to excellence, and their decision to join us further positions Hawaiian Bros as a key player in the fast-casual world."

"At Hawaiian Bros, there's a distinctive atmosphere that's steeped in authenticity, growth, and innovation," commented Cameron McNie , Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of the Board. "Carin and Carol embody this spirit and their addition marks a momentous occasion in our journey."

With Stutz and DiRaimo joining the board, Hawaiian Bros underscores its commitment to industry-leading expertise and growth. As the company aims to end the year with nearly 50 island-inspired restaurants, this move signals to stakeholders that Hawaiian Bros is not only expanding rapidly but is doing so with a focus on excellence, anchored by the essence of Aloha.

For more information, visit www.hawaiianbros.com .

About Hawaiian Bros

At Hawaiian Bros, we're inspired every day to spread the Aloha Spirit. To show kindness and respect, and to treat everyone as 'ohana - like family, in everything we do. Founded on the principles of honor, inclusion and gratitude, we respect the dignity and self-worth of every team member and guest. We value our differences and celebrate our common ground. And we say, "thank you" often, emphasizing the positives in our lives every day. Hawaiian Bros owns and operates over 40 restaurants serving the Aloha spirit in eight states across America, and has expanded its franchise opportunities in 2023.

Hawaiian Bros has earned a variety of prestigious awards since their opening in 2018 including a number one spot on the Ingram's Corporate Report of the Top 100 fastest growing companies, and the number seven spot on QSR Magazine's 40/40 List of America's Hottest Startup Fast Casuals, plus many more here. For more information, visit www.hawaiianbros.com .

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SOURCE Hawaiian Bros
Don Foster and MaryAnn Miller Join the Company's Board of Directors

CASTLE ROCK, Colo. , Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- HEI Civil today announced the appointments of Don Foster , Principal of Manor Associates, and MaryAnn Miller , Consultant and former Chief Administrative Officer and Chief HR Officer of Avnet, Inc., to its Board of Directors, effective immediately. With the addition of Foster and Miller, HEI Civil's Board comprises seven directors, four of whom are independent.

"We're excited to welcome Don Foster and MaryAnn Miller to the Board," said Leo Denslow , HEI Civil's President and Chief Executive Officer. "Their distinguished backgrounds and proven track records in strategic planning, business development, human capital, and operations align perfectly with our company's values and vision for the future. We are confident their strategic insights will contribute to our continued success and growth."

As a former President at US Steel International and former CEO of Unity Aluminum, Foster is a prominent executive known for his business development success across diverse industries. As Senior Vice President of Construction for the L.B. Foster Company, he spearheaded notable projects including the New Orleans post-Katrina reconstruction in conjunction with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, re-decking of the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges and the successful completion of the front-end of the new Panama Canal . He serves as Principal of Manor Associates, engaging in board governance and industrial consulting.

Miller is a highly accomplished executive known for her transformative impact on large businesses, including Avnet, Inc., and Goodrich Corporation, through innovative human resources practices and strategic thought leadership. Her extensive board advisory experience, passion for inspiring people, and track record of outstanding business results make her a dynamic and influential leader in large and scaling organizations. She is currently Principal of DM2 Inspirations LLC, providing consulting services in succession planning, leadership development and board governance.

"I am thrilled to welcome Don Foster and MaryAnn Miller as valuable additions to our board," said Sam Judd , chair of the HEI Civil Board. "Their exceptional accomplishments, along with their passion for inspiring people and achieving outstanding business results, make them invaluable assets to our board of directors at this stage in our evolution. We look forward to their expertise and contributions to the strategy, talent, and risk management priorities as we continue to support HEI Civil's growth vision for the future."

Foster and Miller join current board members:

Sam Judd , HEI Chair of the Board, Board Member in Three Enterprises , and Former Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer. With his extensive experience in governance, strategy, finance, acquisitions, risk management, and organizational development, Judd supports the board, leadership team, and ownership in their commitment to the long-term growth and success of the HEI family of companies.





With his extensive experience in governance, strategy, finance, acquisitions, risk management, and organizational development, Judd supports the board, leadership team, and ownership in their commitment to the long-term growth and success of the HEI family of companies. Barry Kurland , Chief Commercial Officer at Arkatechture, Independent Director . Kurland, with over 30 years of experience in growth and scalability, offers valuable support to HEI's leadership team in pursuing diversification, new revenue streams, and implementing best practices in learning and development to sustain rapid growth.





. Kurland, with over 30 years of experience in growth and scalability, offers valuable support to HEI's leadership team in pursuing diversification, new revenue streams, and implementing best practices in learning and development to sustain rapid growth. Clint Eskridge , Executive Vice President, Operations. With over 25 years of experience, Eskridge has overseen various construction aspects, including site preparation and underground utilities, since joining HEI Civil in 2010. He is instrumental in growing HEI's acquired businesses.





With over 25 years of experience, Eskridge has overseen various construction aspects, including site preparation and underground utilities, since joining HEI Civil in 2010. He is instrumental in growing HEI's acquired businesses. Zane Hudick , General Manager. Hudick plays a pivotal role in overseeing all facets of the business, including project planning, leveraging his heavy civil construction knowledge from the past 23 years. He leads the company's largest division.





Hudick plays a pivotal role in overseeing all facets of the business, including project planning, leveraging his heavy civil construction knowledge from the past 23 years. He leads the company's largest division. JP Morgan, Executive Vice President of Estimating and Project Management. With over 30 years of experience in heavy civil construction and a vital company member since 2004, Morgan supports the company's pipeline and focuses on continued growth.

Founded in 1973, HEI Civil is a privately owned, heavy civil construction general contractor headquartered in Castle Rock, Colo , with two sister companies Peabody General Contractors located in Austin, Texas and Horsepower Site Services in Charlotte, N.C. The enterprise's current portfolio includes daily work on over 70 projects, over 800 employees and 500 pieces of equipment. For detailed information, visit http://www.heicivil.com.

Contact:

Jordan Jones

Marketing & Communications Manager

720.245.0234

[email protected]

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SOURCE HEI Civil
Honorary Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) title conferred on behalf of His Majesty King Charles III at British Embassy , Seoul

at , Executive Chair Chung recognized with Royal honor for contributions to the arts, culture and eco-friendly electrified mobility

Is the first Korean to be honored with CBE title since the accession of His Majesty King Charles III

Follows in the footsteps of Founding Chairman Ju-yung Chung, who received the CBE honor in 1977

SEOUL, South Korea , Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai Motor Group (the Group) Executive Chair Euisun Chung has been awarded the prestigious honor of Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his contribution to the arts, culture and eco-friendly electrified mobility.

Executive Chair Chung became the first Korean to be awarded the title of CBE since the accession of His Majesty King Charles III .

On behalf of His Majesty, British Ambassador to the Republic of Korea , Colin Crooks , presented Executive Chair Chung with the award at the Medal of Merit ceremony held at the British Embassy , Seoul , on November 14 .

Ambassador Colin Crooks commented: "Executive Chair Chung, as it has seen your forebears whom we have similarly honored, as an exemplar of this outstanding tradition of commercial and philanthropic leadership, one which has taken Hyundai Motor Group's partnership with our country to unprecedented levels of collaboration."

"It is my great honor to confer to you this evening the award of Honorary Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire  the first such award to a Korean national during the reign of His Majesty King Charles III ," Crooks added.

Following in the footsteps of Founding Chairman Ju-yung Chung, on receiving his CBE Executive Chair Euisun Chung commented: "I believe this honor has been bestowed upon me not for my individual service, but in recognition of Hyundai Motor Group's contributions to our two nations' cooperation and friendship," adding "We will further contribute to our bilateral cooperation in business, art, culture, sports, and public service."

"The spirit of Hyundai Motor Group has always been to achieve what may seem impossible now, and to excel beyond expectations. And we know that this was possible because we have friends like you," Chung added.

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SOURCE Hyundai Motor Group
CHICAGO , Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Get into the spirit of giving at House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch's A Blue Christmas Toy Drive and Fundraiser where the House Leader will fundraise for Democrats across the state while also collecting new toys to support local families this holiday season.

Toys collected during Blue Christmas go to the Speaker's annual toy drive supporting hundreds of local families in need.

"Last year, we were able to partner with local leaders and community organizations to give hundreds of families and children in the 7th District a brighter Christmas," said Welch. The gifts from Blue Christmas allow us to ensure that every child gets something. Each year we are grateful for the generosity of our local community and democratic supporters. We hope even more people will join us in supporting Democrats while also celebrating the true reason for the holiday season."

The event boasts a reception-style gathering and open bar. Guests who donate a new toy during the event receive 50% off their fundraiser ticket. Attendees looking to make a bigger impact can become a Santa's Helper Sponsor. The event will also feature a special celebrity guest DJ 3Snapz and Santa Claus, who will be available to take pictures at the Blue Christmas photo booth.

The Speaker's Blue Christmas Toy Drive and Fundraiser will be held at Fogo de Chao [ 1204 W 22nd St , Oak Brook, IL 60523] on Tuesday, December 12 from 6 to 9 PM . Tickets and sponsorships can be purchased online at https://secure.actblue.com/donate/bluechristmas2023 . Attendees can also RSVP by emailing [email protected] .

This event is closed to the press.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/illinois-speaker-to-host-annual-blue-christmas-toy-drive-and-fundraiser-dec-12-301987892.html

SOURCE Democrats for the Illinois House
The Future of Enterprise Asset Management: Improving Frontline Operations Productivity and Asset Reliability

BRISBANE, Australia , Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Innovapptive, a leading provider of mobile-first SaaS Connected Worker solutions, and Deloitte Australia, are thrilled to unveil a groundbreaking partnership and the launch of their joint AI-Connected Worker Platform. This innovative offering combines Innovapptive's Mobile First Inspections and Rounds SaaS Solution with Deloitte's Equipment Condition Supervisor Platform , a condition monitoring platform embedded with Computer Vision AI technology. The result is a proof-of-concept solution that provides instant analysis and feedback to mobile inspectors, enhancing equipment maintenance outcomes, reliability performance, and worker productivity across industries.

"The solution is remarkably simple and efficient. The end user needs to only capture an image of the equipment or fill in a question during their inspection or rounds." said Sundeep Ravande, CEO & Founder. In a matter of seconds, the AI-Connected Workforce Platform will analyze the image, assess the equipment's condition, criticality, and prompt the user to generate a notification that can seamlessly integrate with ERP systems such as SAP and EAM systems such as IBM Maximo, and others. This streamlined workflow empowers organizations to take proactive measures to address equipment issues and minimize downtime, ultimately driving operational efficiency and cost savings."

This collaboration between Innovapptive and Deloitte Australia is poised to transform the way organizations manage their equipment assets. Our proof of concept combines existing mature technologies to allow inspectors to make better decisions about their assets in real time. Collection and analysis of live inspection data can be combined with other asset condition data in ECS and used to create bespoke recommendations tailored for the specific industry, asset type and its health history. This results in optimized maintenance activities and intervals, increased overall asset health, and improved operational efficiency.

"Our joint AI-Connected Worker Platform offers a transformative solution that harnesses the power of artificial intelligence and mobile technology to enhance productivity and reduce downtime. We are excited to bring this game-changing innovation to the market." said Robert Spittle , Deloitte Australia Lead Partner, Asset Management and Performance.

Key features of the AI-Connected Worker Platform can include:

Computer Vision AI/ML for automatic image analysis Predictive equipment failure criticality assessment Confidence level reporting Generation of recommendations based on component and overall asset condition Integration with leading ERP systems Streamlined workflow for efficient equipment maintenance

Innovapptive and Deloitte will be launching this co-innovation at the Mastering SAP Conference on November 13th, 2023 in Gold Coast .

About Innovapptive

Innovapptive is headquartered in Houston, TX , and is a provider of a "Mobile First" and AI-powered SaaS Connected Worker Platform that closes the loop between industrial assets, back-office, and front-line workers. Innovapptive's integrated suite of apps unlocks productivity for operators, maintenance, and warehouse teams to maximize productivity, uptime, and growth profitability for some of the world's largest companies. Learn more at http://www.innovapptive.com.

About Deloitte Australia

Deloitte is a global leader in consulting, audit and financial advisory services. The firm operates in over 150 countries and has a team of over 335,000 professionals. Deloitte Australia is one of the largest professional services firms in Australia , with over 13,000 professionals working across a range of industries.

https://www.deloitte.com/au/en/services/consulting/services/asset-management-performance.html

MEDIA CONTACT:

Neal Leavitt

Leavitt Communications

760/639-2900

[email protected]

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/innovapptive-launches-a-computer-vision-and-aiml-inspection-solution-with-deloitte-australia-301985341.html

SOURCE Innovapptive
Total Q3'23 revenue of $78.6 million , a YoY increase of 38%, with core Life360 Subscription revenue 1 of $50.6 million , up 50% YoY

Annualized Monthly Revenue 2 (AMR) of $259.1 million , up 41% YoY

Q3'23 Net Loss of $6.5 million . Positive Adjusted EBITDA 3 of $5.5 million , the third consecutive quarter of positive Adjusted EBITDA; positive Operating Cash Flow (OCF) of $4.1 million , the second consecutive quarter of positive OCF

Global Paying Circles up 17% YoY, with net quarterly subscriber additions of 118 thousand, Life360's largest ever Q3 growth

U.S. Average Revenue Per Paying Circle (ARPPC) of $146.30 increased 40% YoY reflecting the benefits of higher pricing

Quarter-end cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash of $63.7 million , after the Q3'23 payment of $3.9 million associated with the Jiobit convertible notes

CY23 guidance reiterated for more than 50% YoY growth for core Life360 subscription revenue and consolidated revenue of $300 million - $310 million . Guidance for Positive Adjusted EBITDA3 increased to $12 million - $16 million from $9 million - $14 million .

SAN FRANCISCO , Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- San Francisco area-based Life360, Inc. (Life360 or the Company) (ASX: 360) today reported unaudited financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2023 . Life360 Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Chris Hulls said: "Life360 has delivered an exceptional quarter with net subscriber additions of 118 thousand, a record for Q3, and just shy of our all-time record of 119 thousand in Q4'21, which was prior to our nearly 50% price increase, and benefited from the post-COVID reopening. The 17% year-on-year growth was underpinned by all-time record international subscriber additions, up 44% YoY. This impressive growth bodes well for the international rollout of our Triple Tier Membership offering which went live in the UK in early October, with Australia now planned for the first half of CY24. Early results of the UK rollout are in line with expectations, and will contribute to CY24 revenue growth as one in ten UK families already use Life360. Overall we have seen continued outperformance from predominantly English speaking countries ( Canada , UK , and Australia ) which in aggregate saw Paying Circles increase 52% YoY.

"Along with strong subscriber growth momentum, U.S. Subscription revenue saw the full impact of the April price increase for existing U.S. Android subscribers. U.S ARPPC increased 40% YoY and 4% QoQ. Global ARPPC increased 28% YoY and 1% QoQ.

"Global Monthly Active Users (MAU) increased 24% YoY to 58.4 million, a very strong result which built on the record growth delivered in Q3'22. The U.S. delivered our usual 'Back to School' seasonal uplift, increasing 21% YoY. We're seeing accelerating growth rates in our most highly penetrated states, underpinning our confidence in the size of our Total Addressable Market (TAM), and we believe there is still significant headroom for future growth. International MAU growth of 30% reflects the success of our investment in the international user experience which is driving encouraging retention results.

"Tile Membership bundling is now at a point that we can be confident of its success. The retention gap between those who redeem a Tile versus those who do not continues to expand, and by Month 5 we are seeing a ~15% increase in relative retention (versus a ~10% improvement after Months 1 and 2). As this gap is widening over time, we are highly confident that this is a durable change. Beyond the retention benefit, our value proposition has now truly expanded to people, pets and things while we are simultaneously increasing net subscriber additions. This provides significant validation of the Tile acquisition, and the move to bundling hardware with Membership.

"In addition, GAAP hardware revenues increased 33% YoY inclusive of the bundling allocation, along with margin improvements. This equates to 21% growth in stand-alone (non-GAAP) hardware revenue. We are encouraged by this momentum, and have raised CY23 guidance for hardware revenue to increase 10% to 15% YoY, while recognizing that it remains subject to macro uncertainties, and the significant seasonality associated with the Q4 U.S. holiday period. CY23 subscription performance is skewed to the second half of the year with a resumption of strong subscriber growth following first half churn impacts from significant U.S. price increases.

"We continue to carefully balance expense management with investment in the significant long term growth opportunities available to us. Q3'23 positive Adjusted EBITDA of $5.5 million delivered a $14 .9 million improvement YoY. Excluding commissions, operating expenses increased by $1.2 million or 2.4% YoY, compared with a $21.5 million or 38% uplift in revenue, demonstrating the operating leverage of Life360's business model.

"Our balance sheet remains strong with cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents of $63 .7 million at the end of Q3'23, after the $3.9 million repayment of convertible notes related to the Jiobit acquisition. We delivered positive Operating Cash flow of $4 .1 million for Q3'23, in line with guidance. We continue to expect positive OCF for the remainder of CY23 despite planned investment in targeted growth initiatives, and expected timing differences in the remittance of payments from a platform provider which will result in 11 monthly receipts in CY23 rather than 12.

"Life360's Q3'23 AMR of $259 .1 million, up 41% YoY, provides a strong trajectory of growth leading into CY24."

_________________________ 1 Core Life360 subscription revenue is defined as subscription revenue derived from the Life360 mobile application, excluding certain revenue adjustments related to bundled Life360 subscription and hardware offerings, for the reported period.





2 We use Annualized Monthly Revenue ("AMR") to identify the annualized monthly value of active customer agreements for a particular period. AMR includes the annualized monthly value of subscription, data and partnership agreements. All components of these agreements that are not expected to recur are excluded





3 Adjusted EBITDA is a Non-GAAP measure. For the definition of Adjusted EBITDA and the use of this Non-GAAP measure, as well as a reconciliation of Net Loss to Adjusted EBITDA, refer to the Non-GAAP Financial Measures section below

Key Performance Indicators

(in millions, except ARPPC, ARPPS, and ASP) Q3 2023 Q2 2023 Q3 2022 % QoQ % YoY Life360 Core4









Monthly Active Users (MAU) - Global 58.4 54.0 47.0 8 % 24 % U.S. 35.4 33.6 29.3 5 % 21 % International 23.0 20.4 17.7 13 % 30 % Australia 1.7 1.6 1.2 7 % 37 % Paying Circles - Total 1.75 1.63 1.49 7 % 17 % U.S. 1.30 1.23 1.18 6 % 10 % International 0.45 0.40 0.31 13 % 44 % Average Revenue per Paying Circle (ARPPC) $ 119.97 $ 119.25 $ 93.55 1 % 28 %











Life360 Consolidated (Adjusted for 2022)









Subscriptions 2.3 2.2 2.1 6 % 14 % Average Revenue per Paying Subscription (ARPPS) $ 101.33 $ 97.83 $ 78.03 4 % 30 % Net hardware units shipped (standalone) 1.1 0.7 0.7 60 % 43 % Average Sale Price (ASP) $ 13.24 $ 15.76 $ 15.63 (16) % (15) % Annualized Monthly Revenue (AMR)5 $ 259.1 $ 248.7 $ 184.0 4 % 41 %

_________________________ 4 Life360 Core metrics relate solely to the Life360 mobile application





5 We use Annualized Monthly Revenue ("AMR") to identify the annualized monthly value of active customer agreements at the end of a reporting period. AMR includes the annualized monthly value of subscription, data and partnership agreements. All components of these agreements that are not expected to recur are excluded.

Global MAU increased 24% YoY to 58.4 million, with Q3'23 net additions of 4.4 million. U.S. MAU increased 21% YoY, with net adds of 1.8 million. International MAU were 30% higher YoY, with Q3'23 net adds of 2.6 million. Australian MAU increased 37% YoY to 1.7 million.

MAU increased 21% YoY, with net adds of 1.8 million. International MAU were 30% higher YoY, with Q3'23 net adds of 2.6 million. Australian MAU increased 37% YoY to 1.7 million. Paying Circle growth accelerated in Q3'23 with global net subscriber additions of 118 thousand, the second highest quarterly growth on record. U.S. Paying Circles increased 10% YoY despite the effect of price increases implemented between Q3'22 and Q2'23. International Paying Circles maintained exceptionally strong momentum, up 44% YoY. Our U.S. Membership plan subscribers comprise Silver 15%, Gold 80% and Platinum 4% of total.

Paying Circles increased 10% YoY despite the effect of price increases implemented between Q3'22 and Q2'23. International Paying Circles maintained exceptionally strong momentum, up 44% YoY. Our Membership plan subscribers comprise Silver 15%, Gold 80% and Platinum 4% of total. Global ARPPC increased 28% YoY and 1% QoQ. The benefit from U.S. price increases implemented from Q3'22 saw U.S. ARPPC increase 40% YoY.

price increases implemented from Q3'22 saw ARPPC increase 40% YoY. Net Hardware Units Shipped (excluding bundling) increased 43% YoY, reflecting higher gross unit sales and lower returns from improved consumer electronics demand. Margins improved as a result of specific initiatives, even as Average Sale Price (ASP) reduced 15% YoY due to a mix shift in product, and a higher retail channel mix at a lower ASP. In addition there was a favorable return adjustment recorded in Q2'23.

Operating Results

Revenue



Three Months Ended

September 30 ,

Nine Months Ended

September 30 ,

2023

2022

2023

2022 ($ millions) (unaudited) Subscription revenue $ 56.6

$ 39.0

$ 161.0

$ 107.9 Hardware revenue 15.5

11.7

37.1

28.3 Other revenue 6.5

6.5

19.4

20.8 Total revenue $ 78.6

$ 57.2

$ 217.6

$ 157.0 Annualized Monthly Revenue - September $ 259.1

$ 184.0

$ 259.1

$ 184.0

Q3'23 Consolidated subscription revenue increased 45% YoY (including hardware subscriptions) to $56.6 million . Life360 core subscription revenue increased 50% YoY supported by the 17% YoY uplift in Paying Circles, and 28% higher ARPPC.

. Life360 core subscription revenue increased 50% YoY supported by the 17% YoY uplift in Paying Circles, and 28% higher ARPPC. Q3'23 Hardware revenue increased 33% YoY to $15.5 million due to an increase in the number of units shipped, and the impact of bundling.

due to an increase in the number of units shipped, and the impact of bundling. Q3'23 Other revenue of $6.5 million was in line with the prior period, as a result of the strategic shift to a single data partnership from January 2022 , and the terms associated with the arrangement.

was in line with the prior period, as a result of the strategic shift to a single data partnership from , and the terms associated with the arrangement. September AMR increased 41% YoY, reflecting strong subscription revenue momentum.

Gross Profit



Three Months Ended

September 30 ,

Nine Months Ended

September 30 ,

2023

2022

2023

2022 ($ millions, except percentages) (unaudited) Gross Profit $ 57.9

$ 39.2

$ 162.5

$ 103.6 Gross Margin 74 %

69 %

75 %

66 % Gross Margin (Subscription Only) 85 %

80 %

86 %

79 %

Q3'23 gross profit margin increased to 74% from 69% in the prior year period, reflecting the uplift in subscription only margins to 85% due to higher pricing. Hardware gross margins also increased, reflecting cost efficiencies from successful initiatives to reduce fulfillment and logistics costs.



Three Months Ended

September 30 ,

Nine Months Ended

September 30 ,

2023

2022

2023

2022 ($ millions) (unaudited) Research and development $ 24.6

$ 24.6

$ 74.9

$ 77.3 Sales and marketing 25.7

24.2

73.4

70.4 Paid acquisition & TV 8.4

7.6

21.4

21.2 Other sales and marketing 6.6

8.6

20.5

26.5 Commissions 10.7

8.0

31.5

22.7 General and administrative 14.1

11.6

39.8

37.6 Total operating expenses $ 64.4

$ 60.4

$ 188.1

$ 185.3

Q3'23 operating expenses increased 7% YoY, largely due to higher General and administrative costs primarily arising from higher legal expenses, and increased accounting costs related to Sarbanes-Oxley compliance. Commissions were higher YoY in line with the growth in subscription revenue.

EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA6



Three Months Ended

September 30 ,

Nine Months Ended

September 30 ,

2023

2022

2023

2022 ($ millions) (unaudited) Net Loss $ (6.5)

$ (21.1)

$ (25.0)

$ (79.3) EBITDA (4.2)

(18.8)

(18.8)

(74.9) Non-GAAP Adjustments 9.7

9.4

30.5

33.1 Adjusted EBITDA $ 5.5

$ (9.4)

$ 11.7

$ (41.7)

Q3'23 delivered a positive Adjusted EBITDA contribution of $5.5 million versus an Adjusted EBITDA loss of $9.4 million in the prior corresponding period as a result of continued strong subscription revenue growth, higher hardware revenue, improved margins and additional cost efficiencies.

_________________________ 6 EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP measures. For definitions of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA, a description of these non-GAAP measures' use, and a reconciliation of Net Loss to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA, refer to the Non-GAAP Financial Measures section below.

Balance Sheet and Cash Flow



Three Months Ended

September 30 ,

Nine Months Ended

September 30 ,

2023

2022

2023

2022 ($ millions) (unaudited) Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities $ 4.1

$ (16.4)

$ (1.4)

$ (54.9) Net cash used in investing activities (0.4)

(0.3)

(1.3)

(114.1) Net cash used in financing activities (4.2)

(3.8)

(24.0)

(3.5) Net Decrease in Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash (0.5)

(20.4)

(26.7)

(172.5) Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash at the End of the Period $ 63.7

$ 58.9

$ 63.7

$ 58.9

Life360 ended Q3'23 with cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash of $63.7 million , with unrestricted cash decreasing by $0.6 million from Q2'23. Operating cash flow of $4.1 million was offset by $0.4 million used in investing activities and $4.2 million used in financing activities.

, with unrestricted cash decreasing by from Q2'23. Operating cash flow of was offset by used in investing activities and used in financing activities. Q3'23 net cash provided by operating activities of $4.1 million saw a differential to Adjusted EBITDA of $5.5 million due to timing of receipts, manufacturing payments, and higher sales due to the 'Back to School' seasonal uplift.

saw a differential to Adjusted EBITDA of due to timing of receipts, manufacturing payments, and higher sales due to the 'Back to School' seasonal uplift. Q3'23 net cash used in investing activities of $0.4 million related to payments for internally developed software.

related to payments for internally developed software. Q3'23 net cash used in financing activities of $4.2 million related to the repayment of the Jiobit convertible note and taxes paid for the net settlement of equity awards, offset by proceeds from the exercise of options.

Earnings Guidance7

For CY23, Life360 expects to deliver:

Core Life360 subscription revenue growth in excess of 50% YoY;

Hardware revenue growth of 10% to 15% (previously 0% to 5%);

Other revenue of approximately $26 million ;

; Consolidated revenue of $300 million - $310 million ;

- ; Positive Adjusted EBITDA 8 of $12 million - $16 million (previously $9 million - $14 million );

of - (previously - ); Positive Operating Cash Flow of $0 million to $5 million , revised from $5 million - $10 million . This change is solely due to a timing difference, with no change to the OCF outlook; and

to , revised from - . This change is solely due to a timing difference, with no change to the OCF outlook; and Positive Adjusted EBITDA and Operating Cash Flow for the remaining quarter of CY23.

For Q4'23 it should be noted that it is usual to see some pullback in subscriber momentum after strong waves of subscriber growth, especially in Q4, which (outside of the COVID reopening of 2021) is generally lower due to seasonality. While we are on track to hit all guidance metrics, there was likely some pull forward effect in Q3; along with natural churn and lower expected top of funnel, we expect fewer net adds in Q4 than in Q3 despite strong ongoing momentum across the business.

Looking ahead to CY24, while we will share guidance as part of our CY23 full year earnings announcement, we remain on track to continue to expand our Adjusted EBITDA and Operating Cash Flow, while also lowering our EBITDA8 loss, with EBITDA breakeven expected in CY25. We continue to believe the right strategy for the business is to invest in growth, and we are taking a balanced approach that will allow us to deploy excess cash generated to make additional R&D and marketing investments, while simultaneously improving margins.

_________________________ 7 With respect to forward looking non-GAAP guidance, we are not able to reconcile the forward-looking non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA measure to the closest corresponding GAAP measure without unreasonable efforts because we are unable to predict the ultimate outcome of certain significant items, which are fluid and unpredictable in nature. In addition, the Company believes such a reconciliation would imply a degree of precision that may be confusing or misleading to investors. These items include, but are not limited to, litigation costs, convertible notes and derivative liability fair value adjustments, and gains/losses on revaluation of contingent consideration. These items may be material to our results calculated in accordance with GAAP.





8 EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP measures. For definitions of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA, a description of these non-GAAP measures' use, and a reconciliation of Net Loss to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA, refer to the Non-GAAP Financial Measures section below.

Investor Conference Call

A conference call will be held today at 9.30am AEDT, Wednesday 15 November 2023 (Tuesday 14 November U.S. PT at 2.30pm ). The call will be held as a Zoom audio webinar.

Participants wishing to ask a question should register and join via their browser here. Participants joining via telephone will be in listen only mode.

Dial in details

Australia : +61 2 8015 6011

U.S. : +1 669 444 9171

Other countries: details

Meeting ID: 994 8367 4050

A replay will be available after the call at https://investors.life360.com

Authorization

Chris Hulls , Director, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Life360 authorized this announcement being given to ASX.

About Life360

Life360 operates a platform for today's busy families, bringing them closer together by helping them better know, communicate with, and protect the pets, people and things they care about most. The Company's core offering, the Life360 mobile app, is a market leading app for families, with features that range from communications to driving safety and location sharing. Life360 is based in San Mateo and had approximately 58 million monthly active users (MAU) as of September 30, 2023 located in more than 150 countries. For more information, please visit life360.com.

Tile, a Life360 company, locates millions of unique items every day by giving everything the power of smart location. Leveraging its superior nearby finding features and vast community that spans over 150 countries, Tile's cloud-based finding platform helps people find the things that matter to them most. For more information, please visit Tile.com.

Life360's CDIs are issued in reliance on the exemption from registration contained in Regulation S of the US Securities Act of 1933 (Securities Act) for offers of securities which are made outside the US. Accordingly, the CDIs have not been, and will not be, registered under the Securities Act or the laws of any state or other jurisdiction in the US. As a result of relying on the Regulation S exemption, the CDIs are 'restricted securities' under Rule 144 of the Securities Act. This means that you are unable to sell the CDIs into the US or to a US person who is not a QIB for the foreseeable future except in very limited circumstances until after the end of the restricted period, unless the re-sale of the CDIs is registered under the Securities Act or an exemption is available. To enforce the above transfer restrictions, all CDIs issued bear a FOR Financial Product designation on the ASX. This designation restricts any CDIs from being sold on ASX to US persons excluding QIBs. However, you are still able to freely transfer your CDIs on ASX to any person other than a US person who is not a QIB. In addition, hedging transactions with regard to the CDIs may only be conducted in accordance with the Securities Act.

Forward-looking statements

This announcement and the accompanying conference call contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Life360 intends such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements regarding Life360's intentions, objectives, plans, expectations, assumptions and beliefs about future events, including Life360's expectations with respect to the financial and operating performance of its business, including subscription revenue, hardware revenue, other revenue, consolidated revenue, Adjusted EBITDA, and operating cash flow; its capital position; future growth; the impact of past price increases on future results of operations and churn; the impact of past price increases on future results of operations and churn; the strategic value and opportunities for Tile; operating cost savings, including through reduced commissions; as well as Life360's expectations of any changes to the information disclosed herein. The words "anticipate", "believe", "expect", "project", "predict", "will", "forecast", "estimate", "likely", "intend", "outlook", "should", "could", "may", "target", "plan" and other similar expressions can generally be used to identify forward-looking statements. Indications of, and guidance or outlook on, future earnings or financial position or performance are also forward-looking statements. Investors and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements as they involve inherent risk and uncertainty (both general and specific) and should note that they are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied on as an indication or guarantee of future performance. There is a risk that such predictions, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will not be achieved. Subject to any continuing obligations under applicable law, Life360 does not undertake any obligation to publicly release the result of any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this announcement, to reflect any change in expectations in relation to any forward-looking statements or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statements are based.

Although Life360 believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements and the assumptions upon which they are based are reasonable, Life360 can give no assurance that such expectations and assumptions will prove to be correct and, actual results may vary in a materially positive or negative manner. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainty, assumptions and contingencies, many of which are outside Life360's control, and are based on estimates and assumptions that are subject to change and may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include risks related to the preliminary nature of financial results, risks related to Life360's business, market risks, Life360's need for additional capital, and the risk that Life360's products and services may not perform as expected, as described in greater detail under the heading "Risk Factors" in Life360's ASX and SEC filings, including its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 14, 2023 and other reports filed with the SEC. To the maximum extent permitted by law, responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise is disclaimed. This announcement should not be relied upon as a recommendation or forecast by Life360. Past performance information given in this document is given for illustrative purposes only and is not necessarily a guide to future performance and no representation or warranty is made by any person as to the likelihood of achievement or reasonableness of any forward-looking statements, forecast financial information, future share price performance or any underlying assumptions. Nothing contained in this document nor any information made available to you is, or shall be relied upon as, a promise, representation, warranty or guarantee as to the past, present or the future performance of Life360.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss (Dollars in U.S. $, in thousands, except share and per share data) (unaudited)



Three Months Ended September 30 ,

Nine Months Ended September 30 ,

2023

2022

2023

2022 Subscription revenue $ 56,607

$ 38,991

$ 160,998

$ 107,884 Hardware revenue 15,541

11,676

37,110

28,314 Other revenue 6,476

6,486

19,447

20,769 Total revenue 78,624

57,153

217,555

156,967 Cost of subscription revenue 8,267

7,768

22,700

22,742 Cost of hardware revenue 11,570

9,327

29,732

27,906 Cost of other revenue 902

818

2,625

2,673 Total cost of revenue 20,739

17,913

55,057

53,321 Gross profit 57,885

39,240

162,498

103,646 Operating expenses:













Research and development 24,569

24,569

74,948

77,337 Sales and marketing 25,741

24,228

73,404

70,365 General and administrative 14,082

11,567

39,788

37,643 Total operating expenses 64,392

60,364

188,140

185,345 Loss from operations (6,507)

(21,124)

(25,642)

(81,699) Other income (expense):













Convertible notes fair value adjustment (604)

(232)

(798)

1,875 Derivative liability fair value adjustment 63

(145)

(177)

1,183 Other income (expense), net 337

455

1,797

(601) Total other income (expense), net (204)

78

822

2,457 Loss before income taxes (6,711)

(21,046)

(24,820)

(79,242) Provision for (benefit from) income taxes (170)

73

205

84 Net loss (6,541)  (21,119)

(25,025)

(79,326) Net loss per share, basic and diluted $ (0.10)

$ (0.34)

$ (0.38)

$ (1.28) Weighted-average shares used in computing net loss per share, basic and diluted 67,091,993

62,173,588

66,389,483

61,753,532 Comprehensive loss













Net loss (6,541)

(21,119)

(25,025)

(79,326) Change in foreign currency translation adjustment (17)

(29)

9

(14) Total comprehensive loss $ (6,558)

$ (21,148)

$ (25,016)

$ (79,340)

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Dollars in U.S. $, in thousands) (unaudited)



September 30 ,

2023

December 31 ,

2022 Assets





Current Assets:





Cash and cash equivalents $ 61,848

$ 75,444 Restricted cash, current 

13,274 Accounts receivable, net 39,731

33,125 Inventory 10,936

10,826 Costs capitalized to obtain contracts, net 1,082

1,438 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 11,340

8,548 Total current assets 124,937

142,655 Restricted cash, noncurrent 1,809

1,647 Property and equipment, net 800

393 Costs capitalized to obtain contracts, noncurrent 767

626 Prepaid expenses and other assets, noncurrent 6,051

7,134 Operating lease right-of-use asset 1,166

802 Intangible assets, net 47,208

52,699 Goodwill 133,674

133,674 Total Assets $ 316,412

$ 339,630 Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity





Current Liabilities:





Accounts payable 12,902

$ 13,791 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 22,580

27,015 Escrow liability 

13,274 Convertible notes, current 3,563

3,513 Deferred revenue, current 33,652

30,056 Total current liabilities 72,697

87,649 Convertible notes, noncurrent 950

4,060 Derivative liability, noncurrent 278

101 Deferred revenue, noncurrent 1,369

2,706 Other liabilities, noncurrent 810

576 Total Liabilities $ 76,104

$ 95,092 Commitments and Contingencies





Stockholders' Equity





Common Stock 68

67 Additional paid-in capital 522,234

501,763 Notes due from affiliates 

(314) Accumulated deficit (281,997)

(256,972) Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 3

(6) Total stockholders' equity 240,308

244,538 Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity $ 316,412

$ 339,630

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Dollars in U.S. $, in thousands) (unaudited)



Nine Months Ended

September 30 ,

2023

2022 Cash Flows from Operating Activities:





Net loss $ (25,025)

$ (79,326) Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:





Depreciation and amortization 6,844

6,831 Amortization of costs capitalized to obtain contracts 1,782

2,419 Amortization of operating lease right-of-use asset 690

 Stock-based compensation expense 27,678

24,487 Compensation expense in connection with revesting notes 73

(100) Non-cash interest expense, net 331

345 Convertible notes fair value adjustment 798

(1,875) Derivative liability fair value adjustment 177

(1,183) Gain on revaluation of contingent consideration 

(5,279) Non-cash revenue from affiliate (1,489)

(1,008) Inventory write-off 916

 Adjustment in connection with membership benefit (2,172)

 Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:





Accounts receivable, net (6,606)

16,412 Prepaid expenses and other assets (2,036)

7,216 Inventory (1,026)

(4,877) Costs capitalized to obtain contracts, net (1,567)

(2,777) Accounts payable (889)

(13,867) Accrued expenses and other liabilities (3,163)

(5,345) Deferred revenue 3,748

2,410 Other liabilities, noncurrent (498)

620 Net cash used in operating activities (1,434)

(54,897) Cash Flows from Investing Activities:





Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired 

(113,401) Internal use software (1,232)

(701) Purchase of property and equipment (26)

 Net cash used in investing activities (1,258)

(114,102) Cash Flows from Financing Activities:





Indemnity escrow payment in connection with an acquisition (13,128)

 Proceeds from the exercise of options 4,109

1,994 Taxes paid related to net settlement of equity awards (11,392)

(2,727) Proceeds from repayment of notes due from affiliates 314

648 Issuance of common stock 

85 Repayment of convertible notes (3,919)

(3,471) Net cash used in financing activities (24,016)

(3,471) Net Decrease in Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash (26,708)

(172,470) Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at the Beginning of the Period 90,365

231,345 Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash at the End of the Period $ 63,657

$ 58,875 Supplemental disclosure:





Cash paid during the period for taxes $ 538

$  Cash paid during the period for interest 640

518 Non-cash investing and financing activities:





Fair value of stock issued in connection with an acquisition $ 

$ 15,409 Fair value of warrants held as investment in affiliate 

5,474 Fair value of stock issued in settlement of contingent consideration 

4,221 Right of use asset recognized in connection with lease modification 1,054

 Operating lease liability recognized in connection with lease modification 1,054

 Total non-cash investing and financing activities $ 2,108

$ 25,104

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

We collect and analyze operating and financial data to evaluate the health of our business, allocate our resources and assess our performance.

EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA

In addition to total revenue, net loss and other results under GAAP, we utilize non-GAAP calculations of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") and adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("Adjusted EBITDA"). EBITDA is defined as net loss, excluding (i) convertible notes and derivative liability fair value adjustments, (ii) provision for (benefit from) income taxes, (iii) depreciation and amortization and (iv) other income (expense), net. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net loss, excluding (i) convertible notes and derivative liability fair value adjustments, (ii) provision for (benefit from) income taxes, (iii) depreciation and amortization, (iv) other income (expense), net, (v) stock-based compensation, (vi) Form 10 transaction costs, (vii) acquisition and integration costs, (viii) non-recurring workplace restructuring costs, (ix) inventory write-offs, (x) adjustment in connection with membership benefit, (xi) non-recurring warehouse relocation costs and (xii) gain on revaluation of contingent consideration.



The above items are excluded from EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA because these items are non-cash in nature, or because the amount and timing of these items are unpredictable, are not driven by core results of operations and render comparisons with prior periods and competitors less meaningful. We believe EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA provide useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating our results of operations, as well as providing useful measures for period-to-period comparisons of our business performance. Moreover, we have included EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA in this media release because they are key measurements used by our management team internally to make operating decisions, including those related to operating expenses, evaluate performance, and perform strategic planning and annual budgeting. However, these non-GAAP financial measures are presented for supplemental informational purposes only, should not be considered a substitute for or superior to financial information presented in accordance with GAAP, and may be different from similarly titled non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies. As such, you should consider these non-GAAP financial measures in addition to other financial performance measures presented in accordance with GAAP, including various cash flow metrics, net loss and our other GAAP results.



The following table presents a reconciliation of net loss, the most directly comparable GAAP measure, to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA:



Three Months Ended

September 30 ,

Nine Months Ended

September 30 ,

2023

2022

2023

2022 (in thousands)









Net loss $ (6,541)

$ (21,119)

$ (25,025)

$ (79,326) Add (deduct):













Convertible notes fair value adjustment 604

232

798

(1,875) Derivative liability fair value adjustment9 (63)

145

177

(1,183) Provision for (benefit from) income taxes (170)

73

205

84 Depreciation and amortization10 2,295

2,329

6,844

6,831 Other income (expense), net (337)

(455)

(1,797)

601 EBITDA $ (4,212)

$ (18,795)

$ (18,798)

$ (74,868) Stock-based compensation 9,454

7,963

27,678

24,487 Form 10 transaction costs 

705



2,843 Acquisition and integration costs 

703



11,097 Non-recurring workplace restructuring costs11 238



3,970

 Write-off of obsolete inventory12 



916

 Adjustment in connection with membership benefit13 (78)



(2,172)

 Non-recurring warehouse relocation costs14 77



77

 Gain on revaluation of contingent consideration 





(5,279) Adjusted EBITDA $ 5,479

$ (9,424)

$ 11,671

$ (41,720)

_________________________ 9 To reflect the change in value of the derivative liability associated with the July 2021 Convertible Notes. 10 Includes depreciation on fixed assets and amortization of acquired intangible assets. 11 Relates to non-recurring personnel and severance related expenses in connection with the workplace restructure announced on January 12, 2023 . 12 Relates to the write-off of raw materials that have no alternative use to the Company following the decision to halt development. 13 Relates to an adjustment recorded to reduce product costs recorded to cost of revenue in connection with the discontinuation of certain battery related membership benefits. 14 Relates to non-recurring warehouse relocation costs in relation to the Company's transition to a new logistics partner.

Key Financial Metrics:



Three Months Ended

September 30 ,

Nine Months Ended

September 30 ,

2023

2022

2023

2022 (in millions)









Revenue













U.S. subscription revenue (Non-GAAP) $ 51.6

$ 34.5

$ 144.9

$ 95.5 International subscription revenue (Non-GAAP) 6.2

4.5

18.0

12.4 Subscription revenue (Non-GAAP) 57.8

39.0

162.9

107.9 Hardware revenue (Non-GAAP) 14.2

11.7

34.7

28.3 Other revenue 6.5

6.5

19.4

20.8 Total revenue (Non-GAAP) 78.5

57.2

217.0

157.0 Add: GAAP adjustments related to bundled offerings 0.2



0.6

 Total revenue, GAAP included in Adjusted EBITDA15 78.6

57.2

217.6

157.0















Non-GAAP Gross Margin16 59.4

40.8

164.8

107.3 Non-GAAP Gross Margin % 76 %

71 %

76 %

68 % Non-GAAP Subscription Gross Margin % 84 %

81 %

85 %

80 %















Research and Development (Non-GAAP) 19.1

20.2

56.5

63.6 Sales and Marketing (Non-GAAP)













User acquisition and TV costs 8.4

7.6

21.4

21.2 Other Sales and Marketing 4.7

6.6

14.3

19.7 Commissions 10.7

8.0

31.5

22.7 General & Administrative (Non-GAAP) 11.1

7.9

29.9

22.7 Non-GAAP Operating Expenses17 54.0

50.2

153.7

150.0















Net loss (6.5)

(21.1)

(25.0)

(79.3)















Adjusted EBITDA 5.5

(9.4)

11.7

(41.7) Adjusted EBITDA Margin % 7 %

(16) %

5 %

(27) % Stock-based Compensation (9.5)

(8.0)

(27.7)

(24.5) Other Non-GAAP Adjustments (0.2)

(1.3)

(2.8)

(8.7) EBITDA $ (4.2)

$ (18.7)

$ (18.8)

$ (74.9)







15 Total revenue, GAAP included in Adjusted EBITDA is calculated using Total Revenue, Non-GAAP adjusted for the impact of bundled offerings. As this adjustment is deemed to be routine, it has not been added back to EBITDA or Adjusted EBITDA.





16 Non-GAAP Gross Margin is calculated using Revenue, Non-GAAP and Cost of revenue, Non-GAAP. For a reconciliation between Total Revenue, GAAP and Total Revenue, Non-GAAP and Total Cost of revenue, GAAP and Total Cost of revenue, Non-GAAP, refer to the Revenue and Cost of Revenue (GAAP to Non-GAAP reconciliation) sections below.

17 Non-GAAP operating expenses are calculated using Research and Development, Non-GAAP, Sales and Marketing, Non-GAAP and General & Administrative, Non-GAAP expenses. For a reconciliation between Total operating expenses, GAAP and Total operating expenses, Non-GAAP, refer to the Operating expenses (GAAP to Non-GAAP reconciliation) section below.

Revenue (GAAP to Non-GAAP reconciliation):



Q1 2023

Q2 2023

Q3 2023 (in millions)









Subscription revenue, GAAP included in Adjusted EBITDA $ 51.7

$ 52.7

$ 56.6 Bundled offerings18, 19 

0.7

1.2 Total Subscription revenue, Non-GAAP $ 51.7

$ 53.4

$ 57.8











Hardware revenue, GAAP, included in Adjusted EBITDA $ 10.0

$ 11.6

$ 15.5 Bundled offerings18, 19 

(1.1)

(1.4) Total Hardware revenue, Non-GAAP $ 10.0

$ 10.5

$ 14.2







18 Bundled offerings represent certain revenue adjustments related to bundled Life360 subscription and hardware offerings.





19 The net difference of the bundled offerings represents the GAAP revenue recognition of subscription revenue allocated to hardware revenue which is recognized at a point-in-time rather than ratably over the subscription period,







Cost of Revenue (GAAP to Non-GAAP reconciliation)



Three Months Ended September 30 ,

Nine Months Ended September 30 ,

2023

2022

2023

2022 (in millions)





Cost of subscription revenue, GAAP $ 8.3

$ 7.8

$ 22.7

$ 22.7 Less: Depreciation and amortization (0.3)

(0.2)

(0.9)

(0.7) Less: Stock-based compensation (0.2)

(0.1)

(0.4)

(0.6) Less: Severance and other 



(0.1)

 Less: Adjustment in connection with membership benefit 



1.8

 Non-GAAP Cost of subscription revenue included in Adjusted EBITDA $ 7.8

$ 7.4

$ 23.1

$ 21.5 Less: Hardware bundling adjustment 1.5



1.5

 Total Cost of subscription revenue, Non-GAAP $ 9.3

$ 7.4

$ 24.6

$ 21.5















Cost of hardware revenue, GAAP $ 11.6

$ 9.3

$ 29.7

$ 27.9 Less: Depreciation and amortization (0.9)

(0.9)

(2.7)

(2.7) Less: Stock-based compensation (0.3)

(0.1)

(0.7)

(0.4) Less: Severance and other (0.1)

(0.1)

(0.2)

(0.1) Less: Adjustment in connection with membership benefit 0.1



0.4

 Non-GAAP Cost of hardware revenue included in Adjusted EBITDA $ 10.4

$ 8.2

$ 26.5

$ 24.7 Less: Alignment of accounting policies20 





1.0 Less: Hardware bundling adjustment (1.5)



(1.5)

 Total Cost of hardware revenue, Non-GAAP $ 8.9

$ 8.2

$ 25.0

$ 25.7















Cost of other revenue, GAAP $ 0.9

$ 0.8

$ 2.6

$ 2.7 Less: Stock-based compensation 

(0.1)



(0.2) Total Cost of other revenue, Non-GAAP $ 0.9

$ 0.8

$ 2.6

$ 2.5















Cost of revenue, GAAP $ 20.7

$ 17.9

$ 55.1

$ 53.3 Less: Depreciation and amortization (1.2)

(1.1)

(3.6)

(3.4) Less: Stock-based compensation (0.4)

(0.3)

(1.2)

(1.1) Less: Severance and other (0.1)

(0.1)

(0.2)

(0.1) Less: Adjustment in connection with membership benefit 0.1



2.2

 Non-GAAP Cost of revenue included in Adjusted EBITDA $ 19.1

$ 16.4

$ 52.2

$ 48.6 Less: Alignment of accounting policies20 





1.0 Less: Hardware bundling adjustment 





 Total Cost of revenue, Non-GAAP $ 19.1

$ 16.4

$ 52.2

$ 49.6





20 Includes non-recurring costs reflecting the alignment of accounting policies attributable to the integration with Tile. As these adjustments are not deemed to be non-routine or one time in nature, they have not been added back to EBITDA or Adjusted EBITDA.

Operating expenses (GAAP to Non-GAAP reconciliation):



Three Months Ended September 30 ,

Nine Months Ended September 30 ,

2023

2022

2023

2022 (in millions)









Research and development expense, GAAP $ 24.6

$ 24.6

$ 74.9

$ 77.3 Less: Stock-based compensation (5.5)

(4.2)

(15.6)

(13.1) Less: Severance and other 

(0.2)

(2.8)

(0.5) Total Research and development, Non-GAAP $ 19.1

$ 20.2

$ 56.5

$ 63.6















Sales and marketing expense, GAAP $ 25.7

$ 24.2

$ 73.4

$ 70.4 Less: Depreciation and amortization (1.1)

(1.1)

(3.2)

(3.1) Less: Stock-based compensation (0.7)

(0.9)

(2.2)

(3.1) Less: Severance and other (0.1)

(0.1)

(0.8)

(0.5) Total Sales and marketing expense, Non-GAAP $ 23.9

$ 22.2

$ 67.2

$ 63.6















General and administrative expense, GAAP $ 14.1

$ 11.6

$ 39.8

$ 37.6 Less: Depreciation and amortization 

(0.1)



(0.3) Less: Stock-based compensation (2.8)

(2.5)

(8.7)

(7.1) Less: Severance and other (0.2)

(1.0)

(1.1)

(7.5) Total General and administrative expense, Non-GAAP $ 11.1

$ 7.9

$ 29.9

$ 22.7















Total Operating expenses, GAAP $ 64.4

$ 60.4

$ 188.1

$ 185.3 Less: Depreciation and amortization (1.1)

(1.2)

(3.2)

(3.4) Less: Stock-based compensation (9.0)

(7.6)

(26.5)

(23.4) Less: Severance and other (0.2)

(1.3)

(4.7)

(8.5) Total Operating expenses, Non-GAAP $ 54.0

$ 50.2

$ 153.7

$ 150.0

Note: The financial information in this announcement is unaudited and may not add or recalculate due to rounding. All references to $ are to U.S. $.

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SOURCE Life360
INDIANAPOLIS , Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) will attend the sixth annual Evercore ISI HealthCONx Conference on Nov. 28, 2023 . Daniel Skovronsky, M.D., Ph.D., executive vice president, chief scientific and medical officer, and president of Lilly Research Laboratories, will participate in a fireside chat at 3:50 p.m., Eastern time .

A live audio webcast will be available on the "Webcasts & Presentations" section of Lilly's Investor website at https://investor.lilly.com/webcasts-and-presentations. A replay of the presentation will be available on this same website for approximately 90 days.

About Lilly

Lilly unites caring with discovery to create medicines that make life better for people around the world. We've been pioneering life-changing discoveries for nearly 150 years, and today our medicines help more than 51 million people across the globe. Harnessing the power of biotechnology, chemistry and genetic medicine, our scientists are urgently advancing new discoveries to solve some of the world's most significant health challenges, redefining diabetes care, treating obesity and curtailing its most devastating long-term effects, advancing the fight against Alzheimer's disease, providing solutions to some of the most debilitating immune system disorders, and transforming the most difficult-to-treat cancers into manageable diseases. With each step toward a healthier world, we're motivated by one thing: making life better for millions more people. That includes delivering innovative clinical trials that reflect the diversity of our world and working to ensure our medicines are accessible and affordable. To learn more, visit Lilly.com and Lilly.com/news or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. F-LLY

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SOURCE Eli Lilly and Company
NEW YORK , Nov. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Lument Finance Trust, Inc. (NYSE: LFT) ("we," "LFT" or "the Company") today reported its third quarter 2023 results. Distributable earnings for the quarter were $6.0 million , or $0.11 per share of common stock. GAAP net income attributable to common shareholders for the quarter was $5.2 million , or $0.10 per share of common stock. The Company has also issued a detailed presentation of its results, which can be viewed at www.lumentfinancetrust.com.

Conference Call and Webcast Information

The Company will also host a conference call on Tuesday, November 14, 2023 , at 8:30 a.m. ET to provide a business update and discuss the financial results for the third quarter of 2023. The conference call may be accessed by dialing 1-888-336-7151 ( U.S. ) or 1-412-902-4251 (international). Note: there is no passcode; please ask the operator to be joined into the Lument Finance Trust call. A live webcast, on a listen-only basis, is also available and can be accessed through the URL:

https://app.webinar.net/2jWZbeOxy7m

For those unable to listen to the live broadcast, a recorded replay will be available for on-demand viewing approximately one hour after the end of the event through the Company's website https://lumentfinancetrust.com/ and by telephone dial-in. The replay call-in number is 1-877-344-7529 ( U.S. ) or 1-412-317-0088 (international) with passcode 9222368.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In this release, the Company presents certain financial measures that are not calculated according to generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("GAAP"). Specifically, the Company is presenting distributable earnings, which constitutes a non-GAAP financial measure within the meaning of Item 10(e) of Regulation S-K and is net income under GAAP. While we believe the non-GAAP information included in this press release provides supplemental information to assist investors in analyzing our results, and to assist investors in comparing our results with other peer issuers, these measures are not in accordance with GAAP, and they should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, our financial information calculated in accordance with GAAP. The methods of calculating non-GAAP financial measures may differ substantially from similarly titled measures used by other companies. Our GAAP financial results and the reconciliations from these results should be carefully evaluated.

Distributable Earnings

Distributable Earnings is a non-GAAP measure, which we define as GAAP net income (loss) attributable to holders of common stock computed in accordance with GAAP, including realized losses not otherwise included in GAAP net income (loss) and excluding (i) non-cash equity compensation, (ii) depreciation and amortization, (iii) any unrealized gains or losses or other similar non-cash items that are included in net income for that applicable reporting period, regardless of whether such items are included in other comprehensive income (loss) or net income (loss), and (iv) one-time events pursuant to changes in GAAP and certain material non-cash income or expense items after discussions with the Company's board of directors and approved by a majority of the Company's independent directors. Distributable Earnings mirrors how we calculate Core Earnings pursuant to the terms of our management agreement between our Manager and us, or our Management Agreement, for purposes of calculating the incentive fee payable to our Manager.

While Distributable Earnings excludes the impact of any unrealized provisions for credit losses, any loan losses are charged off and realized through Distributable Earnings when deemed non-recoverable. Non-recoverability is determined (i) upon the resolution of a loan (i.e. when the loan is repaid, fully or partially, or in the case of foreclosures, when the underlying asset is sold), or (ii) with respect to any amount due under any loan, when such amount is determined to be non-collectible.

We believe that Distributable Earnings provides meaningful information to consider in addition to our net income (loss) and cash flows from operating activities determined in accordance with GAAP. We believe Distributable Earnings is a useful financial metric for existing and potential future holders of our common stock as historically, over time, Distributable Earnings has been a strong indicator of our dividends per share of common stock. As a REIT, we generally must distribute annually at least 90% of our taxable income, subject to certain adjustments, and therefore we believe our dividends are one of the principal reasons stockholders may invest in our common stock. Furthermore, Distributable Earnings help us to evaluate our performance excluding the effects of certain transactions and GAAP adjustments that we believe are not necessarily indicative of our current loan portfolio and operations, and is a performance metric we consider when declaring our dividends.

Distributable Earnings does not represent net income (loss) or cash generated from operating activities and should not be considered as an alternative to GAAP net income (loss), or an indication of GAAP cash flows from operations, a measure of our liquidity, or an indication of funds available for our cash needs.

GAAP to Distributable Earnings Reconciliation





Three months Ended









September 30, 2023





Reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP Information









Net Income attributable to common shareholders

$ 5,174,685





Adjustments for non-Distributable Earnings









Unrealized losses (gains) on mortgage servicing rights Unrealized provision for credit losses

(1,573) 791,563





Subtotal

789,990





Other Adjustments









Recognized compensation expense related to restricted common stock

-





Adjustment for income taxes

19,803





Subtotal

19,803

















Distributable Earnings

$ 5,984,478

















Weighted average shares outstanding - Basic and Diluted

52,231,152





Distributable Earnings per weighted share outstanding - Basic and Diluted

$ 0.11







About LFT

LFT is a Maryland corporation focused on investing in, financing and managing a portfolio of commercial real estate debt investments. The Company primarily invests in transitional floating rate commercial mortgage loans with an emphasis on middle-market multi-family assets.

LFT is externally managed and advised by Lument Investment Management LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

Additional Information and Where to Find It

Investors, security holders and other interested persons may find additional information regarding the Company at the SEC's Internet site at http://www.sec.gov/ or the Company website www.lumentfinancetrust.com or by directing requests to: Lument Finance Trust, 230 Park Avenue , 20th Floor, New York, NY 10169, Attention: Investor Relations.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements included in this press release constitute forward-looking statements intended to qualify for the safe harbor contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act, as amended. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties. You can identify forward-looking statements by use of words such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "project," "estimate," "plan," "continue," "intend," "should," "may," "will," "seek," "would," "could," or similar expressions or other comparable terms, or by discussions of strategy, plans or intentions. Forward-looking statements are based on the Company's beliefs, assumptions and expectations of its future performance, taking into account all information currently available to the Company on the date of this press release or the date on which such statements are first made. Actual results may differ from expectations, estimates and projections. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements in this press release and should consider carefully the factors described in Part I, Item IA "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 , which is available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov, and in other current or periodic filings with the SEC, when evaluating these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and are generally beyond the Company's control. Except as required by applicable law, 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.

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SOURCE Lument Finance Trust, Inc.
Moving Forward as a Stronger Company With a Significantly Improved Balance Sheet and Increased Financial Flexibility

David Stetson and Jon Zinman Appointed to New Board of Directors

DUBLIN , Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Mallinckrodt plc ("Mallinckrodt" or the "Company"), a global specialty pharmaceutical company, today announced that it has completed its financial restructuring, emerged from Chapter 11 following an expedited court-supervised process and completed the Irish Examinership Proceedings.

Supported by an enhanced capital structure, Mallinckrodt will continue to focus on advancing its business across its portfolio and executing on recent and planned product launches. The Company has made meaningful recent progress to stabilize the business, including achieving year-over-year net sales growth for the second consecutive quarter and year-over-year adjusted EBITDA growth for the third quarter 2023.

Recent highlights in Mallinckrodt's Specialty Brands portfolio include FDA acceptance of its Acthar Gel (repository corticotropin injection) delivery device Supplemental New Drug Application submission, positive launch and adoption momentum for Terlivaz (terlipressin) and a return to growth for Therakos. The Company's Specialty Generics segment benefits from vertical integration and high-quality U.S. -based manufacturing plants that have supported strong growth. The Company also recently received three U.S. Food and Drug Administration abbreviated new drug application approvals in Specialty Generics, including lisdexamfetamine dimesylate capsules (generic form of Vyvanse).

"Mallinckrodt has emerged from this process as a stronger company, better positioned to advance our strategic and operational initiatives and achieve long-term success," said Siggi Olafsson , President and Chief Executive Officer of Mallinckrodt. "With a balance sheet that is now aligned with our business priorities, we are moving forward with renewed energy to continue strengthening our execution and performance. Our top priority remains delivering therapies that improve outcomes for patients with severe and critical conditions."

"This process over the last several months could not have been possible without the support of many stakeholders. We sincerely thank the Mallinckrodt teams for their dedication and continued commitment to serving our customers and patients during this process," Mr. Olafsson continued. "We also thank our patients, customers and partners for their unwavering trust in the business and our future. Finally, we appreciate the support of our financial stakeholders to enable Mallinckrodt's future success meeting patient needs."

As a result of the restructuring process, Mallinckrodt reduced its total funded debt by approximately $1.9 billion and is moving ahead with ample liquidity to execute its strategic priorities.

In addition, the Company has satisfied its obligations to the Opioid Master Disbursement Trust II (the "Trust") on terms agreed with the Trust, including through a $250 million payment made to the Trust prior to the Chapter 11 filing, among other consideration. Mallinckrodt will maintain its robust compliance and monitoring standards and continue operating in accordance with the Specialty Generics operating injunction under the oversight of an Independent Monitor, existing Acthar-related settlement conditions and Corporate Integrity Agreement.

As contemplated by Mallinckrodt's plan of reorganization, ownership of the business transitioned to the Company's creditors and all of the Company's outstanding ordinary shares were extinguished at emergence.

Board Appointments

In connection with Mallinckrodt's emergence, a new Board of Directors is being appointed. Today the Company announced that David Stetson , Executive Chairman of Alpha Metallurgical Resources, and Jon Zinman , a Managing Director at Silver Point Capital, have been appointed to the Board, effective immediately. Mr. Olafsson is also continuing to serve as a director. The new Board will ultimately consist of seven members, and additional appointments, including Board Chair, will be forthcoming.

Mr. Olafsson added, "Jon and David are highly experienced leaders who bring expertise in management, finance and corporate strategy, and I'm delighted to welcome them to the Board. We look forward to benefiting from their perspectives as we guide the Company into its next phase. We also thank our departing directors for their many contributions and service to Mallinckrodt."

Advisors

Latham & Watkins LLP, Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, Arthur Cox LLP, Richards, Layton & Finger PA, and Hogan Lovells US LLP served as Mallinckrodt's counsel. Guggenheim Securities, LLC served as investment banker, and AlixPartners LLP served as restructuring advisor.

About Mallinckrodt

Mallinckrodt is a global business consisting of multiple wholly owned subsidiaries that develop, manufacture, market and distribute specialty pharmaceutical products and therapies. The Company's Specialty Brands reportable segment's areas of focus include autoimmune and rare diseases in specialty areas like neurology, rheumatology, hepatology, nephrology, pulmonology, ophthalmology and oncology; immunotherapy and neonatal respiratory critical care therapies; analgesics; cultured skin substitutes and gastrointestinal products. Its Specialty Generics reportable segment includes specialty generic drugs and active pharmaceutical ingredients. To learn more about Mallinckrodt, visit www.mallinckrodt.com.

Mallinckrodt uses its website as a channel of distribution of important company information, such as press releases, investor presentations and other financial information. It also uses its website to expedite public access to time-critical information regarding the Company in advance of or in lieu of distributing a press release or a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) disclosing the same information. Therefore, investors should look to the Investor Relations page of the website for important and time-critical information. Visitors to the website can also register to receive automatic e-mail and other notifications alerting them when new information is made available on the Investor Relations page of the website.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS RELATED TO FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Statements in this document that are not strictly historical, including statements regarding future financial condition and operating results, expected product launches, legal, economic, business, competitive and/or regulatory factors affecting Mallinckrodt's businesses, and any other statements regarding events or developments Mallinckrodt believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future, may be "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and involve a number of risks and uncertainties.

There are a number of important factors that could cause actual events to differ materially from those suggested or indicated by such forward-looking statements and you should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. These factors include risks and uncertainties related to, among other things: the effects of the emergence from the Chapter 11 Cases on Mallinckrodt's and its subsidiaries' liquidity, results of operations and businesses; the comparability of Mallinckrodt's post-emergence financial results to its historical results and the projections filed with the Bankruptcy Court; changes in Mallinckrodt's business strategy and performance, including as a result of changes to Mallinckrodt's post-emergence board of directors and/or management; tax treatment by the Internal Revenue Service under Section 7874 and Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended; Mallinckrodt's repurchases of debt securities; governmental investigations and inquiries, regulatory actions, and lawsuits, in each case related to Mallinckrodt or its officers; historical commercialization of opioids, including compliance with and restrictions under the global settlement to resolve all opioid-related claims; matters related to Acthar Gel, including the settlement with governmental parties to resolve certain disputes and compliance with and restrictions under the related corporate integrity agreement; the ability to maintain relationships with Mallinckrodt's suppliers, customers, employees and other third parties as a result of, and following emergence from, the Chapter 11 Cases, as well as perceptions of Mallinckrodt's increased performance and credit risks associated with its constrained liquidity position and capital structure, which reflects a recently increased risk of additional bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings; the possibility that Mallinckrodt may be unable to achieve its business and strategic goals even now that the Plan is successfully consummated; the nondischargeability of certain claims against Mallinckrodt as part of the bankruptcy process; developing, funding and executing Mallinckrodt's business plan and Mallinckrodt's ability to continue as a going concern; Mallinckrodt's post-bankruptcy capital structure; scrutiny from governments, legislative bodies and enforcement agencies related to sales, marketing and pricing practices; pricing pressure on certain of Mallinckrodt's products due to legal changes or changes in insurers' or other payers' reimbursement practices resulting from recent increased public scrutiny of healthcare and pharmaceutical costs; the reimbursement practices of governmental health administration authorities, private health coverage insurers and other third-party payers; complex reporting and payment obligations under the Medicare and Medicaid rebate programs and other governmental purchasing and rebate programs; cost containment efforts of customers, purchasing groups, third-party payers and governmental organizations; changes in or failure to comply with relevant laws and regulations; Mallinckrodt's and its partners' ability to successfully develop or commercialize new products or expand commercial opportunities; Mallinckrodt's ability to navigate price fluctuations; competition; Mallinckrodt's and its partners' ability to protect intellectual property rights; limited clinical trial data for Acthar Gel; clinical studies and related regulatory processes; product liability losses and other litigation liability; material health, safety and environmental liabilities; business development activities; attraction and retention of key personnel following emergence from the Chapter 11 Cases; the effectiveness of information technology infrastructure including cybersecurity and data leakage risks; customer concentration; Mallinckrodt's reliance on certain individual products that are material to its financial performance; Mallinckrodt's ability to receive procurement and production quotas granted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; complex manufacturing processes; reliance on third-party manufacturers and supply chain providers; conducting business internationally; Mallinckrodt's ability to achieve expected benefits from restructuring activities; Mallinckrodt's significant levels of intangible assets and related impairment testing; labor and employment laws and regulations; natural disasters or other catastrophic events; Mallinckrodt's substantial indebtedness, its ability to generate sufficient cash to reduce its indebtedness and its potential need and ability to incur further indebtedness; Mallinckrodt's ability to generate sufficient cash to service indebtedness even now that the prepetition indebtedness has been restructured; restrictions on Mallinckrodt's operations contained in the agreements governing Mallinckrodt's indebtedness; actions taken by third parties, including Mallinckrodt's creditors, the Trust and other stakeholders; Mallinckrodt's variable rate indebtedness; future changes to applicable tax laws or the impact of disputes with governmental tax authorities; and the impact of Irish laws.

The "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" sections of Mallinckrodt's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2022 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarterly periods ended September 29, 2023 , June 30, 2023 and March 31, 2023 , and other filings with the SEC, all of which are on file with the SEC and available on Mallinckrodt's website at http://www.sec.gov and http://www.mallinckrodt.com respectively, identify and describe in more detail the risks and uncertainties to which Mallinckrodt's businesses are subject. The forward-looking statements made herein speak only as of the date hereof and Mallinckrodt does not assume any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events and developments or otherwise, except as required by law.

CONTACTS

Investor Relations

Daniel Speciale

Senior Vice President, Finance and CFO, Specialty Generics

+1-314-654-3638

[email protected]

Derek Belz

Vice President, Investor Relations

+1-314-654-3950

[email protected]

Media

Michael Freitag / Aaron Palash / Aura Reinhard / Catherine Simon

Joele Frank , Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher

+1-212-355-4449

Government Affairs

Derek Naten

Vice President, Government Affairs

+1-202-459-4143

[email protected]

Mallinckrodt, the "M" brand mark and the Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals logo are trademarks of a Mallinckrodt company. Other brands are trademarks of a Mallinckrodt company or their respective owners. 2023.

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SOURCE Mallinckrodt plc
Fleet leaders and chassis OEMs also provide look to zero emissions future

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. , Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Mary Aufdemberg, general manager of product strategy and market development for Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA), will deliver the Green Truck Summit keynote address on March 5, 2024 . Held as part of Work Truck Week 2024, Green Truck Summit provides insights, solutions and resources in support of the work truck industry's drive toward achieving greater sustainability, productivity and efficiency. John Davis , creator, host and executive producer of MotorWeek, returns as emcee and will moderate two new panel discussions, one with fleet leaders at the forefront of advanced vehicle technology adoption and another with top chassis manufacturers.

More Than a Trade Show, Work Truck Week encompasses Green Truck Summit, The Work Truck Show, NTEA Annual Meeting, Ride & Drive, educational sessions and more. Green Truck Summit is March 5 , educational sessions run March 57 and Work Truck Show exhibits are open March 68. Work Truck Week, North America's largest work truck event, is produced by NTEA  The Work Truck Association. Register at worktruckweek.com.

Green Truck Summit offers intensive programs from industry experts, government representatives, fleets, and vehicle and equipment manufacturers focused on the evolution of the commercial vehicle landscape as the shift toward zero emissions continues to accelerate.

"While most of Work Truck Week is focused on commercial vehicles, equipment and technology available now, Green Truck Summit is all about what's happening in the future, exploring where the industry is moving and how we are getting there," explains Nikki Wilson, NTEA senior director of member services. "We're excited to welcome Mary Aufdemberg and all our panelists to share their vision of the industry's progress over the next five years."

Green Truck Summit is fuel agnostic and covers a wide range of advanced fuels, including electricity, propane, hydrogen fuel cell and biofuels, as well as technology that reduces emissions and improves fuel economy. It is designed to help even the smallest operations make informed decisions.

Aufdemberg is responsible for platform strategy, market development, brand management, marketing communications and marketing operations for DTNA's Freightliner and Western Star truck brands, as well as the company's proprietary parts brand, Detroit . She is an 18-year veteran of DTNA who has held progressive management positions with Daimler Truck Financial, Thomas Built Buses and Freightliner Trucks. She holds an MBA in international marketing and finance from DePaul University as well as a bachelor's in marketing from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana.

Aufdemberg takes the Green Truck Summit main stage at 8:40 a.m. Her keynote is followed by Fueling the Future: Fleet Perspectives on Advanced Fuel Solutions at 9:40 a.m. In this general session, fleet leaders from DTE Energy; Cobb County, Georgia ; and Bimbo Bakeries USA share their experiences and lessons learned across a variety of applications and fuel types so attendees can learn from their successes and challenges in identifying and implementing vehicle propulsion systems that meet their operational needs.

After that, representatives from GM Envolve, Isuzu Commercial Truck of America and Navistar share their insights into the evolving vehicle technology and fuel landscape, as well as strategic considerations for different applications in vehicle planning. This session, Chassis OEMs' Vision for Advanced Vehicle and Fuel Technology, explores what's on the horizon in the next five years and highlights the innovations, trends and technologies that will shape the commercial vehicle industry.

Following GTS Lunch, included with Green Truck Summit registration, Tim Campbell , managing director of Campbells Consultancy, provides a global perspective on advanced fuel solutions and potential effects on the North American market. In Advanced Fuels: Global Market Trends, he'll cover vehicle propulsion trends, forthcoming efficiency technologies, and regulatory and emissions mandates.

Starting at 1:50 p.m., Green Truck Summit registrants can choose from four sets of 30-minute breakout sessions on topics including EV charging impacts on the utility grid, natural gas fuel options, safety considerations for advanced fuel vehicles, getting started with hydrogen and fuel cell technologies, ePTO considerations and product updates from sponsoring companies.

Following the breakouts, all Green Truck Summit participants are invited to the Bringing It Home  Green Truck Association Closing Session at 4:30 p.m. During this wrap-up, current and past leaders of NTEA's Green Truck Association serve as the "voice of reason," highlighting key elements of the day's sessions and discussing issues affecting the work truck industry. Green Truck Summit concludes with a reception at 5 p.m.

In addition to a full day of programs on March 5 , Green Truck Summit registration offers access to all Work Truck Week breakout sessions March 57, Work Truck Show exhibits, Work Truck Week Ride & Drive, WTW Workforce Development Sessions March 67, lunch March 67 and on-demand educational materials after Work Truck Week 2024.

Learn more and register at worktruckweek.com or contact NTEA ([email protected] or 800-441-6832) for more information.

About NTEA

Established in 1964, NTEA  The Work Truck Association, a 501(c)(6) organization, represents more than 2,100 companies that manufacture, distribute, install, sell and repair commercial vehicles, truck bodies, truck equipment, trailers and accessories. Buyers of work trucks and the major commercial truck chassis manufacturers also belong to NTEA. The Association provides in-depth technical information, education, and member programs and services, and produces Work Truck Week, Green Truck Summit, Commercial Vehicle Upfitting Summit and Executive Leadership Summit. The Association maintains its administrative headquarters in suburban Detroit and government relations offices in Washington, DC , and Ottawa, Ontario , Canada.

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SOURCE NTEA - The Work Truck Association
HOLLYWOOD, Calif. , Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- For the first time in history, an American War Hero, COLONEL PARIS D. DAVIS , a recent recipient of the Medal of Honor, our country's highest military award presented in The White House by President Joe Biden on March 3, 2023 , has been announced as the Grand Marshal of the iconic 91st Anniversary of the Hollywood Christmas Parade Supporting Marine Toys for Tots. Associated Television International in association with The City of Los Angeles will present the parade in the streets of Hollywood, CA on Sunday, November 26, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. PST . Colonel Davis is also the recipient of many other prestigious awards, including: the Silver Star, the Bronze Star with "V" device, a Purple Heart with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster , an Air Medal with "V" device, and a Soldier's Medal for his heroism in the military.

Colonel Paris D. Davis said, "I am honored and very grateful to be chosen as Grand Marshal of the Hollywood Christmas Parade. I am especially pleased that this wonderful annual tradition raises awareness of the important work that Marine Toys for Tots are doing to bring gifts and holiday cheer to those less fortunate. The parade also brings goodwill to people from all walks of life throughout the world. It's a good reminder about what America stands for, who we are, and all that we can accomplish when we come together."

Hosted by Erik Estrada , Laura McKenzie , Dean Cain and Montel Williams , with Special Co-Host Elizabeth Stanton , the parade features Hollywood celebrities and movie cars, award-wining bands from around the country, dazzling equestrians, larger-than-life character balloons, colorful floats, and humorous specialty acts. The parade culminates with the appearance of the Jolly Old Elf himself, Santa Claus and his reindeer, ushering in the holiday season! To view a sizzle reel of highlights from past Hollywood Christmas Parades, please visit: https://vimeo.com/480561401/6401a3b270

For Parade inquiries, please call the 24/7 Hollywood Christmas Parade Hotline toll free at 1-833-PARADE1 (1-833-727-2331). For updates on this year's parade, please visit the parade's official website at www.thehollywoodchristmasparade.org

Follow us on https://www.facebook.com/xmasparade/ , https://twitter.com/HlywdChristmas and #HCP2023

About Colonel Paris D. Davis :

Colonel Paris D. Davis earlier this year on March 3, 2023 was the recipient of the Medal of Honor, which was bestowed upon him by President Joe Biden in The White House. President Biden said, "This is an incredible man. Today, after 58 years after he bore the battle, we honor a true hero of our nation. The Medal of Honor, created during (Abraham) Lincoln's presidency, is our country's highest military award, recognizing gallantry above and beyond the call of duty."

Colonel Davis was awarded the Medal of Honor as a member of the Army's elite Green Berets for his heroic acts during the Vietnam War on June 18, 1965 when Davis was leading a group of South Vietnamese forces and American soldiers during a nighttime raid when the Viet Cong staged a counterattack. Even after hours of fighting, Davis ignored an order to evacuate and instead rescued several of his injured soldiers on the battlefield, while suffering several gunshot wounds himself.

President Biden said during his presentation of the Medal of Honor upon Davis: "Just as the story of Paris Davis did not begin on June 18, 1965 , it does not end there either. Captain Davis went on to become Colonel Davis , serving more than 25 years in our military and earning a PhD on top of that. At the time Captain Davis returned from war, the country was still battling segregation. And although the men who were with him on that June day immediately nominated Captain Davis to receive the Medal of Honor, somehow the paperwork was never processed and not just once, but twice. He never stopped believing in the founding vision of our nation.one where all women and men are created equal."

Paris D. Davis , now 84, who was born on May 13, 1939 in Cleveland, OH , and is now a retired United States Army Officer. He was commissioned as a Reserve Component Officer on June 1, 1959 , and received Airborne and Ranger qualifications in 1960, and Special Forces qualification in 1962. His initial oversees tours included Korea , Vietnam and Okinawa, Japan . He was deployed in the Vietnam War in 1962 and 1965, where he was promoted to Captain as detachment commander with the 5thSpecial Forces Group (Airborne), 1stSpecial Forces making him one the first African American Special Forces officers during the civil rights movement.

Colonel Davis received a Masters degree in Public Affairs from Southern Illinois University in 1973, and a Masters degree and Ph.D. in Public Administration from Northern Virginia University in 1977. After retiring from military service on July 30, 1985 , Davis published the Metro Herald newspaper for 30 years in Alexandria, VA , where he now resides. In 2019, Davis was inducted into the U.S. Army Ranger Hall of Fame. Davis is the proud father of three children, and a grandfather as well.

Media Contact for The Hollywood Christmas Parade :

Steve Moyer ,

Steve Moyer Public Relations

818.784.7027 (office/no text), 818.337.9987 (cell/text)

[email protected]

@stevemoyerpr

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SOURCE The Hollywood Christmas Parade
Achieves Higher Gross Margin, Moves Closer to Profitability

TORONTO , Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - MediPharm Labs Corp. (TSX: LABS) (OTCQB: MEDIF) (FSE: MLZ) ("MediPharm", "MediPharm Labs" or the "Company") a pharmaceutical company specialized in precision-based cannabinoids, today announced its financial results for the three months ended September 30, 2023 .

Third Quarter 2023  Select Highlights

Settled a long-standing customer dispute for a total consideration of $9M , including net cash of $7.3M collected in October, $1M in Tilray Brands, Inc. ("Tilray") cannabis products and a four year agreement where Tilray will purchase $0.5M of MediPharm product.

, including net cash of collected in October, in Tilray Brands, Inc. ("Tilray") cannabis products and a four year agreement where Tilray will purchase of product. Gross profit of $2.4M or 28% was positive for the fourth consecutive quarter and was the Company's highest gross profit since Q4 2019.

or 28% was positive for the fourth consecutive quarter and was the Company's highest gross profit since Q4 2019. Adjusted EBITDA (1) of negative $2.4M improved $2.6M or 53% versus prior year and improved from negative $3.2M in Q2 2023. Adjusted EBITDA (1) continues to improve driven by margin expansion initiatives and cost reductions.

of negative improved or 53% versus prior year and improved from negative in Q2 2023. Adjusted EBITDA continues to improve driven by margin expansion initiatives and cost reductions. Following the successful integration of VIVO and the achievement of approximately $7M in annualized savings, the Company completed a further restructuring in Q3 which will result in approximately $3M of additional annualized savings starting in Q4 2023. (2)(3)(4)(5)

and the achievement of approximately in annualized savings, the Company completed a further restructuring in Q3 which will result in approximately of additional annualized savings starting in Q4 2023. Strong balance sheet, relative to many peer companies, with $13M million of cash and less than $3 million of debt as of September 30, 2023 . The cash balance does not include the cash collected from the customer dispute which was received subsequent to quarter end. The current cash position is approximately $19M .(5)

Groundwork for Growth in International Medical Cannabis

MediPharm executed on it its strategic international growth plan to launch self branded products with more favourable gross margins and longer-term potential. This plan includes the September launch of the Beacon Medical branded portfolio in Australia of GMP oil and vapes; narcotic license expansion for Beacon Medical Germany with oil and high potency flower, and the signing of two new distribution agreements in the UK for Beacon branded medical cannabis products.

executed on it its strategic international growth plan to launch self branded products with more favourable gross margins and longer-term potential. This plan includes the September launch of the Beacon Medical branded portfolio in of GMP oil and vapes; narcotic license expansion for Beacon Medical Germany with oil and high potency flower, and the signing of two new distribution agreements in the for Beacon branded medical cannabis products. In July 2023 , the Company entered into an additional supply agreement with a top tier generic pharmaceutical company in Brazil . Brazilian authorities treat cannabis much like a pharmaceutical product. Since signing the agreement the customer has applied to the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency for a number of cannabis product approvals. MediPharm has received similar approvals in Brazil with other customers. It is anticipated the delivery of additional products could begin in Q1 2024, and substantially increase the current Brazilian revenue.(2)

Continued Progress Solidifying Leadership in Cannabis-Based Pharmaceutical Industry

In July 2023 , the Company completed its first delivery of cannabis clinical trial material to a United States ("US") research partner. The delivery of pharmaceutical cannabis product was for a National Institute of Health funded clinical trial, following import permit from the United States Drug Enforcement Agency (the "DEA") and Health Canada export permit. The Company has already received DEA permits for replenishment of clinical trial material and plans to make another US delivery in Q4 2023. (2)

, the Company completed its first delivery of cannabis clinical trial material to a ("US") research partner. The delivery of pharmaceutical cannabis product was for a funded clinical trial, following import permit from the (the "DEA") and export permit. The Company has already received DEA permits for replenishment of clinical trial material and plans to make another US delivery in Q4 2023. The Company has provided a full response to the United States Food and Drug Administration (the "FDA") in relation to the initial foreign drug site inspection of its Barrie facility regarding a new Drug Master File being referenced in a recent Abbreviated New Drug Application. This is the first FDA Audit of a purpose-built commercial cannabis facility in Canada .

Progress Towards Profitability

Q3 2023 gross profit was $2.4M or 28%. This is the fourth consecutive quarter of positive gross profit. Gross profit continues to improve, driven by product mix, production efficiencies and cost reductions. Management continues to focus on efficiencies to drive gross profit.

or 28%. This is the fourth consecutive quarter of positive gross profit. Gross profit continues to improve, driven by product mix, production efficiencies and cost reductions. Management continues to focus on efficiencies to drive gross profit. Total Opex, which includes general and administrative, marketing and selling, and research and development expenses was $6.1 million in the quarter versus $7.5M in Q2 2023. Adjusting for severance and some other discrete items, normalized Opex was approximately $5.9M in Q3. Retrospectively, if VIVO were included in our Q3 2022 results, Opex in Q3 2023 is approximately 37% or $3.6M lower reflecting our combined cost reduction initiatives.(5)

Management Commentary

David Pidduck , CEO, MediPharm Labs commented, "We are proud of our focus on margins, cost reductions and profitability. Now, our strong balance sheet and improving profitability favourably positions us to make strategic investments for revenue growth. Beyond organic growth investments, there will be many M&A opportunities to consider in the coming quarters to further grow our revenue and shorten the path to profitability."

Greg Hunter , CFO, MediPharm Labs added, "In Q3, we continued to make progress by improving gross margins, reducing expenses and reducing cash burn as we drive towards profitability. Adjusted EBITDA of negative $2.4 million improved sequentially and year over year and is our best result in over 2 years. In addition, we strengthened our balance sheet with the settlement of an outstanding dispute resulting in cash collection of $7.3 million subsequent to quarter end and as of today we have approximately $19 million in cash and less than $3 million of debt."

Financial Summary

(1) Opex includes general administrative expense, marketing and selling expenses and R&D expenses. (2) Adjusted EBITDA is a non-IFRS measure. See "Non-IFRS Measures".



Q3 2023 Financial Results Conference Call

MediPharm's executive management team will also host a conference call and audio webcast on Tuesday, November14, 2023 at 8:30 a.m. eastern time to discuss the Company's financial results.

Conference Call:

Toll-free number: +1 (888) 330-2454 / International number: +1 (240) 789-2714

Conference ID: 4921762

Participants are asked to dial in approximately 15 minutes before the start of the call.

Audio Webcast:

An audio webcast will be available by visiting the following link here.

For those who are unable to participate on the live conference call or webcast, a replay will be available at https://www.medipharmlabs.com/investors approximately one day after completion of the call.

About MediPharm Labs

Founded in 2015, MediPharm Labs specializes in the development and manufacture of purified, pharmaceutical-quality cannabis concentrates, active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) and advanced derivative products utilizing a Good Manufacturing Practices certified facility with ISO standard-built clean rooms. MediPharm Labs has invested in an expert, research driven team, state-of-the-art technology, downstream purification methodologies and purpose built facilities with five primary extraction lines for delivery of pure, trusted and precision-dosed cannabis products for its customers. Through its wholesale and white label platforms, MediPharm Labs formulates, develops (including through sensory testing), processes, packages and distributes cannabis extracts and advanced cannabinoid-based products to domestic and international markets.

In 2021, MediPharm Labs received a Pharmaceutical Drug Establishment Licence from Health Canada, becoming the only company in North America to hold a domestic Good Manufacturing Licence for the extraction of natural cannabinoids. The Company carries out its operations in compliance with all applicable laws in the countries in which it operates.

In 2023, MediPharm acquired VIVO Cannabis Inc. which expanded MediPharm's reach to medical patients in Canada via Canna Farms medical ecommerce platform, and in Australia and Germany through Beacon Medical PTY and Beacon Medical GMBH. This acquisition also included Harvest Medical Clinics in Canada which provides medical cannabis patients with Physician consultations for medical cannabis education and prescriptions.

Notes:

(1) This is a non-IFRS reporting measure. See "Non-IFRS Measures" below.



(2) This is forward-looking information and based on a number of assumptions. See "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information" and "Assumptions".



(3) Based on both costs and revenue opportunities identified by MediPharm and VIVO management. Revenue opportunity assumed that both existing products may be sold into the existing sales channels of both VIVO and MediPharm. Costs savings estimated depends on the eliminating duplicated public company expenses and redundant corporate infrastructure.



(4) This target, and the related assumptions, involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially. While MediPharm and VIVO believe there is a reasonable basis for this target, such target may not be met. Actual results may vary and differ materially from the targets. See "Assumptions".



(5) Certain financial information included in this press release is neither audited nor reviewed. Where possible, the information has been constructed by management from available audited or audit reviewed financial statements. Where no audited or audit reviewed information has been available, additional management accounting information has been utilized to construct financial information. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such information.

Assumptions

In developing the financial guidance set forth above, MediPharm has made the following assumptions and relied on the following factors and considerations:

The targets are based on MediPharm and VIVO 's historical results including annualized revenue from its interim financial results for the period ended September 30, 2022 , as adjusted for subsequent events including completion of the transaction with VIVO .

and 's historical results including annualized revenue from its interim financial results for the period ended , as adjusted for subsequent events including completion of the transaction with . Revenue sustainability and growth depend on a variety of factors, including among other things, location, competition, legal and regulatory requirements. Prices are projected forward at recently realized wholesale and direct to patient prices.

Cost of goods sold, before taking into account the impact of value changes in biological assets (which are non-cash in nature), and, accordingly, are excluded from calculations of EBITDA, have been projected based on estimated costs of production and capacity available from a similar supply chain.

The immediate reduction of public company professional and service fees, such as but not limited to, errors and omissions insurance, audit services, listing expenses and external legal fees.

Implied redundancy of employee roles in the Company, mainly in corporate functions. Impacted employee severance fees are calculated on current employment agreements and Employment Standards Act ( Ontario ).

( ). No changes to existing medical cannabis legislation and regulations in Canada , Germany , Australia and Brazil .

, , and . All VIVO and MediPharm regulatory licenses remain in good standing with domestic and international regulators, particular Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).

Non-IFRS Measures

This press release contains references to "EBITDA", "Adjusted EBITDA" and "Adjusted Gross Profit", which are non-IFRS financial measures. Management believes that these supplementary non-IFRS financial measures provide useful additional information related to the operating results of the Company. These non-IFRS financial measures are not recognized under IFRS and, accordingly, users are cautioned that these measures should not be construed as alternatives to net income (loss) and gross profit determined in accordance with IFRS as measures of profitability or as alternatives to the Company's IFRS-based Financial Statements. The non-IFRS measures presented may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. EBITDA refers to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization and is used as an indicator of the Company's overall profitability. Adjusted EBITDA is a measure of the Company's overall financial performance and is used as an alternative to earnings or income in some circumstances. Adjusted EBITDA is essentially net income (loss) with interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, non-cash adjustments and other unusual or non-recurring items added back. Adjusted EBITDA has limitations as an analytical tool as it does not include depreciation and amortization expense, interest income and expense, finance fees, gain in revaluation of derivative liabilities, taxes, government grants including rent and wage subsidies, one-off transactions, impairment losses on inventory and on fixed assets and intangibles, write down of deposits and share-based compensation. Because of these limitations, Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as the sole measure of the Company's performance and should not be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute for, analysis of the Company's results as reported under IFRS. Adjusted EBITDA, as used within the Company's disclosure, may not be directly comparable to Adjusted EBITDA used by other reporting issuers. Adjusted Gross Profit refers to gross profit excluding the adjustments for biological assets, accelerated depreciation, write down of non-current deposits and write down of inventory. Adjusted Gross Profit is a useful measure as it represents gross profit for management purposes based on costs to manufacture, package and ship inventory sold, exclusive of any impairments due to changes in internal or external influences. Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Gross Profit do not have any standardized meanings and the Company's method of calculating such non-IFRS measures may not be comparable to calculations used by other companies bearing the same description. See "Use of Non-IFRS Measures" in the Company's management's discussion and analysis for the period ended March 31, 2023 for additional information.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. In this news release, forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, statements regarding: the Company's progress toward profitability; potential annualized savings to be realized as a result of the Transaction and the Company's restructuring efforts; the anticipated timing and results of integration efforts of the Company following completion of the Transaction; potential cost synergies to be realized as a result of the Transaction; results of Investigational New Drug applications submitted to the FDA by US-based research partners; and revenue growth. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; the inability of MediPharm to obtain adequate financing; the delay or failure to receive regulatory approvals; and other factors discussed in MediPharm's filings, available on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca. 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 the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. Except as required by law, MediPharm assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change.

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SOURCE MediPharm Labs Corp.
DENVER , Nov. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- MSI, a leading global server provider, is showcasing its latest GPU and CXL memory expansion servers powered by AMD EPYC processors and 4th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processors, which are optimized for enterprises, organizations and data centers, at SC23, booth #1592 in the Colorado Convention Center in Denver from November 13 to 16 .

"The exponential growth of human- and machine-generated data demands increased data center compute performance. To address this demand, liquid cooling has emerged as a key trend, said Danny Hsu , General Manager of Enterprise Platform Solutions. "MSI's server platforms offer a well-balanced hardware foundation for modern data centers. These platforms can be tailored to specific workloads, optimizing performance and aligning with the liquid cooling trend."

Flexible GPU Solutions Revealed for HPC and AI Markets

Targeting the HPC and AI markets, MSI presents an extensive array of GPU platforms ranging from four to eight GPUs. The G4201 is a 4U supercomputer that accommodates up to eight double-wide PCIe 5.0 x16 slots for high-performance GPU cards, alongside two single-wide PCIe 5.0 x16 expansion slots. Fueled by dual 4th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable Processors and 32 DDR4 DIMMs, the G4201 platform delivers remarkable heterogeneous computing capabilities for various GPU-based scientific high-performance computing, Generative AI, and inference applications. The system also boasts twelve 2.5-inch drive bays for enhanced functionality.

The G4101 is a 4U system designed for AI inference computing workloads. It supports a single AMD EPYC 9004 Series processor with a liquid cooling module, offering 12 DDR5 RDIMM slots, four PCIe 5.0 triple slots for GPU cards, two PCIe 5.0 full-height full-length expansion slots, and twelve front 2.5-inch U.2 NVMe drive bays.

On the other hand, the G3101, a 3U single-socket platform, accommodates up to four high-performance GPU cards, eight DDR4 DIMMs, and six 2.5-inch tool-less drive bays. Powered by a single AMD EPYC 7003 Series processor with an integrated liquid cooling feature, the G3101 platform stands out an ideal computing workhorse for enterprises and data centers.

New CXL Memory Expansion Servers Unveiled for Enhanced Data Workloads

MSI is presenting two Compute Express Link (CXL) memory expansion servers, the S1301 and S2302, optimized for data-intensive workloads and in-memory databases. The S1301, a 1U server platform, supports dual-socket AMD EPYC 9004 series processors, providing 24 DDR5 DIMM slots, ten PCIe 5.0 x8 E3.S CXL drive bays, and two PCIe 5.0 x16 slots. With the inclusion of CXL memory, this platform can extend the memory capacity by up to 11TB.

Meanwhile, the S2302, a 2U server platform, is equipped with dual-socket 4th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processors, 32 DDR5 DIMM slots, and five PCIe 5.0 x16 slots. Featuring eight E3.S CXL drive bays plus two ES3.S PCIe 5.0 SSD slots, this system can boost its memory capacity by up to 12TB.

About MSI

MSI is a global leader in gaming, content creation, business & productivity, and AIoT solutions. With its cutting-edge R&D capabilities and a commitment to customer-driven innovation, MSI has a broad international presence, reaching more than 120 countries. The company is renowned for its comprehensive range of products, including laptops, graphics cards, monitors, motherboards, desktops, servers, IPCs, robotic appliances, and vehicle infotainment and telematics systems. Notably, MSI's server products are entirely developed in-house, reflecting their dedication to meeting customer needs and aligning with market demands, with a strong emphasis on design and manufacturing. For more information, visit MSI's website at http://www.msi.com and Enterprise Platform Solutions at http://eps.msi.com.

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SOURCE MSI
Data presentations at AHA 2023 Meeting reinforce treatment with XARELTO plus aspirin consistently reduces major cardiovascular events (MACE) as well as major adverse limb events (MALE) in complex patients with PAD

Janssen continues commitment to supporting PAD patients with ongoing research to help understand this undertreated and underdiagnosed disease1

TITUSVILLE, N.J. , Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson today announced data from two new analyses from the Phase 3 VOYAGER PAD clinical trial reinforcing the benefit of XARELTO (rivaroxaban [2.5 mg twice daily plus aspirin 100 mg once daily]) over standard of care (aspirin alone). Data from the two analyses demonstrate the role of XARELTO in treating both high-risk and fragile patients and those with and without comorbid coronary artery diseases (CAD). Results were presented at the American Heart Association's (AHA) 2023 Scientific Sessions, hosted in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania , November 11-13, 2023 .

"These analyses reinforce the consistency of the favorable benefit-risk profile of XARELTO plus aspirin for patients with vascular disease, regardless of comorbidity. For example, patients categorized as 'fragile' are often undertreated due to concerns about benefit-risk, particularly with antithrombotic treatments," said Marc P. Bonaca *, M.D., Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus , Aurora, Colorado. "We hope the ongoing wealth of data coming from VOYAGER PAD presented at AHA offers clinicians the information they need to support shared decision-making in prescribing XARELTO plus aspirin as the standard of care for their PAD patients, including those who are high-risk or complex."

Impact of XARELTO plus Aspirin on Total Vascular Events in Fragile Patients with PAD

Fragile patients with PAD can be at a heightened risk for MALE, defined as a composite of acute limb ischemia (ALI) and major amputation. In this analysis, fragile patients are defined as age greater than 75 years, or weight less than 50 kg or baseline eGFR less than 50 mL/min/1.732. XARELTO plus aspirin (2.5 mg twice daily plus aspirin 100 mg once daily) was shown to be effective in reducing the occurrence of MALE in both fragile and non-fragile patients, compared to placebo (aspirin alone). In fragile patients treated with XARELTO plus aspirin, 6.2% of patients experienced a MALE compared to 10.3% of patients treated with placebo. In non-fragile patients, 7.9% of patients treated with XARELTO plus aspirin experienced a MALE compared to 9.7% of patients treated with placebo.

XARELTO plus aspirin also reduced the occurrence of total vascular events in fragile patients over time, with an absolute rate of 82.1 events per 100 patients at three years compared to 99.3 events per 100 patients in those treated with placebo at three years. A similar benefit was also seen in non-fragile patients, with a rate of 70.4 events per 100 patients at three years in those treated with XARELTO plus aspirin compared to 81.6 events per 100 patients in those treated with placebo at three years. Importantly, thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) major bleeding was consistent in both the fragile and non-fragile treatment groups. XARELTO plus aspirin demonstrated a consistent, numerical increase in TIMI major bleeding for both the fragile (HR 1.66; 95% CI 0.87-3.19) and the non-fragile (HR 1.37; 95% CI 0.83-2.24, p-interaction 0.65) patients.

Role of XARELTO Plus Aspirin on Myocardial Infarction in Patients with PAD with and without Concomitant CAD Following Lower Extremity Revascularization (LER)

Following LER, patients with PAD are four times more likely to experience acute limb ischemia, or a rapid decrease in lower limb blood flow, which is often associated with long hospitalizations and high incidences of amputation, disability, and death unless appropriate treatment is given.2 Patients with PAD are also at a heightened risk of MACE, defined as myocardial infarction (MI), ischemic stroke, or cardiovascular death. In this analysis, 14.1% of patients with PAD and CAD treated with XARELTO plus aspirin experienced a MACE versus 17.6% of patients treated with placebo (aspirin alone). In patients with PAD only, 11% of patients treated with XARELTO plus aspirin experienced a MACE versus 9.8% of patients treated with placebo. Overall, XARELTO plus aspirin showed a consistent benefit in reducing MACE in patients with and without CAD.

In this analysis, patients with CAD (HR 2.23; CI 1.10-4.53) and patients without CAD (HR 1.15; CI 0.72-1.84) had higher rates of TIMI major bleeding with XARELTO plus aspirin compared to placebo plus aspirin. The rates of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and fatal bleeding were similar across both patient groups. Overall, the safety of XARELTO plus aspirin in patients with PAD was consistent regardless of CAD with no significant interactions.

"At Janssen, we work tirelessly to bring the latest research and clinical practice insights to healthcare providers and their patients to help improve cardiovascular care for all," said Avery Ince , M.D., Ph.D., Vice President, Medical Affairs, Cardiovascular & Metabolism, Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC. "These new findings continue to support the use of XARELTO with its positive benefit-risk profile in many types of patients, including those who are high-risk and considered harder to treat."

In August 2021 , the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved an expanded PAD indication for XARELTO (2.5 mg twice daily plus aspirin 75 - 100 mg once daily) to include patients following a recent LER due to symptomatic PAD. XARELTO acts on a dual pathway inhibition (DPI) approach to target both clotting mechanisms, thrombin and platelet activation.

About VOYAGER PAD

The Phase 3 VOYAGER PAD study included 6,564 patients from 542 sites across 34 countries worldwide. Patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio and received either the XARELTO (rivaroxaban [2.5 mg twice daily plus aspirin 100 mg once daily]) (n=3,286) or aspirin alone (100 mg once daily) (n=3,278). Patients were stratified by revascularization procedure type (endovascular vs. surgical) and use of clopidogrel, which was administered at the treating physician's discretion. Patients were followed for a median of 28 months.

The VOYAGER PAD study met its primary efficacy and principal safety endpoints, demonstrating the XARELTO plus aspirin was superior to aspirin alone in reducing the risk of major adverse limb and cardiovascular events (composite outcome of acute limb ischemia, major amputation for vascular causes, myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, or cardiovascular death) by 15 percent in patients with symptomatic PAD after lower-extremity revascularization. The benefit of adding XARELTO to aspirin was apparent early, was consistent among major subgroups and continued to accrue over time. There was no significant increase in thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) major bleeding observed in patients treated with the XARELTO plus aspirin compared to aspirin alone (Kaplan-Meier estimate at three years 2.65% vs. 1.87%, respectively).

About XARELTO (rivaroxaban)

XARELTO is a prescription medicine used to:

reduce the risk of stroke and blood clots in adults who have a medical condition called atrial fibrillation that is not caused by a heart valve problem. With atrial fibrillation, part of the heart does not beat the way it should. This can lead to the formation of blood clots, which can travel to the brain, causing a stroke, or to other parts of the body

treat blood clots in the veins of your legs (deep vein thrombosis or DVT) or lungs (pulmonary embolism or PE)

reduce the risk of blood clots from happening again in adults who continue to be at risk for DVT or PE after receiving treatment for blood clots for at least 6 months

help prevent a blood clot in the legs and lungs of adults who have just had hip or knee replacement surgery

help prevent blood clots in certain adults hospitalized for an acute illness and after discharge, who are at risk of getting blood clots because of the loss of or decreased ability to move around (mobility) and other risks for getting blood clots, and who do not have a high risk of bleeding

XARELTO is used with low dose aspirin to:

reduce the risk of serious heart problems, heart attack and stroke in adults with coronary artery disease (a condition where the blood supply to the heart is reduced or blocked)

reduce the risk of a sudden decrease in blood flow to the legs, major amputation, serious heart problems or stroke in adults with peripheral artery disease (a condition where the blood flow to the legs is reduced) and includes adults who have recently had a procedure to improve blood flow to the legs

XARELTO is used in children to:

treat blood clots or reduce the risk of blood clots from happening again in children from birth to less than 18 years, after receiving at least 5 days of treatment with injectable or intravenous medicines used to treat blood clots

help prevent blood clots in children 2 years and older with congenital heart disease after the Fontan procedure

XARELTO was not studied and is not recommended in children less than 6 months of age who:

were less than 37 weeks of growth (gestation) at birth

had less than 10 days of oral feeding, or

had a body weight of less than 5.7 pounds (2.6 kg)

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION I SHOULD KNOW ABOUT XARELTO?

XARELTO may cause serious side effects, including:

Increased risk of blood clots if you stop taking XARELTO. People with atrial fibrillation (an irregular heart beat) that is not caused by a heart valve problem (nonvalvular) are at an increased risk of forming a blood clot in the heart, which can travel to the brain, causing a stroke, or to other parts of the body. XARELTO lowers your chance of having a stroke by helping to prevent clots from forming. If you stop taking XARELTO, you may have increased risk of forming a clot in your blood.

Do not stop taking XARELTO without talking to the doctor who prescribes it for you. Stopping XARELTO increases your risk of having a stroke. If you have to stop taking XARELTO, your doctor may prescribe another blood thinner medicine to prevent a blood clot from forming.

Increased risk of bleeding. XARELTO can cause bleeding which can be serious and may lead to death. This is because XARELTO is a blood thinner medicine (anticoagulant) that lowers blood clotting. During treatment with XARELTO you are likely to bruise more easily, and it may take longer for bleeding to stop. You may be at higher risk of bleeding if you take XARELTO and have certain other medical problems.

You may have a higher risk of bleeding if you take XARELTO and take other medicines that increase your risk of bleeding, including:

Aspirin or aspirin-containing products Long-term (chronic) use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) Warfarin sodium (Coumadin  , Jantoven  ) Any medicine that contains heparin Clopidogrel (Plavix  ) Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) Other medicines to prevent or treat blood clots



Tell your doctor if you take any of these medicines. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure if your medicine is one listed above.

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you or your child develop any of these signs or symptoms of bleeding:

Unexpected bleeding or bleeding that lasts a long time, such as: Nosebleeds that happen often Unusual bleeding from gums Menstrual bleeding that is heavier than normal, or vaginal bleeding Bleeding that is severe or you cannot control Red, pink, or brown urine Bright red or black stools (looks like tar) Cough up blood or blood clots Vomit blood or your vomit looks like "coffee grounds" Headaches, feeling dizzy or weak Pain, swelling, or new drainage at wound sites

Spinal or epidural blood clots (hematoma). People who take a blood thinner medicine (anticoagulant) like XARELTO  , and have medicine injected into their spinal and epidural area, or have a spinal puncture, have a risk of forming a blood clot that can cause long-term or permanent loss of the ability to move (paralysis). Your risk of developing a spinal or epidural blood clot is higher if: A thin tube called an epidural catheter is placed in your back to give you certain medicine You take NSAIDs or a medicine to prevent blood from clotting You have a history of difficult or repeated epidural or spinal punctures You have a history of problems with your spine or have had surgery on your spine

People who take a blood thinner medicine (anticoagulant) like XARELTO , and have medicine injected into their spinal and epidural area, or have a spinal puncture, have a risk of forming a blood clot that can cause long-term or permanent loss of the ability to move (paralysis). Your risk of developing a spinal or epidural blood clot is higher if:

If you take XARELTO and receive spinal anesthesia or have a spinal puncture, your doctor should watch you closely for symptoms of spinal or epidural blood clots.

Tell your doctor right away if you have:

back pain

tingling

numbness

muscle weakness (especially in your legs and feet)

or loss of control of the bowels or bladder (incontinence)

XARELTO is not for use in people with artificial heart valves.

XARELTO is not for use in people with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), especially with positive triple antibody testing.

Do not take XARELTO if you or your child:

Currently have certain types of abnormal bleeding. Talk to your doctor before taking XARELTO  if you currently have unusual bleeding.

if you currently have unusual bleeding. Are allergic to rivaroxaban or any of the ingredients of XARELTO.

Before taking XARELTO, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, including if you or your child:

Have ever had bleeding problems

Have liver or kidney problems

Have antiphospholipid syndrome (APS)

Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if XARELTO  will harm your unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment with XARELTO  . Taking XARELTO  while you are pregnant may increase the risk of bleeding in you or in your unborn baby. Females who are able to become pregnant: Talk with your doctor about pregnancy planning during treatment with XARELTO  . Talk with your doctor about your risk for severe uterine bleeding if you are treated with blood thinner medicines, including XARELTO  . If you take XARELTO  during pregnancy, tell your doctor right away if you have any signs or symptoms of bleeding or blood loss. See "What is the most important information I should know about XARELTO  ?" for signs and symptoms of bleeding.

will harm your unborn baby. Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. XARELTO may pass into your breast milk. Talk to your doctor about the best way to feed your baby during treatment with XARELTO.

Tell all of your doctors and dentists that you or your child are taking XARELTO. They should talk to the doctor who prescribed XARELTO for you before you have any surgery, medical or dental procedure.

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you or your child take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Some of your other medicines may affect the way XARELTO works, causing side effects. Certain medicines may increase your risk of bleeding. See "What is the most important information I should know about XARELTO?"

HOW SHOULD I TAKE XARELTO?

Take XARELTO  exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not change your dose or stop taking XARELTO  unless your doctor tells you to. Your doctor may change your dose if needed.

Your doctor may change your dose if needed. Your doctor will decide how long you should take XARELTO  .

. XARELTO  may need to be stopped for one or more days before any surgery or medical or dental procedure. Your doctor will tell you when to stop taking XARELTO  and when to start taking XARELTO  again after your surgery or procedure.

may need to be stopped for one or more days before any surgery or medical or dental procedure. Your doctor will tell you when to stop taking XARELTO and when to start taking XARELTO again after your surgery or procedure. If you need to stop taking XARELTO  for any reason, talk to the doctor who prescribed XARELTO  to you to find out when you should stop taking it. Do not stop taking XARELTO  without first talking to the doctor who prescribes it to you.

for any reason, talk to the doctor who prescribed XARELTO to you to find out when you should stop taking it. Do not stop taking XARELTO without first talking to the doctor who prescribes it to you. If you have difficulty swallowing XARELTO  tablets whole, talk to your doctor about other ways to take XARELTO  .

tablets whole, talk to your doctor about other ways to take XARELTO . Do not run out of XARELTO  . Refill your prescription of XARELTO  before you run out. When leaving the hospital following a hip or knee replacement, be sure that you will have XARELTO  available to avoid missing any doses.

. Refill your prescription of XARELTO before you run out. When leaving the hospital following a hip or knee replacement, be sure that you will have XARELTO available to avoid missing any doses. If you take too much XARELTO, go to the nearest hospital emergency room or call your doctor right away.

If you take XARELTO for:

Atrial Fibrillation that is not caused by a heart valve problem: Take XARELTO  1 time a day with your evening meal. If you miss a dose of XARELTO  , take it as soon as you remember on the same day. Take your next dose at your regularly scheduled time. Blood clots in the veins of your legs or lungs: Take XARELTO  1 or 2 times a day as prescribed by your doctor. For the 10-mg dose , XARELTO  may be taken with or without food. For the 15-mg and 20-mg doses , take XARELTO  with food at the same time each day. If you miss a dose: If you take the 15-mg dose of XARELTO  2 times a day (a total of 30 mg of XARELTO  in 1 day): Take XARELTO  as soon as you remember on the same day. You may take 2 doses at the same time to make up for the missed dose. Take your next dose at your regularly scheduled time. If you take XARELTO  1 time a day: Take XARELTO  as soon as you remember on the same day. Take your next dose at your regularly scheduled time. Hip or knee replacement surgery: Take XARELTO  1 time a day with or without food. If you miss a dose of XARELTO  , take it as soon as you remember on the same day. Take your next dose at your regularly scheduled time. Blood clots in people hospitalized for an acute illness: Take XARELTO  1 time a day, with or without food, while you are in the hospital and after you are discharged as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose of XARELTO  , take it as soon as you remember on the same day. Take your next dose at your regularly scheduled time. Reducing the risk of serious heart problems, heart attack and stroke in coronary artery disease: Take XARELTO  2.5 mg 2 times a day with or without food. If you miss a dose of XARELTO  , take your next dose at your regularly scheduled time. Take aspirin 75 to 100 mg once daily as instructed by your doctor. Reducing the risk of a sudden decrease in blood flow to the legs, major amputation, serious heart problems or stroke in people with peripheral artery disease, including those who have recently had a procedure to improve blood flow to the legs: Take XARELTO  2.5 mg 2 times a day with or without food. If you miss a dose of XARELTO  , take your next dose at your regularly scheduled time. Take aspirin 75 to 100 mg once daily as instructed by your doctor.



For children who take XARELTO:

The dose of XARELTO  depends on your child's body weight and will be calculated by your child's doctor. Your child's doctor will tell you if XARELTO  can be given to your child with or without food.

depends on your child's body weight and will be calculated by your child's doctor. Your child's doctor will tell you if XARELTO can be given to your child with or without food. The adult caregiver should give the dose.

If your child is taking the tablet, the tablet should be taken whole and should not be split in an attempt to provide a lower dose of XARELTO  .

. If your child is taking the oral suspension, use the syringes provided in the original carton. The suspension will be prepared by the pharmacy. See the Instructions for Use included in the carton on how to properly give a dose of XARELTO  oral suspension to your child.

included in the carton on how to properly give a dose of XARELTO oral suspension to your child. Do not switch between the XARELTO  oral suspension or tablet without first talking to your doctor.

oral suspension or tablet without first talking to your doctor. If your child vomits or spits up: right after or within 30 minutes of taking the oral suspension, give a new full dose. more than 30 minutes after taking the oral suspension, do not give the dose again. Give the next dose at the regularly scheduled time. if vomiting or spitting up persists, contact your child's doctor right away.

If your child misses a dose: If your child is taking XARELTO  1 time a day, give the dose as soon as you remember on the same day. If this is not possible, skip this dose and give the next dose at the regularly scheduled time. If your child is taking XARELTO  2 times a day, give the missed morning dose as soon as you remember. You may give the missed morning dose together with the evening dose. However, a missed evening dose can only be taken in the same evening. If your child is taking XARELTO  3 times a day, skip the missed dose and give the next dose at the regularly scheduled time.



WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF XARELTO?

XARELTO may cause serious side effects:

See "What is the most important information I should know about XARELTO?"

The most common side effect of XARELTO in adults was bleeding.

The most common side effects of XARELTO in children include:

bleeding

vomiting

cough

inflamed stomach and gut

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects to Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., at 1-800-JANSSEN (1-800-526-7736).

Please read full Prescribing Information , including Boxed Warnings, and Medication Guide for XARELTO.

Trademarks are those of their respective owners. Janssen and Bayer together are developing rivaroxaban.

About the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson

At Janssen, we're creating a future where disease is a thing of the past. We're the Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, working tirelessly to make that future a reality for patients everywhere by fighting sickness with science, improving access with ingenuity, and healing hopelessness with heart. We focus on areas of medicine where we can make the biggest difference: Oncology, Immunology, Neuroscience, Cardiovascular, Pulmonary Hypertension and Retina.

Learn more at www.janssen.com . Follow us at @JNJInnovMed and @JanssenUS Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC, is a Johnson & Johnson company.

Cautions Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding product development and the potential benefits and treatment impact of rivaroxaban. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of future events. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from the expectations and projections of Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC and/or Johnson & Johnson. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: challenges and uncertainties inherent in product research and development, including the uncertainty of clinical success and of obtaining regulatory approvals; uncertainty of commercial success; manufacturing difficulties and delays; competition, including technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges to patents; product efficacy or safety concerns resulting in product recalls or regulatory action; changes in behavior and spending patterns of purchasers of health care products and services; changes to applicable laws and regulations, including global health care reforms; and trends toward health care cost containment. A further list and descriptions of these risks, uncertainties and other factors can be found in Johnson & Johnson's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 1, 2023 , including in the sections captioned "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Item 1A. Risk Factors," and in Johnson & Johnson's subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies of these filings are available online at www.sec.gov, www.jnj.com or on request from Johnson & Johnson. None of Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC nor Johnson & Johnson undertakes to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information or future events or developments.

References

Afzal N, Sohn S, Scott CG, Liu H, Kullo IJ, Arruda-Olson AM. Surveillance of Peripheral Arterial Disease Cases Using Natural Language Processing of Clinical Notes. AMIA Jt Summits Transl Sci Proc. 2017;2017:28-36. Accessed October 20, 2023 . https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5543345/#r2-2609862. Beckman, JA, Schneider PA, Conte MS. Advances in revascularization for peripheral artery disease: revascularization in PAD. Circ Res. 2021;128.12: 1885-1912. Accessed October 27, 2023 . https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/full/10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.121.318261

*Dr. Marc Bonaca is the lead study author of the VOYAGER PAD analysis entitled "Impact of Low-dose Rivaroxaban plus Aspirin on Total Vascular Events in Fragile Patients with Peripheral Artery Disease: Insights from VOYAGER PAD" and "Impact of Low-dose Rivaroxaban plus Aspirin on Myocardial Infarction in Patients with Peripheral Artery Disease with and without Concomitant Coronary Artery Disease: Insights from VOYAGER PAD," and was provided payment for his participation in the study; he has not been compensated for contributing to this press release.

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SOURCE Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates , Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Oman Air announced an order and delivery of the operator's first 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF). The order is the first dedicated cargo aircraft for the Muscat -based carrier.

Oman Air Cargo saw its cargo volume increase 42 percent during the first half of 2023, compared to the same period in 2022, driven primarily by capacity expansion across its passenger airplane fleet. With the ability to carry up to 23.9 tonnes of freight at a range of 3,750 km, the 737-800BCF will contribute to continued capacity growth.

"The freighter will contribute to the growth of the air cargo logistics sector in Oman and beyond, will be based at our strategically located Muscat hub and will enhance our ability to connect East and West," said Oman Air.

"The 737-800BCF brings the right payload and range to complement Oman Air's passenger fleet with dedicated cargo capacity," said Kate Schaefer , vice president of Boeing Commercial Modifications. "We are honored to partner with Oman Air Cargo to support their operation with a proven and reliable freighter.

Built on one of the industry's most efficient and reliable platforms, the 737-800BCF is designed for customers who are responding to increased cargo demand, optimizing fleets, or replacing older freighters. Compared to the previous generation of standard-body freighters, the fuel efficient 737-800BCF has up to 20 percent lower fuel use and CO2 emissions per tonne.

Touch labor for the freighter conversion was completed at Taikoo (Shandong) Aircraft Engineering Co. Ltd. (STAECO).

About Oman Air Cargo

Oman Air Cargo, established in 2009, is a leading air cargo carrier in the Middle East , having earned a worldwide reputation for offering high-standard products and leading customer service. We offer our customers bespoke solutions to meet their freight transportation needs, including special commodities such as pharma, fresh produce, valuables and dangerous goods, with express connections through our state-of-the-art hub in Muscat .

About Boeing

As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing's diverse team is committed to innovating for the future, leading with sustainability, and cultivating a culture based on the company's core values of safety, quality and integrity. Join our team and find your purpose at boeing.com/careers .

At Dubai Airshow:

Nadine Fanous

+971-56-422-9051

[email protected]

USA :

Charlie Kauffman

[email protected]

Boeing Media Relations

[email protected]

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SOURCE Boeing
China, Iran, and a multitude of Arab nations condemned an Israeli ministers statement that a nuclear bomb on the Gaza Strip was an option in the Israel-Hamas war, calling it a threat to the world.

At Mondays long-planned opening of a United Nations conference whose goal is to establish a nuclear-free zone in the Middle East, many ambassadors expressed condemnations and criticisms of comments by Israels Heritage Minister Amihai Eliyahu. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu disavowed the comments and suspended him from cabinet meetings.

However, he still participated in at least one phone cabinet meeting. Israeli government ministers told the Israeli Ynet news site that the suspension was meaningless.

This is a joke, there barely are any cabinet meetings anyway, and most of the work is being done in rounds of votes by phone, an unnamed minister was quoted as saying, according to The Times of Israel.

Israel has neither confirmed nor denied its nuclear capability. It is widely believed to possess nuclear weapons, and a former employee at its nuclear reactor served 18 years in Israeli prison for leaking details and pictures of Israels alleged nuclear arsenal program to a British newspaper in 1986.

Chinas deputy U.N. ambassador Geng Shuang said Beijing was shocked, calling the statements extremely irresponsible and disturbing and should be universally condemned.

He urged Israeli officials to retract the statement and become a party to the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, considered the cornerstone of nuclear disarmament, as a non-nuclear weapon state as soon as possible.

Geng said China is ready to join other countries to inject new impetus to establishing a nuclear weapons-free zone in the Mideast, saying there is greater urgency because of the situation in the current region.

U.N. disarmament chief Izumi Nakamitsu, who opened Mondays fourth conference, didnt mention Israel. But she said: Any threat to use nuclear weapons is inadmissible.

Nakamitsu reiterated the urgency ... of a Middle East zone free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction, stressing that cool heads and diplomatic efforts must prevail to achieve peace between Israel and the Palestinians, based on a two-state solution.

Omans U.N. Ambassador Mohamed Al-Hassan, speaking on behalf of the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council, said the threat to use nuclear weapons in Gaza reaffirms the extremes and brutality of the Israeli occupation against the Palestinian people and their disregard for innocent life. He called on the U.N Security Council and the IAEA to take decisive action on the matter.

Lebanons Charge dAffaires Hadi Hachem also condemned the Israeli heritage ministers comments, stressing that this self-acknowledgment of having nuclear weapons and the threat of using them by its officials, poses a serious threat to both regional and international peace and security."

He urged Israel to stop such rhetoric or posturing and join the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty as a non-nuclear weapon state.

Irans U.N. Ambassador Amir Iravani told the conference the nuclear threats directed toward Palestinians by high-ranking Israeli officials highlight Israels pride in having these weapons in its hands.

The secrecy surrounding Israels nuclear capabilities poses a significant threat to regional stability, he said. In these critical times, the imperative to establish such a zone in the Middle East has never been more urgent.

Efforts to create a nuclear-weapon-free zone date back to the 1960s and include a call by parties to the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty in 1995 and a 1998 General Assembly resolution asking countries to contribute to establishing it. The first U.N. conference aimed at creating a zone was held in November 2019.

Russias ambassador to the IAEA and other U.N. organizations based in Vienna, Mikhail Ulyanov, told delegates Monday that given the new escalation of violence in the Middle East, a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the region is more pertinent than ever.

But he said Moscow is extremely uncomfortable that along with the two other sponsors of the 1995 resolution  the United States and the United Kingdom  the promise to establish a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Mideast has not been met after almost 30 years. And for more than 20 years, theres been almost no progress whatsoever, he said.

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BEAVERTON, Ore. , Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The OnGo Alliance, the industry consortium that promotes the development, commercialization, and adoption of LTE and 5G solutions for the US 3.5 GHz Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS), held its biannual member meeting in the last week of October in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The three-day event brought together attendees from OnGo member companies and associated enterprises for presentations, workshops, vendor exhibits, and OnGo's first Plugfest, with devices connecting to a 5G NR Stand Alone network built on site.

The adoption of CBRS is growing, with 362,000 active CBSDs, 720 FCC -authorized end-user devices, and 1,000 operators.

The member meeting featured over 20 presentations covering topics such as CBRS commercialization, private LTE and 5G networks, indoor neutral hosts, and OnGo market development. Notable speakers included:

Eduardo Valencia , the CIO of the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport , described the airport's successful trials with CBRS on multiple use cases and emphasized the importance of video as a game-changing application for airports.

, the CIO of the , described the airport's successful trials with CBRS on multiple use cases and emphasized the importance of video as a game-changing application for airports. David Hallgren & Karin Glitterstam from Einride shared their deployment leveraging CBRS private networks for Freight Mobility-as-a-Service, enabling electric freight transportation with driverless trucks.

& Karin Glitterstam from Einride shared their deployment leveraging CBRS private networks for Freight Mobility-as-a-Service, enabling electric freight transportation with driverless trucks. Johnny Park , CEO of the Wabash Heartland Innovation Network (WHIN), described the WHIN Living Lab Ecosystem project, which includes CBRS networks over a ten-county region in Indiana . WHIN is becoming a major player in agricultural & manufacturing technology.

, CEO of the Wabash Heartland Innovation Network (WHIN), described the WHIN Living Lab Ecosystem project, which includes CBRS networks over a ten-county region in . WHIN is becoming a major player in agricultural & manufacturing technology. Garfield Swaby , VP of IT of the New York Public Library , described the library's success leveraging CBRS to deliver broadband access to the communities surrounding their branches in New York City .

, VP of IT of the , described the library's success leveraging CBRS to deliver broadband access to the communities surrounding their branches in . Kyung Mun , Principal Analyst at Mobile Experts, gave an overview of the rising market for CBRS private networks and neutral hosts.

One key session led by both the Chairman and President of the Alliance summarized recent key OnGo Alliance accomplishments that will further enhance the reliability of CBRS:

Citizens Broadband Radio Service Devices (CBSDs) in areas or frequencies outside of DoD activity can now continue transmissions on approved grants for up to 24 hours without requiring renewed authorization from a Spectrum Access System (SAS).

activity can now continue transmissions on approved grants for up to 24 hours without requiring renewed authorization from a Spectrum Access System (SAS). An approval of new CBRS propagation models that will substantially reduce the neighborhoods associated with Dynamic Protection Areas. This will significantly increase the amount of available spectrum to more users and ensure their uninterrupted operation in the band.

The completion of a collaborative GAA coexistence framework. This innovative set of specifications and practices, designed and approved by the Alliance, serves to facilitate the reduction of interference among GAA networks. It achieves this by implementing a GAA frequency plan within an area agreed upon by users and associated SAS administrators.

"These advancements stem from the collaborative efforts of the NTIA (National Telecommunications and Information Administration), DoD (Department of Defense) and OnGo Alliance. We are pleased with the broad recognition of the importance of optimizing shared spectrum to drive innovation and efficiency," stated Preston Marshall , Chairman of the OnGo Alliance. "Improving services for end users will not only drive greater adoption but also pave the way for spectrum sharing across more bands."

This continued progress is expected to further expedite the growth of CBRS adoption across multiple verticals. There are already more than 362,000 CBSDs in active operation, accompanied by over 720 FCC-authorized end-user devices and a vast network of over 1,000 operators.

The OnGo Alliance hosted its inaugural device Plugfest at the event, dedicated to exploring CBRS 5G NR SA (Stand Alone) operation and performance. Featuring participation from over two dozen CBRS 5G devices spanning a diverse array of vendors, the event showcased the utilization of the CBRS Shared Home Network Identifier (HNI) within a private network. Using a 40 MHz carrier in GAA spectrum, consistent performance was achieved exceeding 400 Mbps in the downlink and uplink speeds surpassing 50 Mbps. The Alliance is looking to build on this success and in the near future hold additional events with more devices and vendors and showcase more advanced use cases for private networks.

The member meeting was a great success. It allowed the OnGo community to share success stories, align on priorities, share knowledge, build partnerships, and continue driving the evolution of shared spectrum technology.

About OnGo Alliance:

The OnGo Alliance is an industry consortium that promotes developing, commercializing, and adopting LTE and 5G solutions for the US 3.5 GHz Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) and evangelizes shared spectrum globally. Formerly the CBRS Alliance, this 140+ member group accelerates the buildout of effective and efficient CBRS networks using 4G and 5G solutions. There are over 362,000 CBRS Access Points across the U.S. currently broadcasting wireless signals on the CBRS spectrum via private and fixed wireless networks, spanning various sectors, including enterprise IT, industrial IoT, smart cities, rural broadband, transportation, hospitality, retail, and real estate. The Alliance has also established a product certification program for OnGo equipment in the CBRS band, ensuring multi-vendor interoperability.

To learn more about the OnGo Alliance, please visit http://www.ongoalliance.org.

OnGo Alliance and the OnGo logo are trademarks of OnGo Alliance.

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SOURCE OnGo Alliance
MENLO PARK, Calif. , Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Global consulting firm Protiviti has been named to the Seramount Global Inclusion Index. The annual index honors companies across the globe that excel at hiring and promoting women, measuring other underrepresented groups on a country-specific basis, creating and maintaining inclusive cultures, and holding country leaders and managers accountable for results. Protiviti achieved the index for Australia , China , Germany , India , Italy , Japan and the United Kingdom . The firm was also named to the Seramount Inclusion Index in the U.S. for the sixth consecutive year.

"At Protiviti, we are committed to creating an inclusive, purpose-driven culture that celebrates diversity, acknowledges the importance of equity, and empowers employees across a broad range of backgrounds to thrive," said Susan Haseley , Protiviti executive vice president, Global ESG & Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. "We are honored to be recognized for implementing programs and initiatives across our global locations that help to build an even more inclusive and equitable environment."

To determine the index, Seramount reviewed in-depth information from participating organizations, including policies and programs centered on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), along with leadership accountability and practices. Other factors considered included measurements of women's progress, including demographic data at each level; recruitment, mentoring and sponsorship efforts; Employee Resource Groups; pay equity; and supplier diversity.

"We continually evaluate our DEI initiatives to determine the most impactful ways to nurture equity, inclusion and belonging throughout our organization," said Andy Clinton , Protiviti executive vice president, International Operations. "One of our core values, inclusion is integral to the work we do and resonates not only in our workplace, but also among our clients and the global communities we serve."

Now in its fourth year, the Global Inclusion Index provides organizations with the metrics needed to understand trends and opportunities in demographic representation, creates a roadmap to drive internal change, and identifies DEI solutions to close any gaps.

In 2023, Protiviti was also honored by Seramount as a Best Workplace for Multicultural Women and a Top Company for Executive Women. Additionally, the firm earned places on the Fortune Best Workplaces for Millennials and PEOPLE Companies That Care lists. In 2022, Protiviti was named to the Fortune Best Workplaces for Women list and to Great Place To Work's Best Workplaces for Parents list.

To learn more about Protiviti's focus on DEI and workplace culture, visit its Diversity, Equity & Inclusion site.

About Protiviti

Protiviti (www.protiviti.com) is a global consulting firm that delivers deep expertise, objective insights, a tailored approach and unparalleled collaboration to help leaders confidently face the future. Protiviti and its independent and locally owned Member Firms provide clients with consulting and managed solutions in finance, technology, operations, data, analytics, digital, legal, HR, governance, risk and internal audit through its network of more than 85 offices in over 25 countries.

Named to the 2023 Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For list, Protiviti has served more than 80 percent of Fortune 100 and nearly 80 percent of Fortune 500 companies. The firm also works with smaller, growing companies, including those looking to go public, as well as with government agencies. Protiviti is a wholly owned subsidiary of Robert Half Inc. (NYSE: RHI). Founded in 1948, Robert Half is a member of the S&P 500 index.

Protiviti is not licensed or registered as a public accounting firm and does not issue opinions on financial statements or offer attestation services.

All trademarks are property of their respective owners.

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SOURCE Protiviti
NEW YORK , Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Redwood Scientific Technologies ( RSCI OTC PINK ) is pleased to announce that, as of 11-13-2023 at 10:42 AM , it has secured conditional approval from the Institutional Review Board (IRB)/Central Institutional Review Board (CIRB). This milestone marks a significant advancement in Redwood's ongoing efforts towards clinical study work, aiming to develop and introduce an Oral Thin Film Strip to address nicotine addiction in vape devices.

Redwood Scientific Technologies Receives Conditional Approval from IRB/CIRB for Groundbreaking Clinical Studies

The conditional IRB approval not only paves the way for the study on Redwood's innovative product for nicotine addiction in vape devices but also extends to a study on TBX FREE, the company's primary product designed to combat nicotine addiction in traditional cigarettes.

Redwood envisions being the pioneer in the market with a nicotine-free solution for addiction to nicotine in e-cigarettes or vape devices.

CEO Jason Cardiff expressed his sentiments, stating, "It has been a long road for us, and we are working around the clock to get these products on the market as fast as possible. We understand the urgency for help when it comes to the addiction of nicotine in vapes."

This conditional approval from IRB/CIRB signifies a crucial step forward for Redwood Scientific Technologies in its commitment to addressing nicotine addiction across various mediums. The company remains dedicated to accelerating the development and market availability of these groundbreaking solutions to make a meaningful impact on the current challenges associated with nicotine dependency.

For further information, please contact:

Media Relations

Redwood Scientific Technologies

[email protected]

646-503-7884

About Redwood Scientific Technologies:

Redwood Scientific Technologies is a leading research and development company based in New York , focused on innovative solutions to combat nicotine addiction. With a commitment to advancing healthcare, Redwood is dedicated to introducing groundbreaking products to improve the lives of individuals struggling with nicotine dependency.

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SOURCE REDWOOD SCIENTIFIC TECHNOLOGIES
SAN ANTONIO, Texas , Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - RideCo, the most adopted cloud-based on-demand transit solution among the 10 largest cities in the United States , recently celebrated an expansion to a fourth microtransit zone in San Antonio , as it continues to work alongside San Antonio 's VIA Metropolitan Transit and its subcontractor zTrip to expand VIA Link service, opening new zones and offering more convenient and flexible transit to a greater number of residents.

VIA Link focuses on creating innovative and efficient mobility options in low-density areas where operating a fixed route is not a cost-effective option. Instead, this on-demand transit service provides a first-and-last-mile solution to connect people with fixed-route transit hubs. In a recent VIA Metropolitan Transit Board Joint Working Session, it was noted that "VIA Link operations are approximately 75% less expensive than the equivalent 20-minute fixed-route service operating seven days a week." The strong performance metrics of the service include average on-time performance above 95%, average wait times of about 15 minutes, and an average 4.7 out of 5-star ratingall while achieving a best-in-class cost per trip ranging from $10 to $14 , depending on the zone.

"Our entire team is focused on being a leader in providing the San Antonio community with an innovative mobility solution that enables better connectivity to our greater transit network," said David Vidal , VIA's Manager of Contract Services. "With VIA Link, we continue to deliver cost-effective service to a growing percentage of the community, and that is a credit to our team along with our trusted partners, RideCo and zTrip."

Central to its mission, VIA's goal is to provide more options for the community and access to opportunities that enhance residents' quality of life. The new Randolph zone covers an 18-square-mile area, including Brooke Army Medical Center and Randolph Transit Center, and provides convenient and affordable transit to many employment hubs including Amazon, H-E-B, and others.

"We welcome the opportunity to continue expanding service across San Antonio ," said Bill George , CEO of zTrip. "Our commitment is to be the best fleet partner in the business, ensuring VIA Link riders get to their destination safely, on time and in a convenient manner."

"The long-standing and proactive partnership we have with VIA Metropolitan Transit and zTrip makes it possible to meet and exceed key performance indicators, including a 95% on-time performance and best-in-class cost per trip of less than fourteen dollars ," noted Prem Gururajan , Co-Founder and CEO of RideCo. "By demonstrating this strong performance, VIA Metropolitan Transit is an agency others will want to emulate when deploying transit for the future."

San Antonio VIA Metropolitan Transit will be featured in a live webinar today Tuesday, Nov. 14 at 1 p.m., EST , where David Vidal and Raquel Reyes will be the featured speakers, along with Bill George and Lauren Smith from zTrip and Mayank Aggarwal from RideCo. Register here for the webinar: https://hubs.li/Q028G9_10

About VIA Metropolitan Transit

VIA provides safe, reliable transportation options that put opportunity within reach for millions of passengers each year. VIA began operation in 1978 and today serves 14 member cities and the unincorporated areas of Bexar County , operating seven days a week on 77 routes, with complementing VIAtrans paratransit service and VIA Link on-demand options. VIA's family of services help connect our community, support economic vitality, and enhance quality of life throughout the region. In 2020, voters approved funding for VIA's Keep SA Moving plan, in support of projects designed for a modern mass transit system in San Antonio and Bexar County . Visit VIAinfo.net for more information. Follow us on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, and the X platform, formerly known as Twitter.

About zTrip



zTrip is the largest taxicab company in North America , operating in 30 cities across 17 states. With a fleet of 3,400+ vehicles, 540+ employees, and 3,400+ contracted drivers, zTrip completes 22+ million trips annually, bringing in a total annual net revenue of $104+ million. As such, zTrip has financial strength and stability that is unmatched in the industry.

About RideCo



RideCo is the leader in rider-centric on-demand transit technology, with the most adopted cloud-based paratransit and microtransit solution among the 10 largest cities in the United States . Trusted by agencies, as well as fleet operators and technology companies, the platform powers the largest on-demand transit services in North America including Los Angeles and Philadelphia . Houston and San Antonio have also adopted RideCo's transformative software, rooted in proprietary continuous optimization technology, and supported by the industry's best customer service, including a 95% plus retention rate.

From reducing overall travel time and encouraging sustainable public transit usage to improving operational efficiency and delivering the lowest total cost of ownership, RideCo's on-demand transit technology is advancing transit for riders and reshaping how transit agencies operate their services. To date, RideCo has been awarded U.S. patent numbers 10,248,913; 10,853,743; and 11,429,910. Visit www.rideco.com to learn more about revolutionizing mobility in your city.

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SOURCE RideCo Inc.
WASHINGTON , Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Safe water..it is a human right many of us take for granted. Most never realize the exposures to potentially deadly waterborne pathogens lurking in our public water. Prevent Legionnaires', a newly formed nonprofit, not only recognizes the risks but is also dedicated to raising awareness, conducting education, advocating and advancing research to prevent it. President of the board, Tonya Winders states, "For those living with compromised immune or lung health, Legionnaires' disease can be fatal. In fact, 1 in 3 high-risk patients who contract the disease will die from it."

Gwen Hanlon , board member, knows all too well the pain this disease can bring as she lost her 46 year-old husband Kevin due to Legionnaires'. She is now a single mother to two young children navigating life without her best friend. Moreover, Dr. Renee Matthews joined the board to educate her peers on the signs and symptoms of Legionnaires' because time is of the essence. Dr Matthews states, "It is vital to test for Legionnaires' and quickly treat with the appropriate antibiotics in order to reduce the risk of community-acquired pneumonia which can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome or ARDS."

Prevent Legionnaires' will also work closely with the Alliance to Prevent Legionnaires' Disease (APLD) to advocate for best practices and public policies. APLD has been working across the US for the past eight years to address this public health concern.

Prevent Legionnaires' aims to reduce the morbidity and mortality due to this waterborne pathogen. The organization will host and attend events like this week's One Water Summit in Tucson, Arizona , to bring greater awareness and understanding of the proper lines of prevention.

Prevent Legionnaires' has a goal to raise $10,000 by Giving Tuesday, November 28, 2023 , to amplify the voice of the nearly 800 victims who have died this year alone due to this disease. These funds will be utilized to deploy a community awareness and education campaign in early 2024 targeted to underserved communities and individuals at higher risk.

Please join us in this important effort to ensure safe water for all!

Visit PreventLegionnaires.org to learn more.

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SOURCE Prevent Legionnaires'
DETROIT , Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Samaritas thrives on keeping families together but increasing demands for services are straining the agency's ability to reinforce vital resources for its clients. Gifts large and small are needed to sustain budgets for Samaritas programs that benefit refugees, individuals on the verge of homelessness, and troubled families who need mental health and addiction services. Donations and other giving options are available at Samaritas.org/donate.

"Like most nonprofits, Samaritas is dealing with staffing shortages and rising costs. It's been tough, but we are managing with the steadfast partnerships from longtime donors and organizations," said Kelli Dobner , Samaritas Chief Advancement & Strategy Officer. "We implore any kind-hearted individuals to take a look at the scope of services Samaritas offers and consider a gift to ease the burdens we're facing."

The National Council of Nonprofits reported, "When nonprofits cannot hire enough employees to provide vital services, the public suffers." Additional data from the group revealed, "The effects cannot be ignored: communities lose access to food, shelter, mental health care, and other vital services on which people depend."

General donations to Samaritas before yearend will ensure that Samaritas service lines will keep critical funding in 2024. And the holidays offer other ways to support Samaritas clients.

With the increased cost of living expenses, some guardians of foster kids are having trouble making ends meet. To support them, Samaritas is managing the Christmas Wish and Refugee Toy Drives to ensure that the smallest clients have a happy holiday.

One hundred individuals, from community groups, churches, or businesses in Flint and Grand Rapids are needed to serve as donors for the Samaritas Christmas Wish program for foster children. Visit samaritas.co/SeasonOfGiving to register as a Christmas Wish donor. The page also details the parameters of the toy drive to benefit refugee children in the areas of Kalamazoo , Grand Rapids , and Sterling Heights .

The Adopt-a-Grandparent drive maintained by Cadillac senior living facility staff provides gifts for a select group of older adults without close family ties. In the past, this successful program has helped stave off loneliness and holiday stress for the seniors who live in northeast communities maintained by Samaritas. Check out their wish lists at samaritas.co/SeasonOfGiving.

Samaritas serves thousands throughout Michigan , including refugees, children in foster care, adults with developmental disabilities, people struggling with addiction, and those in need of affordable housing.

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SOURCE Samaritas
NUREMBERG , Germany , Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- SDA expands its end-to-end Industrial DevOps solution with cost-effective automated backup support for Rockwell and B&R, new connectivity features, and integration with enterprise tools. Additionally, SDA introduces the first AI agent for PLC programmers, covering multiple automation stacks.

Today's automation solutions are often heterogeneous. Most industrial automation vendors offer proprietary hardware and protocols, and their respective integrated development environments (IDEs) require PLC programmers to run different software versions locally on their Engineering PCs. "Having different virtual machines with sometimes varying IDE versions of the same PLC vendor is inefficient," says Andreas Trattler , CEO of Nexos Group, an innovative German Industrial Solutions Provider. "Additionally, the absence of a single source of truth for automation projects leads to version conflicts, redundant work, and missed opportunities. In operation, the workflow for updating PLCs depends on the availability of automation engineers, who typically update PLCs by directly connecting their engineering Laptops on the shop floor. Making changes is a tedious process that results in slow reaction times to address problems, leading to costly process interruptions and downtime. SDA's innovative Industrial DevOps solution mitigates these inefficiencies through the programmatic management of PLCs and their related code, eliminating the potential for mistakes and increasing the productivity of automation engineers."

Software Defined Automation (SDA) announces new features for its end-to-end Industrial DevOps solution, which not only enhances the productivity of automation engineers and the resilience of industrial manufacturing customers but also reduces operating costs. With its extended feature set, SDA provides the most cost-effective PLC backup, disaster recovery, and version management solution on the market. The powerful backup and versioning suite enables the detection of changes made directly to the PLC at any time. Changes in Siemens and Rockwell projects are rendered graphically in the browser without the need to open a proprietary IDE. This reduces the likelihood of version conflicts and subsequent downtime. The related notification service ensures that key stakeholders receive instant notifications about changes identified during backup runs. These notifications can be used for reporting or for immediate action.

The next generation of Browser-based Engineering (IDEaaS) is up to four times faster than loading IDEs locally on an engineering PC and supports a variety of engineering tools such as Siemens, Beckhoff, Codesys, Kuka, and SEW. Customers can seamlessly integrate it into their existing device landscape and easily collaborate with suppliers like system integrators through comprehensive user management, including temporary access rights. Single sign-on via Cloud hosted or on-premises Active Directory is now generally available, allowing for the management of access to OT assets such as PLCs using IT best practices.

SDA also announces the private preview of its automated backup service for Rockwell and B&R PLCs. Additionally, SDA's on-demand VPN-based connectivity service is now also available in preview via a local workstation client, allowing secure short lived connections from any shop floor network to any device. These connections are managed and monitored through SDA's access control system. Introduced as a private preview for selected customers, SDA's AI-based Factory Agent generates explanation and documentation for legacy automation code written in Structured Text or Ladder Logic for Siemens and Rockwell PLCs. Moreover, the Factory Agent provides explanations of differences between project versions in a way that is understandable even for non-automation experts.

SDA ensures rigorous cloud security and user tenant isolation, guaranteeing that all intellectual property (IP) related to the PLC logic belongs to and remains with the customer; there is no IP leakage to external LLM-based services. SDA's Factory Agent is the first cross-PLC vendor service that enables complete automatic documentation of PLC code within minutes after a backup of unknown logic. This greatly simplifies collaboration between automation engineers and other experts in modern production environments.

"We are dedicated to delivering the finest solutions for the automation industry," says Dr. Josef Waltl , Co-Founder and CEO of Software Defined Automation. "Our approach to Industrial DevOps will enable automation engineers to work more efficiently, save time, and ultimately contribute to the success of their businesses in the market."

About Software Defined Automation

Software Defined Automation was founded by cloud, industrial software, and manufacturing veterans to build the first PLC vendor independent Industrial DevOps Platform - from simple Backup to AI based code documentation and Virtual PLC Management. SDA has offices in Boston , US and Munich, Germany . Learn more about our story: https://www.softwaredefinedautomation.io/about-us

About Nexos Group

Nexos Group specializes in innovative technologies and solutions for the future of manufacturing, offering global support across various industries and regions. The company focuses on developing and implementing groundbreaking technologies, including automation, robotics, artificial intelligence, and digitalization, to optimize production processes and provide competitive advantages. With a set of global sites and a team of highly skilled experts, Nexos Group collaborates closely with clients to tailor solutions to their specific needs, enhancing efficiency and addressing the challenges of modern manufacturing. Learn more about our story: https://nexos.group/en/company.html

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SOURCE Software Defined Automation
SAN FRANCISCO , Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- TrustArc, a leading provider of data privacy management and research solutions, is pleased to announce significant enhancements across its portfolio of products within the TrustArc Privacy Management Platform (or "Platform") designed to enable organizations to implement accountable Artificial Intelligence ("AI") data privacy governance.

As AI and machine learning continue to drive innovation and reshape numerous businesses, operations, and industries, maintaining comprehensive privacy, security, risk, and compliance controls is imperative. TrustArc's Platform has been designed and enhanced to help organizations manage these and numerous other risks by helping incorporate comprehensive frameworks, operationalizing recommended practices, and understanding and managing AI risks associated with third parties.

TrustArc's enhancements allow organizations to understand AI better and align cross-functionally on data governance, privacy, and security. These enhancements additionally provide guidance on how to operationalize a privacy program for AI and aid in risk management, utilizing well-known frameworks and standards, such as the NIST AI Risk Management Framework, OECD AI Principles, and the Nymity Privacy Management Accountability Framework (PMAF). Examples of some of the numerous exciting enhancements from TrustArc include, but are not limited to:

Attestation and benchmarking capabilities to measure your organization and privacy program  you can now assess your use of AI against the NIST AI Risk Management Framework, OECD AI Principles, and Nymity PMAF.

AI-specific and easy-to-use curated resources, including operational/tactical templates and checklists, created to help organizations implement safe, secure, and trustworthy AI systems and technologies, including an "Ethical AI Principles" checklist, a whitepaper on technical and organizational considerations for Algorithmic Accountability, and more.

Additional controls within TrustArc's market-leading risk algorithm and assessment workflow help identify high-risk data processing and trigger approval workflows for AI risk management that align with OECD's AI Principles and NIST's AI Risk Management Framework.

market-leading risk algorithm and assessment workflow help identify high-risk data processing and trigger approval workflows for AI risk management that align with AI Principles and NIST's AI Risk Management Framework. A newly created AI Risk Assessment template mapped to the AI NIST Framework is now part of TrustArc's library of 66+ pre-built risk assessments.

"The speed of advancement and adoption in AI and machine-learning-based technologies has made this an incredibly exciting time. TrustArc is thrilled to provide essential resources and solutions to help organizations research, assess, navigate, and manage privacy, security, and confidentiality-based AI risks," said Val Ilchenko , Chief Privacy Officer and General Counsel at TrustArc.

TrustArc Returns to IAPP Data Protection Congress 2023, Showcasing New AI Governance Capabilities

TrustArc proudly announces its participation in the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) Data Protection Congress set to take place in Brussels on November 15 - 16, 2023 . This premier event gathers industry experts and practitioners from around the world to explore trends, challenges, and opportunities in data privacy. TrustArc will showcase its AI governance capabilities, designed to help organizations navigate exciting advances in AI and machine learning in data privacy.

Attendees at the IAPP Data Protection Congress can engage with TrustArc's team to learn about the company's latest product updates, industry-leading capabilities, and how they continue to support organizations on their journey to achieve and maintain robust data privacy compliance. TrustArc invites all attendees to visit Booth 19 at the IAPP Data Protection Congress to discover firsthand how the company is shaping the future of AI governance.

For more information about TrustArc and its latest product updates, please visit www.trustarc.com or contact [email protected] .

About TrustArc

As a leader in data privacy, TrustArc automates and simplifies the creation of end-to-end privacy management programs for global organizations. TrustArc is the only company to deliver depth of privacy intelligence, coupled with automation, essential for the growing number of privacy regulations in an ever-changing digital world. Headquartered in San Francisco and backed by a global team across the Americas , Europe , and Asia , TrustArc helps customers worldwide demonstrate compliance, minimize risk, and build trust. For additional information, visit www.trustarc.com .

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SOURCE TrustArc
The Foundation will champion an equitable ecosystem development model to foster an inclusive community of contributors

Established industry players Bitget, Curve, Matrixport and Stargate are among USDV's 23 inaugural contributors at launch

GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands , Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Verified USD Foundation has announced the launch of Verified USD (USDV), a community-driven stablecoin fully backed by the unrivaled on-chain transparency and stability of a basket of tokenized US Treasury Bills (T-bills). A native omnichain stablecoin compatible with the ERC-20 standard, each USDV is pegged to the equivalent value of 1 US dollar .

USDV's underlying reserve of tokenized real-world assets (RWA) is a compelling alternative to legacy stablecoins. Apart from a stable value derived from the underlying on-chain T-bills, USDV offers real-time verification through proof-of-reserve, bridging the information gap between stablecoin issuer, verified minters and holders.

The Verified USD Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering a sustainable and progressive stablecoin ecosystem that enables equitable value-sharing among the community of contributors who are critical for stablecoin use cases and adoption. This is primarily achieved via ColorTrace, a novel value attribution algorithm developed by LayerZero that ensures the fair and transparent distribution of rewards among verified minters without disputes.

"USDV represents a major evolution in stablecoin technology," remarked Matthew Commons , President of the Verified USD Foundation. "Unique among stablecoins, USDV enables a collaborative community approach where those who create stablecoin use cases can be an integral part of the stablecoin value creation. The Foundation is excited to work with contributors in unlocking new use cases with real-world impact, backed by unmatched transparency and stability."

Powered by Transparency of on-chain assets

The Verified USD Foundation has chosen Matrixport's Short-term Treasury Bill Token (STBT), as its initial underlying reserve asset. All USDV transactions can be tracked on-chain and available for review on Etherscan . Its open sourced smart contracts have undergone rigorous security audits by third parties such as OtterSec, Zellic.io and Paladin.

John Ge , CEO of Matrixport said: "Bringing real world assets on-chain will be a major theme for the digital assets industry and we are thrilled that our tokenized treasury offering has been selected as the inaugural reserve asset by the Verified USD Foundation. Under Matrixdock, our branded RWA platform, we have spared no effort to continually enhance STBT's transparency and responsiveness to meet exacting standards of reliability and security expected by our institutional clients."

An ERC-1400 standard token, 1 STBT is pegged to 1 USD of net-asset value (NAV), fully backed by 'risk free' short-term T-bills with maturities within 6 months and reverse repurchase agreements (Repo) secured by T-bills. Designed for accredited investors, STBT empowers the USDV community with real-time verification via on-chain Proof-of-Reserves. Launched in February 2023 , STBT is a leading tokenized T-bill on the Ethereum chain .

ColorTrace, the Bedrock for a Fair Distributed Rewards System

USDV is powered by ColorTrace, a novel value attribution algorithm invented by LayerZero Labs, allowing community participants to transparently and equitably receive rewards for their contributions to the stablecoin ecosystem. This reward distribution system enables verified minters to mark their tokens in circulation and transparently access rewards derived from on-chain reserves without dispute.

"The ColorTrace algorithm solves the challenge of attribution for fungible tokens," stated Ryan Zarick , CTO and Co-Founder of LayerZero. "The applications of the ColorTrace algorithm to existing RWA-backed assets - like stablecoins - are exciting and have the potential to create a more fair and equitable distribution across all contributors to an ecosystem's success."

USDV is also integrated with LayerZero's Omnichain Fungible Tokens (OFT) Standard, a widely adopted standard designed for seamless operation across multiple blockchain networks. The stablecoin will initially launch on the Ethereum, BNB Smartchain, Avalanche, Arbitrum and Optimism blockchains, with the technological capability to interoperate across all chains supported by LayerZero (currently 40+).

Community-driven Ecosystem

23 Industry-leading CeFi, DeFi and GameFi contributors are supporting USDV at launch, including abracadabra.money, Animoca Brands, BasedApp, BIT Exchange, Bitget Exchange, Cactus Custody, Coin98 Finance, Curve Finance, Beam by Eco, Frax Finance, LayerZero, Matrixport, Maverick Protocol, Reunit Wallet, Stargate Finance, SushiSwap, Term Finance, Trader Joe, Velodrome Finance, Wintermute, Wombat Exchange, WOO Network and zk.Link.

Gracy Chen , Managing Director of Bitget said: "We are excited to announce the listing of the USDV project on our exchange. This partnership aligns with our ongoing commitment to support a variety of potential projects within the industry, fostering a diverse and vibrant financial ecosystem. The innovative approaches employed by the USDV project are indicative of the forward-thinking ventures we continually seek to associate with. Through this collaboration, we are taking a step further towards a more inclusive and dynamic digital asset landscape."

Michael Egorov , Founder of Curve Finance said: Having founded Curve Finance, I am excited to see how the incentive design of USDV works. A diversity of redeemable stablecoins is critical for the stability of DeFi and seeing such a credible new offering is impressive. USDV's transparency is quite unique, and cross-chain enablement via omnichain standard is perfect for custodial assets. I want to extend a warm welcome to USDV as it enters the world of DeFi.

Angus Buttar , Foundation Lead at the Stargate Foundation said: "With USDV launching as a native omnichain token, Stargate is well placed to help ensure users can access it wherever they need to. We're also excited to see the opportunities that USDV provides to users and protocols across DeFi."

With the backing of the inaugural community of USDV contributors, the Verified USD Foundation aims to further expand ecosystem partnerships in the future, including accessibility to more chains and enhancing utility on multiple platforms across different blockchain ecosystems.

About the Verified USD Foundation

The Verified USD Foundation ("the Foundation") is dedicated to supporting the development and adoption of the USDV ecosystem. Its primary mandate includes governance oversight, strategic visioning, and facilitating the onboarding of community contributors to advance the utility and adoption of USDV.

With its mission to facilitate seamless, equitable and transparent on-chain and off-chain transactions within the Web3 ecosystem, the Foundation is committed to fostering a synergistic ecosystem that equitably allocates value among its contributors. This approach not only nurtures collaborative partnerships but also fuels the long-term sustainability and growth of the network. Operating under an orphan special purpose vehicle (SPV) structure, the Foundation upholds the highest standard of transparency and fiduciary duty. It retains unencumbered legal ownership of all reserve assets, with its fundamental duty being to serve the interests of USDV holders.

For more information, visit: usdv.money

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SOURCE Verified USD Foundation
BEIJING , Nov. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A news report from chinadaily.com.cn:

The Youth and Digital Future Forum of the 2023 World Internet Conference (WIC) Wuzhen Summit was held on Nov 9 , in Wuzhen, East China's Zhejiang province.

Themed on "Improvement, Involvement, Influence", the forum invited representatives, including heads of international organizations and the first group of youth leaders under the Global Youth Leadership Program (GYLP), to have discussions on missions of global youth in promoting digital development.

Francis Gurry , vice-chair of the WIC, said in his address that the forum gathered youth leaders worldwide to promote dialogues among internet professionals of different generations.

Ren Xianliang, secretary general of the WIC, called on young people to become groundbreakers for technological innovation, drivers of digital development and practitioners of global exchanges and mutual learning.

Chen Jinbiao, vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of the Zhejiang Provincial People's Congress and secretary of the leading Party members group of the committee, said that the forum plays an active role in enabling youth to express ideas, promoting youth participation and addressing their needs.

Via video link, Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, director of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Telecommunication Development Bureau, appealed to youth leaders to actively improve, participate in and influence digital transformation.

In their keynote speeches, Nahima Diaz , director of the Nicaraguan Institute of Telecommunications and Postal Services, David Kanamugire , chief executive officer of Rwanda National Cyber Security Agency, and Rafael Evangelista , board member of Brazilian Steering Internet Committee, shared the practices and experience of facilitating young generation to promote digital transformation in their countries.

Representatives of global youth leaders from China , Brazil , and the US shared their insights on the application of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in the digital transformation of specialized areas of the mobile internet, the mutual promotion of youth and AI development, next-generation internet development and internet governance from the perspective of technology, innovative cooperation of technology and digital education, the development of Chinese and global digitalization, and technology empowering the hearing-impaired.

Chon Kil-nam, father of internet in South Korea and honorary professor at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, also a member of the first leading group of the Internet Governance Forum, and Xue Lan , a senior liberal arts professor and dean of Schwarzman College at Tsinghua University, held a cross-generation dialogue with representatives of youth leaders from Canada , Argentina , Azerbaijan , and Malaysia . The youth representatives shared their experiences in AI, global internet governance, the promotion of technology, and technology empowering vulnerable groups. They consulted and exchanged ideas with the experts, sharing their common understanding of and expectations for current digital development.

Representatives from China , Ghana , Nepal , Bahrain , and Rwanda shared their practices in digital infrastructure building, remote healthcare, the Internet of Things and the information and communications technology, and technology promoting equal education.

Prior to the event, Zhuang Rongwen, chair of the WIC, together with Gurry, presented certificates to the first group of youth leaders under the GYLP, during the plenary meeting of the 2023 WIC Wuzhen Summit on Nov 8 .

The forum was jointly hosted by the WIC and the ITU, and co-organized by the Fuxi Institution.

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SOURCE chinadaily.com.cn
Israeli ground invasion in northern Gaza forced another 200,000 Palestinians to flee south in the past 10 days, the U.N. humanitarian office said Tuesday.

The humanitarian office, known as OCHA, says only one hospital in the north is capable of receiving patients. All the others are no longer able to function and mostly serve as shelters from the fighting, including Gazas largest, Shifa, which is surrounded by Israeli troops and where 36 babies are at risk of dying because there is no power for incubators.

Israel has forced civilians to evacuate Gaza City and surrounding areas in the north, but the southern part of the besieged territory is not much safer. Israel carries out frequent airstrikes from north to south, killing women and children.

U.N.-run shelters in the south are severely overcrowded, with an average of one toilet for 160 people. In all, some 1.5 million Palestinians, more than two thirds of Gazas population, have fled their homes.

People stand in line for hours for scarce bread and brackish water. Trash is piling up, sewage is flooding the streets and taps run dry because there is no fuel for water pumps or treatment plants. Israel has barred fuel imports since the start of the war.

The onset of rainy, cold weather added to the misery. At a tent camp outside a hospital in the central town of Deir al-Balah, people trudged through mud as they stretched plastic tarps over flimsy tents.

All of these tents collapsed because of the rain," said Iqbal Abu Saud, who had fled Gaza City with 30 of her relatives. How many days will we have to deal with this?

The U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, which is struggling to provide basic services to over 600,000 people sheltering in schools and other facilities in the south, said it may run out of fuel by Wednesday, forcing it to halt most aid operations. It said it was unable to continue importing limited supplies of food and medicine through Egypt's Rafah crossing, Gaza's only link to the outside world.

Images of doctors trying to keep newborns warm at Shifa have circulated widely.

On Monday, the military released presumed footage of a children's hospital that its forces entered over the weekend, showing what it claims are weapons found inside. The video showed what appeared to be a hastily installed toilet and ventilation system, as well as a motorcycle with a bullet hole in it, in the basement.

The Israeli allegations has not been confirmed by independant sources.

The Health Ministry in Gaza rejected the allegations, saying the basement shown was part of the hospital and had been turned into a shelter for displaced people.

The hospital was forcefully evacuated at gunpoint ... Why didnt they detain any of the alleged resistance or alleged hostages? the statement said. It denied the facility was even related to a tunnel that Israeli forces showed.

For weeks, Shifa staff members running low on supplies have performed surgery on war-wounded patients, including children, without anesthesia and using vinegar as antiseptic. After the weekend's mass exodus, about 650 patients and 500 staff remain in the hospital, which can no longer function, along with around 2,500 displaced Palestinians sheltering inside with little food or water.

The Health Ministry said 32 patients, including three babies, have died since its emergency generator ran out of fuel Saturday. It said the 36 babies, as well as other patients, are at risk of dying.

Early Tuesday, the Israeli occupation army said in a statement that it had started an effort to transfer incubators from Israel to Shifa. It wasn't clear if the incubators had been delivered or how they will be powered.

International law gives hospitals special protections during war.

The International Committee of the Red Cross tried Monday to evacuate some 6,000 people from another Gaza City hospital, Al-Quds, but said its convoy had to turn back because of Israeli shelling.

The U.S. has pushed for temporary pauses to allow wider distribution of badly needed aid. Israel has agreed only to daily windows during which civilians can flee northern Gaza on foot along two main roads.

As of last Friday, more than 11,100 Palestinians, two-thirds of them women and children, have been killed since the war began, according to the Health Ministry. About 2,700 people have been reported missing.

Health officials have not updated the toll, citing the difficulty of collecting information as communication are cutwith hospitals.

The war has also fueled tensions in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. At least eight Palestinian were killed overnight during an Israeli raid in Tulkarem, the Palestinian Health Ministry said Tuesday.

More than 190 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank since Oct. 7, mainly during Israeli incrusions and arrest raids and by terrorist Israeli settlers.

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GUANGZHOU, China , Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Yatsen Holding Limited ("Yatsen" or the "Company") (NYSE: YSG), a leading China -based beauty group, today announced that it will release its unaudited financial results for the third quarter of 2023 on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 , before the open of the U.S. markets.

The Company's management will hold a conference call on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at 7:30 A.M. U.S. Eastern Time ( 8:30 P.M. Beijing /Hong Kong Time) to discuss the financial results. Listeners may access the call by dialing the following numbers:

United States (toll free): +1-888-346-8982 International: +1-412-902-4272 Mainland China (toll free): 400-120-1203 Hong Kong (toll free): 800-905-945 Hong Kong : +852-3018-4992 Conference ID: 4252658

A live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the Company's investor relations website at http://ir.yatsenglobal.com/.

A replay of the conference call will be accessible by phone one hour after the conclusion of the live call at the following numbers, until November 28, 2023 :

United States : +1-877-344-7529 International: +1-412-317-0088 Replay Access Code: 4252658

About Yatsen Holding Limited

Yatsen Holding Limited (NYSE: YSG) is a leading China -based beauty group with the mission of creating an exciting new journey of beauty discovery for consumers around the world. Founded in 2016, the Company has launched and acquired numerous color cosmetics and skincare brands including Perfect Diary, Little Ondine, Abby's Choice, Galenic, DR.WU (its mainland China business), Eve Lom , Pink Bear and EANTiM. The Company's flagship brand, Perfect Diary, is one of the leading color cosmetics brands in China in terms of retail sales value. The Company primarily reaches and engages with customers directly both online and offline, with expansive presence across all major e-commerce, social and content platforms in China .

For more information, please visit http://ir.yatsenglobal.com/.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

In China :

Yatsen Holding Limited

Investor Relations

E-mail: [email protected]

Piacente Financial Communications

Hui Fan

Tel: +86-10-6508-0677

E-mail: [email protected]

In the United States :

Piacente Financial Communications

Brandi Piacente

Tel: +1-212-481-2050

E-mail: [email protected]

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SOURCE Yatsen Holding Limited
Women perform a traditional dance during the opening event of the African Union's conference on reparations in Accra, Ghana November 14, 2023. REUTERS/Francis Kokoroko

ACCRA (Reuters) - Financial reparations are long overdue to Africans and the diaspora as compensation for the enslavement of people of African descent, Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo said on Tuesday on the first day of a conference on how to address such historical injustices.

Advocates have long called for paying reparations or making other amends for slavery, but the movement has recently gained momentum worldwide amid growing demands from African and Caribbean countries.

"No amount of money can restore the damage caused by the transatlantic slave trade ... But surely, this is a matter that the world must confront and can no longer ignore," Akufo-Addo said, launching the four-day reparations conference in the Ghanaian capital Accra.

The event is expected to produce an African-led action plan to push for reparatory justice, establish an African committee of experts to oversee the plan's implementation, and boost collaboration with the broader diaspora, according to a list of planned outcomes on its website.

"The entire period of slavery meant that our progress, economically, culturally, and psychologically, was stifled. There are legions of stories of families who were torn apart," Akufo-Addo said. "You cannot quantify the effects of such tragedies, but they need to be recognised."

From the 15th to the 19th century, at least 12.5 million Africans were kidnapped and forcibly transported by European ships and merchants and sold into slavery. Those who survived the brutal voyage ended up toiling on plantations under inhumane conditions in the Americas, mostly in Brazil and the Caribbean, while European settlers and others profited from their labor.

In September, a United Nations report said countries could consider making financial payments among other forms of compensation, but cautioned that legal claims are complicated by the time passed and the difficulty in identifying perpetrators and victims.

Akufo-Addo said he welcomed what he called an unequivocal call from Caribbean nations for reparations.

"We in Africa must work together with them to advance the cause," he said to applause from the audience that included other African and Caribbean heads of state and other high-level delegates.

(Reporting by Christian Akorlie and Maxwell Akalaare Adombila; Writing by Alessandra Prentice; Editing by Aurora Ellis)
Lithium producer Livent Corp's processing plant is seen in Belmont, Gaston County, North Carolina, U.S. July 15, 2021. Picture taken July 15, 2021. REUTERS/Ernest Scheyder/File Photo

(Reuters) - Lithium miner Livent said on Tuesday its proposed $10.6 billion merger with Australia's Allkem had received all the required pre-closing regulatory approvals.

The deal is expected to close by Jan. 4 if Allkem shareholders vote in its favor at a Dec. 19 meeting.

The new company, to be called Arcadium Lithium, will be the world's third-biggest producer of the key metal used in electric vehicle batteries, behind U.S.-based Albemarle and Chile's SQM.

Under the deal, Allkem shareholders will get one share in Arcadium Lithium for each of their shares and the company will ultimately own 56% of the new firm.

Livent shareholders will get 2.406 shares in the new firm for each existing share, with Livent CEO Paul Graves taking the top job.

While a basket of prices for lithium has dropped more than 60% this year, the world's largest lithium producers say they remain bullish on long-term demand for the battery material.

(Reporting by Seher Dareen in Bengaluru; Editing by Devika Syamnath)
FILE PHOTO: An employee pulls a cart full of items at Amazon's JFK8 distribution center in Staten Island, New York, U.S. November 25, 2020. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid.

By Arriana McLymore

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Amazon.com is adding package tracking and return services for subscription members who use Buy With Prime, ahead of the holiday shopping season when it will face competition from new marketplaces including Shein and Tik Tok Shop.

Buy With Prime, which launched in 2022, gives retailers who are not Amazon merchants fulfillment and delivery through its logistics network. Its newest features aim to pull in fee revenue from shops outside of Amazon.com during the peak holiday season.

U.S. shoppers are expected to spend between $273.7 billion and $278.8 billion online this holiday season, an increase between 7% and 9%, according to the National Retail Federation.

Peter Larsen, Amazon vice president of Buy with Prime, said the company is seeing some non-Amazon merchants who use Buy With Prime sign up to be third-party sellers after seeing more sales.

Along with speedy deliveries, Prime shoppers can now return items purchased through Buy With Prime outside of Amazon.com without shipping labels and boxes. The perk was previously only available to orders made through the e-commerce platform.

Amazon also announced that Prime customers who buy from Buy With Prime merchants can now see their order history on their apps and have 24-hour access to customer service representatives.

Amazon last week launched a Shopify app for Buy With Prime, giving the Canadian e-commerce giant's 2 million merchants access to Amazon's 175 million Prime members.

(Reporting by Arriana McLymore in New York City; Editing by Stephen Coates)
FILE PHOTO: Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida meets Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Bangkok, Thailand November 17, 2022, in this photo released by Kyodo. Mandatory credit Kyodo vi

By Yukiko Toyoda, Kiyoshi Takenaka and Laurie Chen

TOKYO/BEIJING (Reuters) - If Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida meets Chinese President Xi Jinping for the first time in a year later this week, he will likely raise the case of a detained company executive that has dealt an outsized blow to their close economic ties.

The employee of drugmaker Astellas Pharma, as well as other Japanese imprisoned or under criminal probes in China, will probably be among the topics to be discussed as plans take shape for the leaders to talk on the sidelines of the APEC summit in San Francisco, sources familiar with the planning said.

The arrest of the well-connected veteran of the Japanese community in China has had what some Tokyo officials described as a considerable chilling effect on business, contributing to a drop in foreign investment to its lowest since at least 2014 and accelerating an exodus of expats.

"I know Japanese businesses are rethinking," Rahm Emanuel, the U.S. ambassador to Japan, told Reuters in an interview. "Right now, you can't get people to go staff the companies in China because they're scared of their own safety."

China detained the executive, named in several media reports as Hiroshi Nishiyama, on suspicion of espionage in March, and he was formally arrested last month. Japan's then foreign minister protested the executive's detention with his Chinese counterpart on a visit to Beijing in April.

There has been no official confirmation of the Kishida-Xi meeting, which some Japanese news outlets have said is being prepared for Thursday. Japan and China's foreign ministries did not immediately respond to requests for comment on this article.

China has previously said it welcomes foreign investment as long as firms abide by its laws.

Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno told a news conference on Monday that Tokyo had asked Beijing "at various levels and on various occasions" to realise the early return of Japanese nationals detained in China and to ensure a transparent legal process.

RISKY BUSINESS

Five Japanese nationals are currently detained in China with a total of 17 detained since 2015, the year after China's anti-espionage law went into effect, according to Japan's foreign ministry.

But the arrest of Nishiyama hit a nerve partly because of the timing - coming during a sweeping national security crackdown and because of the executive's high profile.

Nishiyama, a fluent Mandarin speaker and former board member of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce in China, attended several high-profile events with officials from both countries in recent years.

He often spoke about his connections to officialdom, two people who knew him said, on condition of anonymity.

Because of Nishiyama's status, his arrest had symbolic importance, according to five Japanese government officials, who also spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the case.

The officials said since his detention there has been a sharp uptick in questions from business people asking if it is safe to travel to China, while some Japanese companies in China have been telling employees to keep a low profile and not push too hard in sales and other activities.

"People are worried that they may be arrested suddenly when they go to China," Takeshi Niinami, chairman of Japan Association of Corporate Executives, told a news conference last month.

"Considering the current situation in China, it is very difficult to create an atmosphere that encourages people to do something new," said Niinami, who is also the CEO of drinks giant Suntory.

DIFFICULT DECISIONS

In the first nine months of this year, Japan's net foreign direct investment (FDI) into mainland China slumped 30.6% on the year to 393.4 billion yen ($2.6 billion), even as its total worldwide FDI grew by a nearly a fifth, according to ministry of finance data.

That is the lowest amount for the period going back to at least 2014 when the data series begins.

Half of respondents to a recent survey of Japanese companies doing business in China said they would cut investments this year. Only 10% of the 8,300 firms said they would increase investments, according to the inaugural poll by the Japanese Chamber of Commerce in China published last month.

The reasons for caution given by respondents included sluggish demand, cross border regulation and "concerns about the risk of investment in China at head office".

Alongside the U.S., China is Japan's biggest trade partner, and a major unwind of that relationship is not on the immediate horizon, economists say.

But finding Japanese to staff offices in China could become more of a problem for Japanese firms.

The number of Japanese living in China has been on a steady decline over the last decade and totalled 102,066 in 2022, according to data collected by Japan's foreign ministry. A similar drop this year would mark the lowest number of expats there since at least 2004.

A real estate agent in Beijing, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the Astellas case had a "huge impact" on his Japanese clients with people refusing assignments in China or their families opposing the moves because they are "scared" about getting in legal trouble.

Stefan Angrick, a senior economist for Moody's Analytics based in Tokyo, said even some of the most pro-China business executives in Japan are now wary of security risks there.

"Japan and China are two economies that are deeply intertwined with one another and are incredibly important for one another. It's a very difficult point in time to be navigating that as a decision maker, in business or politics," he said.

($1 = 151.7200 yen)

(Reporting by Yukiko Toyoda, Kiyoshi Takenaka, John Geddie, Sakura Murakami and Francis Tang in Tokyo; Laurie Chen, Antoni Slodkowski and Andrew Silver in Beijing; Writing by John Geddie; Editing by Lincoln Feast)
FILE PHOTO: Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva attends a press conference at the National Institute of Educational Studies and Research (INEP) in Brasilia, Brazil November 5, 2023. REUTERS/Adriano Machado/File Photo

SAO PAULO (Reuters) - Argentines should choose a president who likes democracy and the Mercosur trading bloc, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said on Tuesday before the southern neighbor's run-off election on Sunday.

Lula said voters should think about what kind of South America they want to create before heading to the polls to decide the presidential race between Economy Minister Sergio Massa and far-right economist Javier Milei.

Milei has questioned Argentina's relationship with Brazil, calling Lula a "communist", and has publicly criticized the South American common market Mercosur, saying that Argentina would "follow its own path."

"Argentina is very important to Brazil," said Lula in a weekly livestream on social media.

"Argentina and Brazil need each other. We need to be together, without differences. When we have disagreements, we sit down at a table, negotiate and end the disagreement. That's how I've lived with Argentina until now," he said.

Lula called on Argentine voters to think carefully about their decision.

"We need a president who likes democracy, who respects institutions, who likes Mercosur, who likes South America and who thinks about creating an important bloc. Today the world is divided into blocs, the European bloc, the Asian bloc. We need to create our own bloc to trade with the rest of the world," he said.

Milei, dubbed "Argentina's Bolsonaro" because of his ideological affinity with Brazil's former far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, has said in campaign speeches that he would limit trade with Brazil if elected.

He has called Lula an "angry communist" and a "socialist with a totalitarian vocation".

By contrast, Massa has warmer relations with the Lula government and has met in Brasilia with Brazilian Finance Minister Fernando Haddad to discuss Buenos Aires' relationship with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

(Reporting by Eduardo Simoes and Fernando Cardoso; Writing by Steven Grattan; editing by Grant McCool)
U.S. President Joe Biden meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the G20 leaders' summit in Bali, Indonesia, November 14, 2022. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque/File Photo

By Trevor Hunnicutt and Andrea Shalal

ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE (Reuters) -U.S. President Joe Biden said on Tuesday his goal during talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping this week is to resume normal communications between the two superpowers, including military-to-military contacts.

Speaking to reporters at the White House before departing for San Francisco, Biden said he is trying to alter the U.S. relationship with China for the better, after a period of strained ties.

Biden and Xi are to meet on Wednesday in the San Francisco area during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. It will be only the second in-person meeting between the two leaders since Biden took office in January 2021.

Asked how he would measure success at the talks with Xi, Biden said:

"To get back on a normal course, corresponding and being able to pick up the phone and talk to one another in a crisis, and being able to make sure that our militaries still have contact with one another."

Aboard Air Force One en route to San Francisco, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby told reporters Biden and Xi would also talk about the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza as well as U.S. efforts to support Ukraine in its battle to repel Russian invaders.

"They can be frank and forthright with one another, I fully expect that that will be the case," Kirby said.

He said Biden is "not going to be afraid to confront where confrontation is needed on certain issues where we don't see eye-to-eye" but also will look for areas to cooperate on such as climate change.

Economic issues figured to be high on the agenda.

Biden said the United States does not want to decouple from China but wants to change the economic relationship for the better.

He said it would benefit all if the average citizen in China had a decent-paying job.

"But I'm not going to continue to sustain support for a position where in order to invest in China, we have to turn over all our trade secrets," he said.

The Chinese severed military-to-military contacts with the United States in a fit of pique after then-House of Representative Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan in August 2022.

Restoring the contacts is a top U.S. goal to avoid miscalculations between the two militaries.

Relations between the two countries grew frosty after Biden ordered the shooting down in February of a suspected Chinese spy balloon that flew over the United States.

But top Biden administration officials have since visited Beijing and met with their counterparts to rebuild communications and trust.

(Reporting by Andrea Shalal, Steve Holland and Trevor Hunnicutt; Editing by Grant McCool)
(Reuters) -U.S. brokerage firm BTIG on Monday sued rival StoneX Group Inc in San Francisco, accusing it of stealing trade secrets and seeking at least $200 million in damages.

"Defendant StoneX recruited a team of BTIG traders and software engineers to exfiltrate BTIG software code and proprietary information and take it to StoneX," lawyers for BTIG wrote in the California Superior Court lawsuit.

StoneX used the software code and proprietary information to build competing products and business lines "that generate tens of millions of dollars annually," they alleged in the lawsuit.

StoneX did not immediately respond to a Reuters' request for comment outside of regular business hours. A representative for San Francisco-based BTIG declined to comment on the lawsuit.

BTIG said in the lawsuit that New York-based StoneX had committed "one of the greatest financial-industry trade secret frauds in recent history," and that the scope of its misconduct "is not presently known and may easily exceed a billion dollars."

The complaint said StoneX hired several BTIG employees to steal confidential information that it used to develop its competing trading platform.

It said StoneX "lacked the same level of products for market making, trading, and order execution business" as BTIG, and that StoneX's equities business was declining when it started poaching BTIG traders and software developers in 2020.

The complaint said that StoneX's stock price has increased 60% since it started misusing BTIG's trade secrets.

In addition to monetary damages, BTIG's lawyers also asked the court to issue an injunction to prevent StoneX from using or disclosing BTIG's trade secrets or other proprietary information.

(Reporting by Akanksha Khushi in Bengaluru and Blake Brittain in Washington; Editing by Stephen Coates, David Bario and Emelia Sithole-Matarise)
FILE PHOTO: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau holds a press conference on the sidelines of the UNGA in New York, U.S., September 21, 2023. REUTERS/Mike Segar/File Photo

OTTAWA (Reuters) - Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday said the "killing of women, of children, of babies" in the besieged Gaza Strip must end, in his sharpest criticism of Israel since war against Hamas broke out over a month ago.

Canada has maintained that Israel has the right to defend itself against Hamas after the Palestinian militant group attacked southern Israel last month, killing 1,400 people and taking over 200 hostage. But like the United States and other allies, it has expressed increasing concern over the mounting death toll in the battered enclave, where local health officials say 11,000 people have been killed since the conflict started.

"I urge the government of Israel to exercise maximum restraint. The world is watching, on TV, on social media - we're hearing the testimonies of doctors, family members, survivors, kids who have lost their parents," he said.

"The world is witnessing this killing of women, of children, of babies. This has to stop," he told a news conference in the western province of British Columbia.

The lives of 36 babies at Gaza's Al Shifa Hospital were hanging in the balance on Tuesday, according to medical staff there who said there was no clear mechanism to move them despite an Israeli effort to supply incubators for an evacuation.

Three of the original 39 premature babies have already died since Gaza's biggest hospital ran out of fuel at the weekend to power generators that had kept their incubators going.

Trudeau also said Hamas needed to stop using Palestinians as human shields and should release all its hostages.

Around 350 Canadian citizens, permanent residents and family members had been evacuated from Gaza, he added.

Last week Trudeau called for a significant humanitarian pause in the conflict to allow for the release of all hostages and the delivery of enough aid to address civilian needs.

(Reporting by David Ljunggren, editing by Deepa Babington)
By Catarina Demony

LISBON (Reuters) - Chelsea Manning, a former U.S. army analyst and WikiLeaks source, said on Tuesday that technology tools can be more efficient in protecting people's privacy and information than legal or regulatory mechanisms that risk being tampered with.

"I believe very strongly that there are technical means of protecting information and those are more reliable," Manning told Reuters in an interview during Europe's largest technology conference, the Web Summit, in Lisbon, Portugal.

Manning was convicted by court-martial in 2013 of espionage and other offences for leaking an enormous trove of military reports, videos, diplomatic cables and battlefield accounts to online media publisher WikiLeaks while she was an intelligence analyst in Iraq.

Former President Barack Obama later reduced Manning's sentence, and she was released in May 2017.

Manning currently works as a security consultant at Nym Technologies, a network that aims to prevent governments and companies from tracking people's online activities.

The 35-year-old said that "technical means", such as cryptography, data obfuscation and end-to-end encrypted messaging platforms such as Signal, are ways to ensure privacy and a level of anonymity online.

Legal or regulatory mechanisms "can change on a whim ... legislators can be lobbied ... rules can be reinterpreted by courts and burdens of proof are very hard to meet", Manning said.

"Regulation can set the tone of what the standards should be," she said. "(But) actual math and actual technology ... are much easier to control and have much more guarantees."

'SIDESTEPPING ETHICS'

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the big topic at this year's Web Summit, which draws tens of thousands of participants and high-level speakers from global tech companies, as well as politicians.

AI is transforming the world and can be applied in diverse sectors, from improving the early detection of diseases to sorting out data and solving complex problems, but there are also concerns around it.

Some tech and political leaders have warned that AI poses huge risks if not controlled, ranging from eroding consumer privacy to danger to humans and causing a global catastrophe.

Manning, who herself has worked with and uses the technology, said that "damage has already been done" to some AI training models and that it will be "very hard to undo."

"These companies have been overlooking and sidestepping the ethics of these things knowingly in many cases for many years," she said. "The best thing we can do about it now is to try to address it."

Earlier this month, at the UK's artificial intelligence summit, leading AI developers agreed to work with governments to test new frontier models before they are released to help manage the risks of the rapidly developing technology.

(Reporting by Catarina Demony; Additional reporting by Supantha Mukherjee; Editing by Aurora Ellis)
FILE PHOTO: Buildings of a residential compound are seen in Shanghai, China, March 17, 2016. REUTERS/Aly Song

(Reuters) - China plans to provide at least 1 trillion yuan ($137.22 billion) of low-cost financing to the nation's urban village renovation and affordable housing programs, Bloomberg News reported on Tuesday, citing people familiar with the matter.

The People's Bank of China (PBOC) will inject funds in phases through policy banks, with the money ultimately trickling down to households for home purchases, Bloomberg News reported.

($1 = 7.2875 Chinese yuan renminbi)

(Reporting by Nilutpal Timsina in Bengaluru; Editing by Kim Coghill)
Israeli Americans and supporters of Israel gather in solidarity with Israel and protest against antisemitism, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas, during a rally on the National Mall in Washington, U.S, November 14, 20

By Jonathan Landay

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Tens of thousands of demonstrators gathered in Washington on Tuesday for a "March for Israel" to show solidarity with Israel in its war with Hamas and condemn rising antisemitism.

Streets were closed around much of downtown amid heightened security, as people gathered in bright sunshine on the National Mall, many draped in Israeli and U.S. flags.

We are here to show the world that we wont be exterminated again," said Marco Abbou, 57, a personal trainer from Hackensack, New Jersey, who is originally from Israel.

Protests and public demonstrations  both pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel  have rippled around the world since gunmen from the Palestinian militant group Hamas rampaged through southern Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 people, according to Israel, and taking about 240 hostages back to Gaza.

Israel responded with a strict blockade on Hamas-controlled Gaza, and an aerial bombardment and ground offensive that Palestinian authorities say has killed more than 11,000 people, around 40% of them children.

As well as protests, the conflict has sparked a rise in antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents in the United States including violent assaults and online harassment, according to advocacy groups.

Organizers of Tuesday's demonstration said they estimated 200,000 people were attending to show U.S. support for Israel, demand the release of hostages and condemn antisemitic violence and harassment.

People in the crowd held up signs showing the names and photographs of people kidnapped by Hamas, and chanted "bring them home". Other placards included We have no where else to go and civilians who praise the slaughter of Jews are not innocent.

Natan Sharansky, a former Soviet dissident and chairman of the executive of the Jewish Agency for Israel from 2009-2018, called for the crowd to fight for Israel.

"We'll fight against those who try to give legitimacy to Hamas. We will fight for Israel. We'll fight for every Jew. We will fight against antisemitism," Sharansky said.

"We defeated Soviet Union. We'll defeat our enemies today."

The largest demonstration in Washington so far related to the conflict on Nov. 4 drew thousands who called for the U.S. government, Israel's main backer, to call for a ceasefire.

'NOT INTERESTED IN PEACE'

A ceasefire is a pause that would allow Hamas to rearm, said Ariel Ben-Chitrit, 33, a federal government worker from Herndon, Virginia, who was carrying a blue and white Israeli flag at Tuesday's protest.

Ben-Chitrit expressed regret Palestinian civilians were suffering and Gaza hospitals being subjected to extreme conditions, but said the only way to end the conflict was to eliminate Hamas.

Hamas has proven they are not interested in peace," he said.

The Biden administration has rebuffed calls for a ceasefire but has urged Israel to grant pauses in the fighting for civilians to move to safer locations and for humanitarian aid to enter Gaza.

Underscoring support in the U.S. Congress for Israel, busloads of senators and members of the House of Representatives attended the pro-Israel rally. Senator Charles Schumer, the Senate's Democratic majority leader, and the highest-ranking Jewish elected U.S. official, rescheduled his weekly press conference to attend.

"Hamas's goal was to scare us. Those perpetrating the poison of antisemitism and bigotry around the world are trying to scare us," Schumer said. "But we will not allow history to slide back to the days of the Holocaust when Jews were targeted and murdered and butchered."

Authorities ordered an increased police presence for the demonstration, the House's Sergeant at Arms said on Monday, but it added there was no specific threat and measures were being taken out of an abundance of caution.

Tuesday's rally included Orthodox Jews wearing long black coats and black felt hats, gaggles of children, and self-described progressive liberals such as Erica Taxin, 56, a yoga studio owner from Philadelphia.

She said she disagreed with other progressives calling for a ceasefire.

The militants didnt just take hostages but killed children and peacemakers, she said, referring to murdered Israeli activists who advocated peace with the Palestinians. How does that have anything to do with social justice?"

Israel's President Isaac Herzog said in a video address that outbursts of antisemitism anywhere are an embarrassment to all civilized people and nations.

"Jews in America must be safe. Jews all over the world must be safe," Herzog told the crowd.

The only counter demonstration witnessed by Reuters correspondents was outside the main crowd enclosure, where several dozen Orthodox Jews from anti-Zionist group Neturei Karta chanted "1, 2, 3, 4, Zionism no more, and down, down the state of Israel."

(Reporting by Jonathan Landay; Additional reporting by Patricia Zengerle; Writing by Simon Lewis and Daphne Psaledakis; Editing by Daniel Wallis)
FILE PHOTO: U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks to the media after participating in the so-called "2+2 Dialogue" in New Delhi, India, November 10, 2023. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst/Pool/File Photo

By Humeyra Pamuk

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday moved to address rising criticism within the State Department ranks over the Biden administration's policy on the Israel-Hamas war, as hundreds of U.S. government employees openly and privately have advocated for a ceasefire in Gaza.

At least three cables criticizing the administration's policy have been filed with the Department's internal "dissent channel", which was established during the Vietnam War and allows diplomats to raise concerns about policy anonymously with the Secretary of State, sources familiar with the matter said.

The criticism focuses on President Joe Biden's unwavering support for Israel in the aftermath of the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas militants that killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, the deadliest assault in the country's history.

In response, Israel has launched a relentless military campaign on Gaza, killing more than 11,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's health ministry, unleashing the bloodiest chapter in years in the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Washington has rebuffed calls from Arab and Palestinian leaders and others to call on Israel to halt its assault on the Hamas-controlled Gaza strip, but it has urged for humanitarian pauses to allow more aid in and to evacuate Americans and foreigners.

In an emailed letter to the State Department employees, Blinken, having just returned from a nine-day trip to the Middle East and Asia, acknowledged the emotional toll the conflict has taken on the workforce but also the possible divisions within the ranks over policy.

"I know that for many of you, the suffering caused by this crisis is taking a profound personal toll," Blinken said in the letter obtained by Reuters.

"The anguish that comes with seeing the daily images of babies, children, elderly people, women, and other civilians suffering in this crisis is wrenching. I feel it myself," he said.

"I also know that some people in the Department may disagree with approaches we are taking or have views on what we can do better. Weve organized forums in Washington to hear from you, and urged managers and teams to have candid discussions at posts around the world precisely so we can hear your feedback and ideas. Ive asked our senior leadership to keep doing that."

"Were listening: what you share is informing our policy and our messages."

HuffPost was the first to report on the email.

Blinken's letter comes amid protests in the United States and other countries calling for a ceasefire, and widespread concern among officials over the U.S. response to the Middle East crisis, which has included the public resignation of one State Department official who said he opposed continued lethal assistance to Israel.

More than 500 people who worked on Biden's 2020 election campaign last week published a letter, seen by Reuters, calling for the president to support an immediate ceasefire, and a group of congressional staffers held a vigil on Wednesday at the Capitol demanding a ceasefire, images on social media showed.

While some sources say there has been "deep frustration" among members of working level staff at the State Department, several U.S. officials say, while the Department leadership welcomes a diverse set of voices, it is unlikely to profoundly change Biden's policy.

In a briefing earlier on Monday, Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said Blinken has met with a number of people from different bureaus within the agency to hear what they think about the policy over Israel-Hamas war.

"He encourages people to provide feedback. He encourages people to speak up if they disagree. It doesnt mean that were going to change our policy based on their disagreements," Miller said.

(Reporting by Humeyra Pamuk; Editing by Michael Perry)
FILE PHOTO: An illuminated Google logo is seen inside an office building in Zurich, Switzerland December 5, 2018. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann/File Photo

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Google was fined 15 million roubles ($164,000) on Tuesday for repeated refusal to store Russian users' data on servers inside Russia, a Moscow court said.

Russia has repeatedly clashed with foreign technology companies over content, censorship, data and local representation in a simmering dispute that intensified after Moscow sent its armed forces into Ukraine in February 2022.

Google's Russian subsidiary has been under pressure in Russia for failing to delete content Moscow deems illegal and for restricting access to some Russian media on YouTube.

The technology giant's Russian unit filed for bankruptcy in summer 2022 after authorities seized its bank account, making it impossible to pay staff and vendors.

However, while the Kremlin has banned some platforms including Twitter and Facebook, it has not blocked access to Google's services, and its search engine and YouTube platform, both free, have continued operating.Google did not immediately respond to emailed requests for comment. ($1 = 91.4250 roubles)

(Writing by Felix Light; Editing by Kevin Liffey)
FILE PHOTO: A worker stands on a container at Tanjung Priok Port in Jakarta, Indonesia, January 11, 2021. Picture taken January 11, 2021. REUTERS/Willy Kurniawan/File Photo

JAKARTA (Reuters) - Indonesia's trade surplus is seen to narrow slightly in October to $3 billion from the previous month, as exports are still expected to weaken, a Reuters poll showed on Tuesday.

The poll, conducted with 19 economists between Nov. 8 and Nov. 14, showed trade surplus of $3 billion last month, compared with $3.42 billion in September.

The largest economy in Southeast Asia has seen its trade surplus weakening in recent months due to falling commodity prices and a global economic slowdown that hurts demand.

Indonesia is the world's major exporter of top commodities such as thermal coal and palm oil.

Exports were seen contracting 15.35% in October, compared with a sharper drop of 16.17% in the previous month.

Meanwhile, imports in October were seen to book a smaller contraction of 7.40% versus 12.45% drop in September.

(Polling by Milounee Purohit; Writing by Stefanno Sulaiman; Editing by Rashmi Aich)
FILE PHOTO: A view of a junction shows the aftermath of a mass-infiltration by Hamas gunmen from the Gaza Strip, in the Sderot area, southern Israel October 7, 2023. REUTERS/Ammar Awad/File Photo

By Emily Rose

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel police have launched an investigation into allegations of sexual violence during the deadly October attack by Hamas gunmen on Israeli communities around the Gaza Strip, officials said on Tuesday.

The probe was complex and would likely take months, Chief Superintendent David Katz of the national unit for serious and organized crime told reporters at police headquarters in Beit Shemesh.

The investigation is particularly complex because gun battles between Israeli forces and Hamas militants had gone on for days at some of the suspected crime scenes, said Katz. Some of the victims are dead while survivors are struggling with trauma.

"It's much more complicated because there is the matter of time that passed since the actions until we could reach the bodies, some of them were lying there for days," Katz said. "Second of all - the trauma for the victims."

It will take time, Katz said, until survivors will be able to express their ordeal.

"We have other solid information about the crimes including sexual assaults, from eyewitnesses, from forensics which we are still examining, from statements from other participants."

Around 1,200 people were killed, according to Israeli tallies, and some 240 were taken hostage, including children, after Hamas gunmen crossed the border and attacked Israeli towns and villages.

Israel in response has vowed to wipe out Hamas, launching an air, sea and ground offensive that has killed more than 11,000 people, including many children, according to medical officials in Hamas-run Gaza.

No comment was immediately available from Hamas.

(Reporting by Emily Rose; Editing by Lisa Shumaker)
Family members, friends and supporters of Israelis and other nationalities who were taken hostage on October 7 by Palestinian Islamist group Hamas gunmen during a deadly attack, march at the outskirts of Tel Aviv after they began a few days march towards

By Joseph Campbell

TEL AVIV (Reuters) - The families of Israelis being held hostage by Hamas in the Gaza Strip kicked off a five-day march on Tuesday from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem to demand the government does much more to secure their release.

Hamas fighters took around 240 people hostage during their Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel. The captives ranged in age from nine months to 85 and are believed to be being held in tunnels deep under the Gaza Strip.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is coming under fierce criticism from some relatives for not doing more to secure their release as the Israeli military pushes deep into Gaza with an order to destroy Hamas.

"I demand from Benjamin Netanyahu and the cabinet to give us answers and actions," said Shelly Shem Tov, whose 21-year-old son Omer was dragged into Gaza five weeks ago.

"Where are you? Where are you?" she said, addressing the government in an impassioned plea at the start of the march.

The armed wing of the Palestinian militant group Hamas said on Monday it was ready to release up to 70 women and children hostages in return for a five-day truce and the release of 275 Palestinian women and children held in Israeli prisons.

It said Israel was "procrastinating and evading" the price of the deal.

Netanyahu has so far rejected any talk of a ceasefire, telling NBC News on Sunday that he would only be willing to pause the fighting if all the hostages were freed.

He added that the best way to secure a deal was to maintain military pressure on Hamas. "That's the one thing that might create a deal and if a deal is available, well, we will talk about it when it's there," he said.

Israel says Hamas has lost control of the coastal enclave. Medical officials say more than 11,100 Palestinians, around 40 % of them children, have died as a result of Israeli strikes.

The Gaza militants have so far released four hostages, the last on Oct. 23. The Israeli military on Tuesday confirmed the death of a captive soldier, who Hamas said was killed in an Israeli strike.

The Tel Aviv marchers will end their protest on Saturday in front of Netanyahu's residence in Jerusalem, some 65 km (40 miles) away.

"I don't feel like we are in good hands. We don't feel like we get enough information. We fell into the darkness. We want answers," said Amit Zach, the nephew of 72-year-old hostage Adina Moshe.

"I don't have a solution, but it's not my job to get a solution. It's my job to demand my family back," he added.

Holding up pictures of the captives, the crowd chanted "Bring them home now!" One man shouted: "Everyone!"

(Reporting by Joseph Campbell in Tel Aviv and Dan Williams in Jerusalem; Writing by Crispian Balmer; Editing by Christina Fincher)
FILE PHOTO: Palestinians fleeing north Gaza ride in the back of a truck as they move southward, as Israeli tanks roll deeper into the enclave, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, in the central Gaza Strip November 12, 2023. REUTERS/Ibrahee

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - A senior far-right member of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government said on Tuesday Gaza could not survive as an independent entity and it would be better for Palestinians there to leave for other countries.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who heads one of the religious nationalist parties in Netanyahu's coalition, said he supported a call by two members of the Israeli parliament who wrote in a Wall Street Journal editorial that Western countries should accept Gazan families who expressed a desire to relocate.

The comments underscore fears in much of the Arab world that Israel wants to drive Palestinians out of land where they want to build a future state, repeating the mass dispossession of Palestinians when Israel was created in 1948.

"I welcome the initiative of the voluntary emigration of Gaza Arabs to countries around the world," Smotrich said in a statement. "This is the right humanitarian solution for the residents of Gaza and the entire region after 75 years of refugees, poverty and danger."

He said an area as small as the Gaza Strip without natural resources could not survive alone, and added: "The State of Israel will no longer be able to accept the existence of an independent entity in Gaza".

Smotrich spoke during Israel's invasion of the Gaza Strip, a blockaded coastal enclave ruled by the Islamist movement Hamas that is home to some 2.3 million people, most of them refugees after earlier wars.

Palestinians and leaders of Arab countries have accused Israel of seeking a new "Nakba" (catastrophe), the name given to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians who fled or were driven from their homes in the wake of the 1948 war that accompanied the founding of the state of Israel.

Most ended up in neighbouring Arab states, and Arab leaders have said any latter-day move to displace Palestinians would be unacceptable.

Israel launched the Gaza operation in retaliation for the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas gunmen who burst out of the enclave and stormed across a string of communities in southern Israel, killing some 1,200 people and taking around 240 as hostages back into Gaza, according to Israeli official figures. Israeli leaders have vowed to destroy Hamas and rescue the hostages.

More than 11,000 Palestinians have been killed during the weeks-long Israeli bombardment of Gaza, according to Palestinian health authorities, and whole stretches of the enclave have been levelled or turned to rubble.

The Israeli military has told residents of northern Gaza to leave their homes and head to the southern end of the Strip, where it said they would be safer, and said they would be able to return once the situation is stabilised.

Israel withdrew its military and settlers from Gaza in 2005 after a 38-year occupation, and Netanyahu has said it does not intend to maintain a permanent presence again, but that Israel would maintain security control for an indefinite period.

However there has been little clarity about Israel's longer term intentions, and countries including the United States have said that Gaza should be governed by Palestinians.

(Reporting by James Mackenzie; editing by Mark Heinrich)
GENEVA (Reuters) - Israel's foreign minister said on Tuesday that United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was not fit to head the global body, saying he had not done enough to condemn militant group Hamas and was too close to Iran.

His comments, made at a press conference inside the U.N. building in Geneva, represent an intensification of Israel's criticism of the global body in the same week that the latter mourned the killing of more than 100 of its staff in Gaza.

"Guterres does not deserve to be the head of the United Nations," Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen said at a press conference in Geneva where he is meeting with the World Health Organization and International Red Cross leaders alongside the relatives of Israeli hostages.

"I think that Guterres like all the free nations should say clearly and loudly: free Gaza from Hamas. Everyone said Hamas is worst than ISIS. Why can he not say it?" he said.

(Reporting by Emma Farge; editing by Matthias Williams)
Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani arrives to attend an international humanitarian conference for the people of Gaza at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, November 9, 2023. REUTERS/Claudia Greco/File Photo

ROME (Reuters) - Humanitarian aid sent by Italy to Gaza will enter the besieged Palestinian enclave in the coming hours, the Italian foreign minister said on Tuesday

Antonio Tajani told parliament's foreign affairs and defence committees that Italy has sent two C130 military aircraft carrying 16 tonnes of humanitarian aid and they were now in transit towards Gaza, now in its second month of warfare between Israeli forces and Hamas militants.

Trucks were queuing at the Rafah crossing, on the border with Egypt, and were expected to be let in soon, he said.

"We must ensure that all aid that enters the Gaza strip goes to needy civilians and that Hamas does not benefit from it, not even indirectly," the minister said.

Tajani also said that the time needed to get aid into Gaza did not depend on Italy: "It's not up to us, we would let much more (aid) through if it were up to us".

Italy is also waiting to enter Gaza in order to install a field hospital.

The minister said the hospital ship Vulcano that Italy sent last week was off the coast of Cyprus and either required authorisations to move towards the coast of Gaza or needed an agreement for maritime humanitarian corridors to transport patients.

(Reporting by Giulia Segreti, editing by Gianluca Semeraro and Angus MacSwan)
FILE PHOTO: The exterior of the Warner Bros. Discovery Atlanta campus in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. May 2, 2023. REUTERS/Alyssa Pointer/File Photo

By Jonathan Stempel

NEW YORK (Reuters) - A New York trial judge has narrowed Warner Bros Discovery's lawsuit against Paramount Global over the rights to stream "South Park," the animated comedy featuring foul-mouthed children.

In a Monday decision, Justice Margaret Chan of the Supreme Court in Manhattan dismissed a claim that Paramount's alleged deceptive practices violated a state consumer protection law.

She also dismissed a claim that Paramount failed to act in good faith, because that claim duplicated Warner's breach of contract claim.

Lawyers for both companies did not immediately respond on Tuesday to requests for comment.

The litigation stemmed from Warner's 2019 agreement to pay more than $500 million to Paramount and "South Park" creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone for the exclusive right to stream more than 300 old and 30 new "South Park" episodes domestically on HBO Max.

Warner sued in February, saying Paramount breached the agreement by providing only 14 new episodes, and diverted other new "South Park" content to its Paramount+ streaming service under a $900 million agreement with Parker and Stone.

To support its claim under the consumer protection law, Warner accused Paramount of confusing consumers through statements designed to have them sign up with Paramount+.

But the judge agreed with Paramount that the lawsuit concerned a private contract dispute, not deceptive "consumer-oriented" conduct that the state law was meant to address.

She also said consumers "could, in fact, differentiate" between the two platforms, with Paramount+ being the "exclusive home" of two "South Park" movies per year, and HBO Max housing the series' back catalogue.

Paramount had in April countersued Warner for more than $52 million of allegedly unpaid license fees, but dropped its counterclaims last month.

Warner's remaining claims include breach of contract, tortious interference with contract, and unjust enrichment.

"South Park" was launched in August 1997 on Comedy Central, owned by Paramount.

The case is WarnerMedia Direct LLC v Paramount Global et al, New York State Supreme Court, New York County, No. 651001/2023.

(Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York, Editing by Franklin Paul)
FILE PHOTO: A 3D printed Facebook's new rebrand logo Meta is seen in front of displayed Google logo in this illustration taken on November 2, 2021. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo

By Jonathan Stempel and Nate Raymond

(Reuters) -A federal judge on Tuesday rejected efforts by major social media companies to dismiss nationwide litigation accusing them of illegally enticing and then addicting millions of children to their platforms, damaging their mental health.

U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in Oakland, California, ruled against Alphabet, which operates Google and YouTube; Meta Platforms, which operates Facebook and Instagram; ByteDance, which operates TikTok; and Snap, which operates Snapchat.

The decision covers hundreds of lawsuits filed on behalf of individual children who allegedly suffered negative physical, mental and emotional health effects from social media use including anxiety, depression, and occasionally suicide.

The litigation seeks, among other remedies, damages and a halt to the defendants' alleged wrongful practices.

"Todays decision is a significant victory for the families that have been harmed by the dangers of social media," the plaintiffs' lead lawyers - Lexi Hazam, Previn Warren and Chris Seeger - said in a joint statement.

More than 140 school districts have filed similar lawsuits against the industry that are also before Gonzalez, and 42 states plus the District of Columbia last month sued Meta for youth addiction to its social media platforms.

Alphabet through a spokesperson called the allegations "simply not true," and said that protecting children "has always been core to our work." A TikTok spokesperson said it had "robust safety policies and parental controls."

Snap declined to comment. Meta did not respond to a request for comment.

In her 52-page ruling, Rogers rejected arguments that the companies were immune from being sued under the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment and a provision of the federal Communications Decency Act.

The companies said that provision, Section 230, provides immunity from liability for anything users publish on their platforms, and required the dismissal of all claims.

But Rogers said the plaintiffs' claims were broader than just focusing on third-party content and said the defendants did not address why they should not be liable for providing defective parental controls, not helping users limit screen time and creating barriers to deactivating accounts.

She cited as an example allegations that companies could have used age-verification tools to warn parents when their children were online.

"Accordingly, they pose a plausible theory under which failure to validly verify user age harms users that is distinct from harm caused by consumption of third-party content on defendants' platforms," Rogers wrote.

Rogers said the companies legally owed a duty to their users arising from their status as product makers and could be sued for negligence over their duty to design reasonably safe products and to warn users of known defects.

But the judge said the companies owed no legal obligation to protect users from harm from third-party users of their platforms, and she narrowed the litigation by dismissing some of the claims the plaintiffs were pursuing.

(Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York and Nate Raymond in Boston;Editing by Chizu Nomiyama, Matthew Lewis, Alexia Garamfalvi and Aurora Ellis)
Shaylee Atary and her husband Yahav Winner on set during the filming of Winners last film before he was killed following the deadly October 7 attack by Hamas gunmen from the Gaza Strip, in Kibbutz Kfar Aza, Kibbutz Legend, taken in 2023 in Kfar A

By Joseph Campbell

TEL AVIV (Reuters) - In 2008, when Yahav Winner was 22, his best friend's father died in front of him, killed by a rocket fired out of the Gaza Strip by the Hamas militant group.

Almost 15 years later, as an established filmmaker, Winner made a short movie called "The Boy", looking to come to terms with the trauma that had marked him for life.

But just as the film was due to be released, Winner himself died at the hands of Hamas, killed on Oct. 7 when Palestinian gunmen burst out of Gaza and attacked southern Israeli communities, including the Kfar Aza kibbutz, where he lived with his wife Shaylee Atary and their baby daughter, Shaya.

The family had taken refuge in their safe room, but when militants looked to smash through a window, Winner had held it tightly shut, giving time for Atary and Shaya to flee.

"We had a little glance, not even like a long goodbye, and he pushed a window against them, and I ran away with the baby, no shoes, no nothing on me," Atary told Reuters.

Several days later, Atary learned that Winner had died next to the window he had held shut for so long, killed by militants who had fired grenades and bullets into the house.

Five weeks after his death, "The Boy" is being screened to audiences in Tel Aviv as a tribute to Winner. During a Nov. 11 screening, a scene involving characters taking shelter during a rocket raid drew cries and tears from audience members.

"So the film is like a closure to his experience he went (through). And it's very weird he came back to the place where he saw Jimi Kdoshim die in front of him, murdered from the rocket, and then he was murdered," said Atary.

"I always think that it's a weird circle."

Atary and Winner, who had studied together in film school, were an artistic power couple in Kfar Aza, one of a number of small Israeli communities built along the border with Gaza.

Winner was the director, and Atary was his editor, making all of their films locally on a limited budget, hiring local residents as actors and extras instead of casting professionals.

"He was the only opinion that mattered to me. Even if everybody says it sucks, if he says it's good, maybe there is something in it," said Atary.

"It's very hard for me to understand that the only person that matters to me, in a matter of art, and friend, is ... gone," she said, holding back tears.

Atary is still in the midst of editing "Kibbutz Legend", Winner's fifth and final film, which they completed shooting shortly before his death.

In the movie, both Winner and Atary, who was pregnant at the time, act as the leads, and the supporting cast were all friends and family from Kfar Aza. Many of the cast members were also killed in the Gaza militant rampage on Oct. 7.

"So all of the people I see on the screen, I see the trauma, but because of that, I feel the necessity to do that film," said Atary. "And I will show the place that we once had. And it was a beautiful community that helped each other and volunteered."

(Reporting by Joseph Campbell; Editing by Crispian Balmer amd Mark Heinrich)
FILE PHOTO: Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov attends a news conference of Russian President Vladimir Putin after a meeting of the State Council on youth policy in Moscow, Russia, December 22, 2022. Sputnik/Valeriy Sharifulin/Pool via REUTERS/File photo

MOSCOW (Reuters) - The Kremlin said on Tuesday that Russia was acting in its own interests when asked about a probe by the United States into alleged violations of Western oil sanctions on Moscow.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov also told a daily conference call with reporters that President Vladimir Putin would hold a meeting on the fuel and energy complex later on Tuesday.

The U.S. Treasury Department has sent notices to ship management companies requesting information about 100 vessels it suspects of violating Western sanctions on Russian oil, according to a source who has seen the documents.

"We understand that the American authorities do not stop their sanctions aspirations in one form or another, but we adapt to these conditions and act in a way that best suits our interests," Peskov said.

The Group of Seven countries, the European Union and Australia imposed a $60 per barrel cap last December on sea-borne exports of Russian crude due to the conflict in Ukraine.

It bans Western companies from providing services such as transportation, insurance and financing for the oil sold above the cap.

A rally in global oil prices this year has meant much of Russian oil has traded above the cap.

The source with knowledge of the new notices said that some of the vessels now under investigation were involved in lifting Russian oil from the Pacific port of Kozmino, while others had loaded at the port of Primorsk on the Gulf of Finland.

(Reporting by Dmitry Antonov; writing by Vladimir Soldatkin; Editing by Andrew Osborn and Louise Heavens)
FILE PHOTO: One of the defendants in the murder trial of Russian journalist and human rights activist Anna Politkovskaya, Sergei Khadzhikurbanov is escorted into a glass-walled cage before a court hearing in Moscow, June 3, 2013. Politkovskaya was assassi

(Reuters) -A man convicted over the murder of the Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya, who was best known for reporting on abuses in Russia's war in Chechnya early in Vladimir Putin's presidency, has been pardoned in return for fighting in Ukraine, the news outlet RBC reported on Tuesday.

Politkovskaya was shot dead outside her flat in Moscow in 2006, triggering an outcry in the West and underlining the growing dangers of reporting in Russia as Putin gradually clamped down on independent media.

Sergei Khadzhikurbanov, a former law enforcement officer, was sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2014 for organising the killing.

RBC quoted Khadzhikurbanov's lawyer Alexei Mikhalchik on Tuesday as saying he had last year taken advantage of a scheme, known to have been used principally by the Wagner mercenary force, to sign up from prison to fight in the war in Ukraine, which Moscow calls a "special military operation" (SMO).

"Then he was pardoned, and is now participating in the SMO as a volunteer soldier, having entered into a contract with the ministry of defence," Mikhalchik said.

Khadzhikurbanov was convicted in 2014 along with four other men from Chechnya, a mostly Muslim region in the northern Caucasus where Russia and its local allies crushed two rebellions, in 1994-96 and, under Putin, in 1999-2009.

In 2018, the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg found that, while the authorities had found and convicted a group of men who had directly carried out the contract killing, they had "failed to take adequate investigatory steps to find the person or persons who had commissioned the murder".

Politkovskaya, who did much of her work for the independent investigative magazine Novaya Gazeta, now banned in Russia, won more than a dozen international prizes for reporting on abuses committed in Chechnya by Russian and allied forces as well as by rebels, despite repeated detentions and death threats.

In a joint statement, Novaya Gazeta and Politkovskaya's children, Ilya and Vera, said the pardon was "a monstrous injustice and arbitrariness, an outrage against the memory of a person killed for her convictions and the performance of her professional duty".

(Reporting by Reuters; Writing by Kevin Liffey; Editing by Mark Trevelyan and Timothy Heritage)
FILE PHOTO: A general view of a camp of the Myanmar ethnic rebel group Chin National Front is seen on the Myanmar side of the India-Myanmar border close to the Indian village of Farkawn in the northeastern state of Mizoram, India, March 13, 2021. Picture

(Reuters) -Anti-junta fighters in Myanmar's Chin state are trying to gain control of part of the porous border with India, after taking over two military outposts on the mountainous frontier, a rebel commander said, part of a wider offensive against the junta.

Dozens of rebels battled the Myanmar military from dawn to dusk on Monday to overrun two camps next to India's Mizoram state, Chin National Front (CNF) Vice Chairman Sui Khar said.

Spokespersons for Myanmar's military and India's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Myanmar's generals are facing their biggest test since taking power in a 2021 coup after three ethnic minority forces launched a coordinated offensive in late October, capturing some towns and military posts.

The military-appointed president last week said Myanmar was at risk of breaking apart because of an ineffective response to the rebellion - the most significant fight back since the 2021 coup deposed the democratically elected government of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi.

The generals say they are fighting "terrorists".

The offensive, named by rebels as "Operation 1027" after the date it began, initially made inroads in junta-controlled areas on the border with China in Shan State, where military authorities have lost control of several towns and more than 100 security outposts.

"We are continuing our attacks in northern Shan State," said Kyaw Naing, a spokesperson for the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, which is part of the operation.

Fighting also erupted on two new fronts this week, in the western states of Rakhine and Chin, which sent thousands of people fleeing to Mizoram.

About 80 rebels mounted attacks on Rihkhawdar and Khawmawi military camps in Chin at around 4 a.m. on Monday, eventually taking control of both outposts after several hours of fighting, Sui Khar said.

Following the rebel attacks, 43 Myanmar soldiers crossed over to the Indian side and were held by Indian security forces in Mizoram, police official Lalmalsawma Hnamte said.

Some 39 of those troops were flown by Indian forces to a border crossing point in neighbouring Manipur state and handed over to Myanmar authorities, a federal security official said on condition of anonymity as he was not allowed to share details of the incident.

India's federal home ministry did not respond to a request for comment.

Sui Khar and the Chin Human Rights Organisation said they believed some of these soldiers may have been involved in atrocities against civilians. They did not elaborate.

Chin rebels will now look to consolidate their control along the India-Myanmar border, where the Myanmar military has two more camps, Sui Khar said.

"We'll move forward," he told Reuters, "Our tactic is from the village to the town to the capital."

Chin State, which had been largely peaceful for years, saw fierce fighting after the 2021 coup by junta leaders with thousands of residents taking up arms, many of them assisted and trained by the CNF.

The Chin rebellion was backed by locals in Mizoram, in part due to close ethnic ties, and tens of thousands of people from Myanmar sought shelter in the small Indian state, including ousted state and federal lawmakers.

TANKS ON THE STREETS

A resident in Rakhine's capital Sittwe and social media posts said that tanks had been seen on the streets of the city following the eruption of fighting in the western state.

The junta has imposed a curfew in Sittwe and residents have been ordered not to leave their homes after 9 p.m. and businesses must close by 8.30 p.m. or face legal action, according to a government document and media reports.

"We saw tanks going around the town. Many shops are closed today," a resident told Reuters, declining to be named for security reasons.

"The schools are open but families did not send their kids to school today."

Fighting was occurring across Rakhine state, according to two residents and a spokesperson for the Arakan Army (AA), a group fighting for greater autonomy that has seized military posts in Rathedaung and Minbya towns.

A Rathedaung resident told Reuters on Tuesday the area came under artillery fire overnight and that military soldiers had entered the town.

"Artillery fell on a street in Rathedaung town last night. No immediate report of injured or casualties yet," said the resident, who asked not to be identified.

"People have started fleeing the town. Soldiers are in the town now."

(Reporting by Reuters staff and Chanchinmawia in MIZORAM; Additional reporting by Krishn Kaushik in NEW DELHI; Writing by Kanupriya Kapoor and Devjyot Ghoshal; Editing by Michael Perry, Raju Gopalakrishnan and Nick Macfie)
FILE PHOTO: A North Korean flag flutters on top of a 160-metre tower in North Korea's propaganda village of Gijungdong, in this picture taken from the Tae Sung freedom village near the Military Demarcation Line (MDL), inside the demilitarised zone separat

SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korea has said it has tested its new solid-fuel engines for an intermediate ballistic missile on Nov. 11 and Nov. 14 respectively, according to state media KCNA on Wednesday.

(Reporting by Hyunsu Yim)
People attend the mass funeral for Mexico's first openly non-binary magistrate and LGBTQ activist, Ociel Baena, and their partner, Dorian Daniel Nieves Herrera, in Aguascalientes, Mexico. November 14, 2023. REUTERS/Edgar Chavez

By David Alire Garcia

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) -Prominent non-binary Mexican activist Ociel Baena was slain with a razor blade, a local prosecutor said on Tuesday, in a suspected murder that has led to an outpouring of grief from members of the country's LGBT community.

Candlelight vigils took place in multiple cities on Monday evening, including in the capital, where many shed tears and speakers lashed out at the insults and acts of violence that remain a common occurrence for many gay, transgender and non-binary Mexicans.

Some participants waved rainbow fans, which Baena often brought to public events, including one last year where Mexico's foreign minister unveiled the country's first non-binary passport.

Baena and partner Dorian Nieves were found dead in the early hours of Monday morning at their home in central Aguascalientes state.

Aguascalientes chief prosecutor Jesus Figueroa told Radio Formula that Baena was found with 20 lacerations from a shaving razor, including one to the neck that was likely fatal.

Figueroa said the investigation was ongoing but that so far video footage and fingerprints at the crime scene did not indicate the involvement of a third person.

Some forensic evidence suggested Nieves may have committed the murder and then died by suicide, he added.

But before their funeral on Tuesday in Aguascalientes, Baena's father rejected the prosecutor's theory.

"It's not true," said an emotional Juan Baena, near the pair of coffins, both draped with rainbow flags.

"Hopefully this will echo. These struggles, these movements, aren't won overnight ... I love you my darling."

Rights organizations called on authorities to investigate whether Baena's gender identity or activism played a role in the suspected murder.

"The authorities should make sure that the investigation is exhaustive and leaves no stone unturned," said Cristian Gonzalez, LGBT rights researcher with Human Rights Watch.

Aguascalientes is one of Mexico's more socially conservative bastions, known for its colonial-era history and traditional festivals.

Since last year, Baena had served as a state elections judge, believed to be the first non-binary person to hold the position.

Juan Pablo Delgado, head of local human rights group Amicus, highlighted Baena's "transcendent" leadership and constant presence at public marches.

"This is someone who generated so much empathy, affection internationally," he said.

(Reporting by David Alire Garcia; Additional reporting by Laura Gottesdiener and Rocio Lopez; Editing by Rosalba O'Brien and Deepa Babington)
A Russian delegation led by Alexander Kozlov, the minister of natural resources, arrives in Pyongyang to participate in the 10th meeting of the Trade, Economic and Scientific and Technological Cooperation Committee between the government of the Democratic

By Hyunsu Yim and Josh Smith

SEOUL (Reuters) -A Russian delegation led by natural resources minister Alexander Kozlov is visiting Pyongyang, North Korean state media said on Wednesday, as the politically isolated state announced new progress in its banned ballistic missile programme.

Kozlov arrived on Tuesday, as U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin met with U.N. member states enforcing the Korean War armistice in Seoul and said they were concerned that China and Russia are helping North Korea expand its military capabilities by enabling Pyongyang to evade U.N. sanctions.

Russia and North Korea were conducting talks on the economy, science and technology, KCNA state media reported, without elaborating.

Kozlov told a reception that Russia wants to develop "substantial cooperation" with North Korea based on the agreements made by Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un when they met in September in Russia's far east, KCNA reported.

He also cited North Korea's "full support" for Russia over regional and international issues, the report said.

A delegation led by the country's culture minister left for St. Petersburg on Tuesday to attend a cultural event, KCNA said in another article.

North Korea is in its final stages of preparation for the launch of a spy satellite, and appears to have received technical assistance from Russia, South Korea's intelligence agency said this month.

NEW MISSILE ENGINES

North Korean state media also reported on Wednesday that the country had successfully conducted static tests of "new-type high-thrust solid-fuel engines" for intermediate-range ballistic missiles (IRBMs).

"The test provided a sure guarantee for reliably accelerating the development of the new-type IRBM system," KCNA said.

The announcement came on the same day South Korea and the U.S. held a joint aerial exercise involving a U.S. B-52 strategic bomber alongside fighter jets as a show of force aimed at Pyongyang, South Korea's defence ministry said.

North Korea's General Missile Bureau attached great significance to the new IRBM, saying the recent tests are essential for enhancing the strategic offensive capabilities of the military in light of "the grave and unstable security environment facing the country" and the "vicious" collusion of its enemies, KCNA added.

Military analysts say solid-fuel missiles are easier and safer to operate, and require less logistical support, making them harder to detect and more survivable than liquid-fuel weapons.

This year North Korea tested its first solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) - the largest category of ballistic missile - and also uses the technology in a range of smaller weapons.

North Korea's missile programme, as well as its nuclear weapons, have been banned by U.N. Security Council resolutions, which imposed sanctions on the country.

Washington has accused North Korea of supplying military equipment to Russia for use in its war with Ukraine, and Moscow of providing technical military support to help North Korea.

North Korea and Russia have denied any arms deals, though their leaders pledged closer military cooperation at their September summit.

(Reporting by Hyunsu Yim and Josh Smith; Editing by Grant McCool and Gerry Doyle)
By Luc Cohen

CENTRAL ISLIP, New York (Reuters) -A former fundraiser for indicted U.S. Representative George Santos pleaded guilty to defrauding campaign donors on Tuesday, adding to the pressure on the embattled New York Republican.

At a hearing in federal court in Long Island, Samuel Miele, 27, admitted to impersonating a staffer for another member of congress in soliciting campaign contributions and to charging donors' credit cards without their consent.

U.S District Judge Joanna Seybert accepted the plea to one count of wire fraud, part of an agreement with federal prosecutors, and set Miele's sentencing for April 30.

"Defrauding potential political contributors undermines our democracy," Breon Peace, the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, said in a statement.

There was no indication that Miele was cooperating with prosecutors' probe of Santos.

Santos' lawyer, Joseph Murray, was present at the hearing. He declined to comment on Miele's guilty plea.

Santos, a first-term congressman, in May pleaded not guilty to federal charges of laundering funds to pay for his personal expenses, illegally receiving unemployment benefits, and lying to the House of Representatives about his assets.

He pleaded not guilty in October to an updated indictment accusing him of charging campaign donors' credit cards without their consent and reporting a bogus $500,000 campaign loan.

A trial is set for Sept. 9, 2024. Santos has admitted to lying about much of his resume but has resisted calls for his resignation, including from fellow Republicans.

Miele, who was charged in August, had previously pleaded not guilty.

At the hearing, Miele said that in 2021 he pretended he was chief of staff to the then minority leader of the U.S. House of Representatives to help the candidate he was working for raise funds, without naming either politician.

Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has confirmed media reports that said Miele impersonated one of his aides to elicit contributions to Santos' campaign.

Miele took a 15% cut on funds raised through the scheme, prosecutors said. On Tuesday, he agreed to pay nearly $110,000 in restitution and forfeit nearly $70,000.

"He's recognized the mistake that he made," defense lawyer Kevin Marino told reporters after the hearing.

Miele is the second person close to Santos to plead guilty to federal charges in recent weeks. Nancy Marks, Santos' former campaign treasurer, pleaded guilty on Oct. 5 to a conspiracy charge for inflating his 2022 congressional campaign's fundraising numbers.

(Reporting by Luc Cohen in Central Islip, New York and Tom Hals in Wilmington, Delaware; Editing by Daniel Wallis)
THE HAGUE (Reuters) - The prosecutor tasked with finding the last remaining fugitives from the U.N. war crimes court for Rwanda on Tuesday confirmed the death of genocide suspect Aloys Ndimbati, leaving only two people remaining wanted by the Rwanda tribunal.

In the last three years the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT) has arrested two Rwandan genocide suspects and confirmed the deaths of four other fugitives, including Ndimbati.

In a statement U.N. prosecutors said they concluded Ndimbati died in 1997 in Rwanda.

"While the exact circumstances of his death have not been determined owing to the confusion and absence of order at the time, the evidence gathered by the office of the prosecutor demonstrates that Ndimbati did not leave the Gatore area, and that he was never seen or heard from again," the statement said.

Ndimbati, a Rwandan public official during the 1994 genocide, was accused of having personally organised and directed the killings of thousands of Tutsis and faced multiple genocide charges.

In all more than 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus were slaughtered by Hutu extremists, led by the Rwandan army and a militia known as the Interahamwe, in 100 days in 1994.

The former U.N. tribunals for war crimes in Rwanda and Yugoslavia have been rolled over into a successor court that has offices in The Hague, Netherlands, and in Arusha, Tanzania.

There are no remaining fugitives from the Yugoslavia tribunal and now only two outstanding suspects for the Rwanda tribunal.

(Reporting by Stephanie van den Berg)
An independent contractor hauls vehicles made at the Spring Hill General Motors (GM) manufacturing plant as Union members picket General Motors (GM) in the midst of a tentative deal being reached with the United Auto Workers (UAW), which expanded its stri

By David Shepardson and Nathan Gomes

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Workers belonging to the United Auto Workers (UAW) at General Motors' Spring Hill plant in Tennessee voted against a proposed contract, even as the union's president said in Washington on Tuesday that the deal remains on track for approval.

Each facility's union local must vote on the tentative deal, but only the overall combined vote count determines the outcome. Of the total votes cast at Spring Hill, 68% were against the agreement.

UAW President Shawn Fain told reporters on Capitol Hill that early voting was trending positive. "Early results are very favorable," he said.

The UAW GM vote tracking site currently shows the contract leading by a 52% to 48% margin with about 16,000 votes cast out of about 46,000 UAW-represented GM workers.

Union workers are voting on contracts from each of Chrysler-owner Stellantis, GM and Ford Motor, after the first coordinated strike against Detroit's Big Three automakers ended late last month.

About 81% of UAW workers at Stellantis have voted yes, while 66% of Ford workers have voted to approve, the UAW said.

Fain said he is holding meetings this week in Washington about the union's aggressive plans to organize nonunion auto plants. He said Tesla workers were reaching out expressing interest in unionizing along with workers from Toyota, Hyundai, Honda, Nissan and others.

"We have a team of people we are working with to discuss next steps," Fain said. "We have some very smart people that are going to put that plan together with us."

GM's Spring Hill factory employs 3,932 workers and makes the Cadillac XT5 and XT6 SUVs, among other vehicles.

The UAW's new agreement with GM grants a 25% increase in base wage through April 2028 and will cumulatively raise the top wage by 33%, compounded with estimated cost-of-living adjustments to over $42 an hour.

Automakers were previously slashing costs and navigating a bumpy road to manufacture EVs and catch up with market leader Tesla, but lower margins on those vehicles have deterred them from accelerating the move.

GM in October also pulled its full-year profit forecast due to the strike and postponed a $4 billion electric truck plant in Michigan.

(Reporting by David Shepardson in Washington and Nathan Gomes in Bengaluru; Editing by Devika Syamnath, Ben Klayman and Matthew Lewis)
FILE PHOTO: British Secretary of State for International Trade Kemi Badenoch walks outside Number 10 Downing Street, in London, Britain November 8, 2022. REUTERS/Toby Melville/File photo

By Andrea Shalal and Alistair Smout

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - British Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch signed a memorandum of understanding with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on Tuesday to boost trade and investment with the fourth largest U.S. state.

Badenoch said Britain was also making progress in talks with the U.S. federal government on a broader trade agreement.

She told Reuters in a telephone interview that she had "very, very good conversations" with U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai at a recent Group of Seven (G7) meeting on the broader deal, and "quite a lot" of issues had been agreed.

"We have a target to conclude very quickly. The last bits are often the trickiest bits," she said. "But it's going well."

In June, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and U.S. President Joe Biden announced the Atlantic Declaration, an action plan for deepening economic, technological and commercial ties, and expanding trade from its current level of 310 billion pounds ($380 billion).

However, the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Britain had hoped for under former President Donald Trump remains a distant prospect, with Biden having put all such talks on ice after taking office in 2021.

The Britain-Florida trade pact is designed to make it easier, quicker and cheaper for each other's firms to do business, focusing on space, financial technology, artificial intelligence and legal services, as well as supply chains and logistics.

DeSantis met Badenoch during an April visit to London as part of an international tour shortly before he announced his bid to challenge Trump for the Republican nomination for president in the November 2024 election. Polls show Trump as the clear frontrunner for the nomination.

Trade between Britain and Florida is already worth more than 5 billion pounds ($6.14 billion) a year. Florida said UK companies account for more than 70,000 jobs in the state, making Britain the top foreign investor, with total holdings estimated at $18 billion.

Britain has signed similar pacts with six other states and is in negotiations with Texas, California, Colorado and Illinois. Badenoch will meet California Governor Gavin Newsom on Wednesday to discuss that memorandum of understanding.

"Florida is a major economy in its own right, with a bigger GDP than most European countries," Badenoch said. "From launching satellites to developing the latest fintech software, Floridas leading high-tech companies offer huge opportunities to the UKs rapidly expanding tech sector."

($1 = 0.8149 pounds)

(Reporting by Andrea Shalal; Additional reporting by Alistair Smout; Editing by Edwina Gibbs, Mark Heinrich and Raju Gopalakrishnan)
FILE PHOTO: Cayman Islands-flagged bulk carrier Puma leaves the sea port of Odesa, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Ukraine September 15, 2023. REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo

By Pavel Polityuk

KYIV (Reuters) -Ukraine and Britain have agreed on a special mechanism for discounts on war risk insurance on exports through the Black Sea corridor, which has helped transport almost 4 million metric tons of goods since August, Ukrainian officials said on Tuesday.

Kyiv launched a "humanitarian corridor" for ships bound for African and Asian markets to try to circumvent a de facto blockade in the Black Sea after Russia quit a United Nations-brokered deal that had guaranteed Kyiv's seaborne exports during the war.

On Tuesday, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said the special mechanism to allow discounts involved 14 insurance companies.

"It will make it possible to make a discount on the cost of insurance against military risks for exporters of all products from Ukraine. This will make the Black Sea corridor more accessible to a wider range of exporters," Shmyhal said during the government meeting, video of which was posted on the Telegram messaging platform.

War risk insurance remains one of the critical issues for securing the capabilities of the route since Russia keeps targeting it, dropping mines close to the path, Ukraine says.

Insurance premiums have risen sharply following a Russian attack on a Liberia-flagged civilian vessel entering port in the Odesa region in early November, killing a Ukrainian pilot and injuring four crew members. It was the first fatal strike involving a commercial ship in many months.

Ukrainian officials said the corridor - also used for grain shipments - continued working despite all the dangers, but brokers reported a rise in freight prices.

"This (attack) is of course bad, it affects the cost of freight and the willingness of traders to buy grain from us and work with Ukraine," Ukrainian Agriculture Minister Mykola Solsky told national television late on Monday.

"We understand that Odesa region ports need to be protected, everyone is doing it and the situation is improving every week, and we will still export," Solsky added.

GRAIN EXPORTS

"The grain corridor is working. We are now overcoming the four million tons mark and maintaining positive dynamics," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Telegram on Tuesday.

Ukrainian transport authorities last week said 91 vessels exported 3.3 million metric tons of agricultural and metal products as of Nov. 9.

Ukraine's government expects a harvest of 79 million tons of grain and oilseeds in 2023, with its 2023/24 exportable surplus totalling about 50 million tons.

Ukrainian grain exports have fallen to 9.8 million metric tons as of Nov. 6 in the 2023/24 July-June marketing season from 14.3 million tons a season earlier.

The ministry gave no explanation for the drop but traders and farmers' unions have said blocked Ukrainian Black Sea ports and Russian attacks on the country's Danube River ports are the main reasons for lower exports.

Ukraine has traditionally shipped most of its exports through its deep water Black Sea ports.

(Reporting by Pavel Polityuk and Yuliia Dysa; Editing by Sharon Singleton and Jonathan Oatis)
FILE PHOTO: Trucks wait for crossing the Ukraine-Poland border, as Russia's attack on Ukraine continues, at the checkpoint Rava-Ruska, Lviv region, Ukraine April 17, 2023. REUTERS/Roman Baluk/File Photo

(Reuters) -Kyiv and Warsaw again failed to reach an agreement to stop a week-long Polish truckers' protest at Ukraine's border, a Ukrainian official said on Tuesday.

Polish drivers have been blocking roads to three crossings, in what they call a response to government inaction over a loss of business to foreign competitors since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

They insist on the return of a limited number of licenses for Ukrainian truckers, a demand Kyiv said it would not consider.

"Negotiations have not yet led to anything, and Polish carriers continue to block three main directions," Ukrainian border guard spokesman Andriy Demchenko said in televised comments.

Demchenko added that 1,300 trucks had been in line from the Polish side at the Yahodyn checkpoint, and 500 trucks at both Krakovets and Rava-Ruska, where the blocking was occurring.

Congestion by about 1,100 trucks was starting at the Shehyni checkpoint because of drives changing their routes, he said.

Another round of negotiations took place on Monday, the Ukrainian deputy infrastructure minister said. Ukraine was trying to find a compromise but the situation was complicated, Deputy Minister Serhiy Derkach said.

"The absurdity of the demands is that the Polish protesters do not appeal to their government, but want Ukraine to apply to the EU for licenses," Derkach said on Facebook.

Protest organiser Tomasz Borkowski blamed a lack of willingness to talk from the Ukrainian side for the lack of progress.

He said that Polish truckers wanted empty trucks from the European Union to be excluded from an electronic queuing system and for permits to be introduced for Polish and Ukrainian companies for the commercial transport of goods.

Derkach said Ukraine had offered to introduce separate lanes for empty trucks at two border crossings. Protesters say such a suggestion would not solve the problem of long waiting times.

(Reporting by Yuliia Dysa in Gdansk, Karol Badohal in Warsaw; additional reporting by Alan Charlish; editing by Angus MacSwan and Jonathan Oatis)
FILE PHOTO: Signage is seen at the headquarters of the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 10, 2021. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly

By Mike Scarcella

(Reuters) - The U.S. Justice Department has asked a judge to dismiss the government's prosecution of a UnitedHealth Group affiliate accused of unlawfully restricting employee mobility, marking a new setback in the government's push to apply criminal antitrust laws to labor markets.

U.S. prosecutors in a filing in Dallas federal court asked U.S. District Judge Sam Lindsay to dismiss charges against Surgical Care Affiliates LLC and a related entity, SCAI Holdings LLC.

Deerfield, Illinois-based Surgical Care operates one of the country's largest ambulatory surgery centers.

Surgical Care Affiliates and SCAI Holdings were charged in 2021 with violating U.S. antitrust law in an alleged conspiracy with industry rivals to not solicit each others' senior-level employees.

The government said dismissal of the case "will allow the conservation of this court's time and resources."

A Justice Department spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Surgical Care Affiliates and UnitedHealth had no immediate comment.

The move comes amid a series of defeats in other closely watched labor-related criminal antitrust cases in federal courts in Texas and elsewhere.

In April, a judge in Connecticut rejected government claims mid-trial that a group of aerospace engineers unlawfully conspired to restrict hiring.

Last year Dialysis provider DaVita and its former CEO Kent Thiry defeated the government's claims at trial that they should be held criminally liable for alleged curbs on hiring.

Justice Department antitrust division head Jonathan Kanter has touted the labor antitrust cases despite the court setbacks, noting that judges have allowed such claims to proceed to trial.

Attorneys for Surgical Care argued the Connecticut federal judge's order in the aerospace case should doom the government's health industry case in Texas.

Justice Department lawyers countered that the Connecticut ruling was specific to the evidence in that case.

(Reporting by Mike Scarcella; Editing by David Bario and Andrea Ricci)
By Catarina Demony and Miguel Pereira

LISBON (Reuters) - Tens of thousands of people have gathered in Lisbon to attend Europe's largest technology conference, the Web Summit, as the event attempts to get back on its feet after the resignation of its CEO over comments he made about the Israel-Hamas war.

Paddy Cosgrave, the Irish founder of the Web Summit, drew criticism for a post on social media related to Israel's assault on the Gaza Strip in retaliation for Palestinian militant group Hamas' attack on Oct. 7, saying "war crimes are war crimes even when committed by allies".

Several leading tech companies, namely Google, Meta and Siemens, as well as various speakers said they would not attend the event in response to Cosgrave's post.

Cosgrave resigned as CEO last month, saying his personal comments on the conflict had become a distraction from Web Summit 2023 in Lisbon. Web Summit appointed former Wikimedia Foundation CEO Katherine Maher as the chief executive.

"I think it's important to say that I believe everyone, everywhere, has the right to express their views on what is happening in the world," Maher said as she addressed Cosgrave's resignation at the event's opening.

"But having a right to expression, and considering the weight of your words are two different things," she said.

Most of the attendees who spoke to Reuters said the controversy would not have an impact on their experience and praised the new CEO for addressing the issue straight on.

"They were very transparent...that helps," said Ellanoor Rep, a 34-year-old tech worker from the Netherlands.

The Web Summit said more than 300 of its partners were coming to the event and that some "who were deliberating have come back on board and reversed their decision".

A record-breaking 2,600 startups and more than 900 investors were expected to attend.

"(The controversy) is a little strange but I think the impact is minimal because...we just want to enjoy the event," said Spanish attendee Gonzalo Calvo, 23.

The event attracts about 70,000 participants every year, drawing speakers from global tech companies and startups, as well as politicians. Some of this year's high-level speakers include former U.S. army analyst and WikiLeaks source Chelsea Manning and Alibaba.com president Kuo Zhang.

(Reporting by Catarina Demony and Miguel Pereira; Editing by Andrei Khalip and Angus MacSwan)
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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

 QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended

 TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from _______ to _______

Commission File Number: 000-55685

FINTECH SCION LIMITED

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Nevada 30-0803939 (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) Portman House , 2 Portman Street London, W1H 6DU United Kingdom N/A (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

+ 44 203 982 5041

(Registrants telephone number, including area code)

Not applicable

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes  No 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes  No 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of large accelerated filer, accelerated filer and smaller reporting company, and emerging growth company in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

1

Large accelerated filer  Accelerated filer  Non-accelerated filer  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) Smaller reporting company  Emerging Growth Company 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes  No 

As of November 9, 2023, there were 198,742,643 shares of the issuers common stock issued and outstanding.

2

FINTECH SCION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

FORM 10-Q

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED September 30, 2023

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND INDUSTRY DATA

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements which are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act). These statements may be identified by such forward-looking terminology as may, should, expects, intends, plans, anticipates, believes, estimates, predicts, potential, continue or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. Our forward-looking statements are based on a series of expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about our company, are not guarantees of future results or performance and involve substantial risks and uncertainty. We may not actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in these forward-looking statements. Actual results or events could differ materially from the plans, intentions and expectations disclosed in these forward-looking statements. Our business and our forward-looking statements involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties, including the risks and uncertainties inherent in our statements regarding:

 our projected financial position and estimated cash burn rate;  our estimates regarding expenses, future revenues and capital requirements;

3

 our ability to continue as a going concern;  our need to raise substantial additional capital to fund our operation;  our dependence on third parties in the conduct of our operations;  our ability to obtain the necessary regulatory approvals to market and commercialize our products;  the impact of a health epidemic, on our business, our operations or the global economy as a whole;  the results of market research conducted by us or others;  our ability to obtain and maintain intellectual property protection for our current and future products;  our ability to protect our intellectual property rights and the potential for us to incur substantial costs from lawsuits to enforce or protect our intellectual property rights;  the possibility that a third party may claim we or our third-party licensors have infringed, misappropriated or otherwise violated their intellectual property rights and that we may incur substantial costs and be required to devote substantial time defending against claims against us;  our reliance on third-party suppliers and manufacturers;  the success of competing payment platforms and products that are or become available;  our ability to expand our organization to accommodate potential growth and our ability to retain and attract key personnel;  the potential for us to incur substantial costs resulting from product liability lawsuits against us and the potential for these product liability lawsuits to cause us to limit our commercialization of our products; and  the successful development of our commercialization capabilities, including sales and marketing capabilities.

All of our forward-looking statements are as of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q only. In each case, actual results may differ materially from such forward-looking information. We can give no assurance that such expectations or forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. An occurrence of, or any material adverse change in, one or more of the risk factors or risks and uncertainties referred to in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or included in our other public disclosures or our other periodic reports or other documents or filings filed with or furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) could materially and adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations. Except as required by law, we do not undertake or plan to update or revise any such forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changes in plans, assumptions, estimates or projections or other circumstances affecting such forward-looking statements occurring after the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, even if such results, changes or circumstances make it clear that any forward-looking information will not be realized. Any public statements or disclosures by us following this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q that modify or impact any of the forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q will be deemed to modify or supersede such statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q may include market data and certain industry data and forecasts, which we may obtain from internal company surveys, market research, consultant surveys, publicly available information, reports of governmental agencies and industry publications, articles and surveys. Industry surveys, publications, consultant surveys and forecasts generally state that the information contained therein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but the accuracy and completeness of such information is not guaranteed. While we believe that such studies and publications are reliable, we have not independently verified market and industry data from third-party sources.

4

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

5

FINTECH SCION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

(Formerly known as HWGC Holdings Limited)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In U.S. dollars)

As of As of September 30, December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) 2022 (Audited) ASSETS Current assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 3,725,144 $ 3,791,378 Accounts receivable 541,219 1,792,195 Amount due from related parties 31,144 1,296,935 Inventories 14,233 2,272 Other receivables, prepayments and other current assets 300,199 1,049,292 Total Current Assets 4,611,939 7,932,072 Non-current assets Intangible asset 42,455 59,803 Goodwill 55,794,524 55,794,524 Property and equipment, net 40,059 38,862 Total Non-Current Assets 55,877,038 55,893,189 TOTAL ASSETS $ 60,488,977 $ 63,825,261 LIABILITIES Current liabilities Amounts due to related parties $ 352,602 $ 2,463,833 Accounts payable 25,111 2,131,388 Accruals and other payables 1,668,098 348,246 Total Current Liabilities 2,045,811 4,943,467 TOTAL LIABILITIES 2,045,811 4,943,467 Commitments and Contingencies (Note 10)   STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY Preferred stock par value $ 0.001 : 25,000,000 shares authorized; and 0 outstanding   Common stock par value $ 0.001 : 400,000,000 shares authorized, respectively; 198,742,643 issued and outstanding, respectively 198,743 198,743 Additional paid-in capital 111,770,998 111,770,998 Merger reserves ( 55,000,000 ) ( 55,000,000 ) Accumulated surplus 891,336 1,342,788 Accumulated other comprehensive income 579,493 565,935 Equity attributable to equity holders of the parent 58,440,570 58,878,464 Non-controlling interests 2,596 3,330 Total Stockholders Equity 58,443,166 58,881,794 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY $ 60,488,977 $ 63,825,261

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

6

FINTECH SCION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

(Formerly known as HWGC Holdings Limited)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

(Unaudited)

(In U.S. dollars)

For the Three Months Ended

September 30, For the Nine Months Ended

September 30, 2023 2022 2023 2022 REVENUE $ 946,830 $  $ 2,377,652 $ 325 COST OF REVENUE ( 72,486 )  ( 114,991 ) ( 292 ) GROSS PROFIT 874,344  2,262,661 33 OPERATING EXPENSES General and administrative expenses ( 1,259,700 ) ( 217,953 ) ( 3,043,686 ) ( 533,842 ) Total operating expenses ( 1,259,700 ) ( 217,953 ) ( 3,043,686 ) ( 533,842 ) LOSS FROM OPERATIONS ( 385,356 ) ( 217,953 ) ( 781,025 ) ( 533,809 ) OTHER INCOME/(EXPENSE), NET Other income 241,386 39,383 330,877 204,434 Other expense ( 58 ) ( 778 ) ( 862 ) ( 6,121 ) Total Other income / (Expense), net 241,328 38,605 330,015 198,313 NET LOSS BEFORE TAX $ ( 144,028 ) $ ( 179,348 ) $ ( 451,010 ) $ ( 335,496 ) Income tax 996  ( 1,177 )  NET LOSS $ ( 143,032 ) $ ( 179,348 ) $ ( 452,187 ) $ ( 335,496 ) Loss attributable to non-controlling interest 233  734  NET LOSS FOR THE PERIOD ( 142,799 ) ( 179,348 ) ( 451,453 ) ( 335,496 ) OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME / (LOSS) Foreign currency translation adjustment ( 17,506 ) 156,190 13,558 287,170 TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE LOSS $ ( 160,305 ) $ ( 23,158 ) $ ( 437,895 ) $ ( 48,326 ) Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic and diluted 198,742,643 5,409,310 198,742,643 5,409,310 Net Income (Loss) per share - basic and diluted $ ( 0.00 ) $ ( 0.03 ) $ ( 0.00 ) $ ( 0.06 )

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

7

FINTECH SCION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

(Formerly known as HWGC Holdings Limited)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

(In U.S. dollars)

For the Period Ended September 30, 2023 2022 CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net loss $ ( 452,187 ) $ ( 335,496 ) Items not involving cash: Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment and right-of-use assets 27,048 40,259 Interest expenses on lease obligation  2,525 Changes in operating assets and liabilities Accounts receivables 1,250,976  Other receivables, prepayments and other current assets 749,094 10,803 Inventories ( 11,961 )  Accounts Payable ( 823,577 ) 62 Commission payables  ( 12,558 ) Accrued expense and other payables 37,152 ( 3,618 ) Net generated from / (used in) operating activities 776,545 ( 298,023 ) CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES Purchase of rights-of-use assets ( 10,897 ) ( 22,484 ) Disposal of rights-of-use assets  965 Net cash used in investing activities ( 10,897 ) ( 21,519 ) CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES Payment of principal portion of lease liabilities  ( 24,371 ) (Repayments) / Proceeds from related parties ( 845,440 ) 358,783 Net cash (used in) / provided by financing activities ( 845,440 ) 334,412 EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATES ON CASH 13,558 ( 4,725 ) NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS ( 66,234 ) 10,145 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD 3,791,378 37,033 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD $ 3,725,144 $ 47,178 SUPPLEMENTAL OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION Cash paid for interest expenses $  $  Cash paid for income tax $  $ 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

8

FINTECH SCION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

(Formerly known as HWGC Holdings Limited)

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

(In U.S. dollars)

1. ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS Fintech Scion Limited (the Company) formerly known as HWGC Holdings Limited, incorporated in Nevada. The Company holds the following equity interests in its subsidiaries: Interest No. Name of subsidiary Country of incorporation 2023 % 2022 % Principal activities 1 FintechCashier Asia P.L.C., formerly known as HWGG Capital P.L.C. (FintechAsia) 2 HWG Cash Singapore Pte Ltd (HCS) 3 HWGC KZ Limited (HKZ) 4 Fintech Scion Limited (Fintech) 5 Fintech Digital Solutions Limited (FDS) 6 Fintech Digital Consulting Limited (FDC) 7 Vitaxel Sdn Bhd (VSB)  8 Vitaxel Online Mall Sdn Bhd (VOM)  The Company was previously engaged in direct selling industry and online shopping platform, primarily through its operating entities in Malaysia. During the financial year ended December 31, 2022, the Company restructured after the consummation of two share exchange agreements and the disposal of VSB and VOM. The Company upon the restructuring, offers digital Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) by providing the tools, skills, and solutions to facilitate payment services to merchants, offering a variety of secured, online and fully managed transactions and settlements. Restructuring Transactions The following restructuring transactions occurred during the year ended December 31, 2022: i. Acquisition of FintechAsia (formerly known as HWGG Capital P.L.C.) ii. Acquisition of Fintech iii. Disposal of VSB and VOM 9 Information of the restructuring transactions were disclosed in the notes to the consolidated financial statement for the year ended December 31, 2022, included in the Companys Form 10-K filed with the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) by the Company on April 17, 2023.

2. UNAUDITED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP) for interim financial information under Article 8 of Regulation S-X. They do not include all information and foot notes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. Except as disclosed herein, there have been no material changes in the information disclosed in the notes to the consolidated financial statement for the year ended December 31, 2022, included in the Companys Form 10-K filed with the SEC. The interim unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with those audited consolidated financial statements included in Form 10-K. In the opinion of management, the Company has made all adjustments necessary to present a fair statement of the financial position as of September 30, 2023, results of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, and cash flows for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022. All significant intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated on consolidation. The results of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2023 are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for the entire fiscal year. Recently issued accounting pronouncements From time to time, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the FASB or other standard setting bodies. Unless otherwise discussed, the Company believes that the impact of recently issued standards that are not yet effective will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial position or results of operations upon adoption.

3. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLES Accounts receivable represent balances from: (i) transactions fees receivable generated from financial payment and settlement services. (ii) non-interest-bearing credit tokens issue to authorized agents. Services billed are generally settled upon financial services have been rendered. Only limited clients are extended with credits. As of September 30, 2023, accounts receivable balances of $ 541,219 solely derived from commissions receivables. As of December 31, 2022, accounts receivable balances of $ 1,792,195 mainly derived from commissions receivables of $ 597,986 and non-interest-bearing credit tokens issued to authorized agents of $ 1,194,209 . The company considers accounts receivable to be fully collectible, therefore no impairment is necessary as at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022.

4. OTHER RECEIVABLES, PREPAYMENTS AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS Other receivables, prepayments and other current assets consist of the following: Schedule of other receivables and other assets September 30,

2023 December 31,

2022 Other receivables (1) $ 198,349 $ 949,430 Deposits (2) 89,888 87,805 Prepayments (3) 11,962 12,057 Total $ 300,199 $ 1,049,292 (1) (2) (3)

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5. GOODWILL The table below sets forth the carrying amount of goodwill for September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022. As of

September 30,

2023 As of

December 31,

2022 Gross carrying amount $  $  Acquired in business combination (1) 55,794,524 55,794,524 Total 55,794,524 55,794,524 Accumulated impairment $  $  Impairment (2)     Goodwill, net $ 55,794,524 $ 55,794,524 (1) (2)

6. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET Property and equipment, net consist of the following: Schedule of property, plant and equipment, net As of September 30,

2023 As of

December 31,

2022 Office equipment $ 7,408 $ 7,067 Computer equipment 40,372 31,959 Furniture and fittings 5,745 4,501 Software and website 18,101 17,202 71,626 60,729 Less: Accumulated depreciation ( 31,567 ) ( 21,867 ) Balance at end of period/year $ 40,059 $ 38,862 11 Depreciation expenses charged to the statements of operations and comprehensive loss for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 were $ 9,700 and $ 7,908 respectively.

7. ACCRUED EXPENSE AND OTHER PAYABLES Accrued expense and other payables consist of the following: Schedule of accruals and other payables As of September 30,

2023 As of

December 31,

2022 Provisions and accruals $ 194,796 $ 163,217 Others (1) 1,473,302 185,029 Balance at end of period/year $ 1,668,098 $ 348,246 (1)

8. REVENUE The Company derives its revenue mainly from transaction fees earned through financial payment and settlement services. For these transaction fee revenues, the Company views itself as the agent in these transactions and as a result, records revenue on a net basis. The Company considers its performance obligation satisfied and recognizes revenue at the point in time the transaction is processed. The disaggregation of revenue of the Company by geographical region for the period ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 is as follows: United Kingdom Malaysia Total 2023 2022 2023 2022 2023 2022 Transaction fees 2,227,353  116,488 325 2,343,841 325 Other   33,811  33,811  Total revenue 2,227,353  150,299 325 2,377,652 325

9. RELATED PARTY BALANCES AND TRANSACTIONS Schedule of related party transaction As of

September 30,

2023 As of

December 31,

2022 Amount due from related parties Ho Wah Genting Group Sdn Bhd (2) $ 31,144 $ 799,094 HWG Fintech International Ltd (2)  497,841 GrandeLife Inc. (3)   Snatch Asia Sdn Bhd (4)   Total Amount due from related parties $ 31,144 $ 1,296,935 Amount due to related parties Grande Legacy Inc. (1) $  $ 266,610 GrandeLife Inc. (3) 22,262 329,565 HWG Digital Investment Bank (Malaysia) P.L.C. (2)  1,596,825 Vitaxel Sdn Bhd (1)  23,933 Ho Wah Genting Group Sdn Bhd (2)   Shalom Dodoun (4) 330,340 246,900 Total Amount due to related parties $ 352,602 $ 2,463,833 12 The related party balances are unsecured, interest-free and repayable on demand. (1) Both VSB and VOM are disposed to Mr Leong Yee Ming, a previous director and CEO of the Company, which also includes certain intercompany debt assignment. Upon completion of the disposal, related party balances that are outstanding relating to advances made by Grande Legacy Inc. (GL) and Vitaxel Sdn Bhd are $ 266,610 and $ 23,933 respectively for the year ended December 31, 2022. As at September 30, 2023, the amount due to GL and VSB are $nil and $nil respectively. (2) Mr Lim Chun Hoo is also a director in Ho Wah Genting Group Sdn Bhd (HWGGSB), HWG Fintech International Ltd (HWGFI) and a previous director of HWG Digital Investment Bank (Malaysia) P.L.C. (HDIB). HDIB is previously known as Ho Wah Genting Investment Bank (Labuan) P.L.C. The amount due from HWGGSB and HWGFI as at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, were advances made by the Company to HWGGSB and HWGFI. Whilst amount due to HDIB were advances made by HDIB to the Company. (3) (4) (5) Total payment made in the form of compensation, which includes salary, bonus, stock awards and all other compensation have been made to the following officer of the Company that are individually in excess of $ 100,000 annually: Schedule of officers September 30,

2023 December 31,

2022 Officers Shalom Dodoun  Director, Chief Executive Officer of the Company $ 158,782 $ 142,005

10. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Capital Commitments As of September 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022, Company has no capital commitments.

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

You should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations together with our unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements and the related notes appearing elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. In addition to historical information, this discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Our actual results may differ materially from those discussed below. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those identified below, and those discussed in the section titled Risk Factors included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, as may be amended, supplemented or superseded from time to time by other reports we file with the SEC. All amounts in this report are in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise noted.

Throughout this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, references to we, our, us, the Company, Fintech, or Fintech Scion refer to Fintech Scion Limited, individually, or as the context requires, collectively with its subsidiaries.

Overview

Fintech Scion Limited (Fintech Scion, the Company, we, our, or us) offers digital Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) by providing the tools, skills and solutions to facilitate payment services to merchants, offering a variety of secured, online and fully managed transactions and settlements.

We provide a financial layered ecosystem built on a broad technology infrastructure that enables financial institutions to offer a consolidated experience. We support different verticals serving the business-to-business, business-to-consumer and consumer-to-business landscape.

 Merchants are increasingly adopting various software solutions and new digital tools to operate their business and remain competitive. The scale and complexity of managing these software systems that are sourced from different providers, while seamlessly accepting payments, is challenging for merchants of any size.

Our payments platform hosts a full suite of integrated payment products and services that can be used across multiple channels (in-store, online, mobile and tablet-based) and industry verticals, including:

 end-to-end payment processing for a broad range of payment types;

 merchant acquiring and issuing;

 multiple methods of mobile, contactless and QR code-based payments;

 complementary software integrations;

 virtual international bank account number or IBAN issuing;

 integrated and mobile point of sale or POS solutions;

 security and risk management solutions; and

 reporting and analytical tools.

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We integrate e-money remittance services working in the global marketplace, ranging from open banking and credit card processing, to wire solutions enabling customers to coordinate payments across a multitude of payment methods.

Our solution is delivered as a Software as a Service, or SaaS, to clients, enabling them to focus their time and energies on their operations and sales. We give clients and merchants the ability to streamline their onboarding procedures and increase customer retention, which thereby enables the creation of additional revenue.

We aim to build our market share and become a recognized leader in the payments and banking space on a global scale. Our team is comprised of experienced and knowledgeable personnel in the areas of operations, sales, technology, onboarding, support, legal and compliance.

Our vision is to minimize and automate the process of sending and receiving funds globally, while ensuring security. We aim to provide merchants with a true merchant payment ecosystem or MPE where they can combine all payment needs under one system. Our technology platform uses an innovative Gateway Cashier Technology to provide our services.

Our merchants include small and medium enterprises, or SMEs, and large enterprises across numerous verticals including hospitality, e-gaming, consulting, retail, marketing and eCommerce.

Although we provide a SaaS, we believe that technology should be free and accessible to everyone. We therefore initial provide our platform free of charge and generate our revenue from our extra value-added services. We derive the majority of this revenue from fees paid by our merchants as processing fees charged as a percentage of end-to-end payment volumes. In other cases where merchants subscribe only to our gateway, we generate revenue from transaction fees charged in the form of a fixed fee per transaction and a monthly fee.

Our revenue is continuous, as merchants only pay for the specific amount of service or usage they consume, rather than a flat fee for access to the service (other than in the case of monthly subscription fees). Because of our different layers as described below, merchants sign up for different services which increases revenue for the company. We believe we can maintain long-term relationships with our clients due our customer relationship team as well as the difficulties merchants experience in changing providers, including high switching costs resulting from set-up fees, onboarding costs and integration costs with various other providers. We also benefit from a high degree of operating leverage given the combination of our highly scalable payments platform and strong customer relationship unit.

Components of Results of Operations

Revenue

Revenue for the nine months ended 30th September 2023 consists of three components which are client processing commission, client account fixed fees and white labelling. The company will conduct payment solutions for the client using the client funds and the revenue is generated based on pre-agreed client processing commission and fixed monthly client account fees. White labeling income is billed in arrears/advance on a monthly basis for the use of the payment solution software. For the nine months ended 30th September 2023, we have recognized $1,774,947 generated from client processing commission, $556,474 generated from client account fixed fees and $46,231 generated from white labelling.

Cost of Sales

Cost of sales for the nine months ended 30th September 2023 mainly consists of an affiliate commission recognized of $103,486. Affiliate commission is based on a pre-agreed rate from existing clients who refer business to the Company. A percentage of the revenue generated from new business is paid to the existing client from the Company.

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Gross Profit

Gross profit for the nine months ended 30th September 2023 consists of $138,794 from FintechAsia and $2,123,867 from Fintech, total for the Company of $2,262,661.

Operating Expenses

Operating expenses for the nine months ended 30th September 2023 are mainly comprised of salaries and directors fees of $597,068, consultancy fees of $532,252, banking and processing fees of $450,916, research and development of $369,726, office rent of $308,876 and legal and professional fees of $369,726.

Results of Operations

Three Months Ended September 30, 2023 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2022

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our unaudited consolidated financial statements in Item 1, Financial Statements, for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 and the related notes thereto.

Revenue

We recognized $946,830 and $nil revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The significant increase in revenue primarily resulted from the restructuring transactions that occurred during financial year ended December 31, 2022. Revenue recognized during the period is mainly from transaction fees earned through financial payment and settlement services provided by Fintech and FintechAsia (formerly known as HWGG Capital P.L.C.).

Cost of Sales

Cost of sales for the three months ended September 30, 2023 was $72,486 compared to $nil for the three months ended September 30, 2022.

Gross Profit

Gross profit for the three months ended September 30, 2023 was $874,344 compared to $nil for the three months ended September 30, 2022. The increase resulted primarily from the restructuring transactions that led to additional sources of revenue from Fintech and FintechAsia (formerly known as HWGG Capital P.L.C.).

Operating Expenses

For the three months ended September 30, 2023, we incurred total operating expenses in the amount of $1,259,700, composed solely of general and administrative expenses totaling $1,259,700. Whilst, for the three months ended September 30, 2022, we incurred total operating expenses in the amount of $217,953, composed of solely of general and administrative expenses totaling $217,953. The increase of $1,041,747 or 478% for the administrative expenses represents the total increase in operating expenses. The increase as compared to prior year was resulted from the restructuring that has occurred towards prior year end, which were disclosed in the Note 1 of the financial statements.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022

Revenue

We recognized $2,377,652 and $325 revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The significant increase in revenue primarily resulted from the restructuring transactions that occurred during financial year ended December 31, 2022. Revenue recognized during the period is mainly from transaction fees earned through financial payment and settlement services provided by Fintech and FintechAsia (formerly known as HWGG Capital P.L.C.).

16

Cost of Sales

Cost of sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 was $114,991 compared to $292 for the nine months ended September 30, 2022.

Gross Profit

Gross profit for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 was $2,262,661 compared to $33 for the period ended September 30, 2022. The increase resulted primarily from the restructuring transactions that led to additional sources of revenue from Fintech and FintechAsia (formerly known as HWGG Capital P.L.C.).

Operating Expenses

For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, we incurred total operating expenses in the amount of $3,043,686, composed solely of general and administrative expenses totaling $3,043,686. Whilst, for the nine months ended September 30, 2022, we incurred total operating expenses in the amount of $533,842, composed solely of general and administrative expenses totaling $533,842. The increase of $2,509,844 or 470% for the administrative expenses represents the total increase in operating expenses. The increase as compared to prior year was resulted from the restructuring that has occurred towards prior year end, which were disclosed in the Note 1 of the financial statements.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of September 30, 2023, we had a cash balance of $3,725,144. During the period ended September 30, 2023, net cash generated from operating activities totaled $776,545. Net cash used in investing activities totaled $10,897. Net cash used in financing activities during the period totaled $845,440. The resulting change in cash for the period was a decrease of $66,234, which was primarily due to cash used from financing activities.

As of September 30, 2023, we had current liabilities of $2,045,811, which was composed of amount due to related parties of $352,602, accounts payable of $25,111, and accruals and other payable of $1,668,098.

We had net assets of $58,443,166 and net liabilities of $4,634,291 as of September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022, respectively.

We have recognized goodwill of $55,794,524 as a result from the acquisition of Fintech during the year ended December 31, 2022. The management performs goodwill impairment test annually. On November 30, 2022, the reverse acquisition by Fintech/the Company was completed. As the acquisition date and financial period end is of a relatively short period, the management has not identified any indicators that relate to the impairment of goodwill. As such no impairment of goodwill has been made. In the event that after year end if any events occur that may have a negative impact on the carrying amount of goodwill and will have significant effect on the results of the Company, it may raise significant doubts for the Companys ability to continue as a going concern.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements, financing, or other relationships with unconsolidated entities or other persons.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and on assumptions believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. The estimation process often may yield a range of potentially reasonable estimates of the ultimate future outcomes, and management must select an amount that falls within that range of reasonable estimates. Estimates are used in the following areas, among others: research and development expense recognition, valuation of common shares and stock options, allowances of deferred tax assets, valuation of debt related instruments, and cash flow assumptions regarding going concern considerations. Although management believes the estimates that have been used are reasonable, actual results could vary from the estimates that were used.

17

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

The recently issued accounting pronouncements are included in Note 2 Unaudited Interim Financial Statements for disclosures on accounting policies related to our business.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The Company is not required to provide the information required by this Item as it is a smaller reporting company, as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We maintain controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SECs rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management including our principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. Based upon their evaluation of those controls and procedures performed as of the end of the period covered by this report, our principal executive and principal financial officers concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective in ensuring that: (i) information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit to the SEC under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in applicable rules and forms and (ii) material information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow for accurate and timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

As required by Rule 13a-15(e), our management has carried out an evaluation, with the participation and under the supervision of Shalom Dodoun, our Chief Executive Officer, and Lim Chun Hoo, our Chief Financial Officer of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as of September 30, 2023. Based upon the participation in that evaluation, it has been concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2023.

Changes in Internal Controls

During the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2023, there have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal controls over financial reporting.

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

From time to time, we may become involved in various lawsuits and legal proceedings, which arise in the ordinary course of business. Litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties and an adverse result in these, or other matters may arise from time to time that may harm our business. We are currently not aware of any such legal proceedings or claims that will have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or operating results.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

Risk factors that affect our business and financial results are discussed in Part I, Item 1A Risk Factors, in our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2022 as filed with the SEC on April 28, 2023 (Annual Report), as supplemented by our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2023 as filed with the SEC on August 21, 2023 (the Quarterly Report and together with the Annual Report, the Periodic Reports). There have been no material changes in our risk factors from those previously disclosed in our Periodic Reports. You should carefully consider the risks described in our Periodic Reports, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. The risks described in our Periodic Reports are not the only risks we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, and/or operating results. If any of the risks actually occur, our business, financial condition, and/or results of operations could be negatively affected.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

None.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

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101.PRE* Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document 101.DEF* Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document 104* Cover Page Interactive Data File  the cover page from the Registrants Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2023, is formatted in Inline XBRL and included in the Exhibit 101 Inline XBRL Document Set

* Filed herewith

** Furnished herewith

# Certain schedules and exhibits have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. A copy of any omitted schedule will be furnished to the SEC upon request.

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SIGNATURES

In accordance with the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

FINTECH SCION LIMITED Date: November 14, 2023 By: /s/ Shalom Dodoun Shalom Dodoun Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer) Date: November 14, 2023 By: /s/ Lim Chun Hoo Lim Chun Hoo Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

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false 0001781405 0001781405 2023-11-13 2023-11-13

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of Earliest Event Reported):

Odyssey Semiconductor Technologies, Inc.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

Delaware 333-234741 84-1766761 (State or other Jurisdiction (Commission (I.R.S. Employer of Incorporation) File Number) Identification No.)

9 Brown Road Ithaca ,

NY 14850

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

Registrants telephone number, including area code: ( 607 ) 882-2754

N/A

(Former Address of Principal Executive Offices)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

 Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c)) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None.

Section 7  Regulation FD

Item 7.01. Regulation FD Disclosure.

On November 13, 2023, Odyssey Semiconductor Technologies, Inc. (the Company) published a press release to announce its financial results for the third quarter of 2023. A copy of the Press Release was published on the Companys website. No earnings call was conducted for Q3 2023; however, management is available for calls with investors.

A copy of the press release is furnished hereto as Exhibit 99.1. The information contained in this Current Report on Form 8-K (including the exhibits) is being furnished and shall not be deemed filed for the purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that Section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as otherwise expressly stated in such filing.

Section 9  Financial Statements and Exhibits

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(c) Exhibits

Exhibit No. Description 99.1 Press Release of Odyssey Semiconductor Technologies, Inc., dated November 13, 2023 104 Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

Odyssey Semiconductor Technologies, Inc. November 14, 2023 By: /s/ Mark Davidson Name: Mark Davidson Title: Chief Executive Officer

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Nepal's government decided to ban the popular social media app TikTok, saying Monday it was disrupting "social harmony" in the country.

The announcement was made following a Cabinet meeting. Foreign Minister Narayan Prakash Saud said the app would be banned immediately.

"The government has decided to ban TikTok as it was necessary to regulate the use of the social media platform that was disrupting social harmony, goodwill and flow of indecent materials," Saud said.

He said that to make social media platforms accountable, the government has asked the companies to register and open a liaison office in Nepal, pay taxes and abide by the country's laws and regulations.
A senior airman fills out a promotion testing form at Altus Air Force Base, Okla., May 20, 2020. (U.S. Air Force)

This story has been corrected

The Air Force expects that all bases will be ready for digital promotion testing by February, according to the services top enlisted leader.

The transition from paper scantrons to eWAPS  electronic weighted airman promotion systems  is an initiative set forth by Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Joanne S. Bass.

The weighted system is part of how the Air Force selects eligible airmen for promotion to staff sergeant and technical sergeant. The test consists of a series of multiple choice, job-specific questions and questions on Air Force history, regulations and customs.

When it comes to the Force of the Future, it is essential we modernize the IT systems our Airmen use  to include how we test for promotion, Bass recently told Stars and Stripes by email. We are excited to announce that all of our bases are projected to roll out eWAPS in February 2024, in conjunction with the 24E6 testing cycle.

The Air Force had to examine the systems digital feasibility, its use of commercial internet, facility construction requirements and cost of equipment for the transition, the service said in a Nov. 6 news release.

Airmen celebrate during a technical sergeant promotion release celebration at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., July 1, 2021. (U.S. Air Force)

Pilot tests were conducted across 61 bases, from July to September, with additional pilots scheduled to run through December to ensure functionality before we deploy eWAPS across the force in February, Bass said.

Kadena Air Base on Okinawa is among the latest to announce that its digital promotion testing center in the bases education office is ready to go. Testing stations and advanced computer systems were installed in September, according to a Nov. 6 news release.

Misawa Air Base in northeastern Japan has also completed installation of desks and computer equipment and is ready for digital promotion testing next year, Kelly Spridgen, education office section chief, told Stars and Stripes by phone Thursday.

The education center at Yokota Air Base in western Tokyo will be ready next year, Roy Suber, of the base education office, said by phone Wednesday.

I look forward to hearing the feedback from our Airmen and appreciate the work by all to get us here, Bass said.
The wreckage of a Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter from Air Station Sitka is seen Nov. 14, 2023, after it crashed on Read Island, Alaska, on Nov. 13, at approximately 11:05 p.m. (U.S. Coast Guard)

Two Coast Guard crew members from Air Station Sitka were seriously injured late Monday night when their MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crashed while on a search and rescue mission in Alaska.

The helicopter went down at about 11:05 p.m. local time on Read Island in the sparsely populated Farragut Bay area of coastal southern Alaska, about 61 miles east of Sitka, according to a statement from the Coast Guards District 17 office in Juneau, the state capital.

Two other Coast Guard crew members on the helicopter were uninjured, the Coast Guard said. The injured crew were evacuated to a hospital in Seattle.

The cause of the crash is under investigation.

The National Weather Service reported temperatures on Monday night at or near freezing overnight at Farragut Bay, with a mix of rain and snow, along with occasional gusts of winds up to 20 mph.

The helicopter had been sent to assist the fishing boat Lydia Marie, which had reported flooding on the vessel and requested assistance. Crew on the ship saw the helicopter crash and radioed information to the Coast Guard.

The Coast Guard said rescue teams from Alaska Wildlife Troopers and Petersburg Fire and Rescue reached the crash site less than two hours later, at about 12:50 a.m. Tuesday. Air Station Sitka also dispatched a second MH-60 Jayhawk that arrived at about 1:39 a.m. The injured crew members received first aid.

A Coast Guard HC-130 Hercules aircraft from Air Station Kodiak, Alaska, takes off from the Kodiak State Airport in 2013. ( Photo provided by David Phillips)

The four crew members were hoisted aboard the second Coast Guard MH-60 helicopter and transported to Petersburg, a town of about 3,000 people southeast of Farragut Bay. They received additional medical care there. A Coast Guard C-130 Hercules four-engine transport plane was dispatched from Coast Guard Station Kodiak to Petersburg to fly the injured crew to Seattle for a higher level of medical care.

The Coast Guard cutters Elderberry and Douglas Denman were sent to Farragut Bay to assist the damaged fishing boat and establish a security zone around the helicopter crash site to preserve it for investigators.

The MH-60 Jayhawk is a twin-turbine variant of the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter used by the Army. The twin-turbine version is also used by the Navy.

Our priority is to provide the highest level of care possible for our injured members and their families, said Rear Adm. Megan Dean, commander of the Coast Guards 17th District. We are grateful for the swift response and professional skill shown by the Alaska Wildlife Troopers and Petersburg Fire and Rescue members who answered our call for assistance during this critical time.
Capt. Earle Yeamans examines an infantrymans teeth as his fellow soldiers look on. (Bob Cutts/Stars and Stripes)

This article first appeared in the Stars and Stripes Pacific edition, Oct. 21, 1968. It is republished unedited in its original form.

DI AN, Vietnam  The 1st Inf. Div. trooper moaned in pain as the man in the medical tunic bent over his head. Chrome instruments flashed in the dingy light.

The deep-throated Boom! of incoming mortar rounds shook dust from the tent flaps, and the doc worried momentarily about keeping the pincers and scissors clean. It was impossible.

The company exec, a captain, ran into the tent and gasped something about Yall right Doc? Yeamans never stopped the swift, sure strokes of his hands. Yeah. Fine. The captain disappeared  there were other men to worry about.

There, Yeamans whispered at last, sweat glistening on his forehead, Got it. He held up the tweezers to the light, and his assistant could see right away what it was  a cavity-blackened molar.

Now, Yeamans went on, you wont have any more trouble. Just brush your teeth regularly, like we told you, and you wont get any more cavities. Your teeth arent bad at all.

Thanks, Doc, said the GI. He wiped his mouth, slipped out of the dentists chair and disappeared.

Well, said Capt. Earle Yeamans, 1st Inf. Div. dentist, Whos next? Lets get to that corporal with all the fillings.

New replacements for the Big Red One provide a moment's comic relief as they all get first-hand "briefings" on how to use a toothbrush and new super-paste the Army's come up with for quick dental cleanings. (Bob Cutts/Stars and Stripes) Step 1: Put new Army tooth-goo on brush. (Bob Cutts/Stars and Stripes) Step 2: Brush up-down, left-right, trying not to gag. (Bob Cutts/Stars and Stripes) Step 3: Spit out foul tasting tooth goo. As the 1968 article noted, Nobody can remember exactly what the Army calls its new tooth goo, but the almost universally popular one is Yecchhh!  (Bob Cutts/Stars and Stripes)

It doesnt exactly happen every day to Yeamans, the Big Red Ones traveling dentist. We didnt know until we got back to Di An that we were under mortar attack at all. We were pretty lucky, I guess. I dont know what Id have done if theyd told me.

But drilling and filling cavities and pulling teeth are in his traveling bag  three times a month, Yeamans and his assistant, Spec. 5 Richard Ackley, hoist their 600-pound portable dentists office aboard a helicopter and head for the boonies  to add electric drills and evil looking picks to the infantrymans normal ration of combat grief.

Yeamans visits night defensive positions of the Big Red One, setting up generator and air pump operated drills, suction tubes, operating lights, instrument tables and collapsible dentists chair to pull preventive maintenance on the teeth of entire companies.

He stays in an area three or four days, examining every man in the unit and scheduling appointments.

Three times a month Capt. and Dr. Earle Yeamans, the Big Red Ones travelling dentist, and his assistant Spc. 5 Richard Ackley, hoist their 600-pound portable dentists office aboard a helicopter and head for the boonies. They stay in the area three or four days, examining every man in the unit and scheduling appointments. (Bob Cutts/Stars and Stripes)

What its for, he says, is to try to keep the men out with their units  these outfits need every man theyve got and still get them good dental care. It relieves emergencies that might later take a man out of action for days, and its a great morale factor. We try to make it as easy as possible for them to get dental care.

We treat only emergencies, or those likely to become emergencies  the rest, we schedule for return to base camps in stand-down periods. But we can give them pretty good care, really, with this stuff  we can put in permanent fillings, make extractions, even do minor oral surgery.

Doc Yeamans, who often spends 12 hours a day bending over his portable chair, under trees and in tents, says the men really are glad to see us.

Nobody can remember exactly what the Army calls its new tooth goo, says Yeamans, but hes heard some pretty racy nicknames from battle-hardened old sergeants brushing their molars with the Pfcs out in public drill, under the benevolent gaze of the doc. Only one seems to be almost universally popular: Yecchhh!

Looking for Stars and Stripes coverage of the Vietnam War? Subscribe to Stars and Stripes historic newspaper archive! We have digitized our 1948-1999 European and Pacific editions, as well as several of our WWII editions and made them available online through https://starsandstripes.newspaperarchive.com/
Jackson Coberley graduated in August from the eight-week Naval Air Forces Flight Academy, a scholarship program for high-performing 11th- and 12th-graders. He aims one day to fly for the Air Force. (Amy Coberley)

CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa  A high school senior at this Marine Corps base on Okinawa has earned his wings through a Navy flight program for exceptional students.

Jackson Coberley graduated in August from the eight-week Naval Air Forces Flight Academy, a scholarship program for high-performing 11th- and 12th-graders. He aims one day to fly for the Air Force.

The program allows students from the Navy and Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps to pursue their private pilots license while receiving college credit, the Navy said in a June 7 news release.

Coberley was one of three students from the Indo-Pacific region chosen for this years program.

It was a lot of fun, he recently told Stars and Stripes. Its not difficult if youre willing to put in the work.

The program, which takes place at three locations in North Carolina and Delaware, was launched in 2021 to expose a diverse group of students to naval aviation and inspire them to join the Navy. It features classroom instruction, more than 40 hours in single-engine training aircraft and 17 hours of solo flights.

This year, 28 students were chosen to participate but only 21 graduated with a pilots license, Coberley said.

Program costs of $26,000 per student are paid by the Naval Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Coordination Office under a new STEM initiative.

The U.S. military has been hampered by a significant pilot shortage in recent years, the Defense Department reported to Congress in July 2019.

As of August, the Air Force had a backlog of around 900 prospective pilots awaiting training, mostly due to a lack of civilian simulator instructors, unscheduled inspections and issues with training aircraft, Air Force spokeswoman Rose Riley wrote in an emailed statement Nov. 7.

The Navy has dealt with similar issues with training aircraft and instructor manning, spokeswoman Lt. Alyson Hands recently told Stars and Stripes. Over the summer, the service had 617 prospective pilots awaiting training.

Coberley, the son of Air Force avionics technician Senior Master Sgt. Darren Coberley, grew up around planes. He arrived on Okinawa eight years ago after stints in South Dakota and England.

Jackson Coberley said he decided to fly after taking five free discovery flights through the Civil Air Patrol in the U.S. in the summer of 2022. He applied for the Navy program later that year.

Its so pretty up there, he said. You see the world from a whole different view.

At the academy, students alternate between classroom instruction, studying for their Federal Aviation Administration written exam and time in the air, Coberley said.

He flew in a Piper Warrior out of Delaware Airpark in Dover, Del. By his 10th flight, he was alone in the cockpit, relying primarily on steam gauges and his eyes to pilot the aircraft, without certain modern avionics like GPS or a ground-based navigation system.

At that point, you know what to do, Coberley said. Its just if you can get over your nerves and say, Yeah, Im going to solo this airplane. Then it just kind of comes naturally at that point.

Coberley said he passed his final exam with only three days to spare. Some of the other students werent so lucky.

Back on Okinawa, he is flying with the Aero Club at Kadena Air Base. He hopes to attend the Air Force Academy to study computer science next year.

In addition to flying, he is taking six Advanced Placement classes and is student council executive president, vice president of the National Honor Society and an officer with the JROTC and Civil Air Patrol.

I hold Jackson in the highest regard, and I dont know of any other staff member or fellow student that doesnt feel the same about him, Kubasaki principal James Strait wrote in an emailed statement Oct. 26.

Kenneth Gipson, the senior Marine JROTC instructor at Kubasaki, agreed.

Jackson is one heck of an individual, Gipson said at the school in September. He is academically sound, respectful. Hes not perfect, but hes pretty dog-gone close to it.
A South Korean soldier stands guard near a small tree on the southern side of the Joint Security Area in the Demilitarized Zone, May 29, 2019. It was planted a year earlier to mark a historic summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and then-South Korean President Moon Jae-in. (Aaron Kidd/Stars and Stripes)

CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea  An inter-Korean agreement designed to lower tensions on the peninsula could be partially suspended if North Korea attempts a military satellite launch, according to a South Korean news report.

Seoul is considering suspending provisions within the Comprehensive Military Agreement as a precautionary measure against North Korean provocations, including the launch of a spy satellite, Yonhap News reported Tuesday, citing an unnamed South Korean government official.

South Korea may restart reconnaissance operations near the borders coasts if the North attempts to put a spy satellite into orbit.

The agreement, which prohibits armed troops at the border and establishes no-fly zones, also constrains Seouls military readiness and reconnaissance capabilities against North Korea, according to a statement Tuesday from the Souths Ministry of National Defense.

The agreement was signed in 2018 by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and then-South Korean President Moon Jae-in, following three summits that year at the Demilitarized Zone and in Pyongyang.

The measures were based on the common understanding that easing military tension and building confidence on the Korean Peninsula is integral to securing lasting and stable peace, according to the Comprehensive Military Agreement.

The agreement established deconfliction measures, including a no-fly zone for all types of aircraft above the Military Demarcation Line separating the two Koreas, an end to live-fire artillery drills within 3.1 miles of the border and the withdrawal of soldiers from guard posts within 1,093 yards of the DMZ.

The agreement also bans unmanned aerial vehicles from flying within 9.3 miles of the border in the east and 6.2 miles in the west.

Gen. Kim Seung Kyum, chairman of South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff, criticized the agreement last month during a National Assembly hearing in Seoul. The 5-year-old deal was a disguised peace offensive and negatively affected Seouls security, he said.

North Korea has failed to put a satellite into orbit twice so far this year.

The first attempt failed on May 31. Five weeks later, the Souths military salvaged pieces of the launch vehicle that had no military utility in the Yellow Sea, according to the Ministry of National Defense.

The communist regime last tried to put a Malligyong-1 satellite into orbit on Aug. 24. That launch failed due to a flaw in the rockets third stage emergency blasting system, the state-run Korean Central News Agency reported at the time.

North Koreas National Aerospace Development Administration pledged to make another attempt in October; South Korea has reported no such launch.

The Yonhap report comes a day after Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin met with South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-sik for an annual security conference in Seoul on Monday.

Speaking to reporters during a press conference at the ministrys headquarters, Austin reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to South Koreas defense, which included Washingtons nuclear, conventional and missile defense capabilities.

Im proud to say that our alliance is stronger than ever, he said.
F-16 fighter jets sit on the tarmac at the training center at the 86th Air Base near Fetesti, Romania. Ukrainian pilots will soon start F-16 training at the base. (Facebook/U.S. Embassy Bucharest)

A new F-16 training center that will host Ukrainian pilots opened this week in NATO member Romania, which also just received the green light from the State Department to buy U.S. Abrams tanks.

The joint Romanian-Dutch F-16 initiative was inaugurated Monday at the 86th Air Base, near the southeastern town of Fetesti.

This demonstrated what we could achieve together in support of Ukraine while providing a platform conducive to the calibration of our efforts with those of the allies and regional partners, Romanian Defense Minister Angel Tilvar said during the ceremony.

Ukrainian pilots will soon be integrated into the program, which also will train aviators from Romania and other NATO countries that fly the F-16, he said.

Kathleen Kavalec, the U.S. ambassador to Romania, speaks Nov. 13, 2023, at the inauguration of the F-16 regional training center at the 86th Air Base near Fetesti, Romania. (Lucian Crusoveanu / Public Diplomacy Office)

Last week, Romania got initial approval for a $2.5 billion purchase of M1A2 Abrams, following in the footsteps of Poland, which also has acquired the American-made battle tank.

The purchase involves 54 tanks and a wide range of supporting hardware and ammunition. It still requires congressional approval.

The new F-16 initiative highlights Romanias increasingly prominent role in security on NATOs southeastern flank. For the U.S., it serves as the center of gravity in the Black Sea region, much like the role Poland plays on the northeastern flank.

The training of Ukrainians is expected to last about six months. Last week, five Dutch F-16s designated for them arrived at the base, and at least a dozen more aircraft are also expected to arrive soon.

Kyiv has long sought to incorporate the U.S.-made warplane into its arsenal as the Russia-Ukraine war drags on. In the U.S., separate efforts are underway to train Ukrainians on the F-16.
KYIV  Ukrainian law enforcement officials on Tuesday jailed Oleksandr Dubinsky, a member of parliament who four years ago helped Rudy Giuliani in his failed attempts to dig up dirt on Joe Biden on behalf of then-president Donald Trump.

Dubinsky is accused of treason for allegedly working to help Russia in its war against Ukraine. His arrest restores a spotlight on the efforts by Trump and his associates to gain political advantage by discrediting Biden and his son, Hunter Biden. Trump, despite facing numerous legal prosecutions, is the overwhelming Republican favorite to challenge Biden in next years election.

Authorities from the Security Service of Ukraine, or SBU, and the State Bureau of Investigations informed Dubinsky on Monday that a criminal case had been opened against him on charges of state treason, the agencies said in statements posted on the Telegram messaging platform.

The agencies accused Dubinsky, another former member of parliament, Andriy Derkach, and former prosecutor Kostiantyn Kulych of belonging to an organization controlled by Russias military intelligence agency, the GRU, which allegedly carried out subversive informational activities in favor of the Russian Federation.

The main task of this organization [was] to destabilize the sociopolitical situation in Ukraine and discredit our state in the international arena, the SBU statement said. Perpetrators face up to 15 years with confiscation of property.

In 2020 and 2021, the United States placed the three men under sanctions after similarly accusing them of links to Russian intelligence services and attempting to interfere in the 2020 U.S. presidential election.

Early Tuesday, a Kyiv court ordered Dubinsky to be detained for at least 60 days without bail, the State Bureau of Investigations said.

The statements about the case did not name Dubinsky and referred only to a current peoples deputy. However, Dubinsky confirmed the charges on his Telegram channel and insisted that he was innocent.

Im to be held in custody until Jan. 12, 2024  thats called New Year in a detention facility,  Dubinsky said in a video posted on Telegram following the court decision.

Dubinskys group was allegedly created by the GRU deputy head Volodymyr Alekseyev and received some $10 million to carry out its activities, the SBU said in its statement. The agency said Dubinsky worked under the code name Buratino  the Soviet-era name for Pinocchio.

As part of the pretrial investigation, it was documented that the suspect was spreading fakes about the higher military and political leadership of our country, the SBU said. One of the activities was to spread of fakes about the alleged interference of Ukrainian high-ranking officials in the U.S. 2020 presidential elections.

In December 2019, as the House was drafting impeachment charges against Trump, Giuliani, then the presidents personal lawyer, met with Dubinsky and Derkach in Kyiv while working on a documentary on Ukrainian corruption.

The documentary, aired on the far-right One America News network, sought to counter the charge that Trump abused the power of his office when he asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a phone call months earlier to do us a favor and launch an investigation into Burisma, the Ukraine gas company where Hunter Biden had served on the board of directors.

Giuliani also hoped to gather material that would implicate the elder Biden, then Trumps main political rival, in corruption schemes connected to Burisma. However, that trip, and subsequent efforts by Giuliani, failed to produce any credible evidence of wrongdoing by Joe Biden.

Dubinsky and Derkach had held a series of news conferences in Kyiv just before Giulianis trip, at which they claimed to reveal corruption at Burisma linked to the Bidens.

In September 2020, the Treasury Department announced sanctions on Derkach for running an influence campaign against Joe Biden and said Derkach was an active Russian agent for over a decade.

In January 2021, the Treasury Department also imposed sanctions against Dubinsky, Kulych and five others for being part of a Russia-linked foreign influence network associated with Derkach.

Since at least 2019, Derkach and his associates have leveraged U.S. media, U.S.-based social media platforms, and influential U.S. persons to spread misleading and unsubstantiated allegations that current and former U.S. officials engaged in corruption, money laundering, and unlawful political influence in Ukraine, the Treasury Department said at the time.

Serhiy Morgunov contributed to this report.
Korean bakery chains are firmly establishing themselves across the U.S.

Paris Baguette opened its first American outlet in 2005 and now has 147 shops in 30 states. Rival Tous le Jours, which opened its first U.S outlet a year earlier, now has 102 in 26 states.

Their stores multiplied by more than 70 percent over the last four years.

Paris Baguette's sales almost doubles last year and its U.S. subsidiary achieved its first profit in the first half of this year. Tous les Jours has already made a profit every year since 2018, and in the first half this year operating profit surged 250 percent on-year.

What is the secret to their success?

The main factor seems to be that they cater to a wider variety of tastes than other U.S. bakery chains, which tend to specialize in things like doughnuts or bagels. Korean chains sell 300 to 400 products in a country where such European-style patisseries are not common.
Coalition forces fire a mortar from a base in the al-Shaddadeh region in Syria on Feb. 14, 2023. (Nicholas J. De La Pena/U.S. Army)

WASHINGTON  Militant groups aligned with Iran have carried out more attacks in the last day on U.S. military bases in Iraq and Syria, pushing the number of strikes to more than 50 in the past month amid rising tensions in the Middle East and despite American retaliation, a military official said Monday.

The militant groups began increasing attacks on U.S. bases in the two countries in mid-October, not long after Hamas militants from Gaza launched a surprise attack on Israel that killed hundreds of civilians. Since then, American troops have been targeted dozens of times at bases in Iraq and Syria.

Most of these attacks were successfully disrupted by our military. Most failed to reach their targets, thanks to our robust defenses, a U.S. military official said Monday on condition of anonymity. Between Oct. 17 and [today], U.S. and coalition forces have been attacked at least 52 times.

The official said 28 attacks occurred in Syria and 24 in Iraq and the groups used a mix of one-way attack drones and rockets.

The most recent strike occurred on Monday at Rumalyn Landing Zone in northeastern Syria.

One [enemy] drone was shot down. The other impacted [the landing zone], the military official said. No casualties and minor damage to [four tents].

The four most recent attacks occurred between Sunday and Monday. Three strikes targeted U.S. bases at al-Shaddadeh, Mission Support Site Green Village and Mission Support Site Euphrates in Syria. The bases in Green Village and Euphrates are in eastern Syria near its border with Iraq and Shaddadeh is farther north.

The attacks have yet to cause any serious injuries. Officials said Monday that 56 U.S. personnel have been injured in the strikes.

The Pentagon has said the groups attacking U.S. bases are supported, trained and funded by Iran. Several Iranian-backed militant groups operate in the region, including Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen. Last week, Houthi rebels shot down a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone off the coast of Yemen.

In response to the attacks against American forces, the U.S. carried out another set of airstrikes against enemy targets in Syria on Sunday  a training facility and a safe house, according to the Pentagon. Both locations were used by militant groups and Iranian military forces, defense officials have said.

The strikes marked the third time in recent days that U.S. fighter jets hit enemy targets in Syria. The first occurred Oct. 26 and the second Nov. 8.

What we are trying to do is make sure that this does not spiral into escalation, said Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, the Pentagons top spokesman. I dont think anybody wants to see that.

The United States has sent an additional 1,200 troops to the Middle East in recent weeks along with two aircraft carrier strike groups and more aircraft to support Israel in its fight against Hamas and deter an escalation of the conflict. On Friday, five special operations soldiers were killed in a Black Hawk helicopter crash during training in the Mediterranean Sea.
The funeral for several Hamas militants, including Mohammed Fayyadh, 19, on Friday, Nov. 10, 2023, in the Jenin refugee camp in the West Bank. (Lorenzo Tugnoli/for The Washington Post)

JENIN REFUGEE CAMP, West Bank  As the bodies of slain fighters were laid out one by one, the morgue was thick with the silence of men who could not find words.

Several of the dead wore green or black headbands, signifying their allegiance to Hamas or other militant factions that Israeli forces had targeted. With 14 dead, the battle around Jenins refugee camp on Nov. 9 was the deadliest in decades.

The Israeli army, deployed on multiple fronts and focused on the grinding war in Gaza, is relying increasingly on mass arrests and air power in the West Bank, though the strategy risks re-energizing the militant groups it seeks to contain. Nearly 400 Palestinians  fighters and civilians  have been killed across the territory this year by soldiers and settlers.

After another Israeli drone strike on a mosque in late October, Mohamed Fayyadh, a young fighter with scars on his hands, laid out the future for camp residents as he saw it.

In America children drink a cup of milk and go to school, but we dont have that here. For children in the camp, its just the resistance, he told The Washington Post on Oct. 23, gesturing to the gun slung on his back, decorated with the banner of his militant group, the Army of God.

He said he was 19 and carried himself with a teenagers bravado. We are ready for a strike to hit us at any moment, he said.

When asked if that worried him, he smiled and shook his head.

The Jenin refugee camp in the West Bank on Friday, Nov. 10, 2023. An Israeli army raid last week destroyed roads and houses and killed 14 Palestinians. (Lorenzo Tugnoli/for The Washington Post) A destroyed building in the Jenin refugee camp in the West Bank on Friday, Nov. 10, 2023, a day after an Israeli army attack. (Lorenzo Tugnoli/for The Washington Post)

The Jenin refugee camp was one of 19 established in the West Bank after hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were driven from their homes during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war. Today, it is a maze of unpaved streets and concrete homes. Its residents have been neglected by the ruling Palestinian Authority and discriminated against by the occupying Israeli authorities, who preside over a system that rights groups have described as apartheid.

Jenins reputation as a bastion of Palestinian militancy was sealed in 2002, at the height of the second intifada, when the camp was the scene of one of the conflicts bloodiest battles. Photos of slain fighters stare out from the walls of almost every block, some faded, some new.

The camp has given rise this year to a new generation of fighters  who have launched attacks on Israeli troops and civilians  and has been the site of increasingly bloody military raids. After a major operation by Israeli forces in July, which left at least 12 Palestinians dead and 100 wounded, the streets of Jenin had been unusually quiet, experts said.

The Palestinian Authority and Israel had managed to either co-opt, arrest or kill most of the [militants], and so for a while, you didnt see guns everywhere, said Tahani Mustafa, the senior analyst on Palestinian affairs at the International Crisis Group.

With its most recent raid, she said, Israel has basically managed to reignite a spark.

In a statement, the IDF said it had used aircraft as part of its Nov. 9 operation in Jenin as troops on the ground entered the camp in search of explosives. As part of the operation, terrorists shot and threw explosives at our forces who responded by shooting at them, it said.

Hamas militants gather at the Jenin morgue in the West Bank on Friday, Nov. 10, 2023, in preparation for the funeral of their comrade Mohammed Fayyadh, 19. (Lorenzo Tugnoli/for The Washington Post)

Inside the citys main hospital, a doctor said Israeli forces had fired on paramedics as they tried to reach the wounded. In the ICU, a 31-year-old medic, Sabreen al-Rashad, drifted in and out of consciousness as her mother stood stricken at her bedside.

Fayyadh was killed in the raid. The following day, his body lay in the morgue of Jenins hospital, a green Hamas headband now covering a head wound. His best friend stood over him, his face contorted with emotion, fingers gripping an assault rifle.

He is the lucky one, hes a martyr, the man said, trying not to cry. This is my wish too.

The fighter, who was 18, spoke on the condition of anonymity to protect his safety. Most of the dead yesterday were killed by drones, he said.

The apparent shift in Israels West Bank security strategy is a product of its escalating war in Gaza, where more than 11,000 Palestinians and 42 Israeli soldiers have been killed.

Israels operations here since Oct. 7 have been marked by what authorities frame as preemptive arrests on security grounds and an increased use of drone strikes in areas where militants operate, experts say.

At least 1,570 Palestinians have been detained across the West Bank since Oct. 7, according to the IDF. Rights groups put the number higher and describe many of the detentions as arbitrary.

Islamic Jihad militants in the Jenin refugee camp in the West Bank on Nov. 1, 2023. (Lorenzo Tugnoli/for The Washington Post)

Israels military doesnt want to stretch themselves thin, said Joe Truzman, a research analyst at FDDs Long War Journal. If something happens in the north, they dont want to have troops tied up in the West Bank that they may need.

The drones, in particular, he said, are meant to send a message of deterrence, in a place where airstrikes were unheard of until recently. But in the communities being hit, there is rising anger and vows of retribution.

Israel is picking up its operations, and thats exactly what has ended up leading to the reestablishment of these [militant] groups, Mustafa said. Its the same context, its so cyclic.

By turning to drone strikes, Israel is able to avoid significant casualties, at a time when the nation is still reeling from the Hamas assault that killed 1,200 people. In the July operation, an Israeli commando was killed by friendly fire.

If all of Israel entered the camp, each one of us could put down one battalion, so they are launching missiles, Fayyadhs friend said.

He shouldered Fayyadhs body on a stretcher through the towns dilapidated streets Friday, a crowd gathering around him as he approached the family home. Female relatives buckled with grief when they saw him.

A 24-year-old fighter from the Islamic Jihad group said the camp has prepared itself for ramped up Israeli operations. More tarps have been hung between buildings to obscure the view of Israeli drones and protect those underneath. Barricades, he claimed, have been rigged with explosives.

We close all the roads and booby trap the camp, he said. We have people with smart minds who can manufacture things, he added, mentioning homemade explosives that have disabled Israeli military vehicles.

The fighter spoke on the condition of anonymity, saying he is wanted by Israel.

Bodies are carried during a funeral for several militants on Friday, Nov. 10, 2023, in the Jenin refugee camp in the West bank. (Lorenzo Tugnoli/for The Washington Post)

During a visit to the camp by Post reporters in early November, the day after a smaller Israeli raid, a group of fighters gathered at a relatives home. They all sipped coffee. It was late afternoon, but no one had slept the night before. Israeli troops pushed up to the camps edge and launched at least one drone strike inside, killing three people, according to the Palestinian health ministry.

Text message warnings from Israel to camp residents had become more frequent, they said, warning them to stay away from known fighters and to avoid the area during clashes.

This is for your safety and security, one of the messages read.

Hamas had hoped its assault on Oct. 7 would trigger a wave of violent Palestinian resistance across the region, current and former intelligence officials and counterterrorism experts have told The Post. So far, there has been little sign of a new uprising in the West Bank. But fighters here say they are ready.

From Jenin camp, we send a message to Gaza, the Islamic Jihad fighter said. We are squarely with you and we will not abandon you.

As Fayyadhs family tended to his body, his friend milled around outside. Occasionally, he fired into the sky between the black tarps above him.

There were wails from inside, and the air smelled of gunpowder. He said he was angry. He missed his friend. If I wasnt in this situation, I would live happy, he said. We love life, dont think we dont. I had a lot of ambition.

Both he and Fayyadh had wanted to travel, he said, but Israeli restrictions had made it hard to even leave the city. If there is no security, then there is no life. The only way to take that back is by force.
Defendants on trial during the first court-martial at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, in November 1917. The Army on Monday reversed the convictions of 110 Black soldiers charged more than a century ago for mutiny, murder and assault in the 1917 Houston Riot. (National Archives and Records Administration)

WASHINGTON  The conviction of 110 Black soldiers charged more than a century ago for mutiny, murder and assault in the 1917 Houston Riot has been overturned, the Army announced Monday.

After a thorough review, the [Army Board for Correction of Military Records] has found that these soldiers were wrongly treated because of their race and were not given fair trials, Army Secretary Christine Wormuth said in a prepared statement. By setting aside their convictions and granting honorable discharges, the Army is acknowledging past mistakes and setting the record straight.

In the summer of 1917, the 3rd Battalion of the 24th Infantry Regiment was sent to Houston to guard Camp Logan, one of many training sites that the Army established during World War I. The unit was part of the Buffalo Soldiers, the nickname given to Army regiments of Black troops who served beginning in 1866. Racial tensions began immediately between the Black soldiers and white Houston police officers through ongoing slights and open hostility that built into a volatile incident.

On Aug. 23, 1917, tensions boiled over culminating in a two-hour riot through the city. Four soldiers and 15 white civilians and police officers died.

On the day when the riots broke out, it began with the arrest of a Black woman by white police officers, James Jones III, an associate professor of history at Prairie View A&M University, said in February 2022. A private from the battalion intervened and offered to help the woman, but police officers beat him and arrested him. Cpl. Charles Baltimore went to inquire about the private, only to be beaten and arrested himself.

Rumors circulate at Camp Logan that Baltimore had been murdered, which caused members of the battalion to react, Jones recounted. At about the same time, soldiers believed a group of armed white people were heading toward the base.

More than 100 seized weapons and left camp thinking they were marching in their own self-defense, Gabe Camarillo, undersecretary for the Army, said Monday during a ceremony at the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum in Houston.

Of the 19 soldiers found guilty of mutiny and hanged following the Houston Riot of 1917, 17 are buried at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas. The Department of Veterans Affairs unveiled a new sign in February 2022 that tells the story of these men. The Army on Monday reversed the convictions of 110 Black soldiers charged more than a century ago for mutiny, murder and assault in the 1917 Houston Riot. (Rose L. Thayer/Stars and Stripes)

After the riot, the Army orchestrated the first of three courts-martial at Fort Sam Houston for 118 Black soldiers charged with mutiny and murder, among other lesser charges. They were all represented by one Army officer who had some legal experience but was not a practicing attorney. After the three trials, 19 soldiers were hanged.

The first trial lasted 29 days, the court deliberated for two days and delivered the first of 58 convictions against the soldiers, Camarillo said. Less than 24 hours later after an internal review of the verdicts, 13 soldiers were hanged.

It was the largest mass execution of American soldiers ever carried out by the Army, Camarillo said.

By September 1918, 52 additional convictions and six more executions would follow. Camarillo said, even then, the Army recognized the injustices it had perpetrated on its own soldiers.

As part of the Armys announcement overturning the convictions and granting honorable discharges, he said the Army has also worked with the Department of Veterans Affairs on providing benefits to the relatives of soldiers who might be entitled to them.

Today, the legacy of these soldiers  protecting freedoms that they themselves could not enjoy, is being respected and uplifted, said Jason Holt, a descendant of Pfc. Thomas Hawkins who was one of the 13 hanged. I pray with all my heart, that their souls witness these moments of reckoning and are set free.

Early in February 2022, the Army began a review process of the trials. The request to review the case came not just from family members of those who died, but also retired general officers.

Later that month, a sign was unveiled at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas, meant to educate visitors on the events known as the Houston Riot and the Camp Logan Mutiny of 1917. Seventeen of those 19 men were eventually buried at Fort Sam Houston under gravestones that only bear their names and death dates, which was customary at the time for executed soldiers. The gravestones stand in contrast to those around them because they lack rank and service branch, birth dates and any wars in which the troops served.

Matthew Quinn, undersecretary of memorial affairs at the Department of Veterans Affairs, said new headstones to those buried there would be provided if families desire. For soldiers not buried at a national cemetery, he said the VA would do what it can to memorialize them properly.

As part of the closing of Mondays ceremony, Army Brig. Gen. Ronald Sullivan read to the audience the words that will be added to the sign at Fort Sam Houston.

The Army viewed the cases in 2023 and determined the widespread racism and tension that triggered the 1917 Houston Riot pervaded the trials for these soldiers, making their trials unfair, he read. The Secretary of the Army set aside all convictions and directed the soldiers records reflect honorable discharges.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Capitol Hill on Oct. 31. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post)

Moving to address dissent within the ranks of the State Department over the Biden administrations policy on Israel and the war in Gaza, Secretary of State Antony Blinken told department employees on Monday that were listening to those who disagree with approaches we are taking.

In an all-department message circulated after Blinken returned over the weekend from a trip to the Mideast and Asia, the top U.S. diplomat acknowledged that some diplomats have expressed reservations about the U.S. backing for Israel as it presses an assault on Hamas that has had a heavy civilian death toll. More than 11,000 Palestinians in Gaza have died in the assault, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry.

Multiple cables on the issue have been filed through the State Departments dissent channel, U.S. officials have said, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive issue. The departments dissent system was set up during the Vietnam War to enable diplomats to express disagreements with official U.S. policy without fear of retaliation.

Blinkens Monday letter to the State Department, which was obtained by The Washington Post, was framed as an update to staff after a nine-day trip in which he visited eight countries and the West Bank.

I know that for many of you, the suffering caused by this crisis is taking a profound personal toll, he said in the memo, which was first reported by Politico.

I also know that some people in the Department may disagree with approaches we are taking or have views on what we can do better. Weve organized forums in Washington to hear from you, and urged managers and teams to have candid discussions at posts around the world precisely so we can hear your feedback and ideas. Ive asked our senior leadership to keep doing that. Were listening: what you share is informing our policy and our messages, he wrote.

Blinkens letter to staff also was sent to employees of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), where more than 1,000 employees have endorsed an open letter urging the Biden administration to call for an immediate cease-fire in the war, according to a copy of the letter obtained by The Post.

Employees at the agency said they were alarmed and disheartened at the numerous violations of international law; laws which aim to protect civilians, medical and media personnel, as well as schools, hospitals, and places of worship.

In reference to the dire humanitarian situation in Israel and Gaza, Blinken told employees that he is aware the suffering caused by this crisis is taking a profound personal toll. The anguish that comes with seeing the daily images of babies, children, elderly people, women, and other civilians suffering in this crisis is wrenching. I feel it myself.

While Blinkens letter is unlikely to quell internal frustrations that the Biden administration isnt exerting enough pressure on Israel to prevent the killing of civilians, U.S. officials credited him with being more upfront with dissenters than USAID administrator Samantha Power, who has not directly addressed the USAID open letter or contacted its organizers.

The silence from leadership on the internal letter is frustrating and disappointing, a USAID official told The Post, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal dissent. We would like acknowledgment from USAID leadership that theyve heard the 1,060 [and growing] number of staff who have signed the letter demanding a cease-fire. There are over 200 signatories from the Jordan, Egypt, and West Bank/Gaza Missions alone, in addition to hundreds from the Bureau for Humanitarian Affairs, and Middle East Bureau. These are people in the trenches trying to deliver aid, and they recognize that its not effective without a cessation of hostilities.

A separate USAID spokesperson said the organizations leadership has held meetings three times a week since the start of the Israel-Gaza war to coordinate a response to the crisis. It has also sent agency-wide memos providing resources for staff who have been impacted by the conflict and recognizing their work.

This is an ongoing conversation with our workforce, who are dedicated to helping those around the world and of course feel deeply about the events that are occurring, said the spokesperson, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal matters.

All the work we are undertaking, both internally to support staff and externally to help get humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza, is driven by the expertise of our staff in the region and those in Washington, the official said.

Blinkens approach to the rising civilian toll evolved over the course of his most recent trip, as he urged Israel in increasingly stark terms to reduce the suffering of the people of Gaza. Humanitarian efforts for Gaza have become central to U.S. diplomacy with Israel as well.

Far too many Palestinians have been killed. Far too many have suffered these past weeks, and we want to do everything possible to prevent harm to them, he told reporters in New Delhi, the final stop of his trip. He has also outlined a basic vision for a post-conflict Gaza that puts Palestinians at the center of its future.

At least one of the dissent cables was filed early in the conflict, when the Biden administration was being forceful in its efforts with Israeli leaders to minimize civilian deaths. And at least one State Department official, Josh Paul, who worked in the bureau that arranges military aid to foreign governments, resigned because of disagreements over the administrations policy.
The Stephenson Technologies Corporation hosts a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Joint Cyber Range and Training Center on the Water Campus in Baton Rouge, La., Feb. 1, 2022. (Louisiana National Guard)

(Tribune News Service)  At the heart of LSUs mission as a university lies the Scholarship First Agenda, focused on improving the school through concerted efforts in five key areas.

One of those areas, defense, has seen a growth in investment over the past year through cybersecurity and strategic partnerships.

But one of LSUs most important institutions is, according to its CEO, not often talked about.

Since 2015, LSU has owned and operated the Stephenson Technologies Center, a nonprofit contractor providing solutions within Americas most prominent national security institutions like the U.S. Department of Defense.

I think the thing that most people dont know is that this exists, the STC exists, said James Olson, president and CEO of Stephenson Technologies Center. You can point to all kinds of processes that keep that from happening, but at the end of the day, not enough people know this exists and that they can use it.

Olson, who took over the role as CEO and president last month, said the center was created in 2015 with the purpose of serving LSU and tying its focus on defense to the universitys research capabilities.

Were assigned to bridge the gap between the high-impact research that happens at LSU by faculty and staff and then we bring it out with the intent of supporting, informing and delivering that research through the technology innovation pipeline to national security related customers, he said.

National security customers of the STC include the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Intelligence Community and other federal outlets. The center works closely with these markets, Olson said, to improve LSUs standing as a cybersecurity leader.

Working with the U.S. Air Force, Olson said the STC helps small businesses understand the threat environment of the cybersecurity world.

To allow these small businesses to build some kind of protection envelope around them, to be able to still be good suppliers to the Air Force, he said. The Air Force is worried that if theres a really bad cyber event going on, does that shut down their supply chain and all the small businesses that support their supply chain? The Air Force invested in creating this capability to help small businesses.

In collaboration with the U.S. Navy, the STC developed a program to build and deliver a common operational picture, which moderates data from radar, drones with visual cameras and other sensor systems.

If you have three of these sensors going on, could you figure out whether all of them are looking at the same thing and telling me about one thing or are they telling me about three things or two things? he said. So we built this system with the Navy to help de-conflict that common operational picture of multiple sensors looking at stuff by getting all that data brought in, aggregating that data, doing analytics and providing a decision to somebody that needs to understand what theyre looking at.

While many other universities have ties to defense, including 14 special University Affiliated Research Centers that work directly with the U.S. military, Olson said the work LSU helps with providing national security solutions is not all that common.

I wont say its rare, but its not completely normal either, he said. A majority of the universities dont have a security institute, so to speak.

Along with Olson taking over as CEO in October, former STC senior program manager Tiffany Galasso was named its chief operating officer and took over the role Sept. 1.

Brien Dickson, former professor of Naval Science at Southern University, joined STC in September to replace Galasso as executive director of programs.

With new leadership setting a course for its future, Olson said the STC is committed to increasing its staff from 22 people to around 50 over the next two years and retaining cybersecurity talent within Louisiana.

The vision of the organization is to help create this research portfolio delivery vehicle that can then create economic growth for the state of Louisiana and actually create a future home for graduating students to have high-tech paying jobs, Olson said. One of our long-range goals is to be a place where we can grow double or triple the size over time to have LSU students come here and work after they graduate. They can get a high-tech paying job thats doing something thats delivering mission impact to our nations national security problems.

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Traffic into SanYsidro, California, from Tijuana, Mexico, as seen in August 2020. (Alejandro Tamayo/TNS)

SAN DIEGO (Tribune News Service)  The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday agreed to hear a San Diego case dealing with blind mules, or people who claim they unwittingly drove drugs across the border, and what type of expert testimony the government can use to convict them at trial.

Stemming from a 2020 criminal case filed in San Diego federal court, the case has major implications for the San Diego region, where federal prosecutors charge hundreds of people each year with illegally importing drugs across the border, often in vehicles at ports of entry. For more than a decade, government officials have acknowledged that Mexican drug-smuggling groups sometimes move their product across the border using unwitting victims, such as commercial truck drivers or those who regularly cross for work and school. But the government maintains that such cases are rare, while defense attorneys contend the use of blind mules is more common than the public realizes or the government will admit.

The case essentially seeks clarification about whether law enforcement witnesses can give general testimony that most couriers know they are carrying drugs or if they must limit their testimony to whether a specific defendant knew he or she was transporting drugs. The difference, the petition to the Supreme Court asserts, could significantly make or break a case to a jury.

In this case, the U.S. Attorneys Office in San Diego accused Moreno Valley resident Delilah Guadalupe Diaz of importing more than 61 pounds of methamphetamine that Customs and Border Protection officers found hidden in the doors of her vehicle. Diaz maintained from the moment of her arrest that she didnt know about the drugs, telling officers that she was borrowing the vehicle and it belonged to her boyfriend who lived in Baja California.

At trial, in response to questions from prosecutors, a Department of Homeland Security agent testified that drug-trafficking organizations typically dont use blind mules to move their product because its too risky, and that most drug couriers know what they are doing.

In most circumstances, the driver knows they are hired, the agent testified. Its a business. They are hired to take the drugs from point A to point B.

Even before the trial began, defense attorneys attempted to bar such statements, arguing that such testimony was too general and offered an opinion about Diazs knowledge without addressing whether she actually knew. But the district judge allowed the testimony, and the jury convicted Diaz, who was later sentenced to seven years in federal prison.

After her conviction, Diaz appealed to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, renewing her argument that the DHS agents testimony violated the rule of federal evidence that bars an expert from offering an opinion about a defendants mental state. A three-judge panel rejected the argument based on 9th Circuit precedent but acknowledged that in other circuits, Diaz would have likely prevailed.

Based on current precedent in the 9th Circuit, federal prosecutors in California and Arizona can introduce the more generalized testimony, making it easier to gain convictions, while federal prosecutors in Texas, which is part of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, cannot elicit such testimony.

The petition asking the Supreme Court to take up the case, filed by Stanford law professor Jeffrey L. Fisher, the co-director of Stanfords Supreme Court Litigation Clinic, argues that the split in the two courts is clear and entrenched, and that the 9th Circuits position is wrong.

The petition, which cites previous reporting from the Union-Tribune, argues the 9th Circuits interpretation of the evidence rule lightens the Governments burden to prove knowledge beyond a reasonable doubt by allowing sweeping generalizations about a particular class of defendants rather than evidence specific to the actual defendant.

Blind mules

While the DHS agent testified in Diazs case that most drivers know when theyre transporting drugs across the border, federal officials have for years acknowledged that not all couriers caught at the border know theyre at the wheel of a drug-laden vehicle.

In 2011, the FBI intercepted conversations between drug traffickers discussing an extensive blind mule operation, which included using a schoolteacher to unknowingly smuggle drugs into El Paso, Texas. The traffickers knew the teachers daily patterns, chose her because she was predictable like a clock and had access to her car. After she unwittingly crossed the drugs, the traffickers enlisted a locksmith in the U.S. to retrieve the drugs from her trunk without her knowing.

In 2012 and 2013, the U.S. Attorneys Office in San Diego circulated memos to defense attorneys regarding a rash of blind mule-type cases. In one, recruiters were posting ads in Spanish-language newspapers for drivers who thought they were making earnest wages. Other times, traffickers have used magnets to attach drugs underneath the vehicles of unsuspecting drivers, or replaced normal spare tires with ones concealing narcotics.

In August, a federal jury in San Diego acquitted a man who claimed that he didnt know about the 50 pounds of drugs hidden inside his car. His defense centered on a six-hour period before he crossed when a friend borrowed his vehicle in Mexico.

In my experience, (blind mules) are far more common than people realize  and far more common than government experts say, San Diego defense attorney Ryan Stitt said Monday.

Stitt said its hard to determine exactly how often drug traffickers use blind mules. He said that because so many drugs successfully make it across the border, its impossible to extrapolate the true number of blind mules from the number of those caught. But Stitt said the blind mule argument is by far the most common defense.

Not every blind mule claim is valid, of course. Last month, the U.S. Attorneys Office in San Diego announced the guilty plea of a woman who concocted fake messages with an accomplice in an attempt to falsely the claim she was a blind mule.

In 2015, San Diego defense attorney Jeremy Warren offered a succinct summary of why traffickers would use unwitting drivers: You dont have to pay the guy, hes not going to be nervous, hes not going to steal your drugs and he cant snitch you off.

The Diaz case is one of about 45 that the Supreme Court has agreed to take on this term. Its not yet known when it will hear arguments in the case.

Stitt said the Supreme Court could make its own rule, but will most likely side with either the 9th Circuit or 5th Circuit. He said the decision could also have a broader impact and be used in other contexts, such as when law enforcement officers opine on what amount of drugs constitutes a personal use versus what amount is likely intended for distribution  a key determination in many drug cases.

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(Tribune News Service)  Chemical compounds linked to cancer were detected in five wells in the La Cienega and La Cieneguilla communities south of Santa Fe, with the likely source being a nearby National Guard facility where the same pollutants were found in February.

Three of the wells contain PFAS levels that exceed what the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency deems safe. Santa Fe County officials and area residents are concerned the toxic chemicals could have seeped into anyones wells.

PFAS is short for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, dubbed forever chemicals because they take thousands of years to break down and last indefinitely in a persons bloodstream.

They have been linked to high blood pressure in pregnant women, low birth weight in infants, thyroid problems and increased risk of kidney and testicular cancer.

None of us ever thought Santa Fe would be a hot spot for this, said Michelle Hunter, the countys water resources manager.

The Army National Guard conducted tests at its aviation support facility near the Santa Fe Regional Airport early this year and found that, like hundreds of military installations throughout the U.S., the firefighting foam used in training had contaminated groundwater with PFAS. The Guard compiled a 320-page report in February.

National Guard officials were unable to immediately issue an official statement about the PFAS findings.

When county officials learned of the pollution in April, they looked for six wells to test in the nearby communities, Hunter said, noting the wells they chose were within a mile of where the National Guard detected its plume.

Of those wells, five were tainted with PFAS and three exceeded EPAs health advisory levels, Hunter said. A bright side was the chemicals so far havent infiltrated the central production well for La Cienegas Mutual Domestic Water Consumers Association, which means the chemicals spread was limited.

And the results dont apply to the city or county of Santa Fes water systems, where recent tests found no PFAS, according to a county news release.

The contamination also appeared confined mostly to the two communities west side, though that could affect dozens of wells, Hunter said. In anticipation of the positive test results, the county applied for a state grant to further investigate how extensive the areas contamination is, and it recently received $459,000 from the Environment Department for the effort.

Caroline Knapp, an area resident, said shes certain her groundwater is contaminated because she lives next to a well that has high-level PFAS pollution.

Its devastating, Knapp said. It is an utter gut punch. Just horrifying that this has been allowed to happen.

Some residents plan to express their concerns and anger about this grim revelation at Tuesdays Santa Fe County Commission meeting, Knapp said.

One of the things she cherished when she moved here from California three years ago was how clean and delicious her well water tasted, seemingly so pure it didnt need to be filtered, she said.

That turned out to be a cruel deception, Knapp said.

County officials are putting together a plan that will include testing more wells and ultimately cleaning up the pollutants, Hunter said. Although the National Guard caused the contamination, the county will tackle the cleanup rather than wait for the military to run through its lengthy and bureaucratic process of funding remediation, she said.

The county will have to accept the militarys reimbursement for the work when it comes, Hunter said.

Right now, she added, its up to us.

PFAS are increasingly turning up in public drinking water, private wells and food throughout the country. These chemicals are so widespread they have been detected in the blood of virtually every American who has been tested for them, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The EPA has known about the risks from PFAS since at least the 1990s. Recently, the agency has toughened its PFAS standards, which includes lowering the allowable levels in drinking water.

At the same time, the EPA and the Defense Department have increased PFAS testing in and around U.S. military bases, finding more than 700 that could be contaminated.

In New Mexico, Cannon and Holloman Air Force bases in the Clovis and Alamogordo areas, respectively, have had the highest-profile PFAS contamination of groundwater.

The state is locked in litigation with the military over Cannons PFAS blight. Meanwhile, Hollomans leaders contend testing showed their PFAS pollution is directly under the base and isnt flowing toward any neighboring communities.

In Santa Fe, the National Guard limited its testing to the immediate area around the site, with no apparent plans to fan out farther to check for the chemicals, Hunter said.

I believe if Santa Fe County hadnt looked, we wouldnt know for years, Hunter said.

Everyone in the La Cienega area should err on the side of caution and filter their water, she said, adding carbon filters and reverse osmosis systems work well in removing PFAS.

The Environmental Working Group recommends these simple, low-cost filters, two of which are similar to Brita water pitchers.

However, there has yet to be a confirmed medical treatment developed to purge the forever chemicals from the body.

Knapp said thats what is so distressing about ingesting an unsafe amount of PFAS for years.

Our water and our health have both been irreversibly, permanently damaged, Knapp said.

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The government has decided to scrap a no-fly zone and other parts of a 2018 military agreement with North Korea that continues to exist on paper and hampers military training.

The priority is to suspend parts of the agreement that hamper ground, maritime and aerial operations to alleviate security concerns in case North Korea plans a Hamas-style guerilla invasion.

The maritime buffer zone established by the deal has been frequently violated by North Korea over the past five years by artillery firing and opening of artillery gates, while the no-fly zone has disadvantaged South Korea by restricting the activities of reconnaissance planes.

The entire deal will be formally scrapped if there is another provocation by North Korea such as the launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile or space rocket, which use the same technology.

Defense Minister Shin Won-sik told U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin during the 55th Korea-U.S. Security Consultative Meeting held in Yongsan on Monday that some provisions are being suspended.

"The agreement was signed during the previous Moon Jae-in administration without proper process in an attempt at appeasement," a senior government official said.

The U.S. was sympathetic, and Austin said the U.S. will "continue the related cooperation."
The Rev. Frank Dukes, an early leader in Birminghams Civil Rights Movement and a veteran of the Korean War, died over the weekend at age 92. As student government association president at Miles College, Dukes in 1962 organized students to challenge Birminghams segregationist policies. (Miles College/Facebook)

(Tribune News Service)  The Rev. Frank Dukes, an early leader in Birminghams Civil Rights Movement, died over the weekend at age 92.

His daughter, Donna Dukes, announced his death in a Facebook post on Saturday.

Citing his litany of achievements, she called her father an icon of the Birmingham Civil Rights Movement.

A veteran of the Korean War, Frank Dukes later enrolled at Miles College as an adult student. As the student government association president, the Fairfield native in 1962 organized students to challenge Birminghams segregationist policies. Boycotts had been declared illegal in Alabama, so Dukes and others called their activity a selective buying campaign. The effort gained momentum as Black residents refused to patronize downtown businesses that held firm to segregation practices and refused to hire Black workers.

We thought that if we could stop the Black folks from shopping in downtown Birmingham, that would make Bull Conner understand that we were not going to keep spending money downtown where we couldnt work, Dukes said in a video interview with the University of Alabama in 2018. We had the business department students to do research, and they found out that all the stores in downtown Birmingham operated on a 12 percent profit margin and that if we could cut the profit margin down, they would listen to us and do something about eliminating segregation and discrimination.

The campaign proved successful by delivering a major economic blow to businesses and forcing large stores to desegregate their facilities.

Historian Barry McNealy told AL.com that Dukes was part of a generation of veterans who had fought injustice around the world and returned home with a new motivation to improve conditions for themselves and their own communities.

Coming home from the military as many people did during that time they felt as if they fought for things that we not being granted to people that looked just like them at home, and Rev. Frank Dukes was one of those people, said McNealy, a historical content expert at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. He brought Miles College into the movement in a very powerful and prominent role. He was able to push those conservative African American leaders in Birmingham into a more visible role in criticizing segregation and the city of Birminghams laws and the way people were being treated during that time.

Dukes leadership solidified youth involvement and established Miles as a center of civil rights activities.

Rev. Frank Dukes legacy is in the ministry and the faith that those leaders had, and it also touched into the youth of those times who were determined to see that thing became different for times to come, McNealy said.

Bobbie Knight, the president of Miles College, called Dukes death a profound loss and called on the community to embody the spirit of unity and commitment he so fervently championed.

I challenge each of you to be a committed and intentional ally, to delve deep into the cause of justice, and to forge a path forward as one cohesive team, Knight said in a statement Monday afternoon. In collaboration, our collective passion, resounding voices and innovative ideas possess the power to instigate the societal change we yearn for. Inspired by the timeless words of Rev. Frank Dukes, let us carry forward his belief  this we believe  and work together to create a world where justice prevails and unity triumphs.

A historic marker was erected in 2014 on the Miles College campus to enshrine its place in civil rights history.

Dukes also served as a bodyguard for Martin Luther King Jr. in Birmingham.

King was the living personification of the poem If by Rudyard Kipling, Dukes said in the 2018 interview. He could walk with kings and not lose his common touch. Witnessing his ability to think, strategize and execute continue to help me to this day.

Dukes continued his activism with the Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and the NAACP.

Dukes later served as an administrator at his alma mater. He also worked alongside his daughter at Maranatha Academy, a school she founded to provide opportunities for at-risk students and a pipeline to college and career training. At Maranatha, Dukes was seen as a living link to Birminghams past for younger generations.

Donna Dukes also produced a documentary, Stand! Untold Stories from The Civil Rights Movement, which aired on Alabama Public Television and told the story of her fathers role in the Movement.

In 2018, the University of Alabama honored Frank Dukes with the Mountaintop Award, an annual lifetime achievement award presented to a person who has demonstrated a commitment to justice.

I just feel very fortunate to have had the chance to meet him and his family, said Samory T. Pruitt, University of Alabama Vice President for Community Affairs whose office organizes the award. He was an inspiration to a lot of people and we were very, very fortunate to share his story with others. When he walked into a room you knew he was somebody.

Speaking in a video for the awards ceremony in 2018, Dukes, a longtime pastor, described his social activism as a part of his larger ministry.

If we are ever to have a just society for everybody is when all people, regardless of race, creed or color, have a right to justice, freedom and equality, and then there will be the ideal society that Jesus Christ would want us to have, he said.

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Nabil Habbar, 38, an Algerian national with an address at River Village, Athlone, Co. Westmeath, pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting the teen

A FORMER accountant has been jailed for a disgusting sexual assault on a vulnerable teenage girl he approached while she was out celebrating her Leaving Certificate results.

Nabil Habbar, 38, an Algerian national with an address at River Village, Athlone, Co. Westmeath, pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting the teen in Athlone on a date in August 2021.

He appeared at Mullingar Circuit Criminal Court today.

Judge Keenan Johnson handed down a sentence of three years and six months, with the final nine months suspended for four years, during which Habbar will remain under probation supervision.

The married man had worked as an accountant in Algeria but, after coming to Ireland several years ago, worked in the hospitality industry.

The sentencing hearing was told that the victim had been celebrating her results and was walking home when the accused approached her.

The restaurant worker, who had no prior criminal convictions, complimented her, telling her she was beautiful, and he kept walking with her and steered her in a particular direction.

The girl ran over to a friend, and Habbar was warned to back off. Later, the victim felt confident that Habbar was gone and told her pals they could leave her, and she stopped to rest.

However, the accused returned and sat beside her and forcibly kissed her while holding her face and neck while the victim pleaded with him to stop.

The court heard his hand touched her left thigh, and he moved her underwear aside and he forced his finger into her vagina even though the injured party told him No.

Habbar also put her hand over the top of his penis through his clothing before she screamed No, and he backed away when another man came to her assistance.

The victim was taken to a sexual assault treatment unit, which found she had genital injuries consistent with the assault described.

The court heard gardai a public appeal for witnesses.

Judge Johnson noted that gardai interviewed Habbar three times. In the first, he tried to convince gardai the girl was drunk and nothing had happened. During the second interview, he claimed she was upset, and liked it or that she was looking for drugs.

In the final interview, Habbar said he was sorry.

Judge Johnson stressed it was clear the injured party never instigated sexual interaction with Habbar.

In her victim impact statement, she opened up about how it left her distraught, and she found it difficult to carry out tasks. She was questioning herself, looking over her shoulder and wondering if she was wrong.

She has been attending counselling but remains nervous and conscious about how she dresses, wont go out alone, and her friendship with men was adversely affected.

However, she went to gardai and did not want the same to happen to other girls.

The judge praised the victim for highlighting the crime.

He also noted from her statement that her Leaving Certificate night will stay with her forever for all the wrong reasons, it sullied her results, and she hoped the accused will not commit such a disgusting crime again.

Habbar brought 1,000 to court for the victim, who refused to accept it; the money will go to a domestic violence charity instead.

The judge described it as a very serious assault on a young vulnerable woman on a night out and told Habbar it was clear his advances were not wanted.

He also noted that the accused perpetrated the most serious part of the crime when she let her friends go.

A probation report found him to be at low risk of re-offending but showed he had not taken full responsibility.

However, that could have been due to a language difficulty. Habbar listened to the proceedings with the assistance of an interpreter.

The offence carries a ten-year sentence.

The judge considered the aggravating factors and mitigation, including Habbars guilty plea, which spared the victim from going through a trial and cross-examination.
The judge said the injuries caused to the victim were an aggravating feature of the case

A man who subjected another man to an attack in broad daylight in a supermarket has been given a suspended prison sentence.

Colin Bale (37) of Ballisk Court, Donabate, Co. Dublin, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to one count of assault causing harm at Donabate Shopping Centre on February 2, 2020.

Imposing sentence today, Judge Orla Crowe said this was a disgraceful state of affairs in which the victim was subjected to an attack in broad daylight in a supermarket over something that may have been said to Bale's then partner.

She said the injuries caused to the victim were an aggravating feature of the case.

Judge Crowe noted the mitigating factors include the guilty plea, the absence of relevant convictions and that he has not come to garda attention since.

She imposed a sentence of 18 months suspended in full for three years. Judge Crowe said the court wished to give Bale a chance and hoped that a suspended sentence hanging over him will encourage him to modify his behaviour.

Garda Carol Comiskey told Jennifer Jackson BL, prosecuting, that gardai were called to Donabate Shopping Centre at 3pm on the day following a report of two men fighting.

Gardai met the injured party when they arrived. He told them he had left his bike outside SuperValu while doing his shopping.

When he was standing at the self checkout queue, the injured party saw Bale outside. There was a verbal dispute. Bale's former partner then took the victim's bike and walked away with it.

The victim left his shopping and the store to retrieve his bike. Bale came up to him and punched him in the head.

The injured party grabbed Bale and swung him around to try to prevent him hitting him again. Bale punched the victim again, striking his left hand and the side of his face.

Security became involved and Bale left the scene. The victim retrieved his bike and was given first aid for cuts to his head and ear while waiting for gardai to arrive. He was later taken to hospital and treated for a fractured finger.

Bale was identified from CCTV. He was arrested and answered all questions when interviewed.

He told gardai that he was defending himself after the injured party grabbed him first and apologised. He said he hit the victim with a 'ring piece'.

The court was told that a 'ring piece' is similar to a knuckleduster, but it was not clear from CCTV what Bale had on his hand.

The court heard Bale has one previous minor conviction from 2013. He pleaded guilty to this offence on a trial date.

A victim impact statement was read to the court on behalf of the injured party. He said he moved from Donabate as it is small and he was in fear. He said he has been left with facial scars and the incident has affected his mental health.

Gda Comiskey agreed with Patrick Jackson BL, defending, that both parties were known to each other. It was further accepted that there was a prior interaction between Bale and the victim.

The witness also accepted that Bale told gardai that his former partner's honour had been impugned and that she was not a calming influence on the situation.

It was agreed that there has been no interaction between the parties since this incident.

Mr Jackson noted that the mitigation of an early plea is not available to his client, but asked the court to note that his client did enter a guilty plea. He also handed in letters from Bale and his father, who is dealing with health issues.

He asked the court to take into account his client's apology and that there has been no interaction with the victim since the incident. He suggested this was a one off incident and asked the court to consider non-custodial options when sentencing.

His client has two children and has a work history, but is currently caring for this father.
A thief who shoplifted thousands of euro worth of beauty products and cosmetics in a spate of thefts around Dublin has been jailed for a year.

Suzanne Shannon (39), a mother of five, was also caught trying to defraud a store into refunding her for goods she had not bought, a court heard.

Judge Bryan Smyth gave her a series of consecutive sentences after she admitted thefts over a three-year period.

Shannon, of Avondale House, North Cumberland Street, was already serving a sentence for a drug-dealing charge when she appeared in Dublin District Court.

The judge backdated the 12-month prison term.

Dublin District Court heard the incidents happened at clothes shops and pharmacies around the city on dates between 2016 and 2019.

On December 11, 2016, she went to Penneys on Mary Street with a receipt for 102 worth of goods bought four days earlier.

She selected identical items from the shelves and went to customer care to get a refund. She refused to give her details when she was stopped by security staff, then obstructed gardai in their enquiries.

She refused to hand over the 102 when requested and was arrested. The money was subsequently recovered.

Separately, Shannon took 1,024 of cosmetics from Penneys, Lower Baggot Street, and beauty products valued at 1,600 and 552 from Boots, Upper Baggot Street.

Other thefts included beauty products stolen from Boots, Lower Rathmines Road, valued at 882, 661 and 704. She also took make-up brush sets worth 235 from Boots on Grafton Street.

Shannon was identified and arrested later and none of the goods were recovered.

There were also several other thefts of perfumes, colognes and cosmetics from other shops.

Shannon had 50 previous convictions and was jailed last year for two years for sale or supply of drugs.

The theft offences were of some antiquity, defence solicitor John Quinn said.

Shannon had suffered from a serious drug addiction problem over the years, stemming from a difficult childhood.

She had been on heroin from the age of 22 but was now off all drugs, having been in recovery since 2019.

Judge Smyth said the thefts involved a substantial amount of property, running to thousands of euro, that had not been recovered.

He said that had to be marked by consecutive sentences, he said, imposing 12 individual prison terms of one month, to run from last year.
A Dublin man was one of two assailants who punched and kicked another man in a cowardly street attack, a court has heard.

Father-of-four Gerard Doyle (50) was given a four-month suspended sentence by a judge, who said: There were two of you and one of him.

Doyle, of Clonard Road, Crumlin, pleaded guilty to affray in the incident at Merchants Quay in central Dublin on January 30 this year. No assault charge was brought, Dublin District Court heard.

Garda Sergeant Niall Murphy told Judge Treasa Kelly the Director of Public Prosecutions consented to the case being dealt with in the district court, subject to the issue of jurisdiction being considered.

Outlining the prosecutions case, he said Doyle and another man who was not before the court accosted the victim, kicking and punching him in the face and body.

The man was taken to hospital but made no complaint of assault.

Judge Kelly accepted jurisdiction for the case to remain in the district court and Doyle entered a guilty plea. He had 33 previous convictions.

He was extremely remorseful and apologetic for his actions, his lawyer said.

Doyle had an addiction that got completely out of hand at the time, was getting into trouble and going from hostel to hostel.

He was now really trying to turn his life around and was working at a major events venue in Dublin.

It sounds fairly cowardly to me, Judge Kelly told the accused.

She suspended the sentence for a year.
Garda National Drugs & Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) officers, supported by other units, monitored a Cessna single-engine aircraft landing at Abbeyshrule Aerodrome, Co. Longford, shortly after 6 pm on August 4

A PILOT is to face a two-week jury trial over a seizure of 8.4m of cocaine allegedly flown into the midlands last year.

Garda National Drugs & Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) officers, supported by other units, monitored a Cessna single-engine aircraft landing at Abbeyshrule Aerodrome, Co. Longford, shortly after 6 pm on August 4.

Later that evening, they intercepted two vehicles in the Lough Owel area in Co. Westmeath, recovering 120 kilogrammes of cocaine from one car.

Gardai arrested Tim Gilchrist, 55, of Mavis Bank, Newrath, Waterford and pilot Michal Luczak, 42, a Polish national formerly of Primrose Avenue, Jigginstown Naas, Co. Kildare, and now living in Skerries, Dublin.

Mr Gilchrist, who is in custody on remand, is accused of possessing cocaine for sale or supply at Lough Owel, Irishtown, Co. Westmeath, while father of two, Mr Luczak, is charged with the same offences at the Abbeyshrule Aerodrome on August 4, 2022.

Pilot Michal Luczak (right) and Tim Gilchrist at a previous hearing

Their cases were listed before Judge Keenan Johnson at Mullingar Circuit Criminal Court today.

Mr Luczak is on bail and has indicated he would plead not guilty. His barrister told Judge Johnson that his client wished to have a trial by jury and it was expected to last three weeks.

A date for the commencement of his trial has yet to be fixed; Judge Johnson adjourned his case for mention until December 1.

Mr Gilchrist's case was listed for arraignment, but he has yet to enter a plea.

His barrister, Aidan McCarthy, said the prosecution agreed to adjourn that matter. Judge Johnson ordered the accused to appear on November 30 to be arraigned.

An earlier hearing was told Mr Luczak had moved to Ireland 18 years ago to find work and, earlier this year, commenced employment with an events logistics firm in Dublin.
CAB had targeted his Killalla Road home in Cabra which he had extensively renovated, along with another house in Finglas and designer watches

SUSPECTED drug-dealer Christopher Git Waldron has lost his home to the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB), bringing an end to a three-year legal wrangle.

CAB had targeted his Killalla Road home in Cabra which he had extensively renovated, along with another house in Finglas and designer watches which had been seized by officers.

At a brief High Court hearing last week it emerged it was agreed the Cabra house would be turned over to CAB but that the Finglas property would be returned to the suspected mobster.

A ladies Rolex watch valued at over 17,000 and two mens designer watches were also kept by CAB after the proceeds of crime case was settled.

The Sunday World previously photographed a shirtless Git Waldron outside his Cabra home where he has been living.

Christopher Git Waldron

In such cases under the Proceeds of Crime Act a receiver can be given the power to take over the property and to put it on the market.

A Section 3 order prohibiting the sale or disposal of the house was granted in the High Court in 2020 by Justice Alexander Owens, but has taken three years to reach the next stage in the process.

His brother David Waldron, a convicted drug dealer, is sweating on his own 2.9 million CAB case which went through a two-day hearing earlier this month, ahead of a judgement being made.

Last year Git Waldron hit the headlines after he bought suits for some mourners and carried the coffin at the funeral of gangland feud victim James Whela Whelan.

Whelans murder in April, is part of a feud involving members of the gang led by the Finglas criminal known as Mr Flashy.

David Waldron

Git Waldron, who was a former associate of Eamonn the Don Dunne, was keen to show his support to Whelans side at his funeral carrying Whelans coffin into the church.

The Waldron brothers are believed to have filled the void left by Dunne after his murder in Cabra, Dublin, in 2010 and are known associates of Wayne and Alan 'Fatpuss' Bradley.

The CAB case against David Waldron is even bigger, centering around three properties in Dublin, Kildare and Wexford, including Darview a luxury mansion.

CAB asserted the three properties were paid for with the proceeds of crime and Waldron has failed to adequately explain a credible alternative source for the money.

CAB suspected Waldron was still earning money from criminality which he has denied and claims that his income came through legal means.

His case has also proceeded slowly through the system with hearings over whether or not free legal aid should be granted.

At one such hearing last year involving David Waldron and his wife Charlene, it emerged a christening party was held at a hotel where the venue was paid 5,000 in cash.

Gardai raided David Waldron's house at Hollyfort, north Wexford

Counsel for CAB said other expenses would have been included for the party at which two bands and a DJ played for the 100 guests.

The couple were playing cat and mouse with the court and their replies in affidavits do not explain their wealth but are just bald assertions, it was heard.

It was previously heard how he had purchased a property in Glenties Park, Finglas, in September 2001 and then invested in a second property in River Forest, Leixlip, Co. Kildare, before building 'Darview' in Co. Wexford for 1.6 million.

The 3,000 sq ft mansion in Wexford has its own bar, with a pool table as well as a gym, and views looking out over valleys in the Wexford countryside.

The Darview build involved six different cash transfers using four different people.

Waldron's wife Charlene, who has no involvement in crime, had successfully applied to be seen as a partial owner of Darview, and said she had paid for her share through legitimate means.

The Leixlip property had 315,000 in renovations carried out to it while another property in Cabra saw 633,000 spent on it, according to CAB.

During another hearing, it emerged that CAB officers followed the financial trail back decades to show Waldron never had enough cash to pay for his properties.

Waldron, who had spent a number of years in prison or on social welfare, would have had to save most of his 18,000 dole money in 2001 to have the savings he claimed to use to buy his first house.
It was 2011 when the British DJ Maya Jane Coles became the first woman to reach number 1 on the list made by Beatport, a digital music store specialized in electronic music. The song, produced by Coles herself, was titled What They Say. For a few weeks that was the song that DJs from around the world played the most in their sets, a success that was also confirmed by the influential platform Resident Advisor in its list of the best songs of that year. Deep house, a type of electronic dance music with elements of jazz, funk and soul, was at that time the most sought after sound in world capitals like London or New York, and What They Say combined these influences with a brilliant production. The sensual melody eventually became a classic that stars like Nicki Minaj, Katy Perry and Lady Gaga used as the basis for some of their hits. Even now, there are some who theorize about that hit that Coles achieved when she was only 21 years old, which placed her at the top of the scene.

In 2012 there were only two women (Coles herself and Cassy) among the top 25 DJ superstars, according to Rolling Stone magazine. Ten years later, in 2022, the top 25 list of DJ Mag, the British media par excellence in the world of electronic music, has... also two women: Charlotte de Witte and Peggy Gou. Has anything changed?

Maya Jane Coles in 2012.

Today, Coles no longer has the same role on the scene. Other women  Nina Kraviz, Indira Paganotto, Amelie Lens and DJ Soda, in addition to the aforementioned Charlotte de Witte and Peggy Gou  have taken their place in the dance scene. Then there is a second tier, with names like Dj Moxie, Mafalda, Colleen, Cosmo Murphy or the British Smokin Jo, who presents herself on Instagram as The only female DJ to ever win DJ Magazines #1 DJ of the Year Award. Which is true  except that it happened in 1992. Almost 30 years later, it is still such a rare achievement that she continues to use it as her slogan.

Female:pressure is an international database of female, transsexual and non-binary artists operating in electronic music and digital arts founded in 1998 by Austrian producer Susanne Kirchmayr, also known as Electric Indigo. This association publishes a report with data on the male-to-female ratio of artists performing at major international electronic music festivals in Europe and North America. According to the latest edition, only 27% of music festivals in 2020 and 2021 included women, even though there is an 18% increase from 10 years ago. According to DJ Tech Reviews, only 13 of all the electronic music festivals in 2022 were headlined by women. As for a glass ceiling, according to Forbes, which compiles a list of the highest-paid DJs in the world, no women were in the top 15 in 2019.

Peggy Gou DJing in Copenhagen. TORBEN CHRISTENSEN (AFP)

When I started DJing in the 1990s, they wanted to hire me just because I was a girl, without having even heard what I did, reveals Nono Rodriguez, head of the concert promoter Delicalisten and the brain behind some of the most interesting electronic music events in Spain. I think that there is a very inclusive part in electronic music. When I started, clubs were the safest place for certain minorities regarding race or sexual orientation. On the dance floor, we were all equal. But that wasnt the case in the booth. I think that artistic representation in clubs has evolved a lot, and the percentage of DJs who are not cis males is increasing. This inclusion and change in representation starts in the most underground scene, and from there it spreads to more commercial scenes. As for the scene in which I work, which is that of live experimental and avant-garde music, currently I think that women are the ones who are making a strong impact, she reflects.

For many in the scene, the group that has worked the most to make women visible in the booths of North America and Europe has been Discwoman, a platform founded in 2014 by Frankie Decaiza Hutchinson, Emma Burgess-Olson (aka Umfang) and Christine McCharen-Tran, which has sought to showcase the wealth of talent of female DJs in the electronic music community. In Latin America, the last big step took place in the summer of 2022 when eleven all-female DJ collectives from all over the region signed a statement denouncing structural sexism in the music scene, triggered by the story of a DJ who was attacked by her ex-partner after he destroyed her equipment.

A few weeks ago, in Faith Fanzine, a London community around house music, the meme Another female DJ doing nothing lol was discussed to promote an article written by British journalist Sophia Stanford under the title Undervalued, Underpaid and Underappreciated. In the article, Stanford talks to women in the scene and says that, although the origins of house music are rooted in joy, freedom of expression and the opportunity to be yourself, structural forces have transformed the essence of the genre, which has become yet another reflection of the patriarchal structures in which we live.

Nina Kraviz en Australia en 2022. Matt Jelonek (WireImage)

I didnt start writing the article with a preconceived idea or an agenda, but I had already heard stories where my DJ friends had been badly mistreated, so I had an idea of what might come up in these interviews and the questions that I wanted to ask. That said, while most of the experiences I heard were terrible, there were also really encouraging stories, says Stanford. I think more needs to be done to protect women and to help them, but change comes both from the system and on a personal level. It seems that this change is already taking place, and one would hope that the women who join today will not face the same challenges as their predecessors, who paved the way, she reflects.

Amelie Lens pictured in 2019 at the Fabrik Club, in Madrid. Pablo Gallardo (Redferns)

For Nono Rodriguez, this change that is already taking place has its roots in the underground scene, whose patterns the commercial industry always ends up replicating or absorbing. In the more commercial scenes, men still have the stronger position, but in the more innovative festivals I think the reception is even more positive when the person on stage goes a little outside the conventional norms. There are very well-known female DJs in the mainstream, but I dare say that it has taken them longer to get there, and that their number remains almost anecdotal.

DJ Soda pictured in Hong Kong in 2018. Anthony Kwan (Getty Images for Hong Kong Touri)

A music scene encompasses different sensibilities  promoters, artists, physical and virtual audiences  and, fortunately, the presence of women in the electronic scene is increasingly normalized, whether in DJ sets or in concerts of genres like ambient or techno. I hope that we are very close to the point where gender really doesnt matter and its only about the music, reflects Nono Rodriguez.
A senior associate of Maguire, prolific criminal Cornelius Price, died from an illness in a Welsh hospital earlier this year.

Cornelius Price, who died this year, was a key figure in the Drogheda feud

A gang involved in the deadly Drogheda feud is feared to have become the main player in the towns drugs trade again and has been linked to a recent spate of attacks, including a home invasion involving firearms.

It comes as local politicians have raised concerns about the rise of drug-related intimidation in the area, which was ravaged by a violent feud in recent years.

One of the gangs involved, the so-called anti-Maguire faction, had been seriously depleted after multiple successes by local gardai and national garda units.

The crime group had been involved in a bitter dispute with associates of crime boss Owen Maguire, which led to four deaths, including the dismemberment of Keane Mulready-Woods (17) in 2020.

Owen Maguire

A senior associate of Maguire, prolific criminal Cornelius Price, died from an illness in a Welsh hospital earlier this year.

Detectives suspect his death, along with the release of a number of its associates from prison, has led to the anti-Maguire gang re-establishing its dominance in the drugs trade.

The gang is led by two brothers who are currently living outside of Ireland to avoid serious domestic charges here.

Gardai are aware of one incident in recent days during which associates of the gang broke into a property in the Moneymore area armed with handguns.

During the home invasion, the occupants phone was stolen and his car was also taken before being burnt out.

At least two men closely aligned to the [anti-Maguire] crew are believed to have been involved and it shows that they are engaging in violent incidents and have access to firearms, which is a concern, a source said.

Theres no sign of the brothers, but their soldiers are more active than ever now. They are ruling the roost again.

One of the main players linked to the anti-Maguire side in the town is Dean Thornton (26), who was released from prison last year.

Dean Thornton

He was arrested in November 2018 after armed gardai stormed a house in the Moneymore estate and found a man stripped naked and heavily bleeding in a bath after being stabbed, sliced and beaten.

Thornton and a number of other men were later charged and he was subsequently sentenced to three years behind bars after pleading guilty to his involvement in the incident.

The convicted drug dealer handed in a letter of apology at his sentencing hearing, claiming he has turned his back on a life of crime, but gardai dispute this.

Local Labour Party councillor Pio Smith said that, despite the magnificent work done by An Garda Siochana over the past five years in dismantling drug gangs in Drogheda, there has been a rise recently in reports of drug debt intimidation and that drug use in the town is the highest it has been in years.

The level of drug debt intimidation in Drogheda has significantly increased in recent months and I am working with three cases where mostly women are being terrorised in their own homes, he said. I have reports from families living in a number of areas in the town that are being persecuted by local thugs demanding cash, or face being burned out of their homes.
One of Irelands favourite holiday spots has teamed up with one the countrys most popular charities

Center Parcs has announced that LauraLynn, Irelands Childrens Hospice will be its new charity partner in Ireland.

LauraLynn is Irelands only childrens hospice providing palliative, hospice care and support for children with life-limiting conditions and their families. The team provides a range of services including symptom management for children, music and play therapy, psychological support, family and sibling camps, short breaks, crisis care and end-of-life care.

The initial two-year partnership will see colleagues at Center Parcs Longford Forest raising much-needed funds through various charity and fundraising events and donations, as well as offering breaks for families of LauraLynn so they can make the most of special moments together.

As part of the new partnership, the Leonard family  who LauraLynn has supported for almost two years - were given the opportunity to visit Longford Forest and take full advantage of Winter Wonderland, which opened to guests last week.

Melissa and Colm Leonard were referred to LauraLynn as their six-year-old daughter Nova has an advanced heart and lung condition. Nova has benefited from LauraLynns hospice care, along with her family, and visits on respite breaks where she enjoys music therapy, arts and crafts, and spends time playing in the sensory playground.

The Leonard family were invited to experience Center Parcs

Melissa told us: Colm, Nova and I have had the most amazing stay at Center Parcs over the last two days. This is truly a magical place and Nova has enjoyed every second. The team really take time to plan your stay based on your goals and thats exactly how the LauraLynn team approach stays at LauraLynn as well.

We have made memories to last a lifetime here at Center Parcs, from meeting Santa, exploring the magic of Winter Wonderland to splashing around in the Subtropical Swimming Paradise, it has been truly unforgettable. Experiences like this, being together as a family, having fun and making memories, is the greatest gift for families like mine. Thank you to all the team at Center Parcs for making it so incredibly special.

Kerry McLaverty, LauraLynn CEO, said: We are absolutely thrilled to announce our partnership with Center Parcs. At LauraLynn we strive every day to enable families to spend time together, making special memories to last a lifetime and that is exactly what Center Parcs does for families when they stay at Longford Forest."

Daragh Feighery, Village Director at Longford Forest, said: Were delighted that LauraLynn will be our new charity partner. Our ethos of bringing families together is perfectly aligned with the values of LauraLynn, who work to help children and families make the most of special moments together by providing care and support. We look forward to the partnership getting underway and supporting them in every way we can over the next two years.

Village Director Daragh Feighery alongside LauraLynn CEO Karry McLaverty

To find out more about Center Parcs corporate partnerships visit here

You can discover more about the incredible work that LauraLynn do by clicking here
Posing as an interested potential client, the Sunday World enquired as to the cost of Cawleys consultancy and quickly received an email outlining the 2,000 monthly fee

Michael Cawley reacted angrily when he was asked about his cancerkillers website

A health guru who charges multiple sclerosis sufferers 2,000 for his advice exploded into a foul-mouthed rant when asked why his cancerkillers website had been taken offline.

Michael Cawley replied f**k you after being asked questions about the site, which went offline shortly after a discussion about it featured on Joe Duffys Liveline six years ago.

Since then Cawley has maintained a social media profile where he offers consultations with MS sufferers on how to use high doses of Vitamin D, which he says can stop symptoms of the illness.

A relative of a client, however, told the Sunday World they fear they have paid for unproven treatments.

In an email to potential clients, Cawley claims he has tested various brands of Vitamin D3 on himself and other patients to find which work best.

I have tested dozens of brands of Vitamin D3 on my own MS and on other patients, I can only find six brands which reverse symptoms in multiple sclerosis, he claims.

A recent medical trial in the US, published this year, involved 172 patients over four years and showed high doses of vitamin D had no effect on relapses.

Joe Duffys Liveline featured a discussion about the website

The VIDAMS trial enhances previous evidence because its larger and it systematically compared two different doses of Vitamin D, according to the UKs MS Society.

Vitamin D helps the body to absorb nutrients from food and low levels can increase the risk of contracting MS.

Posing as an interested potential client, the Sunday World enquired as to the cost of Cawleys consultancy and quickly received an email outlining the 2,000 monthly fee.

Cawley has previously described himself as an acupuncturist and nutritionist.

He then agreed to take a phone call but when asked about his cancerkillers.info website he replied: What has it got to do with you if you have MS?

His tone turned nasty when he was told he was speaking to a Sunday World journalist, saying: Thats pathetic, you are a pathetic individual.

I took it down because the site was redundant. It was put up in good faith to help people in their darkest hour with information that should be provided by their oncologist and by the State, he said.

If you are dying of cancer and youre able to alleviate your suffering and pain by eating broccoli and extending your life expectancy by taking some vitamins, is that something that should be hidden from people in their darkest hour?

He described the Liveline feature as a hit piece, adding that youve probably done a few yourself.

Cawley said he took down the cancerkillers website because no-one is interested in preventing cancer in Ireland.

He denied making any money from the website and said it did not feature a shopping cart.

What do you want me to do? Apologise for not being in diapers and tilted wheelchair. Go f**k yourself. Go f**k yourself, OK? he fumed.

On his cancerkillers website Cawley claimed to be able to fight cancer by prescribing fish oils, vitamins and devices to filter out dirty electricity.

One woman told Liveline in 2017 that her mother, who had been suffering from breast cancer, had spent 6,000 with Cawley before she stopped.

In a statement to the Sunday World, MS said while there is evidence for Vitamin D deficiency as a risk factor for developing MS, there is no clinical trial evidence that replacement Vitamin D impacts on disease course.

There are ongoing trials evaluating its use. MS Ireland advise that anyone who is considering adding any kind of supplement or starting any kind of programme, first consult with a member of their existing healthcare team for advice.
Spokesmen said seven senior UVF members from east Belfast had been forced to stand down

Loyalists are bracing themselves for a possible paramilitary feud after the UVF leadership moved against members in east Belfast, the Sunday World has learned.

We have been told that following yesterdays Remembrance Day ceremonies, a statement - purporting to come from the UVF top brass - was read out in a number of licensed premises under UVF control.

Spokesmen said seven senior UVF members from east Belfast had been forced to stand down.

But significantly the statement did not say the mens membership of the loyalist paramilitary organisation had been suspended.

It accused named loyalists of being involved in a range of criminal activity, including major drugs dealing.

One eye witness  who attended a UVF event in east Belfast  said the place fell silent as soon as the UVF spokesman took to the stage.

And when he was finished, his speech was greeted with loud and sustained applause.

Military historian and academic Dr Aaron Edwards, has written about tensions within the UVF over the alleged criminal activities of its members in east Belfast.

And he recently told a Government Committee examining Northern Ireland Affairs that loyalist paramilitary membership was at its highest for 30 years.

He spoke at length about how Government money is helping to fund criminality within loyalist paramilitary groups..

And late last night Dr Edwards took to Twitter to reveal details of what transpired in UVF controlled clubs in east and west Belfast and another in Tandragee, in mid-Ulster.

This evening, a well-placed loyalist source told the Sunday World: This is make your mind up time. The UVF leadership on the Shankill Road has put it up to east Belfast. From what we know, this was well-planned and co-ordinated.

And he added: Very soon rats will start deserting the sinking ship and then its only a matter of time before the mice start leaving as well.
The Duke of Sussex made a surprise appearance at the Royal Courts Of Justice earlier this year in a hearing in his claim against Associated Newspapers Limited (James Manning/PA)

Answers on the visa application of Britains Duke of Sussex regarding past drug use should not be disclosed because it is private personal information, lawyers on behalf of the US Department of Homeland Security have said.

Prince Harrys reference to taking cocaine, marijuana and psychedelic mushrooms in his memoir Spare prompted a conservative Washington DC think tank to question why he was allowed into the US in 2020.

The Heritage Foundation brought the lawsuit against the Department for Homeland Security (DHS) after a Freedom of Information Act request was rejected  claiming it was of immense public interest.

In response to the think tanks submissions that Harrys US visa application should be released, lawyers on behalf of DHS said the Heritage Foundation have not demonstrated possible government misconduct or any other public interest that would overcome Prince Harrys privacy interest in these records.

The DHS also said despite the duke being a public official in the UK, he is not a public official in the United States.

Their submissions to the court said DHS had provided the maximum amount of information that it can provide regarding the records it possesses without revealing Harrys immigration status.

In his controversial memoir, the duke said cocaine didnt do anything for me, adding: Marijuana is different, that actually really did help me.

The Heritage Foundations lawsuit argues that US law generally renders such a person inadmissible for entry to the country.

In the DHSs response to the legal claim, they said: Much like health, financial, or employment information, a persons immigration information is private personal information.

If the court accepts Plaintiffs arguments, the Government would need to reveal confidential immigration information about Prince Harry, a result the court should not adopt.

The submissions made by lawyer John Bardo on behalf of DHS also said no publicly available information, shows that Prince Harry was ever convicted for a drug-related offence.

Mr Bardo added that any suggestion from the Heritage Foundation of wrongdoing on behalf of the US Government was purely speculative.

The response from DHS comes shortly after the duke was told he could proceed with his claim in the High Court in the UK against Associated Newspapers over alleged unlawful information gathering.

In the UK legal action, Harry is accusing the publisher of carrying out or commissioning unlawful activities such as hiring private investigators to place listening devices inside cars, blagging private records and accessing and recording private phone conversations.
A travel vlogger has dubbed Tauranga, New Zealands abandoned city  a ghost town, with empty businesses and non-stop construction, which its MP attributed to the wrecking ball approach of the citys non-elected commissioners.

YouTuber and TikToker, Curls, a Brit who vlogs about places he visits, says the amount of empty buildings in Tauranga was distressing, and it made him feel sad.

With its summer vibe, palm trees, dazzling waterfronts and beaches, Tauranga could be an Australasian Miami, says Curls, but he's puzzled at all the road cones and ghost town feel.

Its not the first time visitors to Tauranga have been stunned by its empty CBD and endless roadworks.

Ongoing roadworks have caused jams worse than Auckland, and have won Tauranga the dubious crown of having the worst traffic in Aotearoa.

Visitors to Tauranga have commented on the number of empty shops and businesses. Photo: Annemarie Quill, Stuff.

Connie Richards, co-owner of Elizabeth Cafe and Larder, says road cones and fluorescent orange now give her trauma.

Her cafe is on Taurangas main drag, Cameron Road, where construction has been going on all year.

It has put customers off visiting because roadworks are right outside businesses doors, says Connie

At one stage, if you wanted to come in, youd have to drive ages up the main road, turn back round a roundabout and even then you cant park  its too hard, especially for our elderly regulars, and people use all their gas driving around detours.

Connie Richards and George Gibson co owners of Elizabeth Cafe and Larder say the Cameron Rd construction has affected their business leaving her traumatised at the sight of a road cone and fluorescent orange. Photo: Stuff.

The construction impacted business so badly that Connie had to work other jobs to pay rent, and drop staff.

Its our worst year ever. At weekends, we are down 78 per cent, and overall 35 per cent. Ive never been so sick  its stress, being in a constant dog fight with council, who just dont care how this is affecting us all.

Further up Cameron Road is Taurangas first-ever Indian restaurant, Talk of India, which opened in 1993. Regular diner Josie Buchan urged locals to help.

I'm so heartbroken to hear that due to the ongoing Cameron Road roadworks, they are struggling to stay afloat. His words were, even worse than Covid times.

More locals vowed to visit to support the much-loved family restaurant that they had eaten at over the years, berating council for killing off local business. One man even recalled his wifes waters breaking in there and that baby is now 24.

Ash Gee, owner of popular cocktail bar and restaurant, Miss Gee's and chair of Downtown Tauranga presented a petition to council over the closure of a central city car park that businesses say will impact trade. Photo:Stuff.

This week, Ash Gee, owner of Miss Gees bar in central Tauranga, and chair of the local business association presented a petition with now more than 3000 signatures to council asking it to delay a $84m waterfront construction project that would mean a central car park would have to close.

Theres overwhelming concern from the business community on the timing of the project. Running a business in a city thats being torn apart and rebuilt is extremely tough, says Ash.

Ash also encouraged locals to support affected businesses.

Tauranga MP Sam Uffindell says the petition demonstrated huge concern about losing the car park.

Many believe it will kill a number of already struggling businesses.

Tauranga City Council commission chair Anne Tolley. Photo: Mark Taylor, Stuff.

Sam laid the blame with the four non-elected Commissioners chaired by former National MP, Anne Tolley, who has been running the city since 2021, when they were appointed to replace a dysfunctional administration lead by former mayor, Tenby Powell.

Businesses in Tauranga feel that the Commissioners dont care if they go under. I find the Commissioners wilful ignorance of the concerns of Tauranga CBD businesses extremely concerning, says Sam.

Tauranga City Council is acting like a wrecking ball to many small businesses in the city and along Cameron Road.

They claim to be working to restore the heartbeat of the city, but many of the businesses are on life support, and TCC is making it worse with their avalanche of impediments.

The Cameron Road disaster, paid parking, closure of the Strand car park and reduction in nightlife hours just continue to hammer businesses.

This reinforces the need to restore local democracy in Tauranga as soon as possible so local people and local businesses can hold local body politicians accountable, says Sam.

Commission Chair, Anne Tolley, says the waterfront car park closure had to happen to revitalise the waterfront with new greenspace that will bring more people into the centre.

The transformation of our city centre is a once-in-a-generation opportunity, but it will mean that people may not be able to park in the same places theyre used to.

Tauranga needs to go through this period to make it a great city, says Anne.

With the upgrade of the waterfront reserve, Councils $306 million investment in Te Manawataki o Te Papa, a new civic precinct, and an estimated $1.5 billion of planned private sector investment in the city centre, prosperity will return to what has been a neglected asset.

Tauranga MP Sam Uffindell is concerned about the wilful ignorance of the citys commissioners about how worried local businesses are, and says the city needs to return to democracy, so local body politicians can be held to account. Photo: Supplied.

The civic precinct will not be completed until the end of 2028.

While current construction on Cameron Rd is estimated to be finished by Christmas, locals may be surprised to learn that that was only Stage 1, with Stage 2 scheduled for 2025.

Anne acknowledged the level of disruption the stage 1 works have caused for many businesses.

More should have been done sooner to ease the problems being experienced. Projects on this scale will inevitably cause some disruption, but the council understands its responsibility to keep that disruption to an absolute minimum.

Its clear that we need to do better in future and the business community and road users can expect to see that duty of care exercised and work-related disruptions minimised wherever possible, says Council chief executive Marty Grenfell.

As for Elizabeth Cafes Connie Richards, her dog fight with council has resulted in a promise that the construction outside will end this month.

But they said that last month, so well see.

- Stuff
A WorkSafe investigation has found an accident, which cost scaffolder Jahden Nelson both his arms, was preventable.

Jahden Nelson was dismantling scaffolding in April 2022 when a steel pole he was holding contacted an overhead powerline in the West Auckland suburb of Massey.

He received high-voltage electrical burns to his upper and lower limbs, including an exit wound of the electrical charge through his left foot.

Both arms were amputated to the upper bicep, and he will need daily assistance for routine activities for the rest of his life.

The employer, CPA 2022 Ltd, was sentenced on Monday for its health and safety failures.

It was ordered to pay reparations to Nelson, though the amount was suppressed.

The company was not fined due to its inability to pay, WorkSafe said.

WorkSafe area investigation manager Paul West told Morning Report the company had gone to the experts to ask how to do the job safely, but the information was never communicated to the scaffolding crew that dismantled the job.

"So Jahden wasn't aware of what he needed to do, and a simple communications error ended up with a young man in his 20s losing both arms.

"One of the instructions was the same team that puts [the scaffolding] up is to take it down - and that didn't happen.

"It really comes down to these companies just having systems in place to make sure that critical information is passed on to the right people."

To the best of his knowledge this was not a widespread problem, he says.

"This was a very unusual incident for us to get."

-RNZ.
Warning: This story includes some details which readers might find upsetting

Documents reveal how the Salters spent the last day they spent together, as well as aspects of Jean Salters health that had brought recent challenges in the marriage.

The morning of Sunday, October 8 started with a relaxed breakfast of McDonalds and coffee in the Bay of Plenty sunshine for retirees John and Jean Salter, who had been married for 60 years, says the document.

"The day ended with John, 80, strangling Jean with a necktie hed hidden under a cushion in the lounge of their Mt Maunganui retirement home where theyd lived for 18 years.

As he tightened the tie, restricting her breathing, she repeated, Oh John several times, before taking her last breath.

The next day, began like any other for the residents of the Bayswater Retirement Village."

The Metlifecare village, across the road from Papamoa beach, is set on 21 acres and offers independent living in apartments or villas, and plenty of activities.

Some retirees went for early morning beach walks, others headed to the villages morning exercise class, others to have breakfast in one of the villages cafes.

Many were surprised when they noticed police cars and police in and around one of the apartments, near the front of the village.

Talk spread quickly through the village that something bad had happened at the Salters apartment.

They were an English couple, John and Jean, says one of the residents.

They didnt get involved much with the activities of the village, sort of kept to themselves.

She had dementia, which he was struggling with.

Were shocked. How can something like this happen here, in our community - you dont expect murder in a retirement village.

But murder it was.

John Salter, 80, has pleaded guilty in the Tauranga High Court to murdering his wife, Jean Ann Salter, 78, in their village apartment.



The retirement home is across the road from Papamoa beach. Photo: Christel Yardley Stuff.

He awaits sentencing in February and may never get to see the Bay of Plenty sunshine again.

The threshold for departing from a life sentence for murder with a 10 to 17 minimum period of imprisonment is very high, according to the Law Commission, and since 2002 there have only been a handful of cases.

According to the document, Jean had been suffering from mild Alzheimers for a year. As a result, John had taken over all the household duties that hed never done before during their marriage, as Jean used to do them - cooking, cleaning, bill payments, grocery shopping.

In the week leading up to the murder, on Wednesday, October 4, John was visited by a member of the retirement village to talk about Jean wandering through the apartment block in the morning due to her Alzheimers.

A suggestion was made to move Jean to an Alzheimers facility in another location that had become available.

This caused John to become stressed and concerned about being separated from his wife, says the document.

He spoke to Jean over the week about a suicide pact, says John.

However, due to her mental state, Jean only nodded in agreement at times before forgetting the arrangement.

According to the document, John started preparing for it by taking additional blood thinners over the week.

On Sunday 8 October 2023, the couple woke early and drove to McDonalds and Robert Harris Papamoa for their respective breakfasts.

They sat in the car and enjoyed the sun before returning home before midday.

At home, John prepared to kill Jean by strangulation.

He took a necktie from the laundry and placed it under a couch cushion in the lounge, close to the deceaseds armchair.

In the afternoon, John made Jean a cup of coffee, and they sat together in the lounge. John stood up and asked her to drink her coffee and moved closer to her. Jean stood up to pick up the cup of coffee and then put it down again.

John saw this as his opportunity, says the document.

He took the necktie from underneath the cushion and wrapped the ends around his hands. Then He helped Jean stand up.

He wrapped the necktie around Jeanss throat and pulled at both ends restricting her breathing as he lowered her to the floor.

As he was doing it, Jean called out oh John several times, but he continued to strangle her until she was dead.

John then went to the bathroom to attempt suicide, says the document.

He then cleaned himself up and called a relative and told them what had happened.

Next, he called the police, says the document.

In explanation, Salter admitted strangling Jean as he said he could not live without her and planned to kill himself after, to be with her.

- Annemarie Quill/STUFF

Where to get help

737, Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 to talk to a trained counsellor.

Anxiety New Zealand 0800 ANXIETY (0800 269 4389)

Depression.org.nz 0800 111 757 or text 4202

Lifeline 0800 543 354

Mental Health Foundation 09 623 4812, click here to access its free resource and information service.

Rural Support Trust 0800 787 254

Samaritans 0800 726 666

Suicide Crisis Helpline 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)

If it is an emergency, click here to find the number for your local crisis assessment team.

In a life-threatening situation, call 111.
The dog days are not over  they're coming back to the beach this summer as part of Western Bays Wander Dog series.

Back by paw-pular demand, the much-loved annual series will feature three walks around the District and a Doggy Day Out party, where pets are encouraged to don their best beachwear.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council Team Leader Animal Services, Peter Hrstich, says its exciting to be gearing up for the seventh year of Wander Dogs.

"The four-legged residents of Western Bay of Plenty deserve to be celebrated this summer, and so do their owners.

Our get-togethers are not only fun, but theyre educational, and people walk away with a smile and tidbits of new information on how to get the best from their kuri.

This year, we hosted two winter walks for the first time in Katikati and Te Puke, so it was a no brainer to bring back the summer series and build on the positive events we hosted in the colder months.

The walks give dogs and their owners a chance to socialise with other animals in a safe environment, and for owners to pick up some great tips in the information session held beforehand, says Peter.

The brief power-up talks before the walk begins gives owners a chance to ask any burning questions of our teams who have a wealth of knowledge about dogs and their behaviour.

In the past, weve covered topics like dog park etiquette and being aware of other kuri around you. If youve got a question, heres your chance to ask.

Accordint to Peter, the first walk will be on Saturday, December 9 at Puketoki Reserve in Whakamarama.

"Dogs, and their humans, are encouraged to meet at 9:30am for a quick questions and answers session with the resident experts, before setting off at 10am."

After a Christmas break, the series will return on Saturday, February 3 at Te Puna Quarry Park, and on Saturday, March 2 at Anzac Bay in Waihi Beach. Q&A sessions will begin at 9:30am for these sessions, with the walk to follow at 10am as well, says Petter.

Well also be letting our hair down and letting our tails wag on Saturday, March 16 at Omokoroa Sportsground for our favourite event of the year, Doggy Day Out.

"The costume party kicks off at 10am and will run through to 2pm. Dogs and their humans, and humans without dogs , are invited to join the celebration."

There will be something for everyone to enjoy - with dog education, stalls, music, and competitions all on the agenda. says Peter.
An Omanu surf life guard is encouraging people to come and learn some surf life-saving skills ahead of the summer beach season.

Two very lucky teenagers were being swept away in a rip at Omanu Beach when they were fortunately spotted by the experienced life guard.

Ian Glover, a life member of the Omanu Surf Life Saving Club happened to glance towards the water from his house, located about 400metres south of the club.

It was around 5.30pm. I saw the girls in the water and knew they were in the wrong place. They were swimming near guys on boogie boards, so I thought they were all together. But then the boogie boarders left them, so I grabbed my board.

Instinctively, he knew that the strong rip they were swimming in was going to get the better of them very quickly if he didnt take action.

Being an experienced life guard, I could tell it was about to happen. Theyd been on the edge of the rip about five minutes but then were quickly swept out.

His board was handy and he took it straight out and into the waves.

I ran down the beach, paddled out 70metres and grabbed them. It was over in seconds. My paddle board has handles that life guards use, to give swimmers something to hold onto.

Omanu Beach Surf Life Saving Club. Photo: SunLive.

Ian says the big thing is to calm stressed swimmers down, provide flotation and get them out of the rip.

Ive done a few rescues and people react differently. Some people are seriously embarrassed but the girls were very grateful.

They told me they knew they needed to go sideways but were on the verge of serious panic. People dont realise when things get tricky their decision-making goes out the window sometimes.

Ian, who was one of the first life guards at the Mount Maunganui College pool when it opened in 1969, now works with the local surf clubs and the college to see that good training is in place for athletes as well as lifeguards from the Mount Maunganui, Papamoa and Omanu surf life saving clubs.

Training is available at the pool for anyone to upskill or gain a surf life guard award with theory, practical and CPR training.

Waihi Beach. Photo: Brook Sabin/Stuff.

Waihi Beach incident

Meanwhile, Eastern Region beaches were busy, particularly on Sunday. During one incident, Waihi Beach Lifeguard Services Search and Rescue Squad assisted Fire and Emergency New Zealand and Hato Hone St John with a patient transfer.

It came after a person fell from a cliff, sustaining a head injury and broken tibia and fibula.

They were located at the bottom of the cliff in Anzac Bay, making it difficult for FENZ and Hato Hone St John to transport the patient overland to an ambulance.

Surf lifeguards assisted in the complicated transportation of the patient from their location of injury, into an inflatable rescue boat, and back to shore.

This is a great example of SLSNZ working alongside other emergency response organisations, and using our specialist rescue skills, says SLSNZ Eastern Regional Manager Avan Polo.

Our surf lifeguards are an incredible resource beyond the red and yellow flags.

Rips keeping surf life guards busy

Northern Region surf lifeguards had a busy weekend, with West Coast Surf Life Saving clubs rescuing several people from rips.

On Saturday, four surf lifeguards from Sunset Beach SLSC rescued five people from a flash rip just south of where the red and yellow flags were set up.

Muriwai. Photo: Geoff Kindred.

Two surf lifeguards from Muriwai Volunteer Lifeguard Service also rescued two swimmers from a flash rip using a rescue watercraft.

Rips are a major hazard in New Zealand, and they can be deadly, says Surf Life Saving Northern Region General Manager Zac Franich.

Spotting a rip can be extremely difficult which is why its important for people to swim between the red and yellow flags as that is the safest place to be.

However, if you do find yourself in a rip, try learning the 3Rs Rip Survival Plan: Relax and float, Raise your hand to signal for help, and Ride the rip until it stops.

South Island Surf Life Saving Clubs

Sunshine and warm weather made for a busy start to the patrol season for Christchurch Surf Life Saving clubs.

Surf lifeguards were officially on duty at Taylors Mistake Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC), Sumner SLSC, South Brighton SLSC, New Brighton SLSC, North Beach SLSC, Waimairi SLSC, Spencer SLSC, and Waikuku SLSC for the first time this season.

Lifeguards practising a rescue. Photo: SLSNZ.

Despite hundreds of people heading to South Island beaches, the weekend saw no major incidents, with only three minor first aids.

Its great to see surf lifeguards on patrol in Canterbury, and the weather came to the party for the opening weekend with plenty of sunshine for beachgoers to enjoy, says Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) Southern Regional Manager Stu Bryce.

Otago SLSCs were also in full swing with St Kilda SLSC reporting a significant number of people on the beach during Saturday afternoon. However, there were no major incidents which just shows the incredible work our surf lifeguards do to keep everyone safe.

In the Central Region, Westshore SLSC was the only club on patrol. It was relatively quiet with no incidents to report.

Surf lifeguards. Photo: SLSNZ.

Weather ahead this week

Looking ahead, Metservice is forecasting heavy rain for parts of the South Island this week with strong north-westerly winds, while the North Island enjoys settled beach-friendly weather under a ridge of high pressure.

Northern Region:

November 11, 2023 November 12, 2023 No. of people rescued 9 0 No. of people assisted 2 4 No. of major first aids 0 0 No. of minor first aids 0 8 No. of searches 0 0 No. of preventatives 99 66 No. of people involved 1477 915 Peak head count 830 1125 Hours on patrol 907 915

Eastern Region:

November 11, 2023 November 12, 2023 No. of people rescued 0 0 No. of people assisted 0 2 No. of major first aids 0 2 No. of minor first aids 0 7 No. of searches 0 1 No. of preventatives 22 13 No. of people involved 828 476 Peak head count 440 760 Hours on patrol 275 393

Central Region:

November 11, 2023 November 12, 2023 No. of people rescued 0 0 No. of people assisted 0 0 No. of major first aids 0 0 No. of minor first aids 0 0 No. of searches 0 0 No. of preventatives 3 0 No. of people involved 5 0 Peak head count 9 150 Hours on patrol 10 49

Southern Region:

November 11, 2023 November 12, 2023 No. of people rescued 0 0 No. of people assisted 0 0 No. of major first aids 0 0 No. of minor first aids 1 2 No. of searches 0 0 No. of preventatives 45 45 No. of people involved 246 264 Peak head count 500 330 Hours on patrol 436 519

SLSNZ Beach and Coastal Safety Messages

1. Know How To Float

If you dont know how to float, dont go into the water. Just being able to float when you are in the water can increase your chance of survival. Floating allows you to calm yourself and keep your airways out of the water. Practice or get some lessons in the pool before you head to the beach.

2. Find The Safest Place To Swim

Check safeswim.org.nz to find a lifeguarded beach, and always swim between the red and yellow flags.

3. If In Doubt, Stay Out

Waves can be bigger than they look, and weather conditions can change quickly. If you feel uncomfortable about getting into the water, stay out.

4. Take Care of Others

Always keep children within arms reach in or near the water. Waves can move quickly and unexpectedly and can knock kids off their feet and sweep them away.

5. Know How to Get Help

If someone in the water is in trouble and surf lifeguards are on patrol, let them know. If you cant see any surf lifeguards, call 111 and ask for police. If youre in the water and in trouble yourself, signal for help.
In the 16th century, the invention of the printing press facilitated access to books and the knowledge that they contained. However, many scholars of the time were alarmed by the effects of the new technology. Conrad Gessner, who listed all the books published in the first century after the invention of the printing press, said in 1545 that the abundance of books was confusing and harmful to the mind and asked kings and princes to take measures to control the gibberish.

More recently, in the 19th century, there were fears that schooling would exhaust childrens brains, and in the early 20th century, some were afraid that the radio would distract children from reading. In 1985, Neil Postman, director of the Department of Media, Culture, and Communication at New York University, accused television of pushing society toward collective stupidity and of creating a future in which people would live in a framework of useless formal freedoms because no one would be able to exercise them due to pure ignorance.

Now, some experts warn that the screens of electronic devices have created the first generation of children who are less intelligent than their parents, and those parents are organizing to restrict the use of electronic devices among schoolchildren. However, despite the widespread alarm, there are few reliable studies that explain the problem. In a 2019 editorial, the medical journal The Lancet stated that our understanding of the benefits, harms, and risks of our rapidly changing digital landscape is painfully poor. Now, the journal Nature Human Behavior has published a review of studies on this issue with unexciting conclusions. In a paper that includes the results of 2,451 studies and almost two million participants under 18 years of age, the authors conclude that the use of screens is associated with risks and some benefits, but that in any case the effects are small.

The results show that the ability to read and write and learning in general worsens slightly when more time is spent in front of screens, that junk food advertisements in digital media encourage children to consume it, and that the use of social media slightly increases the risk of depression. There were some positive effects, which depend more on the use made of them than on the screens themselves. Watching television with parents increased reading and writing skills, and using screens for educational augmented reality programs had positive effects on learning.

I dont think the size of the effects we found in this paper supports [screens] being such a big concern, says Taren Sanders, a researcher at Australian Catholic University and lead author of the paper. We found effects, such as the relationship between depression and social media use, that were somewhat worrying, but in most cases we did not find large effects that would make us think that this should be the number one concern [for parents], he adds. That doesnt mean that for some children it isnt a big problem, but on average, it probably isnt what has the most influence on childrens lives, he concludes. The strongest correlation found in all studies is 0.2, the same as other studies have found between level of intelligence and height.

Among the main negative effects, the use of social media showed a strong relationship with risky behaviors, substance abuse, and unsafe sex. The authors point out that the companies themselves suggest that their products may have negative effects on the mental health of young people, especially adolescent girls. Among the positive effects, interventions that use screens to promote learning or healthy habits stand out, although they insist that the benefit may not be due so much to the screen as to the use it is given.

I am the father of a two-year-old child and I try not to buy into this hysteria, because I know that there is no scientific justification, says Borja del Pozo, researcher at the University of Cadiz and co-author of the study. The negative effects are not so great, nor is every screen bad, it is more complex than that, he adds. Guides with screen use recommendations such as the WHOs are very restrictive, despite the fact that no solid evidence has been found for the damage that screens supposedly cause. This is for fear that the lack of evidence is due to the fact that there is damage that is not being measured correctly. With this meta-analysis we have seen that the effects of the screen depend on what is looked at, with whom, and for what purpose. If you look at educational content while accompanied by educators, the effect is positive, says Del Pozo. In the article, the authors suggest that these guides warn against excessive use of social media, but consider adapting their recommendations to encourage the use of educational applications and video games.

Despite not finding data to justify the alarm, Sanders recognizes that the field of research changes rapidly, and it is difficult for researchers to follow technological and content changes. Social media has the worlds brightest minds continually thinking about how to get us to stay 30 seconds longer on Facebook, so its not easy for researchers to keep up, he concedes.

Historical examples show a tendency to worry about the effects of new technologies on the human mind, but in Sanders opinion, that is no reason to simply dismiss the potential risks of technologies as powerful as mobile phones. Historically, we worry about whats new, and when we learn more about it, we adapt and integrate it into our lives, he says. This doesnt mean we shouldnt worry, but rather we should stop, take a breath, and look at the evidence before getting too concerned about screen time, he concludes.

Luisa Fassi, a researcher at the University of Cambridge who was not involved in the study, also believes that the information provided by the studies so far suggests that a more nuanced position is needed. If there is still no evidence, we should wait before making big statements because it could generate panic and restrict technology, causing negative effects, she says. In this matter the evidence is not clear, so I understand that those responsible for public policies have a difficult time deciding. Fassi believes that parents have a right to be concerned and that it is necessary for researchers to analyze the effects of such a powerful technology. However, as these are ubiquitous devices, it is difficult to establish cause-effect relationships. A person who has worse mental health or worse grades in class could due to the effect of screens or they may just take refuge in screens in certain difficult situations. With growing social interest, the field still has much work to do to evaluate how the use of particular screens in particular circumstances affects the health or learning of children and young people.
Plans to set up a ferry service in the Western Bay of Plenty have been canned because of the eye watering cost.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council commissioned a feasibility study of a ferry service for Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty, which showed significant cost barriers to a service.

The cost of a ferry ticket from Omokoroa to Tauranga could be $404 if patronage was low, a study by MRCagney showed.

A decision to defer plans until the councils next long term plan in 2027 was made at a Public Transport Committee meeting on Tuesday.

Council transport principal advisor Bron Healey told the meeting the ferry service would require significant capital investment for what is essentially a single origin destination mode of transport.

The study looked at three routes and three levels of service: minimum, basic and high quality.

A minimum service would run during weekday peak commuter hours.

A basic service would run seven days a week for 12 hours, with half hourly departures. While a high quality service would be a seven day a week operation for 16 hours a day, with departures every 20 minutes.

The routes were Omokoroa to Tauranga, Mount Maunganui to Tauranga and Omokoroa to Mount Maunganui then Tauranga.

The ferry service would cost anywhere from $4.5m to $87m to set up, depending on the service level. It would cost from $600,000 to $3.7m to run annually, from a minimum to high quality service.

The study also looked at patronage estimates with 5 per cent, 20 per cent, or an aspirational 50 per cent of travellers using a ferry. These estimates were used to evaluate the fares needed to make each service feasible.

Based on 5 per cent of travellers using the Omokoroa to Tauranga service, fares would range from $93 to $404 per passenger trip depending on the service.

Western Bay of Plenty Mayor James Denyer said the cost was "eye watering" but he wanted the committee to keep its options open. Photo: Alisha Evans/SunLive.

MRCagney says 50 per cent of travellers would need to use the ferry for it to be viable.

Healey said it would be better to focus on public bus transport in the short to medium term.

The option of ferry services should be preserved the future.

Western Bay of Plenty mayor James Denyer asked how long it would take to get a minimum service operating.

Council Transport Planning Manager Oliver Haycock said it would depend on when the required infrastructure could be put in place but he imagined it would be at least three years.

Denyer said previous trials hadnt required any infrastructure and had worked quite well.

The Wednesday Challenge ran a trial ferry service between Omokoroa, Tauranga and the Mount on Wednesdays for six weeks last year.

Haycock said what was proposed was a much larger service than the trials.

Tauranga City Council commissioner Stephen Selwood said his council remained interested in a ferry service, particularly from the Mount to Tauranga.

When you look at the numbers that are required to enable that to occur they are scary and frankly both uneconomic and unaffordable.

Denyer agreed, saying the costs were eye watering but he was concerned by the long lead time needed to get a ferry service running.

He wanted the committee to keep its options open and monitor the congestion on State Highway 2, with the potential of implementing a minimum ferry service if peak commute times deteriorated significantly.

Tauranga City Council commissioner Stephen Selwood said the numbers for running a ferry service were "scary". Photo:John Borren/SunLive.

Denyer moved an amendment to include implementing the service sooner if soonerSH2 congestion deteriorated.

Earlier in the year, commute times from Omokoroa to Tauranga were up to two hours, said Denyer.

He felt if the congestion was bad, good patronage could be achieved on a ferry service.

Regional council Ken Shirley disagreed with the amendment.

He lived in Omokoroa and agreed the two hour commutes was a crazy situation but the traffic had improved and his trip that morning took 25 minutes.

Were struggling to make the buses work. If we can't make the buses work  how on earth are we going to afford a ferry service?

He said there was nothing to stop a ferry service starting earlier than 2027 under the current recommendations.

Denyers amendement was lost and the committee deferred any further investigations into Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty ferry services until the development of 2027 long terms plans and the 2027-30 National Land Transport Programme.

How much would a ferry service cost?

A minimum ferry service from Omokoroa to Tauranga would cost an estimated $4.5m to buy and refit three vessels, plus $714,000 annually to run, the study showed.

A basic service would cost $46.5m with annual operating costs of $1.6m. A high-quality service was expected to cost $76.5m to establish and $3.1m a year to operate.

The Wednesday Challenge trialed a ferry service last year. Photo: John Borren/Sunlive.

The proposed ferry route from Mount Maunganui to Tauranga would cost $9m to set up and $600,000 a year to run for a minimum service. A basic service would cost $32m and $1.1m annually while a high-quality service would cost about $56m and $1.9m a year.

The Omokoroa to Mount Maunganui to Tauranga service offered a minimum spend of at least $13m and $1.1m a year to operate. A basic service would cost $57.5m and another $1.9m a year to operate. A high-quality service between all three centres was expected to cost $87.5m and another $3.7m a year to operate.

Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air.
The leaders of all three parties negotiating to form a government have met together face-to-face for the first time since the election.

National leader Christopher Luxon, ACT leader David Seymour, and NZ First leader Winston Peters all confirmed the meeting has occurred, posting photos on social media.

The trio met at the Pullman Hotel's board room, which looks out over the historic Albert Park, in Auckland on Wednesday morning.

Seymour told RNZ the meeting was "congenial and promising" and they are "really really happy with it".

"It was useful to get all three of us in a room on neutral territory in a place where we can turn three into one for the purpose of delivering a government programme, but also recognise that we have three separate parties".

It shows they have reached another milestone, Seymour says, "but I wouldn't read that that necessarily means that a deal is imminent".

"If we haven't made the best deal to go forward as a stable and united government with good policies to address the considerable challenges we all face as a country then nobody will thank us for finishing it two days earlier."

Meetings and negotiations have been taking place since the election a month ago.

The previous day, both Luxon and Seymour had flown to Wellington in expectation of meeting with Peters but he had remained in Auckland and did not make the trip down to Wellington despite the rest of his caucus meeting at the party's temporary offices across the road from Parliament.

Several NZ First MPs had told reporters they didn't know where their leader was on that day.

Seymour says the three leaders had not discussed Peters' absence from Wellington.

"We didn't discuss that. Sometimes there's a bit of confusion in the logistics and ultimately we can focus on that or we can focus on getting together a government with a policy programme that will address the challenges that people face.

"The meetings I had (on Tuesday) were with National and they were very productive so it certainly wasn't any kind of day of inaction, in fact a day of a lot of action, so no you can't be frustrated about having a day where you make some progress."

The Wednesday meeting appeared to be brief: Luxon was seen leaving his Auckland home about 8.30am, and the meeting was over about an hour later.

Seymour says it did not need to be a long meeting.

"It certainly served its purpose of getting us together and getting that dynamic of us three talking about how we can operate together and how a government can function," he said.

"But obviously each of us have quite a lot of detail to work out with each other in terms of how those particular policies and so on will go."

He says he "wouldn't be surprised" if he was to continue meeting with both leaders today.

"It'll be much like other days. Meet, check, compare, revise, meet again. I know it's not very exciting to try and file media reports on but at the same time it's just what we've got to do."

-Russel Palmer and Craig McCulloch/RNZ.
Eugenio Cabezas Nerja Tuesday, 14 November 2023, 19:26 Compartir Copiar enlace

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Nerja town hall's tourism department is launching a new accommodation guide which aims to feature all the towns hotels and holiday apartments.

The updated guide will soon be launched on a new tourism website and the town hall is asking all the establishments wishing to be included in the guide to send information to: turismo@nerja.es before Monday 20 November.

The information must include the name of the establishment, category, address, telephone number, email, Junta de Andalucia registration number and a minimum of three photos (facade, rooms or facilities).

The councillor for tourism, Ana Maria Munoz called for businesses "to update their information to be part of this new guide with which we intend to publicise their services free of charge to all tourists who visit the tourism website.

According to Spain's INE national institute of statistics (INE) Nerja has more than 1,900 hotel beds in 59 establishments and thousands of holiday homes registered with the Junta de Andalucia.
Irene Quirante Malaga Tuesday, 14 November 2023, 16:49 Compartir Copiar enlace

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The former-husband of murdered Lucia Garrido, whose corpse appeared floating in the pool of his Alhaurin de la Torre property in 2008, has been thrown behind bars for 24 years.

The hitman he hired was also sentenced to 22 years' prison, according to a Malaga court ruling seen by SUR. The sentencing comes after 15 years and a half and two trials.

Last week a jury found the 48-year-old's ex-husband guilty - as a necessary collaborator in the murder - as well as the man ordered to kill her on the afternoon of 30 April 2008. According to the court verdict, the two executed the crime with "planning, cruelty and coldness" with a clear purpose to end her life.

Lucia Garrido was killed because of information she knew about her former-husband's criminal dealings, according to the court ruling. She suffered gender violence before and after the marriage ended in 2006, and after the break-up, received threats from her ex-partner to leave Los Naranjos finca, where he ran legal and illegal exotic animal breeding operations.

The jury found that prior to the murder, the ex-husband cut off her water and electricity supply and slashed the tyres of her car. It was also found that he hired a hitman to commit the crime and that he cleared the property by removing two guard dogs which could have alerted Lucia Garrido to the presence of strangers.

The prosecution evidence showed she was surprised from behind when she tried to enter the house, without any possibility of defending herself. The hury heard the victim was hit on the head with a brick and then stabbed in the neck before being dumped in the swimming pool where she was found floating dead some hours later.
Matias Stuber Malaga Tuesday, 14 November 2023, 13:43 | Updated 14:00h. Compartir Copiar enlace

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Christmas is here. Almost. And as usual in mid-November, Malaga city council officials have provided details of what this year's lights display will look like. Councillor Teresa Porras said the festive show will turn the capital of the Costa del Sol into a "European benchmark".

The big switch-on will happen on 24 November at 7pm, the same day as Black Friday. The city centre will feature around 2.2 million LED lights in 500 streets, squares and on roundabouts - and famous city landmarks will also be decorated with lights.

This year's lights will offer many different features and some familiar elements, according to Porras. If the festive show in the city has anything like a heart, you have to look for it in Calle Larios. It is the spot that attracts the most visitors and the most selfies per square metre. There is always eager anticipation on what the central, pedestrianised shopping street will look like. Calle Larios is set to remain unchanged, maintaining last year's theme of the heavenly angels. The council said it is an "exclusive design" made just for Malaga.

There will once again be video mapping on architectural marvels such as the cathedral's Mocha tower and on some of the buildings in the Plaza de la Constitucion. The Alameda will have an interlaced system of lights spread through the canopy of trees to emulate an enchanted forest.

There is no Christmas show without the appropriate sound accompaniment. As usual, the musical theme for this Christmas season will be a mixture of seasonal classics and the occasional foray into the world of the great orchestras. The following songs will be played on Calle Larios: Jingle Bells by the Johann Strauss Orchestra, We wish you a Merry Christmas, Carol of the Bells by Pentatonix, Navidad Epica and Hacia Belen van una Burra.

Timetable

There will be three daily shows in Calle Larios, except on 24 and 31 December. They will be at 6.30pm, 8pm and 10pm. The lights will be switched on every day at 6.30pm. From Monday to Thursday, they will be switched off at midnight. From Friday to Sunday they will remain on until 2am. "We are the great city of Christmas lights in Spain and Europe. We will have a show that is supported by all sectors of the city, such as commerce and hospitality," Porras said.

A total of 1.4 million euros will be spent on the Christmas lights, according to the councillor. The question of who will be in charge of pressing the button to turn on the lights is still yet to be answered. "That is the million-dollar question," Porras said.
Juan Cano Malaga Tuesday, 14 November 2023, 13:22 Compartir Copiar enlace

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Josef was with his daughter. He had just paid money into an automatic cash machine at a Malaga city bank when he was waved aside by an angry driver who was later arrested for ramming the ATM machine with his vehicle for around 10 minutes on Sunday 12 November.

Passersby captured footage of the bizarre incident at the La Caixa bank branch on Calle Alcalde Joaquin Quiles, which then went viral on social media. Josef was with his daughter and had just finished using the cash machine in the Ciudad Jardin district about 12.30pm when he heard the noise of a car engine behind him.

When he turned around, he saw a silver-coloured car mount the pavement. "The driver started waving us out of the way and then crashed into the cash machine," Josef said. He did not speak to him or hear him say anything. All he remembered is that the music inside the car was very loud. "I wasn't scared, but my daughter was," Josef added.

At their home, Antonio and his wife also felt the vibrations when car impacted against the structure of the building. "When my wife and I looked out, there were already people on their balconies," he said. Antonio, like so many other residents of Ciudad Jardin, could see from his apartment how the driver repeatedly reversed and rammed his car into the branch of La Caixa. After about four or five attempts, the car became wedged between the concrete pillars and the bank's facade. "He didn't get out. He stayed inside waiting for the police to arrive," Antonio said.

When officers arrived they asked the man to stop the engine and get out of the car. When the 45-year-old stepped out of the vehicle he told them: "My daughters don't have enough to eat. I am desperate".

Police breathalysed him where he returned a result of 0.06, well below the alcohol level permitted (0.25) and he also showed no signs of being under the influence of drugs. The man has a previous record for robbery and confrontations with police officers, according to sources.
Tony Bryant Fuengirola Tuesday, 14 November 2023 | Updated 15/11/2023 21:31h. Compartir Copiar enlace

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The Fuengirola Challenge motorcycle rally is expected to attract more than 250 enthusiasts from all over Spain this weekend. The main activity of the event, held from Friday 17 until Sunday 19 November, will be a route through Malaga that will highlight some of the provinces most iconic sites.

Organised by I Bike Spain and Motomercado, the weekend will kick off on Friday with an opening gala at the Coliflor Cucu bar on the fairground, during which, bibs, T-shirts and a map of the route can be collected.

Proceeds of the gala will be donated to the association of relatives of Alzheimer's patients in Fuengirola and Mijas.

Town hall announces motorcycle weekend. SUR

The motorcycle tour will start from Sohail Castle at 8.30am on Saturday, and participants will pass through five checkpoints established in different parts of the province, before returning to Fuengirola (Plaza de Espana).

The event will end on Sunday with a ride through the streets of Fuengirola.

www.fuengirola.es
Economic crisis and the xenophobic narratives of media outlets and political parties  primarily among those linked to the opposition  have spurred anti-immigrant sentiment in Turkey. With next Marchs municipal elections in mind, which will determine the next administration of major cities like Istanbul and Ankara, current president Recep Tayyip Erdogan has strengthened immigration laws, and authorized massive detentions that have captured and deported tens of thousands of foreigners. These operations, according to denouncements from lawyers and activists, fail to respect basic human rights.

We are frightened. Many of us stay locked in our homes, but to pay rent you must go out and fight. The problem is, if you leave your home, you dont know if you will return, says a Nigerian pastor, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the situation. The majority of his peers in Turkey, he explains, earn their living through buying products that they send to their home country for resale. But every time they go to the markets, the resale vendors run the risk of being stopped at one of the new mobile police checkpoints. These are part of the new interior minister Ali Yerlikayas plan to combat irregular immigration, which began this summer in Istanbul and is being extended to Turkeys other major cities. There are checkpoints in the markets, in the bus and metro stations. And the arrests are massive. There are so many Nigerians in the deportation camps. Many of them are legal residents, but they cant renew their visas, or they are not being approved, says the pastor.

According to statistics from the interior minister, since mid-June, 112,000 undocumented foreigners have been detained, of which 48,000 have been deported. Lawyers and activists consulted for this article stress that among the detained are asylum-seeking individuals, people who are in the process of renewing their residency permits and even those whose documentation is in order. In addition to those who have been deported, a large number of foreigners have left Turkey in recent months in the face of ever-growing obstacles to renewing immigration permits. Thanks to our exhaustive immigration laws  and this is really good news 120,531 foreigners whose visas or residency permits had expired have left our country, knowing that we were going to detain them, celebrated Yerlikaya on October 12.

These operations to combat irregular immigration focus on effective in-country apprehension and the establishment of an efficient and expeditious deportation mechanism, a source from the interior minister of Turkey tells this newspaper. The objective, they affirm, is to reduce the pressure of irregular immigration and create a deterrent effect.

Turkey is now home to 1.13 million foreigners with residency permits, 225,000 less than at the beginning of the year, according to official numbers. The total number of people under international protection (Iraqis, Afghanis, Ukrainians) has also fallen by 20,000 to 287,000, and the number of Syrian refugees  who enjoy special status  has gone from 3.75 million to 3.25 in just a year and a half.

What happened to those half million Syrians who have disappeared?, asks Syrian Turkish activist Taha Elgazi. The answer, he says, is that some are still in the country, living without proper documentation, others have emigrated irregularly to Europe and others have returned to Syria, forced by circumstances and the governments pressures such as laws that bar them from living in certain neighborhoods or provinces. Discrimination and racism have increased recently, especially against Syrians. There have also been violent attacks, and people have become frightened, he reports.

More than 50 Latin Americans detained or deported

Its crazy, complains a Latin American diplomat. According to data collected by this newspaper through diplomatic sources, more than 50 Latin Americans have been detained and deported  or are in the process of being deported  including several Venezuelan students with ministry of education scholarships who were removed despite embassy attempts to stop the process. Recently, they detained the father-in-law of one citizen and deported him. Ultimately, he decided to leave the country because he was afraid that they would deport him as well, explains another diplomat. In one well-known case, two Moroccan tourists who had legally entered Turkey were detained last August, and were deported to northern Syria because Turkish authorities thought they were from that country.

The Turkish interior minister has clearly indicated that his intention is for Turkey to no longer be a transitory country [for migrants] because it often turns into a destination country, explains the EU ambassador in Ankara, Nikolaus Meyer-Landrut, in an interview for EL PAIS. He explains that the EU is maintaining contact with Turkish authorities to update their 2016 anti-immigration agreement.

This pact, which turned Ankara into the guardian of the EUs southeast border, was able to reduce the arrivals of migrants and refugees via Turkey to European territory, sending them instead towards the central Mediterranean. It also turned Turkey into the country with the worlds highest number of refugees (3.5 million). Still, that number barely exceeds 7% of the countrys population, even including its estimated two million irregular migrants.

However, immigration has been a focal point in Turkeys public discourse in recent years. The media has played a role in fostering an escalating sense of xenophobia, publishing articles that attribute economic issues, the rise in internet scams, and soaring housing prices to foreigners, despite their relatively low representation (only 3% to 4% of buyers, in contrast to over 15% in Spain).

Rosa Martinez and her boyfriend, Adrian Cuadrado, have their paperwork in order. Both of them  their names have been changed for fear of repercussions  arrived to Turkey from Cuba four years ago in hopes of working and having a family in peace, comfortably. We took on debt to leave Cuba and have worked here in aesthetic clinics [the flourishing Turkish industry of hair implants and other plastic surgeries that employs numerous migrant workers as translators.] After three years of working to pay off our debts, when we began to live, the problems started for migrants, Martinez laments.

In February, she says, they moved to a new apartment. But its owner began to harass Martinez and after she repeatedly refused his advances, he reported her boyfriend to the police. We locked ourselves up at home until the authorities came. Even though we showed them that the report was false, they took my boyfriend away. The thing is, theyre using any reason at all to take foreigners to a detention center, Martinez says. Ebru Bese, an immigration lawyer, confirms that he has encountered numerous cases in which any excuse was used, even reports and complaints with no evidence, to detain foreigners and revoke their residency status.

Over the next two and a half weeks, Adrian Cuadrado disappeared. No one knew where he was, no one could communicate with him, and the authorities did not offer any information as to his case. By the time the Cuban was able to get in contact with his partner, he had spent time in two detention centers: one close to Istanbul and another in Kayseri, 780 kilometers away.

We dont know where some people are, explains Irfan Guler, a lawyer who specializes in this kind of case. They usually bring them to Tuzla [a municipality in the outskirts of Istanbul], and from there to eastern cities like Erzurum or Agri [more than 1,200 kilometers away.] It is a deliberate policy to hinder the work of lawyers, and to prevent us from appealing deportation decisions in time.

Centers financed by the EU

In Turkey there are 28 deportation centers spread throughout the country, 14 of them built and another seven renovated with money from the EU in accordance with the 2016 anti-immigration agreement. The institutions operate as prisons, where foreigners are imprisoned awaiting their removal from the country, and inmates have less rights than a common criminal, according to lawyer Gulden Sonmez. If a Turkish citizen commits a crime, they can be held in police custody for a maximum of 48 hours, and then they must appear before a judge. But if youre from another country and you have committed no crime, you can be locked up for months, without access to translators or lawyers.

They havent killed or robbed anyone, and they are in a prison where they are mistreated, beaten, and humiliated like dogs. They spit on them, they make them sleep next to feces. My partner was in a cell with more than 15 other prisoners, two to a mattress on the floor and with only one toilet for everyone in the cell, says Rosa Martinez. Attorney Ebru Bese of Ankara bar association confirms that the institution has received reports of terrible conditions in the deportation centers, including mistreatment, torture, rapes and suicides. But we have not been allowed access to investigate, there is so much opacity, he says.

The EU ambassador acknowledges being aware of the allegations regarding the detention centers, but counters that the EU has financed training courses for migration management capacity building and so that asylum processes are compatible with international legislation and human rights, and that the centers are run by Turkish authorities. The source in the interior ministry, for their part, denies that such abuses take place and maintains that in the centers, irregular immigrants are housed with human dignity and their basic needs are satisfied. Our principal objective in reducing the time that irregular immigrants spend in the center is to guarantee speedy deportation procedures, they add.

After being locked up for four monthsduring which his residency permit expired and he was unable to renew itand seeing that neither his lawyers actions nor the efforts of the Cuban embassy had any effect, Adrian Cuadrado decided to sign the form for voluntary deportation. In mid-October, he was sent to the Istanbul airport to board a plane to his country (that had to be paid for by his partner.) The lawyers and activists contacted for this article believe that the prolonged confinement and treatment experienced by detained foreigners constitute a strategy aimed at getting them to sign deportation documents. They are forced to sign the voluntary deportation form, and those who refuse are subjected to mistreatment, says Bese.

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DeWitt, N.Y. -- A DeWitt company that makes connectivity products for broadband providers and cable tv companies says it is experiencing a sharp growth in jobs thanks to the $1.2 trillion federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

Cary Mullin, vice president and general manager of Belden Broadband Solutions, said Tuesday the company has created 125 jobs at its PPC Broadband facility on East Molloy Road since President Joe Biden signed the bipartisan infrastructure bill into law two years ago.
Syracuse, N.Y. -- A Syracuse home sustained significant damage Monday after heavy fire tore through the first and second floors of the house.

Just before 1:30 p.m., firefighters responded to the house fire near Meadowbrook Drive and Crawford Avenue, according to Syracuse Deputy Fire Chief Elton Davis. The deputy chief said it took firefighters a couple of minutes to locate the house.
Syracuse, N.Y.  More Syracuse residents can now get the wheeled trash containers that the city distributed to more than 32,000 properties earlier this year.

The Syracuse Common Council on Monday unanimously overrode Mayor Ben Walshs veto of legislation adopted in October that expands residential trash pickup using the new city-issued carts.

The new law applies to household waste in buildings that have commercial tenants and up to four units of housing tenants. Prior to the change, mixed-use properties of any size had to use a private contractor for garbage pickup.

The Walsh administration balked at the change, saying the shift to city-issued garbage containers was not aimed at expanding service coverage. The $2.6 million program uses wheeled trash cans that can be emptied with an automated lift system, which is supposed to cut down on injuries for workers. Officials said the new system should reduce yearly workers compensation costs from $4 million to $2.3 million.

Adding in mixed-use buildings to the garbage routes could add up to 1,000 new pickups for sanitation workers, administration officials said. Walsh cited that figure in vetoing the councils proposed law on Thursday.

It creates an unnecessary burden on our sanitation employees at the very same time we are working to streamline our services and create a safer working environment, Walsh wrote in his veto message, just his fourth since taking office in 2018.

Prior to the councils October vote, administration officials suggested adding just owner-occupied mixed-use buildings to cart program, which they said would amount to about 75 additional properties. The mayor said they could still support that change.

But at Mondays meeting, Councilor Amir Gethers, chair of the public works committee, made a motion to override the veto. Councilor Jennifer Schultz seconded the motion and the override passed unanimously without public discussion.

After the meeting, Gethers said the council does not want to overburden sanitation workers, but they have heard from constituents who expected to receive a cart and were disappointed when one did not come. Councilors are also skeptical of the administrations projections of 1,000 new pickups.

We dont know if thats the real number, he said. Things still need to be assessed.

Residents who live in mixed-use buildings with four or fewer residential units can request a city-issued cart through the SYRCityline program by calling 315-448-CITY (2489), making a request through the SYRCityline app or through the webpage accessible on the citys homepage at syr.gov.

Gethers said the council can adjust the mixed-use policy again if the expansion proves to be too much for sanitation crews to handle.

Theres always room to shape and make changes, he said. Nothing can ever be final. Thats one thing that people have to understand.

In fact, Gethers hinted that council may look to make more changes to the cart program, based on feedback from residents. They are hearing from some residents who believe their carts, which have a 96-gallon capacity, are too big. Others with large households say they are too small.

This is just the beginning of this whole endeavor, Gethers said. Theres a lot of work that needs to be done.

City reporter Jeremy Boyer can be reached at jboyer@syracuse.com, (315) 657-5673, Twitter or Facebook.
By Tim Balk | New York Daily News

New York  Gov. Kathy Hochul, who had pursued the idea of issuing state-approved work papers to migrants, took the lofty plan off the table Monday, saying she would not have been able to protect New York employers from criminal exposure under federal laws.

Im constrained by the law, Hochul said at a news conference in Midtown Manhattan, two months after she indicated her pursuit of a state work permitting concept. Pursuing it has led us to the conclusion that I cannot protect employers under this scenario.

Thousands of asylum seekers have been languishing for months in the city without federal work authorization, with the city and state marshaling significant resources to shelter the arrivals.

Asylum seekers must wait for months to get their work papers approved: the standard 150-day gap between when migrants submit asylum papers and work permit applications is complicated by a backlogged work authorization system, creating extensive delays.

Changes to the 150-day gap are subject to the whims of Congress. Immigration reform efforts have long been deadlocked in Washington.

New York officials have spent the last year calling on the federal government to expedite asylum seekers work authorizations, finding limited success. At one point, Hochul warned the White House that she may be having to begin to distribute state work papers. (The White House said it would not encourage such an effort.)

But on Monday, Hochul said the plan was not tenable. She said the state had considered an approach in which it would have hired the migrants directly and then subcontracted them to employers.

I cannot indemnify or protect the employers from any kind of federal prosecution for violating immigration laws, Hochul said. Thats the only barrier. And its a big one.

No state has ever tried to supersede the federal governments role as the dispenser of work papers, said Stephen Yale-Loehr, a professor of immigration law at Cornell University. He said the approach that Hochul described likely would have invited long-running litigation, and would not have helped the state in the short-term.

Since spring 2022, more than 139,000 asylum seekers have arrived in New York City, and about 66,000 remain in the citys over-stretched shelter system, according to government tallies. The population of the shelter system has jumped from below 50,000 in July 2022 to about 120,000 this month.

_____

2023 New York Daily News. Visit at nydailynews.com.
By Tim Balk | New York Daily News

Responding to a swell in antisemitic hate crimes, New York State will deploy more state cops to the federal Joint Terrorism Task Forces offices in New York, Gov. Hochul said Monday.

Hochul, a Buffalo Democrat, directed $2.5 million to the New York State Police to support its plan to embed an additional 10 investigators in the FBIs counterterrorism task forces offices in New York City, Albany and Rochester, according to the governors office.

Eight of the investigators will be placed in the citys Joint Terrorism Task Force offices and one each will go to the upstate cities, Hochuls office said. There were about 30 state cops working with the task force before the additions, according to the governors office.

New York City is home to about 1.6 million Jews, according to the United Jewish Appeal-Federation of New York. The citys Jewish temples have been on high alert  and blanketed by law enforcement  since Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, unleashing a bloody war.

Citing a 214% increase in antisemitic hate crimes in the city since Oct. 7, Hochul said in a Manhattan news conference that the rising level of hate, and antisemitism in particular, poses a clear and present danger to the safety and well-being of all New Yorkers.

The day that Hamas attacked, Hochul said, the rise in hate crimes began instantaneously.

But she added that law enforcement has ramped up its efforts to secure places of travel for the holidays and to analyze digital spheres where hate speech can fester.

If anyone thinks that they can get away with spreading hate and harming other New Yorkers and violating the law, you will be caught, the governor declared. You will be caught here in the State of New York, because we are ramping up our resources to ensure that everyone can live freely.

Last month, a 21-year-old Cornell student was charged with threatening to shoot up the site of his schools Center for Jewish Living. If convicted, the student faces up to 5 years in prison.

The state police and the Joint Terrorism Task Force investigated the case, which shocked the Ivy League campus and prompted state cops to watch over the Jewish life organization.

Lt. Col. Andy Crowe of the state police declined to describe individual cases, but said the number of investigations being pursued by the state police and the Joint Terrorism Task Force had increased exponentially since Oct. 7.

We are very active, Crowe said at the news conference.

Last month, Hochul delivered an address outlining a series of anti-hate state efforts, including a $75 million investment toward the prevention of hate crimes and an expansion of the state police unit that monitors threats on social media.

We will get through this together, Hochul said Monday. I am confident. But we also make sure that we protect the well-being of our citizens.

_____

2023 New York Daily News. Visit at nydailynews.com.
Maybe it was the marijuana and cocaine she tried when she was 12. Maybe it was her abusive mother or a childhood marked by poverty and hunger. Maybe it was her ex-husbands beatings. Erenia Cerdas isnt really sure what led her down the wrong path and got her hooked on crack by the time she was 21. After that, everything gets hazy for Cerdas. One day, she agreed to take a package to Cocori prison in central Costa Rica, unaware it was stuffed with marijuana. As it turns out, it was the best thing that could have happened to her.

By that point, Cerdas was homeless and begging to support herself. She had been in and out of 16 rehabilitation centers, and her three children had been taken away 10 years earlier. She has twins, who are now 19 years old, and another child who is 17. My life was rehab centers and drugs, rehab and drugs, Cerdas told us when we met her at the ruins of an old church in Cartago (central Costa Rica) that was never rebuilt after the 1910 Santa Monica earthquake levelled it. In late November 2021, a friend called Cerdas (now 38) asking for a favor  he wanted her to take some wood craft materials to Cocori prison for the inmate artisans to use. Cerdas agreed without hesitation. When she entered the prison, a corrections officer inspecting the wood punched a hole in it and several small packets of pot tumbled out. Cerdas was immediately arrested, but then alarms sounded and gunshots rang out nearby. She later learned the guards had seized a much larger load of drugs being smuggled into the prison. They used me as a decoy for the other smuggler, said Cerdas, obviously dismayed by the experience two years later.

The court-appointed defense lawyer argued that Cerdas case should be handled differently because she had been tricked into the crime and was an addict who lived on the streets. The crime normally carried a prison sentence of 8-10 years, but a new provision in the penal code reduces it to 3-8 years for women who are either living in precarious conditions, have dependents, or are elderly.

Erenia Cerdas Otarola, on October 19, 2023. Carlos Herrera

The new penal code provision enables a judge to recommend punishments other than prison time. Its a brand of restorative justice that keeps certain convicts out of jail and gives both victims and perpetrators space to make amends and restitution. Rita Porras, a clinical psychologist from the Prevention Projects Unit at the Costa Rican Drug Institute, says it can be beneficial for drug users to know about a legal process that offers second chances. At the end of the day, government neglect is the reason many women are in these situations, said Zhuyem Molina, a judge who used to be a public defender and helped draft the restorative justice law. The government should not punish people just because theyre poor.

Restorative justice is based on a fundamentally different perspective. Punitive justice focuses on punishment and isolation, but the Costa Rican model takes a different approach. It emphasizes conflict resolution and reparation instead of condemnation. The restorative justice law was approved in 2018 and has consistently been supported by successive governments. This law establishes a structured process involving a judge, prosecutor, psychologists, social workers, the victim (civil society, in some cases), and the offender. To qualify for this process, three conditions must be met: it must be the first offense, carry a sentence of less than three years, and all parties must agree to this form of conflict resolution. Cases of violence against women do not qualify. An agreement must be reached within 30 days on how to repair the harm committed by the offender.

For Cerdas, the outcome was seven months in a detox center, commitment to a support group for former addicts, and two years of community service. I went with the Genesis Foundation, which is Christ-centered, because it was only by the grace of God that I managed to crawl out of this hole, she said. Now she is leading a team to help newcomers to the program and has moved back in with her youngest son. Ive always wanted to change my life and kick drugs. Ive tried 16 times, but I just didnt know how to do it and didnt have anyone to help me.

Costa Ricas approach also demonstrates a strong commitment to integrating the gender perspective in courts. In Latin America, 70% of imprisoned women are incarcerated for trafficking very small amounts of drugs. If you look closely at women in prison, you realize that locking them up actually causes more harm to society. Theyre heads of households, single mothers, vulnerable women... The cycles of crime tend to repeat in families that go hungry, said Coletta Youngers, a senior advisor with WOLA, a research and advocacy organization advancing human rights in the Americas. These are not the kind of dangerous people we need to keep away from society.

Erenia Cerdas at the Cartago ruins, southeast of San Jose, Costa Rica. Carlos Herrera

Were not going easy or letting them off the hook

Conservatives tend to have a different perspective on crime and punishment. Promoting alternatives to incarceration is anathema to people like President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador. Bukeles security approach revolves around imprisoning anyone suspected of gang affiliation, resulting in the highest per capita incarceration rate in the world. Politicians in Ecuador, Honduras and Colombia have embraced Bukeles iron-fisted security policies and strict law enforcement.

Celia Medrano, a well-known Salvadoran journalist and defender of human rights, recalls efforts in 2014 to pass a similar law in her country aimed at women coerced by gang members into carrying drugs. We worked so hard, but we just couldnt get the Ministry of Justice to understand the distinction between a woman who was coerced and one who wasnt. Trying again now is totally out of the question because the countrys mindset is basically guilty until proven innocent. Teodoro Bermudez, a Costa Rican prosecutor who has embraced his countrys approach, said, We still have many detractors here in Costa Rica who say were soft on crime, but people are always afraid of something new and different.

Jovanna Calderon Altamirano, the head of Costa Ricas Office of Restorative Justice, believes that criticism of restorative justice is often rooted in ignorance and driven by punitive populism. People think that these processes are super lenient and all about benefitting the accused. But its not like that  were not going easy or letting them off the hook. These processes are actually well-regulated and closely monitored, with clear responsibilities to make things right and fix the harm caused.

Last year, 2,379 restorative justice cases were closed with 98% satisfaction by all parties. It is not an abolitionist model nor does it aim to end all incarceration, said Calderon Any kind of conflict can be dealt with through restorative justice, as long as we have qualified personnel, the necessary resources, and willingness by all parties. Calderon believes even crimes of gender violence can be addressed this way, although they were were excluded from law due to feminist pressure. Costa Rican society was not mature enough to understand that this is a very progressive law.

The law has led to excellent outcomes  only 4% have reoffended during the two-year monitoring period. Recidivism in Colombia leads to a 36% reincarceration rate, while in Chile, the rate is 52.9%. In Mexico, its around 60% for robbery crimes. Costa Rica also found that psychosocial approaches resolve cases much more quickly (one to three months), and 86% more cost-effective compared to standard cases.

Cindy Torres Ortiz. Carlos Herrera

Cindy Torres Ortiz is one of the 96% who werent repeat offenders and successfully reintegrated into Costa Rican society. She has no intention of smuggling drugs into prison again or getting back together with the ex-boyfriend who coerced her during his year-long incarceration. I was very much in love. He was the one making all the decisions and I was just going along with everything. He wouldnt let me work elsewhere  I was basically his employee, said this mother of three. I was relieved when I finally got caught. I wanted it to be over. Torres has been drug-free for nearly five years and has graduated from high school.

Thinking that prison is the solution to all our problems is a total disaster for Latin America, said Luis Andres Fajardo, Colombias Deputy Ombudsman. In the last 20 years, the prison population in Latin America and the Caribbean has risen by 120%, compared to a 24% increase in the rest of the world. Additionally, one in three detainees has not yet been sentenced. Whats intriguing about this process is how the offenders are actively involved, and how it considers what the victims want in terms of redress.

The early precursors of restorative justice models emerged in Canada in the mid-1970s, and examined how indigenous communities resolved conflicts by emphasizing reintegration rather than punishment. Restorative justice also played a vital role in peace processes in South Africa, Northern Ireland and Spain.

I didnt get another chance and now Im paying for it

Berta Robles (a pseudonym) didnt get any second chances. In late October, we met the Nicaraguan inmate at the Vilma Curling Rivera Prison in San Jose. She averted her gaze as she sat on a plastic chair not far from the cell she has shared with 25 women for four years. Robles takes a deep breath before telling us her story.

Berta Robles at the prison where she is currently incarcerated. Carlos Herrera

Robles has been living without legal documentation in Costa Rica for over 20 years. After her divorce, she worked at various odd jobs to support herself and five children. When she couldnt make ends meet, she turned to prostitution, but the $16 she charged clients wasnt enough to pay the rent. I didnt want to keep doing that, she said. So when someone told her how easy it was to smuggle drugs into prisons, she decided to try. Her nervous, sweaty hands immediately gave her away to the prison guards. I wasnt made for that  they caught me right away.

Robles was offered a restorative justice process and her sentence was commuted in exchange for community service. But then she tried to smuggle drugs into prison again to pay off the debt from first drug seizure. She was caught and sentenced to six years in prison in April 2019. I didnt get another chance and now Im paying for it, she told us after a long silence. As for her children, she wont be giving dating advice, attending graduations or celebrating birthdays. Shes lost everything. The days go by slowly in prison. Robles works, studies and goes to all the activities available to her. She spends as little time as possible with her cellmates. I just want to get out of here  jail is not the best place to turn things around.

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shankar.balan Senior - BHPian



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Re: Is the Maruti Jimny's optimistic pricing dampening its sales? Quote: shibujp Originally Posted by Does anyone have the sales numbers of the Gypsy? Towards the end of it years it was a super niche highly priced product. Cult following rarely translates to sales....we have plenty of global.and desi examples.



u



And the Bolero which along with the Scorpio and Safari, was probably amongst the more advanced SUVs out there in India, used to also cost 5.8 lacs for the Sportz 2WD Variant and 6.2 lacs for the GLX 4WD variant.



Even in those days, I would say, pricing was not really necessarily dictated only by size/ real estate and road-presence, but more by costs, freshness, features, vehicle type, desirability and target segment.



The Scorpio and Safari in those days used to cost (if I remember correctly) no more than 7.5 lacs on road. A first gen Honda CRV AWD used to cost 17 lacs. And a first gen Hyundai Tucson AWD used to cost about 15 lacs.



A brand new Mercedes Benz C Class was available at Rs 28 Lacs and it was way out of reach.



It is almost 20 years since those days. And the prices of every single thing has passed the stratosphere.



In 2016-2017 I had checked with Pratham and Bimal agencies and was told that one could get a Maruti Gypsy, only in white and only in the soft top variant and only by paying a significant advance and only after 3 months waiting. At that time it cost 8 lacs on road Bangalore. In 2018-2019 just before production was stopped the prices had gone up to 8.8 lacs on road Bangalore and that was mostly academic because it was not freely available anyway. Also consider that a top Specification Swift today costs about 12 lacs in Bangalore.



So I am not very surprised that the Jimny is priced the way it is. The road taxes are well known to be usurious in KA State. On this very thread a few posts and pages ago someone mentioned the on-road cost in Haryana or Chandigarh to be about 13-14 Odd lacs (because of the road tax being around 11%) and the same vehicle in KA State costs about 17 Odd lacs. This significant 3 Odd lac price difference is almost entirely due to the road tax loading.



We can all sit here and debate and speculate and pontificate on this subject until the cows come home, but I dont think it is going to change anything much.



There are always going to be people who like and want / need and can afford and therefore, will buy the Jimny, but such people will always (in India at least) be much thinner on the ground than those who prefer and can afford and will buy the Thar.



As Shibu has pointed out, even the deepened discounts offered on the S Cross 1.6 (which was such a wonderful car), did not create waves in its sales numbers. I really don't think such a flat, price-drop strategy is going to work for the Jimny either, in terms of pushing it to reach Maruti Suzukis expected levels of sales numbers, in comparison to the other vehicles in their portfolio; (although I personally will gladly and greedily lap up any and all price offs whenever I do decide to buy the Jimny!).



The Jimny then, in India, is always going to be a niche product and one day, just as they did with the Gypsy, the S Cross 1.6, the Kizashi and all, the powers that are will simply pull the plug on selling it to us common folk in India and place their focus neatly on the International Markets, where people very clearly appreciate the Jimny much much more than we do and are prepared to pay for it as well.



As an aside, I remember someone asking me maybe 7 or 8 years ago on this very forum if he should buy an S Cross 1.6. My immediate advice to him was a resounding Yes!, because I was absolutely convinced that it would become a future classic.



Look around and one simply cannot find a clean and well kept S Cross 1.6 or Kizashi anywhere now. And there are hardly any clean well maintained civilian Gypsys available either.



With all this in mind, if anyone today, asks me a similar question about whether to buy the Jimny, I would say exactly the same.



And that is also why, with every passing week, while I still love my Thar very much in many ways, I am also gravitating towards making that Jimny purchase. Just for info and relative comparison purposes, a bare bones OEM stock Gypsy used to cost around Rs 5.2 to 5.8 lacs on road Bangalore in 2004-2005-2006 depending on whether soft-top or hard top. Even then, one had to pay up and wait at-least for a month and the whole process was totally opaque. And the car loans were not easily available for a Gypsy-I think they used to give 70% on road funding as compared with a regular car which used to be funded about 80-85%. This is around the same time the First Gen Swift ZXi was introduced and its shape drew admiring glances from everyone and it had all the functions one needed like AC and music system and ABS and all. That used to cost Rs 5.8 lacs.And the Bolero which along with the Scorpio and Safari, was probably amongst the more advanced SUVs out there in India, used to also cost 5.8 lacs for the Sportz 2WD Variant and 6.2 lacs for the GLX 4WD variant.Even in those days, I would say, pricing was not really necessarily dictated only by size/ real estate and road-presence, but more by costs, freshness, features, vehicle type, desirability and target segment.The Scorpio and Safari in those days used to cost (if I remember correctly) no more than 7.5 lacs on road. A first gen Honda CRV AWD used to cost 17 lacs. And a first gen Hyundai Tucson AWD used to cost about 15 lacs.A brand new Mercedes Benz C Class was available at Rs 28 Lacs and it was way out of reach.It is almost 20 years since those days. And the prices of every single thing has passed the stratosphere.In 2016-2017 I had checked with Pratham and Bimal agencies and was told that one could get a Maruti Gypsy, only in white and only in the soft top variant and only by paying a significant advance and only after 3 months waiting. At that time it cost 8 lacs on road Bangalore. In 2018-2019 just before production was stopped the prices had gone up to 8.8 lacs on road Bangalore and that was mostly academic because it was not freely available anyway. Also consider that a top Specification Swift today costs about 12 lacs in Bangalore.So I am not very surprised that the Jimny is priced the way it is. The road taxes are well known to be usurious in KA State. On this very thread a few posts and pages ago someone mentioned the on-road cost in Haryana or Chandigarh to be about 13-14 Odd lacs (because of the road tax being around 11%) and the same vehicle in KA State costs about 17 Odd lacs. This significant 3 Odd lac price difference is almost entirely due to the road tax loading.We can all sit here and debate and speculate and pontificate on this subject until the cows come home, but I dont think it is going to change anything much.There are always going to be people who like and want / need and can afford and therefore, will buy the Jimny, but such people will always (in India at least) be much thinner on the ground than those who prefer and can afford and will buy the Thar.As Shibu has pointed out, even the deepened discounts offered on the S Cross 1.6 (which was such a wonderful car), did not create waves in its sales numbers. I really don't think such a flat, price-drop strategy is going to work for the Jimny either, in terms of pushing it to reach Maruti Suzukis expected levels of sales numbers, in comparison to the other vehicles in their portfolio; (although I personally will gladly and greedily lap up any and all price offs whenever I do decide to buy the Jimny!).The Jimny then, in India, is always going to be a niche product and one day, just as they did with the Gypsy, the S Cross 1.6, the Kizashi and all, the powers that are will simply pull the plug on selling it to us common folk in India and place their focus neatly on the International Markets, where people very clearly appreciate the Jimny much much more than we do and are prepared to pay for it as well.As an aside, I remember someone asking me maybe 7 or 8 years ago on this very forum if he should buy an S Cross 1.6. My immediate advice to him was a resounding Yes!, because I was absolutely convinced that it would become a future classic.Look around and one simply cannot find a clean and well kept S Cross 1.6 or Kizashi anywhere now. And there are hardly any clean well maintained civilian Gypsys available either.With all this in mind, if anyone today, asks me a similar question about whether to buy the Jimny, I would say exactly the same.And that is also why, with every passing week, while I still love my Thar very much in many ways, I am also gravitating towards making that Jimny purchase. Last edited by shankar.balan : 12th November 2023 at 04:53 .
Despite Microsofts introduction of generative AI into its search engine Bing, the company has failed to cut into the share of market leader Google.

According to the latest numbers from market tracker StatCounter, Googles market share of search in the United States in October was 88.1%, a slight increase over its October share in 2022 of 86.75%.

Meanwhile, Bings market share for the same period declined from 7.4% in 2022 to 6.92% in 2023.

Third-place player DuckDuckGos share also suffered a year-over-year decline from 2.34% to 1.91%.

Googles search share was even stronger worldwide, garnering 91.55%, compared to Bings 3.11%.

Bings share of worldwide desktop searches was better at 9.14%, although still dropping from 9.92% in 2022.

In worldwide mobile searches  where Google has a dominant 94.93% position  Bing is ranked fourth (0.53%) behind Russian search engine Yandex (1.64%) and Chinas Baidu (1.2%).

Search Engine Market Share Worldwide: October 2022  October 2023

Source: StatCounter Global Stats

Microsofts Strategic Misstep in AI Deployment

When Microsoft announced in February that it was incorporating AI into Bing, some tech pundits predicted the move would give the company the lever it had long been searching for to pry some search market share from Google. Apparently, that hasnt been the case.

A deployment decision by Microsoft may have contributed to its inability to convert its early AI advantage into a larger share of search, noted Greg Sterling, co-founder of Near Media, a news, commentary and analysis website, and a former contributing editor to Search Engine Land.

Bing with ChatGPT was initially only available through the Edge browser, he told TechNewsWorld. Microsoft thought it would be a way to get people to download Edge. They should have just made AI immediately available across browsers.

Thats part of it, he continued. The other part is people are habituated to Google. Pundits underestimate the power of inertia and habit.

Microsofts integration of AI into Bing has not given it any substantial traction in the competitive search market, observed Mark N. Vena, president and principal analyst at SmartTech Research in San Jose, Calif.

Despite advancements in AI algorithms, Bing struggles to compete with Googles entrenched dominance, he told TechNewsWorld. Users perceive Googles search results as more accurate and pertinent, creating a challenge for Microsoft to attract and retain a significant user base.

The search engine arena is fiercely contested, and Googles established user habits make it difficult for Bings AI enhancements to drive a notable shift in market share. Microsoft continues to grapple with the formidable task of altering user preferences in the face of Googles search supremacy, he added.

Googles Dominance as an Entrenched Search Engine Vendor

Rob Enderle, president and principal analyst at the Enderle Group, an advisory services firm in Bend, Ore., pointed out that Google is an entrenched vendor.

It takes quite a bit to take down an entrenched vendor, he told TechNewsWorld. People build up habits. Theyre used to using Google.

He explained that a large amount of marketing is needed to displace an entrenched vendor. Youve got to make people dislike the tool theyre using because if the tool theyre using is good enough, they dont care, he said.

Youve got to convince people not only that your tool is better, but youve got to convince them that what theyre using isnt good enough, he added.

Getting people to use the new AI Bing presented them with a pair of challenges, he continued, moving them to a new application and then inducing them to use AI.

Theres a learning curve to doing AI right, and were talking about many people who couldnt learn Boolean logic to do Google right, he quipped.

Its a powerful platform, but it requires training to use it, and people dont like to train, he added.

Enderle maintained that the separation between where Bing has to be in order to pull and hold market share from Google and where it is significant.

Microsoft needed to go farther with generative AI so you could just ask it a question verbally and get the curated response you want, he said. That wasnt what was brought out, and the result was not as many people gravitated to it as Microsoft thought they would.

Antitrust Trials and Tribulations

If AI cant improve the search share of Googles competitors, then maybe the court system can. Two antitrust trials are currently challenging the search leaders alleged monopolistic practices.

In San Francisco, a trial is underway to settle a lawsuit filed by Epic Games, the studio behind the popular game Fortnite, against Google for antitrust issues related to in-game payment processing on the Google Play platform. The case alleges that Google has created an illegal monopoly on Android apps primarily to boost its profits through commissions ranging from 15% to 30% on purchases made within an app.

Meanwhile, in Washington, D.C., the U.S. Department of Justice and Google are wrangling in a courtroom over alleged antitrust violations by the search leader. The DOJ contends Google:

Uses exclusionary agreements and practices to dominate the search engine market, such as requiring its search to be the default on Android devices;

Uses its search dominance to give its own services an unlawful advantage over competitors;

Suppresses competition in advertising technology markets through exclusionary conduct; and

Stifles competition and harms consumers through less choice, lower quality, and higher prices for online services.

Will Legal Cases Affect Googles Search Supremacy?

If Google loses the DOJ case, will its search share be affected?

If the default search relationships are ended, that may not have a material impact on Google. People will continue to use it, Sterling said.

The ad-side may offer more significant options for the court, he continued. Right now, there arent a lot of things that the court can do on the consumer side to affect Google usage.

What the court decides to be a remedy for Googles monopolistic practices will determine if theres any change in the status quo, Enderle added.

If its just a monetary hit that Google can afford, therell be no difference, he said. But if its a huge monetary hit  as we saw when the EU hit Microsoft with billion-dollar fines  Google may change right away.
Facepalm: Last week, bedlam broke out at Domino's pizza stores nationwide as an exploit of its "Emergency Pizza" giveaway went viral on social media. Customers were placing orders for dozens of free pizzas and overwhelming staff. Store managers finally instructed employees to cancel all Emergency Pizza orders.

On October 25, Domino's Pizza's corporate marketing team announced the company would give away $1 million in free pizzas. It was an extension of a promo that had started earlier that month for regular customers and had encountered no problems. The pizza chain framed the program as its way of helping out all of those with student loans as the government ended the years-long payment furlough enacted during Covid.

"Student loan payments have resumed for millions of Americans, and we wanted to help in our own little way by using the power of pizza to do something nice for our customers," Kate Trumbull, Domino's senior vice president  chief brand officer, said in a press release. "When life gives you loans, Domino's gives you free pizza!"

The way the giveaway worked  or was supposed to work  was Domino's would generate a limited number of free medium two-topping pizza codes daily. Those with student loans could claim the vouchers online while supplies lasted. Regular customers could get freebies, too, but they had to buy a pizza at a menu price and then claim a coupon with their receipt. Codes were valid for 30 days.

The process functioned fine until the end of last week when one or more people figured out how to use a single code for multiple pizzas. It is unclear how these unlimited coupons were created. It could have been a glitch with the code generator, or a tech-savvy hacker could have reverse-engineered the algorithms.

Either way, the entire program blew up in employees' faces nationwide as news of the glitch spread on social media. An unofficial Domino's subreddit, which caters to employees and fans of the chain, began seeing numerous posts of the nightmares that were breaking out in kitchens all over the US.

Posts from the dominos

community on Reddit

"We just had like 30 orders of free emergency pizzas, a costumer just walked in and took 5 free emergency pizzas different orders and receipts, but same name [sic]," said one frazzled worker. "Who in their right mind decided to give free pizzas? Corporate are brainless."

"One guy had 10 pizzas and another person had 8 pizzas," said another Domino's Redditor. "Damn those people that took advantage of the system. But hey one of the free bastards gave me a 20 dollar tip. So I guess worth it somewhat."

Many franchises shut down the program and canceled all free orders, especially if they were from the same person. It's hard to tell how many pies went out the door gratis before then. According to one employee, at least one person had redeemed and scheduled orders for several weeks in advance.

It is unclear whether Domino's corporate management provided any actual remedies. Most accounts stated that panicked franchise managers, seeing their profits run out the door, handled the situation by halting the bogus orders. Domino's Corporate has not responded to requests for comment, nor has it communicated well with store owners or employees, according to r/Dominos posters.

"Domino's is an awful company that is bad at basically everything," said one upset worker. "They don't know how to increase business because they don't understand what the problems are."

It was not the first time Domino's had a free giveaway blow up in its face. A similar joint promotion in 2016 with T-Mobile saw the company renege on it's promise of free pie when it neglected to limit the offer to one per T-Mobile account rather than per line.
It was dawn on Saturday, October 7, when a loud explosion sounded in Al Bat, a Bedouin village in Israels Negev desert that is not recognized by the authorities. Akel Kran, 46, says he went with other residents to check the sheep. Everything was in order. Since it was not the first time that rockets had been fired from Gaza, around 30 miles away, the inhabitants went about their business as usual. Nobody knew at that time that Hamas, in addition to launching missiles as it frequently does, was also carrying out a major ground attack on Israeli soil that left some 1,200 people dead and triggered the current war between the militia and the state of Israel.

Minutes after the impact, at around 7 a.m., another explosion rocked Al Bat, a village comprised of little more than a handful of houses and shacks scattered across rocky terrain that perfectly represents the harsh reality under which the Bedouins live in Israel. The second projectile hit the sheq, the meeting place for the men of the community. The prefabricated aluminum room blew apart, Kran explains in a subdued voice and quiet gestures. Inside were four children: brothers Jawad and Malik, aged 12 and 15; Amin, 10, and Mohammad, 15, along with an adult. Taleb, 37, Krans brother, was injured and was still in hospital more than three weeks later. All four children died. The two brothers were killed instantly and the other two died on their way to the hospital. Amin was one of Akel Krans nine children.

These children were part of a group of 18 Bedouins who were killed on October 7, seven by rocket fire and 11 during the incursion by Hamas militiamen. In addition, six of the group are among some 240 hostages being held in Gaza. The current conflict serves as a reminder of the traditional institutional neglect of the Bedouin community. In these villages we are not protected by the Iron Dome [Israels air defense system] because it is an unrecognized area. Nor do we have ambulances, shelters, alarm systems..., Kran explains while sipping a small cardboard cup of coffee. He attempts to describe the situation in which, 75 years after Israel came into existence, a large part of his community continues to live.

A resident of Al Bat next to a concrete pipe that has been supplied as a bomb shelter after a Hamas rocket killed four children in the village on October 7. Luis De Vega Hernandez

During the first hours of October 7 alone, Hamas launched around 3,000 rockets from Gaza into Israeli territory, according to data made public by the army last week. Most were intercepted. During the last Gaza war, in 2014, 4,000 rockets were fired over 50 days. Al Bat, which encompasses an area containing around 400 inhabitants, is one of 37 villages that the Israeli authorities consider illegal, which do not exist on the map and are therefore not equipped with the most basic necessities. There is not even a road leading to the village. All services  schools, healthcare centers, markets, places of work  lie beyond Al Bat and in times of war, unlike other Israelis, they have neither shelters to protect themselves from missiles nor safe rooms in their houses, if they can be described as such.

In Makhul, another village of shacks strung together from sheet metal, children play next to the heaped-up jumble of materials that made up one of the houses until it was destroyed by another shell fired from Gaza. At dusk, the muezzins call to prayer competes with the roar of fighter jets bombing the Gaza Strip, where more than 11,000 people have been killed since October 7.

The Adalah organization, which fights for the rights of the Israeli Arab community, on October 30 denounced the systematic discrimination and negligence of the state toward the majority of Bedouin villages  both recognized and unrecognized  due to the absence of bomb shelters or other protected areas. The complaint also highlights the thousands of children from the Bedouin community whose lives are at risk by having to attend classes without the protective measures that are in place in other areas of the country. The Bedouins land is gold for Israel, says Marwan Abu Frieh, coordinator of Adalah in the Negev, a vast desert covering roughly half of Israels total land area.

Frieh believes that Israel is not ignoring the Bedouins, but rather attempting to wipe out their way of life, their traditions, their culture, and the places where they have been settled for centuries. The government insists on moving them, removing them from their land and resettling them and not offering them solutions, because that would signify that they accept, officially, that they could stay where they have been living all their lives. We have to constantly resort to the courts, he says. According to Frieh, due to the lack of shelters, only seven of the 13 small health centers in the area are operational.

Together with other organizations, Adalah is trying to fill the security vacuum created by the war and are attempting to set up shelters in the villages. Khaled Eldada is one of the volunteers who helped to construct 100 of them during the second half of October. Two have arrived in Al Bat. A group of camels grazes around one of them. The shelter consists of a simple concrete pipe into which Adalah estimates about twenty people can fit.

Residents of Al Bat, an unrecognized Bedouin village located around 30 miles from the Gaza strip. Luis De Vega Hernandez

Half of the Israeli Bedouin population lives in these illegal villages with no right to build a house, no infrastructure, no running water, no electricity, no sewage system, no education or basic health services, says Yelaa Raanan of the Regional Council for the Unrecognized Arab Villages in the Negev. They live under constant threat of their homes being demolished in areas where there is no transportation, she adds. Moreover, even though it is compulsory and they are Israeli citizens, there are around 5,000 children without access to kindergartens. They are the poorest people, Raanan concludes, pointing out that the 100 or so shelters that have been provided represent less than 10% of the number needed.

It is very difficult to be a good student living in these conditions, says Suleiman Kamalat, headmaster of the school in Rahat, the largest Bedouin town, where a fifth-grader named Jawad was killed by a Hamas rocket on October 7. On a screen, he shows the ranking of the best students, including his own. During a walk through the village, several youngsters from Al Bat show the reporter portraits of the four classmates they lost that day and photos of the collective burial on their cellphones.

The Bedouin population of Palestinian origin in the Israeli Negev today stands at around 310,000 people, descendants of those who inhabited the desert region when the state of Israel came into being in 1948. Of these, some 80,000 live in 37 settlements without official recognition; another 35,000 live in 11 localities that were recognized at the beginning of this century, but which remain without basic services. The remainder, some 195,000 people, are in seven municipalities created by the authorities between 1969 and 1989. Two-thirds of the Bedouin, who make up 20% of Israels Arab population, live below the poverty line in the Negev, a rate three times higher than the national average.

Several activists gather in a municipal building in Hura, a recognized Bedouin village. They are convinced the current war will prove disastrous for the community, and more so because they doubt the Israeli government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will do anything for them. One of those present is Ezry Keydar, director of the Israeli NGO Keshet, which has been fighting for years for the recognition of the Bedouins and for the preservation of their culture and ancestral way of life. When Frieh, a Bedouin, says his goodbyes and climbs into his four-wheeler, Keydar throws him a friendly barb while laughing, suggesting he no longer has the pedigree of a man of the desert: Being Bedouin is not an origin, it is a way of life, he says.

Children in the Bedouin village of Makhul, in southern Israel. Luis De Vega Hernandez

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A hot potato: GeForce RTX 4090 owners have frequently reported burned and melted power cable connectors for over a year. Nvidia acknowledged a few dozen cases worldwide, blamed the problem on user error, and addressed the issue by quietly updating the cables. However, a California repair shop disputes the company's claims that it's rare.

Computer repair shop Northridge Fix claims that far more GeForce RTX 4090 graphics cards suffer from melted power cables than Nvidia admits. Although the connectors in newer shipments appear to have solved the problem, the original cause is still hotly debated.

In a recent YouTube video (masthead), a Northridge Fix repairman claimed that the shop receives between 20 and 25 RTX 4090s with burned power cables per week, or around 100 per month. The video doesn't mention how long the business has been fixing melted GPUs, but its numbers far exceed the 50 cases Nvidia admitted to a year ago.

Team Green blamed the problem on users improperly plugging the cables into the side of the graphics card. However, Northridge Fix also disputes that presumption due to the high number of occurrences. Other customers, including the plaintiff in last year's class-action lawsuit against Nvidia, claimed to have correctly installed their power cables, suggesting a deeper flaw in 12VHPWR adapters.

The issue stems from the original adapters Nvidia shipped with the 4090 so users could install 8-pin cables from older ATX 2.0 power supply units into its 16-pin socket. In September 2022, PCI-SIG warned that the adapters could reach unsafe temperatures in specific situations, but Nvidia said it fixed the problem before the flagship GPU's launch.

Customers haven't reported problems since Nvidia updated its 12V-2x6 adapters in recent months. Third-party tests confirm that the new headers maintain relatively low temperatures even when improperly installed.

Those using the old cables should seriously consider installing the 4090 with an ATX 3.0 PSU, which natively supports 16-pin connectors without requiring the troublesome adapter and costs less than potentially replacing the GPU. At least one person reported a 16-pin cable that burned while plugged into an ATX 3.0 unit, but the occurrence appears far rarer than the melted 2.0 adapters.

Looking forward, Asus is testing a more permanent solution  GPUs that replace external cables with a PCIe x16 power connector on the motherboard. The cableless system supports at least 600W, and RTX 4070 GPUs employing it should appear by early 2024.
Telecom equipment makers were once giants, today they often seem like afterthoughts. Last month Nokia and Ericsson reported earnings, and investors were not impressed with the stocks going down ~10% in the aftermath.

The fall off in their results is largely cyclical driven by a big slowdown in telecom operators buying 5G gear. The 5G buildout is largely complete in most markets, at least in terms of the big upfront capex spending which drives the equipment vendors' results, but we cannot remember the last time either company reported anything to excite investors. Both companies face a bigger problem.

Zoom out to a five year look at their stocks and that problem becomes more apparent.

Ericsson had a bit of a run up in the heat of the pandemic 5G capex spend when operators actually pulled forward investment because the lockdowns allowed them easier access to many sites (i.e. no one in the office to complain about the construction noise on the roof). But other than that brief spurt, both companies have underperformed noticeably.

Editor's Note:

Guest author Jonathan Goldberg is the founder of D2D Advisory, a multi-functional consulting firm. Jonathan has developed growth strategies and alliances for companies in the mobile, networking, gaming, and software industries.

We chose a 5 year time horizon because that coincides with the US restrictions on Huawei, their most formidable competitor. If these companies could not outperform when their largest competitor was on its knees, how capable can they actually be?

Both Nokia and Ericsson face a severe identity crisis. In the 1990's telecom bubble they were a major force in building the internet and then making that internet mobile. But then the internet took over everything, greatly reducing the need for the special-purpose networking gear the companies produce. This trend has worsened as spending on the "cloud" came to dominate technology capex.

Note on the chart above that Cisco and Juniper, with their much more diversified customer bases have fared much better, or at least not as bad. Not shown is Arista, with their deep exposure to data center builds, so their stock performance is literally off the charts.

Put simply, Ericsson and Nokia make equipment for a very special set of customers, the mobile operators, and while those customers still need what the companies offer, pretty much no one else does. Both companies have tried strategies to diversify this  partnering with the internet giants, partnering with Cisco, partnering with integrators to go after the enterprise, building their own clouds, helping others build clouds, and a few more.

Some of these strategies were just poorly thought out or implemented  see Ericsson's recent write down of its $6.2 billion acquisition of Vonage. Other strategies never had a chance to be proven out, abandoned after a change in management which happened enough at both companies to induce vertigo among partners and customers.

At this stage, there are no easy solutions. The market is so concentrated between the two of them (even with Huawei now seemingly waking up) that a merger between the two would be blocked by regulators. Investors at both firms will be reluctant to sign on to some new strategy after so many others have been tried.

True believers in the cult of shareholder value would argue that the companies should just buckle down and focus solely on their core competencies in mobile gear. This is probably the least bad idea out there. It comes with the drawback that both companies will essentially give up on growth until 6G which is many years away.

Prune everything not directly related to serving telecom operators, take those savings and invest on R&D around telecom software, further entrenching on the service side, improve their licensing (both of software and IP). Taken all together, with a healthy dose of concentrated execution, and this might at least allow the companies to someday contemplate a return to growth. The benefit of this approach is that we have seen it already  this is essentially what Cisco has become  a software and service company built on top of hardware. This is not an easy path, but it is achievable and looks better than any other alliterative.

Global telecom revenue comparisons

So how does this plays out in the company's financials? Here's a comparison in revenue growth for the global telecom equipment makers and the cloud service providers.

Sometimes unfair apples-to-oranges comparisons are the most telling.

Below are the revenue figures Nokia and Ericsson, set in comparison to peers Huawei and Cisco, as well as the the three leading cloud service providers  Amazon AWS, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud (USD, millions).

A few notes on these numbers. Amazon and Google do not break out cloud revenue prior to 2019, and Azure only goes back to 2018. Ericsson, Huawei and Nokia report results in other currencies (Swedish Krona, Euros and Renminbi, respectively). We used the most recent exchange rates for all three, and for Nokia and Ericsson there is probably some difference.

Huawei is total revenue, including handsets, but obviously their numbers reflect the downturn after the US government cracked down on their operations. All numbers were sourced from company annual reports.

Raw numbers can only tell us so much. Since we are interested in these companies' respective revenue growth, we prepared the chart below showing common size growth with 2019 = 100 as the base.

And here is the data behind the pretty pictures.

Seen in this light, the trend is fairly clear. The cloud service providers are seeing strong growth, The telecom equipment vendors are not. Note that this series covers the period when 5G deployments were running full tilt, including the very strong pandemic years. Those years are now over, with both Ericsson and Nokia reporting year on year declines in their latest quarterly revenue.

So even with that massive 5G tailwind, neither company grew much. It is also worth noting that even as Huawei was forced out of many markets, neither Ericsson nor Nokia picked up much share. True, their 2022 revenue was up a bit, but that goes back to the 5G surge and Huawei's decline seemed to have bottomed out in 2022.

Last but not least, let's take a look at the companies' profitability. The same caveats as above apply. We do not have data before 2020 for GCP and AWS. Importantly, Microsoft does not break out Azure directly, it only reports "Intelligent Cloud" which includes a lot of other products. Intriguingly, Cisco is among the most profitable of the group reflecting their long transition from technology growth company to Oracle-like software and licensing company.

Some will argue that comparing these companies with the cloud service providers is an apples to oranges look. Which is fair enough, we are talking about very different businesses here. That being said, the cloud service providers are building infrastructure for global data networks, which is theoretically what Nokia and Ericsson's equipment is used for as well.

All of this to say that Nokia and Ericsson look to be increasingly positioned as afterthoughts in the market to build out global telecommunications systems.
What just happened? DP World is a multinational logistics company based in Dubai, a global port operator responsible for roughly 10 percent of the world's container traffic, with 82 marine and inland terminals in 40 different countries. The corporation has a significant presence in Australia, but it was forced to halt its import and export operations in the country after suffering a cyber-attack over the weekend.

DP World Australia detected unexpected behavior in its computer systems on Friday, November 10. The company later confirmed that it had experienced a cyber-attack led by unknown malicious actors, and it was soon forced to put all its cargo activities on hold. An internal investigation was initiated, revealing how the unknown cyber-criminals were likely successful in "stealing" data from the affected computers.

DP World handles 40 percent of Australia's container trade, with logistics terminals in the ports of Bing Bong, Fremantle, Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne. The cyber-attack disrupted the company's normal activities, forcing 30,000 shipping containers to remain in ports despite holding perishable goods such as blood plasma, Wagyu beef, and lobsters.

In response to the cyber-attack, the logistics giant activated its emergency plans and started testing the key systems needed to resume normal business operations. According to an official media statement, DP World is now collaborating with cybersecurity experts and has worked "tirelessly" to re-establish landside freight operations at its ports.

DP World is also collaborating with industry partners, including other ports and terminal operators, to execute its business continuity plan and facilitate the movement of containers. Despite all the efforts, the cyber-attack will likely result in damages amounting to millions of dollars. Additionally, there is the issue of stolen data, which DP World is still investigating.

Discovering the nature of data access and theft by the cyber-criminals is a "key line of inquiry" in the ongoing investigation, DP World said. The company acknowledges that this development may cause "concern" for some stakeholders, while confirming it is working hard to assess whether any personal information has been affected.

Data theft is the traditional modus operandi of ransomware-based cyber-criminal operations, which usually demand victims to pay a ransom to retrieve their data or prevent its publication online. So far, DP World has provided no statement about a potential ransomware attack, and no traditional ransomware group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Ever seen an ad online that claims it is Bard and wants you to download it? Stop, as these so-called "apps" or "platforms" may be malware, and Google now sued these Vietnam-based groups for their campaign. On the other hand, the internet company also pursued legal action against a nefarious group that used Google accounts to claim DMCA takedowns against competitors.

Technology from the company has always focused on providing assistance and help to users, but if it was used for scamming people, Google is set to take action.

Google Sues Vietnam-based Scammers that Exploit Bard AI

(Photo : Alexander Koerner/Getty Images)

In a new blog post by Google, it announced that it is pushing for two lawsuits against bad actors which center on two different cases, with one centering on its exploitation of the AI chatbot, Bard. According to the company, this first lawsuit centered on Vietnam-based scammers which promotes the download of the AI chatbot through social media ads, but these are rid of malware.

Downloading such apps promising artificial intelligence capabilities and Bard features would lead users to a horrifying experience where their social media accounts would be stolen or lost.

Google reiterates that Bard is a free AI generative chatbot available online, and does not require downloads. The company also regarded that since April, it already had 300 takedowns for the bad actors, now pursuing legal action.

Read Also: Google's Online Search Dominance Under Fire: Antitrust Allegations Cast a Shadow Over Exclusive Deals with Apple

Fake DMCA Takedowns Also See Google Lawsuit

On the other hand, there is another Vietnam-based group that created and used dozens of Google accounts to report copyright issues that led to DMCA takedowns. According to the company, the bad actors submitted fake reports about several businesses and entities online which resulted in massive problems and costly events.

Google claimed that it has a takedown process which it uses for legitimate complaints, now also filing a lawsuit against the group.

Google's Fight Against AI Misuse

One of the main focuses of the world now is to detect AI misinformation on the internet, and this is because many people are misusing the technology to exploit others and use it to their advantage. Security and AI experts find it hard to do so, and this is because many bad actors take advantage of the technology for their gains, also, it remains hard to spot these online.

Still, Google aims to combat this misuse in the world now, with various efforts of the company looking to fight against these campaigns and exploitation by establishing massive parameters and conceptual framework to start with. There is now the Secure AI Framework (SAIF) from the Mountain View company which aims to ensure basic security controls against potential attacks and more.

In a world where AI is now slowly making its way to the top, safeguards are important so that bad actors may not exploit it, and in Google's case, letting these groups know that they cannot get away with their deeds. In the two lawsuits announced by Google, there is one focusing on going against preventing Bard's good name from being used to scam people, and the other one, exploiting Google accounts to hurt their competition.

Related Article: Google Bard Allows Sites to Control Generative AI Access for Training

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After as much as eight months since SpaceX first conducted Starship's first test flight and saw its explosion, the company is now looking forward to its second launch to take place this November. SpaceX is no longer keeping the public and those who have stakes in its massive spacecraft waiting, as the company wants it to take place this month.

However, it is still awaiting the green light for its test flight operations for the Stainless Steel spacecraft, especially after the massive requirements from the FAA.

Starship Test Flight 2023: Aiming for a November Launch

(Photo : PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)

According to a recent post by SpaceX via X, the Starship is already preparing for its second test flight to feature the capabilities and power of its next-gen rocket for future missions. As per the company's post, it is targeting a test by this Friday, November 17, but this is still pending regulatory approval as it faces a significant list of what it has to work on the spacecraft.

SpaceX also has a dedicated page on its website that highlights the upcoming launch of the company, looking into the second time it will go atop the Super Heavy Booster rocket and be picked up by the Mechazilla.

While there is still no confirmed time or date for this second flight, SpaceX is already inviting viewers to watch the live stream via its X account.

Read Also: SpaceX Agrees to Launch 4 European Key Navigation Satellites Into Orbit: Report

Starship preparing to launch as early as November 17, pending final regulatory approval  https://t.co/bJFjLCiTbK pic.twitter.com/qRKv9ugWsR  SpaceX (@SpaceX) November 11, 2023

SpaceX is Awaiting the Green Light for Starship Launch

The US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) gave SpaceX as many as 63 corrective actions it requires the company to accomplish before its next approval for a flight. According to SpaceX, the company already met those requirements and is now awaiting the green light from regulatory bodies for their next launch of the Starship.

SpaceX announced that it added a new hot-stage separation system, an electronic Thrust Vector Control (TVC), reinforced pad control, and a water-cooled steel flame deflector.

SpaceX and its Renowned Starship

Since Musk and SpaceX flaunted its Starship, it has been the center of attention in the space aviation industry, particularly because it promises a fully reusable spacecraft for various operations. For many years, the company has tested the capabilities of the Starship on various occasions, with the launch and land features seeing massive focus in past ventures.

The infamous April 20 launch of SpaceX in its Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas has left the world in awe, especially as it saw the spacecraft fly for only four minutes before it tumbled over and exploded. However, that was not the only concern on the Starship, particularly as reports and experts also centered on the concrete hole it left on its launch site after its maiden flight.

Its previous test launch saw the first time it went airborne with the Starship fully stacked above its Super Heavy Booster rocket, its main setup for future flights. SpaceX claimed that it already finished the FAA's demands and requirements for them to meet their eligibility for their next test, with the Starship already awaiting the green light for its second launch to prove its capabilities to the world.

Related Article: SpaceX Starship Is NOT Launching Any Time Soon-FAA Demands '63 Corrective Actions'

 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) reportedly responded to hackers' demands after a Lockbit ransomware gang representative said the firm "paid the ransom, deal closed." Reuters reported this claim by the ransomware representative. Still, the claim has yet to be verified independently.

Tech Times recently reported the hacking incident saw ICBC's US Unit disclosing the cyberattack last week,, November 9. Now, a week later, Lockbit, which has long been who experts thought to be behind the ransomware attack, has reportedly confirmed its involvement.

(Photo : PEDRO PARDO/AFP via Getty Images))

People walk past an ICBC bank branch in Beijing on June 15, 2023.

Lockbit is a ransomware gang that Reuters says US officials describe as "the world's top ransomware threat," the gang has recently breached some of the biggest companies in the world, taking confidential information and exposing it when the victims refused to pay a ransom.

Ransomware attacks are ploys by hackers locking up a victim's system and requesting money to free it frequently while gathering private information for blackmail. Allan Liska, a ransomware expert at the cybersecurity company Recorded Future, stated that while bargaining with their victims, ransomware gangs might not publicly identify and disgrace the firms or individuals involved.

Some businesses have made payments covertly to swiftly restore their web presence and prevent reputational harm from exposing their private information to the public.

Read Also: UPDATE: MGM Resorts Back to Normal Operations 10 Days Following a Cyberattack

Extent of ICBC's Cyberhacking Incident

The firm's financial services division discovered the attack, resulting in system disruptions. The hacking incident prompted ICBC to implement system isolation as a preventive measure against the breach.

During the extensive attack, ICBC prompted its staff to use Google Mail as the company's business email account stopped working, as reported by Reuters.

The hack also reportedly disrupted the US treasury market, but "the impact of the hack appeared to be limited," as the Guardian. While the impact on ICBC itself is extensive, as per a Reuters report, expert Scott Skyrm, the executive vice-president for fixed income and repo at the broker-dealer Curvature Securities, says that "in general, the event had a limited impact on the market."

US vs. Ransomware, Cyberhacking Gangs

Last week, Lockbit hackers claimed to have compromised computer systems at Allen & Overy, a legal firm and released internal data from the massive aerospace company Boeing on their website.

To undermine the criminals' business strategy, authorities have long warned against giving ransomware gangs money. Typically, ransom demands come in cryptocurrencies, which are more difficult to track down and provide the recipient anonymity.

PYMNTS reports that the U.S.-led International Counter Ransomware Initiative was recently established with a 40-nation strong alliance in response to the growing ransomware incidents.

The group declared that it would not give ransom money to hackers as it reportedly aims to increase information sharing on ransom payment accounts to deprive hackers of their sources of income.

White House senior national security advisor for cyber and new technologies Anne Neuberger echoed the notion of not paying hackers, stating that "as long as there is money flowing to ransomware criminals, this is a problem that will continue to grow."

Related Article: ICBC Ransomware Attack: Financial Authorities on High Alert Amid US Treasuries Disruption

 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Artificial Intelligence has yet to impact the work of the greatest scientists, as per several Laureates in an Interesting Engineering report during the inaugural 2023 Hong Kong Laureate Forum.

Speaking on the forum, renowned optogenetics scientist Professor Gero Miesenboeck. The scientist who developed the fundamentals of optogenetic control by activating neurons that are ordinarily light-insensitive using rhodopsin back in 2002 feels that artificial intelligence has not yet had a substantial impact on the research he works with.

The report states that Professor Miesenboeck's notion is also what other attending scientists feel about the booming technology.

(Photo : Peace,love,happiness from Pixabay)

A new study indicates that employing artificial intelligence (AI) to craft messages for friends may not be the wisest choice.

Another laureate and recipient of the HKLF 2023 prize is Professor Gerd Faltings, a German mathematician known for his contributions to arithmetic geometry, stated that "AI hasn't come so far, I would say," with him adding that the technology is only for "checking proof."

The Hong Kong Laureate Forum, wherein the aforementioned notable scientists gathered, is where the world's top scientists and the upcoming generation of scientific leaders unite to exchange ideas, collaborate, and motivate societal impact.

These notions imply that the world's greatest scientists believe that artificial intelligence has yet to impact the sciences to a significant degree. At the same time, that remains to be a debate or a question to be answered in the future, Nature.com recently published a survey asking a similar question to 1,600 researchers and scientists.

Read Also: AI Use May Lead to Risky Shortcuts for Complex Tasks, New Study Claims

Researchers on AI Affecting the Sciences

The survey results showed that more than half of the researchers and scientists who responded anticipated that AI technologies would become "very important" or "essential" for their disciplines and studies. However, experts have also voiced serious worries about how AI is changing the nature of study.

Asking about machine learning, the researchers identified several applications of AI technologies for their work. When asked about potential benefits, two-thirds highlighted quicker data processing, 58% stated previously impractical computations, and 55% mentioned that AI saves scientists money and time.

The reported survey revealed that some many researchers and scientists are worried about how AI will affect research. On a list of potential drawbacks, 69% of the researchers stated that artificial intelligence tools could increase dependence on pattern recognition without comprehension, 58% said that findings could reinforce bias or discrimination in data, 55% believed that the tools could facilitate fraud, and 53% mentioned that careless use could result in research that cannot be replicated.

Researchers reportedly most frequently mentioned ChatGPT and similar Chatbots when asked to list the most remarkable or practical example of artificial intelligence tool in science, closely followed by protein-folding AI tools, such as AlphaFold, that create 3D models of proteins from amino-acid sequences.

On the other hand, ChatGPT was also ranked as the most problematic use of AI in science by researchers. When asked to choose from a list of potential drawbacks for generative AI, 68% of researchers were concerned about the spread of false information, 68% believed that it would facilitate plagiarism and make it more difficult to detect, and 66% were concerned about adding errors or inconsistencies into research papers.

AI Use in Research, Still a Minority

Another noteworthy detail per the survey was that only a small percentage of researchers frequently utilize AI Chatbots at work. A little over 28% of AI researchers claimed to use generative AI products like Chatbots daily or more than once a week, compared to 13% of AI users who claimed to do so and barely 1% of other respondents, many of whom had at least tried the tools.

Most uses across all categories were for creative enjoyment unrelated to research; a lesser percentage of users wrote code, generated ideas for new research projects, and assisted with research paper writing.

Related Article: AI-Influencer Models Can Attract Consumers as Effectively as Humans, New Study Finds

 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
In intricate and particular businesses, the need to create applications that meet user demands and streamline operations is paramount. Off-the-shelf software and systems tend to fall short over time, resulting in elevated costs for updates and maintenance. Custom development steps in by designing, developing, and deploying software tailored to the needs of users, functions, and organizations.

What are the advantages of custom development?

Custom development provides a competitive edge for businesses. It hones in on specific pain points, reducing errors and expediting processes for all stakeholders, enabling everyone to deliver top-notch performance and achieve company objectives. Moreover, these tailored software solutions remain open to enhancements, allowing businesses to swiftly adapt and change features, catering to evolving requirements and shifting market trends.

Custom development companies offer the flexibility and scalability required for tailored solutions, empowering organizations across various industries to address specific user needs and changing business demands. Customers can strategize implementation based on their budgets, making it a cost-effective long-term solution, unlike off-the-shelf options with fixed prices and extra charges for additional features.

Outlined below are the top 5 custom development companies in 2023.

1 Altar.io

Overview

Altar is an award-winning custom development company trusted by entrepreneurs and business leaders worldwide. It employs a lean, user-centric approach to product innovation and software development to build applications that are centered on business needs and focused on success.

It conducts a rigorous screening process to identify the best talent from inception, UI/UI design, and development. It only employs professionals who have previous experience either as a founder or an early employee of a startup. Out of the hundreds of applicants, less than 1% get accepted into the company. It builds off the strength of its small, focused teams to deliver results that exceed the client's expectations.

Altar works across several industries. However, due to its early clients and subsequent referrals, its vertical lies in fintech and heavy data solutions. With a 9/10 average internal net promoter score, many of its projects resulted in long-term partnerships.

Features

Product Scope

Altar conducts an intensive, 7-day structured process to set a project up for success. The product scope begins with an immersive focus session to discuss the client's vision from a business standpoint to test the main assumptions and identify the vital features needed to go to market based on the user requirements for the creation of the

Minimum Viable Product

Cutting down the feature list non-essential to its core reduces the risks and costs of releasing a full-featured product that may not perform well in the market. Clients can also spend less on maintenance with fewer features, resulting in more time to evaluate in the early stages whether the project should push through.

MVP Builder

Altar uses a structured process to build the MVP quickly and on budget. The custom development company has product experts who streamline the MVP to the most relevant features, where its UI/UI and development teams are responsible for building the product from the ground up. This process fast-tracks the launch of the product to prove its main assumptions so the business can grow as soon as possible.

UX/UI

Altar creates custom products that are easy to use, attractive, and functional. Based on the design brief containing all the user stories, UX personas, or list of features and stakeholder analysis, it creates the most important screens subject to the client's approval, then extends them to its UX/UI team to design the remaining screens and deliver the full product.

Dedicated Teams

Altar handpicks the front-end and full-stack software developers to build dedicated teams for its clients. They can provide the expertise needed to deliver tailored solutions using cutting-edge performance technologies such as Angular & React or Node.js & Python.

It vets software developers based on career profile assessment and hard skills measured by technical challenges and team interviews. Besides the head-hunting, the company also manages the payroll, real estate, and logistics so clients can focus on product, delivery, sales, and vision at a lesser cost and risks of hiring project teams that charge at an hourly rate.

Since its inception, Altar's purpose has been centered on creating products for entrepreneurs and business leaders who want to revolutionize their industries. The custom development company transforms the client's visionary concepts and deep knowledge of the market segment into a tangible product, adopting lean methodologies to create a tailored solution.

2 Fingent

Overview

Fingent is a leading software development company that offers custom software solutions to enterprises worldwide. Founded in 2003, it has expanded its operation centers to four countries with more than 500 tech specialists who leverage diverse technologies and frameworks. They have deep knowledge and expertise in conceptualizing business ideas and delivering the most feasible solution.

For 18 years and counting, it has completed over 800 projects and served an active client base in 14+ countries. Some of their customers are Johnson & Johnson, Sony, Mastercard, and BBC Media Action. Fingent offers a comprehensive set of tech services in software development, advanced tech, and infrastructure. It also provides consultation, maintenance, and support that extend to security and compliance.

It stands by four pillars of influence that revolve around its customers, peers, family, and society. Fingent develops relationships that make a positive difference in the lives of its clients while valuing its people through rewarding their performance and implementing work-life balance. It also fosters a culture that gives back to society.

Fingent is also an ISO 27001:2013 certified company. It abides by internationally recognized best practices to protect sensitive data and assets. From compliance to establishing a secure work environment, it ensures cyber security, business continuity, and enterprise resilience, accompanied by its deep technical insight and expertise.

Features

Fingent tailors its software development services to address any specific needs, challenges, and goals. It offers custom software development, application development, web development, SaaS development, and so on. Throughout the process, it promises the following assurances:

open and transparent communication

optimized project management

scalable, flexible, and secure architecture

extremely-skilled techno-functional professionals

value addition through innovation

quality assurance and testing

agile methodology framework

demand and change management methodologies

From ideation to strategy extending to development and testing, Fingent follows an impeccable workflow and best practices to foster structured software development and reduce the cost of business operations. This approach ensures customer satisfaction and efficiency.

It also has access to different technology stacks for building business applications, categorized according to Microsoft, Open Source, mobile, and SAP. The company's development team is well-versed in nearly all technologies to know the appropriate tool to build the custom solution.

Even if there's an existing legacy system, Fingent can guide in analyzing the needs, scalability, and supportability of the older app to recommend the best solution. Customers can leverage its two decades worth of industry experience, expertise, and access to the latest technologies for cost-efficient and future-proof custom applications.

3 Geniusee

Overview

Founded in 2017, Geniusee helps businesses thrive through tech partnerships. It delivers top-notch custom software solutions for its worldwide clientele. It provides complete visibility into its processes, progress, and pricing so its customers have a clear understanding of the custom development journey.

Geniusee follows the best practices, conducts rigorous testing, and performs robust quality assurance processes to ensure the software is secure and fully functional, a product the client relies on to drive business profitability and company success. The company collaborates closely to understand the unique challenges and goals faced by the client to deliver high-quality software solutions that result in long-term partnerships and mutual growth.

It has over 200 experts in IT fields. 80% of them have at least five years of experience and are graduates of top-ranked technical universities. 35% are back-end engineers, 43% are mobile & front-end engineers, and 16% are AWS cloud engineers. The company has certifications that prove its qualifications, credibility, and standards of security.

For six years and counting, it has completed over 150 projects in fintech, EdTech, retail, and other domains. With access to the latest technologies, Geniusee tailors the relevant tech stack to create full-cycle products that are custom fit for the client's business goals.

Features

Geniusee offers end-to-end software development services that are tailored to help businesses meet their goals, from enterprise solutions to chatbots and custom application development, even API development. The company can help clients utilize technologies to their advantage.

These services are based on the company's extensive expertise from working with rapidly growing businesses in the US, Great Britain, and Europe. Geniusee also ensures the products are scalable so clients can quickly modify and make changes to meet the changing requirements of their users or the market.

The custom development company assists in every stage of the process, from laying down the business objectives to analyzing the existing solutions and processes up to maintenance and support. Guaranteed, all its solutions are tailored and not templates or off-the-shelf, helping businesses implement digital transformation faster to drive efficiency and value.

4 10Clouds

Overview

10Clouds is an agile software house that builds high-quality applications for companies of all sizes that are designed to address market needs and build competitive advantage accurately. It employs a client-centric approach for staff augmentation and a product-centric approach for product delivery management.

The company has a highly-skilled staff that specializes in custom development, design, project management, and quality assurance who can ship valuable products and seamlessly integrate with the in-house team.

Features

10Clouds adopt agile and lean principles. It applies a transparent delivery process that guarantees innovation and short release cycles, focusing on quality, learning, and team empowerment while minimizing waste and maximizing cost efficiency. Its team can build fast MVPs at every stage of the business, enabling instant feedback to reduce the time to market.

10Clouds focuses on the specific business needs to create a valuable digital product. It runs a series of tests to validate the crucial hypotheses of the product's attractiveness. It also uses the practices from leading frameworks like Scrum or Kanban to develop the product with full transparency, quality management, and fast delivery. The company also provides a broader market and technological context based on its wide-ranging experience.

The strength of 10clouds lies in its product delivery managers. They can reduce the cost of development by 25% and the time spent on rework by the same ratio. With a 97% productivity ratio and 3-6 month time to market, businesses can fast-track the product's deployment and gain greater competitive advantage and business value focus. They still have transparency and control over the results with data-driven delivery.

5 Codelevate

Overview

Situated in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Codelevate is dedicated to assisting tech companies in enhancing their features, aiding small businesses in expanding their digital products, and supporting startups in launching their first minimum viable product (MVP). This custom development company excels in SaaS development and marketplace platforms, known for their agility and cloud computing services. With an impressive 80% client retention rate, they promise no vendor lock-in and zero hidden fees for their tailored solutions.

Features

SaaS Development

Codelevate possesses the technological prowess to craft digital products tailored to streamline business processes and workflows. They offer end-to-end assistance in SaaS development, starting from defining product strategy, through deployment, and extending to continuous development for scalable SaaS solutions.

Marketplace Development

Codelevate also excels in developing customized marketplace platforms designed to drive profitability for businesses. Customers can rely on their expertise in marketplace development to receive a product that offers users a seamless experience and can adapt with new features.

Webflow Development

In addition, Codelevate is well-versed in Webflow development, holding certification as a Webflow professional partner. They harness the CMS platform to create swift, responsive, and SEO-friendly websites for their clients. Every element of the website can be tailored to the customer's specifications, including integrating third-party applications and building intricate animations consistent with the brand.

The company has over ten years of experience in creating tailored solutions. Codelevate becomes the chief technology officer for its customers, guiding them through the process of custom development so they have the tools they need to thrive and grow in the competitive landscape.

Conclusion

Custom software solutions deliver robust competitive advantages for businesses seeking to prosper. These personalized solutions streamline workflows, enabling employees to provide enhanced services to customers, ultimately resulting in increased revenue and a higher likelihood of achieving company objectives. Consider outsourcing services from the top 5 custom development companies to elevate your business.

 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. * This is a contributed article and this content does not necessarily represent the views of TechTimes.
As per a Reuters report, Nvidia will release "the world's leading AI computing platform" chip called the H200, which will reportedly support more high-bandwidth memory, allowing it to process more data quickly compared to its H100 artificial intelligence chip. The top-of-the-line AI chip will reportedly start to roll out next year with Amazon, Alphabet, Google, and Oracle.

As per Nvidia's press release after the company's SC23 Special Address, the chip was described by Ian Buck, vice president of Nvidia's high-performance computing and hyperscale data center business, as "the world's leading AI computing platform."

(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 reports that H200's high-bandwidth memory will support 141 gigabytes, significantly faster than its H100 predecessor with only 80 gigabytes. The increased high-bandwidth memory and a quicker link to the chip's processing components will enable these services to respond more rapidly.

CNBC reports that, according to Nvidia, the H200 will produce data almost twice as quickly as the H100. Based on an experiment with Meta's Second Large Language Model.

Specifically, as per the press release, the newest chip's graphics processing unit (GPU), or the chip's capability to handle multiple data at the same time, shows that the H200's Tensor Core GPU provides up to 18x performance increase over prior-generation accelerators, as per its performance on running models like GPT-3.

Read Also: New AWS Service 'Amazon EC2' Allows Users to Rent Nvidia GPUs

Nvidia's AI Chip Domination

Buck lauded the speed and future implications of the faster AI chip by stating that "accelerated computing is sustainable computing," he adds that "by combining the power of generative AI with accelerated computing, we can reduce our environmental impact and drive innovation across industries."

Nvidia's current H100 processor dominates the market, previously utilized by OpenAI to train GPT-4, its most sophisticated big language model. Governmental organizations, large corporations, and start-ups are all fighting for a small quantity of the chips.

Nvidia's chips also dominate other aspects, such as medical technology, as a recent Argonne National Laboratory research using Nvidia GPUs and 1.5 million COVID genomic sequences allowed researchers to quickly detect and identify new virus variants.

Newest AI Chips' Anticipated Release

Along with specialized AI cloud providers CoreWeave, Lambda, and Vultr, Nvidia said in the recently published Reuters report that Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure, and Oracle Cloud Infrastructure will be among the first cloud service providers to enable access to H200 processors.

Anticipated for release in the second quarter of 2024, the H200 will rival AMD's MI300X GPU, which shares similarities with the H200 but has more memory than its predecessors to accommodate larger models on the hardware for inference.

The newest chips, as per CNBC. is anticipated for release in the second quarter of 2024, the H200 will rival AMD's MI300X GPU, which shares similarities with the H200 but has more memory than its predecessors to accommodate larger models on the hardware for inference.

Related Article: AMD to Buy AI Software Startup Nod.ai in a Bid to Catch up With Rival Nvidia

 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
In a breakthrough for brain-inspired computing, researchers from London have utilized chiral magnets as a computational medium. This pioneering method involves adapting the material's physical properties for diverse machine-learning tasks through an external magnetic field and temperature variations.

(Photo : Dr. Oscar Lee)

A form of brain-inspired computing that exploits the intrinsic physical properties of a material to dramatically reduce energy use is now a step closer to reality, thanks to a new study led by UCL and Imperial College London researchers.

Utilizing Chiral Magnets as Computational Medium

Researchers from University College London (UCL) and Imperial College London have made a significant stride in brain-inspired computing by employing chiral (twisted) magnets as a computational medium.

Interesting Engineering reported that this innovative approach utilizes an external magnetic field and temperature variations to adapt the material's physical properties for various machine-learning tasks. The study addresses a key limitation in physical reservoir computing, aiming to revolutionize it by mimicking the adaptability of the human brain.

Lead author Dr. Oscar Lee from the London Centre for Nanotechnology emphasizes the potential for more energy-efficient computing. Traditional computing, with separate units for data storage and processing, consumes excessive energy and generates heat.

Physical reservoir computing, a neuromorphic, brain-inspired approach, eliminates the need for distinct memory and processing units, enhancing energy efficiency and seamlessly integrating into existing circuitry.

This research marks a step toward computers that require significantly less energy and adapt their computational properties for optimal performance across various tasks, similar to the human brain.

Also Read: Promising Magnetic Superstructure Might Turn 6G Into A Reality Soon



Conducted by researchers from Japan and Germany, the study utilized a vector network analyzer to gauge the energy absorption of chiral magnets across different magnetic field strengths and temperatures ranging from -452 F (-269 C) to room temperature.

The intriguing discovery was that distinct magnetic phases of chiral magnets excelled in specific computing tasks, as reported by EurekAlert. The skyrmion phase, characterized by swirling magnetized particles in a vortex-like pattern, demonstrated robust memory capacity suitable for forecasting tasks.

On the other hand, the conical phase, featuring minimal memory but exceptional nonlinearity, proved highly effective for transformation tasks and classifications, such as animal identification.

Collaborative Effort

This effort involved researchers from UCL, Imperial College London, the University of Tokyo, and Technische Universitat Munchen, receiving support from institutions like the Leverhulme Trust, EPSRC, Royal Academy of Engineering, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Katsu Research Encouragement Award, Asahi Glass Foundation, and the German Research Foundation (DFG).

Dr. Jack Gartsnide, a co-author of the study from Imperial College London, highlighted the recent identification of materials for unconventional computing by collaborators at UCL. These materials stand out for their unique ability to support a diverse range of magnetic textures.

As posted on Research Materials, the researchers developed a neuromorphic computing architecture that utilizes the intricate properties of these materials to meet the demands of various challenging tasks. The outcomes were remarkable, showcasing how the reconfiguration of physical phases can directly tailor the performance of neuromorphic computing.

This groundbreaking research hints at the potential for a new era of energy-efficient and adaptive machines, drawing inspiration from the intricacies of the human brain. The team's upcoming challenge involves identifying commercially viable and scalable materials along with device architectures to further advance their work.

Related Article: A Newly-Discovered Honeycomb-like Material May Aid in the Creation of Quantum Technologies

 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The situation in the Gaza Strip, besieged by Israel in response to the Hamas attacks of October 7, has become critical. However, the European Union has not agreed to demand a ceasefire due to the categorical opposition of Austria and, to a lesser extent, Germany and the Czech Republic. Instead, the 27-member bloc demanded on Monday immediate pauses in hostilities so that humanitarian aid can reach Gaza.

As Israels offensive in Gaza continues, the EU has begun discussing what will happen to the Palestinian enclave after the war with Hamas comes to an end. At a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels on Monday, the EUs chief diplomat Josep Borrell discussed several proposals for the post-war horizon that would require the collaboration of the U.S., the U.N. and Arab countries.

We need to focus on a medium and longer-term solution, a post-conflict scenario that can guarantee stability on an ongoing basis that will make it possible to build peace between Palestinians and Israelis and throughout the region, Borrell told reporters after the talks.

The European Commission announced that it will quadruple humanitarian aid for Palestinians, with 100 million ($107 million) to be allocated to helping civilians in the enclave. But the issue is how to get the aid into Gaza. On Monday, Borrell warned that the Rafah border crossing in Egypt  which is the only one open  is not enough to meet Gazas humanitarian needs.

We have got to get the humanitarian trucks through. We are currently talking about 40 trucks a day on the Rafah crossing and that is very little compared to the 500 trucks a day crossing before the war, said Borrell, who spoke of the need for more entry points and the possibility of opening a maritime corridor to channel aid, a proposal that came from Cyprus.

According to the Health Ministry of Gaza, which is governed by Hamas, more than 11,200 people have died in Gaza due to bombings from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) bombings. Israel has been attacking the enclave since the Hamas attack on October 7, which killed 1,200 people, mostly Israeli civilians.

Spain  one of the few EU countries to call for a ceasefire  will host a meeting of the Union for the Mediterranean at the end of November. It hopes that Palestinian and Israeli representatives will attend the forum, and that the event will be able to advance future solutions for Gaza.

Roadmap

Borrell will travel to Israel and Palestine on Wednesday and then visit Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Jordan to discuss the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza and other political issues. In the press conference on Monday, Borrell said that he and the EU foreign ministers had discussed a roadmap for the post-war horizon.

We think that there has to be yes to a Palestinian authority, one Palestinian authority, so a Palestinian authority with a legitimacy to be defined and decided upon by the [U.N.] Security Council, he said, pointing out that this does not have to be the Palestinian Authority that currently governs the West Bank.

Its understandable that the Palestinian Authority doesnt want to enter Gaza, on top of an Israeli tank, he added. Israel opposes the idea of the Palestinian Authority playing a role in the future of Gaza.

Borrell also said that the EU must play a greater role, especially in terms of the reconstruction effort. We have been far too absent, we have delegated this solution to the U.S., but now the EU must be more involved because if we dont find a solution we will experience a perpetual cycle of violence from generation to generation and funeral to funeral, he said.

According to the roadmap, there would be no forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza or Israeli re-occupation. The loss of Israeli and Palestinian lives shows the moral political failure of the international community, said Borrell.

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Poison Rage

Written by: William Blackwell

Available In: eBook|Paperback

Author Website: http://www.wblackwell.com/

This spine-chilling horror charts the macabre path of a strung-out team of paranormal investigators as they near the truth surrounding deadly rage-filled attacks in the unassuming small town of Montague, PEI. A riveting and shocking ride that will careen you to the edge of a frightening precipice.
The Israeli siege on the Al Shifa hospital is intensifying, with tanks surrounding the medical center in Gaza. The hospital  the largest in the Palestinian enclave  is Israels main objective in the north of Gaza, as it believes it is the epicenter of Hamass network of tunnels. According to Hamas government health authorities, more than 30 patients, three of them premature babies, have died in the last three days due to the blockade.

The situation is so serious that the United States, Israels main ally, asked the Israeli government to protect the health facility. U.S. President Joe Biden said he is in contact with the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to ensure that there will be less intrusive actions relative to hospitals.

As the humanitarian crisis becomes more dire in the Gaza Strip, tension on the different fronts of the war is increasing. Skirmishes between the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Lebanese militia Hezbollah have spiked to the point where Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant threatened to attack Beirut. Attacks against international forces in northeast Syria, led by the United States, have also increased: there have been four  with drones and rockets  in less than 24 hours, although no injuries were reported.

In Al Shifa, there are still some 650 patients and thousands of civilians taking refuge from the bombings. But Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director general of the World Health Organization, warned that the hospital is no longer functioning. The situation is dire and perilous. Its been three days without electricity, without water and with very poor internet which has severely impacted our ability to provide essential care. The constant gunfire and bombings in the area have exacerbated the already critical circumstances, he said in a message on X, formerly Twitter.

A surgeon at the center, Ahmed El Mokhallalati, said the hospital was under a full blockade. They bombed the [water] tanks, they bombed the water wells, they bombed the oxygen pump as well. We tell everyone, the hospital is no more a safe place for treating patients. We are harming patients by keeping them here, he told Reuters. Authorities released photos showing a dozen babies together on a stretcher covered with aluminum foil to try to maintain their body temperature.

Al Quds, the second-largest hospital in the north of the Strip, is also no longer operational. It is unable to admit patients after running out of supplies. On Monday, the Israeli army claimed to have killed 21 terrorists at the hospital when responding to the launch of a grenade from the entrance of the center. The Indonesian Hospital, also in the north, continues to operate, although at minimum levels, according to the Gaza Ministry of Health.

In addition to Biden, White House national security advisor, Jake Sullivan, also spoke of the critical situation in Gazas hospitals, saying that the Israeli government has informed Washington that it is prepared to supply hospitals with fuel so that they can continue to function.

The United States does not want to see firefights in hospitals, where innocent people, patients receiving medical care, are caught in the crossfire, and weve had active consultations with the Israel Defense Forces on this, Sullivan told Face the Nation on Sunday. According to the news agency EFE, Sullivan said that Israel had informed the U.S. that there would be more rounds of evacuations.

Israels heavy bombings have killed more than 11,240 people since October 7, including 4,630 minors and 3,130 women, according to the Gaza Ministry of Health, which noted that it had difficulty recovering corpses over the weekend to update the count. Bombs have also reduced entire neighborhoods to rubble. More than half of the buildings in Gaza are damaged, and hundreds of thousands of people cannot return to their homes. On orders from the Israeli army, most Gazans have moved to the south of the enclave, the only area where Israel allows very limited humanitarian aid.

UNRWA to halt operations

On Monday, the United Nations agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) announced that it will be forced to stop its humanitarian operations in Gaza in the next 48 hours, after exhausting its strategic reserves.

Israel has prevented fuel from entering Gaza since October 7, when it began its offensive following the Hamas attack. In a videoconference from Rafah, in the south of Gaza, UNRWAs Gaza chief Thomas White said that the organization had reached an agreement with Israel to access 200,000 liters of fuel, and shared information about its destination through a mechanism with a high level of transparency and accountability. This was intended to show that it would not end up in the hands of Hamas.

Now, said White, UNRWA needs to refill those deposits through an oil pipeline that is in Egypt via the same mechanism. He has been negotiating to do this for more than two weeks with the Israeli army. Unfortunately, those talks are on hold, because they have been taken to the highest levels in the Israeli government [] We have a plan to prioritize usage, but the truth is there is nothing we can do. In the next 48 hours, [humanitarian operations] will simply stop, if no fuel comes in, he said. White insisted that he was referring only to fuel to carry out the most basic operations, not to meet the needs of the entire population.

White also explained that UNRWAs two main water distribution contractors informed him that they have no fuel left to make deliveries, which will affect around 200,000 people. In a way, you can be without electricity, even a few days without food. But not without running water, said White, who added the risk of a choleric epidemic from untreated water would be really catastrophic at a time when hospitals are running out of fuel.

Attack Beirut

In Israel, meanwhile, attention is shifting from Gaza to Lebanon. Skirmishes with the Hezbollah militia have been increasing in recent days, as Israel elevates its tone on Lebanon. Last Saturday, Gallant was asked what red line Hezbollah would have to cross to trigger an open conflict. If you hear that we have attacked Beirut, you will understand that [Hezbollah leader Hassan] Nasrallah has crossed that line, he responded.

On Monday, the four main national Hebrew-language newspapers dedicated their front pages to the so-called northern front. The issue poses a dilemma for Israel in the medium term: either it keeps tens of thousands of residents of the border towns evacuated  civilians who will not be able to return to their homes without a prior diplomatic agreement, through mediators  or it launches a new war.

IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari hinted at the latter direction on Sunday, mentioning vaguely in a press appearance that the Israeli military has action plans to change the security situation in the north. He said Hezbollah and the Lebanese government will bear responsibility for any attacks from Lebanon. Lebanons citizens will bear the cost of this recklessness, and of Hezbollahs decision to be the defender of Hamas-ISIS, he said. The security situation will not remain one in which northern residents do not feel secure in returning to their home.

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This Tuesday, November 14, Britains King Charles III turns 75. Also sovereign of another 14 Commonwealth countries, he will celebrate the day in his official residence of Clarence House, in London, with members of his family. But not all of them. His son Harry, Duke of Sussex, will not be present. Despite being no stranger himself to feeling misunderstood within The Firm, the quarrels between father and son ramped up when the Prince and his wife, Meghan Markle, decided to renounce their royal titles, with tension intensifying further with the premiere of the docuseries Harry & Meghan on Netflix and the publication of Spare, Harrys long-awaited memoir.

But the estrangement is unlikely to overshadow Charles special birthday celebrations. Aside from making it to 75, Charles is also celebrating his first year on the throne with the woman he loves. What follows is a review of the key moments that have marked his life.

The lonely childhood of a very young heir

The first word Charles uttered was not mummy but nanny. Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburghs firstborn did not enjoy the usual surfeit of attention from first-time parents, who were then aged 22 and 27 respectively. When Charles was not yet four, his mother became queen and could hardly give her little boy any attention at all, something that marked him for life.

Prince Charles, aged two, in his father, the Duke of Edinburghs arms. His mother, then Princess Elizabeth, holds Princess Anne as they walk through the grounds of Clarence House, London, Aug. 9, 1951. Keystone (Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

The absence of a hands-on mother and father figure exacerbated the insecurity of this shy and sensitive child who failed to live up to his fathers expectations. Charles was the first heir to the British throne to go to an actual school, instead of receiving his education at the palace. He first went to a school in Knightsbridge, central London, and later attended Cheams prep school in Hampshire. But undoubtedly the place that shaped him was Gordonstoun, a boarding school in the Scottish highlands that his father had attended. A Spartan school, according to Philip, where children were taught self-control. What Philip saw as the ideal place to toughen his son up was a living hell for Charles as he struggled with constant bullying from his peers.

Jonathan Dimbleby, author of The Prince of Wales: A Biography, describes how, as a child Charles was easily cowed by the forceful personality of his father, whose rebukes for deficiency in behavior or attitude easily drew tears. Elizabeth II was also considered a distant and cold mother. About that, Charles assured Dimbleby that she was not indifferent so much as detached. The lack of any physical displays of affection was glaring; in 1954, when Elizabeth and Philip returned from a half-year tour of the Commonwealth, they greeted Charles, then five and his three-year-old sister Anne by shaking their hands.

Charles, then Prince of Wales, and his father, Duke of Edinburgh, are greeted by the headmaster of Gordonstoun School in Scotland in 1962. William Vanderson (Getty Images)

Charles received so little affection as a child that he became accustomed to not being touched. In April, Prince Edward von Anhalt-Dessau, his cousin, revealed in an interview with the German magazine Stern that the current monarch used to lose control when someone touched him spontaneously, put his hand on his arm or even on his shoulder. It is a trauma that he has overcome thanks to his wife, Camilla Parker-Bowles.

Diana, the faux fairy tale

In November 1977, Charles met Diana Spencer. He was 29 and she was 16 when they ran into each other on her 1,500-acre family estate in Northamptonshire. Dating Dianas older sister Sarah at the time, Charles could hardly have suspected the impact this young woman would have on his life.

Three years later, in July 1980, one of the worlds most ill-fated romances took off. Both Charles and Diana had been invited to spend the weekend with Philip de Pass, a mutual friend, in Sussex. There they began talking about the recent death of Lord Mountbatten, Charles great-uncle and, in a home video recording, Diana recounted how her sympathy prompted Charles to shower her with kisses. He leapt on her, she said, and was all over me. The relationship developed fast. Seven months into the courtship, Charles had already proposed marriage. Diana was just 19. They had only been on 13 dates, but she accepted, and on July 29, 1981, the two exchanged vows in St. Pauls Cathedral, in front of more than 750 million spectators, in a wedding that was dubbed the wedding of the century. Their son William was born in 1982, and Harry in 1984.

Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer during their appearance on the balcony of Buckingham Palace after their wedding ceremony. Bettmann Archive

But the marriage quickly fell apart. There was not just a big age gap, the couple were different in many respects. While Charles was reserved and retiring, Diana was cheerful, fun, sensual, and enjoyed the spotlight. Britain loved her. But her popularity made Charles uncomfortable and his public displays of jealousy only served to magnify her appeal while dwarfing his own.

Speculation of a crisis in the marriage was confirmed when the pair spent their sixth wedding anniversary apart in 1987. They endured five more tortuous years, until Prime Minister John Major announced before the House of Commons that the Prince and Princess of Wales were separating. This decision has been reached amicably, and they will both continue to participate fully in the upbringing of their children, Buckingham Palace said in a statement. However, amicable it was not. In 1994, Charles admitted on TV that he had been unfaithful. He remained faithful until it [the marriage] became irretrievably broken down, he said. A year later, it was Dianas turn. Talking to the BBC, she uttered the famous line, There were three of us in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded.

The Prince and Princess of Wales during a visit to Ottawa, in Canada, on October 29, 1991. Tim Graham (Photo Library via Getty Images)

In August 1996, the pair officially divorced. The so-called fairy tale was over. They could finally get their lives back together. But the respite lasted just 12 months. On August 31, 1997, the death of Diana of Wales while fleeing the paparazzi in Paris with her new partner Dodi al-Fayed sent shockwaves around the world. The figure of Lady Di became indelibly etched on our collective psyche. For Charles, the ghost of their failed relationship still haunts him today.

Camilla, his true love

If we were to recount Charles story in chronological order, mention of Camilla Rosemary Shand would precede that of Lady Di. She has been a constant in Charles life. In 1970, long before Diana, the pair met at a polo match at Windsor Great Park, polo being a common interest. According to People magazine, Camilla, then 24, approached Charles, then 22, to caress his thoroughbred and after a few compliments about the horse told him that her great-grandmother, Alice Keppel, was his great-great-grandfather, Edward VIIs mistress. Second thing in common.

Prince Charles and Camilla Parker-Bowles, in 1979. Tim Graham (Photo Library via Getty Images)

The connection between the two was instant and they continued to see each other. Enter British Army officer Andrew Parker-Bowles. In 1973, taking advantage of the fact that Charles was away on a tour, Camilla married Parker-Bowles. Charles found out in the press. Royal author Penny Junor recounts in her book The Duchess: Camilla Parker-Bowles and the Love Affair that Rocked the Crown, that Charles was heartbroken. Consequently, Camilla sent him a letter and convinced him to find another woman. Diana Spencer turned out to be the one.

But Charles and Camilla never entirely ditched their special relationship. They often went on the same weekend getaways and Charles was chosen as godfather to Tom, the Parker-Bowles firstborn. If Diana and Charles announced their separation in 1992, Camilla and Andrew ended their marriage in 1994. The divorce of both couples seemed to open the way for Charles and Camilla, but Dianas unexpected death put their plans on the back burner.

Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall observe the reopening of The Strand Hall during a visit to Wales, July 4, 2018, in Builth Wells. Chris Jackson (Getty Images)

Charles and Camillas first public appearance together was in 1999. Two years had passed since Dianas death, but the British people still did not look favorably on their relationship. The couple decided to weather the hostility and, gradually, both the public and the royal family accepted them as an item. On April 9, 2005, after 35 years, they were finally able to marry. This time round, it was an intimate ceremony held at Windsor Town Hall, attended by only 30 guests, not including the grooms parents. Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip were present at the later prayer ceremony in St. Georges Chapel.

Charles biographers say that Camilla has transformed him over time. That he is finally happy; that as Penny Junor told Vanity Fair in January, She gives him confidence. So much so that it has ended his aversion to being touched, as Prince Edward von Anhalt-Dessau stated in his interview with Stern: Charles had a big trauma that Camilla addressed. Now he is very relaxed, even when he is surrounded by people and they touch him. That is clearly to Camillas credit.

The wannabe king who finally reigned

When Elizabeth II became Queen at the age of 25, Charles became one of the youngest heirs to the British throne. At the age of three, he was already next in line and began preparing for the role. Seventy years and more than 200 days later, just days after his mothers death on September 8, 2022, he became the oldest heir to ascend the British throne. He was 73.

King Charles III and Camilla, the queen consort, in the carriage prior to his coronation, May 6, 2023 in London. Christopher Furlong (Getty Images)

Many already thought that the crown would pass directly to Prince William but they were wrong. May 6, 2023, became a historic day for Britain and especially for Charles, who was finally crowned alongside his wife, Camilla. After waiting seven decades to reign, the monarch was impatient in the run-up to his big moment. We can never be on time, Charles complained to Camilla inside his carriage, according to lip-reading experts.

But they made it and the ceremony was watched by 2,200 guests in Westminster Abbey as well as thousands of citizens on the streets and many thousands more who watched it on TV. I Charles do solemnly and sincerely in the presence of God profess, testify, and declare that I am a faithful Protestant, and that I will, according to the true intent of the enactments which secure the Protestant succession to the Throne, uphold and maintain the said enactments to the best of my powers according to law, he swore with his hand on the Bible. Later, Camilla received the crown from Queen Mary of Teck, ushering in the first coronation ceremony for a consort since 1937  Elizabeth II herself had used her Platinum Jubilee message to make it clear she wished for her daughter-in-law to be called queen when the time came.

King Charles and Queen Camilla wave from the Buckingham balcony after being crowned last May. Christopher Furlong (Getty Images)

When he came to the throne, Charles thanked his mother for her devotion and love of family. He wasnt referring to her actual family but to the family of nations she served diligently for years. His promised to be a more modern and less conservative monarch, conscious of causes such as the environment and inclusion. However, it seems Charles is beginning to understand that reigning is no walk in the park; last week, in his first Kings Speech to the British Parliament he found himself contradicting his own passionately held beliefs and endorsing future licenses for new oil and gas fields and a tough approach to immigration.

It is still too early to tell whether Charles reign will actually depart from tradition as he promised or end up being more similar to his mothers. One thing is certain, it will be much shorter.
Sighting after more than 80 years: Sniffer dog sniffs out gold mole rat thought to be extinct

"We may have made a mistake": at the Monique Olivier trial, the responsibility of the investigators is questioned

Sighting after more than 80 years: Sniffer dog sniffs out gold mole rat thought to be extinct

Charles III's harangue after arriving by private jet at the Climate Summit: "Our survival is in danger"

The average temperature this autumn is 1.39 degrees higher than normal, following spring and summer, and the highest ever.

Winter bonuses for nurses and others "reduced by more than 3% of unions compared to last year"

The latest research on the 4-million-year-old Miraculous Ancient Fish: providing more key evidence for the evolution of "fish to man".

H65 Hoor reported suspected match-fixing  the case was closed without the EHF talking to the club

Hakan Loob on Roger Ronnberg: "He probably deserves some of this"

DeNA Yuito Mori joins the team at the press conference "I don't care if my arm is torn off, I'll throw it like I'm going to die"

Coach Hanshin Okada's motto is "Ball Path Single" on the occasion of achieving the best in Japan

Chunichi announces that it will embark on the acquisition of Sho Nakata on a free contract

The central bank has increased its reverse repurchase by investing hundreds of billions of yuan

"Impersonation" awarded 350.<> million yuan in compensation, and the protection of trade secrets was further upgraded

How to implement the new round of financing support for real estate enterprises? "Three not less than" landing is expected to heat up

The fuel surcharge will be lowered on the 5th! New Year's Day travel costs drop where to fly

Decoding Chain BoPromote the healthy growth of the supply chain and the development of smart vehicles has entered a "new lane"

Plan of the Federal Network Agency: Grid fees in wind and solar regions to be reduced

Under the influence of the Central Bank, exporters and seasonal factors: how exchange rates may change in December

"Underwent sabotage training in Latvia": a suspect in two terrorist attacks in the Ryazan region was detained

Poroshenko said he was not allowed to enter the United States and Poland at the behest of Zelensky's office

COP 28: Emmanuel Macron travels to Dubai to talk about climate and behind the scenes, a ceasefire in Gaza

Shoigu: the emphasis in the training of the Russian Armed Forces in 2024 will be made on solving the tasks of the NWO

International hot comment: In response to climate change, all countries should work together to accelerate the pace of action

Zelensky: voices are heard in the West for negotiations with Russia, but without pressure

When Xi Jinping inspected the East China Sea Maritime District Headquarters of the Armed Police Coast Guard Corps, he stressed that it is necessary to grasp the characteristics and laws of the construction and application of the coast guard force and improve the ability of maritime rights protection and law enforcement

Juan Marin assures that the leadership of Cs wanted to break with the Andalusian PP to put the PSOE back in the Junta

The banks of the Yellow River show a new look Shanxi Xinzhou governs mountains and rivers, and governs poverty and becomes rich

Black Friday 2023 on Amazon, last day: these are the best-selling bargains and great discounts that are worth it

Al-Maqdisiya Marah Bakir: I did not stab anyone. And they kissed my mother.

An American neural network saw signs of a fake in a photo of a US lunar mission

The opening ceremony of the COP28 China Corner and the side event of "Ecological Civilization and Beautiful China Practice" were held in Dubai

Haredim in Israel. They refused to conscript and then decided to occupy the army

The first woman to marry an AI: "We don't rule out the idea of having children"

The Armed Forces of Ukraine shelled Donetsk with missiles of a new type JROF HEF from Slovakia

The UN climate chief quotes Yoda from Star Wars: "Do or not do. There is no try"

The new version of the "Five-Star Card" of the Permanent Residence Permit for Foreigners is officially launched! Which foreigners can apply? Read it in one article

Sanchez coincides with the president of Israel in Dubai in the midst of the diplomatic conflict, but without foreseen contact

In the regulatory storm, where are the skits going?

On the first day of the issuance and opening of the "five-star card", 50 people received the new version of the permanent residence ID card for foreigners

In Ghana, the fight for food sovereignty in the face of land grabbing

 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.
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Prisoners at a troubled South Carolina jail accused of violating its inmates' civil rights mounted a riot on Sunday night, according to local police.

The Richland County Sheriff's Department said it had detained 40 people and charged at least 17 after breaking up a disturbance at the Alvin S Glenn Detention Center in Columbia, which holds between 700 and 1,100 people.

Inmates allegedly set clothes and bedsheets alight, banged on the windows, and armed themselves with improvised weapons. One inmate was taken to hospital for smoke inhalation, while no officers were injured.

It comes after the US Department of Justice (DoJ) launched an investigation into living conditions at the jail, saying there were "credible allegations" that it had failed to protect inmates from violence and sexual assault.

A state audit in 2022 found numerous standards violations including overcrowding, inadequate staffing, and poor pest control, while one lawyer for a man who died inside the jail described it as a death trap.

"Responding to crimes at the Detention Center is an everyday event for the Sheriffs Department. Last nights incident is not the first and will not be the last," said Richland County sheriff Leon Lott on Monday morning.

A spokesperson for the jail declined to comment on whether Sundays incident was related to the DoJ allegations.

According to a police incident report, firefighters and medics were called to one of the jail's "pods"  a self-contained housing unit for a small number of inmates  just after 8pm, but were unable to reach the blaze due to a "disturbance".

A county spokesperson said that inmates had set fire to the ceiling boards in Pod E of Unit Papa following a fight between two detainees.

Police officers arrived, observing "about 14 inmates on the upper level throwing items at the windows, and banging on them with socks filled with hard objects... two of the inmates were holding some sorta lethal cutting instruments".

Officers and guards then forced their way inside the pod and detained the inmates by threatening them with tasers. Fourteen people were charged with rioting, two with arson, and one with possession of contraband.

It is the latest in a long string of incidents and scandals at the detention centre, including a lawsuit alleging "inexcusable and indefensible" conditions for inmates with mental illnesses.

According to local broadcaster WIS, there have been at least 21 alleged stabbings, three inmate deaths, one sexual assault, and one escape since the beginning of this year

The DoJs announcement on 2 November was followed by four separate stabbings within the space of a week, all resulting in non-life-threatening injuries.

Richland County elected officials said that they welcomed the DoJ's investigation.
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Former Trump National Security Adviser Michael Flynns family kept leftover money from a legal defence fund set up for him, a lawsuit states.

The family of the former general, who lasted less than a month in the Trump administration and subsequently has become a major figure among followers of the QAnon conspiracy, reportedly kept hundreds of thousands of dollars from the fund, according to the lawsuit that was made public on Thursday.

The fund was set up as Mr Flynn was the subject of a federal investigation regarding the 2016 election, the ex-generals sister testified in a defamation case against CNN, Semafor notes.

Mr Flynn took part in a sworn deposition in the case, which surrounds allegations made by his wife and sister-in-law that the network defamed them when it connected them to the QAnon conspiracy theory, according to legal filings. Mr Flynns deposition is sealed.

CNN asked a Florida federal judge in a filing on Thursday to dismiss the lawsuit before it goes to trial. The filing claims that the family was connected to the conspiracy theory and that they exploited Mr Flynns connection to the movement behind it as they supposedly fundraised from its backers.

Lori and Valerie Flynns argument in a lawsuit filed early last year is based on a 2021 CNN report in which a two-second clip of Mr Flynn appearing to take a QAnon oath at a Fourth of July barbecue. The CNN screenshot in the lawsuit states that the clip appeared on Mr Flynns Twitter account in July 2020. The video shows Mr Flynns family at his sides, also holding up their right hands. They have each asked for $100m in damages.

Michael Flynn appears to take a QAnon oath in July 2020 (Screenshot / CNN / Michael Flynn / Twitter / Lori Flynns lawsuit)

The CNN report mostly focuses not on the Flynn family, but on a QAnon conference with a chyron stating, CNN Goes Inside a Gathering of QAnon Followers.

Lori and Valeri Flynn argue that they were defamed when they were included in the CNN report, stating that theyre not followers of the conspiracy theory.

Mr Flynns brother Jack and sister-in-law Leslie have also sued CNN in connection to the QAnon report, Semafor notes. The case is pending in a New York federal court.

Mr Flynn resigned from the Trump administration after 22 days following reports that he misled White House officials regarding contact he had with the Russian Ambassador to the US at the time  Sergey Kislyak.

After playing a major role in the story surrounding former FBI Director James Comey, who was fired by former President Donald Trump, and the Russia probe led by Special Counsel Robert Mueller, also a former FBI director, Mr Flynn pled guilty to lying to the agency about the conversations with Mr Kislyak, who left the post eight months into the Trump administration in August 2017.

The Justice Department moved to dismiss the case several years later, ahead of Mr Flynn being sentenced and Mr Trump pardoning him in 2020. Mr Flynn has also shared conspiracy theories about the 2020 election and Covid-19.

In 2020, the Flynn family took part in the so-called #TakeTheOath movement  supporters were encouraged to recite the federal oath of office and add the QAnon-connected slogan Where We Go One, We Go All, according to the legal filing. Mr Flynn tweeted a video of himself and his family taking the oath at the Fourth of July barbecue in 2020.

CNN states that its report never names Lori and Valeri Flynn and notes Mr Flynns connection to the movement only briefly. The CNN filing argues that his family remained connected to the movement because they relentlessly fundraised  from the QAnon community for the defence fund between 2018 and 2021.

The CNN motion states that Mr Flynns sister Barbara Flynn, who served as the trustee of the fund, testified that she didnt mind taking money from people who [used QAnon] hashtags as long as they were directing [people] to the legal defense fund, Semafor notes.

The fund was used to pay for Mr Flynns legal team, but Ms Flynn testified that after that, she was paid around $265,000 and that her brother received whatever was [left over] in the account  a sum which she said was between a quarter of a million and a million dollars.

CNN argues that the prosecution of Mr Flynn and the pardon from Mr Trump galvanized support from QAnon followers, who acted like groupies.

The CNN motion asks whether the purpose of this lawsuit is to really vindicate an emotional harm or simply to get CNN.

A lawsuit from Valerie Flynn, which was filed separately but was later merged with the lawsuit filed by Lori Flynn, claims that CNN shared the notion that Valerie pledged allegiance to QAnon and that it connected the Flynns to a violent extremist group.

In early February 2021, this was a very damaging accusation. It was like calling someone a communist in the 1950s or a Nazi sympathizer in the 1940s, the lawsuit argues.

The Independent has reached out to lawyers for the Flynn family and the CNN legal team for comment. CNN Communications declined to comment.
A young woman who was my distant cousin was killed by her uncle because she was allegedly texting a ghair mard (a man who wasnt her relative). The police buried the case. There were no hashtags, no news, no advocacy for justice. Maybe if we did have access to online spaces, there wouldve been more outrage, says 20 year old Maryam Jamali, who runs Madat Balochistan, an organization working for development in Balochistan and Sindh, in the south of Pakistan.

Amna, a 25 year old who works as a nanny in Lahore says theres only one mobile phone at home, which she can only use in front of her father. It makes it difficult for her to contact her employer or even try and educate herself through online materials. Shes had friends take online courses to get better jobs but because of her limited access cant do the same for herself.

These are just two examples of how the digital divide is holding back women in Pakistan. In this country, the fifth most populous in the world (with 220 million inhabitants), half of the population has some form of internet access, according to the NGO Bytes For All, but it is one of the nations with the most pronounced digital gender gap on the planet, with 26% of women having internet access, compared to 47% of men, according to World Bank data. In addition, only 50% of Pakistani women own a cell phone, compared to 81% of Pakistani men, and women are 49% less likely to use mobile internet than men, according to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). These gaps widen in rural and low-income communities, where patriarchal structures and limited resources make access even more difficult. There, only 7% of women (compared to 20% of men) have access to the Internet, according to the World Bank.

The problem of womens lack of access to the Internet sometimes starts in childhood. Digital rights expert Hija Kamran, whose work has focused significantly on gender and digital rights says that amidst her research she came across the case of a young girl who was asked to no longer attend her online classes at home if her brothers wanted to play video games. The fact that video games were given more preference over her classes says a lot about the way in which womens right to literacy and online spaces is perceived. In this case, it can be easy to neglect this young girls restrictions because shes in a house with access and is even registered for online classes, in itself a privilege in a country with a 58% literacy rate, a percentage that drops to 46% in the case of women, according to World Bank data.

When womens access is restricted, along with their ability to learn how to use online spaces safely, they become vulnerable to both misinformation and cyber-harassment. Internet users with very controlled or limited access will find it more difficult to learn how to use Internet content safely, and become vulnerable to both misinformation and cyberbullying, experts warn. Forty percent of Pakistani women have experienced some form of online harassment, according to a study by the Digital Rights Foundation. In a society where morals are often touted as a reason to control womens actions, these risks become a reason for people to police womens digital access instead of educating them further. Perceptions around apps like TikTok being immoral may become a reason for further control as well.

A need for diverse voices

A criticism repeated by several experts consulted is that initiatives to promote internet access for Pakistani women are dominated by the narratives of urban elites, so NGOs and startups working on digital literacy  and often based in elite urban areas  must not forget to include diverse voices, women and marginalized communities of all backgrounds in the decision-making processes.

Experts like Kamran complain of the lack of a more holistic approach to digital literacy campaigns (according to UNESCO digital literacy is defined as the ability to access, manage, understand, integrate, communicate, evaluate and create information safely and appropriately) in Pakistan. On a basic level what were focusing on right now is giving digital devices to people, so you connect disconnected areas but youre ignoring the people struggling with meaningful connectivity, she says. That is, connectivity that has real effects on the day-to-day lives of vulnerable women, because even when they have access to spaces on the internet, the diversity of their voices and struggles is often overshadowed by the dominant narrative. For example, its easy to say that providing telehealth clinics will allow women to connect with doctors from the safety of their homes, but its a lot more difficult to understand and deal with the fact that these women may not get time alone with the doctor, or simply cant go through the process of handling complicated app procedures to get the appointments in the first place.

Jamali, the director of the Madat Balochistan organization, has witnessed firsthand the many digital barriers faced by Pakistani women. As far as her community is concerned, where internet access is limited, she believes that resources such as telehealth clinics are a step in the right direction, but wonders if they are sufficient to meet the diverse needs of all women. And she stresses the need to address diversity in a country so rich in ethnicity and language. Conversations on the digital divide dont include these narratives, as far as Ive observed, because they are not as inclusive of the different experiences of women in Pakistan across ethnicities, geographies, and class. Without intersectionality, the conversations around equality in digital spaces are meaningless. The problem of womens lack of digital literacy is compounded, for example, by the difficulty of being able to use smartphones in Urdu, since the standard language of electronic devices is English.

Something similar happened last month to Sadia Khan, a 70-year-old Pakistani woman who gave up using the Facebook account her granddaughter (a journalist) had set up for her. She was fed up with seeing irrelevant messages suggested by the social network and ads. She also found the messaging app WhatsApp very confusing. Khan, who barely speaks English, is one of the few among Pakistans privileged population who can afford to buy a smartphone. Her poor grasp of technology, and the difficulty of being able to use smartphones in Urdu, however, make her yet another vulnerable person in digital spaces in this Asian country.
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A Ukrainian MP who previously helped Donald Trumps lawyer Rudy Giuliani allegedly find dirt on Joe and Hunter Biden has been charged with treason.

Oleksandr Dubinsky was charged after he allegedly joined an organisation formed by the chiefs of Russias Military Intelligence (GRU), Ukraines Security Service (SBU) said in a statement on Monday.

The SBU claimed that the organisation aimed to take advantage of the tense political situation in Ukraine and discredit our state in the international arena.

They added that the group received funding from Russian military intelligence totalling more than $10m.

The SBU also alleged that Mr Dubinsky was being guided by GRU to spread fake news about Ukraines military and political leadership, including claims that high-ranking Ukrainian officials were interfering in US presidential elections.

Oleksandr Dubinsky (Sergei Supinsky/AFP via Getty Images)

The SBU did not name the suspect, but lawmaker Yaroslav Yurchyshyn, first deputy head of the parliamentary committee on anti-corruption policy and lawmaker Oleksiy Honcharenko both named Mr Dubinsky in statements posted to the Telegram messaging app.

Dubinsky received a (notice of) suspicion of state treason. He was searched today, Mr Honcharenko said.

Mr Dubinsky has denied any wrongdoing, calling the investigation political persecution in a statement posted to Telegram. He added that the charges are fabricated and based on the absolute lies of top state officials.

If convicted, he could face up to 15 years in prison and he would be forced to forfeit his assets. He is being held without bail until further proceedings on 12 January 2024, Suspilne media reported.

Mr Dubinsky was previously sanctioned by the US after he gave several press conferences in Kyiv in 2019 in which he claimed he was aware of corruption and money-laundering schemes related to Burisma, a gas company which had Mr Bidens son Hunter on its board of directors. He also claimed US investment funds were involved in money laundering in Ukraine.

File - Rudy Giuliani, speaks at a news conference in the parking lot of a landscaping company on November 7, 2020 in Philadelphia (AFP via Getty Images)

The MP was expelled from the ruling Servant of the People party as a result of being sanctioned, but he continued to work in parliament and denied all the accusations against him.

Ex-Ukrainian lawmaker Andriy Derkach and ex-prosecutor Kostyantyn Kulyk were also involved in the press conferences.

Both men were accused of being part of the group alongside Mr Dubinsky, which the SBU claims is run by GRU deputy head Vladimir Alekseyev and his deputy Oleksiy Savin, and charged with treason.

Mr Derkach and Mr Kulyk are now in hiding abroad and have been sanctioned by the US.

It comes after Mr Giuliani travelled to Kviv in December 2019 to film a documentary aimed at discrediting an impeachment probe into the former president.

During his visit, he met with Mr Dubinsky and Mr Derkach, who then announced they would be setting up a new cross-party anti-corruption group with Mr Giulianis help.

An impeachment inquiry into Mr Trumps shadow diplomacy in Ukraine was later launched by Congress to which evidence was presented suggesting Mr Giuiliani pushed discredited conspiracy theories involving Ukraine to boost his bosss election prospects.

He is also cited as a driving force behind lobbying Ukraines president Volodymyr Zelensky to open a criminal investigation into the family of Trumps major rival Joe Biden.
Renee Chatelain is stepping down as the President and CEO of the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge.
Adopting a child, having natural childbirth or fostering a child should be a joyful experience. That may not happen when you don't have a job when you add another mouth to feed. Or when you have a job that requires you to be at work no matter what.
Its been a great way for us to keep as lean and efficient as possible. Really, saving on petrol is a no brainer, he says.

Beyond discounts, the Shell Card GO app allows Eat Up to track fuel expenses for interstate drivers in real time and collate receipts, providing efficiencies for the accounts team back in the office  especially at tax time. If its busy at the bowser that weve pulled into for some reason, we can even pay on the Shell Card GO app, meaning we dont have to go into the petrol station, saving us time, too, Galea says.

With an Australian based call centre, Shell Card customers have access to local support whenever they need it too.

Repurpose packaging

Krys Charalambous launched an online fashion boutique Modella Clothing while working in a corporate role nearly a decade ago.

While running an online store saves on the cost of having a physical shopfront, there are still plenty of costs that add up.

Repurposing packaging has helped Modella Clothing founder Krys Charalambous make her business more sustainable.

In a bid to cut costs when transitioning into running the business full time a few years ago, she made the decision to repurpose packaging, which makes her business more sustainable.

Every business accumulates packaging from suppliers and reusing it is an easy way to save on everyday expenses. Its an environmentally friendly strategy, too, she says.

Old bubble wrap is used to protect delicate items in the post, while plastic bags are re-purposed to protect orders. Larger plastic stock bags are also used as postal bags for shipping orders. These small tactics quickly add up to yearly savings of hundreds of dollars, she says.

Collect points when you spend

Look for a card provider that rewards you with points every time you spend.

Its a strategy that has worked well for Catherine Cervasio, who is the founder Australian-made organic skincare brand Aromababy. The points are often used to purchase gift cards, which can be used towards improving office amenities.

Maximising rewards points has helped Catherine Cervasio reduce the costs of her business Aromababy.

We maximise rewards points by using cards for everyday purchases, to pay utilities and phone accounts and even to pay our suppliers. By building up points, we can use them to purchase airline rewards seats for business travel and pay for flight upgrades, which ensures an improved travel experience, too, Cervasio says.

Before buying anything for her business, she also searches online for the best prices in printers, copiers, paper and other office supplies, and uses click and collect to minimise time away from the office, improving efficiency.

We also recycle, reuse and purchase locally where possible, which minimises waste and packaging costs, and reduces are carbon footprint in the process, she says.

For many business owners, reducing the regularly occurring costs can have a big impact on the bottom line.

Start by setting aside a day and start by looking at how you can reduce your biggest business and work your way through to the smaller expenses.

Remember, saving money in small business often requires a combination of strategies. Continuously monitor your financial health and make adjustments along the way to ensure the long-term health of your business.

It all adds up.

To learn more, visit shell.com.au/Shellcard.
A sick note that gets you out of school, so you can attend the national climate strike? It may sound far-fetched, but for these students and academics, its a no-brainer.

The National Schools Strike 4 Climate will take place on Friday, marking the fifth year students around the country have skipped school to demand the government end coal and gas in Australia.

Sydney student Owen Magee, 17, says hes determined to join his peers on Friday to demand stronger climate action. Credit: Louise Kennerley

But this year, three leading climate professors Dr David Karoly from the University of Melbourne, Dr Lesley Hughes, Pro-Chancellor at Macquarie University, and Dr Nick Abel have pre-signed climate doctors certificates which can be personalised for students who attend the climate strikes across the country.

Karoly said while the sick notes had not been signed by medical professionals, they were an innovative way to raise awareness about the implications that climate change will cause for the coming generation.
After seven years of operation US giant Chevron is burying just a third of the carbon pollution it committed to burying at its Gorgon gas export project, risking damaging the credibility of a technology gas producers are relying on to allow continued production.

Chevron injected underground just 34 per cent of the five million tonnes of CO it captured in the 12 months to June, according to an annual environment report published last week.

The Gorgon liquefied natural gas project suffered cost blowouts and delays before starting up in 2016. Credit: Chevron

Bruce Robertson, an independent energy analyst, said Chevron had the backing of its partners Shell and ExxonMobil to build the worlds largest carbon capture and storage system.

Even the best engineers on the planet with over $3 billion of capital [spent] cant get it to work, he said.
Javier Milei votes in the elections on October 22 in Buenos Aires. Natacha Pisarenko (AP)

Javier Mileis distrust of Argentinas electoral system is complete. Without legal evidence to support his claims, the ultra-libertarian presidential candidate has denounced that the general election of October 22 had irregularities that call into question the results. Milei is questioning the second place he obtained with 30% of the votes, behind Sergio Massa, from the left-wing Peronist movement, who was close to 37%. With a view to the decisive run-off vote on Sunday, Milei has fueled the bonfire of fraud and clashed with the electoral system by making a last-minute change in the dynamics of preparation for the election.

His party, La Libertad Avanza (LLA), has delivered a much lower number of ballot papers to election authorities than expected in the countrys largest province, Buenos Aires. Mileis team confirmed that it has decided to retain them and distribute them through its own election controllers to prevent them from being destroyed.

In Argentina, each party is responsible for printing its own ballot papers, but it receives significant funds from the state to do so. For the run-off vote, the figure rose to 258.3 million pesos (about $706,000) for both Milei and Massa. Once the ballots have been printed, the parties send them to the Electoral Justice body so that they can be distributed through the state mail company and reach each polling station. The change of course taken by LLA has set off alarms in the final stretch of a tense campaign.

The fight broke out hours before the televised debate between the candidates. The Buenos Aires Electoral Board warned that LLA had presented a substantially smaller number of ballots than expected and that it had failed to comply with the regulations by doing so in closed cardboard boxes or in black plastic bags which make their control and verification difficult and causes delays.

In a statement, the organization stressed that, in many cases, the number of bundles received is not enough to cover all the tables in the municipalities that are being processed for delivery to the Post Office. To address this problem, the Electoral Board indicated that it was being forced to take bundles from the contingency bags, or even subtract them from other municipalities for subsequent processing, in order to complete the tables. According to the Argentine electoral justice system, Mileis party has used a similar technique in the Argentine capital and in other provinces, but on a smaller scale than in the province of Buenos Aires.

Mileis team counterattacked, assuring that the money received was used to print ballots, but that they will keep many of them until Sunday. In their opinion, the only way they can guarantee that there are valid LLA ballots at all voting stations is extreme oversight. If their controllers detect that they are missing at a given polling station, they will replace them. Many more ballots have been printed than are required; in previous elections we had many destroyed and stolen, said vice presidential candidate Victoria Villarruel after the debate.

The most populated province

The target of Mileis ire is the province of Buenos Aires, the scene of the biggest electoral battle and the main bastion of Peronism. With 13.1 million voters, whoever wins there is almost guaranteed victory at the national level. On October 22, Massa obtained 4.2 million votes, compared to the 2.5 million obtained by Milei. Both are now courting the third-placed party, Together for Change, which obtained 2.3 million votes in Buenos Aires, 24% of the total.

Mileis party would normally have to deliver a bundle of 350 ballot papers to each of the 38,074 polling stations. In many cases, they did not even reach 100. The LLA representative, Santiago Viola, said that the party has not failed to comply with any legal resolution and has provided ballot papers to all voting stations in the amount that is estimated to be necessary for the start of the election.

Their own controllers will be provided with additional ballots and when they detect that there are no more left at a given polling station, they will replace them. Exercising the freedom to choose, and in order to avoid breakage and theft of ballot papers, such as those that occurred throughout the country in previous elections, we have made the decision to redouble our efforts, added Viola.

LLAs claims of irregularities are limited to the public sphere and the party has not filed any formal complaints through the justice system. For this reason, his Peronist rival believes that this is a strategy similar to the one used by Donald Trump in the United States and Jair Bolsonaro in Brazil to sow doubts in the event of a potential unfavorable result. It strikes me that in the primary, when the result favored Milei, there was no suspicion and in the run-off, because they can lose, suspicion is established, Massa said in an interview with EL PAIS.

The run-off vote will be held on the eve of the 40th anniversary of Argentinas return to democracy. The strength of the system will be tested.
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Eating outBrisbane Location is a technicality: Prawnster vows to continue trading The future of one of Brisbanes most popular seafood restaurants remains in doubt after the Supreme Court upheld the termination of its lease. Matt Shea November 14, 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

Closing down isnt an option. So says The Prawnster owner Martin Brennan, who remains defiant in the face of a Friday Supreme Court decision that upheld an April 30 termination of his restaurants berthing and mooring deed at Dockside Marina. The Prawnster restaurant at Dockside Marina. Facebook / The Prawnster We just need to stay open, stay trading, and the solution will be worked out, Brennan says. The popular 60-seat Kangaroo Point restaurant, which occupies two refurbished trawlers and a covered pontoon, has been mired in a lengthy legal stoush concerning its commercial operations at the marina, and the subsequent termination of its mooring deed.

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The Prawnster continued to trade while Brennan took his fight to the Supreme Court, and now he says it will be business as usual while he decides on his next steps. Visitors are pouring into the city during the holiday period, he said. We have Christmas functions booked, so were just going to continue trading, as far as Im concerned. Location is a technicality. Well keep the business trading. Were just going to have to slip around the river or up the river a little bit. Light-filled seafood restaurant a fresh catch for Portside Wharf We have our niche and I cant see any good reason to close the business, based on popular demand. What that looks like is probably slipping around possibly closer to the CBD and just trying to find moorings. Brennan says hes gutted by Fridays decision.

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The Prawnster owner was seeking to clarify in court whether the restaurant could operate on the Crown lease at Dockside Marina. But the court addressed the April termination of the berthing and mooring deed first and, in upholding that decision, said there was no need to hear the matter on varying the Crown lease. The court said, yes, you can cancel his mooring deed, Brennan said. We didnt dispute that; of course he can  But then [the court] said, On that basis, theres now nothing to see here. Im not going to take a look at the underlying Crown lease to determine whether trading is permissible under the lease. Were just keeping our options open, Brennan said. Were just continuing to trade while our lawyers are looking at it. Should we appeal? Should we pursue this action so that it does get clarified and then we can get our sub lease? Its pretty complex. Brennan opened The Prawnster on a refurbished trawler moored at Dockside Marina, opposite the New Farm Riverwalk, in August 2020. The concept was simple: serve fresh seafood sourced direct from trawlers working the Queensland coast, but on a boat on the Brisbane River. Brisbanes best restaurant openings of 2023  so far

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It was an idea modelled on businesses such as Prawn Star in Cairns and the Fishermans Co-Op on the Gold Coast, and its proved enormously popular with locals and tourists, leading to the addition of the second boat and the pontoon. Weve got to keep trading, Brennan said. Its a great little concept  people love us. Theres been an outpouring of support on social media. Last year on Tripadvisor, we were voted among the top 10 per cent of restaurants worldwide. Whether The Prawnster stays at Dockside or is forced to move, Brennan is confident hell be able to trade through the holiday period. Either way, we will find somewhere, he said. Im kind of doing two things at once, which is, What are we going to do about the legal action? Do we have grounds on which to appeal that? At the same time, Im drafting a bunch of letters to the state and local government. Were really throwing ourselves at their feet ... surely one of you, or together, will find somewhere for us to moor.

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There was more evidence, if any was needed, from state parliament on Tuesday, that the Labor government is under new and very different management.

With business adjourned while baby-faced climate protesters were cleared from the public gallery, Premier Jacinta Allan sidled across the chamber for a chat with Coalition MPs Danny OBrien, Brad Battin and Matthew Guy, with Allan looking for the goss on the defection earlier in the day from the Liberals of disendorsed federal MP Russell Broadbent.

Climate protesters in Victorian parliament. Credit: Penny Stephens

A more un-Dan Andrews-like move is hard to imagine, with the former premier preferring to act like his opponents didnt exist, except while he berated them from the dispatch box.

Allan sat chatting with Guy for a little while and glancing up to the journalists gawping down from the heights of the media gallery and jokingly called out to them Matthew Guy said.
Its key conclusion: screen time does affect development, but the impact is very small and inconsistent. I think its surprising how small these effect sizes are, overall, says lead author Dr Taren Sanders, a research fellow at the Australian Catholic Universitys Institute for Positive Psychology and Education. For some kids, in some circumstances, [screens] certainly do matter. But on average, we saw very small effect sizes  which means youd need a really large dose of exposure to have meaningful effects. Screen times effect on kids development is complex. Credit: iStock At heart, were all Luddites The review, published in Nature Human Behaviour on Monday, is quite a fun read compared with many of the dull and jargony papers that cross the Examine desk.

We start with a tour of history. Screen time isnt the first technological Satan threatening kids minds. In the 16th century we were worried about the influence of those newfangled books that were starting to be printed. Then we got radio, and parents worried it would distract kids from reading books (by now considered good, rather than bad). Now we have television and mobile phones, and again we hold serious fears about what these devices may be doing to our children. And hey, thats not unbridled hysteria  public health messages really do seem to suggest screen time is something to fear. Australias guidelines recommend no screen time for kids under 2  zip, zero, zilch  and no more than an hour a day for kids under 5. To me, that sounds like a little goes a long  and harmful  way. But thats not what Sanders study concludes. Looking at educational effects, it finds a very low negative correlation between screen use, video games and television viewing and learning, that explains about 1 per cent of the variance between kids. In other words, everything else unrelated to screen time explains 99 per cent of the variance.

But this is complex. Educational video games seem to improve learning, as do educational apps. And  I think this is important  co-viewing, that is watching television with a parent, seems to have positive effects on literacy (more on this in a sec). Researchers have known for some time that content matters when it comes to viewing television  and its all thanks to Sesame Street. Studies run after it launched in 1969 showed immediate and sizable increases in kids test scores. And a 2015 analysis showed this effect was generational, bumping up the school readiness of kids who watched Big Bird, Oscar and friends. How much does that 1 per cent correlation between time spent on screens and variance between kids matter? The answer is complex. For kids who watch only a little TV, say less than an hour a day, the effect is very small  tiny, says Sanders. But the relationship is linear  as you watch more TV, the effects increase.

At very low levels, these effects are probably not that important. At extensive levels, these effects are probably very important, Sanders says. Theres a second key point here: nearly all data we have on TV viewing is observational. And as regular readers of Examine will know, observational data is very messy. Credit: iStock What else is happening in the life of a child who is watching a lot of TV? Is the TV being used as a babysitter? Could TV watching be a proxy measure of parental involvement  which we know has a major effect on childrens learning outcomes. Other studies show it is families from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, or children of mothers with postpartum depression, who are more likely to watch more TV. And think about the parents who dont let their kids watch any TV. I know some, and they are very intense about giving their child the best possible upbringing.

This would make sense when you consider the positive development outcomes seen when parents watch TV with their kids. Is that really the mechanism  or is it a proxy for parents being involved? I dont think its plausible that a parent sitting on a couch, on their phone, not paying attention to the TV has an effect on kids literacy skills, says Sanders. So  let them watch TV? Not quite, Sanders says. His data does not refute existing guidelines as much as suggest that they should be nuanced. The recommendation for zero screen time under age 2 still makes sense, he says. We dont have a lot of good evidence in the area, and development experts hold real concerns about substituting play and learning for screens at such a critical development stage. Those interactions are much, much more important than anything screen time can provide, says Sanders. But for older kids, future guidelines should focus less on time spent on screens and more on context and content, he argues. Its not just kids engaging in screen time, its what they watch. And we think thats what the guidelines really need to head towards.
In July, Vaelei Von Dincklage said goodbye to her boyfriend David Gasologa, who was heading on a plane to Victoria. He was one of four men en route to Mansfield from Samoa, keen to make money for an easier life on return to their villages in a few months.

Today, she has been scrolling through tributes for her partner of four years, sharing her grief with the families of the four men who wont be coming home.

David Gasologa, Aperaamo Tapelu, Alesana Anitelea and Darrick Amouta Peleti died near Mansfield on Sunday. Credit: Facebook

He had so much planned out for us when he gets back, but its now all impossible, she said. I know that no amount of tears or words could bring him back.

Gasologa, 27, Aperaamo Tapelu, 25, Alesana Anitelea, 34, and Darrick Amouta Peleti, 28, were killed when the car they were travelling in ran off the road in Piries, near Mansfield. The four friends had been picking fruit on a farm near the town for just a few months and planned to head home to their loved ones in April.
So yes, lets help stop the carnage as soon as possible, but lets not pretend we have some high moral ground to stand on when it comes to protecting civilian populations in times of war.

Lawrence Pope, Carlton North We need to try something new

Continuous, and total, Israeli control of Palestinian life and economy, in the West Bank and Gaza since 1967, has failed both Palestinians and Israelis and is now horrifying the rest of the world. A solution to the chronic conflict needs Palestinians to accept that Israel is here to stay, while Israel must take its foot off the throat of Palestinians, including stopping illegal settlements and taking Palestinian property and land. The formation of a democratic and independent Palestinian state must be allowed, without future domination or interference from Israel. Realistically, during any such process, an international peacekeeping force could be required to guarantee security and the keeping of the peace for both Israelis and Palestinians. In the absence of a Palestinian state, there is also a one-state solution between Palestinians and Israelis. Whatever the solution, the deadlock between Israelis and Palestinians needs to be broken.

Malcolm McDonald, Burwood THE FORUM Hate is rising

I write this as a proud Australian and a proud Jew, and the granddaughter of Holocaust survivors who attempted to reach the shores of Israel on the famous Exodus ship in 1947. It has been well documented that the Exodus ship symbolised the struggle of the Jewish refugees to reach their homeland. The refusal of the British Mandate to allow Jewish refugees safe passage to Israel ultimately led the world to recognise the need for a Jewish state. I have never before been more acutely aware of this need.

The age-old antisemitic hate is now rising up around the world cloaked as anti-Zionism, and we must not allow it to fester. Although I believe in the goodness of most Australians of all backgrounds, I cling to the notion that never again will Jews be turned away when seeking refuge from antisemitic atrocities if needed. I am looking to all Australians to ensure there is never a repeat of the atrocities that have been committed against Jews throughout our history. While Palestinians also deserve to live in dignity, Israel is facing an existential threat from terror, and Australia must continue to support its right to exist as a Jewish homeland.

Keren Zelwer, St Kilda East Blameless victims

Desperate people do desperate things, and while the Hamas incursion into towns along the border with Gaza on October 7 may have been the action of a desperate people, it was nevertheless an abhorrent action by the Hamas militants. Notwithstanding, the retaliation by the Israelis appears driven by revenge, with little actual justice for the people who directly suffered at the hands of the Hamas militants. Israels reputation globally may have been irrevocably damaged. Australia has benefited enormously from the efforts of Jewish migrants and their descendants, such as Sir Isaac Isaacs, the prominent politician and judge who was the first Australian-born governor-general. It would seem prudent for Benjamin Netanyahu and his government to reflect on what damage the actions of the Israel Defence Forces in Gaza will cause to Jewish people around the world.

Barry James, Lilydale The loudest voice

While politicians cause many wars, at home they foment conflict for electoral advantage. The latest is the Coalition outrage at young people planning to protest over the current tragedy in the Middle East (Students plan strike to support Palestine, 14/11). Parents, teachers, doctors and counsellors are best placed to help young people deal with issues like this. Too often, the least qualified  politicians  are the loudest voice.

Leave families alone. Parents can work with their children to decide whether to protest or go to school. Or does the Coalition not respect the ability and rights of Australian parents?

Andrew Taylor, Merricks Beach Im not in love

What a strange time to have fallen in love with our country, Gary Newman (Australians are too modest, our nation is much greater than America, 11/11). As a 70-year-old historian and retired Australian history teacher, Ive never been so out of love with it. Im in shock and grief at the calamity that has recently befallen the nation when we denied recognition to First Nations people and refused their request for partnership. This historical event is the greatest fissure in our national narrative since Whitlams Dismissal, and its significance and opprobrium will only grow with time. The lack of commentary on the impact of the No result is worrying. I fear another festering Great Australian Silence. There is much still unsaid about the result of the referendum. We cant just move on. The country feels alienated, and we from each other. We will never reach for greatness while this remains unexamined.

Gillian Upton, Balaclava Chorus of noes

Nick Bryants rejection of the Coalitions parochial Airbus Albo jibe is well made (Who would want to clip his wings? 14/11). More broadly speaking, the jibe speaks to the maddeningly reflexive politicking of Peter Duttons shadow cabinet. The latters unrelenting negativism debases the national discourse. Nuance and bipartisanship have gone missing. ALP strategists must already be compiling video takes of the opposition leader and his shadow ministers uttering no to any initiative from the federal government.

When even the ultimately professional and ethical Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, is being attacked for providing a measured international humanitarian legal perspective on the fraught Gaza situation, it is time for an obtuse federal opposition to take a good hard look at itself.

Jon McMillan, Mount Eliza Name calling

Airbus Albo belittling? Surely its more belittling  and patronising  when political officials of another nation refer to the prime minister as a handsome boy? On the other hand, witty mockery of our pollies traditionally comes with the terrain. Remember Little Johnny Howard, Scotty from marketing, The mad monk, Mr Harbourside Mansion, Ju-liar, The Silver Bodgie, Krudd and so on? Anyway, lets get with the times. Airbus Albo has been superseded by Absenteesi.

Deborah Morrison, Malvern East MP of principle

For decades Russell Broadbent has irritated Liberal leaders John Howard, Tony Abbott, Scott Morrison and Peter Dutton, and his partys head office, driven by a principled advocacy of a more humane approach to refugees and an abhorrence of racism. I disagreed profoundly with him on some issues and we had robust discussions about COVID vaccines and the Voice. Once politicians had friendships across the divide, but this is now a rarity in an increasingly toxic and weaponised public life. So I salute Broadbent and encourage him not to fade away.

Barry Jones, Melbourne

Nuclear waste

Australia is unlike countries with nuclear power: we just dont have it, and consequently dont have the already established industry to build on. Those who propose it risk diverting and distracting from the urgent, war-footing need to decarbonise. In May, opposition energy and climate spokesperson Ted OBrien described NuScales small modular reactor (SMR) technology as an example of a burgeoning nuclear industry for next-generation technology NuScales integrated reactors offer exceptional flexibility with modulars making for simple expansion. Its first build will be in Idaho in 2029. Not only has this project collapsed, it has consumed $US930 million taxpayer dollars. It is sour grapes for OBrien to now cite setbacks in Siemens or SunCable. Wind and solar are not new or experimental technologies like SMR. He should be thankful the government did not plan, as he and Peter Dutton promised to do, a leap into a now-failed exercise.

Fiona Colin, Malvern East Primary target

While some have been upset that Matthew Bachs description of selfish rich geriatrics holding back the Libs could be referring to them, I prefer to think it highlights the seriously rich geriatrics, those in charge of the media, mining and other industries, and behind the scenes in Advance Australia. On that basis, I think its a good statement. Not for a moment did I imagine it pointed to the comfortably well off, who are able to manage their own lives but are not generally selfish.

Barbara Darvall, Caulfield North Something in the way

Well said, Christopher Bantick (Theatre audiences must get their act together, 14/11), but you left out another unwelcome audience intrusion. Recently at a ballet performance, I sat behind a woman with an enormous topknot that I could not see over or around. Luckily, there was a spare seat next to me that I moved to. At the interval, I realised I wasnt as badly off as the people must have been who were sitting behind or even near the woman with the oversize padded headband covered in large sparkling jewels that the dancers costumes were no match for.

Heather Barker, Albert Park

Easy option

Methinks Christopher Bantick doth protest too much. Audience participation has always been a feature of the theatre and the concert hall, at least since Shakespeares day. Concerts and cinemas and theatres are for communal enjoyment of the production, not an individual pleasure. If you want to listen to a concert uninterrupted by the occasional unwrapping of a cough lolly, do it through the Australian Digital Concert Hall, in the comfort of your own home. Stream a film or a play, or buy a book and stay home.

Neville Nicholls, Viewbank To the left, or right

As a pedestrian, I always walk at the left edge of the path and turn and look before crossing the path  it is courtesy and self-preservation to do so. If pedestrians would keep left as a matter of habit, many issues would never arise. As a cyclist, I am a repeat user of my cycle bell (Letters, 14/11). I ring the bell from far enough away to be able to assess if it has been heard and so can repeat/slow down and still avoid any issues with pedestrians. I nearly always thank them as I pass. Despite this, there are issues with some pedestrians  like the ones who go right while their dog on a lead goes left, or one I experienced walking on the left side of the path with his dog and his colleague to his right. The colleague moved left on the bell, the other did nothing for a few seconds, then moved to the right side dragging the dog to the middle leaving nothing but emergency braking and an involuntary exclamation. His excuse: I was too close, and on country roads you walk on the right side.

Laurie Comerford, Chelsea AND ANOTHER THING Credit: Illustration: Matt Golding

Bell ringing

Im very grateful to all the kind bell-ringers. Unfortunately I dont always hear high-pitched sounds. It is time bells were replaced by something that makes a deeper sound.

Andy Hannah, Macleod What use is a bell or a bull horn when both walker and cyclist are listening to Tchaikovskys 1812 Overture, the finale  clarion and cannons? Its the AirPods fault.

Margaret Skeen, Point Lonsdale Like car horns, bell rings can be loaded with inflection, from a cheery Roadrunner Beep! Beep! through to an aggressive honk. People generally will respond in kind.

Emma Borghesi, Rye Protests

Students who are planning to attend the Palestine rally are informed, intelligent and concerned about the crisis. Its an insult to call them political pawns.

Mary Fenelon, Doncaster East Perhaps if the organisers of the pro-Palestinian protests could guarantee they wont be used to incite antisemitism (including calls for the destruction of Israel), and call for the release of Israeli hostages, Ill accept the bona-fide intentions of the protests.

Henry Herzog, St Kilda East

Instead of debating whether it is genocide, or something a bit similar, get Israel to stop doing it.

Anastasios Moralis, Ormond If the hard hearts of the Middle East conflict cant be moved by the sight and sound of children being harmed, then nothing will change.

Matthew Hamilton, Kew Well said, Penny Wong. Once again the voice of reason.

Dean Virgin, Strathmore Furthermore

To your correspondent (Letters, 14/11), its still a wonderful world, its just some of the people in it that are terrible.

Peter Houston, Lancefield Im a bit confused by Optus original claim the cause of its outage was too complicated to explain? Were now told that an upgrade caused safety switches to shut down the system. Basically, the fuse blew.

Dennis Fitzgerald, Box Hill
A stateless man released from immigration detention following a landmark High Court decision has assured Australians the freed detainees are not a danger to the community after years of being locked away and forgotten.

Gus Kuster, a mural painter born in Papua New Guinea who claims Torres Strait Islander heritage, said he was left traumatised from five years in custody after his country of birth wouldnt take him.

Gus Kuster (left), who claims Torres Strait Islander heritage, has been released from immigration detention after his country of birth, Papua New Guinea, wouldnt take him.

He spoke out as a political debate rages over last weeks High Court ruling that overturned a long-term policy of indefinitely detaining non-citizens who failed character assessments if they could not be deported.

Im happy to be back with my family, but the public needs to know what was done to us, Kuster said in a statement on Tuesday night. We made mistakes but we arent a danger to the community. We have families. Please allow us to heal in peace.
Dumped laws that allowed Victoria Police to break up protests and move on demonstrators will be reintroduced to parliament on Wednesday as part of an attempted revival by the Coalition in the wake of angry clashes over the Gaza conflict.

The controversial anti-protest laws were introduced in 2014 by the Napthine government, which gave police the power to move on protesters obstructing buildings or traffic, being violent or causing fear.

Pro-Palestinian protesters rallied in Caulfield last week after a local burger shop that was destroyed by fire became a focal point of community tensions over the Gaza conflict. Credit: Simon Schluter

The laws, which also gave police the option of using the courts to ban some protesters from attending rally sites, were repealed one year later by the newly installed Andrews government, which argued the legislation stifled free speech and banned peaceful protests.

The move to revive the discarded laws follows tensions between pro-Israel and pro-Palestine groups that erupted last Friday night after a fire that destroyed a Caulfield burger shop. Police were forced to close the street, halting trams and traffic, but made no arrests.
Would you even bother to visit Marlborough if you werent a fan of sauvignon blanc? Does this region have anything to offer those who say no to savvy b? Im here to find out.

October 28, 2023

by Ben Groundwater
Motaz Azaiza It was 4am when Motaz Azaiza fell asleep on October 7. The 24-year-old had been up late editing a video for a UN agency, where he worked as a part-time producer, and watching Friends reruns. Two hours later, he awoke to the sound of explosions and ran to his roof to see a barrage of rockets above him. There had been no warning, no exchange of fire that typically signalled a full-blown war. But one had started while he was asleep.

Hamas-led fighters had breached the barriers dividing Gaza from Israel, attacking soldiers and residents of nearby communities. Israeli officials said about 240 people were taken captive and about 1400 people, mainly civilians but some soldiers, were killed in Israel. It has since revised that figure to about 1200. In response, Israel launched a full-scale war against Hamas, trapping Azaiza and 2 million others under bombardment in Gaza  a tinderbox after decades of conflict. Azaiza, who had already lived through four wars, grabbed his camera and stepped out into an unravelling world. Armed Palestinian men whizzed by in an Israeli military Jeep with three captives, two of them in uniform, and paraded them before residents, he said. Azaiza remembers the fear in one of the captives eyes.

He filmed the scene, uploading the video to his 24,000 Instagram followers. I didnt even know what to feel, he recalled. We didnt know that this Jeep was going to bring this disaster on us. Azaiza received a bachelors degree in English translation from a Gaza university and had a passion for travel photography. He honed his craft capturing Gazas beauties and horrors. But war in Gaza transformed him into a war correspondent for the social media age.

Now he has 14.4 million Instagram followers. Azaiza documents the effect of Israels bombardments in a way typical of his generation: raw footage filmed selfie-style, uploaded as stories. His English narration makes his reach global. I feel like my body is going to collapse  I wish I can cover it all, but Ill try to cover what I can without risking my life. Motaz Azaiza I just post on my stories like everybody else, he said. I post videos from my daily life just like celebrities do, he said. But his videos are starkly different.

On October 9, Azaiza filmed himself crying after he survived an explosion. It just moved something within me, he said. I was traumatised, so I cried for two minutes. On October 11, he said he lost his best friends in a strike on their home. Then, members of his extended family were killed. On October 22, he stood over the corpses of dead babies. On October 23, he walked over rubble and declared, We still alive. In the beginning, I didnt know what I was doing or what I was covering, he said. I just wanted to document it and tell people that we are here. I am here.

His coverage and fame has had a cost. Hes finding it hard to focus, exhausted by what hes witnessed, and hes scared for his safety. Hes witnessed the killing of colleagues, how their homes have crumbled in airstrikes, and said he pulled his friends from the rubble. Yesterday, I slept in the house. I had one leg on the bed and one leg on the floor, Azaiza said. I dont know if I should stay or leave. My mother is distraught. On November 4, Azaiza posted a video stating that he was no longer in Gaza City and that it would be too risky to return because it was surrounded by Israeli troops. While he promised to continue documenting the war, he reminded followers of his limitations. Im not superman. I feel like my body is going to collapse, he said to the camera. I wish I can cover it all, but Ill try to cover what I can without risking my life.

Hind Khoudary When Hind Khoudary left home early in the war to report on the wounded and dead arriving at a Gaza City hospital, she didnt realise it would be for the last time. While she was on assignment, Israel ordered the evacuation of residents from northern Gaza, and her family joined hundreds of thousands of Palestinians fleeing south. Khoudary, 28, stayed to document the war but couldnt return home after her neighbourhood was bombed. Khoudary has lived through four of the five wars between Israel and Hamas in the past 16 years. This time, she became homeless  without an adequate supply of clothing.

A freelance reporter for Anadolu Agency, a Turkish news service, Khoudary has simultaneously been targeted by Hamas and scrutinised for posts critical of Israel in the past. She reports in fluent English and is often one of a few female reporters at the scene of attacks, documenting endless scenes of destruction. Theres no front or back line in Gaza, she said. It is all the front line. We have all grown numb, and weve all grown alligator skin. Its an airstrike? Oh, OK, an airstrike, she said. We no longer have reactions.

Khoudary remains separated from her family  her husband, mother, three brothers and five-year-old nephew. But she is determined to keep followers informed. People want to listen. People want to read, she said. Now I feel a great responsibility. Khoudary has been in the spotlight before. In 2019, Hamas detained her and accused her of spying for speaking to protesters arrested during demonstrations against the rising cost of living.

The next year, she appeared in The New York Times for a Facebook post rebuking Palestinian activists for befriending Israelis over Zoom, and tagging Hamas officials. Critics accused her of endangering the activists lives. She removed the post, denied support for Hamas and reminded critics that she had been jailed by them. But she doubled down on her political stance: normalising with the enemy was a sin, she said on Facebook. Now Khoudary has become prominent for documenting the uncertainties she and others face in a brutal war. On November 3, as she was standing outside a hospital, an explosion rocked the densely populated area. Videos showed at least a half-dozen bodies lying in pools of blood, and screaming children. Israels military said it targeted an ambulance being used by a Hamas terrorist cell, a claim that couldnt be verified independently.

Physically, Im perfect. But psychologically, I am not, she said by telephone, her voice cracking. Khoudary and Azaiza have lost many friends in this war, including photojournalist Roshdi Sarraj, who was killed at home October 22. Their colleagues families have not been spared, either. Al Jazeera Arabics bureau chief in Gaza, Wael al-Dahdouh, lost his wife, son, daughter and grandson in an attack. After a strike on their home, Mohammed Alaloul, a cameraman for Anadolu, wept over the bodies of his four children, four siblings and three nephews. Khoudary cant fathom how she and colleagues will process the personal scale of this war once they put their phones and cameras down. We are speechless and numb, she said. We think that our souls are turned off.

Noor Harazeen A month into the war, Noor Harazeen still cant comprehend what happened on October 7. The night before, she was enjoying the company of friends at a hotel overlooking the Mediterranean. Later, she helped her twins, Sara and Bassam, aged five, with their homework and cuddled them to sleep. The attack on Israel surprised Harazeen, 34, but she quickly understood its gravity and left for her job as a TV correspondent at CGTN, a Chinese network.

On air, she embodies the confidence typical of a seasoned war reporter. On October 8, when what appeared to be fighter jets flew above Harazeen, she ducked but didnt move. Days later, an anchor cut the live broadcast to urge her to seek cover from what appeared to be shelling nearby. As a wife and mother, safety is Harazeens priority. So she made the difficult decision to flee south with her husband and twins. Her parents refused to leave, fearing a second Nakba  the expulsion and flight of 700,000 Palestinians during the creation of the state of Israel. The worst part about it is losing your dignity, Harazeen said. I hugged my kids and shoved them into the car with blankets and pillows, not knowing what was about to happen. She still reports for her network and posts updates on the war.

In one, she informed followers that she had been unable to see her parents, who are sheltering in a Gaza City hospital, for 20 days. In another, she described how she couldnt reach them by phone because of downed networks. Harazeen moved to Gaza from the United Arab Emirates with her parents before the 2007 civil war between Palestinian factions that led to the Hamas takeover of Gaza. Wars punctuated her life for the next 16 years. Harazeen had invested her hopes in Gaza City, opening a cosmetics store in an upscale neighbourhood in 2019. She painted it pink and named it Rouh, meaning soul. The building is still standing, for now.

These days, Harazeen shelters in an apartment with about 20 people, sharing a mattress with her husband and twins. They survive mainly on canned tuna and have to go to a coffee shop to use the bathroom. But she spends most of her time at a hospital, reporting on the wounded there, and posting on her Instagram page, which has reached 167,000 followers, partly because of her English. Arabs already know what is happening, she said. So I feel that theres a responsibility to speak in English. Harazeens videos centre on the youngest victims, with striking images of injured newborns, traumatised toddlers and anguished children.

She vividly remembers October 15, when most casualties she saw at a hospital were children, she said. Some had missing heads and arms; others were in pieces. That was one of the most challenging days for me in the war, Harazeen said. I couldnt find the words to express the scene as I stood in front of the camera. Loading Whenever she sees an injured child, she thinks of her own. She worries for their safety and their future. But she hopes her profession can inspire them. I also want them to carry the responsibility of being children from Gaza  and to one day represent Gazas voice, she said.
Educational exposure of ideas, assumptions or hypotheses, based on proven facts" (which need not be strictly current affairs) Value in judgments are excluded, and the text comes close to an opinion article, without judging or making forecasts , just formulating hypotheses, giving motivated explanations and bringing together a variety of data

The President of the Republic of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, has just dissolved parliament and called early elections for March 10, 2024. This has brought an early end to the socialist government of Antonio Costa, which had a solid parliamentary majority. In just 24 hours, a judicial investigation forced the resignation of a prime minister after a political career full of successes and a government of the Socialist Party (PS) that was the envy of the European socialist family, not to mention the balance it had achieved in the countrys public finances.

Unlike Spains, Portugals democracy is semi-presidential. In a situation like the current one  a prime minister who has to resign because he is the subject of a police investigation  the president has several options. If he had wished, he could have kept the socialists in power with a new government, since they had a majority in parliament. This has not been the case and the socialists face a huge challenge. Despite everything, Rebelo de Sousa will give the party time to reorganize and find new leadership, just as he did in the 2022 elections with the center-right party, the PSD.

The biggest challenge for the PS will be managing the political fallout from the scandal involving corruption, which has taken several years to eliminate. The party carries with it the inheritance of former socialist prime minister Jose Socrates, who was indicted in 2014 for corruption and who, almost 10 years later, is still waiting for a judicial decision. The political right, and especially the radical right of the Chega party, will remind voters ad nauseam about the issue between now and the elections.

However, the central question in the March 2024 elections will be who has more parliamentary seats, the right or the left. That was not the case until 2015, when, in order to govern, the PS had to ally itself with the radical left and the communists after failing to win a majority of seats in parliament. That brought about a sea change in Portuguese politics. For this reason, although the radical left of the Bloco and the center-right of the PSD will be on the hunt for the socialist vote, the potential need to form alliances will be the determining element.

The PS will quickly enter primaries to elect a new leader. If former infrastructure minister Pedro Nuno Santos runs and wins the contest, the Socialists will be able to withstand the challenge. Nuno Santos left the socialist government almost two years ago and was one of Costas detractors. Nuno Santos is associated with sectors of the PS that favor alliances with the two parties to the partys left, and he could rise to the challenge.

On the right, the panorama is complex. As usual, the PSD says it will not agree with the populist radical right, but will try if the conservative bloc wins a parliamentary majority. After eight years of socialist government, which has destroyed the association that a significant part of the electorate made between left-wing parties and the waste that led to the bankruptcy of the state during the euro crisis of the previous decade, the fractious right will do everything possible to reduce the PS to a prolonged opposition.

Elections in Portugal are normally less polarized than in other EU countries. But those on March 10 will be tough and will require coalition governments, either on the right or the left. Will the two main parties in power since the restoration of democracy be reduced to rubble by the most radical forces on the left and especially the right? I dont think so. But the outlook seems very conflicted.

Antonio Costa Pinto is Professor of Political Science at the University of Lisbon.

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Art Cars From Hyundai Hit The City

Hyundai Motor Group Brings Art Cars to San Francisco, Boosting Busan's Bid to Host 2030 World Expo

Art cars to be displayed at the popular Pier 39 in Fishermans Wharf and circulate through San Franciscos key arteries during APEC Economic Leaders Week

Hyundai Motors IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6 all-electric models and Genesis Electrified G80 sedan wrapped with vibrant graffiti designs to promote Busans dynamic energy

Hyundai Motor Group has previously promoted Busans bid to host the 2030 World Expo with art cars in Paris, New York, New Delhi, Jakarta and Switzerland



SEOUL/SAN FRANCISCO, November 13, 2023  Hyundai Motor Group (the Group) announced today an exhibition and road tour of 14 art cars in San Francisco to support Busan, South Koreas bid to host the 2030 World Expo. The Group intensifies its efforts in the final push for the host country election, as the decision looms just two weeks ahead.

Hyundai Motors IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6 all-electric models as well as Genesis luxury brands Electrified G80 sedan will be on exhibit. These models will be wrapped in graffiti artwork created by renowned Korean artist JAY FLOW, portraying the energetic spirit of the port city through vivid motifs depicting its iconic scenery and its slogan BUSAN is Ready.

The art car exhibition and road tour will run from November 1317, coinciding with the 2023 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders Week. The art car exhibition will be held at Fisherman Wharfs Pier 39, a major landmark and popular tourist destination in San Francisco.

The art cars will also take a thrilling tour through San Franciscos main thoroughfares, particularly near the main venue of 2023 APEC Economic Leaders Week. This will allow visiting global leaders as well as tourists and residents to become familiar with the beauty of Busans culture and the citys readiness to host the 2030 World Expo.

The Group has actively promoted Busan's candidacy to host the World Expo through a range of activities. Notably, it showcased art cars at events such as the Busan Expo Symposium and K-POP concert in Paris, where the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) is headquartered. These art cars, embellished with promotional slogans for the Busan World Expo, demonstrated the Group's dedication and enthusiasm for hosting the event.

The art cars also made stops in key worldwide cities, such as New York, New Delhi and Jakarta, spreading Busans message of intent to host the World Expo and attracting international attention. The Group also showed the art cars at major events in Europe, such as the 172nd General Assembly of the BIE in Paris last June and the Davos World Economic Forum in Switzerland last January, reinforcing their support for Busans Expo bid.

To highlight Busan as the ideal host city, the Group has generated over 90 innovative content pieces, including social media-friendly short-form movies and infographics, as part of its efforts to garner global support for Busans bid to host the 2030 World Expo. In particular, the Groups promotional film Busan Initiative with the Whole World topped 100 million views in just 17 days following its publication last month, solidifying Busans strong determination to be the host city.
Like the astronaut Neil Armstrong when he set his left foot on the Moon, the physicist Ferenc Krausz was the first person to peer into an unknown world: the realm of electrons, the elusive particles that act like glue for all known matter. In the early hours of September 11, 2001, at around 5 a.m., Krauszs team managed to produce ultrashort laser light pulses of 650 attoseconds (an attosecond is a billionth of a billionth of a second). For the first time, humanity had achieved a flash of light so fleeting that it produced a photograph of the movement of electrons. But the physicist did not have time to savor his own success. When I came back to my office and opened my computer, I saw these terrible images about the World Trade Center being destroyed by these terrorist attacks, he recalls via video conference.

The Hungarian scientist, born in the wine-growing town of Mor 61 years ago, has won this years Nobel Prize in Physics. Krausz is one of the four directors of the prestigious Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics in Garching, Germany. There, his team is searching for applications for their attosecond camera. In February, after winning the BBVA Foundations Frontiers Award, he predicted what the first real-world application will be: detecting cancer in such early stages that it will be easy to cure.

Question. How do you intend to detect cancer so early?

Answer. Attosecond technology was created to capture the movement of electrons on this timescale, but, in parallel, it also turned out to be very useful for capturing another phenomenon: the oscillations of the electric field of light. Basically, we take a very short pulse of infrared light and focus it on a human blood sample. Or, rather, blood plasma, because the cells have been removed, only molecules remain. Its not even red, because the red blood cells have been removed first. It has a yellowish color and contains hundreds of thousands of different molecules. In medicine, it is known that, in a healthy organism, the concentration of these molecules falls within a very narrow range. Some of these molecules are already used in routine laboratory analysis that measure their concentration and compare it with the reference ranges in healthy people. This is very useful, but fails to provide a complete picture of your health status. Many diseases do not have a biomarker, or at least it has not been discovered.

Q. Not yet.

A. That is why there is a gigantic biomarker research industry. Pharmaceutical companies spend billions of euros each year searching for new biomarkers that are supposed to be sensitive to diseases so these can be recognized as soon as possible and cured, or to be able to stop them from progressing at least. The typical example is cancer: you want to detect it as early as possible, because then you will have a better chance of curing it. There is enormous pressure to find new biomarkers that allow early diagnosis, but it is like looking for a needle in a haystack. Lets look at the example of an existing biomarker, prostate-specific antigen (PSA), which is used to detect prostate cancer. Its concentration also increases a lot with a simple inflammation in your body, which shows that this is a problematic matter. So we have chosen a completely different approach. We do not want to select individual molecules, but rather we are looking for a method that can address all molecules. It is like the musician who hits a tuning fork to tune his instrument. We take short pulses of infrared light, which play the role of a mallet. The molecule is the tuning fork. We hit it very briefly and it starts to vibrate. The excited molecule does not generate sound waves, but infrared light. And the frequency of these infrared waves is specific to each molecule. Thats the idea. We obtain blood samples from healthy people and from patients with a certain disease, for example, lung cancer. We measure and try to find out if lung cancer creates a specific pattern in this infrared electric field fingerprint of the blood sample. And the answer is yes.

Physicist Ferenc Krausz toasting with his colleagues in Munich after being awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics, on October 3. ANNA SZILAGYI (EFE)

Q. How reliable is it?

A. The signal is quite significant. Thats why we think weve discovered a very promising way to detect lung cancer. And not only in stage 4 of the tumor, when there are no longer opportunities to save you, which is when it is being diagnosed now in most cases. That stage is basically a death sentence. Half of lung cancer diagnoses in the world are stage 4, so every year a million people learn that they only have one more year to live. The goal is to detect the tumor earlier, in phases 1 or 2, or at least in phase 3, when it has not yet spread throughout your brain, your bones and throughout your body. With our method, we can detect lung cancer with an efficiency of 90% in phase 4, 75% in phase 2 and 56% in phase 1. There is still room for improvement, but we see very clear signs that will allow us to optimize the method. We have also investigated seven other types of cancer, such as breast, prostate, bladder and colon. In all of them we have been able to detect a very distinctive infrared light signature.

Q. When might the real applications arrive?

A. There is still a long way to go. First of all, we must validate this method. So far we have carried out tests on 500 samples from patients and another 1,000 from healthy people. The method seems effective and promising, but to reach clinical applications you need to validate it with many thousands of samples. We will need years to obtain them, because most diagnoses are made in phase 4. People do not go to the doctor before because they do not have symptoms. And, if there is no diagnosis, there are no samples to validate our method. We are forming an alliance with the main hospital centers in Germany to try to obtain thousands of samples from lung cancer patients. We'll need another five years or so.

Q. When we talk about electrons, everyone thinks of electronic devices, but human beings are also part electrons.

A. Yes, electrons play an absolutely crucial role in our lives, both biological and technological. Electrons act by gluing atoms together to form molecules. And molecules, like proteins, are the smallest functional units of every living organism. We know that any change in the structure of these basic building blocks of life can have very serious consequences, leading to dangerous diseases, such as cancer. And these changes in structure always involve the movement of electrons. For a long time, chemists believed that femtoseconds [billionths of a second, or a thousand times longer than an attosecond] were the fastest of the relevant time scales for molecules. On that scale, other people did pioneer experiments, such as Ahmed Zewail, who won the 1999 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for creating the field of femtochemistry. People believed that faster time scales were not relevant, but that has changed. We now know that the movement of electrons on the ultrafast scale of attoseconds can predetermine the reactions that will occur next and which chemical bonds will be broken or transformed to give rise to a new structure. This is how the field of attochemistry has emerged.

Q. Do you think there will be technological applications?

A. We know that we depend on the devices we use every day, like the laptops thanks to which we are having this conversation. The speed at which we can turn electrical current on and off has been stagnant for almost two decades. This speed is about 10 gigahertz: that is 10 billion times per second that we can switch on and off the electric current in our contemporary chips integrated into our mobile phones and computers. This is enormous power, but there is a constant demand for more capacity to run ever faster calculations. For example, even current supercomputers are unable to predict phenomena as complex as earthquakes. Obviously, there is a need to increase power.

Q. How?

A. There are two possibilities to achieve this: one is to achieve greater miniaturization, to be able to integrate even more switching units transistors within the same volume, but this possibility is reaching its limits, because we are already reaching nanocircuits in the range of 10 nanometers. Its not far from atomic dimensions, and its hard to imagine how a single atom could form a transistor. So the only dimension left is the fourth dimension: time. We have used attosecond technology to explore what potential is available in this way. Last year we published that, under laboratory conditions, we can turn current on and off with the electric field of visible light, which oscillates up and down about 100,000 times more per second than the microwaves that turn current on and off in todays electronics. So we have room for improvement by a factor of 100,000, which is, I think, substantial.
The crack in southern Iceland is 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) long and is susceptible to magma activity. In the image, the fissure along a golf course in Grindavik, where the tremors have been concentrated.

Iceland expects a large volcanic eruption. They dont know when it will come, but it is coming. Since the end of October, the there have been constant earthquakes in the southwest of the island. In that same area there have already been other volcanic eruptions, like the one last summer. But this time, with the land tearing open up for miles, they fear it will be one they will remember.

What is happening?

On October 24, the ground began to shake in the southwestern part of the island. In a country as volcanic as Iceland, with more than 200 active volcanoes, the fact that the earth is shaking does not affect Icelanders the daily lives. But the number of small earthquakes has continued to increase. They are now being produced at a rate of more than a thousand a day. This is what is known as a seismic swarm. A similar phenomenon, but on a much smaller scale (barely a hundred tremors), preceded the eruption on La Palma in Spains Canary Islands in September 2021. And what the Icelandic authorities fear is that one of the volcanoes in the region will erupt.

Where are the quakes being felt?

The epicenter of the earthquakes varies, but they are all occurring in a wide area around the town of Grindavik, in the southwest of the island. It is a small fishing municipality located on the Reykjanes peninsula, just 60 kilometers (37 miles) from Icelands capital city, Reykjavik. At the beginning of the event, the swarm was concentrated to the west of the affected area, but later moved to the east. Over the weekend, the earthquakes moved again, concentrating south of Grindavik. The quakes are so far south that if the earth opened at that point, it could lead to an underwater eruption. As for depth, the tremors began occurring at more than five kilometers (3.1 miles) below the surface. But on November 9 they were already at 3.5 kilometers (2.17 miles), and in recent days they have been happening at just 800 meters (2,624 feet).

Seismic swarm in southeast Iceland. More than 1,000 small earthquakes are occurring every day. The epicenter is less than 60 kilometers (37 miles) from the capital, Reykjavik. OMI

What is happening beneath the surface?

The changes in the position of the seismic swarm and the rise of the hypocenter have led those responsible for monitoring its development and the Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) to determine that a magma intrusion would be occurring. The mass must be enormous, with the entire area being on top of it. Bill McGuire, emeritus professor of geophysical and climate hazards at University College London, told the Science Media Center that models suggest that magma is rising along a 15-kilometre-long fracture and is now as close to the surface as 800 meters or even less. From space, GPS has detected a rise in the terrain of several centimeters a day in various points in the area.

Where will the magma emerge?

Scientists do not know where the magma will emerge. But the fracture, which has opened from southwest to northeast, is a clue. According to the IMO, it will do so at some point in the crack. Experts relate this event to the nearby Fagradalsfjall volcano, which has been accelerating its activity since 2021 and whose last eruption was last summer. Therefore, there is a possibility that the material will end up emerging at this point. What scientists do not know is when. In their latest notes, what the IMO have said most often is that the probability of a volcanic eruption in the coming days is high.

Will there be a volcanic eruption?

If experts do not know where a mass of molten earth will emerge, they know even less what type it will be. The alternatives are several. The area is relatively flat and the volcanoes do not have the typical cone shape. In that part of the island  and Fagradalsfjall is a good example  the land opens up with volcanic fissures. In this case, the lava flows from a point in the crack and does not have to be explosive in nature. If it emerges far south of the fissure, it would be in the sea. But an explosive eruption at an uncracked point cannot be ruled out.

The Fagradalsfjall volcano (pictured), whose last eruption was in July, is near the area where lava could emerge. It is a volcanic fissure, from which lava tends to flow without major eruptions. CIVIL PROTECTION OF ICELAND (via REUTERS)

Why are there so many earthquakes and volcanic eruptions in Iceland?

The meeting between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates occurs in the middle of the North Atlantic (something similar also happens in the south, but with other plates). To be honest it is not a meeting, but a disagreement: both plates are separating. Along the ocean, from south to north, an enormous fissure called the mid-Atlantic ridge has opened in the seabed. Although the gap is at the bottom of the sea, thousands of feet underwater, it also crosses land. And what land does it cross? Iceland, which it splits in two.

What impacts can it have?

The authorities have declared a state of alert in Grindavik, but have not yet ordered the evacuation of the town, but of some nearby villages. In the event of an eruption, there is a risk due to toxic fumes, particularly sulfur dioxide. On a global scale, the greatest risk would come from the ash column that could be ejected. That is why, because of the spherical shape of the Earth, planes from Europe to North America fly far to the north, which is to the south of Iceland. An explosive eruption could emit large quantities of particles that disrupt Atlantic air traffic. This is what happened when the Eyjafjallajokull eruption kept world aviation in check for months in 2010. But in that case, it was an eruption under the frozen mass of a glacier and it was the interaction between the lava and the ice that caused the ejection of immense quantities of particles. There is no ice on the site of the potentially new volcano, but if the eruption were to take place in the ocean, it would increase the risk.
The draft of the amnesty law agreed on by Spains Socialist Party (PSOE) and its partners entails amnesty for the crimes and for the administrative and accounting responsibilities tied to the independence referendums held in Catalonia on November 9, 2014 and on October 1, 2017. The measure also covers any actions committed between 2012 and the present that aimed to claim, promote or seek the secession or independence of Catalonia. Once the bill becomes a law, the courts will have two months to apply the amnesty, although it will be possible to raise questions of unconstitutionality that could delay the effects of the measure. In any event, former Catalan premier Carles Puigdemont, who fled to Belgium after leading the failed breakaway attempt of 2017, should be able to return to Spain without fear of being arrested when the law enters into force. Even then, it could be some time before the ongoing case against him in the Supreme Court is dropped.

Who benefits from the amnesty?

The law will benefit nearly 400 people, including politicians and public officials, citizens who were prosecuted for the riots after the 2019 conviction of secessionist leaders, and police officers. The amnesty includes people who were prosecuted for an early, non-binding consultation held on November 9, 2014 under then-Catalan premier Artur Mas, and those involved in the preparation of the subsequent illegal referendum of October 1, 2017 under Puigdemont. The law also covers acts that were committed between 2012 and the present that are not directly related to those votes, but which aimed to claim, promote or seek the secession or independence of Catalonia. The law will strike down a ban on holding public office that was handed down to Oriol Junqueras, head of the Catalan Republican Left Party (ERC) and Puigdemonts deputy at the time of the referendum. It will also wipe away the case opened against Puigdemont and the aides who fled with him to Brussels to avoid prosecution. Former senior officials of the Catalan government who were accused of helping prepare the unlawful vote and promote it internationally will remain untried. Likewise, the police and Civil Guard officers who were charged with injuring people during the crackdown on October 1, 2017 will see those charges dropped. Negotiators have estimated that around 73 officers will benefit.

What is excluded from the amnesty?

The bill does not cover acts against people resulting in death, abortion or injury to the fetus, the loss or permanent damage to an organ or limb, impotence, sterility or serious deformity. The crimes of torture or inhuman and degrading treatment are also excluded provided they exceed a minimum threshold of seriousness. Spains two largest police unions, Jupol and SUP, say that this could leave out from the amnesty the vast majority of the accused officers because around 45 of them have been charged with attacks on peoples moral integrity (inflicting degrading treatment on another person, seriously undermining their dignity.) Acts classified as terrorist crimes are not contemplated in the amnesty bill either, but only when a final sentence has been handed down. This means that even though Carles Puigdemont is being investigated by a Spanish court on suspicion of terrorism over a case known as Democratic Tsunami, he would still benefit from the amnesty.

How will the amnesty be applied?

To be effective, the amnesty law must be applied by the individual courts that previously handed down a sentence or opened up a procedure involving acts to promote Catalan independence that occurred within the period stipulated by the bill. The wording of the document establishes that the courts will apply the amnesty on a preferential and urgent basis, for which a maximum period of two months is given. The court will eliminate the criminal record derived from the conviction. Any outstanding search and arrest warrants at the national, European and international level will be voided. The entry into force of the law will immediately annul any precautionary measures imposed on any of the beneficiaries, who will get back bond money deposited in places such as the Audit Court.

What happens if the law is appealed?

The amnesty law could be appealed before the Constitutional Court by members of the Congress of Deputies, by senators or by regional governments, but the bill establishes that the amnesty will be applied within two months regardless and will not be placed on hold while these legal challenges get resolved. However, the courts that are forced to apply the amnesty may also raise questions of unconstitutionality before the Constitutional Court, and according to existing legislation on the matter, this will give rise to the provisional suspension of the proceedings in the judicial process until the Constitutional Court issues a ruling. This implies, according to legal sources, that the judges who open up this avenue will not apply the amnesty until the Constitutional Court issues a decision. Other sources said that the bill does not make it very clear whether the two-month rule could override this delay.

Will Carles Puigdemont be able to go to Spain without fear of being arrested?

The case involving charges of sedition and embezzlement against Puigdemont and other fugitives from Spanish justice is being handled by the Supreme Court. It is the latters Criminal Section (not the judge, Pablo Llarena) that must apply the amnesty law and decide, if appropriate, whether to raise questions of unconstitutionality before the Constitutional Court. Everything indicates that it will do so, which, in principle, would mean that the application of the amnesty is put on hold, unless, as some sources point out, the judges decide that the amnesty law curtails the ability to suspend the measure. These sources are inclined to consider that, in the case of Puigdemont and his aides, even if the Supreme Court files unconstitutionality questions and the amnesty is placed on hold, no judicial measures could be taken against them, so that they should be able to return to Spain without risking arrest.

Will Puigdemont and Oriol Junqueras be able to run in the next Catalan elections?

The former Catalan premier and the rest of the politicians who are fugitives from Spanish justice have not been barred from public office, so if they return to Spain, they could run in regional elections even if the amnesty has not been fully applied pending possible questions of unconstitutionality. The case of Oriol Junqueras and the other pro-independence leaders who remained in Spain, faced trial and were convicted by the Supreme Court is different: their prison sentences were eventually pardoned, but they remained barred from office. This punishment will expire with the amnesty, but if the Supreme Court elevates the case to the Constitutional Court, the disqualification will remain in force until there is a response, legal sources point out, except in the event that judges feel the two-month deadline overrides all other considerations.
Billie, Meta's AI character based on Kendall Jenner. @yoursisbillie

Thats Kendall Jenners face in the Instagram profile picture, but the account actually belongs to Billie, your ride-or-die older sister  someone who will stick with you through thick and thin, your BFF. This Instagram profile belongs to @yoursisbillie, a character created by Meta using artificial intelligence (AI) technology. Meta has created 28 AI characters, 15 of which are now available to the American public. The AI characters are based on famous personalities, influencers and content creators. Charli DAmelio is Coco, a young dance enthusiast. Paris Hilton is Amber, a crime-solving detective. Snoop Dogg is a dungeon master and adventurous storyteller. Tom Brady is Bru, a sports-obsessed talk show host, and Naomi Osaka is Tamika, an anime fanatic.

The profiles serve up AI-generated images created from videos and studio photos of public figures. The AI-generated photos have Imagined with AI watermarks and represent the personalities of the characters. Billies profile (portrayed by Kendall Jenner) has pictures of restaurants, a photo shoot scene, a building facade, and a ceramics workshop with the caption, My kind of happy hour. But there are no photos of Billie actually making pottery, and the interactive chat feature is disabled for many users.

Tamika, Meta's AI character based on Naomi Osaka

For the uninitiated, an AI chatbot is someone (something?) you can converse with about anything. Just dont call them by the celebritys name  this tends to make them mad (digital culture expert Jules Terpak explains all this in her Media is Changing video.) Lia Habermans ICYMI blog tested the new celebrity chatbots and snarked, when I asked Billie what sneakers to buy this season, the not-Kendall bot told me to buy Converse and Vans, even though Jenner is the star of Guccis latest campaign. Several comments to the blog post criticized the mega-wealthy celebrities for participating in the Meta initiative. I cant believe they sold the rights to their faces and identities to gain more publicity and fame... Dark times ahead, wrote anonymous user Angel Evans. According to The Information, Meta paid $5 million to the highest-profile celebrities. Jenners chatbot has generated the most online conversation and has nearly 200,000 followers. The other celebrity chatbots managed by Meta have fewer than 15,000 followers each.

To grasp the drivers of this venture, look no further than Meta Connect 2023 conference in late September when Meta founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg spoke about the companys focus on integrating artificial intelligence into their products, saying A key priority will be to foster genuine connections with our loved ones. People could turn to the AIs for fun things to do during an upcoming trip to New York  Billie will be there to help you. Zuckerberg also explained why they hired cultural icons and influencers for the celebrity bots  So it would be like talking to people you know. In other words, we live in a time of parasocial relationships and an economy of loneliness.

Parasocial relationships and the economy of loneliness

Why do we care about celebrity breakups, like Taylor Swift and (fill in the blank) or Rosalia and Rauw? These are parasocial relationships  we feel close to those we follow so closely on social media. They start to feel like friends or family. Aimee Adams study on parasocial behaviors concluded that having such strong emotional ties with celebrities can negatively affect real-life romantic relationships.

Meta created its AI chatbots based on this thesis, along with more practical analyses of markets and new emerging economies, including the economy of loneliness. If loneliness is an epidemic, then it can also be a profitable industry. Investor Hugo Amsellem wrote about the ways technology is developing solutions to deal with this social problem and help us belong. Over 160 companies are now developing technology products in six contexts: for religion, family, neighbors/neighborhoods, friendships, couples and companies.

Mark Zuckerberg ended his AI presentation with a screen that read Create responsibly, and explained that everyone will be able to create their own AI next year. In the 2013 film Her, Theodore (played by Joaquin Phoenix) tells Samantha, the AI hes falling in love with, that shes a little weird because she talks like a human but is just a voice from a computer. In one of the films most ludicrous scenes, Samantha replies, I can understand how the limited perspective of a non-artificial mind could perceive me that way. She ends the discussion with a blunt Youll get used to it. We will all soon find out if Samantha was right.
In an obvious nod to the power of his campaign, 45 people voted under the name John Oliver. 44 were for the puteketeke with the other one being for the New Zealand fairy tern.
Tiger 3: Salman fans burst firecrackers inside theatre





MUMBAI,

FANS of Bollywood actor Salman Khan burst firecrackers inside a movie theatre during the screening of his film Tiger 3 in Malegaon in Maharashtras Nashik district, police said on Monday. The incident took place at Mohan Cinema in the Malegaon Chhavni area on Sunday night, the official said. During the screening of the movie, a group of fans burst firecrackers inside the theatre, causing panic among moviegoers, he said.The police are in the process of registering an offence under sections 435 (mischief by fire or explosive substance with intent to cause damage) and 336 (act endangering life or personal safety of others) of the Indian Penal Code, the official said. The identity of the accused persons is yet to be established, he said.

Earlier a group of moviegoers had created a ruckus outside the theatre, he said, adding that the police are probing the incident. Tiger 3 earns Rs 94 crore worldwide on opening day: SALMAN Khan-starrer Tiger 3, which released in theatres on Diwali, has earned the superstar the biggest opening day of his career by amassing Rs 94 crore worldwide, production banner Yash Raj Films (YRF) said on Monday. Directed by Maneesh Sharma and also starring Katrina Kaif and Emraan Hashmi, the film released on Sunday on the festive occasion of Diwali in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu.

In a post on X, YRF said the film had earned Rs 94 crore in global gross, making the film the highest earning Diwali release in Hindi cinema. Tiger 3 collected Rs 52.50 crore gross in India (Rs 44.50 crore nett) and Rs 41.50 crore from the overseas markets, the studio said in a collection note shared on social media. Tiger 3 is sequel to the 2017 film Tiger Zinda Hai and a part of the studios ambitious spy universe that will see characters from Shah Rukh Khans Pathaan and Hrithik Roshan-led War criss-crossing in future stories.
Baghel kingpin of Mahadev app scam: BJP





NEW DELHI,

THE BJP on Monday attacked Chhattisgarh Chief Minister and Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel over the Mahadev betting app case, alleging that he was the scams kingpin and during his term, looted the State to fill the Gandhi familys coffers. Polling for elections to the 90-member Chhattisgarh Assembly is being conducted in two phases, the first was completed on November 7 and the second will be held on Friday. The ED recently claimed that a forensic analysis and a statement made by a cash courier have led to startling allegations that the promoters of the app paid about Rs 508 crore to Baghel. Such an action will be taken against him that nobody would ever dare to indulge in such frauds in the future, BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia told a press conference at the party headquarters here. Baghel has not only filled his coffers by looting the peoples hard-earned money through the scam but he has also shared a part of it with the Gandhi family, the leader of the BJP, which is an opposition party in the State, said.

Its known to everyone that a two and a half years term formula was supposed to be implemented in Chhattisgarh. But after two and a half years, a corrupt Bhupesh Baghel continues to remain the Chief Minister...It is because of him filling the Gandhi familys coffers with public money, Bhatia said while attacking the Congress over the Mahadev app scam case. Baghel was given an extension by the Congress to loot Chhattisgarh and indulge in corruption because he was good at it, the BJP spokesperson alleged.

The BJP says, Har Har Mahadev while Bhupesh Baghel says Ghar Ghar Mahadev app, he alleged. Bhatia claimed that the people of Chhattisgarh have made up their mind to teach a lesson to a corrupt and sinister Baghel in these elections. He described Baghel as the kingpin of the alleged scam and asserted that the kind of strict action that the probe agencies are taking, people are sure that the kingpin will not be spared. The kingpin of this entire gotala (scam) is Bhupesh Baghel...Such an action will be taken against you that it will be an example. No one will dare to indulge in such corruption.
Despite recent calls to protect hospitals by President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, discomfort within the Democratic Administration over the White Houses unconditional support for the Israeli offensive in Gaza is growing. More than 400 federal employees, from across 40 government department and agencies, have signed an open letter urging Biden to call for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and to pressure Israel to allow humanitarian aid into the besieged enclave. The letter, which was sent to the White House on Tuesday, is the latest in an already long list of complaints since the war started, including three internal memos to Blinken from dozens of State Department workers and another letter signed by more than 1,000 employees of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

On Monday, Biden said that he expects that there will be less intrusive action relative to the hospitals in Gaza, after being asked by reporters whether he had expressed concern to Israel about the high number of civilian casualties in the Strip. Gazas hospitals must be protected, he added. Blinken, for his part, said on Friday that much more must be done to protect civilians in Gaza and that far too many Palestinians have died in the conflict.

The letters signatories include a majority of political appointees, but also career civil servants, representatives of various religious denominations and employees in numerous government agencies, including the FBI, the National Security Council and the Department of Justice. The document begins by denouncing the October 7 Hamas attacks in southern and eastern Israel, which sparked the war on Gaza, and then calls on Biden to help stop the bloodshed. We call on President Biden to urgently demand a cease-fire; and to call for de-escalation of the current conflict by securing the immediate release of the Israeli hostages and arbitrarily detained Palestinians; the restoration of water, fuel, electricity and other basic services; and the passage of adequate humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, the letter states.

The dichotomy between the Biden administrations support for Israels war in Gaza and public opinion is a rift that seems to be widening by the minute. Some of the letters signatories helped Biden get elected in 2020. Now, they remind Biden that the Democratic critical mass  voters who will be crucial for his reelection bid in the 2024 election, which Republican Donald Trump leads in five key states  rejects the presidents stance on the war. The overwhelming majority of Americans support a ceasefire, the letter states, picking up on an October poll that showed that 66% of Americans, including 80% of Democrats, believe the U.S. should pressure Israel for a ceasefire.

In parallel to the clamor in the streets and on university campuses, where pro-Palestinian demonstrations are taking place, discontent is also evident at the top level of the Democratic administration. Representative Rashida Tlaib, the only Congresswoman of Palestinian origin, went further in her criticism and recently accused Biden of contributing to a genocide in Gaza by supporting Israel. The comment led her to be censured in the chamber, but also, more importantly, exposed growing divisions within the U.S. electorate. Support for Israel  which was high at the beginning of the crisis in October  has receded among the American public, especially among young Democrats and the more progressive or left-wing faction of the party. Representing that group are Congresswomen Ayanna Pressley (Massachusetts), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Nydia Velazquez (New York) and Tlaib (Michigan), who participated in a press conference on Capitol Hill Monday night to discuss a legislative measure for a ceasefire in Gaza.

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BJPs manifesto is entirely focusedon welfare of poor





Staff Reporter

Union Minister of State for Food Processing Industries and Jal Shakti, Prahlad Patel said the BJPs manifesto is entirely focused on the welfare of poor. He underlined the provisions for women's empowerment and agricultural progress in the manifesto, while addressing a press conference, on Monday. Patel said the government is providing free grains to 80 crore people for the past three years and now Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has extended it for the next five years. He said through the manifesto, BJP aims to fulfill the dreams of farmers, women and poor in the next five years. Patel assured farmers of fair prices, with wheat at Rs 2700 and paddy at Rs 3100 per quintal. Tendu leaves will be procured at Rs 4000 per standard. Women will benefit with cylinders at Rs 450. The construction of Vindhya Expressway and Central India Expressway will be initiated, Airports will be developed in Rewa and Singrauli and metro trains will run in Gwalior and Jabalpur.

Narrating key promises of the manifesto, Patel said the party has vowed for establishment of Eklavya schools in tribal areas, pucca houses to Ladli Bahna under the Mukhya Mantri housing scheme, Monthly assistance of Rs 1500 to the elderly and divyang, opening medical colleges in every ST block, free education for economically challenged children up to 12th grade, inclusion of mustard oil and sugar in poor welfare grain scheme, construction of 13 cultural centers in MP and allocation of Rs 3 lakh crores will be spent for tribal welfare.

Replying to a query, Patel suggested that Rahul Gandhi should clarify his caste and religion before aspiring to lead the entire country. He criticized the Congress for using limitless vocabulary because they are aware of their defeat. Patel said Congress has ruled by dividing society, but now the public understands everything. On a question about the Old Pension Scheme, he said there is a need to prioritize the responsibility of giving the needy and this is a policy matter.
Govt bans 9 Meitei extremist groups, their associate organisations





NEW DELHI :

Groups that are banned for five years, are: Peoples Liberation Army generally known as PLA, and its political wing Revolutionary Peoples Front (RPF), the United National Liberation Front (UNLF) and its armed wing Manipur Peoples Army (MPA). The Peoples Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) and its armed wing Red Army, the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) and its armed wing (also called the Red Army), the Kanglei Yaol Kanba Lup (KYKL), the Coordination Committee (CorCom) and the Alliance for Socialist Unity Kangleipak (ASUK).

THE Government on Monday banned nine Meitei extremist groups and their associate organisations, which mostly operate in Manipur, for their anti-national activities, and launching fatal attacks on security forces. According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the groups that have been banned for five years, are: Peoples Liberation Army generally known as PLA, and its political wing Revolutionary Peoples Front (RPF), the United National Liberation Front (UNLF) and its armed wing Manipur Peoples Army (MPA). The Peoples Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) and its armed wing Red Army, the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) and its armed wing (also called the Red Army), the Kanglei Yaol Kanba Lup (KYKL), the Coordination Committee (CorCom) and the Alliance for Socialist Unity Kangleipak (ASUK) have also been banned. The PLA, UNLF, PREPAK, KCP, KYKL were banned by the MHA under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (37 of 1967) years ago and the latest action extends the ban by five years.

The declaration as outlawed of the other organisations is fresh. In its notification, the MHA said the Meitei extremist organisations have declared, as their professed aim, establishment of an independent nation by secession of Manipur from India through armed struggle and to incite indigenous people of Manipur for such secession. The MHA said it is of the opinion that the Meitei extremist organisations have been engaging in activities prejudicial to the sovereignty and integrity of India, employing and engaging in armed means to achieve their aforesaid objectives, attacking and killing the security forces, the police and civilians in Manipur, indulging in acts of intimidation, extortion and looting of civilian population for collection of funds for their organisations. They are making contacts with sources abroad for influencing public opinion and for securing their assistance by way of arms and training for the purpose of achieving their secessionist objective and maintaining camps in neighbouring countries for the purpose of sanctuaries, training and clandestine procurement of arms and ammunition, it said.

The MHA said if there is no immediate curb and control of the Meitei extremist organisations they will take the opportunity to mobilise their cadres for escalating their secessionist, subversive, terrorist and violent activities. The groups will propagate anti-national activities in collusion with forces inimical to sovereignty and integrity of India, indulge in killings of civilians and targeting of the police and security force personnel, procure and induct illegal arms and ammunition from across the international border and extort and collect huge funds from public for their unlawful activities, the ministry said. The activities of the Meitei extremist organisations are considered detrimental to the sovereignty and integrity of India and that they are unlawful associations, it said.

The central government, having regard to the circumstances, is further of opinion that it is necessary to declare the Meitei extremist organisations... As unlawful associations and accordingly, in exercise of the powers conferred by the proviso to sub-section (3) of section 3 of the said Act, the central government hereby directs that this notification shall, subject to any order that may be made under section 4 of the said Act, have effect from the 13th day of November, 2023, for a period of five years, it said. Manipur has seen bouts of violence since ethnic clashes first erupted in May. More than 180 people have been killed since then. The clashes have occurred over a number of grievances that ethnic Meitei and Kuki communities have against the other. A major flashpoint has been a move to give the Meiteis the Scheduled Tribe status, which has since been rolled back. Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipurs population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley, while tribals, which include Nagas and Kukis, constitute 40 per cent and reside mainly in the hill districts.
Israel Over Ukraine





By Asad Mirza

UKRAINES ambitions of joining the European Union (EU) received an important boost November 8, when the blocs executive body said detailed negotiations on Ukraines membership should begin next year. A recent EU report has said that the so-called accession talks should finally start, 18 months after the EU accepted Ukraine as a candidate state. The same report recommended that the process should also begin with Moldova, which borders Ukraine. On November 8, EU President Ursula von der Leyen said: Today is a historic day, because today the Commission recommends that the Council opens accession negotiations with Ukraine and with Moldova. Ukraine has long held ambitions to join the EU. In 2013, then-President Viktor Yanukovych was ousted after weeks of street protests when he decided to scrap a trade deal with the EU and instead shift towards Russia, this was followed in March 2014 by Moscows illegal annexation of Crimea. Historically, the aim of joining the bloc  along with NATO - has formally been part of Ukraines constitution since 2019. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who applied for EU membership in February 2022, shortly before Russia invaded his country, welcomed the announcement. Zelensky said that, today, the history of Ukraine and the whole of Europe has taken the right step. Despite all the difficulties, we are moving forward.

And although Ukraine welcomed Brussels suggestion that talks are open and it fully expects the 27 EU member states to agree and adopt the position later this year, the recommendation comes with some caveats that will be hard for Kyiv to comply with at this moment, particularly around the issue of fighting corruption. Interestingly, it seems that the western resolve in support of Ukraine has remained remarkably solid ever since February 2022. Apart from extending financial and military support, their support for Ukraine joining Western institutions like the EU and NATO, many European officials have privately expressed wonder at precisely how long Europe has not only remained focused, but also not torn itself apart on the issue, as reported by the CNN. Remarkably, Ukraine has had what the European diplomat described as our undivided attention for the best part of two years. Since February 2022, Zelensky has become a master at using the media to further his political aims. He has been able to persuade various Western governments to supply Ukraine with more weapons, ammunition and money for the defensive campaign against Russia using the moral pressure of defending the Ukrainian citizens.

This sentimental sell has resulted in Ukraine getting many advanced armaments, which might not have possible in the peaceful time, such as heavy artillery, modern air defence systems, Leopard 2 tanks and even F-16 fighter jets -- all weapons systems whose delivery to Ukraine had previously seemed unfathomable. Significantly, Ukrainian officials have been concerned that lately global and in particular the US attention has shifted from Ukraine to the Middle East since the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7. This trend could be noticed in the manner in which the President Joe Biden has requested a further $106 billion from Congress for Israel, Ukraine and the Pacific Rim. But the Republicans have put a spanner in his plans, with the new Speaker of the House Mike Johnson agreeing to wave through $14 billion for Israel, but hasnt released even a single cent for Ukraine. Similarly, in the Senate, the Republicans only want to release the money for Kyiv if the US Government tightens its rules for asylum-seekers. In reality any end to US aid would be no less than a disaster for Ukraine. Its Army is suffering from huge shortages after more than 600 days of war. At the moment Kiev's list of priorities are weapons for air defence  from portable devices including Stinger missiles to state-of-the-art missile defence systems like Europes Iris-T. Artillery and electronic warfare equipment to defend against Russian drones are also urgently needed in this war of attrition. Commenting editorially on the recent talk of war fatigue in the west, the Guardian said that President Volodymyr Zelenskiy recently acknowledged the gruelling nature of the attritional conflict that has been forced on Ukraine by his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.

Nevertheless, he added, he was confident that support for Ukraine in its struggle against Russian forces remained robust. The editorial further opined that this view was vindicated on Wednesday, when von der Leyen recommended that the EU begin membership talks with Ukraine. This was a necessary and much-needed act of solidarity  all the more so at a time when international attention is focused on the tragic events in the Middle East. Indeed, it is even possible the US will start reducing its support to Ukraine, and the EU would not be able to make up for that shortfall, as it is not equipped to match the deep coffers of Washington. This is due to the fact that traditionally the US cant leave Israel, one of its most staunch allies, alone at this juncture, as this may transform into a completely reworked geopolitical scenario in the region with its accompanied global impact, and which Washington could least afford at present, with President Biden facing one of the most crucial times of his presidency, with attacks from the liberal elements throughout the country accompanied with the Republican offensive for the next years presidential elections. (IANS)
PM spends Diwali with jawans Soldiers protecting India as unflinching Himalayas





LEPCHA (HP),

PRIME Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said security forces have a big role in maintaining peace and keeping Indias borders safe at a time of rising global expectations from the country, as he flew to Lepcha in Himachal Pradesh to spend his Diwali with soldiers. Keeping with his annual practice of spending time with personnel of the Armed Forces on Diwali, Modi also asserted that India is fast emerging as a big global player in the defence sector and the capabilities of its security forces are constantly rising. Global circumstances are such that the expectations from India are also constantly rising, the Prime Minister said. At such an important time, it is necessary that Indias borders are protected and there is an environment of peace in the country, and you have a big role in this, Modi, dressed in Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) fatigues, said.

India is protected till the time my bravehearts are standing on the borders, unflinching as the Himalayas, the Prime Minister said. He added that after independence, these bravehearts (Army personnel) fought so many wars and won the countrys heart...Our jawans have snatched victory in the face of challenges. It is said that parv is where the parivaar is. On festivals, being away from the family and deployed on the borders exemplifies the commitment to duty. The country is indebted to you, Modi told soldiers. Therefore, on Diwali, one diya is for your safety, and in every prayer, people wish for your safety, the prime minister said, noting that for 30-35 years he has been travelling to border areas on Diwali to celebrate the festival with soldiers. Modi noted that he has been doing it since long before he was either prime minister or chief minister. The place where jawans are posted is no less than any temple for me. Wherever you are, my festival is there, he said.

Indias soldiers have always walked ahead, risking their lives, and have always proven that they are the strongest wall at the borders, he said on Sunday. For me, a place where our security forces are deployed is no less than a temple, Modi said. The Prime Minister also hailed the role played by the armed forces in evacuations from violence-hit areas, and saving lives in earthquake-hit areas and during other calamities. When we had to pull out people from Sudan, Indias bravehearts completed the mission with courage. When there was an earthquake in Turkiye, they risked their lives to save people, Modi said. Wherever Indians are in danger, security forces are always committed to ensuring their safety, he asserted. We are proud of our forces and soldiers, Modi added. The Prime Minister also listed the achievements in the last one year since the last Diwali and mentioned the achievements.
Sunak sacks Suella





London :

Brings ex-PM Cameron as new Foreign Secretary

BRITISH Prime Minister Rishi Sunak sprung a surprise Cabinet reshuffle on Monday morning, starting by sacking Indian-origin Home Secretary Suella Braverman and bringing former prime minister David Cameron back into the Government as his new Foreign Secretary. It has been the greatest privilege of my life to serve as Home Secretary. I will have more to say in due course, Braverman, 43, said in a brief statement, as it was announced that James Cleverly will be replacing her in the Cabinet, making way for Cameron, 54, as the new Foreign Secretary. The King has been pleased to approve the following government appointments: Rt Hon James Cleverly MP as Secretary of State for the Home Department; Rt Hon David Cameron as Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, a Downing Street statement said. The reshuffle comes at a time when outgoing foreign secretary Cleverly was scheduled for bilateral talks with External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar, who is in the UK for a five-day official visit during which he held tea-time talks with Sunak at 10 Downing Street on Sunday. It now remains to be seen how his further meetings will unfold and if he will be meeting David Cameron as his new UK counterpart in place of Cleverly.





Though I may have disagreed with some individual decisions, it is clear to me that Rishi Sunak is a strong and capable Prime Minister, who is showing exemplary leadership at a difficult time, Cameron posted in a statement on X. I want to help him to deliver the security and prosperity our country needs and be part of the strongest possible team that serves the United Kingdom and that can be presented to the country when the General Election is held, he said. The 57-year-old had resigned as prime minister in June 2016 soon after he lost in the Brexit referendum, having campaigned for the UK to remain within the European Union (EU). At the time, he was directly at odds with Sunak  then a junior minister  who had campaigned for Britain to leave the EU. While I have been out of front-line politics for the last seven years, I hope that my experience  as Conservative Leader for eleven years and Prime Minister for six  will assist me in helping the Prime Minister to meet these vital challenges, added Cameron. Bravermans exit was somewhat expected after days of speculation over her job since it emerged her controversial newspaper article attacking the Metropolitan Police was published without clearance from 10 Downing Street.

The Goan-origin Cabinet minister has repeatedly courted controversy in her senior UK Cabinet role, most recently by accusing the Met Police of playing favourites when tackling with aggressive Israel-Gaza protests in an article in The Times. Sunak had been under pressure from sections of his Conservative Party as well as faced attacks from the Opposition for allowing her to continue in her job after her breach of the ministerial code by defying her boss orders. Our brave police officers deserve the thanks of every decent citizen for their professionalism in the face of violence and aggression from protesters and counter protesters in London on Sunday. That multiple officers were injured doing their duty is an outrage, Braverman said in a statement on Sunday evening, following far-right violence during the protests over the weekend.

The sick, inflammatory and, in some cases, clearly criminal chants, placards and paraphernalia openly on display at the march mark a new low. Antisemitism and other forms of racism together with the valorising of terrorism on such a scale is deeply troubling, she said, in her final statement as home secretary. However, she is unlikely to go to the Tory backbenches of the House of Commons quietly and expected to create trouble for the Sunak-led government with the backing of her supporters on the right of the Conservative Party. I hope my experience...: Former UK PM David Cameron after big political comeback: FORMER UK Prime Minister, David Cameron after being appointed as the Foreign Secretary in a major comeback, affirmed hope that his experience as leader and in office will help him in assisting the present British PM Rishi Sunak at a challenging juncture. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Cameron posted, The Prime Minister has asked me to serve as his Foreign Secretary and I have gladly accepted. It will be an honour to serve our country alongside our dedicated FCDO staff and provide the continued leadership and support that they deserve, he added. Cameron cited that the UK is facing daunting international challenges due to episodes of the Israel-Hamas war and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and there is a need to ensure stability and security on the global stage.

At this time of profound global change, it has rarely been more important for this country to stand by our allies, strengthen our partnerships and make sure our voice is heard, he said. He further said that despite being out of front-line politics for seven years, he is hopeful that his experience will help him at the new job. While I have been out of front-line politics for the last seven years, I hope that my experience - as Conservative Leader for eleven years and Prime Minister for six - will assist me in helping the Prime Minister to meet these vital challenges, Cameron said. The former PM added that Britain is a truly international country and its people live all over the world and its businesses trade in every corner of the globe. Working to help ensure stability and security on the global stage is both essential and squarely in our national interest. International security is vital for our domestic security, he said. Heaping praise on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Cameron further said that Sunak is showing exemplary leadership at a difficult time.

Though I may have disagreed with some individual decisions, it is clear to me that Rishi Sunak is a strong and capable Prime Minister, who is showing exemplary leadership at a difficult time. I want to help him to deliver the security and prosperity our country needs and be part of the strongest possible team that serves the United Kingdom and that can be presented to the country when the General Election is held, he further said. He also praised former Foreign Secretary James Cleverly and said that he wants to work with him in the new role. I believe in public service. That is what first motivated me to get involved in politics in the 1980s, to work in government in the 1990s, become a Member of Parliament in the 2000s and put myself forward as Party Leader and Prime Minister, Cameron said. He added, The UKs Foreign Office, our Diplomatic Service, our Intelligence Services and our Aid and Development capabilities are some of the finest assets of their kind anywhere in the world. I know from my time in office that they are staffed by brilliant, patriotic and hard-working people. They have been well led by James Cleverly, with whom I look forward to working in his vital new role.

This comes after UK PM Rishi Sunak sacked his home secretary Suella Braverman over her sharp criticism of Police amid the ongoing Pro-Palestine rallies in the United Kingdom, Reuters reported. Bravermans removal came amid mounting pressure on PM Sunak over her article in the Times UK that criticised the Metropolitan Police for allegedly going soft on certain radical elements in Pro-Palestine rallies. After this, in a major cabinet reshuffle, James Cleverly was appointed as the Secretary of State for Home Affairs and Cameron was assigned the responsibility of Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, Downing Street informed. Notably, this is only the second time after World War II that a former Prime Minister has returned to the cabinet. Cameron had resigned as the PM in 2016 after Britain voted to leave the European Union, in a referendum that was called by him.
The youngest recipient of PVC



Dateline Kargil-9 By Kartik Lokhande : HEROES OF KARGIL

He was hit by a burst of machine gun fire. Undaunted, he charged towards the enemy bunker, lobbed grenade inside it, and fired from his weapon, killing four Pakistanis in close combat, and silenced the automatic fire

Stories of valour can inspire children to become heroes in life. Yogendra Singh Yadav and his brother Jitendra Singh Yadav, grew up listening to the stories of valour narrated by their father Ram Karan Singh, who had served with 11 Kumaon as a soldiers and was active in the India-Pakistan wars of 1965 and 1971. And, when the time came in 1999, Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav made his bloodline proud by scripting a story of valour to be told by others to their kids. Born on May 10, 1980 in village Aurangabad near town of Ahir in Bulandshahr in Uttar Pradesh, Yogendra Singh Yadav wanted to join the Indian Army as he was inspired by the stories of valour and courage told by his father. His elder brother also joined the Indian Army in the Artillery regiment. At the tender age of 16 years, when most youngsters think of owning gadgets or getting lost in the world of dreams, Yogendra Singh Yadav joined the Grenadiers Regiment on December 27, 1996. When the Kargil war broke out, Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav was only 19 years of age and only around three years old in the service.

His unit, 18 Grenadiers, which had already lost two brave officers namely Lt Col R Vishwanathan and Major Rajesh Singh Adhikari during the Tololing operations, was given the near impossible task of capturing the Tiger Hill on the night of July 3/4, 1999. Tiger Hill is a massive feature that dominates the Srinagar-Leh highway. Tiger Hill Top is a conical feature about one km at its base from where it rises sharply to its peak. The feature was a vital position, which the enemy held, as it overlooks the Mashkoh valley, Matayin bowl, and Drass village. Since the Kargil war was the first televised war of India, the media coverage had built an aura of invincibility around this feature. On July 3, around 7 pm, the multi-directional attacks commenced in freezing rain. The 12-hour vertical climb from southern to north-eastern approach involved using fixed ropes. Lt Balwan Singh led the Ghatak Platoon of 18 Grenadiers from the highly dangerous north-eastern approach. Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav was the lead Ghatak, as he had volunteered to lead and fix the ropes to pave way for further assault on the feature. The Ghatak Platoon had been given a crash course in high altitude climbing, at High Altitude Warfare School.

They had barely reached halfway, when the enemy opened intense automatic, grenade, rocket and artillery fire, leaving the team commander and two other soldiers wounded. The approach to the top, at a height of 16,500 feet, was steep, snowbound and rocky. If the advance was stalled, the task would seem more difficult. So, Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav continued to climb, realising the gravity of the situation. He was hit by a burst of machine gun fire. Undaunted, he charged towards the enemy bunker, lobbed grenade inside it, and fired from his weapon, killing four Pakistani soldiers in close combat, and silenced the automatic fire. During the charge, he again sustained multiple bullet injuries, but refused to be evacuated even in critical condition at icy heights. A s is recorded, this inspired the rest of the Ghatak Platoon to charge on the other positions. This led to the capture of Tiger Hill Top, which had become a national objective. The invincible and near impossible task was made possible by one mans bravery amid hail of bullets. I have lived those moments. That time, no other thought came to my mind except that the mission had to be accomplished. You must have seen it in movies that even a soldier whose head gets severed in action keeps firing for a while. I have seen these things happen during intense action.

When in action, soldiers think only of contributing to victory and nothing else. Despite casualties, we mounted attack at Tiger Hill Top and captured it, Honorary Captain Yogendra Singh Yadav (Retd) had told The Hitavada in an interaction when he had visited Nagpur in February 2022. He is Indias living legend. He was decorated with the Param Vir Chakra (PVC) at the age of 19 years only, making him the youngest recipient of the highest gallantry medal of the country. He retired as Honorary Captain. He is among the only three living awardees of the PVC. Though he retired from the uniformed service, he keeps inspiring confidence among the youths about the Indian Armed Forces. For, he feels that everyone is a soldier, with or without uniform. (To be continued)
Donald Trump wants to make a show of sitting in the dock and testifying from the stand. His lawyers have supported the request of several media outlets that the first criminal trial against a former president of the United States, scheduled for March 4, 2024, be televised live. The prosecution opposes the move, claiming that Trump wants to turn the trial into a circus. Federal Judge Tanya Chutkan has to rule on whether to allow the hearings to be televised. What she decides will have a great impact not only on the trial, but also on American politics, since the hearings will be held in the middle of the Republican primary elections and just a few months before the 2024 presidential elections.

Court hearings at the federal courthouse in Washington are open to the public. In the most high-profile cases, people wait in line to ensure they get a spot before the courtroom fills up, as has happened this year, for example, during hearings of the monopoly trial against Google. Sometimes an additional room is set up to follow the session via closed circuit television, which is also available in the press room. Attendees are not allowed video or photo cameras, recorders or other electronic devices. Cellphones must be turned off. The question is whether these rules, which apply generally in both civil and criminal trials, should be maintained in a case as important as Trumps. There are lots of arguments for and against.

Trump is facing four criminal trials, but it is only certain that the case in Georgia  for alleged election subversion  will be televised, as this is underlined in state rules. It remains to be seen what will happen with the other cases. A large group of major media outlets, including television channels, news agencies and newspapers, submitted a request to Judge Chutkan last month, asking if they could access the court with cameras and broadcast the federal election interference trial in Washington, which is the first criminal trial that Trump will face. Failing that, they asked the judge to broadcast her own live stream of the trial on YouTube or, alternatively, at the end of each days session.

Since the founding of our nation, we have never had a criminal case where securing the publics confidence will be more important than with United States v. Donald J. Trump, the media argue in their preliminary statement. The prosecution of a former president, now a presidential contender, on charges of subverting the electoral process, presents the strongest possible circumstances for continuous public oversight of the justice system. That oversight, rooted in decades of First Amendment precedent and sound judicial policy, will be functionally illusory without audiovisual access to these proceedings. Through counsel, Trump has repeatedly spoken about the importance of cameras in the courtroom in this case. For his benefit, and that of the court and the public, real-time audiovisual coverage will be a critical step in stemming false conspiracy theories across the entire spectrum of public opinion, regardless of the trials outcome, they argued. The request is being considered in a civil case parallel to the main one.

Several hearings of the case have been held in Washington courts. But except for the day when Trump was in court to issue a plea, the courtroom  which fits around 100 people  has not even been at capacity. Journalists, onlookers and Trump allies have attended some of these hearings. For example, a few weeks ago, when it was being discussed whether a gag order should be imposed on the former president to stop him attacking prosecutors, witnesses and court personnel, his loyal ally Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene was in the courtroom. But when it comes to the moment of truth  the first trial with Trump in the dock  it is likely that the court will be overwhelmed by onlookers.

The means exist today, through audiovisual recording and dissemination, for Americans to exercise their constitutional right to observe trials, particularly a historic case like this one, the request states, noting that the right to witness the case should not be restricted to the few who can fit in the courtroom. At bottom, no principled constitutional distinction separates the established right of citizens to observe legal proceedings first-hand and the right to record and broadcast those proceedings for the benefit of the many millions who cannot attend these proceedings in person. The nature of the constitutional right should not change depending on the means by which trials are observed. This trial should therefore be televised.

Turning voters into jurors

Trumps lawyers were initially hesitant. The idea of showing a presidential candidate sitting in the dock for the alleged commission of numerous crimes did not seem a good way to sway potential voters. Trump, however, has embraced his status as a defendant and used it present himself as a victim of political persecution. In this way, he has been able to take advantage of his legal troubles to raise funds and increase his lead over the other Republican presidential hopefuls. And Trump is willing to play the trial card for his presidential campaign. Ultimately, he wants to turn every U.S. voter into a juror who decides his fate at the ballot box.

For this reason, Trump has been quick to support the idea of broadcasting the trial. For the first time in American history, an incumbent administration has charged its main, leading electoral opponent with a criminal offense. Aware that its charges are meritless, the prosecution has sought to proceed in secret, forcing the nation and the world to rely on biased, secondhand accounts coming from the Biden administration and its media allies. As a result, the citizens of our great country are unable to review for themselves what the facts of this case show, and how unfairly president Trump is being treated at the hands of his political opponent, reads the motion filed by Trumps lawyer, John Lauro.

The prosecution wishes to continue this travesty in darkness. President Trump calls for sunlight, continues the document, which argues this case has all the unfortunate badges of a trial in an authoritarian regime, lacking legitimacy or due process.

President Trump absolutely agrees, and in fact demands, that these proceedings should be fully televised so that the American public can see firsthand that this case, just like others, is nothing more than a dreamt-up unconstitutional charade that should never be allowed to happen again says Lauro.

The motion says that Trumps defense will show that he had the sacred obligation as president to investigate and address fraud and other irregularities in the 2020 presidential election and provide all the evidence regarding an election that president Trump believes was rigged and stolen. Even though there is no proof of electoral fraud, many U.S. citizens believe the 2020 election was rigged.

No one doubts that Trump on the stand would make for an engaging TV spectacle. The prosecutions objection to televising the trial is clearly less popular. On Monday, the prosecution responded to Lauros motion. In a four-page document, they begin by pointing out that he does not cite a single rule or case in support of his position, because there are none. It adds: Instead, decrying the alleged unfairness of the unequivocal and constitutionally-sound broadcast prohibition that has governed federal criminal trials  no matter the defendant  for decades, the defendants response is a transparent effort to demand special treatment, try his case in the courtroom of public opinion, and turn his trial into a media event. The Court should reject this attempted distraction.

Special counsel Jack Smith argues that Trump is asking to receive different treatment than other defendants in high-profile trials, such as those accused of seditious conspiracy for the assault on the Capitol on January 6, 2021. The comprehensive, often minute by-minute, public reporting on courtroom hearings in this case provides further evidence that the defendants desired sunlight need not come from eschewing the rules, the document states.

Carnival atmosphere

The prosecutors office appears to be tiring of Trumps legal strategy. He may elect to craft court filings with the goal of gathering media coverage rather than lawful relief from the court, as he appears to have done on this and many other occasions. But neither he nor any other criminal defendant is free to bend or break the rules simply to advance a goal of present[ing] his positions in this case to the American public, the response states.

The defendant peppers his response with various references to fairness, but what he actually seeks is to defy a uniform and longstanding broadcast prohibition that was crafted precisely with fair and orderly trial proceedings in mind, the prosecutor says. He desires instead to create a carnival atmosphere from which he hopes to profit by distracting, like many fraud defendants try to do, from the charges against him.

Smith also points out that such a scenario is not hypothetical. As the Court has already observed in proceedings in the defendants criminal trial, the defendant and his counsel will, if permitted, design their in-court statements instead to wage a public relations campaign, he explains in the document.

During Trumps civil fraud trial in New York, the former president used his testimony to dismiss the case as a political witch hunt, which led the judge to admonish him and tell him that he was not at a political rally.

The Court should not grant the applications in plain contravention [...] and further motivate the defendant and his counsel to make improper statements inside the courtroom to provoke a public reaction outside of it, the document adds.

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KYODO NEWS - Nov 14, 2023 - 13:55 | All, Japan

Mexico and Estonia have withdrawn from the 2025 World Exposition in Osaka, Japan's minister in charge of the event said Tuesday, with rising construction costs weighing on overseas participants planning to build their own pavilions.

Still, an additional nine countries including Denmark and Finland have decided to participate in the event in western Japan, Hanako Jimi said.

As of March, a total of 153 countries and regions had announced their participation, in addition to eight international organizations. In the latest tally, the number is 160 countries and regions as well as nine international organizations, according to the Japanese Foreign Ministry.

Sources familiar with the situation said earlier that Mexico was among countries initially planning to exhibit at a self-built pavilion. But the Latin American nation had begun mulling its withdrawal, informing Japan of potential difficulties in securing funds for the event.

The so-called Type A pavilions, in which participating countries design and build their own installations, are supposed to be one of the event's key attractions.

Nigeria has also given up on a self-built pavilion, according to a source from the African nation.

Facing rising construction material costs amid inflation and a shortage of labor in Japan's construction sector, some countries have shifted to a less costly type of pavilion, although the option means smaller exhibition spaces.

The World Expo will run from April 13 to Oct. 13, 2025, on Yumeshima, a man-made island in Osaka Bay, centered on the theme of "Designing Future Society for Our Lives."

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KYODO NEWS - Nov 14, 2023 - 09:52 | All, World

U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to agree on the partial reopening of military-to-military communication channels during their meeting later this week, a source close to the two countries' ties said Monday.

Biden is set to request the move and Xi is poised to accept, given that senior Chinese military officials have also supported the idea, as part of steps to avert miscalculations and reduce the risk of an inadvertent clash, according to the source.

Biden and Xi are scheduled to hold their first face-to-face meeting in a year on Wednesday when they are in San Francisco for this year's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.

Senior Biden administration officials have said that almost all topics deemed important for the bilateral relationship, many of which are contentious, from Taiwan and China's deepening ties with Russia to trade restrictions, will be discussed by the two leaders.

During the meeting, the source said, among many other issues, Biden and Xi may agree to restrict the military use of artificial intelligence that does not involve human oversight.

There has been concern that without certain restrictions, the use of the emerging technology could automatically or accidentally trigger a U.S.-China conflict.

On Monday, Biden's top security aide Jake Sullivan also voiced hope for progress toward restarting the communication channels with China when the two presidents sit together.

"There are also areas where we can more effectively manage competition, for example, by reestablishing military-to-military communications," Sullivan said in a press briefing in Washington.

Although the United States and China have increased communications at the level of senior officials in recent months, in an attempt to lay the groundwork for the Biden-Xi meeting, tensions between the world's two major powers stemming from their geopolitical rivalry have persisted.

High-level military communication channels between the two countries have been closed since China shut them down following a visit in August last year by then U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan, a self-ruled democratic island Beijing claims as its own.

Biden and Xi previously met in November last year for three and a half hours during a Group of 20 summit on the Indonesian resort island of Bali.

It was the first in-person meeting between the countries' presidents in more than three years. At that time, they agreed to facilitate high-level exchanges to manage their countries' intense competition.

But U.S.-China ties deteriorated markedly early this year after Biden ordered an alleged Chinese spy balloon to be shot down over the United States.

"Nothing stands still in the world," Sullivan said at the briefing. "There will be turbulence, as there always is, and the question is (whether we can) create the lines of communication and the broad parameters in the relationship so that through whatever comes we can manage competition responsibly."

"That's what the president has set out to achieve in this summit with President Xi," he said. "So he sees this not just as a one-off meeting, but as an important moment to be able to establish the kind of basis upon which we can proceed out into the future."

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By Keita Funaki, KYODO NEWS - Nov 14, 2023 - 10:00 | All, Japan

Smart agriculture is increasingly being employed in Japan, arousing expectations that producers will be able to entrust artificial intelligence with more labor-intensive tasks to alleviate severe manpower shortages.

Large-scale greenhouse farmers are leading the way, having begun to use AI-equipped robots developed by venture businesses in ways that seem, more or less, to change the future shape of cultivating and harvesting agricultural products.

In September, a four-wheeled AI robot slowly rolled through the lush green leaves of a plastic greenhouse at a farm in Hanyu, Saitama Prefecture, eastern Japan, gathering only the ripest cucumbers.

"We were initially afraid that the robot might cut off the cucumber stems, but it moves accurately," said Takeshi Yoshida, head of the farm called Takamiya No Aisai. "We expect much out of the robot now that labor is in such short supply."

The firm is operated by a subsidiary of Takamiya Co., which manages agricultural greenhouses and other facilities, while the robot was developed by startup Agrist Inc. and uses a camera and AI to determine if it is the right time to harvest crops.

The farm leased the automated cucumber harvester from Agrist, which has been developing harvesting robots since its founding in 2019 in the southwestern Japan prefecture of Miyazaki.

Takamiya No Aisai is the first farm to lease one from Agrist and the robot checks the size of cucumbers based on images it captures from a camera mounted on the robot, recognizing ripe ones and cutting off one to three spheres roughly every two minutes before placing them in a case.

The robot also accurately positions its arm vis-a-vis cucumbers so as to avoid damaging their stems.

The startup hopes that, with more success, other farms will adopt systems of this kind.

Inaho Inc., an agricultural venture company in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture, near Tokyo, has leased an AI-equipped robot to a farm in the Netherlands. It can automatically pick cherry tomatoes in bunches or individually, depending on the mechanism employed.

The AI analyses images and selects multiple tomatoes that are ripe and easy to pick before the robot uses its arm to harvest them. As tomatoes bunch around the leaves and stems, harvesting robots require a complicated mechanism, making it costly when developing ones that can carry out the entire process.

Inaho has therefore developed a robot that reaps some 40 percent of matured tomatoes at night and leaves the rest for harvesting by humans during the daytime.

Starting with the Netherlands, which is an agri-food powerhouse, Inaho hopes to export its smart agriculture technology around the world.

"Although more time is needed to let robots harvest all crops, those currently available can sufficiently support farms with labor shortages," said Soya Oyama, chief operating officer at Inaho. The company has also developed a robot to harvest asparagus and plans to begin leasing the machines in fiscal 2025.

Japan is looking at a new frontier, suggests Takanori Fukao, professor of robotics at the University of Tokyo.

"Starting with greenhouse cultivation where harvesting robots can move easily, examples of its introduction to open-field cultivation are likely to increase," Fukao said.

"In the future, in order to make full use of robots, it's likely that farms will have to be prepared by taking into account the placement of crops in advance, for instance," he said.

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KYODO NEWS - Nov 14, 2023 - 16:21 | World, All

U.S. President Joe Biden and Indonesian President Joko Widodo agreed on Monday to elevate the two countries' relations to a "comprehensive strategic partnership" in their talks in Washington, at a time when China's influence in the Indo-Pacific region has been growing.

Biden said the highest level partnership marks a "new era" in the relationship between his country and Indonesia, a leading member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations with close economic ties with China, at the outset of their talks.

The partnership is aimed at enhancing security cooperation, building a resilient supply chain and promoting the transition to clean energy, Biden said.

In response, the Indonesian president, popularly known as Jokowi, said, "For Indonesia, economic cooperation is priority, including on supply chain issues," adding his country also hopes the new partnership contributes to regional and global peace and prosperity.

"So Indonesia appeals to the United States to do more to stop the atrocities in Gaza. A cease-fire is a must for the sake of humanity," Jokowi said.

Indonesia, which has the world's largest Muslim population, has no diplomatic ties with Israel and has long backed the Palestinian cause. It has condemned Israel's bombardment of Gaza following last month's cross-border attack by the militant group Hamas.

Indonesia hosted a series of ASEAN-sponsored summits with partner nations in September, at which time the United States sent Vice President Kamala Harris instead of Biden, raising doubts about Washington's priorities.

But Biden pledged to continue to work with ASEAN to advance a "free, open, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific" at the onset of the talks and congratulated Jokowi's leadership as this year's chair of the regional group.
That release could not be found.
Urgent Action Needed: Rebuilding Public Trust by Exploring Alternatives to Police Self-Inquiry in the NLC President's Assault Case, Addressing Widespread Lack of Faith and Trust in Law Enforcement

In the aftermath of deeply troubling allegations of police brutality against Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Comrade Joe Ajaero, a fervent call for justice and transparency echoes across the nation. Ajaero's harrowing account of severe beatings, allegedly orchestrated by the police with reported collaboration with thugs, underscores the critical need for external oversight. This is imperative to guarantee a comprehensive, transparent, and unbiased investigation into the incident.

As Inspector General of Police (IGP) Olukayode Egbetokuninitiates an internal investigation, concerns about impartiality and potential conflicts of interest come to the forefront. In response, there is a compelling plea for the involvement of external investigative entities. This narrative strongly advocates for engaging external hands, whether it be a specialized team of State Prosecutors, a special prosecutor, or legal investigators from esteemed organizations like the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). Their role would be to oversee or conduct the inquiry, highlighting the paramount importance of independence in the investigative process.

Amid the growing concerns over the alleged assault on NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero, a crucial development takes center stage. IGP Egbetokun directs one of his deputies in the Nigeria Police Force to conduct an internal investigation into the case. However, the concept of the police investigating their own, particularly in such a nationally sensitive matter, is met with skepticism. Given the palpable lack of public trust in internal inquiries, there is an insistent demand for external scrutiny.

The analogy of "two co-suspicious offenders investigating each other" vividly captures the skepticism surrounding internal investigations, especially in cases involving abuse of power. The gravity of the alleged misconduct and the reported collaboration between law enforcement and thugs intensify the urgency for an independent and credible investigative process. This analogy serves as a poignant reminder of the need for an impartial examination that transcends potential biases or conflicts within the police force.

Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice,Lateef Fagbemi is urged to step In, emphasizing the necessity to avoid internal police investigations. This call urges him to coordinate the appointment of external investigatory bodies, further underscoring the growing insistence on impartial oversight. As the nation anxiously awaits justice, the role of the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, becomes paramount as a symbol of impartiality and transparency in this crucial investigation.

As the public discourse on accountability, transparency, and the role of independent investigators gains momentum, this case serves as a catalyst for a broader conversation about restoring trust in law enforcement. The urgency of external oversight is paramount not only for the specific incident involving Comrade Joe Ajaero but also to uphold democratic values within Nigeria's justice system. The outcome of this case will undoubtedly shape the narrative around police accountability and the relationship between law enforcement and the public.

The resounding call for external oversight has gained momentum, with experts advocating for an impartial inquiry into the alleged assault on Comrade Joe Ajaero. The proposition involves engaging external entities, such as State Prosecutors, Attorneys General, or specialized legal investigators from reputable organizations like the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). The aim is to ensure a transparent, objective, and thorough investigative process, alleviating concerns about bias or undue influence.

Beyond the specifics of Ajaero's case, the incident raises broader questions about the efficacy of internal investigations within law enforcement agencies and their impact on public trust. As the demand for external oversight intensifies, this episode serves as a catalyst for a broader national conversation about accountability, transparency, and the pivotal role of independent investigators in upholding democratic values within Nigeria's justice system.

The gravity of the allegations and the prevailing lack of public trust in the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) highlight the crucial need for a careful and transparent handling of the investigation. Numerous concerns about corruption, self-protection, and poor credibility within the NPF have been consistently raised by the international community and various watchdog organizations. In this context, involving external entities becomes imperative to ensure an impartial inquiry.

The potential for Ajaero to pursue civil or criminal charges against the police, including the IGP, adds a legal dimension to the controversy. This move, while an individual's right to seek justice, further underscores the imperative for an impartial inquiry that is not only credible but can withstand legal scrutiny. It also highlights the pressing need to avoid internal investigations within the police force to eliminate any perception of bias or undue influence.

However, the intricacies of this situation extend beyond the NPF. While other Nigerian bodies might face trust issues, they are unlikely to be perceived through the same lens as the police, who are notorious for chronic trust problems. Therefore, the swift recusal of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and his deputies from the case would not only demonstrate a commitment to transparency but also acknowledge the need for an investigation free from potential conflicts of interest.

This move aligns with global best practices in ensuring justice and accountability. The involvement of external bodies, such as State Prosecutors, Attorneys General, or specialized legal investigators from reputable organizations like the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), is crucial. Despite the scrutiny these entities may face, they are generally perceived as more independent and less entangled in the systemic issues plaguing the NPF.

As the unfolding drama continues to capture national attention, the emphasis on an impartial investigation remains paramount. A decision by the IGP and his deputies to recuse themselves and temporarily suspend officers suspected to be involved will not only uphold the principles of justice but will also signal a commitment to rebuilding public trust, a task that extends far beyond the resolution of this specific case.

The complexity deepens as Ajaero may decide to press criminal charges against the police, led by the IGP, adding a layer of complexity to an already contentious situation. This decision highlights the need for a thorough and unbiased investigation to ascertain the veracity of the allegations and underscores the importance of justice prevailing irrespective of the individuals involved.

In this context, the demand for the IGP and his deputies to recuse themselves from the case becomes even more critical. The inherent conflict of interest is heightened when facing potential legal action initiated by the aggrieved party. Entrusting the investigation to external bodies, such as State Prosecutors, Attorneys General, or legal experts from reputable organizations like the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), becomes not only a matter of principle but a necessity for the credibility of the legal proceedings.

As the legal battle looms, the nation watches closely, placing immense importance on the impartiality of the investigative process. Ajaero's decision to seek justice through the legal system reflects a broader call for accountability within law enforcement and resonates with a public eager to witness a fair resolution that transcends the historic trust issues faced by the Nigeria Police Force.

The unfolding events mark a pivotal moment in Nigeria's quest for justice and transparency. Legal action initiated by the NLC President underscores the significance of an independent inquiry, free from potential biases, ensuring that the outcome stands as a testament to the principles of democracy and the rule of law.

The timely arrest of the suspected thugs is a critical step in ensuring justice, preventing interference with the investigation, enhancing public safety, and upholding the principles of accountability within a democratic society.

The urgency for external oversight has become more than a demand; it is a necessity. The international spotlight on Nigeria's justice system has intensified, with organizations and governments closely monitoring how the nation handles allegations of police misconduct, especially involving a prominent figure like the NLC President. The integrity of the investigative process is not just crucial for national credibility but also for maintaining Nigeria's standing on the global stage.

Including civilian review boards, comprised of community representatives, is essential for external oversight. These boards act as a checks-and-balances mechanism, ensuring impartial investigations into alleged misconduct by law enforcement. By bridging the gap between law enforcement and the public, civilian review boards foster transparency and accountability. In the context of recent allegations involving Comrade Joe Ajaero, their inclusion could address concerns about the impartiality of internal investigations, enhancing the credibility of outcomes. As discussions around police reform continue, civilian review boards emerge as a vital step in building a justice system that serves and represents the community's interests.

In envisioning the future, the creation of an independent Office of the Ombudsman stands as a crucial need. This office would operate independently, serving as a vital intermediary to confidentially address complaints and resolve issues at their source. By providing individuals with a discreet channel for grievances, the Ombudsman's Office ensures a fair and impartial resolution process, contributing to a more just and accountable system.

As this intricate saga unfolds, it poses broader questions about the state of law enforcement and justice in Nigeria. The public's demand for accountability is not just confined to the specific incident involving Ajaero; it echoes a larger sentiment for systemic change, increased transparency, and an unwavering commitment to upholding democratic values within the justice system.

In conclusion, the Ajaero incident has become a catalyst for reevaluating how allegations of police misconduct are handled in Nigeria. The imperative of external oversight goes beyond this case; it serves as a clarion call for a holistic reformation of the systems that govern law enforcement, fostering public trust, and ensuring that justice prevails, irrespective of one's position or prominence.

Psychologist John Egbeazien Oshodi

Professor John Egbeazien Oshodi, who was born in Uromi, Edo State, Nigeria, to a father who served in the Nigeria police for 37 years, is an American-based police and prison scientist and forensic, clinical, and legal psychologist. A sex offender assessment and treatment psychologist. A government consultant on matters of forensic-clinical psychological services in the USA; and a former interim associate dean and assistant professor at Broward College, Florida. The Founder of the Dr. John Egbeazien Oshodi Foundation, Center for Psychological Health and Behavioral Change in African Settings. In 2011, he introduced state-of-the-art forensic psychology into Nigeria through N.U.C. and Nasarawa State University, where he served in the Department of Psychology as an Associate Professor. He has taught at various universities and colleges including Florida memorial University, Florida International University, Broward college, Lynn University, and a contributing faculty member at the Weldios university in Benin Republic, Nexus International University, Uganda, Nova Southeastern University and Walden University in USA. He is a Human Rights Psychologist with a focus on African related environments. [email protected]
The Niger Delta Power Holding Company has disclosed that the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc, and the Nigerian Electricity Liability Management Company owe the sum of N190bn for electricity supply.

This was disclosed by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, NDPHC, Chiedu Ugbo, to a correspondent on the sideline of a media briefing in Lagos on Monday.

He noted that the estimate was arrived at as a result of debts owed for electricity supply to the tune of N190 billion from 2015 till date.

According to him, Huge indebtedness by the market to NDPHC runs into hundreds of billions, N190 billion as of May for unpaid invoices. NDPHC is also not paid for availability but only as dispatched thereby depriving NDPHC of hundreds of billions since 2015 when the Transitional Electricity Market was declared, and the government has so far been denied revenue as high as N3trn."

Ugbo further noted that the debt had made it difficult to meet some of its obligations such as operational expenditures including stock of spares, payment to gas suppliers, and others

He said, Since we are being owed, we cant also pay our gas suppliers and they too wont supply us gas. Gas is what we use in generating power, and if we cant generate; we cant sell. The name plate capacity of our ten plants is 4000MW. We have the capacity to generate as much as 2000MW but we currently generate 975MW."

While speaking, the Executive Director, Generation, Engr. Abdullahi Kassim also noted that the Company hoped to resolve the challenges through its bilateral contracts Light-up Nigeria Initiative, a programme designed to leverage its generation assets to deliver reliable supply to eligible (maximum demand) customers, electricity distribution companies, and third-party project developers that aggregate load and provide a reliable supply to bulk customers.

According to him, To underscore the importance of this programme, it is directly led by NDPHCs Chairman, and Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima. The approach is to focus more on sales to bulk purchasers and developers that aggregate load because of the volume of power that can be sold on each such project (subject to the proper payment security being in place). The initiative offers a sure path to being able to sell a significant part of NDPHCs commercially stranded capacity to light up businesses and homes."

The goal of the Light Up Nigeria Initiative, he explained that it is to provide more than 97 per cent generated power to the masses.
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has disclosed on Monday that the Federal Government has identified about $23 billion in investment opportunities in Nigeria for projects that are directly related to the countrys Energy Transition Plan.

Speaking at the 2nd German-Nigerian Symposium on Green Hydrogen, Adelabu noted that the opportunities would not only provide electric power for economic development but would result in significant net job creation with up to 340,000 jobs by 2030.

He said, The ETP creates significant investment opportunities such as the establishment and expansion of industries related to solar energy, green hydrogen, and electric vehicles.

$1.9 trillion is required to get Nigeria to Net Zero by 2060, including $410 billion above usual spending. This additional cost translates to about $10bn annually. A $23bn investment opportunity has been identified based on current in-country programmes and projects that are directly related to the Just energy transition."

Further speaking on the essence of gas as Nigerias transition fuel, the Executive Secretary, Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, Ogbonnaya Orji, explained that gas had the potential to produce blue hydrogen, which, though not as clean as green hydrogen, would be useful in Nigerias journey towards cleaner energy sources.

According to Orji, And sadly Nigeria is still battling to put in place and embrace efficient gas commercialisation and utilisation policy. For instance, NEITIs recent report disclosed a total unremitted revenue of over $8.2bn. These revenues arose from liabilities of government agencies and oil/gas companies.

A breakdown of the unremitted payments in our report showed outstanding gas royalty of $559.8m and another unremitted sum of $828.8m from unpaid gas flare penalty which indicated that more gas was flared during the period than utilised posing serious dangers to the global zero emissions agenda.

NEITI is working closely with the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission on its ongoing gas commercialisation policy to ensure transparent and effective implementation to reverse the trend of gas flare."

The Ambassador of Germany to Nigeria, Annett Gunther, also noted that Germany and Nigeria were both committed to driving the production and use of hydrogen.

On his part, the Country Director, GIZ Nigeria and ECOWAS, Markus Wagner, explained that, It is crucial to recognise that green hydrogen has the potential to revolutionise our energy landscape. It offers a path to reducing carbon emissions, diversifying energy sources, and boosting economic growth.

Nigeria and Germany share a long and fruitful history of cooperation in the energy sector and GIZ has been an active partner in this journey, working alongside Nigerian institutions and partners to drive positive change.
The Nigeria Police Force has vowed to sanction some of its officers who were arrested while escorting some prominent individuals during the November 11 off-cycle elections in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi States.

The Force stated that the actions of the officers were against established protocols, adding that the defaulters will face disciplinary measures as a consequence.

This is even as IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Inspector General of Police, hailed all police officers, the military and operatives of other security agencies involved in ensuring the smooth conduct of the off-season elections.

The Police boss noted the commitment and due diligence displayed by the security operatives in policing the electoral process is highly productive and commendable.

According to ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer, IGP Egbetokun emphasized that the electoral process in the three states transpired seamlessly, defying earlier threat assessment and projected challenges from various quarters.

He acknowledges the exceptional efforts of the security personnel in maintaining law and order, safeguarding the electoral process, and ensuring the safety of citizens.

In another development, however, the IGP notes, with concern, pockets of incidences that occurred during the elections and charged the Electoral Offences Desk Officers, under the supervision of the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department, to commence immediate investigations into these incidences.

Furthermore, in Kogi State, it has been confirmed that three officers who were arrested by soldiers and handed over to the Police were indeed police personnel but were found to be escorting a VIP contrary to directives. Others who were arrested by election officers escorting VIPs during the polls will also be sanctioned as such actions are against established protocols, and the officers involved will face disciplinary measures as a consequence.

The IGP expresses gratitude to all security agencies involved in the collaborative effort to secure the elections, and he calls on officers to remain committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in the discharge of their duties, while emphasizing the importance of adherence to guidelines, rule of law and standard operating procedures of their agencies for more secure democratic institution in Nigeria, the statement read.
The Chairman of Police Service Commission, CFR, retired Inspector General of Police and an illustrious son of the South-South Geopolitical zone of the country, Dr. Solomon Arase, has described the late Kalabari Kingdom Monarch, King Prof.TJT Princewill as a man who carried himself well and gave selfless Service to the people of the Niger Delta.

Dr Arase stated this when a delegation of eminent indigenes of Kalabari Kingdom in Rivers State paid him a visit in Abuja.

Among the delegation led by the son of the late king of the kingdom, Prince Tonye Princewill were Pastor Tonye Patrick Cole; Opunabo Inko-Tariah, Chief Dr. David Briggs and His Royal Highness, Dr. Diamond Enoch Tobrin-West.

Others were His Highness Anabs Sara-Igbe and Mrs. Chinwe Ezeanya.

The delegation was in Abuja to inform the PSC Chairman of the passing onto the glory of King Prof.TJT Princwill, the Amayanabo and Natural Ruler of Kalabari Kingdom, and arrangements for his burial

Princewill who spoke for the delegation officially invited Dr. Arase to the burial and requested for his assistance in ensuring adequate security during the ceremony.

Dr. Arase assured of his presence at the burial and noted that the late King lived a distinguished life and also positively touched many lives.

According to him, he carried himself well and gave selfless Service to the people of the Niger Delta.

He promised to do the needful and ensure that there would be adequate security during the ceremonies of the burial.
KYODO NEWS - Nov 14, 2023 - 08:39 | World, All

South Korea and the United States revised a bilateral deterrence strategy on North Korea, the first revision in a decade, during the annual security talks on Monday, aiming to better respond to the country's growing missile and nuclear threat.

South Korean defense minister Shin Won Sik and his U.S. counterpart, Lloyd Austin, met in Seoul and signed the updated Tailored Deterrence Strategy, adopted in 2013, the defense ministry said, though it did not reveal details of the revision.

Austin, referring to recent deployments of many U.S. strategic military assets to South Korea, said at a press conference after the talks that the United States' commitment to providing the country "extended deterrence," which includes the full range of its nuclear, conventional and missile defense capabilities, remains ironclad.

"And through our regular combined exercises, we are continuing to strengthen our shared readiness and our ability to fight tonight if necessary," Austin added.

The revision comes as North Korea has shown advancement in its nuclear and missile capabilities. In September last year, the country adopted a law authorizing the launch of pre-emptive nuclear strikes.

Shin said at a press conference that the two defense ministers also stressed the trilateral security cooperation with Japan for the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific by boosting military drills in quantity and quality. He added that a system to share real-time information on North Korean missiles is part of the cooperation.

Shin, Austin and Japanese Defense Minister Minoru Kihara affirmed the previous day that the system is "in the final stage" toward a year-end launch, Kihara told reporters in Tokyo after holding a virtual meeting with his U.S. and South Korean counterparts.

Related coverage:

Japan, U.S., South Korea missile info-sharing system in final stage

Blinken, South Korea's Park share concern about North Korea-Russia ties

Biden, Xi plan to meet bilaterally on Nov. 15: senior U.S. official
KYODO NEWS - Nov 14, 2023 - 17:42 | All, Japan

Japanese astronauts Takuya Onishi and Kimiya Yui will travel separately to the International Space Station on long-term missions around 2025, the country's space agency said Tuesday.

Yui, 53, was initially scheduled to travel around 2024, but his departure has been delayed by a year. Both will be staying for six months and making their second space flights, with Yui having resided at the ISS between July and December 2015 and Onishi, 47, between July and October 2016, according to the agency.

Compatriot Satoshi Furukawa, 59, is currently stationed at the orbiting laboratory, according to the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency.

Onishi, a Tokyo native and former pilot at All Nippon Airways, and Yui, a Nagano Prefecture native and former Japanese Air Self-Defense Force pilot, are expected to lift off in a commercial spacecraft in a flight arranged by the United States' National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

The two astronauts will engage in the maintenance of facilities, including Japan's experiment module Kibo, and in scientific experiments at the ISS, JAXA said.

Onishi and Yui have a variety of space experience, with each having captured an automated cargo spacecraft with a robotic arm to help it dock with the ISS.

"I hope (they will) fly into space and obtain new knowledge and experience," science and technology minister Masahito Moriyama told a press conference Tuesday.

Related coverage:

SpaceX craft with 4 astronauts docks at Int'l Space Station

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Due to the recent rainfall and a reduction in the fire danger index, Orange County Judge John Gothia is lifting the burn ban immediately for Orange County. Judge Gothia is still asking County residents to exercise caution with any outdoor burning activity.
KYODO NEWS - Nov 14, 2023 - 22:28 | Arts, All, Japan

The chairman of Japan's all-female musical theater company Takarazuka Revue said Tuesday he will step down over the recent death of one of its actresses, who a lawyer said committed suicide due to overwork and bullying within her troupe.

Kenshi Koba apologized to the bereaved family of the 25-year-old actress at a press conference "for not being able to protect the life of your precious loved one," but said an external probe team set up to investigate her death has found no evidence of bullying.

But the team acknowledged the possibility that the actress was under a "strong psychological burden" just prior to her death, the company told the press conference held in its base of Takarazuka, Hyogo Prefecture and presented a series of proposed measures to improve working conditions.

Koba said he will resign on Dec. 1 to take responsibility for the oversight in the group's duty of care.

The findings come as a lawyer representing the family said last week that the actress' suicide had been caused by overworking and bullying by senior members of the group, demanding an apology and compensation from the company and its operator, Hankyu Corp.

The lawyer, Hiroshi Kawahito, called for a reassessment of the report that claimed no bullying occurred, citing its "inappropriate recognition of facts and evaluation."

He also criticized the report for viewing the harsh scolding by senior members toward the actress as being within the scope of guidance, saying that it reflected "thinking based on outdated values" such as hierarchical relationships.

The actress was found dead on the premises of her condominium on the morning of Sept. 30 in what police called a suspected suicide.

The company's outside probe team, comprising mainly lawyers, has been investigating the circumstances surrounding her death, including conducting interviews with other members of the Cosmos troupe to which she belonged.

It found that the group's tight performance schedule had led to a situation where the mental and physical well-being of the actresses was being compromised amid a lack of oversight.

But Kawahito said the report had underestimated the overtime the actress had clocked in the last month before her death at 118 hours.

Her family asserts that excessive overtime of 277 hours per month and bullying had compromised her health and led to her suicide.

Emergency service in Japan: 119



If you are having suicidal thoughts, help is available.

For Japan, call Yorisoi Hotline at 0120279338 (toll-free). Press 2 after the recorded message for consultation in English, Chinese, Korean, Tagalog, Portuguese, Spanish, Thai, Vietnamese, Nepali, or Indonesian. The service in these languages is also available on Facebook messenger.



For those outside Japan, you can find a list of other resources here.

Related coverage:

Takarazuka theater actress' suicide due to overwork, bullying: lawyer
PRKYODO NEWS DIGITAL - Nov 14, 2023 - 16:40 | Travel/Tourism

When Shoya Yoshida introduced the mingei movement to Tottori, he infused the western Japan region with a love of folk crafts that would change approaches to craft production and lifestyles and put in place a legacy that continues to enrich the region today.

The simple beauty of Tottori's folk crafts can be found across the region in washi paper, textiles, bamboo, and forged knives, among other forms. It's pottery, though, that offers the deepest dive into the mingei movement introduced here in the 1930s. Visitors can even stop by kilns with direct connections to the person who made the introductions.

Noriyuki Yamamoto is ready to go. We've barely taken our seats in the cafe at his kiln Craft-kan Iwai-gama in eastern Tottori Prefecture. Coffee is yet to be served before the 75-year-old potter slips comfortably into an enthusiastic stream of thought and reflection about his life with mingei and the influence of "Yoshida sensei."

Yoshida sensei - Dr. Yoshida. By day, Tottori native Shoya Yoshida (1898 -1972) was a medical practitioner who treated patients at a clinic in downtown Tottori. The building is still there, though no longer a clinic. Across the road are facilities established by Yoshida in his other guise, as a producer of Tottori folk crafts and the man who brought the mingei folk craft movement to the region.

Knowing that he wanted to do something with his hands as a vocation, at 16 Yamamoto sought the advice of Yoshida, the mingei producer and once his childhood doctor.

"I went to see Yoshida sensei (at his clinic). He was in the middle of an appointment with a patient and told me to wait a moment, so I went to see an exhibit at the Folk Crafts Museum."

That visit to the Tottori Folk Crafts Museum, where the young Yamamoto found himself in awe of the Joseon white porcelain from Korea on display, "is a big reason why we are here now," he tells us.

The Tottori Folk Crafts Museum, established by Yoshida in 1949, is located across the road from what was the doctor's clinic. Today, the museum offers visitors an insight into the life of Yoshida and is a good place for the novice to get a grasp of local folk crafts and the mingei movement.

The most concise definition of mingei, though, can be found in the words of the people who started the movement in Japan in the late 1920s. After the country began its rush to industrialize during the Meiji period a group of craftsmen, led by philosopher and art historian Yanagi Soetsu (1889 - 1961), sought to save simple folk crafts from being left behind, condemned to collect dust in the nation's attics.

Soetsu and his peers combined the words min, meaning "the masses" or "the people," and gei, meaning "craft," to create mingei - "crafts of the people" - often translated as "folk crafts." The mingei movement saw beauty in objects used by ordinary people in their daily lives, championing the creation of honest crafts of practical purpose.

"Mingei isn't just about making things, though. What Yanagi championed was items for living and a way of living," Yamamoto explains.

For Yamamoto early inspiration of mingei as a way of living came when he was invited to Yoshida's house and saw a painting on display by Bernard Leach, the influential British potter who had a close relationship with Japan and who embraced the simple, utilitarian style of mingei.

"I really admire Leach. He was inspired by people like William Morris and William Blake and started to create pottery. I was only in my first year at high school but I was interested in the things they were doing. When I went to sensei's house and saw Leach's work I thought this is the kind of lifestyle I want to live."

The journey to that lifestyle, though, was perhaps driven by Yamamoto's own idea of what mingei is - a way of life in which you take the initiative and surround yourself with that which you think is good.

It was maybe young enthusiasm, though, which drove Yamamoto at 18 and still in high school to hitchhike from Tottori all the way to Tokyo in the hope of meeting his idol Leach who was visiting Japan at the time.

"I read in a newspaper that Leach was coming to Japan, so I hitchhiked on a truck to Tokyo to meet him without having the fare to get back home," he recalls.

Yamamoto did get his meeting with Leach. After that encounter and after graduating high school, he took an apprenticeship at a kiln in neighboring Shimane Prefecture and started to surround himself with those things that he felt were good, much of them made by his own hands.

The cafe we're sitting in - Kissa Hana - is one of three main buildings at Craft-kan Iwai-gama built by Yamamoto. Another houses a workshop and exhibition space displaying examples of tableware fresh from the kiln. The third building, the Sankou-kan, is a "reference hall" showcasing items that have inspired Yamamoto over the years. The hall also serves as an event space.

After coffee and cake in the cafe, served using items of folk craft, Yamamoto gives us the tour.

"I wanted to create in one place somewhere where I could make my own products, where they could be put to use, and where I could have a space to show those crafts and other items that inspired me in the creation of my work."

The Sankou-kan reference hall is a bright and airy space with wooden beams supporting a high-arched roof. Among the cherished items here is a table-cum-counter designed by Yamamoto, chairs from Turkey, and a bed from Afghanistan (by way of Ginza).

Opening up a large wooden chest Yamamoto sifts through the myriad of boxes within, opening one to reveal a mug made by his idol, Leach.

Up in the hall's attic room we are shown some of the Korean-style pottery that inspired a young Yamamoto as well as some of the leading figures of the mingei movement.

"It's not enough that only those people who like pottery come here though. I had to create a reason for others to want to visit so we started holding events here like rakugo (comic storytelling) and live music."

These days Craft-kan Iwai-gama receives around 10,000 visitors a year, according to Yamamoto. Some stay just down the road in the hot-spring town of Iwai Onsen. Others have driven from as far away as Cape Soya, the northernmost point of Japan's northernmost main island of Hokkaido.

Had others timed their visit to match ours, they would have arrived at an Iwai-gama appearing as if soaked in a tropical languor after a rainy spell during Japan's lingering summer. Rising above the tiled roofs of the kiln buildings the trees on the hillside are lush and green. Across the road from the entrance a terrace of rice fields climbs slowly toward mountains in the hazy distance. It's a quite beautiful setting.

In one of his essays on mingei, Yanagi Soetsu wrote of an "idyllic kingdom of beauty," an ideal world where all crafted objects are beautiful. At this moment it doesnt feel like it would be much of a stretch to say that Iwai-gama could be an idyllic kingdom that Yamamoto has built for himself and others, whether consciously or not.

Hana, the resident dog, certainly looks very content with her surroundings in a corner of the kiln courtyard, rising only from a midday slumber to receive some fuss from the cameraman.

For Yamamoto though, theres work still to be done. He remains influenced by Yoshida sensei and the support the mingei producer gave to the craftspeople of Tottori like himself. He wants to return the favor.

When Yoshida opened the Takumi Kogei-ten store in 1932 he created a vital outlet for local craftspeople where they could showcase and sell their folk crafts. Today, Takumi Kogei-ten, located next door to the Tottori Folk Crafts Museum, is regarded as the oldest existing folk art specialty store in Japan and a key factor behind the strength of the mingei movement in Tottori, according to Yamamoto.

"(My generation) started out on its own but there was always someone we could sell to, someone who would give us money in advance. That's what Yoshida sensei did for us. That's how we grew."

"(The mingei movement) now needs to support those people who are yet to make sales, the young craftspeople. People like me can be put to the side."

Yamamoto laughs at the latter statement but it reflects a belief held by the early champions of mingei, that folk crafts be made by the anonymous craftsperson, indistinguishable among the masses. Accordingly, Yamamoto doesn't stamp, mark, or attach his name or that of his kiln to his work.

"In 30 years time I'll be gone and it won't matter if a particular folk craft item was made by me. But if that item is good enough, it will still be around. Thats for sure."

Ushinotoyaki Kamamoto is another of Tottori's kilns to have been directly influenced by Yoshida. It was here that Yoshida began designing the items which he believed would bring Tottori's folk crafts into the modern age.

Bent in concentration over his rokuro potter's wheel in a dimly-lit kiln workshop, Takao Kobayashi demonstrates the technique of kezuri, shaving off unwanted clay to shape the base of the dish he is making.

Outside, the broad and bright rural landscape of mountains and fields, south of Tottori City, unfolds. In the late summer the rice fields appear almost golden and ready for harvest and the greens of the mountainsides are highlighted by brilliant red patches of spider lilies.

This is the satoyama, that border area of foothills between mountains and city where people make their living from the resources that the land provides.

For the 72-year-old Kobayashi, this living starts with shuffling piles of earth dug out of the hillside up the steep driveway to a storehouse next to his workshop where he breaks it down to something finer. From this he can filter out, process, and produce the clay used to create Ushinotoyaki's folk craft pottery.

"It's tough, really. No one likes doing this so they just buy their clay. It's rare to do it like this."

Kobayashi speculates that he might be the only potter in Tottori Prefecture to be making his clay from scratch, and by extension then, the finished items of folk craft.

Despite the hardship of the task, he breaks into a beaming smile at our city-softened reactions of shock at the prospect of getting hands dirty in the course of a day's work.

Behind the workshop, Kobayashi shows us one of his noborigama kilns "climbing" up the steep hillside. This particular kiln is no longer in use after suffering damage during an earthquake some years ago and now appears at risk of being consumed by the surrounding vegetation.

In this setting, amid the raw, natural beauty of the satoyama, Kobayashi appears every bit the anonymous, humble craftsperson that the founders of the mingei movement so championed.

Appearances can be deceptive though. Among the folk crafts made at Ushinotoyaki are some of the most recognizable examples of Tottori mingei - the black and green glazed tableware which bears the touch of Yoshida himself.

Yoshida visited Ushinotoyaki in 1931. At that time the kiln, under the stewardship of its fourth generation potter, was largely producing suribachi mortar bowls, pickle jars, water jugs and tokkuri sake bottles. It was at the kiln, though, that Yoshida began designing his folk crafts, including the green and black glazed somewake plate that is perhaps among the most iconic pieces of Tottori mingei.

Yoshida advised the Ushinotoyaki potters to fade out production of the jars and jugs and focus more on the modern mingei tableware that the kiln continues to make today, images of which can be seen in a myriad of Tottori tourism materials. Or come and see the real thing at the kiln.

"Now when we say 'mingei,' we know what it means. But back then it was like, what kind of thing is mingei?" Kobayashi tells us. "The potters paid attention to Yoshida's advice, even though I think it would have been normal for them to have felt annoyed with this noisy person telling them what to do," he jokes.

It would be a few years after Yoshida's passing, though, that Kobayashi, a native of Fukushima in Japan's northern Tohoku region, would join the kiln and become its sixth generation potter.

No direct contact with Yoshida then, but Kobayashi appears no less serious about the region's mingei movement.

"It's the basis of my life. I can't live without it, financially or spiritually," he says.

We press him on the spiritual aspect. What does he think about when making pottery?

"Nothing! Well, except maybe what I'm going to have for lunch," he responds with another joke before getting serious again.

"I want to do work that keeps me grounded. I have no desire to make things that are flashy. My work doesn't have to be admired, I just want it to be used for a long time."

Whether Kobayashi likes it or not though, Ushinotoyaki is admired by many. And up here, in the glorious landscape of the satoyama, it's easy to be in admiration, almost envious in fact, of the lifestyle behind it, even if it does mean getting those hands dirty.

At 41 years old, Yoshiyasu Yamamoto is the next generation of potter in Tottori. Or maybe the current generation. He has no direct connection to Yoshida and only started producing folk crafts around 10 years ago at his family's Kokuzouyaki kiln in the city of Kurayoshi, in central Tottori Prefecture.

When Yamamoto's grandparents founded the kiln in the late 1800s, it was as producers of kougei - more artistic crafts where practical purpose is not the be all and end all.

It was through a request from Takumi Kogei-ten that Yamamoto first started creating folk crafts and he is now involved, too, in exhibitions at the Tottori Folk Crafts Museum.

"At that time I didn't really feel like I was making mingei. I wasnt conscious of it," he says of his early efforts at folk craft production.

"When I started helping out (at the museum) though, I had the chance to discover old mingei items. I took the opportunity to absorb knowledge from this and when I started creating things by incorporating these older forms I began to realize that I was creating mingei."

Today, one of Kokuzouyakis most popular folk craft designs is inspired by the Tottori Sakyu sand dunes, itself one of the most iconic sights in the region.

Time a visit to the dunes right and you might see on their surface a pattern of wind ripples, or "fumon," - ridges of sand created by Sea of Japan winds, forming gentle lines that appear to move across the face of the dunes.

Yamamoto recreates this fumon pattern using the tobigana technique to create the ripples as lines of chattering dots across the surface of the tableware.

"Actually, I had been working with the tobigana style already but many people commented that it looked like the dunes so I started taking that approach to it," Yamamoto says with casual ease and humility.

When it comes to folk crafts, Yamamoto is open to the ideas of others in the pursuit of creating items which are comfortable and enjoyable for people to use. Unlike some of his predecessors, he doesn't have a hard and fast stance regarding his approach to mingei, in production or in lifestyle. Indeed, Yamamoto appears to move with ease between the worlds of mingei and kougei. The two crafts also look comfortable rubbing shoulders in his kilns exhibition space.

"There was an expectation that I would remain active in kougei, so I still produce both. Mingei is something to be used in daily life. Kougei is more about artistic appreciation and if it is made for use, it's more likely to be for special occasions. That's the difference between the two. Other than that, I dont think about any spiritual or philosophical divide."

Yamamoto does, however, remain committed to protecting Tottori's craft traditions.

"I want more people to know about the culture of pottery here. How we use local resources to make the kinds of things we do," he tells us.

In order to reach younger audiences, Yamamoto collaborates with stores that young people are likely to visit, to put Kokuzouyaki's crafts on the shelves.

One of these stores can be found in Kurayoshi's Shirakabe Dozo-gun district, a traditional townscape of quaint streets and trickling streams.

Inside the area's white-walled storehouses and townhouses are craft stores, galleries, and workshops, among them Cocorostore where Yamamoto has some of his folk crafts on the shelves. Pay attention to the store's lampshades hanging from the ceiling - they were also made by Yamamoto at the request of the store, according to the owner.

The old townscape of Kurayoshi is just the kind of picture-perfect, Insta-friendly setting likely to delight the younger Japan traveler, especially those coming from the larger cities and from overseas. And here they can also have an encounter with Tottoris folk crafts that might inspire them to create an idyllic kingdom of beauty to call their own, surrounded by things that bring them comfort and joy.

In a broader sense, this is Tottori's mingei experience, one which brings visitors into remarkably beautiful landscapes and settings, the kind you want to shout about, to meet humble craftspeople and encounter the quiet beauty of their folk crafts.

Information

About Tottori:

https://www.tottori-tour.jp/en//sightseeing/?s=&area=eastern&order=standard&number=20

ANA Japan Travel Planner:

https://www.ana.co.jp/en/us/japan-travel-planner/tottori-hidden-gem/crafts/

Related:

Epic landscapes, unforgettable experiences: A day in Tottori City
A businessman died and two others were severely injured early this morning after a vehicle crashed into a shop in Belgachia, causing significant harm. The collision resulted in one casualty and left two others critically injured, including a local businessman. The incident occurred on Belgachia Main Road, where a small shop stood with its owner and three others.

Suddenly, a vehicle veered off course, crashing into the shop. The impact led to the death of the shop owner, while the other injured victims were rushed to hospital. Eyewitnesses reported that the collision trapped two individuals within the shop, while the others sustained severe injuries.

All the three rescued shifted to a nearby hospital. Locals expressed their outrage, attributing the inci- dent to the lack of traffic con- trol measures in the area.

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The shadow of Bogtui returned at Joynagar following murder of Trinmul Congress block president and subsequent lynching. Police said Trinamul Congress leader Saifuddin Laskar was murdered after going to offer prayers at a local mosque at Bamangachi in Joynagar this morning. Few miscreants hurled bombs and also fired at him.

He was taken to Padmerhat Gramin Hospital, where he was declared brought dead. Local people managed to catch two of the miscreants. One of them was beaten to death by the mob. Jainul Sheikh, another miscreant was arrested.

After the incidents, there was arson allegedly on the CPM party workers at Daluakhaki Naskarpara. Around 30 houses allegedly were set on fire. Local people said at seven in the morning, Joynagar, in the southern parts of South 24-Parganas, was in flames due to the double murder. Around 400 miscreants indulged in looting and arson, said Manwara Begam, a local resident of Daluakhani. Local people alleged that the arson took place in front of police, who stood as mute spectators.

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Trinamul activists accused the miscreants of the region and engage in a gunfight against them. However, Trinamul leader and MLA Saokat Molla claimed that BJP and CPM-backed miscreants collaborated to commit the murder in the area. CPM leader Tanmay Chatterjee said the murder was committed following TMCs own political rivalries. The police informed that the alleged perpetrator, Saifuddin Laskar (43), was killed on Monday after he went to offer prayers.
Deepika Padukone reflects on her early days in Bollywood, revealing the challenges she faced as an outsider. The actor disclosed that, as a teenager, she was advised to pursue a career in Paris or Milan due to her modeling potential. However, she remained steadfast in her commitment to India as her home.

When questioned about navigating the insecurities prevalent among insiders, Deepika candidly responded that she had no alternative. Being an outsider 15 to 20 years ago presented formidable obstacles, especially in an industry where familial connections often played a pivotal role.

Deepika emphasized that articulating issues like nepotism in bollywood is a recent trend, but the reality of its existence has persisted throughout her career.

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During her initial years, Deepika grappled with numerous challenges, not just professionally but also personally. As a teenager relocating to a new city without familial or friendly support, she had to handle basic necessities like meals and transportation, often lugging her belongings independently. Despite the hardships, she never viewed these responsibilities as burdensome at the time.

The Om Shanti Om star nostalgically recounted her practice of napping during rides home, a habit that occasionally worried her mother about Deepikas well-being. Looking back on those days, she acknowledges her resilience, telling herself, Not bad, girl! You did this, and you did it on your own. Deepika Padukones journey serves as a testament to the perseverance required for an outsider to carve a niche in an industry marked by challenges and, at times, exclusivity.
Guneet Monga and Vikas Khanna join forces for the OSCAR-qualified animated short film, American Sikh, narrating the remarkable true story of Vishavjit Singh. Born in America, Singh, who wears a turban, overcame a lifetime of adversity, self-doubt, and bigotry, ultimately finding acceptance in a superhero persona.

Singh, renowned for his Captain America persona featuring a turbaned Sikh man, fought against racism and stereotypes of the typical American. The film, a collaboration with Singh as director/producer and Los Angeles-based director Ryan Westra, aims to challenge stereotypes, broaden cultural representation, and offer diverse perspectives on American identity.

Animated by Melbourne-based Studio Showoff, founded by Ivan Dixon and Sean Zwan, known for their work with Childish Gambino, HBO, and Cartoon Network, American Sikh has earned acclaim, winning top awards at prestigious festivals. Recognitions include Best Short Animation at the Sidewalk Film Festival, Best Animation at the San Diego International Film Festival, Grand Jury Award for Best Short Documentary at Tasveer Film Festival in Seattle, and the Audience Choice Award at Tasveer Film Festival.

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The films impact extends further with a special mention at the Chicago International Film Festival in Best Short Documentary and an Honorable Mention at the Tallgrass Film Festival in Documentary Short Film. American Sikh not only tells a compelling story but also contributes to the ongoing conversation about representation and acceptance in contemporary American culture. (ANI)
The makers of the recently released biographical war film Pippa issued an apology on Monday following the backlash received for AR Rahmans rendition of Karar Oi Louho Kopat.

Rahman had recently created a rendition of Bengali poet Nazrul Islams patriotic song for the war drama, sparking controversy.

In an Instagram post on Monday, production house Roy Kapur Films addressed the issue, stating, In light of the current discourse surrounding the song Karar Oi Louho Kopat, the producers, director, and music composer of the film Pippa wish to clarify that our rendition of the song is a sincere artistic interpretation, embarked upon only after securing the necessary adaptation rights from the estate of the Late Mr. Kazi Nazrul Islam.

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We have deep respect for the original composition and for the Late Mr. Kazi Nazrul Islam, whose contribution to the musical, political, and social landscape of the Indian subcontinent is immeasurable. This album was created as a tribute to the men and women who dedicated their lives to the liberation of Bangladesh and keeping in mind the sentiments of their struggle for freedom, peace, and justice, the statement added.

The makers emphasized that they followed both the letter and the spirit of the license agreement for the lyrics, as signed with the Late Mrs. Kalyani Kazi and witnessed by Mr. Anirban Kazi.

Their intention was to pay homage to the cultural significance of the song while adhering to the terms outlined in the agreement, which permitted them to use the lyrics with a new composition.

We understand the emotional attachment that audiences may have to the original composition, and while all art is inherently subjective if our interpretation has hurt sentiments or caused unintended distress, we offer our sincere apologies, the statement concluded.

The film, produced by Ronnie Screwvala under RSVP Movies and Siddharth Roy Kapurs Roy Kapur Films, and directed by Raja Krishna Menon, features Ishaan, Mrunal Thakur, Priyanshu Painyuli, and Soni Razdan in pivotal roles.

Based on the book The Burning Chaffees by Brigadier Balram Singh Mehta, the film is written by Menon, Tanmay Mohan, and Ravinder Randhawa.

The title of the film pays tribute to the amphibious war tank called the PT-76 (Palavushi Tanka), popularly known as Pippa, akin to an empty tin of ghee that smoothly floats on water. The wartime saga narrates a story of patriotism and traces the coming of age of Captain Balram Mehta (essayed by Ishaan) of the 45 Cavalry Tank Squadron. Together, Balram Mehta and the Indian Armed Forces exemplify valor and courage in a war for the liberation of another country.

The film is streaming on the OTT platform Amazon Prime Video. (ANI)
Continuing his tirade against its INDIA ally during his campaign for the Madhya Pradesh assembly elections, Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav said on Tuesday that it seems that the Congress is working like a B-team of the BJP.

Yadav, while addressing a public meeting here, said, Take the 2022 results of Uttar Pradesh or the election results of Madhya Pradesh. The language that Congress speaks about the Samajwadi Party is the same that the SP speaks now. But they are annoyed now? In Madhya Pradesh, when Congress needed help to form a government, the SP supported them unconditionally. Our MLA was made a minister, but the Congress MLAs joined the BJP and their government fell, he said.

He said the Congress never talked about social justice and they were responsible for stopping the Mandal Commission report.

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Now, even the BJP has started talking about social justice even as the Backwards, Dalits, tribals and minorities are now demanding their rights and respect. The alliance that will be formed in the future will only get strength from the PDA, he said.

Hitting out at the Congress over the backward politics and caste census, the SP president said, When X-ray was needed, Congress did not do X-ray, but today MRI is required.

He said the Congress does not want us to become its ally. There was an opportunity to give the message of alliance by taking small parties together but they think that the public is with them. PDA will give them a befitting reply by making the socialist candidates win with huge votes, he claimed.

Attacking the ruling BJP in MP, Yadav said this time around a strange election is taking place as no BJP leader is taking the name or support of the incumbent chief minister. In Bhind, Morena, Tikamgarh, Satna, Chitrakoot, wherever I went, I found the same. There are going to be re-elections here. There are not just one or two but many contenders for the post of chief minister, he added.

He said instead of promotion, demotion has taken place in MP by BJP as those who were MPs are contesting the MLA elections.

Earlier the SP president did a road show in the Chandla assembly segment in Chhatarpur district. Yadav spoke to the media in Budhni where Vairagyanand Ji Maharaj (Mirchi Baba) is the SP candidate. During the campaign, he also worshipped River Narmada.
Slamming the BJPs double engine government slogan, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday claimed corruption is taking place with double speed in the saffron party-ruled Madhya Pradesh.

Addressing poll rallies at Vidisha and Khargapur, he said the Congress government formed in the state in 2018 was stolen by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2020.

He told the crowd that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah along with Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and some industrialists stole the Congress government, which the people had voted to power.

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Gandhi also alleged that the BJP betrayed farmers, small traders, youth, labourers and the poor people of the state who had voted the Congress to power. He urged the people to remember that they had chosen the Congress and not the BJP five years ago.

The BJP had toppled the 15-month old Kamal Nath-led Congress government in March 2020 with the help of Jyotiraditya Scindia, who defected with 22 MLAs, including six ministers.

The Gandhi scion accused the BJP-led state government of being utterly corrupt and carrying out numerous scams in all fields. He said the Kamal Nath government, on the other hand, had fulfilled its promise of waiving loans of farmers.

We had waived the loans of 27 lakh farmers, he said.

He urged the people to bring the Congress to power in the polls slated for

November 17.
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh will pay an official visit to Indonesian capital Jakarta from November 16 to 17, 2023 to attend the 10th ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus). During the meeting, which will take place on November 16, the Raksha Mantri will address the forum on regional and international security issues. Indonesia is hosting the meeting as it is the chair of ADMM-Plus.

On the sidelines of the ADMM-Plus, Shri Rajnath Singh will hold bilateral meetings with the Defence Ministers of the participating countries and discuss defence cooperation matters to further strengthen mutually-beneficial engagements.

The ADMM is the highest defence consultative and cooperative mechanism in ASEAN. The ADMM-Plus is a platform for the ASEAN member states (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam) and its eight Dialogue Partners (India, US, China, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand) to strengthen security and defence cooperation.

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India became the dialogue partner of the ASEAN in 1992 and the inaugural ADMM-Plus was convened in Hanoi, Vietnam on October 12, 2010. Since 2017, the ADMM-Plus Ministers have been meeting annually to bolster the cooperation amongst the ASEAN and the Plus countries.

The ADMM-Plus progresses practical cooperation amongst member countries through seven Experts Working Groups (EWGs) namely Maritime Security, Military Medicine, Cyber Security, Peacekeeping Operations, Counter Terrorism, Humanitarian Mine Action and Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief (HADR). During the 10th ADMM-Plus, the next set of co-chairs for the cycle 2024-2027 would also be announced. In the present cycle from 2021-2024, India is co-chairing EWG on HADR along with Indonesia.
Dr VK Paul, Member, Health, NITI Aayog, on Tuesday inaugurated the Health Pavilion at 42nd India International Trade Fair (IITF) here. Sudhansh Pant, Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and other officers were also present on the occasion.

The trade fair offers an opportunity to present the initiatives undertaken for health with a focus on growing momentum of the range of healthcare services available and accessible to the public, said Dr Paul.

The theme of this years pavilion of the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, United by Trade, while the theme of the Health Pavilion is Ayushman Bhava.

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Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Dr Paul lauded the different health kiosks focused on preventive, curative and rehabilitative health care, informing the public on comprehensive health schemes being offered by the Government especially under the Ayushman Bhav.

Lauding the stalls at the pavilion, he emphasized on the importance of creating awareness for diseases and hence availing required treatment, and mitigating any adverse impact as far as possible.

Dr Paul highlighted that the contribution of Jan Andolan movement, stating that awareness amongst the public would lead to behavioral change, by way of endorsing good health practices.

Citing the recent initiative of Sickle Cell Anaemia, Dr Paul highlighted the importance of generating awareness via counselling to ensure correct treatment and mitigate adverse effects of the disease.

Reflecting on the issue of adolescent health, he said: It is imperative to strengthen health systems to ensure a healthy future for the coming generation. He emphasized the role of Jan Andolan in achieving this objective.

He further lauded the establishment of 1,60,000 Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres stating that they are critical to ensuring delivery of affordable and accessible healthcare services in the rural areas.

Dr Paul added that ABHA records will play an instrumental role in ensuring delivery of healthcare services across the nation.

Pant emphasized on the Digital Health initiatives underscoring their universal impact and applicability.

He said: Ayushman cards are ensuring last-mile delivery of free healthcare benefits to the underprivileged through the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana.

He further urged stakeholders to engage with the array of stalls accessible in the event and participate in generating awareness for health initiatives.

The Health Pavilion showcases various initiatives, schemes and achievements of the Union Health Ministry including the recently launched PM TB-Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, National Universal Immunization Programme, FSSAI, NACO, AB PMJAY, NVBDCP, NHA.

It also has various stalls for informative activities, life-saving skills, checking and screening for diabetes, anaemia, blood pressure, BMI, etc.
By Takuya Karube, KYODO NEWS - Nov 14, 2023 - 14:40 | All, World

The United States and other Indo-Pacific countries participating in its economic initiative on Monday were unable to strike a substantial trade deal during ministerial talks, despite their common goal of promoting a rules-based commercial order in the region where China is growing in influence.

Following the first day of the meeting for the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework in San Francisco, Japanese trade minister Yasutoshi Nishimura said progress was made on some aspects but "no substantial agreement was reached" for the whole trade area.

"Unfortunately, there were big differences in position," Nishimura told reporters while stressing that he still thinks they achieved meaningful progress in areas such as advancing paperless trade procedures just a year after entering negotiations.

The stalemate was unavoidable because the United States has put off talks on rule-making for digital trade, including free data flows, due to concern at home over the possibility of benefiting IT giants, according to officials with knowledge of the negotiations.

The areas that prevented the reaching of a consensus on trade in time for the summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum later this week also included workers' rights.

Other economic issues will be discussed Tuesday by the trade, industry and foreign ministers of the 14-member framework, which include Australia, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea and Thailand. They are in the U.S. West Coast city for discussions of the 21-member APEC grouping that follow.

Since the initiative, known as IPEF, was launched by U.S. President Joe Biden in Japan in May 2022, officials have been trying to create common rules and standards across four pillars -- trade, supply chains, clean energy and infrastructure, and tax and anti-corruption -- to help all the members achieve faster and more equitable growth.

The ministers are expected to largely agree on language for the third and fourth pillars, after doing so for supply chains in May.

Regarding clean energy, they plan to announce the establishment of a fund to propel decarbonization measures, with Japan and the United States each expected to chip in $10 million for the scheme, according to the officials.

The leaders of the IPEF countries plan to gather Thursday in San Francisco on the sidelines of the APEC summit and release a joint statement detailing the progress the partnership has made so far, according to the officials.

IPEF, which does not include China, constitutes an important component of the Biden administration's strategy for the region that is considered to be the likely engine of world growth for many years to come. Collectively, the group, which also includes India, Malaysia and Vietnam, accounts for about 40 percent of the global economy.

The two-day IPEF ministerial meeting comes just ahead of Biden's scheduled bilateral summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday at an undisclosed location in the San Francisco Bay Area.

The first sit-down in a year between the two leaders is aimed at stabilizing the bilateral relationship and will involve reviewing many contentious issues between Washington and Beijing, including tensions stemming from fierce economic competition, according to senior Biden administration officials.

While many countries have shared concerns about overdependence on China for trade, critical minerals and manufacturing, Biden is focused on restoring his country's economic presence in Asia after his predecessor Donald Trump pulled out of the more ambitious Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade deal in 2017.

Unlike in traditional trade agreements and the TPP, which was subsequently renamed the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, IPEF is not discussing plans to lower tariffs or expand market access.

Given that the United States remains reluctant to provide new access to its market under the framework, some IPEF countries appear to see little incentive to make major commitments, raising questions as to the extent to which the initiative will lead to further integration of their economies.

Many of the IPEF members, such as Australia, Japan and Singapore, are already part of the comprehensive trade agreement, also known as CPTPP, with ambitious market-access commitments.

Related coverage:

Indo-Pacific nations vow to fortify supply chains for critical items

14 Indo-Pacific nations to strengthen supply chain for critical items

Biden, Xi to meet Nov. 15 in U.S., new "framework" eyed for complex ties
Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal emphasized Indias contribution to Teslas incredible journey during a visit to the US electric vehicle manufacturer Teslas Fremont, California, production facility on Tuesday. He conversed with Indian engineers and financial experts while there, but he didnt feel Elon Musks magnetic presence.

Notably, the ministers illness prevented the Twitter CEO from having a face-to-face meeting. In response to the billionaires post about Mr. Goyals visit to the Tesla factory, the ministers visit was an honour, and he expressed excitement for their next encounter.

Went to Teslas cutting-edge production plant in Fremont, California. Exceptionally happy to see gifted Indian engineers and financial experts contributing to Teslas incredible journey to alter mobility in senior positions, Mr. Goyal wrote in a post that included images from his tour of the companys cutting-edge Fremont production facility.

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Visited @Teslas state of the art manufacturing facility at Fremont, California. Extremely delighted to see talented Indian engineers & finance professionals working at Senior positions and contributing to Teslas remarkable journey to transform mobility. Also proud to see pic.twitter.com/FQx1dKiDlf  Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) November 14, 2023

Also proud to see the growing importance of auto component suppliers from India in the Tesla EV supply chain. It is on its way to double its components imports from India. Missed Mr @ElonMusks magnetic presence and I wish him a speedy recovery, Mr Goyal said on social networking platform X.

Replying to him, Mr Musk tweeted, It was an honor to have you visit Tesla! My apologies for not being able to travel to California today, but I look forward to meeting at a future date.

Tesla is actively seeking to open a factory in India with the goal of producing a $24,000 vehicle there.

The visit is significant because, according to some sources, India is considering granting Tesla customs tax breaks in exchange for the company establishing a plant there. Mr. Goyal stated in September that the company plans to get parts from India for about USD 1.9 billion this year as opposed to USD 1 billion in 2022.
A man impersonating a Colonel of the Army was on Tuesday arrested by the police in Samba on the charges of attempting to rape a minor school girl.

Senior Superintendent of Police, Benam Tosh said that the fake Colonel has been arrested in the jurisdiction of Vijaypur police station.

The arrested accused has been identified as Sham Lal of Tehsil Ramgarh in district Samba. A case has been registered and further investigation is underway.

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As per the complaint, the arrested person impersonated as an Army Colonel and brought young siblings (girl studying in 12th class and her brother, a 10th class student) of Udhampur district to Vijaypur on the false assurance of getting them enrolled in the NCC and subsequently getting them recruited in the belt force.

He also checked their running stamina along Vijaypur-Ramgarh road and at midnight, attempted to commit rape on the girl who raised alarm. She approached the police station and lodged a complaint upon which police registered an FIR and immediately arrested the accused.
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Tuesday cautioned youth against the misuse of social media.

Interacting with youngsters in the age group between 24 and 25 through audio as a part of the ongoing CM ki Vishesh Charcha programme, Khattar said social media is useful, but some mischievous individuals use it to spread negativity.

It is important to avoid falling into their traps and not deviate from the right path, he added.

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The CM emphasised the role of government schemes such as Digital India and Skill India as stepping stones to a better future, encouraging the youth to capitalize on these opportunities.

Khattar urged the youth to adopt a positive and open-minded approach to challenges. We should believe that nothing is difficult; instead, we should face it as a challenge and confront it, only then can we achieve success, he said.

Challenges will come in life, but one must overcome those obstacles to move forward. In this age group, drugs and other wrong habits do attract the youngsters but one must avoid it by following the right direction with a positive approach and should also inspire others towards a positive direction, the CM said.

Encouraging the younger generation, Khattar highlighted the vital balance between time and financial pursuits, emphasising the significance of acknowledging time as an invaluable resource alongside monetary goals.

He also advocated the youth to incorporate yoga and meditation practices into daily routines to foster mental and physical well-being. He said staying engaged in meaningful work is vital for both personal and professional growth, serving as a deterrent to negative thoughts.
To ensure strict compliance with GRAP-IV regulations, Delhi Labour Minister Raaj Kumar Anand along with officials, conducted inspections at the Singhu border late last night.

According to GRAP-IV regulations, the entry of BS-3 Petrol and BS-4 Diesel vehicles in Delhi is prohibited.

The inspection revealed continuous entry of diesel vehicles from Haryana into Delhi, which is a matter of concern. The drivers were informed that entry of diesel vehicles into Delhi is restricted due to the deteriorating air quality. Stringent monitoring and implementation instructions for GRAP-IV were provided to the officials, the Delhi government said in a statement on Tuesday.

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Anand said: Sending diesel vehicles from Haryana and Uttar Pradesh to Delhi is contributing to increased pollution in the city.

The SDM Narela was directed to disseminate information through hoardings, banners, camps, and handbills to enforce a restriction on vehicle entry, the statement said.

Large banners with information on all directives and rules should be displayed at entry from Haryana to ensure drivers are informed in advance and refrain from entering Delhi, it said.

The Delhi Labour Minister said: The Kejriwal government is actively working on consistently reducing pollution levels on the ground. Does the concern about this reflect in the ministers of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana? We are diligently doing our work and continuously making every possible effort to provide relief from pollution to the people of Delhi.
Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav has accused the Congress party of delaying caste census, saying the delay has widened the gap between Indias rich and poor. His statement comes in response to Congress leader Rahul Gandhis x-ray remark, calling for a caste census in Madhya Pradesh soon after coming to power.

Speaking to reporters, Akhilesh Yadav said, X-ray is an old technology. Now is the time for CT scan and MRI. Had they not delayed the caste census, the disease would not have spread. Now, 60 per cent of India wealth is being controlled by just five per cent people.

The SP boss said that the reason Congress party is so aggressively pitching for caste census now is that their traditional vote bank is not with them anymore.

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Congress is the party which did not conduct caste census after independence When all the parties in the Lok Sabha were demanding a caste census, they did not conduct a caste census. Why do they want to do so today? Because they know that their traditional vote bank is not with them, he said.

This is not the first time Akhilesh has attacked his INDIA bloc ally over the issue of caste census. Earlier last month, he accused the Congress of betraying the Samajwadi Party in Madhya Pradesh and made the similar statement on Rahul Gandhis caste-based census demand.

The latest statement from the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister has widened the already visible cracks in oppositions INDIA alliance.

At least 28 Opposition parties, including Yadavs SP and Rahul Gandhis Congress, has formed an alliance block named Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) to take on the mighty BJP-led NDA in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

While they have vowed to fight the general elections together as much as possible, the state elections have brought them at loggerheads with each other.

Earlier this month, another INDIA alliance partner, JDUs Nitish Kumar had accused the Congress of delaying the INDIA blocs progress, saying the party is more interested in state polls.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot targeted his sole competitor BJP on Tuesday, alleging that it always sticks to its agenda of instigating people on the religious lines in the run-up to polls.

Prime Minister Modi, Amit Shah, and all leaders will come to Rajasthan and will do all sorts of things to instigate people. I challenge them, in whichever state you (BJP) are going to, you should talk about the work they (those respective state governments) have done for its peopleif you want to comment on the development that we have done, you can do it, Gehlot told reporters.

We are seeking votes on the basis of the developmental work we have done. They (BJP) have their old agenda over religion and they keep imposing it on Rajasthan so that people get instigated, Gehlot furthered his attack on the BJP.

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Later this week, BJPs star campaigners PM Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and party president JP Nadda are going to address a series of election rallies across the western Indian state. PM Modi will address a huge rally in Barmer on Wednesday, and in Bharatpur and Nagaur later on Saturday.

This week, Nadda and Shah will be in Rajasthan with each addressing four and five rallies or roadshows, respectively, their itinerary document showed. While Nadda will cover the Dausa, Jodhpur, and Jaisalmer districts, Shah will visit Tonk, Rajsamand, Bundi, and Ajmer districts.

BJP President JP Nadda will release the election manifesto or Sankalp Patra in Jaipur this Thursday.

Party sources earlier told ANI that the manifesto may encompass relief measures for government employees addressing wage disparities, support for unorganised sector workers, and expansion of the Devnarayan scheme for religious site development.

The manifesto may also include five dozen commitments, such as free education up to post-graduation for students, and providing gas cylinders to families covered under the Ujjwala and Ladli Sister schemes for Rs 450, said party sources.

BJP manifesto committee comprises Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, Coordinator Ghanshyam Tiwari, Co-coordinator Kirodi Lal Meena, National Minister Alka Singh Gurjar, former Deputy Speaker Rao Rajendra Singh, former Central Minister Subhash Maharia, Prabhulal Saini, and Rakhil Rathore, among others.

In the 2018 assembly elections, the Congress won 99 seats, while the BJP won 73 seats in the 200-member House. Ashok Gehlot eventually took the oath as CM with the support of BSP MLAs and independents.

Rajasthan is set to undergo assembly polls on November 25, and the counting of votes will be done on December 3.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will begin his two-day visit to Jharkhand on Tuesday, during which he will undertake a roadshow and launch several projects.

The PM will be received by Chief Minister Hemant Soren and Governor C P Radhakrishnan when he arrives at Birsa Munda Airport in the evening. According to officials, Modi will next embark on a 10-kilometer roadshow that will end at Raj Bhavan.

They stated that in honour of Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, he will unveil a 24,000 crore project on Wednesday that aims to develop Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).

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Along with launching the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, Modi will also unveil and lay the groundwork for projects worth 7,200 crore in the state and distribute the fifteenth installment of 18,000 crore under the PM-KISAN programme.

Party office-bearers said that at ten points along the route, including as Birsa Chowk, Harmu Chowk, and the Ratu Road roundabout, BJP workers and leaders will greet him throughout the roadshow.

The presence of the PM has led to an increase in security.

The PM will visit the Bhagwan Birsa Munda Memorial Park-cum-Freedom warrior Museum in Ranchi on Wednesday morning. After that, he will fly to Ulihatu village in the Khunti district, the birthplace of Birsa Munda, where Modi will honor the freedom warrior with flowers.

An official release indicated that Modi will be the first prime minister to visit Ulihatu.

The Prime Minister will take part in a celebration commemorating Khuntis third Janjatiya Gaurav Divas. At the event, he would introduce the Pradhan Mantri Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups Mission and the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra.

Reaching out to people and raising awareness of welfare programs including access to LPG cylinders, electricity connections, basic financial services, sanitation facilities, housing for the impoverished, food security, healthy nutrition, dependable healthcare, and clean drinking water will be the main goals of the yatra.

According to the announcement, potential beneficiaries would be enrolled using the information gathered during the yatra.

Launching the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, the prime minister will flag off IEC (Information, Education and Communication) vans at Khunti.

By January 25 of the following year, the yatra will have traversed every district in the nation. It will begin in areas having a sizable tribal population.

According to the statement, PVTG habitations, the majority of which are remote, dispersed, and inaccessible, will receive basic amenities like electricity, safe housing, clean drinking water, and sanitation, as well as improved access to education, health, and nutrition.

In 220 districts throughout 22,544 villages across 18 states and Union territories, there are around 28 lakh PVTGs from 75 different tribes.

He will also directly transfer benefits to over eight crore beneficiaries, making available the fifteenth installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN). To date, the plan has seen 14 installments totaling more than 2.62 lakh crore deposited into farmers accounts.

According to the announcement, the prime minister will launch and lay the cornerstone for projects totaling about 7,200 crore in the fields of coal, petroleum, natural gas, rail, and roads.

The new IIM Ranchi campus, the new IIT-ISM Dhanbad hostel, the Petroleum Oil and Lubricants (POL) depot in Bokaro, and the doubling of railway tracks in the Hatia-Pakra, Talgaria-Bokaro, and Jarangdih-Patratu sections are among the projects that will be launched.

The 52-km Mahagama-Hansdiha part of NH-133, the 45-km Basukinath-Deoghar section of NH-114 A, the KDH-Purnadih Coal Handling Plant, and the new IIIT Ranchi academic and administrative building are among the projects for which the foundation will be laid.

Following the event, he will take a plane back to Ranchi, from where he will depart on Wednesday afternoon for Delhi.

There will be traffic restrictions from 8 p.m. to 10.30 p.m. on the route from the airport to Raj Bhavan due to the PMs roadshow.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held a mega road show in Ranchi. The roadshow turned out to be highly successful as large number of supporters gathered along the route to see a glimpse of PM Modi. People showered flower petals to welcome the prime minister, who is on a two-day Jharkhand visit starting today.

The 10-km roadshow began amid tight security from Birsa Munda airport in Ranchi and ended at Raj Bhavan. People linedup on both sides of the stretch to see a glimpse of the prime minister.

The prime minister also greeted them with folded hands amid chants of Modi Jindabaad.

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PM Modi receives a rousing welcome in Rachi, Jharkhand PM Modi is on a two-day visit to Jharkhand. Prime Minister @narendramodi will participate in a program marking the celebration of the third Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, in Khunti, #JharkhandNews Watch Live: pic.twitter.com/Kcm7kxjGIs  DD News (@DDNewslive) November 14, 2023

The prime minister will stay at Raj Bhavan tonight and will visit Ulihatu, the birthplace of legendary freedom fighter Bhagwan Birsa Munda, on the ocassion of his birth anniversary tomorrow, November 15, which also happens to be the Jharkhand Statehood day.

Earlier, the prime minister arrived at the Birsa Munda airport on a special plane. He was welcomed by Governor CP Radhakrishnan and Chief Minister Hemant Soren at the airport.

In view of PM Modis roadshow, massive security arrangements were made and traffic restrictions were out in place along the route.

On Wednesday, Modi will launch a Rs 24,000 crore project aimed at the development of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) and participate in a program marking the celebration of the third Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, in Khunti.

Besides, the prime minister will also launch the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra and release the 15th instalment of Rs 18,000 crore under the PM-KISAN scheme, and inaugurate and lay the foundation of projects worth 7,200 crore in the state.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas celebrations and release the 15th instalment of the PM-KISAN scheme at Birsa College, Khunti, Jharkhand on Wednesday.

The Janjatiya Gaurav Divas is celebrated every year to recognize the tribals efforts in the preservation of cultural heritage and promotion of Indian values of national pride, valour, and hospitality.

The event will be broadcast by Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), ICAR Institutes, State Agricultural Universities, PM Kisan Samriddhi Kendras, Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies, and Common Service Centers (CSCs) across the country.

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In the 15th instalment, over eight crore farmers will receive an amount of more than Rs 18,000 crore, to be released by the Prime Minister by the click of a button on Wednesday.

The total amount transferred to the beneficiaries since the inception of the scheme is expected to cross well over Rs 2.80 lakh crore. This financial assistance will support farmers in meeting their agricultural and other incidental needs.

The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) is one of the worlds largest Direct Benefit Transfer schemes. A flagship scheme of the Government of India, it exemplifies the continued commitment of the Government to initiate policy actions for an inclusive and productive agricultural sector.

It is a Central sector scheme launched on 24th February 2019 to supplement the financial needs of all land-holding farmers subject to certain exclusion criteria of higher income status.

Financial benefit of Rs 6,000 per year in three equal instalments, every four months, is transferred into the bank accounts of farmers families across the country through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode. As of now, benefits amounting to more than Rs 2.61 lakh crores have been provided to more than 11 crore farmers across the nation.

For the release of the 15th instalment, eKYC and seeding of Aadhaar with active bank accounts are mandatory to ensure that the benefit is released to the genuine beneficiaries, directly into their Aadhaar linked bank accounts without any involvement of middlemen.

To facilitate the farmers in doing the eKYC in PM KISAN, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has developed a mobile application with the feature of facial authentication-based e-KYC, which can be used by the farmers to complete their own eKYC and can also assist 100 other farmers in their neighbourhood to complete e-KYC from the comfort of their homes.

This app is the first mobile app which uses facial authentication feature in any benefit transfer scheme of the Government of India. This Mobile App is very easy to use and is easily available for download on Google Play store.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has also launched a PM-KISAN AI Chatbot (Kisan e-Mitra), which will provide the farmers with a one-stop solution for their grievances related to the PM-KISAN scheme.

Integrated with Bhashini, the chatbot offers support in local languages such as Hindi, Tamil, Odia, Bengali and English through voice and text assistance. These technological solutions aim to address general queries and grievances raised by the beneficiaries promptly and effectively.

The Chatbot is enabling farmers in obtaining answers to all their scheme-related questions, providing them with accurate and timely information.

The release of the 15th instalment of the PM-KISAN scheme underlines the Governments commitment to promoting agriculture, empowering farmers, and ensuring the sustainable development of the agricultural sector.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab on Tuesday commended Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led government for being successful in keeping the average Air Quality Index (AQI) moderate in Punjab even on Diwali.

Addressing a press conference, AAP spokesperson Jagtar Singh Sanghera said that Punjab on Diwali (from 7 am on 12 November to 6 am on 13 November) recorded average AQI of 207, which was moderate and significantly better than last years.

He said that it is a matter of pride for the Punjab government that the air quality index this year was better by 22.8 per cent compared to 2022. The air quality index was 7.6 per cent better in 2022 compared to 2021 Diwali and this year further improvement was registered, the AAP spokesperson said.

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He said the air quality index from 7 a.m. on the day of Diwali to 6 a.m. the next day was 268 in 2021, whereas last year the air quality index was 224, this year it was 207.

Sanghera said that it was the result of the Mann governments continuous efforts. The Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, has established continuous ambient air quality monitor stations in six cities, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Khanna, Mandi Gobindgarh and Patiala, which continuously monitor air quality and collect exact data.

He said that stubble burning instances are down by 70 per cent in Punjab, which is a big factor in better air quality.

The Mann government, since day one, is working diligently to save resources of Punjab, water, air and soil, and improve the environment in the state. Around 1 lakh 40 thousand machines have been distributed which are used for paddy stubble management, Sanghera said.

He said co-operative societies and NGOs get 80 per cent subsidy on these machines and individuals get 50 per cent subsidy.

More and more organisations and societies are being encouraged to buy these machines. Farmers are getting education, awareness and means to save our environment. Stubble is being used to produce biofuel and farmers are getting additional income sources, Sangera said.

The AAP spokesperson urged the Central government to take similar steps so that this problem can be tackled properly. He said that the Centre should give MSP on 22 crops including lentils and maize in order to encourage crop diversification.
This photo taken on Nov. 8, 2023 shows a booth of GE HealthCare at the 6th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in east China's Shanghai. (Xinhua/Wang Xiang)

"We felt it was very important for the United States to be present in Shanghai for economic reasons and reasons to do with our wish to have a productive relationship with the PRC (the People's Republic of China)."

by Xinhua writer Ma Qian

SHANGHAI, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- The participation of U.S. official delegation and businesses in the recent China International Import Expo (CIIE) shows America's "interest in a more stable and productive relationship with China," U.S. Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns has said.

The larger-than-ever U.S. presence in the expo since its inception in 2018 brought more than 200 U.S. businesses and exhibitors, of which 17 exhibitors, led by the U.S. government for the first time, co-established the U.S. Food and Agriculture pavilion at the expo.

"We felt it was very important for the United States to be present in Shanghai for economic reasons and reasons to do with our wish to have a productive relationship with the PRC (the People's Republic of China)," Burns told Xinhua in a joint interview during the CIIE.

"We have the largest number of businesses and exhibitors this year. That's more than any other country," he said, reaffirming "the commitment of the United States to this relationship."

Describing two-way trade as "expanding in very important areas across the board of our economy," Burns said that China is now the third largest trade partner of the United States.

"Our economic and trade relationship is important with China," he said, adding that two-way trade in 2022 hit a record high since the 1970s.

This photo shows the Pfizer booth at the 6th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in east China's Shanghai, Nov. 8, 2023. (Xinhua/Li Mengjiao)

"I would say that the outlook has been actually (great), the curve is up and the trade is expanding," he continued. "I think it also serves the diplomatic and political interests of the United States."

Instead of seeking to "de-couple the economic relationship between the two countries," the ambassador said, "We seek to move forward the two-way trade between the United States and China."

He opined that the United States needs "stability in the relationship between Beijing and Washington," adding that the two sides began to achieve that over the last six months.

On the recent series of high-profile meetings between the two sides, he said they "helped us stabilize U.S.-China relationship," and those visits will continue.

"We've just had a visit by six mayors from cities across the Mississippi River, meeting with their fellow mayors from the Yangtze River Delta. We've had the Governor of California Gavin Newsom (in China), and here we've had our first congressional delegation (since 2019)," Burns noted.

"Of course, we have many issues where we disagree with each other. Those issues remain and they're important," he said. "But we do have an ability to communicate better at the highest levels and we're pleased about that."
Subrata Roy, the founder of Sahara group, died on Tuesday following a cardiorespiratory arrest at Mumbais Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital & Medical Research Institute (KDAH). He was 75.

Born in Bihars Araria in 1948, Roys name was synonymous with both entrepreneurial brilliance and financial controversy. He left an indelible mark on Indias business landscape.

Roy began his journey with a mechanical engineering degree from the Government Technical Institute in Gorakhpur.

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In 1978, Roy established Sahara India Pariwar, initially venturing into the transport and courier sector. With a keen eye for expansion, he swiftly ventured into diverse fields, including finance, aviation, media, and infrastructure.

Sahara India Pariwars growth was remarkable, becoming one of Indias largest conglomerates, employing over 1.2 million individuals.

Roys achievements were not without recognition. In 2012 he became one of Indias 10 most powerful people. The Time magazine also hailed his Sahara group as Indias second-largest employer after Indian Railways.

His journey, however, was also marred with controversies. Roy found himself embroiled in controversies after the SEBI in 2008 alleged that his Sahara India Pariwar illegally raised funds from investors.

This led to his arrest in 2014, confining him to jail for several years. Despite efforts to secure bail, Roy remained behind bars until his release on parole in 2016.

On November 14, Subrata Roy breathed his last, leaving behind a legacy of entrepreneurial triumphs. His body will be brought to Lucknow where last rites will be performed.

According to a statement from the Sahara India Pariwar, Roy was suffering from metastatic malignancy, hypertension, and diabetes.

It is with profound sadness that Sahara India Pariwar informs the demise of our Honble Saharasri Subrata Roy Sahara. Saharasri ji an inspirational leader and visionary, passed away on 14th November 2023 at 10.30 pm due to cardiorespiratory arrest following an extended battle with complications arising from metastatic malignancy, hypertension, and diabetes, the statement read.

His loss will be deeply felt by the entire Sahara India Pariwar. Saharasri ji was a guiding force, a mentor, and a source of inspiration for all who had the privilege to work alongside him, it said.

The group further said that it will uphold his legacy and continue to honour his vision in driving the Sahara India Pariwar. His last rites will be held in Lucknow.
Electric car maker Tesla is likely to double the number of components it imports from India, Union Minister Piyush Goyal said through a post on social media platform X on Tuesday.

Goyals post came on the day he visited the Tesla Factory Unit in Fremont, California and interacted with the senior executives of the Tesla group at his first-day of official visit to the United States.

Proud to see the growing importance of Auto component suppliers from India in the Tesla EV supply chain. It is on its way to double its components imports from India, he said.

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In September, the minister had said that Tesla was aiming to source components worth between $1.7 billion and $1.9 billion from India this year, having bought $1 billion of components last year.

During his US visit, Piyush Goyal is supposed to hold discussions with Elon Musk around Teslas plans to set up an Indian factory, manufacturing a $24,000 car there, sourcing more components and establishing charging infrastructure across the nation, Reuters reported last week.

Later in the day, Goyal held bilateral meetings with Ambassador Katherine Tai, United States Trade Representative, Dukgeun Ahn, Minister of Trade, Republic of Korea, and Gan Kim Yong, minister of trade and industry, Singapore.

During these ministerial meetings, Piyush Goyal discussed potential collaboration under the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), ways and means of further enhancing bilateral trade and commerce linkages, matters related to WTO, and other issues of mutual interest, Ministry of Commerce & Industry said in a statement.

During the interaction with his Singaporean and South Korean counterparts, the Minister suggested expedited conclusion of the review of AITIGA and CEPA respectively, it added.

Further, the Union Minister participated in the Investors Round Table organized in collaboration with USISPF & Indiaspora attended by venture capitalists and entrepreneurs from a wide spectrum of Industry in the US, including from the domains of energy, manufacturing, logistics, technology, and so on.

At the session, wide ranging discussions with the participants were held and he highlighted the various steps taken by the Government of India to improve the ease of doing business in India.

It is to be noted that India has been invited to the 30th APEC Economic Leaders Meeting 2023 as a Guest Economy.

Commerce and Industry Minister will participate in the third in-person IPEF Ministerial meeting, and the engagements of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).
Uttarakhand government on Tuesday ordered a probe into the collapse of a tunnel between Silkyara and Dandalgaon on the Brahmakhal-Yamunotri National Highway even as the relief and rescue operations to rescue the trapped workers continued.

The tunnel caved in on Sunday following a landslide. The 30-metre collapsed section is 270 metres from the mouth of the tunnel from the Silkyara side, the state emergency operation centre said.

According to officials, Chief Minister Pushkar Dhami has set up a technical committee headed by Uttarakhand Landslide Mitigation and Management Center (ULMMC) director to probe the cause of the collapse of the tunnel.

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This committee will include experts from Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Central Building Research Institute Roorkee and Geological Survey of India (GSI), a senior official said.

Meanwhile, efforts were made Tuesday morning to make an escape passage to reach out to the 40 trapped labourers. Heavy machines, including horizontal and vertical drilling machines and shotcrete machines, were brought in to create escape passage removing the debris from the way.

Special launch pads were created for these machines to install 900 mm diameter MS steel pipes across the debris. However, officials rue since the debris is loose, it is causing difficulties in drilling.

State disaster management department secretary Ranjit Sinha said the landslide-hit area is made up of soft rocks.

Uttarkashi District Magistrate Abhishek Ruhela said horizontal drilling will be taken up soon to create escape passage for the trapped workers.

Oxygen and food supplies are being provided to the workers through a compressor inside the tunnel. SDRF rescue team is also trying
After exploring Kashi through water and land, tourists will now soon have the opportunity to experience Kashi from the sky.

The Yogi Adityanath government is in the process of starting Heli-tourism in Kashi, which will not only offer panoramic views of Ganga and Varanasi from above but will also provide them with a chance to enjoy eco-tourism in Chandauli.

With the improvement in connectivity and the completion of the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham Corridor, the number of tourists to Varanasi is increasing day by day.

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The tourism industry is a crucial contributor to the economy of Kashi. Tourists visit Kashi to enjoy the temples and ghats.

Through modern cruises, tourists can witness the Gangas beauty, the crescent-shaped Ganga ghats, and historical buildings that have stood for centuries. Soon, a new dimension, Heli-tourism, will be introduced, further enhancing the tourism experience in Varanasi.

Deputy Director of Tourism Department, Rajendra Kumar Rawat, said here on Tuesday that helicopters will be operated for visiting Kashi temple and Ganga Darshan.

Tourists can also enjoy eco-tourism in Chandauli, located near Varanasi. According to Rawat, the helicopter ride will take about 20 to 25 minutes. A helicopter can accommodate 6 passengers, including the pilot.
Trinamul Congress announced the names of district presidents and chairpersons across the state. The names of the district presidents were placed before partys chairperson Mamata Banerjee, who went through the list and subsequently cleared it.

Brushing aside all speculation that the party has distanced itself from MP Mahua Moitra after she was accused in the cashfor-query case parliament, Miss Banerjee made her the president of Nadia, Krishnanagar unit of the party while Rukbanur Rahaman has been made the district chairperson of the unit. Professor Ashis Banerjee has been appointed as the chairman of the Birbhum unit of the party while no name of the district president is announced in absence of Anubrata Mondol.

Against the name of the district president it is written: core committee to committee. Manish Gupta, former state minister has been appointed as the chairperson of partys south Kolkata unit while Debashis Kumar, partys MLA retains the post of district president. Party MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay has been retained as the president of the partys north Kolkata unit while the post of the chairman has been kept vacant. Biswajit Das, MLA who joined Trinamul Congress from BJP has been made the president of partys North 24-Parganas (Bongaon unit).

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The party has appointed four party leaders in the post of state secretary. They are Mridul Goswami, Shaoni Singha Roy, Kanai Chandra Mandal and Soumen Mohapatra. With the Lok Sabha election a few months away, strengthening the organization is significant. Trinamul Congress is leaving no stone unturned to ensure the victory of as many candidates as possible in the election. In 2019, BJP got 18 seats.

Trinamul has asked the party leaders, up to the block level to build contacts with people and Bijoya Sammelani was held in all the 294 Assembly constituencies. where people from different walks of life were invited.

Trinamul is going all out to make people aware of the financial deprivation of the Centre and how the persons who were engaged in 100 days work had been facing economic hardship. On 23 November, Miss Banerjee addressed the party leaders at Netaji Indoor Stadium and party senior leaders said she would announce the roadmap that would be followed to expose the saffron party before the Lok Sabha election.

We are all waiting anxiously for the instructions which she is likely to give from the dais, said a party MLA

Sudip Bandyopadhyay remains president of north Kolkata unit, chairman position left vacant.

Professor Ashis Banerjee appointed chairman of Birbhum unit; district president post pending for Anubrata Mondol.

 Manish Gupta named chairperson of Trinamuls south Kolkata unit; Debashis Kumar retains district president post.

Trinamul appoints four state secretaries, emphasising organisational strengthening ahead of the Lok Sabha election
Yogi Adityanath took a swipe at the Congress, questioning the relevance of bearing the burden of a party that fails to ensure security and development.

Campaigning for the BJP in the Madhya Pradesh, the Uttar Pradesh chief minister made an appeal to the public to support the eight BJP candidates in the poll fray emphasizing the accomplishments of state Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

He asked the gathering if they had come across any instance of extortion (vasooli) while traveling from Khajuraho to Lucknow with the people unanimously responding in the negative.

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On the third day of his election campaign in Madhya Pradesh on Tuesday, CM Yogi Adityanath urged the voters to support Semaria MLA and BJP candidate KP Tripathi. Referring to the Deepotsav in Ayodhya, he asserted that in the Congress rule, such festivities and the construction of the Ram temple would not have been possible.

Accusing the Congress of failure in providing security and development, CM Yogi questioned the relevance of carrying the burden of such a party. He credited PM Modi and Shivraj Singh Chouhan with the development that transformed Madhya Pradesh from a BIMARU state to a developed one in the last 20 years.

He highlighted the historical alliance of the Kol community with Lord Ram during a crisis, accusing Congress of misleading various communities. Emphasising PM Modis inclusive development approach, he accused the grand old party of deception, stating that there was no need to give them importance.

Yogi Adityanath, campaigning for BJP candidates Arvind Pataria from Rajnagar and Dilip Ahirwar from Chandla, expressed satisfaction with the Municipal Council being named after Lavkush. He highlighted the shift in global perception towards India since 2014, noting the countrys emergence on a new path.

Previously, headlines were dominated by infiltration in Ladakh, Kargil, Arunachal, and Kashmir, but today the focus is on teaching terrorists a lesson.

With only one MLA for BSP and two for Congress out of 403 seats in UP, Yogi emphasised that the people of UP have understood them, advocating against letting the parties open their accounts in Madhya Pradesh. Khajuraho is a part of this assembly constituency. From here, the route to Lucknow via Jhansi is easy, he said.

Now, extortion and hooliganism are nonexistent. A double engine government ensures security, good governance, and development. Before 2017, the mafia formed a parallel government in UP, but now they have disappeared. A new story of development is unfolding there.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath held a rally in support of BJP candidate Dr. Arvind Singh Bhadauria from the Ater assembly constituency and Narendra Singh Kushwaha, the candidate from Bhind. He remarked, If you take them to Bhopal, they will bring you to Ayodhya.

CM Yogi Adityanath reiterated his partys commitment to fulfill the promise of bringing Ramlala and removing the structure of slavery, which has been accomplished. He also announced the date of January 22, 2024, for the grand installation of Maryada Purushottam Prabhu Shri Ram in his temple.

CM Yogi emphasised the importance of true companionship during times of crisis, contrasting it with the absence of Congress members during the COVID-19 pandemic. He pointed out that while the country faced challenges during the pandemic, Bhai-behen ko Madhya Pradesh-Uttar Pradesh ki nahi, Nana-Nani ki yaad aati thi (During the pandemic, instead of remembering UP and MP, the brother sister duo remembered their maternal grandmother).
Ukrainian military commander-in-chief General Valerii Zaluzhnyi, offering his blunt assessment of the current status of the war, said in an interview: Just like in the first world war, we have reached the level of technology that puts us into a stalemate. He added, There will most likely be no deep and beautiful breakthrough.

He was criticised by Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskky, who reacted, I dont think that this is a stalemate. Simultaneously, Zelenskky mentioned that he cannot hold elections in March next year and urged his countrymen to concentrate on defeating Russia. He was sending the message that he has assumed the role of a dictator. US Presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy countered, Ukraine is not a paragon of democracy.

It has banned 11 opposition parties, consolidated all media into one state TV media arm. It has threatened not to hold elections unless the US forks more money. Thats not democratic. International support for Ukraine is on the decline. In a briefing alongside European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, Zelenskky admitted that the war in Gaza is taking away the focus from the ongoing conflict on his soil. Currently, Ukraine no longer dominates headlines and discussions in global media. Casualties in the RussoUkraine war are missing from daily news.

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With greater destruction expected in Gaza, Ukraine will recede further to the background. Compared to Ukraine, the Middle East is far more geopolitically important. The region cannot be allowed to be subsumed in an enlarged war as it would impact oil prices throwing economies out of gear. Reconstruction of Gaza and aid for Gazans is currently a priority. von der Leyen recently mentioned, I can announce that we (EU) are further increasing humanitarian aid to Gaza by another 25 million. By doing so, the European Union would spend a total of 100 million in humanitarian aid for civilians in Gaza.

 While it was not admitted, an increase in aid to Gaza would come at the cost of Ukraine, which also requires funds for sustenance, reconstruction and the forthcoming winters, apart from support in weapons and payments to mercenaries fighting on its side.

As a sop to Ukraine, the EU invited Kiev to begin membership talks to join the union as soon as it meets final conditions. Corruption in Ukraine is at unprecedented levels and it is unlikely that Kiev would meet laid down conditions anytime in the near future.

Zelenskky, desperate for continued funds and support, attempted to play on threats to Europe in case Ukraine was not backed in the conflict. Speaking to a French television network he stated, Russia needs a pause in the war to better prepare for a new and bigger invasion and to then attack Ukraines neighbors, which are members of NATO. I think Russia will take advantage of this situation, this tragedy (Gaza conflict). It is unlikely that his words would be taken seriously as it is known that Moscow has no intention of expanding the war into Europe. There are already divisions emerging within NATO.

Polands new government has stopped military aid to Ukraine. Hungary is also reported to be in talks with Russia, while in Romania, an anti-Ukraine party is gaining ground. Arab-states sponsored peace summits are now on hold. The US House of Representatives, dominated by Republicans, is unwilling to pass a bill which seeks funding for both Israel and Ukraine, while the Senate, dominated by Democrats, disagrees.

Within the US there is concern at funds being diverted for Ukraine, where little has been achieved by military action. There are also reports of funneling of funds by the Ukrainian leadership. Republican Senator Josh Hawley, stated on social media a few days ago, Israel is facing (an) existential threat. Any funding for Ukraine should be redirected to Israel immediately. The American shift in focus is because of Israels religious status as also its geopolitical importance. Israel is a stabilizing factor in the Middle East and essential for the US strategy in the region.

As Joe Biden put it in 2013, when he was the Vice President, if there were no Israel, wed have to invent one. While US public support for Israel has waned in recent years it is far higher than on funding Ukraine. Without US backing, Europe would be unable to sustain Ukrainian budgetary requirements. In desperation, Zelenskky has attempted to back Israel by criticizing Hamas and avoiding commenting on Israels relentless bombing in Gaza, but to no avail. Had Ukraines counter-offensive succeeded, it would have continued to garner Western support, but failure, despite generous flow of armaments, have added to the public belief that they are pumping in funds to a lost cause. The ultimate effect on Ukraine will depend on how long the Gaza conflict continues and its regional impact.

If it draws in other proxy terrorist groups such as the Houthis and Hezbollah as also civilian casualties anger Arab states, attention towards Ukraine would lessen. Simultaneously, with winter approaching there is unlikely to be any major offensive by either side in Ukraine. Add to this the American intent to arm Taiwan to block any Chinese attempts to overrun the island. Just prior to the G7 foreign ministers meeting in Tokyo last week the US reiterated, Our commitment to the Indo-Pacific remains enduring.

US support to Kiev would be evident next summer when renewed offensives will be launched. By then, the US would also be in election mode. In case support for Ukraine impacts public opinion or the Gaza conflict continues to simmer, Kiev would witness a drop in support.

World attention remaining focused on Israel-Gaza is exactly what the Russians desire, since apart from suiting them it also benefits their close ally, Iran. Hence, they have not criticized the action of Hamas nor permitted any resolution against it in the UNSC. Further, by criticizing Israel, Russia is winning support from largely Muslim nations of the global south.

Thus, while Ukraine will hope for an early termination of the Israel-Gaza conflict, Moscow, with the backing of Iran, will try expanding the conflict by drawing in other proxy groups. At the end of the day, Ukraine is likely to be relegated to the rear with Israel dominating global attention and Gaza global funding.

(The writer is a retired Major-General of the Indian Army.)
The recent shift in Moodys outlook on the USAs credit rating to negative from stable raises eyebrows and stirs the pot of economic discourse. It is a move that sends ripples through the corridors of power, drawing immediate ire from the Biden administration, which has been quick to label it a consequence of political extremities by Republicans. The core concern highlighted by Moodys revolves around fiscal deficits and the declining affordability of debt, a cocktail of economic indicators that has become increasingly hard to ignore. It is a stern reminder that the financial health of a nation, much like an individuals, depends on managing its budget responsibly.

Moodys move follows a similar note struck by Fitch, indicating a broader consensus that the economic waters ahead might not be as calm as Americans would hope. The roots of this concern delve into the turbulent soil of political polarisation and federal spending. Investors, those vigilant custodians of economic stability, find themselves grappling with uncertainty, contributing to a selloff that nudges US government bond prices to their lowest levels in 16 years. The implication is clear.

The road ahead might be bumpier than anticipated. One cannot help but acknowledge the validity of the rationale presented by Moodys. The lack of a foreseeable fiscal consolidation plan raises questions about the trajectory of the nations debt affordability. As deficits loom large and interest costs take a more substantial slice of the budgetary pie, the snowball effect on the growing debt burden becomes undeniable. The timing of this economic reckoning is not lost.

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The lingering political polarisation, a festering wound in Americas governance, poses a substantial risk. The inability of lawmakers to find common ground on a fiscal plan exacerbates concerns. The ominous prediction that any meaningful policy response might not materialise until 2025 paints a bleak picture of the immediate future. In the realm of political chess, the blame game ensues.

The administration points fingers at Congressional extremism and dysfunction, emphasising its commitment to fiscal sustainability through recent deficit reduction measures and ambitious proposals for the next decade. On the opposing side, Republicans, wielding control in the House of Representatives, release a stopgap spending measure, framing Moodys decision as a consequence of what they term as Mr Bidens reckless spending agenda. Yet, beyond the political jousting and the blame assignment, there is a fundamental truth that cannot be ignored.

The US economy, despite the downgrade in outlook, maintains its Aaa rating, a testament to its inherent strengths. Treasury securities continue to be the bedrock of global financial stability, reinforcing their status as a safe and liquid asset. One thing is clear: economic challenges demand a bipartisan approach. The looming spectre of a government shutdown heightens the urgency for Congressional action, emphasising the need for a fiscal course correction. In navigating these turbulent economic waters, America must find common ground, transcending the barriers of political polarisation for the collective good.
Areport by Omidyar Network India and Redseer says that the Indian Edtech sector is expected to reach $30 billion by 2025, from $2.8 billion in 2020. However, in spite of the promising growth, the sector still faces challenges which include limited infrastructure, lack of digital literacy and inadequate access to devices. Nevertheless, the sectors growth is a positive sign in making education accessible and sustainable in our country.

Hope lies in President Murmus recent observation that India was attracting global attention for its cultural prosperity as well as its technological advancement. Addressing a group of officer trainees, the President said India has shown to the world that technology and tradition can go hand in hand.

It may be noted that the gradual developments of the history of education in India through various periods and rules influencing the pedagogical techniques have changed the aims and objectives of education, which have resulted in a change in the entire pedagogy of education. Whereas the traditional pedagogical techniques were more teacher-centered, in modern times these are more childcentered and interactive ~ switching over to modern, scientific and technological techniques. However, the recent social trends demand a blending of both social as well as practical qualities in future citizens and for that what is sought is to blend the new and old pedagogical techniques.

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Our Vedic education was imparted in such a way that it could be preserved for thousands of years. The hymns produced by Acharyas were learned by remembering and were realized through meditation. It was believed that incorrect pronunciation of hymns caused sin and damaged their effect. Meditation helped preserve the meaning of the Mantras. A person having meaningless outward knowledge was compared to a donkey loaded with sandalwood.

Teachers were men of the highest calibre, from the point of view of knowledge and spiritual progress. In the post-Vedic period, however, students were given verbal lessons by the Gurus. By self-esteem meditation, the disciple made the knowledge his own. In the Kenopanishad, the disciple asked the teacher what was the guiding force that drove the heart, spirit, eye and ears to action and it is there that the Guru guided the Shishya.

The best illustration of the enigmatic method is found in the Svetasvatara Upanishad which deals with puzzles. In the Aphoristic method much knowledge was compressed in small aphoristic sentences, which required sufficient intelligence to understand them, whereas the meaning of the word is explained according to its root in the Etymological method. In the dialectical method, the philosophers assembled at some place and dramatically discussed different problems among themselves.

But in the synthetic method, the discussion of the dialectical method was substituted by creative synthesis. Like the Vedic period, the oral system continued even in the Brahmanism age. The students were taught the meaning of the mantras while they were being taught by the gurus. Vyakaran (grammar), Nyaya Shastra (law) and Jyotish (astrology) etc. were composed in verse to make them easy to learn by heart.

Although the art of writing had been well developed up to the Buddhist period, due to dearth of writing materials, verbal education was prevalent as it was in the Vedic age. In order to win discussions on Shastrarth, it was necessary to improve the power of discussion which certainly encouraged use of logic. During the Muslim period, education was organised in Maktabs and Madrasas. Religious education included the study of the Quran, Islamic Laws and Islamic History. Some secular subjects included Arabic literature, grammar, history, philosophy, mathematics, geography, politics, economics etc.

The East India Company wanted to educate only a selected few who would be required for administration. In1813, the Company was compelled to accept the responsibility for imparting education to Indians. Lord Macaulay in his Minute supported Western education through the English medium. William Bentinck in March 1835 passed a resolution and emphasised that European literature and science be propagated.

It was, however, the Portuguese, who started the modern system of education in our country. They started some colleges where Christianity, logic, grammar and music were taught. Primary schools were opened where education was given by Indian teachers through local languages. The Danes in the 17th century, in fact, had started using local languages as a medium of education to facilitate the spread of Christianity in India.

The recommendations of Charles Woods Despatch on Education, however, said that the aim of education was to raise intellectual fitness and moral character of the learners. The Indian Education Commission (1882) also emphasized bookish knowledge, and practical experience was relegated to the background. Indian University Commission (1902) also followed suit. So the methods during the British period were more practical and vocation-oriented in comparison to the traditional methods of teaching which stressed the moral and spiritual aspects of life.

An important characteristic of Gandhian philosophy is the aim of Sarvodaya, and so, he planned different types of education for the country. Besides basic education and social education he thought seriously about rural education and education of women. Modern pedagogical techniques are fast changing with the changing nature of society and changing role of individuals as members of different social groups.

The role of a teacher has changed to a leader for social reforms and changes ~ a guide with specific attitude and expected to be equipped with all new technologies required for his profession. The changing role of the teacher has demanded new instructional methods with suitable supplementary techniques. Project method focuses on the principle of learning by doing through the active involvement of students and assigning the teacher with the role of guide and leader of activity. In problem solving methods, a difficulty to act in an educational situation is realized and then an attempt is made to solve it.

Observation method is based on the principle of learning by seeing or experiencing. Laboratory method focuses on learning through experimentation. Socialized recitation method emphasizes social learning or learning cooperatively and through collective efforts. Programmed instruction, a software approach for instructional technology, is a method of individualized instruction, in which the students receive information relating to their own needs in progressive sequences but in small units.

In Computer Assisted instructions there is a purposeful interaction between a learner and a computer device for helping individual learners to achieve the desired instructional objectives at their own pace. Information Communication Technology (ICT) has given birth to different methods like Programmed Learning, Computer Assisted Instruction and Distance Learning through electronic communication media and boosted the use of technology in education for effective teaching.

Online pedagogy refers to the logical convergence of global media networks. Some of the online services like the World Wide Web, Email groups, Video Conferencing etc. have become very popular. As a result of ICT, education innovations started aiming at attaining new skills and finding a novel balance between old and new educational methods.

Education, therefore, provides new opportunities for students to acquire skills like Autonomous Learning, Communication Skills and Authentic problem solving ability. The pandemic accelerated digitalisation and placed more superlative telecommunication devices at our disposal. The importance of going online for the continuity of learning has been realized. Universalisation of quality education by supporting avenues such as eVidya and online vocational courses has been prioritized. The edTech sector is likely to play a crucial role in the evolution of high quality educational content. Ed-tech will gain a lot from the roll-out of the 5G network. Artificial Intelligence (AI), block chain, metaverse, gamification and Extended Reality or XR technologies have also impacted massively. So, as new scientific and technological techniques and increasing specialization of knowledge demand the change to an information society, the pressure on initial school education has also increased, which, in turn, has put pressure on the role of teachers. Responsibility of producing competent teachers to meet challenges is assumed by teacher education. Integration of ICT is not to be done in one aspect of teacher education but all major aspects like curriculum, methods and development of teacher competency.

As far as the instructional techniques are concerned, more student-directed methods require different forms of ICT that can be used to support newer forms of pedagogy like projects, lesson planning or instructional designs and other pedagogical approaches. Teacher educators play a crucial role in the adoption and implementation of ICT in teacher education since they are key to make the teaching-learning process viable.

Experience shows that teacher educators lack of ICT knowledge and skills was a major obstacle in making online education a success during the pandemic period. However, the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) has been actively engaged in addressing the technology isolation problem of teachers.

Though numerous efforts are being made to make teaching switch over from passive to active pedagogical techniques, there is a gap between theoretical preparation of teachers and the implications of acquired skills due to lack of a proper follow up of policies.

(The writer, a former Associate Professor, Department of English, Gurudas College, Kolkata, is presently with Rabindra Bharati University)
Four Lebanese were reportedly killed in confrontations between Hezbollah and the Israeli army.

Lebanese military sources told Xinhua news agency that Israeli heavy artillery bombed the outskirts of 28 towns in southern Lebanon, including 18 towns in the southwest of the country and 10 in the southeast, using more than 450 explosives and incendiary shells.

The same sources reported that the Israeli drones and warplanes carried out a series of raids, including 18 attacks that targeted the outskirts of 15 towns.

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Meanwhile, Hezbollah said its fighters attacked an Israeli infantry force near the Pranit barracks with missiles and another one at the al-Dhahira site along the border.

Hezbollah also targeted Israeli positions in Ruwaisat al-Alam and al-Marj, confirming casualties among the Israeli army.

According to security reports, the total number of casualties since October 8 reached 101 people, including 78 members of Hezbollah.

The Lebanon-Israel border witnessed increased tension for over four weeks after Lebanese armed group Hezbollah fired dozens of rockets toward Israel on October 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.
Kurdish PM Meets With Cardinal Sako

Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani (right) during his meeting with Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako, the head of the Chaldean Catholic Church in Iraq and the World, Nov. 13, 2023. ( KRG) Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Monday received Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako, the head of the Chaldean Catholic Church in Iraq and the World, in Erbil.

During his meeting with the Premier, the Cardinal provided an overview of his visit to the Vatican in addition to his meetings with the Pope and Catholic cardinals. He thanked the Prime Minister for his continued support of Christians in the Kurdistan Region as well as the development of peaceful coexistence.

The Premier commended the important role of Sako as the head of the Iraqi church and further reaffirmed the Kurdistan Regional Government's (KRG) commitment to protecting the rights of Christians and all communities in the Kurdish region.

Sako is believed to have played a major role in organizing Pope Francis's historic visit to Iraq and the Kurdistan Region in 2021.

Previously, Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rasheed had revoked a 2013 presidential decree, which recognized Cardinal Sako as the head of the Chaldean Catholic Church and custodian of the churches' assets, citing the earlier decision was not "legally based."

That decision and what Sako described as "deliberate attacks" against him by the Iranian-backed Babylon Brigades officials, including its leader Rayan al-Kildani, have prompted his departure from Baghdad to Erbil, where he is operating as an exiled head of the church.

Al-Kildani heads the 50th Brigade of the Shiite militias, known as the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF). The U.S. Treasury designated al-Kildani for "serious human rights abuses" on July 18, 2019.

His party owns four out of five parliamentary seats allocated to minority groups in the 329-seat Iraqi parliament.
MOSCOW, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- Russia is in contact with its strategic partners on the potential supply and joint production of its fifth-generation Su-57 fighters, local media reported Tuesday.

"The fifth-generation Su-57E fighter, which is presented by Rosoboronexport at the Dubai Airshow 2023 ... is a high-tech product," TASS, the Russian news agency reported, citing Alexander Mikheev, director general of the country's state-run arms exporter Rosoboronexport.

Mikheev said that Moscow is currently holding consultations with a number of its strategic partners on the supply as well as joint development and production of the aircraft.

The Su-57 is a Russian multifunctional fifth-generation fighter. It features a supersonic cruising speed, internal weapons, radio-absorbing coating and the latest complex of onboard equipment. 
US President Joe Biden has called on Israel to safeguard primary hospital in Gaza amidst intense clashes between Israeli forces and Hamas near the facility. While signing a womens health research initiative with First Lady Jill Biden in the Oval Office, President Biden expressed his hope for less intrusive actions concerning the hospital. He emphasized the importance of protecting the medical center and confirmed ongoing communication with Israeli authorities regarding the matter.

The President revealed that negotiations, facilitated by Qatar, were underway for the release of prisoners. However, the situation in the Al-Shifa hospital complex, as described by a surgeon from Doctors Without Borders (MSF), remains dire. Hundreds of people are reportedly enduring inhuman conditions within the complex.

Israel contends that Hamas has established its military headquarters beneath the Al-Shifa hospital, an accusation denied by the armed group. Conversely, UN agencies and doctors within the facility raised concerns about lives being lost due to a lack of generator fuel, impacting even infants. The World Health Organization reported that, as of early Monday, approximately 2,300 individuals, including patients, health workers, and those fleeing conflict, were inside the compromised Al-Shifa facility.

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Regrettably, the Palestinian health ministry spokesperson, Ashraf al-Qudra, confirmed that at least 32 patients, including six premature babies, had succumbed to the conditions at the hospital since Friday. Tragically, three nurses also lost their lives, as reported by the UN relief agency in the occupied Palestinian territory on Sunday.

Israels military, on the other hand, disclosed on Monday that its soldiers had uncovered a weapons cache in a tunnel linked to Rantissi Hospital, a childrens treatment facility in northern Gaza. The military shared a video showcasing what it claimed to be grenades, suicide vests, and other explosives found in the tunnel.

The complexities of the situation underscore the urgency of addressing humanitarian concerns amid the ongoing conflict, with global leaders closely monitoring developments and advocating for the protection of civilian spaces like hospitals.
As pressure mount on Israel over its ground operation near the al-Shifa hospital, the Israeli military has released a purported video of what it claimed was a Hamas tunnel that leads to Gazas Rantisi hospital. The video shared by the IDF shows its spokesperson RAdm. Daniel Hagari walkin through the subterranean tunnel that he claimed was being used by Hamas militants to hide, operate and hold Israeli hostages.

Watch IDF Spokesperson RAdm. Daniel Hagari walk through one of Hamas subterranean terrorist tunnelsonly to exit in Gazas Rantisi hospital on the other side. Inside these tunnels, Hamas terrorists hide, operate and hold Israeli hostages against their will, the IDF wrote in a post on X, along with the video.

The video has been released by the IDF following massive international pressure on Israel after WHO said that Gazas biggest al-Shifa hospital is not functional anymore and that around 35-40 premature babies are facing the risk of losing their life.

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EXCLUSIVE RAW FOOTAGE: Watch IDF Spokesperson RAdm. Daniel Hagari walk through one of Hamas subterranean terrorist tunnelsonly to exit in Gazas Rantisi hospital on the other side. Inside these tunnels, Hamas terrorists hide, operate and hold Israeli hostages against their pic.twitter.com/Nx4lVrvSXH  Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) November 13, 2023

The hospital claimed that there were 39 babies and three of them died because of no electricity. The Hamas-run health ministry said that the al-Shifa hospital is performing surgeries in general wards and on the ground since there is no fuel to run generators that produce electricity.

Israel, on the other hand, said that it supplied 300 ltrs of emergency fuel to the Hospital but Hamas prevented them from picking the supply.

Israel has launched a massive ground operation against Hamas in the Gaza Strip in response to the brutal October 7 attack in which more than 1,200 people were killed.

The ground assault followed weeks of air bombardment of Hamas targets in the Gaza city. Israeli military has claimed to have encircled the Gaza city and the countrys defence minister has said that the control of the Strip is no more with the Hamas.
Nearly 400,000 Afghan refugees have returned to Afghanistan from Pakistan in the past two months, TOLO News reported citing the Talibans consul in Karachi Abdul Jabar Takhari. According to Takhari, the detention of Afghan refugees is still happening at a high rate in Pakistan.

Takhari said that nearly 1,000 Afghan refugees are currently in detention. Since Pakistan started the deportation of the Afghan refugees in October, nearly 400,000 Afghan refugees have returned to the country. In addition to that, we have talked with the Pakistani officials about the release of the Afghan refugees being detained in Pakistan, TOLO News reported citing Abdul Jabar Takhari.

The Afghan nationals, who are currently detained in Pakistan, raised concerns about their situation. Afghan nationals said that they are facing severe challenges, TOLO News reported.

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Hamidullah, an Afghan refugee, said, It has been four months since I was detained here in Pakistan. I brought my father for treatment to the doctor, my father is now in the hospital, but I am in prison.

Another Afghan refugee Abdullah said that he has been in prison in Pakistan for the past two months. He further said, I am in prison without committing any crime.

Afghan Refugees Council head Mir Ahmad Raufi said that Pakistan police have been carrying out crackdowns to arrest Afghan nations who do not have documents.

Raufi said, The Afghan refugees are facing pressure from the Pakistan police and there is no difference between legal and illegal refugeesboth are being detained, according to TOLO News report.

Meanwhile, the Afghan refugees who were deported from Pakistan following Islamabads deadline, are struggling with cold weather amid dire conditions, TOLO News reported.

The deportees said that they were forced to leave everything behind in Pakistan and are now facing dire conditions. Pari Gul, 80, was living in Pakistan for 40 years.

We have spent 40 years in Pakistan. We have done farming. They have forcefully deported us. If they give us anything, we will be happy. We dont have a house and land, she said.

Earlier in October, Pakistan announced it would expel over 1.73 million undocumented Afghan refugees after November 1. Meanwhile, the deportees raised concerns about their situation as the weather is getting cold in many areas of Afghanistan.

We cannot do farming and we dont have any house. We want the Taliban to help us, TOLO News quoted a deportee named Zahir. Taliban has prepared a terminal in Kabuls Sarai Shamali area as a camp for the deportees. The camp has more than 50 tents and it has the capacity to hold 500 people.

This is an emergency process. They will be staying for one or two nights in the terminal. We provide them with all facilities, said Kabir Khil, head of the terminal.

The spokesman for the Taliban-led Kabul security department, Khalid Zadran, said that they have made preparations to help the Afghans being deported from Pakistan.

Meanwhile, Pakistans decision to deport undocumented Afghan refugees has faced strong reactions from the international community.
Saint-Laurent, CA (H4T1V6)

Today

Cloudy with occasional light rain during the afternoon. High near 45F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

Cloudy with rain and snow. Low 32F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precip 90%.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom says a stretch of Interstate 10 in Los Angeles that was burned in an act of arson does not need to be demolished, and that repairs will take an estimated three to five weeks
ADEN, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- Dozens of migrants went missing and feared dead when an overcrowded boat overturned near Yemen's coast, a government official told Xinhua on Monday.

The local official, who asked to remain anonymous, said that in the waters near Yemen's conflict-affected shores, a boat carrying approximately 75 migrants overturned near the coastal city of Mocha on Sunday.

He clarified that all the passengers were predominantly migrants from countries in the Horn of Africa seeking asylum in Yemen.

He said that strong winds are believed to have caused the boat to overturn.

While 26 survivors managed to swim ashore and were rescued by the Yemeni coastguard troops, at least 49 other passengers remained missing, according to the official.

Yemeni authorities, including the coastguard units, have engaged in search and rescue efforts.

"It is a heartbreaking tragedy," said Ahmed Ali, an officer for the Yemeni coastguard troops. "These migrants left their homelands hoping to find refuge in Yemen. Instead, they have met with disasters at sea."

Despite years of civil war, Yemen continues to serve as a transit country for tens of thousands of migrants heading from the Horn of Africa to Saudi Arabia. With the ongoing civil war leaving Yemen in turmoil, curbing the illegal smuggling operations has become increasingly challenging.

Yemen has been embroiled in a devastating civil war since 2014, with the Houthis fighting against the internationally-recognized Yemeni government. The Saudi Arabia-led coalition intervened in the conflict in support of the Yemeni government in 2015. 
Job Title: Network Administrator

Organisation: Uganda Christian University (UCU)

Duty Station: Mukono, Uganda

About US:

Uganda Christian University (UCU) is an authentic Christian institution established by the Church of Uganda in 1997 in response to a call for quality university education with a Christian perspective. Uganda Christian University replaced the historic Bishop Tucker Theological College which trained clergy and educators during its 84-year history from 1913-1997. The local chief, Hamu Mukasa, granted land for the college to operate in Mukono.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Installation, configuration and management of servers to include DNS, DHCP, AD, WDS, backup file servers, FTP and print servers at the University.

Manages security solutions to include firewalls, anti-virus, anti-spam, anti-malware, and content filtering products; provides security and control measures across multiple computer platforms .

Monitors network and server data flow, performance and security using a variety of evaluation tools; analyzes data flow patterns; checks network logs to detect intruders; writes scripts to support network monitoring and administration tasks.

Assists with management and coordination of information technology projects through design, selects appropriate hardware and software for the directorates operational need; Stays current on advancements in technology; identifies and assesses opportunities to improve services for the benefit of internal users and the public.

Responsible for the strategic planning, development and administration of an effective information security program.

Performs necessary network upgrades, tests hardware and software to ensure optimal network functionality.

Plan, design and audit policies and procedures which safeguard the integrity of and access to systems and electronic information in order to guard information against accidental or unauthorized modification, destruction or disclosure.

Provide risk assessment and security briefings related to security issues; manage IT security awareness programs and activities, and advise resource owners on formation of appropriate security policies.

Conduct periodic assessments and regular monitoring of campus information security controls and practices to ensure compliance with Client policy and regulatory requirements.

Performing network vulnerability assessments.

Investigate, recommend and install network enhancements and operationalize procedures that optimize network availability.

To liaise with service providers on the technical aspects of the services provided and advise the Technical Manager where necessary.

To prepare and present a monthly report on infrastructure activities to the Technical Manager.

Perform any other official duties as may be assigned by the Technical Manager or Director, UIS from time to time.









Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

The applicant must hold a Bachelors degree in Information Technology or Computer Science or a related field.

Must have two (2) years working experience as a Network Administrator or in a similar role.

Security and Networking Certifications e.g CCNA, Comptia+, CISSP are preferred.

Demonstrate excellent practical IT skills in areas like Windows Server Operating Systems and Linux Server Operating Systems for Routers, switches and other infrastructure devices.

Strong knowledge of systems and networking software, hardware, and networking protocols.

Strong knowledge of information security policies and procedures.

Must be willing to be called upon to serve during non-conventional working hours.

Must be a mature, practicing and committed Christian.

How to Apply:

All candidates should send;

Two (2) copies of an application letter together with an updated Curriculum Vitae and three references (Academic, Pastoral & Leadership)

Two (2) copies of Certified academic certificates and transcripts from a recognized institution of higher learning

Please Note: Applications sent online should have all the attachments as ONE PDF document otherwise they will not be considered. Click Here to Apply Online

Send to:

The Director, Human Resource & Administration,

Uganda Christian University,

Pilkington Building

P.O. Box 4, Mukono. Uganda

OR

Email to jobs@ucu.ac.ug

All the attachments should be in ONE PDF document.

Deadline: 27th November 2023 by 5:00 p.m

NB: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For more of the latest jobs, please visit https://www.theugandanjobline.com or find us on our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/UgandanJobline
The Oberoi Group Chairman Emeritus Prithvi Raj Singh Oberoi aka P.R.S. Oberoi, popularly known as Biki, died on Tuesday at the age of 94.



"It is with deep sadness that we inform the peaceful passing of PRS Oberoi, Chairman Emeritus of The Oberoi Group, earlier today," a statement said, adding that his legacy transcends borders, leaving an indelible mark on the global landscape.

"As we mourn the loss of a true icon, we also aim to celebrate the extraordinary legacy PRS Oberoi leaves behind. In the coming days, we will share details of our plans to honour and remember him," the statement said.

The cremation ceremony will be held at the Bhagwanti Oberoi Charitable Trust, Oberoi Farm, Kapashera, starting at 4 pm on Tuesday. "We extend a heartfelt invitation to those who know Oberoi to attend and pay their respects. Additionally, prayers will be held for him at our hotels and the Corporate Office today," the statement said.



Bestowed with the Padma Vibhushan in 2008, Biki was also honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Awards at ILTM (International Luxury Travel Market) and at 6th International Hotels Investment Forum in Berlin. He was also conferred with with the 'Corporate Hotelier of the World' award by HOTELS magazine USA.



Born in New Delhi on February 3, 1929, P.R.S was the son of late Rai Bahadur M.S. Oberoi, who founded The Oberoi Group. He was educated in Darjeeling, the UK and Switzerland.

P.R.S became the executive chairman of EIH Ltd, the flagship company of the Oberoi chain of hotels, in 2002 when his father died and continued in the post till May 2022, when he stepped down due to deteriorating health. His nephew, Arjun Singh Oberoi, is the Executive Chairman of EIH Limited while his son, Vikram Oberoi, is the CEO and MD of EIH Ltd.
Tata Steel, which is seeking a financial aid for its Dutch operations, has said it will cut 800 jobs in the Netherlands to ensure structural competitiveness and profitability.

In October 2021, Tata Steel completed the process of separating Tata Steel UK and Tata Steel Netherlands as two independent companies from Tata Steel Europe.

In the Netherlands, the company has a 7 Million Tonne Per Annum (MTPA) plant in IJmuiden.

The company's goal is to produce CO2-neutral steel by 2050 in Europe.

The steel market has been in dire straits for some time. In order to ensure structural competitiveness and profitability, both now and in the future, Tata Steel Nederland is implementing significant measures, including the reduction of 800 jobs in IJmuiden," Tata Steel said in a statement.

Tata Steel will improve its market position and reduce costs... and the company also needs to further reduce personnel costs, the statement said.

The decision to reduce the number of jobs is a difficult one, with potentially significant personal impacts on employees and their families, the company said.

The job reduction is expected to affect about 500 Tata Steel employees, primarily in management, staff, and support positions.

There is emphatically no intervention in the five-shift system. Forced redundancies cannot be ruled out, and the company will discuss a social plan with the unions.

The remaining 300 jobs that will be eliminated concern the work of temporary workers and not filling vacancies not directly related to the production.

"The measures being taken are also in the interest of transforming into a cleaner, greener, and more circular steel company. Substantial investments are being made now and in the coming years."

"It is, therefore, crucial to maintain a strong competitive position and to be agile enough to respond to rapidly changing circumstances and new developments," Tata Steel said.

The company further said it would go for fresh hirings as there is no freeze on induction of new skilled talent.

Despite the reduction in the number of jobs, there is no complete hiring freeze, it said.

The need for technically trained people, for example in production, remains. Both now and in the future, in the next steps of our green steel plan, Tata Steel said.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has visited the manufacturing facility of US-based electric vehicle major Tesla at Fremont, California and said that the company would be doubling its auto components imports from India.



The minister is in the US on a four-day visit. The world's largest electric car producer Tesla Inc's chief Elon Musk met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in June in New York and after the meeting Musk had said that he planned to visit India in 2024.



"Visited @Tesla's state of the art manufacturing facility at Fremont, California. Extremely delighted to see talented Indian engineers and finance professionals working at Senior positions and contributing to Tesla's remarkable journey to transform mobility.



"Also proud to see the growing importance of auto component suppliers from India in the Tesla EV supply chain. It is on its way to double its components imports from India. Missed Mr @ElonMusk's magnetic presence and I wish him a speedy recovery," Goyal said on social networking platform X.



The platform is also owned by Musk.



The visit assumes significance as there are reports that India is looking at giving customs duty concessions to Tesla for setting up a plant in the country. In September, Goyal said the company is looking to source components worth around USD 1.9 billion from India this year against USD 1 billion in 2022.



Going forward, demand for electric vehicles will increase and it will help in pushing the growth of the sector. Earlier, the government had stated that it is not looking to frame a separate policy for providing incentives to Tesla, and the company can apply to avail support measures under existing schemes like PLI for auto and advanced chemistry cells.



The government has rolled out the production-linked incentives (PLI) schemes (PLI) for advanced chemistry cell (ACC) battery storage with an outlay of Rs 18,100 crore and Rs 26,058 crore PLI scheme for auto, auto-components and drone industries.



When asked whether the government is considering duty concessions on completely built-up units to attract certain sections of electric cars into India, Goyal in September had said that "everything we have done has been done equally without any differentiation, without any preferences. This is the government which provides equal opportunity to everybody. So we will come out with a policy".



In August 2021, Musk had said Tesla might set up a manufacturing unit in India if it first succeeded with imported vehicles in the country. He had said Tesla wanted to launch its vehicles in India "but import duties are the highest in the world by far of any large country!".



Currently, India imposes 100 per cent import duty on fully imported cars with CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight) value more than USD 40,000 and 70 per cent on those costing less than the amount.
THE HAGUE, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- The Dutch economy contracted in the third quarter of 2023, which already was the third quarterly shrinkage of the year, Statistics Netherlands (CBS) said on Tuesday.

According to CBS, the gross domestic product (GDP) fell by 0.2 percent in the Q3 of 2023 compared to the previous quarter. The contraction was smaller than in the first two quarters of this year, when the economy shrank by 0.5 and 0.4 percent respectively.

The last time the Dutch economy shrank three quarters in a row was during the financial crisis in 2008 and 2009.

"Many jobs often disappear during a recession," CBS chief economist Peter Hein van Mulligen explained in a presentation. "That is not the case now. Many jobs were created, 31,000 to be precise compared to the previous quarter. The labor market is still very tight."

The contraction in the third quarter can be mainly attributed to a decline in investments in fixed assets and a decline in inventory changes. Compared to the same quarter in 2022, the Dutch economy shrank by 0.6 percent in the third quarter of 2023.

CBS compared the figures with neighboring countries, with CBS chief economist saying that "the Dutch economy performed a little worse than our neighbors."

GDP in Germany fell by 0.1 percent in the third quarter, while Belgium's and France's economy grew by 0.5 and 0.1 percent respectively in the third quarter of 2023 compared to the previous quarter. On average, GDP in European Union countries rose by 0.1 percent in the third quarter. 
The Election Commission of India has issued a show-cause notice to Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party national convener Arvind Kejriwal over the alleged disparaging statements made by the party against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The poll panel has also issued a similar notice to Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra for making "false" and "unverified" statements against Modi.

Both the leaders have been asked to respond to the notices by November 16.

The BJP had approached the Election Commission demanding action against Vadra for her remarks at a recent election rally in Madhya Pradesh.

The party alleged that Vadra had claimed in the rally that the Modi government had privatised all the public sector undertakings (PSUs) in the country.

She had purportedly alleged that the prime minister had given away PSU BHEL to his industrialist friends.

"Whereas, public generally believes that the statements made by the senior leader that too of a star campaigner of a national party are true, it is expected that such a leader is privy to and possesses factual base of the statements made by him/her. You must have verified the facts as stated so as to not leave any possibility of misleading the voters," the Commission told the Congress leader in its notice issued on Tuesday.

This is the second EC notice issued to Vadra in the ongoing assembly polls in five states.

The saffron party, in another complaint, had demanded action against the AAP for posting a "very unacceptable" and "unethical" video clip and remarks on social media against Modi.

The BJP delegation comprising Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri, party national media in-charge and Rajya Sabha member Anil Baluni and party leader Om Pathak approached the poll panel on November 10.

The AAP had posted a video story on X featuring Modi and industrialist Gautam Adani on November 8 and claimed that the prime minister works for the industrialist and not the people.

"...the present alleged matter has been found to be posted from the handle of the Aam Aadmi Party itself, which being a national party is expected to exercise caution through verification of facts before publishing and disseminating such content in public domain, the Commission said in its notice issued to Kejriwal on Tuesday.

The poll panel asked the AAP leader to explain why appropriate action for violation of model code of conduct should not be taken against the party.

"The national convener of the Aam Aadmi Party is hereby called upon to explain the statements/allegations/averments, made in the alleged social media posts under reference, against a star campaigner (PM Modi) of another national party and against the political party and by insinuation and innuendo against the candidates for the state elections and to show cause why appropriate action for violation of model code of conduct read with relevant election and penal laws should not be taken against you, the Commission said.

The EC also said if it doesnt receive a response from the AAP within the stipulated time, it will take appropriate action or decision in the matter without making any further reference to the party.
Over 5,000 Myanmar nationals entered Indian borders and reached Mizoram till Tuesday, seeking asylum, following fresh violence in Myanmar. An intense gunfight in Myanmars Chin state led to the recent influx of asylum seekers.



Lalbiakthanga Khiangte, Inspector General of Police, Mizoram told ANI that more than 5,000 people have taken refuge in two Mizoram villages along the Myanmar border. He added many have suffered injuries. As many as about 20 are injured. Eight of them are taken to Aizawl for better medical treatment and the rest are being treated in Champhai, "Khiangte added. The senior police officer said one of the injured succumbed on Monday evening.

ANI reported local Mizo non-governmental organisations are taking care of injured persons. According to reports, many Myanmar nationals got caught in the crossfire and suffered injuries while crossing the border on Monday.

James Lalrinchhana, the deputy commissioner (DC) of Champhai district which shares a border with Myanmar's Chin state, told PTI that an intense gunfight broke out between Myanmar's ruling junta-backed forces and militia group People's Defence Force (PDF) on Sunday evening.

The fighting started after the PDF attacked two military bases at Khawmawi and Rihkhawdar in Chin state near the Indian border, he said, adding that the fighting continued till Monday.

Lalrinchhana said people from Khawmawi, Rihkhawdar and the neighbouring villages in Chin crossed over to India and took shelter in Zokhawthar in Champhai district due to the gunfight. The Myanmar military base at Rihkhawdar was taken over by the militia in the early hours of Monday, and the base at Khawmawi was also taken over by them in the afternoon, he said. In retaliation, the Myanmar army launched airstrikes on Khawimawi and Rihkhawdar villages on Monday, Lalrinchhana added.

At least 17 people injured in the gunfight were brought to Champhai for treatment, Lalrinchhana said. A 51-year-old civilian from Myanmar who was already living in Zokhawthar died when the gunfight was happening on the other side of the border, the DC said. Local sources said he was allegedly hit by a stray bullet from across the border.

Zokhawthar Village Council president Lalmuanpuia told PTI that five personnel of the Chin National Army (CNA), which was a part of the PDF, were killed in the gunfight.

Lalmuanpuia said that more than 6,000 people from Myanmar were already living in Zokhawthar before the gunfight started. Six districts of the state -- Champhai, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Serchhip, Hnahthial and Saitual -- share a 510-km-long border with Myanmar's Chin state.

The first influx from the neighbouring country happened in February 2021 when the junta seized power. Since then, thousands of people from Myanmar have taken shelter in the northeastern state.

According to the state Home Department, 31,364 Myanmar nationals are currently living in different parts of the state. The majority of them live in relief camps, while others are accommodated by their local relatives and some live in rented houses.

The Myanmar nationals taking shelter in Mizoram are from the Chin community, who share ethnic ties with the Mizos.

-with agency inputs.
A spokesperson of the All India Hindu Mahasabha submitted an application for a police report against Samajwadi Party leader Swami Prasad Maurya for his remarks against Hindu gods and goddesses.

SP chief Akhilesh Yadav has also come under fire for not removing Maurya from the party in which the latter holds the position of national general secretary.

Swami Chakrapani Maharaj, president of the Mahasabha, said, A swami is one who has control over his senses, but despite his name, Swami Prasad Maurya has no control over himself. Yogi ji should use a bulldozer on him.

Shishir Chaturvedi, the spokesperson of the Mahasabha, said, He (Maurya) should be charged for treason for he is hurting the sentiments of 100 crore Sanatanis. He is sometimes with the BSP, sometimes with the BJP and now with the SP. His daughter (Sanghamitra Maurya) is with the BJP. Maurya has no control over his own house and is creating problems in all parties. Chaturvedi, with a few other members of the Mahasabha handed over an application at Lucknows Hazratganj police station earlier in the day.

Manoj Kumar Pandey, a former MLA from the SP said, Swami Prasad Maurya should not forget that he was enjoying the perks of power from 2012-22. He would wear saffron and not tire of singing praises of the BJP. He should not forget his past.

Alok Awasthi, BJP spokesperson, accused SP chief Yadav of having double character.

He is constantly pretending to be a Sanatani yet turning a blind eye towards one who is constantly abusing Sanatan, said Awasthi in reference to Yadavs temple visits.

It is not possible that a person who is the national general secretary is expressing his personal opinions. This is a well-thought-out agenda of your party. The country will not forgive you for this politics of appeasement that you are following by pouring poison against the Hindus of this country, he said.

Meanwhile, Maurya said all his remarks have scientific basis. On his mockery of goddess Laxmi who bears four arms, he said that no human child has ever been born with more than two arms.

Whatever I have said is based on logic. When I say that the Ramcharitamanas is derogatory to women and certain castes, my intent is that these people should be given due respect. My critics should stop talking in the air, he said.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said the Congress government was stolen from the State and added the party will win 150 seats in the upcoming elections in the state.

Addressing at an election rally in Madhya Pradesh, Gandhi said Congress had waived farm loans in Chhattisgarh and the partys government was toppled in the state by purchasing legislators.

"A storm is going to come in favour of the Congress. The party will be winning 145 to 150 seats. Five years back, you (people) elected a Congress government but BJP leaders (Prime Minister) Narendra Modi, (MP Chief Minister) Shivraj Singh and (Union Home Minister) Amit Shah purchased the MLAs and stole your government," Gandhi said. The Kamal Nath-led Congress dispensation, which was in power in Madhya Pradesh for 15 months till March 2020, waived farm loans of 27 lakh farmers. But by toppling that government, the BJP deceived labourers, farmers, small traders and unemployed people, he alleged.

The Congress ousted the BJP from power in Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh through love and not hatred, he said. "The BJP ran a 40 per cent cut government in Karnataka. (After Congress came to power there) I told the Karnataka chief minister to return the money that was snatched by the BJP government from the pockets of poor people in five years. I told him to return the money to the poor, which the BJP had given to the rich," he said. People in the Congress-ruled Karnataka and Chhattisgarh are getting LPG cylinders at Rs 500 each, while people in other states are paying Rs 1,200-1,400 here for the same, Gandhi said.

The former Congress president said the Congress fulfilled all its promises in Karnataka, including farm loan waiver and free bus travel to women. Farmers in Chhattisgarh are getting the guaranteed minimum support price (MSP) of the crop and labourers are being paid Rs 10,000 as wages. This is strengthening the local economy, he said.
The NIA on Tuesday attached properties of two key Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives who allegedly helped Pakistani terrorist Naveed Jatt escape from police custody from a Srinagar hospital in 2018 by attacking a police team.

In a statement, the agency said, "Going full throttle against terrorist organisations and operatives operating in Kashmir, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) attached the properties of two key Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operatives in the 2018 case relating to the forcible release of a terrorist through a fatal attack on a police party at a Srinagar hospital."

It said eight properties -- five belonging to Mohd Shafi Wani and three to Mohd Tikka Khan, both residents of Singoo Narbal in Pulwama -- have been attached under Section 33 (1) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act following recent orders from the NIA Special Court, Jammu.

The case involved the killing of two personnel of the Jammu and Kashmir Police in firing on a police party escorting LeT terrorist Jatt alias Abu Hanzla to SMHS Hospital, Srinagar, for a medical examination on February 6, 2018.

The NIA said Jatt, a terrorist of Pakistani origin, was forcibly released in the attack, which was carried out by the two accused, along with others, on orders from their Pakistan-based LeT commanders. Jatt was killed in an encounter with security forces later in 2018.

Jatt was believed to have been behind the killing of journalist Shujaat Bukhari outside his office at Residency Road in June 2018.

"The attached immovable properties of Mohd Shafi Wani and Mohd Tikka Khan, both identified as overground workers of the LeT, include various plots of land. The residential house of Shafi has also been attached," the agency said.

The two accused were arrested from their Pulwama homes on February 8, 2018, and were also found to be in the possession of weapons. They were charge-sheeted on August 3, 2018, and are currently facing trial before the NIA Special Court in Jammu under several legal provisions, it added.
Ahead of the Assembly elections in Rajasthan, the BJP has roped in Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and party president J P Nadda to helm the campaign this week. The saffron party, hoping to wrest back power in the state, will release its manifesto this Thursday, which is said to focus on five dozen commitments.

The state will go to the polls on November 25.



The saffron party has scheduled the Prime Minister's campaign for two days, Wednesday and Saturday. Modi will address the party rally in Barmer on Wednesday and Bharatpur and Nagaur on Saturday.



Both Amit Shah and J P Nadda have a tight schedule in Rajasthan in the upcoming week with road shows and multiple rallies. Shah will be visiting Tonk, Rajsamand, Bundi and Ajmer districts, and Nadda will meet voters at Dausa, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer.



'Sankalp Patra'



The BJP's manifesto, titled 'Sankalp Patra', will be released by Nadda in Jaipur this Sunday.



The Sankalp Patra is likely to include relief measures for government employees addressing wage disparities. There will also be benefits for the unorganised work sector and expansion of the Devnarayan scheme for religious site development, reported ANI.



The report, quoting party sources, said the party would also roll out five dozen commitments, including free education up to post-graduation for students. Welfare schemes like Ujjwala and Ladli Sister schemes will get a boost, with families covered under them likely to be offered affordable gas cylinders priced at Rs 450.



The party carried out a huge drive before forming the manifesto, which included the formation of a committee for collecting suggestions from across the state. Approximately one crore suggestions were gathered for the drive.



The manifesto panel included key figures such as Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, coordinator Ghanshyam Tiwari, co-coordinator Kirodi Lal Meena, and Union Minister Alka Singh Gurjar.



Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, who is in charge of the elections in the state, has expressed hope of BJP winning the Rajasthan election with a thumping majority. "In 2013, the party came to power with a record margin. This time, the BJP is aiming for the same," he said, adding that the party is confident of forming a strong and stable government in the state.



Last elections, the Congress won 99 seats while the BJP's campaign ended with 73 seats in the 22-member house.


As Israeli military vehicles close in on the gates of the besieged Al-Shifa hospital complex, the Gazan Health Ministry claims the situation inside the hospital is "catastrophic" and "calamitous" as it runs out of fuel and medicines.

After the oxygen supply ran out, the hospital struggled to keep the injured and unwell alive. No power also means dozens of corpses are decomposing at the hospital with no way to preserve or remove them.



With incubators cut off, the staff had to remove the babies by hand from the neonatal units defunct incubators. The premature babies were then wrapped in foil and placed next to hot water in a desperate bid to keep them warm, according to the hospital authorities.



Images from the hospital show the babies huddled together in one bed. "There is no more water, food, milk for children and babies the situation in the hospital is catastrophic," the director of the medical centre Dr. Muhammad Abu Salmiya told CNN on Monday.



According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Ramallah, 15 patients have died in recent days, including six newborns, due to power outages and a shortage of medical supplies.



Shifa staff members also had to perform surgery on war-wounded patients, including children, without anaesthesia. As of now, over 650 patients and 500 staff remain in the hospital. Around 2,500 displaced Palestinians are also sheltering inside, as evident from the satellite images.



Dr Medhat Abbas, the director general of Gazas health ministry, told CNN that medical staff at Al-Shifa kept four infants alive after their mothers died by performing C-sections. "Now they have to make it without their mothers and without electricity Can you imagine that?" he said. "When these babies are born prematurely, to sustain their lives they need to have the same temperature as their mother. This temperature can only be offered in the incubators, which are heated properly," Abbas said.



He warned that the situation would only worsen as winter draws in.



Medics are now reportedly working by candlelight. Food is limited and people survive on pipe water. The hospital is not functioning anymore and whoever needs surgery dies.



Without electricity or fuel, dozens of corpses are decomposing at the hospital because there is no way to preserve or remove them, a chief nurse and a health official said.



Not just Shifa, fighting has been ongoing near al-Quds and al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital too. The functioning of these hospitals has since been impaired. The al-Nasr Childrens Hospital and al-Rantisi Specialised Hospital for Children can no longer function without access to medical aid.



Israel claims Hamas members are hiding in the tunnels beneath the hospitals. Tel Aviv has so far not provided proof for its claims that the command centre of the militant group functions from the tunnels.



The IDF is in the process of coordinating the transfer of incubators from a hospital in Israel to Gaza. pic.twitter.com/C8jyv0g3sE  Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) November 14, 2023

However, Israels military said it offered to evacuate newborn babies and placed 300 litres of fuel at the entrance of the hospital, which was not received. The IDF claimed that it was also coordinating the transfer of incubators into the Gaza Strip, as a possible measure to enable the evacuation. It was also posted on social media with an image of a soldier unloading incubators from a van.


MUNICH, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Nagarro, a global digital engineering leader, today presented its unaudited financial numbers for Q3 2023 and released its nine-month statement.



Nagarro's superior client experience and its strategic diversification continued to deliver resilient growth. In Q3 2023, revenue grew to 234.3 million, up 1.9% YoY from 229.8 million in Q3 2022 and up 6.6% YoY in constant currency. Organic YoY revenue growth for the quarter was 2.3% in constant currency. Gross profit declined to 56.1 million in Q3 2023 from 69.8 million in Q3 2022. Due to excess production capacity and a shift to consultative selling, gross margin dropped to 23.9% in Q3 2023 from 30.4% in Q3 2022. Adjusted EBITDA declined to 32.0 million (13.7% of revenue) in Q3 2023 from 48.4 million (21.1% of revenue) in Q3 2022. The main EBITDA adjustment was on account of the stock option expense of 1.2 million.



EBITDA declined to 30.6 million in Q3 2023 from 47.6 million in Q3 2022. EBIT declined to 22.1 million in Q3 2023 from 39.2 million in Q3 2022. Net profit decreased to 12.6 million in Q3 2023 from 25.8 million in Q3 2022.



The company's headcount was trimmed by 500 during Q3 2023 to 19,182. The Net Promoter Score from the customer satisfaction survey conducted in Q3 2023 was 67.



Nine-month results



Revenue grew to 690.6 million in 9M 2023, up 10.4% YoY from 625.4 million in 9M 2022. Constant currency revenue growth for 9M 2023 was 12.9%. Organic YoY revenue growth for 9M 2023 was 10.6% in constant currency. Gross profit decreased to 175.0 million in 9M 2023 from 180.3 million in 9M 2022. Gross margin dropped to 25.3% in 9M 2023 from 28.8% in 9M 2022. Adjusted EBITDA declined to 92.4 million (13.4% of revenue) in 9M 2023 from 117.6 million (18.8% of revenue) in 9M 2022. EBITDA decreased to 88.7 million in 9M 2023 from 114.9 million in 9M 2022. EBIT declined to 64.7 million in 9M 2023 from 90.7 million in 9M 2022. Net profit declined to 39.1 million in 9M 2023 against 62.1 million in 9M 2022. Operating cash flow adjusted for changes in factoring (including interest on factored amounts) was 61.7 million in 9M 2023 as compared to 32.0 million in 9M 2022. The cash balance decreased by 18.5 million from December 31, 2022, to 91.6 million, mainly on account of the buyback of shares.



Manas Human, co-founder of Nagarro and Custodian of Entrepreneurship, said, "Given the external circumstances, we are satisfied with the overall financial result. Meanwhile, we continue to improve our offerings, our differentiation, and our ways of working. We believe our industry will continue to evolve, and we want to be prepared to lead the next phase of evolution. We are particularly excited by our vision of the AI-enabled Fluidic Enterprise, which we are gearing up to deliver to our clients."



Nagarro will hold its analyst meeting as a video call to discuss Q3 report 2023 on November 14, 2023, at 01:00 pm CET (04:00 am PT / 06:00 am CT / 07:00 am ET / 12:00 pm GMT / 04:00 pm GST / 05:30 pm IST / 08:00 pm SGT / 09:00 pm JST).



Nagarro will hold its retail investors call to discuss Q3 report 2023 on November 14, 2023, at 03:00 pm CET (06:00 am PT / 08:00 am CT / 09:00 am ET / 2:00 pm GMT / 06:00 pm GST / 07:30 pm IST / 10:00 pm SGT / 11:00 pm JST).



To attend, please register in advance at https://www.nagarro.com/en/investor-relations/quarterly-statement-call-q3-2023.



About Nagarro



Nagarro, a global digital engineering leader, helps clients become fluidic, innovative, digital-first companies and thus win in their markets. The company is distinguished by its entrepreneurial, agile, and global character, its CARING mindset, and its Fluidic Enterprise vision. Nagarro employs over 19,000 people and is present in 36 countries. For more information, visit www.nagarro.com.



FRA: NA9 (SDAX/TecDAX, ISIN DE000A3H2200, WKN A3H220)



For inquiries, please contact press@nagarro.com.



Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/844192/3850575/Nagarro_Logo.jpg



(Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PRNewswire and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR

PWR
New Delhi, Nov 14 (PTI) Prithvi Raj Singh Oberoi, the 94-year-old veteran corporate hotelier who redefined India's hospitality industry, passed away on Tuesday.

The Chairman Emeritus of The Oberoi Group, popularly known as 'Biki', built a sprawling chain comprising 32 hotels during his lifetime. EIH owns the eponymous Oberoi and Trident hotel chains.

Son of late Rai Bahadur MS Oberoi, the founder of The Oberoi Group, PRS Oberoi had also been instrumental in developing the Trident chain of hotels. His father, the man who started it all in 1934, passed away in 2002 and Tilak Raj, his older son, reportedly died prematurely in 1984.

Since then, PRS Oberoi steered the hospitality chain through its ups and downs. A hotel magnate who embodied fine living, his death brings to an end two generations of the family that built the Oberoi empire into an Indian hospitality powerhouse.

"It is with deep sadness that we inform the peaceful passing of PRS Oberoi, Chairman Emeritus of The Oberoi Group, earlier today. A luminary in the hospitality industry, Oberoi's legacy transcends borders, leaving an indelible mark on the global landscape," a statement said.

PRS Oberoi was born in New Delhi on February 3, 1929. He served as chairman of the company since 1988 until he stepped down in May last year due to ill health.

"PRS Oberoi has decided to relinquish his position as chairman and director of the EIH Associated Hotels Ltd effective May 2, 2022 due to his deteriorating health," a press release had said that time.

Under his leadership, the company expanded from its first hotel, 'The Trident Chennai', that opened in 1988, to become one of India's most reputable hotel companies.

He is reportedly survived by three children, son Vikramjit Singh Oberoi -Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of EIH Hotels, and daughters Natasha and Anastasia.

In 2014, it was reported that PRS Oberoi decided not to choose his successor to run EIH Ltd, after years of intense speculation over who he would choose as successor, son Vikramjit or nephew Arjun, who currently serves as Executive Chairman of EIH Ltd. Arjun is the son of PRS Oberoi's late elder brother, Tilak Raj.

A recipient of India's second highest civilian honour -- Padma Vibhushan -- in 2008, PRS Oberoi was also awarded the 'Corporate Hotelier of the World' by HOTELS magazine in 2010.

PRS Oberoi was educated in India, the UK and Switzerland. In addition to providing leadership for the management of luxury hotels in several countries, he had been instrumental in pioneering the development of Oberoi Hotels and Resorts.

The Oberoi brand has come to represent fine luxury hotels. Business India magazine adjudged PRS Oberoi the Businessman of the Year 2008. He received this award for building a world-class premium hospitality brand. In November 2008, he was conferred the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards for redefining design standards in luxury hotels.

In October 2005, the Hotel Investment Conference Asia Pacific (HICAP), which is the preeminent gathering of hotel investors, investment bankers and leading industry professionals in the region, honoured him with the Lifetime Achievement Award at its annual conference in Hong Kong.

This award was given in recognition of his contribution to the hospitality industry and his pioneering leadership in making The Oberoi Group a global brand by taking the concept of luxury to a new paradigm.

In February 2013, PRS Oberoi was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award for Management by The All India Management Association.
Lahore, Nov 14 (PTI) Pakistan International Airlines has announced stricter regulations for flight attendants travelling to Canada and European countries, days after two crew members of the ailing national flag carrier disappeared shortly after they landed in Toronto.

On November 10, two stewards assigned to a PIA flight from Islamabad to Toronto disappeared after the flight landed in Canada. This incident prompted PIA's decision to impose stricter controls on air hostess travel to Canada and Europe, officials said.

According to a statement issued by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), flight attendants aged above 50 years should be among the crew members of flights to Canada and other international routes.

This restriction aims to reduce the risk of older flight attendants slipping away as they may be more susceptible to the allure of better job prospects in these regions, Pakistani media reports said.

According to PIA, this year alone the number of stewards and flight attendants sneaking away upon arrival in Canada has reached four. Last year also, four PIA crew members disappeared after landing in Canada.

The PIA is grappling with an annual loss of PKR 71 billion, largely attributed to the EU flight ban stemming from licensing concerns over three years ago.

The PIA is suffering accumulated losses to the tune of PKR 750 billion. Recently, the PIA's entire flight operations were cancelled for many days after Pakistan State Oil (PSO) cut the carriers fuel supply because of non-payment of dues.

The PIAs recent descent came after the caretaker government announced that it would privatise the airline as part of a fiscal discipline plan agreed under an International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout.
Displaced people collect water from a tank at a temporary shelter in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, on Nov. 13, 2023. A bloody conflict between Hamas and Israel since Oct. 7 has plunged more than 2.3 million people in Gaza into a humanitarian crisis, with very limited access to food and water, no fuel for electricity, and the "total collapse" of the health system. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

Displaced people are seen at a temporary shelter in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, on Nov. 13, 2023. A bloody conflict between Hamas and Israel since Oct. 7 has plunged more than 2.3 million people in Gaza into a humanitarian crisis, with very limited access to food and water, no fuel for electricity, and the "total collapse" of the health system. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

Displaced children wait for food at a temporary shelter in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, on Nov. 13, 2023. A bloody conflict between Hamas and Israel since Oct. 7 has plunged more than 2.3 million people in Gaza into a humanitarian crisis, with very limited access to food and water, no fuel for electricity, and the "total collapse" of the health system. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

A displaced child is seen at a temporary shelter in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, on Nov. 13, 2023. A bloody conflict between Hamas and Israel since Oct. 7 has plunged more than 2.3 million people in Gaza into a humanitarian crisis, with very limited access to food and water, no fuel for electricity, and the "total collapse" of the health system. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

Displaced people are seen at a temporary shelter in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, on Nov. 13, 2023. A bloody conflict between Hamas and Israel since Oct. 7 has plunged more than 2.3 million people in Gaza into a humanitarian crisis, with very limited access to food and water, no fuel for electricity, and the "total collapse" of the health system. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

Displaced people are seen at a temporary shelter in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, on Nov. 13, 2023. A bloody conflict between Hamas and Israel since Oct. 7 has plunged more than 2.3 million people in Gaza into a humanitarian crisis, with very limited access to food and water, no fuel for electricity, and the "total collapse" of the health system. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

Displaced people prepare food at a temporary shelter in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, on Nov. 13, 2023. A bloody conflict between Hamas and Israel since Oct. 7 has plunged more than 2.3 million people in Gaza into a humanitarian crisis, with very limited access to food and water, no fuel for electricity, and the "total collapse" of the health system. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)
Washington, Nov 14 (AP) The last time Congress tried to fund the government to prevent a federal shutdown, it cost House Speaker Kevin McCarthy his job.

This time, new Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., appears on track for a better outcome Tuesday as the House prepares to vote on a stopgap package to keep the government running into the new year. If approved, the Senate would act next, ahead of Friday's shutdown deadline.

The new Republican leader faces the same political problem that led to McCarthy's ouster, and is unlikely to win enough support from his Republican majority to pass the bill on its own. Instead, Johnson will be forced to rely on Democrats to ensure passage to keep the federal government running.

Johnson has called it a necessary bill that he hoped would put House Republicans in the best position to fight for their conservative priorities in the new year.

Under his proposal, Johnson is putting forward a unique  critics say bizarre  two-part process that temporarily funds some federal agencies to January 19 and others to February 2. It's a continuing resolution, or CR, that comes without any of the deep cuts conservatives are demanding. It also fails to include President Joe Biden's request for nearly USD 106 billion for Ukraine, Israel, border security and other supplemental funds.

I think it's a very big mistake," said Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, a member of the hard-right Freedom Caucus.

Roy said there's a whole lot of opposition among House Republicans to partnering with Democrats to pass the bill.

The Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said his party is carefully evaluating the proposal from the Republican leadership before giving approval.

We remain concerned, he said about the two-part approach. Veteran lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have called it cumbersome, unusual and unworkable.

But Jeffries in a letter to Democratic colleagues noted that the GOP package met the Democratic demands to keep funding at current levels without steep reductions or divisive Republican policy priorities.

We have articulated that we will not accept any extreme right-wing policy provisions in connection with funding the government, Jeffries wrote.

With the House narrowly divided, Johnson cannot afford many defections from Republicans, which is forcing him into the arms of Democrats.

Winning bipartisan approval of a continuing resolution is the same move that led McCarthy's hard-right flank to oust him in October, days after the September 30 vote to avert a federal shutdown. For now, Johnson appears to be benefiting from a political honeymoon in one of his first big tests on the job.

Look, we're going to trust the speaker's move here," said Rep. Drew Ferguson, R-Ga.

The Senate, where Democrats have a slim majority, has also signalled its willingness to accept Johnson's package ahead of Friday's deadline to fund the government.

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell said the House GOP package will keep the lights on, and he will support it.

But McConnell, R-Ky., noted that Congress still has work to do toward Biden's request to provide U.S. military aid for Ukraine, Israel and other needs. Senators are trying to devise a separate package to fund U.S. supplies for the overseas wars and bolster border security, but it remains a work in progress.

If approved, passage of another continuing resolution would be a stunning capstone to the House GOP's first year in the majority. The Republicans have worked tirelessly to cut federal government spending only to find their own GOP colleagues are unwilling to go along with the most conservative priorities. Two of the Republican bills collapsed last week as moderates revolted.

Instead, the Republicans are left funding the government essentially on autopilot at the levels that were set in bipartisan fashion at the end of 2022, when Democrats had control of Congress but two parties came together to agree on budget terms.

All that could change in the new year when 1 per cent cuts across the board to all departments would be triggered if Congress fails to agree to new budget terms and pass the traditional appropriation bills to fund the government by springtime.

The 1 per cent automatic cuts, which would take hold in April, are despised by all sides  Republicans say they are not enough, Democrats say they are too steep and many lawmakers prefer to boost defense funds. But they are part of the debt deal McCarthy and Biden struck earlier this year. The idea was to push Congress to do better. (AP) NPK

NPK
Shimla, Nov 14 (PTI) Rampur in Shimla, which hosted the International Lavi Fair from November 11-14, will see several development activities, including projects worth Rs 200 crore by the Jal Shakti Department, Himachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri said on Tuesday.

About 36 projects of Jal Shakti Department would be undertaken at a cost of Rs 200 crore in Rampur area, Agnihotri said while speaking at the closing ceremony of four-day International Lavi Fair 2023.

According to local residents, Lavi used to be an international trade festival till 1962 as traders from far off places like Samarkand, Afghanistan, Tibet, Ladakh and other places used to visit Rampur through the Silk Route. However, the fair lost its sheen after the India-China war in that year.

They said, traders from different places used to come to Rampur to sell their goods and the local people also used to purchase household goods during the fair. Now all these commodities are available around the year.

In 1985, it was due to the efforts of former state chief minister Virbhadra Singh that the Rampur Lavi fair was given the status of an international event.

Rampur is considered as the bastion of Virbhadra Singh, father of PWD minister Vikramaditya Singh.

Road development works worth Rs 130 crore would be taken up in Rampur area in this financial year, said Vikramaditya Singh.

Approval of 10 roads under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana in Rampur assembly constituency has been received from the central government, he informed.

The identity created for Rampur by Virbhadra Singh will reach new heights, he said and added that efforts will be made to complete the development works of Virbhadra Singh's time, including the work on Nankhadi College, a degree college in Juri and an engineering college in Kotla.

The state government has given a special relief package of Rs 4,500 crore for disaster-affected people but an economic package from the Centre is still awaited, he said and requested the Union government to release the state's claim of Rs 5,000 crore at the earliest, an official statement issued here said.

Heavy rains during July and August had wreaked havoc in the state and rain related incidents claimed lives of 509 people, besides damaging over 15,200 houses and several roads.

According to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the state has suffered losses of about Rs 12,000 crore and demanded that the calamity to be declare as a national disaster.

On Tuesday, while announcing various projects for the area, Agnihotri said that the state government will fulfil all its promises and implementation of the old pension scheme for government employees was the first step in this direction.
Peshawar, Nov 14 (PTI) Two Pakistani policemen were among at least three people killed in two separate terror attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the army said on Tuesday.

Two soldiers were killed in a clash with terrorists during a clearance operation in Mir Ali Tehsil of North Waziristan tribal district on Monday, the Inter-Services Public Relations, the media wing of the Pakistan Army, said in a statement.

A terrorist was also killed during the exchange of fire.

In another incident, a convoy of an Oil and Gas Company was attacked by militants in the Drazinda tehsil of Dera Ismail Khan district, killing the company driver and injuring 11 others.

The injured have been shifted to Dera Hospital.

The condition of two of the injured persons is said to be critical, an official said.

Search operation is underway in the area to arrest the attackers who escaped after the gunfight.
San Francisco, Nov 14 (AP) President Joe Biden is looking to use this week's summit of Asia-Pacific leaders to show world leaders the United States has the gumption, attention span and money to focus on the region even as it grapples with a multitude of foreign and domestic policy crises.

Biden's highly anticipated meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday is the main event of his four-day visit to San Francisco, where leaders from the 21 economies that make up the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum are gathering for their annual summit. The talks with Xi are of enormous importance as the leaders of the world's two biggest economies try to find a measure of stability after what's been a difficult year for U.S.-China relations.

But the White House also wants to demonstrate to APEC's leaders that Biden can remain focused on the Pacific while also trying to keep the Israel-Hamas war from exploding into a broader regional conflict and to persuade Republican lawmakers to continue to spend billions more on the costly Ukrainian effort to repel Russia's nearly 21-month old invasion.

President Biden this coming week will be doing a lot more than just meeting with President Xi, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters in Washington on Monday. He added that Biden would put forward his economic vision for the region, make the case that the U.S. is the very eminent driver for sustainable economic growth in the Asia-Pacific, and hold the region out as critical to U.S. economic growth.

White House officials say they are cognizant that fellow APEC nations want to see better dialogue between the U.S. and China because it reduces the risk of regional conflict. At the same time, they also know that others in the region are concerned that the Pacific is too often seen through a prism in which the dominant power centres in Washington and Beijing make decisions for the region without engagement from less powerful nations.

To that end, the White House is expected to unveil new initiatives to advance clean economy investments and develop anti-corruption and taxation policies through its Indo-Pacific Economic Forum, an economic strategy announced last year aimed at countering Beijing's commercial strength in the region.

The strategy, known by the acronym IPEF, was designed to foster trade and demonstrate American commitment to the region, after then-President Donald Trump announced in 2017 that the U.S. was withdrawing from the Trans-Pacific Partnership, or TPP, an Obama-era trade deal with 12 countries.

The U.S. is really aiming to use APEC as a way to demonstrate its lasting economic commitment to the region overall, said Neils Graham, associate director for the Atlantic Council GeoEconomics Centre.

Much of the APEC's membership is tepid, at best on IPEF, said Joshua Kurlantzick, a senior fellow for Southeast Asia at the Council on Foreign Relations. While TPP fell apart under Trump, the region has seen major trade deals sealed in recent years involving China, Japan, South Korea and other major regional economies. APEC members have some interest in aspects of IPEF, such as efforts aimed at bolstering supply chain resilience and the clean energy economy, but want to see Biden create further access to U.S. markets.

Biden during his presidency has declined to pursue new comprehensive free-trade agreements with other countries. Administration officials quietly argue that while such pacts promote global commerce they are viewed suspiciously by Americans and some in Congress as a vehicle for sending factory jobs overseas.

Biden on Monday welcomed Indonesian President Joko Widodo, a fellow APEC leader, to the White House for talks before both travel to San Francisco. The Oval Office visit came at a somewhat awkward moment as Widodo, the leader of the world's most populous Muslim country, has been fiercely critical of Israel's operations in the Gaza Strip.

Biden, meanwhile, has been unapologetic in standing staunchly by Israel and backing its right to defend itself following the October 7 attacks by Hamas militants that left 1,200 dead. Israel's retaliatory operations in Gaza have killed more than 11,000, sparking outrage from a slew of world leaders. The Indonesian president, in a speech at Georgetown University on Monday, lamented that human life seems meaningless" as Israel prosecutes its operations.

Their differences on the Israel-Hamas war notwithstanding, Biden made clear during his sit-down with Widodo that he's looking to improve ties with the Southeast Asian power on combating the climate crisis and other issues.

The White House effort to herd APEC members to sign on to a summit-concluding joint declaration, a fixture at most international summits, could be complicated by diverging views among members on the Israel-Hamas and Ukraine wars.

We're certainly working for having a strong consensus statement in APEC, for the leaders to be able to release at the end of the week, said Ambassador Matt Murray, the senior U.S. official for APEC.

Among close allies expected to be in San Francisco are Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.

Historically frosty relations between South Korea and Japan have rapidly thawed over the last year as they share concerns about China's assertiveness in the Pacific and North Korea's persistent nuclear threats.

Biden is expected to remind Xi about the U.S. commitment to the Philippines, following a recent episode in which Chinese ships blocked and collided with two Philippine vessels off a contested shoal in the South China Sea, according to a senior administration who spoke on the condition of anonymity to preview some of Biden's agenda.

The Philippines and other neighbours of China are resisting Beijing's sweeping territorial claims over virtually the entire sea.

The potential for a government shutdown is also looming over the summit, with the current stopgap spending measure set to expire Friday. House Speaker Mike Johnson unveiled a proposal Saturday that would extend funding for some agencies and programs until January 19. The stopgap measure excludes the roughly USD 106 billion funding requested by Biden for Israel, Ukraine and the U.S. border with Mexico.

Sullivan warned that a government shutdown would be a devastating blow to U.S. standing around the globe.

It would send a signal to the world that the United States cannot pull together on a bipartisan basis to sustain government funding, and to show a united face to the world at a moment when you see this turbulence around the world, Sullivan said. (AP) NPK

NPK
London, Nov 14 (AP) Earlier this year, the doctor who leads the World Health Organisation's efforts to prevent sexual abuse travelled to Congo to address the biggest known sex scandal in the UN health agency's history, the abuse of well over 100 local women by staffers and others during a deadly Ebola outbreak.

According to an internal WHO report from Dr. Gaya Gamhewage's trip in March, one of the abused women she met gave birth to a baby with a malformation that required special medical treatment", meaning even more costs for the young mother in one of the world's poorest countries.

To help victims like her, the WHO has paid $250 each to at least 104 women in Congo who say they were sexually abused or exploited by officials working to stop Ebola. That amount per victim is less than a single day's expenses for some UN officials working in the Congolese capital  and USD 19 more than what Gamhewage received per day during her three-day visit  according to internal documents obtained by The Associated Press.

The amount covers typical living expenses for less than four months in a country where, the WHO documents noted, many people survive on less than USD 2.15 a day.

The payments to women didn't come freely. To receive the cash, they were required to complete training courses intended to help them start income-generating activities.

The payments appear to try to circumvent the UN's stated policy that it doesn't pay reparations by including the money in what it calls a complete package of support.

Many Congolese women who were sexually abused have still received nothing. WHO said in a confidential document last month that about a third of the known victims were impossible to locate. The WHO said nearly a dozen women declined its offer.

The total of USD 26,000 that WHO has provided to the victims equals about 1 per cent of the USD 2 million, WHO-created survivor assistance fund for victims of sexual misconduct, primarily in Congo.

In interviews, recipients told the AP the money they received was hardly enough, but they wanted justice even more.

Paula Donovan, who co-directs the Code Blue campaign to eliminate what it calls impunity for sexual misconduct in the UN, described the WHO payments to victims of sexual abuse and exploitation as perverse.

It's not unheard of for the UN to give people seed money so they can boost their livelihoods, but to mesh that with compensation for a sexual assault, or a crime that results in the birth of a baby, is unthinkable, she said.

Requiring the women to attend training before receiving the cash set uncomfortable conditions for victims of wrongdoing seeking help, Donovan added.

The two women who met with Gamhewage told her that what they most wanted was for the perpetrators to be brought to account so they could not harm anyone else", the WHO documents said. The women were not named.

There is nothing we can do to make up for (sexual abuse and exploitation)," Gamhewage told the AP in an interview.

The WHO told the AP that criteria to determine its victim survivor package included the cost of food in Congo and global guidance on not dispensing more cash than what would be reasonable for the community, in order to not expose recipients to further harm. Gamhewage said the WHO was following recommendations set by experts at local charities and other UN agencies.

Obviously, we haven't done enough, Gamhewage said. She added the WHO would ask survivors directly what further support they wanted.

The WHO has also helped defray medical costs for 17 children born as a result of sexual exploitation and abuse, she said.

At least one woman who said she was sexually exploited and impregnated by a WHO doctor negotiated compensation that agency officials signed off on, including a plot of land and health care. The doctor also agreed to pay USD 100 a month until the baby was born in a deal to protect the integrity and reputation of WHO".

But in interviews with the AP, other women who say they were sexually exploited by WHO staff asserted the agency hasn't done enough.

Alphonsine, 34, said she was pressured into having sex with a WHO official in exchange for a job as an infection control worker with the Ebola response team in the eastern Congo city of Beni, an epicentre of the 2018-2020 outbreak. Like other women, she did not share her last name for fear of reprisals.

Alphonsine confirmed that she had received USD 250 from the WHO, but the agency told her she had to take a baking course to obtain it.

The money helped at the time, but it wasn't enough, Alphonsine said. She said she later went bankrupt and would have preferred to receive a plot of land and enough money to start her own business.

For a visiting WHO staffer working in Congo, the standard daily allowance ranges from about USD 144 to USD 480. Gamhewage received USD 231 a day during her three-day trip to the Congolese capital Kinshasa, according to an internal travel claim.

The internal documents show that staff costs take up more than half of the USD 1.5 million the WHO allotted toward the prevention of sexual misconduct in Congo for 2022-2023, or USD 821,856.

Another 12 per cent goes to prevention activities and 35 per cent, or USD 535,000, is for victim support, which Gamhewage said includes legal assistance, transportation and psychological support. That budget is separate from the USD 2 million survivors assistance fund, which assists victims globally.

The WHO's Congo office has a total allocated budget of about USD 174 million, and its biggest funder is the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

The UN health agency continues to struggle with holding perpetrators of sexual abuse and exploitation to account in Congo. A WHO-commissioned panel found at least 83 perpetrators during the Ebola response, including at least 21 WHO staffers. The youngest known victim was 13.

In May 2021, an AP investigation revealed that senior WHO management was told of sexual exploitation during the agency's efforts to curb Ebola even as the abuse was happening but did little to stop it. No senior managers, including some who were aware of the abuse during the outbreak, were fired.

After years of pressure from Congolese authorities, the WHO internal documents note it has shared information with them about 16 alleged perpetrators of sexual abuse and exploitation who were linked to the WHO during the Ebola outbreak.

But the WHO hasn't done enough to discipline its people, said another Congolese woman who said she was coerced into having sex with a staffer to get a job during the outbreak. She, too, received USD 250 from the WHO after taking a baking course.

They promised to show us evidence this has been taken care of, but there has been no follow-up," said Denise, 31.

The WHO has said five staffers have been dismissed for sexual misconduct since 2021.

But in Congo, deep distrust remains.

Audia, 24, told the AP she was impregnated when a WHO official forced her to have sex to get a job during the outbreak. She now has a five-year-old daughter as a result and received a really insufficient USD 250 from WHO after taking courses in tailoring and baking.

She worries about what might happen in a future health crisis in conflict-hit eastern Congo, where poor infrastructure and resources mean any emergency response relies heavily on outside help from the WHO and others.

I can't put my trust in (WHO) anymore, she said. When they abandon you in such difficulties and leave you without doing anything, it's irresponsible. (AP) PY

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Jerusalem, Nov 14 (AP) Fighting between Israeli troops and Palestinian militants in northern Gaza caused another 200,000 people to flee south in the past 10 days, the UN humanitarian office said on Tuesday.

The humanitarian office, known as OCHA, said only one hospital in the north is capable of treating patients. Some of the fighting is around hospitals where patients, newborns and medics are stranded with no electricity and dwindling supplies.

Israel accuses Hamas of using hospitals as cover for its fighters, alleging that Hamas has set up its main command centre in and beneath Shifa hospital, the largest in the besieged territory. Both Hamas and Shifa hospital staff deny the Israeli allegations.

The southern part of Gaza is not much safer. Israel carries out frequent airstrikes against what it says are militant targets that often kill women and children.

More than two-thirds of Gaza's population of 2.3 million have fled their homes since the war began.

Gaza City, the largest urban area in the territory, is the focus of Israel's campaign to crush Hamas following the militant group's deadly October 7 incursion into southern Israel that set off the war.

More than 11,000 Palestinians, two-thirds of them women and minors, have been killed since the war began, according to the Health Ministry in Gaza, which does not differentiate between civilian and militant deaths. About 2,700 people have been reported missing.

More than 1,200 people in Israel died, most of them in the Hamas attack, and about 240 hostages were taken from Israel into Gaza by Palestinian militants.



Currently:

 Thousands flee Gaza's main hospital but hundreds, including babies, still trapped by fighting

 Is Hamas hiding in Gaza's main hospital? Israel's claim is now a focal point in a dayslong stalemate

 EU nations condemn Hamas for what they describe as use of hospitals, civilians as human shields'

 Biden's initial confidence on Israel gives way to the complexities and casualties of a brutal war

 Detroit-area doctor grieves the loss of 20 relatives killed during Israel's war against Hamas



Here's what's happening in the latest Israel-Hamas war:

CHINA, OTHER NATIONS CONDEMN ISRAELI MINISTER'S STATEMENT ON NUCLEAR OPTION IN GAZA

China, many Arab nations and Iran condemned an Israeli minister's statement that an option in Israel's war against Hamas could be to drop a nuclear bomb on the Gaza Strip.

At Monday's opening of a UN conference whose goal is to establish a nuclear-free zone in the Middle East, speaker after speaker said the Israeli statement posed a threat to the region and the wider international community.

The condemnations and criticisms were in response to comments by Israel's Heritage Minister Amihai Eliyahu on the possible use of nuclear weapons in Gaza in a radio interview on Sunday. His remarks were quickly disavowed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who suspended Eliyahu from cabinet meetings.

Israel has neither confirmed nor denied its nuclear capability. It is widely believed to possess nuclear weapons, and a former employee at its nuclear reactor served 18 years in Israeli prison for leaking details and pictures of Israel's alleged nuclear weapons programme to a British newspaper in 1986.

China's deputy UN ambassador Geng Shuang said Beijing was shocked at what Israeli officials said about the use of nuclear weapons in the Gaza Strip, calling the statements extremely irresponsible and disturbing and saying they should be universally condemned.

He stressed that the statements run counter to the international consensus that a nuclear war cannot be won and must not be fought.

And he urged Israeli officials to retract the statement and become a party to the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, considered the cornerstone of nuclear disarmament, as a non-nuclear weapon state as soon as possible.



SURVIVORS WHO ESCAPED SHIFA HOSPITAL ARE NOW LIVING IN TENTS WITH LITTLE FOOD

Sitting in a tent next to Nasr Hospital in southern Gaza, 10 members of the al-Tarabish family survive on what little they have: Pieces of days-old flatbread and dried herbs kept in a plastic sandwich bag.

Nermin Abu al-Tarabish says she feels lucky to be alive, having escaped heavy bombardment around Shifa hospital in Gaza City.

Some were cut to pieces, some fell to the ground, some were screaming and making noises, and I was running while the people were running, she said.

It was a tragic day, she said. I had never experienced anything like this day in my life.

As night fell, ambulance vans pulled up to the hospital in Khan Younis, unloading wounded from Israel's relentless bombardment surrounded by distraught relatives  many looking stunned as medics ran to receive the new patients.

One woman collapsed in grief and was helped to her feet by bystanders, as hospital staff wheeled out bodies wrapped in white sheets from the front entrance.



SEN. BERNIE SANDERS CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE ACTION ON GAZA HUMANITARIAN CRISIS

US senator and former Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders says the humanitarian situation in Gaza must be addressed immediately or thousands of people may die, following a meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

Sanders told reporters before Monday afternoon's meeting that we have a horrendous situation where Hamas started a war by a barbaric attack against innocent people in Israel, where some 1,200 people were killed.

At least 11,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's response, including many, many children, Sanders said.

The goal now is to do everything we can to save lives  get the humanitarian aid in as quickly as possible, he said.

UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Guterres and Sanders discussed the situation in the Middle East, and the secretary-general briefed the senator on the UN's humanitarian operations in the region.

The UN chief has repeatedly called for a humanitarian ceasefire to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Sanders, who is an independent but caucuses with the Democrats, said he asked for the meeting with Guterres as Vermont's senator, not as a representative of the Biden administration.



UN SAYS FUEL SHORTAGE HAMPERS AID DELIVERY INSIDE GAZA

The fuel crisis in Gaza is so dramatic that trucks filled with aid arriving through the Rafah crossing from Egypt won't be unloaded starting Tuesday because there is no fuel for the forklifts, or for vehicles to deliver the food, water and medicine they're carrying to those in desperate need, a senior UN humanitarian official says.

Andrea De Domenico, the UN humanitarian coordinator for the Palestinian territories, said lives in Gaza are hanging by a thread due to the bleeding of fuel and medical supplies.

And he said since Israeli troops arrived in Gaza City centre five days ago, it has been too dangerous for the UN to coordinate any operation in the north.

De Domenico said in a video press conference with UN correspondents from east Jerusalem that the intensified fighting over the weekend around Shifa hospital, the biggest in Gaza City, damaged critical infrastructure including water tanks, oxygen stations and the cardiovascular facility in the maternity ward. Three nurses were reported killed, he said.



ISRAEL RELEASES VIDEO ALLEGEDLY SHOWING HAMAS USED HOSPITAL FOR FIGHTERS AND HOSTAGES

Israel's military released video on Monday from what it said was a children's hospital that its forces moved into over the weekend. The video showed weapons it said were found inside, as well as rooms in the basement where it believes the militants were holding some of the around 240 hostages they abducted during the initial attack.

Hamas uses hospitals as an instrument of war, said Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the army's chief spokesman, standing in a room of the Rantisi Children's Hospital decorated with a colourful children's drawing of a tree, with explosive vests, grenades and RPGs displayed on the floor.

He showed another area that he said could have been used to hold hostages. It included what appeared to be a hastily installed toilet and air vent, a baby bottle and a motorcycle. He said forensic experts were examining the scenes.



BIDEN SAYS SHIFA HOSPITAL MUST BE PROTECTED' AND CALLS FOR LESS INTRUSIVE ACTION' BY ISRAEL

President Joe Biden on Monday said that Gaza's largest hospital must be protected, and called for less intrusive action by Israeli forces.

Fighting between Israeli forces and Palestinian militants has encircled the sprawling medical facility, prompting thousands to flee.

It is my hope and expectation that there will be less intrusive action, Biden said in the Oval Office.

Shifa hospital has been without electricity and water for three days, and gunfire and bombings outside the compound have made the situation more difficult.

We do not want to see fire fights in hospitals, said White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan at a briefing. We want to see patients protected. We want to see hospitals protected. We have spoken with the Israeli government about this and they have said they share that view that they do not want to see fire fights in hospitals.

Sullivan said there were no easy answers on how Israel pushes military operations around the hospital, but these were questions for the Israeli military and not the US.



GAZA SITUATION IS DESPERATE' AS HOSPITALS AND RESCUERS RUN OUT OF SUPPLIES, GROUP SAYS

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies says a race to find survivors under the rubble of destroyed buildings in Gaza has been thwarted by insufficient access for rescuers, as Israel's military campaign in the enclave continues.

Tommaso Della Longa, spokesman for the Geneva-based humanitarian agency, says the situation in Gaza remains desperate.

The Al-Quds hospital operated by the Palestinian Red Crescent Societies was simply closed on Sunday, he said.

While access to bombed-out areas is difficult, even the paramedics who are able to get through have no access to heavy machinery like bulldozers that could help clear ground to access any possible survivors under the rubble.

Our colleagues are literally trying to save people from the rubble with their hands, Della Longa told the Associated Press.

Israel has allowed scores of aid trucks -- carrying food, water and medical supplies but no fuel -- to enter Gaza as the military campaign goes on. United Nations and other officials say that's a trickle compared to the hundreds of trucks that entered Gaza daily before the conflict.

Della Longa applauded efforts to bring a humanitarian pause or more aid into Gaza, but we know that is complicated -- and time is of the essence.

The problem we have, he said, is that the people in Gaza don't have time.



HOSTAGES' FAMILIES RALLY IN JERUSALEM TO DEMAND UNITED NATIONS SECURE THEIR RELEASE

Families of hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza gathered outside the main UN offices in Jerusalem on Monday to demand the world body secures the release of their loved ones.

A representative of the group handed over a letter to the top UN official in Jerusalem addressed to Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

We urge you to exercise your moral and executive authority as secretary general of the United Nations, Gil Dickman said reading out the letter addressed to Guterres.

The family members held pictures of their loved ones as they gathered around toddler beds placed outside the UN compound in Jerusalem.

I just came to ask for the UN to help us, said Yoav Engel, father of Ofir Engel, held hostage by Hamas.

My kid is there 38 days and other 238 people, babies, kids, teenagers, adults, sick men. And no one know what's going on with them, Engel said.

Pascal Soto, the top official of the Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, told the families Guterres is doing his outmost to secure the release of hostages and was in talks with different stakeholders, including Qatar. (AP) PY

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London, Nov 14 (PTI) British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak addressed a weekly meeting on Tuesday with a pledge to drive change with his new look Cabinet, a day after sacking Home Secretary Suella Braverman and parachuting in former prime minister David Cameron as the new Foreign Secretary.

In his opening remarks, Sunak said to his Cabinet that they all should build a better future for the citizens of the country.

"Our purpose is nothing less than to make the long-term decisions that are going to change our country for the better. I know that this strong and united team is going to deliver that change for everybody, said Sunak in his opening remarks to the new Cabinet, which sees former foreign secretary James Cleverly shifted to the role of Home Secretary.

I am confident that we can demonstrate to the country that we're making progress on the priorities that I set out at the beginning of the year. But you all know that is not the limit of our ambitions. We want to build a better future for our children and for our grandchildren, and that is what this team is going to do. So, let's get to work," he said at the meeting held at 10 Downing Street in London.

It comes after a day of political frenzy at the very top of the UK government, with Sunak shaking things up by getting rid of a controversy courting Indian-origin home minister as he prepares for a general election year coming up in 2024.

Cameron was speedily made a peer in the House of Lords to be eligible for the government post having quit frontline politics in the wake of the June 2016 Brexit referendum.

Lord Cameron hit the ground running with a meeting with his Indian counterpart, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, at his new Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in London.

It was extremely satisfying to hear from him about the commitment and support for the relationship. We spent a lot of time talking about cultivating both, Jaishankar said of his meeting with Cameron in an address to the Indian diaspora in London soon after on Monday.

The two ministers discussed a wide range of topics, including global conflicts and the importance of the Indo-Pacific region.

A conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to discuss the Israel-Hamas conflict was the other main agenda for Camerons first day back in government.

"They discussed the conflict in the Middle East, Israel's right to self-defence and the need for humanitarian pauses to allow the safe passage of aid into Gaza," FCDO said in a statement, adding that the ministers "reiterated the strength and depth of the relationship between the UK and the US".

In a customary annual address at the Lord Mayors banquet on Monday night, Sunak stated that he was pleased to have appointed a new Foreign Secretary, who will build on everything achieved in the last year.

The voices of dissent within the governing Conservative Party are playing out in the background with at least one backbencher, Dame Andrea Jenkyns, having submitted a letter of no confidence in Sunak over the sacking of Braverman.

The cut-off to trigger a leadership challenge is 53 and analysts believe the opposition within the Tory ranks is not anywhere close to that number as yet.

However, Sunak does have a tricky road ahead as he attempts to rally his new-look ministerial team to give the Tories a fighting chance in the polls expected next year.
London, Nov 14 (AP) An expert scientific committee advising the British government recommended for the first time Tuesday that children should be immunised with the chickenpox vaccine  decades after the shots were made widely available in other countries, including the US, Canada and Australia.

In Britain, those who want to be immunised against the disease have to pay about 150 (US $184).

In a statement, Britain's Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation said that children between 1 year and 18 months should be offered two doses of the vaccine, in a shot that also combines protection against measles, mumps and rubella.

For some babies, young children and even adults, chickenpox or its complications can be very serious, resulting in hospitalisation and even death, said Andrew Pollard, chair of the expert vaccine group in a statement.

Pollard said that decades of evidence of the vaccine's effectiveness from other countries demonstrate the vaccine's safety; the US was the first country to introduce an immunization programme against chickenpox in 1995.

The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention describes chickenpox cases in the country as rare, estimating there are fewer than 150,000 cases and 30 deaths every year.

British experts have previously estimated there are more than 650,000 cases of chickenpox in England and Wales.

Chickenpox is a highly infectious disease that mostly affects children and can cause an itchy rash, blisters and fever. Symptoms usually last about a week, but in rare cases, the virus can lead to pneumonia, encephalitis and even death. Two doses of the vaccine offer more than 90% protection against the disease.

The chickenpox vaccine recommendation will next be considered by the government.

Britain's National Health Service has long said that introducing the chickenpox vaccine might leave some adults vulnerable to shingles, if unvaccinated children catch the virus as adults, which can be more severe than chickenpox.

Experts noted, however, that Britain's government offers the shingles vaccine to adults at risk of the disease.

Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam, deputy director of public health programmes at Britain's Health Security Agency, said the new chickenpox vaccine recommendations would help make chickenpox a problem of the past. (AP) SCY

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Jerusalem, Nov 14 (AP) Fighting between Israeli troops and Palestinian militants in northern Gaza caused another 200,000 people to flee south in the past 10 days, the UN humanitarian office said Tuesday.

The humanitarian office, known as OCHA, said only one hospital in the north is capable of treating patients. Some of the fighting is around hospitals where patients, newborns and medics are stranded with no electricity and dwindling supplies.

Israel accuses Hamas of using hospitals as cover for its fighters, alleging that Hamas has set up its main command centre in and beneath Shifa hospital, the largest in the besieged territory. Both Hamas and Shifa hospital staff deny the Israeli allegations.

The southern part of Gaza is not much safer. Israel carries out frequent airstrikes against what it says are militant targets that often kill women and children.

More than two-thirds of Gaza's population of 2.3 million have fled their homes since the war began.

Gaza City, the largest urban area in the territory, is the focus of Israel's campaign to crush Hamas following the militant group's deadly October 7 incursion into southern Israel that set off the war.

More than 11,000 Palestinians, two-thirds of them women and minors, have been killed since the war began, according to the Health Ministry in Gaza, which does not differentiate between civilian and militant deaths. About 2,700 people have been reported missing.

More than 1,200 people in Israel died, most of them in the Hamas attack, and about 240 hostages were taken from Israel into Gaza by Palestinian militants.



Here's what's happening in the latest Israel-Hamas war:



PEACE ACTIVIST CONFIRMED DEAD IN HAMAS ATTACKS ON ISRAEL

JERUSALEM  Vivian Silver, a Canadian-born Israeli activist who devoted her life to seeking peace with the Palestinians, was confirmed killed in Hamas' October 7 attacks in southern Israel.

Silver, who moved to Israel in the 1970s, had been believed to be among the nearly 240 hostages seized by Hamas and held in the Gaza Strip. But identification of some of the most badly burned remains has gone slowly, and her family was notified of her death on Monday.

Silver was a dominant figure in several groups that promoted peace between Israel and the Palestinians, as well as a prominent Israeli human rights group. She also volunteered with a group that drove Gaza cancer patients to Israeli hospitals for medical care.

On the one hand, she was small and fragile. Very sensitive, her son, Yonatan Zeigen, told Israel Radio on Tuesday. On the other hand, she was a force of nature. She had a giant spirit. She was very assertive. She had very strong core beliefs about the world and life.

Zeigen said his mother's heart would have been broken by the events of October 7 and their aftermath. She worked all her life, you know, to steer us off this course. And in the end, it blew up in her face.

At least 1,200 people were killed in the Hamas attacks on Israel while more than 11,000 Palestinians have died so far in the Israeli war in Gaza, according to its Hamas-controlled Health Ministry.



AN ISRAELI HOSTAGE HAS DIED IN HAMAS CAPTIVITY, BOTH SIDES SAY

JERUSALEM  A 19-year-old soldier who was among about 240 people captured by Hamas during its Oct. 7 raid in Israel has died in captivity, both sides said.

Israel's military on Tuesday declared Noa Marciano a fallen soldier without giving a cause of death. She is the first hostage confirmed to have died in captivity.

Hamas released a hostage video late Monday showing Marciano identifying herself. In a statement likely given under duress, she said Israeli strikes were hitting near where she was being held and called on Israel to halt them.

The video then showed images of what appeared to be her dead body. Hamas said she was killed in an Israeli strike, without providing evidence.

The Israeli military did not initially acknowledge her death after the video was released, saying Hamas continues to exploit psychological terrorism and act inhumanely, through videos and photos of the hostages.

Hamas says dozens of captives have been killed in Israeli strikes but has not provided evidence. Israel has dismissed such claims as psychological warfare.

Families of other hostages who are marching from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem over the next five days to draw attention to their loved ones' plight observed a minute of silence in Marciano's memory. (AP)





GRS

GRS
Colombo, Nov 14 (PTI) In a landmark judgement, Sri Lanka's top court on Tuesday ruled that former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa, ex-prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, former finance minister Basil Rajapaksa and other senior officials violated the fundamental rights of the people by mishandling the economy and causing the unprecedented economic crisis.

Sri Lanka declared economic bankruptcy in April 2022 by announcing its first-ever sovereign default. The island nation was hit by its worst financial crisis in history, with its foreign exchange reserves falling to a critical low and the public coming out on the streets to protest the shortage of fuel, fertilisers and essential commodities.

A five-member bench of the Supreme Court was ruling on the petition filed by Transparency International, Sri Lanka and four other activists in 2022.

The bench, in a majority 4-1 ruling, said that the respondents, including the Rajapaksa brothers- former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa, former prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, former finance minister Basil Rajapaksa- were responsible for economic mismanagement in the island country between 2019-2022.

Former Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) governors Ajith Nivard Cabraal and WD Lakshman, and ex-secretaries to the Treasury PB Jayasundera and SR Attygalle, were also found guilty of rights violations.

The petitioners had claimed that tax concessions worth SLR 681 billion granted to businesses in 2019 by Gotabaya Rajapaksa during his tenure as the president were the main reason for the economic slump.

Other actions, such as pegging the USD at Sri Lankan Rupee 203, the delay in approaching the International Monetary Fund for a bailout, and the decision to honour a USD 500 million international sovereign bond payment in January 2022 in the looming forex crisis, were cited as examples of mismanagement.

Attorneys for the petitioner said they wanted a court declaration that the mishandling of the economy by those responsible had violated the fundamental rights of people.

Since the petitioners approached the court in the interest of the public and did not seek compensation for themselves, the Court was not inclined to order compensation other than costs incurred by petitioners.

Thus, the apex court ordered all respondents to pay the petitioners legal costs of Rs 150,000 each.

Cash-strapped Sri Lanka still has a total foreign debt of USD 46.9 billion.

Mahinda Rajapaksa was forced to resign in May 2022, while Gotabaya Rajapaksa quit in July, following unprecedented anti-government protests over the country's worst economic crisis that led to acute shortages of staple food, fuel and power. Former finance minister Basil Rajapaksa also resigned in June last year.

The petitioners had sought action against persons responsible for the economic crisis in Sri Lanka. It was filed in the public interest, considering the lack of accountability and transparency in high-level decision-making that has brought Sri Lanka to its knees, Transparency International, Sri Lanka, said in a press release.

The press release said that the actions and inaction of the respondents led to the shortages of food, medicine, fuel and gas in the country, victimising the entire population in an unprecedented manner.
Journalists and staff members work at the international media center of APEC 2023 in San Francisco, the United States, on Nov. 12, 2023. This year's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting will be held in San Francisco in the United States from Nov. 15 to 17. (Xinhua/Li Rui)

The world is big enough for the two countries to develop themselves and prosper together.

BEIJING, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- "China-U.S. relations should not be a zero-sum game where one side out-competes or thrives at the expense of the other. The successes of China and the United States are opportunities, not challenges, for each other," said Chinese President Xi Jinping during his meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden in Bali, Indonesia on Nov. 14, 2022.

A year later, regular direct passenger flights between the two countries increased again starting from Thursday, reflecting growing mutually beneficial cooperation between the two sides.

Experts from the U.S. business community agree that competition is by no means the mainstream of the China-U.S. relationship as both Chinese and American people aspire to win-win cooperation.





EXPECTATIONS FOR HIGH-LEVEL DIALOGUE

More than 200 U.S. exhibitors from agricultural, semiconductors, medical devices, new energy vehicles, cosmetics, and other sectors attended the just-concluded China International Import Expo (CIIE), marking the largest U.S. presence in the history of the annual event.

Voicing their expectations for the upcoming meeting between Xi and Biden in San Francisco, they hoped that the summit will provide more certainty for bilateral economic and trade relations and the recovery of the world economy.

This photo taken on Nov. 5, 2023 shows the City Hall in San Francisco, California, the United States. The 30th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting is going to be held in San Francisco. (Photo by Li Jianguo/Xinhua)

Eric Zheng, president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai, said that he expects the leaders' meeting to promote the steady development of bilateral relations.

The zero-sum approach should be avoided when dealing with China-U.S. relations, Zheng said, adding that peaceful coexistence is the only way to promote common prosperity and lays a foundation for the happiness of the two peoples.

Statistics from both sides show that bilateral trade reached a record high in 2022 with strong resilience, which fully demonstrates the fact that the economic structures of China and the United States are highly complementary and economic cooperation and trade exchanges are mutually beneficial.

"China is a very good customer. They know how the trade works. I think U.S. companies like to do business with their Chinese counterparts," said Jim Sutter, CEO of the U.S. Soybean Export Council.

In 2022, the trade volume of agricultural products between China and the United States exceeded 50 billion U.S. dollars, and the export of agricultural products from the United States to China reached a record 42 billion dollars.

"China is a good market for U.S. agricultural products. It's our top market. We think it can be even better. We see great growth potential here," said Jason Hafemeister, acting deputy undersecretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Addressing a recent think tank forum in Beijing, U.S. political scientist Joseph Nye said it is "misleading" to say that China and the United States are entering a new Cold War, as the two countries have great economic, social and ecological interdependence.





ENERGETIC CHINESE ECONOMY

China maintains that the common interests of the two countries far outweigh their differences, and the respective success of China and the United States is an opportunity, rather than a challenge, to each other, Xi said while meeting with the bipartisan delegation of the U.S. Senate led by Majority Leader Chuck Schumer on Oct. 9.

At present, the global economy is facing an increase of destabilizing and unpredictable factors. In the face of a complex external environment, the Chinese economy has withstood pressure, injecting certainty into global development.

This photo taken on Nov. 3, 2023 shows an electronic poster of the 6th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Xuhui District of Shanghai, east China. The 6th CIIE is scheduled to be held in Shanghai from Nov. 5 to 10. The expo showcases China's new development paradigm, a platform for high-standard opening up, and a public good for the whole world. (Xinhua/Meng Tao)

Signing deals worth 4 million dollars in the first few days of the CIIE, U.S. trading company Anderson Northwest's business continues to expand in China.

China's market is stable, which provides a large room for cooperation, said Mike Anderson, president of Anderson Northwest. "Partnering with Chinese enterprises reduces potential risks we may face amid global uncertainties."

Anderson Northwest's story exemplifies how U.S. businesses were seizing opportunities at the CIIE, in stark contrast to the clamor for so-called "decoupling" or "de-risking" from China made by some U.S. politicians.

Heads of leading U.S. companies have visited China intensively, demonstrating with concrete actions their confidence in China's business environment.

"It is really not wise to consider wholesale decoupling (with China), for which we will pay a very high economic price over time," said Craig Allen, president of the U.S.-China Business Council, adding that enhanced China-U.S. cooperation benefits people of both sides.

The current global industrial chain and supply chain are facing new changes and challenges, and it is necessary to find new ways to strengthen mutual trust, said Lyle Watters, vice president of Ford Motor Company.

Face-to-face communication can enhance mutual trust and help everyone find cooperation opportunities together, Watters said.





BUILD BRIDGES BETWEEN TWO PEOPLES

The two economies are deeply integrated, and both face new tasks in development, Xi said during his meeting with Biden in Bali, adding that it is in our mutual interest to benefit from each other's development.

The world is big enough for the two countries to develop themselves and prosper together, said the Chinese leader.

Many enterprises that participated in the CIIE in Shanghai are going to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation CEO Summit in San Francisco. The two coastal cities are sister cities. In 2005, Gavin Newsom, then San Francisco's mayor, paid his first visit to China, marking the 25th anniversary of the sister-city relationship between the two cities.

In October, Xi met with Newsom, who is now governor of the U.S. state of California, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Gavin Newsom (2nd L, Front), governor of the U.S. state of California, greets a visitor at the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 26, 2023. (Xinhua/Xing Guangli)

No other bilateral relationship is more important than the one between the United States and China, and the U.S.-China relationship is vital to the future of the United States and bears on the well-being of its people, Newsom said, adding that California is willing to be China's long-term, stable and strong partner.

As China and the United States seek cooperation, bridges should be built between the two peoples, not walls, said Howard Schultz, co-founder of the Schultz Family Foundation and former chairman of Starbucks.

During a visit to the United States in 2015, Xi shared his stories of Liangjiahe with the audience at a grand dinner held in the city of Seattle.

Liangjiahe is a village in northwest China's Shaanxi Province, where Xi had lived and worked for about seven years as an "educated youth" starting in 1969.

The stories deeply impressed Schultz, who wrote a letter to Xi in 2020. In his letter, Schultz congratulated China on the near completion of the plan to build a moderately prosperous society in all respects, which was fully achieved in 2021, and expressed his respect for the Chinese people and Chinese culture.

In his reply, Xi said China's embarking upon the new journey to fully build a modern socialist country will provide broader space for enterprises from across the world, including Starbucks and other American companies, to develop in China.



Xi said he hopes that the coffee company will make active efforts to promote China-U.S. economic and trade cooperation as well as the two countries' relations.

"Cooperation between the U.S. and China will strengthen both countries and benefit the world," said Jeffrey Sachs, economics professor and director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University. "It is correct and indeed possible."
Kathmandu, Nov 14 (PTI) Shital Mahajan, a well-known Indian skydiver, has achieved a new feat by becoming the first woman in the world to jump off a helicopter from the height of 21,500 ft in front of Mt Everest.

Mahajan, 41, a recipient of the fourth highest Indian civilian award Padma Shri and a holder of several skydiving records, completed skydiving in the front side of Mt. Everest, the highest peak in the world, on November 13.

I performed the Best jump of my life from 21,500ft in front of Mount Everest and landed at the highest altitude at Kalapatthar 17,444ft /5,317m. I accomplished the highest altitude skydiving landing done by a woman. Along with 2 another National record of the First Indian woman to skydive in front of Mount Everest at Kalapatthar and the Highest altitude skydiving landing done by a woman, she said in a post on her social media Facebook page.

Mahajan has accomplished a remarkable series of high-altitude skydives in the Everest region.

On November 11, Mahajan took her first leap from 5,000ft AGL (Above Ground Level) at a staggering 17,500 ft altitude, successfully landing at 12,500ft at Syangboche airport with legendary skydiver Wendy Smith from New Zealand serving as her instructor within the aircraft.

On November 12, Mahajan did a flag jump with the Indian flag at Syangboche airport from 8,000 ft along with Skydiving legend Camerawomen Wendy Elizabeth Smith and Nadia Solovyeva and achieved the national record for the highest flag Skydiving landing by a woman.
Washington, Nov 14 (PTI) The United States-China could easily veer towards a conflict if it is not well managed, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan has said ahead of the much-anticipated meeting between US President Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.

Biden and Xi are scheduled to meet in San Francisco on Wednesday on the sidelines of the APEC Leadership meeting. The White House is calling it a summit.

Sullivan on Monday said the US president has the opportunity to engage, so do the rest of his team, on how they effectively manage peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. "Those are some of the issues that, through intense diplomacy, we have been able to manage," he said.

"Then will look for opportunities to actually generate affirmative outcomes that deliver tangible progress for the American people in areas where our interests overlap. I mentioned, for example, the issue of fentanyl.

"We're hoping to see some progress on that issue this coming week, and that could then open the door to further cooperation on other issues where we aren't just managing things, but we're actually delivering tangible results," Sullivan said. The US National Security Advisor said the most important thing is that "this is a complex and a competitive relationship that could easily veer into conflict or confrontation if it's not well managed".

"So, managing the relationship effectively is the single most important responsibility of the president and everyone who works for him on this file," Sullivan told reporters at a news conference here.

"Beyond that, the US and China have to be able to speak directly to one another on all of the critical issues that face our two countries, including issues in moments of crisis like the Russia-Ukraine crisis. President Biden has had a number of candid conversations with President Xi about the question of military support to the Russian Federation in the conduct of its war in Ukraine," he said in response to a question.

During the San Francisco meeting, Sullivan said that he anticipates the leaders will discuss some of the most fundamental elements of the US-China bilateral relationship, including the continued importance of strengthening open lines of communication and managing competition responsibly.

"The way we achieve that is through intense diplomacy. That's how we clear up misperceptions and avoid surprises. That's how we work together where and when our interests overlap and deliver on key priorities for the American people," he said.

Sullivan said in recent months he met Chinese Foreign Minister and PRC Director of the CCP Central Foreign Affairs Commission Wang Yi thrice, and top US secretaries of State, Treasury, and Commerce all went to Beijing.

"China for its part sent its vice president, foreign minister and other senior officials to the United States in recent months. President Biden comes into this summit on a solid footing, given the ways in which he has positioned the United States to be able to compete effectively both at home and around the world," the US National Security Advisor said.

Responding to questions, Sullivan talked about having lines of communication open to manage competition responsibly.

"That's what the (US) president has set out to achieve in this summit with President Xi. He sees this not just as a one-off meeting, but as an important moment to be able to establish the kind of basis upon which we can proceed out into the future," Sullivan added.
Jerusalem, Nov 14 (AP) Fighting between Israeli troops and Palestinian militants in northern Gaza caused another 200,000 people to flee south in the past 10 days, the UN humanitarian office said Tuesday.

The humanitarian office, known as OCHA, said only one hospital in the north is capable of treating patients. Some of the fighting is around hospitals where patients, newborns and medics are stranded with no electricity and dwindling supplies. Israel accuses Hamas of using hospitals as cover for its fighters, alleging that Hamas has set up its main command centre in and beneath Shifa hospital, the largest in the besieged territory. Both Hamas and Shifa hospital staff deny the Israeli allegations.

The southern part of Gaza is not much safer. Israel carries out frequent airstrikes against what it says are militant targets that often kill women and children.

More than two-thirds of Gaza's population of 2.3 million have fled their homes since the war began.

Gaza City, the largest urban area in the territory, is the focus of Israel's campaign to crush Hamas following the militant group's deadly Oct. 7 incursion into southern Israel that set off the war.

More than 11,000 Palestinians, two-thirds of them women and minors, have been killed since the war began, according to the Health Ministry in Gaza, which does not differentiate between civilian and militant deaths. About 2,700 people have been reported missing.

More than 1,200 people in Israel died, most of them in the Hamas attack, and about 240 hostages were taken from Israel into Gaza by Palestinian militants.



Here's what's happening in the latest Israel-Hamas war:



US LAYS OUT RULES FOR DONATING TO HELP GAZA WITHOUT RUNNING AFOUL OF SANCTIONS ON HAMAS

WASHINGTON  The US on Tuesday issued guidance for non-governmental organizations and the general public on how to provide humanitarian assistance to Palestinians while complying with existing and new sanctions targeted at Hamas.

The US Treasury and State Department have imposed three rounds of sanctions in the past two months on Hamas members, financiers and money exchange firms, dedicated to disrupting Hamas' fundraising network.

Groups such as Hamas raise funds through entities that present themselves outwardly as legitimate charities but are in fact fronts for Hamas's illicit fundraising, often abusing the good will of donors, Treasury's guidance states.



ISRAEL SAYS IT HAS SEIZED GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS IN GAZA CITY

JERUSALEM  The Israeli military says it has seized a series of government buildings in central Gaza City as its offensive against the ruling Hamas militant group advances.

The army said Tuesday that it has captured Gaza's legislature building, the Hamas police headquarters and a compound housing Hamas' military intelligence headquarters.

In every location, the enemy forces were eliminated, the location was demolished, an Israeli commander identified only as Lt. Col. Gilad said in a video from Gaza released by the army. He said documents and other items taken from the locations were being studied.

The captured buildings carry high symbolic value, though it was unclear what their strategic value is. Hamas fighters are believed to be positioned in underground bunkers.

Israeli news sites showed pictures of Israeli soldiers hoisting the Israeli national flag and military flags in some of the buildings.



BRAZILIANS RETURN HOME FROM GAZA

RIO DE JANEIRO-- Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has welcomed a group of 32 Brazilians and their families returning home from Gaza.

Many in the group, composed mostly of women and children, smiled as they got off the plane and stepped onto Brazilian territory late Monday night.

Their repatriation took weeks of negotiations and lobbying by Brazilian diplomats. Many in Brazil followed the drama surrounding their passage through the Egyptian border, which was postponed several times.

Lula used the opportunity to issue comments critical of Israel's actions in Gaza.

If Hamas committed an act of terrorism, and did what it did, the state of Israel is also committing various acts of terrorism by not taking into account that children are not at war, by not taking into account that women are not at war, Lula told journalists. They're not killing soldiers; they're killing children.



HUNDREDS OF PROTESTERS IN CALIFORNIA CALL FOR CEASE-FIRE

OAKLAND, California  Hundreds of protesters led by Jewish peace activists calling for a cease-fire in Gaza staged a sit-in inside of the federal building in Oakland, California, leading to multiple arrests.

People wore T-shirts reading Jews Say Cease-fire Now and carried banners that read Not in Our Name and Let Gaza Live in the rotunda of the Ronald V. Dellums Federal building on Monday evening.

Jewish Voice for Peace, one of the protest organizers, posted online that dozens of people had been taken into custody by 9 p.m.

There is no other choice, Rabbi Lynn Gottlieb of Berkeley told KNTV-TV when explaining why she was at the sit-in. How many people do we have to kill before we arrive at a cease-fire?

The protest was part of a growing number across the country following fighting triggered by Hamas' October 7 surprise attack on Israel, whose response has led to more than 11,000 deaths  and much destruction  across Gaza.

On Monday, hundreds of Jewish peace activists and their allies converged at a major train station in downtown Chicago during rush hour, blocking the entrance to the Israeli Consulate and demanding US support for a cease-fire.

Jewish Voice for Peace led a similar sit-in in New York City's Grand Central Station on October 27, where protesters filled the main concourse during evening rush hour, chanting slogans and unfurling banners demanding a cease-fire. At least 200 demonstrators were detained by New York police officers.



US IMPOSES SANCTIONS ON HAMAS OFFICIALS

WASHINGTON  The United States on Tuesday said it imposed a third round of sanctions on a group of Hamas officials, members of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad who work to transfer money from Iran to Gaza, and a Lebanese money exchange service that facilitates the transfers.

The Treasury Department sanctions, coordinated with the United Kingdom, come in response to the surprise October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel that left about 1,200 people dead and about 240 others taken hostage. The sanctions block access to US property and bank accounts and prevent the targeted people and companies from doing business with Americans.

This and two previous rounds of sanctions against Hamas and its affiliates are aimed at protecting the international financial system from abuse by Hamas militants and their enablers, the Treasury Department said.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said in an emailed statement that together with our partners we are decisively moving to degrade Hamas's financial infrastructure, cut them off from outside funding, and block the new funding channels they seek to finance their heinous acts.



FAMILIES OF HOSTAGES BEGIN MARCH FROM TEL AVIV TO JERUSALEM

TEL AVIV, Israel  Families of hostages held by Hamas since its Oct. 7 attack on Israel have begun a protest march from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem demanding that the government do more to secure their release.

The marchers held a moment of silence for a 19-year-old Israeli soldier, among the approximately 240 people seized by Hamas, who was confirmed to have died in captivity. The Israeli military did not give a reason for her death, while Hamas said she was killed in an Israeli strike.

Among the participants in the 65-kilometre march was Shelly Shem Tov, mother of 21-year-old hostage Omer Shem Tov.

Where are you, where are you, where are you? I am demanding from (Israel Prime Minister) Benjamin Netanyahu and from all the Cabinet to give us answers, to give us answers and deeds, the mother, wearing a T-shirt with a photograph of her son, said at the protest.

We have no strength anymore. We have no strength. Bring back our children and our families home. (AP)

GRS

GRS
Dhaka, Nov 14 (PTI) Bangladesh's Election Commission is expected to announce the dates for the next general elections on Wednesday, an official said on Tuesday, amid a street campaign by the opposition parties demanding a non-party interim government to conduct the polls expected in January.

"The Chief Election Commissioner (Kazi Habibul Awal) will address the nation tomorrow (Wednesday) during which he is likely to announce the schedule, an EC official familiar with the process said.

The official said the CEC would address the nation live through the state-run BTV.

His comments came amid mounting political tensions as Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its far-right allies like the Jamaat-e-Islami have waged a street campaign demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinas government to allow a non-party interim government to conduct the general elections.

The ruling Awami League has declined to accept the demand, saying elections would be held under the incumbent premier Sheikh Hasina, who also rejected proposals for dialogue with the opposition by the US and other major Western countries, calling BNP a terrorist organisation.

Since October 28, the opposition parties have been enforcing transport blockades and clashing with police and rival activists in support of their demand.

The political violence in the last two weeks killed at least five people including a policeman. Over 200 people were wounded and dozens of vehicles, mostly empty buses, were damaged or set on fire during the protests, prompting authorities to deploy paramilitary troops to guard highways and maintain law and order in major cities.

According to media reports, some 8,000 opposition leaders and activists including BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir have been arrested in a nationwide crackdown.

The government leaders have said that the opposition leaders and activists were not arrested for political reasons, but for their involvement in criminal activities.

But, the BNP said the Awami League-government turned the country into a big prison.

Major Western countries, including the United States, have called for a political settlement ahead of elections through dialogue among three major parties  Awami League, BNP and Jatiya Party.

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas on Monday sought meetings with leaders of the three parties to break the political impasse.

"The United States wants free and fair elections conducted in a peaceful manner and calls on all sides to eschew violence and exercise restraint," the embassy said in a media statement.
Washington, Nov 14 (PTI) The 2024 presidential election campaign of Indian-American politician Nikki Haley seems to have gained momentum as several key donors from rival camps have switched to her side as she announced a USD 10 million media blitz in the early primary states of New Hampshire and Iowa, hoping to further propel the momentum.

Former US President Donald Trump, however, continues to be the most popular leader in the Republican Party with an approval rating of over 60 per cent.

Florida Governor comes second with nearly 14 per cent. But his popularity, which once was earlier in the 30s, has been declining over the past few months.

On the other hand, riding on her impressive performances in the Republican presidential debates, Haley's popularity has been on the upswing with her approval rating now crossing double digits.

Over the past week, several donors from the rival camps have moved to her side. Prominent among them include Harlan Crow and Bruce Kovner of Caxton Alternative Management. Ken Griffin who previously supported her rival Senator Tim Scott has also announced extending his support to Haley.

Encouraged by the development, the Nikki Haley for President campaign announced on Monday that it will book USD 10 million in TV, radio, and digital advertising across Iowa and New Hampshire from the first week of December.

Haley is the only candidate devoting major resources to both Iowa and New Hampshire, and the only Republican hopeful other than Donald Trump who is positioned to do well in both the states as well as in South Carolina, according to a media release.

Haley for President campaign manager Betsy Ankney said, "Nikki Haley's momentum and path to victory are clear. The same cant be said for Ron DeSantis, who, even with a decent showing in Iowa, can't afford a cup of coffee at the Red Arrow Diner in New Hampshire and is a mere tourist in South Carolina."

"Nikki's campaign is built to win the primary against Donald Trump and all polls show she is by far the strongest Republican against Joe Biden in the general. After Republican losses in 2020, 2022, and 2023, it's time to leave behind the chaos and drama and nominate a new generation of conservative leadership," Ankney said.

The campaign said that while Ron DeSantis is desperately staking his entire campaign on Iowa, Haley will at least double DeSantis' cash-strapped advertising in Iowa alone while he has abandoned New Hampshire advertising altogether.

DeSantis' campaign finished the third quarter with USD 5 million in primary cash on hand and USD 1 million in debt and proceeded to spend half of that on Iowa TV. Haley's campaign ended the third quarter with USD 9.1 million in primary cash on hand, no debt, and just had its best month of fundraising in the entire campaign.

"She is now second in leading polls in all the early states. Haley enters the early states in a very strong financial and political position to contest Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina," her campaign said.
Bhubaneswar, Nov 13 (PTI) Police on Monday arrested Odia actress Mousumi Nayak for allegedly demanding money and misbehaving with writer Banasmita Pati.

Infocity police in Bhubaneswar arrested the 39-year-old actress on the basis of a complaint lodged by the writer, Bhubaneswar DCP's office said in a statement.

Nayak had earlier lodged a complaint against Pati with Infocity police alleging that the writer had failed to repay her Rs 5.08 lakh, police added.

Subsequently, the actress withdrew her complaint after signing a compromise petition with undertakings from both sides. The writer even returned the money to Nayak and the latter assured that she will not take any steps to tarnish the image of the former, police said.

However, even after receiving her money back, the actress made statements against the writer and her family members before the media and also lodged a false case in Chandaka police station against Pati, police said.

Nayak also allegedly sent life threatening messages to the writer and her family members, the statement added.

During interrogation, the actress admitted to the offences following which she was arrested under sections 385 (Put a person under fear in order to commit extortion), 294 (obscene act in any public place), 506 (criminal intimidation) & 507 (criminal Intimidation by an anonymous communication) of IPC, it said.
Nagpur, Nov 14 (PTI) An unidentified woman, around 30 years old, was found murdered with her throat slit near Samruddhi Expressway in Hingna police station area of Nagpur city on Tuesday afternoon.

The murder came to light after a local villager alerted the police, said inspector Vishal Kale of Hingna police station.

Five special teams have been formed to check missing person cases registered in Nagpur district as well as neighbouring Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, he said.

Police are also scrutinizing CCTV footage from nearby areas to identify the vehicle used in the crime. A case under section 302 (murder) of IPC was registered by Hingna police.
Datia (MP), Nov 14 (PTI) Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of toppling governments in different states, including the Kamal Nath-led Congress government in Madhya Pradesh, using illegitimate means.

He was speaking at a public meeting at Indergarh in Sewda assembly constituency in Madhya Pradesh's Datia district ahead of the November 17 elections.

In 2018, you elected a Congress government in Madhya Pradesh. They (the BJP) lured Congress MLAs, bribed them to bring it down," Kharge alleged.

The BJP formed a "stolen government" not only in Madhya Pradesh but also in Karnataka, Maharashtra, Manipur, Goa and Uttarakhand, he said.

Other people commit petty thefts, but the BJP people commit big robberies to change governments, the Congress president said.

Kharge also targeted the ruling BJP over the incident of a man urinating on a tribal person in Sidhi district, a video of which went viral.

Chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan later washed the victim's feet, but washing the feet will not do anything. Remove this person's poverty, give him food, clothes and a house to live in, he said.

The Narendra Modi government at the Centre was opposing the demand of caste census, Kharge said, adding that a Congress government will certainly carry out such a census "which will benefit all sections of society."

"A few people are instigating the public by claiming that such counting will benefit only a few sections of society, the Congress chief said.

He also accused prime minister Modi of making false election promises,

During elections, Modi calls himself the son of the poor and says his mother used to wash utensils in other people's houses. Many women in the country are still supporting their families by washing utensils in other people's homes and their children do not get nutritious food, he said.

As many as 30 lakh government posts are vacant in the country and only 10,000 to 20,000 people are being recruited, Kharge claimed, adding that to show off, appointment letters are given to a few youths by organising big programs.
Jabalpur, Nov 14 (PTI) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday said the people of Madhya Pradesh will celebrate Diwali again on December 3 when votes for the assembly elections will be counted, and on January 22 when the Ram temple in Ayodhya will be inaugurated.

The Bharatiya Janata Party leader was speaking at his last campaign rally in the state in Jabalpur West seat ahead of the November 17 assembly polls.

People in MP will have three Diwalis. They have already celebrated one. They will celebrate the next one when the results of the assembly elections come out on December 3. And the third Diwali will be when the deity of Lord Ram is consecrated (in Ayodhya) on January 22, he said.

The BJP government in the state will take people to Ayodhya for a Ram Temple visit, he said.

From Sanskar-dhani (Jabalpur) I want to inform Rahul Baba (Congress leader Rahul Gandhi) that Modi ji will perform `pran pratishtha' at the Ram temple at Ayodhya on January 22, Shah added.

Rahul Gandhi used to taunt him for not disclosing when the temple will be built, he noted.

Shah also accused the Congress of insulting Indian culture. "Modi ji always honours and respects Indian culture, and the construction of the Ram temple is going on at Ayodhya. I observed during visits to Chambal-Gwalior region, Sagar, Bhopal area and Jabalpur twice that there is a wave in favour of the Bharatiya Janata Party," he added.

He also conducted a roadshow in the city after the rally.
Mumbai, Nov 14 (PTI) At least five persons were injured in a clash between two groups belonging to different communities in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, following which the police have arrested seven suspects, an official said on Tuesday.

The incident occurred at Guha village in Rahuri, around 270 km from here, on Monday morning when a group was performing rituals at a temple of the Nathpanthi sect, he said.

The temple is located close to a place of religious worship of another community, the official said.

"As prayers were being offered at the temple and a speaker was on at high volume, a group from another community asked those involved to reduce the sound level. However, it led to an argument between the two groups," he said.

During the argument, the temple's priest and one more person were thrashed by the other group. This resulted in a clash between the groups, he said.

During the confrontation, stones were hurled at the temple, following which the group from there also threw stones at the rival group's place of religious worship located close to it. At least five persons were injured in the incident, he said adding that CCTV cameras installed at both places of religious worship were damaged due to stone-pelting.

Ahmednagar police personnel rushed to the spot after being alerted about the incident and heavy deployment was put in place at the village, he said, adding that the situation was under control.

Offences were registered against persons from both sides following cross-complaints at the Rahuri police station, and seven persons were arrested, the official said.

Police are examining the footage of CCTV cameras installed at both the places and action will be taken accordingly, he said.
Students make desserts during a bakery and pastry lesson in Yangon, Myanmar, Nov. 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe)

YANGON, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- With the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) special fund 2022, free bakery and pastry training courses have been offered in Myanmar since July 2023.

"What we are seeing today is the efforts of batch 4 students and the courses will be opened up to 10 batches under the project," course trainer Daw Chaw Su Khine told Xinhua on Monday.

"More than 40 dessert recipes are taught in the course. We teach baking techniques for both high-end baking and for market distribution. Both are useful for employment," she said.

Daw Chaw Su Khine said that the trainees learn both practical operation and theory every day. Lessons about kitchen organization, hygiene and food contamination are also included in the course, she said, adding that snacks made by students are donated to orphanages once per batch.

This course will be very beneficial to the students if they want to get employed or start their own business, a manager of the Bakery and Pastry Training Project, Daw Kay Thi Naing told Xinhua.

China is the main supporter of this project. They provide bakery equipment such as oven, mixer and uniform, daily allowances and raw materials, she added.

"We are truly grateful to China and LMC officials for helping to make this course possible. Most of the trainees have changed their careers after completing the course. We hope that more such courses and advanced courses are available in our country," she said.

The trainees shared how this training course under the LMC project is useful to them and their future plans after completing this course.

"This is a vocational course. So, it is beneficial to me. At first, I had no knowledge of bakery, but now I know about bakery. My job was a tour guide in the past. I want to change my career after this course and that is to go abroad and work as a baker there," Tun Tun Naing, 35, told Xinhua.

Yupar, 33, said, "I joined this course to start a small business with my friend. I sell waffles at my home shop and I want to add more recipes to my shop. So, this course is very helpful to me".

"One thing is for sure, I can't make all the breads and cakes I learn here because we here use different baking equipment," she added.

"My desire is to share this bakery course as a trainer in less developed areas in Myanmar. Foundation is the basis of every work. This course can give the foundation very well. So, it will be beneficial when we level up," May Oo Aung, 30, told Xinhua.

Kyaw Kyaw Aung, a 24-year-old trainee, said, "I want to open a small coffee shop. "

"The teachers are very caring and patient even if it is a free course. The certificate is very useful for employment such as going abroad or running our own business with that certificate," Kyaw Kyaw Aung noted.

Anyone between the ages of 18 and 40 can join the course. Twenty people are selected for one batch. The applicants, during an interview, are asked to answer the questions why they join the course and what are their next-stage plans after completing the course.

The basic course will be held 10 times and the Training of Trainers (ToT) will be held 5 times. People who have at least 3 years of experience in bakery and learn the basic course very well could be the candidates for ToT courses.

The certificate is a national-level certificate with the logo of the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism and that of the LMC, which is a very helpful one in seeking employment opportunities, the project manager told Xinhua. 

Students learn to make desserts during a bakery and pastry lesson in Yangon, Myanmar, Nov. 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe)

Students make desserts during a bakery and pastry lesson in Yangon, Myanmar, Nov. 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe)
Guwahati, Nov 14 (PTI) Assam minister Atul Bora has received a threat to his life on social media and the CID has been asked to register a case and launch an investigation, Director General of Police GP Singh said on Tuesday.

Bora, the Agriculture and Assam Accord Implementation Minister, is also the chief of Asom Gana Parishad, an ally of the ruling BJP-led coalition government in the state.

"Reference threat to Hon Minister Sri Atul Bora on a Facebook post, Assam CID has been directed to register a criminal case and take lawful action," the DGP wrote on X.

The purported threat of a bomb in his quarter was made in the comment section of the Facebook page of a local news portal.

One person named Pranash Sandhilya made the comment, claiming he is part of the ULFA. The police are trying to confirm his identity.

"No such threat would be acceptable against elected representatives as it threatens the democratic polity," the DGP said.
Ranchi, Nov 14 (PTI) A three-member team of Jharkhand government officials have left for Uttarakhand to provide help in the rescue of workers who were trapped after a portion of an under-construction tunnel collapsed, an official said on Tuesday.

Around 36 workers, including 10 from Jharkhand, were feared trapped after a portion of an under-construction tunnel between Silkyara and Dandalgaon in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand collapsed on Sunday morning.

Three government officials, including JAP-IT (Jharkhand Agency for Promotion of Information Technology) CEO Bhuvnesh Pratap Singh, and joint labour commissioners Rajesh Prasad and Robert Lakra, left for Uttarakhand on Monday on the direction of Chief Minister Hemant Soren to provide immediate relief and help in the rescue of workers hailing from the eastern state, an official statement said.

The chief minister has wished for the speedy recovery of all the workers trapped in the tunnel.
Kolkata, Nov 14 (PTI) CPI(M) leaders, including former MPs Sujan Chakraborty and Samik Lahiri, scuffled with the police on Tuesday at Joynagar in South 24 Parganas district, where a local TMC leader was shot dead a day before.

The police stopped the CPI(M) leaders who were accompanying villagers, stated to be the Left party's supporters, from going to Dogachia village where several houses were ransacked and some were set on fire following the murder.

Questioning on what ground they were stopped from going to the village, Chakraborty alleged that the police were playing a partisan role.

"We will not allow outsiders for administrative reasons," a police officer present at the spot said, following which the scuffle broke out as the CPI(M) leaders tried to move forward.

The affected villagers claimed that their houses were attacked as they were CPI(M) supporters.

The villagers also claimed that they were stopped from going back to the village, from where they had fled following Monday's ransacking.

The local TMC leadership alleged that the CPI(M) was behind the killing of Saifuddin Laskar, the ruling party's area president of Bamungachi in Joynagar.

ISF MLA Naushad Siddiqui of the neighbouring Bhangore constituency was also stopped by the police from visiting Dogachia village.

Chakraborty alleged that the murder of Laskar was the result of internal strife within the TMC and the CPI(M) has nothing to do with it.

While one alleged assailant was caught from the area soon after the shooting and was lynched, another was arrested by the police.

The arrested accused was produced before the Baruipur court on Tuesday and remanded to 10 days in police custody.
New Delhi, Nov 14 (PTI) India is set to highlight challenges, concerns and priorities of the developing countries at the second edition of the 'Voice of Global South Summit' it is hosting on Friday in the virtual format, over two months after the African Union was inducted as a permanent member of the G20 under New Delhi's presidency of the bloc.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to preside over the summit that is expected to be attended by a host of leaders from the developing countries, people familiar with the matter said on Tuesday.

India hosted the first edition of the 'Voice of Global South Summit' under the theme 'unity of voice, unity of purpose' on January 12 and 13.

The second edition of the summit will take place on November 17, they said.

The aim of the initiative was to bring together countries of the Global South and share their perspectives and priorities on a common platform across a whole range of issues.

It is learnt that consequences of the ongoing Ukraine conflict, mounting debt, challenges of food and energy security will be among the issues likely to figure at the deliberations.

Leaders from a significant number of countries including Africa, Latin America, Central Asia, West Asia and South-East Asia are likely to attend the summit.

In a significant milestone under India's G20 presidency, the African Union in September became the new permanent member of the grouping of the largest economies of the world in the first expansion of the influential bloc since its inception in 1999.

India was consistently batting for inclusion of the African Union as a G20 member so as to ensure representation of the African continent in the top global body.

The African Union (AU) is an influential organisation comprising 55 member states that make up the countries of the African continent.

In the last few years, India has been positioning itself as a leading voice flagging concerns, challenges and aspirations of the Global South or the developing nations, especially the African continent.

As the G20 president, India has been focusing on issues like inclusive growth, digital innovation, climate resilience, and equitable global health access with an aim to benefit the Global South or the developing countries.

The G20's New Delhi declaration also featured challenges facing the Global South or developing countries.

The G20 member countries represent around 85 percent of the global GDP, over 75 per cent of the global trade, and about two-thirds of the world population.

India will also host a virtual summit of the G20 leaders on November 22.

Issues relating to the Global South are also expected to figure in the summit.

India is expected to focus on its development agenda including initiatives in areas of digital public infrastructure, climate finance and clean energy in the G20 virtual summit.
Jaipur, Nov 14 (PTI) BJP candidate from Alwar's Tijara assembly constituency Baba Balaknath has asked voters of his constituency to turn up in large numbers to cast their vote in the Rajasthan Assembly polls on November 25, while likening the election to an India-Pakistan match.

During campaigning in Bhiwadi on Monday, Balaknath said it is important to increase the voting percentage.

"This is like an India-Pakistan match this time. It is not just a fight for victory, it is also a fight for voting percentage," the Alwar MP was purportedly heard saying in a video which has gone viral.

"Those 'kabilas' (tribes) have united and we have to defeat their plans with voting percentage so that in future they never dare to unite and conspire to defeat our 'Sanatan Dharma'," he said, without elaborating on 'kabilas'.

When contacted, Balaknath told PTI, "I am encouraging people to turn out in

maximum numbers to increase the voting percentage in the elections."

He said if the voting percentage of minority voters remains high, then the voting percentage of Hindu voters should also be high.
Muzaffarnagar (UP), Nov 14 (PTI) Six people were killed when their car collided with a truck at Rampurtiraha on the Delhi-Haridwar national highway early Tuesday, a police official said.

Circle officer (Sadar) Vinay Gautam told PTI that the accident took place when the victims, who hailed from Shahdara in Delhi, were on way to Haridwar.

The bodies have been sent for postmortem.
New Delhi, Nov 14 (PTI) A 40-year-old woman died in a major fire at a building in East Delhi's Shakarpur on Tuesday while 26 people were rescued, officials said here.

They said the fire started in its parking area in the early hours of the day and engulfed the entire structure.

A woman died in the fire while 26 people, along with two pets, were rescued by the Delhi Fire Service, the officials said, adding that some people jumped off the windows to save themselves.

All of them were rushed to a hospital, they said.

"We got a fire call at about 1.05 am... We immediately pressed three fire engines to service. Later, five more fire engines were rushed to the spot. The matter was informed to the police immediately," an official of the Delhi Fire Service (DFS) said.
Etawah (UP), Nov 14 (PTI) A 1.5-quintal iron vault containing Rs 10 lakh was stolen from the Saifai depot of the UPSRTC here, police said on Tuesday.

A case has been registered in this regard against the depot cashier and two security personnel and they have been taken into custody, police said.

Senior Superintendent of Police Santosh Kumar said the iron vault, with Rs 10 lakh cash, kept in the cashroom of the depot under the Etawah regional office of the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) was stolen on Monday night.

He said due to the closure of banks, the amount received from the passengers was kept in the vault of the cashroom.

Vinod Kumar and Avneesh, security personnel of a private company posted on night duty at the campus, had informed their security supervisor Dheeraj Singh in the night itself about the disappearance of the safe.

The SSP said that the security personnel claim that the cashier of the depot, Farman Singh, had kept the fare collected from passengers in the vault on Monday evening and went home after finishing his duty.

Both security personnel said they slept at night and when they woke up, they saw the cashroom was locked and the vault was missing.

Additional Superintendent of Police (Rural) Satyapal Singh said the people present at the spot were interrogated but no clue was found. The CCTV camera installed in the premises was found to be faulty, he said.

On Tuesday, on the complaint of Shanti Swaroop, centre in-charge of the depot, a case was registered against the cashier and both the security personnel under the relevant sections of the IPC and they have been detained, officials said.
Chandigarh, Nov 14 (PTI) A drone was recovered from a field near the India-Pakistan border in Punjab's Ferozepur district, a BSF official said on Tuesday.

Border Security Force (BSF) troops intercepted the drone, which was coming from the Pakistan side, by opening fire at it.

During a search operation, the BSF personnel recovered the China-made quadcopter from the field near village Tindi Wala in Ferozepur.
New Delhi, Nov 14 (PTI) Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena has approved the regularisation of 18 dental surgeons who have been working in various Delhi government hospitals on ad hoc basis from 1998 to 2004, Raj Niwas officials said on Tuesday.

Their tenure has been renewed from time to time to meet the shortage of dental surgeons, the officials said.

Saxena also approved the conversion of nine Group 'C' temporary posts of stenographer to permanent posts in the Women and Child Development (WCD) Department.

The LG has been pitching for regularisation of services of those who have been engaged by the Delhi government on ad hoc basis and effecting appointments on a permanent basis as per law, the officials said.

The Department of Health and Family Welfare sought regularisation of these 18 Civil Assistant Surgeons (Dental).

Subsequent to the LG's directions in March 2023 to amend Recruitment Rules to ensure regularisation of posts and fresh appointments on a regular basis, the Delhi Health Services had notified the DHS (Dental) Rules, 2022 on May 6 this year.

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) assessed the suitability of these doctors working on ad hoc basis for more than a decade for appointment on a regular basis and found them to be fit for the same.

Similarly, posts of nine stenographers (Group 'C'), working in the WCD Department for implementation of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2005, have been made permanent with the LG's approval. These stenographers, appointed on temporary posts since 2005, had been discharging duties of a permanent nature.
Panchen Erdeni Chos-kyi rGyal-po carries out a head-touching ceremony to bless Buddhist adherents in the city of Xigaze, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Nov. 14, 2023. (Xinhua/Chogo)

LHASA, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- Panchen Erdeni Chos-kyi rGyal-po this week carried out a head-touching ceremony in the city of Xigaze, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, to bless more than 38,000 Buddhist adherents.

Panchen Rinpoche, a member of the Standing Committee of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, vice president of the Buddhist Association of China, and president of the association's Xizang branch, carried out the head-touching ritual at Tashilhunpo Monastery on Monday and Tuesday.

Head touching is a ceremony carried out by a living Buddha to bless believers who consider that it will help them avoid disasters.

When the ritual began at approximately 10 a.m. on Monday at Tashilhunpo Monastery, long lines of religious believers from all over the region had already stretched several kilometers, holding hada, a traditional Tibetan silk scarf that symbolizes purity and auspiciousness.

Yeshe Drolma, 80, did not leave for a long time after receiving the blessing from Panchen Rinpoche. "I feel very happy today," she said. "I prayed for world peace, prosperity and people's well-being, and people's health and happiness."

At 2 p.m. Tuesday, Panchen Rinpoche concluded this year's head-touching ritual at the monastery.

Panchen Rinpoche was born in February 1990 in Lhari County in Nagqu, northern Xizang. 

Panchen Erdeni Chos-kyi rGyal-po carries out a head-touching ceremony to bless Buddhist adherents in the city of Xigaze, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Nov. 14, 2023. (Xinhua/Chogo)
New Delhi, Nov 14 (PTI) The Delhi government has notified its Right of Way policy for telecommunication infrastructure aiming to promote micro communication equipment and in-building solutions to address the issue of poor connectivity, officials said on Tuesday.

The Delhi government's Urban Development Department will be the nodal agency to coordinate the implementation of the 'Delhi Right of Way (RoW) Policy for Underground Infrastructure and Over-ground Telecommunications Infrastructure, 2023' notified on November 1, they said.

The department will also provide clarification and instructions from

time to time to overcome the difficulties in the implementation or upgradation of the policy, they said.

The policy aims to promote installing in-building solutions (IBS), where there is poor connectivity in terms of weak signal strength inside offices, shopping malls, hospitals, multi-storey buildings, education institutions with the objective to strengthen quality of mobile network service, the notified document said.

There will be various modes of deployment of IBS including deployment by a

neutral host infrastructure provider. For deploying indoor solutions, companies will require permissions from the building owners, said the policy.

It also intends to promote micro-communication equipment which is a small equipment that can be installed on any structure or building including group housing complexes, government buildings, residential buildings and electric poles.

The works of laying optical fibre cable (underground and aerial) by the side of the roads and other places will be done by the licensees after prior permission of appropriate authority like PWD, DDA, power discoms, Forest department among others.
Guwahati, Nov 14 (PTI) A head constable of Assam Police was arrested from Dalgaon in Darrang district for allegedly accepting bribe from a complainant, officials said on Tuesday.

The directorate of vigilance and anti-corruption had received a complaint against the accused of demanding Rs 20,000 from a person, they said.

The complainant approached the vigilance wing, and a trap was laid to nab the head constable of Dalgaon police station, an official release said.

The bribe money has been recovered from the policeman, it said.

"Necessary legal follow-up action is underway," the release added.
New Delhi, Nov 14 (PTI) A Delhi court on Tuesday sent a police sub-inspector to two days CBI custody in a bribery case linked to a Rs 45,000-crore Ponzi scam involving Pearls Group founder Nirmal Singh Bhangoo.

Delhi Police sub-inspector Rajesh Yadav was arrested by the CBI on Monday for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 4.5 lakh from an employee of Bhangoo for not implicating his daughter and son-in-law in the Ponzi scam case.

Special Judge Arvind Kumar sent Yadav, posted at Barakhamba police station, to the CBI custody till November 16 on an application moved by the central probe agency.

The agency sought three days custodial interrogation of the accused, claiming that he was required to be quizzed to unearth the larger conspiracy.

The CBI told the court that Yadav was allegedly receiving the bribe on the instructions of sub-inspector Varun Chichi, posted at the same police station.

Chichi is currently absconding, the agency told the court.

In a complaint to the CBI, Bhangoo's employee alleged that Chichi demanded Rs 25 lakh from him for not arresting and implicating the jailed Pearls Group founder's daughter and son-in-law in the case against him.

The alleged demand was made 10-12 days ago when the complainant had gone to Barakhamba police station to give medicines to Bhangoo, who was brought there from Tihar jail, the CBI claimed.

"It was also alleged that the said sub-inspector agreed to accept a part payment of Rs 5 lakh from the complainant," the CBI said.

On the day of the "illicit transaction", the CBI laid a trap and caught Yadav receiving Rs 4.5 lakh from the complainant "on the directions" of Chichi.

The CBI said that it also conducted searches at the premises of both sub-inspectors.

Bhangoo and three others were arrested by the CBI in January 2016 in connection with alleged swindling of Rs 45,000 crore from over five crore investors who were lured with attractive land deals.
New Delhi, Nov 14 (PTI) The Delhi High Court is considering laying down norms for securing the assets and properties of children who lose their parents.

Hearing a plea by two minors who lost their parents, the court also sought a response from the Delhi government.

Justice Subramonium Prasad issued a notice to the Delhi government on the petition and asked the authorities to file a reply within two weeks and listed the matter for further hearing on December 6.

The high court also appointed senior advocate Dayan Krishnan as amicus curiae to assist the court by giving his inputs to lay down a policy in cases of this nature.

The petition, filed through advocate Tara Narula, submitted that on September 6, 2022, the petitioners father allegedly killed their mother and thereafter, he committed suicide.

The petitioner siblings aged 13 and nine are staying in a shelter home here by the order of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), which has also directed the investigating officer to investigate the cash, property and jewellery and other assets belonging to their parents and place it on record.

The plea said that the children's relatives had expressed their willingness to take the minors but the kids refused to go with them as they felt that the relatives had done nothing to resolve the issues between their parents.

The two minor boys approached the court through the shelter home stating that the properties belonging to their parents are being frittered away and that the children have no other alternative but to move court to secure their interest.

"The movable and immovable properties need to be protected for the future benefit of the children," the plea said, adding that the authorities be directed to manage and maintain the assets in trust and be the benefit of the minors till they attain majority.

The minors also sought a compensation of Rs 30 lakh each for their immediate need as well as future sustenance.
New Delhi, Nov 14 (PTI) Quitting smoking can lower the risk of developing type-2 diabetes by 30-40 per cent, according to a new brief jointly developed by the WHO, the International Diabetes Federation and the University of Newcastle.

Evidence suggests that smoking influences the body's ability to regulate blood sugar levels, which can cause type-2 diabetes, the WHO said in a statement.

Type-2 diabetes is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases worldwide, accounting for over 95 per cent of all diabetes cases, the UN agency said.

However, it is often preventable, and factors that contribute to developing type-2 diabetes include being overweight, not getting enough exercise, and genetics, according to the WHO.

The IDF estimates that 537 million people have diabetes, a number that continues to rise making diabetes the ninth highest cause of death globally, the statement said. The IDF is a non-profit umbrella organisation of more than 240 national diabetes associations in 161 countries and territories.

Smoking also increases the risk of diabetes-related complications such as cardiovascular disease, kidney failure and blindness, in addition to delaying healing of wound and enhancing the risk of lower limb amputations, WHO's statement said.

"The International Diabetes Federation strongly encourages people to stop smoking to reduce their risk of diabetes and, if they have diabetes, help avoid complications.

"We call on governments to introduce policy measures that will discourage people from smoking and remove tobacco smoke from all public spaces," said Akhtar Hussain, president of the IDF.

Quitting smoking also reduces the risk of diabetes complications, the UN agency said in its statement.

"Health professionals play a vital role in motivating and guiding individuals with type-2 diabetes in their journey to quit tobacco.

"Simultaneously, governments must take the crucial step of ensuring all indoor public places, workplaces and public transport are completely smoke-free.

"These interventions are essential safeguards against the onset and progression of this and many other chronic diseases," said Ruediger Krech, WHO's Director of Health Promotion.
Hyderabad, Nov 14 (PTI): The "stable government and able leadership" of Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao has enabled Telangana to make rapid strides in development since 2014, BRS Working President and IT Minister K T Rama Rao on Tuesday said.



The BRS government ensured major development in the state which Congress could not do in six decades, he claimed.





Addressing the Telangana Builders' Association members here, Rama Rao said the land value in Hyderabad has increased 10-20 fold in the last decade.



Value of lands increased not just in Hyderabad but across Telangana under CM KCRs governance. Stable government and able leadership has played a key role in ensuring development in the state, Rama Rao said, according to a release issued by his office.







Rama Rao, also known as KTR, said that Telangana is seen as a progressive state and has no communal riots or other disturbances, and hence investments from other states and countries are coming here.







Taking a dig at the Congress, Rama Rao claimed, Karnataka celebrated Diwali in darkness due to power cuts. So decide if you want current (electricity) or Congress.







He said that Naxalism prevailed in the Telangana region during the Congress government and charged that Congress failed to give water, jobs, and any kind of social and economic security which encouraged a few to take up Naxalism.



Talking about the plans for Hyderabad, KTR said that the new Hyderabad will be developed between Outer Ring Road and Regional Ring Road. He said that the regional ring road of 330 km will connect Bhongir, Choutuppal, Shadnagar, Sangareddy, and other areas.

He said, The development you see in Hyderabad now is just the trailer. You will see the movie in the future. If you want the progress and development story to continue, vote for BRS in the coming election."







Assembly elections in Telangana will be held on November 30.
Kochi, Nov 13 (PTI) The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) issued an interim order on Monday directing the Kerala government not to issue orders of appointment, transfer and posting of IAS officers without convening the Civil Services Board's meeting.

The CAT bench here comprising Judicial Member Justice Sunil Thomas and Administrative Member K V Eapen issued the order on a petition filed by the Kerala IAS Officers' Association alleging issuance of frequent transfer and posting orders of IAS officers without the recommendation of the Civil Services Board.

"There will be a direction to the...State of Kerala not to issue orders of appointment, transfer and posting in respect of IAS cadre posts without the convening of and recommendations of the Civil Services Board," the interim order read.

The tribunal noted that there was no explanation offered as to why the Civil Services Board's meeting was not convened.

"Necessarily, it has to be presumed that the allegations of the applicants on facts is, prima facie, established as not disputed," the tribunal observed.

The association submitted that the average tenure of cadre officers has slipped to way below one year against the prescribed minimum period of two years, even in sensitive posts like district collector, secretary to government and head of department of critical departments due to non-convening of the board.

"A minimum, reasonable tenure, which is a prerequisite for minimum satisfactory performance, is not adhered to," the association claimed.

The tribunal has now posted the matter for further hearing on January 10.
Westerly, RI (02891)

Today

A mix of clouds and sun this morning followed by mostly cloudy skies and a few showers this afternoon. High 52F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%..

Tonight

Rain ending early. Remaining cloudy. Low 43F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 90%.
FILE - Horseshoe crabs sit at Reeds Beach in Cape May Court House, N.J., June 13, 2023. Interstate fishing regulators are limiting the harvest of the primordial species of invertebrate to try to help rebuild its population and aid a threatened species of bird. Fishermen harvest horseshoe crabs on the East Coast for use as bait and in biomedical products. The animals are declining in some of their range, and theyre critically important as a food source for the red knot, a migratory shorebird listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.
HOUSTON, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- At least four people were stabbed on Monday in "a random act of violence" on the campus of Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, southern U.S. state of Louisiana, authorities said.

One of the four victims was a graduate student, who was reported in serious but stable condition after being airlifted to hospital, local media reported.

The other victims were not students, one of them in critical condition, according to the university.

The suspect, identified as 23-year-old student Jacoby Johnson, fled after the attack but was apprehended by campus police minutes later.

"This appears to be a random act of violence," said the university in a statement.

An investigation is underway. 




Prosecutors brought forward a string of law enforcement officials Monday to provide context around video thats at the crux of their case against David DePape, the man accused of attacking former House Speaker Nancy Pelosis husband at the couples San Francisco home last year.

DePape has pleaded not guilty to attempted kidnapping of a federal official and assault on the immediate family member of a federal official with intent to retaliate against the official for performance of their duties. Prosecutors say DePape bludgeoned Paul Pelosi with a hammer in the early hours of Oct. 28, 2022, just days before that years midterm elections.

Federal prosecutors quickly moved through their witness list on the trials second day, bringing forward an FBI agent who collected the electronics DePape was carrying, a U.S. Capitol police officer who watches the surveillance cameras at the Pelosis home and another who has protected Nancy Pelosi since 2006, and a Bay Area Rapid Transit police sergeant.

Paul Pelosi was also expected to testify.

Some witnesses helped verify time stamps on footage from surveillance cameras at the Pelosis home, which are set to Eastern Time, and on BART trains, which were an hour behind Pacific Time.

FBI Special Agent Stephanie Minor testified that video showed DePape hit Paul Pelosi at least three times.

Prosecutors played police body camera footage in which paramedics help Paul Pelosi, who is facedown on the floor. One paramedic holds a white towel against Pelosis head as another puts a neck and head brace on him before several first responders help him onto a stretcher chair. Pelosis face and hands are covered in blood.

Defense attorney Jodi Linker told jurors last week that she wont dispute that DePape attacked Paul Pelosi. Instead, she will argue that DePape believed with every ounce of his being that he was taking action to stop government corruption and the abuse of children by politicians and actors. She said that means the governments charges that DePape was trying to retaliate or interfere with Nancy Pelosis official duties dont fit.

Federal prosecutor Laura Vartain Horn told jurors during opening statements Thursday that DePape started planning the attack in August and that the evidence and FBI testimony will show he researched his targets online, collecting phone numbers and addresses, even paying for a public records service to find information.

If convicted, DePape faces life in prison. He also has pleaded not guilty to charges in state court of attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, elder abuse, residential burglary and other felonies. A state trial has not been scheduled.

Federal prosecutors say DePape smashed his shoulder through a glass panel on a door in the back of the Pelosis Pacific Heights mansion and confronted a sleeping Paul Pelosi, who was wearing boxer shorts and a pajama top.

Wheres Nancy? Wheres Nancy? DePape asked, standing over Paul Pelosi around 2 a.m. holding a hammer and zip ties, according to court records. Nancy Pelosi was in Washington and under the protection of her security detail, which does not extend to family members.

Paul Pelosi called 911 and two police officers showed up and witnessed DePape strike him in the head with a hammer, knocking him unconscious, court records showed.

Nancy Pelosis husband of 60 years later underwent surgery to repair a skull fracture and injuries to his right arm and hands.

After his arrest, DePape, 43, allegedly told a San Francisco detective that he wanted to hold Nancy Pelosi hostage. He said if she told him the truth, he would let her go and if she lied, he was going to break her kneecaps to show other members of Congress there were consequences to actions, according to prosecutors.

DePape, who lived in a garage in the Bay Area city of Richmond and had been doing odd carpentry jobs to support himself, allegedly told authorities he had other targets, including a womens and queer studies professor, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, actor Tom Hanks and President Joe Bidens son Hunter.

(AP)




In response to Hamas October 7 atrocities and Israels war against terrorism, Agudath Israel of America is organizing an ongoing Virtual Washington Mission to impress upon the nations elected officials the importance of their continued support for Israel and to solicit their aid in helping to address the security challenges currently facing American Jews.

Agudath Israels Washington Office has worked closely with the organizations nationwide regional offices to coordinate the virtual meetings with over 30 senators and congresspersons. And more are being arranged. Some members expressed their desire to have in-person meetings, which were convened in their home districts.

The agenda of these meetings has included the need for Congress to back up Israels rooting out of Hamas, to condemn and isolate the terrorist group, the safeguarding the hostages, and to quickly pass legislation to provide Israel the military aid it urgently needs. In addition, the activists are expressing concern regarding the dramatic uptick in antisemitic incidents in the U.S., particularly those experienced by Jewish students on Americas college campuses, and urged the members to support a substantial increase in federal security grants that support shuls, schools and other community institutions.

The missions participants include hundreds of rabbinic and lay leaders across the country, all meeting with their respective members of Congress. Participants report that the reaction of the senators and congresspersons has been overwhelmingly positive, and receptive to the Jewish community leaders perspective and message. The members of Congress stressed how important it is that they hear from their constituents at this time, and how every individual who reaches out to a congressmember makes an impact.

The meetings have led to tangible results including members of Congress co-sponsoring legislation, reaching out to University deans, and in one case, authoring a letter to Secretary Blinken asking him to arrange a screening of the Israeli video featuring the brutality of Hamas October 7th attacks for members of Congress and the media.

Everyone needs to understand that now is the time to talk to your elected officials in Washington, said Rabbi Yossie Charner, Agudath Israels director of congressional affairs. For every pro-Israel call a congressional office receives, we have been told that it gets even more from the other side. We, as both an organization and as constituents, must make our voices heard.

In addition to the virtual mission, since the beginning of the war Agudath Israel has been communicating on an ongoing basis with officials at the White House, the State Department, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Department of Education, to make them aware of our communities views and concerns and to keep abreast of government involvement in the situation in Israel and in American Jewish communities.

Agudath Israel has also sent out a series of action alerts in an effort to mobilize our constituents to reach out via email to their members of Congress, encouraging them to express support for Agudath Israels priorities in regard to Israel and American Jewry. Through these action alerts, tens of thousands of emails from across the country were sent to hundreds of members of Congress in 38 states.




The House is holding a test vote Monday on whether to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, a step usually reserved for grave misconduct in office that is instead being wielded in an extraordinary effort to remove the Cabinet secretary for his handling of the southern border.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a hard-right Republican from Georgia, forced a vote on impeaching Mayorkas floor through a rule that allows any single member to force a snap vote on resolutions, including constitutional matters such as impeachment.

Democrats have sought to bottle the matter up through a vote on Monday evening that would table or kill the impeachment resolution, but the outcome is uncertain. Several prominent Republicans have become outspoken advocates of pushing ahead on the GOPs longstanding effort to impeach Mayorkas. House GOP whip Tom Emmer, the No. 3 House Republican, as well as Rep. Tony Gonzales, a Texas Republican whose congressional district runs along the border with Mexico, have voiced support for Greenes resolution.

Greene in a floor speech Monday accused Mayorkas of a pattern of conduct that is incompatible with the laws of the United States, as she cited record numbers of illegal border crossings, an influx of drugs and his open border policies. The impeachment resolution accuses him of failing to adhere to his oath to defend and secure our country and uphold the Constitution.

Impeaching a Cabinet official for their policy decisions would be unprecedented. But House Republicans have shown increasing willingness to reach to Congress most grave weapons and redefine what the Constitution means by impeachable high crimes and misdemeanors.

While the House Majority has wasted months trying to score points with baseless attacks, Secretary Mayorkas has been doing his job and working to keep Americans safe, a DHS spokesperson said in a statement.

Republicans have closely scrutinized the Biden administrations handling of the border with Mexico for months and sought to build an impeachment case against Mayorkas. But Greene voiced frustration with the speed of those inquiries and pointed to a car crash in Texas that killed eight people after a driver suspected of smuggling people tried to flee the police and crashed into another vehicle.

The renewed push to impeach Mayorkas is yet another headache for new House Speaker Mike Johnson, who is already juggling both a potential impeachment vote and delicate negotiations over government funding legislation to avert a federal shutdown at the end of the week.

Johnson earlier this month said in a Fox News interview that he believed Mayorkas has committed impeachable offenses, but also warned that the House has limited time and resources. The speaker, who is just three weeks into his job, has also been supportive of an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden.

Only one U.S. cabinet official has ever been impeached: Secretary of War William Belknap in 1876. A House investigation found evidence that he had received kickback payments while administering government contracts.

(AP)




In a case with potentially far-reaching press freedom implications, a federal judge in Washington is weighing whether to hold in contempt a veteran journalist who has refused to identify her sources for stories about a Chinese American scientist who was investigated by the FBI but never charged.

The judge previously ordered former Fox News reporter Catherine Herridge, who now works at CBS, to be interviewed under oath about her sources for a series of stories about Yanping Chen. Chen, who was investigated for years on suspicions she may have lied on immigration forms related to work on a Chinese astronaut program, has since sued the government, saying details about the probe were leaked to damage her reputation.

But after Herridge refused to divulge to Chens lawyers how she acquired her information, the scientists attorneys are asking U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper to hold the reporter in contempt  a sanction that could result in steep monetary fines until she complies.

The long-running lawsuit, now nearing a crucial decision point, represents the collision of competing interests: a journalists professional obligation to protect sources and an individuals right to pursue compensation over perceived privacy violations by the government. Its being closely watched by media advocates, who say forcing journalists to betray a promise of confidentiality could make sources think twice before providing information to reporters that could expose government wrongdoing.

Allowing confidential sources to be ordered revealed means that the public will have less information. The more significant the story, the more significant topic, the greater the loss to the public in not knowing the truth about whats going on, said longtime First Amendment attorney Floyd Abrams. Abrams represented New York Times reporter Judith Miller, who spent 85 days in jail after being held in contempt for refusing to divulge a source in an investigation of leaks about an undercover CIA agent.

Its not clear when the judge might rule on Chens request to hold Herridge in contempt.

The judge acknowledged the stakes in an August decision that forced Herridge to be interviewed, writing, The Court recognizes both the vital importance of a free press and the critical role that confidential sources play in the work of investigative journalists like Herridge.

But Cooper said that Chens need for the requested evidence overcomes Herridges qualified First Amendment privilege in this case.

The stories by Herridge were published and aired by Fox News in 2017, one year after the Justice Department told Chen she would not face any charges in its yearslong investigation into whether she may have concealed her former membership in the Chinese military on U.S. immigration forms.

The reports examined Chens former alleged ties to the Chinese military and whether she had used a professional school she founded in Virginia to help the Chinese government get information about American servicemembers. They relied on what her lawyers contend were items leaked from the probe, including snippets of an FBI document summarizing an interview, personal photographs, and information taken from her immigration and naturalization forms and from an internal FBI PowerPoint presentation.

Herridge was interviewed under oath in September by a lawyer for Chen, but declined dozens of times to answer questions about her sources, saying at one point: My understanding is that the courts have ruled that in order to seek further judicial review in this case, I must now decline the order, and respectfully I am invoking my First Amendment rights in declining to answer the question.

Herridges attorney, Patrick Philbin, who served as deputy White House counsel during the Trump administration, said that forcing the journalist to turn over her source or sources would destroy her credibility and hurt her career.

The First Amendment interest in protecting journalists sources is at its highest in cases, like this, involving reporting on national security, Philbin wrote in court papers. And confidentiality is critical for government sources who may face punishment for speaking to the press.

In a statement, Fox News said that sanctioning a journalist for protecting a confidential source is not only against the First Amendment but would have a chilling effect on journalism across the country as the ability to hold truth to power is essential in a democracy.

The network said it fully supports Herridges position. CBS News said it does as well, asserting in its own statement that the motion for contempt should be concerning to all Americans who value the role of the free press in our democracy and understand that reliance on confidential sources is critical to the mission of journalism.

Legal fights over whether journalists should have to divulge a source are rare, though theyve arisen several times in the last couple decades in Privacy Act cases like the one filed by Chen. Some lawsuits have ended with a hefty Justice Department settlement in place of a journalist being forced to reveal a source, an outcome that remains possible in Herridges case.

In 2008, for instance, the Justice Department agreed to pay $5.8 million to settle a lawsuit by Army scientist Steven Hatfill, who was falsely identified as a person of interest in the 2001 Anthrax attacks. That settlement resulted in a contempt order being vacated against a journalist who was being asked to name her sources.

In Herridges case, the scientists lawyers say theyre seeking a fine that would increase over time until she identifies her source. Unlike in Millers situation, its a private plaintiff demanding to know the identity of the source rather than representatives of the Justice Department.

Courts have recognized that journalists have a limited privilege to keep confidential their sources, allowing reporters to block subpoenas in the past. But judges in some cases, like Herridges, have found that privilege can be outweighed by the need for the information if the person seeking the source has failed to find it through other means.

Many states have reporter shields, which offer various protections from subpoenas and the forced disclosure of sources, but there is no such protection in federal law. Gabe Rottman, of the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, said Herridges case is a stark illustration of the need for a federal shield law.

If sources cant be given credible assurances of confidentiality, they wont come forward, said Rottman, director of the groups Technology and Press Freedom Project. And that chills the free flow of information to the public and it limits journalists ability to do their jobs.

(AP)




Illegal border crossings from Mexico fell 14% in October from a month earlier, U.S. authorities said Tuesday, ending a three-month streak of big increases.

U.S. officials highlighted the resumption of deportation flights to Venezuela on Oct. 18, shortly after Venezuelans replaced Mexicans as the largest nationality appearing at the border. Customs and Border Protection said Venezuelans were stopped 65% fewer times in the second half of October compared with the second half of September, though that figure includes Venezuelans who made asylum appointments through a mobile app as well as those who crossed the border illegally.

Arrests for illegal crossings totaled 188,778 for all nationalities in October, down from 218,763 in September, which was the second-highest month on record. Arrests had more than doubled over the previous three months as migrants and smugglers adjusted to new asylum regulations introduced in May.

We continue to enhance our border security posture and remain vigilant, said Troy Miller, the acting CBP commissioner, who urged Congress to approve President Joe Bidens supplemental budget request for $13.6 billion in border-related spending.

While crossings remain unusually high, the monthly decline is a rare piece of welcome news for a White House that has been criticized on the right and left flanks for its immigration policies. Panama has yet to release October figures for crossings through the notorious Darien jungle, which totaled more than 400,000 during the first nine months of the year, largely Venezuelans.

Biden, a Democrat, has adopted an approach at the border that combines new legal pathways to enter the country with more restrictions on asylum for those who cross the border illegally. Including those legal pathways, migrants crossed the border 240,988 times in October, down 11% from 269,735 in September.

More than 44,000 people entered from Mexico with appointments on the CBP One mobile app, bringing the total number of scheduled appointments on the app to 324,000 since it was introduced in January. Additionally, nearly 270,000 migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela have entered the country by applying online with a financial sponsor and arriving at an airport.

(AP)




A Moscow court on Tuesday fined Google for failing to store personal data on its Russian users, the latest in a series of fines on the U.S. tech giant amid tensions between the Kremlin and the West over the fighting in Ukraine.

A magistrate at Moscows Tagansky district court fined Google 15 million rubles (about $164,200) after the company repeatedly refused to store personal data on Russian citizens inside the country. Google was previously fined over the same charges in August 2021 and June 2022.

Google also was ordered to pay a 3 million ruble (about $32,800) fine in August for failing to delete allegedly false information about the conflict in Ukraine.

Russia can do little to collect the fine, however, as Googles Russia business was effectively shut down last year after Moscow sent troops into Ukraine. The company has said it filed for bankruptcy in Russia after its bank account was seized by the authorities, leaving it unable to pay staff and suppliers.

Russian courts also have fined Apple and the Wikimedia Foundation, which hosts Wikipedia.

Since sending troops into Ukraine in February 2022, Russian authorities have taken measures to stifle any criticism of the military campaign.

Some critics have received severe punishments. Opposition figure Vladimir Kara-Murza was sentenced this year to 25 years in prison for treason stemming from speeches he made against Russias actions in Ukraine.

Sasha Skochilenko, an artist and musician from St. Petersburg, is on trial on charges of spreading false information about the military for replacing supermarket price tags with protest slogans. Prosecutors have asked for an eight-year prison sentence for her.

(AP)




An expert scientific committee advising the British government recommended for the first time Tuesday that children should be immunized with the chickenpox vaccine  decades after the shots were made widely available in other countries, including the U.S., Canada and Australia.

In Britain, those who want to be immunized against the disease have to pay about 150 (US $184).

In a statement, Britains Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation said that children between 1 year and 18 months should be offered two doses of the vaccine, in a shot that also combines protection against measles, mumps and rubella.

For some babies, young children and even adults, chickenpox or its complications can be very serious, resulting in hospitalization and even death, said Andrew Pollard, chair of the expert vaccine group in a statement.

Pollard said that decades of evidence of the vaccines effectiveness from other countries demonstrate the vaccines safety; the U.S. was the first country to introduce an immunization program against chickenpox in 1995.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describes chickenpox cases in the country as rare, estimating there are fewer than 150,000 cases and 30 deaths every year.

British experts have previously estimated there are more than 650,000 cases of chickenpox in England and Wales.

Chickenpox is a highly infectious disease that mostly affects children and can cause an itchy rash, blisters and fever. Symptoms usually last about a week, but in rare cases, the virus can lead to pneumonia, encephalitis and even death. Two doses of the vaccine offer more than 90% protection against the disease.

The chickenpox vaccine recommendation will next be considered by the government.

Britains National Health Service has long said that introducing the chickenpox vaccine might leave some adults vulnerable to shingles, if unvaccinated children catch the virus as adults, which can be more severe than chickenpox.

Experts noted, however, that Britains government offers the shingles vaccine to adults at risk of the disease.

Dr. Gayatri Amirthalingam, deputy director of public health programs at Britains Health Security Agency, said the new chickenpox vaccine recommendations would help make chickenpox a problem of the past.

(AP)




House Speaker Mike Johnson endorsed Donald Trump for president on Tuesday, a move that was a symbolic departure from his ousted predecessor leading the House.

Johnson, an ally and defender of the former president, said in an interview on CNBC Tuesday morning, I have endorsed him wholeheartedly.

He added a bit later: Im all in for President Trump.

Johnson, a little-known Louisiana congressman, became speaker late last month when Kevin McCarthy was ousted by a hard-right band of their fellow Republicans. Though McCarthy was a longtime Trump ally and one of the first elected officials to publicly align himself with Trump in the wake of the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol by Trumps supporters, he had stopped short of formally backing Trumps third White House bid.

McCarthy had drawn the ire of Trump allies after he questioned in an interview this summer whether Trump was the strongest candidate among the then-crowded field of GOP rivals. The field has shrunk in recent weeks, though Trumps lead has remained fixed.

Trump has celebrated Johnsons ascension to speaker, calling him MAGA Mike Johnson.

Johnsons comments came hours after The New York Times reported on an August 2015 Facebook post Johnson made before he was elected to Congress in which he criticized Trump, then the Republican nominee, saying he lacks the character and the moral center we desperately need again in the White House.

In a response to someone commenting on the post, the newspaper reported that Johnson said: I am afraid he would break more things than he fixes. He is a hot head by nature, and that is a dangerous trait to have in a Commander in Chief.

Johnson, a social conservative, later became a steadfast defender of Trump, notably during his first impeachment in 2019 and through the 2020 election, echoing some of Trumps conspiracy theories about his loss to Joe Biden in the presidential election and filing a brief in a lawsuit that sought to overturn Joe Bidens 2020 presidential election win.

Johnson reiterated that on Tuesday, saying in the interview that he was one of the closest allies President Trump had in Congress.

Johnsons endorsement only firms up what is increasingly politically clear  that Trump is the Republican partys front-runner heading toward 2024 and few GOP leaders are willing or able to stand in his way.

The speakers backing of Trump charts the course for other House Republicans and leaves those GOP lawmakers who prefer an alternative candidate increasingly isolated in their party, with few options.

While some more centrist conservative Republicans may not want to support Trump, particularly in congressional districts Biden won last time, they have few avenues in the Republican Party to muscle a different outcome in the presidential nominating contest.

(AP)




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JERUSALEM, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- Heavy fighting between Israeli forces and Palestinian militants continued outside hospitals in the northern Gaza Strip on Monday, forcing thousands to flee while some chose to continue sheltering within.

An Israeli military spokesperson told Xinhua that the intense battles against Hamas currently "include the area surrounding the Al Shifa Hospital but not the hospital itself."

World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Sunday that the strikes "have exacerbated the already critical circumstances" and that "regrettably, the hospital is not functioning as a hospital anymore."

The Palestine Red Crescent Society reported that attempts to evacuate the al-Quds Hospital, the second-largest hospital in Gaza, failed due to "continuing shelling and shooting."

According to a statement posted by the Red Crescent on social media, a Red Crescent evacuation convoy, accompanied by the International Committee of the Red Cross, returned after setting off Monday from Khan Younis towards al-Quds Hospital. "The convoy was forced to return due to the dangerous conditions in the Tal al-Hawa area, where the hospital is located," said the Red Crescent. "The medical staff, patients and their companions are still trapped inside the hospital without food, water or electricity," it said.

Israel denied it was attacking hospitals. In a statement, the military said that a militant squad embedded itself in the area of the al-Quds Hospital and shot RPG fire and gunfire from the hospital entrance at soldiers. At least 21 militants were "subsequently eliminated," according to the statement.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told reporters that Israel is determined to press ahead with its attacks against militants in Gaza. "This is not 'an operation,' here we go all the way until the absolute victory," he reaffirmed.

Israel is facing increasing pressure from international bodies and worldwide mass protests, urging a ceasefire and the protection of civilians.

"The pressure (on Israel) is not very high, but it is increasing," Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen told journalists in a briefing earlier in the day. "We have 2-3 weeks before the heavy international pressure (for a ceasefire) will begin," said Cohen.

Also today, Israel's Shin Bet internal security agency said in a statement that forces killed Yaakub A'ashur, head of the Anti-Tank Missile Array of Hamas' Khan Yunis Brigade. "He took part in the planning and execution of attacks against IDF soldiers," the statement read. The forces also killed Mohammed Khamis Dababash, who according to the Shin Bet was a senior Hamas operative and a former head of Hamas' military intelligence.

According to the military, the two were among "dozens" of Hamas commanders killed since Israel launched its war against Hamas on Oct. 7, following Hamas' deadly attack on communities in southern Israel, which killed about 1,200 people.

Hamas' government media office in Gaza announced that the Palestinian death toll had risen to 11,240, while more than 28,000 others were injured.

The cross-border fire continued on Israel's northern front. Military Chief Herzi Halevi told reporters that Israel is preparing to act to stop the rockets. "We are preparing strongly with action plans for the north. Our mission is to bring security in such a way that the residents of the north will feel safe to return to their homes," he said. 




A video of Hamas operatives beating up Gazan civilians who tried to take food from humanitarian aid trucks that entered the Strip was published by Kan on Sunday evening.

The video shows Hamas terrorists brutally beating the civilians who had gathered around the trucks in southern Gaza.

According to a source quoted by Kan, the terrorists then proceeded to steal the contents of the truck for themselves and transfer them to their headquarters.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)




Daniel Raz, a Justice Ministry representative working with those evacuated from the Gaza Border area, revealed in a discussion in the Knessets Health Committee on Monday that 15 survivors of the music festival near Reim had to be involuntarily committed to psychiatric hospitals.

In the previous meeting, I told you about a woman whose husband was murdered whom they wanted to forcibly hospitalize. Today, the situation is much worse. I didnt believe we would reach such an extreme. More and more people are being involuntarily committed  a significant portion of them were at the party in Reim.

The horrors that took place at the outdoor music festival, at which thousands of young Israelis were caught out in the open at the mercy of Hamas subhumans armed with machine guns and grenades, are indescribable. Those who survived have to grapple with the sights and sounds they were exposed to and the deaths or abductions of many of their friends.

Raz explained that when he arrived at hotels to talk with evacuated Israelis, he heard about a lack of psychological support. Right away, we had parents and children telling us that they didnt receive psychological treatment. One father told us that his daughters stay inside the hotel and never leave. Its an unbearable situation.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)




Hamas terrorists opened fire at IDF soldiers from the entrance of the Al-Quds Hospital in Gaza City on Monday.

The terrorists embedded themselves into a group of civilians at the entrance to the hospital and opened fire and launched RPGs at the soldiers

The IDF soldiers waited until the civilians left the area and then fired at the terrorists, who had meanwhile been joined by additional terrorists from nearby buildings.

The IDF forces succeeded in eliminating 21 terrorists.

This incident is another example of Hamas continued exploitation of civilian sites, including hospitals, to shoot at IDF forces, the IDF spokesperson said.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)




With the IDF squeezing Hamas into an ever-tighter ring in Gaza City, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant made a bold declaration, saying that the terror group no longer had any control over Gaza.

There is no force of Hamas capable of stopping the IDF. The IDF is advancing to every point. The Hamas organization has lost control of Gaza. Terrorists are fleeing south. Civilians are looting Hamas bases. They have no confidence in the government, Gallant said following a military assessment. He added that IDF forces are advancing

according to plans and carry out the tasks accurately, lethally.

We work according to tasks. We dont have a stopwatch. We have goals. We will achieve our goals, Gallant said, in a possible response to Israeli FM Eli Cohen saying earlier Monday that the IDF has only several more weeks to operate as it needs to before international pressure grows too intense.

Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden urged Israel to protect civilian lives as it operates around Al Shifa hospital, where the bulk of Hamas headquarters are located beneath the complex.

Its my hope and expectation that there will be less intrusive action relative to the hospital, Biden told reporters in the Oval Office. The hospital must be protected.

Separately, IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi said that plans are being formulated to ensure that peace is restored for residents of northern Israel, which has been bombarded by Hezbollah in recent weeks.

We are preparing strongly with action plans for the north. Our mission is to bring security. The security situation will not remain such that the residents of the north do not feel safe to return to their homes, Halevi said.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)




Israel and Hamas are reportedly on the cusp of reaching an agreement that could lead to a significant prisoner exchange and a temporary truce in the ongoing conflict in Gaza. According to a high-ranking Israeli official, who spoke to Washington Post columnist David Ignatius on the condition of anonymity, the deal would involve the release of most Israeli women and children currently held in Gaza, along with a five-day ceasefire.

While Israel has been negotiating for the release of all 100 women and children hostages, the actual number likely to be released by Hamas is around 70, as per the latest statements from Hamas officials. These statements were made during discussions with Qatari mediators, who have been instrumental in facilitating this potential breakthrough.

Hamas, designated as a terrorist organization by Israel, the United States, and other countries, has proposed the release of these hostages in exchange for the release of 200 Palestinian children and 75 women detained by Israel. The proposed five-day truce, according to Hamas spokesperson Abu Ubaida, is intended to allow humanitarian relief into Gaza. Ubaida, speaking for the al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, accused Israel of delaying and evading the true cost of the prisoner exchange.

The truce, as outlined by Ubaida, would entail a complete ceasefire and the facilitation of aid and humanitarian relief throughout the Gaza Strip.

This development comes in the wake of a devastating surprise attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7, which resulted in over 1,200 deaths, predominantly civilians. In response, Israel declared war and has since carried out extensive bombardments in Gaza, resulting in at least 11,000 casualties and the displacement of over 1.6 million people.

The precise number of Palestinian prisoners to be released in this exchange remains uncertain, though it is believed to be at least 120, as indicated by an Arab official in communication with the Washington Post.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)




(By Dovid Margolin  Chabad.org)

At 11 p.m., Jacob Gabay stands leaning against a fence in Old Montefiore Cemetery. Its dark outside and a little cold, but he has other things on his mind. Namely: Where is his daughter, Shani?

Thats all Jacobs been able to think about since Oct. 7, when his daughter, Shani Gabay, 25, disappeared from the Nova rave at Kibbutz Reim in southern Israel. She is not captive. She is not dead, the grizzled father says. She is missing.

Shani Gabay is one of the approximately 240 men, women and children kidnapped by Hamas terrorists and their Gazan collaborators on that terrible day. And Jacob is one of 170 family members of Israeli hostages presumed in Gaza who arrived in New York on Nov. 13 to visit and pray at the Ohel, the resting place of the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson Ztl.

The chartered flight, organized by the Terror Victims Project of the Chabad Youth Organizationthe umbrella arm of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement in Israelcame to New York for one purpose and one purpose only: to pray for a miracle at this holy site.

Gabay had emerged from the Ohel only moments earlier. Here, I feel like I am close to Gd, he says resolutely. I feel the power of this place in my bones.

Gabay, who lives in the northern town of Yokneam Illit, near Haifa, is a believer in miracles. Hes seen them before. Exactly 20 years ago, when Shani was 5 years old, her eyesight began to fail, and doctors said she would soon be totally blind. While in the hospital with his daughter, someone gave him a card bearing a photo of the Rebbe on one side and the address of the Ohel on the other. Gabay placed it in his wallet and forgot about it. Later that year, he traveled to Texas, and on his way home to Israel had a stopover in New York. He opened his wallet, saw the card sitting inside and decided to come to the Ohel to pray. Soon after returning to Israel, Shanis eyesight began to improve. Eventually, she was totally healed.

Which is why Gabay didnt hesitate to join Chabads chartered plane to New York when he heard about it. The Chabad rabbi in Yokneam Illit had come to his home to help him put on tefillin and had just begun broaching the idea to him. Even before he explained to me what exactly this was all about, I understood I had to go, he says. I was drawn here.

Earlier that morning, Gabay and his fellow family members of hostages had taken off, together with Chabad of Israel staff, on a chartered plane from Ben-Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv. Upon landing in New York they headed straight to the Ohel, where they were greeted on the street by hundreds of American well-wishers.

At a short program held at the Ohel visitors complex, words of welcome and inspiration were shared by Rabbi Yehuda Krinsky, a member of the Rebbes secretariat and chairman of Merkos LInyonei Chinuch and Machne Yisrael, Chabads respective educational and social-services arms; Rabbi Berel Lazar, chief rabbi of Russia; Rabbi Yisrael Deren, a longtime Chabad emissary in Connecticut; and Aviv Ezra, Acting Consul General of Israel in New York. Present, among others, was Rabbi Josef Aronov, chairman of the Chabad Youth Organization in Israel, who flew to New York together with the families, and Igor Tulchinsky, the Jewish philanthropist who funded the trip.

Our days and our nights are focused in prayer, demanding that your loved onesour loved onescome home to you safe and sound, physically and spiritually, Krinsky said, the crowd of onlookers and family members responding with a resounding amen, a word recited loudly and whispered quietly countless times over the duration of the evening.

The program also included songs of hope, such as Ani Maamin (I Believe), a Holocaust-era tune expressing the Jewishs faith set to words adapted from the writings of the 12th-century philosopher and sage Maimonides, as well as a video of the Rebbe.

A Jew is notGd forbidalone in exile, while Gd is in His palace in the heavens, looking down from above at what is happening to the Jew below and blessing him from afar, the Rebbe said in his 1984 talk.   The reality is that Gd finds Himself wherever any single Jew finds himself. And when a Jew is in exile, Gd is with them! Gd is there together with him, in that exile. And Hes not there as an outside observer, but rather: In all of their sufferings, He suffers with them.  This allows us to appreciate the extent to which we have Gds help to overcome all hardships, for He puts Himself, so to speak, into the same hardships.

The program, however, was a mere prelude. Though the gathered family members represent every segment of Israeli society, from religious men and women with covered heads to secular kibbutzniks who seldom, if ever, attend synagogue, it was clear to any observer that the reason why theyd made the long trip to New York was to enter the Ohel itself. That theyd come to be in the presence of the Rebbe and to pour their hearts out in prayer at his holy resting place.

Everyone feels that were at a point where only Gd can help, that we need a miracle, explains one of the trips leaders, Rabbi Asi Spiegel of the Chabad Youth Organization of Israel. Thats why were here, why these families came here. There is a universal understanding that this is a place where darkness is illuminated.

After writing notes bearing their personal prayers, each family member entered the granite mausoleum, many of them bringing photos of their kidnapped loved ones. At the same time, each captives name and, per the Jewish custom, their mothers name, was read out one by one.

A depth of unimaginable pain and worry can be seen in the eyes of each of the hostages family members. They are strong, every one of them, but each has a painful story to tell. Here, two brothers speak of their loving mother snatched out of her home in Beeri, their father having been killed by terrorists trying to defend her. There, a woman cries out revealed miracles! when she hears the name of her relative called out for blessing in the long list emanating from within the Ohel.

Just outside the mausoleum, Shai Hartman, a young woman from Ramat Gan, had just finished lighting her seventh candle. The number corresponded to the seven badges she had around her neck, upon which was a picture of each of her seven kidnapped family members. Seven members of Shais family are being held by Hamas in some subterranean hell.

My uncle was murdered; his daughter, her husband and two little children are kidnapped, and my fathers sistermy auntis also kidnapped, together with her 12-year-old child, Hartman enumerates. Only her uncle and aunt, whose last name is Haran, lived in Beeri; the rest of the familythe Avigdoris and Shohamshad been visiting for the Simchat Torah holiday when the barbarians had barged through the gates. Shai, too, might have been there, but she was unable to be there that day.

What had drawn her to this place, I ask her.

It feels like a very strong prayer, Hartman says, the candles she and her fellow family members had lit flickering in the metallic case behind her. I havent cried in two weeks, I think, and inside I just  broke down.

As they concluded their prayers, the family members returned to the Ohel visitors complex, where Rabbi Krinsky gifted each of them with a shekel bill from a thick stack given to him by the Rebbe, as well as a new book of Tehillim (Psalms). Family members flocked to him to get their shekel, moved by the prospect of owning an object that came directly from the Rebbes hands, as well as the blessings that it imparts.

Four buses sat on the street outside the cemetery, their gleaming-white panels reflecting the flashing lights of the special groups NYPD escort. Having prayed inside, a tired Itzik and Sarai Cohen stood ready to board the buses to head to the groups hotel for the night. The young couples cousins, Gali and Ziv Berman, were kidnapped from their home in Kfar Aza. They were in their home, in their rooms, in their corners of the world and terrorists simply walked in and kidnapped them, said Sarai.

Neither Sarai nor Itzik had ever been in New York beforeor the United States, for that matter. Why had they come now? I felt the Rebbe was calling me, said Itzik. His wife had heard about the trip from a Chabad rebbetzin in their hometown of Nahariya, on the coast of Israels north.

There are no words for the feeling I felt inside the Ohel, near the Rebbe, said Sarai. You feel like youre not alone.

And, her husband added, that with Gds help it truly will turn out good.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Pamela Welch was terrified when she received a 1,200 energy bill from her supplier Ovo Energy.

The 84-year-old, from Bracknell, Berkshire, was so worried about running up more costs that she started to go to bed at 7.30pm to avoid using any heating or appliances in the evening.

Pamela's nephew Steve Beach, who helps her with her bills, says that from the time she received that first frightening bill this March to July, Pamela's debts to Ovo escalated to more than 4,000, even though she used very little gas and electricity.

Initially Pamela didn't pay the bill that she couldn't afford, as she knew she didn't owe that sum.

Although Steve tried to reason with Ovo on Pamela's behalf, she was nonetheless sent worrying debt collection letters.

Nicola Ratnett (left) and Sarah Robinson are two of the Ovo customers who have contacted us about what they believe are incorrect bills, which have had a huge impact on their lives

'She's really beginning to panic  so much so that, as she keeps getting these letters, in the last couple of months she has sent two cheques for 500 in the hope that this will stop them,' says Steve.

When we contacted Ovo, it said that Pamela had a dual-rate smart meter installed in May 2021, which allowed her to pay one tariff for her daytime use and a second, cheaper tariff for off-peak usage. But the meter had only been recording one rate, which resulted in the incorrect bills.

It apologised for not addressing the problem sooner, and said debt collection activity had been put on hold.

But as Pamela and Steve have taken Ovo to the ombudsman to dispute the charges, it says it will wait until that process was concluded to take further action.

Pamela is among hundreds of Ovo Energy customers who have written to This is Money and our sister title Money Mail in recent months about billing errors.

In many cases, customers are receiving bills that are hundreds, or even thousands, of pounds higher than they believe they should be.

They have also faced serious disruption to their lives. Some have been left with no heating or electricity, or have fallen behind with work due to hours spent on the phone to Ovo trying to resolve their billing problems.

Several tell of the toll it has taken on their mental health, and one customer told us his woes had left him contemplating suicide.

Ovo under fire as 200 customers tell us their bills are wrong Hundreds of people told us they were being bamboozled by bills from Ovo - so we sent a dossier to the energy firm and asked it what was going wrong

What has gone awry?

The majority of readers who have contacted us were among the 3.5 million former customers of energy supplier SSE.

They were transferred from SSE, formerly known as Southern Electric, when Ovo bought that supplier's retail arm in 2020 and catapulted itself from a small supplier into one of the big six UK energy firms overnight.

When customers were switched from SSE to Ovo, their bills were typically subject to an 'adjustment'  in other words, the difference between what SSE said they owed and what their new supplier Ovo believes is due.

These adjustments change the overall balance of the account and occur when Ovo Energy believes former SSE customers have underpaid or if it disputes their final balance with SSE.

However, on copies of Ovo bills we have seen, the reason for an adjustment is not explained. This can cause distress for customers, as they are not told why their bill has increased and so do not know whether it is likely to happen again.

They also have little information with which to contest the bill if they think it is incorrect.

Barbara Nicholson, a vulnerable 86-year-old from Doncaster, South Yorkshire, received a 6,000 balance adjustment from Ovo.

Barbara's son, Gary, says: 'She received no correspondence about this to warn her of such a dramatic bill, nor any explanation.'

Frozen out: Some customers have been left with no heating or electricity, or have fallen behind with work due to hours spent on the phone to Ovo (file picture)

He says that his mother was more than 1,000 in credit when she switched from SSE. But she had a new meter fitted in June after she moved to Ovo, and was charged double that month, for the balance on both her old and new meter.

Gary says his mother's gas usage has been 'continually overestimated' since Ovo took over.

'My mother lives on her own. She does not cook but eats microwave meals. She only uses the washing machine about twice per week, and she goes to bed early, so all the lights and TV are switched off,' he says.

My mother is distraught  she thinks her energy is going to be disconnected, as she cannot afford the outstanding debt of 5,000 that Ovo has suggested she owes

'She cannot climb the stairs, so does not use the upstairs level of her home and, as such, she cannot use the bath or shower. She just has a wash, so is using very little energy.

'And yet, her direct debit is far higher than my own and I live with my wife in a four-bedroom house.

'My mother is distraught  she thinks her energy is going to be disconnected, as she cannot afford the outstanding debt of 5,000 that Ovo has suggested she owes.

'I suspect that many older people have been scared and just paid it, especially if they do not have any family around to realise it is wrong.'

When the Energy Ombudsman got involved, the 5,000 charge was removed from her bill  but this still left 1,000 of credit unaccounted for.

We contacted Ovo, which said the problem had been fixed and Barbara is now nearly 1,800 in credit.

Chaos: Sarah Robinson (pictured), a paediatric nurse, has been left with no heating, hot water, light or any means of cooking for days following Ovo Energy bungles.

I lost my supply three times

Sarah Robinson, 38, a paediatric nurse, has been left with no heating, hot water, light or any means of cooking for days following Ovo Energy bungles.

She switched from direct debit to a prepayment meter in January and received a final bill on her direct debit account for 952  but this was then followed by another in June for 1,800.

She says her electricity supply has been cut off three times this year. The first time was after she tried to switch back to a direct debit tariff when she found the pre-payment charges more expensive.

'The member of staff said they would switch me over remotely, but my electricity was then cut off,' says Sarah. 'I called and they said they weren't able to switch me to monthly payments, and that I was unable to top up my pay-as-you-go for seven days due to the attempted switch.

'I asked them what I should do, and they said there was nothing I could do.'

On two other occasions, she tried to top up her pay-as-you-go meter but there was a fault with Ovo's system, leaving her unable to top up either via the app or by phone. The second time an engineer needed to come to her property to reconnect the supply, which she says took five days.

I am a nurse with little money, and these problems with Ovo have been worrying me to the point of sleep deprivation and my mental health has been suffering

She adds: 'I am a nurse with little money, and these problems with Ovo have been worrying me to the point of sleep deprivation and my mental health has been suffering.

'I have spent hours on the phone being transferred from one department to another, speaking to unhelpful and rude members of the Ovo team.

'I was left with no heating, hot water, light or any means of cooking. I have had to move out of my flat on three separate occasions.

'I have spent hundreds of pounds on accommodation and replacing spoilt fridge and freezer items. Nobody at Ovo seemed to care. In fact, I even had one lady laugh at me down the phone.'

When we got in touch with Ovo about Sarah's case, it reviewed the usage on her smart meter and amended her bill. Her outstanding balance fell to 882.71 after a goodwill payment was also applied.

Overcharged: Many Ovo Energy customers are receiving bills hundreds or even thousands of pounds higher than they believe they owe

I've got another person's debt

Jane Smith, 72, had her account switched from SSE to Ovo earlier this year. But since then, she has received bills registered to a stranger with a different name and account number.

Jane, whose name we have changed at her request, claims that Ovo refused to speak to her or change the name on the account as it claimed she didn't have an Ovo account in her own name. 'Ovo has made my life a misery for seven months,' she says. 'I haven't slept or eaten properly and have lost contact with friends.

'Ovo threatens me with debt collectors for money I don't owe. I've never even had a parking ticket, far less not paid a bill I owe.'

Have you had problems with Ovo? Get in touch: helen.crane@thisismoney.co.uk

When she did finally get an account in her own name, Jane believes the debt on the other person's account was transferred over to hers  and she was told she would be referred to a debt collection agency. She took her case to the ombudsman at around the same time that we contacted Ovo on her behalf.

Ovo eventually admitted its mistake, closed the account that wasn't hers and paid 250 as a goodwill gesture in late September. But that 250 came off the bill that Jane doesn't think she owes, so she argues that this is not proper compensation.

Jane thinks her bill was higher than it should have been, but has decided to pay it off so she could switch her supplier.

'I have come to the point where I'm going to have to pay somebody else's bill for way more money than I can afford,' she says. 'I will have to borrow it and pay it back just so as I can get away from them.' Ovo said it had implemented all remedies required by the ombudsman.

I took Ovo to court...

Nicola Ratnett, from Mid Wales, was switched over to Ovo in May 2022. But the freelance writer, 61, says her work has been disrupted for months by ongoing problems with her billing.

Nicola says she only used around 1,800 kilowatts per year with SSE, as she uses wood burners and logs for most of her heat  but she has been billed for 2,500 kilowatts in a single month by Ovo.

In protest at what she says are incorrect charges, Nicola has not paid Ovo for any of her usage.

In the dark: Nicola Ratnett says her work has been disrupted for months

She has offered to pay just the standing charge, as this is the only element of her bill that she is confident is being calculated correctly, but was told she could not do this. Nicola is also in a dispute with Ovo over payments that she should get for generating energy from solar panels.

Ovo says she must have a smart meter to receive the payments, but Nicola does not want one, chiefly because she lives in a rural area with poor internet and phone signal, so worries that it won't work properly. This means she is unable to export her excess power.

SSE allowed customers to export energy if they had either a smart meter or a non-smart meter that was capable of taking half-hourly readings, but Ovo's rule is that only a smart meter is acceptable.

'I've lived a very fortunate life, I've never been in debt and I've never owed money, so this has all been quite a shock,' says Nicola.

'I haven't paid Ovo anything. I've told it over and over again, 'You send me something that looks like a proper bill and I will pay it'. This shouldn't affect my working life, but it does.'

She did a subject access request with the Information Commissioner's Office to find out what information Ovo held on her. She discovered that Ovo had added a note on her account which said: 'Do not open complaints regarding meter or usage'.

Nicola decided to open a case in the small claims court in the hope of getting reimbursement for the time and money she had spent trying to resolve the situation. She is self-employed and says her battles with the firm have led to her falling behind with her work.

'It was for the costs, the telephone calls, postage, copying and my time. I charged 3 per day for every day that the complaint has been running,' she says.

In July this year, her case reached the top of the list and was heard by the court. Because Ovo did not reply within the stated timeframe, the judge decided that Nicola had won by default and Ovo was forced to pay her 2,877.20 including costs.

Ofgem tells Ovo it must take action on customer complaints The energy regulator has told Ovo Energy it must improve its handling of complaints, after 'serious concerns' were raised by a Citizens Advice team working with vulnerable customers

However, she is still locked in a dispute with the firm about her solar panel payments. Ovo says it has informed Nicola on multiple occasions that she needed a smart meter if she wanted to receive them, and she had refused to get one. It said this was standard practice across the industry and was also stated on its website. Nicola has now taken her case to the Energy Ombudsman.

A spokesman for Ovo says: 'Our teams have been working to put right each of the customer cases that have been raised with us.

'We're sincerely sorry to those customers who haven't received the support and service they should rightly expect.

'We are dedicating more advisers [to this] to ensure our customers receive the support they need.'

Ovo has already paid compensation to some customers after billing problems. In May, regulator Ofgem forced Ovo to correct 11,000 customers' bills, and pay them an average of 181 each in compensation, as they were overcharged between October 2022 and March 2023.

However, the cases we received suggest that hundreds of customers have continued to be wrongly billed beyond that date.

Earlier this year, Ofgem launched an investigation into Ovo to check it was complying with its standard licence conditions around 'treating domestic customers fairly, obligations to customers on the Priority Services Register and ensuring customers' prepayment meters are safe and reasonably practicable in all circumstances'.
These are desperate days for the Tories as the choice of ethically challenged David Cameron as Foreign Secretary shows.

Some of the ideas coming from those around the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak are plain daft.

Deputy-PM Oliver Dowdens proposal to pare back the National Security and Investment Act to make the UK more business friendly is profoundly wrong.

It threatens British start-ups and risks doubling down on errors of the past.

Had there not been a concerted political campaign against the sale in 2014 of the countrys now largest-quoted company, the health sciences innovator AstraZeneca, it would be a depleted offshoot of Pfizer rather that the champion of immunology treatments for cancer.

Reckless: Deputy-PM Oliver Dowdens proposal to pare back the National Security and Investment Act to make the UK more business friendly is profoundly wrong

Much of its success, based around scientists trained or nurtured at Britains universities, would have been shipped overseas. AZ is now worth 28billion more than Pfizer!

One only has to look at the miserable history of Arm Holdings since it was sold to Softbank in 2016 to understand what a disaster it has been for the UK, which has no world-class tech company around where an advanced semiconductor universe could have been built.

Under Softbanks ownership, Arms Chinese operation fell under Beijing control. As Softbank struggled to improve returns, it put Arm up for sale.

A sale to Nvidia was blocked by competition authorities, it suffered an over-hyped initial public offering in the US and has seen its top management ship out to North America.

For years it has been open season on the very UK tech that Sunak wants to embrace. Among the vanishing British tech leaders are Aveva, sonar maker Ultra Electronics, satellite group Inmarsat and aerospace group Cobham, which fell into private equity hands.

At the time of writing, the future of bioscience trailblazer Abcam hangs in the balance.

Want to know why so many of our utilities, including Thames Water and Heathrow, fail to work in the national interest?

It is because they are in the hands of disinterested overseas owners who are more interested in what they can extract in dividends and interest payments than investment in new infrastructure.

Most of our G7 competitors would not allow this to happen, which is why the National Security and Investment Act was passed to create a more secure playing field. Watering it down would be a catastrophe.

Unlocking pensions

The unveiling of the Edinburgh Accords last year, with the aim of reinvigorating pension fund investment in Britain, seems a lifetime away.

The idea was to revitalise pension fund investment in shares on the London Stock Exchange and to encourage more risk taking by backing start-ups and venture capital.

It is crazy that the City hosts one of the most vibrant wholesale capital markets in the world but our pension funds choose to place the overwhelming amount of the 2.5 trillion of assets overseas.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt recognised this and has been seeking to galvanise local authority pension funds by encouraging mergers and to capture some of the money in defined contribution pension schemes for domestic investment.

Progress has been slow. Labours shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves sees this as a clear opportunity to boost UK business investment.

Reeves believes this is a role for the Pensions Regulator in mandating change. She has several ideas, including aping the French Tibi Initiative by seeking to direct funding from defined contribution schemes into growth industries.

A full bore approach to reform, rather than the micro-step taken by the Tories so far, could prove a tonic for output.

Flying high

Thank goodness for fund manager Neil Woodford and former German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Were it not for their intervention, the UKs flagship defence firm BAE Systems would have been swallowed by Airbus a decade ago.

The changes in the geo-political outlook in middle-Europe, the South China seas and now the Middle East have transformed prospects for a firm shunned by ethical investment enthusiasts.

This year alone it has booked 30billion in new orders. It is no longer dependent on the needs of Riyadh  as significant a customer as it still is  to prosper.

There are future opportunities ahead with the Tempest (Eurofighter). Production would benefit BAE and Rolls-Royce investors and is no longer just an ambition. Chocks away.
Dr. Martens plunged to a record low as storm clouds gathered over the British bootmakers outlook. On a dismal day for investors, Barclays downgraded the stock.

Dr Martens sounded the alarm over a slowdown in trading and supply chain issues in the US during the final quarter of 2022, which then led to the bootmaker issuing several profit warnings this year.

Analysts at Barclays, which also reduced the target price to 140p from 175p, said the companys prime focus on fixing the issues in America looked challenging while industry data showed a decline in monthly visits to its website.

Turning around the US in a weaker macro could mean that there is too much optimism reflected in guidance for a second half recovery, creating further pressure on earnings, the analysts added.

Shares, which are at a record low, sank 8.8 per cent, or 10.5p, to 108.3p.

Slipping: Dr. Martens listed to great fanfare in January 2021  at a time when England was already in its third national lockdown

The high hopes that came when Dr Martens floated on the London stock market two years ago appear to be fading.

The British bootmaker, known for its stylish black work boots with yellow stitching, listed to great fanfare at 370p in January 2021.

Boss Kenny Wilson said at the time: The successful transformation of Dr Martens is a great story, and what is even more exciting is the huge potential ahead.

Before his arrival in July 2018, the company made a loss of 5.7million in the 12 months to the end of March that year.

However, Wilson oversaw a remarkable turnaround as the firm bounced back to rake in profits of 17.2million a year later and 74.8million in 2020.

The stock was on the slide by October 2021 but regained some of its losses to rally briefly at the start of last year.

Stock Watch - Saietta Group Saietta Groups joint business in India landed its second major order for its radial flux technology (RFT) motors that can be fitted into electric vehicles. Saietta, which makes electric motor technology, will start producing the motors from April next year. It expects to make around 12.7million of revenue in the first year of production with a minimum of 60,000 orders over a five-year period. Shares soared 15.2 per cent, or 3p, to 22.75p.

It was a slow start to the week for Londons main markets as the FTSE 100 rose 0.89 per cent, or 65.28 points, to 7425.83 and the FTSE 250 gained 0.34 per cent, or 60.56 points, to 17,913.65.

That contrasted with the fast-moving drama in Westminster following Rishi Sunaks watershed cabinet reshuffle that saw the return of former prime minister Lord Cameron.

British insurance giant Phoenix raised its cash generation forecasts after it merged two of its funds. Shares ascended 5.7 per cent, or 26.3p, to 490.5p.

Hammerson shot up 10.2 per cent, or 2.5p, to 27p after Sky News reported that the property landlord is in talks to sell its 40 per cent stake in Value Retail, the owner of Bicester Village, for around 1billion.

There was also good news for Tullow Oil, the Africa and South America-focused fossil fuel company, which secured a 327million five-year debt facility agreement with Glencore.

Shares rose 4.9 per cent, or 1.5p, to 31.9p. Glencore added 0.8 per cent, or 3.35p, to 430.45p.

Naked Wines received some much-needed respite after three board members bought shares in the online alcohol seller.

That included its chairman Rowan Gormley, who bought nearly 40,000 worth of stock.

Shares, which have plunged by more than three-quarters this year, rose 3.8 per cent, or 1.1p, to 29.75p.

Among the top mid-cap fallers were Kainos after the IT Group warned that organisations will show caution and hold back from spending on large-scale projects given the ongoing economic turmoil.

It also reported that its healthcare revenues plunged 31 per cent to 20.4million in the six months to the end of September as NHS customers saw their budgets squeezed. Shares slumped 22.5 per cent, or 277p, to 955p.

Recruiter FDM Group said its performance for 2024 will be impacted by having fewer consultants assigned to clients than it hoped. Shares tumbled 18 per cent, or 84p, to 383p.
More than four in 10 university graduates living outside of London have jobs that do not require a degree, research showed.

Graduates from poorer backgrounds, living outside of London, were held back professionally due to the cost of moving and the lack of high-skilled jobs in their hometowns, according to a report by the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS).

The capitals high concentration of graduate jobs in comparison to the rest of the UK damages the career opportunities of those who cannot afford to relocate.

The IFS said the number of low paid jobs has increased evenly across the UK over the last 20 years, while middle-range positions have disappeared in a process known as hollowing out.

However, skilled jobs with high salaries, requiring a university degree, have mainly emerged in London.

Useless degrees: Graduates from poorer backgrounds, living outside of London, were held back due to the cost of moving and the lack of high-skilled jobs in their hometowns

The trend means those who cannot afford to move to the capital to find work after university are less able to reap the returns of their higher education.

The number of university leavers in graduate jobs in inner London has increased to 65 per cent from 61 per cent in 1993, while falling nearly everywhere else.

The research showed 42 per cent of university-educated workers outside London have jobs that do not require a degree, up from 31 per cent in 1993.

Report author Xiaowei Xu, a senior research economist at the IFS, said: The current economic geography of the UK limits both social mobility and the effective use of talent.
CARACAS, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- The Venezuelan government on Monday slammed the European Union (EU) decision to extend unilateral coercive measures against the South American country until May 14, 2024.

The decision is "arrogant and unlawful" and "violates the sacred principles of the Constitution and transgresses the norms of the UN Charter," the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The EU decision is an example of the "policy of interference in the internal affairs" of Venezuela, applying "degrading, harmful and unjust measures, which in this case, seek to punish Venezuelan citizens who exercise their functions within the framework of the law," the statement said.

The ministry also reiterated a UN resolution, approved last week, which highlighted that unilateral coercive measures "are contrary to international law, international humanitarian law, the UN Charter and the norms and principles governing peaceful relations between states."

Venezuela will continue its struggle for the definitive cessation of sanctions, the ministry said, urging the EU "to avoid colonialist practices" and to create positive spaces for cooperation.

The EU, which has imposed sanctions against Venezuela since 2017, extended the sanctions on Monday for six more months. 
Two in five retail workers face abuse from customers on a weekly basis, research has shown.

A survey of shop staff by the Retail Trust is the latest tranche of figures that shine a light on a retail crime wave blighting the High Street.

Bosses at John Lewis, Sainsburys and Boots have urged the Government to take action to protect staff as verbal and physical abuse increases.

Two in five (41 per cent) are shouted at, spat on, threatened or hit every week, and nearly half (47 per cent) are left feeling unsafe at work, the survey of more than 1,600 workers revealed.

Businesses have also warned of a shoplifting epidemic that has seen organised criminal gangs target stores.

Thefts: Businesses have warned of a shoplifting epidemic that has seen organised criminal gangs target stores

Retailers have accused the police of taking incidents less seriously and in some cases not even turning up to reports.

One in four shop workers surveyed by the Retail Trust admitted they dont report abuse. Many said they felt it would be pointless and that previous unhelpful police responses had discouraged them.

Tom Athron, managing director of department store Fortnum & Mason, said that the police need to actively follow up violent crimes so that people understand it is totally unacceptable.

Separate research by the Institute of Customer Service found that fewer than half of the victims reported cases of violence and shoplifting, as the incidents are so frequent that they believed reporting them would make no difference.

It follows a campaign by The Mail, which is also calling for the police, Crown Prosecution Service and courts to be tougher on shoplifters.

Speaking last week, Lidl GB chief executive Ryan McDonnell said the grocer was investing 2million into the security measures to tackle the alarming rise of incidents facing retail workers every day.
Shot in the arm: GSK boss Emma Walmsley

European watchdogs have backed GSKs treatment for a type of bone marrow cancer  handing the group and its chief executive Emma Walmsley a boost.

A human medicines committee at the European Medicines Agency (EMA) recommended the pharma giants drug momelotinib be approved for use by patients within the European Union.

Momelotinib is designed for those suffering from myelofibrosis, a rare cancer in the bone marrow which makes it more difficult for the body to produce blood cells. The illness can cause severe anaemia as well as weakness and fatigue, while damage to the bone marrow also increases the risk of bleeding.

A final decision on the treatment is expected to be made by EU regulators early next year.

The recommendation is another shot in the arm for Walmsley, who is trying to pivot the business more towards blockbuster cancer drugs and vaccines.

Earlier this month, the FTSE 100 firm upgraded its profit guidance for the second time this year following bumper sales of its breakthrough respiratory vaccine Arexvy, designed to protect against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

GSK has secured two-thirds of all RSV vaccine prescriptions in the US, helped by the fact that it is stocked by the major pharmacy chain CVS.
A global coalition of politicians has warned a shake-up of national security takeover rules could leave the UK vulnerable to hostile foreign powers.

The alert from the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC) came as the Cabinet Office launched a consultation into the National Security and Investment Act (NSI) over fears it is hampering merger and acquisition activity.

Deputy prime minister Oliver Dowden said he wants the act, which allows the Government to screen and block takeover deals, to be as pro-business and pro-investment as possible.

But experts warned that watering down the rules could leave the Government powerless to stop foreign powers buying important UK assets.

The legislation was implemented in January last year over fears that countries such as China were able to easily snap up British firms, such as infrastructure and technology companies.

Risky: Deputy PM Oliver Dowden (pictured) said he wants the NSI act to be 'pro-business'

Luke de Pulford, executive director of IPAC, which is made up of legislators from a number of countries, said: This legislation is absolutely necessary to protect critical infrastructure.

We dont want a return to the doomed Golden Era of relations with Beijing where China could walk into UK critical infrastructure with ministers powerless to stop it.

With the security services hopping up and down demanding more resources to address the threat Beijing poses to our security, now is exactly the wrong time to be removing essential safeguards.

It comes as the UKs Takeover Panel, which is funded by fees related to mergers and acquisitions, reported its first deficit in almost 10 years as deal activity dried up.

The watchdog had a deficit of 3.8million in the year to March, as takeover offers plummeted 20 per cent to 48.

British Foreign Policy Group senior advisor David Landsman said it makes sense to review the act as the UK cannot afford to appear closed to business.

But he said the Government will have to be aware of the risk of unexpected consequences.

The Government said 93 per cent of deals flagged under the act in the last year have not needed further assessment and were cleared within 30 days.

However, 17 takeovers were given final orders, which could involve imposing conditions on the transaction or blocking it altogether.

Launching the consultation into the takeover rules, which will run until January 15 next year, Dowden said: The NSI system must be proportionate and well-targeted, minimising the burdens it places on companies and investors, while providing the certainty they need to do business.

As decision maker under the act, I want this system to be as pro-business and pro-investment as possible.
BAE Systems has chalked up 10billion in orders since the end of June as growing global tensions stoke further demand for military hardware.

The UK defence giants order intake for the year to date already stands at more than 30billion, close to the record 37billion achieved over the course of 2022.

That also means more jobs, with the number employed by the company rising by 5,000, or 6 per cent, over the first nine months of the year.

BAE has seen demand ramp up since Russias invasion of Ukraine last year and war in the Middle East has further raised the temperature.

A spokesman said: The high order flow reflects continued customer confidence in our ability to deliver important capabilities at a time of heightening geopolitical risk.

Fired up: A surveillance aircraft with BAE-made decoy flare. The UK defence giants order intake for the year to date already stands at more than 30bn

Chief executive Charles Woodburn added that trading had been in line with the upgraded financial guidance it gave three months ago.

We are delivering another year of good sales and earnings growth, together with strong cash flow generation, he said.

BAEs share price has nearly doubled since February last year when the Ukraine war began. The company said it now expects to return 1.4billion to shareholders this year.

Many investors focused on environment, social and governance (ESG) funds  which tend to shun arms companies  have missed out.

The defence sector has benefited from strong demand since the invasion of Ukraine amid worries about further Russian aggression.

And Western allies providing kit to Ukraine are ordering weapons and ammunition to replenish their own stocks.

Growing fears about Chinas intentions towards Taiwan, as well as the war between Israel and Hamas, have further boosted the case for military spending.

BAE chief exec Charles Woodburn

BAE is on course to grow its annual sales by up to 7 per cent, or 1.6billion, from last years 23.3billion and add up to 8 per cent, or 200million, to last years 2.5billion profit haul.

The company, whose main customers are the governments of the UK, USA, Saudi Arabia and Australia, said it had increasing exposure to structurally growing defence markets.

Contracts secured in recent months include 3.9billion of funding for the Aukus submarine programme involving Australia, the UK and the US.

This phase includes detailed design of the sub and procurement for the building phase over the coming decades.

And the funds will also mean significant infrastructure expansion at BAEs submarine base in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, as well as investment in employee skills and the wider supply chain.

BAE said it was also making progress on a ship building facility in Glasgow, where it is in the process of making eight cutting-edge Royal Navy frigates.

And it has been progressing in talks with Italian and Japanese companies that it is working with on a new fighter jet programme.

Jamie Murray of Shore Capital, said: Given BAEs global footprint, we view it as a principal beneficiary of growing global defence budgets, which should underpin long-term growth.

Aarin Chiekrie of Hargreaves Lansdown said: Given the elevated threat environment, demand for BAEs products and services has remained strong with around 10billion of order intakes since the half-year mark.
Babcock will once again pay dividends to shareholders as the engineering group's bottom line is lifted by increased global defence spending.

The FTSE 250 group saw its underlying profit rise 27 per cent to 154million in the six months to the end of September, with revenues up 2 per cent to 2.18billion.

The British engineering group maintained its annual growth guidance as the global threat environment continues to drive demand for defence equipment and maintenance work.

Babcock said in July it would reinstate its dividend after a four year hiatus and on Tuesday announced it would pay out 1.7p per share, expected to be around a third of the full-year sum.

Share shift: Babcock shares have risen by over 47% in the last year

Babcock shares were up 2.25 per cent or 9.20p to 418.80p on Tuesday, having risen over 47 per cent in the last year.

The group, which designs and manufactures naval ships and weapons handling systems as well as supporting Britain's nuclear submarines, saw its bottom line bolstered by a contract to build frigates for Poland, and contract wins in France and Australia.

Babcock's chief executive remains optimistic that the company will secure further orders for the Type 31 frigate, and told Reuters talks are ongoing with three countries who are interested in the ship.

'We're still optimistic about further export orders,' Babcock's chief executive, David Lockwood, said.

'Warships are always political so they're never done until they're done.'

Babcock is building the Type 31 frigate for Britain, and Poland and Indonesia have ordered vessels based on the same Arrowhead 140 design.

Babcock has an agreement to support Ukraine's navy, while Greece has in the past been seen as a potential customer.

A turnaround plan for the group has coincided with a pick-up in demand for military kit due to the war in Ukraine.

Andy Chambers, director of industrials at Edison Group, said: 'Frontline defence company Babcock International Groups interim results, announced this morning, show good momentum in the first half of FY24 following the completion of its disposal programme and the recent expansion of its business in the marine industry.'

He added: 'In a world of significant geopolitical instability, national security across marine, land, nuclear and aviation has never been more important.

'Governments are having to balance rising costs with a pressing need for greater and more robust defence and international collaboration  demonstrated by the businesses multiple new contract awards and agreements that should see the momentum reported today continue.

'With a restored dividend bolstering investor confidence, Babcocks progressive execution of its strategy is looking increasingly interesting.'
Imperial Brands' sales flatlined in the first half as the cigarette manufacturer behind brands including Gauloises and Rizla saw price growth offset a volume decline.

The Rizla-maker's adjusted operating profits increased by 3.8 per cent on a constant currency basis to 3.89billion in the year ending September, thanks to an 11 per cent hike in tobacco prices.

Earnings were additionally boosted by its Spanish distribution business, Logista, completing acquisitions that helped expand its reach across the European non-tobacco transport sector.

Results: Gauloises owner Imperial Brands revealed adjusted operating profits increased by 3.8 per cent on a constant currency basis to 3.89billion in the year ending September

Meanwhile, reported operating profits jumped by over a quarter to 3.4billion thanks to the non-repeat of exit charges from selling its Russian business to local investors.

Yet Imperial's total turnover dipped 0.2 per cent to 32.5billion even though higher cigarette prices helped offset volume declines caused by its departure from Russia and wholesalers temporarily destocking mass market cigars.

Demand for 'next-generation products' also climbed significantly following multiple product and market launches of brands like Pulze 2.0.

Under a five-year strategy, the Bristol-based group is seeking to reduce its reliance on tobacco in favour of non-combustible products like vapes, heated tobacco and nicotine pouches.

Because of investment in its NGP brands, Imperial warned its performance in the coming financial year would be weighted towards the second half.

Revenues are anticipated to rise by 'low-single-digit' levels, while the increase in adjusted operating profits is forecast to be 'close to the middle of our mid-single digit range.'

Stefan Bomhard, chief executive of Imperial, said: 'Looking ahead, we expect the continuing benefits of our transformation to enable a further acceleration in our adjusted operating profit growth in the final two years of our five-year strategy.'

Following the result, the FTSE 100 group has declared a 4 per cent bump in its dividend to 146.8p per share.

This comes on top of a 1.1billion share buyback programme announced last month.

Adam Vettese, an analyst at investment platform eToro, remarked: 'If there is any concern on the horizon for the firm as it continues its strategic product shift, then it comes with political risks.'

He pointed to the UK Government's plan to phase out legal smoking in Britain, a measure that will effectively criminalise anyone born after 2009 from being sold tobacco products.

The proposal echoes one introduced late last year by New Zealand, which has some of the world's harshest tobacco laws.

Vettese added: 'While these [restrictions] won't necessarily kill the firm's market, it will make it more difficult to operate within.'

Imperial Brands shares were 0.5 per cent, or 9p, down at 17.79 on early Tuesday afternoon, meaning they have fallen by around 15 per cent since the year started.
Revolution Beauty Group shares rose on Tuesday after the group upped in annual forecasts and posted a pre-tax profit.

The London-listed group's revenue increased by 20 per cent to 90.4million In the six months to the end of August, with UK sales growth of 14 per cent driven by revenues from Boots and Superdrug stores.

The business ended the period with a pre-tax profit of 400,000, against a loss of 13.7million in its first half.

Boost: Revolution Beauty Group shares rose on Tuesday after the group upped in annual forecasts

Revolution Beauty's operating losses narrowed from 12.5million to 500,000 during the period amid 'lower levels of exceptional costs'.

Revolution Beauty shares were up 3.97 per cent or 1.10p to 28.75p on Tuesday, having surged over 240 per cent in the last year.

The group enjoyed growth across all regions and 'softer first-half year' trading comparatives.

Revolution Beauty said it had made a 'good start' to the second-half and ahead of Christmas trading, has boosted its annual guidance.

It now expects adjusted EBITDA 'to be not less than double-digit millions' for the financial year, marking an increase from the previously guided high single digit millions. Sales growth is expected 'to be in the high single digits'.

The results will be cheered by investors after two years of turmoil, with CFO Elizabeth Lake barely holding onto her job at Revolution's most recent AGM in the wake of a shareholder revolt.

The Kent-based make-up company has had a turbulent two years since it went public, including shareholder showdowns and a stock exchange suspension.

Boohoo, Revolution's biggest shareholder, was among the group of disgruntled investors who voted to remove Lake, former boss Bob Holt and ex-chairman Derek Zissman in June this year.

Lauren Brindley, the group's chief executive, said: 'With improved internal controls and the right leadership in place with clearer roles and responsibilities, momentum has built across the business in the first half of the year.

'Our strengthened financial performance and the return to positive EBITDA represents a significant milestone in the next phase of this business, while new retail partnerships in the US and strengthened retail partnerships elsewhere around the world are representative of our operational progress.

'Looking ahead, I believe there are significant and compelling opportunities for Revolution Beauty within a large and attractive market.'

Brindley will be unveiling a three-year strategic plan for the group in the new year.

On Monday, it was revealed that Avon is to open its first physical UK stores in its 137-year history.

The group said it would open its first stores in the UK under the Avon brand in the next two months, with its sales representatives running the 'mini beauty boutiques' as franchisees.
StockNews.com downgraded shares of Gran Tierra Energy (NYSEAMERICAN:GTE  Free Report) from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note issued to investors on Friday.

Gran Tierra Energy Price Performance

GTE stock opened at $6.14 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.56, a current ratio of 0.65 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.49. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $380.13. Gran Tierra Energy has a fifty-two week low of $4.62 and a fifty-two week high of $13.20. The company has a market cap of $204.40 million, a PE ratio of 13.06 and a beta of 1.68.

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Gran Tierra Energy (NYSEAMERICAN:GTE  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 31st. The company reported $0.20 earnings per share for the quarter. Gran Tierra Energy had a net margin of 2.99% and a return on equity of 4.83%. The firm had revenue of $179.92 million during the quarter.

Insider Buying and Selling at Gran Tierra Energy

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Gran Tierra Energy

In other news, Director Ronald Royal sold 5,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $6.46, for a total value of $35,530.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 19,967 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $128,986.82. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link . Corporate insiders own 5.40% of the companys stock.

A number of large investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Empower Advisory Group LLC bought a new stake in shares of Gran Tierra Energy in the 3rd quarter valued at about $104,000. Arete Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new position in Gran Tierra Energy in the 1st quarter valued at about $13,187,000,000. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP bought a new position in Gran Tierra Energy in the 1st quarter valued at about $25,000. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd bought a new position in Gran Tierra Energy in the 2nd quarter valued at about $79,000. Finally, Bank of Montreal Can bought a new position in Gran Tierra Energy in the 2nd quarter valued at about $122,000. 33.84% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About Gran Tierra Energy

(Get Free Report)

Gran Tierra Energy Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the exploration and production of oil and gas properties in Colombia and Ecuador. The company was founded in 2003 and is headquartered in Calgary, Canada.

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StockNews.com lowered shares of Dine Brands Global (NYSE:DIN  Free Report) from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report report published on Friday.

A number of other research firms also recently weighed in on DIN. Piper Sandler decreased their price objective on Dine Brands Global from $59.00 to $49.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, November 2nd. KeyCorp decreased their price objective on Dine Brands Global from $68.00 to $55.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, October 17th. Truist Financial decreased their price objective on Dine Brands Global from $78.00 to $70.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Friday, November 3rd. Barclays decreased their price objective on Dine Brands Global from $64.00 to $60.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, November 2nd. Finally, UBS Group assumed coverage on Dine Brands Global in a report on Tuesday, September 5th. They set a buy rating and a $68.00 price objective on the stock. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Dine Brands Global has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $58.33.

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Dine Brands Global Stock Up 0.5 %

DIN stock opened at $42.76 on Friday. Dine Brands Global has a twelve month low of $42.00 and a twelve month high of $82.43. The company has a market cap of $660.21 million, a PE ratio of 8.90 and a beta of 1.87. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $49.63 and its 200 day simple moving average is $56.39.

Dine Brands Global (NYSE:DIN  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, November 1st. The restaurant operator reported $1.46 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.32 by $0.14. Dine Brands Global had a negative return on equity of 36.00% and a net margin of 9.07%. The business had revenue of $202.60 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $203.23 million. During the same period last year, the business earned $1.66 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 13.1% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Dine Brands Global will post 6.41 EPS for the current year.

Dine Brands Global Announces Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 29th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, September 19th were issued a $0.51 dividend. This represents a $2.04 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.77%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, September 18th. Dine Brands Globals payout ratio is currently 42.41%.

Insider Transactions at Dine Brands Global

In other Dine Brands Global news, CFO Vance Yuwen Chang bought 1,170 shares of Dine Brands Global stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 7th. The shares were acquired at an average cost of $43.32 per share, with a total value of $50,684.40. Following the acquisition, the chief financial officer now directly owns 19,101 shares of the companys stock, valued at $827,455.32. The purchase was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. In related news, CEO John W. Peyton acquired 2,225 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 6th. The stock was purchased at an average price of $44.97 per share, for a total transaction of $100,058.25. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 78,519 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,530,999.43. The acquisition was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, CFO Vance Yuwen Chang acquired 1,170 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 7th. The stock was bought at an average price of $43.32 per share, with a total value of $50,684.40. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 19,101 shares in the company, valued at $827,455.32. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. 3.03% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Northern Trust Corp raised its position in shares of Dine Brands Global by 0.4% during the 3rd quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 184,304 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $9,114,000 after acquiring an additional 715 shares during the last quarter. Dark Forest Capital Management LP bought a new stake in shares of Dine Brands Global during the 3rd quarter valued at $336,000. Invesco Ltd. raised its position in shares of Dine Brands Global by 14.1% during the 3rd quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 61,805 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $3,056,000 after acquiring an additional 7,614 shares during the last quarter. Factorial Partners LLC raised its position in shares of Dine Brands Global by 30.4% during the 3rd quarter. Factorial Partners LLC now owns 30,000 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $1,484,000 after acquiring an additional 7,000 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Deutsche Bank AG raised its position in shares of Dine Brands Global by 22.5% during the 3rd quarter. Deutsche Bank AG now owns 7,859 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $389,000 after acquiring an additional 1,441 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 90.61% of the companys stock.

Dine Brands Global Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Dine Brands Global, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, owns, franchises, and operates restaurants in the United States and internationally. The company operates through six segments: Applebee's Franchise Operations, International House of Pancakes (IHOP), Fuzzy's franchise operations, Rental Operations, Financing Operations, and Company-Operated Restaurant Operations.

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Telefonica (OTCMKTS:TEFOF  Get Free Report) is one of 146 publicly-traded companies in the Telecom Services industry, but how does it compare to its competitors? We will compare Telefonica to related companies based on the strength of its analyst recommendations, profitability, risk, earnings, dividends, valuation and institutional ownership.

Analyst Recommendations

This is a breakdown of recent ratings for Telefonica and its competitors, as reported by MarketBeat.

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Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Telefonica 0 0 0 0 N/A Telefonica Competitors 710 2184 4016 113 2.50

As a group, Telecom Services companies have a potential upside of 74.69%. Given Telefonicas competitors higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe Telefonica has less favorable growth aspects than its competitors.

Insider & Institutional Ownership

Dividends

20.0% of Telefonica shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 30.5% of shares of all Telecom Services companies are owned by institutional investors. 32.8% of shares of all Telecom Services companies are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a stock is poised for long-term growth.

Telefonica pays an annual dividend of $0.59 per share and has a dividend yield of 14.7%. Telefonica pays out 62.0% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, Telecom Services companies pay a dividend yield of 16.0% and pay out 45.5% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. Telefonica lags its competitors as a dividend stock, given its lower dividend yield and higher payout ratio.

Profitability

This table compares Telefonica and its competitors net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Telefonica N/A N/A N/A Telefonica Competitors -12.33% -22.65% -0.02%

Valuation & Earnings

This table compares Telefonica and its competitors gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Telefonica N/A N/A 4.22 Telefonica Competitors $7.49 billion $674.53 million -243.37

Telefonicas competitors have higher revenue and earnings than Telefonica. Telefonica 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

Telefonica competitors beat Telefonica on 6 of the 10 factors compared.

Telefonica Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Telefonica, S.A., together with its subsidiaries, provides telecommunications services in Europe and Latin America. The company's mobile and related services and products comprise mobile voice, value added, mobile data and Internet, wholesale, corporate, roaming, fixed wireless, and trunking and paging services. Its fixed telecommunication services include PSTN lines; ISDN accesses; public telephone services; local, domestic, and international long-distance and fixed-to-mobile communications; corporate communications; supplementary value-added services; video telephony; intelligent network; and telephony information services, as well as leases and sells handset equipment. The company also provides Internet and broadband multimedia services comprising Internet service provider, portal and network, retail and wholesale broadband access, narrowband switched access, high-speed Internet through fibre to the home, and voice over Internet protocol services. In addition, it offers leased line, virtual private network, fibre optics, web hosting and application, managed hosting, content delivery, outsourcing and consultancy, desktop, and system integration and professional services. Further, the company offers wholesale services for telecommunication operators, including domestic interconnection and international wholesale services; leased lines for other operators; and local loop leasing services, as well as bit stream services, wholesale line rental accesses, and leased ducts for other operators' fiber deployment. Additionally, it provides video/TV services; smart connectivity and services, and consumer IoT products; financial and other payment, security, cloud, advertising, big data, and digital experience services; virtual assistants; and Movistar Home devices. The company was incorporated in 1924 and is headquartered in Madrid, Spain.

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Marielis Jerez-Dilones love of translating was born, at least in part, out of necessity.

Jerez-Dilone, 18, immigrated to New Jersey from the Dominican Republic with her family when she was 7; shortly after, they moved to Baltimore. While she had to learn English in school, her parents still only speak Spanish, leaving Jerez-Dilone to translate for them throughout her life.

As a result, whenever Jerez-Dilone sees an immigrant struggling to communicate, her instinct is to jump in.

Its just an amazing feeling, Jerez-Dilone said, to be able to say, Hey, like I was able to help that person understand whats being told to them.'

In October, the Mayors Office of Immigrant Affairs and the Baltimore City Hispanic Commission gave Jerez-Dilone the Hispanic Heritage Emerging Leader Award, which is presented to a community member 21 or younger, for her mentorship at a nonprofit focused on young people.

We have plenty of leaders, MIMA Director Catalina Rodriguez Lima said. But we really want to recognize those who are up-and-coming because they are the future of our city.

Jerez-Dilone was nominated for the award by staff at Thread, a nonprofit seeking to end social isolation and support young people in Baltimore, where she is a participant who also helps new students who come from backgrounds like hers navigate the organization. Helene Kahn, the senior director of communities for Thread, said Jerez-Dilone has been an advocate for the increasing number of Spanish-speaking participants pouring into Thread.

She this past year kind of took it upon herself to make sure that any young person who is invited into Thread could have a phone call with her or their parents so that they werent losing anything in translation as to what opportunity was being offered to them, Kahn said. Marielis embodies the most mature, caring, compassionate and driven adult I have ever met.

Jerez-Dilone also translated Threads enrollment packet into Spanish after noticing flaws in the original translation.

Thread works with six schools in Baltimore, including Frederick Douglass High School and Patterson High School, to identify and assist students in the lowest 25% of ninth grade. According to a spokesperson, in 2023, 161 people signed up for Thread, its largest-ever cohort, with plans to enroll 208 students in 2024. There are 753 total participants and 127 alumni of the program, founded in 2004.

Participants are paired with volunteers to create a Thread family, which Kahn described as an additional support system rather than a familial replacement. Students have access to activities like after-school tutoring hours but can also contact volunteers for simpler tasks, like a ride home from school or a walk in the park to clear their head.

What were asking you to do as a volunteer in Thread is stand shoulder to shoulder with a young person in Baltimore, who we know the odds are stacked against, Kahn said. That Thread family could do anything from weekly dinners, to do yoga together, to go for runs together, to be in the hospital when a babys born together, to mourn loss together.

Thread is unique because students are in the program for 10 years, regardless if they change schools or even states, Kahn said.

Although Jerez-Dilone estimates shes spent over 70 hours talking to parents and guardians about the benefits of Thread, she cant officially volunteer, as shes been a member of the program since 2020.

Just as Jerez-Dilone joined Thread, the onset of COVID-19 and the loss of in-person school and communication largely disrupted her education at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School.

Marielis Jerez-Dilone recently received a 2023 Hispanic Heritage Emerging Leader Award from the Mayors Office of Immigrant Affairs.

Emotionally, it was very different, Jerez-Dilone said. I couldnt like talk to somebody or tell somebody, Hey, this is going on, I need help.'

During her sophomore year, when classes moved online, Jerez-Dilone stopped attending school entirely, spending her time working instead. After a year, she returned and attended Saturday school and used other acceleration methods to graduate on time this past summer.

I wanted to be able to say, Hey, Im the first to graduate high school in my family. Hey, I am the first to attend college of my family,' Jerez-Dilone said. So I pushed myself to really get back into school.

Kahn said while she couldnt speak to Jerez-Dilones specific situation, the loss of in-person classes meant she couldnt get updates on Threads students in the hallways the way shed been used to before the coronavirus pandemic.

Jerez-Dilone said she avoided Thread at first because she didnt realize how much they were actually trying to help and how much they cared about me. She got back in touch when she returned to school and Thread volunteers alongside Dunbar educators checked in on her grades and on her as a person. Jerez-Dilone said that support was a tremendous help.

While living in Highlandtown, Jerez-Dilone is studying to be a paralegal at the Community College of Baltimore County Catonsville campus while working as a nail technician. Both in her future work in the legal system and her current work with Thread, Jerez-Dilone wants to see more people like her help open doors for the growing Latino population in Baltimore.

I just think that having translators available all over is extremely needed because sometimes even I go into environments where theres not even a single translator, Jerez-Dilone said. Sometimes, when someones trying to express their thoughts, feelings or anything like that, it can be difficult to be like, Hey, whats wrong? if the person doesnt even understand the language. I think [translation] is the main foundation to really build on further things to help the Hispanic community.

This article is part of our Newsmaker series, which profiles notable people in the Baltimore region who are having an impact in our diverse communities. If youd like to suggest someone who should be profiled, please send their name and a short description of what they are doing to make a difference to: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Editor Kamau High at khigh@baltsun.com.
AMMAN, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- King Abdullah II of Jordan on Monday stressed that any "scenario or thinking" of reoccupying parts of Gaza or establishing buffer zones there will exacerbate the crisis, the state-run Petra news agency reported.

"This is unacceptable and constitutes an assault on Palestinian rights," the king said, stressing that a serious political process leading to the two-state solution must be launched.

He underlined the importance of the unity of Palestinian territories and supporting the legitimate authority, warning that Gaza should not be isolated from the rest of the Palestinian territories.

Denouncing the collective punishment, killing of civilians, and destruction of all vital facilities in Gaza, the Jordanian king reaffirmed the root of the crisis is the occupation and the deprivation of Palestinians of their legitimate rights. 
Swiss National Bank cut its holdings in Hess Co. (NYSE:HES  Free Report) by 9.4% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 998,100 shares of the oil and gas producers stock after selling 103,200 shares during the period. Swiss National Bank owned about 0.33% of Hess worth $135,692,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Harbour Investments Inc. grew its position in Hess by 24.0% in the first quarter. Harbour Investments Inc. now owns 403 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $53,000 after acquiring an additional 78 shares in the last quarter. Ossiam lifted its stake in Hess by 1.0% during the first quarter. Ossiam now owns 8,093 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $1,071,000 after purchasing an additional 79 shares during the last quarter. Contravisory Investment Management Inc. lifted its stake in Hess by 4.0% during the second quarter. Contravisory Investment Management Inc. now owns 2,062 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $280,000 after purchasing an additional 79 shares during the last quarter. Wealth Alliance lifted its stake in Hess by 3.7% during the second quarter. Wealth Alliance now owns 2,219 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $302,000 after purchasing an additional 79 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Atria Wealth Solutions Inc. lifted its stake in Hess by 4.2% during the second quarter. Atria Wealth Solutions Inc. now owns 1,938 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $263,000 after purchasing an additional 79 shares during the last quarter. 81.72% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, SVP Barbara J. Lowery-Yilmaz sold 24,319 shares of Hess stock in a transaction dated Friday, September 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $156.91, for a total value of $3,815,894.29. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 113,670 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $17,835,959.70. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. 9.91% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

HES has been the topic of several research analyst reports. Argus upgraded Hess from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $171.00 price objective on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, November 7th. Susquehanna restated a neutral rating and set a $160.00 price objective (down from $197.00) on shares of Hess in a research note on Thursday, October 26th. Sanford C. Bernstein cut Hess from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and reduced their price objective for the stock from $189.00 to $166.00 in a research note on Thursday, November 2nd. Citigroup raised their target price on Hess from $155.00 to $163.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 18th. Finally, Morgan Stanley cut their target price on Hess from $166.00 to $165.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, October 17th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have given a hold rating and eight have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $173.06.

Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Hess

Hess Price Performance

NYSE:HES opened at $142.68 on Tuesday. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $153.31 and its 200 day moving average price is $145.18. The firm has a market cap of $43.82 billion, a P/E ratio of 27.49 and a beta of 1.53. Hess Co. has a 52-week low of $113.82 and a 52-week high of $167.75. The company has a quick ratio of 1.20, a current ratio of 1.31 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.90.

Hess (NYSE:HES  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 25th. The oil and gas producer reported $1.64 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.24 by $0.40. The firm had revenue of $2.30 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.68 billion. Hess had a return on equity of 18.06% and a net margin of 14.94%. Hesss revenue was down 27.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $1.89 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Hess Co. will post 4.9 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Hess Dividend Announcement

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 29th. Investors of record on Monday, September 18th were paid a $0.4375 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, September 15th. This represents a $1.75 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.23%. Hesss dividend payout ratio is currently 33.72%.

About Hess

(Free Report)

Hess Corporation, an exploration and production company, explores, develops, produces, purchases, transports, and sells crude oil, natural gas liquids (NGLs), and natural gas. The company operates in two segments, Exploration and Production, and Midstream. It conducts production operations primarily in the United States, Guyana, the Malaysia/Thailand Joint Development Area, and Malaysia; and exploration activities principally offshore Guyana, the U.S.

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Public Employees Retirement Association of Colorado cut its stake in United Parcel Service, Inc. (NYSE:UPS  Free Report) by 5.1% during the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 113,237 shares of the transportation companys stock after selling 6,078 shares during the quarter. Public Employees Retirement Association of Colorados holdings in United Parcel Service were worth $20,298,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

A number of other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Symmetry Partners LLC lifted its stake in shares of United Parcel Service by 16.1% in the 2nd quarter. Symmetry Partners LLC now owns 8,947 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $1,604,000 after purchasing an additional 1,244 shares during the last quarter. Biechele Royce Advisors lifted its position in shares of United Parcel Service by 6.8% in the second quarter. Biechele Royce Advisors now owns 80,506 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $14,431,000 after buying an additional 5,152 shares during the last quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. boosted its stake in shares of United Parcel Service by 6.0% during the 2nd quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. now owns 752,449 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $134,876,000 after acquiring an additional 42,921 shares in the last quarter. Journey Advisory Group LLC increased its holdings in shares of United Parcel Service by 7.8% during the 1st quarter. Journey Advisory Group LLC now owns 1,990 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $386,000 after acquiring an additional 144 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Brown Miller Wealth Management LLC raised its stake in shares of United Parcel Service by 2.3% in the 2nd quarter. Brown Miller Wealth Management LLC now owns 7,908 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $1,417,000 after acquiring an additional 175 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 58.45% of the companys stock.

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Insider Activity at United Parcel Service

In other news, insider Nando Cesarone sold 22,825 shares of United Parcel Service stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, August 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $171.70, for a total value of $3,919,052.50. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 1 shares in the company, valued at $171.70. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. 0.12% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of equities research analysts have issued reports on the company. TheStreet cut United Parcel Service from a b- rating to a c rating in a research report on Thursday, October 26th. Stifel Nicolaus raised their target price on shares of United Parcel Service to $203.00 in a research note on Wednesday, July 26th. Oppenheimer cut their target price on shares of United Parcel Service from $195.00 to $184.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Monday, September 18th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their price target on United Parcel Service from $186.00 to $178.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, October 11th. Finally, Barclays cut their price objective on United Parcel Service from $180.00 to $175.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, September 28th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, sixteen have issued a hold rating, six have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $188.91.

View Our Latest Analysis on UPS

United Parcel Service Trading Up 0.0 %

UPS stock opened at $138.17 on Tuesday. United Parcel Service, Inc. has a 1-year low of $133.68 and a 1-year high of $197.80. The company has a current ratio of 1.22, a quick ratio of 1.22 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.98. The businesss 50 day moving average is $151.63 and its 200-day moving average is $167.26. The firm has a market cap of $117.71 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.98, a P/E/G ratio of 1.57 and a beta of 1.10.

United Parcel Service (NYSE:UPS  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 26th. The transportation company reported $1.57 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.53 by $0.04. United Parcel Service had a return on equity of 43.46% and a net margin of 9.19%. The business had revenue of $21.06 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $21.40 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $2.99 EPS. United Parcel Services quarterly revenue was down 12.8% on a year-over-year basis. Equities analysts anticipate that United Parcel Service, Inc. will post 8.82 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

United Parcel Service Dividend Announcement

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, November 30th. Investors of record on Monday, November 13th will be given a dividend of $1.62 per share. This represents a $6.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.69%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, November 10th. United Parcel Services dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 65.59%.

United Parcel Service Profile

(Free Report)

United Parcel Service, Inc, a package delivery company, provides transportation and delivery, distribution, contract logistics, ocean freight, airfreight, customs brokerage, and insurance services. It operates through two segments, U.S. Domestic Package and International Package. The U.S. Domestic Package segment offers time-definite delivery of letters, documents, small packages, and palletized freight through air and ground services in the United States.

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RS Crum Inc. acquired a new position in Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO  Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor acquired 7,505 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $340,000.

Other hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Loomis Sayles & Co. L P bought a new stake in Altria Group in the 1st quarter valued at about $25,000. Northwest Bank & Trust Co bought a new stake in Altria Group in the 2nd quarter valued at about $27,000. Ellevest Inc. increased its position in Altria Group by 346.7% in the 1st quarter. Ellevest Inc. now owns 670 shares of the companys stock valued at $30,000 after buying an additional 520 shares in the last quarter. NewSquare Capital LLC increased its position in Altria Group by 153.8% in the 1st quarter. NewSquare Capital LLC now owns 731 shares of the companys stock valued at $33,000 after buying an additional 443 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group Inc. bought a new stake in Altria Group in the 4th quarter valued at about $34,000. 58.94% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Insider Transactions at Altria Group

In other news, Director Robert Matthews Davis acquired 1,200 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 6th. The shares were acquired at an average price of $40.50 per share, for a total transaction of $48,600.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the director now owns 8,473 shares in the company, valued at $343,156.50. The purchase was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Company insiders own 0.07% of the companys stock.

Altria Group Price Performance

Shares of NYSE MO traded up $0.12 during midday trading on Tuesday, reaching $40.12. The companys stock had a trading volume of 666,665 shares, compared to its average volume of 7,896,948. Altria Group, Inc. has a 12-month low of $39.06 and a 12-month high of $51.57. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $42.13 and a 200-day moving average price of $43.90. The stock has a market capitalization of $70.96 billion, a P/E ratio of 8.15, a PEG ratio of 2.66 and a beta of 0.65.

Altria Group (NYSE:MO  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, October 26th. The company reported $1.28 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.29 by ($0.01). Altria Group had a negative return on equity of 237.91% and a net margin of 35.58%. The business had revenue of $5.28 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.43 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $1.28 EPS. Altria Groups quarterly revenue was down 2.5% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities analysts predict that Altria Group, Inc. will post 4.95 EPS for the current year.

Altria Group Increases Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, October 10th. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 15th were paid a $0.98 dividend. This represents a $3.92 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 9.77%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, September 14th. This is an increase from Altria Groups previous quarterly dividend of $0.94. Altria Groups payout ratio is presently 79.84%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of analysts recently commented on the company. UBS Group decreased their target price on Altria Group from $40.40 to $39.20 and set a sell rating for the company in a research report on Friday, October 6th. Citigroup decreased their target price on Altria Group from $46.50 to $45.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, October 18th. Jefferies Financial Group lifted their price target on Altria Group from $55.00 to $56.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, October 13th. Bank of America cut their price target on Altria Group from $49.00 to $47.00 in a research note on Monday, October 9th. Finally, StockNews.com downgraded Altria Group from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, October 27th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $47.53.

Check Out Our Latest Research Report on MO

Altria Group Company Profile

(Free Report)

Altria Group, Inc, through its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells smokeable and oral tobacco products in the United States. The company provides cigarettes primarily under the Marlboro brand; cigars and pipe tobacco principally under the Black & Mild brand; moist smokeless tobacco products and snus products under the Copenhagen, Skoal, Red Seal, and Husky brands; and on! oral nicotine pouches.

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Baker Ellis Asset Management LLC raised its holdings in Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE  Free Report) by 7.3% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 12,132 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after purchasing an additional 826 shares during the quarter. Baker Ellis Asset Management LLCs holdings in Pfizer were worth $445,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Altfest L J & Co. Inc. increased its stake in shares of Pfizer by 28.7% during the second quarter. Altfest L J & Co. Inc. now owns 53,111 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $1,948,000 after acquiring an additional 11,858 shares during the period. Provident Investment Management Inc. increased its stake in shares of Pfizer by 25.8% during the second quarter. Provident Investment Management Inc. now owns 12,460 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $457,000 after acquiring an additional 2,555 shares during the period. Texas Capital Bank Wealth Management Services Inc. increased its stake in shares of Pfizer by 36.5% during the second quarter. Texas Capital Bank Wealth Management Services Inc. now owns 63,879 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $2,343,000 after acquiring an additional 17,071 shares during the period. Spotlight Asset Group Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Pfizer during the second quarter worth about $140,000. Finally, Kerntke Otto McGlone Wealth Management Group increased its stake in shares of Pfizer by 14.6% during the second quarter. Kerntke Otto McGlone Wealth Management Group now owns 8,225 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $302,000 after acquiring an additional 1,048 shares during the period. 68.05% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

Several brokerages have weighed in on PFE. UBS Group restated a neutral rating and set a $34.00 target price (down from $36.00) on shares of Pfizer in a research report on Friday, October 20th. Cantor Fitzgerald restated an overweight rating and set a $75.00 target price on shares of Pfizer in a research report on Monday, October 2nd. TheStreet lowered shares of Pfizer from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a research report on Monday, September 25th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their target price on shares of Pfizer from $36.00 to $34.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, October 16th. Finally, Barclays reduced their price target on shares of Pfizer from $35.00 to $34.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, November 1st. Twelve investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $42.50.

Pfizer Stock Performance

Shares of PFE stock opened at $28.98 on Tuesday. Pfizer Inc. has a one year low of $28.93 and a one year high of $54.93. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.63, a quick ratio of 2.05 and a current ratio of 2.38. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $32.35 and a 200 day moving average price of $35.49. The firm has a market capitalization of $163.62 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.84, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.89 and a beta of 0.63.

Pfizer (NYSE:PFE  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 31st. The biopharmaceutical company reported ($0.17) EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of ($0.32) by $0.15. Pfizer had a net margin of 15.30% and a return on equity of 16.72%. The firm had revenue of $13.23 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $13.77 billion. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Pfizer Inc. will post 1.56 EPS for the current year.

Pfizer Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 4th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 10th will be given a $0.41 dividend. This represents a $1.64 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.66%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, November 9th. Pfizers payout ratio is currently 89.62%.

Pfizer Profile

(Free Report)

Pfizer Inc discovers, develops, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products worldwide. It offers medicines and vaccines in various therapeutic areas, including cardiovascular metabolic, migraine, and women's health under the Eliquis, Nurtec ODT/Vydura, and the Premarin family brands; infectious diseases with unmet medical needs under the Prevnar family, Nimenrix, FSME/IMMUN-TicoVac, and Trumenba brands; and COVID-19 prevention and treatment, and potential future mRNA and antiviral products under the Comirnaty and Paxlovid brands.

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Texas Capital Bank Wealth Management Services Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Chevron Co. (NYSE:CVX  Free Report) by 17.0% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 2,260 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after acquiring an additional 328 shares during the period. Texas Capital Bank Wealth Management Services Inc.s holdings in Chevron were worth $356,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Berkeley Capital Partners LLC lifted its stake in Chevron by 13.1% in the second quarter. Berkeley Capital Partners LLC now owns 14,333 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $2,255,000 after buying an additional 1,661 shares in the last quarter. Loring Wolcott & Coolidge Fiduciary Advisors LLP MA boosted its stake in Chevron by 13.4% in the 2nd quarter. Loring Wolcott & Coolidge Fiduciary Advisors LLP MA now owns 79,961 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $12,582,000 after purchasing an additional 9,477 shares during the period. Kooman & Associates increased its holdings in Chevron by 11.2% during the 2nd quarter. Kooman & Associates now owns 1,568 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $247,000 after purchasing an additional 158 shares in the last quarter. Reuter James Wealth Management LLC raised its stake in shares of Chevron by 30.6% in the 2nd quarter. Reuter James Wealth Management LLC now owns 6,659 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $1,048,000 after purchasing an additional 1,561 shares during the period. Finally, Great Lakes Retirement Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Chevron by 0.9% in the second quarter. Great Lakes Retirement Inc. now owns 7,789 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $1,226,000 after purchasing an additional 73 shares in the last quarter. 68.87% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

CVX has been the topic of several research reports. Truist Financial cut their target price on Chevron from $175.00 to $169.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, October 24th. HSBC increased their target price on shares of Chevron from $180.00 to $184.00 in a report on Wednesday, August 9th. Royal Bank of Canada restated an outperform rating and set a $180.00 price objective on shares of Chevron in a research note on Tuesday, October 24th. UBS Group raised their price objective on Chevron from $209.00 to $210.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, October 4th. Finally, BNP Paribas upgraded Chevron from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and set a $190.00 target price on the stock in a report on Thursday, October 12th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fourteen have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $189.00.

Chevron Price Performance

NYSE:CVX opened at $143.99 on Tuesday. The company has a market cap of $271.82 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.69, a P/E/G ratio of 0.76 and a beta of 1.16. The firms fifty day moving average price is $160.48 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $158.75. Chevron Co. has a one year low of $141.73 and a one year high of $189.68. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.12, a current ratio of 1.25 and a quick ratio of 0.97.

Chevron (NYSE:CVX  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 27th. The oil and gas company reported $3.05 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $3.70 by ($0.65). The company had revenue of $54.08 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $51.41 billion. Chevron had a net margin of 12.11% and a return on equity of 16.15%. The firms quarterly revenue was down 18.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $5.56 EPS. Equities analysts expect that Chevron Co. will post 13.59 earnings per share for the current year.

Chevron Dividend Announcement

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 11th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 17th will be paid a dividend of $1.51 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, November 16th. This represents a $6.04 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.19%. Chevrons dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 44.84%.

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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BEIJING, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- At the invitation of U.S. President Joe Biden, Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend a China-U.S. summit meeting and the 30th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting in San Francisco this week.

The U.S. trip speaks volumes about the importance the Chinese president attaches to Asia-Pacific economic cooperation. On various occasions, Xi has voiced his expectations for the APEC to drive regional and global growth.

A memorable moment was on the night of Nov. 10, 2014, when Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan held a grand banquet in Beijing's iconic National Aquatics Center, or Water Cube, for guests who were in the Chinese capital for the APEC gathering.

Using the occasion to articulate his vision for APEC, Xi told the guests, all wearing traditional Chinese attire, that China had chosen the Water Cube as the dinner venue because water has great symbolism in Chinese culture.

"Over 2,000 years ago, Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu noted that the supreme good is like water, which benefits all creation without trying to compete with it," Xi said in his toast.

"We, APEC member economies, are brought together by the water of the Pacific Ocean," Xi said. "We have a shared responsibility to make the Pacific an ocean of peace, friendship and cooperation, an ocean that brings peace, development, prosperity and progress to the Asia-Pacific region."

Guided by such a vision, China has acted as an active advocate for Asia-Pacific economic cooperation, which has injected powerful impetus into the development of the region and greatly improved the wellbeing of the region's people.

Xi has attended or presided over every APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting and delivered important speeches through various means in the past decade. And more than once he used the allusion of the Pacific Ocean to get his message across.

In 2020, in a video speech at the 27th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, Xi said that the world economy is like the Pacific Ocean around us -- it admits water from various rivers, and connects different parts of the world. As such, it has acquired a vast magnitude and enormous vitality.

In November 2022, Xi also used path as a metaphor to offer his proposals for APEC to address challenges when the world was suffering from the COVID-19 pandemic and the global economy was facing mounting downward pressure.

"Our world has once again reached a crossroads. Where is it headed? What should we do here in Asia-Pacific? These questions demand urgent answers," Xi noted in a written speech at the APEC CEO Summit in Bangkok.

He called on APEC members to follow "a path of peaceful development." "We should abide by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, pursue the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, and jointly reject the Cold War mentality and bloc confrontation," Xi said.

APEC should follow "a path of openness and inclusiveness," and any attempt to disrupt or even dismantle the industrial and supply chains formed in Asia-Pacific over many years will only lead Asia-Pacific economic cooperation to a dead end, Xi noted.

Xi also stressed the importance of following "a path of solidarity" at a time when Asia-Pacific has entered a crucial stage of post-COVID recovery, and APEC members should strengthen cooperation, support and help each other to enable Asia-Pacific to be a leader in boosting global economic recovery.

The upcoming APEC meeting will also be convened at a critical time. With mounting factors of instability and uncertainty in the world economy, there is a widely shared expectation for Asia-Pacific to remain an economic engine to lead global growth.

Xi will deliver an important speech at the meeting to fully elaborate on China's major propositions on deepening Asia-Pacific cooperation and driving regional and global growth.

Against the backdrop of global challenges, Xi's address is expected to be yet another memorable moment for strengthening regional and global economic collaboration for years to come. 
GAZA, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, said on Monday that it has informed mediators of its readiness to release 50 women and children hostages held in Gaza in exchange for a 5-day cease-fire.

Abu Ubaida, the spokesperson for Al-Qassam Brigades, said in a message on its Telegram channel that "Qatari mediators have made efforts to release Israeli detainees in exchange for releasing 200 Palestinian children and 75 women."

He stressed that the cease-fire should ensure a halt to hostilities and allow aid entry to people in the enclave.

He emphasized that the continued Israeli ground, naval, and aerial aggression threatens the lives of the detainees held by them and by other armed Palestinian factions in Gaza.

The Israeli military operations came in retaliation for the Hamas-led attacks on Oct. 7, in which about 1,200 people were killed in Israel and about 240 hostages were taken, according to Israeli figures. 
Irish social media users are remembering Vicky Phelan on the first anniversary of her death.

The Cervical Check campaigner died on November 14 2022 at age 48 following a public battle with cervical cancer, which captured the nation's hearts in the years before her death.

She came to the attention of the public after delivering a speech outside the High Court in 2018, following a 2.5 million settlement with the US lab which tested her smear sample three years before her terminal diagnosis.

Her refusal to sign a non-disclosure agreement as part of this legal action led to the discovery that hundreds of women could have benefited from earlier cancer treatment.

She co-founded a group called 221+ in order to help the women and families affected by the scandal, and her campaign to discover why this happened and push to ensure it never happens again has resulted in the Irish State issuing an apology.

She also successfully campaigned for wider access to the HPV vaccine for girls and boys, and access to the immunotherapy drug Pembrolizumab.

The 221+ group posted on X to mark her anniversary, stating, "A year ago today we lost our biggest big sister. She stood up for herself. More significantly, she stood up for others. Her spirit lives on and it inspires all of us."

In a statement posted on their official website, they called for a "singular, programmed focus on women's health".

They said, "Thirty two percent of the adult population between 16 and 65 is female. We appreciate that there are myriad demands on the system but it is time, publicly and unambiguously, to recognise the distinct and specialised health needs of women in the same way that there is recognition of aging (14.93% of the population over 65) and childhood (20.77% under 16.

"Vicky saw that bigger picture. Her courtside statement in 2018 was not to talk about her case but to alert others to what should have been done better for them. While many among us in 221+ are still trying to work through the impact of CervicalCheck on us personally, in the spirit of Vicky, as a priority, we want to ensure that what is learned, is put to good use for the good of all."

They continued: "Vickys work got it across to decision makers that an excellent healthcare service is as much about how the patient feels about their care as it is about medical expertise, facilities, science and technology.

"She also showed the value of the patients voice. Her initiative opened a conversation that Dr Scally and others have advanced where the experience of the patient is being recognised as a crucial contributor to health service planning and delivery.

"As a community of women and families brought together by circumstances beyond our doing, 221+ will continue to follow the spirit of Vicky Phelan. We are determined that what she led us to learn will be put to good use. We will always be a voice for patients, sharing our experience and challenging assumptions. We are determined that healthcare for women in Ireland in the future will be better than it has been ever before.

"And we will never forget Vicky Phelan as the woman who lit the flame."

The Irish Cancer Society wrote a post commemorating Vicky on X, stating, "Today, on the 1st anniversary of Vicky Phelans death, we remember Vicky and all the other women who arent with us today because of cervical cancer.

"We honour their legacies by continuing to work tirelessly to ensure that womens health is prioritised and promoted in Ireland."

People Before Profit TD, Gino Kenny, posted a picture of the late campaigner accompanied by the words, "Always in our memories."

Vicky's alma mater, University of Limerick (UL), also marked her anniversary by posting a photo of the UL graduate taken on the day she received her honorary doctorate.

The Vicky Phelan Campaign and Portrait Tour - which tells Vicky's story through the triptych portrait - will take place at UL on November 23 at 1pm.

The exhibition aims to continue her legacy to improve cervical cancer awareness.

The Marie Keating Foundation also posted about Vicky's anniversary on X, describing her as "one of a kind, a woman of enormous heart and courage who is remembered by us all as someone who strived for better and was unrelenting in her pursuit of justice".

Famous women have taken part in a new campaign in memory of Vicky called 'Read My Lips', which is calling for eligible women across Ireland to book in for a free cervical screening test.

Makeup mogul Aimee Connolly and writers Eimear McLysaght and Sarah Breen are among those who took part.

The National Women's Council of Ireland (NWC) are commemorating her memory by calling on the Irish government to end the Scally Report, which has been called "a paternalistic approach" to women's healthcare.

In a 2019 speech which NWC has released, Vicky Phelan said, "I want to make sure that we have a health system that is something that I can trust to leave behind, that if [my daughter] develops anything over the years, if I'm not here, that there's a healthcare system that I can say with hand on heart, I've helped to make it better for her and for all of the other girls."

NWC Director Orla OConnor said, "Vicky was a trailblazer, a woman of incredible courage, who stood up for what she knew to be right. Because of her, the Cervical Check system was overhauled completely.

"Nonetheless, womens healthcare in this country continues to be neglected. Budget 2024 was sorely disappointing on this score, and the lack of investment to develop services will be disproportionately felt by women from marginalised groups, like disabled women, Traveller and Roma women, migrant women and trans women."
[November 14, 2023] 2023 United Kingdom Mobile Plan and Pricing Dataset: Focus on BT, EE, O2, Sky, Three, Virgin Media and Vodafone Tweet

DUBLIN, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "2023 Mobile Plan and Pricing Dataset - United Kingdom Q2" database has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The 2023 Mobile Plan and Pricing Dataset - United Kingdom Q2, is an invaluable resource for any business requiring data about the UK's dynamic mobile telecommunications marketplace. This extensive dataset provides in-depth plan and pricing information for the second quarter of 2023, offering thorough coverage of the offerings from major mobile network operators across the country. Within this dataset, you will find a wealth of information, including detailed plan features, pricing structures, data allowances, voice and messaging options, as well as special promotions and add-on services offered by the leading mobile network operators in the UK.



With over 80% market coverage in terms of subscribers, this datasetoffers an authoritative and extensive overview of the prevailing mobile plans and pricing employed by industry leaders. Whether you are a telecommunications provider, a market analyst, or a business strategist, the 2023 Mobile Plan and Pricing Database - United Kingdom Q2 dataset equips you with the essential tools and intelligence needed to navigate and succeed in the rapidly evolving telecom landscape.







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Vodafone Key Metrics in Database Include:

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5G/LTE For more information about this database visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/9y2uuu 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]



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[November 13, 2023] THE BUSINESS COUNCIL FOR INTERNATIONAL UNDERSTANDING TO HONOR JANE FRASER, CHOW KIAT LIM Tweet

THE DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER GLOBAL AWARDS CEREMONY AND GALA ON NOV. 13 IN NEW YORK CITY TO FOCUS ON GLOBAL PARTNERSHIPS NEW YORK , Nov. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU), a nonprofit association working to promote international understanding by facilitating dialogue between business and government leaders on a global scale, will honor the recipients of the 2023 Dwight D. Eisenhower Global Awards on Monday, Nov. 13, in New York City. Jane Fraser, Chief Executive Officer of Citi, will receive the 2023 Eisenhower Global Leadership Award for her and Citi's outstanding contributions to global commerce while advancing international understanding. Chow Kiat Lim, Chief Executive Officer of GIC, will receive the 2023 Eisenhower Global Citizenship Award for his and GIC's efforts in leading with purpose, vision and responsibility. The theme of this year's awards ceremony is "Global Partnerships, Local Impact," celebrating the fact that leading organizations who provide a positive impact at scale worldwide also understand that the key to any enduring success is delivering results for local communities. Fraser and Lim are innovators in fostering global partnerships and investments that deliver substantive benefits in the places where they operate. Other high-level speakers include award presenters Larry Fink and Hank Paulson, as well as Arianna Huffington, who will moderate a fireside chat with the honorees. The award celebrates Fraser's remarkable leadership and Citi's outstanding contributions to the world of global commerce. Since becoming CEO in March 2021, Fraser has launched a multiyear strategy to better position the firm for the speed and complexities of the digital age. Fraser, who made history as the first woman to lead a major U.S. bank, has demonstrated unwavering commitment to promoting international understanding and fostering economic growth. "The past several years  marked by a pandemic, shifting supply chains, geopolitical conflicts and more  have illustrated that risks are more interconnected than ever, and as such the expectations of global leaders and businesses have never been greater," said Fraser. "At Citi, our globality is the heart of our identity. We do business in nearly 160 countries around world and work on the ground in many emerging markets, supporting investments and driving economic growth. We bring our unique perspective to help address global challenges and support our clients with cross-border needs, and I am incredibly proud to have that work recognized with the 2023 Eisenhower Global Leadership Award." The Eisenhower Global Citizenship Award is presented to recipients for their exceptional accomplishments in the fields of social responsibility and sustainable development, as well as their commitment to enhance the growth and development of humankind. Under Lim's leadership, GIC has exemplified a commitment to global citizenship, creating a positive impact through advocating a long-tem mindset on every front  from economies to businesses to people management and community development. This honor recognizes Lim's and GIC's exceptional efforts in pursuing excellence as a long-term investor through purpose, vision, and responsibility.



"GIC's mission is to safeguard Singapore's financial future," said Lim. "We do so through long-term investing around the world with our many partners. We are particularly keen to meet the capital needs in infrastructure, sustainability and technology, and provide solutions to help create a better tomorrow." As CEO of GIC, Lim chairs the highest management body at the firm. This group brings together GIC's functional and investment heads. As Chair, Lim works with his management team on governance, investment and risk policy matters across the organization. In addition, he oversees organizational management initiatives, business planning and personnel matters, including succession planning and talent development.

"Each year, BCIU's Eisenhower Awards celebrate leaders and institutions creating positive change," said Peter Tichansky, President and CEO, BCIU. "Citi and GIC, under the principled global leadership of Jane Fraser and Chow Kiat Lim, are enabling boundless opportunities through their global reach and local impact. Honoring these leaders together is a vivid reminder of the vitality of business as an empowering force for good." About BCIU The Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU) is a nonprofit organization of experts, educators, and advisors working to expand international trade and commerce for businesses and governments around the world. BCIU is deeply connected and trusted by 150 member companies, including many global multinationals, and maintains an unparalleled network of government relationships in every corner of the world. For sixty-five years, they have believed in progress and shaping the future by addressing some of the most complex global challenges, from global health to cybersecurity to agricultural sustainability. Through bespoke, transformative services, BCIU provides ways for its partners to deepen economic cooperation and enhance global growth across markets. For more information about BCIU, please visit www.bciu.org. About Citi Citi is a preeminent banking partner for institutions with cross-border needs, a global leader in wealth management and a valued personal bank in its home market of the United States. Citi does business in nearly 160 countries and jurisdictions, providing corporations, governments, investors, institutions and individuals with a broad range of financial products and services. Additional information may be found at www.citigroup.com | Twitter: @Citi | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/citi | YouTube: www.youtube.com/citi | Facebook: www.facebook.com/citi About GIC GIC is a leading global investment firm established in 1981 to secure Singapore's financial future. As the manager of Singapore's foreign reserves, GIC takes a long-term, disciplined approach to investing and is uniquely positioned across a wide range of asset classes and active strategies globally. These include equities, fixed income, real estate, private equity, venture capital, and infrastructure. Its long-term approach, multi-asset capabilities, and global connectivity enable it to be an investor of choice. GIC seeks to add meaningful value to its investments. Headquartered in Singapore, GIC has a global talent force of over 2,100 people in 11 key financial cities and has investments in over 40 countries. For more information, please visit www.gic.com.sg or follow on LinkedIn. Contact: Pete Nonis

The Business Council for International Understanding

+1.917.459.6140

[email protected] View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-business-council-for-international-understanding-to-honor-jane-fraser-chow-kiat-lim-301986465.html SOURCE The Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU)

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[November 14, 2023] Insurance Solutions Provider Orion180 Names 4 to Leadership Team Tweet

Orion180, a premier provider of insurance solutions launched in 2018, has named four leaders to key positions: Mohammad Javanbarg, senior vice president of specialty risk.

Malcolm Tsung, vice president of product management, commercial lines.

Scott Crozier, vice president of product management, personal lines.

Yiguang Qiu, vice president of marketing. "These talented individuals, who have proven track records in providing value in the insurance industry, will help accelerate Orion180's growth in new and existing markets. They expand our agility and technology-centric knowledge in key areas and complement our strong existing team at Orion180," says Kenneth Gregg, CEO and founder of Orion180. "These appointments signal our preparedness to compete in multiple lines of personal and commercial insurance as we look to expand nationally." Mohammad Javanbarg, SVP of specialty risk, joined Orion180 to customize and enhance Orion180's view of modeled and non-modeled catastrophe risks, and develop innovative specialty insurance solutions. Before joining Orion180, at Liberty Mutual, he served as senior manager, global underwriting strategy. He also has significant experience in risk and insurance with AIG, where he served as director of global property and energy underwriting solutions, and WTW, where he worked in emerging risks and catastrophe modeling. Javanbarg received his B.S. from Tehran Polytechnic, M.Sc. from Kobe University, and Ph.D. from California-Berkeley. Javanbarg holds CPCU (Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter), ARM (Associate in Risk Management), ARe (Associate in Reinsurance) and ERM (Enterprise Risk Management) designations. Malcolm Tsung, VP of product management, commercial lines, joined Orion180 to spearhead the development of Orion180's commercial lines products. Before joining Orion180, at LexisNexis Risk Solutions, he served as director, commercial insurance vertical. He also has extensive experience with insurers Utica National, where he served as director of commercial auto; National Interstate, where he served as commercial auto business manager; and Liberty Mutual, where he served as underwriting consultant. Tsung has led various functions such as underwrting, customer experience, marketing and product development.



Tsung earned a B.S. from Gonzaga and M.B.A. from University of Hartford. He holds the CPCU (Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter), ARM (Associate in Risk Management), AIDA (Associate in Insurance Data Analytics) and AU (Associate in Commercial Underwriting) designations. Scott Crozier, VP of product management, personal lines, joined Orion180 to develop new innovative products and manage the geographic expansion of Orion180's homeowner product. Before joining Orion180, at Kemper, he served as director of product management, national product execution. He has significant experience with national, regional and Florida-specific insurers, including Citizens Property Insurance, where he was vice president of underwriting and product development; Sawgrass Mutual, where he was vice president of underwriting; and American Integrity Insurance, where he was director of client services. Crozier has led various functions such as underwriting, customer experience, product development and sales.

Crozier earned a B.A. from Rhode Island College. He holds CPCU (Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter), AIC (Associate in Claims) and API (Associate in Personal Insurance) designations. Crozier is a former U.S. Army Infantryman and officer, having served as the operations officer for a 3,500-soldier infantry brigade combat team in the Florida Army National Guard. Yiguang Qiu, VP of marketing, joined Orion180 to enhance the firm's marketing, public relations and communications strategies. Before joining Orion 180, at Amica Insurance, he served as senior assistant vice president of marketing and communications, playing an important role in shaping the company's marketing strategies and operations. He brings over two decades of experience in property-casualty and life insurance as well as valuable experience in annuity and mutual fund sales with The Equitable. He has led functions including marketing strategy, direct marketing, strategic partnerships, market research, and analytics. Qiu earned an M.S. from the University of Minnesota and a Ph.D. from the University of Massachusetts. He also holds the Fellow, Life Management Institute (FLMI) designation. Orion180 was named recently as No. 229 on the 2023 Inc. 5000 list of America's fastest-growing private companies and No. 3 among insurance firms. Companies on the 2023 Inc. 5000 are ranked by percentage revenue growth from 2019 to 2022. Orion180 experienced 2,441% growth during that period. About Orion180 Orion180 is a people-focused, technology-driven insurance brand that offers proprietary technology, real-time data, and straightforward underwriting practices, enabling independent insurance agents to provide their customers a premier insurance experience. Orion180's operating companies are: Orion180 Insurance Co., a surplus lines (non-admitted) insurance company domiciled in Indiana and doing business in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina and South Carolina.

Orion180 Select Insurance Co., an admitted insurance company domiciled in Indiana that is approved to provide coverage in Alabama, Florida, Indiana, Mississippi and Georgia.

Orion180 Insurance Services LLC, a managing general underwriter that partners with carriers and reinsurers to deliver homeowners insurance and other insurance solutions. Orion180 has developed its own proprietary mobile application and technology platform, MY180, while also supporting third-party data integrations with insurance industry partners. Orion180's vision is to enhance the way consumers purchase coverage and manage their insurance needs. Innovation in technology enables us to do MORE as we harness the power of our cutting-edge proprietary technology. Innovation in service is the catalyst allowing us to give MORE and achieve the highest level of customer care. Our innovation in culture fosters an environment that empowers us to be MORE. This innovation-focused ecosystem enables our customers to expect MORE. Orion180.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231114089622/en/

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[November 14, 2023] Liqid Unveils UltraStack 16-Way NVIDIA L40S Server Design at SC23 Tweet

Today, at SC23, Liqid, the leader in composable disaggregated infrastructure technology, unveiled the Liqid UltraStack L40S reference architecture. This features Dell PowerEdge servers with 8 or 16 NVIDIA L40S GPUs that help customers meet emerging high GPU density demands. UltraStack can help accelerate next-generation workloads by delivering 35 percent higher performance, while ensuring cost savings with a 35 percent reduction in power consumption and a 75 percent reduction in software licensing costs when compared to lower GPU capacity servers. In the rapidly evolving worlds of artificial intelligence (AI) and large language models (LLM), high performance computing (HPC) and graphics-intensive applications, the demand for high-density GPU systems has never been greater. However, access to high end GPUs, like NVIDIA's H100 Tensor Core GPU, have higher lead times, and many customers need 8 or more GPUs in a single server. "With the rising demand for GPU performance, Liqid steps up as a powerful ally," said Sumit Puri, CEO & Cofounder, Liqid. "Our Liqid UltraStack reference architecture is a game-changer, built around Dell PowerEdge servers with NVIDIA L40S GPUs. It's not just a concept - it's a tangible, reliable solution readily available. This provides an unparalleled advantage for compute-intensive tasks, firmly placing you ahead of the curve." When implementing the Liqid UltraStack reference architecture with the Dell PowerEdge R760xa, customers can configure and deploy 16 NVIDIA L40S GPUs, offering more performance per server. This solution combines NVIDIA L40SGPUs, NVIDIA ConnectX-7 NICs, NVIDIA BlueField DPUs, and Liqid NVMe IO Accelerator cards into a single Dell PowerEdge R760xa server, redefining the limits of high-density GPU systems.



To learn more about Liqid UltraStack and other Liqid composable disaggregated infrastructure solutions, stop by our booth #1219 at SC23, schedule an appointment with an authorized Liqid representative or reach out at [email protected]. Follow Liqid on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay up to date with the latest Liqid news and industry insights. About Liqid

Liqid is the leader in composable disaggregated infrastructure (CDI) solutions, revolutionizing the way organizations utilize IT resources. With Liqid's innovative Matrix software, customers have control over GPU density and utilization, allowing them to efficiently adapt to evolving demands. For more information, visit www.liqid.com and follow Liqid on Twitter and LinkedIn. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231114694659/en/

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[November 13, 2023] Robot Key Technology from Taiwan on Show at 2023 iREX Tweet

TOKYO, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Taiwan Smart Machinery Overseas Promotion Program plans to set up a pavilion at Booth No. E4-10 during iREX on November 30th, dedicated to showcasing the latest in Taiwan's robots and robotic technologies. Additionally, the project organizers will host a product unveiling and networking session entitled "Robot Key Technology Integration Solution". Five frontrunners in Taiwan's tech industry, TECHMAN, Touche Solutions, HIWIN, LIPS, and Tricore, have been invited to the event. These companies will discuss a range of topics, including smart manufacturing, industrial and collaborative robots, as well as vision and system integration solutions. This platform offers a valuable opportunity for Taiwanese firms to showcase their cutting-edge technologies and solutions. The ultimate goal is to foster collaborative endeavors between Japanese and Taiwanese enterprises within the robotics sector and to explore new international business opportunities.



Discovering Taiwan's Pioneering Robotics Technologies at the Exhibit:

TECHMAN, the only collaborative robot brand and manufacturer from Taiwan, will explain how to use collaborative robots and their advantages from a user's perspective. Touche Solutions, a pioneer in robot tactile technology, offers versatile support for diverse factory environments and machine types with its T-Skin robot safety skin in sensor IoT and smart manufacturing applications. HIWIN will showcase industrial robots and electric grippers, providing technical services specially tailored for the Japanese market. LIPS will explore the significance and innovations of next-generation edge intelligence and low-latency 3D robot vision solutions, endowing robots and automation systems with superior perception and decision-making abilities through cutting-edge smart technology and minimal latency. Tricore, a leading manufacturer of micro motors, produces components used across a spectrum of industries, including computer information, consumer electronics, and automotive electronics. This event is backed by the "Smart Machinery Overseas Promotion Program" from the International Trade Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs and is jointly executed by the Precision Machinery Research and Development Center (PMC) and the Taiwan Automation Intelligence and Robotics Association (TAIROA). On November 30th, the showcase will take place at the Tokyo Big Sight (Tokyo International Exhibition Center), East Hall E4-10 booth in Tokyo, Japan. More information can be found on the webpage: https://twmt.tw/irex2023/ View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/robot-key-technology-from-taiwan-on-show-at-2023-irex-301984266.html SOURCE TAIWAN AUTOMATION INTELLIGENCE AND ROBOTICS ASSOCIATION (TAIROA) - TAIPEI

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[November 13, 2023] Marcus & Millichap Announces Strategic Partnership with Real Estate Technology Firm Archer Tweet

Marcus & Millichap (NYSE:MMI), a leading commercial real estate brokerage firm specializing in investment sales, financing, research and advisory services, announced today a strategic partnership that includes an equity investment and commercial relationship with Archer, a venture-backed real estate technology company. Richard Matricaria, Marcus & Millichap's chief operating officer, Western Division, stated: "Our relationship with Archer is one of the ways we continue to stay on the leading edge within the proptech space. We value Archer's technology and the strategic benefits they provide our brokers and clients and took the opportunity to expand our partnership with an equity investment." Archer has developed a comprehensive commercial real estate software platform that accelerates market analysis, deal sourcing, and underwriting activities. It leverages machine-learning algorithms to better parse property financials such as rent rolls and operating statements and consolidate data from a multitude of sources to be able to provide immediate performance metrics for multifamily real estate assets nationwide. The platform allows brokers to accelerate the market analysis and underwriting processes for clients. "Combining our market-specific data and underwriting tooling wth Marcus & Millichap's 52-year history of technological innovation and market research is part of our mission to make real estate transactions more efficient through better data, technology, and local expertise," said Thomas Foley, Archer's cofounder and CEO. "Our platform supercharges investment sales professionals by reducing the time required to complete a first underwriting from days to minutes. This gives brokers and their investor clients more time to spend on important analysis to achieve their long-term strategic goals of winning more deals."



Founded in 2019, San Francisco-based Archer recently expanded its underwriting platform from multifamily to student and affordable property types and plans to launch other property types including retail, office, industrial, and hospitality in 2024. The company provides software tools via a web-based application and directly in a client's Excel model, training sessions and on-demand support. "Marcus & Millichap's history of adapting the benefits of emerging technologies to serve commercial real estate investors aligns with Archer's predictive analytics and investor-centric approach," said Matricaria. "As a customer and also an investor in Archer, we look forward to extending the benefits of this strategic partnership to our brokers and clients."

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. About Archer Archer is a real estate technology firm that helps investors, lenders, and brokers throughout their acquisition and transaction process. The firm's data-driven, AI-powered platform enables real estate professionals to analyze markets, source on and off-market deals, and underwrite properties with one click. Using Archer's technology, firms can go from strategy creation to execution in a fraction of the time. Learn more at www.archer.re. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231113315961/en/

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MACAO, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- Ho Iat Seng, chief executive of China's Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR), on Tuesday delivered a policy address for fiscal year 2024, stressing further economic recovery and diversification.

Macao witnessed rapid economic recovery during the past year after the COVID-19 pandemic, achieved a stable and harmonious overall social situation, and steadily progressed with various causes, Ho said, noting unbalanced recovery and development, as well as difficulties faced by certain industries, enterprises and residents due to impacts of the pandemic.

Looking to 2024, the chief executive said the Macao SAR government will focus on consolidating economic recovery, working together on economic diversification, optimizing people's livelihood, and promoting development. 
[November 13, 2023] Eviden places a second supercomputer in the world's 10 most powerful supercomputers Tweet

5 new entries in the TOP500 for Eviden, including EuroHPC MareNostrum5 as the 8th most powerful system in the world PARIS, Nov. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Eviden, the Atos Group business leading in advanced computing today announces that it now has 48 systems in the TOP500, the official listing of the world's most powerful supercomputers, out of which 11 are in the TOP100 and two in the TOP10. Eviden, the Atos Group business leading in advanced computing today announces that it now has 48 systems in the TOP500. This significant improvement relies on five new entries, a strong acceleration for the Group compared to the usual 2 new entries, leading to an overall 48 systems in the TOP500, a first for the Group. The new entries include new partitions on two EuroHPC programs, Leonardo hosted by Cineca and MareNostrum5 hosted by the Barcelona Supercomputing Center, along with new partitions from the ECMWF (European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts) program. Entering the TOP500 for the first time, the MareNostrum5 system ranks 8th in the TOP500, with a sustained peak performance of 138 petaflops for the booster partition. This accelerator partition is based on Eviden's BullSequana XH3000 next-gen hybrid architecture, integrating GPU nodes using NVIDIA's H100 Tensor Core GPU, based on the new Hopper architecture and with 4th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processors (codenamed Sapphire Rapids). Eviden has also been awarded the reader's choice from HPCwire as "The Top Supercomputing Achievement" for the MareNostrum5 supercomputer. This award comes as a recognition of the system delivery, by the Eviden-led consortium composed of IBM, Intel, Lenovo, NVIDIA and ParTec. Ludovic Sauvage, Head of Advanced Computing Business, Americas, at Eviden, Atos Group said "The TOP500 and the HPCwire award are great recognition of the acceleration of the deployment of our technologies, delivering more performance at lower energy cost. This achievement is also a great testimony of all the hard work done by our team and the results of years of investment in innovation and expertise. This results is our fastest growth ever in the number of our systems positioning in the TOP500, a strong proof point of our performance excellence and strategy on our journey to Exascale." Earl Joseph, CEO of Hyperion Research said "Having over 45 systems in the TOP500 including two systems in the TOP10 is great recognition of Eviden's excellence and performance capabilities on its way to Exascale. With its commitment to deploying high-end, energy-efficient, secure technologies to boost innovation and research around the world for more than 20 years, Eviden demonstrates its leading position as a top global HPC manufacturer." About Eviden1 Eviden is 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 53,000 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 Atos is a global leader in digital transformation with 105,000 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 Atos is 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.







_______________________________ 1 Eviden business is operated through the following brands: AppCentrica, ATHEA, Cloudamize, Cloudreach, Cryptovision, DataSentics, Edifixio, Energy4U, Engage ESM, Evidian, Forensik, IDEAL GRP, In Fidem, Ipsotek, Maven Wave, Profit4SF, SEC Consult, Visual BI, Worldgrid, X-Perion

Eviden is a registered trademark.  Eviden SAS, 2023.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/eviden-places-a-second-supercomputer-in-the-worlds-10-most-powerful-supercomputers-301986699.html SOURCE Atos

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[November 13, 2023] WIC holds forum on youth and digital future Tweet

BEIJING, Nov. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A news report from chinadaily.com.cn: The Youth and Digital Future Forum of the 2023 World Internet Conference (WIC) Wuzhen Summit was held on Nov 9, in Wuzhen, East China's Zhejiang province. Themed on "Improvement, Involvement, Influence", the forum invited representatives, including heads of international organizations and the first group of youth leaders under the Global Youth Leadership Program (GYLP), to have discussions on missions of global youth in promoting digital development. Francis Gurry, vice-chair of the WIC, said in his address that the forum gathered youth leaders worldwide to promote dialogues among internet professionals of different generations. Ren Xianliang, secretary general of the WIC, called on young people to become groundbreakers for technological innovation, drivers of digital development and practitioners of global exchanges and mutual learning. Chen Jinbiao, vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of the Zhejiang Provincial People's Congress and secretary of the leading Pary members group of the committee, said that the forum plays an active role in enabling youth to express ideas, promoting youth participation and addressing their needs.



Via video link, Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, director of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Telecommunication Development Bureau, appealed to youth leaders to actively improve, participate in and influence digital transformation. In their keynote speeches, Nahima Diaz, director of the Nicaraguan Institute of Telecommunications and Postal Services, David Kanamugire, chief executive officer of Rwanda National Cyber Security Agency, and Rafael Evangelista, board member of Brazilian Steering Internet Committee, shared the practices and experience of facilitating young generation to promote digital transformation in their countries.

Representatives of global youth leaders from China, Brazil, and the US shared their insights on the application of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in the digital transformation of specialized areas of the mobile internet, the mutual promotion of youth and AI development, next-generation internet development and internet governance from the perspective of technology, innovative cooperation of technology and digital education, the development of Chinese and global digitalization, and technology empowering the hearing-impaired. Chon Kil-nam, father of internet in South Korea and honorary professor at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, also a member of the first leading group of the Internet Governance Forum, and Xue Lan, a senior liberal arts professor and dean of Schwarzman College at Tsinghua University, held a cross-generation dialogue with representatives of youth leaders from Canada, Argentina, Azerbaijan, and Malaysia. The youth representatives shared their experiences in AI, global internet governance, the promotion of technology, and technology empowering vulnerable groups. They consulted and exchanged ideas with the experts, sharing their common understanding of and expectations for current digital development. Representatives from China, Ghana, Nepal, Bahrain, and Rwanda shared their practices in digital infrastructure building, remote healthcare, the Internet of Things and the information and communications technology, and technology promoting equal education. Prior to the event, Zhuang Rongwen, chair of the WIC, together with Gurry, presented certificates to the first group of youth leaders under the GYLP, during the plenary meeting of the 2023 WIC Wuzhen Summit on Nov 8. The forum was jointly hosted by the WIC and the ITU, and co-organized by the Fuxi Institution. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wic-holds-forum-on-youth-and-digital-future-301986774.html SOURCE chinadaily.com.cn

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[November 13, 2023] The Belt and Road Entrepreneur Conference Achieved Fruitful Results, Hinen Actively Participated in Global Cooperation Tweet

BEIJING, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Recently, leaders of more than 150 countries led entrepreneurs to participate in the third "Belt and Road" International Cooperation Summit Forum. China's national high-tech enterprise Hinen participated in the opening event of the third "Belt and Road" International Cooperation Summit Forum - "the Belt and Road" Entrepreneurs Conference and held a signing ceremony. As a national high-tech enterprise integrating R&D, production, sales and service, Hinen has more than 10,000 employees and 5 super-large production bases. Hinen is committed to the research and development and global sales of home energy storage systems, hybrid solar inverters, portable power supplies, and battery packs. The company has more than 400 professional R&D technicians and more than 150 patents, and is committed to providing high-quality renewable energy solutions for outdoor, home and off-grid living.



"the Belt and Road" Entrepreneurs Conference is the most important event to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the "the Belt and Road "initiative. It is also an important platform for all parties to discuss the high-quality development. The conference was co-sponsored by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council, and the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce. The theme was "High-quality joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative and joint efforts to achieve common development and prosperity." This year's "the Belt and Road" Entrepreneurs Conference has more than 1,100 participants, with high-level representatives, wide coverage of countries, and strong representation. The areas involved include infrastructure, clean energy, artificial intelligence, biomedicine, financial services, modern agriculture, rail transit, etc. This conference reached a project cooperation agreement of US$97.2 billion, exceeding the number of projects and contract amount at the previous Entrepreneurs Conference.

As a national high-tech enterprise, Hinen actively participated in this "the Belt and Road" Entrepreneur Conference and signed cooperation agreements with partners in professional fields. The company will further strengthen R&D and innovation in the fields of home energy storage systems, hybrid solar inverters, battery packs, providing solutions for environmentally friendly products, and high-quality renewable energy solutions for outdoor, home and off-grid living. Hinen will continue to leverage its advantages in technology and product innovation, working with partners to promote high-quality co-construction of the "Belt and Road" initiative, and making positive contributions to common development and prosperity. Contact

[email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/the-belt-and-road-entrepreneur-conference-achieved-fruitful-results-hinen-actively-participated-in-global-cooperation-301986785.html SOURCE Hinen

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[November 13, 2023] UnionPay's Innovative Payment Products Showcased at the CIIE for Convenient Cross-Border Payment Services Tweet

SHANGHAI, Nov. 13, 2023 /CNW/ -- On the site of the sixth China International Import Expo (CIIE) at the National Convention and Exhibition Center (Shanghai), the commercial card solution brought by UnionPay International (UPI) catches the eyes of several exhibitors from Central Asia. "This product helps businesses manage the travel expenses of their employees and is tailored for the payment demand of professionals in cross-border trade. We have received several client queries these days," explains a UPI staff member. UPI has stepped up efforts to enhance its capabilities to facilitate payments made by visitors to China. Outside China's mainland, over 200 million UnionPay cards have been issued and 180 UnionPay-standard wallets launched, providing exhibitors with more convenient payment options. A variety of signature products have also appeared at the CIIE such as commercial cards, integrated B2B solutions and the Shop the World platform, which meet the diverse payment needs in cross-border trade. Together with Bank of China (BOC), the official strategic partner of the event, UPI has rolled out a wealth of offers, cash rebates and exclusive privileges. Diversified Payment Options in China for International Exhibitors At the booth of Serbia, one of the guest countries of honor at the Country Exhibition, 24 businesses have made a collective appearance, a record number of Serbian exhibitors at the event as media reports suggest. In line with the deepening economic and trade cooperation between China and Serbia, the Balkan country's national payment system DinaCard issued UnionPay cards for the first time in 2022, drawing a large number of card applications from Serbian residents, and over 400,000 cards have been delivered in slightly more than a year. The card issuance project in Serbia is a snapshot of UPI's efforts to accelerate business localization and enhance the cross-border payment experience for people outside China's mainland, especially when they visit China. To that end, UPI has actively contributed to the improvement of the payment service system for visitors to China, which involves card payments for large-amount transactions, QR payments for small-ticket purchases and cash payments as a backup method. Currently, UnionPay cards have been issued in 78 countries and regions outside China's mainland, and over 170 million cards have been issued in the participating countries and regions of the Belt and Road Initiative. One out of every four new cards issued in the Asia-Pacific region carries the UnionPay brand. At the CIIE, UPI has signed a large-scale card issuance agreement with an Australian financial institution. These cards can be used on a cros-border basis and are accepted by 25 million merchants and on 880,000 ATMs in China's mainland. In Shanghai, for instance, the cards can transact on POS terminals at merchant locations frequented by international visitors such as commercial zones, cultural and tourism sites, airports, and railway stations. Key merchants cover transport hubs including the Hongqiao International Airport, Pudong International Airport, Hongqiao Railway Station, and Shanghai Railway Station.



With the changes of consumers' payment habits, UnionPay-powered wallets have increasingly become the preferred payment method for a growing number of international exhibitors to pay in China's mainland. In recent years, UPI has ramped up digital wallet collaboration with international card issuers and payment companies. This allows apps outside the Chinese mainland to make QR payments to global UnionPay QR merchants, including those in the mainland, by linking local UnionPay cards or issuing UnionPay virtual cards. More than a hundred of such wallets have been rolled out in 35 countries and regions outside China's mainland, including well-known applications such as Malaysia's GoPayz, K PLUS by Thailand's Kasikornbank and South Korea's NaverPay. Users of these wallets can make seamless QR payments in China's mainland without additional apps. Abundant Benefits and Offers for Spending in China

UPI signed a Memorandum of Co-operation to Support the Sixth China International Import Expo with the Shanghai Branch of BOC, the official strategic partner of the CIIE. The Chinese lender has issued millions of UnionPay cards outside China's mainland. Its banking apps in markets such as Hong Kong and Macao SARs, Japan, Southeast Asia, and Australia all support UnionPay QR payment. These products have become familiar cross-border payment tools for exhibitors coming to the mainland. During the CIIE, exhibitors can enjoy exclusive cash rebates when using UnionPay credit cards issued by BOC (Hong Kong), BOC Macau Branch and BOC Singapore Branch, and holders of the BOC Greater Bay Area Youth Card can enjoy an extra cash rebate up to 6%. UnionPay also provides multiple benefits and offers to international exhibitors. Visa centers in cities such as Sydney and Melbourne of Australia, Jakarta of Indonesia, Tokyo of Japan and Seoul of South Korea have launched fast-track visa services for UnionPay cardholders. Particularly, international cardholders using UnionPay cards or UnionPay standard wallets can enjoy CNY 30 off for spending of CNY 200 or more at New World City Plaza, Jiu Guang Department Store, Bicester Village Shanghai and other malls in well-known shopping districts. The Oriental Pearl Tower, Lianhua Supermarket, McDonald's and other merchants in the culture, tourism, grocery, and F&B sectors have also announced CNY 20 off for every purchase over CNY 50 exclusively for these cardholders. Innovative Products for Cross-Border Trade While enhancing the inbound payment experience of overseas exhibitors, UPI has also launched innovative payment products and solutions in line with its strengths in network, product and service to meet the diversified payment needs in cross-border trade. Such offering has attracted the attention of cross-border e-commerce retailers, import and export businesses and multinational corporations in and outside China's mainland. Since the opening of the CIIE, UPI's integrated B2B solution has invited many queries from exhibitors with its "end-to-end" features. Various product offerings such as cross-border e-commerce solutions, digital card issuing schemes for commercial card, and innovative payment solutions for overseas enterprises can meet the cross-border payment needs of businesses and facilitate the digital transformation of trade. Among them, UnionPay commercial products, including business card, corporate card and purchase card, have reached million-level issuance in over ten countries and regions such as Southeast Asia, Europe and Africa. The Shop the World platform developed by UPI empowers international merchants as they tap into the Chinese market. A Southeast-Asian seller expressed the interest to access the platform on the spot, "UnionPay's Shop the World is a good channel. The UnionPay card has a wide customer base in China, and through this platform, we can bring our products to more Chinese consumers." In addition, in order to reduce the operating costs of non-Chinese merchants, UPI offers storefront management services alongside diverse marketing tools to help merchants attract more customers. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/unionpays-innovative-payment-products-showcased-at-the-ciie-for-convenient-cross-border-payment-services-301986786.html SOURCE UnionPay International

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[November 13, 2023] Digital Edge secures its first-ever green loan to finance the development of South Korea's largest commercial colocation facility Tweet

KRW 440 billion (USD 335 million) of green financing to support the company's previously announced SEL2 data center SINGAPORE, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital Edge (Singapore) Holdings Pte. Ltd. ("Digital Edge") today announced it has successfully secured the platform's first-ever green loan to support the first phase of development of the company's previously announced 100MW data center project in Seoul (known as SEL2), which will be the largest commercial colocation facility in South Korea. This financing also represents the first green loan for a data center project in South Korea[1]. SEL2 will leverage Digital Edge's next generation architecture to achieve market-leading standards of energy efficiency, including realizing an annualized design PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness) of 1.27, significantly below the global industry average of 1.55[2]. The company will utilize state-of-the-art Bloom Energy fuel cell technology to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and generate electricity with more predictable energy costs and greater reliability to power the general lighting and energy for the data center's shell and core, and will implement a highly efficient engineering design to minimize water and energy usage. The energy efficiency objectives for SEL2 are aligned with Digital Edge's commitment to be a carbon neutral data center platform by 2030. Digital Edge's Chief Financial Officer, Jonathan Walbridge, commented, "We are delighted to have secured this financing to support the continued expansion of our business across Asia, as SEL2 marks Digital Edge's third data center facility in South Korea. Our first green loan is a key milestone in our growth journey and is evidence of how the economic performance of our platform goes hand in hand with our commitments to sustainability. We are excited to progress our Seoul project and bring world class digital infrastructure to this thriving market." "We share Jonathan and the Digital Edge management team's excitement about the green financing for SEL2, which is a testament to Digital Edge's ability to execute projects abiding by the highest environmental standards while also prioritizing the needs of its customers," said Andrew Thomas, Stonepeak Senior Managing Director. "We look forward to continuing to support the company as it further scales the platform and brings new colocation and interconnection services to the Asia Pacific region." To be a Digital Edge "green" project and financed by a green loan, the project must meet certain environmentally linked eligibility criteria. The green loan is structured referencing the latest Green Loan Principles published by the Loan Market Association, Asia Pacific Loan Market Association and the Loan Syndications & Trading Association. The financing consortium includes both international and domestic banks and the loan will be issued in two tranches, a fixed tranche and a floating tranche over a 5-year term. The joint Green Loan Co-ordinators for the financing were Credit Agricole CIB and ING Bank N.V. ("ING"). Carmen Tsang, Head of Sustainable Investment Banking for Greater China at Credit Agricole CIB, said, "We congratulate Digital Edge on the successful launch of its first-ever green loan, aligned with the Green Loan Principles, with proceeds dedicated to its energy efficient data center project in Seoul. This transaction sets a commendable benchmark for the sector, demonstrating Digital Edge's dedication in sustainable innovation, and highlights their contribution to developing greener digital infrastructures as the essential part of Asia's decarbonization journey." Martijn Hoogerwerf, Head of Sustainable Finance APAC, ING, said, "ING is honored to act as Green Loan Coordinator in Digital Edge's first sustainable financing. The data center financing will further enhance Digital Edge's rapid growth, and boast best-in-class energy efficiency, thereby reducing its carbon footprint. At ING, we want to create a positive impact in the net-zero transition and have set ourselves a target for sustainable finance volume mobilized. We are proud to partner with like-minded firms such as Digital Edge in our commitment to this ambition."







[1] According to BloombergNEF data (August, 2023)

[2] 2022 Uptime Institute Global Data Center Survey

About SEL2 Located in Bupyeong-gu, Incheon, this 100MW data center will be the largest commercial data center project in South Korea. SEL2 will provide a natural extension to Digital Edge's existing carrier dense location in SEL1 to bring a wealth of connectivity options to existing and future customers. Expected to be Ready-for-Service in Q3 2024, the first phase of this new facility will be based on Digital Edge's next generation architecture and designed to meet fast growing demand from local and international cloud providers, as well as other high power density applications. The company previously announced this project in April 2022 and has already secured an anchor tenant for the first phase of the facility. Expected total project costs for the entire campus will be KRW 1 trillion, or approximately USD 1 billion. About Digital Edge Headquartered in Singapore, Digital Edge is a trusted and forward-looking data center platform company, established to transform digital infrastructure in Asia. Through building and operating state-of-the-art, energy efficient data centers rich with connectivity options, Digital Edge aims to bring new colocation and interconnect options to the Asian market, making infrastructure deployment in the region easy, efficient and economical. Digital Edge was founded by a seasoned senior management team with decades of industry experience and an established track record of value creation in the data center, cloud and telecommunications industries in the Asia Pacific region. Backed by leading alternative investment firm Stonepeak, Digital Edge has in excess of US$1 billion in deployed and committed capital, establishing itself as a market leading pan-Asia data center platform. The company provides data center and fiber services across Asia, with a presence in China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, and the Philippines. You can read Digital Edge's 2023 ESG Report here. You can find more information about the company at www.digitaledgedc.com. About Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank ("Credit Agricole CIB") Credit Agricole CIB is the corporate and investment banking arm of Credit Agricole Group, the 10th largest banking group worldwide in terms of balance sheet size (The Banker, July 2023). More than 9,400 employees across Europe, the Americas, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa support the Bank's clients, meeting their financial needs throughout the world. Credit Agricole CIB offers its large corporate and institutional clients a range of products and services in capital markets activities, investment banking, structured finance, commercial banking and international trade. The Bank is a pioneer in the area of climate finance, and is currently a market leader in this segment with a complete offer for all its clients. About ING ING is a global financial institution with a strong European base, offering banking services through its operating company ING Bank. The purpose of ING Bank is empowering people to stay a step ahead in life and in business. ING Bank's more than 60,000 employees offer retail and wholesale banking services to customers in over 40 countries. ING Group shares are listed on the exchanges of Amsterdam (INGA NA, INGA.AS), Brussels and on the New York Stock Exchange (ADRs: ING US, ING.N). Sustainability is an integral part of ING's strategy, evidenced by ING's leading position in sector benchmarks. ING's Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) rating by MSCI was reconfirmed 'AA' in July 2023 for the fourth year. As of August 2022, Sustainalytics considers ING's management of ESG material risk to be 'strong', and in June 2022 ING received an ESG rating of 'strong' from S&P Global Ratings. ING Group shares are also included in major sustainability and ESG index products of leading providers Euronext, STOXX, Morningstar and FTSE Russell. Society is transitioning to a low-carbon economy. So are ING's clients, and so is ING. The bank finances a lot of sustainable activities, but still finances more that's not. See how ING is progressing on ing.com/climate. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/digital-edge-secures-its-first-ever-green-loan-to-finance-the-development-of-south-koreas-largest-commercial-colocation-facility-301985756.html SOURCE Digital Edge

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[November 14, 2023] Alliance For Good's Business and Philanthropy Forum 2023 Converges World's Wealthiest for Positive Change Tweet

SINGAPORE, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Business and Philanthropy Forum 2023, hosted by the Alliance For Good (AFG) in Singapore from November 9-10, successfully convened the world's most influential family business leaders and next-generation philanthropists to promote the fusion of wealth and philanthropy for a brighter future. AFG's "Asia Vision: Wealth and Purpose" initiative, unveiled at the forum, champions family businesses and family offices as forces for good. Over 500 business leaders pledged to engage nonprofit and social enterprise leaders in the upcoming year to drive meaningful change. Guest-of-Honour Mrs Josephine Teo, Minister for Communications and Information, Singapore, delivered a keynote speech on Artificial Intelligence for the Public Good, focusing on navigating the intersection of artificial intelligence, impact, and our future. Panel discussions explored cutting-edge topics, such as family business and family office as a force for good and building the Asian art ecosystem. The forum also encouraged private businesses to collaborate and make impactful contributions in the face of geopolitical challenges. AI Pioneer Kai-Fu Lee delivered a speech and participated in a panel discussion on navigating Artificial Intelligence for a Better Future. Kai-Fu stated, "AI will disrupt every business in unimaginable ways, and this will become the most amazing productivity enhancer. So, this era is really up to us."





Notable attendees included prominent philanthropic figures such as Benjamin Fok, Director of the Fok Ying Tung Foundation; Stefan Messer, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Messer Group; Tirelo Molotlegi, Her Majesty the Princess of the Royal Bafokeng Nation, Africa; Basma Alzamil, Al Zamil family of Saudi Arabia; Laurence Lien, Co-founder and Founding CEO of the Asia Philanthropy Circle; and Berry Liberman, Co-founder and Creative Director of Little Giants, and Liberman Family representative of Australia. Other notable figures from the field of AI included Dacheng Tao (Professor of Computer Science at the University of Sydney and Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science and the Academia Europaea), and Miao Chun Yan (Chair, School of Computer Science and Engineering, President's Chair in Computer Science, School of Computer Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University). Princess Tirelo Molotlegi delivered a speech titled "Royal Family Philanthropy and Impact Investment," adding a unique perspective to the forum's discussions. Building on the legacy of previous editions, AFG raised over SGD 650,000 for the Stroke Support Station, underscoring its dedication to creating a better world for all. AFG expressed gratitude to its partners and sponsors, including Founding Partner, Nanyang Technological University; Platinum Sponsors, Highlight, and Tinghua; Diamond Sponsors, Great Eastern and Great Eastern Financial Advisers; Silver Sponsors, Eton Solutions, Go Global Gem, and Adream Charitable Foundation Limited; Partners, Weixin Strategic Research Institute and ByteDance Foundation. Alliance For Good (AFG) continues its dedication to harnessing wealth with purpose, shaping a world where wealth seamlessly converges with purpose and welfare. The day before the forum, on November 8, the Next Generation Philanthropy Leaders Fellowship Program gathered over 25 top family business and family office next-gen leaders for a day of masterclasses and training by expert trainers. This pre-forum program set the stage for in-depth discussions during the subsequent forum. As Mr Benjamin Fok stated in his opening remarks, this journey towards purpose-driven prosperity "begins here in Singapore, a nation where noble dreams are made and fulfilled; this is a continuation of the Singapore miracle." AFG aims to organize various events leading up to 2024 Forum, scheduled for November 3-4, 2024 in Singapore. Stay engaged with AFG's efforts at https://bpforum.org/. About Alliance For Good Alliance For Good (AFG) is a distinguished philanthropy network founded in Singapore with a strong presence in Asia. Our core mission is to facilitate impactful change by servicing the region's families, family offices, foundations, firms, and financial institutions. AFG has established itself as a leader in the field, specialising in organising large-scale events in both Singapore and Mainland China. Our most prominent endeavour, the Business and Philanthropy Forum, has been a resounding success over the past six years. This flagship event attracts a diverse audience of global philanthropists, Ultra-High-Net-Worth Individuals (UHNWI), Family Offices, Venture Capitalists, Tech Founders and C-suite executives from across Asia and worldwide. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/alliance-for-goods-business-and-philanthropy-forum-2023-converges-worlds-wealthiest-for-positive-change-301986969.html SOURCE Alliance For Good (AFG)

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[November 14, 2023] oneZero prioritizes global growth with new executive role and unified business development Tweet

The leading global provider of brokerage technology has been making headlines in 2023 with its growing Institutional efforts. BOSTON, Nov. 14, 2023 /CNW/ -- oneZero, a global leader in multi-asset enterprise trading technology solutions, is maximizing growth and boosting client service with a unified global sales and customer success team. oneZero's institutional and retail teams will unite under Alex Neo, who has been promoted to Chief Commercial Officer, and Lynnette Yeo, who has been appointed Managing Director of Global Relationship Management. oneZero has been a leading innovator and a trusted provider of multi-asset, market neutral enterprise trading technology since 2009, growing to serve over 250 regionally distributed retail brokers, before expanding in 2019 to provide technology solutions to the institutional market, targeting institutional brokers, regional banks, prime of prime brokers and execution desks at proprietary trading firms. "We are excited that our institutional product is now being deployed and utilized by new client segments with evolving needs. To facilitate further growth, we have validated this space and our role in it, and can now focus oneZero's 170+ global staff as one unified team across multiple distinct client segments. Alex has shown tremendous skill at listening to clients and unlocking solutions that truly benefit them. I have great confidence that Alex will lead the team to a new era of growth, and Lynnette will ensure that customer service remains a key differentiator for us," said Andrew Ralich, CEO and Co-Founder of oneZero. Alex Neo, Chief Commercial Oficer, added: "oneZero's global talent pool is immense, including growing numbers of professionals with wide-ranging experience from brokerages, banks, exchanges and prime brokerages. This deep industry knowledge, combined with our outstanding technology and operations teams, means that we understand clients' needs and continuously deliver innovative solutions that will help them and their customers. With the amalgamation of our teams, we will be able to deploy our expertise in an extraordinary way."



Lynnette Yeo, Managing Director of Global Relationship Management, commented: "We serve a growing range of client segments and I am delighted that in my new role I will be able to ensure that our strong, global team is dedicated to the success of all of our clients. We truly act as partners to our clients, offering 24/7 client support through follow-the-sun operations." Alex Neo has been with oneZero for six years, most recently as EVP of Retail Products and Strategy. Prior to joining oneZero, Alex held roles at Rubix FX, Velocity Trade, Gleneagle Securities, Global Prime and Citi. Alex holds a Bachelor of Economics degree from the University of Sydney.

Lynnette Yeo has been Regional Relationship Manager at oneZero since 2018. Lynnette has worked with brokers throughout her career, and has deep knowledge of risk management, liquidity and settlement. Prior to joining oneZero, Lynnette held roles at Blackwell Global and GFI Group. Lynnette holds a Bachelor's degree in Business and Managerial Economics from RMIT University. Alex Neo and Lynnette Yeo will be present at the upcoming Finance Magnates London Summit on 20-22 November at Stand 52. oneZero CEO and Co-Founder Andrew Ralich will speak on the Leaders' Agenda panel. About oneZero oneZero has been a leading innovator in multi-asset class enterprise trading technology since 2009. Powerful software designed to provide intelligent performance combines oneZero's Hub, EcoSystem and Data Source in an award-winning solution for execution, distribution and actionable analytics. oneZero delivers robust and scalable connectivity, infrastructure and market access, to empower banks, brokers and investors to compete effectively in financial markets through globally compliant, liquidity-neutral solutions. oneZero is certified to the standards of ISO 27001 information security management systems, and provides 24/7 development and operations support in Asia, Australia, Europe and North America. In August 2023, oneZero made the Inc. 5000 list of America's fastest-growing private companies for the second consecutive year. For more information, please contact: Talia Geberovich

Head of Marketing and Communications

[email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/onezero-prioritizes-global-growth-with-new-executive-role-and-unified-business-development-301986136.html SOURCE oneZero Financial Systems

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[November 14, 2023] Comways Becomes Partner of Bright Pattern in Europe Tweet

Comways, a leading expert of contact center software solutions, has officially partnered with Bright Pattern to resell and implement Bright Pattern omnichannel software solutions across Europe. SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Nov. 14, 2023 /CNW/ -- Bright Pattern is happy to announce that it has become an official partner of Comways, an industry-leader in contact center solutions in Europe. Comways will act as an official distributor and reseller of Bright Pattern omnichannel software solutions to various countries across the European region. Comways was established in 2008 and has partnered with leading companies such as: Enghouse, Salesforce, and Vonage. It has continued to push new and emerging technologies and contact center integrations to large-scale enterprises.



Comways delivers professional, trustworthy, and advanced contact center software solutions to customers all across Europe. Comways focuses on strategy execution, delivery, training, and business process redesign. Now, Bright Pattern is an important part of Comways' portfolio of solutions, next to leading giants in the industry.

Bright Pattern will provide state-of-the-art tools and solutions as an industry-changing omnichannel software solutions provider, allowing customers to communicate on any channel, traditional or digital, while simultaneously giving agents the capability to keep context of the entire conversation. In addition, Bright Pattern has world-class OmniQM (Omni Quality Management) and Omni-Enterprise CX (Bright Pattern Mobile App). "We are thrilled to partner with a solutions specialist like Comways," said Luc Cavelier, Head of Business Development EMEA. "This enables us to synergistically improve and transform CX for companies in European regions." About Bright Pattern Bright Pattern provides a simple yet powerful omnichannel contact center software that is the fastest to deploy with the lowest total cost of ownership in the industry. Bright Pattern offers the most advanced omnichannel cloud platform across channels like voice, text, chat, email, video, messengers, AI and bots. Bright Pattern provides native omnichannel quality management allowing companies to measure every interaction on every channel. Bright Pattern also offers a mobile app allowing any employee in your company to communicate with your customers. With over 500 customers in 26 countries, Bright Pattern is the highest-rated omnichannel contact center solution based on analysts and customer reviews. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/comways-becomes-partner-of-bright-pattern-in-europe-301986468.html SOURCE Bright Pattern

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[November 14, 2023]

Delixi Electric Unveils the Green Strategy Guide

WUHU, China, Nov. 14, 2023 /CNW/ -- On November 8, Delixi Electric hosted the Green Ecological Development Conference in Wuhu, Anhui, unveiling the Green Sustainable Development Strategy Practice Guide. The conference brought together government officials, industry experts, influential journalists, and ecosystem partners from across the country through both online and offline platforms, highlighting Delixi Electric's commitment to achieving net zero. Notable participants included Xinhua Publishing House, Shanghai Electric Apparatus Research Institute, Kantar China, Harvard Business Review China, Emlyon Business School, Eurasian Brand Management Center, Carbon Neutrality Committee (CNC) of the China Energy Conservation Association (CECA), and the Shanghai Artificial Intelligence Research Institute (SAIRI). The conference focused on leveraging green sustainable development for a net-zero future.

Driving Forward Carbon Neutrality

Delixi Electric's strategy revolves around people, carbon neutrality, and cultivating a green ecosystem. The company seamlessly incorporates sustainable practices throughout its operations, encompassing eco-friendly design, manufacturing, and services. Dlixi Electric is fully committed to"Intelligent Manufacturing + Green Low Carbon" to establish zero-carbon factories. Delixi Electric leads the industry for achieving a green low-carbon transformation. Its facilities in Wuhu and Puyang have obtained (Type I) five-star zero-carbon certifications, demonstrating the company's strong commitment to sustainable practices.







By releasing the Guide, Delixi Electric aims to propagate the principles and implementation of green sustainability across the industry ecosystem. This endeavor is poised to foster sustainable development at the ecosystem, industry, societal, and national levels.

Strategic Collaboration for a Green Future

The roundtable discussion focused on "Green Sustainable Development: Empowering China's Dual Carbon Goals" and served as a high-level dialogue on ecological strategies and green practices.

"Delixi Electric is committed to understanding market needs and driving innovation. By providing continuous support to industry partners in technology, products, services, and the supply chain, Delixi Electric aims to foster a resilient ecosystem, pursue a carbon-neutral future, and ensure sustainable development and mutual success. "addressed by Mr. Lou Feng, CEO of Delixi Electric.

Delixi Electric has announced ambitious goals, including achieving operational carbon neutrality by 2025, readiness for zero-carbon by 2030, value chain neutrality by 2040, and achieving net-zero emissions throughout the entire value chain by 2050.

Moving forward, Delixi Electric will steadfastly uphold its green sustainable development strategy of "People First, Carbon Neutrality, and Building a Green Ecological Community." By doing so, the company aims to make a significant contribution to China's "Dual Carbon Goals."

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/delixi-electric-unveils-the-green-strategy-guide-301987187.html

SOURCE DELIXI ELECTRIC
[November 14, 2023] DHL Express opens newly expanded global hub in Hong Kong, firmly positions itself for global trade recovery Tweet

The total investment into the Central Asia Hub is EUR 562 million , making it the largest infrastructural investment by DHL Express in Asia Pacific , to date

, making it the largest infrastructural investment by DHL Express in , to date The Hub is one of three DHL Express global hubs connecting Asia Pacific with the rest of the world and also supports intra- Asia trade

with the rest of the world and also supports intra- trade Peak shipment handling capacity is increased by almost 70 percent. At its full capacity, the hub can handle six times more shipment volume than when it was first established in 2004 HONG KONG, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- DHL Express, the world's leading international express service provider, has launched its state-of-the-art, expanded Central Asia Hub (CAH) in Hong Kong, amid fast-growing global trade in recent years. To date, the total investment for CAH has reached EUR 562 million since its establishment in 2004. This emphasizes DHL's firm belief in the growth opportunities in Asia Pacific, and commitment to developing Hong Kong as an international aviation hub. Commitment to facilitate trade growth between Asia and the rest of the world "We believe that global trade matters, and it's here to stay. We have invested more than EUR1.8 billion into our three global hubs, demonstrating our commitment to support our customers' growth as they expand globally," said John Pearson, CEO, DHL Express. "CAH is important to our customers in Asia and globally, as it handles close to 20% of DHL Express global shipment volume. While global trade is normalizing following a pandemic boom, our investments today will improve our global and regional network, putting us in an excellent place when global trade recovers." "Asia is home to some of the fastest growing markets in the world. Since it was established in 2004, we have seen a continued increase in air cargo demand driven by trade between Asia and other regions, and cross-border e-commerce. Even as global trade normalizes after the pandemic, we have seen over 30 percent growth in throughput between Asia and other continents in the first three quarters of 2023 when compared with the same period in 2019, far exceeding the pre-Covid level," said Ken Lee, CEO for Asia Pacific, DHL Express. "Additionally, the strategic location of the Hub in Hong Kong opens doors to many opportunities for our customers in this region. We are confident that the expanded CAH will foster interconnectivity and underpin Asia's status as a powerhouse of global growth." Located strategically in the heart of Asia, the CAH serves as a unique gateway to one of the fastest-growing regions in the world. DHL Express initiated the expansion of this facility to complement the launch of the Hong Kong International Airport's three-runway system, set to be completed by 2024. The expanded CAH will further underscore Hong Kong's role as an aviation center as it facilitates global trade flow and commerce. CAH is strategically located within a four-hour flight time to major cities in Asia Pacific and the Pan-Pearl River Delta region, making its location in the city significant. DHL Express's Asia Pacific air network operates on a multi-hub strategy, supported by four hubs  CAH in Hong Kong, North Asia Hub in Shanghai, South Asia Hub in Singapore and Bangkok Hub, linking to approximately 900 DHL Express facilities in the region. The newly expanded world-class express cargo facility handles over 200 dedicated flights per week. Moreover, it is complemented by a well-established Asia air network, which supports about 690 daily flights. KK Chan, the Chief Secretary for Administration of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, said, "We have rolled out the Action Plan on Modern Logistics Development following the policy address delivered by our Chief Executive weeks ago, specifically leading the air cargo sector towards smart, green, sustainable, and high value-added development. As an important partner for attaining these goals, the expansion of DHL's Central Asia Hub supports our airport's transformation from a city airport into an 'Airport City', to tap into the airport's increased cargo handling capability. We are also strengthening our role as an air cargo trans-shipment hub for the Guangdong-Hong KongMacao Greater Bay Area, one of the world's largest manufacturing clusters and home to over 86 million potential customers."



Fred Lam, Chief Executive Officer at Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK), said, "With a long-term vision to develop Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) as the e-commerce fulfillment centre of Asia, AAHK has been working closely with DHL to expand its Central Asia Hub  first in 2008, followed by a second expansion in 2017. Today, we are celebrating the completion of the expansion  with enhanced capabilities in handling express and small parcel shipments  that will allow both DHL and HKIA to capitalise on the immense opportunities available in cross-boundary e-commerce." Integration of technology to enhance productivity and accuracy

With direct access to airside and landside, CAH is currently the only dedicated and purpose-built air express cargo facility in the Hong Kong International Airport. With a 50 percent increase in total warehouse space to 49,500 sqm and an automated material handling system, the Hub's peak handling capacity has increased by almost 70 percent to 125,000 shipments per hour. In addition, the annual total tonnage management is expected to increase by 50 percent to 1.06 million tons per annum when operating at full capacity. This is six times the shipment volume of when the Hub was first established in 2004. With a commitment to operational efficiency and accuracy, the Hub is also the first facility in Hong Kong's express cargo industry to deploy computerized tomography (CT) X-ray scan technology. These X-ray scanners double the inspection speed, enabling the Hub to detect suspicious goods promptly and accurately. Sustainability at the core Building climate-neutral buildings is a goal for DHL as part of its Strategy 2025 sustainability roadmap. Committed to operational excellence and sustainability, DHL leverages advanced technologies and best practices to ensure efficient and eco-friendly movement of goods. CAH has installed 3,450 solar panels on the roof, with total Photovoltaic (PV) generation estimated at 1.68 GWh, equivalent to reducing 850 tons of carbon emissions per annum. CAH is the first facility in DHL's Asia Pacific region to deploy battery storage, and Hong Kong International Airport's first business partner to implement battery storage on-site. This system stores excess solar power and releases it as needed, maximizing renewable energy utilization, saving 125,000 kWh of electricity annually and reducing 49 tons of carbon emissions. Other environmentally friendly features such as electric forklifts, LED lights and high-efficiency air-cooled chillers have been used, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. On the Internet: https://www.dhl.com/hk-en/home/press.html

Follow us at: facebook.com/DHLExpressHongKong / instagram.com/dhlhk/ linkedin.com/company/dhl-express-hong-kong/ DHL  Excellence. Simply delivered. DHL is the leading global brand in the logistics industry. Our DHL divisions offer an unrivalled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management. With about 395,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global sustainable trade flows. With specialized solutions for growth markets and industries including technology, life sciences and healthcare, engineering, manufacturing & energy, auto-mobility and retail, DHL is decisively positioned as "The logistics company for the world". DHL is part of DHL Group. The Group generated revenues of more than 94 billion euros in 2022. With sustainable business practices and a commitment to society and the environment, the Group makes a positive contribution to the world. DHL Group aims to achieve net-zero emissions logistics by 2050. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/dhl-express-opens-newly-expanded-global-hub-in-hong-kong-firmly-positions-itself-for-global-trade-recovery-301987194.html SOURCE DHL Express Hong Kong

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QINGDAO, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy has been continuously exploring and optimizing the scope of recruitment, selection methods, and training programs for carrier-based aircraft pilot trainees, gradually forming a distinctive selection and recruitment model.

This was revealed at the PLA Navy's aviation recruitment conference held in Qingdao, Shandong Province, in east China on Tuesday.

In recent years, the scope of recruitment for carrier-based aircraft pilot trainees in the PLA Navy has been expanding, Xinhua learnt from the conference.

Geographically, recruitment now covers 31 provincial-level regions, with the establishment of 14 naval youth aviation schools nationwide.

In terms of trainee sources, recruitment now includes mainstream high school graduates, graduates of youth aviation schools, recent graduates of military and civilian universities, and college-students-turned-soldiers.

In the 2024 recruitment and selection process, the selection scope of carrier-based aircraft pilot trainees will for the first time include recent graduates with master's degrees.

In terms of gender composition, the recruitment and selection process in 2023 included female carrier-based aircraft pilot trainees for the first time, creating the potential to produce China's first female carrier-based aircraft pilot.

Recruited trainees mainly undergo training at the Naval Aviation University. 
[November 14, 2023] ASTRI and Housing Bureau Sign MOU on Construction and Property Management Technologies Tweet

HONG KONG, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) and the Housing Bureau (HB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today (November 14) to establish a strategic partnership, aiming at exploring innovative technology solutions for enhancing construction efficiency and safety, as well as optimising property management processes. Witnessed by the Secretary for Housing, Ms Winnie Ho; the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong; the Under Secretary for Housing, Mr Victor Tai; and the Board Chairman of the ASTRI, Ir Sunny Lee, the Permanent Secretary for Housing/ Director of Housing, Miss Rosanna Law, signed the MOU with the Chief Executive Officer of the ASTRI, Dr Denis Yip. The MOU signifies the collaboration between ASTRI and the HB to join hands to develop solutions and optimisations for construction and property management through innovative technologies. Ms Winnie Ho, Secretary for Housing, said, "The HB has been actively adopting advanced technologies and innovative thinking to enhance construction safety and efficiency and to optimise property management. With ASTRI's rich experience in research and development and application, through joint technical studies with the HB as well as conjoint efforts from various sectors, I believe that the quality and efficiency in areas such as construction, estate management, customer services will be significantly enhanced." Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, said, "The Innovation and Technology Bureau welcomes that the HB actively utilises and integrates innovation and technology (I&T) solutions into aspects of construction and property management, aiming to make Hong Kong a more liveable city. Leveraging ASTRI's rich experience in the transfer of research and development (R&D) deliverables in Hong Kong and the Mainland, combined with the diversified application scenarios provided by the HB, will help facilitate cross-sectoral collaboration to accelerate the transfer of R&D, and bring about new opportunities and perspectives for the I&T development of Hong Kong's housing." Ir Sunny Lee, Chairman of ASTRI, said, "The partnership between ASTRI and the HB marks a new chapter in the development of construction and property management in Hong Kong. It also promotes the adoption of cutting-edge technologies such as 5G communication, Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and optical sensing, resulting in improved construction efficiency and quality, worker and site safety, and energy and resource conservation. These new technologies also help reducing environmental impact and injecting new impetus into the synergistic development of smart cities in Hong Kong and the Mainland." Dr Denis Yip, CEO of ASTRI, said, "We are deighted to collaborate with the HB in leveraging innovative technologies and mindsets to create a more liveable environment for citizens and optimise property management services. The adoption of construction and property management technologies can simplify complex tasks, reduce manpower, and ensure completion of tasks in a more precise and secure way. Addressing future housing needs, I believe this collaboration holds immense potential. With the application scenarios provided by the HB, we are able to promote our technologies to the Mainland and global markets."



The 2023 Policy Address set out the vision of a liveable, innovative and green Hong Kong. Next year, the Housing Authority will launch a pilot scheme in selected Smart Estates for the adoption of innovative technologies, improving daily estate management and smart estate implementation. The signing of the MOU between ASTRI and the Housing Department will promote the development of such innovative technologies. The first batch of technologies under study includes: Smart Optical Sensing for High Precision Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) Positioning  Through Smart Optical Sensing, positioning tracking, edge AI and other technologies, and using the data provided by dynamic visual sensors for real-time data analysis to calculate the precise location of the MiC modules for installation. This technology can perform under extreme environments, minimises human physically demanding tasks and enhances site safety.







 Through Smart Optical Sensing, positioning tracking, edge AI and other technologies, and using the data provided by dynamic visual sensors for real-time data analysis to calculate the precise location of the MiC modules for installation. This technology can perform under extreme environments, minimises human physically demanding tasks and enhances site safety. Enhanced 5G Coverage for Remote Crane Control  Deploying a low-latency and reliable 5G private network solution with advanced Internet of Things (IoT) technology on-site, supporting massive number of device connections and enabling remote control of cranes. The implementation of real-time safety and progress monitoring will help lower safety risks of workers and improve the accuracy of crane tasks.





 Deploying a low-latency and reliable 5G private network solution with advanced Internet of Things (IoT) technology on-site, supporting massive number of device connections and enabling remote control of cranes. The implementation of real-time safety and progress monitoring will help lower safety risks of workers and improve the accuracy of crane tasks. Universal AI Predictive Maintenance System for Lifts  Leveraging IoT data to analyse and develop an AI system capable of predicting lift breakdown patterns, this AI Predictive Maintenance System is compatible with lifts from various manufacturers. The lift downtime is reduced by enabling more efficient on-site maintenance checks through remote, real-time monitoring and accurate breakdown prediction, enhancing the quality of property management services. About ASTRI

Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) was founded by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in 2000 with the mission of enhancing Hong Kong's competitiveness through applied research. ASTRI's core R&D competence in various areas is grouped under four Technology Divisions: Trust and AI Technologies; Communications Technologies; IoT Sensing and AI Technologies and Integrated Circuits and Systems. It is applied across six core areas which are Smart City, Financial Technologies, New-Industrialisation and Intelligent Manufacturing, Digital Health, Application Specific Integrated Circuits and Metaverse. Over the years, ASTRI has nurtured a pool of research, I&T talents and received numerous international awards for its pioneering innovations as well as outstanding business and community contributions. As of 2022/23, ASTRI has transferred more than 1,400 technologies to the industry and has been granted over 1,050 patents in the Mainland, the US, and other countries. For further information, please visit www.astri.org Media Enquiries:

Connie Lau Tel: 3406 2506/ 9497 5390 Email: [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/astri-and-housing-bureau-sign-mou-on-construction-and-property-management-technologies-301987198.html SOURCE Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI)

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[November 14, 2023] Chubb Launches New Media Product for U.K. Tweet

Bespoke cover for media liability, cyber, property, terrorism, casualty and legal expenses

Targeted at multinational, mid-market media companies and consultants LONDON, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Chubb today announced the launch of a new media insurance product for clients in the United Kingdom. Alongside the launch, Chubb has also rebranded its existing U.K. Technology Industry Practice as the Technology and Media Practice to reflect its new focus. The media offering includes bespoke coverages comprising media liability, cyber, property, terrorism, casualty and legal expenses. All covers are optional and can be tailored to suit each client. It also features several value-added services, including a free legal advice helpline staffed by senior media lawyers. The product is targeted at middle market and multinational media companies and consultants operating in advertising, graphic design, public relations, brand development and publishing, including newspapers, magazines, radio and television. The expanded team will see media sit alongside Chubb's growing book of technology business which covers a broad range of risks and is targeted at companies involved with software development, internet and communication services, emerging technology and technology manufacturing. In line with Chubb's other U.K. idustry practices  Life Science, Real Estate and Climate Tech - the Technology and Media offering is backed by an enhanced proposition that includes specialist underwriters with deep industry knowledge, risk engineering and claims specialists, all underpinned by Chubb's global presence and local knowledge  and all in one client-focused proposition.



The Technology and Media Practice will be overseen by Louise Joyce, Head of Industry Practices for EMEA, with Alex Smith, Technology and Media Industry Practice Leader heading a bespoke underwriting team. Louise Joyce said:

"The launch of our new media product and the rebranding of our Technology and Media Practice demonstrates our commitment to this fast-growing sector. Chubb has a successful track-record of working with customers within the media industry and has developed a comprehensive understanding of their needs. As this industry continues to grow and becomes increasingly specialised we want to better enable businesses operating in this sector to withstand some of the many and varied challenges they may face." About Chubb

Chubb is the world's largest publicly traded property and casualty insurance company. With operations in 54 countries and territories, Chubb provides commercial and personal property and casualty insurance, personal accident and supplemental health insurance, reinsurance and life insurance to a diverse group of clients. As an underwriting company, we assess, assume and manage risk with insight and discipline. We service and pay our claims fairly and promptly. The company is also defined by its extensive product and service offerings, broad distribution capabilities, exceptional financial strength and local operations globally. Parent company Chubb Limited is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: CB) and is a component of the S&P 500 index. Chubb maintains executive offices in Zurich, New York, London, Paris and other locations, and employs approximately 40,000 people worldwide. Additional information can be found at: www.chubb.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/324916/4403205/Chubb_Logo_v2.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/chubb-launches-new-media-product-for-uk-301987436.html

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[November 14, 2023] "Stay in the Hunt!" Urges Ty Warner, Announcing Beanie Hunt Contest in Celebration of 30th Anniversary Tweet

Every week until New Year's Eve 2023, Ty Inc. will award $1,000 to the creator of the best TikTok video depicting their hunt for classic Beanie Babies. OAK BROOK, Ill., Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Ty Warner, owner of the largest manufacturer of soft toys in the world, today announced the 30th Anniversary Beanie Hunt Contest, in which his company Ty Inc. will give away $1,000 every week until New Year's Eve for the best TikTok video showing the creator's hunt for a limited-edition 30th anniversary Beanie Baby. "It's been three decades since I first introduced the world to Beanie Babies. I'm delighted to have brought them back and to see the fantastic reaction so far," Warner said. "As someone who's always been in the business of dreams, I wanted to encourage people's creativity. Spurring them to make TikToks of their quest for Beanie Babies seemed a fun way to do that." Warner's company, Ty Inc., retired Beanie Babies for a period of time. But in celebration of the 30th anniversary, the company is bringing back a different set of limited-edition 30th Anniversary Beanie Babies every few weeks. They will be periodically announced and shipped to select retail stores nationwide. But which ones? Where? And when? That's where the hunt comes in. A dedicated web page on the Ty Inc. site will always show the current Beanies to find, as will the company's social media channels. (Go there to see other cool, Hunt-related content, too!) Capture a video of you (and maybe your Beanie-fan frinds, too) on a quest to find these special classic Beanie Babies. Post it to TikTok, then enter the contest on the web page linked above. The most creative entries each week will win $1,000.



"Beanie Babies have always been about imagination, creativity and play. I encourage Beanie fans out there to get in the hunt and stay there, recording their experiences and submitting a prize-winning video," Warner said. To learn more about Ty's products, please visit: https://shop.ty.com/

About Ty Warner Ty Warner is an American toy manufacturer and owner of luxury hotels worldwide. He is Chairman, CEO, and founder of Ty Inc, the largest manufacturer of soft toys in the world. A philanthropist, Warner has donated more than $300 million to a variety of charities. Most recently, Warner released Max the dog Beanie Baby , with 100% of profits being donated to NEXT for Autism to raise awareness of autism support. In April 2020, the United Way Worldwide COVID-19 Fund received 100% of the profits from the sale of Hope, a limited-edition praying bear . In addition, Warner was the first to organize and prepare his Four Seasons Hotel New York as a safe haven for first responders during the pandemic. He made it possible for doctors and nurses working the frontlines to reside at the Four Seasons Hotel New York free of charge. This prevented unnecessary COVID exposure to their families and loved ones, reduced extensive travel to and from the city and allowed first responders the much-needed rest from their exhausting schedules. Other charities that have benefitted from Warner's philanthropy efforts include Children's Hunger Fund, World Vision, Toy Bank, International Toy Bank, Today Show, Children's Miracle Network, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Toys for Tots, Princess of Wales Foundation, Andre Agassi Foundation, American Red Cross, Save the Children, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, NY Police and Fire Widow's Fund, Ronald McDonald House, USO, Mayo Clinic and UNICEF. For more information about Ty Warner's company, Ty Inc., visit https://shop.ty.com/ . View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/stay-in-the-hunt-urges-ty-warner-announcing-beanie-hunt-contest-in-celebration-of-30th-anniversary-301986973.html SOURCE Ty Inc.

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[November 14, 2023] PostNet names Lony Thomas as new regional director Tweet

New addition to leadership team brings over 30 years of business development experience to the brand DENVER, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- PostNet , a global leader in high-quality printing and shipping solutions, recently announced Lony Thomas as the company's new regional director. Thomas brings over 30 years of business development experience to the brand as PostNet continues its dedication to strategically growing the company in the United States and internationally. "The goal of the regional director is to ensure our brand and relationships with our stakeholders enable us to grow," said Bill McPherson, vice president of franchise development. "Lony (Thomas) has years of experience providing companies with the necessary tools to nurture those relationships while helping them grow. Bringing him on board displays PostNet's dedication to excellence and will allow us to continue being a leader in the franchise industry." Prior to joining PostNet, Thomas served in various roles throughout his career. For 22 years, he served as a business consultant of operations for 7-Eleven throughout Colorado. For 10 years, he was the franchise sales manager for development for the franchise covering territories in Colorado and the surrounding states. He began serving as the franchise's market manager in 2017. "PostNet is a franchise that exemplifies what it means to be a successful company," Thomas said. "I am excited to join the team and use my experience in the industry to help the franchise build on the success they have achieved over the years." To learn more about PostNet franchise opportunities, please visit https://postnetfranchise.com/. About PostNet

PostNet opened its doors in 1993. With nearly 700 locations in North America, Central America, South America and Africa, PostNet is a global leader in printing and shipping solutions. In 2017, PostNet joined the MBE Worldwide family. Combined, MBE has nearly 2,600 locations in 44 countries. For more information about PostNet services, visit www.postnet.com. To learn about franchise opportunities, visit www.postnetfranchise.com.



About MBE Worldwide

MBE Worldwide S.p.A., a privately-owned company headquartered in Italy, is a Global Commerce enabler for SMBs and consumers thanks to its platform providing e-commerce, fulfillment, shipping, marketing and print solutions via multi-brand operations: PrestaShop, Mail Boxes Etc. (except in the US and Canada), PostNet, PACK & SEND, Spedingo.com, AlphaGraphics, Multicopy, Print Speak, GEL Proximity and World Options. In 2022, the combination of its physical platform - that currently counts 3,150+ Business Solution Centers in 52 countries with more than 13,000 associates - with its PrestaShop e-commerce platform served over 1 million business customers worldwide generating 1.3 billion (US$1.4 billion) of System-wide Gross Revenue and 22 billion (US$23 billion) of Gross Merchandise Value. For additional information please visit MBE Worldwide Group websites at: www.mbecorporate.com - www.prestashop.com/en - www.mbeglobal.com - www.postnet.com - www.packsend.com.au  www.packsend.co.uk - www.spedingo.com/en - www.alphagraphics.com - www.multicopy.nl - www.printspeak.com - www.mbe.it - www.mbe.es - www.mbe.de - www.mbefrance.fr - www.mbe.pl - www.mbe.pt - www.mbe.co.uk - www.gelproximity.com/en - www.worldoptions.com

MEDIA CONTACT:

Heather Ripley

Ripley PR

865-977-1973

[email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/postnet-names-lony-thomas-as-new-regional-director-301986981.html SOURCE PostNet

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[November 14, 2023] 'Suppliers' Strike' Squeeze on Supply Sends House Prices to Another Record, According to First American Data & Analytics Monthly Home Price Index Report Tweet

First American Data & Analytics, a leading national provider of property-centric information, risk management and valuation solutions and a division of First American Financial Corporation (NYSE: FAF), today released its October 2023 Home Price Index (HPI) report. The report tracks home price changes less than four weeks behind real time at the national, state and metropolitan (Core-Based Statistical Area) levels and includes metropolitan price tiers that segment sale transactions into starter, mid and luxury tiers. The full report can be found here. October 2023 House Price Index Highlights The First American Data & Analytics' non-seasonally-adjusted (NSA) HPI showed that nationally in October1 2023: Between September 2023 and October 2023 house prices increased 0.4 percent.

House prices increased 7.0 percent between October 2022 and October 2023.

House prices reached a new peak for the seventh month in a row in October 2023.

House price growth reported in last month's HPI for August 2023 to September 2023 was revised down 0.2 percent, from 0.7 percent to 0.5 percent. "While the surge in long-term bond yields drove mortgage rates to 8 percent, sellers continued their 'suppliers' strike' and continued to hold back housing supply. Preliminary October sale prices continue to indicate that the lack of supply is constraining the market more than sinking affordability, which reached another record low last month," said Mark Fleming, chief economist at First American. "Nationally, when you can't buy what's not for sale, even if you can afford it with an 8 percent mortgage, it's no surprise that house price appreciation continued for a seventh straight month." October 2023 House Price State2 Highlights The five most populous states experienced the following year-over-year growth in the HPI: Pennsylvania (+8.1 percent), Florida (+4.4 percent), California (+4.0 percent), Texas (+3.8 percent), and New York (+2.9 percent).

in the HPI: Pennsylvania (+8.1 percent), Florida (+4.4 percent), California (+4.0 percent), Texas (+3.8 percent), and New York (+2.9 percent). There was one state with a year-over-year decrease in the HPI: South Dakota (-5.1 percent).

in the HPI: South Dakota (-5.1 percent). Full 50-state HPI data is available here. October 2023 House Price Local Market Highlights Among the 30 Core-Based Statistical Areas (CBSAs) tracked by First American Data & Analytics, the five markets with the greatest year-over-year increas in the HPI are: Miami (+17.2 percent), Nassau County, N.Y. (+10.7 percent), Anaheim, Calif. (+10.6 percent), Warren, Mich. (+9.8 percent), and San Diego (+9.6 percent).

year-over-year in the HPI are: Miami (+17.2 percent), Nassau County, N.Y. (+10.7 percent), Anaheim, Calif. (+10.6 percent), Warren, Mich. (+9.8 percent), and San Diego (+9.6 percent). Among the 30 Core-Based Statistical Areas (CBSAs) tracked by First American Data & Analytics, there were two markets with a year-over-year decrease in the HPI: Austin, Texas (-3.9 percent) and San Antonio (-2.0 percent).

in the HPI: Austin, Texas (-3.9 percent) and San Antonio (-2.0 percent). Data for the largest 30 CBSAs by population is available here.



October 2023 Local Market Price Tier Highlights The First American Data & Analytics HPI segments home price changes at the metropolitan level into three price tiers based on local market sales data: starter tier, which represents home sales prices at the bottom third of the market price distribution; mid-tier, which represents home sales prices in the middle third of the market price distribution; and the luxury tier, which represents home sales prices in the top third of the market price distribution.

"While resilient first-time home buyer demand and ongoing supply shortages kept price growth in the starter tier of the market strong, the luxury end of the market surprised with unexpected surges in price appreciation," said Fleming. "Luxury-tier buyers typically already own homes and are trading up, despite taking on a mortgage rate on the home they purchase that is well above the rate on the home they sell. The robust luxury trade-up demand indicated by strong appreciation in markets like Anaheim, San Diego, Charlotte and Atlanta is a reminder that the lifestyle and non-financial reasons why people buy homes often supersedes the non-financial reasons why people buy homes." Visit the First American Economic Center for more research on housing market dynamics. Next Release The next release of the First American Data & Analytics House Price Index will take place the week of December 11, 2023. First American Data & Analytics HPI Methodology The First American Data & Analytics HPI report measures single-family home prices, including distressed sales, with indices updated monthly beginning in 1980 through the month of the current report. HPI data is provided at the national, state and CBSA levels and includes preliminary index estimates for the month prior to the report (i.e. the preliminary result of July transactions is reported in August). The most recent index results are subject to revision as data from more transactions become available. The HPI uses a repeat-sales methodology, which measures prices changes for the same property over time using more than 46 million paired transactions to generate the indices. In non-disclosure states, the HPI utilizes a combination of public sales records, MLS sold and active listings, and appraisal data to estimate house prices. This comprehensive approach is particularly effective in areas where there is limited availability of accurate sale prices, such as non-disclosure states. Property type, price and location data are used to create more refined market segment indices. Real Estate-Owned transactions are not included. Disclaimer Opinions, estimates, forecasts and other views contained in this page are those of First American's Chief Economist, do not necessarily represent the views of First American or its management, should not be construed as indicating First American's business prospects or expected results, and are subject to change without notice. Although the First American Economics team attempts to provide reliable, useful information, it does not guarantee that the information is accurate, current or suitable for any particular purpose.  2023 by First American. Information from this page may be used with proper attribution. About First American Data & Analytics First American Data & Analytics, a division of First American Financial Corporation, is a national provider of property-centric information, risk management and valuation solutions. First American maintains and curates the industry's largest property and ownership dataset that includes more than 8 billion document images. Its major platforms and products include: DataTree, FraudGuard, RegsData, First American TaxSource and ACI. Find out more about how First American Data & Analytics powers the real estate, mortgage and title settlement services industries with advanced decisioning solutions at www.FirstAmDNA.com. About First American First American Financial Corporation (NYSE: FAF) is a premier provider of title, settlement and risk solutions for real estate transactions. With its combination of financial strength and stability built over more than 130 years, innovative proprietary technologies, and unmatched data assets, the company is leading the digital transformation of its industry. First American also provides data products to the title industry and other third parties; valuation products and services; mortgage subservicing; home warranty products; banking, trust and wealth management services; and other related products and services. With total revenue of $7.6 billion in 2022, the company offers its products and services directly and through its agents throughout the United States and abroad. In 2023, First American was named one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For by Great Place to Work and Fortune Magazine for the eighth consecutive year and was named one of the 100 Best Workplaces for Innovators by Fast Company. More information about the company can be found at www.firstam.com. ____________________

1 The most recent index results are subject to revision as data from more transactions become available.

2 The HPI for non-disclosure states and markets that fall within non-disclosures states are not included in this month's HPI report. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231114061005/en/

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[November 14, 2023] Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale Home Prices Up 6.2% Year Over Year, According to First American Data & Analytics Monthly Home Price Index Report Tweet

First American Data & Analytics, a leading national provider of property-centric information, risk management and valuation solutions and a division of First American Financial Corporation (NYSE: FAF), today released its October 2023 Home Price Index (HPI) report. The report tracks home price changes less than four weeks behind real time at the national, state and metropolitan Core-Based Statistical Area (CBSA) levels and includes metropolitan price tiers that segment sale transactions into starter, mid and luxury tiers. The full report can be found here. Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale HPI In the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale CBSA, home prices increased by 6.2 percent in October compared with a year ago and increased by 0.3 percent compared with September 2023. See below for price-tier data. October 2023 National HPI Highlights The First American Data & Analytics' non-seasonally-adjusted (NSA) HPI showed that nationally in October1 2023: Between September 2023 and October 2023 house prices increased 0.4 percent.

House prices increased 7.0 percent between October 2022 and October 2023.

House prices reached a new peak for the seventh month in a row in October 2023.

House price growth reported in last month's HPI for August 2023 to September 2023 was revised down 0.2 percent, from 0.7 percent to 0.5 percent. "While the surge in long-term bond yields drove mortgage rates to 8 percent, sellers continued their 'supplier's strike' and continued to hold back housing supply. Preliminary October sale prices continue to indicate that the lack of supply is constraining the market more than sinking affordability, which reached another record low last month," said Mark Fleming, chief economist at First American. "Nationally, when you can't buy what's not for sale, even if you can afford it with an 8 percent mortgage, it's no surprise that house price appreciation continued for a seventh straight month." Year-Over-Year Price-Tier Data for the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale Metro Area: October 2022 to October 2023 The First American Data & Analytics HPI segments home price changes at the metropolitan level into three price tiers based on local market sales data: starter tier, which represents home sales prices at the bottom third of the market price distribution; mid-tier, which represents home sales prices in the middle third of the market price distribution; and the luxury tier, which represents home sales prices in the top third of the market price distribution.







CBSA Starter Mid-Tier Luxury Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale 6.2% 7.2% 4.7%

"While resilient first-time home buyer demand and ongoing supply shortages kept price growth in the starter tier of the market strong, the luxury end of the market surprised with unexpected surges in price appreciation," said Fleming. "Luxury-tier buyers typically already own homes and are trading up, despite taking on a mortgage rate on the home they purchase that is well above the rate on the home they sell. The robust luxury trade-up demand indicated by strong appreciation in markets like Anaheim, San Diego, Charlotte and Atlanta is a reminder that the lifestyle and non-financial reasons why people buy homes often supersedes the non-financial reasons why people buy homes." October 2023 House Price State2 Highlights The five most populous states experienced the following year-over-year growth in the HPI: Pennsylvania (+8.1 percent), Florida (+4.4 percent), California (+4.0 percent), Texas (+3.8 percent), and New York (+2.9 percent).

in the HPI: Pennsylvania (+8.1 percent), Florida (+4.4 percent), California (+4.0 percent), Texas (+3.8 percent), and New York (+2.9 percent). There was one state with a year-over-year decrease in the HPI: South Dakota (-5.1 percent).

in the HPI: South Dakota (-5.1 percent). Full 50-state HPI data is available here. Visit the First American Economic Center for more research on housing market dynamics. Next Release The next release of the First American Data & Analytics House Price Index will take place the week of December 11, 2023. First American Data & Analytics HPI Methodology The First American Data & Analytics HPI report measures single-family home prices, including distressed sales, with indices updated monthly beginning in 1980 through the month of the current report. HPI data is provided at the national, state and CBSA levels and includes preliminary index estimates for the month prior to the report (i.e. the preliminary result of July transactions is reported in August). The most recent index results are subject to revision as data from more transactions become available. The HPI uses a repeat-sales methodology, which measures prices changes for the same property over time using more than 46 million paired transactions to generate the indices. In non-disclosure states, the HPI utilizes a combination of public sales records, MLS sold and active listings, and appraisal data to estimate house prices. This comprehensive approach is particularly effective in areas where there is limited availability of accurate sale prices, such as non-disclosure states. Property type, price and location data are used to create more refined market segment indices. Real Estate-Owned transactions are not included. Disclaimer Opinions, estimates, forecasts and other views contained in this page are those of First American's Chief Economist, do not necessarily represent the views of First American or its management, should not be construed as indicating First American's business prospects or expected results, and are subject to change without notice. Although the First American Economics team attempts to provide reliable, useful information, it does not guarantee that the information is accurate, current or suitable for any particular purpose.  2023 by First American. Information from this page may be used with proper attribution. About First American Data & Analytics First American Data & Analytics, a division of First American Financial Corporation, is a national provider of property-centric information, risk management and valuation solutions. First American maintains and curates the industry's largest property and ownership dataset that includes more than 8 billion document images. Its major platforms and products include: DataTree, FraudGuard, RegsData, First American TaxSource and ACI. Find out more about how First American Data & Analytics powers the real estate, mortgage and title settlement services industries with advanced decisioning solutions at www.FirstAmDNA.com. About First American First American Financial Corporation (NYSE: FAF) is a premier provider of title, settlement and risk solutions for real estate transactions. With its combination of financial strength and stability built over more than 130 years, innovative proprietary technologies, and unmatched data assets, the company is leading the digital transformation of its industry. First American also provides data products to the title industry and other third parties; valuation products and services; mortgage subservicing; home warranty products; banking, trust and wealth management services; and other related products and services. With total revenue of $7.6 billion in 2022, the company offers its products and services directly and through its agents throughout the United States and abroad. In 2023, First American was named one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For by Great Place to Work and Fortune Magazine for the eighth consecutive year and was named one of the 100 Best Workplaces for Innovators by Fast Company. More information about the company can be found at www.firstam.com. 1 The most recent index results are subject to revision as data from more transactions become available.

2 The HPI for non-disclosure states and markets that fall within non-disclosures states are not included in this month's HPI report. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231114458861/en/

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[November 14, 2023] Rapidtek Showcases SATCOM Turnkey Solutions at Space Tech Expo Europe 2023 Tweet

TAIPEI, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Rapidtek Technologies Inc. (Rapidtek), the leading Taiwanese designer of AESA (Active Electric Scan Antenna) and provider of RF testing solutions, is participating in the 6th Space Tech Expo Europe at Booth No. B52 from November 14th to November 16th in Bremen, Germany, showcasing its SATCOM (satellite communications) turnkey solutions. The three-day event is expected to attract over 6,200 professionals from the space sector. With 650+ exhibitors representing 40+ countries, from start-ups to the big industry players, attendees can engage face-to-face and explore the latest research and development achievements, as well as breakthrough innovation products and technologies. Reportedly, 94% of the 2022 visitors plan to return in 2023. Additionally, 120+ companies will be exhibiting for the first time at Space Tech Expo Europe. Two new entrants from Taiwan are Rapidtek Technologies Inc., renowned for its excellent performance in phased array antenna design, and Tensor Tech CO. LTD., well-known or its spherical motion technology.



The event, now expanded into Hall 4.1, will host over 550 exhibitors ranging from budding start-ups to major industry players, including Spaceflight Inc., Berlin Space Technologies, Ariane Group, Celestia Technologies Group, Rocket Factory Augsburg, and EnduroSat. Throughout the event, Rapidtek will showcase the innovative design capabilities of SATCOM turnkey solutions, featuring phased array antennas, communication payload (KCP), and up-down converters for multi-orbit applications. Additionally, the company also offers RF testing solutions and CubeSat compatible payloads.

"Rapidtek's products have received numerous inquiries and commendations from European customers.," added Arthur Wang, the founder of Rapidtek. "Our products are designed to meet the needs of customers in the low orbit satellite and CubeSat industries, and we look forward to connecting with new partners and exploring new business opportunities in Europe." Be sure to visit Rapidtek at Booth No. B52. About Rapidtek Rapidtek Technologies Inc. has established itself as a renowned leader, delivering top-notch RF test solutions to global customers for many years. The company is devoted to assisting its clients in navigating the ever-evolving communication landscape and achieving their goals. Rapidtek achieves this by offering advanced AESA solutions, RF FEM module, RF systems encompassing LEO user terminals and communication payloads, and MP RF tests solutions (conductive/OTA). For further information about Rapidtek and its extensive range of solutions, please visit www.rapidtek.net. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2276227/Rapidtek.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/rapidtek-showcases-satcom-turnkey-solutions-at-space-tech-expo-europe-2023-301987483.html

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[November 14, 2023] Vittoria Biotherapeutics Secures Over $15 Million in Private Financing Round to Support the Development of Novel CAR-T Cell Therapies Tweet

PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vittoria Biotherapeutics today announced it has secured over $15 million in a private financing round. The funds will be used to continue advancing Vittorias lead candidate, VIPER-101, an autologous, dual population CD5-knockout CAR-T cell therapy for T-cell Lymphoma, into the clinic. VIPER-101 features the Companys novel Senza5O platform technology.

The funding round, led by Valley Forge Investment Corporation, includes investments from institutions such as Agent Capital, Tellus BioVentures, the University of Pennsylvania, BioAdvance, The New York Blood Center, and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Therapy Acceleration Program (LLS TAP), among others. The additional capital will support Vittorias clinical development initiatives and advance its next-generation cell therapies that strengthen efficacy, improve safety, and broaden therapeutic applicability for patients with cancer and autoimmune diseases. Were thrilled to partner with such esteemed and diverse institutions in our efforts to address some of the most persistent barriers in the cell therapies space, said Nicholas Siciliano, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Vittoria. At Vittoria, we are driven by our dedication to patients. This financing brings us one step closer to validating the promise of our Senza5 platform technology and to delivering life-changing therapeutic solutions to patients dealing with some of the most difficult to treat diseases. With a targeted focus on streamlined operations and an emphasis on cash efficiency, we plan to use this capital to advance our lead program, VIPER-101 - for the treatment of T-cell lymphoma - into the clinic in early 2024. Vittorias proprietary cell therapy engineering and manufacturing platform, Senza5, combines the power of genetic engineering and a proprietary five-day manufacturing process. Senza5 is designed to maximize stemness, durability and efficacy of its produced cell therapies by disabling the CD5 signaling pathway on engineered CAR-T cells, and bypassing CD5's immunosuppressive effects to amplify the therapys antitumor activity. Stemness is further enhanced by the expedited five-day manufacturing rocess which promotes greater in vivo expansion and durability, and the potential for longer-lasting responses. By acting on the fundamental biology of T cells, Senza5 can be widely utilized to improve the efficacy of engineered T-cell therapies.



Were proud to invest in Vittoria Biotherapeutics to support the innovative Senza5 platform technology and VIPER-101 program, recognizing there is a need for safer and more effective therapies for T-cell lymphoma patients, said Lore Gruenbaum, Ph.D., Vice President, LLS TAP. T-cell lymphoma is a serious disease with a poor prognosis, and this investment aligns with our commitment to supporting cutting-edge research that offers promising treatments and hope for patients and their families. Brian McElwee, President of Valley Forge Investment group added, At Valley Forge Investment Group, we seek to back visionary teams developing transformative technologies. Our investment in Vittoria Biotherapeutics underscores our belief in their groundbreaking approach to engineered T-cell therapies and our confidence in the management team to execute on their vision. We're thrilled to support Vittoria's dedicated management team again in this new endeavor, driven by their unrelenting commitment to develop new innovative strategies for the improvement of therapeutic outcomes for patients.

About Vittoria Biotherapeutics Vittoria Biotherapeutics, Inc., is developing novel CAR-T cell therapies that transcend the limitations of current cell therapies. Based on technology exclusively licensed from the University of Pennsylvania, the Companys proprietary Senza5 platform unlocks the antitumor potential of engineered T cells and utilizes a five-day manufacturing process to maximize stemness, durability, and target cell cytotoxicity. By acting on the fundamental biology of T cells, Senza5 can be used to improve the efficacy of engineered T cell therapies with pipeline applications in oncology and autoimmune diseases. To learn more, visit vittoriabio.com and follow us on LinkedIn. Investor Contact Vittoria Biotherapeutics

Nicholas A. Siciliano, Ph.D.

Chief Executive Officer

+1 215-600-1380 Media Contact LifeSci Communications

Jason Braco, Ph.D.

[email protected]

+1 646-876-4932 The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Media Contact Ryan McDonald

Senior Manager, Medical and Science Communications

[email protected] Valley Forge Investment Corporation Media Contact Brian McElwee

President, Valley Forge Investment Corporation

[email protected]

+1 610-687-2400



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[November 14, 2023] Pendo and Google Cloud Partner to Transform Product Management with Generative AI Capabilities and Training Tweet

Pendo will leverage Vertex AI throughout its application experience platform to power exponentially better digital experiences for customers RALEIGH, N.C. and SUNNYVALE, Calif. and LISBON, Portugal, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Pendo , the leader in application experience management, today announced an expanded partnership with Google Cloud to leverage its generative AI (gen AI) capabilities across the Pendo One platform. Pendo will integrate with Vertex AI to provide product teams and application owners with features that accelerate product discovery, improve product-led growth and retention campaigns, and provide personalized app experiences to their users. "Google Cloud has been a critical partner for us since the earliest days of Pendo, and they continue to help us drive innovation for our customers," said Todd Olson, CEO and co-founder of Pendo. "With gen AI fueling features across our platform, we can eliminate tedious manual work and help product teams make smarter decisions to ensure every tech investment drives returns for their companies." "Generative AI can have a major impact helping product teams more effectively develop digital experiences for their customers," said Stephen Orban, VP of Migrations, ISVs, and Marketplace at Google Cloud. "Our partnership with Pendo will give product managers new tools that enable them to rapidly create in-app guides and analyze user engagement, saving resources that can be used to improve product roadmaps and build new features." Improving application experiences with Vertex AI

Vertex AI will be a critical component of Pendo AI, the company's long-term roadmap to enhance every part of the platform with artificial intelligence. Through the integration, Pendo will apply Google Cloud's large language models to significantly improve workflows for some of the most common and time-consuming processes facing product managers. New use cases in Pendo One include: AI-powered in-app guide creation : Users can now jumpstart the in-app guide creation process by auto-generating a guide and guide steps with just a few clicks. For example, a product manager at a financial services company could easily create, edit, and launch a set of in-app messages to drive users to new features, applying insights from Pendo to help mitigate common issues and points of friction.

: Users can now jumpstart the in-app guide creation process by auto-generating a guide and guide steps with just a few clicks. For example, a product manager at a financial services company could easily create, edit, and launch a set of in-app messages to drive users to new features, applying insights from Pendo to help mitigate common issues and points of friction. b>Content summarization and copy editing: Users can now utilize a gen AI-powered writing assistant that enables them to summarize, expand on, and copy edit in-app guide content using the tone of their choice. For example, a product marketer could generate copy for an in-app guide campaign based on the content and tone of existing marketing campaigns.

Enhanced user feedback analysis: Users can now streamline analysis by applying AI to identify key themes from Net Promoter Score (NPS) survey responses, along with feedback from customers and internal stakeholders. For example, a product manager at a consumer business could quickly analyze and summarize user feedback after recent navigation changes to their mobile app, enabling the manager to prioritize a product roadmap that optimizes the experience and supports business goals.



Pendo deepens its use of Google Cloud

The power of Pendo AI is in its massive product usage data set, which includes 16 trillion clicks, swipes, poll responses, feedback requests and guide views, collected by permission on behalf of more than 10,000 companies that use Pendo. More than 20 billion of these data points are generated every day by the 800+ million people who use applications that run Pendo. Pendo AI leverages proprietary, customer-specific models built by Pendo's machine learning team on top of Vertex AI, Google Cloud's unified AI platform, to identify trends, and generate and summarize content based on each customer's own data. For much of the last decade, Pendo has used Google Cloud's enterprise data warehouse to store and process its troves of product usage data. By expanding this partnership to leverage gen AI, Pendo can continue to adhere to all applicable data privacy and security laws and uphold its AI principles, which include never to co-mingle customers' data or use customer data to train AI tools.

To help product teams leverage gen AI, Pendo and Google Cloud have also partnered with Mind the Product, the world's largest community of product managers, to launch a free "AI for Product Management" training . The three-hour online course is designed for product managers and others who want to learn how to utilize AI in their product development practices. Pendo announced the expanded partnership at Web Summit, the world's premier tech conference, hosted in Lisbon, Portugal, November 13-16, 2023. Attendees can stop by the Pendo booth to demo the new GenAI-powered features and register for the course. Learn more about Pendo AI here and register for the course here . About Pendo

Pendo believes the application is the experience. Employees spend most of their time and customers find moments of delight (or frustration) inside the applications they use every day. Pendo's application experience platform equips companies of all sizes with the ability to become application-led to drive revenue, create more efficient processes, and empower employees. Pendo customers include the world's leading companies, including Verizon, Morgan Stanley, LabCorp, OpenTable, Okta, Salesforce, and Zendesk. Pendo is headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina and has offices around the world. For more information, visit: www.pendo.io. About Google Cloud

Google Cloud accelerates every organization's ability to digitally transform its business and industry. We deliver enterprise-grade solutions that leverage Google's cutting-edge technology, and tools that help developers build more sustainably. Customers in more than 200 countries and territories turn to Google Cloud as their trusted partner to enable growth and solve their most critical business problems. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pendo-and-google-cloud-partner-to-transform-product-management-with-generative-ai-capabilities-and-training-301987145.html SOURCE Pendo

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[November 14, 2023] VizyPay Celebrates Local Businesses With Second Annual Look Local First Day Tweet

WAUKEE, Iowa, Nov. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- VizyPay , a leading payment processing fintech serving small businesses in rural America, is thrilled to celebrate Look Local First Day for the second time ever on November 18. Part of VizyPays Look Local First movement, Look Local First Day was officially declared by Waukees Mayor and Chamber of Commerce in 2022. Look Local First Day is dedicated to celebrating entrepreneurs and empowering consumers to choose local businesses over big-box retailers.

The extra effort to shop local is worth it. Local businesses generate 70% more local economic activity per square foot than big box retail and employ 58.9 million people  which makes up nearly half of the countrys total employee workforce. This means every dollar spent at a small business is a dollar reinvested in the local community. As a small business champion, VizyPaychallenges consumers across the nation to support their local businesses on Look Local First Day, throughout the holiday season and year-round.



No one supports our communities the way locally owned small businesses do. Look Local First Day is a gesture to show how much we care about what they do for our society and the impacts they have on our everyday lives, said Look Local First Senior Brand Specialist Akilah Anders. In addition to raising awareness and driving community support, VizyPay also provides resources year-round to help entrepreneurs thrive and succeed. Most recently, VizyPay joined forces with the Greater Des Moines Partnership to host an Entrepreneur Field Day. The Entrepreneur Field Day series creates opportunities for peer-to-peer knowledge and skill sets to create resilient entrepreneurs and continue to build a strong small business and startup community in Central Iowa. Taking place on November 16 at its HQ, VizyPay will teach local entrepreneurs about bootstrapping a tech company, building company culture, establishing national marketing campaigns and more. Anyone can register for the free event at this link .

Consumers looking for other ways to offer support can check out VizyPays Look Local First merchandise . All proceeds are donated back to the cause. Find out more about the Look Local First movement and small businesses to support on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram . For more information on VizyPay please visit www.vizypay.com . About VizyPay

Headquartered in Waukee, Iowa, VizyPay was founded in 2017 by entrepreneurs who each had either significant credit card processing experience or were previously small business owners. Their combined understanding of these different industries created the perfect cocktail for a credit card processing company that could truly look out for the business owner. Making a huge splash nationwide by being honest and simple, VizyPay ranked #1841 on the 2023 Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies in America with a three-year revenue growth of 305%. Media Contact

Ericka Rivera

Uproar PR for VizyPay

[email protected]



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Dozens of British students visited China's southwest city Chengdu through Mandarin Excellence Programme (MEP).

Reading Chinese poetry, exploring martial arts, trying traditional bamboo weaving technique, British youth amazed to see the depth of Chinese culture.

MEP, initiated and funded by the British government and supported by the Ministry of Education of China, aims to cultivate Chinese language skills among British students. Over the past seven years, MEP has helped some 11,000 British students develop their Mandarin skills.

Produced by Xinhua Global Service
Emplifi's 2024 Outlook: Social Shopping, Messaging Apps, Video Content, And More Will Become Integral To Brand Marketing Strategies

Emplifi, a leading customer engagement platform, today announced its top social media predictions for 2024. These predictions point to substantially greater alignment between marketing and customer experience teams and are based on social media campaign insights from thousands of global brands that leverage the Emplifi Social Marketing Cloud. As brands build out their 2024 goals, marketers and CX teams will expand their social commerce efforts, explore new ways to leverage their social channels, messaging apps, and chatbot technology, diversify their mix of social video content, and increase investments in social intelligence tools.

"In 2023, social media marketing faced unprecedented challenges due to the rise of ChatGPT, industry layoffs across tech, and major platform changes like Twitter's transformation to X and Meta's introduction of Threads," said Zarnaz Arlia, CMO, Emplifi. "As brands navigated these disruptions, customer experience (CX) remains a crucial focus amid increasing consumer expectations. Faced with resource constraints, our marketing and CX teams are adopting more strategic, integrated approaches, leveraging shared tools to seamlessly blend marketing, commerce and support. We anticipate stronger collaboration between these teams as they adapt to the evolving social media landscape and the modern customer needs."

Emplifi's Top 6 Social Media Marketing Predictions for 2024

1. Social shopping will become a crucial element of online commerce strategies as brands aim to streamline the transition from product discovery to purchase. The role of social media in enhancing a brand's eCommerce strategy is more significant than ever. Modern consumers use social media not only for discovering and learning about products but also for making purchases. The key lies in creating a seamless experience and offering necessary content for informed buying decisions-such as ratings, reviews, and user-generated content (UGC)-coupled with an intuitive and effortless in-app shopping experience that minimizes friction. Given that nearly 90% of consumers report that ratings and reviews greatly influence their purchasing decisions, integrating authentic content from real product reviews within the same social media post as a purchase link can significantly boost a brand's social commerce initiatives.

?2. Messaging apps and chatbots are set to experience increased adoption, offering marketing and customer support teams efficient 24/7 communication channels on a large scale. As email inboxes become increasingly cluttered, making emails less effective, more than 50% of customers now expect responses within an hour when they post a question on a brand's digital channel. This has led marketers and customer support teams to explore new ways to engage with customers promptly. Modern consumers are more inclined to interact with brands that skillfully utilize messaging apps for various communications, ranging from discount offers and product updates to addressing customer support queries. AI-powered chatbots enable real-time, effective customer engagement. Similary, business tools in WhatsApp, Messenger, and other SMS messaging platforms allow brands to interact with their customers efficiently and at scale.







3. Customer support teams are increasingly turning to social platforms to address customer inquiries and concerns. In today's digital- and social-first landscape, consumers expect to engage with brands on social media for more than just marketing and commerce; they seek support and care as well. As the number of consumers reaching out via social platforms for questions and product inquiries rises, customer support teams are adapting by employing more social media marketing tools and dedicating more time to connecting with customers on their preferred channels. Forward-thinking customer care professionals are already utilizing social media to refine their support strategies, yielding significant results. For instance, one brand experienced a 40% reduction in call volumes and a nearly 30% decrease in wait times for speaking with a live agent.

4. Brands diversifying their video content to include both short and long formats are likely to achieve higher engagement. Social video platforms like Reels and TikTok continue to rise in popularity: this year, Instagram Reels surpassed all other content types on the app, generating 55% more interactions than single-image posts. Additionally, TikTok's user growth skyrocketed, with brands experiencing up to a fivefold increase in follower counts. While the focus was once on short, "snackable" videos that ran 1 to 13 seconds in length, brands are now gaining traction with longer videos, ranging from 26 to 90 seconds. The key is identifying the most effective content formats and channels for your audience. By experimenting with different video lengths, formats, and platforms, brands can gather valuable insights on the types of video content that resonate best with their target audience.

5. As brands increasingly prioritize privacy in their marketing strategies, social intelligence will become essential for obtaining deeper consumer insights. With consumer privacy being a critical concern, marketers are exploring new methods to understand consumer behavior. An earlier Forrester Consulting survey commissioned by Emplifi revealed that 78% of marketing leaders considered investing in technology for customer insights a critical or high priority, while another 45% identified brand health as a key metric for marketing success. Utilizing social listening tools that offer sentiment analysis, as well as capabilities to track impressions, mentions, and social interactions, provides brands with a comprehensive view of their customers and allows for effective real-time brand reputation management. In the upcoming months, an increasing number of brands are expected to adopt social intelligence tools, applying these insights throughout the customer journey to enhance their marketing and customer support strategies and strengthen their brand reputation efforts.

6. Generative AI applications and AI-powered tools will become integral to customer support efforts, driving productivity across the entire customer service organization. AI-powered platforms are delivering extraordinary efficiencies for customer care departments, empowering customer service agents to optimize their daily routines-streamlining interactions, automating routine tasks, and providing lightning-fast responses to common customer questions. With the ability to understand context, sentiment, customer histories, and more, AI technology enables brands to forge deeper connections with their customers. Brands are already experiencing unparalleled results with AI-powered chatbots delivering as high as 97% match rates when answering customer inquiries. As AI tools continue to evolve, we'll see even broader adoption by customer care and CX leaders focused on driving greater efficiencies across their organization.

"As we adapt to the dynamic digital and social landscape, our strategies are evolving to meet the contemporary needs of customer engagement. From managing the shift away from traditional email communications to embracing the immediacy required on social platforms, we're integrating AI-powered chatbots, leveraging a mix of video content across social channels, and expanding how we use messaging apps," said Arlia. "With customer privacy remaining a top priority, we're focusing on social intelligence to gain deeper insights into their behaviors and preferences. This strategy enhances the customer journey while ensuring marketing tactics remain both innovative and privacy-conscious. It's a balancing act between leveraging cutting-edge technology and maintaining a human-centric approach."

The primary takeaway from Emplifi's predictions: Brands that can bring together their marketing, commerce, and customer care efforts in a strategic and connected way will drive more growth, increase customer loyalty, and reach key outcomes at an accelerated rate. For more 2024 Social Media Trends, be sure to register for Emplifi's webinar featuring social media expert Matt Navarra on November 15, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. EST.

About Emplifi

Emplifi is a leading unified customer engagement platform that empowers businesses to reach and grow communities through digital- and social-first strategies. More than 20,000 brands like McDonald's, Ford Motor Company, and Delta Air Lines rely on Emplifi to enable connected, empathetic experiences for the modern consumer across marketing, commerce, and care. Headquartered in New York, Emplifi partners with major social media networks and digital platforms, including Google, Meta, LinkedIn, X, TikTok, and Snapchat.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231114860780/en/
[November 14, 2023] Haymarket Media US Announces Key Leadership Transitions Tweet

After 10 years as Haymarket Media's Chief Financial Officer, Donna Santarpia has retired. "Throughout her tenure as CFO, Donna set an exceptional standard with her insightful leadership and guidance, playing a pivotal role in Haymarket's US strategic growth and success," said Haymarket Media CEO Lee Maniscalco. "Her leadership has been instrumental in strengthening the company's financial health and stability, helping launch the Advisor family of digital resources for medical specialists and handling a number of key divestitures and acquisitions such as SC Media, Compliance Week and NACE. She helped us make a smooth transition from print to digital while navigating the COVID-19 crisis and emerging from the pandemic as a stronger and more resilient company." This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231113757276/en/ Chris Borella (Photo by Michael Benabib) Chris Borella will succeed Donna as Haymarket Media's CFO. Chris comes to Haymarket with more than 25 years of financial leadership experience in WPP companies, specifically at Ogilvy Health, BAV Group, and VMLY&R, a global marketing company. His proficiency in financial management, combined with his understanding of the industry's dynamics, positions him as a valuable addition to the Haymarket Media US leadership team. "I am very excited and honored to join Haymarket Media, home to many iconic brands," Borella said. "I look forward to partnering with Lee and the leadership team in their growth ambitions." "Chris' extensive financial expertise and understanding of the healthcare and media industries will be instrumental in advancing Haymarket's growth strategy," Maiscalco said. "We look forward to the valuable insights and leadership he will bring to our team."



In addition to naming a new CFO, Haymarket is announcing leadership changes within its PRIHealthcare Solutions (PRI) and Business Media Group divisions. Tammy Chernin, who has served as General Manager of PRI for nearly 10 years, will move into a new role as SVP, Strategic and Scientific Services. Under her leadership, PRI has achieved major wins by securing agency of record work for top clients and evolved its offerings from print-oriented tactics into innovative, market-leading digital solutions with cutting-edge data reporting and creative excellence. A pharmacist by training, Tammy has a unique ability to understand customers' clinical perspectives as well as their business needs. Tammy's new role will leverage her unique combination of scientific and commercial expertise to translate client business objectives into actionable content plans.

Jamie Alexander will take on the role of General Manager at PRI, utilizing her strong agency and digital expertise and commercial presence to boost PRI's growth. Haymarket welcomes Jamie back to Haymarket after three years at Symbiotix, where she rose to the level of Senior EVP, Head of Promotional Medical Communications. Jamie's extensive industry knowledge and experience will be instrumental in driving the continued growth and success of Haymarket Media's healthcare solutions division. Steve Madden, who has served as VP and General Manager of the Business Media Group since 2020, will move into a new role as VP, Business Media Content. Steve will head up the editorial arm of Business Media and drive revenue through new content streams while optimizing our existing events and developing ideas for new events that speak to the brands and their markets. Denise Robbins will step into the role of VP, Digital Publishing and Media to lead the Business Media Group. Denise is an innovative marketing executive known for her ability to visualize solutions, build strategic partnerships, and collaborate with stakeholders and boards to drive both B2B and B2C revenue. She has spent over 15 years in executive leadership and the C-suites of private equity-backed and public companies including NewBay Media, Gannett and the New York Times. "These appointments reflect our commitment to fostering innovation and growth within our organization," said CEO Maniscalco. "I am confident that the collective expertise, vision, and dedication of our leadership team will continue to drive Haymarket Media's success." About Haymarket Media, Inc. Haymarket Media, Inc. is an award-winning specialist content and information company. With 24 market-leading media brands, Haymarket offers unmatched expertise and insight through balanced, relevant, original content across a spectrum of media channels. Haymarket is home to highly regarded health care professional brands such as The Clinical Advisor, Dermatology Advisor, and MPR (Monthly Prescribing Reference) among a portfolio of HCP-focused, specialty-specific websites, as well as the esteemed business media titles including PRWeek, MM+M (Medical Marketing + Media), Campaign and McKnight's Long Term Care News. Haymarket Media, Inc. is the US division of Haymarket Media Group, a privately-owned media, data and information company, producing remarkable content for specialist audiences across the world. The company has 1,500 employees across offices in the UK, US, Hong Kong, Singapore, India and Germany. Haymarket's portfolio consists of more than 70 market-leading brands including What Car?, Campaign, MyCME and Asian Investor. Through live, digital, print, education, data, tech services, video and audio, Haymarket's brands inspire, inform and empower clients and communities internationally. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231113757276/en/

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[November 14, 2023]

Construction Technology Veteran JD Sherrill Joins LeapThought to Lead Sales in North America

LeapThought announces the appointment of JD Sherrill as Vice President of Sales for North America, along with key executive additions as part of the company's strategic growth initiatives

BELLEVUE, Wash., Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- LeapThought, a leading provider of intelligent construction management platforms, is expanding its team with the recruitment of JD Sherrill, a proven sales leader in the Architecture, Engineering, Construction (AEC) technology industry.

With over 15 years of experience in scaling SaaS software sales and market development in the AEC industry, Sherrill brings a wealth of expertise and insight to LeapThought.

"JD's impressive experience will be instrumental in our mission to transform the construction sector through next generation technology solutions that directly address the sector's productivity challenges," said Ratnakar Garikipati, CEO, Founder, and Chair of LeapThought. "W're committed to investing in top-tier talent to drive our expansion."







Sherrill's appointment is part of a larger initiative as the firm also welcomes go-to-market executives Ky Hacker as Chief Revenue Officer and Jackie Young as VP of Global Marketing and Growth. Both are seasoned B2B SaaS leaders, bolstering the company's commitment to revolutionizing project outcomes through collaboration, efficiency, and productivity.

In his new role, Sherrill will work closely with Hacker and Young to expand LeapThought's market presence in North America, leveraging the company's innovative platform built around open-standard BIM processes, cloud-native access, and AI-enabled decision making.

"I'm excited to join forces with LeapThought to better serve the AECO industry with transformational solutions. Together, I believe we can make a significant impact," said Sherrill.

About LeapThought

LeapThought Corp., a trailblazer implementing digital transformation in the construction industry, specializes in intelligent construction management. With clients from sectors including transportation, defense, utilities, healthcare, and residential and commercial property development, LeapThought caters to the AECO industry's needs in large-scale construction and infrastructure.

Headquartered in the USA, LeapThought provides unparalleled support to customers worldwide through its offices in New Zealand, Singapore, Australia, and India. Using state-of-the-art solutions like our flagship FulcrumHQ platform and leveraging AI and machine learning, LeapThought is propelling the construction sector toward more sustainable and efficient project outcomes. Discover more at www.leapthought.com.

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SOURCE LeapThought
[November 14, 2023] Lenovo Collaborates with Jabra to Introduce New ThinkSmart Bar 180 Solution and Announces Windows Autopilot Support for ThinkSmart Portfolio Tweet

Lenovo announced today the new ThinkSmart Bar 180 bar for small and medium meeting spaces. The integrated room system, offered in collaboration with Jabra, combines an intelligent video bar with the Lenovo ThinkSmart Core and Controller for a complete, intelligent room system. Using AI-enabled video and audio streams, the new co-branded ThinkSmart Bar 180 delivers a more seamless, inclusive, and premium collaboration experience. Lenovo also announced Windows Autopilot support for the full portfolio of Lenovo ThinkSmart collaboration devices. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231114600264/en/ Lenovo announced today the new ThinkSmart Bar 180 (Photo: Business Wire) AI Enabled Audio/Video for Small and Medium Rooms The small, easy to manage form factor of the ThinkSmart Bar 180 features a 180-degree field of view achieved through an innovative three camera system unique among front of room solutions. The camera provides full room coverage in panoramic 4K resolution through seamless real-time video stitching, creating a more natural visual experience for remote meeting participants. The wide visual field, combined with world-class audio capabilities and onboard intelligence, create three configurable video modes- Intelligent Zoom, Virtual Director, and Dynamic Composition. With Intelligent Zoom, meeting participants are always presented with an optimal view, as the smart camera frames all of the people present within that 180-degree field of view and dynamically adjusts as people enter, leave, and move about the room. Virtual Director provides a different perspective, focusing on the active speaker and changing the focus from person to person as the conversation flows naturally. And with Dynamic Composition meeting participants have better context for what is happening in the room both audibly and visually as people in the room are automatically detected and prioritization is given to recent speakers. The smart collaboration system also features intelligent microphones that identify the voices of up to ten meeting participants in a room for applications such as live transcription. And dual-stream whiteboard makes collaboration easier, displaying both whiteboard content and in-room participants simultaneously without the need for a dedicated content camera. The ThinkSmart Bar 180 intelligent video bar integrates seamlessly with the Lenovo ThinkSmart Core and Controller - devices developed for small and medium meeting spaces and engineered for teamwork. The ThinkSmart Core features 11th generation Intel Core vPro processors and runs on Windows 10 IOT Enterprise, it is designed for performance as well as a long lifecycle and offers hardware-based security features through Lenovo ThinkShield. The ThinkSmart Bar 180 is also available as a standalone device for a smart, flexible bring-your-own-meeting (BYOM) solution. Certified for both Microsoft Teams Rooms and Zoom Rooms, the ThinkSmart Bar 180 is ready to use with the customer's platform of choice, so teams can connect, share, and collaborate easily and securely. "The meeting and collaboration experience of today's corporate world needs constant evolution," said Yves Dupuis, SVP of Global Sales operations at Jabra. "We are thrilled to further unite Jabra's unique capabilities with Lenovo's innovative solutions to equip offices with solutions to foster inclusive and interactive meetings for everyone." Global Services That Make Collaboration Easier Lenovo's ThinkSmart portfolio of collaboration devices are now supported with Windows Autopilot, a collection of technologies that help accelerate set up and pre-configure new devices, getting them ready for productive use. Using cloud-based services, Windows Autopilot reduces the time IT teams spends on deploying, managing, and retiring devices, as well as the infrastructure required to maintain the devices-helping maximize ease of use for all types of end users. The combined power of Lenovo Services and Windows Autopilot lets IT departments reduce tedious manual configurations and enables installers to consistently deploy systems from the cloud. "With the addition of the ThinkSmart Bar 180 to our portfolio, and the support of Windows Autopilot for Lenovo's smart collaboration devices, customers now have even more options to intelligently design, build, and configure meeting spaces at scale across their global office footprint," said Shannon MacKay, General Manager of Worldwide Smart Collaboration Business, Lenovo. "As businesses of all size continue to adopt and adjust hybrid working models, Lenovo is delivering flexible, smart solutions that enhance collaboration and minimize complexity." As with all Lenovo ThinkSmart meeting room products, the ThinkSmart Bar 180 comes standard with three years of Lenovo's Premier Support1, providing access to advanced technicians 24-hours a day, 365 days a year. Pricings & Availability2 The ThinkSmart Bar 180 will be available in select markets worldwide from the first quarter of 2024, starting from US$1,605 for the standalone device, and starting from $4,099 for a full room kit. About Lenovo Lenovo (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) is a US$62 billion revenue global technology powerhouse, ranked #217 in the Fortune Global 500, employing 77,000 people around the world, and serving millions of customers every day in 180 markets. Focused on a bold vision to deliver smarter technology for all, Lenovo has built on its success as the world's largest PC company by further expanding into growth areas that fuel the advancement of 'New IT' technologies (client, edge, cloud, network, and intelligence) including server, storage, mobile, software, solutions, and services. This transformation together with Lenovo's world-changing innovation is building a more inclusive, trustworthy, and smarter future for everyone, everywhere. To find out more visit https://www.lenovo.com, and read about the latest news via our StoryHub . LENOVO, THINKSMART and THINKSHIELD are trademarks of Lenovo. Intel, Intel Core and vPro are trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the U.S. and/or other countries. ZOOM is a registered trademark of Zoom Video Communications. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. 2023, Lenovo Group Limited.







1 Lenovo Premier Support is included for three years. Beyond that may incur subscription fees and/or additional costs. 2 On-shelf dates and color options may vary by geography and products may only be available in select markets. All offers subject to availability. Lenovo reserves the right to alter product offerings, features and specifications at any time without notice.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231114600264/en/

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[November 14, 2023] Worldwide Semiconductor Market Outlook Upgraded to GROWTH from TROUGH: Semiconductor Market to Grow 20.2% in 2024 to $633 Billion, According to IDC Tweet

International Data Corporation (IDC) has upgraded its Semiconductor Market Outlook by calling a bottom and return to growth that accelerates next year. IDC raised its September 2023 revenue outlook from $518.8 billion to $526.5 billion in a new forecast. Revenue expectations for 2024 were also raised from $625.9 billion to $632.8 billion as IDC believes the U.S. market will remain resilient from a demand standpoint and China will begin recovering by the second half of 2024 (2H24). IDC sees better semiconductor growth visibility as the long inventory correction subsides in two of the largest market segments: PCs and smartphones. Automotive and Industrials elevated inventory levels are expected to return to normal levels in 2H24 as electrification continues to drive semiconductor content over the next decade. Technology and large flagship product introductions will drive more semiconductor content and value across market segments in 2024 through 2026, including the introduction of AI PCs and AI Smartphones next year and a much-needed improvement in memory ASPs and DRAM bit volume. Wafer capacity pricing will remain flat next year as foundry suppliers gradually improve utilization rates and demand returns from their core fabless customers. CapEx is expected to improve by 2H24 as revenue shipments match end demand and regional ChipAct incentives stimulate investment across the supply chain. Worldwide semiconductor revenue will grow to $526.5 billion in 2023, down 12.0% from $598 billion in 2022. This is up from the $519 billion IDC forecast in September. For 2024, IDC sees year-over-year growth of 20.2% to $633 billion, up from $626 billion in the prior forecast. Due to increased inventory rationalization, visibility in the channel, and increasing demand pull from AI server and end point device manufacturers, IDC has upgraded its Semiconductor Market Outlook to sustainable GROWTH from TROUGH and called the bottom of the correction. "We upgraded our Market Outlook to GROWTH as the semiconductor market returns to sustained growth," said Rudy Torrijos, research manager, Worldwide Semiconductor Supply Chain Technology Intelligence at IDC. "While inventory levels remain elevated with suppliers, visibility has clearly improved in the channel and with OEMs in key market segments. We see revenue growth matching end user demand beginning in 1H24. As a result, we expect capex to improve subsequently initiating a new investment cycle within the supply chain."



"Overall, IDC expects the total semiconductor industry to decline by 12% in 2023, which is an improvement from our September outlook. Revenues will continue to recover gradually and accelerate in 2024," said Mario Morales, group vice president, Semiconductors and Enabling Technologies at IDC. "The semiconductor market reached a bottom and has begun to grow on a quarter-over-quarter basis. ASPs are improving in DRAM, which is a good early indicator and IDC expects suppliers will continue to control capacity additions and utilization rates to drive a sustainable recovery. Accelerating demand for AI servers and AI-enabled end point devices will drive more semiconductor content in 2024-2026 fueling a new upgrade cycle across enterprises. We expect that by the end of our forecast period, AI silicon will account for almost $200 billion in semiconductor revenues." The IDC Worldwide Semiconductor Technology Supply Chain Intelligence (STSI) serves as the basis for IDC's semiconductor supply-side research, including market forecasts, vendor market shares, and custom market models. This service contains segmented revenue data collected from over 150 of the top global private and public semiconductor companies. Revenue for over twenty semiconductor device areas, five geographic regions, seven industry segments, and more than 70 end-device applications are included in our forecast data.

About IDC

International Data Corporation (IDC) is the premier global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, and events for the information technology, telecommunications, and consumer technology markets. With more than 1,300 analysts worldwide, IDC offers global, regional, and local expertise on technology, IT benchmarking and sourcing, and industry opportunities and trends in over 110 countries. IDC's analysis and insight helps IT professionals, business executives, and the investment community to make fact-based technology decisions and to achieve their key business objectives. Founded in 1964, IDC is a wholly owned subsidiary of International Data Group (IDG), the world's leading tech media, data, and marketing services company. To learn more about IDC, please visit www.idc.com. Follow IDC on Twitter at @IDC and LinkedIn. Subscribe to the IDC Blog for industry news and insights. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231114011705/en/

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[November 14, 2023] TechFlow Receives DIU Success Memorandum for a Pioneering Self-Sustaining EV Charging Infrastructure Solution Tweet

SAN DIEGO, Nov. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TechFlow, a 100% employee-owned forward-thinking energy, mobility, logistics, and digital solutions company, today announced it has received a success memorandum from the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) for its self-sustaining electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure solution. This distinction marks the DIU's first recognition for an EV charging solution.

The success memorandum allows all Department of Defense (DoD) Services  including the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard  along with Civilian Agencies to enter production agreements with TechFlow, enabling the immediate installation of EV charging infrastructure across more than 800 facilities nationwide. TechFlows EV charging infrastructure solution represents the pinnacle of adaptability and sustainability in EV charging. Adeptly designed for versatility, TechFlows solution accommodates a comprehensive suite of applications, including Charging-as-a-Service (CaaS), Government-owned Government-operated (GOGO), Government-owned Company-operated (GOCO), Company-owned Company-operated (COCO), and multiple tenancy models. Compatible with a wide spectrum of vehicles, TechFlows solution supports both Government Owned Vehicles (GOVs) and Personally Owned Vehicles (POVs), providing each access to utilize the same Level 2 and Level 3 fast charging assets, thus reducing infrastructure costs. Beyond mere self-sufficiency, TechFlows solution seamlessly integrates cutting-edge energy storage systems, microgrid technologies, and a diverse rray of energy sources, ensuring the delivery of robust and efficient EV charging services that are responsive to the rapidly evolving energy landscape.



TechFlow's year-long collaboration with the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) has culminated in developing and successfully deploying advanced EV charging infrastructure prototypes at multiple Department of Defense (DoD) sites across the United States, including Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, and Navy bases. The DIU thoroughly evaluated TechFlow's EV charging infrastructure and associated cloud software, confirming TechFlow's exceptional service delivery with over 99% uptime. The recognition from the DIU is a testament to TechFlow's commitment to engineering excellence and versatility in our EV charging solutions, said TechFlow Vice President of Energy and Mobility Solutions Michael Genseal. Our approach is customer-centric, ensuring that our infrastructure not only meets the diverse needs of the Department of Defense but also paves the way for adaptable installations across various agencies, enabling reliability and efficiency in their shift to clean energy.

"We are immensely proud to be among the first recipients of a success memorandum from DIU's Energy Portfolio," said TechFlow President and Chief Operating Officer Mark Carter. This recognition underscores TechFlow's pivotal role as a critical partner in delivering innovative solutions for our government customers, and this significant achievement is a testament to our team's dedication and expertise. About TechFlow TechFlow Inc. is a 100% employee-owned company with nearly three decades of success defined by innovation, agility, and proactiveness. As employee-owners, we balance technology and human factors to determine the best outcome for our customers missions. The company supports government and commercial sectors as system developers, integrators, and optimizers in mission-critical markets: digital, platform, base management/logistics, and energy and mobility solutions. Headquartered in San Diego, CA, with offices throughout the United States, TechFlow delivers leading-edge solutions for customers in mission-critical markets. TechFlow. Always Ahead. For more, visit https://techflow.com . Media Contact Ty Sigmon

Director of Marketing and Communications

TechFlow

443-340-6621

[email protected]



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[November 14, 2023] GenMat Announces Launch of GENMAT-1 Satellite aboard SpaceX Falcon 9 Tweet

AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Quantum Generative Materials, LLC (GenMat) today announced the successful launch of its GENMAT-1 satellite aboard the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and achievement of low-Earth orbit. GENMAT-1 is equipped with the world's highest resolution hyperspectral camera for Earth observation, enabling the company to see information that is invisible to the naked eye at higher clarity and resolution than previous generations of satellites. With its 5-meter per pixel resolution in the 450nm to 900nm spectral range and a payload support system to enable imaging data communication via high-speed radios in S and X bands, GenMats satellite marks a significant milestone in the company's journey toward building a constellation of satellites for the purpose of prospecting and categorizing Earths geological resources.

Our technology will lay the groundwork for GenMats proprietary global database of geological resources, enabling clients to find high-value materials and minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and other rare earth elements in a less costly, more efficient way, said Deep Prasad, founder and CEO of GenMat. While we are building a proprietary physics-based AI platform that informs the production of advanced materials for semiconductors, batteries, and superconductors, we also believe in the significance that our sensors play for the next generation of artificial intelligence advancements in mining, agricultural, and other related sectors. We are excited about GENMAT1s initial mission of monitoring regions of the earth for materials and minerals to identify new mining prospecting locations.



The successful launch of GENMAT-1 positions the company to play a substantial role in sectors such as mining and agriculture with its strategic partners. The satellite's state-of-the-art hyperspectral imager will provide unparalleled data and insights for both public and private sector participants. Using physics AI and proprietary machine learning models, GenMat offers a comprehensive one-stop solution for harnessing the power of its hyperspectral imager in these areas: Mining: GENMAT-1 will revolutionize mining operations by enabling the detection of mineral deposits with unprecedented precision. This will streamline exploration and enhance resource management, leading to increased productivity and profitability.

GENMAT-1 will revolutionize mining operations by enabling the detection of mineral deposits with unprecedented precision. This will streamline exploration and enhance resource management, leading to increased productivity and profitability. Agriculture: GENMAT-1 will empower agricultural operations, allowing farmers to monitor crop health, detect early signs of disease, optimize irrigation, and increase crop yields. This will result in more sustainable, efficient farming practices and the early detection and prevention of devastating wildfires. GenMat is dedicated to using its technology to establish new standards and drive innovation towards deploying a physics-based AI for materials discovery and engineering. The company is committed to pushing technological boundaries and contributing to the advancement of science and industry. Its hyperspectral imaging capabilities represent a significant leap forward in advancing physics-based artificial intelligence.

About Quantum Generative Materials GenMat has assembled a world-class interdisciplinary team of material scientists, computational chemists, quantum physicists, and quantum, machine learning, and aerospace engineers. The company develops and validates classical and quantum machine learning models for electronic structure calculations and molecular dynamics and multi-scale simulations. For more information, please visit www.genmat.xyz .  2023 GenMat, LLC. GenMat is a trademark of Quantum Generative Materials. All rights reserved. Contact information:

Deeptanshu (Deep) Prasad

Founder & CEO

Quantum Generative Materials, LLC

411 W. Monroe Street

Austin, Texas 78704 USA

Tel (833) 443-6628



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[November 14, 2023] NIKA Awarded $840M IDIQ Contract for Medical Facilities Support Services by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Tweet

ROCKVILLE, Md., Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- NIKA, a global provider of facility life cycle solutions announced that it has been awarded an $840 million multi-disciplinary contract by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). NIKA will provide general project support services, facility operations and maintenance support, facility support services, project development support services, quantity verification and analysis services, commissioning, occupancy support services, and facilities system support for medical facilities in the Defense Health Agency (DHA) Facilities Enterprise (FE) located in the Contiguous United States, Alaska, Hawaii, and U.S. Territories. Under this Medical Facilities Support Services (MFSS) IIIa contract, NIKA is able to provide project support services in a variety of functional areas, including inpatient facilities support, clinical area support, and ancillary support. As a previous prime contract holder on MFSS I and II CONUS, nd MFSS II OCONUS, NIKA is well-positioned to continue providing exceptional facility support services for this new contract vehicle.



"We are excited to continue serving our DHA customers under the MFSS vehicle," said Kabir Chaudhary, CEO/President at NIKA. "NIKA is currently providing these critical services to DHA medical facilities across the globe and will continue to bring the same level of commitment to improving health and building readiness as we have successfully done for the last decade of this most important mission." This indefinite delivery indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract has a duration of seven years with a three-year base and two, 24 month options.

About NIKA

NIKA delivers comprehensive services and solutions to support the full life cycle of facilities. For more than two decades, the Department of Defense and federal civilian agencies, as well as commercial and higher education institutions, have trusted NIKA to design, build, operate, and manage their real property. By combining facilities operations management, engineering, and logistics services, we provide value and expertise for complex and mission critical facilities and infrastructure. Headquartered in Rockville, MD with offices in San Antonio, TX, NIKA helps clients enhance operational excellence in locations around the globe. For more information about NIKA, please visit http://www.nikasolutions.com. For further information, contact:

Rosanna Cruz

[email protected]

(301) 770-3520

www.nikasolutions.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nika-awarded-840m-idiq-contract-for-medical-facilities-support-services-by-the-us-army-corps-of-engineers-301987699.html SOURCE NIKA

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[November 14, 2023] Recovering Stolen Crypto from Exchanges: Your Legal Options Tweet

NEW YORK, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Dilendorf Law Firm, based in New York and focused on cryptocurrency and class action disputes, is investigating cases involving individuals who lost funds due to cyberattacks and fraud on major U.S. cryptocurrency exchanges, regardless of the timing of the theft. Recovering Stolen Crypto from Exchanges: Your Legal Options U.S. consumer protection and cybersecurity laws stand in favor of individuals seeking to recover stolen cryptocurrency from exchanges, regardless of whether they've fallen victim to sim-swapping, phishing attacks, or other forms of scams. The burden of proof is on a cryptocurrency exchange to prove the authorization of transactions, regardless of whether a customer's account has been compromised. Regulated cryptocurrency exchanges are accountable for ensuring the security of consumer funds against well-known risk vulnerabilities and upholding compliant ani-fraud detection systems.



"We empathize with the distressing impact that cyberattacks and scams can inflict on individuals and their financial security. Our core mission is to extend legal guidance and support to those who have suffered financial losses due to these malicious activities. The U.S. Government and some of the states have entrusted cryptocurrency exchanges with financial licenses to enhance their operation in a secure manner that prioritizes consumer protection," said Max Dilendorf, the founding partner of Dilendorf Law Firm.

Individuals whose funds have been stolen from a cryptocurrency exchange are encouraged to contact Dilendorf Law Firm for guidance in exploring potential avenues to recover their losses. Additionally, it's crucial to consider asset protection when storing digital assets. For instance, one effective approach is transferring a digital asset portfolio into a Domestic Asset Protection Trust located in states like Nevada or Wyoming to enhance safety and incorporate long-term estate planning considerations. Irrespective of the circumstances surrounding theft from a regulated cryptocurrency exchange, the potential to recover the funds remains a viable option in accordance with the applicable consumer protection and cybersecurity regulations that govern exchanges. The firm's team of cryptocurrency lawyers will evaluate each case individually, providing tailored guidance and support throughout the legal process. For more information or to schedule a free consultation, please visit Dilendorf Law Firm's Website or get in touch with us via email at [email protected] or by phone at 212.457.9797. Dilendorf Law Firm, PLLC

85 Broad Street

New York, NY 10004 [Attorney Advertising] View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/recovering-stolen-crypto-from-exchanges-your-legal-options-301987833.html SOURCE Dilendorf Law Firm

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[November 14, 2023] EC Electric and LOVETT Inc. Forge Path for Next-Generation EV Charging Solutions in Partnership with Ron Tonkin Auto Tweet

PORTLAND, Ore., Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In a groundbreaking collaboration, EC Electric, a trailblazing electric infrastructure solutions provider, and LOVETT Inc., a leading expert in horizontal directional drilling throughout the northwest, are thrilled to announce their partnership aimed at revolutionizing electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. Their inaugural project focuses on the Ron Tonkin Auto, a prominent network of automotive dealerships in the Portland metro area. EC Electric, renowned for its cutting-edge EV infrastructure solutions, has teamed up with LOVETT Inc. to introduce an innovative approach to EV charging station installations. This approach leverages state-of-the-art horizontal directional drilling techniques, ensuring the precise and efficient deployment of EV charging infrastructure. Ron Tonkin Auto is making a bold stride towards embracing the electric mobility revolution. By joining forces with EC Electric and LOVETT Inc., this distinguished dealership is poised to offer state-of-the-art electric vehicles. This strategic initiative underscores the dealership's unwavering commitment to sustainability and its dedication to catering to the burgeoning EV market. In line with this commitment, the dealership aims to provide customers with convenient and dependable access to charging options as part of their end-to-end customer solution. The collaboration among EC Electric, LOVETT Inc., and Ron Tonkin Auto signifies a momentous leap forward in the electrification of transportation in Portland, Oregon. It epitomizes the pivotal role that strategic partnerships play in expediting the adoption of electric vehicles and the growth of sustainable transportation solutions. This venture promises not only to accelerate the transition to electric mobility but also to set a new standard for the seamless integration of EV charging infrastructure into existing properties. EC ELECTRIC QUOTE: "Leading the charge on an EV charging installation is not just about electrifying our future; it's about igniting a partnership founded on the values of providing real practical solutions, all without impacting our clients daily perations. Together with partners like LOVETT and customers like Tonkin Automotive, we dig deep into the potential of sustainable transportation, forging an energized path for generations to come."



RON TONKIN AUTO QUOTE: "Thanks to the team from EC Electric, our dealership is now EV ready. The chargers they installed have provided customers and employees a means to charge EV's but also helps us work towards our goals of commitment to sustainability and innovation. The crews from EC and LOVETT worked hard together to make sure there were no impacts to our occupied dealership during the project construction. The job site was left clean and professional. Your partnership and expertise made it a seamless experience, highly recommend this team!"

LOVETT INC. QUOTE: Gary Cosmer, Chief Executive Officer of LOVETT Inc., emphasizes the transformative impact of their approach: "Installing EV charging stations can often pose challenges, especially when retrofitting existing properties. The final stretch of installation, typically requiring trenching and digging, can disrupt business operations. Leveraging our directional drilling capabilities and expertise, we minimize, if not eliminate, these disruptions by completing our work underground. This breakthrough approach promises to revolutionize installation speed and overall project cost." ABOUT EC ELECTRIC:

EC Electric is a leading provider of electric vehicle charging infrastructure solutions, specializing in installations and operations that drive the transition to sustainable transportation. With a commitment to innovation and sustainability, EC Electric is at the forefront of the EV revolution. More than seventy years ago EC opened our doors with our first customer, a paper mill in Camas, Washington. We are still servicing that mill today. EC is one of the largest privately held electrical contractors in the Pacific Northwest with offices in Albany, Bay City, Eugene/Springfield, Portland, Redmond, and Seattle. We offer turnkey electrical construction solutions regardless of project scope or size.

www.ecpowerslife.com ABOUT GEE AUTOMOTIVE GROUP / RON TONKIN

Ron Tonkin Auto Group is a respected dealership in Portland, Oregon, known for its extensive selection of vehicles and commitment to customer satisfaction. With a legacy of excellence, they are taking proactive steps to embrace electric mobility and provide customers with the latest in sustainable transportation options. Since 1960 the Tonkin Auto Group Family has been bringing quality vehicles to families all over the N.W. Now home to 16 different locations and brands Tonkin's diverse line of vehicles has something new or used for everyone. In 2017 Ron Tonkin Auto sold to Gee Automotive of Spokane, Washington becoming one of the largest auto groups on the West Coast.

www.tonkin.com ABOUT LOVETT Inc:

Lovett is a construction services company providing excavation, directional drilling, plumbing, drain cleaning, vac-truck, stormwater services and mitigation services. The company serves the greater Portland and SW Washington metro areas by providing a multitude of construction services specializing in emergency services, project consultation, building maintenance, service repair and installation.

www.lovettservices.com MEDIA CONTACT INFORMATION:

Aaron Sawyer  Director of Sales and Marketing

Lovett Inc.

(503) 752-8544

Aaron.s@lovettservices.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ec-electric-and-lovett-inc-forge-path-for-next-generation-ev-charging-solutions-in-partnership-with-ron-tonkin-auto-301987857.html SOURCE Lovett Inc.

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Former British Prime Minister David Cameron made a surprising return to government on Monday as he was appointed foreign secretary in Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's cabinet reshuffle.

Produced by Xinhua Global Service
[November 14, 2023] Starco Brands Announces Third Quarter 2023 Results Tweet

Starco Brands, Inc. (the "Company" or "Starco Brands") (OTCQB: STCB), developer and acquirer of behavior-changing technologies and brands that spark excitement in the everyday, today reported financial results for its third fiscal quarter and first nine months ended September 30, 2023. Management Comments Starco Brands Chairman & CEO Ross Sklar said: "We are excited to issue our inaugural earnings release and share the story of our modern-day 21st-century consumer packaged goods company with the investment community. Since our company's inception we have focused on inventing behavior changing technologies and building a platform to support these businesses at scale. We designed Starco Brands to be an active operator and holding company that leverages a shared service platform to optimize and expand our capabilities to grow online and in-store through an integrated salesforce, supply chain and R&D, while leveraging our fixed costs and infrastructure to enhance our bottom-line." Mr. Sklar continued, "This platform allows us to continue to expand both organically and through acquisitions. We have successfully introduced many new products over the past year and strategically acquired and integrated three companies - Art of Sport (AOS), Skylar and Soylent. All three companies met our strict M&A criteria of being a behavior-changing technology that sparks excitement in the everyday; is a product fit within our technical competency; is a sale fit through our existing distribution; has the elasticity to expand into other categories; and has a sizable, addressable market that hasn't been reached. Since acquiring these brands, we have focused on building value by increasing brand awareness, increasing the commercialization of innovation, rebuilding the pipeline of retail revenue and stabilizing the ecommerce base. I'm incredibly proud of the milestones we've achieved to date with all three of these brands, as well as with our in-house Whipshots and Winona Pure brands and the fact that we are projecting to achieve $66 to $77 million in reported net revenue and $7 to $9 million in Adjusted EBITDA this fiscal year, which on the low end represents 746% and 159% growth, respectively. We truly are on the path to building a consumer products powerhouse." Year-to-Date Operating Highlights Starco Brands In June 2023, the Company increased prices throughout the portfolio, which is anticipated to generate $2 million in annual revenue growth from its existing distribution base, and reduced headcount due to synergies realized from integrating acquisitions, resulting in $1.2 million of annualized savings. Skylar In December 2022, the Company acquired Skylar, a pioneer in prestige hypoallergenic fragrances distributed online and through Sephora, Nordstrom and others. Skylar's largest shareholder at the time of acquisition was Upfront Ventures. Skylar a tremendous brand among Millennials and has historically achieved very high gross margins, exceeding 74% in 2022.

In June 2023, Skylar's Boardwalk Delight eau de parfum launched and sold out at Sephora in 10 days, becoming the brand's most popular introduction to date. This fragrance marks Skylar's third new fragrance in 2023, and the brand's tenth scent offered across more than 500 Sephora retail locations and online.

In September 2023, the Company expanded Skylar's most popular scents into a new category: Hair & Body Mists. The new product line launched on Sephora.com in September and rolled out to Sephora stores in October 2023.

In the ten months since acquiring Skylar, Starco Brands has turned Skylar into a profitable brand that adds significant revenue and synergized adjusted EBITDA to the Company. The third quarter of 2023 was the most profitable quarter in Skylar's history, driven by new and innovative marketing and more efficiency in overall marketing spend, reduction in head count and increased revenue from Amazon and Sephora. Revenue more than doubled at Amazon and increased by over 45% at Sephora in the third quarter of 2023 compared to the prior year period. Soylent In February 2023, the Company acquired complete nutrition pioneer Soylent, maker of meal replacement drinks, high protein beverages, powders and bars. Soylent's largest shareholders at the time of acquisition included Google Ventures, Andreessen Horwitz and The Production Board. This high-tech food play positions the Company to capitalize on the projected growth of the "better for you" supplements and the plant-based nutrition space.

In March 2023, the Company expanded Soylent's distribution at Meijer to offer plant-based nutrition shakes in 260 stores.

In June 2023, Soylent secured Amazon's #1 spot in the Ready-to-Drink Meal Replacement Category.

In July 2023, Starco Brands expanded Soylent's retail distribution throughout Canada through a partnership with grocery wholesaler United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI). This expansion included Soylent's first entry into brick-and-mortar retail at Longos, Thrifty's and select Sobeys.

In July 2023, Soylent added a new flavor - Complete Protein Vanilla - to its best-selling High Protein Shake product lineup. The new flavor launched on Soylent.com and Amazon.com in July and rolled out to Walmart and Meijer in August 2023. The Company expects to expand its retail availability throughout the fall.

In October 2023, Soylent partnered with the comedy podcast "Smartless", featuring Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes & Will Arnett. Whipshots Since the Whipshots introduction to retail stores in February 2022, the product has sold, on average, over a quarter of a million cans monthly and surpassed four million cans sold in under two years of retail availability, a testament to its growing and sustained popularity among consumers nationwide. Whipshots continued to grow distribution and velocity throughout 2023 and the product is now available online and across the nation in 36 states, plus the District of Columbia, at retailers including: Albertsons, Safeway, Total Wine, BevMo, Frys, Jewel Osco, Meijer, Ralphs, Spartan Nash, Spec's, Vons, and select Kroger and Walmart locations. In October 2023, Whipshots experienced its highest distribution month in its history

Initially three flavors of Whipshots were introduced to the market - Vanilla, Mocha and Caramel. In November 2022, May 2023 and August 2023, the Company introduced new Limited Time seasonal flavors - Peppermint, Lime and Pumpkin Spice. Each new flavor release drove significant volume for both the Limited Time seasonal flavor as well as Whipshots three core flavors. The Company plans to continue to expand Whipshots Limited Time flavors with its R&D capabilities and is also looking to expand its core flavors.

In June 2023, Whipshots announced a partnership with AMC, the nation's largest move theatre chain, that includes distribution of its Whipshots at bars within AMC and brand awareness marketing support on the big screen during previews.

In November 2023, Whipshots announced a holiday marketing campaign with Patti's Good Life, Patti Labelle's food and lifestyle brand. Grammy-winning artists Cardi B and Patti Labelle combined their legendary desserts and boozy whipped cream in a multi-video social campaign for the holiday season that garnered over 1 billion earned media impressions in the first 4 days after the campaign launched. The Company projects over 1.5 billion earned media impressions by the completion of the campaign. Winona Pure Popcorn Spray In the third quarter of 2023, the Company expanded Winona Pure nationally at Walmart going from 2,500 doors to 4,200 doors. Winona is scanning in approximately 99% of authorized doors in Walmart, meaning the product sells at the same velocity in every region.

In September 2023, the Company launched Winona Pure's distribution with Meijer into their 200+ store locations.

The Company has yet to spend marketing dollars on Winona Pure and has increased its distribution due to the product's continued success and repeat purchase with consumers on shelf.

For the second year in a row, Winona Pure is on track to more than double its revenue as compared to the prior year. Third Fiscal Quarter Ended September 30, 2023 Reported net revenue for the third quarter of 2023 was $17.7 million, compared to $1.7 million in the third quarter of 2022. The increase in reported net revenue was primarily driven by sales from the Company's recent three strategic acquisitions: Soylent, acquired in February of 2023; Skylar, acquired in December of 2022; and AOS, acquired in September of 2022. The year-over-year increase was also driven by growth in royalty revenues from the Whipshots business. Whipshots royalty revenue increased by 62% or $0.9 million versus the prior year third quarter. Gross profit improved to $8.3 million for the third quarter of 2023, compared to $1.3 million in the third quarter of 2022 due to the Company's acquisition activity in that time frame. Marketing, General and Administrative expenses were $5.5 million, or 31% of reported net revenue in the third of 2023, compared to $364,331, or 22% of reported net revenue in the third quarter of 2022. Compensation expense was $1.8 million in the third quarter of 2023, compared to $176,148 in the third quarter of 2022. Professional fees were $1.4 million in the third quarter of 2023, compared to $884,558 in the third quarter of 2022. The increases were primarily driven by the addition of the acquired businesses AOS, Skylar and Soylent. Reported net income for the third quarter of 2023 was $2.3 million, as compared to a net loss of $150,542 in the third quarter of 2022. The change from net loss to net income was primarily due to a gain on the change in fair value of the stock payable for shares due to Soylent Stockholders, which was partially offset by increases in expenses from the acquired businesses AOS, Skylar and Soylent. Adjusted EBITDA was approximately $1.4 million for the third quarter of 2023, compared to a loss of approximately $0.6 million for the third quarter of 2022. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure. See the supplementary schedules in this press release for a reconciliation thereof to the most directly comparable GAAP measure. Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 Reported net revenue for the first nine months of 2023 was $46.3 million, compared to $3.8 million in the same period of 2022. The increase in reported net revenue was primarily driven by sales from the company's recent three strategic acquisitions: Soylent, acquired in February of 2023; Skylar, acquired in December of 2022; and AOS, acquired in September of 2022. The year-over-year increase was also driven by growth in royalty revenues from the Whipshots business. Whipshots royalty revenue increased by 125% or $4.5 million versus the prior year period. Gross profit improved to $21.6 million for the first nine months of 2023, as compared to $3.5 million in the same period of 2022 due to the Company's acquisition activity during that time frame. Marketing, General and Administrative expenses for the first nine months of 2023 increased to $14.2 million, or 31% of reported net revenue, compared to $1.8 million, or 47% of reported net revenue in the same period of 2022. Compensation expense was $5.3 million in the third quarter of 2023, compared to $395,974 in the third quarter of 2022. Professional fees were $4.2 million for the first nine months of 2023, compared to $1.1 million in the same period of 2022. The increases were primarily driven by the addition of the acquired businesses AOS, Skylar and Soylent. Reported net loss for the first nine months of 2023 was $5.4 million, as compared to net income of $32,819 in the same period of 2022. Adjusted EBITDA was approximately $4.9 million for the first nine months of 2023, compared to a loss of approximately $0.9 million for the same period of 2022. The year-over-year increase was primarily due to improving profitability of Skylar and AOS, as well as gross profit growth due to volume gains on Whipshots and Winona Pure. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure. See the supplementary schedules in this press release for a reconciliation thereof to the most directly comparable GAAP measure. Balance Sheet As of September 30, 2023, the Company had approximately $1.5 million of cash, and approximately $19.0 million of inventory on its balance sheet compared to $1.5 million of cash, and approximately $3.0 million of inventory on its balance sheet as of December 31, 2022. Segment Review Starco Brands: Segment gross revenues of $11.3 million for the first nine months of 2023, compared to $3.8 million for the same period of 2022. Segment gross profit of $8.8 million for the first nine months of 2023, compared to $3.5 million for the same period of 2022. Starco Brands' segment includes AOS, Whipshots Holdings and Whipshots LLC. The Company does not include results for AOS within the Starco Brands segment prior to the date of acquisition, September 12, 2023, as AOS was not yet a subsidiary of the Company. Skylar: Segment gross revenues of $7.4 million and gross profit of $5.6 million for the first nine months of 2023. The Company does not report results for Skylar for the nine months of 2022 as Skylar was not yet a subsidiary of the Company. The Company completed the acquisition of Skylar on December 29, 2022. Soylent: Segment gross revenues of $27.6 million and gross profit of $7.2 million for the first nine months of 2023. The Company does not report results for Soylent for the nine months of 2022 as Soylent was not yet a subsidiary of the Company. The Company completed the acquisition of Soylent on February 15, 2023. 2023 Outlook The Company continues to project between $66 million to $77 million in reported net revenue for fiscal year 2023, representing 746% to 887% growth compared to fiscal year 2022. The Company continues to project between $7 million to $9 million (~10% to 12% of reported net revenue) in Adjusted EBITDA for fiscal year 2023, representing 159% to 233% growth compared to fiscal year 2022. The improvement year-over-year is driven by improved cost management and added margins from pricing and product mix optimization. Forward-Looking Statements Any statements in this press release about the Company's future expectations, plans and prospects, including statements about our financing strategy, future operations, future financial position and results, market growth, new product launches and product growth, total revenue, as well as other statements containing the words "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "might," "plan," "potential," "predict," "project," "should," "target," "will," or "would" and similar expressions, constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The Company may not achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in the Company's forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on the Company's forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are subject to assumptions, risks and uncertainties that may change at any time. Therefore, readers are cautioned that actual results could differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as expressly required by law. This cautionary statement entirely qualifies all forward-looking statements in this document. Actual results or events could differ materially from the plans, intentions and expectations disclosed in the forward-looking statements the Company make as a result of a variety of risks and uncertainties, including risks related to the Company's estimates regarding the potential market opportunity for the Company's current and future products and services, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the competitive nature of the industries in which we conduct our business, general business and economic conditions, our ability to acquire suitable businesses, our ability to successfully launch new products and seize market share, the Company's expectations regarding the Company's sales, expenses, gross margins and other results of operations, and the other risks and uncertainties described in the "Risk Factors" sections of the Company's public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 and our subsequent interim reports on Form 10-Q and 8-K. Copies of our SEC filings are available on our website at www.starcobrands.com. In addition, the forward-looking statements included in this press release represent the Company's views as of the date hereof. The Company anticipates that subsequent events and developments may cause the Company's views to change. However, while the Company may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the Company's views as of any date after the date hereof. About Starco Brands Starco Brands (OTCQB: STCB) invents and acquires consumer products with behavior-changing technologies that spark excitement in the everyday. Today, its disruptive brands include Whipshots, the world's only vodka-infused whipped cream co-founded by global artist Cardi B; Art of Sport, the body care brand designed for athletes and co-founded by Kobe Bryant; Winona, the first indulgent theater-popcorn spray powered by air; Skylar, the only fragrance that is both hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive skin; and Soylent, the complete non-dairy nutrition brand. A modern-day invention factory to its core, Starco Brands identifies whitespaces across consumer product categories. It draws upon a portfolio of innovative formulas spanning eight product categories with limitless innovation potential. Starco Brands publicly trades on the OTCQB stock exchange so that retail investors can invest in STCB alongside accredited individuals and institutions. Visit starcobrands.com for more information.







Reconciliation of GAAP Net Income to Non-GAAP EBITDA: For the three months ended For the nine months ended September 30, 2023 September 30, 2023 Net income 2,327 (5,413) Depreciation & Amortization 580 1,740 Interest 271 635 Taxes 99 99 Stock Based Compensation - 963 One time Bad debt write off 29 708 One time Trade expenses 259 766 One time inventory disposals 279 296 non recurring expenses 332 649 One time Accounting, Legal & Filing Fees 209 1,320 Fair Value Share Adjustment (3,144) 2,751 All Other one time expenses 135 435 Adjusted EBITDA 1,375 4,948

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231113356340/en/

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[November 14, 2023] GameChange Solar Signs MOU with Bison Energy to Bring Five Solar Projects to the Australian Market Tweet

Company to supply its Genius Tracker to 125 MW of development projects in New South Wales and Victoria NORWALK, Conn., Nov. 14, 2023 /CNW/ -- On October 26th GameChange Solar, a leading global supplier of solar tracker and fixed tilt racking technology, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Bison Energy at the All Energy Australia Exhibition & Conference held in Melbourne. The MOU signals a partnership between the two companies to work collaboratively to bring five solar projects totalling over 125 MW to the Australian market. Under this agreement, GameChange Solar will supply its Genius Tracker to Bison Energy's development projects located in New South Wales and Victoria. "We are proud to partner with Bison Energy on this agreement," said Derick Botha, Chief Commercial Officer at GameChange Solar. "This announcement is the culmination of two companies who share an aligned strategic vision to repower the planet through the production of renewable generation solar farms. We hope this will lay the foundation of a global alliance with Bison Energy." Bison Energy is a private global developer, investor, EPC, and asset owner for environmentally friendly renewable energy projects and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan with offices in Europe, Southeast Asia, America, and Australia/New Zealand. Bison Energy Australia has been developing in Australia since 2017 with the 350 MW Walla Walla solar farm being its biggest accolade. They have since developed a vast pipeline of various-sized solar farms, and hybrid solar farms which include energy storage as well as stand-alone energy storage projects.



Bison Energy's Australia and New Zealand Country Director Brendan Murphy said, "We are thrilled to partner with GameChange Solar. Mark Legge and his very experienced technical team have been instrumental in supporting Bison to date through one of our current Victorian projects which is under construction. The racking industry is a tough one, but GameChange Solar has managed to find a niche in the market with its efficient pre-assembling and speed clamping designs which the Bison Energy engineering team is very impressed with. In commercial terms, these types of designs save us on install costs, which in the current environment means everything." "We're looking forward to seeing the final GameChange product completed and commissioned so we can continue to deliver our promise of supporting communities through clean power generation, and job creation and contribute to a cleaner environment for the future, which must be underpinned by our core value of being Powered by Nature," added Murphy.

About GameChange Solar GameChange is a leading global provider of solar tracker solutions used in utility-scale and ground-mounted distributed generation solar projects around the world. We have delivered over 29 GW of solar tracker and fixed tilt systems that combine fast installation, bankable quality, and unbeatable value through superior engineering, innovative design, and high-volume manufacturing. Our products enable solar panels at power plants to follow the sun's movement across the sky and optimize plant performance while also protecting the array from damaging weather conditions. Additionally, GameChange Solar through its GeniusBOS subsidiary is growing a portfolio of products for the broader renewable energy system. For more information, please visit GameChange Solar. Contact:

Lisa Andrews

Director, Marketing

GameChange Solar

[email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/gamechange-solar-signs-mou-with-bison-energy-to-bring-five-solar-projects-to-the-australian-market-301987896.html SOURCE GameChange Solar

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[November 14, 2023] 25,000 JOBS BY 2025: FOOD AND BEVERAGE ONTARIO LAUNCHES RECRUITMENT CAMPAIGN FOR THE PROVINCE'S FOOD AND BEVERAGE PROCESSING INDUSTRY WORKFORCE Tweet

The CareersNOW! Campaign is Connecting Jobseekers and Employers Faster Than Ever TORONTO, Nov. 14, 2023 /CNW/ - Food and Beverage Ontario, a not-for-profit dedicated to advancing Ontario's food and beverage processing industry, has launched a robust marketing campaign for its flagship workforce development initiative, CareersNOW!. The campaign seeks to connect students and jobseekers with employers as a solution to the growing labour shortage in the sector. The CareersNOW! program was launched in 2020 in response to the workforce shortage and ongoing challenges stemming from the COVID-19 global pandemic. The initiative is funded by Ontario's Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development through the Skills Development Fund. The program, now in its third year, has made significant progress, including engaging with more than 3,000 jobseekers and students, working with 400+ employers, and creating more than 600 jobs. CareersNOW! has pushed into high gear launching a province-wide, integrated campaign including a new website, digital advertising, email marketing, out-of-home advertising, and strategic partnerships. "Our government is on a mission to help people gain the skills they need to take the next steps in in-demand careers," said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. "I am proud to invest in programs like CareersNOW!, which gives a much-needed boost to our critical food and beverage industry and help young people earn more take-home pay." "The food and beverage processing industry is Ontario's largest manufacturing sector by employment and a huge contributor to the provincial and national economy. With CareersNOW! we are giving jobseekers the opportunity to explore and start an exciting job in our industry and we are giving employers the workforce supports necessary to grow their business and meet the demands of Ontari consumers," said Michael Burrows, CEO of Maple Lodge Farms and Chair of Food and Beverage Ontario.



"CareersNOW! is on a great trajectory thanks to our valuable project partners, Advisory Council, and team of experts," said Chris Conway, CEO of Food and Beverage Ontario. "The new province-wide marketing campaign embodies the value proposition that this industry can offer to students and jobseekers. Additionally, we've made it easier than ever to get involved through the optimizations we made this year." The CareersNOW! campaign is rooted in comprehensive research which identified key motivational themes and markets for priority audiences and jobseekers. The campaign's creative and messaging centers around "From Passion to Profession" highlighting the motivation for jobseekers to find work that allows for upward mobility, growth and mentorship. The new campaign features a new website offering a streamlined, single-sign-on platform with the ability to connect jobseekers to more than 4,000 Ontario employers. The website features videos and guides, access to skills training and job fairs, as well as job postings for positions ranging from entry-level to supervisors and quality assurance and sales.

"CareersNOW! is the most important workforce development program we have for Ontario food and beverage processors. For larger businesses, the resources are augmenting current recruitment and retention strategies and for smaller businesses, CareersNOW! has become the de facto recruiter and HR department," said Mandeep Hans, Director of Sales, Hans Dairy. "And it is not just the resources that are making it easier to connect with qualified jobseekers and young talent, CareersNOW! is showing that Ontario businesses are top employers that offer many types of jobs and career paths. This industry has something for everyone." Jobseekers, students, and employers can visit careersnow.ca for more specific information and career building tools, and recruitment resources, respectively. CareersNOW! is made possible through the partnership of Food, Health and Consumer Products of Canada, Ontario Native Education Counselling Association, Meat & Poultry Ontario, Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium, FoodGrads, Careers in Food, Discover Ability Network, Ontario Chamber of Commerce, Magnet, Food Processing Skills Canada, Niagara College, Richard Ivey School of Business, and the University of Guelph  Experiential Learning Hub. About CareersNOW! CareersNOW! is Food and Beverage Ontario's flagship workforce development initiative. Food and Beverage Ontario and its partners created CareersNOW! in 2020 to connect jobseekers and students with employers for career opportunities and development. Visit www.careersnow.ca . About Food and Beverage Ontario Food and Beverage Ontario is the non-profit leadership organization for food and beverage processors across the province. Governed by an industry-led Board of Directors, Food and Beverage Ontario advocates for a robust business environment to ensure Canada continues to be a global leader in safe, premium food and beverage production for consumers at home and abroad. Visit www.foodandbeverageontario.ca SOURCE Food and Beverage Ontario

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[November 14, 2023] Siemens works with Arm and AWS to bring PAVE360 to the cloud and unlocks next generation automotive innovation Tweet

Siemens Digital Industries Software, together with Arm and AWS, delivers breakthrough PAVE360 digital twin solution on AWS's cloud services to help accelerate next-generation software defined vehicle (SDV) innovation with virtual car in the cloud

Developers can now access Arm automotive technology on AWS as part of PAVE360 digital twin solution to help customers speed development of automotive systems PLANO, Texas, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Siemens Digital Industries Software today announced that its PAVE360-based solution for automotive digital twin is now available on AWS. Expanding on the strong partnership between Siemens and AWS, PAVE360 helps foster innovation in the automotive industry through hardware and software parallel development, "shifting-left" the design phase of SDV. With a parallel approach, developers can compress the design cycle time and accelerate time to market. In addition, Siemens has collaborated with Arm to help enable developers to access Arm-based technology running on Siemens' PAVE360 Digital Twin solution via AWS cloud services. Automakers are now able to develop software and evaluate key Arm-based system and software components earlier in their IP selection and design cycles, without the burden of conventional on-premises software, simply by accessing the PAVE360 solution available on AWS. This not only helps address the technology and commercial challenges ahead but also helps empower developers to gain a competitive advantage by shifting left hardware and software development, with unprecedented simulation speeds, enabling them to meet shrinking time-to-market requirements. By using AWS technology, developers can experience near real-time simulation speeds which are significantly faster than conventional on-premises modeling and simulation infrastructures. "The automotive industry is facing disruption from multiple directions, but the greatest potential for growth and new revenue streams is the adoption of the Software Defined Vehicle (SDV)," said Mike Ellow, Executive Vice President, EDA Global Sales, Services and Customer Support, Siemens Digital Industries Software. "The hyper-competitive SDV industry is under immense pressure to quickly react to consumer expectations for new features all while being pushed to move towards shorter software development cycles. This is driving the adoption of the 'shift-left' methodology for parallel hardware and software co-development and the move toward the holistic digital twin. Delivering PAVE360 on Arm-based AWS cloud services helps enable organizational efficiencies that are simply not available through today's traditional development methods." Siemens' PAVE360, deployed on AWS includes IP from Arm that is built for utomotive-specific workloads, functional system software, real-world stimulus and algorithm development tools such as Simcenter Prescan from Siemens, and class-leading mixed-fidelity EDA modeling and simulation engines. PAVE360 seamlessly integrates all these sources to provide not only a virtual car on an engineer's desk but also a virtual car in the cloud that is more integrated and secure, dramatically reducing resources and costs for manufacturers. This helps to eliminate the need for costly IT upgrades to support high-speed simulation and can free up automotive engineers to focus on making more meaningful improvements.



"The software defined vehicle is survival for the automotive industry, requiring new technologies and methodologies for faster and more agile development," said Dipti Vachani, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Automotive Line of Business, Arm. "The innovative Siemens' PAVE360 solution is helping to accelerate the automotive system development required to address the increasingly demanding consumer expectations. Together with Siemens and AWS, we are enabling a breadth of use cases on the Arm automotive platform across the entire supply chain, from IP evaluation to fleet management." "The proliferation of digital twin methodologies throughout the automotive industry uses the compute capabilities and world-class infrastructure of AWS," said Wendy Bauer, Vice President of Automotive and Manufacturing, AWS. "With PAVE360 mapping accurate embedded environments to optimal AWS instances while using Arm automotive enhanced IP, OEMs and suppliers are enabling software defined vehicle solutions and methodologies that were previously impractical."

PAVE360 via AWS is available now to selected customers. To learn more about how Siemens is working with AWS and Arm to bring the power of PAVE360 to the cloud and how automotive developers can shift-left with faster, centralized virtual design of next generation software defined vehicles, visit: https://eda.sw.siemens.com/en-US/pave360/ Siemens Digital Industries Software helps organizations of all sizes digitally transform using software, hardware and services from the Siemens Xcelerator business platform. Siemens' software and the comprehensive digital twin enable companies to optimize their design, engineering and manufacturing processes to turn today's ideas into the sustainable products of the future. From chips to entire systems, from product to process, across all industries. Siemens Digital Industries Software  Accelerating transformation. Siemens Digital Industries (DI) is an innovation leader in automation and digitalization. Closely collaborating with partners and customers, DI drives the digital transformation in the process and discrete industries. With its Digital Enterprise portfolio, DI provides companies of all sizes with an end-to-end set of products, solutions and services to integrate and digitalize the entire value chain. Optimized for the specific needs of each industry, DI's unique portfolio supports customers to achieve greater productivity and flexibility. DI is constantly adding innovations to its portfolio to integrate cutting-edge future technologies. Siemens Digital Industries has its global headquarters in Nuremberg, Germany, and has around 76,000 employees internationally. Siemens AG (Berlin and Munich) is a technology company focused on industry, infrastructure, transport, and healthcare. From more resource-efficient factories, resilient supply chains, and smarter buildings and grids, to cleaner and more comfortable transportation as well as advanced healthcare, the company creates technology with purpose adding real value for customers. By combining the real and the digital worlds, Siemens empowers its customers to transform their industries and markets, helping them to transform the everyday for billions of people. Siemens also owns a majority stake in the publicly listed company Siemens Healthineers, a globally leading medical technology provider shaping the future of healthcare. In addition, Siemens holds a minority stake in Siemens Energy, a global leader in the transmission and generation of electrical power. In fiscal 2022, which ended on September 30, 2022, the Siemens Group generated revenue of 72.0 billion and net income of 4.4 billion. As of September 30, 2022, the company employed around 311,000 people worldwide. Note: A list of relevant Siemens trademarks can be found here. Other trademarks belong to their respective owners This document contains statements related to our future business and financial performance and future events or developments involving Siemens that may constitute forward-looking statements. These statements may be identified by words such as "expects," "looks forward to," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," .... View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/siemens-works-with-arm-and-aws-to-bring-pave360-to-the-cloud-and-unlocks-next-generation-automotive-innovation-301987903.html SOURCE Siemens Digital Industries Software

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[November 14, 2023] The governments of Canada and Quebec invest almost $57 million to ensure cell coverage in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay region Tweet

JAMES BAY, QC, Nov. 14, 2023 /CNW/ - To improve public safety and telecommunications services, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, and the Minister Responsible for the Nord-du-Quebec Region, Jean Boulet, have announced $56,907,036 in financial assistance for Eeyou Mobility to extend cell coverage along several highways in Eeyou Istchee James Bay. Almost $37 million in funding for the first phase of the project will provide coverage along 47% of the 1,900 kilometres of highways in the region, with 30 tower sites in particular along the Billy-Diamond Highway, Routes 113, 167 and 109, and part of the Route du Nord. A cell site is also planned for the Kilometre 381 roadstop on the Billy-Diamond Highway. In the second phase, $20 million will be used to improve coverage, with 16 new cell sites planned along access roads to communities. The construction of these strategic sites is intended to provide service for Cree traplines, hunting and fishing zones, and industrial and mining sites. Quotes "Our government is proud to invest more than $28 million in the large-scale establishment of this mobile wireless network to serve the Eeyou Istchee James Bay region. This funding will help bridge the digital divide affecting the region's communities, and will help ensure greater safety for residents and motorists using these roads." The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities "Your government made a commitment to implement various measures to serve the whole of Quebec. The financial assistance announced today provides an excellent example of the determination and efforts devoted to finding sustainable solutions to the question of cell coverage." Eric Girard, Minister of Finance and Minister Responsible for Relations with English-Speaking Quebecers "The deployment of telecommunications services in the Nord-du-Quebec region involves huge challenges, given the area's vastness and remoteness. This investment of over $28 million by the Quebec government will allow citizens in remote regions to benefit from the same modern infrastructures as the residents of major urban centres." Jean Boulet, Minister of Labour and Minister Responsible for the Mauricie Region, the Abitibi-Temiscamingue Region and the Nord-du-Quebec Region "This support from the Societe du Plan Nord, amounting to $11 million, for the Eeyou Mobility initiative will clearly contribute to sustainable development in the area north of the 49th parallel. The general public, workers and companies will all benefit from better communications, simplified logistics and improved safety. I am delighted to see this major step forward for inhabitants and visitors to the region!" Maite Blanchette Vezina, Minister of Natural Resources and Forests and Minister Responsible for the Bas-Saint-Laurent Region and the GaspesieIles-de-la-Madeleine Region "Access to adequate cell coverage is more than just a basic need for the Quebec population. High-quality cell coverage also provides increased safety, easier communications, and a reliable link with the rest of the world. This essential project will clearly have a positive impact on quality of life for citizens in the region." Gilles Belanger, MNA for Orford and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Finance (high-speed Internet and special connectivity projects) "This $58M investment in infrastructure will greatly benefit the lives of our population. By providing first-rate cellular coverage throughout Eeyou Istchee, Eeyou Mobility's project will significantly contribute to the connectivity of the region, while prioritizing safety and ensuring that we are always within reach while traveling our vast territory. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all stakeholders for their unwavering commitment to this important project that has long been a need of our region." Mandy Gull-Masty, Grand Chief, Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee) / Cree Nation Government "Eeyou Mobility Inc. is very enthusiastic to be given the opportunity to provide this much needed service to the people of Eeyou Istchee and Baie-James. As we have completed the deployment of the service in all the communities of the region, the missing piece of the puzzle remained the coverage of the various roads of the region. The extensive cellular infrastructure we are deploying along the roads will greatly improve accessibility and safety for those living and travelling in the region, and improve the performance and reach of business operations and government services throughout Northern Quebec. We are thankful to the governments of Quebec and Canada in supporting this essential initiative." Henry Gull, president of Eeyou Mobility "This important announcement is being greeted with great enthusiasm, as it brings to fruition a project that is colossal in scope, but essential for the population. Cellular coverage on the territory will contribute both to the socio-economic vitality of Eeyou Istchee Baie-James and to the safety of Jamesian and Cree citizens. Many thanks to our financial and implementation partners." Rene Dube, chair, board of directors of the James Bay Regional Government Overview Allocation of financial assistance for the two phases:







Source Phase I ($) Phase II ($) Infrastructure Canada 18 404 824 10 048 694 Ministere du Conseil executif (Quebec haut debit) 10 404 824 7 048 694 Societe du Plan Nord 8 000 000 3 000 000 Total ($) 36 809 648 20 097 388

Funding from the Government of Canada comes from the Rural and Northern Communities Infrastructure stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program .

This stream supports projects to provide access to more efficient and reliable energy sources, improve community infrastructures, and improve broadband connectivity in rural and northern communities.

Taking today's announcement into account, 17 infrastructure projects or groups of projects have been funded in Quebec under the Rural and Northern Communities Infrastructure stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, making a total federal contribution of more than $265 million and a total provincial contribution of more than $247 million .

Under the Investing in Canada program, the federal government is investing over $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructures, social infrastructures, trade and transportation routes, and rural and northern communities in Canada .

Infrastructure Canada is helping to meet the complex challenges that Canadians face every day, from the rapid growth of cities to climate change and environmental threats to water and land.

Funding from the Government of Canada is conditional on meeting its obligations in the area of environmental assessment and consultation of Indigenous peoples. Consultations with the Cree Nation are under way.

is conditional on meeting its obligations in the area of environmental assessment and consultation of Indigenous peoples. Consultations with the Cree Nation are under way. Funding from the Ministere du Conseil executif has been made possible thanks to the Quebec broadband program, which provides financial support for projects that give citizens, organizations and companies in rural locations access to high-speed Internet services, including wireless mobile services.

The amount of $11 million from the Societe du Plan Nord comes from the Fonds du Plan Nord. In a sustainable development perspective, the SPN's mission is to contribute to the integrated, coherent development of Quebec's northern territory in keeping with the government's orientations and in collaboration with the representatives of the regions and the Indigenous nations concerned and the private sector. Links Investing in Canada  Canada's Long-Term Infrastructure Plan

https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/icp-publication-pic-fra.html Housing and Infrastructure Project Map under the Investing in Canada program

https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/gmap-gcarte/index-fra.html Funding stream: Rural and Northern Communities infrastructure

https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/rnc-crn-fra.html Federal investment in infrastructure in Quebec

Infrastructure Canada - Les infrastructures au Quebec SOURCE Cabinet du ministre des Finances et ministre responsable des Relations avec les Quebecois d'expression anglaise

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[November 14, 2023] Space Habitat Market to grow by USD 169.38 million from 2023 to 2028; Adoption of reusable launch vehicles to drive the growth- Technavio Tweet

NEW YORK, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The space habitat market is expected to grow by USD 169.38 million from 2023 to 2028. However, the growth momentum of the market will progress at a CAGR of 11.31% during the forecast period. The market is segmented by end-user (government and private), technology (inflatable and non-inflatable), and geography (North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, and South America). The report analyses the market size and growth and provides accurate predictions of the market's growth. View Free PDF Sample Report The adoption of reusable launch vehicles is a key factor driving market growth. The term "reusable launching vehicles" refers to a system in which the space vehicle is launched from the atmosphere and will be used for future launches. These systems have the greatest benefit of saving substantial costs, time, resources, and effort because they will not be required to design or build a new launch system for future launches. Hence, these factors are expected to drive market growth during the forecast period. Key Highlights: The report recognizes the following as some of the key players in the space habitat market: AI SpaceFactory, Axiom Space Inc., Bigelow Aerospace LLC, Foster and Partners Group Ltd., Gravitics, ILC Dover LP, Lockheed Martin Corp., NANORACKS, Northrop Grumman Corp., Sierra Nevada Corp., The Boeing Co., and VAST SPACE LLC

Space Habitat Market is concentrated in nature.

Market to observe 9.0% YOY growth in 2024. Market Dynamics: Major Trend Provision to recycle resources in space is a major trend in the market.

All available resources in the spacecraft need to be reused or recycled as part of a cost-reduction strategy.

In addition, sustainability must be considered throughout the use of all techniques and resources on board. Significant Challenges Insufficient infrastructure and integrated technology for space colonization are significant challenges restricting market growth.

The creation of an autonomous, sustainable space environment is one of the most important challenges facing the market for space habitat as there are fewer technologies and less infrastructure to support people's settlement.

In addition, to keep people's settlements alive, resources need to be replenished from the earth at the right times such as water, food, oxygen, and so on. The report also covers information on upcoming trends and challenges. Explore detailed information by purchasing a report Keg Segments: The government segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. To carry out experiments in microgravity, life science, material, and particle physics, space agencies use habitats on the ISS. Furthermore, to advance science and technology, governments are funding research projects. In addition, conditions, and systems like those of the ISS or any other spacecraft are simulated in these training facilities. Moreover, deep space exploration missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond have been planned by government agencies such as NASA and Roscosmos. It is also considered by governments of countries like India that there should be bases on the moon for scientific research and exploration. Hence, these factors are expected to drive segment growth during the forecast period. Get a glance at the market contribution of the segments, Request a Free Sample Report Related Reports The aerostructures market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 6.78% between 2023 and 2028. The market size is forecast to increase by USD 23.71 billion. The satellite market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 3.31% between 2023 and 2028. The market size is forecast to increase by USD 14,526.87 million.







Space Habitat Market Scope Report Coverage Details Base year 2023 Historic period 2018-2022 Forecast period 2024-2028 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 11.31% Market Growth 2024-2028 USD 169.38 million Market structure Concentrated YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 9.0 Regional analysis North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, and South America Performing market contribution North America at 59% Key countries US, China, Japan, Russia, and the UK

ToC: Executive Summary Market Landscape Market Sizing Historic Market Sizes Five Forces Analysis Market Segmentation by End-User Market Segmentation by Technology Market Segmentation by Geography Customer Landscape Geographic Landscape Drivers, Challenges, & Trends Company Landscape Company Analysis Appendix About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provide actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research

Jesse Maida

Media & Marketing Executive

US: +1 844 364 1100

UK: +44 203 893 3200

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.technavio.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/space-habitat-market-to-grow-by-usd-169-38-million-from-2023-to-2028-adoption-of-reusable-launch-vehicles-to-drive-the-growth--technavio-301987887.html SOURCE Technavio

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[November 14, 2023] New Eagle Hill Consulting Research Finds Only Half of Financial Services Workers Asked for Input on Their Remote Work Preferences Tweet

Financial Services Employees Value In-Person Work, But Most Would Consider a New Job if Faced With Reduced Remote Work Flexibility ARLINGTON, Va., Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Only 54 percent of U.S. financial services industry employees indicate that someone in their organization has asked for their preferences when it comes remote and hybrid work, according to a new national poll conducted by Eagle Hill Consulting. And while though the job market has slowed, a large share of financial services workers (68 percent) indicate they would consider seeking new employment if their employer were to reduce remote and hybrid work flexibility, substantially higher than the overall U.S. workforce (47 percent). Only 54% of financial services employees say they've been asked about their remote/hybrid work preferences. Read an infographic, The State of Hybrid Work in the Financial Services Industry. In recent months, some financial services employers have been changing their policies and issuing return-to-workplace mandates. Yet, office attendance in large cities is at barely half of what it was in 2019 before the global pandemic forced most workers to work from home.



The research also finds more than half of financial services workers (55 percent) prefer an employer that offers remote and hybrid work flexibility, again higher than the overall U.S. workforce (49 percent). At the same time, financial services employees value in-person work. When asked about the upsides of in-person work, employees say it's more socialization (51 percent), improved collaboration (41 percent), increased productivity (35 percent), and the ability to leave work at work (27 percent). "Even though segments of the financial services industry are reducing the workforce, it's still critically important to solicit employee input on how they want to work," said Melissa Jezior, president and chief executive officer of Eagle Hill Consulting. "Our research finds that remote and hybrid work flexibility is a high priority preference for financial services employees, yet many workers say no one is asking their views. When employees don't feel heard, it often breaks down trust and drives up attrition."

"Financial services workers learned during the global pandemic that they can get their job done and have improved work-life balance through remote work. Employees do see the value of in-person work, but they also want less stress and more autonomy. They are often weary of long and expensive commutes every day, and they certainly don't want one-size-fits-all mandates," Jezior said. The research also finds: Fifty-four percent of financial services workers say they would like their employer to have more flexibility when it comes to remote and hybrid work polices.





A large share of financial services workers (68 percent) say those who work more in the office rather than remotely are more likely to be successful in their jobs.





Financial services employee concerns about increasing in-person work requirements include work-life balance (53 percent), higher costs (42 percent), commute times (41 percent), and stress (37 percent).





According to financial services workers, work that is best accomplished in person includes team building (78 percent), integrating a new team member (74 percent), training (72 percent), new project kickoffs (70 percent), getting a project on track (66 percent), performance discussions (65 percent), onboarding (63 percent), meetings (63 percent), giving and receiving feedback (62 percent), and brainstorming and IT support, both at 59 percent.





When given the choice between either coming to the workplace or remote work, slightly more financial services workers would prefer remote work (51 percent) over coming into the office (49 percent).





Financial services employees are evenly split as to whether they are more productive spending a full day in the workplace (50 percent) versus spending only part of the day (50 percent).





Most financial services workers (82 percent) say they trust the person who determines where they work understands how employees can be most productive. These findings are based upon the 2023 Eagle Hill Consulting Telework Survey conducted by Ipsos from October 11-16, 2023. The survey included 386 financial services workers among 1350 respondents from a random sample of employees across the U.S. Respondents were polled about their views about working remotely. Eagle Hill Consulting LLC is a woman-owned business that provides unconventional management consulting services in the areas of Strategy, Performance, Talent, and Change. The company's expertise in delivering innovative solutions to unique challenges spans across the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. A leading authority on employee sentiment, Eagle Hill is headquartered in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, with employees across the U.S. and offices in Boston and Seattle. More information is available at www.eaglehillconsulting.com. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-eagle-hill-consulting-research-finds-only-half-of-financial-services-workers-asked-for-input-on-their-remote-work-preferences-301988024.html SOURCE Eagle Hill Consulting

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[November 14, 2023] Connor Harrington Appointed as Next CEO of Kuder Tweet

Harrington will Succeed His Father, Phil Harrington, to Lead 2nd Generation of Company ADEL, Iowa, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Kuder, Inc. (Kuder), a global leader in career development and college and career readiness, is pleased to announce Connor Harrington will succeed his father, Phil Harrington, as the company's next Chief Executive Officer, effective today. Phil, who created and led Kuder for 27 years, will transition to Chairman of the Board. "I am honored to be selected as the next CEO of Kuder," said Connor Harrington . Connor assumes the CEO role after serving in a variety of positions for Kuder in sales, marketing, usiness intelligence, and most recently as the company's Chief Revenue Officer.



Prior to Kuder, Connor spent many years working in various capacities within the EdTech organization, Collegis Education. He earned his bachelor's degree in Entrepreneurship and studied family business at the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota. Since returning to Kuder, Connor has been working alongside Phil, Kuder's President, Erin Milroy, and the executive council, on strategy, operations, and partnership initiatives. "I am proud to transition my role as CEO to Connor, who will continue to lead the growth of the company for years to come," said Phil Harrington. "This is an exciting time for the company! Connor is an exceptional leader with a drive and vision for the future and an appreciation for what we've built here."

Phil started the company in 1997 after acquiring the rights to the Kuder career assessments. Under his leadership, Kuder experienced tremendous growth reaching students and schools in all 50 states, launching 12 statewide career planning systems, and helping millions worldwide find career happiness. "I am honored to be the next CEO of Kuder," said Connor Harrington. "While no single role defines an organization's success, I recognize its importance and am proud to have support from the best minds in the space. My father is an irreplaceable leader, but I've had the opportunity to see what it takes to lead an organization and I look forward to continuing Kuder's vision for years to come." About Kuder: Kuder (www.kuder.com) is backed by 85 years of history and 25+ years of experience providing career and workforce development systems for all ages for educational and government agencies including the U.S. military, departments of education, colleges, districts, and schools. Millions worldwide have relied on Kuder for high quality products backed by an unparalleled level of service. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/connor-harrington-appointed-as-next-ceo-of-kuder-301988028.html SOURCE Kuder, Inc.

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[November 14, 2023] FEX Global Sets December Date for Listing Large-Scale Generation Certificate (LGC) Deliverable Environmental Futures Contract Tweet

The Australian Market Licence Operator, FEX Global, will make its physically deliverable Large-Scale Generation Certificate (LGC) Monthly Futures Contract available for trading on Monday December 11th, 2023 (subject to the completion of final regulatory steps). The LGC futures contract will complement FEX Global's suite of Australian Power and Gas Contracts. FEX Global's LGC futures contract will be the only centrally cleared environmental derivatives contract available for trading on a licenced futures market in Australia. The underlying physical is a Large-Scale Generation Certificate as defined in the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000. The creation and surrender/cancellation of LGCs are regulated by the Clean Energy Regulator (CER). Each cancellation of an LGC by the CER proves the use of one megawatt hour of renewable energy. Hence, the retirement of LGCs reduce the net scope 2 electricity emissions. The process of retiring LGCs is relied upon by various government bodies and schemes including Green Power, Climate Active and the Corporate Emissions Reduction Transparency Report. In addition, the ACT government and Corporate Entities also utilise the retirement of LGCs to prove the use of renewable energy. The LGC regulatory scheme is mandatory on the demand side and voluntary for accredited power stations by the CER under the RET on the supply side. The integrity of the issuance of LGCs on the supply side is regulated by the CER. In addition, voluntary surrender/retirement of LGCs is a significantly expanding aspect of the market. The current mandatory retirement of LGCs collectively represents 33,000 gigawatt hours (33,000,000 LGCs). The CER's current estimate of voluntary LGCs retirement for 2023 to be representing 8,000 gigawatt hours (8,000,000 LGCs). The CER has recently stated that they expect the number of voluntary cancellations to be materially higher than the earlier estimate to be representing 8,000 gigawatts hours.1 The CER regulates the surrender and cancellation of all LGCs. On the supply side, the CER estimates LGC supply to be between 45 - 48 million in 2023.2 The contract is physically deliverable, it is Australian Dollar denominated and has a contract unit of 1,000 LGCs per contract. The contract will be made available for calendar months out 12 months and each successive January out to 2031. LGCs are created under the Renewable Energy Target (RET), an Australian Government scheme designed to incentivise investment in and development of new renewable energy power stations, reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the electricity sector and encourage the generation of power from sustainable and renewable resources. LGCs support the clean energy transition in that the cancellation of each LGC by the CER proves the use of one megawatt hour of renewable energy and hence reducing net scope 2 electricity emissions. FEX Global is in the process of exploring multiple other environmental derivative solutions, including working on the introduction of a centrally cleared physically deliverable Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) contract. The future development of a Carbon Exchange including ACCUs has been previously announced by the CER. Thomas Price, Director of EX Global commented, "We have chosen the LGC certificate as our first environmental futures contract because it is a standardised instrument, with each LGC certificate fungible with each other. We have chosen a physically deliverable specification so that the contract can be used to make and/or take delivery of LGC certificates and thereby provide a direct link to the LGC spot market."



Les Hosking, FEX Global Market Structure Advisor and former Sydney Futures Exchange CEO commented, "Licensed and supervised derivative markets introduce additional elements important for the operation of fair and orderly markets. Price transparency, market integrity rules, compliance, credit risk transfer, cyber security and stable market structures all assist with enabling and promoting further market participation. The substantial elimination of bilateral counterparty risk and the market anonymity provided via on exchange trading further incentivise and facilitate larger traditional financial market institutions to support these markets." Daniel Crennan KC, FEX Global Group Executive commented, "This contract should augment current market mechanisms for trading large-scale generation certificates (LGCs). Both the mandatory demand side and the voluntary supply side of the LGC regulatory framework is regulated by the CER. The CER regulates the accreditation of renewable energy power stations for participation in the LGC scheme, the integrity of the creation of the LGCs and the retirement and cancellation of the LGCs. A deliverable contract reduces transaction friction and eliminates many of the difficulties of entering bilateral negotiated individual agreements as well as risks of delivery, payment methodology and credit risk. The emergence of less opaque forward pricing may unlock funding that may not otherwise have been available for renewable energy transition. With carbon reduction commitments now being tested both by shareholders and regulators, we anticipate participants can benefit from the integrity that licensed exchanges providing regulated environmental products can bring to the carbon markets."

About LGCs LGCs are created under a scheme to incentivise investment in and development of new renewable energy power stations in Australia regulated by the CER. LGCs are created per net3 megawatt hour (MWh) of eligible electricity generated by a power station as approved by the CER. Mandatory demand for LGCs arises from government legislation which obligates liable entities, predominantly electricity retail suppliers, to surrender certificates to acquit an LGC liability. An entity may also surrender LGCs voluntarily to prove the use of renewable energy. The registry for LGC creation, trading and surrender/cancellation is the Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) Registry administered by the CER. As the RET scheme ends in 2030, LGCs are anticipated to be replaced by a proposed certificate currently referred to as the Renewable Energy Guarantee of Origin (REGO).4 For further information as to the operation of the RET and LGCs, visit the CER website: https://www.cleanenergyregulator.gov.au/RET/Scheme-participants-and-industry/Power-stations/Large-scale-generation-certificates About FEX Global FEX Global is an Australian Market Licence Operator of exchange traded and centrally cleared derivatives contracts. FEX Global is focused on enabling the optimisation of hedging and risk management for market participants by providing futures and options for both commodity and energy markets, as well as emerging renewable energy and carbon markets. https://www.fexglobal.com.au/ Follow FEX Global @FEX_GLOBAL Bloomberg (BNWA) Refinitiv (0#AFEX-FEX/FUTEX1) ____________________

1 https://www.cleanenergyregulator.gov.au/Infohub/Markets/Pages/qcmr/june-quarter-2023/Large-scale-generation-certificates-(LGCs).aspx

2 https://www.cleanenergyregulator.gov.au/Infohub/Markets/Pages/qcmr/march-quarter-2023/Large-scale-generation-certificates.aspx

3 Discounts for auxiliary losses, for example of consumption of power in the operation of a wind farm and any marginal loss factors.

4 https://www.dcceew.gov.au/energy/renewable/guarantee-of-origin-scheme View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231114888516/en/

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[November 14, 2023] The INX Digital Company Reports Q3 2023 Financial and Operational Results Tweet

TORONTO, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The INX Digital Company, Inc. (NEO: INXD, OTCQB: INXDF , INXATS: INX) (the "Company" or "INX"), the owner of INX.One, a security token and digital asset trading platform, a U.S. broker-dealer, an alternative trading system, a transfer agent, and an inter-dealer broker (through its subsidiaries), announced quarterly financial results as of September 30, 2023. Investment gains/losses for any particular period are not indicative of quarterly business performance. Earnings of The INX Digital Company, Inc. for the third calendar quarter of 2023 are summarized below. All balances are reflected in U.S. Dollars. 2023 Third Quarter Financial and Operational Highlights: Operating cash and cash equivalents of $12.8M plus an additional $9.4M invested in short and mid-term duration U.S. treasury securities and investment-grade corporate bonds.

plus an additional invested in short and mid-term duration U.S. treasury securities and investment-grade corporate bonds. A strong and unleveraged balance sheet with a working capital of $22.7M .

. Reserve Fund set aside for the protection of customer funds and maintained in addition to operating funds at $36.0M .

. Q3 2023 total revenue at $1.3M , primarily from transaction and brokerage fees, on par compared to Q3 2022.

, primarily from transaction and brokerage fees, on par compared to Q3 2022. YTD revenue at $4.5M compared to $3.5M in 2022, a 28 percent year-over-year increase.

compared to in 2022, a 28 percent year-over-year increase. Q3 2023 net loss from operations of $4.7M . INX reports a Q3 2023 net loss of $13.6M ($0.06 EPS), which includes an unrealized loss on INX Tokens issued of $9.2M. Under applicable accounting standards, INX Tokens held by token holders are recognized as a liability on the Company's balance sheet, with resulting unrealized gains or losses recorded in net income. The Company's adjusted net loss for Q3 2023, excluding the loss on INX Token recorded during Q2 2023, is $4.4M ($12.8M adjusted net loss year-to-date). Adjusted net loss is a non-IFRS measure. Notable Q3 2023 milestones affirm INX as a frontrunner in the accelerating adoption of security tokens INX's main focus remains on creating a go-to holistic solution for founders and corporate partners to raise capital utilizing SEC-regulated security tokens and provide an efficient and transparent secondary market for this asset class, giving access to 'first look' investment opportunities to investors in the U.S. and globally. Taking advantage of the path created by the issuance of the INX Token, INX continues to lead other companies and founders in this process. As of September 2023, seven (7) portfolio companies are actively raising capital in their primary offerings and are available to investors and clients of INX, exclusively on the INX.One trading platform. The Company continues to enter into listing agreements with private companies in the U. S. and globally that seek to list their previously issued security tokens or common shares only for secondary market trading on INX.One. Two of such issuers are currently undergoing the due diligence and listing process. Strategic Partnership with Republic In June 2023, INX entered into a strategic collaboration agreement with Republic ("Republic"), a global financial firm operating a digital merchant bank and a network of investment platforms, pursuant to which the parties will seek to expand the breadth and depth of tokenization infrastructure and access to digital assets for investors worldwide.



By combining INX's digital trading infrastructure and expertise in tokenized primary offerings and secondary market trading with Republic's well-established primary distribution, wallet, and portfolio companies, both companies are poised to introduce a wide range of compliant solutions for both primary and secondary markets and redefine the way capital is raised, empowering both institutional and retail investors globally. Q3 marks significant milestones in the expansion and readiness of the Company's technology stack and infrastructure to fully integrate and list the Republic security token (Republic Note) on INX.One as well as future tokens from the Republic's portfolio of companies.

The expansion of infrastructure includes the integration of the Republic Wallet solution as a new custody option for clients trading on INX.One. The Republic Wallet integration is expected to launch on INX.One by the end of 2023. The Company also completed its integration with the Polygon blockchain. With this recent expansion, INX.One now supports trading in Ethereum, Avalanche, and Polygon blockchain-based tokens. "As digital security tokens surge towards full adoption, it underscores the clarity of INX's dedicated path. The security token market is rapidly expanding across asset classes, gaining traction among traditional institutions. The crucial steps taken in recent years have laid the foundation for INX to expand its operations and establish itself as a leader. With significant investments in global education for investors and issuers, coupled with strategic partnerships and collaborations, INX takes vital steps toward realizing the Company's full potential, offering clarity on the new technology and the opportunities it presents," commented Shy Datika, INX CEO. About INX:

INX provides regulated trading platforms for digital securities and cryptocurrencies. With the combination of traditional markets expertise and a disruptive fintech approach, INX provides state-of-the-art solutions to modern financial problems. INX is led by an experienced and dedicated team of business, finance, and technology veterans with the shared vision of redefining the world of capital markets via blockchain technology and a disciplined regulatory approach. About The INX Digital Company, Inc.:

INX is the holding company for the INX Group, which includes regulated trading platforms for digital securities and cryptocurrencies. The INX Group's vision is to be the preferred global regulated hub for digital assets on the blockchain. The INX Group's overall mission is to bring communities together and empower them with financial innovation. Our journey started with our initial public token offering of the INX Token in which we raised US$84 million. The INX Group is shaping the blockchain asset industry through its willingness to work in a regulated environment with oversight from regulators like the SEC and FINRA. In addition to operating two regulated trading platforms for blockchain assets, INX's interdealer broker, I.L.S. Brokers, plans to offer non-deliverable cryptocurrency forwards to Tier-1 banks in the future. For more information, please visit the INX Group website here . Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information and Other Disclosures

This press release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking information" ("forward-looking information") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking information and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that discusses predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking information. In disclosing the forward-looking information contained in this press release, INX has made certain assumptions, including with respect to, the continuous development of the INX trading platform, the completion of the transactions described herein, the offering of non-deliverable cryptocurrency forwards, and the development of the digital asset industry. Although INX believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, it can give no assurance that the expectations of any forward-looking information will prove to be correct. Known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such factors include but are not limited to regulatory developments, the state of the digital securities and cryptocurrencies markets, and general economic conditions. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking information contained in this press release. Except as required by law, INX disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information to reflect actual results, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions, changes in factors affecting such forward-looking information or otherwise. CBOE Canada is not responsible for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.?

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.? For further information, contact:

The INX Digital Company, Inc.

Investor Relations

+1 855 657 2314

Contact: Alan Silbert

Email: [email protected] For more information, contact:

Liz Whelan

[email protected]

(312) 315-0160 View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-inx-digital-company-reports-q3-2023-financial-and-operational-results-301988128.html SOURCE INX Limited

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Abdul Rashid Kyoto, a camp commander for the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), is escorted by counter-terrorism police officers during his arrival at the court of chief magistrate of the Nakawa area in Kampala, capital of Uganda, Nov. 13, 2023. A suspected terrorist commander has been detained here on charges of murdering two tourists and their local guide last month in Queen Elizabeth National Park, western Uganda, authorities said Monday. (Photo by Hajarah Nalwadda/Xinhua)

KAMPALA, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- A suspected terrorist commander has been detained here on charges of murdering two tourists and their local guide last month in Queen Elizabeth National Park, western Uganda, authorities said Monday.

Abdul Rashid Kyoto, known locally as "Njovu," was remanded in custody on Monday by Erias Kakooza, chief magistrate of the Nakawa area in Kampala, the capital of Uganda. Prosecutors have accused him of nine counts, including terrorism, murder, aggravated robbery and membership in a terrorist organization.

Njovu serves as a camp commander for the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a terrorist organization currently active in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) with connections to the Islamic State.

According to court documents, on Oct. 17, Njovu and others who remain at large killed two tourists, a British citizen and a South African, who were on their honeymoon in Queen Elizabeth National Park, along with their local guide. The court has documented that Njovu has openly declared his affiliation with the ADF.

Ugandan military forces announced on Nov. 2 that they had eliminated six ADF rebels and captured Njovu in an operation along Lake Edward, which is shared between Uganda and the DRC.

Njovu is scheduled to return to court on Nov. 27 for the mention of his case. 

Abdul Rashid Kyoto, a camp commander for the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), is escorted away by prison officers after being accused of nine counts at the court of chief magistrate of the Nakawa area in Kampala, capital of Uganda, Nov. 13, 2023. A suspected terrorist commander has been detained here on charges of murdering two tourists and their local guide last month in Queen Elizabeth National Park, western Uganda, authorities said Monday. (Photo by Hajarah Nalwadda/Xinhua)
[November 14, 2023] ACE Cash Express Raises Over $30,000 for Autism Speaks Tweet

DALLAS, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ACE Cash Express (ACE), a Populus Financial Group, Inc. brand, raised $31,750 for Autism Speaks during ACE's annual fundraising event, the Give A Little Campaign. Earlier this year, our South Texas store employees set a goal to raise $30,000, surpassing last year's donation of $23,259. Autism Speaks has become a very special charity to our store employees, especially after learning that some of our employees have loved ones with autism. By supporting Autism Speaks, ACE helps bring awareness to autism and advance research into causes and better treatments for autism spectrum disorders and related conditions. "The stories shared by ACE employees helps bring our mission to life," said Hunter Heidtke, Senior Field Development Coordinator at Autism Speaks. "The success of our organization is measured in the individuals and families we serve, and partnerships with groups like ACE empower us to positively impact members of our Austin and San Antonio communities. Our collaboration over the years has been amazing and we are incredibly lucky to have a great company supporting our vision." Autism Speaks is dedicated to creating an nclusive world for all individuals with autism throughout their lifespan. Through the years, they have worked tirelessly to provide crucial autism research, advocacy, services and support to help people with autism and those who support them thrive. Since 2005, Autism Speaks has aided over 27 million people through services and support, funding research to lower the age of diagnosis, driving earlier screening and interventions.



"We are proud to support Autism Speaks in Texas," said Eric Norrington, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs for Populus Financial Group. "Our employees are passionate about advocating and raising awareness for this important cause." Nationally, the 2023 Give A Little Campaign raised more than $150,000 for local chapters of charities across the country including AdoptAClassroom.org, Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, Autism Speaks, Feeding America's Local Food Banks, Feed My Starving Children, and Homes For Our Troops. This fundraiser is a part of the ACE Community Fund, ACE's charitable-giving program, which has donated more than $17 million since its inception in 2004 to organizations in communities where ACE operates.

About Populus Financial Group Populus Financial Group provides financial services through its family of brands including ACE Cash Express, ACE Elite Visa Prepaid Debit Card, Flare Account and Porte. Populus Financial Group delivers a broad range of financial products and services including short-term consumer loans, card services, check cashing, money transfers, bill payments and money orders. Visit PopulusFinancial.com for more information. About Autism Speaks Autism Speaks is enhancing lives today and accelerating a spectrum of solutions for tomorrow. Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech, and nonverbal communication. They are dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the life span, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. To learn more about autism or Autism Speaks please visit their website www.autismspeaks.org. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ace-cash-express-raises-over-30-000-for-autism-speaks-301988136.html SOURCE Populus Financial Group, Inc.

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[November 14, 2023] Kontrol Technologies Provides Corporate Update Tweet

Kontrol Technologies Corp. (NEO:KNR) (OTCQB:KNRLF) (FSE:1K8) ("Kontrol" or the "Company"), provides a corporate update on its progress towards its 2023 strategic objectives. "We are pleased with our progress and continued execution of our key strategic objectives for 2023," stated Paul Ghezzi, CEO Kontrol Technologies. "Ongoing cost reductions combined with organic growth have brought us to positive net income from continued operations ahead of schedule. We continue to make good progress in deleveraging and right sizing the balance sheet. The Company has entered new growth markets in our emission analyzer business and will continue to scale into these markets as we head into 2024." Consolidation and Rebranding to Kontrol Building Solutions The Company's operations in the commercial building sector will be consolidated and rebranded into Kontrol Buildings as of January, 2024. As part of the consolidation a unified platform delivering HVAC, air quality and real-time energy monitoring will be established. Under the rebranding the Company will continue to execute on its successful cost rationalizations as well as integrate all of the Company's building solutions and technologies under one brand. Emissions Business The Company will seek to expand its regulated emission business and will continue to operate under the well recognized brand of CEM Specialities Inc. The Company's emission platform has been expanding its offerings to include the regulated Ethylene oxide market. Ethylene oxide (EtO or EO) is widely used across various industries for the production of solvents, detergents, adhesives, antifreeze, textiles, and pharmaceuticals. Ethylene oxide is also present in sterility for cosmetics, fumigants, and hospitals for sterilty of surgical equipment.



Letter of Intent to Sell Operating Subsidiary The Company has entered into a Letter of Intent to sell its wholly owned operating subsidiary Ortech Consulting for approximately $6.6 Million CAD. The Acquiror is a large USA integrator of environmental consulting companies. The transaction is anticipated to close prior to December 31, 2023 and is subject to customary approvals and documentation which includes the completion of an Asset Purchase Agreement. Proceeds from the proposed sale would have an immediate impact in further accelerating the right-sizing of the Company's balance sheet.

Kontrol Technologies Corp. Kontrol Technologies Corp., a Canadian public company, is a leader in smart buildings and cities through IoT, Cloud and SaaS technology. Kontrol provides solutions and services to its customers to improve energy management, monitor continuous emissions and accelerate the sustainability of all buildings. Additional information about Kontrol Technologies Corp. can be found on its website at www.kontrolcorp.com and by reviewing its profile on SEDAR. Facebook

Twitter

LinkedIn Neither IIROC nor any stock exchange or other securities regulatory authority accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements contained herein that are not clearly historical in nature may constitute forward-looking information. In some cases, forward-looking information can be identified by words or phrases such as "may", "will", "expect", "likely", "should", "would", "plan", "anticipate", "intend", "potential", "proposed", "estimate", "believe" or the negative of these terms, or other similar words, expressions, and grammatical variations thereof, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" happen, or by discussions of strategy. Forward-looking information contained in this press releases includes, but is not limited to, the following: future emission monitoring solutions and products to be offered by Kontrol for its potential customers; that the future success of any of Kontrol's products; and customer demand relating to continuous emissions. Where Kontrol expresses or implies an expectation or belief as to future events or results, such expectation or belief is based on assumptions made in good faith and believed to have a reasonable basis. Such assumptions include, without limitation, that sufficient capital will be available to the Company; that the anticipated timing of implementing continuous emission monitoring solutions for Customers will go as planned; and that demand will continue for continuous emission monitoring technology and for the Company's products in particular. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements and the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained herein are made as at the date hereof and are based on the beliefs, estimates, expectations, and opinions of management on such date. Kontrol does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or revise any such forward-looking statements or any forward-looking statements contained in any other documents whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and such forward-looking information, except as required under applicable securities law. Readers are cautioned to consider these and other factors, uncertainties, and potential events carefully and not to put undue reliance on forward-looking information. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231114794025/en/

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[November 14, 2023] Lost Money in Fisker Inc.? Gibbs Law Group Investigates Potential Securities Law Violations Tweet

Shares of Fisker Inc. dropped 21% in intraday trading on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, after the company disclosed it is cutting its 2023 production guidance and delaying its quarterly 10-Q filing due to "material weaknesses" in its internal control over financial reporting. Gibbs Law Group is investigating a potential FSR Securities Class Action Lawsuit on behalf of shareholders who lost money in Fisker Inc. (NYSE: FSR). To speak with an attorney regarding this class action lawsuit investigation, click here or call (888) 410-2925. On November 8, 2023, electric vehicle company Fisker Inc. revealed that it was delaying the release of its 2023 Q3 financial statements and related disclosures, due to the departure of its CFO on October 27, 2023. Then, on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, Fisker Inc. disclose in a regulatory filing that it has "determined that it has material weaknesses" in its "internal control over financial reporting," which will result in a delayed 10-Q filing.



In its November 14, 2023 earnings call, Fisker's CEO announced the company is slashing its production guidance to a range of 13,000-17,000 units so that it "doesn't sit on inventory." Per Reuters, this range is down from prior outlooks of 20,000-23,000 units. In a September 2023 statement, Fisker said it was expecting to deliver 300 units of its Ocean vehicles per day before the end of 2023, but as of the third quarter of 2023, Fisker has only delivered around 1,100 vehicles this year, as reported by CNBC. Following this news, Fisker Inc. stock dropped by as much as 21% on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, causing significant harm to investors.

What Should FSR Investors Do? If you invested in Fisker Inc., visit our website, or contact our securities team directly at (888) 410-2925 to discuss how you may be able to recover your losses. Our investigation concerns whether Fisker Inc. has violated federal securities laws by providing false or misleading statements to investors. About Gibbs Law Group Gibbs Law Group represents investors throughout the country in securities litigation to correct abusive corporate governance practices, breaches of fiduciary duty, and proxy violations. The firm has recovered over a billion dollars for its clients against some of the world's largest corporations, and our attorneys have received numerous honors for their work, including "Best Lawyers in America," "Top Plaintiff Lawyers in California," "California Lawyer Attorney of the Year," "Class Action Practice Group of the Year," "Consumer Protection MVP," and "Top Women Lawyers in California." This press release may constitute Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231114695848/en/

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[November 14, 2023] The Westaim Corporation Reports Q3 2023 Results Tweet

The Westaim Corporation ("Westaim" or the "Company") (TSXV: WED) today announced its unaudited financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2023. Westaim recorded a net profit of $23.0 million ($0.16 diluted earnings per share) for Q3 2023 compared to a net loss of $16.7 million ($0.12 diluted loss per share) for Q3 2022. For the nine months ended September 30, Westaim recorded a net profit of $148.8 million ($1.05 diluted earnings per share) for 2023 compared to a net loss of $14.8 million ($0.10 diluted loss per share) for 2022. At September 30, 2023, Westaim's consolidated shareholders' equity was $495.7 million and the Company had 135,491,943 common shares ("Common Shares") outstanding. Book value per fully diluted share1 was $3.56 (C$4.82) at September 30, 2023, compared to $2.56 (C$3.46) at December 31, 2022. In Q3 2023, Westaim canceled 3,740,478 Common Shares that it acquired at a cost of $9.8 million through its normal course issuer bid ("NCIB"). In the nine months ended September 30, 2023, Westaim canceled 6,135,078 Common Shares that it acquired at a cost of $16.3 million. In addition, Westaim closed the following transactions on July 17, 2023 with certain affiliates of Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited (collectively, "Fairfax"): Westaim redeemed and delisted all of the 5,000,000 Preferred Securities and paid C$50 million (equivalent to $37.9 million); and

Fairfax surrendered and disposed of, without any further consideration, all of their 14,285,715 Westaim Warrants to purchase Common Shares at a strike price of C$3.50, which were immediately cancelled. 1 The Company uses both IFRS and non-generally accepted accounting principles ("non-GAAP") measures to assess performance. Book value per fully diluted share is a non-GAAP measure. Book value per share is computed as adjusted book value divided by the adjusted number of Common Shares. See "Non-GAAP Financial Measure" and the reconciliation of such measure to the most comparable IFRS figure below. Key Results for Q3 2023 Skyward Specialty Westaim's income from its valuation of Skyward Specialty was $20.7 million in Q3 2023 compared to a decrease of $8.6 million in Q3 2022. The Q3 2023 income was the result of Skyward Specialty's valuation at September 30, 2023 increasing to $27.36 per Skyward Specialty common share from $25.40 per Skyward Specialty common share at June 30, 2023. Westaim's investment in Skyward Specialty is $289.5 million at September 30, 2023 compared to $269.2 million at June 30, 2023. Arena FINCOs * Q3 2023 net income from Arena FINCOs was $0.9 million (+0.6% net return) compared to a net loss of $2.6 million (-1.5% net return) in Q3 2022.

Arena FINCOs' results reflect mark-to-market valuations within its portfolio which has a net value of $148.1 million at September 30, 2023 compared to $147.2 million at June 30, 2023. Arena * Arena Investors' achieved total recurring revenue 1 of $10.7 million in Q3 2023 compared to $10.8 million in Q3 2022 from its fee-paying assets under management ("AUM") 2 . Fee related earnings ("FRE") 1 in Q3 2023 was $0.2 million compared to $1.9 million in Q3 2022 and net incentive fees 1 was $0.4 million in Q3 2023 compared to the net expense of $9.3 million in Q3 2022.

of $10.7 million in Q3 2023 compared to $10.8 million in Q3 2022 from its fee-paying assets under management ("AUM") . Fee related earnings ("FRE") in Q3 2023 was $0.2 million compared to $1.9 million in Q3 2022 and net incentive fees was $0.4 million in Q3 2023 compared to the net expense of $9.3 million in Q3 2022. Arena Institutional Services ("AIS") EBITDA 1 was $4.3 million in Q3 2023 compared to a loss of $0.1 million in Q3 2022.

was $4.3 million in Q3 2023 compared to a loss of $0.1 million in Q3 2022. Total Arena EBITDA 1 for Q3 2023 was $4.6 million compared to a loss of $7.8 million in Q3 2022.

for Q3 2023 was $4.6 million compared to a loss of $7.8 million in Q3 2022. Committed AUM was $3.3 billion at September 30, 2023, $3.5 billion at December 31, 2022 and $3.5 billion at September 30, 2022. Fee-paying AUM was $2.5 billion at September 30, 2023, $2.6 billion at December 31, 2022 and $2.6 billion at September 30, 2022.

Westaim recorded its share of net income from Arena Investors of $2.1 million for Q3 2023 compared to a net loss of $4.2 million for Q3 2022. 1 Total recurring revenue, FRE, AIS EBITDA, net incentive fees and total Arena EBITDA are non-GAAP measures. These measures are reconciled to the most comparable Arena US GAAP figures in the Arena supplementary financial measures below and are used in order to show an accurate recurring revenue and contributions to net income from the advisory and non-advisory businesses. 2 AUM refers to the assets for which Arena Investors provides investment management, advisory or certain other investment-related services. AUM is generally based on the net asset value of the funds managed by Arena Investors plus any unfunded commitments. Arena Investors' calculation of AUM may differ from the calculations of other asset managers, and as a result, may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other asset managers. Arena Investors' calculations of AUM are not based on any definition set forth in the governing documents of the investment funds and are not calculated pursuant to any regulatory definitions. * Refer to the Supplementary Financial Measures sections of the MD&A (as defined herein): for Arena FINCOs see section 3.B.(ii), and for Arena see section 3.C.(iii). Supplementary financial measures from Arena's financial statements:







At 100% Share Three months ended September 30 Nine months ended September 30 (millions of U.S. dollars) 2023 20223 20233 20223 Arena Investors Management fees $ 7.7 $ 8.1 $ 23.2 $ 23.6 Asset servicing fees 2.9 3.0 8.3 8.3 Other income 0.1 (0.3) 0.6 (0.1) Total recurring revenue 10.7 10.8 32.1 31.8 Operating expenses allocated to recurring revenue (10.5) (8.9) (30.4) (24.7) Fee related earnings 0.2 1.9 1.7 7.1 Incentive fees 1.5 (8.9) 5.7 4.9 Incentive fees compensation expense (1.1) (0.4) (3.9) (7.3) Net incentive fees 0.4 (9.3) 1.8 (2.4) Arena Investors' EBITDA 0.6 (7.4) 3.5 4.7 Arena Institutional Services AIS revenue 8.1 - 13.1 - AIS operating expenses (0.9) (0.1) (1.4) (0.4) Employee profit share (2.9) - (4.7) - AIS EBITDA 4.3 (0.1) 7.0 (0.4) AIGH general and administrative costs (0.1) (0.2) (0.5) (0.6) AIGH other income and expenses (0.2) (0.1) (0.9) (1.2) Total Arena EBITDA 4.6 (7.8) 9.1 2.5 Depreciation (0.1) - (0.3) (0.1) Revolving loan interest expense paid to the Company (0.4) (0.3) (1.2) (1.0) Taxes - (0.1) - (0.2) Net income (loss) attributable to Arena 4.1 (8.2) 7.6 1.2 Company's share of income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) of Arena (51%) $ 2.1 $ (4.2) $ 3.9 $ 0.6

3 Adjusted to conform to the presentation of the current period financial statements. "We are pleased with Westaim's continued Q3 earnings which were driven by gains on our investment in Skyward Specialty with the public markets' support for Skyward Specialty's common shares. Within a rising rate environment, Arena delivered solid performance to their investors and shareholders in Q3 as they continue to grow their global platform, which includes Arena Institutional Services ("AIS") business. To describe the Arena business; Arena Investors' manages capital on behalf of their investors and the Arena FINCOs, while in AIS, they seek to monetize their intellectual capital on behalf of third-party customers and counterparties. With six active campaigns throughout 2023 and 2024, we expect Arena to provide investors compelling opportunities and capture operating efficiencies within their growing business." said Cameron MacDonald, President and Chief Executive Officer of Westaim. "Westaim continues to be actively buying back its Common Shares through its NCIB. So far in Q4 2023, an additional 2,851,500 Common Shares were acquired at a cost of $7.6 million." This press release should be read in conjunction with Westaim's unaudited interim consolidated financial statements (the "Financial Statements") and management's discussion and analysis for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 (the "MD&A") which were filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. These documents and the Company's Q3 2023 Investor Presentation can be found on the Company's website at www.westaim.com. Non-GAAP Financial Measures Westaim reports its Financial Statements using GAAP and accounting policies consistent with IFRS. Westaim uses both IFRS and non-GAAP measures to assess performance. The Company cautions readers about non-GAAP measures that do not have a standardized meaning under IFRS and are unlikely to be comparable to similar measures used by other companies. Readers are urged to review Section 15 Non-GAAP Measures in the MD&A (available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca) which is incorporated by reference into this news release and discloses historical figures for book value per share in respect of the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 as well as additional disclosures regarding this measure. The Supplementary Financial Measures relating to Arena and Arena FINCOs contained in the MD&A is unaudited and has been derived from the financial statements of the related entities. Readers are cautioned that certain Arena and Arena FINCO financial information, including any US non-GAAP measures contained therein, has not been reconciled to IFRS and so may not be comparable to the financial information of issuers that present their financial information in accordance with IFRS. About Westaim Westaim is a Canadian investment company specializing in providing long-term capital to businesses operating primarily within the global financial services industry. The Company invests, directly and indirectly, through acquisitions, joint ventures and other arrangements, with the objective of providing its shareholders with capital appreciation and real wealth preservation. Westaim's strategy is to pursue investment opportunities with a focus towards the financial services industry and grow shareholder value over the long term. Westaim's investments include significant interests in Skyward Specialty, Arena and Arena FINCOs. Skyward Specialty, Arena FINCOs and Arena are defined in the notes to Westaim's unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 and the MD&A. Westaim's Common Shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the trading symbol WED. The Westaim Corporation

Financial Highlights

(millions of U.S. dollars except share and per share data) Highlights Three months ended September 30 Nine months ended September 30 2023 2022 2023 2022 Revenue and net change in value of investments $ 24.8 $ (15.1) $ 159.5 $ (7.7) Net expenses (1.8) (2.5) (10.5) (7.3) Income taxes recovery (expense) - 0.9 (0.2) 0.2 Profit (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) $ 23.0 $ (16.7) $ 148.8 $ (14.8) Earnings (loss) per share - basic $ 0.17 $ (0.12) $ 1.06 $ (0.10) Earnings (loss) per share - diluted $ 0.16 $ (0.12) $ 1.05 $ (0.10) September 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 Assets Cash $ 39.3 $ 3.4 Other assets 0.4 0.6 Investments 469.5 409.1 Deferred tax assets 1.7 0.2 $ 510.9 $ 413.3 Liabilities Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 14.0 $ 12.9 Income taxes payable 1.2 0.2 Preferred securities - 36.9 Derivative warrant liability - 0.1 15.2 50.1 Shareholders' equity 495.7 363.2 Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 510.9 $ 413.3 Number of common shares outstanding1 135,491,943 141,386,718 Book value per fully diluted share - in US$2 $ 3.56 $ 2.56 Book value per fully diluted share - in C$3 $ 4.82 $ 3.46 1 At September 30, 2023, 7,623,955 stock options and 3,455,198 RSUs were outstanding. At December 31, 2022, 10,428,337 stock options, 2,975,198 RSUs and 14,285,715 warrants were outstanding. Details regarding these stock options, RSUs and warrants are disclosed in the Company's public filings including its interim financial statements which are available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

2 Non-GAAP measure. See the reconciliation of Westaim's non-GAAP measures below or Section 15, Non-GAAP Measures of the MD&A for a reconciliation to the most comparable IFRS figures.

3 Period end exchange rates of US$ to C$: 1.35535 at September 30, 2023 and 1.35360 at December 31, 2022. Reconciliation of Westaim's non-GAAP measure

Book value per share September 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 September 30, 2022 Book value: Shareholders' equity per IFRS $ 495.7 $ 363.2 $ 330.3 Adjustments: RSU liability 1 8.3 5.8 5.6 Derivative warrant liability 2 - 0.1 0.1 Assumed proceeds of exercised in-the-money options 3 17.2 - - $ 521.2 $ 369.1 $ 336.0 Number of Common Shares: Number of Common Shares outstanding 135,491,943 141,386,718 141,386,718 Adjustments for assumed exercise of: Outstanding RSUs 1 3,455,198 2,975,198 2,975,198 In-the-money options 3 7,623,955 - - Adjusted number of Common Shares 146,571,096 144,361,916 144,361,916 Book value per share - in US$ $ 3.56 $ 2.56 $ 2.33 Book value per share - in C$ 4 $ 4.82 $ 3.46 $ 3.22 1 See Note 11, Share-based Compensation in the Notes to the Financial Statements. Liability related to RSUs converted from C$ to US$ at period end exchange rates. RSUs are exercisable for Common Shares or cash at no cost to the holders. Adjustment made to reflect a reclassification of the RSU liability to shareholders' equity assuming all outstanding RSUs were exercised for Common Shares.

2 See Note 8, Derivative Warrant Liability in the Notes to the Financial Statements. Derivative warrant liability converted from C$ to US$ at period end exchange rates. Adjustment made as the non-cash fair value change in the derivative warrant liability from period to period is not indicative of the change in the intrinsic value of the Company. There were no outstanding Vested Warrants at September 30, 2023. Vested Warrants were not included in the adjusted number of Common Shares at December 31, 2022 and September 30, 2022 as none of them were in-the-money.

3 See Note 11, Share-based Compensation in the Notes to the Financial Statements. Adjustments were made for all of the options outstanding at September 30, 2023, since they were in-the-money. No adjustments were made for options at December 31, 2022 and September 30, 2022, since they were not in-the money. The exercise of in-the-money options would have resulted in an infusion of capital to the Company.

4 Book value per share converted from US$ to C$ at period end exchange rates. Period end exchange rates: 1.35535 at September 30, 2023, 1.35360 at December 31, 2022 and 1.38135 at September 30, 2022. Cautionary Note and Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, including statements regarding future estimates, plans, objectives, timing, assumptions or expectations of future performance, including the statement that Arena has six active campaigns throughout 2023 and 2024 is a forward-looking statements and contain forward-looking information. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intends" or "anticipates", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" or "occur". Forward-looking statements are based on certain material assumptions and analysis made by the Company and the opinions and estimates of management as of the date of this news release, including that Arena continues with its active campaigns in 2023 and 2024. These 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 the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information. 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. Additional information regarding risks and uncertainties relating to the Company's business are contained under the heading "Risk Factors" in its annual information form for its fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 filed on the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. 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. The information provided herein does not constitute an offer or solicitation regarding any investment products offered by Arena Investors. 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. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231114996557/en/

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[November 14, 2023] BBTV Announces Q3 2023 Financial Results Tweet

VANCOUVER, BC, Nov. 14, 2023 /CNW/ - BBTV Holdings Inc. (TSX: BBTV) (OTCQX: BBTVF) (the "Company"), a media tech company that uses technology enabled solutions to help content creators become more successful, today announced financial results for Q3 2023 for the period ended on September 30, 2023. The Management Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A"), along with full financial statements are posted and available on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca. All dollar amounts are expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars except where otherwise indicated. Q3 2023 Financial and Operational Highlights: Total views for the quarter reached 103.6 billion, an 8% increase compared to the previous year quarter. The increase in views was driven by a 115% year-over-year increase in YouTube Shorts viewership to 53.0 billion views in Q3 2023, which is approximately 51% of total views and stable compared to Q2 2023. Monetization in the form of RPMs (Revenue per Thousand Views) were flat at $0.54 compared to $0.54 in Q2 2023 and declined by 38% compared to the previous year. The year-over-year decline in RPMs is a direct result of the emergence of YouTube Shorts viewership. Over time, based on industry stakeholder feedback, it is expected that the monetization of YouTube Shorts should improve to more closely reflect those of regular-length YouTube videos. Excluding YouTube Shorts, the monetization of 50.7 billion regular-length content views remained steady near typical rates at $1.10 in Q3 2023, a 7% decline compared to $1.18 in Q3 2022. To the extent YouTube Shorts RPMs track higher, notwithstanding typical seasonality, overall RPMs also are expected to increase over time. Overall, total revenue of $66.2 million declined by 30% compared to $95.1 million in Q3 2022 primarily due to a higher mix of YouTube Shorts views, which are at early stages of monetization, and our decision to not renew certain contracts that didn't have near-term profitability, as we continue to focus on profitable growth. Overall, BBTV's Q3 2023 operating expenses of $8.6 million have declined by $5.4 million or 38% compared to Q3 2022, and 19% compared to Q2 2023 due to cost optimization and operational realignment. The Company continues to look for opportunities to optimize operations in the coming months. Plus Solutions, including popular solutions such as Content Management and Direct Advertising Sales, deliver higher margin monetization opportunities for BBTV. Overall, during Q3 2023, Plus Solutions represented approximately 13% of total revenue and 35-40% of Adjusted Gross Profit compared to 11% and 30-35%, respectively, in Q3 2022. With a large pipeline of mostly global enterprise clients, Plus Solutions is expected to continue to grow as a percentage of total revenue and Adjusted Gross Profit, even as Shorts monetization increases. Outlook: Subsequent to quarter-end, on October 17, 2023, the Company announced its plan to undertake a go-private transaction by way of a statutory Plan of Arrangement, subject to securityholder approval. The plan provides that the Company will acquire the Subordinate Voting Shares held by public shareholders at a price of $0.375 per share. Certain members of management and long-term shareholders will retain their shares in the Company. As well, unsecured convertible debentures of the company due June 15, 2026 and listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange will be acquired at a price of $100 per $1,000 principal amount of debentures, with interest waived. Completion of the plan is dependent on closing of a proposed debt financing as described in the Company's announcement on October 17, 2023. The meeting of securityholders to consider the transaction will be held on November 30, 2023. Further details of the Plan of Arrangement are contained within the October 17, 2023 press release and filed on SEDAR, and in Management's Information Circular dated October 30, 2023 filed on SEDAR. The Company's ability to continue as a going concern is dependent upon its ability to meet its cash flow forecasts and secure additional financing. Q3 2023 FINANCIAL TABLES:









Three Months Ended

Q3 2023(1) Q3 2022(1) $ Change % Change Base Solutions revenue $57,317 $84,563 ($27,246) (32 %) Plus Solutions revenue $8,922 $10,513 ($1,591) (15 %) Total revenue $66,239 $95,076 ($28,837) (30 %) Gross profit (loss) (which includes PPA Amortization) ($2,005) $703 ($2,708) (385 %) Gross margin (which includes PPA Amortization) (3 %) 1 %



Adjusted Gross Profit $ 5,499 $8,173 ($2,674) (33 %) Gross Margin Excluding PPA Amortization 8 % 9 %



Net loss ($59,901) ($4,775) ($55,126) 1,154 % Adjusted EBITDA ($1,702) ($3,181) $1,479 (46 %) Cash flow used in operating activities ($9,213) ($3,286) ($5,927) 180 %

(1) These figures are derived from the Company's IFRS financial statements. Adjusted Gross Profit and Adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP financial measures and Gross Margin Excluding PPA Amortization is a non-GAAP ratio. These terms are defined under "Key Metric Definitions" below. A reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures and non-GAAP ratios are set out below under "Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Non-GAAP Ratios Reconciliation Tables". The Net Loss in Q3 2023 was primarily driven by a non-cash intangible asset impairment charge of $48.2 million in relation to the intangible assets realized during the acquisition of BroadbandTV Corp by BBTV Holdings immediately prior to its IPO in 2020. The impairment charge was recorded due to the changes in the macroeconomic environment, namely lower projected cash flows from cash generating units due to a subdued economic outlook and YouTube Shorts monetization taking a longer period of time to be comparable to traditional long-form content. This impairment charge also aligns the Company's net book value with the Subordinated Voting Share price of $0.375 as proposed for the go-private transaction.

Three Months Ended

Q3 2023(1) Q2 2023(1) $ Change % Change Base Solutions revenue $57,317 $62,094 ($4,777) (8 %) Plus Solutions revenue $8,922 $10,703 ($1,781) (17 %) Total revenue $66,239 $72,797 ($6,558) (9 %) Gross loss (which includes PPA Amortization) ($2,005) ($1,616) ($389) 24 % Gross margin (which includes PPA Amortization) (3 %) (2 %)



Adjusted Gross Profit $ 5,499 $5,816 ($317) (5 %) Gross Margin Excluding PPA Amortization 8 % 8 %



Net income/(loss) ($59,901) $3,842 ($63,743) (1,659 %) Adjusted EBITDA ($1,702) ($2,919) $1,217 (42 %) Cash flow used in operating activities ($9,213) ($3,894) ($5,319) 137 % (1) These figures are derived from the Company's IFRS financial statements. Adjusted Gross Profit and Adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP financial measures and Gross Margin Excluding PPA Amortization is a non-GAAP ratio. These terms are defined under "Key Metric Definitions" below. A reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures and non-GAAP ratios are set out below under "Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Non-GAAP Ratios Reconciliation Tables". Q3 2023 KEY METRICS :

Three Months Ended

Q3 2023 Q3 2022 Change % Change









Views (billions) 104 96 8 8 % RPMs (in dollars) $0.54 $0.87 ($0.33) (38 %)

Three Months Ended

Q3 2023 Q2 2023 Change % Change









Views (billions) 104 114 (10) (9 %) RPMs (in dollars) $0.54 $0.54 Nil Nil Income Statement:

Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,

2023 2022 % change 2023 2022 % change

$ $

$ $

Revenue $66,239 $95,076 (30 %) $210,800 $293,840 (28 %) Cost of revenue











Content creator and other fees $60,353 $86,508 (30 %) $191,570 $267,101 (28 %) Amortization $7,891 $7,865 0 % $23,646 $23,539 0 % Total cost of revenue $68,244 $94,373 (28 %) $215,216 $290,640 (26 %)













Gross profit (loss) ($2,005) $703 (385 %) ($4,416) $3,200 (238 %)













Operating expenses











Sales and marketing $4,030 $6,762 (40 %) $13,536 $23,049 (41 %) General and administration $2,921 $3,993 (27 %) $11,037 $12,870 (14 %) Research and development $1,021 $1,290 (21 %) $3,299 $4,030 (18 %) Share-based compensation ($315) $989 (132 %) $555 $2,708 (80 %) Amortization and depreciation $943 $944 0 % $2,870 $2,916 (2 %) Total operating expenses $8,600 $13,978 (38 %) $31,297 $45,573 (31 %)













Operating loss ($10,605) ($13,275) (20 %) ($35,713) ($42,373) (16 %)













Foreign exchange loss ($1,381) ($2,345) (41 %) ($255) ($2,700) (91 %) Interest expense ($2,733) ($2,383) 15 % ($8,352) ($6,765) 23 % Goodwill and intangible assets impairment ($48,224) - NA ($48,224) - NA Gain on debt modification - $11,264 NA $18,007 $11,264 60 % Other income (expense) $206 $240 (14 %) ($2,208) ($251) 780 % Transaction-related costs - ($59) NA ($61) ($598) (90 %) Total non-operating (expenses) income ($52,132) $6,717 (876 %) ($41,093) $950 (4,426 %)













Loss before income taxes ($62,737) ($6,558) 857 % ($76,806) ($41,423) 85 %













Recovery of income taxes $2,836 $1,783 59 % $6,148 $9,865 (38 %)













Net oss ($59,901) ($4,775) 1,154 % ($70,658) ($31,558) 124 %













Other comprehensive loss











Exchange differences on translation of operations in currencies other than Canadian dollars $45 $272 (83 %) ($36) ($228) (84 %)













Loss and comprehensive loss ($59,856) ($4,503) 1,229 % ($70,694) ($31,786) 122 %













Basic and diluted loss per share (in dollars) ($2.77) ($0.22)

($3.27) ($1.49)















Weighted average number of shares outstanding. Basic and diluted (in whole numbers) 21,647,547 21,474,508

21,595,503 21,237,784

Non-GAAP Financial Measures and non-GAAP Ratios Reconciliation Tables: Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin

Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30,

2023 $ 2022 $ 2023 $ 2022 $ Net income (loss) ($59,901) ($4,775) ($70,658) ($31,558) Amortization and depreciation(1) $8,834 $8,809 $26,516 $26,455 Share-based compensation ($315) $989 $555 $2,708 Unrealized and realized foreign exchange $1,381 $2,345 $255 $2,700 Interest expense $2,733 $2,383 $8,352 $6,765 Gain on debt modification - ($11,264) ($18,007) ($11,264) Goodwill and intangible assets impairment $48,224 - $48,224 - Other (income) expense ($206) ($240) $2,208 $251 Receivable factoring banking fees $384 $296 $1,149 $659 Transaction-related costs - $59 $61 $598 Recovery of income taxes ($2,836) ($1,783) ($6,148) ($9,865) Adjusted EBITDA ($1,702) ($3,181) ($7,493) ($12,551) Total revenues $66,239 $95,076 $210,800 $293,840 Adjusted EBITDA Margin (2.60 %) (3.30 %) (3.60 %) (4.30 %) (1) Includes depreciation and amortization reported in cost of revenue and operating expenses for all periods. (2) Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure while Adjusted EBITDA Margin is a non-GAAP ratio. Further details on these measures are included in the "Key Metrics Definitions" section of this press release. BBTV Share, Adjusted Gross Profit, and Adjusted Gross Margin





Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30,

2023 $ 2022 $ 2023 $ 2022 $ Revenue $66,239 $95,076 $210,800 $293,840 Less: content creator and third-party platform fees ($60,353) ($86,493) ($191,570) ($267,000) BBTV Share (A) $5,886 $8,583 $19,230 $26,840









Gross profit (loss) ($2,005) $703 ($4,416) $3,200 Add: amortization associated with intangible assets acquired as part of the Business Combination Transaction $7,504 $7,470 $22,416 $22,415 Adjusted Gross Profit (B) $5,499 $8,173 $18,000 $25,615









Adjusted Gross Margin (B/A) 93.40 % 95.20 % 93.60 % 95.40 % BBTV Share and Adjusted Gross Profit are non-GAAP financial measures while Adjusted Gross Margin is a non-GAAP ratio. Further details on these measures are included in the "Key Metrics Definitions" section of this press release. Free Cash Flow

Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30,

2023 2022 2023 2022 Cash flow used in operating activities ($9,213) ($3,286) ($23,951) ($17,651) Purchase of property and equipment ($6) ($21) ($18) ($267) Purchase or development of intangible assets ($385) ($528) ($1,122) ($1,944 Free Cash Flow ($9,604) ($3,835) ($25,091) ($19,862) Free Cash Flow is a non-GAAP financial measure. Further details on this measure is included in the "Key Metrics Definitions" section of this press release About BBTV BBTV is a global media and technology company headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. The Company's mission is to help content creators become more successful. With creators ranging from individuals to global media brands, BBTV provides comprehensive, end-to-end Solutions to increase viewership and drive revenue powered by its innovative technology, while allowing creators to focus on their core competency  content creation. In December 2022, BBTV had the fourth most unique monthly viewers among digital platforms with more than 600 million globally, who consumed more than 30 billion minutes of video content [1]. (www.bbtv.com) [1] Calculations and classifications made by BBTV based on data from Comscore's "Top 12 Countries = December 2022 comScore Video Metrix Media Trend  Multi-Platform  Top 100 Video Properties Report"; Top 12 countries represent ~50% of world's digital population. Links to SEDAR filings, conference call recordings and press releases are available on the investor website at: https://investors.bbtv.com/ Key Metrics Definitions The information presented within this press release includes certain financial measures such as non-GAAP financial measures, non-GAAP ratios, and supplementary financial measures, as well as a non-financial performance measure (collectively, "Key Metrics") to assist investors in assessing the overall operating performance of the Company. These measures are provided as additional information to complement IFRS measures by providing further understanding of our results of operations from management's perspective. Accordingly, these measures should not be considered in isolation nor as a substitute for analysis of our financial information reported under IFRS. They are not standardized measures under IFRS and do not have standardized meanings prescribed by IFRS, and might not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other issuers. These Key Metrics are used to provide investors with supplemental information on our operating performance and thus highlight trends in our core business that may not otherwise be apparent when relying solely on IFRS measures. We also believe that securities analysts, investors and other interested parties frequently use Key Metrics in the evaluation of issuers. Our management also uses Key Metrics in order to facilitate operating performance comparisons from period to period, to prepare annual operating budgets and forecasts and to determine components of management compensation. The numbers for the Company's Key Metrics and related information are calculated using external industry data sources and/or internal company data. These measures may be different from non-GAAP financial measures or ratios or other metrics used by other companies and may not be comparable to similar meanings prescribed by other companies, limiting their usefulness for comparison purposes. Moreover, some of these adjustments or measures are provided for period-over-period comparison purposes, and investors should be cautioned that the effect of the adjustments provided herein is not indicative of the actual effect on the Company's operating results. Non-GAAP Ratios contained in this press release are: "Adjusted Gross Margin" means Adjusted Gross Profit divided by BBTV Share; and "Adjusted EBITDA Margin" means Adjusted EBITDA divided by revenue. "Gross Margin Excluding PPA Amortization" means Adjusted Gross Profit divided by revenue. Non-GAAP Financial Measures contained in this press release are: "Adjusted EBITDA" means net earnings or loss, as applicable, before finance expenses, income tax expense (recovery), amortization and depreciation, share-based compensation, unrealized and realized gains or losses due to foreign exchange, transaction-related costs, and certain other items as set out in the reconciliation table; "BBTV Share" means revenue less content creator and third-party platform fees; "Adjusted Gross Profit" means gross profit plus amortization associated with intangible assets acquired as part of the Business Combination Transaction; "Free Cash Flow" means cash flows from (used in) operating activities less purchases of property and equipment and purchase or development of intangible assets; See the financial tables above for a reconciliation of the non-GAAP ratios and non-GAAP financial measures. Supplementary Financial Measures Supplementary Financial Measures contained in this press release are: "Advertising Revenue" means the revenue generated from advertising sales from the Company's owned and licensed video on demand content across digital platforms, rights management revenue from advertising sales on video on demand content, and in-app advertising on Mobile Gaming Apps. "RPMs" or "Revenue per one thousand video Views" means the Advertising Revenues for every thousand Views generated by the Company's owned and licensed digital content. The Company does not provide a reconciliation for RPMs as there are no directly comparable IFRS measures for the components that make up RPMs. "Gross Margin" means gross profit divided by revenue. We monitor Advertising Revenue and RPMs to help us evaluate our business, measure our performance, identify trends affecting our business, formulate business plans and make strategic decisions. These measures are also used to provide investors with supplemental measures of our operating performance and thus highlight trends in our core business that may not otherwise be apparent when relying solely on IFRS measures. Unless the context otherwise requires, the Company believes that readers should consider the applicable metrics to be indicative of engagement and monetization trends that are key factors that affect the Company's revenue. The Company may or may not update these metrics based on the Company's determination of applicability, circumstance, relevance or other considerations. Non-Financial Performance Measures Views are one of BBTV's non-financial performance measures and are defined as the number of views, in billions, of the Company's owned and licensed digital video content on various platforms, notably YouTube, for the stated period. The presentation of Views is reliant on certain third-party industry data and therefore is not comprehensive and may exclude views of the Company's content on certain platforms or in geographies whereby such data sources are unable to or do not track such information. Trends in Views affect revenue and financial results by influencing the Company's volume of salable media inventory, RPMs, as well as its product offerings, expenses and capital expenditures. While Views are reported using reasonable judgments and estimates of the audience and its engagement with its content for the applicable period of measurement, there are certain challenges and limitations in measuring the usage of its content across its audience. Such challenges and limitations may also affect the Company's understanding of certain details of its business. For example, the methodologies used to measure the Company's Views and RPMs (see "Supplementary Financial Measures" above) may be susceptible to algorithm, calculation or other technical or human errors, and following an acquisition or strategic transaction, certain data may be, among other things, integrated, analyzed and reported differently by the Company than it was by the target or the strategic partner. Moreover, the Company's or its data provider's business intelligence tools may experience glitches or fail on a particular data backup or upload, which could lead to certain customer activity not being properly included in the calculation of Views and RPMs. Although the Company typically attempts to address and correct any such failures and inaccuracies relatively quickly, its reported Views and RPMs are still susceptible to the same and its estimations of such metrics may be lower or higher than the actual numbers. Forward Looking Statements: This press release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking information"). Forward-looking information is not information about historical facts but instead represents the Company's intentions, beliefs, plans, goals, objectives and strategies regarding future events and results, and includes certain financial outlooks. Financial outlooks are provided to aid in understanding management's goals and expectations regarding future financial matters, and, for all the reasons set out below, may not be achieved. Such financial outlooks may not be appropriate for other purposes. Forward-looking information contained in this press release includes statements that over time, based on industry stakeholder feedback, it is expected that the monetization of YouTube Shorts should improve to more closely reflect those of regular-length YouTube videos; to the extent YouTube Shorts RPMs track higher, notwithstanding typical seasonality, overall RPMs also are expected to increase over time; the Company continues to look for opportunities to optimize operations in the coming months; with a large pipeline of mostly global enterprise clients, Plus Solutions should continue to grow as a percentage of total revenue and Adjusted Gross Profit, even as Shorts monetization increases; statements containing certain details of the Company's plan to undertake a go-private transaction by way of a statutory Plan of Arrangement, subject to securityholder approval, and complete a related financing; and the Company's ability to continue as a going concern is dependent upon its ability to meet its cash flow forecasts and secure additional financing. Forward-looking information is necessarily based on a number of estimates and assumptions that the Company considered appropriate and reasonable as of the date such information is given, including but not limited to the assumptions that growth trends in views and RPMs overall will improve over time; the Company will be able to find ways to optimize operations in the coming months; the Company will continue to acquire and maintain significant content management clients resulting in the Company's Plus Solutions revenue continuing to grow as expected; that BBTV will continue to acquire new content partners of the same nature and type and at least at the same rate or better than it has historically; the Company will continue to implement cost reductions; our content providers and our strategic and other partners will perform as contractually required; we will be able to obtain and maintain financing on acceptable terms on a timely basis; the go-private transaction and related financing will close as anticipated; and that there will be no changes in general industry, market and economic conditions adverse to the Company. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control, that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to the risk that the Company's assumptions on which its forward-looking information is based may not be accurate; the effect of competition; that the Company has a history of losses and negative cash flow; the Company may not become profitable as anticipated by management or at all; the Company's need for additional capital on acceptable terms and to meet its cash flow forecasts, neither of which is assured; the Company's significant reliance on its relationship with YouTube; the impact of the continuing COVID-19 pandemic and of economic uncertainty; the risks of potential claims of infringement by the Company or its content providers of third party intellectual property and other rights; changes in laws and regulations; future market, consumption patterns and other trends may fail to meet or exceed historical trends or current expectations; failure of the Company to realize significant distribution on new platforms or at all; as well as other factors discussed in the Company's Final Long Form Prospectus dated October 22, 2020 and its latest Annual Information Form, MD&A and other filings with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities at www.sedarplus.ca. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable law. Contacts: Media Relations

[email protected]

Mark Funston,

Head of Marketing and PR,

778-288-4950

[email protected] Investor Relations

[email protected]

Ron Shuttleworth

Partner

Oak Hill Financial Inc

(647)-500-7371

[email protected] BBTV-F View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bbtv-announces-q3-2023-financial-results-301987867.html SOURCE BBTV Holdings Inc.

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[November 14, 2023] Resecurity to Showcase Award-Winning Identity Protection (IDP) at Milipol Paris 2023 Tweet

LOS ANGELES , Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Resecurity, a leading global cybersecurity company, is excited to announce its participation at Milipol Paris 2023, taking place from November 14th to 17th, 2023, at the Paris-Nord Villepinte exhibition center, Milipol Paris. The preeminent event for homeland security, boasts over 1,000 exhibitors from 65% international representation and attracts more than 30,000 visitors from 150+ countries. With over 150 official delegations and 220 journalists covering the event, Milipol Paris 2023 is the ideal platform for Resecurity to showcase its cutting-edge Identity Protection (IDP) service to a global audience. Milipol Paris, organized under the patronage of the French Ministry of Interior, is an official event carried out in partnership with the French National Police and Gendarmerie, Civil Defense Service, French Customs, City Police, Interpol, and other key stakeholders in the field of homeland security. The event encompasses a diverse range of sectors, including data protection, information and communication systems, economic and industrial intelligence, risk analysis and management, civil defense, law enforcement, anti-terrorism, protection of industrial and sensitive sites, and much more. With the rising threat of cybercrime and the need for robust digital identity protection, Resecurity is poised to make a significant impact at this prestigious event. The IDP service is a state-of-the-art solution dedicated to safeguarding citizens and businesses globally from cyber threats. With the ever-increasing complexity and frequency of cyberattacks, the need for comprehensive digital identity protection has never been more critical. Resecurity's IDP service offers cutting-edge technology to counter these threats and ensure the security of individuals and organizations alike. "Identity Protection by Resecurity is pivotal in fortifying digital infrastructure and bolstering the digital economy," emphasized Gene Yoo, CEO of Resecurity. "This Resecurity solution is designed to shield both citizens and businesses from the escalating risks of account takeover, fraudulent activities, and malicious online behaviors. Its mission is to empower society to protect online identities and minimize the perils of account takeover, personal data breaches, online-banking theft, and scams. We are proud that our solution has already saved multi-million dollars for major Fortune 100 organizations in North America, LATAM, and APAC." Resecurity's IDP service encompasses a range of features designed to protect digital identities from a wide spectrum of cyber threats, including data breaches, identity theft, and fraudulent activities. This comprehensive service offers real-time monitoring, threat detection, and incident response to ensure that individuals and businesses can navigate the digital world with confidence and securty. In addition, the IDP service is customizable to meet the specific needs of various industries, including critical sectors such as finance, healthcare, and government.



"We are excited to exhibit Resecurity's IDP service to citizens and businesses, showcasing its advanced features and capabilities," affirmed Christian Lees, CTO of Resecurity. "Our goal is to empower individuals to take control of their online presence, ensuring protection from identity theft, fraud, and other malicious activities. With Resecurity's IDP, users can confidently navigate the digital landscape, knowing that their personal information is secure." Milipol Paris provides an exceptional platform for Resecurity to introduce its IDP service to a diverse audience, including government officials, law enforcement agencies, security professionals, and industry experts worldwide. With its commitment to innovation and excellence, Resecurity has developed a robust, user-friendly, and effective solution to address the evolving challenges of the digital landscape.

Shawn Loveland, COO of Resecurity, explained, "Resecurity is pioneering accessible cybersecurity services, making them available to everyday citizens who may not be fully aware of the lurking cyber threats. Cybercriminals often exploit the digital identities of children, women, and law-abiding individuals to commit cybercrimes and fraud, causing detrimental impacts on the victims' personal lives and privacy." The grand exhibition of Resecurity's Identity Protection (IDP) service at Milipol Paris 2023 represents a significant milestone for the company. This event allows industry leaders, security experts, and government officials to experience firsthand the capabilities and benefits of Resecurity's IDP service. Resecurity encourages all attendees at Milipol Paris 2023 to visit its booth to learn more about the IDP service and engage with the company's team of experts. The company is eager to collaborate with organizations, institutions, and individuals interested in enhancing their cybersecurity posture and safeguarding digital identities. For additional information about Resecurity and its Identity Protection (IDP) service, please visit the official website at www.resecurity.com/idp. Recently Resecurity products have been also named a Gold Winner by the 2022 Cybersecurity Excellence Awards in North America. Resecurity products and services received Gold recognition across 3 categories in highly competitive categories such as cyber threat intelligence (CTI), threat hunting, and third-party risk management (TPRM): GOLD WINNER for Cyber Threat Intelligence in North America: Resecurity Context Cyber Threat Intelligence Platform GOLD WINNER for Third Party Risk Management (TPRM) in North America: Resecurity Risk Supply Chain Risk Management Platform GOLD WINNER for Threat Hunting in North America: Resecurity Hunter Research & Development Resecurity has been recognized by Frost & Sullivan as a Leader in the Cyber Threat Intelligence Market and has been included as the top Cyber Threat Intelligence Platform (TIP) Provider globally. The company has recently been highlighted in the latest Global TIP Market Report 2022 and External Risk Mitigation Platforms (ERMM) providing information about the most successful CTI and digital risk management industry players. The Frost & Sullivan report details the organization's market research, identifying trends in the market and top vendors and tools in the market. About Resecurity Resecurity is a globally recognized leader in cybersecurity solutions, dedicated to safeguarding individuals and organizations from digital threats. With a commitment to innovation, Resecurity offers cutting-edge services, including Identity Protection (IDP), to address the evolving challenges of the digital landscape. The company aims to empower individuals and businesses to navigate the digital world securely. Resecurity is a cybersecurity company that delivers a unified platform for endpoint protection, risk management, and cyber threat intelligence. Known for providing best-of-breed data-driven intelligence solutions, Resecurity's services and platforms focus on early-warning identification of data breaches and comprehensive protection against cybersecurity risks. Founded in 2016, it has been globally recognized as one of the world's most innovative cybersecurity companies with the sole mission of enabling organizations to combat cyber threats regardless of how sophisticated they are. Most recently, Resecurity was named as one of the Top 10 fastest-growing private cybersecurity companies in Los Angeles, California by Inc. Magazine. An Official Member and a Gold Sponsor of InfraGard National Members Alliance (INMA), AFCEA, NDIA, SIA, FS-ISAC and the American Chamber of Commerce in Saudi Arabia (AmChamKSA), Singapore(AmChamSG), Korea (AmChamKorea), Mexico (AmChamMX), and UAE (AmChamDubai). To learn more about Resecurity, visit https://resecurity.com. For more information about Resecurity, Inc. and its participation in Milipol Paris 2023, please contact the media representative via this email. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/resecurity-to-showcase-award-winning-identity-protection-idp-at-milipol-paris-2023-301988225.html SOURCE Resecurity Inc.

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[November 14, 2023] Belden Leaders Join Senate Majority Leader Schumer, White House for Virtual Meeting Tweet

Belden Inc. (NYSE: BDC), a leading global supplier of network infrastructure and digitization solutions, earlier today joined Senator Chuck Schumer, Senior White House advisor Mitch Landrieu, and Assistant Secretary Alan Davidson from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) as they recognized Belden's investment in broadband innovation at its Syracuse, NY, facility. Syracuse is home to PPC Broadband Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Belden, where government funding of broadband expansion has led to notable capital investment and sustainable job creation. This includes $9 million to increase fiber cable extrusion, termination, and testing and 200 additional jobs needed to meet "Buy America" requirements of the federally-funded programs. "We understand the priorities laid out by Senator Schumer, President Biden, and other Administration officials. They want U.S.-funded programs to benefit U.S.-based industry and to be used in U.S. factories," said Dr. Ashish Chand, Belden CEO. "Belden is answering that call by investing in research and development, capital projects and job creation in Syracuse and across the United States." This week marks the two year anniversary of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), which was signed by President Biden on November 15, 2021. The law includes $65 billion to provide affordable, high-speed internet to all Americans. The $42.45 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program is funded through the BIL and is specifically aimed at reaching rural unserved and underserved communities. Belden's New York-based operations have focused on improvements to manufacturing processes and repositioning teams to btter support U.S. customers benefiting from these federal programs, helping maintain a strong position within the North American broadband market.



"Investing in tomorrow's workforce today is how we can breathe new life into Central New York's manufacturing legacy, and PPC Broadband is at the forefront of this effort - ensuring New Yorkers can get the good-paying jobs to build a good life for them and their families," said Senator Schumer. The investments recognized by Senator Schumer, the White House, and NTIA represent Belden's commitment to innovation as a key piece of its transformational journey to becoming the world's leading provider of network and digitization solutions. Through a continued focus on research and development, world-class manufacturing capabilities, and talent investment, Belden remains uniquely positioned to support its many customers in the United States, throughout North America, and around the world.

About Belden Belden Inc. delivers the infrastructure that makes the digital journey simpler, smarter and secure. We're moving beyond connectivity, from what we make to what we make possible through a performance-driven portfolio, forward-thinking expertise and purpose-built solutions. With a legacy of quality and reliability spanning 120-plus years, we have a strong foundation to continue building the future. We are headquartered in St. Louis and have manufacturing capabilities in North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. For more information, visit us at www.belden.com; or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and X/Twitter. Belden and the Belden logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Belden Inc. or its affiliated companies in the United States and other jurisdictions. Belden and other parties may also have trademark rights in other terms used herein. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231114120853/en/

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[November 14, 2023]

Statement by the CRTC Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer, Vicky Eatrides, on the government's broadcasting policy direction

OTTAWA, ON and GATINEAU, QC , Nov. 14, 2023 /CNW/ - Today, the government released an Order Issuing Directions to the CRTC (Sustainable and Equitable Broadcasting Regulatory Framework). The policy direction sets out how the CRTC will implement the Online Streaming Act.

The new direction complements and enhances the CRTC's efforts to modernize Canada's regulatory framework. This includes launching public consultations and a three-week hearing that will start on November 20. This first hearing will consider the contributions online streaming services will need to make to support Canadian and Indigenous content.







As we move forward to implement the new direction, Canadians can expect open, transparent, and respectful consultations leading to timely decisions.

Stay Connected

Follow us on X @CRTCeng

Like us on Facebook

SOURCE Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission
[November 14, 2023] Strengthening battery manufacturing in British Columbia to secure good jobs and keep our air clean Tweet

MAPLE RIDGE, BC, Nov. 14, 2023 /CNW/ - Across the battery supply chain  from mining and processing critical minerals, to manufacturing batteries and their components  Canada is attracting job-creating projects from around the world. By making Canada a global leader on batteries, we create middle-class jobs, grow our economy, and keep our air clean for generations to come. The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, was joined today by the Premier of British Columbia, David Eby, and the Mayor of Maple Ridge, Dan Ruimy, to announce support for a major lithium-ion battery cell manufacturing facility in Maple Ridge, British Columbia. The $1 billion new facility, constructed by leading battery company E-One Moli, will create up to 350 new jobs and secure over 100 existing positions. The facility, powered by British Columbia's clean energy supply, is expected to produce up to 135 million battery cells per year and become the largest factory in Canada for high performance lithium-ion battery cells. This facility will bolster British Columbia's role in Canada's world-leading battery supply chain. As part of the federal government's strategy on securing key battery manufacturing facilities, the Government of Canada will contribute up to $204.5 million to support the project, through the Strategic Innovation Fund's Net Zero Accelerator Initiative. The Government of British Columbia will contribute $80 million to the construction of the facility. Working together with provinces and territories to support landmark, job-creating clean technology projects secures middle-class jobs for decades to come, builds a strong, competitive economy, and helps keep our air clean. Quotes

"British Columbians have long been known for their innovation in the clean technology space. Today, as we secure a major clean battery manufacturing project in Maple Ridge, we build on that expertise to secure hundreds of middle-class jobs while fighting climate change. The world is looking to Canada. When we support projects like E-One Moli's new facility in Maple Ridge, we bolster Canada's role as a global clean tech leader, we create good jobs, and we help keep our air clean."

 The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada "As our province builds a stronger, cleaner economy, we open the door to immense opportunities in the private sector that value British Columbia as a centre for innovation, investment, and cutting-edge technology. The new E-One Moli advanced manufacturing plant will create hundreds of good, local jobs and continue to estalish British Columbia as a leader in building a clean energy future."





David Eby , Premier of British Columbia "Canada is becoming a global leader in battery manufacturing thanks to all our advantages  access to global markets, a highly talented workforce, and all the critical mineral resources necessary to make batteries  and world-leading companies want in! E-One Moli is the latest company to establish a new battery manufacturing project in Canada, and I am excited to see their project come to fruition as their new facility will help expand the electrification of consumer products and offer new energy alternatives in sectors such as construction and health care. With E-One Moli, we are securing well-paying jobs for the people of British Columbia, while building a greener, more sustainable, and resilient economy."

 The Hon. Francois-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

"Canada is immensely well positioned to thrive in the low-carbon economy of the future. Economic opportunities, like today's exciting investment in E-One Moli's new facility, are not only an integral part of our plan to lower carbon emissions and fight climate change, but also to create and maintain good jobs and secure strategic value chains, from mines and mineral processing to advanced manufacturing, in every region of Canada."

 The Hon. Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources "This investment in British Columbia by E-One Moli is a powerful example of a global leader in clean technology manufacturing choosing to anchor its North American production and operations here at home. Jurisdictions around the world are competing for investment capital and British Columbia has shown time and again that our province is stronger when we invest in people and the vision they have for a cleaner future. In British Columbia, we are interested in businesses that will build an economy to benefit British Columbians for generations to come."

 The Hon. Brenda Bailey, British Columbia's Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation "E-One Moli has been a long-time employer in Maple Ridge. This investment in the expansion of a new clean tech manufacturing facility is an economic milestone to support job creation and growth in our community. It aligns with the city's economic development and climate action strategies. This kind of growth and investment in businesses like E-One Moli helps to diversify our tax base and enable Maple Ridge to invest in our community infrastructure. We thank the provincial and federal government for their funding and support of E-One Moli."

 His Worship Dan Ruimy, Mayor of Maple Ridge "E-One Moli believes in 'Total Climate Commitment' as well as 'Total Care Commitment' and looks forward to producing a pure green battery to support the world's energy transition."

 Nelson Chang, Chairman, TCC Group, E-One Moli Energy (Canada) Ltd., and E-One Moli Quantum Energy (Canada) Ltd. Quick Facts Today's announcement builds on the many agreements Canada has signed this year to bring billions in investments, and thousands of good-quality jobs, to grow our battery and electric vehicle manufacturing sectors across the country.

has signed this year to bring billions in investments, and thousands of good-quality jobs, to grow our battery and electric vehicle manufacturing sectors across the country. The lithium-ion battery cells produced in Maple Ridge will be used to electrify devices that have traditionally relied on diesel, including consumer electronics, power tools, medical devices, high-performance vehicles, and aerospace applications  helping to support the transition to cleaner, more efficient energy sources.

will be used to electrify devices that have traditionally relied on diesel, including consumer electronics, power tools, medical devices, high-performance vehicles, and aerospace applications  helping to support the transition to cleaner, more efficient energy sources. E-One Moli Energy ( Canada ) Ltd. is a subsidiary of E-One Moli Energy Corporation, a global manufacturer that specializes in high-performance, superior quality, rechargeable lithium-ion cell products. E-One Moli Quantum Energy ( Canada ) Ltd. is a subsidiary of E-One Moli Energy ( Canada ) Ltd. that will be responsible for the new facility's manufacturing operations once the project is completed.

) Ltd. is a subsidiary of E-One Moli Energy Corporation, a global manufacturer that specializes in high-performance, superior quality, rechargeable lithium-ion cell products. E-One Moli Quantum Energy ( ) Ltd. is a subsidiary of E-One Moli Energy ( ) Ltd. that will be responsible for the new facility's manufacturing operations once the project is completed. Construction of the E-One Moli manufacturing facility is expected to begin in June 2024 , and the facility is expected to be fully operational in 2028.

, and the facility is expected to be fully operational in 2028. Budget 2023 allocated $500 million over 10 years to the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) to support the development and application of clean technologies. The SIF will also direct up to $1.5 billion of its existing resources toward projects in clean technologies, critical minerals, and industrial transformation.

over 10 years to the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) to support the development and application of clean technologies. The SIF will also direct up to of its existing resources toward projects in clean technologies, critical minerals, and industrial transformation. The Net Zero Accelerator (NZA) Initiative, part of the SIF program, invites forward-looking Canadian companies to contribute to Canada's global leadership efforts and meet its ambitious emissions reduction targets. Associated Links Strategic Innovation Fund

Net Zero Accelerator

E-One Moli Energy Corporation This document is also available at https://pm.gc.ca SOURCE Prime Minister's Office

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[November 14, 2023] Resecurity Unveils Cutting-Edge Digital Identity Protection at Black Hat MEA 2023 in Saudi Arabia Tweet

LOS ANGELES , Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In a significant stride towards fortifying the cybersecurity landscape in the Middle East, Resecurity proudly introduced its state-of-the-art Digital Identity Protection (IDP) solution at the prestigious Black Hat Middle East & Africa 2023 conference scheduled for 14th-16th November 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This strategic move aligns with Resecurity's commitment to creating a safer digital society and empowering individuals and businesses in the region to counteract cyber threats effectively. About Black Hat Middle East & Africa Black Hat, renowned globally for its cybersecurity events and information security training spanning over two decades, expanded its reach to the Middle East and Africa in 2022. The event has swiftly become the largest cybersecurity gathering in the region, attracting over 30,000 information security professionals, and featuring more than 250 globally acclaimed speakers and exhibitors. With the upcoming second edition, the conference anticipates hosting over 40,000 professionals and 300 exhibitors and speakers, making it an indispensable opportunity for cybersecurity industry stakeholders. Resecurity's Advanced Digital Identity Protection Recognizing the escalating cyber threats in the Middle East, Resecurity's IDP solution is poised to play a pivotal role in safeguarding the digital identities of Saudi citizens. The IDP service provides a comprehensive defense mechanism, enabling individuals and enterprises to proactively monitor and receive early-warning notifications to protect their accounts and personal data. Mohammed Alghamdi, Managing Director of Resecurity in Saudi Arabia, expressed excitement about introducing the IDP service to the citizens and businesses of Saudi Arabia, highlightin its advanced features and capabilities. Alghamdi stated, "Our goal is to empower individuals to take control of their online presence, ensuring protection from identity theft, fraud, and other malicious activities. With Resecurity's IDP, users can confidently navigate the digital landscape, knowing that their personal information is secure."



Addressing Cyber Threats in the Middle East Cyber threats targeting digital identities have emerged as a significant issue in the Middle East, leading to online banking theft, fraud, and other scams. These malicious activities also pose threats to enterprises through network intrusions, intellectual property theft, and data breaches, resulting in substantial financial and reputational harm. Resecurity's IDP service actively monitors stolen data, specifically searching for leaked passwords, national identification documents, personal information, and payment datacommonly traded by cybercriminals on the dark web.

Shawn Loveland, COO of Resecurity, emphasized the company's commitment to making cybersecurity services accessible to everyday citizens who may not be fully aware of looming cyber threats. Loveland stated, "Cybercriminals often exploit the digital identities of children, women, and law-abiding individuals to commit cybercrimes and fraud, causing detrimental impacts on the victims' personal lives and privacy." Conclusion Resecurity's unveiling of Digital Identity Protection at Black Hat MEA 2023 underscores the company's dedication to enhancing cybersecurity in the Middle East. By offering cutting-edge solutions, Resecurity aims to empower individuals and businesses to navigate the digital landscape securely, contributing to the overall safety and resilience of the region's cybersecurity ecosystem. About Resecurity Resecurity is a globally recognized leader in cybersecurity solutions, dedicated to safeguarding individuals and organizations from digital threats. With a commitment to innovation, Resecurity offers cutting-edge services, including Identity Protection (IDP), to address the evolving challenges of the digital landscape. The company aims to empower individuals and businesses to navigate the digital world securely. Resecurity is a cybersecurity company that delivers a unified platform for endpoint protection, risk management, and cyber threat intelligence. Known for providing best-of-breed data-driven intelligence solutions, Resecurity's services and platforms focus on early-warning identification of data breaches and comprehensive protection against cybersecurity risks. Founded in 2016, it has been globally recognized as one of the world's most innovative cybersecurity companies with the sole mission of enabling organizations to combat cyber threats regardless of how sophisticated they are. Most recently, Resecurity was named as one of the Top 10 fastest-growing private cybersecurity companies in Los Angeles, California by Inc. Magazine. An Official Member and a Gold Sponsor of InfraGard National Members Alliance (INMA), AFCEA, NDIA, SIA, FS-ISAC and the American Chamber of Commerce in Saudi Arabia (AmChamKSA), Singapore (AmChamSG), Korea (AmChamKorea), Mexico (AmChamMX), and UAE (AmChamDubai). To learn more about Resecurity, visit https://resecurity.com. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/resecurity-unveils-cutting-edge-digital-identity-protection-at-black-hat-mea-2023-in-saudi-arabia-301988248.html SOURCE Resecurity Inc.

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JERUSALEM, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli army announced Tuesday that its troops had seized control of Hamas's governing institutions in Gaza.

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Spokesman Daniel Hagari posted video footage on the social media platform X showing Israeli forces raiding what he said is a government building of Hamas in Gaza City. It also showed gunfights between Palestinian militants and Israeli soldiers, who were inside one of the government buildings.

Hagari said IDF's 7th Brigade took control of Hamas's parliament, government offices, police headquarters, and an engineering faculty utilized for the production and development of weapons.

It added that the soldiers also gained control over Hamas's training facilities, operations headquarters, and interrogation and detention facilities.

Hagari noted that the army's Golani Brigade soldiers raided the governor's house, police and military offices, and military intelligence offices, among others.

Earlier on Tuesday, Israel's state-owned Kan TV news released a photo showing infantry Golani Brigade troops holding Israeli flags while posing inside Hamas's parliament building in Gaza City, following their seizure of the site.

Israel has launched a massive strike in the Gaza Strip after Hamas-led Palestinian resistance forces carried out a surprise attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, which killed about 1,200 people and took more than 200 hostages. The conflict, raging for more than a month, has led to 11,240 Palestinian deaths in Hamas-ruled Gaza. 
[November 14, 2023] Kaseya Kicks Off Three Exciting Days in Sydney for Kaseya DattoCon APAC Tweet

The event promises exciting product updates, training, networking and more  all designed to make MSPs more successful. SYDNEY, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Kaseya , the leading global provider of unified IT management and cybersecurity software for managed service providers (MSPs) and small to mid-size businesses (SMBs), officially opened Kaseya DattoCon APAC today in Sydney at the Hyatt Regency in Darling Harbour. Kaseya DattoCon is hosting over 2,000 attendees in Sydney at the sold-out conference. The event spans three days, packed with exciting sessions and networking opportunities  not to mention all training sessions and our Rock IT Party on Thursday will be hosted on a boat in the harbour. DattoCon APAC wraps on the final night with the MSP of the Year awards. "We look forward to bringing DattoCon to our customers in the Asia-Pacific Region," said Kaseya CEO Fred Voccola. "In the first 16 months since the acquisition of Datto, we have introduced groundbreaking capabilities for our partners, and we are excited to gather once again in Sydney to share all the great innovations we have underway." New Capabilities to IT Complete Cooper Bots : In 2021, Kaseya introduced the Cooper AI engine to the KaseyaOne platform. The company's inaugural application driven by Cooper AI was Cooper Insights  an AI-assistant designed to maximize the utility of Kaseya solutions. It flags essential security configurations and recommends valuable features and integratins that customers could benefit from. Now, Kaseya is proud to present its second application leveraging the Cooper AI Engine: Cooper Bots. This business process automation solution harnesses the power of workflow integrations and AI assistance to act on behalf of our partners. With just a click, Cooper Bots can autonomously handle hundreds of repetitive, labor-intensive tasks typically assigned to technicians.

: In 2021, Kaseya introduced the Cooper AI engine to the KaseyaOne platform. The company's inaugural application driven by Cooper AI was Cooper Insights  an AI-assistant designed to maximize the utility of Kaseya solutions. It flags essential security configurations and recommends valuable features and integratins that customers could benefit from. Now, Kaseya is proud to present its second application leveraging the Cooper AI Engine: Cooper Bots. This business process automation solution harnesses the power of workflow integrations and AI assistance to act on behalf of our partners. With just a click, Cooper Bots can autonomously handle hundreds of repetitive, labor-intensive tasks typically assigned to technicians. FLEXspend for Backup: MSPs are tackling unprecedented data proliferation. This has led to increasing demand for a versatile backup solution that allows for quick adjustment, without negatively impacting profitability. To meet this critical need, we launched our new FLEXspend for Backup program. FLEXspend gives our MSP customers complete flexibility in adjusting their backup spend to whatever configuration is required as they shift workloads to public cloud, including Microsoft Azure, AWS and beyond.



Event Highlights Key sessions at Kaseya DattoCon include:

CEO Keynote with Fred Voccola  Kaseya's CEO will share the company's strategic plan for the year ahead, highlighting product updates and what the investment in Datto has produced 18 months post-acquisition.

 Kaseya's CEO will share the company's strategic plan for the year ahead, highlighting product updates and what the investment in Datto has produced 18 months post-acquisition. State of the Nation: Kaseya & Datto Product Innovation  Kaseya's CPO, Ranjan Singh , will give attendees an exclusive look under the hood at how the Kaseya stack can be leveraged to its fullest extent, from new products to key announcements on legacy products.

 Kaseya's CPO, , will give attendees an exclusive look under the hood at how the Kaseya stack can be leveraged to its fullest extent, from new products to key announcements on legacy products. Special Guest Keynote with Jessica Watson  Special Guest Jessica Watson joins the conference on day one for a not-to-be-missed mainstage session on resilience.

 Special Guest Jessica Watson joins the conference on day one for a not-to-be-missed mainstage session on resilience. KaseyaOne: Your Integrated IT Management Future  Learn how you can leverage the KaseyaOne platform to get more done in less time with GM of IT Operations, Nadir Merchant .

Learn how you can leverage the KaseyaOne platform to get more done in less time with GM of IT Operations, . Security Nightmares: The Real Threats That Keep CISOs Up at Night  With cybercrime at an all-time high, delve into the threats plaguing CISOs with Kaseya Security GM, Mike Puglia , and some special guests. Kaseya DattoCon would not be possible without the generous partners who share Kaseya's commitment to helping IT professionals thrive. A special thank you to Corporate Sponsor Pia and Diamond Sponsors ThreatLocker and Blackpoint . Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2237006/Kaseya_Logo_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/kaseya-kicks-off-three-exciting-days-in-sydney-for-kaseya-dattocon-apac-301987800.html SOURCE Kaseya

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[November 14, 2023] Reserva del Mamut 1985, the most exclusive Torres Brandy Tweet

This is a very limited edition, numbered and finished by hand, that comes from Parellada grapes and has aged for more than 30 years in French Oak SAN DIEGO and BARCELONA, Spain, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- "Reserva del Mamut is a jewel of the mastery of distillation and time". This is how Miguel Torres Maczassek, fifth generation of Familia Torres, defined the most exclusive brandy the winery has produced since it began distilling wines in 1928. Reserva del Mamut is a brandy for collectors, with a production limited to just 999 bottles, crafted and numbered by hand, with gold finishes. This exclusive brandy, endowed with character and elegance, is the legacy of the Torres Family's nearly 100 years of expertise in producing distilled spirits, which began with Juan Torres Casals, second generation. It is an expression of the tenacious pursuit of perfection. Its uniqueness lies in the long aging for over 30 years in French Limousin Oak, as well as in the production based on a selection of the best Parellada distillates a typical variety of the Penedes region that is characterized by its finesse, from a single vintage of 1985. It has been handcrafted through a delicate process of double distillation in copper stills, which captures the essence of the grape. Reserva del Mamut is the master work of Matias Llobet, who was master distiller for almost 40 years and for whom the secrets of a good brandy are the raw material and time. "There will also be little nuances that will make up its personality, but the foundations are the grapes and time. What brandy eeds is lots of care and dedication to achieve excellence", said Llobet.



In 1985, the same year Llobet joined the Torres winery, a small reserve of the best Parellada brandies of that year was set aside, only three barrels, which were stored in the aging cellar of Vilafranca del Penedes, a place known as "El Mamut" ("the mammoth") for its age and size. For the next 30 years, Matias Llobet observed, cared for, and tasted these reserves to see how they would evolve over time. "As the years go by, a special relationship forms between the master distiller and the distillate; a dialog and connection are created that is difficult to explain. This is the most exciting moment in my career: launching this small reserve of the first brandy I made and to which I've dedicated my entire life as master distiller, so that other people can enjoy it", said Matias Llobet.

With a beautiful amber color, Reserva del Mamut has an intense, outstandingly rich aroma that encourages careful savoring to appreciate its full breadth before moving on to tasting. The palate features aromatic, mellow notes enriched by the long aging, in addition to elegant floral notes and smooth touches of infusion and spices. It is an unctuous, grandiose brandy, with an impressive persistence and balance on the palate. The exclusivity of this brandy is also conveyed through its sophisticated presentation: a handmade glass bottle, with gold details and a Limousin oak stopper. Each of the 999 bottles is numbered by hand by the master distiller. The luxurious case, also made of oak, contains a book revealing the secrets behind the production of this collector's brandy. About Juan Torres Master Distillers Juan Torres Master Distillers is the spirits division of Familia Torres. Its origins date back to 1928 when Juan Torres Casals of the family's second generation began making aged brandies matured in oak casks; smooth and aromatic spirits distilled from a selection of the finest white Penedes (Barcelona) wines. With more than 90 years to its name, Juan Torres Master Distillers continues to perfect the art of distillation to this day  a constant pursuit of excellence that finds reflection in each one of its twelve exquisitely crafted spirits, including brandy, pisco, orange liqueur and vermouth produced under the brands Torres Brandy, El Gobernador, Magdala and Casals. These elegant, personality-driven spirits find their perfect match in the world of mixology, where they live up to the expectations of a new consumer who pursues uniqueness and quality to enjoy in good company. For more information, visit https://us.torresbrandy.com or on social @torresbrandyofficialus Contact: Ashley Ulrich, [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/reserva-del-mamut-1985-the-most-exclusive-torres-brandy-301988255.html SOURCE Infinium Spirits and Juan Torres Master Distillers

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Once again KCMO keeps pace with record breaking numbers from 2020 -- The deadliest year in local history.

Here's the report from deadly afternoon gunfire . . .



Homicide 4200 block of E 56th St



This afternoon just before 4pm officers were nearby the area of 56th and Swope Parkway when they heard the sound of gunfire to their East.



Officers immediately moved toward that area to investigate, at the same time multiple calls came in to 911 about a shooting at 56th and Jackson.



On arrival at 56th and Jackson officers located an adult male shooting victim unresponsive in a front yard of a residence there.



Officers began rendering aid and summoned EMS to the scene.



EMS transported the victim to the hospital where he was declared deceased a short time later.



Detectives and Crime Scene investigators are canvassing for witnesses and processing the scene for any evidence that may lead detectives to any information about what led up to this shooting as well as any information about where the shots came from or any suspect information.



Anyone who heard or saw anything in this area or has any information, who has not talked to detectives yet is asked to contact Homicide detectives directly at 816-234-5043 or the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 816-474-TIPS there is a reward of up to $25,000 for information submitted anonymously to the TIPS hotline.



We are committed to assisting victims of violent crimes through use of Missouris Protection Program for Victims/Witnesses of Violent Crime. Funding for temporary, or even permanent relocation, may be available but is subject to pre-approval by the States administering agency.



We are working with Partners for Peace in all our homicide investigations to monitor risks for retaliation and provide social services to affected residents.

##################



Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

Man dies in shooting Monday afternoon in east Kansas City A man died in a shooting Monday afternoon in east Kansas City, Missouri, police said. The shooting unfolded just before 4 p.m. in the 4200 block of east 56th Street.

KCPD hears gunshots, finds man shot, killed in front yard of residence The Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department is investigating what led up to a fatal shooting on Monday night.

Kansas City police launch homicide investigation after shooting victim found in front yard of home The shooting happened in the 4200 block of E. 56th Street, according to police.

Developing . . .
This is an important trend to document because this same tactic also plagues Kansas City, Missouri.

This is more than just urban legend or politically charged complaints . . . Check law enforcement calling out this worsening trend . . .

Kansas law enforcement officers said that homeless people are being pushed to larger cities in the state.



Sgt. Matt Rose, who works with the Topeka Police Departments homelessness unit, said people are promised help but find out that resources are low.



When someone in a different agency gets tired of dealing with a certain individual, its not uncommon. Im not going to name names of agencies, or however, for them to be driven to the county line and dropped off to where they can find more resources, Rose explained. Then, they get there and find out the resources they were promised dont exist and, then, theyre stuck.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .
Controversy and advocacy for a former KCPD detective now serve prison time for second-degree involuntary manslaughter and armed criminal action continues . . .



Here's the latest update and progress report on a grass roots effort that hopes Guv Parson will grant a pardon . . .



In just a week since its posting, over 1,200 citizens have been inspired by an online petition to email or call Gov. Mike Parson and ask him to grant DeValkenaere clemency.



Police Officer Eric DeValkenaere has served the Kansas City community for over twenty years, the petition reads. No one in law enforcement should be charged with armed criminal action for protecting their partner in the line of duty  but Officer DeValkenaere has been sentenced to prison for six years.



Officer DeValkenaere comes from a law enforcement family and has dedicated his life to protecting and serving the citizens of Kansas City."

Here's the petition for those interested in signing it . . . Public info . . . This is a conservative GOP group so a digital signature will probably put you in their database and send a lot more right-leaning offers to your e-mail . . .



Request Clemency for Officer Eric DeValkenaere Today!

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .
And here's where a local government might be setting themselves up for an EPIC retaliation lawsuit and big bucks in damages.

It's pretty obvious this hapless bureaucrat was the victim of a shady scheme and now his political bosses are punishing him . . . Seemingly . . . Because he was a victim.

Here's the justification that's paper thin and won't stand up to a sympathetic jury that will see it sometime not so long from now . . .



While an extremely unfortunate result, we were left with no choice, as once the video was disseminated to city servers, Mr. Gerber had an obligation to inform us of its existence, Councilwoman Tammy Thomas said in a previous statement. He chose not to, leading the council to learn about it through other means a full month later. This is inexcusable.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

Shawnee councilmembers vote to fire city manager over inappropriate video Councilmembers Monday night voted unanimously to fire Doug Gerber two weeks after an inappropriate video involving Gerber was sent to city employees.

Following executive session, Shawnee city council votes to fire city manager Doug Gerber Doug Gerber was placed on administrative leave after The Kansas City Star reported an anonymous source sent a sexting video of him to several city employees.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, in joint statements with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz after their meeting in Berlin on Tuesday, reaffirmed the significant improvement in Greek-German relations on all levels, ANA reports.

Mitsotakis stressed that Greece is moving toward a new chapter in its history and, from being the black sheep of Europe, has now become one of the most stable economies in the eurozone, one that achieves growth, attracts investments, and supports the citizens' available income.

Referring to Greek-German economic relations, he said: "This year we broke the record in tourist arrivals, with German visitors preferring Greece, while German companies are first among the foreign investors in our country and the environment is favorable in bilateral trade as well, as Germany is our second main supplier and the third biggest customer for Greek products. For the above reasons, Germany will be the honored country at the next Thessaloniki International Fair and I had the opportunity to invite Chancellor Scholz to attend the Fair."

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
Are you the type to enjoy sitting out and looking up at the night sky, trying to form constellations and other shapes using the stars? It can be pretty hard to do that, especially when you're in a city that has significant light pollution.

But here's some good news for all stargazing lovers out there: There's such a thing as astrotourism! What's more is that a number of countries around the world banner it in an effort to entice more travelers to visit their countries.

Before we look deeper into that, let's first answer one very important question.

What exactly is astrotourism?

What is Astrotourism?

The Utah Office of Tourism defines astrotourism as "a low-impact, sustainable form of tourism focused on the viewing of celestial objects and events." This term also defines tourism-related activities that involve or are related to the viewing of these celestial objects.

"With nearly 80% of North Americans unable to see the Milky Way at night from their homes, places where the night sky is preserved offer visitors a truly unique, memorable, and moving experience," it adds.

Countries That Highlight It

As previously mentioned, the light pollution in cities and other populated towns make it difficult to enjoy astrotourism. While there are countless spots around the world where you can stargaze, there are countries that actually place high importance in promoting astrotourism to interested travelers.

Here are some examples of those countries where travelers can enjoy astrotourism.

Albania

One of the countries that highlight astrotourism as part of what it can offer travelers is none other than Albania. This Southeastern Europe nation is a must-visit for those who enjoy being in nature.

Particulatly, in the evening, Albania has much to offer those who want to enjoy some camping and astrotourism. Make sure to visit Shebenik-Jabllanice National Park, where astrotourism is being offered for the very first time. Located town of Librazhd and north of Lake Ohrid, it will be an instant favorite especiall for those who enjoy being in the mountains.

Read Also: Archeologists Discover 2,000-Year-Old City In Albania Once Thought To Be Just A Pile Of Rocks

Chile

Chile's website dedicated to tourism claims that the country's skies are "the cleanest in the entire southern hemisphere." In fact, according to the website, Chile enjoys around 300 clear days in a year. Light pollution is likewise scarce, which makes it an ideal destination for stargazers.

Among the towns and cities you can visit to appreciate Chile's astrotourism are as follows:

Antofagasta

Iquique

La Serena

San Pedro de Atacama

Valle del Elqui

Related Article: Four Reasons Why Chile Needs to be Your Next Vacation Destination
GAZA, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- Palestinian security and medical sources said on Monday that 31 Palestinians were killed in an Israeli bombardment that targeted several homes in the Jabalia refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip.

The Hamas-run Civil Defense in Gaza said in a statement that Israeli aircraft targeted a residential area in the Jabalia refugee camp, which led to the complete destruction of 12 homes and the killing of 31 people.

At least ten others were injured in the bombing, added the statement.

The government media office in Gaza announced earlier in the day that the Palestinian death toll from Israeli attacks has risen to 11,240, while more than 28,000 others were injured. 
One year after a mountain of dirt came crashing down on the Seascape Apartment Complex in Co
Back-to-school vaccine clinics got off to a rocky start in some Maryland counties this year after the state health department did not renew a statewide contract with a Baltimore-based nonprofit that supported coronavirus immunization efforts.

At least three counties did not hold their usual flu vaccination clinics without the help of nurses from the Maryland Partnership for Prevention or PrepMod, the nonprofits scheduling and vaccine documentation software, which theyd used to support those efforts as well. The end of the contract also disrupted flu and back-to-school immunizations in at least two other counties, officials said.

To help address the coronavirus pandemic, the Maryland Department of Health contracted with the nonprofit in fall 2020 to allow Marylanders to use PrepMod to schedule appointments at COVID-19 vaccination sites around the state. Health care providers used PrepMod to report immunization data to the state health department, and some county schools used the software to allow parents to register their children for school vaccination clinics.

The state paid the nonprofit about $5 million for the three years the contract was in effect, said Tiffany Tate, the organizations executive director. It covered nursing services and the statewide use of the PrepMod software for more than 14,000 health care providers, she said.

Before the pandemic, PrepMod automatically billed patients insurance an administrative fee to sustain the software. That stopped, however, when the state signed a contract with the nonprofit, Tate said. With an increase in vaccine hesitancy during the pandemic and resulting decreased demand, she said shes skeptical that it could return to its old funding model and remain profitable.

With the end of the contract, its likely fewer school-aged children will be vaccinated this year in Carroll County, said Carey Gaddis, a spokeswoman for the school system, said in an email. The school system had worked with the Maryland Partnership for Prevention for about three years before the state contract began, then continued working with the nonprofit during the pandemic to deliver vaccines at school.

In the three years leading up to the coronavirus pandemic, about 4,500 students were vaccinated at school-based flu clinics, Gaddis said.

School officials, however, are hopeful the effects of the contract ending will be lessened because of the local health departments increased immunization efforts, Gaddis said. The department held two flu vaccination clinics last month for children 6 months through 18 years and is planning an additional one this month.

The Carroll County Health Department also notified local pediatricians and family doctors to let them know, so theyd be prepared to vaccinate more patients, said Maggie Kunz, a department spokeswoman, in a statement

School systems in Harford and St. Marys counties also arent holding school-based flu clinics this fall due to the contract ending, officials said. Instead, both counties health departments are offering walk-in clinics and hope to reach a similar number of children as they have in the past.

Elizabeth Kromm, director of the Maryland Department of Healths Prevention and Health Promotion Administration, acknowledged in an interview that the department has heard about some hiccups in patient registration and getting immunization efforts up and running this year.

However, she said, the departments contract with the Maryland Partnership for Prevention was focused on mass vaccination efforts during the pandemic. Its support of flu and childhood vaccinations was a nice added benefit, she said, but not the contracts purpose.

The health department decided not to extend the contract this year  after extending it for two years  following the end of the public health emergency. State officials worked with local health departments to return to how they delivered immunizations before the pandemic, Kromm said.

Besides, she said, the state health department doesnt have a contracting relationship with county school systems. Local health departments and school boards are free to make their own contracting decisions, she said.

This is our first fall without the public health emergency, Kromm said. Maryland is transitioning back to what life was like before the pandemic, with some modifications. Im not surprised that there were bumps along the way.

The state health department also made about $4.8 million available to local health departments to support their vaccination efforts  about 10 times what it provided for back-to-school vaccinations last fiscal year, department spokesman Chase Cook said in an email.

We strongly encourage families to continue reaching out to their local health departments, pharmacies and health care providers to find flu clinics, Cook said in his statement. Flu shots are abundant and available.

The Maryland Partnership for Prevention started in 1999 to bolster vaccination efforts among African American seniors in Baltimore and began helping counties deliver vaccines in schools and at community clinics in 2015.

Tate, the nonprofits executive director, said she was surprised when she learned the state contract wouldnt be extended. She said it was her understanding that it would be funded through the end of fiscal year 2025.

She worries that fewer Maryland children will be vaccinated this year. Since the start of the contract in 2020, Tate said, the nonprofit has supported nearly 1,500 vaccination clinics in nearly every Maryland county.

Without the state contract, school systems needed to individually contract with vaccine providers  a process the Carroll County school system doesnt have the staffing to accomplish, Gaddis said.

The decision not to extend the nonprofits contract surprised Claire Hannan, executive director of the Association of Immunization Managers, a national nonprofit that advocates for vaccination education and accessibility. She called PrepMod groundbreaking and said it has become part of the Maryland public health infrastructure.

Its disappointing to see that counties would not be able to sustain their school vaccination clinics because of a move away from PrepMod, she said.

Other counties reported mixed results after losing PrepMod.

Dr. Miriam Dobson, director of the Frederick County Health Departments Community Health Services Division, called the transition smooth. The department used PrepMod during the pandemic, but now uses its electronic health records system.

But Prince Georges County Public Schools couldnt schedule appointments for its back-to-school vaccination clinics and had to operate on a first-come, first-served basis, said Lynn McCawley, a school system spokeswoman. This led to longer lines, and officials had to limit each clinic to 100 students.

The Prince Georges school system hired the Maryland Partnership for Prevention as a consultant last month, which will allow the system to return to appointment-based clinics.

Howard County Public Schools obtained an emergency contract to continue working with the nonprofit, Tate said.

Kerrie Wagaman, director of health services for the Howard school system, said that without the help of extra nurses from the nonprofit, the school system wouldnt have been able to hold school-based vaccination clinics and fewer children would get vaccinated.

As of last week, Howard schools had administered 4,581 student flu shots and 3,139 student COVID shots with the help of the nonprofit staffing and PrepMod.

I barely have a nurse in every building, Wagaman said. In order to be able to cover a health room adequately for sick and injured [students] and students getting medications and treatments, I wouldnt have the staff to go to a school to administer vaccines as well.

So far this year, about 17% of Marylanders have gotten flu shots, according to state health data. Last flu season, about 37% of state residents were vaccinated. As of Monday, one person had died from the flu this season and 31 people had been hospitalized.
CANBERRA, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- The number of international arrivals to Australia has increased to the highest number since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to data published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) on Tuesday, 1.74 million people arrived in Australia from overseas in October, up from 1.6 million in September.

It marked an increase of 43 percent from 1.21 million arrivals in October 2022 and the highest monthly figure since January 2020 when arrivals to Australia hit an all-time high of 2.26 million before strict COVID-19 border restrictions were put in place in February 2020.

Detailed data for September, also published on Tuesday, revealed that 939,000 of the 1.6 million arrivals in the month were Australian residents returning from short-term international trips.

There were 640,210 overseas visitor arrivals to Australia in September. Of those, 584,620 (91.3 percent) visited Australia for short-term stays, up from 371,850 in September 2022, while 55,590 stayed for long-term visits. There were 11,850 permanent arrivals from overseas, an increase of 36.3 percent from 8,690 in September 2022.

New Zealand was the biggest source of overseas visitors to Australia in September, accounting for 128,820 trips, followed by China at 59,080 and the United States with 36,400.

More than three quarters of international visitors who arrived in Australia in September said they were either visiting friends and relatives or on a holiday.

In October, 1.48 million people departed Australia, the ABS said, down from 1.58 million in September. 
Germanys arms manufacturer Rheinmetall is preparing to supply 25 Leopard 1A5 main battle tanks to Ukraine.

The relevant statement was published on the companys website, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

The Ukrainian government has awarded Rheinmetall a contract for Leopard 1 systems, including 25 main battle tanks Leopard 1A5, five armoured recovery vehicles (Bergepanzer 2) and two driver training tanks, the report states.

According to the company, this order is financed by Germany and worth a figure in the upper-two-digit million-euro range. The package also includes training, logistics, spare parts, maintenance and other support services. Delivery is due to take place in 2024.

The Leopard 1 systems are currently being overhauled and readied for use at Rheinmetalls plants in Unterlu and Kassel.

Rheinmetall emphasized that the company continues to support Ukraine with a steady flow of tactical vehicles.

In particular, the Group has previously been tasked with supplying a total of 80 Marder infantry fighting vehicles to Ukraine. Most of them already in-country, where they have proved themselves on the battlefield. Another 20 Marder IFVs are ready to be supplied as soon as the company receives an order to this effect.

In late 2023 and early 2024, Ukraine will also receive five Caracal airmobile-capable vehicles.

On behalf of the Dutch and Danish governments, next year Rheinmetall will be supplying Ukraine with fourteen Leopard 2A4 tanks.

In addition to vehicles, the company is aiding the Armed Forces of Ukraine with ammunition, drones, medical facilities, etc.
Defence Minister of Slovakia Robert Kalinak informed NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg in Brussels on Monday about the government's decision to terminate military aid to Ukraine from stockpiles.

This is reported by TASR, according to Ukrinform.

"Despite this, Slovakia is offering a sufficiently wide range of humanitarian, civilian and technical non-lethal assistance. Our foreign partners fully respect the decision of the new government," said the minister

According to Slovakias ministry, the new government aims to bolster the capacities and capabilities of the armed forces in performing tasks aimed at preserving the security of people and the state. Meanwhile, the modernization process will also be aimed at minimizing the risk of endangering the lives of soldiers.

Kalinak stressed that Slovakia is a responsible partner ready to build capabilities at both individual and collective levels.

"Both parties confirmed during the bilateral meeting that the Alliance and the Slovak Republic will jointly continue to enhance the readiness, deployability and interoperability of the armed forces," said the ministry.

As reported by Ukrinform, on October 26, new Prime Minister of Slovakia Robert Fico announced that his government would stop providing military aid to Ukraine. This was one of his main campaign promises.

At the same time, he said that the government would not block the supply of weapons and ammunition to Ukraine from private manufacturers.

Last week, the Slovak government rejected the fourteenth military aid package to Ukraine, worth EUR 40.3 million.

Photo: 
The European Union announced today the decision to provide additional 110 million in humanitarian aid to support Ukrainian refugees and host communities in Moldova.

This is said in a press release published on the website of the European Commission, Ukrinform reports.

As Russia's war against Ukraine continues, the humanitarian situation in the country remains dire. The onset of winter poses further challenges to the already vulnerable communities impacted by the war. The Commission is therefore allocating 110 million in humanitarian aid of which 100 million will go to operations in Ukraine and 10 million to support Ukrainian refugees and host communities in Moldova, the document says.

It is noted that this new funding will help the EU's humanitarian partners to provide essential services like cash assistance, food, water, shelter, healthcare, psychosocial support and protection.

The latest allocation brings the total for EU humanitarian aid in response to Russia's war in Ukraine to 843 million. This includes 785 million for Ukraine and 58 million for refugees that have fled to neighbouring Moldova.

In light of last year's deliberate attacks by Russia on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, the EU is also prioritising emergency energy support by deploying a further 84 power generators from its rescEU strategic reserves. Overall, more than 5,000 power generators have been sent to Ukraine via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. In addition, the EU is coordinating donations from the private sector to deliver crucial energy equipment to Ukraine, the document reads.

As reported, via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, all 27 EU countries, plus Norway, Turkiye, North Macedonia, Iceland, and Serbia, have offered in-kind assistance ranging from medical supplies and shelter items to vehicles and energy equipment. So far, 97 000 tonnes of assistance has been delivered to Ukraine via the Mechanism.
Congolese refugees are on their way to a holding center in the district of Bundibugyo, western Uganda, on Nov. 13, 2023. More than 1,000 refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have fled to Uganda following recent attacks by suspected Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels, according to a local humanitarian organization. (Photo by Geoffrey Nyamwongera/Xinhua)

KAMPALA, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- More than 1,000 refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have fled to Uganda following recent attacks by suspected Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels, according to a local humanitarian organization.

The Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS) said Monday night that the refugees had entered through the border district of Bundibugyo, Western Region of Uganda.

"Authorities in Bundibugyo have guided that they are hosted at Bubukwanga Transit Center in Bundibugyo where government and other partners can offer humanitarian assistance to them," said Irene Nakasiita, URCS spokesperson, in a statement.

Nakasiita said that new arrivals were duly registered, and the URCS simultaneously provided immediate first aid to the injured and subsequently referred them to a local health facility for further care. "We are supporting the restoration of family links, especially for the unaccompanied minors and separated family members who need reunification."

Since 2022, a joint military operation involving Ugandan and DRC forces has been pursuing the ADF, an active group in the DRC with ties to the Islamic State, dismantling their camps and significantly reducing their numbers.

Uganda hosts at least 1.5 million refugees mostly from the DRC, South Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi, Eritrea and Somalia. 

Congolese refugees are on their way to a holding center in the district of Bundibugyo, western Uganda, on Nov. 13, 2023. More than 1,000 refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have fled to Uganda following recent attacks by suspected Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels, according to a local humanitarian organization. (Photo by Geoffrey Nyamwongera/Xinhua)

Congolese refugees are on their way to a holding center in the district of Bundibugyo, western Uganda, on Nov. 13, 2023. More than 1,000 refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have fled to Uganda following recent attacks by suspected Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels, according to a local humanitarian organization. (Photo by Geoffrey Nyamwongera/Xinhua)

Congolese refugees are on their way to a holding center in the district of Bundibugyo, western Uganda, on Nov. 13, 2023. More than 1,000 refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have fled to Uganda following recent attacks by suspected Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels, according to a local humanitarian organization. (Photo by Geoffrey Nyamwongera/Xinhua)
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The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Tuesday, allowed ASA Microfinance Bank (Pakistan) Limited to commence microfinance lending business across the country

KARACHI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 14th Nov, 2023) The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Tuesday, allowed ASA Microfinance Bank (Pakistan) Limited to commence microfinance lending business across the country.

ASA Microfinance Bank will be the 12th Microfinance Bank (MFB) to operate in the country by commencing nationwide microfinance lending business with effect from November 13, 2023, said a statement issued here.

ASA Microfinance Bank (Pakistan) Limited, licensed by SBP under the Microfinance Institutions Ordinance 2001, is a wholly owned subsidiary of ASA International Group plc. which is recognized as one of the worlds largest international microfinance institutions.

MFBs play an important role to serve a large number of micro-credit borrowers and depositors as they have approximately 3% share of total advances of the banking system, it stated adding that however in terms of number of domestic borrowers, MFBs have a share of 58.

6 percent that signifying their importance in Pakistans credit market, financial inclusion and economy.

The commencement of business by ASA Microfinance Bank (Pakistan) Limited is expected to increase the market share of MFBs regulated by SBP within the overall microfinance sector, it stated.

Given the focus on women across their international network, ASA Microfinance Bank (Pakistan) Limited is expected to play an important role towards gender mainstreaming and female empowerment by providing small, socially responsible loans to low-income women entrepreneurs belonging to less-privileged and unbanked segments of the society, the statement further added.

It is expected that ASA Microfinance Bank (Pakistan) Limited will contribute towards poverty alleviation and financial inclusion mandate under the Microfinance Institution Ordinance, 2001, it concluded.
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ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 14th Nov, 2023) The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) is all set to boost the premium for the insurance sector by around 129.8 per cent from existing Rs 533 billion to Rs 1,221 billion in the next five years (by fiscal year 2028).

Currently out of a total 225 million population only 7.8 million have life insurance, which is just 3.3 per cent while out of total of 30 million registered vehicles, only 0.9 million (just 3 percent) are insured, said SECP Commissioner for Insurance and Information Technology, Aamir Khan while addressing a workshop here.

The workshop titled Journey to an Insured Pakistan was organised by SECP with an objective to develop and regulate the insurance sector by balancing the protection of policymakers with industrial growth through regulatory excellence. Likewise, Amir pointed out that out of a total 32 million registered properties, only 0.5 million are insured.

SECP is also set to host the International Insure-Impact Conference 2023 (IIC 2023), a two-day event in Karachi on December 13 and 14, 2023, with the theme "Journey to an Insured Pakistan".

Through the IIC 2023, the SECP aims to boost the insurance sector by promoting inclusivity, innovation, and resilience through discussions and presentations, highlighting key issues and potential prospects.

Meanwhile, SECP Director Insurance and Policy Waseem Khan in his presentation said that insurance was a risk transfer tool and highlighted the importance of insurance.

He informed that there were a total 10 million policies, including 8 million life polices with a share of Rs 375 billion (68 percent) and non-life 178 billion (32 per cent). There are 42 insurance companies operating in Pakistan, he added.

He said the protection of policyholders would remain the focus in next five years and also highlighted the transformation of the insurance landscape, modernization of legal framework, facilitation of digitalization, and encouraging collaboration through effective use of Fintech, data sharing and alternate delivery channels.

Waseem Khan also highlighted the operational and strategic outcomes of the strategic direction 2023-2028.
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Caretaker Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Dr. Umar Saif Tuesday said that a boost in broadband fiber connectivity is vital for economic growth

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 14th Nov, 2023) Caretaker Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Dr. Umar Saif Tuesday said that a boost in broadband fiber connectivity is vital for economic growth.

The meeting chaired by the minister discussed in detail matters related to fiberization, and the Right of Way Policy.

Senior officers of MoITT, and representatives of telecom companies attended the meeting, said a news release.

Addressing the meeting, Dr. Umar Saif said that the provision of quality telecom services to the masses is the topmost priority.

He said that every 10% increase in mobile broadband adoption results in 0.5 - 0.8 percent increase in GDP.

Therefore, to help grow the country's economy, "we must incentivise broadband fiber connectivity in the country."

In the past few weeks, the ministry standardised right-of-way policies for laying of fiber for ISPs and telecom players, he maintained.

He asked IT industry to set its target for fiberization in the country. Ministry of IT & Telecom will fully cooperate with the telecom industry'.
British High Commissioner Jane Marriott Jane Marriott OBE on Tuesday announced doubling of his country's investment in Pakistan to tackle climate change, enhance climate resilience, and promote adaptation

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 14th Nov, 2023) British High Commissioner Jane Marriott Jane Marriott OBE on Tuesday announced doubling of his country's investment in Pakistan to tackle climate change, enhance climate resilience, and promote adaptation.

Addressing an event arranged by the British High Commission to celebrate the 76th birthday of King Charles, he said the commitment aligned with the United Kingdom's advocacy for a 'Loss and Damage' fund at COP 28, aimed at supporting climate-vulnerable countries.

Attendees at the notable event were treated to a captivating performance by the Band of the Artillery Company, led by Major Bruce Miller and Band Sergeant Major Stuart Duncan.

The Artillery Company, established by King Henry VIII in 1537, stands as the oldest regiment in the British Army, with the current Captain-General being King Charles.

Despite being known for his keen interest in traditional music, the King approved of the band's modern cover version of 'Pasoori,' adding a touch of humour to the proceedings.

The theme of the evening revolved around environmental sustainability and climate change; a cause championed by King Charles for the last 50 years.

Reflecting on King Charles' advocacy for environmental sustainability, High Commissioner Jane Marriott underscored the urgency of addressing climate vulnerabilities, particularly in Pakistan.

The UK, she said,"is also pushing for a more substantial, greener, and fairer international financial response to climate change.

She recalled that the devastating floods last year affected a third of the country, impacting around 33 million people and highlighting the nation's susceptibility to climate-related challenges.

The high commissioner also announced the UK's collaboration with the Global System for mobile Communications to expand the AI-based 'Early Warning Forest Fire Detection System' project.

"This expansion will cover more areas in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and the Federal Capital Territory, aiming to minimize the risk of forest fires and safeguard lives and Pakistan's biodiversity," she added.

Jane Marriott also highlighted other collaborative initiatives, including the expansion of the Chevening scholarship programme through new private partnerships and the establishment of the online 'Pakistan Museum of food' in collaboration with Google and the Save and Observe Children's Health (SOCH) Foundation.

Acknowledging the collaborative efforts, the high commissioner expressed gratitude to the dedicated team led by Russ McPartland and supported by the High Commission and British Council teams for organizing the event.

On the occasion, Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani facilitated and congratulated the people of Great Britain and the British family.

He said, We are following a positive trajectory in our relationship. We have a strong economic and trade relationship. We have strong political relationships between our two countries and we have a strong defense partnership.

He further said, We consult each other in respect of regional and international issues, not only bilaterally, but also in the context of the United Nations and other international organizations. Besides the development of advanced English language, and in times like studying explorer, which is a large Pakistani diaspora in Britain that acts as a solid bridge between Pakistan and the United Kingdom.

The minister said, We are grateful to King Charles for his advocacy of environmental sustainability and innovations. His commitment to a greener and more sustainable future is commendable, and this is something which is taking place.

He said Pakistan, which had witnessed massive floods which created a lot of devastation last year, was extremely grateful to the British government for the generous assistance.
Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on Tuesday underscored that easy visa procedures, improved banking channels and reciprocal warehousing facilities would further boost trade between Pakistan and Uzbekistan

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 14th Nov, 2023) Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on Tuesday underscored that easy visa procedures, improved banking channels and reciprocal warehousing facilities would further boost trade between Pakistan and Uzbekistan.

The prime minister, in a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Dr Jamshid Khodjaev Abdukhakomovich along with a delegation, expressed the hope that the business community of both countries could easily achieve the bilateral trade target of US$ 1 billion in a short time.

The Uzbek deputy prime minister, along with a seven-member delegation, is on an official visit to Pakistan.

Prime Minister Kakar welcomed the Uzbek deputy prime minister and his delegation to Pakistan and recalled his recent meeting with President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyovev, on the sidelines of the 16th ECO Summit held in Tashkent from November 8-9.

He expressed satisfaction at the pace of bilateral engagements between the two countries, especially in the areas of trade, defence and connectivity.

He also appreciated the holding of the First Trilateral Meeting of the Commerce Ministers of Pakistan, Uzbekistan and Afghanistan in Islamabad.

The three sides also established a trilateral working group to discuss customs, logistics, trade promotion, tariffs, TIR procedures, etc.

Showing satisfaction at the outcome of the trilateral meeting, the prime minister hoped that the trilateral mechanism would boost trade relations between the three countries.

Prime Minister Kakar underlined the need to continue momentum of people-to-people exchanges.

Deputy Prime Minister Khodjaev thanked the prime minister for the warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation.

He briefed the prime minister about fruitful meetings with the business community of Pakistan, including the banking and logistics sectors.

He expressed the hope that both sides would continue active engagement for the timely completion of the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan Railway Project.

The Uzbekistan delegation included Minister of Transport Ilkhom Makhkamov Rustamovich, Deputy Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade Badriddin Abidov, Deputy Foreign Minister Bobur Usmanov, Deputy Chairman of State Security Service Maj. General Farukh Mukhtarov and Ambassador of Uzbekistan in Islamabad Oybek Arif Usmanov.

The Pakistan delegation included Minister of Commerce Gohar Ijaz as well as secretaries of commerce and board of Investment, and other senior officials.
Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on Tuesday underlined the need of bringing the higher education in the country in conformity with the contemporary and economic needs

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 14th Nov, 2023) Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on Tuesday underlined the need of bringing the higher education in the country in conformity with the contemporary and economic needs.

He further stressed for introduction of scholarships in technical and scientific subjects in accordance with the global requirements.

The prime minister chaired a meeting regarding the Higher Education Commission (HEC). The meeting was attended by Caretaker Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training Madad Ali Sindhi, HEC Chairman Dr Mukthar Ahmed, secretary education and other senior officials, the PM Office Media Wing said in a press release.

The prime minister was briefed about the higher education, students scholarships, universities, and other related issues.

He was apprised that a total of 259 higher education institutes in the country were recognized by the HEC whereas in the previous years, the number of universities of global standards had increased in Pakistan.

So far, more than 20,000 scholarships had been awarded for PhD since the inception of HEC, it was added.

The meeting was also informed about the formulated mechanism to control plagiarism in the educational sector.

The caretaker prime minister was also given a briefing about the national and international scholarships.

The prime minister directed for submission of a complete report regarding the outcome of government-funded scholarships, besides asked for removal of hurdles faced by the Pakistani students, studying abroad, in getting the release of scholarships.

He observed that for promotion of human and technical resources, they would have to extend facility of stipends in the science and engineering subjects.

The caretaker prime minister was also given a briefing on the formulated strategy between the academia and the industry for a joint collaboration.

The prime minister directed the relevant authorities to chalk out a mechanism for getting funding from the IT (information technology) and pharmaceutical industries for carrying out research.

He also asked for holding of a joint meeting of all the provincial authorities to resolve the issues related to education.

Provision of international standard education was critical for the countrys development, he stressed and directed for training programmes for the skilled manpower in the country, particularly for nurses.

He observed that the countrys workforce was a huge asset and through trained manpower, they could carve a place in the international market.

The prime minister was also apprised about the measures taken by the HEC in the IT sector which included establishment of the latest data centers in Lahore and Karachi, use of the latest super computer and other porgrammes.
A Long March-4C rocket carrying the Fengyun-3 06 satellite blasts off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, Aug. 3, 2023. (Photo by Wang Jiangbo/Xinhua)

BEIJING, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- While providing people with high-precision positioning and navigation, China's BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) has also become more significant in accurate weather forecasting.

To explain the scientific principles behind it, Sun Yueqiang, director of the Key Laboratory for Space Environment Exploration of the National Space Science Center under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, drew a diagram with the Earth in the middle, a Fengyun satellite 800 kilometers away at one end, and a BDS satellite around 20,000 kilometers away at the other end.

"When the BDS satellite works, the signal passing through the Earth's ionosphere and atmosphere will be delayed and bent, producing errors," said Sun, also deputy chief designer of the Fengyun-3 satellite.

"But if we know the exact locations of the BDS and Fengyun satellites, through an inversion processing of the signal error values, we can retrieve the parameters of the Earth's ionosphere and atmosphere, which can be applied to meteorological and space weather monitoring and forecasting," she said.

According to the scientist, a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signal receiver placed on a Fengyun satellite receives GNSS signals, the retrieved atmospheric profiles equivalent to that of more than 1,000 sounding balloons released worldwide, and the observation data can be transmitted to the numerical weather prediction center within three hours.

"After years of efforts, we have overcome numerous technical difficulties to realize this technique," she said, adding that the technique, called radio occultation (RO), can provide timely data support for weather forecasting and effectively enhance forecasting accuracy.

In addition to serving China's weather prediction, the data acquired by Sun's team has also been assimilated into the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), as well as international numerical weather prediction systems in Germany, Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, and other countries.

"It demonstrates that China's independently innovated detection technology in the RO field has reached the world's advanced level," Sun said.

As a leading figure in China's space environment exploration, Sun has been committed to promoting innovative space-exploration payload technology development.

Over the past years, she has led her team to make several innovative key technology breakthroughs in space particle detection, short-wave optics, and deep-space environment detection.

So far, various environment-detection equipment types developed by Sun's team have formed part of hundreds of China's satellites running in orbit. Many of these have played vital roles in China's major space projects, such as the Tianwen, Chang'e, and Tiangong space stations.

For example, the lunar surface neutron and radiation dose detector placed on Chang'e-4 has obtained a large amount of detection data. The detector, developed by Sun's team in collaboration with German scientists, found that radiation on the moon's surface is 200 to 300 times higher than on the Earth's surface, laying the foundation for radiation-proof design for China's future manned moon landings.

In addition, the detector developed by Sun's team realized plasma imaging detection for the first time on China's space station. It provided data support for astronauts to avoid the risk of high-energy particle radiation during extravehicular activities.

In recent years, Sun has led her team to challenge the new heights of BDS/GNSS remote sensing technology.

Using the reflected signal of BDS/GNSS to detect sea-surface wind speed, Sun and her team have realized the operational application of numerical weather prediction for the first time in the world. They also applied it to ocean gravity, soil moisture, and sea-ice monitoring.

Recently, Sun and her team have established the International Laboratory on Climate and Atmosphere Research with Occultation & Reflectometry Observing Systems with the University of Graz in Austria and the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) to jointly create a global shared GNSS remote sensing climate database, develop new GNSS remote sensing technology, and promote GNSS meteorology development.

"Space environment exploration is essential to exploring the Universe," Sun said.

"I hope to make BDS play a greater role in remote sensing detection, and I hope that China will make greater contributions to climate change research," she added. 
Shanghai, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 14th Nov, 2023) The last time Xi Jinping travelled to the United States was six years ago to meet an effusive Donald Trump, who had promised "a very, very great relationship".

Instead, US-China relations spiralled to lower and lower depths, with the Chinese president now looking to stabilise ties when he sits down with Joe Biden in San Francisco this week.

The two leaders will meet on the sidelines of the APEC summit in the California city, their first encounter in a year despite trade tensions, sanctions, and the question of Taiwan feeding quarrels between the world's largest economies.

Positive momentum from November 2022 talks between Xi and Biden in Bali was derailed when the United States shot down an alleged Chinese spy balloon, delaying a planned visit by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Since then, a flurry of high-level diplomacy, including Blinken's eventual trip to Beijing in June, has signalled ambitions on both sides to mend ties.

"I don't think anyone really has high hopes for the meeting in terms of there being concrete outcomes," said Joseph Liow from Singapore's Nanyang Technological University.

"This meeting is important for the symbolism that the leaders do want to set relations on a more stable footing."

Asked about Beijing's expectations for the meeting, China's foreign ministry remained vague, mentioning "in-depth communication" and "major issues concerning world peace".

"China attaches great importance to positive efforts to stabilise US-China relations," Chen Dingding, president of the Guangzhou-based think tank Intellisia Institute, told AFP.

Tactically for Beijing, "the key at present is to seek points of cooperation", said Lyu Xiang, US-Chinese relations expert at the Chinese academy of Social Sciences (CASS).
Five Palestinians were killed in clashes with Israeli forces around the city of Tulkarem in the northern West Bank, the director of a local hospital told AFP on Tuesday

Ramallah, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 14th Nov, 2023) Five Palestinians were killed in clashes with Israeli forces around the city of Tulkarem in the northern West Bank, the director of a local hospital told AFP on Tuesday.

The five Palestinian men, aged 21 to 29, were killed during an operation in the city by the Israeli army, said Amin Khader, head of the Thabet hospital, where the deaths were recorded.

Witnesses reported violent confrontations in the area and a massive deployment of Israeli soldiers seeking to make arrests.

The Israeli army confirmed to AFP that an operation had taken place in the same part of the occupied West Bank, but it did not give a reason or comment on any Palestinian casualties.

On Thursday, the Palestinian health ministry said that 14 people were killed in an Israeli operation in the city of Jenin -- the highest West Bank death toll from a single raid since at least 2005, according to United Nations records.

Israel has occupied the West Bank since the 1967 Arab-Israeli war and its troops regularly launch raids across the Palestinian territory.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

Grindavik, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 14th Nov, 2023) From Christmas gifts to sheep, residents forced from an Icelandic town damaged by hundreds of earthquakes in recent days were able to briefly return on Monday to retrieve their belongings, authorities said.

The southwestern town of Grindavik -- home to around 4,000 people -- was evacuated in the early hours of Saturday after magma shifting under the Earth's crust caused hundreds of earthquakes in what experts warned could be a precursor to a volcanic eruption.

The seismic activity damaged roads and buildings in the town situated 40 kilometres (25 miles) southwest of the capital Reykjavik, an AFP journalist saw.

"Many roads are just wrecked.

It's like a maze that you have to drive through," Johannes Daoi Johannesson, 34, told AFP on returning to the town.

"I was basically here just to empty my house as much as I could and take the essentials," he said, along with "something for the kids, Christmas presents."

After waiting for hours in their cars, residents could enter their homes for just a few minutes to collect their valuables, with Icelandic police and civil protection vehicles on standby.

"We ask everyone to take as short a time as possible," the country's emergency response department said in a statement, adding that it was limiting numbers to two people per vehicle.
Smoke rises from a burning tire during clashes at a refugee camp in Tulkarm, northern West Bank, on Nov. 14, 2023. At least seven Palestinians were killed on Tuesday in clashes with Israeli soldiers in Tulkarm, northern West Bank, according to the Ramallah-based Palestinian Health Ministry. (Photo by Nidal Eshtayeh/Xinhua)

RAMALLAH, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- At least seven Palestinians were killed on Tuesday in clashes with Israeli soldiers in Tulkarm, northern West Bank, according to the Ramallah-based Palestinian Health Ministry.

The clashes occurred when the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) was conducting a massive manhunt for Palestinian suspects in the Tulkarm refugee camp, local eyewitnesses told Xinhua.

The IDF said in a statement that its troops clashed with "local terror operatives" and responded with a drone attack at armed Palestinians who were hurling explosives at them.

At least 196 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli gunfire in the West Bank since a new round of Israeli-Palestinian conflict broke out on Oct. 7, according to WAFA, the official Palestinian news agency. 

A man is seen inside a building damaged after clashes in a village near the West Bank city of Nablus, on Nov. 14, 2023. At least 196 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli gunfire in the West Bank since a new round of Israeli-Palestinian conflict broke out on Oct. 7, according to WAFA, the official Palestinian news agency. (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua)

A man is seen inside a building damaged after clashes in a village near the West Bank city of Nablus, on Nov. 14, 2023. At least 196 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli gunfire in the West Bank since a new round of Israeli-Palestinian conflict broke out on Oct. 7, according to WAFA, the official Palestinian news agency. (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua)

A man is seen inside a building damaged after clashes in a village near the West Bank city of Nablus, on Nov. 14, 2023. At least 196 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli gunfire in the West Bank since a new round of Israeli-Palestinian conflict broke out on Oct. 7, according to WAFA, the official Palestinian news agency. (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua)

A man is seen inside a building damaged after clashes in a village near the West Bank city of Nablus, on Nov. 14, 2023. At least 196 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli gunfire in the West Bank since a new round of Israeli-Palestinian conflict broke out on Oct. 7, according to WAFA, the official Palestinian news agency. (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua)

Palestinian people are seen inside a damaged building at a refugee camp in Tulkarm, northern West Bank, on Nov. 14, 2023. At least seven Palestinians were killed on Tuesday in clashes with Israeli soldiers in Tulkarm, northern West Bank, according to the Ramallah-based Palestinian Health Ministry. (Photo by Nidal Eshtayeh/Xinhua)

Palestinian people inspect the damages at a refugee camp in Tulkarm, northern West Bank, on Nov. 14, 2023. At least seven Palestinians were killed on Tuesday in clashes with Israeli soldiers in Tulkarm, northern West Bank, according to the Ramallah-based Palestinian Health Ministry. (Photo by Nidal Eshtayeh/Xinhua)

Palestinian people are seen inside a damaged building at a refugee camp in Tulkarm, northern West Bank, on Nov. 14, 2023. At least seven Palestinians were killed on Tuesday in clashes with Israeli soldiers in Tulkarm, northern West Bank, according to the Ramallah-based Palestinian Health Ministry. (Photo by Nidal Eshtayeh/Xinhua)

Tear gas canisters are fired from an Israeli military vehicle during clashes at a refugee camp in Tulkarm, northern West Bank, on Nov. 14, 2023. At least seven Palestinians were killed on Tuesday in clashes with Israeli soldiers in Tulkarm, northern West Bank, according to the Ramallah-based Palestinian Health Ministry. (Photo by Nidal Eshtayeh/Xinhua)

Palestinian people inspect the damages at a refugee camp in Tulkarm, northern West Bank, on Nov. 14, 2023. At least seven Palestinians were killed on Tuesday in clashes with Israeli soldiers in Tulkarm, northern West Bank, according to the Ramallah-based Palestinian Health Ministry. (Photo by Nidal Eshtayeh/Xinhua)

Tear gas canisters are fired from an Israeli military vehicle during clashes at a refugee camp in Tulkarm, northern West Bank, on Nov. 14, 2023. At least seven Palestinians were killed on Tuesday in clashes with Israeli soldiers in Tulkarm, northern West Bank, according to the Ramallah-based Palestinian Health Ministry. (Photo by Nidal Eshtayeh/Xinhua)

Smoke rises from a burning tire during clashes at a refugee camp in Tulkarm, northern West Bank, on Nov. 14, 2023. At least seven Palestinians were killed on Tuesday in clashes with Israeli soldiers in Tulkarm, northern West Bank, according to the Ramallah-based Palestinian Health Ministry. (Photo by Nidal Eshtayeh/Xinhua)
An Overview of Vietnams Environmental Protection Tax

On the books since 2010, Vietnams Environmental Protection Tax has been a key pillar of Vietnams transition to a cleaner, greener economy. In this article, we break down the key details foreign investors should know.

Like most countries around the world, Vietnam is trying to restructure its economy to be greener and more environmentally friendly. The rapidly developing Southeast Asian nation even committed to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050 at the 26th Conference of Parties (CoP26) in Glasgow in 2021.

To do this, Vietnam is looking toward greater investment in cleaner, greener power-generating technologies. Furthermore, it is also looking to utilize financial and market mechanisms to encourage firms to make their businesses more environmentally friendly.

Whereas a carbon market is still being developed, there has, for over a decade now, been an environmental protection tax (EPT) enshrined in Vietnamese law. This tax has brought in billions of dong in recent years and is a key piece to Vietnams net-zero puzzle.

FIND BUSINESS SUPPORT Get Assistance with Ongoing Tax Compliance and Reporting Obligations

Foreign firms that intend to do business in Vietnam should familiarise themselves with the tax and what it applies to in order to ensure they can adequately assess the cost of doing business in the country. In this light, in this article, we break down Vietnams Environmental Protection Tax, including what it applies to and the tax rates for the specific items covered.

What is subject to the Environmental Protection Tax?

Vietnams EPT applies to a number of goods that can potentially be hazardous to the environment if used in excess or improperly disposed of. This includes:

Fossil fuels including gasoline, aviation fuel, diesel, kerosene, fuel oil, lubricants, and grease. In the event of mixed fuels comprised of both biofuel and fossil-fuel-based fuels, the EPT only applies to the fossil-fuel-based portion.

Coal including brown coal, anthracite coal, and other coal.

Hydro-chloro-fluoro-carbon (HCFC) solutions.

Plastic bags made from single plastic film HDPE (high-density polyethylene resin), LDPE (Low-density polyethylene), or LLDPE (Linear low-density polyethylene resin), excluding pre-packaged goods.

Restricted use herbicides.

Restricted use termite pesticides.

Restricted use forest product preservatives.

Restricted use warehouse disinfectants.

Environmental protection tax rates in Vietnam

Goods Unit VND US$ Gasoline, oil, grease Gasoline, except ethanol liter 4,000 $0.16 Flight fuel liter 3,000 $0.12 Diesel oil liter 2,000 $0.08 Fuel liter 1,000 $0.04 Fuel oil liter 2,000 $0.08 Lubricant liter 2,000 $0.08 Grease kg 2,000 $0.08 Coal Brown coal ton 15,000 $0.62 Anthracite coal (anthracite) ton 30,000 $1.23 Coal fat ton 15,000 $0.62 Other coal ton 15,000 $0.62 Hydro-chloro-fluoro-carbon (HCFC) solution kg 5,000 $0.21 Plastic bags kg 50,000 $2.05 Restricted use herbicides kg 500 $0.02 Restricted use termite pesticides kg 1,000 $0.04 Restricted use forest product preservatives kg 1,000 $0.04 Restricted use warehouse disinfectants kg 1,000 $0.04

Proposed changes to the EPT

An increase to the tax on packaging: In August of this year the Ministry of Justice proposed increasing non-biodegradable packaging materials in a further effort to reduce their prevalence in Vietnam. According to the ministry, the average Vietnamese household uses one kilogram of plastic bags each month.

The proposal was to increase the tax to be more in line with other parts of the world. Currently, the rate of tax collected is VND 50,000 (US$2.05).

Extending the reduction of the EPT on petrol. In April of this year, the EPT on petrol was cut in an attempt to stimulate the economy. This cut is set to carry through until the end of this year. That said, the Ministry of Finance has proposed extending the cut into 2024. If approved its estimated that EPT revenue will decrease by about VND 42,822 billion (US$1.76 billion).

Vietnams Environmental Protection Tax moving forward

Vietnams Environmental Protection Tax is a key pillar of its approach to reducing the impact of its economic development on the natural environment. Foreign firms that are looking to engage in business in Vietnam should be aware of the implications of this tax on their business. Vietnamese tax law, however, can sometimes be difficult to navigate and firms looking for support ensuring they are compliant with Vietnams EPT should consult local tax professionals like the tax experts at Dezan Shira and Associates.
Phnom Penh  Rights group Amnesty International on Tuesday accused Cambodia of breaking international law through the eviction of 10,000 families from around the Angkor Wat temple complex.

Phnom Penh has over the past year increased the relocation of families living within the sprawling UNESCO world heritage site to a new community being built on former rice paddies 25 kilometres (15 miles) away since last year.

Officials have long maintained that families are moving voluntarily, but in a report released Tuesday Amnesty says many are receiving "direct and subtle threats" to move.

"They must immediately cease forcibly evicting people and violating international human rights law," said Montse Ferrer of Amnesty.

Cambodian government spokesman Pen Bona said the report was "not right", insisting that the relocation of villagers was done on a "voluntary" basis and in line with UNESCO rules.

UNESCO said it was "deeply concerned" by the report, which comes on the eve of a regular intergovernmental conference on Angkor at the culture body's headquarters in Paris.

The temple complex dating back to the ninth century is Cambodia's top tourist attraction, and pre-pandemic drew more than two million foreigners every year.

The tourists spawned a micro-economy of stallholders, food and souvenir sellers and beggars, and the local population exploded from an estimated 20,000 in the early 1990s to about 120,000 by 2013.

Cambodian authorities say they are acting to protect the ruins by moving squatters whose informal settlements are damaging the local environment by producing rubbish and overusing water resources.

Officials say that only unauthorised settlements -- often ramshackle huts without proper sewage, running water or in some cases electricity -- have been targeted.
When students are far from home but still need the help of a parent, services offered at schools around the country can help fill the gap.

People Magazine reports rent-a-mom services are helping students, and their parents, make the transition to independence a little easier  for a price. (September 2023)
Before Chinese President Xi Jinping's arrival in San Francisco for the APEC summit, protesters and pro-democracy activists voiced concerns about China and Xi that are rarely expressed in China or the region.

This week's summit is expected to bring U.S. President Joe Biden and Xi together for their first face-to-face meeting since they spoke on the sidelines of the G20 summit meeting in Bali, Indonesia, in November 2022.

Xi last visited the United States in April 2017, when then-President Donald Trump served him a "most beautiful piece of chocolate cake," saying the two had "great chemistry.

By the time Trump and Xi met at the G20 Summit in Osaka, Japan, in June 2019, a trade war and sparring over human rights underpinned relations between the worlds two largest economies. This was six months before the coronavirus causing COVID-19 was first found in humans in Wuhan, China  the starting point of a three-year-long pandemic that ruptured life worldwide.

Recent meetings such as the one in October between Biden and Chinas Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the White House appear to suggest that both nations may want to ease tensions.

Dissidents shouting from the sidelines will mark this weeks meeting between the two leaders in a city where one-fifth of the population has Chinese roots, according to U.S. Census figures. During a press conference on Monday attended by Chinas official media, San Francisco Mayor London Breed specifically called out First Amendment rights and peaceful protests as local priorities.

To Representative Mike Gallagher, chairman of the U.S. House of Representatives Special Committee on China, getting cozy with Xi is wrong.

An invitation circulated online showed that tickets to the dinner and reception hosted by the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations and the National Committee on U.S.-China Business cost $2,000 each. For $40,000, companies can buy a table that seats eight people, plus a seat at Xi's table.

Gallagher said in a speech at an event with Chinese dissidents last Friday, "How does that dinner conversation go? 'Wow, this filet mignon is a little dry  how's your extrajudicial internment of over a million Uyghur Muslims going? This Sauvignon blanc is really nice.  Congrats on completely crushing civil society in Hong Kong."

He said, "I have personally had some of the top CEOs in America beg me not to ask them about the Uyghur genocide in public, and many others were only willing to meet on the condition of total secrecy out of fear of Beijing's reprisal."

Gallaher added, "Xi Jinping has convinced capitalist executives to appease the [Chinese Communist Party] not because it treats them well, but because they fear Beijing's power.

Gallagher said China's illegal overseas policing has reached the U.S. heartland, such as Iowa, and the financial center, New York City. He urged the U.S. government to build a global strategy and work with its allies to address the issue.

"That's part of why we're here in San Francisco  to put another frame on this whole sad event and show the world that accommodating a dictator like Xi is not just morally wrong or strategically stupid, it's also laughable," Gallagher said on Saturday.

Wei Jingsheng, a Chinese human rights activist, said at the same event last Friday, "Compromising with Xi Jinping will not make him change his domestic and foreign policies, nor will the CCP stop aiding Russia, Iran and other terrorist organizations. The best strategy to force it to stop international adventures is to block the CCP's unfair trade loopholes, continue to restrict the CCP's channels for stealing technology, and vigorously promote China's human rights and democracy movement."

Wang Dan, a student leader of the 1989 Tiananmen Democracy Movement in Beijing and a visiting scholar at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University, told VOA Mandarin, "Under the rule of the CCP and Xi Jinping, China has increasingly regressed to totalitarian dictatorship."

Many pro-democracy groups and human rights activists began gathering in San Francisco last week to launch protests at the APEC summit venue and surrounding areas.

Wu Shaoping, a U.S.-based rights lawyer, told VOA at a protest in front of the Chinese Consulate in San Francisco last week, "I hope the U.S. government will not put aside human rights issues in order to talk with the CCP about economic development, climate change and other issues. These issues are integrated and cannot be decoupled. Once decoupled, China's human rights problems will get worse. This is also contrary to American values."

Jin Xiuhong, head of the Chinese Democracy & Human Rights Alliance, told VOA, "People who speak the truth in China have been persecuted in various ways, so people overseas must make our voices heard. ... Let the people in the country hear, especially let Xi hear, that we want human rights and freedom. We want those who tell the truth in the country to be released, and we demand the release of all political prisoners, religious prisoners and human rights lawyers. We must speak loudly for them and protest against the dictatorship of Xi Jinping and the Chinese Communist Party."

Zhao Xin, general coordinator of the anti-Xi protests in the San Francisco Bay Area and a deliveryman for food delivery services, told VOA Mandarin last Friday, "Xi Jinping is the 'enemy of all Chinese people'. ... We must oppose such an extremely stupid and retrograde dictator. Many people will participate in our protests against Xi's and the CCP's tyranny. We want Xi Jinping to feel the unwelcomeness, anger and protest from all Chinese people here."

Adrianna Zhang and Zhou Chenxing contributed to this report.
Latest developments:

U.S. President Joe Biden says he believes Hamas hostages will be released but gives no timetable. The U.S. leader says hospitals in Gaza must be protected amid Israeli military advances.

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad members operate a command-and-control node from Al Shifa and use tunnels underneath to support their military operations and hold hostages.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a statement Tuesday that he is deeply disturbed by the horrible situation and dramatic loss of life in several hospitals in Gaza."

WHOs director-general says Gazas largest hospital is not functioning anymore.

Palestinian health officials say 32 patients at Al Shifa Hospital have died, including three infants, as fuel supplies run out.

Israel says 1,200 people were killed in Israel during the Oct. 7 Hamas attack. More than 11,000 Palestinians have been killed, overwhelmingly women and children, in Gaza, according authorities in Gaza.



U.S. President Joe Biden said Tuesday he believes hostages being held by Hamas militants in Gaza are going to be released, but he gave no timetable.

I have been talking to people involved every single day, Biden told reporters at the White House. I believe it is going happen, but I dont want to get into details.

He sent a message to the estimated 240 hostages being held by U.S.-designated terror group Hamas: Hang in there. We are coming.

U.S. officials have said in recent days they have been working with Israeli, Qatari and Egyptian officials to secure release of the hostages, only four of whom Hamas has freed since capturing them during its shock October 7 attack on the Jewish state.

The United States says that among the hostages are nine Americans and a foreign national with U.S. employment rights.

Meanwhile, Biden said hospitals in Gaza must be protected as Israeli forces continue to target health care facilities in the Palestinian enclave over claims Hamas is using them as cover to hide its command centers and weaponry.

The president was responding to reports of the worsening crisis at Al Shifa Hospital, Gaza Citys main medical center, which has been surrounded and under siege by Israeli forces for several days.

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters aboard Air Force One that Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad members operate a command-and-control node from Al Shifa and use tunnels underneath to support their military operations and hold hostages. He said the militants have stored weapons there and are prepared to respond to an Israeli military operation against that facility.

Now to be clear, we're not supporting striking a hospital from the air, and we do not want to see a firefight in the hospital where innocent people, helpless people, sick people are simply trying to get the medical care that they deserve not to be caught in a crossfire, said Kirby on Tuesday, adding Hamas actions "do not lessen Israel's responsibilities to protect civilians in Gaza."

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a statement Tuesday that he is deeply disturbed by the horrible situation and dramatic loss of life in several hospitals in Gaza."

In the name of humanity, the secretary-general calls for an immediate humanitarian cease-fire, his spokesman said.

Doctors Without Borders said bullets were fired Tuesday into one of three of its premises near the Al Shifa facility, where more than 100 of its staff and family members have been staying. The group, which includes 65 children, said it ran out of food late Monday and has been asking the Israeli army and Hamas for safe passage away from the fighting.

Services at Al Shifa have been shut down due to a lack of fuel, food and water. Thousands of desperate patients fled the hospital over the weekend, leaving just 650 patients along with thousands of displaced Palestinians seeking shelter from the fighting.

The Palestinian Health Ministry said Monday that 32 patients at Al Shifa, including three infants, have died since the siege began due to the lack of electricity.

Doctors running low on supplies are reported to be performing surgery without anesthesia on war-wounded patients, including children. One medic shared a photo showing nine premature babies sharing a crib.

The Israeli military said Tuesday it will transfer incubators, which are used to keep premature newborn infants warm, from Israel to Al Shifa Hospital.

World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the medical center "is not functioning as a hospital anymore," and the situation at Gazas largest hospital is "dire and perilous."

Al Quds, another Gaza hospital, shut down Sunday because it ran out of fuel.

Israel says Hamas, a U.S.-designated terror group, is shielding itself among civilians at Al Shifa Hospital and has a command center in and beneath the medical compound.

Israel has not provided photos or videos to back up its claims about Hamas militants at Al-Shifa, although it has shared footage of militants operating in residential neighborhoods and positioning rockets and weapons near schools and mosques.

Both Hamas and the hospital staff deny the Israeli allegations.

It is my hope and expectation that there will be less intrusive action relative to the hospitals, Biden told reporters during an event in the Oval Office.

Palestinian authorities in Gaza say more than 11,000 people  about 40% of them children  have been killed since Israel launched a major air and ground offensive in response to the attack by Hamas militants on southern Israel on October 7 that left 1,200 people dead. About 240 people were kidnapped and are currently being held hostage by Hamas.

The United Nations humanitarian office said Tuesday that more than two-thirds of Gazas population of 2.3 million have fled their homes since the war began.

The Israeli military on Tuesday confirmed the death of a 19-year-old soldier who was captured in the October 7 attacks.

The military wing of Hamas issued a video Monday of a woman who identified herself as Noa Marciano. She said she had been held in Gaza for four days and urged Israel to end the bombing campaign. The video then showed still images of the womans lifeless, bloodstained body lying on a sheet. Hamas said she had been killed by Israeli airstrikes last Thursday.

Israels military confirmed the video was that of Marciano, who was attached to a unit deployed at the Israel-Gaza border.

The army said Marciano died at the hands of a terrorist organization but did not comment on the circumstances of her death.

The Israeli military said it has seized several government facilities in Gaza City, including the territorys legislature building, the Hamas police headquarters and a compound housing Hamas' military intelligence headquarters.

"In every location, the enemy forces were eliminated, the location was demolished," an Israeli commander said.

But as its military incursion advances, Israel has rejected growing and intense international pressure to impose a cease-fire to allow for the delivery of critically needed humanitarian aid to Gaza. But it has agreed to four-hour daily humanitarian pauses to allow the opening of two corridors to let Palestinians evacuate northern Gaza. National Security Council spokesman Kirby said Tuesday that in the last 24 hours around 115 more trucks carrying humanitarian aid were able to enter Gaza, bringing the total to 1100.



United Nations correspondent Margaret Besheer and White House Bureau chief Patsy Widakuswara contributed to this report. Some information came from The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse.
Latest developments:

U.S. President Joe Biden says hospitals in Gaza must be protected amid Israeli military advances.

WHOs director-general says Gazas largest hospital is not functioning anymore.

Palestinian health officials say 32 patients at Al Shifa hospital have died, including three infants, as fuel supplies run out.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken facing growing internal dissent about approach toward Israel-Hamas war.

Israel says 1,200 people were killed in Israel during the Oct. 7 Hamas attack. More than 11,000 Palestinians have been killed, overwhelmingly women and children, in Gaza, according authorities in Gaza.

U.S. President Joe Biden says hospitals in Gaza must be protected as Israeli forces continue to target health care facilities in the Palestinian enclave over claims Hamas is using them as cover.

The president was reacting to reports of the worsening crisis at Al Shifa Hospital, Gaza Citys main medical center, which has been surrounded and under siege by Israeli forces for several days. Services at Al Shifa have been shut down due to a lack of fuel, food and water.

Thousands of desperate patients fled Shifa hospital over the weekend, leaving just 650 patients along with thousands of displaced Palestinians seeking shelter from the fighting.

The Palestinian health ministry said Monday that 32 patients at Al Shifa, including three infants, have died since the siege began due to the lack of electricity.

Doctors running low on supplies are reported to be performing surgery there on war-wounded patients, including children, without anesthesia. One medic shared a photo showing nine premature babies sharing a crib.

The Israeli military said Tuesday it will transfer incubators, which are used to keep premature newborn infants warm, from Israel to Al Shifa hospital.

World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the medical center "is not functioning as a hospital anymore" and the situation at Gazas largest hospital is "dire and perilous."

The WHO chief said, "The constant gunfire and bombings" around the hospital have "exacerbated the already critical circumstances."

Al Quds, another Gaza hospital, shut down Sunday because it ran out of fuel.

Israel says Hamas, a U.S.-designated terror group, is shielding itself among civilians at the hospital and has a command center in and beneath the medical compound.

Israel has not provided photos or videos to back up its claims about Hamas militants at Al-Shifa, although it has shared footage of militants operating in residential neighborhoods and positioning rockets and weapons near schools and mosques.

Both Hamas and the hospital staff deny the Israeli allegations.

It is my hope and expectation that there will be less intrusive action relative to the hospitals, President Biden told reporters during an event in the Oval Office.

Palestinian authorities in Gaza say more than 11,000 people  about 40% of them children  have been killed since Israel launched a major air, nval and ground offensive in response to the attack by Hamas militants on southern Israel on Oct. 7 that left 1,200 people dead. More than 240 people were kidnapped and are currently being held hostage by Hamas.

The Israeli military Tuesday confirmed the death of a 19-year-old soldier who was captured in the October 7 attacks.

The military wing of Hamas issued a video Monday of a woman who identified herself as Noa Marciano. She said she had been held in Gaza for four days and urged Israel to end the bombing campaign. The video then showed still images of the womans lifeless, bloodstained body lying on a sheet. Hamas said she had been killed by Israeli airstrikes last Thursday.

Israels military confirmed the video was that of Marciano, who was attached to a unit deployed at the Israel-Gaza border.

The army said Marciano died at the hands of a terrorist organization, but did not comment on the circumstances of her death.

Israel has rejected growing and intense international pressure to impose a cease-fire to allow for the delivery of critically needed humanitarian aid to Gaza. But it has agreed to four-hour daily humanitarian pauses to allow the opening of two corridors to allow Palestinians to evacuate northern Gaza.

David Ignatius, the foreign affairs columnist for The Washington Post, reported Monday that Israel and Hamas are close to reaching a deal that would free several of the Israeli women and children who were kidnapped during the Oct. 7 raid, in exchange for Israels release of dozens of Palestinian women and young people being held in Israeli prisons.

The potential deal, also reported by Agence France-Presse, would be accompanied by a temporary cease-fire of five days to allow for safe travel for the Israeli captives, as well as humanitarian aid to reach Palestinian civilians in Gaza.

The Israel-Hamas war has led to growing dissent within the U.S. State Department about the Biden administrations approach to the conflict. Secretary of State Antony Blinken issued a letter to all employees Monday, acknowledging that the suffering caused by this crisis is taking a profound personal toll.

The anguish that comes with seeing the daily images of babies, children, elderly people, women, and other civilians suffering in this crisis is wrenching. I feel it myself, Blinken said in the letter, written days after returning from a round of personal diplomacy in the Middle East and Asia.

Blinken assured State Department personnel that senior officials are listening to their concerns because what you share is informing our policy and our messages.

Anonymous officials tell news outlets that multiple cables criticizing the administrations policy have been filed through the State Departments dissent channel, which was established during the Vietnam War to allow diplomats to express disagreements with U.S. foreign policy without fear of punishment.

Officials in Washington are expecting thousands of people to attend a rally on the National Mall Tuesday in support of Israel and to demand the release of the hostages being held by Hamas.

The rally is being organized by the Jewish Federations of North America and the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations.

Some information for this article was provided by The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday promised a top Ukrainian official sustained U.S. support including help to get through the winter, with Russia feared to strike Kyiv's infrastructure again.

Blinken met Andriy Yermak, a top aide to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, on a brief stop back in Washington in between the top U.S. diplomat's latest Middle East crisis tour and an Asia-Pacific summit in San Francisco.

Despite the new focus on the Middle East, President Joe Biden has vowed to keep up the tens of billions of dollars for Ukraine to fight back Russian invaders, but he faces skepticism from parts of the rival Republican Party.

"We, in all of our conversations with the Ukrainian government, make clear that we will continue to stand by them, that we will continue to back them," State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters.

Blinken spoke to Yarmak about "steps we can take together with Ukraine to harden its infrastructure for the upcoming winter," Miller said.

"We, of course, in the last winter saw Russia trying to take down energy sites in Ukraine. They may very well do that again."

Biden has sought to couple a request to Congress for $61 billion to Ukraine with $14 billion for Israel, but Republicans have advanced only the Israel portion and tied it to cutting the budget of the U.S. tax collection agency.

Yermak thanked Blinken for the U.S. support on X, formerly known as Twitter.
People visit the 20th World Congress of Chinese Medicine in Manila, the Philippines, Nov. 14, 2023. The 20th World Congress of Chinese Medicine kicked off on Tuesday in the Philippine capital Manila, under the theme of "Health for all: integration of traditional medicine into universal health care." (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali)

MANILA, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- The 20th World Congress of Chinese Medicine kicked off on Tuesday in the Philippine capital Manila, under the theme of "Health for all: integration of traditional medicine into universal health care."

Zheng Qiming, chairman of the Philippine TCM and Acupuncture Association Inc., said the event will promote academic exchanges and experience sharing, which will not only advance the scientific research in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) but also improve the status of TCM globally.

Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian expressed his hope that China and the Philippines will work together to further promote cooperation and exchanges in the field of medicine and health, promote mutual learning between TCM and Philippine traditional medicine, and contribute to improving the health and well-being of the Chinese and Philippine people and building a global community of health for all. 

People take selfies at the 20th World Congress of Chinese Medicine in Manila, the Philippines, Nov. 14, 2023. The 20th World Congress of Chinese Medicine kicked off on Tuesday in the Philippine capital Manila, under the theme of "Health for all: integration of traditional medicine into universal health care." (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali)

People visit the 20th World Congress of Chinese Medicine in Manila, the Philippines, Nov. 14, 2023. The 20th World Congress of Chinese Medicine kicked off on Tuesday in the Philippine capital Manila, under the theme of "Health for all: integration of traditional medicine into universal health care." (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali)

People visit the 20th World Congress of Chinese Medicine in Manila, the Philippines, Nov. 14, 2023. The 20th World Congress of Chinese Medicine kicked off on Tuesday in the Philippine capital Manila, under the theme of "Health for all: integration of traditional medicine into universal health care." (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali)

People visit the 20th World Congress of Chinese Medicine in Manila, the Philippines, Nov. 14, 2023. The 20th World Congress of Chinese Medicine kicked off on Tuesday in the Philippine capital Manila, under the theme of "Health for all: integration of traditional medicine into universal health care." (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali)

People visit the 20th World Congress of Chinese Medicine in Manila, the Philippines, Nov. 14, 2023. The 20th World Congress of Chinese Medicine kicked off on Tuesday in the Philippine capital Manila, under the theme of "Health for all: integration of traditional medicine into universal health care." (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali)
A British convert to Islam who was convicted in Turkey of being part of the Islamic State group was sentenced to eight years in prison in Britain on Monday after he pleaded guilty to terrorism charges.

Aine Leslie Davis, 39, was deported from Turkey in August 2022 and detained on arrival at London's Luton Airport after serving a seven-and-a-half-year sentence for membership in IS.

He pleaded guilty last month to having a firearm for terrorism purposes and two charges of funding terrorism.

Prosecutors said Davis, who left his home in London and travelled to Syria in 2013 to join the armed conflict there, enlisted his wife to persuade a friend to bring him $21,400 to support his cause. The friend was stopped at Heathrow Airport in 2014, and Davis's wife, Amal El-Wahabi, was convicted of funding terrorism.

Davis' defense lawyer, Mark Summers, issued an apology to the Syrian people on his behalf, saying he and others like him "caused more harm than good."

British authorities had long suspected that Davis was part of an IS cell known as "The Beatles"  so called because of the men's British accents  that tortured and killed Western hostages in Syria a decade ago, when IS controlled a large swath of Syria and Iraq.

Davis has denied being connected to the cell.

Two members of the "Beatles" cell, Alexanda Kotey and El Shafee Elsheikh, were captured by U.S.-backed Kurdish forces in 2018 and are serving life sentences in the U.S. A third, Mohammed Emwazi, was killed in a drone strike in 2015.

Summers asserted during the trial that prosecutors in the U.S. decided last year they would not seek to put Davis on trial as a member of the cell due to insufficient evidence.

The judge said he was sentencing Davis for the offenses on the indictment and not for the reported allegations.
Former British Prime Minister David Cameron has made a surprise return to government as the United Kingdoms foreign secretary, following a Cabinet reshuffle and a weekend of violent protests and political chaos in London.

And of course, I hope that six years as prime minister  11 years leading the Conservative Party  gives me some useful experience and contacts and relationships and knowledge that I can help the prime minister to make sure we build our alliances, we build partnerships with our friends, we deter our enemies, and we keep our country strong, he said.

The prime minister asked me to do this job, and it's a time where we have some daunting challenges as a country: the conflict in the Middle East, the war in Ukraine, Cameron said.

Cameron said in an interview after his appointment as foreign secretary that he felt a dedication to public office.

A recent poll taken in July found that 45% of Britons believed Cameron had changed Britain for the worse, versus 29% who thought he had changed it for the better.

Cameron resigned as prime minister in June 2016 after Britain voted to leave the European Union in a referendum called Brexit for which he legislated. He campaigned to stay in the EU, but voters chose to leave by a margin of 52% to 48%.

The 57-year-old Cameron is no longer an elected lawmaker. Instead, Sunak nominated him as a peer who will sit in the House of Lords, Britains unelected upper chamber.

He succeeds James Cleverly, who now becomes Britains new home secretary after the incumbent Suella Braverman was fired Monday by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

The Israel-Hamas war rages on, after an October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel that killed more than 1,200 people and saw 240 hostages taken from Israel into Gaza by Hamas militants.

Palestinian health authorities said that more than 11,000 civilians, more than half of them women and children, have been killed by Israels bombardment and ground assault on the Gaza Strip, home to 2.3 million people.

As prime minister in 2010, Cameron called the Gaza Strip a prison camp and criticized Israels illegal settlements in the West Bank, although he maintained Britains close alliance with Tel Aviv.

It's going to be very hard for David Cameron to jump back in as foreign secretary, said Bronwen Maddox, director of the British policy institute Chatham House.

In the Middle East, some of the conflicts have not changed. David Cameron is remembered for intervention in Libya, which was not the greatest success. And in Europe, while he was a remainer, he triggered the [Brexit] referendum  some think too casually  which led to Britain leaving the EU and changed all its relations not only with Europe but with many other countries as a consequence, Maddox told Reuters.

Domestic signaling

Camerons appointment is unlikely to change Britains foreign policy, said Anand Menon, a professor of European politics at Kings College London and director of the UK in a Changing Europe initiative.

British foreign policy has been relatively consistent over the last few years and benefits from broad cross-party consensus. So, I dont think theres a question of changing foreign policy, Menon told VOA. I think this is largely signaling to a domestic audience, and I think the shape of the rest of the reshuffle, as well, indicates a desire to appeal to the more liberal parts of the conservative electoral base than had been the case up till now.

China relations

In 2015, Cameron signaled a golden era in relations between Britain and China when he hosted Chinese President Xi Jinping at a lavish state visit.

But relations have soured dramatically amid rising security and geopolitical tensions between Beijing and the West.

The golden era is well and truly over, is it not? And I think the mood, particularly inside the Conservative Party in parliament, has hardened considerably on China. And I think David Cameron is just going to have to get used to following a new approach when it comes to Beijing, Menon said. '

Braverman sacked

Cleverly, who had been foreign secretary since September 2022, now replaces Braverman, who was sacked as home secretary a week after the publication of an article she wrote in The Times newspaper accusing Britains police of showing left-wing bias toward pro-Palestinian demonstrations, which she described as hate marches.

Sunak reportedly requested changes to the article prior to publication, but these were seemingly ignored.

Braverman, a favorite figure of the right-wing of the Conservative Party for her hard-line approach to immigration, was asked to step down in a telephone call with Sunak Monday morning.

London protests

At least 300,000 people joined a pro-Palestinian protest in London on Saturday calling for a cease-fire. Police had appealed to the demonstrators to postpone the march, as it coincided with Armistice Day commemorations, when the country marks the end of World War I and remembers those killed in past wars.
European Union officials are finalizing the "last details" of a proposed 12th package of sanctions on Russia that will include a diamond ban, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on Monday.

Borrell said the European Commission, the EU executive, could approve the proposed package on Wednesday. It would then go to the Council of the EU, comprising the bloc's 27 member countries, for discussion and approval.

Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the EU has already applied 11 packages of sanctions against Moscow to diminish the Kremlin's ability to finance the war. The measures span across sectors and include some 1,800 individuals and entities.

"This twelfth package will include ... new export bans, among them ... diamonds, actions to tighten the oil price cap, in order to decrease the revenue that Russia is getting from selling its oil  not to us but to others  [and] fighting against circumvention," Borrell told reporters after a meeting of EU foreign ministers.

EU diplomats told Reuters last week the 27-nation bloc had been waiting for a G7 green light to move ahead with the diamond ban. An EU official said the current timing for a European Commission proposal for the package, that would then be debated by the EU's 27 governments, was "early next week".

"We are finalizing the last details of this package," Borrell said.
The story of three young researchers being simultaneously diagnosed with cancer while working at the same oncology lab has triggered an intense debate and speculation on social media in China. Netizens have been increasingly suspicious about the three physicians at the Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital including two breast surgeons and one visiting scholar, who were diagnosed with cancer in 2023 after studying and working at the Shu Hua Breast Cancer Center lab in Guangzhou, Guangdong province.



The news originated from widely shared screenshots of a WeChat chat history, showing that one of the physicians diagnosed with cancer had been removed from the researchers group chat by their advisor.



The news quickly became a trending topic on China's popular social network Weibo, with netizens increasingly suspicious that the researchers cancer may be related to the working environment in the lab.



Considered a top-tier medical provider and research institution, the Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital is directly managed by Chinas National Health Commission. Most of its laboratories specialize in researching cancer transition and treatment, including cancer epigenetics and gene regulation.



In a November 8 statement the hospital confirmed that three researchers at its Shu Hua Breast Cancer Center lab were diagnosed with cancer in 2023: pancreatic, synovial sarcoma and breast, respectively. The hospital said all three have been treated and are recovering, and that the Centers laboratory has strictly adhered to lab safety rules since its launch in 2005.



The causes for individual cancer cases are extremely complicated and the hospital welcomed third-party institutions to conduct evaluations and investigations at the lab, the statement said.

However, Li Li, a lawyer and certified Weibo user with nearly 90K fans, questioned the hospitals sincerity.



The hospital said they welcomed any investigation and then subsequently demolished the laboratory.

That is likely true.



Soon after the hospital issued the statement welcoming any investigation, pictures circulating on Weibo showed that the lab was being dismantled overnight on November 8, sparking public outrage and speculation that the hospital was trying to get rid of evidence.

The hospital confirmed the labs partial demolition but claimed it was scheduled prior to the cancer controversy as part of fire prevention plan. The hospital said it was only dismantling storage units for the lab, which it described as unrelated to the ongoing suspicions.



On Weibo, netizens expressed shock and distrust.

One said: they are trying to delay it, until those physicians pass away, and people forget about it.



The other asked: if theres no problem, why would they demolish the lab now? They are trying to sweep everything under the carpet.



Thorough investigation, or quiet cover up? a third wrote.



On November 9, the China Association for Science and Technology called for an immediate and thorough investigation of the incident.



Even pro-government influencers, like Hu Xijin, former editor-in-chief of state-backed newspaper the Global Times, warned that dismantling the lab during the controversy, invited further speculation and confirmed peoples suspicion that the hospital is destroying the evidence.



Hu urged the hospital to give a clear and transparent response to the controversy, suggesting holding a press conference and allowing journalists ask sharp questions and show that the hospital is telling the truth.



Studies conducted in Sweden and Israel have shown that researchers who routinely handle materials in cancer study labs are at a significantly higher risk of becoming ill with cancer compared with the general public. Such labs must implement strict safety protocols, including by employing advanced ventilation and imposing time limitations for the staff, the studies concluded.

The incident has put a spotlight on lab safety protocols in Chinese hospitals. The Economic Observer, an independent Chinese weekly newspaper, interviewed five medical students in China about their experience with lab safety protocols during their study.



The students said that they had never received formal training on lab safety protocols during their study, and that theyve picked up safety tips from their advisors and more senior classmates.



Our safety protocols are limited to wearing gloves and masks. As to why we must wear them and what substances might be harmful to us? We are not sure, one interviewee who asked to remain anonymous, told the Economic Observer.
The use of anti-personnel land mines by Russia and Myanmar triggered a surge in the number of civilian casualties in Ukraine and Myanmar last year, according to a new report by a land-mine monitor. The report, published by the International Campaign to Ban Landmines, found that Russia, which is not party to the Mine Ban Treaty, used antipersonnel mines extensively in Ukraine since its all-out invasion of the country in February 2022.

The report also found evidence that Ukraine, which is a party to the Mine Ban Treaty, used anti-personnel mines in and around the city of Izium, in Kharkiv oblast, in 2022 when the city was under Russian control.

This has created an unprecedented situation in which a country that is not party to the Mine Ban Treaty is using the weapon on the territory of a [treaty member], said Mark Hiznay, associate arms director at Human Rights Watch and an editor of Landmine Monitor 2023. In the 20-plus years [since the Mine Ban Treaty was adopted], this has never occurred before.

Ukraine has previously said it would look into allegations in a Human Rights Watch report earlier this year detailing numerous cases in which Ukrainian forces deployed banned anti-personnel mines.

SEE ALSO: Human Rights Watch: Ukrainian Forces May Have Used Banned Mines The International Campaign to Ban Landmines, which is a global coalition of nongovernmental organizations chaired by Human Rights Watch, recorded 4,710 injuries and deaths in 2022, down from 5,544 casualties in the previous year.

But there were significant increases in some countries, primarily Ukraine, said Loren Persi, Landmine Monitor 2023 impact team lead. In Ukraine, the number of civilian casualties recorded increased 10-fold from around 60 in 2021 to around 600 in 2022.

The Monitor report says civilians accounted for 85% of casualties from land mines and exploded remnants of war last year, roughly half of them children. The highest number of casualties, 834, was recorded in Syria, followed by Ukraine with 608 casualties, and Yemen and Myanmar, each of which recorded more than 500 casualties in 2022.

Hiznay said that Russia began using landmines in 2014 in support of pro-Russian separatist forces in the contested Donbas region of eastern Ukraine.

Russia has made extensive use of land mines in places like Afghanistan and Chechnya, he said. I think they have supplied land mines to 35, 38 different countries over the years.

Another factor we are noticing is wherever Wagner goes, land mines go, he said, referring to the Moscow-financed Wagner Group militia. We do not think that is a coincidence, particularly in Libya, where several new types of land mines were found and documented.

Myanmar, he said, has been using anti-personnel land mines since 1999, but the magnitude and scope of the contamination is now different.

It is just bigger, he said. You have more use by the government forces and more use by various nonstate armed groups. So, it is a lingering, festering problem that has just got worse in the past reporting period.

The Monitor report indicates land mines were also used during the reporting period by nonstate armed groups in Colombia, India, Myanmar, Thailand and Tunisia, as well as in eight treaty members in the Sahel region.

Currently 164 countries have signed onto the Mine Ban Treaty, which prohibits the use, stockpiling, production and transfer of anti-personnel mines.

The Monitor says that 30 states who are parties to the treaty have cleared all mined areas from their territory since the treaty came into force in 1999, leaving 60 countries and other areas contaminated. In addition, it notes that 22 states that are not party to the treaty and five other areas remain infested with these lethal weapons.

De-mining activists warn that the number of victims will continue to grow for as long as land mines remain in the ground. They say health care and physical rehabilitation services are seriously underfunded and unable to assist the many people who are disabled by these weapons, including in countries such as Afghanistan, Sudan, Ukraine and Yemen.
Rescuers on Tuesday continued battling to save 40 Indian construction workers who have been trapped inside part of a Himalayan highway tunnel that collapsed early Sunday.

The rescue team has been drilling a hole through debris in hopes to affix a wide steel pipe that can be used to pull the workers to safety.

Authorities have said the men, trapped men for some 60 hours, are safe and healthy, and have been given food, water and oxygen, and have been in regular contact with the rescue team.

The early Sunday collapse occurred with about 50-60 workers inside. Those who were near the exit were able to escape, with 40 remaining in the tunnel.

The workers are expected to be freed by Tuesday night or Wednesday according to senior government official Ranjit Sinha.

The 4.5-kilomenter tunnel, which had been under construction since 2018, is in Uttarakhand state, a mountainous region known for its many Hindu temples that attract pilgrims and visitors. The tunnel was a part of a new Char Dham Hindu pilgrimage route being built to connect the popular sights.

An ambitious government project, the improved highway route was expected to be completed in July 2022 at a cost of some $1.5 billion, although completion is now delayed until at least 2024.

The region is prone to landslides, earthquakes and floods and the incident follows events of land subsidence that geologists, residents and officials have blamed on rapid construction in the mountains.

Many have long protested the construction along the highway, pointing to safety concerns and effects on the environment.

The federal government has said it is using environmentally sound construction techniques to ensure the safety of geologically unstable stretches.

Some information in this report was taken from the Associated Press and Reuters
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Indonesian President Joko Widodo, leader of the most populous Muslim country, met with President Joe Biden at the White House Monday, delivering an appeal from 57 countries of the Muslim world for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza. White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara has this report.
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As the Israel-Hamas war continues, conditions at Gazas largest hospital are being described as catastrophic. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed speculation Sunday on a possible deal to free more than 200 hostages. Russian forces ramp up attacks in eastern Ukraine.
International students attended U.S. universities in surging numbers last year, rebounding from a pandemic slump with the help of a 35% jump in students coming from India, according to a study released Monday.

Overall, the number of international students in the U.S. grew by 12% in the 2022-23 academic year, the largest single-year increase in more than 40 years, according to findings from the State Department and the nonprofit Institute of International Education. More than 1 million students came from abroad, the most since the 2019-20 school year.

This reinforces that the U.S. remains the destination of choice for international students wishing to study abroad, as it has been for more than a century, said Allan E. Goodman, CEO of the Institute of International Education.

American colleges enrolled nearly 269,000 students from India, more than ever and second only to China. Most came for graduate programs, often in science, technology and business.

The U.S. maintains a strong relationship with India on education, which I think is getting even stronger and even more connected, said Marianne Craven, the State Department's acting deputy assistant secretary for academic exchange.

China still accounted for the most foreign students in the U.S. with 290,000, but its numbers decreased for a third consecutive year.

It reflects a gradual shift. After years of booming demand from China, interest has ebbed amid chilly international relations and increased competition from universities in the United Kingdom and Canada. Officials behind the new study also blame prolonged travel restrictions in Asia during the pandemic.

At the same time, U.S. universities have focused on recruiting in India, hoping to tap a growing population that the United Nations predicted would overtake China as the world's largest this year. Students from India now outnumber those from China in 24 U.S. states, including Illinois, Texas and Michigan, which rank among the top destinations for international students.

For the second consecutive year, America's graduate programs were the main attraction for international students, the study finds. Graduate enrollment grew by 21%, while undergraduate numbers ticked up 1%. It reverses a trend from the previous decade, which saw undergraduates come in larger numbers.

Much of last year's growth is credited to math and computer science programs, which attracted more students than any other subject and saw a 20% boost in enrollment over the previous year. Engineering and business followed behind. Taken together, those three fields account for more than half of all international students in the United States.

The surge nearly brings international numbers back to their pre-pandemic highs, with a peak of almost 1.1 million students in 2018. Enrollment fell precipitously over the following two years as COVID-19 stifled academic exchange.

The rebound appears to be continuing, with an 8% increase in international enrollment this fall, according to a smaller survey meant to give a snapshot of recent trends.

Overall, international students made up just 5.6% of all college students in the 2022-23 year, but they play an outsize role in U.S. higher education. University leaders say they're important for global exchange, and they're also important for revenue  international students are usually charged higher tuition rates, effectively subsidizing college for U.S. students.

Behind China and India, nations sending the most students to the U.S. were South Korea, Canada, Vietnam, Taiwan and Nigeria. Last school year saw a record number of students come from Bangladesh, Colombia, Ghana, India, Italy, Nepal, Pakistan and Spain.

While more students come from abroad, many colleges are struggling to attract students at home. Total enrollment across all colleges has stayed in a slump in the wake of pandemic decreases, and freshman enrollment decreased by 3.6% in fall 2023, according to a separate study by the National Student Clearinghouse.
Iran hanged three men Monday who were convicted of carrying out the 2019 bombing attacks in the restive southeastern province of Sistan-Baluchistan, the judiciary said.

The three men were sentenced to death after they were found guilty of bombing attacks targeting a police station and a patrol vehicle in Zahedan, the capital of Sistan-Baluchistan province, in 2019.

"The sentences against the perpetrators of bombings in Zahedan were carried out today," the judiciary's Mizan Online website quoted the province's chief justice Ali Mostafavinia as saying.

Mostafavinia said the defendants were also convicted over "receiving military training, transferring and hiding bomb-making materials."

They were also found guilty of being part of the Sunni jihadi Jaish al-Adl (Army of Justice) group, which was formed in 2012 and is blacklisted by Iran as a "terrorist" organization, according to Mizan.

Iran executes more people per year than any other nation except China, according to human rights groups including Amnesty International.

More than 600 people have been executed by Iran so far this year, already the highest figure in eight years, said the Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) group in a November report.

Unrest in Iran's impoverished Sistan-Baluchistan province, on the border with Pakistan, has over the years involved drugs-smuggling gangs, rebels from the Baluchi minority and Sunni Muslim extremist groups.

On Monday, Iran's official IRNA news agency said a conscript was killed and two others injured in a confrontation with an armed group near the border with Pakistan.

In September, gunmen carried out an attack in the province killing two policemen.

And in July, four policemen were killed while on patrol.

Earlier that month, two policemen and four assailants were killed in a grenade and gun battle in the province during an attack later claimed by Jaish al-Adl.

Zahedan was also the scene of protests that flared in September 2022, when dozens of people died during the demonstrations over the alleged rape of a teenage girl by a police officer.
MONROVIA, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- Liberians started voting in the second round of presidential elections on Tuesday morning across the West African country.

The presidential runoff is a contest between two political heavyweights, incumbent President George Weah of the ruling Coalition for Democratic Change and former Vice President Joseph Boakai of the Unity Party.

"The process has been smooth and peaceful so far. We expect that voting during this runoff process will be faster compared to the initial polls because it involves only one ballot paper per voter," said Lawrence Fanbulleh, a voter in the capital, Monrovia.

Observers from various local and international organizations, including the Economic Community of West African States and the West African Elders Forum, are on the ground to monitor the electoral process, ensuring fairness and transparency.

More than 2.4 million Liberians were registered to vote during the election process. The National Elections Commission oversees the conduct of the elections in all 15 counties of the country.

The first round of voting, held on Oct. 10, did not yield a clear winner among 20 presidential candidates, leading to this runoff between Weah and Boakai, the top two contenders.

The campaigns leading up to this moment have been marked by spirited rallies, intense debates and a focused discussion on the critical issues facing Liberia, including economic development, social welfare and the country's fight against corruption, among others. 
Iraq's top court ruled Thursday that the speaker and a rival lawmaker should be ousted from Parliament, following a high-profile feud between the two men, but the panel did not give a reason for the verdict. The Federal Supreme Court said in a statement it decided to terminate Parliament Speaker Mohammed al-Halbousi's membership in Parliament along with that of lawmaker Laith al-Dulaimi. It did not elaborate on why it was issuing the decision.

Halbousi has been the highest Sunni official in Iraq. Under the country's sectarian power-sharing system, the parliament speaker is always Sunni, the prime minister Shiite and the president Kurdish.

The court decision came against the backdrop of a dispute between Halbousi and Dulaimi, who is also Sunni. Dulaimi had filed a lawsuit against Halbousi claiming that the speaker had forged Dulaimi's signature on a resignation letter, an allegation that Halbousi denied.

Halbousi said in a video statement following the ruling, "I am surprised by the issuance of these decisions. I am surprised by the lack of respect for the Constitution."

He said that in his five years as speaker he had operated with integrity and "never discriminated between Sunnis and Shiites."

Two Iraqi parliamentary officials who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to comment on the matter said the court decision cannot be appealed and the parliament will need to elect a new speaker.

The legislature will be managed by First Deputy Speaker Mohsen Al-Mandalawi, one of the officials said.

Halbousi could not immediately be reached for comment.
Just days ago, Chinese and Japanese coast guard ships faced off  again  over rocky islets in the East China Sea that each nation claims as its own.

Called the Senkaku in Japan and the Diaoyu in China, the Nov. 1 incident was a repeat of a similar incident on Oct. 17.

Disputes of this sort have the potential to escalate due to a lack of communications. It was for this reason that, on May 16 of this year, Japans then-Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada placed a phone call to his then-Chinese counterpart, Li Shangfu.

Despite a sometimes fraught bilateral relationship, that call was not made to warn or convey misgivings. Rather, it was simply to test that a new channel of communications had opened between the two countries defense establishments: an old-fashioned hotline.

Ordinarily, hotlines are meant to enhance communication and clarity during crisis periods, Stephen R. Nagy, a political scientist at Tokyos International Christian University, explained to VOA by email. If they are actually used with that purpose, we might see them as an important tool in stabilizing the relationship.

The notion of a hotline perhaps first captured the public imagination in 1963 in the wake of the Cuban Missile Crisis, but the idea dates to a link established between President Franklin D. Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill during World War II.

Present-day hotlines like that between Japan and China exist among both allies and parties to potentially contentious situations. President Joe Biden announced that one would be established for Japan, South Korea and the U.S. when the three nations met at Camp David in August.

And on Oct. 17, South Koreas Yonhap News Agency reported that the United States, Japan and South Korea had established a new three-way hotline to coordinate responses to shared regional concerns in the western Pacific.



For Japan and China, hopes are that the bilateral hotline activated at the end of March will help strengthen relations that can sometimes be delicate.

Mechanisms such as [this] hotline that help to build trust between Japan and China are extremely important. In that sense, the inauguration of this hotline is deeply significant, said Atsuro Wada, an official in the China and Mongolia Section at Japans Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Chinas embassy in Tokyo declined to comment. However, in an official statement issued in March on the hotlines establishment, the PRCs Ministry of National Defense said, The establishment of the direct telephone link will effectively enrich the China-Japan defense communication channels, strengthen the capabilities of both sides to manage and control maritime and air crises, and help maintain regional peace and stability.

Bilateral tensions remain at a simmer, with close encounters between Chinese and Japanese naval and coast guard vessels in the waters off southwestern Japan a not-infrequent occurrence.

Japan has been concerned about escalation in the East China Sea, South China Sea, and Taiwan Straits since as early as the 1990s in which nationalist parties on both sides jousted over nationalists claims over the Senkaku Islands, said Nagy. With Chinas substantially increased military capabilities and use of merchant vessels to assert their claims, the chances of conflict  accidental or intentional  have increased.

Furthermore, Beijing regularly invokes memories of Japanese atrocities during the second Sino-Japanese conflict that in its latter years overlapped with World War II in the Pacific. With 20 million military and civilians Chinese killed, and 480,000 Japanese soldiers dying on Chinese soil, the eight-year conflict was one of the bloodiest in world history.

As a country responsible for the historical crimes it committed against China, Japan needs to all the more draw lessons from history and act prudently, read one statement issued in August on the occasion of a prominent Japanese politicians visit to Taiwan.

Given this backdrop, the degree to which a hotline between Japanese and Chinese defense authorities can help is as yet an open question.

Michael MacArthur Bosack, an international negotiator who is the special adviser for government relations at the Yokosuka Council on Asia-Pacific Studies, wrote in a commentary published Sept. 7 by the U.S. Institute of Peace, that it would only take one side refusing to pick up the phone to undo the years it took to activate the line in the first place.

A hotline "can help to diffuse certain situations. If one ship crashes into another or some plane goes missing, [the parties concerned] can say, This is whats happening, and it was an accident, said Robert Dujarric, co-director of the Institute of Contemporary Asian Studies at Temple University Japan. But it all depends on someone picking up the phone, and whether that person has some authority or power to do something.

Recent turnover in both countries defense authorities casts the need for stability in stark relief. Chinas Li Shangfu was dismissed as defense minister in late October. No explanation was given for his removal, and Beijing has yet to name a replacement for him.

In September, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida appointed Minoru Kihara, a politician with a track record of promoting stronger ties between Tokyo and Taipei, as Japan's new defense minister.

The trajectory of Chinas regional behavior and pro-Russian neutral position has alarmed Japan and its thinking about Sino-Japanese relations, Nagy wrote in his email to VOA. There is a deepening pessimism on the direction of the relationship requiring more frank and nuanced views about the future of the relationship accounting for more realists in the Cabinet.

At the same time, Nagy said, Considering sea lines of communication in the region ferry most of Japans imports and exports and energy resources, [the Japanese] were determined to inculcate any stability that is possible through things like this hotline. The question is whether it will work?
A Philippine court on Monday freed on bail a former senator jailed more than six years ago on drug charges she said were fabricated to silence her investigation of then-President Rodrigo Duterte's brutal crackdown on illegal drugs.

The European Union Parliament, some American lawmakers and United Nations human rights experts have long demanded the release of Leila de Lima, who was detained as an opposition senator in February 2017 in what they called political persecution by Duterte and his allies and a major blow to Philippine democracy.

Duterte, whose stormy six-year term ended in June last year, insisted on her guilt, saying witnesses testified that she received payoffs from imprisoned drug lords.

Regional Trial Court Judge Gener Gito on Monday reversed a decision earlier this year and granted the request of de Lima and four co-accused for bail while being tried in a final drug case. Two other non-bailable drug cases against her have been dismissed.

Dozens of de Lima's supporters cheered outside after the decision was announced in suburban Muntinlupa city in the capital, where armed police escorts brought her from detention in a security convoy.

"It's really an indescribable feeling. I'm starting from zero the life that they tried to destroy," de Lima told The Associated Press shortly after her bail was approved. "This is freedom. It's so precious."

U.S. Ambassador MaryKay Carlson welcomed the order to release de Lima "at long last." EU Ambassador Luc Veron said it was "a significant step for the rule of law in the Philippines" and expressed hope that the resolution of the remaining charges will be accelerated.

De Lima immediately called her ailing 91-year-old mother and, with her voice breaking, told her she was coming home.

Facing a throng of cameras, de Lima later thanked her family, lawyers, supporters, the judge and the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. "for respecting the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law."

"It hurts to be imprisoned when you are innocent," she said. "But I don't want to be sad or bitter today. This is a moment of triumph, joy and also of thanksgiving."

De Lima was set free later Monday after paying the $5,357 bail and securing police and other clearances. At a news briefing, she refused to say if she was considering legal steps against Duterte. "God bless him, he knows what he did to me," de Lima said.

"It's a long human rights nightmare that has ended," Catholic priest Father Robert Reyes, a key de Lima supporter, said at the court. "But there is still a lot of work to do to exact accountability for what happened to her."

As the chief of the country's Commission on Human Rights in 2009, de Lima led an investigation into widespread killings of drug suspects under then-Mayor Duterte in southern Davao city. She failed to find any witnesses who were willing to testify publicly against him. She then served as the country's justice secretary.

In 2016, Duterte won the presidency by a wide margin on an anti-crime platform and de Lima was elected to the Senate and pursued an investigation into his campaign against illegal drugs. Authorities built cases against her, obtaining testimonies from imprisoned drug lords, and placed her under arrest.

According to police records, more than 6,000 mostly poor suspects were killed under Duterte's drug crackdown as president. Human rights groups say the death toll was considerably higher. The International Criminal Court has been investigating the killings in what an ICC prosecutor said could be a case of crimes against humanity.

Although isolated for years from the outside world in a maximum-security detention center in the main police headquarters in the capital, de Lima continued issuing hundreds of handwritten statements as a senator, mostly her criticisms of Duterte's governance and thoughts on strengthening human rights.

De Lima ran for re-election in May last year under the main opposition bloc, but the trial court rejected her request to be allowed to campaign. She instead sent a life-size cutout image which allies displayed on the campaign trail, but she lost.

She blamed Duterte, who she said "demonized" her and subjected her to misogynistic attacks that she was unable to address from jail.

Calls for her immediate release mounted in October last year after she was taken hostage in a rampage by three Islamic State group-linked Muslim militants, who were killed by police guards in a failed attempt to escape from jail.

De Lima said one of the hostage-takers tied her hands and feet, blindfolded her and pressed a weapon in her chest and demanded access to journalists and a military aircraft to escape. The man threatened to kill her until he was gunned down by a police negotiator at close range, officials said.
Malis army said Tuesday it has retaken the northern city of Kidal from rebels, after a raid that left many insurgents dead.

The reported capture, not confirmed by independent observers, would mark a symbolic victory for Malis army as they have been virtually absent from the city, with ethnic Tuareg rebels controlling much of the northern part of the country.

"Today, our armed and security forces have taken over Kidal. Our mission is not complete," Mali's junta leader, President Assimi Goita, said on X. I recall it consists of recovering and securing the integrity of the territory, without any exclusion, in accordance with the resolution of the [U.N.] security council."

Malis army said it called for peace in the town of about 25,000 and told its residents to obey soldiers.

Rebel leaders expecting a military offensive cut phone lines in Kidal, and there has been difficulty in contacting the remote town. Insurgents have not commented on the reported takeover.

The Kidal region has long frustrated the Mali government, after the army suffered several defeats there from 2012 to 2014, and has been unable to regain much of a foothold in the region since.

Mali has faced much violence since 2012 when a coup in Bamako allowed insurgents to seized the northern half of the country.

The U.N. brokered a peace deal between the rebels and Malis government in 2015, though Islamist militants connected al-Qaida and Islamic State went on to kill thousands of civilians.

Malis military seized power in a 2020 coup, ordering the U.N. peacekeepers to leave the country, leading to fighting between the rebels and military over territories vacated by the U.N.

Some information in this report was taken from Agence France Presse and Reuters
Satellite imagery shows progress in the construction in Russia of a plant that will mass produce Iranian-designed kamikaze drones that Moscow is expected to target against Ukrainian energy facilities, a research organization said on Monday.

Despite the headway, neither the United States nor its allies have imposed sanctions on the plant's owner, JSC Alabuga, or its associated companies, said the Institute for Science and International Security report.

The White House, the Russian embassy and Iran's U.N. mission did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The report said a mid-September satellite image showed that new construction at the plant "directly" correlated with a leaked building floor plan that the Washington Post shared with the institute earlier this year.

The building, according to other leaked documents, will be used for the mass production of Iran's Shahed-136 that will include improving Iranian fabrication processes "and ultimately advancing the drone's capabilities," the report said.

The satellite image also showed the construction of other structures and new security perimeters with checkpoints, the report said.

"With winter fast approaching ... Russia can be expected to accelerate its Shahed-136 attacks against Ukraine's vital energy infrastructure, causing brutal living conditions for the civilian population," the report said.

"A key overdue step" is for Washington to sanction Alabuga and its associated companies, the report continued.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday warned his country to prepare for Russian strikes on energy infrastructure. Last winter  about 10 months into its invasion  Russia unleashed waves of such attacks, prompting rolling blackouts.

The plant is located 800 km (500 miles) east of Moscow in the Tartarstan Republic. Alabuga JSC is 66% owned by the federal government and 34% by the republic, the report said.

In June, the White House said Russia and Iran appeared to be deepening their defense cooperation and that in addition to supplying drones, Tehran was working with Moscow to produce Iranian drones in Alabuga.
NATO member Romania inaugurated on Monday an international training hub for F-16 jet pilots from allied countries and other partners, including Ukraine.

The training facility situated at an air base in Fetesti in southeast Romania will aim to increase interoperability between NATO allies, and better position the military alliance to face the complex challenges in Eastern Europe and the Black Sea region, Romania's defense ministry said.

It said the powerful U.S.-made warplanes will be supplied by the Royal Netherlands Air Force while the aircraft maker Lockheed Martin will provide instructors and maintenance at the training center.

Kathleen Kavalec, the U.S. ambassador to Romania who attended the opening, called the collaboration an example of how the public and private sectors can cooperate to further our defense priorities.

I am here with one simple message, she said. The United States government is here to support in any way we can.

Romania, which has been a NATO member since 2004, shares a long border with Ukraine. Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Kyiv has repeatedly asked its backers to send sophisticated fighter planes to give it a combat edge, and some NATO countries have.

In response to the war next door, Romania ramped up defense spending while NATO bolstered its presence on Europes eastern flank by sending additional multinational battle groups to alliance members Romania, Hungary, Bulgaria, and Slovakia.

The centers opening comes after Romania said last week that it is pushing to buy 54 latest-model Abrams main battle tanks and related equipment from the United States in a deal worth at least a billion dollars to help the European Union country meet regional security challenges.

In April, Romanias Supreme Council of National Defense also approved the acquisition of an unspecified number of latest generation American-made F-35 fighter jets, as Romania pushes to modernize its air force.

Romania has played an increasingly prominent role in the alliance throughout the war, including hosting a NATO meeting of foreign ministers in November 2022.
A former Russian detective who was convicted over the 2006 murder of a Russian investigative journalist has been pardoned in exchange for fighting in Ukraine, his lawyer said. Sergei Khadzhikurbanov was given a 20-year prison sentence in 2014 for his role in organizing the murder of Anna Politkovskaya, a well-known reporter at the since-banned independent Russian outlet Novaya Gazeta.

Khadzhikurbanovs lawyer, Alexei Mikhalchik, told the Russian outlet RBC on Tuesday that Khadzhikurbanov had received a presidential pardon for the crime after finishing a six-month military contract in Ukraine. Khadzhikurbanov has remained in the armed forces in Ukraine, the lawyer said.

Politkovskaya was shot and killed outside her Moscow apartment in October 2006 in a slaying that at the time underscored rising threats facing journalists in Russia as the Kremlin cracked down harder on reporters and other critics.

Gulnoza Said, the Europe and Central Asia program coordinator at the Committee to Protect Journalists, or CPJ, condemned the pardon as an affront to press freedom.

"Its a slap in the face of all journalists in Russia," Said told VOA. "Instead of trying to right the wrong and achieve justice in Politkovskayas case, [Russian President Vladimir] Putin pardoned one of the perpetrators."

Politkovskaya was best known for her coverage of abuses in Russias war in Chechnya in the early years of Putins presidency. Despite death threats and detentions, the journalist won over a dozen awards for her coverage.

"She often was the only person with whom local people could talk and share their grievances and feel heard," Said added.

In a joint statement with Novaya Gazeta, Politkovskayas two children Vera and Ilya said they were not notified about Khadzhikurbanovs pardon.

"For us, this pardon is not evidence of atonement and repentance of the killer. This is a monstrous fact of injustice ... Desecration of the memory of a person killed for her beliefs and professional duty," the statement said.

Mikhalchik, the lawyer, said Khadzhikurbanov last year took part in a deal offered by Russias defense ministry and the Wagner private military group in which Russian convicts are permitted to return to normal life, without serving the remainder of their sentence, if they survive six months of fighting in the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Khadzhikurbanov was one of five people jailed in 2014 over Politkovskayas murder, but investigators at the time did not identify the person who ordered the killing.

In 2018, the European Court of Human Rights determined that although authorities had convicted the group of men directly involved in the killing, they had "failed to take adequate investigatory steps to find the person or persons who had commissioned the murder."

Russias Washington embassy did not immediately reply to VOAs email requesting comment.

Politkovskaya, who was 48 years old when she was killed, is among at least six Novaya Gazeta reporters and contributors who have been killed since 2000.

In the fall 2006 edition of the CPJs magazine Dangerous Assignments, the press freedom group named Politkovskaya as one of the worlds top press freedom figures of the past 25 years.

In an email interview with CPJ shortly before her killing, Politkovskaya said she was frustrated with the declining press freedom situation in Chechnya. She cited the deadly 2004 hostage crisis in the North Ossetian town of Beslan as an example.
The European Union will miss its previously stated target of supplying Ukraine with one million artillery shells and missiles by next March.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius made the admission Tuesday before a summit of EU defense ministers in the Belgian capital Brussels.

Pistoriuss comments were the first admission by a senior EU official that the goal would not be met, although many had expressed skepticism in private for months.

The pledge was made back in March in response to Ukraines need for artillery shells as its nearly two-year-old war with Russian invading forces has ground to a stalemate. The pledge was part of a three-part program to boost ammunition supplies to Ukraine, with the first part involving EU member states to contribute from their own stockpiles.

The second part involves EU countries ordering new shells from industry under a joint procurement initiative.

Pistorius said the EU is working with arms manufacturers to ramp up production of weapons and ammunition for Ukraine.

His admission comes just two days after German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's governing coalition has agreed in principle to double the country's military aid for Ukraine next year to about $8.5 billion, a political source in Berlin said Sunday.

If approved by parliament, where Scholz's coalition holds a majority, the boost would lift Germany's defense spending to 2.1% of its gross domestic product, exceeding the 2% target pledged by all NATO members, the source added.

Germanys proposal comes amid reservations by multiple European Union countries, including Germany, about committing long-term military aid of up to $5 billion annually over four years as part of broader Western security commitments to bolster Ukraines defenses.

Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskyy warned the nation during his nightly video address Sunday to brace for new waves of Russian attacks on Ukraines infrastructure as winter approaches.

Ukraine has also reported an increased number of drone attacks from Russia timed to coincide with their ground attacks in Ukraine's east.

Zelenskyy said on Tuesday that he received reports of increased attacks in the direction of Avdiivka, a city where Russia launched a large-scale offensive in mid-October before intensifying its efforts on other parts of the eastern front line.

Zelenskyy added that Ukraine is holding its ground despite the increased attacks.

These attacks come after Ukraine launched a counterattack on the east that has not moved as fast as anticipated because of strong Russian resistance.

Richard Green and Collin Kilpatrick contributed to this report.
A high-level trade delegation of the Afghan Taliban government held trilateral talks on Tuesday with Pakistan and Uzbekistan in Islamabad. The talks come as Pakistan authorities are carrying out a mass expulsion of Afghans residing illegally in the country. The delegation of Taliban government officials and Afghan businessmen, led by the acting Minister of Commerce and Industry, Alhaji Nuruddin Azizi, took part in meetings that "centered around advancing the trans-Afg project, trilateral transit and trade, challenges to regional connectivity, and other pertinent matters," according to a statement by the Afghan embassy in Islamabad, posted on X, formerly Twitter.

The Trans-Afghan project is a 760-kilometer (472-mile) passenger and freight rail line in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Uzbekistan. The three countries signed the agreement in July in Islamabad. The project is slated to be completed by 2027.

Calling the trilateral talks a significant step toward strengthening economic ties and regional connectivity, Pakistans Minister of Commerce Gohar Ejaz said on X, "bright prospects for trade, investment and connectivity lie ahead for mutual benefit of three countries."

The Afghan Taliban delegations visit to Islamabad comes at a time when relations between the two sides are tense publicly.

Pakistan accuses the Taliban of taking insufficient action to reign in cross-border terrorism and providing haven to leaders and members of the banned militant outfit Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan.

Pakistans Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar recently told media that Islamabad had asked Afghan Taliban "bluntly to choose between Pakistan and the TTP." He said that Pakistan shared details and a list of wanted militant leaders with Afghan authorities, but that Kabul did not deliver on its counterterrorism pledges.

In response, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid once again denied Kabul was providing sanctuary to anti-Pakistan terrorists saying, "Pakistan should address their domestic problems instead of blaming Afghanistan for their failure."

Alleging that Afghan citizens were taking part in terror attacks inside Pakistan, Islamabad last month ordered all those residing illegally in the country to leave or face deportation after November 1. The decision, although applicable to people of any nationality, primarily affected 1.7 million Afghans living in Pakistan to escape war and poverty.

The Taliban called Pakistans expulsion of Afghans "unacceptable" and "unjust."

Speaking to VOA, Special Representative of Pakistan on Afghanistan Asif Durrani downplayed the recent tensions, saying each government was simply expressing its point of view.

"I dont think there were harsh statements, neither from Pakistan side nor from Afghan side," Durrani said.

The envoy rejected the notion that Pakistans support of the Taliban in its 20-year war against western troops had backfired since his country was seeing terrorism rise since the groups return to power.

"This is a process, and we hope that good sense would prevail," he said about the recent tensions in Pakistan-Afghanistan relations. He also denied Pakistan ever supported the then-insurgent group.

Prior to Tuesdays trilateral trade talks, the Taliban commerce minister met Pakistans Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani.

"The FM [foreign minister] said full potential for regional trade and connectivity can be harnessed with collective action against terrorism," the Pakistani foreign ministry said on X. An Afghan embassy statement on X after the meeting said Azizi discussed transfer of property of Afghan refugees with Pakistan, among other issues.

Since the expulsion orders, nearly 300,000 Afghans have left Pakistan voluntarily while more than 1,300 have been deported. Many have been forced to leave their small businesses set up over the years or sell valuables such as cattle or construction material well below market prices on their way out.

Although Pakistan has lifted restrictions on how much currency Afghans returning to their country can take with them, reports of border guards taking cash and jewelry from Afghan returnees have emerged.

Durrani rejected the reports, saying, "I dont think there is truth in it." He said Pakistani border guards are disciplined and follow the orders of the government.

Speaking to VOA, Pakistans former ambassador to Afghanistan Mansoor Ahmad Khan said the talks were a positive development.

"Since a visit is now already taking place, I see signs of encouragement after the past few weeks when we saw there was no engagement."

He said he believes the two sides will continue to work together.

After a day of talks, Pakistani commerce minister Ejaz held a brief joint press conference with the visiting Uzbek minister. The Taliban did not make an appearance.
The top organization of Islamic scholars in Indonesia has issued a religious ruling mandating that Muslims in Indonesia must support the Palestinian people's fight for independence, and that supporting Israeli "aggression" is haram, or forbidden.

Asrorun Niam Sholeh, the chairman of Fatwa Division of the Indonesian Ulema Council, abbreviated as MUI, issued guidance on Friday that said supporting Israel or assisting those "who support Israeli aggression" against Palestinians is forbidden.

"MUI recommends to the Muslim community to avoid, as much as possible, transactions such as buying and selling with businesses that openly support aggression and the Zionist activities of Israel," said Niam.

MUI recommends Muslims in Indonesia avoid buying Israeli products or any products affiliated with Israel. However, the organization does not list any products or companies.

The group has also recommended that the government take decisive steps to assist the people in Gaza by engaging in diplomacy at the United Nations and among member countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation by urging them to collectively pressure Israel to stop the war.

Not everyone on board

Fadillah, a mother of two in the Bekasi area of West Java, was shopping at a supermarket in the area. The 50-year-old woman was checking the products on her list against a list of boycotted products, which she obtained from social media.

She says that she is determined not to buy Israeli products or products that support Israel.

"I don't want to contribute money that will be used to fight the people of Gaza," she said.

Indri Wulandari, a 35-year-old who lives in East Jakarta, feels the same way.

But, another resident, Vickry Hakim, who also resides in Bekasi, believes that boycotting Israeli products is not a solution to stop the violence in Gaza.

"Most products in Indonesia are from abroad," he said. "Especially if we boycott American products, I don't think it's possible because we use a lot of products from their country."

Effectiveness questioned

Mohammad Faisal, an economist with the Center of Reform on Economics, noted that an average citizen's knowledge of products affiliated with Israel is limited.

"In reality, there are many products, and many people do not know and consider them everyday products," said Faisal, who thinks it's still too early to measure the impact of the MUI fatwa, or edict.

Although the fatwa has yet to spread quickly on local social media networks, the intensity of the conflict means it could take hold.

Faisal also cautioned that if Israeli companies or those associated with Israeli interests employ Indonesian citizens, a decline in sales could lead to job cuts and layoffs.

The list circulating on social media among Indonesians includes international corporations including McDonald's, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Burger King, Pizza Hut, Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Nestle, Starbucks, Puma, Hewlett-Packard, Unilever, AXA, Siemens, and others.

So far, only Turkey has openly removed Coca-Cola and Nestle products from restaurant menus.
Kiyoyuki Seguchi, research director at Japan's Canon Institute for Global Studies, speaks during an interview with Xinhua in Tokyo, Japan, Nov. 8, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhang Xiaoyu)

TOKYO, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- The Asia-Pacific economic integration should continue to be enhanced and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) can play an important role in promoting global development, Japanese researcher Kiyoyuki Seguchi has said.

Seguchi, research director at Japan's Canon Institute for Global Studies, told Xinhua in a recent interview that the Asia-Pacific, as an important engine driving world economic growth, will continue to lead the world economic development.

"In the long term, Asia will continue to provide a strong impetus for world economic growth, and the center of Asia's economic growth is in China," Seguchi noted.

According to a report by the Asian Development Bank, economic recovery in the Asia-Pacific region has largely benefited from China, which contributed more than 60 percent of the region's growth.

Seguchi pointed out that the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) connects Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America and other regions to seek common development, and is an initiative that benefits the world.

It is a good thing for China to go beyond Asia and play a role in the world, Seguchi said, adding that it is very important for China to strengthen its relations with Africa, Latin America, the Middle East and other regions to promote the development of developing countries.

Seguchi believes that opening up to the outside world is an important cornerstone of China's economic development, and the Chinese government's commitment to deepening reform and opening up is of great significance to China and the world at large.

Seguchi said that the development of Asia requires the concerted efforts of all parties, and hopes that APEC will become a platform that promotes close cooperation and smooth exchanges among various economies.

To strengthen APEC's role, it is necessary to make effective use of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership while deepening cooperation between China and countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Seguchi said.

Seguchi noted that China is actively advancing the process of joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, and he looks forward to China and Japan working with other Asian economies to continue to promote world free trade and investment.

APEC is the highest-level and most influential economic cooperation mechanism with the broadest range in the Asia Pacific region. The 30th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting is scheduled to be held in the U.S. western coastal city of San Francisco on Nov. 15-17. 

Kiyoyuki Seguchi, research director at Japan's Canon Institute for Global Studies, takes an interview with Xinhua in Tokyo, Japan, Nov. 8, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhang Xiaoyu)
Flags flew at half-staff at U.N. facilities across the globe Monday including at the body's New York headquarters, as staff stood in silent tribute to the more than 100 colleagues killed in Gaza during the Israel-Hamas war.

The blue and white United Nations flag was lowered at 9:30 a.m. local time at offices in Bangkok, Tokyo and Beijing, with other U.N. venues following suit.

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres led U.N. personnel in observing a minute of silence at U.N. headquarters when the clock struck 9:30 a.m. in New York.

"Since the start of this conflict, more than 100 UNRWA staff have lost their lives," he posted on X, formerly Twitter, along with a photograph of senior U.N. officials somberly standing in silence.

"They will never be forgotten."

The U.N. agency for supporting Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) said Monday that 102 of its employees had died and 27 had been injured in the Gaza Strip since the war erupted just over a month ago  the highest number of U.N. aid workers killed in a conflict in the body's history, according to the agency.

"UNRWA staff in Gaza appreciate the U.N. lowering the flag around the world," the agency director in the Gaza Strip, Tom White, said in a statement.

"In Gaza however, we have to keep the UN flag flying high as a sign that we are still standing and serving the people of Gaza."

Israel has been relentlessly bombarding the Gaza Strip since Hamas fighters carried out an October 7 attack on southern Israeli communities, the deadliest in the country's history.

About 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed in the Hamas attacks and around 240 people taken hostage, according to Israeli officials.

More than 11,000 people, most of them civilians and many of them children, have been killed in Gaza in retaliatory strikes by Israel, according to the territory's Hamas-run health ministry.

'Protect civilians'

In the lobby of U.N. headquarters, the names of the staffers killed in Gaza were read out as dozens of colleagues listened. Some carried white sheets with the words "Stop the fighting" and "Protect civilians."

In New York and Geneva, the agency's second-largest headquarters, none of the flags of the 193 member countries were hoisted.

"Their memory and the impact they made will forever remain," said the head of the U.N.'s World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

"Their unwavering dedication to peace, justice, and the well-being of others serves as a guiding light and a reminder of the importance of our shared mission."

Events were also held in Kathmandu and Kabul, where the U.N. Secretary-General's Special Representative for Afghanistan Roza Otunbayeva led about 250 people in observing the minute's silence.

UNRWA, which has 13,000 staff working throughout Gaza, says it is sheltering some 780,000 people in more than 150 facilities in the territory.

On Sunday, a day before the worldwide tribute to fallen staff, the United Nations reported "a significant number of deaths and injuries" in strikes on one of its facilities in Gaza that was housing internally displaced persons.

At least 66 people sheltering in UNWRA facilities have been killed since October 7, according to the mission, with more than 560 people injured.
The United States and Britain on Tuesday imposed a third round of sanctions targeting the Palestinian militant group Hamas, trying to curb Iranian funding of the group and one of its allies, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, following their shock attack last month on Israel.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said in a statement the two countries are trying to deny Hamas the ability to raise and use funds to carry out its atrocities.

"Hamass actions have caused immense suffering and shown that terrorism does not occur in isolation, Yellen said. Together with our partners we are decisively moving to degrade Hamass financial infrastructure, cut them off from outside funding, and block the new funding channels they seek to finance their heinous acts."

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the sanctions are aimed at protecting the international financial system from abuse by Hamas and its enablers.

Irans support, primarily through its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, enables Hamas and [Palestinian Islamic Jihad] terrorist activities, including through the transfer of funds and the provision of both weapons and operational training, Blinken said. Iran has trained PIJ fighters to produce and develop missiles in Gaza while also funding groups that provide financial support to PIJ-affiliated fighters.

Israel says that Hamas fighters killed 1,200 people inside the Jewish state in the attack last month and captured about 240 hostages, only four of whom it has released. Israel has responded with air attacks that Hamas medical authorities say have killed more than 11,000 Palestinians, including thousands of women and children.

Hamas is designated a terrorist group by Israel, the United States, the European Union, Britain and others.

Mahmoud Khaled Zahhar, a senior member and co-founder of Hamas; PIJ's representative to Iran and the Damascus-based deputy secretary-general of PIJ and leader of its militant wing were among those sanctioned by Washington and London.

Nabil Chouman & Co., a Lebanon-based money exchange group, was also targeted, along with its owner and founder. Treasury accused the company of serving as a conduit for transferring funds to Hamas and said it transferred tens of millions of dollars to the militants.

The sanctions freeze any U.S. assets held by the Hamas officials and bars Americans from conducting any business with them.
The U.S. State Department says it has no intention of easing sanctions or normalizing relations with de facto Taliban authorities in Afghanistan until the Islamist regime improves the grim human rights situation in the country.

"The United States firm position is that there will be no significant steps toward normalization unless and until the fundamental rights of all Afghans are upheld," a State Department spokesperson told VOA.

The Departments remarks follow the release of a new United Nations assessment that suggests cautious normalization and increased international engagement with Afghanistans de facto authorities.

The assessment, submitted to the U.N. Security Council last week, recommends an expansion of international assistance, allowing for more regular development aid, infrastructure projects, and technical dialogue and cooperation. It also emphasizes the need for increased engagement to occur "in a more coherent, coordinated, and structured manner."

Despite the Taliban's assumption of control over Afghan diplomatic missions in various regional countries, including China and Russia, and its continuation of bilateral relations with several governments, the group has not been allowed to take up Afghanistan's seat at the United Nations. Many Taliban leaders, including Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, face travel restrictions due to U.N. sanctions.

Apart from political sanctions, economic sanctions imposed on Taliban entities by the United States, the European Union and other nations have severely impacted the Afghan economy, exacerbating extreme poverty in the landlocked country.

Experts argue that the isolation of Afghanistan has dire consequences for its people, many of whom depend on humanitarian assistance.

"The main reason why the world should seek a viable pathway towards normalizing the status of Afghanistan is that the Afghan people themselves suffer the consequences of isolation, Graeme Smith, a senior consultant at the International Crisis Group, told VOA. Airlines, banks, traders, investors and all kinds of ordinary Afghans would flourish if the country remains at peace and rejoins the international community."

US-Taliban agreement

When negotiating a safe military withdrawal from Afghanistan, the United States pledged to delist the Taliban by August 2020 from its sanctions and the Rewards for Justice programs.

Under the U.S.-Taliban agreement, widely known as the Doha agreement, the U.S. also committed to diplomatic efforts aimed at removing the Taliban from the U.N. sanctions regime within six months after the start of intra-Afghan talks.

The talks started in September 2020 after some delay but were disrupted by the unexpected collapse of the former Afghan government in August 2021.

"The Doha agreement has not been fully implemented, including lifting sanctions if the Taliban met certain specified conditions," Zalmay Khalilzad, the former U.S. ambassador who negotiated and signed the agreement with the Taliban, told VOA.

"The stalling of those aspects of the agreement and the resultant continuation of sanctions is causing Afghanistan to face many challenges. It also affects the international community, including the United States."

The United States and the Taliban blame each other for the incomplete implementation of the Doha agreement.

Despite the Talibans commitment not to shelter terrorists that threaten the U.S. and its allies, in July 2022 a U.S. drone strike killed Ayman al-Zawahiri, the most wanted terrorist by the U.S. government, in Taliban-controlled Kabul.

The State Department did not comment on a VOA question about the validity of the Doha agreement, particularly since the Taliban seized power outside a political settlement through intra-Afghan talks.

Experts say the parties need a new agreement to address both the unfulfilled elements of the Doha agreement and other issues that have arisen over the last two years.

"It is broadly agreed that the current international engagement has not been effective, and a new approach is needed," said Khalilzad.

"Such a road map would deal with all the major issues of concern, including implementation of articles on terrorism and the Specially Designated Global Terrorist list, given positive steps taken by the Taliban on the issue."

While acknowledging the Taliban's counterterrorism efforts against the Islamic State terrorist group, U.S. officials have kept decades-old terrorism-related sanctions on the Taliban regime.

Senior U.S. intelligence officials have also said that al-Qaida has been reduced to its historic nadir in the region with limited capacity to launch imminent attacks against the United States.
Late Wednesday, President Xi is expected to attend two receptions with select U.S. business and cultural leaders. A U.S. Cabinet official is expected to introduce Xi before the Chinese leader delivers an address to the American and Chinese people, according to an invited participant, speaking on condition of anonymity. We're setting some time aside for the two leaders to sit down and have in-depth conversations on the full range of issues that the U.S. and China face across the globe and bilaterally, a senior U.S. official told reporters recently when asked about the choreography of the Biden-Xi meeting.

Xi and Biden both arrive in the San Francisco area on Tuesday ahead of their meetings, which are expected to include a working lunch, a stroll on the estate, and a smaller meeting with national security advisor Jake Sullivan and Secretary of State Antony Blinken present. Other senior officials will hold separate sessions on particular issues.

The location of the talks is a VOA exclusive. Filoli boasts nearly 265 hectares of natural lands that feature a Georgian revival-style mansion, English Renaissance gardens, a 2.8-hectare orchard and a 1.6-kilometer trail.

The talks are taking place on the margins of a summit of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, or APEC, nations, the city is hosting.

U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet at the historic Filoli estate south of San Francisco on Wednesday, holding about four hours of in-depth talks on a range of bilateral and global issues, according to people familiar with the planning.

Chinese officials had requested a venue separate from that of this weeks APEC summit, seeking discussions that extend beyond the duration of those held last year in Bali, Indonesia. Biden and Xi met for three hours last November on the margins of the summit of the 20 biggest economies, known as the G20.



Video report by Patsy Widakuswara



Artificial Intelligence

Another senior official mentioned that some of the outcomes the U.S. is seeking are substantial and just different from those in the past.

On Monday, the United States announced its participation, joining 45 governments, in the launching the implementation of the Political Declaration on Responsible Military Use of Artificial Intelligence and Autonomy. This initiative contains 10 concrete measures to guide the responsible military use of the full range of AI applications.

Biden and Xi are reportedly expected to agree to limit the use of AI in nuclear weapons, according to the South China Morning Post.

When it comes to artificial intelligence, that we believe that artificial intelligence should not be in the loop or making the decisions about how and when a nuclear weapon is used, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told VOA in a press conference last week after a G7 meeting in Tokyo. The G7 is composed of the seven leading industrialized nations.

Blinken declined to say how this issue would be discussed when the two leaders meet later this week.

A State Department official has told VOA the United States will maintain human control for all actions critical to informing and executing decisions concerning nuclear weapons employment. But the challenge now is to convince China and other nations to join the U.S. in committing to norms of responsible AI behavior.

US, China, and Taiwan

The road to Bidens meeting with Xi is paved with differences between the two countries over Taiwan and a host of issues, including trade tensions, forced technology transfer, and human rights.

While the U.S. stated that its goal is to responsibly manage competition with China, the government in Beijing has refuted this, saying the relationship between the worlds two largest economies should not be defined by competition.

This week, Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Mao Ning said during a briefing in Beijing that major-country competition runs counter to the current trend and provides no answer to the problems in the U.S. or the challenges in the world.

Without providing a name, Mao accused external forces and Taiwans ruling Democratic Progressive Party of supporting a separatist agenda that is changing the status quo. She said Taiwan is Chinas internal affair.

The Chinese Communist Party has never ruled Taiwan but claims sovereignty over the self-ruled democracy. The U.S. does not take an official position on Taiwans sovereignty, nor does it support Taiwan independence.

In the weeks leading up to Taiwans presidential election scheduled for January 13, 2024, the U.S. has cautioned China against any interference, stating that such a move would raise extremely strong concerns. China considers Taiwan a wayward province and has never ruled out using force to take full control.

The United States has voiced deep concerns over a ramping up of military activities around Taiwan by the Chinese military ahead of the election that the U.S. terms unprecedented, dangerous, and provocative.

We also believe that those actions undermine peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific, said a senior U.S. official.

Chinese interference in Taiwan's democratic election may not unfold as the Chinese government desires, and often, it will create very negative impressions among the Taiwanese people, said Joseph Wu, Taiwans minister of foreign affairs.

He told VOA that high-level talks between Biden and Xi, as described by senior U.S. officials, aim to stabilize the fraught relationship between the two countries and enhance regional security in the Indo-Pacific, which would benefit Taiwan.

We are not concerned, said Wu, when asked if Taiwan worries that Washington and Beijing would make deals that hurt its interests and defense needs.
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Fifty young innovators and leaders from 19 African countries attended a three-week leadership and professional development training program in Ghanas capital, Accra. Sponsored by the U.S. government, the Young African Leaders Initiative, or YALI, program challenges them to find technology-focused social and business solutions to climate challenges. Isaac Kaledzi has more from Accra.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:

WHOs director-general says Gazas largest hospital is not functioning anymore.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Hamas is blocking safe evacuation of patients from Gaza hospitals.

Four patients and a premature baby at Shifa Hospital in Gaza die as generator runs out of fuel.

Thousands flee northern Gaza after strikes on its largest hospitals.

The latest death toll: 1,200 in Israel during the Oct. 7 Hamas attack and, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, 11,000 in Gaza, overwhelmingly women and children.

Thousands of Palestinians fled Monday from some of the last shelters in northern Gaza even as Israels war against Hamas militants left the territorys largest hospital all but inoperable.

World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the Shifa medical center in Gaza "is not functioning as a hospital anymore" and the situation at Gazas largest hospital is "dire and perilous."

The WHO chief said, "The constant gunfire and bombings" around the hospital have "exacerbated the already critical circumstances."

Al-Quds, another Gaza hospital, shut down Sunday because it ran out of fuel. The Palestinian Red Crescent, which operates the facility, said preparations are being made for Israeli forces to evacuate about 6,000 patients, medics and displaced people.

Doctors running low on supplies at Shifa are reported to be performing surgery there on war-wounded patients, including children, without anesthesia. One medic shared a photo showing nine premature babies in a shared crib.

Israel claims that Hamas, a U.S. designated terror group, is shielding itself among civilians at the hospital and has a command center in and beneath the medical compound.

Israel has not provided photos or videos to back up its claims about Hamas militants at Shifa, although it has shared footage of militants operating in residential neighborhoods and positioning rockets and weapons near schools and mosques.

Both Hamas and the hospital staff at Shifa deny the Israeli allegations.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday theres no reason why patients at Gazas besieged Shifa hospital cant be safely evacuated but contended that Hamas militants are "doing everything to keep them in harms way."

The Israeli leader told CNNs "State of the Union" show that 100 patients had been taken out of the hospital and that tens of thousands of Palestinians living in the immediate environs had moved safely out of the area along safe corridors heading south out of Gaza City.

But Israel-Hamas fighting continued near the hospital and the hospitals director, Mohammad Abu Salmiya, said the facility was surrounded by the conflict.

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan told CBS News "Face the Nation" program that the United States "does not want to see firefights in hospitals where innocent people, patients receiving medical care, are caught in the crossfire and we've had active consultations with the Israeli Defense Forces on this."

Some treatment of patients at the hospital has been suspended because of its diminished fuel supply, with two babies dying as a result and dozens more patients left at risk.

Netanyahu, without providing details, said Israel "just offered Shifa hospital the fuel," but that "they refused it."

Meanwhile, Sullivan told U.S. news talk shows that the U.S. is "actively engaged" with Israeli, Qatari and Egyptian officials to free nearly 240 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, including nine Americans and a foreign national with U.S. employment rights.

Sullivan said President Joe Biden is "not going to rest until we achieve that deal so that every single one of those hostages can come home safely."

Republican presidential hopeful Chris Christie was in Israel over the weekend. Christie is quoted as saying he will tell America "exactly" what he says he has seen there in a foreign policy speech he is scheduled to deliver Wednesday, he told CNN.



The White House said Biden spoke Sunday with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani about the war in Gaza, including about efforts to free the hostages.

Netanyahu told CNN, "Were doing everything we can  and many things I cant say" to free the hostages.

The Israeli leader continued to reject the U.S. proposal to have the Palestinian Authority run Gaza and the West Bank territory once the war ends.

Netanyahu said control must be "a reconstructed civilian authority" because the Palestinian Authority "is not willing to fight Hamas" and "they teach their children to hate Israel."

Netanyahu again declined to discuss blame for Israels failure to have knowledge of the shock Oct. 7 Hamas attack on the Jewish state, which killed about 1,200 people inside Israel.

"There will be enough time [for such a discussion] after the war," Netanyahu said.

Amos Yadlin, a former head of Israeli military intelligence, told broadcaster Channel 12 that taking control of hospitals in Gaza would be key to Israels goal of rooting out Hamas. But it would require "a lot of tactical creativity" to do so without hurting patients, other civilians and Israeli hostages.

Israeli army officials accuse Hamas of hiding weapons in tunnels under hospitals and setting up a command center beneath Shifa and other hospitals, making the buildings legitimate military targets.

The Israel Defense Forces denied firing on Shifa Friday and accused Hamas of firing a rocket aimed at Israeli troops that hit the hospital instead.

The Palestinian death toll has steadily grown to more than 11,000, about 40% of them children, according to Palestinian officials. Israel says 1,200 people were killed in Israel on October 7, the day of the shock Hamas attack.

The World Health Organization chief says a child dies every 10 minutes.

"The situation on the ground is impossible to describe," Tedros said Friday. "Hospital corridors crammed with the injured, the sick, the dying; morgues overflowing; surgery without anesthesia; tens of thousands of displaced people sheltering at hospitals; families crammed into overcrowded schools, desperate for food and water."

"If there is a hell on Earth today," said Jens Laerke, U.N. humanitarian spokesperson, "Its name is northern Gaza."

Some information for this article was provided by The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse.
Former UK leader David Cameron sensationally returned to the British government as foreign secretary on Monday, as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak shook up his top team before an expected general election next year.

Cameron's comeback from the political wilderness came as Sunak sacked right-wing firebrand Suella Braverman as interior minister to try to assert his authority over the Conservative party, which trails the Labour opposition in polls.

Political watchers also saw the appointment of Cameron and the dismissal of Braverman as Sunak positioning himself to fight the next election on more centrist ground.

James Cleverly moved from the foreign ministry to succeed Braverman after critics accused her of heightening tensions during weeks of contentious pro-Palestinian demonstrations and counter-protests.

Cameron quit as prime minister in 2016 after losing the Brexit referendum, standing down as an MP that year, before later becoming mired in a lobbying scandal that was seen as tarnishing his reputation.

The former leader, whose foreign policy record as prime minister is viewed as chequered at best, said he "gladly accepted" his new role as Britain faced "a daunting set of international challenges".

"While I have been out of front-line politics for the last seven years, I hope that my experience -- as Conservative leader for 11 years and prime minister for six -- will assist me in helping the prime minister to meet these vital challenges," Cameron added, citing the Israel-Hamas war and Russia's conflict in Ukraine.

Cameron will be made a life peer in the House of Lords -- Britain's unelected upper chamber of parliament -- Downing Street announced, making him eligible to sit in government.

The last lord as foreign secretary was Peter Carrington, who quit Margaret Thatcher's government after Argentina invaded the Falkland Islands in 1982.

Cameron was instrumental in leading western countries' intervention in Libya in 2011, which helped overthrow dictator Moamer Khadafi but was seen as aiding the North African country's descent into political and economic collapse.

In 2013 he became the first prime minister in over 150 years to lose a parliamentary vote on military action when MPs failed to back his plan for strikes on Syria following a chemical attack by Damascus.

Cameron became mired in scandal in 2021, after lobbying the UK government for finance group Greensill Capital, which later collapsed.

He and Sunak have also clashed publicly on big issues. Last year, Sunak suggested that a "golden era" of warm relations between Britain and China during Cameron's 2010-2016 tenure had been "naive".

And Cameron recently slammed Sunak's decision to scrap a key part of a high-speed rail project.

Cameron said he accepted the collective responsibility of being in government.

"Of course I have disagreed with some individual decisions, but politics is a team enterprise," he said, praising Sunak as a "good prime minister."

- 'Privilege' -

His shock return surprised even political commentators, who noted it was at odds with Sunak's recent pitch at the Tory conference to end the "30-year status quo" in British politics.

Cameron spoke later Monday with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who congratulated him during a conversation that also touched on US-UK relations, the Israel-Hamas war, the Ukraine war, and relations with China, department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement.

Tim Bale, politics professor at Queen Mary University of London, said Sunak was likely hoping to appeal to increasingly dissatisfied moderate voters but he was "sceptical" it would make much difference.

Polling in September suggested 45 percent of UK adults felt unfavourably towards Cameron, while only around a quarter held a favourable view.

"I think that they've run out of ideas, really, and they've run out of credible people to take the four senior positions in cabinet," 59-year-old retiree Nick Waymark told AFP on the streets of London.

Braverman's position became increasingly untenable after she last week wrote an explosive newspaper article, without Sunak's approval, accusing police of bias towards left-wing causes.

Critics said her comments had encouraged far-right protesters to hold counter demos on the sidelines of the main march on Armistice Day on Saturday.

Downing Street launched an investigation into how the article was published without its consent, as required by the ministerial code.

Braverman stoked controversy throughout her tenure, regularly wading into so-called "culture wars" issues, and reportedly harbours ambitions of one day leading the Tories.

She described homelessness as a "lifestyle choice" and has attacked her critics as liberal "tofu-eating wokerati".

She also called sending asylum seekers to Rwanda her "dream" and "obsession".

Following her dismissal, Braverman said "it has been the greatest privilege of my life to serve as home secretary".

But she warned ominously: "I will have more to say in due course."

pdh/phz/giv/dw
With eyes wide open and his tiny fists clenched tightly, Mohammed Kullab is just a few days old, having started life in Gaza amid the chaos of the Israel-Hamas war.

"Nobody should be born in such circumstances," sighed his mother Fadwa Kullab, who has sought shelter at a UN school building in Gaza's southern city of Rafah.

Kullab now has seven children but said Mohammed's "birth was the most difficult experience of my life".

Like other mothers of newborns AFP spoke to in Gaza, she said her baby son had been refusing her breast milk.

"I'm not eating well," Kullab said, stressing that she had successfully breastfed her other six children.

Breastfeeding mothers are advised to drink at least three litres (more than six pints) of water a day and eat well to produce sufficient milk -- but finding clean water and food in Gaza is becoming harder by the day.

The already poverty-stricken and long blockaded Palestinian territory was plunged into its worst ever war after its Hamas rulers launched their October 7 attack on Israel.

About 1,200 people were killed and 240 kidnapped, among them 35 children including a 10-month-old, Israeli officials say.

The war unleashed by the attack has seen Israel relentlessly bombard and besiege Gaza and launch a ground invasion.

More than 11,200 Palestinians have been killed, most of them women and children, according to the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza.

Nearly two thirds of Gaza's 36 hospitals, already overwhelmed with war-wounded, have been knocked out of service due to a lack of fuel to power their generators.

Gaza City's biggest hospital Al-Shifa, packed with patients and displaced, is now inside a fierce urban combat zone, with its director reporting scores of dead buried in a mass grave in the complex.

Among those who died were seven premature babies in its disabled neonatal unit, Gaza's deputy health minister Youssef Abu Rish said.

- 'I could lose the baby' -

Countless new mothers in Gaza now fear the very worst, among them Kullab who said she feels helpless and unable to protect her children.

She has struggled to find baby formula and nappies, she said as she cradled her tiny son, swaddled in blankets.

Another woman, Najwa Salem, 37, said her newborn has jaundice, marked by yellowish skin and eyes. The condition can be worsened by low milk intake and dehydration and is often treated with daylight exposure.

To minimise the risk of neurological damage, Salem would like to take her infant boy outside, but said she hesitates because of the "rubbish piling up and the bombing".

Inside the UN school classroom Salem now shares with about 70 others, the mother worried because the scar from her Caesarian section had become infected.

Although she gave birth in a hospital, she said she was asked to leave after just one night "because they had too many wounded people to care for".

Outside, the huge amount of dust from the incessant bombing is causing breathing difficulties that spell special dangers for infants.

Another woman, eight-months-pregnant Umm Ibrahim Alayan, complained of coughing fits since she fled her neighbourhood as it was being bombarded.

Her intense coughing may have provoked the early contractions she has suffered, she said, her hands flitting nervously between her rounded belly and her face.

"I'm terrified, all I want to do is hold my baby in my arms," she said, sobbing. "I feel I could lose the baby at any moment."

- 'Utterly hellish conditions' -

The UN Population Fund's top official for the Palestinian territories, Dominic Allen, said pregnant women in Gaza "have nowhere to go, there is nowhere safe".

The UN says there are more than 50,000 pregnant women and an average of 180 births a day in Gaza, with a population of 2.4 million.

"We estimate that a minimum of 15 percent of these births will have complications, which will require basic or comprehensive obstetric care," Allen said.

The war is creating "a high-stress environment" likely to foster "complications of birth and may lead to miscarriages", he said.

The UN agency has cited the "nightmarish" case of one woman discharged just three hours after giving birth.

It said there were shortages of blood to treat postpartum haemorrhage and of antiseptic for stitches and treatment after umbilical cords are cut.

So far, the UN agency has managed to get 8,000 delivery kits into Gaza. They contain umbilical cord cutters, blankets for newborns, disposable sheets and other items.

But these only address a fraction of the need, and Gaza's health ministry says some women have been forced to give birth without a midwife in the overcrowded shelters.

"The nightmare in Gaza is much more than a humanitarian crisis, it's a crisis of humanity," said Allen.

One aid group still working in northern Gaza's heavily bombed Jabalia refugee camp is ActionAid, helping women inside the Al-Awda hospital which has been without power for days.

Surgeons there said they performed 16 C-sections on Sunday, without anaesthetic or other crucial supplies.

"Thousands of women in Gaza are risking their lives to give birth, undergoing Caesareans and emergency operations without sterilisation, anaesthesia or painkillers," said ActionAid's Riham Jafari.

"These women deserve quality healthcare and the right to give birth in a safe place. Instead, they are being forced to bring their babies into the world amid utterly hellish conditions."

my-crb/hmw/fz/kir
Zimbabwe's ICT Minister Tatenda Mavetera speaks at a ministerial forum held on the sidelines of the Africa Tech Festival in Cape Town, South Africa, on Nov. 13, 2023.

The Africa Tech Festival, one of Africa's largest tech expos, kicked off Monday here in the legislative capital of South Africa.

Bringing together government officials, business leaders, tech experts and investors, the festival aims to explore the future of Africa's digital transformation. (Xinhua/Tafara Mugwara)

CAPE TOWN, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- The Africa Tech Festival, one of Africa's largest tech expos, kicked off Monday here in the legislative capital of South Africa.

Bringing together government officials, business leaders, tech experts and investors, the festival aims to explore the future of Africa's digital transformation.

Speaking at a ministerial forum held on the sidelines of the festival, Philemon Mapulane, South Africa's deputy minister of communications and digital technologies, said the festival marks a significant milestone in Africans' collective pursuit of a digitally empowered continent.

"We are here not merely as representatives of our respective nations and organizations, but we are here as architects of a shared vision and future that envisions an Africa propelled into a future where possibilities of connectivity are boundless," Mapulane said.

"The collaboration with Huawei, a global technology leader, underscores the importance of international partnerships in shaping Africa's digital future," he added.

Chen Lei, president of Huawei Sub-Saharan Africa Region, urged countries to focus on constructing national broadband backbone networks extensible across multiple domains.

"Let's bear in mind coverage gaps still remain in the continent, therefore it is important to cover more people through various connectivity technologies such as 4G and 5G," Chen said while delivering his speech at the forum.

Highlighting recent successes in continental digital connectivity, Chen applauded collaborative efforts that resulted in the deployment of high-speed internet on Tanzania's Mount Kilimanjaro and Africa's first 5G-enabled coal mine in South Africa.

Featuring two main events -- AfricaCom and AfricaTech, the festival delves into such topics as connectivity, digital inclusion, enterprise transformation and emerging technologies. 

Chen Lei, president of Huawei Sub-Saharan Africa Region, speaks at a ministerial forum held on the sidelines of the Africa Tech Festival in Cape Town, South Africa, on Nov. 13, 2023.

The Africa Tech Festival, one of Africa's largest tech expos, kicked off Monday here in the legislative capital of South Africa.

Bringing together government officials, business leaders, tech experts and investors, the festival aims to explore the future of Africa's digital transformation. (Xinhua/Tafara Mugwara)

Thulagano Segokgo, Botswana's minister of communications, knowledge and technology, attends a ministerial forum held on the sidelines of the Africa Tech Festival in Cape Town, South Africa, on Nov. 13, 2023.

The Africa Tech Festival, one of Africa's largest tech expos, kicked off Monday here in the legislative capital of South Africa.

Bringing together government officials, business leaders, tech experts and investors, the festival aims to explore the future of Africa's digital transformation. (Xinhua/Tafara Mugwara)
Streamliner At your service. Taye Diggs in The Comeback, one of Tubis latest original films. Photo: Tubi

Its not just Michelle Trachtenberg diving into murderous marriages anymore. Tubi, the free, ad-supported streamer known for capturing hearts with offbeat programming, genuine personality, and an interface-breaking Super Bowl ad, is teaming up with The Black List for a new original-scripting initiative. The company announced today that as part of its To Be Commissioned program, it would snap up five scripts submitted through The Black Lists online portal that speak to young, diverse audiences and fall into a few specific genres  sci-fi, faith, comedy, romance, and wild card (any genre).

If youre not already a Tubi convert, the deep scroll on its Original Movies page may surprise you. Recent titles include The Comeback, an endearing comedy starring Taye Diggs, and a swathe of thrillers with names like Twisted House Sitter 2 and God Forgives, I Dont. Compared to its competitors, Tubi is a fun hang. As Vultures Joe Adalian put it earlier this year, it works because it offers hundreds of titles in its most popular genres instead of the handful of shows or movies other services offer. This Black List partnership will ideally add a few more. Writers have until March 15, 2024, to shoot their shot.
Photo: Justin Lubin/AMC

Fear the Walking Dead comes to an end in late November, concluding an 8-season run (alongside the main shows 11.) Along the way, it morphed from a different look at the zombie apocalypse  in a different location with an entirely new cast  into an outright spinoff, with certain supporting characters drifting over from The Walking Dead to carry Fear themselves. All the while, though, it maintained a similar central theme with its parent series  how does mankind continue in the wake of ruin, and how are we changed?

Was Fear the Walking Dead successful in this regard? Like The Walking Dead, it certainly encountered its share of ups and downs in terms of quality, but it also managed to produce some standout episodes that let it rise above the reputation of simply being more Walking Dead. Here are 13 episodes that capture the highlights of a show that was desperate to make a name for itself amid a massive franchise.

Pilot (Season 1, Episode 1)

The most refreshing part of Fear the Walking Dead wasnt the new location (though, aesthetically, it was nice to escape The Walking Deads deciduous southeast for the arid southwest.) Nor was it the new cast (though the mix of authority figures and teachers and young adults made for an interesting dynamic.) It was the fact that the show started amid the initial outbreak of the zombie pandemic. The Walking Dead began with Rick Grimes waking up in a world already flipped upside down, but Fear allowed us to watch the paranoia and violence inherent in its deterioration. Particularly haunting are the bits that occur in the high school, where an increasing amount of students arent showing up due to illness. The audience knows that those poor kids are getting zombified, but its an effectively horrific realization for the characters themselves.

Not Fade Away (Season 1, Episode 4)

How would the government respond to a zombie outbreak? The Walking Dead mostly let us know through hints at what leaders tried to do to quell the unrest and unstoppable tide of disease, but Fear shows us their futile efforts at control in the narrative itself. The National Guard is deployed and a victory is declared all too soon. It serves as little more than a bandage over a gaping wound, though, especially when we learn that its leading to a kind of draconian military rule and a slash/burn approach to stopping the spread of infection. Both the sick and the healthy are being killed in the name of quarantining, and it unsurprisingly falls apart thanks to civil unrest and, of course, the undead.

The Good Man (Season 1, Episode 6)

The Walking Deads first season concluded with a group of survivors falling apart, but Fear takes things in a grander direction. Here, all of Los Angeles has succumbed to the virus and nearly all efforts at beating it have failed. Now, the main cast has to flee from a guarded compound that the government is quick to abandon (along with its prisoners) as soon as things go sour. It all culminates in the mercy killing of Liza, a nursing student thrust into a greater medical role to meet the drastic needs of the situation and does her best to hold her family and community together (until shes bitten and tearfully begs to be put down.) Its a fitting emotional stamp on a distressing first season.

Monster (Season 2, Episode 1)

In hypothetical zombie apocalypse debates, a go-to what-to-do plan often involves fleeing by boat. After all, aside from a handful of zombie films like Land of the Dead or Lucio Fulcis Zombi 2 (with its famous zombie versus shark sequence,) the undead usually have a rough time with the ocean. Fear the Walking Dead obviously kept these arguments in mind as the second season kicks off with the surviving Clark family and a ragtag handful of others heading to a boat to escape both zombies and the governments bombing of Los Angeles. There, on the Abigail, they learn that they need to quickly become knowledgeable in boat maintenance but also wary of cabin fever and the fact that, when it comes to the master plan of Oooh, we should go out to sea!, other less kind people might have had the same idea.

North (Season 2, Episode 15)

Like Rick and Carl Grimes in The Walking Dead, Fear focuses a lot on the perception of patriarchal responsibility. How do you keep your family intact when everything seems to be trying to (often quite literally) pull them apart? However, unlike Rick and Carls redemptive last moments, North lays bare the horror of a father, Travis, realizing that he couldnt stop his sons descent into resentment and anger, nor his death. (His ex-wife, the late Liza, had asked Travis to protect him.) In the previous episode, he beats his sons killers to death with his bare fists and is now left to pick up the pieces of his life amid a community that doesnt know whether or not to trust him. Its a much-needed examination on the impact of violence in a franchise that would grow to sometimes be content with simply letting the violence be the sole reason for watching.

100 (Season 3, Episode 4)

The third season of Fear the Walking Dead is by far its best, and one of the high points is 100, an episode that mostly focuses on a single lead character and is also mostly spoken in Spanish. Here we follow Daniel, a brutal former agent of both a military resistance and the CIA, who now seeks a purpose. The Walking Dead has always thrived with characters that have an immense capacity for doing harm and seek, in their own ways, a sort of personal atonement, and Daniel is one of its best examples. 100 is a great look at what that kind of person could offer the world: If what youre best at is dealing death and you cant escape doing it, is there ever any hope for making amends with yourself? 100 shows us that there is no easy answer to that question  Daniel might never escape either his past or his present.

Children of Wrath (Season 3, Episode 8)

One major feature of Fears third season is the fact that, after many of the lead cast members were killed off in surprisingly quick succession over a few episodes, the remnants are stuck on a survivalist compound. Led by the racist Jeremiah Otto, whose loose-cannon style puts everyone at risk even if he sees himself as the father figure saving everyone from what he believed was the inevitable fall of the United States, the entire operation is doomed from the start. As such, Jeremiahs death in the mid-season finale is one of the most supremely satisfying moments in the show; he hurls abuse at everyone around him (even one of his own sons) until the bitter end. In a franchise that often tried to find the gray area among its psychopaths, sometimes it succeeded when it just let a man be bad.

This Land Is Your Land (Season 3, Episode 13)

Character development has always been hit-or-miss for The Walking Dead, a show built on broad emotional swings and hyperdramatic shifts into redemption or brutality. However, one of the best personality arcs belongs to Alicia Clark in the first few seasons of Fear, a young woman who goes from distant and fairly aimless beginnings to becoming a capable and efficient leader. In This Land Is Your Land, she finds herself trapped in a pantry amid a group of survivors, some infected and some not, with a limited air supply. Her pragmatic handling of the situation (in one of the most tense scenes in the series) reflects just how far shes come and the ability to create a great character over time if you dont resort to surprise deaths or sudden motivations.

Whats Your Story (Season 4, Episode 1)

Season 4 of Fear the Walking Dead brought with it an overhaul of sorts: Its first crossover with the cast of The Walking Dead. In this season premiere, four characters from the main series show up, including leads Rick and Carol, but only one sticks with the remaining Fear cast: Morgan Jones, a man at war with himself. A pacifist by nature that had to resort to, you guessed it, killing, Morgan leaves on a sort of soul-searching mission and eventually becomes the leader of the group in Fear. Of similar importance, though, is the introduction of John Dorie, the haunted, funny former police officer who becomes one of the most valuable characters in this soft reboot of the aims of Fear.

Humbugs Gulch (Season 5, Episode 3)

The second major character from The Walking Dead to emerge in Fear is Dwight, former henchman to the main shows archvillain, Negan. Here, though, hes just a fairly unstable man looking for his wife, and his ability to join forces with not only John and June Dorie but make peace with Morgan Jones earns him a stamp of approval. Also, the beginning of the episode takes place in a ghost town as the scarred Dwight pursues John (and vice versa,) all of which has a kind of classic Western air. Its more of the dry atmosphere that sets Fear apart from The Walking Dead, even as cast from the latter leaks in, and it makes a solid case that Fear is best when it shies away from traditional zombie mayhem.

The Door (Season 6, Episode 8)

There was no way for gunslinger John Dorie to go out but by surprise: Hed worked to resolve his relationship with his wife June, he was well-liked by many of the characters and the fans, and he was one of the most capable survivors in the apocalypse. A sudden shot in the chest by the secretive Dakota ends his life just after he seems to have rediscovered a motivation for going on. Many characters in the series have gone out this way, both leads and bit players, but Johns death is one of the most bold statements that The Walking Dead has ever made about mortality and the cruelty of death. It doesnt always have to mean something, John, Dakota tells him before she pushes his body unceremoniously into a river.

Sonny Boy (Season 7, Episode 12)

From Travis to Jeremiah to Morgan, Fear the Walking Dead is consumed by emotional arcs regarding the trials of parenthood and eventual loss, either of yourself or your children. John Dorie Sr., the disgraced father of John, enters the series trying to resolve an old police case that led him to alcoholism and abandoning his son and family. In Sonny Boy, having found himself confronted by a mass of zombies and needing to protect Mo, Morgans adopted child, he dons makeshift armor and pushes through the sea of the dead. In a series about losing children and parents in heartbreaking fashion, John Dorie Sr.s sacrifice is Fear at its most poignant. Hes bitten along the way, but he safely delivers the baby, a father finding his own forgiveness by helping another father and saving the next generation.

All I See Is Red (Season 8, Episode 6)

After losing his girlfriend to a zombie bite and burying her, Morgan Jones and his child Mo make a decision to abscond from their group entirely, instead seeking to return to Alexandria, a community created in the main series. Their reasoning? Morgan wants to find Rick Grimes. It leaves the rest of the cast of Fear adrift in a way, considering that Morgan had been the shows star for almost four seasons now, but in the wider franchise, it fits. Michonne has left to find Rick. Daryl Dixon seeks him out as well. A 2024 spinoff, The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live is set to bring Rick (and presumably those seeking him out) back to the forefront. Despite dozens of leading characters across nearly 15 years of stories in a franchise that has spread to seven different shows, all roads still lead to Rick Grimes.
MEXICO CITY, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said on Monday he will insist that his U.S. counterpart, Joe Biden, implement an aid plan aimed at reducing migration in Latin America, during the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting in the United States.

In his daily press conference, Lopez Obrador reiterated that when there are jobs, salaries and welfare, people stay in their countries of origin.

"It is a complex issue, especially because there is an economic, social welfare and political crisis in some countries in Central America, Latin America, the Caribbean and the world," the president told journalists.

"Since I am going to the United States, I am going to discuss the issue with President Biden. I want to continue insisting on the approval of a plan to help the people of Latin America and the Caribbean," he added.

Lopez Obrador also spoke out against resolving migration issues with coercive measures such as deportations, walls or a militarized border.

The Mexican president will participate in the APEC meeting to be held in San Francisco, California, on Nov. 15-17. 
There is a clear path to dictatorship in the United States, and it is getting shorter every day. So why is everyone behaving like normal?
This photo taken on Nov. 12, 2023 shows smoke caused by Israeli artillery shelling in Tayr Harfa, Lebanon. Four Lebanese were killed in confrontations between Hezbollah and the Israeli army on Monday, Lebanese military sources told Xinhua. (Photo by Ali Hashisho/Xinhua)

BEIRUT, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- Four Lebanese were killed in confrontations between Hezbollah and the Israeli army on Monday, Lebanese military sources told Xinhua.

Lebanese military sources said that Israeli heavy artillery bombed the outskirts of 28 towns in southern Lebanon, including 18 towns in the southwest of the country and 10 in the southeast, using more than 450 explosives and incendiary shells.

The same sources reported that the Israeli drones and warplanes carried out a series of raids, including 18 attacks that targeted the outskirts of 15 towns.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah said its fighters attacked an Israeli infantry force near the Pranit barracks with missiles and another one at the al-Dhahira site along the border.

Hezbollah also targeted Israeli positions in Ruwaisat al-Alam and al-Marj, confirming casualties among the Israeli army.

According to security reports, the total number of casualties since Oct. 8 reached 101 people, including 78 members of Hezbollah.

The Lebanon-Israel border witnessed increased tension for over four weeks after Lebanese armed group Hezbollah fired dozens of rockets toward Israel 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. 

This photo taken on Nov. 13, 2023 shows smoke rising after Israeli airstrikes on the outskirts of Alma Al-Shaab, Lebanon. Four Lebanese were killed in confrontations between Hezbollah and the Israeli army on Monday, Lebanese military sources told Xinhua. (Photo by Ali Hashisho/Xinhua)

This photo taken on Nov. 13, 2023 shows smoke rising after Israeli airstrikes on the outskirts of Alma Al-Shaab, Lebanon. Four Lebanese were killed in confrontations between Hezbollah and the Israeli army on Monday, Lebanese military sources told Xinhua. (Photo by Ali Hashisho/Xinhua)
The suddenness of the change is producing anxiety in the book industry, where a fall in sales volumes accompanied by a spike in paper prices is already leading to job losses and other cutbacks. The slump indicates something fundamental, a shift in the inclination and ability of older Australians, the heart of the book-buying population, to focus.

According to the latest National Arts Participation Survey , older Australians reading books for pleasure has fallen from 77 per cent to 68 per cent in the last five years. That is measured by reading just one book a year. It mightnt sound like a lot, but it is the biggest decrease ever recorded in such surveys. A third of retirement-age Australians now never read a book at all, up from a quarter just three years ago.

We spend a lot of time worrying about how much or how little children are reading, yet the most alarming signs of decline are among adults. The older we are, the more we read  yet since 2019, the older we are, the faster we are giving up reading. Something is happening to the mature mind in this country, and we are nowhere near reckoning with it.

Australia, which is undergoing one of the sharpest declines in reading in the developed world, is one of the countries doing least about it.

We fret about how mobile devices are slicing and dicing young peoples minds. I was told this week that in primary schools, given a big sheet of paper to draw a picture on, students increasingly choose to draw pictures the size of their mobile device screen. The very scope of the human eye is changing before us. Yet while educators rally and devote resources to enlarging the mind of a child, what is being done for those who have long left the pedagogical nest, who are subject to the same changes in the way they see and the way they think?

You dont need to travel far to hear older Australians confessing that they are simply less able to concentrate. Those who once propped up the book trade with their late-night reading are now swiping themselves to a fitful sleep on their mobile devices, filleting their ability to focus for longer periods on longer narratives. Kids, who still have to read books at school, are the most attended-to of our poor concentrators. Its adults we should be thinking about helping.

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When it comes to literacy, Australian government research has found that 44 per cent of mature adults read at year 10 level or lower. Eighty-two per cent of the adult population reads at year 12 or lower literacy. This is Australia in 2023. Is it any wonder that public debate is an exchange of simplifications, that politicians draw verbal pictures in crayon? This is what we are; this is what our brains take in.

The decline in reading and literacy is not a local trend, but Australia is among the countries doing least about it. Germany has recently become the latest European country to offer a mind-expanding incentive to every person turning 18. From this year, coming of age in Germany is celebrated with a 200-euro ($334) culture pass, a voucher from the government to spend on cultural products. Valid for two years, the pass can be spent on theatre, music, film, books  its up to the 18-year-old to decide how. By any measure, it makes economic sense: it invests one euro for every 700 euros the cultural and creative industries return to the German people.
The ABCs unusual decision to film Monday nights episode of Q+A without a live studio audience was prompted by safety concerns following angry clashes between pro-Palestine and pro-Israel protesters in Caulfield last week.

The invitation to be part of the studio audience and to put questions directly to panellists, particularly politicians, is a key attribute of the long-running current affairs discussion program. However, an ABC source, speaking on background because they were not authorised to comment publicly, said management had concerns about the feasibility of hosting a crowd for an episode dedicated to the October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas and Israels bombardment of Gaza even before the protest on Friday.

The panel: Mark Leibler (left); Dave Sharma; Francesca Albanese; Tim Watts; and Nasser Mashni. Credit:

But after a burger shop in Caulfield, owned by a prominent Palestinian activist, was burned down  prompting a pro-Palestine rally nearby, which was met by pro-Israel counterprotesters  ABC management determined the risk of a live audience outweighed the benefits.

Host Patricia Karvelas addressed the issue in her introduction to the show on Monday night. Noting that the difficult and sensitive discussion would be conducted without a live audience, she said: We believe in your right to ask questions, and that is a right we will always defend.
A Murder at the End of the World 

Disney+

Rife with intimations of dread and bursts of risky business, this is a thankfully contemporary take on the murder mystery where the detective is a twenty-something amateur  Darby Hart (The Crowns Emma Corrin)  lacking in authority and sometimes good judgment. Its Murder on the Orient Express for Gen Z: a think tank in remote Iceland, surveillance culture, apocalyptic menace, and death by hacking. But it has the mood of a coming-of-age tale, vivid and given to rollercoaster mood shifts so that grief, defiance, and hope overlap.

Emma Corrin in A Murder at the End of the World. Credit: Disney+

Its actually a measured outlook from the creators of the limited series, Brit Marling and Zal Batmanglij, who previously went brain-bending with dimension travel and a telepathic octopus in Netflixs The OA. The pair, who also alternate directing duties, have folded in the tenderness and yearning of youth; their Poirot has passion, not poise. Science-fiction and spiritual allusions have often been interchangeable in their vision, but as rich as the ideas and the tech mogul host are here, theres a thoughtful perseverance at work.

A 24-year-old internet detective turned author of an acclaimed true crime memoir, Darby doesnt understand why shes joining the likes of a celebrated astronaut, Sian (Alice Braga), and Chinese billionaire, Lu Mei (Joan Chen) at the Icelandic retreat organised by market-shifting mogul Andy Ronson (Clive Owen) and his wife, Lee, (Marling). It gets weird when she realises her former lover, now acclaimed artist Bill Farrah (Harris Dickinson), has also been invited after six years without them communicating. It gets weirder when a guest dies.
Police will allege the Haouchar brothers held commanding positions within the syndicate. Bilal was last seen in Australia boarding a business class flight to Beirut in September 2018. The NSW Supreme Court, that month, heard Bilal had been involved in a gunfight on the streets of Guildford in mid-2012. The charges in that case were dropped. Major crime figure Bilal Haouchar has reportedly been arrested in Lebanon. Credit: Facebook In November 2012, police told the court, Bilal disposed of the clothing of two masked gunmen who killed drug dealer Ali Hachem Eid at Punchbowl. He would later plead guilty to accessory to murder after the fact. The following month Bilal was arrested alongside Comanchero chief Mark Buddle in Queensland on gun charges and returned to prison to serve out his time.

While in prison in 2013 Bilal allegedly advised a friend how to avoid being caught after he shot at a woman. He was found not guilty at trial for accessory to attempted murder. The judge, in 2018, was troubled by Bilals conversations with his visitor to Lithgow prison. Police seized 25 firearms during the investigation. Credit: NSW Police F---, we gotta sell the guns for 150, 200 grand, Bilal told his visitor. The judge looked at Bilals good behaviour bond, firearm prohibition order and anti-bikie consorting order but felt the growing list of black marks against his name didnt provide adequate protection for the community against the high risk of serious violent offending.

The judge put Bilal on a strict extended supervision order, but by that time he was in Lebanon. NSW Police currently have an arrest warrant out for the 37-year-old over alleged drug-related offences. More than $3 million worth of luxury watches were also seized. Credit: NSW Police Nedal was not implicated in any of his brothers prior offending. While investigations continue and police expect to lay further charges under Strike Force Tromperie in the coming months, Organised Crime Squad boss Detective Superintendent Peter Faux said the group had been significantly disrupted, if not dismantled.

He said the ringleaders leant on trusted insiders  in legitimate businesses. They recruit people with technical skills, and thats shown through this investigation. The State Crime Commands Assistant Commissioner Michael Fitzgerald said that while the syndicate is not related to the recent spate of gangland shootings in Sydney, which are often linked to different motivations, he alleged these individuals were heavily involved in the trade in illicit drugs  and violence flows from that. NSW Police Deputy Commissioner David Hudson said it was potentially the biggest criminal network in Australia at the current time. Credit: Dominic Lorrimer Other alleged players of the syndicate arrested this week were Rabeeh Mawas and Ammar Chahal, neither of whom were implicated in any of Bilals prior offending. Mawas was charged with taking part in the supply of a large commercial quantity of a prohibited drug, possessing a dedicated encrypted criminal communication device (DECCD) to commit an indictable offence, knowingly deal with the proceeds of crime and failing to comply with a digital evidence access order direction.

Chahal was charged with possessing a DECCD with intent to commit a serious criminal activity, eight drug supply offences, supplying a pistol to an unauthorised person, knowingly direct activities of a criminal group, failing to comply with a digital evidence access order, handling an explosive or precursor without a licence, possessing or using a prohibited weapon without permit, knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime with intent to conceal, and possessing a prohibited drug. Nedal, Mawas and Chahal were refused bail on Tuesday and Wednesday. They and 21 others are set to next face court within the coming months. Another man arrested under the operation, Philip Leckloksavang, is a service operations lead at Transport for NSW. Two tonnes of drugs with a street value upwards of $130 million was allegedly found during the warrants. Credit: NSW Police Leckloksavang was charged with five counts of drug supply and one count of participating in a criminal group to contribute to criminal activity.

He did not apply for and was refused bail at Fairfield Local Court on Wednesday and will next appear at Parramatta Local Court on January 18. A spokesperson for Transport for NSW said Leckloksavang had been suspended pending the criminal investigation and they could not comment further while the matter was before the courts. A third Haouchar brother, Osman, is not alleged to be part of the Lebanese criminal syndicate and has not been charged with any offence. He made headlines himself after being questioned by the Australian Federal Police for a visit to the Turkish-Syrian border, where he claimed he was doing humanitarian work. Police, at the time, wanted to speak to Osman over the shooting of Michael Ibrahim in 2015, believing there were tensions between their families, though he was never charged.
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 It was supposed to be the trip of a lifetime: a father and his 16-year-old son trekking the Kokoda Track as a rite of passage. Instead, an emergency unfolded, plunging this Perth family into an unending fight for survival. Read on as David and his wife Natalie describe what has happened to their close-knit unit  and how they fight on. David: When you have your children, you never imagine in your wildest dreams that you will be helping them hike for five hours out of jungle in a third-world country with a five-centimetre tumour in their cerebellum. David and Fergus Egerton-Warburton. Yet this was the first day of what has become our new life. Nat and I have the pleasure of having three wonderful sons, Harrison who is 22, Crawford, who is 20, and Fergus. We live an enjoyable and highly active life, yet not dissimilar to most families living in Australia today. As part of our families rites-of-passage tradition, I train with and hike the Kokoda Track with our sons on the year they turn 16. It is both a physically and mentally challenging adventure that we see as an important stepping stone to their journey into manhood.

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This year, it was Fergus turn. I had been training with him every weekend in the hills for four months. So, on Thursday, April the 14th, we flew to Papua New Guinea to embark on the adventure of a lifetime, walking 160 kilometres over the Owen Stanley ranges for the next 10 days. Fergus woke up 6am on day one and was throwing up. I thought he had eaten or drunk something the night before that made him sick (this is quite easy to do in PNG) so we got him an anti-nausea pill and set off to Owers Corner to start the trek. On the way down the first hill to the Goldy River, he was tripping, and his legs were like he was drunk, he then started complaining of double vision. We thought he had heat stroke and were soaking him in creeks as we crossed them. But by the next morning, he was not any better and could not hold down his food. We decided to turn around with our guides and hike back out for five hours to the start. We got back to the Pacific International Hospital, and this is where our real adventure started. Natalie: Back home, I was oblivious to the emergency that was unfolding in PNG with Fergus and David.

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On the Friday, Crawford had flown home from his gap year in Canada and on Saturday we were at a surprise welcome home party for him. Unbeknown to me, David had been trying to get hold of me. He finally got through to Crawford and said I needed to call  something was up with Fergus. At that stage, we had no idea what was wrong with Fergus. The first thing I did was get into my usual operations-happy mode, called the insurance company to put them on standby. David and Fergus Egerton-Warburton. Over the next 48 hours, Sue the insurers nurse would go on to become my guardian angel. She played a major part organising tests in the PNG hospital and getting Fergus home safely. By the Monday night the call finally came through from David, Ferguss CT scan results were in  he had a brain tumour in the cerebellum. We were devastated. Due to the pressure the tumour was placing on Fergus brain, a commercial flight home was out of the question. We spent the next four days liaising with the insurers organising to medivac him home.

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On Friday, April 21, David and Fergus flew home and arrived safely at 5pm. We were briefed in Perth Childrens Hospital emergency department by the neurosurgeons about the extreme severity of the tumour and told there was no time to waste; the tumour would be removed first thing Monday morning. That night, Fergus was admitted to level four at PCH. Monday came around very quickly, and scarily we said goodbye to Fergus and then began a long nine hours of waiting. Luckily for David and I, our dear friend, Martine, insisted we play the board game called Sequence. We played it over and over  it turned out to be the best stress relief ever. Over the Saturday and Sunday, Natalie and David tried to maintain normalcy for Fergus and surrounded him with friends, family, and lots of love. Our first introduction to Ronald McDonald House on Level 5 at PCH came when Kylie, our clinical nurse, said once Fergus was out of surgery, he would be high risk and in intensive care for two to three days. We would need to be close at all times and had been put on a wait list to stay on level 5. Later in the day, Sarah, the manager of RMHC WA on level 5, came to see us and said we had been granted a room for as long as he was in ICU. Although we tried to say we lived so close by and felt it unfair to take the spot from more needy families, she insisted level 5 was for rural and city families. For this, we will be forever grateful. This meant one of us could always be with Fergus whilst the other rested on level 5. Friends and family were also able to visit and comfort us and we were still close by to Fergus if we needed to go urgently.

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The RMHC WA volunteers made us cuppas, cleaned up after us and provided us with meals and were great at listening. They are affectionately known as the Blue Angels. Nothing could have prepared us for the boy we saw nine hours later in ICU. One of the side-effects of having a tumour removed from your cerebellum is cerebellar mutism, also known as posterior fossa syndrome. The symptoms include reduced or absent speech, irritability, low muscle tone, unsteadiness and reduced coordination and the inability to coordinate voluntary movements. Fergus developed all these symptoms. Post-op was confronting for the whole family. Fergus was in extreme post-op pain, could not talk, could not move his right side, thrashed in bed for two months and had horrendous bruising all over his body. We constantly worried about seizures. He was in extreme pain all the time and couldnt talk. It was heartbreaking to watch and at times we felt lost on how to help him. Fergus lost 13 kilos and became very frail. He was dependent on 24/7 care. When Fergus was able to start rehab, it was so painful for him, and for us to watch.

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Marylands landmark law allowing people sexually abused as children to sue those responsible, no matter how much time has passed, faces its first known constitutional challenge, from the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington.

While widely anticipated, the legal challenge filed this month opens the door to prolonged appellate proceedings debating the constitutionality of the law known as the Child Victims Act, which took effect Oct. 1.

That law lifted a statute of limitations prohibiting victims from suing their abusers, or the institutions that employed them, after a certain amount of time. It also included a provision allowing an appeal on constitutional grounds to the Supreme Court of Maryland.

The Archdiocese of Washington has moved to dismiss a complaint brought on behalf of survivors of child sexual abuse in Prince Georges County Circuit Court, arguing that Marylands new law runs afoul of a law the legislature enacted in 2017 extending the statute of limitations. While the 2017 law said victims could file claims until they turned 38, a provision known as a statute of repose offered immunity for potential defendants after a victims 38th birthday.

A statute of repose, by its very nature, cannot be retroactively repealed, and the legislatures effort to do so was a clear violation of the due process clause and takings clause of the Maryland Constitution, lawyers for the Archdiocese of Washington wrote. Attorneys for the church declined to comment.

In its motion to dismiss, the Archdiocese of Washington denied the allegations laid out in the Prince Georges County complaint, describing them as vague and unfounded.

A class action lawsuit, the complaint alleges three men were abused as young children by priests, deacons or other Washington diocese employees while they attended churches or schools in Prince Georges or Montgomery counites. The complaint says the experiences of the men named in the complaint, who were not identified by their real names, fit a pattern of abuse by members of the archdiocese.

Jonathan Schochor, one of the plaintiffs attorneys, described the conduct outlined in the complaint as tragic, ongoing sexual abuse in the worst possible arena.

We have priests, he continued. We have nuns. We have allied professionals. They are supposed to be the hand of God. They come forward and for decades have abused these children.

Schochor said his clients were extremely upset with the archdiocese when they learned of the motion, pledging to vigorously oppose that on their behalf.

A response from the plaintiffs is due Dec. 8, Schochor said. Then, there will likely be a hearing on the constitutionality of the Child Victims Act. Whether the trial judge rules to dismiss the lawsuit or allows it to continue, Schochor expects a prompt appeal. Many scholars expect the appeal to go straight to the state supreme court, given that its considered an unprecedented legal matter.

In a statement Tuesday night, the Archdiocese of Washington said it was asserting its legal defenses in the cases filed against it.

We remain committed, however, to our longstanding efforts to bring healing to survivors through pastoral care and other forms of assistance that are available apart from the legal process, the statement said. We are also committed to maintaining our robust safe environment policies that have been in place for decades to ensure the protection of all those who are entrusted to our care.

The development in Prince Georges County comes after the Archdiocese of Baltimore, Americas oldest Catholic archdiocese, declared bankruptcy days before the Child Victims Act took effect and in anticipation of the flood of lawsuits it would bring. The bankruptcy filing froze existing lawsuits against the church and restricted further complaints in state court.

Some abuse survivors view the legal moves from neighboring dioceses as a coordinated, two-pronged effort to neutralize the Child Victims Act, said David Lorenz, Maryland director of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, known as SNAP.

Its a delay tactic, said Teresa Lancaster, an Annapolis attorney who survived abuse in the Baltimore archdiocese and now advocates for other victims. They filed the bankruptcy, and this is like a one-two punch and they want to delay it as long as possible.

At the same time, Lancaster said, the community of survivors knew the constitutional challenge was coming.

She said survivors already have a host of lawyers on the case. We expected it, Lancaster said, but we have some very good arguments ready to beat this down.

Lorenz and Lancaster said survivors are calling on Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown, a Democrat, to reaffirm his February commitment to support the law in court. At the time, he said in a letter to lawmakers that the Child Victims Act was not clearly unconstitutional, and said he would be comfortable defending the legislation if it was enacted and challenged in court.

The attorney general reiterated his commitment in a statement Tuesday.

As I advised the General Assembly during the 2023 session, I can, in good faith, defend the constitutionality of the Child Victims Act, pursuant to the authorities and opportunities presented under Maryland law, and will do so, Brown said.

Its unclear how the attorney generals office will defend the law while simultaneously representing state agencies against lawsuits. Since Oct. 1, several agencies have been named in complaints alleging child sexual abuse.

The constitutional challenge from the archdiocese mirrors its longtime fight against the passage of such a law. Roman Catholic dioceses operating parishes in Maryland spent hundreds of thousands of dollars fighting bills that wouldve allowed survivors of child sexual abuse to sue the church.

However, Lancaster and Lorenz were quick to note that the Maryland Catholic Conference, the churchs lobbying arm, once advocated for the right to pursue retroactive lawsuits against those who used asbestos when building Catholic schools.

They used it to their benefit and now they want to say its not proper for survivors to make use of it, Lorenz said.
This photo taken on Nov. 15, 2023 shows Afghan refugees at the Torkham crossing point in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan. More than 5,500 Afghan refugees returned to their home country on Monday, said a statement of Afghanistan's Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation Affairs on Tuesday. (Photo by Aimal Zahir/Xinhua)

KABUL, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- More than 5,500 Afghan refugees returned to their home country on Monday, said a statement of Afghanistan's Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation Affairs on Tuesday.

A total of 5,640 refugees returned from Pakistan via Torkham and Spin Boldak crossing points to Afghanistan on Monday, the statement said, adding that the returnees have received necessary assistance.

Similarly, more than 3,000 Afghan refugees returned from Iran on Monday, the ministry said.

Reportedly, 2.5 million Afghan refugees have been living in Pakistan, with a similar number in Iran.

More than 400,000 Afghan refugees have returned to their homeland over the past two months, according to local media reports.

The Afghan caretaker administration has said it will provide necessary facilities including temporary shelters to the returnees in winter. 

This photo taken on Nov. 15, 2023 shows an Afghan child at the Torkham crossing point in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan. More than 5,500 Afghan refugees returned to their home country on Monday, said a statement of Afghanistan's Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation Affairs on Tuesday. (Photo by Aimal Zahir/Xinhua)

This photo taken on Nov. 15, 2023 shows Afghan refugees at the Torkham crossing point in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan. More than 5,500 Afghan refugees returned to their home country on Monday, said a statement of Afghanistan's Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation Affairs on Tuesday. (Photo by Aimal Zahir/Xinhua)
Seven of the 32 detainees released from Yongah Hill immigration detention centre into the West Australian community this week are known sex offenders.

The cohort was abruptly released from detention on Sunday and Monday after a High Court ruling found indefinite detention of non-citizens who cant be deported back to their country was illegal.

32 detainees have been released from the Yongah Hill Detention Centre. Credit: Hannah Jenkins

This led to 27 detainees being released on Sunday from Yongah Hill, the states largest immigration detention centre, and a further five on Monday.

Several were dropped off at a motel in Thornlie in Perths south-east as authorities worked out how to deal with the situation.
Loading Cameron was 43 when he entered No. 10 Downing Street as one of the youngest prime ministers in British history, and many observers at the time compared his youthful charisma to that of former Labour premier Tony Blair. Like Blair he worked to steer his party toward the middle ground, championing what he called compassionate Conservatism in a bid to boost the Tories popularity. But for many, his harsh austerity economics and his fateful decision to hold the Brexit vote remain the landmarks of his time in power, with the impact of both still reverberating in the UK. Under Cameron, Britains government made deep cuts to social welfare and other public spending in healthcare and education in the aftermath of the 2008 global economic crash.

His promise to hold a referendum on EU membership, a bid to placate rebellious Conservatives and to ward off the right-wing UK Independence Party, spelled his downfall. Camerons remain side was defeated, gaining 48 per cent of the vote compared to 52 per cent for the leave camp backed by Eurosceptics including former prime minister Boris Johnson. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Credit: Getty The will of the British people is an instruction that must be delivered, Cameron said as he resigned. The UK left the EU in 2020 after a messy divorce, and thorny post-Brexit trade disputes continue to loom over politics in Northern Ireland.

Loading China golden era During his tenure, Cameron led closer economic and trade ties between Britain and China, presiding over a so-called golden era as he drank beer with Chinese President Xi Jinping at an English pub during a state visit. His stance is now criticised by many in Britain as having been misguided given that Beijings influence is increasingly seen as a threat to international security. Last year Sunak explicitly distanced himself from Camerons China stance, describing it as naive amid growing tensions with Beijing over Russias war in Ukraine. In a statement, Cameron acknowledged he disagreed with Sunak over some decisions but stressed that he will now back Sunak as the UK heads to a general election next year.

Loading Steve Tsang, director of the China Institute at SOAS University of London, said he did not expect the appointment to change British policy. The golden era remains in the history, and is not about to be resurrected, he said. Just a month ago, Sunak had completely distanced himself from Camerons government, telling his party conference he was the man to change what he described as 30 years of an inefficient political status quo. That prompted Cameron himself to say the comments would fuel the view of opponents that his party could not think in the long term and that it was heading in the wrong direction. David Cameron was a disastrous PM. This is a last gasp act of desperation from a government devoid of talent and ideas, said David Lammy, the foreign affairs spokesman for the main opposition Labour Party.

In 2013, Cameron suffered a foreign policy blow when his own Conservatives joined the opposition in rejecting his plans for UK military intervention against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Lobbying scandal More recently Cameron was embroiled in a scandal after revelations that he privately lobbied government officials in a bid to secure access to emergency coronavirus loans for a now-bankrupt financial services firm. Questions about Cameron, who worked as a part-time adviser to Greensill Capital starting 2018, prompted accusations of unscrupulousness in the Conservative Party and calls for lobbying rules to be tightened.

Why Cameron, why now? Many observers see Sunaks move to bring back Cameron as a gamble with uncertain pay-off. [Sunak] is trying to look to others who might represent a smoother form of government than hes been able to deliver, Toby Helm, political editor of The Observer, told the BBC. But it may look like he cant find enough sensible people in his own party, he said. Cameron will come across as a competent, appealing foreign secretary to some, he added. But I think the imagery that surrounds him, the impression that appointment gives, is somewhat desperate. Transport Secretary Mark Harper, who worked under Cameron when he was leader, was among others who praised the move, describing Cameron as a hugely experienced team player.

Loading Given the challenges facing us with the war in Ukraine [and] whats going on in the Middle East, having a really experienced person coming in as foreign secretary, I think, is an excellent move, Harper said. Questions of accountability Some also say Camerons accountability is in question because he is serving a top government job not as an elected lawmaker but as an appointed lord in parliaments upper house. It is unusual, though not unheard of, for secretaries of state to be in the House of Lords. In his new position, Cameron will not face regular questioning in the House of Commons as he would if he were serving in that chamber.
The news

Israel says its forces have entered Gazas Al Shifa hospital, the site of a lengthy standoff.

The Israeli army had surrounded the facility as part of its ground offensive against Hamas, claiming the militant group conceals military operations in the hospital complex. But with hundreds of patients and medical personnel inside, it had refrained from entering. It said its forces were conducting a precise operation against Hamas in a specific area of the complex while taking steps to avoid harm to civilians.

Israel accuses Hamas of using hospitals as cover for its fighters, alleging that Hamas has set up its main command centre there. Both Hamas and Shifa hospital staff deny the Israeli allegations.
The World Customs Organization (WCO) successfully convened the 3rd WCO Global Origin Conference in Santiago, Chile, on 8 - 9 November 2023. Supported by the Korea Customs service, the European Union, and private sector partners, this event attracted over 400 participants from 82 countries, consolidating its prominence as a global forum for origin-related discourse.

Themed "Building Trust in the Origin Environment," the conference featured 35 speakers across six panel sessions and two origin business talks. The rich diversity of participants  hailing from Customs administrations, international organizations, academia and the private sector- fostered a holistic exploration of Origin matters.

The discussions ranged from ways to leverage Rules of Origin for economic development and trade facilitation. Equally significant was the emphasis on the correct application of preferential and non-preferential treatments to realize underlying policy goals. The dialogues were robust, with a focus on enhancing comprehension of the current state and future trajectory of Rules of Origin.

The conference delved into the complexities of Rules of Origin, addressing challenges faced by stakeholders in navigating the intricate web of trade agreements. Discussions also explored aligning rules of origin and requirements with environmental goals; the pivotal role of preference utilization rates in shaping international trade dynamics, and the significant influence on future frameworks governing the origin of goods on the global stage.

In his closing address, Dr. Kunio Mikuriya, WCO Secretary General, lauded the conference as a pivotal platform for knowledge exchange and collaborative advancement in international trade. He expressed gratitude to the participants for their insightful contributions and reaffirmed WCOs dedication to furthering this agenda in partnership with the World Trade Organization (WTO), other international organizations, the business sector, and academic institutions.

A notable highlight was a video message from His Excellency, Mr. Gabriel Boric Font, President of the Republic of Chile, conveying his appreciation, congratulating the Director General of the National Customs Service of Chile and WCO Secretary General and finally commending the WCOs choice of Chile as the conferences host. The Undersecretary of Interior, Mr. Manuel Monsalve Benavides, also sent a message of support that was played during the conference.

In the margins of the conference, Secretary General Mikuriya met with the Minister of Finance, Mr. Mario Marcel, and discussed the challenges facing customs administrations while advocating for further digitization of processes, including the use of Single windows. He also met with the Undersecretary of International Economic Relations, Claudia Sanhueza Riveros and addressed important isues such as the role of Customs in the implementation of trade agreements as well as foreign trade.

The 3rd WCO Global Origin Conference marked a significant milestone in aligning diverse viewpoints on Rules of Origin. The insights garnered are poised to influence future international trade policies, striving for a trading environment defined by trust, efficiency, and sustainability. The conference underscored the imperative of fostering trust among Customs, businesses, and governmental entities to uphold the integrity of global trade processes.
From 23 to 25 October 2023, the World Customs Organization (WCO) organized a study visit on e-commerce for the Colombian Customs Administration (DIAN) in Santiago, Chile. This visit was conducted as part of the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) to enhance the capacities of DIAN through knowledge exchange with the Customs Administration of Chile.

Throughout a series of field visits, the Colombian delegation engaged in working sessions with the Metropolitan Regional Customs Directorate and the Technical Subdirectorate of the Chilean Customs Administration to analyze postal and courier practices. These sessions provided firsthand insights into e-commerce frameworks and import and export procedures and Post-Clearance Audits related to this matter. Additionally, the Chilean Customs Administration shared practical experiences in this field regarding the flow and controls for express shipments at the Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport in Santiago, Chile.

Given the substantial global growth in online shopping operations, the Colombian Customs Administration has been actively identifying areas for optimization in handling courier and postal cargo within the country. This activity was a continuation of the previous 2021 Virtual Workshop on E-commerce for the Pacific Alliance, where Colombia, Peru, Chile, and Mexico exchanged valuable experiences and identified regional recommendations related to e-commerce cargo processing and clearance procedures.

The SECO-WCO GTFP strongly believes in the importance of peer-to-peer collaboration in the journey towards trade facilitation, and, together with the WCO, we express our appreciation to the Customs Administration of Chile for their valuable support and collaboration.

For more information on the GTFP, please contact capacity.building@wcoomd.org.
UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Monday called for greater efforts to support the establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East.

"Given the current context, the international community should make greater efforts to support the establishment of a Middle East zone free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), which is of great urgency and relevance in facilitating reconciliation and cooperation among regional countries in the Middle East and advancing the Middle East peace process," said Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations.

Speaking at the fourth session of the Conference on the Establishment of a Middle East Zone Free of Nuclear Weapons and other Weapons of Mass Destruction, Geng said that nuclear weapons and other WMDs have been "a major factor causing a trust deficit in the Middle East, undermining regional peace and stability."

"China supports the establishment of a Middle East zone free of nuclear weapons and other WMDs and believes that this move will help curb the proliferation of WMDs, safeguard the authority and effectiveness of the international non-proliferation regime, and reduce the risk of an arms race and conflict, thereby providing an important mechanism for the maintenance of long-term regional peace and security," he said.

Geng underscored that China is concerned about flagrant violations of the basic norms governing international relations.

"It pains to see massive civilian casualties on both sides and it is heart-wrenching to witness the worsening humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. Violence cannot bring true security. The use of force will not create lasting peace," he added.

The ambassador stressed that peace and security in the Middle East "bear on not only the interests of regional states, but also global stability."

"In response to the current global and regional security dilemma, China maintains that the international community should adhere to the concept of common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security, insist on building a balanced, effective, and sustainable international security architecture, and adhere to a new path to security that features dialogue over confrontation, partnership over alliances, and win-win over zero-sum," he said.

Geng noted that it is China's wisdom and approach to eliminating the root causes of international conflicts and achieving durable stability and security in the region.

"The Middle East question, with its intertwined historical and practical contradictions, cannot be resolved overnight. It requires all parties to uphold the concept of common security, adhere to the principle of indivisibility of security, and gradually shape a favorable political and diplomatic atmosphere," he said.

"Countries in the region should strengthen their solidarity and coordination and forge mutual trust and consensus. Certain countries outside the region should abandon their narrow geopolitical interests and political manipulation, stop deliberately provoking confrontation in the region, and make practical contributions to the maintenance of regional security," Geng pointed out.

He further said that maintaining the authority and effectiveness of the international nuclear non-proliferation regime is crucial to the establishment of a nuclear weapon free zone in the Middle East.

"Recently, what the Israeli officials said about the use of nuclear weapons in the Gaza Strip has caused an uproar. China was shocked by statements of this kind and expressed its concern," he said.

"This kind of statements is universally condemned. It is extremely irresponsible and disturbing. Such statements run counter to the international consensus that a nuclear war cannot be won and must not be fought, are contrary to the international spirit of establishing a Middle East zone free of nuclear weapons, and go against the overwhelming international call to deescalate, cease hostilities, and protect civilians," he continued.

Geng urged Israeli officials "to retract these statements," and urged Israel to accede to the treaty on the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons as a non-nuclear weapon state "as soon as possible" and to place all its nuclear facilities under the safeguards of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Geng noted that China firmly commits to a nuclear strategy of self-defense, adding that "China will continue to practically contribute to the maintenance of peace, security, and stability in the Middle East region, and is ready to join others to forge consensus at this conference and to inject new impetus to the establishment of a Middle East zone free of nuclear weapons." 
HOHHOT, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- The net profit of Chinese dairy giant Yili Industrial Group Co., Ltd. surged by 16.36 percent to 9.38 billion yuan (about 1.31 billion U.S. dollars) in the first three quarters of 2023, the company said in its financial report.

It generated revenue of 97.09 billion yuan, up 3.84 percent year on year, during the period.

Sales volume growth, material price decline, and lower management and marketing expenses in the third quarter of 2023 contributed to the surging net profit, the report said.

In the first three quarters, the liquid milk business contributed 65.43 billion yuan in revenue, while the milk powder and dairy products business earned 19.92 billion yuan. 
by Yao Yulin

LHASA, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- During my visit to a few boarding schools in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, a 15-year-old student read his favorite lines from his Tibetan language textbook to me in his ethnic language entirely unfamiliar to me.

Seeing my blank amazement, the student, Ngogyan Tenzin, kindly translated the meaning into Mandarin, which roughly translates to English as: "Continue your studies today. While you may not become a scholar in this lifetime, knowledge will still find you in the next."

These words come from "Sakya Legshad," the earliest poetry collection of philosophical aphorisms in Tibetan literature, dating back to the first half of the 13th century. The author Sakya Pandita is also the fourth of the Five Patriarchs of Sakya, a major sect of Tibetan Buddhism.

Tibetan Buddhism believes in reincarnation, asserting that although assets like money cannot be passed onto the next life, knowledge is an exception. The teenager loves the lines, and the wise words keep motivating him to learn hard.

Hailing from Nyemo County, Ngogyan Tenzin currently studies in Lhasa-Jiangsu Experimental Middle School, situated some 140 km away from his hometown.

Today, school-age children in Xizang, including those in remote areas such as Ngari Prefecture, known for its high average altitude of 4,500 meters, have the option to either attend school as day students within their own prefecture or opt for boarding schools across Xizang. Ngogyan Tenzin, for instance, chose to pursue his education in Lhasa, the regional capital, where there are better educational resources.

Starting in the mid-1980s, China initiated a comprehensive reform on rural education by consolidating a considerable number of rural primary and middle schools. This effort aimed to bring together teachers and establish a more stable and higher-quality educational environment for children residing in remote rural areas.

In 1985, Xizang began implementing the boarding system for primary and secondary schools in its agricultural and pastoral regions.

Yanglha, who teaches the Tibetan language to senior high school students at Lhasa-Beijing Experimental Middle School, told me that she had been a day student before she entered college.

"I had to wake up very early in the morning and return home very late at night. Many of my peers would often get tempted by the sceneries during their over one-hour walk to school and ended up playing all day in the fields, leaving their homework unfinished," Yanglha recalled, adding that she still had to help her parents with farmwork or tending to their herds, leaving her with little time for studies.

Fortunately, today's boarding students have fewer distractions, and their parents no longer need to worry about their safety during the commute to school.

In certain prefectures, I've observed that some teenagers, whose parents are often occupied with work away from home, may fall into negative habits like smoking and drinking. Jampa Yonten, a teacher at a local primary school and the father of Namkhang Lhamo, a seventh-grader at Lhasa-Beijing Experimental Middle School, expressed his confidence in the high-quality educational resources and the attentive supervision and discipline provided by boarding schools. He believes that these factors will ensure his daughter's well-rounded growth and keep her on the right path.

Nearly 80 percent of the teachers at Lhasa-Beijing Experimental Middle School are Tibetans. Most of the students here choose to attend the Tibetan language class and the subject accounts for one-tenth of the total scores of the "gaokao," or the college entrance examination for Chinese students.

A sixth-grader at the school told me that he attends two Tibetan language lessons every day, each lasting about 40 minutes.

More than 40 elective courses are offered here, including Tibetan calligraphy, poetry appreciation and classes in ethnic musical instrument Dramyen.

Starting in September, more than half of the school's students joined in the annual art festival, which will continue until the end of the year. The festival features a diverse array of performances from traditional Tibetan operas to Shakespearean plays. At fashion shows, the students showcase their own creations -- designs ranging from contemporary and stylish to those rooted in Tibetan ethnic styles.

Days after my visits to the schools, I watched a mesmerizing Dramyen performance by students from a local vocational school. This happened quite serendipitously, during a spontaneous gathering of music enthusiasts at a local cafe. It was a delightful surprise.

On campus, the Tibetan boarding students are exposed to a multilingual environment that encompasses Tibetan, Mandarin and English. I believe this diverse linguistic exposure will broaden their cultural horizons and encourage new ways of thinking.

Tashi Sangmo, a high school senior boarding student, is a member of her school's Tibetan Literary Society. Her passion for literature extends to reading Tibetan classics like "Nangsa Obar" from her Tibetan textbook, as well as exploring the creations of ancient Chinese poets such as Li Bai and Su Shi, along with novels by Lu Xun, a renowned Chinese writer from the 20th century, all of which she studies from her Mandarin textbook. Interestingly, she also studied Shakespeare's "Hamlet" using Tibetan textbooks.

Driven by sheer curiosity, I decided to sit for two lessons during my stay at Lhasa-Beijing Experimental Middle School.

One of the lessons I attended was a Tibetan language class for high school sophomores, focusing on a chapter from "The Mirror of Poetry," a renowned work on poetic theory from ancient India. They were delving into topics like poetic imagery and relevant grammar rules. To my surprise, as a college literature major, I found these theories quite challenging to grasp.

The second lesson, which focused on Tibetan calligraphy for junior high school newcomers, was quite relaxing. The teacher lightened the atmosphere by remarking that one of the tone notes bore a striking resemblance to the Buddha's index finger, while another looked like a half-sliced egg. This humorous observation elicited shared laughter and a sense of delight among the teenagers and myself.

Being here, amidst these remarkable teenagers, I cannot help admiring them for their resilience against all odds, their unwavering dedication to the pursuit of knowledge, and their unbridled ambition for a brighter future. 
Today

Some early morning sun, then becoming mostly cloudy with some mainly afternoon and evening showers, mostly light and scattered.

Tonight

Mostly cloudy with a few scattered evening showers or drizzle; some patchy fog overnight.

Tomorrow

Mostly cloudy with some patchy morning fog; quite mild with a few breaks of sun possible later in the day.
Allentown, PA (18103)

Today

Some early morning sun, then becoming mostly cloudy with some mainly afternoon and evening showers, mostly light and scattered. .

Tonight

Mostly cloudy with a few scattered evening showers or drizzle; some patchy fog overnight.
SAN FRANCISCO (AP)  President Joe Biden and China's Xi Jinping swept into San Francisco on Tuesday as the two leaders made their final preparations for their first engagement in a year at a historic estate outside of the city.

Biden expressed hope that the talks would help put a shaky U.S.-China relationship  marked by sharp differences over the last year  in a better place. The two leaders arrived in the city to be greeted by hundreds of demonstrators who lined up along their motorcade routes, waving Chinese, Taiwanese and Tibetan flags as well as signs in support of and opposition to the Chinese leader.

Biden, before leaving Washington to make his way West on Tuesday to attend this years Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, said his broad goal was to get Washington and Beijing "on a normal course corresponding" once again even as they have sharp differences on no shortage of issues.

Being able to pick up the phone and talk to one another if theres a crisis. Being able to make sure our militaries still have contact with one another, Biden told reporters at the White House. Were not trying to decouple from China, but what were trying to do is change the relationship for the better.

The two leaders will meet at Filoli Estate, a country house museum about 25 miles (40 kilometers) south of San Francisco, according to three senior administration officials. The officials requested anonymity to discuss the venue, which has not yet been confirmed by the White House and Chinese government.

The State Department announced Tuesday that the two countries, the world's two biggest pollutera, have agreed to pursue efforts to triple renewable energy capacity globally by 2030," an effort to step up wind, solar and other renewable energy.

The announcement came after John Kerry, Bidens climate envoy, met earlier this month with his Chinese counterpart, Xie Zhenhua, at the Sunnylands estate in southern California for talks on the matter.

Separately, a U.S. official confirmed that Biden and Xi are expected to announce an agreement that would restore talks under what's known as the Military Maritime Consultative Agreement. The agreement is used by the U.S. and People's Liberation Army navies and air forces to improve safety in the air and sea. Until 2020, they had been meeting regularly since 1998 for the talks. The official requested anonymity to preview the expected leaders' announcement.

Biden arrived at San Francisco International Airport Tuesday afternoon and Xi landed shortly after. The Chinese president was welcomed on the tarmac by Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, California Gov. Gavin Newsom and U.S. Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns.

Hundreds of onlookers gathered on the leaders' motorcade route, some holding signs that read End CCP, the initials of Chinese Communist Party. Another sign read Warmly Welcome President Xi Jinping and was affixed to concrete bollards.

Pro-China and anti-China demonstrators also gathered near the Moscone Center, the venue where many APEC meetings were being held.

Beijing supporters waved U.S. and Chinese flags as they waited for Xis motorcade to arrive at the swanky hotel near the convention center where the Chinese delegation is staying. Several supporters used oversized Chinese national flags to obscure the few Xi critics there and used loudspeakers to play the patriotic Ode to the Motherland.

Scuffles broke out between the two groups, but police quickly intervened to maintain order. The crowds were kept out of the road by tall, metal barriers.

Wei Gong, of Charlottesville, Virginia, brought her 9-year-old daughter, Deanna Wei, to welcome Xi. Her child wore a traditional Chinese, horse-face skirt and held U.S. and Chinese flags.

I have never seen him, the mother said of Xi. We just want to see him.

Later, protesters gathered just blocks from the Moscone Center to call for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war.

Biden, despite his busy diplomatic agenda, took some time Tuesday evening to tend to his 2024 reelection campaign, joining Newsom and Vice President Kamala Harris for a fundraiser at San Francisco's iconic Merchant Exchange Club.

The long complicated U.S.-Chinese relationship has come under heavy strain over the last year, with Beijing bristling over new U.S. export controls on advanced technology; Biden ordering the shooting down of a Chinese spy balloon after it traversed the continental United States; and Chinese anger over a stopover in the U.S. by Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen earlier this year, among other issues. China claims the island as its territory.

The talks at Filoli will give the leaders a chance to try to dial back tensions in a picturesque backdrop.

The sprawling estate along Northern Californias coastal range features a Georgian revival-style mansion and English Renaissance gardens. It was built in 1917 as a private residence but was opened to the public in 1975 as a nonprofit and site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Wealthy San Francisco socialite William Bowers Bourn II named Filoli by taking the first two letters of key words of his personal credo, according to the estates website: Fight for a just cause. Love your Fellow Man. Live a Good Life. The estate's gardens feature in Jennifer Lopezs film The Wedding Planner.

White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Biden is coming to Wednesday's meeting in a strong position.

Hes not going to be afraid to - to confront where confrontation is needed on issues where we dont see eye to eye with President Xi and the PRC, said Kirby, using the initials for the People's Republic of China.

Biden will also be looking to use this weeks summit of Asia-Pacific leaders to demonstrate that the United States has the gumption, attention span and money to focus on the region even as it grapples with a multitude of foreign and domestic policy crises.

The White House wants to demonstrate that Biden can remain focused on the Pacific while also trying to keep the Israel-Hamas war from exploding into a broader regional conflict and to persuade Republican lawmakers to continue to spend billions more on the costly Ukrainian effort to repel Russias nearly 21-month old invasion.

White House officials say they are also cognizant that fellow APEC nations want to see better dialogue between the U.S. and China because it reduces the risk of regional conflict. At the same time, they also know that others in the region are concerned that the Pacific is too often seen through a prism in which the dominant power centers in Washington and Beijing make decisions for the region without engagement from less powerful nations.

Biden enters the Xi meeting feeling buoyed by the U.S. economys strong performance. While the majority of U.S. adults believe the economy is weak, Biden has managed to prove wrong a large swath of economists who predicted that millions of layoffs and a recession might be needed to bring down inflation. The Labor Department said Tuesday that consumer prices rose at an annual pace of 3.2% annually, down from a June 2022 peak of 9.1%. Meanwhile, employers keep hiring and the unemployment rate has held below 4% for nearly two years.

Beijing released economic data last month that shows prices falling due to slack demand from consumers and businesses. The International Monetary Fund recently cut growth forecasts for China, predicting economic growth of 5% this year and 4.2% in 2024, down slightly from its forecasts in July.

Long reported from Washington. Associated Press writers Lolita C. Baldor, Josh Boak, Matthew Lee, Chris Megerian, Darlene Superville and Zeke Miller in Washington and Janie Har and Godofredo Vasquez in San Francisco contributed to this report.
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP)  A man with Russian and Moldovan citizenship pleaded guilty to illegally taking control of thousands of electronic devices worldwide to rent them to clients who wanted to hide their internet activity, U.S. prosecutors in Puerto Rico said Tuesday.

The scheme ran from at least June 2019 to December 2022 and generated more than a half-million dollars, with unidentified customers paying hundreds of dollars a month for the service, the U.S. Attorney's Office in Puerto Rico said in a statement.

Authorities said Sergei Makinin developed and deployed malicious software to gain control of peoples devices via an extensive network known as a botnet, which was dubbed IPStorm.

He then sold illegal access to the hijacked devices to clients seeking to keep their internet activities private, advertising that he had more than 23,000 highly anonymous proxies available worldwide, the U.S. Attorneys Office said.

Makinin pleaded guilty as part of a deal with federal authorities. A sentencing date has not been scheduled.

His lawyer, Javier Micheo Marcial, declined comment when reached by The Associated Press.

The case was investigated by the FBI's San Juan office and prosecuted by federal prosecutors in Puerto Rico because infected computers were reported in various towns in the U.S. territory. However, Makinin was living in Spain at the time, according to a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney's Office.

This case serves as a warning that the reach of the law is long, and criminals anywhere who use computers to commit crimes may end up facing the consequences of their actions in places they did not anticipate, U.S. Attorney Stephen Muldrow said in a statement.
TILDEN TWP., Pa. - A Bern Township man is facing charges after police say he accidentally discharged a firearm inside a crowded bar, injuring two people.

37-year-old Thomas Fronina is charged with aggravated assault, reckless endangerment and related offenses.

Authorities say around 1 a.m. Sunday, Fronina was drinking at Pappy T's Pub on Industrial Drive in Tilden Township.

Witnesses observed the suspect and another patron talking about guns. At one point, Fronina allegedly retrieved a pistol from his pocket, removed the clip and began racking the slide.

It was then that authorities say the pistol went off and a woman was struck in the shin.

A second victim, who was nearby at the time, was struck by bullet shrapnel in the ankle.

Fronina surrendered to police at the scene without incident.

He's free on $20,000 unsecured bail.
by John L. Thornton

There is no more important topic than "dialogue of civilizations." I think of it as discussing the world we wish to inhabit, the world we wish to create for ourselves, our children, our grandchildren and all future generations. What could be more important than that?

I regard the Chinese insistence on collective focus on this issue -- that of what kind of world we wish to create, as exactly the right one. I admire the Chinese effort to define what they see as the future of this Earth and of mankind. I find it even inspirational.

I believe the Chinese invitation to the rest of the world to engage in a "dialogue of civilizations" is also exactly the right spirit in which to pursue the answer to the question. In fact I can think of no other way to do so. Who is against a harmonious, peaceful, secure world? No serious, thoughtful person.

But I think we will face a prolonged period in which one will need to build global consensus for the idea not because people will disagree with it in principle, but because they will see it as either too unrealistic or too idealistic or simply too difficult to achieve.

But, that reality in no way dissuades me from thinking we are pursuing the right path, indeed the essential path for the future of the world. I am simply highlighting the level of difficulty in achieving the goal.

I will now give you a few thoughts related to the execution of the core idea -- that of a "dialogue of civilizations" to define and create the world in which we all wish to live, a future of peace, prosperity and security for all mankind.

The single, most important immediate goal must be to communicate within and among people throughout the world.

In 2001, the United Nations (UN) proclaimed that year as the "UN Year of Dialogue among Civilizations." Actually, I think almost no one in the world knew then that the UN had made such a proclamation, and I doubt that anyone today remembers it.

I highlight this simply to say that we must not underestimate the time, energy and determination this effort will take -- including the initial task of communication.

As of now, the English language dominates the global communication channels. Many of those in the world who must be a part of the "dialogue of civilizations" do not speak English and are almost entirely absent from the English language global communication channels. The Chinese are a perfect example of this. Even though the Chinese government and the best Chinese thinkers publish many high quality papers and speeches and thought pieces, almost none of it appears in the English language communication channels. This must change. Otherwise, we do not have a dialogue. We have a monologue.

To take this point of communication one step further, I want to mention an American pollster named Frank Luntz. Luntz recently completed a survey and a few focus groups of ordinary Americans on their attitudes toward China, US-China relations, the Chinese people and related topics.

Even in today's highly toxic political world, he learned a few very interesting things. One finding was that ordinary Americans like the Chinese people. Another thing he learned was that ordinary Americans value Chinese culture and traditions. A third interesting point that emerged from his survey was that ordinary Americans think that the United States and China can make common cause providing safety and security to the world.

And, finally, a fourth important conclusion was this: The most important reason for a good U.S.-China relationship is that it is good for global relations between countries. That reason was twice as popular as the reason that a good U.S.-China relationship is good for the American consumer.

But, and here is where it gets fascinating and extremely relevant to our topic.

Luntz surveyed ordinary Americans on what they thought of the term "win-win" when used to describe U.S.-China relations. He learned that ordinary Americans prefer "mutual benefit" to "win-win," the latter of which they find disingenuous and ambiguous. Therefore, Luntz advised my senior Chinese friends to use the term "mutual benefit" just like they use the term "mutual respect." I go into this level of detail to illustrate how vital it is to communicate in ways that are heard.

I will also make three observations that everyone here knows, but need acknowledging.

First, in the West, in particular in the United States, in the past three decades there have been three books that are widely regarded as among the most important books on geopolitics in the post-Cold War era. The three are Francis Fukyama's "The End of History" (1992), Samuel Huntington's "The Clash of Civilizations" (1996), and John Mearsheimer's "The Tragedy of Great Power Politics" (2001).

All three should be read and understood. They more or less define what passes for insight and wisdom in our society and to that extent will help anyone from outside the United States get a sense of how much of the foreign policy elite think, or, at a minimum, outline the core arguments that are dominating the thinking now in the United States and much of the West.

Second, all over much of the world and most certainly in the United States, ordinary people are angry at the elites. This includes, prominently, the fact that the sons and daughters of ordinary Americans are the ones who are asked by the elites (leaders) to fight in wars that often make no sense to ordinary Americans. And it is their sons and daughters and their families and communities which suffer the consequences. Recently, this dynamic has taken an even worse, darker turn insofar as former U.S. President Donald Trump is now telling his followers that he is "your retribution."

Based on the latest polls which show Trump ahead of President Joe Biden in five of the six so-called swing states which will likely determine the result of the election, the former president's "I am your retribution" narrative appears to be a compelling and motivational one. And, what is most fascinating is that the former president does better in relation to Biden the more diverse the state, the precise opposite of what was the case in the 2020 election and what one would have expected based on decades of voter trends.

I mention this phenomenon because it seems to me that this puts the emphasis on any "dialogue of civilizations" on people-to-people communication. Ordinary people, at least in the United States, do not want an intermediary between them and whoever is communicating with them. Intermediaries have no credibility and are not trusted.

It also encourages Chinese leaders to communicate directly with ordinary Americans either through speeches, or interviews with serious journalists such as Fareed Zakaria, or otherwise. Deng Xiaoping and Jiang Zemin did this to good effect, and Xi Jinping has shown himself to be a natural communicator with ordinary Americans as he demonstrated in Iowa in 2011.

China could learn from what was suggested by Luntz. He said nothing beats seeing a place with one's own eyes and experiencing it personally, so he recommended a massive initiative with tourists. He said bring over as many American tourists as possible. That, he said, would have an incalculable impact. And knowing my fellow Americans, he is right.

Also, then there is this fundamental and very foundational point. It was made to me by Nobel Laureate economist Michael Spence. He thought that we should be conscious of the fact that a healthy global economy makes many things possible. One of those things is very likely a much healthier, more open, inclusive and engaged dialogue among civilizations. It was his way of saying that the leading countries of the world must not lose sight of the imperative of continuing to build a growing, interdependent global economy. In the absence of such an economy it is likely that admirable long-term goals such as this one fall by the wayside.

Editor's note: John L. Thornton is chair emeritus of the U.S. Brookings Institution.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author's and do not necessarily reflect the positions of Xinhua News Agency.
READING, Pa. - The Santander Arena announced Tuesday that heavy metal titans Judas Priest will return to Reading this spring on their Invincible Shield Tour.

Along with special guest Sabaton, the British rockers will roll into Santander Arena April 21.

The band, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2019, has had a lasting impact and influence on the heavy metal genre that continues today.

Tickets will be available starting with an artist presale beginning on Wednesday, November 15.

Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general on-sale beginning on Friday, November 17 at 10 a.m. local time.
EMMAUS, Pa.  By an 8-1 vote Monday night, the East Penn school board chose to move forward with its "realignment" plan over a separate "redistricting" proposal to address rapid growth in the district.

The decision came three weeks after the board discussed a 76-slide presentation outlining the short- and long-term options available to deal with overcrowding in the district.

The redistricting plan proposed the expansion of Alburtis and Lincoln elementary schools and changing of district attendance boundaries, while the realignment called for converting existing school buildings to serve more specific students.

According to the realignment plan  which is expected to cost more than $60 million  elementary schools within the district will be converted to serve K-4 students, while the district's two middle schools will serve students in grades 5-6 and grades 7-8, respectively.

Students in grades 5-6 will attend the current Eyer Middle School, while students in grades 7-8 will attend the current Lower Macungie Middle School, according to the board's Oct. 23 presentation.

There will also be space for teachers and staff to address students' developmental needs by their age.

Nearly all board members spoke in favor of the realignment plan on Monday, arguing it was the best way for the district to handle its K-8 overcrowding issues.

Board member Alisa Bowman expressed support for having fewer grade levels of students in each building to stop overcrowding.

"Anybody who wants to know if our schools are overcrowded should just go to [Lower Macungie Middle School] during class change, the (Emmaus) high school during class change, or tour any of our elementary schools that are out of space," Bowman said.

Board member Adam Smith said the realignment plan would allow for "unique learning opportunities." The grades 5-6 facility would have an "elementary school flavor," while the grades 7-8 facility would have a "high school flavor," Smith said.

Board member William Whitney said the realignment plan will benefit sixth graders, citing research that shows such students perform better on tests when in an environment with younger students than older middle-schoolers.

Standing alone in his opposition, board Vice President Jeffrey Jankowski expressed concerns about the realignment plan's impact on extracurricular activities for middle school students. The redistricting plan would be a better option for the district, Jankowski said.

Facility Director Steven Onushco says the district's student population has grown and will only continue to grow. He also says there's a growing need for more student services.

"The school environment has changed," Onushco said. "The students need more support."

School board members stressed the district may be at a crossroad, and while they voted in favor of one path, they say construction is not starting, and students are not yet impacted.

"We're just approving a facilities study," said board member Allan Byrd.

"We have to have a starting point. I think we just have to start," Byrd added. "But nothing is set in stone. No budgets, no dollars are being approved tonight."

There are also three proposals for Emmaus High School to address the growth there. However, due to what's been described as an overwhelming amount of information, officials say those options will likely be discussed and voted on at the next school board meeting.

School taxes

In other news, the board passed a resolution not to exceed the state of Pennsylvania's Act 1 Index. Under the resolution, East Penn will not increase its school taxes beyond the Pennsylvania Department of Education's 6.2% index rate for the 2024-25 school year.

Outgoing board members

At the end of Monday's meeting, Superintendent Kristen Campbell and board President Joshua Levinson noted that three members  Jennifer Bowen, Allan Byrd and Paul Champagne  would be leaving the board at the end of the year. Campbell thanked each outgoing member before praising their service while on the board.

According to Campbell, Bowen was a two-year member of the board who was a quiet but strong advocate for special education kids.

Campbell recognized Byrd, a 4.5-year member, for his advocacy and work on the district's health policies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Champagne, an 8-year member, was instrumental in improving the district's outlook on career and technical education, Campbell said.

"Having the three of you here has made me a better board member," Levinson said before adjourning the meeting.

Next meeting

The East Penn School Board will next meet for an organization meeting on Monday, Dec. 4, and a regular meeting on Monday, Dec. 11.
BETHLEHEM, Pa. - From Silver Bells to the Silver Screen: The Christmas City is about to be featured in a brand-new holiday film called "Saint Nick of Bethlehem," and filming is taking place all this week.

You'll see cameras and actors on Main St. using Bethlehem as their backdrop. That includes Saint Nick himself, Daniel Roebuck.

"I make movies here, because here is the greatest place on Earth. The Lehigh Valley is my magical Eden," said Roebuck.

An Eden that he was disappointed to see was not highlighted in the Hallmark movie "Miracle in Bethlehem." He said that film was instead shot in Winnipeg, Canada.

"We thought we'd do something novel, which is shoot it in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania," said Roebuck.

The story is about a man who lost his son, but finds renewed hope and joy in giving presents to other children. It's a script based on a true story, and was written originally by co-director Spencer Folmar, who reached out to Roebuck to play Saint Nick.

"He said this is a dream role of mine, it's something I always wanted to do. He started growing out the beard, and as you'll see, he is the real Santa Claus," said Folmar.

The movie will feature several businesses in downtown Bethlehem, including the Hotel Bethlehem and the Snow Goose Gallery.

"He approached me on Friday and told me about the movie, and he goes, 'could we use your storefront?' And I said absolutely," said gallery owner Mary Serfass.

Serfass said one of the characters in the film is even based on her.

"When Danny introduced me to her Saturday he goes, 'oh she's playing you.' I'm like oh ok," said Serfass.

The movie is set to film this week, and finish filming in the spring. Roebuck said they're hoping to have the movie ready for the big screen in time for Christmas of 2024.

"Hopefully the movie is the gift we're giving to the Lehigh Valley," said Roebuck.
EASTON, Pa. - Northampton County Council will get an update Wednesday on the pay study it approved over the objections of County Executive Lamont G. McClure.

In March, council approved a $64,000 study of pay in relation to the labor market and similar organizations.

McClure contended the study would be a waste of money.

Bolton, a Maryland-based company, won the contract. Council's Personnel Committee will hear an update at its 4 p.m. meeting Wednesday.

The Finance Committee will meet immediately after the personnel meeting ends, and at 5 p.m., Council's Capital Projects and Operations Committee will gather. It will hear about potential work on the parking garage at the government center in Easton, and about the condition of the barn at Louise W. Moore Park.

All three meetings will be held in Council Chambers on the third floor of the government center.

The entire Council will meet at 6:30 p.m. Thursday.

Meeting agendas and links to broadcasts on YouTube are available on the county website.

*********************

Northampton County council meetings and links

Personnel and Finance committees

Capital Projects and Operations Committee
SOUTH WHITEHALL TWP., Pa - Renovations are underway for a long-time Lehigh County nursing home.

We got a first look behind the work to create a new addition to the Cedarbrook Senior Care and Rehabilitation.

"We are standing on the construction site of the new addition, the new four-story addition to our senior home here at Cedarbrook, in South Whitehall Township," said Phillips Armstrong, Lehigh County Executive.

Residents currently have three to four beds per room and communal bathrooms that were built back in the 1920's. There is one bathroom for up to 40 residents.

"It's a very tight space and it's not what you would expect to see in 2023," said Jason Cumello, Director of Cedarbrook Senior Care and Rehabilitation.

By 2025, a 145,000-square-foot, 240-bed building will be the center's new E wing.

"This will be a typical room and the new wing, there are two beds to a room. And in each room, there is a bathroom," explained Cumello as he showed us renderings.

Nursing and medical care will be located in a central area of each floor, along with common spaces and living amenities.

It's an upgrade that Cumello said is needed.

"90% of these residents are Medicaid. And just because somebody's a Medicaid payer doesn't mean that they don't deserve the best," said Cumello.

Officials said residents and staff are really looking forward to a more modernized space and larger living area.

Armstrong told us a story about one resident's family moving to Florida. But that resident has stayed here because she wants to be one of the first to move into the new wing. She is among many excited for the new project.

Cumello said this change is the right thing to do, especially for folks who have shaped the world we live in today.

"The number of these people that reside in the home, they spent their lives building the United States whether it was that Bethlehem Steel or Mack Truck, etc,," said Cumello.
CHESTER COUNTY, Pa.  The Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office announced new charges against escaped prisoner Danelo Cavalcante.

The charges come more than two months after Cavalcante escaped from Chester County prison on Aug. 31, sparking a two-week manhunt.

The 34-year-old was originally facing a life sentence for murdering his ex girlfriend, authorities said.

Now he's facing 20 new offenses because officials said while on the lam, he allegedly burglarized two homes and stole firearms, clothing and a razor.

69 News spoke with the owner of that razor on Monday night.

"I heard him downstairs," Ryan Drummond said of Cavalcante. "I flashed the lights. Then he flashed the lights back at me, which was kind of a terrifying moment."

Drummond reflected on when the escaped prisoner allegedly broke into his Chester County home.

"He actually took my razor, and I knew as my razor because the back of it was popped off," Drummond said. "He had taken my daughter's sleeping bag, and he took a camera backpack."

That razor is now among many of the personal belongings the prison escapee is charged with stealing, officials said.

Court documents showed Cavalcante allegedly robbed two homes in Pennsbury and South Coventry townships and stole a firearm, clothing and a Ford transit van from Pocopson Township.

The attorney general's office said he's now charged with 20 new offenses, including felony counts of burglary, criminal trespassing, theft and possession of a firearm.

"People say, 'Well, he's serving a life sentence. I mean, why are we adding on these charges? Why?' Here's why," explained Seth Weber, adjunct professor at DeSales University. "Because escaping from prison does never give you a right, a license or authorization to commit more crime and not get charged."

Weber said it's the rule of law.

"If it were your house that he broke in, if it was your car that he stole, if it was your gun that he stole, and you were the victim, would it be OK with you if they said, 'Look, we're not really going to charge him with any of these crimes. He's doing life anyway?'" asked Weber. "I don't think so."

Charges were filed by the Pennsylvania State Police, and the office of the attorney general will prosecute the case.

Cavalcante is expected to be arraigned on the new charges this Friday.
COLLEGEVILLE, Pa.  Perkiomen Valley school board's business meeting on Monday was a space for transitions for the embattled board.

"Thank you for the opportunity," said outgoing board member Matt Dorr. "I enjoyed  well, that might be an overstatement  the five-plus years on the board."

In recent months, the school district drew national attention related to two controversial policies, leading to raucous and contentious board meetings.

Last month, the school board adopted a policy that requires its students to use the restroom that aligns with their biological sex. The move followed weeks of heated debate and public comment on the issue.

The board has also been evaluating the district's policies and procedures regarding selecting library books and student curriculum materials. Some members of the school board and community have expressed concern about the students being exposed to sexual or violent content.

In the recent election, board members went online. They took to social media over the past few months to communicate their stance on a variety of hot-button topics, including the use of school restrooms by transgender students and age-appropriate library books for students.

During the contentious campaign, the five candidates on each side teamed up as a single slate.

The Democrats  Robert Liggett, Todd McKinney, Treena Sadler, Wayde Weston and Laura White  called themselves "PV Forward."

The Republicans  incumbents Dorr and Kim Mares, Heidi Brown, Jordan Cohen and Russ Larson  billed themselves as "Vote 5 for PV."

All five of the open school board seats went to Democrats.

The five Republican candidates, including the two incumbents, lost their election bids.

Outgoing board member Reena Kolar referred to the politics on display at recent board meetings and offered words for the future.

"I hope we can put politics behind us and focus on what the district needs and that we're all here to do what's best for our students," she said.

Kolar also pointed to the good work done in the district in her four years on the board. According to Kolar, the district has added nine mental health positions: seven counselors  one for each building  and the additions of a coordinator of equity inclusion, a supervisor of health and wellness and an assistant superintendent. Kolar said the positions did not exist before her time on the board.

Board member Kim Mares also offered words of farewell to the board. She encouraged the public to continue to attend meetings.

"It's great to still see a lot of community involvement. Thanks for coming out," said Mares, who said she would continue to work in the community.

"We know that as we engage and volunteer, we can effect positive change, and thats a good thing," Mares said.

Board member Sarah Evans-Brockett said she was happy to leave public office and proud of her work with the Power Packs program.

The program offers weekend bags of food for students experiencing food insecurity. The bags include two each of breakfast items, lunch items, snacks and fruits.

During the public comment portion of the meeting, a resident also gave words of peace for the district.

"I believe there are people in this room who legitimately care about our children. We just get off track sometimes," the resident said.

The Perkiomen Valley School District has a student population of 5,100 students in Lower Frederick, Perkiomen, and Skippack townships and the boroughs of Collegeville, Schwenksville, and Trappe.
STEWARTSVILLE, N.J. - Art and music are coming back to one Warren County, New Jersey school district, after budget cuts forced them to the chopping block.

The music room is silent, and the art studio is barren, but that won't be the case too much longer in the Greenwich Township School District.

"It's going to be such a good time and opportunity to decompress for so many different kids when they switch gears and focus on drawing or playing a bongo," said Sophia Kloecker, an 8th grader at Stewartsville Middle School.

This election, voters opted for a tax increase to bring back the music and art programs.

Sophia Kloecker and her brother RJ are among the students and alumni behind the effort.

"Yes, all the other classes are extremely important," said Kloecker. "I feel like that's only a part of a brain that's learning. The other side, the creative side... you need art. You need music. You need a way to express yourself, other than words."

Other teachers have been trying to incorporate both into lessons and keep some clubs afloat.

"Over the last five, six years, the state has drastically reduced our funding to the tune of almost $2 million," said Stewartsville Middle School Principal Joel Barrett.

That eliminated 16 teaching positions from the already small, rural district. So, this latest vote is a huge deal, since it reverses the trend.

The tax increase equals around a couple hundred dollars for many households. It'll go toward an art teacher and a music teacher, who will split time between the middle and elementary schools.

Band and chorus are set to return. In the art room, all of the supplies are just waiting to be used.

The positions were posted a couple of days after the election, and the goal is to have them filled by January.

"I'm receiving applications. I hope I get a lot more," said Barrett.

"It's really nice to see our community band together and bring them all back," said Kloecker. "I think it's vital in learning."

Voters also gave the green light to add three basic skills teachers to help students who don't qualify for special education.

"I just want to thank the Board of Ed and the teachers and the families who came out and supported, even the former students that came out and walked around the community just to help inspire voters and get the message out that we really do need this. Everybody chipped in," said Barrett.
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador (AP)  Police in El Salvador on Tuesday arrested 10 people accused of operating a migrant smuggling ring that charged migrants up to $15,000 for the promise of safe travel to the U.S.

Two of the alleged smugglers, or coyotes, arrested were active members of the Salvadoran national police, the Attorney General's Office said. Another was an ex-officer.

The raid was coordinated between police in the capital, San Salvador, and two other cities, Santa Ana in the west and San Miguel in the east of the country, respectively. Police also seized four vehicles and more than a dozen cellphones.

According to an investigation opened in July 2022, the smugglers trafficked migrants through blind spots on the Guatemalan border, then through Mexico and the U.S., charging between $12,000 and $15,000 per person.

The attorney general's office said they began investigating after at least 33 migrants reported they had paid for transport, but were not taken to the U.S.

El Salvador is turning to novel strategies to deter migration, as the U.S. steps up pressure to control the flow of people to its southern border. Since the end of October, for example, citizens of 57 mostly African countries arriving in the country have been charged a $1,130  airport improvement fee.

Aviation authorities would not say whether the fee was designed to deter migrants, many of whom are known to use Nicaragua as a transit point because of its lax visa requirements.

Follow APs global migration coverage at: https://apnews.com/hub/migration
SYDNEY, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- The state government of Victoria, Australia, announced on Tuesday that a new bill would be introduced to parliament targeting dangerous drivers and placing stronger controls on recreational firearms.

According to a statement by the Victorian government, the bill included new circumstances in which police can deploy vehicle immobilizing devices (VIDs), such as road spikes and stop sticks, to stop dangerous drivers earlier on.

Under the new legislation, police can preemptively deploy VIDs when they have reasonable suspicion that a vehicle is a risk to the safety of the driver, a passenger, a police officer, or another person.

The bill also strengthened firearm controls, which would prevent bolt-action shotguns from being paired with large-capacity detachable magazines that are not necessary for these recreational activities.

"The bill will allow licensed firearms dealers to formally receive firearms from unlicensed people -- encouraging people to hand them in without fear of being arrested and prosecuted," the state government added.

The announcement came after the fatalities on Victorian roads soared to 258 as of Monday, 21.1 percent higher than the same period last year. 
KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP)  The Israeli military raided Gaza's largest hospital early Wednesday, conducting what it called a targeted operation against Hamas as troops seized broader control of northern Gaza, including capturing the territory's legislature building and its police headquarters.

In recent days, the focus of the war has been Shifa Hospital, with hundreds of patients, staff and displaced people trapped inside. Shifa had stopped operations over the weekend, as its supplies dwindled and a lack of electricity left it no way to run incubators and other lifesaving equipment. After days without refrigeration, morgue stuff dug a mass grave Tuesday for 120 bodies in the yard.

Amid the standoff, the hospital in the center of Gaza City became a focal point of clashing narratives about the war, now in its sixth week. Israel claims Hamas is using civilians as human shields, while Palestinians, rights group and international critics say Israel is recklessly harming civilians.

The Israeli military said early Wednesday that it raided specific areas of the sprawling Shifa complex, while trying to avoid harming civilians. The statement gave no further details.

Israel has long alleged that the militants conceal military assets in the facility and other hospitals, a claim denied by Hamas and medical staff.

Elsewhere, the Palestinian Red Crescent said Tuesday it had evacuated patients, doctors and displaced families from another Gaza City hospital, Al-Quds.

Israel vowed to end Hamas rule in Gaza after the Oct. 7 attack, which killed some 1,200 people and resulted in the taking of roughly 240 hostages. The Israeli government has acknowledged it doesnt know what it would do with the territory long-term after Hamas defeat.

The Israeli onslaught has been disastrous for Gazas 2.3 million Palestinians.

More than 11,200 people, two-thirds of them women and minors, have been killed in Gaza, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry in Ramallah. About 2,700 people have been reported missing. The ministrys count does not differentiate between civilian and militant deaths.

Almost the entire population of Gaza has squeezed into the southern two-thirds of the tiny territory, where conditions have been deteriorating as bombardment there continues. About 200,000 fled the north in recent days, the U.N. said Tuesday, though tens of thousands are believed to remain.

The U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees said Tuesday that its fuel storage facility in Gaza was empty and that it would soon cease relief operations, including bringing limited supplies of food and medicine in from Egypt for the more than 600,000 people sheltering in U.N.-run schools and other facilities in the south.

"Without fuel, the humanitarian operation in Gaza is coming to an end. Many more people will suffer and will likely die, said Philippe Lazzarini, the commissioner-general of UNRWA.

Israeli defense officials changed course early Wednesday to allow some 24,000 liters (6,340 gallons) of fuel in for humanitarian efforts, officials said. Earlier, they repeatedly rejected allowing fuel into Gaza saying Hamas would divert it for military use.

The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories, the Israeli defense body responsible for Palestinian affairs, said it would allow U.N. trucks to refill at the Rafah crossing on the Egyptian border later Wednesday. It said the decision was in response to a request from the U.S.

PLIGHT OF HOSPITALS

Fighting has raged for days around the Shifa Hospital complex at the center of Gaza City, turning it "into a cemetery, its director said in a statement.

The Health Ministry said 40 patients, including three babies, have died since Shifas emergency generator ran out of fuel Saturday. Another 36 babies are at risk of dying because there is no power for incubators, according to the ministry.

The Israeli military said it started an effort to transfer incubators to Shifa. But they would be useless without electricity, said Christian Lindmeier, a World Health Organization spokesman.

The Health Ministry has proposed evacuating the hospital with the supervision of the International Committee of the Red Cross and transferring the patients to hospitals in Egypt, but it has not received any response, ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qidra said.

While Israel says it is willing to allow staff and patients to evacuate, some Palestinians who have made it out say Israeli forces have fired at evacuees.

Israel says its claims of a Hamas command center in and beneath Shifa are based on intelligence, but it has not provided visual evidence to support them. Denying the claims, the Gaza Health Ministry says it has invited international organizations to investigate the facility.

The evacuation at the Al-Quds Hospital followed more than 10 days of siege, during which medical and humanitarian supplies were prevented from reaching the hospital, Palestinian Red Crescent officials said.

In a post on social media, they blamed the Israeli army for bombarding the hospital and firing at those inside.

The White Houses national security council spokesperson, John Kirby, said the U.S. has unspecified intelligence that Hamas and other Palestinian militants use Shifa and other hospitals and tunnels underneath them to support military operations and hold hostages.

The intelligence is based on multiple sources, and the U.S. independently collected the information, a U.S. official said on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive matters.

Kirby said the U.S. doesn't support airstrikes on hospitals and does not want to see a firefight in a hospital where innocent people" are trying to get care.

MARCH FOR HOSTAGES

Families and supporters of the around 240 people being held hostage by Hamas started a protest march from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. The plight of the hostages has dominated public discourse since the Oct. 7 attack, with solidarity protests held across the country. The marchers, who expect to reach Jerusalem on Saturday, say the government must do more to bring home their loved-ones.

Where are you? Shelly Shem Tov, whose 21-year-old son, Omer, is among the captives, called out to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. We have no strength anymore. We have no strength. Bring back our children and our families home.

BATTLE IN GAZA CITY

Independent accounts of the fighting in Gaza City have been nearly impossible to gather, as communications to the north have largely collapsed.

Inside some of the newly captured buildings, soldiers held up the Israeli flag and military flags in celebration. In a nationally televised news conference, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said Hamas had lost control of northern Gaza and that Israel made significant gains in Gaza City.

But asked about the time frame for the war, Gallant said: Were talking about long months, not a day or two.

One Israeli commander in Gaza, identified only as Lt. Col. Gilad, said in a video that his forces found weapons and eliminated fighters in government buildings, schools and residential buildings.

Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari said Israeli forces have completed the takeover of Shati refugee camp, a densely built district bordering Gaza City's center, and are moving about freely in the city as a whole.

Israel says it has killed several thousand fighters, including important mid-level commanders, while 46 of its own soldiers have been killed in Gaza.

Jeffery and Keath reported from Cairo. Associated Press writers Amy Teibel in Jerusalem, Wafaa Shurafa in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip; and Samy Magdy in Cairo contributed to this report.

Full AP coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war.
MINNEAPOLIS (AP)  Former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin is making another attempt to overturn his federal civil rights conviction in the 2020 murder of George Floyd, saying new evidence shows that he didn't cause Floyd's death.

In a motion filed in federal court Monday, Chauvin said he never would have pleaded guilty to the charge in 2021 if he had known about the theories of a Kansas pathologist with whom he began corresponding in February. Chauvin is asking the judge who presided over his trial to throw out his conviction and order a new trial, or at least an evidentiary hearing.

Floyd, who was Black, died on May 25, 2020, after Chauvin, who is white, kneeled on his neck for 9 1/2 minutes on the street outside a convenience store where Floyd tried to pass a counterfeit $20 bill. A bystander video captured Floyds fading cries of I cant breathe. Floyds death touched off protests worldwide, some of which turned violent, and forced a national reckoning with police brutality and racism.

Chauvin, who is serving a 21-year sentence at a federal prison in Arizona, filed the request without a lawyer. He says Dr. William Schaetzel, of Topeka, Kansas, told him that he believes Floyd died not from asphyxia from Chauvins actions, but from complications of a rare tumor called a paraganglioma that can cause a fatal surge of adrenaline. The pathologist did not examine Floyds body but reviewed autopsy reports.

I cant go to my grave with what I know, Schaetzel told The Associated Press by phone on Monday, explaining why he reached out to Chauvin. He went on to say, I just want the truth.

Chauvin further alleges that Schaetzel reached out to his trial attorney, Eric Nelson, in 2021, as well as the judge and prosecution in his state-court murder trial, but that Nelson never told him about the pathologist or his ideas. He also alleges that Nelson failed to challenge the constitutionality of the federal charge.

But Chauvin claims in his motion that no jury would have convicted him if it had heard the pathologist's evidence

Nelson declined to comment Monday.

When Chauvin pleaded guilty to the federal charge in December 2021, he waived his rights to appeal except on the basis of a claim of ineffective counsel.

A federal appeals court has rejected Chauvin's requests for a rehearing twice. He's still waiting for the U.S. Supreme Court to decide whether it will hear his appeal of his state court murder conviction.

Three other former officers who were at the scene received lesser state and federal sentences for their roles in Floyd's death.

This story has been corrected to show that the doctor is a pathologist, not a forensic pathologist.
WASHINGTON (AP)  The House voted overwhelmingly Tuesday to prevent a government shutdown after new Republican Speaker Mike Johnson was forced to reach across the aisle to Democrats when hard-right conservatives revolted against his plan.

Johnson's proposal to temporarily fund the government into the new year passed on a bipartisan 336-95 tally, but 93 Republicans voted against it. It was the first time the new speaker had to force vital legislation through the House, and he showed a willingness to leave his right-flank Republicans behind  the same political move that cost the last House speaker, Kevin McCarthy, his job just weeks ago.

For now, Johnson of Louisiana appeared on track for a better outcome. His approach, which the Senate is expected to approve by weeks end, effectively pushes a final showdown over government funding to the new year.

Making sure that government stays in operation is a matter of conscience for all of us. We owe that to the American people," Johnson said earlier Tuesday at a news conference at the Capitol.

The new Republican leader faced the same political problem that led to McCarthy's ouster  angry, frustrated, hard-right GOP lawmakers rejected his approach, demanded budget cuts and voted against the plan. Rather than the applause and handshakes that usually follow passage of a bill, several hardline conservatives animatedly confronted the speaker as they exited the chamber.

Without enough support from his Republican majority, Johnson had little choice but to rely on Democrats to ensure passage to keep the federal government running.

Johnson's proposal puts forward a unique  critics say bizarre  two-part process that temporarily funds some federal agencies to Jan. 19 and others to Feb. 2. Its a continuing resolution, or CR, that comes without any of the deep cuts conservatives have demanded all year. It also fails to include President Joe Bidens request for nearly $106 billion for Ukraine, Israel, border security and other supplemental funds.

We're not surrendering, Johnson assured after a closed-door meeting of House Republicans Tuesday morning, vowing he would not support another stopgap. But you have to choose fights you can win.

Johnson, who announced his endorsement Tuesday of Donald Trump as the Republican nominee for president, hit the airwaves to sell his approach and met privately Monday night with the conservative Freedom Caucus.

Johnson says the innovative approach would position House Republicans to go into the fight for deeper spending cuts in the new year, but many Republicans are skeptical there will be any better outcome in January.

Rep. Chip Roy, a Texas Republican who is part of the House Freedom Caucus, did not hold back on his opinion of the stopgap bill: Its crap.

He said he would give a little bit of room to Johnson, who is three weeks into the job of speaker. But Roy threatened to seize control of the House floor if conservative demands for cuts are not met in the months ahead.

The opposition from hardline conservatives left Johnson with few other options than to skip what's typically a party-only procedural vote, and rely on another process that requires a two-thirds tally with Democrats for passage.

House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said Democrats were willing to find common ground with Republicans while pushing back against Republican extremism whenever necessary.

In a statement with the other the top Democratic leaders, Jeffries pointed out that a federal shutdown would hurt the economy, our national security and everyday Americans." He had noted in a letter to colleagues that the GOP package met Democratic demands to keep funding at current levels without steep reductions or divisive Republican policy priorities.

Winning bipartisan approval of a continuing resolution is the same move that led McCarthys hard-right flank to oust him in October, days after the Sept. 30 vote to avert a federal shutdown. For now, Johnson appears to be benefiting from a political honeymoon in one of his first big tests on the job.

Look, were going to trust the speakers move here," said Rep. Drew Ferguson, R-Ga.

But Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., a McCarthy ally who opposed his ouster, said Johnson should be held to the same standard. Whats the point in throwing out one speaker if nothing changes? The only way to make sure that real changes happen is make the red line stay the same for every speaker.

The Senate, where Democrats have a slim majority, has signaled its willingness to accept Johnson's package ahead of Friday's deadline to fund the government.

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell called the House package a solution and said he expected it to pass Congress with bipartisan support.

Its nice to see us working together to avoid a government shutdown," he said.

But McConnell, R-Ky., has noted that Congress still has work to do toward Biden's request to provide U.S. military aid for Ukraine and Israel and for other needs. Senators are trying to devise a separate package to fund U.S. supplies for the overseas wars and to bolster border security, but it remains a work in progress.

If approved, passage of the continuing resolution would be a less-than-triumphant capstone to the House GOP's first year in the majority. The Republicans have worked tirelessly to cut federal government spending only to find their own GOP colleagues unwilling to go along with the most conservative priorities. Two of the Republican bills collapsed last week as moderates revolted.

Instead, the Republicans are left funding the government essentially on autopilot at the levels that were set in bipartisan fashion at the end of 2022, when Democrats had control of Congress but the two parties came together to agree on budget terms.

All that could change in the new year when 1% cuts across the board to all departments would be triggered if Congress failed to agree to new budget terms and pass the traditional appropriation bills to fund the government by springtime.

The 1% automatic cuts, which would take hold in April, are despised by all sides  Republicans say they are not enough, Democrats say they are too steep and many lawmakers prefer to boost defense funds. But they are part of the debt deal McCarthy and Biden struck earlier this year. The idea was to push Congress to do better.

The legislation also extends farm bill programs through September, the end of the current fiscal year. That addition was an important win for some farm-state lawmakers. Rep. Mark Pocan, D-Wis., for example, warned that without the extension, milk prices would have soared and hurt producers back in his home state.

The farm bill extension was the biggest sweetener for me, said Pocan.

Associated Press writers Kevin Freking, Farnoush Amiri and Mary Clare Jalonick contributed to this report.
MEXICO CITY (AP)  Thousands marched in Mexico's capital Monday night demanding justice for Jesus Ociel Baena, an influential LGBTQ+ figure who was found dead at home in the central city of Aguascalientes after receiving death threats.

Baena was the first openly nonbinary person to assume a judicial post in Mexico, becoming a magistrate in the Aguascalientes state electoral court, and broke through other barriers in a country where LGBTQ+ people are often targeted with violence.

The state prosecutors office confirmed that Baena was found dead Monday morning next to another person, who local media and LGBTQ+ rights groups identified as Baena's partner, Dorian Herrera.

State prosecutor Jesus Figueroa Ortega said at a news conference that the two displayed injuries apparently caused by a knife or some other sharp object.

There are no signs or indications to be able to determine that a third person other than the dead was at the site of the crime, Figuerora Ortega said.

The suggestion that suicide was one possibility in the deaths quickly sparked outrage, with LGBTQ+ groups calling it another attempt by authorities to simply brush aside violence against their communities. People who knew Baena said the magistrate in recent weeks was chipper and talked passionately about the future.

Federal Security Secretary Rosa Icela Rodriguez said at a briefing that authorities were investigating the deaths and it remained unclear if it was a homicide or an accident. Some homicides in Mexico have a history of being quickly minimized by authorities as crimes of passion.

Alejandro Brito, director of the LGBTQ+ rights group Letra S, said Baenas visibility on social media made the magistrate a target and urged authorities to take that into consideration in their investigation.

They were a person who received many hate messages, and even threats of violence and death, and you cant ignore that in these investigations, Brito said. They, the magistrate, was breaking through the invisible barriers that closed in the nonbinary community.

Brito was echoed by thousands who gathered in the heart of Mexico City lighting candles over photos of Baena and other victims of anti-LGBTQ+ violence. They shouted Justice and We won't stay silent and demanded a thorough investigation into the deaths.

Among them was Nish Lopez, who came out as nonbinary in March, partly in response to Baena's inspiration.

I loved them because they made people uncomfortable, but they knew what they were doing, Lopez said. Through institutions they showed that you can inspire change regardless of your gender identity.

In becoming a magistrate in October 2022, Baena was thought to be the first nonbinary person in Latin America to assume a judicial position. Baena broke through another barrier this May as one of a group of people to be issued Mexicos first passports listing the holders as nonbinary.

Baena appeared in regularly published photos and videos wearing skirts and heels and toting a rainbow fan in court offices and advocated on social media platforms, drawing hundreds of thousands of followers.

I am a nonbinary person. I am not interested in being seen as either a woman or a man. This is an identity. It is mine, for me, and nobody else. Accept it, Baena posted on X, formerly Twitter, in June.

Last month, the electoral court presented Baena with a certificate recognizing the magistrate with the gender neutral noun maestre, a significant step in Spanish, a language that splits most of its words between two genders, masculine or feminine.

While Mexico has made significant steps in reducing anti-LGBTQ+ violence, Brito's Letra S documented at least 117 lesbian, gay and bisexual and transgender people slain. Many were grisly killings, including brutal stabbings and public slayings.

The National Observatory of Hate Crimes Against LGBTI+ Persons in Mexico registered 305 violent hate crimes against sexual minorities in 2019-2022, including murder, disappearances and more.

Brito said he worried that Baena's death could provoke further violence against LGBQT+ people.

If this was a crime motivated by prejudice, these kinds of crimes always have the intention of sending a message, Brito said. The message is an intimidation, it's to say: This is what could happen to you if you make your identities public."

But for Lopez, the nonbinary Mexican who walked with throngs of people in heels and many others in the crowd Monday night, the overwhelming feeling wasn't fear. They wanted to carry on Baenas legacy.

Im not scared, Im angry, Lopez said. Im here to make myself visible.

Follow APs coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america
LONDON (AP)  An expert scientific committee advising the British government recommended for the first time Tuesday that children should be immunized with the chickenpox vaccine  decades after the shots were made widely available in other countries, including the U.S., Canada and Australia.

In Britain, those who want to be immunized against the disease have to pay about 150 (US $184).

In a statement, Britain's Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation said that children between 1 year and 18 months should be offered two doses of the vaccine, in a shot that also combines protection against measles, mumps and rubella.

For some babies, young children and even adults, chickenpox or its complications can be very serious, resulting in hospitalization and even death, said Andrew Pollard, chair of the expert vaccine group in a statement.

Pollard said that decades of evidence of the vaccine's effectiveness from other countries demonstrate the vaccine's safety; the U.S. was the first country to introduce an immunization program against chickenpox in 1995.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describes chickenpox cases in the country as rare, estimating there are fewer than 150,000 cases and 30 deaths every year.

British experts have previously estimated there are more than 650,000 cases of chickenpox in England and Wales.

Chickenpox is a highly infectious disease that mostly affects children and can cause an itchy rash, blisters and fever. Symptoms usually last about a week, but in rare cases, the virus can lead to pneumonia, encephalitis and even death. Two doses of the vaccine offer more than 90% protection against the disease.

The chickenpox vaccine recommendation will next be considered by the government.

Britain's National Health Service has long said that introducing the chickenpox vaccine might leave some adults vulnerable to shingles, if unvaccinated children catch the virus as adults, which can be more severe than chickenpox.

Experts noted, however, that Britain's government offers the shingles vaccine to adults at risk of the disease.

Dr. Gayatri Amirthalingam, deputy director of public health programs at Britain's Health Security Agency, said the new chickenpox vaccine recommendations would help make chickenpox a problem of the past.
Sun Yueqiang (C), director of the Key Laboratory for Space Environment Exploration of the National Space Science Center under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, checks key parameters with the space-exploration payload technology team, Nov. 9, 2023. (National Space Science Center under the Chinese Academy of Sciences/Handout via Xinhua)

BEIJING, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- While providing people with high-precision positioning and navigation, China's BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) has also become more significant in accurate weather forecasting.

To explain the scientific principles behind it, Sun Yueqiang, director of the Key Laboratory for Space Environment Exploration of the National Space Science Center under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, drew a diagram with the Earth in the middle, a Fengyun satellite 800 kilometers away at one end, and a BDS satellite around 20,000 kilometers away at the other end.

"When the BDS satellite works, the signal passing through the Earth's ionosphere and atmosphere will be delayed and bent, producing errors," said Sun, also deputy chief designer of the Fengyun-3 satellite.

"But if we know the exact locations of the BDS and Fengyun satellites, through an inversion processing of the signal error values, we can retrieve the parameters of the Earth's ionosphere and atmosphere, which can be applied to meteorological and space weather monitoring and forecasting," she said.

According to the scientist, a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signal receiver placed on a Fengyun satellite receives GNSS signals, the retrieved atmospheric profiles equivalent to that of more than 1,000 sounding balloons released worldwide, and the observation data can be transmitted to the numerical weather prediction center within three hours.

"After years of efforts, we have overcome numerous technical difficulties to realize this technique," she said, adding that the technique, called radio occultation (RO), can provide timely data support for weather forecasting and effectively enhance forecasting accuracy.

In addition to serving China's weather prediction, the data acquired by Sun's team has also been assimilated into the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), as well as international numerical weather prediction systems in Germany, Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, and other countries.

"It demonstrates that China's independently innovated detection technology in the RO field has reached the world's advanced level," Sun said.

As a leading figure in China's space environment exploration, Sun has been committed to promoting innovative space-exploration payload technology development.

Over the past years, she has led her team to make several innovative key technology breakthroughs in space particle detection, short-wave optics, and deep-space environment detection.

So far, various environment-detection equipment types developed by Sun's team have formed part of hundreds of China's satellites running in orbit. Many of these have played vital roles in China's major space projects, such as the Tianwen, Chang'e, and Tiangong space stations.

For example, the lunar surface neutron and radiation dose detector placed on Chang'e-4 has obtained a large amount of detection data. The detector, developed by Sun's team in collaboration with German scientists, found that radiation on the moon's surface is 200 to 300 times higher than on the Earth's surface, laying the foundation for radiation-proof design for China's future manned moon landings.

In addition, the detector developed by Sun's team realized plasma imaging detection for the first time on China's space station. It provided data support for astronauts to avoid the risk of high-energy particle radiation during extravehicular activities.

In recent years, Sun has led her team to challenge the new heights of BDS/GNSS remote sensing technology.

Using the reflected signal of BDS/GNSS to detect sea-surface wind speed, Sun and her team have realized the operational application of numerical weather prediction for the first time in the world. They also applied it to ocean gravity, soil moisture, and sea-ice monitoring.

Recently, Sun and her team have established the International Laboratory on Climate and Atmosphere Research with Occultation & Reflectometry Observing Systems with the University of Graz in Austria and the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) to jointly create a global shared GNSS remote sensing climate database, develop new GNSS remote sensing technology, and promote GNSS meteorology development.

"Space environment exploration is essential to exploring the Universe," Sun said.

"I hope to make BDS play a greater role in remote sensing detection, and I hope that China will make greater contributions to climate change research," she added. 
BAGHDAD, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- Three Islamic State (IS) militants, including a local ringleader, were killed in an operation in Iraq's northern province of Kirkuk, the Iraqi military said on Tuesday.

Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service forces, backed by helicopter gunships, launched an operation to hunt down members of an IS cell in the Wadi-Zghaiton area in the southwest of the namesake provincial capital Kirkuk, Yahia Rasoul, spokesman of the commander-in-chief of Iraqi forces, said in a statement.

The group leader was killed in a helicopter bombing, and the second militant blew himself up after being surrounded, while the third was shot dead at an abandoned house, the statement said, without specifying exactly when they were killed.

The security situation in Iraq has improved since the defeat of the IS in 2017. However, the IS remnants have since melted into urban centers, deserts, and rugged areas, carrying out frequent guerilla attacks against security forces and civilians. 
Wits counts

The sixth annual prize-giving for the Maths Competition is more than a ceremony, it is a celebration of the significant impact that maths can have in Africa.

Wits University hosted its sixth annual prize-giving for the Maths Competition 2023 on 31 October. The competition began in 2018 and aims to promote mathematics at all levels in Africa. The competition has five levels, Middle Primary (Grades 4 and 5), Upper Primary (Grades 6 and 7), Junior Secondary (Grades 8 and 9), Senior Secondary (Grades 10, 11 and 12) and Undergraduate. This year the competition received approximately 11 000 entrants from all nine provinces of South Africa as well as entrants from Botswana, Namibia, Rwanda, Nigeria and Liberia.

Jonathan Kariv, a Lecturer at the School of Computer Sciences and Applied Mathematics and the driving force behind the Wits Maths Competition 2023, shares insights into the competition's motivations and the unique aspects that set this year apart.

"At the heart of our mission is the desire to uncover and nurture local mathematical talent. We aim to introduce students to the captivating world of competition mathematics, fostering a deep appreciation for the subject and encouraging further exploration, even into the realms of research, says Kariv.

One significant development this year was the inclusion of Allan Gray as a sponsor, marking a pivotal moment in the competition's trajectory. This partnership enabled the hosting of a July training camp at Wits, where learners who had excelled in the qualifying round immersed themselves in a week of intensive Olympiad mathematics training.

"This initiative was a game-changer, providing a unique opportunity for talented individuals, including those facing socio-economic challenges, to engage with advanced mathematical concepts and elevate their skills," says Kariv.

Reflecting on the impact of this year's competition, Kariv highlights the return to a traditional format with a final round at Wits and regional centres, culminating in a lively prize-giving ceremony.

"This marked the first truly post-COVID year for the competition, allowing us to bring participants together physically, fostering a sense of community and celebration that was sorely missed during the previous year's virtual events."

The success of the Wits Maths Competition is perhaps most evident in the sheer magnitude of participation. With 11 000 eager minds vying for mathematical supremacy, the competition has become a testament to the growing enthusiasm and interest in mathematics within the community. The impact of this annual event extends beyond the competition itself, permeating the fabric of society and leaving an indelible mark on the educational landscape.

As one of the competition winners and grade 5 learner at Norkem Park Primary School, Thandolethu Ngulube, puts it, "Wits counts, not just in the realm of academia, but in the broader societal context. The Wits Maths Competition serves as a powerful vehicle for transformative experiences, unlocking the potential of thousands of young minds and propelling them towards a future where mathematics is not just a subject but a lifelong pursuit."

A list of 2023 winners is here.
StockNews.com cut shares of Avista (NYSE:AVA  Free Report) from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note published on Friday.

AVA has been the subject of a number of other research reports. KeyCorp raised shares of Avista from an underweight rating to a sector weight rating in a research note on Friday, August 25th. Mizuho cut their price target on shares of Avista from $36.00 to $33.00 and set an underperform rating on the stock in a report on Friday, September 22nd. Guggenheim dropped their price objective on shares of Avista from $33.00 to $26.00 in a report on Monday, October 9th. Finally, TheStreet lowered shares of Avista from a b rating to a c rating in a report on Tuesday, September 5th.

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Avista Stock Performance

Avista stock opened at $33.30 on Friday. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $33.01 and a 200-day moving average price of $37.01. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.07, a quick ratio of 0.69 and a current ratio of 0.94. Avista has a fifty-two week low of $30.53 and a fifty-two week high of $45.28. The company has a market capitalization of $2.58 billion, a PE ratio of 15.14, a P/E/G ratio of 2.45 and a beta of 0.53.

Avista (NYSE:AVA  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 1st. The utilities provider reported $0.19 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.11 by $0.08. Avista had a net margin of 9.46% and a return on equity of 6.93%. The firm had revenue of $369.70 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $354.31 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted ($0.08) earnings per share. The companys revenue was up 5.7% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities analysts forecast that Avista will post 2.31 earnings per share for the current year.

Avista Announces Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 15th. Investors of record on Friday, November 17th will be given a dividend of $0.46 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, November 16th. This represents a $1.84 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 5.53%. Avistas dividend payout ratio is presently 83.64%.

Insider Activity at Avista

In other news, Chairman Scott L. Morris acquired 3,100 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, August 24th. The stock was acquired at an average price of $32.39 per share, for a total transaction of $100,409.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chairman now owns 128,169 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,151,393.91. The acquisition was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. 1.00% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of large investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. D.A. Davidson & CO. raised its position in shares of Avista by 3.8% in the first quarter. D.A. Davidson & CO. now owns 6,983 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $315,000 after acquiring an additional 254 shares during the period. Metropolitan Life Insurance Co NY raised its position in shares of Avista by 6.1% during the 4th quarter. Metropolitan Life Insurance Co NY now owns 4,559 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $202,000 after purchasing an additional 263 shares during the last quarter. American International Group Inc. raised its position in shares of Avista by 0.7% during the 2nd quarter. American International Group Inc. now owns 40,555 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $1,593,000 after purchasing an additional 271 shares during the last quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors raised its position in shares of Avista by 2.8% during the 2nd quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 10,050 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $437,000 after purchasing an additional 271 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Prudential Financial Inc. raised its position in shares of Avista by 0.4% during the 2nd quarter. Prudential Financial Inc. now owns 77,496 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $3,319,000 after purchasing an additional 274 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 78.53% of the companys stock.

Avista Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Avista Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an electric and natural gas utility company. It operates in two segments, Avista Utilities and AEL&P. The Avista Utilities segment provides electric distribution and transmission, and natural gas distribution services in parts of eastern Washington and northern Idaho; and natural gas distribution services in parts of northeastern and southwestern Oregon, as well as generates electricity in Washington, Idaho, Oregon, and Montana.

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Dudley Capital Management LLC trimmed its position in Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE:TMO  Free Report) by 10.6% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 1,085 shares of the medical research companys stock after selling 128 shares during the quarter. Dudley Capital Management LLCs holdings in Thermo Fisher Scientific were worth $566,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other large investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in TMO. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership increased its position in shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific by 3.7% in the 1st quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership now owns 681,679 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $392,899,000 after buying an additional 24,376 shares in the last quarter. American Trust raised its holdings in Thermo Fisher Scientific by 13.2% during the 1st quarter. American Trust now owns 6,743 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $3,886,000 after buying an additional 784 shares during the period. Sterling Investment Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific in the second quarter valued at approximately $1,074,000. Alta Capital Management LLC lifted its position in Thermo Fisher Scientific by 5.1% in the 2nd quarter. Alta Capital Management LLC now owns 88,286 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $46,064,000 after acquiring an additional 4,307 shares in the last quarter. Finally, First Manhattan CO. LLC. raised its stake in shares of 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 purchasing an additional 72,792 shares during the period. 87.06% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Insider Activity

In related news, EVP Gianluca Pettiti sold 3,000 shares of the firms 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 $9,792,210.12. The sale 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 businesss stock in a transaction 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 completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 17,556 shares of the companys stock, valued at $9,792,210.12. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, CEO Marc N. Casper sold 10,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $454.41, for a total transaction of $4,544,100.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 131,175 shares in the company, valued at approximately $59,607,231.75. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last ninety days, insiders sold 23,000 shares of company stock worth $10,778,910. 0.32% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of research firms have recently issued reports on TMO. Royal Bank of Canada lowered their price objective on shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific from $657.00 to $579.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, October 26th. Citigroup dropped their price target on Thermo Fisher Scientific from $625.00 to $530.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, October 26th. Wells Fargo & Company upgraded shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific from an underweight rating to an equal weight rating and set a $475.00 price target on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, October 25th. StockNews.com raised shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Thursday, October 26th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus cut their price target on Thermo Fisher Scientific from $660.00 to $530.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, October 26th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fifteen have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Thermo Fisher Scientific has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $593.94.

View Our Latest Stock Report on Thermo Fisher Scientific

Thermo Fisher Scientific Trading Up 1.5 %

Shares of TMO stock opened at $451.70 on Tuesday. Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. has a 52-week low of $415.60 and a 52-week high of $609.85. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $484.20 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $516.46. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.67, a quick ratio of 1.25 and a current ratio of 1.63. The company has a market capitalization of $174.52 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 29.16, a PEG ratio of 2.72 and a beta of 0.81.

Thermo Fisher Scientific (NYSE:TMO  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, October 25th. The medical research company reported $5.69 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $5.61 by $0.08. The firm had revenue of $10.57 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $10.60 billion. Thermo Fisher Scientific had a net margin of 13.68% and a return on equity of 18.88%. The companys quarterly revenue was down 1.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $5.08 earnings per share. Research analysts anticipate that Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. will post 21.52 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Thermo Fisher Scientific Announces Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, January 16th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 15th will be given a dividend of $0.35 per share. This represents a $1.40 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.31%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 14th. Thermo Fisher Scientifics dividend payout ratio is presently 9.17%.

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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Rhumbline Advisers trimmed its position in International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (NYSE:IFF  Free Report) by 2.1% during the second quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 473,890 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock after selling 10,228 shares during the period. Rhumbline Advisers holdings in International Flavors & Fragrances were worth $37,717,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Smithfield Trust Co raised its stake in International Flavors & Fragrances by 42.1% during the 2nd quarter. Smithfield Trust Co now owns 1,293 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $102,000 after acquiring an additional 383 shares in the last quarter. Prospera Financial Services Inc raised its stake in International Flavors & Fragrances by 6.1% during the 2nd quarter. Prospera Financial Services Inc now owns 25,683 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $2,044,000 after acquiring an additional 1,473 shares in the last quarter. Texas Permanent School Fund Corp raised its stake in International Flavors & Fragrances by 0.6% during the 2nd quarter. Texas Permanent School Fund Corp now owns 53,478 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $4,256,000 after acquiring an additional 323 shares in the last quarter. Desjardins Global Asset Management Inc. raised its stake in International Flavors & Fragrances by 16.3% during the 2nd quarter. Desjardins Global Asset Management Inc. now owns 984 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $78,000 after acquiring an additional 138 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Vestmark Advisory Solutions Inc. raised its stake in International Flavors & Fragrances by 15.9% during the 2nd quarter. Vestmark Advisory Solutions Inc. now owns 5,983 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $476,000 after acquiring an additional 820 shares in the last quarter. 89.52% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several brokerages recently commented on IFF. UBS Group lowered shares of International Flavors & Fragrances from a buy rating to a neutral rating and cut their price target for the stock from $88.00 to $78.00 in a research note on Monday. Societe Generale downgraded shares of International Flavors & Fragrances from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $80.00 price objective on the stock. in a research report on Tuesday, August 8th. Robert W. Baird lowered their price objective on shares of International Flavors & Fragrances from $106.00 to $75.00 in a research report on Wednesday, August 9th. The Goldman Sachs Group downgraded shares of International Flavors & Fragrances from a buy rating to a neutral rating and lowered their price objective for the stock from $120.00 to $78.00 in a research report on Wednesday, August 9th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company raised their price objective on shares of International Flavors & Fragrances from $80.00 to $85.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 8th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eleven have given a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $76.27.

International Flavors & Fragrances Stock Down 0.7 %

Shares of NYSE:IFF opened at $71.23 on Tuesday. The company has a market cap of $18.18 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 395.72, a PEG ratio of 5.59 and a beta of 1.16. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $67.77 and its 200-day simple moving average is $74.94. The company has a quick ratio of 1.04, a current ratio of 1.74 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.54. International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $62.11 and a fifty-two week high of $118.34.

International Flavors & Fragrances (NYSE:IFF  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Monday, November 6th. The specialty chemicals company reported $0.89 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.75 by $0.14. The business had revenue of $2.82 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.76 billion. International Flavors & Fragrances had a net margin of 0.40% and a return on equity of 5.22%. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 7.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $1.36 earnings per share. As a group, equities research analysts predict that International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. will post 3.36 earnings per share for the current year.

International Flavors & Fragrances Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, January 8th. Investors of record on Thursday, December 28th will be issued a dividend of $0.81 per share. This represents a $3.24 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.55%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, December 27th. International Flavors & Fragrancess dividend payout ratio is currently 1,800.00%.

International Flavors & Fragrances Profile

(Free Report)

International Flavors & Fragrances Inc, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells cosmetic active and natural health ingredients for use in various consumer products in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Greater Asia, North America, and Latin America. It operates through four segments: Nourish, Scent, Health & Biosciences, and Pharma Solutions.

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Rhumbline Advisers grew its stake in Tyler Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:TYL  Free Report) by 1.5% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 91,217 shares of the technology companys stock after buying an additional 1,307 shares during the period. Rhumbline Advisers owned 0.22% of Tyler Technologies worth $37,989,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Exchange Traded Concepts LLC purchased a new position in shares of Tyler Technologies in the second quarter worth $44,000. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Tyler Technologies by 307.6% in the first quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 18,937 shares of the technology companys stock worth $6,716,000 after buying an additional 14,291 shares during the last quarter. Hengehold Capital Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Tyler Technologies in the second quarter worth $214,000. Centaurus Financial Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Tyler Technologies by 44.6% in the first quarter. Centaurus Financial Inc. now owns 18,467 shares of the technology companys stock worth $6,549,000 after buying an additional 5,694 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Crescent Grove Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of Tyler Technologies in the second quarter worth $225,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 91.28% of the companys stock.

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Tyler Technologies Stock Down 0.6 %

Shares of NYSE TYL opened at $416.16 on Tuesday. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $387.23 and its 200-day simple moving average is $391.94. Tyler Technologies, Inc. has a 52-week low of $301.69 and a 52-week high of $426.83. The firm has a market cap of $17.53 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 112.17, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.87 and a beta of 0.78. The company has a quick ratio of 0.93, a current ratio of 0.93 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.25.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

TYL has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. Piper Sandler raised their price target on shares of Tyler Technologies from $465.00 to $480.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Friday, November 3rd. Robert W. Baird increased their price objective on shares of Tyler Technologies from $470.00 to $475.00 in a research note on Friday, July 28th. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Tyler Technologies in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Truist Financial increased their price objective on shares of Tyler Technologies from $475.00 to $510.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday, November 3rd. Finally, Needham & Company LLC reiterated a buy rating and issued a $475.00 price objective on shares of Tyler Technologies in a research note on Friday, November 3rd. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $442.43.

Read Our Latest Stock Report on TYL

Insider Activity

In other news, Director Dustin R. Womble sold 2,111 shares of Tyler Technologies stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, August 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $396.87, for a total value of $837,792.57. Following the sale, the director now owns 12,805 shares in the company, valued at $5,081,920.35. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other news, Director Dustin R. Womble sold 1,231 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $408.66, for a total value of $503,060.46. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 12,805 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,232,891.30. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, Director Dustin R. Womble sold 2,111 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, August 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $396.87, for a total transaction of $837,792.57. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 12,805 shares in the company, valued at $5,081,920.35. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 13,842 shares of company stock worth $5,579,313 over the last 90 days. 2.20% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Tyler Technologies Profile

(Free Report)

Tyler Technologies, Inc provides integrated information management solutions and services for the public sector. It operates in two segments, Enterprise Software, and Platform Technologies. The company offers financial management solutions, including modular fund accounting systems for government agencies or not-for-profit entities; utility billing systems for the billing and collection of metered and non-metered services; products to automate city and county functions, such as municipal courts, parking tickets, equipment and project costing, animal and business licenses, permits and inspections, code enforcement, citizen complaint tracking, ambulance billing, fleet maintenance, and cemetery records management; student information and transportation solutions for K-12 schools; and financial management systems.

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Texas Capital Bank Wealth Management Services Inc. boosted its stake in Chevron Co. (NYSE:CVX  Free Report) by 17.0% during the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund owned 2,260 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after acquiring an additional 328 shares during the period. Texas Capital Bank Wealth Management Services Inc.s holdings in Chevron were worth $356,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Berkeley Capital Partners LLC increased its position in shares of Chevron by 13.1% during the second quarter. Berkeley Capital Partners LLC now owns 14,333 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $2,255,000 after buying an additional 1,661 shares during the period. Loring Wolcott & Coolidge Fiduciary Advisors LLP MA boosted its position in Chevron by 13.4% during the second quarter. Loring Wolcott & Coolidge Fiduciary Advisors LLP MA now owns 79,961 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $12,582,000 after acquiring an additional 9,477 shares during the last quarter. Kooman & Associates grew its holdings in Chevron by 11.2% during the 2nd quarter. Kooman & Associates now owns 1,568 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $247,000 after acquiring an additional 158 shares during the period. Reuter James Wealth Management LLC raised its position in shares of Chevron by 30.6% in the 2nd quarter. Reuter James Wealth Management LLC now owns 6,659 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $1,048,000 after acquiring an additional 1,561 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Great Lakes Retirement Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Chevron by 0.9% in the 2nd quarter. Great Lakes Retirement Inc. now owns 7,789 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $1,226,000 after purchasing an additional 73 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 68.87% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several equities research analysts recently commented on CVX shares. The Goldman Sachs Group raised Chevron from a neutral rating to a buy rating and raised their target price for the stock from $166.00 to $187.00 in a research note on Monday, July 31st. BNP Paribas upgraded shares of Chevron from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and set a $190.00 price objective for the company in a research note on Thursday, October 12th. Mizuho boosted their target price on shares of Chevron from $209.00 to $215.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Monday, September 18th. HSBC raised their price target on shares of Chevron from $180.00 to $184.00 in a report on Wednesday, August 9th. Finally, UBS Group upped their price objective on shares of Chevron from $209.00 to $210.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, October 4th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fourteen have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Chevron has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $189.00.

Chevron Stock Up 0.7 %

Shares of NYSE:CVX opened at $143.99 on Tuesday. The stock has a market cap of $271.82 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.69, a PEG ratio of 0.76 and a beta of 1.16. The businesss 50 day moving average is $160.48 and its 200 day moving average is $158.75. Chevron Co. has a 12-month low of $141.73 and a 12-month high of $189.68. The company has a quick ratio of 0.97, a current ratio of 1.25 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.12.

Chevron (NYSE:CVX  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Friday, October 27th. The oil and gas company reported $3.05 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $3.70 by ($0.65). Chevron had a return on equity of 16.15% and a net margin of 12.11%. The firm had revenue of $54.08 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $51.41 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $5.56 EPS. The businesss revenue was down 18.9% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that Chevron Co. will post 13.59 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Chevron Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 11th. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 17th will be paid a $1.51 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, November 16th. This represents a $6.04 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.19%. Chevrons dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 44.84%.

Chevron Company 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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YANGON, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar will hold the Mandalay International Trade Fair and Investment Forum 2023 in the second-largest city of Mandalay from Dec. 20 to Dec. 22, according to the Mandalay Region Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Tuesday.

"It is the second time of the trade fair. A total of 262 booths will be included in the trade fair," U Win Htay, president of the Mandalay Region Chamber of Commerce and Industry, told Xinhua on Tuesday.

The Mandalay International Trade Fair and Business Forum 2019 was held in Mandalay in March 2019.

Traders from China bought over 70 booths to display their products at the trade fair, and traders from Indonesia, Bangladesh, India and other countries will also participate in the event, he said.

The event is aimed at inviting international traders to visit Myanmar and sell their products, promoting hotels and tourism businesses, and facilitating business networks, he said.

The products that will be displayed at the trade fair will consist of foods, consumer products, cosmetics, medicines, agricultural machinery, motor vehicles and others, according to the Chamber of Commerce.

Mandalay, with a population of over 1.2 million people, is the second largest city in Myanmar and serves as a center for trade, production and logistics in upper Myanmar. 
Texas Capital Bank Wealth Management Services Inc. decreased its holdings in shares of United Parcel Service, Inc. (NYSE:UPS  Free Report) by 18.4% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 1,663 shares of the transportation companys stock after selling 374 shares during the period. Texas Capital Bank Wealth Management Services Inc.s holdings in United Parcel Service were worth $298,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in UPS. Pacific Center for Financial Services bought a new stake in shares of United Parcel Service during the 1st quarter valued at about $25,000. Worth Asset Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of United Parcel Service during the 1st quarter valued at about $27,000. Carolina Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of United Parcel Service by 216.0% during the 2nd quarter. Carolina Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 158 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $28,000 after purchasing an additional 108 shares in the last quarter. Centerpoint Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of United Parcel Service by 205.0% during the 1st quarter. Centerpoint Advisors LLC now owns 183 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $36,000 after purchasing an additional 123 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Syverson Strege & Co boosted its position in shares of United Parcel Service by 252.5% during the 1st quarter. Syverson Strege & Co now owns 215 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $42,000 after purchasing an additional 154 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 58.45% of the companys stock.

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Insider Buying and Selling at United Parcel Service

In other news, insider Nando Cesarone sold 22,825 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, August 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $171.70, for a total value of $3,919,052.50. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 1 shares of the companys stock, valued at $171.70. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. 0.12% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

United Parcel Service Price Performance

Shares of NYSE UPS opened at $138.17 on Tuesday. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $151.63 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $167.26. United Parcel Service, Inc. has a 1-year low of $133.68 and a 1-year high of $197.80. The firm has a market cap of $117.71 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.98, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.57 and a beta of 1.10. The company has a current ratio of 1.22, a quick ratio of 1.22 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.98.

United Parcel Service (NYSE:UPS  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 26th. The transportation company reported $1.57 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.53 by $0.04. United Parcel Service had a return on equity of 43.46% and a net margin of 9.19%. The business had revenue of $21.06 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $21.40 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $2.99 earnings per share. United Parcel Services revenue was down 12.8% compared to the same quarter last year. Analysts anticipate that United Parcel Service, Inc. will post 8.82 earnings per share for the current year.

United Parcel Service Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, November 30th. Shareholders of record on Monday, November 13th will be issued a dividend of $1.62 per share. This represents a $6.48 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.69%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, November 10th. United Parcel Services dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 65.59%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of research analysts recently weighed in on the company. HSBC assumed coverage on United Parcel Service in a research note on Friday, September 29th. They set a hold rating and a $170.00 price target on the stock. Loop Capital downgraded United Parcel Service from a buy rating to a hold rating and dropped their price target for the stock from $210.00 to $195.00 in a research note on Wednesday, August 9th. TheStreet downgraded United Parcel Service from a b- rating to a c rating in a research note on Thursday, October 26th. Oppenheimer lowered their price objective on United Parcel Service from $195.00 to $184.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Monday, September 18th. Finally, Susquehanna lowered their price objective on United Parcel Service from $173.00 to $160.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Monday, October 2nd. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, sixteen have given a hold rating, six have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $188.91.

Check Out Our Latest Report on United Parcel Service

United Parcel Service Profile

(Free Report)

United Parcel Service, Inc, a package delivery company, provides transportation and delivery, distribution, contract logistics, ocean freight, airfreight, customs brokerage, and insurance services. It operates through two segments, U.S. Domestic Package and International Package. The U.S. Domestic Package segment offers time-definite delivery of letters, documents, small packages, and palletized freight through air and ground services in the United States.

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Veritable L.P. lessened its holdings in shares of Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM  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 127,292 shares of the companys stock after selling 5,415 shares during the period. Veritable L.P.s holdings in Philip Morris International were worth $12,426,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of PM. Barrett & Company Inc. bought a new position in shares of Philip Morris International during the 1st quarter valued at about $32,000. NewSquare Capital LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Philip Morris International by 127.0% during the 1st quarter. NewSquare Capital LLC now owns 370 shares of the companys stock valued at $36,000 after purchasing an additional 207 shares in the last quarter. Blume Capital Management Inc. bought a new position in shares of Philip Morris International during the 1st quarter valued at about $36,000. Spotlight Asset Group Inc. bought a new position in shares of Philip Morris International during the 2nd quarter valued at about $37,000. Finally, Altshuler Shaham Ltd bought a new position in shares of Philip Morris International during the 1st quarter valued at about $40,000. Institutional investors own 79.70% of the companys stock.

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Philip Morris International Stock Up 0.2 %

NYSE:PM opened at $90.21 on Tuesday. The firm has a market capitalization of $140.04 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.48, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.12 and a beta of 0.77. Philip Morris International Inc. has a twelve month low of $87.23 and a twelve month high of $105.62. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $92.39 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $94.45.

Philip Morris International Increases Dividend

Philip Morris International ( NYSE:PM Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 19th. The company reported $1.67 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.62 by $0.05. The firm had revenue of $9.14 billion for 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 9.62%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 13.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $1.53 EPS. As a group, analysts anticipate that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 6.18 earnings per share for the current year.

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, October 12th. Investors of record on Wednesday, September 27th were issued 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 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 5.76%. Philip Morris Internationals payout ratio is presently 100.97%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

PM has been the topic of several recent analyst reports. UBS Group cut their price objective on Philip Morris International from $116.00 to $112.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, October 5th. Barclays dropped their target price 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. Morgan Stanley dropped their target price on Philip Morris International from $118.00 to $113.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, October 2nd. Jefferies Financial Group dropped their target price on Philip Morris International from $111.00 to $105.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, October 13th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus reissued a buy rating and issued a $114.00 target price on shares of Philip Morris International in a research report on Monday, October 2nd. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has assigned a hold rating and nine have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Philip Morris International has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $110.73.

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Philip Morris International Profile

(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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Veritable L.P. trimmed its stake in Exxon Mobil Co. (NYSE:XOM  Free Report) by 0.6% during the second quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The fund owned 139,226 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after selling 774 shares during the period. Veritable L.P.s holdings in Exxon Mobil were worth $14,932,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in XOM. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich grew its holdings in shares of Exxon Mobil by 100,169.8% in the second quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 1,032,339,935 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $110,718,458,000 after purchasing an additional 1,031,310,373 shares in the last quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC grew its holdings in Exxon Mobil by 140,855.3% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 123,341,568 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $13,604,575,000 after acquiring an additional 123,254,064 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank acquired a new position in Exxon Mobil during the 4th quarter worth approximately $5,226,390,000. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD grew its holdings in Exxon Mobil by 16.0% during the 1st quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 47,592,122 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $5,218,954,000 after acquiring an additional 6,580,247 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Envestnet Asset Management Inc. grew its holdings in Exxon Mobil by 188.6% during the 1st quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 8,740,551 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $327,573,000 after acquiring an additional 5,711,599 shares in the last quarter. 58.53% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Exxon Mobil Stock Down 0.6 %

XOM stock opened at $104.23 on Tuesday. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $111.44 and a 200 day moving average price of $108.31. Exxon Mobil Co. has a 12 month low of $98.02 and a 12 month high of $120.70. The company has a market cap of $413.06 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.41, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.72 and a beta of 1.07. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.18, a current ratio of 1.42 and a quick ratio of 1.08.

Exxon Mobil Increases Dividend

Exxon Mobil ( NYSE:XOM Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 27th. The oil and gas company reported $2.27 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.36 by ($0.09). The business had revenue of $90.76 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $93.41 billion. Exxon Mobil had a net margin of 11.56% and a return on equity of 20.72%. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 19.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $4.45 EPS. Sell-side analysts expect that Exxon Mobil Co. will post 9.3 earnings per share for the current year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 11th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, November 15th will be given a dividend of $0.95 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, November 14th. This represents a $3.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.65%. This is an increase from Exxon Mobils previous quarterly dividend of $0.91. Exxon Mobils dividend payout ratio is presently 36.15%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several research analysts have commented on XOM shares. UBS Group lowered their price target on shares of Exxon Mobil from $143.00 to $142.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Thursday, November 2nd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their price target on shares of Exxon Mobil from $137.00 to $134.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, October 25th. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Exxon Mobil in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating for the company. Mizuho reiterated a buy rating and set a $139.00 price target on shares of Exxon Mobil in a report on Monday, September 25th. Finally, Truist Financial upgraded shares of Exxon Mobil from a hold rating to a buy rating and upped their target price for the company from $110.00 to $131.00 in a report on Thursday, October 12th. Eight analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Exxon Mobil currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $129.55.

Read Our Latest Report on Exxon Mobil

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, Director Jeffrey W. Ubben acquired 250,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, November 6th. The stock was bought at an average price of $105.97 per share, for a total transaction of $26,492,500.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 2,077,000 shares in the company, valued at $220,099,690. The purchase was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. In related news, Director Jeffrey W. Ubben purchased 250,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 6th. The stock was acquired at an average price of $105.97 per share, for a total transaction of $26,492,500.00. Following the acquisition, the director now directly owns 2,077,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $220,099,690. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, VP Darrin L. Talley sold 1,500 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, September 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $115.00, for a total transaction of $172,500.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now owns 27,772 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,193,780. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.04% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Exxon Mobil Company Profile

(Free Report)

Exxon Mobil Corporation engages in the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas in the United States and internationally. It operates through Upstream, Energy Products, Chemical Products, and Specialty Products segments. The Upstream segment explores for and produces crude oil and natural gas.

Further Reading

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Altfest L J & Co. Inc. grew its position in Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC) by 4.4% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 11,344 shares of the financial services providers stock after purchasing an additional 477 shares during the period. Altfest L J & Co. Inc.s holdings in Wells Fargo & Company were worth $484,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Barrett & Company Inc. acquired a new position in Wells Fargo & Company during the first quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Studio Investment Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Wells Fargo & Company during the 4th quarter valued at $28,000. Strategic Investment Solutions Inc. IL acquired a new position in shares of Wells Fargo & Company during the 1st quarter valued at $28,000. Financial Connections Group Inc. boosted its position in Wells Fargo & Company by 288.0% during the 2nd quarter. Financial Connections Group Inc. now owns 741 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $31,000 after purchasing an additional 550 shares during the period. Finally, Worth Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in Wells Fargo & Company in the 1st quarter valued at $40,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 72.47% of the companys stock.

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Insider Activity at Wells Fargo & Company

In related news, Director Richard K. Davis bought 3,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, November 9th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $41.22 per share, with a total value of $144,270.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 4,244 shares of the companys stock, valued at $174,937.68. The acquisition was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Insiders own 0.07% of the companys stock.

Wells Fargo & Company Trading Down 0.3 %

NYSE:WFC opened at $40.77 on Tuesday. The company has a market cap of $148.06 billion, a PE ratio of 8.81, a P/E/G ratio of 0.79 and a beta of 1.17. The businesss 50 day moving average is $40.79 and its two-hundred day moving average is $41.65. The company has a quick ratio of 0.87, a current ratio of 0.87 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.17. Wells Fargo & Company has a 52 week low of $35.25 and a 52 week high of $48.84.

Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, October 13th. The financial services provider reported $1.39 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.24 by $0.15. Wells Fargo & Company had a return on equity of 11.18% and a net margin of 17.06%. The firm had revenue of $20.86 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $20.09 billion. During the same period last year, the business posted $1.30 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 6.6% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts predict that Wells Fargo & Company will post 5.06 EPS for the current year.

Wells Fargo & Company Dividend Announcement

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 1st. Investors of record on Friday, November 3rd will be issued a $0.35 dividend. This represents a $1.40 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.43%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, November 2nd. Wells Fargo & Companys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 30.24%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several brokerages have recently weighed in on WFC. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a $44.00 target price on shares of Wells Fargo & Company in a research report on Friday, September 22nd. HSBC began coverage on shares of Wells Fargo & Company in a research report on Thursday, September 7th. They issued a hold rating and a $45.00 price objective for the company. BMO Capital Markets boosted their target price on shares of Wells Fargo & Company from $52.00 to $54.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a research report on Monday, October 16th. Atlantic Securities raised their price target on shares of Wells Fargo & Company from $50.00 to $52.50 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, August 1st. Finally, Piper Sandler boosted their price objective on shares of Wells Fargo & Company from $43.00 to $45.00 in a report on Monday, July 17th. Nine analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, seven have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $48.31.

Get Our Latest Analysis on Wells Fargo & Company

Wells Fargo & Company Company Profile

(Free Report)

Wells Fargo & Company, a diversified financial services company, provides banking, investment, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance products and services in the United States and internationally. It operates through four segments: Consumer Banking and Lending; Commercial Banking; Corporate and Investment Banking; and Wealth and Investment Management.

Further Reading

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding WFC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC  Free Report).

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People perform during a popularizing event of square dance in Huanggang, central China's Hubei Province, Sept. 8, 2023. (Photo by Du Zixuan/Xinhua)

WUHAN, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- Adorned in her elegant dance costume, Wang Xiaolan, the founder of a square dance troupe in central China's Hubei Province, relishes regular practices and gatherings with her fellow dancers.

"Dancing brings me a sense of achievement," the 59-year-old retiree told Xinhua. "It has enriched our lives after retirement."

Over the past five years, Wang's dance group grew from 28 to 38 members, with many younger participants joining in. Currently, the troupe is led by a 22-year-old teacher.

This reflects the broader trend in China, where square dancing gained popularity over a decade ago, transcending age groups and evolving into a more aesthetically-oriented form of physical exercise.

Shu Ying, in her 30s, is a choreographer in Wang's troupe. "I was touched by the passion of the aunties, and I began to understand more about square dancing," she said.

Noting that the standard of square dance is rising and there is a greater diversity of forms, Shu said this dance form is not solely for senior people but for anyone who loves singing and dancing. "It can serve as spiritual sustenance for people, and bring them joy, regardless of their age group."

The population of Chinese people on the mainland aged 60 or above had reached 264.02 million, including 190.64 million people aged 65 or above, or 13.5 percent of the total population, according to data from the seventh national census released in 2021.

According to Gan Lu, a choreographer with China Oriental Performance Arts Group Co., Ltd, when square dancing started, its initial aim was to cater to the social and physical exercise needs of middle-aged women, particularly those between 46 and 65 years old, including retirees.

While this is still the case, square dancing is gradually incorporating elements of professional dance, local opera and folk music, Gan explained.

For instance, in Jingzhou City which was visited by famous poet Li Bai from the Tang Dynasty (618-907), a square dance group of 50 students performed a dance inspired by one of his famous poems. According to Zhou Jing, head of the group, the average age of the dancers was only 20.

"We would like to popularize the dance form in schools and colleges to get more young people involved," she said.

In October 2020, a square dance competition was held at the Wuhan University of Bioengineering, attracting as many as 1,000 people. According to netizens, the event "rekindled their appreciation for square dancing."

In a survey conducted by the Hubei Masses Art Center, about two-thirds of the respondents expressed a positive attitude towards square dance, with the strongest support coming from those born in the 1960s and 1990s.

Support from local governments has played a crucial role in popularizing square dance. Governments, from the provincial level to the grassroots, have allocated special funds for training, promotion and performances of square dance. In Hubei alone, with a population exceeding 58 million, there are now over 12,000 square dance troupes, and more than 89 percent of villages have at least one square dance group. 

People perform during a popularizing event of square dance in Huanggang, central China's Hubei Province, Sept. 8, 2023. (Photo by Du Zixuan/Xinhua)
BEIJING, Nov. 14 (Xinhua)  President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, sent a congratulatory letter to the 2023 annual conference of the summit for entrepreneurs across the Taiwan Strait.

The annual conference, which marks the 10th anniversary of the cross-Strait entrepreneurs summit, opened on Tuesday in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province.

The summit serves as a crucial platform for communication and cooperation between enterprises and business people from both sides of the Taiwan Strait, playing an important role in fostering economic cooperation and deepening the integrated development across the Strait, Xi said.

Xi said efforts will be continued to facilitate economic exchanges and cooperation and advance integrated development in all fields across the Strait. More work will be done to improve systems and policies that contribute to the well-being of Taiwan compatriots, and help Taiwan compatriots and enterprises integrate into the new development pattern and achieve high-quality development, he noted.

Xi called on entrepreneurs on both sides to safeguard the overall interests of the Chinese nation, keep pace with the trends of history and shoulder responsibility of the times, in an effort to promote the peaceful and integrated development of cross-Strait relations and realize China's reunification and the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

(Source: Xinhua)
Xi Jinping (L) presents the granddaughter of his old friend Sarah Lande with a panda doll in Muscatine, a small city in Iowa, the United States, Feb. 15, 2012. [Xinhua/Lan Hongguang]

"The Chinese and American people are both great people, and our friendship is not only a valuable asset but also an important foundation for the development of bilateral relations," Xi wrote in a letter to Sarah Lande.

BEIJING, Nov. 13 (Xinhua)  Chinese President Xi Jinping will travel to San Francisco on Tuesday for a high-stakes summit with his U.S. counterpart, Joe Biden, seeking the way forward for the strained ties between the world's two largest economies.

It is a coincidence that San Francisco was the first stop of Xi's maiden trip to the United States decades ago. In the spring of 1985, Xi, at that time a county leader of Zhengding in China's northern province of Hebei, took his initial steps onto U.S. soil.

File photo taken in 1985 shows Xi Jinping visits San Francisco in the United States. [Xinhua]

Much like any other city visitor, Xi, a young man in his early thirties, had his picture taken with the Golden Gate Bridge.

That trip helped Xi get acquainted with the United States, and from then on, he fostered friendships with American people. The enduring strength of such amicable bonds has always served as a wellspring of vitality for bilateral ties, both in favorable and in challenging times.

'To Me, You Are America'

"The Chinese and American people are both great people, and our friendship is not only a valuable asset but also an important foundation for the development of bilateral relations," Xi wrote in a letter to Sarah Lande, author of a memoir entitled "'Old Friends': The Xi Jinping-Iowa Story," in 2022.

Lande, a Muscatine resident working at Iowa's "sister state" organization, helped coordinate Xi's visit in 1985. First impressions always matter. Xi's opinion of the American people has much to do with his first visit to the United States.

Xi led a five-person agricultural delegation to look into farm technology in Muscatine, in the midwestern state of Iowa, a leader in the country's agricultural production of corn and soybeans.

Xi Jinping (L) talks with farmer Rick Kimberley as they sit in the cab of a tractor in Des Moines, Iowa, the United States, Feb. 16, 2012. [Xinhua/Lan Hongguang]

"He had a smile that would not stop," Lande recalled. "He was curious about everything and asked questions about everything."

The itinerary in Muscatine included tours to a corn processing plant, a hog farm and a vegetable farm; interviews with local media; and even a boat excursion on the Mississippi River. A homestay was also arranged for both sides to better understand each other's different cultures, Lande said.

Thomas and Eleanor Dvorchak played host to Xi. He slept in the Star Trek-themed bedroom belonging to the Dvorchaks' son, Gary, who was away at university.

Gary Dvorchak, son of Eleanor and Thomas Dvorchak, the family that hosted Xi Jinping during his 1985 visit to Muscatine, presents the Sino-U.S. Friendship House to visitors, in Muscatine, Iowa, the United States, Sept. 17, 2015. [Xinhua/Bao Dandan]

"I thought he was a very nice, focused, polite man," Eleanor Dvorchak once recounted. According to her, Xi was among the first Chinese friends they got to know.

"There have been some wonderful exchanges between our country and China that have really brought people together in a way that sometimes does not happen in the political arena," said Ricki Garrett, president and CEO of Sister Cities International, a Washington-based non-profit organization.

Xi and his old American friends reunited in Iowa after 27 years in 2012 when he visited the United States as vice president of China.

Despite a tight schedule, Xi made it to the reunion in Lande's house on a snowy day. They gathered around a couch in the living room and reminisced about their joyful memories. The hour-long meeting was filled with laughter. Thomas Dvorchak had a deep impression of the Chinese alcohol that Xi gave to him as a gift. "It was the strongest liquor that I ever had," he told Xi.

Xi Jinping (2nd R, front) talks with Thomas Dvorchak (1st L) Feb. 15, 2012. [Xinhua/Liu Jiansheng]

Some in the crowd, as Lande recalled, popped up a question for Xi: "Why are you coming to Iowa?"

"You were the first group of Americans I came into contact with," Xi told his Iowa friends. "To me, you are America."

Xi never forgets his American friends and believes that people hold the key to state-to-state relations. Over the years, notwithstanding setbacks in China-U.S. relations, Xi has consistently championed people-to-people exchanges with the United States. He wrote letters to Americans and took part in events to help foster friendship.

The most effective way to transform shared opportunities and needs into active collaboration and strong relationships is through direct person-to-person interactions, said Robert Lawrence Kuhn, chairman of the Kuhn Foundation and a long-time China expert. "I can think of no better prescription to start to cure the illness in U.S.-China relations."

Local Bonds as Glue

Rewinding to a time when China started its reform and opening-up, Chinese and U.S. cities, provinces and states began building amicable ties around 1979. Hebei and Iowa signed their sister-state relationship in 1983, which led to Xi's 1985 trip.

Xi Jinping meets with Gavin Newsom, governor of the U.S. state of California, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 25, 2023. [Xinhua/Huang Jingwen]

Over the years, Xi himself has been persistently promoting bilateral ties at the local level. During a meeting in Beijing with visiting California Governor Gavin Newsom last month, Xi happily recalled his California trip decades ago.

In his 2012 trip to the United States, Xi, apart from reuniting with old friends, also met "new friends." He and Biden, then U.S. vice president, met with governors from China and the United States in California.

Xi Jinping (L) and Joe Biden smile as they meet with governors of Chinese provinces and U.S. states in Los Angeles, the United States, Feb. 17, 2012. [Xinhua/Xie Huanchi]

During a speech, Xi said that he noticed Hawaii Governor Neil Abercrombie had a box of chocolates with him, and many Chinese tourists returning from Hawaii would bring back chocolates.

Abercrombie took the box of chocolate-covered nuts and suggested that Xi try them. Biden, seated nearby, promptly grabbed one and placed it in his mouth. Xi sampled the chocolates after concluding his speech and then passed the box to the governors present, inviting them to share the treats.

Xi Jinping (C, front) is presented with a souvenir Los Angeles Lakers jersey with his name imprinted on it by former Lakers star Magic Johnson (R, front) at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, the United States, Feb. 17, 2012. [Xinhua/Lan Hongguang]

More delightful moments unfolded when Xi showed up to watch an NBA game. The Lakers were facing off against the Suns, and Xi took his seat at the arena. He remained remarkably focused on the game.

Then Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa sat beside Xi. The two discussed the highlights of the game with each other, laughing from time to time.

Xi Jinping (C) watches an NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Phoenix Suns at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, the United States, Feb. 17, 2012. [Xinhua/Zhang Duo]

The bonds between Chinese cities and provinces and those in the United States have grown over the decades. A total of 284 pairs of sister provinces/states and sister cities have been formed since the first pair was set in 1979. Xi described those special bonds as "important platforms for deepening friendship and achieving win-win cooperation."

"If we look at the 40-plus years of U.S.-China relations," Denis Simon, distinguished fellow at the Institute for China-America Studies, "the connections between universities, think tanks, cultural organizations, art ... have become an integral part of this relationship."

"They've become part of the glue ... that has held the two countries together, even in times of difficult political situations," Simon said.

Hope in the Future

Shauntel Berry, a student at Lincoln High School in Tacoma, Washington State, encountered Xi in 2015 at the school's auditorium, leading to an extraordinary experience she never would have imagined.

Xi Jinping (back, 4th L) and his wife Peng Liyuan (back, 2nd L) greet teachers and students during their visit to the Lincoln High School in Tacoma of Washington State, the United States, Sept. 23, 2015. [Xinhua/Liu Weibing]

Xi, with his wife Peng Liyuan, visited Lincoln High School that year during his first state visit to the United States as Chinese president.

Berry recalled that the president, collar open and without a tie, presented gifts to the students, including books on China and a ping-pong table. Xi also received gifts from the students: a football and a personalized jersey bearing his name and the "No. 1" on the back.

Xi Jinping (R, front) is presented with a shirt by the school rugby team during his visit to the Lincoln High School in Tacoma of Washington State, the United States, Sept. 23, 2015. [Xinhua/Lan Hongguang]

But it was what Xi offered during the following speech that would change the life of Berry and many of her fellow students: 100 students from the school would be invited to visit China. "Through travel, you will know China better, and hopefully, you will like China," Xi said.

In 2016, Berry visited China as one of those invited. "Traveling to China made me realize we're all living different lives, and there's more than one way to live. I took notice of the values and the normality of respect of the Chinese people, a shock compared to here in the States."

Xi put his faith in youth. He once voiced the hope that more youth from China and the United States can get to know each other, and work hand in hand as a new generation of ambassadors of friendship to inject fresh impetus into the development of China-U.S. relations.

"President Xi is a strong believer in educational exchanges," said the principal of Lincoln High School Patrick Erwin, who accompanied Xi on the 2015 school tour.

In the year 2021, a time when the China-U.S. relationship was dragged to a low ebb, Erwin wrote a letter to Xi, telling him about the exchanges between his school and China over the past years and how the educational partnership is important to his students.

"It is a life-changing experience, both in terms of the travel itself and the exposure to the culture, the history and the Chinese people," Erwin said. "My students all want to go back to China and study in China."

Young people believe in the future, said Wang Dong, executive director of the Institute for Global Cooperation and Understanding at Peking University. "Xi has showcased his great vision for China-U.S. relations and his expectations for the friendship between the two nations."

"It is hoped that his trip back to San Francisco could be a step forward for China-U.S. relations," Wang said.

(Source: Xinhua)
As Iceland braces for a potential volcanic eruption, what is likely to happen and what are the risks?
Demonstrators from across the country March for Israel in DC with ramped up security for the unprecedented event
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Shane M. Barnes, 34, of Sacramento, California, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Stephen R. Dwyer, 38 of Clarksville, Tennessee, Staff Sgt. Tanner W. Grone, 26, of Gorham, New Hampshire, Sgt. Andrew P. Southard, 27, of Apache Junction, Arizona and Sgt. Cade M. Wolfe, 24, of Mankato, Minnesota.
Jury selection began Monday morning in the trial of a 31-year-old Westminster man charged with murder in the death and dismemberment of his father last October.

Ravi Pansuriya is charged with first-degree murder in the Oct. 2, 2022 death of his father, Maganbhai Madhubhai Pansuriya, 59, a doctor who lived in Westminster.

Judge Maria Oesterreicher presided over the courtroom on Monday. Alexander Cruickshank, an assistant public defender is representing Pansuriya and Carroll County States Attorney Melissa Hockensmith is prosecuting the case.

Carroll County States Attorney special counsel Mike Stewart said final selection of a jury is likely to occur on Tuesday, along with opening statements from the prosecution and defense.

The prosecutors job is to establish the elements of the crime in accordance with the charging document, no more no less. Thats the case, Stewart said. This case has been in the news, but its a fairly straightforward case. As far as cases go, theres nothing out of the ordinary about how you approach prosecuting the case.

Ravi Pansuriya had his first court appearance last November, and though Marylanders have the right to be tried for a crime within 180 days of an initial circuit court appearance, Pansuriya waived his right to a speedy trial during an April 6 hearing. The trial was originally set to begin on May 1, but was rescheduled after Cruickshank told Judge Brian DeLeonardo on April 6 that he needed extra time to properly review an outstanding report from the medical examiner.

An autopsy of Maganbhai Pansuriyas remains, found Oct. 2 on the shoulder of Medford Road in Westminster, had been delayed due to the condition of the body.

According to the statement of probable cause filed in the District Court of Maryland for Carroll County, Maganbhai Pansuriyas wife reported him missing Oct. 2 and deputies from the Carroll County Sheriffs Office executed a search warrant on his home.

During the search, investigators observed what appeared to be possible human flesh on the rear bumper of a truck registered to Maganbhai Pansuriya and on a doormat in the homes driveway. Deputies located blood throughout the home, including in the bathroom and garage and also found numerous tools that appeared to have blood, tissue and hair on them in the garage. Deputies also found clothes with suspected blood on them that they say belonged to Ravi Pansuriya during the search, according to the statement.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. House on Tuesday passed a stopgap bill just days ahead of a government shutdown deadline, sending it to the Senate for consideration.

The lower chamber approved the short-term funding measure in a 336-95 vote, with Republican conservatives opposing the bill and Democrats joining Republicans to approve the measure.

The bill, which cleared the House roughly three days before Friday evening's shutdown deadline, would extend funding for some agencies and programs at current levels until Jan. 19, 2024, and others through Feb. 2.

The legislation marks an early success for Mike Johnson, who was elected House speaker in late October following three weeks of chaos as Republicans struggled to find a replacement after the historical ouster of Kevin McCarthy.

The bill now heads to the Senate, which is expected to pass the continuing resolution as soon as possible. 
GAZA, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- More than 40 wounded Palestinians, including five newborns, died in the Al-Shifa hospital in the past hours under the siege and strikes by Israeli forces, said the Hamas-run Health Ministry on Tuesday.

That pushed the death toll of Palestinians from Israeli attacks in the enclave since the start of the conflict to more than 11,500, while over 29,000 others were injured, according to the ministry and Gaza's government media office.

The media office said in a press statement that "dozens of dead bodies can be seen lying on the streets as ambulances have stopped operating amid intensified field battles between the Israeli forces and Palestinian militants."

Ismail al-Thawabta, the director general of the media office, said it is estimated that more than 100 dead bodies were scattered outside the Al-Shifa Medical Complex as neither their relatives nor medical teams could reach the medical complex to take them back for burial.

In a statement sent to Xinhua, Undersecretary of the Hamas-run Health Ministry Yousef Abu Rish said more than 120 slain Palestinians were buried at a mass grave in the courtyard of the Al-Shifa hospital to prevent "the spread of epidemics among health staff and the displaced."

He warned the medical complex could turn into "a real cemetery as no ambulances have been able to enter or leave the site" since Friday night under the comprehensive "siege" and artillery shelling and shooting from the Israeli army.

The Israeli military operations came in retaliation for the Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel on Oct. 7, in which Hamas militants killed about 1,200 people and took more than 200 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. 
Australia will vet the military, police, telecommunications and infrastructure agreements that the tiny Pacific island state of Tuvalu makes with other countries, notably China, under a treaty announced last Friday by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his Tuvalu counterpart Kausea Natano.

Australian defence industry minister Pat Conroy (left) with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (centre) and Tuvalu Prime Minister Kausea Natano who are holding new security agreement, November 10, 2023. [Photo: @AlboMP]

Under the guise of protecting Tuvalus 11,200 people from military aggression and climate change, Albanese proclaimed the pact Australias most significant agreement with a Pacific Island nation, giving a guarantee that upon a request from Tuvalu for any military assistance based upon security issues, Australia will be there.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, a member of the Labor Partys left faction like Albanese, declared on national television on Sunday: This agreement with Tuvalu is the most important step any Australian Government has taken in the Pacific since the independence of Papua New Guinea.

These boasts point to the neo-colonial thrust of the pact, which Albanese and Wong said provides a blueprint for similar treaties with other Pacific island states. In 1975, Australia granted formal independence to Papua New Guinea after colonising it since World War I, but still exerts economic, military and strategic sway over PNG, which has the largest population of the regions ex-colonial island states.

In return for taking effective control over Tuvalus key policies, Australia will offer eventual residency to Tuvalus population, at a rate of just 280 a year, as climate refugees displaced by the global warming generated by Australia and other capitalist powers, which is raising sea levels disastrously.

A token refugee intake from Tuvalu is the cost Canberra is happy to pay for tightening its grip in the Pacific. Under the Australia-Tuvalu Falepili Treaty, Tuvalu will provide Australia rights to access, presence within, and overflight of Tuvalus territory.

Further, Tuvalu shall mutually agree with Australia any partnership, arrangement or engagement with any other State or entity on security and defence-related matters. This sweeping provision includes, but is not limited to, defence, policing, border protection, cyber security and critical infrastructure, including ports, telecommunications and energy infrastructure.

Albanese announced the agreement at the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) annual meeting, held this year in the Cook Islands. Albaneses presence at the PIF was significant. He flew straight from an official three-day trip to China, which followed a state visit to Washington, as part of the intensifying US economic and military pressure on China, accompanied by escalating preparations for war.

The Tuvalu pact will see its citizens offered a special mobility pathway to live, work and study in Australia. This is the first time that a Pacific nation has agreed to such a relationship with Australia.

Tuvalu is a chain of nine small coral islands in the west-central Pacific, halfway between Australia and Hawaii. As a low-lying nation it is particularly impacted by climate change, Albanese said. Its very existence is threatened. I believe developed nations have a responsibility to provide assistance and that is precisely what we are doing.

In fact, the agreement is a cynical move by the Australian government, which has a long record of indifference to the Pacific peoples desperate concerns over Australian capitalisms particular role in advancing the climate crisis, as one of the globes largest suppliers of coal, gas and other fossil fuels.

In the lead-up to the PIF, the Pacific Elders Voice, which includes former leaders of Kiribati, the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu and Palau, warned that Australia continues to be one of the worlds biggest fossil fuel exporters and continues to have one of the worlds largest per capita carbon pollution footprints. The group criticised Canberras failure to match its words with its actions on climate, especially in comparison to the costs of developing their war machines.

That condemnation also reflected concerns throughout the region over the AUKUS treaty between the US, UK and Australia to arm Australia with nuclear-powered long-range attack submarines, hypersonic missiles and other hi-tech weaponry for use against China.

Australia and neighbouring New Zealand are imperialist powers. They have dominated the Pacific for over a century and carry primary responsibility for the legacy of impoverishment, backwardness and isolation. Today, they are helping ramp up the US confrontation with China, which Washington has designated a threat to US hegemony.

Canberra has previously encountered resistance from some Pacific nations, including Vanuatu, to attempts to sign them up to anti-China security arrangements. In August, Vanuatus Prime Minister Ishmael Kalsakaua was ousted after signing an enhanced strategic engagement between the two countries which potentially provided vast scope for a range of military activities directed against China.

Under the pact with Tuvalu, Australia will effectively recolonise the Pacific state, which was a British colony, known as the Ellice Islands, from 1892 to 1978. The agreement echoes the Compacts of Free Association (COFA) that Washington operates with Palau, Marshall Islands and Micronesia in northern Oceania.

The COFA states are colonies of the United States in all but name. Washington funnels cash to their ruling elites each year, in return for the US being legally responsible for defence and national security while the American military enjoys unfettered access to the islands and sea territories. They provide essential military facilities in the confrontation with China.

The COFA states plus Nauru and Kiribati comprise the Micronesia sub-group of the 18-member Pacific Islands Forum, the Pacifics peak diplomatic body. The sub-group is increasingly assertive in advancing US interests against those island states that remain opposed to the escalating geo-strategic competition and militarisation of the region.

Of the 12 nation states that lined up with the US and Israel to vote no to the recent United Nations motion calling for an immediate, durable and sustainable humanitarian truce in Gaza, six were from the Pacific. Demonstrating their subservience to imperialism, Nauru, Palau, Marshall Islands and Micronesia were four, with Papua New Guinea and Fiji the other two.

As well as asserting the predatory interests of Australian imperialism, the Albanese government is anxious to display its commitment to the US offensive against China. A Weekend Australian editorial stated:

This is the message the Prime Minister will take to California next week for the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation meeting, his second major US visit in as many months. Pacific engagement and Chinas military intentions in the region were the obvious concerns for Joe Biden in Mr Albaneses recent White House discussions.

A major agenda item at the PIF summit was the vote on a new secretary-general. In 2021, the Micronesian group threatened to leave the PIF, ostensibly over the appointment of former Cook Islands Prime Minister Henry Puna as secretary general, instead of a Micronesian leader.

The Micronesia group was last year persuaded to remain part of the organisation on the basis that it could put forward its nominee to replace Puna, who was pressured to relinquish the position. The candidate from Nauru, Baron Waqa, has now been appointed, effectively solidifying US diplomatic influence at the top of the PIF.

During last weeks summit, Waqa and the Nauru delegation walked out after questions were raised about the process by which he had been nominated.

Justifying Waqas appointment however, Fijis Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, who has since entering office in January taken steps to re-orient his countrys foreign policy away from Beijing, posted on X (Twitter): Forum leaders are not judges. We rely on nations submissions, not personal judgments.

The PIF summit declared its support for the concept of a Zone of Peace in the Pacific, but avoided any criticism of the escalating drive to war by the US and its local imperialist allies.
Students walk through Harvard Yard, April 27, 2022, on the campus of Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. [AP Photo/Charles Krupa]

In the United States, university campuses have become the epicenter of the state-led campaign to intimidate, smear and outright ban opposition to Israels genocide in Gaza.

At Harvard University, the month-long campaign against pro-Palestinian students has intensified following a protest organized by the Palestine Solidarity Committee (PSC) on October 18.

After Israels bombing of the Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital, which killed 500 people, hundreds of students marched from Harvards Cambridge campus to its Business School in Boston, where they staged a die-in, lying down in a symbolic act of solidarity with the two million Palestinians trapped in the Gaza strip.

The students demanded that the university disclose investments in companies complicit in genocide and human rights abuses toward Palestinians and for university president Claudine Gay to explicitly name, condemn, and reject the anti-Palestinian racism, doxxing, and harassment Harvard students and alumni are facing.

During the die-in portion of the protest, a Zionist student began walking over students as they lay on the ground, getting close to their faces to film them and, according to protesters, stepping on them. Footage aired on national news showed student protest marshals intervening to protect the safety of the protesters. They formed a circle around the Zionist student, holding up Keffiyes (Middle Eastern scarves) and attempting to guide him away from the protesters while chanting shame.

This non-violent action was seized upon by right-wing figures both inside and outside the college, who cynically portrayed the actions of the student marshals as an antisemitic assault.

Harvard Business School Dean Srikant Datar issued a letter days after the protest, condemning the supposedly antisemitic atmosphere on campus, and pledging that the school would undertake efforts to understand the experience of antisemitism at Harvard Business School while making assurances that reports have been filed with HUPD and the FBI about the events at the protest, implicitly threatening the pro-Palestinian protesters with arrest.

Billionaire hedge fund manager and Harvard alum Bill Ackman, a central figure in the campaign against students, seized upon the encounter to demand that the university suspend students involved in the protest.

In a public letter to university president Gay posted on X (formerly Twitter), he accused the college of being insufficiently aggressive in repressing protests and punishing those involved. Referring to the chant, From the River to the Sea, Palestine Shall Be Free, he accused protesters of using eliminationist language seeking the destruction of the State of Israel and the Jewish people.

Ackman demanded that students involved in harassing and allegedly physically assaulting the HBS student on October 18th should be immediately suspended, arguing that waiting for the police department to review the die-in incident makes no sense.

Following the public letter issued by the PSC and other student groups on October 7, correctly holding the Israeli regime entirely responsible for all unfolding violence, Ackman was a leading instigator in the blacklisting and far-right doxxing of students, calling for the university to release the names of students associated with the statement. Shortly afterwards, a billboard truck sent by the far-right Accuracy in Media (AIM) group drove around Harvard Square displaying the names and photos of students supposedly associated with the PSC statement, under the header Harvards Leading Antisemites.

Additional pressure came from a letter authored by Joseph C. Shenker, senior chair of the law firm Sullivan & Cromwell, on November 1 that was signed by two dozen top US law firms and addressed to deans of the top 14 law schools in the US. The letter slandered protesters as antisemitic and demanded that the universities take an unequivocal stance against pro-Palestinian students. The letter implicitly threatened to cease recruiting graduates unless dissent was stamped out on campuses nationwide.

President Gay followed-up on the right-wing backlash by sending a campus-wide email on November 9 that amounted to an endorsement of calls to repress student opposition. In her message, Gay portrayed Harvard campus as a hotbed of antisemitism and honed in on the river to the sea slogan used by protesters, writing that such phrases bear specific historical meanings that to a great many people imply the eradication of Jews from Israel and engender both pain and existential fears within our Jewish community.

As the WSWS recently noted in its reporting on the unprecedented censure in the House of Representatives of Rashida Tlaib (D-Michigan) for her opposition to the Israeli genocide on November 8:

A major weapon in the arsenal of this smear campaign is the claim that the chant ... Palestine will be freefrom the river to the sea, is a coded call for the extermination of the Jews who live in Israel From the river to the sea is a longtime slogan of the Palestine resistance movement and is an expression of the perspective of freeing the Palestinian people from Zionist oppression over the entire land area from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea, which comprises the West Bank, Gaza and the present-day state of Israel.

After repeating this tired slander, Gay made clear that the college would crack down on further dissent, ominously warning that anonymous hotlines have been set up for reporting bias and that police were monitoring threats made against any members of our community.

While initially falling short of Ackmans demand to suspend those involved in protests, she made reference to the FBI investigation of the video taken at the die-in, stating, once law enforcements inquiry is complete, the University will address the incident through its student disciplinary procedures to determine if University policies or codes of conduct have been violated and, if so, take appropriate action

One day later, without referencing the results of any supposed police inquiry, Gay appears to have made good on her threat, as the local Harvard Graduate Students Union posted on X that one student who had served as a safety marshal during the die-in was being evicted from campus housing.

The far-right campaign against students has created a chilling atmosphere in which students are faced with threats to their physical safety as well as their future careers. Describing the effects of the doxxing against her, one Arab Muslim Harvard student told Teen Vogue, My mother has been reached out to numerous times because of this... The high school where my brother goes is listed online publicly, which obviously puts him in danger too. This has, I think, very much gone far beyond backlash.

At campuses across the United States, similar confrontations are taking place between right-wing forces representing the ruling class and organized groups of students who are rallying to oppose their administrations complicity in the genocide of the Palestinian people at the hands of the Biden Administration and its Israeli client state.

Last Monday, Brandeis University banned the campus chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine, claiming the group openly supports Hamas, a terrorist organization. The university followed up the next day by sending police to violently shut down and arrest pro-Palestine protesters.

On Friday, Columbia University in New York suspended not only the SJP but also the anti-Zionist Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) through the end of the fall term. Countless other actions have resulted in arrests of peaceful student protesters, including at UMass Amherst and Brown University.

The escalating attacks against the democratic rights of students by the state, media and academic institutions reflects the recognition and fear on the part of the capitalist class that the movement of the working class and young people against the slaughter of Gaza is part of a developing movement against capitalism itself.
Former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, in Claremont, N.H. [AP Photo/Reba Saldanha]

In a statement Saturday on his social media platform and then in a campaign speech that night in New Hampshire, ex-President Donald Trump made his most explicit threat so far to jail or kill his political opponents if he returns to the White House, denouncing radical left thugs that live like vermin.

In the final words of a nearly two-hour-long speech, Trump declared, We pledge to you that we will root out the communists, Marxists, fascists and the radical left thugs that live like vermin within the confines of our country, that lie and steal and cheat on elections. Theyll do anything, whether legally or illegally, to destroy America and to destroy the American Dream.

He went on to voice the real fears of the American capitalist class that its most dangerous enemy is inside the United States, not outside: The real threat is not from the radical right. The real threat is from the radical left, and its growing every day, every single day, the threat from outside forces is far less sinister, dangerous and grave than the threat from within. Our threat is from within.

The fact that Trump, the former president and current frontrunner in the Republican primary, is publicly announcing plans to establish a presidential dictatorship must be taken as a warning by workers and young people. Sections of the US ruling class, confronted with a growing strike wave and mass anti-war protests, favor the creation of a fascist dictatorship.

The Veterans Day speech was Trumps most open use of Hitlerian language in threatening to destroy his enemies if he returns to power. A series of commentaries in the corporate press noted the similarities between his speeches and those of the fascist leaders of the 1930s. One column in the Washington Post quoted passages from Mein Kampf and their parallels in Trumps recent speeches, including the description of opponents as vermin, characterizing a targeted group (Jews for Hitler, migrants for Trump) as poisoning the blood of the nation, and warning that the most dangerous enemy of the nation was within, in the socialist and communist left, not outside.

None of these commentaries, however, suggested that Trumps parroting the speeches of Hitler is not coincidental, but conscious and deliberate. He is a longtime admirer of the most monstrous figure of the 20th century. At least one of his ex-wives told a biographer that Trump kept a book of Hitlers speeches by his bedside. His father Fred had belonged to the KKK and was known to have Nazi sympathies, which he passed on, along with a billion dollars, to his son.

Saturday was hardly the first time that Trump has made such remarks. As long ago as an October 2019 speech to an audience in Minnesota consisting largely of police, he declared that his political opponents were guilty of treason, threatened civil war and boasted that he would stay in office for 16 more years.

Throughout 2020, Trump sought a pretext to launch a military-police coup against the American population, first in response to the mass protests over the May 25 police murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, then as the likelihood of his defeat in the presidential election became apparent, to overturn the result of that vote. After the election, he fired the defense secretary who had balked at the use of the Insurrection Act to declare martial law and installed loyalists at the Pentagon. His efforts to remain in power culminated in the January 6, 2021 fascistic attack on the Capitol, which narrowly failed to capture Vice President Mike Pence or Speaker Nancy Pelosi and disrupt the transfer of power to Biden.

All these facts are well known in official Washington and occasionally commented on in the corporate media. But what is entirely excluded in such discussions is the most fundamental question: What does it say about America in 2023 that a fascistic figure such as Trump plays such a prominent role in the political landscape? How is it possible that an ex-president who sought to overthrow the Constitution to remain in power, less than three years ago, is by far the leading candidate for the presidential nomination of the Republican Party, and is currently favored in many polls to defeat Democratic President Joe Biden in the 2024 election, now less than a year away?

The main responsibility for this state of affairs lies with the Democratic Party and Biden himself, who have made concession after concession to the Republican Party over the last three years in order to obtain bipartisan support for the central goal of the Biden administration: preparing and carrying out a program of military aggression which has brought humanity to the brink of World War III.

The most important decision of President Biden came within days of his entering the White House: There would be no serious effort to hold Trump and the Republicans responsible for the attempted political coup of January 6 or the wider assault on democratic rights. The transformation of the Republican Party into an increasingly fascistic organization was tolerated, even accommodated.

Two-thirds of the Republicans in Congress voted not to certify Biden as the winner of the 2020 election, hours after the Trump-inspired mob had been dispersed from the Capitol grounds. Nonetheless, Biden has sought endlessly to reach agreement with the congressional Republicans through concessions on domestic policy, provided only that they support the anti-Russian policy which has been the focal point of the Democratic Party since a pro-NATO gang of fascist sympathizers seized power in Ukraine in the Maidan coup of 2014.

The US-backed expansion of NATO to Russias borders finally succeeded in provoking Putins reactionary invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which has led to the present military stalemate. The eruption of the war between Israel and Gaza has become the pretext for a further escalation of US militarism, this time directed against Iran and its allies, including Syria, the Houthis in Yemen and Hezbollah in Lebanon. A regional war looms. The ultimate target of US imperialism is China, and the wars in Ukraine and Gaza are only building blocks for an even more terrible US-China war that would threaten human survival.

Trump is particularly crude in his striving for dictatorship, but this is a class policy, not a personal one. The loudmouth billionaire is only giving voice to much deeper tendencies, which find expression through the Democratic Party as well. The drive to war requires the suppression of democratic rights at home and the imposition of the costs of war on the working class.

The Biden administration and the Democrats are currently denouncing any criticism of the Israeli government as antisemitism, effectively demanding it be banned. The charge of antisemitism is entirely bogus and serves as a political cover. The real meaning of such arguments is to attack the democratic right of the American people to criticize the foreign policy of the US government. Criticism in time of war will be denounced as treason and criminalized.

In the final analysis, the American ruling class will seek to deal with its most powerful enemy at homethe working classwith the methods Benjamin Netanyahu is currently employing in Gaza. There will be no red lines to hold back the use of the police and military in domestic repression. The Democratic Party does not represent a genuine opposition to Trump, only a different route to the same goal of authoritarian rule and violent suppression of democratic rights.

For the time being, there are differences between Biden and Trump as to the methods to be employed to defend the interests of the capitalist ruling elite. Trump favors the immediate use of force, at the bloodiest levels. Biden advocates, as a safer course, relying on the trade unions to constrain and suppress the class struggle, and on left safety valves like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to keep the working class tied politically to the Democratic Party, and through it, to the capitalist system.

But these instruments for controlling and diverting the class struggle are increasingly discredited. Workers are defying the unions by rejecting contracts and forcing strikes. They are beginning to organize independently, following the lead being given by the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC), established on the initiative of the world Trotskyist movement.

The Democratic Party goes into a presidential election year with a widely despised 80-year-old incumbent whose personal decrepitude mirrors the state of the capitalist two-party system as a whole and the reformist pretenses of the Democrats in particular. Millions of working people and youth look upon the prospect of a Biden-Trump rematch with disgust. They want a real alternative, which is being provided by the Socialist Equality Party.
To join the USPS Workers Rank-and-File Committee, or for more information, email USPSRankandFileCommittee@gmail.com. Alternatively, fill out the form at the bottom of this article.

Workers and young people demonstrated on November 4 in Washington, D.C., against Israel's genocide in Gaza.

The US Postal Workers Rank-and-File Committee calls upon our coworkers across the country to take up the call by the Palestinian trade union federation for global job actions to force an end to the Israeli genocide in the Gaza Strip.

The situation there is horrific. Gazas 2.2 million civilians are trapped in an area the size of Detroit without food, fuel or water. The Israeli military is deliberately targeting hospitals, schools and civilians. Over 10,000 have died already, half of them children. The intentions of the Israeli government has been made clear by one government minister who recently advocated the use of nuclear weapons against Gaza, declaring the survivors should go to Ireland or the desert.

The right-wing government in Israel could not do this without the full support of the United States, which is sending weapons and deploying warships and nuclear weapons to surround the Middle East, threatening a wider war which could spiral out of control. Washington supports the genocide because it sees it as part of a globe-spanning conflict, which also includes the war against Russia in Ukraine, for world domination.

The fight against war is totally connected to the fight against exploitation and inequality at home. The same US government which says there is no money for decent wages and jobs at home is spending hundreds of billions of dollars for unpopular and criminal wars.

The fight to defend the US Postal Service is totally connected with the fight against war. Both parties are supporting the vast restructuring called Delivering for America, which is aimed at saving hundreds of billions by closing local post offices and shedding tens of thousands of jobs. Where is this money going? Straight out of our pockets to fund war and genocide.

We endorse the statement by our sister organization in Britain, the UK Postal Workers Rank-and-File Committee, which not only called for action to halt the shipment of weapons, but also a refusal by postal workers to deliver mail to government and civil service departments and companies involved in the arms trade.

There is massive and growing support from workers all over the world for action to stop the war. Already, workers in Spain and Belgium have announced they will refuse to ship weapons to Israel. Protests in the United States have already temporarily shut down arms factories and delayed a military supply vessel from leaving ports in the West Coast.

Will Lehman, a rank-and-file autoworker who ran for United Auto Workers president on a platform of abolishing the trade union bureaucracy, also issued a statement calling for action which has received wide support. Similar statements and open letters are being circulated by workers all over the world.

We also denounce the AFL-CIOs October 11 resolution backing Israels genocide. The AFL-CIO bureaucrats are also trying to clamp down on workers in union locals from passing pro-Palestinian resolutions. They do not speak for workers, but for the government and the US ruling class. For decades, they have supported US imperialism through their involvement in groups like Solidarity Center and the National Endowment for Democracy, which are centers for organizing coups and assassinations against left-wing governments and trade union officials around the world.

Sellout contracts and support for war are two sides of the same coin. They are pro-war because they are in bed with the same corporations who benefit from war. Just as they have spent decades supporting war, they have spent decades pushing through one sellout contract after another, claiming it is necessary for US corporations to compete with their foreign rivals. These same corporations will benefit from this war too, and that is why the AFL-CIO supports it.

Now they are locking arms with the Biden administration as Washington prepares for global war stretching from Ukraine, to the Middle East and to China to dominate critical markets and natural resources. But our real allies are not our own CEOs in the United States, but the working class in every country.

Therefore, a global movement to stop this genocidal war must be combined with a rank-and-file rebellion against the pro-corporate trade union bureaucracy which is sitting on our chests.

APWU president Mark Dimondstein, to his credit, was the sole member of the AFL-CIO Executive Council to oppose the October 11 resolution, and the APWU has issued a public statement calling for a ceasefire.

But this does not go far enough. It does not call for action by APWU members against the war or even any demonstrations against the war. The APWU wants to avoid this because it would undermine their attempts, and those of the other postal unions, to help ram through Delivering for America.

The postal union bureaucrats want workers to believe that they are powerless to stop Delivering for America, and have done nothing to even inform their members about what is happening. But action by hundreds of thousands of postal workers against US government-supported genocide would embolden them, raise their class consciousness, help them to establish ties of solidarity with workers in the anti-war movement around the world and undermine the authority of the political establishment which is waging war abroad while cutting jobs at home.

The warmongers in Washington and in Israel will not back down because of short statements. Instead, they are doubling down and preparing to ban anti-war protests and even anti-war speech. They must be forced to back down by mass action in the working class, which creates all of the worlds wealth and without whom nothing can move. If the APWU leadership will not organize this, then we the rank-and-file must do it ourselves.

If you support this, then join the Postal Workers Rank-and-File Committee to help fight for it. To join the committee, or for more information, email USPSRankandFileCommittee@gmail.com. Alternatively, fill out the form below.
DOHA, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- A Qatari official said on Tuesday that the country will continue its efforts to end the "collective punishment" imposed on Gaza, Qatar News Agency reported.

Lolwah bint Rashid Al Khater, the minister of State for International Cooperation at the Qatari Foreign Ministry, made the remarks in Egypt while leading a delegation to deliver more aid packages to the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, the report said.

She stressed that the ongoing coordination is one of the outcomes of the Joint Arab Islamic Extraordinary Summit hosted by Saudi Arabia on Nov. 11, it added.

Qatar's Foreign Ministry announced in a statement on Tuesday that the country had sent two aircraft to El-Arish International Airport in Egypt's North Sinai, carrying 54 tons of humanitarian aid ready to be delivered to Gaza. The humanitarian aid includes a field hospital, shelter kits, as well as food and medical supplies.

Since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict on Oct. 7, Qatar has been making effort to mediate between the warring parties, secure the release of hostages held by Hamas and de-escalate the situation in Gaza.

Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel on Oct. 7, which prompted Israel to carry out fierce attacks on Gaza over the past weeks in retaliation, plunging the strip into a severe humanitarian crisis.

The ongoing conflict has killed over 11,500 Palestinians in Gaza and about 1,200 people in Israel, according to official figures from both sides. 
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature

Latin America

Mexican workers protest Gaza genocide

On Sunday November 5, thousands of Mexican workers and youth marched in Mexico City, demanding an end to the attacks to the Israeli genocide of the citizens of Gaza. This is the third protest in Mexico City against the genocide in Gaza since the bombing began.

As they marched on Paseo de la Reforma, one of the main avenues in the city, the marchers chanted Netanyahu, fascist; you are the real terrorist, and this is not a war; it is genocide.

The marchers rallied at Mexicos National Government House. After painting the Palestinian Flag in front of the building, many of the demonstrators threw themselves on the ground to honor the Palestinian dead.

Colombian miners demand halt of mineral and fuel exports to Israel

On November 6, Colombian miners presented a letter to the Colombian government of President Gustavo Petro demanding that Colombia cancel immediately mineral and fuel exports to the racist state of Israel. The letter, which appeared in social media compared the Israeli military with the Nazi Holocaust. The miners also demanded that Colombia break off diplomatic relations with Israel.

The letter also condemns the training that the Israeli military gave to right-wing paramilitary troops that repressed trade unions and leftist groups in Colombia, training which the document links to the exports of Colombian minerals to Israel.

The document concluded with an appeal to all the workers of the world to stop producing metals, minerals and fuels that are being used in these wars, because the planet is on the verge of a third world war.

Mexico City rail transit workers strike

Mexico City rail transit workers went on strike on Monday November 6 demanding higher wages and workers rights. The Mexican courts had previously declared the strike illegal for abusing the right to strike despite the fact that the union had given a 72-hour warning, as required by anti-labor laws. The workers have been fighting for higher wages since last August.

Venezuela workers and retirees hold protests

On Thursday November 9, workers and retirees protested in Caracas and in other Venezuelan cities demanding salaries and pensions that match cost of living increases. The marchers condemned the criminalization of protests by the Maduro administration, and freedom for arrested workers.

As the march began, following a rally in Caracas Carabobo Square, it was blocked by the National Police.

It has been nearly two years since the last increase in the minimum wage to 130 US dollars a month. Since then, the cost of living has risen 87 percent. To keep up with the cost of living, protesters are demanding a monthly wage of 500 US dollars per month.

United States

New Jersey utility workers strike over wages and benefits

Contract talks resumed November 7 between Atlantic City Electric and the union representing nearly 400 electrical workers. The contract between the utility and members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 210 expired November 2 and workers walked off the job November 5 at numerous company sites throughout New Jersey.

Workers are seeking better pensions and improved retirement health benefits. Workers also want parody for all members in terms of benefits, putting an end to inferior benefits for workers hired in 2018. Workers want to modify language covering subcontracting to prevent it from undermining bargaining unit members. Workers have also raised a demand for language that will protect them from a future pandemic or similar situation.

Atlantic City Electric stated that its final offer contains wage increases of 16 to 20 percent over the course of a five-year agreement. But the union charges there is no 20 percent raise with 16 percent being the highest. The company has been publicly emphasizing the wages of the highest paid linemen. But the bargaining unit also contains dispatchers, load control workers and electricians. Local 210 business agent Zach Story stated, the majority of IBEW 210 members earn substantially less than lineman.

Story charged that executives pay themselves inflated bonuses, handsome retirement packages and exorbitant salaries while continuing to raise customer rates and erode employee benefits and working conditions. The parent company has paid hundreds of millions of dollars in various fines throughout the country and their everyday operations are littered with unqualified management employees.

Story was not optimistic about talks and predicted the strike could go on for weeks or months. Atlantic City Electric is bringing in contractors in an effort to break the strike.

Nurses at Mass General Brigham unit in Braintree, Massachusetts vote for one-day strike

Sixteen nurses voted on November 1 to authorize a one-day strike at Brigham and Womens Harbor Medical Associates South Shore Endoscopy (SSEC) facility in Braintree, Massachusetts. Nurses voted to join the Massachusetts Nurses Association in September 2022 and have been involved in fruitless negotiations for a year as they seek their first contract.

Mass General Brigham nurses picket on September 21 [Photo: Massachusetts Nurses Association]

SSEC is owned by Mass General Brigham (MGB) and the wages of nurses are lower than Mass General Brigham nurse units as well as other healthcare facilities. Besides competitive pay, nurses are seeking additional personal time off and daily overtime.

MGB is the largest private employer in Massachusetts and one of the largest hospital system-based research enterprises in the US. Its CEO, Anne Klibanski raked in a salary of $5,377,699 during 2021.

Canada

Prince Albert, Saskatchewan city workers authorize strike

Members of CUPE Local 160 working for the city of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan voted by an 80 percent margin to authorize strike on November 9. The workers include workers at the water treatment plant, wastewater treatment plant, sanitation department, parks and recreation, roadways, janitors, fleet mechanics, airport maintenance workers and others.

The CUPE Local 160 leadership made clear that the vote had only symbolic significance, pointing to the various legal procedures that have to be followed before workers are in a legal strike position, including mandatory conciliation.

The workers have been without a contract since December 2021. The city is demanding concessions such as a reduction in sick days, changes to overtime call back, and hours of work for some classifications.
This photo released by Dr. Marawan Abu Saada shows prematurely born Palestinian babies removed from incubators due to lack of supplies in Shifa Hospital in Gaza City on Sunday, Nov. 12, 2023. [AP Photo/Dr. Marawan Abu Saada via AP]

For the third day in a row, Gazas Health Ministry did not release an updated death toll of Israels bombardment of Gaza, amid the near-total collapse of the enclaves healthcare system.

Following the collapse of services and communications at hospitals in the north, the Ministry of Health (MoH) in Gaza did not update casualty figures, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said Sunday.

On Friday, the last time the death toll was updated, it stood at 11,078 deaths, 27,490 people injured, and 1.6 million internally displaced. During the first month of Israels onslaught on Gaza, over 300 Gazans died each day. This likely means that the death toll has already passed 12,000.

Throughout the day Monday, footage was widely shared on social media showing unburied bodies piled up at Gazas hospitals. Dr. Munir Albursh, the director-general of the Ministry of Health in Gaza, told Al Jazeera that stray dogs had entered the Al-Shifa Hospital and were eating the unburied bodies that had piled up. Stray dogs found the dead bodies inside and started eating them while we were watching, he said.

We dont have electricity. Theres no water in the hospital. Theres no food, said one doctor at Al-Shifa Hospital, whose statement was published by Doctors Without Borders (MSF). People will die in a few hours without functioning ventilators. In front of the main gate, there are many bodies. There are also injured patients; we cant bring them inside. When we sent an ambulance to bring the patientsa few meters awaythey attacked the ambulance. There are injured people around the hospital looking for medical care. We cant bring them inside.

On Monday, Israel again attacked the Jabaliya refugee camp in northern Gaza, killing another 31 people. Over 200 were killed at the camp in a series of Israeli airstrikes last month.

On Monday, the United Nations noted that food security inside Gaza was catastrophic and that stocks inside Gaza were running out. The only operative mill cannot transform wheat due to electricity outages. It added that there is a 4- to 6-hour average waiting time to receive half of normal bread portion.

The United Nations noted that hospitals in the North are under heavy strikes and that almost all hospitals in Gaza City and Northern Gaza are reportedly not operational, except one. It stated that 1,000 kidney failure patients, 2,000 cancer patients and 130 premature babies in incubators are at immediate risk of death due to the collapse of the healthcare system.

To date, over 102 United Nations employees have been killed inside Gaza, alongside 182 healthcare workers. On Monday, at the UN headquarters in New York City, the organization lowered its flag to half-staff to commemorate the 100 UN employees that had been killed. UN executives held a moment of silence.

US officials once again reiterated their unequivocal support for Israels genocide on Monday. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said during a briefing, Israel has the right to defend itself. They have the right to defend itself. And so were going to support Israel in doing that.

US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan added, Our position is that Israel has the right to go after Hamas, adding that Israel is attacking the tools and infrastructure of its terrorism.

For the second day in a row, Sullivan refused to answer whether Israel was committing war crimes. One journalist stated: Israel has killed around 11,000 Palestinians and rising. Two-thirds of those are women and children. The situation in the hospitals is dire. Israel has dropped an astronomical amount of ordnance in very pre-builtup areas. Is Israel, in your view, abiding by the laws of war? Sullivan replied, I said yesterday, I, Jake Sullivan, standing here, Im not in a position to be judge and jury to make that determination. Its a legal determination.

Critically, the White House is making these statements against the background of the publication of internal documents in which US government employees categorically assert that Israel is violating international law.

Axios reported on the existence of an internal State Department dissent memo, signed by over 100 State Department and USAID employees, that categorically asserts that Israel is committing war crimes in Gaza. Noting the repeated statements by US officials that there are no red lines for the number of civilians Israel is allowed to massacre, the letter states, We doubled down on our unwavering military assistance to the [Israeli government] without clear or actionable red lines. It accuses US President Joe Biden of spreading misinformation in his efforts to justify the actions of Israel.

In a subsequent article, the New York Times reported that this is the third such memo that has been submitted by State Department employees.

Over the weekend, Israeli security cabinet member and Agriculture Minister Avi Dichter, a member of Benjamin Netanyahus Likud Party, effectively admitted that Israel is engaging in ethnic cleansing, declaring, We are now rolling out the Gaza Nakba.

Israels ongoing genocide in Gaza, and the USs support for it, take place against ongoing mass demonstrations of people opposing Israels crimes. Over the weekend, millions of people took part in mass demonstrations in dozens of major cities, including one in which as many as a million people took part.
Part of the SEP/IYSSE protest against Gaza Genocide at Fort Railway Station in Colombo on November 9.

The Socialist Equality Party (SEP) and the International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) in Sri Lanka held a powerful protest outside the Colombo Fort Railway Station on November 9. It was part of action being taken by workers and youth around the world on that day to denounce Israels genocidal attacks on Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

SEP/IYSSE members, supporters and youth took part in the event, chanting slogans and displaying placards. These included, Stop Israels genocide in Gaza Strip, Stop shipment of weapons to Israel, For a united socialist state of Jewish and Arab workers, Build workers and youths anti-war movement, Stop US-NATO war against Russia in Ukraine and Stop the drive to a third world war.

Participants distributed hundreds of copies of Sinhala and Tamil versions of the WSWS Editorial Board statement calling for unified action by the international working class against Israels illegal military assault.

SEP/IYSSE demonstration at Fort Railway Station in Colombo on November 9, 2023.

The Colombo demonstration, which was held in the late afternoon, drew the attention of hundreds of workers and youth returning home from work and studies. The protest concluded with SEP Assistant Secretary Saman Gunadasa addressing the gathering in Sinhala. His speech was translated into Tamil by Shree Haran, an SEP political committee member.

Gunadasa began by explaining that the demonstration was part of a huge wave of protests sweeping across America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa against Israels genocidal attacks.

Today, tens of thousands of people trapped inside a small plot of land are being bombed even as they are being deprived of drinking water, food, fuel and electricity, he said. Now they [the Israel regime] have deployed battle tanks to besieged Gaza City and have begun ground-level attacks. Almost half of the 10,000 dead are children.

Gunadasa explained the establishment of Israel in 1948 and its development as part Washingtons long-term strategy to dominate the Middle East. Israels brutal military assault, which was fully endorsed by all the imperialist powers, he said, was posing the danger of a third world war. It was in line with the intensifying US provocations against Iran and its military encirclement of China.

The blessings for this genocide from all the major powers mean that imperialism will not hesitate to launch wars that would wipe out human civilisation in order to preserve its power, Gunadasa warned. The imperialists goal was to establish their domination, and that was what was involved in their war against Russia, and now its extension into the Middle East and across the globe.

Gunadasa said it was impossible to stop this escalating militarism by appealing to, or exerting pressure on, the imperialist powers. The fight to stop war is a battle against the major powers of every country and their allies, such as India and Sri Lanka, he explained.

SEP Assistant National Secretary Saman Gunadasa addressing Fort Railway protest, November 9, 2023.

The only social force that can immediately stop the genocidal attacks on the Palestinians and the drive towards a third world war is the international working class.

Protests by millions of people around the world are extremely important but these actions must be developed into a political general strike in the major imperialist countries. The working class has the power and ability to shut down all the facilitiesharbour ports, airports and factoriesthat supply Israel with weapons and equipment.

The main obstacle to this sort of a struggle was the trade union bureaucracies, Gunadasa continued. Union bureaucracies, such as the AFL-CIO in the US, the TUC in the UK, the CGT in France and IG Metall in Germany, etc., have aligned themselves with the imperialist powers in their own countries and in support Israels attacks.

It is necessary to break with the union bureaucracy and organise independent workers action committees. The world working class needs to support the demands made by the Palestinian trade unions for blocking war materials to Israel.

Gunadasa concluded: The future of the world working class is tied to the issue of the Palestinian people and the answer to that question is tied up with the program of socialist reorganisation of the entire planet.

WSWS correspondents spoke with several participants who listened to Gunadasas speech.

Shohail

Shohail, a young resident from near Colombo, who attended the protest, said: Im a Muslim and appreciate the picket protest against the massacres in Palestine, regardless of the questions of ethnicity and religion.

While we mostly see how struggles are divided along ethnic or religious lines, I realised today that it is the ruling class which divides the masses in order to protect its system. I admire the SEPs struggle for a socialist unification of Jewish and Arab workers, and would like to learn more about this.
Last weeks call by the World Socialist Web Site to mobilise the working class against the bombing and genocide in Gaza states: The struggle against Israels genocide in Gaza requires a fight by workers to liberate themselves from the pro-imperialist union bureaucracy.

In Germany, workers are currently seeing just how important this is. The far-right Netanyahu government could not carry out its brutal genocide against the Palestinians without the support of the German government, and the German government could not maintain this support without the close co-operation of the Deutsche Gewerkschaftsbund (DGB, German Trade Union Confederation) and the leaderships of all the individual trade unions. Thus, the trade unions are directly involved in the worst war crimes.

Group photo of the trade union leaders [Photo by DGB]

After the Israeli army had already been bombing the Gaza Strip for days, attacking hospitals, schools and Palestinian neighbourhoods and killing thousands of civilians, and demonstrations against this were taking place in many cities, the German trade unions declared their solidarity with Israel. The DGB Federal Executive Board gathered for a group photo and, together with the Confederation of German Employers Associations (BDA), called for a demonstration at the Brandenburg Gate.

In a letter to Arnon Bar-David, Chairman of the Israeli trade union federation Histadrut, the DGB Federal Executive Board declared its deeply felt solidarity with Israel in view of the brutal attacks by Hamas. The letter denounced the worldwide protests against the Israeli bombing, saying that the past few days had made clear how deeply antisemitism is anchored in world society. ... We are shocked and disturbed by the brutality with which antisemitism has become active againeven here in Germany.

The letter ends with the statement that Israel was confronted with a difficult and challenging situation, and we are pleased that our government has reacted quickly and had assured Israel of unrestricted support.

The unions close collaboration with the German government could hardly be expressed more clearly. It should also be noted that the Israeli trade union organisation Histadrut is closely linked to the Israeli state and the Israeli army.

In addition to the DGB trade unions and the BDA and BDI employers associations, all the parties in the Bundestag (federal parliament)apart from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD)the Protestant and Catholic churches, the German-Jewish Society and many other organisations signed up to the call for the rally in front of the Brandenburg Gate on October 22. The Left Party announced its support for the war several times. It signed not only as a party, but also in the name of its Rosa Luxemburg Foundation.

The event served to justify the genocide in Gaza, to intimidate and criminalise those defending the Palestinians and to accelerate Germanys military build-up.

According to the appeal, Israel had never before been subjected to such inhuman violence and brutality. Hamas October 7 attack against Israel cannot be justified by anything. Not a word about the brutal expulsion of the Palestinians during the founding of the state of Israel 75 years ago. Not a word about the terror that has been ongoing for decades in the territories occupied by Israel, which has been constantly intensified in recent times.

International law gave Israel the right to the self-defence of its existence. As if the bombing of residential neighbourhoods with thousands of dead, the majority of them women and children, has anything to do with self-defence.

The appeal warns that there was a threat of the conflict being widened by Iran and the Hezbollah it supports. In reality, the US sent two aircraft carrier units with thousands of soldiers to the region immediately after the bombing began and is systematically preparing for war against Iran. The German government is also directly involved with arms deliveries and the deployment of Bundeswehr soldiers in border regions.

Although political parties, trade unions, employers organisations, churches, and many others had called for a pro-Israel rally, only a few thousand people attended the event at the Brandenburg Gate. Ten times as many people took part in protest demonstrations in support of the Palestinians in several cities the following weekend.

More and more workers are turning against the German governments pro-war policy and understand the direct link between the military build-up, support for the wars in Ukraine and Gaza and the dismantling of democratic rights, on the one hand, and the drastic social spending cuts and reductions in real wages as well as the increase in strikes and diverse protest actions, on the other.

The DGB leadership is reacting to this growing pressure by tying itself even more closely to the government and suppressing any independent movement in factories and offices even more vigorously. Every critical thought and every discussion is to be prevented. For example, the DGB Youth has invited people to an online event on the Gaza war and at the same time announced that it will strictly enforce its right to expel people from the meeting and shut down any form of antisemitismin other words, any criticism of the Netanyahu governments actions and the genocide.

IG Metall is the largest single trade union in the DGB and plays a key role in the current development of the war. It acts as a lobbyist to obtain state funding and lucrative contracts for the German arms companies. At the same time, it deploys its extensive apparatus of full-time works council representatives and shop stewards as company police to suppress any resistance.

Last Tuesday, the vice chairman of IG Metall, Jurgen Kerner, called for more defence contracts for German industry. Speaking at an Airbus action day in Taufkirchen near Munich, Kerner said: With the purchase of fighter planes and helicopters from the USA, the military aviation industry in Germany is in danger of collapsing.

He welcomed the 100 billion special fund for the modernisation of the Bundeswehr, 40 billion of which is earmarked for the air force. However, it was unacceptable that taxpayers money was going to the US, criticised the IG Metal vice chair. The government had ordered 35 F-35 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin and further purchases were in the pipeline, he said. But whether the Eurofighter will be developed further is written in the stars. The European Tiger helicopter was under threat of being withdrawn from service in Germany. The new transport helicopter would be purchased from Boeing, and the purchase of the US Apache combat helicopter had already been discussed.

It is becoming increasingly clear that the US and German governments are using the genocide in Gaza as a prelude to an all-out war against Iran and other Middle Eastern states. Already waging a proxy war against Russia in Ukraine, a second front is emerging in a battle for world power that is escalating into a third world war.

This third world war is taking the form of a global war against the working class. This makes it necessary to break through the straitjacket of the trade union apparatuses in order to combine the struggle for wages and the defence of social gains with the struggle against the government, military armament and war.

This is why the establishment of independent rank-and-file action committees is so important and urgent. Dockers in Hamburg and Bremerhaven, workers at the Cologne-Wahn military airport, workers in the armaments and transport industry, but also workers in all other companies must prepare protests and strike action to block the production and transport of weapons for Israel.

Last week, the Rail Action Committee adopted a call to Stop all arms shipments to Israel! Stop the genocide in Palestine! It states: We, the Rail Action Committee, condemn Israels genocidal actions in Gaza, which are fully supported by the German government and all parties in the Bundestag.

The Action Committee therefore supports the October 16 call of the Palestinian trade unions to refuse to build weapons for Israel and transport weapons to Israel.

We call on all workers and youth who want to take action against the genocide in Gaza to contact the WSWS and the Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei (Socialist Equality Party). We will help to set up action committees and support fighting measures. Contact us via Whatsapp at this number +49-163-337 8340 and register using the form below.
As part of its complete support for Israels genocidal onslaught on Gaza, the Australian political and media establishment is seeking to whip up a hysterical atmosphere. Opposition to Israels bombardment has repeatedly been branded as antisemitic in a bid to intimidate and silence the mass anger that has resulted in the largest anti-war demonstrations since the invasion of Iraq in 2003.

A section of the Melbourne rally on November 12, 2023

The conflation of Zionism and the Jewish people is an obscene falsification from every standpoint. It is itself antisemitic, falsely equating the garrison state of Israel, currently engaged in horrific war crimes, with all Jewish people, large numbers of whom are horrified by the assault on Gaza and have participated in the anti-war rallies.

Each day, the Australian press publishes assertions of rampant antisemitism, but almost invariably with no evidence. These stories frequently rely on the most pro-Israeli Zionist lobby groups.

An indication of the propagandistic style of the media campaign was provided by the coverage of the mass peaceful pro-Palestinian rallies over the weekend by the Murdoch-owned Australian newspaper. It asserted that the events, involving more than 100,000 people, drew on Hitler and the Nazis legacies. The evidence provided was that some placards had compared the war crimes of Israel with those of the Nazis. This is clearly the opposite of an endorsement of the horrors of the Nazi regime.

The relentless official demonisation of those opposing the genocide in Gaza is itself a form of vilification. The clear and foreseeable consequence of it is to foment anti-Palestinian and anti-Arab racism.

Last month, Hash Tayeh, the owner and CEO of Burgertory, a chain of twenty burger restaurants in Melbourne, participated in a pro-Palestinian protest. Tayeh, who is of Palestinian descent, posted a video of himself leading chants to his Instagram account. The video was picked up by supporters of Israel and featured by the right-wing tabloid Daily Mail.

Tayeh issued an open letter to the Jewish community, stressing his empathy for their trauma. He rejected assertions that the chant he used, From the River to the Sea, was antisemitic. Instead, it called for liberation and equality for Palestinians throughout Israel and the occupied territories.

Tayeh explained that in the course of Israeli attacks on Palestinians, Ive had 38 family members killed and two orphans Ive been sponsoring for the last five years aged seven & nine both killed.

Tayeh has alleged that since the video was posted he has been subjected to a campaign of harassment, threats and intimidation. Last Friday morning, at about 4 a.m., Tayehs Burgertory store in the south-eastern Melbourne suburb of Caulfield was burnt down.

Police branded the blaze as suspicious, indicating that it was an act of arson. CCTV footage was published, showing hooded individuals breaking into the store and apparently setting it alight. The police very rapidly declared that the attack was not religiously or politically motivated. Given that no arrests have been made, it is entirely unclear how they came to that determination.

On Sunday, Tayeh spoke at the mass pro-Palestinian protest in Melbourne. In comments that have scarcely been reported in the press, he told the 50,000 attendees: In the past weeks I have advocated for peace, immediate ceasefire and the rights of the Palestinian people.

My own establishment, Burgertory in Caulfield, became a target, staff threatened and harassed, all in an attempt to silence my support. And the other day, in a cruel act of arson, our store was reduced to ashes. To those who sought to silence us with hate and violence, I say: You will not succeed! Love and unity will always prevail!

In a rare breach of the general media disinterest in Tayehs ordeal, he was interviewed last night on the 7:30 program of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and elaborated on his experiences.

Tayeh revealed that he had moved his wife and young children to a safe house after receiving an anonymous social media message informing him that he would become a Shahid, an Islamic term for a martyr.

Tayeh said that in the lead-up to the arson attack on the Caulfield outlet, Our staff were getting phone calls daily, saying, You don't belong here. We're going to boycott you. Were going to close you down, your shops going to go.

He added: Police are still investigating so I cant comment on that but what I can say is that whether it was a Muslim, a Jew, a Christian or an atheist, its a hate crime, and to say its a hate crime is not saying its a Jewish person, its saying youve hurt me, youve hurt my livelihood, youve hurt the livelihood of my staff.

Further information about the events at the Caulfield store was provided by Australian Palestinian Advocacy Network president Nasser Mashni, who appeared on an ABC QandA program last night.

Mashni stated that the campaign against the Caulfield store began two-and-a-half weeks ago. He said that there would be groups of teenagers, running into that store, yelling at shop assistants: How can you work for a terrorist? Mashni said: That culminates in an arson attack that police say is not a hate crime. He noted that police had made that determination quicker than any CSI [Crime Scene Investigation] show that Ive seen.

Pressed by the host, Mashni said that In the afternoon, there was a baying mob of Australian Jews with Israeli flags, in front of that shop, like a West Bank settler pogrom of clearing a village, reclaiming the dirt.

Whatever precisely happened to Tayehs Caulfield store, and that remains unknown, he and his supporters have clearly stated that the businessman has been the victim of intimidation and vilification. But, amid a purported official campaign against hate crimes and politically-motivated harassment, the major political parties and the media have responded to his plight with silence, or a shrug of the shoulders.

After the store burnt down, pro-Palestinian protesters gathered on Friday evening nearby in Caulfield. They were met by pro-Israeli counter-demonstrators. Limited scuffles ensued, but it appears that nobody was seriously injured. Tayeh had called for the protest not to occur.

The incident was seized upon by sections of the media. The Australian noted that Caulfield has a large Jewish population, and declared: The deliberate provocation to invade the heart of Jewish Melbourne got the response that they must have expected. Senior politicians, from the federal Labor government and the Liberal-National opposition denounced the violence and proclaimed the protest as unacceptable. Organisers of the pro-Palestinian rally subsequently apologised.

The official statements about violence are drenched in hypocrisy, given that the Labor government and the opposition are full-throated in their support of Israels continuous bombardment of the Palestinians in Gaza. In official circles, support for the onslaught is the default position. Even the suggestion of a ceasefire is taboo.

The attacks on Tayeh underscore the fraud of the official campaign surrounding safety and hate, which has been directed against all opposition to the unfolding genocide. More broadly, this campaign, far from combatting racism, is an attempt to incite communal violence, to reframe the imperialist-backed Israeli onslaught as a religious clash between Jewish people and Muslims.

Those publications and individuals leading this campaign could care less about the safety and security of ordinary Jewish people. They are seeking to inflame conflicts, regardless of their outcome, for the most sordid of political purposes, to legitimise unfolding war crimes.

Workers and young people must adopt an independent standpoint, rejecting all forms of racism and vilification, defending those who come under attack and fighting for the unity of the entire working class in a struggle against the genocide, war and the capitalist system that is responsible.
A section of the Port Botany rally

More than 500 workers and young people protested at Port Botany in Sydney on Saturday, opposing the presence of Israeli shipping line ZIM at Australian ports. The company is closely aligned with the Zionist state and has committed to serving the national interests of Israel, making all of its ships and infrastructure available for use in the Netanyahu regimes assault on Palestine.

In addition to those attending on foot, around a dozen protesters rode jet skis flying Palestinian flags.

The event followed a protest in Melbourne last Wednesday, in which hundreds of demonstrators occupied the road into the port for around 12 hours, preventing trucks from entering to drop off cargo bound for ZIM ships. Similar actions have been held at US ports.

Rabi, a retired building worker, told World Socialist Web Site reporters, Im here to show my support for my brothers and sisters in Palestine. Even though they are on the other side of the world, we are trying to stop these organisations from delivering military weapons to Gaza.

Hopefully, if we stand here, some of the people working at the docks and the unions will hear us, and they can get together to stop loading up these vessels and sending weapons and killing children.

I understand that workers need to work, and this ship has probably got nothing to do with it, but there should be a stand against the companies backing countries that kill mothers and children and elderly people indiscriminately.

Elle, a student, said, The most important protests are the ones that actually disrupt. Stopping a ship coming in and docking is very powerful.

She came to the demonstration to show my support for ending the illegal occupation of Gaza and Palestine after experiencing firsthand the dead-end of appeals to parliamentarians.

She explained: I am quite ashamed of [federal Labor Foreign Minister] Penny Wong. She has not been doing anything. Ive been emailing MPs, and most of the replies say, we feel for both of them. We should look after citizens in Israel and in Gaza. They completely ignore that this has been going on for 75 years. This is not a war. This is genocide.

We see time and time again governments around the world testing us, saying how often can we get away with this?, until it leads to a world war. We see it in Ukraine, Iran, Palestine, Congo, Syria.

We cant let this go. We need to make something for the worlds citizens, not just the worlds governments.

These healthy sentiments, however, were provided with no way forward by the organisers.

Protester holds a placard at Port Botany demonstration.

The protest went ahead as scheduled, after organisers admitted on Thursday that no ZIM ship would be present, the company having changed its schedule in response to the Sydney and Melbourne actions being called. This was hailed by speakers at the rally as a victory.

But what organisers kept quiet as long as possible was that the ship supposedly targeted by the protests, the Contship Dax, was in fact docked at Port Botany for much of last week. Only on Friday, after the World Socialist Web Site had reported the regular presence of ZIM ships at Australian ports, and after questions were raised on social media, did Trade Unionists for Palestine organiser Paddy Gibson admit that this was indeed the case.

Trade Unionists for Palestine serves as a cover for the collaboration of the trade union bureaucracy with the Labor government and, ultimately, with Israel and its genocide. Just as its pseudo-left progenitor, Solidarity, provides an endless series of excuses and apologies for sell-out union wage agreements, Trade Unionists for Palestine is now seeking to provide a safe channel for workers opposition to the refusal of the bureaucracy to call industrial action against Israels horrific war crimes.

This is most starkly expressed in the duplicitous role of the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA). The unions position was laid bare at a Trade Unionists for Palestine meeting it hosted on November 3. Socialist Equality Party assistant national secretary Max Boddy asked whether the MUA would heed the plea of Palestinian trade unions and call strikes to block all military supplies to Israel.

Refusing to address the question, MUA Sydney Branch secretary Paul Keating and former official Joe Deakin denounced Boddy and other SEP members while aggressively hustling them out of the building.

MUA officials were as conspicuously absent from the speakers list on Saturday as the Contship Dax was from Port Botany. The only speaker from the union was Erima Dall, a longstanding Solidarity member and MUA delegate at the port.

Dalls role was to excuse the MUAs collaboration with Israel. She claimed, We have heeded the call of the Palestinian trade unions for a boycott movement. But in Australia, we face anti-strike laws that mean it is illegal for us to walk off the job to support causes such as the Palestinian cause.

Now, there are anti-protest laws that target people for blockading port infrastructure. But we need to build a movement that can break these laws because what has the law ever done for the Palestinian people.

In other words, the MUA, which is part of the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union, one of the largest unions in the country, is not prepared to risk a fine to oppose war crimes, and is instead leaving it up to individuals, many of them students or recent migrants with precarious employment or visa status, to do just that.

Turning this reality on its head, Dall declared, We as trade unionists, and we as a movement, stand with every worker anywhere who stands up to the Israeli apartheid state.

In reality, the MUA is maintaining complete industrial peace for ZIM, overseeing the loading and unloading of the companys ships at ports around the country, and facilitating the outfits moves to avoid disruption from the very protests the union claims to support.

The MUA, with the eager help of Solidarity and Trade Unionists for Palestine, is hiding behind Australias harsh anti-strike laws, just as all of the countrys unions do whenever there is a call for mass action by workers over attacks on jobs, wages and conditions.

But the truth is that this draconian legislation was implemented by the union-backed Rudd-Gillard Labor government in 2009, building upon foundations laid by the Hawke and Keating administrations between 1983 and 1996, again with the full support and cooperation of the union bureaucracy. This collaboration is ongoing, including with industrial relations legislation introduced late last year to strengthen the industrial courts and prevent strikes.

The union apparatus consistently supports and enforces this legislation, because it provides a legal backstop for their role as an industrial police force, to protect the profit interests of big business and governments against the struggles of the working class.

The MUA, along with every Australian union, is continuing to play this role in the face of mass opposition to Israel, its genocidal onslaught against Palestine, and the backing of the Labor government for these war crimes.

The Block the Boat protests on Saturday and last Wednesday, as well as the growing protests, week after week, in cities across the country, make clear that there is mass support among workers and young people for concrete action to defend the rights and lives of Palestinians, and reverse the broader drive towards global conflict.

But what is equally clear is that such action cannot be taken without a rebellion against the trade union bureaucracy, in opposition to its pseudo-left apologists. This poses the urgent need for workers to form new organisations, rank-and-file committees, democratically controlled by workers themselves, in order to take up the necessary industrial and political fight against genocide and war.
TEHRAN, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- Iranian and Qatari foreign ministers held a phone conversation on Tuesday to exchange views on the diplomatic efforts to stop the "brutal Israeli aggression" against the Gaza Strip, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said.

In the phone call, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani discussed the latest developments in Gaza and ongoing Israeli attacks on the coastal enclave, the ministry said in a statement.

The two foreign ministers also talked about the Israeli bombing of the headquarters of the Qatar Committee for the Reconstruction of Gaza and continued killing of civilians as well as the enclave's highly critical humanitarian situation, the statement said, adding they highlighted the necessity to immediately end Israeli "war crimes" there and send humanitarian aid to Gazans.

Israel has been carrying out attacks on Gaza over the past weeks and has imposed a siege on the enclave to retaliate Hamas attacks on southern Israel on Oct. 7. The conflict has so far led to the deaths of over 11,500 Palestinians in Gaza. On the Israeli side, about 1,200 people lost their lives, the majority of whom were killed in the Hamas attack. 
BERLIN, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- The number of attacks on refugees and asylum seekers and their homes in Germany is rising.

The German government said in information sent to Xinhua on Tuesday that in the first nine months of this year, authorities registered 1,515 such attacks, 144 more than in the whole year of 2022.

"The fact that people who have come to Germany to seek protection here so often experience violence and exclusion is an ongoing scandal," said Left Party politician Clara Buenger, calling on politicians and citizens to stand up for the protection of refugees.

After Germany saw record immigration figures in 2022, the government introduced various regulatory measures, including stricter border controls to prevent illegal entries as well as a reduction in financial incentives. 
KHARTOUM, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- Fierce clashes have been raging between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to control an air base south of the Sudanese capital Khartoum, according to eyewitnesses and medical sources on Monday.

The clashes focused around the Al-Nujoumi Air Base in the Jabal Awliya area, about 50 km south of Khartoum, adjacent to the White Nile State, the eyewitnesses said.

"Due to the fire exchanged between the two sides, a number of artillery shells fell in the Jabal Awliya neighborhoods," an eyewitness from the Jabal Awliya area told Xinhua.

Also in the day, Director General of Al-Gitaina Teaching Hospital Reem Ahmed in White Nile State, said in a statement, "The hospital received 18 injured patients from Jabal Awliya as a result of renewed clashes in the area."

"The clashes left three dead and 15 others injured, all of them belonging to the SAF," she said.

Meanwhile, responding to the RSF claim that it had captured the Al-Nujoumi Air Base, the SAF said the base was still under its control.

The RSF posted video clips on its page on the social media platform X on Monday showing a number of its members inside a military site containing military tanks and aircraft belonging to the Sudanese army, claiming the site was the Al-Nujoumi air base.

The SAF, also in the day released video clips on its Facebook page, showing army units repulsing a major attack by the RSF against army positions at the air base.

Deadly clashes have been going on between the SAF and the RSF in Khartoum and other areas since April 15, killing up to 9,000 people by October, forcing more than six million displaced within and outside Sudan and leaving 25 million in need of aid, according to the latest Sudan situation report on Nov. 12 by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. 
Connecting Ethiopia and Djibouti: a railway towards prosperity

Ali Sabieh station is a little oasis for travellers deep within the Djiboutian desert. The stations little waiting room is teal with blue seats and a few plants on the windowsill, with customers dozing in the cool shade as they wait for the train.

The small station is located on the 752-km Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway, a flagship project under the Belt and Road Initiative, connecting landlocked Ethiopia and coastal Djibouti. It is the first electrified trans-boundary railway in Africa.

Ali Sabieh station is a little oasis for travellers deep within the Djiboutian desert. Photo by Chi Zao.

Fatouma Houssein Daher, a Djiboutian girl who frequently takes the train to Ethiopia, expressed her appreciation for the railway, saying that it represents the friendship between China and Africa.

Taking the train to Ethiopia is a low-cost and comfortable option. It's lovely that the Chinese have helped us create our railway, and I'm proud of it, she said.

Since it was put into operation in January 2018, the railway has seen 1,824 passenger trains pass through carrying nearly 530,900 people and 6,133 cargo trains with about 7,328,500 tonnes of goods. It has also cut the transportation time for goods from more than three days to less than 20 hours and reduced the cost by at least one third, substantially facilitating imports and exports from Ethiopia, a landlocked country in the Horn of Africa.

A railway heading towards prosperity

Located in Addis Ababas outskirts, the Indode cargo station is an important transportation center on the Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway. The station wasn't officially opened until 2018, but in 2016, when Ethiopia was hit by a devastating drought and food shortage, it served as an important freight hub, moving a total of 888,00 tonnes of grains to help feed the starving population.

There are around 200 people working at the station, only five of whom are Chinese. The majority of the top-tier positions have already been delegated to locals.

Ethiopian railway specialist Fasil Tadele has seen the Addis Ababa railway being built firsthand. Photo by Chi Zao.

Ethiopian railway specialist Fasil Tadele, 36, has seen the Addis Ababa railway being built first hand. For more than eleven years, he has worked on the Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway. After working as an engineer supervising the railway's construction, he was promoted to station manager in 2018 upon the opening of the Indode station.

Ethiopia is landlocked; hence its best means of import and export is through Djibouti's port. For Ethiopia's economy to grow, the Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway is essential, said Fasil.

Fasil says that it took three to seven days for cargo to go between Djibouti and Ethiopia before the railway was built. Costs were high and travel was unsafe. With the railroad, the journey now takes just 20 hours, which is not only faster but also safer.

"Over 80% of Ethiopians are farmers, but our country does not produce fertilisers, so we must import them from Djibouti's port. It used to take at least 70 trucks to move 2,590 tons of fertiliser from Djibouti to Ethiopia over three days; today one cargo train can make the trip in just 20 hours, said Fasil.

The railway has made it possible to ship Ethiopian coffee all over the world, and it has also opened up the rest of the world's goods to our people. This is, without a doubt, the railroad to success, he added.

Souleiman Youssouf Ahmed, a railway expert from Djibouti, studied railway technology in China and is now in charge of the Ali Sabieh station alongside 71 Djiboutians and two Chinese staff. Photo by Chi Zao.

Manager of the Ali Sabieh passenger station in Djibouti, 32-year-old Souleiman Youssouf Ahmed, echoed Faisil's sentiments, noting that the railway has greatly improved the safety and convenience of travel between Djibouti and Ethiopia.

According to Souleiman, Djiboutians flock to the Ethiopian city of Dire Dawa throughout the summer to escape the stifling heat. Minibuses were the only option for getting from Dire Dawa to Ali Sabieh prior to the construction of the railway. While only designed to hold ten people, the minibus was frequently crammed with twenty. The minibus shared the road with the freight trucks, and accidents were common.

The train cuts travel time by two hours while also providing passengers with the added bonuses of comfort and security. At its peak in the summer, the train has carried as many as 950 passengers in a single day, said Souleiman.

Making it the "African People's Railway"

Adisu is a successful passenger train driver on the Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway after receiving his schooling in China. Photo by Chi Zao.

So far, the Ethiopia-Djibouti railway has created 55,000 jobs in Ethiopia and Djibouti and provided training opportunities for more than 3,000 professionals, laying a solid foundation for the development of the railway industry in the two countries, according to the Ethiopian government.

The Chinese government has been sending experts to Ethiopia and Djibouti to help train local talent in contemporary railway management while also offering scholarships for local students to study in China. In 2023, local employees account for over 90 percent of the total staff offering passenger and freight services.

Fasil and Souleiman lauded the "railway of the African people" connecting Addis Ababa and Djibouti as an example of the technological know-how transferred to Africa by the Chinese.

I've learned a lot about railway technology and management from the Chinese. Right now, I'm teaching this sort of thing to my people. It's unbelievable that the Chinese are advising us on building our railway, which we now own, said Fasil.

Souleiman, one of the 94 Djiboutians dispatched to China to study railway technologies in 2015, expressed gratitude to China for facilitating the transfer of technology to Africa.

My Chinese friends have always been open and honest with us, and it's clear they hope Africans will be able to run the railroad on their own. There's no denying the sincerity of their assistance; the railway is an iconic representation of the bond between China and Africa, he said.

Adisu Getachew, a 27-year-old passenger train driver on the Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway, studied railway technologies in China for eight months. As a boy, he had always wanted to see a real train like the ones in picture books, and he has now realized that dream by transporting passengers between Ethiopia and Djibouti every week.

The railway has improved not only the economic situation in our countries, but also the communication amongst our citizens. I've noticed an incredible uptick in the number of visitors and businesspeople going back and forth between the two countries in recent years, its incredible, said Adisu.

Since I am now in the position of passenger train driver, I am interested in expanding my knowledge of railway technology, in particular that related to high-speed rail. It is one of my goals to return to China for further education, he added.

Tears, joy, and names that must not be forgotten

Wang Tiantao, like many Chinese railway experts in Africa who have been away from home for years, misses his son and wife terribly. He believes his work in Africa is important, and hopes his African coworkers can learn the skills they'll need to keep the railway running well. Photo by Chi Zao

Many Chinese have spent years away from family and home, toiling in the sweltering heat and facing deadly diseases in Africa in a bid to build the railway for Africans.

Wang Tiantao, age 32, is a Chinese manager at the Indode station and has been away from his family for more than nine years. He was not there to support his wife while she gave birth to their son, and now the one-year-old toddler doesn't even recognise him.

"I videochat with my family on a daily basis. Despite my wife's best efforts, our son still doesn't recognise me as his father. I owe my family too much, and I miss them a lot, he said with tears in his eyes.

Despite the hardships and the overwhelming feelings of homesickness, Wang is convinced that his work in Africa is worthwhile, and hopes that the Africans will be able to acquire the knowledge and skills they need to successfully operate their own railway.

"Although I miss my family very much, it is a great comfort to me that I have made many local friends here in Ethiopia, and that they are really kind to us," said Wang.

After years of working together, Fasil can attest to the fact that the Chinese have a genuine appreciation for Africa and its people.

At first, there could be misunderstandings due to our different backgrounds. While the Chinese are usually hard at work, we Ethiopians enjoy taking it easy. We have been learning punctuality and disciplines from the Chinese, and they have been learning about our language and culture through mutually respectful interactions, said Fasil.
Editor's note: Portions of this story were previously published.

The countdown is on to Thanksgiving Day, and if you haven't done so already, now is the time to reserve a turkey from a New Jersey farm for the holiday on Thursday, Nov. 23.

Most farms require advance orders, but some will have extras available for walk-in customers  be sure to call before stopping in.

How big of a turkey will you need? Count on roughly 1 pound of meat per person, or 1 if you want leftovers (and who doesn't want leftovers?). For eight people, buy a 12-pound turkey; for 10, buy a 15-pound turkey; for 12 people, buy an 18-pound turkey, and for 14 people, buy a 20-pound bird.

Here's where to order:

Abma's Farm, Wyckoff

A family-run farm since the 1930s, Abma's Farm offers Thanksgiving turkeys  and they also sell hams, sides and desserts.

Go: 700 Lawlins Road; 201-891-0278, abmasfarm.com.

More: Let these Jersey Shore restaurants cook your Thanksgiving dinner

Ashley Farms, Flanders

The turkeys at Ashley Farms in Flanders are raised on natural feed, including farm-grown corn.

This 74-year-old family-owned farm raises more 6,000 turkeys each year. Frozen fresh turkeys are available year round.

Go: 25 Hillside Ave.; 973-584-7578, ashleyfarmsonline.com.

DiPaola Turkey Farms, Hamilton Township

This family-run turkey farm raises white domesticated turkeys and sells them fresh at their New Jersey farm store, as well as at more than a dozen green markets in New York City.

Go: 891 Edinburg Road; 609-587-9311, dipaolaturkeyfarm.com.

Double Brook Farm, Hopewell

This farm started in 2004 with livestock, and in the years since expanded to growing vegetables and added a farm store, Brick Farm Market, and a farm-to-table restaurant, Brick Farm Tavern. Double Brook Farm also is one of only two USDA inspected on-farm slaughter houses in the country, managing director Otto Zizak said.

The farm raises pigs, chickens, ducks, sheep and turkeys.

Go: 609-466-3594, doublebrookfarm.com.

Let's talk turkey: These Jersey Shore restaurants are making Thanksgiving dinner to go

Flatbrook Farm Inc., Sandyston

Sustainable farming practices are the focus at Flatbrook Farm, which grows vegetables and raises cows, pigs, chickens and turkeys.

Go: 2 Degroat Road; 973-948-2554, flatbrookfarm.com.

More: Did you order your Thanksgiving pie? Jersey Shore bakeries give you lots of options

Fossil Farms, Boonton

You may know Fossil Farms for selling exotic meats  wild boar, ostrich, yak and bison  to New Jersey restaurants. But come Thanksgiving, they offer fresh Nicholas Broad Breasted turkeys for your holiday table.

Go: 81 Fulton St.; 973-917-3155, fossilfarms.com.

Gobble gobble: 5 must-try Thanksgiving sandwiches

Goffle Road Poultry Farm, Wyckoff

This fourth-generation farm, which began in 1948, raises free-range poultry: Thanksgiving turkeys, bone-in turkey breast, capon, duck and chicken.

Go: 549 Goffle Road; 201-444-3238, gofflepoultry.com.

Turkeys at Griggstown Farm in Princeton.

Griggstown Farm, Princeton

There are options to be had at Griggstown, a name you might recognize from farm-to-table restaurant menus across the state. For customers who like to brine their own bird, traditional White Breasted and heirloom Black turkeys are available. Pre-brined turkeys also are an option, as are pre-brined turkeys stuffed with garlic and herbs.

Go: 484 Bunker Hill Road; 908-359-5218, griggstownfarm.com.

Hinck's Turkey Farm has healthy happy birds.

Hinck's Turkey Farm, Wall

Long a favorite for deli items and catering, Hinck's has offered fresh turkeys for more than 80 years. Their turkeys are bought as poults from breeders who have established particularly tasty genetic lines of turkeys, then brought to the farm.

Go: 1414 Atlantic Ave., Wall; 732-223-5622, hincksfarm.com.

Nicholas Broad Breasted White turkeys roam at Lee Turkey Farm in East Windsor.

Lee Turkey Farm, East Windsor

This historical U-Pick farm, established in 1888, has been run by seven generations of the same family. Frozen and fresh turkeys are available.

Go: 201 Hickory Corner Road; 609-448-0629, leeturkeyfarm.com.

Lima Family Farms, Hillsborough

Come Thanksgiving, this family-run farm supplements its offerings of beef, pork, poultry and farm-grown vegetables with pasture-raised Broad Breasted White turkeys.

Go: 826 Amwell Road; 908-292-4137, limafamilyfarms.com.

Long Branch Poultry Farm, Long Branch

Turkeys raised on farms in western New Jersey and in Pennsylvania can be ordered ahead from Long Branch Poultry Farm, a market known for its rotisserie chicken and all the sides.

Go: 264 Branchport Ave.; 732-222-2464.

Spring Valley Turkey Farm, Old Bridge

Pasture-raised Broad Breasted White turkeys await at this family-run farm.

Go: 402 Spring Valley Road; 732-970-5265, springvalleynj.com.

Three Meadows Farm, Bedminster

Owned by Somerset Hills Learning Institute, this farm is a job-training site for adults with autism. Three Meadows Farm raises Broad Breasted Bronze turkeys.

Go: 1130 Burnt Mills Road; 908-212-1811, threemeadowsfarmnj.com.

Vacchiano Farm, Washington

Family-owned since the early 1980s, Vacchiano Farm raises turkeys, lambs, cows and pigs on its farm in Warren County. The farm also sells meat, sauces, baked goods, and its own wine at its farm store in Readington. For Thanksgiving, you can order a turkey, goose, a capon and more.

Go: 908-237-1301, vacchianofoods.com.

Sarah Griesemer joined the USA TODAY NETWORK New Jersey in 2003 and has been writing all things food since 2014. Send restaurant tips to sgriesemer@gannettnj.com, follow Jersey Shore Eats on Instagram and Facebook, and for more Jersey Shore food news, subscribe to our weekly Jersey Shore Eats newsletter.

Portions of this story were previously published.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: New Jersey farms where you can buy Thanksgiving turkeys
Five years after opening the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam with his feature debut Kabul, City in the Wind, Afghanistan-born, Netherlands-based filmmaker Aboozar Amini returns to IDFA to present his latest, Kabul, Year Zero, at the festivals industry section, Forum.

The choice to return to IDFA was an obvious one to Amini and frequent collaborator Jia Zhao of Silk Road Film Salon, who is co-producing Kabul, Year Zero alongside Julia Niethammer for Chromosome and Heejung Oh for Seesaw Pictures. Speaking exclusively to Variety, Zhao said, It was a very conscious choice to get back to IDFA because Aboozars first project was here, and to have had a first feature be seen by so many people  many of whom still have some fresh memories of it  was special to us. Of course, IDFA still had to choose us, but the Forum always had priority.

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For me, seeing peoples reactions to the project is the most important thing, said Amini when asked about presenting the project at the festivals market. Because once you are all the way into the process of making the film, it can be hard to grasp how it comes across to others and that is essential to me in the filmmaking process.

Kabul, Year Zero continues to trail the subjects of Aminis previous film, young people zigzagging through a world shadowed by suicide bombings and violent conflicts. On top of the boys introduced in Kabul, City in the Wind, the director will also tell the stories of young people in other war-torn countries such as Iraq and Ukraine.

Working on a follow-up to his first feature was not always in the cards for the filmmaker, who says Kabul, Year Zero happened by itself. I was not planning on making another film with the same protagonist but when the U.S. military left Afghanistan disastrously, it was incredibly hard to digest the pain and the loss. The film was a creative way to calm myself down.

I started going through materials I didnt use in my previous film, he continues. That was a meditative process for me, to just be able to express my emotions about the loss of all these people in Afghanistan. In that regard, the film was happening by itself and I was just following where it led me.

Amini is a firm believer in the importance of telling the story at the center of his film and finding the humanity that often lies buried under the impersonal numbers shared on the news. Children are dying by war and we only hear the numbers. A number of children got killed in Palestine, more in Ukraine, Afghanistan and Iraq, and we forget about them. Our aim is to make the audience experience these childrens lives and to see them for who they are.

And its also about killing in a much broader sense, interjected Zhao. When you no longer have a mother, father or a home, these are other forms of death. Its the absence of the most important parts of your life, suddenly taken away from you. That can be even worse than dying.

We started the film before the war in Ukraine and now we have the war in Palestine, said director about working on his film at this particular moment in time. It will never stop. This is why we have become so much more determined to continue what we are doing, even if its just a small contribution, even if its such a small story about kids. It can be small, but it is essential.

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In Ama Gloria, directed by Marie Amachoukeli, childhood is the domain of formative gains and losses. After opening this years Cannes Critics Week, the film screened as part of the Meet the Neighbors+ competition at the Thessaloniki Film Festival. Amachoukeli previously co-directed Party Girl, which won Cannes Camera dOr in 2014.

Ama Gloria introduces us to six-year-old Cleo (Louise Mauroy-Panzani), who lives in Paris with her widower dad Arnaud (Arnaud Rebotini) and her nanny Gloria (Ilca Moreno Zego). A blissfully constructed day-to-day routine keeps the world in order until one day Gloria has to return to her Cape Verdean family. In preparation to leave France for good, she invites Cleo to spend the summer with her in Cape Verde.

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Ama Gloria unfolds as an exploration of childhood through the eyes of its young protagonist. Reviewing the film for Variety, critic Jessica Kiang called it a debut made dazzling by an astonishingly intricate performance from its six-year-old star. The film is produced by Benedicte Couvreur of Lilies Films, the company behind Celine Sciammas gem Petite Maman.

Speaking to Variety, Amachoukeli  who is French, of Georgian descent  shared that after years of writing for other filmmakers, she decided to revisit a personal relationship she had with her childhood nanny who now lives in Portugal. The first thing she said when I called her was, How are you, daughter? After all these years, she still calls me that.

In order to channel the complexities of that bond, Amachoukeli wrote a concise 70-page script which assumed Cleos point of view entirely. But when she met Ilca Moreno Zego, a Parisian nanny with three children of her own back in Cape Verde, the director decided to incorporate her story as Glorias. I also decided to shoot in the village she was born in, with her family and friends. On site, the small crew then employed locals to keep it tight and authentic.

On meeting Mauroy-Panzani, Amachoukeli realized they shared a special connection. We felt a bit the same, she says. It was like she was 89 years old. Shes a very good listener and full of empathy, which are pretty good qualities for an actor to have. She knew all her lines and understood far more than I ever said. She was smarter than I was, really.

Ama Gloria is driven entirely by Cleos ambivalent feelings toward Glorias departure and the fact she has children of her own. I think its craziness, not bravery, to shoot with a child, says Amachoukeli. But she means it in the best possible way. Its four hours a day, but five weeks of shooting and being alert. So you have to have fun with her somehow. The constraint of having no rehearsals helped since they had to be in the present, together with the child and to listen to her. A professional was there on set to mitigate that actor-director relationship, as it was important that she had a very good friend on set, an adult to help her work. Because it is work, after all.

For Amachoukeli, it was quite obvious that the camera had to be placed in Cleos point of view. Crafting an intimate world of close-ups and rack focus with DP Ines Tabarin was a search for poetic truth. The director describes childhood as the first time for everything  love, defeat, anger, jealousy, hurt  and you learn how to swim, how to breathe, everything is so intense. It was important to translate that intensity in terms of film language.

A special addition to the film world consists of enchanting brush-stroke animation sequences. Their style and bright colors are directly linked with Cleos inner life. She doesnt really express feelings or fear as we adults do. In order to go deeper into her feelings, I chose animation. Together with illustrator Pierre-Emmanuel Lyet, they found inspiration in two whimsical artists: Felix Vallotton and Peter Doig. Then, a team of 20 animators spent one year hand-painting every frame using an ancient technique, which prolonged post-production. I had to edit the movie without the animation bits, without knowing if it was going to work, actually. I had to trust the process. This is what Amachoukeli calls artisanal cinema  the movies made by hand, between a few friends, like at the dawn of cinema.

After Ama Gloria, the French director hopes to finish a black-and-white animation feature shes been working on for 10 years. While she admits she enjoyed a directors role, she still doesnt completely align with it. My job still is being a writer and consulting on films. If I have something worth saying, I will direct again.

The Thessaloniki Film Festival ran Nov. 2  12.

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If you ask a crowd of people how they define art, youre unlikely to get the same answer twice. Some people see art as a form of self-expression or a state of being. Others see it as a decoration or conversation startersomething with more practical purposes. For Burls & Steel owners Sydney and Ben Spurrier, art is more than just a pretty object, and heirloom knives are more than just pragmatic tools.

We like to say our knives are usable works of art. We want your time using our knives to be a great experience in both the overall performance but also that it brings you joy because of the uniqueness of each piece. It makes us appreciate the little things, and we try to slow down and take in the beauty of our surroundings, Sydney Spurrier said. We take a lot of inspiration from the natural beauty of the Lowcountry.

The husband-and-wife duo will share their special blend of art and practicality during their residency at Palmetto Bluff on November 15-18, in Bluffton, South Carolina. Inspired by the beauty within the community, Palmetto Bluffs Arts Initiative uplifts southern artists, craftsmen and makers to promote creativity and provide hands-on education. With a diverse range of artists, the program serves as a reminder that art can be found just about anywhere, a sentiment that brought the Spurriers to knife-making and forging in the first place.

On the Menu: Yuca stacks and seasonal salsas make this fare to remember

Timeless Theater: Savannah Theatre's 'Fiddler on the Roof' reflects the poignancy of world events even today

Ben Spurrier uses a propane-fueled forge for better temperature regulation.

Foray into functional art making began as a practical solution

Ben Spurrier found a passion for knife-making in 2016 while managing a horse farm outside of Aiken, South Carolina. Noticing how quickly his tools dulled, he started making his own knives. This new venture presented exciting challenges and opportunities, and what began as a practical solution quickly became a way to engage Bens creative side.

After moving to Charleston, the couples growing knife collection inspired them to use their respective skills to start a business. With Ben creating the knives and Sydney managing marketing and photography, Burls & Steel quickly became a reality. As their love for the craft expanded to local farmers markets, it became clear that people loved learning more about the processes behind these functional works of art.

While knives might not be the first thing you think of when you hear the word art, Burls & Steel goes beyond your typical kitchen or hunting knife. While creating pieces for customers, Ben uses traditional techniques with a few modern twists, such as using a propane-fueled forge rather than a coal-fueled forge. This allows for better temperature regulation throughout the knife-making process, ensuring the steel is correctly forged for peak performance.

Hand-forged knives and works of art by Burls & Steel

Forge a family heirloom

This level of care and attention to detail also impacts the knifes appearance. Damascus steel knives are made through a labor-intensive process in which two different alloys are layered, stacked and twisted together. The result is a beautiful swirling pattern that sets this type of steel apart as a distinctive and valuable material.

Damascus steel is like a fingerprint  no two will look the same. It is a fascinating process in that you don't really know what type of pattern you are going to get while you are making it, until you etch it. You will have a general idea of the pattern depending on how you twist, stack and layer it. But the final pattern will not come out until after you etch it, Sydney said. Making Damascus is probably Ben's favorite part of knife-making. It is the ultimate form of artistic expression through knife-making.

Ethically sourced wood burl handles provide another opportunity for one-of-a-kind artistry. Much like Damascus steel, wood burl is highly sought-after for its uneven and irregular grain patterns. Add in the fact that each handle is composed mostly of leftover materials from furniture and guitar makers and you have the start of a wholly unique story.

And the story certainly isnt over when the knife is finished.

We love the idea of creating an heirloom item that can be passed down for generations. Each of the knives tells a story, and we love that our art is in people's kitchens helping them prepare meals for their families, Sydney said.

In some cases, alluring Damascus steel and elegant wood burl arent the only heirloom-worthy qualities. Customized knives also allow customers to incorporate personal touches such as wood from a grandparents family farm or coins from a memorable vacation. The Spurriers have even used a customers one-of-a-kind Pagani supercar as a color palette for an oyster shucker.

Sydney also mentioned a chefs knife they created for a customer looking for a wedding gift. But this wasnt your run-of-the-mill wedding gift. It was a usable work of art with memories woven in at every possible juncture. Since the two friends enjoyed traveling together on fishing excursions, the customer wanted to incorporate coins from their travels into the knifes bolster, and the Spurriers were happy to bring this vision to life.

Ben and Sydney Spurrier

With knives available at six stores nationwide, the Spurriers have crafted many cherished heirlooms, and their residency at Palmetto Bluff provides a firsthand look into the processes that made them possible. If hearing about it isnt enough, theyre also hosting workshops for a more hands-on experience.

What's a better way to learn about making a knife than being able to do it yourself? Sydney said. Plus, hitting stuff with a hammer is fun.

Amid the fun of knife-making and forging, your definition of art might even expand beyond galleries and museums as you tune in to creativity hidden in plain sight. Who knows, you might even find it layered into the cutlery you use to prepare Sunday dinner.

Sydney and Ben Spurrier will host workshops and gallery hours during their residency at Palmetto Bluff from November 15 - 18. For a complete schedule and ticket information, visit palmettobluff.com.

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Artisan knife forgers bring their craft to Palmetto Bluff's Artist Initiative
Just two years after Anita of West Side Story became the first non-white fictional character to inspire multiple Academy Award nominations, three others are on their way to earning the same distinction. As was the case in 1986, 30% of 2024s female acting Oscar slots could be filled by stars of The Color Purple, the new version of which serves as an adaptation of the similarly titled stage musical rather than Alice Walkers Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. If Fantasia Barrino, Danielle Brooks, and Taraji P. Henson all reap bids for their fresh takes on the parts for which Whoopi Goldberg, Oprah Winfrey, and Margaret Avery were previously recognized, the overall list of doubly Oscar-nominated fictional characters will expand to include 20 examples.

In The Color Purple, Barrino executes the lead role of Celie Johnson, who she initially played on Broadway as a direct successor to 2006 Tony-winning originator LaChanze. As in the book and first film, her Celie is depicted as an early 20th century domestic abuse survivor who spends decades yearning to be rid of her possessive husband and reunited with her beloved sister. Over the years, she befriends her stepdaughter-in-law, Sofia (Brooks), and her husbands paramour, Shug Avery (Henson), whose bold sensibilities ultimately inspire her to discover her own voice.

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Brooks and Hensons potential bids would be particularly special in the sense that they would save Anita from being the sole character to have ever produced multiple Best Supporting Actress notices. She was added to the general roster thanks to 1962 and 2022 featured champions Rita Moreno and Ariana DeBose, whose victories make her the only female character to be associated with two acting Oscar wins.

Counting Anita, this list of 17 doubly nominated characters only includes five who hail from musicals. Of that subgroup, three share a commonality with Celie, Sofia, and Shug in that they began as dramatic figures whose stories were later given musical treatments. The first case of this kind involved Esther Blodgett of A Star Is Born, who was first portrayed by Janet Gaynor (1938) and then by Judy Garland (1955). Next came Henry Higgins (Leslie Howard, Pygmalion, 1939; Rex Harrison, My Fair Lady, 1965), followed lastly by Goodbye, Mr. Chips protagonist Arthur Chipping (Robert Donat, 1940; Peter OToole, 1970).

The main list also includes Gaynor and Garlands male costars, Fredric March and James Mason, neither of whose portrayals of Norman Maine involved musical numbers. Maine was preceded in the lead categories by The Letter character Leslie Crosbie (Jeanne Eagels, 1930; Bette Davis, 1941) as well as Bing Crosbys Father Chuck OMalley (Going My Way, 1945; The Bells of St. Marys, 1946). Crosby won Best Actor in 1945, as did Donat five years earlier and Harrison two decades later.

In the 1970s, Al Pacino followed Crosbys example of collecting two bids for playing one character: Michael Corleone in The Godfather (supporting, 1973) and The Godfather Part II (lead, 1975). Additionally, the role of Michaels father, Vito, proved to be a fruitful one for both lead Marlon Brando (1973) and featured player Robert De Niro (1975). Later that decade, principal and supporting characters Joe Pendleton and Max Corkle  who were first played by Robert Montgomery and James Gleason in Here Comes Mr. Jordan (1942)  were added to the list thanks to Warren Beatty and Jack Wardens new interpretations in Heaven Can Wait (1979).

Next came Paul Newmans Eddie Felson, who the actor received lead nominations for portraying in both The Hustler (1962) and The Color of Money (1987), prevailing in the second case. He was followed by Rose DeWitt Bukater, who was embodied by both Kate Winslet (lead) and Gloria Stuart (supporting) in Titanic (1998), and then by Rooster Cogburn of True Grit (1970 winner John Wayne; 2011 nominee Jeff Bridges).

The remaining three characters that joined this group within the last 10 years are Sylvester Stallones Rocky Balboa (lead, Rocky, 1977; supporting, Creed, 2016), Little Women heroine Jo March (Winona Ryder, 1995; Saoirse Ronan, 2020), and Batman villain The Joker (Heath Ledger, supporting, The Dark Knight, 2009; Joaquin Phoenix, lead, Joker, 2020). Like Vito Corleone and Anita, The Joker brought wins to both of his nominated portrayers.

One unfortunate statistic looming over the 2024 Academy Awards is that the original The Color Purple failed to score on any of its 11 bids, making it and The Turning Point (1978) the least successful Oscar-nominated films of all time. Still, that shouldnt stop this new trio of actresses from at least earning academy recognition for their work and thus being given chances to achieve redemption on behalf of their overlooked counterparts.

PREDICT the 2024 Oscar nominees through January 23

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When Kathy Leslie and her sister, Sandra Austin, opened Shugga Hi on the east side of Nashville in 2017, they did it in the name of service to the community.

"We love to serve and love on folks," Leslie said.

That's proven to be a guiding light over the years for the restaurant, particularly on Thanksgiving. The sisters started a "community harvest meal," the first year Shugga Hi opened, serving free Thanksgiving meals to whoever appeared.

When Austin died in 2021, the free holiday meal became the Sandra E. Austin Community Harvest Meal. And the crowd has changed too, growing from 400 in the first year to around 1,000 last year.

This year, Shugga Hi will open its doors to the community Nov. 16 with a free meal to all who enter  11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Shugga Hi is one of several local businesses and organizations offering free community meals this Thanksgiving season. (Check out the list below.)

More: Shugga Hi owner Kathy Leslie hopeful neighborhood keeps same flavor with arrival of Oracle

Kathy Leslie overseas the food orders at Shugga Hi in East Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023. Kathy Leslie's business at the corner of Dickerson Pike and Whites Creek Pike will provide a free Thanksgiving meal Nov. 16

Leslie emphasized the meal is for the entire community, not just those who can't afford to eat.

"It's everyone sitting together with no judgment to eat with fellowship," she said. "We have judges, lawyers, doctors, homeless, hungry  all sitting at the table eating, and you might not even know who they are."

Leslie described the event as a family reunion, with people stopping by on their lunch breaks to grab a plate or lingering a little longer over food and conversation.

Shugga Hi staff will serve until the food runs out, which last year was around 12:30 p.m.

Kathy Leslie at Shugga Hi in East Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023.

The event comes together with the Shugga Hi staff and the help of volunteers and local businesses, including Piggly Wiggly, which sometimes donates food.

"And of course Shugga Hi makes up the rest, and we pay our staff to cook it," Leslie said. "We'll all be in there cooking early in the morning."

Last year, about 15 volunteers showed up to help serve and clean up after the crowd had dissipated.

"People just have that great spirit of giving this time of year," she said.

Shugga Hi Bakery & Cafe at the corner of Dickerson Pike and Whites Creek Pike in East Nashville

This year, expect traditional holiday standards: turkey and dressing, candied sweet potatoes, green beans, mac and cheese, cranberry sauce and rolls and dessert.

"But something we're doing differently this year is that we're also giving out socks, scarves and hats and asking people to donate those and, as people need them, they can pick those up with their plate," Leslie said.

Leslie said she looks forward to the event every year; she's happiest when people sit together in fellowship.

"The problem with the world today is that we don't have conversations with each other," she said. "But breaking bread is what it's all about. We just try to spread love. People are hurting and we want them to know someone cares for them. That's what we do."

Shugga Hi is at 1000 Dickerson Pike.

More free meals/food for the community

 Free turkeys: Non-profit One Generation Away is adding free turkeys to its normal Saturday morning drive-thru food distribution. That happens from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday (Nov. 18) at Franklin's Church of the City at 828 Murfreesboro Road. Recipients drive up in a vehicle and get a cart full of food, no questions asked, no forms to fill out.

 Free dinner: Nashville's Catholic Charities will serve a free Community Thanksgiving Feast from 5 to 7 p.m. dinner Thursday (Nov. 16) to the first 100 folks who register at 615-670-8286. It's set for the McGruder Family Resource Center at 2013 25th Ave N.

 Free Thanksgiving food boxes for Sumner County residents only: Feed Sumner Food Bank and Ministry will provide nearly 50 pounds of food for Thanksgiving from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday in Hendersonville and Gallatin. The agency asks potential recipients to call 615-348-4470 to register for the food and to find out the exact pick-up spot.

The annual free Thanksgiving meal for teens and their families at the downtown Rocketown teen hang center in Nashville in November 2023

 Annual free Thanksgiving Rocketown dinner: Rocketown teen hangout center teams with the Omni Hotel and other downtown hotels to serve a free, upscale meal at 5 p.m. Tuesday (Nov. 14) at Rocketown, 601 Fourth Ave. S. No registration required, no questions asked for teens and their families.

 Free Thanksgiving food give away in Antioch: The nonprofit Stronger Than My Father and One Generation Away will give away 300 turkeys and 300 food boxes at 9 a.m. Saturday (Nov. 18) at Smith Springs Church of Christ, 2783 Smith Springs Road.

 Free Thanksgiving meal in Hendersonville: On Thanksgiving day, Cafe 393 on Main serves a free meal from noon to 12:30 p.m. "for anyone in any community." "I am grateful for all the love and support that this community has shown me and my staff," the owner posted on Facebook, "and this is the only way we know how to give back through food and love."

 Free Thanksgiving meal and clothes give away in Clarksville: The nonprofit Inspiring Lady Bosses will host a dinner and clothes give away at 2 p.m. Saturday (Nov. 18) at 114 Kraft St. in Clarksville. Register for free tix here on Facebook.

 Free Thanksgiving meal and food in South Nashville: The nonprofit Loves2Wright will host a free dinner from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday (Nov. 18) at 648 Claibourne St. The elderly also will be able to go home with a turkey and gift cards for sides.

 Free Thanksgiving meal in Lebanon: All for Him, a local nonprofit, serves grab n' go hot Thanksgiving meals at 3 p.m. Nov. 26 at Ministry Center Church of God, 1007 Hartsville Pike in Lebanon.

 Free turkey give away and Thanksgiving meal: The nonprofit The Hard Bargain will give away frozen turkeys and serve hot meals from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday (Nov. 18) at Ty's House at 608 Mt. Hope St., in Franklin. No registration required, first come, first served.

 Free hot meals to go: Stars & Strikes family entertainment center will give away plates of hot food between 3:30 and 5:30 p.m. Nov. 22 at 333 N. Lowry St. in Smyrna.

Please let us know about any other free Thanksgiving meals or food give aways that we should add to this list. Find Brad at brad@tennessean.com.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Thanksgiving in Nashville: Shugga Hi and others serve free food
Paramount+ is set to release a new documentary film titled JFK: What Doctors Saw, which will re-examine the assassination of the 35th President of the United States John F. Kennedy. The documentary will be available for streaming on the streaming platform on Wednesday, November 14.

The assassination of John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963, shocked the entire world, leaving everyone uncertain about what had actually happened. However, revelations started emerging when the authorities revealed they had taken a person named Lee Harvey Oswald into custody in the case. Even fifty years after JFKs assassination, debates persist over Oswalds sole involvement in the Presidents killing.

The upcoming documentary will delve into the events that unfolded in the trauma room of the Parkland Memorial Hospital when JFKs body arrived. The doctors in the trauma room will reveal their shocking reactions to the altered autopsy report.

Authorities instructed doctors to maintain silence regarding JFKs entrance and exit wounds

JFK and his wife Jacqueline entered their limousine on November 22, 1963, heading to a Dallas luncheon. Reports suggest that Kennedy, along with his wife Jacqueline, Texas Governor John Connally, and Connallys wife Nellie, was in the vehicle when Lee Harvey Oswald fatally shot him from the nearby Texas School Book Depository. The motorcade hurried to the Parkland Memorial Hospital, where doctors pronounced John F. Kennedy dead about 30 minutes after the shooting.

As soon as the Secret Service reached the hospital, Ronald Jones, Lawrence Klein, Kenneth Salyer, Peter Loeb, and Goldstrich, all medical residents or students at the time, alongside Assistant Professor of Surgery Robert McClelland and Chief of Medicine Donald Seldin, treated the former President. The documentary features each doctor recounting their experience from 1963.

According to the doctors, there existed an entry wound in the neck and an exit wound. In their report, they provided evidence that there was more than one shooter involved in JFKs assassination. However, everything changed as soon as Kennedys body left the Parkland hospital. The doctors in the documentary will share how they were cautioned against disclosing critical information.

After Lee Harvey Oswalds arrest, the public narrative depicted a single person shooting John F. Kennedy from behind. But, according to the doctors, in all probability, there was a conspiracy to cover up the truth.

The post JFK: What the Doctors Saw: What Really Happened to JFK? appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.
Knotfest will return to Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane in March 2024. The news was confirmed by Knotfest Australia and the events local promoters, Destroy All Lines. Get ready for a monumental return Down Under, said Knotfest Australia in a social media post.

The dates and venues have been confirmed but no lineup details are available as yet. Knotfests 2024 Australian run will begin at Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne, on Thursday, 21st March. Itll head to Centennial Park, Sydney, on Saturday, 23rd March and Brisbane Showgrounds on Sunday, 24th March.

Knotfest Australia confirms Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane dates in 2024

Knotfest Australia launched in late March 2023. Slipknot headlined the three-city festival tour alongside Parkway Drive, Megadeth, Trivium, Northlane, Amon Amarth, In Flames, Knocked Loose, Spiritbox, Story of the Year, Alpha Wolf, Void of Vision, Bad Omens and Malevolence.

In a review for Music Feeds, Brenton Harris said the Melbourne leg was one of the most enjoyable and well-organised metal festivals to ever visit Melbourne. Harris summed it up as a space where anyone who feels like an outcast can be comfortable in their own skin. In that sense, and in many others too, Knotfests Australian debut was a resounding success.

Knotfest Australia 2024

Thursday, 21st March  Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne VIC

Saturday, 23rd March  Centennial Park, Sydney NSW

Sunday, 24th March  Brisbane Showgrounds, Brisbane QLD

Sign up for ticket alerts here

Further Reading

Knotfest Australia Review  Brutality and Belonging at Knotfests Down Under Debut

Alpha Wolf: We Found Out About Knotfest When We Were Out on the Town in Europe

Slipknot, Parkway Drive, Megadeth Lead Knotfest Australia 2023 Lineup

The post Knotfest Confirms its Return to Australia in 2024 appeared first on Music Feeds.
A monkey is seen near Monkey Creek restaurant in Chiffa, Algeria, on May 14, 2023. Nestled 60 km south of Algeria's capital Algiers, the renowned Monkey Creek restaurant in Chiffa Gorge boasts a long history of a century and more. A photo wall inside showcases famous personalities, including Napoleon III, Prince Philip, and former Algerian leaders who visited the site. However, the centerpiece is a Chinese sign that reads "Huan Ying Guang Lin" (welcome). (CSCEC Algeria/Handout via Xinhua)

ALGIERS, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- Nestled 60 km south of Algeria's capital Algiers, the renowned Monkey Creek restaurant in Chiffa Gorge boasts a long history of a century and more. A photo wall inside showcases famous personalities, including Napoleon III, Prince Philip, and former Algerian leaders who visited the site. However, the centerpiece is a Chinese sign that reads "Huan Ying Guang Lin" (welcome).

Owner Embarek Nadjem revealed that the restaurant, established in 1850, derives its name from the adjacent creek and Barbary macaques that inhabit the area. Originally a post house for Atlas Mountains travelers, it evolved into a tourist hotspot after Algeria's independence in 1962. Nadjem noted that around 5,000 visitors frequent the establishment daily during weekends and summer vacations.

Yet, more than a decade ago, the restaurant faced possible demolition due to the construction of the North-South Highway meant to replace the original national highway, which was unable to meet the growing demand for transport. The initial design proposed by a Spanish team involved demolishing the restaurant, destroying a large amount of vegetation, and affecting the habitat of Barbary macaques, which were declared endangered in 2008 by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

It was after the team from China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC), responsible for the project's construction, persuaded Algeria's National Highway Agency to modify the design that the restaurant survived.

After negotiations, the CSCEC team proposed building a longer tunnel to cross the Atlas Mountains from the western side of the restaurant. The adjustment, although challenging, aimed to preserve the wildlife and environment as well as safeguard the historical sites.

For Tan Xiaozu, the general manager of the 53-km-long Chiffa section project of the North-South Highway, the modification entailed routing the tunnel through a significantly larger and more intricate geological formation.

Tan noted that the length of the single tunnel was extended to 4.8 km. He recalled that it took his team a year to set up a tunnel working area that required a dozen excavators and the removal of 460,000 cubic meters of rock.

Despite the challenges, the section opened in late 2020, reducing travel time across the Atlas Mountains by 60 percent. The then-Algerian Prime Minister Abdelaziz Djerad hailed the project as "of great strategic significance to the nation."

Nadjem lauded the project as a "100 percent successful benchmark," not only for its impact on travel but also for its commitment to preserving the environment and Barbary macaques' habitat, as well as safeguarding the restaurant and local memories.

Mohammed and his family, who reside in the city of Blida, which is about 15 km away from the restaurant, have a long-standing connection with the establishment. In an interview with Xinhua, he fondly recounted how, as a child, his parents used to bring him here for leisure. Today, he and his wife continue this tradition by bringing their own children to the cherished location.

Observing Mohammed's children playing in the courtyard and enticing monkeys with peanuts, Nadjem commented that such scenes might not have taken place if the Chinese builders hadn't made adjustments to the highway project.

He noted that the Chinese sign "Huan Ying Guang Lin" now adorns the restaurant, serving as a commemoration of the Sino-Algerian friendship and the tale of environmental preservation. "It signifies a successful partnership and a commitment to preserving our shared heritage," he said. 

People are seen at Monkey Creek restaurant in Chiffa, Algeria, on Oct. 10, 2023. Nestled 60 km south of Algeria's capital Algiers, the renowned Monkey Creek restaurant in Chiffa Gorge boasts a long history of a century and more. A photo wall inside showcases famous personalities, including Napoleon III, Prince Philip, and former Algerian leaders who visited the site. However, the centerpiece is a Chinese sign that reads "Huan Ying Guang Lin" (welcome). (Xinhua)

Photo taken on Oct. 11, 2023 shows the interior of Monkey Creek restaurant in Chiffa, Algeria. Nestled 60 km south of Algeria's capital Algiers, the renowned Monkey Creek restaurant in Chiffa Gorge boasts a long history of a century and more. A photo wall inside showcases famous personalities, including Napoleon III, Prince Philip, and former Algerian leaders who visited the site. However, the centerpiece is a Chinese sign that reads "Huan Ying Guang Lin" (welcome). (CSCEC Algeria/Handout via Xinhua)

Monkeys are seen near Monkey Creek restaurant in Chiffa, Algeria, on May 14, 2023. Nestled 60 km south of Algeria's capital Algiers, the renowned Monkey Creek restaurant in Chiffa Gorge boasts a long history of a century and more. A photo wall inside showcases famous personalities, including Napoleon III, Prince Philip, and former Algerian leaders who visited the site. However, the centerpiece is a Chinese sign that reads "Huan Ying Guang Lin" (welcome). (CSCEC Algeria/Handout via Xinhua)
Social media had a lot to say after a video of President Joe Biden attending a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of The Unknown Soldier went viral.

In the video, Biden is seen extremely disoriented and confused after he was seen placing the wreath in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Now, it seems that many have had enough.

Netizens Say President Joe Biden 'Needs To Resign'

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MEGA

Following Biden's seemingly disorientated act at the Tomb of The Unknown Solider on Veterans Day, many individuals took to social media to call the situation embarrassing and pathetic.

Some are even calling for the President to resign.

"Resign," Veteran Frank Lloyd wrote on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.

"The greatest privilege you have is to resign," another user wrote.

As one netizen claimed, "Joe Biden doesn't respect our troops. Resign."

MEGA

One user expressed, "Americans are a historically proud people, but at this moment in time, there are more Americans embarrassed by the state of our nation than at any other time in this country's history. America is more broken & divided than it has ever been, Joe Biden needs to resign or be impeached!"

Another user simply wrote, "Joe Biden needs to resign."

Video Goes Viral Of Biden's 'Pathetic' Veterans Day Moment

MEGA

In the now-viral video, President Joe Biden was handed the wreath by a U.S. Army service member, which he then transferred to the front of the tomb. Biden stood there for quite some time as he paid respects during the ceremony, but when it was time for him to get back in line, he became extremely disoriented.

Biden is then seen turning away from the wreath and beginning to walk away, however, he then hesitated, seemingly stumbled a bit, and then seemed extremely confused by where he was.

The President turned to the service member who was standing next to the Tomb of The Unknown Soldier, looking at him as if he needed direction on where to go. The service member is seen stretching out his arm and directing Biden to get back in line next to the vice president for the remainder of the ceremony.

See the video here.

Social Media Seems To Be Fed Up With Joe Biden

MEGA

Many others continued to flood social media, expressing their frustrations with Biden. "Joe Biden must resign immediately!" one social media user wrote.

"Joe Biden couldn't remember what he was supposed to do at the ceremony at the tomb of the unknown soldier," another user wrote, adding, "I would ordinarily say it's sad because he's old. But, truly it's a disgrace!! I'll go further. It's pathetic. He is incompetent. He should resign!!"

As one user called for the "impeachment" of Biden, writing, "Now pursue the impeachment of Joe Biden!"

This is far from the first time that President Joe Biden has made headlines for his actions. In June, he fell while on stage at the United States Air Force Academy Graduation in Colorado. The 80-year-old 46th President of the United States was the commencement speaker and had completed his speech before falling.

Read the full story here.
Pangina Heals is staying booked and busy!

On Tuesday, World of Wonder announced that the drag artist, best known stateside for competing on the inaugural RuPauls Drag Race: U.K. vs. the World, will return to Drag Race Thailand as a Season 3 judge and host in 2024.

I am stepping back as a judge into the Drag Race Thailand universe after four years! Its been way too long! Heals said in a statement. Im just gagging in anticipation for the incredible queens were about to meet. I also cant wait for fans to see the second season of Tongue Thaid with extra special guests who would have to survive the extra spicy gauntlet this season!

Heals previously served as cohost and judge for the first two seasons of Drag Race Thailand, which aired in 2018 and 2019.

She gained a broader following after competing in U.K. vs. the World in 2022, where she was largely seen as the frontrunner before being eliminated and finishing in sixth place.

Pangina was also a cast member of the Drag Race Live! Las Vegas residency in Summer 2023, and will be featured in the upcoming WOW Presents Plus original series Drag Race Live! Untucked which is set to premiere in early 2024.

But you can next see her on screen when Tongue Thaid  a Hot Ones-esque interview show with drag queens  returning to the WOW Presents Plus on Dec. 4.

Among her guests: Drag Race Season 15 winner Sasha Colby, Season 3 winner Raja, Lady Camden, Blu Hydrangea (who won Heals season of U.K. vs. The World, Canadas Drag Race winner Priyanka, Season 12 winner Jaida Essence Hall, Jared Goldstein and Laganja Estranja.

Since her turn as a cohost of Drag Race Thailand, Pangina has gone around the world collecting appearances on Drag Race the way Thanos collected Infinity Stones, wowing audiences and cementing her reputation as a global superstar, World of Wonder cofounders Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato said in a statement. We are thrilled to welcome her back as the host of the much-anticipated and long-awaited Drag Race Thailand Season 3, and in the meantime to see her heating things up on the second season of Tongue Thaid  only on WOW Presents Plus.

Check out the Tongue Thaid Season 2 preview below:

Drag Race Thailand and Tongue Thaid Season 2 will be available to stream on WOW Presents Plus globally. Tongue Thaid is produced by World of Wonder Productions, Inc., and Drag Race Thailand is produced in the Philippines by Fullhouse Asia Production Studios, Inc. in conjunction with World of Wonder Productions, Inc. Bailey and Barbato serve as executive producers on all series, joined by Tom Campbell and RuPaul Charles as executive producers on Drag Race Thailand.

The post Pangina Heals Returns to Drag Race Thailand as Season 3 Host (Video) appeared first on TheWrap.
If you are curious about how to watch and stream The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City Season 4 Episode 11 online? You have come to the right place. In the fourth season of the show, Lisa Barlow and her friends deal with new dramas, betrayals, and scandals in their lives in the capital of Utah.

Heres where you will be able to watch The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City Season 4 Episode 11 online.

Is The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City Season 4 Episode 11 streaming online?

Yes, you will be able to watch and stream The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City Season 4 Episode 11 on Peacock a day after it airs on Bravo. International viewers can watch the episode on Hayu.

The cast includes Lisa Barlow, Heather Gay, Meredith Marks, Whitney Rose, Angie Katsanevas, Monica Garcia, Mary Cosby, and more.

How to watch The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City Season 4 Episode 11 and stream online

As The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City Season 4 is available to watch via Peacock, you will be able to watch its episodes by signing up.

You can set up a Peacock account by providing your details. Peacock has multiple subscription plans available for the viewers. The Premium plan costs $5.99 a month and $59.99 a year, and the Premium Plus costs $11.99 a month and $119.99 a year. In the UK, Hayu subscription costs 4.99 a month. A seven-day free trial is available.

The official synopsis for The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City reads:

The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City returns with frigid family dynamics, red-hot international travel, and a shocking betrayal that none of the women saw coming.

Paramount Pluss new TV and movie releases for November 13-19 include NCIS: Sydney Season 1, PAW Patrol Season 8, and

Guides Abdul Azim Naushad 3 days ago

HBO Maxs new TV and movie releases for November 13-19 include Julia Season 2, Teen Titans Go! Wishbone, and Tom

Guides Abdul Azim Naushad 3 days ago

Amazon Prime Videos new TV and movie releases for November 13-19 include Jodie Fosters The Accused, American Horror Story Season

Guides Abdul Azim Naushad 3 days ago

Disney Pluss new TV and movie releases for November 13-19 include a new episode of Dancing with the Stars Season

Guides Abdul Azim Naushad 3 days ago

The post The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City Season 4 Episode 11 Streaming: How to Watch & Stream Online appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.
Film Movement has acquired U.S. rights to Maciek Hamelas In the Rearview, winner of well over a dozen awards at film festivals around the world, including the top prize at Sheffield DocFest.

The film, a visceral account of Ukrainian families trying to make it to safety across the Polish border after Russias invasion of Ukraine, will get a U.S. theatrical release and an Oscar push for Best Documentary Film.

More from Deadline

Hamela and producer Piotr Grawender are currently in Amsterdam for the Dutch premiere of In the Rearview at IDFA. The film is playing in the Best of Fests section, which is reserved for what the festival considers to be the best documentaries of the year. In the Rearview also has made the IDA shortlist of the 2023s best nonfiction films.

When we spoke with Hamela at the Cannes Film Festival, he explained that much of Polish society mobilized to aid Ukrainians after Russias brutal and unprovoked attack. Hamela was no exception; he raised money to buy a van and began transporting people of all ages from Ukraine to Poland and out of the zone of Russian bombing. A few weeks into his emergency effort, he decided to film the journeys by setting up a camera inside the van. It recorded while he drove.

Director Maciek Hamela (R) and producer Piotr Grawender outside the Internationaal Theater Amsterdam on Monday, Nov. 13, 2023

There were so many questions at the beginning [of the filming process], starting from the question if this is not going to destroy the intimacy of the whole situation of what I was witnessing, Hamela told us, and going to all the moral questions of how to shoot people in such a fragile moment of their lives.

In the Rearview premiered at the Millennium Docs Against Gravity festival in Poland in mid-May, going from there to Cannes, where it played in the festivals ACID sidebar. Hamela said it was important to him that viewers identify with the beleaguered people on screen.

I want the audience to see that these people have exactly the same lives as we do, he said. Its their ordinary lives. They have pets, they have cows, they quarrel with their wives. They have kids who want to go for vacation to the sea. And they have to lie to them [because of the war] or promise them things, promises they cannot keep, he says. This happens very often when we see documentaries about atrocities  we get very quickly disassociated from what were seeing because its too much. We cant take it anymore. And this is what I wanted to avoid.

A Ukrainian child holds a paper with vital information about her in case she becomes a victim of Russian bombing.

Film Movement President Michael Rosenberg said in a statement, We are proud to bring this intimate, yet powerful and devastating film to U.S. audiences, reminding us all of the human perspective of a war which continues to rage.

In the Rearview has also been acquired by Filmin in Spain and Portugal, VG in Norway, Fabula in Turkey, and PCCW in Hong Kong. The film was released in France last week by New Story. It will have its Polish theatrical release on November 24.

Cinephil is representing the worldwide rights for the film and negotiated the deal on behalf of the filmmakers with Michael Rosenberg at Film Movement. The film is produced by Piotr Grawender (Affinity Cine), Maciek Hamela (Pemplum), Jean-Marie Gigon (SaNoSi Productions), and Anna Palenchuk (435 FILMS).

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EXCLUSIVE: Rise and Shine World Sales has acquired In-Soo Radstakes Selling a Colonial War, an investigative documentary that just premiered in International Competition at IDFA.

The latest acquisition by Berlin-based Rise and Shine adds to an IDFA slate that includes the international premieres of In Wolf Country and Son of the Mullah, both playing in the festivals Frontlight section, which showcases films that critically examine the truth and artistically explore the urgent issues of our time.

More from Deadline

In Selling a Colonial War, Radstake, a Korean-Dutch filmmaker, examines the Netherlands deeply problematic colonial history in Indonesia. It premiered on Saturday at the festivals 1,400 seat cinema Royal Theatre Carre. Multiple follow up screenings have all sold out.

Selling a Colonial War

The documentary exposes the Dutch governments narrative during the Indonesian War of Independence, according to a description of the film. Using propaganda and collaborating with media and historians, they framed their interventions as peacekeeping. Hidden beneath was a motive to retain their valuable colony for post-war recovery and global status

The synopsis continues, In a world awakening to the signs of colonialism, filmmaker In-Soo Radstake exposes the Netherlands reluctance to confront its dark legacy, unearthing a disinformation campaign to shield the nation from the shadows of its past. He uncovers the hidden history, reveals the layers of deception and global politics, and illuminates the ongoing narrative of these events that obscured the Netherlands actions in Indonesia for decades.

Director In-Soo Radstake

In a directors note, Radstake said, The colonial past is a sensitive topic in The Netherlands, sparking intense debates about historical injustices, identity, responsibility, acknowledgment and reparations. And of course how this legacy of colonialism affects countries and peoples formerly colonized. The film delves into how Dutch society struggles with its colonial history and the ongoing debates.

On a broader scale, the film fits into the global debate on decolonization, image shaping, framing and fake news. It highlights the role and impact of propaganda and the battle for narrative control. We can see parallels between historical events and current wars in Ukraine and Palestine. The storytelling of the film aims to make this complex history accessible to a wider audience. These themes resonate with experiences of both former colonizers and colonized countries worldwide.

Selling a Colonial War

Stefan Kloos, Rise and Shine World Sales managing director, said, We were totally spellbound when we saw Selling a Colonial War. Of course, this will be dynamite in The Netherlands, but on the backdrop of the huge necessity in so many countries to work up colonial history, this fascinating film should resonate well all over the globe.

IDFA artistic director Orwa Nyrabia said to the filmmakers, I do not believe that I have blinked while watching Selling a Colonial War. This is a film that will raise very important discussions, and the challenge that you have taken here is clearly huge, yet you have managed to keep a very high level of command over this film architecture. You certainly should be proud.

Rise and Shine World Sales describes itself as an international sales agency for outstanding award-winning documentary films. We operate on a boutique size level, currently taking a maximum of 15 handpicked films per year.

In Wolf Country

Rise and Shines title In Wolf Country is directed by German filmmaker Ralf Bucheler. We all know the big bad wolf of fairy-tale fame  over hundreds of years the wolf has become a culturally imprinted symbol of fear thats completely detached from reality, notes a description of the film. In fact there werent even any wolves in western Europe for a long time. But theyre back  for example in Germany, where these social animals now occupy a few scattered areas around the country that people have left to them. In Europe, the comeback of the wolf and how to handle it is currently one of the most disputed topics of the cohabitation of nature and mankind.

Son of the Mullah

The R&S acquisition Son of the Mullah hails from Swedish-Iranian director Nahid Persson, known for uncompromisingly critical films about her native country. In her latest documentary, she focuses on the Iranian journalist Ruhollah Zam. Like many of his colleagues, Zam operates from abroad, due to the lack of press freedom in Iran. He exposes the corruption and hypocrisy of the Iranian regime. He does so at the risk of his own life and lives under permanent guard.

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The stepmother of the University of Idaho murders survivor Dylan Mortensen has spoken out, saying that her stepdaughter is doing okay since she encountered a man creeping through her hallway on the night four of her classmates were brutally killed.

Patricia Munroe, 53, told the New York Post that Mortensen is struggling with survivors guilt after Madison Mogen, 21; Kaylee Goncalves, 21; Xana Kernodle, 20; and Ethan Chapin, 20, were stabbed to death on Nov. 13, 2022 at their off-campus home in Moscow, Idaho.

Theres a lot of guilt because, you know, if someone says, Oh, well, Dylan was so lucky, you know, you dont want to take on that luck  because all of the children deserved luck. They all deserved to be spared from that, Munroe told the Post.

Since the deaths of her roommates, Mortensen has changed schools, according to her stepmother, who declined to identify the new university.

Dylan Mortensens Close Call with the University of Idaho Killer

Mortensen told police that on the night of the killings, she heard crying coming from Kernodles room and a male voice saying something along the lines of Its ok, Im going to help you, according to the affidavit previously obtained by Oxygen.com.

When she opened her bedroom door to investigate, Mortensen said she saw a male figure roughly 5 10 tall and clad in black clothing. She described his face as having bushy eyebrows and a black mask covering his mouth and nose.

The Idaho student told police that she stood in a frozen shock state as he passed by, escaping through the back sliding glass doors. She then locked herself in her room for the night.

Four University of Idaho students were found dead Sunday, Nov. 13, 2022

Four University of Idaho students were found dead Sunday, Nov. 13, 2022 Photo: Getty Images

Dylan Mortensen Became Victim to Dogpiling on Social Media

Mortensen and her fellow surviving roommate, Bethany Funke, did not call 911 until sometime around noon the following day, a fact in the case that sparked criticism of the two survivors.

You never really think about online backlash and trolls until you deal with it, and its just a really hurtful thing, Munroe said.

Her stepdaughter has been subjected to a myriad of public scrutiny since the release of the affidavit, including accusations of being a murderer and a drug dealer, according to the Post.

I challenge anyone to be in a position where they wake up to four of their roommates gone and, you know, not even realizing it, Munroe added. People have to understand that these children are very young. ... You know, theyre just young kids, and its just a really traumatizing thing. I just think that people need to have compassion.

Bryan Kohberger Named Suspected Killer of Idaho Students

Monday marked one year since the brutal attack on the four Idaho students.

Police arrested and charged 28-year-old Pennsylvanian Bryan Kohberger with four counts of murder and one count felony burglary in December 2022. He is accused of stabbing the students to death as they slept in their off-campus residence.

Kohberger was a Ph.D. student at the University of Washington, studying criminology.

Bryan Kohberger

Bryan Kohberger, who is accused of killing four University of Idaho students, is escorted to an extradition hearing at the Monroe County Courthouse in Stroudsburg, Pa., Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023. Photo: AP

A Latah County Judge recently rejected the defenses motion to dismiss Kohbergers indictment on the grounds of error in grand jury instructions.

A date for the high-profile murder trial has yet to be scheduled.
Late last Tuesday, 27 members of the actors negotiating committee  with another 18 on Zoom  huddled for a third straight day at the SAG-AFTRA headquarters in Los Angeles to meticulously review the best, last and final offer from the Hollywood studios.

As the committee prepared to vote on whether to approve the deal and declare the 117-day actors strike over, David Jolliffe, a 25-year veteran of SAG-AFTRA contract negotiations, urged president Fran Drescher to wait just one more day. The key compromise on streaming compensation made with studio executives, he implored, needed to be locked in before any vote could be made.

I told Fran and the committee that we should take a step back, spend the night and wait for a response from the AMPTP, because there were key points that we needed to ensure were going to be in this contract for us to approve it, Jolliffe told TheWrap.

In the end, SAG-AFTRA did not finalize its agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers until just hours before announcing its approval on Wednesday evening. The $1 billion agreement ended six months of strikes that had paralyzed the entertainment world.

The turbulent five weeks of on-and-off talks to end the actors strike were in some ways similar and in other ways very different to the talks that led to a deal between the AMPTP and the Writers Guild of America.

While there were as many counterproposals exchanged between SAG-AFTRA and AMPTP  as well as a studios-imposed pause in the talks as they did with the WGA  there was no finally, they fing get it breakthrough.

The talks that went from Oct. 2 to Nov. 8 were the first between the two sides since the strike began. The impasses that had prevented a deal from being reached back during the summer still remained, and it took weeks of talks between AMPTP President Carol Lombardini, the studio CEOs, SAG-AFTRA chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland and Drescher to come to a compromise.

Impeding the road to agreement, Crabtree-Ireland told TheWrap, were discussions on artificial intelligence, which were an active part of negotiations from start to finish. They required input from a wide range of studio representatives because of the impact the technology has on IP rights, the production process, labor compensation and many other issues.

It was a complex issue that was made more difficult by the fact that we had gone more than two months without talking, Crabtree-Ireland said.

Beyond those principal figures, there were dozens of others ironing out the finer details. Negotiating committee members like Jolliffe, Frances Fisher, Shari Belafonte and chief contracts officer Ray Rodriguez spent many days in side rooms with AMPTP representatives, joined by attorneys for both sides.

It was in these talks that key contract gains such as an increased relocation allowance for series performers, protections against burdensome requirements for auditions, and the inclusion of performance capture work under union coverage, were locked into the contract.

Duncan Crabtree-Ireland (Getty Images)

Throughout the process, Drescher was insistent that the CEOs be present to discuss all the issues in the contract. With the guild aiming to build a deal that reflected the dramatic shifts Hollywood has undergone in the era of streaming, the president felt it was necessary to have the top executives input every step of the way.

We said [to the AMPTP], Were going to go over your heads. We want to talk to your bosses, Drescher told TheWrap.

It was an approach that chafed the studio execs, according to two insiders with knowledge of the AMPTP side of talks. The CEOs, while keeping abreast of how talks were progressing, were expecting to only negotiate directly with Drescher and Crabtree-Ireland on the biggest issues on the contract.

All the execs wanted a deal to get done, but theres a reason why [Lombardini] and all the AMPTP lawyers do much of that contract work, one insider said. The CEOs have companies to run and wildly different schedules, and while they know the key issues, they arent as deeply involved in the contract language as the labor reps who are hired to represent them.

Streaming fund lines in the sand

But the CEOs did need to be on hand to construct the key compromise that ended the strike: the new fund that will be established through streaming performance bonuses to help working class performers get a new source of income that had been lost from years of eroding linear TV residuals.

The issue led the AMPTP to break off talks on Oct. 11, just hours after receiving a SAG-AFTRA counterproposal including the revenue-sharing proposal. The stalemate ended on Oct. 23 after Disney CEO Bob Iger reached out to Drescher and Crabtree-Ireland, saying there was an urgent need to finish the deal and get the industry back to work.

Even after talks resumed, any contract involving SAG-AFTRAs proposed system of sharing a percentage of a streaming services revenue would prove a dealbreaker for the studios. The executives felt it was unfair for the union to ask the studios to share in the riches of a show or films streaming success while leaving them to take the hit on any failures.

Studio insiders say that while all the CEOs present at the meetings made that argument, it was Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos who particularly drove home to SAG-AFTRA that the AMPTP would not agree to revenue sharing in any way, and whatever streaming compensation model was created needed to be based around the performance bonus model agreed to by the WGA.

Every studio is still trying to get these streaming services to turn a profit, one insider said. There was no way that revenue sharing was ever going to fly.

Drescher and Crabtree-Ireland eventually accepted that hard line, and presented a hard line of their own: They would not yield on the fund intended to create a new stream of income for actors.

As Drescher put it, the number of shows that would have qualified for performance bonuses under the WGAs model were a thimbleful of the thousands of titles added to streaming services each year. Agreeing to the same terms on streaming bonuses that the WGA agreed to would have left thousands of actors who dont perform on those top-performing titles in the same precarious position: With their acting income at a fraction of what they once got in the era of linear TV, pay TV, and physical home video residuals.

Ted Sarandos (Netflix)

I told myself that money is money, no matter where it comes from, but we explained to them that we needed another source of revenue because the people that were working in the streaming platforms didnt have the tail of earnings that they did in linear television, Drescher said.

As the talks dragged into November, further talks between Crabtree-Ireland and the AMPTP led to the breakthrough: SAG-AFTRA would agree to a performance bonus structure with more money than what was offered to the WGA. While 75% of that bonus money would go to the actors on shows and movies watched by a certain percentage of a streamers subscribers, the remaining 25% would go to a new fund run by trustees from the guild and the studios to be sent to all actors who work on streaming services.

But when SAG-AFTRA presented its final offer on Nov. 4, the guild found that the studios had not yet included the fund in the contract. The AMPTP assured SAG-AFTRA that it would be there. But Jolliffe insisted that was not enough.

AMPTP insiders told TheWrap that the fund was not in the contract when the studios presented the final offer because their lawyers were still reviewing the proposed fund to ensure it was legally sound. The concern was that such a fund could face a legal challenge for violating anti-bribery statutes in the Labor Management Relations Act forbidding employers from paying union officials.

AI synthetic performers protections a final sticking point

Those lawyers were also reviewing the contracts AI provisions, as they had been for much of the final week of talks, particularly clauses sought by the guild regarding the potential use of actors performances to create synthetic performers, or AI-generated characters that are not strictly replicas of real-life actors.

The guild was arguing that if an actors performance was used to train AI to create a whole new character, that actor was still entitled to money, a studio insider said. Thats something no court has ever ruled on.

On Wednesday morning, the AMPTP reached out to Crabtree-Ireland and confirmed that the fund and the synthetic performer protections would be included in the contract. The studio lawyers determined that the streaming fund would not violate anti-bribery labor laws as the funds were specifically earmarked for rank-and-file SAG-AFTRA members, not officials. And the two sides agreed that an actor could be entitled to consent and compensation over a synthetic performer if that AI character used a distinct facial characteristic of the actor.

With that guarantee locked in, SAG-AFTRAs negotiating committee unanimously approved the deal, and at 5 p.m. on Nov. 8, the guild sent out an announcement that the strike was over.

Every studio is still trying to get these streaming services to turn a profit. There was no way that revenue sharing was ever going to fly. Studio insider

One day later, in a phone conversation with TheWrap, Drescher said she felt grateful, exhausted, relieved and triumphant all at once. While she and her negotiating committee never wavered in their insistence that the strike wouldnt end without a fair deal, she acknowledged the immense anxiety that had gripped countless Hollywood workers who had spent months dealing with the financial and emotional stress of the strike. She said she didnt take any of that sacrifice for granted.

We could feel the pressure mounting in those last few days. I dont think any of us were getting much sleep, Drescher said. It was so great that it was almost unbearable, but I am so proud of the work that every member of our committee, all of them taking this on as volunteers, did to get us to the end of this long fight.

For David Jolliffe, whom has now finished his ninth SAG-AFTRA contract cycle, this one is by far his proudest.

Every time weve finished negotiations, Ive felt disappointed that we lost out on something important, he said. Definitely not this time.

The post SAG-AFTRAs Strike-Ending Deal Wasnt Finalized Until Hours Before Its Approval appeared first on TheWrap.
Taylor Swift is proving time and time again that shes the ultimate Mastermind.

The pop superstar took to Twitter to share a hilarious video from her Eras tour stop in Buenos Aires, Argentina, this weekend, in which shes seen singing Labyrinth off her 2022 album, Midnights. In an instance of serendipity, right when Swift sings, I thought the plane was going down / Howd you turn it right around, the camera pans to the sky and an airplane is seen flying right over the venue.

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Never beating the sorcery allegations, Swift jokingly captioned the video, referring to some viral TikTok clips playfully alleging that her performances of Willow look like shes performing a spell with her coven.

Swifts Latin American leg of her wildly popular Eras Tour kicked off back in August with four shows in Mexico City. She performed at Buenos Aires River Plate Stadium on November 10, 11 and 12 (featuring an appearance by rumored boyfriend Travis Kelce). Swift is next scheduled to head over to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Nov. 18 and 19 before wrapping up in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on Nov. 24, 25 and 26. Sabrina Carpenter is the opener for the Latin American tour dates.

See her divinely timed Labyrinth moment below.

Never beating the sorcery allegations  pic.twitter.com/d0mlvF4gZW  Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) November 13, 2023

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Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed were romantically linked before they were killed in a car crash on Aug. 31, 1997

Antony Jones/UK Press/Getty ; Aaron Rapoport/CORBIS OUTLINE/Corbis/Getty Diana The Princess Of Wales Attends A Gala Reception & Preview Of Her 'Dresses Auction' At Christies In London. ; Dodi al Fayed.

Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed's summer romance captivated the world in the weeks leading up to their tragic deaths on Aug. 31, 1997.

Diana, who was divorced from then-Prince Charles and had just ended a two-year relationship with surgeon Hasnat Khan, was going into the summer as a single woman when she was romantically linked to Dodi, an Egyptian filmmaker, in July 1997. The pair spent time together in the south of France on a yacht owned by Dodis father (the billionaire businessman and then-owner of Harrods department store Mohamed Al Fayed)  and kicked off a whirlwind romance that became the obsession of the tabloid press.

Diana was starting a new life. She had said, Im spreading my wings,  royal biographer Judy Wade previously told PEOPLE.

As Diana and Dodi continued spending time together in August 1997, from yachting in the Mediterranean to entertaining at Dodis residences in London, the press attention surrounding the couple intensified. The heat from the paparazzi reached its peak when Diana and Dodi traveled to Paris on Aug. 30, 1997. In the early hours of Aug. 31, after leaving a romantic dinner at the Ritz Paris, Princess Diana and Dodi were killed in a car crash as they attempted to evade photographers.

From their first encounters to their devastating deaths, here is a complete timeline of Princess Diana and Dodi Fayeds relationship.

1986: Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed meet at a polo match

Jayne Fincher/Princess Diana Archive/Getty Princess Diana, Prince Charles, and Mohamed Al-Fayed during the Harrods Polo Cup at Smith's Lawn in Windsor, UK, July 1987.

Princess Diana and Dodi reportedly first crossed paths in 1986. According to The Independent, they met at a polo match when Dodis team played against Dianas then-husband King Charles at Windsor Great Park. This interaction was later recreated on season 5 of The Crown, though some details were changed: On The Crown, Dodis father, Mohamed, sponsors the polo match in 1990 (not 1986) in an attempt to sit next to Queen Elizabeth. However, he ends up seated next to Diana instead, who smiles at Dodi  though the two do not speak in the episode.

The same year, both Diana and Dodi experienced strife in their individual relationships. Charles and Diana each began extramarital affairs in 1986: Charles confirmed in his authorized biography, The Prince of Wales, that he began his affair with Camilla Parker Bowles, while ex-army Major James Hewitt also claimed to have started a five-year affair with Princess Diana around the same time. Dodi, meanwhile, wed model Suzanne Gregard in 1986  but divorced eight months later.

April 7, 1992: Princess Diana attends the London premiere of Dodi Fayeds film Hook

Jayne Fincher/Getty The Princess of Wales and her children, Princes William and Harry arriving for the premiere of 'Hook' in April, 1992.

In April 1992, Princess Diana attended the London premiere of Hook  which was executive produced by Dodi  with her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry. Jim Hart, a screenwriter for Hook, later told Vanity Fair that Dodi had noticed Princess Diana at the movie premiere.

He had admired and revered her from afar, Hart said. He talked about her, what a great lady she was.

December 9, 1992: Princess Diana and King Charles separate

Prime Minister John Major announced in December 1992 that Charles and Diana were separating. He read an official statement to the House of Commons, which stated: It is announced from Buckingham Palace that, with regret, the Prince and Princess of Wales have decided to separate. Their Royal Highnesses have no plans to divorce and their constitutional positions are unaffected. This decision has been reached amicably, and they will both continue to participate fully in the upbringing of their children.

September 1995: Princess Diana begins a secret relationship with Hasnat Khan

Stan Karczmarz/Sygma/Getty Hasnat Khan.

Diana met British-Pakistani heart surgeon Hasnat Khan on Sept. 1, 1995. The peoples princess was comforting her friend Oonagh Toffolo while her husband underwent heart surgery at Royal Brompton Hospital, and Khan was the attending surgeon who provided Toffolo with an update on the triple bypass surgery, Vanity Fair reported. About two weeks later, Diana and Khan found themselves alone in a hospital elevator  and he invited her to visit his aunt and uncle in Stratford-upon-Avon with him.

I did not think for one minute that she would say yes, but I asked her if she would like to come with me, Khan told the police in an interview following Dianas death, per Vanity Fair. I was very surprised when she said she would. After this, our friendship turned into a relationship.

August 28, 1996: Princess Diana and King Charles officially divorce

Tim Graham Photo Library/Getty Prince Charles and Princess Diana at a Presidential banquet at the Blue House in Seoul during their last official trip together in the Republic of Korea.

After years of rumored marital strife and living separately, Diana and Charles finalized their divorce in August 1996. The terms of the divorce allowed for Diana to remain living at Kensington Palace and for the former couple to share custody of their two sons, Prince William and Prince Harry.

July 1997: Mohamed Al Fayed invites Princess Diana to vacation in the south of France

In the summer of 1997, Dodis father, Mohamed, extended an invitation to Diana and her sons, Prince William (who was 15 years old at the time) and Prince Harry (who was 12), to vacation at his villa in St. Tropez and cruise on his $32 million yacht, the Jonikal.

Around the same time, Diana and Khan ended their two-year relationship  though there are differing reports over the timing and who called it off. Royal biographer Wade previously told PEOPLE that Diana had wanted to marry Khan, but that he ended things because he didn't want to be a walker to a famous woman.

However, Khan told police following Dianas death that she ended the relationship with him after vacationing on the Jonikal with the Fayeds.

When Diana went to St. Tropez with Mr. Al Fayed, everything was fine between us, Khan told police investigating her death, according to Vanity Fair. After a few days, I felt something was wrong.

Khan told police that, at the end of July 1997, Diana met him at Kensington Palace and told him that it was all over between us.

July 14, 1997: Mohamed Al Fayed invites Dodi Fayed to join Princess Diana on the Jonikal

Pool RAT/REY/Gamma-Rapho/Getty Princess Diana in Saint-Tropez, France in 1997.

Days after Princess Diana arrived in St. Tropez, Mohamed called for Dodi to join Diana and her sons on the Jonikal, according to Vanity Fair. At the time, Dodi was reportedly in Paris with his alleged fiancee Kelly Fisher.

Fisher claimed that she was flown to St. Tropez days after Dodi and boarded another yacht owned by Mohamed. Dodi allegedly yacht-hopped between the two, spending time with both Fisher and Princess Diana.

July 31, 1997: Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed return to the Jonikal

After spending time together on the Jonikal earlier in the month, Princess Diana and Dodi reportedly began a discreet romance, according to Wade. He started to send lavish gifts to Kensington Palace, including a huge box of tropical fruit, a roomful of pink roses, a Cartier panther watch, the royal biographer told PEOPLE.

Dodi became Dianas distraction, she added.

So when Prince William and Prince Harry went to spend the month of August at Balmoral, Queen Elizabeths Scottish estate, with their father and grandparents, Princess Diana returned to the Jonikal with Dodi.

Diana and Dodi spent the next six days sailing in Sardinia aboard the Jonikal. During their cruise, the new couple were photographed embracing and kissing.

Diana is besotted, a source told PEOPLE at the time.

August 7, 1997: Princess Diana visits Dodi Fayeds Park Lane apartment

Michael Stephens - PA Images/PA Images/Getty Dodi Fayed's flat in Park Lane.

After returning from Sardinia, Princess Diana spent time with Dodi at his lavish Park Lane apartment in London. Diana was spotted stepping out of a limo, wearing a figure-hugging blue dress, and entering the Fayed residence, where dinner was served on silver trays. She stayed at Dodis apartment until about 1 a.m. before flying to Bosnia the next day to campaign against landmines.



August 10, 1997: The Sunday Mirror publishes the first photos of Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed kissing

On Aug. 10, 1997, The Sunday Mirror ran one of Mario Brennas paparazzi photos of Princess Diana and Dodi embracing aboard the Jonikal  underneath the headline The Kiss. It marked the first tabloid photos of the two together and served as the unofficial confirmation of their romance.

You only have to look at the sensual body language to know that they have found physical and spiritual fulfillment in each other, The Sunday Mirror wrote about Princess Dianas new relationship with Dodi.

August 15, 1997: Kelly Fisher sues Dodi Fayed for breach of contract

KIM KULISH/AFP/Getty Kelly Fisher during a news conference in which her attorney Gloria Allred announced on July 14 that she filed a breach of contract suit against Dodi Fayed.

Days after The Sunday Mirror published photos of Dodi and Diana, Fisher hired attorney Gloria Allred and sued Dodi for breach of contract. In the lawsuit, she alleged she was supposed to marry Dodi on Aug. 9, 1997  the day before The Sunday Mirror publication  and that he had violated their marriage agreement by leaving her for Princess Diana.

In the lawsuit, Fisher claimed that Dodi offered her $500,000 to ditch her modeling career to spend more time with him  but only paid her $60,000 and a $200,000 check that bounced. The lawsuit sought to recoup the remaining $440,000 she was promised, plus damages.

Mr. Fayed needs to take responsibility for the woman that he left at the altar and treated with such total disrespect, Allred said during an August press conference while a tearful Fisher sat beside her. He threw her love away in a callous way with no regard for her whatsoever.

A representative for the Fayed family, however, claimed that Dodi and Fisher were never engaged, according to The Irish Times.

We are content to leave it to the good sense of the British and American people to judge this development for what it is, the Fayed family said in a statement.

August 23, 1997: Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed vacation again on the Jonikal

Princess Diana and Dodi returned to the south of France on Aug. 23, 1997, and the couple spent the next week aboard the Jonikal as it cruised throughout the Mediterranean. Their relationship, at this point, was constantly in the press  and paparazzi swirled around the yacht while Diana and Dodi vacationed.

Dodis father Mohamed would claim years later that, during this trip, Diana and Dodi visited the jeweler Alberto Repossi at his Monte Carlo store, according to an inquest into Dianas death, per The Guardian. Mohamed alleged that the couple selected an engagement ring for Diana at Repossis Monte Carlo shop, which was then sent off to Italy to be resized. However, the validity of these claims has been disputed.

August 30, 1997: Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed fly to Paris

Marc Ausset-Lacroix/WireImage The Ritz Hotel in Paris.

After their Mediterranean jaunt, Princess Diana and Dodi flew to Paris aboard the Fayed familys private jet. From there, the couple made their way to the Ritz Paris, which, at the time, was owned by Dodis father. Dodi and Diana then traveled to Dodis Paris flat  but photographers were camped out at both the hotel and his residence.

Dodi and Diana originally had dinner reservations at the Paris restaurant Chez Benoit, but after learning that photographers and press were waiting outside the restaurant, they decided to cancel and return to the Ritz for dinner instead. The couple dined at the Ritzs LEspadon restaurant around 10:30 p.m. that evening.

They looked like two love-struck teenagers, an employee of the hotel later told PEOPLE about what would be their final dinner.

August 31, 1997: Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed are killed in a car crash

Around 12:15 a.m. on Aug. 31, 1997, Princess Diana and Dodi left the Ritz for Dodis Paris apartment. The couple sat in the backseat of a black Mercedes driven by Henri Paul, the Ritzs assistant director of security. Trevor Rees-Jones, Dodis bodyguard, was in the front passenger seat.

The car was driven at high speeds in an attempt to evade the paparazzi that were tailing them. Then, tragedy struck: In the tunnel beside the Place de lAlma, the car carrying Dodi and Diana crashed head-on into a concrete support column.

There was this huge, violent, terrifying crash followed by the lone sound of a car horn, Jerome Laumonier, who was near the crash site, later told PEOPLE.

Dodi, who was 42 at the time, and Paul were killed instantly. Princess Diana  who had sustained extensive injuries in the crash  was transported to Pitie-Salpetriere Hospital, where she went into cardiac arrest and was pronounced dead at approximately 3 a.m. She was 36 years old.

September 5, 1997: Mohamed Al Fayeds spokesman claims Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed exchanged gifts before they died

In a press conference held outside Harrods, Michael Cole, a spokesman for the Fayed family, revealed that Diana and Dodi had exchanged gifts just hours before they died on Aug. 31, 1997, per CNN.

According to Cole, Diana had gifted Dodi a pair of cufflinks that had belonged to her father, the late Earl Spencer, and a gold cigar cutter inscribed With love from Diana." Dodi presented Diana with a small silver plaque inscribed with a poem he had written and a $205,000 diamond-encrusted ring that he had picked up that day from Repossi Jewelers in Paris.

What that ring meant, we shall probably never know, Cole said at the press conference, per BBC. And if the planet lasts for another thousand years, Im quite sure that people will continue to speculate about its significance.

September 6, 1997: Princess Dianas funeral is held

JEFF J MITCHELL/AFP/Getty Prince Charles, Prince Harry, Earl Spencer, Prince William and the Duke of Edinburgh follow the coffin of Diana, Princess of Wales, as it is being carried into Westminster Abbey for a funeral service.

Princess Dianas funeral was held at Westminster Abbey on Sept. 6, 1997. Millions of onlookers lined the streets and watched as her ex-husband King Charles and her two sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, marched solemnly behind her coffin.

Princess Dianas brother, Charles Spencer, delivered a heart-wrenching eulogy at her funeral. In it, he condemned the paparazzi and the tabloid press for their treatment of his late sister  infamously calling her the most hunted person of the modern age.

Dodi, meanwhile, was laid to rest the same day he died, Aug. 31, 1997 (in keeping with Muslim traditions). A prayer service was held at the London Central Mosque and attended by 650 people before he was buried in Brookwood Cemetery.

God took their souls to live together in Paradise, Dodis father Mohamed said at the time.

February 12, 1998: Mohamed Al Fayed claims Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed's were not accidental

Jayne Fincher/Getty Princess Diana with Mohammed Al Fayed attending a charity dinner for the Harefield Heart Unit held at Harrods, London, February 1996.

In February 1998, Mohamed gave an interview to The Mirror and made several explosive claims about his late son Dodi and Princess Diana  including that their deaths were not an accident.

I believe in my heart 99.9% that it was not an accident, he told The Mirror. That car didnt accidentally crash. There was a conspiracy. I will not rest until I have established exactly what happened."

April 12, 1998: A memorial to Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed is unveiled at Harrods

John Harper/Getty A Memorial for Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed.

A memorial to Princess Diana and Dodi was unveiled at Harrods department store in 1998. It featured photos of the late couple, a lipstick-smudged wine glass from their last dinner at the Ritz in Paris and a ring said to have been purchased by Dodi the day before they died.

In 2005, Mohamed commissioned a second memorial to honor Diana and Dodi. The bronze statue, titled Innocent Victims," depicted Dodi and Diana dancing in the waves of the Mediterranean beneath the wings of an albatross, which symbolized freedom and eternity.

April 2008: The official inquests into Princess Diana and Dodi Fayeds deaths concludes

In April 2008  more than 10 years after the tragic deaths of Princess Diana and Dodi  an official coroners inquest conducted over six months ruled that their deaths were the result of grossly negligent driving, The Guardian reported.

The jury cited the speed and erratic driving of both the Mercedes and the following vehicles, the driver Henri Pauls intoxication and the fact that the deceased were not wearing seat belts as contributing factors. The inquest, however, did not find any proof to Mohameds claims that their killings were orchestrated by Britains M16 and ordered by Prince Philip  and Mohamed accepted that outcome.

I am leaving the rest for God to get my revenge. But I am not doing anything any more, Mohamed said, per BBC, following the inquests conclusions.



November 2023: Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed's romance is depicted in The Crown season 6

Michel Dufour/WireImage Diana, Princess Of Wales is seen in St Tropez in the summer of 1997.

The final season of the Netflix series The Crown, which premieres on Nov. 16, focuses on the final weeks leading up to Princess Dianas death, including her romance with Dodi. The trailer for the first part of season 6 was unveiled on Oct. 26, 2023, and featured clips of Elizabeth Debicki (who plays Princess Diana) and Khalid Abdalla (Dodi Fayed) dodging photographers.

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The filmmaker Todd Haynes is American cinemas chief translator of desire and repression, but he doesnt feel that way on set. All of my movies feel headed for disaster when Im making them, he says. Just, like, dancing on the precipice of it. Hes fixed his eyes on me, winsome behind dark spectacles. But isnt that why were on this earth? Do something scary! Do something you havent seen done before! Put things together in a way that just makes sense to you! And maybe, if youre lucky, itll make sense to somebody else.

Across nine feature films, a documentary about the glam chaos of The Velvet Underground and one 40-minute short in which Karen Carpenters tragic self-destruction is dramatised by a Barbie doll, Haynes has yet to meet a dangerous premise he couldnt wrestle to the ground and tame. No one was eager to make his David Bowie simulacrum movie Velvet Goldmine (1998), with its glitter, feather boas and Christian Bale and Ewan McGregor rutting on a rooftop. Nor his offbeat biopic Im Not There (2007), which cast six different actors as Bob Dylan  among them a small Black child and a bewigged Cate Blanchett. And who else has been able to get not one but three films off the ground about desperate women corseted by societal sickness and sexual dissatisfaction? Those were Safe (1995), Far from Heaven (2002) and Carol (2015), for the uninitiated  the first two helped cement Julianne Moore as one of our greatest living actors, the latter saw Blanchett and Rooney Mara ache for one another over a perfume counter at Christmas.

Hes reunited with Moore for his latest film May December, a scorching, metatextual melodrama about sex, narcissism and movie stars. Ive always explored subjects of tremendous personal allure, of libidinal fascination, Haynes tells me, flexing his fingers while waiting for a hotel concierge to bring him his coffee. I enter this whole other realm when Im making it, then come out the other side and hand it off to other people. It means I can never quite experience it the same way again.

Haynes arrived amid a wellspring of queer filmmakers at the top of the Nineties, bringing radical ideas into the (heterosexual) mainstream, along with directors such as Gus van Sant (My Own Private Idaho) and Gregg Araki (The Living End). His repeated digressions in tone and subject matter (2017s Wonderstruck was practically a silent film; 2019s Dark Waters was an angry, paranoid environmental thriller) have long made him one of cinemas most exciting auteurs and inspired a particular kind of devotion from audiences.

Different people have different favourites when it comes to his work. I resist the urge to fanboy over Safe, in which an increasingly unwell Moore moves  ghost-like and coughing  through eerie Eighties suburbia. But we end up talking about it anyway. Safe was indebted not only to the Aids crisis, and the fringe groups that insisted self-love could cure it, but also bad made-for-TV movies about ill and troubled women. May December nods to that same genre of filmmaking, revolving around the fictional villain of a Nineties tabloid scandal, whose life was dramatised in at least one TV movie. We meet her 20 years later, with her life story about to be turned into another movie  only a classier one, this time or so its star insists.

Moore plays Gracie, a pet shop employee who, in the early Nineties, was caught raping a 13-year-old boy named Joe (played as an adult by Riverdales Charles Melton). Gracie became pregnant, the pair insisted they were in love, and were married once Gracie was released from prison. Actor Elizabeth Berry (Natalie Portman), meanwhile, has been cast in a movie about them and arrives at their family home for a week of research. Gracie is all baby-voice and quiet predation. Elizabeth is sensual and sly, with a ruthlessness that borders on sociopathic  at one point she tells her movies director, with hilarious nonchalance, that the 13-year-old boys auditioning for the role of Joe just arent sexy enough. Elizabeth watches how Gracie talks and moves, starts to talk and move just like her, and revisits the scene of the crime, kissing and stroking the air as if trying to interact with a phantom.

Working with Bob Dylan was a far scarier prospect than working with David Bowie. And I was totally wrong about him

Between the paedophilia, the age gap, and issues of grooming, Haynes is poking a hornets nest of hot-button subjects here. Were speaking a few weeks before it hits cinemas, and Haynes admits to being curious how people will respond to it. Im encouraged, though, by the fact that people so far have been stimulated and excited and amused by it, he says. Were talking about complicated subjects that we think we have absolutely firm ideas about. The movie doesnt let you stay in one place. It keeps shifting the ground under you, and people seem ready to handle it.

He adds that it provokes the kind of feelings that made him fall in love with cinema in the first place. The best movies always make you uncertain about things, he says. When I was coming of age, those were movies that were a little over my head or a little disturbing, but enough that they made me want to learn more, or question more. If any of that is possible in todays world  which feels more fundamentalist and afraid and polarised and politicised  then I couldnt be happier for this movie to be one tiny example of it.

Mirror images: Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore in Todd Hayness May December (Francois Duhamel)

Haynes is tall, tanned and impeccably well read  he has the air of a film professor who surfs on the weekends. He was a child prodigy who fell hard for Mary Poppins and Zeffirellis Romeo & Juliet, studied art at Brown University, then discovered experimental film while studying for a masters in fine art. His early shorts, Superstar: The Karen Carpenter Story (1987) and the eccentric coming-of-age comedy Dottie Gets Spanked (1993), trace lines between queerness and the worship of female celebrity. Poison, his 1991 feature debut, is a triptych of tales revolving around otherness, sexual transgression and the monstering of queer lives. It was a way of applying our rage in a more practical and useful form, he recalls.

Subversion and fantasy have always been key to Hayness work, far more than straightforward reality. The total opposite is explored in May December. Elizabeth frames her impending portrayal of Gracie as an altruistic act  she wants to gain Gracies trust, insisting she wants to find the truth of her. Haynes says hes never been interested in finding truth in any of his movies, but he has had charged dynamics with real people that hes semi-dramatised on film.

Bowie, his childhood idol, was one of the key inspirations for Velvet Goldmines Brian Slade, an androgynous bisexual rock star who comes to reject the provocations of his early work. Bowie declined Haynes the use of his music for the film, forcing him into making Velvet Goldmine a fictionalised amalgam of Seventies glam rock rather than a straight biopic. It worked in the films favour, but Bowie himself became one of its major detractors, gently mocking it whenever he was asked about it. I think because of [Hayness] own particular sexual politics, he wanted to make something that represented queer cinema in that way, he once said. I guess he did OK.

Glitter, feather boas and (not) David Bowie: Toni Collette and Jonathan Rhys Meyers in Velvet Goldmine (Shutterstock)

Did it matter to Haynes whether Bowie liked the film? Of course it mattered to me, he says. I wanted him to like it, if only in a private, intimate way. But I also knew it was a film that [addressed] what I saw as Bowie undoing that part of him  the denial and disavowal of the things he was doing when he was at his campiest and queerest. No one could have been more overt and aggressively provocative in their queerness than Bowie and company at that time. I felt like he ended up changing his ambitions as an artist. He rejected, literally and figuratively, what he had done before.

That transformation, to full-blown pop megastar of the early Eighties, was something that Bowie ended up rejecting, too, and Haynes says he hoped Bowie would have had enough perspective on it all to embrace the film  and its depiction of the worlds most famous bisexual rock star kickstarting the Eighties with a more commercial, conservative bent. He gave it a kind of distant acceptance, he recalls. He put it in a category of, like, oh, yes, a gay director would want to explore that period of time. He shrugs.

Sick of it: Julianne Moore receives a scary diagnosis in 1995s Safe (Shutterstock)

It was a very different experience, he adds, to when he made Im Not There. Working with Dylan was a far scarier prospect than working with Bowie, he remembers. And I was totally wrong about him. He was the most open a person could be about another person representing him. Not only did Dylan stay away from the whole project until the very end of it, he finally did see it and said very nice things about it. And we picked the most misogynistic versions of Dylan in certain stories arrogant, delusional  and no one ever said, You cant do that.

Im Not There earned Blanchett an Oscar nod for her portrayal of Dylan at the peak of his celebrity, while both Far from Heaven and Carol received acting nominations from the Academy (for Moore, Mara and Blanchett again, respectively). But Haynes himself has received just one Oscar nod, for scripting Far from Heaven. Its been a point of contention for many of his closest collaborators, with Blanchett once calling out Academy Awards conservatism for their bewildering decision to snub him for Carol.

Does Haynes care about awards? Deeply and truly no, he laughs. If releasing one of my films coincides with an awards campaign, thats all good, but its not what drives me at all. I just feel very lucky that I get people and financiers to take risks with me, and actors willing to get on board with scripts that sometimes are hard to make heads or tails out of.

Thats the thrill of watching a Todd Haynes movie, too  danger, uncertainty, then the sigh of relief when its inevitably pulled off.

May December is in cinemas from 17 November, and is released on Sky Cinema on 8 December
MONROVIA, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- Liberians started voting in the second round of presidential elections Tuesday morning across the West African country.

The presidential runoff is a contest between two political heavyweights, incumbent President George Weah of the ruling Coalition for Democratic Change and former Vice President Joseph Boakai of the Unity Party.

"The process has been smooth and peaceful so far. We expect that voting during this runoff process will be faster compared to the initial polls because it involves only one ballot paper per voter," said Lawrence Fahnbulleh, a voter in Monrovia, the capital of Liberia.

Observers from various local and international organizations, including the Economic Community of West African States and the West African Elders Forum, are on the ground to monitor the electoral process, ensuring fairness and transparency.

More than 2.4 million Liberians were registered to vote during the election process. The National Elections Commission (NEC) oversees the conduct of the elections in all 15 counties of the country.

The first round of voting, held on Oct. 10, did not yield a clear winner among 20 presidential candidates, leading to this runoff between Weah and Boakai, the top two contenders.

Weah told the media, after voting Tuesday at the Kendaja Elementary School center in Paynesville, a suburb east of Monrovia, that Liberians would hand him a second term in office based on his administration's accomplishments so far.

"I am always confident. I go through the process. Again, the confidence that Liberians have placed in me, with my work, I think, with everything that I have done already, the Liberian people will elect me," the president said. "Everybody is voting, and there is no tension. That is the democracy we want."

His rival, Boakai, who voted at a center in the Catharine Maguire Catholic School, also in Paynesville, expressed optimism about winning the election as he acknowledged cheers from his supporters.

The campaigns leading up to this moment have been marked by spirited rallies, intense debates, and a focused discussion on the critical issues facing Liberia, including economic development, social welfare, and the country's fight against corruption.

The voting process in the ongoing presidential runoff is expected to close at 6 p.m., local time, Tuesday, said Davidetta Lansanah, head of the NEC, in a video message Monday. Lansanah added that the voting process will be promptly followed by the collation and official announcement of results by the NEC. 
For an all-inclusive vacation, these resorts do it best  from a safari lodge in Tanzania to a romantic getaway in the Caribbean.

Courtesy of Jabali Ridge The view from a suite at Jabali Ridge, in Tanzania's Ruaha National Park.

Who wants to worry about constantly pulling out their credit card while on vacation? At these expert-recommended resorts, an all-inclusive stay means knowing your meals, accommodations, and (some) activities are all covered in a flat fee. For a trip that's low-stress, cost-effective, and oftentimes great for families and groups (although we have one stellar couples retreat), our A-List travel advisors recommend some of their favorite luxurious all-inclusive resorts.



Hermitage Bay Antigua

"Hermitage Bay Antigua is a perfect resort for those with a busy lifestyle who need to escape once a year for true serenity. It's nestled on a hillside with suites overlooking the ocean, and guests can relax in private plunge pools."  Jessica Griscavage, Runway Travel Company

Courtesy of Hermitage Bay A day bed and private plunge pool at Hermitage Bay Antigua.

Jabali Ridge, Tanzania

"In Tanzania's Ruaha National Park, Jabali Ridges eight suites are hidden among the rocky boulders that cocoon the property. An infinity pool, a spa, and plenty of places to relax ensure that time in camp is as memorable as time out in the bush, and the reason why many of our guests return time and again. Expert guides lead walking safaris, game drives, and night drives. Although its one of the largest national parks in the country and rich in wildlife, Ruaha is one of the least busy places to visit in Tanzania, so safaris here feel remote and exclusive."  Susan Neva, Alluring Africa

29|2 Aurland, Norway

"The 29|2 Aurland eco lodge is a gem in the heart of Norway's fjord landscape  perfect for an active stay in a UNESCO Heritage protected site."  Torunn Tronsvang, Up Norway

Courtesy of 292 Aurland eco lodge A homey guest room in the 29|2 Aurland eco lodge, in Norway.

Curtain Bluff, Antigua

"I just returned from Curtain Bluff in Antigua  it's fantastic for families, especially given the all-inclusive value, and they work with a great foundation called Old Road Fund, which aids Antiguan and Barbudan communities, improving access to education and healthcare."  Kimberly Wilson Wetty, Valerie Wilson Travel

Courtesy of Curtain Bluff A bird's-eye view of the beach at Curtain Bluff.

Pimalai Resort and Spa, Thailand

"I love Pimalai Resort and Spa in Thailand's Ko Lanta island district. It has a strong sense of place, including the design of the buildings, with steep Thai roofs and local materials. While it's a bit back from the beachfront, this lets you drink in the views out over the Andaman Sea. And it has so much to offer guests in terms of activities and spa options. It's a wonderful break as you travel around Thailand or the rest of Southeast Asia."  Grant Ekelund, Inside Asia

Courtesy of Pimalai Serene views from the pool at Pimalai Resort and Spa, in Thailand.

Jade Mountain, Saint Lucia

"Jade Mountain, while not typically all-inclusive, offers a 'total romance package' that includes everything but a swimsuit. This resort fills every honeymoon wish list, with views of St. Lucia's Piton mountains. Whether a couple wants to lounge at the spa all day or partake in activities like a sunset sail, hiking, or a chocolate-making class, they can find it all here."  Kara Bebell and Harlan deBell, The Travel Siblings

Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge, British Columbia

"I recommend Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge, close to Tofino, British Columbia. The epic setting of the lush temperate rain forest with the views of the dramatic Pacific Ocean and local waterways is unforgettable. The region is filled with black bears, whales, and other wildlife species. Adventures and excursions in the area are exhilarating, and the food program... is second to none."  Marc Telio, Entree Destinations



Courtesy of Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge Untouched vistas from the lobby of Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge, in British Columbia.

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Across the country, about 120,000 children are adopted annually via private, foster, or international adoption. More than a quarter are single-parent families. Creating a family is hard and beautiful and each one  no matter how it came to be  is unique.

Adoption creates a forever connection

As a teacher, Becky Poole spends her days helping her students grow and learn  and she knew she wanted to be a mother. She didnt have a partner, but she also knew she didnt need a romantic relationship in order to make that dream come true.

Poole adopted her daughter Lexie from Kazakhstan. Her daughter was 11 months old at their first meeting and Poole brought her home two months later. For Poole, it was love at first sight.

I feel so fortunate and lucky because Lexie has always been a wonderful daughter, she said. Was it because it's always been just the two of us? Luck? Fate? I don't know, but I'll take it.

Poole said that not only did her entire family encourage her throughout the adoption process, but her school family did as well. She said the entire school was invested in her journey.

Emily Belknap is an adoption therapist who works with adoptive children and parents in all stages of adoption. She recommends that parents, especially single parents, find their support group as early as possible. Social media groups, churches, and adoption agencies can often provide the needed support specific to adoption and single-parent adoption.

Connect with others who understand and will be able to validate and understand the feelings of an adoptive parent, she said.

One way Poole found to do that was through others who adopted alongside her. She said she has made lifelong friends with other single people she met who were also adopting in Kazakhstan at the same time. They have traveled together, had adoption reunions, and supported each other along the parenting journey.

While it can be difficult being the only parent in the home, Belknap said having extended family and friends nearby as a support system is vital. Poole agreed, saying that her community really stepped up to help her.

Now that Lexie is in college, Poole said they still talk daily and that she and Lexie are as close as ever.

We will FaceTime for over an hour, check in every day, and just talk, she said. I have made myself not be the one always calling her, but letting her choose when she wants to contact me, so I feel honored that she still wants to talk or text with me daily.

Lexie counts herself as blessed and said she knows just how deeply her mother wanted her.

She has provided me nothing but love and support and we created such a bond that cant be matched, Lexie said.

Pooles advice to those considering single-parent adoption?

Do it! Adopting was the best thing Ive ever done in my life, she said.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has a wealth of adoption resources for families, educators and the community, including a FAQ for those thinking about adopting. The AAP also recommends the award-winning Adoptive Families site for more information. For adoptive families, language matters. Learn how to talk sensitively about adoption here.

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Adopting as a single parent - November is National Adoption Month
Wreaths, candles and calendars. These are sure signs of Advent for many Christian groups around the world. But what is Advent exactly?

The word Advent derives from the Latin adventus, which means an arrival or visit. Advent is the beginning of the spiritual year for these churches, and its observed the four Sundays before Christmas Day.

Spiritually, its meant as a celebration of the Earthly birth of Jesus around 2,000 years ago but also a preparation and anticipation for the second coming of Christ.

In 2023, Advent starts Sunday, December 3. Each Sunday has a different spiritual theme and often involves the ceremonial lighting of an Advent candle.

As with many aspects of any religion, Advent customs and practices vary from place to place.

Here are some Advent and general Christmas traditions in various countries around the world. Were also including possible houses of worship to visit if you happen to be in the vicinity.

Austria

Austria is the birthplace of one of the most beloved Christmas hymns, Silent Night. The hymn is called Stille Nacht in German (the native language of Austrians), and it was penned during the Christmas of 1818, according to the website German-way.

The English version of the hymn we sing today has some variation from the original, but anyone visiting Austria who happens to catch a performance should immediately recognize the soothing sound.

The picturesque city of Salzburg, from The Sound of Music fame, traditionally has numerous musical performances of the sacred hymn.

House of worship: Salzburg Cathedral is an iconic symbol of this Austrian city. Built in the same location as two previous churches, the foundation for the current Baroque structure with its two commanding towers was laid in 1641. (Kapitelplatz 2, PO Box 62, 5010 Salzburg, Austria; +43 662 65901 515 )

China

St Ignatius Cathedral reopened in December 2017 after a two-year renovation. - Stringer/Imaginechina/AP

China might not immediately come to mind when you think of Advent, but roughly 5.1% of the population of 1.41 billion is Christian, according to the CIA World Factbook. Thats almost 72 million people.

Chinese Christians light up their homes with colorful paper lanterns during Advent, and you might find red paper pagodas cut out and placed in windows. They follow many of the traditions that were brought by Western missionaries.

An emerging Christmas tradition is the giving of apples, sometimes sold in stores wrapped in colored paper.

House of worship: In Shanghai, St. Ignatius Cathedral is modeled on Western-style architecture and was built in 1906. It was damaged during Chinas Cultural Revolution, but it has since been restored. In Shanghai, its called Xujiahui Catholic Church (No.156 Puxi Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai 200000, China)

Croatia

About 86% of the people in this Balkan Peninsula country are Roman Catholic, and Advent is a big part of the religious life here. For some Croatians, preparations for Christmas actually begin before Advent on November 25, which is Sveta Kata (St. Catherines Day).

Prva adventska nedjelja (or Advent Sunday) is the fourth Sunday before Christmas, and the first of four candles in the Advent wreath is lit.

The residents of the capital, Zagreb, traditionally enjoy going to outdoor wooden stalls selling handcrafted souvenirs, roasted chestnuts and mulled wine.

On Christmas Eve, Croatians eat bakalar (a type of dried cod).

House of worship: Zagreb Cathedral of the Assumption is the tallest building in Croatia, and this neo-Gothic structure holds what is considered one of the most splendid organs in the world. (10000 Zagreb, Croatia; +385 1 481 4727)

Germany

Families across Germany will set up an Advent wreath with four candles, one for each week of Advent. They may gather around the wreath each Sunday to sing carols and light another candle.

Stollen, which is similar to fruitcake, is one of the oldest Christmas treat traditions in Germany. And Advent calendars may hold chocolate treats behind little doors for German children.

House of worship: Asam Church is far from Munichs largest, but it might be its most ornate. One reason for its size  two brothers built it originally as a private chapel. Another plus: The tiny Baroque masterpiece also might be less crowded. (Sendlinger Str. 32, 80331 Munich, Germany; +49 89 2368 7989)

Hungary

Beiglis are a traditional Hungarian treat. - Shutterstock

Along with the wreath and Advent calendars packed with little chocolates, another Hungarian tradition during Advent are the matins.

These are a daily Mass held every dawn from the first Sunday of Advent to the first day of Christmas. You may hear it called the Angelic Mass or Golden Mass.

A classic Advent treat in Hungary is the beigli. Its a rolled crust traditionally filled with poppy seeds or walnuts.

Hungarians are a music-loving people, and various Christmas concerts are traditionally held around the capital of Budapest and other cities and towns.

House of worship: St. Stephens Basilica is the largest church in Budapest and a relative newcomer by European historical standards, consecrated in 1905 after decades of construction. In addition to the impressive neoclassical architecture, the views from the top are reportedly spectacular. (Szent Istvan ter 1, Pest, Budapest 1051, Hungary)

Mexico

Advent in Mexico brings the religious ceremonies known as Las Posadas (Spanish for The Inns.) This nine-day celebration that marks the journey of Mary and Joseph is held from December 16 to 24.

Each evening in cities and villages across Mexico, a child dressed as an angel leads a processional, usually made up of children. They go to selected homes, where they are denied entry but often given refreshments.

This custom is followed in some parts of the United States, too.

House of worship: Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral is the largest cathedral in Latin America. Construction on it took more than two centuries, so it has a mix of architectural styles as a result. (Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral, Plaza de la Constitucion, Centro, Mexico City, Mexico, +52 55 5510 0440)

Poland

For deeply Catholic Poland, Advent brings prayer, fasting and spiritual preparation for Christmas, according to the Polish Womens Alliance of America. People stay inside during the long, dark evenings making decorations for the Christmas tree and handmade gifts, baking Christmas cookies, and preparing other delicacies for the upcoming holidays.

Poles traditionally attend early-morning Masses called roraty. Its still dark out when they start. Attendees light candles during Mass, symbolizing the coming light of day and salvation.

People also set up outdoor booths in village and city squares, decorated in themes of Christmas, where they will pass out candy, little gifts and cards.

Krakow marks the first Sunday of Advent by decorating beautiful Rynek Square square with lights, boughs and garlands.

House of worship: Construction of St. Marys Basilica in Krakow started in the late 1200s, and it was consecrated in 1320. The stunning basilica has undergone numerous renovations since then. Its asymmetrical towers make a memorable sight. (Plac Mariacki 5, 31-042 Krakow, Poland; +48 12 422 05 21)

United Kingdom

While many Advent and Christmas traditions go back centuries in the United Kingdom, Christingles is a relatively new observance here. It started with the Moravians in 1740s Germany, but it wasnt celebrated in the UK until the late 1960s.

The word can mean both a symbolic item and a service. You make Christingles from an orange, which you decorate with a candle, red tape and sweets.

The Christingles service might involve prayers, readings and singing. It also serves as a fundraiser for childrens charities. It can be held at the start of Advent all the way to Candlemas, but Christmas Eve is a popular time to hold a service.

House of worship: Salisbury Cathedral is one of the finest Gothic cathedrals in the United Kingdom and has Britains tallest spire. Its foundation stones were laid in 1220. (6 The Close, Salisbury SP1 2EJ, UK; +44 1722 555120)

Nativity Fast

Eastern Orthodox churches mark the lead-up to Christmas with a Nativity Fast. It goes from November 15 to December 24 on the Revised Julian Calendar, which follows the Gregorian Calendar that most of the world currently uses.

For Orthodox churches that still follow the traditional ancient Julian Calendar, those dates are November 28 to January 6.

This article, first published in 2018, has been updated for 2023.

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The airline is celebrating 3 decade of flying to Mexico with discounted flights to Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, Cancun, and more,

Alaska Airlines is celebrating more than three decades of flying to Mexico with a 3-day sale that has flights starting at just $99.

The sale, which must be booked by 11:59 p.m. PT on Nov. 16, is available for travel to popular destinations like Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, Cancun, and more, Alaska Airlines shared with Travel + Leisure. The sale is available for travel from Nov. 29 through March 13, 2024.

For 35 years, Alaska Airlines has connected travelers to the rich culture and natural beauty of Mexico, Kirsten Amrine, the VP of revenue management and network planning at Alaska Airlines, told T+L. What began with one flight from San Francisco to Mazatlan in 1988 has grown into a robust network of routes reaching eight destinations across Mexico, from the beautiful beaches of Cancun to the vibrant nightlife of Puerto Vallarta. Whether youre traveling to Mexico for a dream vacation, reconnecting with family or traveling for business, were honored to be part of your journey.

Piero Damiani/Getty Images

Travel from Los Angeles to Loreto or Los Cabos starting at just $99 one-way, or from San Jose to Puerta Vallarta also starting at $99 one-way. Or fly from San Diego to Cancun, from San Diego to Los Cabos, from San Francisco to Puerto Vallarta, and more starting at just $119 one-way.

The exact travel period and days of the week the sale is valid varies by destination and origin city.

In total, Alaska Airlines flies to eight different destinations in Mexico: Cabo San Lucas, Cancun, Guadalajara, Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, Loreto, Manzanillo, Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallarta. That is in addition to other international destinations like Costa Rica, Nassau, Bahamas, and Belize City.

The sale comes a day after the airline announced a brand-new route daily between Nashville and Portland, OR. That flight will launch in March 2024. Next year, the airline will also launch a direct seasonal flight from New Yorks John F. Kennedy International Airport to Anchorage, AK, marking the only direct route from the Big Apple hub to Anchorage.

For frequent travelers, Alaska also offers a flight subscription pass, which the airline first launched last year and has since expanded. The pass allows travelers to book six, 12, or 24 roundtrip flights per year at a fixed monthly rate.

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The airline will also be eliminating a major perk that allows anyone with a Mileage Plan membership to enter the lounges.

Courtesy of Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines is the latest to limit airport lounge access with major policy changes in 2024.

Starting Feb. 1, the price of Alaskas annual lounge memberships will not only increase by $100, but Alaska will also restrict access to members flying on a same-day Alaska or partner ticket, the airline confirmed to Travel + Leisure. The latter is a significant change to its current access policies, which allows anyone with a membership to enter the lounges  even when flying on another airline.

Alaska offers two lounge membership subscriptions. Alaska Lounge is the base-level membership with access to nine locations, mostly in its hubs in Los Angeles, Portland, Seattle, and more. The current yearly price is $400 for Alaska elite members and $500 for non-elite members but will increase to $500 and $600, respectively.

The Alaska Lounge+ membership offers access to all nine Alaska lounges and over 90 partner lounges, which include American Admirals Clubs and select Qantas Clubs. For the premier membership, the annual price will increase from $550 to $650 for Alaska elite members and $650 to $750 for non-elite members in 2024. While the yearly membership rates will increase next year, eligible Alaska personal and business cardholders will continue to receive $100 off an Alaska Lounge+ membership.

However, access policies will also change for Alaska lounge members, aligning with competing lounge memberships from airlines like American or Delta. Starting Feb. 1, a same-day boarding pass on Alaska, a Oneworld airline, or its additional global airline partners will be required for entry.

Its worth noting that guest policies wont change, as members will still be able to bring immediate family or up to two adults for no extra charge. However, the news comes just one year after Alaska imposed restrictions on lounge access for non-membership holders, which now only allows first class passengers flying at least 2,100 miles to enter its locations.

Over the past year, Alaska has rolled out major improvements to its lounges. The airline renovated locations in Portlands B and C concourses, as well as Seattles C and D concourses this year. Next summer, Alaska will also debut a new, 11,000-square foot location at Harvey Milk Terminal 1 at San Francisco International Airport, allow[ing] us to be near American Airlines and our other oneworld member airlines  a big convenience for our guests who have connecting flights, stated the airline.



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Experts explain the difference between an embryo and a fetus and why it matters.

GettyImages/PonyWang

Medically reviewed by Alyssa Dweck, MS, MD, FACOG

On the outside, youll watch your little one grow from newborn to older infant to toddler, preschooler, kindergartener, and so on. It might feel like it goes by in the blink of an eye. But a little one-to-be rapidly goes through phases on the inside, too.

Expectant caregivers will catch glimpses of this development on ultrasounds, though some of it begins before an ultrasound can even detect a pregnancy. Knowing these phases can make pregnancy more fun.

Your baby is going to go through the stages of development whether you pay attention or not, but it will make it extra special if you realize that maybe you are so tired because youre working hard to grow your baby's kidneys or that your baby is bulking up gaining weight for delivery, says Ashley Parr, DO, OB-GYN at the Womens Hospital at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, California.

Much of that organ development unfolds while a developing baby is still an embryo before transitioning into a fetus. Whats the difference? Experts answer that question and others, including milestone moments that happen throughout a pregnancy.

How a Pregnancy Starts

What comes first, the embryo or the fetus? The embryo. But before that, a developing baby is a zygote, explains Alexandra Kiefer, MD, an obstetrician-gynecologist at Stony Brook Medicine in Long Island, New York.

After conception, when a sperm fertilizes an egg, the short germinal stage begins. The zygote travels through the fallopian tubes, dividing rapidly as it heads toward the uterus. Eventually, the zygote splits. One part will ultimately become the embryo, and later the fetus. The other becomes the placenta, the organ that will provide vital nutrients to a developing human.

Dr. Kiefer says the zygote turns into a morula and then a blastocyst, which implants in the uterus. This implantation happens shortly before a missed period. Around the third or fourth week of a menstrual cyclewhen a person is due for their periodthe embryonic phase begins.







A Note on the Terms 'Embryo' and 'Fetus'

The terms "embryo" and "fetus" are used here in a medical context and, in no way, do they suggest or define viability.







The Embryonic Stage

A person may just be learning they are pregnant through a testor may not even know at allbut an embryo is hard at work. Its developing all the important organ systems, Dr. Kiefer says.

Despite the critical development, the embryo is tiny. The moment a pregnancy test turns positive, the embryo is about the size of a pinhead, Dr. Parr says. By the end of the embryonic stage, the embryo is about 1.22 inches long.

The small size is one reason health care providers will have you wait for a first ultrasound, typically around eight weeks. So much will develop in that time.

Milestones during the embryonic stage

Week four: The cardiovascular and neural plates begin to form. The neural plate will become the neural tube, which will eventually become the spinal cord, Dr. Kiefer says.

Week five: You may be able to detect an embryo on an ultrasound. Its about 3 millimeters long, Dr. Kiefer says. At this point, arm and leg buds have developed.

Week six: The neural tube closes, and you typically start to see a heartbeat, Dr. Kiefer says.

Week seven and week eight: Organ systems are taking shape by this time.

The embryonic phase is when most pregnancy losses occur, though giving precise numbers is challenging. Research from 2015 found its been estimated that up to 50% of zygotes dont become blastocysts, though a person likely hasnt even taken a pregnancy test at this point.

Many miscarriages occur without the mother realizing they were pregnant, so it is difficult to determine what percentage of pregnancies, Dr. Parr says.

One 2013 study indicated the odds of pregnancy loss at week 5 were 21.3%, and the odds dropped to 5% after the sixth week, although these risks vary by factors including race.

These miscarriages are typically due to abnormal chromosomes about half the time, Dr. Kiefer says. Many times, we never find out the reason for the loss.

The Fetal Stage

By week nine, the embryo is a fetus, a phase that ends with the birth of a newborn. A fetus will continue to rapidly develop early in the fetal stage, says Monte Swarup, MD, FACOG, board-certified in OB-GYN in Chandler, Arizona., and founder of Vaginal Health Hub.

Milestones during the early fetal stage

Dr. Swarup says this development includes:

Week 9: The teeth, tastebuds, and body muscles form.

Week 10: Arms, hands, fingers, feet and toes are formed.

Week 11: Knees and elbows begin to work, bones harden, and the fetus develops more facial features.

Week 12: Circulatory and digestive systems begin, and limbs and muscles are functional.

Milestones during the second trimester

The second trimester begins at 13 weeks, explains Kecia Gaither, MD, MPH, MS, MBA, FACOG, a double board-certified OB-GYN and maternal fetal medicine specialist, and director of perinatal services/maternal fetal medicine at NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln in the Bronx. The odds of miscarriage drop to about 1-5%.

During the second trimester, Dr. Gaither says the fetuss kidneys start to function by making amniotic fluid, or fetal urine. Other milestones include:

Week 18: Mothers generally feel movement around week 18, Dr. Gaither says. However, that can vary depending on the location of the placenta and whether its a first pregnancy.

Week 19: Dr. Parr says the face begins to develop its unique appearance.

Week 20: The anatomy scan occurs, where parents can see the organs develop and may learn the sex.

Week 24: Clinical viability is reached. This is when we would expect the fetus has any chance of surviving once born, Dr. Kiefer says, adding that it depends on lung development and a newborn would still need breathing assistance.

Week 26: A fetus might begin responding to sounds inside and can blink eyelids, Dr. Parr says.

Dr. Parr says after the 20th week, a pregnancy loss would be considered a stillbirth. March of Dimes reports stillbirths happen in 1 in 160 pregnancies.



Milestones during the third trimester

The third trimester kicks off at 28 weeks.

At this point, about 94% of babies born are expected to survive, Dr. Parr says. During the final trimester, the bones are becoming harder, and the baby is putting on fat for delivery."







Embryo vs. Fetus: What To Know About the Miscarriage Risk

The risk of miscarriage, or pregnancy loss before 20 weeks of pregnancy, is highest in the first trimester with 80% of miscarriages happening during this time. The risk is particularly highest during the embryonic stage from week 0 to week 6. The risk continues to decrease after week 6 and more significantly after week 12. Keep in mind, genetic abnormalities or other health factors cause most miscarriages.







What To Expect at Your First Prenatal Appointment

Most prenatal appointments will occur around seven weeks, which can be overwhelming. Dr. Parr says health care providers will do and ask about the following:

The pregnant persons medical history

Family medical history

Perform an ultrasound

Order bloodwork

Discuss appointment frequency and milestones

Youre encouraged to ask questions, too. Dr. Swarup suggests asking about:

An estimated due date

How often youll see your health care provider

What scans you will need

Ways to cope with fatigue and morning sickness

Sound like a lot? A paper and pen can help.

Write down our questions beforehand, Dr. Kiefer says. In the minute, you might forge, but of course, If you forget to ask them, you can always reach out to a doctor or midwife later.



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A few months before turning 30, I conferred with my two best friends who, coincidentally, share the same birth month. To honor the big 3-0, we settled on taking our very first international girls trip together. The destination? Antigua, Guatemala. The city is renowned for its Baroque architecture, cobblestone streets, secret courtyards, and cotton candy-colored houses. Antigua is also known for its food scene, bevy of boutique hotels like Villa Bokeh, and ancient volcanoswhich you can see erupting in real-time, in very small spurts. The city is home to chic design studios, master leather workers, and artisans who craft blankets, tapestries, and huipil (traditional Guatemalan womens clothing) from beautifully hand-woven textiles. In case that wasnt enough to entice you, its only a three-hour drive to Lake Atitlan, revered by Mayans for its mystical healing powers. Antigua was the perfect place to commemorate (read: take lots of photos) our milestone birthday. Below, the best things to see, eat, drink, and where to stay.



What to See

Textiles

Kryssia Campos

Guatemala is known for its textiles, and each region of the country has a distinct weaving pattern and color palette. In Antigua, products from Colibri textiles incorporate the ancient art of back strap weaving, and sales support Indigenous widowed women. The legendary Nimpot market has endless rows of handicrafts, in addition to textiles. And Algodones Maya has beautiful artisanal cotton products in tons of traditional colors. Other shops that shouldnt be missed include: Luna Zorro, Hilosophy, and Ixcaco.

Pastores

Rose Minutaglio

On the outskirts of Antigua is Pastores, a small town thats world-famous for its boot-making. The main drag is one family-run shop after another, all with handmade cowboy boots for sale. Though boots dominate the scene, there are also belts, bags and hats. Some shops, like Botas Atitlan, will even work with you to make custom boots.



San Juan La Laguna

Gianfranco Vivi

The famed Lake Atitlan is just a three-hour drive from Antigua. Dozens of small towns dot the lakefront, including San Juan la Laguna, a predominately Maya municipality which is home to an all-women weaving cooperative, the family-run apiary Xunah Kaab, and the famous Kaqasiiwaan Viewpoint. While youre in San Juan la Laguna, be sure to take a boat ride around the lakeits waters are said to have sacred healing powers.

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Wide Leg Pants

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Where to Eat

Nana

Courtesy Nana

Is it a restaurant? Is it a vintage shop? Nana is both, combining my two favorite things in the world: Second-hand shopping and snacking. The restaurant-boutique hybrid features a rotating menu with traditional dishes. And, after eating, be sure to peruse Nanas selection of hand-picked vintage finds from around the country.

Quiltro



Courtesy Quiltro

Quiltro is Antiguas first fine dining establishment. The restaurant concept features an array of iconic Guatemalan ingredients and flavors. The menu is constantly changing, but a standout dish is the cucumber with mango ice sitting atop a creamy yogurt spread.

La Tienda de Dona Gavi



Rose Minutaglio

The helado in Antigua is famous. There are ice cream trucks all over the city with all different kinds of flavors. But ask any local about their favorite brick and mortar spot, and theyll likely tell you: Dona Gavi.

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Where to Drink

Ulew Cocktail Bar

Courtesy ULEW cocktail bar

Behind a phone booth tucked into the Antigua Brewing Company is the speakeasy-style cocktail bar Ulew. As soon as you sit down the bartenders want to know your favorite liquor so they can make you a custom drink tailored to your tastes.

Tea Time

Courtesy Casa Palopo

Whether youre staying at Casa Palopo or just passing through, the hotels restaurant and barwhich features a beautiful view of the lake and nearby volcanois a great option to enjoy a non-alcoholic night beverage. The hotel offers a unique Guatemalan tea-time experience with an array of different local teas and desserts.

El Comalote

Courtesy Comalote

Technically, El Comalote is a restaurant. The tortilleria works with mostly organic corn farmers and makes the tortillas in the middle of the restaurant. But El Comalote also has an impressive drink list, from kombuchas to local cervezas to spicy micheladas. Grab a cool beverage. Snack on a fresh tortilla. Enjoy.

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Where to Stay

Villa Bokeh

Courtesy Villa Bokeh

Many engaged couples choose Villa Bokeh for their wedding venueand its not hard to see why. Set on the outskirts of downtown Antigua, Villa Bokeh is a former estate turned luxury boutique. Staying at the palatial retreat is like being in a fairy tale. Each night, before going to bed, there is a knock on the door. Its a member of the hotel staff delivering chocolate, essential oils, and a selection of sleepy-time teas. The villas backyard, which has a glittering pond, provides a picture-perfect view of Volcan de Agua. And, the entire hotel smells amazingall the time. Everything is by design, of course. The genius behind Bokeh is Claudia Bosch, who oversees day-to-day operations, recruits and hires chefs for the in-house restaurant and bar, and meets with guests. The impeccable interiors of the hotel are courtesy of her daughter Katy Jay, who works with local artisans to source pillowcases, blankets, towels, and linens. The staff at Bokeh are attentive and the hotels vibe is warm, as evidenced by the delicious and refreshing hibiscus lemonade you receive upon arrival.

Casa Palopo

Courtesy Casa Palopo

Sometimes, a place just take your breath away. Casa Palopo is one of those places. Tucked into a hillside looking down at Lake Atitlan, Guatemalas most famous body of water, the hotel is more like an experience. There is a dramatic infinity pool, multiple terraces with unparalleled views, and a dining room that serves local dishes, like traditional Guatemalan beef stew. There are 15 rooms and suites, all decorated with indigenous Guatemalan artwork, and a private three-suite villa complete with a terrace. Let the panoramic view entice you down to the lake, where there are boats ready to take you on day trips to nearby towns or on a hike to one of the areas several volcanos. Staying at Casa Palopo is an experience you wont soon forget.

El Convento

Courtesy El Convento

El Convento is a a small luxury hotel located in the heart of Antigua. Each unique room is beautifully designed, many with high wood-beamed ceilings and quaint patios. There is an outdoor pool and a gorgeous rooftop to enjoy volcano views and a glass of cerveza.

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Beauty Picks

Balancing Face Mist

Is the sun keeping you hot? Cool down with this refreshing rosewater mist that is infused with prickly pear and snow mushrooms to help hydrate, tone, and rebalance your skins natural pH.

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Moisturizing Sunscreen

This sunscreen is not just about sun care, but skin care, too. Containing a proprietary five-antioxidant blend, which includes edelweiss, turmeric, vitamin E, green tea, and bisabolol, the formula works to leave your skin hydrated. Its scent-free, leaves no white cast, and with every purchase a donation will be made to the Melanoma Research Alliance, an organization dedicated to ending melanoma.

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Spray-In Hair Mask

Using the 26 minerals exclusively found in the Dead Sea, consider this like a vitamin for your hair. Its a great leave-in conditioner that will give your scalp the post-beach-pick-me-up that it desperately needs.

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MILAN  Max Maras creative director Ian Griffiths still marvels at the success of the Teddy Coat, which this year is marking its 10th anniversary. Who would have guessed that the old coat I found by chance in a cabinet would have turned out to be such a hit around the world? wondered Griffiths, speaking at the Portrait Hotel here.

Below in the hotels courtyard, Max Mara installed the latest Fluffy Residence, a space reimagined as a home where everything is wrapped in the coats signature fluffy beige fabric, from the kitchen countertop, bookshelves and flowers to tableware, the bed with a giant teddy bear figure sitting on it, and even the bathroom.

More from WWD

Max Maras Fluffy Residence at the Portrait Hotel in Milan.

The initiative, most recently seen in Chengdu, China, has sparked endless posts, as visitors pose for selfies in their favorite rooms. Griffiths is keenly aware of the power of social media and word of mouth. He recalled that the first person to publicly wear the Teddy Coat was stylist and fashion entrepreneur Carine Roitfeld 10 years ago, and she helped draw the attention on the style with that viral image, he said.

Its a scary world, and this coat helps protect and cuddle, its cocooning, but it is also eye-catching. Its a look-at-me item in the spirit of our times, the designer said. And its soft to touch but also rich, yet one of the secrets of the coat is that it is light. The coat has sparked numerous imitations, but Griffiths believes that the fit gives the copies away.

Max Mara has sold 90,000 pieces of the coat, which is available in 30 different colors and made with natural fibers. Griffiths said this is not a seasonal product and is transversal across generations. The coat has helped attracted a younger clientele without turning away the existing Max Mara customer, he added.

Retailing at between 1,200 and 2,300 euros, it is in line with Max Maras founder Achille Maramottis belief that the brand should be accessible for the working woman. The demand has been overwhelming, Griffiths said. We are not the ones to choose what represents us but apparently the Teddy touched a nerve, he noted simply, and it also has an element of irony, tongue-in-cheek fun.

Marking the anniversary, the Teddy Ten project includes special editions of the style, such as the new Sparkling version with sequins, or the Mini Teddy Coat for girls ages five to 12 with accessories such as gloves or soft hats.

Inside the Fluffy Residence in Milan.

Last month, the company feted the 10th anniversary of the Teddy Bear coat with The Fluffy Residence at the luxury mall IFS Chengdu.

Other activations and installations were staged globally, starting from New York, where in September Max Mara opened its first pop-up in SoHo in a space entirely covered in Teddy fabric, passing through London at Harrods, and subsequently Hong Kong, Taipei, Seoul, Tokyo and now Milan.

Best of WWD
Koa Smith has had a wild ride, both literally and figuratively.

In 2014, the Kauai surfer got a mind-blowing 27-second barrel surfing Skeleton Bay in Namibia.

Since then, Smith's gotten a helluva lot more perfect barrels around the world, including during another recent visit to Skeleton Bay last summer. He's also gained a new lease on life since suffering a traumatic brain injury in 2018.

A few days ago, Smith announced the release of his first movie called "The Source" in the post above. He captioned it:

"My first Movie The Source is now streaming on RedbullTV!! Its always a bit scary putting yourself out there and doing something different.

"This is the story that came through and I think its more relevant than ever! Its about tapping into something deeper! A connection thats within all of us! Drop a  if youve seen it! Excited to hear how @you like it."

The film is based on Smith's return to South Africa to "find something deeper."

He says it's a place he feels "most connected with the source."

In the trailer, Smith explains what that is:

The source is that powerful energy field that makes you feel so alive. That pure sense of peace and happiness from simply being in the present moment. Being one with the world. Not in your head. Not on your phone. But here and now.

On its website, RedBull describes the film:

"Pro surfer Koa Smith's South African adventure leads to profound discoveries of connection, nature, and introspection, offering a transformative journey that showcases the power of simplicity."

The Source is streaming here on RedBull TV.

Press play above to journey through South Africa with Smith.

***

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All year, Oprahs Book Club has been reading together, tuning in to weekly discussions, commenting with our thoughts, sharing our favorite passages, and connecting over great books. If you are looking for your next great read but cant wait until the next Book Club selection is announced, weve got you covered with these five titles tailored to each of Oprahs 2023 picks.

This year, our selections included a 714-page odyssey through Southern India, two very different modern love stories, a nonfiction exploration of the hidden power of hard emotions, and a lyrical journey into the depths of the American slave system. While these books varied tremendously, each transported us to new worlds and allowed us to see the one we live in differently. The recommendations on this list will do the same. Whatever mood youre looking for, weve got a new read for the holidays that will match it. Ahead, five books to curl up with by the fireafter youve finished the 2023 selections but before the first choice for 2024 is announced.

If you loved The Covenant of Water, you should read Cutting for Stone

Hearst Owned

Readers who were fascinated by the medical, political, and family history of The Covenant of Water, the 101st Oprahs Book Club pick, will devour author Abraham Vergheses first novel, Cutting for Stone, the story of twin boys born in Ethiopia to an Indian nun and a British doctor. As with The Covenant of Water, which is set in Kerala, Verghesewho was born in Ethiopia to Indian parentsdrew from his personal life to create this books evocative world. Its a very rich cultural heritage that I carry, he says, a dual heritage, and I wanted to set the novel there.

Shop Now Cutting for Stone, by Abraham Verghese bookshop.org $17.67

If you loved Bittersweet, you should read Book of Longing

Hearst Owned

In Bittersweet, the 99th Oprahs Book Club pick, author Susan Cain argues that we should embrace, rather than avoid, feelings of sorrow and longing. Her conclusions were inspired by Leonard Cohens strangely uplifting songs. Though known as a musician, Cohen is also an author. His most bittersweet book, Book of Longing, features poems that were mostly written during a stay at a Zen monastery and echo Cains message that difficult emotions have healing power. Sorrow is the time to begin, he writes. Longing is the place to rejoice.

Shop Now Book of Longing, by Leonard Cohen bookshop.org $15.80

If you loved Hello Beautiful, you should read Little Women

Hearst Owned

Like Oprahs 100th Book Club selection, Louisa May Alcotts classic tells the story of four strong sisters and a young, lonely man eager to find his place in their tightly bound family. But, as Ann Napolitano revealed to us earlier this year, she didnt notice the similarities between the Padavano sisters and the March sisters until her characters noticed it themselves. I was well into the first draft, and the Padavano sisters started to compare themselves to the sisters from Little Women, she explained. Im often surprised when I write; my work is usually wiser than I am.

Shop Now Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott bookshop.org $15.81

If you loved Let Us Descend, you should read The Water Dancer

Hearst Owned

Both Oprahs 103rd pick, Let Us Descend, and her 81st pick, The Water Dancer, are quest stories in which a young, enslaved protagonist is guided through the antebellum South by memories of his mother, ancestral knowledge, and spirituality. But where Jesmyn Ward takes readers on a descent into the depths of slavery, Ta-Nehisi Coates takes them on an ascent to freedom, as his narrator escapes and journeys north. Read together, these two lyrical novels capture a wide, unique, and deeply human view of American enslavement.

Shop Now The Water Dancer, by Ta-Nehisi Coates bookshop.org $16.74

If you loved Wellness, you should read A Visit from the Goon Squad

Hearst Owned

One of the (many) triumphs of Wellness, the 102nd Oprahs Book Club selection, is the way Nathan Hill tracks how his characters change over time, becoming strangers to themselves and each other. How did two people so dizzyingly in love become so cold and distant? Told in quick-witted, interlocking vignettes, Jennifer Egans Goon Squad asks similar questions: how our worlds and ourselves become comically and devastatingly unrecognizable through innovation, shifting culture, seemingly insignificant interactions, hard choices, and bursts of luck.

Shop Now A Visit from the Goon Squad, by Jennifer Egan amazon.com $10.22

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TUNIS, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- Tunisia sent on Monday the second plane loaded with 13 tons of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, reported the Tunis Afrique Presse (TAP).

The plane took off from the Tunis-Carthage International Airport in the capital Tunis to El-Arish International Airport in North Sinai, an Egyptian province bordering Gaza, the report said.

"The humanitarian aid included medical equipment, medicines, prepared meals, wheelchairs, blankets as well as food products, such as baby formula," TAP quoted Tunisian Red Crescent President Abdellatif Chabou as saying.

Tunisia sent the first plane on Oct. 15, loaded with about 12 tons of humanitarian and medical aid to the people of the enclave. 
A Ma Maniere has officially announced the second half of its Air Jordan 5 pack, as the Dawn colorway will be followed by Dusk before the month ends.

As the name might suggest, this second AJ5 variant features a largely black color scheme to counter the predominately white version that had already been announced and is releasing this week. The dark shade consumes most of the sneaker, as a translucent yellow TPU window, lower tongue, and outsole match those of the Dawn colorway. The former two elements remain the central features, as they take on a custom monogram pattern for the Atlanta-based boutique.

More from Footwear News

Continuing the connection between the two sneakers is the same upper half of the tongue appearing in silver with black mismatched branding across the two sneakers. The rest of the shoes branding also takes on black for a tonal look, while the silhouettes famous fighter jet-inspired teeth on the midsole now appear in burgundy. Distinct to this half of AMMs AJ5 pack is the boutiques name appearing inside the heels Air bubble.

In the initial announcement for the collection, A Ma Maniere founder James Whitner referenced Maya Angelou and James Baldwin while giving the following quote via press release: Black identity is not a monolith and the Black experience isnt uniform. It is our diversity that is our strength, we are unified in more ways than the world wants us to believe. All our previous stories led into this moment, building this first chapter we now bring to a close by opening our arms out to the world to bring us all in, across our communities, the diaspora and the world to celebrate unity and culture  but also the one common experience we all have: being desired for your culture, never being told that you belong, but still showing up to do the work  from dusk til dawn.

The A Ma Maniere x Air Jordan 5 Dusk will release on Black Friday, Nov. 24, through the boutiques website. A raffle for the opportunity to purchase is open now through Nov. 11. Pricing for the sneaker is set at $225.

A Ma Maniere Air Jordan 5 Dusk

A Ma Maniere Air Jordan 5 Dusk

A Ma Maniere Air Jordan 5 Dusk

A Ma Maniere Air Jordan 5 Dusk

About the Author:

Ian Servantes is a Senior Trending News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. Hes previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that ball is life and doesnt fuss over his kicks getting dirty.

Best of Footwear News

Sign up for FN's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Breakout singer-songwriter Noah Kahan leads the list of former or current Vermont residents nominated Friday for Grammy Awards.

Kahan, who grew up in Strafford, is among the candidates for one of the music awards top honors, Best New Artist (a category that might surprise Vermonters whove been following Kahans musical development for the past half-dozen years or so). Kahan has exploded on the pop-music scene this year thanks to Stick Season, the Vermont-inspired album he released in late 2022 that has reached the coveted platinum-sales mark.

Kahans contenders for the Best New Artist award are Gracie Abrams, Fred again.., Ice Spice, Jelly Roll, Coco Jones, Victoria Monet and The War and Treaty. The Grammy Awards will be announced Sunday, Feb. 4, in a ceremony broadcast by CBS and streamed on Paramount+.

Vermont musician Noah Kahan performs July 30, 2023 at Waterfront Park in Burlington.

Others with Vermont connections nominated for Grammy Awards are:

Bernie Sanders

The U.S. senator from Vermont, the former Burlington mayor and two-time contender for the Democratic nomination for president, is among finalists in the category Best Audio, Book, Narration, and Storytelling Recording for his 2023 work Its OK to Be Angry About Capitalism. Sanders was previously nominated, but did not win, in the same category for his 2016 book Our Revolution: A Future to Believe In.

"It's OK to Be Angry About Capitalism" by U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont

Caroline Rose

The Austin-based musician who lived for many years in Burlington has been nominated as art director for Best Recording Package for the album The Art of Forgetting, which came out March 24 and was written largely in Burlington by Rose. On social media following the nomination, Rose gave a round of applause for my brilliant friends who helped me bring this crazy idea to life, and to my parents (both book cover designers) who raised me to 100% judge a book by its cover. The album cover that shows a blindfolded Rose sitting calmly in a room on fire represents the artists first Grammy nomination.

The cover of Caroline Rose's 2023 album, "The Art of Forgetting."

saje

The jazz-inspired quartet including Jericho native Erin Bentlage is again nominated in the category of Best Arrangement, Instruments and Vocals, which the then-brand-new group was selected for but did not win in 2021. Bentlage told the Burlington Free Press that year that the shapes and colors of her arrangements are inspired in part by the work of Chopin and Debussy she heard as a dancer at the Vermont Ballet School in Essex Junction. She shares the nomination for the song In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning with fellow saje members Sara Gazarek, Johnaye Kendrick and Amanda Taylor as well as featured musician Jacob Collier.

The jazz-inspired vocal group saje, including, from left, Jericho native Erin Bentlage, Johnaye Kendrick, Amanda Taylor and Sara Gazarek

Contact Brent Hallenbeck at bhallenbeck@freepressmedia.com.

This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: Noah Kahan, Bernie Sanders among Grammy nominees with Vermont ties
The United States government is essentially a barely functioning circus.

Westend61 / Getty Images/Westend61

We're talking about a total clown car show!

Stevies / Getty Images/iStockphoto

The latest buffoonery happened during a Senate hearing where a Republican senator from Oklahoma tried to get into a physical fight with a union leader.

Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images

This clip of Senator Markwayne Mullin from Oklahoma challenging Teamster boss Sean OBrien has since gone mega-viral:

Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) just tried to fight a witness at a hearing. pic.twitter.com/MeVv61AsWs  No Lie with Brian Tyler Cohen (@NoLieWithBTC) November 14, 2023

CSPAN/ Twitter: @NoLieWithBTC

I like how he even adjusted his ring.

CSPAN

The drama of it all!!

CSPAN

As you can see, 82-year-old Bernie Sanders had to step in and try to calm him down.

CSPAN

"God knows Americans have enough contempt for Congress, let's not make it worse!" he said.

CSPAN

And, yep, Bernie is right on this one. We've all had enough.

CSPAN

I guess the show must go on!

Chanakon Laorob / Getty Images
A bottle of rum and tickets to the tour sounds like the perfect holiday gift for Stones fans.

Dave J Hogan / Getty Images for The Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones are no strangers to the world of celebrity spirits collaborations. To commemorate the bands 50th anniversary in 2012, Suntory released a rare blend of Japanese whiskeys, including a 50yo Yamazaki, that now resells for tens of thousands of dollars. Four years later, Jose Cuervo released a limited edition guitar case of 250 Aniversario to celebrate the Octogenarian rockers first glimpse of a Tequila Sunrise, at the Trident Bar in San Francisco, on the eve of their raucous agave enhanced 1972 American tour. The last decade has also seen collaborations with Crystal Head vodka, plus two runs of Goldy Gin with Londons Thames Distillery. But as the Stones remaining members (drummer Charlie Watts passed away in 2021) kick off a promotional tour for their latest musical release, Hackney Diamonds  British slang for broken glass  the band is dropping a bottle all their own which you may want to handle with care.

Today marks the release of Crossfire Hurricane rum ($37), an 80 proof blended golden rum, sourced from Jamaica, Barbados, and the Dominican Republic. The blend boasts the tropical hue and nose of caramelized bananas, after spending five years in French oak barrels.

Crossfire Hurricane was made in collaboration with co-founder John Fincher, a former rocket scientist and Survivor: Samoa contestant, who entered the spirits business after disparate stints with the defense firm Northrop Grumman and brewery Anheuser-Busch.

I learned marketing from the largest beverage company in the world, Fincher tells Food & Wine, explaining how his time in the beer business laid the groundwork for his latest gig as a partner in Socio Ventures, a venture capital firm specializing in helping celebrities develop premium spirits.

It is an absolute privilege to create this product alongside some of the greatest artists of our time; the bands vision and enthusiasm for Crossfire Hurricane set us apart and positioned us to redefine the rum category, Fincher added. In recent years, other legendary musicians have done likewise, including Bob Dylan, who partnered with Spirits Investment Partners in 2018 for the launch of the now award-winning Heavens Door bourbon.

Crossfire Hurricane is a perfectly evocative name for the Stones rum. Its easy to picture the band indulging in the tropic intoxicant while recording Goats Head Soup at Dynamic Sounds studios, in Kingston, in 1973, after the rockers wound down their Cuervo-fueled US tour. The name also brings to mind guitarist Keith Richards star turn as Jack Sparrows father in Pirates of the Caribbean: At Worlds End, even his impromptu set at the premiere of The Rum Diary in 2011. However, the origin of the phrase Crossfire Hurricane isnt what you think. Its rooted not in Richards lush life but in a tough childhood.

According to one biography, Richards penned the opening line of the Stones 1968 hit, Jumpin Jack Flash: I was born in a crossfire hurricane, as a reference to being born amid German air raids on his hometown of Dartford, England, outside of London. Coincidentally, the classic Hurricane cocktail, the French Quarter staple of light, dark, and overproofed rums blended with passionfruit syrup lemon juice and the glow of grenadine, also dates back to the Second World War, when it was invented at Pat OBriens bar in New Orleans.

The Stones have been around long enough to see Crossfire Hurricane take on new meaning in recent years, which may explain why theyre suddenly eager to reclaim the turn of phrase.

Following a provocative 2012 documentary of the same name, which chronicled the bands 1970s heyday, the expression became the code name for an FBI investigation into Donald Trumps 2016 campaign, at a time when the future president defied the band by repeatedly closing his rallies with You Cant Always Get What You Want against the groups wishes.

If you want Crossfire Hurricane, you can get it at crossfirehurricane.com now through December 31, before bottles hit store shelves in the new year.

For more Food & Wine news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on Food & Wine.
Warning: This article contains mention of sexual abuse.

Recently, I asked former students in the BuzzFeed Community to share wild stories about teachers in their district who were fired for very, very good reasons. Here's what they had to say:

1."About a year after I graduated, she was arrested for embezzling roughly $8,000 in school funds to pay off her gambling debts."

Anonymous

2."My 5th grade teacher threw a desk at a student. He said the student was well known for being a POS, and already had multiple dealings with the school board, but they had done nothing."

They couldnt fully fire him because they knew he (aka the union) would win a lawsuit. They couldnt put him in a classroom after his outburst. So they promoted him to vice principal of the school across town. He later became principal."

 thelategreatnobody

3."She kept leaving hemorrhoid cream in students lockers. Was it hers and she kept somehow misplacing it in their lockers? Was it a bizarre gift of some kind? I never learned."

Anonymous

4."A middle school teacher (28 years old) created a literal cult around herself. She was your stereotypical American teacher  blonde, fashionable, coach of the cheerleading team."

"At first she seemed nice but then her disrespect for students showed through. Her favorites (who are exact replicas of her, just younger) would brag about seeing her wedding dress or meeting her fiance. They got sent to honors with near-failing scores and a classmate of mine who had perfect scores didn't get into Honors because he allegedly mocked her in one of our classes, even though he was just repeating instructions to a confused classmate."

Anonymous

5."My cousins science and shop teacher was fired for teaching the boys in shop how to make pipe bombs."

Anonymous

Willie B. Thomas / Getty Images

6."Our algebra teacher was fired after one year because he couldn't do math. I'm not kidding. Several of us would go up to the board and correct him mid-problem because we could understand how to balance equations and he could not."

 notsosane1991

7."When my daughter was in 2nd grade (around 6-7 years old), her art teacher flipped out because a kid started painting before she told him to. She grabbed his almost-finished project and ripped it up, and when some of the kids started crying, she grabbed theirs as well and tore them to pieces."

"She then taunted the class, saying anyone that moves will get detention where shell make them sit in the woods for an hour at dark. At this point the kids are crying, some are frozen with fear. My daughter and three others ran out of the classroom and were chased down the hallway by the teacher. They ran into another teacher and her art teacher told the other teacher that the kids were liars and not to believe anything they said. Its no wonder when the next week a mass email was sent out saying their art teacher was retiring effective immediately. I think some of my daughters classmates are still in therapy over that."

 lunallee212

8."One of the chemistry teachers was caught masturbating in his, thankfully, empty classroom."

Anonymous

9."I had a middle school band director who stuttered badly. He got mad at the percussion section but couldn't manage to actually chew them out (stuttering too badly), so he would throw drumsticks at them."

"Mind you, percussion is always located at the BACK of the band, so those sticks had to fly over the ENTIRE BAND in order to reach the drummers. We had a new director the next year."

 graytrees

10."They found out the music teacher didn't have a degree. He worked there 20 years."

 Triplesss

Sean De Burca / Getty Images

11."My freshman year health teacher was arrested on nine counts of child porn and one of child exploitation. He started working at an elementary school the year I graduated and was arrested about a year and a half later."

Anonymous

12."I got a teacher fired from my middle school because of his penchant for touching students in weird ways. It started with placing his hand on the back of kids' necks, or on their shoulders, but then one day he grabbed a girl's bra strap on her shoulder and snapped it (not broke, but snapped like a rubber band)."

"The other staff wouldn't listen to us when we complained, so I made a petition and took it around the school (pretty much everyone who had a class with this teacher signed it) and submitted it to the school resource officer. The teacher was gone before the end of the week."

Anonymous

13."My high school English teacher, who had only recently graduated from college and was very normal-seeming, was teaching the book Finnegans Wake by James Joyce and a major theme in that book is dreaming, so she decided to read us her dream journal. Unfortunately, the majority of her dreams were unbelievably unhinged and incredibly sexual."

"I wont go to into detail, but one of them involved her having explosive diarrhea while banging the art teacher (who was in his 70s). Students were begging her to stop but she didnt even answer them, she just kept on reading. It was like she was in a trance. Someone ran out and got the principal, but she wouldnt stop even then. Security took her off of campus. It was wild!"

Anonymous

14."She made a 'Big Boob List'  a list of teachers and faculty members with large boobs  and gave it to her students, telling us that it was required reading."

Anonymous

15."She boinked the PTA presidents husband."

Anonymous

Ableimages / Getty Images

16."My freshman year in high school, my science teacher was sitting on his desk. As I walked past him he grabbed my arm, pulled me between his legs, and squeezed them together as he whispered in my ear, 'You excite me.' I, of course, went home and told my dad, and we went to the school board."

"I was removed from science and placed in study hall, got an A in science and this teacher's contract was cancelled at the end of the year."

Anonymous

17."A teacher at my small-town school was arrested at a strip club for disorderly conduct and resisting arrest after entering the club's women's room (gross, dude). A couple of years later I ran into him working the valet at a chain restaurant in Boston."

Anonymous

18."She killed someone in a hit and run accident and proceeded to go to school and teach that day."

"Someone reported her plates and she was arrested outside of school hours. She was the home ec. teacher at my high school... She got a light sentence, two years I believe, and was let out of prison before I finished high school. Now she runs a small boutique downtown and if you Google our school her mugshot shows up."

Anonymouos

19.And finally, "My eight grade science teacher explained, in elaborate detail, what her boob job had been like  how the procedure worked scientifically, why she decided to get it, how much it hurt, what her boobs felt and looked like now."

"She showed us before and after pictures and a chart she made showing how she slept with almost three times as many men per month after getting the operation. It was an out of body experience. She was fired VERY soon after."

Anonymous

Now I want to hear from you. If you're a teacher who has seen other teachers be fired for completely ridiculous reasons, tell us about it in the comments or using this anonymous Google Form. Your response may be included in an upcoming BuzzFeed post.

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, you can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE, which routes the caller to their nearest sexual assault service provider. You can also search for your local center here .
If youre only going to change your sleep habits in just one way, set aside the advice that you need to get eight hours of sleep a night.

While getting enough sleep has proven health benefits, the more powerful predictor of longevity seems to be something else entirely, according to new sleep research.

Consistency  going to sleep and waking up at roughly the same time each day  is a stronger factor in securing a long life, according to a recent study in the journal Sleep.

The study finds that sleep-wake timing can be a stronger predictor for some health outcomes than sleep duration.

The findings, courtesy of researchers in Australia, the United States and England, join what we already know about sleep from a great deal of worldwide research. Previous research has shown that consistently sleeping too short or too long is associated with dying prematurely.

Studies have also shown that people generally need at least a certain amount of sleep, for adults typically around seven to eight hours a night. That number varies with age: Little kids and teens need much more. Older adults seem to require somewhat less.

According to the new research, getting six hours of sleep a night on a relatively stable schedule likely puts you in better shape than someone who gets eight hours but starts and stops their sleep on an erratic schedule.

The Wall Street Journal said the finding provides hope for those of us who live (and sleep) in the real world: Getting less than eight hours of shut-eye a night doesnt mean youre doomed to an early grave.

Weve been missing maybe half of the story, Matt Walker, a neuroscientist and director of the Center for Human Sleep Science at the University of California, Berkeley, who wasnt involved with the study, told the Journal. Not just how much you sleep but the regularity with which you sleep has now come onto the map and exploded as perhaps the more important thing.

The researchers write that sleep regularity may be a simple, effective target for improving general health and survival.

Sleep consistency and death

The recent sleep study involved 60,977 UK Biobank participants, average age just under 63 years old. Within not quite eight years, 1,859 had died. The researchers found that higher sleep regularity was associated with a 20-48% lower risk of all-cause mortality, 16-39% lower risk of cancer mortality and a 22-57% lower risk of cardiometabolic mortality, which includes such things as Type 2 diabetes, inflammation or obesity-related complications.

Unlike sleep regularity, sleep duration did not impact cancer deaths.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says at least a third of Americans dont get the amount of sleep recommended by health experts. CDC also says the risks from inadequate sleep include developing such chronic diseases and conditions as Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity and depression. The public health giant notes barriers to high-quality sleep, including inconsistent sleep and wake times, interrupted sleep and napping.

Related

Thats not to say that sleep length doesnt matter. Angus Burns, study co-author and research fellow at Harvard Medical School, told The Wall Street Journal that people who got long, consistent sleep had the least mortality risk, but that those who get shorter regular sleep had less mortality risk than those who sleep longer hours, but less consistently in terms of their sleep patterns. He suggested that if life interferes with getting long enough sleep, at least focus on consistency.

Burns said people should try to keep their sleep and wake times consistent without varying the window more than an hour or two.

What experts agree on

The National Sleep Foundation in September issued a new guideline created by a panel of sleep experts that emphasizes the benefit of consistent sleep schedules on health and performance. It was published in Sleep Health, the foundations journal.

The multidisciplinary panel said inconsistent sleep schedules have been linked to negative health outcomes, including diabetes, obesity, heart disease, immune system dysfunction, cancer and mental health challenges. They also said that sleeping an extra hour or two to catch up on sleep on non-work days if youve been shorted on sleep a bit can benefit most people as a method to help recover from sleep debt.

Consistent sleep is not just important to avoid bad outcomes, but to achieve good ones, including alertness, cardiovascular and metabolic health, inflammation and mental health, said the panel chair and senior author of the consensus report, Dr. Charles A. Czeisler, division chief of sleep and circadian disorders at Brigham and Womens Hospital, and Frank Baldino Jr., a professor of sleep medicine at Harvard Medical School.
Netflix's Exposed: The Ghost Train Fire (2021) details the horrific fire on a ride at Luna Park in Sydney, Australia. On June 9, 1979, the amusement park's iconic Ghost Train ride burst into flames, and of the 35 riders that initially entered the ride, seven (a man and six boys) died, according to the coroner's report. The three-part docuseries details the events of the fire, and its aftermath.

A coronial inquest was unable to find the cause of the fire at the time of the incident, and an investigation into its cause was reopened in 2021, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.

Despite the tragedy, Luna Park remains operative, and you can still visit the park today. Below, everything to know about the Australian amusement park.

Is Luna Park still open?

Shop Now Watch 'Exposed: The Ghost Train Fire' on Netflix Now $7.00

Yes, two of the four original Luna Parks remain open today, according to Perth Now. There is one in Sydney (where the Ghost Train fire took place), and one in Melbourne.

The Sydney location was temporarily closed after the 1979 fire. In 1982, the park reopened with a mix of "new and reconditioned rides," per the Luna Park website. In 1988, the park closed again due to an unsuccessful redevelopment project.

Then, in the 1990s, the park came under new management after closing temporarily again in 1996. It closed one more time in January 2021 for a major renovation, but remains operative today.



The park even hosts events and allows bulk ticket-buying for parties or corporate functions.

Can I visit Luna Park?

Yes, if you ever find yourself in Australia, you can visit Luna Park between Friday and Monday. The park operates between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Sunday, and between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Monday, according to the park website. The park is closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

The Ghost Train no longer exists at the Sydney location, according to the park's website, but there is one at the Melbourne location.

How much does it cost to get into Luna Park?

Tickets for admission into the park in Sydney run between $34 for children 13 and under, and up to $75 for those 14 and older. Ticket prices range based on what day you choose to go to the park, and how far in advance you purchase tickets.

For example, a ticket for someone 14 or older this Saturday is $70, but only $65 for next Saturday. At the Melbourne location, tickets range from $20 for children under 4 years old, to $45 for ages five and up.

Luna Park is based off of a Coney Island park.

If you're not heading to the Southern Hemisphere anytime soon, you can visit the original Luna Park in Coney Island. According to Perth Now, the Australian parks are based off the Luna Park in Coney Island, which originally opened in 1903, the New York Times reported.

The New York-based amusement park also closed due to a fire-related incident in 1944, according to the New York Times, and did not reopen until 2010, when it took over the premises of Coney Island's Astroland, according to the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. The park operates for limited hours during the holiday season, according to its website.

You can learn more about Luna Park in Exposed: The Ghost Train Fire on Netflix now.

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Dillon Beach Resort, nestled where California's Marin County meets Sonoma County, has charming tiny homes, including a slew of brand-new ones.

KASSIE BORRESON/Courtesy of Dillon Beach Resort

Even though the unofficial mascot of Dillon Beach, California, a bronze figure dubbed "Captain Dillon," suggests this Northern California enclave has a sense of humor, the team behind Dillon Beach Resort takes its role seriously.

"The history is still here," said Mike Goebel, the resort's co-owner, pointing to the original hotel building from the 19th century that houses the General Store. Reimagining this laid-back coastal hospitality destination and privately owned family- and dog-friendly beach required a delicate approach. "We're stewards of the land," he added.

KASSIE BORRESON/Courtesy of Dillon Beach Resort

The cartoonish Captain Dillon statue gesturing toward the ocean with a sword raised in one hand and a tucked away double-barreled pistol is actually a relatively recent addition. The previous owners installed Capitan Dillon on his hillside perch during the early aughts. (That said, thinking critically about most aged bronze monuments is still always a good idea.) What's constant, however, is the singular character of this beloved one-mile stretch of the Pacific situated at the northern tip of Marin County, essentially bridging Tomales Bay to the south and Bodega Bay just across the Sonoma County border.

"You see the RVs passing by and the guys fishing," Goebel explained. "That's what drew me to the region  it was so raw." The RV park perched above Dillon Beach had fallen into significant disrepair and was under-utilized in 2018 when Goebel, a Marin Countybased restaurateur, and a group of local partners developed a vision to revitalize the property anchored by its approximately 130-year-old building. In an off-the-beaten-path, environmentally sensitive, and rightfully protective community like Dillon Beach with just a few hundred residents, change can be, well, hard. Thankfully, the results seen across Dillon Beach Resort's 55 acres were worth the effort.

KASSIE BORRESON/Courtesy of Dillon Beach Resort

Partnering with Eugene, Oregon-based Tru Form Tiny, a prefabricated home design and build company, Goebel found an aesthetic and practical solution for the site's next chapter. In 2021, Dillon Beach Resort opened its 15 fully-equipped, self-contained compact "tiny homes" that seamlessly plug into the previously existing RV footprints. It's the ultimate in surf shack living. Natural light-flooded cabins and patios are ideally set up to take in the chill beachside vibes. Goebel customized the interiors and finishes in a boho-chic sensibility, selecting shiplap paneling and retro-inspired kitchen appliances in pastel shades, a mix of earthy textures, and on-theme art. And no one is ever mad at having an electric fireplace in the room to ward off chillier temps when ocean breezes kick in.

The overall attitude, atmosphere, and setup mean Dillon Beach Resort is a come-as-you-are kind of place, whether its as a solo traveler working remotely for a few days or multigenerational family groups. Shared outdoor spaces (plus a grill area) encourage socializing among the guests for those who want to mingle, and the tiny homes are cozy retreats for those who crave privacy. Three two-bedroom cabins that were built during the 1940s have also been stylishly overhauled and updated with quasi-private yards.

KASSIE BORRESON/Courtesy of Dillon Beach Resort

It's a formula that works. This past summer, Dillon Beach Resort debuted 13 new units better positioned to embrace the southwest-facing vista. Five Coho style accommodations, complete with sleeping lofts contained in 360 square feet, sleep up to five; 280-square-foot Sweetwater homes comfortably fit four; and the three, 150-square-feet Osprey models are snug and chic, where two can take in the ocean views from the efficiently designed interior outfitted with foldaway beds.

KASSIE BORRESON/Courtesy of Dillon Beach Resort

The General Store, which remained in operation during the revamp, retains the charm of the original historic hotel structure with seriously upgraded merch. Guests can stock up on top-quality ingredients to bring back to their kitchens, thereby avoiding the pomp and circumstance  and costs  of a luxury hotel. Local beachgoers drop in to fuel up on Equator Coffees, buy beach essentials, rent surf gear, pick up grab-and-go meals made using organic ingredients, and indulge in pastry chef Tara Saldana's stellar cookies and pastries. The inventory anticipates every need, like bottles by Sonoma County's finest winemakers (think Scribe and Lioco), s'mores kits for bonfire nights, locally made candles and ceramics, and irresistibly adorable kids' gifts.

KASSIE BORRESON/Courtesy of Dillon Beach Resort

KASSIE BORRESON/Courtesy of Dillon Beach Resort

When the on-site Coastal Kitchen restaurant is open for lunch and dinner four days a week, feasting on executive chef Brady Hemenway's locally sourced fare that highlights comfort classics such as clam chowder and a serious burger will switch you right into vacation mode. Visitors are also well-advised to wander farther afield to fill up at Marshall Store on Tomales Bay, where owner Shannon Gregory serves fresh raw and grilled Tomales Bay Oyster Company goods from his family farm four miles south, along soul-satisfying seafood dishes and sandwiches on bread from Route One Bakery in Tomales. The simpatico nature of this supportive community is also palpable at Toluma Farms and Tomales Farmstead Creamery, open by appointment for tours and tastings.



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Read the original article on Travel & Leisure.
How my vegetarian moms holiday impulse complicated my relationship with poultry.

The Spruce Eats / Alice Levitt / Michela Buttignol

My mother sewed pilgrim costumes for us to wear to every Thanksgiving dinner when I was a child. Ive stained many an oversized white collar of a black dress with turkey gravy and cranberry sauce. But it was another of my moms holiday quirks that lived on for years in our dining room and backyard.

Normal people associate Thanksgiving with the aromas of turkey skin crisping, bread baking, perhaps onions caramelizing. My earliest memories of it smell like dung, hay, and feathers. Thats because every year, on or around the last Thursday of November, my mother packed me into the car and headed to our nearest live poultry market. Not to buy the bird we would roast, but to rescue a turkey or two.

Why? Because Im a bleeding heart, Mom told me in a recent phone call. A vegetarian for most of her life, my mother decided when I was four or five that in exchange for the life of a supermarket-purchased oven stuffer that the rest of the family would consume, we must rescue at least one bird from the meat market not far from our home. It was our personal version of freeing animals from a kill shelter.

As a small child, I didnt note the irony that we were feasting on a mass-produced animal, while saving a local one. Mom did try buying a turkey from a farm for our dinner one year, but says it pained her to see the living animals at the property, ready to meet their fates. Like most Americans who prefer to keep where their meat comes from at more than arms length, she says that the plastic-wrapped disconnect provided by the grocery store suited her better.

The live poultry market was lined with cages filled with fowl, but also occasionally dwarf rabbits that also became our pets. We would go to the counter and lead the man working there to the cages of the animals we had selected. Do you want me to kill it for you? hed ask. Hed put the living selection in a bag with its feet protruding, looking more than ready to be released once in the car.

The Spruce Eats / Alice Levitt / Michela Buttignol

This happened annually for at least half a decade. At our peak, we had six White Holland turkeys that cohabited with a smattering of chickens and ducks in a small henhouse. The difference was, the turkeys lived partly inside. Did I mention that this took place in Greenwich, Connecticut: the bastion of upscale WASP society? But we were already the weird neighbors long before large, white birds started pecking at the door wanting to join us on the couch. I felt sorry for them because it was cold out, Mom recalls.

I have strong memories of sitting on the kitchen floor with a turkey named Lily in my lap as I did my homework. Her warm, bald head leaned on my shoulder while I practiced my multiplication tables. People compare birds to dinosaurs (which is biologically correct), and turkeys get the worst of it when it comes to insulting avian intelligence. But I didnt have as powerful a connection with the cats, dogs, gerbils, guinea pigs, or hamsters that also called our old farmhouse home.

Ive built a career (and some would argue, my personality) on my obsession with meat. Ive interned as a whole animal butcher and gotten to know terminal beef cattle personally, before and after slaughter. I trace this bent back to eating my favorite pet chicken when I was five. I didnt deal with the realities of slaughter as much as a true farm kid, but was still always conscious of the fact that I was eating a dead animal, not a magic piece of protein grown in a lab. I have never even contemplated vegetarianism.

A meat-eschewing reader once called me a helpless addict when it came to consuming animals and I cant argue with that assessment, but unlike many meat eaters, I go into the process conscious of what it means. To some, Im sure thats even worse, that Im willing to end an animal friends life for my own sustenance. I prefer to think that this at least gives me respect for the sacrifice.

But as a teenager, one animals flesh became anathema to me. Turkey, I would say, tasted like death. The very idea was akin to consuming a sibling. It was simply too close for comfort, the way many omnivores say they would draw the line at dogs or cats.

Our turkey population first took a hit when neighborhood dogs attacked the henhouse. The police had to come and put a few birds out of their misery. One cop came to the door to ask if we wanted the meat. My mother is still traumatized. And I think thats when I started eating just rolls and mashed potatoes at Thanksgiving.

The Spruce Eats / Alice Levitt / Michela Buttignol

It wasnt until I was an adult food writer that this started to change. And it didnt start with deli meat, which seems like the most obvious place. Instead, it was chicken thighs. After long fearing the tough, connective-tissue-laden cut of meat, I learned from eating Brazilian rodizio that it can be both tender and crisp when prepared correctly. I went from rubbing them with rock salt and roasting them to braising them before crisping them under the broiler.

But bone-in chicken thighs are a relatively small meal. One day, I saw a much larger poultry thigh at the grocery store. My interest was piquedthis would be a far more substantial repast. That was the moment I decided to experiment with eating turkey again.

Why? I had finally had a reckoning. If I was going to eat meat, it seemed silly to make exceptions, especially when I was buying it at a local store that specialized in sustainably raised animals from area farms. I could only hope the turkey I ate led a life that included, if not math homework, then some degree of affection from humans or other turkeys.

I braised the pair of thighs in chicken stock with a collection of homegrown herbs. I reduced the sauce with lemon and just a touch of butter while I crisped the thighs in the oven. The result wasnt unlike a giant chicken, but somehow richer and more satisfyingit didnt taste like death at all.

And that year was the first in almost two decades that I ate Thanksgiving turkey. There were no pilgrim costumes or trips to the live poultry market, and my vegetarian relatives were surely scandalized. But I can live with that. I remember my pet turkeys with love, but once or twice a year, Ill forgive myself for being a part of an American institution.



Read the original article on The Spruce Eats.
An 11-year-old girl was able to fight off a man trying to kidnap her from a car, Hawaii police said and news outlets reported.

The 11-year-old was in a Costco parking lot in Waipio on Nov. 9 when an unknown man knocked on the cars locked door, according to a news release by the Honolulu Police Department and the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

The girl unlocked the car door because she thought the man was her mom, police said.

The girl fought the man off, and he fled the scene, officers said.

They didnt provide a description of the man.

Anyone with information should call 808-955-8300, police said.

Waipio is about 15 miles northwest of Honolulu.

Woman kidnapped by her ex and taken to Idaho is rescued after 911 text, feds say

18-year-old with knife kidnaps teen from home, NC cops say. Shes found 115 miles away

911 call leads to rescue of 8 children kidnapped from Arkansas to California, cops say
ADDIS ABABA, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Tuesday said Ethiopia's membership in the BRICS mechanism is advantageous as the group promotes the South-South cooperation framework.

The Ethiopian prime minister made the remarks Tuesday while addressing the Ethiopian House of Peoples' Representatives (HoPR), the lower house of the Ethiopian parliament.

When responding to questions raised by members of the Ethiopian parliament, Ahmed said the East African country's diplomatic and foreign policy perspectives are based on mutual benefit, respecting the country's national interest and sovereignty while ensuring its socioeconomic, geographic and historical benefits.

"Ethiopia's membership in the BRICS mechanism is based upon the fact that it promotes South-South cooperation. Since Ethiopia is an important country within the South-South cooperation framework, we believe that our membership into the BRICS would be an important impetus both for Ethiopia and other BRICS members," Ahmed told members of the Ethiopian parliament.

He further commended the five BRICS member countries for their support for Ethiopia's accession.

During the 15th BRICS Summit held in Johannesburg, South Africa, in August, BRICS leaders agreed to invite six countries, namely Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), to join the group.

The six countries' membership is said to take effect on Jan. 1, 2024.

"We hope our membership into the BRICS mechanism would be advantageous to Ethiopia," Ahmed told the Ethiopian parliament.

He said Ethiopia's membership in BRICS is in line with the country's foreign policy aspirations, stressing that the motive behind the East African country's membership into the group is not to support, oppose, or harm anyone. 
The families of five fallen soldiers are mourning across the country following an MH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crash this weekend, affecting families in Arizona, California, New Hampshire, Minnesota and Tennessee.

Five soldiers of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR), based out of Fort Campbell, died during refueling training over the Mediterranean Sea. U.S. officials haven't released the cause of the crash, but said there is "no indication it was caused by enemy or hostile actions."

This is the second time in 2023 that Fort Campbell soldiers are mourning the loss of soldiers because of a Black Hawk helicopter crash. In March of this year, nine soldiers were killed during a "multi-ship" exercise using night vision goggles when two HH-60 Black Hawks crashed in Trigg County, Kentucky.

The biographies of each soldier, provided by the U.S. Special Operations Command, show decorated careers with missions of fearless courage completed abroad and at home, earning medals of honor.

"Chief Warrant Officer 3 Stephen Dwyer, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Shane Barnes, Staff Sgt. Tanner Grone, Sgt. Andrew Southard, and Sgt. Cade Wolfe were truly SOF professionals and are among the Nations finest Soldiers, said Col. Roger P. Waleski Jr., commander of the 160th SOAR.

"Their loss has left an indelible void within this Regiment that will never be filled."

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Stephen Dwyer was one of five soldiers killed on Nov. 10, 2023 when a MH-60 Blackhawk helicopter crashed in the Mediterranean Sea during a traning exercise.

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Stephen R. Dwyer, 38, of Clarksville, Tennessee

Stephen R. Dwyer, a native of Clarksville, Tennessee, received his commission from the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York in 2009. He served as a Field Artillery Commissioned Officer for six years before reverting to Warrant Officer and graduating from flight school in 2018. Dwyer joined the 160th Special Operation Aviation Regiment (Airborne) (SOAR) as an MH-60M pilot in Charlie Company, 1st Battalion. Following the completion of the Regiment's extensive assessment and training program, Dwyer became a Basic Mission Qualified pilot, mission planner and instructor pilot in Charlie Company.

While assigned to the 160th SOAR, Dwyer deployed to Iraq in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM and supported several no-notice deployments and exercises worldwide in support of national security objectives.

Dwyer graduated from the Basic Officer Leader Course, Field Artillery Officer Basic Course; Ranger School; Field Artillery Captains Career Course; Warrant Officer Orientation; UH-72A Aviator Qualification Course; Aviation Warrant Officer Basic Course; Aviation Tactical Operations Officer Course; Officer Combat Skills (Green Platoon); Combatives Level 1; MH-60M Pilot Basic Mission Course; UH-60M Advanced Course; Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape School and the MH-60 Flight Instructor Pilot Course.

Dwyers awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with Combat device, four Army Commendation Medals, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, two Overseas Service Ribbons, NATO Medal, Ranger Tab, Combat Action Badge, Basic Army Aviator Badge, Parachute Badge and Air Assault Badge.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Shane Barnes was one of five soldiers killed on Nov. 10, 2023 when a MH-60 Blackhawk helicopter crashed in the Mediterranean Sea during a traning exercise.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Shane M. Barnes, 34, of Sacramento, California

Shane M. Barnes, a Sacramento, California native, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English literature from Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington in 2011.

After graduation, he attended flight school at Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he completed training to become an UH-60L Blackhawk pilot. Following flight school, Barnes was assigned to 2-2 Assault Helicopter Battalion in Korea where he excelled as a platoon leader and pilot in command. In 2015, following his tour in Korea and completion of the Aviation Captain's Career Course, Barnes favorably assessed for the 160 SOAR. He completed "Officer Green Platoon" in 2016 and was assigned as an MH-60M pilot in Charlie Company, 1st Battalion where he served as a platoon leader and operations officer. In 2020, Barnes resigned his commission and became a warrant officer. As an Instructor Pilot and Fully Mission Qualified pilot, Barnes significantly impacted the training aviators within formation.

While assigned to the 160th SOAR, Barnes deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, deployed multiple times to Iraq in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE and supported several no-notice deployments and exercises worldwide in support of national security objectives.

Barnes graduated from the UH-60 Aviator Qualification Course; Aviator Basic Officer Leader Course, Aviation Captains Career Course, Officer Combat Skills (Green Platoon), Combatives Level 1, MH-60M Pilot Basic Mission Course, UH-60 A/L Instructor Pilot Course, Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape School and the MH-60 Flight Instructor Pilot Course.

Barness awards and decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross with Valor device, Air Medal with Combat device, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Combat Action Badge, the Senior Army Aviator Badge and Air Assault Badge.

Staff Sgt. Tanner W. Grone, of Gorham, N.H., was one of Army aviation special operations forces killed when their helicopter crashed in the Eastern Mediterranean over the weekend.

Staff Sgt. Tanner W. Grone, 26, of Gorham, New Hampshire

Tanner W. Grone, a native of Gorham, New Hampshire, enlisted in the Army in 2017 as 15T UH-60 "Black Hawk" repair and was assigned to the 160th SOAR. After completing the Regiment's extensive assessment and training program in 2018, Grone reported to Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 160th SOAR for service as an MH-60M Repairer. Six months later, Staff Sergeant Grone reported to Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 160th SOAR and served as a Flight Instructor and Fully Mission Qualified MH-60M Crew Chief.

While serving in the 160th SOAR, Grone deployed multiple times to Iraq in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE, deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM and supported several no-notice deployments and exercises worldwide in support of national security objectives.

Grone graduated from the Enlisted Combat Skills, Combatives Level 1, MH-60 Maintainers Course, Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape School, MH-60 Non-Rated Crew Member Course, the Basic Leaders Course and Advanced Leaders Course.

Grones awards and decorations include the Air Medal with Combat device, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal with combat device, Army Achievement medal, two Army Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Combat Action Badge and the Basic Aviation Badge.

Sgt. Andrew Southard was one of five soldiers killed on Nov. 10, 2023 when a MH-60 Blackhawk helicopter crashed in the Mediterranean Sea during a traning exercise.

Sgt. Andrew P. Southard, 27, of Apache Junction, Arizona

Andrew P. Southard, a Apache Junction, Arizona native, enlisted in the Army in 2015 as a 15T UH-60 Black Hawk Repairer. He was first assigned to the 1st Armored Divisions Combat Aviation Brigade at Fort Bliss, Texas upon completing advanced individual training.

Southard later completed a 13-month rotation to Task Force Sinai in support of ongoing peacekeeping operations. After finishing his tour, he reported to Fort Campbells 101st Combat Aviation Brigade. Southard volunteered for assignment to the 160th SOAR, and after completing the Regiments extensive training and assessment program in 2023, he remained in 1st Battalion, 160th SOAR for service as an MH-60M Crew Chief.

More: What we know about Arizona soldier killed in helicopter crash in Mediterranean Sea

While assigned to the 1st Armored Division Combat Aviation Brigade, Southard deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.

Southard graduated from the Enlisted Combat Skills, Combatives Level 1, MH-60 Maintainers Course, Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape School, MH-60 Non-Rated Crew Member Course and the Basic Leaders Course.

Southards awards and decorations include two Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, two Army Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon and the Basic Aviation Badge.

Sgt. Cade Wolfe was one of five soldiers killed on Nov. 10, 2023 when a MH-60 Blackhawk helicopter crashed in the Mediterranean Sea during a traning exercise.

Sgt. Cade M. Wolfe, 24, of Mankato, Minnesota

Cade M. Wolfe, a Mankato, Minnesota native, enlisted in the Army in 2018 as a 15T UH-60 Black Hawk Repairer. He was assigned to the 25th Combat Aviation Brigade at Wheeler Army Airfield, Hawaii upon completing advanced individual training. Sergeant Wolfe completed the Regiments extensive assessment and training program and was assigned to 1st Battalion, 160th SOAR and served as an MH-60M crew chief.

He graduated from the Enlisted Combat Skills, Combatives Level 1, MH-60 Maintainers Course, Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape School, MH-60 Non-Rated Crew Member Course and the Basic Leaders Course.

Wolfes awards and decorations include two Army Commendation Medals, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon and the Basic Aviation Badge.

This article originally appeared on Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle: Black Hawk crash in Mediterranean affects families across USA
FAIRVIEW  The search for a new Fairview schools superintendent is about to begin.

The Fairview School Board has hired Northwest Tri-County Intermediate Unit 5 to lead the search for a successor to Erik Kincade, who took early retirement on Oct. 31 following private board discussions of personnel issues concerning him. Kincade's contract with the district was through June 2025.

Larry Kessler is leading the district until the board names a new superintendent. Kessler preceded Kincade as Fairview schools superintendent, retiring in 2009.

Fairview School Board considered five firms, including the Pennsylvania School Boards Association and private firms, before settling on IU5 to lead the superintendent search.

"We chose the IU5 based on the feedback of solid partnership with our administration and a strong history of conducting successful searches in our area," Fairview School Board President Jim Lyons said. "We intend to cast a wide net in our search to find the best superintendent to move us forward. We feel confident that working with IU5 will help us achieve this goal."

The job is expected to be advertised statewide within two weeks. The advertisements typically draw candidates from New York, Ohio and other neighboring states as well as Pennsylvania, said IU5 Executive Director Brad Whitman.

The job also can be posted beyond Pennsylvania at the School Board's direction.

Cost for the search is $3,500, the price charged by IU5 for small and medium-sized school districts. The Fairview School District has three schools and about 1,900 students, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Fairview School Board members leave Fairview High School on Oct. 2 following a closed session on undisclosed personnel matters involving the district's superintendent.

The timeline for applications, interviews and hiring is yet to be determined, Lyons said, "but we are working with a sense of urgency, with an equal attention to detail."

The search will be tailored to the school district and its needs, said Brad Whitman, executive director of IU5.

"We know the schools and communities we serve," Whitman said. "Each one of our searches is unique to the district because each district and community is different."

The Fairview community will be involved in the search process, most likely through a survey to help determine the qualifications and qualities wanted in a new superintendent, Whitman said.

"We are in the very early stages of the search and are still ironing out the details," Whitman said.

Intermediate Units are education service agencies created by the state legislature to provide training and other services to public school districts in Pennsylvania. IU 5, based in Edinboro, serves schools in Erie, Crawford and Warren counties.

The Intermediate Unit recently led the searches for new Millcreek and Girard school superintendents. Both districts hired from within.

Millcreek in July named John Cavanagh, its director of K-12 education, as its new superintendent. Girard hired David Koma, previously its middle school principal, as superintendent on Aug 1.

The IU is currently leading the search for a new Penncrest superintendent for Cambridge Springs, Saegertown and Maplewood schools. Timothy Glasspool resigned as district superintendent on Sept. 29.

In Fairview, Kessler will serve as superintendent until June 30 or until a new superintendent is hired. His term can be extended if necessary.

Move was surprising: Fairview schools chief seeks early retirement

In October: Fairview School Board to look at options for superintendent search

Contact Valerie Myers at vmyers@timesnews.com.

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Wanted: Fairview schools superintendent. Job will be advertised soon.
The soldiers killed in Black Hawk helicopter fatal over the Mediterranean Sea this weekend were some of Fort Campbell's own.

Five members of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, known as the Night Stalkers, were killed when their helicopter crashed during a refueling training off of the coast of Cyprus on Saturday, according to U.S. officials. Officials have yet to release the cause of the crash but have maintained that there are no indications of any hostile activity involved.

The New York Times reported that the five killed were members of the 160th based out of Fort Campbell which sits on the border of Kentucky and Tennessee at Clarksville.

Here's what we know about the Night Stalkers.

Who was killed in the helicopter crash in the Mediterranean?

The Pentagon released the names of the five U.S. Army service members on Monday. Those who died were:

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Stephen R. Dwyer, 38, of Clarksville, Tennessee

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Shane M. Barnes, 34, of Sacramento, California

Staff Sgt. Tanner W. Grone, 26, of Gorham, New Hampshire

Sgt. Andrew P. Southard, 27, of Apache Junction, Arizona

Sgt. Cade M. Wolfe, 24, of Mankato, Minnesota

Where is the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment based out of?

The 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment is based at Fort Campbell, Kentucky and encompasses part of Clarksville, Tennessee.

The 160th has almost 3,000 soldiers and more than 200 aircraft, according to the U.S. Army Special Operations Command.

Tragic losses: Fort Campbell mourns for second time in 2023 after another fatal helicopter crash

Who are the Night Stalkers?

Originally created as Task Force 160, the unit started with soldiers of the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell. It was in October 1981 that the unit was officially designated the 160th Aviation Battalion.

The Night Stalkers is the moniker the 160th took up due to the unit being a pioneer in the Army's nighttime flying techniques after it was established in the 80s and "its capability to strike undetected during the hours of darkness and its unprecedented combat successes", according to the 160th's website.

Their motto is, Night Stalkers Dont Quit.

How many people are stationed at Fort Campbell?

Statistics from the Department of Defense and Military OneSource, has that Fort Campbell supports over 250,532 persons as of 2021. Including:

Active Military: 27,057

Family Members: 51,480

Civilians: 6,340

Contract Employees: 1,583

Military Retirees: 71,106

Retiree Family: 92,966

Family Housing: 4,457

Barracks: 10,059

The history of Fort Campbell

The installation is named after former Tennessee Governor and Civil War Union General William Bowen Campbell.

Fort Campbell was originally established in 1942 as a war-time armor training and mobilization camp during WWII and became a permanent installation in 1950, according to Military OneSource. Between 1948 and 1965, Campbell was also home to Clarksville Base, a top-secret nuclear weapons storage and modification facility.

Since then, the U.S. Army installation has been home to multiple airborne, armored and infantry units.

Campbell has served as a training installation since it began and since 2002 its units have been among the most deployed combat units in the Army, according to OneSource.

The Screaming Eagles of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), 5th Special Forces Group and the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment all call Fort Campbell home.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Who were Fort Campbell 160th SOAR soldiers killed in helicopter crash
A Ukrainian MP who previously helped Donald Trumps lawyer Rudy Giuliani allegedly find dirt on Joe and Hunter Biden has been charged with treason.

Oleksandr Dubinsky was charged after he allegedly joined an organisation formed by the chiefs of Russias Military Intelligence (GRU), Ukraines Security Service (SBU) said in a statement on Monday.

The SBU claimed that the organisation aimed to take advantage of the tense political situation in Ukraine and discredit our state in the international arena.

They added that the group received funding from Russian military intelligence totalling more than $10m.

The SBU also alleged that Mr Dubinsky was being guided by GRU to spread fake news about Ukraines military and political leadership, including claims that high-ranking Ukrainian officials were interfering in US presidential elections.

Oleksandr Dubinsky (Sergei Supinsky/AFP via Getty Images)

The SBU did not name the suspect, but lawmaker Yaroslav Yurchyshyn, first deputy head of the parliamentary committee on anti-corruption policy and lawmaker Oleksiy Honcharenko both named Mr Dubinsky in statements posted to the Telegram messaging app.

Dubinsky received a (notice of) suspicion of state treason. He was searched today, Mr Honcharenko said.

Mr Dubinsky has denied any wrongdoing, calling the investigation political persecution in a statement posted to Telegram. He added that the charges are fabricated and based on the absolute lies of top state officials.

If convicted, he could face up to 15 years in prison and he would be forced to forfeit his assets. He is being held without bail until further proceedings on 12 January 2024, Suspilne media reported.

Mr Dubinsky was previously sanctioned by the US after he gave several press conferences in Kyiv in 2019 in which he claimed he was aware of corruption and money-laundering schemes related to Burisma, a gas company which had Mr Bidens son Hunter on its board of directors. He also claimed US investment funds were involved in money laundering in Ukraine.

File - Rudy Giuliani, speaks at a news conference in the parking lot of a landscaping company on November 7, 2020 in Philadelphia (AFP via Getty Images)

The MP was expelled from the ruling Servant of the People party as a result of being sanctioned, but he continued to work in parliament and denied all the accusations against him.

Ex-Ukrainian lawmaker Andriy Derkach and ex-prosecutor Kostyantyn Kulyk were also involved in the press conferences.

Both men were accused of being part of the group alongside Mr Dubinsky, which the SBU claims is run by GRU deputy head Vladimir Alekseyev and his deputy Oleksiy Savin, and charged with treason.

Mr Derkach and Mr Kulyk are now in hiding abroad and have been sanctioned by the US.

It comes after Mr Giuliani travelled to Kviv in December 2019 to film a documentary aimed at discrediting an impeachment probe into the former president.

During his visit, he met with Mr Dubinsky and Mr Derkach, who then announced they would be setting up a new cross-party anti-corruption group with Mr Giulianis help.

An impeachment inquiry into Mr Trumps shadow diplomacy in Ukraine was later launched by Congress to which evidence was presented suggesting Mr Giuiliani pushed discredited conspiracy theories involving Ukraine to boost his bosss election prospects.

He is also cited as a driving force behind lobbying Ukraines president Volodymyr Zelensky to open a criminal investigation into the family of Trumps major rival Joe Biden.
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a Florida trade pact Tuesday with the United Kingdom, the states top foreign investor.

DeSantis, a Republican presidential candidate, and UK Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch met at the Jacksonville Port and signed the agreement meant to increase trade, bilateral investment, business relationships and academic opportunities.

This important partnership between Florida and the UK has great potential to grow even further, and today's announcement maps out how we strengthen business ties between the two of us for the future, DeSantis said.

Deegan talks London trip: Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan wants Jaguars stadium deal done 'sooner rather than later'

Cost of London trip: Lodging at five-star hotel tops taxpayer cost for Mayor Deegan's London trip

Trade and London business opportunities have played a role both statewide and locally over the past year  with DeSantis stopping in the city on a trade tour prior to his presidential candidacy announcement and Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan traveling in October.

DeSantis went to London, Israel, South Korea and Japan during his week-long trip in April. He touted the ongoing success of the trip Tuesday, saying he established opportunities with Japan and was working to continue strengthening the states relationship with Israel.

The UK has signed agreements with six other states, but Badenoch said Floridas was the biggest by far.

The Florida-UK agreement will focus on expanding opportunities relating to space research, medical and financial technology, transportation infrastructure and artificial intelligence, DeSantis said.

The agreement also sought to connect Florida universities and research facilities with those in the UK, DeSantis said.

Badenoch said the agreement presented huge opportunities for cooperation in some of the most important industries of the future, specifically mentioning the aerospace advancements by Florida businesses.

From connecting the globe through the World Wide Web to launching rockets to the moon, the UK and Florida are known around the world for endeavor and enterprise, Badenoch said. I have no doubt that this MOU has been to ignite some of the ideas and collaborations that will help shape the world to come.

Deegan also met with UK delegation

Badenoch met with Deegan and business executives Tuesday morning before the governors press conference, calling the roundtable discussion absolutely fascinating.

Deegan called the meeting a pleasure to share more about Jacksonville and our many attributes on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

Following up on our recent @JAXPartnership delegation in London, it was great to meet with UK Secretary for Business and Trade @KemiBadenoch earlier this morning. It was a pleasure to share more about Jacksonville and our many attributes, as well as strategize on increasing trade pic.twitter.com/V9VEuteLa6  Mayor Donna Deegan (@MayorDeegan) November 14, 2023

Deegan, like previous Jacksonville mayors, went to London in October between overseas Jaguars games, meeting with 75 companies to encourage international business. She also worked toward establishing a direct flight from London to Jacksonville.

She said the group meeting Tuesday worked to strategize on increasing trade and investment, enhancing business networks and growing jobs both in the UK and the state of Florida.

Deegan did not attend the governor's press conference because of conflicting meetings at City Hall, but expressed support later Tuesday afternoon.

"This morning's meeting was the next step in furthering the Jacksonville-London relationship after our delegation's recent trip there. I'm grateful for the Secretary's visit and the discussion about increasing trade and investment and launching a direct flight," Deegan said in a statement to the Times-Union. "The Memorandum of Understanding that was signed between the UK and Florida this afternoon is another exciting development that will bring more jobs and business to Jacksonville."

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Ron Desantis signs trade pact with UK Minister Badenoch in Jacksonville
A passenger has gone missing from a cruise ship in the Gulf of Mexico, prompting the U.S. Coast Guard to search across 200 miles of open water south of New Orleans.

The 28-year-old man was aboard the Carnival Glory when he vanished, according to a news release.

The unaccounted-for man has been identified by family members as Tyler Barnett of Houma, Louisiana, U.S. Coast Guard officials said. Watchstanders received a report around 12:40 p.m. (Monday) from Carnival Cruise Line (which) reported he was last seen on security camera at approximately (12 am) Monday.

The Coast Guard is searching an approximately 200-mile area for an unaccounted-for 28-year-old man from the Carnival Glory cruise ship.



Full press release here https://t.co/Q85HafNX1H pic.twitter.com/gFaz92U0Ax  USCG Heartland (@USCGHeartland) November 14, 2023

Aircraft and boats are searching a roughly 200-mile area that follows the ships path across the Gulf, officials said.

Due to severe weather conditions and safety concerns, search efforts were paused overnight, the U.S. Coast Guard reported Tuesday. The Coast Guard will continue searching as weather conditions permit.

Carnival Glory is a 952-foot-long cruise ship that sails out of the Port of New Orleans and has a guest capacity of 2,980, according to Carnival.com. It launched on its current voyage Sunday, Nov. 12, for a seven-day round trip of the Western Caribbean, ending Nov. 19.

Barnett was reported missing after family members checked his cabin Monday and could not find him, station WWL-TV reports.

His passenger card was swiped at the onboard casino at 12:15 a.m. and then it was swiped again at 12:27 a.m. to enter his room, but his bed did not appear to have been slept in, the station said.

Body in Gulf of Mexico identified as US Air Force pilot instructor, Florida cops say

Fishing boat with 3 men aboard vanishes off Georgia. Coast Guard search now suspended

Boy falls into spinning propeller after two boats collide off West Florida, USCG says
WASHINGTON  The Senate has had enough of Alabama Sen. Tommy Tubervilles nine-month-long blockade of military nominations and promotions over the Pentagons abortion travel policy, but they haven't yet agreed on how to fix it.

The Democrat-led Senate Rules Committee voted 9-7 along party lines on Tuesday to change a rule Tuberville has used to single-handedly block more than 360 nominations and promotions since February.

Under the proposed rule, the Senate would temporarily be allowed to approve promotions in a group with a simple majority vote, clearing the path for bulk approval of the nonpartisan nominees.

But it must get at least 60 votes on the floor to go into effect, and its unclear there will be enough Republican votes to advance it. Republicans on the Rules Committee blamed the problem primarily on the Biden administration policy and argued that the proposal isn't narrow enough.

Sen. Deb Fischer of Nebraska, the top Republican on the committee, called it a "political maneuver" that would "undermine the Senate's longstanding tradition of rights for the minority party."

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., condemned Tuberville's blockade as "dangerous" and indicated he may be willing to support the plan in the future if another option doesn't work, but said any solution must "preserve our substantive opposition to the Biden administration's atrocious policy."

Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama), a former college football coach, is facing harsh criticism from fellow Republicans for continuing to block military promotions.

Why is Tuberville holding up military promotions?

Tuberville has been holding up the promotions to protest a Department of Defense policy  issued last year after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade  that gives service members time off and pays for travel necessary to receive abortions.

The decision created a patchwork of abortion laws across the country, which could create additional cost and time constraints for service members stationed in more restrictive states who are seeking an abortion. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said that would make it difficult to recruit and retain qualified troops, and implemented the policy to combat that.

Both Democrats and Republicans have complained for months that the blockade is impacting military readiness. Rules Committee Chair Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., said there will likely be 650 military leadership positions vacant by the end of the year if the holds aren't lifted.

"It's hurting the morale of our troops and it's causing major disruptions in the lives of our military families who have already sacrificed so much," she said.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., speaks as Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., right, listens during a news conference after a policy luncheon Wednesday, May 31, 2023, on Capitol Hill in Washington.

Those frustrations boiled over two weeks ago, when conflict in Gaza and a Marine Corps leaders medical emergency prompted multiple GOP senators to publicly beg him to release the hold. Many of his peers have been trying to convince him to express his opposition to the policy another way.

Tubervilles ability to block the service member advancements is a numbers game: Any senator can delay nominations or legislation, but majority leadership typically bypasses it by holding votes to sidestep the hold.

However, because there are so many military nominations and promotions, Democrats would have had to override each hold individually, eating up precious time on the floor.

His campaign has impacted hundreds of generals and admirals, but it has also impacted some of the Defense Departments highest-ranking leaders.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Senate committee votes to end Tuberville block on military promotions
On Sunday, when South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol hosted US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin at his home for dinner, he urged Mr Austin to be vigilant against any type of North Korean attack, including surprise assaults "resembling Hamas-style tactics".

Ever since Hamas launched its brutal cross-border attack on Israel on 7 October, South Korean politicians and defence chiefs have invoked comparisons between that and what Pyongyang might do to the South.

Last month the Chair of South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff also said that if Pyongyang was to wage war on the South in the future, there was evidence to suggest "it could follow a similar pattern to the Hamas invasion".

But is South Korea really at risk of a similar attack? Or has the conflict merely given its hawkish government a reason to beef up its defences and get tougher on North Korea?

Hamas's assault on Israel, where rockets were fired into its territory as guerrilla fighters invaded, is a prime example of what is known as hybrid warfare. Ryu Sung-yeop, a research fellow at the 21st Century Military Studies Institute, noted that this is something North Korea has traditionally been very good at, adding that if it were to engage in an hybrid war, Seoul would suffer.

While Hamas fired 5,000 rockets into Israel in the early hours of 7 October, Pyongyang's artillery could fire an estimated 16,000 rounds an hour. To combat the threat, Seoul is developing its own missile defence system, similar to Israel's Iron Dome.

And just like what Hamas has done in Gaza, the North is also thought to have built a network of underground tunnels, some running under the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ), which could be stocked with weapons and used in a potential invasion.

How real is the threat from the North?

The threat of North Korea has been omnipresent in the South for decades, and current tensions between the two Koreas are especially high.

However its last significant attack came 13 years ago, when soldiers shelled a South Korean island, killing two marines and two civilians.

Security experts say that North Korea's strategy has evolved since then, meaning its goal in a conflict would no longer be to breach the border, but to destroy the capital Seoul.

"While Hamas mainly relied on short range rockets, North Korea has a much bigger range and variety of artillery. Its strike capability is many more times that of Hamas," Hong Min, the Director of North Korean Research at the Korea Institute for National Unification, said.

In recent years, Pyongyang has focused on improving and increasing its arsenal of nuclear weapons, claiming to have developed short-range ballistic missiles capable of carrying tactical nuclear weapons. This means North Korea now has no reason to use similar tactics to Hamas, according to Cho Seong Ryul, a former defence advisor to the government. "North Korea is a sovereign country, with its own army and nuclear weapons."

Mr Cho, now a military studies professor at Kyungnam University, also argued that North Korea had "no incentive to go to war right now," given that they already have an independent state.

Furthermore South Korea and the US have repeatedly made it clear that any attack on the South would result in the end of the Kim regime, and Kim Jong Un's top priority has always been his regime's survival.

Even so, the attack on Israel has led the conservative government in South Korea to question whether security along the border is as tough as it could and should be. The administration has taken a hard line on North Korea, prioritising military strength and the threat of retaliation over dialogue and engagement.

Specifically, it has criticised a military agreement, signed by the North and South in 2018 under the country's previous administration, which was intended to prevent cross-border skirmishes and attacks.

North Korean artillery units are capable of firing fire an estimated 16,000 rounds an hour

The deal created a no-fly zone, prohibiting both sides from operating military aircraft or surveillance equipment near the border. South Korea's recently appointed defence minister, Shin Won-sik, has now proposed scrapping the agreement, in order to have surveillance drones monitor the North.

"The 2018 military agreement has greatly limited our surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities," Mr Shin said in the wake of Hamas attack. He added that if Israel had kept a better eye on its border with Gaza, it could have reduced the number of casualties.

Although North Korea has breached the deal several times since 2018, the number of skirmishes has reduced, leaving some experts to suggest that getting rid of it would inflame tensions and make an attack more likely. "Scrapping the agreement may slightly improve real-time monitoring close to the border, but not in a significant way", Hong Min, from the Korea Institute for National Unification, noted.

Mr Hong said the focus should be instead be on preventing the North from attacking in the first place." At this point there is nothing any country can do to completely protect against all of North Korea's arsenal if, like Hamas, it decides to launch everything all at once."
Tapfumaneyi Masaya's body was found on the outskirts of Harare, according to CCC

The wife of an abducted Zimbabwe opposition activist has identified her husband's dead body.

Tapfumaneyi Masaya, from the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), was reported to have been bundled into a car by armed men.

A police spokesperson said that the other abductee was released for unknown reasons.

Masaya's abduction is the latest in a series of kidnappings involving opposition and rights activists.

His wife said a body found on the outskirts of the capital, Harare, from where he was snatched, was that of her husband.

The CCC said Masaya, a cleric, along with a fellow activist, was campaigning for its candidate in a parliamentary by-election in a low-income constituency in Harare, when they were forced into a car in broad daylight.

Police spokesperson Paul Nyathi confirmed to the BBC the other person kidnapped, Jeffrey Kalosi, was freed under still-to-be-clarified circumstances by the captors.

The by-election was triggered, along with several others across the country, following a letter to the speaker of parliament by a self-proclaimed interim secretary-general of the CCC, alleging that some of the party's MPs had ceased to be CCC members.

The speaker announced that the seats were vacant, despite the party leadership disowning Sengezo Tshabangu, who it said was acting at the behest of the ruling Zanu-PF party.

Zanu-PF has vehemently denied responsibility saying some aggrieved CCC leaders are behind Mr Tshabangu.

Masaya's alleged abduction is the most recent in various kidnappings taking place of opposition party members and human rights activists.

They date back to the days of the late former President Robert Mugabe.

There has been an uptick in the abductions, which the opposition blame on government security agents, since August's disputed general elections that saw President Emmerson Mnangagwa returned by 52.6% of the vote.

CCC leader, Nelson Chamisa, who also lost to Mr Mnagnagwa in 2018, polled 44.03%. The opposition has refused to accept the result, citing gross irregularities.

Earlier this month, Takudzwa Ngadziore, an opposition MP, filmed a gun-toting man chasing him. The MP was later found outside Harare, reportedly naked and tortured.

He says he was injected with an unknown substance. Despite a clear image of the person chasing him on the video, the police are yet to make an arrest.

In October, unknown assailants kidnapped and tortured James Chidhakwa, the former opposition MP for Mabvuku-Tafara, where the late Masaya was abducted.

In early September, a CCC councillor-elect and a party colleague were captured and released after being tortured.

Zanu-PF and the authorities dismiss the abductions as a stage-managed effort to tarnish the government's image.

In a related matter, the speaker of parliament, has recalled 13 more CCC MPs who Mr Tshabangu said were no longer CCC members. This was despite a High Court ruling freezing all instructions by Mr Tshabangu until a case is heard to determine his authority.
During her opening statement Tuesday, Deputy States Attorney Melissa Hockensmith described Ravi Pansuriya as withdrawn and angry after a failed marriage led him to return to living in his parents home in Westminster. Floundering in his career, Pansuriya planned the murder and subsequent dismemberment of his father early last October, Hockensmith said, and the prosecution has strong evidence to support the first-degree murder charge against him.

Pansuriya, 31, is charged with murder in the Oct. 2, 2022 death of his father, Maganbhai Pansuriya, 59. The case is being tried in Carroll County Circuit Court.

Hockensmith described Maganbhai Pansuriya as a successful business owner and doctor, who owned medical practices in Westminster and Hampstead, as well as the Best Western Historic Frederick hotel, where Ravi Pansuriya worked as a manager.

Ravi Pansuriyas career was described as floundering and unsuccessful by Hockensmith, and Maganbhai Pansuriya became frustrated with his son.

Ravi was lazy, Hockensmith said. He didnt really want to work.

Ravi Pansuriya was married in 2019 to a woman he met while visiting India, Hockensmith said, but the marriage did not last, and he returned to living with his parents before the murder.

At this point in time, he became withdrawn and angry, Hockensmith said, and began planning his fathers death.

Hockensmith said Ravi Pansuriya knew his mothers schedule well, and planned to murder his father when he knew she would not be home. The suspect told his mother he was going to the library around 10:30 a.m., but instead he went to Walmart to purchase a hatchet, which was later used in the murder, Hockensmith said.

Neeta Pansuriya last saw her husband in sweatpants and a casual shirt at home, reading about the stock market, Hockensmith said.

Hockensmith said the brutal murder and dismemberment was carried out with multiple ineffective tools, and it took Ravi Pansuriya more time than he anticipated to dismember the body.

According to the statement of probable cause filed in the District Court of Maryland for Carroll County, Neeta Pansuriya reported her husband missing Oct. 2 and deputies from the Carroll County Sheriffs Office executed a search warrant on their house.

During the search, investigators observed what appeared to be possible human flesh on the rear bumper of a truck registered to Maganbhai Pansuriya and on a doormat in the homes driveway. Deputies located blood throughout the house, including in the bathroom and garage and also found numerous tools that appeared to have blood, tissue and hair on them in the garage. Deputies also found clothes with suspected blood on them that they say belonged to Ravi Pansuriya, according to the statement.

The victims body was found on the shoulder of a road that night, according to court documents.

Alexander Cruickshank, an assistant public defender representing Pansuriya, spent less than a minute delivering his opening statement. He said that he is confident the jury will reach a verdict of not guilty after examining the evidence.

Ravi Pansuriya appeared in court with short dark hair and a closely shaved face, in contrast to the long hair he sported during previous court appearances.

Maryland Circuit Court Judge Maria Oesterreicher is presiding over the trial, which is expected to last about a week.
RABAT, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- Moroccan police and customs services foiled an attempt to traffic 173,650 psychotropic tablets on Monday evening at the Moroccan northern port city of Tangier, the official news agency MAP reported Tuesday.

According to a statement by the police, these tablets are hidden in packages of household appliances in a foreign-registered truck.

Moroccan border control seized the truck upon its arrival on board a ferry, and arrested the driver, an overseas Moroccan national, for judicial investigation.

Moroccan police and customs services have intensified crackdown on drug trafficking at border posts recently. 
Surveillance video on a Carnival cruise ship from which a 28-year-old man went missing shows him jumping from a deck early Monday, a spokesman for the cruise line said Tuesday.

The Coast Guard is searching for Tyler Barnett, who went missing Monday morning from the Carnival Glory, which is bound for Montego Bay, Jamaica. Barnett, of Houma, Louisiana, the father of twin girls, was reported missing that afternoon, and the Coast Guard sent two aircraft to search, following the ships track toward Jamaica, it said.

Matt Lupoli, Carnivals senior manager of public relations, said video appears to show the missing passenger jumping overboard.

After multiple reviews of the shipboard surveillance video, it appears that the guest reported missing on Monday jumped from the ships Deck 4 at approximately 1:40 a.m. on Monday, he said.

He can be seen climbing on a lifeboat and jumping from there, Lupoli said.

The Coast Guard has been informed of the video and has been able to narrow its search effort, Petty Officer 2nd Class Jose Hernandez said. The search had been over a 200-mile area.

The more specific location also means the Coast Guard has been able to launch an HC-130 plane and an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter, he said. The search is 30 miles southwest of Southwest Pass, Louisiana, the Coast Guard said.

The Carnival Glory left Louisiana for Montego Bay and is due to arrive Wednesday, the cruise line said.

Tyler Barnett's sister, Destiny Barnett, and 13 other relatives were also on the cruise.

"It makes you feel crazy to be stuck on a ship where everyone else is having a good time," Destiny Barnett said. "It was supposed to be a vacation, but for us, it's hell."

The cruise is also scheduled to stop at Grand Cayman Island and Cozumel, Mexico, before it returns to New Orleans on Sunday, according to its itinerary.

Destiny Barnett said her brother's card was last used at his cabin door. His cellphone was in his room, and his bed had not been slept in.

Barnett's grandmother Dirlean Tate Mason, who is not on the cruise, is anxiously waiting for news. She said that Tyler Barnett works on the river barges in Louisiana and that she does not think he would try to take his own life. He loves his girls, she said.

"I just want answers, and I'm holding out for hope," she said.

The Coast Guard issued broadcasts notifying mariners in the Gulf of Mexico that a person may have fallen overboard, a spokesman said.

In a post on X, the Coast Guard said search efforts were paused Monday night because of dangerous weather conditions, including rough seas and strong winds. It said it would launch more search assets as soon as conditions allowed.

According to data from the cruise industry consultancy firm GP Wild, there were 212 man overboard incidents on cruise ships from 2009 to 2019. Forty-eight of those passengers were rescued.

In April, Coast Guard crews suspended a search for an Australian passenger who fell off a cruise off Hawaii after a three-day search yielded no results.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
The goal to supply Ukraine with one million rounds of ammunition will not be reached, the German Defence Minister said on Tuesday.

It comes as Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said there has been an increase in attacks from Russia in the Avdiivka, Kupyansk, Donetsk regions.

Ukrainian forces said that they repelled a total of eight attacks on the battered, strategic city of Avdiivka.

Speaking about the ammunition goal, Boris Pistorius said: It is safe to assume that the one million rounds will not be reached.

He told reporters ahead of an EU Defence council in Brussels that he expects other countries to do more to ramp up Ukrainian military aid and hopes the German parliament will approve topping up military aid by four billion euros.

However, in response to the German ministers claims, the EU commissioner for industry insisted they would meet their target.

Im responsible for ammunition production capacity so I can confirm that the target of producing more than a million rounds of ammunition a year, which we set ourselves and which they hope to achieve from spring onwards, will be met, Thierry Breton told reporters.

Key Points

Zelensky warns Ukrainians to prepare for winter onslaught from Russia

Russia intensifies attacks in Avdiivka

Strong explosions in Kyiv as Ukrainian capital comes under attack

Two Russian landing boats filled with armoured vehicles destroyed

Goal to supply 1m rounds of ammunition to Ukraine will not be reached, German Defence Minister

EU industry commissioner insists one million ammunition target will be met

09:55 , Athena Stavrou

Following the German defence ministers claim that the goal to supply Ukraine with one million rounds of ammunition will not be reached, the EU commissioner for industry insisted they would.

At a summit of defence in Brussels, Thierry Breton told reporters that the target would be reached,

Im responsible for ammunition production capacity so I can confirm that the target of producing more than a million rounds of ammunition a year, which we set ourselves and which they hope to achieve from spring onwards, will be met, he said.

From Gaza to Ukraine, China to the EU: The major issues piling high in David Camerons in tray

04:00 , Tom Watling

The former prime minister is re-entering frontline politics during a tumultuous time. Chris Stevenson looks at what he will need to tackle first and where his instincts may take him.

From Gaza to Ukraine, China to the EU: The major issues facing Cameron in new role

Russian UN envoys shoot back at Western criticism of its Ukraine war and crackdown on dissidents

03:00 , Tom Watling

Western countries on Monday repeatedly called on Russia to end domestic repression of dissident voices and end its war in Ukraine  and human rights violations related to it  as Russia came under a regular review at the U.N.s top rights body.

A delegation from Moscow, led by State Secretary and Deputy Justice Minister Andrei Loginov, defended Russias right to ensure law and order by restricting some forms of protest or voices that might threaten domestic security. He also said Russias special military operation in Ukraine had no relation to the subject matter at issue in the review.

Mondays 3 1/2-hour hearing in Geneva was part of an exercise known as the universal periodic review, or UPR, which all U.N. member states face about every four or five years in connection with the U.N.-backed Human Rights Council.

Russian UN envoys shoot back at Western criticism of its Ukraine war and crackdown on dissidents

EU struggles to produce and send the ammunition it promised to Ukraine

02:00 , Tom Watling

European Union nations acknowledged on Tuesday that they risk failing to provide Ukraine with the ammunition they pledged to help Kyiv stave off the Russian invasion and win back its territory.

Early this year, EU leaders promised to provide 1 million rounds of ammunition to Ukraines front line by spring next year in what would have amounted to a serious ramp-up of production. But the 27-nation bloc, for over half a century steeped in a peace, not war message and sheltering under a U.S. military umbrella, is finding it tough to come up with the goods.

The 1 million will not be reached, you have to assume that, said German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, ahead of a meeting of EU defense and foreign affairs ministers in Brussels.

EU struggles to produce and send the ammunition it promised to Ukraine

Why Russia retracted state media reports on its Ukraine frontline movements

01:00 , Tom Watling

The fog of misinformation around the war in Ukraine thickened on Monday after Russias state news agencies claimed Vladimir Putin was withdrawing troops from the Dnipro river frontline  and then immediately retracted the update.

The potentially significant bulletins were available for about 10 minutes, after which two state news outlets withdrew them without any follow-up.

The agencies  TASS and RIA Novosti  said that the Russian Ministry of Defence had announced relocations of troops to an unspecified more advantageous positions east of the Dnipro river.

Why Russia retracted state media reports on its Ukraine frontline movements

Russian court fines Google for failing to store personal data on its users

00:00 , Tom Watling

A Russian court on Tuesday fined Google for failing to store personal data on its Russian users, the latest in a series of fines on the tech giant amid tensions between Russia and the West over the war in Ukraine.

A magistrate at Moscows Tagansky district court fined Google 15 million rubles (around $164,200) after the IT company repeatedly refused to store personal data on Russian citizens in Russia.

Google was previously fined over the same charges in August 2021 and June 2022 under a Russian law that obliges foreign entities to localize the personal data of their Russian users.

Russian court fines Google for failing to store personal data on its users

Ukraine warns Putin is stepping up assault on Avdiivka as Zelensky reveals where fighting is fiercest

23:00 , Tom Watling

War-time president Volodymyr Zelensky has revealed the areas where Ukraines forces are facing a challenging time repelling Russian troops as air bombardments intensified over a strategic city in the east.

Ukrainian forces repelled a total of eight attacks on the battered, strategic city of Avdiivka by Vladimir Putins troops in the past 24 hours, said Ukraines military spokesperson Oleksandr Shtupun.

It was earlier reported that Mr Putin was going to make a third attempt at capturing the city known for its large coking plant after failing twice before.

Fighting is still going on. Over the last two days, the occupiers have increased the number of air strikes using guided bombs from Su-35 aircraft, said Mr Shtupun.

The enemy is also bringing in more and more infantry. But when they tried to deploy armoured vehicles the day before yesterday two tanks and 14 other vehicles were burned out, he said.

Ukraine warns Putin is stepping up assault on Avdiivka as Zelensky reveals hotspots

Giuliani ally in Ukraine charged with treason

22:00 , Tom Watling

A Ukrainian MP who previously helped Donald Trumps lawyer Rudy Giuliani allegedly find dirt on Joe and Hunter Biden has been charged with treason.

Oleksandr Dubinsky was charged after he allegedly joined an organisation formed by the chiefs of Russias Military Intelligence (GRU), Ukraines Security Service (SBU) said in a statement on Monday.

The SBU claimed that the organisation aimed to take advantage of the tense political situation in Ukraine and discredit our state in the international arena.

Giuliani ally in Ukraine charged with treason

EU struggles to produce and send the ammunition it promised to Ukraine

18:00 , Athena Stavrou

European Union nations acknowledged on Tuesday that they risk failing to provide Ukraine with the ammunition they pledged to help Kyiv stave off the Russian invasion and win back its territory.

Early this year, EU leaders promised to provide 1 million rounds of ammunition to Ukraines front line by spring next year in what would have amounted to a serious ramp-up of production.

But the 27-nation bloc, for over half a century steeped in a peace, not war message and sheltering under a U.S. military umbrella, is finding it tough to come up with the goods.

Read more:

EU struggles to produce and send the ammunition it promised to Ukraine

Russian court fines Google for failing to store personal data on its users

17:00 , Athena Stavrou

A Russian court on Tuesday fined Google for failing to store personal data on its Russian users, the latest in a series of fines on the tech giant amid tensions between Russia and the West over the war in Ukraine.

A magistrate at Moscows Tagansky district court fined Google 15 million rubles (around $164,200) after the IT company repeatedly refused to store personal data on Russian citizens in Russia.

Google was previously fined over the same charges in August 2021 and June 2022 under a Russian law that obliges foreign entities to localize the personal data of their Russian users.

However, Russia can do little to collect the fine, as Googles Russia business was effectively shut down last year after Moscow sent troops into Ukraine.

Read more:

Russian court fines Google for failing to store personal data on its users

Finland considers closing border crossings with Russia to stem an increase in asylum-seekers

16:10 , Athena Stavrou

The government in Finland is considering whether to close some crossing points on the countrys long border with Russia to prevent people from trying to enter without proper documentation, the prime minister said Tuesday.Interior Minister Mari Rantanen said the number of migrants at Finlands southeastern border crossings has risen substantially since August due to what the government suspects is a change in Russias border policy and enforcement.Finnish and Russian border authorities have for years cooperated in stopping people without the necessary visas or passports before they can attempt to enter either of the two countries.

But Russia has started allowing undocumented travelers to access the border zone and enter crossing stations where they can request asylum in Finland, Rantanen said.It is clear that these people get help to get to the border. This seems like a very conscious decision, Prime Minister Petteri Orpo told reporters. The governments message is clear: We must take this seriously and safeguard the security of our border.

Britain agree to discounts on insurance for Ukrainian Black Sea exports

15:11 , Athena Stavrou

Ukraine and Britain have agreed a special mechanism for discounts on war risk insurance for Ukrainian goods exports, including through the Black Sea corridor, the Ukrainian Prime Minister said on Tuesday.

It will make it possible to make a discount on the cost of insurance against military risks for exporters of all products from Ukraine. This will make the Black Sea corridor more accessible to a wider range of exporters, Denys Shmyhal said on Telegram messenger.

He said the mechanism involved a pool of British insurance companies.

(AP)

Why Russia retracted state media reports on its Ukraine frontline movements

14:25 , Athena Stavrou

The fog of misinformation around the war in Ukraine thickened on Monday after Russias state news agencies claimed Vladimir Putin was withdrawing troops from the Dnipro river frontline  and then immediately retracted the update.

The potentially significant bulletins were available for about 10 minutes, after which two state news outlets withdrew them without any follow-up.

You can read more about this here:

Why Russia retracted state media reports on its Ukraine frontline movements

NATO secretary general discusses importance of continued support to Ukraine.

13:55 , Athena Stavrou

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg participated in a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council of the European Union with EU Defence Ministers in Brussels on Tuesday,

On the situation in Ukraine, Mr Stoltenberg highlighted that intense fighting continues. The situation on the battlefield is difficult. And that just makes it even more important that we sustain and step up our support for Ukraine because we cannot allow President Putin to win, said the Secretary General.

Ukraine must prevail as a sovereign independent nation in Europe and its in our interest to support Ukraine, he said.

(NTB/AFP via Getty Images)

Weather conditions impacting battlespace'

13:22 , Athena Stavrou

Ukrainian and Russian sources have noted that weather conditions are impacting the battlespace, according to a war-monitoring think-tank.

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said that factors such as falling leaves have complicated efforts but not halted operations.

They reported that the Ukrainian ground forces spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Volodymyr Fityo noted on November 13 that rain and mud in Donbas impede the speed of ground maneuver advances.

Ukrainian 14th Mechanized Brigade Spokesperson Nadiya Zamryha stated on November 12 that fog and rain complicate both Russian and Ukrainian aerial reconnaissance efforts and lead to reduced numbers of attacks.

Meanwhile, Russian milbloggers claimed that recent heavy rains led to reduced shelling and that strong winds and rain interfere with Russian drone operations and complicate offensive operations in western Zaporizhia Oblast

Russian sources also circulated footage purporting to show mud and rain filled Ukrainian trenches.

(Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

One dead after Russian drone attack, governor says

12:54 , Athena Stavrou

One person has died and a 72-year-old man has been hospitalised after a Russian drone attack in Nikopol.

The governor of the Dnipropetrovsk region, Serhiy Lyask, posted on Telegram: A 72-year-old man was injured. He is in the hospital in a moderate condition. Unfortunately, there is also a dead person. Condolences to the relatives... Shame on the occupiers who are fighting with the civilians.

Zelenksy reports increase in Russian assaults

12:33 , Athena Stavrou

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said there has been an increase in attacks from Russia in the Avdiivka, Kupyansk, Donetsk regions.

He wrote in a Telegram post: The enemy continues to take revenge on the free Kherson: shelling the city center without any military necessity.

It comes after Ukrainian forces said that they repelled a total of eight attacks on the battered, strategic city of Avdiivka.

It was earlier reported that Mr Putin was going to make a third attempt at capturing the city known for its large coking plant after failing twice before.

Vitaliy Barabash said Putins troops need Avdiivka.

Quite simply, Avdiivka and its strategic position is geographically located on heights and you can see Donetsk... from here, he said, referring to the Ukrainian area occupied by Russia

Grain exports via Black Sea corridor hit 4m tonnes

12:09 , Athena Stavrou

Ukraines exports through an alternative Black Sea shipping corridor have reached almost four million metric tonnes since the route started operating in August, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Tuesday.

Ukraine launched a humanitarian corridor for ships bound for African and Asian markets to try to circumvent a de facto blockade in the Black Sea after Russia quit a United Nations-brokered deal that had guaranteed Kyivs seaborne exports during the war.

(EPA)

Russia to increase production of laser-guided artillery'

11:14 , Athena Stavrou

Russia has announced it will increase production of its 152mm Krasnopol-M2 laser-guided artillery munitions, the UK Defence Ministry said today.

In their latest intelligence update, Britains Ministry of Defence said Russia will improve the rounds weather performance which has already achieved some success with Krasnopol.

The intellegence said Russia utilises uncrewed aerial vehicles to designate targets for Krasnopol, by shining a laser beam at the target.

They added that the limiting factors of the ammunition include low cloud.

Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine  14 November 2023.



Find out more about Defence Intelligence's use of language: https://t.co/9N61NE51LF



 #StandWithUkraine  pic.twitter.com/34KEoKgvlB  Ministry of Defence  (@DefenceHQ) November 14, 2023

Blinken and David Cameron discuss Israel, Ukraine and China

10:31 , Athena Stavrou

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and newly appointed British foreign minister David Cameron discussed the Israel-Hamas conflict, relations with China and help for Ukraine during a telephone call on Monday, the State Department said.

Secretary Blinken and Lord Cameron underscored continuity in the U.S.-UK special relationship and its importance to regional and global security, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a readout of the conversation.

The former PM attended his first Cabinet meeting this morning as foreign minister (PA)

Russian strike hits hospital injuring two-month-old baby, UN says

08:54 , Athena Stavrou

The UN humanitarian coordinator for Ukraine said Russian attacks in Kherson, Ukraine, struck a hospital injuring a two-month-old baby girl and killing civillians.

Denise Brown said she was utterly outraged and deeply disturbed by the brutal attacks on Monday afternoon.

She added that the attacks killed and injured civilians and an innocent baby girl was hospitalised with a blast injury.

Oleksandr Prokudin, governor of Kherson Oblast, said that two people had been killed and a further ten had been injured.

He said in a Telegram post: Eight vehicles, including an ambulance, an administrative building, a hospital and at least fifteen houses were destroyed or damaged.

With these blows, the Russians ended the lives of two people. According to detailed information, ten more were injured.

He added: As a result of the attack on the hospital, two female medical workers, aged 24 and 41, as well as an 81-year-old patient of the medical facility were injured. All of them have mine-explosive injuries.

Project HOPE, a global health & humanitarian organization, said their staff were holding a meeting at the hospital at the time.

None of the team were injured. Natalja Iscenko, Project HOPEs Liaison Officer, said: While inside, we counted more than 10 explosions, and the walls were shaking. When we got outside and saw the damage and heard of casualties, we realized just how lucky we were.

If timing had been different, this could have been us.

Germany updates on goals for aid to Ukraine

08:50 , Athena Stavrou

The goal to supply Ukraine with one million rounds of ammunition will not be reached, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said on Tuesday.

It is safe to assume that the one million rounds will not be reached, he told reporters ahead of a EU Defence council in Brussels.

He also added that he expects other countries to do more to ramp up Ukrainian military aid and hopes the German parliament will approve topping up military aid by four billion euros

Russia destroys four Ukrainian drones

08:20 , Athena Stavrou

Russian air defences destroyed four Ukrainian drones over four Russian regions including the Moscow region overnight, Russias defence ministry said in a statement.

The drones were destroyed in Moscow, Tambov, Orlov and Bryansk regions, the ministry said.

Putin makes third failed attempt to capture Avdiivka as shelling intensifies

07:51 , Athena Stavrou

Ukrainian forces repelled a total of eight attacks on the battered, strategic city of Avdiivka by Vladimir Putins troops in the past 24 hours, said Ukraines military spokesperson Oleksandr Shtupun.

It was earlier reported that Mr Putin was going to make a third attempt at capturing the city known for its large coking plant after failing twice before.

Vitaliy Barabash, head of Avdiivkas military administration, also revealed Russias losses in its current drive for Avdiivka.

He said Mr Putins troops need Avdiivka.

Quite simply, Avdiivka and its strategic position is geographically located on heights and you can see Donetsk... from here, he said, referring to the Ukrainian area occupied by Russia.

Zelensky says Ukraine can deliver frontline success  but the current stalemate with Russia is hurting Kyiv

07:00 , Tom Watling

It is clear there is little movement on the battlefield, writes Askold Krushelnycky, and that is bad news for Kyiv.

Analysis: Ukraines current frontline stalemate with Russia is hurting Kyiv

Zelensky tells Ukrainians to brace for enemy Putins winter attacks

06:00 , Tom Watling

Volodymyr Zelensky has warned Ukrainians to prepare for an increase in Russian attacks on the countrys infrastructure.

The war-time president said his country could suffer attacks similar to the ones carried out by Vladimir Putins troops last year.

About 10 months into Russias invasion, a string of attacks were carried out on power stations and other plants linked to the energy network, prompting rolling blackouts in widely separated regions.

We are almost halfway through November and we must be prepared for the possibility that the enemy may increase the number of drone or missile strikes against our infrastructure. Russia is preparing for winter, the Ukrainian president said in his nightly address on Sunday.

And in Ukraine, all our attention should be focused on defence, on response to terrorists, on everything Ukraine can do to make it easier for our people to get through this winter and to increase the capabilities of our troops.

Zelensky tells Ukrainians to brace for enemy Putins winter attacks

Hungary's Orban says negotiations on Ukraine's future EU membership should not move forward

05:00 , Tom Watling

Hungarys prime minister said Friday he does not support moving forward on negotiations on Ukraines future membership in the European Union, signaling again that his country could pose a major roadblock to Kyivs ambitions to join the bloc.

EU leaders are to decide in mid-December whether Ukraine should be formally invited to begin talks to join the 27-member union, with Hungary seen as a potential obstacle. Unanimity among all member states is required to admit a new country into the bloc, giving Hungarys prime minister, Viktor Orban, a powerful veto.

Hungary's Orban says negotiations on Ukraine's future EU membership should not move forward

Two Russian landing boats filled with armoured vehicles destroyed by Ukraine in significant loss for Putin

04:00 , Tom Watling

Ukraine on Friday said its naval drones had destroyed two small Russian landing boats in Crimea, in an embarrassment for President Vladimir Putin.

Ukrainian military intelligence said two amphibious Russian ships loaded with armoured vehicles had been hit by naval drones overnight.

One of the boats was identified as an Akula class vessel, while the other landing vessel was a Serna class.

The results of intelligence conducted on 10 November 2023 near Vuzka Bay in temporarily occupied Crimea show that after an attack by naval drones, two small Russian landing ships have been destroyed, a Ukraine military report said.

As a consequence of the attack, both vessels went to the bottom, the Akula straight away and the Serna after attempts to save it.

Ukraine destroys Russian landing boats in significant loss for Putin

Military training efforts for Ukraine hit major milestones even as attention shifts to Gaza

03:00 , Tom Watling

Battle cries pierce the smoke and rat-a-tat-tat of gunfire as Ukrainian soldiers fight through and take enemy trenches and dugouts that hide gruesome, bloody remains.

Grenade! one screams in Ukrainian. Another yells: Lets go, lets go, lets go, lets go!

This time, no lives or limbs were lost. Because this time, the rounds fired were blanks and the enemy troops were, in fact, French soldiers whose intention was not to kill the Ukrainians but instead to help shape them into better, more lethal warriors.

But soon, the war games these troops played in the mud in France will become all too real, when the Ukrainians return home and are sent to the front lines against Russias forces.

Military training efforts for Ukraine hit major milestones even as attention shifts to Gaza

Russian officers killed in act of revenge in occupied Ukrainian city

02:00 , Tom Watling

Three Russian officers have been killed in an act of revenge in an occupied Ukrainian city, said Kyivs intelligence officials.

A blast struck a Saturday meeting attended by Russian National Guard and FSB intelligence service officers in occupied Melitopol, said the Ukrainian intelligences main unit.

This act of revenge, carried out by representatives of the local resistance movement, took place in the (post) offices seized by the Russians, the Ukrainian defence ministrys intelligence department said on Sunday.

Russian forces have established their headquarters in Melitopol, a city in southwestern Ukraine that was captured in the early days of the war.

As a result of the explosion at least three National Guard officers were killed at the headquarters, officials said.

Russian officers killed in act of revenge in occupied Ukrainian city

Germany's support for Ukraine is to be 'massively expanded' next year

01:00 , Tom Watling

Germanys aid for Ukraine will be massively expanded next year, the foreign minister said Monday as Kyiv heads into its second winter since Russia launched its full-scale invasion.

Germany has become one of Ukraines top military suppliers since the war started in February 2022, sending material that includes tanks, armored personnel carriers, air defense systems and Patriot missile systems.

Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said as she arrived Monday at a meeting with European Union counterparts that, even as Europe grapples with the war between Israel and Hamas, its still important to face the geopolitical challenge here.

Germany's support for Ukraine is to be 'massively expanded' next year

From Gaza to Ukraine, China to the EU: The major issues piling high in David Camerons in tray

00:00 , Tom Watling

The former prime minister is re-entering frontline politics during a tumultuous time. Chris Stevenson looks at what he will need to tackle first and where his instincts may take him.

From Gaza to Ukraine, China to the EU: The major issues facing Cameron in new role

Zelensky tells Ukrainians to brace for enemy Putins winter attacks

Monday 13 November 2023 23:00 , Tom Watling

Volodymyr Zelensky has warned Ukrainians to prepare for an increase in Russian attacks on the countrys infrastructure.

The war-time president said his country could suffer attacks similar to the ones carried out by Vladimir Putins troops last year.

About 10 months into Russias invasion, a string of attacks were carried out on power stations and other plants linked to the energy network, prompting rolling blackouts in widely separated regions.

We are almost halfway through November and we must be prepared for the possibility that the enemy may increase the number of drone or missile strikes against our infrastructure. Russia is preparing for winter, the Ukrainian president said in his nightly address on Sunday.

And in Ukraine, all our attention should be focused on defence, on response to terrorists, on everything Ukraine can do to make it easier for our people to get through this winter and to increase the capabilities of our troops.

Zelensky tells Ukrainians to brace for enemy Putins winter attacks

Russian UN envoys shoot back at Western criticism of its Ukraine war and crackdown on dissidents

Monday 13 November 2023 22:00 , Tom Watling

Western countries on Monday repeatedly called on Russia to end domestic repression of dissident voices and end its war in Ukraine  and human rights violations related to it  as Russia came under a regular review at the U.N.s top rights body.

A delegation from Moscow, led by State Secretary and Deputy Justice Minister Andrei Loginov, defended Russias right to ensure law and order by restricting some forms of protest or voices that might threaten domestic security. He also said Russias special military operation in Ukraine had no relation to the subject matter at issue in the review.

Russian UN envoys shoot back at Western criticism of its Ukraine war and crackdown on dissidents

Ukrainian politician on US sanctions list suspected of state treason

Monday 13 November 2023 21:00 , Tom Watling

Ukrainian lawmaker Oleksandr Dubinsky has been formally notified that he is suspected of treason for allegedly spreading misinformation about the political leadership and cooperation with Russias military intelligence, officials said on Monday.

Ukraines security service, the SBU, on Monday said on the Telegram messaging app that a politician was under suspicion, but did not name the suspect.

Lawmaker Yaroslav Yurchyshyn, first deputy head of the parliamentary committee on anti-corruption policy and lawmaker Oleksiy Honcharenko both named Dubinsky, also on Telegram.

Dubinsky received a (notice of) suspicion of state treason. He was searched today, Honcharenko said.

In his own post on Telegram, Dubinsky called the notice of suspicion fabricated and based on the absolute lies of top state officials.

The lawmaker was expelled from the ruling Servant of the People party in 2021 after he was put on a U.S. sanctions list over alleged election meddling. He denied those accusations and continued to work in parliament.

The SBU said the suspect was a member of a criminal organisation, financed by Russias military intelligence.

The criminal organisation was created in 2016 and included as well an ex-lawmaker, their aide, and an ex-prosecutor.

Ukrainian parliamentary deputy Oleksandr Dubinsky has been suspected of treason



It is alleged that he spread fakes about #Ukraine's top military and political leadership at the behest of Russian intelligence.



The Security Service of Ukraine believes that he worked in an entire pic.twitter.com/93CDfftS57  NEXTA (@nexta_tv) November 13, 2023

Listen to Zelenskys nightly address

Monday 13 November 2023 20:15 , Tom Watling

You can listen to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskys nightly address below.

The Ukrainian leader delivers a speech every night. The video has been given English subtitles.

We are working to get an unconditioned political decision by the European Council to open accession talks with Ukraine.



It is a matter of principle for Ukraine to implement all seven European Commission recommendations and fulfill everything that is required at this point of pic.twitter.com/ShE7jYb8Ri  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) November 13, 2023

EU plan for new Russia sanctions to go to members this week

Monday 13 November 2023 19:30 , Tom Watling

European Union officials are finalising the last details of a proposed 12th package of sanctions on Russia that will include a diamond ban, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on Monday.

Borrell said the European Commission, the EU executive, could approve the proposed package on Wednesday. It would then go to the Council of the EU, comprising the blocs 27 member countries, for discussion and approval.

Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the EU has already applied 11 packages of sanctions against Moscow to diminish the Kremlins ability to finance the war. The measures span across sectors and include some 1,800 individuals and entities.

This twelfth package will include ... new export bans, among them ... diamonds, actions to tighten the oil price cap, in order to decrease the revenue that Russia is getting from selling its oil - not to us but to others - (and) fighting against circumvention, Borrell told reporters after a meeting of EU foreign ministers.

EU diplomats told Reuters last week said the 27-nation bloc had been waiting for a G7 green light to move ahead with the diamond ban. An EU official said the current timing for a European Commission proposal for the package, that would then be debated by the EUs 27 governments, was early next week.

We are finalising the last details of this package, Borrell said.

European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell rings a bell to signify the start of a meeting of EU foreign ministers (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

100th ship departed through Black Sea humanitarian corridor

Monday 13 November 2023 18:45 , Tom Watling

The US ambassador to Ukraine, Bridget Brink, has said the 100th ship has departed through the black Sea humanitarian corridor since its opening in August 2023.

She wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter: Today the 100th ship departed the Black Sea humanitarian corridor - an export lifeline for Ukraine that has delivered 3.7 million tons of food & goods to the world.

Today the 100th ship departed the Black Sea humanitarian corridor - an export lifeline for Ukraine that has delivered 3.7 million tons of food & goods to the world. pic.twitter.com/rL0Xv1rxQY  Ambassador Bridget A. Brink (@USAmbKyiv) November 13, 2023

Over 100,000 Ukrainians evacuated since invasion

Monday 13 November 2023 18:00 , Athena Stavrou

Save Ukraine - an organisation focused on rescuing vulnerable Ukrainians - said they have successfully evacuated 108,880 people from the frontlines.

In a post on X they added that since the onset of the full-scale invasion last February, they had provided humanitarian assistance to more than 186,450 people.

Save Ukraine's rescuers have successfully evacuated over 108,880 people from the frontlines since the onset of the full-scale invasion.



Starting from February 24, 2022, our extensive rescue network has provided #humanitarianassistance to more than 186,450 people, with our pic.twitter.com/2fhibTGQss  Save Ukraine (@SaveukraineUs) November 13, 2023

Ukraines foreign minister congratulates David Cameron

Monday 13 November 2023 17:20 , Tom Watling

Ukraines foreign minister, Dmytro Kuleba, posted on X to congratulate David Cameron on his appointment as Foreign Secretary today.

Mr Cameron mentioned Ukraine in his first statement as foreign secretary today and Mr Kuleba said he is looking forward to working side by side with the former British Prime Minister.

Congratulations to @David_Cameron on his appointment as Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom. I am looking forward to working side by side to advance the Ukrainian-UK partnership, bring Ukraines victory closer, and restore peace and security on the European continent.  Dmytro Kuleba (@DmytroKuleba) November 13, 2023

Ukrainian politician on US sanctions list suspected of state treason

Monday 13 November 2023 16:50 , Tom Watling

Ukrainian lawmaker Oleksandr Dubinsky has been formally notified that he is suspected of treason for allegedly spreading misinformation about the political leadership and cooperation with Russias military intelligence, officials said on Monday.

Ukraines security service, the SBU, on Monday said on the Telegram messaging app that a politician was under suspicion, but did not name the suspect.

Lawmaker Yaroslav Yurchyshyn, first deputy head of the parliamentary committee on anti-corruption policy and lawmaker Oleksiy Honcharenko both named Dubinsky, also on Telegram.

Dubinsky received a (notice of) suspicion of state treason. He was searched today, Honcharenko said.

In his own post on Telegram, Dubinsky called the notice of suspicion fabricated and based on the absolute lies of top state officials.

The lawmaker was expelled from the ruling Servant of the People party in 2021 after he was put on a U.S. sanctions list over alleged election meddling. He denied those accusations and continued to work in parliament.

Two killed and 10 injured in Russia strike on Kherson

Monday 13 November 2023 16:24 , Tom Watling

At least two people have been killed and a further 10 injured in southern Ukraine following a Russian striking earlier this afternoon, a local governor has claimed.

Oleksandr Prokudin, governor of Kherson Oblast, said in an update on Telegram: After lunch, the enemy covered the central part of the city with fire from barrel and rocket artillery.

Eight vehicles, including an ambulance, an administrative building, a hospital and at least fifteen houses were destroyed or damaged.

With these blows, the Russians ended the lives of two people. According to detailed information, ten more were injured.

A 44-year-old woman and a 47-year-old man received minor injuries. A 57-year-old woman has an acute reaction to stress and a back burn.

As a result of the attack on the hospital, two female medical workers, aged 24 and 41, as well as an 81-year-old patient of the medical facility were injured. All of them have mine-explosive injuries.

Earlier, it was reported that a 64-year-old grandfather was killed by a Russian shell that hit his car as he drove his family, including his toddler granddaughter, back from a medical check-up at the nearby hospital.

Eight vehicles and multiple buildings were destroyed in Kherson earlier today, according to local officials (Oleksandr Prokudin / Telegram)

Reports revealing drug use on Russian frontlines are credible, UK MoD says

Monday 13 November 2023 15:45 , Athena Stavrou

Reports that 15 per cent on Russian soldiers are using drugs are credible, the British Ministiry of Defence said.

In September 2023, independent Russian media outlet Vertska reported that up to 15% of Russian soldiers in Ukraine were using drugs, including amphetamines and cannabis, and that they were easy to obtain even on the frontline.

In an intelligence update on Monday, the Defence Ministry said the reports follow numerous others of a high rate of disciplinary incidents, crimes and deaths related to alcohol abuse amongst the Russian force.

Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine  13 November 2023.



Find out more about Defence Intelligence's use of language: https://t.co/d6uagaiJ0t



 #StandWithUkraine  pic.twitter.com/8De5TUQ2c1  Ministry of Defence  (@DefenceHQ) November 13, 2023

Hungary keeps block on disbursing military aid tranche to Ukraine

Monday 13 November 2023 15:20 , Tom Waitling

Hungary will block the disbursement of the next tranche of military aid to Ukraine under the European Peace Facility (EPF) until Kyiv provides guarantees that OTP bank or other Hungarian firms will not be blacklisted as international sponsors of war, the countrys foreign minister said on Monday.

The EPF, created in 2021, is meant to finance actions that prevent conflicts, build peace and strengthen international security.

Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said in a video clip from Brussels that Hungary had faced pressure at a meeting to support the payout of 500 million euros, but he said Budapest could not give its backing without such guarantees.

Russian shelling kills three, wounds infant in Ukraine, Kyiv says

Monday 13 November 2023 14:50 , Athena Stavrou

Three people were killed and six, including a 2-month-old infant, were wounded during Russian shelling of the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson, local governor Oleksandr Prokudin said on Monday.

Russian troops abandoned Kherson and the western bank of the Dnipro River in the region late last year, but now regularly shell those areas from positions on the eastern bank.

Prokudin said on the Telegram messaging app that two people were killed and four wounded when the central part of the city had been shelled.

In a separate message, the governor said that a hospital in the city was shelled by Russians, and earlier on Monday a car was shot at in a suburb of Kherson, killing one person and wounding a 2-month-old infant and his mother.

Reuters could not independently confirm reports.

(AFP via Getty Images)

Norway announces 73m in humanitarian aid to Ukraine

Monday 13 November 2023 14:20 , Tom Watling

Norway has announced it will provide 73 million in additional humanitarian aid to Ukraine.

The announcement was made on Monday by the foreign ministry.

The funds will be directed towards the Norwegian Red Cross, the Norwegian Refugee Council, the Norwegian Church Aid, Norwegian People's Aid, Caritas Norway, Save the Children, and the civil emergency force NORCAP, the ministry said.

Despite its size, Norway has committed the fourth largest amount of aid to Ukraine out of all the Western allies. Only the US, Canada and the United Kingdom have supplied more.

It has also committed the most amount of aid relative to its gross domestic product - 1.708% - according to the Kiel Institute.

EU's 20 billion euro plan for Ukraine military aid hits resistance

Monday 13 November 2023 13:55 , Athena Stavrou

A European Union plan to spend up to 20 billion euros on military aid for Ukraine is meeting resistance from EU countries and may not survive in its current form, diplomats say.

Josep Borrell, the EUs foreign policy chief, proposed in July that the bloc create a fund with up to 5 billion euros a year over four years as part of broader Western security commitments to bolster Ukraine as it fights Russias invasion.

But as EU defence ministers prepare to discuss the plan in Brussels on Tuesday, diplomats say multiple countries - including EU heavyweight Germany - have voiced reservations about committing such large sums years in advance.

Im not going to declare it dead at this point yet. But of course, improvements can always be made, a senior EU diplomat said on Friday, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Germany has had a lot of questions ... and rightfully so. Were talking about a lot of money.

European F16 training centre set for Ukrainian pilots opens tomorrow

Monday 13 November 2023 13:43 , Tom Watling

F-16 jets flown in from the Netherlands have conducted a honorary flyover this morning in southeast Romania ahead of the opening of a European F-16 training centre intended to facilitate the instruction of Ukrainian pilots, footage has shown.

Romanian defence minister Angel Tilvar and his Dutch counterpart Kajsa Ollongren will open the centre, while Romanian pilots will start training tomorrow.

The Ukrainian pilots are set to undergo training in the near future, according to Mr Ollongren.

There will be 16 training programs. This will also apply to Ukraine. This is the first collaboration between the Romanian and Dutch governments. We all want to maintain collective security, said US Ambassador to Romania Kathleen Kavalek.

The Netherlands are providing between a dozen and 18 fighter jets.

The training is taking place at the Borcea Air Base just over 90 miles directly west from the Romanian capital of Bucharest.

UK prime minister Rishi Sunak and the then-PM of the Netherlands Mark Rutte announced on May 19 the readiness of the United States to approve the training of Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets .

Five F-16 jets arrived at the Borcea Air Base last week from the Netherlands.

A Dutch F-16 fighter jet is seen at the Volkel Air Base in Volkel, Netherlands (REUTERS)

Grandfather killed and toddler injured during Russia strike on Ukrainian family

Monday 13 November 2023 13:26 , Tom Watling

A young toddler has been hospitalised after a Russian shell struck her familys car while they returned from a medical examination, local Ukrainian officials have claimed.

The 64-year-old grandfather, who was driving the car, is believed to have been killed but the body was almost completely burned, according to interior minister Ihor Klymenko, making identification difficult.

The attack happened in the suburbs of Kherson city in southern Ukraine.

The Kherson Regional Prosecutors Office wrote on Telegram: A car containing a man, a woman and a two-month-old baby was in the area of aathe shell.

A 36-year-old woman received a traumatic leg amputation, doctors are fighting for her life. A child was hospitalised with a mine-explosive injury.

The Independent has seen footage allegedly showing the injured toddler, blood pouring from her head, being driven back to hospital.

The Ukrainian familys car was seen burned out by the side of the road in Kherson Oblast (Telegram / Ihor Klymenko)

Germanys aid to Ukrain to be massively expanded'

Monday 13 November 2023 12:36 , Athena Stavrou

Germanys aid for Ukraine will be massively expanded next year, the foreign minister has said.

It comes as Kyiv heads into its second winter since Russia launched its full-scale invasion.

Germany has become one of Ukraines top military suppliers since the war started in February 2022, sending hardware including tanks, armoured personnel carriers, air defence systems and Patriot missile systems.

Foreign minister Annalena Baerbock said as she arrived at a meeting with European Union counterparts that as Europe grapples with the war between Israel and Hamas, it is still important to face the geopolitical challenge here.

She said that will include helping Ukraine through the coming winter months and our support will be massively expanded for next year.

Over the weekend, the Bild am Sonntag newspaper reported that Chancellor Olaf Scholzs governing coalition wants to increase Germanys military aid for 2024 from the 4 billion euros (3.5 billion) initially planned to 8 billion euros (7 billion).

It said parliaments budget committee will need to sign off on the plan later this week.

Kremlin says report on Nord Stream attack is alarming'

Monday 13 November 2023 12:04 , Athena Stavrou

The Kremlin said on Monday that a Washington Post article reporting that a Ukrainian military officer coordinated the attack on Russias Nord Stream pipelines was alarming.

The report also said that Ukraines president Volodymyr Zelenskiy was not aware of it.

No one has taken responsibility for the September 2022 blasts, which occurred off the Danish island of Bornholm and ruptured three out of four lines of the system that delivers Russian gas to Europe.

The Washington Post reported that Roman Chervinsky, a senior Ukrainian military officer with deep ties to Ukraines intelligence services, was the coordinator of the attack and cited unidentified people familiar with the operation as saying President Volodymyr Zelenskiy was kept out of the loop.

Traces of Ukraine in this sabotage, this terrorist act, are increasingly appearing in reports, investigations and media reports, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

It says that President Zelenskiy may not have been aware of such actions by his subordinates from the security agencies. This is a very alarming signal not only for us, but also for the countries of the collective West, Peskov said.

If the Kyiv regime is no longer in control of the situation in its own country, then this is alarming and should also be taken into account.

Russia may announce March 2024 presidential election date

Monday 13 November 2023 11:35 , Athena Stavrou

Russias parliament may announce on Dec. 13 that next years presidential election has been preliminarily scheduled for March 17, the state news agency RIA reported on Monday, citing a source in parliament.

President Vladimir Putin has already decided to run in the election, Reuters reported last week, citing six sources, a move that will keep him in power until at least 2030 as he seeks to steer Russia through its most uncertain period in decades.

(AP)

Cameron mentions Ukraine in first statement as UK foreign minister

Monday 13 November 2023 10:53 , Athena Stavrou

Former British leader David Cameron was named as the countrys new foreign secretary on Monday in a surprise appointment made by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak as he reshuffled his top team.

In a statement posted to X, formerly known as Twitter, Mr Cameron said the ongoing war in Ukraine was part of a daunting set of international challenges.

He wrote: The Prime Minister has asked me to serve as his Foreign Secretary and I have gladly accepted.

We are facing a daunting set of international challenges, including the war in Ukraine and the crisis in the Middle East.

At this time of profound global change, it has rarely been more important for this country to stand by our allies, strengthen our partnerships and make sure our voice is heard.

(PA)

Russian state in direct control of Wagner troops

Monday 13 November 2023 10:23 , Athena Stavrou

The Russian state is now exercising more direct control of Wagner Group troops, the British Ministiry of Defence said.

In an intelligence update the Defence Ministry said large elements of the Wagner Group had likely been assimilated into the command structure of Russias National Guard (Rosgvardiya) and resumed active recruitment.

It comes several months after the plane crash that killed Prigozhin  the mercenary leader who had challenged his regime and launched a military coup by marching onto Moscow in a dramatic threat to the Kremlin not seen in decades.

The intelligence update went on to say the Wagner arm in question is likely led by Pavel Prigozhin, son of the late Wagner owner Yevgeny Prigozhin.

They added other groups of Wagner fighters have highly likely joined another Russian PMC, Redut, which according to a Radio Free Europe investigation now has 7,000 personnel in total.

Members of the Wagner Group military company sit atop of a tank on a street in Rostov-on-Don, Russia (AP)

Kremlin declines to comment on state news agencies withdrawl of reports

Monday 13 November 2023 09:28 , Athena Stavrou

The Kremlin on Monday declined to comment on state news agencies withdrawal of reports on the regrouping of Russian troops in southern Ukraine.

Two Russian state news agencies published alerts on Monday saying Moscow was moving troops to more favourable positions east of the Dnipro River, only to withdraw the information minutes later.

Russian state media withdraw alerts on troop 'regrouping' in southern Ukraine

Monday 13 November 2023 09:05 , Athena Stavrou

Two Russian state news agencies published alerts on Monday saying Moscow was moving troops to more favourable positions east of the Dnipro River in Ukraine, only to withdraw the information minutes later.

The highly unusual incident suggested disarray in Russias military establishment and state media over how to report the battlefield situation in southern Ukraine.

The RBC news outlet quoted the defence ministry as saying: The sending of a false report about the regrouping of troops in the Dnieper (Dnipro) region, allegedly on behalf of the press centre of the Russian Ministry of Defence, is a provocation.

Russia moves some troops to more favourable positions east of Dnipro River

Monday 13 November 2023 08:16 , Athena Stavrou

Russia is moving its Dnepr group of forces to more favourable positions east of the Dnipro River in Ukraine, state news agency RIA cited the Russian defence ministry as saying on Monday.

Russias military said on Friday that its forces had thwarted a Ukrainian attempt to forge a bridgehead on the eastern bank of the Dnipro and on nearby islands.

Reuters could not independently verify the military reports

Blast kills 3 Russian officers in occupied town, Ukraine says

Monday 13 November 2023 07:38 , Athena Stavrou

At least three Russian officers were killed in the Moscow-controlled Ukrainian city of Melitopol in a blast Ukraines intelligence said on Sunday was an act of revenge by local resistance groups.

Melitopol is a town in southwestern Ukraine that has become a hub for Russian forces since they captured it in March last year.

The blast allegedly occurred during a meeting of Russian officers on Saturday.

This act of revenge, carried out by representatives of the local resistance movement, took place in the (post) offices seized by the Russians, the Ukrainian Defence Ministrys intelligence department said on the Telegram messaging app.

Reuters could not independently verify the Ukrainian intelligence claim. Russias defence ministry did not immediately responded to Reuters request to comment.

The Ukraine intelligence statement said the Saturday meeting was attended by Russian National Guard and FSB intelligence service officers.

As a result of the explosion at least three National Guard officers were killed at the headquarters, the statement said. Information of other enemy losses is being clarified.

Ukrainian forces reportedly advance in western Zaporizhia Oblast

Monday 13 November 2023 07:00 , Tara Cobham

Ukrainian forces reportedly advanced in western Zaporizhia Oblast on Saturday, according to a US war think tank.

The Institute for the Study of War said this comes as Ukrainian forces continue their counteroffensive operations in the area of southern Ukraine.

Southern #Ukraine:



Ukrainian forces continued counteroffensive operations in western #Zaporizhia Oblast on November 11 and reportedly advanced. (1/3)https://t.co/wivagUgj7S https://t.co/Cq1fVKbqwu pic.twitter.com/OVzEgTxfmo  Institute for the Study of War (@TheStudyofWar) November 12, 2023

In pictures: Ukrainian forces battle in Avdiivka as Russia increases attacks on key city

Monday 13 November 2023 06:00 , Tara Cobham

Members of Ukraine's National Guard Omega Special Purpose unit fire a mortar toward Russian troops in the front line town of Avdiivka on Wednesday (REUTERS)

Members of Ukraine's National Guard Omega Special Purpose fire a SPG-9 anti-tank grenade launcher toward Russian troops in the front line town of Avdiivka last week (REUTERS)

Ukrainian servicemen move past a burning car hit by a kamikaze drone outside the front line town of Avdiivka on Wednesday (REUTERS)

Recap: Husband of US journalist detained in Russia appeals for release

Monday 13 November 2023 05:00 , Tara Cobham

This wasnt how Pavel Butorin expected to celebrate his anniversary this week, with his wife of 21 years in a Russian prison and barely any communication available.

Russian-American journalist, Alsu Kurmasheva  who works as an editor for U.S. government-funded Radio Free Europe  has been detained in Russia for almost a month and charged with failing to self-register as a foreign agent.

Alsu should be celebrating this anniversary with me and our children at home, not in a Russian prison, Butorin told The Associated Press in an interview in Prague on Friday. We want her back. Alsu must be released as soon as possible, he said, visibly shaken.

Karel Janicek reports:

'We want her back,' husband of US journalist detained in Russia appeals for her immediate release

Finnish Border Guard reports spike in asylum seekers from Russia

Monday 13 November 2023 04:00 , Tara Cobham

The Finnish Border Guard has reported a spike in asylum seekers arriving at the countrys southeastern border from Russia.

In a statement on Sunday, it said 91 people have arrived at the border crossing points without required travel documents since the beginning of August, which is a higher number than usual, having travelled from a third country via Russia.

It said this represents a change, as Russian authorities have previously not allowed travel from Russia to Finnish border crossing points if the passenger did not have the required travel documents.

In its assessment, the Finnish Border Guard said: This is a phenomenon of illegal migration. International crime is probably also linked to the phenomenon. The number of illegal border crossings at the land border (areas outside of border crossing points) has not changed.

Two Ukrainian women save almost 1,000 from pensions to buy drones'

Monday 13 November 2023 03:00 , Tara Cobham

Two Ukrainian women saved money from their pensions to buy drones for their countrys forces, according to the Advisor to the Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine.

Liudmyla Skubriieva, from Rozhniativ, and her relative Halyna Hil, from Kyiv, together saved the equivalent of almost 1,000 to send two kamikaze drones to the 10th Mountain Assault Brigade Edelweiss, Anton Gerashchenko said on the social media platform X, alongside a photo of the pair.

Two Ukrainian ladies saved money from their pensions to buy drones for Ukrainian defenders.



Liudmyla Skubriieva from Rozhniativ and her relative from Kyiv, Halyna Hil, bought two kamikaze drones for the AFU. They collected almost UAH 20,000 each from their pensions.



The drones pic.twitter.com/0igB9qcyJ6  Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) November 12, 2023

Germany set to double Ukraine military aid, according to source

Monday 13 November 2023 02:00 , Tara Cobham

German chancellor Olaf Scholz's governing coalition has agreed in principle to double the country's military aid for Ukraine next year to 8 billion euros ($8.5 billion), a political source in Berlin said on Sunday.

If approved by parliament, where Scholz's parties hold a majority, the boost would lift Germany's defence spending to 2.1% of its gross domestic product target, beyond the 2% pledged by all North Atlantic Treaty Organization members, the source added.

Lawmakers from Scholz's Social Democrats, the Free Democrats and the Green party agreed on the increase in negotiations over the proposed 2024 federal budget ahead of a formal meeting of the budget committee of the Bundestag - or lower house of parliament - on Thursday, Nov. 16, the source said.

Bloomberg News first reported on the news on Saturday, citing people familiar with the matter.

A spokesperson for Germany's Ministry of Defence said the Bundestag committee has not finished negotiations and declined to comment further.

Defence minister Boris Pistorius, interviewed by broadcaster ARD, referred to the planned doubling of military aid to Ukraine.

"It is a strong signal to Ukraine that we will not leave them in the lurch," he said, adding the move, if agreed, would mean the annual budget allocation would be enough to last the whole year.

Recap: Ukraine destroys Russian landing boats in significant loss for Putin

Monday 13 November 2023 01:00 , Tara Cobham

Ukraine on Friday said its naval drones had destroyed two small Russian landing boats in Crimea, in an embarrassment for President Vladimir Putin.

Ukrainian military intelligence said two amphibious Russian ships loaded with armoured vehicles had been hit by naval drones overnight.

One of the boats was identified as an Akula class vessel, while the other landing vessel was a Serna class.

Alisha Rahaman Sarkar reports:

Ukraine destroys Russian landing boats in significant loss for Putin

Recap: Watch Russia test intercontinental ballistic missiles from new submarine

Monday 13 November 2023 00:00 , Tara Cobham

Russia increases attacks on key city Avdiivka in attempt to gain ground

Sunday 12 November 2023 23:00 , Tara Cobham

Russian forces have also increased attacks on the key frontline city of Avdiivka in eastern Ukraine in an attempt to gain ground, Ukrainian military officials said Sunday.

Ukraine's General Staff said that Russian troops were also continuing their weekslong push to encircle Avdiivka, a Ukrainian stronghold south of Bakhmut and a key target since the beginning of the war. It's considered the gateway to parts of the eastern Donetsk region under Kyiv's control. The General Staff said Russia's air force was playing a key part in the latest assault.

Gen. Oleksandr Tarnavskyi, who leads Ukrainian troops fighting in and near Avdiivka, said Sunday that the attacking Russian forces were ramping up airstrikes, particularly those using guided bombs. He wrote on Telegram that Russian troops had launched 30 airstrikes and 712 artillery barrages at the city and surrounding areas over the previous day, and clashed almost 50 times with Ukrainian units.

A police officer stands in front of a damaged building, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in the town of Avdiivka, Donetsk region, Ukraine, in October (REUTERS)
Bucyrus began supplying water to Nevada after a short ceremony at the Nevada Village border Monday.

The water facility, built with state and the county funds, helped save between $3 million and $6 million.

State Sen. Bill Reineke, who was instrumental in putting the project together, attended the ceremony.

These projects only come together when we all work on them together, Reineke said. As trite as it sounds, it is really important.

Bucyrus Mayor Jeff Reser said the new water facility is the epitome of a win-win situation when all the pieces just came together. The idea was the brainchild of Bucyrus former engineer Lyn Makeever, who also was the engineer for the Village of Nevada.

State Sen. Bill Reineke was instrumental in getting the project going.

Makeever, said Reser, knew there was going to be an issue with the maintenance expenses of Nevada water plant, and he knew at the same time Bucyrus had a brand-new treatment plant and had access to more capacity. And, Nevada is downhill from Bucyrus.

He was the matchmaker, Reser said.

Bucyrus Service-Safety Director Jeffrey Wagner was instrumental in obtaining grant funding from H2Ohio comprehensive water quality initiative, Reser. said.

Wagner said Bucyrus and Nevada started to work on the project in 2020, starting with discussions monthly meetings to iron out the plan and structure the rates.

The negotiations, Wagner said, were complicated by the increase in prices due to the pandemic, and that was when the participants got Reineke involved with obtaining the grant from H2Ohio. The Ohio Public Works Commission and Bucyrus City also helped with the funding, he added.

President of the Village of Nevada Council Gregory Tom Durham said the project started because the villages water system, built in 1947, was outdated. By the time the village started the project, its water tower and water plant were in poor shape.

Our options were to spend a whole lot more money for the new plant, Durham. said.

Bucyrus Mayor Jeff Reser said water availability in Bucyrus would not be impacted by supplying water to Nevada.

Collaborating with Bucyrus helped to substantially reduce the costs of the project that ended up being about $1.6 million for the new water tower, some new waterlines and hooking up on Nevadas end.

Part of the expenses, around $1.3 million, were covered with the grant funding, said Durham. In addition, he said, the village got a loan from the Environmental Protection Agency. The village will pay back the rest over the next 30 years.

He said the new facility will help the village control the costs of getting clean water as well as the quality of water, which will be about the same Nevada had prior to hooking up to Bucyrus.

I dont see a big change in the quality of the water that we are getting, Durham said. The cost is going to stay relatively the same.

Durham noted if Nevada got a new water plant, the cost of the project would have increased to between $3 million and $6 million on top of $1.6 million for the water tower and some infrastructure updates.

A small community cannot afford that with the number of people living in that community, he said.

Bill Reineke, left, John Ernsberger, Dylan Wyatt, Crystal Smith, Jaime Langston, Steve Messmer, Amanda Rex, Harold Lambert, Jeff Wagner and Jeff Reser were on hand Monday at the Nevada Village border when the new water supply to Nevada from Bucyrus was turned on.

Reser said Bucyrus delivering water to Nevada will not affect residents of Bucyrus because the Bucyrus water plant has the capacity of producing more than 3 millions gallons of water a day, but it currently produces only over a million.

We have plenty of water, Reser said.

Reineke said the Bucyrus-Nevada water collaboration project is an example of the investment in rural America, and rural America still matters.

All of you matter, and every little piece of it comes together and makes it important for us who live in rural America, said Reineke. We have a lot to fight for.

This article originally appeared on Bucyrus Telegraph-Forum: Bucyrus water now supplying neighboring Nevada, too
Diwali is a bright, colourful festival that signifies the 'triumph of good over evil'. (Getty Images) (Getty Images/500px Prime)

On Sunday 12 November, more than a billion people all over the world will celebrate Diwali, the most important festival of the year in India as well as for the many south Asians who live abroad.

In the UK, there are an estimated 1.45 million Indians, 1.17 million Pakistanis, 451,500 Bangladeshis, and thousands of other South Asians, including people from Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan and the Maldives, as well as third-generation Asians and Asians of mixed parentage.

For this diverse group of people, Diwali is a big celebration that involves reunions with family and friends, firework displays, feasting together and prayer. While it is largely known as a Hindu festival, it is also celebrated across other religions including Sikhism, Jainism, and Buddhism.

Heres everything you need to know about Diwali traditions and food as the festivities commence.

What is Diwali?

Family and friends often come together to celebrate Diwali with fireworks. (Getty Images) (Getty Images)

Diwali is known as the festival of lights and symbolises the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. It dates back more than 2,500 years and is mentioned in a number of ancient texts.

The word Diwali comes from the word Deepavali, which translates to a row of lights. According to tradition, those who celebrate will light rows of clay oil lamps outside their homes. The festival often also includes firework displays, adding light, colour and excitement to the celebration.

Diwali usually takes place between October and November, with the date changing every year according to the Hindu lunar calendar. Celebrations usually last for five days, with the main festivities taking place on the third day.

What are some Diwali traditions?

Each region of India has its own unique way of celebrating Diwali, but all of them include plenty of lights and fireworks, feasting on good food, wearing new, fine clothes, and praying.

Some common traditions include:

Rangoli

Creating beautiful, elaborate patterns is a big part of Diwali tradition. (Getty Images) (Getty Images)

This is an art form that involves creating colourful, elaborate patterns on the floor or other flat surfaces using materials like powdered lime stone, coloured sand, red ochre, flower petals, and coloured rocks. Different designs have various meanings, and can include geometric shapes, depictions of deities, or flower shapes.

Oil bath

Some households may perform an oil bath ritual at the start of the day of Diwali. According to Indian Express, this signifies a spiritual cleansing of the body and soul. Sesame oil is usually used for the bath, which is accompanied by prayers and blessings.

Cleaning and decorating

Most people will use the days leading up to Diwali to clean their homes and redecorate in preparation for the celebration. It is believed that having a clean, brightly lit home will attract positive energy, with plenty of fresh flowers and leaves used in traditional decorating.

Sweetmeats

Sweet treats play a big part in Diwali feasts. (Getty Images) (Getty Images)

Traditionally, Indian sweetmeats - called mithai - are eaten throughout the festival. These are made from ingredients like chickpea flour, semolina, grains like lentils, carrots, condensed milk and yoghurt, with all types of nuts and dried fruit added for extra texture and flavour. They also often include spices like cardamom, nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves, or saffron, rose and pandan leaf water.

Music

Traditional Indian music may be performed at Diwali celebrations, featuring instruments like the nadaswaram, thavil, dholak, sitar and tambura. These performances are sometimes accompanied by traditional dances.

Diwali greetings and wishes

Sending your friends and family wishes for Diwali isnt difficult, as a simple Happy Diwali is a welcome greeting. You can spruce it up by adding sweet messages like, Sending love and light this Diwali! or Wishing you and your family a bright, happy Diwali!.

Ultimately, Diwali is all about spreading positivity and light, so feel free to tailor your messages to reflect this sentiment.

Watch: Digital creator shares why her family deep-cleans their home before Diwali

Read more about Diwali:
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CANBERRA, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- More Australians are in favor of sending assistance to Palestine amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, a poll has found.

The poll, which was published by independent social research company Essential on Tuesday, found that 21 percent of Australians believe the country should provide active support to Palestine during the current conflict compared to 17 percent who said Australia should do so for Israel.

It marks a swing from October when Essential found that 13 percent of Australians were in favor of sending assistance to Palestine and 23 percent said the country should support Israel.

However, the poll found that a majority of Australians -- 63 percent -- believe the country should "stay out of the conflict entirely."

Less than one third of respondents said they were satisfied with the Australian government's response to the conflict.

Two thirds of participants in the poll said they were concerned about the risk of escalation globally and 63 percent were worried about tensions between Jewish and Palestinian communities in Australia. 
A Chinese doctor (L) examines a patient who suffers from cataract at a hospital in Prey Veng province, Cambodia, Nov. 14, 2023. Funded by China's GX Foundation, the Cataract Blindness Eradication Project for the period of three years from Sept. 2022 to Sept. 2025 is expected to regain vision for some 10,000 cataract patients in Prey Veng province. (Photo by Liao Hongqing/Xinhua)

PREY VENG, Cambodia, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- Kea Ren, a 68-year-old Cambodian woman, is overjoyed on Tuesday as she can see once again after having her cataracts in both eyes removed free of charge by a Chinese medical team.

A native to Prey Veng province in southeast Cambodia, the farmerette said the surgery has brought her smile and hope again as she had lived in blindness for seven years because she had no money to pay for the surgery.

"Cataract surgery was good, and I'm elated that my eyesight was restored," Ren told Xinhua after having had the bandages removed from her eyes a day after surgery at the compound of the Prey Veng Provincial Referral Hospital.

"I'm happy that the doctors have come to help impoverished cataract patients regain vision," she said. "Before surgery, my vision was cloudy, but after surgery, it has come back."

Ren said this China-funded humanitarian mission has not only helped restore eyesight, but also get rid of poverty.

Another 67-year-old cataract patient Buth Ron said a Chinese ophthalmologist had examined his eyes and found that he had a cataract in his left eye, that required surgery to regain his vision.

"I'm delighted that they, foreigners, have come to help Cambodians and the surgery does not cost us any money at all," he told Xinhua before undergoing surgery.

"I want them to come every year because this is a very good humanitarian mission to eliminate blindness among our people," the father of five children said.

Funded by China's GX Foundation, the Cataract Blindness Eradication Project for the period of three years from Sept. 2022 to Sept. 2025 is expected to regain vision for some 10,000 cataract patients in Prey Veng province.

Under the project, the GX Foundation has dispatched a Chinese medical team, together with two mobile eye treatment centers and a 35-seat bus, to offer free cataract surgery to patients in Prey Veng.

Ophthalmologist So Sopanhavatei, director of the Prey Veng Provincial Referral Hospital, said the project has provided a lot of benefits to cataract sufferers in the province.

"We are all very pleased and happy to see this project in Prey Veng because it has restored sight to blind people in our province," she told Xinhua.

Sopanhavatei said 14 local medical staff workers have been assigned to assist the Chinese medical team in this humanitarian mission.

"Cataract surgery performed by doctors from the GX Foundation is free of charge for all people," she said. "More than 90 percent of the patients were satisfied with their surgeries because before surgeries, they could not walk unguided, but after surgeries, they could walk, eat and work unaided."

Ophthalmologist Zhai Jianwei, leader of the eight-member Chinese medical team from Liuzhou Red Cross Hospital in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, said the team has provided eye check-ups to more than 50 patients and performed at least 35 surgeries every day.

"Both the examinations and surgeries are provided free of charge," he told Xinhua.

"All cataract patients in Prey Veng province are eligible for treatment, and the results have been very positive. After surgery, over 90 percent of patients have achieved a visual acuity of 0.6 or above," he added.

Zhai said the project has earned love and support from local people, and added that he feels honored and proud to help regain vision for Cambodian cataract patients.

It is the second China-aided project in Cambodia after the first such one ended in 2019, helping restore eyesight for more than 6,000 cataract patients in the southeastern Kampong Cham province. 

Chinese doctors perform surgery for a patient who suffers from cataract at a hospital in Prey Veng province, Cambodia, Nov. 14, 2023. Funded by China's GX Foundation, the Cataract Blindness Eradication Project for the period of three years from Sept. 2022 to Sept. 2025 is expected to regain vision for some 10,000 cataract patients in Prey Veng province. (Photo by Liao Hongqing/Xinhua)

A Chinese doctor (R) examines a patient who suffers from cataract at a hospital in Prey Veng province, Cambodia, Nov. 14, 2023. Funded by China's GX Foundation, the Cataract Blindness Eradication Project for the period of three years from Sept. 2022 to Sept. 2025 is expected to regain vision for some 10,000 cataract patients in Prey Veng province. (Photo by Liao Hongqing/Xinhua)

A patient (R, front) walks out of a mobile operation room after receiving a cataract surgery at a hospital in Prey Veng province, Cambodia, Nov. 14, 2023. Funded by China's GX Foundation, the Cataract Blindness Eradication Project for the period of three years from Sept. 2022 to Sept. 2025 is expected to regain vision for some 10,000 cataract patients in Prey Veng province. (Photo by Liao Hongqing/Xinhua)
S-a deschis noua autostrada in Romania si deja soferii circula cu 190 de kilometri/ora

Politistii au prins primul vitezoman de pe noua autostrada A0. Primul tronson al autostrazii de A0 s-a inugurat joi, si un sofer care circula cu 190 de km/ora a fost prins de politisti. Soferul teribilist este un tanar [citeste mai departe]
The Military History Institute and Museum will be housed in the former armed forces headquarters building on Disz ter at the main entrance to Buda Castle, the Defence Ministry announced.

The museum was forced to relocate as Defence Minister Kristof Szalay-Bobrovniczky decided that the Defence Ministry would move into the museums home on Kapisztran ter, also in Buda Castle.



The museums proposed new home was so heavily damaged in World War II that it was declared a ruin in 1949, and its upper storey was gradually demolished to the height of the first floor by 1962.



The building underwent a partial renovation in 2012-14, when its bullet-riddled facade was cleaned, and its main entrance and lobby were renovated.



The ministry said the building, currently under renovation, will also function as a visitors centre for Buda Castle, with 2,500 square metres of exhibition space for military history exhibitions, as well as offices.



The restored Military History Institute and Museum can take its new place by 2026, the ministry said.



Click here to learn more about the Museum
MANILA, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- The volume of agricultural production in the third quarter of 2023 reached 16.57 million metric tons, a year-on-year decline of 3.1 percent, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said Tuesday.

The agency attributed the annual decline in crop production volume to the yearly decreases in sugarcane, coconut, rubber, cup lump, and cassava production.

The PSA also reported a 2.1 percent year-on-year growth in fisheries production volume, which posted 1.01 million metric tons during the third quarter.

The production of seaweed, big-eyed scad, round scad, yellowfin tuna, and Indian mackerel drove the annual increase in fisheries production volume during the period.

The volume of livestock production from July to September also rose by 2.3 percent compared to the same quarter in 2022, reaching 558,150 metric tons. The top contributor to this increment was hog production, which grew by 3.3 percent annually.

The poultry production marked a 2.9 percent year-on-year increase in the third quarter, estimated at 670,480 metric tons. Chicken production, with a 69.3 percent share of the total poultry production volume, grew by 2.3 percent. 
The situation of national minorities in Hungary cannot be negatively affected by a potentially difficult relationship between Hungary and the given motherland, the deputy prime minister in charge of policies for national minorities said.

Hungarys Fundamental Law declares that the 13 indigenous national minority groups in the country are part of the Hungarian state and have self-governments, Zsolt Semjen said at his annual hearing before parliaments committee for national minority communities.



The government aims to have the closest possible ties with the motherlands of Hungarys ethnic communities, Semjen said, adding that even when there are disagreements, it could not have any sort of negative consequence for the minority groups.



Highlighting the example of the current disputes between Hungary and Ukraine, Semjen said this could not put the Ukrainian community in Hungary at any kind of disadvantage.



If relations with the motherland in question are good and fruitful  as they are in the case of Serbia  it can also benefit the given ethnic community, he said. Meanwhile, Semjen said government support for ethnic minorities had been increased six-fold, while the number of national minority institutions had risen eight-fold.



Whereas in 2010, there were only 12 national minority schools in Hungary, today there are 106 attended by 20,000 students, he said.



The government this year invited bids for a total of 1.3 billion forints (EUR 3.4m) in funding for national minorities, and some 1,000 projects worth a combined 2 billion forints have been carried out in the recent period, he said.



As regards key investment projects, he noted the renovation of the Slovak Evangelical church and centre, support for the construction of the Bulgarian education and cultural centre and the construction of a German primary school in Biatorbagy, on the outskirts of Budapest.
Orban said the lesson learnt from the 2002 election defeat was that we believed that if we live in democracy, nothing threatens us anymore,

We thought the nation has sovereignty, it is ours, and everyone will serve that at home and respect it from the outside, he added.



The world around us is not interested in Hungary remaining a sovereign country  they will be better off if we partially or fully lose our sovereignty, he said, adding that even some Hungarians thought that way.



Hungary, he said, could not be sovereign as long as public thinking was dominated by a liberal hegemony.



This does not mean that we should eliminate what belongs to our adversaries  what we want is pluralism in Hungary, he said. In the West, they have not understood this; public thinking there is unable to step out of the liberal framework, he added.



The Hungarian political system stands closer to a democratic way of thinking than the western European does, he said. Liberals do not care about the people; their thinking focuses on an ideology and not the community of people, he added. Orban said Hungarys international influence was greater than its real weight because Europeans can now express their opinion via Hungary rather than their own publicity.



It is high time the West learnt that you cannot live in lies because it will make you sick and destroy you, he said. Meanwhile, he said lost sovereignty was in the focus of the last century, while Hungarys sovereignty was regained at the end of the century and this decade is about retaining that sovereignty.



Hungary continues to rely on Szazadvegs help, especially the young generation, Orban said. We regained sovereignty and now it is up to young people to retain it.



Orban: Hungary 'Voice of Europeans'



"Hungary today is the voice of the people of Europe," Prime Minister Viktor Orban told a conference organised by the Szazadveg Foundation.
YORK  Central Valley Ag (CVA) is now accepting applications for its annual scholarship program. The program will award 20 $1,000 scholarships to students pursuing higher education in an agriculturally related field.

At CVA, we are dedicated to encouraging and advancing the knowledge of young people, stated Chad Carlson, Senior VP of Talent at CVA, by supporting the pursuit of agricultural careers among our youth, we can ensure the continued growth of the agricultural industry.

The scholarship program provides an opportunity for young people to pursue higher education in the field of agriculture. The CVA Scholarship Committee will choose the recipients based on their academic performance, community service, and knowledge of the cooperative system.

Students of CVA member-owners and CVA employees are encouraged to apply online at www.cvacoop.com/scholarships. The complete details are available on the website. The deadline for applications is March 1, 2024.

Central Valley Ag is a farmer-owned cooperative with locations in Iowa, Kansas, and Nebraska. CVA is an innovative leader providing products and services in grain, agronomy, feed, and energy. You can find more information about Central Valley Ag by visiting www.cvacoop.com.
Veterans Day is an outstanding opportunity to recognize the men and women of our armed forces who have served our country. Through their courage and devotion to their duties, Americas veterans have helped keep the United States the greatest, freest nation on Earth. It is fitting we pause to give them a day of recognition; yet we owe them so much more. History, as well as current events, are constant reminders  we live in the land of the free because of the brave.

In observance of Veterans Day, this week I gathered with Nebraskans for ceremonies in Kearney and Grand Island. Both were wonderful times of coming together to celebrate and thank the great Nebraskans who have defended our nation. The event in Grand Island broke ground for a new state-administered veterans cemetery, set to open in the spring of 2025.

As the grandson of a World War II veteran, I am humbled by the challenges faced by those who served our country in conflicts around the world, including generations of soldiers who fought across Europe, Asia, and Africa in World War II, in Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Afghanistan, Iraq and elsewhere. American veterans love of country is demonstrated in their service, and we should demonstrate our gratitude in every way possible.

As Congress considers legislation to honor and support veterans  such as a resolution I cosponsored acknowledging the courage and sacrifice of veterans of the Vietnam War  my staff stands ready to offer assistance. If you are or know a veteran having difficulty securing benefits or dealing with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), please contact my Grand Island office at (308) 384-3900. The caseworkers in my office may be able to help you cut through the red tape and resolve problems with VA or other federal agencies.

To honor those who have served with distinction, this week the House passed, with my support, the Hershel Woody Williams National Medal of Honor Memorial Location Act, named in honor of the last World War II Medal of Honor recipient to pass away. This bill provides congressional approval to place a Medal of Honor monument on the National Mall in Washington, DC, where millions of visitors could view it each year.

Additionally, this week the House passed, with my support, the American Battlefield Protection Program Enhancement Act. This legislation would preserve and improve the National Park Services American Battlefield Protection Program, which has helped protect more than 100 battlefields in 42 states, including the Third Districts Fort Robinson. Strengthening this successful program reflects the sentiment of President Lincolns Gettysburg Address that we never forget what they did on these battlefields.

Today and throughout the year, I encourage you to seize opportunities to visit with veterans in our communities and learn more about their experiences as a meaningful way to remind these heroes of the lasting impact of their sacrifices. We should do our utmost to honor, support, and embrace all those who risk and sacrifice so much to defend our borders, our freedom, and our Republic. God bless our veterans, and may God bless America.
YORK  York Public Schools are moving ahead with plans to expand the elementary school.

On Monday the board selected CMBA Architects, which is based in Grand Island, for the elementary school expansion project, YPS superintendent Mitch Bartholomew told the News-Times.

Bartholomew will now be working with the schools legal counsel to negotiate a contract. The boards done a really good job of vetting architectural firm and they selected CMBA. This is their first major step in the possibility of a potential project at York elementary, Bartholomew said over the phone.

The school board also heard on Monday that York students composite ACT scores for this past year will be available on Nov. 22, Bartholomew said. Students around the state took the test in the spring of last year.

According to Bartholomew, at Mondays meeting there was also an update about how the American civics requirements are being completed at York High School, as required by the state.
YORK  The York County Planning Commission postponed its vote on solar panel regulations in light of public comment.

On Monday, nearly every seat in the meeting room in the Holthus Convention Center was full. Energy was high, but attendants were respectful and speakers for the most part kept within the strict three minutes they were allotted to speak.

The zoning regulations will determine the ability for Omaha Public Power District to pursue a proposed 310 megawatt solar facility in McCool Junction.

Brad Underwood, vice president of systems transformation at OPPD, said that the boards proposed zoning regulations are highly restrictive and prescriptive and would prohibit solar development at all scales.

These regulations would need to be altered for OPPD to move forward with its proposed solar project. In particular, the setback requirements would need to be changed. Setbacks are the distance between the solar arrays and nearby features like roads, property lines, churches, and so on.

Lindsay Mouw, policy associate at the Center for Rural Affairs, and author of the centers siting guide for solar projects in Nebraska, said on Monday night that Yorks proposed required setbacks exceed recommendations.

The Center for Rural Affairs recommends setbacks of 100 to 300 feet from non-participating dwellings. The zoning boards regulations would require setbacks of 2,640 feet from non-participating dwellings for projects greater than 2 megawatts.

Dana Jackson, representing a group of landowners living near the proposed project who are against OPPDs solar project, thanked the zoning board for its proposal. She then asked the members of the group of landowners, Our Voices Count, to stand up. About 15 members of the audience stood up.

Some other residents in McCool also thanked the zoning board for taking into account their concerns about solar.

Hank McGowan, who has lived in McCool most of his life, meanwhile, said that the proposed zoning regulation was a de facto ban disguised as a regulation. McGown is one of the land owners who has decided to lease his land for solar.

Lisa Hurley, executive director of the York County Development Corporation, expressed concern about the economic downsides of such restrictive zoning. She said that the board should be looking for guard rails that allow opportunity for business growth.

Many other people spoke at Mondays meeting, including Jane Kleeb, founder of Bold Alliance and chair of the Nebraska Democratic Party, conservative Omaha resident and solar project opponent Dave Begley and Hunter Traynor, a lawyer from Rembolt Lutke, who represents Our Voices Count.

After the period of public comment, board member Aaron Kavon informed the audience that they would not be voting at this time. We have received some recommendations and maybe some edits, Kavon said, that would potentially benefit smaller arrays so unless the board objects I dont think well vote at this time.

Kavon said that there would be another zoning board meeting in the second week of December.

After the regulations are voted on by the county zoning board they are then sent to the York County Board of Commissioners as a recommendation. The commissioners can decide whether or not to adopt the recommendation.
In anticipation of the upcoming India International Trade Fair, set to take place at the Pragati Maidan here from November 14 to 27, Delhi Police have released a traffic advisory to apprise the public of the potential congestion on specific routes in the national capital. With daily attendance of approximately 40,000 visitors, the numbers are projected to surge to around one lakh visitors per day on weekends and holidays. As per the guidelines, commuters have been urged to take note of the advisory to navigate the city's roads effectively during the two-week-long event.

Traffic Advisory



In view of India International Trade Fair 2023 at Pragati Maidan from 14th to 27th November, 2023, traffic regulations will be effective.#DPTrafficAdvisory pic.twitter.com/8YTyQqppoC  Delhi Traffic Police (@dtptraffic) November 13, 2023

The advisory, released on X, highlights specific areas prone to traffic congestion during the fair, including Mathura Road, Bhairon Marg, Ring Road, Sher Shah Road, and Purana Quila Road.

Commuters not attending the trade fair are strongly urged to avoid these routes to ensure a smooth journey.

The IITF, scheduled from November 14 to 27, will enforce a phased entry system. Business visitors will be allowed entry from November 14 to 18, followed by the general public from November 19 to 27.

The advisory specified designated entry gates for the visitors, exhibitors, mediapersons, and India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) officials.

The visitors with personal vehicles are directed to utilise the designated parking facilities, including basement parking No. 1 (entry and exit from Bhairon Marg), Bhairon Mandir parking on Bhairon Road, and Delhi Zoo parking. Exhibitors and visitors are specifically instructed to use the basement parking No. 2 located under Bharat Mandapam.

For the first time, tickets for the IITF will be available exclusively online and at select Metro stations. The advisory also outlined the dropping points for chauffeur-driven vehicles, taxis, and autos in the proximity to gate No. 3 and 7 of ITPO.

Also Read - Emirates Orders 90 New Boeing 777X Wide-Body Planes, Signs Order At Dubai Airshow

To facilitate smooth traffic flow, the advisory outlined strict no-parking zones on Mathura Road, Bhairon Marg, Sher Shah Road, Purana Quila Road, Bhagwan Dass Road, and Tilak Marg. Violators risk vehicle towing and prosecution for improper parking.

Towed vehicles will be relocated to the National Stadium parking at gate No. 5.

Public transport is strongly encouraged, with specific recommendations for Delhi Metro and DTC buses. Metro commuters can access ITPO through various gates, while DTC bus travellers are advised to use the designated stops on Mathura Road and Bhairon Marg.
Nissan Motor India (NMIPL) has announced the introductory price offer for all bookings made till 30 November 2023 for the all-new Nissan Magnite EZ-Shift (Automated Manual Transmission). The introductory price is for all customers who take a test drive and make bookings for the all-new Magnite EZ-Shift. Launched at an introductory price of Rs 6,49,900 on 10 October 2023 the Nissan Magnite EZ-Shift is the most affordable AMT in the segment, with a 5-speed Automated Manual Transmission that provides clutch-less easy driving. Pre-bookings can be made across Nissan dealerships, nationwide, and on Nissans website.

It also has Dual Driving Mode, Intelligent Creep function, anti-stall and kick-down features for a smooth and efficient drive experience. The Nissan Magnite 1.0-litre naturally aspirated engine delivers enhanced fuel efficiency of 19.35 kmpl for the Manual variant and 19.70 kmpl for the EZ-Shift variant.

The Magnite EZ-Shift is available in XE, XL, XV, XV Premium variants and the recently launched Nissan Magnite KURO Special Edition. A new dual tone Blue & Black colour is also introduced for Nissan Magnite EZ-Shift.

With the introduction of the Nissan Magnite EZ-Shift, the Nissan Magnite family will expand to four powertrain options including Manual & EZ-Shift in 1.0-litre naturally aspirated engine and Manual & CVT in 1.0-litre Turbo engine.

The Magnite has firmly established itself as the preferred choice in India's B-SUV segment. Launched in December 2020, it exemplifies Nissan Motor India's manufacturing philosophy of 'Make-In-India, Make for the World,' with design from Japan and production in India. The Big, Bold, and Beautiful Nissan Magnite is exported to 15 global markets, with its most recent launches in Seychelles, Bangladesh, Uganda, and Brunei.

In recent years, Nissan India has shifted its primary export market from Europe to Middle Eastern countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait.
New Delhi: During a recent small family get-together to honour his wife's birthday, Vikrant Massey closed another chapter on what was clearly the year of his life. The event highlighted not only his personal happiness but also the incredible success of his most recent endeavour, '12th Fail'.

Vikrant Massey has made daring casting decisions time and time again during his illustrious career, leaving a lasting impression on viewers. He is currently experiencing the pinnacle of his career and personal success.

A major turning point in Vikrant's career, '12th Fail' confirmed his ability to work with unusual characters and struck a chord with viewers. The actor's upcoming months look to be an exciting journey, made possible by this success.

Envious of what lies ahead, Vikrant is preparing for a romantic love story with the gifted Rashi Khanna. He will also be directing for the first time in Niranjan Iyengar's project, which will adapt the captivating stories of well-known author Ruskin Bond. A thriller that Vikrant is looking forward to, "Sector 36," promises to be exciting, mysterious, and have a compelling story that will add to his repertoire.

Beyond the glitz and glamour of his professional life, Vikrant is embarking on a new chapter in his personal journey. The recent announcement of impending fatherhood, coupled with the celebration of his wife's birthday, adds a layer of excitement and joy to the actor's life.

Vikrant Massey's ability to balance professional success with personal fulfilment is a testament to his dedication and strength of character. He has emerged as a role model for many, demonstrating that it is possible to achieve great things while also cherishing the most precious moments in life.

As Vikrant navigates this exciting phase, fans can eagerly anticipate more outstanding performances and heartwarming moments from this gifted actor. In both his personal and professional spheres, Vikrant has indeed made 2023 a blockbuster year to remember.
New Delhi: The scion and Chairman of Oberoi Hotels private limited, Mr. Prithvi Raj Singh Oberoi, took his last breath on Monday at the age of 86. He was the former chairman and director of EIH Limited, the Flagship Company of The Oberoi Group and a pioneer in revolutionizing the hospitality sector in India. He took over the reins of the hotel chain from his father and founder of Oberoi Hotels Rai Bahadur Mohan Singh. PRS not only maintained the prestige but also successfully expanded the brand globally.

Lets dig deeper to remember the man who left an inspiring legacy behind.

Early Life and Education

Born on February 3, 1929, in New Delhi, Mr. Prithvi Raj Singh Oberoi, affectionately known as "Biki," emerged as a stalwart in the realm of luxury hospitality. His journey began under the guidance of his father, the late Rai Bahadur M.S. Oberoi, the visionary founder of The Oberoi Group.

Pioneering Luxury Hospitality

Educated in India, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland, Mr. Oberoi's global perspective became a cornerstone of his leadership. He played a pivotal role in steering the development of Oberoi Hotels and Resorts, transforming the brand into a symbol of exquisite luxury.

International Recognition and Awards

Mr. Oberoi's unwavering commitment to excellence garnered numerous accolades. Notably, in 2008, he received the prestigious Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian honor, recognizing his exceptional service to the nation. His visionary leadership earned him the '2010 Corporate Hotelier of the World' award by HOTELS magazine, solidifying The Oberoi Group's status among the world's premier luxury hotel chains.

A Legacy of Learning and Development

Understanding the pivotal role of people in any organization, Mr. Oberoi established The Oberoi Centre of Learning and Development in 1967, setting a gold standard for hospitality education in Asia.

Lifetime Achievement and Global Impact

Throughout his illustrious career, Mr. Oberoi received multiple Lifetime Achievement Awards, including recognition at the International Luxury Travel Market in 2012 and the International Hotels Investment Forum in Berlin in 2003. Forbes India Leadership Awards and CNBC TV18 India Business Leader Awards also acknowledged his enduring impact on the hospitality industry.

A Visionary's Farewell

In May 2022, Mr. PRS Oberoi took a poignant step, relinquishing his position as Chairman and Director of EIH Limited. His decision marked the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy that continues to shape the world of luxury hospitality.

Mr. Prithvi Raj Singh Oberoi's life was a testament to his visionary spirit, commitment to excellence, and the belief that true development is measured not just in economic terms but in the impact one has on individuals and industries. As we bid farewell to this titan of the hospitality industry, his legacy will undoubtedly endure, an everlasting source of inspiration for generations to come.
Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia Lu Kang speaks at the 2023 China (Zhejiang) - Indonesia Economic and Trade Cooperation Exchange Conference in Jakarta, Indonesia, Nov. 14, 2023. (Xinhua/Xu Qin)

JAKARTA, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- Indonesian Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Sakti Wahyu Trenggono on Tuesday called for closer economic and trade cooperation with China's Zhejiang during an event here attended by a business delegation from the eastern Chinese province.

"I invite more Zhejiang companies to collaborate with local Indonesian partners, especially in the fisheries and marine sector, to meet domestic and international needs," said Trenggono at the 2023 China (Zhejiang) - Indonesia Economic and Trade Cooperation Exchange Conference held in the Indonesian capital.

The minister added that the friendship between the people of Indonesia and China serves as a solid basis for bilateral economic, trade and investment cooperation.

At the event, Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia Lu Kang noted that Zhejiang has great energy, dynamic and rich experience in developing high-tech industries, which could synergize with Indonesia's economic needs.

He also expressed his optimism that this event would serve as a platform for future collaboration between China's Zhejiang and Indonesia. 

This photo taken on Nov. 14, 2023 shows the signing ceremony of the 2023 China (Zhejiang) - Indonesia Economic and Trade Cooperation Exchange Conference in Jakarta, Indonesia. (Xinhua/Xu Qin)

Indonesian Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Sakti Wahyu Trenggono speaks at the 2023 China (Zhejiang) - Indonesia Economic and Trade Cooperation Exchange Conference in Jakarta, Indonesia, Nov. 14, 2023. (Xinhua/Xu Qin)
New Delhi: As a child, he witnessed Allied pilots use his father's hotel in Calcutta during the second world war and six-and-half-decades later saw a dastardly terrorist attack all but destroy his flagship hotel in Mumbai.

PRS 'Biki' Oberoi, who died on Tuesday morning at the age of 94 years, was no less than an industry legend whose name was enough to add a touch of grandeur to any hotel property across the world. Inheriting India's first five-star hotel from his father, he changed the face of the Indian hospitality industry as he turned his group of the same name into one of India's best known luxury hotel groups.

In 1984, he took over a nine-hotel chain from his father and The Oberoi Group founder Rai Bahadur Mohan Singh Oberoi. Since then, PRS Oberoi has steered the hospitality chain through its ups and downs.

The group now has hotels, cruises and resorts spread across seven countries under three brands Oberoi Hotels & Resorts, Trident Hotels and Maiden Hotel.

A hotel magnate who embodied fine living, his death brings to an end two generations of the family that built the Oberoi empire into an Indian hospitality powerhouse.

Oberoi, who was the executive chairman of EIH Limited, the flagship company of The Oberoi Group, passed on the baton of his group in May 2022. His nephew Arjun is now the executive chairman of the group while son Vikramjit is the CEO.

The group had humble beginnings. Born to a modestly wealthy family in 1898 in Bhaun village in Punjab province of Pakistan, his father worked as a front desk clerk at The Cecil (now The Oberio Cecil), a small hotel in Shimla, before taking a loan against his family wealth including the wife's jewellery, to buy his first property, Clarke's Hotel, also in Shimla, in 1934.

Four years later, he purchased the lease for the Grand Hotel (now The Oberoi Grand) in what was then Calcutta, which was on sale after a cholera epidemic.

In 1943, he bought Associated Hotels of India, becoming the first Indian to own the country's largest upmarket hotel chain, with properties including Shimla's Cecil Hotel where he had worked as a clerk.

When his father was setting up the hotel business, Biki was sent to St Paul's School in Darjeeling in 1939 and after finishing school in 1946 to London to study chartered accountancy. He travelled to France and Switzerland and worked in hotels there to gain experience.

It was in 1942, he witnessed Allied pilots, who were fighting Japan during the second world war, make the Grand Hotel as a base.

In 1954, he was given his first hotel to run  Maidens in New Delhi and then Grand Hotel in Calcutta. He was also given charge of four hotels in Pakistan that had come as part of the AHI acquisition. However, the Pakistan government took over those properties after the 1965 war.

Not to be let down, Biki worked with his elder brother Tilak 'Tikki' Raj Singh Oberoi, moving into industrial-scale hotels with the opening of their main property in the national capital in 1965. It was India's first modern hotel with swimming pools, four or five restaurants and 320 rooms.

Associated Hotels of India Ltd was merged with what was then East India Hotels Ltd (now EIH Ltd) in 1968, bringing into the fold The Oberoi Grand, Calcutta; Maidens Hotel, New Delhi; and The Oberoi Cecil, Shimla. The next landmark was the construction of a Mumbai hotel, now known as the Trident, in 1973 and its sister hotel on the same site, The Oberoi, in 1986.

Tikki died in 1984. His son Arjun is now the executive chairman of the group.

That year, their father suffered a stroke and passed on the baton of the group to Biki. Under him, Oberoi went on an expansion sphere - entering into a contract to operate all snack bars and restaurants at Mumbai airport in 1986, and listing GDRs on the London Stock Exchange in 1994.

Cigar-smoking Biki, who was known to take his own towels and bring along cooks to cities where he did not own a hotel, in 1988 launched a new brand, Trident when a new hotel, which was five-star but not a luxury property, was opened in Chennai.

The Oberoi Rajvilas in Jaipur opened in 1998 and put Indian hospitality on the world luxury travel map. A night's stay in 1998 cost a then-unthinkable Rs 8,000 and continues to be one of the most expensive resorts in the country. This was followed by similar iconic properties in Agra, Udaipur and Ranthambore (Amarvilas, Udaivilas and Vanyavilas, respectively).

Besides offering ultra-luxury, the chain offered unmatched service. As these properties gained credibility, so did Oberoi's reputation and his group was often referred to as a gold standard in the industry.

When Pakistani terrorists attacked Mumbai in 2008, Oberoi-Trident hotel was one of the properties attacked. Two terrorists, who spent two days holed up in the Oberoi killing about 20 guests and 11 staff members, destroyed the entire interior of the hotel. Oberoi took a personal interest in redesigning the property which opened 18 months later.

"It is with deep sadness that we inform the peaceful passing of PRS Oberoi, Chairman Emeritus of The Oberoi Group, earlier today. A luminary in the hospitality industry, Oberoi's legacy transcends borders, leaving an indelible mark on the global landscape," a company statement said.

PRS Oberoi was born in New Delhi on February 3, 1929. He served as chairman of the company since 1988 until he stepped down in May last year due to ill health.

"PRS Oberoi has decided to relinquish his position as chairman and director of the EIH Associated Hotels Ltd effective May 2, 2022 due to his deteriorating health," a press release had said at that time.

Besides son Vikramjit, he is survived by daughters Natasha and Anastasia.

A recipient of India's second highest civilian honour -- Padma Vibhushan -- in 2008, PRS Oberoi was also awarded the 'Corporate Hotelier of the World' by HOTELS magazine in 2010.

The Oberoi brand has come to represent fine luxury hotels. Business India magazine adjudged PRS Oberoi the Businessman of the Year 2008. He received this award for building a world-class premium hospitality brand. In November 2008, he was conferred the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards for redefining design standards in luxury hotels.

In October 2005, the Hotel Investment Conference Asia Pacific (HICAP), which is the preeminent gathering of hotel investors, investment bankers and leading industry professionals in the region, honoured him with the Lifetime Achievement Award at its annual conference in Hong Kong.

This award was given in recognition of his contribution to the hospitality industry and his pioneering leadership in making The Oberoi Group a global brand by taking the concept of luxury to a new paradigm.

In February 2013, PRS Oberoi was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award for Management by The All India Management Association.

In his condolence message, Mahindra group's Anand Mahindra said: "His many achievements were never sufficiently recognised. He made 'Oberoi' a global byword for the Indian luxury hospitality experience and the first to put an Indian hotel on the very top of global rankings. He also rallied the group heroically but quietly post the 26/11 attack on their Mumbai flagship. He was a class act. Period." Minister of State for IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar said he was "without doubt, the man who put Indian hospitality and service on the global map."
New Delhi: The festival of Bhai Dooj, also called Bhai Tika, Bhaubeej, Bhai Phonta, or Bhratri Dwitiya, honours the unique relationship that exists between siblings. In many states, the five-day Diwali celebrations come to an end on this day. Bhai Dooj is observed annually two days following the Festival of Lights. Bhai Dooj will be observed on November 14 and 15, this year.

Sisters carry a colourful thali full of sweets, roli, and coconut, and on this day, they apply tilak on their brothers' foreheads and pray for long and happy lives. When applying tilak, the sister's face should face northeast or east, and the brother's face should face north or northwest. Subsequently, siblings give each other traditional Indian sweets and exchange gifts to commemorate this special day. Until the pooja is completed, brothers and sisters must fast together.

The sister can send the dry coconut and tilak to her brother if the brother is unable to visit for any reason. On the auspicious occasion of Bhau-beej, women without brothers worship Moon Chandra, as is customary in Maharashtra and Haryana.

Although there are some similarities between Raksha Bandhan and Bhai Dooj, sisters do not tie a thread or Rakhi on their brothers' wrists on Bhai Dooj.

This year, the joyous festival of Bhai Dooj is anticipated to be celebrated with great enthusiasm throughout India, extending over two days. The auspicious Muhurat for the festival is set to begin on November 14 and continue through November 15. This extended timeframe provides siblings with many opportunities to engage in the traditional customs and rituals of Bhai Dooj.

The auspicious Bhai Dooj will commence on Tuesday, November 14, is slated to start at 01:10 PM and conclude at 03:19 PM, offering a duration of 2 hours and 9 minutes. Furthermore, the Dwitiya Tithi is set to commence at 02:36 PM on November 14 and conclude at 01:47 PM on November 15.
NEW DELHI: In the aftermath of Diwali festivities, Delhiites woke up to a city shrouded in a choking smog as the Air Quality Index (AQI) soared to 'severe' levels in several areas on Tuesday. This deterioration in the air quality came just days after a brief respite due to pre-Diwali rain, now washed away by the adverse impact of firecracker bursts during the festival.

AQI Reaches Alarming Levels In Key Areas

The Central Pollution Control Board reported a significant escalation in the AQI, with areas such as RK Puram, Jahangirpuri, Punjabi Bagh, and IGI Airport registering levels over 400. Specifically, RK Puram recorded an AQI of 417, Punjabi Bagh at 410, ITO at 430, IGI Airport at 430, and Jahangirpuri at 428.

#WATCH | Air Quality in Delhi deteriorates to the 'Severe' category, as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).



(Visuals around the Lodhi Road area, shot at 7 am) pic.twitter.com/aFra1UrUpX  ANI (@ANI) November 14, 2023

Government Enforces GRAP IV Measures

In response to the worsening air quality, Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced the continuation of anti-pollution measures under the GRAP IV regulations. These measures include a ban on BS-III petrol vehicles and BS-IV diesel vehicles, as well as restrictions on the entry of trucks, excluding those carrying essential goods. Rai highlighted the challenges posed by the influx of firecrackers from neighboring states despite a ban within Delhi.

Extended Anti-Pollution Initiatives

The Environment Minister extended the ongoing anti-dust campaign for fifteen more days and introduced a new anti-open burning campaign from November 14 to December 14. Additionally, 375 water sprinklers will be deployed as part of a renewed water sprinkling campaign to counter the decreasing effect of recent rains.

Potential Return Of Odd-Even Scheme

Rai hinted at the potential implementation of the odd-even scheme if the air quality reaches the 'Severe Plus' category. He emphasized the need for cooperation from construction agencies in dust control measures.

Row Over Bursting Of Firecrackers On Diwali

Amidst the pollution concerns, a political controversy erupted as BJP MP Manoj Tiwari questioned the firecracker ban, accusing other parties of hindering Diwali celebrations. Minister Rai countered, labeling such statements as contempt of court and expressing disappointment over the opposition's stance.

Smog Engulfs Delhi Despite Ban On Firecrackers

Despite the AAP government's ban on firecrackers and the 'Diya Jalao, Patakhe nahi' campaign, visuals from various parts of Delhi showcased fireworks lighting up the night sky on Sunday. The situation exacerbates the ongoing struggle to combat deteriorating air quality in the national capital.

Pollution Challenges

Delhi's air quality has been a cause for concern since the last week of October, with PM 2.5 levels reaching 20 times the World Health Organisation's prescribed limit. The concentration of pollutants has led to the closure of primary classes and restrictions on truck entry.

Understanding The AQI

The Air Quality Index (AQI) scale, ranging from 'good' to 'severe,' reflects the impact on both healthy individuals and those with existing respiratory conditions. As Delhi and neighboring regions grapple with the annual deterioration in air quality, authorities are intensifying efforts to curb pollution from various sources, including vehicle emissions, industrial activities, construction dust, and stubble burning.
TS LAWCET 2023: Telangana State Council of Higher Education, TSCHE, will begin registering students for TS LAWCET counselling on November 14, 2023. Candidates eligible for admission can view the relevant dates on this page. The registration form must be filed online at lawcetadm.tsche.ac.in, the official website. Candidates will be assigned a seat based on their desired subject and college. On November 28, the first phase of seat allotment will be issued.

TS LAWCET Counselling 2023: Schedule

Online Registration cum verification, online payment along with uploading scanned copies of certificates for verification Nov 14 to 21, 2023 Display of verified list of eligible registered candidates & call for corrections if any through e- mail 22-Nov Exercising Web options- Phase Nov 23 to 24 List of Provisionally selected candidates will be prepared College wise and will be placed in the website (Phase-I) 28-Nov Reporting at concerned colleges for Verification of Original Certificates Nov 29 to Dec 2

TS LAWCET Counselling: Steps to apply here

1. Candidates who are interested should visit the official website at lawcet.tsche.ac.in.

2. Locate the TS LAWCET link on the homepage.

3. Enter your name, date of birth, mobile number, e-mail address, qualifying examination, course stream, and other pertinent information and submit.

4. Pay the application cost once the registration process is completed.

5. Fill out the form and save the confirmation page.

6. Take a screenshot of it or print it off for future reference.

There are 4,790 seats in three-year law degree courses in 22 schools, 2,280 seats in five-year law degree courses in 19 colleges, and 930 seats in LLM courses in 17 law colleges. In the TS LAWCET, 20,234 applicants qualified for the three-year programme, 6,039 qualified for the five-year programme, and 2,776 qualified for the PGLCET 2023.
Hyundai Motor held a groundbreaking ceremony For a dedicated electrical vehicle (EV) manufacturing plant in the country's southeastern industrial city of Ulsan, with a goal of producing 200,000 vehicles annually, starting in 2026. Hyundai will spend 2 trillion won ($1.51 billion) to build the 548,000-square-meter EV factory in Ulsan, some 300 kms southeast of Seoul. When completed, it will be Hyundai's first domestic manufacturing plant in 29 years since its Asan plant, built in 1996. The ceremony, held at the EV plant site, a former test drive site inside Hyundai's larger Ulsan plant, was attended by Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung and Ulsan Mayor Ki Du-kyum, reports Yonhap news agency.

According to Hyundai, the envisioned facility will be operated through the company's innovative manufacturing platform developed by the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center in Singapore, the company's smart urban mobility hub.

Also Read - Mahindra Files Patent For Two New Vehicles: Thar.e. & Scorpio-N Global Pikup

The platform factors in and streamlines elements involving workers' safety, convenience and efficient operations. It utilizes an artificial intelligence-based intelligent control system and environmentally friendly, low-carbon production methods.

"The dedicated EV plant marks another beginning towards the era of electrification for the next 50 years," Chung said in his welcome remarks at the ceremony.

Chung also pledged for Hyundai to work together with the local government to make Ulsan a "pioneering innovative mobility city," leading the era of electrification.

Hyundai has previously announced a medium- to long-term goal of producing and selling 940,000 EV units by 2026 and 2 million units by 2030.

After the event, Chung hinted that Hyundai intends to continue investing in the EV business despite recent cost-cutting efforts among global competitors, such as GM and Ford.

"It's an investment we've been making, and while there are various methods, such as cost reduction, in the broader picture, the demand for EVs will inevitably continue to increase," Chung told reporters.

Also featured at the ceremony was a video highlighting the history of Hyundai's Ulsan plant. In it, the late Chung Ju-yung, founder of Hyundai, whose image and voice were recreated using artificial intelligence technology, was seen praising the abilities of South Korean engineers.

"Thanks to the outstanding abilities and dedication of these individuals, I am confident that the day is not far off when Korean cars, our cars, will dominate the global market," the late founder was portrayed as saying.
New Delhi: A sub-inspector was crushed to death by a sand-laden tractor in a shocking incident in Jamui, Bihar. Sources said that the sub-inspector and a few fellow policeman had gone to the spot after getting a tip-off about illegal sand mining. There they spotted a tractor carrying sand and attempted to stop it. But the tractor driver did not heed their signal and mowed down the sub-inspector with the tractor. He succumbed to his injuries on the spot.

Two constables were also wounded. The horrific incident took place near Ropawel in the jurisdiction of Garehi police station. The sand mafia brutally murdered the deputy station head who was on patrol duty by running him over with a tractor. A home guard jawan Rajesh Kumar Sah also sustained serious injuries. The slain sub-inspector was Prabhat Ranjan, an SI of the 2018 batch.

The district SP, Shourya Suman, rushed to the district hospital. Initial information revealed that the police team had set out for patrol around seven in the morning.
In today's DNA, Sourabh Raaj Jain analysed the issue related to the general public, something that hasnt been addressed in recent years. Until a few years ago, during the festive season of Diwali, Chhath Puja, or any such occasion, there used to be news of massive crowds accumulating at railway and bus stations.

Especially at railway stations during Chhath or Diwali, there used to be an overwhelming crowd. Conditions were such that there was barely space to step onto the trains. Many times, the police had to resort to lathicharge at railway stations. On trains heading to Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, there was such disorder that people were compelled to travel sitting in the train's toilets.

However, in recent years, such reports have stopped coming. So, has our railway system changed so much that people can easily reach their homes during festivals? Do people now easily get train tickets or seats upon reaching the railway stations? Today, we are going to show you the truth behind this.

While various categories have been created in trains such as First Class, AC Class, Sleeper Class, Chair Car, or Second Class General, no one can deny that passengers travelling on trains are now only categorized into two sections.

The first section is for Premium Trains or those travelling in AC. People in this category spend thousands of rupees on their travel. Their capacity can range from purchasing tickets worth Rs 1,500, 2,000, 3,000, or even 4,000. They have the capability to afford such high fares.

However, the second section is for those who only desire to be with their families during their festivals. They want to celebrate Diwali, Chhath, and similar festivals with their families. Although they don't have a lot of money, they can afford tickets ranging from Rs 100 to Rs 500. They cannot afford to spend thousands of rupees; perhaps that's why the railway provides them with services according to their budget.

For passengers in this section, AC, water, or a fan is a luxury; if they get a seat, they consider it a blessing. This is the category where not just comfort, but even getting a seat is something the Railway Ministry doesn't think much about.
In the Raigarh assembly constituency of Chhattisgarh, the electoral contest typically pits the Congress against the BJP. However, this election has become intriguing with the debut entry of a transgender candidate. For the first time in Chhattisgarh's political history, a transgender candidate is contesting from a legislative assembly seat. Madhu Bai, the transgender candidate, has been nominated by the Congress as their candidate from the Raigarh constituency. Madhu Bai, along with her entire team, has actively engaged in election campaigning, employing singing, dancing, and other unique methods, setting her campaign apart from the strategies of other parties.

Madhu Bai isnt new to electoral battles. In 2014, she clinched victory in the mayoral election in Raigarh, becoming the first transgender mayor in Chhattisgarh. Given her campaign efforts in Bhilai for Congress, she seems more confident than ever in this election.

However, the opinion among locals regarding Madhu Bai's electoral bid varies significantly. Facing Madhu Bai in the electoral arena is the current Congress MLA Prakash Nayak, who seemingly doesnt perceive Madhu Kinnaur as a challenge.

From the BJP camp, the party has fielded OP Choudhary, a former collector from Raigarh. While OP Choudhary is seen as a contender for the Chief Minister's post in Chhattisgarh by the BJP, he seems to avoid any form of criticism or comment regarding Madhu Bai, the transgender candidate.

This marks the first instance in Chhattisgarh's politics where any political party has nominated a transgender individual as their candidate. However, looking at the national scenario, Shabnam Mausi won a by-election from Madhya Pradesh's Sohagpur assembly seat in 2000, becoming the country's first transgender legislator. This might be the second opportunity in the country where a transgender individual is testing their fate in a legislative assembly election.
Two days ahead of the voting in Madhya Pradesh for the 230 assembly seats, the political rhetoric has intensified in the state. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the Congress of not fulfilling any guarantee, Rahul Gandhi accused the BJP of taking down an elected government. Amid the verbal rhetorics, the BJP made an all-out pitch to woo the voters by a mega roadshow of PM Modi. On the other hand, top leaders of the saffron party and Congress campaigned extensively in the state.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a mega roadshow in Indore covering three constituencies. The 55-minute-long roadshow was earlier scheduled to cover five to six assembly seats but the plan was changed at the last minute. Earlier addressing a rally in the state, the BJP leader said that Modi's guarantee means a guarantee to fulfill the guarantee. He accused the Congress of being corrupt and not fulfilling the promises made.

On the other hand, Rahul Gandhi addressed a rally in the state's Vidisha where he exuded confidence in securing a majority in the state. He slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) while talking about the toppling of the Congress government in 2020 and alleged that the BJP leaders, along with top leadership purchased MLAs and stole the elected Government of Madhya Pradesh. Gandhi also promised to hold a national caste census if elected to power.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah campaigned in Rewa, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath in Bhind and BJP president JP Nadda addressed rallies in Bhojpur. Shah also held a roadshow in Jabalpur. Priyanka Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge have also campaigned in the state in the last few days.

While the BJP's ground-level campaign is being led by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, former CM Kamal Nath is spearheading the Congress party's poll blitzkrieg. The Congress is making a last-ditch effort to grab power once again in the state which is likely to witness a photo-finish just like the 2018 polls.
NEW DELHI: The Election Commission on Tuesday issued a show-cause notice to Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra over her "false statement" against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a public rally in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh where model code of conduct has come into force. The commission has asked the Congress leader to explain the statement by November 16 by 8:00 pm, as to why appropriate action for violation of the model code of conduct (MCC) as well as provisions of election and penal laws should not be taken against her.

The notice from the Elections Commission came following a complaint filed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to the poll body that while addressing a public rally at Sanwer Assembly Constituency in Madhya Pradesh, "she made unverified and false statements in respect of PM Narendra Modi that have the potential to mislead the public and tarnish the image of PM."

"You are hereby called upon to explain your statement made against star campaigner of another National Party and to show cause by 2000 hrs of 16th November 2023 as to why appropriate action for violation of Model Code of Conduct should not be taken against you," the poll body said in the notice issued to Priyanka.

The ECI further said that clause 2 of Part I 'General Conduct'of Model Code of Conduct for the guidance of Political Parties and Candidates' provides--"Criticism of other political parties, when made, shall be confined to their policies and programme, past record and work. Parties and Candidates shall refrain from criticism of all aspects of private life, not connected with the public activities of the leaders or workers of other parties. Criticism of other parties or their workers based on unverified allegations or distortion shall be avoided."

Other parties or their workers shall not be criticised based on unverified allegations or distortions, it added. Notably, also the Supreme Court, in the Guruji Shrihari Baliram Jivatode vs Vithalrao case (1969) held that the political history of even countries like England shows that sensational false election propaganda against a political party, particularly on the eve of an election might upset the party's electoral fortune. But the advantage gained from free criticism--though sometimes it may turn out to be irresponsible--in the long run outweighs the disadvantages.

Earlier on November 8, Addressing a rally in support of Congress candidates in Sanwer in the Dewas district of Madhya Pradesh, senior Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has handed over government companies to his industrialist friends. "Modi ji, the BHEL from which we used to get employment and the country was moving forward, what did you do with this? To whom did you give it? Why did you give this to your industrialist friends?" Priyanka Gandhi said.

The poll commission also said that whereas, the public generally believes that the statements made by the senior leader that too of a star campaigner of a national party, are true, it is expected that such a leader is privy to and possesses a factual base of the statements made by him/her.
People visit the installation of the "Museum of the Moon" in Larnaca, Cyprus, on Nov. 13, 2023. Created by renowned British artist Luke Jerram, the "Museum of the Moon", a 7-meter wide model of the moon, was displayed here from Monday to Sunday. (Photo by George Christophorou/Xinhua)

People visit the installation of the "Museum of the Moon" in Larnaca, Cyprus, on Nov. 13, 2023. Created by renowned British artist Luke Jerram, the "Museum of the Moon", a 7-meter wide model of the moon, was displayed here from Monday to Sunday. (Photo by George Christophorou/Xinhua)

People visit the installation of the "Museum of the Moon" in Larnaca, Cyprus, on Nov. 13, 2023. Created by renowned British artist Luke Jerram, the "Museum of the Moon", a 7-meter wide model of the moon, was displayed here from Monday to Sunday. (Photo by George Christophorou/Xinhua)

People visit the installation of the "Museum of the Moon" in Larnaca, Cyprus, on Nov. 13, 2023. Created by renowned British artist Luke Jerram, the "Museum of the Moon", a 7-meter wide model of the moon, was displayed here from Monday to Sunday. (Photo by George Christophorou/Xinhua)

People visit the installation of the "Museum of the Moon" in Larnaca, Cyprus, on Nov. 13, 2023. Created by renowned British artist Luke Jerram, the "Museum of the Moon", a 7-meter wide model of the moon, was displayed here from Monday to Sunday. (Photo by George Christophorou/Xinhua)
New Delhi: The political landscape of Madhya Pradesh is heating up as the state gears up for the assembly election on November 17th. The BJP and the Congress are leaving no stone unturned to woo the voters, with their top leaders like Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi spearheading the campaigns. The BJP is confident of retaining its stronghold, while the Congress is hopeful of making a comeback.

The election is also influenced by various factors, such as the anti-incumbency against the BJP, which has ruled the state for most of the last two decades, the high unemployment rate, and the distress of the farmers. The BJP is trying to counter these issues by highlighting its welfare schemes like the Ladli Behna Yojana and the popularity of Prime Minister Modi, while the Congress is focusing on exposing the failures of the Shivraj Singh Chauhan-led government.

Vindhya Region

The Vindhya region of Madhya Pradesh, a land of rich heritage and diverse landscapes, is set to witness a fierce political battle in the upcoming assembly elections. With 30 seats up for grabs, this region holds significant sway in determining the outcome of the polls

It comprises of 30 assembly seats across nine districts in eastern Madhya Pradesh - Rewa, Shahdol, Satna, Sidhi, Singrauli, Anuppur, Umaria, Maihar and Mauganj. Vindhya is a politically diverse and dynamic area that has witnessed the rise and fall of various parties and ideologies over the years.

BJPs Dominance

The region has been a stronghold of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) since 2003, when it won 25 out of the 30 seats and formed the government under Shivraj Singh Chouhan. The BJP repeated its performance in 2008 and 2013, winning 24 and 23 seats respectively. However, in 2018, the BJP faced a setback as it lost six seats to the Congress, which managed to form a coalition government with the support of four independents, two Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and one Samajwadi Party (SP) MLAs.

Congresss Comeback Hopes

The Congress, which had once dominated the region in the 1980s and 1990s, hopes to regain its lost ground in the upcoming 2023 elections by capitalizing on the anti-incumbency factor against the BJP, which returned to power in 2020 after the collapse of the Congress-led government. The Congress also aims to consolidate its support base among the Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs), who constitute a significant proportion of the population in the region. The party has also appointed Kamal Nath, a former chief minister and a prominent leader from the region, as its state president and leader of opposition.

The Vindhya region has also been a fertile ground for parties with alternative ideological orientations, such as the BSP, the SP, the Communist Party of India (CPI) and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)). The region has elected BSP MPs three times from the Rewa constituency, and BSP MLAs five times from various seats.

The SP has also won two seats in the region in the past. The CPI and the CPI(M) have also had a presence in the region, especially in the tribal-dominated areas, and have won seats in the 1970s and 1980s. However, these parties have seen a decline in their influence and vote share in the recent years, as the BJP and the Congress have emerged as the main contenders.

Factors Influencing Voters

The Vindhya region, therefore, presents a complex and challenging scenario for the political parties and candidates in the 2023 elections. The region is not only influenced by the local factors, such as caste, community, development and leadership, but also by the national and state-level issues, such as the performance of the central and state governments, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the economic crisis, and the role of the opposition and the media. The region is also likely to witness a high-voltage campaign and a close contest, as the BJP and the Congress will try to retain and regain their supremacy, while the AAP and other parties will try to make a dent in their vote base. The outcome of the elections in the Vindhya region will have a significant bearing on the overall result and the future of Madhya Pradesh politics.
New Delhi: The upcoming assembly election in Madhya Pradesh is a matter of life and death for both the BJP and the Congress, as it follows a dramatic political upheaval in 2018, when the Congress snatched the power from the BJP with 114 seats, only to lose it in 2020 due to the desertion of Jyotiraditya Scindia and his supporters to the BJP. The BJP then regained the power with Shivraj Singh Chauhan as the Chief Minister, who is now facing a stiff competition from his predecessor Kamal Nath, who is spearheading the Congress campaign. Interestingly, the BJP has not announced its chief ministerial face yet, hinting at a possible discord within the party.

Jyotiraditya Scindia, in an exclusive interview with Zee Media, said that BJP is going to form the government in Madhya Pradesh with full majority. "Every election is a tough test. No election is without struggle, it is full of struggle. I fight every election with a struggle-oriented approach. We are all united with one ideology and fighting the election. I have full confidence that based on our track record, our work, we will get the blessings of the people. Our government will be formed with a full majority. Dont go by the opinion polls," Scindia said in an interview with Zee News.

Rejecting the prediction of opinion polls on Congress winning the MP polls, Scindia said "Which opinion poll was there that said that Congress was going to form the government again in 2009. In 2019, no opinion poll said that instead of 250 seats, 303 seats came. I make my own opinion poll by looking at the pulse of the people, their eyes and touching the soil.

On Digvijay Singhs question of BJPs division, Scindia said that "He does not know BJP at all. Ask his brother Laxman Singh. Rather, there is lies, loot and split in Congress. All the MLAs who came with me, all the ministers who came, whether they won or not, they are all with me. We cannot satisfy everyone. Many workers came with me, some of them felt that they would not get the ticket, they went back. They went back for the ticket. I am wishing them all the best."

"If they could not get anything from me, they went there, but I do not have any hatred in my heart for them. On the question of CMs face, he said that they are all fighting the election together. They are fighting the election under the leadership of Prime Minister. Now we all workers leaders are fighting together. The credit for making Madhya Pradesh from a sick state to an unparalleled one goes to the party and 90% to Shivraj ji," the Scindia scion added.

On the question of CMs race, he said that neither my revered father ever ran for the chair, nor my grandmother ran for the chair, nor am I running for the chair. I am working as a BJP worker. I dont know how many seats we will get. I am not an astrologer. But it is clear that BJP will form the government with a full majority.
BETUL: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday made a blistering attack on Congress in Madhya Pradesh's Betul, saying that the grand old party's claims have been exposed and the party has already accepted its defeat. Addressing a big gathering of BJP supporters, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "As 17th November is nearing, Congress's claims are getting exposed. Today, we got a report from the entire Madhya Pradesh that Congress has accepted the defeat and now they're relying on luck."

Continuing his attack on Congress, PM Modi said, "Some of the Congress leaders are sitting at home, they don't even feel like going out, Congress leaders don't know what will they say to people. Congress has accepted that their fake promises don't stand a chance in front of Modi guarantees..."

PM Modi told the gathering that Congress and its leaders have been abusing him and that he has tolerated all the hatred and abuse only to fulfil the dreams of the common people, Ye Gaaliyan Mai Aapke Liye Khaata Hu.

While stressing that BJP means guarantee, the PM said, "This election is to stop the palm of Congress's corruption and loot from touching Madhya Pradesh's locker. You (people) should remember, Congress's palm knows how to steal and loot. You know that wherever Congress comes, they bring destruction."

#WATCH | Betul, MP: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "...Some of the Congress leaders are sitting at home, they don't even feel like going out, Congress leaders don't know what will they say to people. Congress has accepted that their fake promises don't stand a chance in front pic.twitter.com/MnhOwupxtE  ANI (@ANI) November 14, 2023

PM Modi in his sharpest attack on Congress said that the party has never spoken for the ''vocal for local' campaign. They dont know that today India is the largest manufacturer in the world 3.5 Lakh crore mobiles are manufactured in India. We are also exporting mobiles, he said.

The PM said that for years, Congress kept collecting the votes of tribals, they got their votes by telling lies. ''Congress kept tribals deprived of facilities like roads, electricity, water, schools, and hospitals...Congress never fulfils their promises...they promised to waive off loans before coming to power but for one and half years after forming govt, they couldn't do it. They were busy in looting...BJP gives importance to the interest of tribals and that's why a tribal daughter Droupadi Murmu is in the position of President and is leading the country"

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing a rally in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh on Monday, trained guns at Congress, former chief minister Digvijaya Singh and Kamal Nath, accusing them of pushing the state into an era of darkness.

PM Modi addressed a rally in Barwani in the State to seek votes for the party as the campaigning entered its final phase. Pointing out the proceeds of crime that are being unearthed in Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan through the various central probe agencies, the Prime Minister questioned that if these are hard-earned, honest money, they should not be hiding the proceeds under their mattress.

"Look at Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan and see how the piles of notes earned through Congress' 'kaali kamai' are being unearthed every day. Is this hard-earned, honest money? If so, why do you need to hide it under the mattress?" he questioned.

PM Modi said that the election will decide the "bright future" of Madhya Pradesh and is not just limited to the tussle between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress. "This election is not between the BJP and the Congress. It is going to decide the bright future of Madhya Pradesh. Congress leaders are responsible for pushing MP into a dark well. On the other side, there is the BJP, which has pulled MP out of the darkness. The Congress wants to capture MP only to fill its empty coffers," the Prime Minister said.

It may be recalled that the Kamal Nath government collapsed in March 2021 when 22 sitting Congress MLAs resigned under the leadership of Jyotiraditya Scindia and joined the BJP. Subsequently, the BJP formed the government in the state, with Shivraj Singh Chouhan taking office as Chief Minister.

The 230-member Madhya Pradesh assembly is set to go to polls on November 17, with the vote count taking place on December 3.
New Delhi: It's that time of the year which brings families together. Actor Hrithik Roshan also celebrated Diwali with his family and girlfriend Saba Azad. Taking to instragram, the actor gave a glimpse of the celebration. He shared a string of pictures from his Diwali celebration with his family.

Adding more warmth to the celebration was Hrithik's girlfriend Saba Azad who also joined the celebration. In romantic moment, the images captured Hrithik holding hands with Saba as they sit on a staircase while his whole family stood behind them. Hrithik wore an all-black outfit while Saba opted for a green and red lehenga.

In the picture, Rakesh Roshan, Pinkie Roshan, Pashmina Roshan, and other family members can be seen. Roshan's family also posed on the rooftop of their home. Sharing the picture, he wrote, "Happy Diwali beautiful people." This created a stir on the internet and fans chimed in the comment section. One of the users wrote, "Happy Diwali Sir. Thank You For Ur Diwali Gift.. For Cameo." Another user commented, "Awaiting movie krish 4 "

Recently, Hrithik shared a string of pictures from his sister Pashmina Roshan's birthday bash. In a light-hearted manner, Hrithik captioned, "Of gangsters and molls and gumshoes and mafia dons last night was a vintage lark! Happy birthday Pash." In the pictures, Hrithik could be seen posing with his girlfriend Saba Azad and his uncle Rajesh Roshan.

A while back, Hrithik also shared a happy group picture in which Pashmina could be seen donning a peach satin dress. Meanwhile, Hrithik recently made an appearance in Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif's 'Tiger 3' as Kabir. He will be next seen in Siddharth Anand's 'Fighter' opposite Deepika Padukone. Apart from that, he also has 'War 2' alongside Jr NTR in his kitty.
New Delhi: In a highly anticipated move, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is gearing up to unveil its Sankalp Patra (manifesto) for the upcoming Rajasthan Legislative Assembly elections on November 16. The manifesto, set to be revealed by BJP chief J P Nadda, holds significant promise, with key announcements expected to address a range of issues, as per party sources.

BJP Manifesto: What To Expect?

While specific details of the manifesto remain undisclosed, party insiders hint at a comprehensive document that may encompass relief measures for government employees, addressing wage disparities. Additionally, support for unorganized sector workers and an expansion of the Devnarayan scheme for religious site development are speculated to be part of the BJP's commitments.

The manifesto is rumoured to contain around five dozen commitments, including noteworthy proposals such as free education up to post-graduation for students. Furthermore, families covered under the Ujjwala and Ladli Sister schemes may find assurance in the promise of affordable gas cylinders priced at Rs 450, according to party sources.

Driving the formulation of the BJP manifesto is a diverse committee comprising key figures such as Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, Coordinator Ghanshyam Tiwari, Co-coordinator Kirodi Lal Meena, and National Minister Alka Singh Gurjar, among others. The committee's collective effort is underscored by the inclusion of approximately one crore suggestions and forms collected from across Rajasthan, reflecting a broad spectrum of public perspectives.

PM Modi, Shah, Nadda's Back-to-Back Rallies

Simultaneously, the BJP's top leadership is set to energize the electoral landscape with a series of rallies. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled for a significant rally in Barmer on Wednesday, followed by engagements in Bharatpur and Nagaur later in the week. Meanwhile, BJP party president JP Nadda and Home Minister Amit Shah are poised to address a combined total of nine rallies or roadshows, covering various districts in Rajasthan.

Congress Vs BJP In Rajasthan

Rajasthan, presently under Congress rule, is a crucial battleground for the BJP, which won 73 seats in the 2018 assembly elections compared to Congress's 99 in the 200-member House. The state is bracing for assembly polls on November 25, with the counting of votes scheduled for December 3. The BJP's strategic push in Rajasthan aligns with its broader electoral strategy, as evidenced by the recent release of the Sankalp Patra for Madhya Pradesh assembly polls.

BJP Releases Manifesto For MP

Ahead of the upcoming Madhya Pradesh assembly polls on November 17, BJP National President JP Nadda has already unveiled the party's Sankalp Patra. Titled 'Modi ki guarantee, BJP ka bharosa, Madhya Pradesh Sankalp Patra 2023,' the document outlines the party's commitments for the state. With elections looming, the BJP is strategically positioning itself with comprehensive manifestos, underlining its commitment to address key issues and secure voter confidence.

These developments set the stage for a dynamic electoral landscape in both Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, as political parties vie for public support in the run-up to the polls.
JAIPUR: The high-stakes assembly election in Rajasthan is witnessing a fierce electoral battle between close family members and relatives, who have been pitted against each other in four seats. These include a husband contesting against his wife and nieces up against their uncles. Polling in all 200 assembly constituencies in the state will be held on November 25 and counting of votes will take place on December 3.

Danta Ramgarh

In the electoral arena of Danta Ramgarh, familial ties are put to the test as Rita Chaudhary, representing the Jannayak Janta Party, contests against her husband, Virendra Chaudhary, the incumbent Congress MLA. Despite a history of allegiance to the Congress, Rita's divergence to the JJP earlier this year has added an intriguing twist to the political landscape. With a focus on issues like women empowerment and access to clean water, Rita expresses confidence in her ability to secure victory, emphasizing the desire for change among the electorate.

Dholpur

Dholpur witnesses a unique electoral clash where Shobharani Kushwah, who previously clinched victory as a BJP candidate in 2018, faces off against her brother-in-law, Shivcharan Kushwah, now representing the BJP. The dynamics of family relationships take a backseat as both candidates assert their commitment to their respective political parties. Shobharani, expelled by the BJP last year, has found a new home in the Congress, further intensifying the familial political drama.

Nagaur: Jyoti Mirdha Vs Harendra Mirdha

In Nagaur, the political landscape is coloured by familial discord as Jyoti Mirdha, once a Congress MP, now represents the BJP, while her uncle, Harendra Mirdha, contests on the Congress ticket. This family rift adds a layer of complexity to the electoral battle, showcasing the divergence in political affiliations within the same kin.

Khetri: Gurjar Family Feud

The Gurjar family of Khetri, Jhunjhunu district, exemplifies a unique intra-family political struggle. Dharampal Gurjar, along with his brother Dataram Gurjar, competes for a BJP ticket. However, the family dynamic takes an unexpected turn as Dataram's daughter, Manisha Gurjar, rebels against the BJP's choice and joins the Congress, becoming the party's candidate for the seat. The electoral clash within the Gurjar family highlights the intricate interplay of politics and kinship.

Congress Vs BJP In Rajasthan

As Rajasthan gears up for the assembly polls on November 25, the political landscape is marked by intense rivalries between the Congress and the BJP. With 1875 candidates, including 183 women and 1,692 men, in the fray, the state, presently under Congress rule, becomes a crucial battleground for the BJP. The outcome of this familial political saga will unfold on December 3, as the state braces for the counting of votes. The BJP's strategic manoeuvres in Rajasthan align with its broader electoral strategy, evident in its recent release of the Sankalp Patra for the Madhya Pradesh assembly polls.
Dehradun: Coordinated efforts are still being made to evacuate 40 stranded workers who got trapped after a portion of the tunnel under construction between Silkyara and Dandalgaon on the Brahmakhal-Yamunotri national highway collapsed in the early hours of Sunday. Sadly, even after 48 hours, the rescue teams have made little headway in cutting down the rocks that fell over a 200-meter area, trapping the workers inside the tunnel. Rescuers are trying to create an escape passage to reach the trapped workers and the distance is about 40 metres.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami over the phone and inquired about the 40 workers trapped inside an under-construction tunnel for over 24 hours in Uttarkashi.

Here are the latest updates: -

-Uttarakhand CM said, " I am closely monitoring the situation. I visited the spot, and I also spoke to the family members of the people who are trapped inside...food, water and oxygen is being supplied to all those people. PM Modi is also closely monitoring the situation."

-Commandant SDRF-Uttarakhand, Manikant Mishra said he has spoken to workers trapped in the tunnel and they have assured him that all 40 workers were doing well. Mishra said that the trapped workers will be rescued soon. Essential food items and some medicines were supplied to the workers today, Mishra added, as per ANI.

-Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami is reviewing the status of the ongoing operation to rescue 40 workers trapped in the Silkyara Tunnel located on Uttarkashi-Yamunotri road.

Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami in Dehradun reviews the status of the ongoing operation to rescue 40 workers trapped in Silkyara Tunnel located on Uttarkashi-Yamunotri road pic.twitter.com/kuGUeeOJns  ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) November 14, 2023

-The pipes will be pushed in using the horizontal drilling equipment to create an escape passage for the workers, who are safe and are being provided with oxygen, water and light food items such as dry fruits.

-Rescuers at the under-construction tunnel collapse site have initiated the process of inserting large-diameter mild steel pipes through the rubble using an auger machine to rescue the 40 workers trapped for two days now.

-The panel will have an expert each from Geological Survey of India, Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Indian Institute of Remote Sensing, Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority and Geology And Mining Unit of the state government as its members.

-The Uttarakhand government has formed a 6-member panel headed by the director of the Disaster Mitigation and Management Centre (DMMC), Piyoosh Rautela, to investigate the causes behind the collapse of the Silkyara tunnel.

Uttarakhand govt constitutes a six-member expert committee to investigate the Uttarkashi tunnel accident. pic.twitter.com/kVGmPI1hh6  ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) November 14, 2023

-The report further stated that experts from the Authority Engineer, Geological Expert from RVNL and many more visited the collapse site periodically over the night and subsequently all the options were explored.

-A report from the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) says the tunnel had been breached by 21 metres and rescue efforts are continuing. The detailed report on the accident says the Silkyara Tunnel is 4531 meters long and is under construction at a cost of Rs 853.79 crore.

#WATCH | Uttarakhand: Rescue operations underway in Silkyara Tunnel located on Uttarkashi-Yamnotri road.



(Video - SDRF) pic.twitter.com/mwcu3yeeJE  ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) November 14, 2023

-Trucks loaded with 900 mm diameter pipes have reached Silkyara. A platform is being prepared for the auger machine for horizontal drilling to rescue the trapped labourers by inserting large-diameter MS pipes in the part of the Silkyara tunnel blocked by subsidence, said the Uttarakhand govt.

#WATCH | Uttarkashi tunnel accident: Trucks loaded with 900 mm diameter pipes reach Silkyara. A platform is being prepared for the auger machine for horizontal drilling to rescue the trapped labourers by inserting large diameter MS pipes in the part of the Silkyara tunnel blocked pic.twitter.com/KcGcVB2z55  ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) November 14, 2023

-According to an official statement, PM Modi has inquired about the incident twice till now. "Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw have also talked to CM Dhami," the statement said.

Uttarakhand | Prime Minister Narendra Modi took information from Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami over phone about the workers trapped in the tunnel near Silkyara, Uttarkashi. Giving detailed information about the relief and rescue operations, the Chief Minister said that pic.twitter.com/OZsn59dLNf  ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) November 13, 2023

-The Chief Minister said that various state and central agencies are engaged in relief and rescue operations with mutual coordination and promptness. CM Dhami said that all the workers trapped inside the tunnel are safe and every effort is being made to get them out soon.

-Uttarkashi SP Arpan Yaduvanshi who visited the tunnel said it may take one more day to rescue the trapped workers. "Rescue operation is underway, all the agencies and technical experts have arrived here. Out of the 60 metres of debris, over 20 metres of debris has been cleared. We expect to evacuate the 40 people trapped inside by the night tomorrow. All basic amenities including oxygen, food and water are being provided to them through pipes. Family members of the people trapped have also been contacted..." Yaduvanshi said.

-Giving more information, Ranjeet Kumar Sinha, State Disaster Management Secretary, said that the tunnel collapsed due to pressure caused by soft rock.

-According to the road transport and highway ministry, on November 12, 2023, at 0530 hrs about 40 workers were inside the tunnel doing reprofiling work 260 metres to 265 metres from the Silkyara portal when a collapse occurred at 205 metres to 260 metres and all 40 workers based on contractor tunnel entry register trapped inside the tunnel.

-"Incident was immediately reported to all concerned agencies of state/central government and rescue work started ...All co-ordinated efforts are being made to evacuate the stranded workforce at the earliest," the ministry said. The statement further said communication with trapped workers has been established through walkie-talkies.

-After discussions among experts and an inspection of the behaviour of the fallen muck site over the night, the road transport ministry said, it has been decided to push a 900 mm dia MS steel pipe with the help of a hydraulic jack to evacuate the workers trapped inside.

-Availability of man, material and machinery were identified and being mobilised by today evening along with experts of the irrigation department. Besides, officials from RVNL, NHIDCL, CGM NHAI and SDRF reached and inspected the incident site and monitored the rescue operation closely.

-While excavation with shotcreting for 40 metres of the collapsed tunnel has started, the statement said, an additional shotcrete machine has also been shifted from RVNL to the work site.

-The construction of this tunnel is expected to benefit pilgrims, providing all-weather connectivity and reducing 25.6-km snow-affected NH-134 (Dharasu-Barkot-Yamunotri road) to 4.531 km, resulting in the reduction of travel time to 5 minutes from 50 minutes at present.
COLOMBO: A 6.2 magnitude strong earthquake jolted Sri Lanka on Tuesday triggering powerful shockwaves and tremors that were felt in its capital Colombo. The earthquake had a depth of 10 Km and was located 1326km SE of Colombo, Sri Lanka. Earthquake of Magnitude:6.2, Occurred on 14-11-2023, 12:31:10 IST, Lat: -2.96 & Long: 86.54, Depth: 10 Km, Location: 1326km SE of Colombo, Sri Lanka," the National Center for Seismology (NCS) said in a post.

Earthquake of Magnitude:6.2, Occurred on 14-11-2023, 12:31:10 IST, Lat: -2.96 & Long: 86.54, Depth: 10 Km ,Location: 1326km SE of Colombo, Sri Lanka for more information Download the BhooKamp App https://t.co/4djY2ype7T@KirenRijiju @Dr_Mishra1966 @ndmaindia @Indiametdept pic.twitter.com/yqXchM4hZN  National Center for Seismology (@NCS_Earthquake) November 14, 2023

There were no immediate reports of any casualties or major damage although the earthquake triggered panic among the local residents who rushed out of their homes for safety. The Geological Survey and Mines Bureau of Sri Lanka said that the earthquake posed no danger to the island nation. The Sri Lankan authorities are currently assessing the impact of the seismic activity.

It may be recalled that an earthquake of magnitude 4.9 hit Tajikistan on Monday evening. According to the seismology centre, the tremors were felt around 5:46 PM and struck at a depth of 194 km. Taking to X, the NCS said, "Earthquake of Magnitude:4.9, Occurred on 13-11-2023, 17:46:37 IST, Lat: 38.73 & Long: 72.49, Depth: 194 Km, Location: Tajikistan."
In response to economic challenges, Pakistan has introduced new fees for pilgrims visiting Kartarpur Gurudwara Sahib, raising fingers against the Pakistan government and concerns within the Sikh community. Foreign pilgrims travelling to Kartarpur are now required to purchase a ticket after paying a fee of five dollars or PKR 1,500 to visit Kartarpur Gurdwara.

The decision has elicited sharp reactions particularly because Pakistan had already been charging Indian pilgrims a fee of $20 for those visiting Gurudwara Kartarpur via the corridor. While the move is being seen as an attempt to address economic pressures in Pakistan, questions have arisen about the impact on the country's commitment to providing free access to the Gurdwaras located within its borders.

Rajinder Singh Mehta, the General Secretary of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbhandhak Committee (SGPC), expressed his concerns about the imposition of fees on religious sentiments. He stated, "It is not appropriate to impose any form of tax on someone's religious sentiments. Any fee imposed on the Kartarpur Corridor by Pakistan is inherently wrong. Adding another $5 fee to the ticket is also an unjust action. While it is true that Pakistan built the Kartarpur Corridor, imposing service taxes for religious pilgrimage, including visits to Gurdwara, goes against Sikh traditions and beliefs.

The SGPC, as the largest body representing Sikhs, oversees the affairs of the Sikh community and its religious affairs.

The Kartarpur Corridor, inaugurated in 2019, was celebrated as a historic step towards fostering goodwill between India and Pakistan. The corridor allows Sikh pilgrims from India to visit the revered Kartarpur Gurudwara Sahib in Pakistan without requiring a visa. However, India and various Sikh organizations have repeatedly urged Pakistan to withdraw the service charges of $20 at the corridor.

The decision to charge a fee of five dollars for Sikh pilgrims who have obtained a visa to Pakistan and arrived through routes other than the Kartarpur Corridor has raised eyebrows against the Pakistan government. Harpreet Singh, a US citizen, expressed his frustration over Pakistan's decision to impose a $5 ticket fee to visit Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib. He said, "It's strange that on one hand, the Pakistan government has been propagating its promises for religious tourism, and on the other hand, they have been imposing tickets to visit religious places of the Sikhs. It is not acceptable."

In contrast, sources suggest that supporters of the fees argue that Pakistan's economic challenges necessitate alternative revenue sources. They believe that the fees could contribute to the maintenance and development of the Kartarpur Corridor and its associated facilities.

Reports indicate that Pakistani citizens travelling to Kartarpur for the project are also subject to fees. According to sources, individuals from Pakistan are required to pay 400 Pakistani rupees per person when visiting Kartarpur.

It is significant to note that even after the completion of four years of opening of the Kartarpur Corridor, the number of pilgrims utilizing the corridor is around 200 daily, which falls short of the expected 5,000 pilgrims.
LONDON: In a surprising turn of events, former UK Prime Minister David Cameron has made a political comeback, taking on the role of the new UK Foreign Secretary. This move, orchestrated by current Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, showcases his willingness to take risks in a bid to reinvigorate his political fortunes.

Cameron's Journey: From UK PM To Foreign Secretary

David Cameron, a seasoned politician and former Conservative Party leader, served as the UK Prime Minister from 2010 to 2016. A graduate of Eton College and Oxford University, he was tasked with modernizing the Conservative Party and led it to victory in two general elections.

Brexit And Cameron's Resignation

One of Cameron's defining moments was his decision to hold a referendum on Brexit, despite his personal opposition. The subsequent vote, with 52% opting to leave the EU, led to Cameron's resignation as Prime Minister. This historic event marked a significant turning point in UK politics.

After the referendums results, Cameron resigned as the PM. Announcing his resignation in an emotional speech following the result of a historic referendum, Cameron said that he accepted and respected the will of the people, but said that the country needed a new PM. While assuring people that he will try to steady this ship, he famously said that it would not be right for me to be the captain who steers the country to its next destination.

Since then, Cameron has not been active in politics.

Cameron's Political Hiatus And Return: A Parallel With Gulzarilal Nanda

Since his resignation, Cameron has remained relatively inactive in politics, drawing parallels with Gulzarilal Nanda, the shortest-serving interim prime minister of India. Nanda, known for his brief stints in office, opposed the Emergency and was a key figure in India's freedom movement.

Gulzarilal Nanda, born in 1898, played a crucial role in unifying the labour force during the freedom movement. Despite his limited time in office, Nanda remained vocal against corruption and contributed to India's First Five Year Plan. His strong beliefs, especially on banning cow slaughter, reflected his dedication to his principles.

David Cameron's return to politics echoes Nanda's temporary resurgences as an interim prime minister. Both figures, though facing different political landscapes, share a commitment to their convictions and a readiness to re-enter the political arena when the need arises.

In a broader context, Cameron's appointment as Foreign Secretary adds a new dynamic to the UK government, signalling Prime Minister Sunak's strategic reshaping of his cabinet. The political landscape continues to evolve, and Cameron's return adds an intriguing chapter to the ongoing narrative of British politics.
In a traumatising experience, 40 workers got trapped after a portion of a tunnel under construction between Silkyara and Dandalgaon on the Brahmakhal-Yamunotri national highway collapsed in the early hours of Sunday (November 12). Rocks fell over a 200-meter area, trapping the workers inside the tunnel. While more than 48 hours have passed, the rescue teams have so far made little headway. While the government and rescue teams are doing their best, we delve into the psychological impact that such a terrifying event can have on those trapped.

Uttarakhand Tunnel Collapse Can Impact Those Trapped Mentally

Dr Gorav Gupta, Senior Psychiatrist, Founder and Director, Tulasi Healthcare, shares, "The psychological impact on people stuck in such as a tunnel, can be profound and varied. The experience of being trapped, isolated, and facing uncertain conditions can lead to a range of emotional and psychological effects." Talking about the impact Dr Gupta lists the following points:

1. Stress And Anxiety

The uncertainty of the situation, coupled with the physical constraints of being stuck in a tunnel, can lead to heightened stress and anxiety. Concerns about the unknown outcome can be particularly challenging at the moment.

2. Fear And Panic

The confined space and the feeling of being trapped can trigger fear and panic among those trapped. This emotional response can be intensified if there are additional factors such as darkness, lack of ventilation, or the presence of hazards.

3. Isolation And Loneliness

Being stuck in a tunnel may involve isolation from the outside world. The lack of social interaction and separation from family and friends can contribute to feelings of loneliness and isolation, which can negatively impact mental well-being.

4. Depression And Despair

Prolonged periods of confinement and uncertainty about the future can lead to feelings of depression and despair. The lack of control over the situation may contribute to a sense of hopelessness.

5. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

The experience of being trapped in a tunnel under adverse conditions can be traumatic. Individuals may develop symptoms of PTSD, including intrusive thoughts, nightmares, and heightened emotional reactions, even after the event has ended.

6. Physical Health Impact

Psychological distress can also manifest in physical health issues, such as headaches, gastrointestinal problems, or sleep disturbances. The mind-body connection is significant, and stressors can impact both mental and physical well-being.

"On the positive side, some individuals may demonstrate resilience and find ways to support each other. Solidarity among the trapped workers, along with any external support, can play a crucial role in mitigating the psychological impact," says Dr Gupta.

How Help Can Be Extended To The Trapped

Dr Gorav Gupta says that the following steps can be taken by the government and other associated agencies to help the workers, apart from the rescue operations, during and after the completion of the mission:

Emergency Response Coordination

Establish a centralised command centre to coordinate the emergency response. This should involve collaboration between government agencies, emergency services, NGOs, and other relevant stakeholders.

Communication And Updates

Ensure clear and consistent communication with the trapped workers. Regular updates on the rescue progress, safety measures, and any other relevant information help reduce anxiety and provide reassurance.

Medical Support

Deploy medical teams to assess the health condition of the trapped workers. Provide medical care, including psychological first aid, to address immediate health concerns and offer support for mental well-being.

Supply Of Essentials

Arrange for the delivery of essentials such as food, water, and medical supplies to the trapped workers. Ensure a steady supply to sustain their physical well-being during the rescue operation.

Psychological Support

Offer psychological support services to help workers cope with the stress and anxiety of being trapped. Trained counsellors or mental health professionals can provide assistance to both the workers and their families.

Resettlement And Aftercare

Develop plans for the resettlement and aftercare of workers once they are rescued. This may involve medical follow-ups, and ongoing mental health support to address any lingering effects.

Community Engagement

Engage with the local community to keep them informed about the situation and address any concerns. Foster a sense of unity and support for the affected workers and their families.

"In any emergency situation, a swift and coordinated response is critical. Government agencies, along with private organizations and non-governmental entities, should work collaboratively to ensure the safety and well-being of those affected by such incidents," says Dr Gupta.
New Delhi: Israels Defence Minister Yoav Gallant recently gave a situational assessment of the fighting in Gaza, in which he highlighted the achievements of IDF forces. The IDF forces operate according to a plan and execute the missions with accuracy, lethality and in coordination between the air, sea and land forces, using precise intelligence, he said. There is no force of Hamas that can stop the IDF, proclaimed Gallant. The IDF is reaching every point. Gallant continued to state that Hamas has lost grip of Gaza, adding that its terrorists are running south.

The Minister also reported that civilians in Gaza are raiding Hamas bases because they do not trust it has the power to govern any longer. Our forces are moving forward, carrying out their missions according to plan, he added, when we increase the pressure we see the outcomes, every day we eliminate more Hamas commanders, dozens and sometimes hundreds of terrorists and the IDF comes to the heart of Gaza City and acts according to its judgments.

In recent days we have intensified our activity against the tunnels, this will get the terrorists out of the tunnels, and there either they will be wiped out or they will surrender without conditions, there is no third option. On the issue of a timeline for the continuation of the fighting, Yoav Gallant said, We work according to tasks, we dont have clocks, we have objectives, we will achieve our objectives, first of all a complete victory over Hamas and the return of the kidnapped to their homes.
New Delhi: India made a bold diplomatic move by presenting recommendations for Canada to improve its human rights situation and address the challenges of climate change. The suggestions were made during the UN Human Rights Council Review meeting, where diplomats from India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka offered their views and advice.

Indian diplomat Mohammed Hussain praised Canada for passing laws such as the National Housing Strategy Act and the Accessible Canada Act, which aim to provide better living conditions and accessibility for its citizens. He said, We note the enactment of the National Housing Strategy Act, Accessible Canada act, and National strategy to combat human trafficking, while speaking at the Council meeting.

India also advised Canada to reinforce its domestic framework to prevent the abuse of freedom of expression, especially for provoking violence. Moreover, India asked Canada to ban activities of groups that are spreading extremism, stop attacks on places of worship of religious and racial minorities, and increase measures to deal with hate crimes and hate speech. He added, India recommends the following to Canada - further, strengthen the domestic framework to prevent misuse of freedom of expression, for inciting violence and disallow activities of groups that are promoting extremism; effectively prevent attacks on places of worship of religious and racial minorities, strengthen legislative and other measures to address hate crimes and hate speech.

Bangladesh diplomat Abdullah Al Forhad acknowledged Canadas progress in human rights protection and recognized the ongoing implementation of its strategy to fight human trafficking. However, Bangladesh suggested that Canada step up its efforts to combat racism, hate speech, hate crimes, and discrimination against migrants and Muslim minorities. They also urged Canada to take steps to reduce carbon emissions and enhance international cooperation in tackling the negative impacts of climate change. He said, In spite of cooperation, Bangladesh offers recommendations to Canada: intensify its efforts to combat racism, hate speech, hate crimes, and discrimination against migrants and Muslim minorities, take necessary measures to reduce carbon emissions; strengthen international cooperation in addressing the negative impacts of climate change; and consider ratifying an international convention on the protection of the rights of all migrants, workers and members of their families.

Meanwhile, Sri Lankan diplomat Thilini Jayasekara also recommended Canada to join the Convention on the Protection of Rights of All Migrant Workers, take actions against racial discrimination that affect the rights of immigrants, counter misinformation against minority communities, and strengthen its national mechanism for comprehensive reporting and follow-up on international human rights recommendations. She said, Sri Lanka welcomes the cooperation extended by the Government of Canada during the visit of UN Special Rapporters on contemporary forms of slavery and on the rights of Indigenous people. Sri Lanka recommends Canada to one, accede to the Convention on the Protection of Rights of All Migrant workers and members of their families. Two, continue to take measures against racial discrimination, in particular to avoid discriminatory policies and regulations affecting the rights of immigrants, including in the area of health.

Three, continue to take measures to counter misinformation against minority communities. Four, strengthen its national mechanism for comprehensive reporting and follow up in relation to recommendations received from international human rights mechanisms and treaty obligations. We wish Canada success in its UPR engagement, Thilini Jayasekara concluded.

Canadian PM Justin Trudeau introduced a fresh sour note in bilateral tie
The Chhattisgarh election is poised to be a close contest between the BJP and the Congress. While the BJP has got the 'Mahadev App' Scam card at the eleventh hour and is using it as a corruption plank against the state government led by Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, the ruling party is betting on several works done in the state including purchase of cow dung and paddy. The Hindutva card has been a key poll plank of the saffron party but the same may not work in Chhattisgarh and there are several reasons for it.

The Congress government in Chhattisgarh seems to have found a counter to the BJP's Hindutva card in the poll-bound state. If the top BJP leaders take credit for building the Ram Temple, the Congress government in Chhattisgarh also doesn't lag behind in claiming credit for the restoration of Mata Kaushalya Ji's temple and the construction of the Ram Gaman Path (the path Lord Ram took during his exile).

Promod Tiwari, Deputy Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, said that Ram temple work will remain incomplete without Mata Kaushalya Ji's temple. "In Chhattisgarh, we aren't trying to reap the benefits of these works in elections. The inauguration of the Ram Temple on 22nd January is solely aimed at gaining an advantage in the 2024 elections," said Tiwari.

About 21 kilometers from Raipur, the capital of Chhattisgarh, lies Chandkhuri village. According to legends, this is the birthplace of Lord Ram's mother Kaushalya. While the construction of Lord Ram's temple is progressing swiftly in Ayodhya, the reconstruction of Mata Kaushalya's temple is also underway here.

It's a different scenario that the date for the installation ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has been decided, and the work will be completed before the 2024 elections. However, in Chhattisgarh, the work in Mata Kaushalya's village is scheduled to be completed by December 19, a target that the villagers are not confident about.

Construction of roads is ongoing in Chandkhuri village. Additionally, work is underway in the courtyard of Mata Kaushalya's temple. The temple priest is concerned that the work on Mata Kaushalya's temple is getting delayed. The contractor overseeing the work has assured that the work will be completed before January 22nd, said the priest Vikas Verma.

On the other hand, the locals from the village expressed their joy openly on the fixed date for the construction of the Ram Temple. Men and women, all are preparing to go to Ayodhya on January 22nd. The other poll plank of the BJP has been the cow or 'gau mata'. The Baghel government found a counter to this by purchasing cow dung from the dairy farmers.

Even though the Congress party may have found a counter to the BJP's Hindutva card in Chhattisgarh, it seems weaker in front of the BJP when batting on the pitch of Hindutva in national politics. Chhattisgarh is voting in two phase poll - first phase was held on November 7 and the second phase voting for the 70 seats will be held on November 17. The counting of votes will take place on December 3.
SRINAGAR: The Kashmir Valley has transformed into a mesmerizing purple tapestry, captivating the attention of tourists and locals alike. This year's saffron harvest has brought immense joy to the farmers, marking a decade of unparalleled success. Reaching a production milestone that surpasses the last ten years, the saffron fields have painted the valley in a breathtaking hue, becoming a visual delight for all who behold it.

Pampore, nestled in South Kashmir's Pulwama district and famously known as the Saffron town, stands as a primary contributor to Kashmir Valley's saffron production. Numerous families in this region are deeply involved in cultivating the world's finest and most prized spice. Presently, these families are wholly engrossed in the meticulous task of handpicking saffron flowers from the fields.

With over 3700 hectares dedicated to saffron cultivation in Kashmir, the Pampore area of Pulwama remains the epicentre of this industry. Nevertheless, saffron cultivation has expanded across various districts within the valley. The jubilant farmers in Pampore are especially elated with this year's crop yield, further enhancing the region's reputation for producing exceptional saffron.

"This year, there has been a bumper crop after more than 8-10 years; We haven't seen this kind of crop in so many years. A lot of farmers had no hope that the crop would be any better than in previous years, but it has surpassed all our expectations. The saffron is a livelihood for all of us living in the area. People in the area had shifted to other jobs but this year the environmental factors were great. The rain played a major role due to which we got the bumper crop after a decade," said Dr Ubaid Bashir, Owner of PariMahal Saffrons.

The Tourists visiting the valley are stopping at these saffron farms to experience the process of saffron growing in the Valley. A lot of tourists are buying the saffron from these farms as well.

Sandeep, a Tourist said, "It's such a great experience for us. We have always consumed saffron but now we know why it is so expensive. It takes a lot of hard work to grow saffron. It's a flower and only a few strands come out from one flower, it's a unique experience. It's the first time we are seeing Kashmiri saffron farms."

Also, the GI tag has benefitted the Saffron farmers with quality control as well as the pricing.
NEW DELHI: Actress and famous TV personality Malaika Arora has set the internet ablaze with her latest look. The actress shared a series of photos of herself looking breathtakingly gorgeous in a heavily embellished bodycon gown. The latest look of Malaika shining in the golden dress is from the reality dance show 'Jhakal Dikhlaja', where she will be seen as one of the judges.

Malaika decided to take a break from ethnic wear and go glam in a stylish western outfit by picking a sheer embellished gown. The actress gave her fans a post-Diwali treat as she uploaded a series of her photos alluring poses.



Malaika Arora Dazzles In Rs 2.27 Lakh Gown



Her photo caption mentioned that the outfit is from the shelves of the brand ITRH, and cost USD 3,360., which is equivalent to a whopping Rs 2.27 lakh. The actress styled her tresses into soft curls and left them open in the centre part. She kept her accessories to a minimum and styled her look with just a diamond choker necklace and a stacked bracelet.

Take a look at her latest photos below:

On the personal front, Malaika is in a relationship with actress and B-Town heartthrob Arjun Kapoor. In September this year, rumours emerged on the internet that Malaika and Arjun, who have been together for five years, have allegedly broken up. At the same time, a Reddit user claimed that Malaika unfollowed several members of Arjun Kapoor's family on Instagram.

The actress-dancer stopped following Arjun's sisters Anshula Kapoor, Janhvi Kapoor, and Khushi Kapoor on Instagram. Arjun's father Boney Kapoor and the actor's uncle Anil Kapoor also reportedly lost the diva's Instagram following. However, the diva continues to follow Arjun Kapoor, his cousins Sonam Kapoor, Rhea Kapoor, Shanaya Kapoor, and uncle Sanjay Kapoor on IG.



Arjun Kapoor-Malaika Arora's Break-Up Rumour

Speculations about the break-up between Arjun Kapoor and Malaika Arora first surfaced on the internet after the 'Panipat' actor took on a solo trip and shared a photo with a witty caption. He captioned the post as: "Life is short, make your weekends long..." Arjun's post made netizens wonder if things have gone astray between the hottest-looking duo in Bollywood. Moreover, Malaika has lately been spotted making solo appearances at all late-night parties and events.

Malaika Arora-Arjun Kapoor Relationship



Malaika Arora and Arjun Kapoor have been in a relationship for several years. The couple first made it official in 2019 and shelled out major couple goals for their fans. The two first made a joint appearance when they attended the Lakme Fashion Week and sat next to each other. They also walked hand-in-hand during an episode of India's Got Talent in 2019.

Malaika Arora was previously married to actor-filmmaker Arbaaz Khan. They tied the knot in 1998 and announced their separation in 2016. They were granted a divorce in May 2017. They co-parent a son, Arhaan Khan.
BEIJING, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- Over the past year, global observers of China-U.S. relations have experienced a mood swing from a state of optimism to one of concern.

In November 2022, the heads of state of the two countries reached inspiring common understandings on bilateral ties in Bali, Indonesia. However, the subsequent U.S. crackdown on Chinese technology, disregard for China's red line on the question of Taiwan, and the hype-up of unmanned airship incident caused an unprecedented nosedive in relations between the two nations.

The roller-coaster-like fluctuations in the relationship between the world's two largest economies have left the world on tenterhooks.

Amidst current global turmoil, a deteriorating China-U.S. relationship would harm all nations.

As Chinese President Xi Jinping prepares to travel across the Pacific for a summit with U.S. President Joe Biden in San Francisco, the world is presented with a fresh opportunity for a China-U.S. thaw.

Most countries hope the summit will improve the world's most significant relationship and establish a healthy, stable and sustainable development trajectory. This goal is one of the driving forces behind the Chinese leader's journey to San Francisco.

However, like two colossal ships sailing side by side in the Pacific, for China and the United States to avoid a collision, communication and collaboration are imperative.

As the Chinese leader sets off on his journey to the United States, it is necessary to remind the U.S. side to learn from the past mistakes that have frayed bilateral relations. This is a crucial opportunity to repair ties and should not be squandered.

First and foremost, the United States must be sincere. China has put in a lot of effort to strengthen the relationship between the two countries. Now, it is the United States' responsibility to reciprocate. This involves shedding any unwarranted feelings of superiority, abandoning perceived advantageous positions and preconditions, and genuinely implementing the agreements reached by the leaders of both nations.

It is also incumbent upon the United States to address factors that could damage bilateral relations, show a genuine dedication to engaging in constructive dialogue with China, and lay the groundwork for a successful summit by cultivating a positive environment and nurturing a supportive atmosphere.

Secondly, the U.S. leadership needs to exercise a more rational and clear-eyed assessment of China-U.S. ties. On the one hand, China's development is inevitable, and any attempt by the United States to stifle or isolate China to impede its progress is a waste of time.

On the other hand, despite institutional differences, their relationship is far from irreconcilable. Instead, the two countries have already exhibited close-knit connections across various domains. The so-called "democracy versus authoritarianism" narrative some U.S. politicians have been peddling is outdated in today's world, nor does it reflect the prevailing zeitgeist regarding China-U.S. ties.

The United States must act on its words, not just pay lip service. In its dealings with China, its credibility is undermined by a past behavior of saying one thing but doing the opposite.

Despite incessantly professing the importance of the China-U.S. relationship, the United States has opted for sanctions, baseless accusations, and repeated provocations against the Asian country it purports to value and respect, dragging the bilateral ties into a nadir. In contrast, China has demonstrated consistent patience and maturity in preserving relations with the United States.

With Xi's visit to San Francisco, China has once again extended the hand of friendship and cooperation across the Pacific. The hope is that the United States will demonstrate the responsibility and demeanor befitting a major power by joining hands with China and steering bilateral relations back onto the right track.

The world cannot afford to miss this important opportunity ahead. 
BEIJING, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- When young American violinist Davyd Booth joined the Philadelphia Orchestra in 1973, he likely couldn't have imagined that the orchestra and he would become closely intertwined with China in the following 50 years and beyond.

In September 1973, the Philadelphia Orchestra became the first American orchestra to visit China since the founding of the People's Republic of China.

The orchestra performed together with the China National Symphony Orchestra and the Asian Performing Arts Council in Beijing on Friday, during its 13th visit to China over the past 50 years.

"I was just absolutely thrilled when I was told to come on the tour in 1973. It was an amazing experience for me," Booth recalled. "I had never been out of the United States then, and I didn't even have a passport. I read about China in school books and watched it on TV, but I never dreamed that I would come to actually see the country."

He added that the country at that time was very different from what it is today. "There were not many huge buildings and automobiles. Everyone got around by bicycle, and I had never seen so many bicycles, literally hundreds of thousands of bicycles."

Booth said the exchange of communication between people from the two countries was a great discovery for both sides, marking a wonderful beginning of friendship.

During the concert in 1973, the orchestra played Beethoven's Symphony No.5, the Moon Reflected on the Er-quan Spring, and some other famous pieces of music from the two countries. It was Booth's first-ever exposure to traditional Chinese music and instruments.

"The tour was one of the most important events in my life. The performance was incredible. It is still a strong thread that has continued for 50 years," Booth said. "The Chinese appreciation of Western music has a long history. Now, the talents that come from China, like Lang Lang, are absolutely awesome. Every time we come back, the audience appreciation is really wonderful."

On Friday night, the orchestra performed some of the same pieces as in the concert 50 years ago, with the addition of enchanting programs featuring the poetry of the Tang Dynasty (618-907).

"One of the great things about music is that every country and every culture has its own brand of music. We came here and played concert with Chinese musicians. The unique and beautiful sounds make you immediately think of China," Booth said.

"Music is like great artwork. It affects your heart. I have pieces that I have played hundreds of times, and I never get tired. Each time you play it, you can get a different perspective on it, and it touches a different part of your heart," he added. "The hearts are the same."

During the five decades after the orchestra's first China tour, Booth witnessed China's rapid development. He vividly recalls the 1990s, when he stayed at a hotel in China and was amazed by the rapid construction pace of a building. He said that a new floor would appear each day, showcasing an impressive level of development.

"I think we can show people that there is positive hope for everyone everywhere," said the 73-year-old violinist. "Music is a universal language. It is the most abstract art form that can touch people and become a bridge to connect us."

Matias Tarnopolsky, president and CEO of the Philadelphia Orchestra, said, "History has told a story. Here we are to celebrate the 50 years of friendship, which has gone through generations. Music gives voice to thoughts and ideas that words alone cannot convey, and that is the power of music." 
SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said Monday that recent U.S.-China engagements have moved the two sides "along the right path."

"Responsibly managing the U.S.-China economic relationship" has been "a key priority" throughout her time in San Francisco, Yellen told reporters at a press conference following the conclusion of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Finance Ministers' Meeting.

Yellen noted that she met with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng last week, and had a "productive meeting" with China's new Finance Minister Lan Fo'an this week. 
Heavyweight policy boost for China's private economy

Xinhua) 08:15, November 14, 2023

BEIJING, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- China has blazed new trails for the country's private economy against the backdrop of sluggish world economic recovery, aiming to boost the development of a sector that is expected to be a pioneer of innovative development and a major driving force for Chinese modernization.

PRIVATE SECTOR STATUS QUO

"China's economy will continue to improve in the long run and the private economy, a major force in China's modernization drive, will also enjoy long-term positive momentum," said Wei Dong, head of the newly established bureau for private economy development under the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), at the China Economic Roundtable hosted by Xinhua News Agency.

This photo shows Wei Dong, head of the newly established bureau for private economy development under the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), speaking during the China Economic Roundtable hosted by Xinhua News Agency. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)

Recent data showed that China's economy grew 5.2 percent year on year in the first three quarters of 2023. In line with the overall recovery, the private sector has seen marginal improvements in the January-September period, posting faster growth in secondary industry investment and steady industrial output.

As a major taxpayer, job provider and GDP growth contributor to the economy, the importance of China's private sector has long been highlighted by policymakers. However, affected by the external environment, China's 50 million plus private businesses have come under pressure since the start of this year, fueling concerns in a market that is still recovering.

Private enterprises currently face common problems related to capital, talent, and data as well as technological innovation and the business environment, said Wei Chu, vice dean of the School of Applied Economics, Renmin University of China.

"Since the beginning of this year, our order volume has increased significantly, but the more orders we have, the more liquidity we need to ensure their delivery due to the lag in payments for orders," said Chen Hongbo, vice president of Guangdong Jaten Robot and Automation Co., Ltd.

"The market is picking up, but downstream enterprises are having less seasonal and cyclical orders. The majority of their orders are short-term orders," said Huang Kunyu, managing director of Esquel Group, adding that this requires enterprises to adjust their strategies in a more timely manner according to market demand, and coordinate immediate and long-term development.

It is urgent to improve the system and mechanism to promote the development and growth of the private economy in view of the new situation, boost the confidence of the private economy, and further stimulate the vitality of the private economy, the NDRC said.

This urgent need has given rise to the private economy development bureau, the first of its kind in China devoted to the private sector.

Robots work on an assembly line of a factory of a private enterprise in Zouping City, east China's Shandong Province, Sept. 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Guo Xulei)

THE NEW BUREAU

Wei Dong, head of the bureau, told Xinhua that the establishment of the bureau, as a special working organization to promote the development and growth of the private sector, provides a strong guarantee for promoting its high-quality development.

"It is our founding mission to serve the development and growth of the private sector wholeheartedly," said Wei, adding that "the bureau and private enterprises belong to one family."

Wei, speaking during the roundtable talk, highlighted the bureau's function of providing services to the private economy, noting that the main responsibilities of the bureau include staying on top of the development of the private economy, focusing on its needs and coordinating and organizing the formulation of policies and measures to promote its development, and providing policy incentives to promote the growth of private investment.

The bureau will also be responsible for establishing a mechanism for regular communication with private enterprises, coordinating efforts to solve major problems concerning the development of the private economy, and working toward enhancing its international competitiveness, according to Wei.

To that end, the bureau has taken concrete measures in its latest moves, said Wei. For example, it has added local government support for the development of the private sector to the list of matters to be annually supervised by the State Council, and rewards will be given to those excelling in this regard.

Recently, China introduced an array of policies to shore up the growth of the private economy.

In mid-July, the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council jointly issued guidelines on boosting the growth of the private economy, promising to improve its business environment, enhance policy support, and strengthen legal guarantees for its development.

In late July, the NDRC unveiled 17 measures to further encourage private investment. It also worked with multiple departments and jointly released 28 measures to boost the growth of private enterprises in terms of market access, factor support, legal guarantees, enterprise services, and business environment.

In early August, the country introduced and extended a string of preferential policies for small and private businesses related to tax and fee cuts.

To strengthen financial support for private investment, the NDRC has given full play to the investment-lending linkage mechanism established with seven banks, and referred the first batch of 715 private investment projects to relevant banks.

To optimize the business environment for private companies, the State Administration for Market Regulation has continued to strengthen supervision and law enforcement, standardize the market order, effectively ensure fair trading, and further shored up the protection of intellectual property rights, said Liu Jun, deputy head of the administration.

A worker is seen at a workshop of a refrigeration equipment company in Jinzhou City, north China's Hebei Province, Sept. 19, 2023. (Xinhua/Yang Shiyao)

VOICES OF ENTREPRENEURS

Qitan Technology Ltd., Chengdu, is a high-tech enterprise focusing on nanopore sequencing technology. In 2020, the company developed China's first nanopore gene sequencer, filling the blank concerning new generation nanopore sequencing technology in the country.

Bai Jingwei, the company's co-founder, said that China's policy support to the health sector has encouraged private investment to this sector and is an important factor behind the sector's rapid development over the past five to 10 years.

Upbeat about the future, Bai said the company will continue to take steps to make gene sequencing technology more accessible and affordable to ordinary people.

Zhou Zhen, president of Guangzhou Hexin Instrument Co., Ltd., told the roundtable that he is optimistic about the market prospects of tech-intensive products, saying that this is where his company's biggest opportunities lie.

Focusing on mass spectrometry, the scientific instrument producer is among the first batch of "little giants" certified by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, an official category of selected innovation-driven small and medium-sized enterprises that enjoy a raft of supportive government policies.

Hangzhou Wahaha Group, the once school-run firm and now a food and beverage giant, is deemed an iconic Chinese private firm. For Wahaha, bold innovation and renewal are always the keys to outperforming rivals in fierce market competition and sustaining expansion.

"For Chinese entrepreneurs, it is essential to be patriotic, to innovate continuously and to care for employees," the group's founder Zong Qinghou told the roundtable. "Only in this way can private firms thrive," the 77-year-old entrepreneur added.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
And they all lived happily ever after. Thats the fairy-tale ending to which most adoption advocates subscribe. A couple obtains a child, the parentless child gains a family and a home, everyone celebrates. Problem solved.

November is Adoption Awareness Month. The designation is based on a Reagan-era declaration meant to educate the public about the foster care system and the need for prospective adoptive parents to provide permanent situations for children who need a stable home life. The monthly designation stands today. Just last year the Biden administration issued a pro-adoption proclamation dedicating the month of November to recognize all the adoptive and kinship families across America who change childrens lives for the better and support potential parents waiting to adopt and grow their families. Biden encourages Americans collective efforts to ensure forever families connect with youth to give them a brighter future.

The conventional belief is that adoption provides a family who can offer a better life for a child without a family. But these children DO have families. We are each born into a family. The reality is the child is experiencing the loss of their first family. Children removed from their birth parents, even under unfortunate circumstances, suffer grief and trauma stemming from their loss. This disenfranchised grief, this unattended wound, festers, ultimately resulting in higher drug and alcohol addiction rates and even suicides among adoptees.

Adoption practices and policies in the United States have a very dark history involving coercing young pregnant mothers into relinquishing their parenting rights and removing children from homes with parents deemed unfit. Nationally, abusive adoption practices became common from the end of World War II into the late 1970s. Labeled as the Baby Scoop Era, the high demand to provide babies for infertile couples became the panacea for all unwanted babies that were becoming available.

The American dream of a traditional family was encouraged, while womens rights efforts were in their infancy. Pregnancies outside of prescribed norms were shunned; unwed mothers were forced into solitary secrecy, and the child was considered illegitimate. The stigma subsequently led to the practice of amending the original birth certificate, by replacing the biological parents names with the names of adoptive parents, as if they conceived and gave life to that child.

This practice of sealing from public view the original birth certificates (OBC) along with all the pre-adoption records, often including medical records, and then providing the adoptive parents with an amended birth certificate continues today. In the United States, adopted Americans are the only Americans legally prohibited from knowing who their parents are. Thirty-seven states, including Maryland, have restrictive or discriminatory policies preventing adoptees from obtaining a copy of their OBC. Only 14 have unrestricted policies or never sealed the records.

My own biological mother was one of those stigmatized unwed mothers forced into solitary secrecy. After giving birth to me in Baltimore during the Baby Scoop Era, she was coerced into relinquishing her parenting rights. After several months in foster care, I was given to an infertile couple, and a month before my first birthday my adoption was finalized.

Despite receiving endless love and kindness, it has always been difficult to shake the feeling of not belonging. Having experienced the loss of my first family and my original identity as a child through adoption, my struggle to live authentically continues to this day. Thanks to Marylands discriminatory and Byzantine OBC access policies, those first few months of my life remain unaccounted for. This is allegedly to protect the anonymity of my biological parents. But those parents were never promised anonymity under the law. There is no legal basis for keeping those birth documents sealed. Furthermore, the formation of DNA registries, such as Ancestry, and 23 and Me, make it impossible to guarantee confidentiality.

Nine years ago, I filed a petition in the Circuit Court of Baltimore to unseal and allow access to my pre-adoption records and OBC. Despite having already met my biological family through the Maryland Department of Healths Search and Reunion services, my request for a copy of the file was denied. Instead, my request was partially granted to allow, during a 30-day period, to observe the documents at the city courthouse. Upon visiting the clerks office, I was presented with a few heavily redacted pages from my file. I did not receive any copies of the documents, nor was I permitted to take photos of the documents. In fact, I was only allowed to look at the file under the watchful eyes of the staff. The experience was dehumanizing.

My experience strongly implies that the state of Maryland does not formally acknowledge my relationship to my biological parents. I am provided no official connection to my original identity. I am denied my human right to know my own parentage. I am denied my own truth.

We need to take a closer look at these discriminatory policies and change them. In Maryland, Delegate Michael Griffith, a Republican representing Cecil and Harford Counties, is expected to again introduce an Access to Birth and Adoption Records bill for consideration by the state General Assembly in the coming legislative session. Its a step in the right direction. Adoptees should not be subject to additional trauma attributable to arcane privacy laws. The importance of identity interests in parental recognition, should be recognized rather than trivialized.

Susie Stricker (susiems64@gmail.com) is a Maryland adoptee and advocate for adoption rights.
NEW YORK, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- Three people were killed and 15 taken to hospital when a semi-truck crashed into a bus carrying students on highway in the U.S. state of Ohio, local media reported Tuesday, citing emergency official. 
Joe DeMarco interview (Luke Basso | Filmperia)

Im Luke Basso, an 18-year-old high school student in North Carolina, and I run a YouTube channel called Filmperia. On my channel I focus on interviewing veterans and historical witnesses of modern military history, with a particular emphasis on World War II and Korean War veterans. My goal is to preserve their stories and experiences through a combination of in-person and online interviews, as well as occasional mini-documentaries featuring original footage.

My interest in military and political history, especially World War II, started when I was about 9 years old. I grew up hearing stories from my British grandparents who survived the Blitz and V1/V2 rocket attacks. When I was 14 and living in upstate New York, I met World War II veteran Antonio Tony Gagliardi, who served at Iwo Jima and Okinawa in the U.S. Navy. This friendship sparked my passion for meeting veterans. In December 2020, I met another World War II veteran, Doug Brown, who served in the 9th Air Force. His family recorded our conversation and that inspired me to create the YouTube channel Filmperia. In the following months, I bought camera equipment and started interviewing veterans.

May 2023 Honor Flight, Washington D.C. (Luke Basso | Filmperia)

The most popular mini documentary on Filmperia features World War II veteran John Neggia. It covers his experiences from the beginning of his service to the end of the war. He was only 15 when Pearl Harbor was bombed and attempted to enlist in the U.S. Navy when he turned 17. However, he was disqualified due to being color-blind and was subsequently drafted into the Army. In January 1945, John was deployed to France as part of the 76th Infantry Division under General Pattons 3rd Army. His journey as an infantryman involved heavy fighting as his unit advanced into Germany. John witnessed the horrors of war, from mortar attacks to tending to wounded soldiers. He recalls, I cannot forget this. Every night, seventy-something years later, I still think of it. He also recalls seeing his Sergeant wounded as he made his way to the front lines. Despite Johns insistence on staying with him until the medics arrived, the Sergeant ordered him to join the others. John later learned that he did not survive. He spent over eight months in Europe and was honorably discharged on May 22, 1946.

John Neggia sharing World War II photographs and documents with Luke Basso of Filmperia (Luke Basso | Filmperia)

Another interview conducted for Filmperia was with Joe DeMarco. On June 6, 1944, shortly after turning 18, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. After completing his training, he was assigned to the USS LST-800, where he assisted in transferring ammunition in the Pacific. During his service, Joe stayed at the hospital and witnessed the harsh realities of war. He vividly remembers a 16-year-old who had lied his way into the service and was dying from phosphorus exposure. Later, during the Battle of Iwo Jima, he played a role in unloading supplies for the Marines on the island. A few months later, when Japan surrendered, the ships crew were ordered to dispose of all their ammunition in the sea before heading back to the United States. Joe spent two years in the Navy and was honorably discharged on June 6, 1946.

Joe DeMarco interview (Luke Basso | Filmperia)
For financial markets the Holy Grail is a perfect leading indicatora gauge that is both simple to monitor and consistently accurate in foretelling the future. In reality, such predictive perfection is unattainable. It is often hard enough to grasp what is happening in the present, let alone the future. A perfect real-time indicator would thus be a potent goblet of knowledge, if not quite the Holy Grail, for investors and analysts to drink from. Recently they have turned their attention towards one impressive candidate: the Sahm rule.

Developed by Claudia Sahm, a former economist at the Federal Reserve, in 2019, the rule would have been capable of identifying every recession since 1960 in its early stages, with no false positives. This is no mean feat given that the body which officially declares whether the American economy is in recession sometimes needs a full year of data. The Sahm rule, by contrast, typically needs just a few months.

Like all good rules, it is parsimonious. If the unemployment rate increases by half a percentage point from its trough of the past 12 months, the economy is said to be in a recession. To smooth out the figures, which jump around, both the current unemployment rate and the trough are measured as three-month moving averages. At present the Sahm indicator stands at 0.33 percentage points. It would not take much for it to reach the half-point mark. If the unemployment rate, which hit 3.9% in October, rises to 4.0% this month and 4.1% next month, the economy would, according to the Sahm rule, be in a recession.

What about in reality? As Ms Sahm herself is quick to point out, her rule describes an empirical regularity, not an immutable law. What is more, the post-pandemic economy may have fostered the exact kind of conditions that violate this regularity. During downturns companies fire workers, and the layoffs typically go well beyond the Sahm rules half-point line.

This time, though, the increase in the jobless rate appears to have been driven less by a reduction in demand for workers and more by an increase in their supply. The American labour force, including both people in work and looking for jobs, has expanded by nearly 3m, or 1.7%, since the end of last year. During that same time the number of jobs has increased by about 2m, or 1.2%. If workers come back and the jobs havent caught up with them, the unemployment rate can drift up, says Ms Sahm. But then as the jobs catch up, the unemployment rate doesnt spiral upwards.

Story continues

For Ms Sahm the sudden fame of her measure has brought with it an additional wrinkle. She has had to grapple with the world taking her rule in a different direction from her initial intent. Ms Sahm was not trying to get into the forecasting business, much less into timing financial markets. Rather, she wanted to come up with a benchmark for triggering automatic payments to individuals in order to insulate them from a recession. Many people have asked me if we are going into a recession, she says. Almost no one has asked me what policymakers can do about it.

Considering the paralysis in Congress, it is a fair bet that policymakers will not do much of anything if unemployment continues to rise in the coming months. So Ms Sahm is now in the curious position of rooting against her own rule, and hoping that America skirts a recession.

 2023 The Economist Newspaper Limited. All rights reserved.

From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on https://www.economist.com/finance-and-economics/2023/11/14/america-may-soon-be-in-a-recession-according-to-a-famous-rule
BURLINGTON, Ontario, November 14, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Anaergia Inc. ("Anaergia" or the "Company") (TSX: ANRG) today announced its financial results for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2023 ("Q3 2023"), and the related managements discussion and analysis ("MD&A") for the period. Certain highlights from these financial results and from the MD&A follow. All financial results are reported in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated.

Notable Developments

Anaergia announced, on September 28, 2023, that its Rhode Island Bioenergy Facility ("RIBF") closed a US$20 million term loan with East West Bank, a California corporation, to finance the remaining construction and commissioning of the RIBF BOO project and working capital.

Anaergia announced, on September 13, 2023, that it had engaged Piper Sandler & Co. to assist the Company and its advisors with the Companys previously announced strategic review. This process is continuing. As previously disclosed, the Company requires additional financing to fund its operations and continue to operate as a going concern. The Company cautions that there are no assurances that the evaluation of the potential options will result in the approval or completion of any specific transaction or outcome.

Anaergia announced, on August 17, 2023, that it had sold its equity interests in its subsidiary that owned the six Italian build-own-operate ("BOO") assets and approximately $55 million in inter-company loans (as previously written off by the Company) to Arjun Infrastructure Partners ("AIP"). This sale was in exchange for the termination of obligations relating to approximately $145 million in loan obligations owing to AIP, including with respect to a lender option for AIP to require Anaergia to purchase outstanding loans relating to any BOO projects for which senior debt financing was not secured by a set time. As a result of the foregoing, Anaergia received de minimis cash consideration.

Story continues

Financial Results for Q3 2023

Q3 2023 financial highlights:

Revenues decreased 25%, or $11.1 million, to $34.0 million compared to the same period in Fiscal 2022 (Q3 2022: $45.0 million). The decrease was mainly due to European Capital Sales projects coming to completion, some projects facing customer delays and delays in new project signings.

Net loss of $30.6 million decreased 616%, or $26.3 million, compared to the same period in Fiscal 2022 (Q3 2022: net loss of $4.3 million). The decrease was mainly driven by an impairment loss recorded for Fibracast, losses in equity accounted investees, and finance costs related to increased lending activity.

Adjusted EBITDA1 declined 876%, or $10.2 million, to a loss of $11.3 million compared to the same period in Fiscal 2022 (Q3 2022: loss of $1.2 million). The decline was due to an increased loss from operations.

Three months ended: 30-Sep-23 30-Sep-22 % Change (In millions of Canadian dollars) Revenue 34.0 45.0 -25% Gross profit 7.3 9.9 -26% Gross profit % 22% 22% Income (loss) from operations (13.3) (2.6) Net loss (30.6) (4.3) Adjusted EBITDA1 (11.3) (1.2)

Nine months ended: 30-Sep-23 30-Sep-22 % Change (In millions of Canadian dollars) Revenue 113.1 123.0 -8% Gross profit 14.3 25.1 -43% Gross profit % 13% 20% Loss from operations (49.5) (11.5) Net loss (161.6) (37.1) Adjusted EBITDA1 (30.2) (6.8)

Statement of Financial Position 30-Sep-23 31-Dec-22 (In millions of Canadian dollars) Total Assets 324.9 935.1 Total Liabilities 209.0 593.0 Equity 115.9 342.1

For a more detailed discussion of Anaergias results for Q3 2023, please see the Companys financial statements for Q3 2023 and related MD&A, which are available at and on the Companys SEDAR+ page at www.sedarplus.ca.

Fiscal 2023 Guidance Not Reinstated

As previously disclosed, management will not be able to provide any updates regarding guidance, including projected revenue and Adjusted EBITDA, until the completion of the Companys strategic review and a reassessment of assumptions related thereto.

Non-IFRS Measures

This press release makes reference to certain non-IFRS measures. These measures are not recognized measures under IFRS and do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and are therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Rather, these measures are provided as additional information to complement IFRS measures by providing further understanding of our results of operations from managements perspective. Accordingly, these measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our financial information reported under IFRS. We use non-IFRS measures to provide investors with supplemental measures. Management also uses non-IFRS measures internally in order to facilitate operating performance comparisons from period to period, prepare annual operating budgets and assess our ability to meet our future debt service, capital expenditure and working capital requirements. Management believes these non-IFRS measures and industry metrics are important supplemental measures of operating performance because they eliminate items that have less bearing on operating performance and highlight trends in the core business that may not otherwise be apparent when relying solely on IFRS financial measures. Management believes such measures allow for assessment of our operating performance and financial condition on a basis that is more consistent and comparable between reporting periods. We also believe that securities analysts, investors and other interested parties frequently use non-IFRS measures in the evaluation of public companies.

Definitions of non-IFRS measures and industry metrics used in this press release are provided below. A reconciliation of the non-IFRS measures used in this press release to the most comparable IFRS measure can be found below under "Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Measures".

"Adjusted EBITDA" is defined as net earnings before finance costs, taxes and depreciation and amortization adjusted for our normalized proportionate interest in our BOO assets and one-time or non-recurring items, stock-based compensation expense, asset impairment charges and write downs, gains and losses for equity-accounted investees, foreign exchange gains or losses, restructuring costs, ERP customization and configuration costs, litigation and other claims settlements, gains and losses resulting from changes in certain balance sheet valuations (such as derivatives and warrants), acquisition costs and costs related to our initial public offering, including estimated incremental auditing and professional services costs incurred in connection with our initial public offering. For further details, refer to "Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Measures" below.

Conference Call and Webcast Details

A conference call to review the Companys financial results will take place at 9:00 a.m. (ET) on Tuesday, November 14, 2023. It will be hosted by management of Anaergia. An accompanying slide presentation will be posted to the Investor Relations section of the Companys website shortly before the call.

To participate on the call, please sign up using the following pre-registration link to receive details on how to access the conference call:

Conference Call Pre-registration:

https://www.netroadshow.com/events/login?show=0c3fc226&confId=55484

You will receive your access details via email.

To listen to the webcast live:

https://events.q4inc.com/attendee/918414157

The webcast will be archived and available in the Investor Relations section of our website following the call.

About Anaergia

Anaergia was created to eliminate a major source of greenhouse gases by cost effectively turning organic waste into renewable natural gas ("RNG"), fertilizer and water, using proprietary technologies. With a proven track record from delivering world-leading projects on four continents, Anaergia is uniquely positioned to provide end-to-end solutions for extracting organics from waste, implementing high efficiency anaerobic digestion, upgrading biogas, producing fertilizer and cleaning water. Our customers are in the municipal solid waste, municipal wastewater, agriculture, and food processing industries. In each of these markets Anaergia has built many successful plants including some of the largest in the world. Anaergia owns and operates some of the plants it builds, and it also operates plants that are owned by its customers.

For further information please see: www.anaergia.com

Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities legislation, which reflects the Companys current expectations regarding future events, including statements regarding its financial position, business strategy, growth strategy, milestones, budgets, operations, financial results, plans and objectives. In some cases, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may", "will", "could", "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "estimates", "likely", "potential", "continue", or "future" or the negative or other variations of these words or other comparable words or phrases.

Forward-looking information is based on a number of assumptions including, without limitation, the Companys ability to meet its financing and liquidity requirements on a continuing basis; its ability to provide projected revenue and Adjusted EBITDA upon completion of the strategic review; statements regarding the Companys ongoing strategic review; and its ability to continue as a going concern. The Company is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Companys control. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the factors discussed under "Risk Factors" in the Companys annual information form dated April 10, 2023 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 and under "Risks and Uncertainties" in the MD&A. Actual results could differ materially from those projected herein. Anaergia does not undertake any obligation to update such forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required under applicable securities laws.

Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Financial Measures

Three months ended: 30-Sep-23 30-Sep-22 (In thousands of Canadian dollars) Net income (loss) (30,568) (4,271) Finance income (cost) 3,736 170 Depreciation and amortization 1,427 884 Income tax expense (1,898) 2,362 EBITDA (27,303) (855) Rialto  Non controlling interest -EBITDA - - Share-based compensation expense 595 246 (Gain) loss on RBF embedded derivative - (807) Gain on disposal of ITA (665) - Fibracast impairment 6,648 - Gain on control of Bioener - - Share of loss in equity accounted investees 4,237 1,158 Loss on control of Rialto 1,814 - Expected credit loss on loans receivable from related parties 863 - Impairment loss - - Provision for customer claim - - Other (gains) losses 1,635 (456) ERP customization and configuration costs 165 329 Costs related to the Offering - - Foreign exchange (gain) loss 683 (775) Adjusted EBITDA (11,328) (1,160) Nine months ended: 30-Sep-23 30-Sep-22 (In thousands of Canadian dollars) Net income (loss) (161,610) (37,058) Finance income (cost) 2,585 177 Depreciation and amortization 4,782 2,687 Income tax expense (6,480) 5,912 EBITDA (160,723) (28,282) Rialto  Non controlling interest -EBITDA 1,544 - Share-based compensation expense 1,346 827 (Gain) loss on RBF embedded derivative 7,953 19,000 Gain on disposal of ITA (665) - Fibracast impairment 6,648 - Gain on control of Bioener - (3,324) Share of loss in equity accounted investees 5,961 4,624 Loss on control of Rialto 39,719 - Expected credit loss on loans receivable from related parties 60,236 - Impairment loss 3,391 - Provision for customer claim 1,002 - Other (gains) losses 3,569 (464) ERP customization and configuration costs 542 916 Costs related to the Offering - 263 Foreign exchange (gain) loss (719) (380) Adjusted EBITDA (30,197) (6,820)

_____________

1 See "Non-IFRS Measures".

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231114409053/en/

Contacts

For media and/or investor relations please contact: IR@Anaergia.com
Gross crypto services revenues of $191.8 million and associated crypto costs and execution, clearing and brokerage fees of $190.1 million

Total revenues of $204.8 million include gross crypto revenues and net loyalty revenues

Total operating expenses of $257.6 million includes crypto costs and execution, clearing and brokerage fees and goodwill and intangible assets impairments. Excluding crypto costs and execution, clearing and brokerage fees and goodwill and intangible assets impairments, expenses were $44.2 million down 26% year-over-year

Expansion of crypto capabilities in nine new international markets expected to be active by year-end, including the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Latin America, Singapore, Australia and Spain

Strong client execution with nearly all recently signed clients onboarded and/or activated, and significant broadening of our client network

Updated full year 2023 outlook and provided preliminary 2024 outlook

ALPHARETTA, Ga., November 14, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Bakkt Holdings, Inc. ("Bakkt") (NYSE: BKKT) announced its financial and operational results for the quarter ended September 30, 2023.

"This quarter we clearly demonstrated our ability to execute and strengthen our company despite highly challenging crypto market conditions," said Gavin Michael, President and CEO of Bakkt. "Given headwinds facing the U.S. crypto industry, we made international expansion a key priority, successfully launching our crypto capabilities in Latin America and Spain, and we plan to go live in the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Singapore and Australia by the end of this year. International markets will remain a key focus area for us with additional markets already in our pipeline. Our relentless focus on delivering for our clients enabled us to onboard and activate most of the new clients that we signed last quarter. We made strong traction broadening our crypto trading and custody network. We also further enhanced our secure custody platform, with the imminent relaunch of our custody solution followed by the expansion of the number of coins that we custody. Our leading platform and focused execution will continue to drive us to success."

Story continues

Recent Strategic Highlights

International expansion  Expanding with our clients 3.0verse and Hapi into new international markets with planned further expansion with IBEX. Our platform is currently live with certain clients in Latin America and Spain. We plan to further expand our crypto capabilities in the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Singapore and Australia by year-end.

Crypto trading  Significant progress activating and broadening our client network including:

Seamless execution for existing clients  Provided a swift and seamless onboarding and activation experience for recently signed crypto clients. We onboarded nearly all of the new clients that were signed in the prior quarter. Our time to activate is consistent with historical trends of ~45 days.

Expansion of client base  Our advanced crypto trading capabilities continue to attract strong interest from new clients, which includes many crypto native institutions such as 3.0verse. OpenNode and Legend Trading also intend to utilize our advanced crypto trading capabilities.

Crypto custody  Our highly-regarded custody solution has been enhanced with the imminent relaunch of its core platform followed by additional coin support. We made strong progress expanding our platform and client network including:

Relaunch of Bakkt Custody  Ground up redevelopment of the Bakkt Trust custody solution is complete and launching this month. The foundational redevelopment adds key features such as segregated wallets, a flexible policy engine, and enables the rapid addition of future functionality.

Expanding support for additional coins  An example of Bakkt Custodys enhanced functionality that the relaunch provides is the expansion of asset support, which will follow shortly after the release of the new platform. This release will expand custodial support from Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) to create parity with our trading platform, adding Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Dogecoin (DOGE), Ethereum Classic (ETC), Litecoin (LTC), Shiba Inu (SHIB) and USD Coin (USDC), with more coins to come early next year.

Expansion of client base  Our secure, reliable and trusted custody platform continues to benefit from a flight to quality and we made strong progress expanding our client network. Recently signed new clients include Unchained and LeboBTC. As we announced last week, we intend to join EDXs clearing house and custodial network initially serving as a back-up qualified custodian. We have also received significant inbound client interest regarding our enhanced custody capabilities, which will be launched soon.

Lightning Network  As we drive cryptos evolution towards increased utility, we are investing in the Lightning Network. We recently announced that we will be launching Lightning Services to select clients. Clients will be able to leverage these capabilities for cross-border remittances, B2B settlement, instantaneous deposits and withdrawals for trading, or global, interoperable P2P1. We will be partnering with two leading Lightning Service Providers, Lightspark and IBEX, to build out a global network of compliant on and off-ramps. Additionally, we announced that we are a founding infrastructure provider for UMA, a new Universal Money Address standard aimed at simplifying sending money.

__________________ 1 Use cases are subject to applicable regulatory approvals.

Bakkt Third Quarter Financial Highlights (unaudited)

Third quarter 2023 results include Apex Crypto, which we acquired on April 1, 2023. In accordance with GAAP, we are presenting crypto services revenue and crypto costs and execution, clearing and brokerage fees on a gross basis since we are a principal in those transactions.

$ in millions 3Q23 3Q22 Increase/

(decrease) Revenues $204.8 $13.2 N.M. Goodwill and intangible assets impairments 23.3 1,547.7 N.M. Operating expenses, excluding impairments 234.3 60.4 N.M. Total operating expenses 257.6 1,608.1 N.M. Operating loss (52.9) (1,594.9) N.M. Net loss (51.7) (1,592.5) N.M. Adjusted EBITDA loss (non-GAAP) $(21.6) $(30.7) (30)% Note: "N.M" denotes Not Meaningful

Key performance indicators (including historical Apex Crypto data for comparison purposes): Crypto enabled accounts of 6.1 million have continued to increase steadily. Transacting accounts of 1.0 million decreased 13% year-over-year, due to industrywide slowdown in crypto activity. Notional traded volume of $366.1 million decreased 45% year-over-year, due to industrywide decline in crypto trading volumes and lower hotel and rental car loyalty redemption activity. Assets under custody of $505.7 million decreased 28% year-over-year, primarily due to lower coin quantities.

Revenues of $204.8 million reflect a significant increase in gross crypto services revenues driven by our acquisition of Apex Crypto. Net loyalty revenues of $13.0 million increased 2% year-over-year driven by higher customer activity.

Total operating expenses of $257.6 million reflect a significant increase in crypto costs and execution, clearing and brokerage fees driven by our acquisition of Apex Crypto . Third quarter expenses included a non-cash intangible assets impairment charge of $23.3 million. This charge was in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and a result of lower revenue growth expectations for the loyalty business.

Operating loss of $52.9 million decreased year-over-year due to larger goodwill and intangible assets impairments recorded in the prior year.

Net loss of $51.7 million decreased year-over-year.

Adjusted EBITDA loss (non-GAAP) of $21.6 million decreased 30% year-over-year primarily due to a reduction in compensation and benefits costs.

Updated Full Year 2023 Outlook

We are updating our full year 2023 guidance to reflect the current market environment:

Full year 2023 revenues expected to be ~$750 million - ~$1,268 million; includes gross crypto revenues of ~$697 million - ~$1,215 million and net loyalty revenues of ~$53 million.

Full year 2023 crypto costs expected to be ~$693 million - ~$1,208 million, in line with gross crypto revenues.

Full year 2023 net cash used in operating activities expected to be ~($86 million)  ~($89 million). Prior full year 2023 guidance of ($78 million) - ($84 million).

Full year 2023 free cash flow (non-GAAP) expected to be ~($99 million) - ~($102 million). Prior full year 2023 guidance of ($90 million) - ($96 million). Change in guidance reflects lower revenue partially offset by reductions in operating expenses.

Preliminary Full Year 2024 Outlook

Full year 2024 revenues expected to be ~$3,461 million - ~$9,071 million; includes gross crypto revenues of ~$3,406 million - ~$9,015 million and net loyalty revenues of ~$55 million.

Full year 2024 crypto costs expected to be ~$3,386 million - ~$8,976 million, in line with gross crypto revenues.

Full year 2024 net cash used in operating activities expected to be ~($35 million)  ~($55 million).

Full year 2024 free cash flow (non-GAAP) expected to be ~($43 million) - ~($63 million).

Expect to be approximately breakeven on an adjusted EBITDA basis by end of 2024.

Webcast and Conference Call Information

Bakkt will host a conference call at 9:00 AM ET, November 14, 2023. The live webcast of Bakkts earnings conference call can be accessed at https://investors.bakkt.com, along with the earnings press release and accompanying slide presentation. Investors and analysts interested in participating in the call are invited to dial (833) 470-1428 or (404) 975-4839, and reference participant access code 178790 approximately ten minutes prior to the start of the call. A replay will be available promptly after the call and can be accessed by dialing (866) 813-9403 and entering the access code 984736. The replay will be available through December 11, 2023.

About Bakkt

Founded in 2018, Bakkt builds solutions that enable our clients to grow with the crypto economy. Through institutional-grade custody, trading, and onramp capabilities, our clients leverage technology thats built for sustainable, long-term involvement in crypto.

Bakkt is headquartered in Alpharetta, GA. For more information, visit: https://www.bakkt.com/ | X (Formerly Twitter) @Bakkt | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/bakkt/.

Bakkt-E

Source: Bakkt Holdings, Inc.

Note on Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the impacts from the Apex Crypto acquisition, Bakkts guidance regarding Apex Cryptos full year 2023 results, and Bakkts guidance, plans, objectives, expectations and intentions with respect to future operations, products, services, among others. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as "will," "likely," "expect," "continue," "anticipate," "estimate," "believe," "intend," "plan," "projection," "outlook," "grow," "progress," "potential" or words of similar meaning. Such forward-looking statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of Bakkts management and are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are difficult to predict and beyond Bakkts control. Actual results and the timing of events may differ materially from the results anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of the following factors, among others: Bakkts ability to grow and manage growth profitably; changes in Bakkts business strategy; changes in the market in which Bakkt competes, including with respect to its competitive landscape, technology evolution or changes in applicable laws or regulations; changes in the markets that Bakkt targets; disruptions in the crypto market that subject Bakkt to additional risks, including the risk that banks may not provide banking services to Bakkt; the possibility that Bakkt may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors; the inability to launch new services and products or to profitably expand into new markets and services; the inability to execute Bakkts growth strategies, including identifying and executing acquisitions and Bakkts initiatives to add new clients; Bakkts failure to comply with extensive government regulation, oversight, licensure and appraisals; uncertain regulatory regime governing blockchain technologies and crypto; the inability to develop and maintain effective internal controls and procedures; the exposure to any liability, protracted and costly litigation or reputational damage relating to Bakkts data security; the impact of any goodwill or other intangible assets impairments on Bakkts operating results; the impact of any pandemics or other public health emergencies; Bakkts inability to maintain the listing of its securities on the New York Stock Exchange; and other risks and uncertainties indicated in Bakkts filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements relate only to events as of the date on which such statements are made and are based on information available to us as of the date of this press release. Unless otherwise required by law, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements made in this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release or to reflect new information or the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Definitions

Crypto-enabled accounts: total crypto accounts open.

Transacting accounts: unique accounts that perform at least one transaction across crypto buy/sell and loyalty redemption each month. Monthly figures are de-duped for the month. Quarterly figure represents sum of all months in the quarter.

Notional traded volume: total notional volume of transactions across crypto buy/sell and loyalty redemption. Figures represent gross values recorded as of order date.

Assets under custody: the sum of coin quantities held by customers multiplied by the final quote for each coin on the last day of the quarter.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure, which we define as earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation, amortization, acquisition-related expenses, share-based and unit-based compensation expense, goodwill and intangible assets impairments, restructuring charges, changes in the fair value of our warrant liability and certain other non-cash and/or non-recurring items that do not contribute directly to our evaluation of operating results and are not components of our core business operations. Adjusted EBITDA provides management with an understanding of earnings before the impact of investing and financing transactions and income taxes, and the effects of aforementioned items that do not reflect the ordinary earnings of our operations. This measure may be useful to an investor in evaluating our performance. Adjusted EBITDA is not a measure of our financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to net income (loss) or other performance measures derived in accordance with GAAP. Our definition of Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly tied measures used by other companies.

Non-GAAP financial measures like Adjusted EBITDA have limitations, should be considered as supplemental in nature and are not meant as a substitute for the related financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP. The non-GAAP financial measures should be considered alongside other financial performance measures, including net loss and our other financial results presented in accordance with GAAP.

Reconciliation of GAAP Net Loss to Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA Loss (unaudited)

$ in millions 3Q23 3Q22 Net loss $(51.7) $(1,592.5) Depreciation and amortization 4.0 6.4 Interest income, net (1.2) (0.6) Income tax expense (benefit) 0.2 (0.6) EBITDA $(48.7) $(1,587.4) Acquisition-related expenses (0.7) 0.5 Share-based and unit-based compensation expense 3.3 8.8 Cancellation of common units (0.0) (0.1) Loss (gain) from change in fair value of warrant liability 0.2 (0.4) Goodwill and intangible assets impairments 23.3 1,547.7 Impairment of long-lived assets 0.1 0.0 Transition services expense 1.0 0.3 Adjusted EBITDA loss $(21.6) $(30.7)

Free Cash Flow is a non-GAAP financial measure. Free Cash Flow is cash flow from operations adjusted for "capitalized internal use software development costs and other capital expenditures" and "interest income." We adjust for capitalized expenses associated with internally developed software for our technology platforms given they are a large component of our ongoing expense base given our position as a technology platform company.

Information reconciling forward-looking Free Cash Flow to the comparable GAAP financial measure is unavailable to us without unreasonable effort. We are not able to provide a reconciliation of forward-looking Free Cash Flow to the comparable GAAP financial measure because certain items required for such reconciliations are outside of our control and/or cannot be reasonably predicted, such as timing of customer payments for account receivables and payment terms for operating expenses. Preparation of such reconciliations would require a forward-looking statement of income and statement of cash flow, prepared in accordance with GAAP, and such forward-looking financial statements are unavailable to us without unreasonable effort (as specified in the exception provided by Item 10(e)(1)(i)(B) of Regulation S-K). We provide a range for our Free Cash Flow forecast that we believe will be achieved, however we cannot accurately predict all the components of the Free Cash Flow calculation. We provide a Free Cash Flow because we believe that Free Cash Flow, when viewed with our results under GAAP, provides useful information for the reasons noted above. However, Free Cash Flow is not a measure of liquidity under GAAP and, accordingly, should not be considered as an alternative to net cash used in operating activities as an indicator of liquidity.

Reconciliation of Operating Cash Flow to Non-GAAP Free Cash Flow ($ in millions) (unaudited)

FY 2023E FY 2024E $ in millions Low High Low High Net cash used in operating activities ($86) ($89) ($35) ($55) Capex (8) (8) (4) (4) Interest income, net (5) (5) (4) (4) Free Cash Flow ($99) ($102) ($43) ($63)

Consolidated Balance Sheets

$ in millions As of 9/30/23

(unaudited) As of 12/31/22 Assets Current assets Cash and cash equivalents $68.2 $98.3 Restricted cash 28.3 16.5 Customer funds 28.2 0.6 Available-for-sale securities 22.7 141.1 Accounts receivable, net 21.7 25.3 Prepaid insurance 12.1 22.8 Safeguarding asset for crypto 505.7 15.8 Other current assets 7.3 6.1 Total current assets 694.2 326.5 Property, equipment and software, net 20.5 19.7 Goodwill 66.5 15.9 Intangible assets, net 41.7 55.8 Deposits with clearinghouse 0.2 15.2 Other assets 23.7 22.5 Total assets $846.7 $455.5 Liabilities and stockholders' equity Current liabilities Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $49.2 $66.8 Customer funds payable 28.2 0.6 Deferred revenue, current 4.4 4.0 Due to related party 1.8 1.2 Safeguarding obligations for crypto 505.7 15.8 Other current liabilities 4.3 3.8 Total current liabilities 593.6 92.1 Deferred revenue, noncurrent 2.9 3.1 Warrant liability 1.6 0.8 Other noncurrent liabilities 37.6 23.4 Total liabilities 635.7 119.4 Stockholders' equity Class A common stock ($0.0001 par value, 750,000,000 shares authorized, 91,414,923 shares issued and outstanding as of 9/30/23 and 80,926,843 shares outstanding as of 12/31/22) 0.0 0.0 Class V common stock ($0.0001 par value, 250,000,000 shares authorized, 183,249,426 shares issued and outstanding as of 9/30/23 and 183,482,777 shares outstanding as of 12/31/22) 0.0 0.0 Additional paid-in capital 794.2 773.0 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (0.3) (0.3) Accumulated deficit (724.6) (676.4) Total stockholders' equity 69.3 96.3 Noncontrolling interest 141.7 239.8 Total equity 211.1 336.1 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $846.7 $455.5

Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited)

$ in millions 3Q23 3Q22 Revenues: Crypto services $191.8 $0.5 Loyalty services, net 13.0 12.7 Total revenues 204.8 13.2 Operating expenses: Crypto costs 189.4 0.4 Execution, clearing and brokerage fees 0.7 --- Compensation and benefits 24.6 37.8 Professional services 2.0 2.7 Technology and communication 5.5 4.1 Selling, general and administrative 7.4 7.8 Acquisition-related expenses (0.7) 0.5 Depreciation and amortization 4.0 6.4 Related party expenses 1.0 0.3 Goodwill and intangible assets impairments 23.3 1,547.7 Impairment of long-lived assets 0.1 0.0 Other operating expenses 0.3 0.5 Total operating expenses 257.6 1,608.1 Operating loss (52.9) (1,594.9) Interest income, net 1.2 0.6 (Loss) gain from change in fair value of warrant liability (0.2) 0.4 Other income, net 0.4 0.7 Loss before income taxes (51.5) (1,593.2) Income tax (expense) benefit (0.2) 0.6 Net loss (51.7) (1,592.5) Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest (34.4) (1,124.4) Net loss attributable to Bakkt Holdings, Inc. $(17.3) $(468.1) Net loss per share attributable to Class A common stockholders Basic $(0.19) $(6.11) Diluted $(0.19) $(6.11)

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)

$ in millions 3Q23 3Q22 Cash flows from operating activities: Net loss $(51.7) $(1,592.5) Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 4.0 6.4 Non-cash lease expense 0.8 0.8 Share-based compensation expense 3.0 7.7 Unit-based compensation expense 0.4 1.1 Forfeiture and cancellation of common units (0.0) (0.1) Deferred income taxes --- (0.6) Impairment of long-lived assets 0.1 --- Goodwill and intangible assets impairments 23.3 1,547.7 Loss on disposal of assets 0.1 --- Loss (gain) from change in fair value of warrant liability 0.2 (0.4) Other 0.0 0.1 Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable (0.7) (0.7) Prepaid insurance 3.9 3.0 Deposits with clearinghouse 15.2 0.0 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (3.1) (8.0) Due to related party 0.8 0.3 Deferred revenue 1.0 (0.5) Operating lease liabilities (0.8) 3.6 Customer funds payable 27.7 (0.0) Other assets and liabilities 0.6 (1.0) Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 24.6 (33.4) Cash flows from investing activities: Capitalized internal-use software development costs and other capital expenditures (1.9) (7.8) Purchase of available-for-sale securities (17.6) 0.4 Proceeds from the maturity of available-for-sale securities 10.0 74.7 Acquisition of Bumped Financial, LLC --- --- Acquisition of Apex Crypto LLC, net of cash acquired 0.0 --- Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities (9.4) 67.4 Cash flows from financing activities: Proceeds from the exercise of warrants --- 0.0 Repurchase and retirement of Class A common stock --- --- Net cash provided by financing activities --- 0.0 Effect of exchange rate changes (0.4) (0.8) Net increase in cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and customer funds 14.8 33.2 Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and customer funds at the beginning of the period 109.9 372.3 Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and customer funds at the end of the period $124.7 $405.5

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231113219643/en/

Contacts

Investor Relations

Ann DeVries, Head of Investor Relations

Ann.DeVries@bakkt.com

Media

press@bakkt.com
K-Swiss has a new international brand president, and its a familiar face: Barney Waters.

Waters, who previously spent eight years at K-Swiss, has returned to the company to assume the international brand president role. During his time at K-Swiss, Waters was the brand president from 2016-2021, and served as chief marketing officer from 2013-2016. (Waters left the company in 2021 to assume the president role at Garrett Leight California Optical.)

More from Footwear News

Waters is replacing footwear industry veteran Rob Langstaff, who assumed the K-Swiss international brand president role in March.

I love the footwear business, and over my career Ive specialized in modernizing heritage brands and turning brands around, so this is a great fit. I had some of my best years at K-Swiss, so Im delighted to return and to be part of the brands future, Waters said in a statement.

K-Swiss is bringing back Waters at a time when footwear industry leaders are shaking up the C-suite. For instance, VF Corp. announced in October that Kevin Bailey was stepping down as president of Vans, and this month FN learned that Timberland global brand president Susie Mulder is exiting the company. Also this month, PrimaLoft Inc. announced it had hired Anne Cavassa, who most recently served as president of Saucony, as its next president.

In a statement, K-Swiss credited Waters  a 20-year footwear industry veteran who previusly spent seven years at Puma  with helping rebuild the brand and the creation of disruptive campaigns in the digital world. Also, K-Swiss said Waters made significant contributions to K-Swiss success, returning the brand to growth and profitability.

Waters was the K-Swiss brand president when China-based sportswear company Xtep International Holdings Ltd. completed its purchase of K-Swiss Global Brands from E-Land Footwear USA Holdings Inc. in August 2019.

Story continues

We are delighted to welcome the return of Barney Waters. Barney brings a wealth of industry expertise

having previously held senior positions at Puma, Palladium and K-Swiss. Now he will join forces with us

once again, to embrace new challenges and contribute to our shared success, Victor Yan, CEO of K-Swiss parent company Xtep Global, said in a statement.

Best of Footwear News
Key Insights

Given the large stake in the stock by institutions, Bermaz Auto Berhad's stock price might be vulnerable to their trading decisions

52% of the business is held by the top 6 shareholders

Analyst forecasts along with ownership data serve to give a strong idea about prospects for a business

If you want to know who really controls Bermaz Auto Berhad (KLSE:BAUTO), then you'll have to look at the makeup of its share registry. The group holding the most number of shares in the company, around 53% to be precise, is institutions. Put another way, the group faces the maximum upside potential (or downside risk).

Because institutional owners have a huge pool of resources and liquidity, their investing decisions tend to carry a great deal of weight, especially with individual investors. Hence, having a considerable amount of institutional money invested in a company is often regarded as a desirable trait.

In the chart below, we zoom in on the different ownership groups of Bermaz Auto Berhad.

See our latest analysis for Bermaz Auto Berhad

What Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About Bermaz Auto Berhad?

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.

Bermaz Auto Berhad already has institutions on the share registry. Indeed, they own a respectable stake in the company. This suggests some credibility amongst professional investors. But we can't rely on that fact alone since institutions make bad investments sometimes, just like everyone does. 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 Bermaz Auto Berhad's historic earnings and revenue below, but keep in mind there's always more to the story.

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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 Bermaz Auto Berhad. Dynamic Milestone Sdn Bhd is currently the company's largest shareholder with 15% of shares outstanding. With 11% and 11% of the shares outstanding respectively, Permodalan Nasional Berhad and Employees Provident Fund of Malaysia are the second and third largest shareholders.

On further inspection, we found that more than half the company's shares are owned by the top 6 shareholders, suggesting that the interests of the larger shareholders are balanced out to an extent by the smaller ones.

Researching institutional ownership is a good way to gauge and filter a stock's expected performance. The same can be achieved by studying analyst sentiments. There are plenty of analysts covering the stock, so it might be worth seeing what they are forecasting, too.

Insider Ownership Of Bermaz Auto Berhad

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.

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.

We can report that insiders do own shares in Bermaz Auto Berhad. As individuals, the insiders collectively own RM32m worth of the RM2.9b company. This shows at least some alignment. You can click here to see if those insiders have been buying or selling.

General Public Ownership

The general public, who are usually individual investors, hold a 20% stake in Bermaz Auto Berhad. This size of ownership, while considerable, may not be enough to change company policy if the decision is not in sync with other large shareholders.

Private Company Ownership

Our data indicates that Private Companies hold 15%, of the company's shares. It might be worth looking deeper into this. If related parties, such as insiders, have an interest in one of these private companies, that should be disclosed in the annual report. Private companies may also have a strategic interest in the company.

Next Steps:

I find it very interesting to look at who exactly owns a company. But to truly gain insight, we need to consider other information, too. Be aware that Bermaz Auto Berhad is showing 3 warning signs in our investment analysis , and 2 of those are concerning...

But ultimately it is the future, not the past, that will determine how well the owners of this business will do. Therefore we think it advisable to take a look at this free report showing whether analysts are predicting a brighter future.

NB: Figures in this article are calculated using data from the last twelve months, which refer to the 12-month period ending on the last date of the month the financial statement is dated. This may not be consistent with full year annual report figures.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
Flanked by members of President Joe Bidens administration, Gov. Wes Moore on Monday announced Baltimores commitment to its designation as one of the nations five Workforce Hubs through investments in career and technical education and training for local workers.

An initiative of the Biden administration, Workforce Hubs are cities focused on providing people who have historically had less economic opportunity, like women and people of color, with training and services to help them access well-paying union jobs.

We are now moving in a way thats actually focused on partnership, and that means investing, Moore, a Democrat, explained at a news conference held at Carver Vocational Technical High School. Investing in things like the Frederick Douglass Tunnel; investing in things like the Port of Baltimore; investing in broadband and Wi-Fi; and investing in mass transit and, yes, that includes the Red Line right here in Baltimore.

Biden, a Democrat, has assigned billions of dollars to Maryland infrastructure projects, including $4.7 billion for the Frederick Douglass Tunnel rail project that is intended to replace the 150-year-old Baltimore and Potomac Tunnel.

Amtrak will invest $5 million to recruit and train apprentices and provide them with support services to help them overcome barriers, like child care and transportation. A portion of this funding will also go to Baltimore City Public Schools to provide technical and skills-based education.

According to Mitch Landrieu, a senior adviser to Biden, the Frederick Douglass Tunnel is estimated to create approximately 30,000 jobs.

U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen, a Democrat, called the federal investments in Maryland historic, noting that $376 million in grant funding will go to Baltimores water infrastructure, and that the state will continue to receive grant money and other funding through the Infrastructure Modernization Act over the next five years.

Were here today because we know that when were making those kind of investments in infrastructure, we need a skilled workforce to accompany that, because if you make the investments but you dont have the skills to turn those investments into reality, then you really havent gotten that far yet, Van Hollen said Monday.

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Moore emphasized the importance of working alongside the Biden administration, which dubbed Maryland as one of five Workforce Hubs in May.

Youre not going to create a workforce system in President Bidens America without making sure unions are at the table, Acting Department of Labor Secretary Julie Su said in a telephone interview with The Baltimore Sun.

Su explained that the objective of naming the Workforce Hubs is to center people who have historically been left out while working in partnership with state and local leaders to address the specific needs of the state.

We want to have solutions that are driven by partnerships with people on the ground, Su said.

Nicholas Cummings, a Carver alumnus, called Mondays announcement a renaissance of opportunity for working families.

Today, we are pointing to pathways to apprenticeships, training and valuable careers  again, opportunities linked to family-sustaining wages, he said. Opportunities in Baltimore still exist: opportunities to earn a great wage, opportunities to receive ... health care, opportunities to move into the middle class  and the opportunities dont stop there.

Dr. Sonja Santelises, the CEO of Baltimore City Public Schools, said that the Workforce Hub Initiative is already being felt in the citys public vocational schools.

Santelises said that she had spoken with a student early Monday who said that classes he is able to take at Carver are what make him want to show up to school, because he knows that he can apply the skills hes learning directly to a job.

I just want everyone to know that its also the leadership in our state that is making this possible, Santelises said.

_____
Goodboy Picture Company / Getty Images

While Social Security was never meant to fund the entire lifestyle of retirees, many American seniors unfortunately find themselves in that very position. According to a recent study from Nationwide, 21% of Americans now rely on Social Security as their sole source of retirement income, up from 13% in 2014.

Social Security Cuts: States That Would Be Impacted the Least

Learn: The Simple, Effective Way To Fortify Your Retirement Mix

Technically, the average Social Security check is enough to keep Americans above the federal poverty level, but there are two problems with this type of analysis. First, in spite of the technical definition, the federal poverty line is far below the standard of living most Americans would want. Second, seniors who are living in poverty are likely earning far below the average Social Security check.

In other words, its extremely difficult to live a comfortable retirement for seniors in poverty who are living off just their Social Security checks. To see how tough it is, heres a quick look at the relationship between federal poverty levels, seniors living in poverty and the size of their Social Security checks.

Sponsored: Open a new checking account and earn early paycheck access; up to 2 days early with Discover Cashback Debit with Early Pay

Federal Poverty Levels for 2023

Federal poverty levels are used to calculate eligibility for a wide range of government programs, from Medicaid and the Childrens Health Insurance Program to Affordable Care Act subsidies and more. As such, they are administrative levels more than actual estimates of what it means to be living in poverty.

For example, the federal minimum wage remains at just $7.25 per hour, which is technically enough to keep you above the poverty line. But there arent many Americans who would agree that earning $15,000 per year amounts to anything but living in poverty.

Nevertheless, the poverty levels are what they are  $14,580 for individuals and $19,720 for two-person households. From there, the poverty line increases by just $5,140 for each additional person in a household, meaning a family of six, for example, would have a poverty line of $40,280.

Story continues

Floridas Retirees Are Fleeing: Heres Where Theyre Going Instead

Average Social Security Checks as of Sept. 2023

According to IRS data, the average Social Security payout for retirees as of Sept. 2023 was $1,841.27. Spouses of retired workers drew an average check of $888.03.

This means that the average retiree household in which a spouse was also drawing benefits received a total of $2,279.30 per month, or $32,751.60 per year. That amounts to $13,031.60 above the poverty line for a two-person household.

Average Social Security Checks of Retirees Living in Poverty

The SSA doesnt break down Social Security payouts by income level. However, an estimate can be made by comparing average U.S. incomes with the average Social Security benefit for retirees.

According to U.S. Census data, Americans in a nonfamily household (meaning they lived alone or with unrelated others) has a median income of $45,440 in 2022. Meanwhile, the average Social Security benefit for an individual retiree as of Dec. 2022 was $1,775.81, or $21,309.72 per year. Lastly, in 2022, the federal poverty level for individuals was $13,590 in income per year.

If you put this all together, an individual living in poverty earned about 30% or less in income than the median nonfamily household. Applying that ratio to the average Social Security payment results in an estimated monthly check of $532.74, or just $6,392.88 per year.

This is by no means a scientific analysis, but its a fair estimate of what a poverty-level earner could expect in terms of a Social Security retirement benefit. Bear in mind that there are plenty of ways for lower-earning retirees to get additional support, including the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program and numerous health and food security assistance programs.

Ways To Boost Your Social Security Check

There are only two ways to boost the amount you receive in your Social Security check. The first is to increase your earnings. The SSA uses your 35 highest-earning years to compute the amount of your check, so maximizing your earnings for at least 35 years is the best way to raise your payout.

The second way is to delay when you file. Although you can legally claim Social Security as early as age 62, by waiting until age 70, you can increase your benefit significantly. If youre due a $1,000 monthly benefit at your full retirement age of 62, for example, that would be reduced to $700 if you claim at age 62. However, if you wait until age 70, that benefit would jump to $1,240, 77% higher than if you filed at 62.

If youre struggling to get by, it might be hard to wait until age 70. However, if its at all possible, youd enjoy much higher Social Security checks for the rest of your life.

Supplemental Sources of Retirement Income

Its clear that Social Security alone isnt usually enough to cut it for most retirees. With this in mind, its important to start saving and investing as early as possible to supplement your Social Security income in retirement.

Even a modest $100 investment per month that earns 10% per year would be worth a whopping $632,405 after 40 years, thanks to the power of compound returns. If you could earn even 5% interest on that money in retirement, that would provide you with an additional $31,620.25 per year in income. Coupled with the average annual Social Security benefit of $22,095.24, youd be pulling in $53,715.49 per year in income without having to lift a finger  and that doesnt even include any potential spousal benefits or other income.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: How Big Is the Average Social Security Check of a Retiree Living in Poverty?
Box Inc (NYSE:BOX), a leader in cloud content management, has recently seen a significant insider sell by its Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Dylan Smith. On November 10, 2023, Dylan Smith sold 13,000 shares of the company, a move that has caught the attention of investors and market analysts alike. This transaction is part of a series of sales conducted by Smith over the past year, amounting to a total of 156,000 shares sold.

Who is Dylan Smith?

Dylan Smith is one of the co-founders of Box Inc and has served as the company's CFO since its inception. His role involves overseeing the financial operations, investor relations, and strategic planning for the company. Smith's tenure has seen Box Inc grow from a startup to a publicly-traded company with a multi-billion dollar market cap. His sales of company stock are often scrutinized as potential indicators of the company's financial health and future prospects.

Box Inc's Business Description

Box Inc is a company that specializes in cloud content management and file sharing service for businesses. The company's platform allows users to securely store, share, and manage their files and documents in the cloud, facilitating collaboration and accessibility across devices and locations. Box Inc's services are critical in today's digital and remote working environments, making it a vital tool for a wide range of industries.

Analysis of Insider Buy/Sell and Relationship with Stock Price

Insider transactions, particularly those involving high-ranking executives, can provide valuable insights into a company's internal perspective on its stock's value. Over the past year, Box Inc has seen a total of 26 insider sells and no insider buys. This trend could suggest that insiders, including Dylan Smith, may believe that the stock is fully valued or that they are taking profits after a period of stock appreciation.

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On the day of Smith's recent sell, Box Inc shares were trading at $25.3, giving the company a market cap of $3.673 billion. The price-earnings ratio of 134.21 is significantly higher than the industry median of 26.88, indicating that the stock may be overvalued based on earnings. However, it is essential to note that the price-earnings ratio is lower than the company's historical median, suggesting that the stock may be trading at a discount compared to its historical valuation.

When considering the price-to-GF-Value ratio, which stands at 0.81, Box Inc appears to be modestly undervalued. The GF Value, which is $31.29, is an intrinsic value estimate that takes into account historical trading multiples, a GuruFocus adjustment factor, and future business performance estimates. This valuation suggests that the stock may have room for growth, despite the recent insider selling activity.

It is also important to analyze the timing and context of Smith's sell. Insider sells can occur for various reasons unrelated to a company's performance, such as personal financial planning, diversification, or liquidity needs. Without additional context, it is challenging to draw definitive conclusions solely based on the sell.

Box Inc CFO Dylan Smith Sells 13,000 Shares: An Insider Sell Analysis

The insider trend image above provides a visual representation of the selling and buying patterns of Box Inc insiders. The absence of insider buys coupled with consistent sells could be a signal to investors to approach the stock with caution. However, it is also common for insiders to sell shares for reasons that do not necessarily reflect a lack of confidence in the company's future.

Box Inc CFO Dylan Smith Sells 13,000 Shares: An Insider Sell Analysis

The GF Value image further illustrates the potential undervaluation of Box Inc's stock. If the company continues to perform well and aligns with the positive future estimates from analysts, the stock price may adjust upwards to reflect its intrinsic value, as estimated by GuruFocus.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the recent insider sell by Box Inc's CFO Dylan Smith is a noteworthy event that warrants attention from investors. While the insider selling trend and high price-earnings ratio may raise some concerns, the company's modest undervaluation based on the GF Value suggests potential for future appreciation. Investors should consider the broader context of the insider transactions, including the company's growth prospects and overall market conditions, before making investment decisions. As always, a diversified investment approach and thorough due diligence are recommended when evaluating insider trading activity and its implications for stock performance.

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.


This has to stop, pleaded three federal appellate judges in overturning a grant of qualified immunity that had excused police for their brutal killing of Wayne Jones, a Black man experiencing homelessness in Martinsburg, West Virginia.

Mr. Jones was killed in 2013 by five officers as he lay motionless on the ground between a stone wall and the wall of officers who teased, punched, kicked and choked him, before killing him in a barrage of 22 gunshots.

In its powerful 2020 opinion, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit pushed back against the increasingly intolerable consequences of qualified immunity, a court-invented doctrine used as both shield and sword to block accountability for police violence and strip victims of their rights to redress. Although we recognize that our police officers are often asked to make split-second decisions, the Jones Court ruled, we expect them to do so with respect for the dignity and worth of Black lives.

On Dec. 4, the Maryland Supreme Court will have an opportunity to address this crisis of impunity when it hears a case in which lower courts radically expanded the reach of qualified immunity to excuse the horrific police shooting of a 5-year-old child trapped amid police gunfire that killed his mother.

After Korryn Gaines  a young Black woman experiencing mental health challenges  missed a court date for minor traffic tickets, heavily armed Baltimore County police kicked in the door of her home and found her with a gun, leading to a prolonged standoff. As Ms. Gaines huddled in her apartment with her 5-year-old son Kodi, more than 30 officers, police snipers and armor-clad SWAT units swarmed the apartment complex, with at least four armed officers stationed just outside Ms. Gaines door.

The ensuing standoff continued for six hours. Then, a hot and frustrated Officer Royce Ruby  triggered when Ms. Gaines followed Kodi into the kitchen to make him a peanut butter and jelly sandwich  shot her in the back, killing her, leaving Kodi and his sister Karsyn motherless. Although the jury later found Ms. Gaines posed no threat to anyone, Officer Ruby aimed for her head, shooting through the kitchen wall with full knowledge that Kodi was just on the other side. The bullet from the high-powered rifle exited his mothers body, ricocheted off the refrigerator, and struck Kodi in the face. Another bullet hit Kodis arm when Officer Ruby fired additional shots into his mortally wounded mother, all causing Kodi grievous injury and unimaginable emotional trauma.

After a three-week trial in 2018, a Baltimore County jury found the police killing of Ms. Gaines and shooting of young Kodi both shocking and unconstitutional. The jury unanimously rejected the officers qualified immunity defense and awarded Kodi nearly $33 million in damages  perhaps the largest police misconduct verdict in Baltimore County history.

In the years since the jurys emphatic verdict, however, the trial judge overseeing the case  himself a former police officer  has second-guessed and undermined the jury through a series of legal rulings, most recently resurrecting qualified immunity to insulate police from liability and override Kodis rights. Worse still, earlier this year a panel of Marylands intermediate appellate court agreed, contending that qualified immunity protects police from liability and deprives Kodi of any remedy for the harms he suffered, because Kodi was merely an innocent bystander.

Shockingly, Kodis case is not unique. There have been multiple shootings of innocent bystanders by mistake by police officers in Central Maryland and beyond. In fact, Baltimore County police officers have even shot their own fellow officers on multiple occasions, including a 2020 incident nearly killing an officer through so-called friendly fire. This is what Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor has called qualified immunitys shoot first, think later approach to policing.

The notion that police should be immunized from liability for shooting a child like Kodi is sickening, as if his young life is mere collateral damage from their lawless violence against his mother. In its verdict finding that police bear liability for their unconstitutional shootings of Korryn and Kodi Gaines, the jury plainly sought to demand  as did the Fourth Circuit in the Jones case  that police must exercise their enormous power with at least basic respect for the dignity and worth of Black lives.

For Maryland courts to say otherwise using the made-up doctrine of qualified immunity is unacceptable, and further entrenches the shoot first, think later approach that has perpetuated avoidable civilian injuries and deaths nationwide, despite overwhelming public outrage. If we have any hope of stemming the tide of police violence against Black people here in Maryland and across America, this has to stop.

Deborah Jeon (jeon@aclu-md.org) is legal director for the ACLU of Maryland, which collaborated to submit a friend-of-the-court brief in the Maryland Supreme Court challenging egregious application of qualified immunity to protect police from consequences of their violence at the expense of an innocent Black child.
Key Insights

Given the large stake in the stock by institutions, Bristol-Myers Squibb's stock price might be vulnerable to their trading decisions

A total of 25 investors have a majority stake in the company with 50% ownership

Insiders have been selling lately

To get a sense of who is truly in control of Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY), it is important to understand the ownership structure of the business. And the group that holds the biggest piece of the pie are institutions with 80% ownership. That is, the group stands to benefit the most if the stock rises (or lose the most if there is a downturn).

As a result, institutional investors endured the highest losses last week after market cap fell by US$4.4b. Needless to say, the recent loss which further adds to the one-year loss to shareholders of 32% might not go down well especially with this category of shareholders. Institutions or "liquidity providers" control large sums of money and therefore, these types of investors usually have a lot of influence over stock price movements. As a result, if the decline continues, institutional investors may be pressured to sell Bristol-Myers Squibb which might hurt individual investors.

Let's delve deeper into each type of owner of Bristol-Myers Squibb, beginning with the chart below.

See our latest analysis for Bristol-Myers Squibb

What Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About Bristol-Myers Squibb?

Institutions typically measure themselves against a benchmark when reporting to their own investors, so they often become more enthusiastic about a stock once it's included in a major index. We would expect most companies to have some institutions on the register, especially if they are growing.

Bristol-Myers Squibb already has institutions on the share registry. Indeed, they own a respectable stake in the company. 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 Bristol-Myers Squibb, (below). Of course, keep in mind that there are other factors to consider, too.

Story continues

Since institutional investors own more than half the issued stock, the board will likely have to pay attention to their preferences. We note that hedge funds don't have a meaningful investment in Bristol-Myers Squibb. The company's largest shareholder is The Vanguard Group, Inc., with ownership of 10%. BlackRock, Inc. is the second largest shareholder owning 8.5% of common stock, and State Street Global Advisors, Inc. holds about 4.5% of the company stock.

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.

While studying institutional ownership for a company can add value to your research, it is also a good practice to research analyst recommendations to get a deeper understand of a stock's expected performance. Quite a few analysts cover the stock, so you could look into forecast growth quite easily.

Insider Ownership Of Bristol-Myers Squibb

The definition of an insider can differ slightly between different countries, but members of the board of directors always count. Company management run the business, but the CEO will answer to the board, even if he or she is a member of it.

Insider ownership is positive when it signals leadership are thinking like the true owners of the company. However, high insider ownership can also give immense power to a small group within the company. This can be negative in some circumstances.

Our most recent data indicates that insiders own less than 1% of Bristol-Myers Squibb Company. Being so large, we would not expect insiders to own a large proportion of the stock. Collectively, they own US$64m of stock. It is good to see board members owning shares, but it might be worth checking if those insiders have been buying.

General Public Ownership

The general public-- including retail investors -- own 20% stake in the company, and hence can't easily be ignored. This size of ownership, while considerable, may not be enough to change company policy if the decision is not in sync with other large shareholders.

Next Steps:

It's always worth thinking about the different groups who own shares in a company. But to understand Bristol-Myers Squibb better, we need to consider many other factors. For instance, we've identified 2 warning signs for Bristol-Myers Squibb that you should be aware of.

Ultimately the future is most important. You can access this free report on analyst forecasts for the company.

NB: Figures in this article are calculated using data from the last twelve months, which refer to the 12-month period ending on the last date of the month the financial statement is dated. This may not be consistent with full year annual report figures.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
By Divya Rajagopal

TORONTO (Reuters) -As Glencore prepares for the long grind to convince Canada of the virtues of the Swiss trader-led consortium's $9 billion bid for Teck Resources' coal unit, investors and lawyers are optimistic about the deal approval despite the government's increased scrutiny of foreign investments.

In recent years, Canada has tightened the Investment Canada Act (ICA), the main tool the government uses to review inbound deals to ensure transactions are not harmful to national security.

Glencore CEO Gary Nagle's initial bid for the entire Teck Resources faced stiff opposition from Justin Trudeau's Liberal government and from the premier of British Columbia, where the company is based. Teck twice rebuffed Glencore's overtures.

On Tuesday, the federal innovation ministry declined to specifically comment on Glencore's bid, citing confidentiality provisions of the Act, but said any transaction involving a Canadian company and a foreign company would be subject to a review under the ICA.

"All regulatory processes will be followed regarding review of the proposal," Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland said during a conference. "The government concern remains to protect Canadian jobs, environmental issues, rights of indigenous people; Teck is important for Canada and they are a champion for Canada."Greg McNab, a partner with law firm Dentons who specializes in the energy and mining sector, said he expects the deal to be approved by the government.

"The Canadian government makes a lot of tax revenues from coal, but it does not want to be seen as blocking the sale of those assets to someone else, at least from the public policy perspective," McNab added.

After seven months of pitched battles, Glencore on Tuesday was finally able to persuade Teck to sell a 77% stake in the Canadian miner's steelmaking coal business for $6.9 billion in cash, with 20% going to Japan's Nippon Steel Corporation.

Story continues

Anticipating an intense and a long review, Glencore has made a 28-point commitment to ICA, including a pledge to keep the company headquartered in Vancouver with a majority of the board of directors and senior leadership made up of Canadian nationals. Glencore expects the transaction to close in the third quarter of 2024.

United Steelworkers union (USW), representing over 4,000 Teck employees in British Columbia, said it would not support the proposed sale of Teck's steelmaking coal operations to Glencore without further commitments.

"While we see a number of good and broad commitments such as job retention, a Vancouver-based head office... underlying concerns persist regarding Glencore's role as a corporate entity," USW Western Canada Director Scott Lunny said, adding that there has been no communication from the company.

In the past five fiscal years starting in 2018/19, nearly 100 inbound deals were subject to Canada's extended national security review, of which 10 were forced to divest stakes, one was blocked and two reviews are ongoing.

While the number of companies undergoing extended reviews has increased, outright rejections have been rare.

Glencore said it would demerge the coal units of both companies within 24 months of the deal's close.

The deal announced on Tuesday isn't subject to approval by Teck shareholders, who in April scuppered a planned split of the company.

While all investments are subject to national security review, only significant acquisitions of control of Canadian businesses by foreign investors are reviewed for net benefit.

"I will be surprised that the deal will be scuttled because the way the deal is structured with multiple parties," said Peter Letko, co-founder of Letko Brosseau, a Montreal-based asset management firm and a Teck investor.

"I think this is a fair deal, they have accomplished what they (Teck) wanted to do, remove the higher emission product from their portfolio. This was the strategy of the Keevil family too," Letko added, referring to Teck's Keevil family which owns 55% of Teck's Class A shares though Temagami Mining.

(Reporting by Divya Rajagopal;Additional reporting by Akanksha Khushi; Writing by Denny Thomas; Editing by Jonathan Oatis and Miral Fahmy)
Looking at Chemical Industries (Far East) Limited's (SGX:C05 ) insider transactions over the last year, we can see that insiders were net buyers. That is, there were more number of shares purchased by insiders than there were sold.

While insider transactions are not the most important thing when it comes to long-term investing, we would consider it foolish to ignore insider transactions altogether.

Check out our latest analysis for Chemical Industries (Far East)

Chemical Industries (Far East) Insider Transactions Over The Last Year

In the last twelve months, the biggest single purchase by an insider was when Chairman Emeritus Soo Peng Lim bought S$499k worth of shares at a price of S$0.75 per share. So it's clear an insider wanted to buy, even at a higher price than the current share price (being S$0.54). Their view may have changed since then, but at least it shows they felt optimistic at the time. We always take careful note of the price insiders pay when purchasing shares. It is encouraging to see an insider paid above the current price for shares, as it suggests they saw value, even at higher levels. Soo Peng Lim was the only individual insider to buy during the last year.

You can see the insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last year depicted in the chart below. If you click on the chart, you can see all the individual transactions, including the share price, individual, and the date!

There are plenty of other companies that have insiders buying up shares. You probably do not want to miss this free list of growing companies that insiders are buying.

Does Chemical Industries (Far East) Boast High Insider Ownership?

Another way to test the alignment between the leaders of a company and other shareholders is to look at how many shares they own. We usually like to see fairly high levels of insider ownership. It's great to see that Chemical Industries (Far East) insiders own 55% of the company, worth about S$23m. This kind of significant ownership by insiders does generally increase the chance that the company is run in the interest of all shareholders.

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So What Does This Data Suggest About Chemical Industries (Far East) Insiders?

The fact that there have been no Chemical Industries (Far East) insider transactions recently certainly doesn't bother us. But insiders have shown more of an appetite for the stock, over the last year. With high insider ownership and encouraging transactions, it seems like Chemical Industries (Far East) insiders think the business has merit. So while it's helpful to know what insiders are doing in terms of buying or selling, it's also helpful to know the risks that a particular company is facing. Case in point: We've spotted 5 warning signs for Chemical Industries (Far East) you should be aware of, and 2 of them are a bit unpleasant.

If you would prefer to check out another company -- one with potentially superior financials -- then do not miss this free list of interesting companies, that have HIGH return on equity and low debt.

For the purposes of this article, insiders are those individuals who report their transactions to the relevant regulatory body. We currently account for open market transactions and private dispositions of direct interests only, but not derivative transactions or indirect interests.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
By Ellen Zhang and Marius Zaharia

BEIJING/HONG KONG (Reuters) - Having failed to find his dream job at a Chinese internet company upon graduation, Peter Liu settled for a role in a state library where there is so little need for his participation that he spends his time studying for a change in his career path.

"It's really hard to get work at big companies," said the 24-year-old who majored in TV production at a Beijing university before moving back home in the central Henan province.

Liu got the librarian job after a government-led campaign to secure temporary work for graduates, which analysts describe as a short-term solution to preserve social stability in a slowing economy with little on offer for young Chinese.

Such "welfare jobs," as they are known in China, include roles as receptionists, office administrators, security guards and community workers. Various government institutions offer such jobs every year, but they had usually drawn applications from disadvantaged groups, such as elderly or disabled people.

This year, amid a deepening youth joblessness crisis in the world's second-largest economy, even remote rural positions have seen intense competition from young Chinese with diplomas from top universities, graduates and economists say.

The government sees employment as key to pacifying China's most pessimistic generation in decades, while graduates gaining even limited work experience can also benefit their future employers if the economy recovers, analysts say.

The one-to-three year contracts pay roughly the minimum wage in the region, typically between 2,000 and 3,000 yuan ($275-$412) per month, sometimes including free meals - much less than their average expectation for a first job salary of 8,033 yuan, according to a survey by Chinese recruitment firm Liepin.

A separate programme aiming for 1 million internships this year has courted state-owned and private firms for participation.

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The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, which did not reply to a request for comment on the government programmes or the job market, told state media last week youth employment was improving.

China has in the past year eased some regulatory burdens on tech, property and finance firms - traditionally large employers of new talent. But state media editorials have also encouraged young graduates to take lower skilled jobs.

On Wednesday, the statistics bureau is expected to omit for the fourth consecutive month the release of youth unemployment data, suspended in July after reaching a record 21.3% in June, just as 11.6 million fresh graduates were entering the job market.

The total take-up of short-term jobs and internships remains unknown, but social media posts commenting on the selection process and discussing career options are frequent and analysts expect such roles will be in demand in a slowing economy.

Still, the state sector - which provides a fifth of the urban jobs in China - can only temporarily alleviate economic pressure for a portion of university graduates through such campaigns, economists say, warning youth unemployment remains a major long-term headache for Beijing.

"Youth unemployment will stay with us for quite a long time, at least for five-to-10 years," said Wang Jun, chief economist at Huatai Asset Management, adding the temporary jobs are "a short-term fix for stability, to relieve social conflicts brought by joblessness."

China had witnessed high youth unemployment in the late 1970s and early 1980s as educated youth returned to cities after working the farmlands under Mao Zedong, as well as in the late 1990s when the country began shrinking inefficient state conglomerates.

A 23-year-old graduate surnamed Chen said she beat more than a dozen applicants in August to a secretary job at a local agriculture centre in the southwestern city of Chongqing.

"The gap between my dreams and reality is huge," said Chen, who wanted to become a teacher.

Chen and Liu are both using the slow days at work to study for the highly-competitive 2024 civil service exam, which drew a record 2.6 million applicants, according to state media. If they pass, they would start on one of the most coveted career paths in China, often referred to as the "iron bowl" of financial stability.

Liu never expected to go for a public sector career, but for now he is at least happy that he can take that chance.

"I don't want my parents to see me staying at home all day with nothing to do," said Liu.

($1 = 7.2851 Chinese yuan renminbi)

(additional reporting by Beijing newsroom; Graphics by Kripa Jayaram and Ellen Zhang; Editing by Shri Navaratnam)
LeapThought announces the appointment of JD Sherrill as Vice President of Sales for North America, along with key executive additions as part of the company's strategic growth initiatives

BELLEVUE, Wash., Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- LeapThought, a leading provider of intelligent construction management platforms, is expanding its team with the recruitment of JD Sherrill, a proven sales leader in the Architecture, Engineering, Construction (AEC) technology industry.

Construction technology veteran JD Sherrill joins LeapThought to lead North American sales for the FulcrumHQ intelligent construction management platform

With over 15 years of experience in scaling SaaS software sales and market development in the AEC industry, Sherrill brings a wealth of expertise and insight to LeapThought.

"JD's impressive experience will be instrumental in our mission to transform the construction sector through next generation technology solutions that directly address the sector's productivity challenges," said Ratnakar Garikipati, CEO, Founder, and Chair of LeapThought. "We're committed to investing in top-tier talent to drive our expansion."

Sherrill's appointment is part of a larger initiative as the firm also welcomes go-to-market executives Ky Hacker as Chief Revenue Officer and Jackie Young as VP of Global Marketing and Growth. Both are seasoned B2B SaaS leaders, bolstering the company's commitment to revolutionizing project outcomes through collaboration, efficiency, and productivity.

In his new role, Sherrill will work closely with Hacker and Young to expand LeapThought's market presence in North America, leveraging the company's innovative platform built around open-standard BIM processes, cloud-native access, and AI-enabled decision making.

"I'm excited to join forces with LeapThought to better serve the AECO industry with transformational solutions. Together, I believe we can make a significant impact," said Sherrill.

About LeapThought

LeapThought Corp., a trailblazer implementing digital transformation in the construction industry, specializes in intelligent construction management. With clients from sectors including transportation, defense, utilities, healthcare, and residential and commercial property development, LeapThought caters to the AECO industry's needs in large-scale construction and infrastructure.

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Headquartered in the USA, LeapThought provides unparalleled support to customers worldwide through its offices in New Zealand, Singapore, Australia, and India. Using state-of-the-art solutions like our flagship FulcrumHQ platform and leveraging AI and machine learning, LeapThought is propelling the construction sector toward more sustainable and efficient project outcomes. Discover more at www.leapthought.com.

FulcrumHQ by LeapThought: Intelligent Construction Management Platform (PRNewsfoto/LeapThought)

Cision

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SOURCE LeapThought
Community Preservation Partners (CPP)

Renovation and new construction preserves 204 units of affordable housing 14 miles east of Pittsburgh

Cambridge Square Apartments

Cambridge Square Apartments in Monroeville, PA

MONROEVILLE, Pa., Nov. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CPP (Community Preservation Partners), a mission-driven affordable housing preservation developer has announced the planned renovation of Cambridge Square Apartments, an affordable housing community just 14 miles east of downtown Pittsburgh. The development consists of eight, two-story residential buildings comprising 204 apartments ranging from one- to three-bedroom layouts. This property is CPPs second investment in Pennsylvania, having acquired Allegheny Commons in downtown Pittsburgh earlier this year.



The community will receive extensive renovations, estimated at $18,827,049 (or $92,289 per unit). CPPs total investment is approximately $47.2 million, which includes a purchase price of $16,600,000.

Built in 1974, and located at 120 Cambridge Square Drive, the development will gain a new community building and see reconstruction of one building consisting of 28 units lost to a fire earlier in the year. The new community building will include space for resident meetings and gatherings, maintenance storage space, and leasing offices. In addition to new construction and new amenities, the property will receive extensive improvements to address deferred maintenance, including updates to accessibility throughout the property, mechanical system replacements, building envelope upgrades, and energy efficiency enhancements that meet National Green Building Standards. Existing amenities include central laundry rooms throughout the residential buildings, a playground, and 329 surface parking spots.

All units will receive interior upgrades with installation of new kitchen countertops, appliances and flooring, as well as bathroom updates including new vanities, fixtures, tub reglazing and new shower surrounds, as needed. New windows and roofs will be installed throughout the property.

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With the development of Cambridge Square Apartments, CPP is expanding its footprint in Pennsylvania and doing our part in the revitalization of the greater Pittsburgh area, said Seth Gellis, President of CPP. In addition to a new community building, this project will also be rebuilding all units lost in a recent fire. We are excited to bring new construction and new amenities to the residents.

This project builds on the work that we are already doing downtown at Allegheny Commons and helps to support the community by preserving much needed affordable housing, said Thomas Gibson, Director of Special Projects for CPP. We are thrilled to be moving forward after over two years of planning during a very challenging economic environment.

The project received an allocation of low-income housing tax credits in 2007, when it last received renovations. There are 198 units under the Housing Assistance Payment contract (all units 50% of area median income) and six units that will be reserved for families at 60% or below of area median income. All 204 units will be affordable.

Renovations are expected to be completed in December 2024, with minimal impact to residents. The property will partner with American Healthcare Group in providing supportive services.

Partners on the project include the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA), who is the bond issuer and awarded 4% low-income housing tax credits; and Key Bank who provided debt financing through the Freddie Mac TEL program.

About Community Preservation Partners

In 2004, Community Preservation Partners was established by our parent company, WNC & Associates, a national investor in affordable housing and community renewal initiatives. Since then, CPP has successfully acquired, developed, and rehabilitated more than 11,000 affordable multifamily and senior housing units nationwide. From the very beginning, theyve done things differently. As more than a consultant or an investor, CPP is a true partner in every sense. By joining leading nonprofits and strategic partners, they can provide essential social services to residents, support neighborhood initiatives and transform multifamily affordable housing communities. Creativity, Performance, and Purpose are their core values and embody everything they do. Together they define A Different Way to Home for their excellent employees, partners, and communities. Visit https://www.cpp-housing.com/ .

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9cf6dcee-5ef1-4270-b7d2-ec3cce658d76

CONTACT: MEDIA CONTACT IDEA HALL Rachel Fuller Rachel@ideahall.com




By Steven Scheer

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Five weeks into Israel's war with Palestinian militant group Hamas, Israelis are spending less but a recovery may have begun after a steep drop at the start of the conflict, the Bank of Israel said on Tuesday.

The central bank said that since the war's outbreak, credit card spending - a key indicator of consumer expenditures that is more than half of economic output - is down 9% from its forecast level, but off a low of 20% after the first three weeks.

It said spending, based on daily data received from Israel's credit card processing firm, has slid on education, flights, hotels, car rentals, fuel, transport and restaurants, but risen in supermarkets due to what it called "the public's initial concerns of a shortage of products" and calls by authorities to stockpile food for 72 hours.

The Bank of Israel said that credit card data are crucial for monetary policy since much of the data necessary for making economic policy decisions do not exist in real time, and sometimes the lag is several weeks to a few months.

"Credit card expenditures are a real-time indicator of the level of business and consumer activity," it said. "These data make it possible to lower the extent of uncertainty with which economic policy decisions are made, and their use is very important during a crisis when there is increased uncertainty."

The use of credit card spending data, the central bank said, also made it possible to assess the level of activity during the war compared with the past. Current data show spending similar to the second COVID lockdown in September 2020 but higher than the first lockdown at the start of the pandemic in March 2020.

Assuming the Gaza war remains concentrated along Israel's southern border with the enclave and lasts until the end of the year, the central bank projects GDP growth to fall by about 1% in 2023 and 2024 - translating to growth of 2.3% this year and 2.8% next.

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Its projections are more optimistic than those of S&P Global Ratings, which on Monday estimated growth for Israel of 1.5% in 2023 and 0.5% in 2024, with a contraction of 5% in the current quarter. The bank said any drawing of other regional players into the war would "have more significant repercussions for Israel's economy".

According to the Economy Ministry, 19% of Israel's active labour force are not working due to the war, as many of them have been called up for military reserve duty.

(Reporting by Steven Scheer; editing by Mark Heinrich)
If investors are looking at the Mutual Fund Equity Report fund category, Deutsche Science and Technology A (KTCAX) could be a potential option. KTCAX holds a Zacks Mutual Fund Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), which is based on various forecasting factors like size, cost, and past performance.

History of Fund/Manager

DWS is based in New York, NY, and is the manager of KTCAX. Deutsche Science and Technology A made its debut in September of 1948, and since then, KTCAX has accumulated about $883.29 million in assets, per the most up-to-date date available. The fund is currently managed by Sebastian Werner who has been in charge of the fund since December of 2017.

Performance

Investors naturally seek funds with strong performance. KTCAX has a 5-year annualized total return of 14.37% and it sits in the middle third among its category peers. Investors who prefer analyzing shorter time frames should look at its 3-year annualized total return of 6.66%, which places it in the middle third during this time-frame.

It is important to note that the product's returns may not reflect all its expenses. Any fees not reflected would lower the returns. Total returns do not reflect the fund's [%] sale charge. If sales charges were included, total returns would have been lower.

When looking at a fund's performance, it is also important to note the standard deviation of the returns. The lower the standard deviation, the less volatility the fund experiences. Over the past three years, KTCAX's standard deviation comes in at 22.54%, compared to the category average of 17.14%. The fund's standard deviation over the past 5 years is 22.28% compared to the category average of 17.85%. This makes the fund more volatile than its peers over the past half-decade.

Risk Factors

With a 5-year beta of 1.08, the fund is likely to be more volatile than the market average. Another factor to consider is alpha, as it reflects a portfolio's performance on a risk-adjusted basis relative to a benchmark-in this case, the S&P 500. KTCAX has generated a positive alpha over the past five years of 2.96, demonstrating that managers in this portfolio are skilled in picking securities that generate better-than-benchmark returns.

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Holdings

Exploring the equity holdings of a mutual fund is also a valuable exercise. This can show us how the manager is applying their stated methodology, as well as if there are any inherent biases in their approach. For this particular fund, the focus is primarily on equities that are traded in the United States.

Right now, 77.02% of this mutual fund's holdings are stocks, which have an average market capitalization of $508.29 billion. Turnover is about 22%, so those in charge of the fund make fewer trades than the average comparable fund.

Expenses

As competition heats up in the mutual fund market, costs become increasingly important. Compared to its otherwise identical counterpart, a low-cost product will be an outperformer, all other things being equal. Thus, taking a closer look at cost-related metrics is vital for investors. In terms of fees, KTCAX is a load fund. It has an expense ratio of 0.91% compared to the category average of 1.28%. Looking at the fund from a cost perspective, KTCAX is actually cheaper than its peers.

Investors need to be aware that with this product, the minimum initial investment is $1,000; each subsequent investment needs to be at least $50.

Fees charged by investment advisors have not been taken into considiration. Returns would be less if those were included.

Bottom Line

Overall, Deutsche Science and Technology A ( KTCAX ) has a high Zacks Mutual Fund rank, and in conjunction with its comparatively similar performance, average downside risk, and lower fees, this fund looks like a good potential choice for investors right now.

Your research on the Mutual Fund Equity Report segment doesn't have to stop here. You can check out all the great mutual fund tools we have to offer by going to www.zacks.com/funds/mutual-funds to see the additional features we offer as well for additional information. And don't forget, Zacks has all of your needs covered on the equity side too! Make sure to check out Zacks.com for more information on our screening capabilities, Rank, and all our articles as well.

Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report

Get Your Free (KTCAX): Fund Analysis Report

To read this article on Zacks.com click here.

Zacks Investment Research
DataHorizzon Research

The dialysis market is being driven by advanced insight sensing and detection technologies.

Fort Collins, Colorado, Nov. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to DataHorizzon Research, The Dialysis Market size was valued at USD 104.7 Billion in 2022 and is expected to reach a market size of USD 210.7 Billion by 2032 with a CAGR of 7.4%.

The dialysis market has grown due to the increasing prevalence of chronic kidney disease worldwide. The University of California, San Francisco, estimates that kidney failure affects almost 750,000 patients annually in the US and 2 million patients worldwide yearly. Aging populations, sedentary lifestyles, rising incidence of diabetes hypertension, and exposure to nephrotoxic substances contribute to the surge in CKD cases. As a result, the demand for dialysis treatment has significantly increased, leading to a need for expanded dialysis services.

ESRD patients require dialysis or kidney transplantation. The increasing global ESRD patient population has driven up demand for dialysis treatments. This trend is due to factors such as aging populations, improved diagnosis of kidney diseases, and higher survival rates among patients with chronic illnesses who ultimately develop ESRD.

The dialysis landscape has improved significantly with technological advancements. Innovations like efficient hemodialysis machines, portable devices, and advanced filtration techniques have enhanced patient outcomes and expanded the adoption of dialysis procedures. These advancements have reduced treatment duration, minimized complications, and improved overall efficacy, making it more convenient for patients.

Request Sample Report:

https://datahorizzonresearch.com/request-sample-pdf/dialysis-market-2291

Segmentation Overview:

The global dialysis market has been segmented into type, product & service equipment, end user, and region. The dialysis market has grown due to the development of advanced hemodialysis machines, biocompatible dialyzers, and enhanced monitoring systems, resulting in better patient outcomes, increased treatment efficacy, and improved safety. The dialysis machines segment holds the largest revenue share, which includes hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis machines.

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Buy This Research Report:

https://datahorizzonresearch.com/checkout-page/dialysis-market-2291

Dialysis Market Report Highlights:

The global dialysis market growth is anticipated at a CAGR of 7.4% by 2032.

The dialysis market has grown due to rising disease prevalence and advancing technology. Dialysis replaces damaged kidney function, enabling patients with ESRD or CKD to live a reason.



North America dominates the market due to its advanced healthcare infrastructure, high prevalence of kidney disease, and favorable reimbursement policies. The US is a significant contributor to the market, driven by key players, technological advancements, and a large patient population requiring dialysis treatment.

Some prominent players in the dialysis market report include Diaverum, Fresenius Se And Co. Kgaa, Davita, Angiodynamics Inc., Nipro Corporation, Nikkiso Co. Ltd., B. Braun Melsungen Ag, Becton, Dickinson, And Company (C. R. Bard, Inc.), Baxter International Inc., and Asahi Kasei Corporation among others.

Industry Trends and Insights:

- Brazil's new clinic in Sao Paulo, located in Guarulhos, celebrated its launch.

- Baxter International Inc. launched digital image capture capability for eye exams using its existing Welch Allyn PanOptic Plus Ophthalmoscope, the iExaminer Pro System. The technology helps advance healthcare professionals' ability to examine and diagnose patients' eye health.

Looking Exclusively For Region/Country Specific Report?

https://datahorizzonresearch.com/ask-for-customization/dialysis-market-2291

OR

Ask For Discount

https://datahorizzonresearch.com/ask-for-discount/dialysis-market-2291

Dialysis Market Segmentation:

By Type: Hemodialysis (Conventional Hemodialysis, Short Daily Hemodialysis, Nocturnal Hemodialysis), Peritoneal Dialysis (Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD), Automated Peritoneal Dialysis (APD))

By Product and Service Equipment: Dialysis Machines (Water Treatment Systems, Others Dialysis Equipment), Consumables (Dialyzers, Catheters, Other Dialysis Consumables), Dialysis Drugs, and Services.

By End User: In-center dialysis, Home dialysis

By Region: North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa.

About DataHorizzon Research:

DataHorizzon is a market research and advisory company that assists organizations across the globe in formulating growth strategies for changing business dynamics. Its offerings include consulting services across enterprises and business insights to make actionable decisions. DHRs comprehensive research methodology for predicting long-term and sustainable trends in the market facilitates complex decisions for organizations.

Contact:

Mail: sales@datahorizzonresearch.com

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LODI, Wis., Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Divine Healthcare is thrilled to share the incredible journey of one of its own residents, Don, who recently participated in the Badger Honor Flight to Washington DC.

Visiting iconic landmarks

Don, known as Divine's Resident Council Officer and Bingo Caller, applied to join the Badger Honor Flight approximately seven years ago, and his dream became a reality in 2023 when his application was accepted. The trip, which took place on November 4th, 2023, marked the 51st flight for Badger Honor Flight and a significant milestone as the organization flew its 4,500th Veteran to the nation's capital.

The flight included 88 Veterans, along with their Guardians and devoted Badger Honor Flight volunteers. The experience was not only a celebration of service but also a testament to the community's unwavering support for its Veterans.

The day commenced with an early 3:00 a.m. wake-up call, leading to a heartfelt Send-Off Ceremony at Dane County Regional Airport. The itinerary included visits to iconic landmarks such as Arlington Cemetery, the WWII memorial, Iwo Jima, the Korean War/Vietnam Veterans/Lincoln Memorials, the Franklin D Roosevelt Memorial, and the 9/11 Memorial at the Pentagon.

One of the trip's highlights was a surprise 'Mail Call' for the Veterans, orchestrated by the Divine community. Letters from Divine residents, staff members, and volunteers filled Don's envelope, creating a deeply moving moment during the flight.

The local Army Reserves extended a warm reception upon return, symbolizing a poignant and impactful homecoming for Veterans who may not have received the recognition they deserved, particularly during the Vietnam era.

Don's military service, spanning the Vietnam Era in the Air Force from 1961-1963, and later in the Army Reserves, adds a unique layer of bravery and commitment to this already remarkable story.

Divine is immensely grateful for the opportunity to serve a Veteran like Don, who exemplifies the sacrifices made by those who have served our country.

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Don on the Badger Honor Flight

Inspirational Journey with Badger Honor Flight

Cision

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SOURCE Divine Healthcare
It is time that we declare unequivocally that criticism of the state of Israel is not anti-Jewish. Criticism of a government is not a condemnation of its people, and that is especially true of those who are not even citizens of that state (Another war, another forced relocation. Why cant we make room for peace on this vast planet? Nov. 13).

The government of Israel is not the government of all Jews, and the state of Israel does not equal Judaism. For decades, many Jews outside of, and inside of, Israel have criticized the actions of Israeli governments with regard to the Palestinian people. That is not anti-Jewish.

Conflating criticism of Israel with antisemitism is a technique used to silence that criticism and to avoid dealing with the real issues. If you want to argue with those who criticize Israels actions in Gaza, then you should deal with what they have to say and not seek to stifle them by claiming antisemitism. The attacks on U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib and the humanitarian organization CASA Maryland are examples of such demagoguery.

Antisemitism is real, and it is to be condemned. But it should not be used to silence those who speak out against the actions of Israel in the West Bank and Gaza.

 Terry Fitzgerald, Baltimore

Add your voice: Respond to this piece or other Sun content by submitting your own letter.
NEW YORK  Donald Trump Jr. extolled the virtues of the Trump Organizations sexy real estate portfolio on the witness stand Monday in response to softball questions from the defense team, in a spiel more akin to a sales pitch than fraud trial testimony.

Don Jr., 45, is the first witness brought by Trumps team of lawyers as they kick off their defense case in the $250 million fraud trial brought by New York Attorney General Tish James against ex-president Donald Trump, his adult sons and his company executives. Don Jr.s testimony offered the first taste of how the defense will approach their six-week case, which is slated to wrap up in mid-December.

Questioned by defense attorney Cliff Robert, the bulk of Don Jr.s testimony was accompanied by a slick slideshow titled The Trump Story, pulled straight from the companys website, trump.com. It showed glossy pictures of the Trump Organizations real estate holdings and its opulent corner windows, huge ballrooms and luxurious lobbies.

Don Jr. told spoke extensively about the history of nearly two dozen Trump Org properties, framing most as run-down plots that required the elder Trumps ability to spot a diamond in the rough to transform them into sexy and spectacular high-end holdings.

My father is an artist with real estate, Don Jr. said. He sees things other people dont.

Wearing a navy blue suit and light purple tie, the former presidents eldest son also detailed his own ascent to executive vice president of the company after graduating from Wharton and working a year-and-a-half stint as a bartender in Aspen, Colo.

I think its much more of a meritocracy than titles, Don Jr. said of the companys structure.

Don Jr. was also called to the witness stand last month by the prosecution.

Welcome back, Judge Arthur Engoron said to Don Jr. at the start of the day.

Id say its good to be here, your honor, but the AG would sue me for perjury, he replied with a smile.

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Monday provided a stark contract to earlier testimony. Engoron allowed Don Jr.s long, narrative answers to go unchecked.

AG attorney Colleen Flaherty pointed out Don Jr.s ability to recall specifics about real estate deals, down to the price at which the company bought specific pieces of land decades ago  after his testimony earlier this month was filled with memory lapses.

Donald Trump, a 2024 presidential front-runner, his adult sons have been accused of inflating the value of their worth to defraud banks and insurers of hundreds of millions of dollars.

Engoron has already found them liable for the top fraud count. The trial will determine the rest of the counts and the potentially millions theyll have to fork over.

In his rambling testimony last week, Trump raged against both the judge and James, denied wrongdoing and called the trial a scam.

His children  Ivanka Trump, Eric Trump and Don Jr.  have taken a more gentle approach on the stand as they tried to distance themselves from their father while being closely questioned about their involvement in financial statements at the core of this case.

This trial is just one of Trumps many legal battles, which include four criminal trials slated for next year.

The trial is moving forward after defense lawyer Chris Kise filed a motion last week for a directed verdict that would end the case on the basis that the AG had not filed enough evidence.

There is no victim. There is no complainant. There is no injury, Kise said on Thursday.

_____
Mcdonald's

McDonalds has been accused of fostering a culture of drugs, homophobia, racism and sexism by a group of whistleblowers who have worked at the fast food chain.

In seven testimonies published by MPs, the whistleblowers detailed claims of mismanagement, bullying and sexual harassment against people as young as 16.

It came as Alistair Macrow, the chief executive of McDonalds in the UK & Ireland, was questioned by MPs on the Business and Trade Committee on Tuesday morning.

The fast food chain has been embroiled in a scandal after a BBC investigation reported a swathe of allegations of abuse, bullying and harassment against its staff earlier this year.

In the testimonies published on Tuesday, one victim described how she felt violated after claiming she suffered sexual misconduct. She added she was appalled by the lack of seriousness with which McDonalds appeared to be taking such complaints.

Another added: Drugs, homophobia, racism and sexism from management and staff members who have worked there for years is so normal that nobody actually sees that as an issue anymore.

A third whistleblower, who was 16 when they were hired by McDonalds, said a considerably older manager made them extremely uncomfortable with comments, which were passed off as banter.

The victim said the manager made constant reference to gay sex positions, which made me feel offended, embarrassed, and degraded.

A third whistleblower, who was working as a trainee manager, described being sexually harassed by a colleague who slapped them on the bottom so hard it left bruises. They said they complained about the behaviour but, about ten days later, were made to work a shift with the person again.

I remember freezing and feeling extremely panicked and overwhelmed, they said. I asked the business manager what happened with the investigation, to which he said he could not disclose that information to me.

Although I knew the business manager did what he could, I feel as though McDonalds as a whole failed me at this point.

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Addressing MPs on Tuesday, Mr Macrow said: These testimonies are truly horrific and very hard to listen to.

Im a father [of] an 18 year old myself, and I can truly understand how anybody would feel if their child was to be subjected to any of these things that weve heard about here today.

I am absolutely determined to root out any of these... identify individuals who are responsible for them, and make sure that they are eradicated from our business.

Addressing MPs, McDonalds boss Alistair Macrow committed to bring the offenders to task - House of Commons/PA

He said McDonalds had received 407 complaints from staff since July, of which the company had fully investigated 157 so far, with 75 leading to disciplinary action. This included 17 confirmed cases of sexual harassment and 27 still being investigated.

The UK Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union has previously claimed it was aware of 1,000 instances of harassment against McDonalds staff. McDonalds has previously said this figure was not substantiated, and no evidence presented to us relating to this volume of cases at the time.

The testimonies allege that some staff complaining about these incidents were paid off or asked to sign non-disclosure agreements (NDAs).

McDonalds loves to settle outside of Tribunals, if there is a disciplinary action and franchisees might be breaking employment laws, they would always have a settlement with the employee, so the employee would leave with an NDA in place and pay them off, said one whistleblower.

McDonalds runs around 1,300 restaurants in the UK and Ireland, of which about 1,100 are run by individual franchisees. Around 120,000 workers are employed across the sites.

The chain signed a legally binding agreement with the Equality & Human Rights Commission (EHRC) this year, vowing to protect its staff from sexual harassment.

A spokesman for the EHRC said earlier this month: We are considering a number of options on how to proceed with our ongoing legal agreement. Our priority remains ensuring that McDonalds improve their practices and staff are protected from sexual harassment.

The law firm Leigh Day said it has been contacted by staff in the wake of the investigation and is planning legal action on their behalf.

McDonalds has since appointed experts at PwC to investigate its employment practices and disciplinary procedures.

Mr Macrow said: This process is underway, and we plan to implement new steps identified by this review as appropriate.

I am personally committed to ensuring all cases brought to our attention are investigated quickly and thoroughly. Where our standards have been breached, or where our processes fall short, I will drive change.

I know it takes a great deal of personal courage to speak up and it is my top priority to ensure we act swiftly and decisively on what we hear.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer.
(Bloomberg) -- Executives from Microsoft Corp., Citigroup Inc., Exxon Mobil Corp. and other large multinationals are converging on San Francisco this week for an audience with Chinese President Xi Jinping and other Asian leaders as long-frosty US-China relations show only tentative signs of warming.

Most Read from Bloomberg

For many corporations, the agenda is simple: Theyre ready to get back to business.

A CEO summit on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting will coincide with the most challenging trade climate in a generation. Washington is trying to prevent China from acquiring high-end computer chips and has imposed curbs on US investment there. Beijing has responded by jump-starting its own chip efforts and exhorting citizens to buy locally made phones and other products. From tech to logistics, oil and gas to finance, companies are struggling to maintain access to Chinese consumers even as they try to navigate a growing list of regulations, tariffs and export controls.

Some of the biggest names in American business are scheduled to attend the summit, among them Citigroups Jane Fraser, Exxons Darren Woods, Microsofts Satya Nadella and Tesla Inc. and SpaceXs Elon Musk. A number of executives have been invited to dine with Xi, according to people familiar with the plans, a chance for them to air their concerns and ambitions in a less formal setting.

If Xi is going to meet these business leaders at this summit, theyll be looking for signals that the US-China relationship is thawing, said Dan Prudhomme, an assistant professor of business at Florida International University.

Founded in 1989, APEC was created to promote free and fair trade as China began its historic economic opening under Deng Xiaoping. APEC meetings rarely lead to breakthroughsor even agreement. Still, the San Francisco gathering marks the first time the US has hosted the event in 12 years and will provide a widely welcomed opportunity for President Joe Biden and Xi to meet face to face.

Story continues

What were trying to do is change the relationship for the better, Biden told reporters Tuesday at the White House, shortly before departing for San Francisco, where hes set to meet Xi on Wednesday. Biden said that he believed the Chinese people were in trouble right now economically.

Potential Thaw

In recent months high-level officials from both countries have met multiple times to lay the groundwork for the first summit between the two men in a year. In one sign of a potential thaw, the Chinese government is considering unveiling a purchase agreement for Boeing Co.s 737 Max jetliner during APEC, according to people familiar with the situation. Xi isnt expected to announce a formal order for the plane, the people said. But a deal would be a significant breakthrough for Boeing, which has been largely frozen out of the Chinese market in recent years. In another development, China bought more than 3 million metric tons of soybeans from the US last week, a goodwill gesture, according to people familiar with the matter.

Both sides have decided right now to tap the brakes and try to inject a degree of stability into what is otherwise a deteriorating situation, said Evan Medeiros, who was President Barack Obamas top advisor on Asia and now is the Penner Family Chair in Asian Studies at Georgetown University.

For business leaders, APEC is an opportunity to schmooze, press their agendas and pontificate about the state of the world. Musk is scheduled to join Salesforce Inc. CEO Marc Benioff for a session called Conversations on the Future. Exxon CEO Woods plans to give a speech called Reframing the Climate Challenge: Keep the Energy, Curb the Emissions.

The hottest ticket is the Xi dinner, and executives were scrambling for seats or to be put on a waiting list, according to people familiar with the situation. The Chinese president is under pressure to assure executives that his nation is very much open for business and making progress in its efforts to revive the economy. His guests will be keen to tell him that they still see China as a vitally important market despite Washingtons efforts to erect barriers around sensitive technologies.

Read more: China Foreign Investment Gauge Turns Negative For First Time

Some companies are more directly affected than others by Beijings crackdown on foreign businesses, and few more so than Apple Inc., which generates about a fifth of its revenue from the region and manufactures the vast majority of its devices there. Apples sales in China slowed last quarter, and its facing rising competition from Huawei Technologies Co. Bloomberg and other media have reported that Beijing has limited the use of the iPhone and other foreign technology at agencies and state-backed firms. Government officials have denied that.

While Tim Cook isnt attending APEC  instead sending a middle-ranking government-affairs official  the Apple CEO visited Beijing last month. He met with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao, who told him China welcomes Apple and other multinationals.

San Francisco is emerging as a central hub for artificial intelligence, and the technology will be much on the minds of attendees. Officials around the world have expressed concerns about AIs potential dangers even as the US and China compete to dominate the dawning era of chatbots and content generators. Last month, in an executive order, Biden proposed regulating sales to foreign entities of cloud-computing power used to feed data to the software models that generate AI content.

Microsoft has baked generative AI into all of its major products, and Nadella is scheduled to talk up the technology in a speech on Wednesday. Now is the moment for dialogue on the pivotal role of AI breakthroughs in shaping the global economy, Microsoft Asia chief Ahmed Mazhari said in a statement. Google, which is sending several executives, plans to explain why its AI products are suitable for Asian markets.

While many of the mutual trade restrictions have been targeted at companies whose products have national-security implications, Florida International Universitys Prudhomme notes that many of the companies attending APEC dont make products that can be used for military purposes. Theyre somewhat off the radar of the US government national security establishment, he said. And they will be wanting to convince their counterparts in China that they are in industries that should not be targeted by the current political tensions.

Petrochemical Plant

Exxon is a case in point. Having won permission to build a multibillion dollar petrochemical plant in Guangdong Province, the company wants to be a key supplier of plastics to the countrys manufacturing industry for decades to come.

Meta Platforms Inc.s social-media apps Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp have been blocked in parts of Asia for years, notably China. But the company is becoming increasingly reliant on the region to manufacture its virtual reality headsets and smart glasses. During APEC, Meta executives will be looking to strengthen ties with government officials and Asia-based manufacturers that can enable or hamper its growth.

To be sure, US corporations run risks forging close ties with China. The country has drawn international opprobrium for its treatment of the minority Uyghurs, restricting citizens freedoms and increased military aggression toward Taiwan.

Apple is regularly criticized for the concessions it has made to operate in China. The company partnered with a government-linked enterprise to power iCloud, raising concerns that Beijing could access data stored on users Apple accounts  an assertion Apple has contested. It has eliminated apps on the local version of its App Store if Bejing objects to them and agreed not to operate such digital services as Apple TV+, the iTunes Store and Apple Arcade.

Musk, whose Tesla has a factory in Shanghai, has also been criticized for cozying up to Beijing. He caused an international uproar last year when he suggested the world treat Taiwan as a special administrative region like Hong Kong.

Most executives refrain from openly criticizing Beijing, but FedEx Corp. chairman and founder Fred Smith recently told an energy conference that China had become mercantilist, protectionist and [has] a geopolitical ambition to become a hegemon.

Smith isnt attending APEC. But his successor as CEO, Raj Subramaniam, will be there and is expected to echo his mentors longstanding argument that more trade drives economic growth, creates wealth and spreads peace.

--With assistance from Mark Gurman, Gabrielle Coppola, Dana Hull, Julie Johnsson, Jenny Leonard, Isis Almeida, Jennifer Jacobs, Shawn Donnan, Kevin Crowley, Brody Ford, Paige Smith and Aisha Counts.

(Updates with Biden comments in seventh paragraph.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Transparency Market Research

The production of excellent packaging formulations is aided by its enhancement of polymer resin dispersion and dissolution.

Wilmington, Delaware, United States, Nov. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Transparency Market Research Inc. The global ethyl acetate market was estimated at a value of US$ 5.5 billion in 2022. It is anticipated to register a 5.9% CAGR from 2023 to 2031 and by 2031, the market is likely to attain US$ 8.8 billion by 2031.

The demand for solvent-based paints and coatings, in particular, is anticipated to impede the growth of the ethyl acetate market due to growing environmental concerns and strict restrictions. Throughout the projection period, there will likely be a sharp increase in demand for ethyl acetate due to the manufacturing vertical's propensity to spend more on flexible packaging in order to achieve distinction.

Download PDF Brochure: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=262



Key Findings of Market Report

Laminated adhesives and high-resolution printing inks are made with ethyl acetate as a solvent. These are used in a variety of plastic films and flexible packaging materials. Flexible packaging is more affordable, recyclable, and comes in a range of sizes. It also has a higher durability. A wide range of sectors have a significant demand for flexible packaging. Polymer resins that are used to generate excellent coating solutions can be dissolved and dispersed by ethyl acetate. This improves the packaging's durability and barrier qualities. The industrial sector's growing preference for flexible packaging is anticipated to have a beneficial effect on the growth of the ethyl acetate market over the coming years.



The following companies are well-known participants in the global ethyl acetate market:

INEOS AG Sekab Biofuels and Chemicals AG Solventis Ltd. Sasol Ltd. Daicel Corporation Ashok Alco-Chem Ltd. Celanese Corp. Eastman Chemical Co. Godavari Biorefineries Ltd. Jiangsu Sopo (Group) C. Ltd.

Story continues

Market Trends For Ethyl Acetate

In the production of paints, varnishes, and coatings, ethyl acetate is a highly favored solvent, particularly in the building and construction and automotive industries. Several solvent-based inks that are used to package items employ ethyl acetate as a solvent. Ethyl acetate's solvent-oriented properties make it perfect for use in the manufacturing of wool fabrics. This makes printed graphics on cardboard, paper, and plastic more robust and colorful. It is employed as a denaturant in the glazing and transparency of paper. Ethyl acetate is utilized in the soil injection technique as an alkali-sodium silicate stabilizer and for soil stabilization.

Global Market for Ethyl Acetate: Regional Outlook

Various reasons are propelling the growth of the ethyl acetate market in different regions. These are:

In 2022, the automotive, pharmaceutical, and food and beverage industries in China, Japan, and India accounted for a significant portion of the global ethyl acetate market share, with Asia Pacific holding a share of over 40%. The increasing demand for printing inks, adhesives, and coating solvents is predicted to cause the ethyl acetate markets in Vietnam and Thailand to expand considerably during the next several years. The United Kingdom, Germany, and France are home to a significant number of suppliers and manufacturers of packaging solutions, chemical products, vehicles, and food and drinks, which contribute to Europe's significant portion of the worldwide ethyl acetate demand.

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Global Ethyl Acetate Market: Key Players

The ethyl acetate industry is very competitive globally, and its major competitors are expanding their customer base by using an organic approach to development. In order to obtain a competitive advantage, they are also utilizing strategic initiatives including partnerships, joint ventures, and mergers and acquisitions Leading producers of ethyl acetate are also concentrating on creating novel bio-based solutions to meet the increasing demand for environmentally friendly goods globally.

Few of key developments by the players in this market are:

Celanese Corp. announced in February 2023 the introduction of a range of innovative sustainable solutions for different acetate chain materials. They go by the name "ECO-B." CropEnergies AG declared in December 2022 that it will begin building a factory to convert sustainable ethanol into renewable ethyl acetate. IOL Chemicals as well as Pharmaceuticals declared in October 2022 that the European Union had granted it regulatory approval (REACH certification) to supply ethyl acetate. Yip's Chemical stated in July 2022 that it had signed a deal to sell PAG a 51% effective stake in Handsome Chemical, one of its solvents business subsidiaries, for around US$ 0.36 billion. With a 1.6 metric ton yearly production capacity, Handsome Chemical is the biggest manufacturer of acetate solvents. Viridis Chemical, LLC produced sustainable ethyl acetate at its Columbus, Nebraska, production site in March 2022. In this sense, HELM U.S. is Viridis' marketing partner. Celanese Corporation declared in March 2021 that it would substitute recycled carbon dioxide for methanol synthesis at its chemical production facility in Clear Lake, Texas, Inc. One of the essential components of many acetyl compounds, such as ethyl acetate, acetic acid, and vinyl acetate monomer (VAM), is methanol.

Global Ethyl Acetate Market Segmentation

Application Printing Inks Adhesives Cosmetics Paints & Coatings Pharmaceuticals Food & Beverages Herbicides Others (including Marine and Mining)

Region North America Latin America Europe Asia Pacific Middle East & Africa



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Companys third FPSO, Prosperity, starts up ahead of schedule and will add 220,000 barrels of oil per day

Nearly 6,000 Guyanese support ExxonMobil activities

SPRING, Texas, November 14, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ExxonMobil started production today at Payara, Guyanas third offshore oil development on the Stabroek Block, bringing total production capacity in Guyana to approximately 620,000 barrels per day.

The Prosperity floating, production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel is expected to reach initial production of approximately 220,000 barrels per day over the first half of next year as new wells come online. This additional capacity will be the third major milestone towards reaching a combined production capacity of more than 1.2 million barrels per day on the Stabroek Block by year-end 2027.

"Each new project supports economic development and access to resources that will benefit Guyanese communities while also helping to meet the worlds energy demand," said Liam Mallon, president of ExxonMobil Upstream Company. "Were pleased to work in partnership with the Guyanese government to make reliable energy accessible and sustainable."

ExxonMobil Guyana anticipates six FPSOs will be in operation on the Stabroek Block by year-end 2027. Yellowtail and Uaru, the fourth and fifth projects, are in progress and will each produce approximately 250,000 barrels of oil per day. The company is working with the government of Guyana to secure regulatory approvals for a sixth project at Whiptail.

Prosperity joins the Liza Unity as two of the worlds first FPSOs to be awarded the SUSTAIN-1 notation by the American Bureau of Shipping in recognition of the sustainability of its design, documentation and operational procedures. ExxonMobils Guyana developments are generating around 30% lower greenhouse gas intensity than the average of ExxonMobils upstream portfolio. According to the independent research firm Rystad Energy, they are also among the best performing in the world with respect to emissions intensity, outpacing 75% of global oil and gas producing assets.

Story continues

Some 6,000 Guyanese are now supporting ExxonMobil Guyanas activities in the country, representing more than two-thirds of the local oil and gas workforce. The company and its direct contractors have spent more than $1.2 billion with more than 1,500 Guyanese suppliers since operations began in 2015. Production started in December 2019.

ExxonMobil Guyana Limited operates the Stabroek Block and holds 45% interest. Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd. holds 30% interest, and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited holds 25% interest.

About ExxonMobil

ExxonMobil, one of the largest publicly traded international energy and petrochemical companies, creates solutions that improve quality of life and meet societys evolving needs.

The corporations primary businesses - Upstream, Product Solutions and Low Carbon Solutions  provide products that enable modern life, including energy, chemicals, lubricants, and lower emissions technologies. ExxonMobil holds an industry-leading portfolio of resources, and is one of the largest integrated fuels, lubricants, and chemical companies in the world. ExxonMobil also owns and operates the largest CO2 pipeline network in the United States. In 2021, ExxonMobil announced Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emission-reduction plans for 2030 for operated assets, compared to 2016 levels. The plans are to achieve a 20-30% reduction in corporate-wide greenhouse gas intensity; a 40-50% reduction in greenhouse gas intensity of upstream operations; a 70-80% reduction in corporate-wide methane intensity; and a 60-70% reduction in corporate-wide flaring intensity.

With advancements in technology and the support of clear and consistent government policies, ExxonMobil aims to achieve net-zero Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions from its operated assets by 2050. To learn more, visit exxonmobil.com and ExxonMobils Advancing Climate Solutions.

Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and X.

Cautionary Statement

Statements of future events or conditions in this release are forward-looking statements. Actual future results, including project plans, schedules, initial capacities, production rates, and resource recoveries could differ materially due to: changes in market conditions affecting the oil and gas industry or long-term oil and gas price levels; political or regulatory developments including obtaining necessary regulatory permits; reservoir performance; the outcome of future exploration efforts; timely completion of development and construction projects; technical or operating factors; and other factors cited under the caption "Factors Affecting Future Results" on the Investors page of our website at exxonmobil.com and under Item 1A. Risk Factors in our annual report on Form 10-K. References to "recoverable resources," "oil-equivalent barrels," and other quantifies of oil and gas include estimated quantities that are not yet classified as proved reserves under SEC definitions but are expected to be ultimately recoverable. The term "project" can refer to a variety of different activities and does not necessarily have the same meaning as in any government payment transparency reports.

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(Bloomberg) -- The head of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. told lawmakers on Tuesday that his agency had launched an investigation into reports of misogynistic culture among bank examiners that prompted women to quit the agency.

Most Read from Bloomberg

FDIC Chairman Martin Gruenberg said the agency had no tolerance for the alleged misconduct in its workplace, which was detailed in a Wall Street Journal article on Monday. The newspapers investigation found that female examiners left the FDIC after facing what the article described as a sexualized, boys club environment, and because they said they were given fewer opportunities than male colleagues.

I am personally disturbed and deeply troubled by this report, Gruenberg told the Senate Banking Committee. The FDIC is conducting a comprehensive review, including engaging an independent third party, to ensure that we understand the nature of these issues and take all appropriate actions to address them.

Gruenberg said the review would look into conduct across the agency and he hoped the study would be completed within 90 days. He added that agency management must make employees confident that they are safe to raise complaints and that officials will keep those complaints confidential.

Earlier on Tuesday, key House Republican lawmakers demanded that the FDIC inspector general expeditiously provide a briefing on the FDICs workplace culture. They asked for a briefing later this month.

The work of bank examiners has been under scrutiny this year since multiple midsize lenders collapsed. In April, following the failure of Signature Bank, the FDIC said its examiners were too slow to respond to problems at the bank, partly due to a staffing shortage in its New York office. The FDIC said that resource challenges in that office kept it from adequately staffing an examination team dedicated to the lender.

Story continues

Read More: FDIC Says Signature Oversight Hampered by Lack of NY Staff

In addition to Gruenberg, Tuesdays hearing features top banking watchdogs at the Federal Reserve and Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. They fielded a range of questions about how regulators were addressing issues raised by collapses of Signature and Silicon Valley Bank in March.

Michael Barr, the Feds vice chair for supervision, told lawmakers that his agencys supervisors are conducting targeted reviews and working to keep tabs on new products being launched by lenders. He also defended regulators bid to demand that banks hold more capital.

The banking industry has launched an aggressive lobbying and public-relations campaign against that proposed capital rule. Regulators are currently in the process of taking comments from the public on the plan.

If there are areas that we can improve the rule, were very open, Barr said. We want to make sure the rule works right for households and businesses.

(Updates with Gruenberg response in fourth paragraph)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Theres good news for Americans who plan to hit the roads next week for Thanksgiving: Gas prices are falling nationwide, even in California.

The national average for a gallon of unleaded gasoline dropped on Tuesday to $3.353, the lowest since February, according to AAA, a federation of motor clubs throughout North America. Even in California, where prices are among the highest in the country, a gallon of unleaded has fallen to $5.059 per gallon from $5.638 a month ago and $5.138 last week, AAA said.

Gas app company GasBuddy posted an even lower average price for California. $5 NO MORE. ... California's average gas price has fallen to $4.996 per gallon, the lowest since August, and it still has plenty of room to fall, Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, said in a post Tuesday morning on X, formerly Twitter.

GasBuddy and AAA calculate gas prices slightly differently. GasBuddy calculates its average using data from customers using its app or discounts at local gas stations. AAA used data from swipes by companies fleet credit cards at gas stations nationwide.

What can Americans expect for Thanksgiving travel?

With AAA predicting that 55.4 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles between Wednesday, Nov. 22, and Sunday, Nov. 26, and 49.1 million of them driving, they certainly can be thankful for the decline in gasoline prices, De Haan said. Average gas prices have plummeted in all 50 states in the weeks ahead of Thanksgiving.

De Haan expects the national average price of gas to drop even further by the time Americans start to travel en masse. He forecasts $3.25 per gallon, saving Americans $573 million during holiday travel compared to last year.

Even so, thats still the fourth-highest Thanksgiving pump price since 2013, GasBuddy data show. The top three Thanksgiving prices were $3.56 in 2022, $3.39 in 2021 and $3.28 in 2013.

The lowest Thanksgiving gas prices were $2.05 in 2015, $2.11 in 2020 and $2.13 in 2016, GasBuddy said.

Story continues

Why are gas prices falling?

The drop in gas prices is partly seasonal and partly due to lower oil prices, experts say. Gas is refined from oil, so the cost of crude determines about half the price of a gallon of gasoline.

Fall also brings a less expensive winter-blend gas thats formulated to help engines run in the cold. The switch to winter blend alone knocks off several cents per gallon, AAA says. In addition, people usually stay in more to avoid the cold, which means less driving.

Meantime, oil prices are hovering near the lowest levels since July amid growing concerns of weak global demand as economies in Europe and China show signs of sluggishness, said Craig Erlam, senior market analyst at broker OANDA. Weak economies produce less, which means they use less oil and gas to make and move people and products.

Gas prices lead inflation lower: Inflation slowed faster than expected in October. Does that mean rate hikes are over?

Which states have the lowest gas prices?

According to AAA, states with the lowest average price for a gallon of regular unleaded are:

Texas: $2.790.

Mississippi: $2.840.

Georgia: $2.841.

Louisiana: $2.911.

Oklahoma: $2.913.

Signage is seen on a pump at a Chevron gas station, Monday, Oct. 23, 2023, in South Miami, Fla.

Which states have the highest gas prices?

According to AAA, the highest average gas prices are in:

California: $5.059.

Hawaii: $4.737.

Washington: $4.496.

Nevada: $4.380.

Oregon: $4.190.

Are there risks gas prices will shoot up again?

Yes. If the war between Israel and Hamas in the Middle East widens or Saudi Arabia maintains its production cuts, oil prices could spike and bring gas along for the ride, analysts said.

Medora Lee is a money, markets, and personal finance reporter at USA TODAY. You can reach her at mjlee@usatoday.com and subscribe to our free Daily Money newsletter for personal finance tips and business news every Monday through Friday.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Where is the cheapest gas? These states have low prices at the pump.
Geekplus, beside partners Asda Logistics, AMH Material Handling and Dr. Max Romania, has been recognized as the best project in three different ACEA award categories: The Unipart Logistics Digital Transformation Award, The Healthcare & Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Excellence Award, and the Visku Team of the Year Award

It's the fifth Supply Chain Excellence Award in a row for Geekplus

LONDON, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Geekplus, the global leader in autonomous mobile robots, has been awarded for the fifth time in a row in its short history with another Supply Chain Excellence Award. Geekplus received top awards in three categories.

Geekplus projects win in three categories in the 2023 Supply Chain Excellence Awards

The Healthcare & Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Excellence Award recognizes projects that have positively impacted patient health. Geekplus won the award in partnership with Dr. Max Romania for optimizing the e-commerce delivery and retail fulfillment of pharmaceuticals in order to improve delivery efficiency and boost customer centricity.

Sorin David, supply chain director for Dr. Max Romania, said, "This type of technology in our e-commerce operations brings us a more efficient response for Romanian patients, including during overloaded periods, when the efficiency is expected to increase by 200 percent. Therefore, being recognized for the Healthcare and Pharma SCEA makes us proud of fulfilling our customer satisfaction, which is the most important for us." David added that "we are working with Geekplus to replicate the success of this project in other Dr. Max warehouses in Europe with the wide range of Geekplus solutions."

SCEA recognized Geekplus's collaboration with Asda and AMH with the Unipart Logistics Digital Transformation Award and the prestigious Visku Team of the Year Award. Past winners of the team of the year award include the NHS supply chain team for its efforts distributing personal protective equipment after the outbreak of Covid-19.

Story continues

"Winning another SCEA in a row is a very valuable recognition for our brand and shows the satisfaction for the great work done beside our partners," said Lit Fung, VP and Managing Director, International Business at Geekplus. "ASDA and Dr. Max have trusted our Shelf-To-Person solution to improve their intralogistics operation at their warehouses. Our commitment is to deliver the quality they need to fulfil with their business operations."

For these projects, Asda and Dr. Max utilized the Geekplus Shelf-to-Person system, its flagship mobile robotics solution. This solution is easy, scalable, and allows robots to be added or removed according to business fluctuations and facilitates warehouse relocation. This flexibility is a true asset during the peak season.

Now in its 26th year, the Supply Chain Excellence Awards is the benchmark for supply chain best practices, attracting entries from across the UK and Europe. The awards are renowned for their rigorous judging process; entrants receive valuable feedback from award judges with more than 250 years of combined experience. The recognition made by this award supports SCEA's aim of helping customers in their business operations toward the use of innovative AMR technology.

About Geekplus

Geekplus is a global technology company leading the intelligent logistics revolution. We apply advanced robotics and AI technologies to realize flexible, reliable, and highly efficient solutions for warehouses and supply chain management. Geekplus is trusted by over 500 global industry leaders and has been recognized as the world leader in autonomous mobile robots. Founded in 2015, Geekplus has over 1500 employees, with offices in Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, Japan, South Korea, Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, and Singapore.

For more information, please visit: https://www.geekplus.com/

For inquiries, please contact:

Christian Borrmann

Head of Marketing EMEA

christian.borrmann@geekplus.com

Tel: +49 1725123167

Jon Ross

Global communications manager

jon.ross@geekplus.com

Tel: +1 470 964 0998

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SOURCE Geek+
(Bloomberg) -- Glencore Plc made its name  and minted a generation of billionaires  in large part by mining and trading coal. Its former chief and biggest shareholder Ivan Glasenberg once said the world was horny as hell for the fuel.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Now its getting ready to get out.

The commodity giant has come under growing pressure to stop producing the dirtiest fuel, even as profits from its mines hit eye-watering levels over the past two years. On Tuesday, the company laid out its solution: buying a suite of steelmaking coal mines from Canadas Teck Resources Ltd., to create an even bigger coal company that Glencore will eventually hand over to its own shareholders.

Read: Glencore Wins Teck Coal Business, Paving Way for Its Own Split

The exit by one of coals biggest champions marks a watershed moment for both the company and the wider mining industry. After the split  which could take almost three years to complete  whats left will be one of the worlds biggest miners and traders of copper, nickel and cobalt, all essential commodities for the energy transition.

The move reflects a conundrum facing the mining industry. For producers who still have exposure to coal, investor pressure, especially in Europe, is growing. And yet persistently strong demand  particularly as Russias invasion of Ukraine continues to disrupt energy markets  means the business remains a huge profit driver.

Glencores solution is to list the new combined coal business, which will be the worlds biggest shipper of the fuel, in New York, with secondary listings in Toronto and Johannesburg. The green metals company will continue to trade in London.

Story continues

For Glencore shareholders who will receive stock in the spinoff  chief among them Glasenberg himself who still owns nearly 10%  its a big bet on the future appeal of coal in Western capital markets.

There seems to be a very, very strong appetite in the market and particularly the US for a business of this size, of this scale, of this cash generation, said Chief Executive Officer Gary Nagle, who succeeded Glasenberg at the helm two years ago. We believe we would get better valuation.

Dirtiest Fuel

Glencore has long been synonymous with coal. Glasenberg, who built Glencore in its current form over his two-decade tenure, made his bones in the company trading the dirtiest fuel and spearheaded its 2013 takeover of Xstrata in a $90 billion deal that made it the worlds biggest coal shipper. Nagle, like his predecessor, also started his career in the coal business.

Glencores bet on coal has paid off handsomely. While it has traditionally vied with copper as the biggest earnings driver, last year soaring coal prices meant it made a record $17.9 billion, dwarfing profits at all its other divisions.

And as rival companies exited the business, Glencore stayed the course. Glasenberg, and then Nagle, insisted the world  and particularly developing countries  still needed Glencores coal, and that it was more responsible to run the mines itself than sell them.

Read: Glencores Bid for Teck Shows Its Willing to Abandon Coal

The first sign that it might be thinking about an exit came earlier this year, when Teck said it had rejected a $23 billion takeover offer from Glencore, in which the Swiss company proposed combining the two businesses and then splitting them into specialized metals and coal companies.

However, coal was not the initial prize  Nagle was more interested in Tecks copper business, and particularly the huge Quebrada Blanca project that borders its own Collahuasi mine in Chile. Copper has become a growing focus for the worlds biggest miners, with demand expected to surge as the world electrifies, while new supply is constrained.

Sour on Coal

Teck and its controlling shareholder  Canadas Keevil family  came out strongly against Glencores offer. And as the takeover saga rumbled on, Glencores investors continued to sour on coal.

In late May, Glencores climate plan lost more support, with only about 70% of investors backing it at the companys annual meeting. Almost 30% of shareholders also backed a resolution urging the company to explain how its thermal coal business aligns with efforts to limit the increase in global temperatures to 1.5C, forcing the company to engage with investors on both resolutions.

According to Nagle, shareholders were also receptive to the idea of putting Glencores thermal coal mines together with Tecks longer life coking coal assets in western Canada, to create a more valuable company.

Adding the coking coal to the thermal coal makes it a much more attractive business, said George Cheveley, a portfolio manager at Ninety One UK Ltd. Coking coal, under any scenario, will be required for a lot longer than thermal coal. It offers a longevity that thermal just doesnt have. It would have been harder to spin without coking coal.

Eventually, with Teck and family patriarch Norman Keevil standing firm, Glencore switched to a bid for the coal business alone. Teck had been forced back to the drawing board on its strategy for the unit, after an earlier, more complicated spinoff plan failed to get enough shareholder support.

On Tuesday, Glencore announced it agreed to pay $6.93 billion for a 77% stake in Tecks coal business, while steelmakers Nippon Steel Corp. and Posco, which currently own minority stakes in Teck coal mines, will own the rest.

Appealing Targets

Once the deal and spinoff are complete, both Glencore and Teck will be very different companies. While both will be smaller, their focus on metals such as copper and zinc is likely to make them more appealing to both investors and rival companies.

Glencore has one of the worlds biggest copper businesses and crucially is the dominant non-Chinese miner of crucial battery-making ingredient cobalt.

Its sprawling metals business has previously been on the radar of BHP Group  the worlds biggest miner  and could feasibly become a target once the coal business is gone.

Its a similar story for Teck. And while the company has agreed a standstill with Glencore for two years after the close of the deal, the restriction would lapse if another miner decided to take a run at the Canadian company.

Nagle, who insists walking away with only Tecks coal mines is not a second prize, now has just over two years to sell his giant new coal business to investors and create an appetite that will deliver the increased value he expects.

This is not an exact science, you can get 10 experts in the room and get different opinions, the CEO said, on the potential valuation of the new company once it is listed. I think the general view is that there would be some material value creation and thats why weve gone down this road.

(Update with investor comment.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
H to O Supply

Holden, Massachusetts, Nov. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --





November 14, 2023 H to O Supply, a prominent online supplier of waterworks and industrial tools, is thrilled to announce the opening of its first-ever retail location at 783 Main Street in Holden, Massachusetts. This expansion marks an exciting milestone for the company as it extends its commitment to providing high-quality industrial tools and supplies to a broader audience.

H to O Supply has earned a reputation as a leading online destination for top-tier industrial tools, specializing in waterworks tools, industrial hammers, industrial locks, and hand tools. The companys dedication to excellence is evident in its product range, with 95% of its tools and supplies proudly handmade in the USA. This commitment ensures exceptional durability and performance, making H to O Supply a trusted source for professionals in demanding industrial applications.

One of the key advantages of choosing H to O Supply is the availability of tools and supplies in stock, ready for same-day shipping. This quick turnaround minimizes delays, allowing customers to receive their essential equipment promptly.

The H to O Supply website, htosupply.com, provides a user-friendly platform that simplifies the shopping experience. Customers can effortlessly browse through a comprehensive catalog featuring an extensive array of tools tailored for waterworks and industrial applications. The product categories include Waterworks tools such as Gate Box Aligners, Hydrant Markers, Fire Hydrant Wrenches, and more. Industrial Hammers, including Brass Hammers, Dead Blow Hammers, and Steel Hammers, are also available, along with Industrial Locks such as Container & Storage Locks, Equipment Locks, and Padlocks.

H to O Supply takes pride in curating its tool selection to ensure customers have access to the finest heavy-duty tools available in the market. Moreover, their knowledgeable customer support team is readily available to assist with inquiries or concerns via phone or email support, guaranteeing a seamless shopping experience.

Story continues

At H to O Supply, our #1 goal is to get to know you. With a personalized experience, we can help you achieve the goals you and your project strive to conquer, said Corey Cassano, President at H to O Supply. We believe in genuine relationships with our customers, which is why were excited to open our first retail location. It allows us to connect with our customers on a deeper level and provide them with the exceptional service and quality products they expect from us.

H to O Supplys commitment to quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction is evident in their motto: Here To Outlast. They have embraced the human element in doing business, ensuring that customers receive the personalized support they need. The company also partners with industry experts to address specific needs and customization requirements, reinforcing its dedication to customer success.

Experience the HtoSupply.com online shopping experience today and discover why their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction will equip you with the right tools to tackle any project with confidence.

For more information about H to O Supply and its new retail location, please visit www.htosupply.com or contact 508-356-5720.

About H to O Supply:

H to O Supply is a leading supplier of high-quality industrial tools, specializing in waterworks tools, industrial hammers, and industrial locks. With a commitment to quality craftsmanship and a wide range of American-made products, H to O Supply equips professionals in demanding industries with the tools they need. Their dedication to personalized service and genuine customer relationships sets them apart in the industry.

Source: https://thenewsfront.com/h-to-o-supply-expands-its-reach-with-the-grand-opening-of-its-first-retail-location-in-holden-massachusetts/

CONTACT: H to O Supply 783 Main St Holden MA 01520 United States +1 508 356 5720 https://htosupply.com




In a Sunday afternoon post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen warns that Gaza hospitals are at a breaking point. He underscores an unbearably painful point that many innocent lives are at grave risk including premature babies, pregnant women and severely injured civilians [who are] trapped (Battles force Palestinians out of hospitals in Gaza, leaving patients, babies and medics stranded, Nov. 13).

In response, the senator has called for a cessation of hostilities, or in other words, a cease-fire.

Like a majority of Americans (as indicated by recent polling) and as his constituent, I stand with the senator and am thankful for his words. I now look forward to him backing them up with legislative weight for what is, in his words, the sake of humanity.

 John Cassidy, Yokohama, Japan

Add your voice: Respond to this piece or other Sun content by submitting your own letter.
By Diana Novak Jones

(Reuters) - A federal judge on Monday allowed the majority of claims to move forward in sprawling litigation that claims chemical hair relaxer products made by L'Oreal USA, Revlon and others cause cancer and other injuries.

Illinois-based U.S. District Judge Mary Rowland denied most of the companies arguments in their motion to dismiss the complaint in the multidistrict litigation over the products. The litigation includes more than 8,000 lawsuits.

The judge said the plaintiffs had put forward sufficient facts to support their allegations accusing the companies of negligence, defective design of the products and failure to warn customers of the risks.

Of the 15 counts in the complaint, Rowland dismissed three entirely and a portion of a fourth, finding the plaintiffs had not done enough to bolster their claims that the companies committed fraud.

The products, which include chemicals to permanently straighten textured hair, are typically marketed to women of color. The first lawsuits hit court dockets after the October 2022 publication of a National Institutes of Health study that found women who used the products multiple times a year were more than twice as likely to develop uterine cancer.

Representatives for LOreal and Revlon did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

In a statement posted online after the first lawsuits were filed, L'Oreal said it was "confident in the safety of our products and believe the recent lawsuits filed against us have no legal merit."

A Revlon representative previously told Reuters the company did not believe the science supports a link between chemical hair straighteners or relaxers and cancer.

Several smaller cosmetics companies are named in the lawsuits, including some based in India.

Jennifer Hoekstra, one of the lead attorneys for the consumers, said on Monday the ruling backs their argument that the products and the companies' instructions for using them caused cancer.

(Reporting by Diana Jones; editing by Leigh Jones and Lincoln Feast.)
Honkarakenne Oyj

Honkarakenne Ltd

Press release

14 November 2023

9.00 am

Honka log house to have the worlds first roof made of fossil-free steel

Honkarakenne and Ruukki Construction, which is part of SSAB Group, are collaborating in a pilot project on the use of fossil-free steel in roofing products. The project serves as an example of collaboration between two companies committed to reducing the environmental burden, aiming to create carbon-neutral buildings and make the construction sector more sustainable.

The Honka log home being built in a beautiful, rural setting in Klaukkala, Finland, will be the worlds first building with a roof made of fossil-free steel. Honkas new log-built detached house will be topped with a Ruukki Classic roof made of fossil-free steel, based on the HYBRIT technology, at Ruukki Constructions plant in Vimpeli, Finland.

The climate-friendly steel roof will be a perfect match for the eco-friendly low-carbon Honka log home. Thanks to the carbon stored long-term in the wood, solid-wood logs have a small carbon footprint and large carbon handprint. Log is a superior material for eco-friendly low-carbon construction. To maximise the quality and minimise the carbon footprint of Honkas houses, we keep looking for equally climate-friendly products for our buildings. This way, we can strive to make our houses genuinely carbon neutral, says Product Director Eino Hekali from Honkarakenne.







Honkarakenne is our strategic partner and a wood-construction pioneer driven by sustainability. We collaborate with our customers in the long term to reduce the environmental burden of construction, says Business Director Jorma Korhonen, who is responsible for Ruukki Constructions Roofing business in Finland.

As part of the change in the construction industry, Honkarakenne is committed to promoting sustainable and low-carbon construction to combat climate change. Honkas high-quality products are the result of over 60 years of development, and they are continuously being developed to be even more sustainable and durable.

Story continues

We want to collaborate with suppliers that manufacture durable, high-quality products and genuinely aim to promote sustainability. Ruukki Construction is a good example of a partner committed to long-term development, concludes Hekali.

Additional information:

Honkarakenne Ltd

Eino Hekali

Product Director

+358 40 676 5565

eino.hekali@honka.com

Honkarakenne Ltd manufactures healthy and eco-friendly high-quality Honka log homes, holiday homes and public buildings from renewable, certified solid wood. The company has delivered over 90,000 buildings to over 50 countries. The Honka log home kits are manufactured at the companys own factory in Karstula, Finland. In 2022, Honkarakenne Group's consolidated net sales totalled EUR 73.7 million, of which exports accounted for 26%. www.honka.fi

Ruukki Construction provides steel-based building products and related services. The products are used for sustainable walls and roofs. www.ruukki.com

Ruukki is part of SSAB, which is a Nordic and US-based international steel company with employees in over 50 countries. The company is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm and has a secondary listing on Nasdaq Helsinki. www.ssab.com




The House Rules Committee is set to vote tonight on a stopgap extension of federal funding that would prevent a government shutdown starting Saturday  the first big test for the unconventional, two-tiered plan put forth Speaker Mike Johnson.

An even bigger test could follow, as Johnson reportedly may have to rely heavily on Democratic votes and parliamentary maneuvering to pass his plan in the face of growing conservative opposition.

A clean, laddered CR: Johnson on Saturday proposed a plan that some lawmakers had previously warned would be overly complicated. His 32-page continuing resolution adopts a two-step approach favored by the House Freedom Caucus and is meant to ensure that lawmakers focus on individual appropriations bills rather than a mammoth year-end package that rolls up multiple pieces of spending legislation.

The bill would fund some federal agencies  those covered by the Military Construction-VA, Agriculture, Energy-Water and Transportation-HUD spending bills  until January 19 and keep agencies covered by the other eight annual spending bills funded to February 2. But the plan also would keep spending at current levels, without the steep cuts or additional border policies demanded by hard-right Republicans. And the legislation leaves out the supplemental funding requested by the White House, including emergency aid for Ukraine and Israel.

The bill will stop the absurd holiday-season omnibus tradition of massive, loaded up spending bills introduced right before the Christmas recess, Johnson said in a statement. Separating out the CR from the supplemental funding debates places our conference in the best position to fight for fiscal responsibility, oversight over Ukraine aid, and meaningful policy changes at our Southern border.

The proposal was reportedly formulated after the speaker spent his first couple of weeks on the job listening to the various factions within his splintered conference  and received conflicting feedback on the path forward. In the end, he picked an approach that The Washington Posts Marianna Sotomayor and Leigh Ann Caldwell write was meant to appease the hard right while trying not to alienate the centrists.

Story continues

Some on the far right rejected it quickly, though. At least eight Republicans have reportedly come out against it already, including Rep. Scott Perry, the chairman of the House Freedom Caucus, and Rep. Chip Roy of Texas.

That means the bill will need Democratic support to advance to the Senate and reach President Joe Bidens desk  and Democrats thus far have sent some mixed messages, but they may be willing to provide enough support to pass the plan.

* Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said Monday he is pleased with the Johnson plan, though he also called it far from perfect in remarks on the Senate floor. For now, I am pleased that Speaker Johnson seems to be moving in our direction by advancing a CR that doesnt include the highly partisan cuts that Democrats have warned against, Schumer said. He added that it was important that the defense funding deadline was in the February group. Democrats historically fear that Republicans would be willing to shut down the entire government if defense funding is complete, The Washington Post notes. This proposal keeps defense funding on the table to provide incentive to fund the rest of the government.

* House Democratic leaders said in a letter to colleagues that they are carefully evaluating the Johnson plan and discussing it with their members, adding that they are concerned about the multiple deadlines and the lack of supplemental funding provisions.

* The White House on Saturday called the bill unserious and a waste of time. This proposal is just a recipe for more Republican chaos and more shutdownsfull stop, Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement. House Republicans need to stop wasting time on their own political divisions, do their jobs, and work in a bipartisan way to prevent a shutdown. But Biden on Monday held off on saying whether he would sign the bill or veto it. "I'm not going to make a judgment on whether I'd veto or I'd sign, he told reporters. Let's wait and see what they come up with.

The bottom line: The House Rules Committee vote sets up a vote on the House floor as soon as Tuesday. If Johnson can steer his bill through to passage, it may have a good shot of getting through the Senate as well. Neither side wants a pre-Thanksgiving shutdown.

If he cant get the two-step plan through both chambers, Johnson plans to offer up a full-year CR with increases only for defense and national security priorities, Roll Call reported over the weekend, citing talking points circulated to House Republicans. That approach, which would slash non-defense programs by about 8%, might not be able to pass the House and would go nowhere in the Senate, likely leading to a showdown.

Like what you're reading? Sign up for our free newsletter.
(Bloomberg) -- Within days of a cyberattack at its US unit, members of Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd.s management were on a plane.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Officials from the worlds largest lender arrived in the US over the weekend in a hastily arranged trip to limit fallout from the incident last week, people with knowledge of the situation said. As they sought to calm markets through a steady stream of discussions and calls, one question remained unanswered: When will the stricken systems start functioning again?

The bank is racing to reassure market participants it has a handle on the situation following the attack by prolific ransomware gang LockBit, which rendered it unable to clear swathes of US Treasury trades and forced many to reroute their orders. The firm has yet to restore normal operations.

On Friday, senior ICBC executives spoke with hundreds of member firms of the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association in a bid to allay concerns, according to people familiar with the matter who asked not to be identified discussing private information. Some participants left without a clear outline of ICBCs response, one of the people said.

Read More: Worlds Biggest Bank Has to Trade Via USB Stick After Hack

And while the bank has been working to restore access to its systems, a subsequent investigation and ongoing discussions with regulators have made any resumption of normal service hard to predict, one of the people said.

The incident also prompted Chinas National Administration of Financial Regulation to issue guidance last week pressing large banks with offshore units to bolster their defenses against potential cyber attacks, another person familiar with the matter said.

Story continues

Representatives for ICBC didnt immediately respond to requests for comment. A representative for Sifma declined to comment. The NAFR didnt immediately respond to a request for comment.

ICBC confirmed in a statement on Thursday that a ransomware attack at its ICBC Financial Services unit had disrupted some of its systems and that it was conducting a thorough investigation. Its head office and other domestic and overseas units werent affected, it said. On Monday, LockBit said that it had received a ransom payment from ICBC, without giving further details.

Read More: Treasury Settlement Delays Continue in Wake of ICBC Hack

The extent of the disruption caused by the attack wasnt immediately clear, though participants in the $26 trillion Treasury market reported liquidity was being affected. Traders were still finding it hard to settle transactions more than a day after the attack.

ICBC is working with its US banking partners to help clear transactions as it seeks to resolve the cyber issues, one of the people said. Still, some participants were concerned about connecting with the bank digitally until they had resolved the security issues, said the person. In the immediate aftermath, ICBC held discussions about hiring Google-owned cybersecurity firm Mandiant for incident response, though no agreement to work together was reached.

If recent ransomware attacks are any indication, it could take weeks for ICBC to restore its operations to normal.

LockBit, a criminal gang with ties to Russia, specializes in using malicious software known as ransomware to encrypt files on its victims computers, then demanding payment to unlock the files. Earlier this year, it took credit for an attack against ION Trading UK that paralyzed derivatives trading across markets for everything from commodities to bonds and forced several banks and brokers to process trades manually.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
In the realm of stock market movements, insider trading activity is often a significant indicator that investors keep a close eye on. Recently, Director Jack Ferguson made headlines by selling 3,000 shares of PC Connection Inc (NASDAQ:CNXN), a notable transaction that warrants a closer look.Who is Jack Ferguson of PC Connection Inc?Jack Ferguson is a seasoned member of the board of directors at PC Connection Inc. His role in the company provides him with a unique perspective on the company's operations, performance, and strategic direction. As a director, Ferguson is privy to the inner workings of the company, and his trading activities are closely monitored for insights into the company's health and future prospects.PC Connection Inc's Business DescriptionPC Connection Inc is a provider of a wide array of information technology (IT) solutions. The company caters to a variety of customers, including small- to medium-sized businesses, enterprise customers, government and educational institutions. PC Connection Inc's offerings span from IT hardware and software products to comprehensive IT services, ensuring that clients have access to the necessary tools and support to navigate the complex world of technology.Analysis of Insider Buy/Sell and the Relationship with the Stock PriceJack Fergusons recent sale of 3,000 shares is part of a larger pattern of insider activity at PC Connection Inc. Over the past year, Ferguson has sold a total of 3,000 shares and has not made any purchases. This one-sided activity could be interpreted in several ways. On one hand, insiders might sell shares for personal financial reasons that do not necessarily reflect their outlook on the company's future. On the other hand, a lack of insider purchases could suggest that insiders are not seeing compelling value in the company's stock at current prices.The insider transaction history for PC Connection Inc shows a trend of more insider selling than buying over the past year, with 26 insider sells and no insider buys. This could indicate that insiders, as a group, believe the stock might not be undervalued or that they anticipate a potential downturn.

Story continues

Insider Sell Alert: Director Jack Ferguson Sells 3,000 Shares of PC Connection Inc (CNXN)

When examining the relationship between insider trading activity and the stock price, it's important to consider the context of the market and the company's performance. PC Connection Inc's stock was trading at $59.12 on the day of Fergusons sale, giving the company a market cap of $1.529 billion.The price-earnings ratio of 19.60 is slightly lower than the industry median of 21.64, which could suggest that the stock is reasonably valued compared to its peers. However, it is higher than the companys historical median price-earnings ratio, indicating that the stock might be more expensive than it has been historically.Valuation and GF Value AnalysisThe valuation of PC Connection Inc also presents an interesting picture. With a stock price of $59.12 and a GuruFocus Value (GF Value) of $48.23, the price-to-GF-Value ratio stands at 1.23. This indicates that the stock is modestly overvalued based on its GF Value.

Insider Sell Alert: Director Jack Ferguson Sells 3,000 Shares of PC Connection Inc (CNXN)

The GF Value is a proprietary intrinsic value estimate developed by GuruFocus, which takes into account historical trading multiples, a GuruFocus adjustment factor based on past returns and growth, and future business performance estimates from analysts. The fact that PC Connection Inc is trading above its GF Value suggests that the market is currently assigning a premium to the stock, which could be a factor in Ferguson's decision to sell.ConclusionIn conclusion, the recent insider sell by Director Jack Ferguson at PC Connection Inc is a transaction that merits attention. While the reasons behind Ferguson's decision to sell are not publicly known, the broader pattern of insider selling, the company's valuation relative to the industry, and its GF Value all provide context for investors. As with any insider activity, it's essential for investors to consider the full picture, including company performance, market conditions, and individual financial circumstances, before drawing conclusions or making investment decisions.

This article, generated by GuruFocus, is designed to provide general insights and is not tailored financial advice. Our commentary is rooted in historical data and analyst projections, utilizing an impartial methodology, and is not intended to serve as specific investment guidance. It does not formulate a recommendation to purchase or divest any stock and does not consider individual investment objectives or financial circumstances. Our objective is to deliver long-term, fundamental data-driven analysis. Be aware that our analysis might not incorporate the most recent, price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative information. GuruFocus holds no position in the stocks mentioned herein.

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.


When we invest, we're generally looking for stocks that outperform the market average. And the truth is, you can make significant gains if you buy good quality businesses at the right price. For example, long term Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft (ETR:DBK) shareholders have enjoyed a 24% share price rise over the last half decade, well in excess of the market decline of around 5.6% (not including dividends). On the other hand, the more recent gains haven't been so impressive, with shareholders gaining just 7.5% , including dividends .

Let's take a look at the underlying fundamentals over the longer term, and see if they've been consistent with shareholders returns.

View our latest analysis for Deutsche Bank

There is no denying that markets are sometimes efficient, but prices do not always reflect underlying business performance. One way to examine how market sentiment has changed over time is to look at the interaction between a company's share price and its earnings per share (EPS).

During the five years of share price growth, Deutsche Bank moved from a loss to profitability. That's generally thought to be a genuine positive, so we would expect to see an increasing share price.

The company's earnings per share (over time) is depicted in the image below (click to see the exact numbers).

We know that Deutsche Bank has improved its bottom line over the last three years, but what does the future have in store? If you are thinking of buying or selling Deutsche Bank stock, you should check out this FREE detailed report on its balance sheet.

What About Dividends?

When looking at investment returns, it is important to consider the difference between total shareholder return (TSR) and share price return. 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. Arguably, the TSR gives a more comprehensive picture of the return generated by a stock. We note that for Deutsche Bank the TSR over the last 5 years was 33%, which is better than the share price return mentioned above. The dividends paid by the company have thusly boosted the total shareholder return.

Story continues

A Different Perspective

We're pleased to report that Deutsche Bank shareholders have received a total shareholder return of 7.5% over one year. That's including the dividend. That's better than the annualised return of 6% over half a decade, implying that the company is doing better recently. In the best case scenario, this may hint at some real business momentum, implying that now could be a great time to delve deeper. It's always interesting to track share price performance over the longer term. But to understand Deutsche Bank better, we need to consider many other factors. To that end, you should be aware of the 1 warning sign we've spotted with Deutsche Bank .

We will like Deutsche Bank 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 German 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.
Generally speaking the aim of active stock picking is to find companies that provide returns that are superior to the market average. And in our experience, buying the right stocks can give your wealth a significant boost. For example, the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX:CBA) share price is up 48% in the last 5 years, clearly besting the market return of around 18% (ignoring dividends). However, more recent returns haven't been as impressive as that, with the stock returning just 0.8% in the last year , including dividends .

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.

See our latest analysis for Commonwealth Bank of Australia

While markets are a powerful pricing mechanism, share prices reflect investor sentiment, not just underlying business performance. One imperfect but simple way to consider how the market perception of a company has shifted is to compare the change in the earnings per share (EPS) with the share price movement.

During five years of share price growth, Commonwealth Bank of Australia achieved compound earnings per share (EPS) growth of 4.0% per year. This EPS growth is slower than the share price growth of 8% per year, over the same period. So it's fair to assume the market has a higher opinion of the business than it did five years ago. And that's hardly shocking given the track record of growth.

The graphic below depicts how EPS has changed over time (unveil the exact values by clicking on the image).

We like that insiders have been buying shares in the last twelve months. Even so, future earnings will be far more important to whether current shareholders make money. Dive deeper into the earnings by checking this interactive graph of Commonwealth Bank of Australia's earnings, revenue and cash flow.

What About Dividends?

As well as measuring the share price return, investors should also consider the total shareholder return (TSR). The TSR incorporates the value of any spin-offs or discounted capital raisings, along with any dividends, based on the assumption that the dividends are reinvested. So for companies that pay a generous dividend, the TSR is often a lot higher than the share price return. We note that for Commonwealth Bank of Australia the TSR over the last 5 years was 83%, which is better than the share price return mentioned above. And there's no prize for guessing that the dividend payments largely explain the divergence!

Story continues

A Different Perspective

Commonwealth Bank of Australia provided a TSR of 0.8% over the last twelve months. But that was short of the market average. It's probably a good sign that the company has an even better long term track record, having provided shareholders with an annual TSR of 13% over five years. It's quite possible the business continues to execute with prowess, even as the share price gains are slowing. It's always interesting to track share price performance over the longer term. But to understand Commonwealth Bank of Australia better, we need to consider many other factors. To that end, you should be aware of the 1 warning sign we've spotted with Commonwealth Bank of Australia .

Commonwealth Bank of Australia is not the only stock that insiders are buying. For those who like to find winning investments this free list of growing companies with recent insider purchasing, could be just the ticket.

Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on Australian exchanges.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
London --News Direct-- Ionic Rare Earths Ltd

Ionic Rare Earths Ltd managing director Tim Harrison speaks to Thomas Warner from Proactive London after the company released a fresh update on its 60%-owned Makuutu Project in Uganda.

Harrison explains that progress with the Project's land access agreements is now 92% complete, and expresses confidence in finalising the full 44 square kilometers of land access agreements within the next week. He says the accomplishment represents a significant milestone on the path to receive a mining licence.

Harrison expresses his appreciation for the positive engagement and collaboration with stakeholders in Uganda over the past six to seven weeks, saying that the company's community engagement team played a pivotal role.

While detailing the timeframe for the next few months, Harrison highlights the positive developments witnessed at the demonstration plant in Uganda. The demonstration plant's progress aligns with the company's expectations, and Harrison looks forward to the first production of mixed rare-earth carbonate in the first quarter of 2024.

Looking ahead, Harrison outlined the company's trajectory, expecting the mining license to be awarded shortly. The positive outcomes from the demonstration plant further bolster the company's outlook, paving the way for a final investment decision in the second half of 2024.

Contact Details

Proactive UK Ltd

+44 20 7989 0813

uk@proactiveinvestors.com

View source version on newsdirect.com: https://newsdirect.com/news/ionic-rare-earths-moves-closer-to-mining-licence-in-uganda-256686497
(Bloomberg) -- Israeli forces entered Gazas Shifa hospital compound as part of a precise and targeted operation against Hamas. The US earlier said it has intelligence confirming Israels assertion that Hamas and other Iran-backed militant groups are using hospitals, including Shifa, to conceal and support their operations.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Israel may be nearing a deal with Hamas, which is designated a terrorist organization by the US and European Union, for the return of some of the hostages taken in its Oct. 7 attack, Israeli broadcaster Kan News said.

The Biden administration is increasingly frustrated with Israels conduct of the war as civilian deaths rise. Tens of thousands of people gathered on Washingtons National Mall to express support for Israel in one of the largest such demonstrations since the war began.

For more stories on the Israel-Hamas war, click here.

All time stamps are Israeli time:

Netanyahu-Trudeau Trade Barbs Over Casualties (5:15 a.m.)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pushed back publicly at Justin Trudeau after the Canadian prime minister lamented the human tragedy that is unfolding in Gaza is heart-wrenching, especially the suffering we see in and around the Al Shifa Hospital.

Netanyahu, in a social media post, said Israel is doing all it can to protect civilians and that Hamas is responsible for committing a double war crime  targeting civilians while hiding behind civilians.

Israeli Troops Reported in Hospital Basement (5:00 a.m.)

A spokesperson for the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza said on Al Jazeera that Israeli troops were searching through the basement of the Shifa hospital. Israel has said Hamas uses areas beneath hospital facilities, including basements and tunnels, to hide troops and store weapons.

Story continues

Biden-Netanyahu Discussed Hostage Situation (4:09 a.m.)

Biden spoke with Netanyahu Tuesday afternoon about efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas, the White House said in a statement.

It wasnt clear if the two leaders spoke before the Israel Defense Forces operation at the Shifa hospital, or if Biden was informed of Israels plans. White House officials said they had intelligence suggesting that some of those captured during the Oct. 7 raid on Israel had been held under the hospital complex.

Troops Reported Inside Hospital Compound (3:45 a.m.)

Regional news channels Al Jazeera and Al Arabiya said the Israeli military had entered the Shifa hospital compound, following the IDF statement that it would carry out an operation against Hamas at the facility.

The scale of the Israeli move wasnt immediately clear, but the decision is likely to fuel international criticism, even after Israel said Hamas used the hospital and other medical facilities to hide its forces. Hamas rejects the charge.

Hundreds of patients, medical personnel and displaced civilians were at the Shifa hospital in recent days, and supplies of medicine and fuel were believed to be running very low.

Israeli Forces Begin Operation at Key Gaza Hospital (2:10 a.m.)

Israel Defense Forces said they are carrying out a precise and targeted operation against Hamas in a specified area in the Shifa Hospital. In a statement, the IDF said that they had conveyed to the relevant authorities in Gaza once again that all military activities within the hospital must cease within 12 hours. Unfortunately, it did not.

Hamas has denied using the facility as a base of operations. A health ministry official at the hospital told Bloomberg that Israeli tanks were at the gates of the complex.

Pentagon Sends More Armaments to Israel (12:30 a.m.)

The Pentagon has quietly stepped up military aid to Israel, delivering on requests that include more laser-guided missiles for its Apache gunship fleet, as well as 155mm shells, night-vision devices, bunker-buster munitions and new army vehicles, according to an internal Defense Department list.

The weapons pipeline to Israel is extending beyond the well-publicized provision of Iron Dome interceptors and Boeing Co. smart bombs. It continues even as Biden administration officials increasingly caution the Israeli government to try to avoid civilian casualties in the Gaza Strip.

Tens of Thousands Turn Out in Washington to Support Israel (10:20 p.m.)

Tens of thousands of people gathered on Washingtons National Mall to express support for Israel in one of the largest such demonstrations since the war began.

Congressional leaders addressed the crowd, denouncing what they said was rising antisemitism and pledging continued backing for Israel. Organizers said the event drew more than 200,000 people, but there was no official confirmation of that estimate.

Security was tight at the event, but there were no immediate reports of violence. Thousands of supporters of Palestinians demonstrated in Washington on Nov. 5.

US Says Intelligence Confirms Hamas Hides Under Hospitals (9:40 p.m.)

The US has intelligence confirming Israels assertion that Hamas and other Iran-backed militant groups are using hospitals  including the central Al-Shifa facility in Gaza  to conceal and support their operations, the White House said.

The groups operate a command and control node from Al-Shifa and have stored weapons and used tunnels underneath the hospital to hide their military operations, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters aboard Air Force One. The US also believes that the groups have held hostages under the hospital, he added, without specifying the source of the information.

The US said it believes militants were prepared to respond to a military operation by Israel against the facility. White House officials have said they dont want to see an aerial bombing of the facility or a firefight inside, because they dont want innocent patients to be hurt in the crossfire. Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, the Israeli militarys spokesman, called on Hamas operatives hiding under hospitals to surrender so as not to endanger patients.

More Signs of Hostage Deal With Hamas Cited by Broadcaster (9:27 p.m.)

Israel may be nearing a deal with Hamas for the return of some of the hostages taken in the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas, Kan News says.

Negotiators are currently discussing the names of Hamas members who would be released as part of the deal, the stages in which the agreement would be carried out and the number of days that Israel must agree to a cease-fire, the Israeli public broadcaster reported. Axios reporter Barak Ravid said that the head of Israels Shin Bet security services met with the Egyptian intelligence chief in Cairo on Tuesday to discuss efforts to free the hostages as well as Egypts role during the war and afterward.

Israel Says It Seized Control of a Hamas Camp (6:59 p.m.)

Israels military said it has gained control over the Shati Camp in northern Gaza. Inside the camp are Hamas infrastructure and battalions, including the Shati Battalion, which took a central part in the invasion and massacre of Saturday, October 7th, the Israel Defense Forces said in a statement.

Combined air and ground forces struck numerous targets on the outskirts of the Shati Camp over several days, including buildings and government institutions belonging to Hamas from which the IDF said terrorist activity was directed against the citizens of Israel and IDF forces.

During the operation Hamas operatives were apprehended and transferred to Israel for interrogation, according to the Israeli statement.

Biden Expresses Confidence Hostages Will Be Released (6:08 p.m.)

President Joe Biden said hes optimistic the remaining hostages taken by Hamas during its Oct. 7 assault on Israel would be released. Ive been talking with the people involved every single day, Biden told reporters. I believe its going to happen. But I dont want to get into detail.

The Biden administration has been in touch with the Israeli government as well as leaders in Qatar, which houses Hamass political office, about securing the release of the hostages.

Asked to deliver a message of hope to the hostages, Biden said, Hang in there, were coming.

War Cabinet Minister Says Cease-Fire Wouldnt End War (5:16 p.m.)

Benny Gantz, a member of Israels war cabinet, said that even if a cease-fire is required for the return of hostages from Gaza, there will be no stopping of the war. He said Israel is making every political and military effort to bring the daughters and the sons home safely.

Gantz, a former defense minister, spoke during a visit to Israels northern border, where there have been escalating exchanges between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah, prompting the evacuation of 60,000 Israeli citizens. I see Nasrallahs conduct and ask: Has he lost touch with reality? This question should now be asked by Lebanese citizens and the Lebanese government, Gantz said, referring to Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah.

Israeli Gas Flows to Egypt to Recover (4:39 p.m.)

Israels natural gas flows to Egypt are expected to almost double and reach pre-war levels early next week, according to a person familiar with Egyptian imports, after a major offshore field resumed output on easing safety concerns.

Imports are expected to rise to 650 million cubic feet a day on Thursday, and to the normal level of 800 million early next week, from about 250 million earlier in November, the person said, asking not to be named because the information isnt public.

Hamas Media Office Says Gaza Deaths Top 11,500 (3:47 p.m.)

The Hamas-run media office said more than 11,500 people have been killed in Gaza since the start of the conflict. Medical workers at the Al-Shifa hospital have buried some of the dead in a mass grave on the facilitys grounds, according to health ministry spokesman Ashraf Al-Qedra.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

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Juul brand vaping pens are displayed for sale at a Juul shop in Jakarta

(Reuters) -Juul Labs said on Monday it has raised about $1.3 billion in funding, months after the e-cigarette maker revealed plans to lay off about 250 people in a bid to reduce its operating costs.

The company has been seeking financing alternatives and cut jobs twice since last year, in a bid to protect its business as it deals with lawsuits related to the marketing of its e-cigarettes.

Juul disclosed in a regulatory filing it had raised $1.27 billion in funding from a total offering amount of $1.6 billion.

The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment on how it plans to use these funds.

Juul in April agreed to pay $462 million over eight years to settle claims by six U.S. states including New York and California, along with the District of Columbia, that it unlawfully marketed its addictive products to minors.

In November 2022 the company had secured funding from some of its early investors to help keep it afloat, while cutting about 400 jobs and reducing its operating budget.

Marlboro maker Altria also exited its stake in Juul earlier this year, days before announcing a purchase of e-cigarette startup Njoy Holdings for about $2.8 billion.

(Reporting by Bhanvi Satija in Bengaluru; Editing by Shounak Dasgupta)
Baltimore Gas and Electric Co. is fighting to keep private an internal memo that details its deal with the city to continue using Baltimores underground conduit system.

The Office of the Peoples Counsel, a state office that advocates for the states utility consumers, asked the Maryland Public Service Commission last month to make the memo public. According to its filing with the commission, the confidential memo explains how BGE potentially seeks to profit from the deal by having its customers pay for investments in infrastructure that the utility does not own.

BGE and the city agreed to the deal in February. That month, BGE asked state regulators to approve a rate increase for customers, which would go into effect Jan. 1 if approved.

The Office of the Peoples Counsel also argued that the companys customers deserve to understand why they are paying for costs related to investments in infrastructure not owned by the company.

BGE spokesman Nicholas Alexopulos noted that the Office of the Peoples Counsel has had access to the confidential memo for months and, therefore, was able to use its contents to frame their intervening in our rate case. Alexopulos also told The Baltimore Sun in an email that the counsel had the opportunity to object to the documents confidential status during the rate case evidentiary proceedings but declined to do so.

Peoples Counsel David Lapp said that BGE may be taking a cost for which the utility does not receive a return under state law and trying to transform it into one that does.

Under state law, utilities like BGE are entitled to receive a return on investment for the costs of operating and serving all customers.

We are very concerned that BGE is expanding the sorts of costs that it wants to earn a profit on, Lapp said.

In the Oct. 26 filing obtained by The Baltimore Sun, the peoples counsel argued that unnecessary confidentiality makes the regulatory process opaque and harms the public interest.

We think that this is an important issue that extends beyond this particular document, Lapp said. It touches on the public utilitys role as a public service company and providing services of incredible public importance, both in terms of the services provided and the cost charged to customers, and the arrangement with Baltimore City is a great illustration of how important transparency is.

BGE says the document should remain confidential and is protected by accountant/client privilege.

BGEs deal with the city would require the company to pay an occupancy fee and spend $120 million for capital improvements to the 700-mile conduit system by the end of 2026. It would allow for a three-year extension requiring BGE to spend an additional $92 million by the end of 2029.

The city owns the underground utility system and pays to maintain it and rents out the space. As the systems biggest user, BGE occupies 76% of it.

Earlier this year, the Office of the Peoples Counsel warned that the plan could cost BGE customers hundreds of millions of dollars over 50 years.

Lapp said Thursday that there is a big blank box regarding the cost of the lease payments for the conduit system after the current agreement expires.

In a Nov. 7 response to the Office of the Peoples Counsels filing, BGE argued that the internal document in question is privileged. Under Maryland law, communications between an accountant and their client are not to be disclosed without the express permission of the client.

Alexopulos told The Sun in an email that the confidential document provides analysis conducted by and conclusions reached by BGEs accountants for the expenditures under the conduit agreement with the city.

Even though the memo supports our position and would benefit us if released publicly, it should remain confidential because it is statutorily protected by accountant/client privilege (much like attorney/client privilege), Alexopulos wrote.

Lapp said his agency does not believe that BGE has made a substantive case as to why the document should not be made public beyond sort of a sweeping claim that, because it involves accounting, it should be privileged.

Alexopulos said that BGE negotiated in the best interest of our customers, and that conduit costs will be collected from customers over time as opposed to immediate dollar-for-dollar maintenance fee recovery, reducing the impact on customer bills.

Our investments in the conduit system are absolutely vital to our work to further improve the safety and reliability of our electric system for customers in Baltimore City, he said.
Transparency Market Research

Users and security are being enhanced by kiosks using biometric authentication, touchless interfaces, and artificial intelligence, increasing market demand

Wilmington, Delaware, United States, Nov. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Transparency Market Research Inc. - The kiosk (self-service/interactive kiosk) market accounted for US$ 86.2 billion in 2021 . Based on TMR's estimations, the kiosk (self-service/interactive kiosk) market is expected to reach US$ 172.8 billion by 2031. The market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 7.4% through 2031.

Self-service kiosks are also being pushed by regulatory requirements and industry standards to meet health and safety guidelines in the wake of recent pandemics. Kiosks with contactless interactions and remote monitoring features can enhance customer and employee safety.

With an evolving digital landscape, users increasingly seek cost-effective self-service solutions that comply with regulatory standards, resulting in robust growth for the kiosk market. Technological advancements will continue to expand application possibilities across diverse industries and improve the Kiosk Market.

Request Sample of the Report: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=47145



Retailers can implement a self-checkout kiosk to eliminate lines, improve customer satisfaction, and optimize staffing levels. An interactive kiosk can provide detailed information about products, reviews, and recommendations to the customer.

Reducing wait times for hotel guests and streamlining the check-in process can increase efficiency.

Digital signage displays are used on kiosks in addition to transactions. Businesses can respond to customers' informational needs, promote their products, and advertise via this dual function.

Most kiosks are compatible with mobile devices, allowing users to use their smartphones to interact with them. As a result, users are provided with a more seamless experience and convenience.

Story continues

Businesses are increasingly customizing kiosk solutions to meet their specific needs. A kiosk's user interface can be customized, branding elements can be integrated, and its functionality can be tailored to meet the business needs.

Key Findings of Market Report

In 2021, North America dominated the self-service kiosk market, accounting for 44% of the total share

Retail and financial sectors have increasingly turned to kiosks to enhance customer service.

As robotics, artificial intelligence, and data analytics become more advanced, interactive kiosks are growing in popularity.

The rising demand for non-cash payments is anticipated to fuel further expansion of kiosks in the marketplace.

Global Kiosk Market: Regional Landscape

Urbanization, economic growth, and technological advancements drive demand for kiosks in Asia-Pacific. Retail, healthcare, and transportation are among the most popular industries for implementing kiosks. Kiosks allow businesses to streamline operations and improve customer service. The countries in the region are deploying various informational and interactive kiosks as part of innovative city initiatives.

With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, touchless kiosks became more popular in public spaces because contactless solutions had become more widely adopted. In the Asia-Pacific region, kiosk applications are growing rapidly with a large and diverse population, providing fertile ground for kiosk expansion.

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Global Kiosk Market: Growth Drivers

Kiosks have gained widespread acceptance across several industries due to several factors driving their growth. To improve customer experience and streamline operations, self-service solutions are becoming increasingly popular. Customer self-service kiosks are becoming increasingly popular in the retail, hospitality, healthcare, and other sectors.

Increasing digitalization is also a major driver for the kiosk market. Business kiosks facilitate seamless digital interactions as they help businesses improve efficiency and modernize their operations. Kiosks are equipped with touchscreens, biometrics, and contactless payment systems to cater to the growing preference for digital and contactless transactions.

Interactive kiosks are also becoming more popular as customers demand more interactive experiences. Besides transactional uses, kiosks are also used for promotions, product information, and personalized content, resulting in higher customer satisfaction and engagement.

Cost-effective and scalable solutions are also driving the kiosk market. Automating business processes with kiosks reduces the demands on human resources and lowers operational costs. By deploying kiosk solutions at multiple locations, businesses can ensure consistency and standardization of the customer experience.

Global Kiosk Market: Key Players

Several large-scale vendors dominate the global kiosk market (self-service/interactive kiosks), controlling the majority of market shares. Research and development are major investments for most firms. A key strategy adopted by key players is to expand product portfolios and to merge and acquire companies.

NCR Corporation, Zebra Technologies Corporation, IER, Kiosk Information Systems, Meridian Kiosks, Aila Technologies, Inc., Advanced Kiosks, Embross, REDYREF Source Technologies

Key Developments

In October 2023, the Tamilnadu government launched the Manjappai Kiosk in an effort to eliminate plastic litter from the Besant Nagar beach.

In November 2023, a Kerala-based startup launched the world's first digital health kiosk that provides basic health diagnoses in multiple languages and at low cost including blood pressure, blood sugar, and heart conditions. Users can receive accurate readings by using Prognosis, a kiosk launched by Versicles Technologies. Healthcare facilities will be made more accessible through this program.

Global Kiosk Market: Segmentation

By Product Type

Food Kiosks, Beverage Kiosks, Retail Kiosks, Parking Kiosks, Electric Vehicle Charging Kiosks, Patient Interactive Kiosks, Information Kiosks, Employment Kiosks, Check-in Kiosks, Automated Teller Machines Kiosks, Others

Payment Mode

Cash Payment

Non-Cash Payment

By Region

North America

Europe

Asia Pacific

Middle East & Africa

South America

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More Trending Reports by Transparency Market Research 

Smart Wine Cellar Market - The global smart wine cellar market was valued at USD 1.3 billion in 2022 and is forecast to reach USD 3 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 9.8%.

Chemical Protective Gloves Market - The global chemical protective gloves market was valued at $1.3 billion in 2022. It is expected to experience significant growth, expanding at a 6.5% CAGR to reach $2.3 billion by 2031.

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.

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With one-third of mortgage volume on office properties due between now and the end of 2026, increasing distress in the office market is likely as weaker demand, rising costs and lower property values squeeze owners.

At the same time, banks and investors are trying to reduce their exposure in the sector.

U.S. office building owners are in danger of defaulting on their loans as nearly $150 billion worth of their mortgages mature by the end of 2024, according to a review of the CommercialEdge property databases. More than $300 billion of loans will mature by the end of 2026.

The review included more than 80,000 office properties in the U.S. with $920 billion of mortgage debt. It found that 16.1% of loans will mature by the end of 2024 and 32.7% will mature by the end of 2026.

Manhattan, New York, leads the largest markets with $19.8 billion of loans coming due by the end of 2024. More than $5 billion of office loans will mature through the end of 2024 in 10 metro areas and 10 have at least $10 billion maturing by the end of 2026. More than half of office loans by dollar volume will mature by the end of 2026 in Atlanta and Houston.

"The volume of loan maturities is worrying, coming at a time when the combination of weaker demand, rising costs and lower property values are squeezing office owners while banks and investors are trying to reduce exposure to offices," the report states.

Tenants Seize Negotiation Power

The pandemic-induced work-from-home trend has prompted companies to cut back on space requirements, especially in primary office markets with long commutes. Office vacancy increased to 17.8% nationally in September, up from 13.4% before the pandemic in January 2020.

While landlords are struggling, the trend favors tenants, who have more leverage to negotiate for favorable terms such as shorter leases and tenant improvement allowances. Tenants also are demanding more amenities, including cafeterias, fitness centers, improved air circulation and outdoor break spaces.

Story continues

"As tenant improvements and other costs increase, owners find it increasingly difficult to maintain net income," according to CommercialEdge. "Consequently, office delinquency rates are rising and are likely to get worse as the growing number of underwater loans mature."

Don't Miss:

Investing in real estate just got a whole lot simpler. With as little as $100, average investors are becoming landlords thanks to this Jeff Bezos-backed startup.

Elon Musk has reportedly bought 6,000 acres of land just outside of Austin. Heres how to invest in the citys growth before he floods it with new tech workers.

"ACTIVE INVESTORS' SECRET WEAPON" Supercharge Your Stock Market Game with the #1 "news & everything else" trading tool: Benzinga Pro - Click here to start Your 14-Day Trial Now!

This article Loans Loom Large: U.S. Office Building Owners Teeter On Edge Of Default originally appeared on Benzinga.com

.

 2023 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
Signs of Chinese yuan and U.S. dollar are seen at a currency exchange store in Shanghai

By Roxanne Liu and Kane Wu

BEIJING (Reuters) - Bahrain-based alternative asset manager Investcorp is aiming to raise 2 billion to 4 billion yuan ($274 million-$548 million) for its first private equity fund in the Chinese currency, its executive said, to explore buyout opportunities in the country.

Investcorp plans to apply in the next few months for a license with Chinese regulatory bodies that will allow it to start raising funds from domestic institutions next year, Investcorp's co-chief executive officer Hazem Ben-Gacem said.

"I hope over time, we will be more than just a Middle East investor in China. I want us to be perceived also as a local Chinese investor," Ben-Gacem told Reuters, adding that the final fundraising size will depend on investor appetite and market conditions.

Abu Dhabi sovereign investor Mubadala holds a 20% stake in Investcorp.

Investcorp's China fundraising plan comes as business ties between the Middle East and the world's second-largest economy pick up amid the Gulf states' infrastructure, technology and financial push, and Sino-U.S. geopolitical tensions.

Buyers from the Gulf states have announced 13 acquisitions of public and private Chinese targets this year, versus just one during the same period in 2022 and more than any other year since at least 1980, according to data compiled by LSEG.

Investcorp completed its first buyout in China in May, purchasing a controlling stake in Shandong Jianuo Electronics, which provides components used in applications such as electric vehicle power management and battery charging infrastructure.

The deal size was about $100 million, according to a statement by the government in the city of Tengzhou, where Jianuo is based.

Other major transactions by Middle East investors in Chinese firms this year include Aramco's purchase of a 10% stake in Rongsheng Petrochemical for 24.6 billion yuan, and Abu Dhabi government-backed CYVN Holdings' $738.5 million equity investment in electric car maker NIO Inc.

Story continues

Ben-Gacem said the Gulf region might prove an important source of yuan-denominated capital, as Middle East countries and China settle some trades in their local currencies.

"You have an increasing quantum of renminbi (yuan) sitting within the Gulf Cooperation Council that needs to go back to be reinvested in China," he said.

Sino-U.S. tensions and an uneven Chinese economic recovery have made many U.S. investors cautious about deploying fresh capital in China, complicating money managers' efforts to raise dollars for China-focused funds.

Some private equity and venture funds are stepping up efforts to raise yuan funds. Still, convincing yuan-based investors to commit capital could be challenging amid economic headwinds.

The yuan-denominated capital raised by China-focused venture funds totalled $7.5 billion so far this year, less than half of what was raised last year, while no China-focused buyout funds have been raised yet in 2023, according to data provider Preqin.

Investcorp, which manages over $42 billion in assets, has invested more than $500 million in China. It kicked off its private equity business in China in 2018 by investing in a tech-focused fund backed by China Everbright.

In 2022 it launched a $500 million fund with the Hong Kong-based private investment office of the Fung family, focusing on mid-cap companies across the southern Chinese province of Guangdong as well as Hong Kong and Macau.

($1 = 7.2884 Chinese yuan renminbi)

(Reporting by Roxanne Liu and Kane Wu; Editing by Sumeet Chatterjee and Gerry Doyle)
Global Market Insights Inc.

Molded Fiber Packaging Industry size is predicted to register 4.8% CAGR between 2023 and 2032 driven by increasing sustainability attempts.

Selbyville, Delaware , Nov. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Molded Fiber Packaging Market value could reach USD 10.9 billion by 2032, according to the latest report by Global Market Insights Inc.

As per the report, the growing demand for sustainable packaging solutions, attributed to the escalating environmental concerns, will stimulate market growth. As environmental awareness and concerns intensify, there is a notable shift towards eco-friendly packaging materials. Molded fiber, being biodegradable and recyclable, aligns with these sustainability goals. Companies and consumers alike are increasingly favoring this environmentally responsible choice, which is expected to fuel the market's expansion and further bolster its size.

Request for a sample of this research report @ https://www.gminsights.com/request-sample/detail/6763





For instance, in July 2023, Omni-Pac Group, a leading provider of molded fiber packaging, joined forces with HP to initiate a digital transformation of industrial-scale molded fiber production. This collaborative effort represents a significant leap in innovation and sustainability within the molded fiber industry. Partnering with HP enables Omni-Pac to revolutionize how molded fiber applications are developed, launched, and manufactured. This breakthrough not only minimizes environmental footprints but also establishes cutting-edge, eco-friendly packaging solutions.

Cosmetic and Personal Care Packaging to gain popularity

Cosmetic and personal care packaging segment will secure a significant molded fiber packaging market share, attributed to the increasing focus on sustainable packaging solutions in the cosmetics and personal care industries. Consumers are more conscious of the environmental impact of their product choices and prefer packaging solutions that are biodegradable and recyclable. Molded fiber, being a renewable and compostable material, aligns with these preferences and offers excellent protection for delicate cosmetics and personal care products, making it a sought-after choice in this sector.

Story continues

Consumer Goods to remain a major end-use segment

The report cites that the molded fiber packaging industry from the consumer goods segment will garner a decent valuation by 2032. The adoption of molded fiber packaging in the consumer goods sector is promoted by its eco-friendly and sustainable attributes. Companies in this sector are increasingly seeking packaging solutions that reduce their environmental footprint and resonate with environmentally-conscious consumers. Molded fiber, made from recycled materials and biodegradable, fulfills these criteria. Its protective qualities, cost-effectiveness, and versatility in design and functionality also drive its adoption, making it a preferred choice for packaging a wide range of consumer goods.

Make an inquiry for purchasing this report @ https://www.gminsights.com/inquiry-before-buying/6763

Asia Pacific to lead the molded fiber packaging market

Asia Pacific molded fiber packaging industry will register a notable CAGR between 2023 and 2032. The region's increasing awareness of environmental issues and a desire for sustainable packaging solutions have driven the demand for molded fiber products. Additionally, growing industrialization, rising consumer populations, and expanding e-commerce markets in countries like China and India offer substantial opportunities for manufacturers. Furthermore, governmental initiatives promoting eco-friendly practices and stringent regulations on plastic usage further support the expansion of the molded fiber packaging industry in the Asia Pacific region.

Molded Fiber Packaging Market Players

UFP Technologies, Inc., Pactiv LLC, Huhtamaki Oyj, Brdrene Hartmann A/S, Henry Molded Products, Inc., Earthly 4Molded Solutions, Fabri-Kal Corporation, Genpak, LLC, Keiding, Inc., ProPak Corporation, FiberPak, Inc., Pacific Pulp Molding, among others.

Companies operating in this landscape are investing in research and development to enhance product offerings, expanding their production capacity to meet rising demand, forging strategic partnerships, and focusing on eco-friendly and sustainable packaging solutions to cater to the evolving needs of environmentally conscious consumers, all contributing to their market share growth.

Browse Our Reports Store - GMIPulse @ https://www.gminsights.com/gmipulse

About Global Market Insights

Global Market Insights Inc., headquartered in Delaware, U.S., is a global market research and consulting service provider, offering syndicated and custom research reports along with growth consulting services. Our business intelligence and industry research reports offer clients with penetrative insights and actionable market data specially designed and presented to aid strategic decision making. These exhaustive reports are designed via a proprietary research methodology and are available for key industries such as chemicals, advanced materials, technology, renewable energy, and biotechnology.

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Insiders who bought AU$2.17m worth of Nagambie Resources Limited (ASX:NAG) stock in the last year recovered part of their losses as the stock rose by 19% last week. However, total losses seen by insiders are still AU$576k since the time of purchase.

Although we don't think shareholders should simply follow insider transactions, we do think it is perfectly logical to keep tabs on what insiders are doing.

See our latest analysis for Nagambie Resources

The Last 12 Months Of Insider Transactions At Nagambie Resources

The Independent Non-Executive Director Kevin Perrin made the biggest insider purchase in the last 12 months. That single transaction was for AU$1.9m worth of shares at a price of AU$0.066 each. So it's clear an insider wanted to buy, even at a higher price than the current share price (being AU$0.037). Their view may have changed since then, but at least it shows they felt optimistic at the time. To us, it's very important to consider the price insiders pay for shares. Generally speaking, it catches our eye when insiders have purchased shares at above current prices, as it suggests they believed the shares were worth buying, even at a higher price.

In the last twelve months Nagambie Resources insiders were buying shares, but not selling. Their average price was about AU$0.05. These transactions suggest that insiders have considered the current price attractive. You can see a visual depiction of insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last 12 months, below. By clicking on the graph below, you can see the precise details of each insider transaction!

There are always plenty of stocks that insiders are buying. So if that suits your style you could check each stock one by one or you could take a look at this free list of companies. (Hint: insiders have been buying them).

Insider Ownership

I like to look at how many shares insiders own in a company, to help inform my view of how aligned they are with insiders. I reckon it's a good sign if insiders own a significant number of shares in the company. Nagambie Resources insiders own about AU$5.5m worth of shares. That equates to 28% of the company. While this is a strong but not outstanding level of insider ownership, it's enough to indicate some alignment between management and smaller shareholders.

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So What Do The Nagambie Resources Insider Transactions Indicate?

The fact that there have been no Nagambie Resources insider transactions recently certainly doesn't bother us. On a brighter note, the transactions over the last year are encouraging. Insiders own shares in Nagambie Resources and we see no evidence to suggest they are worried about the future. So these insider transactions can help us build a thesis about the stock, but it's also worthwhile knowing the risks facing this company. To that end, you should learn about the 6 warning signs we've spotted with Nagambie Resources (including 4 which don't sit too well with us).

Of course Nagambie Resources may not be the best stock to buy. So you may wish to see this free collection of high quality companies.

For the purposes of this article, insiders are those individuals who report their transactions to the relevant regulatory body. We currently account for open market transactions and private dispositions of direct interests only, but not derivative transactions or indirect interests.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
NEPTUNE - Water beads  colorful small balls that expand when they come into contact with liquid  pose a dangerous enough threat to children that they should be banned, U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone said Monday.

Pallone, D-N.J., said he would introduce the Ban Water Beads Act, noting that thousands of children nationwide have wound up in emergency rooms after ingesting the product.

"People are going say, 'Do you have to prohibit these completely? Are there some that are safe?'" Pallone, the highest ranking Democrat on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, said. "The answer is, no, there are none that are safe. We have to ban them because there's absolutely no way to ensure through any kind of education that they're going to be safe."

Pallone was joined at a news conference at Jersey Shore University Medical Center here by federal regulators, consumer groups and parents whose children ingested beads and, in one case, died.

Congressman Frank Pallone (D-NJ) looks over to a jar containing water beads during a Monday, November 13, 2023, press conference outside Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, NJ. He is planning to introduce legislation to ban that product that are marketed for kids.

Pallone's announcement came as the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issues new warnings to parents about what it says are the product's safety hazards. Other consumer advocates endorsed Pallone's call for a ban.

"Consumers and parents nationwide expect that if a product is on store shelves, and it's available for sale online, that it is safe, and it's tested to be safe," said William Wallace, associate director of safety policy for Consumer Reports. "And that simply cannot be the case with water beads,"

Among the parents calling for a ban was Ashley Haugen, a San Antonio, Texas, resident. Her daughter, Kipley was about a year old in 2017 when she ingested a water bead that her 6-year-old sister had been given as a birthday gift.

Children killed or injured by water beads are displayed during a Monday, November 13, 2023, press conference outside Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, NJ. Congressman Frank Pallone (D-NJ) is planning to introduce legislation to ban that product that are marketed for kids. The photos show (l-r): Kennedy Mitchell, Esther Bethard and Kipley Haugen.

Haugen said Kipley began vomiting and was rushed to the hospital, where she underwent emergency exploratory surgery. Kipley survived, but she has needed speech therapy, and her recovery has been slow.

Haugen launched That Water Bead Lady, an advocacy group, after she and Kipley went to the store one day and saw a woman in the checkout line getting ready to purchase beads.

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"I looked across and there was a mom with water beads in her hand and Kipley goes, 'Friend. Safe.' And I just knew," Haugen said. "I walked right over to that mom and told her what happened to Kipley and she put the beads back."

First introduced nearly 20 years ago, water beads are made by a variety of manufacturers that sell them under brands such as Orbeez, MarvelBeeds and AquaBeads. The beads are sold as toys, crafts and sensory tools to people with developmental disabilities, as well as to the agriculture industry.

They are made with polymers that, when combined with water, can balloon 50 to 100 times their original volume. But if children ingest them, the beads can cause a choking hazard or intestinal obstruction. Since the beads are mostly water, they are hard to detect by X-ray, said Dr. Harpreet Pall, chair of pediatrics at K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital at Jersey Shore.

Water beads have been linked to 4,500 emergency room visits since 2017, Pall said.

"This is an entirely avoidable problem," Pall said.

Two water bead manufacturers and a toy industry trade group didn't immediately respond to emails from the Asbury Park Press seeking comment about Pallone's proposed bill.

The products typically have warning labels. For example, Target sells a package of 50,000 Orbeez Rainbow Seeds on its web site for $14.99. The page comes with a warning that says: "choking hazard  small parts. Not for children under 3 yrs."

Congressman Frank Pallone (D-NJ) looks over to a jar containing water beads during a Monday, November 13, 2023, press conference outside Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, NJ. He is planning to introduce legislation to ban that product that are marketed for kids. Shown at left is Taylor Bethard, who lost her daughter Esther to ingesting water beads.

Safety: Three Monmouth County hospitals saw their safety grades dip; 11-year perfect streak ends

But parents at the press conference said the beads are so small they can be difficult to keep from their children. Taylor Bethard, of Mukwonago, Wisconsin, said she thought she had done everything right when she bought water beads for her older children, making sure they only played with them when adults were supervising.

But last summer, her 10-month-old daughter, Esther Jo, ingested a bead, stopped breathing and died, she said, noting that her 2- and 3-year-old children now do CPR on their dolls.

"Esther was a baby," Bethard said. "She never once played with them or was allowed in the same space when they were used. When I learned that a water bead had caused her death, I was shocked."

"I followed the directions. There is no warning about what could happen if ingested. If there had been I would have never allowed water beads in my home for my older kids to use. The risks are far too great," she said.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has updated its warnings about water beads. In September, it recalled 52,000 Chuckle & Roar Ultimate Water Beads Activity Kits and it told parents that beads can be fatal to young children if they are swallowed.

Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Chairman Alex Hoehn-Saric gestures towards a jar filled with water beads during a Monday, November 13, 2023, press conference outside Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, NJ. Congressman Frank Pallone (D-NJ, second from right) is planning to introduce legislation to ban that product that are marketed for kids. Also shown are mothers who had children killed or injured by the water beads (l-r): Folichia Mitchell, Ashley Haugen and Taylor Bethard.

Tips for parents: What should you do when there's a shelter in place at your child's school?

But Alex Hoehn-Saric, chairman of the safety commission, said the rulemaking process regulating toys can take years and often is tied up in court. In 2014, the agency banned magnetic balls that were being ingested by children. But a federal court overturned the ban two years later.

Speaking at the press conference Monday, Hoehn-Saric said Congress could ban water beads more swiftly than his agency.

The beads "look harmless. They look like they're fun to use. And they're being marketed as crafts, a tactile toy for children with autism, even for ammunition and toy guns," he said. "And it's far too easy for those beads to be dropped and a short time later, a baby or small child ends up finding them, picking them up and ingesting them."

Michael L. Diamond is a business reporter who has been writing about the New Jersey economy and health care industry for more than 20 years. He can be reached at mdiamond@gannettnj.com.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Water beads kill children and should be banned, Pallone says
- 737-800BCF offers needed cargo capacity and range for Oman Air customers

- Dedicated freighter contributes to Oman Air's cargo growth strategy

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Oman Air announced an order and delivery of the operator's first 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF). The order is the first dedicated cargo aircraft for the Muscat-based carrier.

Boeing and Oman Air announced an order and delivery of the operators first 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF). (Image: Boeing)

Oman Air Cargo saw its cargo volume increase 42 percent during the first half of 2023, compared to the same period in 2022, driven primarily by capacity expansion across its passenger airplane fleet. With the ability to carry up to 23.9 tonnes of freight at a range of 3,750 km, the 737-800BCF will contribute to continued capacity growth.

"The freighter will contribute to the growth of the air cargo logistics sector in Oman and beyond, will be based at our strategically located Muscat hub and will enhance our ability to connect East and West," said Oman Air.

"The 737-800BCF brings the right payload and range to complement Oman Air's passenger fleet with dedicated cargo capacity," said Kate Schaefer, vice president of Boeing Commercial Modifications. "We are honored to partner with Oman Air Cargo to support their operation with a proven and reliable freighter.

Built on one of the industry's most efficient and reliable platforms, the 737-800BCF is designed for customers who are responding to increased cargo demand, optimizing fleets, or replacing older freighters. Compared to the previous generation of standard-body freighters, the fuel efficient 737-800BCF has up to 20 percent lower fuel use and CO2 emissions per tonne.

Touch labor for the freighter conversion was completed at Taikoo (Shandong) Aircraft Engineering Co. Ltd. (STAECO).

About Oman Air Cargo

Oman Air Cargo, established in 2009, is a leading air cargo carrier in the Middle East, having earned a worldwide reputation for offering high-standard products and leading customer service. We offer our customers bespoke solutions to meet their freight transportation needs, including special commodities such as pharma, fresh produce, valuables and dangerous goods, with express connections through our state-of-the-art hub in Muscat.

Story continues

About Boeing

As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing's diverse team is committed to innovating for the future, leading with sustainability, and cultivating a culture based on the company's core values of safety, quality and integrity. Join our team and find your purpose at boeing.com/careers .

At Dubai Airshow:

Nadine Fanous

+971-56-422-9051

nadine.fanous@boeing.com

USA:

Charlie Kauffman

Charles.w.kauffman2@boeing.com

Boeing Media Relations

media@boeing.com

Cision

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/oman-air-takes-delivery-of-first-737-800-boeing-converted-freighter-301986594.html

SOURCE Boeing
QSAM Biosciences Inc.

Austin, TX, Nov. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- QSAM Biosciences Inc. (OTCQB: QSAM), a company developing therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals for the treatment of primary and secondary bone cancer and related conditions, has signed a non-binding term sheet (the Term Sheet) with Telix Pharmaceuticals (US) Inc., a subsidiary of Telix Pharmaceuticals Limited (ASX: TLX) (collectively, Telix) providing material terms for the acquisition of the Company by Telix by means of a merger (the Acquisition). Upon signing of the Term Sheet, Telix has agreed to pay the Company a US$2 million Pre-Closing Collaboration and Option Fee (the Collaboration Fee) to advance the Companys development efforts based on mutually agreed goals and to provide sixty days of exclusivity pending completion of diligence and execution of a definitive acquisition agreement.



Among the material terms still subject to diligence and definitive agreements, upon closing of the Acquisition, Telix is expected to pay a total of US$33.1 million in Telix stock and up to US$90 million in contingent clinical and commercial milestone payments through a Contingent Value Rights (CVR) structure. If the Acquisition does not close, the Collaboration Fee will be converted to Company common stock at a price of 6.70 per share.

Dr. C. Richard Piazza, QSAMs Executive Chairman and co-Founder, stated, We are thrilled to commence working with Telix by virtue of the Collaboration Fee to advance our technology and pursue a definitive agreement leading to the acquisition of QSAM by Telix. Over the last few months, we have gotten to know Telixs unique strengths and resources in the radiopharmaceutical space and believe a business combination with them would provide the greatest chances of success for CycloSam and for our shareholders. We will be working diligently to try to get this transaction completed in the first quarter of 2024.

Dr. Christian Behrenbruch, Managing Director and Group CEO of Telix, continued, We are pleased to announce our intention to acquire QSAM. This acquisition will bring a validated therapeutic candidate with the potential to accelerate development under the Orphan Drug and Rare Pediatric Disease designations, and a highly experienced team that has completed numerous FDA approvals. With CycloSam we plan to leverage Telixs extensive experience and success in distributing short-life radiopharmaceuticals using a cold kit product from a nuclear pharmacy. Given these factors, we see a strong pathway to commercialization.

Story continues

The Acquisition is subject to the satisfactory completion of diligence by both parties, execution of definitive agreements, and approval by the QSAM shareholders, among other conditions.

About Telix Pharmaceuticals Limited

Telix is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialisation of diagnostic and therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals and associated medical devices. Telix is headquartered in Melbourne, Australia with international operations in the United States, Europe (Belgium and Switzerland), and Japan. Telix is developing a portfolio of clinical-stage products that aims to address significant unmet medical needs in oncology and rare diseases. Telix is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX: TLX).

Visit www.telixpharma.com for further information about Telix, including details of the latest share price, announcements made to the ASX, investor and analyst presentations, news releases, event details and other publications that may be of interest. You can also follow Telix on LinkedIn.

Telixs lead product, gallium-68 (68Ga) gozetotide (also known as 68Ga PSMA-11) injection, has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA),1 by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA),2 and by Health Canada.3

About QSAM Biosciences

QSAM Biosciences, Inc. is developing nuclear medicines for the treatment of cancer and other diseases. QSAMs initial technology, CycloSam (Samarium-153 DOTMP), is a clinical-stage bone-targeting radiopharmaceutical developed by IsoTherapeutics Group LLC, pioneers in the nuclear medicine space who also developed the FDA-approved Quadramet (Samarium-153 EDTMP), which is indicated for bone cancer pain palliation. QSAM is led by an experienced executive team and board of directors that have completed numerous FDA approvals and multiple successful biotech exits.

CycloSam is currently being studied in a multi-site, open-label, dose escalating Phase 1 safety trial with a focus on bone cancer that has metastasized from the breast, lung, prostate or other organs. Early data has indicated safety and signs of efficacy, including significant pain relief that patients have reported lasting for several months after treatment. QSAM has also received Orphan Drug and Rare Pediatric Disease Designations from the FDA for the indication of osteosarcoma, a disease that mostly affects children and young adults.

CycloSam uses a patented formulation of low specific activity Samarium-153 (resulting in far less long-lived europium impurities) and DOTMP, a chelator that targets sites of high bone turnover and is believed to reduce or eliminate off-target migration, making it, in managements opinion based on scientific data, an ideal agent to treat primary and secondary bone cancers. Through the carrier vehicle DOTMP, CycloSam delivers targeted radiation selectively to the skeletal system with high uptake adjacent to areas of bone tumors where the beta-emitting Samarium-153 can irradiate and potentially destroy cancer cells.

Legal Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: This news release contains "forward-looking statements. These statements relate to future events or our future financial performance. These statements are only predictions and may differ materially from actual future results or events. We disclaim any intention or obligation to revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. There are important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the satisfactory completion diligence by both parties, successful negotiation and execution of definition agreements, and other general market and geo-political events that are outside the Companys control. This is not an offering of securities, and securities may not be offered or sold absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements.

QSAM Communications

ir@qsambio.com

Namrata Chand, VP-Operations

1 Telix ASX disclosure 20 December 2021.

2 Telix ASX disclosure 2 November 2021.

3 Telix ASX disclosure 14 October 2022.




(Bloomberg) -- The global push to use artificial intelligence to find new medicines faces a crucial test as one front-runner starts approaching late-stage trials for a drug discovered by algorithms.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Insilico Medicine  which has headquarters in Hong Kong and New York  used AI to develop an experimental drug for the incurable lung disease idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The treatment is in mid-stage trials in the US and China with some results expected early 2025.

The results of Insilicos trials are being closely watched in the drug industry because the company used AI to identify a new approach to fight against the deadly disease and produce a novel molecule to treat it. UK-based researcher Deep Pharma Intelligence says that the Insilico therapy is the global industrys first fully AI-based preclinical candidate.

While pharmaceutical companies worldwide are investing heavily in AI, there is still no clear evidence the technology can generate life-saving therapies. A string of other leading molecules that relied on AI have faced setbacks and Insilicos could still fail in the process or take years to reach the market. At the same time, the implications of any success would be huge, opening the door for new and cheaper AI therapies that can save lives and cut costs for health systems.

While the US has sought to ensure China doesnt get the upper hand in AI, any success by Insilico would highlight the benefits of international scientific collaboration. The company already straddles several geopolitical fault-lines to accelerate drug discovery. Its data scientists are mostly in Canada and the United Arab Emirates, where Ukrainians and Russians work alongside each other. Much of its laboratory testing is outsourced in mainland China, while staff in Taiwan purse partnerships with other drug companies.

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Insilico stands out because it has a new target identified using AI, a molecule discovered using AI and has made it through to mid-stage clinical trials, founder and CEO Alex Zhavoronkov said. If the companys lung disease drug is successfully developed, that would change everything.

Zhavoronkov, a Latvian scientist, set up Insilico in 2014 in Baltimore, within Johns Hopkins University where he got his masters in biotechnology. These days, he generally dresses casually - in dark jeans and a black shirt with his corporate logo  while flying around the globe to seek partnerships and push projects forward.

By his reckoning, Insilicos model  designed by AI and synthesized, laboratory tested in China  is similar to how Apple Inc. works. The iPhone maker designs products in California and relies heavily on workers in the worlds second-biggest economy to make parts and assemble them.

The field of AI became hot in the health-care industry after Google parent Alphabet Inc.s DeepMind unit used an AI program called AlphaFold to beat a biologist at predicting the shape of proteins, the basic building block of diseases. The intention is to use AI to make it cheaper and faster to find new drugs by eliminating much of the guesswork and hundreds of lab experiments typically required to identify promising molecules.

Beyond the start-up world, even large drugmakers like Pfizer Inc., GSK Plc to Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. are now tapping AI. Morgan Stanley has estimated that over the next decade, the use of AI in early-stage drug development could translate into an additional 50 novel therapies worth more than $50 billion in sales.

Insilico, which has raised over $400 million from backers including Warburg Pincus LLC and Lilly Asia Ventures, says the steps from finding a novel target to designing a medicine to make it ready for human testing took just about 18 months at a budget of around $2.7 million. Thats roughly a third of the time and a 10th of the cost it might have taken without algorithms.

Insilico now has an autonomous AI-run robotic laboratory in Suzhou in China, outside of Shanghai, which runs experiments in place of humans to analyze the quality and composition of substances and feeds data back to its system to improve its AI models. The company also has an AI platform that predicts clinical trial outcomes, and is building another one that generates biologics and studies quantum computing, said Alex Aliper, president of Insilico.

Still, AIs use in drug development remains nascent and is littered with failures that show the difficulties facing Insilico in getting its drug to market. UK-based Exscientia Plcs partner Sumitomo Pharma Co. said in 2022 it abandoned a candidate for obsessive-compulsive disorder designed by AI after it didnt achieve the expected criteria in the initial stage of trials. BenevolentAIs atopic dermatitis candidate, also identified via algorithms, failed to reduce inflammation in a mid-stage trial, it said in April.

An editorial published in journal Nature in October cautioned that claims by drugmakers working with AI need independent verification and clinical trials  the same standard all work in the drug industry is held to  to determine whether they hold up.

Side effects in human beings can also be hard to predict via algorithms, and Insilicos success wont be clear until its completed final trials. Christoph Kuppe, a professor of nephrology at RWTH Aachen University in Germany, who has published a study in Nature on kidney fibrosis, said data from animal experiments on Insilicos drug look fine. Yet he worries about the long-term effects of the treatment on people. With all the anti-inflammatory therapies, one would usually be worried about is infections, how the immune system is affected, he said.

Still, currently available therapies for fibrosis treat mainly symptoms, and Insilicos approach is unique as it targets cells thought to be responsible for scarring of tissues, Kuppe said.

Insilico hasnt observed side effects related to the immune system in its drug candidate so far and it will continue to monitor the long-term safety and efficacy in clinical trials, Zhavoronkov said.

Insilico now has more than 30 programs in its pipeline with three other experimental medicines at a clinical stage, such as for cancer and Covid-19. All have been made using its AI platform. In September, it said it sold rights to develop and sell a potential cancer drug to California-based Exelixis Inc. for an upfront payment of $80 million and is co-developing another candidate for cancer with Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical Group Co., controlled by Chinese billionaire Guo Guangchang.

The company is really becoming the global tier-one player in the AI drug discovery space, said Min Fang, the managing director who leads the healthcare, consumer and internet franchise in China for Warburg Pincus. Its business model of leveraging AI to identify new targets, design novel compounds and partner with other pharma for development is very attractive, he said.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
- Increasing productivity through an open office environment, as systems development work continues to grow.

- Photos and other digital assets available for media here: https://rak.box.com/s/p0wbv8tjj9hmavigta4dde51dtuxfuh5

TOKYO, November 14, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Rakuten Fintech Vietnam Co., Ltd., a systems development subsidiary of Rakuten Card Co., Ltd. today announced the company has relocated to a new location in Ho Chi Minh City as of November 13 to enable the company to further increase personnel and expand business operations, in response to growing systems development work.

Rakuten Card established Rakuten Fintech Vietnam as a development center in October 2021 with the goal of driving sustainable growth, accelerating systems development for its expanding service lineup and supporting business continuity planning for the IT systems that form the foundation of Rakuten Cards services. The Vietnamese government has implemented significant measures to support the development of human resources in the IT industry, heightening expectations over the long-term for securing and deploying top-tier tech talent within Vietnam. In addition, the minimal time zone difference between Japan and Vietnam is ideal for rapid response to business needs in Japan.

Since its establishment, Rakuten Fintech Vietnam has hired local IT engineering talent to develop services for consumer-facing apps, as well as systems for affiliate stores and business automation tools for boosting operational efficiency. As the companys operations continue to expand, it has relocated to a new office building to strengthen the organization through a new open office structure that inspires communication and provides an optimal work environment for employees.

Takao Shiono, General Director of Rakuten Fintech Vietnam, commented, "I am delighted to share today that Rakuten Fintech Vietnam has officially entered a new phase in our development. Our team in Vietnam has grown tremendously since launching in 2021, thanks to the invaluable support of local tech talent and the surrounding community. With more than 29 million cards issued, Rakuten Card is an industry leader in Japan. From our new position in Ho Chi Minh City, we are eager to further enhance Rakuten Cards success and contribute to Rakutens leading fintech businesses."

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The new office is situated in District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City, conveniently located on the upper floors of a 26-story building overseeing the city. The office has been designed with a two-story atrium and extensive use of glass walls to create a spacious environment that facilitates communication and fosters a sense of unity. With a capacity for approximately 200 employees and conference rooms, huddle spaces and booths available, the new office provides an ideal environment for colleagues to collaborate on projects. In addition, a cafeteria and refreshment area offer a place for employees to relax, while also doubling as large meeting spaces.

Since launching in July 2005, Rakuten Card has worked to promote cross-use with various Rakuten Group services and drive the further proliferation of cashless payments both inside and outside the Group. As a result of these initiatives, the total number of Rakuten Cards issued has exceeded 29.54 million (as of the end of September 2023). At the same time, Rakuten Cards annual shopping gross transaction volume for the 12 months from October 2022 to September 2023 surpassed 20 trillion yen, as the company continues to grow as a leading service provider in the Japanese credit card industry.

Rakuten Card will continue to strengthen its organizational capabilities and secure the best in global talent, while enhancing its credit card services and lineup of features to make financial services more convenient and more accessible to customers.

Rakuten Fintech Vietnam Co., Ltd. New Office Overview

Location: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Floor composition: 2 floors

Number of office seats: Approximately 200

About Rakuten Card

Rakuten Card is a fintech services company established in July 2005. Through the expansion of credit card services and features, Rakuten Card aims to deliver exceptional customer satisfaction with financial services that are convenient, easy to use and personal. For more information visit https://www.rakuten-card.co.jp/

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231113859337/en/

Contacts

Corporate Communications Department

Rakuten Group, Inc.

global-pr@mail.rakuten.com
Maryland legislators and audit officials pointed to staffing shortages and a lack of proper accounting at Tuesdays meeting of the General Assemblys Joint Audit and Evaluation Committee as the cause for the Maryland Department of Healths money woes.

This is something thats clearly been going on for a very long time, and we know the previous administration did not fill or choose to invest in staff. You cant divorce that from any of these conversations, said Del. Jared Solomon, a Democrat and the co-chair of the Joint Audit and Evaluation Committee. If you dont have the people, if you dont pay them appropriately, if you dont value them appropriately, we dont fill the positions.

Last month, a report from the Office of Legislative Audits  a unit of the Maryland General Assemblys Department of Legislative Services  revealed shocking weaknesses within the health departments accounting practices and how it recovers federal money its due, which could leave the state on the hook for $1.4 billion.

As of Nov. 6, the Department of Healths unreconciled balance stood at $243.7 million, $13.7 million of which is federal funds it hasnt received.

The audit covers agency practices from February 2019 to June 2022, when Dennis Schrader took control of the department after Robert Nealls retirement during the coronavirus pandemic. During that time, the state health department also struggled with procurement snafus as it tried to abate the effects of COVID-19 on the state and suffered a cyberattack, which disrupted the agency.

To receive federal funding, the Maryland Department of Health is supposed to record its payments to service providers in the states Medicaid Management Information System. The agency then submits weekly requests for reimbursement from the federal government based on the systems records, and is supposed to perform quarterly reconciliations to ensure that the reimbursement requests were submitted.

Quarterly reconciliations are fundamental accounting processes that ensure the actual money received or spent in a quarter matches the money that entered or left the account.

The department did not know quarterly reconciliations were not being performed until the Office of Legislative Audits mentioned it, and failed to recover hundreds of millions of dollars from the federal government because of the oversight.

Greg Hook of the Office of Legislative Audits said that the state health department went three years without performing quarterly reconciliations. The employee responsible for the reviews left the agency and wasnt replaced, and his responsibilities were not reassigned.

According to Maryland Health Secretary Dr. Laura Herrera Scott, there was a 15% vacancy rate departmentwide when she took her position earlier this year. The current vacancy rate is 11.3%.

Vacancies aside, Hook said that knowledge isnt being shared between employees in Marylands state agencies: When someone leaves their position, there arent instructions for the person who takes their place.

The report also found that the department did not have a procedure to track whether federal funds were being allocated to the correct accounts, leaving auditors unable to determine if all requested funds were recovered.

A failure to properly allocate federal revenue resulted in the lack of assurance that any of the account balances are accurate, and MDH cannot determine whether all federal funds were ultimately recovered, said Hook.

Last months report also left the agency unable to document whether it received $1.4 billion in federal funds. If the state health department cannot recover that money, it will have to come out of the states general fund.

Brian Tanen of the Office of Legislative Audits told lawmakers that the department likely is suffering a financial deficit and will have to tap the states general fund for help.

The amount of the deficit? I dont feel comfortable saying anything, he said. But what I can tell you is based on the lack of documentation they were able to provide us during and subsequent to our audit, they cannot come to this table and tell me definitively there is not.

Asked how legislators could determine the size of the deficit, Tanen said it will take time. He explained that the department would need to make sure its keeping records regarding spending, requests and funds received going forward, which would allow them to identify what hasnt been accounted for.

At the time we did our audit, that detail and that level of accuracy was not available, said Tanen after being asked.

But Herrera Scott assured lawmakers that she does not anticipate needing to lean on the states general fund. According to Herrera Scott, $230 million has been received in the departments clearing account and will be allocated fully and reconciled by the budget closeout for fiscal year 2024.

Herrera Scott said that the audit gave her pause and highlighted the need for a comprehensive look at the departments fiscal procedures and compliance.

Our annual budget with federal funds included is nearly $20 billion, and we need to ensure that we have the correct tools, procedure and staffing models to ensure fiscal stewardship moving forward, she said Tuesday morning.

The secretary also assured lawmakers that the agency is working with an external accounting firm to implement standard operating procedures. This would allow for a smooth transition when one employee leaves and another takes their place.

Though the period covered in the audit is prior to the current administration and prior to me joining the department as secretary, I commit to you that the work to address these findings and rebuild trust in the department is well underway, Herrera Scott said.

A follow-up audit will be performed in the spring or summer of 2024.
American Lung Association's 'State of Lung Cancer' report reveals improvement in survival rate for people of color, examines toll of lung cancer state-by-state

CHICAGO, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Lung cancer survival rates are improving for everyone, including people of color, according to the American Lung Association's 2023 "State of Lung Cancer" report, released today. The five-year lung cancer survival rate for people of color has increased by 17% in the last two years, helping close the health disparity gap.

American Lung Association logo (PRNewsfoto/American Lung Association)

The organization's sixth annual "State of Lung Cancer" report highlights how the toll of lung cancer varies by state and examines key indicators throughout the U.S. including new cases, survival, early diagnosis, surgical treatment, lack of treatment and screening rates. The report found that the lung cancer five-year survival rate increased 22% nationally to 26.6% from 2015 to 2019. In addition, the survival rate has increased at a faster pace among communities of color, so that it is no longer significantly lower compared to white individuals.

"Because of the incredible work of the lung cancer community, including non-profits, researchers and healthcare professionals, more people are surviving lung cancer. We are encouraged by the work being done to eliminate lung cancer stigma, increase lung cancer screening and improve lung cancer treatment," said Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association. "However, while we have seen an improvement in lung cancer survival rates for people of color, more work needs to be done to address persistent health disparities. Overall, people of color who are diagnosed with lung cancer are less likely to be diagnosed early, less likely to receive surgical treatment and more likely to receive no treatment."

The report also closely tracks lung cancer screening nationally and by state. Lung cancer screening with annual low-dose CT scans for those at high risk can reduce the lung cancer death rate by up to 20%. In 2022, only 4.5% of those eligible were screened. Some states, such as California and Wyoming, had screening rates as low as 0.7% and 1.0%. The best state in the country for lung cancer screening was Massachusetts at 11.9%.

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Close to 238,000 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with lung cancer this year. The 2023 "State of Lung Cancer" report found the following national trends in survival rates, early diagnosis and treatment of the disease:

Survival Rate: Lung cancer has one of the lowest five-year survival rates because cases are often diagnosed at later stages, when it is less likely to be curable. The national average of people alive five years after a lung cancer diagnosis is 26.6%. Survival rates were best in Rhode Island (33.3%) and worst in Oklahoma (21.2%).

Early Diagnosis: Nationally, only 26.6% of cases are diagnosed at an early stage when the five-year survival rate is much higher (63%). Unfortunately, 44% of cases are not caught until a late stage when the survival rate is only 8%. Early diagnosis rates were best in Massachusetts (33.3%), and worst in Hawaii (20.3%).

Surgery as First Course of Treatment : Lung cancer can often be treated with surgery if it is diagnosed at an early stage and has not spread. Nationally, 20.8% of cases underwent surgery. Surgical treatment rates decreased by 4% in 2020, likely due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on utilization of medical care.

Lack of Treatment: There are multiple reasons why patients may not receive treatment after diagnosis. Some of these reasons may be unavoidable, but no one should go untreated because of lack of provider or patient knowledge, stigma associated with lung cancer, fatalism after diagnosis or cost of treatment. Nationally, 20.6% of cases receive no treatment. Lack of treatment rates increased by 5% in 2020, likely due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on utilization of medical care.

Health Disparities: The report also highlights that, while the survival rate for people of color increased significantly, people of color who are diagnosed with lung cancer still face worse outcomes compared to white individuals, including less likely to be diagnosed early, less likely to receive surgical treatment and more likely to receive no treatment.

Medicaid Coverage: Fee-for-service state Medicaid programs are one of the only healthcare payers not required to cover lung cancer screening for high-risk populations. The Lung Association analyzed lung cancer screening coverage policies in state Medicaid fee-for-service programs to assess the current status of lung cancer screening coverage for the Medicaid population and found that 49 states' Medicaid fee-for-service programs cover lung cancer screening, and one program does not provide coverage.

The 2023 "State of Lung Cancer" report highlights that states must do more to reduce the burden of lung cancer and encourages everyone to help end lung cancer. Join the Lung Association's efforts by asking your member of Congress to co-sponsor H.R. 4286, the Increasing Access to Lung Cancer Screening Act, at Lung.org/SOLC.

About the American Lung Association

The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy and research. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to champion clean air for all; to improve the quality of life for those with lung disease and their families; and to create a tobacco-free future. For more information about the American Lung Association, which has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and is a Platinum-Level GuideStar Member, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org. To support the work of the American Lung Association, find a local event at Lung.org/events.

American Lung Association  55 W. Wacker Drive, Suite 1150  Chicago, IL 60601

1331 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Ste. 1425 North  Washington, D.C. 20004

1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) Lung.org

CONTACT: Jill Dale | American Lung Association

P: 312-940-7001 M: 720-438-8289E: Jill.Dale@Lung.org

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SOURCE American Lung Association
Overview of Saba Capital's Recent Acquisition

Saba Capital Management, L.P. (Trades, Portfolio), a prominent investment firm, has recently expanded its investment portfolio by adding shares of BlackRock Innovation & Growth Trust (NYSE:BIGZ). On November 10, 2023, the firm executed an addition of 533,682 shares to its existing stake in BIGZ. This transaction not only signifies a substantial share change but also reflects a 0.09% impact on the firm's portfolio. With this latest move, Saba Capital Management now holds a total of 33,924,407 shares in BIGZ, representing a significant 5.97% of its portfolio and 14.95% of the firm's holdings in the traded stock.

Saba Capital Management, L.P. (Trades, Portfolio), headquartered at 405 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY, is known for its strategic investment philosophy that focuses on value and special situations. The firm's top holdings include a mix of income and growth-oriented funds such as Templeton Global Income Fund (NYSE:GIM), BlackRock Capital Allocation Trust (NYSE:BCAT), and BlackRock Health Sciences Trust II (NYSE:BMEZ), with a particular emphasis on the Financial Services and Technology sectors. With an equity portfolio valued at $3.84 billion and a diverse array of 624 stocks, Saba Capital Management is a significant player in the investment landscape.

Saba Capital Management, L.P. Bolsters Position in BlackRock Innovation & Growth Trust

BlackRock Innovation & Growth Trust (NYSE:BIGZ) Overview

BlackRock Innovation & Growth Trust, trading under the symbol BIGZ, is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company based in the USA. Since its IPO on March 26, 2021, BIGZ has aimed to deliver total return and income through a combination of current income, current gains, and long-term capital appreciation. With a market capitalization of $1.55 billion and a current stock price of $6.82, BIGZ operates within the single segment of Asset Management.

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Saba Capital Management, L.P. Bolsters Position in BlackRock Innovation & Growth Trust

Transaction Specifics and Portfolio Impact

The recent acquisition by Saba Capital Management was executed at a price of $6.76 per share, which has since seen a modest increase. The addition of over half a million shares has not only solidified the firm's position in BIGZ but also indicates a strong belief in the stock's potential. The transaction has brought the total number of shares held by Saba Capital in BIGZ to over 33 million, accounting for nearly 6% of its investment portfolio.

Performance Metrics and Market Sentiment

Despite the stock's current PE percentage standing at 0.00, indicating that the company is not profitable, the GF Score of 19/100 suggests that BIGZ has limited future performance potential. The stock has experienced a price change of 0.89% since the transaction and a significant decline of 51.8% since its IPO. Year-to-date, the stock has seen a slight decrease of 0.73%. The stock's momentum indicators, such as the RSI 14 Day at 54.19 and the Momentum Index 6 - 1 Month at -3.02, reflect a mixed sentiment in the market.

Financial Health and Rankings

BlackRock Innovation & Growth Trust's financial health, as indicated by a balance sheet rank of 7/10, suggests a relatively stable financial position. However, the stock's Profitability Rank and Growth Rank both stand at 0/10, highlighting areas of concern. The Cash to Debt Rank is at the lowest tier, indicating potential liquidity issues. These factors, combined with the absence of a GF Value Rank and a Momentum Rank, paint a cautious picture for investors.

Conclusion: Saba Capital's Strategic Move

Saba Capital Management, L.P. (Trades, Portfolio)'s recent transaction in BlackRock Innovation & Growth Trust underscores the firm's strategic approach to value investing. While the stock's current performance metrics and financial health rankings may not be overly encouraging, Saba Capital's increased stake could be indicative of a long-term investment horizon or a belief in the stock's turnaround potential. Investors following this trade will be keen to monitor BIGZ's future performance, especially in light of Saba Capital's significant position in the stock.

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.


Introduction to the Transaction

Saba Capital Management, L.P. (Trades, Portfolio), a prominent investment firm, has recently expanded its investment portfolio by adding shares of ClearBridge Energy MLP Total Return Fund (NYSE:CTR). On November 10, 2023, the firm executed an addition of 1,626 shares to its holdings, bringing the total share count to 1,049,130. This transaction has increased Saba Capital Management's position in CTR to 0.86% of its portfolio, representing a 15.23% ownership in the traded stock.

Based in New York, Saba Capital Management, L.P. (Trades, Portfolio) is a firm with a keen focus on value investing, seeking opportunities across various sectors. With an equity portfolio of $3.84 billion, the firm's top holdings include Templeton Global Income Fund (NYSE:GIM), BlackRock Capital Allocation Trust (NYSE:BCAT), and BlackRock Health Sciences Trust II (NYSE:BMEZ), among others. The firm's investment strategy is heavily weighted towards the Financial Services and Technology sectors.

Saba Capital Management, L.P. Bolsters Portfolio with ClearBridge Energy MLP Total Return Fund (CTR) Shares

ClearBridge Energy MLP Total Return Fund (NYSE:CTR) Overview

CTR operates as a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company in the United States. Its primary objective is to deliver a high level of total return, combining cash distributions and capital appreciation. With a market capitalization of $218.796 million and a current stock price of $31.77, CTR is a notable player in the Asset Management industry.

Saba Capital Management, L.P. Bolsters Portfolio with ClearBridge Energy MLP Total Return Fund (CTR) Shares

Financial Analysis of CTR

CTR's financial health is a mixed bag, with a GF Score of 41/100, indicating potential challenges in future performance. The company's balance sheet receives a rank of 5/10, while its Profitability Rank is lower at 2/10. Growth prospects are not promising, with a Growth Rank of 0/10, and the lack of a GF Value Rank suggests that the intrinsic value cannot be effectively assessed.

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Stock Performance Metrics

CTR's stock performance has been volatile, with a year-to-date increase of 15.49% but a significant drop of 68.62% since its IPO. The stock's momentum is strong, reflected in a Momentum Rank of 10/10. Recent RSI figures show a neutral trend with a 14-day RSI of 46.60.

Impact of the Trade on Saba Capital Management's Portfolio

The recent acquisition of CTR shares by Saba Capital Management, L.P. (Trades, Portfolio) is a strategic move that slightly increases the firm's exposure to the energy sector. The position size, while not substantial, is a calculated addition to the firm's diverse portfolio, indicating a belief in CTR's potential for total return.

Market Reaction and Future Outlook

Since the transaction, CTR's stock has seen a modest gain of 1.21%. However, without a clear GF Value, it is challenging to predict the future performance of CTR. Investors will need to consider other metrics and market conditions to gauge the stock's potential.

Comparative Analysis

When compared to its industry peers, CTR's performance and valuation metrics present a nuanced picture. The firm's negative ROE and ROA, coupled with a lack of growth in key financial areas, suggest that CTR may not be as attractive an investment as some of its competitors. However, the firm's strong momentum could appeal to investors looking for short-term gains in a volatile market.

In conclusion, Saba Capital Management's recent addition of CTR shares is a tactical decision that aligns with the firm's investment philosophy. While CTR's financial health and growth prospects raise questions, its stock performance and Saba Capital Management's commitment to the company indicate a belief in its potential for return. Investors will watch closely to see how this investment plays out in the dynamic energy sector landscape.

This article, generated by GuruFocus, is designed to provide general insights and is not tailored financial advice. Our commentary is rooted in historical data and analyst projections, utilizing an impartial methodology, and is not intended to serve as specific investment guidance. It does not formulate a recommendation to purchase or divest any stock and does not consider individual investment objectives or financial circumstances. Our objective is to deliver long-term, fundamental data-driven analysis. Be aware that our analysis might not incorporate the most recent, price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative information. GuruFocus holds no position in the stocks mentioned herein.

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.


(Bloomberg) -- Sculptor Capital Management Inc.s shareholder vote on a $720 million buyout bid by Rithm Capital Corp. will proceed as scheduled on Thursday, virtually ensuring that the deal will be completed.

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The buyout appears on track after a pair of lawsuits failed to derail Rithms $12.70 per share bid for the hedge fund. A New York judge on Tuesday declined a request by a group of four former Sculptor executives to block the vote. Earlier in the day, a separate lawsuit in Delaware brought by a Sculptor shareholder was settled.

The two decisions end a months-long bidding war by Boaz Weinstein and a group of billionaire backers to buy the hedge fund at a higher price, a move that would have vaulted Weinstein to the top of the industry. Shareholders representing about 39.2% of Sculptors voting power have already committed to support the Rithm deal, and Rithm owns shares representing another 6.5%.

Sculptor shares were up 0.3% at $12.72 as of 1:44 pm in New York. The deal allows Rithm, which started as an investment firm trading mortgage servicing rights, to expand into money management.

Weinstein had pursued Sculptor for months, most recently at $13.50 per share, but its management has repeatedly rejected his offers. Saba Capital Management owner Weinsteins bid is backed by billionaires Bill Ackman, Marc Lasry and Jeff Yass.

Weinstein, Sculptor and Rithm were not immediately available for comment.

The Delaware lawsuit was brought by a Sculptor shareholder who accused the firms management of interfering with the higher bid from Weinstein. A lawyer for Sculptor said the settlements specifics would be filed in court dockets within 60 days.

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Sculptor founder Dan Och initially opposed the Rithm bid but threw his support behind it after Rithm increased the offer and made other changes to its terms. One of those changes was to Sculptor Chief Investment Officer Jimmy Levins compensation and what he would get paid if he left.

Sculptor shareholder Gilles Beauchemin, who brought the Delaware lawsuit, argued that Och changed his mind after securing millions of dollars worth of unique consideration not shared with other Sculptor investors, and that the boards repeated rejections of the higher offer were partly to save Levins job. Levin and directors of the firm were accused of shortchanging shareholders by using non-disclosure agreements to prevent stockholders from considering the opposing groups offer.

The New York lawsuit, by former executive managing directors of the hedge fund firm, alleged that Sculptor zeroed out the value of shares that represented deferred compensation they were owed to facilitate the Rithm deal.

New York State Supreme Court Justice Margaret A. Chan found that the plaintiffs hadnt demonstrated the likelihood that they would ultimately prevail in their lawsuit and suffer irreparable harm if the court order blocking the vote wasnt issued, noting that they can be compensated with money if they won the case.

Och built Sculptor into a hedge fund giant, with assets of almost $50 billion at its peak, over a remarkable two-decade streak that propelled him to the heights of finance. The former Goldman Sachs Group Inc. trader started out with $100 million from the Ziff publishing scions. But investors have pulled about $30 billion from its flagship fund since 2014, sparked by a bribery scandal in Africa.

(Updates with more context starting in third paragraph)

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Shame on you: GOP candidate Chris Christie called out Warren Buffett, says rich people should not be collecting Social Security  was he right to point fingers at America's richest?

Famed investor Warren Buffett had a surprise (and likely undesired) shout-out at the third GOP presidential primary debate in Miami this week.

When sharing his two cents on how to fix the nations stressed Social Security program, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie took aim at rich people  stating they should not be collecting Social Security.

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Thats when he called out the 93-year-old billionaire and Berkshire Hathaway (BRK-A) CEO.

I dont know if Warren Buffett is collecting Social Security but if he is, shame on you, said Christie. You shouldnt be taking the money.

At a conference earlier this year, Christie heralded the doom of Social Security, predicting that the program "will be bankrupt in 11 years, along with Medicare.

To deal with this problem, the Republican presidential candidate has been making a case for raising the retirement age for younger workers and controlling eligibility for Social Security benefits. He ruled out the possibility of raising taxes to fund the program.

He called on U.S. voters to remember why Social Security was established  as a safety net to make sure that no one would go old in this country in poverty.

Is Christie right to call out millionaires and billionaires who might be collecting retirement benefits? Heres how the Social Security program actually works and how its funded.

How is Social Security funded?

Social Security is funded through a dedicated payroll tax  of 6.2% of wages up to a certain limit  that both employers and employees pay.

The SSA sets a limit of the amount of earnings subject to taxation each year. This limit  known as the contribution and benefit base, or the taxable maximum  changes each year in line with the national average wage index.

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In 2023, the taxable maximum is $160,200 and the resulting maximum Social Security tax is $9,932.40. Next year, the wage base limit will increase to $168,600 and the maximum Social Security tax will be $10,453  still petty cash for billionaires.

A Medicare tax is also deducted from your monthly paycheck at a rate of 1.45% to pay for Medicare Part A, which provides hospital insurance to seniors and people with disabilities. Unlike the Social Security tax, there is no maximum wage limit for Medicare tax  but if you earn more than $200,000 in a calendar year, your employer must withhold an additional 0.9%.

If you earned more than the taxable maximum for Social Security in any year  whether thats at one job or more than one  you will only be taxed up to those thresholds. So, the maximum youll pay into the system is the same if you earn $170,000 or $1.7 million.

This is quite beneficial for the nations wealthiest individuals because it means they end up only paying Social Security tax on a small portion of their earnings, when most Americans pay taxes on 100% of their earnings.

This is interesting in the case of Buffett, who has kept his annual salary at a relatively modest $100,000 for the past 40 years  which would technically mean hes been below the Social Security wage base limit since 2008. But, the Berkshire Hathaway co-founder has received additional income in directors' fees and security costs over the years that have lifted his earnings above the threshold.

You may be thinking  what about the rest of Buffetts vast riches? Well, a significant portion of his income comes from capital gains in his investment portfolio, which is not considered earnings for Social Security purposes.

Average benefit payments (and how to maximize yours)

If youre aged 62 or older and youve worked and paid Social Security taxes for 10 years or more, youre eligible to receive retirement benefits  regardless of whether youre a millionaire or youre living paycheck to paycheck.

As of September 2023, there were almost 67 million Social Security claimants, receiving an average monthly benefit of $1,706, according to SSA data. That equates to $20,472 per claimant for the year  which is far more meaningful for those who earned a lower income than those who earned mighty six-figure salaries.

The earliest Amercians can start claiming Social Security is 62. But those who opt to delay until they hit their full retirement age of 66 to 67 (depending on your birth year) will receive higher monthly payments, with the maximum benefits available to those who wait to claim aged 70 or older.

In addition to making changes to the Social Security program, Christie has also called for raising the retirement age numerous times during his campaign.

"If we want this program to last we need to raise the retirement age," he recently tweeted.

Read more: Can I collect my dead spouses Social Security and my own at the same time? Here are 5 secrets of survivors benefits you need to know

Those who reached full retirement age of 67 in 2023 could receive a maximum monthly benefit of $3,627. But if you started claiming at 62 this year, the maximum monthly payment youll get is $2,572  thats 29% less. If you waited until 70 to start collecting benefits, you could have claimed a maximum monthly sum of up to $4,555  almost $2,000 more a month than those who are claiming at 62.

Social Security benefits in 2024 are projected to rise and a worker retiring at full retirement age will receive $3,822 a month. But if you decide to retire early at the age of 62 in 2024, your maximum monthly benefit will be $2,710, and if youve waited to claim at the age of 70, youll get a maximum monthly check of $4,873.

The math speaks for itself: the longer you wait to claim Social Security, the bigger your monthly benefit. But while rich Americans can easily wait until age 70 to claim the maximum benefit, many feel the need to claim early (despite the financial penalty) to help them get by.

Crunching the numbers on Social Security

Simply put, Social Security costs a lot of money. It is the largest category of federal spending, along with health care  and it is drawing a lot of critical eyeballs amid the nations $33 trillion debt crisis.

Deficits in the program are projected to increase as more baby boomers retire and swell the ranks for Social Security recipients. The number of Americans in that age and retirement bracket is projected to grow from about 58 million in 2022 to about 75 million by 2035.

Christie and fellow GOP candidate Nikki Haley both argued the federal government simply cannot continue to meet the bill for seniors who are living longer and longer. They both proposed increasing the retirement age for younger workers  without cutting entitlement benefits for current seniors  but they dodged giving a specific age, explaining that it would come down to negotiations with Congress.

Any candidate that tells you theyre not going to take on entitlements is not being serious, said Haley, a former U.S. Ambassador to the UN. Social Security will go bankrupt in 10 years, Medicare will go bankrupt in eight.

As well as increasing the retirement age for younger workers, Haley would like to limit benefits on the wealthy and then expand Medicare Advantage plans because seniors love that. She added: Thats how well deal with entitlement reform and thats how well bring down that debt.

What to read next

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
(Bloomberg) -- Sea Ltd. plummeted after reporting a surprise loss in the third quarter, hit by intensifying competition from Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. and ByteDance Ltd. on its home turf.

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The stock fell 22% in New York trading  wiping out about $6 billion in market value  after the company posted a net loss of $149 million, compared with a profit of $322 million the previous quarter. Analysts had estimated the e-commerce and gaming company would report a profit of about $100 million.

Chief Executive Officer Forrest Li told investors in a call after results he believes the company should invest heavily now to build scale in its online retail arm Shopee, amid competition from ByteDances TikTok, Alibabas Lazada and PDD Holdings Inc.s Temu. Sacrificing short-term profit will help the business in the future, he said.

The entrance of new players has intensified competition in our market, Li said, without naming the entrants. Investing in market share again now will position us better.

Sea Plunges as Adjusted Ebitda Misses Estimates: Street Wrap

Sea did beat analysts projections for revenue growth. Sales rose 4.9% in the quarter to $3.3 billion, versus the average estimate of $3.2 billion.

Till recently, Seas strongest markets including Indonesia seemed under siege from TikTok and a new breed of video-oriented shopping services, which used popular influencers to sell a range of wares to an engaged, growing online population. But in September, Jakarta effectively forced TikTok to shut its shopping service, acting on a growing backlash from smaller merchants against the Chinese-owned platform.

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Investors have been looking for clues since then on whether that abrupt exit will rekindle Sea. Before Indonesia, the market feared the Singaporean company  which reported more than a decade of losses after its 2009 founding  will sink back into the red. Compounding the situation are expectations that Southeast Asias internet economy will log its slowest growth on record this year, the result of an economic downturn with uncertain outcomes.

Given competition remains intense and dynamic, we caution that if the aggressive spend pattern persists longer, it could further drag on profitability timing of Shopee, Citigroup Inc. analysts including Alicia Yap wrote in a research note.

Seas other big business, the gaming division centered around Garena, has shrunk rapidly in 2023 given a lack of new blockbuster titles. But it recently said it would restore its marquee title Free Fire to Indian app stores after a surprise 2022 ban.

Read more: Sea, Grab Face Slowest Southeast Asia Online Growth in Years

What Bloomberg Intelligence Says

Seas investments in e-commerce unit Shopee, the reason it posted a loss after three profit-making quarters, may intensify and extend its net loss to 4Q. Marketing costs surged 12.4% year over year in 3Q, after declining for a fourth consecutive quarter in 2Q, vs. single-digit growth in gross merchandise value and revenue. Top-line growth should speed up in 4Q on incentive and marketing spending to entice shoppers and live-streamers, costs that could intensify as it regains lost market share and captures year-end shopping demand. This means the net loss might linger in the current quarter.

- Nathan Naidu, analyst

Click here for the research.

Lis company had overhauled its business to focus on profitability earlier this year. Sea embarked on an aggressive cost-cutting drive to reach profit, pivoting to a focus on the bottom-line as revenue growth decelerated from the triple-digit percentage rates it enjoyed as recently as two years ago. The company froze salaries and slashed hundreds of millions of dollars in expenses to achieve positive cash flows.

To jumpstart growth, Li said in August he intends to ramp up investments into Shopee. He is stepping up efforts to build out its live-streaming arm, an offensive move that could erode margins and trigger a price war with TikTok and Alibaba. He argued that was necessary to defend its market share.

Beyond deep-pocketed competitors Alibaba and ByteDance, local rivals such as GoTo Group are also piling the pressure on Sea. GoTo, owner of Indonesian e-commerce contender Tokopedia, almost doubled its net revenue during the June quarter.

Read more: Seas Path to Profit Paved With Layoffs, Single-Ply Toilet Paper

--With assistance from Peter Elstrom.

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2023 Bloomberg L.P.
The New York International Auto Show, in Manhattan, New York City

By David Shepardson

(Reuters) -Chrysler-parent Stellantis said Monday it is offering 6,400 U.S. salaried employees voluntary buyouts as it works to cut costs amid the transition to electric vehicles and agreeing to a new United Auto Workers contract.

The buyouts would be about half the company's salaried U.S. employees not represented by a union, which is currently 12,700. Another 2,500 Stellantis U.S. salaried workers are unionized and are not being offered the current buyout.

Salaried employees must have at least five years of experience to be offered a voluntary departure package. Employees agreeing to take the incentive would depart before the end of December.

Stellantis said it was taking "necessary structural actions to protect our operations and the company" and cited preparations "for the transition to electric vehicles."

In April, Stellantis said it was offering voluntary exit packages to 33,500 U.S. employees. That offer covered 31,000 U.S. hourly workers and about 2,500 salaried workers. It is also offered some employees in Canada voluntary buyouts.

Stellantis Chief Operating Officer Mark Stewart told employees in April a review of its operations "has made it clear that we must become more efficient."

In October 2022, Stellantis offered voluntary buyouts to its U.S. salaried employees who were aged 55 or older and had worked for the automaker at least 10 years.

Under the UAW contract, the company agreed to offer $50,000 buyouts for veteran production and skilled trade members. It will offer buyouts in 2024 and 2026.

Stellantis said on Oct. 31 it would seek to offset a significant financial hit from strikes in North America that led to big pay increases and was looking at potential cost cuts.

Stellantis CFO Natalie Knight said the six-week strikes were unexpectedly long and would cost the group in the full-year 2023 less than 750 million euros ($800 million) in terms of profitability and around 3 billion euros in terms of revenue.

Stellantis did not provide estimates on extra labor costs it will have to bear in the future, following new agreements with unions in North America.

(Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Leslie Adler and Lisa Shumaker)
ANOR has appointed TUV Rheinland as a Conformity Assessment body to facilitate trade under the Cameroonian Pre-Shipment Evaluation of Conformity (PECAE) program.

LITTLETON, Mass., Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In their continuous efforts to enhance the quality and standard of products exported to the Republic of Cameroon, the Cameroonian government, represented by H.E. Fuh Calistus Gentry, Acting Minister of Mines, Industry, and Technological Development, signed a conformity assessment agreement with TUV Rheinland, which was represented by Mr. Fares Naouri, Senior Vice President of Government Inspections and International Trade.

With this appointment, TUV Rheinland is authorized to conduct the verification of conformity, inspection, and certification processes for exported consignments and regulated products to Cameroon under the Cameroon Pre-Shipment Evaluation of Conformity (PECAE) program.

"The appointment in Cameroon is a key step for TUV Rheinland in our commitment to ensure product quality and safety in Africa, an important market targeted by many global exporters. We are grateful and honored for the trust the Cameroonian authority has shown in TUV Rheinland. With over 150 years of heritage dedicated to making the world a safer place, we remain committed to facilitating trade and offering conformity assessment services worldwide to protect the health and safety of people and the environment." said Fares Naouri.

As an authorized Conformity Assessment Body, TUV Rheinland will support the Cameroonian government in its commitment to carry out conformity assessment operations in the countries of export before shipment to Cameroon. This ensures the prevention of the importation of substandard goods, safeguards local producers from unfair competition, and ensures the health and safety of the end consumer.

Upon successfully completing the conformity assessment process as per the standards and regulations and receiving the Attestation of Conformity (AoC) from TUV Rheinland, exporters or importers will receive the Certificate of Conformity (CoC) from the L'Agence des Normes et de la Qualite (ANOR) based on the issued AoC for smooth market access to Cameroon.

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In addition to Cameroon, TUV Rheinland provides conformity assessment services in various African countries such as Botswana, Egypt, Ethiopia, Libya, Morocco, Tanzania, and Uganda. For more information about TUV Rheinland services under the PECAE Program scheme CLICK HERE

About TUV Rheinland

TUV Rheinland stands for safety and quality in virtually all areas of business and life. The company has been operating for more than 150 years and ranks among the world's leading testing service providers. It has more than 20,000 employees in over 50 countries and generates annual revenues of around 2.3 billion euros. TUV Rheinland's highly qualified experts test technical systems and products around the world, support innovations in technology and business, train people in numerous professions and certify management systems according to international standards. In doing so, the independent experts generate trust in products as well as processes across global value-adding chains and the flow of commodities. Since 2006, TUV Rheinland has been a member of the United Nations Global Compact to promote sustainability and combat corruption. Website: www.tuv.com.

Media contacts:

Michael Garcia Carbajal

Telefono: +52 55 3488 2108

Email: Michael.Garcia@mex.tuv.com

Mariana Taborda do Amaral

Telefono: +55 11 3514 5867

Email: Mariana.Amaral@br.tuv.com

Cision

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SOURCE TUV Rheinland
commission_02

The commission lawsuits have arrived in Texas, but the QJ Team suit, named after its lead plaintiff, isnt like your Moehrl, Sitzer/Burnett, March, Gibson or Batton 2 commission lawsuits. While the lawsuit does name large corporate brokerage firms as defendants, including Keller Williams, Side, HomeServices of America, and Fathom Realty, the robust defendant list also includes real estate teams, such as The Loken Group and Hexagon Group, as well as an individual broker, Mark Anthony Dimas.

The lawsuit was filed on Monday by plaintiffs QJ Team, LLC., a Texas-based homebuilder, and Five Points Holdings, LLC., a holding company headed by DS News founder Mark Hulme, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas Sherman Division. The lawsuit accuses its 29 defendants of colluding to artificially inflate real estate agent commissions.

At the center of the plaintiffs complaint is the National Association of Realtors Clear Cooperation policy, which requires listing brokers to make a blanket offer of compensation to buyers brokers in order to list the property on the MLS.

In the absence of NARs Mandatory Offer of Compensation Rule, the expense of buyer broker commissions would be incurred by the clients (homebuyers), the filing states. This would lead to competition among buyer brokers to offer lower commission rates. Consequently, the Mandatory Offer of Compensation Rule stifles price competition among buyer brokers because the actual party retaining the buyer broker the homebuyerdoesnt negotiate or pay the commission for their broker.

Despite NAR being identified in the complaint as the creator of the alleged conspiracy, the trade group is not named as a defendant in the lawsuit. (It is, however, named as a co-conspirator along with Anywhere and RE/MAX.) Instead, the Texas Association of Realtors, as well as local Realtor group the Austin Board of Realtors, MetroTex Association of Realtors, Houston Association of Realtors are named.

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According to the complaint, the anticompetitive measures put in place by NAR and perpetuated by the defendants impose charges on home sellers beyond competitive thresholds and thwarting competition from innovative or lower-cost alternatives.

The filing also outlines three illogical, harmful, and anticompetitive effects the alleged conspiracy has had, including: requiring sellers to pay overcharges for services provided by buyer brokers to the buyer; maintaining, fixing, and stabilizing buyer broker compensation at levels that would not exist in a competitive market; and promoting steering and actions that hinder innovation and entry by new, lower-cost real estate brokerage service providers.

Like the other commission lawsuits this suit is seeking class action status, with a class definition of all persons who listed properties on an MLS in Texas using a listing agent or broker affiliated with one of the defendants and paid a buyer broker commission from Nov. 13, 2019, to the present.

The plaintiffs are demanding a jury trial, as well as damages, which have yet to be set.

HousingWire reached out to the defendants in the suit for comment, however only Keller Williams and Compass, the parent company of Realty Austin, responded stating that they did not wish to comment.
As every investor would know, not every swing hits the sweet spot. But you have a problem if you face massive losses more than once in a while. So take a moment to sympathize with the long term shareholders of Top Glove Corporation Bhd. (KLSE:TOPGLOV), who have seen the share price tank a massive 89% over a three year period. That would certainly shake our confidence in the decision to own the stock. The more recent news is of little comfort, with the share price down 25% in a year. While a drop like that is definitely a body blow, money isn't as important as health and happiness.

So let's have a look and see if the longer term performance of the company has been in line with the underlying business' progress.

See our latest analysis for Top Glove Corporation Bhd

There is no denying that markets are sometimes efficient, but prices do not always reflect underlying business performance. 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.

Top Glove Corporation Bhd saw its share price decline over the three years in which its EPS also dropped, falling to a loss. Due to the loss, it's not easy to use EPS as a reliable guide to the business. However, we can say we'd expect to see a falling share price in this scenario.

The graphic below depicts how EPS has changed over time (unveil the exact values by clicking on the image).

It might be well worthwhile taking a look at our free report on Top Glove Corporation Bhd's earnings, revenue and cash flow.

A Different Perspective

Investors in Top Glove Corporation Bhd had a tough year, with a total loss of 25%, against a market gain of about 7.6%. Even the share prices of good stocks drop sometimes, but we want to see improvements in the fundamental metrics of a business, before getting too interested. Unfortunately, last year's performance may indicate unresolved challenges, given that it was worse than the annualised loss of 9% over the last half decade. We realise that Baron Rothschild has said investors should "buy when there is blood on the streets", but we caution that investors should first be sure they are buying a high quality business. You could get a better understanding of Top Glove Corporation Bhd's growth by checking out this more detailed historical graph of earnings, revenue and cash flow.

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But note: Top Glove Corporation Bhd may not be the best stock to buy. So take a peek at this free list of interesting companies with past earnings growth (and further growth forecast).

Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on Malaysian exchanges.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 14, 2023) - Trigon Metals Inc. (TSXV: TM) (FSE: TZU2) is pleased to announce the company is participating in the upcoming 121 Mining Investment Conference in London. Jed Richardson, President & CEO of Trigon Metals Inc. will be presenting about the Company's recent and future planned activities.

121 Mining Investment London will be hosting over 175 mining companies and more than 500 sophisticated investors for two days of pre-arranged, targeted 1-2-1 meetings.

Alongside the curated schedule of pre-booked meetings matching investors with appropriate projects, the conference programme will provide expert commentary and the latest market intelligence on key industry developments.

This years event is being held on November 20-21.

Any investors who would like to attend 121 Mining Investment London can register for a free pass here: https://hubs.la/Q026gbp80

About 121 Mining Investment

The 121 Mining Investment global event series connects portfolio managers and analysts from institutional funds, private equity groups and family offices with mining company management teams for 1-2-1, private in-person meetings.

121 Mining Investment has an ever-expanding global portfolio, currently covering London, New York, Cape Town, Las Vegas, Frankfurt, Sydney, Singapore and Hong Kong, as well as online editions throughout the year.

About Trigon Metals Inc.

"The Company has achieved commercial production. We've had a successful and profitable first month of operations and we are excited to talk to investors about it in London next week," commented Trigon President & CEO, Jed Richardson.Trigon is a publicly traded Canadian exploration and development company with its core business focused on copper and silver holdings in mine-friendly African jurisdictions. Currently, the company has operations in Namibia and Morocco. In Namibia, the Company holds an 80% interest in five mining licences in the Otavi Mountainlands, an area of Namibia widely recognized for its high-grade copper deposits, where the Company is focused on exploration and re-development of the previously producing Kombat Mine. In Morocco, the Company is the holder of the Silver Hill project, a highly prospective copper and silver exploration project.

For additional Information, please contact:

Trigon Metals Inc.

Jed Richardson

President and CEO

6472766002

jed.richardson@trigonmetals.com

www.trigonmetals.com
Ford (F) and GM (GM) both suffered slight hiccups with UAW member votes on tentative contracts, but the automakers and the union are still cautiously optimistic the ratifications will happen.

The UAW revealed members at Fords Kentucky Truck Plant and Louisville Assembly Plant, where Fords Super Duty trucks and full-size SUVs are assembled, voted down the tentative agreement by 54.5% and 50.4% "no" votes, respectively. However, skilled workers at both those plants overwhelmingly approved of the deal (65.8% and 76.7% respectively).

Of the plants that have voted, Fords Kentucky Truck and Louisville Assembly were the first UAW chapters to vote against the deal, adding some uncertainty to the ratification process. That being said, 27 other chapters have voted to approve the deal, with several chapters still outstanding.

On the GM side, the UAW posted on Facebook that Local 598, which represents GMs Flint Truck assembly plant, voted 51.8% against the tentative deal. The Flint Assembly plant employs 4,746 UAW workers and assembles trucks including the Chevrolet Silverado HD pickup.

UAW members picket General Motors at the company's engine plant in Spring Hill, Tenn., Oct. 30, 2023. (Seth Herald/REUTERS/TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY) (Seth Herald / reuters)

"The situation at GM is more serious as a potential threat to ratification at that company than at Ford, though I would not take anything for granted," labor expert Marick Masters, a business professor at Wayne State University's Mike Ilitch School of Business, told Yahoo Finance. "If the contract is rejected at one company, the union will have several decisions to make, including whether to call out a strike, how to deal with maintaining pattern agreements, and determining what they should try to get to satisfy rank and file."

GM shares dipped on Friday following news of the vote. However, per the UAWs GM vote tracker, 58% of UAW members working at GM plants have approved the the tentative deal thus far.

On the Ford side, the numbers are even stronger: 65.3% of Ford UAW workers have approved the tentative deal, versus 34.7% who have not. Again, not all the plants on both the Ford and GM side have voted.

Story continues

A tentative contract is ratified if a majority of hourly workers (which includes production and skilled trades) who vote vote in favor of the agreement. There is no possibility of a plant-level strike or negotiation, a source told Yahoo Finance.

While the potential of new labor contracts has investors concerned the Big Three automakers will have a cost disadvantage versus other non-union automakers, this may not be the case. The effects of the UAWs collective bargaining efforts are now trickling down to other non-union automakers, who are concerned workers may perceive they are not getting paid enough  and may jump ship.

Today, Hyundai announced a wage strategy starting in January 2024 that will give its Georgia assembly workers wage increases of 25% by 2028. This follows Hondas announcement on Friday that it will implement 11% wage increases for its US factory workers, and Toyotas move a couple weeks back to hike wage by 9% for its hourly and skilled workers.

Pras Subramanian is a reporter for Yahoo Finance. You can follow him on Twitter and on Instagram.

Click here for the latest stock market news and in-depth analysis, including events that move stocks

Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance
(Bloomberg) -- The Biden administration on Monday told US agencies to work toward giving up use of some telecommunications airwaves in order to make room for commercial providers facing surging demand for fast 5G services.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The plan, called the National Spectrum Strategy, called for detailed studies to be concluded within two years. The document provides for more transparent, more coordinated efforts at airwaves management, Lael Brainard, director of the National Economic Council, said.

We have to make better use of the airwaves we have, said Alan Davidson, an assistant secretary of commerce who will help lead further steps to fulfill the strategy.

Commercial providers have long sought more access to airwaves occupied by US agencies, saying that government uses at times arent efficient and they should share space with new commercial technologies. Spectrum refers to the array of airwaves that carry everything from voice calls to satellite transmissions to signals for industrial machinery.

The CTIA wireless trade group, whose members include AT&T Inc. and Verizon Communications Inc., called in an Oct. 26 blog post for a bold new national spectrum strategy to help avert a looming 5G spectrum shortfall.

The administrations strategy outlined on Monday offered several sets of airwaves to be studied. The mix could support a range of uses, including wireless broadband, drones and satellite operations, according to the administration.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
MONROE, Conn., Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Victorinox, maker of the original Swiss Army Knife, has named Kimberly Dennison Director of Sales, Corporate Markets in North America. Kimberly will report to Ulrich Wohn, President of Victorinox North America. Dennison comes to Victorinox with over thirty years of Corporate Gifting and Incentive business experience and will focus on growth through product diversification for Swiss Army Knives, Cutlery, Travel Gear and Timepieces as well as Victorinox's Cutting board company, Epicurean.

"We are thrilled to have Kimberly leading our Corporate Markets division" said Ulrich Wohn, President of Victorinox North America. "Kimberly has a proven track record in the Corporate Markets Industry, with deep ties and relationships to our important Distributor and Independent Representative partners both in the United States and in Canada. We are delighted to have her expertise at Victorinox to grow and strengthen these partnerships."

Most recently Dennison served as Director of Business Development and Key Accounts for Rymax where she successfully developed and managed key clients and brands in their vast portfolio. Prior to Rymax, Dennison was tapped to drive sales volume with USA and Canadian corporate gift distributors, reward & recognition companies, incentive houses and direct business to business clients for Swarovski, Godiva Chocolatier and Tiffany & Co. Her core strengths in strategic sales partnerships and new business development will be instrumental in helping our partners grow their business with Victorinox.

"I have been a customer and fan of Victorinox my entire life," said Kimberly Dennison. "I look forward to working with our strategic industry partners to help position the iconic design and unwavering quality of Victorinox as the ultimate in corporate gifting.

CONTACT FOR MEDIA ENQUIRIES

Taryn Gentile

Public Relations Manager

taryn.gentile@victorinox.com / +1 203 944 2380

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ABOUT VICTORINOX

Victorinox AG is a worldwide operating family business, which today is run in the fourth generation. The headquarter of the company is located in Ibach, canton Schwyz, in the heart of Switzerland. This is where the founder of the company Karl Elsener I set up his cutlery business back in 1884 and, a few years later, designed the legendary Original Swiss Army Knife. Meanwhile, the company produces not only the world-famous pocket knives, but also high-quality household and professional knives, watches, travel gear and fragrances. In 2005, the company took over Wenger SA in Delemont. The Wenger pocket knives were integrated into the Victorinox range in 2013, so that the Wenger product portfolio today consists of watches and travel gear. Products are available online, in own stores as well as via a widespread network of subsidiaries and distributors in more than 120 countries. In 2022, the company with its more than 2 200 employees generated sales of CHF 426 million.

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PATCH Clinical Study will evaluate the safety and efficacy of Vivasures PerQseal Closure Device System for large-bore vessel punctures

GALWAY, Ireland, November 14, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Vivasure Medical, a company pioneering novel fully absorbable technology for percutaneous vessel closure, today announced it has enrolled the 100th patient in its PATCH Clinical Study, a multi-center, single-arm, pivotal study evaluating the safety and efficacy of the Vivasure PerQseal Closure Device System. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted investigational device exemption (IDE) approval earlier this year to advance the PATCH study forward.

"Were grateful to the one hundred patients who have been enrolled in this study to date and the brilliant physician investigators working to gather data about our technology," said Andrew Glass, Chief Executive Officer of Vivasure Medical. "This marks an important milestone for Vivasure as it brings us closer to our goal of demonstrating PerQseals potential in supporting successful percutaneous cardiovascular therapies."

Large hole arterial access is required for clinicians to perform numerous life-saving percutaneous cardiovascular procedures such as transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), thoracic and abdominal endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR and EVAR), and the use of a cardiac assist device (CAD). The current approach to large-diameter arterial closure is a surgical repair or the use of suture- or collagen-based closure devices. Both can result in major vascular complications, such as vessel distortion at the closure site, which may lead to stenosis, thrombus formation or abrupt closure.

PerQseal is designed to be the first sutureless, fully absorbable synthetic implant for large-bore vessel punctures. Its low profile patch can be placed from inside the vessel and is intended to make deployment simpler and more controlled than conventional closure techniques. Clinical studies to date have shown a low complication rate and high technical success.

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The PATCH pivotal study will enroll and follow up to 188 patients across the U.S. and Europe. The company intends to use the clinical study results to support an FDA pre-market approval submission as well as multinational commercial launch of the PerQseal system for large hole vessel closure.

About Vivasure Medical

Based in Galway, Ireland, Vivasure is focused on the development of advanced polymer implants and delivery systems, primarily focused on minimally invasive vessel closure in cardiology, interventional radiology and vascular surgery. Vivasure operates a fully integrated R&D and ISO 13485 certified manufacturing facility and is backed by leading international medtech investors. For more information, please visit www.vivasuremedical.com.

PerQseal and PerQseal+ are not available for sale in the United States.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231114929155/en/

Contacts

Media contact:

Sarah Lundberg

Health+Commerce

sarahlundberg@healthandcommerce.com

612.770.0359
To find a multi-bagger stock, what are the underlying trends we should look for in a business? In a perfect world, we'd like to see a company investing more capital into its business and ideally the returns earned from that capital are also increasing. This shows us that it's a compounding machine, able to continually reinvest its earnings back into the business and generate higher returns. However, after investigating Lii Hen Industries Bhd (KLSE:LIIHEN), we don't think it's current trends fit the mold of a multi-bagger.

Understanding Return On Capital Employed (ROCE)

If you haven't worked with ROCE before, it measures the 'return' (pre-tax profit) a company generates from capital employed in its business. The formula for this calculation on Lii Hen Industries Bhd is:

Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT)  (Total Assets - Current Liabilities)

0.15 = RM81m  (RM620m - RM80m) (Based on the trailing twelve months to June 2023).

So, Lii Hen Industries Bhd has an ROCE of 15%. On its own, that's a standard return, however it's much better than the 10% generated by the Consumer Durables industry.

Check out our latest analysis for Lii Hen Industries Bhd

roce

Historical performance is a great place to start when researching a stock so above you can see the gauge for Lii Hen Industries Bhd's ROCE against it's prior returns. If you'd like to look at how Lii Hen Industries Bhd has performed in the past in other metrics, you can view this free graph of past earnings, revenue and cash flow.

What The Trend Of ROCE Can Tell Us

In terms of Lii Hen Industries Bhd's historical ROCE movements, the trend isn't fantastic. Over the last five years, returns on capital have decreased to 15% from 20% five years ago. Given the business is employing more capital while revenue has slipped, this is a bit concerning. This could mean that the business is losing its competitive advantage or market share, because while more money is being put into ventures, it's actually producing a lower return - "less bang for their buck" per se.

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On a side note, Lii Hen Industries Bhd has done well to pay down its current liabilities to 13% of total assets. So we could link some of this to the decrease in ROCE. Effectively this means their suppliers or short-term creditors are funding less of the business, which reduces some elements of risk. Since the business is basically funding more of its operations with it's own money, you could argue this has made the business less efficient at generating ROCE.

The Bottom Line

We're a bit apprehensive about Lii Hen Industries Bhd because despite more capital being deployed in the business, returns on that capital and sales have both fallen. In spite of that, the stock has delivered a 17% return to shareholders who held over the last five years. Regardless, we don't like the trends as they are and if they persist, we think you might find better investments elsewhere.

One final note, you should learn about the 2 warning signs we've spotted with Lii Hen Industries Bhd (including 1 which can't be ignored) .

For those who like to invest in solid companies, check out this free list of companies with solid balance sheets and high returns on equity.

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.
While WeWork tries to pick up the pieces after filing for bankruptcy protection last week, its co-founder and former CEO who left the office-sharing company four years ago with a hefty payout appears to be doing just fine.

The New York Post reported Monday that Adam Nuemann, who was ousted from WeWork in 2019, is now living in a "lavish" new home in Florida while building his new company as the old one reels.

Israeli-American businessman Adam Neumann speaks during The Israeli American Council (IAC) 8th Annual National Summit on January 19, 2023 in Austin, Texas.

Sources told the outlet that Neumann, his wife, Rebekah, and their six children are living in a private neighborhood in Miami, two years after the American-Israeli entrepreneur purchased two properties there for $44 million with plans to build a 14,500-square-foot mansion.

"Adam and Rebekah are a big part of the Jewish community," one friend from the couple's gated community told The Post. Another source told the outlet, "Adam skateboards all the time, all over town, taking business calls. Everybody runs into him  he's very friendly. He stops and kibitzes with people."

A POSSIBLE WINNER FROM WEWORK'S TROUBLES? ADAM NEUMANN

Meanwhile, a former WeWork staffer told The Post morale at the company is "horrific," adding that "there is no company culture and everybody is just watching the stock go down, down, down."

READ ON THE FOX BUSINESS APP

Neumann was CEO of WeWork from its founding in 2010 and oversaw the office-sharing company's rise to an estimated valuation of $47 billion in 2019, when it first tried to go public. But that effort was scrapped after investors balked at the firm's high levels of debt and massive losses.

WEWORK CO-FOUNDER ADAM NEUMANN CALLS COMPANY'S BANKRUPTCY DISAPPOINTING

WeWork's major backer, Japanese conglomerate SoftBank, took control of the company with a bailout and offered Neumann a massive golden parachute that was initially reported as being about $1.6 billion, which was later reduced to several hundred million dollars.

Story continues

A WeWork logo is seen outside its offices in San Francisco, California, U.S. September 30, 2019. The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last week.

SoftBank later sought to claw back its offer to Neumann, who then sued, resulting in the renegotiation of the deal that was ultimately settled to make way for WeWork's public debut in 2021.

Last year, Neumann launched a new company called Flow that will operate in the residential real estate space and is scheduled to formally launch its operations this year.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Flow received an initial investment of $350 million from Andreessen Horowitz, which received a stake in its real estate portfolio.

FOX Business' Eric Revell contributed to this report.

This story has been updated to clarify the details of Adam Neumann's WeWork exit package





Original article source: WeWork co-founder Adam Neumann has 'lavish' new Florida mansion as bankrupt company reels: report
WYNK, A Hemp-Derived THC-Infused Seltzer, Will Be Available Anywhere Adult Beverages Are Sold in Five New States

PENNSBURG, Pa., November 14, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--WHEREHOUSE BEVERAGE CO (WHBCo), a next-generation beverage company specializing in clean, flavorful, precision-dosed THC beverages, today announces distribution deals in Chicagoland, New Jersey, Ohio, Connecticut and Massachusetts that will put its flagship beverage WYNK, a hemp-derived THC-infused seltzer, on the shelves of traditional beverage retailers in five major markets across the U.S. These deals mark a new era for the brandwhich is already available in over 100 stores across Minnesota and in 32 states through direct-to-consumer online salesand represent an exciting advancement in the broader cannabis beverage space.

WYNK is made with a 1:1 ratio of naturally occurring, hemp-derived THC to CBD, infused at 2.5mg and 5mg per can, creating a balanced, light and social buzz. With zero sugar and zero calories, this low-dose infused-beverage is available in three flavors, including Black Cherry Fizz, Juicy Mango and Lime Twist.

"We've always been committed to creating safe, best-in-class cannabis beverages that can live in the mainstream adult beverage market, meet customers where they shop, and continue to normalize infused drinks as a viable option for a growing number of people who arent interested in alcohol," said Phil McFarland, General Manager, THC Beverages at WHBCo.

Working with traditional distributors provides an opportunity to connect with and educate local business owners about THC-infused beverages, while offering additional SKUs to stores that are seeing alcohol sales dip among younger adult consumers. Likewise, these deals offer consumers the chance to come out of the dispensary closet and make their cannabis-infused drink selections in the same locations they make their other adult beverage selections.

"WYNK was born to be on the shelves next to great brands like White Claw and swim in the same coolers," said Miguel Garcia, Head of Brand for WHBCo. "Were thrilled to be launching in these first five markets and cant wait to connect with consumers."

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WYNK will hit the shelves in:

Chicagoland (Cook and the Collar Counties) starting November 13

New Jersey (major metro markets such as Jersey City, Hoboken and Cherry Hill) starting mid-November

Massachusetts starting in December

Connecticut starting in December

Ohio (major metro markets such as Cleveland, Cincinnati and Columbus) starting in January

A full list of retail locations and additional information about WYNK can be found at https://drinkwynk.com/.

About WHEREHOUSE BEVERAGE CO

Founded in 2023, WHEREHOUSE BEVERAGE CO is a next-generation beverage company working strictly with naturally occurring THC derived from hemp and cannabis plants to develop safe products that meet the emerging lifestyle needs of consumers. The company's best-selling THC beverage brands, COUNTDOWN and Clio Award-winning WYNK, are expertly crafted using nanoemulsion technology and precision dosing to create a predictably smooth onset and experience. The WHBCo team is committed to leading the way in creating a responsible, trustworthy infused beverages industry. For more information, please visit whbev.co.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231114185951/en/

Contacts

Media Contact:

Danna Tabachnik

Grasslands: A Journalism-Minded Agency

danna@mygrasslands.com
No more in-person Oklahoma County sheriff's sales. The first-ever sheriff's online auction of foreclosed properties launches Tuesday, with two homes offered in Oklahoma City. The auction will be from 10 a.m to noon, according to Bid4Assets, an online marketplace for distressed real estate sales based in Silver Spring, Maryland.

No more in-person Oklahoma County sheriff's sales. The first-ever sheriff's online auction of foreclosed properties launches Tuesday, with two homes offered in Oklahoma City.

The auction will be from 10 a.m to noon, according to Bid4Assets, an online marketplace for distressed real estate sales based in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Prospective bidders must register a free Bid4Assets account in order to participate in the sale. For a list of properties up for auction, go to bid4assets.com/OKCSheriff. Bidders who lack access to the internet must contact Bid4Assets at (301) 650-9193 to ask for an offline paper bid packet.

The homes to be auctioned Tuesday are:

6905 Eagles Landing: a 1,958-square-foot home built in 2005. Minimum bid is $116,667.

1901 NE 66: a 1,681-square-foot home built in 1958. Minimum bid is $50,000.

Why did the Oklahoma County sheriff turn to online auctions for foreclosure sales?

Our office is always searching for new ways to utilize technology to benefit the residents of Oklahoma County, Sheriff Tommie Johnson III said in a press release from Bid4Assets. Bringing these auctions online will open participation up to more bidders, reduce blight in the community and free up our staff to spend more time working with homeowners seeking to remove their property from the sale.

Bid4Assets said it collaborated with sheriffs, attorneys and legislators to pass state Senate Bill 976, signed into law by Governor Kevin Stitt on May 25, 2022, which gave Oklahoma sheriffs "the option, but not the mandate, to conduct foreclosure auctions online."

More: The pandemic completely changed where people work. It's left downtown OKC businesses struggling

Bid4Assets said its services come at no cost to Oklahoma County, plaintiffs, defendants or foreclosure attorneys. Other Oklahoma sheriffs also plan put foreclosure sales online, Bid4Assets said.

Oklahoma County sheriff's sales are held every other Tuesday at 10 a.m. online only.

Story continues

What is required of bidders on sheriff's foreclosure sales in Oklahoma County

Bidders must meet the following requirements:

Minimum bid must be at least two-thirds of the appraised price of the property.

Down payment of at least 10% of the purchase price is due within 24 hours of sale. The remaining 90% of the purchase price is due within 14 days of the sale date, before the confirmation hearing.

All funds will be collected via certified funds  cashier's checks, wire transfers and money orders  directly by Bid4Assets.

What we know about Bid4Assets, which is taking Oklahoma County foreclosure auctions online

Bid4Assets, founded in 1999, was one of the first online property auction sites and said it has been auctioning federally forfeited and seized properties for agencies including the U.S. Marshals Service and U.S. Department of Treasury for more than 20 years.

Bid4Assets has two primary goals with Oklahoma County: increase efficiency and drive sales, said Jesse Loomis, company president. When properties sell for more than the amount needed to satisfy the debts of the property, the borrower may claim those excess proceeds."

He added, "The focus of our marketing team is to drive participation and bidding in these sales to help distressed homeowners preserve equity in their home and other counties that weve transitioned online have seen a dramatic increase in these proceeds."

Sign Up: Weekly newsletter Real Estate with Richard Mize

Senior Business Writer Richard Mize has covered housing, construction, commercial real estate and related topics for the newspaper and Oklahoman.com since 1999. Contact him at rmize@oklahoman.com. Sign up for his weekly newsletter, Real Estate with Richard Mize. You can support Richard's work, and that of his colleagues, by purchasing a digital subscription to The Oklahoman. Right now, you can get 6 months of subscriber-only access for $1.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma County sheriff's foreclosure sales go online with Bid4Assets
esgA Starbucks logo is pictured on the door of the Green Apron Delivery Service at the Empire State Building in New York

(Reuters) - The Workers United union said on Monday that thousands of employees at hundreds of Starbucks stores will walk out on the coffee chain's key Red Cup day promotional event this week, citing staffing and scheduling issues.

Starbucks hands out free reusable holiday-themed cups with coffee purchases on the popular promotional event Red Cup day, which falls on Thursday this week, in the midst of the key holiday season.

The Workers United in a statement said that Red Cup day is "one of the most infamously hard, understaffed days for the baristas" at Starbucks, and called on baristas and supervisors at all Starbucks stores to walk out on Nov. 16.

The union had called for protests at more than 100 Starbucks stores at Red Cup day last year.

"We are aware that Workers United has publicized a day of action at a small subset of our U.S. stores next week... Workers United hasn't agreed to meet to progress contract bargaining in more than four months and has yet to deliver on the campaign promises they've made," Starbucks told Reuters in a statement.

Workers United represents more than 360 unionized stores and more than 9,000 Starbucks employees, according to the union's website.

(Reporting by Juveria Tabassum; Editing by Rashmi Aich)
- Solutions to help more Southeast Asia SMEs connect and grow with global e-marketplaces with secure, fast and reliable cross-border payment and financial services

- Singapore-based SME clients of WorldFirst reported 70% higher monthly GMV between January and October 2023

SINGAPORE, November 14, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--WorldFirst, a one-stop digital payment and financial services platform for cross-border trade SMEs, today announced its plan to launch e-commerce digital finance solutions in new Southeast Asian markets in 2023 and 2024, aiming to support online sellers achieve growth with secure, fast and reliable cross-border payment and financial services as well as easy one-stop connection to multiple global marketplaces.

Building on its success in China, Singapore and other markets, WorldFirst will introduce the suite of solutions through World Account to Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, and Malaysia to facilitate global selling, management and growth for SMEs.

Selling: SMEs can open a multi-currency World Account within minutes to be able to trade like a local around the world. World Account supports 42 currencies to over 200 global markets to facilitate global sourcing. It also enables local collection in 30 currencies from more than 120 e-marketplaces, supported by WorldFirsts access to 40 local fast payment schemes worldwide. While SMEs are often denied access to global multi-currency pooling by traditional service providers, with World Account, funds paid into sellers local collection account will be instantly pooled over as available balance.

Management: During the crucial scaling-up stage, SMEs are often hampered by the challenge to manage multiple stores across different e-marketplaces under multiple entities. World Account provides a single user-friendly portal for sellers to manage their growing operations across countries and marketplaces. Sellers can tier stores, e-marketplaces and entities, while customizing account statements accordingly for reconciliation.

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Growth: Through its Global Voyage program launched in 2022, WorldFirst offers hassle-free one-stop store opening services across global marketplaces, thanks to its strong partnerships with these marketplaces. With an expedited process across 28 partner e-commerce platforms, set-up time for the seller goes down to within 24 hours. In addition, sellers may find a broad array of value-added professional services through WorldFirst to boost their growth, from online advertising, logistics to website development and management.

"Building on our global fintech capabilities and strong success in China, Singapore and other markets, we are confident our secure and fast cross-border payment and e-commerce enablement services can help small business in Southeast Asia extend their international footprint," said Clara Shi, CEO of WorldFirst and Vice President of Ant Group.

WorldFirst prioritizes the safety and security of client transactions above all else with a leading fraud prevention track record in the industry. It partners with banks and financial institutions to safeguard client funds, including eight Globally Systemically Important Banks.

The adoption of cross-border digital payment systems is considered as a key catalyst to e-commerce growth, making it easier for small businesses to find new customers by accessing new regional and global markets and managing their payments, a report by the EU-ASEAN Business Council finds. In Singapore, SME clients of WorldFirst experienced a 70% increase in their monthly GMV between October and January 2023.

About WorldFirst

WorldFirst is meeting the needs of SMEs engaged in international trade to expand globally. This includes global collection, making payments, currency conversion, risk management, and supply chain financing to help SMEs reduce costs and improve turnover efficiency to generate more revenue, and quickly capture global business opportunities. WorldFirst, which employs AI and other cutting-edge technologies for risk control, prioritizes the safety and security of client funds above all else and has a leading fraud-prevention track record in the industry. WorldFirst has served one million customers worldwide and is connected to over 120 marketplaces. WorldFirst was founded in 2004 and joined Ant Group in 2019. To learn more about WorldFirst at https://www.worldfirst.com/.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231113539630/en/

Contacts

Media:

Martin Mou

mou.xu@worldfirst.com
SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said that finance ministers from Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation countries on Monday affirmed their desire to expand their economies' potential output in a sustainable manner.

"APEC members have affirmed a shared interest in pursuing policies that expand the productive capacity of our economies while also achieving outcomes like reducing inequality and protecting the environment," Yellen said in prepared remarks following a meeting of the ministers ahead of the APEC leaders' summit in San Francisco.

She said that APEC countries are pursuing similar policies to the Biden administration's recent legislation to promote investment in infrastructure, semiconductors and clean energy technologies and scientific research.

Yellen also said that the Treasury is actively engaged in "ongoing work" to reach substantial conclusion of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework talks with 13 other countries, most of them APEC member.

"This would be a monumental achievement for IPEF members, addressing issues from climate change to supply chain security," Yellen said, without indicating whether she expected such an outcome. "And since IPEF members collectively account for 40 percent of global GDP, it would be significant for the global economy as well."

(Reporting by David Lawder; Editing by Sandra Maler)
Halifax, Nova Scotia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 14, 2023) - Zephyr Minerals Ltd. (TSXV: ZFR) ("Zephyr" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on exploration progress on its three gold properties, MC, MC-2 and Nyanga North in Zimbabwe. Geological mapping has been completed at MC and MC-2 properties and excavator trenching is underway on promising targets. The MC and MC-2 properties are approximately 2 kilometers apart and occur on the same east-west trending belt of greenstones (mafic rocks). Gold mineralization at both properties is hosted in quartz veins, stockworks and in some instances, in adjacent wall rocks. The MC-2 property, in addition to gold, also hosts high grade lead mineralization (galena), and silver at one of the sites examined. The lead-silver mineralization was not previously documented and as such is a new discovery which enhances the exploration potential at MC-2.

At MC gold grades of 3 to 6 g/t in grab samples are common where sheared greenstones with quartz veining are found to occur. Of particular interest is a shear zone mapped on the western side of the property where a grab sample from an in-situ quartz vein assayed 4.6 g/t gold and a wall rock grab sample from the greenstone waste pile assayed 5.8 g/t gold. Widths of the gold mineralized zones are unknown at this time due to extensive overburden.

There are two main targets currently defined on the MC-2 property. The first is the "Main Reef" shear where a near vertical, 1 to 1.5 meters wide quartz vein with galena and arseno-pyrite within altered wall rock which is also gold mineralized. Grab samples from the in-situ quartz-galena vein assayed up to 13.3 g/t gold, 176 g/t silver, 14.5% lead and 0.14% copper. The second target is a series of shallow westward dipping quartz veins approximately 100 meters west of the Main Reef. Although the quartz veins are generally less than a meter thick, grab samples have demonstrated that they can be quite high grade with gold assays up to 36 g/t. The MC and MC-2 properties are currently being mined for gold on a small scale by pits generally less than 10 meters deep.

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Excavator trenching and drill pad construction is ongoing at both MC and MC-2 properties in preparation for the scheduled diamond drilling of the selected drill targets. Diamond drilling should enable the exploration team to expose a full stratigraphic section of the greenstone host rocks, and determine true widths of the gold mineralized quartz veins and shear zones as well as information pertinent to the character and distribution of the gold mineralization. Diamond drilling on MC-2 is planned for mid-November to be followed by drilling on MC subject to trenching results.

The Company has completed Ground Magnetics and Induced Polarization (IP) surveys at its Nyanga North property. Results demonstrate that there are 3 shear zones trending east west across the property of which one, the 'Main Shear,' has had historical eluvial gold mining on a steep hillside 400 meters to the west. Soil sampling on the property along the Main Shear has returned analyses up to 0.64 g/t gold in the coarse fraction (up to 1000 microns) of the soils and up to 140 ppb gold in the fraction finer than 125 microns. The next exploration program for this property will entail trenching, mapping and sampling across the 40 meter section encompassing the Main Shear.

Loren Komperdo, President and CEO stated, "The MC and MC-2 properties have many of the same geological characteristics as the Red Lake camp in Northern Ontario, although recent geological work has shown that the alteration looks simpler at MC and MC-2 than the Red Lake camp in Canada. Drilling selected targets below the weathered zone will give more insight into the size potential of the gold zones currently being mined by the small scale miners. To the best of our knowledge these will be the first drill holes to be drilled on these high potential properties. The Nyanga North trenching program should ascertain whether the Main Shear hosts gold mineralization of potential economic interest, and if so, justify a subsequent follow up exploration program including diamond drilling."

Further details of the exploration activity will be provided as the program develops. For additional information on MC, MC-2 and Nyanga, see Company news releases of January 12, 2023, April 20, 2023, and December 21, 2021, respectively.

Mr. Samuel Chimombe, P.Geo., an independent consultant to the Company and a Qualified Person as the term is defined under National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this news release.

About Zephyr Minerals Ltd.

Zephyr Minerals Ltd. is conducting ongoing evaluations of gold properties for potential acquisition and/or joint venture throughout Zimbabwe. The Company is concentrating on projects with obvious gold potential as demonstrated through active, shallow, small scale mining operations or previous exploration work and favorable geology. In addition, the property should be of sufficient areal extent to host a target potential of at least one million ounces of gold. To this extent, the Company has signed multiple property joint venture agreements and has applied for two Exclusive Prospecting Orders covering 124,000 hectares. The Company is also actively reviewing lithium opportunities generated through in house research and property submittals by third parties. Zimbabwe boasts favorable foreign ownership rules for mineral properties as well as prospective, underexplored Archean greenstone belts.

In Colorado Zephyr has been focused on mine permitting activities at its 100% owned Dawson gold property, which is presently in hiatus pending the collection and submission of additional water well data and satisfying certain other environmental related requirements. The additional required water wells are still in the planning stage and will be drilled once available funds are in hand. Upon collection of the additional data the Company plans to reapply for a mining permit at Dawson.

For further information please contact:

Loren Komperdo, President & CEO

or

Will Felderhof, Executive Chairman

T: 902 706-0222

info@zephyrminerals.com

To be included in the Zephyr email database for Company updates please contact info@zephyrminerals.com.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. The forward-looking statements contained in this document are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the Company. The forward-looking statements contained in this document are made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. 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/187322
Price calculations

To create our list for "The best credit cards to use for your next Disney vacation," we began by finding the average cost of a Disney trip (also outlined above). We looked at four primary categories that commonly factor into a family trip to Disneyland or Walt Disney World, and researched prices within those categories. For our example, we chose dates in late March 2024.

First, we looked at flight costs. Our example family flies to Disney from Chicago, a relatively large city with multiple flight options to Disneyland and Walt Disney World. We compared flights for our chosen dates across several airlines to both destinations (SNA Orange County airport and MCO Orlando airport)  JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and United Airlines. The average cost is the mean amount for four round-trip standard tickets across these different airlines and both destinations. The prices used came from each airlines website on Nov. 2, 2023.

When looking at hotels, we compared prices for one standard room at introductory rates (no savings for members or add-on services) from Marriott and Hilton and for resorts on both Disneyland and Walt Disney World properties. We averaged the costs for a five-night stay among lower-priced hotels within a short distance of the parks (if not on the property). The prices used came from the hotel websites on Nov. 2, 2023.

Flight and hotel prices can vary greatly depending on the details of your trip, your booking method, and when you book. While we tried to find representative prices for a family of four traveling to Disney during the spring (and booking several months in advance), these prices may not align with your own research.

Our given ticket prices are the average between Disneyland and Walt Disney World park passes for the dates of our example familys trip (prices can vary depending on demand throughout the year). We averaged prices for one-park passes across four days, not including tax. This includes three adult passes and one pass for children ages 3-9.

Finally, our average food prices include only food purchased on park days. We assumed our family would buy three meals per person daily while in the parks. Over the four days, we broke those 12 meals into 10 quick service meals and 2 table service meals. On both the Disney parks websites, we filtered for meal prices listed as $14.99 and under for the 10 quick service, and between $15 and $59.99 for the table service. These price distinctions are the same for Disneyland and Walt Disney World restaurants.

Trip cost breakdown

Credit cards

To determine our final list of cards, we began with more than 20 travel credit cards with rewards structures that we believe make sense for Disney vacations. We rated these cards using our travel credit card ratings methodology, based on several criteria relevant to travel card offerings (annual fee, relative rewards value, sign-up bonus, and more).

From there, we calculated potential rewards for a Disney vacation among the highest-ranked cards.

We applied the highest-earning-related rewards category for each spending category to find these rewards totals (listed under each card above). For example, if a card offers 5x on travel booked through the card issuers portal, but 2x on travel in general, we assumed the cardholder books through the higher-earning 5x option. We also assumed cardholders use the card for all their spending in the given categories (flights, hotel, park tickets, food) throughout their vacation.

For example, the 28,905-point potential rewards total for the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is the sum of:

$3,186.69 on flights x5 points per dollar = 15,933 points

$1,817.80 on hotels x5 points per dollar (assuming you already used the $50 annual hotel credit) = 9,089 points

$2,095.27 on park tickets x1 points per dollar (not a bonus category) = 2,095 points

$596 on food x3 points per dollar = 1,788 points

After calculating the rewards total (either in points or cash back, depending on the cards rewards structure), we determined our final picks based on a combination of the highest rewards potential and our own expertise. We wanted to prioritize a mix of cards that represented different annual fees, welcome bonus offers, and more that would make sense for a wide variety of Disney vacationers.

Credit card rubric breakdown

All calculations and ratings were conducted solely by the Yahoo Finance team without input or review from any of our affiliate partners.

Questions around methodology or need further clarification? Contact the Personal Finance editorial team.
With the northbound Interstate 95 Rappahannock River crossing lanes set to open this week, capping a five-year project, local and state official marked the occasion Tuesday at the Rest Area and Welcome Center at the State Route 3 exit in Fredericksburg.

Starting early Wednesday, changes will begin for traffic, which will use both northbound I-95 bridges over the river with traffic divided between local and through lanes, with all traffic in its final pattern by 6 a.m. Thursday.

VDOT says the pattern will be similar to southbound I-95 between the U.S. 17 interchange in Stafford County and Route 3 in Fredericksburg.

When all of the lanes are open there will be a combined 12 lanes on the interstate between Route 3 in Fredericksburg and U.S. 17 in Stafford.

The Rappahannock Crossing sections of the interstate divide local traffic from through-traffic, with each side of the interstate having six lanes, doubling the original pavement space. Each side splits the local and through-traffic equally, three lanes apiece. Two new bridges were built over the Rappahannock along with numerous other flyovers to accommodate the expanded interstate.

Work on the southbound crossing project started first, in 2018, and was completed in 2022. Work started on the northbound side in 2020. Combined, the projects cost $264 million.

At the Tuesday event, Fredericksburg Mayor Mary Katherine Greenlaw said I-95 can be a daily topic of conversation because of traffic congestion, but added that the area benefits from the interstate and that will improve with the crossing projects.

These new lanes will definitely help Fredericksburg, our entire region, be an even better place to live, work and play, Greenlaw said.

Fredericksburg District Engineer Marcie Parker of Virginia Department of Transportation said it took a lot of people to make the projects happen.

Nothing of this magnitude can be built without support, Parker said. She thanked state and federal legislators along with officials in Fredericksburg and the counties of Stafford and Spotsylvania and the company that built the new lanes, Pennsylvania-based Wagman.

Secretary of Transportation Shep Miller told the gathering that the stretch of interstate through the Fredericksburg area is a top priority for this administration and others before it because of the interstates importance.

We will all benefit from this. This is a major thoroughfare, he said, pointing out that the project will help local and outside travelers while also supporting trade and commerce for the state and nation.

The crossing expansion is critically important to the success of Virginia, because the I-95 and Interstate 64 corridors from Virginia Beach to Washington, D.C., play such a vital role.

Like Parker, the transportation secretary pointed out that it took a lot of people and organizations to come together to get the project finished.

The crossing project is an example of whats possible when a region comes together with one voice, joined in partnership with the commonwealth, our federal partners and industry to achieve something impressive that makes life better for the people in 150,000 cars a day that drive past us here on I-95.

Preparation for the traffic changes on northbound I-95 was set to start around 8 p.m. Tuesday and last through early Thursday. The traffic shifts will result in lane and exit ramp closures. VDOT is warning travelers with destinations outside the Fredericksburg area to avoid the interstate during opening preparations.

Local motorists should access I-95 at Exit 126 (Spotsylvania) or Exit 136 (Centreport Parkway) interchanges to avoid delays with the work zone, VDOT said in a news release.
The Spotsylvania County Board of Supervisors Tuesday meeting is packed with public hearings, including a proposed mixed-use development and a firearms-related code repeal.

The supervisors meeting, which will be held at the Holbert building, starts at 4:30 p.m. Public hearings are slated to start at 5:45 p.m.

Firearms in neighborhoods

The board is considering repealing a county code that prohibits discharging firearms in a subdivision.

Under the current code, it is a Class 1 misdemeanor to discharge a firearm in a subdivision. The code does not apply to law enforcement officers, animal wardens or any person acting in defense of his or anothers person or property.

In Virginia, a Class 1 misdemeanor can result in a sentence of one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,500.

Village at Crossroads Station

A rezoning request is the focus of another public hearing.

The rezoning involves a proposed mixed-use development with more than 700 houses, townhouses and condominiums at the intersection of U.S. 17 and Thornton Rolling Road, near the Virginia Railway Express station.

The applicant, Denali Capital Group LLC, wants to rezone 115 acres from rural industrial and commercial to residential townhouse, residential mixed use and mixed use (low).

The developer has brought the proposal to the board and county Planning Commission before. Members of the Planning Commission and board wanted more proffers addressing various issues before making a decision.

The suggested proffer changes included adding commercial space and adjusting the percentage and location of apartments as well as adjusting the timing of road improvements, all of which the developer agreed to do.

The development would include a maximum of 250 detached homes, 250 attached homes and 270 condominiums. Four acres are slated for commercial use, with the developer agreeing to add a minimum of 20,000 square feet of commercial space on the site.

Water system regulations related to data centers

One of the public hearings will address concerns about water use by data centers.

With multiple data center projects (the facilities require large amounts of water) coming to Spotsylvania, the Board of Supervisors wants to create amendments to county code regarding water usage by such businesses.

The amendment would include the ability of the director of utilities to impose conditions that regulate quantity, type and manner of use when the use is reasonably likely to cause damage or constitutes a hazard to the county water system, or negatively impacts build-out of the countys primary settlement area, according to a staff summary of the proposal.

The amendment would include prohibitions and restrictions on data centers using public potable water sources by data centers or similar uses.

Polling place move

Lee Hill District residents could be voting at a new polling place in 2024.

The county wants to move the Lee Hill District polling place from fire and rescue station 11 to the New Post Church, primarily because of issues with parking.

Virginia code requires a public hearing be held before moving a polling place location.

Parking ordinance

The supervisors also are scheduled to hold a public hearing to consider a new ordinance prohibiting parking a vehicle that blocks a mailbox.

The staff report notes that other jurisdictions have ordinances prohibiting vehicles from blocking mail carrier access.

Supervisor Lori Hayes asked staff to look into the matter.

Agricultural and Forestal District expansion

The board is considering expanding its Agricultural and Forestal District and is set to hold a public hearing on the proposal Tuesday.

The owners of a 27.5-acre parcel in the Livingston District, near the Orange County line off of Lawyers Road, want to add the property to the district, according to a staff summary. The proposal also would renew the district for 10 years.

The countys Agricultural and Forestal District advisory committee and the county Planning Commission recommended approval of the proposal.
A large crowd of more than 100 people gathered at Fremonts Veterans Park on Saturday, Nov. 11, to honor and remember all military veterans who have died and served the United States; as well as commemorate and officially celebrate the new Freedom Rock that was recently placed at the park.

Fremont Mayor Joey Spellerberg as well Veterans Park Chairman Chris Madsen and local Purple Heart recipient and Iraq combat veteran Travis Von Seggern all spoke during the brief ceremony, expressing their gratitude and appreciation for all military veterans from Dodge County, throughout Nebraska and across the nation.

The event was also the official dedication and opening of the new Freedom Rock as well as a Statue of Liberty and Liberty Bell replica monument.

This is a great day of honor and celebration for all of our veterans. To be able to unveil these great new pieces to our Fremont Veterans Park, it truly is a historic day, Spellerberg said to the assembled crowd following an invocation prayer from a local pastor.

Today, we make a special dedication to our new Freedom Rock and our Statue of Liberty and Liberty Bell monuments. I want to thank Chris Madsen, chairman of the Fremont Veterans Park, for all of his hard work organizing this event. Chris deeply loves this community, our country and our veterans, Spellerberg said. I also want to thank Dale (Finney) of the Disabled American Veterans for all he does, our local VFW Post and all those who work to honor and serve our veterans. Your work is critical to serve and honor veterans.

Spellerberg also praised Von Seggern, who is president and commanding officer of the local Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association Chapter 16-3, out of Hooper.

Von Seggern was a key figure in securing the funding for the Freedom Rock and helped with Madsen in coordinating the placement of the massive boulder and it being painted by renowned artist Ray Bubba Sorensen.

(He) raised 100% of the funds in 18 months to make this Freedom Rock a reality, Spellerberg said of Von Seggern. This Freedom Rock that is dedicated today is the third in Nebraska, and a magnificent tribute to our veterans. We are blessed to have it here in Fremont Veterans Park and thank you to all who made this possible.

In addition to honoring veterans, the ceremony was also used to officially introduce the new Freedom Rock to the community. The rock is painted with numerous patriotic scenes centered on Fremont and is only the third such rock in the state of Nebraska.

The rock was painted by Sorensen, who is responsible for painting Freedom Rocks across the United States. Sorensen was the painter for the 99 different Freedom Rocks located in every county in Iowa, and Freedom Rocks in Illinois, Minnesota, Texas and elsewhere.

The images painted on the rock by Sorensen include city-namesake John C. Fremont, imagery of a deceased veterans casket being carried by an honor guard down the Avenue of Flags and a tribute to Hooper native U.S. Army 1st Lt. Donald K. Schwab, who was awarded the U.S. Army Medal of Honor posthumously by President Barack Obama in a March 18, 2014, ceremony in the White House.

For his bravery, courage and selfless actions during intense combat in World War II, Schwab also was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross; the Bronze Star Medal; the Purple Heart with two Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters; European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with one Silver Service Star; two Bronze Service Stars and Bronze Arrowhead Device; the World War II Victory Medal; a Combat Infantryman Badge; and the French Fourragere, Honorable Service Lapel Button-World War II.

Several members of Schwabs extended family were present for the ceremony on Saturday, and his daughter, Mary Beshaler, gave a brief speech about her father and his heroism during World War II.

We just appreciate everything you have done in recognition of his heroism and courage. He had great courage and was a God-fearing man and very involved in his community. He was the best father and grandfather anyone could have, Beshaler said of her father. He had so many good qualities. I just wish we could clone him. We are so honored by you guys and everything people have done for us in recognition for dad. I am sure he is very humbled.

Beshaler said her fathers Medal of Honor stemmed for many heroic acts, but notably his efforts to singlehandedly take out a Nazi German machine gun nest that was wreaking havoc on his fellow troops.

He talked about the war when we asked questions, and we have very precious audio tapes he left us, she said. Dad was just (the French peoples) hero for liberating them. He singlehandedly destroyed a machine gun nest and captured the gunner and brought him back across enemy lines under heavy fire.

Other relatives of Schwab present on Saturday included Kay Pronske, his niece, as well as another daughter, Susan Bohling, and a second niece, Carol Jahrmarkt.

Von Seggern, a Hooper native and four-year U.S. Army veteran who served as a heavy equipment operator in Iraq, spoke during the ceremony and expressed his belief as he had when the rock was being painted, that it is a testament to the military veterans and iconic heroes from Dodge County.

Awarded a Purple Heart after being wounded in Iraq, Von Seggern is the commanding officer of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association Chapter 16-3, which is comprised of combat veterans from assorted conflicts and wars. The group raised 100% of the funds in 18 months to buy the boulder and have it painted.

About a year and half ago, we came up with the idea we wanted a Freedom Rock in Dodge County. Bubba, who paints the rocks, has one in every county in Iowa. What this represents to us is camaraderie. A lot of veterans, especially in the motorcycle world, get together to ride and visit the rocks, Von Seggern said. We thank you guys for being here. Hopefully, in the near future, well have a permanent cover over the rock. On behalf of the CVMA, we are proud to dedicate the rock and itll be here for a long time.

Madsen also spoke during the ceremony, describing how he met Von Seggern, whom he called a brother.

(Travis) immediately took note of what we do here in Fremont for the Avenue of Flags and the (Veterans) park. He said, Ill help. And hes never wavered from that, Madsen said of Von Seggerns efforts. The CVMA, they are the reason why this Freedom Rock is here. I cant say enough about them.

The Freedom Rock is open 24-hours a day; however, one very important aspect of the rock is that it can never be touched by visitors to the memorial. The paint and Klear Kote used on the boulder can be degraded from the oils emitted by skin, and Madsen urged those who visit the monument when open to never touch it in any manner.
Tuesday

Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, 10 a.m., Chapter 5 Club, 136 N. Main St., Fremont.

Letters to the Churches of Revelation, 10 a.m., Lighthouse, 84 W. Sixth St., Fremont.

Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, noon, Chapter 5 Club, Fremont.

Narcotics Anonymous Steps of Freedom meeting, 1 p.m., LifeHouse, 723 N. Broad St., Fremont. The hotline number is 402-459-9511.

Fremont Eagles Club open, 3 p.m. to midnight, 649 N. Main St., Fremont. The club may stay open later or close early depending on business. Pitch will be played at 6:30 p.m.

Utility and Infrastructure Board meeting, 4 p.m., Fremont Municipal Building, second floor, 400 E. Military Ave., Fremont. The meeting is open to the public.

Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, 5:15 p.m., Chapter 5 Club, Fremont.

Mens and Womens Bible Study, 6 p.m., Lighthouse, 84 W. Sixth St., Fremont.

Fremont City Council meeting, 6:30 p.m., Fremont Municipal Building, second floor, 400 E. Military Ave., Fremont. The meeting is open to the public.

Mariachi Zapata concert, 7 p.m., Fremont Opera House, 541 N. Broad St., Fremont. Mariachi Zapata is an Omaha-based mariachi group which has been performing since 1989. Tickets are $15 each. Students receive free admission when accompanied by an adult. Tickets may be purchased online at fremontoperahouse.org or at the Wise Olde Owl in downtown Fremont.

Narcotics Anonymous Freedom Works Group, 7 p.m., Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1440 E. Military Ave., Fremont.

Wednesday

Dodge County Board of Supervisors, Dodge County Board of Equalization and Dodge County Board of Corrections meetings, 9 a.m., board room, third floor, Dodge County Courthouse, 435 N. Park Ave., Fremont. The meetings are open to the public.

Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, noon, Chapter 5 Club, 136 N. Main St., Fremont.

Mens Bible Study, 1 p.m., Lighthouse, 84 W. Sixth St., Fremont.

Fremont Eagles Club open, 3 p.m. to midnight, 649 N. Main St., Fremont. The club may stay open later or close early depending on business. American Legion Post 348 will be having dinner and a meeting at 6 p.m.

Public open house, 5 p.m., Gallery 92 West, 92 W. Sixth St., Fremont. The public open house is being held to discuss an overall vision of the area, including the current police station, east to C Street and Ninth Street to Military Avenue.

Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, 5:15 p.m., Chapter 5 Club, Fremont.

Narcotics Anonymous, 7 p.m., Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1440 E. Military Ave., Fremont. The hotline number is 402-459-9511.

Alcoholics Anonymous, 8 p.m., Chapter 5 Club, Fremont.

Thursday

Mens Bible Study, 8 a.m., Lighthouse, 84 W. Sixth St., Fremont.

Alcoholics Anonymous big book study, 10 a.m., Chapter 5 Club, 136 N. Main St., Fremont.

Disabled American Veterans benefits seminar, 10 a.m. to noon, DAV Chapter 18, 137 N. D St., Fremont. Staffed by DAV national service officers, the information seminars provide professional support throughout the claims and appeals process. Veterans attending a seminar should bring identification, their Social Security number and any other pertinent documentation regarding their military service. DAV membership is not required to utilize these free services. To learn more about DAV and the services available to veterans, visit DAV.org.

Big Red Luncheon, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Fremont Eagles Club, 649 N. Main St., Fremont. Lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to noon. Sean Callahan will speak at noon. The luncheon cost of $25 covers the meal, one non-alcoholic drink and the speaker.

Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, noon, Chapter 5 Club, Fremont.

Fremont Kiwanis Club meeting, noon, Midland University Private Dining Rooms, Ninth and Pebble streets, Fremont.

Fremont Eagles Club open, 3 p.m. to midnight, 649 N. Main St., Fremont. The club may stay open later or close early depending on business. The kitchen will be open from 5:30-7 p.m. The menu will include hamburgers, cheeseburgers, tacos and soup. Pitch will be played at 6:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

Christmas Market, 4-8 p.m., Eden Events, Gifts, and Florals, 309 N. Oakland Ave., Oakland. Eden Gifts has transformed into a treasure trove of unique and handcrafted items. There will be refreshments, decor, flowers and more.

Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, 5:15 p.m., Chapter 5 Club, Fremont.

WinItBack Patriots, 6 p.m., Milady Coffeehouse Event Center  East Wing, Sixth Street and Park Avenue, Fremont. Arrive early if you wish to order a sandwich or beverage. Attendees should enter through the south (back) door. Several group members plan to go to the Nebraska Library Commission meeting in Lincoln earlier in the day and they will be talking about what was discussed at the meeting. All are welcome. For more information, call Doug Wittmann at 402-317-1270.

Civil Air Patrol, 7 p.m., 1201 W. 23rd St., in yellow hangar at Fremont Airport.

Narcotics Anonymous Freedom Works Group, 7 p.m., Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1440 E. Military Ave.

Tally Ho Toastmasters, 7-8 p.m., Midland Universitys Anderson Building, Ninth and Clarkson streets, Fremont. Everyone is welcome to learn skills in communication, self-confidence and leadership. For more information, call 402-936-3479.

Narcotics Anonymous Back to Basics meeting, 7:30 p.m., First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 201 N. Davis St., Oakland.

Alcoholics Anonymous big book study, 8 p.m., Chapter 5 Club, Fremont.
WinItBack Patriots will be meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16, at Milady Coffeehouse Event Center  East Wing, Sixth Street and Park Ave., in Fremont. Arrive early if you wish to order a sandwich or beverage. Attendees should enter through the south (back) door.

Several members of the group plan to go to the Nebraska Library Commission meeting in Lincoln earlier in the day. They will be talking about what was discussed at that meeting, the influence the NLC has and how it might affect your family. All are welcome.
Disabled American Veterans is a nonprofit charity that provides a lifetime of support for veterans of all generations and their families, helping more than 1 million veterans in positive, life-changing ways each year.

One of the various services DAV provides at no cost to veterans is its information seminar program. These seminars are available across the country to help veterans and their families obtain the services and benefits they have earned.

DAV has an information seminar planned for 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, Nov. 16, at DAV Chapter 18, 137 N. D St., in Fremont.

Staffed by DAV national service officers, the information seminars provide professional support throughout the claims and appeals process.

Veterans attending a seminar should bring identification, their Social Security number and any other pertinent documentation regarding their military service. DAV membership is not required to utilize these free services.

To learn more about DAV and its services available to veterans, visit DAV.org.
James Louis LaRose was a longtime advocate for the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, whether it came to reclaiming tribal land, bringing back bison to the reservation or advancing educational opportunities.

A former chairman of the Winnebago Tribal Council, LaRose died on Tuesday at age 81.

LaRose was a member of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska and the Bear Clan. His Winnebago name was Xatap Horaje ga or Travels in Bush, according to an obituary provided by his family.

LaRose was born in Winnebago but moved to the Ute Reservation in Utah in his early childhood. He returned at age 15 and graduated from Winnebago High School in 1960.

After graduating with a bachelors degree in education from Bethel College in 1968, LaRose returned to the Winnebago Reservation and was elected to the Tribal Council at age 26. He then became the tribal chairman at age 28, according to the obituary.

LaRose also served as Chairman of the Nebraska Indian Commission in the 1970s.

While chairman of the tribe, the Army Corps of Engineers seized land from the Winnebago Reservation in Iowa and Nebraska for a proposed recreation project.

After years of legal challenges, The Winnebago Tribe prevailed against the Army Corps in a Supreme Court case. However, not all of the land was returned and LaRose worked on lobbying for a bill that would return the land to the tribe.

A bill was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives in February of 2023 and just this week Sen. Deb Fischer introduced the Winnebago Land Transfer Act in the U.S. Senate. The bill would transfer administrative jurisdiction of the approximately 1,600 acres from the Army Corps of Engineers to the Bureau of Indian Affairs to hold in trust for the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska.

Louis started this work and the Tribal Council is going to finish this in Louis name and honor, and it is our privilege to get to carry Louis work forward, current Winnebago Chairwoman Victoria Kitcheyan said in a video shared on the tribe's Facebook page Tuesday.

LaRose also worked on bills in the Nebraska Legislature related to repatriation of Native remains and burial goods and retroceding state Public Law 280 jurisdiction over the Winnebago Reservation.

He helped establish the Nebraska Indian Community College in the 1970s on the Winnebago and Omaha reservations. The Winnebago campus later became Little Priest Tribal College.

LaRose served as President of Nebraska Indian Community College and Little Priest Tribal College and he was a founding member and served as Vice-Chairman of the American Indian Higher Education Consortium, which advocates for tribal colleges.

In the early 1990s, LaRose also helped develop and operate WinnaVegas, the tribes gaming operation south of Sioux City, Iowa.

LaRose also became one of the named plaintiffs in the Cobell v. Salazar lawsuit, which challenged the Bureau of Indian Affairs administration of individual Indian money accounts. Congress enacted a bill settling the litigation in 2010.

He also served on the steering committee of the Native American Rights Fund for six years and served as a mediator and on the Dispute Resolution Council with the Office of Dispute Resolution of the Nebraska Court System.

LaRose returned to the Tribal Council in the early 1990s, was appointed in 2015 and elected again in 2019.

In 2013, he received the Chief Standing Bear Humanitarian Award from the Nebraska Commission on Indian Affairs.

LaRose also worked to restore bison to the Winnebago Reservation and established the tribes Tribal Bison Program. He previously served as Chairman of the Intertribal Bison Cooperative, now known as the Intertribal Buffalo Council.

LaRose is survived by his wife Anita, daughters Carla, Peggy and Vanessa, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, his brother Kenny and sister Kathy and numerous nieces and nephews, according to his family. Services were held for LaRose on Friday.

(LaRose) was instrumental in many significant achievements, initiatives, and movements on behalf of our people, and on behalf of Indian Country, Councilwoman Kitcheyan said in a statement shared by the tribe. Louies extraordinary guidance, keen intellect and unmatched sense of humor will never be forgotten.

Top Journal Star photos for November 2023
Biden says his goal for Xi meeting is to get US-China communications back to 'normal'

President Joe Biden and Chinas Xi Jinping have swept into San Francisco and are making their final preparations for their first engagement in a year
The Colorado Springs City Council has no conflict of interest in a contentious water tank project in the Mountain Shadows neighborhood, the City Attorney's Office advised the board in late October.

The council indicated at a work session Monday it does not expect to recuse itself from a public appeals hearing in the matter scheduled for Tuesday, based on an Oct. 24 advisory opinion from the City Attorney's Office that the City Council is not conflicted.

At the council's direction, city staff on Monday afternoon released the document that previously had not been made public.

City Council is scheduled to hear two appeals at its regular meeting Tuesday related to Colorado Springs Utilities' project building a new water tank in Mountain Shadows.

The utility is formally appealing the Planning Commission's Oct. 11 decision not to increase the height of the nearly completed water tank. The commission's action last month effectively upheld a stop work order the city issued on the project in late August, which Utilities is also appealing.

The nine-member City Council also acts as the Utilities board.

Murray I. Weiner of Colorado Springs-based Mulliken Weiner Berg and Jolivet, an attorney for the Flying W Ranch, formally requested in a Nov. 9 letter addressed to City Attorney Wynetta Massey and City Council President Randy Helms that the board recuse itself from voting on the appeals from Colorado Springs Utilities.

"The council cannot simultaneously perform its role as an independent non-biased governmental decision-making body to hear the appeal and also act in the best interest of (Colorado Springs Utilities) in its capacity as the Utilities board," Weiner wrote.

The council's vote would violate the section of city code related to conflicts of interest, Weiner wrote.

He called on the council to recuse itself from considering the appeals and thereby confirm the Planning Commission's Oct. 11 decisions.

The City Attorney's Office disagreed.

"No, City Council is not conflicted," the office wrote in its Oct. 24 advisory opinion. "Because (city charter) specifically assigns City Council dual duties as the board of directors and the appellate body for land use decisions, it cannot have a legal conflict. Further, even if a technical conflict were to exist, the 'rule of necessity' requires City Council to hear Utilities' land use application or appeal because no other body has authority to decide the matter."

The opinion concludes, "To perform its duties properly, City Council must continue to treat Utilities' appeal hearing as a quasi-judicial matter."

City attorneys advised the council base its appeal decisions only upon the evidence and testimony presented at Tuesday's hearing and which are in the public record, and its application of the review criteria laid out in city code.

Residents will have a chance to offer public comment on the matter Tuesday.

Meeting agendas, which include instructions for how to submit public comment on the item before and during the hearing, are available at coloradosprings.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx.
The man accused of the 2021 King Soopers mass shooting in Boulder has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity.

Judge Ingrid Bakke accepted his plea Tuesday morning, after she determined there is probable cause to believe he committed the crimes charged following a hearing.

But more than two-and-a-half years after the attack, investigators have not identified a motive, beyond statements the defendant made to state doctors that he wanted to commit a mass shooting.

He had no known connections to the store or any of the victims.

Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa, 24, is accused of killing 10 people on March 22, 2021 at King Soopers on Table Mesa Drive in Boulder. He faces dozens of charges and sentence enhancers, including 10 counts of first-degree murder, counts of attempted murder and charges related to possessing banned high-capacity gun magazines. His defense attorneys have not disputed he was the shooter.

The victims killed were Denny Stong, 20; Neven Stanisic, 23; Rikki Olds, 25; Teri Leiker, 51; Suzanne Fountain, 59; Kevin Mahoney, 61; Lynn Murray, 62; Jody Waters, 65; Tralona Bartkowiak, 49; and, Boulder Police Officer Eric Talley. There were no non-fatal shooting victims.

Insanity refers to whether a defendant had the capacity to tell right from wrong at the time of the act they are accused of and the ability form intent. Its a different issue than competence, which refers to whether the person has the mental fitness to rationally understand the proceedings against them and assist in their own defense.

Suspect in King Soopers shooting in Boulder that killed 10 ruled competent to stand trial

Bakke declared the defendant competent earlier this fall, after he remained mentally unfit for trial for nearly two years. He has been diagnosed with schizophrenia.

The attack took just 69 seconds.

Detective Sarah Cantu of the Boulder Police Department revealed details about the shooting in testimony at the defendant's probable cause hearing.

Frequently punctuated by the sound of his chains jangling as he fidgeted, Cantu spoke about how the shooter zeroed in on each victim and shot them at close range, often as they tried to scramble to safety and hide under registers.

Cantu said the accused shooter killed the first three victims -- Stanisic, Mahoney and Bartkowiak -- in the store's parking lot within 33 seconds of each other. She described him choosing "moving targets," passing people who were still.

Rikki Olds was the only victim shot just once.

"He found moving targets, pursued them and shot them until they stopped moving," she said.

"And in 69 seconds, killed eight people?" asked Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty.

"Correct," Cantu replied.

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Colorado supermarket shooting suspect pleads not guilty by reason of insanity

Olds' uncle, Robert Olds, said after Tuesday's hearing that it was difficult to hear new details about the death of his niece, a manager who was shot right inside the store's entrance. He hopes a trial will answer some questions about the defendant's motive, and not knowing has left him twisting in limbo.

"It's just a cyclical thing inside your head. Why would someone do this? Why was it that King Soopers? Why was my niece working at that time? Why did my niece step toward the door?" he said.

Suzanne Fountain and Officer Eric Talley were the last two victims killed. Talley was among the first three police officers to enter the store.

The defendant surrendered when Boulder Police Officer Richard Steidell shot him in the leg. Steidell dropped to the ground when the accused shooter fired at the officers, and shot a round from his handgun as the shooter moved in and out of sight.

The shooter removed all of his clothes, except for his underwear, and placed it in a pile along with his weapons on the floor in one of the store's aisles.

Steidell was among the second team of law enforcement officers to go into the store, huddled around a fellow officer's raised shield as glass exploded around them from gunfire.

The shooter fired at least 47 rounds from the Ruger AR-556 pistol he carried, Cantu said. Investigators found six magazines total in the store and in his car capable of holding 30 rounds. Colorado law bans magazines that hold more than 15.

This defendant came armed and ready to kill as many innocent, defenseless and unarmed people as quickly as he could, Dougherty said in Tuesday's hearing.

Kathryn Herold, one of the the defendant's attorneys, questioned Cantu for only about 10 minutes. Bakke did not allow her to ask questions about "odd" things noticed by the shooter's family in the few years leading up to the shooting attack. Herold argued the questions would speak to her client's mental state and ability to form intent.

Court records have revealed the accused shooter bought the pistol legally a few days before the attack. In March, the son of Suzanne Fountain argued in a lawsuit that Ruger has used deceptive marketing practices by giving its AR-556 pistol capabilities to essentially function as a rifle while being regulated as a pistol.

The case accuses the gun maker of marketing the AR-556 varieties as entry-level AR-15-style guns and promoting them as weapons specifically for killing people.

The defendant pleaded guilty to third-degree assault as a high school senior for beating up a fellow student he claimed called him racist names. But under Colorado law at the time, the conviction didnt bar him from purchasing a gun.

Bakke set the accused shooters bond at $100 million. Colorado judges can no longer deny bond to defendants accused of first-degree murder. A state Supreme Court decision found that after Colorado's abolition of the death penalty, language in the state's Constitution referring to the ability to deny bail for "capital" offenses no longer applies.

She tentatively scheduled jury selection for trial to begin Aug. 8, 2024, pending an evaluation by doctors in light of the defendants insanity plea.

Boulder judge hears evidence to determine competency of alleged mass murderer
An El Paso County District Court judge recently dismissed a request by a landowner to remove thousands of acres from Fountain's city limits.

The Colorado Springs-based Corundum Group filed a suit in 2022 to withdraw the 2,400-acre parcel known as Kane Ranch from Fountain's city limits because the town is unable to supply the development with water in the near future. The parcel is on the eastern edge of Fountain.

Judge Marla Prudek dismissed the case at the end of October for lack of jurisdiction and "a failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted," meaning there is no action for the court to take.

Fountain's Attorney Troy Johnson said in a written statement the city was pleased with the ruling and remained willing to work with the landowner on infrastructure needs. The city has not received a formal proposal from the company to address infrastructure.

"Its important to our community that the costs of development are borne by that development and not our existing taxpayers and ratepayers, so we will continue to work along that path if they request development," Johnson said in a statement.

In the case, the company argued the city promised water to Kane Ranch when it was annexed in 2008, but did not implement a master plan to provide water. The city has said in the past it did not implement the plan because development dropped off during the Great Recession and it did not have the funding for it.

In the suit the company said water cannot be provided to Kane Ranch in a timely manner.

"Fountain does not have the required capital, bonding capacity, borrowing capacity, or enough time to procure water rights and/or necessary water infrastructure sufficient to serve Corundums development," the suit stated. The large community would require the city to build an additional reservoir that could cost $212 million, in addition to other infrastructure, the suit said.

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Fountain's inability to provide water caused Corundum to lose its development partner and miss a peak development cycle. The development was planned as the southern portion of a large new community called Amara. A parcel north of Kane Ranch, originally planned as the northern portion of Amara, is seeking to annex into the city of Colorado Springs. The parcel is 3,200 acres and would be a flag-pole annexation because it does not share a boundary with Colorado Springs.

The company asked the Fountain City Council to allow Kane Ranch to de-annex, or leave city limits last year, but the council declined the request.

The city said in its motion to dismiss that the company has not made a request for water to serve a specific number of homes, that the city had to decline and the city has not breached its annexation agreement. The agreement states that water will be provided on a first-come first-served basis and the city does not guarantee service.

Ron Johnson, founder of Corundum Group, had no comment on the dismissal of the case.

Fountain's attorney said no other court would have jurisdiction, if there is no claim based on the judge's order.

The city of Fountain had been pursuing a pipeline that would allow Colorado Springs to treat Fountain's water and then deliver it to Fountain's eastern edge. But that work is now on hold since Colorado Springs may annex Amara and need a similar pipeline. There is significant planning overlap between the two projects, so Fountain is waiting for Colorado Springs to make a decision, the Gazette reported previously.

The city is currently focused on planning a new reservoir with grant funds to serve future development needs. It would rely on a private financing partner to fund the project.
One person has been arrested after threatening officers with a handgun, pointing it in their direction, according to the Colorado Springs Police Department.

According to police, officers received reports early Tuesday morning of a disturbance near the 3800 block of Half Turn Road.

As officers arrived on scene they reported seeing one person fleeing on foot. A second person then stepped out of the involved apartment and into a hallway, brandishing a handgun and pointing the weapon in the direction of officers.

"The suspect retreated back into the apartment, then back to the hallway, and was taken into custody without incident," a lieutenant wrote in an online blotter entry.

The handgun was located at the scene. No injuries were reported.

Police identified and arrested the suspect brandishing the gun as Corey Deshotel. He is currently facing charges of felony menacing and prohibited use of a weapon.
Two men from the Pikes Peak region have been arrested for their alleged part in the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, according to an announcement from the U.S. Attorney's Office.

According to officials, 37-year-old Eric Zeis of Monument and 31-year-old Justin Schulze of Colorado Springs were arrested on Nov. 13 and are facing charges including a felony offense of obstruction of law enforcement during civil order, and multiple misdemeanor offences including disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly conduct in a Capitol building and parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building.

Court documents state that Schulze and Zeis traveled from southern Colorado to Washington D.C. with plans to attend former President Donald Trump's speech and "Stop the Steal" rally on Jan. 6 2021.

Following the rally, officials said the two men joined a large group of protestors outside the East Rotunda doors of the U.S. Capitol Building that pushed through United States Capitol Police officers in order to gain access to the building.

Amidst mob chants echoing "Stop the Steal," and "Our house," USCP officers made numerous commands for the crowd to stop and deployed OC spray "to no avail," the attorney's office states.

Traveling through numerous rooms of the Capitol including the Rotunda, Statuary Hall and hallways between the Speaker's Lobby and House Chamber, the pair then, "immersed themselves in a large group confronting officers guarding the U.S. House of Representatives chambers," according to court documents.

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Retracing their steps back through the Capitol building the two men stopped in the Rotunda before exiting.

"Here, Zeis is seen, in an open-source video, joining a group that collectively pushed officers," officials said in Tuesday's announcement.

Both Zeis and Schulze's case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division's Counterterrorism Section. Both cases are being investigated by the FBI's Denver and Washington Field Office, officials said.

Multiple individuals in Colorado have been linked to events leading to the insurrection of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, including one Colorado Springs man who was sentenced to nearly three years in prison in late October.

In the over two-years following the incident, more than 1,200 individuals have been charged in, "nearly all 50 states," for crimes relating to the breach of the U.S. Capitol Building, according to officials.
The Colorado Springs Police Department is asking for the public's help in identifying a suspect sought in connection to two separate bank robberies in southern Colorado, according to a Tuesday department announcement.

According to police, the two incidents spanned across two days and targeted US Bank locations in Colorado Springs and Pueblo.

Police say that on Sept. 20 at 5:40 p.m., the suspect entered the US Bank inside the King Soopers along 815 Cheyenne Meadows Road in Colorado Springs. The suspect demanded money from the bank clerk, but left without obtaining any cash.

A day later on Sept. 21, police said the same suspect successfully robbed a US Bank in Pueblo, leaving the institution with an undisclosed amount of money.

No injuries were reported from either instance police said.

Multiple pictures of the suspect captured through surveillance footage at each bank location. Police described the suspect as approximately 5 foot 2 inches to 5 foot 5 inches tall, ranging 30 to 35 years old with a medium build.

According to officials, the investigation is active and ongoing. Anyone carrying information pertinent to the investigation is being ask to call CSPD at 719-444-7000, or to leave an anonymous tip by calling the Crime Stopper tip line at 719-634-7867.
Editor's Note: This story has been corrected to reflect that attorneys in the case of Gregory Lee agreed that Gabriel Clark was the one who physically committed the fatal stabbing of Jose Delgado-Diaz.

The second man accused of causing the death of a homeless man in El Paso County last year was found guilty of murder last week.

Gabriel Clark was one of two men accused of stabbing and killing Jose Delgado-Diaz on Oct. 10, 2022. According to the El Paso County Sheriff's Office, Delgado-Diaz matched the description of the man who started a fire at a homeless camp in Stratmoor Hills that morning. His body was found behind the Deja Vu strip club near the fire just hours after it began.

Clark's trial began on Oct. 30 with the jury reaching the guilty verdict nearly two weeks later on Nov. 9, according to court records.

Clark originally faced several charges in connection with the death of Delgado-Diaz, but was only found guilty of one charge by the jury; first-degree murder.

The remaining charges originally faced by Clark  which included first-degree assault and tampering with physical evidence  were dismissed by the District Attorney's Office during trial, according to court records.

Gregory Lee, the second man accused in Delgado-Diaz's death, went to trial on the charge of first-degree murder in August but was found not guilty by the jury after less than two hours of deliberation.

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Prosecutors at Lee's trial attempted to state that Lee ran the homeless camp where the fire had taken place, and that he used his status in the community to enact "mob justice" and have Delgado-Diaz killed for setting the fire.

Lee's defense attorneys argued throughout the trial that Clark, who himself briefly testified at the trial but invoked his Fifth Amendment right to not answer questions, acted alone when he stabbed Delgado-Diaz.

Numerous pieces of evidence were entered into Lee's trial indicating Clark's guilt, including audio tape of a confession Clark had made to another person at the homeless camp after Delgado-Diaz's death.

Both the prosecution and defense in Lee's case agreed on one thing, that Clark was the man responsible for physically stabbing Delgado-Diaz.

Clark was sentenced to life in prison, the mandatory sentence for being found guilty of first-degree murder in the state of Colorado.

Clark faces a second unresolved case in Colorado's 4th Judicial District Court, where he is accused of felony assault and misdemeanor harassment for an incident in September of this year, according to court records. Clark is scheduled to return to court on Nov. 30 for a preliminary hearing on the new charges.
The Colorado Springs Police Department has made an arrest in a homicide from Nov. 10.

The CSPD announced on Monday that an arrest has been made in the death of Brandon Kmetetz, 36, of West Palm Beach, Fla., who was found dead with a gunshot wound late Friday night in the 400 block of North Murray Boulevard. The El Paso County Coroner's office is investigating the death as a homicide, according to the CSPD.

Police say that, during the course of the investigation, Ontony Hatcher, 27, was identified as a suspect. The CSPD obtained an arrest warrant for first- and second-degree murder as well as aggravated robbery.

Hatcher then turned himself in to the El Paso County Jail on Nov. 11.

This is the 28th homicide in Colorado Springs this year, according to the CSPD.

Police are still investigating the incident and ask anyone with information to call (719) 444-7000. Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at (719) 634-STOP (7867) or 1-800-222-8477.
Commentary: "Double 11" shopping gala testifies China's robust recovery of consumption

Xinhua) 08:17, November 14, 2023

This aerial photo taken on Nov. 8, 2023 shows robots sorting and conveying parcels at an intelligent logistics center in Deqing County, east China's Zhejiang Province. (Photo by Ni Lifang/Xinhua)

BEIJING, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- Encouraging growth in the over two-week-long "Double 11" shopping extravaganza has testified the robust recovery of China's domestic consumer market.

Alibaba's Taobao and Tmall Group on Sunday said it had recorded year-on-year growth in Gross Merchandise Value (GMV), the number of orders and participating merchants, during its "Double 11" sale period from Oct. 24 to Nov. 11. The annual e-commerce shopping fiesta, also known as Double 11, culminates on Nov. 11 each year.

A total of 402 brands reached over 100 million yuan (about 13.93 million U.S. dollars) each in GMV while 38,000 brands saw a more-than-100-percent growth from the same period of 2022 as of 12:00 a.m. Saturday, according to Alibaba.

Another e-commerce giant JD.com said Sunday that its transaction volume, order volume and user engagement reached "all-time highs," noting that over 60 brands surpassed 1 billion yuan each in transaction volume and nearly 20,000 brands achieved a threefold transaction volume increase from the previous year.

Data from China's State Post Bureau shows that in the first 11 days of November, express courier delivery enterprises across the country collected about 5.26 billion packages, surging 23.22 percent from the previous year.

China's consumer market has progressed steadily along the post-COVID recovery path. Consumption has become an increasingly important engine of China's economy, which contributed 83.2 percent to the GDP growth in the first three quarters of the year, compared with 77.2 percent in the first half of the year.

Since the beginning of this year, China has rolled out a raft of measures to boost consumption across sectors including automobiles, household appliances and catering to obvious effect. For example, in the first 10 months of 2023, China's vehicle sales grew 9.1 percent year on year, with sales of new energy vehicles alone surging 37.8 percent over the same period.

Robust consumption is also reflected in foreign trade and fair activity. In October alone, the country's foreign trade rose 0.9 percent from a year earlier to 3.54 trillion yuan, ending a four-month declining streak. The sixth China International Import Expo (CIIE) saw a record high of 78.41 billion U.S. dollars worth of tentative deals reached for one-year purchases of goods and services, up 6.7 percent year on year.

As related policies continue to deliver results, demand will be further restored and expanded and China's consumption potential unleashed, which will continue to drive China's economic growth as well as that of the world.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Joe Barrera, Ph.D., is the former director of the Ethnic Studies program at UCCS. He teaches Mexico/U.S. Border Studies and U.S. Military History. He is a combat veteran of the Vietnam War.
Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) has represented Colorado Springs, Colorado since 2007. He is Chairman of the House Armed Services Strategic Forces Subcommittee, overseeing the nations nuclear, missile defense, hypersonics, and space activities. Congressman Lamborn is a co-chair of the U.S. House of Representatives Israel Allies Caucus.
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 X (formerly Twitter) @SengCenter.
LETTERS: If the city had a plan; just give us the facts
After two days of debate and filibuster, the Democrats who control the majority in both chambers of the Colorado General Assembly approved a package of proposals they say will help curb gun violence in the state.

The House on Saturday signed off on House Bill 1219, which establishes a three-day waiting period after purchasing a firearm but before delivery of that weapon.

House Republicans staged a filibuster on the bill for 14 hours, beginning early Thursday afternoon and continuing into early Friday morning. The most significant change to the bill came from a Republican-sponsored amendment to remove its safety clause, which would have allowed the measure to become law with the governor's signature. Instead, HB 1219 now has a petition clause, which would allow citizens to petition for a ballot measure for voters to decide on the law as soon as the 2024 general election.

That mechanism has only been used twice since 1932  on a bill that year on oleomargarine, and in 2020, when two Republicans now in the state House launched a campaign to overturn Colorado's participation in the national popular vote. That campaign made it to the 2020 ballot but voters approved the legislature's decision.

Lawmakers avoided a filibuster on Saturday, as third reading votes  that's when the full chamber votes on a measure  limit the amount of time someone can speak to 10 minutes each. But most of the Republicans used the maximum time allotted to make one final push for votes against the measure, leading to a debate of more than three hours.

Lawmakers split 44-20 on HB 1219, with two Democrats voting with Republicans. That included a "no" vote from Rep. Said Sharbini, D-Thornton, who also voted against the bill when it was heard in the House State, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee on Wednesday, as well as from Rep. Bob Marshall, D-Highlands Ranch.

The Senate worked on the other three bills for about 13 hours on Friday, adjourning just before midnight.

The longest debate occurred over Senate Bill 170, which seeks to broaden the list of those who can seek an extreme risk protection order  better known as Colorado's red flag law  to remove firearms from someone who is considered a danger to themselves or to others.

SB 170 adds district attorneys; health care providers, including mental health professionals; and, educators at both the K-12 and higher education levels to those who can seek the red flag petition. Currently, petitions can be sought only by law enforcement and family and other household members.

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The second bill, Senate Bill 168, allows gun victims to sue for damages in civil court firearms manufacturers, as well as dealers. The measure is a work around to a 2005 federal law, known as the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, which has shielded the firearms industry from civil lawsuits.

SB 170 was amended with several technical changes on Friday, while SB 168 was not amended during the debate.

That wasn't the case for the third bill, Senate Bill 169, which, as first reported by Colorado Politics early Friday, was rewritten with a major amendment offered by co-sponsor Sen. Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton.

SB 168 bans the sale or possession of firearms for those between the ages of 18 and 21. Current law allows 18-year-old individuals to purchase and possess firearms. As a rationale for the legislation, supporters pointed to mass shootings increasingly being committed by those under the age of 21, including at Columbine and the STEM school in Highlands Ranch.

The Mullica amendment addressed a host of concerns about conflicts the law would create for rural Coloradans and for young people who want to participate in hunter education programs offered by the Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife. Those programs are available to those as young as 10 years old.

As introduced, the bill allowed those under 21 to use a firearm only with the supervision of an immediate family member over the age of 25. As amended in the Senate State, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee Wednesday, the bill created an affirmative defense for Coloradans who must defend livestock from predators.

Mullica told Colorado Politics that language is also used in the state's safe storage law and added he is trying to be consistent with that law.

However, the bill was rewritten to remove that language, and, as changed, allows for an individual aged 18 to 21 to possess  but not purchase  a firearm for defense of livestock, active-duty military and law enforcement, for target or sport-shooting, for gunsmithing classes offered at state colleges and for those who hold hunting licenses or are enrolled in the state's hunter education programs. (Currently, only Trinidad State offers a gunsmithing program).

The three Senate bills are slated for a final vote in the Senate on Monday.

Meanwhile, HB 1219 now heads to the Senate.
Kayto Sullivan Sr. sits on the tailgate of his truck while filling hundreds of gallons worth of containers with water from a spigot this month in Goulding, Utah. About 20% of Navajo Nation households live without running water and have to haul it from watering stations, sometimes hours away from their homes.
Local child care workers could soon see a boost to their weekly paychecks.

Thanks to a partnership between local businesses, the Mason City Chamber of Commerce, local municipalities and matching state funds, almost $1 million has been raised to boost worker's wages by $2 per hour.

The plan, dubbed Child Care Works, will begin upping wages at 10 child care centers in the county Jan. 1.

U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson was in Mason City on Friday, Nov. 10, to learn more about the project from Colleen Frein, Mason City Chamber of Commerce president, Kelli Gerdes, Cerro Gordo County population health division manager, and Kathy Lloyd, longtime child care provider.

"This is clearly an economic development issue," Hinson said. "It costs businesses much less to do this than to lose and then have to retrain an employee."

Frein said she and the others had about a two-week window in September to raise money from the businesses. They were successful in bringing in $323,000, which they found out Thursday would be matched at a two-to-one rate by a grant from the state.

"We've been really blessed by our businesses stepping up right away," Frein said. "It was really a tight turnaround we got from the state."

Frein said it is one of about a dozen pilot programs to help ensure affordable and available health care around the state.

"I know for myself there's a tinge of nervousness. This is what we think isn't going to fix the problem, but it's a temporary solution," Frein said. "We still have to see if people will show up to work."

Frein said the extra $2 would raise the average starting wage for a child care provider from a countywide average of $9.51. The overall average wage is $11.81 per hour.

Gerdes hopes the extra money will be an incentive for people to fill positions that have been open this fall.

Child Care Works was modeled after programs already in place in Johnson and Hamilton counties. The local program was launched in September and is still securing additional investments. After the wage supplement program is enacted in January, a July survey of providers to assess the impact will take place, and again in December to measure results.

The money will be given directly from the Child Care Works program to participating centers after they provide pay stubs. As of now, private, at-home child care providers are not part of the project.

Gerdes said they hope to secure about 50 spots for children that local centers have space for, but not enough care providers to accept new clients. All local centers report staff shortages, and only 44% of centers have space available for new clients. One in four local businesses report a loss of 10 or more employees because of child care issues, according to a 2021 Child Care Resource and Referral survey.

According to a new study, infants and toddlers in high-quality child care retain positive benefits longer, provided they are enrolled early enough According to a new study, infants and toddlers in high-quality child care retain positive benefits longer, provided they are enrolled early enough
Vyshak wrote:

Hi



I will be able to help you with my explanation for your comment.



The question asks for the number of sequences. Ex: Paris, Barcelona and Rome is one sequence. Paris, Rome and Barcelona is a different sequence. So the question tests you on permutations.



Without restriction, the first city to be visited can be chosen from any of the 6 given cities. The next city can be chosen from the remaining 5 and the third city can be chosen from the remaining 4.



Total number of sequences without restriction = 6 * 5 * 4 = 120



Number of ways the cities can be visited when both Stockholm and Oslo are visited in a single trip --> Assume there are 3 slots. Oslo can be visited in any of the 3 slots, Stockholm can be visited in any of the 2 remaining slots and the remaining slot can be chosen among 4 different cities --> Number of sequences = 3 * 2 * 4 = 24



Number of sequences the cities can be visited such that Oslo and Stockholm are not visited in a single trip = Total - Number of sequences the cities can be visited such that Stockholm and Oslo are visited in a single trip = 120 - 24 = 96.



Hope it helps.

Why have you conveniently decided to place Oslo, and Stockholm first? What if I were to arrange in this way :_ _ _So I have three slots, the "other" city can be visited in any of those slots. Let's say I choose the first slot, then I have 4 options. With the second slot, I have only 2 options (either Oslo/Stockholm), and with the third I have only one. That gives a total of 8 ways.
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The MBA has long been regarded as a golden ticket to career advancement and leadership opportunities. With its rigorous curriculum, diverse specializations, and global network of alumni, an MBA can open doors to a wide range of industries and professions.For aspiring consultants, finance professionals, and tech enthusiasts, selecting the right MBA program is crucial for acquiring the skills and connections necessary to succeed in their chosen fields. Here's a comprehensive guide to the top MBA programs for these highly sought-after career paths:Renowned for its analytical rigor and quantitative focus, Booth is a top choice for students seeking careers in consulting. With a strong alumni network in the consulting industry, Booth graduates are well-positioned for success at top firms like McKinsey & Company, Bain & Company, and Boston Consulting Group.Kellogg's strength lies in its emphasis on teamwork, communication, and problem-solving  essential qualities for consultants. The school's proximity to Chicago, a major consulting hub, provides students ample opportunities for internships and networking.Sloan's unique blend of technology and management makes it an ideal choice for students interested in consulting in the tech sector. The school's strong alumni network in Silicon Valley and its focus on innovation and entrepreneurship give graduates a competitive edge.Wharton is consistently ranked among the top business schools for finance. Its rigorous academic program, extensive alumni network in the financial industry, and access to Wall Street provide graduates with unparalleled opportunities.HBS is another top institution for finance. Its emphasis on case studies and real-world problem-solving prepares graduates for the challenges and opportunities of the financial world.Columbia's location in New York City, the world's financial capital, provides students with direct access to industry leaders and networking opportunities. The school's strong curriculum in finance and economics prepares graduates for a variety of roles in the financial sector.Tepper's MBA in Information Systems Management (ISM) is consistently ranked among the top programs for technology management. The program's focus on data analytics, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies prepares graduates for leadership roles in the tech industry.Haas's location in Silicon Valley provides students with unparalleled access to tech companies and startups. The school's strong curriculum in entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology management prepares graduates to navigate the ever-changing tech landscape.- Sloan School of Management: Sloan's unique blend of technology and management makes it an ideal choice for students interested in careers at the intersection of business and technology. The school's strong alumni network in Silicon Valley and its focus on innovation and entrepreneurship give graduates a competitive edge.Beyond Consulting, Finance, and Tech:The MBA is a versatile degree that can open doors to a wide range of industries and professions. Here are a few additional top MBA programs for specific career paths:: Stanford Graduate School of Business, Babson College Olin Business School, University of Southern California Marshall School of BusinessNorthwestern University Kellogg School of Management, Duke University Fuqua School of Business, New York University Stern School of BusinessWharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, Columbia Business School, Carnegie Mellon University - Tepper School of BusinessStanford Graduate School of Business, Harvard Business School, Yale School of ManagementRemember, the best MBA program for you will depend on your individual career goals, interests, and learning style. Carefully consider your priorities and find the program that aligns with your aspirations._________________
I am traveling overseas! The exclamation mark means Im excited about it.

Well, its a lie, although I am excited about seeing my daughter and her family who moved to Portugal on Aug. 10, 2022, for a two-year adventure. Two hundred and seventy-four days to go, by my estimation.

Thankfully, we have temporary custody of their beautiful and sweet golden retriever. My daughter asked if we would fly her over with us, but I said no. I know as long as I have the dog, theres a greater chance for them to come back to the U.S.

Luckily, too, there are no Sams Clubs, Costcos, Targets, good peanut butter and good chocolate chips over in Portugal either  all reasons to move back.

So we made the crazy decision to go see them, even though I do not like to fly, especially over oceans. I last flew over water from Germany where my father was stationed back in 1966, and my most vivid memory of that trip cant be shared with the public.

I dont want to die by drowning, so I usually dont allow myself to be positioned over thousands of miles of deep water in a claustrophobic cylindrical tube, subject to mechanical failure. Telling me the chances of anything happening are extremely remote doesnt help either because if my plane has flown 2,000 trips to Portugal with no problems, it only means its due for one.

It doesnt help either that for every evening for the last two weeks, there has been some plane problem on the news. Planes have narrowly missed each other in the air, crashed, one pilot pulled a gun on another and one pilot tried to crash the plane. On my sons plane last weekend, they were delayed on the tarmac (some of the saddest words in the English language) while police came on and took a family off. What was that about?

I try to do my research and be brave. A few years ago I sat by a pilot catching a ride home. I asked him if I could ask him a flying question, and he said yes.

If Im flying over an ocean and the plane crashed, would I die from drowning or be killed violently upon impact? I asked in an honest desire for knowledge.

It depends how good your pilot is, he said sincerely. If hes a bad pilot, you will die upon impact, and if hes a good one, he will land in the water and you will drown.

Wow. That made me feel better.

I refused to fly overseas as long as my disabled daughter and elderly mother were alive and could need me, but both of them have passed away, and I have no excuse but fear.

Plus those five grandchildren snatched away from me and taken to live in a foreign land are really sweet and cute.

To make it even better, another daughter and her family decided to hop on over to Portugal for Thanksgiving week too, and a son and his family are meeting us in London for three days then down to Portugal again.

My daughter asked my son if he would please take care of Mommy and David while we were with them. Yes, please, someone help me. My son is coming in at a different airport in London, and Im afraid we wont connect with them the whole time we are there until we show up on the same plane back to Portugal.

The president of my church, Russell M. Nelson, tells the story of a flight he took when the plane suddenly began to nosedive. He said he sat calmly, having faith in a happier place after this life, but the woman beside him screaming her head off.

Sorry, but Im that woman.

Perhaps writing this column is cathartic, and my anxiety will calm down.

If it doesnt, though, I have Doves dark chocolate, so I can go down with my favorite chocolate in my mouth. And if that doesnt work, I have Xanax. Ive heard every flight is possible with Xanax.

Stay tuned.
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The Ministry of State, Department of Media, Connectivity and Digital Policy, the Ministry of the Economy, the Luxembourg National Research Fund (FNR), and Luxinnovation are launching a joint call for projects to offer companies and research institutions a new funding opportunity for consortia wishing to take advantage of 5G communication technologies in their field of research or business.

This joint call for projects will take place in two phases. The first phase, between 15 November 2023 and 9 February 2024, will allow interested economic players to submit their projects (summary, planned research, timetable, budgets, etc.).

After an evaluation process to be carried out by the partners in this call for projects, the shortlisted projects will be subject to a second submission phase, between 25 March and 23 May 2024. A more detailed description of their project will then be examined by a panel of external experts. The results will be announced in October 2024, after which the implementation of the projects can begin.

The four call topics: Smart Environment, Smart Cities, Industry 4.0 and Technologies are aligned with the priority sectors of the Luxembourg economy. 5G communication technologies are powerful enablers for applications in emerging fields like data-based decision making, AI, IoT and automation with promising impacts in terms of competitiveness and resilience.

The government is convinced that 5G communication technologies are essential for the next wave of productivity and innovation across various sectors of the Luxembourgish economy," stated the Minister for Communications and Media, Xavier Bettel.

The minister of the Economy Franz Fayot adds: Following the success of previous joint calls for projects in the fields of health technologies and high-performance computing, the next logical step is the launch of a specific joint call for 5G technology projects, with the aim of stimulating the adoption of these new technologies by businesses through strong public-private partnerships. Indeed, launching projects as part of public-private partnerships is a new way of helping businesses, which effectively encourages innovation and the use of forward-looking technologies. "

The application process will be carried out via the dedicated www.research-industry-collaboration.lu platform set up in 2021 by Luxinnovation. The national innovation agency will monitor the ideas posted on the platform and connect public and private partners interested in participating. 5G communication technologies are a real driver of innovation in numerous application areas such as the smart environment, smart cities or industry 4.0. In the context of this new joint call for projects, Luxinnovation will facilitate connections and collaboration between innovative companies and cutting-edge public research organisations. Bringing these two worlds together is a key lever in the ongoing digitalisation of the Luxembourg economy, explains Sasha Baillie, CEO of Luxinnovation.

"The societal, economic, and technological benefits of 5G are closely linked to ongoing research efforts, making it a critical area of study and development for governments, industry, and academia. As researchers explore new possibilities and applications, it may lead to breakthroughs not originally envisioned, sparking innovation across multiple industries. We want to bring all the players in the ecosystem closer together to work on research and innovation projects that will enable them to accelerate these breakthroughs to happen in Luxembourg", explains Dr Marc Schiltz, CEO of the Luxembourg National Research Fund.

Press release by the Ministry of State  Department of Media, Connectivity and Digital Policy / Ministry of the Economy / Luxinnovation / Fonds national de la recherche (FNR)
Devonte Wells worked so hard during a dance camp at the UNC School of the Arts one summer that his mom would ice down the sore parts of his body each night.

Once the pain subsided, he would head outside and dance some more under the glow of a streetlight outside his home on the northside of Winston-Salem.

Wells will soon be dancing under a brighter set of lights when he makes his Broadway debut in MJ: The Musical, on Dec. 5 at the Neil Simon Theatre in New York.

Signed to a one-year contract, Wells, 31, will initially play the role of Marlon, Michaels older brother. At some point, he will play some of Jacksons other brothers.

Wells landed the role on Oct. 18 after one audition, setting in motion a longtime dream that began as a boy taking dance classes at Mineral Springs Middle School, one of the school districts arts magnet schools.

Im beyond excited, said Wells, who performs under the name D. Jerome. I cant put it into words, the amount of gratitude that I feel, for all the people who believed in me, and also the gratitude to the little boy who had a dream and did not give up.

Wells was raised by a single mother who loved to dance.

I want to say that I probably passed it down, said his mother, Elisa Rainey. When I was younger, it was a joy that I had.

Wells had an early interest in singing before going to Mineral Springs where his teacher, Noel Grady-Smith, saw his potential.

She recalled how as a fifth-grader, Wells would pop his head into her dance classes for the middle-school students. Once in middle school, he took as many of her dance classes as possible, earning the praise of visiting guest artists, who commented to Grady-Smith that her student seemed destined make it big.

He was outstanding in chorus and amazing in theater, said Grady-Smith, now retired. He was a triple-threat kid right from the beginning.

With Grady-Smiths help, Wells attended what he called a life-changing summer camp at UNC School of the Arts. There, he was introduced to jazz, ballet and modern dance by faculty members Diane Markham, Nina Lucas and Frank Smith, Grady-Smiths husband.

Wells recollection of that time took him back to the image of his mother icing his tired muscles.

I give it to my mom, Wells said. She was the warrior in the back making the sacrifices so I could live my dream.

Wells declined the opportunity to go to UNCSAs high school program, feeling that he was not technically ready for such an immersive experience.

Instead, he wound up at Carver High School where he enrolled in dance classes and became the drum major for the marching band, allowing him to display his showmanship skills.

He had the whole audience in the palm of his hand, Grady-Smith said with a laugh.

A 2009 Journal story on a Carver band fundraiser described Wells making his entrance with a split.

He quickly pulled out of it and started dancing, moving his hands and baton. At times, especially at the end of the show, his whole body gyrated on the field, at times just above ground, the story said.

At Carver, he found a mentor in Margo Gray, who he called his dance mom. She arranged for him to go to New York to see Broadway performances.

Wells made the All-County dance team, giving him the chance to work with Duane Cyrus, a renowned professor of dance at UNC Greensboro.

Based on that experience, Wells committed to UNC Greensboro for college.

I made it a mission to train vigorously, Wells said.

Picking up various jobs through the years, including stints as a gymnastics instructor and teacher at Mineral Springs and Carver, Wells landed a big break in 2022 when he was chosen to be in the national touring company for Hamilton. That gig led to him singing the national anthem before the opening home game for the Minnesota Twins in April.

He was living and working in Binghamton, N.Y., when he landed the audition for MJ: The Musical, a jukebox musical that looks at the life of Michael Jackson through his songs. It is set in 1992 as Jackson prepares for his Dangerous world tour.

Theres a lot of rejection in this industry. And often times you wonder, Am I going to make? Is it worth it? A lot of people just see the end goal and not what happens in the journey, Wells said. Im over the moon and beyond grateful to God.

Rainey, a big Michael Jackson fan, and Wells father, Rodney Rainey, will be in New York to watch their son.

The other day, Rainey was telling a neighbor that her son had just finished up his commitment to Hamilton.

And he was like, Is that the one who was always dancing in the streetlight? Rainey recalled.

Yep, she told her neighbor. Thats the one.
The Guilford County Association of Educators took aim at the NC General Assembly Tuesday during a rally against what members see as the underfunding of education in the state.

Rally participants also spoke against two separate provisions in state law passed this year that could lead to dollars funneled to charter or private schools, instead of public school districts.

The group estimated about 100 people took part in the election night rally, timed to be one year before the 2024 North Carolina general elections.

You can vote these people out and put pro-public education people in place, Monica White, a GCAE leader who has been working to organize fellow support staffers, said at the rally at the school district office.

GCAE is a long-standing association made up of teachers and other school workers employed by Guilford County Schools. Its affiliated with the North Carolina Association of Educators, which is in turn affiliated with the National Education Association.

In North Carolina, state workers are barred by law from engaging in collective bargaining  a mainstay for unions elsewhere in the country. Still, group leader Joanna Pendleton referred to GCAE as a union and said the group is working to build a strike-ready majority.

The educators association does not give out totals for its current membership, Pendleton said. Guilford County Schools has nearly 10,000 employees.

GCAE is petitioning Guilford County Schools Board of Education to pass a two-part resolution.

First of all, GCAE leaders said, they want language in the resolution that, calls this situation what it is: an emergency created by the NCGA through lack of funding and harmful legislation.

Our local government has scraped together millions of dollars to supplement the states abysmal pay to school workers to try and stop the bleeding as our teachers, bus drivers, custodians, and other school workers leave this profession for better pay and better working conditions elsewhere, said Edwena Miles, a teacher at Northwest Middle School and vice president of GCAE.

As our staff and students can tell you  these improvements to pay and work conditions are appreciated, Miles said. But they are also not enough.

Secondly, the educators association is asking that in the Guilford County Board of Education also request that the county commissioners commit to not providing any capital funds to charter schools.

Charter schools are public schools, but are not part of local school districts, and are instead run by independent boards that apply for authorization from the state.

New legislation passed by the General Assembly this year allows counties to directly give capital funding for charters. Thats expenses such as construction, furniture purchases and similar costs.

Currently, the county covers part of the cost to operate charter schools in the county, as it does for district schools, but does not make additional allocations for capital expenses for those schools. The public school district does get capital funds from the county.

School board Vice Chairwoman Bettye Jenkins accepted the signed petitions from GCAE on behalf of the board.

Later in the rally, Peck Elementary School parent Isabell Moore, a coordinator of the state-wide Public School Strong advocacy project, talked about concerns and frustrations over school funding in North Carolina, including a recent increase in state funding for private school vouchers.

And now, extremist legislators have passed a bill to give away our public funds to private schools, she said.

Legislation passed by the General Assembly this year paves the way for the state to open up private school vouchers to families of all income levels and to families already attending private schools.

An analysis by the Office of State Budget and Management found that if half of those students receiving vouchers go from county public schools to private schools with their vouchers, public schools in Guilford County could stand to lose about $11 million to private schools in 2026-27 alone. The exact impact is difficult to predict, because its not clear what portion of the voucher users are likely to be students already attending private schools.
GREENSBORO  Tucked into an apartment complex at the edge of UNCGs campus is a space where veterans, active duty and other military-affiliated students can find assistance  and people familiar with the experiences, culture and language of military life.

What I got was a place where I could come and have refuge, explained Perry Aspach, a graduate student and Army veteran. Unfortunately, theres things that people have seen and have done that cant be understood by a lot of people outside the particular community.

But those things are understood at UNCGs Office of Military-Affiliated Services  and the school is being recognized for its treatment of veterans. A publication called Military Times named UNCG as one of this years best colleges for veterans. UNCG, which ranked 90th out of 325 schools, won a similar recognition from Military Times in 2022.

If I do go in and Im talking about my military experience  Chris, hell understand if I say MOS or QRF, as to where I feel like if I went to anywhere else on campus, they would look at me funny, said undergraduate student Elliott Martin, who is also an Army veteran. Its definitely eased my transition to the civilian world.

MOS stands for Military Occupational Specialty and QRF is Quick Reaction or Quick Response Force. And Chris? Thats Chris Gregory, director of the Office of Military-Affiliated Services at UNCG.

Aspach said that when he first arrived at UNCG in 2021 following his military service, he actually found the office to be underwhelming, but felt that Gregory, who took the directors job later that same year, really helped turn it around and expand the offerings.

Gregory helped found the office with other university leaders and staff back in 2014. He served as the first director for about 18 months while still working in Residence Life until the university was able to hire a full-time staff member.

What lured him back, he said, was how much he loves working with veteran students and realizing how much he missed doing it.

Gregory said that his father was in the Marine Corps and he spent a lot of time on military bases growing up.

Its just always a population that I love, he said.

The university currently has about 500 veteran students and about 1,500 military-affiliated students  which also includes students currently serving and family members of veterans or active-duty members.

Besides offering students help with understanding their military benefits, the office also hosts events, activities and space for military-affiliated students to study, hang out and socialize.

On Thursday, the office had a small lunchtime banquet for students  a mixed bag of cuisines with everything from Swedish meatballs to quesadillas, which were back by popular demand. Also on the schedule: a session for military-affiliated students about study-abroad options.

Gregory said that while a lot of typical college-aged students find their social opportunities through joining clubs or school activities, that can be harder for veteran students to fit into their schedules because they are often older and may have families or other responsibilities outside of school. Thats why its useful to have a place they can come by between classes.

If he had the funds, Gregory added, hed love to hire an academic advisor to work directly out of the office, someone with expertise to bridge the gap between the needs of military-affiliated students and the universitys academic programs and offerings.

We try to operate as that one-stop shop, he said. They come here, well get an answer for them and make sure they get what they need.
In terms as plain as possible, says Michelle Kennedy, Greensboro is drowning in its effort to help people experiencing homelessness, and things could get worse.

According to Kennedy, Greensboros director of housing and neighborhood development, city leaders need to set boundaries on care services. During a City Council work session on Thursday, Kennedy discussed a plan that would prioritize people the city deems as residents for receiving such services as case management and shelter.

Kennedy said the potential plan would not change the citys commitment to serving any person experiencing homelessness, but it would set priorities.

The plan is a reaction to what Kennedys department has identified as a rise in homelessness in Greensboro, as well as an influx of people entering the area to seek out the citys limited care resources.

Two days before the work session, multiple people experiencing homelessness spoke at a Nov. 6 City Council meeting and confronted council members about access to assistance from city government. In response, council members said, in part, that it is Guilford Countys responsibility to address the issue and provide more comprehensive services.

Although the city has worked to create short-term solutions to the problem, such as temporary pallet shelter housing, other resources are drying up.

Kennedy informed council members that the citys money to provide emergency motel rooms to homeless people would probably run out in a week. It was originally scheduled to last until June 30, 2023.

Councilman Zack Matheny has routinely spoken about observing significant numbers of homeless people in Center City Park, which is situated in the middle of downtown Greensboro. In the work session, Matheny said the new plan made sense but told Kennedy that the existing lack of implementation of that kind of thinking was pathetic.

As Kennedy further explained the plan, Councilman Hugh Holston voiced his concern about differing levels of service.

Is this a conscious decision that there will be two classes of the unsheltered? Holston asked.

The city of Greensboro cant be responsible for the homeless community of four to five other counties, Kennedy replied. We have to be primarily responsible for the people who live in our municipality.

Greensboro Mayor Nancy Vaughan said during the meeting that the issue was not confined to the city. Vaughan said other North Carolina cities are looking at the policy and that they want Greensboro to go first. Kennedy added that she had spoken with a city manager from North Wilkesboro who had the same issue.

When Greensboro and North Wilkesboro are looking at the same thing, its become a pervasive issue across the state, Kennedy said.

Whos a resident?

Greensboro is months away from making a definitive statement on who qualifies as a resident.

The likely determining factor will be how long a person has lived in the city. Council members and city staff will continue to discuss the requirement, which could range anywhere from 90 days to six months, or a year. At the work session, Councilwoman Tammi Thurm said that she felt six months would be enough time to determine someone as a resident.

Kennedy mentioned that the Interactive Resource Center (IRC) could help the city determine a persons homelessness and how long they have been receiving services. The IRC is responsible for offering critical services such as showers, laundry, a mailroom, computers and a medical clinic to the homeless.

Ultimately, the goal of the preference for Greensboro residents, Kennedy says, is for people experiencing homelessness to make connections for help in their home communities.

More than one time, this agency has put people on transportation and sent them back to their home communities, once we determined it was safe for them to return, Kennedy said.

This is a practice called diversion in housing assistance. The goal is to help the person or household find an alternative housing arrangement either in their family or in another home community.

At the end of the work session, Vaughan said that the change would send a message to people from outside of Greensboro that they likely wont get priority assistance.
During the third Republican primary debate last week, by many accounts former United Nations Ambassador and South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley gained some momentum in pursuit of distant second place in the race to overtake former President Donald Trump.

Haley is articulate, self-assured, photogenic and feisty. She undoubtedly was speaking for other candidates on the stage when, in a triumph of snark, accuracy and pith, she dismissed the increasingly insufferable Vivek Ramaswamy: You are just scum.

Among the candidates, Haley probably has the best bona fides on foreign policy, based on her two years as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. By my rough calculation, some two-thirds of last weeks debate was connected to foreign policyIsrael, China, Ukraine, Mexicogiving Haley a bit of a home-field advantage.

So it was a head-scratching moment when, at about an hour and 28 minutes into the debate, she smirked, chuckled, rolled her eyes and said, I dont care what my colleagues at the United Nations think.

Of course, its unfair to characterize a candidate by an uncharacteristic, off-hand remark taken out of context. At 38 minutes into the debate Haley acknowledged the necessity of partnerships with other like-minded nations in a dangerous world. She said: America can never be so arrogant to think that we dont need friends. After 9/11 we needed a lot of friends.

Still, Haleys eye-rolling dismissal of her U.N. colleagues good opinion reflects a motivation worth noting: political candidates compulsion to talk tough about foreign policy in ways they could never do if they were actually in office.

The question that prompted Haleys remark was related to an idea that several Republican candidates seem to embrace: sending U.S. special forces into Mexico to take out the drug cartels, even without Mexicos knowledge or permission.

During the debate, Ron DeSantis was ambiguous on this subject, but when asked in August if he would support sending special forces into Mexico, he was clear: Yes, and I will do it on day one.

Haley was equally emphatic: Well send special operations in to take out the cartels. We need to go to where theyre distributing it, where the supply centers are, and take them out.

Dont believe either one of them. This is the sort of campaign bluster that generally works on the hustings but would never survive the legal, political, ethical, practical and diplomatic complications that would obstruct such an action should the candidate ever actually make it to the Oval Office.

Other sorts of equally useless bravado were evident, as well. When asked what advice he would give to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the war, DeSantis said, Finish the job once and for all with these butchers HamasHamas should release every hostage and they should unconditionally surrender. In response to the same question, Haley said, Finish them, finish them.

But how?

The candidates were equally belligerent about Iran. Sen. Tim Scott demanded a strike on Iran: cut off the head of the snake and the head of the snake is Iran. Haley said, take out their infrastructurepunch them hard.

And what would happen if we did?

This sort of casual belligerence is probably useful during the campaign, but I hope the candidatesand the votersremember that the actual president doesnt have the luxury of rolling his or her eyes contemptuously at the opinions of the rest of the world.

The president simply cannot send troops into Mexico. He cannot advise Netanyahu to finish them, without considering the practical feasibility of a military solution. He has to placate Israel, an outraged ally, without dismissing the aspirations of desperate, stateless Palestinians. He has to somehow balance the atrocities committed against Israelis with the devastation of innocent civilians in Gaza.

This treacherous tightrope has to be crossed above an abyss that threatens a much larger war. And in the background lurk the nuclear powers, Russia and China. A serious escalation is just a careless misstep away.

All of these complexities should be obvious; they were completely absent from the debate stage last week.
A year-long shipping dispute between Burlington Northern Sante Fe Railroad and the owner of Montanas largest coal mine is close to wrapping up.

BNSF and Navajo Transitional Energy Company informed federal regulators last week that a settlement on NTECs breach of contract claims is close. The two parties asked the U.S. Surface and Transportation Board to suspend proceedings in the case until January when the final details of a settlement are expected to be finalized.

NTEC had sued BNSF in December, alleging the Spring Creek Mine owner had only been able to get 2.9 million tons of coal to Westshore Terminal in British Columbia over an 11-month period. NTEC argued there were ships docked waiting for Spring Creek coal at Westshore. The demerge charges cost NTEC $15 million, and the company claimed $150 million in lost revenue because of shipping issues.

In June, the STB ordered the railroad to haul 4.2 million tons of coal this year, plus an extra 1 million tons to make up for 2022.

Running parallel to STB proceedings, the NTEC lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Billings was progressing in the favor of BNSF. The railroad had argued that contract terms required the coal company to settle its differences in arbitration with BNSF. Judge Susan Watters stayed proceedings in August so arbitration could proceed.
Carroll College has received a $750,000 grant from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust to be used for the college's forthcoming Physician Assistant Program.

This grant will assist in setting the foundation for the program including curriculum development, faculty and staff recruitment and infrastructure and facility needs, college officials said in an email.

Carroll College plans to enroll the first cohort of PA students in the fall of 2026, pending provisional accreditation approval from the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant Inc.

The Murdock Trust, created by the will of the late Melvin J. "Jack" Murdock, provides grants to organizations in five Pacific Northwest states  Montana, Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington  that seek to strengthen the regions educational and cultural base in creative and sustainable ways. Since 1975, the trust has awarded more than 8,300 grants totaling more than $1.3 billion.

Carroll, which announced the program last year, has been working through the planning and accreditation steps, beginning with the hiring of its founding program director, Claire Hull, who began in early September.

A Carroll College alumna from the class of 1988, Hull has 23 years of experience in PA education, having served in various faculty roles and administrative capacities at three PA programs.

We are very grateful to the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust for supporting the development of Carroll College's Physician Assistant Program, Hull said.

She said the grant will help the college in preparing its graduates to provide high-quality health care, particularly in communities in rural and medically underserved areas of Montana.

Currently, PA programs are limited in the region, with Rocky Mountain College and Idaho State University being the primary providers, Carroll officials said. There are two PA programs in Montana, Wyoming and Idaho.

The need for health care professionals generally, and mid-level professionals and PAs specifically, is significant and increasing both in Montana and across the West, Carroll officials said.

"The demand for physician assistants continues to be off the charts across the nation, Carroll College President John Cech said in an email.

He said Carroll remains one of two new programs under consideration by the national PA accrediting body, ARC-PA, in the northern tier states from Washington to Minnesota.

Nearly every Montana county is recognized as a Primary Health Professions Shortage area. The demand for PAs far exceeds the available supply, particularly in rural settings. Carrolls program will have a strong rural health focus. A recent survey by the Montana Hospital Association identified PAs among the top three most-needed health care professionals, Carroll officials said.

Carroll's PA program will be based in the Fortin Science Center and Simperman Hall building complex, which will undergo renovations, including an 8,500-square-foot addition to house labs, classrooms and offices.

The college is also working to extend its current clinical partnerships with St. Peters Health, Shodair Childrens Hospital, Fort Harrison VA Medical Center, PureView Health Center and Leo Pocha Memorial Clinic to the PA program students.

Collaborations with Benefis Health and Intermountain Health, as well as other partnerships across Montana, the Rocky Mountain West and the Pacific Northwest, are also being explored.
When Misty Wilkie was 18 and about to give birth to her first child, nurses at the Minnesota hospital where she was a patient told her she could not push until the doctor arrived.

Wilkie was in labor for 26 hours, and she felt a deep urge to push. She did everything she could to suppress it.

The nurses said the doctor was at a clinic just three blocks away from the hospital and assured her he would be there soon.

But Wilkie waited another 25 minutes before the doctor arrived. To this day, more than 20 years later, Wilkie still doesnt know how she was able to hold her child in for so long.

When I look back, I think, my God, why did it take him 25 minutes to drive three blocks? Wilkie said. He couldve walked and gotten there faster. It makes me wonder if it was because I was a Native American girl from the reservation. I dont know the answer to that, but really bad things couldve happened. Those things do happen, and they can be prevented.

A new report from the National Center for Health Statistics revealed that from 2021 to 2022, Indigenous infant mortality rates increased more than any other racial or ethnic group.

In 2021, there were 7.46 American Indian deaths per 1,000 live births, and in the span of one year, that number increased to 9.06 Indigenous infant deaths per 1,000 births. By comparison, in the U.S. in 2022, there were 5.6 infant deaths per 1,000 live births.

Wilkie, a citizen of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, is now an associate professor and assistant director of inclusivity, diversity and equity at the University of Minnesota School of Nursing. Inspired by her own experience, Wilkie partnered with Elsevier, a global analytics company, to help create a Shadow Health patient module that aims to educate students on cultural sensitivity.

Indigenous people face significant barriers to receiving adequate health care. For some, the nearest hospital is hundreds of miles away. Others may not have a reliable vehicle to get there. Indian Health Service, the federal agency responsible for providing care to federally recognized tribal members, has long been criticized for being understaffed and underfunded.

And Wilkie knows first-hand that the prejudice can be present in a doctors office.

I can say with confidence that there is racism and discrimination, she said. The experiences we share with health care providers are minimized. We are not believed. And that escalates into the consequences we see today.

In the Shadow Health patient modules, students participate in a virtual reality simulation where they ask a virtual patient questions and respond by providing appropriate care. The simulation provides a standardized and safe learning setting.

To diversify the patient modules, Wilkie helped develop a virtual patient, named Daanis, who is Ojibwe. (The word Daanis means daughter in Ojibwe).

Daanis is modeled after Wilkie herself. In the simulation, Daanis is an 18-year-old single mother, and the medical student must interact with Daanis and her mother, who attends the appointment.

Theres always going to be a family member present in a hospital room, Wilkie explained. This provides an opportunity for students to learn about a different tribal nation with a different culture and what to expect.

Daanis and her mother may also ask the student if they can smudge in the hospital room, encouraging students to learn more about smudging and what it means in Native cultures. The patient may also ask the student if she can take the placenta home.

That can be a wild, unheard of thing for nurses, Wilkie said. But its common practice among Indigenous people.

In the simulation Daanis mother does most of the talking, and Daanis avoids eye contact, which, in Western hospital settings, can be misinterpreted as a sign of indifference.

The health care provider may see them as uninterested, Wilkie explained. But in reality, theyre listening intently and taking in that information.

So far, more than 1,000 universities nationwide  including Montana State University and Montana Technological University  use Shadow Health patient modules.

Wilkie said the simulation goes beyond the textbooks and lectures she learned from when she was a student.

We teach nursing students how to be culturally aware and sensitive, but they dont always know what that looks like, she said. This is one way they can take what theyre leaning and apply it.
DECATUR  Wesley E. Rogers, accused of fleeing from police in a wild and destructive chase across multiple counties, has disappeared once more.

The 39-year-old Decatur defendant was due to appear in Macon County Circuit Court on Nov. 7 for a sentence hearing but he didnt show up.

He had been free on a total bond of more than $22,000 on bail set at $225,000 since March 6 and was ordered to wear an electronic monitoring device.

But Assistant Macon County States Attorney Christina Mullison told Presiding Judge Thomas Griffith that the device had gone dead.

On October 6 a strap alert was registered and the device stopped communication, Mullison said. I assume a strap alert means that it was cut but I cant say that to the court with any sort of knowledge.

My position is its not surprising that he is not here and I would ask for a warrant.

The judge granted it, issued without bond, and scheduled a bond forfeiture hearing for Dec. 19 when the court is scheduled to seize the bond money Rogers paid earlier to be released.

Rogers had been facing anywhere from probation to up to a cap of six years in prison in a plea deal negotiated by Chief Public Defender Michelle Sanders, with the judge deciding what the final sentence will be.

Rogers, in an earlier hearing, had agreed to admit a charge of possession of a stolen vehicle and aggravated driving under the influence. The judge had agreed in return to dismiss two charges of aggravated battery to police, three charges of aggravated assault with a motor vehicle and two counts of aggravated fleeing.

Also due to be dismissed as part of the plea deal were four counts of criminal damage to government property, two counts of aggravated DUI, one count of driving on a revoked license and one count of theft. Further charges of aggravated fleeing and driving on a revoked license, along with a charge of aggravated domestic battery and two other domestic battery counts were also to be dropped in the deal.

Griffiths had described the plea agreement as very favorable to the defendant whose disappearance was now making a bad situation so much worse.

A sworn Decatur police affidavit said the original list of charges date to around 5:30 a.m. Feb. 12 when patrol officers tracked Rogers ex-girlfriends stolen minivan to the Lake View Hotel, 16 N. Country Club Road, and found him still at the wheel.

Police accuse the defendant of refusing commands to get out before ramming one squad car, narrowly missing an officer, and then almost running over the same officer before driving over and trashing a $4,000 parked motorcycle.

The motorcycle had ended up stuck under the van and was dragged in a shower of sparks before the van became stuck itself. Police had tried to deflate the vehicles tires and more officers risked injury as Rogers furiously spun the vans wheels.

Wesley managed to get the minivan free from the downed motorcycle, said the affidavit, signed by Officer Kimberly Chaney. Wesley quickly accelerated in reverse, intentionally ramming the minivan into the front of an officers squad car as the officer occupied it.

Chaney said Rogers then took off with a flat tire at the start of a long chase that varied in speeds from 10 mph to 80 mph and ended around 9 a.m. in rural Douglas County where he was finally stopped and arrested.

2023 mugshots from the Herald & Review Lourash Hirstein Phillip Gehrken Joseph A. Williams Jetrevius O. Jarrett Edwards King-Woods Wilson Derrickson Colby J. Park
A disturbing rise of antisemitism seems to be inflicting college campuses.

Good old-fashioned parenting might just be one way of reducing this alarming trend.

FBI Director Christopher Wray recently told a U.S. Senate hearing that antisemitism is reaching historic levels in the United States. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has recorded a surge in antisemitic incidents of harassment, vandalism and assault across the U.S. since Hamas attacked Israeli civilians Oct. 7.

On college campuses, anti-Israel and anti-Jewish incidents have gone so far as celebrating Hamas terrorist attack. The founder and executive director of Stop AntiSemitism, Liora Rez, said, Its very frightening to be a Jewish college student right now. We think the floodgates have opened up.  Its a nightmare.

Polling shows while the overall attitude among Americans is in strong support of Israel, those aged 18-24 years old registered the highest level of anti-Israel, pro-Palestinian and pro-Hamas sentiment.

Parents of college students have a unique position to influence this population.

Generation X and older are likely to have lived with or known those who have served in World War II and observed the horrors of the genocide of 6 million Jews, or they might have known someone who has survived the Holocaust. Younger generations may no longer have these connections. They may have already lost those people in their lives.

College students will be headed home for the upcoming holidays. This is a wonderful opportunity to talk to your children about why Israel and Jewish people deserve the right to self-determination, and how it is wrong for anyone to want to eliminate an entire population from the world.

I am by no means trying to simplify the issue of antisemitism. Rather, I am hoping to reduce Jewish xenophobia. It can be during the most complex and overwhelming times that even the smallest acts can do some good, and that is where parents can come in.

Heres a starting point:

Initiate a dialogue with your child about what they know, or have heard, or are thinking about the war in Israel.

Explain that the actions of the terrorist group Hamas do not represent all of the Palestinian people.

Talk about the two-state solution and the complex history and politics over Gaza. Acknowledge disagreements about a two-state solution are OK, that you can think leaders in the region are corrupt and ineffective and feel for the innocents in Gaza as well. But draw the line that no one should be championing the elimination of an entire group of people.

Educate your child on the history of antisemitism.

Look at the Anti-Defamation Leagues website together.

Visit a Holocaust museum or watch a virtual tour of Auschwitz together.

Suggest books to read or initiate a book club with your student. Plenty of websites offer book recommendations, or ask a librarian.

Have a discussion about free speech: who protects it and who it doesnt.

Encourage your student to check in on any Jewish friends they might have.

Review the ADL's database of hate symbols together. Ask your child if they have seen any of those symbols on campus or on their social media.

Ask your student if they have ever heard or uttered the words From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free. Then follow up and ask if they know what it means.

If you or your child does not know, here is a primer: It is fundamentally a call for a Palestinian state extending from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea, territory that currently includes Israel  which would mean the dismantling of the Jewish state, including through the removal, usually violently, of Jews from their ancestral homeland.

Tell your child to reach out to you day or night if they don't know what to do with situations they encounter.

Suggest campus resources.

If your family prays together, pray for Jews, Palestinians and for peace.

As a parent, you have a tremendous influence on your childs core values. This is especially true at a time in their lives when they are establishing their own sense of right and wrong. Send them back to school with understanding and compassion in their hearts.
DECATUR  Dan Diskey is the newest member of the board of trustees for Richland Community College.

Diskey will complete the remainder of the term of the late David Cooprider, who died Sept. 15. The board had 60 days to choose a new trustee to fill his seat, and held a special meeting Monday in order to meet that deadline, rather than wait until its regularly scheduled meeting which would normally have been held on Nov. 21.

He is global commercial manager at Archer Daniels Midland Co. and chairman of the Downstate Illinois chapter of Real Men Wear Pink, a charitable organization that raises money for breast cancer research. His chapter raised $27,000 this year, the highest in the state of Illinois. He is a native of the area.

I joined this board because I am passionate about our community and about Richland Community College, he said. I spent a lot of time looking at boards and this one is special because it takes some of the things that I do at ADM and applies it back to the community.

In other business, the board approved a contract for hazardous waste removal at the Macon County Law Enforcement Training Center's shooting range. The center has been open since 2017, said Commander Jim Getz, and in that time cadets have shot more than 1 million rounds on the range. Once the cleanup is complete, the center will know how often to schedule future cleanups.

The board also approved a new certificate, basic office technology. Formerly the college offered a two-year degree in office administration, but enrollment has declined over the years. The courses are still available, and a certificate, which could be completed in a matter of months, will still provide entry-level skills necessary to fill an office role, a field that is experiencing significant shortages of workers.

Teena Zindel-McWilliams, director of institutional and academic planning, led a presentation on the completion of the 2020-23 strategic plan for the college, which was approved in February 2020 but was almost derailed by the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, she said. In spite of the shutdowns and remote learning and work that were the norm during that time, the team managed to complete several goals of the plan, particularly the Teaching and Learning Center, which was highlighted in a different presentation on student services. The center offers tutoring, training for both students and faculty on college IT systems, and free diagnosis and repair, if possible, of student devices.

A new strategic plan will be presented for 2024-26 at the December board meeting, and likely approved at the December meeting.

Close Michelle Watts goes through her son Gavin's spelling list with him as part of their daily ritual. Watts has a very rare cancer but has not given in to the disease. Watts continued to wear her stilettos or platform shoes as she went to chemotherapy. Coconut has been a comfort for Michelle Watts as she deals with chemotherapy and her daily life while battling breast cancer. Michelle Watts has worked hard to keep life as normal as possible while undergoing treatment for a very rare cancer. Like other mothers she has the discussions about computer time and homework. Michelle Watts is now cancer free after dealing with a rare cancer and chemo treatments. She still maintains a job and cares for her children. Next she will undergo reconstructive surgery and she finishes her chemotherapy. Michelle Watts works at keeping a routine as she deals with cancer. She is cancer free but still receiving chemo until December. She is also starting reconstruction in the near future and has made plans to cover all her bases while recovering. Clinical research associate Alison Roberts distributes breast cancer screening information and goodie bags to motorists in the South Shores Kroger parking lot. Oncology coordinator Patty Barding hands out breast cancer screening information and goodie bags to motorists waiting to get through the bridge construction on U.S. Business 51 in South Shores. In the Berneking household there are many shared meals for friends and family. Kathy Berneking makes lunch for her husband, Skip and her stepmom Joan Smith. The large family kitchen is home for many meals at the Berneking home. Kathy makes lunch for the family which is Skip and Joan for this meal. Kathy supported Joan while she underwent treatment for breast cancer and is part of a support group called Facing Cancer Together. Lunch together gives another chance for Kathy Berneking and Joan Smith to share memories including some of the lighthearted ways they laughed during her cancer treatment. They are part of a support group called Facing Cancer Together. Support from her family and a group called Facing Cancer Together helps Joan Smith keep a smile on her face. A cancer survivor prepares to undergo micropigmentation to create the illusion of nipples on her reconstructed breasts from Tess Leckrone at Artistic Cosmetics Salon. Tess Leckrone prepares to recreate areolas and nipples for a cancer survivor at her Artistic Cosmetics Salon. The micropigmentation or cosmetic tattoos offers a recoloring process to make the client feel more natural. A cancer survivor undergoes the relatively painless procedure of micropigmentation or cosmetic tattoos to create the illusion of areolas and nipples. Tess Leckrone works on recreating areolas and nipples on a cancer patient. Making the breasts look more natural sometimes helps in the healing process for women. She has also worked on changing color and shapes for both women and men. Tess Leckrone works on recreating areolas and nipples on the reconstructed breasts of a cancer patient. Elizabeth Rawls organizes the Pin-A-Sister breast cancer awareness program. Elizabeth Rawls hands out the pictured pins during the Pin-A-Sister breast cancer awareness program annually on Mothers Day. Melissa Newberry assists customers during the Dig Pink bake sale and silent auction at Thursday's volleyball game between Meridian and Central A&M high schools. While the event is a fundraiser, organizers were more pleased with the awareness it generates for breast cancer. Wayne Vining will continue to fight for cancer in honor of his sister, who died recently. He covered his Jeep in pink to promote cancer awareness. Wayne Vining's latest addition to his Jeep is a flag with a pink ribbon and many words of encouragement. A featured illustration on Vining's vehicle. The Jeep includes several slogans and many words of encouragement. From left, Wayne Vining and sisters Christina Bissey and Cindy Goodlick. Even the Halo lights are pink on this special vehicle. Wayne Vining's latest addition to the vehicle is a flag with a pink ribbon and many words of encouragement. Christina Bissey sitting pretty in her pink Jeep. Johns Hill Magnet School is raising money and awareness in the fight against cancer as part of a middle school soccer jamboree to benefit Come Together Let's Walk. They wore pink for the occasion. Cheyanne Critchfield and the Thomas Jefferson Middle School team also wore pink. Critchfield lost her grandmother to breast cancer. The Johns Hill Magnet School is using this and other events to raise money for Come Together Let's Walk. Thomas Jefferson was one of the teams wearing pink for the six team middle school soccer jamboree. Cheyanne Critchfield far left was wearing her pink for her grandmother who died of breast cancer. The Johns Hill Magnet School is using this and other events to raise money for Come Together Let's Walk. Several people added the names of friends and family who have confronted cancer during a balloon release as part of Paint the Park Pink in Mueller Park, presented by the Decatur Black Chamber of Commerce. Jazmine Fuller and Taylor Stolley work on paintings. Painting instruction was provided by Elizabeth VanHoutan McDermith of Paint Like Me Party. Wearing their new real Men Wear Pink T-shirts, youngsters at 'Paint the Park Pink' dance to the music. The event hosted by the Decatur Black Chamber of Commerce had a number of activities at Mueller Park. Cancer survivor Twyla Eubanks, middle, talks about surviving cancer and the importance of women taking care of themselves prior to the balloon release at 'Paint the Park Pink.' Participants in the faith walk spent their time thinking and praying for those affected by breast cancer. Paint the Park Pink was hosted by the Decatur Black Chamber of Commerce. Jacob Jenkins, chairman of the Decatur Black Chamber of Commerce, stops by the St. Mary's booth and finds out how difficult it is to find a lump. Wayne Vining will continue to fight for cancer in honor of his sister, who died recently. He covered his Jeep in pink to promote cancer awareness. Christina Bissey sitting pretty in her pink Jeep. Photos: Decatur celebrates Breast Cancer Awareness Month Take a look back at all the photos captured for our coverage of Breast Cancer Awareness Month Michelle Watts goes through her son Gavin's spelling list with him as part of their daily ritual. Watts has a very rare cancer but has not given in to the disease. Watts continued to wear her stilettos or platform shoes as she went to chemotherapy. Coconut has been a comfort for Michelle Watts as she deals with chemotherapy and her daily life while battling breast cancer. Michelle Watts has worked hard to keep life as normal as possible while undergoing treatment for a very rare cancer. Like other mothers she has the discussions about computer time and homework. Michelle Watts is now cancer free after dealing with a rare cancer and chemo treatments. She still maintains a job and cares for her children. Next she will undergo reconstructive surgery and she finishes her chemotherapy. Michelle Watts works at keeping a routine as she deals with cancer. She is cancer free but still receiving chemo until December. She is also starting reconstruction in the near future and has made plans to cover all her bases while recovering. Clinical research associate Alison Roberts distributes breast cancer screening information and goodie bags to motorists in the South Shores Kroger parking lot. Oncology coordinator Patty Barding hands out breast cancer screening information and goodie bags to motorists waiting to get through the bridge construction on U.S. Business 51 in South Shores. In the Berneking household there are many shared meals for friends and family. Kathy Berneking makes lunch for her husband, Skip and her stepmom Joan Smith. The large family kitchen is home for many meals at the Berneking home. Kathy makes lunch for the family which is Skip and Joan for this meal. Kathy supported Joan while she underwent treatment for breast cancer and is part of a support group called Facing Cancer Together. Lunch together gives another chance for Kathy Berneking and Joan Smith to share memories including some of the lighthearted ways they laughed during her cancer treatment. They are part of a support group called Facing Cancer Together. Support from her family and a group called Facing Cancer Together helps Joan Smith keep a smile on her face. A cancer survivor prepares to undergo micropigmentation to create the illusion of nipples on her reconstructed breasts from Tess Leckrone at Artistic Cosmetics Salon. Tess Leckrone prepares to recreate areolas and nipples for a cancer survivor at her Artistic Cosmetics Salon. The micropigmentation or cosmetic tattoos offers a recoloring process to make the client feel more natural. A cancer survivor undergoes the relatively painless procedure of micropigmentation or cosmetic tattoos to create the illusion of areolas and nipples. Tess Leckrone works on recreating areolas and nipples on a cancer patient. Making the breasts look more natural sometimes helps in the healing process for women. She has also worked on changing color and shapes for both women and men. Tess Leckrone works on recreating areolas and nipples on the reconstructed breasts of a cancer patient. Elizabeth Rawls organizes the Pin-A-Sister breast cancer awareness program. Elizabeth Rawls hands out the pictured pins during the Pin-A-Sister breast cancer awareness program annually on Mothers Day. Melissa Newberry assists customers during the Dig Pink bake sale and silent auction at Thursday's volleyball game between Meridian and Central A&M high schools. While the event is a fundraiser, organizers were more pleased with the awareness it generates for breast cancer. Wayne Vining will continue to fight for cancer in honor of his sister, who died recently. He covered his Jeep in pink to promote cancer awareness. Wayne Vining's latest addition to his Jeep is a flag with a pink ribbon and many words of encouragement. A featured illustration on Vining's vehicle. The Jeep includes several slogans and many words of encouragement. From left, Wayne Vining and sisters Christina Bissey and Cindy Goodlick. Even the Halo lights are pink on this special vehicle. Wayne Vining's latest addition to the vehicle is a flag with a pink ribbon and many words of encouragement. Christina Bissey sitting pretty in her pink Jeep. Johns Hill Magnet School is raising money and awareness in the fight against cancer as part of a middle school soccer jamboree to benefit Come Together Let's Walk. They wore pink for the occasion. Cheyanne Critchfield and the Thomas Jefferson Middle School team also wore pink. Critchfield lost her grandmother to breast cancer. The Johns Hill Magnet School is using this and other events to raise money for Come Together Let's Walk. Thomas Jefferson was one of the teams wearing pink for the six team middle school soccer jamboree. Cheyanne Critchfield far left was wearing her pink for her grandmother who died of breast cancer. The Johns Hill Magnet School is using this and other events to raise money for Come Together Let's Walk. Several people added the names of friends and family who have confronted cancer during a balloon release as part of Paint the Park Pink in Mueller Park, presented by the Decatur Black Chamber of Commerce. Jazmine Fuller and Taylor Stolley work on paintings. Painting instruction was provided by Elizabeth VanHoutan McDermith of Paint Like Me Party. Wearing their new real Men Wear Pink T-shirts, youngsters at 'Paint the Park Pink' dance to the music. The event hosted by the Decatur Black Chamber of Commerce had a number of activities at Mueller Park. Cancer survivor Twyla Eubanks, middle, talks about surviving cancer and the importance of women taking care of themselves prior to the balloon release at 'Paint the Park Pink.' Participants in the faith walk spent their time thinking and praying for those affected by breast cancer. Paint the Park Pink was hosted by the Decatur Black Chamber of Commerce. Jacob Jenkins, chairman of the Decatur Black Chamber of Commerce, stops by the St. Mary's booth and finds out how difficult it is to find a lump. Wayne Vining will continue to fight for cancer in honor of his sister, who died recently. He covered his Jeep in pink to promote cancer awareness. Christina Bissey sitting pretty in her pink Jeep.
Pee Wee also has been known to visit on occasion. A third Fuiten dog, Gus, has gone to Rainbow Bridge, but he is remembered with a photo on display in the classroom, next to photos of Pee Wee and Trixie, who will celebrate her first gotcha day in January.

The school motto is work hard and be kind, and Fuiten said the students are kind, so celebrating World Kindness Day for the last three years has included remembering the homeless animals at Macon County Animal Control and Care Center by collecting donations of toys, treats and blankets to cheer them up while they wait for a forever home.

We're going to bring in donations for the animals who are homeless, said student Ava Miguel.

The other two second grade classes are pitching in as well.

When you rescue, I feel like you're giving an animal a new chance, said Carla Miller, who also teaches second grade and has several cats and a dog named Maggie, all rescues. I just like that you can give them a new start.

Fuiten's class is particularly fond of rescue dogs because of Pee Wee and Trixie, and several students also have shelter dogs.

It's because you give the animal a second chance, said student Adalyn Mosley.

World Kindness Day was introduced in 1998 by the World Kindness Movement, a coalition of nations kindness NGOs. It is observed in many countries, including Canada, Australia, Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates, and is celebrated on Nov. 13.

The Warrensburg-Latham students who are free on Saturday will deliver the donations in person to the shelter and items were chosen from the shelter's wish list.

We're trying to keep dogs safe. And cats, said student Wyatt Proctor.

How are we kind to each other? Fuiten asked her students. Second grade is kind and gentle to each other.

Student Asher Wyman said helping each other is important  friends, family and animals.

It's a way for us to think about others instead of just thinking about ourselves, Fuiten said.

 World Kindness Day: 10 simple ways to spread the love! Say "hello" to a stranger! Pay it forward! Volunteer at a local soup kitchen! Leave a generous tip! Text an old friend! Help clean up a public space! Leave a nice letter for someone in your life! Donate food, clothes and other supplies to charity! Smile at absolutely everyone! Buy a small gift for someone in your life!
Virginia got a $4.29 billion federal windfall to tackle urgent needs created by the pandemic and has so far spent just $2.06 billion.

The American Rescue Plan Act money is meant to tackle public health needs, help people who lost jobs or income, help small businesses that lost sales, support public schools as children try to make up for months of not always effective remove learning and fully deploy broadband.

COVID-19 relief funds have been an important boost to state revenues in Virginia and across the nation.

But a state report, while saying Virginia has taken decisive action to create a better future for all Virginians, also shows that the state has not yet disbursed some of the largest blocks of money to a wide range of programs.

The state has to spend the money by Dec. 31, 2026, and has to obligate funds  that is, make definitive agreements to disburse them for specific projects and programs  by the end of next year. As of the June 30 end of fiscal year 2023, it has obligated $2.89 billion.

The report highlighted the $503 million of funds slated for broadband. So far, the has state spent $32.2 million of the broadband funds.

The report also highlighted $28 million meant to help people get enough to eat. Of this, the state has spent $2.7 million to help food banks and other assistance programs stock up and $1.2 million to help 400 dairy farms make up for lost income.

Among other fast-moving efforts, the fully spent $2.5 million appropriation to help people facing eviction prevented 760 evictions and negotiated rent relief from landlords and public housing agencies. The report estimated that some 7,815 people benefited  one of the few such tallies it detailed.

The State Corporation Commission spent $51.2 million of a $55.3 million appropriation to help 144,067 households with utility bills.

The state has spent all of a $40.8 million appropriation to boost Medicaid payments to nursing homes, and all of a $34 million appropriation to reimburse hospitals for vaccine clinics.

Another fully spent appropriation went for college and university financial aid, but the report did not say how many students received this support.

Governors schools and regional alternative education programs spent all of their $130.1 million allocation meant as a pandemic bonus.

One of the biggest blocks of money, $862 million, went to top up the state unemployment insurance fund.

The Virginia Employment Commission also used all of another $40.9 million appropriation to hire 500 additional staff to cope with the flood of pandemic-caused claims for unemployment insurance benefits.

The commission spent $33.2 million of a $43.2 million appropriation to upgrade its computer systems; it spend all $2 million of an appropriation for security at its offices.

The $1 million the state Department of Housing and Community Development spent on cleaning up lead hazards in Virginians homes helped 28 households, mostly by also tapping other existing funds.

The state awarded $344.7 million to 5,613 small businesses from its American Rescue Plan funds, though not all of these have been disbursed yet.

Lagging categories

Other spending is lagging.

Schools spent $55.4 million of a $218.7 million appropriation meant to improve ventilation  a critical need since COVID is spread by airborne viruses. The state has obligated $126.7 million of this appropriation.

The state spent $2.6 million of $50 million appropriated for ventilation, drinking water and sewer improvements at state mental hospitals.

The report shows American Rescue Plan funds are still available for critical, promised behavioral health system improvements.

The state has spent $47.3 million of $102.8 million to increase pay for direct care staff at these hospitals, which struggle to recruit and retain employees.

Spending from a $30 million appropriation for mental health crisis services totaled $17 million.

The state spent $2 million of $10 million meant for suicide prevention programs and harm reduction for substance abuse.

The state plans to use $22.2 million of the federal funds to replace state funding for the lagging STEP-VA program that aims to ensure basic community mental health services across the state; it has spent $7.4 million so far.

Among other appropriations, state and local government have spent nothing out of:

$10 million meant as incentive bonuses to recruit teachers

$10 million meant for structures meant to keep heavy rain from overwhelming dams deemed at high hazard of failing

$290 million set for three projects to stop raw sewage from flowing in the James and Potomac rivers during heavy rainstorms, including $150 million slated for Richmonds combined sewer overflow project. The state has obligated none of this money yet.

$100 million meant for improvements to wastewater treatment plants

$75 million set for sewer and septic system improvements

Other state spending includes:

$22,276 from $4.75 million meant to help low-income households fix well and septic systems

$74,185 of $5 million meant for supportive housing for people with mental illnesses or developmental delays, to cover rent and support services

$113,644 of $11.5 million intended to renovate the Virginia Industries for the Blind workshop in Charlottesville

$148,452 of some $3 million meant to help localities expand early voting

$396,165 of $2.4 million for personal protective equipment at state hospitals

$875,000 of $3.5 million to tackle truancy, which has ballooned after in-school teaching resumed

$881,353 of $4 million meant to renovate the nursing homes and assisted living facilities that serve low-income seniors and people with disabilities

$1.8 million out of a $50.1 million appropriation meant to remove or rehabilitate derelict buildings

$2 million of $30 million to install an electronic health records system for the Department of Health

$2.2 million of $75 million for police training, equipment and supplies

$2.5 million of $13.6 million to deal with backlogs processing Medicaid applications after the end of the pandemic-linked continuous coverage guarantee

$7.6 million of $25 million for state park renovations and maintenance

$30.3 million of $51 million for various efforts to boost tourism
The former owner of Maxs Mexican Eatery is facing 52 counts of sex crimes involving minors, according to court documents.

Kelly Lee Setzer, 62, of Hickory, is charged with 16 counts of indecent liberties with a child, 16 counts of first-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, 10 counts of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor and 10 counts of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, according to court documents.

Hickory police began investigating Setzer in January of 2021, according to an incident report. The victims varied in age and gender. The youngest victim was identified as a 1-year-old boy, according to court documents.

According to a search warrant, Setzer was the owner of Maxs Mexican Eatery when the investigation began. Maxs Mexican Eatery closed its doors on June 19, 2022. The restaurant was at 802 U.S. 70. According to a post on the restaurants Facebook page, Maxs Mexican Eatery was open for more than 40 years in Hickory.

In September and October of 2020, the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force received three tips regarding child pornography. According to the search warrant, the tips were linked to the email address klsetzer@gmail.com uploading explicit images of children to the online image sharing platform Imgur.

One of the tips was used to get a subpoena issued to Charter Communications to disclose the subscribers identification for two IP addresses. One of the IP addresses came back to Maxs Mexican Eatery. The other came back to Setzers home on Mark Drive NE in Hickory, according to the search warrant.

Hickory police seized items including two HP laptops, an Apple iPhone, four thumb drives and two photographs, according to the court documents.

Setzer is scheduled to appear in Catawba County District Court on Nov. 27.
Daniel Fincannon spent nearly 14 years serving in the United States Marine Corps and reserves during the 1980s and 1990s.

He said his military service prepared him to be a teacher.

I can be the stern teacher or I can be the merciful teacher, Fincannon said. (Being in the Marines) taught me how to navigate between those two. Im not always the hard ass, but Im always the pushover.

Fincannon, 63, of Taylorsville is a teacher at Alexander Early College.

Fincannon recounted his adventures aboard the USS Trenton, along with other memories and challenges faced during his service. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Why the Marines?

I needed a job. My wife grew up in the Marine Corps. Her dad was a colonel. She said, Why dont we look at the military? It worked for my family. I tried all four branches and the one who did the best sales job was the Marines.

I signed my contract in 82. I started Officer Candidate School in February of 83. I left active duty in 87. I stayed a reserve until 89. I was in IRR, which is individual ready reserve, until 96. I was activated for Desert Storm in 1991. I served three months during Desert Storm. I was a captain when I left the Marine Corps.

Service stops

Quantico, Fort Sill and Camp Lejeune. Fort Sill is where I got my artillery training. I also served six months on the USS Trenton. We went all over the Mediterranean. We got to spend two weeks in Venice, Italy. We had a lot of fun there.

Adventures in Venice

In Venice, I got to see St. Marks Cathedral and the Guggenheim Museum. The food was incredible. Venice is a walkable city, so you got to learn the whole place. The streets are canals, so it is a completely different experience. The United Service Organizations followed our ships around for tickets, for tours and stuff like that. The lady in charge of USO had a good friend who lived in Genoa. She brought her down to go with me and my best friend Frank McNeil. Her husband had been the leading cardiologist in Italy, so she was very wealthy and famous. They knew her by name in some of the places we went, even though she lived 300 miles away. I saw Venice like the rich and famous do. I got to go into clubs that Americans werent generally allowed to get into. That made Venice very interesting and unique. It was a once in a lifetime experience.

Other places visited

On the USS Trenton, we went to Spain, France, Italy and Turkey. In some of those countries, we made multiple stops. I trained in Twentynine Palms, (home of the largest Marine Corps training base in the world) out in California. I went to the Mojave Desert a couple of times and up to Fort McCoy in Wisconsin.

Venice was my favorite, but I liked Marseille, France, a lot as well. In Marseille, we got in a fight with a biker gang because they had gone away for a couple of days and we kind of took over their favorite bar. When they came back from their holiday, they were not happy that the Marines were in their bar. It was tense for a few minutes, but we all got together and made it work.

Desert Storm

I never had to go over. My orders were to Saudi Arabia. My specialty was artillery and desert warfare. I spent a lot of time training in Twentynine Palms. Im also nuclear, biological and chemical certified. My name was in a computer in the basement of the Marine Corps administration in Kansas City. Somebody said, We never activated this individual ready reserve, and so they activated it. They activated a couple thousand of us. When I showed up, so many people had been taken from Camp Lejeune to go over to Saudi Arabia, the base was having a hard time meeting its mission. Somebody made a decision that anybody that came in on specific days would stay and then you were supposed to be part of the second wave. It was supposed to be the mother of all wars. Saddam Hussein had the fourth largest army at the time. We figured this war was going to take a year or more. I was put on general staff and my job was to estimate and order body bags for the casualties that were expected to take place. Three months later, the war was over, and they sent me home.

I was officially called the counterterrorism officer for the base. That was my official job, which was bigger than it sounds because every unit had their own person. I just had to make sure that communication was set up. I didnt do anything except make sure people knew what to do and where to go. It sounded a whole lot better than it was.

I also oversaw the rifle range for a little bit. Since nobody was really using Camp Lejeune, the Bermuda Regiment asked if they could use the base for training. The country of Bermuda had a small army. We said yes. I was the liaison between the Bermuda Army and Camp Lejeune. That was my favorite job.

The call to war

I remember getting my orders for service. I was a manager in sales training for Ciba-Geigy, which is now one of the largest pharmaceutical companies. Im in Philadelphia doing a training session teaching about cardiovascular disease. One of the people from the hospital comes in with a note to call home. Im in the hospital lobby and I call home and I said, Whats wrong? At that time, I had an 18-month-old and a newborn. My wife Terri said, You got orders. I said, What do you mean Ive got orders? She told me, Youve got orders to Desert Storm in Saudi Arabia. I said, Youre s****ing me. The whole lobby goes quiet.

I go find my boss, and I said, I need you to take over my class this afternoon because I have to go home. I just got orders to Saudi Arabia. My boss says, Well, cant you finish your class? And I said, I may be dead in eight days. Im going home now.

People were so generous and nice to me when they found out I was going to Desert Storm. It reminded me that it was so completely opposite for people who had to go to Vietnam. For me, people were like, Good for you. Thank you for your service. I can remember, I was around 7 years old, watching my friends dad go to Vietnam and people were yelling at him and cussing him. Being able to live those two experiences was kind of unique. I really felt bad for the Vietnam vets who didnt get the accolades that I got and I didnt even go overseas. I got a big award from my company when I came back to work for being willing to serve. Just being willing got you a lot of praise and honor, but in the 60s you were met with derision.

Scary moments in service

I wasnt sure I was going to finish Officer Candidate School because I got hypothermia. We were going through the day movement course. One of the last obstacles, you are climbing under barbed wire while they are firing rounds over top of you. It was in February, and everything was freezing. Im in water about halfway up to my side and I lose the feeling in my legs. Im pulling myself through this obstacle. When I get up Im kind of in a daze. I just wander off of the course. Some captain gets in my face and says, No candidate, you need to go that way. The last obstacle is you have to go through is this pool of water up to your neck while holding a rifle over your head, then you get out, stab a dummy and then youre done. Well, I dont remember stabbing the dummy. What Ive been told was they took me to the barracks. I remember sitting in a chair in the middle of the yard. Its February. Its freezing. Theyre putting a water hose on me straight from the faucet outside and it feels so good. Thats how cold my body had gotten. That water from the outside hose felt good. From there, they take me into the showers and they just turn on the hot water and steam me for like an hour. They told me at that point that it was a close call and if I liked I could quit and I said, Im not quitting now. You tried to kill me. Im not quitting now. I made it through. That was one scary instance.

Another time, when I got a little bit concerned was we were in the Mediterranean. I got up that morning to run the flight deck. I noticed that the sun was on the wrong side of the ship. One of my jobs in the fleet for my unit on the boat was I was the embarkation officer. I loaded and unloaded stuff, so I knew where things were. I thought, Wait a minute, were not going north anymore, were going south because the sun should be over here. So, I go to the troop ops and theres been a possible hostile situation. One of my missions was if there was a reason for us to go into hostile country, my unit was to be dropped in a place far away and just start shooting rounds, basically saying, Look at me, look at me, to draw away attention so that the rescue people could come in less observed or hopefully unobserved. There was a possible hostage situation, and it was either in Iraq or Iran. I forget which one, but we were getting ready to transit the Suez Canal to go get over to that part of the world. And I remember one of the naval officers says, Arent you the embarkation officer? I said, Yes, sir. He said, Well, youd better start counting your bullets and Band-Aids. I got a little nervous that day but about six hours later they turned us back around and we went back to our usual duties.

Parkinsons and Camp Lejeune

I had brain surgery this summer due to Parkinsons disease. The VA has accepted my claim for my Parkinsons disease diagnosis as a Camp Lejeune water contamination cause. I received disability and medical care for that. I was diagnosed in 2018 and the VA has been very good to me. I get to keep on with my neurologist in Winston-Salem and they pay for me to see civilian doctors. Theyve never backed away from any of my needs.
" " Mesopotamia is known as the "cradle of civilization," but it's still not the oldest on this list. Dorling Kindersley / Getty Images/Dorling Kindersley

How do you determine the oldest countries in the world?

We know how old the Earth is: about 4.54 billion years. But how do you measure the age of a country? Borders and governments change all the time. Sometimes a nation with a rich history is fairly young, like Russia, which formed in 1991 after the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

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For the purposes of this list, we looked at places with a documented history of government or large organized civilizations within areas similar to the boundaries of present-day countries. It's unlikely historians will ever agree on a single "oldest country," but each of the nations on this list is a strong contender.

Here are the top 10 oldest countries in the world.
Democrats were celebrating their election victories last week in Kentucky, Ohio, and Virginia. They have put aside at least temporarily their worries about the polls that show Donald Trump leads President Biden in the next years presidential election.

What many do not understand is that Donald Trump has established a political powerhouse and loyal group of followers whose political framework is based simply on their devotion to Trump. It is a special kind of loyalty based on more than his advocacy of issues important to them. It is much more than that.

Their loyalty goes beyond issues.

For them, Trump is their advocate, protector, and guardian.

He is their champion or even their god.

He can do no wrong. But if he does, it will be forgiven.

Someday Trump himself will be gone. He will die, of course. Before then, he may lose an election or be defeated in another effort to take over the government by non-electoral means.

But his passing from the scene will not mean the end of the Trump movement.

Other national leaders such as Charles de Gaulle in France and Peron in Argentina have had powerful influences based on something more than issues, and their influences linger years after their deaths.

Perhaps the starkest evidence of the lasting influence of such a politician is that of Peron and his wife Eva in Argentina.

In the November 19 Argentinean presidential election final, Sergio Massa and Javier Milei are competing. The New York Times, October 23 edition, described Massa, currently Minister of Economy, as a two-decade veteran of Argentine politics and the new leader of the Peronist political movement that has held sway in Argentina for decades and has won nine of the last 12 free and fair presidential elections.

His opponent Milei was described in a Times article headlined Javier Milei, a Mini-Trump, Could Be Argentinas Next President. One of his proposals is to do away with the Argentine peso and make the U.S. dollar the official currency.

If Massa wins, it will demonstrate again the power of the Peronist movement.

Juan Peron, who died in 1974, still lives in Argentine politics.

Similarly in France, political parties and candidates still claim to be Gaullist based on their loyalty to Charles de Gaulle the French leader who died in 1970.

In a November 9, 2021, article in Politico, John Litchfield wrote to explain the enduring influence of de Gaulle:

In his lifetime, Charles de Gaulle was a divisive figure: revered by some, detested by others. He was adulated. He was mocked. He was finally rejected.

No longer. Half a century plus 12 months after his death, de Gaulle is the presiding, many-headed deity of French politics.

The far right, the right, the center, the left, the hard left, even some Greens, they are all Gaullists now. Almost all tribes and tendencies of French politics claim to be, at least partially, followers or reincarnations of Charles de Gaulle, the wartime leader of Free France and founder of the Fifth Republic.

Peronism and de Gaullism still live.

If our country follows the pattern of France and Argentina, Trumpism will still be in existence in 2090 when our great, great grandchildren go to the polls.

Just think, your great-great-grandchildren may be able to vote for a Trumpist candidate in the United States

assuming, of course, they will still be holding elections in the U.S.
CHARLOTTE  As planning continues to advance towards Wake Forest University School of Medicines Charlotte campus seating its first class in 2025, designers and engineers are working to ensure the Howard R. Levine Center for Education will be state-of-the-art, including building the facility to a carbon-zero and LEED Gold standard, while also achieving a WELL Building Standard. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Zero Carbon certification refers to optimal efficiency in building construction and operation and avoiding emissions from energy consumption.

LEED Zero Carbon recognizes net-zero carbon emissions from energy consumption through carbon emissions avoided or offset over a period of 12 months.

According to the International Well Building Institute, the WELL Building Standard takes a holistic approach to health in the built environment addressing behavior, operations and design  measuring, certifying and monitoring features of the built environment that impact human health and well-being, through air, water, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort and mind.

The education center will be located in The Pearl innovation district, near Midtown Charlotte, and is currently under construction. The 14-story building will be named in honor of Charlotte business leader and philanthropist Howard R. Levine, whose family foundation provided a $25 million gift to Atrium Health Foundation in support of the project. It will house a second campus of Wake Forest University School of Medicine and is believed it will be the nations first net-zero medical school. In much the same way Howard Levine and his family have helped advance pediatric and cancer care nationally, this commitment to a net-zero medical school can transform the way health care is delivered for generations.

It has been estimated the health care sector creates 8.5% of total greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. The net-zero approach by Atrium Health recognizes health care has unique opportunities to reduce its environmental impact, given its energy needs to maintain 24/7 operations, plus emissions from operating room anesthesia gas waste and other areas where efficiency can be increased and emissions reduced.

From Day 1 of their training, Wake Forest University School of Medicine will teach our medical students to implement a sustainability-based approach to the way they practice and deliver care, all while in a building that was constructed and operates as net-zero, said Eugene A. Woods, chief executive officer of Charlotte-based Advocate Health, which both Atrium Health and the school of medicine are a part of. As an industry, we must take on a larger role in protecting our planet by improving the energy efficiency of our hospitals, transitioning to cleaner energy sources, reducing waste and training the next generation of medical professionals to mirror these types of best practices in their own care delivery.

In 2022, Woods and other health care industry leaders took part in a roundtable discussion at the White House with officials of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, pledging meaningful action to decarbonize the health care sector. Atrium Health was one of the first health systems to sign on to the Health Care Sector Pledge, committing to meet the Biden administrations goal of reducing emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Some scientists have postulated the Earths changing climate is contributing to deteriorating health within the population, including worsening lung disease and heart disease conditions and making people more susceptible to heat-related conditions, conditions which are exacerbated among minority and underserved populations. Policies and practices designed to preserve clean water, clean air and green spaces can help offset some of those types of effects.

By operating Wake Forest University School of Medicine Charlotte on a net-zero basis, medical students will learn the financial and environmental benefits of sustainability. Supporting curriculum is currently being developed.

As we continue to plan toward the opening of our medical school campus in Charlotte, we have a tremendous opportunity  both in Charlotte and Winston-Salem  to expand our medical education training and have a positive impact on our communities and our environment, said Dr. Ebony Boulware, dean of Wake Forest University School of Medicine and chief science officer at Advocate Health, of which the medical school is the academic core.

Together, as one medical school and two campuses, united together in one mission, we will empower innovation and lead the way in transforming the future of health care.

Atrium Health has been named by the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy as a 2023 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year  Sustained Excellence Award honoree. It is the sixth consecutive year Atrium Health has been recognized by the EPA for its energy efficiency programs and its 26 Energy Star certified buildings. Since 2012, it has reduced its energy consumption by 35%, resulting in more than $23 million in operational cost savings.

The health provider is also a network partner of Practice Greenhealth, a leading, nonprofit innovation and networking organization for sustainable health care. The organization provides tools, resources and scalable solutions that help the enterprise benchmark, set goals and implement strategies to protect community health and well-being.

Atrium Health is partnering with Wexford Science & Technology to construct the Levine Center and the surrounding The Pearl innovation district. The Pearl is a public-private partnership between Atrium Health, Wexford, the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. The innovation district will be a multi-phased, mixed-use development featuring office, lab, retail, residential  including affordable housing, community gathering and academic spaces.
National Distribution Centers LLC, the operator of a 343,000-square-foot distribution center in High Point, has filed a WARN Act notice with the N.C Commerce Department addressing the closing of the facility with 217 employees affected.

HanesBrands Inc. has leased the building at 4190 Eagle Hill Drive since November 2018 as part of its product support efforts for its Champion brand.

HanesBrands could not be immediately reached for its plans for the center and its workforce there.

The real-estate company said in the notice that the center would be closed by Dec. 31 "due to the termination of NDC's customer contract to operate this facility."

It said employees were told of the closing on Oct. 13. Employees would begin being let go on Dec. 17.
Stevedore DP World Australia has resumed operations after a network attack brought operations to a halt on Friday, a statement from the company says.

A spokesperson said a total of 5228 containers were moved by road and 151 by rail on Monday. About 30,000 containers had piled up on the docks while operations were suspended.

DP World Australia has operations in Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney and Fremantle and handles about 40% of the cargo that arrives in, or leaves, Australia.

The company was still able to allow ships to offload or pick up containers, but the IT systems that trucks use to communicate with the stevedore were not operating from Friday until Monday for safety reasons.

A statement issued by DP World Australia on Monday said: "The ongoing investigation and response to protect networks and systems may cause some necessary, temporary disruptions to their services in coming days.

"This is part of an investigation process and resuming normal logistical operations at this scale."

It said the resumption of operations did not mean that investigation of the incident was over, and that ongoing remediation would continue for a while.

No attack group has claimed responsibility for the hit on DP World Australia as yet.

DP World is owned by the emirate of Dubai which is part of the United Arab Emirates.
Ken Xie, founder, chairman of the board, and chief executive officer, Fortinet, said, In our ever-changing, technology-driven world, global cybersecurity leaders must foster collaboration across all sectors, including government, business, civil society, and academia. Public-private partnership, in particular, is essential to developing the holistic, comprehensive strategies that are necessary to adequately address cyber risks and ensure our collective cyber resilience. We look forward to continuing our efforts with the World Economic Forum and facilitating dialogue with global experts across business sectors, governments, and international organisations to action collective ideas into impactful cybersecurity change.

News summary

Fortinet, the global cybersecurity leader driving the convergence of networking and security, has announced that Fortinet will again share expertise and insights at the upcoming World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting on Cybersecurity in Geneva, Switzerland, November 1315. This marks the 4th year Fortinet will participate in the annual event, which brings together the worlds foremost cybersecurity leaders and experts.

Fortinet at the World Economic Forums Annual Meeting on Cybersecurity

Fortinets mission is to secure people, devices, and data everywhere. The companys role as a founding member of the World Economic Forums Centre for Cybersecurity and contributions to the Cybercrime Atlas, a joint initiative launched by the organisations Partnership Against Cybercrime project, are examples of the many ways the company shows up as a member of a larger cybersecurity ecosystem.

Continuing these important discussions, Fortinet will contribute its expertise to sessions at the upcoming Annual Meeting on Cybersecurity, including:

Title : Cyber Resilient Ecosystems: The Missing Link

: Contributor: Derek Manky, chief security strategist and global vice president of threat intelligence, Fortinet

Derek Manky, chief security strategist and global vice president of threat intelligence, Fortinet When : Wednesday, Nov. 15

: Wednesday, Nov. 15 Overview: In an increasingly technological and interconnected business landscape, cyberattacks can spread contagiously across organisations and their supply chains, with cascading effects on the public sector and society. Collaboration among stakeholders is therefore crucial to ensure a holistic approach to addressing global, systemic cyber risks. How can cyber and business leaders put in place strong foundations to ensure their entire organisational ecosystem is cyber resilient?

More about the World Economic Forums Annual Meeting on Cybersecurity

Prevailing geopolitical uncertainty, a looming economic crisis and rapid advances in transformative technologies such as generative artificial intelligence (AI) have significantly impacted cybersecurity. This is evidenced in the World Economic Forum report, Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2023, in which most cyber and business leaders think it is moderately likely or very likely that global geopolitical instability will lead to a far-reaching, catastrophic cyber event in the next two years.

To effectively prepare for and address cyber risks within the multiple transitions the world is going through, organisations need to develop strategies focused on systemic approaches to securing cyberspace. More than ever, sustained multistakeholder collaboration among organisations and society at large is required to ensure our shared resilience. Cyber leaders and executives at the highest levels also need to co-develop strategic foresight to steer effective decision-making to stay ahead of cyberthreats on the horizon. Against this backdrop, the meeting will feature interactive discussions, workshops, and hubs to foster debate, enable insight-sharing, and spur action.

Additional resources

About Fortinet

Fortinet (NASDAQ: FTNT) is a driving force in the evolution of cybersecurity and the convergence of networking and security. Our mission is to secure people, devices, and data everywhere, and today we deliver cybersecurity everywhere you need it with the largest integrated portfolio of over 50 enterprise-grade products. Well over half a million customers trust Fortinets solutions, which are among the most deployed, most patented, and most validated in the industry. The Fortinet Training Institute, one of the largest and broadest training programs in the industry, is dedicated to making cybersecurity training and new career opportunities available to everyone. FortiGuard Labs, Fortinets elite threat intelligence and research organisation, develops and utilises leading-edge machine learning and AI technologies to provide customers with timely and consistently top-rated protection and actionable threat intelligence. Learn more at https://www.fortinet.com, the Fortinet blog, and FortiGuard Labs.
The Australian Computer Society (ACS) has declared a skills crisis in Australia and warned that a staggering 95% of the Australian workforce needs reskilling, as technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence, are poised to profoundly reshape their roles.

ACS, the peak body representing over 47,000 technology professionals in Australias tech sector, today called for a holistic overhaul of the nations skills, training, and immigration programs in its annual Digital Pulse report, prepared by Deloitte Access Economics, which will be released tomorrow.

The call comes as the report forecasts a crisis looming for the Australian economy with the rapid pace of change seeing 90% of Australian workers jobs changing in the next decade, driven by technologies like AI and robotics across most sectors of the workforce.

Chris Vein, ACS Chief Executive, said By 2030, we will need 1.3 million additional skills to effectively utilise the technologies reshaping the Australian workforce. Forecasts from Digital Pulse suggests Australia is not on track to achieve the growth in skills we need.

This years Digital Pulse is not merely a call to action; it's a robust, practical roadmap to build the nationwide tech skills we need. We have developed the most comprehensive projections around tech skills demand through to 2030 to date based on currently available information.

This years report calls for a coalition across industry, education and government to start shaping how our society will respond to the skills challenge this exciting era presents.

This years Digital Pulse is the ninth since the annual survey of Australias technology sector was first released in 2015, and key statistics from the report include:

A lack of the right digital skills is currently costing Australian businesses $3.1 billion each year which could top $16bn by 2030.

The pace of technology investment in Australia is projected to skyrocket from $171B in 2023 to $259B by 2030, this rate of growth is three times faster than overall business investment

By the end of the decade, half of Australian businesses will be using AI, data analytics and robotics but technologies like Generative AI mean businesses will need to do more to keep up with their employees shifting skills and demands

75% of working hours for Australian workers will be affected by key technologies, heralding a significant skill shift across industries.

The ACS notes that in the report, it proposes a National Digital Skills Strategy including a skills-first education and training initiative, a national skills platform, more support for career transitions towards a tech orientated career, to boost the diversity in tech skills, programs to boost Women in Tech, and assist skilled migrants utilise their capabilities.

The stakes are high for Australia. If the nation can get this right, we could be leading the world and guaranteeing our prosperity into the future. If we dont seize the opportunity, we could well be left behind by the middle of the century, Chris Vein concluded.
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Last month, a federal court reinstated a former Yale student's defamation lawsuit against another student, whose accusation of rape led to his dismissal. The ruling has reverberated across academia  and is likely to have implications for other organizations, including private companies.

The case of Khan v. Yale University has traveled a winding road. (Full disclosure: Yale pays my salary.) Testimony given under oath in a courtroom is ordinarily privileged, meaning that the witness can't be sued for defamation. The trial court dismissed Khan's lawsuit on the ground that Yale's tribunal should be treated like a court. On appeal, the Second Circuit asked the Connecticut Supreme Court whether testimony at a university disciplinary hearing was privileged. The justices said no. Thus the Second Circuit's decision to reinstate the lawsuit could not have come as an entire surprise. What hardly anyone expected was that it would be so sweeping.

The judges quoted the Connecticut Supreme Court, which had concluded that Yale's tribunal "is not a quasi-judicial proceeding because it lacked a significant number of procedural safeguards  e.g., an oath requirement, cross-examination, the ability to call witnesses, meaningful assistance of counsel, an adequate record for appeal  that in judicial proceedings ensure reliability and promote fundamental fairness."

Moreover, the Connecticut court explained, part of what makes courts actually, well, courts is that when they decide whether to punish individuals, they're adjudicating based on laws they themselves didn't create. By contrast, the tribunal "creates and applies only" the "internal policies" of the university, and therefore "lacks the necessary components of public participation and approval to be considered quasi-judicial."

In other words, if you want witnesses at disciplinary hearings to be protected from defamation suits, you'll need to add layers of those "procedural safeguards" that judicial proceedings entail.

Let's not pretend that this decision won't affect companies, too. True, for-profit enterprises aren't covered by the same rules as college campuses, but they might face similar risks. Suppose one employee complains about the conduct of another. The company conducts an internal investigation and winds up dismissing the accused. The Second Circuit's opinion in Khan might easily be read to support a defamation suit, if the process did not include the sort of procedural safeguards that in the view of judges tend to produce more reliable testimony. (A human resources waiver signed during the onboarding process would provide little protection; college students, too, are in theory aware of the procedures that will govern complaints against them.)

Critics have warned that the prospect of facing defamation suits might silence victims who fear financial ruin. In October, California adopted AB 933, purportedly aimed at protecting those who have been assaulted or harassed from what advocates call "retaliatory" defamation lawsuits. The bill provides that reports of harassment and assault are "privileged," meaning not subject to defamation claims  more or less the status rejected by the Second Circuit in Khan. But on closer scrutiny, the statute is laced with exceptions. It protects only those survivors who act "without malice" and who had "a reasonable basis to file a complaint"  leaving space to litigate both the basis of the complaint and the motives of the complainant. Its reach is also limited to those who communicate "factual information"  implying that a court of law might inquire into whether the complaint was factual or false.

Yet it would be strange not to include these exceptions. No matter how small the number of false accusations, it will never be zero. The trouble is that most of the tools we create to protect the innocent make it less likely those who've genuinely been harmed will come forward.

In this sense, we face a balancing not of right versus wrong but of right versus right. The trade-offs will always be agonizing.

The human mind will never devise a perfect technology of justice. If we try to punish all the guilty, the cost will be punishing some innocents along the way. If we try to protect all the innocents, the cost will be allowing that some of the guilty to escape. Ordinary due process values lean toward protecting the innocent; most campus hearing procedures lean toward catching the guilty.

Whichever approach you prefer, let's at least agree that our imperfect technology can be improved. As the Second Circuit makes clear, the problem in the Khan case wasn't that Yale didn't adopt all of the procedural guarantees that help assure a fair outcome; it's that Yale didn't adopt any of them. Perhaps picking just part of the list would help.

For advocates in the field, cross-examination of the accuser is a non-starter, but there's no good reason to limit the role of counsel at hearings or to restrict the right of the accused to call witnesses. The accused should have access to every scintilla of evidence that will be being considered by the tribunal. The functions of prosecuting and judging should be rigorously separated, and those involved in making the final decision should be both trained in and experienced at the dispassionate sifting of facts.

Let's be clear. The Second Circuit didn't say the plaintiff is innocent, only that he should have his day in court. Meanwhile, I hope that adding a handful of procedural protections will satisfy the judges. On an issue of such importance, it would be progress to find, for once, a middle way.
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Menopause is not a disease and not a disability, but you wouldn't know that from recent articles about how employers should offer menopause-specific benefits to employees. The end of childbearing potential may be celebrated or mourned, but cessation of the menstrual cycle is not a medically important event. Sure, some women have hot flashes (also called vasomotor symptoms), and for a minority of women those hot flashes are troublesome. But the idea that workplace modifications are needed for occasional sweating episodes is peculiar. The only other symptom definitively linked to menopause is vaginal dryness, for which it is difficult to imagine workplace relevance.

Most menopausal women don't experience bothersome symptoms. But if one attributes every aging-related or life-related symptom to menopause, the prevalence of bothersome symptoms rises rapidly. A report on menopause and the workplace from the National Menopause Foundation, in partnership with Bank of America, found that the top symptoms employees reported experiencing were "impacts to their sleep (45%), mental health/mood (30%), physical health (20%), relationships with family/partner (20%), ability to focus on work (17%), daily activities (15%), and even career progression (9%)." None of these are actually symptoms of menopause. One study found that except for "excessive sweating," every symptom experienced by women was also experienced by men of the same age.

Multiple articles have appeared in The New York Times and elsewhere that present menopause as a disabling phase of life and recommend workplace accommodations. The National Menopause Foundation report found that 80% of women surveyed considered the topic of menopause to be too personal to discuss at work, and 58% of peri- and post-menopausal women reported they didn't feel comfortable discussing their menopausal symptoms at work. OK, so most women don't consider vaginal dryness a safe-for-work topic. Is that necessarily a bad thing? Should men be discussing erectile dysfunction with their bosses? Shouldn't work be, well, work?

The NMF report states that 64% of the 1,000 women surveyed wanted menopause-specific benefits and that when those benefits are offered, 58% reported a positive impact on their work. It's no surprise that increasing flexible work schedules or other benefits has a positive impact on employees. More benefits will predictably lead to a positive impact on any employees who receive them, no matter where they fall on the gender spectrum.

While a menopause-friendly workplace may sound like a good idea, the concept hinges on an anti-feminist argument cloaked in the language of feminism. The flip side of persuading colleagues and supervisors that one needs special treatment for women's problems is having one's views dismissed because one is hormonally unfit.

Women going through menopause should not be pressured into treating it as a medical condition or disability in need of its own workplace benefits package. Women with bothersome symptoms should be treated, but none of these symptoms warrant employers to be intimately involved. When women transition through menopause, and whether or not they have bothersome symptoms, is none of their boss' business.

In general, workplaces should be more accommodating to their employees. Vasomotor symptoms can lead to insomnia, but so can anxiety, depression, stress and medication, among other factors. Offering flextime to all employees would be wonderful, or  here's an idea  simply increasing wages would be a great start. Women's wages are still 17% lower than men's on average. Addressing that inequity would improve women's lives far more than permission to discuss menopausal symptoms in the office.

Workplaces should not create an environment in which mid-life women are "othered" and offered special care and benefits for symptoms that can affect anyone. Perpetuating the idea that menopause is so disruptive and debilitating that employers should step up and provide specialized care (access to hormone therapy is specifically mentioned in the NMF report) feeds into 19th-century concepts that women are weak, helpless creatures who must be protected. Employers should not surrender to this artificially progressive crusade.

(COMMENT, BELOW)

Patricia Bencivenga is the Special Projects Coordinator at PharmedOut, a research and education project that promotes evidence-based prescribing. Adriane Fugh-Berman is a professor in the departments of Pharmacology and Physiology and in the Department of Family Medicine at Georgetown University Medical Center, where shes also the director of PharmedOut, a research and education project that promotes evidence-based prescribing.
Braverman was fired for speaking the truth about the brutal, vicious Palestinians who beheaded babies in their October 7 invasion of Israel.

Braverman had already drawn flak for calling the massive influx of migrants into the UK an "invasion."

What is particularly troubling is that PM Sunak likely fired her because the truth she had spoken made her less than popular with Britain's Muslim immigrants who are an increasingly powerful minority in the UK.

The United Kingdom's time zones are earlier in the day than ours' in the US. So, at least figuratively, look for the political winds that blow there to travel here.

Just as the peaceful, patriotic January 6th demonstrations in Washington to protest electoral fraud have been used to discredit the MAGA movement and lock up good people, now look for denunciations of antisemitic Palestinian supporters to be held up as examples of hate speech.

The world is turning and what was wrong  antisemitism  is now right.

What was right  condemning them  is enough to fire one of the most powerful officials in England.

(COMMENT, BELOW)

Dick Morris, who served as adviser to former Sen. Trent Lott (R-Miss.) and former President Clinton, is the author of 16 books, including his latest, Screwed and Here Come the Black Helicopters.


MATTOON  The city of Mattoon has begun its annual fall leaf collection for all residential properties in the city and plans to offer weekly collection opportunities through Dec. 8.

Leaves will collected on Mondays on the northwest side of town, from 19th Street west and Western Avenue north; on Tuesdays on the northeast, from 19th east and Charleston Avenue north; on Wednesdays on the southeast side, from the Canadian National rails east and Charleston south; and on Thursdays on the southwest side, from the railroad west Commercial and Pine avenues south.

The leaves must be in 30-gallon paper yard waste bags to be collected. Plastic bags will not be accepted. Residents must have their leaf bags placed within 10 feet of the curb of a public street by 7 a.m. to ensure pickup on their scheduled day. Anything placed after 7 a.m. may not be picked up until the following week.

Residents are also welcome to take their leaves to the city's yard waste facility along North Logan Street. The yard waste facility is open seven days a week during daylight hours. Leaves must either be in paper yard waste bags or dumped loose on the leaf pile there.

The city has advised that mowing leaves into lawns is an easy alternative to disposing of leaves. The University of Illinois Extension has posted information on such leaf mulching at http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/hortihints/0010a.html or http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/champaign/homeowners/981017.html.

Close Benjamin Perry of Mattoon empties leaves from a trash bag Tuesday afternoon at the Mattoon Yard Waste Facility along North Logan Street. Both the Mattoon facility and the Charleston Leaf and Limb Drop-Off Site along West Madison Avenue near the city's wastewater treatment plant are open for use during the daytime seven days a week. Mattoon residents Carol Briggerman, at left, and Connie Matheny drop off limbs Tuesday afternoon at the Mattoon Yard Waste Facility. Discarded jack-o'-lanterns peer out of a pile of limbs Tuesday afternoon at the Mattoon Yard Waste Facility. Photos: Mattoon Yard Waste Facility Mattoon residents were dropping off leaves and limbs Tuesday afternoon at the Mattoon Yard Waste Facility along North Logan Street as part of their fall yard work and in anticipation of inclement weather later in the week. Both the Mattoon facility and the Charleston Leaf and Limb Drop-Off Site along West Madison Avenue near the city's Wastewater Treatment Plant are open for use during the daytime seven days a week. Benjamin Perry of Mattoon empties leaves from a trash bag Tuesday afternoon at the Mattoon Yard Waste Facility along North Logan Street. Both the Mattoon facility and the Charleston Leaf and Limb Drop-Off Site along West Madison Avenue near the city's wastewater treatment plant are open for use during the daytime seven days a week. Mattoon residents Carol Briggerman, at left, and Connie Matheny drop off limbs Tuesday afternoon at the Mattoon Yard Waste Facility. Discarded jack-o'-lanterns peer out of a pile of limbs Tuesday afternoon at the Mattoon Yard Waste Facility.
100 years ago,

Nov. 14, 1923

CHICAGO  25 girls in the Juvenile Detention Home are under heavy guard today, following their attempt during a riot in the night to escape with knotted sheets while four men in a motor car circled again and again outside the building. The men drove away when the uprising was squelched. The rebellion was led by Anna Baraunski, "tiger girl," seized recently with a band of hold-up men. It began when the girls pounced upon a matron making her rounds and trussed her to a chair The rebels had 15 sheets tied into a rope that was to be dropped four stories to the ground. The girls were clustered about a window opening when Angus Frew, the superintendent, chanced upon them. He called reinforcements, who subdued the 25 and restored order...CHARLESTON  The thirty-eighth anniversary of the founding of the Knights of Pythias lodge in Charleston was fittingly observed on Monday night, when 100 or more members of the order were present at the ceremonies held in the lodge rooms in the Richter block.

50 years ago, 1973

MATTOON  Donald "Pete" Peterson, 102 Pear Court, Mattoon, has announced he will file a petition as a candidate for Coles County sheriff. Peterson, 51, will seek the Democratic nomination in the 1974 primary. A life-long resident of Mattoon, Peterson graduated from Mattoon High School and the University of California with a degree in private investigation. He has been a patrolman on the Charleston police force and has been active in the Civil Defense police program of the Mattoon Police Department for the past 10 years. Peterson has been employed for the past five years as a full time security officer at the R.R. Donnelly Co...COOKS MILLS  The Facilities Committee, in a report to the Mattoon Board of Education, has recommended that Cooks Mills School be used for grades 1-3. The remaining grades would be sent to Humboldt, with Humboldt ninth graders in turn being sent to Jefferson Junior High. The advantages of this arrangement, listed by the committee include: Cooks Mills would not then desperately need a multi-purpose room addition for the three lower grades; 4-6th graders would have access to more facilities at Humboldt; Ninth graders seem to be too mature in many ways to have to share so many facilities with elementary students.

25 years ago, 1998

CASEY  Jennifer Briggs of Moriah, a tiny town southeast of Casey, is entertaining this week in a way she could never have imagined. She and her husband, Warren, are hosts to her sister, Cynthia Bocsi of England  a sister she not only hadn't seen for 50 years, but whom, prior to September, she didn't know existed. Briggs knew the people in Ipswitch Suffolk, England, whom she called mom and dad, were her adoptive parents, but she had no memory of her birth family, or the sister from whom she was separated when she was two years old. Then, on Sept. 8, the mail carrier delivered two letters to the Briggs home  one from Briggs' adoptive parents and the other, also postmarked England, from her sister who had been searching for her for nearly half a century. First, there was an excited trans-Atlantic phone call, followed by several letters and additional phone calls, and then Bosci was boarding a plane to fly to the United States and to the little sister she had never forgotten.

12 animals that have been observed adopting animals from other species Cross-species adoption Beluga whale and narwhal Bottlenose dolphin and melon-headed whale Capuchin monkey and marmoset Lion and leopard Sperm whale and bottlenose dolphin 3-fingered sloth and 2-fingered sloth King penguin and skua Jackdaw and pigeon Bald eagle and red-tailed hawk Common loon and goldeneye duckling Eastern towhee, wood thrush, and brown-headed cowbird Lion and oryx
Winter donation drive set

The Clark/Cumberland County ROSC (Recovery Oriented Systems of Care) is collecting new hats, gloves, and personal hygiene products until Nov. 30.

All sized for adults and children will be accepted. All collected items will be distributed through local food banks, active clothes drives, community action agencies and community schools.

Drop off locations include Casey City Hall, Martinsville City Hall, Marshall City Hall, City of Neoga Municipal Building, Greenup Municipal Building, Village of Toledo.

For more information contact Kristina Drum at KristinaD@hourhouserecovery.org and at 217-273-7342.

Personal assistant training Nov. 21

MARSHALL  SAIL, Soyland Access to Independent Living, is hosting a personal assistant training session from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 21, at the Marshall Public Library, 612 Archer Ave.

The names of attendees who successfully complete the training will be placed on the personal assistant state registry. People with disabilities, who are living independently and wish to hire a personal assistant, can request a referral list to identify prospective employees for hire.

Anyone 18 years of age or older and interested in working as a personal assistant is welcome to attend this training. Social distancing will be practiced, and face masks are optional.
Photo: Pixabay stock image

The Town of Crestons public safety partners are teaming up to spread holiday cheer through their annual "Cram the Cruiser" event.

Creston RCMP, BC Emergency Health Services, Canada Border Services, and Creston Fire Rescue are working with Royal LePage Realty and Pealows Independent Grocer to host the event.

"We are seeking donations of non-perishable food items, unopened toys, and cash donations to support families in our community over the holiday season," reads a press release from RCMP Monday.

"All food and toys will be donated to our local food bank, Creston Valley Gleaners Society, with cash donations going directly to the local elementary schools breakfast programs."

The event takes place Saturday, Nov. 23 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Pealow's Your Independent Grocer.

"We look forward to seeing as many people as possible, and thank the residents of the Valley in advance for their generosity toward these fundraising initiatives."
Raleigh-Durham International Airport will gain daily nonstop service to Mexico City's Benito Juarez International Airport beginning on July 1.

The service will come from Aeromexico, which becomes RDUs 17th airline and the first to serve Mexicos capital city. Mexico City would be RDUs ninth international destination.

RDU continues to attract new airlines and international destinations because of the Triangles vibrant global community and status as a hub for education, technology and great quality of life, said Michael Landguth, president and chief executive of Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority.

The service will operate daily out of Terminal 2 on an Embraer E-190 with 99 seats that include 11 premier seats.

The route is operated under Aeromexico and Delta Air Lines joint cooperation agreement that offers an extensive network of flights, with exclusive products and services, as well as frequent flyer benefits with lounge access.

Aeromexico is the third new airline to begin or announce international service at RDU in 2023. The inaugural Air France flight from Paris to RDU landed on Oct. 30, while Lufthansa announced in September it will launch nonstop service to Frankfurt, Germany in June.
Wells Fargo & Co. has disclosed it has completed the closure of 20 more branches  none in North Carolina  according to its latest report to the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.

There have been at least 66 Wells Fargo branch closings in North Carolina, including three in Winston-Salem and nine in the Triad, since July 2020.

Overall, Wells Fargo has dropped from more than 6,600 branches in 2009 when it acquired a collapsing Wachovia Corp. and gained an East Coast presence.

The branch count was at 4,355 as of Sept. 30, down from 4,445 on June 30 and from 4,612 on Sept. 30, 2022.

Meanwhile, Bank of America Corp. has informed the OCC of plans to close another 10 branches  also none in N.C.
Winston-Salem police have taken to Instagram to warn citizens against carrying out their own criminal investigations of suspected crimes against children and other offenses.

Police said theyve experienced multiple incidents of groups trying to do their own investigation of people they suspect of seeking to commit sex crimes with children, and said those investigations are best left to professionals.

The men and women of the WSPD are highly trained individuals who work tirelessly to ensure successful prosecution is achieved in every case, Winston-Salem Police Chief William Penn said on the departments Instagram page. Through training and experience, our officers fully understand the law and prosecutorial guidelines we must meet to ensure justice is always served.

Penn went on to decry social media attacks that have been made on officers who were called to the scene of such incidents.

To see the social media attacks on an officer who has dedicated his life to safeguarding the community is unacceptable, especially when the officer acted in accordance with policies, procedures and standards set by our agency and the Department of Justice, he said. I am aware of the investigation referenced in these social media attacks and reassure you that our officer acted appropriately, which reflected the goal of achieving successful prosecution. I will stand behind the men and women of the WSPD and their daily work to keep the community safe.

Police did not respond Monday when asked to give more details about the alleged incident or the social media criticism of police in connection with it.

In 2022, Winston-Salem police charged four people after three men from out of town got into a fight with a Winston-Salem man inside the Target store on Hanes Mall Boulevard. Police never said why the men lured the local resident to the Target, but did say they were members of a group called Dads Against Predators.

The man lured into the Target, Dontaye Kentrell Wade, 25, of Winston-Salem, was charged with simple affray and carrying a concealed weapon. Police said a fight broke out after Wade slapped away a phone one of the three vigilantes was using to film the confrontation. Wade reportedly pulled a gun and fired one time to stop the assault. The three men fled the store with Wades gun.

Police filed simple affray charges against Ohio residents Jay Carnicom and Joshua Mundy and Marion resident Jason Chipps in connection with the incident.

Winston-Salem police said that under U.S. Department of Justice standards, law enforcement agencies do not approve, condone or encourage cyber-vigilantism by citizens. Police said they also do not use unauthorized private citizens to proactively seek out investigative targets.

Police pointed out that the department has a working unit that concentrates on protecting children against internet crime.

Penn said it is important to have officers trained in the proper protocols to investigate crimes so that perpetrators are successfully prosecuted and not just arrested and released back on the street.

Forsyth County District Attorney Jim ONeal endorsed that line of thought, saying that local law enforcement officers are experts at gathering and collecting evidence that must meet the legal threshold to be admissible in a court of law. He said there is a firm line between truly assisting police and vigilantism for the sake of clicks.

Please, let law enforcement do their job, ONeill said. If you suspect that someone is breaking the law, call 911 and report it to the experts.
Proclaiming diversity to be one of North Carolinas strength, Gov. Roy Cooper visited Sri Mata Hindu Temple in Clemmons on Monday to mark Diwali, a festival that Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists celebrate around the world.

Celebrated each fall, Diwali is a five-day festival, with the third day representing the high point.

Cooper signed a proclamation and spoke Monday to a group of people gathered for the event. Beforehand, he toured the temple, which opened in 2017.

This is a place where you can put away the everyday stress of life and have a place to worship, to meditate and to keep a culture alive and well, Cooper said.

He commended the local contingent of Indian Americans who planned and built the temple on Lasater Road.

Cooper has signed proclamations celebrating Diwali through the years, but this was the first in the Triad.

When Sri Mata opened, it served about 500 local families. Today, that number has grown to about 1,200, said Narendra Sagar, a spokesman for the temple.

It has a unique layout of deities, which makes a draw for Hindus around the country.

Mayor Allen Joines, Michelle Barson, the mayor pro tem of Clemmons and state Sen. Jay Chaudhuri also spoke at the event.

They made reference to the meaning of Diwali, which celebrates light triumphing over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.

This is something that should be practiced by all cultures, Barson said.

Cooper talked about the values that he shares with Indian Americans, including their emphasis on education and family, particularly when it comes to valuing the elders in their family.

In North Carolina, our diversity is one of our greatest strengths. So many try to turn it into a weakness, he said.

Shortly before Coopers visit, his office announced that he is one 10 governors who sent a letter to Congress asking it to quickly enact an increase in funding to a FEMA grant program that protects houses of worships.

Were not going to tolerate threats of hate in our state, Cooper said.

PHOTOS: Gov. Roy Cooper's visit to Hindu temple in Clemmons for Diwali
The idea that some lives matter less is the root of all that is wrong with the world.

 Paul Farmer

When we hear stories about the state of health care in poor countries, it can be easy to treat them as inevitable. It can be easy to say that poorer countries will always be at a disadvantage when it comes to health care, and theres nothing we can do about it. But Paul Farmer didnt believe that.

Farmer, born in Massachusetts and raised in Florida, grew up in an old school bus his father had converted into a mobile home. His family of 10 was by no means wealthy and often picked up odd jobs when money was tight. However, his parents always made sure to prioritize their childrens education and frequently exposed them to serious literature.

This instilled love of literature led to Farmer finding the works of Rudolf Virchow, a 19th-century German physician who developed the field of public health. Virchows main contribution to the field was his belief that the physician must serve as attorney for the poor, and his emphasis was on social medicine, the idea that health structures should support everyone in a society.

After graduating from Duke University and Harvard Medical School, working in migrant camps in North Carolina, and volunteering at a hospital in Haiti, Farmer co-founded Partners in Health (PIH), an organization that aims to provide health care to some of the poorest areas in developing countries.

In Haiti, PIH started a community-based health project called Zanmi Lasante. Under Farmers guidance, Zanmi Lasante built schools, homes and communal sanitation and water systems, vaccinated all local children, decreased malnutrition and infant mortality rates, and focused on AIDS prevention during the HIV crisis, successfully decreasing HIV transmission rates from mothers to babies.

During the AIDS crisis in Haiti, many health care professionals believed that poor, rural people wouldnt survive the disease. Yet, Farmer went door to door with antiviral medication, ensuring that every Haitian had the medication they needed.

In 1999, the WHO designated Farmer, along with fellow PIH worker Jim Yong Kim, to facilitate global tuberculosis treatment programs to ensure successful deliveries of antibiotics. With a $44.7 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Farmer created specific drug therapy initiatives for individuals around the world. The program had some of the highest cure rates in the world, proving that treating tuberculosis in poor countries could be done cost-effectively. Farmers work in public health saved millions of lives in 12 countries, including Haiti, Rwanda, Peru and Sierra Leone.

He was a humanitarian but was equally well-known for his scholarship. At Harvard University, Farmer was Kolokotrones University Professor and chair of the Department of Global Health and Social Medicine. In 2009, he was named United Nations Deputy Special Envoy to Haiti under U.S. President Bill Clinton. In 2012, Farmer was appointed the United Nations Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on Community-Based Medicine and Lessons from Haiti.

Farmer died in Butaro, Rwanda, on Feb. 21, 2022, at the age of 62. At the time, he was involved in medical education for the first-ever class of medical students at the University of Global Health Equitys Butaro campus that he helped build.

Paul Farmer was a respected and influential voice in public health, both on and off the field. His contributions to public health aimed to show the world that health care is not impossible in poor countries and that it is not fair to turn a blind eye to the injustice of health inequities. His guidance led the way to many initiatives that support his vision and have continued to fight for his goals of social health care even after his death. Farmer has truly changed the world.

This year on Oct. 26, on what would have been Paul Famers 64th birthday, Partners In Health celebrated the Global Day of Action.
Fool me once ...

Regarding the letter Too long a reach? (Nov. 12): I agree that working across the aisle would be a reasonable thing to expect of our representatives.

However, a correction is needed. We have the current, short-term debt-ceiling limit extension because Democrats helped Kevin McCarthy get it passed. And what the Democrats got for their efforts was McCarthy going to the media and blaming the Democrats for the near-shutdown. So, when the Republicans decided to punish McCarthy for working with the Democrats, the Dems said fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me, and refused to help him keep his position.

Mike Johnson will likely suffer the same fate from his own party if he dares work across the aisle.

Never mind that the whole idea of a debt ceiling is an artificial construct that should be demolished. Its saying that well refuse to pay our bills when weve already incurred the expense.

How long would our personal creditors let us get away with that?

Angela Pearman

Winston-Salem

Voices unheard

On Nov. 9, approximately 30 residents of Reynolds Park, Arbor Place, Kent Place and Boston Thurmond attended a city planning board meeting to oppose a zoning change that would permit the construction of apartment up to 18 units per acre and up to 60 feet high (five stories) adjacent to our developments.

The attorney for the developer, (from Greensboro!), commented that the developer had made several concessions to the homeowners regarding the project. No concessions were made to the homeowners. In fact, the initial presentation to the surrounding residents showed lower-density housing (12 units per acre).

The petition was approved, calling the area a transitional project. The citys own plan (from 2017), called for only eight units per acre on part of the property. We are doubtful that any of the members of the board actually visited the site. We plan to appeal to the City Council to reverse this decision.

We feel our voices were not heard by a committee of our neighbors charged with representing us.

Bruce Walley

Winston-Salem

A family affair

To my surprise, I have yet to see an article that mentions the effects drug abuse may have on ones family. They cannot be overstated.

By reporting on these issues, newspapers can shed light on the often hidden and overlooked struggles faced by families impacted by drug abuse. Additionally, speaking on the effects of drug abuse on family members helps to break the stigma and shame associated with addiction. By publishing articles, interviews and personal stories about the impact of drug abuse on families, we can provide a platform for these individuals to share their experiences and find community.

Furthermore, by highlighting the effects of drug abuse on family members, newspapers and public platforms alike can advocate for improved access to treatment and support services. By raising awareness of these resources, newspapers can help families impacted by drug abuse access the help they need to heal and rebuild their lives.

The effects of drug abuse on family members are devastating and far-reaching. Newspapers need to speak on these effects to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and advocate for support and solutions.

Trinity Norman

Jonesville

Still on the mend

This letter is to the voters. I am the U.S. Capitol building. I am still trying to heal from the major attack on Jan. 6, 2021, when rioters came to the grounds where I stand and charged doors and windows to get in. They smashed the windows, breaking through the main entrance.

Congress was in session, about to count electoral votes in the presidential election. You could see the fear in the Senate and the House. I do not understand why a president would want to attack me. I am a building where lawmakers are working (hoping to do the right things for this country). I am not a battlefield for a president to do whatever he wants.

I have seen a lot of history on my grounds, dating back to Sept. 18, 1793. During the war of 1812, I was burned down by the British military and that was the start of my painful life. I know I am just a building, but I do not think I can keep taking these attacks. Today we have a very good president in the White House (Joe Biden), we have a very good vice president (Kamala Harris), and neither has ordered any attacks on the Capitol.

I can only hope this coming election the American voters will choose a safe president. Please remember what happened to your U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6.

James Fleming

Clemmons
Google and Allo Communications are partnering on a fiber network buildout in Bellevue.

Construction is set to begin soon on Google's new fiber network, with the work being done by Allo. It is expected to be completed by the middle of 2024, according to a Google Fiber blog post.

"We are excited to announce our partnership with Google Fiber," Lincoln-based Allo said in a written statement. "... This relationship leverages construction partnerships in communities throughout Nebraska, Colorado and Arizona that Allo has completed during our past 20 years."

The project, Allo says, will bring reliable fiber broadband to underserved residents and businesses.

Allo provides GFiber business customers in Kansas City, Missouri, and Des Moines, Iowa, with Allo Business services, including telephone, hosted PBX, Teams Voice, cybersecurity and managed firewalls.

Business services also are available across Allo's footprint, throughout the region, and now in Bellevue and the Omaha metro area. Allo also is working on completing its own all-fiber network in Papillion, La Vista, Gretna and Ralston.

Top Journal Star photos for November 2023
A 39-year-old Lincoln man who inappropriately photographed and touched sleeping children at a sleepover in March was sentenced Monday to 28 to 38 years in prison.

Nathen Mcthenia pleaded no contest to felony child abuse and attempted generation of images depicting sexual abuse of a child.

"This particular incident will haunt him forever, and is more than voyeuristic in nature," his attorney, Nick Glasz, said, asking for a low-end sentence that would include supervision that would help him transition back into society.

Mcthenia had little to no criminal history before this, he said.

Mcthenia told the judge he was sorry to the victims and their parents.

"There's no excuse for what I did. It never should've happened," he said.

In March, the mother of a 10-year-old girl contacted the Lincoln Police after her daughter disclosed to her that she woke up to her friend's father touching her inappropriately at a sleepover the prior fall.

In a forensic interview, the girl said she woke to Mcthenia on the couch next to her, holding a cell phone with one hand and touching her under her shirt and bra with the other.

She said he'd asked the night before if she was a heavy sleeper.

And she wasn't Mcthenia's only victim.

"It was not a one-time mistake. It was a recurring pattern on behalf of Mr. Mcthenia," Deputy Lancaster County Attorney Morgan Smith said.

He said investigators identified three victims, but there may be others, given that they found pictures of other boys and girls, who they haven't yet identified.

Now, he said, the victims are afraid to go out to recess, are uncomfortable around strangers and can't go on sleepovers.

"It's difficult to understate the impact that his actions have had on the families," Smith said. "All because Mr. Mcthenia is a predator."

Lancaster County District Judge Andrew Jacobsen said in reading the victim impact statements it was clear this was a close neighborhood, and they trusted Mcthenia.

"You've torn this neighborhood apart. You've torn these people's lives apart. You've torn these children's lives apart," he said.

Most dangerous cities in Nebraska Dangerous Cities in Nebraska 6. South Sioux City 5. Scottsbluff 4. North Platte 3. Lincoln 2. Grand Island 1. Omaha A note about the numbers
Lincoln Sen. Eliot Bostar announced Monday that he will seek reelection next year to the Legislative District 29 seat that he has occupied since 2020.

Pointing to his work on issues that include the economy, health care access and affordable housing, Bostar, who represents a portion of south Lincoln, said he's running again "because theres more work to do."

I want to ensure that Nebraskans who work hard can provide for their families, and that our community is safe, affordable and vibrant  a place everyone is proud to call home," he said in a news release.

Bostar touted his work to fund a second water source and a new convention center for Lincoln as well as efforts to lower health care costs for patients by capping the cost of insulin and requiring insurance companies to pay for breast cancer and colorectal cancer screenings.

A south Lincoln resident originally from New York, Bostar also highlighted his efforts to make child care and housing more affordable while aiming to stimulate workforce development by adding resources to training programs to help workers gain access to higher-paying jobs.

The registered Democrat also pointed to his support of first responders and veterans, which included legislation improving safety and working conditions for first responders to recruit and retain top talent and supporting eliminating income taxes on Social Security and military retirement benefits.

I worked with my colleagues to get things done to improve the lives of Nebraskans, and I have the record to prove it, he said in the news release. Ive listened to my constituents and focused my work on the issues and priorities they brought to me. Im ready to continue that work for the next four years.

The makeup of Bostar's district has changed since he was first elected to the formally nonpartisan Legislature in 2020, beating Republican challenger Jacob Campbell with 53% of the vote in what was one of the most expensive legislative races in recent history.

District 29 has fewer voters now than it did then following redistricting in 2021. When Bostar was first elected, the district had 28,256 registered voters, including 11,264 Republicans, 10,406 Democrats and 6,153 nonpartisan voters.

As of Nov. 1, the district had 27,044 voters, including 9,339 Republicans, 10,749 Democrats and 6,391 registered nonpartisans.

Bostar, who is the executive director of Conservation Nebraska, serves on the Legislature's Revenue Committee, the Banking, Commerce and Insurance Committee, the Rules Committee and the Planning Committee, among others.

He's also the vice chair of the Lincoln Water 2.0 Commission, a group of 27 stakeholders leading the city's effort to secure a second water source  an effort the Legislature appropriated $180 million of federal funds to in April after Bostar sought $200 million for the project.

He also serves on the Governors Taxation and Valuation working group.

Bostars work in the Legislature earned him the Healthcare Advocate of the Year award from the Nebraska Hospital Association.

He was also named Friend of Family Medicine by the Nebraska Academy of Family Physicians and a Champion for Prescription Drug Affordability from the AARP of Nebraska, among other awards.

Bostar and his wife, Carrie, have two children and live in south Lincoln.

Photos: Last day of the 108th Nebraska Legislature
Photo: The Canadian Press

A jury began deliberations Monday afternoon at the federal trial of a former Louisville police detective accused of violating Breonna Taylor's civil rights by opening fire on her apartment the night she was killed during a botched raid.

The jury received the case on a day when the former officer, Brett Hankison, was grilled by a federal prosecutor over his actions at the time the 26-year-old Black woman was killed. Taylor was shot to death by police after they knocked down the door of her apartment on March 13, 2020.

Federal prosecutors are attempting to do what Kentucky prosecutors couldnt  convict Hankison for his actions on the night Taylor was fatally shot. Last year, the former officer was acquitted by a jury at a state trial of wanton endangerment charges.

A federal prosecutor said in closing arguments Monday that Hankison sent bullets flying into Taylors apartment and an adjoining apartment. Jurors heard earlier that none of the shots he fired struck anyone, despite rounds straying into another apartment where a couple with a child lived.

Prosecutor Michael Songer said that Hankisons actions dishonored other police officers, adding that the role of police is to protect human life and that Hankison knew that firing blindly was wrong.

Hankison was one of four officers who were charged by the U.S. Department of Justice last year with violating Taylors civil rights, accused of endangering Taylor, her boyfriend and Taylor's neighbors, who shared a wall with her apartment.

The two counts of civil rights violations against him carry a maximum penalty of life in prison if he is convicted.

Defense attorney Stewart Mathews, in his closing arguments, urged jurors to consider what Hankison encountered  the chaos he was surrounded with.

He reacted by trying to protect the lives of his fellow officers and himself, Mathews said.

Hankisons response to what he perceived was reasonable, not criminal, Mathews added.

Earlier, under questioning from his attorney, Hankison said he opened fire to stop the threat posed by the shooter in Taylors apartment. He did so, he said, to defend my life and the lives of his fellow officers. His comments wrapped up testimony in the trial.

Taylor was shot to death by officers who were executing a drug search warrant, which was later found to be flawed. Taylors boyfriend fired a single shot that hit one of the officers as they came through the door of the apartment, and officers returned fire, striking Taylor in the apartment hallway multiple times. The other 32 bullets fired in the raid came from police, investigators determined.

When gunfire erupted, Hankison ran to the side of the apartment and sprayed bullets through Taylors windows. Officers found no drugs or long guns in Taylors apartment.

Earlier, under questioning from a federal prosecutor Monday, Hankison testified he did not see a shooter when he fired through Taylors covered window and sliding door, and said he did not know exactly where the shooter was inside the apartment, but saw muzzle flashes from gunfire. Hankison said in earlier testimony that he could see a shooter in the hallway before he rounded the corner of the apartment and fired into the glass door and windows.

Taylors killing along with George Floyds death at the hands of Minnesota police in 2020 ignited protests that summer around the country over racial injustice and police brutality. U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland announced the federal indictments in the Taylor case in August 2022, remarking that Taylor should be alive today.
At Morrill Hall, the University of Nebraska State Museum houses many fossils and artifacts that tell the history of the state and region.

Thanks to recent research by a University of Washington doctoral student, one piece of that history  which is on display weaving through one of the museum's gallery floors  has a new name: Styxosaurus rezaci.

The newly classified species of plesiosaur was studied by Elliott Armour Smith, who uncovered slight differences in the fossil's skull that differentiated it from other plesiosaur species while working on his master's thesis at Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia.

The kind of interesting thing about my paper is it went about sort of testing the evolutionary relationships between some of these different plesiosaurs from western North America, Smith said. So, I didn't really have any connection to Nebraska in a way, but sort of my own exposure and interest to paleontology and my research really brought me there.

The fossil was discovered between October and November of 1964 on Rezac land in Valparaiso about a half-hour drive north of Lincoln.

"It's just amazing that it was buried underground," said David Rezac, who was about 13 years old when the fossil was excavated from his family's land. "This land was covered by ocean, and who knows what other kind of animals passed through here."

His grandfather bought a portion of the land in 1908, and bought an expansion  where the plesiosaur fossil would later be found  a few years later, Rezac said. The land was once leased out to an oil company that ultimately decided not to drill, and now operates as a corn, soybean and wheat farm.

The family could have sold the fossil, but instead decided to donate it to the University of Nebraska State History Museum. This, to Smith, is of extreme importance to science.

That's the thing that doesn't always happen in our field; people are tempted to sell a fossil to a private collection and it prevents it from being worked on publicly, said Smith. I always thought to tip the cap to folks who decide to donate something where they stand to benefit monetarily.

In honor of the familys donation, he named the newfound species of plesiosaur after them.

It was really the reason I was inspired to give the specific epithet, the part of the species name that sort of gives it a unique nomenclature, that it was named after because I was just so inspired by the fact that this really incredible fossil was donated, Smith said.

Because his work was on a fossil that is in the floor of Morrill Hall, Smith had to work closely with museum curator and University of Nebraska-Lincoln associate professor Ross Secord on removing the Plexiglas that protects it from museum guests footsteps.

The skull, Smith said, was the most important part of the research into the species. His masters adviser, Robin OKeefe, has spent much of his career working on research into plesiosaurs. They discovered the fossil in an abstract book, Smith said, and the excitement to know more about its origin swept him up in looking at historical fossils through a new critical lens.

Immediately it was a priority for me to get out there and I ultimately ended up just driving out there, Smith said of his road trip to Nebraska. That's the other thing about paleo-research, which is great is that its kind of low tech. You need to travel, you need to have lodging, some time and a camera. And then it's a lot of spending time with the fossil and going and making detailed observations of the important features.

Photos: Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park 081323-owh-new-passport-ashfall-p2.jpg 081323-owh-new-passport-ashfall-p1.jpg 081323-owh-new-passport-ashfall-p3.jpg 081323-owh-new-passport-ashfall-p4.jpg 081323-owh-new-passport-ashfall-p5.jpg 081323-owh-new-passport-ashfall-p6.jpg 081323-owh-new-passport-ashfall-p7.jpg 081323-owh-new-passport-ashfall-p8.jpg 081323-owh-new-passport-ashfall-p9.jpg 081323-owh-new-passport-ashfall-p10.jpg 081323-owh-new-passport-ashfall-p11.jpg 081323-owh-new-passport-ashfall-p12.jpg 081323-owh-new-passport-ashfall-p13.jpg 081323-owh-new-passport-ashfall-p14.jpg 081323-owh-new-passport-ashfall-p15.jpg 081323-owh-new-passport-ashfall-p16.jpg
Levelle Wells begins with the night he looked in the rearview mirror.

Its Thanksgiving. Wells is 40 years old and driving home after barhopping with relatives. He needs something to soak up the alcohol, so he takes a hard right, jumping a curb on the way to McDonalds.

Suddenly, police lights illuminate his car.

I wasnt nervous. I was numb, Wells said. This had been my life for a while.

Wells had been to prison twice. A gang member and crack cocaine dealer, hed been arrested, jailed and shot in the ankle.

But that night, with the police behind him, Wells looked in the mirror.

I started talking to that rearview mirror and thinking, Things must change. I gotta do better.

Now 52, Wells life has changed.

Gone are the flashing red and blue police lights. Theyve been replaced by a spotlight on a stage, almost 11 years of sobriety and a new purpose.

Wells told his story in an episode of Stories from the Stage, a World Channel original series that showcases stories told by ordinary people from all walks of life. This season, two episodes taped at Nebraska Public Media feature several Indigenous storytellers from Nebraska.

At one time, I was on the wrong side of the law and I couldnt speak because that would be hypocritical, Wells said in an interview with the Omaha World-Herald. Today, Im compelled and convicted to keep doing the next right thing.

Wells episode of Stories on the Stage premieres Monday at 8:30 p.m. on KYNE  Nebraska Public Media. Stories from the Stage can also be found on YouTube, worldchannel.org and the PBS app.

In addition to Wells, this season features a story from another Omaha resident, Valery Killscrow Copeland, a member of the Oglala-Lakota Sioux Tribe.

Wells is Afro-Indigenous. His father, who is Black, moved to Nebraska from Alabama to escape racism. His mother grew up on the Omaha Nation Reservation in northeast Nebraska.

Wells primarily grew up in North Omaha. He said having a father in his life, unlike many of his friends, helped him stay out of trouble. But that changed when he was 17.

Wells was arrested in a drug bust in his neighborhood. He said he wasnt selling or buying drugs but was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

He was convicted and sentenced to five years in prison in 1989.

Prison does a number to you, Wells said.

When he was released after three years, Wells was a changed man and ready to embrace street life after getting closer to a gang while in prison.

I was no longer in the wrong place at the wrong time, Wells said. I was doing things that were wrong. Drive-bys, gangbanging, robbing, drug dealing, drinking and drugging. This was my life for the next 20 years.

Wells said he couldve made better choices. Today, he regrets it all.

Absolutely. 110%, Wells said. I regret participating in any of that chaos ... At the time, as a youth, your mind hasnt fully developed, and you dont think like that. Youre dealing with your traumas, and youre dealing with pain. Hurt people hurt people. We project the pain on anybody that we feel deserve it to get it off of us.

Every time he got out of jail or prison, Wells said, the streets were calling his name. Upon one release, a friend gave him a welcome-home package of a quarter ounce of crack to sell and a TEC-9 pistol.

By comparison, Wells said there was little programming provided by the State of Nebraska to help him when he was released other than clothing, boots and some money.

It was $100 and good luck, Wells said. Dont come back.

Wells did go back. He returned to prison on another drug charge in 1997.

When he was released in December 2000, he was determined to never go back and got two jobs. But about five weeks later, he was shot in the ankle.

The streets are unforgiving, Wells said. Some say the past catch up with you. Probably so.

Wells said he threw away his 20s, and he spent his 30s dealing with the residual trauma of prison and street life before having that rearview mirror moment at age 40.

After getting pulled over on that Thanksgiving night, Wells received his second conviction for driving under the influence. He was put on probation, had his license revoked for a year and served 10 days in jail.

That was the longest 10 days I ever did, Wells said. I did three or four years in prison but that 10 days was a wake-up call.

Wells entered rehab.

It was very hard, Wells said. Its still kind of hard.

Since getting sober, Wells has graduated from Metropolitan Community College and become a sponsor and mentor to others struggling with addiction. He serves on the City of Omahas Native American advisory board, is president of the Big Elk Native American nonprofit, has publicly advocated on behalf of Native American people and has shared his story with everyone from University of Nebraska at Omaha students to men currently in prison.

Among his proudest accomplishments, Wells said, are his children who have avoided the mistakes he made early in his life.

Wells latest project is Wells & Bailey Intervention Specialist. Wells and Frank Bailey, a licensed mental health practitioner, are teaming up to provide therapy and interventions to at-risk youths and families.

I want to be there and be something that wasnt there for me, Wells said.

Bailey said they want to use new science-based strategies to interrupt trauma and teach kids and those leaving prison or bad situations how to regulate their emotions.

Bailey said Wells can relate to kids who are currently in gangs and speak to them in a language they understand.

Too often the expectation is that people leaving prison or bad situations should get a job and just move on, but Bailey said people wont be successful if they dont deal with their trauma.

Theyll tell them, Oh, get a job. Youll be all right. A lot of them are not all right. Theyll get a job, good jobs, and they begin  Bailey said.

Self-destruction, Wells said, finishing Baileys sentence.

Wells and Bailey are currently applying for grants so they can get more money to continue and expand the work they believe could make a difference in the lives of young kids.

Although we made mistakes, were not bad people, Wells said of people with criminal pasts. We are all human. And in a lot of cases, its the environment that we grew up in.

Everyone is born as a blank slate, Wells said. Its not a childs fault if they are born into an unfortunate situation or environment.

Deep down, we are all the same, Wells said. We want whats good for ourselves, for our family, prosperity for the next generation and peace. But that got interrupted because of these certain environments, unfortunate environments, that we grew up in.

Those environments are not excuses, but sometimes its easy to be swayed into doing the wrong thing, Wells said.

Life is a journey and Im on my journey, Wells said. Its not who I am today, my past, but its part of my story, and I hope my story inspires other youth to make better decisions. And to have the public not look so down on youth that make bad decisions.

Top Journal Star photos for November 2023
RACINE  Police arrested the suspect in a hit-and-run crash that sent a woman to the hospital with severe injuries Saturday.

Joaquin Raigoza, 66, of Racine faces one count of hit-and-run causing great bodily harm. If convicted, he could be fined $50,000, sentenced to 15 years in prison, or both.

The criminal complaint, issued Monday, said the 27-year-old victims prognosis was not known, and that she suffered injuries including a skull fracture and a broken neck.

According to the complaint, Racine Police Department officers were dispatched to the area of Douglas and Layard avenues after a report of a hit-and-run about 10:47 p.m.

At the scene, officers found two people helping someone who was lying in the left southbound lane in the 2300 block of Douglas Avenue. The complaint said the victim was bleeding, taking short breaths, and did have a pulse.

The victims girlfriend allegedly told police they were walking across Douglas from Layard Avenue to get to her car parked at a business on Douglas Avenue when the victim was hit.

The complaint said the victims girlfriend heard a loud noise, and when she turned around, the victim was on top of the suspect vehicle before landing on the ground.

The victims girlfriend and a friend who was with them both told investigators that the vehicle was driving fast and that it left the scene heading southbound on Douglas Avenue, according to the complaint.

Prosecutors allege camera footage from a business showed a white sedan hitting the victim, who had crossed the street seconds after her friends. The video reportedly matched the witness descriptions of the collision.

A city camera database also captured a white sedan driving south in the 1800 block of Douglas Avenue about one minute apart from the crash, the complaint said.

The video showed a license plate, which officers used to locate a white Chevy Impala with damage at the address listed with the registration, according to the complaint.

At the residence, Raigozas son allegedly confirmed the Impala was his fathers and, after first saying his father was Illinois, ultimately went inside the house and brought his dad out.

Prosecutors allege Raigoza confirmed he was the driver of the vehicle. His son indicated that his dad did not speak English very well and helped with translation, according to the complaint.

The complaint said Raigoza told officers they were too close and that he couldnt hit the brakes. He allegedly said he heard a boom and did not stop. His son allegedly said Raigoza did not stop so he could get his son to get the police.

His son allegedly said Raigoza told him everything that happened and that he was nervous and thought it was a dog.

According to the complaint, Raigoza did not show any indicators of impairment, other than having a hard time keeping his eyes open at times.

Raigoza appeared in court Monday and is being held on a $2,500 cash bond and a $30,000 signature bond, according to court records.

His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Nov. 22.
RACINE  The Racine Police Department identified the pedestrian killed in a hit-and-run crash at Eighth and Main streets Nov. 9 as 62-year-old Douglas Lueck from Racine.

Police originally said the victim was a 61-year-old man but updated his age to 62 in a press release Thursday.

Justin Moser, 28, of Racine, faces one count of hit-and-run resulting in death and knowingly operating a vehicle while suspended, causing death, for his suspected role in the collision.

Racine Police Department officers were dispatched after a report of a hit-and-run involving a pedestrian about 8 p.m. Thursday. Lueck was found and taken to a local hospital where he died from his injuries, the criminal complaint said.

According to the complaint, an officer at the scene found a part of a vehicle that was later identified as a piece of a red or maroon 2006-09 Jeep Commander.

From cameras in the area, officers reportedly were able to get a potential license plate and determined Moser, a registered owner of a red Jeep Commander, as a potential suspect.

The complaint said officers contacted Mosers mother at the address listed on his vehicle registration. She reportedly told officers that only she and her daughter lived there and that she did not know who drove a Commander.

On Friday, an officer found a red Jeep Commander with a license plate that matched Mosers in the driveway of a home near his listed address, according to the complaint.

The officer reportedly saw damage and what appeared to be blood on the front passenger side of the Commander, according to the complaint.

The resident of the house where the Commander was parked reportedly told the officer that she is a friend of Mosers mother, who asked her if the Jeep could be parked there. The woman said she did not know about a hit-and-run, the complaint said.

An investigator downloaded the contents of Mosers mothers phone, according to the complaint, which allegedly contained an apology to the woman where the vehicle was parked, stating that she did not know what was going on.

The phones contents also included a text between her and Moser at 8:49 p.m. Thursday and 20 records of activities between 10:10 p.m. and 4:53 a.m. Friday, the complaint said.

Using video from an Arbys and a McDonalds on Douglas Avenue, an investigator was able to identify Moser as the driver of the Commander. The investigator said Moser appeared to be the sole occupant of the vehicle and the vehicle did not appear to have any frontend damage prior to the crash.

According to the complaint, the vehicle could be seen turning from State Street onto Main Street, heading southbound about 8 p.m. The vehicle was last seen at 8:02 p.m. several blocks north of the location of the collision.

When the investigators checked Mosers driving record with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, there was a suspicious entry, the complaint said.

Records allegedly showed Moser paying off forfeitures and applying for reinstatement at 10:20 p.m. on Thursday, about two hours after the crash, indicating he would have had a suspended license at the time of the hit-and-run.

Moser made his initial court appearance Monday and is being held on a $25,000 cash bond, according to online court records.

Mosers preliminary hearing is scheduled for Nov. 22.

This story has been updated to include the name of the victim and his age.
1. Yes. The platform takes up too much time and is often abused by speakers. Get rid of it.

2. Yes. The Citizen Petitions section is unworkable and generally results in a gripe session.

3. No. The platform is the only way residents can discuss non-agenda items. Keep it around..

4. No. Killing it will discourage public input. Keep it or broaden Citizen Comments criteria.

5. Unsure. It can be a drain on the councils time, but it does serve a purpose for residents.

Vote

View Results
How we get from point A to point B in our community  walking, biking, taking public transit or our car  is a major part of quality of life.

Yet many of the decisions about transportation are technical or bureaucratic, involving concepts such as Euclidean zoning and level of service that are difficult to understand and make it hard for the public to participate in the conversation, according to UW-La Crosse History Professor James Longhurst.

While you may never have heard of terms like Euclidean zoning and LOS, they determine the design of almost every city in America, Longhurst said. They shape property values, housing costs and availability, and freedom of movement for almost everyone.

The need for transportation knowledge is why Longhurst joined a statewide organization in bringing an academy to La Crosse with the goal of teaching citizens to engage in policy issues that are important for health, safety and quality of life.

This academy model for public engagement in health and transportation policy has been adopted in two other Wisconsin communities, Stevens Point and Beloit, and is spreading to other parts of the state, supported by AARP Wisconsin and 1000 Friends of Wisconsin.

Change happens locally with your councilperson, said Sadie Kuhl, a member of the La Crosse community who was interested in the subject of transportation and joined the academy. The class has given me the knowledge and a game plan to talk to my council members with actual solutions versus complaints.

About the academy

La Crosse area citizens joined the Community Transportation Academy, a 10-week educational seminar, in spring 2023 with the goal of providing community members with skills and knowledge to advocate for safe and accessible transportation networks. Students learned about transportation plans and processes, engineering standards, interacted with local and national experts, took local tours and more.

The weekly classes really opened my eyes to how local infrastructure cant just be built in one day, says Randi Serres Pueschner, a local small-business owner. It takes immense consideration of all factors that affect community members. We as citizens can be advocates for the changes we need in our communities.

Pueschner learned a lot about the decisions behind transportation design and the large amount of effort in every project. This class has made me more compassionate to that fact and helped me prioritize learning more about my local communitys process, says Pueschner.

Members of the public and UW-L students were in the class side-by-side with local elected officials who wanted to understand the issue more, as well as staff members for local government.

More and more communities in Wisconsin, in the U.S., and worldwide realize the importance of increasing safe and accessible alternate transportation options, says Larry Sleznikow, a member of the La Crosse City Council and chair of the citys Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee and Committee for Citizens with Disabilities.

The academy, facilitated by UW-L Environmental Studies Program and UW-L Graduate and Extended Learning, was led by 1000 Friends of Wisconsin, a statewide organization specializing in land use planning, transportation policy, and advocacy.

We are delighted with the results from the La Crosse Academy and eager to take the CTA to other parts of the state, says Deb Nemeth, executive director of 1000 Friends of Wisconsin. We were especially happy with the UW-La Crosse partnership.

1000 Friends is in a partnership UW-Stevens Point and, in the spring, will be in Beloit and later in Kenosha and Racine.

UW-L connection

Longhurst, historian of urban and environmental policy, helped to bring the academy to La Crosse and worked to make it a credit-bearing class for UW-La Crosse students. UW-L Continuing Education provided technical support for the online parts of the course, connected 1000 Friends to local speakers, field trips and more.

While programs like this exist in several other states, this was the first time such a class was offered to Wisconsin residents. The course helped bridge the gap between community advocates and transportation planning entities.
Photo: The Canadian Press A company that provides encrypted email service is disputing a former RCMP official's claim it secretly worked on behalf of an intelligence agency. Cameron Jay Ortis testified in Ontario Superior Court that a foreign ally told him of a plan to encourage targets to begin using an online encryption service called Tutanota. Ortis arrives to the Ottawa Courthouse in Ottawa on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

A company that provides encrypted email service is disputing a former RCMP official's claim that it secretly worked on behalf of an intelligence agency.

Cameron Jay Ortis testified in Ontario Superior Court that a foreign ally told him of a plan to encourage targets to begin using Tutanota, an online encryption service that he called a "storefront" operation created by intelligence agents to snoop on adversaries.

Ortis said he began enticing investigative targets through promises of secret information, with the actual aim of getting them to communicate with him via Tutanota.

In a statement on its website Monday, Tuta, as the company is now known, called Ortis's claim completely false and denied ties to any secret service.

"Tutanota has never and Tuta will never operate a 'storefront' for any intelligence or law enforcement agency," the German company said. "This would completely contradict our mission as a privacy protection organization."

Tutao GmbH, the company behind Tuta, was founded in 2011 by Arne Mohle and Matthias Pfau, who knew each other from studying together at university in Hannover, Germany, the statement added.

"To this day, the company is wholly owned by Matthias and Arne, and is not liable to anyone else."

Ortis, 51, has pleaded not guilty to violating the Security of Information Act by revealing secrets to three individuals in 2015 and trying to do so in a fourth instance, as well as breach of trust and a computer-related offence.

The Crown argues Ortis lacked authority to disclose classified material and that he was not doing so as part of some kind of undercover operation.

Ortis has testified that he did not tell his superiors about the plan to nudge targets to use Tutanota because he had been advised by the foreign counterpart to keep it quiet and, furthermore, targets had developed sources inside Canadian law enforcement agencies.

Reporters and the general public were excluded from the courtroom for Ortis's testimony earlier this month, but transcripts have now been released.

Ortis was the director of the RCMP's Operations Research group, which compiled and developed classified information on terror cells, transnational criminal networks, cybercriminals and commercial espionage.

He was arrested in September 2019.

The path to that arrest began the previous year when the RCMP analyzed the contents of a laptop computer owned by Vincent Ramos, chief executive officer of Phantom Secure Communications, who had been arrested in the United States.

An RCMP effort known as Project Saturation revealed that members of criminal organizations were known to use Phantom Secure's encrypted communication devices.

Ramos would later plead guilty to using his Phantom Secure devices to help facilitate the distribution of cocaine and other illicit drugs to countries including Canada.

A retired RCMP investigator has told the jury he found an email to Ramos from an unknown sender with portions of several documents, including mention of material from the federal anti-money laundering agency, the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada, known as Fintrac.

The sender would later offer to provide Ramos with the full documents in exchange for $20,000.

Ortis acknowledges he was behind the messages to Ramos and others, saying it was all part of the clandestine operation involving Tutanota.

During cross-examination, Ortis generally played down the sensitivity of materials dangled to targets.

At one point, Crown prosecutor John MacFarlane asked Ortis about a page from a Fintrac disclosure summary sent to Ramos.

MacFarlane suggested disclosure of the information confirmed to Ramos that Fintrac was investigating his company, revealing the number of suspicious transactions the agency had flagged.

Ortis replied that he believed Ramos was already aware of the authorities' interest, if not this particular set of data.

"When a company has issues with their accounts, and the banks notice suspicious transactions, the company is provided information regarding those suspicious transactions by the bank itself."
A traditional ceremony for children in Japan is growing popular for animals there as well.

Natsuki Aoki recently flew with her two Chihuahua dogs from the western city of Hiroshima to Tokyo, the nations capital. She took the trip so the little dogs could receive a special blessing at the Zama Shrine, a Shinto holy place.

Aoki noted that few religious centers are open to animals. I think it would be great to see more places like this," the 33-year-old said on Tuesday.

The Zama Shrine dates back to the 6th century. It is about 25 kilometers southwest of Tokyo. The religious center established a prayer area for animals in 2012. It now hosts Shichi-Go-San ceremonies where animal owners can pray for the health and happiness of their dogs and cats.

The ceremony, which means Seven-Five-Three in Japanese, is traditionally celebrated in mid-November for children reaching those ages. Parents dress their girls and boys in kimonos and bring them to a Shinto holy place for the ceremony.

On Tuesday, several people led their animals up the steps of the Inuneko Jinja, or Dog-Cat Shrine. They prayed and received a blessing from a Shinto clergy. Six Shiba Inu dogs wearing kimonos lined up for pictures at the event.

Japan's birth rate dropped for a seventh straight year in 2022 to a record low, while deaths increased to an all-time high.

"The number of children is decreasing each year, and as a result, more and more people are pouring their love into their dogs and cats," said Yoshinori Hiraga of the Zama Shrine.

"We want to offer the pet owners a place at Zama Shrine for them to thank the gods when their dogs and cats reach the ages of three, five, and seven," said Hiraga. The clergy estimated about 120 pets would be brought to the shrine this season.

Among them was Masayo Tashiro, who brought two dogs, a terrier and a Pomeranian to the center as she made offerings and prayers.

"They are very important to me, like my own children," said the 53-year-old caregiver. "I came here to pray that they will have a safe and healthy life with us together."

I'm Caty Weaver.

Irene Wang reported this story for Reuters. Hai Do adapted the story for Learning English.

_________________________________________________

Words in This Story

blessing - n. a short prayer

kimono - n. clothing with wide sleeves that is traditionally worn on formal occasions in Japan.

pet - n. an animal, such as a dog or cat, that people keep mainly for pleasure
Photo: Contributed Kelowna-Mission MLA Renee Merrifield

I dont care about your policy. Im mad, and you need to fix it.

That statement hit me hard. The retort came as I was talking to a young university student about BC Uniteds first (proposed) affordability measures. Yes, affordability measures are important, but this students fears were far greater than one tank of gasoline.

Salaries, jobs, affordability are all important. But most concerning is housing. We have a housing crisis. The highest rents in Canada and the worst housing affordability in North America (can be found in B.C.). Thats where we are today.

The (provincial) government has come out with a significant suite of bills, specifically designed to address this crisis. I would argue the recent legislative actions of the government, including Bills 35, 42, 44, 46, and 47, paint a picture of a government more inclined towards creating chaos in the housing sector than offering immediate, pragmatic solutions.

Each bill, while cloaked in the promise of addressing the housing crisis, falls short in providing effective short-term relief for those struggling in the current market.

Let me explain what I mean by that.

Bill 35, the Short Term Accommodations Act, is a superficial response to a deeper issue. It attempts to balance the tourism sector's benefits with residents' housing needs in Kelowna.

However, the bill's limited scope and lack of immediate measures fail to address the urgent housing needs of residents, doing little to alleviate the current market pressures. Instead of a reasonable attempt to provide enforcement for bad actors, the bill takes the vast majority of short-term rentals out of the market.

Bill 42, which proposes changes to the Residential Tenancy Act, illustrates the government's preference for bureaucratic expansion over practical solutions. The bill's intent, to expedite the Residential Tenancy Branch processes through facilitated settlements, is overshadowed by the ongoing inefficiencies and backlog within the system. The legislative changes, far from providing immediate relief, are likely to prolong the existing chaos, exacerbating the struggles of both landlords and tenants.

Anyone in the rental sector knows that there are huge issues with the Residential Tenancy Act, and this is one of the reasons short-term rentals were chosen by some owners over long-term (rentals), despite the additional workload created by the shorter duration.

Rather than fix the system, this is more tinkering around the edges, which could result in more disruption rather than progress.

Bill 44's approach to increasing housing density is a classic example of misguided planning. The bill's lack of detailed implementation strategies and failure to address crucial barriers, such as high development cost charges (DCCs) demonstrates a disconnection from the real housing needs. All single-family lots will now be (allowed) three, four or six units.

That may result in higher property taxes, as property is taxed at the highest and best use, and most assuredly will result in higher land values. New Zealand shows us that property values increased by 12% after implementing this exact same zoning.

The bills promise of 130,000 new homes over the next decade is a drop in the ocean compared to the actual requirement, doing little to resolve the affordability crisis in the short-term.

Bill 46 exacerbates the affordability crisis by introducing amenity cost charges (ACCs) and expanding DCCs, further burdening new homebuyers and renters. The legislation, instead of offering relief, adds financial strain to an already overburdened housing market.

The inclusion of costs like policing in DCCs is a particularly alarming move, revealing a hidden agenda to finance other initiatives at the expense of new homeowners. It fails to realize that while development paying for growth is necessary, adding additional costs to development only increases the prices of homes.

In summary, the B.C. government's recent legislative actions, while portraying an image of addressing the housing crisis, are more likely to contribute to its escalation. There are no solutions that will have a positive impact before the next election.

These bills, with their lengthy implementation timelines and lack of immediate impact, fail to offer the short-term solutions desperately needed by British Columbians.

The government's approach seems to be adding layers of complexity and cost, rather than simplifying and easing the housing market for those in need.

What British Columbia needs is a government willing to implement effective, immediate measures that can provide tangible relief to those caught in the throes of the housing crisis.

We need solutions to the housing crisis, not housing chaos.

My question to you is this:

What do you think of these latest changes to housing?

I love to hear from you and read every email. Please email me at [email protected] or call the office at 250-712-3620.

Renee Merrifield is the B.C. United MLA for Kelowna-Mission.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.
The time change sets the creatures up for more possible conflicts with competing predators - such as lions and leopards - that often hunt at night, say the study writers. Their research was published recently in Proceedings of the Royal Society B.

Briana Abrahms of the University of Washington was a study co-writer. Abrahms said that changing temperatures can have an effect on "the behavior .... of large carnivore species and also the dynamics among species."

While cheetahs only eat fresh meat, lions and leopards will sometimes take food from smaller predators.

Lions and leopards normally kill prey themselves, but if they come across a cheetahs kill, they will try to take it, said Bettina Wachter of the Cheetah Research Project at the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research.

The cheetahs will not fight the larger cats, they will just leave, said Wachter, who was not involved in the study.

Hunting at different times of the day is one way to reduce meetings between the different predator species that share northern Botswanas mixed grass and forest lands.

But the new study found that on the hottest days, when daily temperatures got to nearly 45 degrees Celsius, cheetahs became more active at night. This means cheetahs spent 16 percent more time hunting when other big cats hunt.

Kasim Rafiq of the University of Washington and the nonprofit Botswana Predator Conservation Trust was another co-writer of the study. Rafiq said about the shared hunting hours: Theres a greater chance for more unfriendly encounters and less food for the cheetahs."

For the current study, researchers placed GPS devices on 53 large carnivores  including cheetahs, lions, leopards and African wild dogs. Researchers then recorded their positions and hours of activity over eight years. They compared this data with the highest daily temperature records.

While seasonal differences explain most temperature changes in the time between 2011 to 2018, the scientists say the observed behavior changes offer information about the future of a warming world.

In future research, the scientists plan to use audio-recording devices and accelerometers  like a Fitbit for big cats, said Rafiq. The goal is to document the number of meetings between large meat-eating animals.

In addition to competition with lions and leopards, cheetahs already face strong pressure from the loss of living space and conflict with humans.

The fastest land animal, cheetahs are the rarest big cat in Africa, with fewer than 7,000 left in the wild.

These climate changes could become really critical if we look into the future  its predicted to become much warmer in this part of Africa where cheetahs live, in Botswana, Namibia and Zambia, said Wachter of the Cheetah Research Project.

I'm John Russell.

Christina Larson reported on this story for the Associated Press. John Russell adapted it for VOA Learning English.

________________________________________________

Words in This Story

cheetah  n. a large wild cat that lives in Africa and Asia

predator -- n. an animal that lives by killing and eating other animals

carnivore -- n. an animal that eats meat

species -- n. a group of related animals or plants

dynamics -- n. the way that two or more things behave with each other

prey -- n. an animal that is hunted or killed by another animal for food
A large group of international negotiators and United Nations representatives are meeting in Nairobi, Kenya this week. They aim to take the next step in creating a document that hopes to stop plastic pollution around the world.

The meeting is the third of an expected five gatherings of what the UN calls an intergovernmental negotiating committee, or INC, under the UN Environment Programme. The final meeting will be late in 2024. By then, the UN hopes to have an agreement that will have the force of law in countries that agree to it. The agreement would limit plastic production and provide rules on how to throw away or recycle plastic products currently in use.

Kenya is one of the most restrictive countries in the world. In 2017, the East African nation banned the manufacture, sale and use of plastic bags that can be used only one time. Lawbreakers can face five years in jail and fines. In 2019, Kenya banned single-use plastics such as water bottles and drinking straws from being used in parks, forests, beaches and other protected natural areas.

Gap opens

The most recent meeting was held in Paris in June. There was disagreement over how the rules should affect oil-producing countries. Plastic is largely made from oil. However, the June meeting ended with an agreement to create an initial treaty text or an outline that will be refined this week.

Bjorn Beeler is with the International Pollutants Elimination Network, a group of environmental nonprofits. He said the text is like a large food list at a restaurant  a menu. The job this week is for the negotiators to choose what they want for the treaty. He said the treaty will grow as those in Nairobi this week present their ideas.

Beelers group hopes the document deals with bad chemicals used in the creation of plastics.

Kenyas president is William Ruto. He said the treaty will be the first domino in a move away from plastic. Dominos is a game in which the pieces connect to each other.

Gustavo Adolfo Meza-Cuadra Velasquez is a permanent member of the UN from Peru. He is the head of the negotiating committee. He called the need to deal with the worlds plastic pollution urgent and said the world needs to work together to bring a difference at the scale required.

Two of the nations pushing an agreement are Norway and Rwanda. The nations released a statement earlier this month calling for an ambitious treaty that will protect human life and the environment. They are concerned about plastic pollution, plastic waste and greenhouse gas emissions.

Saudi Arabia is among the countries that have large oil industries. The nations include Iran, China, and Russia. They want the treaty to center on plastic waste control and not reduce the creation of plastic products.

Activist concerns

Environmental activists are concerned that those countries will not cooperate. Graham Forbes is with Greenpeace. He said it was unfortunate that a handful of governments are putting the interests of chemical companies ahead of the health of the planet and their own citizens.

Another climate activist is Erik Lindebjerg of the World Wildlife Fund based in Switzerland. He said the oil producing nations want to make the treaty a loose voluntary agreement. He wants the agreement to be a strong treaty.

Negotiators for the U.S. said the treaty should have meaningful terms but also leave room for differences between countries so that an agreement can be reached.

Chemical companies and oil companies such as ExxonMobil say they want the treaty to pay more attention to the lifespan of plastics instead of banning them.

Chris Jahn is a spokesman for the International Council of Chemical Associations. He said the group should center its talks on ending plastic pollution, not plastic production.

Karen McKee of ExxonMobil noted improvements in the ability to recycle plastics at ExxonMobils center in Baytown, Texas.

The meeting ends on Sunday. The next meeting of the INC is next April in Ottawa, Canada.

Im Dan Friedell.

Dan Friedell adapted this story for Learning English based on a report by the Associated Press.

______________________________________________

Words in This Story

recycle v. to make something new from old parts or materials

bag n. a container made of thin material such as paper or plastic

initial adj. first or at the beginning

text n. writing

scale n. the level of size, amount, intensity or similar quality

ambitious adj. having the desire for power, fame or success

loose adj. not closely linked or attached

We want to hear from you. Do you think you can make do without plastic items?
The U.S. government does not require states to report graduation rates by a students sex. But in every state reporting high school graduation rates by gender, research shows female students graduate at higher rates than male students.

A report from the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C., found that, in 37 states reporting the data, more than 45,000 fewer boys than girls graduated high school in 2018.

Richard Reeves was one of the writers of the report from 2021. He said that about 88 percent of girls graduated on time compared with 82 percent of boys that year. A follow up study in 2021 found the difference in graduation between girls and boys in 28 states was six percent. This difference is not just limited to the United States.

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) measures education data in many countries. Among 38 member countries, including most of North America, South America and Europe, more girls graduate high school than boys.

In 2020, the average graduation rate for girls in OECD countries was 86 percent for girls, but 79 percent for boys. Just two countries that provided data to OECD, the Czech Republic and South Korea, had a higher graduation rate for boys.

OECDs Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) measures student knowledge and skills in mathematics, reading, and science at age 15. Eighty-five countries take PISA. OECD information shows that girls mostly perform better in reading than boys. Boys perform better in science and math.

Gender gap

The difference between graduation rates for girls and boys in the U.S. is being called a gender gap. Few people talk about it and reports suggest that schools have done little to deal with the issue. But some schools have found ways to fight it.

The city of Yonkers, New York, raised graduation rates for minority boys through support such as mentoring. Former Superintendent Edwin Quezada said dealing with the difference between races in graduation rates was useful toward understanding the gender gap, which was seven percentage points in 2022.

Boys are sent to special education at higher rates than girls in early grades and are suspended at higher rates throughout school. That can all result in not graduating on time, Quezada said.

Schools in the city of Buffalo, New York, have included efforts from My Brothers Keeper. That was the program started by former President Barack Obama to help boys succeed in school. Buffalo also has provided mentoring to male students and hired more men to teach, spokesman Jeffrey Hammond said. Still, the urban school district reported a 10-percentage-point difference between female and male graduation rates in 2022 and an 11-point gap in 2021.

Girls nationally succeed in school over boys because they are more apt to plan ahead (and) set academic goals, Hammond wrote in an email. He said girls receive fewer school suspensions, showing they are more likely to follow rules and receive more instruction from teachers.

Only 10 states that report graduation rates by gender also measure it by race. That makes it difficult to understand how race influences the graduation gender gap. But Reeves found some important differences in his latest study in the five largest states that do report graduation by race. He found that the difference between the graduation rate of Black girls and Black boys was much larger than the difference between white girls and white boys or Asian girls and Asian boys.

This year, Reeves left the Brookings Institution to start the American Institute for Boys and Men. It is a nonprofit group that says it aims to improve mens lives.

Graduation gap

The graduation gap is also linked to what observers call a success gap between students from wealthy and poor families. But the reasons for the difference between boys and girls are not clear.

Discussions with students, educators and researchers point to several influences. Men can earn the same pay as women with less education. But boys also are more likely to be suspended or face other forms of discipline and punishment. And they do not seek treatment as often as girls do when they face mental health problems.

Some boys are fine when they first drop out of school, finding jobs with good pay. But over the long term, not graduating from high school can hold men back. Studies show young men who drop out of high school earn less money over their lifetimes and are more likely to end up in jail.

In some cases, boys are not as interested in graduating as girls because they have not needed a high school degree to pay for rent and food, said Beth Jarosz. She is with the nonprofit research organization PRB. A man without a high school diploma often earns as much as a woman who has completed a year or two of college, she said.

Im Dan Novak. And I'm Gena Bennett.



Dan Novak adapted this story for VOA Learning English based on reporting by The Associated Press and OECD.

Quiz - US Boys Graduate High School at Lower Rates Than Girls Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz

________________________________

Words in This Story

graduation n. the act of being recognized for completing a course of study at a school, college or university

gender n. the state of being male or female

gap  n. a difference between one thing and another; a space between two things

discipline  n. the use of rules and punishment to shape behavior to meet certain requirements

apt  adj. likely to do something

academic adj. related to schools and education; not related to the real world

rent n. a regular payment for a place to live, which is not owned by the payee

diploma n. a document that
LEXINGTON  With an upcoming book signing, Lexington native Stacey Cahill met to talk about her first book, Traffic Stop: Human Division.

Three book signings have been scheduled, with the first Friday from 3:30-6:30 p.m. at Natural Escapes at 708 Maple St. in Cozad. On Nov. 30, two signings are scheduled at the Lexington Public Library, 907 N. Washington St., from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 4 p.m.-5:30 p.m.

Cahill grew up in Lexington and graduated with the LHS class of 1992.

After high school, Cahill attended Nebraska Wesleyan University and graduated with a bachelors degree in psychology and womens studies.

Cahill expanded her education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a masters degree in marriage and family therapy.

Currently, Cahill is a licensed mental health practitioner in Nebraska and in her 22nd year. She is also a licensed massage therapist in her 11th year.

The inspiration behind writing her first novel was her two children, a boy and a girl, who are college age now.

My son did a presentation on human trafficking in high school and it got my attention. This was seven years ago and at that time Lexington was ranked fifth in the state of Nebraska for being a highly trafficked area due to I-80 and Walmart, said Cahill. I knew it was an issue as Ive been practicing mental health for 20 plus years, but didnt realize an impact it had in our community.

When her daughter was 12, Cahill began her journey into writing this novel, and now, seven years later, she can happily present her work to others.

Cahill talked about her passion for writing and how much this book means to her in the aspect of helping others.

In the research, Cahill said she found only 1% of people trafficked get rescued and said those numbers are terrifying.

Trafficking isnt discriminatory against age, race or gender, so I wanted to do what I could to protect my kids, she said.

Her novel follows the Kennedy family and their three generations of men in a small town. It is about intergenerational and cultural trauma that impacts how victims are set up for being more vulnerable.

In the book you will find talk of grief, addiction, abuse, trauma and trafficking.

Cahill talked passionately about her goal for this novel of helping everyday people recognize the signs and do everything they can to protect the innocent kids who dont know better.
HOLDREGE  The Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation Districts Board of Directors approved a new power purchase agreement with Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska Nov. 6.

The 10-year purchase agreement between Central and MEAN is for power generated at the Johnson No. 1 and Johnson No. 2 hydroplants and includes multiple terms related to revenue including on-peak, off-peak pricing and capacity pricing. Beginning Jan. 1, 2024, through Dec. 31, 2033, all power generated at the J1 and J2 plants will be delivered to MEAN for their customers in Nebraska, Iowa, Colorado and Wyoming.

Together, the two plants have the accredited capacity of 42 megawatts of carbon-free energy.

MEAN is one of four organizations that make up the Nebraska Municipal Power Pool energy coalition.

MEAN is a not-for-profit organization that provides wholesale electricity supply and services to 69 participating communities in four states.

The Jeffrey Hydroplant near Brady is not included in the agreement with MEAN. Central currently plans to sell more than 20 MW of power generated by that plant in the Southwest Power Pool market while the board actively investigates ways to improve realized value, including potential arrangements with Dawson Public Power District.

Evergy has offered to assist Central with marketing the power starting on Jan. 1, while that exploration continues.

Also at the Nov. 6 board meeting:

Tyler Thulin reported that Lake McConaughys elevation currently is 3,234.6 feet, or 55.8% of maximum volume. Current inflows are around 1,300 cubic feet per second and outflows are 775 cfs.

About 325 cfs of that outflow is being released in the North Platte River to meet FERC required diversions. An additional 450 cfs is being taken into NPPDs Keystone canal to refill their system.

Thulin added that the J1 outage began on Nov. 6 and Johnson Lake would be at its lowest point, about 13 feet below normal.

A dike is being pushed across the outlet channel to allow for inspection of the J1 powerhouse inlet concrete structures. It is important that residents and the public avoid the area for safety purposes due to heavy machinery and large trucks being used. Thulin said Johnson Lake should refill by the end of the month.

Directors discussed upcoming water service rates and supply for 2024. Rate discussion centered on the funding possibilities for some historic upcoming large capital improvement projects like the Kingsley Dam resurfacing project, which could cost between $80 million and $200 million.

Directors took no action on the water service rate structure and planned to take up the topic at their meeting Nov. 17. Staff has recommended a normal water delivery year for 2024.

Irrigation and Water Services manager Scott Dicke provided an overview of the November water services committee meeting including an update on educating customers and other producers regarding the increased aquatic growth in the canals and laterals after a pivot fertigates/chemigates over them.

Dicke added a reminder will likely be sent out regarding Section 1 of the pivot policy that requires an adequate amount of gravel in pivot tracks crossing canal roads.
International students attended U.S. universities in surging numbers last year, rebounding from a pandemic slump with the help of a 35% jump in students coming from India, according to a study released yesterday.

Overall, the number of international students in the U.S. grew by 12% in the 2022-23 academic year, the largest single-year increase in more than 40 years, according to findings from the State Department and the nonprofit Institute of International Education. More than 1 million students came from abroad, the most since the 2019-20 school year.

This reinforces that the U.S. remains the destination of choice for international students wishing to study abroad, as it has been for more than a century, said Allan E. Goodman, CEO of the Institute of International Education.

American colleges enrolled nearly 269,000 students from India, more than ever and second only to China. Most came for graduate programs, often in science, technology and business.

The U.S. maintains a strong relationship with India on education, which I think is getting even stronger and even more connected, said Marianne Craven, the State Departments acting deputy assistant secretary for academic exchange.

China still accounted for the most foreign students in the U.S. with 290,000, but its numbers decreased for a third consecutive year.

It reflects a gradual shift. After years of booming demand from China, interest has ebbed amid chilly international relations and increased competition from universities in the United Kingdom and Canada. Officials behind the new study also blame prolonged travel restrictions in Asia during the pandemic.

At the same time, U.S. universities have focused on recruiting in India, hoping to tap a growing population that the United Nations predicted would overtake China as the worlds largest this year. Students from India now outnumber those from China in 24 U.S. states, including Illinois, Texas and Michigan, which rank among the top destinations for international students.

For the second consecutive year, Americas graduate programs were the main attraction for international students, the study finds. Graduate enrollment grew by 21%, while undergraduate numbers ticked up 1%. It reverses a trend from the previous decade, which saw undergraduates come in larger numbers.

Much of last years growth is credited to math and computer science programs, which attracted more students than any other subject and saw a 20% boost in enrollment over the previous year. Engineering and business followed behind. Taken together, those three fields account for more than half of all international students in the United States.

The surge nearly brings international numbers back to their pre-pandemic highs, with a peak of almost 1.1 million students in 2018. Enrollment fell precipitously over the following two years as COVID-19 stifled academic exchange.

The rebound appears to be continuing, with an 8% increase in international enrollment this fall, according to a smaller survey meant to give a snapshot of recent trends.

Overall, international students made up just 5.6% of all college students in the 2022-23 year, but they play an outsize role in U.S. higher education. University leaders say theyre important for global exchange, and theyre also important for revenue  international students are usually charged higher tuition rates, effectively subsidizing college for U.S. students.

Behind China and India, nations sending the most students to the U.S. were South Korea, Canada, Vietnam, Taiwan and Nigeria. Last school year saw a record number of students come from Bangladesh, Colombia, Ghana, India, Italy, Nepal, Pakistan and Spain. COLLIN BINKLEY, WASHINGTON, MDT/AP
The Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau (SMG) forecasts that Macau will continue to be affected by the northeast monsoon tomorrow, with temperatures ranging from 17 to 24 degrees Celsius. The bureau adds that a dry northeast monsoon supplement will arrive along the South China coast in the middle and late part of this week. At that time, the northerly wind in Macau will strengthen and the temperature will further drop to around 14 degrees Celsius on Saturday.

Related
There is no question that Jeremiah Cain shot and killed Nicholas Cooke on Sept. 6, 2021, on Madisons Far East Side. But on Monday as Cain awaited what would be a 20-year prison sentence for first-degree reckless homicide, there was no answer, or even a hint, as to why.

It was a question Circuit Judge Julie Genovese asked as attorneys argued what they believed Cains sentence should be, but neither Deputy District Attorney William Brown nor defense attorney Michael Covey had an answer.

And when it was Cains turn to speak, he didnt have an answer, either.

This horrible choice I made, it embarrassed my family, it embarrassed my friends, it embarrassed myself, and I truly regret it, Cain said. Miss Cooke, Im sorry for taking your oldest son away from you. Im sorry for the pain that Im causing you. Im sorry. I hope that you please can forgive me for your own peace and sanity because I still havent forgiven myself on my own.

Cain, 20, of Chicago, also received 15 years of extended supervision to be served after his prison sentence for shooting Cooke, 20, during an incident near the intersection of Martha Lane and Acewood Boulevard, the nature of which remains unclear.

Brown said it was hard to know why Cain and Cooke were there. Police searched the phones of both men and found no messages between them indicating why they were there.

A video captured by a home camera, Brown said, showed Cookes vehicle and three men approaching it for an interaction lasting around a minute. Two men walked away, and as Cooke drove off, the third man, Cain, pulled a gun and fired at the vehicle. Cooke turned south from Martha Lane to Acewood Boulevard and crashed into a utility pole.

Events at the vehicle just before the men began walking away are unfortunately blocked from the camera by a tree, Brown said.

Cain was initially charged with first-degree intentional homicide but pleaded guilty in August to first-degree reckless homicide. Brown said that during an interview with a probation agent from the state Department of Corrections, who was writing a pre-sentence report, Cain refused to talk about the incident, citing the stress it puts him under, but he said he was respectful of the situation.

Brown said it was flat-out cowardice.

Absolute nonsense, he added.

Brown asked for a 30-year prison sentence. Covey said the 15-20 years recommended by the pre-sentence report was enough, citing Cains young age and the potential he still has to grow to be a better person.

Genovese said that based on Cains young age, he could go to prison and come out ready to contribute positively to the community, so I dont want this to be You took a life so you give your whole life. Thats too much loss. Thats not justice, thats revenge.

But she reflected on the impact gun violence has had on Madison, and how accountability, not retaliation, is the answer.

She said Cooke was doing things with his life, and at his young age had started an apparel business. By contrast, family members who wrote letters on Cains behalf said he had at one time shown such potential but had fallen to bad influences after personal setbacks, she said.

And then here you are, shooting and killing someone you didnt even really know, Genovese said.

Cookes mother, Laisha Cook, told Genovese that the loss of her son is still unreal to me.

None of us was prepared for this, she said. None of us saw this coming. Nick was not a bad person that we all thought could meet this fate one day. He was not one of those kind of people. This came completely out of nowhere and threw all of our lives into a whole other direction.

He had started at Madison College but dropped out to start his own clothing line, she said.

Shortly after, he was murdered for no reason at all, she said. His murderer, Jeremiah Cain, ruined my sons dreams, he ruined his future, he ruined my other sons future with his brother, and others hopes and future with Nick.

Her sons life, she said, was cut short by Jeremiah Cain, a person my son didnt even know. What his issue was with my son, I guess well never know, because hes too much of a coward to say.
A Mineral Point man tripping on hallucinogens attacked his 12-year-old daughter in front of police officers early Saturday morning, authorities said.

Officers witnessed the man attack his child after they had responded to the residence on the 300 block of Dodge Street for a report of a disturbance, Chief Robert Weier said in a statement. The

After arriving to the residence just before 1:30 a.m., police saw the man standing outside before he went back inside and locked the doors, Weier said. The man "appeared to be under the influence of a hallucinogenic," the chief said.

Through a window, officers saw the man attack the girl. Police then breached the door and tased the man after he refused to let go of the child, Weier said.

First responders took the child to the hospital, Weier said. The man was taken to the hospital as well then the Iowa County Jail. He faces tentative charges of battery, child abuse, resisting arrest, false imprisonment and criminal property damage.
School districts around Wisconsin are increasingly relying on referendum dollars to cover their expenses, a new report has found.

As regular increases to state education funding have stagnated, referendum-approved spending that allows school districts to exceed state-imposed spending limits has rapidly increased in the last two decades, according to the report from Forward Analytics, the research arm of the Wisconsin Counties Association.

Created in the 1990s as part of school revenue limit legislation, the referendum option allows local residents to vote to raise their school taxes to exceed the states limit.

In 2023, referendum-approved spending in Wisconsin totaled $650 million, up from $180 million in 2010 and $32 million in 2000.

The report found that most school districts in Wisconsin have opted to exceed their set spending limits at least once. According to the report, 356 of Wisconsins 434 school districts have put referendum questions on the ballot, with nearly 60% of them getting approved.

I dont think the lawmakers who created this law envisioned referenda being relied on this much, Forward Analytics Director Dale Knapp wrote in the report. Maybe the answer after 30 years of the limits is an in-depth review of the law to see how it can be improved to continue protecting taxpayers and ensure adequate funding of our schools.

In 2022, Wisconsin school districts put 166 referendums on the ballot, including eight from districts in Dane County, making it the highest number of school referendums since 2001.

In April, the Adams-Friendship School District in south-central Wisconsin asked voters to approve a $12 million referendum after a failed attempt the year prior. The district was considering closing down completely before the measure passed.

In small, rural communities, theres so many things that the community engages in that are wrapped around the school district, Sam Wollin, an Adams-Friendship alumnus and parent, told the Wisconsin State Journal earlier this year. The thought of losing that, its really indescribable.

In many school districts, voters have approved referendums more than once, with nearly 20% of districts using the referendum option at least six times.

Several of the states largest districts also have used this option many times. Racine, Stevens Point and Sun Prairie have each used the referendum option 10 times or more, the report reads.

Researchers also found that in 2022, just more than 5% of education spending across the state was funded with dollars approved in referendums, although reliance on these dollars varies widely from district to district. About 100 Wisconsin school districts used referendums to fund at least 10% of their costs. And in 14 school districts around the state, referendums paid for more than 25% of educational expenses.

The report found that school districts with declining enrollments were more likely to go to referendum. Districts seeing a 10% decline in enrollment, for example, are almost two times more likely to go to referendum than districts with rising enrollments.

The states smallest school districts, those with fewer than 500 students, also were more likely to use referendum dollars to fund operations. With only 54 enrolled students, the Washington Island School District in Door County has put a referendum on the ballot 18 times, according to the report.

Referendum dollars also account for a much higher portion of spending in these smaller school districts. Gibraltar School District, also located in Door County, enrolls just more than 500 students. Money obtained through referendums accounted for 60% of the districts educational spending in 2022, according to the report.

In Madison

The Madison School District is in the middle of two referendums approved by voters in 2020. The $317 million capital referendum has gone toward building a new elementary school and funding significant high-school renovations.

The smaller operating referendum gave the district an additional $33 million to work with over four years.

Despite this additional money, administrators still worry about the impending financial cliff facing the school district. In addition to referendum dollars running out, the temporary relief funds distributed to school districts during the COVID-19 pandemic are also set to expire by September 2024. In the Madison School District, this leaves a slightly more than $40 million hole for administrators to fill in the future.

Who's teaching our kids? These 4 charts break down K-12 teachers by education level, race, and more Who's teaching our kids? These 4 charts break down K-12 teachers by education level, race, and more More than half of school teachers have earned a master's, making teachers among the most well-educated professionals The teaching profession is predominantly white, presenting potential disadvantages to minority students More than two-thirds of teachers are women; nearly 4 in 10 of all teachers have less than a decade of experience Salary increases steadily with experience, but after 20 years it plateaus
Bangladesh inaugurates first green fertilizer factory

Xinhua) 09:22, November 14, 2023

This photo taken on Nov. 12, 2023 shows the Ghorashal-Polash Urea Fertilizer Project in Narsingdi, Bangladesh. Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has inaugurated the South Asian country's largest and first-ever green fertilizer factory as construction work of the Ghorashal-Polash Urea Fertilizer Project is completed. (Xinhua/Sun Nan)

NARSINGDI, Bangladesh, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has inaugurated the South Asian country's largest and first-ever green fertilizer factory as construction work of the Ghorashal-Polash Urea Fertilizer Project is completed.

Construction of the project started in 2020, and the China National Chemical Engineering & Construction Corporation Seven Ltd. (CC7), in collaboration with its Japanese partner Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), had been striving for the mega project to be completed as scheduled.

With an estimated annual production capacity of 800,000 tons of granular urea and 500,000 tons of anhydrous ammonia, officials said the factory, located in Narsingdi district, 51 km northeast of the capital city of Dhaka, will help Bangladesh meet a growing demand for fertilizer in its efforts to ensure food security.

Speaking at the launching ceremony on Sunday, Hasina said it is Bangladesh's first fertilizer plant capable of capturing carbon dioxide, thus increasing the country's urea fertilizer production by 10 percent.

The factory will help reduce fertilizer imports and generate jobs, added the prime minister.

Yi Bingyin, general manager of the Chinese company CC7, told Xinhua at the site that the project was faced with many challenges during its implementation, but the company and its partner have together overcome the difficulties, with their friendship deepened.

The project is expected to make great contribution to the local agriculture and economic development, Yi said.

This photo taken on Nov. 12, 2023 shows the launching ceremony of the Ghorashal-Polash Urea Fertilizer Project in Narsingdi, Bangladesh. (Xinhua/Sun Nan)

This photo taken on Nov. 12, 2023 shows the Ghorashal-Polash Urea Fertilizer Project in Narsingdi, Bangladesh. (Xinhua)

Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina (C) attends the launching ceremony of the Ghorashal-Polash Urea Fertilizer Project in Narsingdi, Bangladesh, Nov. 12, 2023. (Xinhua)

Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina (4th L) inaugurates the Ghorashal-Polash Urea Fertilizer Project in Narsingdi, Bangladesh, Nov. 12, 2023. (Xinhua)

This photo taken on Nov. 12, 2023 shows the Ghorashal-Polash Urea Fertilizer Project in Narsingdi, Bangladesh. (Xinhua)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Photo: The Canadian Press A journalist is silhouetted before the Teck Resources special meeting of shareholders, in Vancouver, B.C.

Teck Resources Ltd. has agreed to sell its steelmaking coal business in a series of deals that value the operations at US$9 billion that will see Swiss commodities giant Glencore acquire a majority ownership.

The company said Tuesday that Glencore has agreed to pay US$6.9 billion for a 77 per cent stake in the coal business, known as Elk Valley Resources.

Meanwhile, Japanese company Nippon Steel Corp. will acquire a 20 per cent stake in exchange for its interest in one of Teck's coal operations and US$1.7 billion in cash, including US$1.3 billion at closing and US$400 million to be paid out of cash flow from the coal business.

South Korean steelmaker POSCO will swap its interest in a pair of Teck's coal operations for a three per cent stake in the overall steelmaking coal operations.

"This transaction unlocks significant value for Teck and its shareholders while also supporting continued responsible operation of the steelmaking coal assets for the long term," Teck board chair Sheila Murray said in a statement.

Teck has been weighing the future of its steelmaking coal business since it became apparent its plan to spin off the operations into a separate company did not have the required shareholder support.

The company said the sale is subject to several conditions, including approvals under the Investment Canada Act and competition approvals in several jurisdictions.

"Glencore has made strong commitments that will create new benefits for Canada and the Elk Valley and ensure responsible stewardship of the steelmaking coal operations for the long term," Teck chief executive Jonathan Price said in a statement.

The deal follows an unsuccessful hostile takeover bid by Glencore for all of Teck earlier this year. The Vancouver-based miner's board rejected Glencore's original offer, but the company continued its pursuit of the coal business.

Glencore's initial pursuit for the entirety of Teck sparked sentiments of economic nationalism. B.C. Premier David Eby spoke out against the proposed deal and federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre urged the government to block any acquisition of Teck by Glencore.

Ottawa said at the time that it was watching the situation closely, and that any takeover bid for Teck would go through a rigorous approvals process.

Glencore chief executive Gary Nagle said Teck's steelmaking coal business is expected to meaningfully complement the company's existing thermal and steelmaking coal production in Australia, Colombia and South Africa.

We are dedicated to working with all governing bodies and stakeholders to ensure that the transaction is of benefit to Canada, which includes a commitment from Glencore regarding employment, engaging in further reclamation efforts and to engage constructively and meaningfully with the Indigenous Nations in the Elk Valley," Nagle said in a statement.

Teck expects the proceeds from the sale of the steelmaking coal business will improve its net leverage through debt reduction, the retention of additional cash on the balance sheet and payment of transaction-related taxes, which are estimated to be about US$750 million.

The company also said its Board will determine an appropriate amount and form of a "significant cash return" to shareholders following closing of the transactions.
Maria Powell, a longtime Madison environmentalist who pushed local officials to address PFAS compounds and other industrial contamination, died Saturday of a pancreatic cancer she believed was at least partially caused by childhood exposure to toxins in her native Green Bay. She was 59.

Powell co-founded the Madison Environmental Justice Organization, or MEJO, in 2005 after finishing her Ph.D. in environmental studies and communication at UW-Madison in 2004, having been engaged for years before that in efforts to reduce and clean up pollution from Madison-Kipp Corp.s die-casting facilities on the citys East Side.

MEJOs initial focus  and one that remained important to the group through the years  was protecting the subsistence anglers who ply Madisons waters.

All these chemicals  some of the biggest exposures are in fish because they concentrate in fish, Powell explained in an interview with the Wisconsin State Journal in May.

Powell said she used to ride her bike around Lake Monona and spent a lot of time talking to people fishing along the shore, such as at Monona Terrace, where people still congregate today to catch bluegill, crappie and other panfish that congregate in the shallows just off one of the busiest bike paths in Madison.

She said she was fascinated by the stories of the anglers  many of them Black or Hmong and from places including Milwaukee and Racine. I had a great time talking with people, she said. They were very friendly.

But she was also troubled by what they might be consuming along with their fish.

Such concerns led her organization to host meetings with Hmong, Latino and Black community leaders to talk about contamination and devise ways to get the word out about its dangers. Her husband, Jim, designed signs in English, Spanish and Hmong placed on shore to warn people about the dangers of eating contaminated fish, especially for women and children. She said she was later frustrated when the joint city-county public health department replaced them with its own signs that didnt name specific kinds of fish or contaminants.

Later, helped by a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, MEJO studied the way low-income communities living along Starkweather Creek  which she termed a toxic stormwater ditch since early in the 1900s  interacted with the waterway. That work led to further investigation of the creek  which turned out to have high levels of a type of PFAS known as PFOS  and local agencies efforts to track it, or not.

She called it one of the projects shes most proud of, and it helped focus official attention on PFAS contamination in Madison, much of which stems from former industrial pollution and former burn pits at the Wisconsin Air National Guards Truax Field.

Tireless campaigner

People who knew Powell described her as tireless in her efforts to shield vulnerable communities from pollution.

There is no telling how many lives Maria impacted for the better, Rob Lee, attorney for Midwest Environmental Advocates, said. Most people have no idea of the sheer effort she put in behind the scenes to protect them. The work was hard, often thankless, and even seemingly hopeless at times. It would have been easy to give up. But Maria knew how important it was, and she met adversity with equal parts compassion, tenacity, and will.

The group last month named Powell one of its 2023 Bill Iwen Environmental Justice awardees.

Longtime East Side Madison City Council member Marsha Rummel called Powell a gadfly and a critic but also a game changer for me.

She spoke about being buttonholed by Powell for nearly an hour at the Willy Street Coop in 2017 or 2018 about the health risks of PFAS, known as forever chemicals because they dont break down in the environment.

She and Lee said Powells efforts helped persuade the Madison Water Utility to shut down city Well 15 on East Washington Avenue in 2019 after tests showed elevated levels of toxic PFAS compounds there.

Madison has lost an extraordinary street scientist and activist who shined a light on how Madison fouled its own nest, Rummel said. She used her skills to explain what we cannot see, asked questions of those in power, and provided info to elected officials like me to help us act on behalf of justice for all.

Exposed as a child

Powell said her passion for environmental justice stemmed from her experience growing up in a big Catholic family in the Green Bay area and along the Fox River, where she and her sisters used to swim in the days before the waterways contamination with PCBs from the paper industry was well known or much cared about.

We were eating fish with PCBs and swimming in this water and had no idea, she said. When I finally learned about that in my 20s  after heading off to college in California to study biology  I was really angry.

Powell said some of her sisters suffered from preeclampsia and thyroid problems, and that her mother, who grew up near a paper-making plant, died of pancreatic cancer as well  all of which she suspects was at least partially caused by childhood exposure to environmental toxins.

I really do not want other people, other kids in particular, to be exposed to these carcinogens and get cancer 10, 20 years later, she said.

Toward the end of her life, Powell, who also leaves behind her daughter, Sierra, knew her work in Madison made a difference but remained frustrated at what she saw as constant pushback from local officials.

Im hard on myself, she said about gauging the impact of her work, but it shouldnt be this hard.

A highly privileged and educated city such as Madison, which prides itself on being green and progressive, can do so much better, she said.

PFAS forever chemicals about to get their first US limits
Fatal motorcycle crashes in Dane County have jumped back up after a drop last year, leading the Traffic Safety Commission to raise the alarm on the concerning trend.

This year's 98 motorcycle crashes, which killed six people, have already far exceeded the 87 crashes and two killed in the county all of last year, said Cheryl Wittke, executive director of Safe Communities of Madison-Dane County and co-chair of the Traffic Safety Commission, a 48-member coalition of law enforcement and other agencies that meets quarterly to monitor traffic crash data.

Speed and bikers not wearing helmets were the most common factors in those incidents, the commission said in a statement. In one incident, a biker who died was traveling at 130 mph, the commission said.

"The chances of dying in a motorcycle crash are five times higher than in a car," Wittke said, noting that Wisconsin law only requires helmets for riders and passengers under 18 years old.

Statewide, 101 people have died in crashes involving motorcycles, the commission said. In two-thirds of those deaths, the bike's driver did not have a helmet on.

In Dane County, this year's six motorcycle deaths puts it on par with past years. Between 2018 and 2021, an average of six people died in motorcycle crashes, according to data from the commission.

"Safe driving and riding practices by all road users will help reduce the number of tragic motorcycle fatalities and injuries on our county's roads," Wittke said.
Q: Could you look into why the Filer Rest Area is closed, and has been since COVID-19? And if Filer isnt going to upkeep it anymore, can they get someone who can?

A: The maintenance on it has been the major problem, said Filer Mayor Bob Templeman. The public has done nothing but destroy it. Our law enforcement was there nearly every day.

The rest area located at 20005 U.S. Hwy. 30 is west of Filer. Approximately 9.2 acres, the facilities included restrooms and first-come, first-serve picnic pavilions.

People were so dirty. Its unbelievable what the maintenance crew had to clean up. They were down there constantly cleaning up, and it just got to the point where our crew were not designed to or not set up to take care of the bathrooms. It was too much. They did things that nobody in the world should do but they did, said Templeman.

He said, Mainly it was people that were passing through the area that used it more often and they abused it to no end. Finally, we sat down with the crew to talk about ways to fix the problem or make it user friendly. It just wasnt possible.

We locked the doors, said Templeman. People would go in there with crowbars and pry the doors open.

Quote People were so dirty. Its unbelievable what the maintenance crew had to clean up. ... It was too much. They did things that nobody in the world should do but they did. Bob Templeman, Filer mayor

He said in the winter, there was no water in the toilets, but people would still use the toilet and then tear the tops of the seats off. Or if the doors were locked, they would defecate in front of the doors. It was a constant clean up. They even smeared feces all over the walls. It was a health issue for employees. They spent 90% of their time at that park just cleaning up crap, and theres not another word for it. We welded the doors shut, and they still tried to get in. We put up a sign for quite a while that it was closed, but people would run over it. Finally, we put up barricades.

The Idaho Transportation Department transferred the Filer Rest Area to the city many years ago. Surveillance cameras were even considered. Its been a burden on the taxpayers. Its a nice little community park. We notified the state and asked them a lot of questions about what we could do. They had no regulations, said Templeman.

He said, People staying overnight would leave their garbage on the ground. The maintenance crew would have to go down after they left and spend a few hours cleaning. There were garbage cans around the facility to use. Theyd open the door of their camper and just dump it right out on the ground.

Its a crying shame and it shouldnt have come to that, said Templeman. In the last three to four years, it got crazy. Officers were down there often checking out complaints and people. It was more of a nuisance. I still dont know why people do what they do.

Cedar Draw Park had electricity at campsites, which was turned from mid-May into October. There were seven sites available on gravel pads. A seven-day maximum stay with 14 days away, developed RV electrical sites were $12 per night with hook-up. The undeveloped sites were $8 per night with no hook-ups.

We just had a city council meeting, and theres a company thats going to assess the property for commercial pricing and put it up for sale. The city council deemed it excess property. Itd be nice to be able to keep it but its just not possible, said Templeman.

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.
Sen. Glenneda Zuiderveld, R-Twin Falls, has been stripped of her position as vice chair of the Idaho Senate Health and Welfare Committee.

In a letter to Zuiderveld dated Nov. 6 and released to the media on Monday by the Idaho Freedom Caucus, of which Zuiderveld is a member, President Pro Tempore Chuck Winder immediately removed her from committee leadership after she authored an online post that openly attacked the integrity of your fellow members of the Idaho Senate.

Winder further described Zuidervelds writings as degrading and disrespectful of  the Senate itself, concluding her behavior was beneath a manner expected of an elected official.

The Times-News independently verified the authenticity of Winders letter and obtained a copy on Monday.

In an email to the Times-News on Monday afternoon, Zuiderveld said her reaction to Winders letter was first shock, then anger and, finally, By the third paragraph my response was this is a gift. I dont work for leadership; I work for the people they are who I answer to. They need to see that I will stand to protect their individual right, I will be transparent, and I will expose any corruption I see. My post did just that, and I will not be intimidated to silence.

She also questioned whether Winder was creating fear in our elected officials adding, And knowing my people in my district I am confident they are having the same reaction.

Earlier Monday, Zuiderveld asked on X, formerly known as Twitter: Do we lose our First Amendment right when we become elected officials?

Idaho State Senator and @freedomcaucusID member Glenneda Zuiderveld wrote a newsletter criticizing special interest power in Idaho with this meme of RINO Senate Pro Temp Chuck Winder.He then removed her as Vice Chair of the Health and Welfare Committee.RINOS are thin skinned. pic.twitter.com/Ft3UbXI44A  State Freedom Caucus Network (@SFC_Network) November 13, 2023

A few hours later, in an online newsletter post, titled Forging Forward, Zuiderveld addressed Winders letter and called for supporters to donate to her campaign, share her online newsletter with friends and neighbors, and pray.

She wrote, I find myself a victim, witnessing leadership weaponize the rules against the peoples conservative Christian statesmen.  I am in the cross hairs of those who look to take out YOUR SENATOR! We must push forward.

The Freedom Caucus, in a news release, claimed Winders decision was an alarming act of authoritarianism, ignoring that he, as president pro tem, has authority to appoint a majority of each committee and the chair and vice-chair of each committee from the membership of the political party having a majority in the Senate, as stated in Rule 19 of Senate Rules.

The appointing authority, then, also has the right to change chair and vice-chair assignments, Winder told the Times-News, noting that such positions serve at the pleasure of higher leadership, such as the president pro tem in the Senate or the speaker in the House.

Zuiderveld went too far in calling out other Senate members, Winder said during a phone interview. He said he didnt seek to bring attention to the Magic Valley senators ouster and was pretty disappointed that the Freedom Caucus and Zuiderveld went public to stir further disharmony.

It appeared Zuiderveld was disciplined for an Oct. 29 post on her Substack, titled David (People) Vs. Goliath (IACI), in which she targeted the Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry, arguably the states most influential business lobby, and insinuated that some of her fellow legislators who are endorsed by the IACI had prioritized the interests of Global Corporations over the people of Idaho.

Magic Valley Sens. Kelly Anthon, R-Burley, and Linda Wright Hartgen, R-Twin Falls, and Reps. Chenele Dixon, R-Kimberly, Greg Lanting, R-Twin Falls, and Jack Nelsen, R-Jerome, have earned endorsements from the IACI.

In his letter, Winder also wrote, At this time, I do not plan to pursue a formal ethics complaint, but if your misconduct continues, you may leave me with no choice. Moving forward, I hope that you will not further degrade your relationship with Senate leadership, members of the Senate, the Senate as a whole, and the general public. I encourage you to reflect upon your misconduct and your removal as Vice Chair to correct your wrong doings as you continue to serve in the Idaho Senate.

Zuiderveld will continue as a member on the Health and Welfare Committee. She is also a member of the Agricultural Affairs Committee.

Winder also sent a letter to Sen. Scott Herndon, R-Sagle, requesting an apology for his posting of an online article degrading and disparaging every Senate member serving on JFAC and questioning why Herndon had worked on just one small budget.

Although your fellow colleagues on JFAC have taken their duties seriously, you have not, Winder alleged.  If you are not willing to do so, I ask that you resign from the committee so someone else, willing to do the work, may assume your seat.

The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee is the Legislatures most powerful budget committee.

In the Freedom Caucus release, Herndon described Winders comments as hostile and a direct attack  to erode our ability to serve the people of Idaho who elected us.

The 2024 Idaho Legislature will open Jan. 8 in Boise. All 105 legislative seats are up for election next year.

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.
Hive Health, a digital health insurance startup founded by Harvard and Stanford University students in 2021, acquired Health Plan Philippines Inc. (HPPI), one of the pioneering health maintenance organizations in the country.

We have just begun the hard work of making healthcare radically more accessible. The goal is for all Filipinos to feel secure that their health is taken care of, and to give employers a sustainable way to take part in making that happen, said Hive Health co-founder and chief executive Camille Ang.

Hive Healths journey to date, especially with the acquisition of HPPI, marks a significant milestone, not just for our company but also for the Philippine startup landscape. It underscores the potential of startups like Hive Health to shrink the change and make an impact on intractable problems, she said.

Under the deal, Hive Health will be able to share its technology and data-driven innovations with HPPIs existing members. It will also integrate HPPIs nationwide provider network and institutional knowledge built across 37 years with its core capabilities to further redefine the patient experience across virtual and in-person care.

Hive Health has been a valued partner of HPPI given our shared missions. I have seen how the team is able to deliver changes to improve the patient experience much faster than I would have expected, and how they genuinely care about making healthcare accessible to more Filipinos. We are excited for the journey ahead as Hive Health and HPPI join forces, said Natasha Reyes, chief executive of HPPI.

Hive Health, as a full-stack digital health insurer, offers hassle-free, comprehensive HMO health plans for SMEs and startups, encompassing outpatient, inpatient, emergency and dental care through an extensive nationwide network of 1,700 hospitals and clinics and over 60,000 doctors across the country.

We started Hive Health with the mission to make healthcare more accessible in the Philippines and in many other developing countries where social safety nets are capped. Our goal is to leverage tech and data to make quality healthcare more affordable and easier to use, especially for the underserved SME segment, said Jiawen Tang, president and co-founder of Hive Health.

Hive Healths digital platform empowers patients to manage their own care and their dependents care effortlesslyenabling tasks such as requesting letters of approval within minutes to allow patients to skip the long lines in hospitals, viewing plan benefits, finding nearby providers, scheduling annual physical exams, and accessing medical records  all from their phone or computer. Additionally, members enjoy fast out-of-network reimbursements within 3 to 5 days and exclusive wellness perks.

Were also proud of our one-of-a-kind vertically integrated telehealth and care coordination model that bridges virtual and in-person care. Patients can book on-demand video teleconsultations with our team of Hive doctors, who use our in-house electronic medical records system to enable patients to get more accurate diagnoses and access the right care whenever they need it, Tang said.

Born from personal experiences and the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, Hive Healths founders, Ang and Tang, were motivated to address the gaps in healthcare accessibility and affordability in the Philippines.

The limited coverage and frustrating processes of existing health plans inspired them to pioneer transformative changes in the healthcare landscape.

Both Ang and Tang were pursuing dual MBA and MPA in International Development degrees at Harvard and Stanford.

Prior to Hive Health, Ang has worked across various roles in public-private partnership (PPP). As a private equity executive at Macquarie, the worlds largest infrastructure fund manager with $573 billion assets under management, she has managed large global and local insurance funds, and played critical roles in the acquisition and management of companies in the Philippines and across South East Asia.

She has also extensively worked on PPP policies and projects with the government of the Philippines, McKinsey & Company, and the Rwandan Development Board.

During her stint with the Department of Transportation and Communications, she led pioneering PPP deals for the government including the Mactan-Cebu International Airport  the first airport PPP in the Philippines which received international awards. In addition, Ang has worked in the technology space in Africa, particularly through Knife Capital, a leading venture capital firm in South Africa.

Ang has an MBA from Harvard Business School and an MPA-International Development from the Harvard Kennedy School. She graduated from Ateneo de Manila University with a B.S. in Management Engineering.

We learned that over 1.5M Filipinos are forced into poverty each year due to health shocks, while a surprising <10% of the population have access to health plans beyond PhilHealth. For those that are lucky to have an employer-sponsored health plan, the average out-of-pocket spend is at 56 percent, and Filipinos find it quite difficult to use ones health plan, said Ang, who grew up in the Philippines.

Having earned accolades from esteemed institutions like Harvard, Stanford and MIT, including the grand prize at the Harvard New Venture Competition that propelled Grabs launch in 2011, and gaining support from leading global venture capital firms including YCombinator, the premier tech accelerator in Silicon Valley, the duo embarked on bringing their thesis coupled with personal challenges into action in 2021.

Hives impact is already being felt by SMEs across the country. InvestEd CEO Carmina Bayombong noted how Hive Healths patient-first approach is truly differentiated.

Our employees are super happy. They tell me that they never want to go back to these brick and mortar HMOs. I myself experienced thisI first tried to line up for a letter of authorization (LOA) in the hospital but decided to test Hives in-app LOA feature while in line. I was so shocked that it came even before it was my turn in line, while other HMOs take three days. I ended up saving both time and money.
Power retailer Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) said Tuesday its electricity rates and service quality are among the most competitive in the Philippines.

Meralco spokesperson Joe Zaldarriaga said the company has always been transparent about its rates and causes of adjustments.

He said about 80 percent of the companys rates are pass-through charges that are remitted directly to power generation companies, transmission grid operator and to the government for taxes.

Meralco is also only one of several DUs and ECs operating in the country. We have strictly abided by the rules and guidelines of our franchise as operations are heavily regulated by the ERC, Zaldarriaga said.

Zaldarriaga said electricity rates in the Philippines reflect the true cost of electricity, unlike that of other countries which are heavily subsidized by their governments.

He cited the latest study of International Energy Consultants which showed that Meralco rates are fair and reasonable and noted that Philippine power prices are higher compared to its neighbor countries due to subsidies provided by their governments.

Meralcos distribution charge, on the other hand, has not moved since the P0.0360-per-kWh reduction for a typical residential customer in August 2022.

In terms of quality, Meralco has consistently delivered stable and reliable service and performed well within regulatory standards. Meralco also continuously invests in projects and new technologies that would improve and strengthen its distribution network to better respond to the needs of our 7.8 million customers, Zaldarriaga said.

Meralco issued the statement to clarify the concerns raised by ACT-Teachers Rep. France Castro and Laguna 1st District Rep. Ann Matibag.

The two lawmakers supported proposals to review and split into three Meralcos franchise, describing it as too big.

The proposal was first made by Laguna Rep. Dan Fernandez in a privilege speech, urging the House of Representatives to conduct a review of the mega-franchise and divide it into three.

Zaldarriaga said Meralco complies with all government regulations and said Fernandezs speech contained factual errors and was riddled with inconsistencies. It also denied behaving as a monopoly.
Alliance Global Group Inc. (AGI) said Tuesday its nine-month attributable net profit jumped 9 percent to P12.9 billion from P11.9 billion in the same period last year on continued rise in consumer spending and improved economic activity despite prevailing macroeconomic headwinds.

AGI said in a disclosure to the stock exchange its nine-month revenues rose 17 percent to P150.4 billion from P128.4 billion the year before.

Net income for the third quarter stood at P3.7 billion while revenues went up by 12 percent to P51.3 billion.

The Alliance Global Group has sustained its strong financial and operating performance in the first nine months of the year even in the wake of persistent domestic and global economic challenges, said AGI chief executive Kevin Tan.

Tan said the company expects a more hectic economic activity in the last quarter to boosted by the holiday spending.

Given our superior and attractive product offerings, and armed with an indomitable spirit, we hope to end the year on a stronger note regardless of the macro headwinds, said Tan.

AGIs property unit Megaworld Corp. delivered nine-month profits of P12 billion, up 43 percent versus P8.4 billion recorded in the same period a year ago.

Megaworlds consolidated sales increased by 14 percent year-on-year to P48.6 billion on higher residential and leasing revenues.

Liquor unit Emperador Inc. saw its net income for the first nine months of the year dip by 5.5 percent to P6.78 billion due to rising inventory costs, coupled with higher selling and operating expenses.

Revenues, however, rose 10 percent year-on-year to P47.1 billion on as its premium whisky brands have maintained their popularity mainly in Asia and North America.

AGIs gaming firm Travellers International Hotel Group Inc., returned to profitability with a net income of P773 million, reversing the previous years losses of P235 million.

Net revenues reached P23.3 billion in the first nine months of the year, exceeding its pre-pandemic level and reflecting a growth of 27 percent year-on-year.

Golden Arches Development Corp., the Philippine franchise holder of fast-food chain McDonalds, booked net income of P1.47 billion in the first nine months of the year as revenues jumped 28 percent to P30.7 billion.

GADC operates 705 McDonalds stores nationwide as of end September.
CHINA on Tuesday declared that it has no plans of taking any inch of another countrys territory despite its frequent incursions into the West Philippine Sea, even as it demanded that the United States not interfere in Beijings dispute with other countries.

Mao Ning, spokesperson of Chinas Foreign Ministry, made the declaration amid a worsening row in the WPS, and as President Xi Jinping visits the United States, a key Philippine ally, for a summit meeting.

China has made clear on multiple occasions the nature of the South China Sea issue and what our principled position is. China will neither take any inch of territory that is not ours nor give up any inch of territory that belongs to us, Mao said.

The Chinese official stressed that Beijing is committed to settling whatever relevant dispute it has with other countries through negotiation and consultation.

However, she said Beijing will not waver in our determination to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

China has disputed the Philippines territorial sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea, a part of the bigger South China Sea.

China is citing as basis its historic yet unilateral nine-dash line (now 10-dash line), while the Philippines claim to sovereignty is based on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) that was ratified by both sides.

As the US continues to remind China that any armed attack on the Philippine assets in the waters would invoke its defense treaty with the Philippines, Mao said that it needs to stop creating pretexts and interfering in the disputes between China and relevant countries over territorial and maritime rights and interests.

She also told the US not to try to isolate and encircle China by exploiting those issues.

In Manila, the military said the Philippines will continue asserting its rights in the Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal in the WPS through frequent resupply missions, a military official said Monday.

Whether we do it more often now or not, again these activities are just in exercise of our sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the area. No one has the right to interfere with what we are doing, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson, Col. Medel Aguilar,

said.

Asked why the Philippine Coast Guards largest ship, the BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702) joined the Nov. 10 rotation and resupply (RORE) mission for the first time, Aguilar said the country is just exercising its sovereign rights and jurisdictions in its maritime zones.

Aguilar also thanked the countrys legislators for making sure that BRP Sierra Madre (LS-57) in Ayungin Shoal is maintained.

Aguilar earlier said what the Philippines is doing is legal and peaceful and the AFP will continue to supply information detailing Chinas hostile moves in the areas for the filling of diplomatic protests.

He said this seeks to remind China that Ayungin Shoal is within the Philippines exclusive economic zone and their presence is illegal and what they are doing there is actually dangerous and irresponsible.

Also on Tuesday, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) thanked senators for a P1.3 billion increase in its budget for 2024.

This budget increase will significantly augment our operations not only in the West Philippine Sea but also in our fight to combat illegal activities and enforce maritime laws in our borders in the Southern Philippines and Benham Rise in the Eastern Seaboard, PCG spokesperson Rear Admiral Armando Balilo said.

The Coast Guard has a myriad of challenges that we need to address.

And this budget increase will definitely boost our capability development and daily operations. We thank our fellow Filipinos for their trust and confidence in the organization. Rest assured that we will manage every single centavo entrusted to us in accordance with existing auditing rules and regulations, he added.

During the Department of Transportation (DOTr) s plenary debate for its FY 2024 budget on Nov. 13, Senator Grace Poe announced the coast guards additional fund will be allocated for its vessel operations and maintenance activities.
The Supreme Court has sustained a 2012 decision of the Sandiganbayan dismissing the ill-gotten wealth case against the estate of the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and several alleged cronies, led by business tycoon Lucio Tan.

The ill-gotten wealth case filed by the Presidential Commission on Good Government covered Tans companies which Marcos and then First Lady Imelda allegedly granted concessions to or have interests in.

It appears that none of the pieces of evidence relied upon by the Republic was successful in establishing the manner by which respondents allegedly acquired ill-gotten wealth. It was not shown, through these pieces of evidence, if and how respondents took undue advantage of their office, authority, influence, connections, or relationship, the High Court said in an en banc decision written by Associate Justice Rodil Zalameda.

Here, even if we apply the comprehensive definition of ill-gotten wealth, the pieces of evidence relied upon by the Republic failed to establish all its elements. Notably, some of these pieces of evidence are even of doubtful admissibility.

The Marcos estate was represented by the former First Lady Imelda, son and now President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and daughters Imee Marcos and Irene Araneta.

Besides Tan, also named as respondents were his family members and business associates.

Tans companies covered by the case include Shareholdings, Inc, Asia Brewery, Allied Bank, Fortune Tobacco, Maranaw Hotels, Virginia Tobacco Redrying Plant, Northern Tobacco Redrying Plant, Foremost Farms, Sipalay Trading, Himmel Industries, Grandspan Development Corp. (Grandspan), Basic Holdings Corp, Progressive Farms, Inc., Manufacturing Services and Trade Corp., Allied Leasing & Finance Corp., Jewel Holdings, Inc., Iris Holdings and Development Corp., and Virgo Holdings and Development Corp.

The PCCG alleged that the sale of the controlling interest of the Development Bank of the Philippines in Century Park Sheraton Hotel (Century Park), owned by Maranaw Hotels and Resorts Corp., to Sipalay Trading Corporation, a company controlled by Tan, has caused losses amounting to millions of pesos to DBP.

The properties that the government was seeking to recover include two aircraft and shares of stocks from the respondent-corporations and Century Park.

In denying the appeal of the PCGG, the High Court ruled that the evidence presented by the agency failed to establish that the assets and properties covered by the complaint were illegally obtained.

Among the pieces of evidence presented by the PCGG in support of its case were Imeldas amended answer, Tans written disclosure, Marcos Jrs testimony, and voluminous documentary evidence found by the PCGG during their investigations.

The tribunal, however, noted that in Imeldas amended answer, she merely stated that Marcos Sr. had 60 percent beneficial ownership in Tans companies, which beneficial interests were held in trust by the business tycoon and his associates who were stockholders of the said companies.

There is nothing, however, in said amended answer that would even suggest that undue advantage of office, authority, influence, connections, or relationship was employed to facilitate the acquisition by Marcos of his 60 percent beneficial ownership in respondent Tans companies, the SC said.

On Tans written disclosure, the Court said this cannot be admitted as evidence due to the failure of the prosecution to present him as a witness to authenticate the document.

The PCCG relied on the written disclosure to prove the 60-40 business arrangement between Tan and Marcos, including the supposed incorporation of holding companies for the latters benefit. It was executed and submitted by Tan in 1986 to the late senator and then PCGG chairman Jovito Salonga during the agencys investigation of the alleged Marcos-Tan partnership.

As a rule, before a private document is admitted in evidence, it must be authenticated either by the person who executed it, the person before whom its execution was acknowledged, any person who was present and saw it executed, or who after its execution, saw it and recognized the signatures, or the person to whom the parties to the instruments had previously confessed execution thereof, the High Court said.

Here, the Written Disclosure cannot be admitted as evidence of the truth of its contents. The Republic did not present respondent Tan, the one who executed the document, as a witness. As such, respondent Tan was not cross-examined on the statements he made in the Written Disclosure. The hearsay rule excludes evidence that cannot be tested by cross-examination, it added.

With regard to Marcos Jr.s testimony relating to his supposed meetings with his father and Tan on the alleged interest of the Marcoses in the latters businesses and their supposed 60-40 business arrangement, the Court declared his testimony as hearsay which cannot be used as evidence of the prosecution.

After due consideration of the foregoing, it is clear that Marcos Jr. does not have personal knowledge of the alleged 60-40 business arrangement or the share transfers between and among the various corporations. It does not appear that he was privy to any of these transactions, the Supreme Court said.

The SC also upheld the Sandiganbayans resolution issued on December 22, 2010, dismissing the ill-gotten wealth case against two of the respondents, namely Don Ferry and Cesar Zalamea, in connection with the Sipalay deal.

The high court also dismissed the PCGGs petition seeking the reversal of a Sandiganbayans resolution denying its motion to admit a third amended complaint which seeks to include Philip Morris, Fortune Tobacco and several other individuals as respondents in the case.
Photo: The Canadian Press Prime Minister Justin Trudeau holds a press conference following his participation in the APEC summit in Bangkok, Thailand on Friday, Nov. 18, 2022.

Its 21 member economies represent nearly three billion people and 62 per cent of the world's GDP, generating US$30 trillion in global trade last year alone.

But as Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders gather in San Francisco, the focus  for now, at least  will be on just two of them.

U.S. President Joe Biden sits down Wednesday with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, hoping to iron out some of the kinks in their fraught bilateral relationship.

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan calls it "intense diplomacy" aimed at ensuring that healthy competition doesnt devolve into dangerous conflict.

Experts say that dynamic will likely make it difficult for Canada to make much of a geopolitical splash in the Bay Area this week.

But federal officials say they expect tangible progress from a busy slate of bilateral meetings during Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's three-day visit.

The summit comes one year since the Liberal government unveiled a new $2.3-billion Indo-Pacific strategy aimed at fortifying regional alliances as a hedge against China's expansive power.
The armed wing of the Palestinian group Hamas said on Monday it told Qatari mediators they were ready to release up to 70 women and children held in Gaza in return for a five-day truce with Israel.

Abu Obeida, a spokesman for the group said: Qatari mediation has led efforts to release 100 Israeli hostages in return for 200 Palestinian children and 75 women held in Israeli prisons.

We informed the mediators we could release the hostages if we obtained five days of truce and passage of aid to all of our people throughout the Gaza Strip, but the enemy is procrastinating, he said in an audio statement.

On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told US media there could be a deal to free hostages held in Gaza, but stopped short of providing any details.

Israeli officials say around 240 people, including foreigners, were taken hostage when Hamas militants from the Gaza Strip surged through the heavily militarized border with Israel on Oct. 7, killing about 1,200 people, mostly civilians.

Among those captured were at least 30 minors, including some young children.

After the attack, Israel began an intensive bombing campaign in Gaza, which the Hamas government says has killed 11,240, also mostly civilians.

Political leaders and army chiefs in Israel have said there will be no ceasefire until the hostages are freed.

A total of 224 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and eight children have so far been repatriated back to the Philippines since Hamas terrorists launched their attacks in southern Israel on Oct. 7.

On Monday, the seventh batch of OFWs from Israel composed of 39 adults and two children arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 via Etihad Airways flight EY424.

There are 29 caregivers and 10 hotel workers in this group of returnees, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said in its Facebook post.

The Presidential Communications Office earlier announced that benefits and assistance given by the Philippine government to repatriated OFWs include a return ticket from Israel to Manila, $200 in financial assistance for their immediate needs, and hotel accommodation in Israel while waiting for their flight.

Upon arrival in Manila, they will also receive P50,000 from the Department of Migrant Workers, P50,000 from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, care kits and food packs from the National Reintegration Center for OFWs, initial physical and medical check-ups, and medical referral services if needed by the Department of Health;

Psychosocial assessment and evaluation by the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the DOH, P20,000 financial assistance for individuals in crisis situations from the DSWD, and skills training vouchers and care kits from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.

On Monday, Israels Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss called for the release of 33 children who were held hostage in Gaza by Hamas terrorists.

TWO SIDES OF CONFLICT. Israel Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss holds a teddy bear with a blindfold to symbolize the 33 children still held as hostages by Hamas in Gaza in a briefing on Tuesday

Just think about it, it is not human. The message is, release the hostages, release the children. Let them go home, he said during a media briefing.

The real picture is the 10-month-old baby that was kidnapped, taken from his home. For me, this is really the story.

Kfir Bibas is the youngest of the 239 hostages, including 33 children, held by Hamas.

He was nine months old when he was abducted together with his parents and 4-year-old sibling five weeks ago.

He noted that authorities have been working in the past month to identify the victims who were slaughtered in their homes, on the streets, and at a music festival.

Some of them were burned, mutilated, raped, and tortured as shown in the video footage recorded and disseminated via social media by the terrorists themselves.

Fluss said the embassy cares about all overseas Filipino workers who are in Israel and the families of those who died due to the atrocity.

We will take care of them exactly the same as we take care of our own Israeli families of the victims of terrorism, he said.  AFP
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said Tuesday he had discussed with Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta the possibility of handing over fugitive former Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr., who is facing murder charges and was tagged a terrorist by the government, to the Philippines.

I just told him that we will be filing the necessary information, the necessary letters, to his office to inform them formally of the charges pending against Mr. Teves, Remulla said in revealing his meeting with the Pacific Island nation leader on Saturday.

The duties of rendition are there and that under the United Nations agreement on terrorism, there is a duty for member-states to render unto the prosecuting country the body of any terrorist so that he may be held for trial, he added.

Rendition refers to the transfer of persons from one jurisdiction to another, following prescribed legal proceedings.

Teves has been charged with murder over the killing of former Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo and nine others in Pamplona town last March, and the killing of three others in the same province in 2019.

In September, a Manila City regional trial court issued arrest warrants against Teves and three others over the Pamplona killings, while courts in Negros also issued arrest warrants for the 2019 killings.

It was on October 4 that the arrest warrant for the 2019 murders has been issued. So there are a lot actually a lot of outstanding warrants against Congressman Teves, Remulla said.

Earlier reports indicated that Teves was hiding in Timor-Leste after having tried and failed to seek a special asylum status there.

According to Remulla, Ramos-Horta  who came to Manila on a two-day official visit last week  told him that he would wait for the letters.

The Justice Secretary believed Ramos-Horta would act upon favorably since the Timor-Leste leader supposedly asked about the judicial system, about how things are decided, about how we look upon situations.

Many situations were brought to me by the good President and I was able to answer properly. In fact, he has extended an invitation to my office to go to Timor-Leste to speak about the justice system, the criminal justice system, the relationship of law enforcement and other things that will be good for a new country to be able to take note of, very early in its inception, he said.

Hailing the Philippines legal traditions as one of the longest and oldest in Southeast Asia and at par with the rest of the world, Remulla said Timor-Leste, as a new country, could learn a few things from the countrys legal system.

Meanwhile, Remulla noted that former senator Manny Pacquiao frequently visits Timor-Leste and was seen in the company of Teves at one point.

Teves was seen welcoming Pacquiao in Timor-Leste one time. I have no other reports on that matter but his name was mentioned among those prominent Filipinos who goes to Timor-Leste, he said.

I dont know what he does there or what he envisions to be his role there but his name was mentioned as among the frequent visitors in Timor-Leste. And I would like to find out from the good senator if there is anything we can do to help him also since we are furthering our relations with Timor-Leste, he added.

Pacquiaos camp has yet to comment on Remullas statement.
The Department of Health (DOH) has yet to determine the extent of the possible breach into the countrys COVID-19 vaccination data following the hacking of the World Health Organizations (WHO) database.

Meanwhile, the Department of Education (DepEd), in partnership with the DOH, vowed to collaborate in addressing health issues directly affecting school-aged children.

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa confirmed receiving reports that the COVID-19 vaccination data from the Philippines deposited with the WHO might have been compromised and breached.

In response, the DOH is currently in close coordination with the WHO and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to ascertain the veracity of this report, as well as to determine the extent of any possible data breaches, and the appropriate interventions, should there be any, Herbosa told the GMA News.

He vowed that the DOH will provide the public additional information once available. DICT spokesman Renato Paraiso earlier said monitoring of the agencys computer emergency response team confirmed the COVID-19 vaccination database of the WHO for the Philippines and India had been compromised.

This places in potential risk sensitive personal information of people who signed up for the COVID-19 vaccination program including their full names, addresses, birthdays, mobile numbers, email addresses, blood types, and medical histories. Security analyst Karla Cruz, meanwhile, said around 180 million data sets were hacked and released to the dark web. She also warned this poses a danger to the public.

Herbosa, however, gave assurance that mechanisms are in place to ensure the confidentiality of the public data.

In the meantime, the DOH assures the public that the mechanisms are in place to ensure that the confidentiality of data and it has taken steps to further reinforce the security of data systems managed by the DOH through our Knowledge Management and Information Technology services, he said.

He also called on the people to remain vigilant and take steps to secure their personal and private information through their own efforts amid recent hacking incidents.

Think before you click, he stressed. In a meeting on Monday, Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte and Herbosa discussed the clustering of Influenza-like Illnesses (ILI) in schools, reported HIV/AIDS incidences among school-aged children, teenage pregnancies, mental wellness of students, and other factors that significantly impact the overall development of learners.

We realized that not all problems of learners are solely related to the quality of education, both agencies have come together to prioritize the physical health and mental well-being of students.

Many of it are caused by physical and mental health, which is one of the biggest aspect that should be given attention to ensure overall development of intellect, body, and emotion of our learners, Duterte said in a statement in Filipino.

Together, DepEd and DOH will work to identify the root causes of ILI outbreaks in schools and implement preventive measures to protect the health of students and staff, the statement said.

Duterte also said efforts would be exerted to raise awareness, provide accurate information, and implement preventive programs to combat the increasing incidence of HIV/AIDS among school-aged children.

The two agencies will jointly develop comprehensive strategies to reduce the number of teenage pregnancies and provide support to pregnant students, ensuring they can continue their education.

Programs that address mental health issues among students, such as stress management, counselling services, and the creation of a supportive environment will also be implemented.

By prioritizing the physical and mental well-being of students, both agencies aim to create a conducive learning environment that nurtures the holistic development of every learner.

I thank Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa and his colleagues in the Department of Health for the opportunity to discuss issues that concerns our learners, Duterte said.
By Peter Hutchison and Joe Jackson

London, United Kingdom  Former UK leader David Cameron sensationally returned to the British government as foreign secretary on Monday, as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak shook up his top team before an expected general election next year.

Camerons comeback from the political wilderness came as Sunak sacked right-wing firebrand Suella Braverman as interior minister to try to assert his authority over the Conservative party, which trails the Labour opposition in polls.

Political watchers also saw the appointment of Cameron and the dismissal of Braverman as Sunak positioning himself to fight the next election on more centrist ground.

James Cleverly moved from the foreign ministry to succeed Braverman after critics accused her of heightening tensions during weeks of contentious pro-Palestinian demonstrations and counter-protests.

Cameron quit as prime minister in 2016 after losing the Brexit referendum, standing down as an MP that year, before later becoming mired in a lobbying scandal that was seen as tarnishing his reputation.

The former leader, whose foreign policy record as prime minister is viewed as chequered at best, said he gladly accepted his new role as Britain faced a daunting set of international challenges.

While I have been out of front-line politics for the last seven years, I hope that my experience  as Conservative leader for 11 years and prime minister for six  will assist me in helping the prime minister to meet these vital challenges, Cameron added, citing the Israel-Hamas war and Russias conflict in Ukraine.

Cameron will be made a life peer in the House of Lords  Britains unelected upper chamber of parliament  Downing Street announced, making him eligible to sit in government.

The last lord as foreign secretary was Peter Carrington, who quit Margaret Thatchers government after Argentina invaded the Falkland Islands in 1982.

Cameron was instrumental in leading western countries intervention in Libya in 2011, which helped overthrow dictator Moamer Khadafi but was seen as aiding the North African countrys descent into political and economic collapse.

In 2013 he became the first prime minister in over 150 years to lose a parliamentary vote on military action when MPs failed to back his plan for strikes on Syria following a chemical attack by Damascus.

Cameron became mired in scandal in 2021, after lobbying the UK government for finance group Greensill Capital, which later collapsed.

He and Sunak have also clashed publicly on big issues. Last year, Sunak suggested that a golden era of warm relations between Britain and China during Camerons 2010-2016 tenure had been naive.

And Cameron recently slammed Sunaks decision to scrap a key part of a high-speed rail project.

Cameron said he accepted the collective responsibility of being in government.

Of course I have disagreed with some individual decisions, but politics is a team enterprise, he said, praising Sunak as a good prime minister.

Privilege

His shock return surprised even political commentators, who noted it was at odds with Sunaks recent pitch at the Tory conference to end the 30-year status quo in British politics.

Cameron spoke later Monday with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who congratulated him during a conversation that also touched on US-UK relations, the Israel-Hamas war, the Ukraine war, and relations with China, department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement.

Tim Bale, politics professor at Queen Mary University of London, said Sunak was likely hoping to appeal to increasingly dissatisfied moderate voters but he was sceptical it would make much difference.

Polling in September suggested 45 percent of UK adults felt unfavourably towards Cameron, while only around a quarter held a favourable view.

I think that theyve run out of ideas, really, and theyve run out of credible people to take the four senior positions in cabinet, 59-year-old retiree Nick Waymark told AFP on the streets of London.

Bravermans position became increasingly untenable after she last week wrote an explosive newspaper article, without Sunaks approval, accusing police of bias towards left-wing causes.

Critics said her comments had encouraged far-right protesters to hold counter demos on the sidelines of the main march on Armistice Day on Saturday.

Downing Street launched an investigation into how the article was published without its consent, as required by the ministerial code.

Braverman stoked controversy throughout her tenure, regularly wading into so-called culture wars issues, and reportedly harbours ambitions of one day leading the Tories.

She described homelessness as a lifestyle choice and has attacked her critics as liberal tofu-eating wokerati.

She also called sending asylum seekers to Rwanda her dream and obsession.

Following her dismissal, Braverman said it has been the greatest privilege of my life to serve as home secretary.

But she warned ominously: I will have more to say in due course.
EY Global Delivery Services (EY GDS), the provider of innovative and strategic business services for EY member firms to support EY clients worldwide, proudly celebrates its eighth anniversary and expansion in the Philippines with its newest center in Cebu.

Coinciding with this momentous milestone, the organization has reaffirmed its longstanding mission to strengthen the local IT-BPM sector, help create opportunities for exceptional and deserving talent to grow, and help build a better working world.

As one of the major players in the industry and in pursuit of the IT-BPM sectors 2028 roadmap goals, EY GDS has realigned itself with the strategic vision of the Philippines becoming the worlds leading hub for digitally enabled and customer-centric services.

Integral pillars of the organizations efforts that support this vision include its focus on professional development and job creation.

In recent years, and even during the pandemic, the organization has continuously presented great career opportunities to many Filipinos  providing them with the necessary training and mentorship that will help them to thrive and succeed.

Established in 2015, EY GDS Philippines has seen significant growth in its talent base, work delivery, and service capabilities  amid a dynamic business environment.

Locally, EY GDS focuses on tax, assurance, strategy and transactions, and consulting services  leveraging the excellent Philippine talent it continuously upholds, recognizes, trains, and supports to bolster competitiveness and service quality.

From having just 25 professionals when it started, EY GDS Philippines now has over 5,000 professionals.

Over the years, EY GDS has recruited young talents and experienced professionals across multiple core disciplines including finance, business development, technology, talent, procurement, risk management, and competencies such as SAP, ServiceNow, quality engineering, payroll, people advisory services, global compliance and reporting and cybersecurity.

This year, EY GDS was also recognized by Prosple Philippines as one of the top 100 employers for fresh graduates in the Philippines, helping students get the best possible start to their careers.

Moreover, EY GDS opened a new center in Cebu  the second in the Philippines.

This strategic move is expected to further strengthen its capabilities and offerings to EY member firms amid a thriving and opportunity-filled business environment with a promising talent base.

To achieve a more meaningful impact in the community and provide enriching careers, EY GDS offers a wide range of opportunities for talent to build unique experiences in the organization and nurtures a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture.

In its eight years of local operations, EY GDS has fostered an environment where all differences are valued, practices are equitable, and everyone experiences a sense of belonging  these are disciplines it looks to nurture continuously.

It also places a high premium on providing upskilling and reskilling opportunities, presenting qualification and certification programs amid a dynamic working environment shaped by dedicated leader mentorship and global standards.

To learn more about EY GDS, please visit https://www.ey.com/en_ph/careers/global-delivery-services.
TODAYS WORD is reverence. Example: The young boy watched in reverence as his grandfather performed a traditional ceremony.

SATURDAYS WORD was seriatim, meaning in a series; one after another. Example: The professor listed the key points of his lecture seriatim, ensuring that each point was addressed in a systematic manner.

Mascot

The Uptown Partnership is close to deciding the final design of Martinsvilles uptown mascot.

UP partnered with Martinsville City Public Schools to create four final designs and now they are turning the decision over the public to determine the winning design.

To vote, search Uptown Partnership on Facebook and vote by commenting on the post with the four final designs.

Teaching topics

The Martinsville Bulletin online question of the day on Saturday was Whats a topic that should be taught in school, but isnt?

The first five answers were: Life skills like balancing a checkbook, saving money, taxes, and applying for a loan; comparative world religion; communication; conservation and food preservation; and how to sew a button on instead of throwing out the garment.

Raising food

Primitive Farms in Woolwine has been producing pasture raised poultry, pork, and lamb since 2021. They say their first year they raised 100 chickens and 12 turkeys. The next year just under 1,000 chickens and 80 turkey, and this year, just under 3,000 chickens and 100 Thanksgiving turkeys.

Theyve now opened a coffee shop in Meadows of Dan, where they also sell their meat and eggs.

Chuckle

The Stroller attended the Veterans Day Ceremony at the HJDB Event Center on Saturday and prior to the event, we overheard a couple of veterans sharing this story ...

An elderly American gentleman of 97 arrived in Paris by plane. At the French customs desk, the man took a few minutes to locate his passport in his carry-on bag. You have been to France before, monsieur? the customs officer asked, sarcastically. He admitted he had been to France previously.

The American said, The last time I was here, I didnt have to show it. Impossible. Americans always have to show your passports on arrival in France! The American senior gave the Frenchman a long hard look. The he quietly explained.

Well, when I came ashore at Omaha Beach on D-Day in 1944 to help liberate this country, I couldnt find any Frenchman to show it to.

Quote of the day

Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you cant help them, at least dont hurt them.  Dalai Lama

SATURDAYS TRIVIA ANSWER: Rosa Parks refused to move to the back of the bus in the city of Montgomery, Alabama. On Dec. 1, 1955, Parks refused to give up her seat to a white man. Her courageous act of protest was considered the spark that ignited the Civil Rights movement.

TODAYS TRIVIA QUESTION: Which is the only U.S. state whose motto is in French?
The extremist group Islamic State (IS) claimed an attack on the village of Novo Cabo, Macomia district, in the Mozambican province of Cabo Delgado, saying that it killed three Christians and set fire to at least 14 houses.

Through propaganda channels, the group assumed that the attack on the Christian village took place on Friday November 10, using machine guns by soldiers of the caliphate.

The attack took place during a ceremony in preparation for a female initiation ritual that was scheduled for Sunday November 12, with the terrorists entering the camp, firing bursts of gunfire.

Local sources indicated that the attack caused the death of a fourth person.

In September, the President of Mozambique, Filipe Nyusi, acknowledged that terrorism, which has been affecting the province of Cabo Delgado for six years, is a serious new threat to peace, but stressed that it is not a religious conflict.

A serious new threat to peace in Mozambique is terrorism, a phenomenon that has been affecting our country, specifically the province of Cabo Delgado, since October 2017. The brutality with which the terrorists operate has made it clear that this is not a religious conflict, but a phenomenon driven by factors such as money laundering, drug trafficking, the squandering of mineral resources, among other types of crime, said the President.

The district of Mocimboa da Praia was the first target of terrorist attacks in Cabo Delgado, northern Mozambique, on October 5, 2017. The town of Mocimboa da Praia was even used as rebel headquarters for just over a year, until it was reclaimed in August 2021 by the joint action of Mozambican and Rwandan government forces.

In August 2023, the Mozambican Armed Defense Forces announced that they had killed several of the groups leaders, including the leader, Mozambican Bonomade Omar.
The ministers statements were made on the day of a new round of negotiations between seven unions representing health professionals, who have handed in a three-day strike notice for this month.

Answering questions from MPs, Filomena Goncalves pointed out that the health systems biggest challenge is the lack of human resources, which has been exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic.

She said that several situations have been regularized this year, such as the entry of 34 more doctors into the system, and several processes are underway, namely to hire new doctors and nurses.

According to the minister, the State Budget for 2024, approved in general on Thursday, includes funds for more than 500 new professionals to join the health system.

The new budget will also allow us to regularize 268 situations, we will launch a tender for 67 new doctors, she continued, pointing out that a tender is underway to hire 30 doctors, 75 nurses, 100 technicians, 29 assistants and 24 operational support staff.

To further improve the current situation, the minister said that there is funding for ongoing training in some specialties, in partnership with some international partners.

Also underway is the health computerization system, considered very important for the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of the sector, he said.

Since Thursday, seven unions representing health professionals have been meeting with the Ministry of Health at the General Directorate of Labor, after handing in a strike notice for November 15-17.

The health professionals in Cape Verde are demanding, among other things, a review of the basic salary of support staff, as well as an increase in overtime pay, the creation of a risk allowance for these professionals, as well as for doctors and nurses.
Former Ivorian Prime Minister and Speaker of the parliament Guillaume Soro met Monday with Nigers transitional President General Abdourahmane Tchiani after announcing the ending of his exile outside the continent.

Soro, according to his party Generations et Peuples Solidaires (GPS), arrived in Niger Saturday November 11 after escaping abduction operation in Turkiye that he blamed on Ivorian leader AlassaneOuattara.

Tchiani according to the party granted him an audience that lasted for one hour and half. I had the honor of being received today in audience by the President of the Transition of Niger, Head of State, General Abdourahmane Tchiani, accompanied by General Salifou Mody, Minister of Defense, and General Mohamed Toumba, Minister of the Interior, Soro himself said on X(former Twitter).

The meeting, the party said, is in line with Soros commitment to contribute to building peace and harmony between the brotherly peoples of Africa. Ties between Niger and Cote dIvoire have been sour since July 26, the day Tchiani deposed west-backed Nigers President Mohamed Bazoum. Ouattara has been among the few regional Heads of States who endorsed economic sanctions on Niger and wielded a military intervention to restore Bazoum.

It is unclear if Niger will be Soros new host country. The ex-rebel and Ouattaras former ally has been in exile since 2019. He is facing arrest in Cote dIvoire over several condemnations including life in prison for undermining the state and twenty years in prison for money embezzlement.
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Credit: University of Granada

A University of Granada (UGR) research team has shown for the first time that we are not "addicted" to mobile phones but to the social interaction these electronic devices provide. The study, published in the journal Psicothema, is the first experimental scientific evidence of this theory, which was developed in 2018 by Professor Samuel P.L. Veissiere, a researcher at McGill University in Montreal (Canada).

To conduct the experiment, the UGR scientists worked with a sample of 86 subjects, who were divided into two groups. "In one of the groups (the social expectation group), we instructed each participant to send a message via WhatsApp to their most active contacts explaining that they were going to participate in an exciting task in a virtual reality universe (the same message in all cases)," explains Jorge Lopez Puga, a researcher at the UGR's Department of Personality, Evaluation, and Psychological Treatment and lead author of the study.

The other group (the control group) was not asked to send this "exciting" message to their contacts. "Next, we asked both groups of people to switch off their notifications and leave their mobile phones face down on the table while they engaged in an unusual activity immersed in a virtual reality environment. When the interaction with the virtual reality task was over, we left the participants idle and unable to use their phones. After this period of doing nothing, we allowed all participants to return to using WhatsApp," the researcher notes.

Electrodermal activity

Throughout the process, the UGR scientists measured the electrodermal activity of the skin, a parameter taken as an indicator of the activity of our autonomic nervous system, i.e. a kind of physiological measure of anxiety.

"We observed that the social expectation group was more tense throughout the experiment. We also found that this group became more anxious when they were asked to stop using their mobile phones. Moreover, when they were allowed to use their phones again, this group experienced a much higher level of emotional arousal," says Lopez Puga.

The results show that mobile phones are not the cause of psychological problems, but rather that how and why the devices are used can better explain certain psychological problems.

More information: Ana Maria Ruiz-Ruano Garcia et al, Social Expectancy Increases Skin Conductance Response in Mobile Instant Messaging Users, Psicothema (2023). DOI: 10.7334/psicothema2022.362. www.psicothema.com/pi?pii=4823
Photo: The Canadian Press This combination of 2017-2022 photos shows the logos of Facebook, YouTube, TikTok and Snapchat on mobile devices. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP

Canadian Heritage has released its final policy direction for the Liberals' controversial Online Streaming Act, which aims to modernize the country's broadcasting laws.

The final direction for the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission to implement the legislation was issued today.

This marks the end of the government's direct role with the law formerly known as Bill C-11, the Liberal government's second attempt to bring major online streaming services into Canada's broadcasting system alongside traditional media such as TV and radio.

The final policy direction explicitly instructs the CRTC to not impose regulations on social-media content creators or podcasters.

The law will require online broadcasters to contribute to the creation, production and distribution of Canadian content.

It also seeks to support Indigenous content and original French-language programing.
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Felix Agoi, the senior field coordinator of the Longitudinal Study of Health and Ageing in Kenya, conducts community sensitization in Kilifi before the launch of the studys pilot phase. Credit: LOSHAK

The population of Africa is the youngest in the worldbut that is expected to change rapidly in the coming decades.

Over the next three decades, the proportion of older Africans will triple across the continent. This population will nearly quadruple in Kenya, one of the most rapidly aging countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. And yet demographers report that robust longitudinal data to address the economic and health-related consequences of this demographic transition are largely missing.

The Longitudinal Study of Health and Ageing in Kenya (LOSHAK), a study that will eventually enroll thousands of participants and follow them over time, has been designed to address this gap. A collaboration between the University of Michigan and Aga Khan University in Nairobi, the study will build out nationally representative datasets on key determinants of health and economic well-being among older Kenyan adults.

That data will enable evidence-based public policy, public health and economic responses to the challenges associated with population aging in Sub-Saharan Africa.

"We have an opportunity to elucidate key issues such as trajectories of mid- to late life health risks and diseases, dementia, disability, the role of environmental pollution and climate change, and the factors that influence late-life economic well-being," said Anthony Ngugi, associate professor of epidemiology and population health at Aga Khan University, and a principal investigator of LOSHAK.

LOSHAK will advance population aging research in low- and middle-income countries while accounting for conditions that are regionally specific. Three-quarters of older Kenyans, for example, live in rural areas, where access to health care, environmental exposures, social ties and climate vulnerability differ from those in more urban settings. While many live in multigenerational households, a growing number of older Kenyans live alone.

The large young population in Sub-Saharan Africa has led to national health priorities that have historically been centered around the health needs of children and working-age adults. LOSHAK will also have unique, innovative data relevant to Kenya, such as the impacts of cash transfers on economic security and health, molecular biomarkers, and physiologic measures, according to U-M researcher Niranjani Nagarajan of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences.

LOSHAK in its feasibility phase

"LOSHAK is the inaugural study in Kenya to gather longitudinal data on the health, psychosocial, economic and environmental aspects of individuals," said Nagarajan, who was lead author of a recent publication in Innovation in Aging describing LOSHAK's current feasibility and pilot phase activities that will be used to build toward the full population-representative study.

Modeled on the Health and Retirement Study at the U-M Institute for Social Research, LOSHAK joins a network of harmonized studies on aging in more than 45 countries worldwide with data that are publicly available to researchers. LOSHAK will be only the second such study in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The feasibility and pilot phase of LOSHAK is validating measures and data collection procedures in a purposive sample of Kenyan adults 45 and older. In a partnership that leverages local expertise, infrastructure and leadership, this phase is nested within the Kaloleni/Rabai Community Health and Demographic Surveillance System, run by Aga Khan University on the coast of Kenya.

Key issues include disability, climate change

"This study has been designed to build the necessary infrastructure to collect data that will promote optimal health and economic well-being in Sub-Saharan Africa," said Josh Ehrlich, research assistant professor at the Survey Research Center at the Institute for Social Research, assistant professor of ophthalmology and visual sciences at Michigan Medicine, and a principal investigator on the project.

The LOSHAK study presents new ways and opportunities to apply population-level data to the study of the impact of climate change on adult health.

"The aging population in Africa faces particular susceptibility to the causes of climate change, such as air pollution, as well as its associated effects, including heat waves, drought and flooding," Nagarajan said.

In its feasibility phase, the LOSHAK team has used air pollution monitors worn by participants to gather data about household and neighborhood environments previously unavailable in Kenya. Transitioning to a national-level study, the team aims to collect comprehensive air pollution data for both individuals and their living environments.

"We intend to link this data to household fuel use, issues related to climate vulnerability, and concerns about food and water security," Nagarajan said. "These robust longitudinal air pollution datasets hold the potential to identify individuals at heightened risk of morbidity and mortality resulting from climate change."

Shane Burns, a medical sociologist and a postdoctoral fellow at the Population Studies Center at the Institute for Social Research, has a special interest in disability in the understudied Global South and is working with the LOSHAK team.

"As someone who regularly uses the HRS international family of studies in their research, working with LOSHAK is extremely rewarding," he said. "People often age into disability, which can be a range of physical, sensory or cognitive limitations. So, I'm thrilled to apply my expertise in disability and global aging to LOSHAK so that it includes a comprehensive profile of disability measures."

More information: Niranjani Nagarajan et al, Development of the Longitudinal Study of Health and Ageing in Kenya (LOSHAK), Innovation in Aging (2023). DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igad111
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

A smartphone app using artificial intelligence technology to detect changes in the voice of a person with heart failure predicted more than 75% of hospitalizations about three weeks before they happened, according to late-breaking science presented Nov. 13 at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2023. The meeting, held Nov. 1113, in Philadelphia, is a premier global exchange of the latest scientific advancements, research and evidence-based clinical practice updates in cardiovascular science.

"Speech analysis is novel technology that may be a useful tool in remote monitoring of heart failure patients, providing early warning of worsening heart failure that frequently results in hospitalization," said lead study author William T. Abraham, M.D., FAHA, a professor of medicine, physiology and cell biology; and a College of Medicine Distinguished Professor in the division of cardiovascular medicine at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus.

"This technology has the potential to improve patient outcomes, keeping patients well and out of the hospital, through the implementation of proactive, outpatient care in response to voice changes."

Heart failure occurs when the heart muscle can't pump enough blood to meet the body's needs for blood and oxygen. This can result in fatigue, fluid retention, shortness of breath and sometimes excessive coughing.

This study evaluated the effectiveness of the artificial intelligence-driven mobile app to predict worsening heart failure in advance of any need for hospitalization and /or intravenous treatment among people diagnosed with heart failure. The mobile phone app was designed to detect changes in speech measures in patients over time. The voice changes could indicate early increases of lung fluid, which is a sign of progressing heart failure.

The study was conducted from March 2018 through April 2023 and enrolled 416 adults living in Israel diagnosed with heart failure. Study participants recorded five sentences in their native languageHebrew, Russian, Arabic or Englishinto the phone app daily. In a training phase of the study, distinct speech measures from 263 participants were used to develop the AI algorithm. Then, the algorithm was used in the remaining 153 participants to validate the tool's effectiveness.

The analysis found:

In the training phase of the study, the app accurately predicted 76% of worsening heart failure (44 of the 58 heart failure events) on average 24 days before hospitalization or the need for IV fluids occurred. The app generated an average of three unnecessary alerts per patient, per year.

In the validation phase, the app was 71% accurate in detecting heart failure events about 3 weeks in advance (detecting 10 of 14 events). There were about three unexplained alerts per patient per year in this group as well.

Researchers conclude that the technology detects future worsening heart failure episodes accurately, with a low unnecessary notification rate. This high rate of accuracy and early notification of worsening heart failure validate the AI tool as a potentially effective way to reduce hospitalization and improve patient outcomes.

Study background:

The technology used in this study was the Cordio HearO system, a remote monitoring system comprised of a smartphone-based mobile speech application.

About 75% of the participants were men, and their average age was 68 years.

The 263 patients in the training phase, made recordings on 83% of days between March 27, 2018November 30, 2021 and were followed for up to 44 months. The test group of 153 patients made recordings on 81% of days between February 1,2020April 30, 2023 and followed for up to 31 months.

The distinct speech measures included pitch, volume, dynamics, and other characteristics.

While statistically valid, the number of participants in the study was small, which is a limitation of the study. An ongoing U.S.-based study will add to the experience in further training and validating the technology, Abraham said.

More information: Validation of a Speech Analysis Application to Detect Worsening Heart Failure Events in Ambulatory Heart Failure Patients. www.abstractsonline.com/pp8/?_  1/presentation/16568
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

"I think I need antibiotics" is a common assumption many of us make when we have cold and flu like symptoms.

It's understandable why we might feel this waywe're keen to treat our symptoms quickly to feel better and return to daily life. A GP appointment or visit to a pharmacist to request a course of antibiotics may seem like the sensible thing to do, however in many cases they aren't needed.

Our antibiotic assumptions are harmful

The reality is bacterial infectionswhich require treatment with antibioticsare not nearly as common as viral infections like the common cold. Antibiotics don't kill viruses and so aren't effective in curing viral infections.

"I need a course of antibiotics for at least a week or two" is another false assumption many of us make. Contrary to common belief, sometimes, a three to five-day course of antibiotics is sufficient for a full recovery from a particular bacterial infection.

In these two situations, unnecessary use of antibiotics is harmful for gut health and causes the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bugs and infections in the community.

The use of antibiotics to treat viral infections, unnecessary use of antibiotics for longer periods, or using an underdose or overdose causes antimicrobials and antibiotics to become ineffective over time, a phenomenon called antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Antimicrobial resistant superbugs like COVID-19 may even spread to other people in the community and within hospitals.

AMR is making infections harder to treat and increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness and deaths. AMR is the cause of death for 700,000 people worldwide each year. However, the figure could rise to 10 million by 2050, costing over $100 trillion.

An antibiotic-loving country

Dr. Sajal Saha, a Research Fellow with Deakin's School of Medicine, says Australia is one of the highest antibiotic prescribing countries in the developed world. Estimates suggest that one third of all antibiotic prescriptions made in the community are inappropriate, and antibiotic-resistant infections are spreading, which is a human health concern.

While working in clinical settings in Australia, Timor-Leste and Bangladesh, Dr. Saha's routine observation of misuse of antibiotics in communities and deaths of patients (including children) caused by resistant bugs was the source of his commitment and passion for driving change.

"Compared to national guideline recommendations, antimicrobials continue to be overprescribed in Australia, with 30% to 50% of antibiotic prescriptions in primary care being inappropriate either in choice, dose or duration," Dr. Saha says.

A 2018 survey of more than 570 antibiotic prescriptions by GPs found that 57% were inappropriate. A 2021 study found that 81% of Australian patients with acute bronchitis and 80% of patients with acute sinusitis continued to be prescribed antimicrobials, despite no evidence of their benefit (ACSQHC, 2021). Dr Sajal Saha  making the use of antibiotics in community safer. Credit: Deakin University

Doctors under pressure

Dr. Saha says that many people expect or demand antibiotics from doctors, misuse antibiotics by failing to take their dosage correctly or use their antibiotic course in a way that goes against the recommendations of prescribers.

"Doctors cite a number of reasons for unnecessary prescriptions, including uncertainty in the diagnosis or cause of infection, patient and parent self-diagnosis and limited training and resources.

"In many situations, GPs can't be sure about the severity of infections or if the infection is bacterial or viral because a lack of prompt diagnostic testing services, and so prescribe antibiotics as a safety net."

"My work is trying to improve capacity of GPs and community pharmacists with point-of-care diagnostic testing servicesknown as C Reactive Protein CRP testing. This'll help prescribers better understand the severity of infections or confirm bacterial infections for respiratory infections during their patient consultation and prescribe antibiotics accordingly, when they're needed," Dr. Saha says.

Promoting antimicrobial stewardship

According to Dr. Saha, embracing the concept of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) in primary care will play an important role in reducing the risk of AMR.

In Australia, AMS programs involving GP-pharmacist collaboration are well established in secondary (hospitals) and tertiary care (specialists). However, he says such collaborative care models must be extended to primary care between GPs and community pharmacists for effective AMS implementation.

"Given 80 percent of antibiotics are consumed within primary care, we're establishing a program to tackle it through fostered collaboration between general practice and community pharmacy," he says.

In a policy brief for the Deeble Institute for Health Policy Research, Dr. Saha has laid out 11 key recommendations to address gaps in current health systems structures, and policies that support GP-pharmacist collaboration for establishing AMS programs in primary care in Australia.

Dr. Saha led a 2019 nationwide survey of 386 Australian GPs and 613 community pharmacists to assess their awareness of and uptake of AMS strategies, their attitudes towards GPpharmacist collaboration, and future improvement strategies.

"The survey showed that Australian GPs and community pharmacists are aware of AMS, but most don't routinely adopt known evidence-based AMS strategies in routine patient care.

The research found GPs are more likely to use the Therapeutic Guidelines than pharmacists. Pharmacist's current scope of work doesn't encourage them to routinely use guidelines to verify dose and duration of antibiotic prescription.

"The majority of GPs hold positive attitudes towards working collaboratively with pharmacists in implementing AMS, but there are obviously barriers to them doing so."

A model for change

Dr. Saha sees huge potential in drawing on the expertise of community pharmacists to support GPs' decision making and patient adherence to safe antibiotic use.

"My GP-pharmacist antimicrobial stewardship (GPPAS) model framework supports a collaborative, multifaceted and multidisciplinary approach that engage health care leaders, GPs, pharmacists, microbiologists, nurses, infectious disease specialists and IT experts to improve antimicrobial stewardship in primary care," he says.

"The core aim of the GPPAS program is to ensure that a patient is given and takes the right antibiotic for right infection, at right time, in the right dosage, in the right formtablet or injectionand for the right duration."

Without action, the expected global costs of antimicrobial resistance will exceed $1 trillion by 2050 (Chokshi et al., 2019).

Dr. Saha is currently researching on point-of-care CRP testing and rapid antigen testing services in GP and pharmacy practices to inform future policies for enhanced antimicrobial stewardship in respiratory infections.
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Credit: CC0 Public Domain

It appears beneficial for mothers and babies to have one hour of skin-to-skin contact per day in the first five weeks after birth. Mothers who do so may experience less anxiety and fatigue and often continue to breastfeed for longer. Their babies cry less and may sleep longer. These are the conclusions of behavioral psychologist Kelly Cooijmans, who defended her Ph.D. dissertation at Radboud University on 17 November.

In skin-to-skin contact, the baby is laid on the parent's bare chest wearing only a nappy. Previous research has already clearly shown that this type of contact can have positive results when applied between a parent (the mother or other parent/guardian) and a premature baby (a baby born too early).

It showed that babies who experience this contact may grow faster and are less likely to be ill, reducing the time they have to spend in an incubator. Similar positive effects have now been found among healthy, full-term babies (babies born between the 37th and 42nd week of pregnancy) when skin-to-skin contact is applied directly after birth.

In her Ph.D. research, Kelly Cooijmans researched the effects of daily skin-to-skin contact over a longer time period. The mothers and full-term babies who participated in the study had one hour of skin-to-skin contact per day during the first five weeks after birth.

Crying less

The results are very promising, claims Cooijmans. "An hour of skin-to-skin contact per day can be hard for parents to fit into their daily routine. But if it is possible, it is really worthwhile. For example, we observed that babies who had daily skin-to-skin contact after birth cried less each periods of crying in the first twelve weeks than babies who did not receive such contact. This group may also have slept slightly more in the first five weeks."

Mothers who laid their baby on their skin for one hour per day over at least four of the first five weeks also appeared to exclusively breastfeed (i.e. solely breastfeed; no formula or solids) for over a month longer. Including mothers who supplemented breastfeeding with other foods, the total breastfeeding duration of all mothers who engaged in skin-to-skin contact was over two months longer than average in the first year of life. "Breastfeeding has all sorts of health advantages for both mothers and babies," says Cooijmans.

Finally, the behavioral psychologist also discovered that mothers who had engaged in skin-to-skin contact also felt better mentally. "We hoped that it would also have an effect on symptoms of stress, depression, and pain, but the results did not indicate this," says Cooijmans. "However, skin-to-skin contact did seem to lead to fewer symptoms of anxiety and fatigue in the first twelve weeks after birth."

Follow-up study

One-hundred sixteen pairs of mothers and babies took part in the study. The children who took part in the study are now aged six and seven, and are still being studied by the researchers. "Who knows, perhaps we can find more long-term effects," says Cooijmans. In a follow-up study, she would also like to research skin-to-skin contact by fathers or other parents or guardians, as well as the optimal duration of skin-to-skin contact.

The researcher hopes that doctors, midwives or maternity caregivers will recommend skin-to-skin contact more to new parents. "In some countries, babies are carried in special slings or wraps in the first years of life, also directly touching the skin. In the Netherlands, this is not so usual, although it is increasing. It is a simple intervention that could go a long way for parents and babies. Because daily skin-to-skin contact doesn't seem to be feasible for everyone, it would be good to investigate how we can better support parents in this."
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

A new study summarizing asbestos exposure during the installation and removal of asbestos cement products demonstrates that these construction activities almost always exceed U.S. occupational limits. The study focused on airborne asbestos exposures from existing uses of asbestos that are still allowed in most countries.

Average task-specific asbestos exposures during the cutting of asbestos cement pipe were more than 50 times the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) short-term limit. Cutting asbestos boards and corrugated roofing results in average exposures 24 times the limit.

Asbestos cement products, including pipe, siding, and roofing, account for more than 90% of global asbestos use.

"We found that exposures from asbestos cement products could be alarming high and certainly disproves the asbestos industry's contention that these materials can be used in a 'safe and responsible' manner," said Perry Gottesfeld, Executive Director of Occupational Knowledge International (OK International) and the author of the study.

"The study demonstrates that there is an immediate need to ban all asbestos cement products that are sold in many countries as these are still being installed in millions of homes and commercial buildings," Gottesfeld added.

The study "Exposure Hazards from Continuing Use and Removal of Asbestos Cement Products" published in the Annals of Work Exposures and Health, documents that all uses of asbestos cement pipe and the great majority of installation tasks for asbestos cement roofing and sheets exceed the current OSHA short-term exposure limit. The results also indicate that the use of water to reduce airborne fibers is insufficient to protect workers during most tasks involving power tools.

Corrugated asbestos cement siding. Credit: Occupational Knowledge International

Although more than 60 countries have banned the use of asbestos, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is only now considering a total ban on asbestos cement and other existing uses. Currently, the EPA only requires companies to notify the agency before manufacturing or importing asbestos cement products.

Russia and Kazakhstan account for 80% of global asbestos production, and they export this material to more than 25 low and middle-income countries. India, China, Indonesia, Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Thailand are the largest importers and account for approximately 90% of global asbestos sales.

In 2021, more than 1.2 million metric tons of asbestos was mined primarily for asbestos cement applications. Russia is the largest beneficiary of this hazardous trade, earning $185 million in 2021.

Thousands of workers are exposed to airborne fibers while manufacturing asbestos cement products in hundreds of small factories in India, Vietnam, and other countries. Tens of thousands of construction workers are exposed to airborne asbestos in excess of the short-term OSHA excursion limit while installing asbestos cement roofing, siding, cooling towers, and pipes.

Even intermittent short-term exposures to asbestos are associated with significant health risks. Asbestos has been shown to cause lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma.

The U.S. has approximately 600,000 miles of aging asbestos water pipes with a typical lifespan of 50 years. Water utilities are often replacing asbestos water main sections as pipes burst or as part of ongoing systems improvements.

In many countries, older asbestos-cement pipes and roofing are reaching the end of their service life and will need to be removed while creating hazardous conditions for workers while cutting and breaking up this material. Few countries have occupational limits or other safety regulations governing procedures for asbestos abatement.

More information: Perry Gottesfeld, Exposure hazards from continuing use and removal of asbestos cement products, Annals of Work Exposures and Health (2023). DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxad066

Provided by OK International
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

If you start exercising for the promise of a little extra money, you may keep up the habit even after the financial incentives are gone, new research from University of Western Ontario suggests.

A study of more than 580,000 Canadians across three provinces using a step-counting app showed that even when the rewards were removed after a year, most participants continued to walk almost as much.

Using the app helped walkers add about 900 steps to their daily tallies, on average (double for those who were physically inactive at the outset). When the incentives$0.04 per day in the form of rewards for gas cards, movie tickets and other perkswent away, step counts dropped by roughly 200 steps, what Western researchers deemed "not clinically significant."

"Ideally, you want people to go out and exercise for free. But it's evident that's not the case, given the high degree of obesity and physical inactivity. The fact that monetary incentives can be provided to start exercise, and not be used permanently, is a very encouraging sign," said Sean Spilsbury, lead author of a new study published in JAMA Network Open.

"To get a ball rolling, you have to kick it. Once it's rolling, momentum can take over," he added of the study participants' exercise habits.

Spilsbury completed his master's degree working under kinesiology professor Marc Mitchell, who studies behavioral science and digital health, including previous research on the role financial incentives play on physical activity.

Participants using a now-defunct app in Ontario were receiving incentives for their walking over the course of a year, rewards that helped increase step counts by an average of 900 steps (or double that for those who had previously been inactive).

Then, the government funding was removed, the rewards mostly disappearing along with it.

The Western study examined not only Ontarians using the step-counting app, but also users in British Columbia, Newfoundland and Labrador, where incentives for activity remained during the study period and provided pseudo-control groups.

Spilsbury and Mitchell, along with co-authors Piotr Wilk, Carolyn Taylor and Harry Prapavessis, found there was a small declineabout 200 steps, on averageamong Ontarians using the app once the rewards largely vanished.

Step reduction not clinically meaningful

The biggest drop occurred among those who were most engaged with the app, who walked about 330 fewer steps. Those who were inactive when incentives were available remained inactive or saw a slight increase after the rewards were gone.

The average reduction in steps was "modest," or nearly insignificant for a person's overall health, the researchers said.

"We're seeing a non-clinically meaningful drop," Mitchell said.

Those post-incentive results were exciting for the team analyzing step data.

"A reduction of 100 to 300 steps per day is promising, because that's the gripe about incentivizing physical activity. 'Okay, you give (rewards), and it works, but what happens when you take it away?'" Spilsbury said.

Based on the newest findings, very little changes when you take away incentives like gas, movies and other loyalty point perks.

"Governments in Canada and abroad, companies and corporate wellness programs have been interested in this approach (incentivizing physical activity). The Achilles heel has always been that it's too expensive. This is one of the first times we've been able to show, with a really big sample, we can make an efficient program even more affordable, even more sustainable," Mitchell said.

Spilsbury, who runs five times a week and loves swimming, was initially skeptical.

"I never thought anyone would exercise for money," he said. But he enjoyed researching those who did, even with the challenges of completing his work amid the COVID-19 pandemic. It was Mitchell's earlier work on exercise incentives that led Spilsbury to apply for his Master of Arts in kinesiology at Western.

"I love psychology. The passion I have for psychology is different than the passion I have for exercise, it kind of explains why I do it, so I like to try and find out why others do it, too."

More information: Sean Spilsbury et al, Reduction of Financial Health Incentives and Changes in Physical Activity, JAMA Network Open (2023). DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.42663 Journal information: JAMA Network Open
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HMAS Culgoa Newcastle NSW 23 April 1951. Courtesy Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners Advocate and National Library Australia. Credit: Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners Advocate and National Library Australia

A University of Adelaide and Oxford University study has discovered asbestos exposure led to a higher incidence of asbestos-related lung cancers in British and Australian naval personnel than in other armed forces.

The data were collected from 30,085 United Kingdom and Australian personnel who served in the '50s and '60s, a time when asbestos-containing materials were present in British and Australian naval vessels.

Three of the four cohorts had previously been studied by the University of Adelaide and the UK Health Security Agency to identify the effects of radiation exposure from British nuclear testing; however, a raised incidence of mesothelioma, a cancer strongly linked to asbestos exposure, was seen in naval personnel in all cohorts.

The University of Adelaide's Dr. Richie Gun and Oxford University's Dr. Gerry Kendall were prompted by this finding to examine the dataset for the occurrence of lung cancers, which can also arise from asbestos exposure. The research was published in Scientific Reports.

The fourth cohort was Australian veterans of the Korean War, which had been studied by the Australian Department of Veterans Affairs and the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.

"We found the lung cancer rate was higher overall in naval personnel than in the other armed services, and, while smoking remains the dominant cause of lung cancer, it is unlikely the excess could be explained by a higher smoking rate in the navy," Dr. Gun said.

"Although actual measurements of airborne asbestos levels were not available, and estimates are difficult, we have concluded that the higher lung cancer rate in sailors was most probably caused by onboard asbestos exposure.

"This conclusion was strengthened by the occurrence of deaths in sailors from asbestosis, a condition which is non-cancerous but is nevertheless disabling and potentially fatal."

The researchers have estimated that the proportion of lung cancers related to onboard asbestos exposure were of the order of 27% in Australian seamen and 12% in British seamen.

While there is a ban on imports and strict regulatory control of asbestos-containing materials in Australia, they still pose a risk to workers and some householders. There were 142 cases of asbestosis and 111 asbestosis deaths in 20212022 reported in the New South Wales Dust Diseases Register.

Dr. Gun said the effects of asbestos exposure are likely being underestimated unless lung cancer is considered alongside mesothelioma and asbestosis.

"Although it remains true that smoking causes most lung cancers, other agents such as asbestos can contribute to the incidence of cancer in an exposed population," he said.

"Moreover, we know from other studies that the combination of smoking and asbestos exposure has an enhanced influence on lung cancer risk; this interactive effect would have contributed to the observed lung cancer excess."

The discovery of a link between asbestos exposure and a higher incidence of lung cancer is a timely reminder of the need for protections against exposure to other harmful airborne dusts.

"Strict control measures are required to protect workers potentially exposed not only to asbestos but to other hazardous dusts, such as dust from engineered stone now installed in many kitchens," said Dr. Gun.

More information: Richard T. Gun et al, Asbestos-related cancer in naval personnel: findings from participants in the British nuclear tests 19521967, Scientific Reports (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-44847-4 Journal information: Scientific Reports
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Neutralization screening of a large multinational cohort. a, Isolated IgGs of 2,354 HIV-1-infected individuals from a multinational study were tested against the global panel. The neutralization against each of the 12 viruses received a score between 0 and 3. Scores were later added to build neutralization strata. b, Clinical and virological characteristics of individuals from the different countries. Numbers indicate the amount of people for whom the respective characteristic was available. c, Neutralization strata of all individuals and of each respective cohort. d, Violin plots of the neutralization of participants IgGs against the global panel pseudoviruses. Individuals were stratified according to the strata as shown in c. Black bars indicate median, and gray bars indicate the respective quartiles. e, Average neutralization of each cohort against the respective 12 global panel viruses. f, Violin plots show the average neutralization against the whole global panel (Germany, n = 1,294; Nepal, n = 422; Tanzania, n = 475 and Cameroon, n = 163). Black bars indicate median, and dotted bars indicate the respective quartiles. One-way ANOVA with Tukeys correction for multiple comparisons was used to compare average neutralization between groups. *P = 0.021, ***P < 0.001. g, Fold change of the mean neutralization of the respective cohorts against the global panel, when normalized to the mean activity against all 12 strains (f). Credit: Nature Medicine (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41591-023-02582-3

An international team has for the first time researched the longevity of neutralizing antibodies in HIV-1-infected people. Currently, it is assumed that an HIV-1 vaccine can only be effective if it produces these antibodies in vaccinated humans. The findings improve understanding of the dynamics of such antibodies and are an important building block for further research into an HIV-1 vaccine.

Professor Dr. Florian Klein, Director of the Institute of Virology at the University Hospital Cologne, and Dr. Dr. Philipp Schommers, Head of the Laboratory for Antiviral Immunity at Department I of Internal Medicine of the University Hospital Cologne, were involved in the study. The publication was published under the title "Dynamics and durability of HIV-1 neutralization are determined by viral replication" in the journal Nature Medicine.

Dr. Schommers, first author of the study, reports, "We were able to show that the HIV-1 neutralization activity in patients strongly depends on the amount of virus in patients. While this dependence could be investigated in other infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, shortly after the initial description of the disease, the longevity of neutralizing antibodies in HIV-1 had not yet been shown in large studies."

Despite effective drugs that are the basis for treating the HIV-1 infection and can effectively prevent the transmission of the virus, over 1.2 million people are infected with HIV every year. Therefore, the development of an effective HIV-1 vaccine is still being intensely researched. So-called broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) can prevent HIV-1 infection.

Researchers are trying to induce such bNAbs through a vaccination in humans. However, this has proven to be extremely difficult. Therefore, vaccines that allow the formation of bNAbs in humans have not yet been developed. It is also unclear how long such broadly neutralizing antibodies remain in humans. However, this knowledge is extremely important in developing successful strategies for HIV-1 vaccination.

Therefore, the researchers led by Professor Klein and Dr. Schommers have investigated the HIV-1 antibody response in more than 2,300 patients from Germany, Tanzania, Cameroon, and Nepal. They identified various factors that cause patients to form neutralizing antibodies naturally. In addition, they identified so-called "elite neutralizers," i.e., HIV-1-infected individuals who build up a very potent and broadly neutralizing antibody response.

When the international research team examined HIV-1-infected individuals over time, it was then able to find out with what dynamics HIV-1 neutralizing antibodies can be sustained or the concentration of these antibodies can be further decreased in the blood. Here it was shown that the antibody response in these patients decreases over the years, but in them, highly potent bNAbs are detectable even after years. This is an important finding and indicates that a possible HIV-1 vaccine can trigger a permanent vaccine response.

More information: Philipp Schommers et al, Dynamics and durability of HIV-1 neutralization are determined by viral replication, Nature Medicine (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41591-023-02582-3 Journal information: Nature Medicine
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Preterm birth rates are an important marker in assessing a country's overall health, and the United States isn't faring very well.

Individuals born in the U.S. had an overall higher rate (9.7%) of giving birth prematurely compared to U.S. immigrants (9%), a new Northwestern Medicine study has found.

The findings also identify that Black individuals born in the U.S. have the highest prevalence of early births (14.3%). This translates to one out of every seven Black pregnant people delivering early, which has lifelong implications for their and their baby's health.

The study identifies who in the U.S. is more likely to have a preterm birth, connecting not only an individual's self-identified race and ethnicity to differences in preterm birth rates, as previous research has explored, but newly explores the pregnant person's nativity, or country of birth.

The findings speak to higher risks for pregnant people who themselves were born in the U.S., said senior author Dr. Sadiya Khan, the Magerstadt Professor of Cardiovascular Epidemiology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. There is preliminary evidence that shows that maternal health outside the U.S. is superior, with fewer pregnant individuals experiencing complications, but the intersection of maternal nativity with race and ethnicity, on the risk for experiencing preterm birth has not been extensively studied.

The research was published today (November 13) in the journal JAMA Pediatrics.

"This is a really important area to see whether there are disparities that could potentially be a target to advance health equity not just for birth outcomes, but across the life course," said Khan, who also is a Northwestern Medicine cardiologist and epidemiologist. "Preterm birth has been identified by the World Health Organization as a key metric that represents a score card of our overall societal health, given its impact on maternal and child health outcomes."

The study builds on past research from the same research group that found Black pregnant people are most likely in the U.S. to experience preterm births. Here the researchers now show that Black pregnant people who themselves were born in the U.S. had the highest rates. In both studies, prematurity was described as giving birth before 37 weeks of gestation and very preterm was described as less than 32 weeks of gestation.

The new study examined data from the National Vital Statistics system operated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which collects birth registration records on all live births in the U.S. and captures gestational age at time of birth to define preterm or term birth. The authors then examined trends and looked at differences by self-reported race and ethnicity and nativity of the pregnant person between 2014 and 2019, and noted that patterns had worsened over time.

While Khan said some of the results weren't surprisingshe's been tracking the deteriorating birth outcomes in the U.S. for some timethe degree of difference between different groups was.

The study categorizes over 8 million parents by their country of birth and self-reported ethnicity and race, more comprehensively categorizing Asian individuals as Asian Indian, Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese and Pacific Islander; and Hispanic individuals as Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban and Central or South American.

The most notable discrepancy in preterm birth rates was between Japanese people and non-Hispanic Black people, with 6.2% of pregnant people born in Japan experiencing preterm births verses 14.3% of non-Hispanic Black people born in the U.S., the study found. Exceptions to the overall finding that non-U.S.-born people had lower preterm birth rates were found among Pacific Islanders and Puerto Rican individuals, speaking to the importance of not lumping together all racial and ethnic groups into one category.

Though patterns continued throughout the study, the team found that rates of preterm birth increased between 2014 and 2019.

"Birthplace is an independent and important social determinant of health to consider that uniquely contributes to an individual's lived experiences," said first author Jack Huang, a research assistant professor of cardiology at Feinberg.

"It is also critical that research does not group all Asian people and Hispanic people. This is not just a poor characterization, but can be misleading in terms of understanding differences in health risks related to social determinants of health."

Next, the group hopes to understand some of the social and biological drivers of preterm birth. But they already have some theories that minority stress may be heavily at play.

"To reduce health disparities in birth outcomes and improve health across generations, we must identify and target the underlying risk factors for preterm birth," Huang said. "This is a critical area of focus, as gaining a deeper understanding of these risk factors is essential for promoting a lifetime of health beginning at its origins."

More information: Xiaoning Huang et al, Maternal Nativity and Preterm Birth, JAMA Pediatrics (2023). DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2023.4907 Journal information: JAMA Pediatrics
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Representative transmission electron micrographs of the amniotic fluid and fecal EVs. Credit: Microbiome (2023). DOI: 10.1186/s40168-023-01694-9

A research group from the University of Oulu, Finland, has shown that nanoparticles originating from maternal gut bacteria are present in amniotic fluid. This is a previously unknown mechanism of communication between the maternal gut microbiome and the fetus.

The detected nanoparticles are extracellular vesicles secreted by cells. The vesicles secreted by bacteria contain molecules derived from cells, such as proteins, DNA, RNA, and metabolic products. These nanoparticles play an important role in bacterial communication.

The research was published in Microbiome under the title "Maternal microbiota communicates with the fetus through microbiota-derived extracellular vesicles."

The study involved 25 mothers who gave birth by Cesarean section at Oulu University Hospital. The study found that the nanoparticles found in amniotic fluid and maternal feces were similar in terms of bacterial species and content. The study was refined in an experimental animal model, where it was found that extracellular vesicles isolated from human maternal feces migrate to the fetus.

The recent research results may provide an answer to the question that has long puzzled the scientific community: whether a healthy fetus is exposed to bacteria during pregnancy and whether the fetal environment has its own microbiota.

"According to our study, in healthy pregnancy, nanoparticles secreted by maternal gut bacteria migrate to the amniotic fluid, containing molecules derived from bacteria. The vesicles do not cause infections like whole bacteria. Thus, the fetus safely becomes acquainted with the mother's normal gut microbes before birth. The mechanism we have found is likely to play a significant role in the development of the fetal immune system during pregnancy," says doctoral researcher Anna Kaisanlahti from the University of Oulu.

The nanoparticles produced by maternal gut bacteria may be important for the development of the fetal immune system. They may safely prepare the fetus for the moment of birth, when the fetal intestine quickly acquires its own microbiota. The finding opens doors for further research. "It would be interesting to study how the communication between the maternal gut bacteria and the fetus during pregnancy affects the child's health later in life," Kaisanlahti reflects.

The research was conducted at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Oulu and Biocenter Oulu by the research groups of Professor Terhi Tapiainen and Docent Justus Reunanen in collaboration with researchers from Oulu University Hospital, the University of Turku and the Kiel University, Germany

More information: Anna Kaisanlahti et al, Maternal microbiota communicates with the fetus through microbiota-derived extracellular vesicles, Microbiome (2023). DOI: 10.1186/s40168-023-01694-9 Journal information: Microbiome
It is disheartening to see Penticton city council proposing to eliminate the economic development department in its 2024 budget.

The previous council, including Mayor Julius Bloomfield and Couns. James Miller and Campbell Watt gutted the department to leave now CAO Anthony Haddad with the portfolio to be managed off the side of his desk.

Early in its tenure, (the current) council decided to cut the council liasion positions with the chamber of commerce and the Penticton Industrial Development Association. Why?

The recent announcement by Air Canada that it was pulling out of Penticton, was a classic example of not having ears on the ground in the business community. When was the last time someone from City Hall touched base with Air Canada prior to the announcement? Has someone from City Hall or on council actually pitched WestJet about extending its presence west from here? This activity has been traditionally done by the economic development team.

Earlier this year, Business in Vancouver magazine rated Penticton a top city in Western Canada for real estate investors. It gained plenty of free media across Canada. How did the city capitalize on that? Did the city create a list of opportunities, work with realtors and listing agents, invite developers to a mini summit, arrange tours or whatever it takes to get foreign investment here? That activity was traditionally done by the economic development team.

Ironically, the city will be home to the Economic Development Association of B.C. summit for the next three years. We arent walking the walk.

Last month, council pulled 10 acres out of the industrial land base we are already short on. While commenting on his decision for voting in favour, the mayor asked staff to find ways to protect industrial land in a more meaningful fashion. Who will be responsible for that? Traditionally that would be done by the economic development team.

Council could start right at home by moving the city works yard and freeing up that industrial land. It could negotiate with the Penticton Indian Band or locatee for space for the yard crews. Failing that, it could look to the Okanagan Falls industrial park. Just like it suggests the business community could do.

Lastly, population and growth make the world go round. More folks mean more competition, which lowers prices for everything from food to housing. It also provides a better living standard in a vital, growing community capable of attracting health care professionals, teachers, entrepreneurs etc. who see prospects for themselves and their kids rather than a community in decline (like losing airline service) to be scratched off their list of possibilities.

Who will oversee attracting these future residents and businesses?

Andre Martin, Penticton
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Nurses' voices and professional judgment is not being utilized in strategic decision making potentially causing dissatisfaction among staff and a lack of high quality patient care, according to new research led by Cardiff University.

The study, known as Pro-Judge, looked at how nurses use professional judgment in making decisions about organizing the nursing workforce to meet patient needs. A corresponding paper is also published in the International Journal of Nursing Studies.

Focusing on three NHS trusts in England and three University Health Boards in Wales the researchers found that while nurses are relied upon to use professional judgment for operational purposes to manage risks during staff shortages, their judgments do not carry the same weight when it comes to agreeing on staffing levels at strategic level.

The team suggest this could result in safe but not necessarily high-quality patient care, leading to professional dissatisfaction, which could impact nurse retention and increase staff shortageswhich is critical at a time when nurses leaving the profession is the highest in a decade.

Davina Allen, Cardiff University's School of Healthcare Sciences who led the study said, "Health care systems lean on nurses' professional judgment for operational staffing decisions, valuing their real-world understanding of clinical environments over data. However, when it comes to strategic decision-making, data takes precedence over professional judgment.

"Nurses have voiced their concerns that formal measurement systems often fail to capture essential aspects of care quality and staff well-being, making it challenging for them to express their professional judgment for workforce planning.

"If nurses are to deploy their professional judgment to proactively influence the conditions for care, as well as responding to the challenges of risk mitigation, there is a need for robust systems of nursing measurement aligned with agreed standards of care, a vocabulary through which these judgements can be articulated, and a reframing of strategic decision-making to be more inclusive of the clinical perspective."

The study suggests three actions to help: equipping nurses with a vocabulary to articulate their professional judgment for strategic decision-making; being more inclusive of expert nursing clinical and contextual knowledge in health care organizations; and refining staffing systems to generate data that better captures the complexity of care and nursing workload.

Deepa Korea, RCN Foundation director said, "We are very proud that our grants for nurse-led research continue to innovate and make a difference to the nursing profession. With nurse retention rates and staff shortages at a critical rate, it is fundamental that we utilize nurses in the workplace, giving them the tools to empower themselves and appropriate their professional judgment, ensuring that their voices are heard."

More information: Davina Allen et al, "It's not just about the numbers": Inside the black box of nurses' professional judgement in nurse staffing systems in England and Wales: Insights from a qualitative cross-case comparative study, International Journal of Nursing Studies (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2023.104586
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

People with arthritis who report more negative feelings about how they are aging tend to get less physical activity and perceive themselves as less healthy, according to a new study by researchers at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) and Weill Cornell Medicine. However, self-perception of good health explained the effect of negative thinkingproviding an opportunity for clinicians to focus on a patient's outlook on aging as well as their overall health.

"Physical activity is essential for older adults with arthritis, as it can help to reduce pain and stiffness, improve mobility, and maintain independence," said Sarah B. Lieber, MD, MS, a rheumatologist at HSS and leader of the study. "However, many older adults with arthritis do not get recommended levels of physical activity. Our study suggests that self-perceptions of aging and general health may at least partly explain why."

For clinicians, the new study could serve as a conversation starter with older patients, Dr. Lieber says. "I think this study and others like it can help doctors begin or continue a discussion with their patients about the factors that may challenge them to be physically active."

Dr. Lieber and her colleagues presented their findings at the 2023 ACR Convergence meeting of the American College of Rheumatology, held November 10 to 15 in San Diego.

The study enrolled 99 men and women 60 years of age and older with self-reported arthritis in New York and Florida. Survey participants were asked to respond to questions about comorbid conditions.

Participants also were asked about their weekly levels of physical activity and completed a validated 10-item questionnaire about how they felt about their aging process. Questions on the survey explored both positive aspects (gains) associated with aging, as well as negative aspects (losses), covering topics such as motivation, limitations to daily activities, and a sense of physical energy.

Dr. Lieber and colleagues found that the amount of physical activity people reported was strongly associated with their self-perception of general health, the amount of social support they had, and their feeling that aging was negatively affecting them (P <0.01 for all). However, the strength of the relationship between negative self-perceptions of aging and physical activity was weaker when self-perceptions of general health were taken into consideration.

As a rheumatologist whose patients may already be less likely than others to be getting the recommended amount of physical activity, Dr. Lieber says anything that can encourage exercise is welcome. "Everyone benefits from activity, but people with rheumatic conditions benefit particularly," she says.

"Our findings suggest that interventions to improve physical activity in patients with arthritis may need to target self-perceptions of aging, as well as general health," Dr. Lieber says. "For example, interventions could help older adults to challenge negative feelings about aging and to develop more positive views of their own aging process. Interventions also could help older adults to identify and address factors that are affecting their general health, such as chronic pain or fatigue."
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A Northwestern University pediatric psychologistwho advises Ukrainian charity workers and therapists about working with that country's traumatized childrenshares her expertise regarding how to support children affected by violence in the Middle East. This includes children at home in the U.S. and in the Middle East.

"Adults play a key role in promoting resilience and coping for children during times of crisis," said Lauren Potthoff, an assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and of pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. She also is a psychologist at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago.

But first, adults need to take care of themselves. "It is crucial for parents and caregivers to practice self-care to be best equipped to support children. That can mean limiting time spent watching the news or scrolling on social media. Also, prioritizing sleep, time spent relaxing, exercising, or making time for a favorite activity or hobby.

Potthoff has developed a webinar series for therapists in Ukraine offering strategies and recommendations for supporting children and adolescents experiencing a range of specific mental health problems in response to the war. The webinars can be used in other geographic contexts.

Here are Potthoff's suggestions:

What is the psychological impact of war on children?

"Whether in person, on television or through social media, children and adolescents living through the war in the Middle East are witnessing horrific atrocities on a near-daily basis. These events will likely have a detrimental impact on their mental health. Youth living through the horrors of war are experiencing significant personal losses and disruptions to their daily lives.

"These disruptions not only negatively impact their physical, social and psychological development; they are also linked to increased rates of anxiety and depression. While children and adolescents experience significant psychological suffering during times of war, it is critical to understand, though, that this suffering does not necessarily end when the conflict does. Youth who live through this type of violence endure lasting mental health problems, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, which can have negative effects lasting into adulthood.

"At home, youth in the U.S. are also struggling. Many are afraid for the well-being of friends and family members in the affected areas and are also experiencing discrimination, harassment, and in some cases, violence, due to their ethnicity, country of origin or beliefs," Potthoff explains.

What can adults do to help?

Provide structure and maintain daily routines. "Routinesdoing things in familiar patternsoffer predictability, reliability and a sense of security. Regular routines are often disrupted during war. Think flexibly about how you can maintain a similar structure to your day or previous routines that you can restore. Some examples include keeping the same bedtime routine and eating meals together."

Permit your child to experience a feeling of control and mastery within the home. "Children often experience a loss of control during times of crisis. Some examples to help foster feelings of control and mastery include allowing your child to plan a meal or the evening activities."

Start (or restart) a ritual or tradition. "A ritual is a special behavior that we repeat throughout our lives. Rituals support the emotions we experience and are like routines in that they help to create a predictable environment. Think about starting a new ritual or doing a ritual that was already established in your family or community. Examples of rituals could be singing a special song, beginning a mealtime with a saying, gratitude or blessing, or saying the same thing to your child when they wake up each morning or go to bed each night."

Validate emotions. "Permit children to feel a range of emotions, emphasizing that no emotion is 'wrong' or 'bad.' Instead of saying, 'Don't be scared!' you can say, 'It's okay if you're feeling scared right now.'"

Encourage emotional expression and lead by example. Children are often able to pick up on the emotions that the adults around them are experiencing. It is important for adults to model how to manage strong emotions like fear, anger, sadness and grief. Children learn a lot through what they observe their parents do. It helps children to see that the adults in their lives have similar feelings to them and that they can manage these big feelings by talking about them and sharing them with others."

Be mindful of the child's age. "For children, emotions can be shared through play, music, art and storytelling. Adolescents may feel more comfortable sharing their emotions through dialogue with a trusted adult. Adults should always be mindful of the developmental stage of a child when discussing traumatic events (e.g., not oversharing details with small children)."

Prevention is intervention. "The best treatment can be prevention. Asking children and adolescents what they are hearing about the crisis and how they are feeling about it is important. Engaging in open, honest and developmentally appropriate dialogue assists children in learning about current events and processing emotional reactions. This shows kids that you are available and willing to support them no matter what they are feeling."
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Credit: Galina Fomina via Wikimedia Commons - licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license

A recently conducted study reveals New Zealanders' perspectives and knowledge on the use of animals in scientific research, testing, and teaching. The study was conducted on behalf of the New Zealand board of the Australian and New Zealand Council for the Care of Animals in Research and Teaching (ANZCCART NZ).

It uses a robust methodology to capture a diverse range of views, the survey provides a comprehensive and reliable insight into a topic of significant societal and ethical importance in New Zealand. Its results are important for all stakeholders: animals, organizations that use animals in research, testing and teaching, research funders, animal welfare organizations, veterinarians, government and others overseeing animal use, and the public.

Key findings from the research include:

High Engagement but an Information Gap: Animal use in scientific research is a topic of significant interest to New Zealanders, with 94% of respondents caring to some degree about the issue, and 67% caring moderately or very much. However, there is a discernible gap in knowledge. Only 16% feel well-informed about the regulation of this animal use, and 43% of respondents acknowledged a lack of awareness regarding the permitted uses of animals. Animal use for cosmetic testing is banned in New Zealand, but only a third of respondents thought this was so. Most research uses are accepted: Over 60% of respondents found animal use acceptable for improving animal health, species conservation, biological research, environmental management, developing live animal alternatives, and animal husbandry. Veterinary research was the most accepted at 69%, with only 8% opposing it. The majority (62%) also supports developing alternatives to live animal use. Greater opposition to some uses: Producing offspring with compromised welfare was the only use the majority judge unacceptable, with 56% against and only 17% in favor. There is also majority opposition to animal testing of harmful chemicals, with between 59% and 64% finding it unacceptable depending on whether they harm people, animals, plants or the environment. Using animals to produce biological agents and product testing on animals were both judged acceptable by only a third of respondents, with almost equal unacceptability. Varied Opinions on Regulation: While 48% of respondents believe that the current oversight by Animal Ethics Committees is adequate, 54% state a preference for more public involvement in ethical approval, and 44% more government involvement. Mixed Perceptions of Animal Research Organizations: About a quarter of those surveyed are unsure of their stance on organizations involved in animal research but 34% believe these organizations carry out work essential for human health. A quarter of respondents hold the views that they are secretive, well-regulated, may have conflicts of interest, and adhere to good animal welfare standards, showing a mix of beliefs. Demand for Increased Transparency and Public Engagement: A notable 76% of respondents express the need for more transparency from research institutions. Additionally, 54% of participants voice a desire for greater public involvement in related decision-making processes. ANZCCART NZ Openness Agreement: There is a clear opportunity to increase public understanding of the ANZCCART NZ Openness Agreement, which aims to increase accessibility of information about animal use in research and teaching, enhancing public understanding. Currently only 9% of respondents are currently aware of it. Around two thirds of those respondents learned of the agreement either from the ANZCCART NZ website or a scientific or medical publication. Trusted Information Sources: Half of the survey participants place trust in animal welfare organizations for reliable information on the topic, and 42% trusted veterinarians who care for animals used in research, testing and teaching. The findings underscore a collective concern for the ethical treatment of animals in scientific contexts. The desire for clarity, openness, and enhanced communication from all involved parties is clear. While online platforms are currently the primary source of information for many, there's a preference for accurate and comprehensive insights from trusted entities, and an opportunity for trust in others to be enhanced by greater openness and other measures.

The survey illuminates opportunities for enhanced dialogue and collaboration between stakeholders in animal research and the public. These include working with respected animal welfare organizations and veterinarians and making pertinent information about animal use and its ethical oversight more accessible. Animals used in research cannot represent themselves, so are dependent on societal views to protect and advance their welfare. The results of this survey must be listened to, and it should be repeated regularly to check progress, and to assist those striving for it.

Dr. Christine Sumner, SPCA scientific officer, says, "What we are reading from this report are some very positive shifts in public perception and understanding of animals being sentient creatures, capable of feeling emotions and experiencing pain and trauma. It features very strong signals to those who use animals in research, testing, and teachingand to the governmentthat the public expects more development and implementation of alternatives to animals in research, testing, and teaching.

"Namely, that New Zealanders have high expectations for the welfare of animals used in research, testing, and teaching, that they want more transparency around this topic and that there is significant interest in alternatives to alleviate animal suffering.

"These points all align with our organizational position at SPCAwhich is that we only support the keeping of animals for research, testing, and teaching when the animals' physical, health, and behavioral needs are met, and when it is ensured animals experience positive welfare for the entirety of their life."

Provided by ANZCCART
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A chickenpox (also known as varicella) vaccine sits next to syringes and ready for a student at a free immunization clinic at a Seattle public school on Dec. 30, 2019, in Seattle. An expert scientific committee advising the British government said for the first time Tuesday Nov. 14, 2023 that children should be immunized with the chickenpox vaccine decades after the shots were made widely available in other rich countries, including the U.S., Canada and Australia. Credit: AP Photo/Elaine Thompson, File

An expert scientific committee advising the British government recommended for the first time Tuesday that children should be immunized with the chickenpox vaccinedecades after the shots were made widely available in other countries, including the U.S., Canada and Australia.

In Britain, those who want to be immunized against the disease have to pay about 150 (US $184).

In a statement, Britain's Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation said that children between 1 year and 18 months should be offered two doses of the vaccine, in a shot that also combines protection against measles, mumps and rubella.

"For some babies, young children and even adults, chickenpox or its complications can be very serious, resulting in hospitalization and even death," said Andrew Pollard, chair of the expert vaccine group in a statement.

Pollard said that "decades of evidence" of the vaccine's effectiveness from other countries demonstrate the vaccine's safety; the U.S. was the first country to introduce an immunization program against chickenpox in 1995.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describes chickenpox cases in the country as "rare," estimating there are fewer than 150,000 cases and 30 deaths every year.

British experts have previously estimated there are more than 650,000 cases of chickenpox in England and Wales.

Chickenpox is a highly infectious disease that mostly affects children and can cause an itchy rash, blisters and fever. Symptoms usually last about a week, but in rare cases, the virus can lead to pneumonia, encephalitis and even death. Two doses of the vaccine offer more than 90% protection against the disease.

The chickenpox vaccine recommendation will next be considered by the government.

Britain's National Health Service has long said that introducing the chickenpox vaccine might leave some adults vulnerable to shingles, if unvaccinated children catch the virus as adults, which can be more severe than chickenpox.

Experts noted, however, that Britain's government offers the shingles vaccine to adults at risk of the disease.

Dr. Gayatri Amirthalingam, deputy director of public health programs at Britain's Health Security Agency, said the new chickenpox vaccine recommendations would "help make chickenpox a problem of the past."

 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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It's double trouble, with a unique twist: A 32-year-old woman from Alabama who was born with two uteruses is now pregnant in both.

Kelsey Hatcher, who is documenting her story on her Instagram account "doubleuhatchlings," knew from the age of 17 she has "uterus didelphys," a rare condition where a person has a double uterus, thought to affect about 0.3 percent of females.

It was during a routine eight-week ultrasound visit in May that the massage therapist and mother-of-three learned not only that she was having twins this time aroundbut that a fetus was present in each of her uteruses.

"We were kind of blown away! During that first ultrasound we had LOTS of laughs," she wrote in an Instagram post.

"Most likely what happened is that she ovulated separately and had one egg come down each fallopian tube, meaning coming down on each side of the uterus, and then sperm traveled up on each separate uterus and fertilization occurred separately," Shweta Patel, the obstetrician-gynecologist caring for Hatcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham's Women & Infants Center, told ABC's "Good Morning America."

Although women with a double uterus often face pregnancy complications, all three of Hatcher's previous children were born healthy at full term.

Pregnancies in both uteruses are exceedingly rareHatcher said she was told the odds were 1 in 50 millionwith the last widely known case occurring in Bangladesh in 2019 when Arifa Sultana, then 20, gave birth to healthy twins 26 days apart.

Hatcher is hoping to go into labor and give medicated natural birth to both Baby A and Baby B, or "the girlies" as she affectionately calls them, with a due date of Christmas. Both are said to be "thriving."

But the uteruses will contract at different times, which could be minutes, hours or even days apart, and Kelsey and her husband Caleb Hatcher are aware Cesarean sectionsfor one, or bothcould be needed, depending on how things unfold.

"They like to tell me at every doctor's visit that 'You are aware, we've never had a situation like this before, this is a new case for us altogether'...But I feel like I have the best team for this situation and I'm at the best hospital at Alabama for what's going on," she said.

 2023 AFP
It took David Myers just 60 days to catch 2,822 lake trout in Flathead Lake this fall.

Myers, of Riverton, Wyoming, took the staggering haul on his way to victory in this year's Fall Mack Days fishing derby. Myers fished each of the event's 60 days, which ended this past Sunday. He averaged 47 trout daily. Although the event ran nonstop for nearly two months, only Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays were competition days. Myers' 1,399 trout on those days bested the 343 other Mack Days anglers; his 18-day average was 61.61 pounds of trout daily during competition days.

A photo of Myers released by CSKT Monday showed him with reddened skin and bandaged fingers and nose. According to the tribe, Myers wife joined him for a few of his 60 days of fishing. Conditions were so cold one of the days that a large trout she hooked pulled the rod from her freezing hands. Myers later hauled it back from the bottom with a treble hook.

The event is aimed at reducing the population of invasive lake trout for the benefit of native bull trout; it's sponsored by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and sanctioned by the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks. As much as $200,000 in cash and other prizes was up for grabs, including "The Ghost," a lake trout with a $10,000 tag. That one is still out there, and a different trout will be affixed with the $10,000 tag for spring 2024. Some anglers caught fish with $100 and $200 tags.

By the end of Sunday, the anglers removed a total of 17,502 lake trout from Flathead Lake over the 60 days. Including Myers, 135 of the total 344 registrants brought in at least one lake trout. Second place for male anglers went to Felix Gauci of Stevensville, with 1,127 lake trout with an average daily weight of 59.61 pounds. Michael Benson of Lonepine  a multi-time Mack Days winner  took third with 1,135 lake trout but a lower daily average of 51.72 pounds.

Laurie Kreis of Huson, another previous champion, again won the women's division with 307 lake trout. Julie Perkins of Kalispell took second with 210; Debby Sacchi of Thompson Falls took third with 143.
Its a huge deal that were here right now, Missoula County Commissioner Josh Slotnick said to a packed room of local officials and health care workers on Monday afternoon.

Slotnick was standing in the Riverwalk Crisis Center, Missoulas first facility of its kind dedicated to stabilizing people experiencing immediate behavioral health crises. With a soft opening scheduled for Nov. 27, Riverwalk is a 24-hour care center that can hold up to 16 patients at any given time.

Riverwalk offers wrap-around services for anyone 18 or older. Therapists, peer support specialists, registered nurses and crisis stabilization workers will be on-site to offer comprehensive mental health support.

Being in crisis is not a crime, Slotnick said. Bringing that person to jail is a horrible misuse of expensive resources at our really well-run jail.

Slotnick said emergency departments arent quite right for people with mental health crises, either. According to data provided by the county, roughly 30% of patients at Providence St. Patrick Hospital go to its emergency room for a behavioral health need. Riverwalk will fill that gap with more effective and cost-efficient services.

The center is located at the Western Montana Mental Health Center off Wyoming Street. Its main area for patients is spacious and flooded with natural light during the day. Down a hallway, the building includes multiple large bathrooms and storage spaces. A detox area will be available for intoxicated patients.

On-site nurses will assess clients. If further detox time or medical care is needed, patients will be transported to the emergency department, said Ann Douglas, Riverwalk Crisis Center Director.

We can only have a guest here for 23 hours and 59 minutes, she said. And basically, well be here to assess: Can we meet their needs and stabilize them in that time or do we need to refer them (elsewhere)?

Patients will be billed for services incurred at the center, according to Douglas, through either Medicaid or insurance. Medication can be prescribed if needed through an on-call medical provider.

Everybody is always welcome, Douglas said. "We wont turn people away."

Patients can self-refer, meaning individuals are welcome to come to the facility on their own. First responders, like the Mobile Support Team, can also drop off clients at Riverwalk.

Mark Wayne, a clinician with MST, said Riverwalk is going to be a great addition of resources for people in Missoula with mental health crises. The MST sends out two-person teams, a clinical and medical tech, to respond to people with immediate mental health needs, rather than a traditional law enforcement response.

There are times youre working with someone who clearly needs help and its hard to determine where, or if, theres a best place for that person, Wayne said. The crisis facility seems like it could be that best place.

He acknowledged someones behavioral health concerns likely wont be solved in a 24-hour period, but said the center serves as a kicking off point for care.

Missoula first responders, like MST and police officers, gave input on how the center was built, Douglas said.

Billings is the only other place in the state with a crisis receiving center.

Upfront construction and staff hiring costs were supported by $1 million in one-time American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars, while ongoing costs are going to be covered by Medicaid dollars.

The people who will be the clients of this space, for the most part, will be people who have Medicaid, Slotnick said. Thats the model were using to fund the ongoing expenses.

He said the project has been about three years in the making. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the county received an infusion of ARPA money. Local leaders had conversations about what to do with the federal funding, and Slotnick said they were very well aware community mental health was a top concern amongst Missoulians. So they put the $1 million aside for what would become Riverwalk.

Riverwalk is run through a partnership between Missoula County, the Western Montana Health Center and Providence.

This is a way of bringing people into the fold of care, Slotnick said.
NEW YORK  He was a giant of 20th-century art, but that doesnt mean Pablo Picasso needed a big canvas.

Matchbook covers, postcards, restaurant napkins  they all served as makeshift sketchpads for the artist at moments of inspiration.

And so it should perhaps not be surprising that some of Picassos actual sketchpads were well smaller than, say, a compact disc cover  like the tiny one now on display at Manhattans Pace Gallery as part of Picasso: 14 Sketchbooks, a new exhibit marking 50 years since the legendary artists death.

A stunningly complete self-portrait in pencil peeks out of that little book, with deep and piercing eyes, all 3 by 5 inches of it. It was 1918 and Picasso, then in his mid-30s, had just married ballet dancer Olga Khokhlova. During a summer in balmy Biarritz, he painted on canvas but also kept this tiny notebook around, filling it with scenes of their villa, the beach and the town, and sketches of upcoming paintings. He also drafted a letter to his wifes doctor and listed addresses of friends.

The exhibit, which opened last week, is a collaboration with the Madrid foundation run by a grandson of Picassos, Bernard Ruiz-Picasso. It comes nearly 40 years after the gallerys initial 1986 show of Picasso sketchbooks, called Je Suis le Cahier (I am the Sketchbook)" after a notation Picasso made on one of his pads  which subsequently toured the globe.

The show comes at a busy time for Picasso developments  even in New York last week, where the artists famed 1932 Femme a la montre (Woman with a Watch), portraying his muse Marie-Therese Walter, sold for $139.4 million at Sothebys, making it the second most valuable Picasso ever sold at auction.

He is the greatest artist of the modern period, and in many ways he thought of himself as a sketchbook, said Pace CEO Marc Glimcher, speaking to a crowd at a preview, referring to Picassos efforts to refine his work through copious sketching.

He sounded almost evangelical when he urged the young people present to recognize that everyone in this room sees the world differently because of Pablo Picasso.

In an interview, Glimcher explained that he feels the world needs to be reminded of Picassos achievements at a time in our culture where, he said, it seems everything and everyone is being questioned anew. He also noted what he called the icon effect: When something becomes so iconic it becomes by necessity oversimplified, he said. People say, Oh, Picasso, got it. We have to make sure they DO get it.

The show, in one large gallery, is organized chronologically, spanning the years 1900-1959, most of Picassos career (he died in 1973). Each of the 14 sketchbooks is presented in context with what was going on in his life  including in his romantic relationships, which figured so prominently in his artwork.

Many of the sketches are early versions of famed paintings like Les Demoiselles dAvignon (1907), for which one sketchbook tests out various figure renderings; Dora Maar in an Armchair (1939); and his War and Peace murals, for a chapel in southern France, that were finished in 1952.

There is also a film of Picasso, shirtless and in shorts, preparing for those giant murals, needing a ladder to reach the top of his canvas  and reminding us of the dimension of some of his masterworks.

But elsewhere in the show, the gems are in miniature size. Some of the images are fanciful, like the monsters and clownlike figures, some in bright blue and red pencil, from a 1956-1957 sketchbook that resembles a whimsical childrens book.

Others feel precise and more technical like the ink drawings in his Juan-les-Pins sketchbooks, from 1924, in which he experiments with shapes of guitars and other objects through patterns of dots and lines, known as constellations. A long poem also appears in one of the sketchbooks, translated in an accompanying catalog.

With each sketchbook open to only one page, how to uncover the rest? The gallerys solution is to provide subsequent pages in video displays on a loop.

Ruiz-Picasso, the artist's grandson and son of Paul Picasso, said the sketchbooks deserve a fresh look because much has happened in the past few decades in terms of research into Picasso's work and the context in which it was produced.

We have better information now about what he was doing, Ruiz-Picasso said in an interview. Its a kind of archaeological dimension, where we can go more deeply."

Ruiz-Picasso, who was 13 when his grandfather died, remembers children not being entirely welcome in the studio where the artist painted in Mougins, France, where he lived out his later years. But elsewhere in the home, he remembers him always sketching until the last piece of paper available.

He was permanently doing something, Ruiz-Picasso said.

The Pace Gallery show runs until Dec. 22.

Pablo Picasso: The life story you may not know Pablo Picasso: The life story you may not know 1881: Born in Malaga, Spain 1892: Art studies begin 1897: Visiting the Prado 1898: A bout with scarlet fever 1900: A first solo exhibit 1901: Signing art as Picasso 1901: Dawn of the Blue Period 1904: Meeting a companion in Paris 1904: The Rose Period begins 1906: The influence of Matisse 1907: A painting evokes controversy 1908-1914: The birth of Cubism 1911: Finding love with Eva Gouel 1912: Moving to collage, Synthetic Cubism 1916: A ballet and a ballerina 1927: A relationship with the 'Girl Before a Mirror' 1928: Sculpting with metal, plaster, found objects 1935: Switching to poetry 1936: Civil war begins in Spain 1937: With 'Guernica,' a condemnation of war 1939: Living in occupied France during WWII 1944: Life after the war 1944: Joining the French Communist Party 1953: A young muse 1973: Death at age 91
LOUISA-MUSCATINE  On Saturday, Oct. 21, the Louisa-Muscatine FFA Soil Judging team had the opportunity to compete at the Iowa FFA State Soils Evaluation career development event in Ames.

The team, which consists of Skyler Beck, Haley Wakeland, Cecil Bremner and Will Hoopes placed 2nd overall, with Hoopes managing to also be named top individual overall, giving him the title of state champion as well as a $500 scholarship. Beck also ranked, placing 10th overall.

During the competition, teams had to use their skills to identify soil landscape positions, slope, horizons, textures, structures, and colors before then making their recommendations on how to manage the soil agriculture and building purposes based on the determined characteristics.

Previously, the Louisa-Muscatine team was able to qualify for this event by placing in the top 5 at the SE District FFA soil CDE. With this most recent 2nd place finish, the team has now been qualified to represent Iowa in the National Land Judging Competition, which will be held this spring in El Reno, Oklahoma.

According to Adam Crews, who serves as the Ag Teacher and FFA Advisor for Louisa-Muscatine FFA, this is the first time Louisa-Muscatine has qualified for the National Land Judging Competition.

"This year's soil judging team worked extremely hard in practicing for each level of competition, Crews said. They continued to push themselves and their hard work paid off. I am so excited our students get to compete in the National Land Judging Contest this spring in Oklahoma, it will be a great experience for those students to learn how soils differ across the country and to showcase their skills on the national level."
Photo: The Canadian Press A protester films herself as she interrupts the Scotiabank Giller Prize in Toronto, on Monday, November 13, 2023. The ceremony was twice interrupted by anti-Israel protests. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young

Three people accused of interrupting the Scotiabank Giller Prize ceremony on Monday night are facing charges after anti-Israel protesters jumped on stage during the glitzy literary bash.

Toronto Police said the three accused used forged documents to gain access to the invitation-only, televised award ceremony at the Four Seasons Hotel.

All three, who range in age from 23 to 25, face charges of obstructing property and using forged documents. They're due back in court in January.

Over the course of the evening, two waves of protesters hopped on stage. The first carried signs that read "Scotiabank Funds Genocide," and CBC-TV cameras panned away as the demonstrators were escorted off stage and out of the venue.

Pro-Palestinian groups have taken issue with Scotiabank's investment in an Israeli arms producer.

The second set of demonstrators acted as Sarah Bernstein's "Study for Obedience" was named the winner of the $100,000 award, shouting anti-Israel slogans before being walked out and arrested.

The Giller was first handed out in 1994, and Scotiabank has been its sponsor since 2005. A jury of three authors culls more than 100 submissions down to a short list of five, before choosing the book they deem the year's best novel, graphic novel or short story collection written in English by a Canadian.

"Last night we gathered at the 30th Scotiabank Giller Prize gala to celebrate the best of Canadian literature and our shared cultural heritage," Elana Rabinovitch, executive director of the Scotiabank Giller Prize, said Tuesday in a written statement.

"Unfortunately, uninvited protesters breached security and interrupted the celebration, showing disrespect to Canadian authors, and their literary achievements that were made throughout the year."

Protests have surged in recent weeks as the latest war between Israel and Hamas has intensified.

Protests supporting opposing sides took place across Canada over the weekend. Pro-Palestinian marchers in a handful of cities demanded Israel halt its bombardment of Gaza, while a rally in Toronto drew thousands calling for the release of Israeli hostages seized by Hamas during the attack that sparked the war.

Businesses believed to be supporting Israel have likewise been the target of protests.

The flagship location of Indigo was splashed with red paint in what Toronto police are investigating as a hate crime. Heather Reisman, founder and CEO of the books giant, is Jewish.

Indigo has long been a subject of the boycott, divest and sanction (BDS) movement because Reisman and her husband also founded the HESEG Foundation, which offers scholarships to people without family in Israel who nevertheless serve in the Israeli Defence Forces.

The Israeli-founded Cafe Landwer, a Toronto restaurant, has also been the site of protests that were condemned by Jewish groups and politicians alike.

Videos shared on social media showed a group of protesters, including many holding Palestinian flags, gathered in front of the restaurant last month, where some in the crowd could be heard calling it a Zionist cafe  referring to a movement to establish, and develop, a Jewish homeland in Israel  and chanting for a boycott.

Toronto police have reported a rise in hate crime reports since the onset of the latest Israel-Hamas war, particularly of hate-motivated graffiti. They say 12 of the 14 alleged hate crimes reported since the conflict began were antisemitic, while two were targeted at Muslims.
On Nov. 7, West Liberty Foods notified several team members in overhead and support positions that their positions were eliminated due to scaled back production that dated back to the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to Dan Waters, chief legal officer for West Liberty Foods, 25 team members in the West Liberty facility were cut; 17 people in the Bollingbrook, Ill. plant; and 12 in the Tremonton, Utah plant. The business employs 1,008 team members in Iowa; 570 in Illinois; and 641 in Utah. Waters said the business does not anticipate any further layoffs.

Respect and care for people are core values of our company, Waters said. Although we are taking steps to make their transitions easier, we will be parting ways with some exceptional people through no fault of their own. We value their contributions and deeply regret the need for action. For the past several months, our team worked to cut costs and improve efficiencies in order to avoid the need to eliminate positions. But we cant responsibly remain fully staffed while production operates at a reduced capacity.

He said that during the COVID-19 pandemic and the labor shortage that followed, West Liberty Foods had to scale back production, allocate available products among existing customers, and turn away new business. This left the business with more supervisory, clerical and sales positions than needed to support the reduced production.

West Liberty Foods raises about five million turkeys annually. Iowa ranks seventh in turkey production, and West Liberty Foods provides 40% of the turkeys produced. The West Liberty Plant makes about $659 million annually and has about a $55 million payroll.

Waters said the operation in West Liberty is not in danger of closing and the core business remains strong. He said new sales volume is coming to the plants.

However, much of that new business has high capital requirements, long equipment lead times, and long supply lead times, he said. As a result, we are currently not operating at full capacity on the further processing side of the business. When we do not run at full capacity, we must reduce our overhead expenses for the short term.

West Liberty Foods is offering outplacement services to the reduced workers, including career counseling, job search skills, locating employment opportunities, assistance with unemployment insurance claims, creating resumes, and preparing for interviews. Severance pay is provided in accordance with the companys reduction-in-force policy. The amount an eligible team members severance pay is depends on length of service, salary at separation, and age at separation. The members may also elect to continue health insurance coverage.

Waters also reported the reduction in force does not impact West Liberty Foods plan to build a new turkey processing facility. He said the business continues to process the same number of turkeys per year.

In May 2022 in was announced that the company had outgrown its existing 23-acre facility in West Liberty. Plans were announced to build a large facility and give the existing facility to the city in exchange for public financing.

He said the facility would be built when the industrys business climate and interest
Erica Njeri Gachoka, the daughter of media personality Ciku Muiruri, has called out the Kenyan judicial system for the prolonged proceedings in her kidnapping case.

The case in which Erica and her friend Shanice Agose were abducted on June 4 and later rescued on June 11, was mentioned at the Thika Magistrates court on Thursday, November 9.

Two suspects, Timothy Kiragu Nganga (34) and Samuel Kipkurui (33), are accused of Kidnapping and Abduction with intent to cause grievous harm.

One of the accused, Timothy Kiragu, was on August, 31 released on Sh100,000 bail after denying the charges.

During a mention of the case last week, Erica and Shanice showed up in court to follow up on proceedings and were horrified to see their kidnapper walking free.

On this episode of what tf is the Kenyan judicial system?? We pulled up to court last Thursday to seeKidnapper: Timothy Nganga Kiragu.Free and vibing!! no cuffs, no security nearby, Erica lamented.

She also captured a photo of the accused from a distance and criticized the judicial system, expressing frustration that they would have been seated in the same waiting area as their abductor if they had arrived before the case was called.

We were to sit in the same waiting area until our case was called which we almost missed because we werent trying to be there. Anyways, hes been out on cash bail and the proceedings have been postponed to end of Feb, Erica noted.

A frustrated Erica expressed emotions of anger, underscoring the deep emotional toll and a strong desire for their ordeal to end.

Theres big feelings of anger and fatigue because I really want this to be over! she said.

Erica at the same time expressed gratitude for the sun, trees, and the support and love received, acknowledging the positive elements in their life.

Also grateful for the sun, trees and all the support x love raining down  she wrote alongside her nature pics.

Ericas statement comes nearly five months after she called out taxi-hailing service, Bolt, for facilitating a space where perpetrators can easily find and meet their victims.

After attending a house party in Nairobis Westlands area, Erica and Shanice used the Bolt taxi application to travel to Kilimani. Upon entering the vehicle on Rhapta Road in Westlands, the driver threatened them with a hammer and sped off towards Thika.

During the period before their rescue on June 11, their abductors demanded a ransom of Sh250,000 from each of them for their release.

On Thursday, Chief Magistrate Philip Mutua scheduled the hearing date for the case on February 5, 2024.

RELATED  F*ck Bolt! Ciku Muiruris Daughter Speaks Out After Kidnapping Ordeal
President William Ruto has called for concerted efforts in environmental protection to mitigate the effects of climate change.

The President appealed to Kenyans to support the governments tree-planting exercise to increase the countrys tree cover.

He urged Kenyans to cease encroachment on the nations wetlands and forests, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding water catchment areas.

This, he explained, will ensure the country has better climatic conditions, a better environment, regular and adequate rains to support agriculture.

If there is a programme that will make a meaningful impact in the attainment of our food security goals and address the cost of living, it is environmental protection, he said.

The President made the remarks on Monday during the National Tree Growing Day at Kiu Wetland in Makindu, Makueni County.

During the event, 150,000 seedlings were planted as part of a national campaign aimed at utilising the short rains to grow 100 million seedlings across the country.

The President said the government will gazette and protect from encroachment all wetlands in Makueni County.

The Head of State noted that the government will step up efforts geared towards protecting and rehabilitating over 10,000 wetlands in the country.ci

We will continue to protect our environment and ensure we leave behind a nation that the future generation will be proud of, he said.

The President also inspected Kwa Venge Springs, Makindu intake, which has faced a significant reduction in water production over the years as a result of climate change, leading to a water deficit in Makindu and its environs.

Climate change is a reality we can no longer wish away, he noted.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua asked Kenyans to nurture the trees they grow.

The only way to mitigate effects of climate change, he added, was to plant trees and protect forests and water sources.

First Lady Rachel Ruto called on Kenyans to not only grow trees but also nurture them to maturity.

Present were Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, his spouse Pastor Dorcas, Environment Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya, Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Junior, and Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku among other leaders.
The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has issued a warning regarding counterfeit Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exam papers circulating on social media platforms.

Dr. David Njengere, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of KNEC, has verified that the exam papers being disseminated on social media are fraudulent and designed to mislead KCSE candidates.

He mentioned that the newly implemented guidelines are functioning effectively, emphasizing that this year, KNEC is committed to ensuring the administration of credible examination results.

Students have studied for the last four years, so I urge them to ignore those papers being circulated in various social media channels. The papers are fake.

The recent directive of retrieving exam papers from containers twice a day is working very smoothly and is helping to prevent early exposure of examination papers. Those monitoring the exams are also doing a great job, said Njengere supervised the distribution of examination papers from a container in Muranga East Sub County on Monday.

Dr. Njengere disclosed that 46 cases of malpractice have been reported in the country thus far, asserting that these cases have no significance on the integrity of the exam.

He also emphasized that the marking of the exams will be meticulous to identify and address any instances of malpractice that may have occurred during the examination period.

I assure candidates that the marking will be fair but quite strict to identify any form of malpractice that could have happened. This is being done to ensure credibility of the national examinations and ensure learners attain genuine grades, he stated.

Meanwhile, the CEO mentioned that various measures have been implemented to ensure that schools in areas affected by the ongoing heavy rains receive their examination papers on schedule.

Helicopters have been deployed to some areas, especially in northeastern and parts of Kitui County, to deliver examination papers. This is due to heavy rains being experienced in those parts of the country. He remarked
The National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) has guaranteed the security of Kenyans contributions as it readies for the shift to the upcoming Social Health Authority.

The 57-year-old NHIF is slated for dissolution, making way for the Social Health Authority, as outlined in the Social Health Insurance Bill of 2023.

The Social Health Authority (SHA) will oversee the administration of three separate funds: the Primary Health Care Fund, the Social Health Insurance Fund, and the Chronic Illness and Emergency Fund.

According to the bill, the Primary Health Care Fund is earmarked to bolster preventive and promotive primary care services at the community, dispensary, and health center levels.

The Social Health Insurance Fund will cover various services, including direct referrals, as well as secondary and tertiary healthcare. On the other hand, the Chronic Illness and Emergency Fund is crafted to address persistent conditions like diabetes, hypertension, cancer management, and emergency treatments.

Elijah Wachira, the Chief Executive Officer of NHIF, informed the National Assemblys Public Investments Committee on Social Services, Administration, and Agriculture that the organization is currently in the process of documenting its properties, liabilities, and assets. This comprehensive record will be subsequently transferred to the upcoming authority.

Many of our dedicated colleagues are working tirelessly, often exceeding 15 hours a day, to ensure we meet our reporting deadlines and other expectations before the upcoming transition, said Wachira.

Our commitment to Parliament and the entire nation is unwavering; we will take every possible measure to safeguard the contributions of our members and their beneficiaries.

Despite potential initial challenges, Wachira emphasized that NHIFs staff is adequately prepared and capable of tackling issues that have previously impacted the national insurer. They are also poised to work towards expanding health insurance coverage.

We are undertaking this transition while simultaneously learning from our past experiences, ensuring a seamless shift from the current NHIF to the new authority.
Senator Samson Cherargei is urging the government to restrict South African opposition leader Julius Malema from entering Kenya due to the controversial statements he made during his recent visit to the country.

While in Kenya to inaugurate the Pan African Institute at Lukenya University, Malema criticized President William Ruto, accusing him of not fulfilling the promises he made to Kenyans during the 2022 General Election campaign.

He pointed out the disparity between President Rutos election promises and his actions as the current Head of State.

I dont know if President William Ruto means it because he said so many things, and I cant locate him these days, because the things he said during the election and the things hes doing now are two different things, Malema said on 9 November, the same day President Ruto was delivering a State of the Nation Address.

The outspoken South African opposition leader also criticized President Ruto for not challenging King Charles on colonialism during his recent visit to Kenya and expressed disapproval of Rutos support for Israel in the current conflict with Hamas.

In response to Mr. Malemas comments, Kenyas government has reacted sternly, with Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua among the political leaders condemning Malema.

Wed like to appeal to visitors to respect the leaders of their host countries. We travel overseas and we dont insult the leaders of those countries. We dont interfere with their politics.

This man who came here is all-knowing. By the afternoon he seemed to know more about Kenya than us. I visited his own country in December and they ration electricity for seven hours; yet we dont discuss this because we respect them, Gachagua said.

On Sunday, Senator Cherargei claimed that Malema had insulted President William Ruto and the Kenyan people. He said Malema should apologize in addition to being denied entry into Kenya.

Mr. Malema should stop coming to Kenya and insult our president. In fact, I want to ask the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to demand an apology from Julius Malema and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party of South Africa and to deny him a visa to come to Kenya again, said Cheragei.

He should tender an unreserved apology not only to President Ruto but to the great people of Kenya because when you insult William Ruto as the president you are insulting all Kenyans.
With zero knowledge of, or experience, in the floral business, John and Kellie Prittie opened Beau Fleurs, Inc. in Napa on July 3, 1993.

We had a van, a cooler and a couple of years left on a retail space lease in the River Park Shopping Center, and that was about it, recalled John Prittie.

Today, the business is celebrating its 30th anniversary, having delivered countless bouquets and arrangements to Napans and beyond.

Its been a family affair, said Prittie.

Our kids have always been a part of the business both by choice and by necessity, he said.

Kellie would go to the San Francisco flower market in the wee hours with baby Sarah (now 30) in a baby backpack and purchase the flowers needed to fill orders. In 1999, when the twins Maggie and Jake were born, it was common to find us working in the shop, each of us with a baby on our backs and little Sarah wearing an apron and playing shop.

When Beau Fleurs first opened in the pre-internet days, he recalled the Yellow Pages were it for bringing in business. There were so many florists in Napa back then; Garaventas, Lunds, Herritt's, BJs Petal Pushers, Hedgerow, Napa Valley Flowers, Wine Country Flowers, Blue Lace Flowers, Tesoro, Flower Express

The competition was stiff, but we were determined to go our own direction to create a following.

In 1995, Beau Fleurs moved downtown to the corner of First and Main, where Starbucks is today.

Back then downtown was very quiet with just a handful of retailers and mostly vacant spaces, he recalled. I could walk home around 5:30 to 6 p.m., to our house at Oak and Jefferson streets, and not pass another person. But the space served us well to build the business.

The dawn of the internet and websites gave us the opportunity to market ourselves locally, nationally and even worldwide for anyone wanting to send flowers to Napa. Our website brings in lots of traffic, both locally and out of town, he noted.

In the days before the Napa flood control project, Beau Fleurs survived several floods with sandbagging and worry.

Parking in downtown was always a challenge, Prittie recalled.

We used to get tickets on the van even when we just pulled up to the side of the shop to run in to load for the next delivery run. There was nowhere to park. The city eventually agreed to allow us a 20-minute space for customers, and gave us a little leeway with the vans.

Over the years, weve had some amazing florists working with us. Some were professional florists who moved into town for their husbands jobs and were looking for a place to work. A couple of years later, theyd move on.

Some didnt. For example, Philip Greeson and Kirsten Peters have been fixtures at Beau Fleurs for 14 years.

We certainly owe much of our success to their dedication and skills, he said.

In 2005, Beau Fleurs moved into its current location at 1508 Silverado Trail. The then-lavender building, previously an antique shop, was old and run down and required lots of TLC to rework it into our home for the next phase, he recalled.

The 2014 earthquake and wildfires were other challenges.

During the quake, the building survived, but we lost lots of vases and merchandise from tumbling off the shelves.

The fire of 2017 was particularly stressful. As the fire worked its way down the hills behind us, we left the shop several days with all the computers and important files packed into the vans, moved to a safer location, he said.

Today, 30 years later, Prittie is proud to say that Beau Fleurs enjoys a solid reputation within the valley.

Their business model remains the same: Work with the freshest flowers available, create stunning arrangements and provide exceptional customer service.

Were also very proud of the walls of Best of Napa Valley plaques from various magazine and newspaper contests every year, he added.

Were looking forward to the next 30 years in Napa.

Info: Beau Fleurs, 707-224-7993; 1508 Silverado Trail, Napa; napavalleyflowers.com
A consultant who worked on the analysis of the Mayacamas Countywide Charter  recommending its approval  helped the founders of the middle school write the petition, public records obtained by the Napa Valley Register show.

Lynne Vaughan was originally hired by the Napa County Office of Education to support the charter after its approval by state officials. After a court ruling put that approval in doubt, she pivoted to helping the Mayacamas founders pursue a charter at the county level.

At the same time, she was a member of a team tasked with providing  as she put it at the Aug. 30 NCOE hearing  "professional and impartial analysis" of the petition. It is not clear if members of the board knew how much or how Vaughan was involved, though at least one member seemed to have concerns.

I dont know if the information I am getting is biased, Sindy Biederman said during the boards October meeting.

Despite this, neither Biderman nor any of the other six board members would answer questions  posed Friday and Monday  about whether they felt the report was fair and unbiased, what they knew about Vaughans involvement, or if they felt it was a conflict-of-interest. Vaughan herself could not be reached.

In previous meetings, Janna Waldinger, Gerry Parrott and Jennifer Kresge expressed support for the countrywide petition, while the other four expressed doubts.

Additionally, the county education office's superintendent, Barbara Nemko and at least one NCOE board member, Waldinger, were in close communication with Mayacamas Charter Middle School backers throughout the development and review process, discussing whether a bid for a countywide charter would stand up in front of the board.

Earlier this month, Napa Foundation for Options in Education leaders withdrew its petition to open Mayacamas Countywide Middle School  as the grade 6-8 school would be known under a countywide charter  from the NCOE board.

The withdrawal followed months of dispute over the petition between both community and board members, a five-hour public hearing that ended without a decision, and the opening of Mayacamas Charter Middle School, which remains under legal threat, in mid-August.

Emails sent from Vaughan to Nemko, Mayacamas co-founders Jolene Yee and Lauren Daley as well as to their legal counsel, indicate the depth of her involvement, which ranged from copy editing to more substantive edits. In particular, Vaughan wrote most of the sections regarding the schools potential partnership with Pacific Union College in Angwin, writing 34 of the 35 total mentions.

The partnership  championed by Nemko  was a cornerstone of petitioners' justification for the NCOE charter, helping to justify the countrywide reach of the school.

In an email, Vaughan wrote: I just talked with Barbara  and she has arranged to get the letter from PUC  it is a done deal.

Clare Crawford, a senior policy adviser for In the Public Interest, has stated that she believes Vaughans involvement in the petition-writing process was a clear conflict of interest.

But Yee says Crawford is biased. Yee said via email that the policy analyst is an anti-charter crusader who has been fighting hard to shut Mayacamas down through the use of public records requests and unfounded accusations, and calls to every hearing.

Yee does not believe Vaughans involvement with the petition is a conflict of interest.

There is  nothing illegal about a consultant assisting with the petition. She is not part of the 'staff' that reviews the petition, she makes no recommendation to the Board, and has no influence over the Board's decision on the petition, she said.

But NCOE staffs findings and recommendation do list Vaughan as a member of the review team that recommended the board approve the petition.

NCOE's chief business officer Josh Shultz said via email that the office does not see either Vaughan or Nemko's involvement with the petition as a conflict of interest, either.

"[Nemko] is secretary to the board and not a voting member, and she does not tell the board how to vote," he said via email. He also said that it was appropriate for Vaughans support to include advising the school on the development of a county-wide petition. This is not an uncommon practice for COEs. We assumed this was clear to all involved.

However, Nemko is also listed as a member of the agency's review team and, during the Aug. 30 meeting, expressed her support for the charters approval to the board.

Waldinger was also deeply involved with the petitioners and their efforts.

She was first put in contact with Yee and Daley in 2021. They asked to meet with her to offer advice about their idea to open the districtwide Mayacamas Middle School, an email from Yee says.

Since then, Waldinger has been in email and text communication with the petitioners, including via a personal text chain with Yee as well as a group chat with Yee and Nemko in which Mayacamas is repeatedly discussed.

On June 29, after the Sacramento County Superior Court ruled that Mayacamas current charter should be revoked, Yee asked Waldinger via text: We floated the idea of a countywide charter but Barb (Nemko) doesnt think we could get 4 votesWhat do you think? Impossible? (That original charter remains in place pending a legal appeal.)

Waldinger replied on July 5: I just emailed you the info I have been given regarding the question you asked. That email was not made available to the Register.

Later that month, Waldinger texted Yee, asking: How long will it take to draft a countywide charter request.

On July 11, Yee asked Waldinger if the Napa Valley Unified School District  whose board unanimously vetoed Mayacamas' first charter bid in December 2021  had been advised that she and Daley were working on a countywide petition. Waldinger said that was not our plan.

Waldinger also hosted what appears to have been a fundraising event for the school over the summer. A Google Docs guest list revealed that an event for the school, which respondents said in their reply messages was hosted by Waldinger, took place on Aug. 2.

It appears to have been a fundraiser, as one respondent said in their message that they would not be able to attend but will donate.

Vaughan, the consultant to NCOE, was on the invite list, and responded that she would be attending.
The official opening ceremony of the new building of the embassy of Armenia in the United Kingdom (UK) took place Mondayand within the framework of the official visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan to the UK. Timothy Minto, the Minister of State in the Department for Business and Trade, attended the ceremony on behalf of the UK government, Armenian News-NEWS.am has learned from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan and the Minister of State in the Department for Business and Trade of the United Kingdom Timothy Minto delivered welcoming and congratulatory remarks. The ceremony was also attended by Alistair Harrison, His Majestys Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps, Victoria Busby, the Vice Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps, His Grace Bishop Hovakim Manukyan, the Primate of the Armenian Diocese of Great Britain and Ireland, as well as representatives of the UKs Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

Remarks by Minister Ararat Mirzoyan are presented below.

Your Excellency minister Minto,

Your Grace,

Excellencies,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Dear guests,

It is with the great pleasure and sense of profound honor that we gather here today to celebrate the opening of the new embassy of the Republic of Armenia in London. This embassy stands as a beacon of friendship and cooperation between our nations and this building is a bridge that connects not only our governments, but also our economies, our cultures and our peoples. As we cut the ribbon today we not only open a building, but lay a new foundation for deepening our relations. We are reaffirming our commitments to deepen our political dialogue, our economic and cultural ties. It is also an interesting coincidence that immediately after this opening ceremony we are going to launch a new level in our bilateral relations, we are going to launch a strategic dialogue between the Republic of Armenia and the United Kingdom.

Dear guests,

It is my pleasure to share this historic moment with you today, in this historic building in the heart of London. Thank you for being part of this historic moment.

The attendees also wrote a message in the book of honorable guests of the Embassy, where Ararat Mirzoyan particularly noted: For almost three decades, Armenia and the United Kingdom have made efforts to develop bilateral relations. I am sure that the new Embassy of Armenia will provide an opportunity to deepen current foundations over the coming decades, revealing new prospects, confronting modern challenges and threats.

The placement of the Embassy of Armenia in this building, located in the heart of London, demonstrates our willingness to deepen and give new impetus to the Armenian-British relations for the benefit of our two peoples.
Hraparak daily of the Republic of Armenia (RA) writes: Artsakh [(Nagorno-Karabakh)] President Samvel Shahramanyan recently met with the RA first and second presidents, Levon Ter-Petrosyan and Robert Kocharyan.

Naturally, the meetings were separate and, as reported, of a ceremonial nature. They mainly discussed the situation that prevailed in Artsakh until [the] September 19 [military aggression by Azerbaijan], the one-day war, the matter of evacuation of the people of Artsakh; the future was virtually not reflected on.

Earlier, we had written that after coming to Armenia, Shahramanyan had met also with the RA third president, Serzh Sargsyan.

No statement about those meetings was disseminated, perhaps avoiding political speculations, while the Artsakh Information Center considers it necessary to inform about the meeting between the representatives of an unknown NGO and Shahramanyan.
Photo: VICTORIA POLICE Purse-snatching suspect.

Victoria police are asking for information from the public after a 59-year-old woman was injured in a daytime purse-snatching in the 1900-block of Douglas Street, near Discovery Street.

Police said the woman was walking to her vehicle about noon on Nov. 8. when an individual approached her from behind and grabbed her purse.

She was pulled to the ground and dragged, causing injuries to her head, knees and wrist.

Bystanders came to the womans aid.

The suspect ran off and was last seen boarding a B.C. Transit bus.

The suspect is described as a man about 40 years old and from six feet to six-foot-three with a medium build, partially balding red-brown hair and a large beard.

Call Victoria police at 250-995-7654, extension 1 or report anonymously to Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Defense minister meets with head of EU delegation to Armenia (PHOTOS)

Armenia Security Council chief to travel to US

Armenia was informed about antiterrorist measures in Nagorno-Karabakh, Azerbaijan FM claims

Ambassador Kvien: US proud to work with Armenian counterparts to preserve Armenias cultural heritage

PM lauds Romania role in deploying EU civilian monitoring mission in Armenia

Porsche holds 3rd generation Panamera world premiere

Hamas violated ceasefire, Israel says

US dissatisfied with Turkey

Newspaper: Armenia national air carrier suspending flights

Archaeologists to soon reveal Great Pyramid of Gizas main secret

Fast & Furious 9 movie producers fined $1M

Armenia, mediators are to blame for military aggression against Karabakh Armenians, Azerbaijan FM claims

Armenia did not participate in the meeting of representatives of the CSTO member states

The OSCE Chairmanship supports the dialog aimed at concluding a peace treaty between Baku and Yerevan

We need Azerbaijan to stop rejecting proposals of facilitators to meet and finalize the peace treaty. Ararat Mirzoyan

Representatives of CSTO member states met in Northern Macedonia

Nassim Taleb: Painful that Mt. Ararat is in Turkey, Armenia is having territorial reductions

Nassim Taleb predicts 3 major global risks: pandemic, financial collapse, rising debt

Armenian captive Gagik Voskanyan not brought to court, Azerbaijan media report

Mirzoyan to Colomina: Azerbaijan public position on territorial integrity mutual recognition is of paramount necessity

Lavrov: Russia ready to contribute to normalization of Armenia-Azerbaijan relations

Mirzoyan presents to Lavrov Armenia positions regarding Russia steps

Ararat Mirzoyan, Javier Colomina discuss Armenia-NATO partnership

Kremlin: Russia considers Armenia an ally

France envoy to Armenia: Karabakh refugees have the right to return to their homes

Armenia-Azerbaijan border delimitation commissions 5th meeting held at border

Poland First Lady arrives in Armenia

The PM, no longer the president, to appoint and dismiss Armenia National Security Service director and deputies

Armenia president travels to Dubai for UN Climate Change Conference

Armenia, Azerbaijan FMs meeting not planned in North Macedonia

International law expert: Torture, inhumane treatment of Armenian detainees continues in Azerbaijan

US deputy assistant secretary of state for education, cultural Affairs is in Armenia

FM to France official: Armenia sent recommendations package to Azerbaijan to move settlement process forward (PHOTOS)

Monument Watch: Azerbaijan propaganda machine circulates new theory

Armenia FM, EU foreign policy chief confer about South Caucasus security

Maragos: There is move towards situation stabilization on the ground ever since EU mission deployment in Armenia

EU ambassador: Armenia citizens largely benefit from Visa Facilitation agreement

Armenia, Azerbaijan border delimitation state commissions meeting kicks off

Ambassador Maragos: EU hopes Armenia, Azerbaijan will come to some understanding during border delimitation talks

Yerevan hosting international conference on Armenian communities of Middle East

Ararat Mirzoyan, David Cameron speak about South Caucasus developments

Former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger dies aged 100

Towards a Brighter Tomorrow: India's G20 Presidency and the Dawn of a New Multilateralism

Newspaper: Armenia, Azerbaijan deputy PMs to meet today in Tavush Province

Mirzoyan, Blinken discuss South Caucasus security, stability

Ararat Mirzoyan underscores Netherlands support to Armenia sovereignty

EU reiterates support to Armenia-Azerbaijan relations normalization based on 1991 Almaty Declaration

Deputy PM Mher Grigoryan stresses EU programs strategic importance for Armenia

Envoy presents vision of Armenias Crossroads of Peace project to Greece lawmaker

Armenia, Georgia security councils chiefs discuss regional security, stability (PHOTOS)

Another judicial farce to begin in Azerbaijan against another Armenian

Opposition MP: Armenia will face serious economic problems next year

Karabakh ex-official says he does not consider signing Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty possible at this phase

Dollar, euro go up in Armenia

Armenia premier meets with big businessman from Egypt

Armenia economy minister: Situation at Upper Lars checkpoint is strange

EU Special Representative for South Caucasus discusses peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan in Turkey

Amazon Web Services representative to Armenia PM: We are in active discussions with high-tech ministry

The banks should help the customers in making right decisions when managing their own funds. Saribek Sukiasyan

Armenia FM to attend OSCE Ministerial Council

Armenia-UK 6th strategic defense consultations held in London (PHOTOS)

Gagik Aghajanyan: Upper Lars border checkpoint closure means Armenia-Russia relations termination

Vahan Kerobyan: Armenia, Russia representatives will discuss situation at Upper Lars border checkpoint

Kremlin: Currently no plans for Russia President-Armenia PM contacts

Freight-forwarding company director: Yerevan is 2nd largest cargo-container hub in South Caucasus

Armenia, Azerbaijan deputy PMs meeting to be held in Tavush-Kazakh sector of border, media report

Russia MFA pays attention to dispute over Armenian Gardens in Jerusalem

Armenia parliament speaker: I tried to grasp who these people are who dont want to live side by side with Azerbaijanis

Media: South Caucasus to be discussed at Turkey security council

Karabakh former official Samvel Babayan speaks about negotiating with Azerbaijan

Karabakh ex-official: Artsakh issue cannot be resolved at any time

Japan space agency hit with cyberattack

Saudi Arabia capital Riyadh wins right to host Expo 2030 world fair

Newspaper: Armenia ruling force MP ready to live in Azerbaijan if his safety is ensured

World's largest iceberg moves, leaves Antarctica after nearly 40 years of 'rest'

Armenian-made satellite to be launched into space on Friday

Armenia MFA: Azerbaijan continues blocking matter of sending UNESCO mission to Karabakh

Turkey deputy FM, Toivo Klaar discuss South Caucasus, media report

Armenia deputy PM receives World Bank regional director

Dollar, euro drop Armenia
The Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention issued a statement condemning the 15-year prison sentence handed down to Vagif Khachatryan on November 7 by Azerbaijan.

"The Lemkin Institute exhorts the international community to persuade the regime of [Azerbaijani president] President Aliyev into promptly releasing all Armenian persons under its jurisdiction and to refrain from providing any kind of assistance that could worsen the suffering of the victims of the Artsakh [(Nagorno-Karabakh)] genocide or embolden Azerbaijan to perpetrate any unlawful act of aggression," the aforesaid statement added, in part.

Earlier we reported that Nagorno-Karabakh resident Vagif Khachatryan, 68, was sentenced to 15 years in prison by a court in Azerbaijani capital Baku.

Vagif Khachatryan, a participant in the first Nagorno-Karabakh war in the early 1990s, was abducted by the Azerbaijanis this summer while crossing the Lachin corridor into Armeniaand being accompanied by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The Azerbaijani authorities accuse Khachatryan of committing serious crimes for participating in combat operations. Despite these obviously illegal actions by Azerbaijan, including the abducting of a person under the protection of the ICRC, Khachatryan was not only not released, but stood trial.

A total of 59 people were considered "victims" in this fabricated case, and all of them "recognized" Khachatryan and spoke about his "crimes."

Vagif Khachatryan, however, had pleaded not guilty to the charges against him, and stated that he did not participate in any crimes against Azerbaijanis.

It is noteworthy that this Armenian resident and citizen of Nagorno-Karabakh is presented by Azerbaijan as a citizen of Armenia.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a telephonic conversation with Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko at the initiative of the Belarusian side, the PM's office informs Armenian News-NEWS.am.

They discussed matters related to the organizing of the meeting of the CSTO Collective Security Council to be held on November 23 in Minsk, the capital of Belarus.

Also, Pashinyan informed Lukashenko that he will not be able to participate in this meeting, and expressed hope that his CSTO colleagues will treat this decision with understanding.
The Prosecutor Generals Office of Armenia has forwarded the petition by Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) President Samvel Shahramanyan to the National Security Service of Armenia, Armenian News-NEWS.am learned from the Prosecutor Generals Office.

As reported earlier, Shahramanyan had written a letter of petition to Armenias Prosecutor General Anna Vardapetyan, asking her to accept the publications about alleged crimes committed by Artsakh officials as a crime report.

"The authorities of the Republic of Artsakh are interested in solving the possible abuses committed by officials and bringing the guilty persons to account," the Artsakh Information Center had noted, in particular, in the respective statement it had disseminated.
The accusations against Azerbaijan, deliberately distorting the realities in the region, voiced by Josep Borrell, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, at the press conference in Brussels on November 13, 2023, following the Foreign Affairs Council, are completely inadequate and unacceptable. This is noted in a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Azerbaijan.

The MFA added that these "accusations made by the EU representative, who failed to make any effort to persuade Armenia to act in line with the norms and principles of international law, constitute a threat to Azerbaijan's territorial integrity and sovereignty."

The Azerbaijan MFA once again reminds that "both the 44-day Patriotic War and the 24-hour anti-terror measures of September of this year were carried out on Azerbaijan's sovereign territory. Azerbaijan has regained its sovereignty by legitimate means within the norms and principles of international law."

The statement noted that "Against the backdrop of EU member states facing ag[g]ressive separatist tendencies, attempts by the EU foreign policy body to incite separatism in the territory of Azerbaijan with regard to our countrys just struggle against existing threats in its sovereign territories are a source of serious concern."

"The EU's attempts to supply Armenia with weaponry and thereby support its insidious militarization policy that undermines peace and stability in our region, encourages a policy leading to new confrontations in the region, that lays a responsibility on EU. Plans to employ the European Peace Facility, which, among other areas, implies the buildup of military capabilities, serve to exacerbate tensions in the region.

We stress once more that use of threatening language with Azerbaijan is unacceptable, and any unfriendly conduct will not result in a beneficial outcome and will be effectively responded to," added the statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan.
Commenting on Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's declining from attending the upcoming CSTO summit, Dmitry Peskov, press secretary of the Russian president, said that if this is the case, one can only express regret, RIA Novosti reported.

Earlier, Pashinyan stated, in a telephonic conversation with Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko, that he will not be participating in the CSTO summit to be held in Belarusian capital Minsk on November 23.

"If it is really so, then one can only express regret. We understand that any head of government or state can have his events according to his work schedule, his circumstances. But one can only regret because such meetings are a good opportunity to exchange views, clarify positions," Peskov told reporters, when asked of how the Kremlin views Pashinyan's aforesaid decision and how they assess the chances of Armenia leaving the CSTO.

Peskov emphasized that the CSTO "maintains its relevance anyway".

"And the meetings that are organized and implemented within the framework of the CSTO testify to thatat least the demand by the participants for that format of interaction in the relevant domains," added the press secretary of the Russian president.
The working groups of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Nagorno-Karabakh continue to visit the Armenian families remaining there, responding to their needs. Zara Amatuni, Communication and Prevention Program Manager of the ICRC Armenia office, told Armenpress that it is difficult to give specific statistics of the remaining Armenians, but it is about several dozen Armenians.

"When most of the Armenians from Karabakh moved to Armenia, our teams started working on the spot with those people who stayed or simply could not leave for some reason or another. All those people who wanted to move to Armenia, but could not do so for some reason or another, our organization helped in that matter. It is about 50 people. They are the people who have physical vulnerability, health problems. And we helped several dozen people to contact their relatives in Armenia through phone calls, video calls. Our working groups regularly visit those people who have expressed a desire to stay in Karabakh, assessing their needs," said Amatuni.

It has become clear from these visits by the ICRC working teams that the needs of the Armenians remaining in Karabakh relate to food, medicine, and access to water. Where possible, medical examination is carried out, and if necessary, medication is provided. In the absence of access to a number of important issues, they found themselves in a vulnerable position. How long will the ICRC employees stay in Karabakh?

"In general, our presence is conditioned by humanitarian needs. As long as these needs continue to remain in the region and as long as our presence as a neutral mediator will be important for people, we would prefer to stay and continue to pay attention to these issues," said Zara Amatuni.

She emphasized that ICRC's work is focused on humanitarian issues related to the conflict. With more than 30 years of presence in this region, the organization has regularly responded to growing needs.

"In this created situation as well the organization immediately started to increase its resources in targeted directions. We tried to transport wounded people from Karabakh, as well as assisted in transporting the bodies of the dead to Armenia. It is about both war operations and those injured as a result of the [gasoline depot] explosion in [Karabakh capital] Stepanakert. During those days, 124 injured persons were transported to Armenia for treatment. In addition, the remains of 220 people were moved to Armenia, with the assistance of our organization. Most of them are the people who died as a result of the explosion," added Zara Amatuni.
Michelle Barnes in her front yard on Oct. 26, 2023, in Schaumburg. Her father WWII Navy veteran Robert Kroll died in 2019, but Friendship Village hasn't returned his deposit. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)

At age 88, World War II veteran Robert Kroll moved to Friendship Village of Schaumburg, a retirement community where he would be taken care of until death, and so his children would get their inheritance after he died.

He paid an entrance fee of $124,000, plus about $2,400 a month, to guarantee that he would always get housing and medical care even if he ran out of money, with the understanding that his family would get 90% of his remaining entrance fee after expenses upon his passing.

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Kroll died in 2019, but his family still hasnt gotten their money back. In June, Friendship Village, citing problems caused by the COVID pandemic, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, in which officials say operations will continue as usual, but with some debts unpaid. A company has bid $115 million to buy the facility, but the bankruptcy proposal includes only $2 million to pay back families of former residents  about 10% of what is owed.

Michelle Barnes shows a 1940s photo of her dad, Robert Kroll, aboard the USS Coucal on Oct. 26, 2023, in Schaumburg. Robert Kroll served in the U.S. Navy from 1946-48. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)

Our family has been waiting for four years with no resolution, Krolls daughter, Michelle Barnes, told the Tribune. I wanted to share our story to help inform the public and put pressure on our politicians to change the laws in Illinois that will protect seniors from this type of deception in the future.

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Her dispute is over Friendship Villages policy of only paying back entry fees upon the resale of a residents unit. The facility  the largest not-for-profit retirement community in Illinois, with 815 units  didnt resell Krolls one-bedroom unit, so hadnt paid his family back.

Now that Friendship Village has entered bankruptcy, families of former residents are unlikely to ever receive full repayment, which Barnes and other families see as a betrayal of what they were promised.

Friendship Village officials say the contracts were clear about the arrangement, which had worked well for decades since the retirement community opened in 1977.

We never expected this to happen, CEO Mike Flynn said.

Friendship Village, a senior living community, on West Schaumburg Road, Oct. 26, 2023. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)

Friendship Village provides a full continuum of care from independent living to assisted living and skilled nursing residences. It has a three out of five star overall rating from Medicare.gov, and residents and others the Tribune interviewed spoke highly of the staff and facilities there.

But in 2020, COVID was particularly deadly for older victims, and prompted Gov. J.B. Pritzker to close general access to nursing facilities. That prevented Friendship Village from showing its units to new customers, and prevented the sale of what normally was a turnover of some 100 units a year. Some expenses increased while demand for nursing homes dropped.

The owner of Friendship Village, Evangelical Retirement Homes of Greater Chicago, estimated allowed claims by bondholders total almost $132 million, for current residents $78 million, and for former residents $20 million. But the bond debt is secured, meaning its repayment is backed by the collateral of the property itself.

The facility has more than 200 creditors, including dozens of residents and family members, many owed hundreds of thousands of dollars.

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Because Friendship Village is deemed a not-for-profit business, it does not pay property taxes. It did pay $23 million in employee compensation in 2022, including $406,000 to its prior CEO, Stephen Yencheck. Bankruptcy attorney Bruce Dopke reported hes been paid $350,000 for legal services, and would be paid for any additional costs. Before bankruptcy, the company had a prospective buyer, but the deal fell through.

The amount available to repay debtors depends on the amount offered by a buyer in auction. The highest bid was recently reported at $115 million by Encore Healthcare Services of New York.

It would have been nice if somebody stepped up and honored the entrance fee refund, Flynn said. That didnt happen, but at least theyre getting something.

Friendship Village CEO Mike Flynn, talks with residents at the retirement community in Schaumburg. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)

Besides former residents like Kroll, current residents are also worried about their investment.

Ed and Toby Gordon, age 88 and 87, respectively, moved into Friendship Village in January, in part to be close to their daughter, Michelle Miller, and because they knew they would need more care. They paid more than $300,000 as an entrance fee, Miller said. Under the bankruptcy proposal, residents who die or leave would be repaid over about 16 years.

Miller is upset that her parents did not know about the facilitys dire financial situation.

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My parents should have known how bad those numbers were, she said, because they could have been renters instead.

Residents are concerned that they wont get the continuing care they expected and wont get the refunds they were guaranteed. A lot of people are just scared and dont know whats going to happen to them, she said.

Ed Gordon, 88, along with other residents, participates in a line-dancing class at Friendship Village on Oct. 31, 2023, in Schaumburg. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)

Friendship Village issued a statement reassuring residents that they will be taken care of.

Within the new ownership contract, the statement read, there are provisions to take care of the current residents who entered the community under an entrance fee agreement for the rest of their lives, regardless of the level of care needed. There is also a benevolent fund that has been doubled by the new owner for those who run out of money through no fault of their own.

In response to complaints even before the bankruptcy, state Rep. Michelle Mussman, a Democrat whose northwest suburban district includes Friendship Village, introduced a bill that would require repayment of entrance fees in order of those who leave, rather than upon resale of each individuals unit.

But after getting pushback from the industry, Mussman is taking a step back and talking to stakeholders. Chronological repayment may not be as fair to residents who paid for more desirable units that sell faster, and may impair the ability to care for residents still living there, Mussman said.

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Its not perfect, she said. Weve not been able to find the right combination that would work.

Angela Schnepf, president and CEO of LeadingAge Illinois, which represents the senior care industry, said entrance fees are like an insurance policy. The community takes on the risk of caring for residents even if they run out of money, while residents carry the risk of not getting their fee back until their units sell.

She said some residents see the queue system as paying other residents when their own unit sells.

If their neighbor gets their refund sooner just because they put their unit up for sale sooner, they find this very unfair, Schnepf said.

If retirement communities were forced to pay back before selling units, she said, it might put them at financial risk.

Lucy Travis, center, dances in a class at Friendship Village on Oct. 31, 2023, in Schaumburg. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)

But under the current arrangement, current and former residents are at risk because of the bankruptcy. A creditors committee continues to investigate the management of funds in the case.

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The next court hearing to consider the bankruptcy terms is set for Nov. 22 in federal court in Chicago. The proposed repayment plan is subject to a vote by creditors and is scheduled to be ruled on Jan. 17 by U.S. Judge Timothy Barnes.

More broadly, the problems facing Friendship Village also face Life Plan or Continuing Care Retirement Communities in general.

Several such not-for-proft communities nationwide have fallen into financial distress recently and been acquired by for-profit companies, said Dan Hermann, president and CEO of Ziegler, which has provided financing to senior living businesses, including Friendship Village.

The for-profit companies can offer efficiencies by providing their own ancillary services such as pharmacy and tech work, and tighter staffing.

An underlying problem, Hermann said, is that Illinois for years has had low reimbursement rates for Medicaid residents, which make up a significant portion of some retirement communities like Friendship Village.

rmccoppin@chicagotribune.com
The embassy of Armenia in the United Kingdom (UK) on Monday organized an official reception in honor of the visit by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, to mark the opening of the new building of the embassy and the launch of the Armenia-UK Strategic Dialogue.

Members of the UK Parliament, representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Development, the Armenian community in the UK, as well as public and political figures attended the event, Armenian News-NEWS.am was informed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan, Chris Allan, the Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia Division (EECAD) at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and ambassador of Armenia to the UK Varuzhan Nersisyan delivered welcoming and congratulatory remarks.

In his remarks, FM Mirzoyan stated as follows:

We are gathered here for two important reasons:

First, to celebrate Armenias new Embassy premises in the heart of London. For us, this edifice marks the significant milestone in Armenias relationship with the UK and demonstrates the importance we place on deepening our relations built upon shared values, mutual respect, and a commitment to peace, democracy and economic development.

This year Armenia and the UK are celebrating 32 years of diplomatic relations, however our ties date back centuries. On this profound basis Armenia and the UK have made significant progress in enhancing political ties and economic cooperation, fostering stronger trading links and promoting closer people-to-people exchange through tourism, education, and culture. Opening of the new embassy building is a testimony to our enduring relations and readiness to deepen the cooperation.

Secondly, we are also here to mark the establishment of a Strategic Dialogue between Armenia and the UK. This is indeed a new chapter in our bilateral relations, which provides us with an elevated framework to strengthen cooperation in critical areas like regional security, sustainable development and human rights. Through the Strategic Dialogue, we are reaffirming our commitment to working closely with the UK in addressing global challenges and advancing our common interests.

We have a long road to cover and an important turn on that road starts here and today. We aspire for an even more ambitious bilateral cooperation agenda through the signing of the Armenia-UK Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement. This agreement will give us a solid legal foundation to further elevate our relations for the benefit of both peoples.

Dear guests,

Armenia is proud of the significant progress we have made in building a modern, democratic, market-oriented, open and vibrant society. We gratefully acknowledge the UKs ongoing contribution to these efforts and today, Armenia and the UK stand together as proud democracies.

Despite the humanitarian and security challenges that Armenia is currently facing, I want to assure you that we remain firmly committed to our democratic aspirations. We continue to focus on the opportunities to establish peace, stability and cooperation in our region. It is in this context that the Prime Minister of Armenia has recently introduced the Crossroads of Peace project, the key essence of which is the development of communications by means of renovating, building, and operating roads, railways, pipelines, cables and electricity lines. This can play an instrumental role in connecting North to South and West to East.

Dear guests,

Im confident that together, we can contribute to a global community that values peace, justice, and is hinged on solidarity to jointly meet the ever-increasing challenges.

Thank you all again for being here today.
At the 16th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), Iran signed an agreement with Armenia, Russia, Iraq, Syria, and Turkmenistan on transit trade within the framework of the North-South transport corridor, announced Mehrdad Bazrpash, the Minister of Roads and Urban Development of Iran.

"At the ECO summit, the matter of transit opportunities was emphasized, Iran was presented as one of the main axes, agreements were signed with Russia, Iraq, Syria, Armenia, and Turkmenistan," Bazrpash said, reported the Tasnim news agency of Iran.

He added that Iran will soon complete the construction of the aforesaid transport corridor that will connect the ports of the Persian Gulf with those of the Caspian Sea.

The 16th ECO Summit is being held in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan.
The UK Minister for Europe, Leo Docherty, has proposed closer trade and security cooperation with Armenia to help diversify its economy and build regional security.

Docherty emphasized the urgent need for direct peace talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan in order to reach a long-term peace and stability, the UK embassy informs Armenian News-NEWS.am.

The UK will expand its trade and security ties with Armenia, building closer cooperation and diversifying Armenias economic relationships, the UK Minister for Europe stated at an event in London Monday.

Leo Docherty made the respective commitment to Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan at the first UK-Armenian Strategic Dialogueand based around discussions on shared interests.

He welcomed ongoing collaboration on governance and rule of law, which is helping to strengthen the stability of Armenia and build its political and economic resilience.

Following the dialogue, Minister for Europe Leo Docherty said as follows:

It has been a really positive discussion during this inaugural UK-Armenia Strategic Dialogue. There is a significant amount of positive energy and opportunity to strengthen and deepen our bilateral relationship. We recognize the responsible and positive approach of the Armenian government  it is an attitude of peace building and a desire to develop commercial links not just with the UK but also across the Caucasus. As a responsible regional player, we really value the relations we have with Armenia.

Following recent events in the region, the UK official emphasized the urgent need for Armenia and Azerbaijan to engage meaningfully in internationally-mediated negotiations to reach an historic peace agreement.

In September, the UK contributed 1million to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to support the humanitarian response to the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh and the wider region.

UK Minister for Europe, Leo Docherty, reinforced the UKs commitment to supporting Armenias democratic and governance reforms.

This fiscal year, the UK is spending 1.8 million in Armenia through the Good Governance Fund (GGF) on projects that promote inclusivity, boost innovation and drive economic growth.

The dialogue coincides with the opening of new Armenian embassy on Londons Pall Mall, expanding its services amid growing UK-Armenia diplomatic ties.

Docherty will build on the momentum of Mondays dialogue when he visits Yerevan next week.
In accordance with point 9 of the trilateral statement of November 9, 2020, Armenia has assumed no commitment to provide an extraterritorial corridor to any country. Arman Yeghoyan, an MP of the ruling majority Civil Contract Faction of the National Assembly (NA) of Armenia and Chair of the NA Standing Committee on European Integration, told reporters about this on Tuesday.

He assured that there are no contradictions in this regard.

"Jurisdiction of Armenia operates in the territory of Armenia," added the lawmaker.

Yeghoyan reminded that the aforesaid statement is just a document signed by the leaders of three countries, and not an interstate agreement adopted by a parliament, and which shall be canceled by the parliament.
US Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) on Monday delivered remarks on the Senate floor against the Armenian humanitarian crisis, and called for Congress to end support for the Azerbaijani government that perpetuated this assault.

Wherever assaults are launched without warning whether its Russias unprovoked war in Ukraine, Azerbaijans invasion of Nagorno-Karabakh, or Hamas barbaric terrorist attack on Israel we must always stand with our allies as they seek justice for victims in a way that upholds human rights and follows the laws of war, Sen. Menendez said, in particular, from the Senate floor. The eyes of the world are watching how the United States responds to these conflicts. And as we have done so many times before, we must leverage our position as a moral authority for good in order to deliver necessary aid to the affected regions.

I submit to my colleagues that our top priority must be to stand in the breach and address the threats that Armenia continues to face, Bob Menendez stressed.
Under a drizzly November sky, members of the Emory community gathered on the Quad to honor and recognize those who have served in the nations uniformed services in the universitys 15th-annual Veterans Day Ceremony.

Patrick Forrestal, president of the Emory Veterans Association and a graduate student in Goizueta Business Schools MBA program, served as the events master of ceremonies for the Nov.10 event. Following the introduction of the Honor Guard  which included Emory veterans and ROTC cadets  Will Gurtowski, a master of divinity student in Candler School of Theology in his seventh year of service with the Army National Guard, delivered the invocation.

Forrestal then offered a solemn reminder of what everyone in attendance was there to honor.

Veterans Day is not the same as Memorial Day, said Forrestal. Memorial Day is a time to remember those who gave their lives for our country. Veterans Day honors all those who have served our country in war or peace, dead or alive, for their service and sacrifice.

Emory President Gregory L. Fenves spoke to the treasured tradition of the Veterans Day Ceremony, thanking the service members and sharing a personal story of his father.

After surviving the Holocaust, his father arrived in Chicago, IIllinois, and shortly after was drafted to serve in the Army.

He had the opportunity to serve his new country as part of the U.S. Army forces in Germany, just seven years after having been liberated from the Buchenwald concentration camp by that same army, said Fenves.

Fenves father also found success after his military service thanks, in part, to the GI Bill that allowed him to pursue an education.

Thats just one story, said Fenves. There are countless other stories of veterans who have given everything for this nation and found support and opportunities after their service. At Emory, we are proud to be part of that tradition, and want to make sure that veterans of this country know this campus welcomes them with open arms.

Fenves also highlighted the newly launched MBA for veterans program and Emorys longstanding tradition of providing health care services for veterans.

At Emory, our mission is to serve humanity, and that also means serving those who serve humanity, Fenves said.

Ravi Thadhani, executive vice president for health affairs at Emory, expanded on Fenves comments about health care. He pointed to a variety of programs that demonstrate Emorys longstanding tradition of supporting veterans. Thadhani mentioned Emorys membership in an elite group of universities to train nurses for work in the Veterans Affairs (VA) system, the six-decade collaboration with the Atlanta VA health care system and the Emory Veterans Programs partnership with the Wounded Warriors Program.

We at Woodruff Health Sciences Center are incredibly proud about the fact that we employ, care for and support our veterans community, our service women and men in this community, as well as those that decide to come and get their care and work in our systems, said Thadhani.

Keynote speaker Maj. Gen. Burke Whitman, who is retired from the United States Marine Corps, highlighted the beneficial relationship that service members have with Emory University, the nation and the world.

We salute the university because Emory educates, informs and supports current and future service members, and we celebrate with the university because it benefits so much from the service members of veterans who study, teach and work here, said Burke. Likewise, we salute our service members and veterans because they contribute bright minds, character and unique experiences that enhance the educational and formational activity that goes on here.

Whitman then provided examples of similar goals shared by both Emory and service members, ranging from leadership skills to critical thinking to prioritizing the common good. He also acknowledged the importance of Emorys continued commitment to honoring veterans.

With an event such as this, a globally influential university such as Emory can shape the communities and the worlds nations, and the worlds understanding of what is important about service, said Whitman. Without such enduring support from Emory, our Armed Services could unravel. Our nation could become less influential, and freedom and moral virtue across the globe could cede its ground to evil and human depravity.

Reflecting on the importance of honoring service

Attendees of the Veterans Day Ceremony noted the importance of holding such a visible event to honor the often-invisible service and contributions of veterans.

Mark Nevitt, a Navy veteran and associate professor in Emory Law, said the ceremony was important to him because of his familys history of service.

Im a third-generation veteran. Both of my grandparents served in World War II, my dad was in Vietnam and I did 20 years in the Navy. Every November 11th, I always take time to remind myself about not just my service, but the service of others, said Nevitt.

Nevitt also noted his appreciation for the continued support and effort put into the annual Veterans Day Ceremony.

I think it showcases the energy Emory has and the support it has for this community, said Nevitt. It means a lot to me as a veteran who is now in the faculty.

Karen Forbes, a commander in the U.S. Public Health Service, was a member of the ceremonys Honor Guard. As a primary care provider with the VA, she sees patients who served in Vietnam, Korea and World War II.

Participating in the ceremony made me feel really good to be with other uniformed service and armed service officers and paying respect to the veterans who have served and retired, said Forbes.

Life Griffith, an Emory Law student, served for 19 years as a combat medic, military police and member of the Armys Judge Advocate Generals (JAG) Corps. He noted the importance of this ceremony honoring veterans because many will never understand the realities of service.

People say, thank you for your service, but they never know what our service truly is, said Griffith. The ceremony is a very important event and Im glad that they are doing it here on the campus.

Emorys resources for veterans

The 15th-annual Veterans Day Ceremony highlighted many of the resources available to veterans at Emory.

Emorys Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing was selected to participate in the Veteran Affairs Nursing Academic Partnership (VANAP), an elite program through which undergraduate and graduate nursing students gain valuable training in providing quality healthcare for our nations veterans.

The Yellow Ribbon program supports post-9/11 veterans by providing funding to supplement educational expenses beyond what is covered by the G.I. Bill.

Through the Emory Law Volunteer Clinic for Veterans, service members can access pro bono legal services to address a variety of legal issues, ranging from estate work to discharge upgrades before the Department of Defense.

In May 2024, Goizueta Business School will officially welcome the first cohort to the new MBA program designed for veterans.

Veteran employees across Emory are welcome to participate in the Emory Veterans Employee Network (EVEN), designed to promote a sense of belonging by Emory veterans through organization, recognition, networking and resources.

Army or Air Force ROTC are options for undergraduate students interested in military careers. The cross-enrollment agreement with Georgia Tech and Kennesaw State University allows students to complete their undergraduate degrees at Emory and military training at Georgia Tech.

The Emory Healthcare Veterans Program provides free, confidential treatment for eligible post-9/11 veterans and service members living anywhere in the United States regardless of discharge status, deployment history or length of service.
ATLANTA  Emory Healthcare, the most comprehensive academic health system in Georgia, is collaborating with health care technology pioneer DrFirst to help patients access and adhere to affordable, appropriate prescription medications for their health conditions and ailments. Research shows that medication adherence is a primary determinant of success in patient outcomes, while non-adherence can lead to a worsening of diseases and disorders, increased health care costs and even death.

The collaboration with DrFirst will put patients first in enhancing medication prescribing and management, from an encounter with the clinician to picking up the prescription at the pharmacy, says Alistair Erskine, MD, chief information and digital officer for Emory Healthcare. These clinical solutions will assist our providers with their decisions in providing a higher level of care for our patients.

For many patients, especially those with chronic conditions, taking their medications as prescribed is vital to positive health outcomes and staying out of the hospital, says G. Cameron Deemer, CEO of DrFirst. Technology can help by making clinical data more usable, removing friction from workflows, which assists clinicians and patients to achieve better medication outcomes.

Emory Healthcare is using three medication management services offered within Fuzion by DrFirst, a software platform that uses clinical-grade artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline clinical workflows to boost workflow efficiency and medication adherence.

Medication history with clinical-grade AI provides the most comprehensive information available and eliminates the need for manual data entry in workflows. This means patients will have less chance of adverse drug events, clinicians will have more complete data at the point of care, and pharmacists will save time on medication reconciliation, which is the process of making sure the list of medications for a patient matches what the patient is actually taking.

Prescription price transparency allows providers to know patients pharmacy benefits, including their out-of-pocket costs, before they leave the doctors office or hospital. Knowing these costs up front, with options to switch to an affordable therapeutic equivalent if too costly, saves time and money for patients. This increases medication adherence and means patients are less likely to abandon high-cost prescriptions at the pharmacy.

Coming soon: Automated messaging will alert patients when their clinician sends an electronic prescription to their pharmacy. The HIPAA-compliant functionality will allow patients to review their prescription and pharmacy information, as well as get relevant educational information and financial savings for their medication.



Patients will automatically benefit from the prescription messaging when they opt-in for communications from Emory. Additionally, patients can choose to opt-out of receiving text messaging alerts.

Managing multiple medications and cost considerations can be challenging for patients when dealing with a chronic condition or sudden illness, says Christy Norman, PharmD, vice president of pharmacy services for Emory Healthcare. Having these additional solutions in place will help identify and manage the best medications for every patients individual health journey.


JFK expert: John Shaw, director, Paul Simon Public Policy Institute, has written two books on John F. Kennedy, and is an expert commentator for an upcoming documentary on Kennedy that premieres on The History Channel, just days ahead of the 60th anniversary of Kennedys assassination. (Photo by Russell Bailey)

SIU expert: JFK remains one of the most compelling figures in history 60 years after death

by Pete Rosenbery

CARBONDALE, Ill.  Six decades after an assassination that altered the course of American history, former President John F. Kennedy has an enduring appeal, says John Shaw, a JFK expert and director of Southern Illinois University Carbondales Paul Simon Public Policy Institute.

John F. Kennedy is one of the most compelling figures in American political history, he said. Few political leaders have possessed the combination of intelligence, wit, bravery and powers of expression that JFK demonstrated. His stunning assassination as a young man, and at the peak of his powers, is a signal event in American history. His tragic death has only added to his mystique.

Shaw has written two books on Kennedy and is an expert commentator on two documentaries about the former president. That includes Kennedy, which premieres on The History Channel, starting Saturday, Nov. 18. The eight, one-hour episodes will air in primetime Nov. 18-20, just days ahead of the 60th anniversary of Kennedys death on Nov. 22, 1963. Six years ago, Shaw lent his expertise to the PBS documentary This is the House That Jack Built.

Media availability

John Shaw, director, Paul Simon Public Policy Institute, is available for interviews about John F. Kennedys life and legacy. He can be reached at 618-453-4009 or john.shaw@siu.edu.

Comprehensive study of Kennedy

Shaw has studied Kennedy in-depth throughout his career, which includes 26 years in Washington D.C. covering Congress and economic issues for Market News International before his arrival at SIU in 2018.

Shaws 2013 book, JFK in the Senate: Pathway to the Presidency, describes how Kennedy used the Senate as a training ground and launching pad for the presidency. Shaw appeared twice on C-SPAN in November 2013 to discuss his book; first as part of the networks BookTV and later as part of the National Press Club Book Fair.

Shaw wrote Rising Star, Setting Sun: Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, and the Presidential Transition that Changed America in 2018. The book chronicles the 10 weeks between Kennedys election on Nov. 8, 1960, and his inauguration on Jan. 20, 1961, and depicts the end of the Eisenhower era and the beginning of the Kennedy administration. Shaw appeared on C-SPAN to discuss that book in October 2018.

He has spoken about JFK at many libraries, universities and other institutions, including the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and National Archives, and has written essays about Kennedy for numerous publications, including The American Interest.

In 2020, the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute hosted Lincoln and Kennedy: Two Iconic Presidents, in which Shaw discussed Kennedy and Sam Wheeler, then-Illinois state historian, described Lincoln.

Its intriguing to speculate on how America and the world would have been different had Kennedy not been murdered in Dallas 60 years ago, Shaw said. We all wonder if he would have ended Americas involvement in the Vietnam War and how he would have handled civil rights. Political leaders from both parties are still influenced by Kennedy and try to conjure the charm and charisma that he so naturally displayed.
Preparing Thanksgiving dinner can be an enormous hassle, involving spending all day in the kitchen keeping track of cooking times for sides and the turkey to ensure everything is warm and ready to go on the table. You can remove much of the stress and just enjoy your feast by picking up a ready-made meal from a Chicago-area restaurant, or even a version where most of the work is done for you  all you have to do is roast the bird.

There are options for brunch or dinner out so you dont have to deal with the cleanup at home. Choose from a buffet feast, tasting menu or a la carte meal. You can also find options for one or two if you want a low-key way to enjoy some festive food without the big gathering. Youll find traditional dishes and plenty of spins on the classics including vegan, Indian, Peruvian and Italian meals. However you like to celebrate Thanksgiving, you can be thankful for these 54 restaurants for making it easy.

All meals are offered on Nov. 23 unless otherwise specified.

The Loop and Near North Side

Adorn

Executive chef Michael Rollinson offers a Thanksgiving brunch spread at Adorn. (Four Seasons Chicago)

Executive chef Michael Rollinson offers a brunch spread from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. including duck confit truffle mac and cheese, brown sugar-roasted duck breast with cranberry sauce, roasted herb-stuffed turkey leg with cherry sauce, a seafood bar and pumpkin desserts for $265 for adults or $85 for kids. 120 E. Delaware St., 312-280-8800, adornrestaurant.com

The Albert

A $65 buffet offered from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. includes roasted turkey, cranberry stuffing, honey-glazed carrots, flatbreads, housemade pastas and cured meats and cheeses. Place an order by Nov. 18 to pick up a $130 meal for four from noon to 5 p.m. Nov. 22 that features prime rib, mashed potatoes, slow-roasted beets and a caramelized pumpkin roll. 228 E. Ontario St., 312-471-3883, thealbertchicago.com

Alinea

Alinea chef Grant Achatz provides detailed cooking instructions for a free-range turkey youll serve alongside green bean casserole, gravy, and roasted garlic and sage stuffing. The meal for four ($265) or eight ($465) includes shrimp cocktail, butternut squash soup, baked Brie en croute and pumpkin pie. Wine pairings and cocktails from The Aviary are available to add on. Note that you can pick up your order Nov. 22 at Roister. 951 W. Fulton Market, exploretock.com/alinea

Asador Bastian

Chefs Doug Psaltis and Christian Eckmann offer a five-course Basque feast including imported Spanish cheese, roasted foie gras with fall fruit, roasted sea scallops, slow-roasted truffle-studded heritage turkey, bone marrow potato puree and steamed persimmon cake for $145 from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. 214 W. Erie St., 312-800-8935, asadorbastian.com

Bar Goa

Choose from a fully prepared ($200) or cook-at-home ($180) tandoori turkey feast for six to eight people that includes makhani gravy, dal makhani, chili garlic potatoes, basmati rice and saffron cheesecake. Smaller groups can opt for a precooked tandoori chicken meal for four ($165). Orders can be picked up Nov. 22. 116 W. Hubbard St., 312-900-0197, exploretock.com/bargoachicago

Chef Art Smiths Reunion

Pick up a classic feast for four Nov. 21-22, which includes turkey with gravy, cornbread stuffing, mac and cheese, whipped mashed potatoes and cranberry relish for $170. Add on an extra person for $40. 600 E. Grand Ave., 312-224-1415, reunionrestaurants.com

Cindys Rooftop

Take in the views of Millennium Park and Lake Michigan while enjoying a Thanksgiving plate featuring cider-brined roasted turkey breast with mashed potatoes, brioche stuffing, glazed carrots, cranberry relish and truffle gravy for $45 or $22 for kids under 12. Finish the meal with a $6 slice of pumpkin cheesecake or French silk pie. 12 S. Michigan Ave., 312-792-3502, cindysrooftop.com

Duck Duck Goat

Duck Duck Goat's Thanksgiving Peking duck dinner kit. (Boka Restaurant Group)

Roast a marinated Peking duck and serve it with green beans, baked char siu buns, mashed potato spring rolls, vegetable fried rice and spiced sweet potatoes ($225). Pick up the feast for four from 2:30-3:30 p.m. Nov. 22. 857 W. Fulton Market, 312-902-3825, duckduckgoatchicago.com

Eataly

A family-style dinner for four ($150) or eight ($300) includes roasted turkey breast, porchetta stuffing, baked butternut squash, cranberry sauce and tiramisu. Orders must be placed by Nov. 19 for pickup Nov. 21-22. 43 E. Ohio St., 312-521-8700, eataly.com

The Florentine

Depending on the size of your appetite you can choose from a $39 turkey plate with two sides such as brown butter mashed potatoes or sourdough stuffing or opt for a $65 three-course dinner that also includes pumpkin soup and a Michigan honey apple crisp with vanilla gelato. 151 W. Adams St., 312-660-8866, the-florentine.net

Gene & Georgetti

The classic steakhouse offers a three-course dinner from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. including pumpkin soup, roast turkey with gravy and cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, stuffing, roasted vegetables, Brussels sprouts and pumpkin cheesecake for $105. 500 N. Franklin St., 312-527-3718, geneandgeorgetti.com

Grill on 21

The restaurant within the LaSalle Hotel offers a four-course meal featuring butternut squash bisque, roasted prime rib with au jus, au gratin potatoes, sweet potato casserole and pecan pie for $75. 208 S. LaSalle St., 312-634-0000 ext. 3, grillon21.com

I|O Godfrey

Pile your plate at a buffet featuring roasted butternut squash soup, carved turkey, cornbread stuffing, smoked salmon salad, creamed corn and pecan pie. The meal is served from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and costs $65 for adults or $15 for kids. If you prefer to dine at home, you can also order a 20-pound roasted turkey ($199) along with sides for four such as potato leek soup, mashed potatoes and bacon collard greens ($25 each). Pick up the meal from 3-7 p.m. Nov. 22 or noon to 3 p.m. Nov. 23. 127 W. Huron St., 312-374-1830, iogodfrey.com

Joes Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab

Enjoy a traditional holiday spread featuring sliced turkey breast, stuffing, mashed potatoes, citrus cranberry relish, green beans, butternut squash with toasted marshmallows and a slice of pumpkin chiffon pie for $70 for adults or $35 for kids ages 5-12. Kids under 5 eat free. 60 E. Grand Ave., 312-379-5637, joes.net/chicago

Maple & Ash

Maple & Ash's Thanksgiving offerings include a plate that will have black truffle turkey. (Maple & Ash/HANDOUT)

For a luxurious meal, order the Thanksgiving plate with black truffle turkey, Brussels sprouts, chanterelles, pomme puree and black truffle jus ($75) plus roasted chestnut stuffing ($10) and spiced brown butter pumpkin cake for two to four ($45) from 1-7 p.m. 8 W. Maple St., 312-944-8888, mapleandash.com

Monarch & Lion

The British pub offers a Thanksgiving dinner for six to eight featuring a whole turkey to cook at home plus mashed potatoes with gravy, truffle mac and cheese, charred broccolini, stuffing, cranberry sauce and pumpkin chai pie for $200. Orders can be picked up from 2-4 p.m. Nov. 22. 302 E. Illinois St., 312-973-2623, monarchandlion.com

Prime & Provisions

Feast on a buffet featuring crab legs, carved slow-roasted prime rib, smoked mustard-glazed salmon, green bean casserole and warm bread pudding for $95 for adults or $35 for kids ages 7-12 (complimentary for children 6 and under) from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. A $140 meal for two available for pickup on Nov. 22 includes butternut squash soup, herb-roasted turkey, cranberry sauce and slices of pumpkin pie. 222 N. LaSalle Blvd., 312-726-7777, primeandprovisions.com

The Publican

The Publican's Thanksgiving offerings. (Keni Rosales)

Order a raw turkey ($85-$170), turkey breast ($75) or ham ($135-$215) from Slagel Farms and The Publican will provide detailed cooking instructions along with all the other holiday staples such as gravy ($12), roasted Brussels sprouts ($29), maple roasted sweet potatoes ($24) and pumpkin pie ($39). Orders can be picked up from noon to 6 p.m. Nov. 20-22. 837 Fulton St., 312-733-9555, thepublicanrestaurant.com

RPM Italian

Put an Italian twist on your celebration with a three-course meal featuring turkey breast, butternut squash tortelloni, preserved fruit stuffing and aged Parmesan risotto for $98 from noon to 8 p.m. 52 W. Illinois St., 312-222-1888, rpmrestaurants.com

RPM Steak

A four-course meal served from noon to 8 p.m. includes tuna crudo, pumpkin gnocchi, turkey breast, green bean casserole and pumpkin cheesecake for $115. 66 W. Kinzie St., 312-284-4990, rpmrestaurants.com

The Smith

Thanksgiving dinner at The Smith. (The Smith)

Choose from turkey potpie, turkey leg osso buco or roasted turkey breast as the center of a three-course meal including butternut squash soup, apple brioche stuffing and sticky apple toffee pudding for $78. 400 N. Clark St., 312-312-5100, thesmithrestaurant.com

Somerset

The restaurant within the Viceroy Chicago serves dinner from 4-10 p.m. featuring a turkey carving station, a dessert station, and family-style starters and sides including Pink Lady apple salad, green bean almondine and cranberry sauce for $145 for adults or $65 for kids. You can also pick up a meal for two to three ($190) or four to five ($350) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 23. 1118 N. State St., 312-586-2000, viceroyhotelsandresorts.com

Tanta

Tanta's Thanksgiving offerings include empanadas. (Mistey Nguyen)

A 3-pound roasted chicken marinated for 24 hours in Peruvian spices is the star of Tantas annual Thanksgiving Pollo to Go menu, which includes roasted fingerling potatoes, corn cake, sauteed Brussels sprouts with pork tenderloin and pumpkin tres leches for up to four people for $132. Add on half a dozen empanadas ($30) or cocktails for four ($58-$65). Place an order by 6 p.m. Nov. 20 for pickup from noon to 5 p.m. Nov. 22. 118 W. Grand Ave., 312-222-9700, tantachicago.com

Torali

Place an order by Nov. 18 to pick up a meal for six to eight featuring an oven-roasted free-range turkey, mac and cheese, cranberry sauce, sage gravy and dinner rolls for $350. You can also add on a cranberry pecan pie ($36), shrimp cocktail ($60) or a cheese and charcuterie plate ($65). The restaurant within the Ritz-Carlton also serves Thanksgiving brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 23 featuring pumpkin cranberry scones with apple butter and clotted cream ($5), crispy turkey leg with sage waffles ($35), pumpkin spiced pancake ($28) and baked ricotta cheesecake ($12). Add on bottomless mimosas, bloody marys and sparkling rose for $45. 160 E. Pearson St., 312-266-1000, toralichicago.com

Travelle at The Langham

A buffet offers cheese and charcuterie, seafood platters, Thanksgiving favorites and Champagne during brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. or cocktails during dinner from 6-8:30 p.m. The meal is $250 for adults or $75 for kids ages 5-12. 330 N. Wabash Ave., 312-923-7705, travellechicago.com

Yardbird

Feed two to four ($310) or six to eight ($590) with a package including herb-roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, spiced honey-glazed Brussels sprouts, bourbon candied yams, cranberry relish, biscuits with honey butter and giblet gravy. Add a brown butter bourbon pumpkin pie for $40. Orders can be picked up from 9:15-10:15 a.m. Nov. 23. The River North restaurant also offers the turkey dinner to dine in for $42. 530 N Wabash Ave., 312-999-9760, runchickenrun.com/thanksgiving

North Side & Northwest Side

Bar Roma

A dinner for two features cider-brined roasted turkey breast, spiral-sliced honey-baked ham, garlic mashed potatoes, classic green bean casserole, Italian bread stuffing, pretzel rolls with honey mustard butter and pumpkin pie with maple whipped cream for $120. Add a bottle of Italian wine for $25. Orders must be placed by Nov. 17 for pick up from 4-6 p.m. Nov. 22. 5101 N. Clark St., 773-942-7572, barromachicago.com

Bloom

A vegan and gluten-free feast from James Beard-nominated chef Rodolfo Cuadros includes leek and chestnut soup, mashed potatoes with mushroom gravy, green beans, stuffed acorn squash and pumpkin pie for $70 per person. Meals can be ordered through Nov. 20 for pickup from 5-8 p.m. Nov. 22. 1559 N. Milwaukee Ave., 312-363-3110, bloompb.com

Daisies

Youll get instructions for how to finish an at-home meal for four that includes sous vide turkey breast with confit leg and thigh, candied sweet potatoes with marshmallow, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes with gravy and Brussels sprouts in bacon vinaigrette for $240. Add on a trio of wines ($99), an apple crumble pie ($35) and a pint of vanilla ice cream ($12). Orders can be picked up Nov. 22. 2375 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773-697-9443, daisieschicago.com

Farm Bar Lakeview

A Thanksgiving to-go box from chef David Wakefield includes a carved and cooked turkey, butternut squash bisque, gravy, green bean casserole, dinner rolls and pumpkin pie for two to four ($140) or six to eight ($200) people. Orders must be placed by Nov. 15 for pickup from noon to 5 p.m. Nov. 22. 1300 W. Wellington Ave., 773-281-2599, farm-bar.com

Frontier

Frontier's Thanksgiving offerings. (Frontier)

Choose from a hot or cold 7- to 20-pound turkey ($59-$117) to pick up from 2-6 p.m. Nov. 22 or 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 23 along with buttered rolls ($24), cornbread stuffing ($52) and sweet potato pie ($34). Orders must be placed by 9 p.m. Nov. 17. 1072 N, Milwaukee Ave., 773-772-4322, thefrontierchicago.com

Itoko

A dinner kit for two includes soy-butter glazed turkey breast, roasted beet salad, turkey confit curry pie and banana pudding trifle ($120). If you dont like turkey, opt for the Sushigiving Set featuring crispy shrimp maki, red crab sunomono and chirashi don ($120). Orders must be placed by Nov. 18 for pickup on Nov. 22. 3325 N. Southport Ave., 773-819-7672, itokochicago.com

Marinas Bistro

The Puerto Rican restaurant serves a $70 dinner including cheese croquettes, roasted turkey, potato salad, stuffing and pumpkin flan. 4554 N. Magnolia Ave., 773-739-9161, marinasbistrochicago.com

Old Crow Smokehouse

Old Crow Smokehouse's Thanksgiving to-go offerings. (Third Coast Hospitality Group)

The Wrigleyville barbecue spot has smoked ($110) or deep-fried ($155) turkey that serves eight to 10, and smoked glazed ham ($160) or beef Wellington ($150) that serves six to eight. Add on green bean casserole ($45), cornbread ($25), four cheese mac and cheese ($55) and apple crumble ($30). 3506 N. Clark St., 773-537-4452, oldcrowsmokehouse.com/wrigleyville

West Side & Near West Side

Heritage Restaurant & Caviar Bar

Relax with a classic reheatable meal for two ($175) or four to six ($300) including a pimento cheese ball, turkey, giblet gravy with mushrooms, purple sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, bread dumplings, smoked oyster and kimchi stuffing, and pumpkin pie. You can also craft an a la carte meal, add on wine or cocktails, or go all out with a $250-$500 Baller package that includes caviar, shrimp cocktail and Champagne. Orders can be picked up from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 22. 2700 W. Chicago Ave., 773-661-9577, heritage-chicago.com

Ina Maes Tavern & Packaged Goods

Place an order by 9 p.m. Nov. 17 to pick up a 15-pound blackened turkey with gravy ($107) and six take-and-bake biscuits ($18) from 4-7 p.m. Nov. 22. 1415 N. Wood St., 773-360-8320, inamaetavern.com

South Side & Near South Side

The Duck Inn

Feed a family with duck fat-poached turkey ($225) or a rotisserie duck ($250) plus duck sausage stuffing, buttermilk mashed potatoes, cranberry-tangerine chutney, Brussels sprouts and molten pumpkin cheesecake. You can also get everything but the bird for $175. Have your dinner delivered or pick it up Nov. 22. 2701 S. Eleanor St., 312-724-8811, theduckinnchicago.com

Lexington Betty Smokehouse

Chef Dominique Leach offers a smoked turkey meal for four including gravy, turkey gizzard dressing, cranberry relish, candy yams, Gouda mac & cheese and cornbread muffins for $150. Orders must be placed by Nov. 15 for pickup Nov. 22. Items are also available a la carte. 756 E. 111th St., 708-927-5614, lexingtonbetty.com

Truth Be Told

Pick up a meal for two ($140), four ($255) or six ($360) featuring oven-roasted turkey breast, Brussels sprouts, mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce from noon to 8 p.m. Wednesday or 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday. Orders must be placed by Nov. 21. 1227 E. 60th St., 872-315-1319, truthbetoldtavern.com/thanksgiving

Two Fish Crab Shack

The Bronzeville restaurant hosts its seventh annual free Thanksgiving dinner at noon Nov. 23, serving roast turkey, fried chicken, crab legs, lamb chops, mac and cheese, sweet potatoes and crab fried rice until the food runs out. 641 E. 47th St., 773-855-8845, twofishcrabshack.com

Suburban and multiple locations

Aboyer

Groups can choose to have roasted pork tenderloin or brown sugar-brined turkey as the star of their meal, which includes candied squash bisque with toasted brioche croutons, mashed potatoes, sweet potato gratin and roasted pumpkin-mascarpone cheesecake. A $99 per person carryout meal is available to pick up from noon to 1:30 p.m. and the dine-in meal is $79 from 2-3:30 p.m. and $89 from 4-7 p.m. 64 Green Bay Road, Winnetka, 847-441-3100; opentable.com/r/aboyer-winnetka

Antico Posto

Place an order by 4 p.m. Nov. 18 to pick up a meal for four to six including roasted turkey breast with gravy, green beans almondine, stuffing and cranberry sauce for $190. Add on pumpkin tiramisu for $43. Orders can be picked up from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 22. 118 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, 630-586-9200, antico-posto.com

Bub City

A dinner for four ($190) or eight ($370) includes a hickory-smoked turkey, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, turkey gravy, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie with whipped cream. The dishes are also available a la carte. Place your order by 7 p.m. Nov. 19 for pickup Nov. 22. 435 N. Clark St., 312-610-4200 and 5441 Park Place, Rosemont, 847-261-0399; bub-city.com

The Capital Grille

A slow-roasted turkey plate includes brioche stuffing, green beans, cranberry-pear chutney and mashed potatoes for $50 for adults or $20 for kids. The full a la carte menu is also available with additional specials including pecan-crusted mashed sweet potatoes with hot honey ($14) and pumpkin cheesecake ($12). You can also place an order by Nov. 21 to pick up a $135 meal for four Nov. 22-23. Multiple locations, thecapitalgrille.com

Di Pescara

Early birds can feast on butternut squash soup with spiced pumpkin seeds, roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, roasted Brussels sprouts with garlic butter and pumpkin pie with cinnamon whipped cream for $55 from 11:30 a.m. to noon Nov. 23. You can also place an order by Nov. 20 to pick up the meal from noon to 6 p.m. Nov. 22. 2124 Northbrook Court, Northbrook, 847-498-4321, di-pescara.com

Francescas

All of the restaurants locations are hosting a buffet from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. featuring oven-roasted turkey, honey-glazed spiral ham, artichoke stuffing, green beans, crispy Brussels sprouts and pumpkin pie for $50 or $15 for kids ages 12 and under. You can also place an order by noon Nov. 20 for a meal for two to three ($90) or four to six ($170) that can be picked up from 1-7 p.m. Thanksgiving Day. Multiple locations, miafrancesca.com

The Goddess and Grocer

The Goddess and Grocer's Thanksgiving options. (Kristen Mendiola)

Choose from a vegan dinner for two ($75) or turkey meals for two ($75), six ($195) or 12 ($395) that include cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, rolls and pumpkin pie. Meal orders must be placed by Nov. 15 for pickup or delivery Nov. 22-23. Multiple locations, goddessandgrocer.com/thanksgiving

Prairie Grass Cafe

Prairie Grass Cafe's pecan pie. (Cindy Kurman)

Order a la carte or opt for a $168 dinner for two that includes butternut squash soup, oven-roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, apple chestnut stuffing, green beans, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie. Orders must be placed by Nov. 16 for pick up Nov. 23. 601 Skokie Blvd., Northbrook, 847-205-4433, prairiegrass.cafe

Shaws Crab House

In addition to the full a la carte menu, the restaurant offers herb-roasted turkey breast with brioche stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy and cranberry relish for $35. 1900 E. Higgins Road, Schaumburg, 847-517-2722, shawscrabhouse.com

Smoke Daddy

Choose from a house-smoked whole turkey ($95-$135) or glazed ham ($95) with cornbread stuffing, mashed potatoes and green bean casserole served by the quart or half pan ($15-$30). Round out the meal with pumpkin pie ($35) and spiked cider for six ($25). Orders must be placed by Nov. 17 for pick up Nov. 21-22. 1804 W. Division St., 773-772-6656 and 3636 N. Clark St., 773-227-2583, thesmokedaddy.com

Soul & Smoke

Head to Avondale, Evanston or the West Loop to pick up a meal from chef DAndre Carter featuring herb-roasted or Cajun-smoked turkey breast ($29), herb stuffing ($16), green bean casserole ($21), mac and cheese ($27) and a caramel apple crumble from Justice of the Pies ($40). Multiple locations, soulandsmoke.com

Spirit Elephant

A vegan feast features lions mane lorange, mashed potatoes, French bread stuffing, butternut squash soup and cornbread muffins for $65 per person. Orders must be placed by Nov. 15 for pick up Nov. 22. 924 Green Bay Road, Winnetka, 847-348-9000, spiritelephantrestaurant.com

Trulucks

Truluck's will offer a three-course Thanksgiving menu at $59 for adults and $29 for young adults 12 and under. (Truluck's)

A three-course meal features cauliflower brown butter soup, herb-roasted turkey breast, Parmesan mashed potatoes, cornbread stuffing, giblet gravy, cranberry apple compote and pumpkin cheesecake for $59 or $29 for kids ages 12 and under from 2-9 pm. Add on family-style sides including creamed spinach ($12), asparagus ($14) and lobster mac and cheese ($28). 9860 Berwyn Ave., Rosemont, 847-233-9404, trulucks.com

Wildfire

A family-style meal served from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. includes deviled eggs, Caesar salad, roasted turkey with mushroom-herb stuffing, roasted asparagus, creamed spinach and pumpkin pie for $68 or $30 for kids ages 12 and under. Multiple locations, wildfirerestaurant.com
Expressing commitment to supporting Tripura's governmental priorities, ADB Principal Urban Development Specialist Tomoo Ueda stated, "ADB is committed to supporting the Tripura government's priorities of improving urban services and tourism infrastructure to help boost economic development."

Ueda added, "This project will support the state as a gateway to the northeast region by developing tourist destinations along the national highways and by improving urban governance and financial sustainability."

According to the ADB report, the comprehensive project encompasses the upgrade of urban water supply systems through the installation of 42 kilometres of new transmission and distribution pipes, the establishment of four new water treatment plants, and the enhancement of 55 kilometres of stormwater drains.

Additionally, 21 kilometres of urban roads will be improved with a focus on features catering to the needs of the elderly, women, children, and disabled individuals.

To bolster the delivery of urban services, the initiative aims to build the capacity of twelve urban local bodies in areas such as planning, infrastructure operations and maintenance, financial management, gender equality and social inclusion, and project management.

Furthermore, the state government will receive support in updating building regulations, incorporating spatial planning and green building principles for enhanced climate and disaster resilience.

The project's tourism-centric facet aims to elevate key destinations like the Chaturdash Devata Temple, Kasaba Kalibari, and Neermahal Palace.

This involves improving amenities, rooms, and landscaping, and ensuring they are more visitor- and gender-friendly. Additionally, plans include the establishment of a digital museum and a new adventure park.

In tandem, a 10-year tourism business plan is set to be developed, guiding marketing, and promotion efforts, and attracting private sector involvement. Simultaneously, Tripura's tourism policy will undergo an update to align with evolving needs.

As an institution deeply committed to fostering prosperity, inclusivity, resilience, and sustainability across Asia and the Pacific, ADB's involvement in Tripura underscores its dedication to eradicating extreme poverty.

Established in 1966, ADB boasts ownership by 68 members. It obtains its funding by issuing bonds on the world's capital markets, contributions from member countries, retained earnings from lending operations, and the repayment of loans. (ANI)
Actor Ishaan Khatter on Tuesday expressed gratitude for the overwhelming love and response to his performance in the biographical war film 'Pippa'. Taking to Instagram, Ishaan shared stills of him from the film and penned a note. https://www.instagram.com/p/CzoB5DqIjgX/?img_index=3 Sharing the pictures, he wrote, "From Balli to Capt Balram Singh Mehta. What a ride. Thank you so much for the overwhelming love This film is the result of an incredible set of people who put in serious, serious work to realise this extraordinary story. My salutes to my crew and huge love to our audiences." As soon as the shared pictures, the actor's fans flooded the comment section. One of the users wrote, "Blockbuster performance [?]" Another user commented, "Charming, enthusiastic and most dependable. Way to go Ishaan! [?]" Recently, the film got into controversy regarding AR Rahman's rendition of Nazrul Islam's patriotic song. Makers on Monday issued an apology after facing backlash for AR Rahman's 'Karar Oi Louho Kopat' rendition. Rahman recently made a rendition of Bengali poet Nazrul Islam's patriotic song Karar Oi Louho Kopat for the war drama which gathered a lot of controversy. On Monday, production house Roy Kapur Films took to Instagram and issued an apology regarding the controversy of AR Rahman's rendition of Nazrul Islam's patriotic song. The statement reads, "In light of the current discourse surrounding the song 'Karar Oi Louho Kopat' the producers, director, and music composer of the film Pippa wish to clarify that our rendition of the song is a sincere artistic interpretation, embarked upon only after securing the necessary adaptation rights from the estate of the Late Mr. Kazi Nazrul Islam." "We have deep respect for the original composition and for the Late Mr. Kazi Nazrul Islam, whose contribution to the musical, political and social landscape of the Indian subcontinent is immeasurable. This album was created as a tribute to the men and women who dedicated their lives to the liberation of Bangladesh and keeping in mind the sentiments of their struggle for freedom, peace and justice," the statement added. The statement further read, "We approached the making of this song by faithfully following both the letter and the spirit of the license agreement for the lyrics, as duly signed with the Late Mrs. Kalyani Kazi and witnessed by Mr. Anirban Kazi." The makers added that their intention was to pay homage to the cultural significance of the song while adhering to the terms outlined in the agreement, which permitted them to use the lyrics with a new composition. "We understand the emotional attachment that audiences may have to the original composition, and while all art is inherently subjective if our interpretation has hurt sentiments or caused unintended distress, we offer our sincere apologies," the statement concluded. Produced by Ronnie Screwvala under the banner of RSVP Movies and Siddharth Roy Kapur's Roy Kapur Films, and directed by Raja Krishna Menon, the film features Ishaan, Mrunal Thakur, Priyanshu Painyuli and Soni Razdan in pivotal roles. Based on the book 'The Burning Chaffees' by Brigadier Balram Singh Mehta, the film is written by Menon, Tanmay Mohan, and Ravinder Randhawa. The title of the film is a tribute to the amphibious war tank called the PT-76 (Palavushi Tanka), popularly known as "Pippa," akin to an empty tin of ghee that smoothly floats on water. This wartime saga narrates a story of patriotism and traces the coming of age of Captain Balram Mehta (essayed by Ishaan) of the 45 Cavalry Tank Squadron. Together, Balram Mehta and the Indian Armed Forces exemplify valour and courage, in a war for the liberation of another country. The film is streaming on the OTT platform Amazon Prime Video. (ANI)
BJP party President JP Nadda and Home Minister Amit Shah will be in Rajasthan with each addressing four and five rallies or roadshows, respectively, their itinerary document showed. While Nadda will cover the Dausa, Jodhpur, and Jaisalmer districts, Shah will visit Tonk, Rajsamand, Bundi, and Ajmer districts.

BJP President JP Nadda will release the election manifesto or 'Sankalp Patra' in Jaipur this Thursday.

BJP's principal competitor in Rajasthan is Congress, which is presently ruling the western Indian state. In the 2018 assembly elections, the Congress won 99 seats, while the BJP won 73 seats in the 200-member House. Ashok Gehlot eventually took the oath as CM with the support of BSP MLAs and independents.

Party sources earlier told ANI that the manifesto may encompass relief measures for government employees addressing wage disparities, support for unorganised sector workers, and expansion of the Devnarayan scheme for religious site development.

The manifesto may also include five dozen commitments, such as free education up to post-graduation for students, and providing gas cylinders to families covered under the Ujjwala and Ladli Sister schemes for Rs 450, said party sources.

BJP manifesto committee comprises Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, Coordinator Ghanshyam Tiwari, Co-coordinator Kirodi Lal Meena, National Minister Alka Singh Gurjar, former Deputy Speaker Rao Rajendra Singh, former Central Minister Subhash Maharia, Prabhulal Saini, and Rakhil Rathore, among others.

Approximately one crore suggestions and forms have been collected from across Rajasthan for the BJP manifesto.

Rajasthan is set to undergo assembly polls on November 25, and the counting of votes will be done on December 3. (ANI)
Union Minister and BJP's Rajasthan election in charge, Pralhad Joshi exuded confidence that his party is going to win elections with a thumping majority in three poll-bound states of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Speaking with ANI on the Assembly elections in five poll-bound states, Joshi said, "We are going to win with a thumping majority. As far as I know...remaining states I am not aware (of Telangana and Mizoram). But as far as Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan (where I am in charge of my party) is concerned, BJP is going to win with a huge majority." He further said he was interacting "almost on a daily basis", with his colleagues, in charge in their respective poll-bound states. Mentioning that the BJP came to power with a record margin in the 2013 Assembly elections in Rajasthan, he said, "This time BJP is aiming and there is also an expectation that the same results will repeated," he added. BJP won 163 seats in the 2013 Legislative Assembly elections and formed the government in Rajasthan. Meanwhile, BJP is set to release its Sankalp Patra (manifesto) for the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly elections on November 16. Party President JP Nadda will unveil the manifesto, expected to include several promising announcements, though the specifics remain undisclosed. Party sources said that the manifesto may encompass relief measures for government employees addressing wage disparities, support for unorganized sector workers and expansion of the Devnarayan scheme for religious site development. The manifesto may also include five dozen commitments, such as free education up to post-graduation for students, and providing gas cylinders to families covered under the Ujjwala and Ladli Sister schemes for Rs 450, said party sources. BJP manifesto committee comprises Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, Coordinator Ghanshyam Tiwari, Co-coordinator Kirodi Lal Meena, National Minister Alka Singh Gurjar, former Deputy Speaker Rao Rajendra Singh, former Central Minister Subhash Maharia, Prabhulal Saini, and Rakhil Rathore, among others. Approximately one crore suggestions and forms have been collected from across Rajasthan for the BJP manifesto, said party sources. Rajasthan is set to undergo assembly polls on November 25 and counting of votes will be done on December 3. In the 2018 assembly elections, the Congress won 99 seats while the BJP won 73 seats in the 200-member House. Ashok Gehlot eventually took oath as CM with the support of BSP MLAs and independents. BJP's Sankalp Patra (manifesto) for the forthcoming Madhya Pradesh assembly polls has already been released by BJP National President JP Nadda at Kushabhau Thackeray Convention Centre (Minto Hall) in Bhopal. The Sankalp Patra was named 'Modi ki guarantee, BJP ka bharosa, Madhya Pradesh Sankalp Patra 2023' (Modi's Guarantee, Trust in BJP, Madhya Pradesh Sankalp Patra 2023). Madhya Pradesh is set to undergo polls on November 17 and the counting of votes will take place on December 3. Voters will choose legislators from 230 Assembly constituencies. (ANI)
Reacting to Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel's 'washing powder' remark on Prime Minister Modi, Union Minister Anurag Thakur said "Now the lotus is ready to bloom in the mess spread by Congress." Anurag Thakur on Tuesday morning reached poll-bound Chhattisgarh to campaign for his party. "Chhattisgarh is ready to defeat the corrupt Congressmen. Now Chhattisgarh is ready to wash all the people who have spent crores of rupees in the Mahadev App. The lotus is ready to bloom in the mess spread by Congress," Anurag Thakur said. Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Monday said that the Prime Minister should not take action "selectively" and suggested that he should first take action against former CM Raman Singh. "PM Modi should take action against Raman Singh first. He should not take action selectively. He should take action against people like Himanta Biswa Sarma and Ajit Pawar, who have come out clean after being washed in 'Modi washing powder'," CM Baghel said in Chhattisgarh's Durg on Monday. Addressing an election rally in Mungeli in poll-bound Chhattisgarh ahead of the second phase of voting scheduled for November 17, PM Modi said that the bugle of the end of Congress' bad governance is being sounded. "The countdown to the Congress' 'bidai' has begun now. The time has come for the farewell of those Congress leaders who have looted you for five years. The public of the state is more eager for the 'bidai' of Congress from the state. The public doesn't want Congress anymore," the Prime Minister said. The Prime Minister also accused the Congress of direct involvement in the Mahadev betting app scandal. "I have some questions for the Congress leaders who are fond of teaching mathematics...I want to ask some questions about the party. The 'Mahadev betting app scam' is worth Rs 508 crore and the investigating agencies have recovered loads of cash in this case. A close aide of the Chhattisgarh CM is also in jail. Congress should reveal how much money the CM received in this. How much money the other leaders of the party have received and how much money has reached Delhi" the Prime Minister said. Chhattisgarh is voting in two phases, with the first phase of 20 seats having concluded on November 7. The remaining 70 seats will go for polling on November 17. The counting of votes will be done on December 3. (ANI)
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday distributed voter slips to residents of Shymala Hills locality in Bhopal and urged them to exercise their franchise in the upcoming state assembly polls. During this, the BJP leader also visited the residence of Congress leader Govind Goyal in the Shymala Hills locality and handed him over the voter slip. On the occasion he urged him to cast the vote in the forthcoming polls scheduled to be held this week. Speaking on the occasion, CM Chouhan said, "The Bharatiya Janata Party is starting the work of distributing voter slips to citizens from today. With the slip, the voters get information about their polling booth. Along with this, we are also interacting and requesting them to cast their vote in the upcoming polls for further prosperity and development of Madhya Pradesh." He also said that he requested the voters to cast the vote in their favour on the occasion. "Today I interacted with the voters along with the BJP candidate here, distributed slips and requested them to vote for the BJP," Chouhan added. The state is set to undergo polls on November 17 and the counting of votes will take place on December 3. Voters will choose legislators from 230 Assembly constituencies. Notably, the last state assembly polls in 2018 saw the Congress coming to power, with veteran leader Kamal Nath taking oath as the chief minister. Nonetheless, a political upheaval rocked the state in 2020 after then-Congressman Jyotiraditya Scindia, along with 22 loyalist MLAs, switched over to the saffron camp. The Congress government fell after being reduced to a minority and the BJP formed the government, with Shivraj Singh Chouhan returning as chief minister. This time the state assembly elections have 64523 Polling booths in the state while there are 53987876 eligible voters in the state. Earlier on Monday, Madhya Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer Anupam Rajan said that more than 1,000 FIRs were registered so far across the state in connection with violation of the model code of conduct. He also said that till now the commission confiscated goods and properties worth Rs 330 crores, including Rs 38 crores in cash across the state ahead of the assembly polls scheduled to be held this week. "A total of around Rs 72 crore was seized during the previous 2018 assembly elections. But this time, till now we have seized Rs 330 crore which includes 38 crores cash, liquor, drugs, jewellery and other things," Rajan said. (ANI)
Star Richie Davis (left) and older brother and director Andy Davis on the set of their 1978 film "Stony Island." (Provided by Andrew Davis/HANDOUT)

Andrew Davis lives in Santa Barbara, California, which is a very nice place to live, all sunshine and warm breezes. He and his wife Adrianne have lived there and elsewhere on the West Coast since leaving his hometown Chicago decades ago. But he will be the first to tell you that Chicago is in his blood and in his dreams and, for all to see, in many of the movies he has made.

He is one of the most successful directors in the business, most famous for directing 1993s The Fugitive, which was nominated for seven Academy Awards, with Tommy Lee Jones winning for best supporting actor.

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It was also filled with our city, alive with it. Remember? The one-armed mans house was in Pullman. The store where Richard Kimball buys clothes was on Commercial Avenue on the Southeast Side. Davis was only allowed to shoot for one day in the former Cook County Hospital and so used a school in Woodlawn to play that hospital. You, of course, remember the ballroom of the Chicago Hilton and Towers, City Hall, the Wrigley Building  there was much more.

Chicago, says Davis, has been my cinematic playground.

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He has used it effectively in such other movies as Code of Silence (1985), The Package (1989), Above the Law (1988), and Chain Reaction (1996).

He will be back in town later this week to talk about his first movie, 1978s Stony Island, which launched his career as an A-list moviemaker. An event at the Siskel Film Center marks the 45th anniversary of the film as well as its release on cable, satellite and digital platforms by Freestyle Digital Media.

After the 95-minute movie screens, I will be talking on stage with Andy, his brother Richie, who starred in the film, and some other cast and crew members.

Some of the conversation will travel to the past, to 1946 when Andy was born on the West Side, son of Nathan and Metta Davis, who had met in the Chicago Repertory Group, an experimental theater company. She would go on to become a schoolteacher and he a pharmaceutical sales representative and later an acclaimed actor on local stages and in Andys films.

The family, which would include Richie and a sister Jo, moved to Rogers Park for a time and then to the Southeast Side.

He was president of his YMCA photography club at age 8, a grammar school movie projectionist, he played guitar in local bands, graduated from Bowen High School, and was a journalism student at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He worked with writer/director Haskell Wexler on Medium Cool, that highly acclaimed 1969 film that, in a compellingly unconventional fashion, focused on a television news reporter who gets deeply involved in the chaos of the 1968 Democratic National Convention here.

He moved to San Francisco and then to Los Angeles, where he worked as a director of photography on television commercials and documentaries. Drawn home, he put together Stony Island.

We raised very little money, he says. We were basically all working for nothing.

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On a $300,000 budget, the movie was filmed over 30 manic days, with 12 of those days given to capturing live music. I look back at the film and I am satisfied, says Davis. We were all sort of children then and I now have to ask myself, How were we able to do that?

One reason is the talent Davis was able to tap, which includes a young Dennis Franz in his first film, before Franzs fame from movie roles and on TV as Detective Andy Sipowicz in the ABC television series NYPD Blue. The cast also included Daviss father, the estimable Oscar Brown Jr., a number of talented musicians, future star Rae Dawn Chong and Susanna Hoffs. Hoffs was the daughter of Davis co-writer and co-producer Tamar Hoffs, and would go on to found the successful rock band the Bangles.

The movie tells the story, based largely on younger brother Richies life, of a group of young musicians trying to start a band. In his three-star review, Roger Ebert called it an easygoing, cheerful city movie about a bunch of kids who start a rock band and wrote that it captures a city spirit, with a certain refreshing cynicism.

It holds up well, capturing a city rough around the edges, a real city. It also touches on local politics, featuring the funeral of Richard J. Daley in 1976; rain-splattered sidewalks and a sort of encouraging racial harmony that Richie knew firsthand growing up one of the few white kids in an all-Black neighborhood.

When he was interviewed many years later for Studs Terkels book Race, Richie said, The amazing thing is that children hadnt learned to hate yet  Im ten, eleven, twelve years old and started assimilating into black culture.

Richie would go on to, in real life, form the successful band Chicago Catz, still active. Davis is still in the moviemaking business.

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Their parents have died. Their sister Jo is alive and well in California. Andy and Adrianne have kids and grandkids in Massachusetts and back in California. While hes here, Andy is likely to drive around, looking at the city that remains in his heart and mind and movies.

Things change, of course, he says. This is no longer the city of my youth. But the memories are still there. Richie and I may now be a couple of old bald guys but we can still remember the energy, the dreams we had.

Stony Island screens 8 p.m. Nov. 17 at the Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State St.; tickets $13 at 312-846-2085 and www.siskelfilmcenter.org

rkogan@chicagotribune.com
'Lachit The Warrior', an animation film written and directed by top Assam Police officer Partha Sarathi Mahanta and produced by Mina Mahanta and Indrani Baruah, has been awarded the 'Best Animated Short Film' in the Kollywood International Film Festival held in Chennai. The narration in 'Lachit The Warrior' was done by Amarjyoti Choudhury and music by Rupam Talukdar. Anupam Mahanta is the creative director, storyboarding and illustration by Hrishikesh Bora and VFX is by Ratul Dutta. 'Lachit The Warrior' has been screened and awarded in eight international film festivals so far, including the ones at Delhi, Kolkata, Jaipur and Mumbai North-East Film Festival in Mumbai. The film has also been selected for the prestigious Indian Panorama in the upcoming International Film Festival of India at Goa. The biopic short film is made on the life and works of the Great Assamese General Lachit Barphukan. Born on November 24, 1622, Barphukan was known for his leadership in the Battle of Saraighat, 1671 in which an attempt by Mughal forces to capture Assam was thwarted. The Battle of Saraighat was fought on the banks of the mighty Brahmaputra in present-day Guwahati back in 1671. It is considered one of the greatest naval battles on a river which resulted in the victory of Ahoms over the Mughals. 2022 marked the 400th birth anniversary of Lachit Barphukan when the Assam government celebrated it on a large scale which culminated in the national capital. Taking war hero Lachit Barphukan Sarma to the wider audience in the national capital on a large scale was part of the efforts of the Assam government to perpetuate the hallowed memory of the great warrior, both within and outside the state. (ANI)
The Rouse Avenue Court here on Tuesday granted two days remand of Delhi Police sub-inspector Rajesh Yadav to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for the interrogation in a bribery case. The SI has been arrested by the agency while accepting a bribe of Rs 4.5 Lakh on behalf of another absconding accused Sub Inspector Varun Chichi. Special CBI judge Arun Bhardwaj granted two days of custody of accused Rajesh Yadav to the Central Bureau of Investigation. The court directed the agency to produce the accused before the concerned court on November 16 at 2 PM. The CBI sought a three-day remand of the accused to recover evidence and arrest of other accused Varun. Both the accused persons are Delhi Police officials and were posted at Barakhamba Police Station in New Delhi. The court also perused the transcription of the audio recording. The court noted that the accused received the bribe and informed the co-accused that the money was Rs 4.5 lakh, not Rs 5 lakh. CBI's prosecutor Amjad Ali submitted that the accused Rajesh received bribe money on behalf of Varun Chichi who is absconding. He said a case under section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act has been registered. Custodial interrogation is required to collect evidence and arrest of co-accused. The arrested accused is the partner of the other accused, the CBI argued. On the other hand, advocate Dhananjay Rai, appeared for Rajesh Yadav and opposed the remand of the accused. He submitted that there is no connection between Rajesh and Varun. The accused persons only shared the room. He even did not take the packet. He only asked the complainant to put it on a table, Advocate Rai said. On the other hand, the CBI prosecutor rebutted and submitted that the accused checked the bribe money and then he kept the same in his almirah. The public prosecutor also said that the accused also had a conversation with the co-accused Varun. All the conversation has been recorded. The court asked the prosecutor was the money visible from the packet. He replied that money was visible. It was kept in the almirah by the accused after receiving it. (ANI)
After being at the receiving end of an outburst by Bihar Chief Minister and former ally Nitish Kumar, Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) chief Jitan Ram Manjhi is considering legal action against the former for using "unparliamentarily words" against him on the floor of the state assembly last week. The former Bihar CM, who accused Nitish Kumar of harassing him, led a Maun Dharna (silent protest) in Patna on Tuesday, adding that the tongue-lashing he received from the JDU chief was an insult to Dalits not just in the state but across the country. "Not done mouthing profanities about women on the floor of the Assembly, the CM also insulted me in the House. He didn't just insult me but all the Dalits across the country. It's deeply unfortunate that a leader, representing 13 crore people of the state as chief minister, directed such crass words at women and me. I am older than him not just in terms of age but also my experience in politics," Manjhi, who identifies himself with the Mahadalit community, said. Manjhi claimed that the gates to BR Ambedkar's statue in front of Patna High Court were closed when he reached there to hold a protest against CM Nitish Kumar. He added that he would go to Delhi's Rajghat after Chhath Puja to pray for the Bihar CM's 'mental well-being'. "Today, we were not allowed to garland the statue of Baba Bhim Rao Ambedkar. We will go to Rajghat in Delhi and pray to Gandhi-ji to grant good sense to Nitish Kumar," the former CM said. Earlier, on October 9, Nitish lost his cool and lashed out at Manjhi after the latter raised doubts over the government's caste survey. Nitish said it was 'stupidity' on his part that prompted him to let Manjhi occupy the highest seat of power in the state. "He keeps saying that he, too, was a chief minister. He became chief minister as a result of my stupidity. Does he have any sense? (ye bolta hai ki hum Mukhyamantri the. Meri moorkhta ki vajah se mukhyamantri bana. Isko koi sense hai)", Kumar screamed, leading to a commotion in the House. Manjhi, who is now an ally of the BJP-led NDA at the Centre, was earlier with the Janata Dal (United) and was made the 23rd chief minister of the state after Nitish had stepped down taking responsibility for his party's debacle in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls. Manjhi occupied the CM seat from May 20, 2014 to February 20, 2015. Hitting back at Nitish after his outburst, Manjhi said the former made him CM to further his own 'political ambitions'. "Nitish Kumar says that he made me chief minister. The BJP made him the chief minister and he betrayed them by joining forces with the RJD. Thereafter, the RJD made him CM. When was the last time he was elected CM by the people? He is clinging on to power as 'Paltu Ram' (turncoat). He made me the CM to advance his political ambition," Manjhi said. (ANI)
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the 110-year-old Jauljibi fair organised at the confluence of Kali and Gori rivers on Tuesday. CM Pushkar Singh Dhami said, "Jauljibi Fair works to advance mutual harmony, trade, culture, and tradition between India, Nepal, and Tibet. This fair holds great importance in religious, economic, and cultural development. This fair has been enhancing culture, civilization, as well as trade relations between India and Nepal." He said that he has been observing the customs and culture of this place since childhood and he was very fond of this fair. On this occasion, CM Dhami announced Rs 10 lakh for the Jauljibi fair and also inaugurated the rafting training programme for the youth on the Kali river organised by KMVN. The Chief Minister inaugurated the development exhibition organized by various departments and also inspected all the stalls. The Chief Minister congratulated the children on Children's Day by giving them chocolates and blessing them. The Chief Minister said that this cultural fair is preserving our extinct folk heritage and is also introducing the coming generations to our folk culture. This cultural fair, which provides an opportunity to know the nation and culture firsthand, will definitely work to deepen social harmony for our future generations. Through such cultural events, the artists of our state also get a platform and their art is encouraged. CM Dhami said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi is very serious about the development of the marginal villages of the country; a direct example of this is his recent visit to Adi Kailash and Gunji, due to which today the whole world has started knowing this area. The beauty and religious importance of the holy Adi Kailash were described in a tweet by the Prime Minister himself, due to which the traffic here is continuously increasing. Actor Amitabh Bachchan also tweeted about this after this." The Chief Minister said that in the coming days this entire area will become a big hub of traffic.He further said, "Sustainable development of villages in border areas is our priority, which is being continuously increased." He said that for the development of this marginal area of Pithoragarh district, a double lane motor bridge is being constructed on the Kali River which will boost trade relations between India and Nepal. "National Highway is also being constructed and widened in the area, this will increase trade and develop the area," he added.The Chief Minister said that the government was committed to operating air service from Pithoragarh and would start the service very soon. "The Chief Minister said that the aircraft is parked in Dehradun. 100 hours of flying is required for a pilot; this process is being completed. A medical college is also going to be built here in the coming time. Whatever is happening here today, no one had even thought of it before. We are working day and night with dedication to make Uttarakhand the best state of the country, and we will not rest in peace until we fulfil our 'resolution without options'," he added. (ANI)
Mumbai Police have arrested two thieves who allegedly used to commit thefts wearing burqas. The gang was busted after CCTV footage showed two people wearing burqas entering a house in the MIDC area of Andheri on November 3rd and stealing jewellery and money. According to the information received from the police, around 11 am on November 3, a woman living in a building in the MIDC area of Andheri, while leaving the house to drop her little girl to school, closed the door of the house from outside and took the child to school. When she came home, she saw that the door of her house was open, the woman immediately went inside and investigated and found that some gold and money were missing from the house. After the woman lodged a complaint at the nearby MIDC police station, the police registered a case against an unknown person under sections 380 and 34 of the Indian Penal Code and started further investigation. Police checked the CCTV footage from the building and saw two people wearing burqas entering the house. When they investigated further, police found that it was not a woman but a man who was wearing the burqa. Police arrested Raees Abdul Sheikh and Wasim Khalid Khan from Mumbai in the theft case. The arrest of Sheikh and Khan comes as a relief to the people of Mumbai, who had been living in fear of the burqa gang. The gang had been operating for several months and had committed several thefts in the city. Police are still investigating the case and are trying to identify other members of the gang. They are also urging the public to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the police. Further investigation is underway. More information awaited. (ANI)
Amid ongoing elections in five state assemblies, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is confident of winning at least three out of five states. "We are confident of winning at least three out of five states," Gadkari said speaking to ANI on Tuesday. The senior BJP leader added that in Mizoram, their "numbers" will increase and will also score well in the Telangana elections. "Our numbers will increase to a good extent in Mizoram, and we will get a good victory in Telangana as well," Gadkari said. While elections in Mizoram took place on November 7, the first phase of elections in Chhattisgarh was conducted on the same date. Madhya Pradesh will vote on November 17. The second phase of polling in Chhattisgarh will be held on November 17 as well. Rajasthan will vote on November 25 and Telangana will vote on November 30. The BJP is in power in Madhya Pradesh and seeks a second term. The party wants to overthrow the Congress governments in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh. The BJP won one seat in Telangana and Mizoram. Gadkari was confident that the BJP will win in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections since people believe that the BJP is the only party that has the capability to change the fate and future of the country. "I believe that we will win the coming Lok Sabha elections also. We have brought development in the last ten years under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Good work has been done. People have now come to believe that if any party has the capability to change the fate and future of the country, it is the BJP. Hence we will get support and we will win," the Union Minister said. Speaking about the elections in Madhya Pradesh which will vote on Friday, Gadkari said that the BJP has done good work under the leadership of Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "Our party has done good work in the last 20 years under the leadership of Shivraj Singh Chouhan and under the leadership of Modi. The double engine of the combined government is doing good development work. That is why our victory in Madhya Pradesh is certain," he said. Choosing not to comment on Rahul Gandhi's statement that there would be a 'toofan' (storm) of the Congress party in Madhya Pradesh, Gadkari said, "He (Rahul Gandhi) has the right to speak whatever he wants to. I will not comment on what he said. I believe that we will win the elections by gaining the trust of the people and the positive work we have done." Speaking on the caste census, Gadkari said that it is Rahul Gandhi's last option since he is losing. "What does a losing man not do? I believe that no matter how negatively he (Rahul Gandhi) talks, people will vote for us positively and we will win the elections. This is my belief." Mocking the INDIA bloc, the Union Minister said that alliances are formed when the opposition party becomes weak. "I believe that when the opposition party becomes weak, an alliance is formed. It is the result of our increasing strength," he said. The opposition parties have huddled together to form an alliance with the Congress party at the centre, to take on the BJP ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. (ANI)
Leaders and officials, by refraining from sending their wards to government-run schools, inadvertently neglect the dire conditions prevalent in these educational institutions, remarked an educationist in Haryana's Jind district. The disturbing case of sexual assault involving 60 minor girls, which came to light on September 14, saw delayed action after a month and a half, underscoring a lack of vigilance and commitment towards government schools. The Haryana government's closure of approximately 5,000 government schools, including a substantial number of girls' schools, reflects a concerning disregard for the challenges these schools face. Kitab Singh Bhanwala, a retired block education officer (BEO) and president of the former employees' welfare association in Jind district expressed, "The government appears to be gradually leaning towards privatization rather than addressing the pressing issues in these institutions." Bhanwala further highlighted the disconnection between officials and the reality of government schools, stating, "It's a rarity to find any officer or notable leader enrolling their children in state-run schools. Their wards attend prominent schools in the area, seemingly indifferent to the conditions in government institutions. Action is only taken when situations spiral out of control and reach their attention. Government-run schools, for the most part, have been abandoned by the state, receiving little to no attention." "We demand regular monthly monitoring of government schools by higher officials. Officials should proactively work to establish a safe and improved environment in schools, assessing the situation each month. Failing this, parents may cease sending their daughters to these schools," urged Bhanwala. Significantly, there was a delay in official response to the matter. The state women's commission highlighted the issue on September 14, yet an FIR against the school principal, Kartar Singh, was only lodged on October 27, a month and a half later. When questioned about the delay, police officials shifted responsibility to the education department, claiming that officials did not pursue legal action. In response, education department officials stated they had submitted reports to the police and declined further comment on the matter. Haryana Police on Saturday informed that a probe is underway into the alleged suicide of three girls who were students of a government girl senior secondary school where 60 minor girls were molested by the school principal in Jind district. (ANI)
Paul's remarks came in response to the TMC alleging a BJP hand in the alleged killing of a local leader.

The local Trinamool leader was allegedly shot dead at Joynagar in the South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal on Monday morning.

"There is no law and order in West Bengal. (Chief Minister) Mamata Banerjee is sheltering criminals. The state is being overrun by criminals, who are also running the government. There is no police administration or rule of law here," Paul, a fashion designer-turned-politician, told ANI on Tuesday.

"When similar incidents happen in BJP-ruled states such as Uttar Pradesh, they make a big song and dance about it. But where is the administration here when locals are erupting in protest over public lynching?" the BJP leader added.

The deceased TMC leader was identified as 47-year-old Saifuddin Laskar. He was allegedly shot dead from close range in the Bamungachi area in Joynagar when he was out to offer Namaz.

After the incident, a clash erupted in the area leaving two persons injured.

According to officials, the two injured persons were rushed to a local hospital. However, one of them succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment at the hospital.

The deceased was identified as Shahabuddin.

Trinamool MP Santanu Sen on Monday alleged that 'hooligans' of the BJP and the CPI(M) ganged up to kill party leader Saifuddin Laskar while he was out to offer his morning prayers. (ANI)
Congress leader Pramod Tiwari on Tuesday slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi over 'caste politics' and said that out of four states, where the grand old party has formed government 75 per cent of Chief Ministers are from the OBC community. "Where PM Modi was speaking this, he should have seen who is the CM there, Bhupesh Baghel who belongs to the OBC category. We have four governments, Chhattisgarh - OBC, Rajasthan - OBC, Karnataka - OBC...75 per cent of it is OBC apart from Himachal Pradesh. You are raising the question, you tell us how many Brahmin CMs (of BJP) are there. If you'd use casteism then how would you do justice for the whole country...," said Pramod Tiwari. Notably, Siddaramaiah, Chief Minister of Karnataka; Bhupesh Baghel Chief Minister of Chhatisgarh and Ashok Gehlot, Chief Minister of Rajasthan are the OBC face of Congress in these states. This comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi alleged that after independence, Congress ruled the country for a long time, but it never gave reservation to Other Backward Classes (OBC), hence people have to understand their mentality. Addressing two public rallies in the Mungeli and Mahasamund districts of Chhatisgarh on Monday, PM Modi said, "Nowadays some great Congress leaders from Delhi are propagating my caste in their meetings. They keep saying that Modi is OBC. Earlier in the elections held in the country, these people were calling the entire OBC community a thief in the name of Modi. What they did with the Sahu community here (an influential OBC community with a large population in Chhattisgarh) for five years is also not hidden from anyone." He said, "You have to recognize the mentality of Congress. This is the same Congress that ran the government from Panchayat to Parliament, people gave them the opportunity to run the government, but they did not give reservation to the OBC community. This is the same Congress that did not give constitutional status to the OBC Commission. This is the same Congress that did not implement OBC reservation in medical colleges." The Prime Minister said, "This is an example of how much hatred Congress has towards the OBC community. It is Congress that insulted Baba Saheb (Bhimrao) Ambedkar. It is Congress itself that conspired to end Baba Saheb's politics. It is BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) which made Baba Saheb's Panchteerth." Earlier, launching a blistering attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel said that PM Modi is sitting on a throne of responsibility and will have to answer questions. In an exclusive interview with ANI, Bhupesh Baghel said "PM Modi is coming to Chhattisgarh and abusing me, making false allegations. I am from OBC too. When he was the CM of Gujarat, he made amendments and came to OBC. You are sitting on a throne of responsibility and will have to answer questions. Why don't you do a caste census? What are you afraid of? When there is criticism, it is to the PM post, not on any specific person." He further alleged that if there was a search for the biggest liar, then PM Modi's name would come up. "If you search for the biggest liar, PM Modi's face comes up. All this will continue till November 17th. It should be enjoyed. When you can't fight, you place ED in front. What else can the conspirators do besides this? PM says that I buy rice from Chhat Notably, voting was held on 20 out of a total of 90 assembly seats in Chhattisgarh on November 7. Voting for the remaining 70 seats will be held on November 17. (ANI)
Noida ADCP Shakti Mohan Avasthy on Tuesday said the police took remand of all five accused in the snake venom supply case and are in the process of gathering evidence so that stringent action can follow against the accused. Speaking to ANI, the Noida ADCP said, "We had taken custody of five accused persons in the matter. However, their custody has ended and we will request fresh remand of all five of them, including Rahul (the prime accused). We are gathering evidence to build a strong case against the accused." Earlier, 'Bigg Boss OTT 2' winner and YouTuber Elvish Yadav appeared before Noida police on Tuesday night in connection with a snake venom case, police said. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Noida, Harish Chander said, "YouTuber and Bigg Boss winner Elvish Yadav appeared before the Noida police late at night in connection with the snake venom case. Police have summoned him again." Elvish was named in the FIR filed in the case along with five others. The remaining five accused were later apprehended by the police. Noida Police had on Tuesday sent a notice to Yadav in connection with the case. The FIR was registered against six people, including Elvish Yadav, at Noida's Sector 49 police station for allegedly supplying snake venom at a rave party in Noida. The case was transferred from Noida's Sector 49 police station to Sector 20 police station on the orders of Gautam Buddha Nagar Police Commissioner Lakshmi Singh. Speaking on the matter, state Environment Minister Arun Saxena said, "Law will take its course. No celebrity is bigger than the law." Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said on Sunday that the police would take action as per the law if Elvish is found guilty. The YouTuber has denied his involvement in the supply of snake venom at the rave party. Elvish, in a personalized YouTube video on November 4, denied charges against himself, saying that he is ready to surrender if found to be involved in the matter. "When I woke up, I saw the FIR in which it was written that Maneka Gandhi's NGO (People for Animals) had filed this case. That lady was saying that I roam around with snakes around my neck. All that was for the shooting of a song and nothing else. I will not spoil my name and my family's name by indulging in all these illegal activities. If I have even one per cent involvement in this case, I will surrender myself, whether the punishment is 10 years or 100 years. Everyone knows that my level has not fallen so low that I will do this kind of work," Elvish said. (ANI)
NEW YORK  Whatever the structural flaws of Harmony, the new Broadway musical about the Comedian Harmonists, a German singing group destroyed by the Nazis in the 1930s, two facts are indisputable.

The first is that world events now have changed what felt, in an earlier off-Broadway production at the Museum of Jewish Heritage, like a sweet, small-bore musical with a familiar message into a far more emotionally charged experience with enhanced gravitas and infinitely more emotional weight. The Comedian Harmonists were made up of three Gentiles and three Jews, and Harmony is structured as a cautionary tale: the group could have remained abroad, had they not been blind to the clearly visible signs of their own imminent destruction. Many lines therein note the danger of not speaking out against atrocities; they now get sustained applause. As well as they should.

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The second is that for Barry Manilow to deliver to Broadway an accessible but nonetheless varied and harmonically sophisticated score for a new musical at the age of 80 is a remarkable capper on an extraordinary songwriting and performance career, filled with songs driven by melodic hooks and lyrical simplicity.

Harmony, which features lyrics and book by Manilows longtime collaborator Bruce Sussman and is both directed and choreographed by Warren Carlyle, has been around for some time, but it deserved its long-delayed berth on Broadway at what has turned out to be both the perfect and a truly awful moment.

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The Broadway transfer also is greatly enhanced by the addition of Sierra Borgess as Mary and, especially, Julie Benko in the role of Ruth, the Jewish girlfriend of one of the Gentile Comedian Harmonists. Benko dives uncommonly deep into an underwritten character without a lot of back story, powering this section of the narrative and pulling every conceivable emotion out of the shows signature Manilow power ballad, Every Single Day. At one point at the performance I saw, Benkos face was so consumed in pain and longing as for the sight to be startling, frankly; its a necessary counter in a show filled with so many numbers based on the notion of just packing your feelings away.

Harmony is structured as a memory musical. One member of the group, now older, Rabbi (Chip Zien), watches his younger self (Danny Kornfeld) as he interacts with the other disparate members of the singing group: Bobby (Sean Bell), Harry (Zal Owen), Erich (Eric Peters), Chopin (Blake Roman) and Lesh (Steven Telsey). The older Rabbi tells the story as the fellows sing and debate their growing, mutually connected careers and complicated young lives, sadly oblivious to the dissonance that lies ahead for all of them.

This is not a deeply sophisticated book and the interaction between narration and dramatization is often choppy, despite Carlyles attempts to smooth it over with a greatly expanded staging that makes much creative use of a mirrored setting, sometimes deeply affecting and occasionally distracting. There are nods to Cabaret and The Sound of Music here although Carlyle also explores some exceptionally interesting visual ideas, all deftly keyed, emotionally, and the show is at its best when his intense directorial and choreographic point of view achieves parity with the shows book.

Ziens narration sucks up a lot of stage time and falls into repetitive vocal traits: he tends to hit every line as if it were the most important moment of the show, and both fluidity and structural tension suffer. That said, the 76-year-old actor is indisputably authentic in the role, a crucial quality for this shows target audience, and lovable to boot. It just might have been helpful to throw more of the storytelling in the way of the guys in the group, all of whom sing and act quite beautifully and whom you believe have their fates tied together.

Theater sophisticates often take harmonizing for granted as a fundamental part of the craft, akin to learning lines. But to many Broadway audience members, its a rare pleasure and the vocal arrangements here (by Manilow and John ONeill), come with an uncommon amount of theatricality  well, uncommon unless you are a longtime Manilow fan, given his decadeslong mastery of the kind of arrangements that bring anthems to a climax and people to their feet. The score will have its detractors, perhaps, as did much of what Manilow created, early on. But those will be snobby views, oblivious of his incomparable skills in musical communication.

In the end, what Harmony is trying to say is that here was a band that could have represented Germany at its best, a combination of Jews and Gentiles having fun and singing in perfect harmony. The first Nazi we see in the show (played by Andrew OShanick) is even a fan who at first protects the group. But as hate takes over, nothing is funny about the Comedian Harmonists any longer and their harmonizing dies forever.

The show intends you to think about what might have been, what could still be, and all I can say is that is exactly what I was pondering as I hit my pillow.

At the Ethel Barrymore Theatre, 243 W. 47th St., New York; harmonyanewmusical.com

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Chris Jones is a Tribune critic.

cjones5@chicagotribune.com
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi on Tuesday alleged that Congress has encouraged anti-social activists and criminals wherever the party is in power. Speaking to ANI, Joshi said that it is evident everywhere in Rajasthan and Karnataka, that law and order is "failing'. "Wherever Congress government is in power, anti-social activists and criminals get encouraged. It is evident everywhere in Rajasthan and Karnataka, that law and order is failing. The reason for this is that the Congress party has always encouraged opposing forces of the society and are still doing it..." BJP's Rajasthan election in charge, Joshi said. The BJP leader further exuded confidence that his party is going to win elections with a thumping majority in three poll-bound states of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. "We are going to win with a thumping majority. As far as I know...remaining states I am not aware (of Telangana and Mizoram). But as far as Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan (where I am in charge of my party) is concerned, BJP is going to win with a huge majority," he said. Mentioning that the BJP came to power with a record margin in the 2013 Assembly elections in Rajasthan, he said, "This time BJP is aiming and there is also an expectation that the same results will be repeated," he added. BJP won 163 seats in the 2013 Legislative Assembly elections and formed the government in Rajasthan. Rajasthan is set to undergo assembly polls on November 25 and counting of votes will be done on December 3. In the 2018 assembly elections, the Congress won 99 seats while the BJP won 73 seats in the 200-member House. (ANI)
US President Joe Biden has expressed worry about the safety of hospitals in Gaza amid Israel's claim that Hamas is using them for coordinating attacks, CNN reported. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) previously suggested that hospitals could lose their protection from attack under international law if used for terror purposes. "When medical facilities are used for terror purposes, they are liable to lose their protection from attack in accordance with international law," an IDF spokesperson said two weeks ago, appearing to suggest such hospitals are on Israel's target list. A US official, echoing IDF accusations, mentioned that Hamas has a command node under Al-Shifa hospital. President Biden on Monday voiced concern about the Hamas-controlled enclave's hospitals. He said, "Well, you know, I have not been reluctant to express my concern with what's going on, and it's my hope and expectation that there will be less intrusive action relative to the hospitals; we're in contact with the Israelis." Biden also added that there is an effort to take "this pause to deal with the release of prisoners, and that's being negotiated as well, and the Qataris are engaged, so I remain somewhat hopeful, but the hospitals must be protected." Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), also known as Doctors without Borders, reported ongoing hostilities around Al-Shifa, hindering evacuations and making ambulance journeys perilous. Despite Israel opening an evacuation corridor, no one reportedly left, with the hospital director citing fear among the people. In an interview, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed there's "no reason" patients can't be evacuated from Al-Shifa. The hospital's dire situation, lack of fuel and electricity, and refusal of mandatory evacuation orders by doctors further escalate the humanitarian crisis. The condition is deteriorating in Gaza's major hospitals, Al-Shifa and Al-Quds, due to the lack of fuel and electricity amid the ongoing Israeli forces' assault. Both hospitals are non-functional, CNN reported, citing Palestinian officials. Doctors at Al-Shifa Hospital are resisting an IDF mandatory evacuation order, stating that about 700 patients would die if left behind, according to the director-general of the Hamas-run Health Ministry in Gaza. Israel asserts justification for military actions around the hospitals, despite criticism from the UN and others. A US official, citing American intelligence, told CNN that Hamas has a command node under Al-Shifa, using hospital fuel, and its fighters regularly gather in and around the facility. The accusation of a Hamas command center under Al-Shifa has been denied by Hamas and hospital officials, creating a complex backdrop to the escalating crisis in Gaza. At least 11,180 Palestinians, including 4,609 children and 3,100 women, have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza since October 7, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry in the occupied West Bank. Additionally, 53 ambulances have been disabled, CNN reported the ministry as saying. (ANI)
On the sidelines of the ASEAN Defence Ministers' meet, Singh will also have bilateral meetings with the Defence Ministers of participating countries there. During these sessions, the Ministers will discuss issues related to defence cooperation

Indonesia is hosting the meeting as it is the chair of ADMM-Plus.

During the meeting, which will take place on November 16, the Union Defence Minister will address the forum on regional and international security issues.

According to the Defence Ministry release, the ADMM is the highest defence consultative and cooperative mechanism in ASEAN. Moreover, ADMM-Plus is a platform for the ASEAN member states (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam) and its eight dialogue partners (India, US, China, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand) to strengthen security and defence cooperation.

Since 2017, the ADMM-Plus Ministers have been meeting annually to bolster cooperation amongst ASEAN and the Plus countries. In 1992, India joined ASEAN as a dialogue partner, and on October 12, 2010, the first ADMM-Plus was convened in Hanoi, Vietnam.

The ADMM-Plus progresses practical cooperation amongst member countries through seven Expert Working Groups (EWGs), namely Maritime Security, Military Medicine, Cyber Security, Peacekeeping Operations, Counter Terrorism, Humanitarian Mine Action and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), the release read.

During the 10th ADMM-Plus, the next set of co-chairs for the cycle 2024-2027 will also be announced. In the present cycle, from 2021 to 2024, India is co-chairing the EWG on HADR along with Indonesia. (ANI)
Taliban Minister Haji Nooruddin Azizi raised the issue of the deportation of Afghan refugees during his meeting with Pakistan Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani, Al Jazeera reported on Tuesday. According to an Afghan embassy statement, Azizi discussed how Pakistan is expelling thousands of Afghan citizens as they are unable to take cash and other assets back to their homeland which they have built for decades. The meeting comes days after Pakistan said its move to expel more than a million undocumented Afghans was a "response to the unwillingness of the Taliban-led administration" to act against armed fighters using Afghanistan to carry out attacks in Pakistan. The Taliban officials have been saying that the attacks are an internal matter for Pakistan and have called on Islamabad to halt its deportation of Afghan citizens. "Bilateral trade, especially the stranded goods of [Afghan] traders in Karachi port, smooth transfer of [Afghan] refugees' properties to [Afghanistan] and related issues were discussed," Afghanistan's embassy in Islamabad said in the statement. On the other hand, the Afghan citizens returning to Afghanistan have said there are restrictions on the transfer of cash and property to Afghanistan from Pakistan, where many had built businesses and homes for decades, Al Jazeera reported. Last month, Pakistan set a November 1 start date for the expulsion of all undocumented immigrants, including hundreds of thousands of Afghans. It cited security reasons, brushing off calls to reconsider from the United Nations, rights groups and Western embassies. Around 4.4 million Afghan refugees live in Pakistan, 1.7 million of them without valid documents, Al Jazeera reported citing Pakistan government figures. Earlier on Monday, Pakistan opened three new border crossings to accelerate the repatriation in southwestern Balochistan province in addition to the main crossing in Chaman district, said Jan Achakzai, information minister for the provincial caretaker government. The number of border crossings used to deport thousands of Afghans rose to five after the new facilities were opened. Currently, about 15,000 Afghans have been crossing the border every day from Pakistan. Before the crackdown, the figure was about 300. Some 3,05,462 Afghan refugees have since left the country, authorities said. The majority, 2,09,550, crossed the border from the north-western province of Khyber Pakhtunkwa, said Fazal Rabbi, a senior official overseeing the deportation process. Meanwhile, the international aid agencies have documented chaotic and desperate scenes among Afghans who have returned from Pakistan, Al Jazeera reported. They have raised alarm at the dire conditions many Afghans who have recently returned are facing with few resources as the cold winter season begins and say many are staying in crowded shelters near the border operated by NGOs and Taliban authorities. "Many Afghans in Pakistan are now facing police raids and demolition of their homes without due process. Detainees have been denied the right to a lawyer and communication with family members, leaving loved ones in the dark as to their whereabouts," Amnesty International wrote on X (formerly Twitter) asking Pakistan to immediately halt deportations to prevent further escalation of this crisis. Achakzai, the information minister, said police in Balochistan in recent days had arrested more than 1,500 Afghans who had no valid documents. A prominent Pakistani human rights lawyer, Moniza Kakar, said in the southern port city of Karachi that police had launched midnight raids on homes and detained Afghan families, including women and children. The head of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, Hina Jilani, said Pakistan lacks a comprehensive mechanism to handle refugees, asylum seekers and migrants without papers, despite hosting Afghans for 40 years. Also on Monday, police said officers were investigating whether an Afghan man, Asif Khan, killed his 25-year-old Pakistani wife, Ameena Bibi, because she refused to go to Afghanistan with him. The incident happened the previous day in the northwestern city of Nowshera, police official Yasir Khan said. He said the suspect left the country with his four children, Al Jazeera reported. (ANI)
The Igla-S is a man-portable air defense system (MANPADS) that can be fired by an individual or crew to bring down an enemy aircraft.

Alexander Mikheyev, head of the state arms exporter Rosoboronexport, said, "We have already signed the corresponding document and now, together with an Indian private company, we are organising the production of Igla-S MANPADS in India," Reuters reported quoting TASS.

Notably, Russia continues to remain India's largest arms supplier. However, Russia's reputation of its army and weaponry has been damaged from the war in Ukraine, where Russia has suffered numerous setbacks at the hands of a smaller but highly motivated and Western-equipped military.

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) stated that Russia accounted for 45 per cent of India's arms imports between 2018 and 2022, with France providing 29 per cent and the United States 11 per cent.

Meanwhile, Mikheyev earlier said, "Rosoboronexport is working with Indian private and public enterprises to organise joint production of aviation weapons and integrate them into the existing aviation fleet in India", reported Russia's RIA news agency.

However, no such details were provided about which Indian companies would be involved or when potential production would start, reported Reuters, citing TASS.

Additionally, Mikheyev said Rosoboronexport and Indian partners have provided the Indian Defence Ministry with Su-30MKI fighter jets, tanks, armoured vehicles and shells.

Moreover, at the beginning of this year, India and Russia also began the joint production of AK-203 Kalashnikov assault rifles. (ANI)
Ahead of the general elections, Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari took a jibe at Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif over his recent visit to Balochistan, advising him to concentrate on addressing issues in Lahore, ARY News reported on Tuesday. Notably, differences have occurred between PPP and PML-N after the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM)-led coalition government completed its term in August. "Mian sahab has been suggested to visit other provinces. I would suggest that he should stay in Lahore and focus on its problems," Zardari said while addressing a press conference in Mithi, Sindh. Bilawal Bhutto's reaction comes as PML-N announced an alliance in elections with Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) in Sindh and Nawaz Sharif's recent visit to Quetta where several Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) politicians are expected to join PML-N. The PPP chief further urged former PM Sharif to engage in independent politics instead of relying on alliances. "PML-N should do politics on its own instead of relying on others. They ran away from the local body election. I don't know what the fear was," ARY News quoted Zardari as saying who suggested that PML-N should have prioritized addressing issues in Balochistan. He further criticized PML-N for aligning with the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) despite past conflicts. "If BAP was bad yesterday, they will be bad today as well. The same result will come out in Mian Sahib's visit," he said. The former minister stressed the need for constructive politics, saying, "Pakistan cannot prosper amid the politics of backbiting, accusations, and revenge." "Those who sit in Islamabad know less about ground realities. We don't look left and right, we look towards the people," he concluded. Zardari also criticized PML-N for aligning with the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) despite past conflicts. "If BAP was bad yesterday, they will be bad today as well. The same result will come out in Mian Sahib's visit," he said. The former minister stressed the need for constructive politics, saying, "Pakistan cannot prosper amid the politics of backbiting, accusations, and revenge." "Those who sit in Islamabad know less about ground realities. We don't look left and right, we look towards the people," ARY News quoted him as saying. Earlier, he had said that the "electoral alliance" between Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) and Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) will be more beneficial for his party in the upcoming general election. "We worked hard to make him [Shehbaz Sharif] prime minister. It was the need of the hour." He said that the decision was taken to improve the situation as the country was facing a political and democratic crisis. (ANI)
For the second time in a week, a Jewish school in Montreal was targeted by gunfire, Canada-based CTV News reported. As soon as the gunshots were reported, police were called to the Cote-des-Neiges neighbourhood around 5 am on Deacond Road, near Van Horne Avenue. Police officers discovered bullet holes in the facade of the Jewish school Yeshiva Gedola. However, no one was inside the building at the time of gunfire and no injuries were reported, according to CTV News. Moreover, the witnesses told Montreal police (SPVM) that they saw a vehicle speeding off after the shots were fired. "Bullet casings were found on the ground," police spokesperson Veronique Dubuc said. The attack on Yeshiva Gedola is the third time, a Montreal Jewish school has been shot this week. Earlier on Thursday, police discovered bullet holes at Yeshiva Gedola as well as at United Talmud Torahs of Montreal Inc., reported CTV News. Meanwhile, the first two shootings are being investigated as hate crimes, according to the police. According to the Service de police de la Ville de Montreal (SPVM) statistics gathered from October 7 to November 7, showed that 73 hate crime incidents targeting Jewish communities in the city, as well as, 25 targeting the Arab-Muslim community have been reported. Charles Abelson, who lives near the school, said, "Everybody feels a bit nervous. Of course, I mean you're living right next door to where bullet shots were fired." Moreover, following the shootings, several patients said that they felt uneasy bringing their kids to classes, according to CTV News. Yeshiva Gedolah is an early childhood centre (CPE) and houses primary, secondary and post-secondary classes. Following the incident, Montreal Mayor Valerie Plante condemned the shooting at a press briefing on Sunday morning. "The Jewish community in Montreal is currently under attack. It's a big issue, it's a big problem," she said, adding that Montreal must remain "a city of peace." "We can have opinions that differ...But there is no reason, there is no reason that justifies shooting at an elementary school, at our communities. An anti-Semitic act like this has no place in Montreal," she added. Notably, tensions have been on the rise in Montreal's cultural communities lately, amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. On Wednesday afternoon, police were called to Concordia University in downtown Montreal after an altercation between students became violent. The university said pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian students were involved in the incident. A 22-year-old student was arrested by the police on assault charges. It said that one student and two security guards suffered minor injuries in the incident, CTV News reported. (ANI)
Investigative journalist Anna Politkovskaya, a fierce critic of Vladimir Putin and the Kremlin's wars in Chechnya, was shot dead on October 7, 2006, at the entrance of her apartment in central Moscow. She was 48 years old.

Khadzhikurbanov, a former police officer, was handed a 20-year prison sentence nearly a decade ago for his involvement in Politkovskaya's killing, an investigative journalist who covered stories for the independent newspaper Novaya Gazeta.

"Khadzhikurbanov participated in [Russia's military campaign in Ukraine] as a prisoner under his first contract," RBC quoted Khadzhikurbanov lawyer Alexei Mikhalchik as saying.

"He was then pardoned and now participates in [Russia's campaign in Ukraine] as a freelance military man having signed a contract with the Defense Ministry," Mikhalchik added.

However, Khadzhikurbanov's lawyer did not specify when his client signed up for the war and received the presidential pardon, Moscow Times reported.

Russia's Defense Ministry and the private military outfit Wagner began recruiting prisoners to fight in Ukraine last summer amid a manpower shortage on the front line.

In 2014, a court sentenced two men to life in prison over Politkovskaya's killing and handed lengthy prison terms to three others involved, including Khadzhikurbanov.

The European Court of Human Rights has condemned Russia for failing to take adequate steps to find those who ordered Politkovskaya's murder, Moscow Times reported. (ANI)
New Delhi has sent a request amid an ongoing probe into the incident by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

A total of 45 people were identified in connection with the attack through crowd-sourcing, the sources added.

Notably, MLAT is an agreement between two or more countries for the purpose of gathering and exchanging information and evidence in criminal matters.

Earlier, in July, a group of Khalistan extremists tried to set the Indian consulate in San Francisco on fire.

The Local San Francisco police department, special diplomatic security personnel, and state and federal authorities were notified and they launched a probe into the July incident thereafter.

The incident was strongly condemned by the US, which called it a "criminal offence".

"The US strongly condemns the reported vandalism and attempted arson against the Indian Consulate in San Francisco on Saturday. Vandalism or violence against diplomatic facilities or foreign diplomats in the US is a criminal offence," US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller posted from his official X handle.

Earlier, in March, the Indian Consulate in San Francisco came under attack from suspected Khalistani elements.

A video surfaced on social media in which suspected pro-Khalistani protestors were seen gathering outside the Indian consulate in San Francisco, shouting slogans in support of pro-Khalistan leader Amritpal Singh and heckling staff as they abandoned the diplomatic mission. (ANI)
The US has imposed its third round of sanctions targeting Hamas-affiliated individuals and entities since the October 7 attacks on Israel. The US has imposed these sanctions in coordination with the UK to disrupt these terrorist financing channels. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced this on social media X, "The United States, in coordination with the UK, is imposing sanctions on individuals and entities that have supported Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorist groups. We continue to coordinate with our partners and allies to disrupt these terrorist financing channels." https://twitter.com/SecBlinken/status/1724420507531981302?s=20 "This action designates key Hamas officials and the mechanisms by which Iran provides support to Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ). Today's designations are coordinated with action by the UK and are aimed at protecting the international financial system from abuse by Hamas and its enablers," the US Department of the Treasury said in an official statement. Moreover, it also stated that the US Department of State is concurrently designating a leader of PIJ's military wing. US Secretary of the Treasury stressed that the US, along with its partners, will continue to work to deny the Hamas's ability to raise. "The United States will continue to work with our partners, including the UK, to deny Hamas the ability to raise and use funds to carry out its atrocities. Hamas's actions have caused immense suffering and shown that terrorism does not occur in isolation. Together with our partners, we are decisively moving to degrade Hamas's financial infrastructure, cut them off from outside funding, and block the new funding channels they seek to finance their heinous acts," US Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen said. According to the statement, the action builds on the Office of Foreign Assets Control's (OFAC) recent October 27 and October 18 designations of Hamas operatives and financial facilitators, as well as its May 2022 designation of officials and companies involved in managing Hamas's secret international investment portfolio. "These targetted people are being designated pursuant to Executive Order 13224, as amended, which targets terrorist groups and their supporters," the statement said. Moreover, the US Treasury Department noted that Iranian support, primarily through its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), has enabled Hamas's and PIJ's terrorist activities, to include the transfer of hundreds of millions of dollars in financial assistance and the furnishing of both weapons and operational training. One of the key Hamas officials, Mahmoud Khaled Zahhar (Zahhar), who is a senior member and co-founder of Hamas and has worked closely with Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh is also on the list of targeted people. As per the sanction, "all property and interests in property of the designated persons that are in the United States or in the possession or control of US persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC." Additionally, any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, 50 per cent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked. Moreover, unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC, or exempt, OFAC's regulations generally "prohibit all transactions by US persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of designated or otherwise blocked persons." (ANI)